Munkey Biz Issue 17

MUNKEY BIZ

ISSUE #17

Content

PAGE 8

New York Legalization

We did it! New York Legalized Cannabis!

PAGE 24

Cannabis Goes Global

This month we check in with the cannabis scenes all over the globe to give you a peek what’s going on around the world.

PAGE 42

Cannabis Legalization All Wrong?

Check in with Dr. Jessica Knox & Mike Malcolm for an in depth look at the good, bad, and ugly of legalization.

PAGE 62

Trippy Soup

This 420 open your mind with Chef Sebastian Carosi’s Cream Of Forest Foraged Wild Mushrooms.

PAGE 68

Kicks 4 da Kulture

To celebrate 420 Rozay lists the Munkey crew’s favorite all time kicks!

PAGE 34

Blunt Walk With Rafael

Spark a blunt this 420 and go on journey with Happy Munkey’s own Rafael!

PAGE 49

Happy Munkey NFTs

HAVE YOU HEARD?? Happy Munkey is minting NFTs!

PAGE 18

Happy 420!

This 420 we check in with the Happy Munkey Fam for a crash course in essential equipment, and even a little history behind why we celebrate 420.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

High and HAPPY 420 Happy Munkey Fam!

This month we have so much to celebrate! From New York State legalizing adult-use cannabis to it being 420 MONTH all month long, we don’t know how to contain the excitement over here!

I have waited my whole life for New York to legalize the plant I have devoted so much to. And this moment not only feels amazing but is well deserved for my community, my team, and my home state! In that same vein, the fight for fair and equitable implementation of the new law begins. So while we celebrate we also must remain vigilant.

This issue to celebrate the high holy day of 420 we take you on a journey with contributors from across the globe to sprinkle in their regional flavor and love of the plant. So spark up, enjoy, and party like it is legal because for us in New York, IT FINALLY IS

WE DID IT NEW YORK!

DAVID

Happy Munkey

Call Our Happy Munkey Hotline

TERPENE OF THE MONTH

Limonene

Limonene is one of the most abundant terpenes to occur in cannabis. In addition to being found in cannabis, limonene can be prominently found in lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, mint, rosemary or even juniper. It is exactly the same chemical that provides fruits like oranges, lemons and limes with a citrusy aroma. Limonene is also notorious for its uplifting effects which can be felt in classic sativa cultivars like Durban Poison, Lemon OG, Jack Herer, and Haze!

Potential Medical Effects:

Elevated mood

Anti-inflammatory Acid reflux relief

NEW YORK STATE LEGALIZED ADULT-USE Cannabis!

BY: DAVID HERNANDEZ

WE WON!

The CRTA & the auction are dead! Thank you to everyone who signed our petition and let Cuomo know New Yorkers, not billionaires will be running New York Cannabis. The Happy Munkey Team is ecstatic we were able to make noise and shed light on what could have been a major blow to the inclusion of Black and Brown people in New York’s legal cannabis industry. We knew that an auction would tank equitable market access-- no New Yorkers, no Black or Brown ownership, no mom and pop shops would have ever been able to catch up. We are excited that there is no auction provision in the MRTA bill that passed the Senate floor today and goes to the Assembly for a vote.

Shoutouts to Crystal People - Stokes & Liz Kruger for pushing this through Albany and bringing adult-use cannabis to New York. This is a huge domino to fall in the fight for federal legalization and it is only a matter of time before the rest of the U.S. to end federal cannabis prohibition. But before we celebrate too hard let’s take a moment, acknowledge this progress and prepare for the road that lies ahead. There are commission members to be named, rules to be written and regulations to be set.

The 128 page bill includes promising components like…

• Automatic expungements for cannabis offenses

• Legal possession of up to 3 oz of flower and 24g of concentrates.

• Home grow

• Nursery Licenses

• Delivery licenses

• Social Consumption licenses

• Heavy focus on social equity applicants owning cannabis businesses

I am writing this on the evening of March 31st, 2021 and the MRTA has officially passed both the New York General Assembly & Senate and has been signed in law by Governor Cuomo. Next month I look forward to a more in-depth dive into what New York legalization will look like!

We appreciate your support and as always Choose Happy!

NYPD Internal Brief on Legalization

When Passions Collide

JADA X Dana

Written by: Melissa Rolston

There’s a certain type of artistic soul that truly thrives when the individual is born and raised in an industry that fuels their artistic passions. Seeds planted at such a young age blossom into fruitful knowledge that becomes second nature to the craftsperson.

Dana is a Black Canadian Jewish jeweler who was born and raised in the Toronto jewelry scene.

At a very young age, Dana was introduced to the industry by his father, Dean Hales. Some of his fondest memories were being at the shop by his father's side assisting him in any way possible. It was during this time Dana began fostering the skills required to become a top jeweler in his field with a specialty in gems.

Melissa ‘Mel’ Rolston, Founder & CEO of JADA, and Dana became connected through a mutual friend in late 2017. Mel found herself spending her free time at the shop between meetings. It was during this time where Dana and Mel were able to turn a new friendship into a family tie. During one of those many visits and plenty of ‘Let’s do a line together’ requests from Dana, Mel found herself sitting with him at his laptop and designing the JADA X Dana campaign alongside him.

The purpose of the campaign is to showcase Dana’s skill sets as a custom jeweler

while complimenting the uniqueness of one’s journey with cannabis. Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is as unique to them as their fingerprint and is the blueprint to their homeostasis. Dana and Mel wanted to ensure that their community of consumers could stand out in their own unique way while stylizing their drips to their preferred aesthetic. All while breaking down the stigma associated with the plant in jewelry pieces that beautifully shine amongst one's skin.

The 925 Line is 100% 925 sterling silver sparkling with nano tsavorites and the option to be plated in 18k gold. The Luxe Line allows the community to purchase items in 10k, 14k, 18k in yellow, white, or rose gold with the option to switch out tsavorites with the highest quality and ethically sourced diamonds. Every piece in both the 925 & Luxe Lines are certified as an Ontario Made product keeping true to the brand's Canadian roots.

A little bit about JADA:

JADA is a Canadian luxury cannabis infused skincare company that partners with Canadian artists to create items that enhance a luxury experience. Our first partnership campaign is the JADA X Dana campaign where we’ve created lines of products that offer our community the opportunity to shine on any hater of cannabis by being bold advocates while dripping in style.

Equity Is what we are owed.. it's NOT a handout!

BY: FREDERIKA EASLEY THE PEOPLE’S HOLDINGS

Words have power. I have been doing a lot of thinking about how equity is inappropriately used, incorrectly interchanged, and in some cases, appropriated. The NY state body is working through differences between the MRTA (legislative bill) and CRTA (Cuomo’s bill). Senators Schumer, Booker, and Wyden state the MORE Act will be taken up again this year at the federal level. How equity is being used both at the state and federal level is not in line with what I understand equity to be. The cannabis industry will be one of the largest industries in the twenty-first century. It is crucial, right now, to know how it affects you, your neighbors, and your community. To do that, we must have a clear understanding of equity.

According to Webster, equity is “justice according to natural law or right specifically: freedom from bias or favoritism.” As NY legalizes cannabis, harm and privilege must be acknowledged, harm must be repaired and justice provided to give back what is deserved. I am using the word “deserve” because it speaks to something that is earned-- it should NOT be considered a handout.

We know there has been disproportionate enforcement on Black and Brown people in the War on Drugs. We have lost our lives! Many of us have been locked up and made second-class citizens unable to receive financial assistance

for things such as housing and tuition. Others, relegated to a new form of slavery in the prison industrial complex. Communities have been ravaged and families destroyed. A price has been paid!

Politicians and corporations have co-opted talking points and made “equity” into a buzzword for their benefit. In their version of equity, it does not require harm to be repaired only acknowledged. It does not deal with the reality and consequences of cannabis prohibition. They can never repair the harm, but they can make sure that harm is not repurposed in the future and that the industry itself is equitable. That is what is necessary if the intent is truly to create an industry like no other.

When we see language around legalization that focuses on revenue for budget repair, corporates being given early entry, record expungement not being automatic, and the least amount of funding--in essence, pennies allocated to people and communities that have been harmed; then there is no equity.

Equity is what is owed to us! The ability to consume without further criminalization is what we need. We the people must continue to put in the work to ensure that we get what is owed to us. We want legislation and regulatory commissions that reflect the people and make rules that benefit our advancement. What we are demanding is NOT a handout, it is our legacy.

High & Her larious

This month I want to highlight the amazing Trail Blazers at All Def Digital. All Def Digital is a multi-platform media company leveraging the cultural power of Hip Hop, Comedy, and Social Justice. Specifically, I want to shout out Cynthia LuCiette (Writer, Producer, Content Creator). I followed Cynthia for a while now and always loved how authentic and raw she is. No question a go-getter, female empowering and an authentic life loving soul.

Cynthia LuCiette is an American comedian, writer, host, actress, best known for her work at All Def Digital and Yahoo!, she was also one of the cast members of Season 8 of the improv comedy show Wild 'N Out. The New York native Cynthia LuCiette found her passion for the "camera" at the age of 10, as a Kidcaster doing the morning and evening weather for WROC. TV 8, and she hasn't stopped talking since! After graduating early from high school, she convinced her family to relocate to Los Angeles where she began fine tuning her balance of hip and edgy yet easy-going and relatable commentary on all the pop culture dish. She also

enjoys exercising her funny bone by writing, directing and acting in comedic skits. She truly believes that hard work and staying true to who you are, is the key to success. For anyone who wants a job in entertainment, Cynthia's motto is " Rise and Grind"! Cynthia is proud to have worked with such companies as Bunim Murray Productions, All Def Digital, Freemantlemedia, BET, FOX and Yahoo! Wild 'N Out Family on Season 8! I was recently invited by Cynthia to have some fun with her amazing team at all Def Cannabis to play some super fun trivia games all while under the influence of our favorite cannabis strains.

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE! YOU GUYS WILL LOVE ALL THE ENERGY FROM THE AMAZING TEAM. CYNTHIA ALSO PRODUCES THE AMAZING ALL DEF DIGITAL WOMEN CHANNEL WHERE WE SEE HER AND OTHER AMAZING WOMEN TALK ABOUT VERY IMPORTANT MATTERS OF WOMANHOOD, CULTURE AND SOCIAL ISSUES.

