Due to the Governor's restrictions on large gatherings for the state that were announced, Weekly Alibi has decided to RESCHEDULED postpone the New Mexico Expo scheduled for April 4th, 2020. May 16, 2020 The new date of the event will be Santa Fe Community Convention Center Saturday, May 16, at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to that date. Thank you all for supporting the event, and we look forward to seeing you in May. STAY SAFE! -Weekly Alibi Staff

APRIL 2020 CANNABIS MANUAL [3]

To All Our Friends, Past, Present and Future Your support means the world to us by Dan Pennington

ou might have seen a couple of compensated for the work they do. Our much of the content I consumed the ads bouncing around in our writers, our production staff, our web growing up. I was even more awestruck Y paper, or heard word of it online, team and our oversight team all play that I was entrusted to write about food, but I personally wanted to talk to you, different key roles in getting a paper to help create that culture that I the reader, about what Friends of Weekly into your hands week to week. engaged in for so many years. I shared Alibi is. Weekly Alibi has been publishing As the most junior of writers on staff, an office with the August March, man since 1992, a friendly guide to the city I know that it might seem that maybe my about town who covered news, music and and it’s going-ons. What started as a insight and love for this doesn’t come life. I had found a home with the writers small publication meant to help from a place as deeply held as someone who defined the alternative culture highlight all the things that make the who has been on staff and writing for coverage of the city, and I felt a sense of city so enjoyable grew into the second decades. Maybe that is true. But I hold a pride in my work unlike anything I’d largest paper in the state. We’ve grown different space for Weekly Alibi in my ever done before. and changed throughout those years, heart than others on staff. I’m young I know that currently, we’re facing and it’s been with the help of you that it (maybe too young, some might argue), tough times, but ultimately, we’ll be back has been possible. and was born 3 years before the paper and better than ever. What more could Right now, things have gotten tight. began. For as long as I’ve been alive, the people want after isolation than to go We’ve managed to hold things together paper has been in my eye. How could out and enjoy the company of others through thick and thin and continue you not want to stop and read the again? To stand in a room with others, doing what we do best: Highlighting the colorful pages that stood out, offering all part of a single experience and impact businesses and events have on you to grab a free copy? It was an celebrating the joy of human interaction. our day-to-day lives. We want to continue obsession of mine from the youngest We’ll be there to cover that. We’ll be that tradition, even if right now, it’s not ages I could remember. It was different, there to tell you which restaurant is back necessarily possible because of it wasn’t stuffy, it was fun and unique, in action with new and interesting quarantine. That’s where FOWA comes especially compared to the paper my choices to delight your taste buds after into play. parents would read. Sure, I couldn’t you’ve spent a month eating ramen and Our advertisers are hurting more than attend most of the events written in it, PBJ sandwiches. We’ll highlight the art they ever have before, and some may not but I could hear about them and pretend your eyes have missed experiencing in come back at all. We’ve put together a I could. person, the stories you’ve yearned to way to help support us so we can It was an integral piece of my life, hear told, and the shows you’ve longed continue to support them in the future. and most likely yours too, if you’re to see. We hope you’ll be able to support You can donate, either on a recurring reading this. As I grew older with it, I us in our time of need, with the promise subscription basis or through a one-time remember ravenously reading the movie that when this is all just a dark memory, offering, and allow us to support the section and idolizing my current boss, we can continue supporting you and the staff that come together to make the Devin D. O’Leary. I was starstruck city. For more information on how to magic happen every week. These funds during my interview with him, finally support independent journalism, visit us go to ensuring the people who bleed and meeting the person who had written so at alibi.com and click on our “Friends of sweat over keyboards continue to be Weekly Alibi” banner. a Thank you to our generous donors! Michelle Gonzales-Shiver Brent Morris Mi Vida Yoga Ryker Conrad Gagne George Ian Thomas Doug and Candace Schryver Emma Lewis Ann Lefschitz Angie Drobnic Holan APRIL 2020 CANNABIS MANUAL [5]

Weekly Alibi’s Cannabis Manual Love in the Time of VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 02 | APRIL 2020

