Wholesale@SmokeHouseDistribution.com (877) 380-2899 SmokeHouseDistribution.com
Content
ISSUE 34 JUNE 2022
CHAMPS Current? A.C. Is Electric!
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The Dark and Lucky Adventure to ZION
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CHAMPS Pre Summer Vegas
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By Kevin Dankman
By Kevin Dankman
By Divand O
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CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Wholesale@SmokeHouseDistribution.com (877) 380-2899 SmokeHouseDistribution.com
Advertiser Index 6
1836 KRATOM 31 ABR 90 AFG 16-17, 53 AK WHOLESALE 66 ANG 38 B2B CANNABIZ WHOLESALER 81 BDD WHOLESALE 32, 77 BEAR QUARTZ 71 BENTFISH TRADING 29 BLAZER 59 CANNAID 73 CHAMPS 12, 78-79, 88, 92, 93, 104, 110-111 CHOICE INSIDE FRONT COVER SPREAD DELTA BOSS 34-35 EARTH KRATOM 60 EDITH ROSE 108-109 ELITE GAS 14-15 EMPIRE GLASSWORKS 90 EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORS 105 FLUX 106 GOURMET INNOVATIONS 96 HERBAL SALVATION 21 HOMEGROWN HEMP 41 HORIZON WHOLESALE 97 HOSS GLASS 95 KASHMIR 67 KR8TOM 42-43 KRATOMADE 82-83 KRAKEN KRATOM 55 L&K LOOPER 56-57 MAHA-K 103 MT BRANDS 13 MY BUD VASE 40 NINE MILE BOTANICALS 8-9 OMNI VAPES 22-23, 61 OPMS KRATOM 62-63 PARTYNUTS 48-49 POWERHITTER 51 PUCKER 65 PURO CANNAGARS 91 REMARKABLE HERBS 102 REPUBLIC BRANDS 10-11 ROKIN VAPES 26 RYOT INSIDE BACK COVER SPREAD, BACK COVER SEAN DIETRICH 36-37 SMOKE BUDDY 98 SMOKE HOUSE 02-03, 5, 68-69 SMOKE ODOR 92 SOCIAL SMOKING 86 SOL TRADING 85, 87 STORE DISPLAYS 75 SUNSHINE JOY 99 SWAG 44-45 SWEATLEAF 76 TORO IMPORTS 50 VAPOR TECH 28, 58 VOODOO 94 WAKIT ROLLBOTS 46 WORLD OF LOTUS 47 ZAZA THC 74 ZIG ZAG 18-19
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Contacts
ISSUE 34 JUNE 2022
Publisher
CHAMPS Trade Shows
Editorial Director
Kevin Dankman
Ad Sales:
Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424
Credits Writing:
Kevin Dankman Amear Mortal Divand O
Photography: CHAMPS Staff
Cover Art: Sean Dietrich
Design & Layout: Sixxx
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
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CHAMPS Current? A.C. Is Electric!
By Kevin Dankman
Back to the Boardwalk we went, and what a ride it was! The Carnival that is CHAMPS showed up on the beautiful shores of Atlantic City once again. It is an annual event that keeps getting better and better. The weather was beautiful during the day, and once again, no rain on opening day! We call it a Northeast regional show for the region, but as it grows, many fly from destinations all over the country to attend. We even saw some of our good friends from Ashes Smoke Shop in Denton, Texas, at the show. They swear that you might miss out on the next big thing if you miss one.
One Lucky Shop owner wins $1000 a day in cold hard cash this year! Continues On Page 24 20
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...A.C. Is Electric! The Lucky Winners at this show were: Day 1, Caroline and Travis from Carrie's Smoke Shop. Day 2, Alex from Pittsburgh Smoke Shop. Day 3, The Unknown Comic…. The shop wanted to stay anonymous and asked us not to share who they were. People flocked in this year, and it was an exciting event to behold. Everyone was giving it their all, from the Sponsors to the Glass Games crew. With the CHAMPS Hotel of choice right across the street, the Sheraton was full of friendly faces. It was refreshing to see some regular faces each evening in the courtyard. We shared many stories and ideas each day. The networking was on point for sure. The sponsors gave out more swag than I had seen in a few shows. Choice Kratom had a whole new Booth that looked amazing, and they had some great samples. The Cake Company also had some amazing cupcakes to try, and they were delicious!
