Leaf Magazine March 2022

Farm Fresh Flowers

Valley Pure Farms releases their branded products

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Rae Lakes Loop Marco’s ventures

8

Warm Cookies

Chef Garza throws down

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Leaf Op-Ed

Libby Marks - Resolutions

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March 2022

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350,000+

weekly listeners on five locally-owned radio stations!

O N E P U T T B R OA D C AST I N G 1 4 1 5 F U LT O N S T R E E T, D O W N T O W N F R E S N O

w w w. o n e p u t t b r o a d c a s t i n g . c o m 2

LEAF Change is good, if you know how to handle it. We have had some considerable changes with Leaf and our team. We are working on a new plan to keep the magazine moving forward and relevant.

For starters, we are moving to a bi monthly print pubication. We will have the inbetween months be digital and covering the central cali cannabis scene.

Leaf is dedicated to bringing stories that are of interest of our readers. We are already planning the April issue and having it printed and distributed.

We have arrainged for the cover to be designed by a local artist, and can’t wait to introduce you to her.

Thanks again for the support.

Cecil Leaf Magazine Ca. Leaf Media LLC.

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LEAF

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RAE LAKES LOOP

SUMMARY 3

LEAF Update

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LEAF PRODUCT REVIEW

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Rae Lakes - Marco Uranga

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Farm Fresh Flower, Valley Pure

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Chocolate Chip Cookies - Chef Garza

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LEAF Op-Ed by Libby Marks

FOUNDER Cecil Lopez, CEO cecil@leafmagazineca.com 559-500-1332

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FARM FRESH FLOWERS

WRITERS Nellie Day Penelope Parsons Bree Leonard Marco Urnaga Libby Marks ADVERTISING SALES Cecil Lopez cecil@leafmagazineca.com 559-500-1332 PUBLISHED & DESIGNED BY Leaf Media LLC / www.leafmediaca.com

12 COOKIES BY CHEF GARZA

©2021 by Leaf Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited. Articles and advertisements in Leaf Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management, employees, or errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake. The businesses, locations and people mentioned in our articles are not influenced by advertising.

Keep cannabis out of the reach of children. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Consume responsibly.

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BRAND REVIEWS

8.1

I first encountered Old Pal when I was on a super tight budget and wanted a no-fuss, will do the trick, cannabis item, and my budtender introduced me to their ready-to-roll packets. What a lifesaver that was! I was happy to discover that Old Pal is more than just pre-ground packets, and each product is made with the same motto – accessible, affordable, and meant to be shared.

The brand also offers a variety of potencies, anywhere from the low tens, to the upper twenty percent. While the flower itself isn’t the smoothest, and you will definitely cough after a joint or two, Old Pal has a great variety of products, for great prices, that will keep you floating on that cannabis cloud without breaking the bank.

WHAT'S GOOD -Budget friendly -Sungrown -Widely available -Big variety of products/potency

WHAT'S BAD -Flower can be dry -Not the smoothest inhale -Very hit or miss

NOTABLE PRODUCT Old Pal Clementine Oil Cartridge

Highlights The Clementine cannabis oil cartridge is very sweet tasting – a very orange flavor, with some light value undertones – yet also delivers a heavy burn on the throat, so new smokers beware for a coughing fit. The price point can’t be beaten however and is great for those little energy bursts of creativity at any point of the day.

Effects Effects felt: Relaxed, Euphoric, Social Good for: Hanging out with friends, outdoors, errands Not good for: Insomnia, pain, anxiety

An easy, middle of the day, pick me up in a budget-friendly 1G cartridge.

Old Pal’s Clementine 1g cannabis oil cartridge was tasty, very orange-like, but the inhale landed a bit harsh. The oil is on the darker side, and I know it shouldn’t matter much but I do wonder if that might have made the smoke feel harder on my throat. However, for the price and the potency, it’s worth it for the delightful buzz Clementine produces. I grabbed it for a walk around the neighborhood with my dog during a nice, brisk day. Honestly, felt like just the mood boost I needed but the coughing wasn’t fun.

