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10 Reasons to Watch the Puppy Bowl Instead of the Super Bowl

February 1, 2019 by Staff Writer

Cannabis cinnamon rolls anyone?

With Super Bowl LIII rapidly approaching, February 3rd is looming and fair weather sports fans the country over are wondering what to do on this famous Sunday. It’s the perfect time to showcase awesome cannabis snacks and treats that will leave you hangover-free on the Monday after. A great party doesn’t need alcohol, but it does need snacks and drinks, all of which can be made using your favorite bud.

So why watch the Super Bowl when you can sidestep that drama and watch the Puppy Bowl instead? Here’s 10 reasons you should change over to the Puppy Bowl this year.

1. Cute puppies (duh)

In case you’ve been living under a rock where the people in your life actually care about sports, the Puppy Bowl is a football game played simultaneously with the Super Bowl of, you guessed it, puppies playing in a tiny puppy-sized football stadium. I’m crying tears of joy just thinking about it. Who doesn’t love a shameless distraction from the frantic chaos that is daily life? I know I do! So hang on the edge of your seat with your friends as Pickles goes long while Buster and Fido wrestle for the ball. No touchdowns, just cuddly soft cuteness.

2. Better food!

This may sound crazy but just stick with me for a minute, Super Bowl Brunch. For those of you who didn’t immediately pour your coffee over your keyboard in disgust, congratulations you get to plan a delicious canna-brunch complete with Wake and Bake Cinnamon Rolls and Baked Spinach Dip, see recipes below! (You’re welcome.)

3. Less drama than the NFL

Colin Kaepernick’s silent protest against racism in 2017 has left him exiled from the NFL since and several musical artists have refused to perform at the Super Bowl to send a message. Among the artists who reportedly turned down the spot? Rihanna. In solidarity with Kaepernick and opposing the way the NFL handled the controversy, she said no to the show. If RiRi says no, that may be reason enough to say no too.

4. That haunting feeling of consumerism

Sure the ads are great, I’m a sucker for a hilarious commercial vaguely related to Doritos or a heart-wrenching commercial somewhat related to a pick-up truck. But we all know what these ads really are. They’re not a fun interlude between the third and fourth down, they are a specifically crafted, highly thought out selling device. A device designed to weasel its way into your mind and stick there, waiting for you to give in and buy products you probably don’t need. Skip the consumerism and watch 18 puppies clamor over each other to snatch a foam football instead, where the only ads are for dog food and kid’s movies.

5. The Patriots are in the Super Bowl (Yet again…)

It feels like years since we’ve seen a team that isn’t the Patriots get to the Super Bowl. Give someone else a chance how ‘bout!

6. Fewer rules to follow

Was that a pass interference or regulation interception? You know, who cares, just pass the baked spinach dip and another canna-cocktail.

7. More time to eat snacks and pack a bowl for your best buds

Puppy time = snack time. Need I say more?

8. You chose when and how to watch

No one is going to force you to watch the Puppy Bowl, when somewhere in the world a sports dad is forcing his kid to watch the game. Not today Jeff.

9. Everybody wins

When the only stakes are actual steaks for adorable puppies to munch on, the stress can just melt away. We’re all winners when a baby German Shepard and fuzzy little Huskie fall asleep on each other in the middle of the second half. They really are an inspiration… for a post-game nap.

10. And lastly, does anyone really care anyway?

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and for some of us, our only day off from work and school, why not just go outside for a walk or have brunch on the porch, or eat an edible at home and go to an art museum? There are no rules when it comes to Super Bowl Sunday, whether you’re the only one in your house who doesn’t care to spend the day glued to the TV, or you’re just tired of your favorite team never making it to the Bowl, why not grab a canna-cinnamon roll and do something a little different on February 3rd? After all, with everyone else inside watching the game, smoking a joint in the park is definitely fair game.

Recipes

GF Wake n’ Bake Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe by Dawna Weiss, herbalist, body-talk practitioner and gluten free chef from Inspired Living

Preheat convection oven to 350 F

Using paddle mixer cream together:

2 eggs

1/2 pound cannabutter

1 cup organic cane sugar

1 cup organic brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla

1cup of cold organic almond or rice milk

Whisk together:

4 cups dry ingredients (2 cups organic brown rice flour, 1 cup tapioca starch, ¾ cup organic almond flour)

1 large box of instant vanilla pudding. Set aside.

Schmear:

1/2 pound softened cannabutter

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¾ cup organic brown sugar

¼ cup organic coconut sugar or sucanat

1/8 teaspoon vanilla

In mixer, or use a fork to cream butter and sugars, add cinnamon. Add splash of vanilla to bring it all together. (Set aside).

2. Now, add dry mix to creamed mixture, mix until it turns into a crumb like texture. Add cold milk and watch the dough come together. Add more milk if needed.

3. Turn dough out on a rice flour dusted cutting board. Using your rolling pin, roll dough to approximately 1/2” thickness. Rectangular shape is best. Spread the Schmear in the middle evenly covering the entire surface. Roll it up as tight as possible. Cut 1” thick rolls and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Give them room.

4. Using the convection setting at 350°degrees F, bake for approx 30 min. All ovens vary, be sure to peek in on your rolls to see if they’re done. Some take longer.

Makes 12-14 rolls

Icing

1lb organic powdered sugar

1tsp Mexican Clear Vanilla

Approx 1/4cup Hot water

Whisk all ingredients together to make icing. Add more hot water if too thick, less water if too thin.

If you happen to have extra canna buDDer… Add another layer of stoned!

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2lb Canna BuDDer

1 pkg Organic cream cheese

1lb Organic powdered sugar

1/2 tsp Mexican Clear Vanilla

Using mixer, cream BuDDer & cream cheese. Gradually add in powdered sugar. Add vanilla. Add in a little cold rice milk if it’s too thick.

Frost warm rolls.

Baked Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Recipe by Marie Veksler, writer from Mass Roots blog (https://www.massroots.com/)

This simple spinach and artichoke dip is extra easy to make in a slow cooker, and creates less mess because all ingredients are combined in one pot.

Allow ingredients to heat in slow cooker for about three hours. If you don’t have a slow cooker, this process can be expedited in a saucepan on the stove, on medium-low heat, or in the oven at 350° F for 45 to 60 minutes.

