Vegas Cannabis Magazine

What’s Inside

Editor:

Stephanie Shehan editor@vegascannabismag.com (702) 622-8001

Publisher:

Bill Shehan bill@vegascannabismag.com (702) 589-1282

Contributing Writers:

Becca Nichols Chris Williams Derek J. Connor Dr. Kit Hopper Stone Miggy Fourtwenty Pamela Jayne Sharon Letts J. Tony Serra

Design:

Dustin Amato

Advertising:

Jason Sturtsman jasonsturtsman@gmail.com

Chef Dee Danielle Vitale O’Brien Dr. Aseem Sappal Dustin Amato Jason Sturtsman Mindi Griffiths Rob Ruckus Shelly Berkowitz Willie Spearmint

Digital Media: Agency THC Photography: Dope Foto

Cartoonist: Neal Warner

Cover Photo:

10 14 18 20 22 30 32 34 38 42 50 52 56 58 60 62 64 68 72 82 84

Vegas Cannabis Magazine, LLC 6450 Cameron Street, Suite 110 Las Vegas, NV 89118

Editorial: (702) 622-8001 Cover Photo: Medizin’s Agent Orange Concentrate By:

Berner Photographed By: Shane O’Neal SON Studios

Value $4.95

Dispensary Map Events Resources Education Legal Voices of the Cannabis War The Other Oils Berner Interview Medical To Snitch or Not to Snitch Higher Education Patient Choice Awards Tokin’ With the Infamous Words from the Inside Cajun Glassworks

Bet it All on Green Product Reviews The Ruckus Rant New Dispensary Products Oaksterdam University Deliciously Dee

CORRECTIONS: • In the May 2016 issue, we incorrectly stated that Sin Mint Cookies had a THC level of 18%. The actual level of THC is 28%.

• The cover photo credit for the May 2016 issue was incorrectly given to The Herbal Connoisseur. The photo credit should have been given to Nevada Medical Group.

Advertising: (702) 589-1282

Vegas Cannabis Magazine, LLC features content about marijuana, hemp, and marijuana-related products and information. In addition, we feature articles, legal information and medical news relevant to the cannabis industry. All content within our publication and on our website is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered personalized legal or medical advice. Both the printed publication and the website are intended for those over the age of 18.

Vegas Cannabis Magazine, LLC assumes no responsibility for the advertisements within this publication. We strive to ensure the accuracy of the information published. Vegas Cannabis Magazine cannot be held responsible for any consequences which arise due to error or omissions. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.

www.VegasCannabisMag.com

702VCM

editor’s note The cannabis industry in Nevada is constantly evolving. Some are choosing to jump on board while others are essentially choosing to boycott the regulated industry. Regardless of your choice, ultimately it is the patients that we must consider. Patients that deserve safe access to legal medication. We are seeing an influx of new patients that should be educated on the variety of products offered by the dispensaries and the different routes of administration. Please remember that, while many of us in the local cannabis community are selfsufficient, seasoned activists, there are still many that are fairly new to medical cannabis and those patients deserve to be supplied with resources and guidance in order to make educated decisions about their medicine. The movement towards recreational cannabis in Nevada is drawing near and the inevitability of full legalization looms. Essentially, we must each realize that the industry is moving forward, with our without us.

On a lighter note, summer is finally here and on June 4th most of us will gather at the 3rd annual Las Vegas Hempfest which is being held at Craig Ranch Regional Park. The event is sponsored by Medizin™ and boasts a decent musical lineup and a good amount of vendors. For ticket info, visit www.LasVegasHempfest.com.

Last month, patients gathered for the 2nd annual Patient Choice Awards.

Attendees had a blast checking out the various exhibitors, listening to music, enjoying the food and socializing.

Next month, we can look forward to Chalice in Southern California which features music, glass, hash and art and also the Champs trade show which runs locally at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Enjoy the warm weather and stay hydrated!

Stephanie Shehan

Congratulations New Heights Laboratory on Your Opening!

events ONGOING: NEVADA CANNABIS NEWS HOUR: Every Tuesday, 3pm-4pm, www.vegasallnetradio.com, call 844-WECANLV for more info.

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS AT ESSENCE DISPENSARY: Bi-weekly education program for current and prospective patients, 5765 W. Tropicana, 7pm, FREE, visit www.essencevegas. com/wellness-wednesdays/ for a calendar and to RSVP. FREE PATIENT CLASSES AT OASIS MEDICAL CANNABIS: Ongoing FREE classes for medical cannabis patients.

Visit www.oasismedicalcannabis.com/ calendar/ for a listing of classes.

“WHAT IF CANNABIS CURED CANCER”: Movie screening, 4th Thursday of each month at Herbally Grounded, 4440 W. Charleston Blvd, 7pm, www.cannabiscures.org.

JUNE: LAS VEGAS HEMPFEST: 6/4, 11am3am, Craig Ranch Regional Park, 628 W. Craig Road, North Las Vegas, NV, www.lasvegashempfest.com.

ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL: 6/176/19, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, electricdaisycarnival.com.

REGGAE IN THE DESERT: 6/11, 12pm11pm, $40, www.reggaeinthedesert.com for more info.

ZIGGY MARLEY: 6/3, Mandalay Bay Beach, www.mandalaybay.com for info.

SUBLIME WITH ROME & TRIBAL SEEDS: 6/25, 9pm, Mandalay Bay Beach, www.mandalaybay.com for info.

DRU HILL: 6/18, Brooklyn Bowl, 3545 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, www.brooklynbowl.com/las-vegas for details.

GEORGE CLINTON: 6/22, Brooklyn Bowl, 3545 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las

Vegas, www.brooklynbowl.com/lasvegas for details.

TOMORROWS BAD SEEDS: 6/11, Brooklyn Bowl, 3545 Las Vegas Blvd.

South, Las Vegas, www.brooklynbowl. com/las-vegas for details.

LAS VEGAS DEATHFEST: 6/9-6/12, LVCS, Downtown Las Vegas, Over 50 death metal bands from all over the planet converging in Vegas, Facebook. com/lasvegasdeathfest.

JULY: CHALICE CALIFORNIA: 7/8-7/10, San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, San Bernardino, CA, www.chalicecalifornia. com.

CHAMPS TRADE SHOW: 7/19-7/21, Las Vegas Convention Center, www.

ChampsTradeShows.com for more info.

SLIGHTLY STOOPID, SOJA, THE GROUCH & ELIGH & ZION I CREW: 7/1, 7:30pm, Mandalay Bay Beach, www.mandalaybay.com for info.

311: 7/2 & 7/3, 8:30pm, Mandalay Bay Beach, www.mandalaybay.com for info.

UB40: 7/30, 8pm, Mandalay Bay Beach, www.mandalaybay.com for info.

THE OUTLAWZ WITH THA DOGG POUND: 7/2, Brooklyn Bowl, 3545 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, www. brooklynbowl.com/las-vegas for details.

ART OF RAP FESTIVAL: 7/23, Public Enemy, Grandmaster’s Furious Five, Sugarhill Gang, Epmd,Naughty By Nature, Mobb Deep, Kurtis Blow - Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, Las Vegas, Facebook. com/artofrapfest/

AUGUST: SEATTLE HEMPFEST: 8/19-8/21, 25th anniversary, www.hempfest.org for info.

REBELUTION: 8/18, 7:30pm, Mandalay Bay Beach, www.mandalaybay.com for info.

Rebelution

California-based reggae/ rock group Rebelution releases their newest album, “Falling Into Place” on June 3rd. Bringing the awesome sounds that Rebelution fans are already accustomed to, this album features an array of laid back, feel good vibes.

Our favorite on this album?

“Inhale Exhale” of course!

Rebelution’s summer tour officially kicks off on the same day and continues through August nationwide.

The band will be joined by The Green + J Boog, Stick Figure, Through The Roots and DJ Mackle on most dates. Check them out in Vegas on August 18th at Mandalay Bay.

resources

Have a company, organization or website that could benefit medical marijuana patients? Email your info to editor@vegascannabismag.com.

PATIENT SUPPORT & INFORMATION:

ultimateumedical.com.

WECAN: Wellness Education Cannabis Advocates of Nevada, Meetup.com/WeCan702/ is free to join and provides a platform for people to post and discuss ideas in a controlled environment, www.WeCan702.org or https://www.facebook.com/wecan702.

CAM CARE: Registration services & 2 physicans on staff 5 days a week to help patients obtain their cards.

Also offering a variety of services to promote complete wellness, 2923 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas NV 89102, (725)777-3631.

PATIENT TO PATIENT GROUP: A safe place to meet fellow patients & build lasting friendships, monthly potluck & other events throughout the year, FREE to join, http://www.meetup.com/Patient-to-Patient/

420 EVAL: $199 all inclusive, (702) 420-3825, 3131 La Canada, Ste. 110, Las Vegas, NV 89169, www. lasvegasmedicalmarijuana.com.

LAS VEGAS CANNABIS EVENTS GROUP: Events, festivals, and get togethers for those passionate about cannabis, http://www.meetup.com/ LasVegasCannabisEvents/ LAS VEGAS NORML: The world’s largest organization working to reform marijuana laws. Membership: www. lasvegasnorml.com/membership, Information: www. lasvegasnorml.com, Contact: staff@lasvegasnorml. com.

LAS VEGAS CANNABIS INFO CENTER: Provides referrals for all your cannabis needs including doctors, lawyers, legal dispensaries and classes, (702) 7616770, www.lvcic.com, www.CannabisCafeTV.com.

COMPASSION NEVADA CONSULTING: Assistance with obtaining a Nevada medical marijuana card, 2800 S. Highland Dr, Las Vegas, NV, (702) 506-6379.

NEVADA MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM: For information about obtaining your Nevada Medical Marijuana card visit http://health.nv.gov/ medicalmarijuana.htm.

DOCTORS:

GETTING LEGAL: No medical records required, 99% approval rate, 2619 W. Charleston Blvd, #100, Las Vegas, NV 89102, (702) 979-9999, www.GettingLegal. com.

DR. GREEN RELIEF: Affordable evaluations, 7200 Smoke Ranch Rd, #120, Las Vegas, NV 89148, (702) 707-2414, drgreenrelief.com.

ULTIMATE “U” MEDICAL: Medical recommendations and renewals, 8660 Spring Mountain Road, Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89117, (702) 353-9777, www.

