THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
#44 | DEC. 2023
CAL I F O R N I A
F RE E / L E A F M AGA Z I N E S . COM
INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010
Mellow out with this indica-dominant hybrid. A cross between two popular strains Afghani and Thai. Northern Lights is a great option for unwinding at night as it quickly hits your body with a relaxing euphoria that's perfect for treating chronic pain or nausea. Available in verified retailers at official partnered states.
AVAILABLE IN CALIFORNIA COLORADO NEW YORK WASHINGTON
T NIGHT
IME TASTES: EARTHY & PINEY FEELS: CHILL & SOOTHING HELPS: PAIN & NAUSEA
TASTES: SWEET & CITRUSY FEELS: ENERGETIC & CREATIVE HELPS: PAIN & DEPRESSION
TASTES: PUNGENT & EARTHY FEELS: DESTRESSED & PEACEFUL HELPS: ANXIETY & STRESS
CALIFORNIA STATE
issue
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#44
THE EDIBLES ISSUE
DEC. 2023
CAL I F O R N I A
HIGHLIDAY
THE EDIBLES ISSUE
GIFTS
REVIEWS
CALIFORNIA LEAF SHOPPING GUIDE
RENEE PATULA
ORIGINALS FACTORY AND WEED SHOP
RECIPES
34
TRIFLE WITH THIS
ADOBE STOCK
TOM BOWERS
SHOP REVIEW
5
EDITOR’S NOTE BUDTENDER Q&A SHOP REVIEW HIGHLIDAY GIFT GUIDE GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH STRAIN OF THE MONTH GUMMIES BEVERAGES TREATS INGREDIENTS COOKING WITH CANNABIS CANNTHROPOLOGY STONEY BALONEY
DEC. 2023
leafMAGAZINES.com
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JUSTIN L. STEWART
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GLASS SPOTLIGHT
07 10 12 14 16 18 20 24 28 30 32 34 36 38
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COURTESY
California Leaf staff and contributors review some of the state's top Cannabisinfused edibles - from gummies to oils to gel caps and seltzers.
DANIEL BERMAN
24-32
E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0
T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E
N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F / N O RT H E AS T L E A F / U TA H L E A F
A B O U T T H E C OV E R
This month's delectable cover comes to us from Santa Barbara, CA-based illustrator Daniel Sulzberg, whose stunningly layered and surreal work has been published around the world by The New York Times, Nike, Red Bull and many more. Leaf Creative Director Daniel Berman and Chief Operating Officer Tom Bowers worked closely with Sulzberg to craft this Wonka-like spin on Santa's workshop, complete with stoned little elves and red-eyed gummy worms. This month, we hope you take a moment to enjoy some wonderful local edibles, dive into this jam-packed special issue, and take a much-needed break!
ILLUSTRATION BY DANIEL SULZBERG @DANVILLAGE_ILLUSTRATION WES ABNEY C E O & F O U N D E R wes@leafmagazines.com MIKE RICKER O P E R AT I N G PA R T N E R ricker@leafmagazines.com | advertising opportunities TOM BOWERS C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN, PHOTOS BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES + PHOTOS AMANDA DAY, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R daniel@leafmagazines.com
MAX EARLY. FEATURES SARA MILLS-GAINES, SALES
BOBBY BLACK STAT E C O N T E N T D I R E C T O R bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com
MEGHAN RIDLEY C O PY E D I T O R meghan@leafmagazines.com
JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING JUSTIN L. STEWART, PHOTOS DANIEL SULZBERG, ILLUSTRATION
ASHLEY HIRCHERT S O C I A L M E D I A L E A D ashley@leafmagazines.com
CONTRIBUTORS WES ABNEY, FEATURES
BRUCE WOLF, PHOTOS LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
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ABNEY
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Edibles Issue of California Leaf! Edibles are packed full of holiday spirit in the form of cannabinoids and terpenes, which is the perfect way to float through the holidaze without a hangover. How do you think Santa does it, after all? Lots of infused 7 reindeer feed and cookies baked with love and weed! All joking aside, as I head into the holiday season abstaining from alcohol, I find fresh gratitude for Cannabis in all shapes and sizes. When heading to shop, or “THE BENEFIT worrying about menus or travel, CBD can really lower anxiety – I FIND BY great for everyday life or if you find yourself experiencing too CHOOSING high of a THC dose. Have you ever white knuckled a 200mg THC CANNABIS trip to Costco? It can get a little sketchy! Overall, the benefit I find INSTEAD OF by choosing Cannabis instead