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inside
contents
08.2016
CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn
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associate Editor Ashley Bennett managing Editor Jamie Solis
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Editorial Contributors Benjamin Adams, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Art Director Steven Myrdahl
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production manager Tommy LaFleur
Times Change The sale of an old prison will help the city of Coalinga get out of debt by allowing it to become a cannabis oil extraction facility.
departments 8 News Nuggets
10 By the Numbers
14 Strain Reviews 22 News of the Weird
Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Meilani Darby bakersfield Jon Bookatz sales manager Account Executives Rob Bayless, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Teddy Helms, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Chris Thatcher general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson
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digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
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ON THE COVER: p h o t o b y J o h n G i l h o o le y
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NEWS
nuggets
Lawmakers Approve Bill to Allow Cannabis Growers Access to Water A budget bill that allows cannabis growers in California to access water is receiving a lot of opposition from Republicans. The bill gives cannabis growers the ability to divert water from lakes, rivers and streams, and Republicans claim growers cannot do so without state guidelines or environmental considerations. Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher of Plumas Lake believes the law punishes ranchers and farmers who have obtained water legally while rewarding cannabis growers who have been illegally diverting water to their grows. Democratic Assemblyman, Rob Bonta of Alameda, opposes Gallagher’s claim. Bonta says the Republicans have misinterpreted the bill and that medical cannabis regulations already set forth last year will ensure those who grow cannabis do not act illegally with their water consumption. The bill is now moving on to the Senate.
Grover Beach May Vote on Recreational Cannabis Tax Cities across California are beginning to prepare for the upcoming vote on recreational cannabis in November, and Grover Beach may be one of the next cities to vote on a possible tax for cannabis sold within city limits. The proposed ballot measure would impose a 10 percent tax on recreational cannabis and a five percent tax on medical cannabis sold in Grover Beach. If recreational cannabis cultivation is permitted in California, Grover Beach City Council plans to impose a tax on that as well. During a city council meeting in mid-July, Mayor John Shoals of Grover Beach said, “I don’t want everyone to think this is just a huge money grab, this is really about trying to strike a balance between making sure we are paying to have this regulated to make sure our community is safe and accounted for, and sure it would be nice to have some additional funds that would go to pay for streets and some other things.”
Cannabis Businesses Continue to Boom in Central California The growing success of Fresno-based hydroponics company, Current Culture H20, demonstrates how cannabis business continues to grow in Central California and beyond. This award-winning company was recently named the 2016 Innovation and Technology Business of the Year. Current Culture H20 has patented a more efficient hydroponic plantgrowing system, and its innovative technology is proving to be great for business. In order to keep up with demand, the company is moving locations from a 10,000 square-foot location in Fresno to another location in Fresno that is over three times the square footage. The company’s Founder and President, Daniel Wilson, explained to The Business Journal how this success is hugely related to the cannabis industry, “We’re involved in the emerging cannabis industry, which is quickly growing in size and legitimacy. I foresee some potentially larger growth in the years ahead as we roll out some new products and ag markets continue to expand.” 8
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5th Annual Walk for Valley Fever It is time to get active while helping a worthy cause. Join other eager participants, and get active in this wonderful event that spreads awareness about Valley Fever, which is a disease caused by the excess of dust in Bakersfield. Thrown by the Valley Fever Americans Foundation, all proceeds from this event will go toward bettering treatment options, as well as research for a cure and vaccine for Valley Fever. More than just a walk, participants will enjoy lots of games, prizes and exhibitions. Refreshments like food and drinks will be available as well. Make sure to register with your team soon, and help support this charitable cause. WHAT: 5th Annual Walk for Valley Fever. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Aug. 13. The Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave., Bakersfield. INFO: Visit valleyfever. com for details.
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NEWS
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that U.S. grown hemp made in retail sales in 2015: (Source: Hemp Industries Association)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences will receive through a federal grant to study the dangers of synthetic cannabis: (Source: The Eagle)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that was made in hemp CBD products in 2015: (Source: Medical Marijuana Inc.)
