Grow Tips - November 2019

By Ben Horner

Experienced marijuana users and cultivators know that the buds that we come to prize, for medicinal purposes of course, comes from the female plant.   Males produce very little cannabinoids, and are of no real value except for breeding purposes  (which is often the case in humans as well). Males produce the pollen that creates the seeds in the female bud. Virgin females that produce no seeds are richer in THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoids. Mature buds with no seeds are often called “sinsemillia,” and are the standard of quality that is presently expected.

First you must identify unwanted male plants and forcibly remove those bastard’s from your growing area. This can be very tricky because one cannot tell whether a plant is male or female until they are matured. Plants will expose their naughty parts when the lighting cycle is reduced to at or around 12 hours of light per day. This change in lighting will induce what is known as the flowering period. Often a grower will take clones from a mother, then flower it prior to any of the clones to confirm that all of the babies will grow up as all girls.





After about one week of flowering a plant will show its sex. To determine the sex, check the top of the plant and between nodes. Nodes are where the branches come together. Females will have white hairs, called pistils that will sprout. Males sprout green to yellow pollen sacks that hang like testicles.  (See image) Remember to continuously monitor your girls as they mature, some may hermaphrodite. Watch as the bud grows for pollen sacks or small yellow flowers forming in the bud. If you see a flower get rid of the plant right away. Misting the air with water can help remove pollen from the air.

The Real Medical: How to Heal - By Ben Horner

By Ben Horner

In Flint Michigan, during the summer of 2010, myself, Ben Horner, opened the medical marijuana dispensary Michigan Organic Solutions.  I was 31 and had five thousand dollars and a prayer that I could be one of those rags to riches stories like the Cali guys who led the movement for cannabis medicine.  Little did I know the power of that medicine and how learning to be a healer would change me!

Being a Chef of several restaurants, and being the managing partner of O’Toole’s Bar and Grill formerly in Waterford, I had skills which I adapted to found one of Michigan’s oldest cannabis dispensaries, which is now a State Licensed Provisioning Center.  Very few of the original centers survived the “cleansing” as described to me by founder of Third Coast Compassion Center, Darryl Stavros in 2012.  Stavros’ predictions came true over the next four years as raids decimated dispensaries and compassion clubs operating outside of the “Green Zones”: Flint, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Ypsilanti, where Dispensaries were allowed to exist.  Many of these centers where truly sick people went to get medicine were shut down, forcing the elderly, incapable of cultivating and processing their own medicine, to find their meds on the streets or drive long distances to the “Green Zones.”  I operated in the “Green Zones”, so my patients and I were safe for the most part.  I always operated understanding the risks and staying in compliance with the medical marihuana laws.

Over eight years Michigan Organic Solutions treated thousands of patients.  We also worked with hundreds of caregivers.  During that time we were sought out as a trusted source of information regarding all forms of cannabis including, growing, processing, researching and administering the plant in a variety of ways.  These experiences allowed me to witness many people successfully treat many forms of cancer, MS, seizures, PTSD and many other conditions. I also learned to grow and make many products from the cannabis plant. Over the years I have learned from many great people from Michigan and around the world, and tried to pass that knowledge on to others.

Now that I have successfully sold my provisioning Center, I miss working directly with patients every day.  So I have recently been teaching a beginners guide to growing and making cannabis products such as raw cannabis juice, topicals and Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), which are products that I have found most effective as a medicine. Smoking cannabis has its place too, but is not as healthy.  I worked with five super great people in Bay City this week.  At the end of the class I felt so great about it, everyone was happy.  I gave them some plants; RSO and we made and sampled some raw cannabis juice.  They gave me smiles and hugs.  I want more.  My next class will be in Bay City on December 8th .  I hope maybe to see you there.

In full disclosure this is a shameless plug from the owner of this magazine.

