Evercannabis September 4, 2020

September 2020

www.evercannabis.com

GADGETS & GIZMOS THE LATEST PRODUCTS IN CUTTING EDGE CANNABIS TECHNOLOGY

ON THE OPEN ROAD LABOR PAINS Exploring out-of-state dispensaries

The state of cannabis unions

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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Friday, September 4, 2020

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 9

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Kathleen Coleman DIRECTOR OF SALES

Dan Fritts

MANAGING EDITOR

Joe Butler

HEALTH & CULTURE EDITOR

Theresa Tanner

ART DIRECTOR, MARKETING

Anne Potter

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Chris Soprych

Evercannabis magazine is a monthly supplement of The SpokesmanReview. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.

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Cannabis remains a bright spot Essential businesses report strong sales

By Joe Butler

EVERCANNABIS EDITOR

What a strange summer we’ve had, and fall looks like the hits will just keep on coming!

There’s no pre-season professional football or even college ball to watch, and maybe no movie theaters to visit for awhile longer. Some schools have resolved to a “remote start;” a few districts and institutions remain “undetermined” at press time.

There is anger about so much, including what and what not to wear on your face in public. It seems like many people just don’t like being told what do even if what they’re being told is intended to keep them and others safe.

Even the urge to just declare “screw it, let’s just go drink” often needs to be tempered by a concern about too many

people with unknown health conditions converging on your favorite watering hole.

So what’s been the only constant in the craziest, most chaotic summer in recent memory? Who would have guessed it! Washington’s legal weed industry may have briefly slowed down to adjust for a few weeks in the spring, but it’s fully up and running and remains officially essential. Your favorite friendly neighborhood cannabis retailers remain open for business and many growers that were barely hanging on last year are doing well.

Sure, there’s still an imbalance in the wholesaler-retailer relationship, in that there’s a lot more growers than places to sell their product to the public, which keeps prices low. But all in all, cannabis is providing some of the few bright spots in a crazy world.

Here’s some signs of hope: • As we reported last issue, one Canadian research study has been looking at the power of this plant as a possible method to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms or lower the risk of contracting it.

• Another Canadian study is asking 2,000 volunteers who suffer from health conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, depression and sleep problems to try various forms of cannabis over a 6-month period and see if it can truly help, and then document their experiences.

Though pot has been generally suggested for all of these conditions, and many users credit it with helping, this is the first large-scale trial of it is kind to try and objectively measure and document its possible benefits.

• In our country, there’s a greater push to reduce or remove penalties for growing, possessing or using pot, and some of these are working their way through Congress.

Some states may still object if or when these pass, but it could be one way for all states to have their policies change rather than initiative by initiative.

There are certainly some areas that aren’t as rosy, such as social equity, and some big unknowns ahead, like national and state elections. But cannabis does seem to be a nice constant.

“Your favorite friendly neighborhood cannabis retailers remain open for business and many growers that were barely hanging on last year are doing well.”

In the U.S. one year subscription (12 issues)delivered discreetly to your door for just $35. In Canada subscription is $60. For credit card payments please call 509-4595095 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For check payments please include your mailing address, email, phone number and mail to EVERCANNABIS magazine, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210

Joe Butler Managing Editor

EVERCANNABIS CONTRIBUTORS Joe Butler is a longtime marketing writer and editor at The Spokesman-Review. He’s an enthusiast of Star Wars, commemorative spoon collecting, and the Oxford comma.

Tracy Damon is a Spokane-based freelancer who has been writing professionally for 20 years. She has been covering i502 issues since recreational cannabis became legal in Washington.

Rob Mejia is president of the cannabis education company Our Community Harvest and Adjunct Cannabis Professor at Stockton University. He lives in New Jersey and enjoys tennis, cooking and home repair.

Kate A. Miner has a degree in visual anthropology, and has worked in marketing and advertising for many years. She writes, takes photos and teaches yoga.

Rick Misterly is a Washington resident whose interest in cannabis dates back to the 1960s and has taken him around the world. He’s the cannabis and hashish curator for Green Barn Farms in Addy and writes the “Rick’s World of Hashish” blog.

Seattle native Mary J. White is a cannabis chef and the author of two cookbooks. When she’s not inventing new cannabis recipes, she can be found in the garden, on the beach, or playing with a grandkid.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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Friday, September 4, 2020

SEPTEMBER TABLE OF CONTENTS

7 6

10 14

CANNABIS WORKERS RISING

UFCW 21 leads unionization efforts......................6

HEMPLIN’S CBD

Blythe Mosher uses hemp in bath products.......7

WSU PREGNANCY STUDY

Participants want more research...........................8

TECH BUBBLE

Innovative cannabis gadgets.................................. 10

FILM SCHOOL

Movies to motivate higher learning......................12

TYRONE ROSS JR.

Financial futures in cannabis, crypto....................14

COOKING WITH CANNABIS

Making alcohol-based tinctures ............................15

HIT THE ROAD

A socially distanced Southwest trip.....................16

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

Alaskan Thunder F— ................................................19

ROAD TRIPPING 16

Evercannabis, The Spokesman-Review and the Cowles Company don’t promote or endorse the use of cannabis products. We acknowledge that marijuana products remain illegal under federal laws. If adults age 21 or older choose to purchase or use them, we encourage them to consume sensibly and at their own risk in legal jurisdictions, in accordance with state and local laws. Some cannabis products have intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Consumption of marijuana also may be associated with health risks and impaired concentration, coordination, and judgment. Keep away from children. To learn more, visit the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

NEWS & BUSINESS

Efforts to unionize cannabis workers continue UFCW 21 leads push to organize

By Tracy Damon

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Attempts to unionize Washington’s cannabis industry workers hit a couple of stumbling blocks this year – including the state Legislature and a global pandemic – but union officials say these are just minor delays.