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR/ FILM EDITOR: Devin D. O’Leary (ext. 230) [email protected] Coronavirus MUSIC EDITOR/NEWS EDITOR: August March (ext. 245) [email protected] by Joshua Lee COPY EDITOR: Samantha Carrillo (ext. 223) [email protected] thought I was so clever when I made distancing orders. According to those who STAFF WRITER: that title. Turns out, every hipster this attended, no one showed signs of being Joshua Lee (ext. 243) [email protected] I side of the Mississippi has already ill. But more importantly: No one made it twice. I’m always late to the party. remembers hearing any coughs or PRODUCTION It’s turned into a ghost town out there, sneezes. ART DIRECTOR: Ramona Chavez (ext. 268) [email protected] and you’ve likely gone to ground avoiding According to the Los Angeles Times, this ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR: contact with the infected hordes. The case and others have alerted health Corey Yazzie [email protected] good news is you still have access to officials to the possibility that COVID-19 GRAPHIC DESIGNER: cannabis and there seems to be no can be transmitted through aerosols. The Xanthe Miller [email protected] shortage in sight. World Health Organization has admitted STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Luckily, New Mexicans have been smart that aerosols—particles smaller than five Eric Williams [email protected] enough not to lose their minds and blow micrometers—play a part in spreading SALES out the state’s marijuana supply. If only the virus, but are quick to point out that SALES DIRECTOR: the toilet paper hoarders were as “in an analysis of 75,465 COVID-19 cases Tierna Unruh-Enos (ext. 248) [email protected] conscientious as the weed smokers. But in China, airborne transmission was not ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: COVID-19 is still changing the way we reported.” They’ve been focusing on Kittie Blackwell (ext. 224) [email protected] consume cannabis. transmission through “respiratory John Hankinson (ext. 235) [email protected] For those of us who are used to at least droplets,” which are produced through EVENT AND MARKETING COORDINATOR Madeline MacKenzie [email protected] hanging out with fellow patients in close coughs and sneezes. quarters to share company as we smoke: The possibility of transmission through ADMINISTRATION Rolling Stone recommends using social aerosol makes this a completely different PUBLISHER: media and telecommunication apps to battle. A study published last month in Constance Moss (ext. 222) [email protected] stay connected while maintaining a safe The New England Journal of Medicine found ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: distance, instead. that COVID-19 remained infectious for Tierna Unruh-Enos (ext. 248) [email protected] OWNERS: And if you’re used to going into a three hours when dispensed as an aerosol. Christopher Johnson and Daniel Scott dispensary and jawing the ’tender’s ear off While this was in strict lab conditions, and being all social and friendly, you’re in imagine the conditions of a small CIRCULATION for some changes. dispensary lobby cut off from the fresh air CIRCULATION MANAGER: As of this writing, most dispensaries in coming in at the front door. These places Chris Silva (ext. 252) [email protected] Albuquerque are continuing to operate were designed to trap the delicious aroma CIRCULATION SPECIAL FORCES: Darrell Sparks [email protected] normally—although nearly all of them are of cannabis in a small space. At this encouraging patients to call in their moment, that also means they were INFORMATION orders before visiting and to take designed to trap the virus, too. PRINTER: advantage of curbside service to practice The number of COVID-19 cases in The Santa Fe New Mexican social distancing. Near the end of March, New Mexico are a drop in the bucket INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER: the Program Director compared to the numbers coming out of Southwest Cyberport (232-7992) [email protected] NATIONAL ADVERTISING: Dr. Dominick Zurlo reportedly wrote a places like New York and New Jersey. If VMG Advertising (888) 278-9866 letter to the state’s licensed medical we want to keep it that way, we should be www.vmgadvertising.com cannabis producers assuring them that stringently practicing social distancing. dispensaries were considered “essential” For cannabis users, the best practice NUCITY PUBLICATIONS, INC. P.O. Box 81 Albuquerque, NM 87103 businesses and were exempt from the would probably be to voluntarily ask for BUSINESS HOURS: 10AM–5PM MON–FRI recent emergency health order that curbside pickup at dispensaries instead of PHONE AND FAX: directed most businesses to shutter their trying to use their lobbies—whether they (505) 346-0660 operations. But the order also instructed require it or not. Call in orders ahead of

Alibi (ISSN 1088-0496) is published weekly 51 times per year. The content of “essential businesses” to “adhere to social time to your favorite dispensary and take this issue is Copyright © 2020 by NuCity Publications, Inc., and may not be distancing protocol and maintain at least advantage of curbside service. From what reprinted in part or in whole without written consent of the publisher. All rights are reserved. One copy of each edition of Alibi is available free to county six-foot social distancing from other I can tell, nearly every place in town is residents and visitors each week. Anyone caught removing papers in bulk will be prosecuted on theft charges to the fullest extent of the law. Yearly individuals, avoid person-to-person offering it. subscription $100, back issues are $3, Best of Burque is $5. Queries and contact and direct employees to wash their When it really comes down to it, it’s the manuscripts should include a self-addressed stamped envelope; Alibi assumes no responsibility for hands frequently.” responsibility of every person reading this unsolicited material. Here’s the thing: This virus has legs, to do their part to curb the spread of this

Association of and it isn’t safe to keep pretending that it virus. Alternative doesn’t. Near the end of last month, Hopefully, this will all be over soon, Newsmedia reports surfaced of a Washington church and we can go back to being the friendly choir that decided to meet and practice New Mexicans we’re used to being. In the prior to the state enacting stringent social mean time, stay safe and healthy. a