IN A DAY IN AGE WHERE MANY ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP AND VOICE THEIR OPINION, CYNTHIA HAS SHOWN WHAT STANDING UP FOR THE CULTURE REALLY LOOKS LIKE AND DOING IT UNAPOLOGETICALLY. FOR THIS REASON, WE AT HAPPY MUNKEY WANT TO GIVE CYNTHIA HER FLOWERS THIS SPECIAL 420!

4 Healthy Ways You Can Celebrate With Cannabis This 420!

By Estefania Valencia & Salam Diri

Cannabis users look forward to celebrating 420 all year. The international Cannabis holiday on April 20th has become such an important part of Cannabis culture that for many, it’s an everyday celebration at 4:20 PM. The smoking ritual has evolved into much more than just a time to smoke, it's a time for appreciation and gratitude for medicine that continues to show us its versatility in healing the physical, mental and emotional body.

There are many reasons why cannabis consumption on April 20th, at 4:20PM has become such a habitual practice - it is not just a time "to get high". Cannabis is good for maintaining health and balance in the body by activating the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The plant contains an array of phytocannabinoids known to mimic endocannabinoids produced by our own brain. By stimulating the ECS, cannabis improves mood, sleep, pain, appetite, anxiety, mental disorders, physical, mental, and

emotional stress, and connection with oneself and others. With so many positive effects, it is no wonder that cannabis is celebrated every day! If you ask us 4:20PM is a time for self-care, where we can slow down and see things from a different perspective. Where we can share, connect and express ourselves with old and new friends. A time for community, education, and self-medication.

Here are a few healthy methods you can celebrate with Cannabis this 420!

Inhale it

Cannabis flower can be smoked in joints, blunts, cigars, bowls, bongs, pipes, and vapes. Smoking is currently the most common method of cannabis consumption today- and on 420 even more so! Inhaling Cannabis is the quickest way to feel its effects, the cannabinoids only take a few seconds to pass through the lungs and reach the bloodstream and brain. But if flower is not for you, you can also inhale Cannabis oil through dabbing or vaping.

Our suggestion: Treat your cannabis like you would your medicine or food, get top quality, ideally organic or home grown flower. For oils, we suggest getting solventless extracts such as live rosin or hash rosin. Additionally, really hot dabs can burn your respiratory airways, try using cold starts a.k.a. Reverse Dabs - low temps allow for different flavor profiles and effects.

Ingest it

Cannabis can be taken orally in its raw, infused, or cooked form. The different options of foods cannabis can be added to are infinite. In addition to edibles though, you can also enjoy the benefits of cannabis with tinctures, capsules, sprays, dissolvable strips, and even drinks. Its nutritional value and effects depend on which form it

is consumed in. Mostly because at different temperatures different nutrients become accessible for the digestive tract to absorb. Our suggestion: If you don’t want to get super high you can juice the raw cannabis leaves every day, the plant is full of chlorophyll and it is extremely nutritious. If you want the high, remember that edibles take longer to take effect, and the effects are stronger and last longer. Use them when you need to relax, sleep or need pain relief. One quick and traditional way to ingest cannabis is by simmering the flower in any kind of milk and making a cannabis tea.

Apply it

Using Cannabis topically is a great way to enjoy the pain relief and skin healing properties of the plant without the high. You can find all different kinds of balms, creams, lotions, massage oils, hair treatments, and even bath salts to enjoy.

Our suggestion: Use Cannabis topically on small cuts, burns, rashes, or even as your regular skin and hair care routine. Enjoy an Epsom salt & cannabis bath bomb once or twice a week to help you relax, restore your energy, and detox.

Share it

One of the many impressive qualities of Cannabis is its ability to connect all different kinds of people from different walks of life. When we celebrate cannabis we also celebrate its communal culture so don't forget to share the good vibes this 420!

Our suggestion: Get lit with your friends! But in the case that you can't, share the knowledge, share the history, share the culture and share its peaceful and positive spirit with the world around you. HAPPY

Ion Even Like It

BY MISS OREGON

It was one of those nights, you know the ones I'm talking about. The ones where you just want to take your mind off everything and so you call that one friend or ex who is basically the equivalent of a $10 eighth. You don't really like em and they remind you of a strain called train wreck but shit at least it hit good and you know what to expect. I know when I'm ready to smoke there ain't even no need to talk about stopping at the store to get no rello or swishers. We are not about to roll nothing. This visit is bouta look more like just a couple good bong rips and I'm out. Something quick and convenient like that window pizza spot downtown Portland after the club ends or Taco Bell on a late night. You know that shit gonna fuck yo stomach up but your most likely drunk or high with some serious munchies and gonna eat that shit anyway. So yeah it's whatever, I called him. I mean I thought maybe I'd get some kinda satisfaction or buzz off this cheap ass nigga...sorry I meant to say weed and boy was I wrong.

Ion know why the Fuck I thought some $3 gram from a store with no reviews

would work for me. Again, leafly can we please make a dating app? I feel like sometimes we all can get caught up on that feeling of just wanting to get high. And so some of us may settle for what seems safe or even convenient. Usually I am the kind of lady that is accustomed to a higher quality selection when it comes to my weed and men. I like minez to have a quality standard in cleanliness. So clean that you can taste it. I like it to look pretty & to be as green as my money. I want that shit to smell like gas and taste like berries. You know you got good weed when your palms get a lil sweaty, heart speeds up and your body got that slight tingle that lets you know someone took their time training this weed cause it knows what it's doin. Yea well that aint this situation. This that bs cheap oz that you buy even though its all shake. You just tell yourself "so what i'm rollin it up anyway" knowing damn well you deserve better than a shaky situation and you don't really wanna smoke that shit. I mean sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do but with 420 coming up I'll be sure to pre order some FIRE and spoil myself.

But I Smoked It

5 reasons NOT to buy the bullshit:

1) You're gonna feel cheap

2) It's not gonna taste how you like

3) It's Shaky AF

4) There are seeds inside they didn't warn you about

5) The reviews said it's not good, But you still gonna buy it aren't you?

Why the cheap shit?

Don't be a lost nug under the couch. If you have a ratchet dating story to share please send it to my IG for a chance to be featured in this column @Mss_oregon

Why do we ever buy the cheap shit? I mean like you found that shit on a bargain anyway. You know if you smoke it and get the muchies it's not gonna feed you. Yet night after night and puff after puff you all about that reggie. Out there talking about you got a deal or this that special... Stop thats an oz of shake lets just call it what it is... some BULL Shhhhit but you still fuckin with em.

PHOTO BY: JORDAN HIRALDO

Why Is 420 DiffErent From AnyDay?

BY: STU ZAKIM

Happy 420 Munkey family. While the COVID pandemic kept us from celebrating last year when the whole month of April was 420 in the way we had hoped, now, with people getting vaccinated every day, there’s a great chance that this 420 will be the beginning of some kind of normalcy.

As Christians and Jews celebrate the Easter and Passover holidays as this issue is published, I wanted to borrow a page of the story of Passover. One of the traditions of the story is when the children ask their parents what is known as the 4 Questions as to what makes Passover so different from other times of the year.

So, here’s my variation of those questions as they relate to Cannabis:

WHY IS APRIL 20 DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER DAY?

According to journalist Steve Bloom, who discovered the term 420 while covering a Grateful Dead show for “High Times,” rumors were it had started as a police code for “Marijuana Smoking in Progress,” which have been since debunked, rather, it became a code and rallying cry for people to all get together at 4:20 on April 20. As the Cannabis community grew, so did the annual celebration - not limited any longer to the Cannabis media’s coverage, now, mainstream news covers it every year.

ALTHOUGH CANNABIS IS NOW LEGAL IN 15 STATES AND 34 WITH MEDICAL, WHY CAN’T WE SMOKE IN PUBLIC?

Good question. Recognizing the restrictions on public tobacco smoking is for the public’s safety and health, Cannabis is grouped together with tobacco. However, on the positive side, states like New Jersey, Massachusetts, and others are allowing public consumption lounges, and the Munkey family knows all too well how wonderful our Munkey experiences were and the culture they created. So, I look forward to when the Happy Munkey’s NJ locations open up…

ARE CANNABIS INFUSED PRODUCTS KOSHER FOR PASSOVER?

The short answer, as Cannabis is a plant, is yes. When I get my product from the Harmony Dispensary in Secaucus NJ, it has a K for Kosher mark on it. I would ask Munkey family member Chef Josh if he has any recipes for Matzo Brei, chicken soup, matzo balls, and other Passover traditional foods that could spice up my Seder…

ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS, WE EAT SITTING UPRIGHT OR RECLINING. WHY ON THIS DAY, 420, DO WE ALL RECLINE?

I don’t know about you, but after a day of celebrating our national holiday, I’m lucky to be walking let alone sitting up straight!

Happy 420 to this plant and the Munkey family and community and the role we’ll play in its growth.

6 “HIGH” END DEVICES FOR SERIOUS CANNABIS CONSUMERS

Written by: Justin Johnson Founder of Buds Feed

When it comes to getting high, are you someone who likes to keep it simple with a pipe or some papers, or are you a bit more adventurous?

Every day, enthusiasts and brands “seed” a range of amazing products on BudsFeed. com, and there is no shortage of awesome ganja gadgets out there designed to get you seriously stoned. Here are six high-end consumption devices our community has been buzzing about on BudsFeed:

Stündenglass is the world's first gravitypowered, contactless water hookah. It’s an elegantly designed 360° rotating glass chamber that generates kinetic motion activation via cascading water displacement, opposing airflow technology, and the natural force of gravity. Load your bowl, light it, flip the glass chamber, and watch the Stündenglass do the work. The device comes with multiple attachments and just dropped recent brand collabs with Cookies and Dr. Green Thumb.

Decarboxylation is the process that heats cannabis, activating the THC and CBD for edibles and various other consumption methods. Yet, until recently, few options existed for edible enthusiasts to make their favorite treats at home with ease. Enter the NOVA FX Decarboxylator and Infuser – what many of our buds consider the best edibles machine on the market. We think it's also safe to say that 2Chainz agrees with us, which means a lot in this case.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HIGH END GANJA GADGETS?

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT TOPS YOUR LIST! DROP US AN EMAIL, OR SEED THEM ON BUDSFEED.COM SO OTHERS CAN DISCOVER WHAT YOU ALREADY LOVE.