“UFCW 21 is still the leading union working to organize cannabis workers from seed to sale,” Tom Geiger, special projects director for the United Food and Commercial Workers 21, wrote in an email.

UFCW’s “Cannabis Workers Rising” campaign represents more than 10,000 cannabis workers in 14 states, and hopes to add several thousand more in Washington.

“We continue to connect with workers who would like to see change in their workplaces, a more equitable way of doing business and to raise standards in the i502 industry, as well as owners who understand the benefits of an empowered workforce,” wrote Geiger.

While UFCW hasn’t yet succeeded in widespread unionizing in Washington, it has made some progress. Almost 150 employees of western Washington-based retail chain Have a Heart officially joined the union in 2018. Another company has very recently signed on with UFCW, and the union says it had been making decent headway attracting others when COVID-19 struck.

According to Geiger, “Have a Heart workers that unionized a couple of years ago are still organized in our union and have a contract.”

“Members at an additional retailer have organized and successfully negotiated a first contract with their employer, and as we want to respect the process of voting to ratify that first agreement, we hope to share more details soon,” Geiger continued. “We have ‘Labor Peace Agreements’ signed with other companies, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, however in an effort to be responsible and mindful of ongoing changes and impacts on both workers and companies – we have not

executed those agreements.”

A legislative bill put forward earlier this year by Rep. Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds) would have fast-tracked industry-wide unionization in the state by placing strict employment standards on cannabis businesses and incentivized owners to sign contracts with unions. HB 2361, backed by UFCW 21, would have implemented a point system to be used when cannabis companies were up for their annual license renewal.

The system would have required licensees to accrue at least 100 points, as determined by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, in nine different categories, to qualify for license renewal. Having a labor peace agreement in effect would have added 40 points towards that total, while a collective bargaining agreement covering licensee’s employees would be worth 60 points.

That bill failed to move through the state Legislature in the 2020 session, so union officials continue to work to recruit cannabis companies with work-

ers in grow and cultivation operations, manufacturing and processing, and also laboratories and dispensaries. Union officials say they are also looking for ways to improve challenges specific to cannabis use and the industry overall.

“Right now, there is a rising awareness of the disproportionate impacts of the historic criminalization of cannabis on Black and brown communities, so as a union we are evaluating our work in the community and seeking equitable solutions for unique cannabis challenges and impacts in our state,” wrote Geiger.

As with all things, there are pros and cons when considering unionization.

Geiger says three of the most significant benefits to union membership are wages, medical and retirement benefits, and job security.

“On average, union members earn about 20% more in wages than nonunion workers,” he explained. “UFCW 21 members negotiate for affordable and quality medical and retirement benefit plans across Washington state …

All UFCW 21 contracts guarantee that employees cannot be disciplined or discharged, unless it is for a ‘just cause.’”

There is some fear that tacking on union dues to a worker’s paycheck will take away any benefits that could come from higher wages, but Geiger says that’s not necessarily true. Union officials would welcome a chance to show business owners how it can all pencil out.

“We hear you, and we invite you to give us a call: all employers can afford a unionized workforce. We are open to having a conversation with each employer about their circumstances,” he said.

“Employees also understand the unique culture working at a small business and from what we’ve learned, those workers take a lot of pride in their workplace and see forming a union as an investment in its stability and success.”

UFCW says unionization can benefit the entire community, as better paying jobs help to support local economies and health care benefits reduce reliance on social service programs.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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NEWS & BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT:

Power of hemp North Idaho resident excited about new bath, beauty products

By Joe Butler

EVERCANNABIS WRITER

Blythe Mosher has been fascinated by hemp since 2003, everything from hemp hearts – considered a nutritious ‘superfood’ – to hempcrete, a lightweight, durable building material.

As she learned more about CBD, a natural compound found in hemp and other cannabis plants, she began to blend broad-spectrum CBD oil and CBD isolate with various essential oils to create body care and pain management products.

“Hemp is amazing,” she said. “I began making bath bombs in 2016 after my granddaughters took me to Lush Cosmetics in Bellevue and I saw all the selections.”

A few years later, the Post Falls resident created a Christmas gift for her mom: a hand soak made Mosher with essential oils and infused with CBD oil.

“My mom had osteoarthritis – her fingers were curled in and her joints were painful and inflamed,” Mosher said. “She put her hands in the water, and less than a minute later asked, ‘Is it my imagination or is the swelling going down?’”

She continued to use the soak along with daily CBD oil massages, and soon felt less pain and was able to resume past activities like cooking.

“I had no idea it would be that effective,” Mosher said. “We both felt so happy to see the improvements, and that’s when I knew I needed to do this in a bigger way.”

That led to Mosher developing a variety of CBD-infused bath and body products, including bath bombs, hand and foot soaks, body butter and a recently-developed analgesic balm. She continues

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLYTHE MOSHER

Hempllin’s bath bombs to learn more about biochemistry and how CBD interacts positively with the body’s endocannabinoid system and pain receptors.

Plus, unlike some startups, she already had a great name.

In 2014, she was making lunch for her dad, Bob Templin, a longtime North Idaho tourism promoter and the past owner of several restaurants and hotels. While adding hemp seeds to his salad, she joked that it would be funny to someday open a restaurant called Hemplin’s.

Her mom laughed, but within an hour, her dad went to his office and returned with paperwork for her own limited liability company using that name. It was easy to use this for her wellness products.

“I had no idea what I was going to use it for at the time but kept the business active,” she said. “Now it feels like it was predestined.”

She recently began seeking out busi-

More info

See HEMPLIN’S, 13

To learn more about Hemplin’s products, contact Blythe Mosher at hemplinsllc@gmail.com.

