PUSHMAG: The Active Issue

PUSHMAG

THE ACTIVE ISSUE

$20.00 USD

PUSH Mag is a cannabis lifestyle publication that

engages in solution-driven conversations. Our aim

is to create an open and inclusive environment that

allows all who partake to feel safe and genuinely

heard. Join in the movement.

Stand up, push back.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

20 34

42 26

52

56 72

82

68 78

85

IN THE ACTIVE ISSUE

8

16

20

26

34

42

52

56

62

68

72

78

82

85

86

ARTISTS- Lady Art

INFOGRAPHIC- Cannabis and Disabilities

HEALTH- Microdosing: What Defines a Dose?

GROW- Falcanna

CANNA PHOTOGRAPHY- Jena Schlosser Has a Passion for Hashin

COVER STORY- Brujas

THINK- Shifting The Blame Of Sexual Assault

INTERVIEW- Chicago-Based Chante Linwood Really Is Doing it All

FASHION- Jewelry For Your Inner Goddess

GLASS- Glass and Hash For All

LIFESTYLE- Desperate Housewives Revisited

HEALTH- Endocannabinoids: THCee There’s More To The System?

ACTIVE FEATURE- Therese Carrozzino: Spirituality Soldier

STRAIN SPOTLIGHT- Super Lemon Haze

CANNA PRODUCTS- Fall Favorites

HOROSCOPES

PUShMAG

THE ACTIVE ISSUE

EDITORIAL/CREATIVE

Abigail Ross

Editor-in-Chief

$ @abigaile_ross

Meghan Ridley

Editor-At-Large

$ @miss_ridley

Kinsey Litton

Content Manager

$ @kinseymaei

Jazz Williams

Graphic Designer

$ @williams.jazz

PUSHMAG.COM

Khara Krawczyk

Chief Digital Strategist

$ @kharacha

CONTRIBUTORS

Zachary Holland

Copy Editor

$ @theusualsuspect___

Ophelia Chong

Creative Consultant

$ @opheliaswims

Malina Lopez

Product Stylist

$ @malinalopez

Leleita McKill

Photographer

$ @old_army_jacket

Bess Byers

Photographer

$ @imcannabess

Naima Noguera

Photographer

$ naiaamujica

Magda Hjalmarsson

Writer

$ @balancebliss

Jessie Brady

Photographer

$ @wild_little_moon

PUSHMAG.COM

FOLLOW US $ @PUSH.MAG

PUSH Mag and the entire contents of this publication are copywritten by 2017 PUSH Media

LLC. All rights are reserved, and the information contained herein may not be reproduced in

any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from PUSH Media LLC.

EDITOR’S LETTER

The word ACTIVE can conjure up many stories

in the mind. As our culture grapples with its

incessant association of the term “getting your

ass to the gym,” it can become just another to-do on

society’s never-ending list aimed at assessing physical

appearance. But as our political climate continues

to shake us to a point where we have no choice but

to wake up, the word is increasingly interpreted as

pushing boundaries and fighting back.

For women, the word can be a loaded term,

but that isn’t stopping them from getting active and

being recognized for it in revolutionary ways. Today

we are seeing more representation of women in action

than ever before, and their feats are not confined

to the ‘girl’ version. We also find more women are

involved in politics and social movement groups,

where they are a new-age force to be reckoned with.

Looking back on the Women’s March in January—

the largest march on Washington to date—there’s a

powerful reminder of what can occur when feminine

energy is focused on a collective cause.

What if being active looked like hunting with

falcons and growing your cannabis business while

supporting small farmers within one’s community? What

if being active meant simply not moving from your

space because of gentrification and refusing to have

your community dictated by fluctuating rent prices?

What if a microdose of psychedelic drugs could activate

your mind in ways you never thought possible? With a

term this versatile, it can mean just about anything to

anybody—where we can all be active in our own style.

We are incredibly inspired by the stories in this

issue—by the people who have stood up and pushed

back against societal norms; people who got ACTIVE

in their own unique manner. It is their creative response

to the outside world that gives us faith that meaningful

change is undoubtedly on the way.

Abigail Ross

Editor-in-Chief

HOROSCOPE

ARIES

As you transition out of the hectic eclipse season

and the latest Mercury retrograde—that brought the

summer season to a climactic close—look for the

fall equinox and upcoming months to light up your

professional path with some hard-earned accolades.

If you’ve been backing up your creative agenda

with the necessary detail-oriented work to see it to

completion, you just may have set yourself up for

the worldly success you’ve been lusting after. But

remember, the hard work may have only just begun.

6

HOROSCOPE

TAURUS

You may be craving an endless summer, but that

nagging voice in your head knows that you’ve

had enough fun for yourself and others over the

last few months. Allow yourself to transition from

recreation to production mode slowly, but be ready

to hit the ground running by the fall equinox in late

September—with a good set of notes from the

recent Mercury retrograde. The party is far from over,

but your priorities will experience a notable shift as

the weather cools and professional ambitions come

knocking at your door.

7

Lady Art

Interviews with the Women Behind LA’s Coolest Street Art

INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS BY KHARA KRAWCZYK

Jeff Hamilton and Artist Meghan Hall had one intention

when creating the concept of the Los Angeles Street Art

Fair: to fuse their love for street art and cannabis into

one unique event. While people roamed throughout the

space at the Jeff Hamilton studios in Downtown LA, they had

the opportunity to immerse themselves in the art, connect

with various cannabis vendors, and network with other

professionals in both industries. Meghan Hall, who showed

her artwork and also helped organize the event, has always

seen a parallel between the two communities and made it

her personal goal to create an event where women had the

opportunity to showcase their street art in a male dominated

world. PUSH Mag was fortunate enough to interview four of

the female artists who showed their work.

Sierra Hood

@sisi hood -

PUSH Mag: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Sierra Hood: I draw inspiration from random things. I’ll

either see an image or something will happen in my life,

and a visual will be stuck with me until I develop it into art.

Many times it will come from movies—especially Tarantino

movies—nature, pop culture and situations that either

happen to me or my friends.

P.M: Is there a specific message you aim to communicate

with your art?

S.H: Definitely, the overall theme in most of my art is ‘Self

Love,’ figuratively and literally. It’s finding acceptance of your

sexuality and being liberated by it. It’s about seeing your body

as a work of art and never something to be ashamed of.

P.M: How have the most recent political ongoings

affected your artwork?

S.H: The most recent ongoings have affected my artwork,

as well as myself, greatly. Now more than ever we as

females need to stand together and support one another

because nobody else seems to care about our needs and

desires. We have to take ownership of our own bodies,

inside and out, and recognize how relentless, powerful

and deserving we are. I feel as a young female it is my duty

to use the gifts I possess to reflect the times and rebel

against our current situations—even if it’s just by inspiring

one person with a simple doodle.

P.M: Would you consider yourself a feminist and/or

activist and why?

S.H: Absolutely. I will always be both. My parents brought

me up enforcing the importance of having a voice, and being

active and passionate. I am always doing what I can to fight

for important causes whether it’s women’s rights, human

rights or the environment. I think it’s extremely valuable to

use my art not only as an expression of myself but also as a

tool to be vocal for a greater cause.

P.M: What messages do we need to make sure young

women are getting?

S.H: Again, I am a huge advocate for self love. I think it is

the most vital thing we can teach our female youth. We are

constantly being told to hate or question ourselves. We

are constantly being told what to do and how to be. We

are constantly being told we aren’t good enough, while in

actuality we are the bringers of life; we are incredibly resilient

and it’s about time we give our girls a fighting chance. It took

me years to find acceptance of myself and my body, and I’m

still not fully there yet. But as I learn, I want to impress this

idea on my fellow sisters so we can rise together.

P.M: What advice do you have for a young girl who wants

to pursue art?

S.H: My only advice to pursuing a career in art is DO IT. If

art is what you love, if you can’t live without it, DO IT. Take

everyone’s opinions with a grain of salt because there will

be so many people—including those you love—who will

question your decision. If deep down inside you know this

is what you’re supposed to be doing, you need to follow

your heart. I quit my job and dropped out of college, and a

lot of people thought I was crazy, but I knew it’s what I had

to do. It’s not easy, it won’t happen quickly and you need to

work twice as hard as you’d even imagine, but there’s this

warm fuzzy feeling you get when you make a living doing

what you love every day. That’s incomparable and I promise

it is worth it.