COHEN MEDICAL CENTER: (702) 564-6420, 3650 S. Decatur Blvd, Unit 23, Las Vegas, NV 89103.

THE HEALING CENTER MEDICAL CLINIC: (702) 280-7755, 1550 E. Tropicana, Ste. 1, Las Vegas, NV 89119.

CANNABIS CARE LAS VEGAS: VIP packages & state recommendations available, (702) 8522420, info@cannabiscarelasvegas.com, www. cannabiscarelasvegas.com.

KARMA HOLISTIC HEALTH FOUNDATION: 9111 W. Russell Road, Suite 120, Las Vegas, NV 89148, (702) 388-1119, www.khhf.org..

GOLDSMITH HEALTHCARE LTD: 5375 S. Ft. Apache, Las Vegas, NV 89148, (702) 425-5191.

ATTORNEYS:

AMANDA CONNOR: Connor & Connor PLLC, provides legal services to medical marijuana patients and medical marijuana businesses, 2450 St. Rose Pkwy, Ste 120 A, Henderson, NV, www.connorpllc.com, (702) 750-9139.

CHRISTOPHER TILMAN: Tilman Law Office, 1211 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104, (702) 2144214, www.christophertilman.com.

GROW:

GREENSPOT HYDROPONICS: 3355 W. Lake Mead Blvd, North Las Vegas, (702) 463-6000, Open Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm and Sat 10am-6pm.

MEDIGROW NV: Professional cultivation education, (702) 606-9059, www.MediGrowNV.com. Also provides in home grow consultations.

AAA INDOOR GARDEN: 2 W. Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102, (702) 450-4769, www. vegasindoorgarden. com.

BEST HYDROPONIC SUPPLY: 6818 W. Cheyenne Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89108, (702) 750-9300, www. besthydroponicsupply. com.

EDUCATION:

OAKSTERDAM UNIVERSITY: Coming soon to Las Vegas, www. oaksterdamuniversity. com, (510) 251-1544.

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 18

NURSE JUHLZIE: Certified cannabis registered nurse providing nursing-based information and educational services for patients, organizations, medical professionals, and corporations, (406)748-2624, www.

AskNurseJuhlzie.com.

UNCONVENTIONAL FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM: (714) 805-8342, Resources for special needs families, www.UF4A.org.

SCORPIONS CAN: College cannabis awareness network, www.ScorpionsCAN.com.

INSURANCE:

FARMERS INSURANCE-THE VENUTO AGENCY: (702) 458-1475, 7965 S. Rainbow Blvd, #100, Las Vegas, NV 89139, vFi1.com, jeff@vfi1.com.

DESIGN:

AGENCY THC: www.AgencyTHC.com

DISPENSARIES: SEE MAP

LABS:

DIGIPATH LABS: (702) 209-2429, info@digipath.com, www.digipathlabs.com.

NEW HEIGHTS LABORATORY: (702) 879-8698, www.newheightslaboratory.com.

ACE ANALYTICAL LABORATORY: www. aceanalytical.com.

SECURITY:

GREEN SHIELD SECURITY: (800) 236-3132, sales@ gsguard.com, www.gsguard.com.

CULTIVATION/PRODUCTION:

GREEN THERAPEUTICS: www.GTNevada.com.

GREEN LIFE PRODUCTIONS: www.

GreenLifeProduction.com EVERGREEN ORGANIX: www.evergreenorganix.com HIGHLAND MEDICAL: www.highland-med.com BAM MARIJUANA: www.BaMmarijuana.com SILVER STATE TRADING: www.silverstatetrading.com ICON CANNABIS: www.iconcannabis.com THE CANNAVATIVE GROUP: www.cannavativegroup. com

WEBSITES:

www.dpbh.nv.gov www.RedefineCannabis.com www.lvmmn.com www.allbud.com www.leafly.com www.SafeAccessNow.org www.Parents4Pot.org www.AskNurseJuhlzie.com www.norml.org www.mpp.org www.420insight.com www.lvmma.org www.nvmma.org

education Rosin: A Marijuana Concentrate with all of the Positives and None of the Negatives By: Annie Sliman

Admit it. If you could get a quicker and longer-lasting high that offers stronger pain relief, you’d go for it, right? But what if it came with traces of chemicals that could potentially be harmful. Would it be worth it?

That’s the conundrum with most forms of marijuana concentrates. They’re made using processes that involve chemical solvents, and these chemical solvents contain compounds that are at best unnatural, and can be potentially harmful in high concentrations.

One of the exceptions is a relatively new type of concentrate called rosin, which is made using only heat and pressure. The result is a pure, high-potency concentrate with absolutely no chemical solvents or additives.

Let’s back up and talk about the science

involved. An extract is made from the leaves, flowers or stems of the cannabis plant. Something has to be used to extract the benefit-giving essence of the plant from its plant matter. Usually, that something is a solvent. The most common one is probably butane, which is used as a solvent to strip the plant material of its benefits. These extracts are called BHO or (Butane Hash Oil). Potentially, some chemical residue can remain in BHO and other solvent extracts. Carbon dioxide, propane, hexane and alcohol are other common solvents used in the extraction process.

Cannabis extracts have a variety of physical forms, from a brittle slab to a dry wax-like crumble, but all of them are highly potent and concentrated forms of marijuana. Extract consumption usually involves heating a small amount of the extract until it vaporizes and then inhaling the potent vapors. With solvent extraction, the user can potentially inhale some of the chemicals used in production.

Rosin is different. The name is derived from the word “rosin,” the substance that’s extracted from pine trees and other natural plants.

Rosin is produced by compressing marijuana between hot metal plates.

Because only heat and pressure are used, the resulting extract is entirely solventless. It offers a potent, longlasting effect that is clean and flavorful.

It is also free of the carcinogens associated with the flowers, leaves and stems of the plant itself and of the chemical solvents used to produce other extracts. It is therefore much healthier and safer to consume.

Of course, like everything in the marijuana world,

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 20

there are several types of rosin. The three main types are Flower Rosin, Dry Sift Rosin and Ice Wax or Hash. Each type has specific characteristics and corresponding benefits so the choice depends on the needs and objectives of the consumer.

However, all types of Rosin share the attributes of being chemical-free, potent and flavorful, while being very easy, safe and pleasant to consume.

As marijuana use laws have expanded and relaxed over the past several years, rosin has become commercially available to more and more consumers. Nevada recently legalized medical marijuana.

The market quickly became flooded with concentrates, but perhaps the most popular concentrate available is Body and Mind (BaM) Rosin. BaM, a provider of small-batch, award-winning medical marijuana strains, uses this unique heat and pressure process to extract pure, high-quality rosin in large quantities. Not only were they the first supplier of rosin in Nevada, but BaM remains the largest and most consistent producer of the solvent free concentrate.

Don Decatur, BaM’s Director of Product Development, has this to say about rosin, “Our new 100% solvent free Tangerine Power Rosin just received one of the highest THC test results in the state of Nevada! It’s made using ice water extracted trichomes and is one of the most clean and potent extracts we have ever seen. We are extremely proud of this product so far and it will only get better as we refine our processes. NV MMJ patients finally have a no solvent option for their beloved concentrates and we couldn’t be more excited!”

Whether you choose to dab, vape or smoke, you owe it to yourself to try rosin next time you use an extract.

BaM products can be found at the following local dispensaries: Oasis Medical Cannabis, Inyo Fine Cannabis, Essence, Blum, Thrive Cannabis Marketplace, The Grove, The Apothecary Shoppe, The Source, The Apothecarium, Medizin, CannaCopia, Euphoria Wellness, Sahara Wellness and Nevada Medical Marijuana.

legal What Licenses You May or May Not Have to Relinquish as a Medical Marijuana Patient By: Amanda Connor Esq.

From the day Nevada legalized medical marijuana, thousands of patients have registered for a patient card. These patient cards allow those who are suffering from chronic or debilitating medical conditions to acquire medical marijuana in order to treat their condition. Unfortunately, for some patients, what the state gives with one hand it takes with the other. For some patients, a marijuana patient card may come at the cost of other rights or privileges.

visit: www.connorpllc.com concealed weapon permits. It is important for patients to know what rights remain, and what rights might be in question after becoming a medical marijuana patient.

website, without providing any legal basis, now plainly states that marijuana patients are not eligible for a CCW. Notably, other Nevada Counties do not indicate such a restriction.

Can I maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL)?

A sheriff may deny a CCW permit if an applicant has habitually used intoxicants or controlled substances to the “extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired” within the past five years. NRS 202.3657(4)(d). However, the language might not apply to medical marijuana patients, especially if the patient was never charged or convicted with controlled substance crimes.

Under federal law, any federal employee working for the Department of Transportation can be drug tested and terminated for using medical marijuana.

This includes school bus drivers, truck drivers, public transportation drivers, or other government-run transportation jobs.

The federal government defends this regulation by highlighting the importance of carefully operating a vehicle to ensure the safety of the employees and the general public. Furthermore, under federal law, marijuana remains illegal.

A Nevada resident acquires a patient card by applying to the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. Currently, the patient must be a resident of Nevada and be at least 18 years of age or have an authorized caregiver. The patient must have a qualifying medical condition pursuant to Nevada law and receive a recommendation from a Nevada licensed physician. The Division has outlined some qualifying medical conditions, but the list is not necessarily exhaustive. A few approved medical conditions include:

Despite Nevada allowing for medicinal use of marijuana, the same goes for Nevada commercial drivers. Nevada expressly states on the commercial driver license application that “a CDL holder may not hold a Medical Marijuana Patient ID card.”

Failure to disclose patient status on the application may lead to perjury under the law and result in a misdemeanor or felony charge.

· · · · · · · ·

Under federal law, marijuana users (medical or recreational) may not possess firearms or ammunition. Until there is a change in marijuana’s status at a federal level, using marijuana could cost you your second amendment rights.

Cancer Immune Deficiency Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Glaucoma Seizures and Epilepsy Severe Nausea Severe Pain Chronic Wasting (cachexia)

Once the physician makes the recommendation, the patient must complete an application and submit it to the Division. The Division then notifies the applicant within 30 days of the status, and if approved, the patient can obtain a patient card.

But once a patient has legal access to medical marijuana, other questions can arise. Does having a medical marijuana card force the patient to relinquish other rights or privileges? Many Nevada residents have additional licenses in tow, such as gaming, commercial driving, or

What about my concealed weapons permit?

Nevada state law is not as black and white.

