Evercannabis- Friday, December 6, 2019

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DECEMBER 2019

On �e Nice List

Gift ideas for cannabis connoisseurs SILKY SMOOTH

Can CBD stop aging?

A LONG TIME AGO

On a nearby

cannabis farm

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

WHAT CAN MAKE THE INDUSTRY IMPROVE IN 2020?

VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 12 DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Kathleen Coleman

DIRECTOR OF SALES Dan Fritts

MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler

HEALTH & CULTURE EDITOR Theresa Tanner

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anne Potter

EVERCANNABIS magazine is published monthly by The Spokesman-Review.

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From the

Editor’s Desk

H

appy holidays, and if I’m so bold, Merry Christmas to all those who appreciate such sentiments. A friendly nod to the rest of you in respect for any specific winter faith tradition, or lack of one.

Our EVERCANNABIS team has enjoyed watching Washington’s legal industry mature over the last few years. We’ve had fun presenting informative, even fun, stories, plus highlighting innovative and creative people as a way of showing readers that there’s much more to the industry than silly stoners.

We’ve also shared the frustrations of a complex traceability system, oversight by an agency that is sometimes seen as mistrustful, and a financial structure that creates all sorts of complex hoops to jump through, and some that aren’t able to be jumped through at all.

No wonder we sometimes hear about nostalgia for the pre-502/black market days.

Not so much about the unknown quality of product or the looming fear of arrest for growing or selling, but it’s not hard to miss the personal touch and the lack of paperwork – you got to know “your guy/gal” who provided you with your cannabis, and medical growers enjoyed being able to directly help improve someone’s quality of life.

Another component that’s sometimes missed is service – way back when, if you wanted or needed cannabis, all you had to do was call, and the seller might show up faster than Domino’s. Sure, many of today’s retailers now allow customers to order online, but you still have to go pick it up.

A recent column in MJNewsNetwork said “better customer service” is a big part of the reason why the cannabis black market still keeps a foothold in many states, especially the local delivery component.

After all, most restaurants now offer delivery service, and more grocery stores are either adding delivery options or they’ll at least bring your pre-ordered goods to your car. This is convenient, easy and doesn’t cost much more, which are all factors customers love. Even Amazon can get stuff to some of our Seattle-area friends in less than an hour.

Washington doesn’t currently allow third-party cannabis delivery, although the idea has been floated, especially for medical patients who have difficulties visiting stores.

But this proposal is usually shot down by safety advocates or law enforcement who worry that the courier or their product could be easily diverted.

There’s a lot of ideas we think have merit in 2020 to improve the state system. We hope to show the pros and cons of many of these in the months ahead. We’re also interested in what you would like to see! Happy New Year, everyone!

FREE EVERCANNABIS® distribution location?

Please contact 509.459.5095 or evercannabis@spokesman.com

Joe Butler Managing Editor

EVERCANNABIS CONTRIBUTORS

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Linda Ball is a freelance journalist based in Washington State. In her 18 years as a journalist she has covered a wide variety of topics including environmental issues, city hall, arts and entertainment, education, human interest stories and now the rapidly-changing cannabis industry.

Joe Butler is a longtime marketing writer and editor at The SpokesmanReview. 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 Our Community Harvest: A Cannabis Education Company (www.ourcommunityharvest.com); he tweets at @OurComHarvest. Rob lives in New Jersey and spends his free time cooking, playing tennis, and repairing an old house.

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.

Renee Sande has been a freelance writer for 12 years, covering the gamut from real estate to bridal to travel and now cannabis. A Spokane native, Renee has two kids and loves to explore, travel, run, read and write.

Theresa Tanner is the Health & Culture editor of EVERCANNABIS. Born and raised in Spokane, she enjoys good food and drink, pop culture podcasts, and relaxing at the lake.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

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News & Business 6 ANNUAL TOY DRIVE

Glass artists gather gifts for kids

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GIVE A LITTLE BIT

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GREEN GIFT GUIDE

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How cannabis can support nonprofits

What to buy your favorite canna-fan

GET CULTURED

Locals brand expands

LEMONHAZE

Mix business and laughter

Health & Science 12 THE SOURCE CBD

Spokane company seeks to educate, heal

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BEAUTY BAR

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SAFE TO VAPE?

Skincare products touting CBD

Retailers follow ban, new rules

Culture & Lifestyle 20 STONED WARS

DECEMBER CONTENT 6

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Iconic film series inspires strains

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MEET FARECHILD DOPE founders producing events

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WHAT TO WATCH

Stream along through the holidays

Learn & Grow 24 AGE GATES OPEN

Why websites ask for birthday

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BOOK REVIEW

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STRAIN OF THE MONTH

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Q&A: LABELS

Authors explain medical cannabis

Black Mamba

Understanding flower info

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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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

NEWS & BUSINESS

Glassblowers give back with annual toy drive

By LINDA BALL EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

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Spokane glass artists have hosted a movie night at The Garland Theater for five years, raising funds and collecting toys for local families in need. (Kirk Meyer Design)

hen Brandon Welk started Brando’s Toy Drive eight years ago, he never Welk’s philosophy is that not everyone has the ability to help someone out, but they can expected it would grow so big. always give money.

It began because Welk, a Spokane glassblower, enjoyed hosting a big “I learned if you can do something you should do something,” he said.

Thanksgiving dinner each year for his friends who may not have a family The largest cash donation the drive has received was $4,000 from an anonymous donor from to celebrate with. the cannabis industry, which he equated to 40 bicycles.

One year, he had the idea to ask guests to bring a toy to donate to charity. He had 40 people “I’ll spend hundreds of dollars on one family to be sure they get what they want,” he said. show up with toys, and then he raised a further $14,000 through a Facebook post seeking Beer said the movie night is in its fifth year. It will be held 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and the donations in exchange for entries for a drawing to win art created selected film is “The Night Before.” by him and other area glass artists.

He and Stumph have known Welk for 10 years, meeting through the glass Welk is part of a close-knit glassblowing community that community. embraced his toy drive. A glassblower for 22 years, he’s operated They also organize a movie night at the Garland in August to collect school his own studio, Montage, since 2009. He creates pipes, handmade supplies or cash for needy families, separate from the holiday toy drive. Beer bottles and pendants, among other items. said the Garland has been really supportive of their efforts.

Now, about 50 artists participate in the annual toy drive, and The two men pay out of their own pockets to rent the theater, but Beer said there’s even a competition to see who can donate the “coolest they get a bit of a break since it’s for a good cause. Everyone who attends toys.” gets a raffle ticket, and after the movie ends, they raffle off prizes, which Welk starts the drive right after Halloween and it culminates in often include glass art, paintings, gift certificates from tattoo artists and pies a movie night at the Garland Theater where his colleagues Steve from Green Bluff.

Beer and Royal Stumph rent the place to screen a Christmas “Brando has a huge list (of needy families),” Beer said. “I don’t know how comedy. Admission is a new toy or cash donation. he does it – it’s crazy. It’s so much fun, a super fun night.”

Welk said what makes this toy drive special is that he makes Beer said he grew up in a single-parent home. It was hard for his mom but sure kids get what they want, not some random toy. she always made a nice home for them. Now he’s grateful he can do this for “I was a poor kid, and I had a stupid yellow sweater from others. He said he got lucky being able to turn glassblowing into a career.

Toys for Tots, which was embarrassing,” he said. “Giving a kid His main focus is on pendants. something they don’t want is like giving them nothing.”

