Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Marco Renda
weedmaster@treatingyourself.com
Assistant to Editor
Jef Tek
jeftek@treatingyourself.com
Copy Editor
Aendrew Rininsland
submit@treatingyourself.com
Technical Writer
Ally a.k.a Pflover
ally@treatingyourself.com
Q&A Advisor
Shantibaba
shantibaba@treatingyourself.com
Cover Pic
Jef Tek
Submissions
submit@treatingyourself.com
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
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.
Marco Renda - Federal Exemptee - Publisher & Editor in Chief Treating Yourself, The Alternative Medicine Journal - weedmaster@treatingyourself.com
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
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
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.
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
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
Bedrocan
By Harry Resin
homesgofast.com
G
enerally when you
think of Amster- The ques-
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
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
www.bedrocan.nl
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
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,
GreenPassion.org
The little site
that could!
J
-angel GreenPassion.org
I have been asked, "Why
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-
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
2009
Tokecrazy
GreenPassion.org
flickr.com
F orever I have heard about
this "OVER GROW THE
GOVERNMENT". Well, what is
go out and sow some seeds. Put
them everywhere! By highways,
parks, forests, everywhere and
forum on the GreenPassion.org
where you can see others who
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.
W
hen I first was diag- by his photographer friend Rosan-
nosed with Crohn’s na Mestre, shows him dressed
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.
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
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
p.m. and the “Reefer Reporter”
tion that will make people think that he had never seen, read or
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
diesel@rock107.ca or me at
how marijuana can be used for the radio station and his listeners
ma@treatingyourself.ca
everything that oil can be used for. were aware of his marijuana dis-
Pancho
and the
Villa
Mexican
www.old-picture.com
Revolution
By British Hempire
D
oroteo Arango Arámbu-
la, better known as
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
younger sister, Martina. Pancho Porfirio Diaz Francisco Madero Emiliano Zapata Pancho Villa
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.
procorbis.com
vice president José María Pino
Suárez were both assassinated less
than a week later. After Madero's
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
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:
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.
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
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 Cost of
Justice...
By Captain Joint
thescripturist.com
blog.ussharedparenting.com >
T
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
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
...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.
T
he fog was so dense we
could barely see the bril-
liantly lit Rembrandt
EddyLepp
across the canal and up the eerily
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
banks of white cloud. Needless to
say it was incredibly difficult to
breathe this stuff, especially after
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
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.
Is
Cannabis
Really the Right Drug for
HIV/AIDS?
By Ally (aka pflover)
“Preserve Neural Plasticity!”
W
e have been officially liv- originated from a lab mistake in
ing with the reality of recent times.
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).
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
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
Cannabinoids in those who completed the question-
naire. Of these 143 cannabis using
of 2.5mg Marinol in late stage
AIDS patients, which concluded
the Treatment of patients, 97% experienced appetite
stimulation and 93% reduced nau-
THC was safe and effective in the
long run, was published by the
AIDS Wasting sea (12). This finding is not surpris-
ing considering that anandamide,
same group two years later. Again
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
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,
smoked cannabis was rated higher
respondents reported that cannabis
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
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
directly infect the endothelial
HIV/Endo- the cells. This HIV-induced over
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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EM. Low dose anandamide affects food intake, cogni- Stimulation of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) suppress- loads in people with HIV? Annals of Internal
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Cannabis Tinctures
Marijuana in Liquid Form
medicalmarijuanamd.org/museum
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
1 afterThe
remain cannabis is ground up to make a powder. Plant matter
extraction.
that’s all you have) is better than resin because it tends to be purer, and there-
•3fl oz/90ml alcohol (brandy, fore itpowder
2. The cannabis is easieristo filter out
soaked the solid
overnight bits that
in warm remain
water. Thisafter
removes any water-
flavored schnapps or similar – extraction.
soluble impurities but not any of that precious THC.
40 to 70% proof minimum)
3. The excess Thewater
cannabis powder
is drained offisand
soaked overnightplaced
the Cannabis in warm water.
in an airtight jar. Alcohol
2 This
is poured over 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 excess
through water is drained
a strainer—or, off and
if resin the Cannabis
has been placedfilter—to
used, a coffee in avoid the
main psychoactive chemical of 3
now-inert an airtight
bits jar. Alcohol
from getting into theis final
poured overThe
drink. 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. resin has colored
5. The green/brown been used, a coffee
tincture filter—to
should avoid
be stored the now-inert
somewhere dark and cold. Mos
of the THCbits willfrom
havegetting into the final
been absorbed within drink. Thebut
a week, filtering process tend to leave it
connoisseurs
for a year or should
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 darkCookbook
Cannabis and cold. Most of the THC will have been
Over 535 Tastyabsorbed
recipeswithin a week,
for Meals, but connoisseurs
Munchies and More!tend to leave it
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.