Ingredients

9 ounces of spinach (if frozen, thaw and squeeze to drain)

14 oonce can artichoke hearts-drained and chopped

½ cup cannabis-mayonnaise

1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded

½ cup Alfredo sauce (can be homemade or store bought)

¼ teaspoon pepper

¾ teaspoon garlic salt

Sliced bread, crackers or pita chips, for dipping

Carrot sticks, broccoli or cauliflower crowns, sliced peppers or any other desired vegetables, for dipping

Directions

Add all spinach, artichokes, marijuana mayonnaise, Swiss cheese Alfredo sauce, pepper and garlic salt to the slow cooker.

2. Cover and heat on low for 2-4 hours or until all ingredients are well cooked and combined.

3. Serve with your choice of accompaniments for dipping.

ENJOY!

Servings: 6

Pink Lemonade Canna-cocktail

Recipe by Madison Lisle

Ingredients:

1 packet dissolvable cannabis of your choice (See your local shop for choices!)

1 part sparkling water

1 part Raspberry lemonade

Splash of agave syrup

Frozen berries for garnish

Lime for garnish

Directions:

Over ice, combine sparkling water and lemonade. Pour in dissolvable cannabis powder. Stir to combine. Add agave syrup to your liking (a little goes a long way). Top with frozen berries and a slice of lime. Serve in your best goblet.

Warning: Remember that it can take up to two hours to feel the full effects from consuming marijuana edibles. Always start with less. You can always add more but you can’t go back. Happy eating!

The post 10 Reasons to Watch the Puppy Bowl Instead of the Super Bowl appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

10 Reasons to Watch the Puppy Bowl Instead of the Super Bowl
Source: Dope Magazine

The Uplift | February: Drafting Your Life

February 1, 2019 by Staff Writer

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Happy Birthday Water Bearer! If you’re still recovering from last year, know that you’re not alone. Take the first few days of the month to just relax and reflect on the last 365 days of your life and what you want to leave behind as you start a new chapter. What do you value enough to keep? The New Moon in your sign is all about endings and new beginnings, so you may want to jot down your vision for 2019, if you’re feeling crafty why not create a vision board so you can keep your focus clear. After that much of February is dedicated to you getting your money and home in order. As frustrating as it can be to have to think about these practical matters, you gotta do it. With Mars powering up your Home and Family Sector on the 14th you may finally have the energy you need to give your home life a good workout. Consider cleaning out your closets KonMari style and see what can be given away or sold to spark more joy at home. After that, sit down and go over your income and debts around the Full Moon on the 19th so you can start your new year feeling secure even if the rest of the world has gone crazy.

Pisces (February 18 – March 20)

Take some time to rest and reflect for the first half of the month, Pisces. You’re heading into another year of life, and it’s always nice to take into account just how much you’ve accomplished so far as well as where you’d like to go next. The New Moon on the 4th will have you feeling more meditative and interested in behind the scenes activities instead of being out in the public eye. This is a good time to volunteer quietly, work on projects that are close to your heart and feel restorative to your soul. By the time Valentine’s Day rolls around you’ll be feeling more up for socializing with friends or getting involved with groups that share your interests and want to actually do the work involved to make it happen rather than just talk about it endlessly. The Sun’s movement into your sign on the 18th followed by the Full Moon on the 19th signals a super charged birthday season for you, Pisces. Think about who you want to be, and what your outlook will be for the rest of the year. If you’ve been struggling in the past, know that you get to let that fear go. You’re filled with creativity and energy, use it to go after your personal goals, try practicing some healthy selfishness. No more endless giving that leaves you feeling tapped out while others reap the benefit of your energy. You come first. Now go enjoy your birthday, you deserve it.

Aries (March 20 – April 20)

You’re low-key a revolutionary now, Aries. Well maybe not entirely, but after having 8 years of Uranus the planet of Change and Upheaval in your sign, you know that the only constant in life is change. This month consider how much you’ve evolved over the last few years and how you’ve been able to adapt or simply let go when the call came down from the heavens to do so. This month’s New Moon wants you to plant a new dream for the future. What do you want to see happen for your community and who do you want to be by your side when you work to see it come to life. Yes, this can seem super idealistic, but that would be the point of hoping and wishing for the future, right? Think of the organizations you’re currently a part of and the people you run with. Are these the people you trust to help make the collective hope a reality? The sooner you figure out what you want to create the easier time you’ll have with Mars running the show in your House of Money & Self Worth on the 14th. Get into that side hustle, put in that extra time to see extra money in the bank so that you feel like your desires are within your reach. Hell, you can even use that cash to invest in those dreams you want to create, so why not?

Taurus (April 20 – May 21)

February opens up with you making plans for the future, Taurus. If 2018 was about shaking proverbial the table, 2019 is about committing the new path you want to take. You’re changing more than you realize so be willing to take some leaps of faith, dare to be different and ahead of your time. The New Moon on the 4th will give you an opportunity to set a new intention around your career and how you want to be seen by others in this world. It’s in the sign of Aquarius so try to think outside of the box just a little. Just because what you want is different or unusual, doesn’t mean that it’s not worth having. You’re in the mode of learning new things and seeing the world from a different point of view, so stay flexible to the twists and turns that are coming your way. Mars enters your sign just in time for Valentine’s Day starting you on a new two year cycle around how you take action and assert yourself. This is just a warm up for Uranus’ return to Taurus in March so consider what you want to tackle over the next few years knowing that you’ll have the focus and the drive to achieve it. With so much to consider, the Full Moon on the 19th will push you to go have some fun with friends and lovers. Some of these people may not be coming with you on your new adventure so be sure to enjoy their company now. Here’s to your future, Taurus.

