Sensi Magazine - San Diego (February 2018)

SA N D I EG O

THE NEW NORMAL

2.2018

former

Boo NFL star

Williams

IS HERE TO

Change THE

Game

local

Flavor EXPLORING

LIB E RT Y P U B LIC MARKET

{ PLUS}

Plant power

Enhance Your Wellness with Edible Herbs

Red Velvet Revival // Cooking with Cannabis // And More

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 1

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ISSUE 2 // VOLUME 1 // 2.2018

THE CULINARY ISSUE

FEATURES 22

Plant Power

28

Changing the Game

Get to know adaptogenic herbs—and how to enjoy them in healthy, delicious food and drink.

San Diego resident Boo Williams is a former NFL star turned cannabis advocate and entrepreneur on a mission.

every issue 5 Editor’s Note 6 SensiBuzz 1 0 CrossRoads

28

BOO WILLIAMS

football star turned cannabis advocate

L IKE

B UT TER : COOKING WITH CANNABIS

14 TasteBuds

IN DEFENSE OF RED VELVET CAKE

18

on the market

18 AroundTown

ON THE MARKET

32 {SoSD}

V-DAY MEMORIAL

22 Sensi San Diego is published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC. On the Cover: Boo Williams. Image by Sly Vegas Photography. © 2018 SENSI MEDIA GROUP LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 3

sensi magazine ISSUE 2 VOLUME 1 2.2018

FOLLOW US

EXECUTIVE Ron Kolb

CEO, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

RON.KOLB @ SENSIMAG.COM

Tae Darnell

PRESIDENT, SENSI MEDIA GROUP

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GENERAL MANAGER

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SENIOR EDITOR

LELAND.RUCKER @ SENSIMAG.COM

Bobby Black

SoCAL EDITOR

BOBBY.BL ACK @ SENSIMAG.COM

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4 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

FOOD

editor’s

for thought

NOTE

FOOD PLAYS SUCH A HUGE ROLE IN ALL OF OUR LIVES. ON THE MOST BASIC LEVEL, WE NEED IT EVERY DAY TO SUSTAIN OUR BODIES … BUT OBVIOUSLY, ITS SIGNIFICANCE EXTENDS FAR DEEPER THAN THAT. FOOD IS AN EXQUISITE WAY TO ENRICH OUR ENJOYMENT OF LIFE : WE CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAYS WITH A SLICE OF CAKE, REWARD OUR ACHIEVEMENTS WITH A FANCY MEAL, RELIEVE THE DAY’S STRESS WITH A GL ASS OF WINE, AND INDULGE OUR SENSES WITH A SHARP CHEESE OR A SAVORY SAUCE. But, as we all know, food also has the means to do us harm. Eating the wrong foods—such as those that are too high in sugar, cholesterol, saturated fats, chemicals, and preservatives—can lead to severe health issues like heart disease and diabetes. And eating excessively can lead to obesity, addiction, depression, and other serious conditions.

That’s why it’s so important to remember that the right foods can also act as natural medicines, alleviating or undoing many of the problems that poor eating habits may cause —without resorting to potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals. In this regard, cannabis can play a crucial role. By responsibly infusing cannabis into our diets, we can help stave off certain physical and mental health conditions (particularly stress, one of the most pervasive causes of our ailments) while simultaneously enhancing the flavors and aromas of our food and promoting a healthy appetite. It’s for this reason that edibles have become such a large part of the burgeoning cannabis market.

California’s new regulations will be imposing significant changes on how cannabis edibles are produced, packaged, and consumed. But if it ever gets too confusing, just remember this: you always have the option of making your own infused food safely at home.

As the great poet and playwright Oscar Wilde famously said, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” So enjoy life’s little indulgences and intoxications ... just don’t make a habit of them.

Highest regards,

“ Everything in moderation ,

including

Bobby Black

SoCAL EDITOR @ BOBBYBL ACK

moderation.”

OSCAR WILDE

A D V I S O RY B OA R D FLOWERKIST BY STEPH // TOPICALS LINX CARD // MERCHANT SERVICES MIGHTY MEDS VAPE // VAPE OUTCO // CULTIVATION & DELIVERY

POT DRIVE / KUSH KANDY // CO 2 OIL WEBJOINT // POINT OF SALE SOFTWARE YOBI // STORE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 5

THE NE W N O R M A L

sensi

buzz

PLAY date

Looking for an evening of culture out on the town that won’t cost you a pretty penny?

Then this is your lucky month…or, rather, week—Theater Week, that is.

Much like Restaurant Week provides a way for people to sample different high-end cuisines at discounted prices, San Diego Theatre Week endeavors to make the wide world of performing arts accessible and affordable to the average joe. Now in its third year, the festival brings together over 30 different theaters, repertory companies, and other organizations to offer a variety of performances, including Broadway musicals like The Addams Family, A Chorus Line, and The Full Monty, as well as more serious plays like A Raisin in the Sun and Cardboard Piano. Whether you prefer ballet, musicals, comedy, or drama, odds are there’s a show for you.

And tickets start at just $15. San Diego Theatre Week takes place February 15–25. For tickets and information, visit SANDIEGOTHEATREWEEK.COM.

Concert CALENDAR

a brief listing of some of the top shows in and around san diego this month

2/2

Kristin Chenoweth

Music Box

2/3

Fetty Wap

House of Blues

2/3

Lewis Black

Balboa Theater

2/3

Rebel Souljahs

Music Box

2/7

Pink Martini

California Center for the Arts (Escondido)

2/8

Zebra

Brick by Brick

2/9

Shakira

Valley View Casino Center

2/10

Fu Manchu

The Casbah

2/13

Anthax, Killswitch Engage

House of Blues

2/14 Lettuce

Observatory

2/15

Lana Del Rey

Valley View Casino Center

2/15

Miranda Lambert

Viejas Arena

2/16–2/18

Harry Potter in Concert

Jacobs Music Center at Copley Symphony Hall

2/18

Lotus

Music Box

2/19

Boomshaka Music Fest

Valley View Casino Center

2/19

Mike Gordon

Belly Up

2/20

Theory of Deadman

House of Blues

2/24

Dark Star Orchestra

House of Blues

2/25

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall

Belly Up

2/26

Demi Lovato

Viejas Arena

6 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

happy New Year again

Thought the new year celebrations

were over? Well, think again. February 16 is the lunar new year, also known by its more cultural name, Chinese New Year. The Chinese choose a different zodiac animal to represent each new year—last year was the Year of the Rooster; this month, we welcome the Year of the Dog—and celebrate with a huge spring festival. One of the best of these celebrations in the area takes place at, believe it or not, Seaworld.

