Publisher/ Editor in Chief Marco Renda [email protected]

Assistant to Editor Jef Tek [email protected]

Copy Editor Aendrew Rininsland [email protected]

Magazine design & layout Ivan Art [email protected]

Director of Sales & Marketing Michelle Rainey [email protected]

Technical Writer Ally a.k.a Pflover [email protected]

Q&A Advisor Shantibaba [email protected]

Text & photography Contributors Marco Renda, Ivan Art, Michelle Rainey, Harry Resin, Jef Tek, Ændrew Rininsland, Ally, Jeremy Norrie, Shantibaba, Soma, JessE, Jay Generation, Wendal Grant, Chef Uni, Doobie Duck, Georgia Peschel, Trixie, Captain Joint, Zardoz, Diezelwood, Johnstone, Professor 420, Sonic Smoke, Black Raln, Sauron, Jah Hoover, Zanytrails, Mark Braunstein, Chris Thompson, British Hempire, tokecrazy, Krysania, J Angel, Rosanna Mestre, Hody Jae Huh, Frank T.C.C. # 058, Carrie

Cover Pic Jef Tek

Submissions [email protected]

Treating Yourself 250 The East Mall, P.O. Box 36531 Etobicoke, Ontario M9B 3Y8 Canada T: + 416 620 1951 F: +416 620 0698

Printed in Canada

4 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 Marco’s Editorial

Spring is in the air and in a couple of weeks folks worldwide will be celebrating April 20. In Niagara Falls, Ontario the Hwy 420 rally is being held on April 18 and it looks like this year’s rally is going to be HUGE! I am proud to have been involved with the Niagara Falls rally since it started and hope that the folks who have now taken over the organization of the rally keep focused on the educational aspect and not turn it into just another stoner smoke out. I would also like to bring to our reader’s attention the THC Expo that is to be held on June 13 & 14, 2009 at the LA Convention Center, for more info on this event please check their web site http://www.THCEXPO.com . This year I have decided to take a step back from all rally’s due to my health. I have also decided to limit the number of overseas events as it is taking a toll on my body. I am happy to say that although my health hasn’t been the best I have still been able to accomplish most of my goals in educating the uninformed. Many things are in the works one of which is the event that we are putting on in Toronto in July 2010 at the Metro Toron- to Convention Center. The TREATING YOURSELF MEDICAL MARIJUANA & HEMP EXPO is going to be an eye opener for many as we have been approved to have a 4,000 sq ft vapor lounge where valid med patients can go and medicate in comfort while at the event. We also have a 6,500 sq ft seminar / the- atre area where guest speakers will be addressing the attendees, and we will be screening movies when there are no speakers. On our 67,000 sq ft exhibit hall we plan on having over 150 vendor booths of various sizes as well as a stage area where we will have entertainment. Now the other thing that we are also working on is a court case against Health Canada. Our lawyer Leora Shemesh is putting an application before the court in order to have our seeds released and if they refuse we will proceed with a Constitutional Challenge and this time we will also be looking for court costs and lost revenue. It dis- turbs me that Canada Customs officials have no problem in releasing the seeds and explain that Health Canada is the one holding things up. Health Canada should concentrate on removing pharmaceutical drugs that have adverse side effects from the pharmacies and expedite the applications sent in by patients wanting to use marijuana as their medicine. By the way things are being dealt with; it seems to me that the folks at Health Canada are trying to sabotage the MMAR program. I applaud President Obama for putting a stop to the DEA raids on medical marijuana dispensaries and believe that Prime Minister Harper can learn a thing or two from him. Let’s face it the WAR ON DRUGS is a failure and has been since day one! There are many countries that are now tolerant to possession and use of marijuana and there hasn’t been an increase in use. This is most evident in Holland where marijuana use and sales have been tolerated in designated areas for sever- al years now. Prohibition comes at a huge cost to tax payers, let’s stop filling jails with people who choose to grow and use a herb that can actually help not only our economy but also our environment. I say LEGALIZE & REGULATE marijuana once and for all.

Take care and Peace

Marco Renda - Federal Exemptee - Publisher & Editor in Chief Treating Yourself, The Alternative Medicine Journal - [email protected]

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 5 Awakening your QOL Issue 16 - Advertisers Index by Doobie Duck pg 56 99 Amazing Auto-Flowerer 47 Canna Shops 115 CannaTrade.ch 28 Crosstown Traffic 43 D&M Compassion Center 127 Delta 9 78 DNA Genetics 64 Dolce Vita 8 Dutch Passion 64 Ethnogarden 128 Finest Medicinal Seeds IB+BCover Green House 10 Greenlife Seeds 20 Grow Doc Seeds Inside this issue... 55 Herbal Aire Give Away 72 HID HUT 24 Hotbox Magazine 5 Marco’s Editorial 20 H.U.M.A.N. 61 Hydroponicz 11 A Non-Using Teenager’s Point of View 16 Infinite Artistry 23 Infinite Conceptz 13 Ask Medicinal Michelle 3 KDK Distributors 14 Leonard Peltier 20 MMA of America Society 96-98 MM Seeds Wholesaler 15 Bedrocan 12 Michelle Rainey 17 GreenPassion.org, The little site that could! 126 Montreal Seedbank 19 2009- Over Grow the Government 73 Mr.Nice Seedbank 19 Memorial: John Saunders 24 Natural Universe 21 The Radio Reefer Report 68 Nirvana IFCover Paradise Seeds Hemp Chronicles 18 Patient ID Center LA 27 Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolution 55 Patient ID Center Oakland 34 The Cost of Justice... way too high! 118 Planetary Pride 36 The Rise and Fall of Eddy Lepp 59 Pyramid Seeds 26,47 RooR 28 Seed Boutique Health 80 Serious Seeds 40 Is Cannabis Really the Right Drug for HIV/AIDS? 28 SHHC 51 Cannabis Tinctures, Marijuana in Liquid Form 26 Silver Surfer Vaporizer 25 SOMA seeds Health Testimonials 61 THC Farmers.com 52 A Walk on the Wild side: Paraplegia & Marijuana 95 THSeeds 56 Awakening Your Quality of Life with Medicinal Marijuana 4 TY Subscribe 120 West Coast Cannabis 90 WeedWorld Spotlight 33 World of Seeds 62 Interview with Hashshashin 120 Vaporizers.ca Centerfold strain details 66 Ortega Indica, Super Lemon Haze, Chronic, Raspberry Cough Cartoons 9 Ivan Art 65,125 Georgiatoons Submission info

Ads Format: JPG, TIFF or EPS in (CMYK) Resolution: 300dpi at 1/1 (actual print size) Advertising Policy Statement Ad sizes: • 1/4 page: 95mm x 132mm (wxh) / 3.74in x 5.2in TreatingYourself is not responsible for the • 1/2 horizontal: 195mm x 132mm (wxh) / 7.7in x 5.2 actions, service or quality of the products and • 1/2 vertical: 95mm x 267mm (wxh) / 3.74in x 10.5in • Full page: 203 x 276 (wxh) + 3mm bleed on all edges. / 8in x 10.9in + 1/8in bleed businesses advertised in our publication. We will not knowingly support unethical prac- Articles Text: submitted in a Word document with photo files attached separately tices of any advertiser. If you choose to pur- as JPG’s, captions to be written in place of name on the photo file chase a product from one of our advertisers, Photo format: JPG, 300dpi at actual print size. The more pixels the better! please let them know that you saw their ad in Treating Yourself Magazine Note Please take photos of objects or buds with a nuetral background (preferably white).

6 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 INSIDE ISSUE NO. 16

Centerfold Posters

Spotlight 69 Interview with Yamato Damashi

Grow 74 Some facts about the Hemp plant 81 The Ecology of Guano & Guano Tea 85 Exodus Cheese 88 Harvesting All Year Long 91 Getting Sticky with Sauron 94 Feminized Seeds Part 2

100 Smoke Reports Travel 110 Morocco, Hash making season…

Reviews 112 CHHC-1 controller 113 My Experiences with the Dominizer

114 Pot Culture, The A-Z Guide to Stoner Language & Life

Events 116 The Toronto Compassion Center Christmas Party 119 MAINE VOCALS Revisited 121 The Doesha Cup 123 PRESS RELEASE THC Expo LA

Recipes 124 Medicinal Mayonnaise, Devilish Eggs 125 Sh-pot bread Valentine cookies

130 TY Contest entry form & winner

Disclaimer

Treating Yourself wishes to remind readers to be aware that the sale, possession and transport of viable cannabis seeds is illegal in many coun- tries, particularly in the USA. We do not wish to induce anyone to act in conflict with the law. We do not promote the germination and growth of these seeds where prohibited by law. Treating Yourself assumes no responsibility for any claims or representations contained in this publica- tion or in any advertisement. All material is for entertainment and educational purposes only! Treating Yourself does not encourage the ille- gal use of any of the products or advertisements within. All opinions are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of Treating Yourself. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. All advertised products and offers void where prohibited. Occasionally we may use material we believe to be placed in the public domain. Sometimes it is not possible to identify or contact the copyright holder. If you claim ownership of something we have published we will be pleased to make a proper acknowledgement. All letters and pictures sent are assumed to be for publication unless stated otherwise. Treating Yourself can not be held responsible for unsolicited contributions. No portion of this publication can be reproduced for profit without the written consent of the publisher.

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 7

10 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 POINT OF VIEW

A Non-Using Teenager’s Point of View

There comes a time in everyone’s life that something changes. For me, that was moving away from home and starting university. It has been about five months since I’ve started uni- versity and things are finally settling down into a routine. I enjoy my classes and have figured out that by the end of all of this, I should have my degree in Criminology and a minor in French. Past that, I’m not really sure where I’ll go.

School isn’t the only thing keeping me busy right now. My boyfriend of three years proposed to me over the holidays and we are now trying to find a place to live together in the spring. Much of my time is also taken up with job hunting and trying to get my handmade jewellery ready to sell in order to help with the ridiculous price of university out here in Atlantic Canada. Due to all of this, I am kept rather busy. Despite my free time going down a bit, I’m still having a great time out here. Unfortunately there has been some sadness in the last little while with a few people that were close to my life passing away; one of them being John. It came as a great shock to many of us and he will be dearly missed.

As this article comes to a close, I regret I’m going to have to say farewell for now. It isn’t goodbye, but with my busy schedule at the moment, I am not able to keep up with the bimonthly schedule of the magazine. I hope to be back a few issues from now, maybe even sooner. So as I said, it’s not goodbye, it’s just farewell for now. Krysania, age 19

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 11

ASK MEDICINAL MICHELLE

Ask

Michelle

? Dear Michelle, ? Greetings Michelle,

I was given your contact information by a friend and I have some medical issues I have suffered with migraines for 35 which I know are being fixed by the use of medical marijuana. My family doc- years and found marijuana has finally tor whom I have known for years does not believe in the benefits and I have put a big stop to them. I am wondering contacted other physicians but found great reluctance to prescribing marijuana. if you can send me your information What I was hoping to ask you was if you can guide me to physicians who are package on getting approved for med- compassionate in giving me a legal prescription or if you can guide me where to ical marijuana. Thanks for any infor- start asking. I have a range of health issues: Pain from arthritis. Sleep disorder mation you can send me. (sleep too much or can't go to sleep). Muscle aches and pains. (This is due to taking cholesterol meds which I don’t take anymore). Because of all this I have SD, British Columbia a high CK enzyme count in my muscles which my doctor agrees is caused from the meds but says I need to continue taking them, anyway. Soft tissue injuries from a motor vehicle accident, and Achilles tendonitis causing calcification which cannot be reversed other than by surgery. Chronic fatigue and depression ! Dear SD, (which could be a result of all these issues) tops the list. All of these issues were resolved by the use of marijuana but my doctor does not believe this to be true Many individuals suffer from chronic and wants me to be a pharmaceutical statistic. debilitating migraines and have found cannabis to alleviate the pain. The pre- Warm Regards, SC scribed medication for people with severe migraine attacks are triptans. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) was the first ! Dear SC, drug specifically developed to treat migraines. Related medications include Everyday I receive correspondence from individuals just like yourself who have rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan had their physicians reject the very thought of cannabis as a medicine. It is a sad (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig), reality that you as a patient are not being listened to when you are the one suffer- almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan ing from various ailments - knowing what your body responds too and what it (Frova) and eletriptan (Relpax). Side rejects. In my opinion the act of disrespecting a patient’s right to alternative medi- effects of triptans include nausea, dizzi- cine is out-right inhumane. Reports and statistics are being published daily about ness; muscle weakness and, rarely, the devastating side effects caused by various pharmaceuticals which were stroke and heart attack. It would be approved by the FDA and are still on the market. Tragically, there is no list of safe to say that cannabis is a much physicians supporting medicinal cannabis in Canada. SC, I encourage you to safer choice. My Medicinal Cannabis educate your doctor, provide him with the necessary proof of cannabis’s thera- Education Package is in the mail to you peutic value regarding your specific conditions. Here are a few links to articles SD! It will guide you through the nec- and web-sites that will get you started. essary steps to continue treating your- Cannabis High Eases Joint Pains: http://www.medpot.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=28236 self! If I can assist further please let me Cannabis and Pain Management: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1296/a07.html know. If your physician still continues to deny you the right to treat yourself then I would suggest you take your file and start shopping for a new doctor. As daunt- XO Medicinal Michelle ing as it sounds, taking control and being pro-active with your health is your responsibility. Remember we do pay for our health care system and essentially we are customers paying for our service. Until the Canadian College of Physicians and the Canadian Medical Association accepts the therapeutic value of medicinal cannabis it will be our responsibility as patients to not only educate but demand our right to a less painful life. My Medicinal Cannabis Education Package is in the mail to you SD! It will guide you through the necessary steps to continue treating yourself. If I can assist further please let me know.

XO Medicinal Michelle

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 13

SOCIETY

Bedrocan By Harry Resin

homesgofast.com enerally when you think of Amster- The ques- G dam, you think of tion remains the coffee shops, but which model is that’s not all that’s going more effective, on. This article is part one one in which of a two part series intended patients or care to shine some light on the givers are able to grow Dutch Medical Marijuana indus- their own plants or a system that try. issues. As of 2006, Bedrocan was sees the government provide the sole producer of medicinal patients with their medicine, which In Holland, the medicinal cannabis cannabis in Holland. is thoroughly controlled and mon- sold by Dutch pharmacies is man- itored. From my own experience, I ufactured by a company called Currently, the medical cannabis can only say that usually the Bedrocan, with sale and distribu- sold by the drugstores and manu- patients or care givers who grow tion managed by the Office for factured by Bedrocan retails for? do so in a way that best suits what Medical Cannabis (BMC). Since 9,03 a gram. It is sold in a little plas- they are looking for in their medi- 2006, the Groningen-based Bedro- tic container by 5-gram increments. cine. It gives them the freedom to can Bv has produced all of the mar- Both the bud and the container can choose soil over hydroponics, ijuana sold in the Dutch pharma- be seen in the photos. One major organic food and pest control, cer- cies. issue regarding the cost is that tain curing and drying techniques, Dutch insurance companies won’t and, most important, strain selec- The founders of Bedrocan have reimburse their clients for their tion. All of this adds to both the always been farmers, growing medicinal cannabis. All this is in quality and effects of the medicine. endives throughout the ’80s. They contrast to the cannabis available For me, given the personal choice, entered the cannabis industry in from the coffee-shops, normally I would pick the veggies from the the early ’90s by making seeds for sold for around? 6,50 to? 7 at the organic farmer rather than the the Sensi Seed bank, which they cheapest end of the scale—usually Monsanto-style genetically modi- did until the Dutch government a PP grown commercially and fied produce. made seed production illegal in often not flushed very well. On the 1998. In 2000, they decided to other hand, for good herb grown Bedrocan currently offers three begin the process of applying for a organically in soil, you will pay strains of cannabis, all of which are license to legally grow medicinal around? 10–? 12. As a medical user, available from a Dutch pharmacy cannabis, as at this time there was you are currently limited to those with a doctor’s prescription. The a lot of talk about starting a pro- two choices: the coffee-shop, or the strains are: Bedrocan, which is an gram in the Netherlands. In 2002, Dutch medicinal weed from Bedro- old Jack Herrer phenotype meas- they were offered the first test can. ured at 18 per cent THC; Bedrobi- grow and delivered their samples nol, a cross between the Jack used in early 2003. That same year, However there was an important in the Bedrocan strain and an SIMM (Stichting Institute Medical ruling made in September 2008 by Afghan strain measured at 12 per Marijuana), a company started by a Dutch court that gave permission cent THC, and Bediol, the parent- James Burton and Bedrocan, to a MS patient to grow his own age of which is a closely-guarded became the first two legal produc- cannabis, who argued that he did- secret. It measures 6 per cent THC ers of cannabis in the Netherlands. n’t want to smoke irradiated weed and 7 per cent CBD. Bediol is also Both companies began having and it was cheaper for him to pro- the only sort that is sold in a gran- problems in 2005 when the gov- duce it himself. At ?9 a gram, with- ular, pre-ground powder—all other ernment couldn’t initially handle out compensation from an insur- strains come in bud form. the quantities these companies ance company, costs can add up if were producing, creating an over- your condition requires a more These are grown using small 3.5 flow that led to severe financial chronic dose. litre pots on a drip system. I found

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 15 SOCIETY

it interesting that they use such said here about the exemption sta- small pots, considering they yield tus available in Canada, or propo- nearly 150g per plant. They do, sition 215 in California. It should however, give their plants a lot of be the right of the patient to decide space and airflow. The food used is if they wish to grow their own made in-house and is a mineral- medicine. Recently, while speaking based powder. For pest control, with a medicinal cannabis activist they use only natural products—no here in Holland, she complained chemical pesticides. The lights they that the strains available from use are HPS Phillips green power Bedrocan had no positive effects utilizing 230.000 kWhs of electric- on her. She needed more Skunk- ity. I will go into more detail about based strains, as she found the sati- their growing and gardening tech- vas to be a bit too racy for her. This niques in the interview next issue. then forces her to either buy her Amongst their grow spaces, they cannabis from a coffee shop, which have one veg room and three can be expensive for the better www.bedrocan.nl flower rooms, of which they cur- sorts, or to grow it illegally herself. rently only use two. The reason is that at full capacity, they can pro- aged and irradiated by another I believe that the best system is a duce 400 kg per year, but the BMC company. These containers in turn combination of the Canadian and needs only 100 kg annually. How- end up in the pharmacies where the Dutch. This way, as a patient, ever, by operating at full capacity, they are sold to the public. Howev- you have the choice of either going it is arguable they would be able to er, in Groningen, the city were to a pharmacy or of growing it lower their prices. Bedrocan is based, there is a special yourself. I don’t think it is fair to medical cannabis pharmacy that create a monopoly-style situation Another issue facing medical users exclusively sells the Bedrocan sorts that gives one company the sole is that the BMC adds their cut to which are purchased directly from rights over what is considered to be the final product. The dried buds the company, saving the patients medicinal cannabis. It should be are delivered where they are pack- nearly 2 Euros per gram. the right of the patient to make the choice of what is best for them. I personally find it absurd that a Until further strain-by-strain government agency feels it has to research is conducted, who better take a cut when it comes to charg- to decide what strains are best than ing patients for their medicine, the patient actually using them? especially if those extra costs pay Hopefully we will see some for irradiation and packaging. In changes in Holland for the better. fact, if anything, governments should subsidize medicine. This is, Stay tuned next issue for the inter- after all, why we pay taxes—one view with the director of the com- would think. pany. Peace, love and light,

There is definitely something to be Harry Resin

16 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 SOCIETY

GreenPassion.org The little site that could!

-angel GreenPassion.org I have been asked, "Why J would you buy a marijuana site?" The answer is not sim- ple. We wanted to keep the site alive, but we wanted it to go for- ward in a way that we feel is unique. We felt we must give back to the cannabis community. But there is another, much more per- sonal reason... Recently, I watched a member of my family die from But what is cancer. He was denied the help said is far different from what is and comfort our herb could have done. Site wars, flaming and juve- herbal medicine. provided him in his last days. This nile behaviour give us all a bad And this does not even touch on had a profound impact on myself, image. I have been accused of the recreational users thrown in and on my family. It was a pivotal spamming, had posts pulled... out jails all over the world for smok- point in my life. If, by doing this, I of fear? Scepticism? Mistrust? All ing a little bit of bud. Nor does it can help even one person in this of the above? The message is sim- tell of the families torn apart, lives world to avoid that kind of suffer- ple. We all have to work together destroyed and property "legally ing, then I will do it. It must be to Legalize Worldwide and share stolen" because of this prohibition done, since our inaction is killing wisdom and knowledge about our based on racism and greed. people, slowly and painfully. Our herb. Cannabis users are seen as Cannabis prohibition has created inaction allows many of them to the old stereotype of the lazy, a world of fear and paranoia. It languish in prisons all over the longhaired hippie. But we are not doesn't have to be this way. If we world. It is about our humanity. just that. We encompass every work together we can change this, And what we choose to do with walk of life. We are doctors, just through sheer numbers. it. Our concept is simple: open up lawyers, teachers, students, every Recently I was invited to come the site to gather knowledge and and any person. We are not just a help growers at another site, Can- promote the legalization of our "type" any longer. We must nacare, to share my skills and healing herb. We will share that endeavor to change this impres- knowledge. Seeing that we had information with any site or per- sion and we cannot do this if we, some information that could be son that wants it. One of our as a group, cannot work together. well used there, I shared what we goals is to encourage other sites to What we propose to do is cut had with them. On further con- do the same. We live in a fast- through the drama and politics templation, a new idea grew paced world. On hundreds and and get it back down to what this among the members and staff, hundreds of cannabis sites, we is really all about — sharing our which they are now transforming have all seen the same idea: Legal- Knowledge with each other and into reality. Below is a quote from ize it! We wish to create a joining making cannabis available legally their "code monkey" about one of of all sites of our genre in the to everyone that needs it. Medical their first planned projects. Much future. It stands to reason that if Marijuana has proven a lifesaver respect to Steve, Elkonmylawn, we have a common problem, we for huge numbers of people. But and all the other staff at Can- should combine our strengths and time and again, I hear of people nacare and Sentry for being so fighting skills to Legalize our not getting approval for medical open to do this sharing. This is Herb Worldwide. It makes use, or not having the information what it is all about: "It was absolutely no sense to fight each to pass to their doctors. Some are inspired by the list of medical other. We are all on the same side. arrested for using this non-toxic links that Storm Crow (aka Gran-

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 17 SOCIETY

ny) has so diligently maintained ty-powered, so there's no telling we have an obligation to do this? over the years. The goal of the what form it might end up taking. We have been reaching out our project is to make a resource That's the fun part of all this. hand in friendship to other sites available online that will allow We're creating a resource that is and the majority of those sites are patients to very quickly and easily seeded with some data. But, the ready for this. In so doing, we find articles and studies regarding lion's share will come after that, have offered our site, GreenPas- cannabis which are relevant to when people start submitting new sion.org as a host for all to come their particular medical condi- links and volunteering to be edi- and talk to each other. We have a tions. So, for example, a patient tors and evaluators. Then, we'll forum devoted to this sharing of could quickly and easily click a really see what's going on! When ideas, the Cannabis Activist Idea few buttons and find themselves it is finally online, the general Interchange. We can offer to be presented with a list of regular public will be able to submit links the catalyst for this action but we Joe-level resources about how and Granny's List will grow and cannot do all the action. It is up cannabis affects arthritis. It will grow! The way it's designed, it to all of us to join in and cooper- also give the patient hardcore sci- will always be easy to navigate ate with each other to progress entific data that they can refer to and, since it's a custom applica- this fight to legalize and share their physician — and that might tion, it's screaming fast! We really information. Our hand is open save someone's life some day! think the world needs a resource and waiting. We are, indeed, just a That's why this project is so like this and we're enjoying mak- little site, and many others have important to us. Not only could ing it a reality." This will be the said what we propose is not possi- such a resource be valuable for first project created by our coop- ble. I believe it is. patients, but it could also be a eratively sharing of ideas. I can see boon for medical and legal profes- the possibility of many, many We just have to dare to do it. So sionals, as well as anyone interest- projects. In this global Internet we will indeed be "The Little Site ed in broadening their horizons on world, everything and everyone is That Could". To Life, J-angel the subject of medicinal marijua- as close as a click of a button. If GreenPassion.org na. It is intended to be communi- there is a way to help many, don't

18 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 SOCIETY

2009 Tokecrazy GreenPassion.org flickr.com

orever I have heard about go out and sow some seeds. Put forum on the GreenPassion.org F this "OVER GROW THE them everywhere! By highways, where you can see others who GOVERNMENT". Well, what is parks, forests, everywhere and join in the OGG and where they it? When does it happen? Where anywhere. Sow some seeds and have sown seeds in the 2009 does it happen? Those were the join in the World OVER GROW OGG. We will also post info questions I had. Now it is clear THE GOVERNMENT 2009. If about this on our friends' sites. to me what it means. The govern- even 1 in 10 people would sow Get others to join in on your site. ment officials in office are not lis- seeds this spring, the world Or just accept our hand of tening to the people. Or to what would turn GREEN in wave after friendship and come on by to see the people want. Stop the war on wave! All around the world, gov- what is up, and talk with others cannabis and on the people. ernment officials would have to about OGG! If we all stand With that being said, in spring of listen, as this will be loud! Just together, we all win. Let us make 2009, what would happen if 1 in think, if 2 people would sow 2009 the year that we Over 10 cannabis smoking people seeds.... And each had 2 Grow The Government. The would go out and plant 10 seeds friends.... Who have 2 friends... year we win the war on cannabis in the view of the public every- And so on. Pretty simple, isn't it? and stop the useless prohibition! where? We would send the mes- If you get on board with the Spread the word, Over Grow the sage to our government offi- OGG, you can do this! 1. Pass Government 2009 Spring Grow. cials—we want the war on on the about OGG to everybody Tell everybody go out and plant cannabis to STOP! When spring around. 2. Pick out your spots this spring. Turn the world in your part of the world comes, to plant. 3. There will be a Green! Peace.

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 19

SOCIETY

The Radio Reefer Report By Wendal Grant

hen I first was diag- by his photographer friend Rosan- nosed with Crohn’s na Mestre, shows him dressed W Disease, I quickly in his radio head gear while found out how much cannabis he works the air waves. He could help me and I had to let has lots of knowledge on everyone know. The best way to the classic rock tunes he deal with this was to get involved plays and it shows, or, in medicinal marijuana activism. I should I say, you hear figured I’d attend some rallies, it. some parades, maybe do some let- ter writing to some newspapers, Diesel grew up on but I didn’t figure that someday I the east coast of would address a mass audience. Canada, in Nova During 2008, that all changed in a Scotia. He loves big way. Early on in the year I was classic rock asked to address a large crowd at music (he told me the Niagara Falls ON 420 Rally, he has quite the but I never thought I’d be able to collection); other talk to tens of thousands of people than that, he seems at once. to love wrestling, hockey and a toke Writing for Treating Yourself mag- from time to time. azine allows me to write out my Diesel, whom you thoughts, ideas and the happen- can listen to on the ings of our group Medicinal (mari- web at juana) Awareness, MA. The www.rock107.ca, group’s writing help to let others may now have his own within the movement, plus the version of the Flower Hour. newbies to it, know what others This still-unnamed hour hap- like us are doing. Our hope is that pens every Saturday at 4 till 5 others will see and read what we p.m. EST and features not one are doing and it encourages them but two marijuana seg- to do likewise. These activities, the ments. Starting at rallies, the writing, the speaking 4:20 p.m. is and the home show experiences, the can make one grow in this move- ment and I can tell you they have all helped me achieve something I never expected.