A WALK on the
WILD SIDE:
Paraplegia & Marijuana
by Mark Mathew Braunstein
O
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
changed man. I broke my back and patients shelved in 1988 by the U.S. 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-
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
makes me half poster child and
ciary Committee. The bill passed all
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
testified to the Judiciary Commit-
as swords and my wheelchair as
shield, I have promoted social Yankee in Judge tee; the bill passed all committees,
change, by which I do not mean
curb cuts.
Arthur’s Court then for the first time passed in the
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
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 cannabis.sativa@sbcglobal.net
relationship of marijuana to other patients choices, not edicts. To
Please note I expect a lot of inquiries so only the most in need please apply.
Through Treating Yourself KDK Distributors and HerbalAire we wish you well !
Awakening
Your Quality of Life
with
MedicinalMarijuana
Story and Images by DoobieDuck
I
’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
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
By JeffE
Hashshashin
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
Spotlight
use in the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu community?
Jason Drake: I'd have to say yes
to that. It relaxes you so well
without making you retarded like
a lot of other stuff does. In BJJ, if
you're relaxed but focused, you'll
do great.
knees and ankles and a hip reduc- can travel with it from the dispen- buddies just crossed Northern
Spotlight
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!
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
experience of going to the dispensary page.com and the Tachi Palace's
where I buy my herb. “No card,
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
health concerns of their clients, or is it an right now, definitely on the rise.
ID, look to see what they have,
uncomfortable environment? Keep an eye out for them!
and make a choice .
Jason Drake: The one I go to is
How did you approach your physician great; it's basically like a head What’s next for Jason Drake?
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
state level legally? What are the rights
I have kids. I know a few who do 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
rently growing in their garden?
homes as long as it's not in public
view and secure from theft or we Jason Drake: Hmm, one of my
Cartoon
Flowering indoor:
8-10 Weeks
Flowering outdoor:
Harvest 3rd week of
October
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
Spotlight
an interview with
Yamato
Damashi
By JessE
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
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 if so, what was life behind bars like? Can
against other trained martial artists?
Marijuana Heaven. Japan also has 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-
When was the first time you smoked mar- ally I could. Only when I had
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?
time was coming to an end, it was ward to it. Inside you naturally ing my case and expressing to
Spotlight
like the lights were dimmed and learn to appreciate the simple them why I want to continue liv-
turned off when I left the visitation things. Three days after I posted ing here. Also the immigration
room. I felt like a fish that was bail and was released, I went to office is getting flooded with faxes
taken from an ocean and put into meet friends in Roponggi and from fans who don't want to see
a 10 gallon tank. After I returned when the night was over we had a me leave Japan.
to my cell, it took about 10 to 15 long walk to the car. It's a walk
minutes for me to slowly make the we took every week we went to What are your thoughts on the criminal-
transition back inside. It was Roponggi but this time things ization of Marijuana use?
strange, because as long as I had were different. Before my arrest, Enson Inoue: It's the law, so what
my mind on the outside world, the walk to the car was like a else can I say? [It’s] not even a
nothing in the inside looked good. chore, the distance and all the peo- fraction as dangerous or bad as
We were so restricted and con- ple... Nothing pleasant. But the alcohol, but it's against the law.
trolled that I can honestly say that other night, with my new outlook, We have some weird laws.
I know how dogs feel when they the walk was great! The cool night
Do you have any plans on fighting in the
are neglected. Like a dog, I would air on my skin, so many beautiful
future? Are you retired?
really get excited before we were girls, and no one telling me where
Enson Inoue: Yes. Making a
going to get our meals. And the to go, how fast and how to walk.
comeback this year!
appreciation level I felt while I was When I closed my eyes and took a
eating was over five times the hap- deep breath, I could almost taste What is life like now on a daily basis for
piness I would feel when I was eat- the fresh cool night air filling up you? What do you spend a majority of
ing in the outside world. If I was my lungs. I could decide where I your time doing with yourself?
in the outside world, you would was going, whether I was going to Enson Inoue: Training and writ-
practically have to force feed me stop in a store or not, I felt so free ing my book. I plan to be done
the food we ate here, but and the walk to the car was no with my book at the end of this
there in the inside I longer a chore. For the first time it year!
enjoyed every bite. I was actually a really nice walk.
