NUG Magazine covers the Kottonmouth Kings performing Live at the SRH Fest 2010
in San Bernardinom CA. August 2010

Produced By: Chris Gabriel

Track produced by DJ Bern One. Vocals by Claude 9 Video production provided by
Chad Parker – chaddyp@live.com. “Nug Trick” provided by Trichome Healing Collective.
Please vote YES on Prop 19, November 2, 2010.

In all the coverage of music in San Diego, we have left out a major genre until now! The Hardcore/Metal scene is huge and there are some amazing bands playing some outstanding metal in America’s Finest City. Growing up listening to metal and catching Headbanger’s Ball on the weekends, I have a special love for this type of music. I was stoked when I heard about Despite The Wolves and that they were fans of NUG Magazine. These guys are a heavy bunch for sure but they also have some very melodic sounds. Anyone who plays music has to respect how difficult it is to play fast and well at the same time. So here is a little history on the band.

Summer of 2006 found Nolan Davis and Sebastian Wynn auditioning lead guitarists/bassists. Marco Savoia shredded his way into the band and Despite The Wolves twisted into shape. Shortly after, they started to play shows and gained their following as a three piece. Numerous efforts to add a second guitarist buckled. The three decided to bite the bullet and Despite The Wolves headed to the studio to record their debut album, Throwing Knives at Mirrors. Three months of studio work with Jeremy Craw and the tracks were completed. In perfect sync, the search for a new guitarist continued and Despite The Wolves took on the youngster, Ryan (Boo) Fawley. They carried on writing and playing shows for the next year. When the band thought they were complete, they met vocalist Jeremy Hall, he presented the idea of a second vocalist to Despite The Wolves, and one practice deep, they knew they had found the winning combination.

If you are into Hardcore/Metal NUG Magazine absolutely recommends checking these guys out. They are playing all over San Diego. You can find out more on their myspace page.  myspace.com/despitethewolves

“Legalize It, Don’t Criticize It,” those are the first few words in the famous Peter Tosh song “Legalize It” with the next verse stating “Legalize it and I will advertise it.” Well, nonetheless without legalization, Slightly Stoopid, Collie Buddz and Cypress Hill are making a statement with their Legalize It Tour 2010.

On July 17th at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater these great artists gathered for a monumental festival and concert with the goal to inform and support the vote for legalization of marijuana in California, making a statement to decriminalize the drug nationwide with over 20 stops throughout the country.

NUG Magazine celebrated their one year anniversary at the festival by giving away copies of the magazine, t-shirts, grind-tainers and other green freebies. Concertgoers crowded into the amphitheatre as Collie Buddz, a Bermuda native, kicked off the night.

I became a Collie Buddz fan in 2007, when a friend introduced me to his self-titled debut album. Enjoying the music and being a firm believer in buying real CD’s, I purchased Collie Buddz. The album is great from start to finish with tracks that charted like “Come Around,” “Blind to You,” and “Tomorrow’s Another Day.”

Fans quickly got into the groove, waving their hands to participate in the authentic Island sounds. The performance was a spellbinding way to begin the event. It was a real treat for those who don’t get the opportunity to check out live renditions of the flavorful reggae fusion. The NUG crew got some great footage of the performance and overall festival, which can now be accessed at nugmag.com.

The evening was unrelenting as the bellows of smoke amidst the crowd grew – how appropriate. Backstage you were among the icons of the movement including the founders of SeedleSs Clothing Co.

Cypress Hill was next to dominate the stage. The legendary group of outspoken activists performed all the anthems including “Insane in the Brain.” You could feel the intensity of the fans with their beat bouncing arms in the air. Cypress Hill has been charting tracks since the early 90’s and is the first Latino group to go platinum, so it was no surprise to see the crowd go crazy.

With a set that hit nearly an hour and DJ Muggs pumping out the hits, it was a great experience. As the set closed with “Rock Superstar,” the fans that had been anticipating the performance were pleased and crowded in a cloud of smoke that crept onto the stage.

Before Slightly Stoopid took the stage to wow the 16,000 plus fans, NUG Magazine got an exclusive interview with three members of the group, OG (percussion), DeLa (saxophonist) and C-Money (trumpet).

