Another great show with Hemp Radio.  Hear the OtherSide of the OtherSide Farms story and a great discussion on the controversy on the current federal marijuana raids in California.

Cannabis Sativa: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains, Volume I

Also in: Cannabis Indica: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains, Volume I

Cannabis plants are classified into two main groups: Indica and Sativa. This book focuses on Cannabis Sativa, an especially tall and potent species of marijuana plant that true connoisseurs love not only for its smoke that induces a desire to create art and socialize with people, but also for the interesting challenges it presents to growers due to its size. No other strain guide has looked at Cannabis Sativa in such depth before, and the fan base established by the previous best-selling book, Cannabis Indica, is eagerly awaiting the release of this new title.

Featuring one hundred strains of amazing Sativa-dominant genetics from one hundred of the world’s best marijuana breeders, this book is a must-have for pot enthusiasts, pot growers, and pot connoisseurs, new and old alike.

Cannabis Sativa features one hundred incredible strains from one hundred different seed breeders—more than all other cannabis strain guides put together—and strains from such varied countries as Britain, Holland, Canada, Russia, Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Germany, France, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and throughout the USA. No other guide features this many emerging seed breeders, as well as established cannabis genetics companies. The Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica series of books are set to become the go-to books for connoisseurs and growers looking to expand their knowledge about the plant, and the genetics in their gardens.

Features classic Sativa strains, such as Grapefruit, New York City Diesel, AK-47 and Santa Maria, as well as fascinating brand new, never-before-seen varieties from previously unknown seed breeders. This book also features multiple strain variations on Haze – the strain of choice for connoisseur breeders and smokers, and a favorite amongst medicinal users throughout the USA.

Filled with hundreds of beautiful full-color images, this book is ideal for every grow room, dorm room, and living room. Each plant is discussed in detail, with accurate information on genetics and lineage so that readers can become experts on Cannabis Sativa strains—their aromas, flavors, THC content, medical potentials and growth patterns.

Cannabis Sativa is a true resource for the Cannabis community, providing useful information to enthusiasts and invaluable insights to the seed-buying and pot smoking public. Unlike its competitor, The Big Book of Buds, which features a mere thirty companies that pay to be included and over twenty pages of advertisements, this book is a true reflection of the global marijuana seed breeding movement. Strains were selected based on their relevance to the current market and the strength of their genetics. There are no advertisements in the book and no one paid to be included. Chief editor, bestselling author S.T. Oner, carefully selected all strains based on merit, not advertising dollars. This grassroots philosophy has resulted in the previous release in this series, Cannabis Indica, gaining much attention and praise as well as consistent sales.

With an introduction by Greg Green, the bestselling author of The Cannabis Grow Bible, focusing on the history and origins of the Cannabis Sativa plant, as well as its growth patterns, genetic tendencies, breeding potential and smokeability, this book is every true cannabis enthusiast’s dream.

Another endangered species -- the Costa Mesa pot shop owner -- was in the news this week. Medical marijuana users came to the Costa Mesa City Council meeting to plead with council members to not shut down dispensaries in the city. In recent weeks, federal agents have shut down two dispensaries and issued warnings to several others.

And we now know that not only did the Costa Mesa City Council send a letter to the feds asking for the crackdown, but it also decided to do so in secret, which our open government expert says is illegal.

The Costa Mesa City Council violated California's open meetings law last year when it secretly authorized a letter seeking federal law enforcement assistance in shutting down the city's medical marijuana dispensaries, according to open government expert Terry Francke.
Read More...

Clarification to Recent Press Coverage; A Plan to Solve the City Budget Deficit
In recent news, the story is twisted to make Chadd appear that he is boasting about making money, when in actuality it is a 10% plan for the city to help them with their budget deficit.  Otherside Farms and their attorneys have been trying to make contact with city officials since 2010 and is even documented in several sources.  Fearing someone would take his idea we had not released details to the public til now.

To to learn more about this plan shared with the city inspector to solve the city budget deficit, click here

Recent press coverage makes Chadd McKeen appear to be boasting about how much money we would make when in fact, words are twisted by the city inspector when Chadd McKeen clearly explained to him his 10% plan for solving the city's budget deficit.  The city inspector's misinformation is was led to the Otherside Farms raid.

They should have done their research and now should really look into Otherside Farms' books to see that there is no money being profited and what the REAL intentions of Otherside Farms were, that is to help resolve the city's deficit, while at the same time helping sick patients as well as others in need (Otherside Farms took money donations in a Feed-a-Family jug along with our Rick Simpson cancer cure, also taken during the raid and collected as "evidence".)