Elizabeth Hollin's Within the Mind of a Budtender - November 2019

We can’t hide the fact that half of us started out with tin cans, brown buds, and the privacy of a dark garage. We’ve all been there. Those first steps into the industry. Beginners. Not knowing what exactly we needed, how to use it, or if it would really do the trick or not. Too many times I’ve walked into a provisioning center to be greeted with unprofessionalism, glazed eyes, and rudimentary knowledge. How does that help?

“Indidca or Sativa? Watcha lookin’ for?”

I’ve heard that line a million times upon walking up to the counter. My heart skips a beat when I think of all of the older clientele, and the beginners who may have walked right into the same experience. Being greeted like that can catch you off guard, especially if you don’t know anything about what you’re looking for. It can make you feel embarrassed, self-conscious, and can make your shopping experience that much more difficult.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have some questions in mind before heading in? Wouldn’t it be helpful just to have an idea of what types of questions to ask? This month, I want to provide you with just a few questions that you, a passionate individual who’s looking to learn more, can be well stocked with. Any well-trained budtender should be able to help guide you in the right direction in regards of products to try and should also be able to explain the variety of products, and their usages, to you with confidence. Keep in mind: if you walk into an establishment and they’re either not willing, or not able to provide you with the help you need, turn around and walk back out. Find someone that you are comfortable and confident with, and someone who makes you feel valued and cared for.

Now…for those questions…

What products do you think will provide me with the relief that I am looking for?

Granted, smoking flower is great and all, but it’s not necessarily for everyone. If you have breathing issues, or simply don’t want to smoke, there are a LOT of other options on the market. From sublinguals and transdermals, to medicated mints and tablets. Take the time to explore your options. Many products provide relief, but you want to be comfortable with the one that you choose.

What are the differences between Indica and Sativa?

You’ll see the words Indica and Sativa all over the place. Most people agree that Indica brings you down, and Sativa lifts you up. When discussing these things with your budtender, though, be sure to ask about details. Some individuals think that they just need to have a Sativa to wake them up, however if that individual also finds themselves dealing with bouts of anxiety, they’ll want to be careful which Sativa they choose seeing as how some have a tendency to boost your anxiety levels, or lead to increased paranoia. Not something you want to be dealing with, especially if you’re just trying to make it through your day.

What is this edible made with, and how much of it should I consume?

Edibles can be made with a variety of types of thc additive, some having a more potent effect than others with particular individuals. Many times, I’ve seen edibles sold to patients without being accompanied by the appropriate information in regards to dosage. Most of the horror stories I hear come from those who have had horrible edible experiences, eating far more than they should have. This can lead to an extreme long-lasting high, and hallucinations in extreme circumstances.

What are terpenes and how will they affect me?

This industry will continue to boom for years to come. More and more research is coming to light, and the science is taking a turn for the better. Some parts of the cannabis plant that we didn’t know much about before, we’re learning actually plays a pretty dominant role in everything from smell, to feeling. You may find that items with particular terpenes will be specifically beneficial for you.

Why do I feel different when I smoke, compared to when I eat a medicated candy bar? It’s all made with thc right?

The way our bodies process these cannabinoids will depend on how it is consumed, as it plays a big role in the products bioavailability. Whether choosing a tincture, a topical, a beautiful bud to smoke, or those delicious looking gummies that you’ve heard so much about, be sure to ask your budtender how each item will affect you, and for how long those effects will last.

Will you continuously be offering this product? If not, which others are comparable? 

Our Michigan market is over saturated in some categories, and undersaturated in others, and the market will do nothing but continue to change for quite a while longer. The products that your provisioning center carries now, may be swapped out for a different brand a year from now. Keep an open dialogue going between yourself and your budtenders to ensure that you continue to use products that will work for you, even if the brand name changes.



These are just a few questions that don’t even scrape the tip of the iceberg, but they are questions that would be beneficial to know before walking into some place new when getting started or shopping around. Don’t let yourself be pushed into a purchase that you don’t feel 100% comfortable with. Ask questions, get answers, stay in the know.

