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contents
inside
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CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Jamie Solis associate Editor Ashley Bennett
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creative consultant Evan Senn 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 Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur
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Graphic Designers Payden Corden, Nathan Hernandez
Emerging Economy Medical cannabis businesses have been approved to operate in Grover Beach.
departments 6 News Nuggets
7 By the Numbers
12 Strain Reviews
sales director Justin Olson bakersfield Jon Bookatz sales manager Account Executives Alex Brizicky, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook Beau Odom, Gloria Santiago, 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
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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iReadCULTURE.com JUNE 2017
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NEWS
nuggets
Majority of Atascadero Residents Support Cannabis Businesses Recently, the Atascadero City Council indicated it may allow cannabis delivery services, laboratory testing and manufacturing operations. The city staff recently conducted a series of surveys to gather community input on the topic. Nearly 75 percent of respondents said they were comfortable with or in support of allowing several types of medical cannabis businesses to operate in the city. “Based on both the online and the open house questionnaires completed by attendees,” the survey report reads, “Almost threequarters of the respondents were comfortable or in support of allowing the following within the city limits: Outdoor cultivation for personal use; commercial cultivation for wholesale distribution; testing facilities; retail sales; deliveries.” Given the support from the community, the Atascadero City Council is considering whether to allow personal outdoor cannabis gardens. The council is holding off on allowing commercial cultivation and retail sales within city limits at this time. Councilmembers directed city staff to circle back with recommendations before they move forward with drafting an ordinance.
Visalia Dispensary Joins Chamber of Commerce CannaCanHelp, Inc., the largest medical cannabis dispensary in Tulare County, joined the Visalia Chamber of Commerce on April 26. The dispensary has been a permanent fixture in the community for over a decade, and it generates a great deal of revenue. “It solidifies our position within the community as a community business,” CannaCanHelp Manager Wes Hardin told CULTURE. “For us, it makes sense to be able to reach out and make connections with other business leaders in our community, because we’re definitely one of the biggest small businesses in the area. It made sense for us to join the chamber.” The dispensary’s official ribbon cutting ceremony also took place on April 26. Since Tulare County imposes a 99-plant limit on dispensaries, the regulations that will go into effect in January 2018 could affect CannaCanHelp’s profit margins. With the visibility gained from joining the chamber, however, CannaCanHelps’ future still looks brighter.
Paso Robles City Council Files Report on Cannabis Taskforce Findings The Paso Robles City Council received and filed a report on medical cannabis that was put together by a seven-member taskforce. Under the direction of the Paso Robles City Manager, the taskforce met six times between September 2016 and February 2017 to learn about cannabis. Ultimately, the key findings highlight the need for protecting youth, supporting education with taxation, cultivation and drafting policies that favor local businesses. “They’re taking a very cautious approach,” Marie Roth, Executive Director of the San Luis Obispo County Cannabis Business Association, told CULTURE. “Our county has marketed itself as a destination for the wine industry. I think there’s some caution when it comes to diving into the cannabis industry. On the surface, they want to maintain that image that they’ve worked hard to create. I have optimism for the future of [Paso Robles], even if it’s not anytime soon.” The taskforce meetings were successful in preparing for the potential emergence of cannabis businesses in Paso Robles.
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The percentage of increased enrollment into New Mexico’s medical cannabis patient program, according to statistics collected since March 2016: (Source: Las Cruces Sun-News)
84
The projected number of people who will participate in a survey, conducted by HelloMD, to learn more about CBD consumption: (Source: News On 6)
150,000
The amount of money, in dollars, that the average consumer spends on cannabis annually: (Source: Civilized)
645
The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Maine customers spent on non-edible cannabis products in 2016:
24.8
(Source: Portland Press Herald)
The percentage of Minnesotans surveyed who described that they receive a positive benefit from consuming medical (Source: The Washington Times) cannabis:
64
Kern County Scottish Games & Gathering Alice Cooper LIVE WHAT: Alice Cooper Live. WHEN/WHERE: Tues, June 20. Rabobank Arena Theater & Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield. INFO: Visit rabobankarena.com for more info. The “Spend the Night with Alice Cooper” tour is making a stop in Bakersfield. School’s out for the summer, so come and see the original “dark one” at the Rabobank Arena Theater. The Grammy-nominated Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer has been in the spotlight since the mid-’70s. Cooper’s stage antics include but are not limited to functional guillotines, electric chairs, copious amounts of fake blood
and dueling sword fights. Cooper’s gothic style influenced generations of rockers including Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and KISS, which is why he’s been dubbed “The Godfather of Shock Rock.” Make no mistake, Cooper’s friendly and intelligent persona off-stage makes you feel like you’re chatting with the guy next door. The 69-year-old is still performing live, and now is the time to catch him. iReadCULTURE.com JUNE 2017
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From a strictly numbers standpoint, commercial medical cannabis could contribute significantly to the city’s economy. However, more than that, commercial medical cannabis is a part of an overall economic development strategy that Grover Beach is undertaking.