Nevada law prohibits an intoxicated person from being in “actual physical control” of a firearm. It also prohibits so-called “prohibited persons” from possessing firearms. The definition of prohibited persons includes persons who are unlawful users of or addicted to controlled substances.

With regard to concealed carry permits (CCW), Nevada state law is unclear.

Until recently, a marijuana patient was able to acquire a CCW from their County Sheriff. However, it appears that the Clark County Sheriff’s Department has recently changed its policy regarding the issuance of concealed carry permits. The County

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 22

Can I keep my gaming license?

Generally, the Nevada Gaming Board will not discriminate against employees who are medical marijuana patients. Therefore, arguably, patients can maintain a gaming license for employment and also maintain the medical marijuana patient card. Yet, it is clear that there is some issue with marijuana’s federal status and gaming.

The Nevada Gaming Board has stated that a person may not have a gaming license and be involved with a medical marijuana establishment. Therefore, the ability to be both a patient and have a gaming license is not settled law.

Also, there are some contingencies to be aware of. Individual employers can still have policies that prohibit marijuana use. Many casinos have “zero tolerance” policies, and frequently drug test employees before, and during employment. Further, many employees are subject to union contracts that prohibit them from using marijuana, even if they have a state marijuana patient card. If an employee fails a drug test, the employer might have grounds for termination. It is important to know the employer’s policy before getting a patient card.

As with many areas of the law, the facts regarding each person’s case and application for different licenses including gaming and CCW’s may differ. It is important to know your rights.

If you have any questions about the medical marijuana patient card process or if you have a question about patient rights and licenses, you can contact our firm today to discuss your situation. Connor & Connor PLLC, (702) 7509139 or email us at info@connorpllc.com

Medical Marijuana Studies

Enrolling NOW

• Patients with Pelvic Pain • Chemotherapy Patients with Nausea & Vomiting • Patients with Back Pain

Call 702-326-0585

NEVADA MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM What You Need to Know ...

To Request a Patient Cardholder Application

If you wish to request a medical marijuana patient registry application packet, please click on FORMS in the column on the right and select “Application Request Form.” Print, fill out and send or remit in person the Request Form, with $25 to: Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health ATTN: Medical Marijuana Division 4150 Technology Way, Suite 104 Carson City, Nevada 89706 Approved Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Nevada • Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) • Cancer • Glaucoma • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Cachexia (general physical wasting and malnutrition from chronic disease) • Persistent muscle spasms (including multiple sclerosis) • Seizures (including epilepsy) • Severe nausea • Severe pain (the most commonly reported condition) For additional information, please call (775) 687-7594.

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 24

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vow Voices of the Cannabis War:

News from the Front Lines

By: Kristin Flor, Mindi Griffiths, Miggy 420, Danielle Vitale-O’Brien & Becca Nichols This month, as some reflect on the time their father taught them how to fish or how he worried when they went to prom, a few thousand kids will never know what these memories are like because they have a father in jail for a plant. A plant that, for adults, is legal recreationally in four states and our Nation’s Capitol. A plant that has been medically proven by a government patent (6630507) and by many patients across the nation that need it to help their various medical conditions, a plant as diverse as an apple. Not only does it contain natural medicinal value, it also substitutes non-biodegradable plastics, cotton, and paper. Thousands of fathers sit behind bars for this super plant, and this month we would like to honor a few close to our heart.

Richard Delisi is one of the longest serving inmates who has a son, a daughter and grandchildren he’s never played with waiting for him. Recently, Richard hasn’t been doing so well. In fact, they had to change his living conditions which hasn’t helped his emphysema since his cellmate is a cigarette smoker, this is only another torture he’s had to endure over the course of 28 years and let us hope not his last days being he’s being slowly killed by a nicotine producing machine, a thing that has killed way more people than the marijuana he’s been accused of being involved with. Please send Richard a letter or card to help lift his spirits: Richard Delisi #087624 B2101 Upper, South Bay Correctional Facility, 600 US Highway 27 South, South Bay, Florida 33493.

Another father, hero and weekly caller to the VOW podcast on BlogTalkRadio is Craig Cesal. Craig still resides in the infamous prison in not-so-sunny Terre Haute, IN. A place that can only be described as the spot where the real hardcore criminals go to jail, but Craig is not a criminal. Craig, who is diabetic and serving LIFE for cannabis is being forced to live on a diet of bologna sandwiches for breakfast and lunch and with inferior health care. Craig’s daughter fights for her dad

on the outside because they are the only family each other has after Craig’s son lost his life. Craig wasn’t even allowed to attend his own son’s funeral. On this Father’s Day, we think of these men, these families, separated because of a bad law.

Send Craig a letter to Craig Cesal #52948019, FCI Terre Haute, P.O. Box 33, Terre Haute, IN 47808.

Karey Woolsey- Karey is a first time, non-violent plant prisoner working on his 12th year in federal prison for 1,000 kilograms of cannabis. From behind prison bars, Karey released an album, ‘A Million Miles Away’. The album quickly became a bestseller on Amazon. Without ever touring, he landed on the Billboard charts in July 2013 - from prison! To hear more about Karey, listen to VOW interview Karey while behind bars, by listening to the online radio show found here: http://www. blogtalkradio.com/cchi2016/2016/04/17/ voices-of-warkarey-woolsey. If you would like to write Karey, his address is Karey Woolsey #34411-018, FCI Yazoo City Low, PO Box 5000, Yazoo City, MS 39194 Sherry Flor - Sherry Flor is finally free of her federal sentence! Sherry’s husband, Richard Flor owned Montana Cannabis while Sherry worked for the company. In 2011 the federal government raided the company sending Richard and Sherry to prison. Richard died a neglectful and tormenting death in prison shackled to a hospital bed while Sherry served her sentence. Sherry was released from prison and has been serving her probation.

The judge signed off on her probation, two years early! She is now finally free!

News Around the Nation

Oregon: Oregon is leading the way in marijuana law reform by reducing most felonies to misdemeanors or lesser felonies. Also, many citizens with past convictions are able to expunge or seal their convictions allowing them to have a clean criminal record resulting in more opportunities, such as better employment.

On May 7th, activists gathered in Portland calling for change at the federal level.

Descheduling and restoring consumers’ cannabis rights was the battle cry throughout the march that wound through the city streets. However, Oregonians are not done reforming the laws in their own

backyard.

The risks involved with marijuana infractions are still more significant than alcohol.

Weight and plant number regulations put families at risk of being out of compliance.

Employees are still subject to drug tests, despite legal adult recreational use, and renters fear eviction from landlords who are not 420 friendly. Taxpayers dollars are continuing to fund incarceration of people such as Piers Baker, an Oregonian convicted in federal court for manufacturing cannabis. He is finishing a 10 year sentence handed down in 2011 in Sheridan, Oregon. To write to Piers, a prisoner of this failed drug war, send letters to: Piers Baker #60047-065, FCI Sheridan Satellite Camp, P.O. Box 6000, Sheridan, OR 97378.

Washington: Lance Gloor is currently being held at the SeaTac Federal Bureau of Prisons after being detained for a cell phone violation in March. Lance had a detention hearing on May 10th, which could have freed him until his sentencing, but despite a rally and a courtroom full of supporters, the judge denied his release, claiming he’s a flight risk. One of the fucked up things about our judicial system, was how Vince Lombardi mentioned things that had nothing to do with evidence actually presented during the trial. One thing wrongly presented by the prosecution was how Lance was operating a “so called” medical dispensary, which wouldn’t be legal under current law, which was not the case since the hearing was in May and the law didn’t take effect until June.

During his trial, they did not prove he broke any current state laws. His new attorney did point out the present ongoings with the 9th district and the pending decision for the prosecution of medical marijuana cases in medical states. Section 538 states, no federal funds will be used in the prosecution of medical marijuana facilities. Even this didn’t deter Prosecutor Vince Lombardi, who simply said we can revisit it then, clearly a man with no forethought with his place in history.

Lance needs your help as he is scheduled for sentencing on June 3rd at 10:30. He needs as many people as possible to come to his hearing and stand up for him in the courtroom. Another freedom rally is scheduled before the hearing, so show up at 9:00 with your “Free Lance” signs! He is facing 5-60 years, however, prosecutor

is recommending 10. Lance needs your support, he needs you to write a letter to Judge Leighton, asking him to be lenient on his sentence. You can e-mail your letter or questions to psm103_17@yahoo.com. If you would like to send Lance some mail to help cheer him up, his address is: Lance Gloor #44270086, FDC SEATAC PO Box 13900, Seattle, WA 98198.

Tennessee: Michael Brooks is a resident of a small town in

Tennessee who found a cure for his life-threatening hepatitis C by using cannabis oil. Michael learned that he had hepatitis c several years ago after suffering physical issues to the point of being unable to participate in his two young sons lives most days. Michael was taking all of the traditional pharmaceuticals he could in hopes of finding some relief to no avail. Brooks was fortunate enough to not only learn about the healing benefits of cannabis oil (RSO), but to also have access to a continuous source of it. After using oil for a short time, Michael was feeling dramatically better and was able to discontinue the medications.

After several months Michaels hepatitis was undetectable in lab tests. Unfortunately, a year ago Michael lost custody of his two young children to family services. One of the main conditions of Michael regaining custody of his boys is to abstain from all forms of cannabis. Michael, being a father, discontinued use of cannabis. A year later and Michael’s health has steadily declined and his hepatitis c has returned. The next time you light a joint or take some RSO remember the people who can’t, remember that cannabis prohibition is far from over.

California: Two California residents involved in separate court

proceedings facing multiple felonies involving cannabis had their charges dropped last month. Kevin Saunders of Marina had been charged with selling $300.00 of cannabis to an undercover police officer back in 2013. Kevin, an outspoken cannabis activist who has been fighting these charges for three years, said, “I was kind of expecting a trial, I wanted the information to come out and I wanted people to see how I operated,” but is nonetheless relieved for it to be over. The other defendant who had her charges dropped is Mary D who faced distribution charges for attempting to share cannabis from her collective with someone whom she thought was a legitimate California card holder, who was instead an undercover officer. Mary was only doing what she had a legal right to do under California’s medical marijuana program. After an exhaustive year of fighting her charges and turning down all plea deal offers, just days before her trial was to begin the charges against her were dropped.