When it comes to consuming extracts, Puffco is the GOAT. With sleek designs and a simple concentrate consumption experience that even newcomers can enjoy without fear, it’s no wonder that so many people love the PuffCo Peak Pro. The device unlocks the best potency, flavor, and effects that concentrates have to offer, and its design is loved by connoisseurs around the world.

Chill is the world's first stainless-steel, vacuum insulated smoking device designed to take life's bumps and bruises while also keeping your water ice cold for hours, just like your favorite reusable water bottle. Its steel construction makes Chill super durable, but its ceramic interior hits and cleans like glass. Furthermore, its modular design makes the Chill easy to care for and also swap in new designer bases and neckpieces over time as your style changes. With two patents to its name, there isn’t a water pipe on the market quite like Chill.

Bello’s Vapor Tap is one of the most welldesigned and stylish devices on the market today. Using a simple 510 thread cartridge, users can simply press their chalice down on the Bello base to automatically fill their glass with sippable vapor. Unlike anything else we’ve seen before on BudsFeed.com, Bello created a simple, effective tool that completely changes the way people look at vaping and social consumption. Would you say hello to Bello?

The Gleeb Gravity Bong is a portable gravity bong kit, offering the perfect glass alternative to harmful homemade plastic devices. The cup is smell proof and isn’t see through, so Gleeb can go with you anywhere and will be hidden in plain sight. Each kit comes with a glass gravity bong, smell proof cup, a 14 mm carb, a smellproof carb container, a grinder, and a hemp wick. Forget the garage - you can take gravity bong hits anywhere with Gleeb.

Cultura Cannabica

The Growing Cannabis Scene in Jalisco, Mexico

BY: JAMIE PARTIDA

A prominent Cannabis industry in Mexico is currently at its peak ripeness, ready to flourish into some beautiful green buds and be enjoyed by both medical and recreational consumers alike. Mexico is already prominent when it comes to small business, commerce, cultivation, production, and distribution- among other sectors- so it’s only natural that cannabis be incorporated as another element to the business culture of Mexico.

You could say the germination and vegetation stages took several years, as marijuana has a long history of being stigmatized and largely prohibited, and has only recently been considered for legalization over the last few years. After Canada legalized marijuana in 2018, it didn’t take long for the rest of North America to start opening up the conversation around growing their own seeds of regulation to introduce a new vision for the medical and recreational marijuana industries throughout. While there are hundreds of new ideas and products out there to be enhanced, the only constant that remains the same is the marijuana plant itself (which happened to be introduced to the U.S. by way of

Mexican immigrants in the early 1900s). Now Mexico is the next North American country in line to fully legalize cannabis (aka marijuana) for medicinal and adult use. That’s a major milestone for hundreds of farmers, business owners, and families alike who depend on this plant for its numerous applications.

Jalisco is notorious for some of the best dishes that come out of Mexico like Birria, Pozole and Tortas Ahogadas to name just a few, and is also known for introducing Tequila and Mezcal to the entire world, as farmers have been cultivating agave for hundreds of years in the rich soil and warmth of the western pacific state. However, the cannabis scene in Jalisco has been around for years also as farmers and home growers use the same expertise to produce high quality buds for medicinal and adult-use enjoyment alike. Fat Budstards (IG: @Fat_Budstards) is a seed shop in Guadalajara for growers to cultivate their own plants at home or outside, and they supply everything from tents, lights, nutrients, and more. The shop’s owner Jorge Partida has been on the scene for years, and has extensive experience in the Canadian

“Hasta los tacos de birria se pueden infundir” “Even the birria

Cannabis Industry that he brought back to Guadalajara’s cannabis culture. “Our experience began while working in the illicit market in Vancouver, B.C back in 2006, where we learned how to identify high quality strains and learned to grow with the best practices and protocols already established” he has spent several years now carefully cultivating clones and strains, cross breeding with some of the best flowers from all over the world to bring the art of growing cannabis at home in Mexico.

With the possibility of legalization on the horizon, business owners are getting prepared to shape the market with the various resources and specialties at their disposal to kick off legalization with a business boom. When he returned to Mexico in 2011, he discovered that business there was more about quantity vs. quality and the growing protocols were very poor, so he found an opportunity to bring the concept of cultivating cannabis indoors for enthusiasts and vendors. “Of course it was also a huge challenge for all growers due not only to the plant being illegal, but also having to risk our lives hiding

from the Cartel,” Jorge explains that it hasn’t been as easy as to grow his business like it was up North. Thanks to the advances that have been made in the efforts towards legalization, he has been able to find ways to bring the value of his plants and seeds to his customers all throughout the country. Fatbudstards started 4 years ago in Guadalajara, where the need for quality genetics and education was starting to develop rapidly.

“Year over year we’ve cultivated a community with other growers where they can share their experiences as well as learn methods to improve the quality of their yields. Thanks to the advantage of social media it has become easier to reach people from all across the country, a Facebook group called “Autocultivo Mexico” is currently the oldest and one of the largest groups in Latin America where growers can learn from each other and share advice. Jorge also has been part of their group since the beginning and has learned techniques that are unique to other farmers across Mexico. With his full-time corporate job, he’s been able to travel around the world and collect different strains to provide them to his customers, then he began breeding his own genetics and has grown to sell out limited edition drops within hours. “Today we work with the best strains from all around the world and are able to offer the best products to our customers at an affordable Mexican price, while teaching others how to grow their own medicine at home and enjoy it.”

"...huge challenge for all growers due not only to the plant being illegal, but also having to risk our lives hiding from the Cartel,”

Munkeying Around In Sin CitY

happy Munkey smokes las vegas

By: David Hernandez

Thispast December the Happy Munkey Team traveled to the oasis of the Nevada desert that is Las Vegas and ended 2020 with a cannabis-filled bang! The irony of Las Vegas is that while there are over 50 dispensaries within a couple minute drive of “The Strip”, as a tourist there are 0 places to legally burn one. All the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip strictly prohibit cannabis consumption in all forms (Not just smoking). And to take it one step further, while you can literally buy a margarita in 6 foot tall glass and drink it on the street, public cannabis consumption is illegal. Luckily the Munkey crew are big believers in “No guts, No Glory”, so best believe I was serving solventless PuffoCo Pro hits everywhere we went! In addition to multiple trips to the hotel lobby to smoke Js and blunts in the outdoor “tobacco only” smoking section.

This was my 9th time in Vegas, but this time was wildly different then ever before. Covid-19 did a number on Las Vegas and had the city running on 10% of its normal self. The last few years my December visits to Vegas were powered by the cannabis industry flocking to MJBiz Con. But with the entire expo circuit across all industries disrupted by the virus, Vegas was eerily empty. Walking around I felt I was playing a real life Dead Rising 2 (minus the zombies) with how empty the usually bustling casino floors were. Walking around the casino floor of the MGM where we stayed it was surreal to see everyone playing table games wearing masks and separated by plexiglass barriers. Continuing the trend of a foriegn feeling Vegas, while indoor dining was open, restaurants and bars strictly enforced a “4 person per table” Covid restriction.

Making traveling around The Strip with a party of 5 complicated at times.

While restaurants were a hassle to comfortably sit the entire Munkey Crew, one place that welcomed us with open arms was the Redwood Cultivation Center! We took a tour of The Redwood facility and without a doubt they standard for modern cannabis growing. With their innovative and advanced automated technology, they can really dig into the sensitive details that it takes to properly grow high quality Cannabis. The president of the company was so hospitable & professional. The Head Grower of the facility was so passionate & knowledgeable about Cannabis you could tell he looks forward to coming to work everyday. Most importantly their flower was top shelf level quality and it is clear why Cookies

chose them to partner with in Las Vegas.

Continuing our “Cannadventure” the next day we had the pleasure of touring the Fleur Cannabis Cultivation center! Unlike our tour the day prior, before we could even step foot in the grow we had to get suited like we were performing surgery! Once in full-body protection, the Cultivation Manager, Sven, led our tour through their massive indoor operation. We walked from room to room seeing each stage from pheno and clones to ready to harvest and dried flowers. One thing that stood out to me about the tour was Fluer Cannabis’ commitment to all natural growing nutrients and organic soils. Sven explained that instead of using cutting edge 21st century growing nutrients, the Fluer team relies heavily on a Korean Natural Farming growing technique for its microorganism

Farming growing technique for its microorganism filled rich soils. This method allows the cultivators to work with the surrounding environment to build up the local ecosystem, as opposed to trying to force their own ecosystem onto the plants. Skipping over a lot of heady grower talk I’m not qualified to speak on, in short the Fluer Cannabis team grew some Happy Fucking Plants!

Our last stop on our Las Vegas “Cannadventure” was Planet 13, the world’s largest dispensary, for a facility tour. As we pulled up the in and out traffic looked like an airport. Even though the rest of the city was running at half speed, Covid didn’t look to impact Planet 13’s traffic one bit! This 24-hour dispensary on an average day sees 6,000 customers a day, with customers spending close to $150 each purchase. The dispensary portion of the campus is a large retail floor containing every which way you could consume cannabis, with heavy Apple Store vibes, sporting over 40 budtenders buzzing around dealing with customers. In addition to the retail space Planet 13 features a few different pieces not in your average dispensary. For starters the Planet 13 facility is fully licensed for cultivation, retail distribution, manufacturing, and soon consumption, allowing them to adapt to the rapidly growing Nevada marketplace, and be a home for 7 different cannabis brands. Not to mention they also have a restaurant and bar for patrons to enjoy artisanal foods and curated

"This was my 9th time in Vegas, but this time was wildly different then ever before."

- David Hernandez

cocktails. But after gawking at all the bells and whistles Planet 13 had to show us, we picked out some smoke and took our bag of goodies on a trip off The Strip to Red Rocks Canyon National Park to catch the sunset and check schmoking in the middle of the desert off our Vegas checklist.

Now as you all know when the Munkey Crew travels we always manage to mix in some fun with the business. This trip we had the pleasure of celebrating the legendary Tru’s birthday all week long! We set the festivities off at Tru’s Shade 45 Studio off The Strip. Where DJ Godfather, the Detroit & Ghettotech Legend, and DJ Deville, the #1 Remix DJ was casually spinning all night long! The party that week didn’t stop there but somethings gotta stay in Sin City! All in all I want to shout out The Chief Rocker Busy Bee, Flavor Flav, DJ Godfather, DJ Deville, and I want to give a huge shout out to Tru & Domo for always holding us down when we are in Vegas! They absolutely know how to party and are truly Happy Munkey Fam for life!