Friday, September 4, 2020

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

HEALTH & SCIENCE

Study: Need for more education, research on cannabis use, pregnancy

By Tracy Damon

EVERCANNAGIS CORRESPONDENT

“It helps me feel hungry and it takes away my nausea completely. And it helps with the pain, too. And not so much that it takes away all of my pain, but it helps me mentally manage my pain better.”

That is what participant No. 12 said in a recent study conducted by researchers at Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, sharing why she used marijuana while either pregnant or nursing. Eighteen other subjects in the study cited similar reasons.

Published in a recent edition of the Journal of Addiction Medicine, the study interviewed 14 pregnant women and five women who had delivered babies within the past three months. All self-reported as being daily users of marijuana while pregnant. Each was questioned extensively on their perceptions of the risk and benefits of using marijuana during pregnancy.

“I think one of the surprising findings was that they were really thankful to be part of this study,” said lead author Celestina Barbosa-Leiker, vice chancellor for research at WSU Health Sciences Spokane and an associate professor for WSU’s College of Nursing.

“One mom drove across the state to tell her story. They (study subjects) were also frustrated by the lack of research. They want to make the best decision for their babies and felt they didn’t have the tools to do so.”

The following themes emerged from study data: • Participants wanted more information on the impacts of using marijuana while pregnant; • Participants used cannabis to manage chronic pain and other medical conditions rather than for recreational purposes, • Most participants conducted their own research to determine the effects of marijuana on unborn or young infants, • Participants had received mixed messages from health care providers about using marijuana while pregnant or soon after, and • Participants were hesitant to reveal their cannabis use for fear of consequences from the legal and health care

“They want to make the best decision for their babies and felt they didn’t have the tools to do so.”

Celestina Barbosa-Leiker

Vice chancellor for research at WSU Health Sciences Spokane

systems.

“There was a concern in the last trimester before having a baby in the hospital. Some mentioned they were going to taper off cannabis use so they didn’t test positive at delivery,” said Barbosa-Leiker.

The few studies that have been done on the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy show that it can be associated with low birth weight, still birth, and cognitive and behavioral issues.

Despite this, data indicates that cannabis use is on the rise overall, including in pregnant and nursing women. Previous studies show that cannabis use during pregnancy has significantly increased in the last two decades, growing 72.5% from 1999 to 2008 and 62% from 2002 to 2014.

Barbosa-Leiker believes some of the reason for that increase can be attributed to there being less perception of harm

from marijuana today.

“We could link that to legalization (of recreational marijuana) as more and more states legalize,” she said.

It could also be linked to the opioid epidemic and the large amount of attention it is receiving.

“One thing we were hearing from our moms was that they were using other substances such as opioids to treat issues like pain or anxiety and nausea and decided cannabis is safer. We don’t have any research though comparing cannabis and opioids, so we don’t know if it is healthier.”

Based on these study results, Barbosa-Leiker believes health care providers should take a different tack when working with pregnant women.

“Rather than suggesting expectant mothers go cold turkey, which can cause them to not return to a doctor for further

pre- or post-natal care, they should suggest cutting back or limiting marijuana use or finding other ways to deal with health issues.”

Barbosa-Leiker says one result of this study will be to work more closely with health care providers on messaging around cannabis use during pregnancy.

“We have a new grant we’re going to be working on with the College of Communication, creating two different health message campaigns,” she said. “One is for moms with pain and one for more casual recreational users, to help reduce cannabis use.”

Another element of this study included interviewing health care providers and budtenders at cannabis retailers about how they interact with pregnant women or nursing mothers who indicate they use marijuana. Results from those interviews will be published soon.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

Researchers to focus on mothers, COVID-19 Studies hypothesize that stress and anxiety have increased A collaborative research effort among Washington State University researchers will explore the impact on COVID-19 on mothers and newborn children.

The WSU COVID‑19 Infant, Maternal, and Family Health Research Collaborative will include studies by dozens of WSU researchers across several disciplines, including developmental biology, human development, psychology, and biocultural anthropology.

Researchers hypothesize that the stress and anxiety of pregnant and parenting women may be greater than the general population at this time, as transmission and survival are largely unknown in pregnant women, childcare largely remains the responsibility of mothers – even if both mothers and fathers are both working from home – and financial security is lower for women than men.

“Our goal is to identify the knowledge and resources that could help pregnant and postpartum women cope with all of the unique stressors they are facing right now so that we can secure the health of moms and babies,” said Celestina Barbosa-Leiker, an associate professor in the College of Nursing and vice chancellor for research for WSU Health Sciences Spokane. Several studies will examine substance use, including cannabis, and other health behaviors of pregnant or recently postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a land‑grant university, WSU focuses much of its research enterprise on initiatives and projects that address the societal needs that impact our state,” said John Roll, associate vice president for strategic research initiatives for WSU Health Sciences. “The new COVID‑19 Infant and Maternal Health Research Collaborative is a prime example of how our researchers are pivoting their work to gain new knowledge that will help Washingtonians during this pandemic.”

Source: WSU Insider

Friday, September 4, 2020

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesm

THE LATEST AND GRE INNOVATIVE TECH, PRODUCTS INSPIRE INDUSTRY SALES

By Kate A. Miner

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

There have been significant changes to the cannabis industry in the first half of 2020. The market is growing rapidly, and customers are becoming more educated, trying new products and incorporating cannabis into their daily lives.

For instance, America lit up more than just fireworks on the Fourth of July this year. Legal cannabis sales totaled $400 million for the week, up 60% over the weekly national average, and

FOR CONSUMERS ON THE GO Gofire Alternative Health Suite gofire.co Gofire’s dose-measuring vaporizer and app help medical marijuana patients track which products provide the best results for an individual’s personal health needs. Community reviewers and a caregiver portal also enhance the experience.