of alcohol is the freedom to live in ALCOHOL IS THE FREEDOM TO LIVE the moment without letting the high-strung nature of the holidays IN THE MOMENT, get to me. WITHOUT LETTING THE I grew up in a household where this time of year translated into HIGH-STRUNG stress-cleaning and worrying about what distant family members NATURE OF THE HOLIDAYS thought. And of course, lot’s of boozing. No family is perfect and GET TO ME.” mine tried very hard, but I have to wonder what life would have been like if weed had been legal during my childhood. That’s the biggest gift I am giving to my daughters and family this year: The gift of sobriety, and the lessons that come with handling stressful situations and celebrations (often one in the same) without turning to alcohol. With teenagers in the house, I do have to be discreet – which is where the edibles really help bring the buzz that makes the holidays so merry and bright. When I started the first Leaf in 2010, edibles were untested, often over or under infused, and generally left an untrustworthy taste lingering in your mouth. Today’s stoners have so many options it’s dizzying, with drinks and chocolates and baked goods to tease the palate, and tinctures and formulas for sleep or stress for those needing rest. We live in a wonderful time for plant medicine, literally blooming with options and lighting a new way of wellness forward – without the pharmaceuticals and booze automatically baked into the situation. But we do look forward to baking ourselves to the perfect 420º this holiday season and we hope you’ll join in the festivities … just make sure you wrap the presents first.
-Wes Abney
Have a strain, product, or news tip that the California Leaf staff needs to know about? Email bobbyblack@LeafMagazines.com!
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We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of California Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s medicinal, recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, leafmagazines.com. Email ricker@leafmagazines.com to start advertising with California Leaf!
WES
All Things Cannabis For All People beardedlorax rickerdj aj.og maaryjwhite
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interview
GREEN CITY COLLECTIVE | 8405 PERSHING DR, PLAYA DEL REY, CA | @GREENCITYCOLLECTIVEPLAYADELREY | (213) 529-7878 | 8AM-10PM DAILY This is the proud mother of a 31-year-old son who is obtaining a double master’s degree in physiology and theology at the Dominican University of California. When she’s not serving up the meds behind the counter, you’ll find this ocean lover walking or biking along the coastline just south of Los Angeles. HOW DID THE CHEECH AND CHONG VAN FROM THE ‘UP IN SMOKE’ MOVIE END UP IN FRONT OF GREEN CITY COLLECTIVE? Our boss found
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JILLCAPRIO CALIFORNIA LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH YOU’VE SPENT 16 YEARS AT THE SAME SHOP. YOU MIGHT BE THE LONGEST-RUNNING, SINGLE-JOB BUDTENDER IN THE HISTORY OF THIS INDUSTRY.
leafmagazines.com
Well, it’s great – you get to help people every day and really make a difference. I work for great people and I love what I do. HOW DID THIS RUN BEGIN FOR YOU? I didn’t feel well and I was ready for a change from the prescription meds. So, one day I got on my bike and went to this shop when it was in Venice, to check out what was going on. I was always in customer service prior to that. For years I was a waitress who wanted to be a nurse. I liked the energy of this place and asked them to give me a try and I never left.
WHAT’S YOUR GOAL IN THIS INDUSTRY? To normalize Cannabis, obviously, and have it accepted by everyone. It’s been hard. I have a son that went to private school and was kind of shunned because I was in the Cannabis industry. It’s unfortunate that people generally have to get sick or need the medicine before they’ll open their minds to it. For me, because I’ve been doing it so long, people feel safe when I suggest products.
her online … brought her back and we fixed it up a little with some paint. Now she’s our mascot. This is a replica of the original, but Cheech and Chong have autographed it and they’ve been inside of it. IF YOU COULD SMOKE ANY STRAIN WITH CHEECH AND CHONG, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Straight up OG. Everything else comes from that.
“YOU HAVE TO LOVE WHO YOU’RE WORKING WITH TO LAST THIS LONG.”