Specs Strain: Clementine Type: Sativa CBD: 0.03% (0.02mg/pull) THC: 68.9% (3.4mg/pull) Price: $28 for 1g

Source: cbdoracle.com

Serving Tulare County & Surrounding Areas

Cannabis Delivery (559) 205-4143

Your next adventure starts at FYE Sports www.fyesportsshop.com 6

Recreational & Medical L A B T E S T E D & S TAT E C O M P L I A N T

L i c e n s e # : C 9 - 0 0 0 0 118 - L I C

LOCAL SPOTS

DISPENSARIES

VISALIA

HANFORD

CENTRAL COAST

Central Valley Pure 207 West Main St Suite B (559)372-7744 centralvalleypure.com

Herb N Joy 102 S Douty St herbnjoy.com 650-701-4372

United Growers 15740 E Mineral King Ave (559) 635-0420

Deli by Calva 104 N Douty Ave (888) 688-0303 delibycaliva.com

Megan’s Organic Market 280 S Higuera St. San Luis Obispo, 93401 805-592-1420 /megansorganicmarket.com

LINDSAY

FARMERSVILLE

Valley Pure 133 W Honolulu St 559-788-7640 valleypure.net

Valley Pure 515 West Noble Ave Farmersville 559-690-0411 valleypure.net

WOODLAKE

Token Farms 483 Avenue 295 Suite #A 559-738-8375 tokenfarmsinc.com

Valley Pure 132 North Valencia Blvd 559-769-2080 valleypure.net GreenBean 515 W. Naranjo Boulevard 559-564-9073 greenbeanpharm.com

TULARE Herb N Vibe 150 N. J St. 559-688-2001 tulareherbnvibes.com

LEMOORE Valley Pure 300 E St 559-997-5542 valleypure.net Natural Healing Center 338 West D Street (805) 201-1498 nhcdispensaries.com

Natural Healing Center - Morro Bay 495 Morro Bay Blvd.

Morro Bay, 93442 805-201-1498 nhcdispensaries.com Natural Healing Center - Grover Beach 998 Huston St. Grover Beach, 93433 805-201-1498 nhcdispensaries.com Perfect Union - Morro Bay 1000 Quintana Rd. #A Morro Bay, 93442 805-254-4146 www.perfect-union.com 805 Beach Breaks 1053 Highland Way Grover Beach, 93433 805-668-2228 805beachbreaks.com Urbn Leaf 239 S 3rd St, Grover Beach,CA 93433 805-556-4198 www.urbnleaf.com

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ADVENTURE

RAE LAKES LOOP prepare you for thin air at high elevation. The highlight of this loop is the Rae Lakes basin area about 25 miles in. The average hiker (like me) can get to that area on day three.

By Marco Uranga Near the very center of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range lays a famous 46-mile trail known as the Rae Lakes Loop. Located in the very heart of Kings Canyon National Park the trailhead is a two-hour drive east of the Fresno Yosemite Airport. Though it takes you only one hour to arrive at the gate of Kings Canyon, it’s another one hour drive to the famous trailhead known as Roads End. How did it get that name? Duh??…the road actually ends. Driving a vehicle is the only thing that really ends here. The adventure begins and so did the beginning of a 5-night 6-day hike that would cover 46 miles and 7,670 feet of elevation gain. A challenge of the body and mind. The Rae Lakes Loop would demonstrate the highs and lows of what I thought was a fit body and a sane mind.

I was invited to do the loop with my buddy Steve who was about to go solo until I agreed to trek along last minute. The first two miles consist of flat ground that takes you over a couple of different river crossings with beautiful vistas of the canyon walls on either side. I’ve always said that Kings Canyon is similar to a mini-Yosemite with its high granite walls. We would travel clockwise at the 2-mile trail intersection. In five days, we would arrive back at this point knowing we’re only two miles from civilization, a hot burger, and a cold beer. As much as I miss a cold beer after days in the wilderness, I miss hot fresh food even more. Dehydrated food is good maybe day one, then, how do I put this, it’s just horrible after a bit and worse coming out. I do have one favorite meal that I always take hiking. Mac-n-Cheese with crushed up jalapeno flavored Fritos. Don’t knock it till you try it.