APRIL 2020 CANNABIS MANUAL [7] Cannabis in the Roundhouse Small wins, big losses in the 2020 session

by Joshua Lee ost of the cannabis Native Patient bills that were Protection Flubs considered during this M A bill that would have year’s legislative session faced an almost completely disengaged potentially protected Native media audience, overshadowed cannabis patients living on tribal as they were by the almost land from federal prosecution nervous excitement surrounding stalled on the house floor. the doomed recreational Under Senate Bill 271, marijuana legalization bill. “Tribe and Pueblo Medical That’s probably why most of Marijuana Agreements,” the them failed to lift off the New Mexico Department of ground. Health would have been authorized to enter into “You Ain’t From intergovernmental agreements ‘Round Here” with tribes and pueblos that The madness has finally come to would have allowed tribal an end. The New Mexico groups to come up with their Department of Health is no own medical cannabis programs. longer required to issue medical This would have gone a long cannabis cards to non-residents. WIKIMEDIA way in protecting patients from Last week, the governor signed federal scrutiny. While a patient enrolled in other states’ medical to receive their medication from is able to purchase and possess a measure that once again cannabis programs to make a designated faculty member or medical cannabis on state land, requires medical cannabis purchases at New Mexico their guardian. Many school the moment they enter federal program applicants to be dispensaries. It will still be leaders said that requiring staff trust lands, they are considered residents of New Mexico. illegal to cross state lines with to administer cannabis could a criminal. That means at least 613 out- cannabis, though. endanger their jobs and chose Apparently that will continue of-state patients are probably For those out-of-staters who the other option. for at least another year. pretty bummed this week. But I already have a New Mexico Parents were upset. For many, think I’m pretty confident in medical cannabis card, state that choice meant they had to Research Bill Fails saying that we all expected this Health Secretary Kathyleen find a way to leave work and A bill that would have allowed to come. The argument was Kunkel told reporters that they travel to the school multiple research facilities to grow or buy made last year that because of a would be allowed to keep their times a day just to give their cannabis for research purposes wording change made to a cards until they expire—about children medication. Concerns was also put into the ground medical expansion bill that three years—but will not be able were also raised over an before the session was out. defined a patient as a “person” to renew them. So, yes. For the exception that allowed schools instead of a “resident of New time being, you still have to to ignore the regulation if they House Bill 334 would have Mexico,” the Medical Cannabis continue being polite to those could provide written proof that established a Cannabis Control Program had to be opened up Texans you keep bumping into they would lose federal funding Division to regulate licensing for to nonresidents. A judge at the dispensary, no matter how by following it. research facilities. The facilities repeatedly ruled in favor of this painful that might be. Senate Bill 276 was set to would be allowed to purchase interpretation, but the state change some of that. It would and cultivate their own cannabis wasn’t having it—probably Cannabis in Schools have barred schools from to be used in much needed because it was turning our Fix Fails restricting the types of faculty studies. Currently, scientists can program into a quick-stop pot Another hot topic last year was a who may administer the drug get authorization to grow supplier for out-of-staters. The new rule that allows cannabis and prohibited the schools from cannabis for research, but they bill’s authors repeatedly told patients enrolled in public discouraging or disciplining can only use plants provided by reporters that it wasn’t their school to have medical faculty who volunteered for the the Drug Enforcement intention to open the program marijuana administered while job. It would also only allow Agency—plants that are well to nonresidents, but that was on campus. The rule gave schools to opt out if they known to be subpar in quality neither here nor there. schools some discretion when it received notice from a federal and useless for these purposes. And before anyone starts came to implementation, but agency that they would lose So don’t expect any of that complaining about non-resident many complained that the federal funding for the policy. research that our dear visitors in need of their language was too vague and But it didn’t pass, so the lawmakers keep crowing for, medication, keep in mind that open to interpretation. battle will continue to rage on since they keep missing the new reciprocity rule kicks in The new rule gave schools this year. opportunities to make it July 1, allowing individuals the option of allowing students happen. a [8] CANNABIS MANUAL APRIL 2020

Strawberry Shortcake Eagle Scout A sweet-tasting hybrid with The birds are a-chirping and sharp diesel notes, this popular the bees are a-buzzing. It’s time strain turns frowns upside to get off that couch and step down. Strawberry Shortcake into the light. This grassy and Spring Fruitby Joshua Lee promotes excitability and somewhat harsh strain will induces giggling fits. Make sure inspire your imagination and you’re with understanding get your body moving. It’s the friends while under its perfect flower to smoke before he groundhog may have missed his influence, because you’re likely you get started on that spring shadow this year, but self-quarantines and to tell very bad jokes and just as cleaning project. Be warned, state emergencies have thrown a kink in likely to laugh at them, however: This potent sativa- T yourself. This hybrid is great dominant hybrid can be a little our plans to celebrate an early spring. With a for those suffering from fatigue intense. The manic and tense and fear-fueled winter behind us, we’re or anxiety. paranoid high might put off some newbies, so proceed with turning to the healing powers of cannabis this caution. spring to warm our hearts and thaw our spirits.