Beer has three kids, ages 1, 4 and 8, Welk has a 9-year-old nephew living His toy drive typically ends after Toys for Tots finishes theirs, with him and his wife. Stumph doesn’t have kids, but said this is a great way which helps him find out who still needs a gift. Sometimes he to give back to area youth in general. Plus, he gets to be the cool uncle. also finds families in need on his own, or he will bring toys to Stumph said his parents divorced when he was 12. He took his mom’s hard women’s and children’s shelters so the staff can distribute, since Movie night attendees are entered in a raffle to work for granted, but he now realizes what she did for her family. win prizes, such as custom glass art. they usually know what a specific kid might want or need.

“I’ve been a glassblower in Spokane for 20 years, and that doesn’t happen (Kirk Meyer Design) without the support of the community,” Stumph said.

When he gets cash donations, he also tries to find out what a given child may want. He said he doesn’t worry much about Welk said he has not organized as a 501(c)3 and doesn’t plan to since it getting scammed, and won’t turn anyone away. would just add to the work he already does.

If you’d like to help, visit www.facebook.com/Brandostoydrive/.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

Season of Giving

If you’re part of a non-profit and interested in accepting donations from cannabis operations, here are some questions to ask:

Cannabis companies face restrictions in their charitable efforts

By RENEE SANDE EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

C

1. Will your non-profit grant the same rights, public recognition, and benefits to a cannabis company as you would any other corporation?

Cannabis retailer Cinder recently hosted a gala benefitting the local nonprofit Unity in the Community. (Courtesy)

tobacco, marijuana and alcohol retailers keep drugs and annabis entrepreneurs face an interesting challenge alcohol out of the hands of youth, has accepted nearly especially this time of year: They have money $9,000 in donations from marijuana retailers. However, those to donate, but are hard-pressed finding someone donations are separate from all other revenue in its bank happy to take it. account and are only used for “hard costs,” like materials.

While non-profit organizations depend on their local Any materials purchased with marijuana funds are then communities to reach deep in their pockets, many aren’t marked with a special sticker. This way, if the federal willing or able to accept donations from the legal cannabis government ever changes its approach, they could easily industry. identify and seize funds that came from the marijuana “A lot of it has to do with other people they’re working industry, while leaving other donations untouched. with not being in support of cannabis, such as larger Coombes’s advice to other nonprofits considering beneficiaries, and also because [cannabis] being federally illegal, it’s a liability to accept,” said Becca Dietz, operations donations from the industry is to just be careful.

“We don’t know what the feds are going to do related to manager of Cinder in Spokane. “We have a huge desire to that funding,” Coombes said. “Just be wise and try to be work with local organizations and support our community as forward-thinking in how you handle effectively as we can. those funds.”

But there are a lot of While monetary donations come people who don’t want with a lot of risk, some cannabis our money.” businesses want to donate their time, While public something that is often welcomed. perception certainly “We really love getting together plays a big role in as a group and investing where we the hesitance of some live,” said Dietz. “While we’ve had a non-profits, the bigger lot of people say no to us, we’ve had roadblock for many of a few people say yes and those few them is the grey area relationships are so important to us.” of what they can and One of those “yes” responses cannot do with these came from Northwest Unity. Cinder funds and the financial staff has volunteered their time for risks they may face if the past couple of years helping out they choose to accept cannabis money.

Cinder staff has volunteered in recent years at Unity in the with the nonprofit’s Unity in the Community’s annual cultural festival in Riverfront Park. (Courtesy) Community festival at Riverfront If a non-profit isn’t Park. Cinder also just put on its federally funded, own gala, “Unity in Our Community,” bringing together the though, it may just come down to the non-profit simply cannabis community for a night benefitting the nonprofit. figuring out their own donation policies.

“It was cool for them to see our cannabis community Gordon Coombes, executive director of Team Fort Collins come together to support cultural cooperation, which is Responsible Association of Retailers, said the Colorado what they’re all about,” said Dietz. “We really love our nonprofit began updating its policies surrounding marijuana relationship with them, but would like to expand our donations a year ago and now actively accepts donations from the industry. But Coombes is extremely careful keeping [outreach] horizons, as well.” those funds separate from any other donations.

The program, which uses secret shoppers to make sure

2. Has your board of directors approved your organization’s acceptance of donations, in-kind product, and/or volunteers from a cannabis company?

3. Does your non-profit currently rely on government grants?

4. Will other donation sources be jeopardized?

5. Will accepting a cannabis donation be perceived as a conflict with your mission?

6. Are you familiar with 280E and what cannabis companies can and can’t do?

7. Are you willing to put in the time and energy to speak with the cannabis company’s compliance officer?

8. Is your board aware of possible liability?

(Board members are the fiduciary agents of your nonprofit, therefore they can be held personally liable if the federal government were to enforce federal laws around 280E.) 9. Are you in ownership of your 501c3 or do you have a fiscal sponsor?

10. Does your county have any restrictions on marketing cannabis or related products?

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

GANJA GIFTS Plenty of treats for your cannabis pals

By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Regardless of whether you love cannabis or shopping for grown-up consumers on your gift list, EVERCANNABIS is happy to offer all sorts of unique recommendations to get you in the mood for holiday shopping, entertaining, gift giving, or simple relaxation.

For Entertaining

1.

All-natural Mirth Provisions Legal Sparkling Tonics are a delicious mix of bubbles, fruit and locally-sourced ingredients. The exotic blends are great for creating the perfect Yuletide punch! Kick the party off with a cocktail made with Rainier Cherry (a hybrid), end the night with a hot toddy made with Lemon Ginger (an indica), or calm the crowd with Cranberry (a CBD). mirthprovisions.com

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Small-batch edibles from Venice Cookie Company are great for snacks, treats, or stocking stuffers. With a white chocolate, coconut cookie called the The Surfer, Honey Mustard Pretzels, or the Chipster – a chocolate chip and cranberry cookie – and classy, discreet packaging, you’ll find a multitude of reasons to grab these. vccbrands.com/venicecookie-company

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For holiday baking or cooking needs, look no further than Craft Elixirs and its wonderful line-up of sweet, savory or hot and spicy syrups. These elixirs come in all kinds of delightful combinations and are treasured by cannabis chefs throughout the Northwest. craftelixirs.com

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Handcrafted and incredibly delicious, Wave Edibles Fine Chocolates and Caramels take gift-giving up a notch. Lucky recipients will rave about these treats throughout the holiday season. waveedibles.com

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For the Ladies

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A thoughtful combination of natural ingredients and essential oils meet hemp-derived CBD in La Bloom Beauty CBD Lady Oil, intended to alleviate pain, bloating and cramps, as well as lower back pain, aches, sprains and bruises. labloombeauty.com

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Creators say THC-free Cannabis Eau de Parfume will remind you of “lazy afternoons spent dwelling on a favorite record.” The cannabis scent is balanced by spicy and herbaceous aromas with floral notes of muguet and magnolia. Malin and Goetz also sell candles and body wash in the same scent. malinandgoetz.com

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Fragrance company House of Matriarch has taken beverage crafting to another level with its High Flavor Exotic Natural Essences line-up, including PNW Cannabis Terepenes. Small mixology misters add an extra something for those seeking the next level of luxury and decadence. matriarch.biz

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High Beauty Skincare is one of the first skin care brands to formulate a whole line with cannabis sativa seed oil as the hero ingredient. Incredibly nutrient-dense with 20 amino acids, it’s a great source of essential fatty acids to provide healthy, beautiful skin. highbeauty.com

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

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For the Gentlemen

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Saints Joints Tattoo Art Boxes are gorgeous, finely detailed stash boxes, perfect for a few joints or blunts. Designed by tattoo artists and other Seattlearea craftspeople, they’re fantastic for someone who has everything and likes one-of-a-kind finds. saintsjoints.com