Read the article from OCWeekly in 2010 and see that Chadd McKeen has been trying to present his plan with the city for quite some time

"McKeen says his lawyers have “attempted numerous times to sit down with the city” to discuss the collective side of Otherside Farms, only to be told the city’s attorneys “don’t have time.”

“I find that odd since the city is being sued—a lot—and to me, that’s worthy of a conversation, at least,” McKeen says.

“I am the man with the plan,” McKeen states. “The problem is, the cities are perfectly content fighting the lawsuits, which is ridiculous given the current state of our economy.”"

Otherside Farms attorneys contacted the police to try to get a line of communication open, WHY WOULD WE DO THAT? Chadd: "I AM 110% above the most stringent of guidelines, it doesn’t take much to know that! I’ve been on the cover of newspapers and magazines for years, I’m not hiding ANYTHING and if I was making ridiculous amounts of money I wouldn’t be inviting the city and police down to see. I offered to open my books to these people, not something someone trying to hide things would do. I most certainly did not brag or boast about how much money we were going to make!"

Otherside Farms in Recent News
Please give your opinion!

OC Register

Daily Pilot

OCWeekly

LA Weekly

High Times

More: http://news.google.com/news/more?q=otherside+farms+raid&hl=en&gl=us&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1270&bih=802&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ncl=dGs1AIgZ32OGEeMqyS7E_wMBFXobM&ei=Q94ZT9PjKIvXiQLX3OW_CA&sa=X&oi=news_result&ct=more-results&resnum=1&ved=0CDIQqgIwAA

In recent news, the story is twisted to make Chadd appear that he is boasting about making money, when in actuality it is a 10% plan for the city to help them with their budget deficit.  Otherside Farms and their attorneys have been trying to make contact with city officials since 2010 and is even documented in several sources.  Fearing someone would take his idea we had not released details to the public til now.  Scroll down to see the numbers.

There has been some confusion in recent news articles about the statements made by Chadd McKeen. To read about his side of the story regarding the donation of money to the city, please continue reading.  What's so wrong anyway about helping the city and trying to help solve the city's budget deficit?  Isn't it at least worth a conversation?  To the unemployed and those to soon be, especially those recently laid off by the city, wouldn't you all agree?

The city inspector falsely accuses Chadd McKeen of boasting about how much money he was going to make when in fact, he twists Chadd's proposed plan to help resolve the city's budget deficit and turns it into something negative.  They should have done their research and now should really look into Otherside Farms' books to see that there is no money being profited and what the REAL intentions of Otherside Farms were, that is to help resolve the city's deficit, while at the same time helping sick patients as well as others in need (Otherside Farms took money donations in a Feed-a-Family jug along with our Rick Simpson cancer cure, also taken during the raid and collected as "evidence".)

"This is a very simple breakdown of my "10% city fee/tax plan" and you can see the massive amount of revenue that could be generated for the municipalities if they allowed dispensary's to operate. This could generate a huge amount money for our economy, not to mention, our Country gained its Independence in part from Cannabis, research it!

Now of course they're going to reverse engineer this and say, "what about all the money the dispensary's will make?" Well, if they operate how they're supposed to, and there will be money to regulate that from the 10%, it will be put back into the collective, like how Harborside does up North and we do on a much smaller scale here at OtherSide Farms.

I am a problem solver and have reached out to the city so many times and I am beyond puzzled. I spoke of this almost 2 years ago in the OC Weekly cover story I was featured in, "Growing Pains"."



Read the article from OCWeekly in 2010 and see that Chadd McKeen has been trying to present his plan with the city for quite some time: "McKeen says his lawyers have “attempted numerous times to sit down with the city” to discuss the collective side of Otherside Farms, only to be told the city’s attorneys “don’t have time.”

“I find that odd since the city is being sued—a lot—and to me, that’s worthy of a conversation, at least,” McKeen says.

“I am the man with the plan,” McKeen states. “The problem is, the cities are perfectly content fighting the lawsuits, which is ridiculous given the current state of our economy.”"

Isn't that at least worthy of a conversation?

Cannabis Indica: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains, Volume I

Our friends at Green Candy Press have recently released Cannabis Indica: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains, Volume I, their first book in a series of six that sets a new standard for cannabis strain guides. As you turn through its pages, you will find a great guide featuring genetics from over 100 different seed breeders and strains from various countries, such as Afghanistan, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, India, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and all throughout the United States. Each book in the series looks to highlight 100 breeders and 100 strains.