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Cheers to Charity
WHAT: Cheers to Charity. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Aug. 13. Aviator Park, 314 N. Hayes St., Tehachapi. INFO: Visit www.cheerstocharity.net for details.
Sip on some fancy wines and craft beers, eat decadent bite after bite, and have an overall fantastic evening, all in the name of charity! Cheers to Charity is a wine, craft beer and food festival that will certainly be a night to remember, and better yet, you can enjoy yourself guilt-free, because the fundraising from this event benefits local charities like Community Clean Sweep, Veterans Collaborative Services 10
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and many more. There will also be a homebrew competition, so if you dabble in brewing your own beer, this is a great place to showcase your brewing masterpiece. Delicious tastes will be accompanied by live music, choice cigars available for purchase, coffee and a dessert bar to top it off. Be sure to participate in the silent auction, and enjoy a beautiful evening in Tehachapi.
The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that ex-NFL player Eugene Monroe donated to research medical cannabis at Johns Hopkins University: (Source: Los Angeles Times)
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The number of people invited to participate in a study on a medication derived from cannabis by the University of Nebraska: (Source: The Washington Times)
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate Butter OG
Available at: HWY 99 in Bakersfield.
Like the name suggests, this particular strain tasted semisweet and coated our mouths in its thick, skunky, indica heavy haze. Creamy and rich, like butter, this sample of Butter OG made our mouths water with just a whiff of this strong smelling indica and continued as we smoked it. Like other strains from the “butter” lineage, patients can expect to feel a light cerebral effect upon first inhalation, and then a strong and slow-rolling euphoria, paired with a slight sleepiness, all while wanting to eat anything and everything in their path. HWY 99 in Bakersfield has always been a great facility with a very knowledgeable staff, so make sure you stop by and tell them CULTURE needs butter for their stash.
Revolutionary Extracts Tahoe OG
Available at: Rosedale Remedies in Bakersfield.
Rosedale Remedies has always provided the cannabis community with top-quality products as well as friendly, knowledgeable staff, but now they had to go and step it up another notch with this incredible shatter. Produced using only premium flowers and no artificial ingredients, the end product really showcases the brilliant earthy smell and texture of the almost glass like shatter. Patients can expect to feel the effects almost immediately, beginning with the indica’s well-known foggy-headedness, and mellowing out into a calm sense of creative energy and euphoria.
Available at: Bakersfield Gas Co. in Bakersfield.
Master Kush With the seemingly endless supply of indica-dominant hybrids we see popping up every day, it’s easy to forget the strains that have stood the test of time. Described as a “vintage strain,” Master Kush proved itself worthy by winning back-to-back Cannabis Cups in the early ’90s and showcasing its ability to fiercely fight pain and deliver appetite inducing energy as well as euphoric laughter and an allaround sunny-outlook. Patients looking to medicate themselves with a lasting, heavy effect will praise these frosty flowers, and you can pick them up at Cannibals Medibles. (Montclair location).
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Mendo Breath Powerful, piney and dense, this strain will make you think you’re flying, while in reality you’ve just been daydreaming and happily sitting on the couch. This is definitely a strain for medicating after you’ve finished any errands for the day, as this indica will knock any and all chronic pain and energy right out from under you. The vanilla-scented flowers are coated in tiny orange and purple trichomes and are manicured to perfection. Stop by Bakersfield Gas Co., and make sure you bring a pillow.
Available at: Cannibals Medibles in Bakersfield (Montclair location).