Keep your eyes wide, your mind open, and stay tuned each month for more industry stories, knowledge, and opinions.

Michigan News - November 2019

Iron Labs Enters
Settlement with MRA

According to a report by the Las Vegas Journal-Review, the new anti-corruption task force in Nevada has already started conducting surprise spot inspections at several of the states testing facilities.  Governor Steve Sisolak birthed the multi-agency team in an effort to “Root out corruption or criminal influences” in the states legal marketplace.

It all started with a federal indictment from New York, in which was detailed a failed attempt by a group with foriegn ties to acquire a retail cannabis license by donating money to the political campaigns of two Nevada officials.  Gov. Sisolak has ordered the task force to also investigate “onging issues” such as “serious allegations of manipulated test results”, and the state’s licensing process, which has become a web of litigation.

Alongside this news came the announcement that Nevada will place a temporary freeze on the sale and transfer of new and existing marijuana business licenses.  This hot market saw four provisioning centers sold in the second half of 2018 for between $40 and $290 million dollars each.  Will Adler, a marijuana consultant and policy lobbyist, thought the decision fair, given recent controversies.


Flint Adult-Use Ban Fails
to Pass in Split Vote

An ordinance banning new recreational licensing in the city of Flint was struck down in a 4-4 split vote on October 14.  Both sides argued their case in heated discussion before the final call.

“This (ordinance) is the best route to go,” said Councilman Santino Guerra, “It’s a partial opt-in because the medical marijuana facilities are allowed to sell recreational marijuana.”  According to a fact sheet from the Flint Law Department the city needs an additional year to get resident and stakeholder feedback, despite other cities having been able to accomplish this in the time since the Nov. 1 deadline was announced.  Guerra, along with fellow members Kate Fields, Allan Griggs, and Eva Worthington, argued that the extended time would allow the council to draft and finalize a better ordinance, and voted in favor of the temporary partial ban on licensing.

In opposition stood council members Eric Mays, Maurice Davis, Jerri Winfrey-Carter, and Herb Winfrey, who heard statements from Flint residents like Zach Demkins prior to deciding, “It would prevent us (caregivers) from being competitive in the market.  (The city) is trying to shut us out when realistically (big companies) don’t live here or pay city taxes.  Us caregivers, we all live here and pay taxes.  All we want to do is just open the door to the public.  Without being here at the same time and without having an equal opportunity of transitioning into this license, we’re not going to be able to compete.”

Councilwoman Monica Gallaway was not present at the meeting and did not cast a vote.



Ottawa County Department
of Health Embraces Weed

With funding provided by LARA, the Department of Public Health in Ottawa county is openly accepting marijuana legalization as part of it’s duty to promote public well being.  According to spokesperson Becky Young, “We just want people to be safe.”

In a program similar to bike locks, or gun locks, the department is now giving out green ‘lock it up’ medicine bags that boldly feature a pot leaf on the side.  Like a bank bag, and kept secure by an included luggage style combination lock, they contain tips ranging from how to prevent accidental exposure (such as a child or pet eating a medible) and youth use, to information on laws, as well as directions on how to change the combination.

The bags are just one part of a regional effort to educate the public on adult-use cannabis safety, a move that further pushes West Michigan into looking like one of the most 420 friendly parts of the state.  Young stated that they are distributing as many as possible, having enlisted the help of local compassion clubs, jails, and DHS to help spread the word and hand out bags. 

Anyone interested in acquiring a ‘lock it up’ bag, and the information within, should call: 616-393-5791




Ann Arbor City Council
Approves Adult-Use

In a no surprise move the Ann Arbor City Council members voted 9-2 to approve recreational marijuana in the city.  Licenses will be allowed for provisioning centers, cannabis consumption lounges, growing, processing, safety compliance labs, and seed to sale micro-businesses, as well as temporary permits for events.  