9

meghan hall

@mego productions

-


Meghan Hall: I’ve been drawing designs ever since I was six

years old. It helped my ADHD—especially when having to

look like I was ‘taking notes’ to appease my teachers when

actually I was just drawing and waiting for class to end so

I could get to soccer practice. It wasn’t until I was 21 that

my older sister opened my world to the arts. To be honest

I had no idea my art would be as popular to the public as it

has become. That being said, I want to use my art to be an

inspiration and a voice for ‘we the people’—ya feel me?


with your art?

M.H: Yes, I always leave hidden messages in all my artwork.

It’s up to the person to find where I put it.



M.H: Well, I’ll be honest and say I couldn’t be more honored

to use my art as a positive message for our country in the

midst of this political reality TV show. Let me also mention

I’m a gold star lesbian with Southwest Virginia roots—so I’ve

survived some shit. I am proud of who I am and I want to

empower our female community every way I can. Stay tuned

for women empowered murals and street art in Los Angeles

that I’m working on with Jeff Hamilton.


activist and why?

M.H: I’m pro-female all day err’y day, does that answer your

question? I’ve been an advocate for not only female rights,

but for equality in the LGBTQ+ community. Why? Because

it’s up to us to be the change we want to see in the world.

Can I get an amen?!


women are getting?

M.H: To our young women, you are powerful. You are a

force to be reckoned with. You...will change this world. We

must make absolutely sure we are raising young women to

see their value without building a fairytale around Prince

Charming all the time. Give them the world and let them

choose what they want from there. Women have endured so

much—there isn’t shit we can’t do.


to pursue art?

M.H: Do your art for you, baby girl. Love it and don’t let

anyone tell you otherwise. Don’t ever make art just to get

recognition from others, stick to your vision and the right

people will come.

10


Reena Tolentino: I am inspired by the duality of life and

death, and the life thereafter. I’m also inspired by icons of

our time—those who have lived and passed away, but have

left a legacy with us. They will be forever remembered as

pioneers who originated a pathway in one form or another

for all of us. I think a tribute should be communicated to

thank them so I create it through my paintings. I do this to

help them live on forever; to let them know we appreciate

the legacy they left with us and that their mark in this world

will never be forgotten.

reena toletino

@ReenaTolentino


with your art?

R.T: The essence of my art is that all these icons have lived a

life of tragedy. In my painting storybook, the icon is the heroic

individual who has encountered sorrowful and unfortunate

events that shaped them to be the icons they are known as

today! These events significantly tested the hero in their role

as an individual in society and the world. And through these

dignified trials, they’ve experienced an emotion of catharsis:

the purification of one’s soul by causing it to feel exhilaration

and restoration while it lightens the human spirit. It’s my

belief that sometimes you have go through the messy-ugly

to finally get to the good. Despite the negative in the world,

we can still be a hero to others.



R.T: I don’t think it’s directly affecting my artwork but

probably indirectly. For example, say I’m painting and I’m

in deep thought about the nuisances of everyday life and

how the government can do better and how dishonorably

our country has been portraying itself with these bullcrap

systems of laws that are killing millions of people…maybe

that has been channeling the darkness into my work. Maybe.


activist and why?

R.T: Heck yes I consider myself a feminist/activist. I believe in

women’s rights! A woman’s right to earn just as much or more

than a man, a woman’s right to be represented in a diversity

of fields because most fields are male-dominated and leave

a majority of women with less options and opportunities. I

believe it’s a woman’s right to be mobile in progressing any

business venture, job position and any field she wants to get

involved in. I’m also an activist when it comes to maintaining

education and the arts in schools. We spend our money on

art commercially whether we realize it or not, but we want

to take away art education in school? I believe it’s a form of

control from a government that does not want us to follow

our dreams. Stay woke.


women are getting?

R.T: The kind of message we should instill in our young

women is the importance of empowering other young

women—be kind to other women. We shouldn’t let the male

gender make us feel like we should be against one another.

We need to uplift and uphold our sacred sister duty, and

nourish ourselves and one another.


to pursue art?

R.T: If it’s your passion, pursue it. Don’t allow excuses yet

learn to be easy with yourself. You are an artist, so you’re

never satisfied but you can learn to compromise.

12

14

cloe hakakian

@cloehakakian


Cloe Hakakian: Frida Kahlo has always been my spirit

animal, but I draw my inspiration from everywhere. Mainly

from other talented artists who inspire me to push myself

and my artwork to their caliber.


with your art?

C.H: Each piece I create has a unique message, but they all

share a similar vibe and feeling that I try to provoke through

bright colors and bold imagery.



C.H: Being an artist gives you the ability to create a surreal

little world to escape to within your own canvas, and I try not

to let political ongoings invade that world.


activist and why?

C.H: I wouldn’t call myself a feminist, but I do strongly

believe in supporting female artists—especially in the street

art scene where they are so underrepresented.


women are getting?

C.H: Be fearless. Confidence is everything.

P.M: What advice would you have for a young girl who

wants to pursue art?

C.H: Create constantly. Experiment. Get out of your comfort

zone. Get yourself out there. Be persistent. Never quit. p

15

CANNABIS +

DISABILITIES

CANNABINOIDS

Of the 500 natural

compounds in the

cannabis plant, at least

85 of them fall into the

cannabinoid category.

EDUCATION

In 2015, a school in New

Jersey became the first

in the nation to allow

students with disabilities

and various medical

conditions to legally

consume marijuana to

alleviate symptoms.

Combat veterans have an

especially high propensity

for PTSD, and statistics

show that about 1 in 5

military personnel deployed

in Iraq and Afghanistan

experience it.

SEIZURES

In a recent

study, using

CBD for 12

weeks reduced

seizures by an

average of 54%.

PTSD

Patients who

have PTSD are

found to have

50 percent

lower rates of

anandamide.

AIDS

Marinol and Cesamet: Both drugs

are used to treat nausea and lack

of appetite related to chemotherapy

and in AIDS patients. They

are man-made versions of THC,

the primary chemical in marijuana

that gives users a “high.” Both

were approved in the 1980s.

CBD

The standard serving of

CBD when using

medicinally is 25mg taken

twice a day.

The combination

of CBD and THC

buccal spray was

found to be effective

in treating neuropathic

pain in multiple sclerosis, which

can be debilitating for 50-70%

of MS patients.

CBD is one of over

60 compounds found

in cannabis that

belong to a class of

ingredients called

cannabinoids.

17 states have

approved the use

of low-THC, high-

CBD products

for medical

reasons in limited

situations.

REGULATIONS

Due to federal

regulations, currently

only 6% of studies on

marijuana analyze its

medicinal properties.

ICONS BY FREEPIK

16

D I F F E R E N T

C A N N A B I N O I D S

AND THEIR USES

[[ANXIETY]]

[[DEPRESSION]]

[[CHRONIC PAIN]]

[[PSYCHOTIC

DISORDERS]]

CBD

[[EPILEPSY]]

[[DIABETES]]

[[CANCER]]

[[NEUROPATHIC

PAIN]]

[[MULTIPLE

SCLEROSIS]]

[[PTSD]]

THC

[[ALZHEIMER’S

DISEASE]]

[[PARKINSON’S

DISEASE]]

17

HOROSCOPE

GEMINI

You’re welcoming the calm and crisp vibes of fall,

but feeling a little foggy on what your next big

move is. Be patient for now and keep your everyday

life organized and streamlined as possible, so you

can jump at a moment’s notice should the right

opportunity arrive. Impromptu travel plans, chance

meetings and unlikely reunions are some of the most

magical possibilities life has to offer, and you don’t

want to miss out on a game-changing experience

because you don’t have your shit together.

18

HOROSCOPE

CANCER

You may feel that your biggest aspirations are

illogical pipe dreams from time to time, but the

actuality is likely that your self-doubt is sabotaging

your endeavors from the inside out. Quell your

propensity to be critical and replace it with a can-do

attitude. Dreams don’t always show up exactly as you

envisioned them or when you expect them to arrive,

but you’ll know this one when you see it. Remember,

believing is the foundation to achieving—and you’re

closer to the prize than you think.

19

WHAT DEFIN

MICRODOSING MAY BE THE HOTTEST

BUT WHAT IS IT? AND WHAT

20

ES A DOSE?

BY MEGHAN RIDLEY

NEW TREND IN PSYCHEDELIC DRUG USE.