Platinum Delights Raspberry Diesel Platinum Delights is a total Puff on this peppery strain if creeper. The high it produces you start feeling those tense, starts out easy and mild. But antisocial vibes overwhelming after the third hit, you realize your powers of empathy. you’ve been holding the pipe Raspberry Diesel will calm and staring at a blank wall for your nerves and smooth out at least five minutes. What were that spiky aura. This spicy and you thinking about? What were fruity flower is a wonderful you supposed to be doing? You attitude adjuster can’t answer any of these recommended for patients questions, but who cares? suffering from depression, You’re too relaxed and content fatigue or anxiety. to let questions bother you. Why’d you even start asking them in the first place? This strain could benefit patients Lemon Skunk Stardawg Durban Poison Matriarch seeking relief from pain and This strain will hit you like a A standard of the New Mexico This classic sativa-dominant If you’re looking for an insomnia. blinding ray of sunshine and cannabis scene, Stardawg is a strain is anything but emotional bump, you’ll likely leave you gasping. Lemon beautiful hybrid known for its poisonous. It tastes woody and find it in the loving arms of this Sativa Diva Cherry O’s Skunk’s citrus and pepper sugary buds and mood- sharp, with sour notes on the special strain. Its grassy and flavor profile is the perfect enhancing powers. This strain exhale. Durban Poison is diesel flavor profile strike the Despite its name, Sativa Diva This easy-going strain tastes spring strain—intriguing, tastes sour and bright, with known to inspire creativity and perfect chord on a temperate has a distinctly relaxing vibe. like fruit and berries with diesel invigorating and inspiring. diesel notes. Its effects are flow states. It also makes spring afternoon. This flower This tangy and musky flower highlights. Cherry O’s is a Patients should expect side smooth,easy-going and patients talkative and happy, brings on a relaxing and tingly produces smooth and hybrid that will soothe tension effects such as uncontrollable relaxing. It sports a soothing driving positive social body high that seems perfectly pleasurable hits that bring on a and ease pain. Its high is fairly laughter, embarrassing body high accompanied by a interaction. This flower will paired with a talkative and happy and silly high. This is mild, but its therapeutic effects affection and one-sided light mood and a sharp mind. make you think fast and act social mental state. A truly followed by an extended period are notably powerful. This diatribes. Users’ faces may This friendly standard is good fast—a great day-starter! middle-of-the-road hybrid, of dreamy introspection that flower can round out the edges sometimes become locked in for winding down after a tough Matriarch seems well-suited for gives the world a pleasant, slow of frustration and tame the very painfully wide smiles for long day or chilling out an edgy relaxed weekend get-togethers quality. Time becomes worst mood. It brings mental stretches of time. If we haven’t mood. and post-work wind-downs. meaningless, and minutes drift tranquility and deep physical made it clear enough: This This strain would be great for away like pillowy clouds. This relaxation. Patients in need of strain is great for treating those suffering from anxiety mild and enjoyable strain is stress reduction and sleep aid symptoms associated with and stress. perfect for those suffering from will find this strain useful. It’s depression and fatigue. tension, pain and depression. also great for fighting quarantine cabin fever. a

[10] CANNABIS MANUAL APRIL 2020 APRIL 2020 CANNABIS MANUAL [11] Tarry Wisdom What is Rick Simpson oil?

by Joshua Lee

ou’ve talked about it. to try a different tack after moved to Europe. According to something worth looking into You’ve wondered about seeing a television program a statement, he can return to there, but much more testing Yit. You’ve considered it. called “Reefer Madness 2.” The Canada but has decided would be required to prove But you haven’t been able to special highlighted people who against it. anything. work up the nerve to try Rick were using cannabis for Simpson has made some What we do know is that Simpson oil (RSO)—the black medical reasons—a novel idea pretty big claims about his oil— RSO can be some potent stuff. tar in a syringe they keep at the at the time. none of which have been This extract option can far end of the dispensary Simpson began growing his corroborated. “This harmless produce an oil with a THC counter. own plants and developed a non addictive natural content of over 90 percent. It You’ve asked about it a few method for extracting THC medication can be used with can easily be produced at home times. It looks viscous and and other from great success,” he writes, “to with a good amount of gummy, refusing to shift as you them. He claims that he used cure or control cancer, MS, discarded cannabis stems, a roll the syringe in your hand. the extract to help treat his pain, diabetes, arthritis, solvent like isopropyl alcohol They say you’ll have to eat head injury and cure the asthma, infections, or Everclear and a small rice some of it—a dose the size of a ringing in his ears. He also says inflammations, blood pressure, cooker. Simpson recommends grain of rice. You asked how it he began giving the oil to sick depression, sleeping problems making your own to ensure its tastes and the ‘tender made a Canadians for free. and just about any other potency and purity, but Weekly face. You hemmed and hawwed Doctors later diagnosed medical issues that one can Alibi says: Leave it to the and eventually lost courage. It Simpson with basal cell imagine.” professionals. The solvents just seemed too hard to make carcinoma—a type of skin If you’ve ever heard involved are highly flammable, the commitment. cancer. Simpson says he someone claim that THC and handling them in the And who the heck is Rick decided to treat the associated “cures” or “kills” cancer, then kitchen can be extremely Simpson, anyway? tumors himself by putting the you were probably speaking to dangerous. According to High Times, oil onto bandages and applying a Simpsonite. They can have The process is quite simple, back in 1997, Simpson was them to his arms. He claims very compelling arguments, but though. Professional extractors working at a Canadian hospital that after only four days the the veracity of their claims has will steep plant matter in as an engineer. While treating tumors disappeared. yet to be tested properly. solvent until the trichomes the hospital’s pipes with a Simpson continued to give And while no self-respecting have separated. Then they potent aerosol glue for out free samples of the oil to doctor would say that cannabis burn the solvent off slowly over asbestos, toxic fumes from the friends and even published the “cures” cancer without enough low heat to activate the THC. glue caused him to fall off a recipe for his oil for free evidence, one study published The resultant substance is a ladder and hit his head. After online. But in 2009, the Royal in the Journal of the National dark, sticky oil that can be the injury, Simpson developed Canadian Mounted Police Cancer Institute back in 1975 mixed into foods, vaped or post-concussion syndrome, raided his home in Nova Scotia found that tumors in mice eaten directly (although it causing him to suffer from an and shut his operation down. seemed to shrink in relation to tastes horribly bitter). incessant ringing in his ears. Simpson was in Amsterdam at THC and CBN dosage. The And while it might not cure According to Simpson, he was the time and decided not to same study found that cancer, it certainly will give you unable to successfully address return to Canada to avoid ingesting CBD had no effect on a psychotropic kick in the the problem with traditional incarceration. In 2013, he tumor size. So there could be pants. And that’s plenty pharmaceuticals and decided valuable on its own. a