During the year 2007 a local radio station changed their format. Out went the light and easy music and in came some classic rock. The station hired a young man by the name of Diesel Phillips to do the weekend show. Diesel as you can Diesel Phillips see in the enclosed photo, taken by Rosanna Mestre

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 21 SOCIETY

Afternoon Blaze with Jay segment done live so if there is a blooper, website, I made sure everyone where you can hear Diesel talk to you’re going to hear it. knew that they could pick up their his east coast buddy, Jay Blaze. I’m really surprised that this is own physical copy at their closest Like Diesel, Jay likes to have the happening as I’m the kid, who Chapters-Indigo bookstore, as well occasional toke as evident in the while in public school, had to as the many small variety stores shot taken by Rosanna Mestre. spend 4 years in speech therapy to out there. During this time, the two talk learn how to speak clearly and about what's new with Jay and the was too shy to do his mandatory Since that first show I have been happenings around him. They'll class speeches. Talk about facing able to educate people about the touch on the latest marijuana your worst fears! The one thing I oldest marijuana discovery by Pro- movies to the local happenings remember from those days was to fessor Ethan Russo and his col- along the east coast. Jay always look above the crowd if you are leagues, and I’ve been updating has something interesting to say nervous. It worked in Niagara; so, people on some legal cases in whether he’s laying down the with no one around me, the nerves Canada. These legal cases are ones weed-facts, just giving his opinion are pretty good while I do the that could lead to the legalization or even telling a story about life. radio show. of marijuana. We’ve also had a long conversation about cannabi- During the second half of the hour The segment comes on the air noids and how they work medical- is when the Reefer Reporter airs about twenty minutes after Jay ly within the body and how we his news. The Reefer Reporter seg- Blaze finishes up at 4:25 p.m., have receptors to receive these ment is my newest adventure into which puts me on at approximate- cannabinoids within us. The news educating the people. The three- ly 4:45 p.m. eastern time. When I also goes international as well. We minute show starts off with some started my activism I had no idea have touched on the legal status of classic reefer tunes from the ’30s that I would address thousands of growing plants in the Netherlands and ’40s. As it fades to some quiet people in a live conversation but it when their courts ruled that their background music, Diesel and I has now become a reality. It is a citizens could grow up to 5 per- start into our weekly cannabis way of educating the grassroots, sonal plants each. I’ve even filled news segment. The segment is the people who don’t buy or can’t everyone in on how the new Presi- afford to buy magazines, people dent of the United States feels Jay-Blaze who can’t afford a com- about medicinal marijuana and puter (never mind hav- how he has stated that the govern- ing access to the net) or ment shouldn’t be raiding the com- those who refuse to passion centers in California. I also get into the cyber had to tell everyone how marijua- world. I even reach na legalization was the top ques- out to the ones that tion at the website Change.org, only listen to the which asked people what they message given to wanted then-President-Elect them by those that Barack Obama to change the most say the opposite. when he came to the White The debut show of House. the Reefer Reporter allowed us to talk In less than 5 weeks of doing the about everyone’s show it has gathered response favourite magazine, from both coasts of Canada and Treating Yourself. all the places in between. We’ve The magazine even gotten comments from as far received lots of mention away as the southern USA. With as we talked about actual information being used, medicinal marijuana many have written to say that the and where you can show is a very valuable to our find medicinal movement. Frank wrote me and marijuana said “Getting the truth about information. cannabis to the mainstream is so Besides letting important. Your initiative deserves everyone know praise and support,” while Alison about the TY Myrden wrote “Thank you

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SOOOOO much for what you are It was mentioned that cannabis cussions. I can’t thank Diesel and doing! We are so pleased for you can be made into 25,000 different the radio station enough for allow- and that this station has given you items that would help in saving ing me to do this. It’s such a great this time! You should be SOOO our world, and then I named off opportunity that I would never do proud!” Keith Fagin from Calgary things like biofuel, housing materi- anything to abuse or jeopardize it. wrote me and said “I can't thank al, clothing and a few other things. Thank You. you enough for such strong sup- As time goes on I’ll be bringing port for our cannabis community other items forward that show Now that the show is up and run- here in Calgary” when I told him I how cannabis can improve our ning, I’ll have some new, as well as was planning on talking about his environment and our economic sit- some old stuff that I want to bring new business, something that I uation. to the people. Stuff like actual hope catches on. facts out of medical studies that Next up was letting everyone you can only read if you knew When the opportunity to talk on know that our senate has done a where to look. Perhaps Treating the radio about cannabis came, I report on marijuana. The 2002 Yourself Magazine giveaways quickly set a plan into motion. I report states marijuana prohibi- where the listeners have to locate wanted to start out with education tion, as we now know it, should medicinal information or some that would establish marijuana as end. As well, I made sure I men- kind of factual research that will something that is a life plant. By tioned the other countries that also get them started reading and see- life I mean what many activists did reports on our medication. ing the actual truth for themselves. say; it’s the plant of life. This plant Come this spring we plan on tak- Once people do this, maybe their can save us and the planet from ing the show on the road. I’ll be research would balloon and destruction. I use to scoff at that, attending rallies and events in the become more in-depth. These will but I no longer do. I also wanted Toronto area and I will be com- be things that I believe are impor- to establish that marijuana is a menting live on the air with what’s tant for the listeners to know medicine and has been for many going on at them. about as well as being very educa- centuries. I brought proof to the tional for in general. listeners by talking about Professor This whole thing came about by Russo’s discovery of the 2,700 sheer luck and I’m very fortune to Don’t forget: years old (27 centuries) cannabis have this opportunity. We didn’t Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m. EST, found in the Gobi Desert tombs know each other before this so I go to www.rock107.ca and click and then with my discussion on would say it took several months on the “listen live” button to get the cannabinoid system. In further of slowly building a friendship not one, but two reefer segments. shows I plan on pointing out ques- through emails. These emails Catch “Blazing with Jay” at 4:20 tions and other medical informa- included some big marijuana news tion that will make people think that he had never seen, read or p.m. and the “Reefer Reporter” and maybe lead them to discover heard from anywhere else. We did at 4:45 p.m.. the truth themselves. finally meet in person while he We welcome your input, if you was a judge in a local music con- have any comments or a question From there I talked about some of test. It also helped that he already you can email Diesel at: the environmental benefits and had the 420 Stoner Salute going so [email protected] or me at how marijuana can be used for the radio station and his listeners [email protected] everything that oil can be used for. were aware of his marijuana dis-

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Pancho Villa and the Mexican www.old-picture.com Revolution

By British Hempire

oroteo Arango Arámbu- la, better known as D Francisco or "Pancho" Villa, was a Mexican revolution- ary general. He was born on June 5, 1878 and little is known of his early life. According to his own version of his life story, at the age of 16 he shot an older man, the son of a big landowner, who had tried to rape Pancho's Porfirio Diaz Francisco Madero Emiliano Zapata Pancho Villa younger sister, Martina. Pancho www.s9.com www.nevadaobserver.com www.antorcha.org www.freedomarchives.org became an outlaw, not an unusual path for a man of the lower classes in Mexico to be forced into during the hard work by leaders such as throughout Mexico and in late the rule of Porfirio Diaz. Judges Benito Juárez. No peasant or 1910, revolutionary movements belonged to the aristocracy and farmer could claim the land he broke out in response to Madero's offending an estate owner for any occupied without formal legal title. imprisonment. The rebels were reason could lead to jail, execution Small farmers were helpless and particularly strong in the north and or forced recruitment into the angry; from this cause, many lead- included Pancho Villa, who cap- Army. Díaz’s presidency was char- ers including Francisco Madero, tured Ciudad Juárez (bordering El acterized by the extreme exploita- Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata Paso, Texas) along the Rio Grande. tion of the working class, farmers would launch a rebellion against and peasants. Wealth, political Díaz, escalating into the eventual After Madero defeated the weak power and access to education Mexican Revolution. federal army on May 21, 1911, he were concentrated among a hand- signed the Treaty of Ciudad Juárez ful of families, overwhelmingly of Madero decided to run against with Diaz. It stated that Díaz European descent, who controlled Díaz in the 1910 Presidential Elec- would abdicate his rule and be much property in large estates. tions. Diaz thought he could con- replaced by Madero. Insisting on a Most of the people in Mexico were trol the election as he had the pre- new election, Madero won over- landless. Foreign companies, most- vious seven. Díaz, however, did not whelmingly in late 1911. Some ly from the United Kingdom, approve of Madero and had him supporters criticized him for France, and the United States, also jailed on election day. Díaz was appearing weak by not assuming exercised a great deal of power announced the winner of the elec- the presidency and failing to pass within Mexico. tion by a landslide, providing the immediate reforms. But Madero initial impetus for the outbreak of established a liberal democracy Díaz changed land reform efforts the Revolution. Madero's vague and received support from the started under previous leaders. His promises of agrarian reforms United States and popular leaders new land laws virtually undid all attracted many of the peasants such as Orozco, Villa, and Zapata.

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Madero was a weak leader and his support quickly deteriorated. His short-lived regime came to an end in 1913 when commander-in-chief General Victoriano Huerta set in motion a coup d'état. Madero and vice president José María Pino Suárez were both assassinated less than a week later. After Madero's procorbis.com murder, Huerta proclaimed himself provisional president. Venustiano Carranza then proclaimed the Plan large land holdings of the aristoc- of Guadalupe to oust Huerta from racy to finance his army and help office as an unconstitutional the poor. usurper. The new group of politi- cians and generals (which included The new pile of loot was used to Pablo González, Álvaro Obregón, purchase draft animals, cavalry Emiliano Zapata and Villa) who horses, arms, ammunition, mobile procorbis.com joined to support Carranza's plan hospital facilities and food, as well were collectively styled as the as to rebuild the railroad south of Marijuana Ejército Constitucionalista de Chihuahua City. Villa signed a México (Constitutionalist Army of contract with Mutual Film Com- the Soldadera Mexico). pany of New York for $25,000 for exclusive rights to the revolution. Many of Pancho Villa's soldiers Villa joined the rebellion against Along with boots and artillery, were indigenous Yaqui Indians and Huerta, crossing the Río Bravo del Mutual Film provided Confederate they were very fond of smoking Norte (Rio Grande) into Ciudad Army uniforms, boots and fancy 'motas' – marijuana cigarettes. The Juárez with a mere 8 men, 2 guns for the front row so Pancho's term marijuana is said to have pounds of coffee, 2 pounds of scruffy soldiers would look better originated with the soldiers of sugar, and 500 rounds of rifle on the silver screen. Make-up Villa's army. Several stories about ammunition. Villa's remarkable artists supposedly powdered Villa's the origin of the term have been generalship and recruiting appeal, face to lighten it for certain scenes, told over the years, but it is most combined with ingenious fund- his hair was trimmed and combed. likely that it began with the female raising methods to support his Mutual's camera crews accompa- camp followers of Villa's army, rebellion, would be a key factor in nied Villa's peasant army when the known as Soldaderas. A popular forcing Huerta from office a little rebuilt railroad transported his corrido (folk song) written at the over a year later, on July 15, 1914. troops and artillery south. Mutual time of the Revolution called Mar- filmed the bloody battles where he ijuana: La Soldadera tells the tale This was the time of Villa's greatest defeated Federal forces at Gómez of a young woman who accompa- fame and success. He recruited sol- Palacio, Torreón and Zacatecas. nies her beloved Juan when he diers (both Mexican and merce- Life of Villa (1912) and The Life of joins Villa's army to cook his nary) and raised money using General Villa (1914), the two films meals, but she proves braver than methods such as forced assess- made about Villa's life by the Juan and when he is killed, takes ments on hostile hacienda owners, Mutual Film Company have been up his rifle and fights bravely, and train robberies. In one notable lost, but some unedited film reels being promoted to sergeant. Some escapade, he held 122 bars of silver of the battle of Ojinaga (January insight into the popularity of corri- ingot from a train robbery (and a 1914), showing Pancho Villa and dos celebrating Soldaderas is given Wells Fargo employee) hostage and his army fighting Federal forces, as by this description from the life forced Wells Fargo to help him sell well as photographs and publicity story of Zeferino Diego Ferreira, the bars for spendable cash. A stills taken from the original film, one of Villa's Dorados: rapid, hard-fought series of victo- do still exist. Villa's good relation- ries at Ciudad Juárez, Tierra Blan- ship with the American media was- Once I met a colonel named Petra ca, Chihuahua and Ojinaga fol- n't an accident, he was well aware Herrera. She dressed like a man lowed. By the end of 1913 he had of the power of the press and even and was very brave. Her troops amassed an army of 3,000 men delayed an attack on Juarez to operated in the north and belonged and become governor of Chi- avoid conflicting with the World to the Northern Division. Almost huahua. He also confiscated the Series. all of them were men. They fought

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with grenades made of the sacks purchased in Texas, often with the Mexico. from goat testicles filled with proceeds from sales of marijuana La Cucaracha became the anthem shrapnel and gunpowder, with a they brought across the river with of Pancho Villa's army, according fuse. They hardly used anything them. to Marijuana - The First Twelve else. I mean they were brave! Thousand Years by Ernest L. Abel:

Pancho Villa himself is said to La Cucaracha The song was adopted as Villa's have smoked marijuana before battle hymn after his capture of going to battle to become mas La Cucaracha is the Spanish equiv- Torreon and subsequent over- valiente (more valiant). There is alent of Yankee Doodle - a tradi- throw of the Mexican government a picture of Villa and Porfirio tional satirical tune periodically fit- because many of his men had Ornelas sitting under a tree, ted out with new lyrics to meet the smoked marihuana before going needs of the moment. The origins taken at Canutillo in 1920; they into battle, much like other sol- of the song are obscure, but the are said to be smoking 'motas' diers drinking alcohol before bat- Mexican writer Jose Joaquin Fer- tle. but others claim they are eating, nandez de Lizardi claimed the song it is not clear from the picture, but was brought to Mexico from Spain I would tend to think they had by a captain of marines. Lyrics for Pancho's fall stopped for a spot of lunch and La Cucaracha exist commemorat- Villa looks to be biting on a piece ing 19th-century conflicts in both from grace of food, not smoking a 'mota.' Spain and Mexico, but the most Some have said a photograph famous verses were written during By December 1914, in conjunction exists that was taken in Sabinas the Mexican revolution of 1910- with the armies of Carranza and while Villa was negotiating his 1920. Included among the new Zapata, Villa captured Mexico amnesty with the Federal govern- lyrics were the most famous verse City, forcing Huerta to flee and ment where he can be seen smok- of all: placing control of the government ing a 'mota'; newsreel footage of in the hands of the three rebel lead- this event also exists and it is La cucaracha, la cucaracha, ers. However, the following spring, claimed that twice Villa can be seen The cockroach, the cockroach, Villa was forced out of the triumvi- smoking. Author Alvaro Canales Ya no puede caminar; rate when he lost a power struggle has claimed to possess a sequence Can't walk anymore with Carranza. In the ensuing con- of photographs taken in Sabinas Porque no tiene, porque le falta flict, his troops were badly defeat- that show Villa rolling and smok- Because it doesn't have, because it's lacking ed by Carranza's army at the Battle ing his 'cigarro de hoja.' There are Marihuana que fumar. of Celaya. In his book Pancho references about Villa's smoking Marijuana to smoke Villa and Black Jack Pershing, habits in his early days in the book James W. Hurst gives an account of El Verdadero Pancho Villa by Sil- There are many stories about the Villa's disastrous attack at Celaya. vestre Terrazas and also in his later origins of this verse, some refer to He describes the behaviour of years in Con Villa: Memorias de the ‘cucaracha’ as Pancho Villa’s Villa's encamped army before the Campanļ~a by Jose Maria Jaurrieta. car, which with his soldiers hang- battle: ing out of it looked a bit like a In his book Greed, Rage, and Love cockroach and was notorious for The Yaqui Indians smoked mari- Gone Wrong, Bruce Rubenstein breaking down. Others say that the juana and danced away the night- describes the use of marijuana in song is ridiculing the Federal forces time hours in wild abandon. The Villa's army of Indians and merce- they said couldn't fight without peasants drank sotol and whiled naries: smoking marijuana. Some say it away the hours in song and con- was directed at the dictatorial versation; the Dorados patrolled A contingent of long-haired Yaqui Mexican president Victoriano the area and tried to maintain a Indians known as Las Cucarachas Huerta who was ridiculed by his semblance of order. (The Cockroaches) smoked mari- many enemies as a drunk and dope juana, a habit that soon became fiend who lived only for his daily Villa launched a frontal attack at the hallmark of Villa's army. weed. Perhaps the most accepted night that foundered on the Gringo recruits like Ward, Tom explanation of it is that it is a song artillery and machine gun fire of Mix (later a movie star), Tracy about a soldadera. "La Cucaracha" the Federal troops. Hurst describes Richardson and Sam “The Fight- is a nickname sometimes given to the action: ing Jew” Dreben turned up their women whose name is Cuca, The Yaqui Indians who led the noses at loco-weed and mescal. which is short for Maria de Refu- attack were stoned on marijuana, They drank American whiskey gio, a fairly common name in and they made no attempt at sub-

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terfuge, as they charged into the ry while trying to ouflank Villa's won. They sold us ammunition illuminated barbed wire they were army. Even worse, they had sup- that wasn't any good. It only had a simply slaughtered. plied Villa with bad ammunition. tiny bit of gunpowder in it. Hardly Zeferino Diego Ferreira, a cavalry any. Instead, it had sawdust inside. Villa was forced to withdraw to his soldier in the Division Del Norte, When we fired, the bullet would headquarters in Durango. There he explained what happened when he fall two or three feet ahead of us. resumed his life as a bandit, raiding told his life story to Laura Cum- The United States helped the fed- isolated American border towns mings in the 1970s: erales a lot. When they couldn't and mining camps as well as Mex- take Agua Prieta, they let them ican villages. The defeat at Celaya They killed a lot of our men at pass through U.S. territory to was blamed on the Americans, Celaya but we didn't have ammu- attack the city from the north. A who had allowed Carranza's nition. If it weren't for the United lot of Villa's silver ended up in the troops to pass through U.S. territo- States, Carranza wouldn't have hands of the United States.

Villa bandits who raided The Colombus Columbus, New Mexico, caught by American sol- diers in the mountains of Raid and Mexico and held, in camp near Namiquipa, NARA photo #533443 (April 27, The Mexican 1916., 1916 - 1917) Expedition

Clearly, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson had sided with Villa's rival Carranza. This infuriated Villa, who retaliated against U.S. citizens in Mexico. Sixteen American min- www.discoverseaz.com ing engineers were slain in the Santa Isabel Massacre of January plied Villa with weapons and trusty Springfield." 1916. Two months later, Pancho ammunition. After Villa paid sev- Villa became the first man to eral thousand dollars of cash in On March 15, Pershing led an invade U.S. territory since the Bri- advance, the merchant decided to expeditionary force of 10,000 men tish in the war of 1812. stop supplying him with weapons into Mexico to capture Villa but and demanded payment in gold. Pancho had already had more than At approximately 4:17 am on a week to disperse and conceal his March 9, 1916, Villa's troops The U.S. press reacted sharply to forces before the punitive expedi- attacked Columbus, New Mexico news of the Columbus raid. The tion tried to seek them out in and its local detachment of the U.S. reaction was especially swift in the unmapped, foreign terrain. 13th Regiment. They killed 10 Los Angeles Times. Before Villa's civilians and 8 soldiers, leaving 2 New Mexico incursion, the news- Pershing made his main base civilians and 6 military wounded, paper had described Villa as a encampment at Casas Grandes, for a total of 18 killed and 8 "rebel leader." After the Columbus Chihuahua and divided his force wounded. The raiders also burned raid, an editorial denounced him as into two columns to seek out Villa. the town, took many horses and an "outlawed Mexican bandit" Due to disputes with the Carranza mules, seized available machine and "the vilest kind of ruffian." administration over the use of the guns, ammunition and merchan- Mexico North Western Railway to dise before returning to Mexico. President Wilson could not stand supply his troops, the Army However, Villa's troops suffered idle in the face of an invasion of US employed a truck-train system to considerable losses, with at least territory and sent Gen. John convoy supplies to Pershing's sixty-seven dead, caused mainly by "Black Jack" Pershing to lead an encampment and The Signal Corps armed citizens in Columbus. expedition into Mexico. A $5,000 set up a wireless telegraph service About thirteen others would later bounty was offered for Villa's cap- from the border to Pershing's HQ. die of their wounds. Five Mexicans ture and Army posters invoked The newly adopted aeroplane was were taken prisoner. The raid may "The Flag, Old Glory" in calling used by the 1st Provisional Aero have been spurred by an American for 25,000 recruits: "Come on, Squadron to conduct aerial recon- merchant in Columbus who sup- boys, be ready to shoulder the naissance of the mountains.

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The idea sounded better than it The Mexican government at first organization, and two other men. was - gasoline had to come in on was favourable to the U.S. attack Patton personally killed Cardenas, pack mules and two planes crashed on its enemy, Villa, but Carranza and is reported to have carved in the first week, with the other came to resent the U.S. presence notches into his revolvers, but Villa four soon lost to further accidents. and soon Pershing's troops were continued to elude capture. In The campaign was a logistical fighting both Villa's rebels and reg- early 1917, as war loomed nightmare — there were no roads ular Mexican troops. between the United States and Ger- or maps and drinking water was many, President Wilson recalled scarce. Many Mexicans undoubt- In June, Lieutenant George S. Pat- the Army. General Pershing gave edly misled the Americans, point- ton raided a small community and up the chase with the memorable ing in one direction when they killed Julio Cárdenas, an impor- explanation: "Villa is everywhere knew Pancho had gone the other. tant leader in the Villista military and Villa is nowhere."

Above: Villa ambushed in Parral Mexico

Below: Villa’s lifeless body at the Hidal- go Hotel in Parral Chihuaha latinamericanstudies.org

flickr.com The end of the Revolution and Villa's Death

In 1920, the Carranza government books, children's books and all struck a deal with Villa in which he monuments in Mexico. It wasn't agreed to halt his raids in exchange until 1975 (more than a half-centu- for settling down on a ranch in ry after his death) that both the Canutillo and being appointed a Mexican and American govern- general in the Mexican army. ments felt safe enough to exhume However, on June 20, 1923, Villa his body, and when they did, they was ambushed and murdered in discovered that someone had Parral by followers of Álvaro stolen his head. After a large Obregón, a former army general, parade was held in his honour in who feared that Villa would Mexico, Pancho Villa's body was oppose their leader's candidacy for sent to the cemetery where many president in the upcoming elec- Mexican revolutionary heroes tions. Immediately following his were buried, and he was finally death, the name of Pancho Villa given the proper burial he was eliminated from all history deserved.

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The Cost of Justice...

By Captain Joint

thescripturist.com blog.ussharedparenting.com >

reating Yourself printed gamble I could not afford. to release the name of the "C.I. the story of the illegal #62" because they know that to T raid on my Holland, At this point, our time for appeal do so would place them in jail Massachusetts home in TY#12. has passed (we could no longer themselves. titled "Where is Captain Joint?" afford the cost of legal help.), but Here is what’s happened since: there may still be justice found in The fact that this dangerous felon this case. I think the two main was arrested on my property was When the police arrest you, it officers, Agent Scott Haley and not mentioned in the police affi- costs you your money to defend Chief Kevin P. Gleason can be davit. I think an arrest of this yourself. charged with perjury (It may be nature would be included as "rea- too late on the affidavit, dated sonable cause" to believe there is When you catch the police dirty, 2003, but they again lied under crime going on at the property. you have to bear the cost of prov- oath in depositions dated 2008), They make no mention of this ing your case, while the police but to do this, I need to force out arrest, yet they run my pro-mari- have the local town lawyers and the name of the "C.I. #62", juana politics throughout the affi- all of the town’s resources behind whom they claim was sent into davit. I think the gun-toting felon them for defense. No matter my home to buy pot with photo- is more of a threat to the neigh- what, it's your money draining copied money from me as they borhood, but that's just my opin- into the system. claim they watched from their car. ion...

My case against the Holland, I believe "C.I. #62" To be If I can force "C.I.# 62's" name Mass. police was dismissed by a Michael Zelonis, who, as a matter out and confirm who he is with lower court judge during an oral of public record, was arrested on the help of some other law argument for summary judgement my property Oct. 30 2002, and enforcement agency, and prove the November of 2008. Without had been only allowed there to get "buys" were lies, I think these money for an appeal and more wood to warm his home. He was officers will also be subject to legal fees that I was told would arrested on gun charges, and for charges of producing false evi- mount up to $15,000 or more, I possession of heroin and needles. I dence in the case of simple posses- was unable to continue with the had no idea this man had guns, sion that was brought against my case, even though lawyers told me and I don't condone or allow hard wife and daughter (I was never I could have a chance to win on drugs around me or my family. charged with any crimes). The appeal, due to the judge ignoring He never would have been police produced photocopied the 1st amendant rights violation allowed around my family. He money that they claim was sent claims. This would only mean was never allowed back at my into my home, yet never recov- that another judge would look at home and was in jail when the ered. This evidence produced dur- the appeal on the case. I could still police claim they made these fic- ing the discovery phase of the trial be denied a trial — a very costly tional "buys". The police refuse was rejected from the courts as

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...Way Too High! not admissible, no sales charges tigated me on a “rumor,” I have get of the raid, never charged for were brought against anyone, only heard "rumors" about him, and the "sales" I made? Did they simple possession, and all charges maybe it’s time for him to be smoke the evidence? dismissed. So why even produce investigated as well... the photocopied money? There Finally, though the police did was no trail of evidence to follow Also in Agent Scott Haley's depo- return my family's $850 taken in the "evidence"? sition, he states that the "C.I. the raid, all our other property #62" informant was in and out of was destroyed, even though no The question remains: how to my home and kept them informed order was given to do so. In fact, bring these cops up on charges by as to my medical condition, that I the District Attorney ordered our going through the proper chan- had "tubes and stuff sticking out money and property returned nels? They have committed of my arms." I had no tubes or years ago when all the charges crimes, and I would like to see anything else sticking out of my against our family were dismissed. them charged. arms until after March 25, 2003 (the day the warrant was signed, I don't see any good police work The two recent sworn depositions day I was operated on,) and was here. Am I missing something? from Haley & Gleason also differ still inpatient on March 27, 2003, as to if one or both officers were the day of the raid. I was never in How do charges get brought present at one of the "buys"; the my home prior to the raid with against police officers that the sys- reason these officers can't remem- any tubes in my arms, the other tem seems to want to protect? ber the details of this "drug deal" "sales" were on emergency room These guys broke the law and put is because it never happened! admissions unrelated to the illness my whole family, grandchildren These depositions are now posted I was operated on for. The police included, at great risk. They did at captainjoint.com so the public were unaware of that prior to much damage to our home and can read them and judge for their depositions and lied using property as they broke the law. themselves. information on my illness devel- They chased us out of our home oped after the fact; my medical at great cost to our family. Some of the citizens of Holland, records bear this fact out. It Mass. have put up a web page should be easy to prove perjury. And all because one judge has the with more information on Chief ability to say that a jury can't hear Kevin P. Gleason. See 01521.com If the police made three "buys" my case, and because the police with a "C.I. #62", wouldn't there won't reveal the name of the C.I., This will give you an idea of the be a trail of evidence? Trail of I can't face my accuser. type of officer he is. He has been money used in the "buys"? Evi- brought up on charges before, yet dence of three bags of marijuana the system continues to protect logged in to be produced at time And so they get away him. Considering he said he inves- of discovery? Why was I, the tar- with it...again.

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he fog was so dense we could barely see the bril- T liantly lit Rembrandt Tower except for a glow in the distance as we trooped out of my flat in Amsterdam. Walking The Rise and of across the canal and up the eerily Fall quiet street to Amstel Station, we planned to take the Metro to the Cannabis Cup. I snapped some digital shots of the street signage either glowing or blurred through Eddy banks of white cloud. Needless to say it was incredibly difficult to breathe this stuff, especially after Lepp sampling about twenty varieties of cannabis in readiness for tonight’s by Chris Thompson activities. It was November of 2003, and I had been living in the Dam for seven years on and off, Lepp•to•ma•ni•a, n. 1. Extreme stubbornness in the belief just another ex-pat enjoying the that state law is sovereign over federal law with respect to scene, and the incredible hospitali- medical marijuana. ty of the stalwart Dutch. Our little crowd of Americans braved thru the usual degradation of beg- upon his good fortune and great the Metro and observed a few ging for entry as a member of the location, and was then swept up heroin addicts cooking up their press. Of course there was no pre- in the crowd into the main display doses in the end row seats of the made Press Pass waiting for me hall at the Arena. Weaving and Metro cars. The stench is always as promised by staff. That would wending my way across the hall, I nauseating, a cross between be too efficient for stoners! But found the Seeds Direct/Gypsy ammonia and bleach – which I am having gone down this road Nirvana/International Canna- sure is quite deadly. Needless to seven times before, I was prepared graphic booth nestled between say I was overjoyed to barrel out to find whichever stoned-out, Bubbleman’s and some fellow of the Metro car and lurch up the blurry-eyed cosmic-partying High who looked like a Leprechaun, escalator into the relatively fresh, Times staff member who was with a bunch of scantily clad and cold, densely foggy air of other- going to let me in. However, I got luridly painted ladies lounging worldly ancient Amsterdam. in almost magically in an instant. around him on various couches This year the High Times spon- The world-famous Cannabis Poet, and bunk beds. There was a line sored Cannabis Cup was being Lee Bridges, had commandeered waiting to meet with this charac- held at the Arena Hotel. A loca- three chairs and was displaying ter named Eddy Lepp, and we tion I am sure the management of his self-published works just entertained a number of the wait- High Times rues to this day as inside the front door. Business ing faithful with free bong hits at one of their worst. How can one was brisk for Lee that night, and our booth. Later on I made my choose a NON-smoking venue for he had more than a special glow way to the Red Light District with the world’s largest smoker’s from all the energy swirling our group of friends, to the event? Upon arrival I had to go around us. I congratulated him Cannabis College. Lorna, the

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Amsterdam. Working frantically we assembled a team and put on a mind-blowing show that no one who attended will ever forget. In May of 2004 I traveled to the United States to promote the Can- nagraphic and get some material for the next issue. Visiting Eddy Lepp’s Medicinal Gardens in Lake County, California, was a highlight, and I observed his med- ical patient volunteers preparing some 35,000 seedlings for plant- ing in an open field on his farm. I wrote a story for the second issue of the International Cannagraphic, and filmed enough video for the DVD production. During the visit we discussed the legality of what he was doing, and Eddy showed me the letter of the law that supposedly protected his rights as a medical patient to grow and use cannabis. He also showed me a letter he had sent to a number of law enforcement organizations such as the DEA and the local sheriff claiming it was his right to grow, that he was going to grow, and to please let "The dark angels of Babylon are among us and him know if they had any objec- tions. It seems no body ever are trying to take one of our own." ~Eddy Lepp answered any of these letters, so Eddy Lepp felt he was completely within his rights to grow cannabis lovely directress, had invited us to in Northern California. After as medicine. Especially for folks come and listen to Eddy speak to the Cannabis Cup that year, the who had medical recommenda- us and show some slides of his ensuing long dark and cold wintry tions from their doctors. It garden in California, where months at the high northern lati- seemed the plan was this, to cannabis for medical use has been tudes of the Netherlands and charge around $500 for each legal since 1996. It was great to United Kingdom were spent “plot” upon which one plant was be informed about the law in Cal- working on the International Can- grown in the name of the patient. ifornia, and to hear of the many nagraphic Charter Issue, enclosed You could buy as many “plots” efforts folks like he had made to DVD movie, and the new as you could afford, and I get the law changed on our ICMag.com website. In February observed many poor folks getting behalf. The slides he showed us of 2004 we delivered the goods theirs for free. Eddy is very gener- that evening made their way into with a print magazine/DVD and ous and shared his medicine and our hands after the show. Eddy live website with a quickly grow- sacrament freely. At one of his gave us permission to print them ing membership. Overgrow.com meetings on the farm he made us in the first ever issue of the Inter- was at the time the only real aware of his passionate feelings national Cannagraphic Magazine. grower’s website, and when it shut that around his place, patients As Editor of the magazine, I was down ICMag.com was there to came first, and you were here to grateful for the wonderful con- offer a home for growers on the take care of them, not yourself. I tent we had for our Charter Issue. Internet. The next challenge have to say that in one week, I Eddy and his wife Linda was upon us, the ICMag/Seeds saw literally hundreds of people expressed many times that we Direct/Gypsy Nirvana Grow sign up for their plots. He had should come and visit their place Cup, April 20, 2004 to be held in perhaps fifty people living on the

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property in caravans, tents and at least 90 days in jail at that time biggest cannabis site on the Inter- sleeping in the fields to protect the just waiting for bail to be grant- net to date. Out in California, crop. Every single person there ed. Our next annual issue was Eddy decided to defend himself was a medical patient with a doc- produced and distributed in Jan- against the Federal Drug Enforce- tor's recommendation, as well as a uary, 2005. This issue included ment Agency charges using a reli- member of his church, the Multi- my visit to Eddy Lepp’s Medicinal gious defense. Aligning himself Denominational Ministry of Gardens in California, Gypsy’s with an activist from Arkansas, Cannabis and Rastafari. Just a trip to Jamaica with Bubbleman and a formerly twice-convicted few weeks after returning to Ams- and Wally Duck and the IC420 Rastafarian, he followed their terdam to produce the next issue I Cup. After the publication of advice in mounting challenge after heard from California that the Issue Two, we decided to take a challenge to the Feds. This tactic Feds had raided Eddy’s place and break and let the website commu- broughtEddy an incredible removed 32,500 plants from his nity grow. This was a wise deci- amount of time, which he desper- open field on the side of Highway sion as the world’s evil forces at ately needed. 20. Eddy Lepp was arrested a sec- large brought down the largest ond time that year, and eventual- cannabis site at that time, Over- Perhaps as a result of the stress of ly charged with conspiracy to grow.com. ICMag.com has these events, or maybe it was just manufacture a controlled sub- picked up and carried the torch a genetic turn of fate, but Linda stance, Marijuana, in excess of for truth and freedom for Senti, Eddy Lepp’s lovely wife was 1,000 plants. The long struggle cannabis lovers and users every- diagnosed with terminal cancer in had begun for Eddy, and he spent where, and has become the the midst of these happenings.