Held at the Mission Bay Theater, SeaWorld’s Lunar New Year event features a variety of Asian foods, as well as live performances by the famed Chinese Acrobats of Hebei, who dazzle crowds with plate spinning, hoop diving, hat juggling, contortion, chair stacking, pole climbing, and even lion dancing. Plus, in honor of it being the Year of the Dog, the event will also feature a “Puppy Garden” where attendees can play with a pack of furry friends from local adoption shelters.

Of course, if you want to attend you’ll have to pay for admission to the park... but if it’s within your budget, take the family and make a day of it. There are puppies involved. { WHAT } Lunar New Year celebration { WHERE } SeaWorld { WHEN } Feb. 10-25, 2018 { TICKETS } $69.99 and up { MORE INFO } SEAWORLD.COM/SAN-DIEGO

Gaslamp MARDI GRAS

Home to more than 100 of the city's best pubs, clubs, eateries, and shops, the historic Gaslamp Quarter (which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year) is in many ways the city’s cultural heart—brimming year-round with exciting events and activities. This month, you can enjoy a little taste of New Orleans right here in San Diego during the Gaslamp Mardi Gras celebration.

First, on Saturday, February 10, get your pre-game going with The Big Easy Booze & Bites Tour—a self-guided pub crawl that allows you to bounce around from bar to bar collecting beads and sampling various cocktails and cuisine inspired by the flavors of New Orleans. Hit all 20 of the participating pubs if you have enough time (and fortitude), or visit just enough of them to collect the 10 beads required to score yourself a VIP pass to the secret rooftop after party later that night.

Then, on Fat Tuesday, head back downtown for the Gaslamp Mardi Gras Masquerade Parade and Celebration—a mega block party along Fifth Avenue featuring DJs, dancers, food, floats, roving performers, and three stages of live music, headlined by rapper Warren G. To keep the party going, you can spring for the Club Pass, which covers admission to a slew of other hot spots and after parties, exclusive food and drink specials, 10 free shots, discounted parking, and much more.

Or if you really want to get crazy, go all-out on a VIP Pass, which also gets you expedited entry, access to a private lounge, complimentary drinks, and an exclusive parade viewing area.

A portion of the proceeds goes to The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation to help with the preservation and development of the area. Don’t miss this epic cultural celebration. For more information visit SDMARDIGRAS.COM. –Bobby Black {WHAT} The Big Easy Booze & Bites Tour {WHEN} Feb. 10, 2018 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. {WHERE} Gaslamp District {TICKETS} $25 in Advance, $30 Day-Of

{WHAT} Gaslamp Quarter Masquerade Mardi Gras Parade & Celebration {WHEN} Feb.13, 2018 | 5 p.m.-midnight Parade begins at 9 p.m. {WHERE} 5th Avenue from E Street to Market Street Entrance at the corner of 4th Ave & E Street {TICKETS} Block Party GA: $20; Block Party & Club Pass: $50, Block Party & Club VIP Pass: $90 sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 7

THE NE W N O R M A L

sensi

buzz

Art ACTIVIST

Art has always been an effective me-

dium through which resistance thrives.

And considering the current state of the country’s political affairs, art is arguably

SEEKING WISDOM: FROM DARWIN TO MUNGER BY PETER BEVELIN (PCA Publications) Let’s face it—we could all use some help in making better decisions. Seeking Wisdom explains that you don't have to be a genius to be successful, you just have to understand the big ideas that underlie our reality. Now in its third edition, this book presents those big ideas in a practical manner that can easily be applied in every area of our lives, from business and investments to personal relationships. Throughout human evolution, neural connections that produced useful behavior for reproduction and survival have prevailed. However, many of these connections/behaviors may no longer be useful in the modern age—some can even be dangerous. Seeking Wisdom teaches us that by developing certain habits and eliminating fundamental errors from our thinking process, we can better understand the psychology of our misjudgments and develop clearer, more rational decision making skills. —ENIGMA VALDEZ

the most crucial element of our culture right now, as it’s one of the few ways that people can peacefully unite and fight back.

In December, The Trump Administration released a list of seven words they proclaimed as “dirty” (diversity, entitlement, evidence-based, fetus, science-based, transgender and vulnerable) and prohibited the Center for Disease Control from using them until the presidential term is over. In protest of this tasteless censorship, Mesheeka Clothing Company is hosting an art show that’s exclusively focused on glorifying these seven words. What better way to stick it to the man than attending an art show?

But if you’re interested in checking it out, you’d better act fast— the exhibit ends on February 3. —MARY CARREON {WHERE}

Mesheeka Cultural Art Center & Gift Shop 2113 Logan Ave #A {WHEN}

Jan. 27 – Feb. 3, 2018 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

{MORE INFO}

FACEBOOK.COM/ MESHEEKA.CLOTHINGCOMPANY

Copyright© 2003, 2005, 2007 by Post

8 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

Scriptum AB. All rights reserved.

“One Giant Leap for Mankind.”

NOW LICENSED FOR BOTH MEDICAL & ADULT-USE OPEN 7 A.M. TO 9 P.M. EVERY DAY A MONTHLY RECOMMENDATION FOR MUSICAL MEDICATION FROM JON PACELLA, A SALES SPECIALIST AT THE ICONIC AMOEBA MUSIC IN HOLLYWOOD. Album // CALIFORNIA CROSSING (2001) Artist // FU MANCHU Favorite Track // “THE WASTOID” This may not be my top album by desert rock kings Fu Manchu— that spot goes to either In Search Of… or The Action Is Go—but it’s the album that got me into the band. California Crossing was their final record with former Kyuss drummer Brant Bjork, and despite having a slightly more commercial sound than their previous offerings, every track has a unique charm. The improved production on the rerecording of 1999’s “Mongoose,” though it’s missing the stripped-down feel of the original, gives it a tighter sound and solidifies the song as a true classic. Skater culture is also well represented on both the highlight-tape anthem, “Squash That Fly,” and the ode to classic skate heroes, “Downtown in Dogtown.”

7128 Miramar Rd. Suite 10 (Upstairs) San Diego, CA 92121

The cover shot of babes chilling by a cherry El Camino at the beach captures the vibe of this album perfectly. Whether you’re in the OC or OB, Venice or Malibu, this is the ultimate soundtrack to a sunny California day. So drop the top, roll down the windows, and enjoy California Crossing how it was intended—while cruising.

(858) 247-0953 mankindcoop.com We Accept Credit Cards

Discounts for Veterans, Seniors & Disability sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 9

{crossroads}

by RICARDO BACA

LIKE BUTTER How cooking with cannabis changed my life for the better.