[12] CANNABIS MANUAL APRIL 2020 Recreational Marijuana under Fire during COVID-19 Pandemic Regulations Cause Stress for Cannabis Users by Missy Sweetwillow ere in New Mexico, going to have to go to the black we’ve been fortunate market, or am I going to have to Henough to see medical try and get my card renewed and marijuana dispensaries deemed potentially expose myself to essential. Patients can still get people who are sick?” their medicine, and most The panic is evident at dispensaries have addressed the medical dispensaries in risk of disease spread by offering Massachusetts (and the other curbside pickup options to keep states with medical marijuana immunocompromised patients programs), as well. Cannabis from going inside the sales are at an all-time high, with dispensaries. Other states with huge lines full of patients fearful medicinal marijuana programs that they will have to self- have followed suit, but in states quarantine and go without where both medical and medicine. The ability to afford a recreational marijuana are legal, long-term supply of cannabis is a a new predicament has arisen. financial privilege that many do Massachusetts became the not have, and those patients who first state to draw a line between can only afford small amounts at medical and recreational a time wonder what the available dispensaries during the COVID- supply will look like in the 19 pandemic. Last week, Gov. months to come. Charlie Baker ordered that Gov. Baker is well aware that nonessential businesses needed Massachusetts is the only state so to close their doors, and while far to deem recreational medical marijuana dispensaries marijuana nonessential, which were deemed essential, has garnered a fair amount of recreational dispensaries didn’t backlash while liquor stores are make the cut. allowed to remain open. He said It almost makes sense. The that since Massachusetts is one term “recreational” implies a of the only states in New nonessential good or service, no? England where recreational Except Massachusetts has had marijuana is legal, he didn’t legal recreational marijuana want people flocking across state since 2018, and many patients lines to stock up, spreading who began using cannabis disease along the way. What is it medicinally since then decided it like to live in a state that’s only would be much easier to forgo about 10,000 square miles? New the medical card route and just Mexico is over 12 times that size, started buying their cannabis at so I think we’re safe from any recreational dispensaries. Those flock-and-stockers. patients are now left without Dispensaries aren’t buying medicine for an undetermined that as a valid reason to cut amount of time, during the most cannabis patients off from their stressful period in memorable medicine and are petitioning to American history since 9/11. have the governor allow them to Some patients in this reopen to the public. Many situation ran out to stockpile dispensaries have a recreational marijuana before the and medical side and say they recreational dispensaries were likely won’t be able to keep their forced to close, but they didn’t doors open if they can only sell know what to prepare for. to patients with medical cards. Shannon Venezia, who treats her Let’s take this time to be grateful epilepsy with marijuana, only that New Mexico was incapable bought enough medicine for two of passing recreational weeks. Gov. Baker updated his marijuana legislation once again mandate earlier this week, in 2020, so we don’t have to deal however, and now recreational with this quandary. Our residents dispensaries will be closed until without medical cards are stuck at least early May. at home drinking their problems If this continues for even away as it is, and it looks like longer, “I have no idea what I’m those in Massachusetts will have going to do,” Venezia said. “Am I to do the same. a Cannabis on Earth, Part One An Ancient History Revealed

