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inside
contents
09.2016
CULTURE M
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Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett
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managing Editor Jamie Solis 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 Kristen Angelo, Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson
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Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur
California Cannabis Leaders In Coalinga Representatives from the California Bureau of Medical Cannabis took a trip to Coalinga to talk about the medical cannabis program.
departments 8 News Nuggets
10 By the Numbers
14 Strain Reviews 20 News of the Weird
Graphic Designer Tanya Delgadillo bakersfield Jon Bookatz sales manager Account Executives Rob Bayless, Kim Cook, Eric Bulls, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Teddy Helms, Brad Hoffner, Emily Musser, Beau Odom, Justin Olson, Chris Thatcher, Vic Zaragoza general Manager Iris Norsworthy
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Office Assistant Angelina Thompson digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Quinn Marie Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla
2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com
CULTUREÂŽ Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.
ON THE COVER: p h o t o b y M a le a k re s h o k
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/freeculturemag
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NEWS
nuggets
Illegal Grows in Kern County Gets Four People Indicted Four people have been indicted for operating two large-scale cannabis grows illegally in the Sequoia National Forest of Kern County. The four people ranged from 19 to 55 years of age. Growing cannabis illegally is unfortunately a common trend as more local cities enact strict cannabis cultivation laws. However, it’s up to cannabis activists to ensure our community is only using responsible and legal methods for cannabis cultivation. A past press release by the Forest Service outlined the various ways the Forest Service and the environment are negatively affected by cannabis grows, “The effects of marijuana sites on natural resources are harsh. Native vegetation is cleared before planting. Thousands of feet of black tubing transport large volumes of water diverted from streams, lake, and public drinking water supplies.” The report continued by explaining how it costs tens of thousands of dollars to re-establish streams and restore land to its previous state. Also, when pesticides, rodenticides and herbicides are used in illegal cannabis grow operations in forests, wildlife and natural vegetation are killed. Cannabis should be grown in a way that is ecologically mindful and sound, not in a way that is harmful to plants and animals.
Full Moon Night Hike San Luis Obispo County Postpones Medical Cannabis Ordinance The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to discuss a medical cannabis ordinance at their meeting on August 23. They had outlined on their agenda, “Hearing to consider an interim zoning/urgency ordinance prohibiting the cultivation of cannabis (marijuana) with certain exceptions in the unincorporated portions of San Luis Obispo County.” The county was also battling a forest fire at the same time, so the council decided to postpone this discussion until the September 20 meeting. It was reported that the board was set to review an early mock-up of a medical cannabis interim zoning ordinance on July 26. When the board gets around to finally discussing the ordinance, they hope to regulate the medical (and potentially recreational) taxation of cannabis within the county.
New Interim Zoning Ordinance is Not Good for Visalia Medical Cannabis A new zoning ordinance was approved in early August by county administrators in charge of Visalia. The ordinance will stop new cannabis businesses from opening, while putting harsh restrictions on any cannabis-related businesses already operating in Visalia. The Tulare County Board of Supervisors Agenda from August 16 outlined the supervisors plan to, “Adopt the Interim Zoning Ordinance prohibiting the establishment of new or expansion of existing medical marijuana entities, including collectives, cooperatives, businesses, or other entities engaged in commercial cannabis activity in the unincorporated areas of the county as an urgency measure pursuant to Government Code Section 65858.” The ordinance will last for 45 days, but it could likely get extended for almost two years. There are currently only two dispensaries operating legally in Tulare County, and this new ordinance could limit patients’ ability to obtain legal cannabis. 8
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Something almost magical happens when the moon and sun are on opposite sides of the Earth. Illuminating the night with a soft, but fierce glow, the full moon is a beautiful sight. Many believe that full moons bring with them a magical power of sorts, whether it is affecting people with insomnia or insanity. Take advantage of the extra wakefulness of the full moon by doing a Full Moon Night Hike at Wind Wolves Preserve. The hike is two hours long, and it starts just before sunset. Naturalists will be there leading the hike and talking about the various nighttime elements that make nature so fascinating. They will talk about bioluminescent insects, constellations, fluorescent minerals and nocturnal animals. Be sure to bring dinner to munch on before the hike starts. All ages are welcome, but strollers are not. WHAT: Full Moon Night Hike. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Sept. 17. Wind Wolves Preserve, 16019 CA-166, Bakersfield. INFO: Visit www.wildlandsconservancy.org for details.
