Evercannabis September 2019

EVERCANNABIS

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SEPTEMBER 2019

GETTING INKED

Artists see more acceptance of cannabis in culture

HASHTAG OUTREACH

Seniors curious but cautious

RED EYE SURPRISE

The telltale sign you’re high

LIVE LOCALLY

Homegrown support for farmers

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

VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 9 DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Kathleen Coleman

DIRECTOR OF SALES Dan Fritts

MANAGING EDITOR Joe Butler

From the

Editor’s Desk

HEALTH & CULTURE EDITOR Theresa Tanner

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anne Potter

The Spokesman-Review EDITORIAL TEAM Kip Hill Rebecca White Jesse Tinsley

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Forget your troubles, c’mon get happy

I

should really be writing about the state’s traceability software meltdown. As you read this, though, it might be fixed.

At its relaunch in mid-July, the industry’s official system was politely called “buggy.” If you can call buggy not always recognizing valid data, and even bringing back deleted data, then, yes, there were quite a few bugs.

Growers, transporters and retailers found themselves unable to do business. Although the LCB gave permission to seek workarounds without fear of penalties, the software snafu is a scary and financially painful crisis to add onto an already volatile market.

This actually might be a perfect time to consider easing up on some tracking requirements as part of “LCB 2.0,” a new approach by regulators to be more collaborative instead of heavy-handed. When growers say, “We’re fine being audited more,” as a less painful option to sticking with seed-to-sale traceability, maybe it’s a smarter direction to consider.

In the meantime, let’s turn those industry woes into laughter. A few months ago, I was researching past cannabis coverage by The Spokesman-Review and the Spokane Chronicle. For some readers, these stories were the only exposure they had to this wacky weed.

“Area pot farmers viewed as generally non-violent,” Aug. 21, 1983. A comparison of underground farmers in Washington, Oregon and Idaho indicated that the Washington ones were considered “nicer,”

at least in terms of NOT setting lethal tripwires and other explosive booby traps or trying to intimidate local authorities.

“Lawmen have bumper ‘pot’ crop,” Aug. 13, 1974.

The Spokane Sheriff’s Office busted one farm that had 10,000 plants strategically planted in alternating rows with corn. The street value then was about $125 a pound. (Legal cannabis is now about $600-$800/pound in Washington.)

“Pot spraying on U.S. lands causes fears,” Jan. 19, 1984. Spokane and North Idaho citizens concerned about impacts to plants, wildlife and waterways criticized DEA proposals to spray toxins over illegal farms in national forests, rather than raiding them.

“Panhandle doctors repudiate pot stand,” Jan. 1, 1976. After the North Idaho Medical Association approved an initiative to promote efforts to make marijuana possession and use legal and then declare alcohol to be more dangerous, other physicians said this group didn’t speak for them.

“Black Market ‘Pot’ is not problem,” Jan. 8. 1970.

Spokane law enforcement provided mixed messages at a community forum: “Pot isn’t the worst thing in the world but it’s far from the best thing in the world.” (Deputies were concerned about today’s illegal pot being more potent than it used to be – but said LSD and heroin were worse.)

“Nun surprised to find her bush gone to pot,” July 18, 1974. This crowd-favorite headline described how Sister Mary Jane Courtman discovered that a shrub outside her West Mallon home that she and other sisters had been taking care of turned out to be a mature marijuana plant.

Do any of you remember these or other sensational local cannabis stories? Contact us at EVERCANNABIS@spokesman. com to share the fun.

Joe Butler Managing Editor

EVERCANNABIS CONTRIBUTORS Linda Ball is a freelance journalist based in Washington State who has covered a variety of topics including environmental issues, city hall, arts and entertainment, education, human interest stories and now the rapidly-changing cannabis industry.

Tom Bowers left his life as a Spokesman-Review columnist in 2008 to seek his fortune in the world. He consults for cannabis, beer, and recording industries as the founder and managing director of Propagate Consultants.

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.

John Nelson is a longtime journalist, having worked at major news operations in Spokane, Memphis and Seattle. He is a freelance journalist, writing about outdoors recreation, marijuana and recreational vehicles.

Rob Mejia is president of Our Community Harvest: A Cannabis Education Company; he tweets

at @OurComHarvest. Rob lives in New Jersey and spends his free time cooking, playing tennis, and repairing an old house.

Taryn Mickelson is originally from New Mexico and now works in Washington’s cannabis industry.

She enjoys writing about the positive changes in this rapidlygrowing business.

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. He’s the cannabis and hashish curator for Green Barn Farms in Addy and writes the “Rick’s World of Hashish” blog.

Danielle Rosellison is a mother, advocate and entrepreneur. She owns Trail Blazin’, a Whatcom County cannabis farm, and is a past president of The Cannabis Alliance.

September

CONTENT

INSIDE News & Business 6

EMERALD JANE’S

Seattle grower moves, expands south

8

COUNCIL VOTES YES

Valley approves transportation offices

9

SENIOR TOURS Seattle retailer welcomes 60+

10

SPEAKEASY VIBES High Society elevates experience

Health & Science 16

MORE ED FOR MED Researchers examine training

17

BLOODSHOT WOES Why does cannabis cause red eye?

18

INSURANCE OPTIONS Underwriters reevaluate guidelines

BODY ART

Cannabis enthusiasts show love for life

14

Culture & Lifestyle 20

LISTEN AND LEARN Podcasts inform, entertain

21

CARTOON CANNABIS “South Park” branded cannabis?

Learn & Grow 22

FARMER FRIENDS Ways to support local growers

23

BUSINESS PRO Steve Lee shares know-how

24

Q&A: RISE UP Canna convos get political, personal

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Marijuana and marijuana-infused products are legal for Washington residents 21 years and older. It has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.

It can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. There may be health risks associated with consumption.

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

NEWS & BUSINESS

Bigger goals for Emerald Jane’s Grower looking to appeal to all with reboot

By JOHN NELSON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

C

hances are you haven’t seen much Emerald Jane’s premium flower cannabis on the market.

That’s about to change.

The Western Washington grower is ramping things up, with a new state-of-the-art facility in Tacoma that will expand production ninefold over its previous location in Lake City, north of downtown Seattle.

“If I had my way, we’d have our product in 300 stores statewide,” said Marty Duffy, facility manager and grow master for Emerald Jane’s.

Previously, the company’s high-end weed was available only at a few locations in the

Seattle area. Starting in October, consumers across the state will see its product in more shops.

It’s all part of a business reboot. Emerald Jane’s has its fans, but it’s more expensive than many competitors. As retail cannabis prices continue to drop around Washington, the company needed to expand and streamline production in order to lower prices, Duffy said.

“We only sell premium cannabis,” he said.

“We know our product is better, but we were more expensive. We couldn’t compete.

“Right now, you’re only seeing the strong survive in this industry,” Duffy added,

pointing to Spokane Valley’s GrowOp Farms, maker of Phat Panda, as an example of a competitor that continues to expand on the marketplace. “They’re everywhere now.”

Lowering production costs and offering more choices is Emerald Jane’s business plan to become a statewide player. The company is even considering building an additional grow facility on its Tacoma site, Duffy said.

“Our goal is to move product,” he said.

“We need to be like Walmart instead of Nordstrom.”

The new grow facility, built on the site of a former hockey rink, will make Emerald Jane’s a Tier 2 grower with 10,000 square feet of soft canopy. Duffy designed the facility himself, with the help of an architect, to automate watering and feeding of the cannabis plants. Harvests will be streamlined through a system of movable racks.