by August March

he history of cannabis on the planet earth is a simple one, Spreading the Love really. It all starts with the cultivation of a medicinal herb By the time the year 2,000 BC rolled around, the use of cannabis Twhose healing properties regaled the ancients. spread out of central Asia and into places like Japan, the Middle Ancient Days East and the Indian Subcontinent. Nomadic tribes and a flourishing trade route into and out of central China are generally Although precise histories differ, is generally credited with the herb’s spread. believed to have begun in Asia thousands of years ago. There is Chief among those cultural groups who helped the spread of evidence, for example that the people in China began cultivating cannabis culitvation and use during that formative age were a cannabis between the years 8,000 and 6,000 BC. group of nomadic warriors known as the Scythians. Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany, by Robert. C. Clarke and Mark According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the Scythians lived D. Merlin, and published in 2013, documents the cultivation of in wagons; the men among the group were formidable horsemen cannabis during a period in human history when civilization was at as well, according to the famous Greek historian who also wrote a its very beginning. In the preface to the book, one of the author’s major treatise on the Peloponisian War and traced the notes, “The culturally valuable and often irreplaceable goods development of Scythian culture more than 500 years after the derived from cannabis deeply influenced the commercial, medical, tribe began spreading through the ancient world. ritual, and religious practices of cultures throughout the ages, and Besides the cultural aspects Herodotus wrote about, it seems human desire for these commodities directed the evolution of the cannabis use was also a part of daily Scythian life. The combination plant toward its contemporary varieties.” In ancient China, of all these cultural traits led to a very diffuse presence of the cannabis was a part of daily life. Scythians throughout the ancient world. It’s no wonder that Besides being an early adopter of cannabis, ancient Chinese cannabis cultivation and use spread with them. culture had many proponents of the herb, including the emperor One of the most facsinating aspects of ancient Scythian Culture Shennong, a semi-mythological figure who is credited by some as was their use of cannabis in religious rites. The ancient Greek the man who invented agricultural tools like the plough. historian mentioned above also reported that the Scythians would Shennong is also credited for developing irrigation techniques, take seeds and “creep under the cloths and put the seeds on learning the importance of preserving certain seeds and creating the red hot stones; but this being put on smokes, and produces the first farmer’s markets to sell fresh produce. The emperor’s such a steam, that no Grecian vapour-bath would surpass it. The medical text lists cannabis as one of the 365 medicines that was Scythians, transported by the vapour, shout aloud.” most valuable to health and according to at least one modern website, the emperor “claimed cannabis to be harmless and said Romans that, if taken in the right dose over a prolonged period of time, it By the beginning of the common era, during the reign of would allow the communication with spirits.” Augustus, the Roman world was awash in cannabis due to the According to modern authorities on the subject, “His affection influence and import of the Scythians. for the plant and the invention of agriculture strongly suggest this In about 50 AD, a Roman botanist and physician named period in time to be the one during which cannabis was first Dioscorides wrote about the physical properties of hemp; he also purposefully cultivated by humans”—at least that was the recent was interested in the plant and its seeds as a medicine to treat determination made by the modern cannabis mavens at hypersexual desire and physical afflictions like worm infestation. straininsider.com.

[14] CANNABIS MANUAL APRIL 2020 On a more positive note, Galen, the great Roman writer and Europe and Beyond physician, also studied the plant that had come west to Europe While many humans in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and with the barbarian hordes nearly 1000 years before. Galen ultimately, the Americas, began to use cannabis for it’s medical and described the powers of the flowers that come from cannabis as he recreational properties, it seems that, as the plant spread around observed their use at social gathering in the Empire, noting that the world, its use in Central Europe was focused on the strength “they were often shared around social gatherings to help induce and durability of the fiber that comes from the hemp plant. enjoyment and laughter.” After the end of Islamic rule in Spain, but probably because of The famous Roman poet Ovid was also down with the flower of the huge influence that the culture had on the Spanish, cannabis the plant, and even wrote a poetic about a man turned sea-god cultivation in Spain really took off. In this area of the world both named Glaucus who ate a cannabis-like plant that induced joy and the medicinal and the structural properties of the plant were euphoria. important to its popularity on the Iberian peninsula. Get Medieval In the 16th century, Spanish settlers flooded North and South America. One of the most important crops they brought with them As cannabis cultivation and use spread throught the Middle East was industrial hemp. The settlers started cultivating hemp and and Medditerranean areas of the globe, it was just a matter of time cannabis in Chile in about 1545. before the herb began to see growth in Central Europe. The practice of growing cannabis as hemp spread to Spain’s After the Roman Empire fell—the barbarians, again—cannabis main competitor, England, during the same time period. For the use was spread by tribes who brought the herb to Germany. From English, hemp provided a strong and sturdy resource. At the there, cannabis traveled to the British Isles courtesy of the Angles proceedings of the Virginia Assembly in 1619, a new law required and the Saxons, yet another of the many nomadic, marijuana- all planter to sow the plant for pleasure and for profit. using peoples that came to dominate the culture after Roman Interestingly, as cannabis cultivation and use continued to grow, influence began to fade in the West in about 500 AD. attempts began to be made to prohibit the use of a plant that Reports indicate that the Vikings also became part of the wider began its journey alongside the humans as a ritual partner and European culture that indulged in cannabis for various reasons medicinal wonder. from medical to recreational. After France invaded Egypt in the early part of the 19th Cannabis researcher Barney Warf, a professor of Geography at century, Napoleon had to ban the use of cannabis among his the University of Kansas wrote that: “For the most part, it was troops who were occupying the ancient, albeit now Muslim widely used for medicine and spiritual purposes” during pre- kingdom. modern times. “For example, the Vikings and medieval Germans Alcohol it seems, was already prohibited in Egypt; it follows the used cannabis for relieving pain during childbirth and for laws of Islam, after all. But because his soliders couldn’t get any toothaches.” culturally familiar intoxicant to help them through their soldierly Northern Africa duties, many turned to for relief. For some reason, this change of habits outraged the French Between 700 or 800 AD, cannabis was introduced to Northern emperor, who then quickly moved to staunch the new habits, Africa and became a cultural phenomena in that part of the world writing a law which, in part, read, “Throughout Egypt the use of a before pushing North into Spain. While the seeds of the herb beverage prepared by certain Moslems from hemp (hashish), as eventually came to be cultivated continent-wide, particularly in well as the smoking of the seeds of hemp, is prohibited. Habitual Nigeria and the Congo, it was in the North where its influence had smokers and drinkers of this plant lose their reason and suffer the most impact. from violent delirium in which they are liable to commit excesses Although the Koran does not speak specifically about cannabis of all kinds. ... The preparation of hashish as a beverage is use, many devoted practitioners of Islam consider the plant to be prohibited throughout Egypt. The doors of those cafés and haraam, or forbidden. The thing is, many of the cultures where restaurants where it is supplied are to be walled up, and their Islam took root—particularly in in North Africa, have roots that proprietors imprisoned for three months.” precede Islam. And that, as they say, is where the worm turned. After that In Morocco for example, the Berbers have long been known as simple act, much of Europe and later America, began to change cannabis cultivators; cannabis was probably introduced to their the way they viewed cannabis. What was once a loyal helper and culture during the Arab invasions of the 7th century AD. friend became a possible danger to all. After that series of invasions from the Middle East—and despite But that’s a story for another time. That will happen in the next religious differences—cannabis cultivation became a big deal in part of this series when Weekly Alibi’s Cannabis Manual takes a Northern Africa. Nearly 1000 years later, in the 19th century, the historical look at cannabis in the 20th century. a king of Morocco reiterated the herb’s cultural importance when he decreed it was the right of certain tribes to cultivate and use the Next Issue: Cannabis in the modern world; Prohibitions Created. plant.