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A true gentleman always shares with the group in style. The next time you pass a J, use an Elevate Joint Tip, made with hand finished wood that is seasoned and conditioned with each use. Available in Black Walnut or Maple. elevateaccessories.com

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If you are not familiar with Ionic Single-use Vaporizer Pen, head to your favorite retailer! Right up there with single malt scotch and leather sofas as the epitome of luxury and class, these elegant vape pens are available in signature blend Social (hybrid), Focus (sativa-based blend) and Relax (indica-based blend). ionic.social

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Drop a few bottles of Mirth Giant shots in the stocking of your favorite adventure seeker. The small, one-shot bursts of robust botanicals are aligned with natural terpenes and favorite cannabis strains, whether you’re seeking a kick (Waking Sativa), a come-down (Gentle Indica), or harmony (Mental 1:1 CBD/THC). mirthprovisions.com/giant

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For Everyone

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Following the popularity of Fairwinds’ deep tissue and joint gel and cream, its latest transdermal innovation, FLOW Roll-On, provides fast, powerful relief with essential oils offering an intense cooling and warming sensation, plus enhanced circulation. Available in regular and extra-strength. fairwindscannabis.com/topicals

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Small, sweet, and discreet. The Atomic9 Vaporizer offers a revolutionary and patent-pending “Dual Layer” heating technology that combines the vapor consistency of convection heating with the space and energy efficiency of conduction heating in the smallest and most cost-effective convection heating vaporizer currently on the market. cloudious9.com/atomic9

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Crystals are thought to facilitate healing due to their vibrations, and rose quartz is considered the crystal of love and compassion. With a Natural Rose Quartz Stone Pipe, you can give the gift of a healthier aura, open heart, and promote love, friendship, and peace this holiday. prettypipeshop.com

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Airo Pro Vape Pen and Cartridges offers a new line of artisan-flavored pure distillate oil cartridges for its vape pens. Its oils are high-potency, pure distillate. Check out Buddha’s Smile (1:1 CBD to THC) or Tranquilitea (10:1 CBD to THC) when the holiday gets stressful. airo-vapor.com/store-locator

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

CONVENTION

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DECEMBER SPECIAL

brings cannabis pros to Tacoma

10% off Budtender Daily Selection

124 E RIVERSIDE AVE • IONE, WA • 509-442-3420 Hours Mon - Sat 10-7 Sun 11-5 Product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.

There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

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Lemonhaze founder Brian Yauger takes the mic at the Tacoma convention. (Kate A. Miner)

Great Gifts

By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

T

he Lemonhaze Cannabis Convention at the Tacoma Dome in October was a great success for founder Brian Yauger along with thousands of vendors, budtenders, and other Washington cannabis industry professionals.

Founded in Seattle, Lemonhaze offers social events with a focus on increasing the legal business of cannabis as well as promoting the convergence of education, networking, innovation, and collaboration.

Yauger defines Lemonhaze as a destination “where the industry comes together, and products go to launch.”

For its second year in Tacoma, the event was larger than the 2018 event, with about 5,000 guests, up from 3,000 last year. Lemonhaze also plans to move into other cities; Yauger is scheduling similar conventions in California, Oregon, Nevada, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

Entry to the convention and festival events was free for employees of I-502 retailers, producers and processors. Those outside the industry could purchase tickets for $99, which also included admittance to a comedy festival. Comedy is typically a feature at the Lemonhaze conventions; on Friday night, the Tacoma Uncanny Comedy Festival took center stage with hosts Ronny Chieng and Jubal Fresh.

Lemonhaze also featured budtender education, business-to-business sales meetings, exhibits, product launches, podcasts, entertainment, and multiple networking opportunities. The intention is to promote business growth and creativity within the marijuana culture.

This year’s primary sponsor was Leafly,

which presented a new cannabis guide that broadened strain definitions beyond indica and sativa. Under the new guide, consumers can better understand exactly what they’re ingesting. It breaks down details like CBD or THC into shapes and colors. This guide was a big topic of discussion throughout the two days, and Lemonhaze entry badges featured the different colorful geometric symbols.

There were also several continuing education classes offered for budtenders to maintain their medical marijuana consultant status, and a wide range of speaker panels.

One panel focused on the topic of vaping illnesses and Washington’s emergency ban on the sale of flavored vaping products.

Several cannabis companies were launching new products in response to this, such as Airo Pro and Ionic. The panel emphasized that it’s important to come together as an industry and focus on clean, safe products.

Many of the vendors were launching new products with health and wellness in mind, including lead-free vape cartridges from Atlas Technology; cartridges that use lowviscosity cannabis oil such as the RSO+Go; distilled cartridges from Buddies; outdoor organic Washington growers with vibrant displays; and the ever-expanding FLOW products from Fairwinds. Many vendors put on full product launches and participated in sales meetings throughout the two days.

At the end of each day was a full-industry party.

In just two years, Lemonhaze has quickly become a well-known industry motivator and collaborator, with the goal of bringing everyone together for business, but also having fun.

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

HEALTH & SCIENCE

GO TO THE SOURCE

Spokane company creates, sells CBD products

By JOE BUTLER EVERCANNABIS Writer

S

ometimes it only takes a handful of lotion to begin to change your perception.

Shaun McHenry, owner of The Source CBD in Spokane, sees this often, especially after he and Manager Reeno Walsh discuss the potential health benefits of hemp-based CBD products.

“We give people a little lotion and ask them to rub it on any spots where they may be feeling pain – they start to feel good, and now our foot is in the door,” he said. “Soon they’re in here wanting tinctures and other products, and bringing in their friends.”

Along with helping people reduce pain, McHenry also finds it satisfying to remove some of the stigma, uncertainty, or confusion about hemp/cannabis products.

The Source CBD creates tinctures, topicals, infused water and a variety of other craft CBD products derived from cannabinoids, which are natural compounds found in hemp plants. They interact with receptor sites in the human body to regulate and stimulate certain functions promoting equilibrium in the body.

Hemp plants grown today are bred specifically for their unique medicinal profiles, rich in cannabinoids and other natural healing compounds. Terpenes, flavanoids, and other minor cannabinoids are responsible for each strain’s unique smell, favor and benefit.

“We specialize in the major and minor cannabinoids and how they interact with each other,” McHenry said. “We try to put together the different pieces of the puzzle to find what works best for each person.”

How did you get started in the industry?

I’ve been working with and studying CBD products for almost seven years. This location used to be the Eastern Washington Cannabis Marketplace, and we worked with more than 5,000 medical marijuana patients a year. We had some of the greatest cannabis minds around collaborating about techniques and sharing relevant info with each other.

CBD was always the most fascinating cannabinoid to me, hitting so many receptors in the body, and regulating imbalances, which can be so destructive in day-to-day life. I’ve had the opportunity to see the whole evolution of the industry. A lot has changed, and a lot is changing, and I try to stay on the cutting edge.

We make everything here in our labs using ultrasonic homogenization and high shear mixing equipment which lets us combine cannabinoids and terpenes with various carrier oils.

What kind of customers do you have?

Because awareness of CBD is increasing and the stigma is disappearing, our customer base is very broad. We’ve seen firefighters, teachers, nurses, military, pretty much all walks of life.

The most interesting case I’ve seen was a gentleman who came in with a facial twitch, stutter and severe depression. He tried the crystal isolate, which is refined hemp oil, and he reported back that as long as he takes the isolate every six hours, he no longer suffers from the twitch or stutter, and his depression has been reduced greatly.