While many new systems will ease production, Duffy said Emerald Jane’s will still invest in operations that are important to the company brand. Plants are hand-trimmed and harvested flowers are jar-cured, sealing in freshness, Duffy said.

In addition, Emerald Jane’s will continue to use no pesticides, relying on biological pest control instead. Duffy uses “Ulti-Mites” from Natural Enemies, a company in Oregon. As he held a package of mites, he pointed to tiny insect crawling out onto a cannabis plant.

“These little guys work 24-seven,” he said.

Part of the company’s expansion will feature more strains that Duffy believes will set Emerald Jane’s apart from its competitors.

To that end, he’s paying attention to what’s trending on Instagram and Twitter.

“Social media is so important in deciding what’s hot,” he said. “Having the right strains is critical.”

Among the new flower that Emerald Jane’s will offer is Blue City Diesel, Mimosa, Watermelon Gelato, Wedding Pie, Lava Cake, Gelato Cake and Orange Cake.

“Everyone loves their cakes,” Duffy said with a laugh.

Emerald Jane’s also will look to expand its extractions and edibles at an on-site lab and kitchen facility. While many companies offering extractions use run-of-the-mill weed to cook the cannabis and distill the THC, Duffy believes Emerald Jane’s will start with far superior weed grown on premises.

“That’s where I’m going to be able to beat everyone else,” he said confidently.

Depending upon how it goes, Emerald Jane’s new grow facility may serve as a test case for expansion into other states.

“We want to use this as a model to build more,” he said. “There’s nothing out there that compares to this.”

ABOVE Facility manager and grow master Marty Duffy.

(JOHN NELSON) LEFT Emerald Jane’s uses biological pest control from Natural Enemies instead of pesticides.

(JOHN NELSON)

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Cannavan tranport driver Jon Sahlberg delivers a locked plastic tote containing marijuana products to cannabis retailer Tree House Club in a photo from 2017. (JESSE TINSLEY / THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)

Spokane Valley OKs transporters

By REBECCA WHITE THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

M

arijuana transportation companies can now open offices in Spokane Valley, after the Spokane Valley City Council voted to add a new category to its marijuana regulations.

The vote in late July adds many of the state’s rules to Spokane Valley’s code, allowing companies that move marijuana between retail stores and farms to have their offices headquartered in Spokane Valley.

Before the Council approved the change, transportation companies were allowed to drive through Spokane Valley but weren’t allowed to open an office there.

The owners of the two licensed marijuana transportation companies in Spokane County, Go Green Enterprises and Cannavan, both said they plan to move to Spokane Valley.

Every Council member except Linda Thompson voted for the measure. Thompson, who is executive director of a nonprofit that advocates against substance abuse, said she would not support any expansion of the

marijuana industry. Thompson also said she didn’t think the state had given their fair share of tax dollars to local governments and non-profits to fight addiction and address impaired driving.

Brandi Peetz, a council member who previously spoke out against the law change, said she still had concerns about the safety of cannabis drivers but that the owner of Cannavan had contacted her and answered many of her questions and concerns. She voted in favor of the new law.

Under state law, cannabis delivery companies can’t deliver to homes directly, only between businesses, and the marijuana must stay within their van the entire delivery. Delivery companies have 48 hours to make the delivery, and Spokane Valley has required companies to store cannabis in locked containers.

Transportation companies are also required to follow the same buffer zone rules as retailers and must be 1,000 feet away from parks, schools and libraries.

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

#Cannabis for Seniors Guided tours engage older population

By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

M

any seniors enjoy group gatherings. Whether retired or not, mature adults often attend community workshops or seminars, and enjoy social events like cruises, museum tours and wine tastings. It’s a group that has more time to relax, but is also interested in staying active and healthy.

With all that in mind, it’s not surprising that this demographic is curious about cannabis; in fact, it’s one of the fastest growing consumer groups.

Even with Washington legalization, some in the 60-plus crowd are afraid to walk into a cannabis dispensary. But they are also curious about the health benefits, intrigued by the recreational aspects, and want to know if cannabis might be a healthier alternative to alcohol or prescription drugs.

All of these reasons contributed to the popularity of a recent seminar at a senior community center in Wallingford called “Recreational Cannabis for Health and Happiness.” The sold-out seminar was offered

by Hashtag Cannabis, a shop in nearby Fremont.

“We find that most seniors have a passing familiarity with marijuana, some history from

Hashtag Cannabis in Fremont hosts monthly tours for seniors interested in wellness-focused cannabis information. (COURTESY)

when they were young, or no knowledge at all,” said Christine Bryant Cohen, marketing director. “We were surprised how engaged they were, and afterwards they all wanted to buy something. We couldn’t sell it to them outside of the shop, but when we told them to visit the store, they seemed hesitant. Which is why we decided to start guided shopping for seniors.”

Hashtag Cannabis in Fremont now offers guided visits on the second Wednesday of every month from 10 to 11 a.m. in an office space next to the shop. They market the classes to seniors, but anyone over 21 can attend. It’s free, and coffee is served. It’s a safe environment where potential consumers can ask questions about recreational and wellness-focused cannabis.

After the class, staff takes guests into the store where they can spend as much time as needed to find the right product. Guests are under no obligation to buy; Hashtag emphasizes that education is the goal.

“The No. 1 thing for seniors is being able to educate them,” Bryant Cohen said. “There’s a huge educational process at the beginning, and this lowers their anxiety and their apprehension. Often seniors ask about how

cannabis will interact with other medications they’re taking. They also want to know if it can help them get off opiates, ease up on alcohol consumption, and whether they can function normally if they consume cannabis.”

The guided tours at Hashtag usually draw about 5-10 people each month, and budtenders spend most of the time answering questions, like how to enjoy cannabis safely.

Most seniors have no interest in smoking; they prefer edibles, capsules or topicals, or clean vaping methods. They’re intrigued by vaping devices, and a favorite seems to be the Magic Flight Launch Box. As this older demographic becomes more educated about the benefits of cannabis, businesses like Hashtag are wise to engage them. Although the millennials may make up the highest percentage of cannabis consumers, seniors may have a greater longterm interest.

Recent reports show that while generic drug prices have declined, brand drug prices have almost doubled since 2008, and seniors on Medicare are the most affected. Instability in the pharmaceutical industry has led seniors to look for alternative solutions.

Additionally, they have multiple health

concerns, and marijuana and CBD are believed to help with several age-related health issues, such as arthritis, insomnia, osteoporosis and everyday aches and pains.

Most significantly, seniors have more disposable income than younger generations.

Baby Boomers with grown children, no mortgage payment, and a solid income or retirement savings are desirable customers.

They’re also more likely to read print, shop locally and have free time for socializing.

“We try to focus on community outreach as much as possible by making donations and sponsoring non-profit events,” said Bryant Cohen. “Helping seniors make educated choices about cannabis has been a wonderful addition to this outreach, and we’re happy to do it.”

Hashtag Cannabis

3540 Stone Way N, Seattle 8296 Avondale Way NE, Redmond

www.seattlehashtag.com

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

The Bee’s Knees

Tacoma retailer uses atmosphere, events to stand out

ABOVE Showroom interior of cannabis retailer High Society in Tacoma. (COURTESY) BELOW High Society staff (COURTESY)

HIGH SOCIETY 3111 S. Pine St., Tacoma www.420highsociety.com

By KATE A. MINER EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

A

t first glance, High Society looks more like a nightclub than a cannabis retailer. The swanky Tacoma store on Pine Street, however, is somewhat isolated, which was also a challenge for Xander’s – the previous occupant and the city’s first cannabis shop.