APRIL 2020 CANNABIS MANUAL [15] Hash Eaters How cannabis helped form the legend of the Assassins by Joshua Lee

t’s not too often that a Assassins: The Militia of Heaven, mystical sect from the author James Wasserman tells I Middle Ages snags the the legend of a group of attention of modern devotees who were shown the audiences, but when you’re decapitated head of one of group’s name is said to their colleagues as it rested on translate to “hash eaters,” you a plate. He had successfully can expect to turn a few heads. completed an assassination The Hashashin, a highly mission and this was his secretive military sect of reward. The group’s leader ecstatic Nizari mystics based in asked the decapitated head to Persia (modern-day Iran), were describe paradise, and it known for political intrigue answered, telling the devotees and assassination. In fact, the about the amazing sights and term “assassin” derives from pleasures that would be their name, which was experienced if they sacrificed synonymous with murder and themselves for the order. Once blackmail. the witnesses had gone, the The Assassins were not nice Assassins’ leader freed the people. Their sect, which “head”—a man standing in a broke off of Isma’ili Shi’i pit that had been dug out of Islam, is often considered the the floor and ranting after first terrorist group in history. ingesting too much hashish— To ensure power and before striking him down influence, the Assassins dead. infamously used the threat of According to another death at knifepoint and famous legend about the bribery to control political order, an Assassin leader leaders in the area. When claimed he was able to send asked why he’d ceased his his followers to paradise while angry sermons against the they were still alive. To “prove” group, Sunni scholar Fakhr ad- it, he allegedly used hashish to Din al-Razi famously told a drug targeted dupes, who student that he’d reconsidered would then wake up in a his stance once he’d heard the walled garden full of delicious Assassins’ “pointed and delicacies served by beautiful weighty” arguments. men and women. After But operating with blissing out in “paradise” for a nefarious intent while hiding while, the mark would once in the shadows was only one again be drugged and then aspect of this complex and awaken back in their room. baffling group. The Assassins The walled garden’s actual were also known for a bizarre location was said to be within streak of Sufi mysticism and an the confines of the assassin undying love of hashish— fortress, of course. which they are often said to But these stories are largely have smoked and consumed considered myths, and some ceaselessly. scholars have even questioned Hash was also reportedly the legitimacy of accounts that used by the Assassins for claim the group used cannabis trickery. In The Templars and the at all. It’s been suggested that while the word “hashashin,” Resurrection—is a complex derives from either the theological doctrine that has derogatory term for “hashish to do with an apocalypse. eater” or “outcast,” it was used According to Wilson, the by foreigners in place of Assassins’ Qiyamat was an “Asasiyun”—which denotes “abrogation of the law” that followers who are faithful to overturned the rules of the foundation of faith—as a orthodox Islam and initiated a way to demonize the Nizari. kind of paradise on earth in What’s curious is that which the faithful could reward whether the Assassins used themselves with “communal as cannabis or not, it’s their well as individual participation association with the drug that in the mystic’s great brought them to the attention adventure, perfect freedom.” of pot-loving Western This philosophy of freedom anarchist philosophers in the and openness was directly 20th century. Much of their associated with cannabis by popularity in modern pop Wilson and his consciousness can be contemporaries—correctly or attributed to beat writer not. In his book, Scandal: William S. Burroughs and his Essays in Islamic Heresy, Wilson partner in crime, artist Brion writes “cannabis inspires some Gysin. of its devotees with precisely Burroughs and Gysin were the sort of ‘state’ which the fond of the supposed last Koran appears to associate words of Hassan-i-Sabbah: with paradisal wine, which “Nothing is true. Everything is ’causes no headaches.’” permitted”—attributed to him Wilson’s essay pushed the by Betty Bouthoul in her 1936 story’s signal out into the book, The Master of the creative ether, inspiring a Assassins. They would both go number of artists to latch onto on to repeat the phrase and the legend. It would eventually other passages from the book make its way into pop culture during interviews and through the popular Assassin’s incorporate the story into Creed video game franchise. their own works of art. The Today, the Assassins are idea of a sect of drug-addled regarded as folk heroes by mystics who ruled the world many. Their supposed creed— from their mountain fortress fictitious or not—is seen by clearly appealed to both men many as a beacon of (for obvious reasons). independent thought that was In the ’80s, scholar Peter centuries ahead of its time. If Lamborn Wilson’s essay, researchers are correct, and “Secrets of the Assassins,” the sect’s association with cemented the sect as Anarchist cannabis is purely the result of heroes. The