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO LIKE YOUR OWNERS WHEN YOU’RE A BUDTENDER? You have to love who you’re
working with to last this long. You have to have conviction and believe in what you do. And if the people you work for don’t believe in what you do, it’s not going to work. HOW IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM? More than friends – we’re like family. Actually, our entire place is like family. Somehow, we know each other, or are related to each other – we look after one another.
DEC. 2023
INTERVIEW & PHOTOS by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ/CALIFORNIA LEAF Who’s your favorite budtender? Tell us why! Email nominations to ricker@leafmagazines.com
shop review
LOS ANGELES
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FAMILY DYNAMIC leafmagazines.com
LE AR N I NG TH E G A M E
This house took two decades to build. It all began when some elementary school buddies, many of whom grew up on the same block, combined their resources and invested in their dream to create a proud, world-class company driven by their Mexican American family values. Everyone was down for the cause – brothers, parents, neighbors – and collectively they shared in defining what a Los Angeles brand could achieve: prominence in a burgeoning industry that improves lives.
DEC. 2023
BIG G ER PURPOS E
In 2008, the 10 friends who founded this ambitious vertical operation – which plays home to multiple grows and numerous brands – got a medical license and hit the ground running. So, when legalization took hold in California, they were in a rare place to claim the audacious name that only one can: Originals. But success hasn’t spoiled this team … rather, the family dynamic has grown stronger as their kids continue to grow up together, making holidays and weddings a place for all to convene and celebrate success. And this is far from the end of the road, with expansion into Massachusetts and beyond in the works. In fact, they’ve turned down numerous offers to sell the biz because they see the future: global expansion.
C OOL C OLLABS
When the OGs want fire, they know where to go. And the reason is simple: When you’re attaching a celebrity name to a brand, it can’t be mids – or it’s flat out gonna fail (as we’ve all seen over the past five years). So, Mike Tyson came calling with his Tyson Ranch line, followed by Xzibit’s first roll-out of Napalm. For 10 years they’ve grown the Marathon OG for Nipsey Hussle (Rest in Peace, Brother), and now Chris Brown’s Bussin’ is officially launched – all Original’s grown.
ORIGINALS FACTORY AND WEED SHOP
6500 Stanford Ave., Los Angeles San Diego location: 6220 Federal Blvd. 9AM-10PM M-Sat. | 10AM-8PM Sun. @originalsfamilyfarms originalsca.com (323) 696-9680
“WHEN THE OGS WANT FIRE, THEY KNOW WHERE TO GO.”
S TA F F PICKS
FLOWER Originals Paris OG Jessica Originals King Louie Mindy Originals Gelato Ezra The Cure Company Curelatto Sara
JOINTS Bangers Melon Jessica King Rolls Cantaloupe Kush Mindy Caviar Gold Cones Friday Kush Ezra Bangers Blueberry Sara
CARTS Dime Industries Peach Kush Jessica PlugPlay Fire OG Mindy Jetty Girl Scout Cookies Ezra High 90’s Rainbow Belts Sara
DABS Bear Labs Honey #41 Jessica Raw Garden Dosido Mindy West Coast Cure Sara
EDIBLES Flav Peach Rings Jessica Zen Edibles Pineapple Ezra Originals Gummies Assorted Mindy Dr. Norm’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Sara REVIEW by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ/CALIFORNIA LEAF | PHOTOS by JUSTIN L. STEWART @JUSTNLSTEWART See more photos at LeafMagazines.com
feature leafmagazines.com
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highliday gift guide TOP LEAF PICKS FOR YOU (OR YOUR FAV O R I T E STONER).