Part of helping people is just knowing how CBD works in the body. We start with our professional opinion of what combination might work best and adjust up or down after a consultation.

We’ve treated dogs, cats, parrots, horses, even a lizard!

How do people know what they’re getting in their CBD? CBD is really on the tip of everyone’s tongues, but they may not know much about it. Lately what we’ve been doing to educate people is going to area senior centers. Reeno has been doing group consultations for the last year-and-a-half.

We have reached many people, including some who don’t know how to Google or have the capacity to research all the data themselves. Some are not in good health, which can cause depression and anxiety, so our visits deliver valuable The Source CBD lab. (Courtesy) information. Our first class had 30 people, and some come back monthly. Our recommendation, if you’re looking for CBD, is to find someone with a good track record and years of success helping people. Reputation is important!

What’s next for The Source?

I want us to be a pinnacle of CBD knowledge for the community. We’re planning on starting a hemp farm in Michigan in 2020, which will grow proprietary strains. I enjoy looking for the best plant sources, and I also look for reputation, quality and third-party testing.

What products do you make?

Besides CBD products, we have isolates of Cannabigerol (CBG), which works mainly on receptor sites in the immune system. We infuse it in lotions, tinctures, and concentrates. We also just started working with Cannabidivarin (CBDV) which is known to reduce seizures and can help with diabetic issues.

The Source CBD

953 E. 3rd Ave. Spokane, WA, 99202 1-800-CBD-7612 thesourcecbd.com

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

THE CBDS OF SKINCARE

By TRACY DAMON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Y

ou know that if the Kardashians are doing something – anything – it is, or at least will be, a legit trend.

And since Kourtney K. now has her own anti-aging cannabidiol (CBD) serum and beauty mask, it appears that CBDs for your face are now an official thing.

Sephora has also jumped on the CBD-as-skincare bandwagon with a line of products that promise to moisturize, reduce puffiness, treat acne and banish redness. Several other major skincare companies are also coming on the market with their own lines.

But wait – if you go to any drugstore, you’ll find entire aisles of products that promise the same benefits except without any CBD. What’s the difference?

Many people believe CBD ingredients work more effectively than traditional beauty bar counterparts. Often, CBD products also announce that they’re certified organic and most are petroleum free.

“Let me read you the ingredients that ours contain,” said William Hiscox, general manager of True Nature Creations, an online CBD company based in Spokane Valley owned by William and Judy Hiscox. “It’s mostly organic oils, including argan oil, jojoba, rose hip seed oil, evening primrose, buckthorn oil, plus Vitamin E oil and full spectrum hemp extract.”

That sounds great, but is it any better than your classic Oil of Olay or other moisturizers and eye creams?

People have been using the antioxidant and antiinflammatory powers of CBDs for years for body aches and to reduce swelling, so it makes sense that the same properties can be used to reduce puffy eyes, fine lines and swelling and itching caused by psoriasis or eczema.

Hiscox says CBDs also have astringent and antiviral components to fight and prevent infections such as acne.

For facial use, Hiscox recommends True Nature Creations’ Radiance Facial Serum, formulated for anti-aging. A few drops once a day is plenty as CBDs are known for being particularly good at crossing membranes, such as skin and cells, to absorb faster into the system than chemical-based skincare products.

“It has two functions: it’s designed to absorb into the skin and bring full-spectrum cannabinoids into the skin,” Hiscox said. “But the other function is to protect the skin from oxidation and sun damage; to protect the outer layer.”

As for how CBDs work, scientists aren’t really sure.

“We don’t know exactly how and there’s not a lot of scientific evidence for it, said Hiscox, “But there is a lot of anecdotal evidence.”

For someone like Hiscox, a researcher with a Ph.D. in chemistry who runs a university laboratory, this may seem like a leap of faith. But he’s a believer, and a user of his own products.

“We know that they (CBDs) interact with the nervous system, which projects into the dermal layers of the skin so there is some evidence that it can reduce pain and inflammation of the skin, promote healing and otherwise protect the skin from damage,” he said.

Hiscox’s customers are also apparently convinced. True Nature Creations doesn’t advertise and yet sales are steady and growing. He says a lot of that is due to repeat customers and word of mouth.

It probably helps that True Nature Creations also provides something you might not get through larger skincare companies: information. On the company website, Hiscox maintains a blog and posts about developments in the CBD and hemp industries as well as other news and reviews.

What True Nature Creations doesn’t have is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in its serums and balms, the naturally-occurring chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychological effects.

“Not in our products. The products we’re interested in are full spectrum hemp products.”

Industrial hemp has a maximum allowable THC level of 0.3 percent.

So even if you ate Radiance Facial Serum (which you probably could because of the natural ingredients) you would never get high.

For those with these concerns or questions about CBDs and hemp, Hiscox has some simple advice: Look for documentation.

“Be careful and choose wisely. Choose companies that provide Certificates of Analysis as to the quantity of all cannibinoids in a product.”

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

17

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Dec. 7 Oregon Growers Cup, Riddle. The state’s oldest and largest cannabis competition returns for its fifth year, held inside a heated greenhouse at Nickel Mountain Organics. oregongrowerscup.com

Dec. 10 The Cannabis Alliance, Seattle. Monthly meeting of growers, retailers and other supporters of Washington’s cannabis system. thecannabisalliance.us Dec. 11-13 MJBizCon, Las Vegas. The event is billed as the world’s largest gathering of cannabis business professionals. It includes more than 1,300 exhibitors and 1,250 investors. mjbizconference.com/vegas/ Dec. 12 The Gateway Show, Seattle. Cheer on four comedians at Club Comedy who perform one set sober, get high at the break, and then return for another set. facebook.com/GatewayShow Dec. 14 Brando’s Toy Drive, Spokane. Annual toy drive for kids in need,

organized by local glass artists at the Garland Theater, features a screening of “The Night Before.” facebook.com/Brandostoydrive

Dec. 15 Idaho Cannabis Coalition Tour, Coeur d’Alene. Learn about the statewide signature drive to put medical marijuana on the 2020 election ballot. Tour stops include the Kootenai County Courthouse at 3 p.m., the Shoshone County Courthouse in Wallace at noon and the Bonner County Courthouse in Sandpoint at 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/pg/IdahoCann Jan. 10-11 Cannacon, Tacoma. One of the country’s largest cannabis shows brings together industry participants for networking and new product introductions. cannacon.org/northwest/northwest-cannacon Planning a cannabis-themed event for the public?

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

Cannabis industry concerned about unknowns of current flavored vape ban

By RENEE SANDE EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

I

ntroduce a sleek, stylish gadget that delivers nicotine or THC, but in a smoke- and odor-free form, and tastes like mint, fruit or crème brulee. What could go wrong, especially if it makes its way into the hands of curious, impressionable teenagers?

This blending of an addictive substance and sweet flavors plus the social appeal of smoking, at least among teens, has led to what health experts are calling an epidemic over vaping.

As of late October, lung injuries directly connected to vaping with electronic cigarettes have surpassed 1,299 cases in 46 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 24 deaths, all within a five-month period.

In Wisconsin, six otherwise healthy teens were admitted to a hospital in the same time period with shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue. In the following months similar reports came in from other states with similar or more severe symptoms.

In response, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee directed the Washington State Department of Health to adopt emergency rules to ban all flavored vaping products for 120 days, including those that contain nicotine and THC. The rule, which was passed Oct. 10, is set to expire in February.

The Liquor and Cannabis Board also has required retailers and growers to display signage and list ingredients in vape products. Retailers are also permitted to return unsold flavored vape products to processors for credit.