Longtime activist Chuck Ream hopes to one day see an Ann Arbor where pot is flourishing, and available everywhere, “We want social use to follow legalization so the benefits of cannabis can really be recognized and felt in our community.  We didn’t legalize it for people to go hide and have it in their homes somewhere.  People really need to be able to get out and socialize so that cannabis can become an alternative to alcohol so that people can live a lot healthier, happier lives” he stated.

Many residents voiced concerns over users driving under the influence after leaving social clubs and gatherings.  To which cannabis activist Dennis Hayes responded, “The clinical evidence is that people who use marijuana and drive, drive slower.  And it’s true - the fact is marijuana people are probably safer than regular drivers, but that’s beside the point.”

Council member Jeff Hayner voted against the measure, believing the cities arbitrary limits on certain types of businesses could open up the city to litigation.  Hayner also expressed concerns over vaping, and ecological concerns, stating that large grows may be creating ozone and air quality issues.

Similar to other cities, Ann Arbor included spacing requirements in it’s ordinance, mandating that marijuana businesses not be placed within 600 feet of one another, or within 1,000 feet of a school.

Michigan Legal Cannabis
Sales Continue to Grow

In a no surprise move the Ann Arbor City Council members voted 9-2 to approve recreational marijuana in the city.  Licenses will be allowed for provisioning centers, cannabis consumption lounges, growing, processing, safety compliance labs, and seed to sale micro-businesses, as well as temporary permits for events.  

National News - November 2019

Nevada Corruption Probe
Hits Testing Labs

According to a report by the Las Vegas Journal-Review, the new anti-corruption task force in Nevada has already started conducting surprise spot inspections at several of the states testing facilities.  Governor Steve Sisolak birthed the multi-agency team in an effort to “Root out corruption or criminal influences” in the states legal marketplace.

It all started with a federal indictment from New York, in which was detailed a failed attempt by a group with foriegn ties to acquire a retail cannabis license by donating money to the political campaigns of two Nevada officials.  Gov. Sisolak has ordered the task force to also investigate “onging issues” such as “serious allegations of manipulated test results”, and the state’s licensing process, which has become a web of litigation.

Alongside this news came the announcement that Nevada will place a temporary freeze on the sale and transfer of new and existing marijuana business licenses.  This hot market saw four provisioning centers sold in the second half of 2018 for between $40 and $290 million dollars each.  Will Adler, a marijuana consultant and policy lobbyist, thought the decision fair, given recent controversies.

Northeast U.S. Governors
Seek Marijuana Coalition

The governors from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut (and possibly Rhode Island) seek to coordinate regional legalization efforts, creating a shared set of ideas regarding social equity, market regulation, and taxation.  The efforts are believed to be the first of their kind, which could incite governors to take similar action in other regions of the country.



The primary concern is taxation.  The governors wish to prevent residents from simply driving a few miles to the next state and paying less in taxes, and so a uniform taxation policy would ensure all states collect revenue from their respective citizenry.  The proposed Northeastern cannabis union also claims the desire to consolidate laws on production and cultivation, ensure a ‘fair and competitive’ market in the region, share collective social equity rules, advocate for the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) banking act, and prioritize a diverse community of small businesses.  

According to cannabis attorneys and speculators, these states could legalize as a unit as soon as 2020.

New Mexico Task Force
Supports Legalization

New Mexico’s recently appointed Marijuana Legalization Work Group came to their final conclusions, issuing a 16-page report that recommends the state legalize adult use, as well as suggests that New Mexico expunge criminal records for low level convictions.  Financially it estimates $63 million in new state and local taxes after one year, $94 million by year five, at a 17 percent average tax rate.  The report also voiced support for a social equity policy, and suggests that operating fees “should not be set by statute” but rather “language limiting licensing fees to the cost of regulation and/or with ‘no more than $500/mo. Unless necessary to meet the cost of regulation’’”.