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"Respect All, Hurt None, Love One Another."~Eddy Lepp

Linda was the glue that held Eddy convict Eddy Lepp on two charges now waiting until late Spring of together, his mentor, his inspira- at the end of a whirlwind two day 2009 to hear what Judge Patel tion, and the class act at the magi- trial in August 2008. The jury has in store for Eddy. Under- cian’s side as he performed his took only four hours to reach standably, there is a campaign to various miracles. Meanwhile in their verdict. But meanwhile, in get believers to write the judge the courtroom, Judge Marilyn November of 2007, Linda praying for lenience in Hall Patel was either bemused by Senti passed away, never sentencing. the protestations of innocence seeing Eddy freed from from the defense, or outraged at the charges, never see- the shenanigans of the prosecu- ing his name tion. At one point the judge open- restored to honor ly accused Prosecutor Dave Hall as the cannabis of not doing his job, took direct activist he truly charge of the questioning at hand, was, and is. As of and made mincemeat of the this writing we still defense’s argument of the await his judgment moment. That was just one of from the bench. many zany moments I witnessed Originally sched- as the government suppressed evi- uled for early dence, warped the truth, and December of eventually convinced the jury to 2008, we are

There is also a website, EddyLepp.com that has more information about donating to his legal defense fund. Jah Rastafari!

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 39 HEALTH

IsCannabis Really the Right Drug for HIV/AIDS? By Ally (aka pflover) “Preserve Neural Plasticity!” e have been officially liv- originated from a lab mistake in ing with the reality of recent times. W HIV/AIDS for almost 30 years now. You may think you The first known case suspected (in know how it was transferred to retrospect) of being HIV occurred humans but I expect the majority in England in the late 1950s. A do not. The tale most of us have young English printer who had heard and internalized over the spent a few years traveling with the years involves a careless lab assis- navy reported to hospital with sev- tant and a monkey gone horribly eral unusual symptoms including wrong. This, my friends, is nothing purple skin lesions, fatigue, and more than creative myth. There are rapid weight loss. Upon his death it two strains known in man: HIV-1 was discovered that he had suffered responsible for the majority of from two unusual infections. One Sooty mangabey cases and originating from the com- of these, Pneumocystis pneumonia, mon chimpanzee and the less viru- was extremely rare at the time but lent HIV-2 which originated from a is commonly contracted by people full-blown AIDS. Another early type of a monkey know as the who have developed the advanced case comes from a Norwegian sooty mangabey. Current genetic form of HIV, know as acquired sailor who first presented symp- and epidemiological evidence indi- immunodeficiency syndrome or toms in 1969, eight years after cates that the simian immunodefi- AIDS. Although tissue samples spending time in West African ports ciency virus (SIV) first crossed from were saved from the printer, tests where he contracted gonorrhea, its host to humans around the turn for HIV have been inconclusive. indicating he was sexually active at of the last century, give or take 20 Interestingly, Sir Robert Platt, then the time. In 1976, he along with his years. This process is likely to have president of the Royal College of wife and youngest daughter all occurred naturally/passively like Physicians, “wrote in the printer's died. Later it was confirmed that that currently seen with bird flu. hospital chart that he wondered 'if AIDS had wiped out his family Once it had successfully infected we are in for a new wave of virus (6,7). In 1969, a 15 year-old humans, it morphed into the disease now that the bacterial ill- African-American boy died of a human immunodeficiency virus, nesses are so nearly conquered' secondary AIDS-related infection at commonly known as HIV, and (4).” the St. Louis City Hospital. Blood began to spread throughout the and tissue samples taken from the Congo/Cameroon region of West- The oldest confirmed cases of HIV- boy, known to medical science as Central Africa (1, 2). Indeed, by 1 date back to samples taken in Robert R., were later confirmed to 1960, HIV-1 appears already to what was then Léopoldville, Bel- be HIV-1 positive. Although have become genetically diverse in gian Congo in 1959 and 1960. The unconfirmed, he was suspected of humans in Kinshasa, Democratic 1959 case was found in a sample being a prostitute. Robert R.'s Republic of the Congo (formerly taken from a man (5), the 1960 admittance to the hospital in 1968 Léopoldville, Belgian Congo) (3). case from a sample from a woman represents the earliest known case One implication of this finding is (3). It is unknown whether or not of the retrovirus to be confirmed in that the retrovirus could not have these individuals ever developed the USA (8, 9).

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Kaposi's sarcoma

Researchers believe HIV arrived uals are believed to be currently liv- The highest number of infected from the Congo to the USA by way ing with the disease. Although the individuals found in one country of Haiti where it appeared in 1966. deaths per annum associated with can be found in South Africa, with The retrovirus was then brought to AIDS dropped by approximately Nigeria and India taking second the USA by a single unknown carri- 30% from 2005 to 2007, the new and third respectively. Interestingly, er sometime in the next three years infection rate appears to be keeping the development of more effective (10). However, this carrier was not up with deaths so the total number antiretroviral drug combinations Robert R., as there is no documen- of infected individuals has known collectively as highly active tation of him having left the coun- remained reasonably stable over antiretroviral therapy, or HAART, try during his short life (9). the last 3 years or more. More than has lead to a decrease in attention 75% of women with AIDS live in given to AIDS in the media. As a Today, HIV has claimed nearly 30 Africa, with total infected African result, many in areas where million lives since it was first offi- individuals accounting for at least HAART is readily available have cially documented, making it one 64% of the global infected popula- developed the mistaken impression of the worst pandemics in human tion. South and South East Asia that AIDS is no longer a significant history. As of 2007, as many as accounts for another 15% of the threat or is even gone. However, 36.1 million more infected individ- total infected global population. nothing could be further from the

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 41 HEALTH

truth. In areas such as this, like the Delta-9 THC and others” and why cannabis and THC stimulate USA, the use of HAART has lead to again as less dangerous with only appetite and combat wasting. significantly increased life moderate abuse potential and expectancy and therefore a sub- accepted medical use (Schedule III) Several studies have investigated stantial increase in the size of the as “Dronabinol: Marinol, synthetic how effectively both Marinol and infected population (11). THC” (13, 14, 15). A chemical standardized cannabis improve cannot magically change pharma- signs of wasting in HIV positive Of those infected with HIV in codynamic or pharmacokinetic individuals. How well cannabi- North America, approximately a properties just because it originates noid-based treatments hold up third of them use cannabis to help from a man made process and not depends on how one defines suc- alleviate symptoms of the infection biosynthesis. On a purely molecu- cess. The recommended dose of or side effects from the treatments lar level, our bodies cannot distin- Marinol for appetite stimulation is (12). Cannabis preparations are guish between the two sources. I 2.5mg twice daily. Studies prior to most frequently used for appetite don't know about you, but to me, 2000 used this dose. In 1995, stimulation/nausea suppression and the current insistence that THC has 2.5mg Marinol twice daily was multiple types of pain suppression. two legitimate schedules seems like compared to placebo to treat symp- Considering the immunosuppres- a pretty delusional stance to take. toms of wasting in 139 HIV sive effects of acute administration Regardless of this insanity, doctors patients. Patients were randomly of cannabinoids, many have won- in the USA are federally allowed to assigned to either the drug (88) or dered if this practice is “safe.” Is prescribe Marinol to those suffer- the placebo (51) group. When com- cannabis therapy only palliative ing from AIDS wasting syndrome. pared to the placebo group, the (symptom relief without curative Where therapeutic cannabis laws group receiving the Marinol report- properties) for those infected with have been enacted, these patients ed substantial improvements over HIV, or might it actually help fight may also utilize preparations of pre-study baseline in appetite, the infection at some levels? Does cannabis to help reduce the nausea mood, and decreased nausea. Mean cannabis therapy pose any risks to and stimulate the poor appetite weight was stable in the Marinol those fighting HIV? What role, if associated with AIDS wasting. group as compared to a small drop any, does the endocannabinoid sys- in weight for the placebo group. tem play in the progression of HIV In 2005, Woolridge, et al. collected Over the course of the study, only to AIDS? Although far from defini- data from 520 HIV patients attend- 10% of the placebo group gained tive, the rest of this article will ing a large clinic and collected sta- 2kg or more where as this was explore what is currently known tistics on rates of cannabis use, achieved by 22% of those in the about the answers to these ques- reported reasons for use, and Marinol group. These findings lead tions and what this information whether or not the patient felt the authors to conclude that THC might mean to the average HIV cannabis improved symptoms. Use was “safe and effective” at alleviat- positive individual. of cannabis to control symptoms ing symptoms of AIDS wasting was reported by 27% (143) of (18). A long term (12 month) trial those who completed the question- of 2.5mg Marinol in late stage Cannabinoids in naire. Of these 143 cannabis using AIDS patients, which concluded patients, 97% experienced appetite THC was safe and effective in the the Treatment of stimulation and 93% reduced nau- long run, was published by the AIDS Wasting sea (12). This finding is not surpris- same group two years later. Again ing considering that anandamide, Marinol was associated with stable one of the primary endocannabi- body weight and significantly One of the few broadly recognized noids, helps to maintain healthy improved appetite. Interestingly, legal medical uses of cannabinoids serotonin and dopamine levels, the degree to which appetite is in the treatment of wasting due to feeding behaviors, and cognitive improved over baseline was depen- AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, and functioning during periods of diet dant on how long the patient had severe anorexia. The primary active reductions like those seen in wast- been on Marinol therapy such that constituent of cannabis, THC, has ing syndromes (16). Anandamide is scores during the first four months the interesting honor of appearing also involved in the initiation of improved by 50-75% but went up on the DEA’s scheduling twice. feeding behaviors by means of CB1 to the 200% range there after (19). THC is scheduled once in the list of cannabinoid receptor activation in most dangerous drugs with no the hypothalamus (17). It is this These studies help demonstrated known accepted medical use involvement of the endocannabi- something about the 2.5mg dose of (Schedule I) as “Tetrahydro- noid system in the regulation of Marinol. It is an effective appetite cannabinols: THC, Delta-8 THC, feeding behaviors that explains stimulating dose but does not

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HEALTH

appear to consistently initiate doses as Haney's earlier study, the mildly painful mechanical stimuli weight gain, a fact that other effects of Marinol and smoked but did not affect response to typi- researchers have used to claim that cannabis were compared in 15 HIV cally painful high temperatures. THC is ineffective when compared patients with signs of wasting and The authors concluded that to other anti-wasting drugs. A 15 without. For a few patients, the “smoked cannabis was well tolerat- 1997 study compared the suggested 30mg dose of Marinol was too ed and effectively relieved chronic dose of Marinol to that of mege- intense, however all other doses of neuropathic pain from HIV-associ- strol acetate, the two doses togeth- both Marinol and cannabis were ated sensory neuropathy. The find- er and a sub therapeutic dose of well tolerated. Significant increases ings are comparable to oral drugs megestrol acetate and the suggested in caloric intake were associated used for chronic neuropathic pain dose of Marinol together. Both with both cannabis and Marinol (23).” Ellis, et al., published confir- groups using full doses of megestrol when compared to placebo for the mation of this finding two years acetate gained an average of 6kg group with signs of wasting but not later using an even more stringent over the 12 week period. The group those without (22). Clearly the inclusion criteria and experimental receiving Marinol alone lost an appropriately anti-AIDS wasting design (24). Use of cannabinoids to average of 2kg while the sub thera- dose of Marinol is as much as 8 treat HIV induced neuropathic peutic dose of megestrol acetate times that currently recommended hypersensitivity is also supported plus Marinol only lost 0.3kg. The for full effect. Furthermore, it may by evidence from animal models difference between the four groups only be effective at increasing investigation of how HIV is capa- was found to be highly statistically weight in those who are already ble of inducing such neuropathic significant. The lack of weight gain expressing evidence of wasting. changes. In one such study, the syn- observed in the Marinol group lead This effect is comparable to that thetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 the researches to conclude that observed when cannabis with a low (WIN) was able to inhibit HIV- THC was not an effective treat- per cent THC is smoked for the induced hypersensitivity to ment compared to other available same purpose. mechanical stimuli in rats by anti-wasting drugs (20). inhibiting the activity of a particu- larly toxic HIV protein know as More light as been shed on this Cannabinoids and gp120 (25). controversy since 2000. Haney in 2002 reported that both Marinol HIV-Related Pain and smoked cannabis standardized Cannabinoids, for THC content effectively The 2005 study by Woolridge and increase food intake in a small colleagues into the reasons why HIV and the study population of nine patients. HIV patients used cannabis found Marinol appeared to produce a that 94% of the cannabis using Immune System greater weight gain, however, respondents reported that cannabis smoked cannabis was rated higher reduced muscle pain, 90% reported of the CNS for improved appetite and mood. reductions in HIV-related neural- Interestingly, Haney got these gia, and 85% reductions in HIV is able to infect the central results using Marinol doses that parethesis (burning, itching, tin- nervous system (CNS), enabling it were four to twelve times the rec- gling or prickling sensations in the to alter the functioning of the ommended dose for appetite stimu- skin with no apparent cause). A immune cells in the brain. Key lation (10mg, 20mg, 30mg), indi- few studies have begun to confirm changes to the CNS immune system cating that perhaps the recom- what patients have known for years brought about by HIV have been mended dose is conservatively and to elucidate how cannabinoids associated with the development of small compared to what might be are able to produce this relief. In dementia. Cannabinoids are required for more severe conditions early 2007 Abrams, et al., reported known to modulate the immune such as AIDS wasting (The stan- that smoked cannabis standardized system in both the periphery and dardized cannabis doses used in to 3.56% THC was significantly the CNS and many have attempted this study were standard govern- more effective than placebo (THC- to investigate how HIV and ment issue joints of 1.8%, 2.8% free cannabis) at reducing daily cannabinoids interact. One study and 3.9% THC.) (21). Three years HIV-related pain and did so with a used monkeys with CNS infections later, Haney and colleagues, pub- significantly greater degree of of SIV to examine how this class of lished more detailed findings con- reduction. This effect was most retrovirus altered the endocannabi- cerning the use of smoked cannabis powerful for the first dose. Smoked noid system. They found that in vs. Marinol in the treatment of cannabis also reduced evidence of particular, SIV caused upregulation AIDS wasting. Using the same HIV-related hypersensitivity to of CB2 receptors in three CNS

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immune cell types. The authors nism (29). Morphine behaves Above: HIV budding concluded that once CNS infection rather differently in this test. Sup- had occurred its progression might pression and stimulation of expres- Below: be facilitated by the inhibition of sion of the virus were produced by HIV-replication-cycle the antiviral properties of these morphine in a time dependant immune cells via CB2 mediated fashion. Nor did morphine behave immunosuppression (26). Further- consistently between lymphocyte more, at least one early study on and microglial cultures. This find- lymphocytes containing both CB1 ing suggests that when it comes to and CB2 receptors found that treat- HIV-related pain management, ing the culture with HIV combined cannabinoids might be a less harm- with either THC, WIN, or CP- ful choice than morphine. 55,940, all of which bind to both receptors, resulted in increased evi- One of the things microglial cells dence of infection compared to are known for is significantly con- HIV treatment alone (27). This tributing to the development of finding however has not been repli- dementia in conditions like multi- cated in live animals and the con- ple sclerosis, AIDS and Alzheimer's cerns posed by the monkey study disease. Once activated, these CNS by and large have not been substan- immune cells wreak havoc on the tiated either. brain. Activation of CB2 receptors on microglia has been found to In fact, most of the evidence inhibit their activation through appears to point in the opposite inhibition of one of their main acti- direction. One of the types of CNS vation pathways. CB2 activation immune cells found to upregulate also suppressed the release of nitric CB2 receptors in response to SIV is oxide (NO) and tumor necrotic microglia. WIN has been found to factor alpha (TNF-alpha) from potently inhibit the replication of microglia (30). Both NO and TNF- HIV in microglial and CD4(+) lym- alpha are known to be involved in phocyte cell cultures (28), and at activated microglial-related CNS least in the microglia this occurs via cell damage. Release of NO from a CB2 receptor dependant mecha- macrophages may also play a roll

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 45 HEALTH

in HIV-induced CNS cell dam- suppressive effects on macrophages which HIV alters the endocannabi- age (31) and at least one study and microglia produced by THC. noid system to facilitate its own has found that CP-55,940 can THC inhibited the ability of these spread and development. One of suppress release of NO by cells to fight off the infection in the the issues, however, with interpret- macrophages through CB1 and brain, indicating that it might also ing how to use these interactions to CB2 mediated mechanisms. make HIV patients more susceptible our advantage successfully is that to opportunistic secondary infec- often the particular action observed Another way in which cannabi- tions of the CNS (33). However is very cell-type dependent. In noids have been found to this implication has yet to be con- 2002, Esposito and colleagues potentially inhibit the demen- firmed. found that a line of rat neuroim- tia-inducing nature of HIV is mune cells when treated with HIV through restoring the blood proteins would release high levels brain barrier (BBB) after HIV Can We Exploit of NO resulting in a toxic effect on assault. Although HIV does not HIV/Endo- the cells. This HIV-induced over directly infect the endothelial expression of NO resulted in a cells in the BBB it can produce cannabinoid down regulation of CB1 receptors several changes in them which and in anandamide transporter alter their ability to effectively Interactions? activity in the cells. On the other bar entry into the brain. hand, it was found that CB1 recep- Cannabinoid agonists have The answer to this question is most tor activation significantly inhibited been found to block or even certainly yes. Early research on the NO release, development of cell reverse many of these changes HIV/endocannabinoid interactions toxicity, and CB1 receptor/anan- both in culture and animal did not look promising (27, 34, 35) damide transporter downregula- models. Cannabinoids also and it was concluded (36), possibly tion resulting from HIV protein inhibited the ability of the correctly, that these interactions assault (37). Here both direct CB1 macrophage/microglial precur- featured prominently in disease activation through exogenous sor cells (monocytes) to move progression and ultimate downfall drugs like THC or WIN could be across the BBB (32). The abili- of the immune system. Some more beneficial as well as therapies tar- ty to restore the BBB after HIV recent work such as Benito, et al. geting means of up regulating the assault by cannabinoid ago- 2005, with monkeys have added to endocannabinoid system through nists is likely to suppress HIV this concerning knowledge base, FAAH inhibition and stimulation infection of the CNS and thus finding over expression of not just of endocannabinoid production. the eventual development of CB2 receptors in specific cells but dementia. also fatty acid amide hydrolase In 2004 Maccarrone, et al., found (FAAH ) production as well (26). significant changes to endocannabi- Although the concerns posed by FAAH is responsible for the enzy- noid system functioning in the neo- Benito, et al. 2005, with their matic breakdown of anandamide cortex of rats following assault by a work on SIV-induced changes in after it has been released. In some particularly toxic HIV protein. The monkey brains (26) may not be cases, these interactions may indi- protein, gp120, was found to presented by HIV itself, there is cate that CB1 agonist drugs like induce increased FAAH production always the concern of secondary cannabis may not always be the and anandamide transporter activi- infection to consider. Cabral and best choice or may even potentially ty while suppressing levels of anan- Marciano-Cabral, 2004, were exacerbate some particular process damide itself. However, the enzyme stimulated by the observation in the progression of HIV to AIDS. responsible for anandamide pro- that CNS infections by oppor- Instead, many cases would suggest duction was unaffected. The activi- tunistic amoebae were more manipulating the endocannabinoid ty of an enzyme capable of creating common in AIDS patients to system itself may be a more suitable endogenous FAAH inhibitors from investigate how THC affected approach. anandamide was also drastically infection rates of the amoebae in reduced following HIV gp120 mice. There was a dose-depend- Research into HIV/endocannabi- assault. As a result of this up regu- ent increase in infection-related noid interactions have found many lation of FAAH and subsequent mortality rate for mice treated possible targets for therapeutic down regulation of anandamide in with THC compared to those manipulation of the endocannabi- the rat neocortex, a delayed apop- that were not. The increase in noid system to either aid in the totic response to HIV gp120 pro- infection-related deaths appeared body's natural attempts to fight the tein assault was observed in neo- to be the result of the immuno- drug or counteract the ways in cortex cells. Apoptosis is pro-

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HEALTH

with other viral infections like her- pes simplex virus (40). A hybrid study using human immune cells implanted into immuosuppressed mice found that THC reduced CD4 expression in these cells. CD4 levels are used as an indicator of HIV progression in HIV and AIDS patients. In general, CD4 levels and degree of HIV infection appear to be inversely related such that as HIV infection goes up CD4 levels drop. So the finding that THC can induce suppression of CD4 expres- sion in these cells is alarming. Although co-administration of HIV and THC did not reduce CD4 Above: levels beyond that observed with HIV Viron THC alone, HIV infection rates were significantly increased (50 grammed cell death, or a process TNF-alpha or HIV (39). NF-kap- times greater) compared to admin- that once switched on results in the paB is a transcription factor recruit- istration of HIV alone. After five cell terminating its own life ed by HIV in the replication of days of treatment with THC, the processes. FAAH inhibitors were more HIV and inhibiting its activa- cells were also found to have up found to effectively attenuate tion inhibits the ability of HIV to regulated the expression of two of gp120-induced apoptosis, although make more copies of itself. Stimula- the receptors essential to HIV infec- anandamide transporter inhibitors tion of NADA production, inhibi- tion of new cells. This effect had did not (38). Co-administration of tion of intercellular removal and diminished to non-significant levels FAAH inhibitors and products breakdown of NADA and/or sys- by 10 days of THC treatment but which stimulate anandamide pro- temic NADA administration may the damage had already been done. duction may be especially useful in yet prove to be useful parts of an The number of infected cells had reducing these effects during gp120 effective HIV antiviral regiment. been substantially elevated by the assault. It would also be useful to period of increased viral receptivity. elucidate the pathways involved in These findings lead the authors to anandamide inhibition of gp120- Evidence Against suggest that there exists a window induced apoptosis in the neocortex early on in THC-based therapies as more direct targeting of these the use of for HIV when THC is actually pathways may be possible. enhancing HIV replication and Cannabinoid Base thereby facilitating the progression Sancho, et al. 2005, found that a from HIV to AIDS (41). Taken lesser-known endocannabinoid Therapies in HIV together these studies do not paint know as N-arachidonoyldopamine a positive picture of THC in the (NADA) was capable of signifi- Patients treatment of symptoms of HIV. cantly inhibiting HIV infection of One thing to be considered, howev- two human immune cell and one Overall, there is minimal concrete er, is that all three are animal stud- brain cell lines. Other endocannabi- evidence so far to suggest cannabi- ies using mice and there may be noids such as anandamide and 2- noids pose a significant risk to something special about the mouse AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) did those infected with HIV; however, response to THC under these con- not produce this effect, nor was the some warnings still should be con- ditions producing the negative effect found to be dependent on sidered. As stated before, animal results. known receptors for NADA. This studies suggest THC may increase antiviral effect of NADA was the risk of infection of the brain by There is at least one factor that found to be additive with at least opportunistic amoebae in HIV might warrant real consideration one other antiviral medication. patients (33). Another study has when trying to decide if THC- NADA was able to inhibit replica- suggested that THC may signifi- based treatment for HIV and AIDS- tion of HIV by targeting the ability cantly increase the mortality rate of related symptoms is the right of NF-kappaB to be activated by HIV patients previously infected choice. One study has found that

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Marinol and Cannabis use can interact negatively with some retro- virus inhibitors. In this study, meas- ures of health and disease progres- sion were taken and then follow up scores were taken again a year later. Use of Marinol or cannabis by patients taking azidothymidine or an azidothymidine/dideoxycytidine combination was found to be asso- ciated with declining health at year’s end. At the beginning of the study, use of cannabis or Marinol by patients taking dideoxyinosine was associated with reduced CD4 levels. However, those on dieoxyi- nosine are the most likely to have HIV timecourse low CD4 counts to begin with, so it is hard to know what to make of cannabinoids gained an average of some cases even show improve- this finding. Dideoxyinosine has four pounds and had improved ments. This may be especially true been associated with the develop- immune systems compared to those when cannabinoid therapies are ment of pancreatitis. However by on an oral placebo (44). Both combined with specific antiviral year’s end, all signs of pancreatic smoked cannabis and Marinol and antiviral combination thera- health had substantially improved were deemed well tolerated and pies. However, this does not appear in the subset of cannabis/Marinol safe based on the measures taken. to apply to all antivirals so some using patients on dideoxyinosine Another three week study utilizing care should be taken when deciding (42). Clearly cannabinoids affect a different set of measures of if cannabinoid therapies are the health differently in HIV patients immune function also found no sta- right choice or when starting or depending on which antiviral ther- tistically significant changes pro- changing antiviral treatments. The apies they are also taking, some- duced by either smoked cannabis majority of evidence on the molec- thing which should be taken into or Marinol on the immune systems ular level also looks good for account when either starting of HIV patients also on HAART cannabinoids in the treatment of cannabinoid-based therapies for (45). HIV. Cannabinoids may be particu- the first time or when starting or larly useful in reducing the impact changing antiviral therapies. of the HIV virus on the CNS Conclusion through suppression of microglia activation and the restoration of Epidemiological Although in the past some have the BBB after HIV assault. Manip- raised concerns about the use of ulation of the endocannabinoid sys- Evidence cannabinoids in the control of tem may also be beneficial in the symptoms associated with HIV and fight against the progression of By and large, epidemiological stud- AIDS wasting, the majority of evi- HIV, especially in the CNS. FAAH ies into the HIV-infected popula- dence, especially the epidemiologi- inhibition shows particular prom- tion have not revealed much evi- cal studies of cannabis-using ise. However, more studies into the dence for concern over the use of patients, has not tended to back interactions of HIV with the endo- THC to alleviated HIV-related these concerns up. Furthermore, cannabinoid system, especially in symptoms such as pain and wast- cannabinoids have been shown to live animals and not just cultured ing. An investigation of the effect of be effective palliative tools in the cells, are needed to more fully short term (three week) cannabi- fight against HIV and AIDS. Rea- understand the complexities noid use by HIV patients on meas- sonably low doses have been involved before therapies of this urements of viral load, protease shown to effectively and reliably sort are likely to appear. For now, inhibitor levels, and CD4 levels stimulate appetite, reduce nausea most evidence indicates that, for found neither Marinol nor smoked and reduce measures of pain while the average HIV positive individ- cannabis had any significant effect higher doses may be required to ual, symptom management with on these measures of HIV progres- reliably induce weight gain. HIV cannabinoids is well tolerated, safe, sion (43). Furthermore by the end patients appear to tolerate cannabi- and effective and may even of the study, patients receiving noid therapy well and safely and in improve overall health scores.