New Jersey: On April 27th, NJ Weedman’s restaurant (The

Joint), and cannabis church (Liberty Bell Temple) were raided by local law enforcement. NJ Weedman (Edward Forchion) was taken into custody and released, after posting $70,000 for bail. He has been charged with 13 counts of marijuana possession and distribution, having a fortified premises, two counts of paraphernalia possession and maintaining a narcotics nuisance. NJ Weedman plans to take this case all the way to trial! He is known for his advocacy for jury nullification after beating two cannabis cases. Remember, if you are called to jury duty, you have the power to say not guilty, by judging the law, and not the defendant! To find out more about NJ Weedman, visit njweedman.com.

NO VICTIM = NO CRIME = NOT GUILTY NO ONE SHOULD BE CAGED FOR CANNABIS!

the other oils For the Love of Clove By: Shelly Berkowitz

Reflexologist & Holistic Health Counselor Clove essential oil is one of the most versatile oils. It is considered an antiseptic for oral infections and an antimicrobial for external uses. It is also used in food, candy and gum for flavor. The high levels of eugenol contained in clove essential oil are responsible for its strong biological and antimicrobial activities. It also has high levels of manganese and other nutrients including potassium, magnesium and calcium. Clove is indigenous to Indonesia and Madagascar. It has also been used for thousands of years in Chinese culture, and was known throughout Chinese history to help with things like acne, gum disease, energy boosting, anti-inflammatory, mold and fungus killing and for improving blood circulation.

The human mouth is a bacterial playground. If you have any kind of oral discomfort, it can be the worst pain. As human beings, we are really sensitive to pain in our mouths. That’s why having natural products to ease discomforts and also help the body to fight oral impurities is really a blessing. The Journal of Dentistry published a study in 2006 proving clove oil had the same numbing

effect as benzocaine. For this reason, you can use clove oil for teething with infants by diluting the oil with coconut oil and rubbing it on the gums. By simply using a drop of pure, therapeutic grade clove essential oil (please don’t ever use clove oil that you buy off the shelf internally), you can transition the mouth from a place of sensitivity and discomfort to a place of comfort and you can continue life more normally until you can get to a professional. Because it can be what is considered a “hot” oil, make sure to test a very small amount, diluted, to make sure that you have no sensitivities.

Preventatively, you can also use clove oil on your dental floss to help get clove oil around your gum lines. This also helps to kill germs that cause bad breath, and possibly help to avoid future tooth and gum issues. You can also use one drop of clove oil on your toothbrush as you brush your teeth to add the antiseptic properties to your ritual. Since the mouth carries so many germs, having something that kills off germs naturally is a real bonus.

Published in Oral Microbiology & Immunology, a study was performed to see how clove compared to other antifungal treatments and observed that clove was as effective as nystatin, a drug commonly prescribed to manage yeast infections of the mouth (thrush) and all the sideeffects associated.

Microorganisms from the oral cavity have been shown to cause a number of oral infectious diseases, including caries (tooth decay), periodontitis (gum disease), endodontic (root canal) infections, alveolar osteitis (dry socket), and tonsillitis.

Evidence is accumulating which also links oral bacteria to a number of systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease, stroke, preterm birth, diabetes and pneumonia.

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 32

A study done at the University of Buenos Aires indicated

which bacteria are the most sensitive to clove’s potency. According to their study, clove has the greatest antimicrobial ability over E. coli and also exerted control over Staph Aureus, which causes acne. For skin and acne purposes, clove oil works great when mixed with a couple teaspoons of raw honey and then added to your face wash.

AND NOW THE FACTS: Clove contains 30x more antioxidants than blueberries.

Antioxidants are molecules that reverse the damage that free radicals cause, including cell death and cancer. Research has shown that antioxidants slow aging and protect the body against viruses and bad bacteria. Clove is known as the ultimate “protective” oil and is used in popular therapeutic essential oil blends.

History tells us that clove oil was one of the main oils that protected people from getting the Bubonic Plague in Europe.

Natural protection for your body is a good thing. Consider using clove at home in your diffuser, mixed in to your homemade personal products, on your gums, or in some coconut oil rubbed on your chest and/or neck areas for added antioxidant protection.

For consultations or more information about how to use or purchase essential oils, please contact Shelly Berkowitz, Reflexologist & Holistic Health Coach at (714) 514-3737. Shelly can also be reached via email at ahealthyresidual@yahoo. com and her website can be viewed at www. mydoterra.com/shellyberkowitz. You can also find her on Facebook at A Healthy Residual.

FDA Disclaimer: The information, advice, statements, and testimonials made about the essential oils, blends, and products mentioned on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The information on this site and the products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, nor are they intended to replace proper medical help. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen with essential oils. User submitted testimonials are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results - what works for one may not work for another.

industry Berner Hits Vegas By: Stephanie Shehan

Rap artist and cannabis entrepreneur, Berner, recently partnered with Tryke Companies to launch his “Exotics by Berner” line at their local Reef DIspensary locations. Last month I had the chance to sit and chat with him about all things cannabis and here is what he had to say.

VCM: I understand that this is your first Nevada business venture. What made you decide to partner with Tryke/Reef?

BERNER: I attended the Marijuana Business Conference where I met the Tryke team through a mutual friend. I immediately liked what they were about and they allowed me to come in and be hands-on. They are open minded and allowed me to give my input and suggestions. Many people in the cannabis world are stuck in their ways and the Tryke team was totally open to what I wanted to do. I saw this as a good opportunity. I have been in this industry for quite a while and I understand what is needed to run a successful cannabis business.

VCM: Do you intend to use your influence in California to bring business to Las Vegas?

BERNER: Many people outside of Las Vegas are unaware of how quickly the industry is moving. I feel that I have a good connection, especially with the California market and since Nevada has reciprocity, it is a good opportunity for me to bring my audience to Vegas. Through social media and our mini-series that we just released on Vegas, it is my intention to let everyone know what is going on here and that they can visit, bring their recommendations and shop our local dispensaries. It is all about educating the audience.

VCM: Will the Berner Exotics line be exclusive to Reef or are you going to offer it to other dispensaries to carry?

BERNER: Some will be exclusive but our intention is really to bring good medicine to everyone in Vegas so we will allow some of the line to be carried at other local dispensaries. One of the cool things that I found out about Vegas is that you can wholesale here.

VCM: Will the Berner Exotics line include concentrates or will it be only flower?

“I just want to see the cannabis connoisseurs of Las Vegas come out, be open and be comfortable.”

-Berner

BERNER: Initially we will roll out only flower in the Berner Exotics line but we do have future plans to include concentrates.

VCM: What about RSO or FECO? Do you have plans to produce cannabis oil for our local patients?

BERNER: We have talked about dedicating space to make oil when we build out. We know that patients need access to good medicine and oil is definitely in our future plans.

VCM: What are your thoughts on cannabis as medicine?

BERNER: Of course cannabis is medicine. Those of us that smoke cannabis know it is medically beneficial. I myself starting using cannabis for anxiety and now I use it in the morning to combat occasional depression. I travel a lot and I deal with a wide array of people. I have a lot on my plate, from music and clothing to my cannabis ventures and being a father.

Sometimes trying to handle all of it can bring on some anxiety and occasionally depression. A nice sativa in the morning is uplifting and can immediately raise my spirits. I have witnessed the medical side of cannabis firsthand, budtending at age 18, I encountered patients with AIDS, Parkinson’s, cancer and other debilitating conditions. Cannabis helps with anxiety, depression, mental anguish and stress - it is real medicine, it works wonders.

VCM: What about cannabis legalization?

BERNER: I want it to happen. As a person, I should not have to be paranoid about possessing a plant that I use as

medicine. There are certain cities that I will not perform in anymore because if I get caught with cannabis, I am going to jail. I don’t consume alcohol, I am a businessman and a father, I live my life the right way. In this day and age, consuming cannabis is just something I should not have to worry about.

VCM: Do you think cannabis will go recreational in Nevada?

BERNER: Yes! I think Nevada will be the next state to go recreational. Las Vegas is the perfect market and most promising place for legal cannabis.

VCM: How do the dispensaries and cultivations in Nevada compare to what you have seen in California?

BERNER: I have never seen anything like what I have seen here in Las Vegas.

California has seen similar business roll outs and plans but Vegas is doing things on a much bigger scale. And, the laws and regulations are setting Nevada up to be the model for other areas.

VCM: Do any of the other companies you are affiliated with plan to move into the Nevada market?

BERNER: I work with California’s Finest and I know we have a deal in the works here. We may also open a Cookies standalone store in the future.

The Berner Exotics line is available at Reef Dispensaries, located at 3400 Western Avenue in Las Vegas and at 1366 W. Cheyenne in North Las Vegas. For more information, visit Reef online at www.ReefDispensaries.com.

PHOTO BY: Shane O’Neal - SON Studios

medical PTSD Treatment Update:

DEA Approves Study Investigating Use of Botanical Cannabis for PTSD By: Dr. Kit, Pharm.D, RPh.

In a recent article in Vegas Cannabis Magazine, I reviewed a study that sought to investigate the effectiveness and safety of cannabis in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which was reportedly in its final stages of the approval process. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 5.2 million Americans, including up to 30% of war veterans, suffer from PTSD annually. As a review, PTSD can occur in anyone exposed to trauma, such as bad car accidents, domestic violence, or violent crime, but has been often been used in the media to apply to military war veterans. PTSD can begin as soon as three months after the traumatic event, but may not show up until years later. Symptoms include: flashbacks/nightmares and bad memories of the event, severe distress at/avoidance of things or places that remind you of the event, insomnia, anxiety, paranoia/ vigilance, guilt/shame, self-destructive behavior, and difficulty in paying attention.

Cannabis is one of many interventions in the arsenal to treat PTSD, with case reports and other anecdotal evidence showing its effectiveness. However, the gold standard of medical evidence is the randomized, controlled trial (RCT), which helps eliminate bias in the findings and allows us to more reliably attribute the effect to the drug or intervention, in this case, cannabis. RCTs have not previously been able to be conducted in the United States for medical cannabis due to the federal prohibition of cannabis, as investigators have difficulty in legally acquiring the medication for the studies.