Gemini (May 21 – June 21)

Life is meant to be engaging, Gemini. Now we all have moments of boredom and disinterest, but for you that’s like the kiss of death. February is about reigniting your passion. What turns you on? What gets your engines going? What makes you want to stay up all night because you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole and you really don’t want to come back out? Find the people and things that inspire you to do that kind of soul searching, as the New Moon on the 4th wants you to open up your mind and go beyond your current boundaries. How can you expand and learn more than you know now? If it seems like there are a lot of questions for you to answer, that’s because it’s true. Curiosity and a desire to learn is what makes the world go round, and if we never left our comfort zones we’d never see what lies beyond our doorstep. Use this energy to reflect on what you secretly wish you were brave enough to do. The thing is you are that courageous, but could just be lacking in focus at the moment. Chill out, journal, reflect and meditate on those dreams of yours that have been just out of your reach, but you can feel them coming your way. Feeling centered now will be helpful as the Full Moon on the 19th will be asking you to strike a better balance between your home life and your career. If you’ve been hiding away at home due to a lack of energy, it’s time to put yourself out there. If it’s been the reverse where it’s been nothing but work, try to make some time to rest so that you don’t burn out. Remember you’re not meant to know all the answers, Gemini, the fun lies in discovering them along the way.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This month try focusing on how well you’ve been merging and collaborating with others, Cancer. Although your sign is known as the nurturer of the zodiac, there are limits that even you have to abide by for your own sanity. Do you find yourself constantly giving when the care that you put out isn’t being reciprocated at the same level? Are you being accused of being smothering or overbearing? If so you may want to rein it in a little and trust that you can have healthy relationships with people that don’t require burn out on your part. The New Moon in the 4th wants you to create a new story about intimacy and sharing your resources with others. That can include how you share your body, money and even your deepest fears. Consider the people that you trust to even get close enough to you, how close are they? Maybe that hard shell of yours is acting like armor. Sometimes when we overextend ourselves it’s because we want to maintain a sense of control when we don’t feel that we have any at all. Control is an illusion anyway, so you may want to let that idea go. Try to practice some vulnerability this month. Mars will be energizing your House of Friendship and pushing to go hang out with the people who share your interests and hopes for the future, open up and be inspired by them and perhaps even allow them to take care of you for a change. You might like it.

Leo (July 22 – August 23)

Although you may imagine yourself to be the King or Queen upon your throne, Leo, the key to your success this month is learning how to strategize and collaborate with others. But before you bring others into your plans make sure you’re in fighting shape to lead the charge. February opens up with you investing in your health and well-being as well as how you run your day to day activities and to do list. If your body and desk is a mess, chances are that will be the case for everything else you touch as well. For the New Moon on the 4th, try to think of ways you can improve how you interact with your partners. Perhaps there are some relationships coming to their natural end, while new ones are just beginning to take shape. Learn from your mistakes so that you don’t repeat old patterns that mess with your flow. By Valentine’s Day you’ll be raring to go on your long term goals and projects especially if they’ll push you forward on your career and personal ambitions. Just don’t forget to let others in on your plans, as in don’t flake on your date(s) because you got stuck working late. You can prioritize your goals and still make time for the people in your life, Leo, it just takes a little consideration and a lot of communication, two things you can definitely master.

Virgo (August 23 – September 23)

While you may feel like you’re the best person to handle all the day to day responsibilities in your life, remember that you’re not the only person in the world who can. There’s this thing called delegation and sharing the workload so that you have time to handle other parts of your life, like say…romance? Or maybe your creative projects or just kicking up your feet to relax or have a little fun. The New Moon on the 4th wants you to consider a new way of working and taking care of yourself. Does it have to be all you all the time that puts out the fires, makes sure that everything’s running smoothly and fixes the world’s problems too? Seems rather ambitious and exhausting, Virgo, so why not edit down your to-do list so that you have time for living life. Luckily for you there are plenty of people who would like to get close to you this month, so why not let them in? The Full Moon on the 19th is all about learning how to put more emphasis on yourself rather than overextending yourself in your partnerships with others. Take close look at your relationships, do they feel equal? Are you getting as much as you’re giving? It could also be that you’re so busy that you’re missing out on the support and love people want to send your way. You can have the best of both worlds, Virgo, it just requires you to let go of needing to be in control at all times. Relax, trust that you’ve got support and you’ll only have to clean up after others just a teeny tiny bit for it to meet your standards. Sounds way better than doing it all on your own, doesn’t it?

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

The best remedy for hard times is to go out and have some fun Libra. With the way the eclipses and heavy duty planets like Saturn & Pluto have been sitting in your House of Home & Family, use the New Moon on the 4th to get out of the house and play away your worries and heavy thoughts. Go dancing, make a date to go to a concert, get back into your creative pursuits that may have been put up on the shelf because life has just been a bit hectic as of late. Even if going out isn’t in the cards, try to bring some of that joyful energy home so that you feel a sense of peace despite all that may be going on. Mars movement into Taurus on the 14th will have you looking for ways to change your life in significant ways, Libra. Take a hard look at the current state of affairs and be honest about what just isn’t working for you anymore. It may be joint finances shared, or perhaps the intimacy or lack thereof within a relationship, or just a feeling that you want more passion in a life that feels kinda blah at the moment. Whatever it is, know that you can take deliberate action in changing it for the better. Don’t worry, you’ll have assistance from the heavens when trying to figure out what to tackle first. The Sun and Mercury in your House of Daily Routines and Health will lend support by asking you to break down your tasks into lists and actionable steps that get you closer to your desires little by little. And be sure to pay attention to your dreams when the Full Moon rolls around on the 19th, as they will also guide you to being closer to what your heart actually desires.

Scorpio (October 22 – November 22)