AVD Eazy-Press Cartridge avd710.com/products One of the most state-of-the-art cartridges available, the AVD Eazy Press Glass Cartridge is ideal for fast, high quality filling and capping. With no arbor press needed and a tamper-proof, low-torque locking system, get ready to revolutionize how you think about cartridges.

DaVinci MIQCRO davincivaporizer.com/miqro-vaporizer The DaVinci MIQCRO has taken the loose-leaf vaporizer to the next level. The most compact premium vaporizer around, the DaVinci MIQCRO features a zirconium cooling airflow system and precision temperature control in the palm of your hand.

Kandypens Oura Portable Dab Rig kandypens.com/oura/ Equipped with four pre-set temperatures, multiple atomizer options, a 3000mAh battery and a handmade glass attachment, the Oura delivers thick vapor with a rapid heat-up time.

Featuring a zinc alloy shell and hefty base that provides additional durability, this dynamic e-rig is available in seven stylish colors.

sales in current legal states are projected to grow at an annual rate of 14% over the next six years, reaching nearly $30 billion by 2025. Additionally, public support for cannabis legalization is at an all-time high with more than two thirds of the country in support of federal legalization.

With such growth comes plenty of business potential, and everyone wants in. New cannabis products continue to emerge. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest and most innovative products for cannabis consumers and industry professionals.

FOR THE TRENDSETTER

Hemp & Booch Super Premium Kombucha hempyoucanfeel.com/collections/kombucha Cannabis Global, Inc. has launched a hemp-infused kombucha und Hemp You Can Feel brand. Hemp & Booch boasts that it uses honey b to extract unprocessed hemp naturally, rather than in a laboratory. Av able in Concord Grape & Vanilla Bean, Pineapple Mint, and Tart Cher Lavender flavors.

Ripple QuickSticks stillwaterbrands.life/ripple-quicks Remember Pixy Stix? Those paper tub filled with powdered candy that you would p into your mouth as a kid? Ripple QuickSticks w certainly scratch that nostalgic itch: Colorado’s Stil water Brands recently introduced single-serve packets flavored powder infused with THC and CBD that dissolve directly on the tongue. Flavors include Mint Chocolate, Blue Pom, and Gingerberry.

Arcanum Sarco Skin Kinesiology Tape arcanumedge.com/shop Sarco Skin Kinesiology tape is infused with menthol and full spectr hemp-derived CBD. Kinesiology Tape works to support muscles and while the CBD and menthol work synergistically to increase blood flo Provides up to eight hours of localized, systemic relief and up to four of adhesion time.

man-Review

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EATEST

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sticks bes pour will lls of es eberry

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Friday, September 4, 2020

FOR THE DIY ENTHUSIAST

Leaf Grow System getleaf.co Leaf is a refrigerator-shaped smart grow box for your cannabis (or any plant or herb), so it’s the perfect device for an at-home grower who wants the best results. An app monitors climate control, humidity control, automated nutrient dosing, and a Bios LED light in this perfectly contained growing system.

Leaf Grow System

Otto Electric Herb Miller & Joint Filler bananabros.com/collections/otto/ This Banana Bros. 2-in-1 device uses an on-board microcomputer to calibrate the perfect milling pressure. This cannabis accessory is ideal for people who struggle to roll joints due to dexterity issues, or if you’re rolling joints in bulk.

Ardent Nova Decarboxylator ardentcannabis.com/products This device may look like an everyday travel mug, but inside the sleek cylinder are precision sensors embedded within a thermal blanket, electronics, and software, ready to decarb your marijuana in a few hours. Decarboxylation converts cannabis from its raw form into its active bioavailable form, and promotes safer, cleaner marijuana edibles.

LEVO II shop.levooil.com/products/levo-ii If you enjoy homemade edibles (or other culinary creations), LEVO II makes infusing oil or butter simple and convenient. With connectivity to the LEVO app, three separate cycles, and dishwasher safe components, you can prepare herbs with ease with dry and activate cycles, allowing you to unlock the full potency of your botanical ingredients before infusion.

PROFESSIONAL GRADE Futurola Super OG Shredder futurolausa.com/-wholesale-pre-rolled-production-system/433-futurola-super-shredder.html Designed for speed and efficiency, the Futurola Super Shredder can shred through and remove the stems from 3 pounds of cannabis in a mere 7 seconds. Simple to clean and ideal when paired with Futurola Knockbox 2 for pre-roll cones.

Trimpro Drypro trimpro.com/product-selector/bud-leaf-trimmer/trimpro-drypro/ The Trimpro Drypro is designed specifically for drying flowers before trimming. With the product’s adjustable-speed motor, leaves are trimmed by stainless steel grates, with capacity up to 12 pounds. The angled construction and latched front gate make retrieval simple and allows perfectly trimmed flowers to exit the upper cylinder while running.

Active Eye Universal Phone Microscope hydrofarm.com/Our-Brands/Active-Eye Explore the wonderful world of trichomes and other bud structures with this easy to use microscope that can be clipped onto a smartphone camera. Compact and lightweight this device is particularly useful in gardening and plant health examinations.

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Back-to-school movie marathon Online or on campus, the stoner student trope lives on

By Kate A. Miner

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Typically, as August rolls in, we start to think about “back-to-school” which can mean heading to a college campus or getting younger kids prepped for another K-12 year. But this year, nothing about “going back to school” will be typical.

Many districts plan to start the academic year online, and it is unclear when or if students and teachers will be back in traditional classrooms anytime soon.

In the face of so much change, we thought a movie marathon to reminisce about old school days might help ease anxiety about all these more serious changes. Or at least these films can provide some degree of entertainment while we’re stuck at home – again.

These movie marathon suggestions all have a ‘green’ theme, of course, including the usual comical offerings, but we have also included some documentaries.