We headed north from the trail crossing and my smile immediately changed to open mouth huffing and puffing. The slight panic feeling of breathing through a straw the first couple of miles and I ask myself “Am I ready for this?” A really bad time to ask myself that, I thought. After the first thirty minutes of walking at a high elevation, the burning of the lungs starts to subside. No matter how fit you may think you are, there’s not much to

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We arrived at Middle Paradise campsite after a steady climb all day that had my legs burning with every step. We found the perfect spot near the creek. “What do you think Steve?” I looked over at Steve and caught a glimpse of movement. Thirty feet behind him a beautiful female black bear hopped up on a fallen tree near the trail we just came off. I was tipped off that she was female from the single little cub following her around. Momma bear tore into the downed tree with her sharp claws that exposed the small grubs for her cub to feed on. After feeding for a bit, they moved on together through camp. I looked up the hill on the path they were headed on and spotted a single female hiker who had reached camp ahead of us. “You got a bear and her cub coming your way!” “Holy Shit!!!”

She yelled. Mandy was her name and we are still friends years later.

Mandy is a wanderlust like a lot of us wilderness brats. She was in her mid 40’s and had lost 50lbs in the past few months. She was using her weight loss to get up and get out. I completely admired her for doing this alone. Even though there were many people on this loop going both directions I still thought it was very brave of her to head out solo.

The next day was another 2,500 feet of steady uphill through beautiful evergreens that would eventually land us at Woods Creek crossing. This is a popular bridge crossing and campsite on the John Muir Trail. The campsite was pretty full but Steve and I found a nice open area a bit east of everyone else. Right before dusk, a large group of deer walked right past our camp headed for their last drink of water for the evening. Among the group were two large males. The larger of the two had 10 points on his antlers, a true trophy Buck protected here in a national park.

I woke early on day three to the sound of Mandy packing up for her usual early start. Each day she would leave camp a good hour ahead of us. Eventually, around midday Steve and I would catch up and pass her.

Then, just like clockwork, she would come rolling into camp about an hour or two behind us. We are all different and hikers move at different speeds. I would usually pull away from Steve early every day, but usually by midday he would catch back up and we would finish the day out together at a nice pace.

We were now finishing day three in the Rae Lakes Basin. We approached Dollar Lake a few miles ahead of Rae Lake. This beautiful pristine high sierra lake is truly a breathtaking sight. Many hikers will stop, have lunch, or take a nice swim at Dollar Lake. It’s a beautiful spot to drink in the vistas of the Sierras and appreciate how far we’ve come to be here. You can see through the crystal-clear water all the way to the tiny island near

the center of the lake. We almost talked ourselves into camping here for the night but Rae Lake was only a few more miles away. We wanted to get as close to Glen Pass as possible to tackle it on early-morning fresh legs.

We finally reached Rae Lake. This high sierra lake exposes all the tiny Brook Trout inside its translucent water. The vistas looking out of any direction from this area are magnificent. Fin dome to our north, Black Mountain to the east, and the infamous mountain we would climb in the early morning lay staring at us to our south.

Glen Pass is a 1,500-foot climb out of Rae Lakes that switches back and forth walking on busted granite rock. It’s a brutal climb without a pack. Put thirty pounds of equipment and food on your back and it’s even more brutal. I stood looking at the mountain knowing the pain ahead. I tried to occupy my mind by fishing a little before dark. The Brook Trout were small but hit on almost every cast. I would catch and release as always. Why would I eat these gorgeous little fish when I have yummy dehydrated food? Right? I settled in that night with my thoughts still on the pain ahead tomorrow. We were six thousand feet higher than where we began this journey. The air was thinner and the temperature was dropping at night.

I haven’t mentioned yet that I’m a hammock sleeper in the forest. It’s usually no problem to find two trees the perfect 16 to 20 feet apart but in the Rae Lakes area, you are above the tree line. No problem, I would just cowboy camp under the stars. Yeah, so, I froze my balls off shivering a lot of the night.

This wasn’t about Glen Pass, Rae Lakes, or Woods Creek. These are just beautiful spots that come and go and sometimes make one’s Instagram page. It’s about the journey. The camaraderie of the like-minded wanderlust.

From prepping days before to reminiscing for days after. For Mandy, her journey started long before this trip. I was inspired by her determination and will. Inspired by her drive to live a life of wonder. Therefore, living a wonderful life.

