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JULY 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
iReadCULTURE.com JULY 2017
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contents 7.2017
inside
CULTURE M
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Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett creative consultant Jeremy Zachary
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Editorial coordinator Benjamin Adams Editorial Contributors Matthew Abel, Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Cole Garrison, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Keira Fae, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Pamela Jayne, M. Jay, Heather Johnson, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Meital Manzuri, Dan Mitchell, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, R. Scott Rappold, Paul Rogers, Ed Rosenthal, Lanny Swerdlow, Jefferson Van Billiard, Simon Weedn, Laurie Wolf, Zara Zhi Photographers Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Tonya Perme, Mike Rosati, JosuĂŠ Rivas, Eric Stoner
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Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designers Payden Corden, Nathan Hernandez, Michelle Aguirre
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Moving Forward Hanford has taken its first steps towards approving commerical medical cannabis cultivation and manufacturing.
departments 6 News Nuggets
7 By the Numbers
10 Strain & Concentrate Reviews
sales director Justin Olson bakersfield Jon Bookatz sales manager Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook Beau Odom, Garry Stalling, Ryan Tripp, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital content manager David Edmundson Intern Kiara Manns Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla Publisher David Comden
2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
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CULTUREÂŽ Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
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NEWS
nuggetS Kern County Sheriffs Under Federal Scrutiny for Cannabis Conspiracy
Woodlake Considers Cannabis Businesses at Public Hearing The Woodlake City Council took on the task of addressing commercial cannabis businesses at a public hearing on June 12. It’s the first city in Tulare County to consider allowing commercial cannabis. Director of Community Development Jason Waters gave a presentation on a potential cannabis tax measure. Some residents expressed how crime would be reduced by allowing cannabis sales. “The banning of
alcohol led to a criminal enterprise of people wanting to consume alcohol,” resident Ted Miller said at the public hearing. “Marijuana is legal now, and you are not going to be able to kick it out of Woodlake.” Recently the city council gave city staff authorization to begin the process of drafting a cannabis tax measure. In a May 24 Facebook post, the city of Woodlake asked citizens if they would approve of a cannabis measure allowing recreational dispensaries or commercial cultivation, and most responses were positive.
Deputies Derrick Penney and Logan August both pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges that involved selling cannabis that was confiscated from illegal cultivation operations. The scandal has gripped the attention of the Bakersfield media. On May 30, Lt. Bill Starr, Penney’s and August’s supervisor, was arrested for his alleged ties to the conspiracy as well. “I
San Luis Obispo County Cannabis Regulations Head to Planning Commission The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors held a third meeting on June 20 to discuss the latest draft of an ordinance that would establish limits on commercial cannabis cultivation and set up a framework of regulations for the county. Title 22 of the San Luis Obispo County Code was amended to remove prohibitions on certain areas of the county. Cultivating cannabis 6
JULY 2017 iReadCULTURE.com
made a horrible decision,” August confessed in a recent YouTube statement. “It was nobody else’s fault. Nobody influenced me to do it. I made that decision based on Satan playing games with me and making me feel like I was prideful and unable to go to family members for help.” Former police officers August and Penney could now be looking through the bars from the other side of a prison cell. They both face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for August 7 in federal court.
in California Valley would continue to be prohibited. The ordinance would set the maximum number of cultivation permits at 100. Third District Supervisor Adam Hill opposed the cultivation cap at the third hearing saying, “I don’t want to see us saying who’s going to win and lose based on arbitrary numbers.” Supervisors Lynn Compton and John Peschong supported the cultivation caps. The county has not yet, however, come to a decision about whether to allow both recreational and medical cannabis dispensaries.