Such an extensive strain guide shows us how much the seed industry has evolved over the last couple of years. A lot of your favorite seed companies can be found in this book, but it also opens your eyes to some of the new up-and-comers starting to make a name for themselves with high quality genetics. The works of well respected companies, like DJ Short, High Bred Seeds, Holy Smoke Seeds, Paradise Seeds, Sagarmatha, Serious Seeds, and even Subcool and TGA get their props, as well as our local San Diegan companies, OtherSide Farms and Riot Seeds.

“I think it is difficult to pick any one country, as each one has a thriving and interesting cannabis community doing fantastic work,” explained S.T. Oner, editor of Cannabis Indica. “From a North American perspective, it can seem as if the USA and Canada have the most forward thinking breeders in the world, and we are treated to some real talent over here. But once you start scratching the surface of the worldwide scene, you will be amazed at what is going on globally.”

“Europe is a veritable hotbed of activity at the moment and it is not just limited to the Netherlands and Spain anymore; France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK are all getting in on the act and producing some amazing strains. I really love the Mazar-I-Sharif from Ukraine’s Bomba Seeds that is featured in the book, and the story behind it is so interesting. A soldier brought it back from Afghanistan after he was done fighting there. He was a pacifist forced into the army, and bringing the plant back was his way of honoring the local breeders and growers that he had connected with.”

“But beyond Europe too, there is some fantastic work being done with the climate in places like South Africa and Australia, giving rise to plants that we just could not grow in North America. Russia also has a surprisingly great scene. My favorite breeder there, Original Seeds, is so passionate about landrace strains that it is hard not to be impressed. It was particularly nice for me to be able to include a Danish company, Zenseeds, as when I went over there, I was blown away by the quality of genetics and the skill of their breeders and growers.”

Oner is a highly successful grower, chef, and author of the best-selling cannabis books Marjuana Chef Cookbook and Marijuana Outdoor Grower’s Guide. This resource guide, six-part series takes an in-depth look at an unprecedented number of new and established cannabis pioneers and the plants they are famous for. Their list of 100 breeders and 100 strains compiles more than all previous strain guides combined. The information found within the pages of this book is invaluable to connoisseurs, enthusiasts, growers, patients and vendors alike. This is a perfect resource guide for those looking to identify specific strains, helping them zero in on the best cannabis to treat their particular medical condition.

“Because of the legal aspects of growing in Europe, they tend to have freer access to good genetics; but that doesn’t necessarily mean that their genetics are superior,” Oner said. “Some of the best genetics I have found come from extremely small-scale breeders and growers who live in countries where the penalties for cultivation are extremely harsh. This book is really about the worldwide culture of marijuana strain breeding and the benefits to be had from looking further than your own front door for seeds and clones as well as bud. I am really into the work being done in California and Australia at the moment, and they are two places to watch when it comes to breeding.”
Oner’s research for Cannabis Indica did bring him into contact with breeders from all across the globe, but he is well aware of our own domestic efforts in breeding superior and designer strains. He did have some kind words for active seed companies in California, even mentioning a few of our local efforts here in San Diego with Riot Seeds and OtherSide Farms.

“I love the scene in California, especially the San Diego area where I cannot get over the wide variety of high quality genetics available. One of my favorites in the area is the fantastic Clockwork Orange by Riot Seeds (pages 50-51). That strain is amazing and people should definitely check out the work being done by those guys. Really cool stuff.”

“OtherSide Farms also has great stuff in your area, like their Olivia Kush (pages 144-145). These are breeders and growers to watch out for, especially for cannabis enthusiasts and medical patients in the San Diego area where NUG Magazine is based. You have a great scene there.”
The introduction at the beginning of the book was written by Greg Green, best-selling author of The Cannabis Grow Bible and The Cannabis Breeder’s Bible. The introduction goes on to give us a crash course on the breakdown of what an indica truly is. It explains its differences from sativa, both in effects and growing characteristics, something us patients are becoming more familiar with. It grazes the subject of growing differences between strains and the effects that ruderalis has had, as it is starting to be bred into the stronger and more potent strains.
Green identifies indica’s genetic history and how most indica genetics are rooted in Afghani or Kush origins. The plants’ resilience, reliable genetics, and impressive results mirror that of the will and energy of the people of Afghanistan. From one of the most battled for and war torn regions of the globe, comes the killer herb we look for in its potency, couch lock, and body relaxing properties.