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 49 HEALTH

Is Cannabis the right drug for HIV/AIDS

References Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 1995 Feb; 33) Cabral, GA and Marciano-Cabral, F. Cannabinoid- 1) Colonial clue to the rise of HIV. 10 (2): 89-97. mediated exacerbation of brain infection by oppor- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7646255.stm 19) Beal, JE, Olson, R, Lefkowitz, L, Laubenstein, L, tunistic amebae. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2004 (Accessed 1-25-2009). Bellman, P, Yangco, B, Morales, JO, Murphy, R, Pow- Feb; 147 (1-2): 127-30. derly, W, Plasse, TF, Mosdell, KW, and Shepard, KV. 2) HIV's ancestry traced to wild chimps in Cameroon. Long-term efficacy and safety of dronabinol for 34) Stefano, GB, Salzet, M and Bilfinger, TV. Long- http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-05-25-hiv- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated term exposure of human blood vessels to HIV gp120, cameroon_x.htm (Accessed 1-25-2009). anorexia. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, morphine, and anandamide increases endothelial adhe- 1997 Jul; 14 (1): 7-14. sion of monocytes: uncoupling of nitric oxide release. 3) Worobey, M, Gemmel, M, Teuwen, DE, Haselkorn, Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 1998 Jun; 31 T, Kunstman, K, Bunce, M, Muyembe, JJ, Kabongo, 20) Timpone, JG, Wright, DJ, Li, N, Egorin, MJ, (6): 862-8. JM, Kalengayi, RM, Van Marck, E, Gilbert, MT, and Enama, ME, Mayers, J, and Galetto, G. The safety and Wolinsky, SM. Direct evidence of extensive diversity of pharmacokinetics of single-agent and combination 35) Stefano, GB, Salzet, M, Rialas, CM, Mattocks, D, HIV-1 in Kinshasa by 1960. Nature, 2008 Oct 2; 455 therapy with megestrol acetate and dronabinol for the Fimiani, C, and Bilfinger, TV. Macrophage behavior (7213): 661-4. treatment of HIV wasting syndrome. The DATRI 004 associated with acute and chronic exposure to HIV Study Group. Division of AIDS Treatment Research GP120, morphine and anandamide: endothelial impli- 4) AIDS Origin: History of Known Cases and Spread. Initiative. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, cations. International Journal of Cardiology, 1998 Apr Wikipedia. 1997 Mar 1; 13 (4): 305-15. 30; 64 (Suppl 1): S3-13. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS_origin#cite_note-21 (Accessed 1-25-2009). 21) Haney M. Effects of smoked marijuana in healthy 36) Gurwitz, D and Kloog, Y. Do endogenous and HIV + marijuana smokers. Journal of Clinical cannabinoids contribute to HIV-mediated immune fail- 5) Zhu, T, Korber, BT, Nahmias, AJ, Hooper, E, Sharp, Pharmacology, 2002 Nov; 42 (11 Suppl): 34S-40S ure? Molecular Medicine Today, 1998 May; 4 (5): 196- PM, and Ho, DD. An African HIV-1 sequence from 200. 1959 and implications for the origin of the epidemic. 22) Haney, M, Rabkin, J, Gunderson, E, and Foltin, Nature, 1998 Feb 5; 391 (6667): 594-7. RW. Dronabinol and marijuana in HIV(+) marijuana 37) Esposito, G, Ligresti, A, Izzo, AA, Bisogno, T, smokers: acute effects on caloric intake and mood. Psy- Ruvo, M, Di Rosa, M, Di Marzo, V, and Iuvone, T. 6) Hooper, E. Sailors and star-bursts, and the arrival of chopharmacology (Berl), 2005 Aug; 181 (1): 170-8. The endocannabinoid system protects rat glioma cells HIV. BMJ, 1997 Dec 20-27; 315 (7123): 1689-91. against HIV-1 Tat protein-induced cytotoxicity. Mecha- 23) Abrams, DI, Jay, CA, Shade, SB, Vizoso, H, Reda, nism and regulation. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 7) FrŅland, SS, Jenum, P, Lindboe, CF, Wefring, KW, H, Press, S, Kelly, ME, Rowbotham, MC, and 2002 Dec 27; 277 (52): 50348-54. Linnestad, PJ, and Böhmer, T. HIV-1 infection in Nor- Petersen, KL. Cannabis in painful HIV-associated sen- wegian family before 1970. Lancet, 1988 Jun 11; 1 sory neuropathy: a randomized placebo-controlled 38) Maccarrone, M, Piccirilli, S, Battista, N, Del Duca, (8598): 1344-5. trial. Neurology, 2007 Feb 13; 68 (7): 515-21. C, Nappi, G, Corasaniti, MT, Finazzi-Agrė, A, and Bagetta, G. Enhanced anandamide degradation is asso- 8) Garry, RF, Witte, MH, Gottlieb, AA, Elvin-Lewis, 24) Ellis, RJ, Toperoff, W, Vaida, F, van den Brande, ciated with neuronal apoptosis induced by the HIV-1 M, Gottlieb, MS, Witte, CL, Alexander, SS, Cole, WR, G, Gonzales, J, Gouaux, B, Bentley, H, and Atkinson, coat glycoprotein gp120 in the rat neocortex. Journal and Drake, WL Jr. Documentation of an AIDS virus JH. Smoked medicinal cannabis for neuropathic pain of Neurochemistry, 2004 Jun; 89 (5): 1293-300. infection in the United States in 1968. JAMA, 1988 in HIV: a randomized, crossover clinical trial. Neu- Oct 14; 260 (14): 2085-7. ropsychopharmacology, 2009 Feb; 34 (3): 672-80. 39) Sancho, R, de la Vega, L, Macho, A, Appendino, G, Di Marzo, V, and MuĖoz, E. Mechanisms of HIV-1 9) Osmond, DH. Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in the 25) Wallace, VC, Blackbeard, J, Pheby, T, Segerdahl, inhibition by the lipid mediator N-arachidonoyl- United States. HIV InSite Knowledge Base Chapter, AR, Davies, M, Hasnie, F, Hall, S, McMahon, SB, and dopamine. Journal of Immunology, 2005 Sep 15; 175 March 2003. http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb- Rice, AS. Pharmacological, behavioural and mechanis- (6): 3990-9. 01-03#S1.2X (Accessed 1-25-2009). tic analysis of HIV-1 gp120 induced painful neuropa- thy. Pain, 2007 Dec 15; 133 (1-3): 47-63. 40) Specter, S, Lancz, G, Westrich, G, and Friedman, 10) Study Says AIDS in U.S. Earlier than Thought. H. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol augments murine Day to Day, October 30, 2007. 26) Benito, C, Kim, WK, Chavarría, I, Hillard, CJ, retroviral induced immunosuppression and infection. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?sto- Mackie, K, Tolón, RM, Williams, K, and Romero, J. A International Journal of Immunopharmacology, 1991; ryId=15773989 (Accessed 1-25-2009). glial endogenous cannabinoid system is upregulated in 13 (4): 411-7. the brains of macaques with simian immunodeficiency 11) HIV: Epidemiology. Wikipedia. virus-induced encephalitis. Journal of Neuroscience, 41) Roth, MD, Tashkin, DP, Whittaker, KM, Choi, R, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV#Epidemiology 2005 Mar 9; 25 (10): 2530-6. and Baldwin, GC. Tetrahydrocannabinol suppresses (Accessed 1-25-2009). immune function and enhances HIV replication in the 27) Noe, SN, Nyland, SB, Ugen, K, Friedman, H, and huPBL-SCID mouse. Life Sciences, 2005 Aug 19; 77 12) Woolridge, E, Barton, S, Samuel, J, Osorio, J, Klein, TW. Cannabinoid receptor agonists enhance syn- (14): 1711-22. Dougherty, A, and Holdcroft, A. cytia formation in MT-2 cells infected with cell free Cannabis use in HIV for pain and other medical symp- HIV-1MN. Advances in Experimental Medicine and 42) Whitfield, RM, Bechte,l LM and Starich, GH. The toms. Journal of Pain and Symptom Manage, 2005 Biology, 1998; 437: 223-9. impact of ethanol and Marinol/marijuana usage on Apr; 29 (4): 358-67. HIV+/AIDS patients undergoing azidothymidine, azi- 28) Peterson, PK, Gekker, G, Hu, S, Cabral, G, and dothymidine/dideoxycytidine, or dideoxyinosine thera- 13) Drug Scheduling. US DEA Website. Lokensgard, JR. Cannabinoids and morphine differen- py. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/scheduling.html tially affect HIV-1 expression in CD4(+) lymphocyte 1997 Feb; 21 (1): 122-7. (Accessed 1-26-2009). and microglial cell cultures. Journal of Neuroimmunol- ogy, 2004 Feb; 147 (1-2): 123-6. 43) Abrams, DI, Hilton, JF, Leiser, RJ, Shade, SB, 14) List of Schedule I drugs. Wikipedia. Elbeik, TA, Aweeka, FT, Benowitz, NL, Bredt, BM, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Schedule_I_drugs 29) Rock, RB, Gekker, G, Hu, S, Sheng, WS, Cabral, Kosel, B, Aberg, JA, Deeks, SG, Mitchell, TF, Mulli- (Accessed 1-26-2009). GA, Martin, BR, and Peterson, PK. WIN55,212-2- gan, K, Bacchetti, P, McCune, JM, and Schambelan, M. mediated inhibition of HIV-1 expression in microglial Short-term effects of cannabinoids in patients with 15) List of Schedule III drugs. Wikipedia. cells: involvement of cannabinoid receptors. Journal of HIV-1 infection: a randomized, placebo-controlled clin- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Schedule_III_drugs Neuroimmune Pharmacology, 2007 Jun; 2 (2): 178-83. ical trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2003 Aug 19; (Accessed 1-26-2009). 139 (4): 258-66. 30) Ehrhart, J, Obregon, D, Mori, T, Hou, H, Sun, N, 16) Hao, S, Avraham, Y, Mechoulam, R, and Berry, Bai, Y, Klein, T, Fernandez, F, Tan, J, and Shytle, RD. 44) Summaries for patients. Does marijuana affect viral EM. Low dose anandamide affects food intake, cogni- Stimulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) suppress- loads in people with HIV? Annals of Internal tive function, neurotransmitter and corticosterone lev- es microglial activation. Journal of Neuroinflamma- Medicine, 2003 Aug 19; 139 (4): I44. els in diet-restricted mice. European Journal of Phar- tion, 2005 Dec 12; 2: 29. macology, 2000 Mar 31; 392 (3): 147-56. 45) Bredt, BM, Higuera-Alhino, D, Shade, SB, Hebert, 31) Lipton, SA, Yeh, M and Dreyer, EB. Update on SJ, McCune, JM, and Abrams, DI. Short-term effects 17) Jamshidi, N and Taylor, DA. Anandamide adminis- current models of HIV-related neuronal injury: platelet- of cannabinoids on immune phenotype and function in tration into the ventromedial hypothalamus stimulates activating factor, arachidonic acid and nitric oxide. HIV-1-infected patients. Journal of Clinical Pharmacol- appetite in rats. British Journal of Pharmacology, 2001 Advances in Neuroimmunology, 1994; 4 (3): 181-8. ogy, 2002 Nov; 42 (11 Suppl): 82S-89S. Nov; 134 (6): 1151-4. 32) Lu,TS, Avraham, HK, Seng, S, Tachado, SD, 18) Beal, JE, Olson, R, Laubenstein, L, Morales, JO, Koziel, H, Makriyannis, A, and Avraham, S. Cannabi- Bellman, P, Yangco, B, Lefkowitz, L, Plasse, TF, and noids inhibit HIV-1 Gp120-mediated insults in brain Shepard, KV. Dronabinol as a treatment for anorexia microvascular endothelial cells. Journal of Immunolo- associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS. gy, 2008 Nov 1; 181 (9): 6406-16.

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Cannabis Tinctures Marijuana in Liquid Form

Basic Cannabis Tincture One method to make a drinkable form of cannabis is to infuse it in a strong spirit to cre- ate a tincture (Marijuana in liquid form). Tinctures tend to taste bitter, so a reasonably medicalmarijuanamd.org/museum sweet drink with a high percentage of alcohol is recommended, such as fruit schnapps. Try 1 part cannabis to 3-5 parts alcohol, or follow the recipe below.

Ingredients Method

1. The cannabis is ground up to make a powder. Plant matter is better than resin • 3/4oz /22g marijuana leaves because it tends to be purer, and therefore it is easier to filter out the solid bits that and/or flowers (or resin, if remain1 afterThe extraction. cannabis is ground up to make a powder. Plant matter that’s all you have) is better than resin because it tends to be purer, and there- •3fl oz/90ml alcohol (brandy, 2. The cannabisfore it powder is easier is tosoaked filter outovernight the solid in warmbits that water. remain This after removes any water- flavored schnapps or similar – soluble impuritiesextraction. but not any of that precious THC. 40 to 70% proof minimum) 3. The excessThe water cannabis is drained powder off is and soaked the Cannabis overnight placed in warm in anwater. airtight jar. Alcohol is poured2 overThis it. removes any water-soluble impurities but not any of that precious THC. 4. The mixture is kept in a cool, dark place for about 10 days and shaken daily. Then Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the it is filteredThe through excess a strainer—or,water is drained if resin off andhas beenthe Cannabis used, a coffee placed filter—to in avoid the main psychoactive chemical of now-inert3 bitsan airtightfrom getting jar. Alcohol into the is finalpoured drink. over The it. filtering process should be repeat cannabis, breaks down well in ed at least once – the more it is filtered, the more the tincture will be improved and fats and oils, but is also soluble strengthened.The mixture is kept in a cool, dark place for about 10 days in alcohol, allowing a variety of 4 and shaken daily. Then it is filtered through a strainer—or, if Cannabis drinks to be made. 5. The green/brownresin has coloredbeen used, tincture a coffee should filter—to be stored avoid somewhere the now-inert dark and cold. Mos of the THCbits will from have getting been absorbed into the finalwithin drink. a week, The butfiltering connoisseurs process tend to leave it for a year orshould more. be repeated at least once – the more it is filtered, the more the tincture will be improved and strengthened. 6. The cannabis tincture can be enjoyed neat or dissolved in a drink or in food. The green/brown colored tincture should be stored some- Source: Thewhere Cannabis dark Cookbookand cold. Most of the THC will have been absorbed within a week, but connoisseurs tend to leave it Over 535 Tasty recipes for Meals, Munchies and More! by Tim Pilcherfor a year or more.

WARNING Note that exces- The cannabis tincture can be enjoyed neat or dissolved in a sive oral consumption of drink or in food. cannabis in any form, be it food or tinctures, can have 6 Source: nasty short-term psychologi- The Cannabis Cookbook cal side effects. Ingested Over 35 Tasty recipes for Meals, Munchies and More! cannabis is often more hallu- by Tim Pilcher cinogenic than smoked as THC is more efficiently assimi- lated if it has been dissolved in fats or alcohol.

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 51 HEALTH TESTIMONIALS

A WALK on the WILD SIDE: Paraplegia & Marijuana

by Mark Mathew Braunstein

painkillers. I have a high tolerance disabilities, and half because of to pain. their debilitating drugs. For the past 18 years, I have Upon my induction into the com- remained productive not despite munity of cripples, I sought alterna- marijuana, but because of it. ne unlucky day in 1990, I tives. I learned of one herbal reme- dived off a footbridge into dy from the crip grapevine, from Society owes me nothing. Social a river and emerged a testimonies of both doctors and Security pays me nothing. No O patients shelved in 1988 by the U.S. changed man. I broke my back and agency or aide assists me. I live injured my spinal cord. Paralyzed. Drug Enforcement Administration independently, alone in a house in But not everywhere, just below the (DEA), and from animal experi- the woods. I prepare all my own waist. And not forever—just the mentation, the animal being me. meals, and grow some of my own rest of my life. food. I await the day where I can I learned that marijuana relaxes grow my own herb. It’s the Ameri- spasms more effectively than do can way! Walking Zombies tranquilizers and relieves pains more safely than do narcotics. And My body may be broken, but my Muscles paralyzed by spinal cord it is the one medication for SCI that life is not broken. I may not be injury (SCI) experience involuntary treats both the spasms and the whole, but I still am healthy. Both spasms and intractable pains. Such pains. It does have two side effects: my naturopathic (ND) and my paralysis cannot be cured, but its euphoria and paranoia. Euphoria is physical rehab (MD) physicians symptoms can be medicated. Thus not a problem. I have a high toler- approve of my medicinal use of many paraplegics daily pop five dif- ance to euphoria. marijuana. But here in the State of ferent pharmaceutical pills, and Connecticut, neither can legally some quadriplegics ten, with no Paranoia about police, however, prescribe nor recommend it. Not telling how many of each. can be a very real fear. That’s fear yet. about surveillance, search, arrest, For spasms, there are tranquilizers interrogation, prosecution, attor- So in 1996, to cover my ass, I trav- such as Dantrium and Valium. ney’s fees, court costs, criminal eled to Holland, the first Western Some side effects include liver fail- fines, property forfeiture, prison nation to legalize medically pre- ure, insomnia, and addiction. For sentences, parole restrictions and scribed marijuana. I now possess a chronic pain, there are narcotics life-long loss of civil rights. And prescription for one-half gram such as codeine, Demerol and worst of all, they steal your stash. daily, which, after sifting, fills the sometimes even morphine. Some space of the filter of a tobacco ciga- side effects of those are constipa- rette. What a big tiff over such a tion, sedation, and addiction. Paras Gone to Pot small puff! and quads would be walking zom- bies, if they could walk. In spite of euphoria and paranoia, With or without a puff, I have not Before 1990, for 17 years I neither my evening meal since 1991 often just sat on my duff. In 1991, at one consulted a physician nor con- has included an after-dinner smoke. year post-injury, I began to ambu- sumed any pharmaceutical drugs, Also since 1991, I've remained late with crutches. That includes up not even aspirin. During and after employed full-time as a college stairs and down mountains. 1990, except for three occasions librarian, a profession notorious Spasms, however, hinder my walk- totaling four weeks, I've again for harboring dangerous criminals. ing. To keep on trekking, I med- avoided all pharmaceutical drugs, Most paraplegics drop from the icate with marijuana. Marijuana including painkillers. Especially workforce; half because of their may not have promoted my signifi-

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cant recovery, but neither has it pre- door. For the twelve years since tees too, but it died in the House. vented it. coming out of the cultivation clos- et, I have served as the State of In 2004, I was one of the same two Connecticut’s primary poster child patients who testified to the Judi- A Truce in the for medicinal marijuana. That ciary Committee. The bill passed all makes me half poster child and committees, then for the first time War on Drugs keeps me half flower child. passed in the House, but died in the Senate. Being very visibly crippled may have some perks. With my crutches A Connecticut In 2005, I was the sole patient who as swords and my wheelchair as testified to the Judiciary Commit- shield, I have promoted social Yankee in Judge tee; the bill passed all committees, change, by which I do not mean then for the first time passed in the curb cuts. Arthur’s Court Senate, but died in the House.

A turning point in the United States In my role as adult poster child, I In 2006, the legislative session was in its failed War on Some Drugs have testified before state legislative short, during which the bill’s pro- was heralded in November 1996 committees — so often, that many ponents conserved their resources when California legalized medical legislators have come to expect my for next year. marijuana. Two months later, testimony at their hearings. Some inspired by Californian voters and proponents even personally apolo- In 2007, I was one of five (count emboldened with my Dutch pre- gize to me for having to welcome ‘em, five!) patients who testified to scription, I declared to the world me back because of their failure to the Judiciary Committee. The bill that I had gone to pot, and I did so pass the bill the previous year. passed all committees, then passed on page one of the Sunday editorial both (both!) the House and the section of Connecticut's preemi- Any bill’s course in Connecticut Senate, but was vetoed by the nent newspaper. The Hartford requires passage in several commit- Governor. Courant even added a very beauti- tees, of which the most important is ful and very memorable full-color the Judiciary. The first committee In 2008, I came to realize that I am illustration to adorn my public to schedule its vote also hears the not the only one suffering from beheading. testimonies at public hearings. paralysis. Then a bill must pass in the House Though the frigid political climate and the Senate, or is rejected either regarding cannabis had begun to by being voted upon and failing, or Two Fallacies Up thaw in California, in early 1997 more often by not being voted the rest of the nation was still upon and dying. If passed by both in Smoke besieged by the chilling effects of legislative bodies, then a bill is intolerance. After I publicly con- signed or vetoed by the Governor. During past debates on the floors fessed my crimes, friends and col- of the House and the Senate, some leagues praised me as valiant and In 1997, I was one of two patients opponents had loudly called to courageous, while my parents who testified to the Public Health question the very efficacy of med- called me suicidal and self-destruc- Committee in support of a bill to ical marijuana. In 2007, however, tive. legalize medicinal marijuana. The such doubts were unvoiced. Their bill passed in Public Health, which most recent objections instead cen- In anticipation of the worst that at that time was a newsworthy tered on the tangential issue of mar- could befall me, I imagined myself event, but it died in the Judiciary ijuana as a recreational drug. Their the target of a pre-dawn police raid. Committee. two main contentions were these: “Come out with your hands up!” first, that marijuana is a highly they would shout through their In 2001, I was the sole patient who addictive drug, and second, it opens bullhorns. “Either I can come out, testified to the Public Health Com- a gateway to even more addictive or I can put my hands up, but I mittee, again with no further drugs. can’t do both!” would be my progress. answer. And I wondered: was the I dispute both claims. For living state prison wheelchair accessible? In 2003, I was one of two patients proof, I look to all my friends and So did the police ever come knock- who testified to the Judiciary Com- to the millions of youths who ing on my door? Never! Instead the mittee, and for the first time the bill smoked pot during the Sixties, but news media came knocking on my passed there, and all other commit- eventually tired of and outgrew it in

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 53 HEALTH TESTIMONIALS

the decade following. No rehab, no recreational drugs is associative, express it in the terse lexicon of twelve-step programs, no purges. not causative. If legislators restrict- bumper sticker slogans: If you dis- They simply shed it like a winter ed the sale of milk to only night- approve of medicinal marijuana, coat in summer. Now pushing sixty, clubs and bars, then they could say then don’t use it. some of those former pot smokers that drinking milk leads to drinking have infiltrated the ranks of my leg- alcohol. In 1937, the United States for the islators. Presently as coffee first time declared marijuana ille- drinkers, those former pot smokers Again on a personal note, I can gal, a prohibition which seems all concede that caffeine is a hun- attest that I have tried coke only almost as silly and useless as mak- dred times more addictive than once and never tried ecstasy or ing the sun and the rain illegal. The marijuana, and so they voted for meth or crack or heroin. Never. medical community, through its the bill. And not for lack of opportunity — American Medical Association during my field research into the (AMA), opposed the ban. At that Legislators who opposed the bill drug scene in southeast Connecti- time, the AMA protested because cited extreme cases of ruined lives cut, I have borne witness a dozen or doctors wished to keep the herb in gone up in smoke. Some recreation- more times while people smoked their cornucopia of prescription al users do become habitual crack and shot heroin. Indeed they drugs in order to retain options. abusers, but they meagerly rank were just people, not monsters nor among the rare exceptions, not the demons. Demons may or may not Freedom is synonymous with far broader rule. Adherents to the lurk in the drugs they use. But choice. In this regard, our cam- gene theory of addiction believe demons surely reside in our fears of paigns to declare peace in the War that if marijuana did not exist, born the drugs we do not use and there- on Some Drugs are issues of civil addicts who placate their addictive fore do not know. rights and of human rights. Oppo- behavior with marijuana instead nents charge that efforts to legalize would seek far harder drugs, name- marijuana’s medicinal use are just ly tobacco and alcohol. Why Testify? steps to eventually legalize its recre- ational use. I speak only for myself, On a personal note, I can attest that Sometimes I wonder, why bother to but I am guilty as charged. except for one cup of coffee once a testify? After all, I continue my use month, I abstain from all addictive of marijuana under the public eye, My own use of marijuana is medic- drugs, whether recreational or and yet without any hindrance inal for below the waist, and recre- medicinal, whether herbal or phar- from law enforcement, employer or ational above. I advocate for its maceutical. During my lifetime I landlord. Legal or not, I have used legalization not just for medicinal smoked tobacco only once and got marijuana medicinally for the past use, but also for recreational use. drunk only twice. I must not have 19 years, and legal or not, I will Because, who can judge the crip- been born an addict. Presently, I continue to do so. pled from the able? Because, how medicate only once every two or can be discerned the ill from the three days. When I refrain from my So I testify not on my own behalf, well? Because what line can be herbal medication for four days, I but on behalf of other patients who drawn to separate terminal cancer experience return of leg spasms and use marijuana clandestinely, as patients who will die in a month or shooting pains that are symptoms their senses of self-preservation are a year from the rest of us who will of SCI. As for any symptoms of stronger than mine. Also I testify on die in ten years, or fifty? After all, withdrawal from marijuana, I behalf of future patients, who even- we all get sick, and we all are going experience none. tually will include the very legisla- to die. tors who vote against the bill. Then there’s the tiresome gateway While they not very likely will suf- theory. It is not true that 99 per cent fer SCI or contract MS or AIDS, of all coke, crack, and heroin many indeed will be afflicted by Mark Mathew Braunstein wrote addicts first started their descent and die from cancer. When they Getting High & Staying Healthy: into drugs with marijuana. They undergo chemotherapy, they will be How to Reduce the Health Risks first started their descent with caf- thankful if given the option of using of Smoking Marijuana, feine, nicotine, and alcohol. What marijuana to alleviate their nausea which appeared in the is true is that 99 per cent of all and their pain. Fall 2008 issue of Treating Yourself. youths who use marijuana never go on to use coke, crack, or heroin. The movement to legalize medical Mark can be contacted at: For that one-percent minority, the marijuana is all about offering [email protected] relationship of marijuana to other patients choices, not edicts. To

54 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 HEALTH TESTIMONIALS

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Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 55 HEALTH TESTIMONIALS Awakening Your Quality of Life with MedicinalMarijuana Story and Images by DoobieDuck

Is it possible to arouse your inner self, to beat back depression, to stimulate some liveliness within us once thought eternally gone with medical marijua- na? Can a group of pain and depression sufferers get together to improve their quality of life and stimulate their minds? Can individual patients be an influence regarding their physician’s opinion about medical marijuana?

’m not a pain management down, you have to completely a health condition. By definition specialist, a physician, a psy- change your lifestyle!” — “Quality” is the degree of I chologist, or a horticulturist, excellence, relative nature or but I do have 35 years experi- I knew this — years before, even. kind or character of a thing. ence growing one species of I just did not want to quit work- “Life” is one’s capacity for plant and over fifteen years of ing. To just quit working... I growth, functional activity, and surgical intervention, chronic guess I was in some sort of continual change until death. I pain, depression, and a never- denial, I wanted to work. How- really believe medical marijuana ending number of doctor ever, he was right; my quality of can help improve this condition, appointments. I also now have life was in dreadful shape and I at least stimulate something many years experience treating had quit enjoying many of the within us that can perk it up a myself with medicinal marijuana activities I loved. Fishing, camp- little. So, how does cannabis and learning from others who ing, and the live band I per- improve this condition for me? have also, so I feel at least some- formed in frequently. I was no what qualified to write about the longer enjoying these or any I’m an early riser, waking at 5 subject my “Quality of Life”. activities; I was only present a.m. every day for the last 30 when they were taking place. years with no alarm clock and I first heard the term “quality of The list was enormous, growing no going back to sleep. Not that life” from my spine surgeon weekly, and staring me right in I enjoy this; I’m just stuck with years ago. Determined to stay the face. Like many of you, I it, I guess. I have somewhat of a employed, working while endur- was having a hard time dealing routine I go through every day, ing pain, my surgeon sat me with the issues I was facing. but every day is different due to down and told me, “Your pain is my disabilities. My pain dictates affecting your quality of life.” I thought about that term for how things will go for me “You are permanently disabled, years, and still do. I think it is throughout the day and that can you can no longer work,” he possibly the most important con- change at any time. Some days continued, before going further dition of your health you have! around 10 a.m. I will make a to exclaim, “you need to slow Yes, I think your quality of life is cup of cannabis tea, with one

56 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 HEALTH TESTIMONIALS

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 57 HEALTH TESTIMONIALS

black tea bag and a small thumbnail-sized bud in a cup of boiling water. This will arouse my attention to an art project I have been working on, causes me to sit and chat on a cannabis web forums, or even allow me to go outside on an important mis- sion and forget “what the hell” I went out there for.

The key word here is “forget- ting” — no matter how much pain or depression I was suffer- ing when I started these projects, somehow I was able to forget about that pain for awhile when carrying them out. That forget- ting thing, for me, does not hap- pen without using marijuana first. The fact is, without the help of marijuana, I would not even begin to attempt these activities. I would sit on the couch depressed, watch televi- sion and dwell on how terrible I felt. After sometimes accomplish- ing something, sometimes not, the pot will leave me tired and I will lie down and catch a half- hour nap. Which is excellent, as I just forgot about my pain again today for two hours while help- ing another of my health prob- lems at the same time — my lack of sleep. As many of you pain sufferers are well aware, this is another common problem that I hours of pain management using ings, I don’t use pot. However, I also treat with pot. only medicinal marijuana. The do need the help of prescription important thing is that my quali- pain medications in the after- Hungry anyone? I don’t have to ty of life during the first three noon and evening every day. tell anyone here who has tried hours of the day was good. I had Cannabis helps in just the same marijuana about the effects of it fun, my mind was occupied, I way as it did for me in the a.m. in stimulating hunger, but for got some good rest. None of this by improving my quality of life those who have not and have previously achievable without in the p.m. If not for pot, my never heard — you get the the use of medical marijuana. day would have been completely munchies. Enough said. I will try I usually save smoking cannabis different; believe me, after 15 and not over-eat but it is noon for my afternoon activities. To years of pain management, I and I help my wife by clearing shorten this story a little, let’s have tried many combinations of the fridge of, oldest things first, just say my afternoons go much relief and treatment. leftovers for lunch. Then another like my mornings except I smoke nap; I know, it sounds tough, rather than drink tea. I smoke Now that we’ve discussed some but what I’m getting at is I have only a couple puffs off a joint. ideas about how cannabis can now made it to 1 p.m., three Some afternoons, like the morn- help certain individuals improve

58 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009

HEALTH TESTIMONIALS

know you best; shouldn’t they be the ones to prescribe this medi- cine?

Can we as an organized group of concerned, caring, educated patients and activists help change the mind of a physician or two? I did try with my doctor but not too hard, I didn’t push it. I just mentioned it twice and, by his reply, I realized I needed addi- tional quality medical informa- tion and evidence, studies to con- vince him. I stopped right there and got my butt over to a physi- cian specializing in medical mari- juana for my prescription.