The number of bills that were signed by Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, one of which was the approval of a bill that will allow individuals and corporations to produce hemp for agricultural purposes: (Source: Associated Press)
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The number of controlled clinical medical cannabis trials that have been conducted since 1975: (Source: NORML)
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The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that HelloMD collected and used to connect patients with medical cannabis through telemedicine:
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(Source: Mobi Health News)
The projected amount of money, in billions of dollars, that a new California state-sponsored economic study estimates to be the future value of the cannabis market:
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(Source: Los Angeles Times)
The percentage of increased growth in American cannabis stocks during 2016: (Source: The Washington Times)
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Kern County Scottish Foam Glow 5K™Games & Gathering WHAT: Foam Glow 5K™. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, July 8. Kern County Fair, 1142 S. P St., Bakersfield. INFO: Visit foamglow.com for details. Running through a 5K race has never been more fun and enjoyable. The only difference is, with this 5K run, you’re going to be running through glowing foam under a series of black lights. Glowing runners of all ages, shapes and sizes are encouraged to attend. In order to participate, pay the $20 standard registration fee and show up in a white
T-shirt which, should be worn at the starting line. As you are running down the path you will find Foam Glow™ Zones, in orange, pink or blue obstacles. You will have to dive through the foam in order to progress. In past events, runners typically would look like a tie dye shirt by the time they are finished with the race. Get in shape and have a blast while you’re at it. iReadCULTURE.com JULY 2017
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrates
Spurkle Kush At first glance, you might think this sparkling, thick, honey-colored, glossy specimen received its name from its appearance. However, Spurkle Kush actually got its unique name from its lineage—this concentrate is a cross between Scotts OG, PCK and Hurkle. The translucent amber concentrate is best navigated using a wand, then dabbed straight onto a hot nail, as it is super duper sticky. Take just one whiff of this strain, and your sinuses will be alerted by a sharp, crisp, potpourri scent. Like our sinuses, upon sampling Spurkle Kush, our mouths were coated with a fruity taste that had a satisfying balance of sweet and sour—only to leave us with an OG Kush, pungent aftertaste. What is most important about Spurkle Kush is its effects—just one big dab left one reviewer as a permanent fixture on the couch. Consider this one a nightcap, as you will have heavy limbs and full-bodied relaxation. It has been reported as great in combating insomnia and chronic pain.
Available at: Phantom Pharm in Bakersfield.
Gelato Cartridge
Available wherever: Brass Knuckles products are carried.
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Despite your feelings about The Beatles, the three words you will say after taking just one smooth draw of your Gelato Cartridge by Brass Knuckles will be “Strawberry Fields Forever.” Complemented by a stylish wooden battery that is adorned in gold, we were quickly exhaling the densest clouds of candycoated, sweet vapor we have ever seen. In regards to scent and taste, Gelato Cartridge was nothing short of identical to a mouthfull of strawberry shortcake topped extra whipped cream and dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Free from any herbal taste, this cartridge is ideal for on-the-go, discreet consumption. Beware, however—as discreet as it may be by scent, this heavy-hitting Gelato Cartridge makes up for its discretion in potency. Just three small inhales of this indica-dominant Gelato oil brought on snoozy feelings of relaxation and sleepy euphoria— it was the perfect solution to decompressing after a long day at work. Proving ideal for combating pain, insomnia and anxiety, this Gelato Cartridge is certainly the sweetest berry of the bunch.
HERE
Platinum OG by Gifted Extracts When it comes to giving gifts, some say you can’t go wrong with diamond rings and platinum things. We have to agree—especially if you’re giving the gift of Platinum OG by Gifted Extracts. With a complex scent that smells similar to an orange perfume, this darkhoney extract even has an orange-colored tint. The soft and sugary consistency means that handling this extract is a breeze, especially if you have the right dab tool for the job. A smooth mango and cinnamon taste is to be expected when vaping Platinum OG, which is a great treat. After just a couple puffs on a portable vape pen, a gentle onset of effects brought smiles to our faces. A sense of relief and a cloudy head effect overcame us as we went about our daily responsibilities. As a tasty extract that is functional to boot, wrap up some Platinum OG, and put a bow on it—give the gift that keeps giving this 710. 10
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Available at: Healthy Healing in Bakersfield.