“The genetics harvested from Afghanistan are some of the best indicas out there,” Oner commented, on Green’s introduction. “When I talk about the heyday of the scene in Afghanistan, I am obviously referring to the ‘60s and ‘70s. Before things got so crazy over there, they had a very interesting and knowledgeable scene and a lot of talented breeders. I am a strong supporter of landrace plants and I think we should give massive respect to local growers in that area who have maintained these plants for centuries. I do not think that a bunch of Westerners should go over to steal their genetics, obviously. More so, we should embrace growers in that region and have a healthy exchange of work and passion for the plant to promote a more global cannabis culture.”

That is exactly what Green Candy Press is doing with their six-volume strain guide, helping promote a global cannabis culture that continues to grow. Their attempts to document these strains and their breeders have revealed that the talent among the industry continues to evolve today. This is no advertising book, every strain and breeder is documented by the merit of their work and product. This book gives them the appropriate platform to showcase what they are capable of in the world of cannabis. Even at 100 strains and 100 breeders, Oner still felt inclined to give some honorable mentions to those that did not make the cut for Volume I.

“Honestly, I could have had 200 different strains in this book, but I wanted to keep it down to 100,” admitted Oner. “It was difficult to cut some breeders and strains, but it turned out to be necessary and it is by no means a reflection of the strain or breeder’s merit. I am a real fan of Eddie Funxta’s work and I would have loved to get his strain ‘Funxta’s Get Rite’ in the book. It was a bummer, but Eddie was totally cool about it and he is going to be featured in my next book. I am planning on doing six volumes of this strain guide and he is definitely in volumes 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. I want people to look at these books in 20 years and get an accurate picture of all of the incredible genetics available in our lifetimes, like the definitive encyclopedia of strains, you know? The Encyclopedia Pottanica. –Haha!”

Cannabis Indica: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains, Volume I is the first in a series of six. The next in the series, Cannabis Sativa: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains, Volume I, will be out in May 2012. Oner is currently working on it as we speak, diving into the interesting histories of how these various strains have been acquired.

“I am a huge sativa fan and so many sativa strains have interesting histories, with some like the Chems being totally shrouded in folklore,” says Oner. “I am currently talking to breeders and gathering the content, so it is an exciting time for me and I learn something new everyday. To do these books is really a dream come true for me.”

To NUG Magazine and our readers, Oner had some final words for us.

“I really love the scene in San Diego and I always have a blast when I visit,” revealed Oner. “OtherSide Farms and Riot Seeds are great breeders and growers in the area, and I would love to see more San Diegans support these guys in their work…because they have really cool genetics. I would always encourage smokers, growers and breeders to remember why they love this plant and to give back to their local scene when they can. I hope your readers enjoy my books and I would love to hear from more growers and breeders down there. I would also love to hear whether ‘San Diego’ really does mean ‘A whale’s vagina,’ or not…if they can clear that up for me. Haha! Gotta love Anchorman! Peace, and thank you San Diego. You have a great scene and you are blessed with some fantastic genetics there!”

Cannabis Indica: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains, Volume I is available in all good bookstores and on Amazon. Storefronts can get copies from Homestead Book Company and Quick Distribution.

For more information, please visit: www.greencandypress.com

Source: Green Candy Press Releases A Six-Volume Strain Resource Guide

OtherSide Farms featured in the new issue of SKUNK Magazine!

Also check out our featured Olivia strain in the book, "Cannabis Indica World's Finest Strains" on Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Indica-Essential-Marijuana-Strains/dp/1931160813/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298832377&sr=8-1

OTHERSIDE FARMS is in a book!  Featuring their Olivia Strain!

OTHERSIDE FARMS in the ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL:




Medical Marijuana Information Center’s McKeen: calls full legalization “inevitable”

An industry has cropped up around marijuana here.  It’s made up of companies that offer goods and services to dispensaries and growers that provide marijuana under California’s 1996 law allowing its medical use.  One company teaches how to grow pot. Another runs a website that helps people find dispensaries. Another helps dispensaries with tax issues and runs a hemp products marketing business.  Most are small. Some are publicly traded on low-profile, over-the-counter stock exchanges.  They’re part of a larger pot industry here that includes growers, dispensaries, head shops and even lawyers, marketers, consultants and software management providers.  Some company executives are classic entrepreneurial types—risk takers who have a passion and a mind for business.  There also are shady operators out to make a quick buck on a business that’s expanded well beyond medical use to casual marijuana smoking.  Getting an idea of the size of the industry here is hard. In California, the business of pot is estimated at $14 billion in annual sales. Based on OC’s share of the state’s population, pot could be a billion-dollar-a-year business here, including black market and quasi-legal sales.  It isn’t for the feint of heart.  The business operates in legal limbo, which raises the stakes for entrepreneurs who are plowing time and money into businesses.