Who do you consider to be your family, Scorpio? What are the things from the past that are holding you back from being who you are? Whatever your relationship to your family and home, the New Moon on the 4th will give you a chance to set a new tone that feels fresh to you. That may mean cleaning out clutter, saying goodbye to physical locations or even people who don’t embody what family, support and security means to you. Home is the foundation on which you stand, so make sure it feels good. You can even celebrate with an impromptu housewarming that invites good vibes into your space if it’s been feeling a little funky as of late. Do this now since the later part of the month will have you wrangling with your one on one relationships, with Mars pushing you to commit and be willing to compromise with others. This could be great for business collaborations as well as romance if you’re currently in or are looking for more love in your life. Get used to having people around, Scorpio, the Full Moon on the 19th will be encouraging you to be around friends who you can share your vision for the future with especially if life feels uncertain. Loosen up and have a laugh with them, laughter is sometimes the best tool we have when life gets wild.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Although you may typically thrive at living by the seat of your pants and having luck swoop into save the day at the very last second, it’s time to get serious, Sadge. February promises to be a very busy month for you, so you may want to start stretching now. The New Moon on the 4th will bring in lots of emails, mental tasks and trips that you’re going to have to stay on top of if you want to get by. Here’s a trick: don’t put them off until later, answer them when they come in, put the note in your calendar right away, say yes or no the moment you know rather than forget and freak out later down the line. Getting your inbox down to zero may be too ambitious, let’s be honest, but do your best to read all your messages on a daily basis so that you don’t miss out on opportunities that could increase your income and advance your career. Valentine’s Day may not be the sexiest this year, with Mars pushing you to get a handle of your health and daily tasks with more gusto. Maybe it’ll be a gym date followed by a kale smoothie instead of wine and chocolate but that’s not that bad of a deal. The point is to get organized so that you feel more confident about the direction your life is taking. It will start to pay off by the time the Full Moon appears on the 19th, emphasizing the balance you have between your worldly ambitions and your home life. See, if you’re organized, focused and settled, everything will fall into place without needing the Gods of Luck to intervene on your behalf every other second.

Capricorn (December 21 – January 20)

You have to remind yourself that you are deserving of good things in your life, Capricorn. February wants you to zero in on your confidence and self- worth as the New Moon on the 4th asks you to create a new story around not only your finances but your feeling of worthiness too. You can work yourself to death in an effort to feel secure by having money in the bank but will it ever feel like it’s enough? Does a desire for financial security push you to do things against your own code of ethics? Check in what you truly value, not what you’ve been taught to believe is important. If it’s no longer true for you, or causing you more stress than happiness it may be time for a redo. Thankfully, Mars will be giving you a shot of energy when it comes to romance, creative and play time. Having fun, flirting, falling in love and awakening your creative impulses can help you figure out which way you want to go and what actually feels inspiring and life affirming rather than just the daily grind and chasing the dollar. The playing that you do now will support you in figuring out what you want to learn next, as the Full Moon on the 19th will be asking you to release any blocks you have around opening up to new ideas and adventures that fill you with curiosity and excitement, much better fuel than just needing enough to get by.

The post The Uplift | February: Drafting Your Life appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

The Uplift | February: Drafting Your Life
Source: Dope Magazine

See The Cannabis Super Bowl LIII Ad Rejected By CBS

February 1, 2019 by Staff Writer

January was a month packed with cannabis and hemp related news, from big companies going public on major stock exchanges, to the filing of marijuana re-scheduling bills into Congress, to cannabis investments from former NFL star Joe Montana and former Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz. However, no single news item got as much press coverage as Acreage Cannabis’ rejected Super Bowl ad.

Basically, what happened was this multi-state U.S. cannabis company submitted a public service announcement video spot touting the benefits of medical marijuana, for CBS to consider airing during the Super Bowl – at the token price of at least $5 million. Quoting its broadcast standards, CBS rejected the request.

Backlash was immediate, with virtually ever major (and not so major) news outlet in the U.S. reporting on the issue.

Acreage Holdings’ Head of Communications, Howard Schacter, told DOPE Magazine that, as a cannabis industry leader, a company with one of the largest footprints in the country, they have a responsibility to use their platform to “fight for what’s right as it related to the cannabis industry.”

Schacter continues, “There’s nothing more important than educating Americans, who have not yet experienced the benefits of this plant, as well as call[ing] regulators who still need persuading to get on the train to action.”

Adding to these comments, Greg Rovner, CEO of Heally, noted that, “It’s frustrating that legal cannabis use is still thought of, by some, as something to be ashamed of. We know the positive effects that cannabis is having on millions of peoples’ mental and physical health and hope the corporations will soon wake up to the benefits of holistic medicine.”

“No Stunt”

The rejection of Acreage Cannabis’ PSA, many argued, was a blessing in disguise for the company. The press it got from it is invaluable, they said.

“Either way, Acreage doesn’t lose in trying to buy Super Bowl commercial time. Even in losing their bid for a commercial, Acreage wins the press headlines and draws attention to the hypocrisy of the NFL and CBS who embrace messages of alcohol and prescription drugs, despite evidence surrounding the health and economic impacts that prescription drug and alcohol abuse are having on our communities,” added Kevin Provost, CEO of cannabis investment fund Greenhouse Ventures.

Provost goes on to say, “What’s unfortunate is that millions of veterans and parents of children with disabilities are likely watching the Super Bowl, and CBS missed a huge opportunity to champion an effective solution for underserved populations who would benefit from Acreage’s message the most – our veterans and children.”

By means of conclusion, Schacter voiced: “While we certainly weren’t surprised by CBS’ decision, we absolutely believed that a spot that was about education and a public service, versus promoting our brand and our products, would tip the scales. We were fully prepared with our checkbooks to pay $5 million or more to have this important message told … We don’t know exactly what our plans are for next year, but we will continue to push for the continued mainstreaming of the industry and public acceptance.”

See the video originally posted on Green Entrepreneur below:

The post See The Cannabis Super Bowl LIII Ad Rejected By CBS appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

See The Cannabis Super Bowl LIII Ad Rejected By CBS
Source: Dope Magazine

Hump Day High: Dispatches from January’s Biggest Adult Entertainment Events

January 30, 2019 by Staff Writer

January brought another busy month of trade shows. As you’ve probably learned by now, dear reader, January and July are my busiest months of the year. This year was no exception, and was intensified by two big media hits right before the trade shows began. Here’s my big news, as well as my favorite toys from the Adult Novelty Manufacturing Expo (ANME) and an exciting new partnership!

On January 7 I was checking my notifications at 6 a.m. (I know, I know) and I saw a message from a colleague: “Look what came into my inbox this morning!” I immediately knew what they meant — my cover of Sexual Health Magazine had gone live! Yes, I am now officially a cover girl, and I could not be more thrilled. I was even more overjoyed that the cover photo the editors chose featured me holding an ounce of one of my favorite cultivars, Purple Punch, under the headline, “Ms. CannaSexual: Meet Ashley Manta, America’s High Priestess of Pleasure.” Yep, that happened. I spent the next two days responding to countless congratulatory messages, which felt amazing.