This new study, investigating the safety and effectiveness of cannabis in the treatment of PTSD, plans to recruit 76 military veterans (between two treatment sites). They will randomly divide those 76 veterans into four treatment groups: placebo + three treatment groups: high THC, high CBD, and equal THC/CBD cannabis. Each participant will complete two stages, consisting of three weeks

of treatment and two weeks without cannabis in each stage. Treatment effectiveness will be evaluated using ClinicianAssisted PTSD Scores (CAPS) and independent observer evaluations before and after each study period as well as six months after the second stage is complete. The study aims to determine both the safety and effectiveness of cannabis for PTSD and the most effective cannabinoid profile. It has not yet enrolled patients, as it has not yet been able to acquire the cannabis for the study. To see why, let’s examine the process cannabis studies must go through in order to conduct research with cannabis.

Research into the medical uses of cannabis, including treatment of PTSD, has been hindered by federal prohibitions on the use of cannabis. Cannabis is currently classified as a Schedule I substance by the DEA, meaning that it has a high risk of addiction with no accepted medical use, and is therefore illegal to possess. Cannabis is not a commercially available, FDA-approved medication in the United States. Researchers must file for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order to be able to study cannabis for use in humans, and currently must apply to obtain the cannabis from the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded research cultivation facility at the University of Mississippi, the National Center for Natural Products Research, then apply to the DEA for the permission to possess cannabis for research purposes.

On April 19, 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) finally approved the use of botanical cannabis for this study, paving the way for the study’s coordinators to order the federally-cultivated cannabis for the study and then begin to enroll participants. Over six years after beginning the approval process, the DEA gave its consent for the use of botanical cannabis in this research study. This is the first time that federal agencies, including the DEA,

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 38

FDA, and NIDA, have given full approval for a clinical trial meant to develop cannabis into a commercially available medication in the United States. Using this study as our guide, let’s look at some of the bureaucratic processes, using this study’s timeline, that interfere with the research of cannabis as medicine.

•

November 2010: Researcher Dr. Sue Sisley, at the time an assistant professor at the University of Arizona School of Medicine, submitted the original Investigational New Drug Application to the FDA

•

December 2010: The FDA approved the IND, but asked for revisions to the protocol, clarifying how the cannabis would be supplied for the study.

•

February 2011: These revisions were submitted

•

April 2011: Full approval (including revisions) was given by the FDA; the study coordinators then petitioned both the US Public Health Service (USPHS) and National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) for approval to purchase research cannabis from the NIDA’s National Center for Natural Products, the federally supported cannabis cultivation facility.

•

September 2011: USPHS/NIDA denied the application to purchase cannabis.

•

July 2012: Researchers presented the the details of how the study is to be conducted, or study protocol, to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Arizona, requesting permission to conduct the study at that site.

•

October 2012: After submitting 2 revisions based on information

to possess cannabis for research purposes.

requested by the IRB, approval to conduct the study was granted by the University of Arizona IRB. •

October 2013: The study protocol was again submitted to the US Public Health Service for approval to purchase cannabis from the National Institute for Drug Abuse.

•

February 2014: The study’s investigators applied for and received a one-year extension of their IND, citing that the US Public Health Service had not yet ruled on the resubmitted study protocol.

•

March 2014: Final approval from the US Public Health Service was obtained, nearly 3 1/2 years after FDA IND approval. Once approval to purchase the study cannabis was received, the NIDA gave permission for the National Center for Natural Products Research to begin growing the cannabis for the study, and to provide the study investigators with a price to supply the cannabis for the study.

•

June 2014: Dr. Sue Sisley received word that the University of Arizona would not renew her contract as assistant professor, leaving her and the study without a research site.

Fortunately, Johns Hopkins University expressed interest in conducting the study at their facilities.

•

February 2015: The study investigators received re-approval from the US Public Health Service for the new site, for a new Arizona site for Dr. Sisley, and for additional principal investigators for oversight from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Colorado.

•

March 2015: The National Institute for Drug Abuse/National Center for Natural Products Research provided cost and availability information for the study cannabis.

•

September 2015: Researchers applied for and obtained Johns Hopkins IRB approval The last hurdle was to receive approval from the DEA for the Arizona site to possess study cannabis, as Johns Hopkins already had a Schedule I drug research license.

•

November 2015: The study’s coordinators submitted the study protocol to the DEA for approval

•

April 19, 2016: Final approval received from the DEA. This final approval allowed researchers to order the cannabis needed for this study from the National Institute for Drug Abuse’s National Center for Natural Products Research.

This marks the first time that approval from the FDA, the US Public Health Service, the National Institute for Drug Abuse, and the DEA. A big step forward indeed, but only after a very lengthy and involved process that highlights the need to minimize the hindrances to cannabis research, in order to get patients the medication they desperately need.

With twenty-two soldiers committing suicide each day, we cannot afford to wait.

Dr. Kit, Pharm.D, RPh, is the co-owner of Medigrow, a Nevada grow school, established in 2008.

She has also been a licensed, practicing pharmacist in Las Vegas since 2004.

To Snitch or Not to Snitch Part 2

By: J. Tony Serra Introduction By: Pebbles Trippet

‘There is a blizzard of informants. Every major drug case involves them as key witnesses. It’s a blight on our judicial system.” -J. Tony Serra Tony Serra sees the world in justice terms. To right an inherent wrong, he is calling to outright ban the odious practice of “snitching” as a legal option, with its hydra-headed galaxy of informant-based laws that have poisoned the justice system beyond correction.

He describes an imbedded system at the heart of every major drug case, that rewards millions of people willing to harm others to advance themselves. Snitching is about a system to harm others to get out of their own case or have a sentence reduced or get paid.

They must give up other names for the deal. And so they do. Snitches are key witnesses.

Millions of innocent or ancillary people are ruined by this legal scam. Tony says, “Informant law is morally & practically bad for the individual, bad for society, a junkyard of interlocking laws; there are too many to correct. Ban them. Ban the practice.”

Looking back at the tragic Fred Hampton case, the Black Panther Party member was killed in a hail of police bullets aimed from outside, into his Chicago home. Turns out, a police informant provided the floor plan to Hampton’s house in exchange for his deal.

There is also the stayed Richard Glossip Oklahoma Death Row case. Glossip was convicted of murder solely on the testimony of Justin Sneed who confessed to the murder but claimed Glossip hired him. Sneed avoided the death penalty by implicating Glossip, but Sneed’s daughter wrote the Parole Board, saying, “For a couple of years now, my father has been talking to me about recanting his original testimony. I feel his conscience is getting to him.” She said she believes Richard is innocent. So do Susan Sarandon, Sister Helen Prejean & many others, advocating for truth, OK Governor Mary Fallin stopped the execution & issued a stay to investigate the chemical mix Glossip is due to be killed with.

Testimony of the murderer’s daughter could save Glossip. Sneed, the snitch, has ruined these lives to save his own, yet if he recants the question is will the state send him to Death Row to be executed as the murderer? It would make him hesitant to tell the truth about Glossip if he must implicate himself.

Would a ban on snitching be an enlightened step toward justice?

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 42

“So that’s the first question I ask: Does snitching better a person in any way?”

Serra had churned up the room again. It was apparent that he was hitting below the belt of the comfort level of many people present, the snitch lawyers in particular.

“Let’s look next at the judicial system.

Imagine a judicial system in which one side goes out and buys witnesses. It buys one witness here for ten thousand dollars, another one there for twenty thousand, three over here a little cheaper: three for fifteen thousand. And then the other side goes out and buys as many witnesses as it can get, and the witnesses testify for the pay that they get. Would any intelligent, sane person consider that to be a wise way to run a judiciary system? Is that the truth-seeking process at its finest hour?

“Justice has to be a meaningful attribute of every culture. And within that society’s system of justice is the truth-seeking process. And if that process is based on the employment of paid witnesses on both sides, then what does ‘truth’ mean in that civilization? What does ‘justice’ mean? They mean nothing!”

The room reverberated with the force of this statement. I looked around to see if anyone would walk out, but no one did. It was as if everyone was held captive on a speeding locomotive.

Serra was accusatory now. “What are we doing, especially in the federal courts?

We’re saying that one side can go out and buy witnesses. But if the other side, if we buy witnesses, that’s a fucking crime!

We would be prosecuted for it! They buy witnesses, not so crudely as with cash money, although that has occurred. I’ve had cases where they’ve given up to thirty thousand cash in a suitcase. Just like a dope deal. The narcs are giving it to their informant, who’s heading for some unknown federal-witness-protection place.

But no! Far more precious than money, they give liberty! ‘We’ll give you ten years of your liberty. We’ll give you twenty years of your liberty,’” he said in a cunning seductive voice. “’You’ll be anonymous and you’ll be completely free! Nobody will know!’

“We’re creating a judicial system that’s predicated on paid informants, who are paid in the currency of liberty, the most precious commodity that exists. And dare we say that that’s justice? Dare we say that that’s the underpinning, the foundation, for a just system? No! It’s an

utter disgrace. It’s mockery. It’s ridiculed from any intellectual perspective, by other countries, by history itself.

totalitarianism: eliminating the adversarial system, eliminating trial by jury, ultimately eliminating us lawyers!

“Someday historians will look back at these times as a very dark and gloomy period for the American judicial system. And if other judicial systems follow in our footsteps-with witnesses paid to testify with their libertythen the notion of justice and the notion of freedom certainly will have to go!

“Don’t you think that when they get through snitching on everyone else, they’re gonna be snitching on us? Aren’t they snitching on us now? Have you had a good open conversation with someone you didn’t know lately? Do you walk around the block, like I do? You’ve got to walk around the damned block! Make sure traffic is noisy, turn up the radio, talk to them over the noise of the fucking radio.

They’ve attempted to snitch on me! I’ve had them show up wired in my office carrying a fucking kilo of cocaine, saying, ‘Hey, man, I owe you some bread.’ And right downstairs is the DEA just ready to pounce.

“So what I say is, first, the individual who participates in this system is destroyed and second, the judicial system that participates in it is destroyed.”

Serra built up such a force in his oratory that it seemed as if the room was banking like a plane, with its passengers bracing against the disequilibrium.

“The third level is far worse!” he shouted at the audience. “This is really why I’d let my kid become a heroic penal-colony member, why I’d let him die, before I’d let him snitch. Informing destroys the adversary system. You forfeit that which you think you embrace. And it’s already coming to that: The dissident voice is being silenced by the snitch system.

“I’ll get a case and I’ll think, Oh, there’s just one snitch against me. Oh, well, what’s one motherfucking snitch? I can beat one snitch! And by the time I get to trial, there are five snitches. They all rolled! Rolled the top on my client, rolled the bottom on my client, rolled the side on my client.

Total oppression!