So if learning from the living room is the new norm, why not pack yourself a bowl and see if your learning capacity improves? Cannabis is said to improve neural connectivity in the brain and also may improve the flow of thought and creativity.

If nothing else, you will feel more relaxed and less stressed out about our quickly-changing world.

Back-to-school-basics: Comedies

“How High” Dir. Jesse Dylan, 2001 Rappers Redman and Method Man portray two cannabis enthusiasts who are visited by the ghost of a friend after smoking weed fertilized with his ashes.

The ghost helps with their exams, and they receive scholarships to Harvard University. Considered a classic American stoner film, this one is utter nonsense, along the lines of a Cheech & Chong buddy movie.

“High School” Dir. John Stalberg Jr., 2010 High school valedictorian-to-be Henry Burke (Matt Bush) takes his first hit of

pot with his ex-best friend Travis (Sean Marquette), only to learn that their high school is conducting a drug test that could lead to his expulsion. The obvious solution? Stealing the stash from a dealer known as Psycho Ed (played by Academy Award-winner Adrien Brody) to get the whole school high, invalidate the drug test and save Henry’s future. A Sundance winner!

“Mac & Devin Go to High School” Dir. Dylan Brown, 2012 Rappers Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa play two high school students – Snoop has repeated senior year 15 times – who must work together to ace their final class. The reviews of this straight-toDVD movie were overwhelmingly bad, but its soundtrack did bring us the catchy single “Young, Wild & Free” featuring Bruno Mars.

Classic canna-canon: “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “Dazed and Confused,” and “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”

New heights of education: Documentaries

“Super High Me” Dir. Michael Blieden, 2007 Determined to find out the true effects of marijuana on the human body, comedian Doug Benson documents his experience avoiding pot for 30 days and then consuming massive amounts for 30 days.

Inspired by Morgan Spurlock’s examination of the American fast-food giant McDonald’s in “Super Size Me,” Benson’s journey explores the hotly contested debate over medical marijuana use.

“Square Grouper: The Godfathers of Ganja” Dir. Billy Corben, 2011 This colorful portrait of Miami’s pot smuggling scene of the 1970s features fishermen-turned-smugglers, a ganja-smoking church, and the longest serving marijuana prisoner in American history. For context, square grouper was a nickname given to bales of marijuana thrown overboard or out of airplanes in

South Florida in the 70s and 80s.

“Degenerate Art: The Art and Culture of Glass Pipes” Dir. Marble Slinger, 2011 Viewers can enjoy learning about the art and culture of glass pipe-making through the voices of the artists themselves and the industry that surrounds them. Despite federal laws, pipe makers are pioneering new techniques in glasswork and have created a whole new genre of American folk art.

“The Culture High” Dir. Brett Harvey, 2014 The makers of the critically acclaimed “The Union: The Business Behind Getting High” return to the subject of cannabis prohibition, focusing on the culture created to support the war on drugs and how those narratives have been maintained.

Classic canna-canon: “Rolling Papers,” “Weed The People,” and “Clearing the Smoke: The Science of Cannabis”

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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NEWS & BUSINESS

COURTESY PHOTO

Hemplin’s bath bombs

HEMPLIN’S Continued from 7

nesses interested in selling her products.

“I don’t claim to cure people, but the product speaks for itself,” Mosher said. “I have some repeat clientele, and they have told me their lives are better. Some customers have multiple sclerosis, lupus, or past injuries that it has helped. One shared that his wife told her physician that she no longer needs pain medication because the CBD body butter and bath bombs were working so well.”

She currently white labels bath bombs for GlobalCBD in Sandpoint, and body butter and bath bombs for Coeur d’Alene spa Stephanie & Co. Her bath bombs, body butter and analgesic balm can

also be found at Cenex in Dalton Gardens, and at Amsterdam Coffee in Clarkston.

“I had fun making these, and even created a bath bomb called ‘Straight Outta Clarkston,’” she said.

Mosher is in the process of developing new face and skin care products. In the future, she wants to incorporate colloidal gold and silver.

Her CBD oil is regularly tested for potency and quality at Trace Analytics, an independent lab in Spokane to ensure that her products do not contain detectable amounts of THC, another compound in cannabis known to create mental and physical changes.

“There are a lot of CBD products out there, including some with THC,” she said. “Mine don’t have any so anyone

can use them without getting high or worrying about testing positive for marijuana.”

Mosher is always passionate about sharing the differences between industrial hemp and commercial cannabis.

“Hemp was once a mandatory crop,but ended up being lumped in with the ‘Reefer Madness’ stigma,” she said. “This is my pet peeve – with our technological advancements, it’s easy to test the differences because they do look similar.”

She’s proud to tell people that hemp has many benefits, from quality food to helping the soil.

“Sometimes I wonder if people who are close-minded to talking about hemp even care about the environment, the economy, or people’s health.”

“I don’t claim to cure people, but the product speaks for itself.”

Blythe Mosher Hemplin’s LLC owner

Friday, September 4, 2020

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

NEWS & BUSINESS

Keeping pace with Tyrone Ross Jr. Athlete turned financial consultant sees future in cannabis investment

By Rob Mejia

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

When most people read about Tyrone Ross’s life, they tend to focus on his achievements as a world-class athlete. Blessed with speed to burn and incomparable tenacity, he focused his attention on the track at an early age and honed his skill to the point that he earned a college scholarship and then qualified for the Olympic trials.

But he is much more than just an accomplished athlete. As the saying goes, he “contains multitudes.”

His journey started with a Guyanese father and American mother who raised him and his sister in Metuchen, New Jersey.