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NEWS
The amount of money, in dollars, that the average legal cannabis user spends per year on cannabis: (Source: Chicago Tribune)
647
The amount of feet that detailed the length of a blown up joint that was carried to the Democratic National Convention by advocates: (Source: CBS News)
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The estimated percentage of regular cannabis users in Maine, which has been found to contain the highest percentage in the entire state: (Source: Bangor Daily News)
16.8
The number of signatures, aside from the 72,309 that have already been verified, that were provided with hopes of further helping a cannabis measure qualify for a public vote in Arkansas:
34,804 (Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
Bakersfield VillageFest
WHAT: Bakersfield VillageFest. WHEN/WHERE: Sat, Sept. 10. Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave., Bakersfield. INFO: Visit www.bakersfieldvillagefest.com for details.
Bakersfield’s culinary scene just continues to explode with decadent flavors and inventive dishes. Come celebrate everything our food and drink scene has to offer at Bakersfield VillageFest, where the party is going to happen rain or shine! There will be 60 participating breweries and 70 regional wineries serving up adult libations. Pair that with over 30 popular local restaurants sharing tastes
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of their culinary talent and live music on five different stages, and you have the best food and drink celebration Central California has ever seen. Participants will get 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples. Also, a strict dress code prohibits men from wearing tank tops. With all this delicious fun just around the corner, grab your friends, and don’t forget to bring your appetite! It’s the party of the year.
The number of people who registered as medical cannabis patients in Minnesota, during the state’s first month of the medical cannabis program: (Source:
500
San Francisco Chronicle)
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REVIEWs
strain & concentrate AK-47
Available at: Taft Hwy Collective in Bakersfield.
This aggressively named sativa might be in an existential crisis considering its effects are more related to a pen and paper rather than the weapon it draws its namesake from. The relaxed, creative tingles we felt almost immediately hinted at why this strain has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most sought after phenotypes on the market today. Earthy and somewhat sour on the nose, trimmed with laser like precision, you can expect these flowers to be very pleasant on the eyes. The euphoric, energizing and pain-relieving effects can be felt for several hours with little to no “crash.” Stop by Taft Hwy Collective in Bakersfield, and tell them CULTURE sent you.
Head Change Extracts Butter OG Patients praise this indica-dominant hybrid for delivering fast, stress-relieving effects. Simply put, we agree. The fragrantly sweet, syrupy, lemon aroma fills the immediate area as soon as the packaging is opened. Once vaporized, patients can expect a fun, giddy and energetic effect with some additional hunger-inducing effects you’d expect from an indica. We don’t know what they’re putting in the water in Bakersfield, but it’s working out well. Just be careful to not over medicate unless insomnia is what you’re battling, as patients will inevitably succumb to its powerfully sleepy side effects.
Available at: CNE in Bakersfield.
King Kong Glue by Kush Co. Available at: WPCC in Bakersfield.
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The long standing feud between sativa and indica is a tough case to crack. Everyone has their preference but CULTURE believes you shouldn’t have to choose sides. After all, this is America isn’t it? Enter King Kong Glue, an indica-dominant hybrid with the full body effects indica-lovers crave. However, this strain will still offer the giggly, creative, cerebral effects that sativas often supply patients with. The flowers come absolutely dusted with a silvery blanket of rich trichomes while the smell is absolutely sour. Light-green in color and full of tangled orange hairs, we are positive you’ll be a believer once you’ve tried this strain. It’s perfect for patients needing relief from insomnia and chronic pain related to cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Available at: Various collectives throughout California.
Brass Knuckles Clear Concentrate We aren't sure what impressed us more, the fact that this company has yet to release a sub-par product or the wonderful, tropical smell this particular concentrate gives off once the container has been opened. The bright iridescent glow from this indica-dominant hybrid is only shadowed by the almost tiki-like flavor that assaults your taste buds upon immediate inhalation. As strong and resilient as its namesake weapon, this concentrate won’t let you down. Lab tests have confirmed that this Banana x OG Kush phenotype clocks in at around 90 percent THC and is ready to relieve anyone suffering from insomnia and/or chronic pain.
Lemon OG From the Lemon Skunk and OG phenotypes comes Lemon OG. Bursting at the seams with unparalleled citrus notes reminiscent of fresh made lemonade and orange groves, this sleepy indica boasts powerful effects without a longlasting quality that you might find in similar OGs. If this is what people are referring to when they talk about life giving you lemons, then we are ready to set up a stand in our neighborhood for the summer—officially Lemonheads over here. Patients will love it for its powerful hunger-inducing effects while anyone with a nose will want to smell it forever. All you have to do is head over to Leaf Collective in Bakersfield and you’ll be a Lemonhead too.