Of interesting note was the recommendation that localities should not be allowed to ‘opt-out’ of the adult-use program, and that home growing should not be permitted.  The report cites an effort to prohibit the black market as the reasoning for both.



Legal Profits in Cali Killed
by Regulation, Black Market

Legitimate marijuana business in California was assumed to be a profitable venture, but that may not be the case.  Cannabis producers are not seeing the returns they had anticipated, many of them unable to keep promises to investors.  “The regulated market has been a fraction of what everybody expected it to be,” reported Mikey Steinmetz in a ‘60 Minutes’ interview.  Steinmetz has been unable to generate the profits his investors expected to see from their $175 million investment.  He points to both over regulation and taxation, and the black market, as culprits. 

California law allows localities to ‘op-out’, which a whopping 80% of them did.  This left a rather large area where non licensed sales have thrived.  According to Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman, “The black market has greatly increased.”  The sales are not from just back-alley drug dealers, the majority come from illegal storefronts, who look and operate as if they are licensed.  Steinmetz put his frustrations to words, “Unlike other industries, we have this kind of in-the-shadows, unspoken-about competitor, right?  So it’s not like California is fully raging, fully legal.”

Echoing Steinmetz thoughts on over regulation and taxation, marijuana processor Casey O’Neill expressed his dismay with the sheer amount of fees he encountered, “Permits, for consulting, $2,500 a year for the water board discharge permit.  It’s $750 a year for the pond permit.  It’s $1,350 application fee to the county, plus another $675 when they actually give you the permit annually.” After totalling his more than $50,000 in licensing fees, permits, taxes, etc, for a harvest of 45 plants, he said he now realizes his dream of doing what he loves for a living was just that, a dream. 

Seke Ballard Offers Social
Equity Loans in Illinois

African-American businessman Seke Ballard would like to see more fellow African-Americans in the role of marijuana entrepreneur.  His company, Good Tree Capital, who already doles out loans for small cannabis businesses, announced they will cover the $2,500 application fee for 100,000 social equity qualifiers with a no interest loan, totalling $250,000 in social equity loans.

Based in Seattle, Good Tree is now focusing their efforts on Illinois, where the social equity application window extends from Dec. 10 to Jan. 2 of this coming year.  Ballard has even gone as far as to move to Bronzeville, a suburb of Chicago.  He says his decision to back social equity applicants came after he learned that too many of them lack information in regards to state resources that could help them break into the cannabis industry.

Medical Licensing
Process Begins in Utah

Director of Utah Department of Health’s Center for Medical Cannabis, Rich Oborn, was quoted as saying he expects “dozens of interested applicants” for the 14 medical licenses that will be issued.  The state initially planned to completely control medical cannabis via 7 government ‘pharmacies’ (Utah’s preferred term), but that plan fell through due to concerns over state employees handling a product that was illegal on the federal level.

The 14 private licenses will be granted in a two phase rollout, eight in phase one, and six in phase two.  Utah hopes to have the entire process complete by July 1 of 2020.  The application deadline is Dec. 2, 2019.

World News - November 2019

Israeli Start-Up Declares
Snoop Brand Ambassador

Seedo, an Israeli start-up that has brought to market a small machine that home-grows with the help of artificial intelligence, has signed American icon Snoop Dogg as it’s brand ambassador.  Snoop Dogg stated that promoting a product that enables people to grow plants in unused urban spaces was “something I’m all the way down with.”

The Self contained ‘grow box’ regulates temperature, light, carbon dioxide, and minerals via an application.  According to Seedo the device can grow a variety of plants and herbs, despite much of their advertising being blatantly aimed at marijuana users.

British Columbia Adult-Use
Cannabis Sales Double

The adult-use market in Canada rose 19% in August 2019, with the province of British Columbia doubling previous reports for a total of CA$12 million.

“British Columbia’s significant increase in cannabis sales in August is encouraging.  This is largely correlated to an uptick in licensing of cannabis retail stores across the province over the summer,” explained Alex Shiff, senior consultant for the Vancouver based communications company Navigator.  The number of issued licenses for retail locations in British Columbia has grown from 14 in March 2019 to 94 in September.