The country of Guyana has a complicated relationship with cannabis. Though located in South America, just north of Brazil, many Guyanese identify with Caribbean culture, where cannabis use is prevalent. But not in Ross’s family! His parents made it clear that cannabis was a drug that would only lead to problems. For that reason, Ross has never tried cannabis with THC. Neither of his parents graduated from high school, and Ross’s determination propelled him through high school, as a first-generation graduate, and then on to college at Georgia Institute of Technology and later Seton Hall University. Georgia Tech has an athletic endowment in Ross’s name, an accomplishment he prizes.

After college, Ross decided to pursue a Wall Street career and become financially literate. This journey proved to be eye-opening as Ross learned how money works and noted how many citizens are left without banking. (It is estimated that 12 to 15 million U.S. citizens are unbanked).

His own family functioned on a cash basis, suspicious of banks and feeling victimized by high bank fees. This is typical in many communities, and Tyrone sees cryptocurrency and Bitcoin as a potential solution. In simplest terms, cryptocurrency is “Internet money” that flows immediately without fees.

Bitcoin is merely a brand name of a crypto-

currency, just as Coke is a brand name for soda.

Just as we have a class issue in banking, Ross, now a financial advisor and investor, notes that we have a class issue within the cannabis industry as well. He feels that Black people and people of color “have a responsibility to get others ... into the industry.”

His solution is to get a “seat at the legitimate table” and then to use connections, hard work, and intelligence to involve those who have been left behind.

As with other facets of Ross’ life, his work ethic, bubbly enthusiasm, and resolve have resulted in unexpected opportunities, including with a Canadian company called CanaFarma.

CanaFarma is an organization devoted to health and wellness, and in Ross they found a world-class athlete who has been using CBD for sports recovery for about two years. The company has engaged him as a brand spokesperson. With Ross’s animated and clear style of communication, CanaFarma’s CBD infused gum Yooforic, with 50 mg of CBD per piece, is sure to be noticed in the market.

The key to CanaFarma’s success, Ross believes, is education. By providing information and resources to address the wellness of one’s body, mind, and spirit, the consumer can see how CBD may help them to manage anxiety, sleep issues and pain. In other words, CanaFarma’s message is about wellness while “doing public good.”

One topic or theme that kept emerging during our conversation, is that Ross knows that his success is built on the support and love of others, and he is committed to paying it forward. Whether it is the student who wins his Georgia Tech athletic scholarship, or an immigrant who figures out how to use cryptocurrency, or the person impacted by the War on Drugs who can now prosper in the cannabis industry, Ross is there to “give a voice to the voiceless.”

And it’s a good thing he moves so quickly, because he has a lot to do!

Learn more about Ross at tyroneross.io.

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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Friday, September 4, 2020

LEARN & GROW

Cooking with Cannabis:

Tinctures can be terrific

By Mary J. White

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Tinctures are a liquid delivery system and can be alcohol- or glycerin-based.

They’re super easy to make and can give you wonderful relief in just a few minutes. They last longer than smoking but not as long as edibles, and have a lot of applications. I like them for microdosing during the day for pain relief.

Today, we’re going to tackle alcohol-based tinctures. Steeping medicinal plants in liquid to extract the goodies is as old as humans. I don’t recommend using this alcohol tincture for sublingual application, as the strong alcohol can burn, but it is wonderful for infusing salt, sugar, condiments and homemade gummies – recipe below!

Cannabis alcohol tincture

8 grams cannabis bud (a sativa-dominant strain can give you a pick me up; an indica can be more relaxing) 8 oz. grain alcohol (if you are unable to use a spirit with an especially high alcohol content, like Everclear, use vodka and double the “freeze and shake” process) Glass jar with lid Cheesecloth Decarboxylate cannabis by spreading flower evenly on a rimmed baking sheet.

Cover with foil and toast gently at 250 degrees for 30 minutes. This process will remove the extra carbon molecules and make the cannabinoids available. Keep covered while cooling.

Crumble cannabis into glass jar with grain alcohol. Place the closed jar into the freezer for 1 hour.

Remove closed jar and shake for 3 minutes. If you are using a lower alcohol spirit, repeat the “freeze and shake” process here.

Strain alcohol tincture with cheese cloth to remove debris.

Yield: 8 oz.

Green gummies

½ cup cold water 6 oz. Jell-O box in desired flavor

PHOTOS BY VALERIE MCKINLEY

Use a funnel to pour your cannabis-infused gelatin mixture into molds.

4 1 oz. envelopes plain gelatin 4 tablespoons cannabis tincture Baking mold Pan spray Cornstarch Funnel Spray molds lightly with the pan spray, then wipe so very little oil remains.

Whisk the Jell-O and plain gelatin together in a saucepan, then add cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low for 5 minutes, stirring often so everything dissolves.

Remove from the heat and let cool slightly (too hot and it’ll affect the THC),

then add the 4 tablespoons of tincture and mix well.

Use funnel to pour mixture into the mold. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, remove from the mold, and dust lightly with cornstarch to prevent sticking.

Store in refrigerator. Always remember to clearly label your edibles, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Yield: 30 gummies Next time, we will explore glycerin tinctures.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, contact me at mary@maryjwhite. com or explore my website maryjwhite.com.

Use a cannabis alcohol tincture to make homemade gummies for convenient microdosing.

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

DISCOVER WHAT DISPENSARIES BEYOND THE NORTHWEST HAVE TO OFFER ON AN ...

Interstate trip

KATE A. MINER/FOR EVERCANNABIS

Tumbleweed Cannabis Co. In Hines, Oregon.

By Kate A. Miner

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Have you ever wondered what dispensaries outside Washington are like?

Unless you are fully immersed in the cannabis culture or a pro in the industry, chances are you haven’t ventured outside our state in search of legal weed. In fact, if you’re like me, you pretty much stick to your neighborhood favorites … especially in spring lockdowns.

However, this summer I had the

opportunity to take a road trip through some of our neighboring states – California, Nevada, and Oregon to be exact – and I thought I’d share what I found along the way.