On my last day we took it easy recovering from a whole week in the desert. However with my bags already packed we got invited to an underground sesh held in an emptied out Hookah Lounge in Nevada Strip mall. With an opportunity too up my alley to say no to, I did some last minute shopping. Not having to worry about the Nevada state taxes I splurged a little on the terperiest live resin diamonds I saw all trip! Warry of the crazy amount CRC’d concentrates I saw at the sesh, I circled the room until I found the premium terpy golden goodness I am used to! Once I got my diamonds, I left the sesh and To cap off my time on the West Coast, we called an uber to In & Out Burger. On an Animal-Style filled stomach we then got our bags and jetted off to the airport to catch our flight back home.

Munkey Munchies

JOLLY ROGER

By David Hernandez

High & welcome back Happy Munkey Family to the latest installment of Munkey Munchies! For 420 we had to do something special so this month we took our munchie pick international to the beautiful country of Costa Rica for my favorite meal; Chicken Wings! I know what you are thinking, “Costa Rica & Chicken Wings, David must be HIGH!”, but yes you heard correctly! During my trip last month nothing satisfied my tropical munchies like the chicken wings atop the mountain at Jolly Rogers in Dominicalito! While Costa Rica had nothing but nonstop delicious and fresh food to offer, thinking about the wings at Jolly Rogers has me opening up Google flights to plan my return. During my two weeks in Costa Rica I ate here three different times and here is why…. What truly set it off for me was not just the food but the journey to even get to Jolly Rogers.

While most restaurants in Dominical are nestled in the unpaved jungle hillside off the main road, the trip up to Jolly Rogers is notoriously known for its steep incline. So for my first time, we said a stoned prayer, made a right at the entrance sign, and pushed our little 2- wheel drive stick shift Toyota we named “Carlita” up the jungly hillside. As my girlfriend (who I am convinced is an Ice Road Trucker) skillfully shifted between gears on nearly vertical hills, I sat passenger packing rosin hits in the Puffco. After the almost 15 minute drive up the hill, we pulled into a lowkey parking lot with 4 parking spaces and a life-changing view of the sun beginning to set on the Pacific Ocean.

Before getting out of the car we took another hit from the puffco and then walked into the tiny open-air bar. We were greeted by the bartender who told us to “sit anywhere” so we made a b-line

"So for my first time, we said a stoned prayer, made a right at the entrance sign, and pushed our little 2- wheel drive stick shift Toyota we named 'Carlita' up the jungly hillside"

to the high top tables overlooking the sun setting on the jungle. After spacing out into the view for a few minutes, the munchies that drove me up the hill started to roar! Almost instantly I locked eyes with the wooden menu hanging above the bar. Their menu consisted of the quintessential Game Day schmorgesborg, burgers, fries, onion straws, nachos, and just about 20 different chicken wing flavors, but my heart wanted nothing but wings. Scanning the flavors unable to narrow it down any more than three, I chose spicy maple brown sugar, Habanero Hallaboy, and the Hot Honey Garlic. Waiting for the wings I watched the sunset and even got the pleasure of seeing two colorful toucans chase each other from tree to tree. Our three orders of wings came out all at the same time, the sauce glistening in the sun. Each wing was healthily massive and with my first bite of

the hot honey garlic wing I was certain that I was devouring the tastiest piece of chicken I have ever eaten. From the freshness of the meat to the dynamic flavors of each sauce, I was blown away it took me this long to eat something this fucking good!

After my girlfriend and I nearly destroyed every piece, we were tempted to stomach an additional order but decided to plan our return instead. If you find yourself in the Dominical, Costa Rica don’t play yourself, and make sure you check in at Jolly Rogers to handle all your chicken wings and munchie needs!

Have a happy, high, and munchie filled 420!

Rafael Blunt Walk

Right at the cusp of spring, the city goes through a weird phase of jumping from hot to cold and back again. As the trees are just getting ready to bloom, people are eager to come outside for a quarantine-less spring and to get themselves warmed up for a hot summer. For myself, this time of year is what I would call my own personal March madness, where I go on the hunt for the best new (to me) restaurants and little food spots around the city. And fresh off a bout of good weather, I thought it would be perfect to venture off into Brooklyn, where every neighborhood has a different vibe and along with it, comes new cultures and cuisines. To get myself prepared for the munch-athon that was about to go down, I rolled myself 3 blunts to hold me over for the pre, during, and post-feast.

After about 3 transfers and an hour of riding the train, I ended up In one of my favorite neighborhoods, Prospect Park. It’s one of my favorites because of the variety of food within walking distance of each other and for its massive beautiful park, which was my first stop before my food tour. I walked up to the entrance of the

park and some Citibikes caught my eye, so I hopped on one. I sparked my first blunt right before I set off on the bike trail and as soon as I inhaled I could already feel my hunger brewing. I put my foot to the pedal and made my way around the park puffing like a steam engine, I got a couple of weird looks from other bikers but I was too in my own world to notice. Along the trail, there were a few landmarks here and there that peaked my interest but were

busy with people so I clipped the blunt to go check them out. I did this until I found myself under a mini gazebo next to this calm pond somewhere in the center of the park all by myself. It was the perfect place to sit in tranquility as I watched ducklings learn to fly as I finished my blunt. I want to say I sat there long after the blunt because it was so peaceful. I got to thinking about what kind of food I was craving and what Brooklyn had to offer.

"As a New Yorker sometimes you forget to look up because you’re so focused on what’s ahead"

Prospect Park has many staples in its food scene, and the first that came to my mind was Italian food. If you come to BK and you get bad Italian food you must have gotten lost and found yourself in queens somewhere. I hit up a quick google search of the area for the best Italian food and I found a spot not too far called Giovanni’s Brooklyn Eats, so I got back to pedaling. I parked my Citibike around the corner and I pulled up to this red awning with this classy old New York feel. The restaurant wasn’t too busy but then again it was a weekday afternoon during COVID so 3 groups of 4 meant this place was popping. I ordered a penne a la vodka with grilled chicken to go because ain’t no stopping this food train. And as I wait for my pasta, I hit Yelp to find the next best thing in the neighborhood. A couple of spots came up and it seemed that there was a large Mexican and Vietnamese community in the area so I chose the top-rated place from each and plotted them on my map. As I was doing that, one of Giovanni’s waiters presented me with a warm tray of glossy pasta and two mountains of Parmesan cheese. I must have taken two steps away from the place before I was fork deep in silky smooth vodka sauce tightly hugging every nook and cranny of the penne pasta. The chicken was so tender and absorbed the flavor of the sauce so well, I almost found myself eating it all as if I didn’t have more food coming my way. I got a third way through it and I packed it away for a dreamy reunion at a later time.

I found myself a taco spot a couple of blocks further into Brooklyn, and for those that don’t know, tacos are one of my favorite foods so I had high expectations, so I sprinted to the next spot. As I pull up to the place, Fatty Daddy Tacos, it seems quiet. I enter and I get the same feeling as I did outside, as I see the owner doing expense sheets at the front and behind her, the kitchen staff was just hanging out on break. I was worried but now I was committed to the spot. The owner took my order of one steak taco With a surprised look. She asked me “just one?” And I just nodded. Within seconds of giving her the cash, I see the kitchen staff jump into action, one guy setting up the to-go tray and another guy filling the tortilla. It was like an efficient assembly line and at the receiving end was I, with a grin that probably extended out of my mask. I stepped right out front to dive into this delicious looking taco. As soon as I took my first bite all my worries were gone. The steak melted in my mouth as it and the salsa verde both did a dance over my tastebuds. The onions added a crisp crunch that gave a great contrast to every soft bite into the doubled up flour tortillas. Seconds later I found myself biting into my fingers wondering where my taco went, cause it was gone. I did a quick about-face back into Fatty Daddy’s and I was greeted with a look of “I told you so” as I ordered 2 more steak tacos to go. I packed them away in the vault with the rest of the penne and I made my way back onto the streets.

Now, semi-full from my last stop I had to build up some more hunger for my last destination. So I got out my shorter blunt just to make the walk a productive one. As I smoked, I walked down a strip of thrift stores and small trinket shops, there were even a couple of artisan shops selling bread and a butcher or two. I decide to turn off the main streets because schools were letting out and I did not want to piss off any local parents with my smoking. The neighborhood was built purely of brownstones and the occasional apartment building, it felt like such a warm and comfortable place to live. It has a hipstery New York grittiness to it but you can tell it’s a quiet neighborhood for the most part. I took it all in as I looked up at the trees lining the blocks that were just on the edge of blooming. That’s when the thought crossed my mind “maybe I’m too high.” just as quickly as that idea came, it was gone in a puff of smoke, as the last of the

blunt burned out and I was a block away from the Vietnamese place.

Now when I think of Vietnamese food it’s usually Pho, which is an amazing brothy soup that’s similar to ramen but with completely different flavor profiles. But this time around I had to get what is called a Banh Mi, which is a baguette sandwich that has some French influence but the filling is solely Vietnamese deliciousness. The best rated spot by a mile was simply called Henry’s, which specialized in Banh Mis. As I pull up there is a large crowd outside all holding receipts, which to me is a good sign of great food. As I go in to order my sandwich, I can smell the chicken and pork grilling in the back, along with the stewing of veggies for some orders of pho. A guy takes my order and asks me to join the crowd outside. I want to say I was waiting for like 8-10 minutes, all the while, I see people coming in and

out with these beautiful looking teas with the little bubbles of tapioca at the bottom. It made me regret not getting one myself but I wasn’t going to wait another 10 minutes. As my order was called, I was presented with a warm sub sandwich with carrots and pork peeking out of its parchment paper bag, I had to take out one half and I inspected the beautiful cross section. My mouth watered as I see the pork being embraced by a bed of carrots and cucumbers all smothered in a spicy mayo. As I take a bite, I dissolve into the warm baguette as the rush of perfectly seasoned pork and spice floor my taste buds. The crunch of the carrots blew away the taco from earlier. This had to be the best thing I have eaten all day. I must have looked horrifying to onlookers because I threw modesty straight out the window for this sandwich. I thought I was done after I devoured the first half and I started heading back to the train, but the other

half of that Bahn mi was weighing heavy on my mind. Let’s just say by the time I got to the train station the only thing that remained was the parchment bag. After all that food the last thing on my mind was dessert but I always had room for a blunt.