Slightly Stoopid is about as home grown as San Diego artists can get. With Miles and Kyle growing up in Ocean Beach, the local bars and clubs are what helped launch the Slightly Stoopid sound across the world. Brad Nowell, deceased leader of Sublime, is the one who discovered them. He eventually signed them to his label, Skunk Records, after some living room jam sessions and performances in Long Beach. Since Nowell’s death, the band has continued to carry a touch of punk rock reggae while bringing in other talents to create the influential group we know and love today.

The NUG crew crept into the Slightly Stoopid bus, passing ladies and bunks into the back family room area where they conducted the Q & A. You can catch video footage of the interview at nugmag.com.

Are you guys excited to play in your hometown?

DeLa: Always, it’s great to come home.

So what’s next for Slightly Stoopid?

DeLa: This is just the kick off of the The Legalize It Tour 2010.  We’re headed to Boston to start on the East Coast and will work our way down for about 5 weeks with Cypress Hill and Collie Buddz.

Will you guys be getting back into the studio anytime soon?

OG: We’re always in and out of the studio, so as soon as we go home we’re in the studio.

Can you tell us more about when we can expect the next project?

DeLa: We are working on the next album to be released in an undetermined amount of time; I’m not really sure. We are working hard on it and we have a lot of material.

So, what’s been the best tour stop so far?

DeLa: I don’t know. I know I have my favorites.

C-Money: That’s like asking what the best shot was before the game is over. To be determined America. cont.

Can you name some of the inspirations that molded the Slightly Stoopid sound?

DeLa: I definitely have to say, knowing Miles and Kyle grew up here in Ocean Beach; it’s that lifestyle – the surfing, skating, outdoors, and sunshine. The natural beauty of San Diego coupled with the surfing lifestyle. Musically, besides Sublime, all sorts of different influences from rock to rap to blues.

What is the creative process like in studio?

OG: Everybody puts in, in the band. Everybody in the band brings something to the table. Everybody is creative.

C-Money: We’re all like pieces of the clock; everyone has their job and does it. That’s what makes it work. We’re all contributing to the fire and that’s what makes the fire twice as bright.

You guys are on the road a lot, how do you keep in touch with home?

DeLa: It’s a good thing for cell phones, but when we’re out on the road I try and see my family whereever I can. It’s nice to have a job that brings you to them.

What else would you like to say to San Diego?

DeLa: We love you San Diego, thank you for everything you have done for all of us.

C-Money: Wait, one more, I needed to say this. Prop 19, November, don’t forget! I think that’s why we’re all here; we’re trying to inform people. It’s called the Legalize It Tour for a damn good reason. Prop 19 is our hope to be free and organized. A hope to show all the rest of the states in this great country what medical marijuana and legalized  marijuana can  do, not only for the people and patients; but the tax money that can help schools, hospitals, sewers, and everything else that needs helping. Thank you.

NUG Magazine is celebrating their one year anniversary, how do you think the publication impacts the movement?

OG: I get your magazine, and there are a lot of great articles in there. People learn a lot, not just from politics, but everything that is going on that has to do with herb.  But politics is a big reason why we are here right now. We’re not like the pioneers; Cypress Hill has been doing this for a long time. We’re just lucky enough to be on the frontlines right now, the right place at the right time. Snoop Dogg and all these guys, when we were in high school we listened to them and when those records dropped we were like “what?!”

We are strong enough and ready for any kind of questions. We got C-Money here who is a master politician and historian, and anything they throw at us he’ll definitely chisel it out. We’re on the frontlines right now of what’s going on with the herb around the world. Not just in America, but everywhere else.

What do you guys think about the current battle with medical marijuana in San Diego?

C-Money: I think the defiance is where it’s at. I mean, setting up the dispensaries and running them to the levels that everybody did, shows the taxes are there and we’ll pay them – that’s the bottom line. The same thing happened with alcohol when it was re-legalized in this country; it’s almost the exact same. However, marijuana is not physically addictive and is nowhere near as harmful as alcoholism. There’s fetal alcohol syndrome, liver damage the list goes on and on. And yet this is available and is a sponsor of NASCAR, and all these things that children are involved in, in this country. I’m not trying to take anything away from that, but if this is we the people and if this is freedom, then why aren’t we getting what we need? Or at least allowed to do that, we aren’t hurting anybody. For real, it’s common sense.

DeLa and OG: Free the weed!

After the interview, the group chilled and got ready for their amazing stage performance that had concertgoers on their feet filled with anticipation. With a set that reached nearly two hours, it was a time of epic proportions in San Diego. The Legalize It Tour with Slightly Stoopid and its enthralled patrons reaching nearly 20,000 demonstrates that our voice is ready to be heard.