Is there any websites, schools, organiza-
appreciated the sim- tions etc. that you would like mention?
ple things like apple The routine was the same every- Enson Inoue: Yes check out the
juice, rice, and miso day. Shower every 5 days, and apparel page at http://www.pure-
soup. Also before my laundry once a week. bredusa.com/ and my blog at
arrest, you would 6:30 a.m.: We are woken up to http://blog.goo.ne.jp/enson-inoue/
have to force me to put our mattresses away and
brush my teeth, brush our teeth. What’s next for Enson Inoue?
but inside I 8 a.m.: Breakfast. Enson Inoue: An honorable death.
actually 10 a.m.: 15 minutes of exercise
looked time where you could also cut
for- your fingernails.
10:30 a.m.: Allowed to use a pen.
12 noon: Lunch.
5 p.m.: Dinner.
8 p.m.: Lay mattresses out and
brush teeth.
9 p.m.: Sleep (with lights on).
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.
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
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
feed, but feeding the entire seeds
petitive with linseed for produc-
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
The Ecology of
Guano &
sciencedaily.com
Guano Tea
by Lazystrain (aka Zany Trails)
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.
cavinguk.co.uk
guano the bat makes.
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.
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-
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 Topdressing guano are
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
Guano Tea in conjunction with fellow gardeners. The aim being
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
a much higher rate and it brings
big table spoon of Kenyan/Peruvian
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
Exodus Cheese
by Jah Hoover
T
he Cheese phenotype was first
found in the late ’80s in a pack
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
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
Harvesting
All Year Long
By Jef Tek
W
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
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.
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
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.
Now its time to mix the trim/ice into the icewater mix
below and quickly grab your spoons.
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.
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.
Feminized
SeedsPart 2
By Soma
www.somaseeds.nl
Hemp Roots
2827 14 Street S.W. Duc of Amsterdam
Calgary , Alberta 2080 B St-Denis
T2T 3V3 Montreal, Quebec
T: 403 889 0792 H2X 3K7
T: (514)842-9562
Ontario High Times
1044 Blvd. Deslaurntides
Crosstown Traffic
Laval, Quebec
593 C Bank St
H7G 2W1
Ottawa, Ontario
T: (450)975-2666
K1S 3T4
T: (613) 234-1210
High Times
1387 St-Catherine West
Crosstown Traffic
Montreal, Quebec
396 Athlone Ave.
H3G 1R1
Ottawa, Ontario
T: (514)849-4446
K1Z 5M5
T: (613) 728-4800
Saskatchewan
Hemp Country
475 Dundas Street
Vintage Vinyl
Woodstock , Ontario
2335 11th Avenue
M4S 1C2
Regina , Saskatchewan
T: 519 537 0302
S4P 0 K2
T: 306 347 3111
Photo courtesy of Gregorio Fernandez “GOYO” Niagara Seed Bank
6065 Main Street
Niagara Falls Head to Head Novelties
Ontario 2923 Dewdney Avenue
L2G 6A1 Regina , Saskatchewan
T: 905 394 9181 S4T 0Y1
T:(306)525-6937
Planetary Pride Toll Free:
372 Queen Street East 1-877-H2H-4646 /(424-4646)
Sault Ste. Marie , Ontario
P6A 1Z1
T: 888 215 8970
Sacred Seed
2A Dundonald Street
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y1K2
T: (416) 928-6811
Quebec Want to have your store listed here contact us at:
sales@medical-marijuana-seeds-wholesaler.com
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.
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
Bo−bo 9. Weeks cured: 4 If know the number of weeks your sample has been cured.