In a previous life, I founded a cannabis-centric news

traffic by embedding a smart how-to video into the

and culture site called The Cannabist at the Denver

popular post to increase our value to readers and their

Post. Yeah, I was the marijuana editor you might have

time spent with us. Since we were a small team, I knew

seen on Colbert Report or The View or CNN or MSN-

we’d likely end up shooting that video in my kitchen.

BC, and my goal with The Cannabist was to create a

And again: little did I know. It turns out making can-

site that would cover the news and features of legal

nabutter for the first time ended up changing my con-

marijuana with the same fervor and standards my col-

sumption patterns entirely, and it also changed my

leagues employed to cover other industries, be it oil

relationship with the plant.

and gas or education.

And so in addition to our breaking news reporting

FROM STORE-BOUGHT TO HOMEMADE

and coverage of the ever-evolving government reg-

I’m lucky because, in my house, my wife does most

ulations in those early days, we also dove deep into

of the grocery shopping while I do most of the can-

dissecting the culture of cannabis on the precipice of

nabis shopping. I enjoy checking in with my favorite

legalization.

medical dispensary or ducking into a new recreational

How had the act of consumption changed in the modern era? What strain was best for introspection and creativity? And how was marijuana being used in the kitchen, both as inspiration and ingredient?

shop. It’s research, and I pride myself on being familiar with new brands, products, and retail environments.

Since I primarily consume edibles, I spend most of my time on that side of the display, asking budtenders

Once I connected with a talented Oregon chef who

questions about specific ingredients, extraction meth-

would pen the site’s cannabis-infused recipes, I knew

odologies, and customer reviews. Sometimes they

we had to start her culinary column with a rock-solid

have answers; sometimes they don’t.

recipe for cannabutter, a.k.a. the building block of most

But on that particular cannabutter-making day I

infused cooking. Once we had cannabutter and can-

was on the hunt for an ounce of cannabis flower—an

na-oil recipes up, we could expand into the fun stuff—

affordable sativa, since we were shooting the video in

from brownies to smoothies, lasagnas to tacos.

my kitchen and I was serving as the video’s star (read:

Little did I know. A few months later, our cannabut-

glorified hand model). Once I secured a $99 recreation-

ter post was the top-ranked article page on the site. A

al ounce at a local shop I’d never frequented before, I

few years later, same thing. At one point along the line

met my producer at the house for the video shoot.

I recognized that we needed to capitalize on all that 10 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

A few weeks later, the video was edited and em-

HOMEMADE CANNABUTTER

HAVING

IN THE FRIDGE IS MORE REWARDING THAN I EVER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE.

RICARDO BACA is a veteran journalist and the founder and original editor-in-chief of The Cannabist.

His content agency Grasslands works primarily with businesses and individuals in the cannabis and hemp industries on thought leadership and messaging via thoughtful and personalized content campaigns.

bedded on the site—all was great on the work front.

I directed her to another story we’d written to help

Yet at home, my cannabutter remained untouched

home chefs properly dose their homemade edibles,

in a Tupperware on the top shelf of my refrigerator. I

but she’d already moved on with her makeshift reci-

wasn’t used to having cannabutter at the ready, and it

pe. “I eyeballed it, and used half cannabutter and half

was actually my wife who first dipped into it. I was fly-

regular butter.” I laughed and shared the text with my

ing to San Diego to interview Willie Nelson on his tour

producer, who was standing next to me at the airport.

bus when she texted: “Decided to have a low-key night in. Making some cookies. How much of this cannabutter should I use? :)”

“Looks like she’s in for a fun night,” he correctly predicted.

We landed in California to hilarious texts from my sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 11

lady, who was intensely high while walking the dogs

olive oil handy at home because she prefers it to the

around the park and getting existential with podcasts.

sugars and fats present in most store-bought edibles, it opened my mind to the idea of DIY cannabis foodstuffs.

TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE INFUSED EDIBLE

Now I see where she’s coming from, and then some.

But her chocolate oatmeal cookie experiment was

Not only can I more carefully formulate and shape

only the beginning. We evolved from baking to tossing

my desired edible experience with my cannabutter

the cannabutter into hot pasta with some garlic and

stash, but I can also answer many of the questions

oil, and the experimentation only got more rigorous

that often perplexed budtenders. I know the specific

from there. After a few successful dishes, we realized

ingredients, and I know how it was extracted—be-

we could try just about anything with the butter.

cause I made it from scratch.

In fact, it became a regular question when the fridge door swung open for dinner: “Infused or not tonight?”

When you can use cannabis flower you yourself grew from seed or clone, even better. In the same way

Having homemade cannabutter in the fridge is

that growing marijuana completely transforms your

more rewarding than I ever thought it would be. While

relationship with the plant, the same is true when you

we’re not hurting for consumption options in many le-

begin cooking with cannabis.

gal markets, the butter opens up our possibilities even

And perhaps the biggest surprise, especially for a

more—and many of those options are much healthier

cannabutter rookie who rarely shops for flower: hav-

and simpler than what you can buy in the stores.

ing a Pyrex of cannabutter in the fridge will save you

When a friend told me she keeps a cannabis-infused

money—a lot of money, as it turns out.

CUSTOM PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

BY OUTCO

OUTCO IS NOW FULFILLING CONTRACT MANUFACTURING NEEDS FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

12 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

License #: MM-0002

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT CUSTOMSOLUTIONS@OUTCO.COM

HAVING A CONTAINER OF CANNABUTTER IN THE FRIDGE WILL SAVE YOU MONEY—

LOTS OF MONEY.

Think about it: Your average 100-milligram edible will cost you between $15–$20 in a recreational store,

that’s a conservative estimate based on a strain containing only 10 percent of THC.

which means you’ll get roughly 400 milligrams of THC

Don’t get me wrong, as I still love well-made gum-

for $60–$80. But if you’re taking advantage of one of

mies and some of the gourmet chocolate options

the many ounce specials offered by dispensaries and

we’re starting to see in pot shops. But I also feel so

make a quick trip to the grocery store for butter and

damned empowered by my newfound ability to make

cheesecloth, that same amount of cash will make you

my own infused edibles, and save some money and

a cannabutter stash with 2,800 milligrams of THC. And

piece of mind along the way.

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 13

{tastebuds}

by CHERI SICARD

IN DEFENSE OF RED VELVET CAKE Whip up this decadent crimson confection with this recipe from the author’s tantalizing new tome, The Easy Cannabis Cookbook.