November is the time for us to show our support by not only attending shows like these, which seeks to educate and advocate, but most importantly going into the ballot booths and casting the successful step towards the decriminalization of our favorite healing plant.

Congrats again to NUG Magazine as part of the movement, celebrating a one year anniversary and a bright future in the cannabis community.

When the first Cheba Hut surfaced in Arizona back in 1998, Scott Jennings was probably portrayed as decadent and rebellious.  He was told the idea was risky and would never work.  People thought it was a gimmick because of its concept.  But for Scott, it was about great food and a way of doing business.  Inspired by the beach scene, he wanted a clean but well used local shop.  “We DO NOT cookie cut our store layouts,” he said.  “We believe you cannot cookie cut character and that is why each shop will have the same basic line layout, but eventually take on a character of its own.  Each shop looks and feels a little different.  It’s like a nice pair of jeans that take a while to fit right…..then there is nothing better!!!”  When I questioned his inspiration, he replied, “I couldn’t go to the beach, so I wanted to bring the beach to me.” It’s obvious Jennings has poured his heart and soul into this business; it’s reflected in its atmosphere, food, and great friendly service.

San Diego can finally enjoy this new, fun, and original experience.  Cheba Hut is the very first counterculture themed franchise.  What sets them apart from others is…“It’s not about the money,” Jennings stated.  “It’s very simple, I like people and I like food.  It’s why I got into this business.”  There is no question, he is doing what he loves and loves what he does; it’s an inspiration on so many levels.  The concept has quite a following by appealing directly to college students and the marijuana-inspired counterculture.  The unique aspect of this franchise is its promotion of free speech and expression, which is seen throughout the chain with its menu and marijuana references.  San Diego has been waiting for something like this to give a new outlook on dining; it’s fun, diverse, and refreshing.

It’s not every day you find a restaurant supporting free speech with its business as a whole.  Even its website keeps its customers up-to-date with press releases, news articles, and videos on the franchise and issues concerning the counterculture.  Last year, Cheba Hut had a free speech victory in regards to their liquor license case on September 11, 2009.  Alan J. Liddle of Nations’ Restaurants News reported that Scott Jennings saw a beer-and-wine-license application for his Greeley, CO., restaurant get denied in April.  Challenging that Judge Robert Frick, the licensing authority, denied the application for unlawful reasons, allegedly on the grounds that Frick didn’t like the chain’s counterculture theme.  Jennings appealed the matter and prevailed in a ruling by Judge Daniel Maus of the District Court of Weld County Colorado.  The district court judge concluded that “while the licensing authority may note the First Amendment in its ‘Finding and Decision,’ it apparently has little regard for it.” He further stated, “It appears clear to this Court that the licensing authority denied plaintiff’s liquor license application based in large part on plaintiff’s use of marijuana themed marketing and, in the process, punished plaintiff for exercising its First Amendment rights while at the same time acknowledging that plaintiff had such rights.”

Anything going against social standards will always face some challenges.  It would take a lot more than an opinion and a liquor license mishap to hinder Cheba Hut’s growth; one could speculate that it would only thrive off the negative criticism.

Anxious to check out the new San Diego store, located near San Diego State, I indulged in its dank menu and relaxing atmosphere.  It was inviting with the store’s warm color scheme, San Diego inspired art, and counterculture theme.  I was acknowledged and greeted through the door, which felt great.  I appreciated the original, friendly and creative environment.  After taking it all in, I had the pleasure of meeting Matthew Trethewey and George Spatola, the partners and co-owners headlining Cheba Hut’s breach into San Diego.  Trethewey is also the co-owner of the Cheba Hut Franchise Inc., and handles all the franchise development and provides leadership to their franchise community.  The store in San Diego is owned by High Waves LLC.  This company is a Franchisee of CHF and is owned by Trethewey and Spatola.  Both owners are hands on, working hard in-store.  They’re also working on trying to find a location for the next store in San Diego.  There was some mention about PB being in the cards, but we’ll have to wait and see.