Two days later, my other big news went live. Back in October I’d filmed a CannaSexual workshop with ATTN:, and the clip had finally been posted on Facebook. As I’m writing this piece, the video has over 250,000 views. I spent the rest of the week posting and reposting, avoiding the comments section like the plague, and gearing up for the trade show in LA that weekend.

What was especially cool about going to ANME this year was that, as XBIZ is a sponsor of ANME and XBIZ owns Sexual Health Magazine, my magazine cover was all over the place. Plus, XBIZ hosted their own conference immediately after ANME, and all of the attendees got a Sexual Health Magazine in their gift bags. CannaSexual received a tonof press all in the same week — and it was magical! And overwhelming. And wonderful. And stressful.

On January 12 I had a brunch and sex date with my boyfriend then drove up to LA, stopping briefly in San Clemente to pick up my good friend and “show wife” Janine, who owns one of my favorite brands, Warm. Her company makes a product called Touch that warms and automatically dispenses lube, and it was nominated for Specialty Product/Line of the Year for the XBIZ Awards (as you’ll remember, I was nominated for Sexpert of the Year!).

Fast-forward to the ANME show, which officially started on January 13. I walked around to see the latest and greatest from the manufacturers at the show, and my favorite new toy quickly emerged: a new vibrating stroker from Fun Factory appropriately named the Manta. While the toy was technicallynamed after its manta ray shape, my friends at Fun Factory assured me they also had me in mind when the name was chosen, given my penchant for hand jobs. This toy is brilliant — equally excellent for solo or partnered play, it can be used to spice up oral or manual stimulation, to give extra sensation during penetrative sex and, of course, to use solo as a penis stroker. I’d suggest using plenty of lube, and make sure that it’s either oil-based or water-based, since it’s a silicone toy and silicone lube can degrade silicone toys.

I’m also super excited about a new We-Vibe toy that’s coming out — it won’t be out until March, so I can’t give you details yet, but it’s going to be a rumbly vibe that magnetically attaches to your panties. I am super excited for all of the date night possibilities!

The last bit of excitement that came during ANME is a piece of news that no one knows yet — you’re reading it here first! We haven’t even put out a press release yet! Drumroll … I’m going to be officially working with my favorite lube company, Sliquid! They’re now sponsoring me, so look for giveaways and promotions of all of my favorite Sliquid lubes, handing out samples at events and sharing information via social media and livestreams! Plus, Sliquid owns a company called Mad Toto, who make carrying cases and kits for smoking accoutrements! It’s a match made in heaven! Sliquid also won Sexual Health and Wellness Brand of the Year at the XBIZ Awards, which makes them a perfect fit for my values and exceptionally high quality standards.

I had a blast at the XBIZ Awards. My sexy boyfriend, B, accompanied me (wearing a waistcoat — swoon!) and we had a marvelous time walking the red carpet together. Stormy Daniels was the host of the show, so you know she brought some powerful energy to the stage! My friend Buck Angel presented the Sexpert of the Year award, and when he announced that it went to Dr. Emily Morse, I cheered for her! I believe strongly in collaboration over competition, and Emily Morse is one of the hardest working women in the industry. Congratulations to her — she deserves it!

The post Hump Day High: Dispatches from January’s Biggest Adult Entertainment Events appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

Hump Day High: Dispatches from January’s Biggest Adult Entertainment Events
Source: Dope Magazine

Death Star: A Rollercoaster of Relaxation

January 29, 2019 by Staff Writer

Death Star by The Giving Tree

Death Star, a Sensi Star and Sour Diesel cross, maintains the good parts of both parent strains. Blending a pleasant body relaxation and a head high that didn’t go skyward, I found myself humming along to “The Muppet Movie” while planted on my couch.

The high reminded me of walking through the top deck of a slow-moving ferry; my nose was on a gentle roller coaster of slightly sweet earthiness and fresh kettle corn, followed by a lingering light fuel scent reminiscent of a motocross track the day after a race, and then a pungent sniff of roasting, but unseasoned, Portobello mushrooms.

Available At…

Sticky Saguaro: 12338 E Riggs Rd., Chandler, AZ 85249
Sky Dispensaries – Phoenix: 3155 E McDowell Rd #2, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Giving Tree Dispensary: 21617 N 9th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027

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Death Star: A Rollercoaster of Relaxation
Source: Dope Magazine

Bo Money: Bringing Equality to the Cannabis Industry

January 28, 2019 by Staff Writer

There are more women CEOs in cannabis than in any other industry in the U.S., yet women only hold 27 percent of leadership positions in the entire cannabis industry. In this hyper-progressive industry, women still experience patriarchal hurdles, and, like in all other industries, those hurdles are even higher for women of color. One woman of color, Bonita “Bo” Money, is trying to change all that.

A cannabis company owner since the days of medical, Money co-founded That Glass Jar, an organic cannabis-infused herbal cream that has found success in treating MRSA, eczema, arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Money is also the founder of Women ABUV Ground, a networking organization working with women of color in the cannabis industry, and last year Money founded NDICA, National Diversity & Inclusion Cannabis Alliance. With less than 15 percent of cannabis businesses owned by POC — the social group most affected by the War on Drugs — Money has serious work to do.

DOPE checked in with Bonita “Bo” Money to discuss her work with NDICA and the hurdles that POC still face in the cannabusiness.

DOPE Magazine:You’re the founder of NDICA and you and your team, which includes “Freeway” Rick Ross, just produced the Diversity & Inclusion Social Equity Expo, which was a major success with great speakers and important information. Where do we go from here?

Money: Focus on Phase III [of the Los Angeles Social Equity Program], which is helping everyone get set up with their cannabis applications. We have over 100 applicants that we are working with and that are going through our educational intern and mentorship programs. We want them to understand every aspect of the industry, as well as the day-to-day operational experience of running a dispensary so that they’re ready once they receive their license.

There is also a huge issue with predatory lending that has come into the industry, where ultimately [the company] won’t have full ownership of their business. Those are the kind of things we are monitoring so that we can keep everyone aware of — and looking out for — those types of transactions.

You are also part of the LA Equity Plan — can you tell us what that is?