Dip Devices Rover & Little Dipper Experience the newest in portable dab tools with the Dip Devices lineup, including the high powered Rover featuring a quartz dab bucket and terp pearls with an innovative airflow design that swirls the hit like a real deal dab. With a quick heat up and relatively easy cleaning, the Rover is the best way to take a quick dab on-the-go for only $79.99. For those seeking a classic nectar collector experience, the Little Dipper is a straw-style tool that’s super easy to operate. Simply press the button for heat, dip the tip into your favorite concentrate, and inhale from the other end for huge hits with no mess. No matter your favorite style of electronic dabbing, Dip Devices has you covered! Dipdevices.com $79.99 & $29.99
dec. 2023
Blazed Card and Dice Game Stoner games are so hot right now, and Blazed is a fun and strategic card and dice game that’s great whether you take the “Get Blazed” cards seriously or not. It’s a fun race to get points with sabotage cards and the ability to risk it all each turn, and our Leaf HQ team had a blast after recording a Leaf Life podcast episode appropriately called ‘Cannabis and Board Games!’ blazedcardgame.com/getblazed
Pax Mini Vaporizer The newest and smallest portable vaporizer from the legendary company Pax, the Mini is a compact handheld vape that’s customizable and powerful. It’s simple, has only one button, heats up quickly and lasts a long time – why can’t everything be so easy? Simply load your favorite dry flower and get ready for a healthy and heady Cannabis experience! pax.com/vapes/pax-mini | $110 OOKA X Seven9 E-Hookah & Pod System Bring the hookah vibe to your next sesh with the style and grace of an electronic modern smoking device that’s sure to impress stoners and novices alike. Hookahs were invented in 16th century India and hookah lounges are still popular around the world, where users usually smoke a flavored tobacco blend. Now, California stoners can buy the weed version and fill it with pods that are strain specific and infused with live resin for truly tasty hits. We hope to see this digital sesh device come out with fill-your-own pods for the rest of us in 2024! Getooka.com $299
Macro Bar by Micro Bar Micro Bar has reinvented the flavored vape game in Washington with their bright colors, yummy flavors and beautiful brand aesthetic. Their discrete disposables are super fun and now there’s collectible, largerthan-life models that you can put a Micro Bar inside and use! We hit the Watermelon Mimosa, which tastes like a fruity and bubbly explosion of uplifting terps – definitely feeling like giggly college students when holding the giant vape up for a hit. Check out their social pages for a chance to buy or win a model Macro Bar! | Microbar.us | @microbar.us | @mmmbymicrobar | $80
Pulsar 510 DL 2.0 The DL stands for on the “down low” when it comes to these nifty 510 cartridge batteries! Simply pull the top and bottom apart to reveal an inside space ready for your favorite concentrate cartridge to screw in, and you’ll be puffing fat clouds of cannabinoids with discretion in no time. They’re high quality, variable voltage and have the ability to preheat for really big hits. With branded versions from Plaid Jacket & Flip Side, the custom opportunities are endless. Pulsarvaporizers.com | $25.99 STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/ALASKA LEAF @AKLEAFMAG | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
glass art spotlight
@RENEEPATULA | SWEETSHOPGLASS.BIGCARTEL.COM
Renee Patula
In light of our December Edibles Issue, it only made sense to spotlight Renee Patula. Her incredible glasswork transports you to another world parallel to Candyland – think lollipops, ice cream, and massive blasts of color that bring back some of our favorite and most nostalgic memories.
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"I really enjoyed making things that stood out on the shelf … something that people could have a nostalgic connection to.” DEC. 2023
Focusing primarily on her "Sweet Glass Pendants," Patula started working with the art form in 2004. Originally from San Diego and Temecula in Southern California, she also lived in the northwest Chicago suburbs for about 14 years. She now calls Eugene, Oregon home. "I've made pipes for years and was getting burnt out. I was looking to change things up, and around 2013 was inspired by emojis. When I first got them on my phone, I thought, ‘What would an emoji cupcake look like?’ And the ideas just came from that," shared Patula. After that, she started getting custom orders for specific dessert items that reminded people of a loved one, or a favorite treat they used to eat. "I really enjoyed making things that stood out on the shelf, something more ‘girly’ or something that people could have a nostalgic connection to," said Patula. Her wondrous creations range from familiar famous holiday treats such as candy corn and Christmas cookies, to classic goodies like Rocket Pops. And she takes you to the ice cream truck with her incredibly detailed cartoon character popsicle pendants – including Sonic, Jigglypuff, Spongebob and Bubbles. Her work typically retails for $120-$350 and can be found on her Instagram page @ reneepatula, as well as her Etsy and Big Cartel shops. You can also find her work in glass pipe shops all over the country!
STORY by MAX EARLY @LIFTEDSTARDUST for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS courtesy Renee Patula
LEARN MORE
FOLLOW US @RAYSINFUSEDLEMONADE Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 or older. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.
concentrate THE EDIBLES of the month ISSUE
“Provides a much-needed pick-me-up along with a righteous high.”