HAPPENS IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH?

21

22

Living in a world where psychedelic drugs are widely

classified as illegal, it can be difficult to know just

how much of these bad substances we should be

doing—if by chance we happen to be doing them at all

of course (wink wink). Just what is the proper dose to take

of an illegal drug? Let’s just say that without a textbook

definition for this bad behavior, people have been left to

their own devices, gadgets and measurement methods to

figure out this elusive puzzle.

Well, if the stories are true, a microdose of

psychedelic drugs—one of the classics like LSD or

psilocybin mushrooms—could bring transformative

benefits to your everyday life. And with a dose this small,

it’s likely that no one will be hip to the fact that you’ve

taken a mind-altering substance.

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A MICRODOSE?

A microdose of psychedelic drugs is meant to deliver a

sub-perceptual experience to the user, meaning there is no

breakthrough into the psychedelic realm. While very little

research on the practice of microdosing exists, it is commonly

considered to be 1/10th to 1/5th of the dose required to hit

the psychedelic state—referred to as the “threshold level.”

The dose is taken on a strict schedule, typically every three

to four days. The dose is small enough that noticeable

impairment should not occur and regular activities such as

work are executable.

THE VARYING BENEFITS OF MICRODOSING

Individuals that have followed a microdosing regimen have

reported the following:

• AN OVERALL FEELING OF WELLBEING

• DECREASED ANXIETY

• INCREASED CREATIVITY

• PAIN RELIEF

• TREATMENT OF ADDICTION

• BOOST OF ENERGY

• ENHANCED MENTAL CLARITY

23

WHAT’S IN A DOSE?

To understand a microdose, one must define what a dose is in the first place.

SUBSTANCE: Psilocybin mushrooms

MICRODOSE: 0.2 to 0.5 of a gram

THRESHOLD DOSE: 1 to 2 grams

MACRODOSE: 3 grams & above

SUBSTANCE: LSD

MICRODOSE: 10-20 micrograms

THRESHOLD DOSE: 100 micrograms

MACRODOSE: 200 micrograms & above

24

KICKING ADDERALL TO THE CURB WITH MUSHROOMS?

**the following is an anecdotal tale shared by one of our readers who wishes to remain anonymous**

She had been on Adderall for only six months the first

time she realized she wanted to get off of it. A steady

diet of 40mg a day had resulted in a work-a-holic lifestyle

and a personal life that was losing its emotional substance.

Toss a couple vodka drinks on top of that and it was

a recipe for relationship disaster.

She was confident she could begin to taper off

Adderall. And that she did—with the help of another substance,

Vyvanse. While this pharmaceutical allowed her to

work down to 10mg of Adderall a day, she was now taking

another pill everyday. This came with another host of problems,

which is when she came to the conclusion that she

wanted any and all pharmaceutical stimulants out of her life

and her body. At this point, she had been prescribed these

medications for over a year; and though she was able to stop

taking the Vyvanse and get down to 5 mg a day of Adderall,

that last little pill remained hard to shake.

Deciding to follow the advice of a friend, she took a

small handful of microdose mushroom capsules. Needing to

take a road trip for work, she packed her bags, grabbed her

mushrooms and elected to not fill her Adderall prescription

before she left town. Over the next two weeks she took one

capsule every three days.

As of the printing of this article, she has been off

Adderall for six months. p

25

PHOTOS BY BESS BYERS

26

F

A

C

L

A

N

N

A

BY ABIGAIL ROSS

If you’re one of those people who thinks nothing new has

been done under the sun, then you haven’t met Bethany

Rondeau. With a burgeoning cannabis brand and a fullfledged

falcon breeding business, Bethany and her husband

Justin are combining two potent passions to create a rare

reality that is all their own.

While the concept of cannabis branding may be

mostly self-explanatory, the concept of falconry is far more

elusive. Falconry is defined as the hunting of wild quarry in its

natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey.

Dating back to 722 BC, falcons have been a status symbol for

the royal and wealthy. Various breeds of falcons and hawks

were deemed appropriate for differing social classes. While

falconry is more accessible today, it is still mostly practiced

by those who can afford it—and it’s not cheap. It’s also

an incredibly male-dominated sport, but that didn’t stop

Bethany from pursuing her passion at the tender age of 14.

When entering the Rondeau property on the

Olympic Peninsula, one is first met by an abandoned

27

28

29

building that used to be home to Bethany’s medical cannabis

shop. The second greeting comes from the couple’s three

hunting dogs, Newton, Odette and Blue. While the dogs are

gorgeous, it is the 55 stunning falcons you’ll find in the habitat

enclosures out back—built by the couple themselves—that

are a sight to behold. Here, the Rondeau’s deeply rooted

respect for nature is evident; where avid hunting and fishing

with these fine animals is accentuated by the wet kisses of

their pups and the couple’s generous hospitality. It’s safe to

say every living thing on their property is a killing machine,

but you wouldn’t know it from their warm demeanors.

As we talked through the night, the couple lit up

joint after joint and the entire house—with its taxidermy

lined walls—was hot-boxed like a car. Bethany told us

about growing up in Oklahoma. Unbeknownst to her at the

time, she grew up very wealthy. She knew the decision to

marry within her status or higher just to be weighed down

by debutant obligations was not for her. She explained, “I

didn’t want to just get a degree I wasn’t going to use and

then get married, have kids and then have my husband and

I resent each other. I watched it so many times growing up

and I wasn’t going to spend my life doing that.” At 14 she

began working with falcons. By the time she was 16 she

was hunting with them, and at 18 met her future husband,

Justin, through falconry. Four months after meeting, Justin

positioned a modest ring in the ring finger of her falconer

glove, and when she slipped it on the ring slid onto her

finger. He was waiting behind her on one knee.

Bethany’s parents are savvy business people,

and even though the marriage and career choices were

not initially accepted by them, they have somewhat come

around in seeing that cannabis cultivation is a business. Eight

years of hard work has only further proved her passions to

be sustainable, as Bethany—now 26 years old—just recently

transitioned her medical cannabis operation to a recreational

brand, falcons and all.

Falcanna is unique, not only for its token falcons

that make appearances at recreational shops from time to

time, but also for the heavy handed influence Bethany has

on the brands overall aesthetic. Each package of cannabis

comes with an insertable sticker in the package that boasts

unique art that Bethany has helped design herself.

Bethany and her husband are currently the

youngest internationally CITES-registered falcon breeders in

the world. Their falcons are sold all over the world—although

predominantly in the Middle East. They are heading to Dubai

this January to watch some of their falcons race. Bethany

says, “Raising falcons isn’t just a hobby. It has to be a lifestyle

choice. It’s very expensive to feed and take care of them and

it’s not just like a dog you can leave with a friend when you

got on vacation.” She goes on to explain that in some ways

the cannabis lifestyle is similar because it’s not like you can

leave just anyone to take care of your garden either; so the

two, cannabis and falconry, meld beautifully.

Bethany is heavily involved with the Cannabis

Farmer’s Council, and has been a cannabis advocate

since she was 18. She is an executive board member for

the CFC, an organization that represents Producers and

Processors operating within I-502. The mission of the CFC

is to advocate for a functional legal cannabis system, as

well as provide support for all grows whether big or small.

She works hard to see that her community recognizes the

benefits of having smaller cannabis companies and diversity

amongst who is in charge of them.

Justin and Bethany’s eventual goal is to generate

enough revenue from Falcanna to buy a property around

200 acres and build a compound that is unique to their

lifestyle—giving them the necessary space to fully train their

falcons. Between her love for cannabis and falconry, it is clear

Bethany never shies away from uncharted territory. p

“RAISING

FALCONS ISN’T

JUST A HOBBY.

IT HAS TO BE

A LIFESTYLE

CHOICE.”

30

HOROSCOPE

LEO

Honesty is the best policy, but have you been

as honest with yourself as you have been with

others? It can be easy to see flaws and provide

advice when dealing with the people in your life,

but turning the mirror on oneself is necessary

from time to time. Don’t be afraid to give yourself

a dose of constructive criticism—and a heap of

praise—when you’re in need. Having confidence to

correct your own course will only lead to a deeper

understanding of your truest motivations, and get

you where you’re going with the utmost integrity.