These are just beautiful spots that come and go and sometimes make one’s Instagram page. It’s about the journey.

My legs felt strong the next morning and I was hoping that would make up for the lack of sleep. We walked along the north edge of Rae Lake approaching the base of the climb. I glanced at the crystal-clear water and spotted three Brook Trout staring in our direction. Appearing to bid us farewell, I wondered if one of them I caught and released the night before.

Before long we were almost halfway up the pass. Disappearing Conifer Pine Trees gave way to the trail of busted, uneven granite rock. My feet gave way to comfort and felt as if I were walking in flip-flops. I needed to break every 15 minutes and ease the pain that came from sharp busted rock pushing through the soles of my boots. Steve was in beast mode so I told him to go on ahead and I’d meet him at the top. After a good 15 minute break and a granola bar, I continued. At about three-quarter way up I saw her up ahead.

It was Mandy and she was suffering one step at a time as I was. We stopped and just stood there at over 11,500 feet enjoying the most amazing views. I would move on up ahead but told Mandy I wouldn’t continue over the pass until she got there.

I had been climbing on the switchbacks of this trail for over two hours when I looked up and finally saw people standing at the top. I spotted Steve’s red shirt and could hear him yelling for me. I needed the inspiration because my legs had been like jelly for the last thirty minutes. I was gasping for air as I approached the 11,926ft Glen Pass. Then I started hearing the faint sound of people yelling. At the top I noticed Steve standing with about six other hikers.

I was about 50 yards from the top when they all started cheering me on. I was dead. My legs were tired and shaking. But when I realized they were all screaming for me, the pain went away. I found a new boost of energy. Their screams and clapping for me made my adrenaline rush as I ran to the top.

The last 30 feet was brutally steep and I began screaming as I approached the open arm group of strangers. I ran into the middle as we all hugged and celebrated with high fives. It was a wilderness moment I’ll never forget.

So, that’s it. The end of this story for now. It ends at the top of Glen Pass. One of many on the John Muir Trail. Steve and I sat at the top cheering others as they would approach. I pulled a small bottle of whiskey out and passed it around. It was finally time to burn the Sativa pre-roll I had been saving. You didn’t think this entire story would go without me burning a little flower, right? More hikers were down for the whiskey than the flower. I’ll admit the high elevation makes it tough to smoke out. It didn’t stop Eric from Santa Cruz. He gladly joined me.

I laughed smoking out with Eric when I heard the group begin to cheer again.

It was Mandy. She was pausing every ten feet to catch her breath. Every time she stopped, we all collectively screamed her name louder and louder.

Twenty feet from the top she stopped again and looked up. I could see her face beat red gasping for oxygen in the thin atmosphere. “Let’s go Mandy you got this!!” I yelled. “Fuck You, Marco!!” She yelled back. Having only met three days ago and now to a Fuck You!! I knew we would be friends for life. Mandy began to cry the last ten feet and it took our group to a new level of emotion.

I wrapped my arms around her as she reached the summit. Feeling her torso shake as she cried with joy brought me immediately to tears. I thought I was proud of myself before, then I realized how much more proud I was of Mandy. The cheering around us subsided and when I finally let go of her I noticed a few other hikers crying as well.

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from Valley Pure

Farm Fresh Flower By: Bree Leonard

With a combined total of more than 30 years of growing experience, not only are you going to get the freshest product but also the time-tested results you are looking for. Grown and processed at their state-of-the-art Central California facility, Valley Pure delivers a consistent product each and every time. Their facility is 75,000 square feet with three tiers high just for cultivation. They also package and prepare the product for distribution on site. Each of their four flower-growing rooms has almost 3,000 plants- with plans to build out five more rooms in early 2022. This will help to guarantee that you will always have a great selection of local, fresh flower available when you stop by.

Kevin, who previously served as Director of Cultivation with The Grove in Las Vegas, has been immersed in the industry from the 215 medical market until now. He is excited for what the future holds as he has seen many changes throughout his tenure. He tells us, “There are lots of new innovations. Everything is cutting edge- for example, we use all LED lights for our grows.” They even microdose their plants with nutrients multiple times each day to help to keep them as healthy and productive as possible. They constantly monitor their plants and adjust as needed to continue to produce great products.