But the location is also why High Society decided to elevate the cannabis retail experience to a new level and make it a destination.

In July, the shop had its first HiSo VIP Exclusive Event, with the goal of promoting not the product but the experience.

The owners closed the shop on a Saturday night, unheard of for retailers, and invited vendors, key people in the community, and loyal customers for a delightful evening of conversation and food. The shop was technically closed, so no cannabis sales were allowed and consumption was not permitted inside the facility.

The HiSo event is one of many exclusive, invitation-only events designed to build community and help High Society stand out from the 19 retailers in the city. Upcoming events include a series of Pop Up Parties featuring different herbal consultants and specialists to talk about the health benefits of marijuana. A Halloween party and a New Year’s Eve party with a Great Gatsby theme are also in the works.

Owner Dr. Jason Kitzman also owns shops in Bellingham and Anacortes. The branding for High Society stores

was inspired by the Prohibition era and post-Prohibition, a time when the re-legalization of alcohol mirrored what has transpired in recent years with the legalization of recreational cannabis. The shops feature a speakeasy atmosphere, and budtenders dress in period costume.

But along with the fun, Kitzman focuses on helping people.

“As a physician my goal was to have a medically-minded cannabis business,” he said. “That’s why more than half of our products are medically certified, and there is always someone on staff with a state medical certification.”

His health-minded approach has provided exclusive relationships with area processors. About 75% of the product lines are new to Tacoma retail customers, including Root Down, Skagit Organics RSO, Herbal Tech, and Green Acres.

“Our next venture is to introduce Marijuana Mondays,” said Nathan Misura, purchasing manager at the Tacoma location.

“We will open the store from 8 to 9 a.m. for seniors, inviting them to tour the facility and attend educational seminars by herbal consultants and medically-certified budtenders. We have a lot of room here separate from the retail store, which allows us to bring people in and educate them, leading them to products they may not have tried or understand.”

Building community engagement to boost awareness for a business isn’t a new concept, but it is fairly novel for legal cannabis. Instead of focusing on the limitation of their loca-

tion, High Society focuses on its advantages. There’s ample parking, allowing use of the parking lot for discreet outdoor events and larger functions. There’s also a large reception area for gatherings and events.

Harrie Gorman, manager for High Society Tacoma, sums up the approach nicely. “We want to find new and creative ways to build rapport with our clientele. We are not just an in-and-out shop: we are a local cannabis destination where we cater to your tastes, provide products you want, and teach you everything you need to know about them. No pressure, just come and have fun.”

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

NEWS BRIEFS

clark county rEmovEs ban; salEs can start jan. 1 VANCOUVER – The Clark County Council approved a vote to remove a ban on cannabis growing and sale in unincorporated areas.

Although there are shops in Vancouver and Battle Ground, county law has prohibited these activities outside these cities since 2014. A new majority on the county council along with more public pressure and the potential for more revenue led to the proposal to change access.

The public hearing prior to the 3-2 ban removal vote showed that there was still division among the council as well as the community. Some people warned that increased access would cause more crime and social ills, while supporters said it could be good for the economy and create jobs.

EmployEE injurEd in firE at yakima county cannabis producEr ZILLAH – An explosion and fire inside a building at a marijuana production facility in Yakima County resulted in a male employee being flown to a Seattle hospital.

Firefighters and sheriff’s deputies responded to the fire at Sticky Budz (7560 Yakima Valley Highway) around 2:30 p.m. on July 30.

A 40 x 60-foot wood-frame building attached to a larger building was filled with smoke when firefighters arrived.

They were able to extinguish most of the fire out from the front doorway.

Inside the building, fire crews discovered leaking pressurized gas cylinders. Officials said the employee was working in the building when the explosion occurred.

According to Yakima County Fire District 5 Deputy Chief Joel Byam, employee John Scott sustained second- and thirddegree burns. He was rushed to Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital before being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. His condition was described as serious by hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg.

A GoFundMe campaign was started by a friend to help Scott’s family during his recovery.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Yakima County Fire Marshal are investigating the incident.

Source: YakTriNews.com

The vote allows people who already have state licenses for retail or growing to begin developing their property; sales could begin Jan. 1, 2020.

New shops must be farther than 500 feet of recreation centers, parks or places where youth can be found, and at least 1,000 feet from any schools. Growers must be at least 1,000 feet away from any of these designated areas.

Source: The Columbian

Wastewater Study Indicates High Local Usage Levels SEATTLE – Comparisons of the amount of THC found in wastewater indicated that the Puget Sound area has higher concentrations per capita than other regions.

Researchers from the University of Washington and University of Puget Sound have been collecting wastewater samples annually throughout western Washington since 2014. This information measures the amount of THC metabolites and compares them to similar samples from 80 urban areas globally.

Metabolites are trace amounts of any particular item that turns into waste when someone vapes, smokes or eats a cannabis product The technology to measure trace amounts of any specific compound or ingredient has improved each year.

The study showed Puget Sound didn’t see a significant increase in the amount of THC between “legal” and medical-only/ black market days. But the total amount found each year is still higher than other communities, including those with greater access to cannabis, including Amsterdam.

Dr. Dan Burgard, part of the research team, said metabolites provide a better way to study consumption rather than voluntary surveys.

“You can ask somebody how much of an illicit drug they use, and you may or may not get the correct answer,” Burgard said. “With wastewater, it’s anonymous and doesn’t have any reason to lie.”

Source: KING5

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

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Idaho marIjuana backers collectIng sIgnatures

BOISE – Medical marijuana advocates received the green light from the Idaho Attorney General’s office to begin collecting signatures for a 2020 voter initiative.

Organizers must gather 55,067 valid signatures by April 30, 2020, to qualify for the November ballot, and at least 6 percent of the signatures must be from 18 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts.

If the Idaho Medical Marijuana Act is successful, it would allow the creation of legal dispensaries, and require patients and caregivers to register with the state. It would also require legal growers to receive state authorization and prevent them from prosecution for possession and distribution.

In July, advocates presented 20 valid signatures to the Attorney General’s office, which reviewed the petition’s wording for any initial legal concerns.

The current proposal would allow any adult to possess up to 4 ounces of cannabis if they are registered medical patients with documented medical conditions, such as chronic pain or cancer.

It would also allow the creation of growing facilities and stores, and prevent discrimination against patients in the areas of housing, employment or education.

Organizers have pushed similar initiatives in past years but they believe this campaign will be successful.

Source: Idaho Press

golfer pushes to remove pga ban BLAINE, Minn. – Pro golfer Robert Garrigus, who recently received a three-month suspension from the Professional Golfers Association after testing positive for elevated levels of THC, wants the organization to reconsider its ban on cannabis.

Garrigus, 41, lives in Washington, where cannabis is legal. He says he is prescribed marijuana to treat knee and back pain.

“If you have some sort of pain and CBD or THC may help, and you feel like it can and has been prescribed by a doctor, then what are we doing?” Garrigus said, per the Golf Channel. “If it’s something you buy in a store, why are you testing for it?”

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The PGA’s anti-doping policy says that while athletes are unlikely to use cannabis to improve performance, it could be used to decrease anxiety in a competition.

Garrigus says that cannabis “doesn’t help you get it in the hole.”