32

HOROSCOPE

VIRGO

While the late summer months have had no shortage

of eclipses and retrogrades scrambling the skies,

the cosmic upheaval likely renewed your sense of

ambition for your loftiest goals. Take the lessons

learned into the fall months and keep your eye on

the prize, but keep your head out of the clouds and

your ears open for helpful advice along the way. You

can accomplish a lot when you’re in solo-mode, but

don’t discount the point of view of some of your

closest pals and professional associates. Any flaws or

criticisms they find will make your final presentation

that much stronger.

33

JENA SCHLOSSER

Has A Passion for Hashin’

BY ABIGAIL ROSS

Photographer Jena Schlosser possesses a rare ability

to zoom in on the cannabis plant for a macro shot of

some trichomes or zoom out on a cannabis event to

capture the essence of the evening. As she puts it, “I feel

as though I was put here on Earth to capture, share and

connect all I can about this plant—it just feels right to me.”

Add to this the fact that she is also a self-proclaimed hash

faerie and knows her way around a dab rig better than most

people you know, you quickly realize that her plant-based

talents have no bounds. Jena talks all things cannabis in her

interview with PUSH Mag.

PHOTOS BY JENA SCHLOSSER

34

35

PUSH Mag: What were you like growing up?

Jena Schlosser: I grew up in a small town in Connecticut,

a town where everyone knows one another. Luckily, I have

always been surrounded by family and the greatest friends.

I went to catholic school for nine years, so going to a public

high school sure was a treat! That’s actually when I started

using cannabis. I’ve always tried to be outgoing—connecting

with and meeting new people wherever I went.

P.M: What did you think you were going to be when you

grew up?

J.S: A chef. I actually chased and conquered that dream

for quite a few years. I was in a food service program

all throughout high school before attending Johnson &

Wales University in Providence, RI for their culinary arts

program. I got my Associates Degree in Rhode Island before

transferring to the Denver campus in 2011. So it was actually

my love and passion for cooking and food that brought me

here to Colorado, where I call home now.

P.M: How did you get into photography?

J.S: I had been growing cannabis while simultaneously baking

edibles for a small (no longer existent) dispensary down in

Palmer Lake, CO. I loved the beginning years of my exposure

to cannabis, it was a bit before it became recreationally

legal. I had an infatuation with capturing these amazing, rare

experiences. I had saved up and gotten my first camera to

take photos of the flower I recently harvested, as well as the

incredible sunrises and sunsets I witnessed daily.

P.M: What inspired you to begin working with cannabis?

J.S: Since my early years in high school (sorry mom!) I’ve

always loved the euphoric and relaxing feeling, as well

as the social aspect that cannabis gave me. Once I had

the camera to capture the plant, it was an instant love.

Eventually, I moved back up towards the Denver area and

worked as a budtender for a few years where my cannabis

photography really kicked off. Kind Pain Management

allowed me to bring my camera in with me to work, and

I’d take photos of the products, their harvests, garden

and managed their social media. Since then it’s been only

upward and onward pursuing my passion. I truly love to

capture and share the beauty the cannabis plant holds

within. I feel grateful to be able to call this my career—I

often reflect on how unreal my life feels.

P.M: What is your favorite way to consume cannabis?

J.S: Taking dabs, 100%. I consider myself to be a hash faerie, if

you will. I have a passion for hashin’. All of the different textures

and types from live resin to rosin and all the unique terpene

profiles, ah! I love to dab and dabventure—I often mix my love

for marijuana and mountains, photography-wise and in my

everyday life. I keep my rig and nail clean so I can thoroughly

enjoy each strain and the terpenes they hold within.

P.M: What is your personal philosophy regarding

cannabis use?

J.S: I believe cannabis has amazing medicinal benefits

that can replace countless pharmaceuticals poisoning our

country. Working in a medical-only dispensary for years, I

witnessed miracles day in and day out. Watching patients

try different methods to see what helped them best and

witnessing their progress proved to me just how powerful of

a plant cannabis is. On a recreational perspective, I think it’s

a beautiful replacement for alcohol use if you’re someone

who likes an altered state of mind and some fun. I enjoy

and feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing transition to

the normalization of cannabis use. Ultimately, I believe that

organic and sustainable practices are crucial while growing

and consuming this plant.

37

P.M: Being from Colorado, how has the changing cannabis

landscape affected your work?

J.S: I am blessed with an amazing and endless amount

of work opportunities doing exactly what I love here in

Colorado! I enjoy meeting and connecting with the cannabis

community here, especially the organic, sustainable and ecoconscious

companies that truly carry the same morals and

sense of respect for the plant and people’s health as I have.

Colorado has been so supportive of my work with Fill Your

Eyes Photography and paved my career path for me in many

ways. I am always grateful for the people I have met, the

plants that I have photographed and the wild experiences

I’ve been able to have all due to weed.

P.M: Our theme for this issue is ‘Active’ which can be

defined as physically active, activism, etc. How do you

feel this word works into your life philosophy?

J.S: I feel as though my job as a photographer is not only

to get beautiful images of this plant and products, but it is

also important for me to actively share and educate others

on the positive effects and benefits of the cannabis plant.

I feel as though I was put here on earth to capture, share

and connect all I can about this plant, it just feels right to

me. I’ve been able to educate and change my family and

so many other people’s perspectives on this plant, and that

truly brings me so much happiness. p

“I FEEL

GRATEFUL TO BE

ABLE TO CALL

THIS MY CAREER,

I OFTEN

REFLECT ON

HOW UNREAL

MY LIFE FEELS.”

STICKERS

DAD HATS

SHOP THE STORE.

P U

S H

M A G

MAGAZINES

.COM

MAGAZINES

DAD HATS

STICKERS

a youth-driven

movement for change

BY KINSEY LITTON

It used to be that becoming an “adult” came with a few

inescapable truths: filing taxes, navigating the job market

and forever paying the adult fare at the movies. But the

fact is, times have changed. Now, becoming an adult not only

means confronting a failed political system, a barely recovered

economy and advanced technology that has altered the very

foundation of how we interact, but also deciding how to

navigate within these systems...if at all. Brujas are one of the

many youth-driven organizations facing these changing social

and political landscapes, and their accompanying issues. Brujas

as an organization are hard to define but that’s mostly due the

fact that they don’t want to be defined, at least not by anyone

other than themselves. They are a group composed of active and

wildly driven young women, men and gender non-conforming

folk that reside in New York City. What originated as a group of

outspoken, take-no-shit young women who simply wanted a

safe space to explore their love for skateboarding has evolved

into a progressive organization with complex goals that

involve going up against monstrous and deeplyrooted

systems such as their local government and

the mass media machine. While they expand their

organization, they are leading solution-driven

conversations about the purpose of longstanding

public systems such as schools,

jails and hospitals, and whether or not

they are supporting our youth or

stripping them of opportunity.

PHOTOS BY NAIMA NOGUERA

42

44

"Though Brujas

began as a group

of young women

seeking solace

and support

in each other’s

company, the

group has evolved

tremendously and

their message and

goals cannot

be reduced to a

sound bite."

The conversation surrounding media: it’s purposes,

methods and flaws, is one that has had no shortage of

participants recently. We are in a time where information

is so exhaustingly abundant that even respectable news

companies have had to adapt to clickbait driven headlines

and easily digestible reporting fads. In a State of the Union

Salute written by Brujas earlier this year, they explain their

complex relationship and experiences with the industry thus

far. Upon recognizing their unique look and reach, the media

took a quick liking to Brujas and features on the group were

published in VOGUE, The New York Times, and W Magazine

just to name a few. As Arianna Gil, one of the founders of

the organization, reflected on their experiences, they discussed

the double-edged sword that is engaging with the mass media

machine, “It’s been so interesting. I think that we have worked

with some of the best journalists in New York and we are really

grateful for that… It’s just part of a larger infrastructure that

isn’t necessarily the easiest thing to just enter into abruptly.”

Brujas quickly became frustrated with the simplification and

misrepresentation of their message. When I ask if they felt as

though they were being reduced to simply being a “cool girl

gang” they responded, “Yeah exactly. I mean in some ways we

are that, but that’s also reductionist.” Though Brujas began as

a group of young women seeking solace and support in each

other’s company, the group has evolved tremendously, and

their message and goals cannot be reduced to a sound bite.

Realizing this fact has empowered them to engage with media

differently and whenever possible create their own content to

accurately reflect their purpose.