By this point, I wasn’t too mobile so I parked my ass right in front of the legendary Nitehawk theatre and lit up. No one really paid me any mind so I sat there listening to music and contemplating the food coma I was going to fall into on my ride back on the train. I also looked down at the food I had remaining and I thought to myself I might have overdone it but then again how often do you get to go out and about nowadays. Once the blunt was done I rolled myself to the nearest train and rode back to the city in the heaviest of sleep from the itis.

PHOTOS BY: JORDAN HIRALDO

Are We Getting Cannabis Legalization All Wrong?

Dr. Jessica Knox, MD MBA MPH

Cannabis is now medically legal in 36 of the United States plus DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and legal for adult use in 15 of these jurisdictions, with more flirting heavily with such an update to their law books. Federally, we haven’t seen more mainstream political interest and momentum in cannabis law reform since the passage of the Marihuana (sic) Tax Act in 1937. And as far as the public is concerned, more Americans than ever are supportive of sweeping cannabis legalization. The coronavirus pandemic made occasion for most cannabis businesses to be deemed essential and 2020 saw record-breaking demand for cannabis products as consumers sought natural remedies for their ailments, anxieties, and coping needs. By almost all accounts, we are in the midst of a full-blown cannabis renaissance. And yet, I have a strong sense of dread that we’re getting it all wrong.

patients with poor access to the high quality and affordably priced medicine they require as manufacturers and dispensaries divert their attention to what they believe will be a more lucrative recreational market. Social equity programs are typically hyper-local afterthoughts to cannabis legalization, halfbaked attempts to assuage the righteous cries of the people who organize to uplift the communities most abused by the war on drugs and often riddled with corruption and exploitation. Large corporations are positioning themselves to dominate a federally legalized cannabis market, no doubt with intentions of applying their usual playbooks that minimize value to customers while maximizing profits for shareholders. Meanwhile, Black and brown people continue to be arrested for cannabis possession at higher rates than their white counterparts, even in jurisdictions where cannabis is legal for adult use.

Each introduction of a legal adult cannabis market has delivered a crippling blow to its respective state’s medical market, leaving

So many stakeholders are scrambling to make a quick fortune off the economics of cannabis that most have completely overlooked the true potential and promise of this plant. Most know nothing at all of the endocannabinoid system and broader endocannabinoidome on which the plant works, and therefore miss entirely the wisdom and power the combined physiology and pharmacology yield. Thus we find

"So many stakeholders are scrambling to make a quick fortune off the economics of cannabis that most have completely overlooked the true potential and promise of this plant."

ourselves at the precipice of squandering the opportunities that cannabis affords us. Opportunities to heal as individuals and as communities - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and yes, financially too, but in a way that benefits the many instead of only the few. Opportunities to restore the earth our species has decimated and build our way of life more sustainably. Opportunities, ultimately, to take better care of ourselves and each other.

It’s not too late to do things right when it comes to cannabis. We can still amend our early missteps in legalization and erect the infrastructure of a cannabis ecosystem that would heal so much of the damage we’ve inflicted upon each other and the world. But we must be humble and curious and open to learning from the endocannabinoid system and the cannabis plant.

The endocannabinoid system shows us how everything is connected - our bodies to our minds to our spirits, ourselves to others, and us to the earth. The endocannabinoid system seeks and promotes and thrives in a state of balance. Cannabis is a plant put forth from the earth that harmonizes with our endocannabinoid systems. It is medicinal by its very nature, and not only that but so much more because from its roots to its tips it can be utilized and innovated for myriad applicationsnutritional, agricultural, industrial, and otherwise. We should take these lessons seriously and use them to make life better for all people, rather than wield cannabis simplistically to perpetuate the systems

that have left all of us sicker and poorer, at least spiritually if not also in the pocket book. I still believe in the great promise of cannabis. I just hope we can prove ourselves worthy of its blessings.

About The Author:

Dr. Jessica Knox is a board-certified preventive medicine physician with 6 years of clinical experience in cannabinoid medicine. Dr. Jessica is a co-founder of several organizations, including the American Cannabinoid Clinics, which aims to deliver precision cannabinoid medicine to patients; Pivital EDU, which develops comprehensive training for healthcare professionals in the ECS, endocannabinology, and cannabinology; Doctors Knox, Inc., a popular ECS and cannabis medicine education brand; and the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM), the first national medical association for BIPOC professionals seeking to heal themselves and their communities through cannabis education, advocacy, and application.

Where’s The Equity Illinois?

BY: MICHAEL MALCOLM

Illinois promised it would be different.

Illinois said it had learned from the failures of other social equity programs around the country. Illinois said its social equity program would be the blueprint for all social equity programs moving forward.

Sadly, none of those things came true and Illinois has only itself to blame.

Illinois had already given its medical cannabis industry away to a small group of super rich finance people as soon as it launched. That decision monopolized the medical market and blocked any regular Illinois residents from entering it. Then Illinois doomed its social equity program before it even got started.

The first mistake was the state put strict caps on the number of social equity licenses being issued. This all but guaranteed there would be no equity in its social equity program.

Illinois had the opportunity to create a market of abundance by not capping the number of licenses being issued. This would make it easier for people to get into the legal cannabis industry and allow the free market pick winners and losers.

If you want equity to have a chance to succeed in an industry, you have to let the most people in to participate in that industry. If you want to

make a few people rich in an industry, you put a strict limit on the amount of people who can participate in that industry.

Instead of making the market accessible and abundant, Illinois created a market of scarcity by making sure only a small number of people would get new licenses. This artificially drove up the value of the license itself and the costs it took to apply for the licenses because social equity applicants suddenly had to compete against “social equity” millionaires.

Which leads me to Illinois’ next largest failure. Who qualifies as social equity?

Typically, the idea of social equity is reserved for Black and Brown people who have been negatively affected by the “War on Drugs” or people who have been arrested for cannabis in the past. But in Illinois, almost anyone can qualify as social equity.

Two ways you can qualify in Illinois is if you have a criminal record for cannabis or if you lived in what has been determined by the state to be a “negatively impacted area” by the War on Drugs five out of the last ten years.

The third way to qualify as social equity in Illinois, also known as the loophole, is if 51% of your company’s employees live in the predetermined “negatively impacted areas”. So basically ANYONE

can qualify as social equity if they create a company and “hire” employees that live in those areas.

This makes the entire social equity program a joke. If anyone can easily qualify as a social equity applicant, then everyone will apply as a social equity applicant. That’s exactly what we’re seeing here in Illinois. Former police commissioners, millionaire restauranteurs, real estate moguls and even MSO executives are applying for licenses meant to help people harmed by the drug war.

To make matters even worse, the state is issuing social equity dispensary licenses before social equity cultivation licenses. So when social equity dispensary operators are finally awarded their licenses, they’ll be forced to buy products from the existing MSO medical operators to stock their

shelves. And because small craft cultivators will take more time to come online, MSO products will continue to dominate the market for the foreseeable future. That is not equity.

As someone who qualifies as a social equity applicant because I’ve been arrested for cannabis possession in the past, it’s disheartening to see how Illinois’ social equity program, which was thought to have so much promise in the beginning, is being rolled out.

But I hope states working on their own social equity programs learn from all the mistakes in the Illinois market. And maybe Illinois will learn from itself and do better moving forward.

Let’s hope.

Why New York Needs To Go Back To The Future

Written by RYAN LEPORE

New York, it's about time...it's time we explore our roots, and at the same time leave the past behind. I mean this in the Marty Mcfly sense, we have been stuck in the past - and we have to go back to the future - to being the future. The future that was once the idea of New York, the idea of America - the idea of worldly change. Ending prohibition is a true testament towards transcending our past - a drug war that centered and amplified at its inception within the Big Apple.

When we talk about the American Revolution, nearly one-third of all battles were fought on NY land - a war that created our existence as a country. This has been no different in the context of cannabis - which for many years NYC held the worldwide arrest record

and essentially carries the largest law enforcement budget in the world, making it the law enforcement capital of the world. While at the same time, NYC has grown to be the largest cannabis consuming city in the world - even within the midst of criminalization. For the past few years due to its population size and importance nationally, New York is considered the last domino to fall to bring the country towards federal legalization. If we beat back prohibition here - we will alter and influence a future that will be sought after not just in this country but worldwide. We are at the cusp of addressing deeper rooted issues that come from a cultural dynamic set forth from our forefathers.

New York City, was originally a Dutch settlement called New Amsterdam before being sold to the English. Before colonization - it was native to the “Lenape” tribe. It has been a centerpiece of financial markets, some of which, a past rooted in slavery and southern sympathetic economicssomething that came from the Dutch and English who were not only some of the biggest slavers but also bankers of

the world. Wall Street was infamously known for its slave trade, placing slaves upon a “Wall” for purchase - today Wall Street in the same breath offers a financial opportunity that is again seemingly disconnected from the value of human life for financial gain.

In cannabis, the influence of big money not attuned to social responsibility consistently attempts to shackle and own something it was never entitled to, a theme that is far too old. Within the past couple of years, various state regulated programs experience issues with legalization and licensing due to the same types of forces that seek to control the process in New York.

The idea of America was originally conceived as the means to end the oppressive dynamics in the “Old World”, to create a new future, though sadly our forefathers did this at the expense of natives. If we seek to truly be the future of the country, and the world - we, the natives must fight for our freedom here - to truly step away from an oppressive past. We have an opportunity to finally uplift the people that have been taken advantage of for so long, and for the culture of being the future - the timing has never been better.

In 2021, NY has new state legislative political dynamics (a democratic supermajority), and an upcoming NYC election that will result in new leadership - leaving a timeless opportunity to voice our demands for a better future, unlike we have had in the past.

In other states, the cannabis industry has been able to incorporate first-step measures surrounding social equity and reparations that have failed to be incorporated into traditional and current American industries. These types of measures seek to provide economic opportunity and empowerment towards our true pioneers and legacy market operators, the already existing cannabis industry. Even furthermore - this idea being at the core of ending prohibition in a state like New York, leads us towards a new nationwide precedent that may transcend cannabis policy alone.

The vehicle for the future has been laid out for us - it is just a matter of us determining its course, do we stay where we are? Or do we venture into something we have never seen before.