With this publication in hand and some of the great informa- tion available to me on the Inter- net, I think I’m ready now to give it another go, but I haven’t their quality of life, how can we years, does not believe in medical convinced myself it is my place help the medical community marijuana. He would not pre- to be forwarding information understand and implement this scribe it for me. He told me it like this to such a well-educated idea? It seems so simple — say was supposedly the cause of pre- physician. In writing for Treating you’re the treating physician and mature Alzheimer’s afflictions, to Yourself, I want to help further you have a chronically ill patient which I said jokingly, “Yup, I the knowledge of medicinal mar- that has tried, loyally, every med- already have that, but what ijuana by spreading the word ication and treatment you have about my quality of life?” about my treatment and experi- prescribed for 15 years. This Friends, I just couldn’t get ences. What’s more important, I patient is forthcoming and com- through to him, but I wasn’t pre- want to help others who suffer pletely honest in every office pared and I wasn’t giving up. as I do to improve their quality visit. The patient sees every spe- of life. This is possible, and I am cialist referred to, has several I do not want to insult or offend a perfect example. major surgeries, and completes doctors and their expertise. I just all the physical therapy pre- would like them to consider Your doctors are the experts in scribed. He or she, has been tak- when a patient reaches chronic your unique condition and my ing pain medication for a decade status, when their diagnosis and experience with medical marijua- with limited results. You see this treatment includes no clinical or na is only in addition to their person getting more and more surgical solution, would they diagnosis and treatment. Please depressed with every office open up their options to this do not expect miracles or sudden visit… and one day that patient plant that has so very few side pain relief with cannabis. I tells you, “I found something affects? It would be worth a try would like also to add, if this that helps me.” They ask, at bringing back a smile, at just article were to be published, I “Would you prescribe me med- helping patients feel good about would be the first one to get a ical marijuana, please?” You are themselves, if only for a moment, copy and drop it by my doctors the physician; what do you do? during one day a week. Many office and ask him personally to individuals do not feel good read it. May many of you think In my case, my particular local about themselves anymore, at of dropping off an extra copy at doc, whom I’ve been visiting, all. Your treating general practi- your treating physicians’ offices diagnosed, and treated by for 15 tioner, your family doctor, should as well!

60 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009

Interview with Hashshashin By JeffE Treating Yourself contributing writer JessE sat down with native Californian and rising mixed martial arts star Jason Drake for a one-on-one interview about proposition 215, medici- nal marijuana’s role in his life and whether or not smoking cannabis constitutes as an advantage over your opponents.

It’s 1993 and the smallest man in the first Ultimate to use of marijuana in the mixed martial arts commu- Fighting Championship tournament has just dis- nity. Among the casualties of the NSAC testing policy patched three other highly-trained martial artists en was Brazilian Jiu-jitsu phenom and native Californian route to becoming the first UFC tournament Champi- Nick Diaz, whose gogoplata submission victory over on. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is still relatively unheard of at this highly-regarded Takanori Gomi was overturned due point, but all of that is soon to change due to the to the presence of tetrahydrocannibal in his system. incredible savvy, heart and technique displayed by the Instead of a well-earned submission victory over the 170 pound Royce Gracie, who would go on to be an Japanese ace mixed martial artist, the fight was ruled icon and certified living legend in the sport of mixed a no contest (NC) by the NSAC. Treating Yourself martial arts (MMA). Of course, in modern MMA com- contributing writer JessE sat down with native Cali- petition, fighting opponents twice your size is virtually fornian and rising mixed martial arts star Jason Drake a thing of the past, considered a sideshow by most for a one-on-one interview about proposition 215, talking heads in all but the most exceptional of cases. medicinal marijuana’s role in his life and whether or The modern sport of MMA finds itself governed by not smoking cannabis constitutes as an advantage organizations such as the California State Athletic over your opponents. Born in Ventura, California in Commission (CSAC) and the Nevada State Athletic 1978, Jason is the son of Art and Susan Drake. Under Commission (NSAC), which have implemented an the tutelage of trainer Mark Lawley, Jason currently entire set of rules virtually unheard of in the sports has a record of four victories and three defeats. Fight- infancy, including the implementation of modern ing out of Warrior Spirit Martial Arts team Rampage, weight classes eliminating the David vs. Goliath sce- Jason first started training in Muay Thai kickboxing as narios that made the early MMA competitions so well as the traditional Japanese Martial Art of Gojo endearing in the hearts of many old school, no-holds- Ryu Karate. A medical marijuana licensee and avid barred fight fans. While the glory days of men fight- smoker, Jason takes the time to explain what it takes ing opponents twice their size may be a thing of the to compete in the sport of MMA, how marijuana past in North America, a new battle front has plays a role in his life and what the future holds for emerged leaving opponents equally as outmatched as him down the road. any David vs. Goliath scenario. The battle between the state’s right to govern the use of medical marijua- na for its citizens versus federal law prohibiting the use of cannabis has proven to be today’s fight against insurmountable odds. Caught in the mix are thou- sands of medical marijuana patients, caregivers and providers, who are both legally within their rights as medical marijuana patients in the state of California to grow, consume and provide marijuana for them- selves and others, and outlaws in the eyes of the fed- eral government at the same time. According to the former editor of Sherdog.com Josh Gross, during the year of 2007, “In California alone, thirty three mixed martial artists tested positive for drugs in a six-month period.” While not all of those positive tests results were for cannabis-related offenses, an alarming num- ber of them were and it brought worldwide attention

62 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 and notgetintroubleforit. punch andkickpeopleintheface the fullestextentpossible.Iliketo name andentertainingpeopleto when thecrowdisscreamingyour Jason Drake: compete? that madeyoudecidewantedto your health.Whatwasitaboutthesport artists seemslikeapotentialhazard for Competing againstothertrainedmartial exploit thoseweaknesses. often becausepeoplecanandwill yourself onthelosingendquite aspects ofthesport,youwillfind ing. Ifyou'reweakinanyofthose wrestling toMuayThaiandbox- can thinkof,fromfreestyle mix ofeverycombatsportyou Jason Drake: sport ofMMAisallabout? arts, canyouexplaintothemwhatthe familiar withthesportofmixedmartial For thereaders whomightnotbeas I cangive. everyone Icanwhoneedsthehelp passionate toothers,helping loves competitionandbeingcom- hardworking familymanwho Jason Drake: Drake? home. Inyourownwords, whoisJason ask somequestionsforthereaders at Let’s jumprightintotheinterview and with Treating Yourself Magazine,Jason. Thank youfortakingthetimetospeak Jason Drake: tine trainingsession likeforyou? train todothesamething.Whatis arou- to competeagainstotherathleteswho trains onaconsistentlyhighlevelin order mentioned, mostenvisionanathlete who When thephrase“professional athlete”is The feelingyouget Well it'sbasicallya Jason Drakeisa Wow, manthat'sa Is there asubculture ofhabitualcannabis injuries inthepast. it isusuallytheonesthathave had fighters thatIknowofsmoke and Jason Drake: the MixedMartialArtscommunity? How prevalent istheuseofcannabisin pretty muchleaveyoualone. ing aroundsmokingjoints,they legal. Aslongasyou'renotdriv- Jason Drake: fornia? What isthemarijuanascenelikeinCali- from myscoliosis. at bayandhelpswiththepain Jason Drake: life? How doesmarijuanaplayarole inyour grandmother’s house. Jason Drake: to cannabis? When andwhere wasyourfirstexposure strength tokeepyouinthecart. seatbelt, onlyhavingyourown rollercoaster andnotwearinga Jason Drake: time islike? hours andminutesleadinguptofight Can youexplaintothereaders whatthe between fights. occasionally gotoworkin Jason Drake: sional MixedMartialArtsfighter? job inadditiontoyourcareer asaprofes- Do youtrainfulltime,ordohavea with nowater. in hellandwearingasweater, tough one.Justimaginerunning So far, only afew Wonderful, mostly It keepsmyADHD I was15atmy I trainfulltimebut It's likebeingona heroin. to fightharddrugslikemethand smokers ordealerscouldbegoing they [useto]tendtobullshitlike that togetweed,butthemoney bing orkillinganythinglike I’ve neverheardofanyonerob- Jason Drake: ijuana throughout muchoftheworld? feelings are onthecriminalizationofmar- Can youexplaintothereaders whatyour Jason Drake: unfair advantageoveryouropponents? Does smokingmarijuanagiveyouan do great. you're relaxedbutfocused,you'll a lotofotherstuffdoes.InBJJ,if without makingyouretardedlike to that.Itrelaxesyousowell Jason Drake: spine). I'vehad surgeryonboth with scoliosis(a curvatureofthe Then inmy20s,Iwasdiagnosed within asemesterofstarting. made honorrollandfirststring my grandmaturnedmeonto it,I school worktosports,butwhen really affectedeverythingfrom with ADHDatanearlyageandit the-street stuff.Iwasdiagnosed na legally, andsafefromlacedoff- nity toconsumeandbuymarijua- alternative medicinetheopportu- enables Californiansinneedof fornia CompassionateUseactthat Jason Drake: and howyougotit. card; tellthereaders exactlywhatthatis You mentionedthatyouhaveaprop 215 strain ofOGKushandAK-47. Jason Drake: smoked? What isthebestmarijuanayouever Kush. Jason Drake: What isyourfavoritestrainofcannabis? lawyers. smoked withafewdoctorsand everyone smokes.I'veeven Jason Drake: your area? What isthecannabissubculture likein use intheBrazilianJiu-jitsucommunity? Treating Issue16-2009 Yourself, Train Wreck orOG I thinkit'sterrible. No. I'd havetosayyes Prop 215istheCali- It wasahybrid It's good,justabout SPOTLIGHT 63 Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT

knees and ankles and a hip reduc- can travel with it from the dispen- buddies just crossed Northern tion when I broke my femur in a sary and buy it from the licensed Lights and Juicy Fruit, and anoth- motorcycle accident. Well, mor- shops. er mostly grows Purple Kush. phine was making me retarded, Norco was making me poop How would you rate the quality of What is your preferred method of ingest- cannabis available at your local dispensa- ing cannabis? Do you prefer to smoke blood and vicodins made me not ry? Is the quality of cannabis better on your cannabis or prepare it in an edible able to take a dump, so my doctor the black market or at the dispensaries? form for example? A bong or a joint? suggested I apply for the card and Jason Drake: 10. Jason Drake: Bong for sure, but got it. the occasional joint is nice for a How much do you normally pay for the change of pace. What do you do with your prop 215 card? cannabis available at the local dispen- Can you explain the process in which you saries? Do you have any sponsors, websites or use the card to get marijuana? Jason Drake: $100 a quater companies you would like to mention? Jason Drake: I present the card to ounce, $180 a half ounce, $290 a Jason Drake: Yeah, for sure! Spotlight police if I get stopped on my way [full] ounce. www.Abstraxx.com, www.enyo- home from the dispensary and athletics.com www.team-ram- when I enter the establishment Can you describe for the readers the page.com and the Tachi Palace's where I buy my herb. “No card, experience of going to the dispensary and how business is conducted at those PFC; they're the greatest fight org no enter” is a very strict rule. It's locations? Are these dispensaries sensi- in the state and possibly country kind of like a bar; you show your tive to the potential mental and physical right now, definitely on the rise. ID, look to see what they have, health concerns of their clients, or is it an Keep an eye out for them! and make a choice . uncomfortable environment? Jason Drake: The one I go to is What’s next for Jason Drake? How did you approach your physician great; it's basically like a head about obtaining a proposition 215 med- shop, but with weed instead of Jason Drake: I just go where the ical marijuana license? pipes and water bongs. It even has day takes me, man. Other than Jason Drake: He actually a taste test room, but you have to that, just spend as much time with approached me when I told him provide your own smoking device. my kids as I possibly can. that I smoked occasionally to help with my pain and hyperactivity. Do you grow your own marijuana, and if Works cited: not, do you know people who do? Gross, Josh. What exactly does the medical marijuana Jason Drake: No, I don’t because 2007 will be a year to remember license enable you to do at the local and I have kids. I know a few who do state level legally? What are the rights for the wrong reasons. granted to those with a medical marijua- but they don’t grow enough to 22 Nov. 2007. Sherdog.com. na license such as yourself? give me any. Damn it! 20 Jan. 2009. Jason Drake: We can grow small http://sports.espn.go.com/extra/m amounts of marijuana in our What strains of marijuana are they cur- ma/news/story?id=3123407 homes as long as it's not in public rently growing in their garden? view and secure from theft or we Jason Drake: Hmm, one of my

Cartoon

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 65 CENTERFOLD STRAIN DETAILS

Ortega Indica Super Lemon Haze by Dutch Passion Seeds by Greenhouse Seeds

We consider Ortega Indica a medicinal cannabis Genetics variety. Super Silver Haze, Lemon Skunk

Ortega Indica is a hybrid of Northern Lights #1 and Flowering indoor: another strong Indica, both dating back to the late 9 Weeks seventies.

Extremely penetrating odour/aroma: earthy, spicy Flowering outdoor: and tobacco. Ripe at the end of October (Europe).

Our seven-person test team reported that Ortega Effect: Indica is a good variety to smoke before going to Narcotic with strong perception sleep, a feature present in all Indica strains, but alteration more extreme in Ortega Indica. It works as an effec- tive sleeping pill and tranquilizer. Medicinal properties: Ortega Indica is special in that it’s "stone/high" does not have a cloudy "morning after effect". In other THC, CBD, CBG: not available yet words, the morning after smoking Ortega Indica, almost no cannabis effects are experienced any Awards: more. Smoke Ortega Indica and wake up with a 1st price HTCC 2008 clear mind. This is seldom the experience after tak- ing sleeping pills or tranquilizers.

Ortega Indica plants stay small (dwarf-like) and compact and are quite homogenous. The stoned/high is medium strong. Best results indoor and also greenhouses in temper- ate climates. Compact buds, medium yielder.

Flowering indoor: 8-10 Weeks

Flowering outdoor: Harvest 3rd week of October

66 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 CENTERFOLD STRAIN DETAILS

Chronic Raspberry Cough® by Serious Seeds Naturally occuring and feminized by Nirvana The Chronic is a remarkable plant. It was developed by Simon in the early 1990's with as goal the best Raspberry Cough is a recommended medical strain possible combination of 2 seemingly opposite ends of the spectrum; high yield and great quality bud. due to its clear “up” yet calming effects. Its mother Up till then there were plants which grew very nice is a Cambodian landrace individual especially high and resinous, but always small buds. Good yielding in THC and the father is our award winning, always plants on the other hand always produced big cola's popular ICE. The f1 cross has many red hairs and a of rather non-resinous low quality. The Chronic suc- tendency to develop blue hues with a cooler cessfully combined the best of both worlds. Even night/dark temperature. The aroma and flavour are nowadays it is hard to find a seed which grows a slightly spicy Asian yet definite Dutch. The tall, plant that comes close in terms of yield, let alone a somewhat thin plants can be grown very close plant which is able to yield that much of a quality together for maximum yield. bud able to win several awards. Chronic won all its awards on the aspect of quality, not yield. Plant height: The Chronic grows a huge single bud with smaller Tall; mostly Sativa side buds. If the season promotes grey mold it is advisable to clip. The result is big side buds, in stead Flowering: of much bigger single buds which are more suscepti- ble to a possible mold infection. The overall yield 9-11 Week seems not to vary much despite earlier publications. Harvest: The scent is a very attractive subtle sweet fragrance, October which can be very powerful and pungent if cured right. A common mistake when drying the plant is to put dry crispy buds too soon in a plastic bag. Only to Yield: discover the next day that the moist retained inside Dried grams per square meter in a Sea of the buds came out, and made the whole bag 'wet' Green): 400-500 and soft again. The subtle scent of Chronic is then lost for ever. Only thoroughly dry buds can be put in THC level: plastic and will then keep their sweet scent. 15%-24% Chronic grows remarkable uniform plants from seeds. A field with Chronic seedlings looks like clones Effect: from the same plant. It is a medium high, not too Sativa High, Cerebral Buzz dense plant, our most commercial variety.

Prizes Medicinal properties: 3rd hydro HT Cannabis Cup 1994 pain relief, appetite stimulation 1st hydro High Life Cup, Spain 2004 2nd outdoor El Punto Cup, Spain 2005

Genetics Northern Lights/skunk x Northern Lights / AK-47

Flowering indoor: 9 Weeks

Production indoor: 400-600 gram /m2

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 67

SPOTLIGHT

an interview with Yamato Damashi By JessE

Thou who shed his blood with me shall always be my Spotlight Brother…and thou who becomes my Brother I have no problem bleeding for even if it meant bleeding to death! – Enson Inoue

It’s nearly one o’clock in the morning when I get off the phone with the charismatic and humble legendary cage fighter Enson Inoue. With a great sense of humor, he speaks fondly of being nearly toe-tagged by the fierce Igor Vovchanchyn, and while there was absolutely nothing funny about the fight, with words unsuitable for publication we both had a good laugh at how quickly he came out of the gate and jumped on top of the Russian bomber. Unfortunately, it would be short- lived as the heavy hitting Russian ultimately claimed victory by technical knockout (TKO) via doctor stoppage after the com- pletion of the first round.

Enson Inoue is a legend in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Having fought some of the fiercest warriors this plan- et has ever seen in hand-to-hand combat, Enson has defeated some of the greatest fighters of our time including multi- ple time UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Heavyweight Champion and hall of famer Randy Couture by submission. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on April 15, 1967, Enson’s professional record stands at 20-9 in professional Mixed Martial Arts competition. With a long and storied career in the sport, Enson has literally fought all over the world and in the process has gained the respect, admiration and loyalty of fans from the United States and Brazil to Japan and Canada. With legal issues looming due to a possession of marijuana charge in the land of the rising sun, Enson took the time to sit down with Treating Yourself contributing writer JessE to discuss the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, his thoughts on cannabis and what we can expect next from the man known as a “Yamato Damashi.”

Enson thank you very much for the tak- wrestling, the throws in Judo, and You've fought in a number of organiza- ing the time to sit down with the readers tions including Shooto, the Ultimate at home, it is a great honor to speak with the ground of Jiu-jitsu with strik- Fighting Championship and Pride FC. Do you. For those at home who may not be ing. you have a preference as to which organ- familiar with who you are can you tell us ization you enjoyed working for the a little bit about who the man known as Which style of Martial Arts did you initial- most? Enson Inoue is? ly train in? Enson Inoue: Pride, because 90 Enson Inoue: A regular man with Enson Inoue: Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. per cent of my fights were there a regular life just like all of you. and they treated me like a king. How long did it take you to achieve black For many of those at home, the sport of belt in the art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu? You've literally fought some of the most Mixed Martial Arts may not be as familiar dangerous men in the world, walking to them as other sports such as baseball, Enson Inoue: Long. About 8-9 into the eye of a storm on more than one football, basketball etc. Can you please years occasion. What is the most memorable explain to the readers out there exactly moment in your Mixed Martial Arts what MMA is? What does it mean to have a warrior’s career? Enson Inoue: It's a fighting art spirit? Enson Inoue: Throwing down that combines the striking of Enson Inoue: [It] means every- with Frank Shamrock. It was a Muay Thai, the takedowns of thing to me. rush and one of the only times it

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 69 SPOTLIGHT

was awesome getting my ass other countries, such as Japan? Enson Inoue: Immediate arrest kicked. Enson Inoue: Hawaii and Guam and imprisonment. have the best. Sometimes the stone The sport has a very short history thus is too heavy. Amsterdam was Did you spend anytime incarcerated? And far, what exactly drove you to compete Marijuana Heaven. Japan also has if so, what was life behind bars like? Can against other trained martial artists? you give the readers any insight into your Enson Inoue: It is what I did best some great homegrown stuff. daily routines while being locked away? and another way to make me the However, Japan also has some Enson Inoue: I was held in prison best, strongest man I could be in really shitty stuff circulating. for 28 days. When I was in prison, heart. I realized there are two worlds I What kind of cannabis sub-culture is never knew existed before. The there in Japan? Over the past several years, there have outside world and the inside been a number of Mixed Martial Artists Enson Inoue: Pretty big! who have tested positive for having THC world, like black and white, oil in their system. How widespread is the use Do you know if the marijuana is primarily and water, and they can't be of marijuana in the MMA community? domestically grown or imported in Japan? mixed no matter how much we Enson Inoue: I think about 30 per Enson Inoue: Both. try. When I first got arrested, I did- cent of the fighters that I know n't realize there were two worlds. use it. Do you have a favorite variety or strain My body was on the inside but my of cannabis? heart and mind was still on the What is the prevalence of cannabis use in Enson Inoue: I like Jack Herer, outside. Every hour was painful the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu community? and White Widow. and there was absolutely nothing Enson Inoue: Not so sure, I've good I could find about the inside. been out of that scene for years What is your preferred method of con- I was full of stress and my mind now. suming marijuana? Some people prefer to smoke joints; others always seem to have never could feel relaxed, even for a a bong handy. Which method(s) do you minute. As hard as it was, I slowly Does the use of marijuana constitute an prefer? but surely began to let go of the advantage in combat? Enson Inoue: Joints!!! world outside. It took me several Enson Inoue: No! Not at all. days to set my mind but eventu- You recently had some legal issues involv- ally I could. Only when I had When was the first time you smoked mar- ing marijuana. In your own words, could ijuana? What was it about cannabis that you explain to the readers at home exact- visitors I would allow my mind caught your attention? ly how all of the events transpired? back to the outside world, only Enson Inoue: My first time was Enson Inoue: [I] got caught with to turn it off after the visitation about three years ago. I loved the about 6 grams, 12 joints and a was over. As soon as an officer buzz and the fact that I could roach, a total of 16 grams. Took would tell me that I'd be having sleep at least six to seven hours. I the fall alone without giving a sin- visitors, it was like a light bulb usually sleep only about three to gle name. lit up and it brightened my day. four hours a night. For the short 15 minutes, my What were the immediate consequences mind was back in the outside What are the differences in the marijuana of your encounter with Japanese law world. Then, as the visitation you've seen in Hawaii versus that of enforcement?

70 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 practically havetoforcefeedme in theoutsideworld,youwould ing intheoutsideworld.IfIwas piness Iwouldfeelwhenwaseat- eating wasoverfivetimesthehap- appreciation levelIfeltwhilewas going togetourmeals.Andthe really getexcitedbeforewewere are neglected.Likeadog,Iwould I knowhowdogsfeelwhenthey trolled thatIcanhonestlysay We weresorestrictedandcon- nothing intheinsidelookedgood. my mindontheoutsideworld, strange, becauseaslongIhad transition backinside.Itwas minutes formetoslowlymakethe to mycell,ittookabout1015 a 10gallontank.AfterIreturned taken fromanoceanandputinto room. Ifeltlikeafishthatwas turned offwhenIleftthevisitation like thelightsweredimmedand time wascomingtoanend,it the foodweatehere,but there intheinsideI have toforceme arrest, youwould enjoyed everybite.I appreciated thesim- ple thingslikeapple juice, rice,andmiso soup. Alsobeforemy brush myteeth, but insideI actually looked for- 9 p.m.: brush teeth. 8 p.m.: 5 p.m.: 12 noon: 10:30 a.m.: your fingernails. time whereyoucouldalsocut 10 a.m.: 8 a.m.: brush ourteeth. put ourmattressesawayand 6:30 a.m.: laundry onceaweek. day. Showerevery5days,and The routinewasthesameevery- was actuallyareallynicewalk. longer achore.Forthefirsttimeit and thewalktocarwasno stop inastoreornot,Ifeltsofree was going,whetherIgoingto my lungs.Icoulddecidewhere the freshcoolnightairfillingup deep breath,Icouldalmosttaste When Iclosedmyeyesandtooka to go,howfastandwalk. girls, andnoonetellingmewhere air onmyskin,somanybeautiful the walkwasgreat!Thecoolnight other night,withmynewoutlook, ple... Nothingpleasant.Butthe chore, thedistanceandallpeo- the walktocarwaslikea were different.Beforemyarrest, Roponggi butthistimethings we tookeveryweekwentto long walktothecar. It'sawalk when thenightwasoverwehada meet friendsinRoponggiand bail andwasreleased,Iwentto things. ThreedaysafterIposted learn toappreciatethesimple ward toit.Insideyounaturally Enson Inoue: vent yourdeportation? what legalactionsare youtakingtopre- Is Japantryingtodeportyou,andif so, years probation. month suspendedsentencewith 3 tence butIgotoffwitha10 wanted a10monthprisonsen- Enson Inoue: the court,whatwassentenceyou When youwere ordered toappearbefore received? Breakfast. Sleep (withlightson). Lay mattressesoutand Dinner. 15 minutesofexercise Lunch. We arewokenupto Allowed touseapen. Yes. I'mjustplead- The prosecutors your timedoingwithyourself? you? Whatdoyouspendamajorityof What islifelikenowonadailybasisfor comeback thisyear! Enson Inoue: future? Are youretired? Do youhaveanyplansonfightinginthe We havesomeweirdlaws. alcohol, butit'sagainstthelaw. fraction asdangerousorbad else canIsay?[It’s] notevena Enson Inoue: ization ofMarijuanause? What are yourthoughtsonthecriminal- http://www.pbg.jp/) (http://www.hodejaehuh.com/ Special thankstoHodyJaeHuh Enson Inoue: What’s nextforEnsonInoue? http://blog.goo.ne.jp/enson-inoue/ bredusa.com/ apparel pageat Enson Inoue: tions etc.thatyouwouldlikemention? Is there anywebsites,schools,organiza- year! with mybookattheendofthis ing mybook.Iplantobedone Enson Inoue: me leaveJapan. from fanswhodon'twanttosee office isgettingfloodedwithfaxes ing here.Alsotheimmigration them whyIwanttocontinueliv- ing mycaseandexpressingto Treating Issue16-2009 Yourself, Yes. Makinga It's thelaw, sowhat An honorabledeath. Yes check outthe Training andwrit- and myblogat http://www.pure- SPOTLIGHT and 71 Spotlight

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Some facts about the Hemp plant, which are too quickly forgotten.

lants are on this planet for a Pmultitude of reasons no matter if you believe in God or Evolution as your main premise in life. So to question or not allow a part of Nature to be used would be against the will of God or against the development of Mankind, so it would seem, if we follow the higher teachings.

Possibly, Man and his usage of plants should be more the ques- tion for law making and let Nature sort out her laws as it has always been the case before hort.purdue.edu/ Man existed. To make a plant or plants illegal to be cultivated by be able to meas- Man should not be blindly ure all elements and are a lot of enforced as there are so many compounds held on and facts that do not get ways and so many products that within a plant before we can to headline like the drug factor may never be harnessed if the make a well judged decision on but are equally as important to laws of the land remain extreme- its makeup. This in turn means humankind. Modern day agri- ly rigid. The cultural relevance, we need all the help we can get culture has a history with this traditional medicinal uses and and therefore allowing the com- plant dating back to 8500 years religious facets to plants make mon man to persist with culti- ago when the Chinese were using the blind see that all plants hold vating plants till all is totally it for fiber production, consider- special secrets within and to be analysised would be more of a ably less so as an intoxicant and blinkered in our vision would widespread help in gathering only in a limited extent as an only show intolerant ignorance information and samples rather oilseed crop. and total disregard to Nature than completely disallowing it and all it does to aid mankind. and making it illegal. Popular Mechanics magazine in Therefore it is better to make no the 1930s touted Hemp as `the decision rather than a positive It is easy to conjure up images of new billion dollar crop` stating yes or no before all the facts are hippies, freedom and peace pro- that it can be used to produce adequately analysis and under- cessions when the word more than 25000 products rang- stood. That means we need to Cannabis is mentioned but there ing from dynamite to cellophane.

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Class of product Quantity consumed relative % (tonnes)

Specialty pulp (cigarette paper, bank notes, technical filters, and hygiene products) 24,882 87 Composites for autos 1,770 6 Contruction and thermal insulation materials 1,095 4 Geotextiles 234 0.8 Other 650 2.2 Total 26,821 100

Table 1 presents the principle products for which the species is cultivat- ed in Europe, all of which happens to be based on fiber.