Red Velvet Cake, as a culinary trend, officially “jumped the shark” when ridiculous products like red

vet cake can be an exquisite, and dare I say, even sublime dessert.

velvet protein powder, red velvet vodka, and red vel-

A proper red velvet cake tantalizes both eyes and

vet candles started hitting market shelves, only to be

taste buds. Snow white cream cheese icing contrasts

relegated to the retail graveyards of the nation’s dol-

against the deep red, barely chocolate cake for a pre-

lar stores months later. No other culinary trend—

sentation that always elicits oohs and ahhs. The cake

save possibly the annual autumn invasion of every-

itself is light and moist, and is perfectly paired with

thing pumpkin spice—has had so many imitations,

the creamy, tangy icing.

variations, and blatant exploitation.

For the most part, this is a recipe that is best left in

So overdone are the ill-conceived gastronomic

its classic form, with one exception—the addition of

monstrosities, born in corporate labs like red-tinged

cannabis. The world has no need for red velvet scent-

edible Frankensteins, that future generations might

ed or tinted cosmetics, coffees, cookies, or other such

be tempted to dismiss the classic dessert as nothing

novelties. But a medicated red velvet cupcake? Well,

more than kitsch. In my opinion, this would be a

that’s a variation we can all get behind.

shame, because if you look past all the new-fangled red velvet nonsense and get back to basics, red vel14 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

The following recipe is reprinted from my new book, The Easy Cannabis Cookbook (Callisto Media, 2018):

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 15

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

Because of its dramatic look, red velvet cake always elicits wows from guests, and this cupcake version is no exception.

{Prep Time} 10 minutes // {Bake Time} 30 minutes {Yield} 24 cupcakes, 1 per serving ** {Dosage (when made with oil made from 10% THC cannabis using 14 grams per cup of oil)} About 25 mg THC per serving *

Ingredients Cupcakes * 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour * 1 ½ cups sugar * 1 teaspoon baking soda * ¾ teaspoon salt * 6 tablespoons cocoa powder * ½ cup flavor-neutral infused canna-oil (e.g. grapeseed, avocado, canola, sunflower or vegetable oil) * 1 cup vegetable or canola oil * 1 cup buttermilk * 2 large eggs * 2 tablespoons red food coloring * 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Icing * 8 ounces cream cheese * ½ cup butter * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 3 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar Tools Muffin pan, paper cupcake liners, measuring cups and spoons, medium bowl, electric mixer, oven Instructions · Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 muffin cups with paper cupcake liners.

· In a large bowl beat together the canna-oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with an electric mixer.

· In a medium bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl and mix just until smooth.

· Divide batter among prepared muffin cups, filling

each about two-thirds full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cake comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

· To prepare icing, beat together cream cheese, butter,

and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Lower mixer speed and slowly beat in confectioners’ sugar until incorporated. Increase speed and beat until frosting is light and fluffy.

· Spread icing over completely cooled cupcakes, leaving a small rim unfrosted to allow the cake to peak through.

16 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

Notes * Adjust the dosage of this recipe to meet your individual needs. Check out my free online dosing class to learn how: cannademy.com. ** This recipe makes a lot, so feel free to adjust proportions to meet your individual needs. Alternatively, you can freeze cupcakes for later by placing frosted cupcakes in freezer bags stacked between layers of waxed paper.

Canna-Oil Recipe

You can infuse any type of edible oil, so use whatever works best for the recipes you plan to cook. I try to keep a variety of infused oils on hand.

Vegetable, olive, and coconut oil will cover most recipes you’ll want to make.

Vegetarian/Gluten Free {Dosage (when made with 10% THC cannabis)} about 175 mg THC per ounce {Prep Time} 5 minutes {Infuse Time} 4­­–6 hours {Yield} 1 cup Ingredients * ½ ounce crumbled decarboxylated cannabis * 1 ¼ cups edible oil of your choice Tools Kitchen scale, small slow cooker, or double boiler, or 1 quart Mason jar and kitchen towel and large saucepan; cheesecloth and strainer or French press coffee pot; optional yogurt strainer Slow Cooker Instructions Add oil and crumbled cannabis to the slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally if desired.

Double Boiler Instructions Add oil and crumbled cannabis to the top of a double boiler and cook over simmering water for about 4 hours, checking water levels frequently and adding as necessary to keep several inches of simmering water in the lower pot, and stirring occasionally.

Mason Jar Instructions Place oil and crumbled cannabis in a mason jar on a clean folded kitchen towel in a saucepan of simmering water. Cover jar and place on the towel in simmering water for about 4 hours, checking water levels frequently and adding as necessary, and stirring occasionally. Open jar every hour or so while infusing in order to relieve any pressure build up.

Drain and strain. Store finished cannabutter in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer for up to six months.

Note Store in the fridge if you plan to use within a week, or store in the freezer longer term. I find it handy to freeze medicated oils and butter in ice cube trays to make it easy to remove just a small amount.

who am i?

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 17

{aroundtown}

by A.J. HERRINGTON

ON THE MARKET Valentine’s Day got you stumped for an original and romantic date idea?

Why not wine, dine, and pamper that special someone at Liberty Public Market.

Just across the water from San Diego International

businesses, he visited San Diego’s farmers markets

Airport, in the husk of a former Navy base, there lies

and food truck hangouts to discover the best the city

a divinely diverse marketplace filled with all manner

had to offer and began extending invitations. To fos-

of munchies and merchandise known as Liberty Pub-

ter commitment in the new market, potential tenants

lic Market.

were given the opportunity and responsibility of de-

Originally established as the Naval Training Center,

signing and constructing their own spaces. This cre-

the property was decommissioned in the late 1990s and

ative liberty led to a lively mix of themes, colors, and

acquired by the city of San Diego in 2000. The city

styles that results in a diverse marketplace. Liberty Pub-

reached an agreement with the Corky McMillion Com-

lic Market opened to the public in March of 2016 and

panies to commercially redevelop the site while main-

today houses more than 30 unique vendors selling ev-

taining its historic character. But it wasn’t until Coro-

erything from craft sausages and sustainable seafood

nado businessman David Spatafore stumbled upon

to natural pet supplies and, yes, even CBD wellness

the old library and study hall (the second building built

products (see page 20 for more info).

on the base in 1921) while looking for a potential lo-

Zanow is enthusiastic about sharing the stories

cation for his next MooTime Creamery ice cream par-

behind some of the businesses at Liberty Public Mar-

lor that the idea of the market began to take shape.

ket. Wicked Maine Lobster, for example, was started

For years, Spatafore had envisioned bringing a town

by Eric and Alex Howard, two brothers from New En-

square-style public market in the vein of the Merca-

gland who backpacked their way across the country

do in Barcelona or Pikes Place in Seattle to San Diego.

to San Diego. They loved the area so much, they de-

Now, he’d found the perfect location to do it. He signed

cided to stay and bring a taste of their family’s lob-

a deal with McMillin and hired hospitality business

ster trade to their new home. The sibling’s eatery

veteran Josh Zanow as the general manager to realize

serves the East Coast crustacean in rolls, bisque—

his dream.

even mac and cheese.