"New York is considered the last domino to fall to bring the country towards federal legalization..."

HAPPY MUNKEY IS Minting NFTs

BY DAVID HERNANDEZ

In the last month unless you have been living under a rock you have probably heard the word NFT being thrown around. For those of you who have stayed out of the crypto loop, an NFT or “non-fungible token” is simply a virtual proof of ownership of a digital good backed up by blockchain technology. And at this very moment, the crypto world is exploding from insane news of NFTs selling at

astronomical prices from the digital artist Beeple selling his “The First 5000 Days” for a record-breaking 69 million dollars as an NFT, and athletes like Tom Brady selling NFT trading cards for millions. The world is abuzz about if the NFT news speaks to a bubble ready to burst or a rising industry in its infancy. Regardless of the answer, it is clear that NFTs are revolutionizing the way we interact with digital art.

The day of the digital artist is here and Happy Munkey is all the way here for it! We at Happy Munkey do not claim to be crypto specialists, but seeing the application and opportunity for community building in the NFT space, Happy Munkey dove right in and like usual became one of the first cannabis companies in the world to mint their very own NFTs! At the moment we have four original Happy Munkey animations available on Rarible & OpenSea, two of the industry leading NFT marketplaces in the space, and have plans to launch more throughout the year!

Thank you to all our cannacrypto lovers in the Munkey Tribe who encourage us and affirm the step we are taking. We truly could not do it without your support and knowledge! Be on the lookout for more Happy Munkey NFT artwork and events coming soon! This is only the tip of the iceberg!

Cannabis 3.0 is upon us

BY: RICO LAMITTE, FOUNDER OF CANiVISION

A full pandemic year is now behind us. Vaccine distribution is picking up and states are reopening. The world’s a different place. As much as mainstream America has evolved around us in a single year, what’s happened in cannabis? Depends on who you ask...

I made a name for myself in cannabis throwing parties and events for celebrities, pro athletes, and investors wanting to experience the industry’s coolness without committing to an actual dive into the trap. My unique background provided an unorthodox path where I’ve benefited from all three sides of the game: Business, Wellness, and Lifestyle. Each lane is similar in impact, yet different in approach. I quickly noticed nobody was making an effort to connect the dots...

So, I created the glue.

Here is a little background on me. Post-college football, I got hurt training for the league. I ended up on the streets of Chicago selling packs to support my opioid habit. Luck led me onto a nationwide tour with pop stars; emceeing for backstage passes before trading my mohawk, goatee, camo shorts, and Timbs for a decade of suits and ties in finance.

Near the end of my run in corporate America, I met Joss McKernan. I thought he was just another high-performing sales guy (we have a knack for finding each other…) before learning he was a founder and sales lead for one of the biggest oil companies in cannabis. We became friends and he tried to break me out of finance twice before finally bailing.

In late 2016 I joined Baker Technologies, a Denver-based company leading the multi-state push with online ordering, targeted texts, and digital loyalty. Before starting, Joss introduced me to some of SoCal’s heaviest hitters- above and below ground. Showed me the link between quasi-legal business, medicine, street shit, and how we all played our part. He didn’t realize I was in a position to bridge the gaps between each silo... Green technology would soon change the game and I was at the forefront of a very datadriven “Cannabis 2.0.” Fast-forward to July 2020. CANiVISION was created out of necessity. The plant that saved my life and the industry we’ve seen evolve around it were both in critical danger. Pandemic pressure set in and the soul of the game was at stake.

What makes cannabis unique is everything was built streets-up. Decentralizing cannabis media is the only way to shift power back to the originators. Gotta let them tell their stories.

Joss now consults for one of the industry’s largest farm operations. I interviewed him on his pre-topost-pandemic transition and how reinvention’s led to him thriving on all three sides of the biz. 2 pieces of advice he’d offer a fresh-faced version of himself 7 years ago: “Don’t take shit so seriously and just keep fucking going.”

Cannabis 3.0 is upon us. Those of us who recognize the importance of connecting ALL THREE sides of the industry by taking advantage of each other’s strengths while bolstering weaknesses will be just fine. Check out my interview with Joss McKernan as it airs this Month at www.canivision.com

IN THE MIX

BY: CALVIN SCHNIEDER

1. Nymlo and 183rd recording at Powerhouse Studios in Yonkers,NY

2. Dave East and Rich Rhymer shooting their music video in Harlem, NY 3. Ksupreme at a studio session in Times Square, NYC 4. Jay Critch recording new music at Fight Club Studios 5. Sheek Louch and DJ Statik Selektah at his studio in Bushwick, BK

6. Lou From Paradise shooting a music video

7. Smooky Margielllaa recording new music the day before his arrest

8. Desiigner on set for his new music video Amen 9. OG3 shooting a music video at Engine Room studio

10. Ciggy Black recording new music in Bushwick, BK

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Xaff Cuts!

BY: DAVID HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY: RAFAEL HERNANDEZ

Idon’t know about y’all but I do not play around with my hair. And even deeper I do not mess around with my barber. Once I came to the age of getting my haircut I quickly learned the importance of establishing a relationship with your barber. Because at the end of the day you do not want a stranger messing with your hairline. One step further, a cardinal rule for myself early on was "never get a haircut high". Even though I love cannabis my anxiety would take over in the barber chair, and no matter what I tried or the barber did, my brain

would not let me have an enjoyable cut. But with that being said, now and then I encounter something that reminds me that a dog can learn new tricks and why I am absolutely in love with New York City! This month I had the pleasure of securing a seat in the chair of the hottest barber in the game right now, Xaff Cutz!

Nestled in an undisclosed location in Uptown Manhattan is one of the most groundbreaking barbershops on the East Coast! From New York Legends to NY Drill rappers like Ron Suno and Sheff G, Xaff Cutz has been lining people up with

Like I mentioned before, being high in the barber’s chair was a big no-go for me. But something about comfortably getting high in the chair while getting my haircut put me at ease. So I pulled up to meet Xaff, founder and barber at Xaff Cutz and was immediately warmly welcomed with the smell of cannabis sounds of Bizzy Banks playing in the background. I dapped up Xaff and he told me to get comfortable while he finished cleaning up from the previous cut. Following orders, I put my bags down and set up my Puffco without missing a beat. I wasn’t down to get in the chair high so I packed a bowl of cream papaya + tropsanto hash rosin and left my Puffco in the hands of my brother and photographer, Rafael to swing my way once the cut got going.

I rock my curly hair up in a man bun or “pineapple” most days so I asked Xaff to give me a creative fade since I was tired of my normal skin fade. He gave me a look that told me I had nothing to worry about and started going at it. Within a few minutes I was ready to hit the Puffco and BRUH let me tell you my life has been changed! Instantly smacked, my shoulders loosened up and we chopped it up about everything from how Xaff Cutz came about to what our favorite exotic snacks were. By the end of the haircut, I was both so high and comfortable, I found myself dozing in and out of consciousness. When I came to, Xaff had skillfully finessed me a low fade that left me looking and feeling CRISP.

The experience of getting high in the barber chair is something that I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. I usually only go to Dominican but there is no question I will be going nowhere else but Xaff Cutz from here on out! Big shoutouts to Xaff and all the cannabis pioneers creating cannabis culture and trailblazing the future of social cannabis consumption! Make sure to check him out on Instagram at @Xaff.Cutz and book your appointment ASAP!

a twist straight out of the Happy Munkey playbook; you can smoke while you get your haircut!

"something about comfortably getting high in the chair while getting my haircut put me at ease."

photos by Mike Englund

HappyAccounting

Dispensary Accounting and Why It is So Complex

Dispensary accounting is far from straightforward. As cannabis was legalized at the state level only relatively recently, it is a sad truth that dispensaries face far more scrutiny and audits than most other businesses. Additional tax limitations and accounting issues need to be considered when running a cannabis business. But alongside this, your dispensary must have its accounting processes to avoid fines or even possible shutdowns. We will run through a quick guide on dispensary accounting and explain how it has all ended up so complicated.

Section 280E

Cannabis is legal in some states, but it is still technically illegal on a federal level. It is classified as a Schedule I controlled drug, and this means that Section 280E of the IRS code applies to businesses in the industry. It prohibits businesses from deducting any expenses from gross income gained while “trafficking” Schedule I and II controlled substances, of which Cannabis is currently listed as one (even though

what expenses are typically allowed to be deducted by cannabusinesses, while still recognizing and adjusting for IRS Code 280E. This level of knowledge is not usually required for a small or medium-sized business that does not deal with cannabis.

Different Taxes for Different States

The taxes that are levied on legal cannabis operations vary from state to state, both in number and percentage. And these can include excise tax, cultivation tax, sales and use tax, state income taxes, local taxes, and payroll taxes. This means that if your dispensary operates in more than one state, you will likely have to prepare separate accounts and apply a separate set of rules to each.

Banks Require Comprehensive Documentation

Finding a bank that will handle a dispensary's finances can be far more challenging than for other businesses. For this reason a large number of cannabis companies run cash-only operations. And if a bank does not run in the other direction from fear of federal persecution, it still tends to implement a lengthier and more scrutinous application process. Many of these banks will perform quarterly reviews of financial statements. Your dispensary must be ready with consistent records that do not show alarming and unexplainable fluctuations, as they could even cause the bank to close your account.

Securing Funding Often Requires Clean Records

we all know it should not be). The cost of goods sold (COGS) offers some exemptions for the purchase of materials used to grow and process cannabis commercially — so growers and extractors can still claim most of their available tax deductions. It is a little more difficult to get tax breaks on expenses related to the retail sales process. This means that cannabis dispensaries are forced to pay taxes on more than just their typical income. Dispensaries on average usually lose the ability to deduct around one-third to half of their expenses that are not related to the purchase of the products they resell, when counting income for taxes. Most of these disallowed expenses come from ordinary and necessary business costs such as advertising, salaries, and rent. To account for these expenses properly, your company's accountant must have a good understanding of the cannabis industry and

As more states pass legalization measures, whole new groups of buyers and investors are coming into the industry looking for the best merger and acquisition opportunities. They will look for dispensaries that have a reputable brand, maintain clean books, and comply with Section 280E. This only introduces another issue for a dispensary that does not keep organized with its accounting regularly.

Still Scratching Your Head?