Speaking with Gil provides a small peek into their

goals and challenges as a young activist and organizer. They

are self-aware and ridiculously well-spoken, yet there is a

vulnerability in their voice that hints at their exhaustion.

After growing up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan,

and watching their friends and family pushed out of their

homes by skyrocketing costs of living, they have dedicated

a lot of time and energy to fighting gentrification in their

community. “I think the major thing threatening our

immediate community is the cost of living in New York

that makes it nearly impossible to survive here. It has had

reverberated effects on our social atmosphere, our ability to

create a coalition and community with one another because

there is just so much stress.” As they explain, beyond the

obvious struggles that come with the constantly increasing

cost of living, having to continuously focus on paying rent

makes it difficult for some members to have time to focus on

growing Brujas with the energy and effort they would like

to dedicate to it. “The reality is, this is something I created

with my best friend a couple of summers ago because I

didn’t have anywhere else to go. But no matter what I do,

there’s always something else…” they trail off as you almost

hear their never-ending to-do list cycle through their brain.

As Brujas know, the New York housing system is a giant

beast for anyone to take on, and yet they relentlessly push

back by continuing to take up space. In previous interviews

they tell stories of having police called on them in their

own apartment buildings and being asked by bougie new

residents if they actually live in the neighborhoods that

they’ve spent their whole lives in. Unwavering, Brujas

remain steadfast and vocal in their opposition to the

changes being made to their homes.

In remaining focused on their community-specific

issues, Brujas’ most recent and involved endeavor has been

securing funding to launch their second streetwear line whose

message and profits benefit those suffering under the prison

industrial complex. In a time when street culture is being

45

"Brujas are all too familiar with a heavy police presence in their

lives, and have bared witness to racist policies and the unnecessary

searches and arrests of their family members and peers."

46

treated like a passing fad, it is easy to lose the spirit and the

origins of the movement, but Brujas are fighting to keep the

youth-driven elements of street culture alive and thriving. “The

point is that all of the young people who are the models and the

innovators and the trendsetters are the ones who are creating

the value for others to come in and extract. So my point is you

might as well capture the value at its origin point,” says Gil when

discussing the appropriation of street culture as a trend. This

conversation exposes what is perhaps one of Gil’s most amazing

qualities: they are acutely aware of the power and influence of

themself and their peers. Years of belittling and underestimation

from adults, government systems and other ageist peers have

only fueled their fire. The streetwear brand, debuting this

October, is appropriately named the 1971 Collection after the

1971 Attica prison riot. The clothing bares drawings of prisons

and the motto of the collection, “Prisons are obsolete, give

em hell, negotiations from the door of a cell.” Portions of the

proceeds from the streetwear collection are being donated to a

fund for queer and trans prisoners of color.

Brujas are all too familiar with a heavy police

presence in their lives, and have bared witness to racist

policies, as well as the unnecessary searches and arrests of their

family members and peers. While they are obviously affected

by the political fuckery that is our federal government, their

focus always remains local and community-based, “We try

really really hard to do as much service to our community

as we possibly can. We are constantly engaging with our

direct community to create programming and resources

for people,” shares Gil. Addressing the issues within their

community means dealing with mass incarceration and the

policing of youth. This reflects the true heart of what Brujas

are doing: focusing on their immediate community, assessing

its problems and creating a safe space to work together to

solve them. They are self-sufficient, self-aware and always

solution-based, yet they remain consistently reduced and

underestimated by the systems surrounding them.

Beyond the community-based work Brujas do and the

money they raise to donate to their dedicated causes, what they are

doing is starting a larger conversation about the lack of resources

and respect for youth and youth contributions. “We are trying to

start a new world order one hoodie at a time,” Gil expresses. Youth

culture in America is thriving, educated and bursting with the

motivation needed to create real solutions to tired problems. And

yet we push and pull young people until they fit into the poorly

constructed boxes and systems we are reluctant to admit are not

working to begin with. In essence, what Brujas are asking is that if

they must be purposeful and introspective about their intentions

in order to be taken seriously, why can’t the systems that are

failing them do the same? In the meantime, perhaps their biggest

resistance as an organization is creating a truly inclusive and safe

space for those deemed “other” by hetero-normative culture. “I

think just to be honest…sometimes we’re just making sure each

other are eating and sleeping enough,” says Ripley Le Fey, coowner

of Mask Mag and Brujas collaborator. In a time when the

nuclear family is being reworked and reconsidered,

Brujas have created their own ride or die

community that continues to

provide the resources

and support

they have long

since stopped

expecting

from the

world. p

"Beyond the

communitybased

work the

Brujas do and

the money they

raise to donate

to their dedicated

causes, what

they are doing is

starting a larger

conversation

about the lack

of resources

and respect for

youth and youth

contributions."

49

HOROSCOPE

LIBRA

Did Mercury retrograde leave you feeling more stable

or scrambled? While the review period may have not

been the most pleasant, you are no doubt in better

shape to take the fall season on with renewed gusto.

Tackle that DIY project before the weather turns and

reward yourself however you deem fit. Consider

enlisting the help of a trusted friend that can add

value to the work on both material and emotional

levels. A solid partner in crime can make all the

difference for getting things done—and having a

good time while you’re doing it.

50

HOROSCOPE

SCORPIO

Still feeling the hot and heavy vibes from the total

solar eclipse? That’s the universe’s encouragement

to turn your wildest dreams into reality. Whether

it be a new health routine or your dream job, the

happiness you seek is likely closer than you think.

Continue to express gratitude to the universe for

the successes and challenges alike, and you’ll see

that the path to fulfillment is a balancing act that

is never-ending. Careful what you wish for—you will

likely get it, work hard to maintain it, and then move

on to your next big dream.

51

S H I F T I N G

T H E

B L A M E

O F

S E X U A L

A S S U A L T

BY KINSEY LITTON

As a self-proclaimed girl’s girl, I am constantly surrounded

by women who have grown up in different places,

were raised in different religions and participated in a

variety of relationships. There is usually one thing that unites

them, and it almost always goes unspoken—a majority of the

women I know have been sexually assaulted. In fact, one in

three women—35 percent of the world population—have

experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner

violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

As it stands, many of the existing responses and so-called

solutions to this problem place the bulk of the responsibility

in the hands of the victims. And for an individual who has just

been assaulted, the, “What are you going to do about what

happened to you?” dialogue too often comes in the form of

recommendations for self-defense classes, bedazzled brass

knuckles and GHB detecting nail polish. All while we victimblame

the survivor, we use antiquated justice systems that

are void of any form of rehabilitation or therapy to punish the

perpetrators for their actions. We brand them with a Scarlet

P, place them on a list and wish them good riddance from

society. Meanwhile, we ignore the fact that the root of the

problem is deeply ingrained in our society—in the lack of

accurate and consistent sex education we give to children,

the messages we project about women and their bodies,

and in the general lack of empathy we have for all parties

involved when sexual assault occurs. But what would happen

if we stepped back and reexamined our response to both

survivor and perpetrator?

The United States has a strange and oxymoronic

relationship with sex. Despite our discomfort in discussing

it frankly, our media bombards us with sexual imagery and

sexualized messages almost constantly. What progresses is

a proverbial game of hot potato that passes the perceived

burden of sex-educator between the hands of the church,

parent, school and peer. As the game continues, parents

forget the fact that technology is omnipresent and difficult

to monitor so young teens have easy access to porn and

other graphic imagery. What this results in is a bunch of

kids—male and female alike—who don’t know the names

for their own genitalia and think a majority of women want

cum in their eye.

“What were you wearing?” “Were you drinking?”

“Did you tell him no?” “Why didn’t you try to push him off?”

These are real questions that women have had to endure

from police, investigators, lawyers and judges following

their sexual assault. Based on a 2010 study by the Maryland

Coalition Against Sexual Assault, it is believed that only

15.8 to 35 percent of all sexual assaults are reported to the

police. So in the rare occurrence that a survivor does report

their assault, they are frequently met with disbelief and

judgement from the very people who have been appointed

to assign blame and carry out the punishment. This disbelief

and lack of regard for women’s experiences starts at a young

age when we teach girls that they are responsible for the way

men respond to their bodies. We tell them, “boys will be

boys,” a statement that not only trivializes girls’ experiences

but grossly underestimates boy’s capabilities. We sexualize

53

PHOTOS BY JAIRO ALZATE

“STUDIES HAVE

SHOWN THAT

A MAJORITY OF

MEN WHO HAVE

COMMITTED

AGGRESSIVE

SEXUAL BEHAVIORS,

INCLUDING RAPE,

DID NOT SEE THEIR

ACTIONS TO BE

ILLEGAL.”