I was impressed with the quality of food and careful prep of their ingredients.  “Our focus is to make great sandwiches, so we make sure we use the freshest ingredients and do all the prepping in-house; no prepackaged food.  We don’t make our bread like those other places; we leave that up to the bread makers because they know what they’re doing and it allows us to focus on our ingredients,” said Trethewey.  From personal experience, other places lack in quality by using microwaves, prepackaged vegetables and dressings, making it difficult to produce a great meal.  He went on to say, “It’s not just a job or a business, it’s a culture.”  I couldn’t agree more.

Jennings is “Damn glad to have finally made it to the promise land (California).” And I feel it was worth the wait.  Cheba Hut has set a new standard with an enticing and creative sandwich selection that attracts a diverse customer base.  At first glance, the menu would worry or shock the unsuspecting, but for the knowledgeable; the simple play on words would suggest remedy for specific strains.  My strains of choice were the “Kali Mist” from their Secret Stash and the “White Widow.”  I dared to get the “Kali Mist” in a Blunt (12”).  Part of their Secret Stash, it is San Diego inspired and can’t be found anywhere else.  It’s a turkey sandwich bulked up with an array of fresh ingredients.  They take thinly sliced turkey with the familiar lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, then build it up with jalapeños, spicy chipotle mayo, pepper jack cheese, bacon and avocado.  My taste buds were overrun with flavor.  It had kick, but the avocado cooled the spicy combination of the jalapeños, chipotle mayo, and pepper jack cheese leaving the bacon to tie it all together.  After washing it down with some Kool-Aid – yes, they’ve got it on tap – just one of their great Cotton Mouth Cures, I decided to sample the “White Widow” in a Nug (4”).  It was marinated chicken breast smothered in their signature, home-grown ranch dressing, then topped with mushrooms, bacon & provolone cheese.  It was a simple, yet potent combination, with the ranch dressing and mushrooms producing a unique warm flavor.  When things couldn’t get any better, Jennings and Trethewey topped me off with Captain Crunch and Cocoa Crispy Treats – making sure to cover every angle of my appetite.

In the grand scheme of things, Jennings, Trethewey, and Spatola are advocates of free speech, legalization, and the counterculture surrounding it.  With their old school approach and focus on great customer service, they’ve created a sensation – regardless of the controversy.  Cheba Hut represents a timeless decree of kicking your feet up and enjoying life, which is more than suitable for our San Diego lifestyle.  It’s difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius behind Cheba Hut.  Something as simple as its logo sums up the meal and its maker.  Trethewey describes it best, “Cheba Hut is a huge part of my life.  The brand, the stores, our food and our people are a direct reflection of Scott and myself every day.  We take an enormous amount of pride in what we do.  We serve the best sandwich around with great service in an amazing atmosphere.  When you see the customers freaking out on the concept or the food, it just confirms what we’re doing.  That’s what gets us stoked! At Cheba Hut, we’re more about the interaction than the transaction.  Everyone involved shares these values and it shows.  It’s just an amazing company culture!”  As for me, to say they have challenged my preconception of quality food and great customer service would be an understatement. In my opinion, I think I’ve tasted perfection.  I will be returning soon – hungry for more.

For more information about hours, the location, and upcoming events check them out at www.facebook.com/chebahutsandiego.

Do the words/orders of the United States President
matter?

The answer is no, according to San Diego Federal court Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz, who stated in a published ruling July 7th, that James Stacy listening to the President’s words was “unreasonable,” and deciding the President of the United States Barack Obama’s order of May 20th has no value to the citizens of this country. Unfortunately for Stacy, he will have to pay the price.

In additional rulings, Judge Moskowitz has denied this San Diego medical cannabis provider a defense in Federal Court.  Stacy is facing life in prison for helping to provide 10 grams of cannabis to an undercover San Diego Sheriff with a valid doctor’s recommendation. The collective he helped form was only 10 days old when the fake patient submitted all the required paper work to join the collective. The collective was open for 10 weeks before local Sheriff’s and Federal Drug Enforcement Agency raided, arrested, and jailed him.

Stacy believed the country had voted for a new president who had signed an order to the entire federal government on the preemption of state’s rights on May 20th, two days after the US Supreme Court refused to hear the San Diego County lawsuit dealing with the issue of conflicting powers. These events caused some people to believe there was some resolution to the question concerning the balance of power, seemingly answered by two of the three main branches of government.