Dispensary accounting can be a difficult task, and the threat of non-compliance looms if the rules are not followed correctly. Avoid the risk of years of litigation, large legal fees, and back taxes. Speak to My Cannabis Accountant. Our firm has specialized in accounting services for cannabis companies since 2015, and we will make sure your dispensary stays compliant.

www.mycannabisaccountant.com

"Dispensaries... lose the ability to deduct around one-third to half of their expenses... when counting income for taxes."

ast month the Happy Munkey team attended the “Stop Asian Hate protests” following the murder of 8 Asian men and women by a White terrorist. In the last year the Asian community has seen an astronomical rise in hate crimes as a result of anti-Asian propaganda related to the Covid-19 outbreak. Alongside community leaders like Kristin Jordan, Nadir Pearson, Amy Denesen, Elana Frankel, and Esther Kim, we marched down the city streets holding signs that read, “Stop Asian Hate” and demands for justice. The route began at Union Square and ended at the famous Columbus Park in Chinatown, where a second even larger protest was set to begin. What felt like thousands of people came out in support. While there is still so much work that needs to be done, It was beautiful and extremely powerful to see the city come together and support the Asian community.

STOPASIANHATE

Cultivar of the Month

By Declan Mulligan

Welcome back Happy Munkey Fam!

I again would like to thank the editor for allowing me to express my opinions towards this extra-special genetic mystery of a cultivar. There has been a lot of good news with legislation for my home state of New Jersey, in the medical and recreational short-term future, and today as I write to you all, our wonderful state of New York just legalized. What a truly pivotal time, what a journey. East Coast born and raised smokers know their own journey with cannabis prohibition, and it’s been a long one. Long is relative as well, as a lot of us have seen cannabis circumstances in the Tri-State area develop for decades. I have been consuming this medicine for only 8 years, so I cannot imagine what 40 years living here must have been like, and the bullshit one must have had to go through. I think we are living in a moment of change, and just the very beginning of a beautiful future for all. I want to congratulate every consumer and passionate enthusiast of

cannabis in our Atlantic Area, and cheers to the road ahead.

This month I really had diversified the flavors and cultivars I was picking up for medical consumption. I really wanted to get a wide range of diversity in terpenes, potency, and effect. As a ‘lab results fiend, part of the medical process of purchase is paying attention to these numbers. Now with the "Entourage Effect," as it relates to our endocannabinoid system within us, I love cultivars that feature high sources of CBD and CBG, as in tune with the entourage effect, I feel an elevated medical experience when THCa reacts with the others present. I want to express my personal belief that potency numbers do matter, but it's a complex subject where different cannabinoid profiles can lead to more potent highs with lower numbers. I appreciate them heavily and take the information provided by the lab and dispensary and weigh my options before ordering. That being said; I wanted to get as many different strains as I could to try out.

Dabbling as low as 17%, up to 29.97%, I feel I have a better understanding of my favorite dispensary’s lab testing numbers now. Now finally the cultivar of the month; this one stood out immediately to me, and it wasn’t just on bag appeal.

Harmony offered up a new Cultivar this month, and I had to try it out. I wasn’t expecting a ton but the backstory behind GNU GLUE, really captivated me. Rocking in at 22.5% THCA, and 0.4% CBG, this mystery cultivar was luckily born from a single seed found in a legal Jamaican dispensary ounce of ‘gorilla glue’. The Cannabis Industry Worker visiting Jamaica purchased a healthy zip of ‘Gorilla Glue’ and found it to be an extremely pleasant and unique glue high. Sharing some of the dispo flowers with the locals, they were very impressed by the potency and nature of the high. Now if you’ve ever been to this beautiful part of the world, and have gone down the trail into town searching for a bag, you’ll know once you find it, the looks and smell do not impress at all. In fact, if you’ve smoked it you’ll know the bag appeal isn’t there. But that is not what it’s about, as you kick back on sandy beaches and roll up, the high is uniquely positive, uplifting, and energizing.

GNU GLUE grown in New Jersey has the same properties, and unlike all of their other cultivars I have tried so far, opening the packaging of GNU GLUE left nearly no aroma, but buds were the softest and lightest green flower I've touched in years. Like, as soft as a cotton t-shirt. Combusting and inhaling, there was a subtle skunky and gasoline-like taste on the exhale, but about 60 seconds after consumption, I was overtaken by this cloudly release of stress, my head felt physically lighter and my mind was open to calm and positive thoughts. I felt

a physical relaxation and sort of slumped down into my smoking chair. Oh and the creativity! A general sense of happiness and euphoria had me scribbling down ideas in my notebook. The 22.5% potency reading threw me off, like waves crashing on the beach, this feeling of ‘spring is here’ continued to rush over me. Abundant with Linalool, Beta Pinene and Beta Myrcene, the dominant terpenes reveal themselves in the high and not taste or aroma. I reserved the rest of my stash for morning andsituations demanding creativity. But believe me, I was kicking myself for not grabbing some more.

GNU Glue is a hyper unique take on Gorilla Glue. Gorilla Glue #1, #3 and #4 back in 2017~, any variation or cut had a strong impact and I think most east coast smokers can imagine a gorilla glue high. Usually sativa, but bundled with sedative qualities, it’s a familiar face. If you’re able to pick up some GNU Glue, you will be extremely pleased with this very special cut and take on GG. The Glue family dominates for many, and this felt almost like a ‘seasonal’ offering and limited cultivar. If you’re a Glue Lineage fan, definitely check out GNU Glue.

FIND THE THE MUNKEY

Latinx En Cannabis

Welcome Back Happy Munkey Fam! The Happy Munkey crew is bringing you another volume of standout Latinx individuals in the cannabis industry. There are a lot of Latinx people making huge strides in the cannabis industry and we plan to continue shining light on our entire Latinx cannaFam in future issues! Until then please enjoy our 7th installment of “Latinx En Cannabis”!

Felicia Carbajal

Felicia is the Co-founder of The Social Impact Center and a California based activist who’s has been bringing cannabis awareness to their community through community advocacy programs and educational events for the older generation. They have been making strides to correct the errors of the War on drugs that disproportionately affected communities like their own as they carry the torch for their family line of Chicano revolutionaries before them. They made their bones pushing for LGBTQ+ equality in the early 1990’s and are also a big advocate for expungement for all those unjustly punished for cannabis offenses as she works as the interim Director of programing for National Expungement week.

Mr. Puffington

This 420 it would have been impossible to highlight Latinx En Cannabis without shedding light on the pound for pound undisputed cannabis champ, Mr. Puffington! Proudly repping the Bronx and his dominican heritage, Mr. Puffington very clearly puts the “high” in Highbridge. Mr. Puffington is a Happy Munkey brand ambassador and at any given moment you can find Mr. Puffington sparking up one of his uniquely flexed creations or taking a huge rip out of his Puffco Preak Pro! This 420 I hope we all chanel a little of our inner Mr. Puffington and turn it up!

Joline Rivera

Joline Rivera is the founder and creative director of Kitchen Toke the first and only media company dedicated to informing consumers about culinary cannabis for health & wellness.Joline is the founder of Red Belly Honey, the only whole-plant, full spectrum Hemp honey in the world infused by honey bees. In addition to her many cannabis endeavors Joline is also a regular contributor and credible voice on ClubHouse

Eating and foraging your way around the Pacific Northwest will lead you to some hot spots. As a wild food-driven chef, I also factor in what a sustainable harvest is to ensure I’m not impeding on the land and hoarding too many wild ingredients. Some of my favorite hot spots are the Olympic Peninsula and the Willapa Bay. It seems as though everywhere you look and everywhere you go there is food under your feet. Whether oceanside or bayside, the area gives up so many kinds of wild edibles. Including several varieties of seaweed, sea beans, goose tongue, oysters, razor clams, gooseneck barnacles, and many types of many mushrooms. Yes, that includes the hallucinogenic kind. For many years I've foraged King Boletes, Pacific Golden Chanterelles, Morels, Saffron Milk Caps, and Azzies.

Living on the peninsula you quickly learn that the fall and late fall months are the best time to forage wild mushrooms. Just be sure to bring your rain jacket. Since the area is such a microcosm of so many different environmental pockets you get a lot of wild mushrooms popping up together at the same time. For me this time of year keeps the dehydrator going 24/7 and usually has me putting up three or four dozen jars of pickled mushrooms and eating mushroom dishes day in and day out. Walking through the dunes along the Pacific Ocean the trained forager will quickly identify the Azzie. Easily recognized by their small brownish tops, the true test is the bluing on the stems shortly after being plucked from the sandy ground. In years past I could easily pick several pounds in an afternoon although with climate change the area is giving up less and less every year. This simple cream of wild forest forage wild mushroom soup is a true example of what people mean when they say that a certain dish has a true taste of place. Every time I make or consume this soup, it quickly reminds me of where the evergreen forests meet the tumultuous Pacific Ocean, and the wild Azzies dance through the dune grass. I kept the dosage low to keep for an adventurous and super mellow afternoon or evening you can easily increase the dose to your liking.

DETAILS

CHEF SEBASTIAN

#theshortordercannabisrevolutionary @chef_sebastian_carosi

CREAM OF FOREST FORAGED WILD MUSHROOMS PROVISIONS

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Total THC/CBD: depends on the potency of the products used

Status: mellow mushroom soup from the cannabis pantry: cannabis bacon fat, cannabis balsamic vinegar, cannabis butter, Chef’s cultivar recommendation: Trinidad OG

DIRECTIONS

2 tbsp cannabis infused bacon fat

1 tbsp cannabis infused butter

7 cloves garlic (peeled, crushed, and rough chopped)

1 large, sweet onion (peeled and small diced)

1½ lbs misc. wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, or porcinis (rough chopped)

½ cup caramelized onions

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp fresh rosemary (chopped)

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

¼ cup dry mushroom mix

¼ gram dry psilocybin mushroom (preferably blue meanies or golden teachers)

1 tbsp cannabis infused balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

6 cups mushrooms stock, chicken stock, or water

1½ cups heavy cream

2 cups thick sliced or torn misc. wild mushrooms

3 thyme sprigs for garnish

2 tbsp cannabis infused creamery butter

Salt and cracked black pepper

In the saucepan over medium-low heat, add the bacon fat and butter then the onions and garlic, and sweat until the onions have just turned translucent.