54

young girls and boys before they even have a chance to

properly learn what that means, and then teach them to treat

it as a commodity—hold it close, protect it and don’t give

it to just anyone. There is so much responsibility placed in

the hands of young girls and women, yet the responsibility

doesn’t contain an ounce of true empowerment.

While we disempower the survivor we rely on

ineffective judicial systems and punishments for perpetrators

that don’t address the true issues. Between 60 and 99 percent

of sexual assault cases are perpetrated by men. Despite

many advances, men in the U.S. are afforded the most

privilege and sense of entitlement—whether it’s jobs, money

or opportunity. And when a poor sex education combines

with unchecked privilege what results is a large group of men

who believe they deserve what they want without any regard

for potential consequences. In fact, studies have shown that

a majority of men who have committed aggressive sexual

behaviors, including rape, did not see their actions as illegal.

In other words, laws prohibiting sexual assault continue to

have little effect if society still deems it acceptable.

In an attempt to shed new perspective on an

uncomfortable topic, a TEDTalk released this year where

speakers Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger joined forces to

tell their story of sexual assault from the viewpoint of the

survivor, Thordis, and the perpetrator, Tom. Like a majority

of sexual assault cases, the two were dating at the time

of the incident and though they went their separate ways

just a week later, the occurrence stuck with both of them

for the next decade until they reconnected. After eight

years and countless struggles, relationship and otherwise,

Thordis gathered her bearings enough to send Tom a

long-winded and long-overdue letter. Surprisingly, he

responded and thus began an eight-year correspondence

that ultimately resulted in a collaborative book and

speaking tour discussing the realities of both experiencing

and perpetrating sexual assault. As Tom explained in his

speech, “I’ve had primarily positive social influences and

examples of equitable behavior around me. But on that

occasion I chose to draw upon the negative ones—the

ones that see women as having less intrinsic worth and

of men having some unspoken and symbolic claim to

their bodies.” As he exemplifies, even with the healthiest

of relationships and mentors, Stranger was not immune

to the message that men are innately sexual beings and

women are sexual objects.

There is no agreed upon profile of a sex offender.

In fact, contrary to popular belief, the most common

perpetrators of sexual violence against women are current

or former husbands, partners or boyfriends. And despite

the media’s stereotypical, tired and racist portrayals of “sex

offenders,” six out of ten male perpetrators are actually

white. Another variable, and perhaps the most challenging

and complex, is that intimate partner and sexual violence

disproportionately affects those with lower income and

education level, as well as those with exposure to parental

violence, childhood abuse, and environments with attitudes

that are accepting of gender inequality and violence. In these

low-income settings, past attempts from organizations to

increase women’s economic and social independence, and

educate the community on gender equality and relationship

skills have shown some effectiveness in decreasing intimate

partner violence. However, without resources from nonprofits

and organizations dedicated to the cause, this

specific population has the least amount of access to help.

This means that additional resources and activism must be

directed towards those within low-income communities.

Once the act has been committed, the statistics

regarding accused and incarcerated perpetrators are

staggering. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National

Network (RAINN) only 300 of 1000 rapes are reported, 57 of

those reports lead to arrest, 11 of those cases will be referred

to prosecutors, 7 will lead to a felony conviction, and only 6

rapists will actually be incarcerated. Beyond a judicial system

that fails a majority of victims, it also fails to successfully

punish and rehabilitate convicted sex offenders. Though the

recidivism rate is lower for sex offenders than many other

crimes, the number of sex offenders that are reconvicted

ranges from 20–47 percent.

The need for punishment is inarguable and there

are many changes that must be made to create an effective

judicial system that is actually capable of successfully

prosecuting perpetrators to the fullest and most effective

extent. According to a study from the National Sexual

Violence Resource Center, perpetrators are more likely

to commit sexual violence in communities where sexual

violence goes unpunished. However, punishment without

rehabilitation is only so effective. In the 2014 documentary

Pervert Park, cameras follow men and women living in a

mobile-home community for accused sex offenders. This

facility, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, does what few

other organizations are brave enough to do—they provide

homes, jobs and rehabilitation programs for the sex offenders

who live there. Throughout the documentary, many of the

residents discussed their experiences—some were victims of

sexual abuse themselves; others were dealing with varying

levels of addiction; and some had simply been handed every

shitty card in the deck. None of this is to excuse the acts

they committed, but rather to provide context for the lives

they led and the decisions they made—as well as (and most

importantly) the consequences.

The movie discussed the fact that beyond the

obvious need for a societal shift that recognizes the lifechanging

consequences of assault, we must also find a

way to move past our discomfort with the topic in order to

create spaces and resources for the perpetrators too. What

if they were offered a safe space to disclose unwanted or

inappropriate thoughts to trained professionals? What if

they had access to reliable and affordable mental health

and medication? The answers to these questions are largely

unknown because they have yet to be explored en masse.

What we do know is that as of 2008, there were 1,307 sexoffender-specific

treatment programs operating in the

United States. The research conducted by these facilities

demonstrates that sex offenders who fail to complete

treatment programs at all are at an increased risk for both

sexual and general recidivism.

Ultimately though, the problem is convoluted and

complicated; the true issue lies in the simple discomfort

of discussing it—sex, sexual violence, and the societal

messages that convince both men and women that their

bodies and experiences are not of equal worth. And just

like the problem, the solution is uncomfortable. After all,

what’s more uncomfortable and socially unacceptable than

the idea of having empathy for a sex offender? But the fact

remains that the problem is so deeply rooted, a handful of

organizations and well-intentioned donations can only do

so much. Prevention must come early and it has to come

in the form of education, empowerment and empathy. We

need accurate education at an early age about sex, sexual

health and consent; empowering women to truly feel like

their bodies are their own and empathy for people and their

experiences—without conditions. p

55

CHICAGO-BASED

CHANTÉ LINWOOD

REALLY IS DOING IT ALL

BY KINSEY LITTON

A

quick glance into Chanté Linwood’s life is all

you need to feel like you’re not doing enough.

Between blazing her own path as a Chicagobased

DJ, actor and comedian; raising two beautiful

young boys; and founding an organization to encourage

collaboration among creative women, you could say

being busy is her specialty. With a background in

improv, her witty and self-deprecating humor is not

surprising but reflective of the humility she possesses

and encourages in others, “In any spaces I may feel

unsure about, I first make sure I’m not trying to lead

conversations in those spaces, and then I try to learn

as much as possible.” But don’t let her humility fool

you. She is the first to stand behind the causes she has

spent so many years fighting for, both in her personal

and professional life. Being a woman in an industry that

is largely male-dominated and only comfortable with

women when used as props, Chanté is accustomed to

creating her own reality. She sat down with PUSH Mag

to tell us a little bit about her organization, inspiration

and just how she maintains her sanity…sometimes.

56

PHOTOS BY BIANCA GARCIA

58

59

PUSH Mag: Tell me a little bit about your organization,

Cliché. What are your primary goals for the women involved?

Chanté Linwood: Cliché is ever-evolving. Our goals have

always been to uplift, empower and shine a light on creative

womyn. Creative to us is anyone that is passionate about

anything and produces something from that passion. You

could be passionate about animals and be creating spaces

for supporting them; to us that is still a creator or a creative.

Our primary goals are to continuously work with womyn and

expand. There are a lot of people doing similar work that

we do, one of our main goals right now is to collaborate

with these other organizations and people to create one

larger, beautiful community of us all working together

instead of all these smaller ones.

P.M: You are a DJ as well, how do you practice self-care

in an industry that can be so draining?

C.L: I don’t know if I am very good at this actually. I would

say hanging with my kids, but if I’m being real...that can be

draining too, haha. Other than that, I drink. I drink alcohol.

P.M: What does being active mean to you?

C.L: To me being an active member of society is so important.

I think we are way past the time of living in blissful ignorance.

I think it’s important to think about everything we do and how

that can affect the people around us. People ‘round these

parts call it being woke. Once you are awake or “woke” to

all of life’s issues, injustices, inequality, sexism, misogyny,

patriarchy, etc., it is hard to walk around every day and not

be upset by something or feel the need to help someone

understand why something they said or did is problematic

or killing society’s progress.