The social equity plan was designed to make sure that communities that were most affected by the War on Drugs will have an opportunity to get ownership within the industry. Phase III of NDICA program is all social equity. Basically, for cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and retail, [for] every general license issued there needs to be one issued for a social equity applicant.

The most valuable part of Prop 64 was allowing non-violent prisoners of the drug war to restate their cases and be released from jail. You are a part of the National Expungement Week and had a clinic at your expo — how can people get more information on expunging (changing/sealing/nullification) their drug charges and their criminal record?

We [NDICA] do clinics about once a month and will start them up again in January. [You can] go to our website, become a member for free, and you will be updated on all our events, as well as our expungement clinics. There are over 200,000 people that qualify for Prop 64 expungement in the state of California. We’ve been focusing on doing that outreach, so the community knows how to take the steps, and getting more of those cannabis convictions expunged.

You’re also working to adjust some of the policies that the Bureau of Cannabis Control is coming out with.

Especially with no CBD in edibles. Now, one of the main things we’re challenging is the white-labeling, and the state not allowing that unless you have your own license. All these smaller companies that are trying to transition [from medical to adult use] — they’re having a horrible time now with this situation. They’re going to go out of business if this doesn’t change.

“We have over 100 applicants that we are working with and that are going through our educational intern and mentorship programs.” – Bonita “Bo” Money, NDICA founder

The post Bo Money: Bringing Equality to the Cannabis Industry appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

Bo Money: Bringing Equality to the Cannabis Industry
Source: Dope Magazine

CBD in Texas

January 28, 2019 by Staff Writer

Texas—an extremely conservative state with a population upwards of 29 million is slowly making medical cannabis legalization changes. How so, exactly?

For starters, the Texas Compassionate Use Act was enacted by the Texas Legislature in 2015. Then, as of December 15^thof 2017, only three vertically integrated dispensing organization licenses have been approved. Since 2015, unfortunately, no additional dispensary licenses have been granted. Although cannabis remains federally illegal in the U.S., industrial hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is widely sought after and sold throughout Texas whether different wholesaler, headshop or clinic owners have state licenses or not.

The sale of hemp-derived CBD oil at various storefronts has prompted confusion among Texans because many of these stores have been raided, shut down or faced other consequences thus leading to purchasing hesitance by Texans. Generally, CBD oil is easily attainable in Texas, and hemp-derived CBD is technically legal. However, the retail sale of CBD has been operating in a gray zone with many authority figures disagreeing over its lawfulness. Will this change by next year, and if so, in which ways?

Texas’s Restrictive Medical Cannabis Program & Lack of Expansion

In the U.S., the Texas Compassionate Use Act (TCUA) is the most restrictive medical cannabis program. Although TCUA has been in place since 2015, little progress has been made since then. The only people who can receive a doctor’s recommendation and prescription for medical cannabis are intractable epileptic individuals. Despite Texas’ medical cannabis program having the capability to help well over 100,000 epileptic individuals, only about 574 epileptic patients have received prescriptions for this medicine.

Governor Abbott’s Effort to Improve TCUA

To get more doctors involved in this slowly evolving medical cannabis program, various billsare in the works that’ll likely change the way cannabis is viewed and treated in Texas if approved by state legislature.

Below are some bills that have gained significant momentum after Governor Abbott’s efforts:

–House Bill 63: Decriminalization of cannabis possession

–Senate Bill 90: Add veteran’s care of PTSD and pain to TCUA

–Senate Bill 90: Expand TCUA to full medical beyond intractable epilepsy

–Senate Bill 90: Give doctors and caregivers more leeway in recognizing conditions that may help without jeopardizing medical licenses

Although none of these bills have passed yet, several people including Patrick Thomas Moran, founding board member of TCIA (Texas Cannabis Industry Association) and entrepreneur believes significant changes will come in 2019 if cannabis advocates work together. He expressed what must be done to enact progressive changes to the TCUA by 2019:

“If we want an effective Texas medical cannabis program voted into law in 2019 (for which legislation already exists) state elected politicians must be placed under ‘do or politically-die’ pressure. Simultaneously, we must back those candidates who support the patients and the emerging industry’s righteous efforts to help them.”

Furthermore, Shaun McAlister, executive director of DFW NORML shared his thoughts about how to improve the TCUA. “The laws need to change before the market can grow in a more meaningful way, which is why it’s so very important for people interested in the business side of Texas cannabis to be investing in grassroots efforts to end prohibition right now.”

Where to Buy CBD in Texas

Despite necessary changes that should be made to the TCUA, hemp-derived CBD is readily available at numerous head shops, wellness centers/clinics, doctor’s offices, chiropractor’s offices, aesthetician’s offices, vitamin stores and CBD-only storefronts in Texas. However, there has been no clear-cut legal basis upon which establishments to prosecute. It’s clear that there’s an increasing demand for cannabis and CBD in Texas.

Peter Ricca, Texas entrepreneur, investor, and director of various cannabis companies expressed how important it is to prioritize patients’ needs by saying, “An official medical program would have tremendous benefits. To further improve, make it a patient choice, not a doctor choice.”

Although there have been several raids in the past leaving some Texans facing significant jail time for possessing cannabis oil, it’s likely that cannabis will be decriminalized by this year. It’s also probable that the southern state will expand the TCUA to help improve the lives of numerous Texans. Do you think Texas will continue moving forward regarding medical cannabis legalization, or will they remain stagnant until the plant is federally legalized? If you want real change to occur, lend your support by asking Texas legislators to sign the state’s pending cannabis bills and team up with Texas NORML and/or Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy to generate awareness, attention and much-needed cannabis progress, both political and cultural, in 2019 and beyond.

The post CBD in Texas appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

CBD in Texas
Source: Dope Magazine

Face on Fire: VVG Turns the Heat Up

January 26, 2019 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

Face on Fire by VVG Lab

Utilizing award-winning, supercritical CO2 extraction technology coupled with a classic Rat Pack-era theme, VVG has solidified a perfect balance between elegant concentrate presentation and disposable device performance. A sativa-dominant hybrid, Face on Fire offered a rapid and welcome head high, stabilizing my focus and fine-tuning my creative flow while leaving notable flavor after just the first exhale. Packed with a spicy-sweet terpene profile, this sleek and discreet pen provided relief to all my nerves, physical and psychological alike, entirely abolishing all anxiety and inflammation. It was a colossal blaze well worth the heat!