The province suffered from an exceptionally slow start at the onset of adult-use, but is now ranked fourth in Canadian cannabis sales among ten provinces and three territories.  Those numbers are expected to grow still in the coming months.

Mexico Unveils Draft
Legalization Bill

Lawmakers in Mexico moved closer to legislation that would create a federally regulated marijuana industry, making Mexico one of the few countries on the planet that have legalized at the national level.  The proposed legislation lays the foundation of what would become the world’s largest adult-use market by population, as well as legalizing the plant for medicinal and industrial hemp use.

The draft contains a theme of social equity and “fair market regulation”, prioritizing public health, human rights, and sustainable development.  Measures are included similar to those in the U.S. that give special preferences to communities impacted by marijuana prohibition when it comes to obtaining licensing, which would be available for cultivation, transformation, sales (specifically stating the inclusion of psychoactive cannabis), as well as export and import.

                                         Mexico’s Supreme Court Declared Weed a Human Right in 2015

Unlike marijuana laws in the United States, this draft prohibits a single licensee from obtaining more than one type of license.  An effort to prohibit vertical integration, this would also apply to partners, subsidiaries, shareholders, and even certain family members.  More than one license of a single type would be permitted, with the maximum number being three per federative entity.  Furthering their efforts to limit ‘big marijuana’, this bill would make all licenses non transferable, and limit foreign investments to 20% for commercial and research licenses.

On the list of things the potential law would prohibit are advertising of any kind (hemp and hemp-derived products excluded), edibles and drinks (with an exception for medical use), the use of cannabis or its derivatives for cosmetic products, online and mail sales, self-service dispensers, driving under the influence of THC, and smoking or vaping marijuana in locations where tobacco is already prohibited.  Also banned would be smoking or vaping in public parks and spaces where minors could have access.

Amendments and changes are expected before the bill is made into law.  Recent developments have Mexican officials delaying a vote on the measure, citing “unprecedented” pressure from companies trying to influence cannabis legalization in Mexico.

Jump Back, Legalization
May Come Home to Panama

Debate began two years ago as to whether or not Panama should legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.  In late October 2019, lawmakers finally took up an initiative to begin the process.

Cannabis is second only to cocaine as the most highly used narcotic in Panama, both substances considered illegal.  Merely in the infant stages, the measure would have to survive further debates, consultations, votes, and get the final approval from President Laurentino Cortizo.  

The race is on to be the first Central American nation to legalize medicinal marijuana, as Costa Rica is also debating the issue.

Full Legalization Trial
Planned in Netherlands

Cities other than Amsterdam will see cannabis sold in coffee shops (known as cannabis cafes) in as soon as a year and a half as the Netherlands begins what is being called a “weed test”.  

Products offered will be tested, and display the THC percentages.  As growing for commercial purposes is not legal in the Netherlands, only consumption, the government must identify approved growers, as well as create safety regulations, before the test run can begin.  Shops will offer ten different varieties of hash and fifteen various strains of flower.

Uruguay Approves New
Growers to Meet Demand

The application process began last February, but the Uruguayan government has finally announced three new companies who will be licensed to grow recreational marijuana for commercial purposes.  

Uruguay Biopharmaceutical Research Company (based in the U.S. and conditioned to register a company in Uruguay), Jabelor S.A., and Ligeral S.A. (both based in Uruguay), had to impress the Uruguayan National Secretariat for the Fight Against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (SENACLAFT) with technique alone, as the price for cannabis is fixed by the government at 50 Uruguayan pesos per gram (US$1.35).  SENACLAFT reviewed many applicants, any businesses not awarded licensing that obtained more than 60% of the total points will be placed on a wait list.