Drip Drop Giveaway
Drip Drop brought their friend Fuego to the show. They gave away six dirtbikes! Soo many amazing vendors were doing so many fun things. The excitement cranked up Wednesday Night with the Glass Games' annual outing to Kelsey's Soulfood. People come and gather for one of the wildest nights of live music and camaraderie. Their menu is amazing. Everything from Chicken and Waffles to Shrimp and Grits, the flavors are unique. This time I didn't forget to get extra cornbread! This dinner party is one of the best and most exciting dinners of the year. The CHAMPS Staff was seen Dancing the night away. 24
Continues On Page 27
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Smoke Out
1836 KRATOM
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
CHAMPS ATLANTIC CITY 2022 SPONSORS
Hillside Glass
BiC
kik
Dazed
Zion
Fume
Cake
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The Glass Games Crew really brought the heat… no pun intended. The games were: Trouble The Maker in Action
1. Clear rig: No color, no fume straight clean, clear glass. This game will be an exciting event; you can not cover up mistakes when using clear glass. Every little wave in the glass is noticeable. Furthermore, judges will be very critical of these entries. 2. Blow not Suck!: In this game, the artist must incorporate a check valve in their finished product. This game is a challenging task for some glass artists and will be one to watch and learn the different ways the check valve is used.
All Clear 1st Place Ford 20
All Clear 2nd Place Black T Glass
All Clear 3rd Place Casta Glass
3. Tool-less: No tools, Just a Torch, Glass, and the Table… I have tried this one… I failed in making a smokeable piece of art. I made a mangled lump of poop. Good luck on this one to the artists! 4. Favorite Childhood Cartoon: This is my hands-down favorite! Harken back to your childhood sitting on the floor watching cartoons and recreate your favorite! Everyone in the country will be awaiting the finished pieces to buy a piece of history and their childhood in one. The winners really came through with artistic pieces,
Suck Not Blow 1st Place Enjoy and Prosper Glass
Suck Not Blow 2nd Place Plug a Nug
Suck Not Blow 3rd Place Power Glass
The Clear Rig winner was none other than Ford20 With his Elegant and carved Recycler. It was one I wanted to dab from for sure. He was followed by Black Tea Glass in second and Casta Glass in Third with his Dear Headed piece that stood out among the crowd. Suck not Blow was a difficult one. There was a failure or two that slimmed down the contest but Enjoy and Prosper came out victorious with his Lathe Made rig with a check valve to prevent you from blowing the water out if you cough into the rig. The second place was Plug a Nug, and third was Powers Glass Continues On Page 30
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...A.C. Is Electric!
Toolless brought out some really wild entries. Wonky wasn't always a bad thing. I was amazed at how nice the winner's piece looked. I had to ask if he cheated.
Hugh helping Amorphous Glass Kiln his Piece
1st place winner Double dipped with this win, Ford 20 was hands down the cleanest piece with a wrap-around stemmed Hammer in beautiful pink hues, Definitely art I'd add to my collection. following in second was Shoeless Glass and Charisma Glass in third Continues On Page 33
Toolless 1st Place Ford 20
Toolless 2nd Place Shoeless Glass
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Toolless 3rd Place Charisma Glass
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Now for my favorite Category, Favorite Childhood Cartoon.
Favorite Childhood Cartoon 1st Place Aaron U Glass
When I saw the entrees I totally started geeking out over Pooh Bear and Bugs Bunny. When I saw that the winner was Aaron U Glass with his homage to Secret Squirrel i was totally stoked as it was one I loved too. He made it look easy. Clean and amazing. Even with a real secret stash with a real cork to keep it fresh. The second was Amorphous Glass with his Greymon Character, and third was the sock-wearing mad man Shoeless Glass with an Alakazam Pokemon Character winning his second medal of the year. Atlantic City was a great success. It seemed everyone had fun and made a little money to go alongside it. I know I will be looking forward to this show again next year. Tony Kazy
Sko Eet
Trouble the Maker Favorite Childhood Cartoon 2nd Place Amorphous Glass
Favorite Childhood Cartoon 3rd Place Shoeless Glass
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
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A.C. Glass Glames Group Photo
Big Check Winners All Clear
Suck Not Blow
Toolless
Favorite Child Cartoon
Ford 20
Prosper Glass
Ford 20
Black T Glass
Plug a Nug
Shoeless Glass
Casta Glass
Power Glass
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Charisma Glass
Aaron U Glass
Amorphous Glass
Shoeless Glass
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The Dark and Lucky Adventure to ZION By Kevin Dankman
It was 1992, I was 19, at a dead show, and a guy I was sharing a joint with showed me his “claw shaped pipe.” It was a glass pipe with Blues, purples, and hints of green. It was a sweet piece and almost like an alien relic. Undoubtedly, that one simple interaction is what started me on the journey that led to me writing this story. This inspirational story starts soon after that chance meeting in the lot of a Grateful Dead concert. I called Him Darkstar Dave for the first 20 years I knew him. Now he is just Dave, Family Man, Businessman, Husband, and Father. My personal friend of 20+ years. Continues On Page 54 52