I’ll mention right off that I was not in any big cities or high-traffic areas.

We travelled across southern California (Joshua Tree), up through the middle of Nevada (Tonopah), and into Oregon (Bend). We visited small cannabis shops along the way, finding them on Leafly based on reviews and convenience.

In California, retailers check your ID and require waiting in a separate area until a budtender is available. Mask wearing and social distancing protocol is strictly enforced.

When the budtender calls you for your turn, the selection begins. There are big brands that appear everywhere you go, such as Top Shelf, Nug, and Caliva.

We tried them all, including Top Shelf’s famous Whoa-Si-Whoa (we weren’t impressed), and there are zillions of edible options. Top Shelf is big on presentation

in California and win the prize for best packaging.

The biggest difference in culture we saw was in Nevada, where we stopped at two different shops. The first one was in Henderson (not far from Las Vegas), at a place called The Dispensary, which also has locations in Las Vegas and Reno.

In Nevada, the waiting room is strictly enforced. When you enter, a receptionist behind a glass partition will scrutinize See ROAD, 17

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

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Friday, September 4, 2020

LEARN & GROW

ROAD

Continued from 16 your ID and ask you a few questions, like “What did you plan on purchasing today?” Only one person was allowed into the waiting room at a time. The cash machine is here, so you need to take care of that before you enter, and then they wave you through.

I found this place the most frustrating. It reminded me of what Washington was like many years ago in only medical days.

You enter through a big door into a long room with a counter that runs the length of it. Budtenders are behind the counter, and behind them are shelves of plastic bins. No product on display. You are not allowed to look, touch, or smell.

I was a bit dumbfounded and wide-eyed, but I had a fantastic budtender. She quickly laid it out for me and explained that most people pre-ordered online before coming in. Sure enough, I checked out their website afterwards and it was very comprehensive.

She asked several questions,

A bag of Sugar Pine Blue Cookies, purchased at The Dispensary in Henderson, Nevada. showed me options on a menu, and after learning about where I was from, steered me away from the more popular items.

Instead she made local recommendations that were spot on.

One of our favorite purchases from here was Sugar Pine Blue Cookies. Nondescript packaging, but exceptional flower. Prices were high, the most we paid.

We made another stop in

Winnemucca at Water Canyon Dispensary, which looked like a bunker on the outside and a cushy apartment inside. Again, the receptionist behind the glass checked us in, but this time we found ourselves in a room full of swanky sofas.

I expected to find the same plastic bins, but was surprised to find a small, well-stocked shop with everything on display.

There were only two budtenders here and they accompanied us to show product, made creative suggestions, and even let us smell product if we wanted. The prices were also the lowest we observed on our trip. Because of that we had some fun and tried several pre-rolls, always a good option for road trips. This was some of the strongest weed we found.

I asked why they were so different than the place in Henderson and learned that Water Canyon is Native owned; the Winnemucca Indian Colony opened the dispensary in April.

Finally, on our way home, we made a stop in Oregon, somewhere off the beaten path a few hours outside Bend, at fun place called the Tumbleweed Canna-

UPCOMING EVENTS Sept. 8-10

Lemonhaze I-502 Virtual UpFront. Rather than a fall in-person gathering, Lemonhaze is organizing video sales meetings and virtual networking opportunities for Washington buyers and sellers. lemonhaze.com/wa-upfronts-2020

Sept. 10

The Cannabis Alliance, Seattle. Monthly meeting of growers, retailers and other supporters of Washington’s cannabis system. The Alliance is also scheduling virtual happy hours for social interaction for members each Tuesday at 5 p.m. thecannabisalliance.us

Sept. 18-19

Bowl In One, Quincy. Trade association WACA’s annual golf tournament includes a barbecue lunch, 18 holes, cart rent-

al and entertainment. wacannabusiness.org

Sept. 24

Cannabis Summit, Seattle. The Cannabis Alliance’s annual gathering of leaders discusses goals, regulations and more. This year’s event is online only. thecannabisalliance.us/event/cannabis-summ2020/

Sept. 27

The Dope Show, Spokane. Comedians perform before and after partaking of locally purchased cannabis products at the Spokane Comedy Club. The crowd often loves it. www.spokanecomedyclub. com/events/24962 Due to health concerns, some events may be canceled, postponed or moved online.

Please check with event organizers to verify prior to attending.

PHOTOS BY KATE A. MINER/FOR EVERCANNABIS

Water Canyon Dispensary in Winnemucca, Nevada. bis Co. We were pretty wellstocked by now, so we didn’t get too adventurous.

It was a small shop with no waiting room, and pretty similar to what you’d find at a smaller dispensary in Washington. Folks were friendly and highly recommended the local fare. We ended up with a few selections from Wykanush Cannabis, including their famous Sour Patch Kids (which come as two tiny prerolls in a tube), and some flower

from Prūf Cultivar, known for matching a person’s chemistry with the right weed.

All in all, it was a great trip. It was nice to see that the dispensaries were all busy, and despite the state of unrest felt throughout the country, the cannabis industry appears to be booming.

Every place we went we heard that they are having a hard time staying stocked, and that business was the best they’ve ever had.

Page 18

Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review

CANNABIS IN BRIEF

Mask policies spur staff changes PULLMAN – Conflicts over whether customers should wear face masks led to the departure of an assistant manager and another employee at Kush 21.

Matthew Riley, an employee since 2018, accused the retailer’s owner of demoting and firing him because he tried to follow a state mandate requiring everyone to wear face masks inside public spaces.

While cannabis employees statewide have been required to wear masks, face shields or similar personal protection equipment since June, owner and general manager Michale Beraki initially said customers at the four Kush 21 stores around Washington were encouraged to wear face coverings but weren’t required to.