The three winners will join the two existing growers, ICC Labs and Simbiosys, bringing the total number of authorized cultivators to five.  The additions come in response to demand for the medicinal plant, as the two were unable to fully supply the market.

Herbert Huncke's America - Edited By Jerome Poynton Literary Executor - Russian Blackie - November 2019

RUSSIAN BLACKIE

The first time I saw Russian Blackie, I was standing at the old Times Square Bar—Forty-second Street and Eight Avenue—now long gone—and he was rather weaving back and forth—both arms spread wide—clutching the edge of the bar with his hands—moving his head slowly from side to side—glaring straight ahead toward the huge mirror which made up the back bar—obviously very drunk and, as I learned later, loaded to his ears on Seconal and pot—at this point—tossing off double hookers of straight whiskey. Although the place was crowded with many of the regular habitués —most of whom knew Blackie—immediately around him was a cleared space—no one wishing to get too close to him as he was, even when stone cold sober, unpredictable—and drunk—if nothing else—was always full of anger and hostility.

Blackie stood about six feet tall and was broad-shouldered—neither slim nor heavy. His hair was almost blue black and he never allowed it to become long or unkempt. His facial features were regular and well shaped.

He was considered a very handsome man.

His eyes were deep brown and when one spoke to him—looking directly into his face—it was always difficult to read his expression and one could never be sure whether he was angry or pleased—amused or disgusted—bored or entertained.

He was immaculate about his dress—favoring dark colored suits—well tailored and properly fitted—with white shirts and neat conservative ties. In winter his overcoat invariably was of chesterfield styling and frequently he would go without a hat—but always wore gloves and they fitted his hands like another skin.

This was in the middle of a cold spell—the wind sharp and penetrating—cutting deep into the marrow of one’s bones. Although Blackie was very intoxicated he had somehow retrained his dapper appearance. I didn’t know anyone I wished to spend time with and didn’t remain long in the bar—what time I did stay was spent in observing Blackie and in a sense scrutinizing him.
  
At some point—he found something amusing—a great smile broke across his countenance. His teeth were large and even and very white and—seeing him smile—he stood revealed as a very intriguing and attractive person and the thought flashed through me—he would undoubtedly be a great guy to know.
I departed—and it was several days before I saw Blackie again and this time I was introduced to him. We each acknowledged the introduction and went our respective ways. From then on we would meet every day. Most of these times—we’d say “Hi” and keep going—once or twice we had coffee and killed about fifteen or twenty minutes talking about Forty-second Street—making scores—the whole Times Square scene—and the usual everyday topics such as weather—the approach of spring and how drunk we’d been the night before.
  
Once in a while I’d see him with other Forty- second Street characters. He knew everyone on the street and when not alone he was usually with a couple of fellows—and known to be hard-core Forty- second Street hustlers—who were sharp dressers and reputed to go out occasionally on jobs—maybe a stickup or burglary.
  
I had seen one of them knock a guy flat in one well-aimed blow. This same cat later became a good friend of mine—now married and a father—living in Brooklyn.
  
The Russian and I finally became close friends through a series of events which were in a degree cumulative and seemingly unrelated.
  

Times Square in New York circa 1940’s

As I grew more familiar with the environment of Times Square and particularly Forty-second Street, I learned to at least recognize my neighbors—or the people who lived and participated in the activities of the area. I joined or became part of the crowd that hung around the cafeterias—Bickford’s—Chase’s—Hector’s—The Automat—and many of the places of business and amusement which remained open all night. I got to know the hotels and stayed in them— sometimes alone but often with people I’d meet—mostly men and occasionally women.
  
Now and then sitting at the tables with other cats—like myself, living principally by their wits—I’d speak of my scores and gradually I became known and trusted—I suppose is the term best applied when people speak of their exploits in the underworld and expose their secrets. I became acquainted with the thieves who had become professional in their lines: pickpockets—boosters—muggers—a few stickup men— automobile hustlers—and many who never revealed their specialties exactly but hinted at knowing everything in the book—as they might have said.
  