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...Adventure to ZION This article will delve into the past, including some shared adventures we have embarked on up to the present business owner and industry leader you meet today at the shows. David Darian, Owner of Zion Botanicals, and I were mere pups when we started our journey. 2 Florida Boys on a crash course with an industry that was just beginning to flourish. Dave was a business-savvy entrepreneur from the first day I met him. Selling Hemp Tapestries and clothes was the first gig I remembered him telling me about. In collaboration with the Hempstead company and artist Michael M., they made and donated the backdrop for the annual Bob Marley festival in Miami and Ziggy Marley tour that year. 100% Hemp hand-painted backdrop. I wasn’t around for those years, but I had definitely crossed paths and even owned a few items Hempstead sold during those days. Continues On Page 64
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...Adventure to ZION It wasn’t until the Darkstar Glass days, somewhere around 1994-95, that we became close. Glass had entered my life, and I was on a never-ending search for more. I remember the catalog he sent me. There were so many options and styles even that Claw that started it was in his wholesale catalog. I was a little light on funds. Back then, a hustler on the lot always was. But I pulled together the $1400-1500 I had and ordered what I could. I really wanted the 2-foot Handblown Glass Dragon Waterpipe. It alone cost $2000 Wholesale. I would hustle until I could afford one is how I saw it then. Unfortunately, my brother beat me to the last one. It is proudly displayed ”NFS for Ever” in his store, Modern Age Tobacco and Gifts, in Athens, Ga. David, at that time, was already a pioneer in the smoke shop industry. That should say a lot about the man behind the brands. He was there before most. He took risks others deemed crazy or reckless. Yet here he is again for another round. Besides, he is putting his neck out for the community and what is right. David and I lost touch, but we continued this fantastic journey in 1999 at the first CHAMPS Show. In the year 2010, David began a new adventure. Botanicals, legal plants, herbs, and roots existed. He wanted to bring them to the people. Early interactions led David down roads and onto boats that we mere mortals will always dream of sailing. Those moments, those risks, and adventures have been paying off for him over the years. Continues On Page 70 64
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Wholesale@SmokeHouseDistribution.com (877) 380-2899 SmokeHouseDistribution.com
...Adventure to ZION
David was lucky enough to endear a great and Historic woman that helped form his knowledge and love of botanicals. The Late Cedella Booker, Mother to Bob Marley and Richard Marley Booker, sat with David to share the healing herb and talk to him about life and his journey. As he spoke of her, I could feel the reverence in his heart for her and her family. A trip up the mountain to Nine Mile Jamaica opened my eyes to what drove his botanical dreams and ideas. It was his roots. The people there all used the plants around them for a better life. I recall him saying something like, ”Medicinal Herbs, Clean Waters, Fresh food… These things are Jah given rights. The earth and we are one. We are of the earth, and the earth is of us.” Plants meant a lot to him; I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. Kratom was a natural fit for Darkstar Dave. Or, as many of you may remember him, Lucky Dave! Yeah, as with time and travel, so changes the names. The Lucky Brand was the first to hit the market. His team set the stage with excellent products that could last the test of time. They’ve been a trusted Kratom source since 2010. Continues On Page 72 70
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...Adventure to ZION A few years later, in 2016, the government went on another offensive against us and attacked the industry with vigor. This was when Zion Herbal was born. He and his team looked forward to more prosperous days. They projected a victorious conclusion of the war in their favor. It is also when he decided to put his experience to work and helped in the fight for the Kratom industry. He and his team were instrumental in getting some early advocacy groups and associations going. Now here we are in 2022. Again, the team is clicking on all cylinders. David is again leading his team with the co-founding of yet another significant advancement in the industry. Water-soluble Kratom that tastes good and mixes like instant tea! It’s Kratomade, available in 24 flavors. I recently tested this and enjoyed it. The teams David has built have all been top-notch and continue to work hard to provide great products to the shops. So, if a new botanical is coming, you can bet they will know all about it before you do. Speaking of Botanicals, team Zion recently began hemp production and processing. They look to build a thriving Hemp Farming community in Virginia and beyond. Once again, they are leading the pack in a hectic and exciting part of our history. It has honestly been an enriching experience knowing David all these years. His team has become family to me. They value their clients and those around them and do their best to make the world a better place. 72
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
CHAMPS Pre Summer
Photo by Ahmet Kemal on Unsplash
By Divand O
80
It’s that time of the year, Viva Las Vegas! Off we go, cheering all the way. We are excited to share hugs, laughs, and good times in Vegas again. CHAMPS Trade Shows will be holding their annual summer show, back to our home at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Continues On Page 84
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
...CHAMPS Las Vegas We highly advise staying at the luxurious Tuscany Suites & Casino. That’s where our staff will be. CHAMPS Trade Shows has a deal on rooms specifically for the CHAMPS Trade Shows vendors and attendees. Here we even pay for your resort fee, that is added to every other hotel out there. At Tuscany Suites & Casino you can enjoy great restaurants, fun casino, and bars conveniently all in one place. For a nice Italian dinner with a beautiful setting, we recommend.... Tuscany Gardens, located right at the front entrance of the hotel, across from the lounge and bar. Their house made lobster ravioli, is one of their many exquisite dishes to die for.