To create a destination worthy of his boss’s vision,

Another vendor, Pacific Provisions, has been sell-

Zanow looked to bring in an eclectic mix of street

ing a wide variety of small-batch gourmet foods like

foods, gourmet fare, and craftspeople. Shunning chain

pickles, peanut butter, and cocktail mixers at the mar-

18 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

© ZACK BENSON

{WHAT} Liberty Public Market {WHERE} 2820 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station in Point Loma {WHEN} Open daily, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Individual vendor hours may vary.

© ZACK BENSON

LIBERTYPUBLICMARKET.COM

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 19

MARKET ESSENTIALS Specializing in CBD-infused personal care products, KB Pure Essentials have the honor of being Liberty Public Market’s only cannabis vendor. Formed in 2013 by best friends Brooke Brun and Katie Moodie, KB began as a line of essential oils sold at farmers markets. But it wasn’t until in 2015 when they began to incorporate CBD in their products that the company really took off.

Brun, who’s had epilepsy since she was 13, was taking high doses of pharmaceuticals to control frequent seizures. But when side effects of the medications, including anxiety and depression, set in, she decided it was time for a change. After learning of the research being done with CBD for epileptic children, Brooke asked her friend Katie to make a batch of Rick meds that brought the side effects under control.

The partners soon began offering a wide variety of hand-crafted CBD wellness products for both people and animals (e.g. lotions, deodorants, lip balms, shampoos) which they sell online and at farmers markets in the greater San Diego area— including LPM, where they operate a “day vendors” table three days each weekend. Brun says she enjoys the “lively, diverse crowd” at LPM—especially the tourists, some of whom she says become online customers after returning home.

You’ll find KB Pure Essentials at Liberty Public Market on Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ket since it first opened. Owner Tony Morales saw

of other local food artisans. He appreciates the dy-

Liberty Public Market as an opportunity to expand

namic atmosphere the market has created and is ex-

the reach of his Desert Smoke brand of barbecue and

cited by what’s to come. “My favorite part is watch-

hot sauces while providing a venue for the products

ing this little community grow,” says Morales.

ALL-IN-ONE CANNABIS SOFTWARE Effortless Compliance + POS + Marketing Tools Servicing 200+ clients in California, schedule a demo today!

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20 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

(800) 870-7976

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Simpson Oil. The results were incredible—she’s basically been seizure-free ever since, taking CBD and a reduced dosage of

© ZACK BENSON

In addition to the vendors, performing and visual arts also have a home at LPM. A free concert brings live music to the patio every Sunday afternoon. Inside the market, empty wall space in the common areas has been donated to local artists to display their work, and vintage naval art has been preserved in the Mess Hall dining area. Collaborations with neighboring businesses also bring people together in fun, new ways. At the recent Drink and Draw event, cosponsored by comic book store Comickaze and Slater’s 50/50 pub, attendees sipped beers and sketched super hero favorites.

It’s this combination of community, culture, and cuisine that makes Liberty Market a refreshing spot to take a date. Spend an afternoon exploring the bazaar. Start off with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine at the Mess Hall Bar. Next, stop by Venissimo and whet your appetite with a selection of international cheeses and charcuterie. Maybe even add a salad or side of pasta to the mix. Visit the florist to pick up a token of appreciation for your great company, then enjoy a customized picnic on the patio. For dessert, try the gourmet offerings from Craft Baked Goods or Le Parfait

"When traditional medicine gives up, cannabis gives hope."

Teri Robnett, Founder, Cannabis Patients Alliance

Paris, or treat your sweetie to simpler fare such as fresh ice cream or candy. Then wrap up the outting with a sunset stroll along the waterfront. With all of its charm combined with its range of offerings, Liberty Market is a smart spot to take a romantic interest you’re hoping to impress.

Date classy, San Diego.

Changing hearts and minds, one conversation at a time.

(303) 455-3801

CannabisPatientsAlliance@gmail.com CannabisPatientsAlliance.org sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 21

Could YOU use a few more EDIBLE PL ANTS (in addition to cannabis) that PROTEC T your BODY from stress, anxiety, trauma, and fatigue in your diet? Get to know ADAPTOGENIC HERBS — and how to enjoy them in healthy, DELICIOUS food and drink.

22 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

PLANT POWER

by ROBYN GRIGGS L AWRENCE

IN T HE 194 0 s, W HE N T HE

Soviet Union WAS V YING TO DOMINATE

THE UNIVERSE, MORE THAN 1,200 SCIENTISTS WERE TASKED WITH STUDYING HOW PLANTS

LIKE GINSENG AND SCHISANDRA—STAPLES IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE, NATIVE AMERICAN, AND AYURVEDIC MEDICINE—COULD HELP WORKERS, SOLDIERS, ATHLETES, BALLERINAS, CHESS PL AYERS, AND COSMONAUTS ADAPT TO PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STRESS FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE AND SPEEDIER RECOVERY. In 1947, pharmacologist Nikolai Lazarev rebrand-

Dr. Joseph Cohen, an osteopathic physician who

ed the plants, all but forgotten in Western medicine,

integrates cannabis into his functional medicine

as “adaptogens” and defined them as nontoxic herbs

practice in Boulder and Denver, says adaptogens do

that protect the body from damaging physical and

far more than most people realize because bringing

emotional stress while improving many of its systems

the body to homeostasis protects the entire neuro-

and functions. The Soviets kept their research top

endocrine system and the adrenal glands, where

secret for many years because of the advantage the

valuable hormones such as dopamine, norepineph-

plants gave their soldiers and citizens in worldwide

rine, and epinephrine are produced.

competition. Soviet scientists continued to tweak adaptogen regimens, and by 1976, the nation’s athletes were dominating the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

Is Cannabis an Adaptogen?

Does Maca Make You Horny?