Federal Conflict
Medical marijuana is legal in 15 states and the District of Columbia. But it’s still illegal to possess or sell it for any purpose under federal law.  In Orange County, there have been periodic federal raids, while several cities have shut down clinics as they try to ban them outright.  Most pot entrepreneurs are betting on a growing industry that eventually will become legal nationwide.  “It’s inevitable,” said Chadd McKeen, owner of Costa Mesa-based Medical Marijuana Information Center.  McKeen’s company teaches people how to grow marijuana. Its weekend classes go for $300.  The company also offers consulting services to dispensaries setting up shop in other states.  One of the county’s largest medical marijuana companies is Costa Mesa-based General Cannabis Inc. It recently acquired WeedMaps, a website dubbed the “Yelp for pot” that helps people locate dispensaries.  General Cannabis also offers a slew of business services to the industry.  “We’re real strong believers in this industry,” Chief Executive Jim Pakulis said.  WeedMaps lists dispensaries online for a fee. It had $3 million in revenue in 2010.  General Cannabis also manages 11 California clinics where doctors see patients and provide medical marijuana “recommendations”—doctors don’t actually prescribe pot because of conflicts with federal law.  The company provides a credit card processing service to dispensaries, filling another gap in an industry that faces issues of legitimacy.

“(Banks don’t) want to work with anyone in the industry,” Pakulis said.  In November, General Cannabis processed $400,000 in credit card sales, according to Pakulis. It processed $700,000 in December and $1.2 million in January, he said.  “We’re slowly getting our running legs,” Pakulis said. “Now we’re starting to process in non-cannabis industries as well.”  General Cannabis employs 65 people. In March, the company is set to move to a larger, 20,000-square-foot space in Newport Beach, which has become a hub for companies catering to the pot industry.  Operating in the industry’s gray areas is challenging, according to Pakulis  “We appreciate and respect the federal government,” he said. “We certainly think about the repercussions. But in the same breath, we march on every day because we believe we’re doing the right thing.”

Publicly Traded
General Cannabis is one of about 25 marijuana companies that are publicly traded on low-profile stock exchanges where financial reporting and other requirements are minimal.  Medical Marijuana Inc. is another.  The Foothill Ranch company was the first marijuana business to become public.  One of Medical Marijuana’s first products was a tax remittance card, which makes it easier for dispensaries to collect state sales tax. It’s also working on an inventory tracking system for dispensaries.  It runs what Chief Executive Bruce Perlowin calls the “Hemp Network,” selling products made from the marijuana plant. The marketing model is like that of Avon Products Inc. and others.  Perlowin recruits Hemp Network sellers at trade shows that he puts on. He’s appeared on TV and radio shows, including CNBC’s “Marijuana Inc.”  documentary.  He also represents the pot industry’s conflicted character.  As one of the largest pot smugglers in the U.S. during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Perlowin ran a group that smuggled in $50 million worth of pot annually.  In all, he smuggled more than 500,000 pounds of marijuana in fishing boats, offloading it onto his own dock in the San Francisco Bay. He served nine years in prison.  While in prison, Perlowin said he earned five degrees.  “From day one, I saw it as an unprecedented opportunity to learn, grow and study,” he said.  “It was a very productive time.”  His partner, company President Don Steinberg, also is a convicted drug smuggler.  Perlowin uses his notoriety to market his company.  “One day marijuana will be legal, and we’ll be the largest distributors of marijuana in America—again,” he said.

Regulation
Ironically, the industry’s viability largely rests with something most businesses hope to avoid: regulation.  “Regulation is the future,” said Brea lawyer Anthony Curiale, who sued Anaheim for banning dispensaries. “It’s kind of like strip clubs and adult book stores. You can’t ban them outright, but you can regulate them.”  Clear rules from cities would allow dispensaries to operate under set guidelines, which would be a boost to secondary companies.  Curiale won a round when an appeals court rejected Anaheim’s argument that federal law allowed it to ban dispensaries.  But there’s still much left unsettled. Sacramento created a lot of uncertainty when medical marijuana guidelines were drawn up, according to Curiale.  “That’s what we’re fighting over now,” he said.





Source: Orange County Business Journal  By Sherri Cruz; Sunday, February 27, 2011