Here are the words spoken by Obama on this issue of power, published weeks before Stacy opened the Movement in Action Collective;

“The purpose of this memorandum is to state the general policy of my Administration that preemption of State law by executive departments and agencies should be undertaken only with full consideration of the legitimate prerogatives of the States and with a sufficient legal basis for preemption. Executive departments and agencies should be mindful that in our Federal system, the citizens of the several States have distinctive circumstances and values, and that in many instances it is appropriate for them to apply to themselves rules and principles that reflect these circumstances and values. As Justice Brandeis explained more than 70 years ago, “It is one of the happy incidents of the federal system that a single courageous state may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and try novel social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country.”

As we reported in the premiere issue of NUG Magazine in July 2009 – along with the President’s memo – according to a U.S. Department of Justice memorandum issued to the Counsel for the President in 2000,

“A presidential directive has the same substantive legal effect as an executive order. It is the substance of the presidential action that is determinative, not the form of the document conveying that action. Both an executive order and a presidential directive remain effective upon a change in administration, unless otherwise specified in the document, and both continue to be effective until subsequent presidential action is taken.”

After reviewing all of the evidence obtained by law enforcement before the September 9th raids in 2009, the government’s report indicated he was following state law. Therefore, if there was a question of him not obeying California law, then the local government should seek to prosecute him in state court.

A Good Person is Fighting for Our Rights

Yes, James Stacy is standing up and fighting for our rights. Win or lose, he is showing the courage our government and leaders do not have, when they do not follow the law and hide in the shadows, letting their citizens fall victim to random chaos and terror.

I was a member of the North County Collective. After growing up in Vista and then spending my adulthood working for sane cannabis policies, one of the happiest days I had was joining this association. I thought I was dreaming, when I had local access to my needed medicine.  I was pleasantly surprised at the fantastic facility where the collective was located – the old community center for farmers, the Vista Grange.

Meeting and getting to know James Stacy, the founder of the collective, was an added bonus. In the few short weeks before being raided and arrested, he led the Movement in Action Collective in organizing the Eugene Davidovich Defense Fund, hosted North County ASA meetings and had the best medical cannabis farmers market every other Saturday, where members could cooperatively interact directly with each other.

The local government sting investigation of the collective – reads like a movie script. Stacy engaged with the cop in a long talk on how the collective worked and how he was following the law as closely possible. He even pointed out how he was following the ongoing case of Eugene Davidovich and had a jar on the table to raise money for Davidovich’s defense. The undercover patient/cop responded by putting $3 in the jar to keep up appearances.

Judge Moskowitz ruled he will force Stacy’s case to follow the US federal policies of heavily censoring the full information in all medical cannabis cases. However, Judge Moskowitz said, “One way or the other the jury will hear that this was a medical marijuana case.”

The judge also stated some interesting thoughts in his ruling saying Stacy could have talked to the US Attorney, who was vacant at the time. He also ruled the October 2009 Justice Department Policy Directive on medical cannabis was not relevant in this case because it came after his arrest.

“With a new enforcement policy on medical marijuana, the federal government should not be trying this case at all,” said Joe Elford, Chief Counsel with Americans for Safe Access. “At the very least, Mr. Stacy’s case should be tried in state court where he’s guaranteed a defense against his charges.” Because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on medical marijuana, defendants are prevented from entering evidence of medical use or state law compliance in federal court.

A congressional bill would change this fact. The H.R. 3939–Truth in Trials Act is to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide an affirmative defense for the medical use of marijuana in Federal court in accordance with the laws of the various States, and for other purposes.

“Stacy’s prosecution and denial of a defense underscores the importance of developing a comprehensive federal policy on medical marijuana, which will also allow states to care for the health and welfare of their people without unnecessary federal interference,” said Caren Woodson, Director of Government Affairs at Americans for Safe Access. “It’s not the purview of the federal government to enforce local or state laws.”

Rx Cannabis Raid Relief Concert & Expo
Aug. 14th 4:30pm 9:30pm
Palisades Balboa Park – Ball Room
Admission is Free.

For more information about James Stacy’s case visit
www.movementinaction.org

What’s Good SD it’s ya boy Ras Mike. I would like to thank all the artists who submitted music for the launch of Nug Radio. We appreciate you and most of all keep them coming! Nug Radio is San Diego’s newest Internet Radio Station. We recently came across a San Diego MC named Granzlam and his album “Pot Head” dedicated to all the ganja smokers in San Diego. So you know I had to holla at anyone spreading the word about the herb.

NUG: What it do, thanks for taking time to holla at your dude.