Most hemp oilseed in Europe is tive of young and reproductive currently obtained from so-called above-ground tissues (the roots “dual usage” plants (employed lack glands). for harvest of both stem fiber and seeds, from the same plants). The resin is a sticky mixture of Of the European dual-usage cul- cannabinoids and a variety of tivars, ‘Uniko B’ and ‘Fasamo’ terpenes. The characteristic odor are particularly suited to being of the plant is due to the abun- grown as oilseeds. Very recently, dant terpenes, which are not cultivars have been bred specifi- psychoactive. The more impor- Figure 1: Proposed biosynthetic path- cally for oilseed production. tant cannabinoids are shown in ways of the principal cannabinoids (after Pate 1998b). These include ‘Finola,’ formerly figure 1. known as ‘Fin-314’ and ‘Anka’ which are relatively short, little- Breeding for low THC cultivars branched, mature early in north- in Europe has been reviewed by temperate regions, and are ideal Bócsa (1998), Bócsa and Karus for high-density planting and (1998), and Virovets (1996). harvest with conventional equip- Some researchers have claimed ment. to have produced essentially THC-free strains, although at Cannabis contains a seemingly present no commercial cultivar unique class of chemicals, the seems to be 100% free of THC. cannabinoids, of which more THC content has proven to be than 60 have been described, but more easily reduced in monoe- only a few are psychoactive. cious than in dioecious varieties. Cannabinoids are produced in It should be possible to select specialized epidermal glands, THC-free strains, and there has which differ notably in distribu- been speculation that genetic tion on different organs of the engineering could be helpful in plant (high concentrations occur this regard. As a strategic eco- on the upper surface of the nomic and political tactic, France young leaves and young twigs, has been attempting for several on the tepals, stamens, and espe- years to have the European cially on the perigonal bract). Union (EU) adopt legislation for- Given this distribution, the bidding the cultivation of indus- glands would seem to be protec- trial hemp cultivars with more Honey Bee on Finola

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Left to right: resin glands covering seeds C-class Mercedes-Benz automobiles have more than 30 parts made of natural fibers, including hemp. than 0.1% THC, which would ted in seeds and oil products ket for the foreseeable future. mean that primarily French vari- used for food purposes in Cana- The most important specialty eties would have to be cultivated da. In Germany, more stringent pulp products made from hemp in Europe. However, the Canadi- limits were set for food in 2000: are cigarette paper (Fig. 16), an government has found that 5 ppm in food oil, 0.005 ppm in bank notes, technical filters, and some French material has proven beverages, and 0.15 ppm in all hygiene products. Other uses to be excessively high in THC. other foods. include art papers and tea bags. The largest and most important Several of these applications take collection is the Vavilov Institute Flax held 2.7% of the world advantage of hemp’s high tear gene bank in Leningrad. A dis- plant fiber market in 1999, while and wet strength. This is consid- turbingly high percentage of the hemp had only 0.3% (Karus ered to be a highly stable, high- collections have THC levels 2000). Hemp fiber can potential- priced niche market in Europe, higher than 0.3%, making it dif- ly replace other biological fibers where hemp has an 87% market ficult to incorporate these into in many applications, but also, share of the “specialty pulp” sec- breeding program. as noted below, can sometimes tor (Karus et al. 2000). compete with minerals such as Plastic composites for automo- Hemp seeds contain virtually no glass fiber and steel. As forests biles are the second most impor- THC, but THC contamination diminish, cultivation of annual tant component of the hemp results from contact of the seeds plants as fiber sources is likely to industry of the EU. with the resin secreted by the increase. While crop residues like epidermal glands on the leaves cereal straw will probably supply Building Construction Products is and floral parts, and also by the much of the need, specialty fiber a market that is growing very failure to sift away all of the plants such as hemp also have fast, and hemp insulation prod- bracts (which have the highest potential. ucts are increasing in popularity. concentration of THC of any The fiber of Hemp is being used parts of the plant) that cover the The refinement of equipment in reinforced concrete to particle seeds. This results in small levels and new technologies are viewed board and a multitude of other of THC appearing in hempseed as offering the possibility of applications. oil and foods made with the making fine textile production seeds. Although most of the practical in western Europe and Animal Bedding uses the woody western hemp-growing world North America, but at present core (hurds, sometimes called uses 0.3% THC as a maximum China controls this market, and shives) of hemp, and this makes concentration for authorized cul- probably will remain dominant remarkably good bedding for tivation of hemp plants, regula- for the foreseeable future. different animals. The hurds are tions in various countries allow sometimes molded into small only a much lower level of THC “Specialty pulp” is the most pellets for bedding applications. in human food products manu- important component of the Such appears to be unsurpassed factured from the seeds. Current- hemp industry of the EU, and is for horse bedding, and also ly, up to 10 ppm THC is permit- expected to remain its core mar- make an excellent litter for cats

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Left to right: Natural Hemp fiber Harvesting Finola and other pets. The hurds can Food in the form of Dehulled is also good potential for hemp absorb up to five times their (i.e. hulled) hemp seed is a very oil in cosmetics and skin-care weight in moisture (typically recent phenomenon, first pro- products. 50% higher than wood shav- duced in quantity in Europe. ings), do not produce dust (fol- Hemp seeds have been used as Personal Care Products began in lowing initial dust removal), and food since ancient times, but the 1990s, European firms intro- are easily composted. generally the whole seed, includ- duced lines of hemp oil-based ing the hull, was eaten. Hemp personal care products, including “Geotextiles” or “agricultural tex- seed was a grain used in ancient soaps, shampoos, bubble baths, tiles” include (a) ground-retain- China, although there has been and perfumes. Hemp oil is now ing, biodegradable matting only minor direct use of hemp marketed throughout the world designed to prevent soil erosion, seed as food by humans. In the in a range of body care products, especially to stabilize new plant- past, hemp seed has generally including creams, lotions, mois- ings while they develop root sys- been a food of the lower classes, turizers, and lip balms. In Ger- tems along steep highway banks or a famine food. Peanut-butter many, a laundry detergent manu- to prevent soil slippage and (b) type preparations have been pro- factured entirely from hemp oil ground-covers designed to duced from hemp seed in Europe has been marketed. Hemp-based reduce weeds in planting beds. for centuries, but were rather cosmetics and personal care gritty since technology for products account for about half The cultivation of hemp in the removing the hulls was rudimen- of the world market for hemp EU is heavily weighted toward tary oil. One of the most significant fiber production over oilseed developments for the North production. In 1999, the EU pro- The use of Cannabis for edible American hemp industry was duced about 27,000 t of hemp seed oil began at least 3 millen- investment in hemp products by fiber, but only about 6,200 t of nia ago. Hempseed oil is a dry- Anita and Gordon Roddick, hemp seeds, mostly in France, ing oil, formerly used in paints founders of The Body Shop, a and 90% of this was used as ani- and varnishes and in the manu- well known international chain mal feed (Karus et al. 2000). The facture of soap. Present cultiva- of hair and body care retailers. seeds have traditionally been tion of oilseed hemp is not com- employed as bird and poultry petitive with linseed for produc- feed, but feeding the entire seeds tion of oil for manufacturing, or Medical to livestock has been considered to sunflower and canola for edi- Marijuana to be a poor investment because ble vegetable oil. However, there Marijuana has in fact been of the high cost involved are remarkable dietary advan- grown for medicinal research in (although subsidization in tages to hempseed oil, which North America by both the Europe allows such usage, espe- accordingly has good potential Canadian and American govern- cially in France where hemp for penetrating the salad oil mar- ments, and this will likely contin- seeds are not legally permitted in ket, and for use in a very wide ue. The possibility of marijuana human food). variety of food products. There becoming a legal commercial

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is presently being produced suf- ficient to supply thousands of patients, and Canada recently authorized the cultivation of medicinal marijuana for com- passionate dispensation, as well as for a renewed effort at med- ical evaluation.

Several of the cannabinoids are reputed to have medicinal potential: THC for glaucoma, spasticity from spinal injury or multiple sclerosis, pain, inflam- mation, insomnia, and asthma; CBD for some psychological problems. The earliest record of the The British firm G.W. Pharma- medicinal use of the plant is ceuticals is developing medicinal that of the Chinese emperor- herbalist Shen-Nung himself marijuana. In the US, NIH who, five thousand years ago, (National Institute of Health) recommended Cannabis for has a program of research into malaria, beriberi, constipation, rheumatic pains, absent-mind- medicinal marijuana, and has edness, and female disorders. supplied a handful of individuals beijingmuseum.gov.cn for years with maintenance sam- crop in North America is, to say settings is substantially a 20th ples for medical use. the least, unlikely in the foresee- century phenomenon. able future. Nevertheless the pri- It would seem obvious from a vate sector is currently producing Cannabis drug preparations short research into just one plant medicinal marijuana in Europe have been employed medicinally known as Cannabis which is and Canada, so the following in folk medicine since antiquity, shrouded in a lot of controversy orientation to marijuana as a and were extensively used in that there is far more positive potential authorized crop is not western medicine between the uses than negative ones. When merely academic. middle of the 19th century and there are only few cons verses a World War II, particularly as a lot of pros for a plant, logic Earliest reference to euphoric substitute for opiates. There is should really prevail. Cannabis use of C. sativa appears to date anecdotal evidence that cannabis has a lot of potential value to the to China of 5 millennia ago, but drugs are useful for: alleviating communities of the world and it was in India over the last mil- nausea, vomiting, and anorexia we need to push on and discover lennium that drug consumption following radiation therapy and these traits and share the gifts. became more firmly entrenched chemotherapy; as an appetite than anywhere else in the world. stimulant for AIDS patients; for The community of cannabis Not surprisingly, the most highly relieving the tremors of multiple growers world wide have proven domesticated drug strains were sclerosis and epilepsy; and for that repression does not rid soci- selected in India. While C. sati- pain relief, glaucoma, asthma, ety of a plant but rather bonds va has been used as a euphori- and other ailments for an similar minded people together ant in India, the Near East, parts authoritative medical review. To to stand up and be counted, of Africa, and other Old World date, governmental authorities making a counter culture into a areas for thousands of years, in the US, on the advice of med- commercial venture. It is time we such use simply did not develop ical experts, have consistently follow the lesser path of resist- in temperate countries where rejected the authorization of ance. Nature has all the answers hemp was raised. The use of C. medical use of marijuana except and medicines we need as long sativa as a recreational inebriant in a handful of cases. However, as we not only look but we see in sophisticated, largely urban in the UK medicinal marijuana them.

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The Ecology of & Guano sciencedaily.com Guano Tea by Lazystrain (aka Zany Trails)

Lots of people always ask us questions about guano as a source of fertilizer, and how to make guano tea. We therefore decided to respond to the subject with an article aimed at bringing both the novice and advanced gardener back down to earth when using guano and guano tea in the garden. Guano Guano, from the American Spanish huano, meaning dung, usually refers to, in cannabis circles, the remains or droppings from colonies of cave or rock- dwelling species of animals including birds and bats. Guano can be added to soil mixes directly, used as topsoil or brewed up into a fertilizer tea. Guano is therefore often used as a reliable source of fertilizer in organic gardens. Fossilized guano is formed over long Bat guano periods of time, sometimes for several centuries, Bat guano is collected from the caves, roosts, and the before it is harvested and made ready for use. Fos- old haunts supporting large colonies of bats. Because, silized bat guano also contains the remains of the ani- as mammals, bats prefer to roost in a dry sheltered mals that feed on the guano as it breaks down on the spot, the guano that bats produce is usually protected floor of the cave. Fresh guano, on the other hand, is from the outside elements. This allows larger deposits collected from fresher deposits. To help understand of the guano to build up over many years. In time, it the whole process more clearly, we need to under- can then support a variety of wildlife. For example, stand the ecology surrounding the guano that is made the floor of a bat's cave may be inhabited with a and the animals that help create it. diversity of insects and reptiles feeding directly on the guano, or on the life forces the guano supports. Snakes may also inhabit the cave to feed on the bats! Sea bird guano Gradually, over time the remains of the insects, rep- Sea bird guano is collected from the cliff ledges, tiles, bats, and guano all break down together to rocks, and caves that support large colonies of gulls form a nutrient rich compost. and other sea birds. Because sea bird guano is often exposed to the elements, it is usually collected fresh The only problem is that the bats also produce lots of and then dried out before being used as a fertilizer. urine. The top layer of guano or “wet-bar” is then The contents of the guano naturally represent the diet concentrated in ammonia nitrate. Ammonia is a of the sea birds depositing it, which, for the majority, direct source of Nitrogen (N). As the layers of guano contain the remains of fish and other marine life. For build up and break down, they form sediment. The this reason, sea bird guano is sometimes used as a sediment below is no longer in direct contact with the source of high Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and ammonia/urine above. Eventually the lower layer or Calcium (Ca) by organic gardeners, usually during “dry-bar” becomes 'fossilized' in character with time, the vegetative stages of growth. while the top layer remains moist and fresh.

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The contents of the bat guano naturally represent the diet of the colony hanging above it. For this reason, bat guano that is sourced from bats with a fruit diet contains high levels of Potassium (K), whereas guano sourced from bats with a diet of insects is slightly more concentrated in Phosphorus (P). Moreover, those bats feeding exclusively on corn moths, for example, produce guano with higher levels of Nitro- gen (N). The diet and lifestyle of the bat and the diet and lifestyle of a bats’ prey directly relates to the guano the bat makes. cavinguk.co.uk Guano Fertilizer Guano may be used either as a top dressing fertilizer when added directly to soil, as an additive to soil mixes and/or as an application fertilizer when made up into Guano Tea. Different gardeners employ slightly different gardening techniques with guano depending on the nutrient content of the guano being used and its overall strength. Guano can be extremely concentrated sometimes, in that only a pinch may be required, while other times the strength of the guano may be less responsive in soil and can be added by the hand full. Much is related to the source of the guano and the treatment of the guano before and after processing. Sea bird guano, for example, is an extremely high source of Nitrogen (N) and should be used little by little until establishing a correct dosage for the soil and the plants.

As a powder-type fertilizer, just like Blood and Bone meal, guano also produces what is called “Nuisance Dust.” This dust floats about in the air and should not be inhaled. Just like “Blood and Bone,” guano holds the ability to contain many pathogens, some of which are harmful to humans. Colonies of bats from different species often co-inhabit the same space, and some bats feed upon the blood of cattle and humans. Guano should then be handled with care in a well- ventilated place, ideally outdoors wherever possible. Otherwise, it should only be handled using a breath- ing apparatus or DIY mask to prevent nuisance dust getting into the lungs.

Once the guano has become saturated in water, how- ever, it is perfectly safe to use it in the garden. Guano Soil Guano can be added directly to soil/compost to help add nutrients that will be needed later on during the season. A percentage of all Guano is solid and there- fore will not dissolve in water alone. The remaining particles are usually soluble and will slowly dissolve. The solid micro-particles will gradually breakdown as bacterium feed on them and are then slowly trans-

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ferred into mineral deposits in the soil. Potassium rich perfect environ- guano added directly to the soil during the early mental condi- stages of the growing season is usually active around tions, the bacteri- the later stages of the blooming period (depending on um within and crop time). Using guano as a direct soil additive is around the guano then a measure of careful timing and planning. For will naturally fer- this very reason, many commercial soil mixes contain ment. As this a percentage of added guano already, which acts like happens, the a natural slow-release fertilizer. minerals and fer- tilizers within the guano are Guano Topdressing released into the Guano can also be used as a topdressing for soil. A water by natural topdressing is a thin layer of mineral and nutrient rich chemical process- compost that is scattered over the surface of a soil es. The resulting substrate. Topdressing with guano is popular with guano tea can then be used as a nice and healthy soil-bed growers, but can also be practiced in single organic source of plant food or fertilizer. plant pots easily. Worm castings and other organic materials may also be added to the topdressing if There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of required. The idea is that, with regular, plain watering guano tea recipes out there in magazines and online. afterwards, the layer of fertilizer-rich compost is slow- All of the most secret Guano Tea methods and tech- ly washed down through the soil and into the plants’ niques have now been shared around by cannabis root system below. If too much guano is added, how- growers, and so they are no longer a secret. The x2 ever, the roots may suffer from "root burning," case studies given below are given as an idea of how which, in the worst case, may entirely over fertilize guano is used professionally over both cannabis and the soil and ruin the crop. Again, using guano as top- food crops. It is always important to remember that dressing involves a measure of gardening skill and some of the most ingenious guano tea recipes were some experience in using guano in the garden. developed as a result of experimenting with different types of guano and complimentary foodstuffs, often in conjunction with fellow gardeners. The aim being Guano Tea to provide the best source and balance of organic Guano, when made into tea, is used as an application nutrients for both the soil below ground and the fertilizer which helps limits the risk of burning the plants above it, in order to produce 100 per cent plants by overfeeding. Guano tea is the result of part- organic smoke. ly dissolving guano into water, and then providing sources of food that the guano can feed on. Given the Remember to experiment and have fun! x2 Case studies: bottom of the tub. This speeds up teaspoon of sea bird guano and a GrowDoc the process. The bacteria breed at big table spoon of Kenyan/Peruvian a much higher rate and it brings bat guano is added to each 5 liter Guano Tea down the finishing time. What bucket of warm water. Depending Here at GDS International, we used to take us 60 days now takes on the time in the season, and visi- make guano tea for both growing 2 weeks to complete. We feed at 1 ble signs in the plants, these quanti- and flowering stages using Plagron liter of the guano tea to 10 liters of ties may change. Then a small products to the following recipe. water. Getting to know your splash (5 ml) of Atami Alga-C and To make the tea: To every 7 litres plants and your soil mix will help a tablespoon of honey or sugar is (2 gallons) of lukewarm water we determine when and how much added to help fermentation. The use: 500 ml Guano Peru and a guano tea you should feed. bucket is stirred twice daily and pinch of beneficial bacteria. We kept at a temperature around 21ľ mix well every other day for 10-15 Lazystrain Celsius in the glasshouse from mins. The tea will be done after 2 spring through to autumn. This months minimum when left to sit Guano Tea helps the natural bacteria generate. at 25ľ Celsius. Until recently, the Lazystrain also uses guano tea as a To add some extra depth to the tea mixtures where hand-stirred once source of organic fertilizer over his in early spring (during the vegeta- a day for 60 days. We have now food crops. The guano used is usu- tive stages), a large tablespoon of gone over to using air stones at the ally quite strong, so only a small wood ash can be added to promote

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root growth. This is something exploitation and cultural depriva- still being experimented with since tion of the people that dwell about guano is thought to react different- the cave sites. Not to mention the ly when used in combination with wildlife that once dwelled within different compounds. Likewise, a them are gone forever. You can small cup of urine (250ml) helps imagine, it's not nice working in add extra nitrogen to the tea if bat ssshh. needed. The urine is sterile when made, although acts as an acceler- ator and ferments quickly when in It's not all doom and gloom, how- contact with the other bacterium ever. Many prehistoric cave-sites of in the bucket. The resulting tea is archaeological and anthropologi- applied liberally when still young, cal significance are often buried as and when needed. This also acts deep beneath millennia-old piles of as a mild top-dressing to the soil. bat and bird guano. Such sites often gain "National Heritage" status, as a source of interest and The Ecology of learning for academics. These caves are carefully managed. As Guano and when the Archaeological Sur- The ecology surrounding the col- veying teams move in and start lection of guano currently being peeling back the layers of guano used by a global base of home- and history, the locals are encour- growers as a source of fertilizer, aged to "help themselves" to the has in fact generated an ethical if heaps of guano that need remov- not "organic" debate that ques- ing from the excavation site below. tions the very morals upon which The top most smelly layers of home growing is based. Guano is guano are usually spread back often procured from inhabited over the site when the archaeolo- places, places of beauty, and natu- gists leave, which helps preserve ral wonder. As and when the bull- the site until a later date. In this dozers move in to "harvest" the sense, the collection of guano can guano, the ecology surrounding be of cultural and economic the cave site is often irreparably wealth to local populations of peo- damaged! The guano is bagged up ple. and shipped away for sale, and the wildlife that the “guano field” Since organics is about sourcing once supported is gone forever. products from nature, at a benefit to nature, not in abstraction from At the rate things are growing, it, it is always important to remain guano may soon become yet aware of our own misconceptions another "non-renewable . If we are what we claim to be, resource.” Please think about it for when we say that we grow under a second. Guano is produced over "Organics," then perhaps the issue hundreds, if not thousands of of “Guano” is the first place we years and the bats can only pro- should be looking at. I’d encour- duce so much guano in one year, a age all people to please keep it real very thin layer. Commercialism is on the organic debate, stay con- now rife within a global society— scious, and check that the guano supply and demand. Some "entre- you are using in your garden is preneurs" have moved into the procured via an “ethical,” prefer- business of "harvesting guano" on ably “Fair Trade” source. If not, a major scale from remote cave then ask them "Why not?"— sites, wholesale, mainly from action makes change! Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, often to the direct Keep Medicating!

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Exodus Cheese by Jah Hoover

The Exodus Cheese (clone only) has been in the U.K for over 20 years and has been very popular around the Bed- fordshire region and Birmingham (Mid- lands) since late ’80s.

he Cheese phenotype was first found in the late ’80s in a pack T of 15 Sensiseeds Skunk#1 that was originally bred by American breed- er living in the Netherlands called Sam the Skunkman. The Cheese Pheno was found by a grower from Abbots Lang- ley, who was a Boaty on the grand union canal in a disused garden center situated at Hunton Bridge. Spiral Tribe, a mobile outdoor rave group, were there for a while, fitting a music rig into their coach. During this time, Spi- ral Tribe received the Cheese pheno from the Boaty, and from there it passed to the Exodus crew, a under- ground music movement who traveled around the UK, originally from Haz manor Luton, Bedfordshire area. Exo- dus have kept the original strain to this day in clone format. After receiving the clone, Exodus crew decided to name it Cheese and this was not because it smelt or tasted anything like the edible cheese but because it had a distinctive stench, a smell different from other skunks; a smell which lingers so much, the word which best described it was “cheese,” and hence the name. The cheese smell is one of the strongest pungent moorish smells you could ever

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smell, it has earthy musk with a From my personal experience late ’80s. I’ve had this clone- slight fruity licorice taste. With growing the Cheese, I would only plant in my mother room rich skunky smell, its that sub- harvest week 8 to 9 for a trippy ever since and the only other lime old school flavour from high buzz, but if looking for strains that could compare to back in the days ,which is again medicinal value, I would flower this are like OG Kush or East available for us thanks to the Cheese for 10-12 weeks for that Coast Sour diesel (clone only). I Exodus crew. Exodus Cheese narcotic couchlock effect. 12 would say Exodus cheese is one buds look lime green with high weeks Cheese will give you the of the best elite cannabis strains calyx to leaf ratio, the buds effect of extreme lazyness and is out there, because you can not grow like whispy corn pods, very sleepy buzz—good for say one strain is the best in the foxtail off nicely and are cov- those with eating disorders, but world; there are so many ered in glistening THC crystals, it will have to be takeaway. I flavours and strengths of very sticky and requiring a have been growing Exodus cannabis out there and i would decent carbon filter. The Cheese since 2002 and smoking be ignorant to think that Exo- strength of Exodus Cheese can since 1994, it was passed to me dus Cheese is the best strain, vary, depending on flowering by an old Exodus crew member but it certainly is one of the times and it also depends 100 in his early 50s who said he best. Before Big Buddha per cent on the grower’s meth- had been smoking it for years released his cross version of ods and experience, just like and found it to be the strongest Cheese x Afghan into High with most cannabis plants. skunk going around since the Times Cup, hardly anyone had

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heard of it except the UK home-grower, so after BB won the cup, every home-grower around the Globe wanted that stenchy, sublime old school Cheese skunk in their garden. But with BB Cheese, you will be lucky to get anything close pheno to the real exodus Cheese—however, this is the only way others around the World will get to taste Cheese unless they somehow manage to obtain the real clone. Just like with ECSD, it is also only available in clone form, but most of us are satisfied with seed version because that will be the closest most of us will get to tasting the real deal. Exodus Cheese (clone form) is now available around most parts of Europe and I have also heard of some growers in the States and Canada claim they have it now. Also, I have seen so many growers in the UK claim they had the real Exodus Cheese but they had a slightly watered down version. I would like to clear the waters by showing pictures of the real Exodus Cheese and I will also like to invite everyone to come join us at www.thcfarmer.com, home of Exodus Cheese-

heads. You will find so much info on Cheese and we also have a thread dedicated to Cheese in the original Exodus Cheese Gallery. If you look into our Cheese gallery, you will notice the characteristics of the real Cheese: Exodus Cheese leafs are double serrated and you will also notice that, unlike the BB version, Exodus Cheese is more of a lime green colour and also foxtails in week 7. Exodus Cheese is high yielder, but this is totally dependent on the grower’s methods and expe- rience. I would also recommend making Bubble/Ice-o-lator hash out of Exodus Cheese as it will taste of moorish Cheese con- centrate and the high will be unbelievable, leaving you dazed and confused. If you would like growing advice and help, please don’t be shy to pop into www.thcfarmer.com

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Harvesting All Year Long

By Jef Tek

ithout a shadow of a constant supply of fresh connois- could never figure the economics doubt, harvesting is the seur-grade medicine and am not of paying people I hardly know to W most exciting and forced to harvest early due to a trim my medicine the way I want rewarding aspect of any farmer’s shortage. This method also allows it trimmed and separate it into life. When that farmer is growing me to fine-tune my grow beds, various sizes and grades and cured medicinal-grade cannabis to keep water and nutrient delivery sys- the way I want it done. I’ve been a his or her family healthy, it tems. By carefully tracking and general contractor and a mainte- becomes much more poignant and monitoring every single parameter nance supervisor for most of my passion filled. I classify myself a of my crops’ healthy development, adult life and I know from real- realist—not a pessimist or an opti- I can correct imbalances before world experience that no matter mist. I believe the glass has 4 oz of they happen most of the time. how well you explain yourself, fine wine in it, 1/2 empty or 1/2 full people will always do it their way doesn’t give me the information I One great example is the yellow anyway! I like to have final quality need to know. Realistically, it mushrooms I accidentally grew in control and I need to feel the buds would be impossible for me to one of my one square meter to access their density and dryness; harvest any more than 25 full- organic grow beds. Leucocoprinus here’s my simple method for har- sized plants in a day without suf- birnbaumii, aka Lepiota lutea, the vesting. fering from spinal arthritis. I never yellow houseplant mushroom plant more than 25 plants at a grows in organic rich, warm envi- When my plants reach their full time, so I never have to wash more ronments. Simple over watering girth around week 7 or 8, they than 25 buckets or throw away was the culprit. Another superb will just about tell me when to more than 25 root balls. You see, reason for constant batching is harvest them by physically falling this way I don’t need any more that I don’t have to hire trimmers down! They will be so fully grown drying space or curing vessels. By to come into my home and drink and developed that the lower growing continuous batches of my beer and eat my food just so branches, (the ones that weren’t Afghani Bullrider, I always have a the crop doesn’t go to mold. I staked), will start hitting the floor.

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yellow mushrooms Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, aka Lepiota lutea

With a jeweler’s loupe you can see from the main stalk until I’ve filled around a month. This is when the clear crystal trichomes just 1/2 of a 5 gallon bucket loosely Buds are perfectly ready to be busting at their bulbous rims with with buds. After, I will turn and enjoyed, smoked and savored. THC resinousiness, and the white dump the bucket several times a This is also the reason that it is hairs will mostly have turned a day for a day or two or until the imperative that all human beings dark flat red. That is when I chop buds have their characteristic should have a constant, fresh sup- one down and begin this simple shape and become slightly ply of marijuana no different than process. crunchy. This is where I’ll lose dairy, meat or vegetable products some of you hardcore bud con- that are currently available 365 I’ll turn on some good music and noisseurs because I hate glass jars! days a year. Marijuana is a perish- hang each plant upside down and Sure, glass is a perfect seal, but it able item just like eggs and should remove any yellow leaves by hand, is also heavy. I’ve had buds mold be graded, certified and cared for then I’ll trim off all the water in jars many times because I put a in the same fashion. The image of leaves at the base of the stem and jar away before it was completely growing a million dollars worth of let these leaves fall to the ground cured then forgot about it and by weed and retiring to paradise goes where I’ll dispose of them later. the time I found it I just had to completely against the model I’ve The rest of the leaves that are all throw the whole jar away, moldy just outlined here. I’m living in covered in downy trichomes will buds and all! I’ve never lost buds paradise now, because my bud be carefully removed from the put in tins, ever! I love tins, cookie room is always 78 degrees and freshly harvested bud monsters tins, dog-bone tins, Metallica tins, sunny, just like paradise. and get placed on a clean rack to pin-up girl tins, Moon Pie tins, Happy winter harvests!!! dry for hash-making later. This Coca-Cola tins, you name it. I love method creates the cleanest burn- the tins because they never mold Peace and Buds, ing medicine by removing any pos- buds, never break, don’t weigh sible nitrogen source from the much and can be placed all over buds to reabsorb; each plant will your home without anyone even then be hung in a dark room with guessing they are filled with buds. a ceiling fan on low. Twine or fish- I think they breathe just well ing line stretched from wall to wall enough to give the perfect cure. will hang 25 plants with ease. Tins rock! They are the ultimate in Four to seven days later, depend- reliability and recyclability. ing on the temperature and humid- After a few weeks, you can feel the ity levels, I will trim each bud intensity rise and it will peak

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 89

GROW

Chocolate Diesel 45u UK Cheese 73 u

UK Cheese 90u Getting Sticky with Sauron STB runs off a few batches of bubble- hash, Chocolate Diesel and UK Cheese Before beginning gather up all your equipment: the 1 bubble bags bags (http://www.bubblebag.com), two or three buckets that match your bag diameter, two bags of ice, cold water, hand mixing tools, mixing machines, a few tow- els, a bowl slightly smaller in diameter than the bubble bags, a spoon and your drying screens.

Once you have everything organized, put the two buck- 2 ets next to each other, one filled with 3/4 of a 10lb bag of ice, the other with a few gallons of water.

We try to use the coldest water we can find as this keeps 3 the ice from rounding off and smoothing too much which would reduce the effectiveness of ice extraction. You can store water in the freezer for a few hours to get it next to freezing, the colder the more high quality hash you will get. Add water until the water level is flush with the ice line, no more water needs to be added.

Next we gently add the remaining 1/4 bag of ice on 4 top of the ice/water mixture, we do this because the temperature inside the water is still warmer than the trim, letting the trim sit in the water for a minute makes the heads less rigid and more difficult to seperate from the trim.

Now it is time for the trim, the key ingredient in the 5 bubble process. You need to have trichomes that are full and entact, this will greatly increase your yield and qual- ity. Having small immature heads from prematurely harvested product will significantly degrade the end product quality and yield. Since most cannabis strains produce resin only in the last few weeks, it is crucial to let them finish and produce as much oil as possible. Running multiple varieties together will also gen- erally degrade the quality, if you have strains that are similar in how they melt between the screens you can safely mix them together without a loss in how it dissolves through a screen. around 200g wet is a good amount for a 5gallon run, much more than that and the trichomes will be ground into the plant material resulting in a greener less melty hash.

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We dump the trim right on top of the ice, then add 6 another half bag of ice, saving the remaining half bag for use in the bubblenow run that comes last.

Now its time to mix the trim/ice into the icewater mix below and quickly grab your spoons.

We like to use 2 spoons at alternate angles to maxi- 7 mize my mixing. We try to mix it in an up and down and semi circular motion to get a good mix goin that produces a good sheering effect. Sometimes when you use larger amounts of trim some will settle under the layer of ice. If you dont get that back up into the mixing area you wont get any trichomes serperated off of that material... We dont use my work bags at this stage to save wear/tear on the bags, You should never use power mixing equipment inside of your work bags as this can snag the bag and ruin them.