CREMEDECANNA
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leafmagazines.com
Lemon Cake Terp Diamonds For our 2023 Edibles Issue we’re concentrating (pun intended) on this hard-hitting offering from Santa Cruz legends Creme de Canna. Which is perfect considering they originally started back in 2010 by making infused ice cream! Purveyors of Cannabis extracts since 2012, their 11-year record shows a solid history of providing quality and affordable options for the dab scene as it has evolved and changed over the last decade. WITH SO MANY people shopping over the end of the year, it’s often when dabbers are looking for something that’s super potent, not too aromatic and easy to handle. These Terp Diamonds check off all the boxes. Sometimes also known as “Lemon Cheesecake” or “Lemon Cheese,” this sativa-hybrid strain provides a much-needed pick-meup along with a righteous high. Made by crossing Lemon Skunk with Cheese, the flower has a mix of that heavy-duty citrus cleanser with some musty cheese.
DEC. 2023
Not entirely unlike the ones in the window at Tiffany’s, these diamonds are crystals formed when live resin is extracted from Cannabis. Made up of THCA, they have an insanely high percentage but lack those terpenes that often help develop the aroma of a strain or extract. THCA is also a non-psychoactive form of THC that only drops the ‘A’ when it’s been heated up (decarboxylated) using a temperature greater than what you’d use to light a joint or spark a bong. Being giant boulder diamonds without the sauce, these don’t have an aroma to them – but are instead the easiest thing in the world to snag with your bare hands and drop into your e-rig or glass banger. The flavor is slight but citrus, and it’s almost too easy to toss on a big rock and end up taking your breath away with a giant dab. Even though this is described as a sativa-leaning high, you’ll get plenty of that quintessential stoney feeling. When you’re ready for dessert this holiday season, drop a big hunk of this Lemon Cake onto the quartz saucer and watch your troubles absolutely melt away. CREMEDECANNA.COM @CREMEDECANNA_
REVIEW by MATT JACSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON | PHOTO by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM @CALIFORNIALEAFMAG
www.form.co
335 O'Hair Ct., Santa Rosa, CA, 95407 License: C10-0000799-LIC • IG: @outpost_santarosa • Must be 21+ to purchase
leafmagazines.com
STRAIN OF THE MONTH
CAL I F O R N I A
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DEC. 2023
C U LT I V A T E D B Y H O U S E O F C O N G O
Red Congolese AFTER CULTIVATING for more than two decades in California – during which Geraghty scaled from a closet to a commercial contract cultivation providing flowers for Harborside, to his own state-of-the-art facility in Sacramento – the NYC-born Irishman has found a niche with his own brand, House of Congo. HoC specializes in what Geraghty dubs “Equatorial Hybrids” – specifically Red Congolese, a lowkey favorite among some of the Leaf staff – and crosses the strain as a basis for breeding. “Equatorial hybrid is a term I started using to describe the regionality of the Cannabis we grow at the House of Congo, typically associated with the term sativa,” Geraghty said. “Nearly all Cannabis can be considered a hybrid since they are all results of breeding projects from different phenotypes or genotypes. … Effects are too complicated to narrow down to those terms and require some context, like the interaction of terpene and cannabinoid profiles. Without attempting to create a difficult mapping of all these combinations, we felt it would be easier to group strains together by their origins. In our discovery, many terpene/cannabinoid profiles group together based on where they are from. Equatorial zone strains have different growing characteristics and flavors than their tropical zone cousins.” HoC focuses solely on these strains to preserve the lineage of these varieties during a time when homogenization and trendchasing seems to be the modus operandi of the industry. And it’s a good thing they do,
>> In a landscape where all roads seem to lead to purple flowers with candy terps, Chris Geraghty focuses on the electrostatic, green and orange end of the spectrum.