Bo−bo
Patients Test
1. Utensils: 4 inch wooden pipe
2. Taste descriptors: Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence
Earthy 8, Musk 5
3. Taste: 7 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious.
4. State of dryness: 6 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal.
5. Smoke ability: 9 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth.
6. Smoke expansion: 9 smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes.
Smoke Test Comments:
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
1. Dosage: 5 hits to reach desired effects.
2. Effect onset: 7 Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper.
3. Sativa influence: 2 Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
4. Indica influence: 8 indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
5. Potency: 9 Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating.
6. Duration of effect: 2 hours
7. Tolerance build up: 4 Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid.
8. Usability: − from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day.
morning/wake up 3 Day/work 2 Evening/relax 9 Night/sleep 9
9. Overall satisfaction: 9 Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail
10. Ability and conditions: 9 Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high.
11. Do you personally consider this strain a keeper for long term use? Yes
12. Effect: What effect did the strain have check + off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check - if you had a NEGATIVE effect
FINAL COMMENTS:
A great all around plant; short structure, great yield and awesome indica high. This will be
in my garden for years to come
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.
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
9. Weeks cured: − If known enter the number of weeks your sample has been cured.
Patients Test
1. Utensils: Vapolution Vaporizer
2. Taste descriptors: Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence
Earthy 8, Skunk 9, Spice 5
3. Taste: 9 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious.
4. State of dryness: 5 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal.
5. Smoke ability: 9 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth.
6. Smoke expansion: 9 smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes.
Comments: This strain is seemingly a Bubba Kush phenotype. I found it a fantastic example of
our kush in Los Angeles. It is a strong indica and tastes excellent
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
1. Dosage: 6 hits to reach desired effects.
2. Effect onset: 3 Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper.
3. Sativa influence: 1 Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
4. Indica influence: 9 indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
5. Potency: 9 Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating.
6. Duration of effect: 1 hour
7. Tolerance build up: 3 Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid.
8. Usability: from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day.
morning/wake up 2 Day/work 2 Evening/relax 8 Night/sleep 9
9. Overall satisfaction: 8 Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail
10. Ability and conditions: 9 Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high.
11. Do you personally consider this strain a keeper for long term use? Yes
12. Effect: What effect did the strain have check + off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check - if you had a NEGATIVE effect
FINAL COMMENTS:
This strain was excellent. Delivers a clean and a clear feeling with great medical effec−
tiveness. Stoney and great for pain relief. Sleepy and heavy on the indica side. A great
great strain
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.
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
G−13
Patients Test
1. Utensils: Volcano Digital
2. Taste descriptors: Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence
Ammonia 3, Earthy 4, Licorice 3, Peach 2, Berry 2, Floral 5, Mango 2, Pepper 4, Blueberry 2, Fruit 2,
Petroleum 4, Bubblegum 2, Melon 2, Pine 5, Cedar 4, Grapefruit 2, Menthol 7, Cherry 2, Grass/Hay 6,
Mint 2, Chocolate 4, Hash 4, Skunk 5, Citrus 2, Musk 3, Spice 3, Coconut 4, Leather 3, Nutmeg3,
Strawberry 2, Coffee 4, Lemon 2, Orange 2, Vanilla 2
3. Taste: 8 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious.
4. State of dryness: 7 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. Coffee grinder to a fine grind
5. Smoke ability: 9 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth. Easy smoke
6. Smoke expansion: 7 smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes. Barely know its there
Comments: Such a smooth and earthy−menthol taste when vaporizing. I thoroughly enjoyed this
strain.
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
1. Dosage: to reach desired effects. 4 hits
2. Effect onset: 4 Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper.
3. Sativa influence: 2 Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme..
4. Indica influence: 9 indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
5. Potency: 8 Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating.
6. Duration of effect: 1.5 hours
7. Tolerance build up: − Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid.
8. Usability: − from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day.
morning/wake up 2 Day/work 2 Evening/relax 5 Night/sleep 9
9. Overall satisfaction: 8 Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail
10. Ability and conditions: 4 Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high.
11. Do you personally consider this strain a keeper for long term use? Yes
12. Effect: What effect did the strain have check + off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check - if you had a NEGATIVE effect
FINAL COMMENTS:
Excellent strain for pain and IBS. My pain was gone in minutes as if by magic. I would be
glad to keep filling my mason jar with this strain for everyday use. I highly recommend
this for medical purposes. This was grown in Promix under 4x600w HPS lamps.
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.