Available At…

Planet 13: 2548 W Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109

THRIVE Cannabis Marketplace – All Locations

The Dispensary NV – All Locations

The post Face on Fire: VVG Turns the Heat Up appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

Face on Fire: VVG Turns the Heat Up
Source: Dope Magazine

Three Questions for Kamala Harris 2020

January 25, 2019 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

On Monday, January 21, the 43rd annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Senator Kamala Devi Harris declared her bid for the Democratic party’s 2020 presidential nomination. In doing so, she announced her dream: Becoming the first female president of the United States.

Sen. Harris is no stranger to breaking barriers: She is the first person of South Asian or Jamaican descent and only the second African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. In 2010, she became the first woman to be elected state attorney general in California.

Unfortunately, that’s also where her dream may become a nightmare.

While she’s already received support from Rosie O’Donnell and is polling well among the Democrats’ current 2020 nominee list, Sen. Harris is far from a lock for the Democratic nomination, let alone the presidency.

Among the questions that have been raised about her candidacy, here are three of the most pressing:

1. What is she going to do about criminal justice?

Although Sen. Harris now positions herself as a forward-thinking progressive, Her reputation as a prosecutor paints a different picture. While she did push for Justice Department officers in California to wear body cameras and was praised for making statistics on crime and police violence more widely available, her office also pushed back against a federal court ruling that ordered more prisoners to be released on parole. Lawyers from the California Attorney General’s office argued in court that releasing more prisoners would hurt the state’s supply of cheap labor. Sen. Harris later claimed she was unaware her office had made the argument but admitted she was ultimately responsible.

Sen. Harris also pushed for a law allowing parents whose children miss school to be criminally prosecuted and filed legal briefs to deny gender reassignment surgery for transgender inmates. These and other questionable decisions during her time as a prosecutor have given rise to the #NeverKamala movement on social media. Though she may address these decisions, many on the far-left believe they disqualify her from being the face of the party’s new progressive direction.

#NeverKamala locked up too many innocent poor and poc. She’s a dirty cop pic.twitter.com/UVgTNyj6US

— Joshua (@joshieecs) January 21, 2019

2. How much will she support cannabis?

It’s true that Sen. Harris recently came out in support of federal legalization, which is unequivocally a good sign. Again, however, her record here is questionable. In 2014, up for re-election as California Attorney General, she laughed at a reporter who asked her about legalizing marijuana. Her opponent, Republican Ron Gold, ran to her left on the issue. Two years later, her office did not announce support for California’s Proposition 64 to legalize adult use — though Sen. Harris (correctly) expressed the belief that legalization was inevitable.

Sen. Harris is one of the many Democratic presidential hopefuls who has progressed on the issue of legalization, and she should be commended for it. But given her record, it’s also fair to question whether she will get behind deeper issues relating to the plant, like taxation and bank financing. This past summer, the California State Assembly killed a bill that would have allowed chartered banks to work with cannabis businesses. Federal legalization is a wonderful start, but much remains to be done.

3. Is the country ready for a mixed-race woman president?

This final question is perhaps the biggest. While Sen. Harris is polling well, it’s still early. Heavyweights like Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and Beto O’Rourke are all yet to declare, but many expect them to soon — all three have performed better than Harris in some polls. The field is projected to be crowded, with as many as 20 candidates jockeying for the Democratic mantle in 2020, including potential celebrity wildcards like Mark Cuban and Oprah. Cory Booker, another rising star in the party, could siphon off some of her support among African-Americans, a key demographic that played a large role in Bernie’s 2016 defeat.

And though she has a long record in public office, her time in federal politics is limited – she was sworn into her Senate seat just over two years ago. Dianne Feinstein, her fellow Californian Democratic Senator, said as much after announcing support for Joe Biden in 2020. Asked about whether she would also support Sen. Harris, Sen. Feinstein replied: “I’m a big fan of Sen. Harris, and I work with her. But she’s brand-new here.” Political forecasting site FiveThirtyEight predicted her stance on most issues would be similar to Hillary Clinton. And we all know how well that worked out. That said, Harris’s fledgling national political status means she doesn’t have as much narrative baggage as Clinton did in 2016.

Sen. Harris is likely to be a formidable presence in the upcoming primary season. Only time will tell whether she can successfully overcome the glass ceiling, competitors with more name recognition, and attacks from the far-left questioning her progressive bona-fides.

The post Three Questions for Kamala Harris 2020 appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

Three Questions for Kamala Harris 2020
Source: Dope Magazine

Legal Marijuana in the Empire State: DOPE Interviews Cannabis Attorney Cristina Buccola

January 25, 2019 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced his plan to legalize recreational cannabis in 2019. He outlined the plan during his State of the State address beginning his third term in office, proclaiming that New York must “Stop the disproportionate impact on communities of color and let’s create an industry that empowers the poor communities that paid the price and not the rich corporations who come in to make a profit.”

Cuomo has been adamantly opposed to legal cannabis for years, stating that he considered marijuana a “gateway drug.” He even opposed a state medical marijuana program as recently as 2013, only approving a limited pilot program in 2014. His constituents, on the other hand, are largely in favor of legalization: a Quinnipiac University poll in May 2018 showed that 63 percent of New Yorkers support legalizing marijuana.

Why did Cuomo change his position on cannabis, and what are his plans? DOPE checks in with New York cannabis advocate and attorney Cristina Buccola to ask about the evolution, and what legal cannabis could look like in the Empire State.

DOPE Magazine: Gov. Andrew Cuomo described cannabis as a gateway drug just last year. What do you think motivated him to push to legalize cannabis in 2019?

Cristina Buccola: The fact that two states [New Jersey and Massachusetts] with which New York shares long borders are moving to legalize. One of the statements everyone jumped all over during the Democratic primary, when Cuomo was running against Cynthia Nixon, was that Cuomo said [about legalizing cannabis] that “the facts have changed.” No, the facts about cannabis haven’t changed. It’s the fact that legalization is coming to two states with incredibly populated borders that’s changed. This is a reality for New York.