P.M: What do the women in your life do for you?

C.L: The womyn in my life are my husbands, my best friends,

my baby mommas, my confidants, my platonic lovers, my

everything. I could not live without my bitches.

P.M: What, in your opinion, are the benefits from collaborating

both in general and with other creative women?

C.L: Everything. Collaborating with womyn is such a

rewarding experience. I feel we connect on just different

levels and we understand one another differently. Womyn

really are shifting from the societal pressures and stereotypes

that we are constantly competing with one another. It’s

beautiful. Womyn are so powerful even without realizing it so

when we come together and create anything, it’s prettayyy

prettayyy saaweet (read in Larry David voice).

60

P.M: What is your advice for other entrepreneurial

women when it comes to overcoming obstacles while

building their career?

C.L: There are no obstacles that cannot be overcome. If you

want to do something and you are giving yourself a laundry

list of things that are keeping you from doing it, you might

not want it bad enough. When you want something, you find

a way to get it. Whether it’s craving a burrito for lunch or

needing a computer to start djing, you figure out a way to

get what you want.

P.M: What is one cliche about women that you want to

stop talking about?

C.L: I’m really over men and womyn slut shaming womyn.

If you like being naked, if you like having sex, if you like

being sexual, do it. Who cares. Let’s all stop caring what

others choose to do with their bodies. Oh, yea that includes

men feeling the need to make our bodies subject to their

personal beliefs or politics. #yourpussyyourchoice


women are getting, and how do we do that?

C.L: Love yourself and be yourself. Do not let anyone—

especially a man—dictate who and what you should be.

Also, support your sisters, and support without criticism and

judgement. Unless your girls are actually tweaking.

P.M: I know you are raising two beautiful boys, why do

you think men need feminism?

C.L: The more men understand the need for equality

among genders (people in general), the better the world

and life will be. Everything about us (womyn) is beautiful

and amazing. We can create and sustain life with just our

bodies, shit is insane! Bottom line: Men need us for way

more than just our bodies, they need to stop explicitly

objectifying us and acknowledge our worth. That is how I’m

trying (keyword: trying) to raise my boys. Parenting is hard.

P.M: Any future projects you are working on?

C.L: Ummm. *Maniacally twiddles fingers and rubs beard*.

Yes, there are many. Subscribe to the Cliché newsletter

and follow our social media @werecliche so you don’t miss

out. We have some amazing panels, parties and events

coming up. And if you don’t follow us already, you might

want to. Just sayin’... p

61

Jewelry for your

inner Goddess

STYLIST - KELSEY OLIVIA

PHOTOGRAPHER - MAXIMILIANO AYALA

MODEL - DANIELLA VALDEZ, MSA MODELS

HAIR & MAKEUP - NATALIA LÓPEZ DE QUINTANA

CURATED BY TERASINA BONANINI OF HIGH ART PRODUCTIONS

DRESS: TO BE ADORED

GLASS AND AMULET SILVER WRAPPED PENDANDANT:

@MESONJA [JAMESON] & @JASONBURRUSS [JASON BURRUSS]

63

SHIRT:

TO BE ADORED

PRISM GLASS EARRINGS:

@IDOL.LIGHT [MACHELE NETTLES]

DRESS:

TO BE ADORED

PRISM GLASS NECKLACES:

@IDOL.LIGHT [MACHELE NETTLES]

66

67

TOP AND SKIRT:

TO BE ADORED

CLEAR GLASS CHAIN

@CHACHA_CHAINZ [CHARLENE FOSTER]

BLUE GLASS SKULL:

@AQUARIUST [ TAKEHISA OKUMURA ]

glass and hash for all

CONCENTRATES BY X-TRACTED

DAB RIGS BY DELLENE PERALTA

AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT HOLY SMOKE

Upon walking into the X-tracted facility in downtown

Seattle, one’s senses are immediately overwhelmed

by the delicious smell of cannabis. Without any

industry knowledge, it would be hard to know what exactly

is being produced in this mysterious room filled with

science gear. The process of turning cannabis flower into

concentrate is not for the impatient or the perfectionist as

many of the employees described years of trial and error

before perfecting their craft. But their product is exemplary

of their dedication to their jobs and the concentrate they

produce is nothing short of beautiful. When combined with

the eye-catching dab rigs created by the iconic pipe glass

blower Dellene Peralta, the spread that resulted truly is a

concentrate lovers dream.

Concentrate:

“Extreme OG” Aurum Farms

Concentrate:

“Purple Kush” Burnwell Farms

Concentrate:

“White Fire” Aurum Farms

69

STYLING BY MALINA LOPEZ

PHOTO BY LELEITA MCKILL

HOROSCOPE

SAGITTARIUS

Have you been wondering if the planets have a plan

for you? Remember, subtle changes to your everyday

routine can lead to a major overhaul if applied

with diligence. Utilize the upcoming fall months to

take the powerful lessons and passions the recent

eclipses shed light on, and turn them into tangible

realities. While you may not be searching for the

spotlight per se, the limelight may be unavoidable

as you charge ahead with cosmic fortitude.

70

HOROSCOPE

CAPRICORN

Don’t fret if you are feeling a little disorganized as

you transition into the fall season. While Mercury’s

recent retrograde may have left you scratching

your head as to your next professional move, the

answer is likely closer than you think, and could

involve people you never would have expected.

Remember, the powerful cosmic vibes of the

August eclipses will be with you for months—

energizing your ambitions and tuning your intuition

to channels you hadn’t previously discovered.

71

Desperate

Housewives

Revisted

PHOTO SERIES BY LELEITA MCKILL

It’s a beautiful (and rare) thing when two creatives join forces to bring

life to something that fulfills and reflects both of their artistic souls.

This photo series with photographer Leleita McKill and model Adé

Connere is a perfect example of said rare occurrence. After seeing

a 1950s inspired house in Columbia City, Seattle, photographer

Lelita McKill’s vision came to life with the help of a little Desperate

Housewives inspiration, outfits dripping in beads and sequins, and, of

course, the camera’s undeniable draw to Adé. “It kind of just formed

itself, it really happened organically,” Adé tells me when reflecting on

the shoot. Both artists are creatives of all kinds and utilize their chosen

mediums to create art that portrays their real life experiences that

have all too frequently been deemed “other” by our heteronormative,

white-washed media. This photo series collaboration is nostalgic with

its 1950s familiarity and yet rebellious with it’s uniqueness. If it doesn’t

inspire you to put on your highest heels and your reddest lipstick while

you cook dinner looking like the baddest bitch on the block… well, we

don’t know what will.

72

“I am a performer,

a curator,

an actor,

a singer,

an activist...

a creative of all kinds.

”

-

- ADE

75

76

Everything You Didn’t Know You Wanted to Know

About Endocannabinoids and Their Function

BY MAGDA HJALMARSSON

Individuals both in and out of the cannabis industry

have heard the tired stereotypes surrounding

cannabis users: lazy, slow, unproductive and

unemployed. As the industry grows, the opportunities

for research evolve as new discoveries about cannabis

and its effects on the body occur. Some may even

be surprised to discover the variety of ailments the

cannabis plant can aid in treating.

This complex system, the endogenous cannabinoid

system (ECS), can best be described as a network

of receptors found throughout the body and the

compounds (endocannabinoids) which bind to them.

When consuming cannabis, the endocannabinoids of

the plant bind to these receptors and create a biological

response. The ECS is heavily influenced by the body’s

ability to produce endocannabinoids, and can be

optimized through the use of plant medicine.

While different in their mechanism, phytocannabinoids

offer a plethora of healing properties as well. THC often

takes the spotlight, but research on phytocannabinoids

like CBD, CBG and CBC has revealed their own unique

medicinal properties. The most commonly known

phytocannabinoid is CBD (Cannabidiol). CBD works a

bit differently than our known superstar THC; instead of

binding directly to the receptors in the body, it supports

the entire system to work more efficiently.

As cannabis research progressed, anandamide was

the first naturally occurring endogenous cannabinoid

to be identified. Anandamide is known as the “bliss

molecule” due to the fact that the compound is

responsible for a state of positivity and euphoria we

experience naturally in life. THC binds to the same

receptors anandamide does in the brain, alluding

to why cannabis that is rich in THC often creates a

positive, euphoric effect for the consumer.