because their Red Congolese is a phenomenal expression of the plant – bringing huge, bright-green kolas with shocks of kinked orange hairs emitting tantalizing, deafening terps. Believe us when we say that the aroma will fill your home if you crack the jar for more than a moment. This all translates to a downright delicious smoke, with vivid flashes of terpenes tickling your throat and foreshadowing the energizing, zippy ride to come. It’s one of those cases where you can instantly see why he built his entire business around this strain. “We value Congolese strains due to their unique flavor and effects,” said Geraghty. “Many have attributed the Red Congolese in particular to energizing effects without speedy, anxious feelings. We attribute its unique qualities to its limited hybridization and to where its parent genes originated.” While we can’t get enough of his Red Congolese, we’re also excited to check out some pheno hunt projects Geraghty and his team have run using the Red as the bedrock. HoC currently offers King Congo (Leroy TK x Red Congolese) and White Congo (White Fire Alien x Red Congolese), which are both in-house crosses. He also plans to expand to offer Nigerian Haze and other Super Silver Haze crosses in 2024. Until then, we’ll keep an energized eye out while we puff on this Red Congolese. FOLLOW @HOUSE_OF_CONGO
“Equatorial zone strains have different growing characteristics and flavors than their tropical zone cousins.”
“A downright delicious smoke, with vivid flashes of terpenes tickling your throat and foreshadowing the energizing, zippy ride to come.” REVIEW & PHOTO by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM/CALIFORNIA LEAF HAVE A LEAD ON SOME SERIOUS FIRE? EMAIL BOBBYBLACK@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
@midzotics @riffzotics
Now Available at the following retailers: Mission Organic The People’s Remedy - Lone Palm The People’s Remedy - Patterson MGFT Herbarium Hollywood Abide Napa Herbs Collective Hi Fidelity The Sweet Spot 365 Recreational Cannabis Blunts + Moore All About Wellness Oakanna Canna Culture Collective Lemonnade Antioch Valley Pure - Farmersville Valley Pure - Tulare Megan’s Organic Market Green Remedy Ascent Bishop Holistic Healing Collective Zen Garden - Sacramento Zen Garden - Stockton Vallejo Relief Phenotopia CA LIC #CCL18-0002932
tasty reviews
the edibles issue | gummies
PAX LIVE ROSIN GUMMIES SUMMER MANGO, WILD STRAWBERRY AND HEIRLOOM PEACH
After spending years at the top of the list of pioneers in the vaporizer and cartridge pod space, legendary tech brand PAX has now entered the edibles chat. Their line of Live Rosin gummies brings delicious fruit flavors packed with weedy goodness, and wrapped up in futuristic-looking translucent mylars. With just enough Cannabis flavor to satisfy the head in all of us, these scrumptious squares do the trick – and do so deliciously. 10mg per gummy | 100mg per pack | @pax_official
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GREEN RELEAF COLLECTION VEGAN GUMMIES Green Releaf comes in strong with their straightforward, refreshing vegan gummies. Made without pectin, these cubes of fruit-infused goodness bring a therapeutic touch to the approach. We loved the Grape Lemonade formulation, which was a sweet take on a summertime flavor combo. A couple of these, and your worries fade away.10mg THC per gummy | 100mg THC per package | @greenreleafcollection
DEC. 2023
FIZZY DIZZIES SUPER SOUR SODAS These vegan, gluten-free gummies are full of the mouth-puckering sour and sweet flavor you’d find in popular gas station candies, but with an extra kick of 10mg of THC in each piece. Five fruity flavors – Peach, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Lemon and Strawberry – give you a whole range of flavors to try (or even bite in half to mix ‘em together). They have a nice, firm consistency and stay pretty dry in the bag. Fizzy Dizzies also come in fruit flavors (without the sour), as well as classic soda varieties like Root Beer, Cream Soda and Cherry Cola. Launched in California earlier this year, Dizzies serves these tasty treats up alongside pre-rolls, bagged flower and smalls. 10mg THC per piece 100mg THC per bag funwithdizzies.com @dizziesfun
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SHAMAN SNACKS MIXED BERRY BLAST GUMMIES WITH SUGAR BITS
REVIEWS by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM & MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON/@CALIFORNIALEAFMAG | PHOTOS by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM
leafmagazines.com