Available at: Leaf Collective in Bakersfield.
Available at: Bakersfield Gas Co. in Bakersfield.
Gasman Extracts A nug run is the process of using entire flowers to obtain hash oil instead of less potent trimmings. The result is a beautifully opaque, terpene-rich oil with an enhanced flavor profile as well as a higher THC content. The Sour Tangie is a near perfect example of what patients mean when they say they want a happy, creative effect from their canna-medicine. With a taste profile that starts off bright, slightly diesel like, and ending with a cool citrus finish, Sour Tangie is delightful. Diesel Breath is similar in the creative, euphoric effect it delivers, but the taste is much spicier and earthy. The end result is more of a shatter while the Tangie resembles a thick, amber sap. So whatever your preference, the Bakersfield Gas Co. has you covered.
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ON THE RIGHT PATH
The chief of the California Bureau of Medical Cannabis visits Coalinga by Jamie Solis
The city of Coalinga had an important visitor in July from the newly formed California Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation. The Chief of the bureau, Lori Ajax, visited the first city in San Joaquin Valley to embrace medical cannabis. Although California has allowed medical cannabis for about 20 years, the state government has only just created this new bureau to focus on consistently regulating the industry at large. This could be in part because the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act passed in October, which called for a state written licensing process for medical cannabisrelated businesses. Eventually, the bureau will require that those who grow, manufacture and distribute cannabis obtain a license to do business by the state and locally. What then, brought Ajax to the sunny city of Coalinga? In regards to the purpose of her visit to Coalinga, Ajax told CULTURE, “This was one in a series of statewide informational sessions in which Bureau representatives travelled to various regions in the state to provide information to the public about the Bureau and the regulatory process.” Ajax also said that the feedback from the cannabis community, residents and local government officials was great and that their questions and feedback were thoughtful. Ajax was appointed as Chief of the bureau by Governor Jerry Brown in February. Although she is new to cannabis, Ajax served in the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for 21 years. While cannabis and alcohol are vastly different in many ways, the regulation of their markets may hold some similarities, in which Ajax’s prior experience will be helpful. “It is definitely a different product, but there are similar issues as with any
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highly regulated product,” Ajax said. “I did a lot of stakeholder engagement working with alcohol regulation and it is important to continue that engagement model with cannabis stakeholders to overcome any challenges.” It is expected that the bureau will start granting permits at the start of 2018, and the goal of the bureau is to regulate medical cannabis-related businesses like dispensaries, testing labs, distributors and transporters. It will be up to the California Department of Food and Agriculture to distribute cultivation licenses, while the California Department of Public Health will be responsible for cannabis manufacturing. If recreational cannabis is legalized in November’s election, Ajax’s bureau would be responsible for regulating the same aspects of recreational cannabis as it is expected to with medical cannabis. Overall, it seems like Ajax and the California Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation are helping to work toward a safer and more consistent cannabis industry for California. Ajax shared, “The Bureau is working collaboratively with other state agencies, local government, law enforcement, patients and the industry to develop a comprehensive regulatory system to ensure the protection of the public, patients and environment.” Coalinga continues to be the leader for medical cannabis in the San Joaquin Valley. While Coalinga’s recent deal to sell an old prison facility for $4.1 million dollars to a cannabis manufacturing facility is proof enough of their ingenuity, this noteworthy visit from a respected government official continues to show Coalinga’s forward thinking approach to medical cannabis. c
“The Bureau is working collaboratively with other state agencies, local government, law enforcement, patients and the industry to develop a comprehensive regulatory system to ensure the protection of the public, patients and environment.�
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Chuck Shepherd's
News of the
Weird
LEAD STORY—FRONTIERS OF FASHION u As Americans’ fascination with guns grows, so, too, does the market for protection against all those flying bullets. Texan John Adrain has introduced an upscale sofa whose cushions can stop up to a .44 Magnum fired at close range, and is now at work on bullet-resistant window blinds. Another company, BulletSafe, recently touted its $129 baseball caps (with protection against the same bullets, but only in front)—though the company admits the cap won’t prevent concussions. The Colombian suit and vest designer Miguel Caballero offers an array of bullet- and knife-resistant selections, made with Kevlar and Dyneema, which are also used by clothiers BladeRunner and Aspetto (maker of “ballistic tuxedos”). LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS u Notorious French derivatives trader Jerome Kerviel was fired in 2010 after his employer (Societe Generale bank) discovered that he had made unauthorized trades worth about $55 billion and then, by forgery and fraud, covered them up. In June, however, Kerviel won a wrongfuldischarge case when France’s Court of Cassation concluded the bank had “no real and serious” reason to fire him. Actually, the court ordered the bank to pay Kerviel about $500,000 in “performance” bonuses, based on the profit that his rogue trades