In his upcoming book,The Cannabis-Friendly Guide

Adaptogens are pretty miraculous. They create and

to Wellness, Cohen writes about how cannabis works

maintain homeostasis in the body, continually re-

as an adaptogen. He calls the cannabinoid CBD “an

storing its natural balance by slowing systems down

adaptogen within an adaptogen” because of its abil-

when they’re overheating and speeding them up when

ity to mitigate some of THC’s unwanted side effects.

they’re sluggish. (They can even do both things—

“Cannabinoids do a multitude of things we’re just be-

calm and energize—at the same time.) The plants

ginning to understand,” he says.

fight fatigue and reduce stress—in an age when

Cannabis is not officially an adaptogen (according

stress is rampant and linked to the six leading

to people who think officially), but it meets all the re-

causes of death.

quirements: nontoxic, stress-reducing, balancing. “It

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 23

FEEL GOOD FOOD

does act like an adaptogenic herb because the cannabinoid system is all about homeostasis,” says integra-

Adaptogens such as maca, ashwagandha, rhodi-

tive clinical nutritionist Laura Lagano, cofounder of the

ola rosea, and matcha are the new star ingredients

Holistic Cannabis Network, a training and education

on Instagram and Pinterest and in beverages, bars,

platform for holistic health practitioners.

powders, and chewables on shelves in natural food

More and more scholars and experts are agreeing

sections everywhere. BevNET, a media company that

with her—which is pretty amazing for a plant the

covers the non-alcoholic beverage industry, reports

federal government still considers a Schedule I drug.

that Natural Products Expo West 2017 will be remem-

Medicine hunter and ethnobotanist Chris Kilham, who

bered as the year ashwagandha arrived and suggests

has been studying and advocating for adaptogens

the adaptogen plant category could become an entire

since the 1970s, is among them. “Cannabinoids regu-

new beverage category.

late the cannabinoid system, and the cannabinoid sys-

If you want to avoid shelling out the high prices

tem is a master regulating system of systems,” he says.

these hot new products command, it’s easy enough

“That implies all the balancing and harmonizing ac-

to incorporate adaptogens into your home cooking.

tivities of an adaptogen.”

You can find edible forms, from fresh to powdered, of

Kilham often drinks extracts of the adaptogens rhodiola and golden ginseng mixed with water when

most adaptogenic herbs in natural products stores, Asian markets, and online.

he consumes cannabis because he likes how they

The following recipes call for cannabis-infused co-

all work with each other to make him feel. “Rhodiola

conut milk, which is great to have around for stirring

and ginseng in conjunction with cannabis is mental

into tea and coffee or splashing over fresh berries.

Windex,” he says. “It sharpens up everything.”

Kilham is also a longtime promoter of maca, a root plant from the Peruvian Andes that can increase energy, strength, and stamina and is especially good for women’s reproductive systems. Kilham’s wife, Zoe Helene, founder of progressive feminist advocacy group Cosmic Sister, has taken maca supplements several times over the years but would always stop because it made her so horny—an effect many people welcome.

“After about a week of taking maca, I feel like a 14year-old dealing with her first lustful crush, and my husband travels a lot!” says Helene, who recently began taking maca again because nothing else works as well to relieve her perimenopause symptoms.

It’s worth it, she says. “I’ve just had to embrace the

Maca, Cannabis & Coconut Milk Frappe { SERVES 1 }

* 1/ 2 cup maca powder

( AVAIL ABLE IN NATURAL PRODUCTS STORES AND ONLINE )

* 1/ 2 cup cannabis-infused coconut milk * 2 tablespoons maple syrup * 2 cups ice * 1/4 teaspoon almond extract * 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon · Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

increased libido boost.” { SERVES 4 }

Green Chia Pudding

* 2 1/4 cups cannabis-infused coconut milk * 2 tablespoons maple syrup * Dash of cinnamon * 1/ 2 tablespoon matcha powder * 1/ 2 tablespoon maca powder * 3/4 cup chia seeds * Chopped nuts or fresh fruit to garnish · Combine coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, matcha, and maca. Blend until smooth. Whisk in chia seeds.

· Pour into Mason jars, glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate 24 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with nuts or fruit.

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Starting with our own award-winning genetics for cultivation, to our in-house extraction process.

We utilize the latest extraction methods to create concentrates that are far superior to others and contain the highest medicinal values.

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To Learn More About Our Events, Brands & Products – Sign Up Today & Receive A Free Gift: www.SweetLeafSociety.org sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 25

Green and Golden Coconut Milk Nightcap

Cannabis-Infused Coconut Milk { MAKES ABOUT 4 CUPS }

{ SERVES 1 } You’ll use only a teaspoon of the herb and spice blend in this recipe, so you can store the rest in an airtight container and combine it with cannabis-infused coconut milk for a healthy warm drink. You can also make this with nut milk.

* 32 ounces organic coconut milk * 1/ 2 gram cannabis flower or trim * Double boiler * Fine mesh strainer * Cheesecloth or paper coffee filter · Break up cannabis into small pieces using

your fingers or a knife. Combine with coconut

* * 1/4 cup powdered schisandra berries * 1 cup rose petal powder * 1 teaspoon cinnamon * 1 teaspoon nutmeg * 1 cup cannabis-infused coconut milk * Maple syrup or honey, to taste · Blend together ashwagandha, schisandra,

cream in a saucepan over a double boiler

· In small saucepan, gently heat coconut

You may have to pour through a couple

1/4

cup powdered ashwagandha root

rose petal powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

milk until warm but not boiling. Pour into a mug and stir in 1 teaspoon of herb mixture.

(Store the rest in an airtight container.)

· Add sweetener and enjoy.

and heat over medium heat, stirring often.

· When it begins to boil, immediately reduce

heat and simmer gently for 45 minutes.

Do not let it boil.

· Remove from heat and let cool. · Place cheesecloth or coffee filter in fine

mesh strainer and place over a jar or bowl.

Pour coconut cream through to catch solids. times before cream runs clear. Squeeze out last drops of coconut cream and discard or compost cannabis and cheesecloth.

EDIBLE ADAPTOGENS A M E R IC A N G I N S E N G { PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM } FL AVOR: Bitter, slightly sweet BENEFITS: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, boosts energy, lowers blood sugar, reduces stress TREATS: Autoimmune disorders, bronchitis, asthma, jet lag, metabolic syndrome, adrenal deficiency, diabetes, immune depletion, sexual dysfunction (male) HOW TO EAT IT: Eat the root raw, steamed or slightly cooked; add extract or powder to smoothies or yogurt WHAT ELSE? American ginseng is less stimulating than Asian (panax) ginseng and can be used interchangeably with it.

26 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

G OJI B E R RY { LYC IUM

BA R BA R U M }

FL AVOR: Tart cherry, cranberry, tomato BENEFITS: Anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; strengthens weak muscles; tonic for heart, kidneys, liver, and blood; improves vision, focus, energy, and sexual performance; enhances immune system TREATS: Muscle soreness and spasms, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome HOW TO EAT IT: Use dried goji berries instead of raisins in recipes and for snacking; add hydrated dried berries to rice, sauces, stews, or salsas; add to salads and smoothies WHAT ELSE? Goji berries are related to tomatoes and have (ounce for ounce) more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, more potassium than bananas and more iron than steak.