“Total conquest is what’s in the mind of the government. Total victory. They want to vanquish all opposition. And they don’t give a shit if the snitch is lying or if the snitch is telling the truth! What they want is total control. They’re not lawyers; they’re oppressors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office who go into this phony fiction that this is serving an adversarial function. But what happens, ultimately, is that there’s only one side. You who think you’re serving the defense, you serve the prosecution! There won’t be an adversary system. Everyone will submit. Everyone will be vanquished. There will be no two sides. Everyone will turn over.

“And what does that mean? That means totalitarianism! That’s where we’re going. Don’t you see that? The snitch, the informant, the conspiracy concepts, the reverse-sting concept, these are our gutters leading toward

“What do snitch lawyers say about informants? The snitch lawyers’ general rationalization for aiding and abetting frequently perjurious informants is that their first commitment is to the welfare of their client, and the client’s receiving a lenient sentence, or not being prosecuted at all, is the best possible result. Therefore, their representation of an informant is in the highest calling of criminal-defense lawyer.

“This, from my perspective, is a lot of bullshit. Most ‘snitch lawyers’ subspecialize in the category. A body of law has built up around what manner informants and cooperating witnesses can be legally rewarded, and therefore there’s a bargaining process that occurs in many instances before a snitch will take the stand. The lawyer is negotiating for the optimum that his client can receive, either in terms of a reduced sentence or financial compensation. Therefore, a snitch lawyer doesn’t really practice criminal-defense law. He doesn’t write motions, he doesn’t vigorously cross-examine witnesses, he doesn’t go to jury trial; he’s part of secret negotiations in the bowels of the prosecutor’s office, most of which never fully come to light. However, has he really served his client’s interests well?

“These informants are subject to severe punishment by their peers, both in the prison system and out. Many of them can never go ‘home’ again. Many are estranged from their friends and relatives, even their children. Many psychiatric disorders after becoming informants.

Many of them find themselves halfway between their old world and some new legal lifestyle that they cannot readily adapt

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 43

to. Down deep, law enforcement doesn’t respect them. The prosecutors don’t respect them. They’re vilified by everyone.

“And they should be. They’re guilty of the Judas Syndrome, which is deep-seated in all of humankind. Betrayal has always been severely dealt with by all cultures.

So instead of giving ‘life’ to clients who are encouraged to snitch by their lawyers, they’re starting them on a downward cycle of depression and self-destruction.

That’s what I have seen and why I don’t participate at any level in creating snitches.

“They hurt themselves; they hurt others.

They’re frequently so pressured that they’ll lie, make things up out of whole cloth, bend and extend their narratives to suit law enforcement, so that law enforcement will give what they have promised. It undermines the integrity of the judicial process. It’s an Orwellian spy society that has come into actuality. It is, ultimately, the KGBing of America.

“In fact, it’s worse than buying witnesses with money.

Buying witnesses with freedom is the least reliable form of witness testimony. It should be stricken from any judicial system that seeks for truth.

“I vividly recall Tony Serra’s handling of one such informant. The snitch was called to the witness stand. There was nothing remarkable about him, nothing that singled him out. In fact, the most notable thing about him was that one would never suspect him to be different from anyone else. He bore no markings of the Judas goat.

“Again, an affirmative answer came right on cue.

Tony Serra squared off his stance at the podium for his cross-examination. The room went silent. I wondered who present in the spectator section of the courtroom was aware of the vivisection that was about to occur.

This sudden stripping of the covert cover made the snitch squirm in discomfort.

He hesitated, breaking the cadence of question and reply. The pause was apparent, the silence awkward. “Yes,” he replied, reluctantly, as though he tripped and was groping to restore his equilibrium.

Now Serra augured a little deeper. He lowered his head and fixed a hard stare on the snitch. “And that you will be sentenced at a date subsequent to your testimony in this trial against my client. That’s your understanding, isn’t it?”

“Buying witnesses with freedom is the least reliable form of witness testimony.”

“In every criminal case in our alleged system of justice, some form of spy mentality is now present. There are degrees of informants. We probably have more nomenclature for informants than any other culture. We have citizen informants, confidential informants, confidential reliable informants, unnamed anonymous informants, informants who are percipient, informants who are participatory, informants who are merely eyewitnesses, informants who are co-defendants, informants who precipitate charges by reverse stings. We are confronting informants and cooperating witnesses at every level: preliminary hearings, grand juries, and state and federal jury trials.

Our system of justice is permeated by the witness or the provocateur who is paid by government for a role in either revealing or instigating crime. It’s probably the greatest tragedy of my career, in terms of whether or not justice is really pursued and whether truth is a foundation for actualizing justice.

“Your plea agreement specifies that you were charged by indictment in a case where you could receive twenty years to life. Is that true?”

The snitch, unthreatened, calmly answered, “Yes. “Serra continued in his lawyerly manner, “And further, that the twenty years are mandatory. That is, you could not receive one day less than the mandatory twenty years to life. You understood that, didn’t you?

“The snitch responded to these apparently non-threatening questions without hesitation. “Yes. “A rhythm established, Serra pushed on.

“Further, is it a fact that presently you have not been sentenced?

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 44

Serra fed on his malaise and further pinched the nerve. “And that you could receive, under your plea agreement, as low as five years on a downward departure for your cooperation in this case. You understand that your plea agreement allows that, don’t you?”

The snitch feigned a cough and rubbed his nose, buying him nanoseconds of time, while searching for the right words that would save him from glowing with the falsity of his reply. He didn’t find any. He was cornered, and his silence was damning unto itself. “Yes,” he replied.

The spectators shifted in their seats as it became apparent what was occurring here.

Another tweak of the nerve by Serra. “And you understand the nature of the plea agreement: The U.S. Attorney will make the recommendation to the court, whether or not your sentence will be twenty to life, or your sentence will be five years. You understand, by your plea agreement, that you must please the prosecutor in order to get this most favorable recommendation, don’t you?” Serra had him now and was hammering on him, and the only way out was through this damnable house of mirrors that reflected every motive and move of the entire sell-out.

The snitch, realizing his position at the center of this mortifying exposure, answered sheepishly, “Yes.” Now Serra amped up his volume as he

moved in toward a deliberate denuding.

“You further understand that the prosecutor wants testimony from you that incriminates my client, don’t you! That’s what he wants; don’t you know that?”

This was like being caught with the murder weapon belching smoke. The snitch seemed to shrink before our eyes as he answered, “Yes.” He’d suddenly become a prisoner of the government and a hostage of J. Tony Serra.

Never breaking his intense beam on the snitch, Serra gouged deeper with his semantic sword. “And that if you don’t give the prosecutor the testimony that he seeks to incriminate my client, you won’t get your reward of fifteen years, or more, off your prison sentence. Isn’t that true?”

The snitch’s face flushed tell-tale red. He squirmed with discomfort in his seat, in search of a position that looked natural.

He was being stalked in a minefield of incriminating questions and he simply didn’t know how to proceed. Again, there was an awkward break of the questionanswer rhythm and the whole room perceived his distress. Staring downward, he said to the floor, “Well, not exactly. I was told that if I told the truth, that, uh, that’s all I had to do.” He looked up to see if anyone bought it.

Now Serra lightened the tension a bit.

“The truth if known only to you and my client, for the most part, in connection with your testimony. Would you agree to that?”

Relieved for the reprieve of intensity, the snitch ably answered, “Yes.” But Serra’s leniency was only a tease, the cat toying with the mouse, allowing the mouse to think the cat has lost interest; Serra now returned with unmitigating force.

“You would do anything not to go to prison for twenty years to life, wouldn’t you?”

stabilized himself; he pulled at his collar, as though feeling the tension of an invisible noose around his neck and shifted position in the chair. He shrank before our eyes.

Clearing his throat, his voice a little too high, audibly strained, he said, “Yes, it’s obvious I don’t want to go to prison for the rest of my life, “then hurriedly added, “but I’m not lying.”

Serra imposed his next question.

“Wouldn’t you lie in order to save yourself …” here Serra paused for dramatic effect, “…fifteen years?”

Gauging the consequences of his answer, the snitch quickly replied, “No.” Serra flexed his claws into the mouse once again to render just the desired response to imprint upon the memory of the jury.

“Isn’t it a fact that you have been lying in order to save yourself fifteen years?”

Again the defensive reactionary reply, “No!” Serra’s claws pierced deeper. “Isn’t it a fact that you have been pressured to lie to escape a sentence of twenty years to life?”

With eyes dull as dust, the snitch rotely responded, “No.”

you!?”

Only a stunned silence ensued. The bailiff escorted the snitch out of the courtroom.

“It’s a direct equation: the more informants, the fewer constitutional rights.

And so, in a certain sense, as they say in our ecology, ‘The canaries are dying!’

Our canaries of freedom are dying in the stench of the informant system. Each canary is a case-a drug case, a civil-rights case, a political case-and as each case falls prey to the informant witness system, our precious liberties die with it.”

So I close with a warning: Wherever there is a clash of ideology, wherever there is warfare, there are always going to be some people who succumb, some who compromise, some who betray, some who, through cowardice or self-motivation, will be disloyal. That’s encountered everywhere. But we are in a war. The metaphor of the war on drugs, the war on terror, the war on patriotism brings up the metaphor of lawyers as warriors! It’s better to die honorably with courage and selfrespect than to live on as a token of victory for the oppressors.”

“To Snitch or Not to Snitch” was originally published in the book, “Lust for Justice”, by Paulette Frankl.

Serra turned up the heat. “Isn’t it a fact that the case agent and the U.S. Attorney have explained to you, over and over, your legal position?”

A robotic voice said, “Yes.” Serra underlined his theme one last time. “And that legal position is that if you don’t get their recommendation based on your testimony today, you’ll get twenty to life. That’s what you have been told on numerous occasions, isn’t it?”

The snitch, caught in his own trap, uttered a knowing sigh of doom and responded weakly, “Well, not really, not anything.”

Once again the shudder of cover-up, betrayal, sell-out, deceit surrounded the snitch like a vile aura. And the snitch, succumbed to a posture of defeat, obediently answered, “Yes.”

Serra’s voice darkened, turning ominous and overshadowing, as he said, “You don’t want to go to prison for twenty to life, do you? You would die in prison; you’re fortyfive years old now.”

Serra’s fury cut loose in full Old Testament accusatory volume. “And you’re quite willing to lie to this jury in order to save your own skin, aren’t you?”

A dull “No.”