For Casual Dining, they have Pub 365 where you can enjoy any of their amazing selection of 365 different beers. Pair that with their iconic Hangover Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, or anything else on their menu, and you are sure to leave from there very satisfied. Continues On Page 89
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...CHAMPS Las Vegas If Breakfast is your meal, Marylin’s Café is an excellent choice at the Tuscany, I would highly recommend it. The fact that you can order breakfast all day long, tells you they take breakfast seriously. You will definitely run into some staff and other show attendees here in the mornings before the show.
For quick Grab-n-Go stop in at Caffé Bottega. As you walk into the cafe, the smell of freshly brewed coffee welcomes you, as your taste buds become excited at all the goodies displayed for you to choose from in their pastry section. Continues On Page 100
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Ad Sales:
Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424 Cell 706-380-1858
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CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
...CHAMPS Las Vegas
A shuttle will be ready every morning at Tuscany Suites & Casino. Our CHAMPS Trade Shows shuttle is dedicated every day, driving people back and forth from the entrance of the Tuscany to the entrance of the convention center, throughout the duration of the show. We would highly advise booking your rooms sooner than later, since rooms are known to be booked extremely fast.
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Las Vegas has something for everyone, from the Pinball Museum, to being amazed by any of the famous Circus de Solei shows. Penn & Teller at the Rio are always fun to see, and live concerts, burlesque shows, magic shows, and clubs are available everywhere. If you are a foodie, you are in for a treat, from fine dining to street hotdogs great food surrounds you in Las Vegas. Along the strip you can find Chef Gordon Ramsey ‘s Fish and Chips, deep in the middle of the strip, hamburger joint at Planet Hollywood and his fine dining steak house at Paris Las Vegas. Chef Morimoto offers an experience in Japanese fine dining at the MGM Grand. In Downtown Las Vegas you have a sea of tasteful options, like the Heart Attack Grill with their famous double bypass burger, and Evel Pie, a place dedicated to celebrating Evel Knievel, in a fun environment and great food. Continues On Page 107
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...CHAMPS Las Vegas Just like at the casino in the Tuscany, at CHAMPS you have a chance to win real money too. CHAMPS Trade Shows gives $1,000.00 each day of the show to 1 lucky retail store. PRE-REGISTER, PRE-REGISTER, PRE-REGISTER. All that is needed to be entered is pre-registration, and boom, you are already entered to win $1,000.00, each day of the show. We highly advise to pre-register and listen attentively when you hear the CHAMPS Trades Shows voice echo in our show, for you might be our next lucky winner.
“CHAMPS Trade Shows gives $1,000.00 each day of the show to 1 lucky retail store.”
Speaking of winners, make sure to check out the live Glass Games on the show floor. There are 8 different competitions going on throughout the show. Each artist who wins 1st place in their competition will be awarded $1,000.00 cash, a goodie bag with fun things from our sponsors, and a secure place in our Master’s Round. At the Master's Round in our winter show back in Vegas, one of the 28 talented competitors will walk away with $20,000.00 CASH! YES, CASH $20,000.00. This will be a first for CHAMPS Trade Shows to be so gracious to award 1 lucky artist. We appreciate the dedication and craft so much, we have doubled our award for the Master’s Round. Be sure to check out the additional Glass RC Car Smash Off game in the Arcade Lounge! Amazing hand-blown glass cars with amazing ways to demolish themselves. This year, CHAMPS Trade Shows is excited to spotlight some of our hidden gems that have been amongst our show floors for some time now. The industries we will be highlighting are Adult Health & Wellness, Apparel & Fashion, Psilocybin, and Women of CHAMPS. These industries have always been part of our CHAMPS Trade Shows world, and now it is their time to shine. Let us not forget everything CHAMPS Trade Shows does is made possible by the help of our sponsors. Companies like Just CBD, ABR Imagery, Cannabiz Wholesale Magazine, Cali Kulture, Futurola, and many more. We here at CHAMPS Show magazine appreciates all and every sponsor that chooses to be a part of our family. CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
“At the Master's Round in our winter show back in Vegas, one of the 28 talented competitors will walk away with $20,000.00 CASH! ” 107