“Anything you are trying to do to cheat the game, you should be suspended for 100 percent. Everything else should be a discussion,” said Garrigus.

Garrigus returned from his suspension for the 3M Open in Minnesota in early July, and planned to discuss the policy with PGA officials later this year

Source: The Washington Post

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

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

FEATURE STORY a child’s name, a favorite animal or this once illicit herb.

The Youngman family has been in the tattoo business for awhile, opening a studio in the Chicago area in the 1980s before opening Spokane Super Tattoo about five years ago.

“When I came to Spokane, I was surprised at how many young ladies had full sleeves,” said Toni Youngman, 72, who has helped run the family business for 40-plus years.

“Where I come from, people were more conservative. To see that here was just amazing,” she said. “I think people are surprised to see that I have a full body suit being as old as I am.”

Despite statewide legalization and growing acceptance, the Youngmans encourage clients seeking a cannabis tattoo to put some serious thought in before stamping their skin with this type of artwork. There is still stigma that remains here and there.

The same advice is offered at Altered Society.

Eleazar and Hoffman have a responsibility to let clients know exactly what they are getting into. A cannabis-themed tattoo can still reflect negatively in the eyes of certain people. Before starting, a tattoo artist may ask someone’s age, the type of work they do and where the tattoo would be.

Plus, most artists don’t want customers ever regretting their tattoo.

FOREVER GREEN Tattoos show commitment to cannabis

Cannabis and tattoos gained popularity in 1960s counterculture; both are becoming more accepted in today’s mainstream culture. (COURTESY)

By TARYN MICKELSON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

T

he word ‘stigma’ originally described a negative mark on someone, like a tattoo or a brand on a criminal or outcast. The term has expanded and now may refer to any sort of disgrace, shame, or poor social standing, whether physical or metaphorical – including the traditional perception of cannabis enthusiasts by some.

But today, cannabis and tattoos are both emerging from the shadows, sometimes together, and turning into badges of pride, as more marijuana fans are using their skin to show their passion and love for this once-illegal plant.

“It is becoming a lot more acceptable, even in Idaho, for people to come into my shop to get weed tattoos,” said Desi Eleazar, co-owner of Altered Society Tattoo Company in Post Falls.

She and fellow owner Kenny Hoffman agree that greater acceptance of cannabis keeps growing, and more people are starting to have enough confidence to get marijuana tattooed on their bodies in visible locations.

“I would love to do more little bud tattoos; I was even thinking about doing a 4/20 flash special,” said Eleazar, who has done a handful of weed tattoos over the years.

Cannabis-themed tattoos were part of the hippie subculture in the 1960s and 1970s, when many found marijuana enhanced their senses and created a peaceful environment for friends and family.

Cannabis tattoos served as a sign of awareness and acceptance toward the underground drug culture and shared a general message of peace, freedom and love. There was

probably a bit of rebellion as well in not only getting a tattoo in a strait-laced world, but getting a pot tattoo.

Jeremy Youngman, an artist at Spokane Super Tattoo, says attitudes are changing.

“I have been smoking cannabis since I was 15 years old. In the time period I came from, it was taboo to have a pot leaf tattooed on you,” he said.

Getting a tattoo remains a big commitment; it is a declaration of something you love so much that you want to carry it on your skin for life no matter what society, future bosses and parents might think.

Tattoos have always had many different meanings for every individual and today they’re generally more socially acceptable as an expression of one’s personality and passions, whether it’s

“

And even if you’re getting a cannabis tattoo, area artists discourage people from getting inked under the influence.

“For clients that have smoked before coming in, I’ve noticed they seem to not want to sit long because it can make you hyperaware of the pain,” Eleazar said. “Smoking is good for internal pains but for external pains, it can make you zero in on it.”

She also promises to do the same.

“I have tattooed stoned, but I really don’t like it. I have noticed I can focus better, but it seems like the tattoo is going by really slow,” Eleazar said, “I would recommend smoking after.”

The Youngman family also noted that certain cannabis strains can get their creativity going for artwork and preparation, but not while on the job itself.

Many cannabis users say cannabis can enhance artwork and creativity, and early research has shown that it increases blood flow to the brain’s frontal lobe where these creative skills are said to be most active.

It is becoming a lot more acceptable.”

POPULAR CHOICES IN CANNABIS TATTOOS The iconic cannabis leaf The entire plant Small buds and nugs The THC molecule Cartoon characters with joints Food/edible depictions

Leaf, bud and panda tattoo photos courtesy Desi Eleazar, Altered Society Tattoo Company. Monkey tattoo courtesy Jeremy Youngman, Spokane Super Tattoo.

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

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

FEATURE STORY a child’s name, a favorite animal or this once illicit herb.

The Youngman family has been in the tattoo business for awhile, opening a studio in the Chicago area in the 1980s before opening Spokane Super Tattoo about five years ago.

“When I came to Spokane, I was surprised at how many young ladies had full sleeves,” said Toni Youngman, 72, who has helped run the family business for 40-plus years.

“Where I come from, people were more conservative. To see that here was just amazing,” she said. “I think people are surprised to see that I have a full body suit being as old as I am.”

Despite statewide legalization and growing acceptance, the Youngmans encourage clients seeking a cannabis tattoo to put some serious thought in before stamping their skin with this type of artwork. There is still stigma that remains here and there.

The same advice is offered at Altered Society.

Eleazar and Hoffman have a responsibility to let clients know exactly what they are getting into. A cannabis-themed tattoo can still reflect negatively in the eyes of certain people. Before starting, a tattoo artist may ask someone’s age, the type of work they do and where the tattoo would be.

Plus, most artists don’t want customers ever regretting their tattoo.

FOREVER GREEN Tattoos show commitment to cannabis

Cannabis and tattoos gained popularity in 1960s counterculture; both are becoming more accepted in today’s mainstream culture. (COURTESY)

By TARYN MICKELSON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

T

he word ‘stigma’ originally described a negative mark on someone, like a tattoo or a brand on a criminal or outcast. The term has expanded and now may refer to any sort of disgrace, shame, or poor social standing, whether physical or metaphorical – including the traditional perception of cannabis enthusiasts by some.

But today, cannabis and tattoos are both emerging from the shadows, sometimes together, and turning into badges of pride, as more marijuana fans are using their skin to show their passion and love for this once-illegal plant.

“It is becoming a lot more acceptable, even in Idaho, for people to come into my shop to get weed tattoos,” said Desi Eleazar, co-owner of Altered Society Tattoo Company in Post Falls.

She and fellow owner Kenny Hoffman agree that greater acceptance of cannabis keeps growing, and more people are starting to have enough confidence to get marijuana tattooed on their bodies in visible locations.

“I would love to do more little bud tattoos; I was even thinking about doing a 4/20 flash special,” said Eleazar, who has done a handful of weed tattoos over the years.

Cannabis-themed tattoos were part of the hippie subculture in the 1960s and 1970s, when many found marijuana enhanced their senses and created a peaceful environment for friends and family.

Cannabis tattoos served as a sign of awareness and acceptance toward the underground drug culture and shared a general message of peace, freedom and love. There was

probably a bit of rebellion as well in not only getting a tattoo in a strait-laced world, but getting a pot tattoo.

Jeremy Youngman, an artist at Spokane Super Tattoo, says attitudes are changing.

“I have been smoking cannabis since I was 15 years old. In the time period I came from, it was taboo to have a pot leaf tattooed on you,” he said.