Beraki said making coverings mandatory was leading to “unnecessary altercations,” including an incident at the Sea-Tac store. He didn’t want his staff at any of the stores to get into fights with angry customers.

Riley said he refused to open the Pullman store June 26 after hearing Beraki’s policy, saying unmasked customers could create an unsafe environment for workers, as well as disobey a

state public health mandate.

He said this led to his demotion to shift leader and then termination.

Another employee gave her notice at the same time.

In early July, Beraki changed shop

policies again due to clarification from Gov. Jay Inslee. Now, Kush 21 customers won’t be served unless they wear masks, which can be provided.

Source: Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Court: Humboldt growers not drug dealers SACRAMENTO – The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declared that two cannabis growers from Humboldt County can’t be charged with violating federal laws since they were in compliance with California marijuana laws.

In 2012, the DEA raided a farm and arrested owners Anthony Pisarski and Sonny Moore on federal distribution and cultivation charges. They also seized 300 plants, growing material, guns, gold bars and at least $225,000 in cash.

They both pleaded guilty in 2014, but in 2017 Richard Seeborg, a federal judge, ruled that a 2015 law passed by Congress shielded medical cannabis businesses that are following state law from federal interference.

The 9th Circuit court judges voted 2-1 in July to affirm Judge Seeborg’s position, saying that law also didn’t allow federal authorities to spend resources prosecuting cases involv-

SLUSHIES AVAILABLE TO OKLAHOMA PATIENTS TULSA, Okla. – Legal cannabis consumers in Oklahoma currently have access to an interesting product: pot slushies.

Currently, visitors to Fighting Flower Dispensary can buy a THC-infused slushie for $15. It contains a pre-measured amount of THC in each portion, and is served in a childproof cup.

Shop owner Todd Hunter said he bought the machine from a licensed company called Glazee, and so far it’s been popular with adult customers.

Each state can include or exclude certain items when designing their cannabis marketplaces. For instance, some states allow gummy products while other states restrict these to avoid possible confusion with candy that children may accidentally ingest.

So far, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority hasn’t stopped sales. It did issue a memo saying that it was uncertain a slushie would meet all required safety requirements, but Hunter said the shop has taken a lot of steps to be compliant, including making the package difficult for children to open and not allowing on-site consumption. Regulators were concerned, however, that slushies technically could be classified as food, which would need approval from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, which so far has not offered any opinion.

Source: NewsOn6

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals building in San Francisco.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ing use, possession or cultivation if someone is strictly following medical marijuana laws.

U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrbacher, who introduced the amendment in Con-

gress, was happy with the decision, and encouraged the DEA to focus more on non-cannabis criminal activity.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Page 19

Friday, September 4, 2020

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

Alaskan Thunder F– (ATF) Classic sativa strain takes author back in time

By Rick Misterly

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

My first encounter with this cannabis variety was in October 1978 at a Barter Fair in Ione. Harvests were in, and my friends and I arrived with a truck full of apples and a new cider press. Colorful people came from places far and near, trading homemade goods and food to store for the coming winter.

A camp just across from us consisted of one guy sitting on a blanket whose only possession appeared to be a large hookah.

Even at an event populated by mainly freaks and hippies and no visible police presence, his set-up seemed a bit out of the ordinary.

He was more like a devotee on the banks of the Ganges or a dervish near the shrine of a Sufi saint in Afghanistan, like a carnival barker with a strong dose of itinerant conjurer.

To draw passersby to your booth, vendors would call out their offerings. “Apple cider!” “Winter squash!” “Potatoes!” Our neighbor’s cry to the masses through huge clouds of smoke was “Matanuska Thunder F–!”

As a public service, his venue was open from sunrise to whenever you found him rolled up asleep in his blanket. Anyone could sit on the blanket with him, partake and be set for the raucous festivities. Back then, many would agree that pot was a lot more fun, but at least now we don’t have to risk jail time for our favorite herb.

Today, a similar cultivar from Sweet Water Farms carries on the tradition of the original Matanuska Valley variety as a premium choice for waking and baking, as well as providing a needed boost any time of day.

Appearance: Pale green with purple undertones, a filled-out fluffy with good, fresh bounce. That can tell you a lot about the rest of the story. Nicely trimmed to the right balance of leaf, thickly salted with a complex web of bulbous-headed trichomes. Under magnification these cannabinoids resemble a forest of ice crystals against a dark background. The green is highly influenced by a thick

PHOTO BY RICK MISTERLY

Sweet Water Farms ATF offers an energy boost for physical activity. distribution of orange pistils coming from each individual flower. If judged by its looks alone, ATF would be right near the top.

Aroma: Lime zest and mint comes through with a deep, musky earthiness. I don’t know a thing about chemistry but ATF has all the right terpenes to supply a complex olfactory array. All three contribute unique profiles while also giving beneficial effects that make this such a joy to experience.

Effects: Lightning comes before the thunder and provides the spark that ignites ATF to bring on the effects. One toke can be taken any time whenever an energy boost is required or a general mood lifter is needed. As an attitude

adjuster, ATF can do the trick without giving a foggy head. The high is great for a clear, focused mind and physical activity.

Going beyond the initial hit will up the effects exponentially into powerfully euphoric territory. As is the usual case with top-quality cannabis, the long-term accelerated high can continue for quite some time before leveling off into a positive energy. Expect mind and body effects to take over and last for a good three hours or more. It’s a great ride if that’s what you are looking for. Maybe not right before bedtime or anytime you might be required to sit still in a confined spot.

Users new to cannabis or those looking for a more mellow high, take note.

Alaskan Thunder F– (ATF) Grown by Sweet Water Farms, Cheney 100% sativa

Total THC: 23.71% Total CBD: 0.11% Dominant Terpenes:

Myrcene, Ocimene, Pinene

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Friday, September 4, 2020

The Spokesman-Review