The snitch, trying to fake his composure, was coming unraveled, while his eyes shifted nervously from side to side before they fixed on a point on the table where he

As Serra’s final exclamation, he riveted his rage at the snitch, pointed his finger like a gun directly at him, and point-blank exploded, “You’re lying right now, aren’t

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 45

higher education Nursing & Hospitality Students By: Willie Spearmint

As the cannabis community continues to grow in Nevada we discover more students and student organizations incorporating cannabis into their academic experiences and future career plans. As new cannabis businesses continue to open in Nevada students are taking notice of the potential long term employment opportunities.

This month we salute the Nevada State College (NSC) Student Nurses Association (SNA). These forward thinking students have a reputation for operating ahead of the curve. The NSC SNA recognize the current and future needs of medical marijuana patients and feel duty bound to educate themselves on the endocannabinoid system regardless of their personal beliefs.

Last year the SNA stood in solidarity with Nevada’s 1st and only student cannabis organization by submitting a letter of support when the NSC Scorpion’s Cannabis Awareness Network was initially voted off campus. The SNA also invited the American Cannabis Nurses Association to their employment mixer last semester.

On May 24th the SNA hosted the Nevada Cannabis Nurses Association to speak on campus.

Nurse Juhlzie Monteiro RN (better known as @AskNurseJuhlzie), Diane Kruoda RN

follow: @Vegas420runner on Twitter and Instagram #Vegas420runner #420runner

like: Nevada State College ScorpionsCAN (ret). and paralegal Lennora Valles visited NSC to engage the nursing students.

“Whether we agree with cannabis or not, we have a duty to know and educate patients on all treatment modalities available and let them decide their best method of treatment,” said Juhlzie.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH:

The June Nevada Cannabis College Student of the month is UNLV senior Amanda Angellella.

The Philadelphia transplant arrived in Las Vegas in 2009. She studies Hospitality Administration and Hotel Management at the UNLV Harrah’s Hotel college program with an anticipated graduation date of May 2017.

Last semester she presented a final term project for Hospitality Marketing focused on introducing a new product into the marketplace.

While brainstorming she had a vision of the CannaBliss Wellness Resort. “My passion for hospitality and the desire to open my own resort lead me on a mission across the country,” says the motivated senior. With 10 years of hospitality experience she says, “I have found the heart of all compassion is rooted in empathy and patience when dealing with and creating guest experiences.”

The resort plan is designed with a focus on educating, enriching and immersing the guests with a full lifestyle themed experience. “From the moment the guest arrives the patient friendly resort would provide tools and techniques for vacationing patients to utilize on their path to wellness,” said Amanda. “It’s about shifting the current culture, exploring the unknown and creating a new face of kindness, compassion and empathy for the growing cannabis community.”

Amanda becomes more involved in her local cannabis community with each passing week.

Last month she attended a medical cannabis research session on her college campus where she engaged the panel and audience with a thought provoking question. She also took a private tour of Digi-Path labs believing she can best serve by being informed on all avenues of the industry.

“I met Amanda at a meet and greet for Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman. Amanda had just finished telling the mayor how cannabis has impacted her life,” said colleague Deuvall Dorsey of REDEFINEcannabis.com.

“Weeks later while I watched her interview Congresswoman Dina Titus about cannabis and congress, I saw the potential Amanda has to be an innovator in the future of America’s cannabis industry,” says Deuvall.

In 2014 her aunt’s nine year battle against cancer was coming to its end. A sincere heart to heart conversation inspired Amanda to do

the research necessary to break the stigma surrounding cannabis for her and her family.

She’s always envisioned a career working with hotels and once she opened herself up to the cannabis community the combination brought her true passion to life. Now her long term goal is to take part in founding the first Cannabis Friendly Wellness Resorts in Nevada and Pennsylvania.

Her next step is to collaborate with a marketing or hospitality firm interested in exploring the details of the resort concept she’s continuing to develop. She anticipates a demand for expert hospitality consultants in the near future of the cannabis industry. “As medical marijuana continues to spread across the country, cannabis resorts are not that far off,” boldly predicts the UNLV senior.

Amanda Angellella, we recognize the significance of the academic cannabis related work you do and we salute you. Instagram: @ Amanda_Joy913 LinkedIn: Amanda Angellella

REDEFINEcannabis.com destigmatizes cannabis by clearly connecting it to academic institutions, athletic events and college student organizations.

Connecting cannabis businesses directly to academic scholarships enhances brand reputation. As the medical marijuana industry continues to grow in Nevada the absence of nurses working directly with medical marijuana patients becomes glaringly obvious. Interestingly many nursing students have a true desire to serve the medical marijuana community.

The dynamics of the nursing field are slowly changing and your help is needed.

Consider making a tax deductible contribution directly to the Nevada Nurses Foundation and you can name the scholarship after a business or a person you wish to honor. With this naming opportunity comes the privilege of deciding the scholarship criteria. As a scholarship donor, you will be recognized at all Nevada Nursing Foundation and Nevada Action Coalition sponsored events and on their websites for one year.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Nevada Nurses Foundation: Online: https://nvnursesfoundation.org/ Participation/nnf_donate.php Credit Card Donations: Nevada Nurses Association Foundation (775)560-1118 Checks may be made payable to: Nevada Nurses Foundation, EID: 47 1388572,501 (c) (3), P.O. Box 34047, Reno, Nevada 89533-4047

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Tokin’ With the Infamous

This past year has been a blast Tokin’ With the Infamous, mostly musicians, growers, and breeders. For the first anniversary of the column, I decided to have a session with my friend, Justin Turley, a patient who was denied a liver transplant because he chooses to use medical cannabis rather than addictive, harmful opiates. Loyal Vegas Cannabis Magazine readers may remember his story from the June 2015 issue, where he opened up about his health struggles. One thing about Justin though, he has never let his situation stop him from advocating on behalf of other patients, and he has not lost his sense of humor or love for life. I’m so stoked to report that although Justin still deals with many serious health issues, he is doing much better than he was this time last year. Here’s a little bit of our convo during our last session that left the air clouded with the sweet aroma of Key Lime Pie, and a little bit of Angel Food.

community in San Diego.

I wish that for everyone, for all patients in need.

with

Hopper: I wish more people realized that the patient comes first, bottom line.

Justin: Exactly. You really showed San Diego how to do that with The Green Door Collective.

Hopper: Do certain strains help you more than others?

Justin: Indicas and indica dominant hybrids for pain management and stomach issues. I do like a little sativa during the day to combat the depression that comes with having health issues.

Hopper: What works best for you? Do you smoke, vape, use edibles, dab, or use topicals?

Justin: All of the above, actually. I have a condition as a complication of the cirrhosis called edema, where my legs inflate with fluid and it’s really painful with blood seeping out. I’ve found a cannabis salve that does wonders for my legs, some of the damage has even been reversed. The cancer, after using the oil, did not spread to the other kidney.

Luckily, there is a very compassionate

Justin: No, not at all. I think it should be covered by Medicare and MediCal. It should definitely be tax free. It should definitely be more widely accepted.

Hopper: Do you have any updates on your health and liver transplant status?

Justin: Yeah, since the last time I chatted with Vegas Cannabis Magazine, a law was passed in California called AB 258. They can no longer discriminate against medical cannabis patients in need of organ transplants, which is huge.

Hopper: Did you lose your place in line, so to speak, before the law was passed?

Hopper: Why do you use medical cannabis?

Justin: It started when I was diagnosed with cirrhosis that causes a lot of nausea and pain.

I was given LOTS of narcotics that were really weighing me down. I found I could use cannabis instead, and I liked it so much better, being able to be conscious. Later, I was diagnosed with cancer and started using full extract cannabis oil. It’s been two years now, with no negative side effects. In the beginning it helped me to put on weight that I needed.

its availability?

Justin & Hopper Hopper: You’ve gotten a lot of attention in the past couple of years. You’ve been in multiple magazines, and on The Huffington Post. What is it like to put yourself out there like that?

Justin: It’s humbling, and also exciting knowing that people are paying attention. I’m not someone who likes to talk about myself, but to step out and speak and know that there are other people suffering who don’t have a voice, so you have to speak for them, that’s important to me. It’s an honor.

Hopper: It’s beautiful that you do that, it’s very courageous.

Justin: I appreciate that, man.

Hopper: Are you satisfied with the current state of medical cannabis and

Justin: They wouldn’t even put me on the list before, because I use medical cannabis. Now they say I’m not sick enough to get in line. I don’t know if they’re saying that to silence me, or if it’s brilliant news. I’m taking it as great news! Obviously the cannabis oil is working.

Hopper: That’s awesome! I’m so glad to hear that.

Justin: Yeah, I have to focus on the positives.

Hopper: It’s always great tokin’ with you, my friend. Is there anyone you want to shout out or give thanks to before we wrap it up?

Justin: The Human Solution, San Diego Americans for Safe Access, the GLC, everybody who works for the patients, and of course Vegas Cannabis Magazine and Bill and Stephanie Shehan.

Hopper: Right on, brother. Let’s get back to ripping this Key Lime Pie and then get on to the Angel Food.

To learn more about Justin, check out VCM’s original story: https://issuu.com/ vegascannabismagazine/docs/june_ issue_for_web

words from the inside

visit: www.FreeChrisWilliams.com

If You Could See How I Feel By: Chris Williams

Even the most observant person fails to see the pain others walk around with every day. Chronic pain is a widely spread health issue in the United States, and some would consider it the flame that has sparked the heroin/painkiller addiction epidemic. I have suffered with chronic pain since 2004, as a result of a on-the job injury. My physician followed common practice and prescribed opioid pain killers and many other pharmaceutical medications. After many years of arduous physical therapy and various treatments, I partially recovered. My physician continued to prescribe large amounts of painkillers, but I soon found a safer and more effective treatment with the cannabis plant. At first I reduced my need for opioid painkillers and soon I eliminated my need for pharmaceutical drugs completely.

Many years later I still live with the invisible drain on life, which is chronic pain. Chronic pain is an unpredictable beast, it will attack some days and incapacitate, while other days I am near 100%. But still, chronic pain affects my life everyday. Despite the pain I feel, I continue to live an active and productive life.

Even though you cannot see the pain, I can always feel it.

Rather than give up and let this pain control me, I practice an integrated therapy of yoga, meditation and healthy living. This enables me to live something of a normal life even with chronic pain.