Granzlam: Shit, thank you guys for listening and playing my music on Nug Radio.

NUG: Tell us about Granzlam.

Granzlam: Zlam is a one of a kind cat; he’s an MC, and lyrical West Coast beast. He does it for his town, Daygo, but at the same time he’s not on a Daygo sound or rhyme. He’s trying to do a worldwide sound for the town.

NUG: Who are your influences?

Granzlam: Snoop first and foremost because you know he’s from the same type of hood so I know that kinda person, that type of guy. Not the gang bangin’ Snoop but the cool Snoop, the Long Beach swagger…you know blowing and having a good time, that’s my number one. Andre 3000; Jay-Z, you know he’s a hustler, ask anybody. Music wise, when I listen to Pink Floyd and I see how they push the artistic loop; every time I listen to their music, I’m like wow, how do you get to that level of artistry, you know what I mean? They just release all they got.

NUG: Tell me your thoughts on San Diego music.

Granzlam: I think that when I go out of town and perform they don’t look at our city as a gangster city, know what I mean? You have to kind of represent your city for what it is. People from L.A. are going to blow, because they are seen as a gangster city. When people from L.A. come out lame they don’t blow, it’s because they are too soft for L.A. When people come out too hard from Daygo they’re not taken seriously, like you don’t have any ghettos in San Diego, when everywhere has a ghetto. I’ve been to ghettos in Santa Barbara. For the most part we’re a good city, we’re chill, and we’re a punk rock city at that. So we have to get on that big city level. But at the same time, I’m not going to knock it because that’s what it is. I think in order to put the city on the map we would need someone who reflects the city as what it is. That cool, laid back type shit; a person who’s going to get with the business.

NUG: I notice you’re on some positive vibes and having a good time. Do you think the hood is willing to embrace you and the movement you are trying to put out?

Granzlam: My hood is my hood, they know where I’m from, but at the end of the day I’m trying to get to that trump house. I’m constantly trying to better my situation, so that’s what I’ve been through and I don’t have to go back. I’m trying to reflect and keep it moving.

NUG: So tell us about The “Pot Head” album and how it’s doing.

Granzlam: The “Pot Head” album was my push for the 4/20 holiday. Thanks to everybody who listened and everyone who helps me out. I did this straight from my core, and that’s who I do it for. By the end of this year I should be putting out music on myspace, facebook, twitter etc., I’m just a little bit late to the technology game.

NUG: Tell us about the new album “Highest Man.”

Granzlam: We’re trying to drop it before the NFL season. We only got three more songs until it is released. Its going to contain more real songs, I want it to be more of a reflection on me; the Highest Man.

NUG: What separates you from other San Diego MCs?

Granzlam: I try to be inspirational at the end of the day more than anything, but I’m really trying to get on that up lifting level without preaching. Put it like this: I’m just going to tell it like it is, like it should be, or like it could be. Even when we’re in a recession I’m trying to get people out of the mind set that we can’t do it, when we can. When people think we can do something I think we end up getting it. You can do it!

NUG: What else do you want the people to know about Granzlam?

Granzlam: Just watch out! I’m trying to take off into a whole new planetary level, you know… Getting off this Earth and flying to that Jupiter level. My swagger is space age. We’ve had a few MCs who come in the game with the mentality that they’re going big and they have a good work ethic but they’re no Granzlam. When they see me, I’m going to be a force to be reckoned with, and that’s what it’s about.

NUG: Last question. Favorite dispensary? What you smoke’n on?

Granzlam: I gotta give it up to my boy Nate at THC Clinic Downtown, but the spot is Green Crop…No doubt.  They got the illest Kush. I’m a Kush fan. I just love the Ocean Grown (OG) ya dig!!!

For more info on GRANZLAM
Granzlam619@yahoo.com – Twitter: Granzlam420 – myspace.com/granzlamalmighty

As Always Support
San Diego Music…
And Check Out Nug Radio at www.nugradio.com!

The Tax and Regulate Cannabis Initiative has been given the number 19 by the state for the historic November election. In additional news, the campaign is gaining continual momentum with big endorsements, major labor unions and one of California’s civil rights leaders – the NAACP.