Valley Pure does such a great job growing marijuana that they even grow for other companies under what is called “White Label”.

Some of the familiar Cookie strains you have tried from other brands may have been grown right here at Valley Pure. Other organizations provide the genetics, Valley Pure grows the product, and then the other company will package and distribute the goods as their own.

Valley Pure is happy to help keep great buds on the shelf and give customers what they are looking for.

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When talking about strains of flowers that they produce, Valley Pure tends to focus on vertical growers with heavy yields. However, that’s not all that is important. Marijuana that is high in specific types of terpenes are growing in popularity. Terpenes are a class of natural products consisting of compounds with a specific formula. Plants, especially marijuana, produce these unsaturated hydrocarbons predominantly. Many terpenes have been shown to have pharmacological effects and are used in traditional medicines like aromatherapy. These terpenes work in harmony with the THC to deliver the effects many patients and recreational consumers are looking for. You will find that more and more of the products you love will not only list the THC content but terpene information as well.

At Valley Pure, they have noticed an evolution in consumers, especially with the boom of the recreational market. Customers now

Have you been looking for some local, fresh, grade A, top-shelf flower? Maybe something to help calm and relax you after a long day at work? On the other hand, perhaps you are looking for something to help energize you for the day ahead. Look no further than right here in our backyard with Valley Pure. You may know of the Valley Pure Dispensaries (and have probably visited one or two), but did you know about their line of products? We spoke with Kevin Biernacki, President of Valley Pure, and TJ Hamon, Director of Cultivation at Valley Pure, to learn more.

ask about harvest dates and what farm the cannabis comes from. They are very interested in what they are putting into their bodies. TJ says, “We are the freshest flower you can get locally. Our product is tested, packaged, and in our store within weeks of harvest.” Many customers will come in looking for specific products, strains, or testing results and Valley Pure is happy to oblige. Their knowledgeable bud-tenders are happy to review the specifics of different strains to get you just the effect you are looking for.

Currently Valley Pure offers their flower assortments in eights, quarters, and pre-rolls. Keep an eye out, as they will soon have a line of vape products available as well. This is something they have been perfecting and are excited to be able to offer since some customers prefer this method rather than smoking flower. In addition, since their products are all local, the Valley Pure brand of goods can be more cost-effective than others- something many patrons are interested in during these times when budgets may be a bit tight.

If you are looking to try something innovative for the New Year, mid-January will bring a brand new product from Valley PureWatermelon Sugar. Available as flower in specialty, limited edition bags, and pre-rolls, the all-new Indica hybrid is very fruity with a sweet aroma and taste. This strain is testing at 25-29% THC, with a terpene profile of up to 3.5%. If you are looking for a new way to enjoy this special strain, check out our article with Chef Jesse Garza for a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe that plays particularly well with Watermelon Sugar. The sweetness of the flower imparts well with the baked cookies, so be sure to give both the product and the recipe a try.

For more information on Valley Pure, visit their website at ValleyPure.net. Here you can find more information about their dispensaries in Woodlake, Farmersville, Lindsay, and Lemoore, as well as information on their products and strains currently available. You can also find them on Instagram, Facebook, and WeedMaps. Better yet- visit them in person and try something new like Watermelon Sugar!

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There Is Nothing Like a Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie with Chef Jesse Garza

By: Bree Leonard Realtors use them to help sell homes and you can even buy a candle with their specific fragrance- warm chocolate chip cookies. We all know just how delicious that smell of caramelizing sugar, melting chocolate chips, and that fresh from the oven ooey-gooey goodness is. Some may even say that these treats are more American than the humble apple pie.

Chef Jesse Garza has been working with cannabis-infused desserts for a very long time now. Years ago, when only medical marijuana was legal, Chef Garza was working at a hotel but wanted to do some elevated experimentation.

Knowing that if he was caught peddling marijuana products he could lose his job, his passion still won out in the end. He prepared delectable little pastries and treats, packaging them in petite pink bakery store-style boxes.