I was sent to federal prison for operating a state legal medical marijuana facility. Even in prison, my chronic pain attacks me. In here I am not able to treat my pain with cannabis, and unfortunately my terms for release prohibit me from using cannabis at all. I continue to do physical therapy, yoga and medita-

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 58

tion. I keep fit and exercise often. I do my best to live healthy in prison. Unfortunately, I am using pharmaceutical medication to take the edge off this pain I live with. When we come to prison our illness and injuries do not disappear, however they are not always visible.

I have seen the miracle healing attributes of the cannabis plant. I watched as thousands of patients reduced their needs for pharmaceutical drugs. The war on drugs and large pharmaceutical companies have insured that the most harmful side effect of using cannabis as medicine is incarceration.

It is disgusting that the most dangerous aspect of using cannabis is going to prison.

The federal prison system currently houses over 12,000 inmates for marijuana crimes.

Even as recently as this year citizens have been sentenced to federal prison for operating state legal medical marijuana organizations. Tragically there are still many federal prisoners serving life without the possibility of parole, for non-violent marijuana crimes. I have been a prisoner in this prison industrial complex for four years.

Soon I will be released; I will be back in society. When you look at me, you will not see my chronic pain. You will not see the years I have spent in prison. Like anyone with chronic pain and like any prisoner, I strive for a normal life. As a free man I will continue to exercise and stay healthy and do my best. Thank you for your continued interest in my case and your efforts to end the incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders.

For more information about Chris Williams go to:http://www.freechriswilliams.com/

bet it all on green Moxie Extracts By: Jason Sturtsman

Founded in 2015, Moxie Extracts follows and utilizes Class 1, Division 1 pharmaceutical methods and devices and has been awarded numerous accolades, namely for their non-psychoactive CBD cannabinoid products.

Dedicated to cutting-edge innovation using the latest technology, highly trained chemists, and the strictest of safety standards, Moxie Extracts’ mission is to create the healthiest cannabis-based medicine on the market—in a wide variety of formats—for patients in need. Moxie Extracts remains dedicated to its global citizenship, practicing organic gardening on a commercial scale, utilizing green technology, buying American-made products, reducing water waste, and participating in community outreach.

JS: Moxie Nevada recently won a cannabis cup, tell us a little bit about that.

MOXIE: Moxie Extracts’ most recent collaborative cannabis cup win was with our Goji D.C. strain, a CBD heavy hybrid with a ratio of about 1.5 to 1 THC to CBD. This was Goji D.C.’s second time winning a first place award; the first time was in the 2015 NorCal High Times Cup. JS: Explain to me the difference between different Moxie concentrate runs such as cured and live resin.

MOXIE: Live Resin is our most popular product and makes up over 90% of our

product line. It is made from fresh frozen material, which means there is no drying or curing involved. The process ensures a minimal amount of breakdown to the plant before processing. This not only preserves the quality of the final product, but it also prevents oxidation, which can cause color degradation. While the majority of our market is Live Resin, some patients prefer Cured Resin. It is truly a personal preference. The Cured Resin process fully dries, trims, and cures the plant before extraction. It produces a slightly different profile with a typically deeper amber hue.

Compared to Live Resin, it anecdotally produces an alternative effect.

JS: How do you select the flower you decide to extract?

MOXIE: Most of the flowers we extract are selected through close relationships with our cultivators. If the base product or flower is of high quality at the beginning of the process, the final product, the oil, is going to be of the same high quality. When we work with cultivators, we take the time to learn as much as possible about their process, gathering information such as nutrient line, preventative pest regimens, and above all, the genetics they are growing.

JS: Do you plan on using other extraction methods besides butane such as hexane or propane?

MOXIE: We are always researching and developing new products and processes; however, we have rigorous and strict standards for a product to complete development. While we may try using

different methods or solvents, they may never see the market.

JS: Patients are reporting that their Moxie concentrates are separating onto the parchment paper. Why is that and should dispensaries be refrigerating your products?

MOXIE: The evaporative crystallization, or “sugaring,” process that occurs with live resin is unfortunately always a possibility when working with very high terpene content strains. The terpenes actually act as a solvent that suspends the THC-A into the solution, where it can precipitate with like compounds. As the compounds collect together, the terpenes separate off and “bleed-out” into the parchment paper or glass container. However, as with any chemical reaction, there needs to be a catalyst to start the process. While it is always best to keep your concentrate cool and dry, ultimately maintaining temperature stability is most important. Any sudden swing in ambient temperature can start the catalysis. This includes putting the product in your pocket close to body heat, leaving it in a car, or even removing it from a refrigerator. Like many other aspects of the extraction process, the stability of the product can be completely straindependent. For example, we don’t even try to stabilize certain extremely terpene-rich strains because of the tendency for this to occur.

JS: Tell us about the new Moxie tanks and how you create them?

MOXIE: Our proprietary tanks are made using a cannabinoid distillate, which has completed several purification processes to remove lipids, chlorophyll, and carboxylic acids. This creates a product that is nearly 100% activated for minimal conversion loss upon vaporization.

We also dilute our cartridges using a proprietary blend of naturally occurring terpenes, esters, and oils.

JS: How did you learn to do extractions and what would you recommend for someone who wanted to work in the industry?

Vegas Cannabis Magazine • June 2016 • 62

MOXIE: Our work at Moxie Extracts is extremely rewarding and meaningful; however, it demands scientific experience, an understanding of advanced mathematics and agriculture, and the willingness to put in the time—even if that time means cleaning and scrubbing the machines. As with all things scientific, our knowledge comes from education, replicating work using the scientific process, extensive research, apprenticeships, and collaboration with experienced extractors.

JS: Who are some other extraction artists you respect?

MOXIE: We have a mutual respect for Dabblicious, Nature’s Lab, FOB Extractions, Guild Extracts, The Clear Concentrate, and LoudPack Extractions. We appreciate their passion, and their focus allowing for successful collaborations. They, along with Moxie Extracts, are dedicated to continuing to improve our processes for a better, safer, and more effective product.

JS:: What is the future of extraction? Future of Nevada cannabis industry?

MOXIE: The future of extraction is limitless. As this industry begins to be welcomed into a more inclusive environment, we are all learning new techniques and innovation. This free market environment also allows for greater investment in this space. This will certainly speed up research and development. Nevada’s future in the industry is directly tied to the regulatory environment.

This can benefit or hinder continuing innovation. Moxie Extracts, along with a few other businesses, have made a significant investment in Nevada and its patients. We are very excited to be here and look forward to continuing to provide the highest and safest quality products available.

Jason Sturtsman is a Nevada Independent Cannabis Laboratory Advisory Committee Member (ILAC), Wellness Education Cannabis Advocates of Nevada (WECAN), Vice President, Owner of Healthcare Options for Patients Enterprises (HOPE), a Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Facility, and a Manager at Las Vegas Releaf, a Las Vegas dispensary. He can be reached at JasonS@wecan702. org for comments or questions.

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Oaksterdam University Opening Campus in Las Vegas By: Dr. Aseem Sappal

Do you remember the first time you learned the difference between an indica and sativa? How about when you first heard the term cannabis or cannabinoid, trichome or terpene? Today perhaps?

There’s a lot for us all to learn. There’s a lot of basic information and facts, which the general public has yet to learn. This is an election year. What about those potential voters that have never heard the word cannabis?

When they hear the word marijuana they may think about a joint. We automatically think about smoking. We think about smoking cigarettes and that can’t be good for you. You smoke marijuana, you take cannabis. Notice that I didn’t use the term “use cannabis”. Do you use Tylenol? No, you take Tylenol. Adult-use vs. recreational, it all matters.

It is generally not known that cannabis has many routes of administration.

For example, cannabis can be administered as a capsule, suppository, topically, or sublingually as a tincture. A few drops under the tongue and it can enter your bloodstream quicker. A tincture can also be glycerin based rather than alcohol based. And just as you take albuterol for asthma, cannabis - also a known bronchodilator can be inhaled through a similar device.

We were always led in the direction that marijuana causes lung cancer.

However, cannabis has been shown to reduce neuropathic pain, reduce muscle spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis and has anti-tumor effects. These cannabinoids act as neuromodulators, regulating appetite, pain, mood and memory.

Do you know the difference and more importantly the significance between THC and THCA? THC is looked at as something that gets people stoned.

THCA however is non-psychoactive and non-psychotropic. It is antiemetic and anti-inflammatory. It exists so long as the plant is wet. Once it decarboxylases over 105 degrees, the A, the Acid molecule goes away and it evolves into THC. When is the last time you saw a THCA product? How can you take that knowledge, harness its potential, debunk stoner myths, provide a service to patients and provide for your own family?

Did you know that cannabis can only be recommended? It cannot be prescribed because it is a schedule 1 substance which means that the drug or substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. However, the US government also holds patent US 6630507 B1 – that has registered cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants.

A contradiction to say the least.

Have you studied your local, state and federal law as it pertains to medical or adult-use marijuana laws? Are you aware of your rights as a citizen and medical marijuana patient? Do you understand your local and state cultivation laws?

At Oaksterdam University we help ensure that every student leaves with a well-rounded education with an opportunity to answer these questions and every question you have.

After many successful seminars in Las Vegas and thousands of statewide alum, OU is happy to announce that we estimate the opening of our Las Vegas campus this August of 2016 and will be offering classes this September. Keep an eye out on our website and social media for updates as well as internships and staff opportunities.

There’s a new opportunity for everyone in this industry including an ancillary business market where one doesn’t have to make contact with the plant in order to cultivate a niche in this industry. Do bear in mind as you partner and move forward, that as the advocate may cross the road, the opportunist may cross the line.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Happy: 30 min

Ingredients: • 473 g Water or Vegetable Broth • 265 g Pearl Couscous • 21 g Mushrooms - Chopped • 34 g Vegan Parmesan - Grated • 30 g Fresh Parsley - Chopped • 30 ml Truffle Vinaigrette • 44 ml CANNA INFUSED Olive Oil • Salt & Pepper to Taste Directions: 1. In a pot, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in couscous and cover. Remove from heat and let sit for 8 minutes. Then, fluff grains with a fork and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine couscous with mushrooms, fresh parsley, and vegan parmesan.

Add in the truffle vinaigrette and CANNA infused olive oil. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Place in fridge. - Serve cold.

This recipe and others are available in The Happy Chef Dr. Greenthumb Canna Cookbook and 50 Shades of Green Cookbook, both available on Amazon.

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