Getting a tattoo remains a big commitment; it is a declaration of something you love so much that you want to carry it on your skin for life no matter what society, future bosses and parents might think.

Tattoos have always had many different meanings for every individual and today they’re generally more socially acceptable as an expression of one’s personality and passions, whether it’s

“

And even if you’re getting a cannabis tattoo, area artists discourage people from getting inked under the influence.

“For clients that have smoked before coming in, I’ve noticed they seem to not want to sit long because it can make you hyperaware of the pain,” Eleazar said. “Smoking is good for internal pains but for external pains, it can make you zero in on it.”

She also promises to do the same.

“I have tattooed stoned, but I really don’t like it. I have noticed I can focus better, but it seems like the tattoo is going by really slow,” Eleazar said, “I would recommend smoking after.”

The Youngman family also noted that certain cannabis strains can get their creativity going for artwork and preparation, but not while on the job itself.

Many cannabis users say cannabis can enhance artwork and creativity, and early research has shown that it increases blood flow to the brain’s frontal lobe where these creative skills are said to be most active.

It is becoming a lot more acceptable.”

POPULAR CHOICES IN CANNABIS TATTOOS The iconic cannabis leaf The entire plant Small buds and nugs The THC molecule Cartoon characters with joints Food/edible depictions

Leaf, bud and panda tattoo photos courtesy Desi Eleazar, Altered Society Tattoo Company. Monkey tattoo courtesy Jeremy Youngman, Spokane Super Tattoo.

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

HEALTH & SCIENCE

WSU College of Medicine eyes more instruction on medical cannabis

By KIP HILL THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

T

his fall, students at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine will for the first time receive instruction on medicinal marijuana as part of their classwork.

That decision could help solve problems identified by another team of researchers at WSU. The lack of peer-reviewed science on the medicinal capabilities of cannabis drives consultants in state retail shops to depend on their own experience, and health care providers to avoid discussing the drug entirely, according to a pair of research studies slated for publication in academic journals this year.

The research is the first look at the State’s cohort of “medical consultants,” retail workers licensed through the Health Department to work with patients possessing a medical marijuana recognition card, said Louise Kaplan, an associate nursing professor at WSU Vancouver and the lead researcher on the studies.

“We felt it was really important to understand their knowledge, their attitudes and their practices, and that could be used to guide changes in either their educational course, or the type of oversight that might be recommended,” Kaplan said.

Consultants must be at least 21 years old and complete a 20-hour course endorsed by the Health Department. Stores certified as a medically endorsed location with the state’s

Darlene Brice, left, and Erin Moore discuss the process by which retail marijuana shops register and track of medical marijuana patients in this June 2016 photo.

Researchers at WSU say there may be ways to improve their certification course as well as educational opportunities for health care providers.

(JESSE TINSLEY / THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)

Liquor and Cannabis Board must have one of these consultants on staff; 14 shops in Spokane County have that certification.

While these consultants may work with patients on safe storage and what varieties might be useful for their conditions diagnosed by a licensed medical professional, workers are not allowed to provide medical advice or suggest cannabis as a replacement for other types of treatment.

While the courses include instruction on Washington’s laws concerning medical cannabis, the results of the surveys showed that a majority of these respondents could not correctly identify certain conditions that do not qualify a patient to receive the drug. State law authorizes cannabis’s use for conditions such as cancer, pain relief and post-traumatic stress disorder, but not for anxiety and depression, a mistake made frequently in the survey.

“What the state was concerned about is the quality of the programs,” Kaplan said.

Consultants are also more likely to say that state-sponsored certification instruction and advice from others in the field shape their advice to patients in stores, as opposed to health care providers.

Washington’s requirement of any type of instruction for its consultants sets it apart from other states that have legalized medicinal cannabis, said Debbie Churgai, interim director of the national group

Americans for Safe Access.

“Most states don’t have required education for doctors, or patients, or anyone that works in a dispensary,” Churgai said. “For Washington state to have that requirement is amazing.”

But before a patient can purchase cannabis tax-free and at a larger quantity larger than recreational users, they have to receive authorization from a doctor. Kaplan’s companion study suggests most doctors, outside of the naturopathic field, avoid any discussion with their patients of medicinal cannabis.

The biggest reasons given in the study were policies that forbade consultation on the drug, which is still federally illegal and could jeopardize access to Medicare and Medicaid funds, and a lack of knowledge about the drug and its effects.

That presents a problem for people who want to receive authoritative advice from their providers, but meet with doctors who aren’t comfortable discussing the option of medicinal cannabis with their patients, Kaplan said.

“The issue is with older adults, they typically view health care providers with more authority,” she said. Of the 310 health care providers in the study authorized by state law to provide green cards to their patients, only 57 said they had done so.

Americans for Safe Access offer a

continuing medical education course that is available to licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and psychologists.

The course is accredited by the American Medical Association.

Health care providers in the study said they were more likely to receive their information about medical cannabis from peer-reviewed journals, and 84% said they believed that medical marijuana should be part of their initial education.

That’s what the College of Medicine plans to begin introducing in its curriculum this year, said Christina VerHeul, the college’s spokeswoman. With a new associate dean of curriculum joining the school, administrators are in talks about what research and instruction to include, she said.

Kaplan’s team presented their research at the Research Society on Marijuana conference in July in Vancouver, Washington.

Their study on the medical consultants is slated for publication in the University of Toronto Medical Journal.

An extended version of this article was published in The Spokesman-Review on July 7, and can be read in full at evercannabis.com.

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

SEEING RED

Eye irritation remains a common ‘tell’

By TRACY DAMON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

I

n the days before marijuana became mainstream, many lived in fear of their usage being detected.

What if you ran into someone you knew? How could you act normal and hide your consumption from parents, cops, significant others, landlords, or nosy neighbors?

While you might have been able to stifle the giggles or dust off the Cheeto crumbs, your red, bloodshot eyes were a dead giveaway.

Today, red eyes are still a problem and science hasn’t found any newer methods to prevent

them.

“Not that I’m aware of,” wrote Dr. Rory T. Allar, M.D., in an email. Allar is an ophthalmologist with fellowship training in glaucoma at Spokane Eye Clinic.

Whether you smoke, eat, vape, or dab cannabis, it’s generally going to make your eyes red to some degree. Red eye is actually caused by processes happening inside your body vs. anything external, so even if you use items that claim to reduce these visible effects, they are only temporary.

“While over-the-counter eye drops that ‘get the red out’ work for

a while to make the eyes look less red, chronic use of drops actually will cause the eye to be more red and irritated long term,” Allar said.

“Therefore, I do not recommend these drops.”

What about organic treatments?

Some claim that food containing large amounts of caffeine, chocolate or salt can minimize bloodshot eyes.

“Basically, old wives’ tales,” Allar said.

What is it about pot that causes your eyes to look like you have pulled multiple all-nighters?

It’s tetrahydrocannabinol, or

THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis and the compound that makes your body feel relaxed, including the eyes and blood vessels in them.

“Cannabis dilates the small blood vessels on the surface of the eye,” said Allar. “It relaxes them and causes them to be bigger, which causes the eye to look red.”

This dilation is particularly noticeable against the whites of the eye. Some medical professionals believe that marijuana use lowers blood pressure in general, which leads to the expansion of the vessels in the eyes. Over time, there is concern that this could cause eventual health issues, but Allar says he hasn’t encountered this.