At first, people were hesitant. Were these treats going to make you go crazy? Would you react like the “Ajax Lady” from Cheech and Chong’s movie Up In Smoke? No one was sure of what to make of Chef Garza and his marijuana desserts. He tells us, “I’m risking doing these little stashes, bringing my little desserts, and just trying to sell them. And you know they weren’t digging them. I’m just like, man, I don’t want to lose my job if I get caught, you know. It wasn’t recreational at that time, so it was like an underground market.”

That did not stop Chef Garza, however. Eventually, people became repeat customers and were intrigued by his delights. “It’s just like trying anything for the first time, right? People are going to be skeptical and unsure about it,” he says. However, once word got out about these delicious creations that also came with a buzz, he could not keep them in stock. Everyone wanted a try and Chef Garza knew that he was on to something.

Not only did he wow audiences and their taste buds with more exotic desserts like macaroons and bon-bons, but he showed them how traditionally homemade classics could be elevated as well. Using cannabutter to infuse his creations, he constructed recipes that were familiar yet new and exciting. His classic chocolate chip cookies infused with cannabutter were always a hit when he would bring them to parties. Read below for Chef Garza’s Traditional Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe (made with cannabis of course!) and try making them at home for yourself or someone you love.

Chef Garza has spoken to us in previous issues about making your cannabis-infused oils and butter at home. A brand new product that he thinks would be fantastic infused into his cookies would be the new strain of flower coming soon

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from the local dispensary, Valley Pure. In January, they will be coming out with a specialty, limited-edition strain called Watermelon Sugar. This strain will be Indica dominant and have sweet notes to it- the perfect complement to a traditional cookie. Be sure to check out your local Valley Pure location in Woodlake, Farmersville, Lindsay, or Lemoore to find out more.

One thing to be mindful of when baking with marijuana is the potency of your pastries. You do not want to overload a dessert with Indica and have someone sinking into the couch for the rest of the evening. You want to pay attention to THC and terpene levels of the flower or cannabutter you are using and ensure that you try to dose accordingly. Just as they do for the packaged gummies at your local dispensary, you want to try to use the appropriate amount of marijuana for the quantity of goodies you will be making.

There was a great Super Bowl party that I had the pleasure of attending a few years ago. Everyone was dressed in his or her team gear and ready for the big game. After the wings and nachos, someone broke out the pot brownies. We all gobbled them down with delight, as they were sinfully chocolaty and delicious! About an hour later, the room was silent except for the sounds of the ref whistles and commentators on the television. The strain of Indica that was used to make the brownies was exceptionally potent- and we were all feeling it. No one was talking. Everyone was just sitting around staring at the TV, but I doubt few were following along that closely. It turned out to be the quietest Super Bowl party I have ever been to so do not let that happen to you!

If you are going to be sharing your goodies with others, make sure you know what is in them. Many cannabis consumers are becoming more knowledgeable- wanting to know what the THC or terpene content of the strain is, where the product was grown, or when the product was harvested, for example. To know if the cannabis you are using is an Indica or a Sativa is no longer enough for most patrons. Chef Garza mentions, “People want to know what they’re eating, you know? They want to talk about what they’re smoking. It’s like a fine wine; people are interested in learning about it.”

For more on Chef Garza please check out his social media @TheChefGarza on Instagram or TheChefGarza.com. Watch for more recipes and insights from Chef Garza in our next issue and go bake some cookies the next time you are getting baked