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eventually earned. Even though the bank had spent the equivalent of $5.5 billion unwinding Kerviel’s trades, they still made money (because, before the world economy collapsed in 2008, the derivatives business was very good). u Ronnie Music Jr., 45, won a scratch-off lottery prize last year of $3 million in Waycross, Georgia, and must surely have thought he was on a roll—because he soon flipped the money into a Georgia methamphetamine gang. The “bet” went sour, and he now faces decades in prison, as he pleaded guilty in July to drug trafficking and firearms violations after his associates were found with $1 million worth of meth and a load of guns. GOVERNMENT IN ACTION u Montpelier, Vermont, has one solution to America’s well-known problem of ignoring infrastructure maintenance (and the high cost of asphalt). While other cities and states merely delay needed road work (though with harsh consequences to drivers), Montpelier has begun to unpave some of its roads, converting them back to cheaper, annoying gravel and dirt (and inevitably, dust). A recent report by Montana State University researchers expressed surprise that so many governments are choosing this option. u Phoenix’s KTAR-TV reported in July that the local sheriff (the notorious “tough on crime” Joe Arpaio) has already cost the government $10.4 million in attorneys’ fees for successful lawsuits filed against him by illegally profiled Hispanics. A judge found months ago (awarding $4.5 million) that Arpaio was deliberately violating the court’s orders, and lawyers have demanded another $5.9 million to bring Arpaio’s resistances up to
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date. (Unless the court rules otherwise, the $5.9 million will ultimately come from taxpayers). LATEST RELIGIOUS MESSAGES u No Wonder ISIS Is So Steamed: Last year, 3 million Muslims made the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca for the hajj and another 5 million for the slightly less sacred umrah, but awaiting them in the Saudi holy city would hardly have been the reverence many imagined: massive modern buildings; housing construction with worksites brightly lit around the clock; glittery, multistory shopping malls featuring familiar brands peddling opulence—capped by high-rise views of the city’s entire amusement-parklike setting from four- and five-star hotel rooms, where suites during hajj can go for $10,000 a night. (The malls, like the rest of Mecca, come to a standstill—or kneel-still— for prayers). u A Fargo, North Dakota, fire official said in July his crew had responded at least twice to alarmed-citizen phone calls to go help a man obviously homeless, covered in a blanket on a park bench, who seemed not to be moving. The First Lutheran Church later explained that the “man” was just a statue—their idea of Jesus as a homeless man— and its Canadian designer said versions of the statue had been placed in several cities, including Toronto and Detroit. PERSPECTIVE u Almost half of all produce raised by U.S. farmers is thrown out before it reaches a consumer’s plate, and though there are several contributing explanations, the most striking is American eaters’ “cult of perfection.” “It’s about blemish-free produce,” said one farmer, e.g., “sunburnt cauliflower” or table grapes not quite “wedge-shaped”
enough. America’s “unyielding cosmetic standards,” according to a July report in The Guardian of London, even means that much of the annual $160 billion worth of imperfect food is simply left to rot on the vine, or sent directly to a landfill, because farmers anticipate retailers’ reluctance to stock it. WAIT, WHAT? u (1) In July, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans to keep black-footed ferrets in northeastern Montana from dying out—with drones that shoot peanut butter M&Ms (coated with a vaccine). Before the drones, there were too few ferrets to justify, economically, handdelivering the candy. (2) A Japanese researcher (working out of the University of Illinois at Chicago) recently announced a health-improving computer app that would require men to ejaculate on their cellphones. (The researcher’s sophisticated microscope lens would be capable of transmitting a highly detailed photo, able to be examined in a lab, thus freeing shy men from having to visit a doctor’s office). COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u Anyone’s Fault but Mine: Lawyer Andrew Schmuhl, 32, ordered to trial in Fairfax County, Virginia, in May, declared that he was not responsible in 2014 when he invaded the home of a man who had recently fired Schmuhl’s wife. Using a Taser, he had held the man and his wife hostage for three hours and ultimately slashed the man’s throat and stabbed the woman repeatedly. However, Schmuhl claimed he should be found not guilty because he was “involuntarily” intoxicated at the time— cluelessly on pain medication that made him oblivious of his actions. (He was convicted).
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