“I can’t really speak directly about blood pressure issues, but it seems plausible that there would be a drop in blood pressure if dilation of blood vessels occurs,” he said.

“As for red eye, it doesn’t cause long term problems to eye health.”

There has also been speculation that weed is a good treatment for glaucoma, an optical health condition caused by pressure in the eye that can lead to decreased eyesight. The thinking is that when blood vessels are dilated from pot, blood flow improves, relieving that pressure.

Allar disagrees.

“First, a drop in blood pressure, by any means, would not help with the treatment of glaucoma, so the direct answer to your question is no. Cannabis has been shown to lower eye pressure (different from blood pressure), but the effect does not last

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long, which is why cannabis is not a recommended treatment for glaucoma.”

Along with other effects on your body from marijuana use, red eye is temporary. Red eyes generally only last a couple hours, then fade away.

The more pot you ingest though, the longer your blood vessels remain expanded and the longer your eyes look red.

If red eye remains for an extended time after consumption, or becomes an issue even when you’re not using, something more could be going on.

“Many different eye diseases can cause the eye to look red,” said Allar. “If someone is concerned about their eyes being red they should talk with their eye care provider.”

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

Insurance questions for cannabis consumers: Life, health insurers vary on coverage

By LINDA BALL EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

C

annabis users or workers in the industry are often advised to be cautious what they disclose when seeking health insurance, believing that usage could automatically disqualify them or move them into a higher-risk category.

Even as legalized cannabis use becomes more normalized insurance questions remain, although some underwriters and firms throughout Washington are beginning to reexamine past positions.

Courtney Flores is an employee benefit consultant with Group Benefits Northwest, a broker/ benefits consulting firm in Mount Vernon, who has been working with people in the cannabis industry seeking health and life insurance coverage options for staff.

The firm also works with the Cannabis Alliance, a statewide advocacy organization.

Flores said creating a new health policy does require a blood draw and a physical, but a lot of information collected is on the honor system.

But life insurance is different.

Typically, if you get a life insurance policy through an employer, premiums are reasonable, including a death benefit that covers costs incurred through an illness and funeral expenses.

A death benefit of $50,000 wouldn’t likely be scrutinized as closely as an individual trying to obtain a policy with a higher death benefit of, say, $1 million. That’s typically when the insurer will look deeper into the applicant’s age, health history and whether they smoke nicotine.

Generally, with life insurance policies, there is a smoking and non-smoking rate, Flores said.

“With cannabis smoking, it will add an additional layer,” Flores

said. “Edibles might affect the rate, but they still can get life insurance.”

Julie Toomey with Toomey and Associates Insurance in Poulsbo, said that a person who consumes edibles one or two times per week isn’t considered a big risk. But for a daily consumer of cannabis, the ability to get life insurance is less certain.

Toomey said if an individual was using cannabis for medical purposes, an underwriter would look at why, on a case-by-case basis.

Many life insurance companies offer a nicotine smoker rate for people who use marijuana, which may come with a high premium.

Others are beginning to offer options based more on health history.

Carter Gray with Pacific Insurance Group in Bellevue said that, in the past, it has been difficult to find life insurance companies that

would offer lower rates for people who would otherwise qualify except for the fact that they use cannabis.

At best, they would qualify for a standard non-tobacco rating.

But now, someone with perfect health, no adverse family history who uses cannabis less than twice per year, may be able to qualify for a “super preferred” or a preferred rating. ”This means is that a 40-yearold man who uses cannabis occasionally would usually pay around $115 per month for a $1 million 20-year level term policy at a standard non-tobacco rate,” Gray said. “Under new guidelines, they can qualify for super preferred nontobacco rates and pay around $55 per month for the same policy,” Here is how it works with an A-plus rated life insurance company, which updated its underwriting guidelines in July:

• Super Preferred: Available for someone who uses marijuana less than two times per year and would otherwise qualify. (The form of cannabis doesn’t matter, such as smoking, vaping, or eating.)

• Preferred: Available if marijuana is used less than two times per month and they would otherwise qualify.

• Standard non-tobacco: Individual uses cannabis eight times or less per month.

Personal or business life insurance coverage is not currently available for those in the industry who work regularly with products containing THC, whether growers, processors, distributors or retailers.

Gray and Toomey both said this is because cannabis is still illegal under federal law.

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

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

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Northwest EAR BUDS Podcasts inform, entertain cannabis community

By TOM BOWERS EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

T

o a growing number of people, the cannabis industry is one of the most exhilarating things happening in consumer goods and medicine today. Everybody’s talking.

Nobody knows this better than cannabis podcasters.

This rare but propagating breed fills a necessary niche in the fastpaced cannabis world – a world that offers very little in the way of downtime.

“Just like pre-rolls, a podcast is all about convenience,” said Josh Kincaid, who discusses cannabis investments and other financiallyfocused industry topics on his Washington-based “Talking Hedge” podcast. “It’s easy to grab and go.”

Kincaid transitioned to cannabis

from conventional finance in the early days of state legalization, chasing what he saw as a huge, new industry full of opportunity. He currently operates as a consultant, analyst and advisor.

“I saw that it was going to be legalized (federally) eventually,” he said. “You can’t just open up a bottle with a genie that will be worth millions and then billions of dollars, and then put that genie back in the bottle.”

Kincaid started the podcast in January 2019 in order to strengthen his personal brand, broaden his network’s reach, and to spread information about finance in the cannabis community.

“It’s something I didn’t really want to do, but felt compelled to,” he said.

His podcast features a blend of bite-sized segments and deeperdive interviews. He publishes more frequently than most – sometimes daily – and distributes via a stack of platforms to listeners looking for financial insights.

Like Kincaid, many cannabis podcast hosts came to the platform almost by surprise.

As the owner of KIS Organics, Tad Hussey was writing a book about cannabis cultivation that discussed best practices and promoted his business. But then he started surveying the “potcast” landscape.

“When I first started, everyone was just getting together and getting high or whatever, and there weren’t a lot of (informative) podcasts,” he said.

He started his podcast “Cannabis Cultivation & Science” to share useful information to cannabis cultivation hobbyists and entrepreneurs, and to spread the word about the soil and soil amendments he distributes to cannabis and non-cannabis farms from his 7-acre farm in Redmond.

“As someone who really appreciates audiobooks and podcasts, it seemed like a really good platform – and a lot easier than writing a book,” Hussey said.

“I like it because it’s really just a conversation. And what makes it work so well for growers, is it’s something to put on when you’re in traffic on the way to work, or in the grow room trimming.”

People do listen. Hussey recently

produced his 52nd episode, and says he recently reached a landmark 500,000th unique download.

Not all podcasts are geared specifically toward investors or niche segments of the cannabis world. Some are casual, irreverentbut-informative shows geared toward consumers and the industry.

Take the Seattle-based “Leaf Life,” hosted by longtime radio DJ Mike Ricker and Wes Abney, the founder of the Leaf Nation family of cannabis magazines who calls himself the “Bearded Lorax,” inspired by the Dr. Seuss character who “speaks for the trees.”

Their podcast covers a variety of cannabis topics and events in a humorous drive time radio-style format. To give you an idea of Leaf Life’s broad topical range, check out the episodes, “Things to do in Alaska When You’re Stoned,” (July 8, 2019) and “How Clean is Your Green” (Feb. 25, 2019).

Some podcasts, while they touch on important topics within the industry, serve a more sesh-style, “social consumption” function for listeners.