E L E U T H E RO { ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS }

FL AVOR: Malty, caramel, butterscotch BENEFITS: Boosts energy and stamina, aphrodisiac, improves sperm count, relieves stress TREATS: PMS, menopausal symptoms, anemia HOW TO EAT IT: Add powder to beverages and yogurt; roast or boil root; use maca flour to make bread; eat leaves in salads WHAT ELSE? Maca is related to turnips, mustard and cabbage and has more calcium than milk. Though it is often called “Peruvian ginseng,” maca does not belong to the Panax genus.

H O L Y B A S I L { OCIMUM SANCTUM }

FL AVOR: Bitter, spicy BENEFITS: Antioxidant, neuroprotective, reduces stress, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, diuretic, stabilizes blood sugar; improves respiration, aphrodisiac TREATS: Acne, PTSD, bulimia, hypoglycemia, arthritis, bronchitis, vomiting HOW TO EAT IT: Fresh or dried leaves in tea or as a tincture; add fresh leaves to salads WHAT ELSE? Holy basil, also known as tulsi, contains compounds similar to those in cannabis. In India, it’s known as the “elixir of life” and said to be sacred to the Hindu god Vishnu. Avoid if you’re taking blood thinners or anti-clotting medications.

FL AVOR: Sweet, slightly bitter BENEFITS: Antioxidant, mild antiinflammatory, nervine, immune support, lowers blood sugar, improves memory TREATS: Bone marrow suppression, angina, insomnia, appetite loss, joint pain, mild depression, chronic fatigue syndrome HOW TO EAT IT: Use ground root to make tincture, tea, or tonic; steam and slice roots and add to stir fries or drizzle with honey WHAT ELSE? Eleuthero root is a distant cousin to American ginseng but doesn’t belong to the Panax genus. The United States made it illegal to market it under the name “Siberian ginseng” in 2002. © HARI PRASAD NADIG

M ACA { LEPIDIUM MEYENII }

SCHISANDRA { SCHISANDRA CHINENSIS }

ASIAN GINSENG { PANAX GINSENG }

FL AVOR: Sweet, slightly bitter BENEFITS: Calming; boosts mood, memory, focus, and performance; aphrodisiac TREATS: Stress, depression, insomnia, diabetes, cachexia, erectile dysfunction HOW TO EAT IT: Make into tea, tonic or tincture; chop root and add to soup, stew, or stir-fry WHAT ELSE? Panax stands for “panacea of all ills,” and panax ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat many conditions. Taking too much can result in dry mouth, irritability, palpitations, blurred vision, and other negative side effects.

FL AVOR: Sweet, salty, spicy, sour, bitter BENEFITS: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, cardiotonic, improves gastrointestinal health, boosts memory, protects liver TREATS: Respiratory and digestive illnesses, heatstroke, frostbite, exhaustion, asthma, urinary incontinence, diarrhea, asthma HOW TO EAT IT: Make a tea, tincture or syrup from dried or fresh berries; add powder to smoothies or yogurt WHAT ELSE? Schisandra berries are called “wu wei zi,” for five-flavored berry. They mildly stimulate the central nervous system while calming and focusing the mind.

A SHWAGA NDHA { PANAX

QUINQUEFOLIUS }

FL AVOR: Bitter, sweet BENEFITS: Anti-inflammatory; balances mood; antioxidant; astringent; normalizes blood pressure, general health, and vitality; uterine and fertility tonic; rich in iron TREATS: Fatigue, insomnia, ADD, anxiety, chronic fatigue, spasms, fibromyalgia, mild Tourette’s syndrome, osteoarthritis, anemia HOW TO EAT IT: Make into tea, tincture or tonic; add powdered root to smoothies and yogurt WHAT ELSE? Also known as “winter cherry,” ashwagandha delivered antianxiety and antidepressant effects comparable to Ativan and Tofranil in an animal trial. If you have thyroid conditions, consult with a health care practitioner before consuming ashwagandha.

ROBYN GRIGGS L AWRENCE is the author of The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook.

sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 27

CHANGING

Game the

by BOBBY BLACK

A

high-profile SAN DIEGO RESIDENT, BOO WILLIAMS IS A

FORMER NFL STAR TURNED CANNABIS ADVOCATE AND ENTREPRENEUR ON A MISSION. As anecdotal and clinical evidence of cannabis’s ever-widen-

in you off the field that make you erupt and become someone you’re not.”

ing medicinal potential continues

He’s right, and he’s not alone. Many NFL players

to mount, a growing number of profes-

are suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy

sional athletes have become vocal propo-

(CTE), a neurodegenerative disease that can lead to

nents of the plant, demanding it be dropped

dementia, memory loss, and depression. A recent De-

from their leagues’ banned substance lists and

partment of Veterans Affairs/Boston University study

calling for more clinical trials. Boo Williams, a for-

identified CTE in 96 percent of former NFL players they

mer New Orleans Saints tight end who now calls the

examined—and in 79 percent of all football players.

San Diego area home, is one of the most vocal pro-can-

In 2011, five years after Williams ran onto the NFL

nabis proponents of the former-athlete-turned-activ-

field to the roars of the crowd for the last time, he

ist bunch. For him, it’s more than just a pet cause—

didn’t recognize who he had become. His wife had

it’s a matter of life and death.

kicked him out, he had no guiding purpose, his post-

“The depression and anxiety, the fearing that I’m

NFL business ventures had been a bust. He was out

going to die: those are the effects that you go through

wandering the streets of Louisiana when he came

with head injuries from football,” he says. “People

across some railroad tracks. He lay down and waited

have no idea that head injuries trigger certain things

for a train to end his life. Thanks to two homeless

28 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

Here’s Boo on stage at the 2016 Boston Freedom Rally. His social feeds—Insta, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook—are filled with behind-the-scenes shots like this one. sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 29

people who pulled him to safety, it didn’t come to

his teammates were fed a constant supply of power-

that. In a coincidence that could be described as di-

ful painkillers like Vicodin, morphine, and Toradol.

vine intervention, they happened to be wearing cloth-

Referred to as “Vitamin T,” Toradol is most commonly

ing Williams had donated to a nearby mission.

used to deaden pain following surgery. Williams

The incident served as a wakeup call for Williams, forcing him to seek help. He enrolled in a 30-day re-

used it to keep playing. He’d get a shot administered before most games.

hab program at the Crosby Center in San Diego, where

“You’re forced to take the pharmaceuticals just to

he stayed for the next eight months. While there, he

stay on the field,” he says. “You do whatever you have

was prescribed medical marijuana to treat his insom-

to do to play, because if you don’t, guess what? Some-

nia. While he was healing, he realized that the issues

body else is going to take your spot.”

he was suffering from were the same ones many oth-

Searching for a healthier alternative to all of the

ers were going through—a whole team of people. His

pills and shots, Williams turned—as he had in his

team. With that fresh perspective, Williams found

youth—to cannabis. “Trust me,” he says, “I had a joint

his higher purpose: to help fellow athletes recover

rolled right after practice. I had all these different

using the natural healing powers of cannabis.

types of injuries, and the only way that I could block

Born Eddie Lee Williams in Tallahassee, Florida, in

them out and feel a little better was with cannabis.”