essay describes a defamation campaign waged how Hassan-i-Sabbah II, son of hundreds of years ago, then the founder of the Assassins, that campaign failed declared the Qiyamat on Aug. miserably. a 8, 1164. The Qiyamat—or The Big Disappoint Why the legalization bill failed by Joahua Lee e’re knee-deep into the tattered bill was seen tumbling ridiculous until you consider the policies, employees often have 21st century, and we’re lifelessly along the gutters of the need to control potential to sign an agreement saying Wstill getting shafted in Santa Fe later that evening. If black market activities (made they will not partake in illegal an area that should have been you can’t tell: It still bugs me. possible by the drug’s illegal drug activity on or off company fixed decades ago. Cannabis is I’ve been asked what went status elsewhere). But outright premises. Since cannabis is still illegal. wrong, and I still refuse to guess. barring law-abiding citizens federally illegal, an employer It’s preposterous, but it I have my own conspiracy from growing a plant naturally is couldn’t knowingly employ a doesn’t even feel weird. We’re all theories, but I’ll be tucking them beyond strange when you stop user—even if it’s legal in the used to it. I’m bored just saying away for now. It’s likely that the and think about it. state. it. more vanilla explanations are Another big problem with the Maintaining a drug-free Apparently our lawmakers right, anyway. Some aspects of bill was the extreme limitations workplace can also benefit still need more time to think the bill rubbed people the it would have put in place employers by giving them cuts about it, though. wrong way, after all. regarding how cannabis is to workers compensation The recreational cannabis For instance: If it had passed, advertised. Under the bill, insurance premiums. The logic legalization bill, Senate Bill 115, the bill would have made it advertising cannabis products behind the discounts is that was unceremoniously shoved to illegal for individuals not would be prohibited on drug-impaired workers cause the side earlier this year. I heard enrolled in the state’s Medical billboards, the sides of buses, more accidents, and a drug-free they took it to a quiet spot out Cannabis Program to grow unsolicited internet pop-ups, policy lowers that number. behind the Roundhouse— marijuana plants. Imagine the radio, television or other So, of course, employers somewhere where its cries state criminalizing growing your broadcast media (with the don’t want to have anything to wouldn’t be heard—and own tomatoes—it seems crazy. exception of subscription do with a legalization bill that strangled it like a mad dog. The Placing limits of any kind on services that can guarantee that doesn’t explicitly allow them to growing marijuana seems there audience is over 21). keep screening for THC during The only places where the hiring process. Considering advertisements would have been recent changes to the state’s allowed—in print and digital medical cannabis laws which media—were also restricted to protect patients from being areas “where the audience is turned away for cannabis use, reasonably expected to be 21 the concern is definitely real. It years of age or older, as also means they consider the determined by reliable, current weight of their wallets to be audience composition data.” In more important than other words: Not in easily progressive drug reform. No accessible publications (like the surprise, there. one you’re holding) or on a I still think any bill that will website without an age free those who have been verification check. incarcerated for minor cannabis These restrictions would have crimes should be pushed been detrimental not only to the through, no matter what flaws it dispensaries, but also to the has. It’s easy for me to hop on many local media outlets that Twitter, take a dump on our rely on ad revenue to continue leaders for not passing the bill running (like the one you’re and go about my day like holding). everything’s groovy. For the A major point of contention poor wretches sitting behind over the bill was a lack of bars over a right now, the protection for businesses news was probably devastating. wanting to maintain a “drug- Oh well! Maybe next year. free workplace.” Business I’m sure that will comfort them leaders and, by extension (for as they rot in their jail cells. obvious reasons), lawmakers said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham they needed assurances that doesn’t seem ready to back employers could still enforce down yet, anyway. She told marijuana-free hiring practices. reporters that legalization is Some have tried arguing that it’s “inevitable,” and I’m inclined to a safety issue, but the reality agree. It only took a few million probably has more to do with years for that first fish to crawl the Drug-Free Workplace Act of up on the beach and take a 1988. nervous breath. I just don’t want This law enables employers New Mexico to be like his to collect federal grants as long neighbor, the nervous fish that as they maintain a drug-free waited another million “to see [18] CANNABIS MANUAL APRIL 2020 workplace policy. Under those how it pans out.” a This April 20th, the New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce recommends

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