For sisters Ashleen and Rileigh Aguilar, who consume and review various local cannabis products on-air with their new Vancouver, Wash.-based podcast, “Chronic Gals,” podcasting can provide an outlet for cannabis enthusiasts to feel connected while they consume.

“We wanted to make a podcast where regular people, who have experienced real change from using cannabis, could share their stories,” the Chronic Gals said via e-mail.

“Not only that, but we wanted to talk to industry professionals to educate ourselves and our community.”

Whether podcasts are geared toward newbies, seasoned consumers, or industry heavies, podcasts provide a key service, helping bolster the businesses of their hosts.

Hussey and Kincaid see it as a win-win, to keep the conversation moving forward and help the industry evolve.

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

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MORE POTCASTS

Take A Listen

FOR YOUR NEXT SESH

The Cannabis Today Podcast

CannaInsider

Shaping Fire

Blank and Sidman offer cannabis news, education and interviews for those looking for a detailed view of the industry. Episodes are arranged by category.

Kind travels the globe discussing cannabis science, branding, technology, and industry issues with some of the most influential voices in the community. With over 200 episodes banked, both newbies and industry pros will find something to catch their interest.

Vashon Island-based Shango Los presents a variety of deep dives on cannabis topics, including licensing, cultivation, health and wellness, the stock market, and industry challenges.

The Cannabis Industry Voice

Great Moments in Weed History

Weed and Grub

Hosts: Steve Blank and Catherine Sidman canna-today.com Josh Kincaid discusses the business of cannabis on “Talking Hedge.” (COURTESY PHOTO)

Talking Hedge

Host: Josh Kincaid www.thetalkinghedgepodcast.com

Cannabis Cultivation & Science

Host: Bethany Moore thecannabisindustry.org/ncia-newsresources/podcasts/

Host: Tad Hussey www.kisorganics.com/pages/podcast

This solidly industry-facing podcast is produced by the National Cannabis Industry Association and focuses specifically on top-level interests for the cannabis business community.

Leaf Life

Hosts: Wes Abney and Mike Ricker www.leaflifepodcast.com

Chronic Gals

Hosts: Ashleen and Riley Aguilar www.chronicgals.com

Host: Matthew Kind www.cannainsider.com

Host: Shango Los www.shapingfire.com

Hosts: Mike Glazer and Mary Jane www.weedandgrub.com

Hosts: Abdullah Saeed and David Bienenstock gmiwh.libsyn.com

First 12-episode season explores highlights in cannabis history, including “Carl Sagan and His Best Bud Get Blazed and Save the Universe,” “Did Jesus Use Cannabis to Perform Healing Miracles,” and “Bob Dylan Gets The Beatles High for the First Time.”

Cannabis and food is a jumping-off point to other topics, including pop culture, technology, wellness, and advocacy. A June 24 episode features Oso Verde Farms in Oregon, and its CBD wellness company Mendi, which they started with sisters Rachael and Megan Rapinoe.

Sisters Riley and Ashleen Aguilar host “Chronic Gals” every other week. (COURTESY PHOTO)

“South Park” satirizes cannabis bigwigs

In July, a video clip released on the official “South Park” YouTube channel took aim at a major cannabis conglomerate while signaling that its fictional cannabis farm may become a reality.

The not-suitable-for-work commercial parodies an ad directed by Academy Award winner Spike Jonze released earlier this year. Produced by controversial multi-state cannabis retailer MedMen, the ad praises the normalization of cannabis after 80 years of prohibition.

But the parody pulls no punches, referring to MedMen-esque executives as “a bunch of young corporate banker types” trying “to turn god’s green miracle into an easy buck for themselves.”

“They even hire fancy Hollywood directors to make them look all hip and cool,” narrates “South Park” character

Randy Marsh, who began growing cannabis in the 22nd season’s fourth episode, “Tegridy Farms.”

The show launched social media accounts to accompany the 2018 episode. Around the same time, Tegridy Farms LLC were officially registered in Colorado and Oregon, though it’s not known currently if the companies are affiliated with “South Park” or its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

The parody ad concludes with the promise that Tegridy Farms is donating 100% of its profits to charities working to right the wrongs of the drug war.

“Don’t you wish everyone had some goddamn Tegridy?” the narration concludes. “Well soon, everyone can.”

The video can be viewed at tegridyfarms.com.

Source: Marijuana Moment

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

LEARN & GROW Although some industry promoters would like you to think all cannabis companies are flush with cash, the truth is that we struggle as much, if not more, than any other small business. Cannabis farmers especially.

There are a few easy ways to support for local farmers, letting them know that you appreciate their efforts with your wallet.

Ask for products that are grown locally.

When consumers consistently buy locally-grown products, those dollars go right back into the community. In Spokane County, there are 172 licensed cannabis farms with plenty of product to stock the area’s 40 retail cannabis stores, top to bottom. Find farms in your county at www.502data.com, and request that your favorite local retailer carry locally-grown product. In Spokane, New Day Cannabis and Yield Farms are members of The Cannabis Alliance, a statewide non-profit dedicated to the advancement of a vital, ethical and sustainable cannabis industry.

Purchase product that has been tested for pesticides.

Unlike other states with legalized cannabis, Washington does not require pesticide tests on adult-use/recreational cannabis. Many farms test for pesticides anyway to protect consumer health and safety. Look for the Department of Health “General Use” logo or the “Pesticides Tested with Confidence” logo to know it’s been tested. Only products with this Department of Health logo have been tested to meet state standards; it’s not enough if the package is labeled by the producer as pesticide free.

Support farms with clean, sustainable growing practices.

Clean Green Certification (www.cleangreencertified.com) and Certified Kind (www.certified-kind.com) are private companies that certify organic farms with an additional emphasis on environmental and social responsibility. Cannabis products technically can’t be certified as “USDA organic” because it’s a federal classification, and cannabis isn’t federally recognized. The Washington State Department of Agriculture, with the help of The Cannabis Alliance, is working on developing a Washington organic certification.

Ways to support local cannabis farmers

By DANIELLE ROSELLISON EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Buy more quantity, less single grams.

Washington rules require cannabis to be individually packaged.

The Cannabis Alliance is working on solutions to reduce this environmental waste. In the meantime, consumers can help by purchasing product in larger quantities. An ounce, whether in glass or plastic, creates less waste than 28 1-gram Mylar bags. And most quantities are up to half the cost of a single gram when broken down by gram, so you can save the environment and your pocketbook in one fell swoop!

Join The Cannabis Alliance and shop at member stores.

Preserving the values we share, encouraging a socially-conscious industry, and fighting the wrongs of the War on Drugs is a huge undertaking, especially as many cannabis licensees are also fighting to keep businesses afloat. Supporting stores who are members means supporting owners who put their money towards social justice causes, like vacating cannabis misdemeanors. You can find a list of members and sign up at www.cannabisalliance.us.

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

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EVERCANNABIS

From pizza delivery to cannabis entrepreneur Green2Go owner Steve Lee shares business philosophy

Complete Industry News

Steve Lee (COURTESY)

To learn more and advertise: EVERCANNABIS.COM EVERCANNABIS@spokesman.com I 509-459-5095

By GREG JAMES Marijuana Venture

T

o call Steve Lee’s path to the cannabis industry “winding” would be an understatement.

The owner of Green2Go in Kennewick went through many jobs before finding his place: fast food, Starbucks, Disney World, Amazon’s customer service department, a Chamber of Commerce, fundraising and on multiple political campaigns.