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EST. 2017

CONQUER BRAND hats shirts sweaters custom made to order apparel

w w w . c o n q u e r b r a n d . c o m

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resolutions “Acting with integrity means understanding, accepting, and choosing to live per one’s principles, which will include honesty, fairness, and decency…integrity is revealed when people act virtuously regardless of circumstance or consequences…[it] is the critical connection between ethics and moral action.” ethics unwrapped.utexas.edu here we are entering into a new year, both solar and lunar. with the absolute time warp this pandemic has created; it is just surreal to be contemplating fresh resolutions for personal growth and health. many things spring to mind: try new things (products and mental states), learn more about specific cannabinoids, live a better life, expand goals, manifest a good job, do more, and so on. the most important to me though is the one that is honoring my annual promise to myself for forgiveness and acceptance. as this legal and medical cannabis landscape we exist in continues to evolve, so must we as individuals. long has our industry been the playground of those who talk a good talk of consciousness and ‘good vibes’ but can’t walk it in real-time. it isn’t that they are necessarily bad humans (although those folks are out there too), so much as a tragic sense of selfish entitlement leads them down a path of compromised expectations and false ideology. i’m certain this is not specific to cannabis only, but i never had negative experiences on par working as a paralegal or social justice activist. false integrity or lack of genuine ethics exists in many industries from agriculture to philosophy. everyone has moments where they falter in judgment. this is not the same as lacking integrity. no one is perfect and there is a deep need for principle in practice as well as speech across the board. i know there are many out there who have had similar experiences to mine. someone more powerful in this wild west of an industry along the way took advantage, refused to pay out hard-earned income, stole knowledge, and sometimes even manipulated fear. let us all move forward together. a powerful collective of evolution. not as doormats, but as instigators of the belief that there are good humans out there. for every instance of ethical absence, there is one of extreme decency. as farmers, consumers and regulators shouldn’t we look beyond ourselves into the core of purpose and delivery of good into the world, the marketplace, and hold ourselves and those around us to higher levels of accountability and dedication? it is important to recoup costs and cultivate profit, but at what cost to others? not all growers and manufacturers look to the power of the medicine they provide or acknowledge the importance of how they grow/ produce/present what they put out into the world. they lie, cheat, bribe and poison. cannabis can indeed grow like a weed; but to nurture the plant properly takes a lot of work, dedication, and preventive measures. we can choose to honor integrity, rather than the almighty profit. in order to be competitive, there is a fine line to walk between cost analysis and quota. sometimes we do not always have it in our budget to throw the kitchen sink at our projects. a lot can come out of love and patience though. just as with humans, medicinal plants respond to the rhythms of music, good nutrition, and clean water. cheating other humans, negatively manipulating the system, and ignoring the cause > effect of farming practices make greater differences

LEAF MAGAZINE OP-ED

By Libby Marks

than some want to acknowledge. with the end goal of generating income from clean medicine and good vibes, farmers must be vigilant no matter the crop. we must recognize the value that each member of our team puts forth beyond permits and shield those who are vulnerable. when it comes to agriculture you do get what you put into it. there will always be the effects of nature and remembering the first rule of physics is key. if you skip an important step early on, you will see the results of your procrastination later. it is inevitable when there is a mentality that cultivating cannabis is easy to believe a lesser work ethic works. this can be translated as requiring limited effort or skill creating a false juxtaposition between good enough and best practices. unfortunately, people are also greedy. humans often deflect the value of others to make a quick buck. because of this, some learn how to cheat the systems or simply exist outside the realm of laboratory tests and accountability. science is science and the problems of biological compounding and the very real effects of heavy metals, pesticides, and molds in the human body highlight realities in responsibility some can’t abide. i’ve mentioned in a previous column how important it is to have access to clean medicine, but sometimes that option is not available to the average person. when we are struggling between the reality of having access to medicine at all versus ensuring labs, farmers and stores are genuinely providing what they claim much falls through the cracks despite safety stopgaps. there is a reason testing standards were created, but the real power is in the hands of your local farmer. wouldn’t it be nice if there was as much drive to learn new techniques that support the integrity of the plant and the quality of the medicine we provide to patients and consumers as there is to turn a profit? what if all producers cared about the end product because it was also their medicine? i’ve seen so many people who claim to have a ‘higher consciousness’ not care because it won’t affect them personally. how about giving the well-being of others a higher place in daily operations? what about the people who bribe, cajole and take advantage? be the change i say. live well. be better humans. should you want to engage, i love pen pals. please no hate: markslibby76@gmail.com

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I N T R O D U C I N G VA L L E Y P U R E ’ S O W N :

FLOWERS • PRE ROLLS • LOTIONS • SUBLINGUAL - PREMIUM CANNABIS PRODUCTS -

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FARMERSVILLE 559-690-0411 515 West Noble Ave. C100-0000563-LIC

LINDSAY 559-788-7640 133 West Honolulu Street C100-0000665-LIC

LEMOORE 559-997-5542 308 E Street C100-0000666-LIC