While the ages of the reported patients have ranged from 18 to 75, health authorities are especially concerned about the growing popularity of vaping among teens. From 2011 to 2018, the rate of vaping among U.S. high school students rose from 1.5%, or 220,000 students, to 20.8%, or 3.05 million students, per the Centers for Disease Control.

“The state [of Washington] is just saying that they’re going to take time to investigate the cause of some of these illnesses. So they’ve pointed their finger at flavored vapes, I think primarily because a lot of teenagers are getting involved with nicotine vape that is flavored,” said Becca Dietz, operations manager of Cinder in Spokane.

“I still believe those companies we were working with to be reliable and safe, personally, but on a professional level, we’re going to be compliant,” she said. “If there’s something unsafe, I certainly don’t want to sell it to my customers. I would rather know for sure.”

Washington Secretary of Health John Wiesman said the ban is a critical part of the response to the youth vaping epidemic.

“The evidence is clear that flavored e-cigarettes have fueled this epidemic – 97% of youth e-cigarette users report using a flavored product in the past month and 70% cite flavors as the reason for their use,” he said. “The recent spate of serious lung illnesses associated with e-cigarette use has added to the urgency of acting now to protect our kids and, indeed, the health of all Americans.”

Other states have also taken similar action to prohibit the sale of certain vaping products, including Massachusetts, Michigan and New York. In June, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to effectively ban all e-cigarette sales.

The other big question that even the industry is wondering is why the sudden rash of health incidents when vaping has been around since 2003?

Shilo Morgan, co-owner of the Lucky Leaf Co. holds a selection of unflavored cannabis cartridges that are not subject to the Department of Health ban. (Joe Butler)

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

“I don’t think it has anything to do with the [vaping] juices or the cannabis oils or the terpenes. All of these products have been on the market for well over a decade,” said John Dawson, co-owner of Kung Fu Vapes in Spokane. “As far as hardware goes, we’ve been spouting off about quality and oversight issues in our industry for years and how it’s really unregulated, which leaves the end consumer very susceptible to potential risk from cheap and shoddy black market hardware.”

The Food and Drug Administration and CDC both released warnings in September, urging those who use vaping devices not to buy them “off the street” or to modify ecigarettes or their intended substances.

While the FDA finally stepped in to regulate the industry in 2016, it only has authority over the manufacturing of vape products that contain nicotine. No federal agency monitors what goes into the vape products that claim to be non-nicotine, and FDA oversight may be years away.

“It makes it really tough because we don’t know what we’re looking for,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, the state epidemiologist for Minnesota, where several patients were admitted to intensive care as a result of the illness. She added that if it turns out that the products in question that have sickened people were sold by black market retailers and manufacturers, the investigation process will be much more difficult.

Dr. Dana Meaney-Delman, incident manager of the CDC’s response to the vapingrelated lung injuries, encourages people to abstain.

“While this investigation is ongoing, people should consider not using e-cigarette products,” she said “People who do use e-cigarette products should monitor themselves for symptoms, for example, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and vomiting – and promptly seek medical attention for any health concerns.”

Editor’s note: This story was written in late November, and may not reflect recent law changes or health advisories at the state or federal level regarding the legality or availability of vaping products, vape flavoring or vape ingredients.

Flavored vaping products were banned from being sold at cannabis retailers like Lucky Leaf Co. by the Department of Health on Thursday, Oct. 10. (Joe Butler).

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Pink Death Star This bud offers a complex terpene profile, with notes of cardamom, fennel, ginger, and pepper, and offers a naturally high THC percentage.

Known for its body-melting sedation.

R2-D2 Kush An indica-dominant hybrid strain, with a lemony pine scent.

C-3PO A sativa-dominant hybrid strain cultivated in Humboldt County, Calif., also with a fresh pine scent, is known to deliver relaxing effects with mental clarity due to high CBD content.

BB8 An indica variety from Lost River Seeds is part of a Star Wars Genetics series.

Plants produce purple and pink flowers with strong berry aromas.

Skywalker A 50/50 hybrid strain with a fruity aroma and a notably mellow, indicastyle high. It can sometimes leave a user feeling lazy or sleepy.

Skywalker OG Kush An indica-dominant strain with hybrid effects can make you feel like you’re in Cloud City.

Blazin’ Skywalker Small batch handcrafted edibles made from homegrown hydroponics.

Skywalker Alien An indica-dominant hybrid strain inherits a staggering THC content from its parent strains.

Sour Skywalker This rare hybrid offers a sour citrus burst like sour candy and is known to produce a sour pucker feeling.

THE GALACTIC CONNECTION Star Wars inspires creativity in the cannabis world

OG-1 Kenobi A dark, dank indica strain with relaxing physical effects that may include relief from pain while dulling nausea, anxiety, and stress.

Danny Fitzgerald of Staten Island, in Darth Vader costume, poses in front of Loews Astor Plaza movie theater in Times Square in New York, May 25, 1983, where fans lined up for the premiere of “Return of the Jedi,” the third in a series of the “Star Wars” saga.

(Dave Pickoff/AP)

By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

“Star Wars,”

just in case you’ve been living in another galaxy, is an epic space opera created by George Lucas. The first film premiered in 1977 and it has become a cult classic plus one of the most financially successful film and marketing franchises. This month, the ninth installment, “The Rise of Skywalker,” is expected to wrap up the saga we’ve come to know and love.

But the “Star Wars” phenomenon isn’t going anywhere, including its welcome place in cannabis culture.

What’s the appeal? Ask 10 cannabis consumers and you’ll get 10 different answers, “It’s cool,” “It’s a popular story that everyone knows and loves,” “Every time I smoke, I think of going to a galaxy, far, far away…”

Since “Star Wars” came out 40 years ago, there have been many strains named in reference to the movie.

Most older strains have OG in the name, a reference that many were crossed with Ocean Grown Kush, a particularly potent strain that originated in Afghanistan.

As cannabis has became more mainstream and a legal commodity in more states, some classic names had to be modified due to extra scrutiny from owners Lucasfilm and Disney, both of which known for swift action against trademark infringement. In some cases, this has led to variations in spelling or clever puns about “The Dank Side.”

So, whether you’re with the Rebel Alliance or the Imperials, roll through your day like BB8, or howl like Chewie, you may want to check out some of these prominent “Star Wars” strains.

Master Jedi This indica promotes full-body relaxation and sensations known to bring peace to both mind and body.

Master Yoda Also known as Yoda OG, is a cross between OG Kush and Master Kush, this indica-dominant hybrid has enough sativa buzz to inspire anyone to do, not try.

Jedi Kush A pure indica strain, with a 2% CBD count and THC levels between 19-25%. These Jedi-buds are spade-shaped, with orange and purple undertones. It’s known for peaceful and harmonious effects.

Red Eye Jedi This sativa-dominant hybrid concentrate is a cross between Skywalker and OG Kush that provides an incredibly potent buzz. Woody and sweet, it’s grown by Spokane’s Billows of Haze.

Lightsaber An indica dominant hybrid strain that may offer a euphoric feeling to cut through mental aches, chronic pain, depression, mood swings, nausea, and fatigue.

Jawa It won’t give you yellow eyes or capture droids, but this indica-dominant strain is believed to relieve anxiety and provide an uplifting and creative high.

Chewbacca A rare indica-dominant hybrid, known to deliver euphoria and calmness to the mind, also used to treat chronic pain and poor appetite.