Time to get mixing! make sure you mix with 8 enough force to create a fair amount of froth on top, bubblemans catchphrase "if it dont bubble it isnt worth the trouble" applies here as well. no froth on top means you arent aggitating the mixture enough, and your yields will go way down though quality may increase very slightly.

Next we get our second bucket ready by putting the 9 work and contaminate filter bags in place. Then we pour the mix into the work and contaminate filter bags and give it a few stirs to help settle the trichomes to the bottom.

While that is filtering you want to setup your bub- 10 ble bags in proper order in the other bucket, then pour the filtered water from the work/contaminate bags into the bubble bags to extract your trichomes.

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At this point Gather your heads with a 11 you should 15 spoon and place them on refreeze your top of your drying screen. trim and ice mixture for At this point you can let the water a few minutes to make drain for a few minutes and then the trichomes more brit- transfer them to cardboard to tle for a second hand chop it up with a razorblade for mix run, or for use in a more even and consistent drying. bubblenow machine (http://www.bubble- bag.com). The bubble now is great and really saves you some time and wear and tear on your wrists.

Now at this 12 point we gather some some extra tools that make my job a bit easier but are in no way need- ed. The sprayer is used to clean heads off the bags, and the the paint mixer is for a sec- ond run of the bubble if you dont have a bubblenow machine.

13 After your heads have fil- tered for 20-30 minutes its time to grab the bubble bags out one at a time and place them inverted over a bowl to scoop out the good- ness, I like to double-dip my bag, just After about three days you can fold the bag into quarters, or clench safely remove it from the card- it with your fist at the seam and board, if it is extremely sticky quickly dip it into the bubble water placing it in the freezer for a few and pull it out just as fast, this will minutes will make it much easier get all the hash in the bottom and off to remove. the sides. If your using the one gallon setup you can run water over the Chocolate Diesel 90u *outside* of the screen and achieve the same effect.

Alternatively 14 and slightly more messy you can use the sprayer and push them down the sides of the bag into the middle for collection.

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Feminized Seeds Part 2 By Soma

Making female seeds is getting easier with time. I am starting to notice the difference between Indica dominant varieties and Sativa dominant varieties in the way that they take to the STS spray. Sativas turn sex easier than the Indicas. Many heavy Indi- cas need 2 sprayings spaced 1 week apart. There are 2 ways of approaching feminized seeds, one is to make an exact phenotype, the other is to make a feminized cross. A feminized cross is taking one type of female genetic, turning her into a male with female chromosomes, and crossing her to a totally other genetic. The result is very similar to picking a keeper from M/F seeds. What happens is you end up

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with many phenotypes showing up to choose from, all female. Dominant genes will show up, and recessive genes too. You will still need discre- tion and accuracy in selecting what mothers you will want to work with. I have also noticed that when using LED lights in conjunction with a 250-watt HPS, you can get high quality female seeds with little electrical use.

When the female plant is first sprayed it takes a minimum of 25 days to start to change into a male. All that while, the female plants are in flowering mode building up THC crystals. Its not until at least day 35 when the female turned male starts to throw pollen on the other untouched females. Because of the late stage of pollination, the buds are also not to bad to smoke and even better to make water hash from. When seeds are made from males mating with females this process occurs sooner making the buds have much less resin. As with all seed crops the important thing is to let the seeds fully ripen. The seeds should be hard and dark colored. They will only grow Females.

To me cannabis seeds are real time currency. All other organic seeds of food-oriented plants are currency as well for me. In these times of eco- nomic crisis, we could solve a whole bunch of our economic woes by looking to this most sacred of plants.

On a worldwide basis so many unemployed peo- ples could find a healthy job working in a legal cannabis business made up of small organic cot- tage industries. We are in a very ripe time on earth for this to become reality.

Storing seeds is also an art, they should be fully dried in a breathable paper container for at least one month after harvest. Then they can be placed in a more airtight container and kept in a cool, dark and dry place. Seeds do not like heat, mois- ture or heavy sunlight.

Anyone who has only grown cannabis for smok- ing buds, and never tried growing their own seeds really needs to try it on for size. In the same way that one gets full satisfaction from growing their own smoke, growing your own seeds for the future is equally satisfying.

I thank All the Angels for the Divine plant King- dom with all its blessings. Love and Light…Soma www.somaseeds.nl

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 95 Delta 9 Labs List of Feminized Sativa Strains Mr Nice 5 pack / 10 pack Feminised packs of 5 Regular packs of 10 White Widow $45/$65 Mekong Haze $40/$60 G13 $95 Walkabout $55 Aiea $75/$130 Amnesia Haze $95 Shit $75 Super Star $75/$130 Northern Lights 5 Haze $95 Dreamtime $75 Canna Sutra $75/$130 Early Queen $95 Stargazer $75/$130 Spice $120 Southern Lights $80/$140 Greenhouse Devil $120 Brainstorm Haze $80/$140 Feminised packs of 5 Shark Shock $120 Brainstorm Haze x G13 $80/$140 Black Widow ` $140 F.O.G (Fruit of the Gods) $80/$140 The Doctor $55 Critical Mass $140 Double Kush $80/$140 Big Bang $55 Medicine Man $165 The Church $60 La Nina $165 A.M.S. $60 Super Silver Haze $230 DNA Genetics Amsterdam Lemon skunk $70 Regular packs of 10, Feminised packs of 6 Cheese $75 Trainwreck $80 Next Generation Purple Wreck $110 NL5H $80 Regular packs of 10 Sour Cream $150 Alaskan ice $80 Kushberry $150 Kings kush $80 Avalon $80 Lemon Skunk $150 Chemdog $80 Blue Dynamite $80 Cannalope Haze $170 Jack herer $80 Bonkers $80 Connie Chung $170 Sat/ind mix A $80 Brain Warp $80 ReCon $170 Sat/ind mix B $80 Dynamite $80 Chocolope, Feminized $180 Sat/ind mix C $80 Grape God $80 LA Confidential $190 Sat/ind mix D $80 Grapefruit Haze $80 Indica mix E $80 Grapefruit Kush $80 Indica mix F $80 Jamaican Grape $80 Dutch Passion Seed Company Indica mix G $80 Northern Flame $80 Feminised packs of 10 Indica mix H $80 Romulan Hash Plant $80 Indica mix I $80 Romulan Island Sweet Skunk $80 Skunk #11 100% $100 Black & white J $80 Romulan Time Warp $80 Brainstorm 100% $100 Rasta K $80 Passion #1 R 100% $130 Himalayan Gold $80 Orange Bud R 100% $140 K-train $85 Nirvana Growth Solutions Durban Poison 100% $150 Bubba kush $85 Regular packs of 10 Frisian Dew R 100% $150 Kaia kush $85 Euforia R 100% $170 Sativa mix $85 Indoor Power Plant R 100% $170 El Nino $90 B-52 $80 Jorge's Diamonds #1 100% $180 White Widow $90 Big Bud $80 Mazar R 100% $180 White Rhino $90 Blue Mystic $80 White Widow 100% $210 Great White Shark $90 Bubblelicious $80 Blueberry 100% $230 Arjan's Haze #3 $92 Chrystal $80 Arjan's haze #1 $95 Citral $80 Arjan's Haze #2 $95 Haze $80 Finest Medicinal Seeds Arjan's Ultra haze #1 $97 Haze 19 x Skunk $80 Arjan's Ultra Haze #2 $97 Hindu Kush $80 List of Feminized Indica Strains Arjan's Srawberry haze $97 Ice $80 Feminised packs of 5 Super Silver Haze $100 K2 $80 Nevill's haze $105 Maroc x Afgaan $80 White Widow $75 Hawaiian Snow $105 Misty $80 White Rhino $75 Nirvana Special $80 Skunk NL $75 Papaya $80 MediFem SS $75 PPP $80 Medi Kush $75 Snow White $80 Citrus Skunk $75 Peace Maker $75 Photo courtesy of Sonic

Catering to the needs of Wholesale & retail enquiries welcome licensed growers across Canada. [email protected]

Outdoor Nefertiti $245 World of Seeds Durban Poison $80 New York City $245 Early Bud $80 Lennon $245 Landrace Collection Early Girl $80 Seed packs of 7 Regular/ Feminised Early Misty $80 Afghan Kush $50 / $115 Hawaii Maui Waui $80 Sativa Seed Bank Ketama $50 / $115 Hawaii x Skunk 1 $80 Colombian Gold $50 / $115 Indoor Hollands Hope $80 Wild Thailand $50 / $115 Indigo $80 South African Kwuazulu $50 / $115 Kc33 x Master Kush $80 Mixed Sativa $80 Paia Hawaiiana $80 Feminised Diamond Collection Feminised Seed packs of 7 Kaya $140 Outdoor Medusa $140 MSRP Northern Bright $140 Stoned INmaculate $135 Cannabis Sativa Slang $80 AMnesia $135 Super Girl $140 Pakalolo $80 Legend Collection Feminised Feminised Seed packs of 7 Paradise Seeds Daydream $140 Feminised packs of 5 Eldorado $140 Mazar Kush $80 Magic Bud $75 Strawberry Blue $80 Bella Donna $75 Cronic Haze $85 Serious Seeds Domina Star $90 Delahaze Feminised $100 Regular packs of 10 Dutch Dragon Feminised $100 Star 47 $95 Yumbolt 47 $95 Ice Cream Feminised $100 Bubblegum $140 Jacky White Feminised $100 New York Special $135 Chronic $140 Afgan Kush Special $135 Spoetnik #1 Feminised $100 White Russian $140 Nebula AK-47 $160 $120 Kali Mist $160 Nebula Feminised $120 Opium Feminised $120 Sensi Star $140 Soma Seeds Regular packs of 10

Pyramid Lavender $180 Feminised packs of 6 Buddha’s Sister $180 Kushadellic $220 Galaxy $90 Sogouda $220 Tutankhamon $95 NYC Diesel $285 Pipi $120 Amnesia Haze $285 Tiburón (Shark) $120 Hash Heaven $285 Wembley $120 Northern Light $130 White Widow $130 TGA Seeds Nefertiti $140 Regular packs of 10 New York City $140 Lennon $140 3D (Third Dimension) $105 Agent Orange $105 Feminised packs of 12 Jack The Ripper $105 Galaxy $160 JC2 (Jack Cleaner) $105 Tutankhamon $165 Jilly Bean Tiburón (Shark) $215 $105 Pipi $215 Pandora's Box $105 Wembley $215 Querkle $105 White Widow $230 Space Queen $105 Northern Light $230 The Flav $105 (Romulan X Space Queen) Alberta

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Sacred Seed 2A Dundonald Street Toronto, Ontario M4Y1K2 T: (416) 928-6811 Quebec Want to have your store listed here contact us at: [email protected]

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patient’s

Physical Examination

Strain: Bo−bo Breeder: Scrappy Grower: Black Raln Judge: Black Raln Date: January 6, 2009

Bo−bo 1. Visual Appeal: 8 Visual appeal of the buds from 1-10 unappealing-excellent. Very heavy buds, great bag appeal.

2. Visible Trichomes: 8 Visible trichome content from 1-10 none-totally covered. Trichomes all over and very sticky.

3. Colors that are present in the trichome heads under magnification: Clear-0% Cloudy-65% Amber- 30% Dark 5%

4. Colors present in the buds or on a scale 1-9 light-dark: Brown 2, Green 6, White 5, Red 2, Orange3

5. Bud density: 9 Bud density from 1-10 airy-dense. Buds are very dense; a little fluffs up really nice in a grinder.

6. Aroma descriptors: scale from 1-9 upon freshly broken bud where a one indicates a sub- tle presence and 9 indicates a pronounced presence. Earthy 8, Berry 4, Grape 6, Musk 5

7. Aroma: 8 Aroma from 1-10 repulsive-delightful.

8. Seed content: − Seed content from 0-10 none-fully seeded.

Bo−bo 9. Weeks cured: 4 If know the number of weeks your sample has been cured.

Bo−bo

100 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 Patients Test 101 Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - Treating Muscular movement disorders Muscular movement disorders Nausea Panic Attack Peripheral nerve pain Disorder Post traumatic Stress Sedative/Opiate Dependence Schizophrenia Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis if you had a NEGATIVE effect if you had a NEGATIVE − P − − − − − − - Yes 9 Night/sleep 9 Muscle Spasm Depression Diarrhea Epilepsy Glaucoma Hepatitis High blood pressure/Racingpulse Insomnia Itching Migraine/vascular headache Paranoia relief Sex drive Sleep Speech process perception Taste Thought process Visual perception off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check Evening/relax N + 2 − − − − − − − N − − N P P P/ P N P Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high. Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. Rate of how quickly tolerance 9 Day/work Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy 4 smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes. smoke expantion in the lungs indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from indica influence (best described Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 Sativa influence (best described 9 3 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 2 hours 8 2 9 Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced one indicates a subtle presence that apply to the taste where a Use numbers 1-9 6 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth. smoke ability of the sample from Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. Rate of how quickly the effect to reach desired effects. 9 7 from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume − Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating. Rate the potency of the sample 9 4 inch wooden pipe 4 inch wooden Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious. Impression of 5 hits 5 What effect did the strain have check Amphetamine Dependence Anorexia Arthritis/Musculoskeletar pain Asthma/Cough Bipolar disorder Cancer/Chemotherapy fatigue Chronic Crohn's/IBS Allergic rhinitis Audio perception Humor perception Imagination/creativity Pain relief Ability to rest or sit still Ability to rest Anxiety relief Appetite 7 ADD/ADHD morning/wake up P P P P P P P − − − − − − − − − − FINAL COMMENTS: high. This will be A great all around plant; short structure, great yield and awesome indica in my garden for years to come 9. Overall satisfaction: 10. Ability and conditions: a keeper for long term use? 11. Do you personally consider this strain 12. Effect: 2. Effect onset: 2. Effect 3. Sativa influence: 4. Indica influence: 5. Potency: 6. Duration of effect: build up: 7. Tolerance 8. Usability: 3. Taste: 3. Taste: 4. State of dryness: 5. Smoke ability: 6. Smoke expansion: Comments: Smoke Test FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS 1. Dosage: 1. Utensils: 1. Utensils: descriptors: 2. Taste Musk 5 Earthy 8, Extended Medical Survey: Smoke Test Smoke patient’s

Physical Examination

Strain: Purple Lemon Kush Breeder: WCC Grower: WCC Judge: Professor 420 Date: January 2009

Purple Lemon Kush 1. Visual Appeal: 9 Visual appeal of the buds from 1-10 unappealing-excellent.

2. Visible Trichomes: 9 Visible trichome content from 1-10 none-totally covered.

3. Colors that are present in the trichome heads under magnification: Clear-x Cloudy-− Amber- x Dark − Purple −

4. Colors present in the buds or on a scale 1-9 light-dark: Green 8, White 3, Rust 3, Purple 4, Black 6

5. Bud density: 8 Bud density from 1-10 airy-dense.

6. Aroma descriptors: scale from 1-9 upon freshly broken bud where a one indicates a sub- tle presence and 9 indicates a pronounced presence. Earthy 8, Grass/Hay 2, Hash 7, Skunk 9, Spice 3, Coffee 6

7. Aroma: 9Aroma from 1-10 repulsive-delightful.

8. Seed content: 0 Seed content from 0-10 none-fully seeded.

9. Weeks cured: − If known enter the number of weeks your sample has been cured.

Purple Lemon Kush

Purple Lemon Kush

102 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 Patients Test 103 Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - Treating if you had a NEGATIVE effect if you had a NEGATIVE - Yes 9 Night/sleep 8 Visual perception Paranoia relief Sex drive Sleep Speech process perception Taste Thought process off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check Evening/relax + 2 P P P P N P N Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high. Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. 9 Day/work Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy 3 smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes. smoke expantion in the lungs indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from indica influence (best described 8 Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 Sativa influence (best described 2 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1 hour 9 1 9 Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced one indicates a subtle presence that apply to the taste where a Use numbers 1-9 5 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth. smoke ability of the sample from Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. Rate of how quickly the effect to reach desired effects. 9 3 from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating. Rate the potency of the sample 9 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious. Impression of This strain is seemingly a Bubba Kush phenotype. I found it a fantastic example of a Bubba Kush phenotype. I This strain is seemingly Vapolution Vaporizer Vapolution 6 hits 6 What effect did the strain have check Appetite Audio perception Humor perception Imagination/creativity Pain relief Ability to rest or sit still Ability to rest Anxiety relief 9 morning/wake up P P P P P P P our kush in Los Angeles. It is a strong indica and tastes excellent It is a strong indica and our kush in Los Angeles. FINAL COMMENTS: a clean and a clear feeling with great medical effec− This strain was excellent. Delivers relief. Sleepy and heavy on the indica side. A great tiveness. Stoney and great for pain great strain 9. Overall satisfaction: 10. Ability and conditions: a keeper for long term use? 11. Do you personally consider this strain 12. Effect: 1. Dosage: onset: 2. Effect 3. Sativa influence: 4. Indica influence: 5. Potency: 6. Duration of effect: build up: 7. Tolerance 8. Usability: 3. Taste: 3. Taste: 4. State of dryness: 5. Smoke ability: 6. Smoke expansion: Comments: FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS 1. Utensils: 1. Utensils: descriptors: 2. Taste Skunk 9, Spice 5 Earthy 8, Smoke Test Smoke patient’s

Physical Examination

Strain: G−13 Breeder: S_H Grower: Sevens Judge: Sonic Smoke Date: December 16 2008

G−13 1. Visual Appeal: 9 Visual appeal of the buds from 1-10 unappealing-excellent.

2. Visible Trichomes: 8 Visible trichome content from 1-10 none-totally covered.

3. Colors that are present in the trichome heads under magnification: Clear-− Cloudy-− Amber- − Dark −

4. Colors present in the buds or on a scale 1-9 light-dark: Brown, Green Gold, White, Rust, Orange

5. Bud density: − Bud density from 1-10 airy-dense.

6. Aroma descriptors: scale from 1-9 upon freshly broken bud where a one indicates a sub- tle presence and 9 indicates a pronounced presence. Ammonia 6, Earthy 8, Licorice 2, Berry 2, Floral 5, Pepper 4, Petroleum 6, Bubblegum 3, Pine 7, Cedar 3, Menthol 4, Grass/Hay 7, Mint 5, Chocolate 4, Hash 3 Skunk 9, Citrus 3, Musk 3, Spice 5, Coconut 2, Leather 3, Nutmeg 3, Strawberry 2, Lemon 3, Orange 2, Vanilla 2

7. Aroma: 10 Aroma from 1-10 repulsive-delightful.

8. Seed content: 0 Seed content from 0-10 none-fully seeded. G−13 Comment: Beautiful dried buds. Very rich in trichomes. The bud glistens in the light like a dewy leaf early on a spring morning. Aroma is delightful and appetizing.

G−13

104 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 Patients Test 105 . Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - Treating if you had a NEGATIVE effect if you had a NEGATIVE - Yes 9 Barely know its there Easy smoke Night/sleep 5 Coffee grinder to a fine grind Coffee grinder to Visual perception Taste perception perception Taste Thought process Paranoia relief Sex drive Sleep Speech process off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check Evening/relax + 2 P P P P P P N Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high. 4 hits 4 Day/work Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes. smoke expantion in the lungs 8 2 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1.5 hours 7 − Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced one indicates a subtle presence that apply to the taste where a Use numbers 1-9 indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 Sativa influence (best described 7 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth. smoke ability of the sample from 9 2 9 Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. Rate of how quickly the effect 4 from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating. − 8 Such a smooth and earthy−menthol taste when vaporizing. I thoroughly enjoyed this earthy−menthol taste when vaporizing. Such a smooth and Volcano Digital to reach desired effects. What effect did the strain have check Crohn’s/IBS Depression pulse High blood pressure/racing Insomnia Ability to rest or sit still Ability to rest Anxiety relief Appetite Audio perception Humor perception Imagination/creativity Pain relief 8 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious. taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious. 8 Impression of the morning/wake up P P P P P P P P P P P strain. FINAL COMMENTS: by magic. I would be Excellent strain for pain and IBS. My pain was gone in minutes as if I highly recommend glad to keep filling my mason jar with this strain for everyday use. HPS lamps. this for medical purposes. This was grown in Promix under 4x600w 6. Duration of effect: 6. Duration of effect: build up: 7. Tolerance 8. Usability: 9. Overall satisfaction: 10. Ability and conditions: a keeper for long term use? 11. Do you personally consider this strain 12. Effect: FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS 1. Dosage: onset: 2. Effect 3. Sativa influence: 4. Indica influence: 5. Potency: 3. Taste: 4. State of dryness: 5. Smoke ability: 6. Smoke expansion: Comments: 1. Utensils: 1. Utensils: descriptors: 2. Taste 2, Fruit 2, 2, Pepper 4, Blueberry 2, Floral 5, Mango 3, Peach 2, Berry Earthy 4, Licorice Ammonia 3, 2, Grass/Hay 6, 2, Menthol 7, Cherry 4, Grapefruit 2, Pine 5, Cedar 4, Bubblegum 2, Melon Petroleum Spice 3, Coconut 4, Leather 3, Nutmeg3, 4, Hash 4, Skunk 5, Citrus 2, Musk 3, Mint 2, Chocolate 4, Lemon 2, Orange 2, Vanilla 2 Strawberry 2, Coffee Extended Medical Survey Smoke Test Smoke patient’s

Physical Examination

Strain: Platinum Master Kush Breeder: Kind Meds Grower: Kind Meds Judge: Professor420 Date: December 2008

Platinum Master Kush 1. Visual Appeal: 7 Visual appeal of the buds from 1-10 unappealing-excellent.

2. Visible Trichomes: 8 Visible trichome content from 1-10 none-totally covered.

3. Colors that are present in the trichome heads under magnification: Clear-x Cloudy-− Amber- − Dark- −

4. Colors present in the buds or on a scale 1-9 light-dark: Green 8, White 2, Rust 4, Black 5

5. Bud density: 8 Bud density from 1-10 airy-dense.

6. Aroma descriptors: scale from 1-9 upon freshly broken bud where a one indicates a sub- tle presence and 9 indicates a pronounced presence. Earthy 3, Pine 4, Grass/Hay 5, Skunk 8, Musk 6, Spice 5

7. Aroma: 9 Aroma from 1-10 repulsive-delightful.

8. Seed content: 0 Seed content from 0-10 none-fully seeded.

Platinum Master Kush

Platinum Master Kush

106 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 Patients Test 107 Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - Treating if you had a NEGATIVE effect if you had a NEGATIVE - Yes 9 Smooth but expand the lungs a bit. Smooth but expand Night/sleep 8 Coffee grinder to a fine grind Coffee grinder to Thought process Visual perception Sex drive perception Taste Paranoia relief Sleep Speech process off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check Evening/relax + N P P N P N N 5 Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high. 10 hits. 9 Day/work Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes. smoke expantion in the lungs 3 7 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1 hour 6 6 indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from indica influence (best described Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced one indicates a subtle presence that apply to the taste where a Use numbers 1-9 Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 Sativa influence (best described 5 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth. smoke ability of the sample from 7 3 Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. Rate of how quickly the effect 7 5 from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume : Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating. Rate the potency of the sample − 7 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious. Impression of Vapolution vaporizer Vapolution to reach desired effects. What effect did the strain have check I enjoyed this strain a great deal. It was fairly heavy on the indica side and was a great deal. It was fairly I enjoyed this strain Crohn’s/IBS Nausea Anxiety relief Appetite Audio perception Humor perception Imagination/creativity Pain relief Ability to rest or sit still Ability to rest 7 Morning/wake up P P P P P N N N P very very kushy FINAL COMMENTS: my medical conditions. It was also affordable and This strain was a very good help for liked the somewhat different genetics and their abili− fairly potent for its quality. I also than the typical kush and purple strains. ty to treat my medical symptoms differently 8. Usability: 9. Overall satisfaction: 10. Ability and conditions: a keeper for long term use? 11. Do you personally consider this strain 12. Effect: FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS 1. Dosage: onset 2. Effect 3. Sativa influence: 4. Indica influence: 5. Potency: 6. Duration of effect: build up: 7. Tolerance 3. Taste: 3. Taste: 4. State of dryness: 5. Smoke ability: 6. Smoke expansion: Comment: 1. Utensils: 1. Utensils: descriptors: 2. Taste 9, Musk 8 3, Chocolate 6, Mold grass/hay Extended Medical Survey Smoke Test Smoke patient’s

Physical Examination

Strain: Green Crack Breeder: Kind Meds Grower: Kind Meds Judge: Professor 420 Date: December 2008

Pineapple Chunk 1. Visual Appeal: 7 Visual appeal of the buds from 1-10 unappealing-excellent.

2. Visible Trichomes: 5 Visible trichome content from 1-10 none-totally covered.

3. Colors that are present in the trichome heads under magnification: Clear-− Cloudy-− Amber- x Dark −

4. Colors present in the buds or on a scale 1-9 light-dark: Green 2, Red 3, Orange 4

5. Bud density: 6 Bud density from 1-10 airy-dense.

6. Aroma descriptors: scale from 1-9 upon freshly broken bud where a one indicates a sub- tle presence and 9 indicates a pronounced presence. Earthy 4, Berry 8, Fruit 8, Pine 3

7. Aroma: 7 Aroma from 1-10 repulsive-delightful.

8. Seed content: 0 Seed content from 0-10 none-fully seeded.

Pineapple Chunk

108 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 Patients Test 109 Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - Treating if you had a NEGATIVE effect if you had a NEGATIVE - Yes 3 doesnt expand just hits the spot. doesnt expand just Easy smoker Night/sleep 5 Visual perception Paranoia relief Sex drive Sleep Speech process perception Taste Thought process Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. Rate of how quickly the effect Evening/relax off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check + 8 P P P N P P P 15 hits Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high. Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid. − Day/work Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy 7 A nice smoke but could be more potent. The taste and smell are really could be more potent. The taste and A nice smoke but indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from indica influence (best described smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes. smoke expantion in the lungs Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme. as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 Sativa influence (best described 8 8 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. 1 hour 4 6 5 Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced one indicates a subtle presence that apply to the taste where a Use numbers 1-9 3 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth. smoke ability of the sample from Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper. Rate of how quickly the effect 5 from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day. from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume 5 10 : Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating. Rate the potency of the sample to reach desired effects. 6 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious. Impression of Vapolution vaporizer Vapolution What effect did the strain have check Crohn’s/IBS Nausea Appetite Audio perception Humor perception Imagination/creativity Pain relief Ability to rest or sit still Ability to rest Anxiety relief 8 morning/wake up P P P P P P N N N FINAL COMMENTS: strain. It was very light and fruity. I felt a good bit I had a great experience with this Very enjoyable strain, with a little care I think it of sativa influence and it was nice. can be even better. 9. Overall satisfaction: 10. Ability and conditions: a keeper for long term use? 11. Do you personally consider this strain 12. Effect: 1. Dosage: onset 2. Effect 3. Sativa influence: 4. Indica influence: 5. Potency: 6. Duration of effect: build up: 7. Tolerance 8. Usability: 3. Taste: 3. Taste: 4. State of dryness: 5. Smoke ability: 6. Smoke expansion: Comments: Smoke Test FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS 1. Utensils: 1. Utensils: descriptors: 2. Taste Peach 8, Fruit 8 Earthy 3, Extended Medical Survey the best aspects of this strain. the best aspects Smoke Test Smoke TRAVEL

Morocco Hash making season…

by J. Generation

Above Rif mountains Jay Generation on the hash farm t’s the month of January and large bowls, then wrapped in plas- Below all through the mountains the tic and beaten with sticks by the Bags of hash I rhythmic sound of hash-mak- young men. On almost all the ing can be heard. This is the bundles of kif the quality was very coolest time of year here in the low, however they do manage to mountain tops around Ketema, shake off some pretty nice resin Morocco, and its a few months from these low quality buds. after harvest, so also the best time I really enjoyed some original to extract the resin from the dried Moroccan hashish that was made crops. The buds used are always from their original old genetics, it fully seeded due to wild plants had not been polluted with out- everywhere and many of the farm- side pollen due to the more ers not cutting the male plants. remote location of these farms Finding some sinsemilla was going that produced it. This Moroccan to be impossible here. At least the hash with its typical reddish color hash was plentiful and the guys was very nice to taste and had a that were guiding me knew right great tranquil effect. In resent where to go for the good quality years the introduction of Pakistani flavours. This is my first time on a seeds has taken over many of the tour threw the Riff valley of farmers fields due to higher yields. Morocco and I’m glad to be guid- The hash from Pakistani genetics ed by some experienced locals. was also nice but lacked the A more traditional method is still enjoyable complex high and red the most common. On the farms color of the original Moroc. In that I visited the kif was placed on conversations with local farmers I screens that were stretched over have obtained a collection of these

110 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 TRAVEL

Clockwise from top left Check out the video Moroccan storage room of the hash trip and see Bags of low quality Moroccan bud Moroccan hash being made Chunk of hash the traditional way on Grow shop in Ketema, Morroco www.youtube.com/pot- photoguy Pressing a personal piece in cellophane plastic Elite Seeds now available at original seeds to store away safely seeds grown out and of course www.greenlifeseeds.com for the future before its changed to smoke all best hash and lost forever by the mix of samples when down on pollen floating freely in the air. vacation. On the different farms I got to sample many different varieties. Aside from a few This is very rare here because all problems at the the genetics end up blending from border which the local pollen in the air. This delayed my trip group of farmers that I visited was home for a few field testing genetics from the days, it was a Spanish seed company, Elite Seeds. great educational trip. These farmers were very happy to It provided me with the receive professionally breed seeds opportunity to give a lot of that out-produce all the locally Canadian seeds to a few farm- used strains. And the breeders at ers that I can later come back to Elite seeds are very happy to be photograph and document. able to see thousands of their

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 111 PRODUCT REVIEW Product Review CHHC-1 controller by by Arizer.com

by Gord Hume partially disabled ex CDN Armed Forces Mechanic. Federally exempt medical marijuana grower-consumer.

ow here is a sweet little cal they are in strong healthy plant with bottled CO2 gas. There is addition to just about growth! even the option for a data link so N any garden! This unit that the unit can be connected to a produced by Sentinel is called the The CHHC-1 is hugely config- computer for further control and CHHC-1 controller. This handy lit- urable, can be set in a multitude of data gathering purposes. tle device was sent to me by our ways and provides a huge amount great friends at www.growgps.com. of data. It can turn on a vent fan or The unit is very well constructed This is truly a multi-function unit even an air conditioner to help using heavy-gauge industrial-grade and deserves some attention. maintain a steady room tempera- plastic. All factory-provided cables ture, and it can turn on a heater to are of very good quality and are This is a CO2 parts per million keep your babies warm during the well-attached with proper strain controller that “sniffs” the air by night. Relative humidity is also relief connectors. The unit is capa- means of a cleverly mounted sensor controllable by means of a dedicat- ble of handling a total of 15 amps on a sixteen foot cable—very cool! ed plug in for your dehumidifica- of current at the outlets. The con- But more on this later. tion device. Let’s not forget it also trol box is easily mounted by allows for very precise control of means of a cleverly designed wall This great little unit is a real power- CO2 levels in the grow space. bracket. house of control. Not only does it All of these factors can be set with monitor and maintain a consistent minimum and maximum values Once mounted, all you need to do level of CO2 in your grow space, it and data is collected and logged is place the remote sensor in a loca- also monitors and controls heating daily by the unit to help you fine tion of your choosing. The remote and cooling, as well as relative tune your room. There are two sensor records CO2 in parts per humidity. Trust me: if you have a modes of CO2 generation, with the million as well as day or night time grow space, you are going to want first via means of a propane burn- temperature and humidity. I put to pay some attention to these fac- ing CO2 generator. The second is mine right inside the plant canopy, tors as we all know just how criti- “fuzzy logic” mode, strictly for use allowing me to monitor the envi-

112 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 PRODUCT REVIEW

ronment where it really matters the most—at the plant itself and not on the wall where I don’t particularly care what the readings are! Once My Experiences with you have all of your gear plugged in, you need to program the unit. I won’t begin to tell you how to pro- the Dominizer gram it, but I will tell you that once you read through the included by Diezelwood Johnstone instruction manual, you will have a clear understanding of how you might want to configure the device for your own personal needs. Once mounted and programmed, it is a simple matter to have the unit dis- play what the day’s minimum and maximum readings have been for all measured/controlled parame- ters.