1979, “Boo” had earned his nickname by age two. “I

And he wasn’t the only one: by Williams’s estima-

liked jumping out and scaring people all the time,” he

tion, nearly 70 percent of all NFL players use canna-

says with a laugh. “I thought that was so hilarious,

bis to deal with their pain and stress. But the NFL’s

people being scared. So my aunt just started calling

strict drug policy forces them to hide their use or

me Boo, and the name followed me. It carried into

risk suspension or worse.

who I was, especially on the football field. I scared a

After a 2005 knee injury ended his NFL career, Wil-

lot of opponents.” When a six-foot-four, 265-pound

liams struggled to find his identity. Without football,

tight end rushes at you, fear is a natural reaction.

who was he? He tried his hand at entrepreneurship,

Scaring people wasn’t the only thing Boo formed

starting a succession of small businesses. There was

an affinity for at a young age. When he was in high

a landscaping company, a security firm, then he opened

school, he began experimenting with cannabis. He

a gym. Nothing took root or brought fulfillment. He

and his teammates began using cannabis as a way of

missed the camaraderie of his team, the adrenaline

dealing with aches and pains that lingered after they

rush of the game. He grew more and more emotional-

left the field.

ly unbalanced, eventually turning to drugs, mistress-

“I can remember after certain games some of my friends and I would get some marijuana, go into the

es, and violence before he lay down on that train track that ultimately led him to the Crosby Center.

woods, and smoke,” he says. “We didn’t understand

Soon after he completed rehab and left the center,

then that it was medication, we just knew that it was

he started the United Athletes Wellness Institute. “It

something that brought us all together and took

was a place for athletes to come and get natural heal-

some of the pain away.”

ing,” he explains. “Over a span of two years, our tran-

After high school, Williams went on to play college

sition program helped over 120 former athletes with

ball, first at Coffeyville Community College in Kan-

neuro-cognitive issues get the proper treatment they

sas, where he was recognized as a two-time All-Amer-

need to get their lives back on track.”

ican, then at the University of Arkansas. A fondness

Since then, Williams has gone on to join other

of cannabis remained strong during his higher-learn-

prominent NFL players past and present in forming

ing pursuits, and he’s often discussed using it to help

organizations such as the Gridiron Cannabis Coali-

him relax after rigorous play.

tion to speak out about the medicinal benefits of

When he signed with the Saints in 2001, he felt that joining the NFL was a dream come true. But during

cannabis and lobby the NFL to change the league’s policy against pot.

his time in New Orleans, he came to see it as both a

“The medical benefit that you receive from canna-

blessing and a curse, as severe, ceaseless pain erod-

bis is the best thing for athletes,” Williams says. “The

ed his love for the game.

more that people like myself and these other guys

And the NFL’s answer to all of these pains and injuries? Mountains of pharmaceuticals. Williams and San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

keep coming out about this medicine, the faster things will change.”

© Photo by Sly Vegas Photography © Courtesy Boo Williams

Connecting with his hometown community in Tallahassee at the 2017 Boobeary Kares Thanksgiving Turkey Give Back event.

Standing strong at the 2016 Boston Freedom Rally.

Williams isn’t just talking, though.

Williams feels his mission is not just about educating people

He’s also putting his money where his

about cannabis’ medicinal benefits but also showing them that

mouth is, investing some of his past

the cannabis industry can be a positive force in the community. In

NFL earnings to start a medical marijua-

2016, Williams and his team brought the “Saving Lives and Chang-

na brand, Black Ghost Enterprises. Under

ing Minds” tour to over a dozen cities around the country. It’s all

his direction, the company is developing

part of his “actionism” philosophy.

a number of CBD products, including a

“When I say ‘actionists,’ I mean people that are getting out there

vape cartridge, a muscle rub, a sports drink,

in their communities, hearing what the people need, helping out

and an edible named BooBeary Kares.

at children’s hospitals and homeless shelters, doing things to

“With me being a big colored guy, I

show people that they don’t have to smoke cannabis to be involved

felt it was only right that I had a brand

in an organization that’s using cannabis to make a change for the

called BooBeary Kares,” he jokes. “I

better in our culture and in the world. This world needs healing,

thought that the name fit right in with

and cannabis heals. It’s about helping and giving. It’s about show-

who I am. What better way to say, ‘Hey—

ing people that there’s a better way of life through this plant—not

I’m a person that loves people, I care

just for the people using the plant but everyone involved in the

about everyone.’”

community as well.” sensimag.com F EBR UARY 2018 31

{soSD}

by BOBBY BLACK

V-Day MEMORIAL A sailor. A nurse. Two strangers who surrender to the tidal wave of relief, joy, and triumph washing across the Crossroads of the World and share an impromptu, immortal kiss. This timeless moment—V-J Day in Time Square—was captured on film by German-American photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt. The following week, it graced the cover of Life magazine—perfectly and poetically cementing it as a symbol of the end to the Greatest War in history. [Editor’s note: Never underestimate the power of an iconic magazine cover.]

So it should be no surprise why a sculptor like J. Seward Johnson might choose to manifest that image into three dimensions (though technically, he claims it’s based a similar but different photo).

The original statue was constructed in Sarasota, Florida in 2005, and is made from foam core that’s been coated with a layer of urethane. After two years on exhibit there, it was loaded onto a flatbed and hauled out here to the Port of San Diego.

It was displayed in Tuna Harbor Park until May 2012, at which time it was dismantled and sent back to Florida.

Critics—who had referred to the statue as “kitschy,” “aesthetically unpleasant,” and an “eyesore”—were happy to see it go. But locals and tourists—particularly the lovers and veterans— missed “The Kiss,” as they called it. So much so, in fact, that in the face of controversy so intense that three board members ended up resigning over it, they convinced the Unified Port District to vote yes to commission a new bronze version to replace the one they’d lost. That replacement was eventually put back on display near its original location on February 14, 2013—Valentine’s Day.

Coincidence? Doubtful. Sappy? Perhaps. Poetic?

Perfectly.

32 San Diego F E B R UA RY 2018

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