Ewok An indica-dominant hybrid identified by short, furry red hairs that’s for its calming and energetic body high. It’s said to be ideal for dealing with inflammation, chronic pain, and ADD/ADHD. Hans Solo OG A fruity, sativa-dominant hybrid with cerebral effects, it’s often used by patients seeking symptomatic relief associated to conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, migraines, nausea, and PMS. Princess Leia A potent sativa-dominant hybrid bred by Terrapin Care Station that has a tropical fruit flavor, and provides a strong cerebral high, with euphoric boosts of creative, motivating happiness.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

BRIEFS CRAFT CANNABIS OPENS IN WENATCHEE WENATCHEE – The Joint is now Craft Cannabis.

Although The Joint still owns several franchise locations in Western Washington, it recently sold the Wenatchee location.

Craft Cannabis opened over the summer and offers adult shoppers a large selection of flower, concentrate and edibles, along with pipes and other gear.

The change in ownership involved a renovation that the new owners say will allow the shop to carry and display between four and five times the product as before.

The new owners have also raised wages and offer health and dental benefits for budtenders. They added an ordering kiosk and plan to implement a customer loyalty/reward plan with points upon purchase to use for future discounts.

Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

The Joint has locations in Bellingham, Burien, Burlington, Kirkland, Seattle’s University District and Tacoma.

Source: EVERCANNABIS

LCB SHUTS DOWN ILLEGAL SHOP OLYMPIA – The Washington State Liquor and Control Board recently shut down a cannabis retailer called Northwest Alternative Care, accusing it of selling products without authorization or a proper retail license.

Owner Edward Randall, 54, was arrested on two charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. The shop on Black Lake Boulevard originally was a licensed medical marijuana dispensary.

During a raid on the business, LCB officials seized more than a pound of flower, selections of concentrates and infused edibles. Cash, business records and electronic devices were also seized.

LCB spokesman Brian Smith said many of the items were not legal to sell, even if the shop had a valid retail license, such as infused gummi bears and Rice Krispie treats. It also sold flavored vape products, which are currently banned.

Smith said the LCB launched an investigation over the summer after hearing complaints about the store. An undercover officer made three cannabis purchases in September and October.

There was also an attempted armed robbery in July. Police documents indicated that the suspects targeted this shop since they didn’t believe that Randall would call authorities to report the crime.

Source: The Olympian

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HEMP FARMER REPORTS PLANT THEFT PASCO – A Franklin County farmer believes confusion between hemp and marijuana is responsible for the theft of his hemp plants.

Matthew Morrell, owner of MM Hay Services, reported that more than $70,000 worth of hemp plants have been stolen this year, most during harvest time. The thefts began with a few missing plants, but he said armed people are arriving in vehicles to steal larger quantities.

The plants generally look and smell like marijuana but only have tiny amounts of THC, a compound that causes the marijuana “high.” Hemp has industrial uses, everything from textiles to wellness products to consumer goods.

“It’s just a standard crop like corn or wheat or alfalfa or anything else now,” Morrell said. He reported several thefts in September and October to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Jim Raymond said several people have already been arrested as suspects in connection with the theft and trespassing, and he advises others that it’s not worth the effort.

Morrell said he’s has hired more security people to allow his crew Source: KOMO TV to complete this year’s harvest.

BLACKOUTS, FIRE AFFECTING LEGAL MARKET SACRAMENTO – Many California cannabis growers and retailers have been impacted by a series of mandatory electric power outages in October and November.

Many indoor growers require certain types of light for certain amounts of time for ideal cultivation. While most had small-scale back-up generators for emergencies, some blackouts were longer than anticipated so growers couldn’t provide adequate power for an entire grow area.

Many growers also require plants to be in certain temperature ranges for optimal growth. If freshly-cut cannabis plants aren’t properly maintained, dangerous moisture can move in within two days. Terpenes, or natural flavorings, could also decrease.

Growers are also required to communicate with shops to discuss quantities and types of upcoming orders and then report their information to the state. But if computer systems and some phone networks are down for extended periods of time, this track-andtrace communication can’t happen, resulting in incomplete or rejected orders.

This could also impact outdoor farmers, who may not be able to process fresh plants, resulting in spoiled product.

Pacific Gas & Electric, the state’s largest utility, began to implement a series of statewide power outages in October in hopes of reducing the risk of catastrophic fires from strong winds. The outages affected more than 1 million people.

Source: Leafly

IDAHO POLICE STILL HAVE SEIZED HEMP BOISE – What Idaho State Police initially claimed was a record-sized pot bust has led to an apparent mystery of where the seized plants are located.

In January, a tractor-trailer carrying industrial hemp plants from a farm in Oregon to a processor in Colorado stopped for inspection at an Idaho weighstation. An ISP canine unit indicated that marijuana was present, leading to the arrest of the driver on felony drug trafficking charges.

The ISP said about 6,700 pounds of plants were seized, valued at about $1.3 million. However, the owner of the load, Big Sky Scientific, provided documents showing that its legal hemp had less than .3 percent THC. The company filed suit in February against the ISP and Ada County, saying the plants’ value would drop the longer they remained impounded.

The ISP said they didn’t have the technology to measure THC levels or distinguish hemp from marijuana, so it legally fits the definition of marijuana.

Over the summer, the driver pleaded guilty to misdemeanor failure to providing supporting documents. The trailer was returned to Oregon, but the plants were not included.

In October, Big Sky officials filed suit in Ada County seeking the return of the plants, saying they still don’t know where they are or their condition.

Source: Idaho Statesman

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

I DOPE magazine founders bringing expertise to events with Farechild

By LINDA BALL EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Farechild produced its first event, “It’s Lit,” in Seattle on 4/20. Presented by IONIC, the event featured dishes by some of Seattle’s finest chefs, art and entertainment. (Josh Flynn)

magine a Ticketmaster of sorts, but for cannabis events. And, in addition to selling tickets, it also can provide event planning and production assistance.

That’s the goal of Farechild, a new event platform created by Seattle’s David Tran, 43, and James Zachodni, 41, founders of DOPE magazine.

Last year, they sold their magazine to High Times in order to further grow the brand, Zachodni said. In the first three years of DOPE, they had zero investors, but eventually published print editions in seven states and regions.

DOPE grew bigger than they expected so they became open to the idea of acquisition. The two men had crossed paths with the High Times people many times and agreed a sale would be a great opportunity for them and for High Times.

Zachodni, Farechild CEO, said he and Tran agreed to the sale because they knew High Times wouldn’t dismantle all the years of organic growth at DOPE. As the chief architect of DOPE’s events for several years, Zachodni said that he and Tran decided to find ways to make it easier to produce cannabis events nationwide. The pair looked at various promotion and ticketing platforms when designing Farechild and also found a bank that would accept their funds.

Headquartered in Seattle, Farechild is officially a technology platform, but Zachodni and Tran also have already started producing events. On Sept. 12, approximately 400 people attended the 10th anniversary party for Wick and Mortar, a boutique cannabis branding agency in Seattle.

One of the ongoing challenges in cannabis event planning is finding

the right venue. Questions often arise, including whether a location is comfortable with cannabis products being on display, or if it offers a private patio or outdoor area for cannabis consumption.

Farechild is working to compile a list of venues in different communities based on their level of comfort with cannabis. Zachodni said they hope to have a robust list of up to 100 cannabis-friendly venues across the United State and eventually Canada.

Zachodni and Tran contract out a lot of the work, but with the recent acquisition of Catalyst, a mainstream boutique event production company, they can supply their own light and sound equipment.

The marketing plan is to zero in on specific consumer preferences from event attendees to curate events that will get producers and attendees excited using microdata points, all the while remaining transparent.