Many analysts of the initiative see the successful passing of this law as a huge economic explosion and employment opportunity like few others in our history. This is why many labor unions like the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council are endorsing Prop 19. The Western States Council represents some 200,000 union members in western states, including some 26,000 in California. Before this announcement, Local 5 in Oakland announced that it would represent 100 employees working in local medical cannabis industries. In addition, Communications Workers of America Local 9415, which represents 1,800 members in California, Nevada and Hawaii, is also endorsing Prop 19 in this November’s vote.

In an interview in the Sacramento Bee, CWA Local 9415 Executive Vice-President Christina Huggins said unions also see opportunities for new jobs and members in a California marijuana market expanded beyond current legal medical use. “There’s a potential for a lot of jobs,” Huggins said. “When beer and alcohol was legalized, those were unionized jobs. We feel the people working in the upcoming industry should have good benefits, good pay and justice on the job.”

The truth in cannabis and the campaign’s work has resulted in a major key endorsement from the NAACP. In a clear sign of our Orwellian world, decades of brutality and propaganda, the segments of society that will benefit the most are unfortunately cowed into thinking the chains that enslave us are there for good reasons. Please read the powerful statement by this organization and its California NAACP President, Alice Huffman, who is also the chairwoman of the national NAACP’s Criminal Justice Board.

Ms. Huffman wrote a supporting article for The Huffington Post, stating in part,

“As leaders of the California NAACP, it is our mission to eradicate injustice and continue the fight for civil rights and social justice wherever and whenever we can. We are therefore compelled to speak out against another war, the so called “War on Drugs.” To be clear, this is not a war on the drug lords and violent cartels, this is a war that disproportionately affects young men and women and the latest tool for imposing “Jim Crow” justice on poor African-Americans…The report released this week by the Drug Policy Alliance confirmed that marijuana law enforcement in California disproportionately targets our youth. Despite consistent evidence that Black youth use marijuana at lower rates than Whites. In every one of the 25 largest counties in California, Blacks are arrested for marijuana possession at higher rates than Whites, typically at double, triple, or even quadruple the rate of Whites…We believe whatever potential harms may be associated with using marijuana are more than outweighed by the immediate harms that derive from being caught up in the criminal justice system…Given the current economic crisis and high level of unemployment, particularly for Black men, do we really want to permanently handicap a person’s ability to get an education, make a decent living, and have a productive life because they used marijuana? …Our recent history is filled with elected officials (including our current President), business leaders and others who have admitted using marijuana and were nonetheless able to lead productive lives…The California NAACP does not believe maintaining the illusion that we’re winning the “War on Drugs” is worth sacrificing another generation of our young men and women. Enough is enough. We want change we can believe in. That’s why we support Prop 19…Let’s invest in people, not prisons. It is time to end the failed war on drugs by decriminalizing and regulating marijuana to save our communities.”

We got the proposition number for the Tax and Regulate Cannabis vote – 19. The change we seek is in our collective laps – the time to educate everyone is now, vote “Yes” on Prop 19!

For more articles in the news about the Tax and Regulate Cannabis Initiative on the California ballot this November go to: http://www.taxcannabis.org/content/newsarchive/

MGMT is one of those bands that has a magical ability to connect directly to the dancing part of one’s soul and suddenly your body is doing moves you didn’t know you could do.  My friend in Atlanta heard the music and knew that it would go right along with my breezy-hippie type of lifestyle and mailed me a copy.  I have been hooked ever since.

On July 15th, MGMT rocked SDSU’s Open Air Venue with a nearly sold out crowd of about 5000 people. SDSU seemed like a fitting venue for the show because Andrew Vanwyngarden and Ben Goldwasser met while attending college (in Connecticut).  They say they didn’t mean to start a band; they were just playing around  and experimenting with music they liked.  They are in their early twenties and their music career is soaring.  Their tour list is packed with dates back to back ranging from all over the United States to the Netherlands, Ireland, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, France, and Czech Republic, to name a few.  In a short amount of time, they have easily become an international phenomenon.

After college their journey took them to Brooklyn, NY and a week later they were signed to Columbia Records and assigned Dave Friddman (Flaming Lips producer) to produce the album, Oracular Spectacular. They recently released their second album, “Congratulations.”  The lyrics seem to hint in the direction of their newfound fame and living life as a celebrity, which is much different than anything they set out to do. After college, Ben remained in Connecticut to pursue a construction job!

It’s hard to define their sound.  When people ask me, I say it’s like some electronic, psychedelic-hippie music.  On their myspace page it is defined as healing, easy listening, soul music.  I would definitely have to agree with that.  Their sound is timeless and does not discriminate who can love it.  The audience was a rainbow of different ethnicities, age groups, and styles.