Talking at different times with various people frequently we’d be joined by the Russian.

Once he fell-in and spoke to me directly about doing him a favor—copping some Seconals for him. He had run out, it seemed, and wouldn’t be able to see his druggist until the next day. I had lost no time in locating a drugstore following my arrival in the city that supplied me with bennies first—which had just become illegal without prescription. Later the same store sold me anything except narcotics.

I obliged Blackie and coped for him.
  
Next—when he asked me to do the same—I took him with me and introduced him to the druggist. And then one night zonked out of my mind on schmeck—pot—Benzedrine—and Seconals, I met a cat I had become friendly with who was a kind of john or mark. He would come to Forty-second Street after finishing work at his place of employment. He was lonely and attracted to young men of the knock-around—Times Square hipster—hustler types. He was a good spender and one always ate—and got a flop—and besides he came on fairly straight and one could relax and pretty much be yourself with him.
  
We spoke for a few minutes and he commented on how high I appeared and added that although he expected to see a friend from around the Square he’d promised to give money to—and if I understood I couldn’t expect to receive any money in the morning—he would like me to meet the cat and come along.
  
I accepted the invitation and met Blackie for the first time in an environment away from the hardcore Forty-second Street. He proved to be an amazingly congenial and affable companion—obviously well versed in ways of being entertaining and agreeable. Apparently he had known our host for many years and from parts of their conversation between them I gathered —although their acquaintance began in the usual fashion for both of them— it soon ripened into a friendship of mutual respect.

Blackie seemingly delighted in telling of his exploits and one could sense the amusement he stressed conversationally as being part of his interest in all of his activities involving the manner in which he lived and—at one point—he told of taking advantage of several opportunities to make money and named several people they both knew as victims—while they both gossiped and reminisced.
  
Both were conscientious about keeping me posted—frequently drawing me into communication—asking if I was aware of a particular place or building—or had I seen a particular person hanging around Bickford’s—giving quick biographical and descriptive clues as to exactly whom they might be discussing.
  
We all three got very high on Seconals and ale.
  
At any rate—from then on Blackie became part of my life with a certain consistency and we remained in close proximity—our relationship with various people overlapped and we shared experiences together.
  
We were never as close as Blackie was with other people but a sort of bond grew and existed between us. There are innumerable aspects to his personality I wasn’t aware of and would be pressed to analyse. We did share a kind of love and mutual regard for each other.

There was a reserve and hardness in him difficult to penetrate—yet there was always a straightness—perhaps—or consciousness of beauty in all his actions.
  
The Russian—as he was frequently called among his more intimate associates—impressed me and my life became—in a sense—richer or greater for having known him.

I suppose there were women in his life during the time I knew him— important and emotionally involved with him—but oddly it was his closest friend’s girl and later wife Blackie showed interest in and spent much time with.
  
His friend Frank trusted him implicitly—nor do I think his trust was ever misused—Blackie had the old-fashioned concept of loyalty—believing one does not covet his neighbor’s wife. I am inclined to think perhaps she may have tried testing her womanly charms but the Russian stood firm. They all three remained staunch friends and after the marriage and arrival of the first child it was amusing to see Blackie—red-eyed and angry—appearing— glaring defiantly out toward the shadowed corners of the room—ready to sweep clean the darkness of lurking danger in defence of Frank Junior— proud and pleased with the responsibility of babysitting.
  
There was a slight change in Blackie’s personality and general requirements after Frank married. Where once there had been a partner to rely on at a moment’s notice—it now became a matter of operating alone— more often than not.

He was and may still be an effective hustler. Still he did become more settled and was less apt to be seen staggering from one side to the other—ready for a slug-fest or to simply belt someone for the hell of it. Two years after the birth of the first baby there was a second baby and by this time Blackie was well trained.

We ran into each other about a year ago. Except for a little more weight—and less ebullience—he is very much as he has always been.