Profitable Promise Grover Beach approves commercial medical cannabis businesses by Benjamin M. Adams
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ommercial cannabis businesses are about to bloom in their full glory in Grover Beach. On May 15, the Grover Beach City Council voted to allow and regulate commercial medical cannabis businesses with the implementation of two new ordinances. The types of businesses that will be allowed include dispensaries, manufacturing operations, laboratory testing facilities and nurseries. Despite a few setbacks, dispensaries will open and cannabis advocates can ultimately claim victory. Interested applicants are required to obtain a Use Permit from the Grover Beach City Council that specifies the business location, size and types of use for the permit. A Commercial Cannabis Permit is also required to prove that all regulatory prerequisites are met. Ordinance 17-05 is a land use ordinance that outlines commercial cannabis business zoning. The city council voted 3-1 with Mayor John Shoals voting ‘no.’ Ordinance 17-06, the regulatory ordinance, enacts regulations for commercial cannabis businesses. City council voted unanimously 4-0 to approve the ordinance. Councilwoman Debbie Peterson recused herself from participating in both votes. The only setback, however, was the decision to
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halve the number of dispensaries from four to two. Both dispensaries may be open to the public between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Financially speaking, the cannabis ordinances are one of many ways city council is reviving the city’s economy. “From a strictly numbers standpoint, commercial medical cannabis could contribute significantly to the city’s economy,” City Councilmember Jeff Lee told CULTURE. “However, more than that, commercial medical cannabis is a part of an overall economic development strategy that Grover Beach is undertaking. Along with cannabis, the city is embarking upon the construction of two hotels, a conference center and a broadband initiative. These activities are poised to bring tourism, head-of-household jobs, service sector opportunities and an increased sense of pride to the community.” Lee continued to share that the city is looking forward to the opportunities the legal cannabis industry will bring to Grover Beach, and he believes it will make the city a safer and more enjoyable place to live, work and visit. Not everyone was on board with the decision, including Grover Beach’s former Mayor Ron Arnoldsen, who was vocally adamant about not allowing cannabis businesses, to the point of being accused of hate speech, as he shouted obscenities during the cannabis business debate at the city council meeting. Arnoldsen’s long tenure with Grover Beach stretched from 1992 to
2004, and he’s worked hard to preserve the town’s quiet conservative identity. Arnoldsen’s comments did not gel with Councilmember Mariam Shah, who spoke out about his unnaturally hateful approach to cannabis. Arnoldsen then went on to defend himself in an opinion piece in Cal Coast News declaring that offensive language is not specifically prohibited in city council, and he referenced his right under the First Amendment. Either way, Arnoldsen no longer holds power in the city of Grover Beach, and the implementation of cannabis businesses in Grover Beach will carry on. The implementation of cannabis businesses has been in the works for about six months in Grover Beach. On November 8, 2016, the city council paved the way for commercial cannabis by passing Measure L-16 to tax any commercial cannabis businesses within city limits. The city imposed a five percent tax on commercial medical cannabis and 10 percent tax on non-medical cannabis. Cultivation will be taxed at $25 per square foot on the first 5,000 square feet and $10 beyond 5,000 feet. After much deliberation, the details of zoning regulations were worked out in city council. “The commercial medical cannabis zones are in located in three different areas of the city and total nearly 90 acres of land,” City Manager Matthew Bronson told CULTURE. “Commercial cannabis zones were authorized within the Cities I (Industrial), CI (Coastal Industrial) and CIC (Coastal Industrial-Commercial) zones,” added Lee. Grover Beach is arriving at the dawn of a new era with the great amount of progress made in recent months—but there is much more work to do with only two local dispensaries so far. San Luis Obispo County has become an unlikely sanctuary for cannabis businesses in the area. The ordinances go into effect on June 15. c
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REVIEWs
strain
Gifted OG by Gifted Extracts Gifted Extracts has done it again by way of these woody, pine-scented buds. Dense nugs covered in crystal-rich trichomes ensure consumers a flavorful experience while the gnarled orange hairs make it almost a crime to destroy them without first properly examining the gorgeous work from whoever cultivated them. Known for its ability to provide an uplifting and energetic buzz that lasts several hours, Gifted OG is great for daytime activities. Our only warning to consumers with a low tolerance is to take it slow until they’ve experienced the effects for themselves, as this is one of the more potent strains we’ve come across. Vital Care Treatment in Bakersfield has plenty in stock for anyone looking for the perfect gift to buy themselves.
Available at: Vital Care Treatment in Bakersfield.
Kryptonic Kush Not to be confused with the radioactive matter that brings Superman to his knees, Kryptonic Kush is the other green substance that would have probably helped the superhero cope with the obvious PTSD he’d have from his numerous years of changing in phone booths. Kryptonic started off strong by filling the senses with ripe summer berries and ended in a little bit of skunky-ness for good measure. Kryptonic is perfect for anyone medicating against body aches and sleeplessness as well as stimulating appetites. We can’t seem to get enough of this dank, rare and deliciously smelling flower, and we’re sure you’ll find yourself finishing your stock all too quickly. Consumers living near Bakersfield can visit Golden State Hempire and say “hi” to the wonderful staff from all of us at CULTURE.
Available at: Golden State Hempire in Bakersfield.
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HERE Available at: Highway 99 in Bakersfield.
Platinum Girl Scout by Mad Scientist Genetix If there was still any doubt about this hybrid’s abilities, consumers won’t need to look any further than the dense, rich trichomes that cover these buds. Platinum Girl Scout is ideal for consumers suffering from pain associated with cancer treatment as well as arthritis and migraines. This strain is equal parts potent and flavorful, while still being mellow enough for consuming when you have to get things done. Highway 99 in Bakersfield has the cookies you crave.
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