There was a security guard there that I could tell was just at work and had no idea who this band was. When “Electric Feel” came on, he saw the way the crowd was reacting and he caught the spirit.  He all of a sudden started moving and got lost in the zone.  He was moving his mouth in an attempt to sing the words that he didn’t know. It was obvious he just couldn’t help himself. We caught each other’s eyes and laughed.  I sympathized with him because the involuntary emotions over take me every time their music comes on too. That’s the power that MGMT commands over you.  If you find yourself in this situation, don’t fight it, just let go and let the good music take you on a journey.

When I heard they were going to be in town I knew I HAD to be there.  Their music is such an amazing and unique sound experience.  I needed to witness in person the people responsible for this and see what instruments contributed to the vibration.  Every few songs Ben and Andrew would switch around instruments.  Nothing beats a live band set with multi-talented musicians expressing how deep their creativity runs within them.

Their set began with one of the guys in the band playing about a one minute intro to “Pieces of What” on some sort of flute while the guys strummed along on their guitars.  Ben chimed in with his slightly screechy, high pitched, unique voice and the crowd went wild.  Instead of a mosh pit, they had a pit of people that all moved in the same rhythm and groove looking like a sea of fish.

The sound they create has a mystique to it.  You may not quite be sure what it is that attracts you to this sound or how to define it.  It’s timeless music and although it was recently created by 2 twenty somethings, it sounds as if it has been rocked since the 60’s and was enjoyed by party-goers at Woodstock.

MGMT is definitely a marijuana-loving band.  During their set they made a few references to the smell of weed in the air and the good grade of California bud.  The audience seemed to know this about them too because there were clouds of smoke consistently throughout the show.

I have yet to get the new album but I do listen to their first one on at least a weekly basis.  The whole album is amazing but my body does some things I’m not familiar with when “Kids”, “Electric Feel”, and “Time to Pretend” comes on.  They are all feel good songs. The rest are deep, dark, mind traveling songs and the experience is enhanced when firing up a spliff.

Visit my website to see exclusive footage from the show at www.OrganicBlood.com.

I loVe discovering new sounds and musicians so send me your favorite groups that you think I should know about and invite me out to review your show/concert.  Email me at   loVe@OrganicBlood.com.

ELECTRIC PURPLE (GREEN TREE SOLUTIONS)
“Impressive coloring. Dense buds like little purple rocks, which leads me to believe it’s a Grand Daddy Purp cross. Has that distinctive purple aroma, you know…it’s all perfumy and floral. Hits hard, very expansive. Heavy high. Anyone who is dealing with chronic pain would benefit from this strain. Compliments to whoever brought this to the table.”

MENDO BUBBA (GREEN TREE SOLUTIONS)
“Not all that dense considering it’s a Bubba. Really leafy…lazily trimmed. Too bad it was manicured poorly, because it does have nice looking trichromes. I like the Bubba Kush aroma and flavor, but it doesn’t pack much of a punch. Honestly, I hate to sound negative, but I am disappointed in this one. Virtually no expansion in the hit. But then again, maybe this could be good for beginner patients who are inexperienced smokers.”SWEET WILLIAMS (30TH ST. PATIENT COLLECTIVE)
“I assume from the name that this is Sweet Tooth x William’s Wonder. Two great strains that taste great together! This was well grown and carefully manicured. Refreshing aroma, really sweet and unique. Flavor is sweet and a little bit peppery on the exhale. I noticed a hashy flavor in there too. Nice expansion, I got a bit of a lung punch out of this one.”

There has to be a first time for everything, right? It was obvious that Hopper didn’t enjoy giving a less than stellar review to the Mendo Bubba, but we did ask him for his honest opinion and that is exactly what we got. That being said, let’s talk about something that is of the utmost importance to us all. November is a crucial month in our long journey of legalizing marijuana in California. Not only is this important for our state, it is critical for the entire country, because “As California goes, so goes the Nation.” We all must get out to the polls and vote yes on Prop 19. If you are not registered, stop by The Green Door to pick up a form. The GDC is not currently accepting new patients, but voter registration forms and information on Prop 19 are available in the lobby and the staff will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Story by: Pamela Jayne
Nug Shots by: M.K. Jack
Photo by: Phil Calvin with SCR Photo