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Ironic Investment
Old Prison Turned Cannabis Growing Facility in Coalinga Brings City Out of Debt by Jamie Solis
The Coalinga City Council approved the sale of an out-of-commission prison to a cannabis oil extraction plant called Ocean Grown Extract. The former Claremont Custody Center prison sold for $4.1 million, following a 4-1 vote by the city council to permit cannabis cultivation in Coalinga in mid-July. After cannabis cultivation was approved within city limits, the Coalinga Mayor Pro Tem, Patrick Keough, told The Sacramento Bee, “It’s like the Grateful Dead said: ‘What a long, strange trip it’s been.’ We listened to the citizens and created a package that was reflective of our population.” It’s ironic that a place that used to imprison people for illegally possessing cannabis will now be dedicated to legally converting cannabis flower to oil. Coalinga’s City Manager stated that the prison sale allows the city to get out of debt completely. The city was up to around $3.3 million to $3.8 million in debt prior to the sale. Ocean Grown will have around 100 jobs to fill, and they’ve made a deal to fill the positions with local residents, and they will be able to do so since over 200 local residents submitted applications for employment at a recent job fair. The co-owner of Ocean Grown, Casey Dalton, said in an interview, “We’re thrilled to be able to offer 100 jobs
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer 100 jobs and make safe medicine available for patients. We appreciate Coalinga taking a chance not only on us, but on the industry.”
and make safe medicine available for patients. We appreciate Coalinga taking a chance not only on us, but on the industry.” The other co-owner is Casey’s brother, Kelly Dalton. Strict guidelines have been set forth by the City Council to ensure that Ocean Grown Extract runs a safe and well-regulated operation. Some of these guidelines require background checks for employees and private contractors who work at the cultivation site, the facility must be closed to the public with a locked gate, 24-hour surveillance, each cannabis plant must have an electronic tracking device attached, among others. It appears the only issue Ocean Grown and Coalinga may run into is with the facility’s water supply. The city received a letter written by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which warned against water being directed to Ocean Grown. The city ensures that if the federal government shuts off the water supply to Ocean Grown, then they will work to find a new water supply for the business. The vote to permit cannabis cultivation and move forward with the sale of the former Claremont Custody Center prison is a huge win for those who have been fighting this battle for a long time. c
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We’ve Come So Far Local Bakersfield cannabis initiative won’t make it onto the November ballot
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by Nicole Potter
It looks like Bakersfield’s most recent attempt by advocates to get medical cannabis onto the November ballot isn’t going to happen this time around. Approximately 22,000 residents signed petitions in support of the measure, which would have replaced the city’s current collective ban with state regulations. Unfortunately, even after spending almost $60,000 to try and get the measure on the ballot, the advocates were unable to secure the necessary signatures. The requirement was to have 15,438 verified signatures, which is 10 percent of the number of people who are registered to vote in
Bakersfield, but only an estimated 9,300-9,500 verified signatures have ultimately been collected. There has been no updates on the reason why so few of the signatures were not verified, “We expected more but we think there may have been some improprieties with voter cards as well as the petitions themselves, so we have an expert scrubbing them for us,” stated Jeff Jarvis, a board member of the Kern Citizens for Patient Rights. Officials have 30 days to verify signatures that are submitted for an initiative, and Kern County must get approval from the Bakersfield City Council by August 12, which as of this writing, is unlikely to happen. c
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—BLESSINGS, GUARANTEED u More and more churches (“hundreds,” according to a June Christianity Today report) offer hesitant parishioners a “money-back guarantee” if they tithe 10 percent (or more) of their income for 90 days—but then feel that God blesses them insufficiently in return. The South Carolina megachurch NewSpring instituted such a program in the 1990s and claims that, of 7,000 recent pledgers, “fewer than 20” expressed dissatisfaction with the Lord. Advocates cite the Bible’s Book of Malachi, quoting God himself (according to Christianity Today): “Test me in this.” “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” and “see if I will not pour out so much blessing” that “there will not be room enough to store it.” NEW WORLD ORDER u A leading Chinese orthopedic surgeon continues to believe that “full-body” transplants are the next big thing in medicine, despite worldwide skepticism about both the science and the ethics. The plan for Dr. Ren Xiaoping of Harbin Medical University calls for removing both heads (the deceased donor’s and the live recipient’s), connecting the blood vessels, stabilizing the new neck, and “bath(ing)” spinal-cord nerve endings chemically so they will connect. (Critics say it is impossible to “connect” 22