A couple of words of caution are advisable here: please make sure After reading in TY about a product called the ”Dominizer,” a the sensor is well-secured in its cho- vaporizer developed by Dom Cramer, CEO of THC in Yonges- sen location as it is quite fragile and terdam, I thought I might give it a try for the $20.00. The nice a fall will most certainly damage it. young fellow at the THC store on Yonge Street in Toronto Care must also be taken to remove explained how medical ingredients in the herb are partially the sensor prior to any foliar sprays destroyed by the combustion process and that vaporization pre- that might be required as the sensor serves a greater percentage of these medicines. is water-sensitive and can be dam- aged by spray. After assembling the glass tubes and filling the smaller of the tubes with a half inch of herb, I set about seeking to heat up the With the CHHC-1 in charge of herb by using a Bic lighter. At first I was getting a lot of air and your room’s environment you will not much “buzz.” Sometimes I would be surprised by a nasty notice an overall increase in the tasting blast of smoke. Determinedly I pressed on. performance of your grow space! Again, I would like to thank the Rather than using a Bic lighter and the associated gases that I great folks at www.growgps.com would be breathing, I started using a small electric stove-top ele- for providing both the VCG-27 ment as a heat source. The consistent and clean heat source CO2 generator and the CHHC-1 began to yield smokeless and satisfying results. After a few environmental control unit. These months, I noticed that the draw needed to get the air around the are great products and are well herb seemed to be putting a strain on my lungs. I decided to stop worth the investment! assembling the two-tube system and use only the mouthpeace tube by itself. I simply pop in a screen, pack an inch of herb in So to conclude: for the folks at front of it and vapourize. growgps.com and the two great products they provided for review, I I have been very satisfied with the results as I sit in front of my give a solid double stove listening to classical music. The pains I used to get from the “Two thumbs up!” heavy draw I was experiencing with the two tubes are gone and I’m not worried about gases from the lighter. A Volcano would Next issue let me medicate in any room, but for $10.00 (the price of half a Sentinel Generator Dominizer) I have as healthy a vaporizer as anybody.

Thanks TY, Diezelwood Johnston (member 1627 of TCC)

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 113 BOOK REVIEW

Book Review by Trixie Pot Culture The A-Z Guide to Stoner Language & Life By Shirley Halperin & Steve Bloom

Now here is a book that everyone should possess. I cannot praise this fascinating book enough because of it’s entertaining style of teaching you everything you need to know about marijuana, cannabis, pot etc. Let me break it down a bit more for you…..

The introduction puts it concisely when Halperin and Bloom point out that “We didn’t want it to read like a deep disclosure on botany or politics, but rather a more light hearted approach to the culture surround- ing pot as a past time” in their introduction. They will make your mouth water together with recipes for bring to life many different facets of this subject with those dedicated to turn their hand towards cooking. a sense of humour while bringing new information to On a similar note, for those of you who have fallen light. If you think that you know everything about victim to hardcore munchies, there is a section titled this subject – think again. “Smart Munchies” to help ease your guilt a bit. If you find yourself sitting in a cloud of smoke wonder- They begin by introducing stoner etiquette before ing how to hide the smell – then fear not – there are launching into a dictionary style approach to the ter- many useful suggestions to help you! minology where everything is placed in alphabetical order. This is then spiced up by including fascinating Perhaps the biggest reason why I loved this book pieces of information regarding the mechanics of sooooooo much is because it encompasses all areas of smoking such as how to make a pipe out of an apple the marijuana culture. The sections dealing with sug- which was modeled by Charlize Theron. For those gested activities to do while stoned tickled me pink. who are lacking in the fresh fruit department, there is This covers Greatest Smoking Songs, Classic Stoner an alternative “how to make a can pipe” bit. These Dialogues, Fantasy, Comedies and Sci-Fi Flicks to segments are wonderfully illustrated through photo- watch while stoned. It bought back fond memories graphs, giving directions step by step so you too can of watching Plan 9 From Outer Space which is per- smoke like Charlize! fectly described as being “Ed Wood’s mishmash of an outer space horror flick is complete with cheap This book also covers in depth information regarding effects, utterly baffling editing, and an almost Dadaist strains and breeding. This continues to include the script full of zombified performances by a cast full of marijuana culture of Amsterdam and the strains that Z list stars at the end of their rope. It’s so bad it’s sprout up amongst the coffee shops such as good”. It also covers Must see Stoner TV and Car- GreenHouse seeds strains. There is even a picture of toons before launching into the Music section. For the King of Cannabis himself, Arujan Roskam. It those of you who like to be a little more daring, it covers the who’s who of this segment of society from goes on to examining Stoner Festivals, Pot Rallies and the Big Fish such as Cheech and Chong (of course!) Stoner Beaches and Colleges. For those of you who and Willie Nelson to Jack Nicholson’s Stoniest are more retiring, there is a suggested reading list pro- Movies. There are bits and bobs on the music indus- vided that is both extensive and colourful in nature. try that reflect marijuana including the references in the Beatle’s songs going way beyond Lucy in the Sky Overall – this book has an enormous host of infor- with Diamonds (LSD). mation in it, presented with a tongue in cheek sense of humour, while educating even those of This book intelligently covers Medical Marijuana you who believe them selves to be an expert with an interesting piece on Melissa Etheridge’s bat- (c’mon – you know who you are!). I love the illus- tle with breast cancer. This comes in the form of a no trations and photographs provided and I love to dip nonsense and poignant interview with Melissa her- into this fantastic book on a regular basis. It makes self. It includes edibles for the medical user, which a great 4:20 gift so rush out and buy one now!

114 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 NEW LOCATION! Basel Switzerland May 1-3 Messe Basel Hall 5

Everything about hemp! • Hemp Bar • Hemp Products • Hemp Information

Special Event: Medical Marijuana EVENTS

n the continuing adventures of MA (Medicinal Marijuana The Continuing Adventures of MA I Awareness), the group found itself attending the Toronto Com- The Toronto passion Center’s (TCC) Christmas party. This was the first year that we had attended the party as a Compassion Center group and we found ourselves by Wendal Grant quite busy. Photos by Frank T.C.C. # 058

The day started out with our usu- then told us what this surprise Since then, we have expanded our ally ride to the big city of Toronto package was and that we couldn’t clothing to include long and short with our directions in hand. With tell anyone, not even the event sleeve shirts. The long sleeve shirts this being an afternoon event, there organizers. Marco informed us are like the hoodies minus the were no 5 a.m. alarms ringing in that the organizers knew of a sur- hood. anyone’s ears to get up and going. prise package, but not its contents. Because of this, there were no bed- He explained that we had to hand Shortly afterwards we were back head awards handed out for sleep- out the prize when a special t-shirt on the road heading to our destina- ing in this time. was awarded to the winner. tion, the TCC Christmas Party. Because this prize was surely to be We arrived about an hour late but We all got loaded up in the van a huge surprise to its recipient, I still in the good. We got our coats with Rich behind the wheel. Rich asked him to write the prize infor- off and presented our gifts of food loves to drive and is always happy mation on a business card so I for the potluck dinner to our hosts, to get us to our destinations safely could present it to the winner. This Willow and Chad. Both of them and happily. Bill, a former courier would also indicate to everyone were so happy to see our group in the big city, takes up his position that we weren’t joking around make it to the TCC party. We only of navigator as he climbs into the about their winnings. get to see them from time to time, front passenger seat. Having Bill usually while we are at the Toron- with us is like having our own GPS When Marco was finished, we to Home Show educating the pub- aboard. The ride in was normal as then presented Marco with a gift lic, so it’s always great to get some we all gabbed about what was new from our group. This was some- extra time in with them. Both of and then we spent time planning thing we all made sure was done as them complimented us on our new on our future adventures. we are all so appreciative of what hoodies and believed we looked Marco has done for us and our smashing in them. Just before we departed I had group. In appreciation of this, we After finding some chairs to sit in, received a message from Marco, presented him with a MA hoodie. we mingled around and spotted Treating Yourself’s Weedmaster, The hoodie has the oriental symbol Kevin and Marko, two friends that asking me to contact him when we for Ma or hemp on the front while we have worked with at the home arrived in the city. He informed me the back has a revamped version of show and seen at other events he had a surprise for us to deliver the old TY logo. We have the big we’ve attended. to the TCC party. I told everyone red cross with a big leaf hanging The room about this and we all started guess- over it but we removed the TY had sev- ing at what it could be. Marco text, made some modifications to eral tables wasn’t the only one playing with the cross and leaf and then we filled with surprises as we were also going to added our group’s name to it. food. You surprise him. Shortly afterwards, But we wanted TY to still be we arrived at Marco’s to get the part of the hoodie, so in the news. designing stages we added the new Treating Yourself logo to When we arrived at Marco’s, the sleeves and incorporated Christmas greetings were passed our email address into it. In all around before we got into the the end, the hoodie promote reason why we were there. Marco Treating Yourself, medicinal informed us that he wouldn’t be marijuana and our group. making it to the Christmas party but he wanted us to deliver a sur- Vap winner with myself, Chad and prise package to the event. He Willow from TCC

116 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 EVENTS

one of these raffle was to be a secret prize. For those draws, our hosts who knew about the secret prize, stopped the prize give- they still knew nothing about aways to introduce our whom, when or where it would be group to everyone in presented. attendance. It surprised Christmas Party all of us as it wasn’t When the time came, the secret expected at all. As the “Malta” labelled t-shirt was drawn afternoon worked and a lady came out of the crowd along, the intro to signalling she had won the t-shirt. could get everything from a vegan everyone became a way for people Like the winners before her she dish to pizza to fancy homemade to open up to our members. We made her way to the front and was dishes to baked goods. Food just talked with people we have never presented her shirt. Just as she kept on rolling out all afternoon met and talked to them about what turned to walk away, I spoke up long. Not only did food fill the we do and the magazine. Many and asked her to come back to the tables, but also prizes. Wow, there talked about their own issues or a front of the room as I had a sur- were a lot of prizes to be handed friend’s issue. All were very happy prise for her. At this moment Chad, out. There were so many prizes for our efforts and they appreciat- offered me the microphone as he available we had our work cut out ed what our group is doing. All figured out I was about to present for us to find that secret t-shirt. thanked us for our efforts and the secret prize. Just then, Grama The group figured it would be best some have offered to assist if D stood up and said “Wendal! The to try and locate the t-shirt so that required. One of those people was floor’s all yours buddy!” With the we would be ready. Besides, we Frank. Frank is photographer and winner beside me, I pulled Marco’s would have hated to miss the shirt he sure loves his job. His pictures card from my wallet and then I when it was presented. Last but are the pictures used for this article read it out to everyone. “The win- not least, probably the most enjoy- and we’d like to thank Frank for ner of this Malta t-shirt is also the able thing that filled the room was his assistance with this. winner of Treating Yourself’s secret the music. Many different musi- prize, a Digital Volcano Vapouriz- cians took their turn singing songs As the afternoon came closer to er.” As the place erupted in cheers of yesterday and today. They finishing, the last round of prizes and applause I presented the win- weren’t the only ones singing, as were to be awarded. While talking ner, Eve Pollard with the card that the crowd picked up the songs and with Shiva, we noticed that every- had the instructions on how to would sing right along with them. one in our group had won some- claim her valuable prize. It was a joy to watch and listen to. thing but me. It was good to see During the afternoon, Chad and that there were almost enough Afterwards many of the people in Willow would gather everyone off prizes for almost everyone in atten- attendance said thank you to of the balcony and from around dance. Within this last pile of everyone for the prize donations. A the room to do raffle draws. The prizes was that secret t-shirt that big thank you goes to Treating two of them had a great time up some lucky person would win. At Yourself Magazine and treat- there presenting the prizes to every- this point I made my way to the ingyourself.com for donat- one and we believe every- front of the crowd so I could one would agree get a better look at the they are nat- shirts when they were urals at being presented. Still at doing it. this point only a During handful of people knew that there

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 117 EVENTS

ing the wonderful Volcano prize as well as other as well as attending a fundraiser or two over the next while. prizes. A thank you also goes to ROOR of Ger- From March 19 to 22, we’ll be helping out at the Treating many. The bong manufacturer donated many t- Yourself booth at the Toronto Home and Garden Show shirts and they can be found online at before it’s time to join in one of the spring rallies, whether www.roor.de. As well, a thank you goes to any it’s in Niagara or another location. Time will tell. After that other business who may have donated to this we’re off to Toronto to attend the world’s largest Global wonderful event. All donations were very much Marijuana March. appreciated. MA can be reached at [email protected] With things winding down and our group get- ting tired, we said our good-byes to everyone. Before leaving though, we got other activists that were in the last issue of TY to autograph their pictures within an article that featured them.

Our group would like to extend a thank you to all who helped organize, run and put on this great day of celebration. We had such a great time we can hardly wait for next year for the 2009 Christmas party.

With the party done our group continued to educate as we handed out several Medicinal Marijuana Information Packages. We’ve helped some people get their applications started but the single biggest problem we run into is finding doctors who support patients. There is so much information today that tells people about how marijuana deals with pain, yet most of the peo- ple who write us are people with chronic pain having problems finding doctors. Our group has also been going around promot- ing Treating Yourself Magazine at several stores as we try to get them to start carrying it. These stores so far have been head/smoke shops and small convenience stores. It looks like our efforts are paying off as 4 of them (on top of 3 others we already deliver to) agreed to look the maga- zine over and we’ll go from there.

Next up for us are some more education tours,

118 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 EVENTS

MAINE VOCALS Revisited Captain Joint captainjoint.com

The Maine Vocals had two Har- vestfests this year, one at the old Starks Maine location as reported in TY #12 and a second Harvest- fest at the Maine Vocals’ new loca- tion at 420 Carlson Hill Road in ladies, the rave crowd, and a wild cultivation and trafficking by a Harmony, Maine. Both festivals collection of hula hoopers, body jury on Dec 19, 2008. His lawyer, were well attended, but the num- painters, drummers, fire spinners, Walter McKee stated, "We had ber of entries in the Big Bud Con- and way too much hoopla to raised the affirmative defense that test at both sites was rather low. describe. When the Vocals do a the marijuana was being cultivated show, the circus comes to town. or being furnished was medical You would think that after the marijuana." McKee also stated, public display last year, where The Hempstock Show, the next "Don acknowledged that he culti- pounds of medical marijuana were big warm up to the October Har- vated the marijuana and he piled up on the stage, the growers vestfest, was rocking like a hurri- acknowledged that he possessed it would want to top that act! Not cane... Just like one. Lightning with the intent to furnish it as so. The growers were very shy this struck as the band was wiped off medical marijuana, for one patient year, with only a few entries to the the stage by rain and lightning. in particular." contest. Electric charge snakes ran through over 3 inches of running ground Justice William Anderson told Police harassment at the new site water. Barefoot hippies got shocks jurors Christen met the criteria for was a bit over the top. Don Chris- and some folks were struck. The medical marijuana under the state ten and the Maine Vocals security Maine Vocals worked with ambu- statue, and the jury voted for kept chasing the cops off the edges lance crews and the electric crowd acquittal in his case. These charges of the property, and in one case, to make sure all that needed med- stemmed from a raid of Don sent a bunch of cops packing that ical help got it. In all, 15 people Christen's home in December of were trying to run a sting out of a were seen at the site for lightning 2004. He was growing plants for a tent on the festival field. strikes, with 4 taken to the hospi- handful of patients at that time, tal. Among them was vendor and and his home was at that time a Don Christen, who was in jail for friend, Twisted Sister. (See her medical marijuana distribution last year’s event due to charges account in TY #14.) center. stemming from his extensive mari- juana activism, was on hand this Don Christen of the Maine Vocals Don Christen and the Maine year to oversee the show. has worked 18 years on Medical Vocals will be back in action in Marijuana Reform in Maine. He Harmony in 2009, and I will be This festival season was quite a has gone to jail for this cause, and there to help man that stage for rocket ride for the Maine Vocals. has just won a major victory in them. Try and make a show, June's Freedom Fest was very well Maine for Medical Marijuana. He details will be up at attended, with topless t-shirt sales was found innocent of marijuana mainevocals.net!

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 119

EVENTS

Here,There & Everywhere he 4th Annual Doesha Cup every aspect of the legal battles they took place this December in are fighting for medicinal marijua- T downtown Los Angeles, na and drug reform laws. Also we The California, and I must say it was saw some famous names that any the best yet. Out of all the events I true cannabis connoisseur would Doesha attended in Southern California know well. this year, the Doesha Cup was the most well-produced and I am plan- Jack Herer and Eddy Lepp both Cup ning on coming back again next had booths. Jack was signing his year. This fourth event was also books The Emperor Wears No Written by Jeremy Norrie – much better than their third the Clothes and Grass, as well as his rlddvd.com and FutureofFighting.com year prior, with much more organi- DVD The Emperor of Hemp. zation and a wider variety of ven- Meanwhile, Eddie had a few dors. The location was decent and booths with “Free Eddie Lepp” safe, with the local authorities and clothing and his book, Shit I Think the fire inspectors giving their About. He was signing them also approval prior to the start of the and also had a booth devoted to his event. After a little waiting and a edible line ‘Eddybles,’ where they little confusion, the party started had some of the best goodies like and everything went very well. Lollypops, Bomb Peanut Butter, Brownies, Crumb cakes, Snicker The location was different than last doodles, Chewy Candy, and Marsh- year and was at a huge building in mallow Treats for only $5, as well as downtown LA. It was home to a medicated goldfish crackers for $1. number of booths and a stage, as There was actually a number of well as some other areas. There other edible tables as well, things were three main rooms with a small like Truffles, Cinnamon Toast VIP section. There was a DJ booth Crunk, Cronic Crispy, Crunk Brow- with a number of people also work- nies, Crunk-o-lolliepop, Crunkfettie ing at computers handling sound Cupcakes and Crunk Cookies. for the stage. The music was pret- There was a place called Boo Bear ty much all hip-op, with bands like Bakery that even had salad dress- Los Marijuanos and more, but I ing; they had everything edible think I noticed a brief reggae act somewhere there. and a comedian. I would have loved to see much more comedy On the herb side of things, the med- and also reggae, as that seemed to icine they had on offer was very draw quite a bit more attention good. Some was great, others were from the crowd. There was a sec- just good and some were just a tion where there were some tables great value. There was a variety of and some lovely ladies serving up strains, like LT OG Kush, Organic food, but it was fried chicken and OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Purple hotdogs, with some nachos and Thunder, Purple Kush x Train- candy as well. I would really like to wreck, LA Confidential, Blue see better food for the medical Dream, Bubblegum, Shiva Skunk, patients. Afgooey, Alaskan Thunder Fuck, Purple Erkle, White Widow, The booths and vendors this year Master Kush, Lemon Purps, Gran- were much better and I found a daddy Purps, AOTA, Bubba Kush, number of great things at the differ- Cheese, and many many more. It ent tables. There were a number of was really a treat if you had the tables with people who were focus- money to try a few strains. Also, ing on the legal side of the marijuana they have a Cannabis Cup with 9 movement, featuring the Margolin or 10 strains entered, but this was Guide and 420BailMeOut.com, as at an additional cost to your ticket well as the Marijuana Policy Project. and was a little expensive. It is a They had flyers and information on fun thing to do if you have the

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 121 EVENTS

money, but for most people I would recommend just bringing that cash to spend at the tables rather than on the competition.

There was a variety of other booths as well, like the California Bean Bank seed company boasting strains of all kinds; if you’re a con- noisseur, you will recognize some strains usually only found overseas and in far away lands, such as Caramel Kush, Golden Dutchess, Northern Lights, Mendo Madness, Peak 19, Amnesia Haze, and Mango, among others.

There were T-Shirt companies also, like “Marijuana Saves Lives” found at MedicalMarijuanaPa- tient.com and others selling wild tie-dye stuff. There was a company called SmokeSession420.com that boasted a few cool designs, but my favorite has to go to the guys with the “Wii’d” logo, very clever. There were a few other cool things to see, like the 420 Energy Drinks jectors showing some of the mari- really great thing here and I will and the variety of clones, as well as juana related DVDs or anything really enjoy seeing what they do the table where you could play card people could sit and watch, mostly with it next year. Even with the games and win back nuggets of because the event is long and there way it is now, they have the best some kind bud. Many fun booths ends up being a good amount of event in Southern California, so I were there to find and enjoy. time to burn, so to speak. I know give them great respect for that most of the people who bought already. All in all I would like to say I had a tickets would like to ask if there really good time at this year’s Doe- was any way to get things straight Thanks again to all the people at sha Cup. I really enjoyed the vari- with the authorities the day before, the Doesha Cup, hopefully the arti- ous booths and products available. so the show can start on time, cle in this issue will help more peo- The people who attended were hav- which seems to be the main com- ple get out of their house and take ing fun and were a pleasure to talk plaint from people who paid to a trip to LA for the next Cup in with. I attend the High Times attend. If people do have to wait, December of 2009. If you are a Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam every provide free stuff like popcorn or medical patient and you want to year as well as various other events, some joints or something to keep support events like this one, we and I would say there were a few people happy and that would make really encourage you to go and areas I would love to see improved. it pretty perfect. One last thing — bring your friends. In the future, First the small stuff, like simply but not least — since the ladies are these events will become some of having more places to sit down — noticeably absent at the event, the most fun things for a medical many more. Also the food, like I maybe there could be a number of patient to attend. Stay with us for said before, should be improved tickets that are just given away to the next issue, we may feature some and geared more towards the med- ladies for free or at a huge discount new dispensaries or some new ical patients who are attending the at the participating dispensaries. interviews. Also, keep your eye out event. I also mentioned briefly the Honestly though, these problems for my dvd @ www.rlddvd.com and entertainment could use much seem to be things they can fix fairly check out my website www.Future- more comedy during the day and easily and from the look of this ofFighting.com. Take it easy, have reggae at night, with maybe a big event they are really making huge fun, don’t believe the hype and find hip-hop act as the headline. improvements each year. Other what works for you. Good luck. I would also love to see a few pro- than that, I think they have got a

122 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 EVENTS

PRESS RELEASE

THC EXPO grows larger everyday Cannabis also spends millions on wonders when it comes to a nutri- in Los Angeles. The entire Hemp rolling papers, water pipes, vapor- tional source of food. That’s right community is coming together for izers and hundreds of other prod- Hemp seeds are an exceptional the first time under one roof. All ucts. source of complete plant protein. ages are welcome to attend the Come exhibit and help educate the trade fair and educate themselves Industrial Hemp use is also on the world on the value the Cannabis on the wonder of Cannabis. An rise again. Industrial Hemp can be plant has on our world. Come adult 18 years and older section is used in over 25,000 different attend as a visitor to learn more also at the Expo to exhibit the products. Hemp can compete about Cannabis and buy some adult friendly material. THC with paper, cotton and many other really cool stuff. EXPO is the largest indoor Hemp industrial products that are killing fair in the United States with over our environments. The United Visit us at WWW.THCEXPO.COM 96,000 sq ft of Expo space. It is a States made Hemp illegal in 1937 one-of-a-kind consumer show, with the Marijuana Tax Law and with over 300 cannabis related the fair competiveness of capital- businesses exhibiting their prod- ism took a huge blow. Today ucts and services to the Los Ange- Hemp is still illegal to grow in the les consumer. Come see the diver- United States unlike in Canada sity and unique opportunities where hundreds of companies are involved in the flourishing profiting from industrial Hemp Cannabis Industry. production.

Today, Cannabis is California’s top The nutritional value of Hemp crop doubling the sales of wine seed shouldn’t be over looked. and all vegetables grown in Cali- Hemp Seeds are one of nature’s fornia. 2006 estimates put Cannabis as a 14 bil- lion dollar crop in California alone. Those estimates don’t include the millions of dollars spent on pur- chasing products that help the growers pro- duce Cannabis. Growers producing Cannabis need all kinds of products and services that help the entire community. First a real estate bro- ker finds a suitable place to grow then they buy seeds, buck- ets, lights, watering system, nutrients, trimmers and so on. The end consumer of

Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009 - 123 Medicinal Mayonnaise(Blender Method) Submitted by Chef Uni

Ingredients

√ 1 whole egg or 2 egg yolks √ 1/2 tsp salt √ 1/2 tsp sugar √ 1/4 tsp prepared or dry mustard √ Dash pepper or cayenne pepper √ 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar √ 1 cup marijuana infused vegetable oil mayeating-in.com Procedure

1. In blender, combine egg, salt, sugar, mustard, pepper, lemon juice and 2 tbsp of the oil. 2. Cover, blend until smooth. 3. With machine running, gradually add remaining oil in slow, steady stream until thick and smooth. Cover and refrigerate.

DevilishSubmitted by Chef Uni Eggs

Ingredients cooknkate.files.worldpress.com

√ 6 eggs, hard cooked √ 2 tbsp Medicinal Mayonnaise (or to taste) Procedure √ 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce √ Dash salt 1. Remove shells from eggs and halve either lengthwise or √ Dash pepper crosswise. √ 1 tsp finely ground marijuana 2. Carefully remove yolks and place in medium bowl; √ Dash of curry powder mash yolks with fork.

3. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. 4. Lightly spoon mixture back into egg white halves. 5. Refrigerate until ready to serve; garnish as desired.

124 - Treating Yourself, Issue 15 - 2009 CARTOONS

S h -pot-bread

Carrie’s ClassicValentines Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

√ 1/2 lb (227 grams or 1 cup) regular un- salted butter √ 1/2 lb (227 grams or 1 cup) cannabis butter √ 2 grams hash oil √ 1 1/4 cup white sugar √ 4 cups flour (plus more for dusting) √ 1 tsp. salt √ 1 tbsp. real great vanilla

deviantart.com

Procedure

1. Sift together flour and salt into one bowl. Put both butters into the bowl of the mixer and beat until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl while gradually adding sugar. Beat until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture all at once. Mix until just combined.

2. Pre-heat oven to 300ľF/150ľC, with racks in the middle shelves.

3. Roll out 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes. Put all cookies on lined baking trays and put trays of cookies in fridge for an hour.

4. Bake until edges are golden brown. Check after 15 minutes,let cool fully, decorate.

Cartoon

Treating Yourself, Issue 15 - 2009 - 125

CONTEST

ReadeContestrs Survey Win a complete custom package! complete with carrying case! 2nd prize Volcano Digital Vaporizer Just answer the question and complete the following entry form and send it off to TY! st One lucky winner will be chosen for each prize. GOOD LUCK!!! 1PRIZE Deadline for contest entry is April 1/09

Answer the following TY ATTENTION AWARENESS QUESTION : What Olympic GOLD MEDAL athlete made the news due to using a RooR?

Deadline for contest entry is April 1/09

Name: Address: City: Province / State : Postal / Zip Code: Country: Home Phone # : Best time to call? Write answer here: Email Address :

Please mail completed entry form to: TY issue 14 Treating Yourself, Attn: RooR contest, Readers survey winner. 250 The East Mall, P.O. Box 36531, Etobicoke, Ontario. M9B 3Y8 Canada

Only 1 entry per person. If more than 1 entry is received then you will be disqualified from the Package! contest. Deadline for contest entry is June 1/09 Winners name will be Goes to: announced in Treating Yourself issue # 18 D.V. Winner will be contacted by phone Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada / mail / email so please be sure to provide your contact information in full . ALL INFORMATION WILL BE Please keep those entries coming. DISTROYED IMMEDIATELY AFTER A We know there are many more WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED AND lucky winners. CONTACTED

130 - Treating Yourself, Issue 16 - 2009