“I’ve done weird, weird things,” he said. “It’s hard to find a job when you’re overqualified and undereducated.”

He says all of his work experience made him into a successful entrepreneur, despite never graduating from college. He learned how to solve problems by working for all those different companies.

“A lot of people work service-level jobs and the only thing they think is ‘Boy this sucks, I wish I had a better job,’” he said. “But the whole time I was in those industries my big goal was ‘How do I learn to do the things these people do by myself?’”

Lee says he uses the problem-solving techniques he learned while delivering pizzas to help him as a cannabis store owner, a city councilman and Kennewick’s mayor pro tem.

“One time I was having a really bad stress-out because I had late pizzas and (my manager) said, ‘Steve, it’s not life and death; it’s pizza,’” he recalled. “Very

@EvercannaNews

few things are life and death. Worstcase scenario is that someone’s going to get a cold pizza. That’s one of the first times I realized not every problem is an emergency.”

“There’s this whole strategy out there about loss limitation and exposure leveling and figuring out really how bad the situation is before you decide if you are going to allocate dollars to solve it,” he said.

“There’s really this whole, complicated Ivy League philosophy that basically comes down to ‘it’s not life or death, it’s pizza.’”

The restaurant industry is a great place to learn important leadership skills, and he thinks everyone should work in this field to gain a good perspective on life.

Since opening Green2Go, Lee has continued to innovate and make changes, including adding custom ordering kiosks so customers can get in and out quicker if they who don’t need to talk to a budtender.

He also added a separate shop just for glass, T-shirts, hemp items and non-cannabis products.

Additional reporting provided by Brian Beckley.

For an extended interview with Lee, visit www.marijuanaventure.com/the-marijuanaventure-interview-5/.

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

Q&A

How cannabis consciousness and conversation is changing

By ROB MEJIA EVERCANNABIS Correspondent

Q: What is the most important issue facing the cannabis industry in the US Today? Signed, Keeping Up with Cannabis A. While there are several crucial issues, such as social justice reform, safe and secure banking, and lack of research, they all have their roots in one thing: stigma. The stigma around the use of cannabis keeps potential patients from reaching out and learning more. It keeps adults from sharing stories and experiences. It keeps medical professionals from including it in pain management regimens. Until recently, it kept big businesses from investing. Coupled with decades of misinformation, stigma inhibits investigation, research, and dialogue. But the emergence of hemp and the popularity of CBD have opened minds and started conversations for change.

It must be working; the fastest growing group of cannabis enthusiasts is the over-50 crowd.

Q. More states are implementing medical and adultuse cannabis programs that focus on social justice.

What does this mean and why is it important? Signed, Cannabis for All

Q. My dog has terrible separation anxiety. I visited my veterinarian and hoped she would bring up CBD, but I had to ask. She was reluctant to discuss it. Is this normal? Signed, Love My Furry Friend

A. Social/racial justice and the cannabis industry are deeply intertwined. While cannabis usage rates among whites, blacks and Latinx are similar, people of color are imprisoned nearly four times as often as whites for possession. This means that people of color and the neighborhoods they live in have been impacted by the “War on Drugs,” specifically cannabis. With legalization, states are trying to find ways to remedy this by bringing people of color into the industry through training programs, special licensure processes, mentoring and by assisting in bringing business to those neighborhoods. There are many organizations dedicated to these issues. Your local chapter of the ACLU is a good place to start.

A. Veterinarians are even more restricted than medical doctors when talking about CBD and cannabis. They cannot prescribe, recommend, or even discuss cannabis/CBD unless the pet’s owner brings up the subject. Even then, many veterinarians lack proper training in methods of consumption, dosing, and possible side effects. But some groups are lobbying to change this. The most common uses for pet CBD help anxiety, pain relief, and arthritis. CDB for pets is available in treats, capsules and tinctures/drops.

Have a question?

Write us at EVERCANNABIS@spokesman.com

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

STRAIN OF THE MONTH

MIMOSA

Hybrid, Firehouse Productions, Spokane THC 22.80% CBD 0.00% Terpenes: Myrcene .91% Pinene .51% Limonene .21% Caryophlene 10% I recently stopped by The Green Nugget in Spokane, where, to my good fortune, it was a Vendor Day with Firehouse Productions.

Sales manager Jordan was more than happy to explain their strains and their attributes. I settled on Mimosa, a newer release.

Appearance: Mimosa offered fully-developed buds that were very pale green. To my liking, there was an adequate amount of leaf-toflower balance. I asked why some buds are trimmed like this and others are nothing but a hard, rock-like nugget. The answer: Grower preference. Jordan said, “They trim it how they like to smoke it.”

The pistillate hairs show up as a brownish orange against the frosty, pale green, and the seedless calyxes form individual little balls that break off cleanly and can easily be placed in a pipe without grinding. Under the scope, I saw an opaque labyrinth of resinous threads highlighted with brilliant, clear jewel-like trichomes.

Aroma: Opening the package released a peppery citrus rush quickly replaced by a fresh grape aroma; appropriately, Mimosa’s parentage includes Clementine and Purple Punch. Jordan said the whole room smelled like fruit juice during its grow! The delicious aroma almost bordered on artificial. It’s an amazing plant that can produce such a wide range of smells, compliments of the terpenes.

No skunk or dankness.

Effects: The smoke was heavy and resinous and filled the lungs quickly, leading to a cough; a cautious second hit was just right, offering a pleasant experience. The effects came on almost immediately. With two hits I was sufficiently high enough to put down the pipe. I chose to use this energy boost to take on a physical task with a relaxed mind suited nicely for repetitive work yet being inclined to falling into a pleasant daydream. This “hybrid of hybrids” could take you in either direction. It’s something that can work for anyone experiencing pain from overwork but enough relief from nagging thoughts to banish anxiety.

Reviewed by Rick Misterly, “Rick’s World of Hashish” blog

(COURTESY FIREHOUSE PRODUCTIONS)

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Sept. 4-6 Cannabis Science Conference, Portland. Billed as the world’s largest scientific cannabis event, the fifth-annual conference includes information about medical applications, genomics, testing and hemp, with keynotes Olivia Newton-John, Cliff Robinson and Marvin Washington. cannabisscienceconference.com Sept. 11 Guided Shopping for Seniors, Seattle. Hashtag Cannabis in Fremont invites people to visit between 10-11 a.m. for coffee, conversation and a guided shopping experience. Free for age 21-plus; registration recommended. www.seattlehashtag.com/seniors Sept. 12 The Cannabis Alliance, Seattle. Monthly meeting of growers, retailers and other supporters of Washington’s cannabis system. Live feeds available in Bellingham, Arlington, Tri-Cities and Olympia. thecannabisalliance.us Sept. 18 Learn and Grow with Washington Marijuantrepreneurs, Spokane. Networking happy hour followed by industry presentation, Luigi’s. meetup.com/Spokane-Eastern-WA-Marijuana-Business-Networking/ Sept. 19 “What Mental Health Providers Need to Know about Washington Marijuana,” Seattle. Annual training/ seminar for health care personnel discusses current state and federal laws as well as ethical use of cannabis by clinicians and clients. cascadia-training.com Sept. 29 The Dope Show, Spokane. Enjoy “stand-up comedy under the influence” from rotating comedians at the Spokane Comedy Club. thedopeshow.com Planning a cannabis-themed event for the public? Send details to evercannabis@spokesman.com.

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

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Image by Emily Nichols, Dope Magazine

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