Shaman has a stellar reputation for quality products and we’ve been a fan of their extracts at the Leaf for some time. Their line of edibles is no exception to this rule, and the delicious gummies they offer complete their set in magical fashion. We got our hands on the Mixed Berry Blast flavor – enjoying the live resin-infused morsels that put a spin on the traditional gummy, especially the crunchy pops of sugary sweetness. Shaman offers an array of other flavors, including Sour Green Apple, Juicy Pineapple and Sour Blue Raspberry. 10mg THC per gummy 100mg THC per pack @shamanextracts_
tasty reviews
the edibles issue | gummies
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leafmagazines.com
KANHA GUMMIES Available in California, as well as Massachusetts, Nevada and Colorado, one of the things that has always stood out to me about Kanha’s treats is the flavor and texture. Being a candy nerd, I’m constantly deciphering how chewy a gummy is, or if someone is using the same style of flavor as a classic confection. Kanha consistently has the kind of flavor that you would experience from a gummy you’d find at your local Co-Op – the kind made with real fruit juice. As one of the first brands on the market with a solid Cherry flavor, they’ve also impressed me with their Grape, Strawberry, Watermelon, Peach, Mango, Pineapple, Guava and Blue Raspberry flavors. They also released Acai Blueberry, Pink Lemonade, Cran-Pomegranate, Key Lime, Tangerine and Passionfruit, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of their wide assortment of varieties. For anyone needing relief, Kanha has a Ratio line that offers different concentrations of THC, CBD, CBN and even CBG. Their Nano line, which infuses gummies with cannabinoid particles smaller than a wavelength of light, boasts that they are the fastest acting edibles in the industry, taking effect in as little as five minutes. Though they are gluten free, you can also grab their Nano gummies in a vegan option which comes in Green Apple, Lemon or Blood Orange. Some of the standouts we recommend are the standard Cherry in 10mg pieces, Cran-Pomegranate which comes in 5mg pieces perfect for snacking, or Blue Raspberry Tranquility with a triple threat of 5mg THC, CBD, and some CBN for rest. kanhatreats.com | @kanhatreats
DEC. 2023
LOLA HOLISTIC GEMS Lola is a brand built with mindful intention, from the company’s holistic messaging down to the herbal blends that accompany the cannabinoid profiles in each gummy. Also coming out of the Natura facility in Sacramento, Lola is the inspired creation of René Dominguez – the company’s spiritual leader – as what he calls an “inspired interpretation” of the teachings of his Aunt Lola, who was a direct descendant in a lineage of 60 generations of female Toltec wisdom keepers. The resulting products are beautifully packaged and effective. We especially loved the Dream formulation, which helped soothe us during the insanity of press deadlines when creating this very edition of the Leaf. @lolaholistics
PMS SOLUTION 5MG THC & 5MG CBD/PIECE | 20-PACK FOCUS 2.5MG THC, 2.5MG THCV & 2.5MG CBG/PIECE | 20-PACK DREAM 5MG THC & 5MG CBN/PIECE | 20-PACK ZFG 10MG THC/PIECE | 20-PACK TOPICAL BALM 250MG THC/PACKAGE
DEE THAI GUMMIES GRAPE, PAPAYA, THAI COCONUT, THAI BANANA, JACKFRUIT & MANGOSTEEN
With each exotic flavor they produce, Dee Thai transports you to a tropical Asian oasis. One of the OG house brands coming out of Natura’s Willy Wonka-esque facility in Sacramento, this gummy brand just hits different. It’s the brainchild of the company’s thought leader and dot-connector extraordinaire, Josh Schmidt, for whom Thailand is a second home. You can taste the love and dedication in these gummies. Each flavor we’ve had is a hit. What’s even cooler? They’re each a collaboration with a different legendary brand. Everyone has a favorite, but for us, the Thai Coconut collab with Your Highness is a runaway favorite of the 2023 releases – with a creamy coconut flavor that reminds us of eating the jelly-like flesh of a raw coconut from a roadside stand in Bangkok. 10mg per gummy | 100mg per pack | @deethaigummy
YA HEMI TOP FLIGHT BERRY & SOUR WATERMELON GUMMIES The brainchild of Armani White, AKA Godholly, partnered with Karl Silveira, the Ya Hemi brand brings a cartoony, traditional-market aesthetic to its lineup of flower and edibles. The brand’s gummies are a sleeper hit coming out of the prolific kitchen at Natura in Sacramento, which produces a significant number of in-house and collaborative, white-label California brands with attention to consistency and quality. We were loving Ya Hemi’s Top Flight Berry (a play on their flower line, Top Flight Jerry) and the Sour Watermelon flavor, both of which featured the perfect amount of zip to accompany the kick. 10mg THC per gummy | 100mg THC per pack @yahemi__