It sounds like New York is ready to springboard into legalizing cannabis. What potential obstacles do you foresee?

At this very moment we have two primary pieces of adult-use cannabis legislation in play. One has been in the New York Assembly and the Senate for years. It’s called the MRTA, or the Marijuana Regulation Taxation Act. It lays forth a very comprehensive, consumer-oriented cannabis program that also keeps criminal-justice reform and social and economic equity first and foremost. The other piece of legislation is the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act, or the CRTA, Governor Cuomo’s cannabis legalization plan. It was made public as part of the 2020 NYS Executive Budget this month. We face the challenge of resonating these distinct pieces of legislation into a program that isn’t just lip service on matters regarding true criminal justice reform, reinvesting in communities hit hardest by cannabis prohibition, and creating economic opportunities for all New Yorkers.

What might that program look like?

One of the problems in New York is that there are only 10 licenses total under the medical program. And the [current] cannabis license holders are vertically integrated. That means they control everything from the production of seeds through to the actual sale [of cannabis] to cannabis consumers. To get one of those limited licenses was unbelievably expensive. You had to have an ungodly amount of money for the application process, the ability to compete. So we’d certainly want to see vertical integration dropped out except in a very narrow set of circumstances for our adult-use program. And that’s actually better for the consumer. If you have more people growing, and more people producing, and different types of retailers, that means that the likelihood that you’ll find someone who matches up with what you need is far greater than through a monopoly of eight or 10 companies.

In the CRTA, however, these 10 license holders would be able to participate in the adult-use market as vertically integrated, while also continuing to operate in the medical market, by ponying up additional cash as part of a bidding process – the proceeds from this process would then be used to provide equity applicants with low or no interest loans and incubation services. While it’s necessary to find funding for these types of services, there’s a fundamental problem with the “one and done” nature of this bidding process. If these 10 license holders have unbridled access to our adult-use market, likely to be the largest cannabis market in the world, New York is going to need more than a one-time pay-to-play fee. Their obligation of support needs to be continual and ongoing.

The CRTA does not allow for vertical integration, except for the 10 existing license holders who participate in the bidding process and for the smallest processors akin to craft breweries—essentially licenses reserved for small processors that would allow them to grow, process and retail. For larger entrants into the adult-use market, that would not be allowed. Again, that’s better for smaller businesses and it’s better for consumers.

What about home grows?

Under the CRTA medical patients or their caretakers can grow up to four plants, with a total of eight plants per household. There’s no homegrow for adults over the age of 21. This doesn’t foot with other adult-use states. All but Washington allow adults to grow at home, and all of them allow medical cannabis patients to grow. Despite having a commercial marketplace for cannabis, homegrow remains an important aspect of cannabis legalization programs, and we see that with the bipartisan bill just introduced in Washington State that would allow adults to grow up to six plants at home.

I would imagine that this is going to be hotly debated because frankly, I don’t think people understand home growing well, and there’s a lot of misinformation. The state limits the amount of plants you can have. Let’s say you’re growing six plants at home—you’ll likely net three pounds total if you’re growing in five-gallon pots. You’re not starting a cartel off of three pounds of pot a year. But some people don’t understand that. “Oh my god, people are growing at home!” Like it might somehow result in a further entrenchment of the illicit market. And it’s really not.

If we introduce an adult-use program without homegrown cannabis, we’d really just be forcing anyone who wants to consume into a market of certain retailers. And is that really freeing? I can’t say for sure that’s freeing the plant. I’m thrilled that we’re allowing patients to grow under the CRTA, because with cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, the specifics of what works for one person may not necessarily work for someone else and patients can grow their precise medicine.

But I think to be in step with other legal states, we need to educate people about what home growing is, and have that discussion publicly, because the discussion is currently being had in a [political] vacuum where uneducated people think that cartels are going to spin off from someone growing plants in their apartment. New York needs homegrow for adults.

How about expunging the criminal records of non-violent drug offenders?

One of the keystones for legalization in New York has got to be criminal justice reform. Changing criminal justice statutes to allow for expunging records would be very important. Some of the taxation revenues should go towards expungement clinics and costs.

Not only that, having your record cleared is one fraction. We don’t talk about the health harms associated with unnecessary incarceration enough. Right? So we want to make sure that there are other avenues of support for individuals that have been criminalized for behavior that is now going to be commercialized. That they have services available to them, including mental and physical health resources, job training, and education. And we want to make sure that they’re also not shut out of participating in the industry.

What do you think will happen with tax revenues from legal cannabis in New York?

Taxation should be aligned with funding priorities like criminal and socio economic justice reform and support, which must be specifically identified under legislation, whether it’s CRTA or something else. The legislation we pass must speak to reinvesting in communities, funding education programs for adult consumers, going into schools and having real conversations with kids. We need to educate consumers. We want people to understand that drugged driving is illegal, and we want people to understand what it means to consume.

We want to reinvest in communities, and make sure that we have viable ways for small businesses to participate, and find alternative lending arrangements so smaller participants can operate.

You don’t think New York should use legal marijuana funds to fix the MTA public transit system?

Nope. I think that’s ridiculous. The failing MTA has nothing to do with cannabis. There are many places that cannabis dollar tax revenues should go, and they should be prioritized over the MTA. Cannabis taxation is not a slush fund to fix all of New York state’s failures. It just isn’t. This is not something that’s going to fix every pothole or put an extra train car on every track.

Cristina Buccola is an attorney, advisor, and cannabis advocate undertaking public interest and policy work related to medical cannabis and economic and social justice issues. Buccola has testified in front of the New York State and New Jersey Legislatures about cannabis regulatory programs, and has worked with elected officials on developing cannabis legalization positions. She is a member of the New York Cannabis Bar Association and the National Cannabis Bar Association. Before opening her own law practice, Buccola served as the General Counsel of High Times and was a partner in an adult-use cultivation concern. cbcounsel.com

The post Legal Marijuana in the Empire State: DOPE Interviews Cannabis Attorney Cristina Buccola appeared first on DOPE Magazine.

Legal Marijuana in the Empire State: DOPE Interviews Cannabis Attorney Cristina Buccola
Source: Dope Magazine

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