Both Zachodni and Tran have years of experience in nightlife, media, marketing and event production. Zachodni was a competitive elite flair bartender before founding DList Magazine in 2007, which showcased the Seattle bar, restaurant, fashion and nightlife scene. Tran is a former promoter and club owner.

Farechild’s official national launch party takes place Dec. 12 at MJBIzCon in Las Vegas, considered the world’s largest cannabis event.

James Zachodni and David Tran (James Langer and Jordan Swenson)

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

International Sitcom: Family Business Total binge: Six 30-minute episodes (3 hours) Watch it with: Chill parents and siblings

Holiday Binge

Stream these shows during your winter travels

By THERESA TANNER EVERCANNABIS Writer

T

he holidays are a great time to catch up on buzzworthy shows you haven’t watched yet. If you’re traveling, you might be killing time in airports or on the road. And if you’re spending time with family, you might be searching for something to watch that will suit a range of tastes.

The following Netflix originals can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets for off-line viewing.

When Joseph (Jonathan Cohen) gets a tip that France is about to legalize cannabis, he and his friends scheme to turn his father’s kosher butcher shop into Paris’s first cannabis store. But nothing goes according to plan, of course. With an intergenerational and multicultural cast, the high jinks of “Family Business” feel grounded in reality, with just enough suspension of disbelief to warrant the antics.

Mystery Box: Russian Doll

Total binge: Eight 30-minute episodes (4 hours) Watch it with: Your aunt that loves puzzles The logline of “Russian Doll” – a woman keeps reliving her 36th birthday party – doesn’t foretell the most original premise, but the 8-episode series has some singular storytelling and performances.

Created by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland and Amy Poehler, and starring Lyonne, the show is simultaneously whimsical and heartbreaking. Unlike other shows that go down a rabbit hole of identity, mortality and other questions of the human condition, it’s a perfectly succinct and satisfying watch.

True Crime: Murder Mountain

Total binge: Six 45-minute episodes (4.5 hours) Watch it with: An S.O. who is obsessed with serial killers If you’re looking for something a little serious, this docuseries covers the evolving community and culture of California’s Humboldt County, well-known for its production of black market cannabis since the 1970s. As local farmers grapple with the challenges and frustrations of a newly-legal market, viewers learn

23

about the dark side of the Humboldt, including unusually high numbers of missing persons and murders.

Game Show: Nailed It!

Total binge: Twenty-five 35-minute episodes plus one 12-minute bonus episode (15 hours) Watch it with: Kids of all ages With three regular seasons and one holiday season, you’ll definitely want to stock up on some sweet snacks as you binge this baking competition show. Featuring the delightful hosting talents of comedian Nicole Byer and chocolatier Jacques Torres, “Nailed It!” puts amateur bakers to the test in cake decorating challenges. It’s basically a “Pinterest Fail” photo come to life.

Adult Animation: Big Mouth

Total binge: Thirty 30-minute episodes plus one 45-minute holiday special (16 hours) • Watch it with: The friends you grew up with A raunchy cartoon about hormonal pre-teens that’s sweetly relatable with nuanced depictions of relationships, sexual identity and consent? With an all-star voice cast led by the frantic energy of co-creator Nick Kroll (“The League”, “Kroll Show”), this animated series is foul-mouthed and funny.

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

LEARN & GROW

WEBSITE “AGE GATES”:

Effective or more hoops to jump through?

By TRACY DAMON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

I

f you’ve ever visited a cannabis website of any kind, you’ve passed through an ‘age gate.’

Also known as an age verification system, an age gate is an electronic protection measure to restrict access to those not of legal age. It usually consists of a screen that pops up when you visit a cannabis website that requires you to attest that you are at least 21 years old.

In this day and age of technology (and hacks to get around it) what is the point of an age gate? Anyone can lie about their age. And just because someone can get into a website to look at cannabis products doesn’t mean they can buy them, right? So why are they still a thing?

“It’s a good faith effort,” said Caitlyn Walsh, manager at Spokane Green Leaf in north Spokane.

According to Walsh, age verification systems demonstrate

to the government that a company took steps to prevent minors from accessing their products.

“It’s just to stay compliant with Washington state rules about not selling to people under the age of 21,” she said.

Technically, there is nothing in Washington state or federal law that says age gates must keep i502 businesses in compliance. None of the businesses contacted for this article, or additional research, produced rules that specifically mandate age verification systems.

The companies contacted all said they include them simply to check off a box showing they are adhering to one of the priorities in the Cole Memorandum, a 2013 memo from then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole that outlines marijuana enforcement under the Controlled Substances Act. One of the priorities is preventing distribution of marijuana

to minors.

Age gates became the preferred way to demonstrate that websites aren’t open to underage visitors. It’s a low cost, low effort way to – for lack of a better term – cover one’s assets.

Most businesses contacted said they don’t even design their own age identification system or provide input into what they should look like; they just tell site designers their needs and the company decides which ‘gate’ to use.

As a result, there are a variety of styles of age verification systems. Most cannabis businesses have a screen that requires you to input your birthdate, either manually or through a drop down option where you can scroll to your date, month and year. Others, like Spokane Green Leaf, asks “Are you over 21?” and you can select “yes” or “no.”

Local’s Canna House in Spokane Valley has an age verification system that looks more like a pop-up ad. After opening the homepage, a screen pops up that tells visitors “You must be at least 21 to continue viewing this site.” And that’s it. No place to enter or verify your age. Just a big X you click to close the pop-up screen and get to the rest of the website.

Apex Cannabis shops in Otis Orchard, downtown Spokane, and Moses Lake have a completely different style age gate – a slider bar that you move right and left until you reach your age.

But does anyone use their real age with an age gate? The common perception is that most people just spin the wheel until it reaches a date that makes them over 21. And it’s hard to prove otherwise. Businesses contacted for this article say they don’t attempt to gather demographic data from age verification systems and there is no way to monitor if people are submitting actual ages. There is also no penalty for not entering a correct age, so no one is pretending that it doesn’t happen.

“We definitely don’t want to have those under the legal age on our site, but we realize the internet can be manipulated,” said Walsh.

While it is a minor inconvenience, you occasionally hear someone complain that they have to jump through the age gate hoop every time they pre-order marijuana products, or browse to see what is available. Even repeat customers have to navigate the age gate every visit.

Walsh says concerns about alienating customers with age verification system are a non-issue, for the most part.

“I spend a lot of time looking at other websites, so sometimes I get irritated at having to do it over and over again but I’ve never heard (complaints) from anyone else.”

If you lived in places where an alternative system is used, like Nova Scotia, you might be more irritated: Online age verification systems aren’t used there. Instead, those who wish to buy cannabis online must go to a liquor store and show identification to establish legal age before getting a PIN number they can use to access cannabis websites in the future.

Meanwhile, in Washington State, no in-person appearance is required in advance of ordering cannabis online, but you are required to show your ID when picking up an order in store.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

NATURE’S MEDICINE?

Authors explain science of cannabis and how it works

By THERESA TANNER EVERCANNABIS Writer

T

he cyclical nature of popular culture is quite fascinating in its predictability. Fashion trends, music styles and even political viewpoints seem to have a way of coming back into vogue every few generations.

Just think – about 100 years ago, it wasn’t unusual to find tinctures of cannabis in drug stores and medicine cabinets

throughout the United States. And we’re getting back to that, with 33 states and the District of Columbia legalizing medical-use cannabis, and many more allowing CBD products.

Such a big shift has generated a lot of curiosity and confusion for people of all ages. It’s hard to go from thinking something is illegal and harmful to the view that it could actually have health benefits.