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REVIEWs
Available at: Highway 99 in Bakersfield.
Kid N’ Kookies The darkish brown gooey sample we received of Kid N’ Kookies was excessively sticky and filled the room with an earthy scent that was pleasantly relaxing. It tasted hash-like with sweet, earthy tones that are combined with a freshly baked batch of cookies. Kid N’ Kookies originated in the Fresno area by breeding Girl Scout Cookies with Snowman OG. The “Kid” in the name comes the ‘90s rappers “Kid ’n Play,” who were involved in the original collaboration. Many people had high hopes for this strain, and none were left disappointed. You still get the cookie taste from its famed lineage, but with an added pine-like flavor that can still be detected on the exhale. The sedation is strong enough for those who need relief from migraines, pain or nausea.
Available via: Connect Delivery Service in Bakersfield.
Silverback OG Split up a nugget of Silverback OG in half, and marvel at the shimmering abundance of trichomes that makes this strain look like a cracked geode. Its beauty is enhanced with colors of lime green, lavender with orange-pink hairs. This flower is potent and pungent, so don’t plan on bringing this to grandma’s or work, because the skunky, earthy and haze-like scent is powerful. It may taste similar to the aroma, but that instantly fades away into a subtle sweet and earthy, but pleasant taste. The effect was heavy and long-lasting, lingering for about five hours. It was one of the most respectable strains we’ve sampled in awhile. By crossing Silverback and OG Kush, you know this indicadominant hybrid is going to deliver the indica effects that you are looking for. 12
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“We are in the process of having new sales tax so that we will have more money for Public Safety, more for recreational activities and more to develop our downtown.”
Increasing Interest Hanford Planning Commission approves commercial cannabis By Benjamin M. Adams
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he City of Hanford is forging along with the goal to implement cannabis businesses. The city cleared the first major step towards allowing large, medical cannabis cultivation and manufacturing businesses in town. On June 13, the Planning Commission voted 7-0 to unanimously recommend that the city council approve an ordinance to allow those types of businesses in the city’s heavy industrial zone. Commissioners Angel Vee Galvan, Savino Perico, Dennis Ham, Ajmer Nahal, Richard Douglas, Michael Johnston and Travis Paden all voted in favor of the recommendation. Nearly all of the city’s leadership is in agreement over most aspects of the proposals, however, the process is taking longer than some citizens are willing to wait. Municipal Code Amendment No. 2017-
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02 would amend the Hanford Zoning Ordinance Title 17, specifically Chapter 17.08, amending Table 17.08.030 to allow commercial medical cannabis in the heavy industrial zone and add Chapter 17.69, Cannabis Related Uses and Activity, to further regulate cannabis land uses. There are many reasons for allowing such businesses in the city of Hanford, with the most obvious being the economic push. The city’s Vice Mayor Francisco Ramirez is more than ready to embrace the new ordinance changes. “Not only will it bring good quality jobs at $17.50 an hour, [it] can bring over 1,100 jobs to our community, quality paying jobs,” Ramirez told CULTURE. “It can bring over $14 million in annual sales tax if approved by the voters.” The city is also considering a sales tax that could help boost the economy.
“We are in the process of having a new sales tax so that we will have more money for public safety, more for recreational activities and more to develop our downtown,” said Ramirez. “It will be a win-win for our community. Either we’re going to be pioneers and visionaries or be left in the dust.” Some of the citizens of Hanford were adamant about pushing city officials to move forward with zoning, regulations and a sales tax on the potential commercial cannabis opportunity. If the will of the citizens of Hanford has any effect on the city council, the mayor and the Planning Commission, it’s likely that the city will soon implement the proposed ordinance changes that will allow commercial cannabis to thrive in Hanford as it has in other California cities. c
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