CBD is considered to be an “adaptogen,” meaning it is

able to adapt and cater to your body’s specific needs. It

can be utilized for medical purposes to remedy ailments

ranging from PTSD and depression to chronic pain

and psoriasis. Microdosing and supplementing with

CBD can also produce a greater sense of happiness

and wellbeing, increased mental clarity, sense of

awareness and focus. For those looking to use CBD

on a daily basis for non-specific medical reasons, it can

be utilized to clear brain fog and maintain sustainable

energy throughout the day.

Supporting the body with plant-based medicine can

have profound effects in healing and regeneration. In

this present-day world of evolving medical research,

unregulated prescriptions for pharmaceuticals and

unhealthy diets, it is in our best interest to return

to the medicine the earth provides to support our

natural healing process. p

Terpenes can be thought of as protective agents that act

as a plant’s own defense against bacteria and viruses.

One commonly known terpene, limonene—which is

found in high amounts in all citrus fruits—has antiviral,

anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory

properties. From a medical perspective, terpenes offer

rich healing properties that the body can use to protect

and support itself.

Magda Hjalmarsson is a endocannabinoid

wellness advocate who offers cannabis health

coaching services. If you are looking for support

in your cannabis journey feel free to contact her

via email Magda@balancebliss.org or visit

www.balancebliss.org.

79

HOROSCOPE

AQUARIUS

Your dwindling to-do list has likely made for some

renewed excitement about the potential fun the fall

months have in store for you. Before you raise your

glass to celebrate, take one more glance at the

people that’ve helped and hindered your recent

successes. Not everyone is on your level—and

while that doesn’t mean you should automatically

ostracize some of the lower hanging fruit from your

social circle—you may want to edit your guest list

more often to maintain the level of success you’re

becoming so fond of.

80

HOROSCOPE

PISCES

The cosmic turbulence of the last couple months has

likely left you equally parts energized and reflective.

Take a deep breath and let yourself recalibrate with

some of your highest priorities redefined, and start

mapping out an action plan to get things moving

forward again. Your visualization skills will be

especially strong, so be sure to keep yourself in as

positive frame of mind as possible. Envisioning failure

is a surefire way to derail even the best of plans, so

remain mentally and emotionally vigilant.

81

THERESE

CARROZZINO

Spirituality Soldier

BY ABIGAIL ROSS

PHOTO BY MICHAEL WHITER

82

“THE PLAN IS TO SAVE THE WORLD.”

The plan is to save the world,” says Therese Carrozzino.

“It’s the crazy ones that end up doing it because they’re

crazy enough to believe they can.”

When Therese—or Trace as her friends and family call her—

was honorably discharged from the military for medical

purposes, she did so with a large handful of pharmaceutical

prescriptions. Now three years clean off opiates, she shares

highlights from her journey—ranging from the healing

powers of cannabis, to reading tarot cards and empowering

female veterans through the Women Veterans Collective.

PUSH Mag: What made you decide to join the military?

Therese Carrozzino: In order to pursue forensics in the

State of New Jersey you have to become a police officer

first. My Pop told me to join as military police and try to get

a step ahead. Shortly after that my best friend who was like a

sister to me passed away in a car accident just after my 19th

birthday. I went off the deep end and knew I’d end up dead

if I stayed here. So I went to see a recruiter.

P.M: How did you get introduced to cannabis as medicine?

T.C: When I left the military under an honorable discharge

(medical), I was still heavily medicated. My father shook his

head when he saw the handful of medications I was taking

before bed. Percocet and klonopin (plus some other not

so hardcore drugs) to get into and out of bed, as well as

throughout the day. It was all too much. He told me to

choose a more natural route, so I turned to cannabis and

found beautiful relief.

P.M: What role does cannabis play in your daily life?

T.C: Cannabis keeps me level-headed and “home”...by

home I mean back to myself. All of those extra chemicals had

me walking around like a zombie—no emotion whatsoever.

Now, three years clean of opiates, I can actually say I’m

human. I feel everything. I even feel you. Cannabis helps you

get back to your soul. It helps you come back home.

P.M: What was it like being a woman in the armed forces?

T.C: It was a shit show to be honest. I was treated as a “less

than” more than half of the time. I was told to stick to “my

own kind” because I was “a young attractive female in the

military and perception is reality.” People will use their rank

to have their way with you whether you want it or not. It was

a horror story for a bit. I try to focus on the positive things

like my friends and the beautiful weapons I’ll never be able

to shoot again.

P.M: How did you become a spiritual advisor?

T.C: After coming off of the opiates I started getting to

know myself for the first time in years. I had to literally retrain

my brain and how I perceive things. I opened up to the

universe and to God. I started reading cards with my friends

and getting in touch with everything around me. Energy

is everything! You can check out Intuitive Readings South

Jersey on Facebook. My crew and I read cards on there

frequently and share some interesting articles.

83

“WE’RE

VETERANS, WE

KNOW PEOPLE

ALL OVER

THE PLANET.

SOMEONE

KNOWS

SOMEONE

THAT WILL

BE ABLE TO

PUSH YOU IN

THE RIGHT

DIRECTION.”

P.M: How do you use card reading to advise

yourself and others?

T.C: I absolutely love reading cards! I remove ego and

connect with the spiritual realm. Your guides pull your cards

for you, I simply shuffle them. I always ask Archangel Michael

for protection and to send whichever angels I need at the

time to help me and whoever I’m reading. Cards never lie,

it’s a smack in the face that’s needed at times.

P.M: What advice would you give to veterans getting out

of service who are trying to find resources for cannabis?

T.C: Regardless of their location, there will be someone that

will be able to help you. We’re veterans, we know people

all over the planet. Someone knows someone that will be

able to push you in the right direction. More organizations

keep popping up that are cannabis-friendly and it’s beyond

beautiful! I would recommend doing some research as well

so they understand the different strains and how they work

with your body before just smoking whatever comes about.

P.M: How can our audience support/get involved with

the Women Veterans Collective?

T.C: If you know any women veterans, send them our way!

We’re building a support system across the U.S. so other

women vets know we’re here. I struggled for a few years

because I didn’t know of any women vets local to me. I swear

to you it was like finding unicorns! We are a special breed; I

come across male vets all of the time, women, not so much.

P.M: What plans do you have for the future?

Business or otherwise?

T.C: The plan is to save the world. It’s the crazy ones that

end up doing it because they’re crazy enough to believe

they can. For Women Veterans Collective, the longterm

plan is to be able to help change cannabis laws in

states as well as set up retreats and get-togethers that

are cannabis-friendly. I want to create a beautiful support

system so we don’t ever feel alone and women veterans

are invited to “come as you are.”

As far as Intuitive Readings South Jersey goes, we plan on

having hands-on workshops to build your own homemade

smudge sticks and monthly readings out in nature along with

some other zen projects and outings.

In general, I hope that everyone sees and acknowledges this

opioid plague. You can help by suggesting support groups

such as NA/AA in your hometown. The support system

needs to be available to those who are in the process of

getting their lives back. p

- Strain Spotlight -

SUPER LEMON HAZE

A combination of Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze, this super

sativa is a perfect choice for the active stoner. The high itself is

energizing and euphoric, but never overwhelming or too racy in

the head—certainly best for the daytime. True to it’s name, SLH

contains a lemony flavor and while milder than other citrusy strains,

this is a strain you smoke for flavor and punch. With a THC content

ranging between 17–20 percent, SLH can be called upon for an

uplifting high without unwanted anxiety.

85

PHOTO BY JESSIE BRADY

Fall Favorites

STYLING BY MALINA LOPEZ - PHOTO BY LELEITA MCKILL

Ravengrass Cannabis

@ravengrass

Love and Destroy

@loveanddestroy

High Society Collection

@highsocietycollection

Ravengrass Cannabis

@ravengrass

Love and Destroy

@loveanddestroy

Mia Schachter

@miaroseschachter

86

Pure Joy Farms

@purejoyfamilyfarm

Dellene Peralta

@delleneperalta

Asche Industries

@ascheindustries

X-Tracted

@x_tracted

Ravengrass Cannabis

@ravengrass

X-Tracted

@x_tracted

Asche Industries

@ascheindustries

High Society Collection

@highsocietycollection

Pure Joy Farms

@purejoyfamilyfarm

AYK Chillums

@aykchillums

87

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