“Cannabis & CBD for Health & Wellness: An Essential Guide for Using Nature’s Medicine to Relieve Stress, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Inflammation, and More” (Ten Speed Press) is a new book by Aliza Sherman, co-founder of the women’s cannabis wellness network Ellementa, and Dr. Junella Chin, an osteopathic physician and founder of MedLeafRX, that shares how cannabis can be safely used to treat a range of conditions.

Like a number of cannabis guidebooks landing on shelves in recent years, there’s plenty of background to establish and terminology to explain, especially for newbies whose knowledge of cannabis has largely been influenced by the War on Drugs narrative or depictions in “stoner” media.

The authors spend the early chapters focusing on the science of the plant itself and how its chemical compounds called cannabinoids – the most well-known, THC and CBD, are just two of hundreds – interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps other biological systems regulate physical and cognitive functions.

“Some scientists think that many human ailments and diseases … stem from an imbalance or weakness in the ECS and can be (or even have been) successfully treated by introducing phytocannabinoids (or plant cannabinoids) into the body,” write Sherman and Chin in chapter 3.

The middle section of the book is devoted to familiarizing readers with the distinctions between cannabinoids and terpenes, and various forms for cannabis along with methods of consumption or application. Unlike other primers, the text focuses more on how certain methods may be conducive for certain medical conditions.

The real meat for an individual seeking information about how cannabis, especially CBD, can be used medicinally comes in chapters 8 through 12, which include information about beginning and evaluating moderated consumption through microdosing, as well as anecdotal information about Dr. Chin’s patients and their treatments of acute and chronic conditions with cannabis.

Providing background for the patient’s condition, the book describes Dr. Chin’s recommended treatments and her work in tandem with the patient’s other physicians to monitor their progress.

Like many other medical treatment plans, there was often a need to adjust or eliminate certain doses that had detrimental side effects. Patience seems to be the guiding principle for people seeking relief through cannabis, whether higher or lower level CBD products.

It may take months to work, but after years of pain and suffering without relief from traditional medicine, it’s a process that many are desperate to begin exploring.

Ultimately, though, the stories in this book are just anecdotes. Although opportunities to research cannabis are growing, scientists are still restricted by the federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug.

Sherman and Chin’s book is a good starting place, but attempts to manage a condition with cannabis should be pursued in consultation with a medical professional.

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

BLACK MAMBA Green Force Pharm, Tonasket

THC 19.5% CBD 0.16% Total Terpenes: 28.38% mg/g Dominant Terpenes: Linalool 8.95 mg/g Limonene 6.25 mg/g Caryophyllene 5.30 mg/g

By RICK MISTERLY EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

This time of year, as days retreat into darkness, it’s easy for our thoughts to drift back to summer and remember the wonderful power of the sun and how it is able to drive everything in the plant kingdom to grow and bloom, including cannabis.

While day length, weather conditions and the changing of seasons may mean nothing to indoor growers, they all have an influence on growers who let their plants express their true nature under sunlight.

So why, with so much at stake, do some growers gamble on subjecting their valuable crop to the fickle whims of weather?

Jake Cowin, general manager of Green Force Pharm in Tonasket, has an answer.

“One of my favorite factors of sungrown cannabis is purely aesthetic,” he said. “Cannabis in natural sun maintains its natural hue of green that is more appealing to the eye, which you just don’t get under HPS lights.”

He also said that in late flowering stages, when temperatures drop low, the fan leaves and flower naturally turn a deep purple, depending on the strain.

Regardless of whether cannabis is grown by the sun via indoor, pests remain a problem and play a huge role in crop management and quality. Jake says that by growing in the sun you can really see how the plant and the

environment interact.

All of this effort is evident in Green Force Pharm’s Black Mamba.

Appearance: Very frosty, mixed with light and dark green hues, highlighted with fine reddish, golden pistils. Almost all leaf has been removed, leaving pressed flowers held together with every surface glazed in translucent trichomes. They appear to be very hard nugs, but are surprisingly still springy.

Aroma: Upon opening, the primary scent is a fresh strong lemon balm that could come from both Linalool and Limonene.

This is followed by a sweet floral aroma, and finishes with a dry earthy spice from the Caryophellene.

Effects: By the second hit, I can feel time slowing as the smooth smoke disperses. The THC comes on quickly, thanks to high levels of the primary terpenes that help overcome any anxiety, along with some sedation while maintaining an active mind and uplifted state.

These pleasant effects stayed with me for a four hours and made a nice transition from afternoon to evening. Black Mamba is a good choice to celebrate the rebirth of the sun with the winter solstice later this month.

evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019

Q&A:

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Decoding Cannabis Labels

By ROB MEJIA EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

budtender. When I got home, I forgot what some of the symbols and numbers mean on the label. Can you help me know what to look for in what I smoke? Signed TMI Cannabis labels include a wealth of information, but can often be difficult to read and understand.

These labels have a big mission: Pack a great deal of information onto a small package in state-specific markets that are continually changing. As shops strive to be transparent and compliant, labels are rich with information. However, the result is often a small, cramped label containing abbreviations and symbols to save space.

Let’s look first as some key label information: According to the State of Washington, a cannabis flower package “must protect the product from contamination” and “must not impart any toxic … substance” to the product. The label must list “the business name and the business’ 9-digit Washington state unified business identifier.” This 9-digit number allows the state to trace the package from dispensary to consumer. The net weight is also mandated with grams and ounces being standard measurements. In addition, percentages of THC, THCA (what THC becomes when heated) and CBD must be included.

Producers must also disclose via website or QR code which pesticides, if any, were used. State-approved warnings are required on each package.

They can include optional information like harvest, best-if-used-by, and manufacturing

A.

dates, along with other cannabinoids or terpenes. Some list third-party verified testing labs, which can be provided upon the consumers’ request. While this information is optional, it is also regulated by the state.

The state also dictates what’s prohibited on labels, including “false or misleading information,” promotion of overconsumption, or claims of therapeutic effects. Labels cannot depict an underage person or include objects such as toys or cartoon characters that would appeal to children.

Now that we know how much information the state requires on a cannabis flower label, let’s look at an actual label below from The High Road, a family-owned and -operated cannabis producer in Deer Park that grows pesticide-free cannabis indoors. See if you can pass this quick quiz … check your answers below!

Dispensary Name ___________________ Product Name ______________________ How many grams? ___________________ % of Total THC______________________ % of CBD __________________________ Tracking number_____________________ Was this grown using pesticides? _______ BONUS Name the terpenes ____________ found in Lemon Skunk.________________ Hopefully reading labels is now a bit clearer. This information is crucial as you mindfully chart your consumption. I recommend keeping a cannabis journal, especially if you are new to cannabis as part of a health regimen.

Grams $5

Half Ounce $45

Eighths $15

Ounces $100

Quarters $30

1G Oil $10

Munchie Monday - 20% OFF Edibles Tanker Tuesday - $15 .5g Cartridges Waxy Wednesday - 20% OFF Concentrates Thirsty Thursday - 20% OFF Beverages Fire Friday - 20% OFF Select Farms Super Saver Saturday - 25% OFF Concentrates Double Dip Sunday - 2x Baker Points

Vendor Days Every Friday!

(509) 244-8728 1515 S Lyons Rd Airway Heights, WA Mon-Sat: 8:30-12:00 | Sun: 10:00-11:00 Tokerfriendlyspokane.com

ANSWERS The High Road Lemon Skunk 3.5 grams 25.95%, .16% 603350069No BONUS Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, Humulene

bought some flower with Q.Itherecently advice and guidance of a kind

Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breast feeding. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.

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evercannabis is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Friday, December 6, 2019