spinal-cord nerves.) According to a June New York Times dispatch, doctors regularly denounce China’s ethical laxities (though Chinese officials term such denunciations “envy” at China’s achievements.) SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED u (1) In June, District Attorney Jerry Jones in Monroe, Louisiana, dropped drug and gun charges against college football players Cam Robinson and Hootie Jones (who play for University of Alabama but are from Monroe) --declaring that the “main reason” for his decision is that “I refuse to ruin the lives of two young men who have spent their adolescence and teenage years working and sweating, while we were all in the air conditioning.” (2) A Philadelphia “casting” agency solicited “extras” to show up at polling stations on the April 26 Pennsylvania primary day for candidate Kevin Boyle, who was running against state Sen. John Sabatina—offering $120 each (plus lunch and an open bar.) Since most polling-site “electioneering” is illegal, the probable job was merely to give voters the impression that Boyle was very popular. (Sabatina narrowly won.) u In January, a Chicago Tribune investigation revealed only 124 of the roughly 12,000 Chicago cops were responsible for the misconduct complaints that resulted in settlements (since 2009)-- with one officer, for example, identified in seven. (A June Chicago Reporter study claimed the city paid out $263 million total on misconduct litigation during 2012-2015.) LITIGIOUS SOCIETIES u (1) Insurance agent John Wright filed a lawsuit in Will County, Illinois, in June over teenagers playing “ding dong
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ditch,” in which kids ring a doorbell but run away before the resident answers. The lawsuit claims that bell-ringer Brennan Papp, 14, caused Wright “severe emotional distress, anxiety, and weight loss,” resulting in at least $30,000 of lost income. (2) The ex-boyfriend of Nina Zgurskaya filed a lawsuit in Siberia after she broke up with him for his reluctance to “pop the question” after a two-year courtship. The man, not named in a dispatch from Moscow, demanded compensation for his dating expenses. The trial court ruled against him, but he is appealing. THE JOB OF THE RESEARCHER u A team of researchers is following about 30 tabbies, calicos, and others, recording their moves and sounds, to somehow learn whether housecats have dialects in their meows and alter other patterns of stress and intonation when they “speak” to other cats or to humans. In explaining the project, linguist Robert Eklund (of Sweden’s Linkoping University) personally sounded out “a pretty wide range of meows to illustrate his points,” wrote a New York magazine interviewer in April. Eklund is already an expert on feline purring (at Purring.org)—although from a distance, as he admits to being allergic to cats. THE PASSING PARADE u Quixotic Malaysian designer Moto Guo made a splash at Milan’s fashion week in June when he sent model after model to the runway with facial blotches that suggested they had zits or skin conditions. One reporter was apparently convinced, concluding, “Each man and woman on the runway looked miserable.” u Out of Control: (1) Nelson Hidalgo, 47, was arrested
in New York City in June and charged with criminal negligence and other crimes for parking his van near Citi Field during a Mets game and drawing players’ complaints when he ramped up the van’s 80-speaker sound system. “I know it’s illegal, but it’s the weekend,” said Hidalgo. “I usually (just) get a ticket.” (2) Trina Hibberd of Mission Beach, Australia, finally showed concern about the python living inside her walls that she has known about for 15 years but (perhaps “Australian-ly”) had chosen to ignore. In June, it wandered out—a 15-footlong, 90-pound Scrub Python she calls “Monty.” “All hell broke loose,” a neighbor said later, as snake-handlers took Monty to a more appropriate habitat. WAIT, WHAT? u Brigham Young University professor Jason Hansen apologized in May after coaxing a student (for extra credit) to drink a small vial of his urine in class. The physiology session was on kidney function, and Hansen thought the stunt would call attention to urine’s unique properties. He confessed later that the “urine” was just food coloring with vinegar added; that he had used the stunt in previous classes; and that he usually admits the ruse at the next class session. Nonetheless, Hansen’s department chair suggested he retire the concept. POLICE REPORT u A Woman at the Top of Her Game: In Nashville, Tennessee, in June, sex worker Jonisia Morris, 25, was charged with robbing her client by (according to the police report) removing the man’s wallet from his trousers while he received oral sex seated in his car, extracting his debit card, and returning the wallet to his pocket—without his noticing.
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