Then add the sliced mushroom mix, the rosemary, thyme, and sauté over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. stirring occasionally, add the flour to create a roux stirring well to combine. Add the stock, dry mushroom mix, caramelized onions, salt and pepper, balsamic vinegar, and simmer over medium to low heat for 25-30 minutes stirring occasionally. (if the mixture is looking like it needs a little extra liquid, I would add additional stock here)

Add the psilocybin mushrooms and simmer an additional 10 minutes. In a high-speed blender or with a handheld immersion blender, puree the soup to your desired consistency adding back to an empty pot.

Stir in heavy cream and adjust the seasonings with additional salt, pepper, balsamic, and thyme if desired.

For the garnish sauté the thick cut mushrooms of your choice in butter until butter is slightly brown and nutty. when done, add the fresh thyme leaves and stir to combine well. remove from heat.

Garnish each soup with several sautéed mushrooms, pan drippings and thyme sprigs.

GREEN PANTHER CHEF

HOT WINGS WITH BLEU CHEESE DIPPING SAUCE

SERVES FOUR

APPROX. 3MG PER WING ~ .5MG PER SERVING 1 TBSP

PROVISIONS

2-pound Free range chicken wings

4 tablespoons unsalted infused butter

½ cup Green Panther Chef “Up in Smoke” hot sauce

1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp Smoke Paprika

1 tbsp Lemon Pepper

½ tsp salt

Salt & Fresh Black Pepper (to taste)

BLEU CHEESE DRESSING

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup Aioli or Mayonnaise (This is infused) recipe for Aioli is below

6 ounces crumbled blue cheese

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Salt and fresh ground pepper

.5mg per serving 1 tbsp

INSTRUNCTIONS

MARINATE CHICKEN

In heavy-duty bag or mixing bowl add chicken and dry seasoning (lemon pepper, paprika, garlic, salt) toss, and marinate for 90 minutes to overnight.

BAKE CHICKEN

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Set a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet.

Spread out in a layer on wire rack. Bake until cooked through and crispy, 35 to 45 minutes.

WING SAUCE

Melt infused butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and then stir in hot sauces. Season with salt, to taste.Set Aside

Toss the baked chicken wings in the sauce and serve with celery and housemade blue cheese dip.

MAKE BLUE CHEESE DRESSING

Stir Aioli, sour cream, blue cheese, and lemon juice together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Celery & Carrot sticks, for serving

APRIL CANASCOPES

ARIES: Magic Beans OG

Happy Birthday, My Lovely Rams! It is finally time to make peace with the outcomes you had hoped for that fell through. Good fortune will come as soon as you get rid of those attachments. Make way for those much-awaited blessings.

CANCER: Middlefork X Pineapple Express

Many things are positively unfolding for you doubtful souls. Those projects, ideas, or manifestations shall have a victorious outcome. You’re finally believing in your own magic. Continue trusting in yourself and your journey, and watch the blessings continue to pour in.

TAURUS: Apples and Bananas

Debts or failed investments may have left a few of you feeling unbalanced, and some in a funk. Use this season to come up with new tactics in handling financial matters that may have set you back a bit.

GEMINI: ACE High

When it comes to relationships (including with yourself) make sure honesty is a priority. Is your heart truly happy with where you are or who you’re with? Anything but a yes is unacceptable, no matter the circumstances. Find a way to make your own happiness. Do it for your sanity and, most importantly, your self-respect.

LEO: Strawberry Milkshake

There are opportunities available in taking care of your health. Apart from the health benefits, you can make money. Maybe you decide to join a weight-loss or health-promoting team/company or start charging for classes. Modeling, perhaps? Use this fire season to creatively make extra cash.

VIRGO: White LSD

Holding on to losses will never allow you to prosper. Find strategic ways to overcome this, even if it’s through trial and error. Only you can find your peace and balance again. As an earth element, you should search for ways to ground yourself. Try until you find one that allows you to find peace, especially when you’re feeling stuck.

CANASCOPES

LIBRA: Red Widow

Take time to think things through when it comes to matters of the heart. This fiery energy urges you to take the lead with what you do or don’t desire. How will you decide? Realizing what you can live without may help you come to some answers.

SCORPIO: Las Vegas Purple Kush BX

Attend to your anxieties. They may be stemming from losing patience over stalled outcomes or matters you have no control over. Activate your strength from within to get over the times that things don’t go your way. The quicker you heal, the faster you can receive the blessings meant for you.

SAGITTARIUS: Alien Stardawg

Everything you have gone through has been geared to fulfilling your soul's purpose. The more you add to your spiritual growth the more good-fortune awaits. Focus on positive movements going forward. Your ideas will become easier to achieve. victorious journey.

CAPRICORN: Green Avenger

There may have been some stagnation when it has come to money or financial opportunities for quite some time. Look forward to some positive changes in the areas you encountered challenges before. A sigh of relief is long overdue.

AQUARIUS: Early Lemon Berry

Take advantage of Aries’ fire, to ignite the creativity needed in order to flourish in your projects. The longer you keep your imagination activated, the more abundant your life shall become. Once your gears stay in motion, success shall soon follow.

PISCES: Tang Eray

Life will finally start taking a turn for the best. It has not been easy, but you shall be rewarded due to your efforts. The recognition you deserve has been long overdue. Go ahead and enjoy every compliment, praise, appreciation, etc., you receive. Use it to fuel and keep you constant.

Kicks FOR

Welcome back Happy Munkey Fam, to the 4/20 edition of Kickz 4 the Kulture. Some people choose to wear their most expensive sneakers, others choose to wear the most comfortable ones. Regardless, no other item of attire can describe your sense of style more than your footwear. Style is a mode of living for expense or display. Since this April issue marks the first year of Kickz 4 the Kulture, I put the focus on the entire Happy Munkey team staff and listed their favorite sneakers and reasons why they loved them.

Rafael aka "My Nigga Ralph" chooses a pair of classic Chuck Taylor’s on any given day. Nonexpensive sneakers that he can wear through sun, rain, sleet, or snow. He owns 9 pairs and it’s chucks or death for him.

Vlad aka "The People’s Champ" chooses a pair of lowtop all white Air Force 1's on any day of the week. He says the all white Uptowns are the New York sneaker. Raised all his life wearing all white Air Force 1's, they are his favorite because they will always remind him of where he came from.

Ramon aka “Prizzi” says his go-to sneakers are the utility black Adidas Yeezy 500. To him, they are the perfect combination of comfortability and durability. Also, he loves the calm subtle colors on the shoe.

David Hernandez aka Dabbin' Dave is a genuinely classic guy who chooses to wear a pair of Wallabees by Clark over any other footwear. The Hush Puppies as many may know them are Dave’s choice due to the quality of the leather and suede, crafted for durable wear.

Mr. Puffington aka "The Professor" "The Professor" is all about his Jeremy Scott Adidas. He simply likes them because they are loud like the cannabis he smokes, and have actual wings always keeping him above the clouds.

da Kulture

Black Rose aka "La Rosa Negra" loves a pair of Air Jordan 9 olive boots. She loves how comfortable they feel on feet and the militant colors featured on the shoe match her style and attitude perfectly.

Arian aka TechKing is big on versatility so his favorite choice of footwear is a classic pair of Chelsea Boots. He doesn’t believe in being overdressed and yet is always dressed for the occasion.

Danielle Chon-Briggs aka "DCB" loves herself a pair of Sean Wotherspoon Air Maxes because of the color palette and the different unique textures used on the shoe.

Rico aka "RicoBankz" selected the black and grey Nike Sacais as his favorite sneaker and color-way. He loves how the sneaker has a waffle bottom and it’s a new creative silhouette.

Flaco aka “Flaco Bling The Supreme King" can’t think of anything other than his sail colored Off White Air Jordan 5’s. He says it’s a classic sneaker with a new hyped sauce on it.

Last but not least, is Jose Rozay aka "The Legend" and I went with the black cement Air Jordan 3’s as my favorite. This sneaker kept the Jordan Nike legacy alive because if Tinker Hatfield didn’t make this sneaker, Jordan would have probably signed with Adidas. They released for the first time the year I was born and the cement reminds me of the gritty New York cement streets I grew up on. Last but not least it’s the first Jordan sneaker with an exposed air bubble.

In conclusion, we all have a different style that together creates a dope family named Happy Munkey. Hope you all enjoy your 4/20 day the right way, and remember to wear some cool kicks in the process. Until next time stay blessed and always happy!

MUNKEY BIZ

FOUNDERS

Ramon Reyes (@_Zuripops) & Vladimir Bautista (@Glasshalffull39)

Editor in Chief

David Hernandez (@davehv)

Proofreder

Yvelisse Viera

Staff Writers

David Hernandez (@DaveHV), Rafael Hernandez (@rafaelhphotos), Jose Cuevas (@Everybody_Loves_Rozay)

Rose Severino (@iamblackrose)

Recipes By Sebastian Carosi (@Chef_ Sebastian_ Carosi) & Jazmine Moore (@ greenpantherchef)

CannaScopes @AstroGTarot Cover

Emily Carter (@CarterCastle_)

WWW.HAPPYMUNKEY.COM

You can reach us at info@happymunkey.com with any questions, concerns, suggestions!

Editor at Large

Keenan “Higz” Higgins (@_Higz)

Design

Danielle Briggs (www.daniellebriggs.com)

Contributing Writers Harry Shurek (@Mycannabisacct), James Wyche (@Spiceisalwaysnice), Jamie Partida (@ cultureclubsmokeshop), Salam Diri (@ sannacbdyoga ), Estefania Valencia (@ sannacbdyoga), Stu Zakim (@stuzakim ), Frederika Easley (@klassik84 ), Tacarra Russell (@Ms_ Oregon), Michael Palmeri (@TerpAttorney), Declan Mulligan (@waterbeverage) , Mike Malcolm (@mikegdagod), Dr. Rachel Knox (@Racheldocknox), Melissa Rolston (@melrollingstone), Ryan Lepore (@ry_elly), Justin Johnson (@Budsfeed_), Rico Lamitte (@ RicoLamitte)

Contributing Photographers

Brittainy Newman (@Bnewmanphoto / The New York Times), Owen Madigan (@owenmadigan), Calvin Schneider (https://www.calscallection.com/), Jordan Hiraldo (@jordanihraldo ), Michael Englund (@michael_englund), Danielle Briggs (www.daniellebriggs. com), Rafael Hernandez (@ rafaelhphotos), David Hernandez (@ DaveHV)