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
Patients Test
1. Utensils: Vapolution vaporizer
2. Taste descriptors: Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence
grass/hay 3, Chocolate 6, Mold 9, Musk 8
3. Taste: 7 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious.
4. State of dryness: 5 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal. Coffee grinder to a fine grind
5. Smoke ability: 7 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth. Smooth but expand the lungs a bit.
6. Smoke expansion: 6 smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes.
Comment: I enjoyed this strain a great deal. It was fairly heavy on the indica side and was
very very kushy
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
1. Dosage: to reach desired effects. 10 hits.
2. Effect onset: 5 Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper.
3. Sativa influence: 3 Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
4. Indica influence: 7 indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
5. Potency: 7 Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating.
6. Duration of effect: 1 hour
7. Tolerance build up: 6 Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid.
8. Usability: − from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day.
Morning/wake up 3 Day/work 5 Evening/relax 8 Night/sleep 9
9. Overall satisfaction: 7 Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail
10. Ability and conditions: 9 Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high.
11. Do you personally consider this strain a keeper for long term use? Yes
12. Effect: What effect did the strain have check + off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check - if you had a NEGATIVE effect
FINAL COMMENTS:
This strain was a very good help for my medical conditions. It was also affordable and
fairly potent for its quality. I also liked the somewhat different genetics and their abili−
ty to treat my medical symptoms differently than the typical kush and purple strains.
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.
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
Pineapple Chunk
Patients Test
1. Utensils: Vapolution vaporizer
2. Taste descriptors: Use numbers 1-9 that apply to the taste where a one indicates a subtle presence and a nine indicates a very pronounced presence
Earthy 3, Peach 8, Fruit 8
3. Taste: 8 Impression of the taste from 1-10 unpleasant-delicious.
4. State of dryness: 3 1-10 wet-dry where 5 is ideal.
5. Smoke ability: 5 smoke ability of the sample from 1-10 harsh-smooth. Easy smoker
6. Smoke expansion: 5 smoke expantion in the lungs from 1-10 stable-explodes. doesnt expand just hits the spot.
Smoke Test Comments: A nice smoke but could be more potent. The taste and smell are really
the best aspects of this strain.
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
1. Dosage: to reach desired effects. 15 hits Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper.
2. Effect onset: 5 Rate of how quickly the effect hit from 1-10 immediate-major creeper.
3. Sativa influence: 6 Sativa influence (best described as a clear and energetic mental effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
4. Indica influence: 4 indica influence (best described as a sedative, lethargic or numbing effect) detected from 0-10 none-extreme.
5. Potency: 6 Rate the potency of the sample from 0-10 none-devastating.
6. Duration of effect: 1 hour
7. Tolerance build up: 7 Rate of how quickly tolerance builds from 0-10 none-rapid.
8. Usability: 10 from 1-9, a one indicates the worst time of day to consume this strain and a nine represents the ideal time of day.
morning/wake up 8 Day/work 8 Evening/relax 5 Night/sleep 3
9. Overall satisfaction: 8 Rate your overall satisfaction from 1-10 poor-Holy Grail
10. Ability and conditions: − Rate your overall ability to judge from 1-10 low-high.
11. Do you personally consider this strain a keeper for long term use? Yes
12. Effect: What effect did the strain have check + off if the you got a POSITIVE effect and check - if you had a NEGATIVE effect
FINAL COMMENTS:
I had a great experience with this strain. It was very light and fruity. I felt a good bit
of sativa influence and it was nice. Very enjoyable strain, with a little care I think it
can be even better.
Morocco
Hash making season…
by J. Generation
Above
Rif mountains
I
Jay Generation on the hash farm t’s the month of January and large bowls, then wrapped in plas-
Below tic and beaten with sticks by the
Bags of hash
all through the mountains the
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
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.
N
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
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-
Thanks TY,
Diezelwood Johnston
(member 1627 of TCC)
Book Review
by Trixie
Pot Culture The A-Z Guide to
Stoner Language & Life
By Shirley Halperin & Steve Bloom
Basel
Switzerland
May 1-3
Messe Basel
Hall 5
Special Event:
Medical Marijuana
EVENTS
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
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 ma@treatingyourself.com
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.
MAINE
VOCALS
Revisited
Captain Joint
captainjoint.com
T
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-
The downtown Los Angeles,
California, and I must say it was
na and drug reform laws. Also we
saw some famous names that any
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.
Ingredients
mayeating-in.com
√ 1 cup marijuana infused vegetable oil
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.
Devilish Eggs
cooknkate.files.worldpress.com
Ingredients
S h -pot-bread
Valentines Cookies
Carrie’s Classic Shortbread
Ingredients
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.
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
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