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HAPPY FRUIT
REVIEWS by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM & MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON/@CALIFORNIALEAFMAG | PHOTOS by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM
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Happy Fruit’s jelly-style gummy formulations pack a wallop, and do so with consistent, vibrant fruit flavor. We had the chance to sample nine different versions, and each one brought on the advertised effects in a significant way. The Watermelon Lifted Lemonade Sativa gummies were a standout – a couple of these before heading to dinner had us intensely pondering each succulent bite by the time we were halfway through the meal. Don’t sleep on this rising edibles brand … you won’t be disappointed. Available in various flavors and cannabinoid concentrations | @happyfruit_ca
tasty reviews
the edibles issue | beverages
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RAY’S LEMONADE STRAWBERRY LEMONADE, CITRUS KUSH, PINEAPPLE LEMONADE, MANGO LEMONADE
They don’t call it “Sunshine in a Bottle” for nothing – Ray’s Lemonade is the perfect sipper to pour over ice with some seltzer and settle in for a sesh. No wonder they’ve made a citrus-soaked splash in multiple states. Now available in five refreshing flavors – standard Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Citrus Kush, Pineapple Lemonade and Mango Lemonade – these are super easy to drink, so take a bit of caution. Or don’t. We loved all five flavors, but the OG Lemonade and the Strawberry Lemonade were our favorites. 100mg THC per 1.75fl oz bottle | @raysinfused
DEC. 2023
MAISON BLOOM ELEVATED SELTZERS STRAWBERRY PROVENÇAL & LEMONGRASS, WATERMELON & PINK PEPPERCORN, PȆ Ȇ CHE & WILD HONEYSUCKLE, AND STONE FRUIT & FRENCH VANILLA
San Francisco-based Maison Bloom’s Elevated Seltzers are just that – they match inspired flavor combinations with low-dose formulations, and in doing so, create the perfect seltzers for pairing with gourmet bites, or mixing into cocktails or mocktails. All of the flavors were refreshingly delicious, so it was hard to pick a favorite. Luckily, with the variety four-pack, you don’t have to – but the Watermelon & Pink Peppercorn takes the cake for the most inventive and deserving of the “Elevated” title. 3mg THC & 7mg CBD per bottle | @lovemaisonbloom
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MARI Y JUANA BEVERAGES CO GUAVA SOFT DRINK
REVIEWS by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM & MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON/@CALIFORNIALEAFMAG | PHOTOS by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM
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We love the Mexico-by-way-ofCalifornia brand Mari y Juana and we’ve been fans of their sodas for a while now. We had the chance to sample their Guava Soft Drink out of its spiffy new 50mg THC cans and can confirm that it’s a perfect package for the bubbly elixir inside. The potency is a significant increase from previous iterations of their beverages, which were all 10mg per serving. These new superpotent cans will be perfect for those with a high tolerance, or for people who want an intense, fizzy lift – without having to crack a second can. 50mg THC per can @marijuanafoodsco
tasty reviews
the edibles issue | treats GELATO LAST BITE CANNABIS-INFUSED CHOCOLATE-FILLED MINI SUGAR CONES Since it exploded on the scene with its crisp branding and penchant for throwing lavish industry soirees, Gelato has become a brand synonymous with having a good time. So it makes sense that in addition to convenient disposable vape carts, concentrates and packaged flower, they have a full lineup of top-shelf treats for everyone’s sweet tooth. For us, what really sets Gelato apart is their Last Bite infused sugar cones, filled with a variety of flavors of white and milk chocolate. We’ve always had a weakness for the sweet crunch of a sugar cone, especially when filled with chocolate. You know the last mouth-watering bite of a Drumstick-brand ice cream cone? These are just like that. Consider it a perfectly dank dessert. 10mg THC per cone 100mg THC per package @gelatoco
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MOCA MAPLE MELTS
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MOCA does things a little differently. They grow premium indoor in Humboldt County, America’s sungrown Cannabis capital. They drop a new flower strain every week, rather than rely on a core set of proven products. They make classic bubble hash when the world is focusing on rosin. They were even the first company to win the top award for Cannabis flower at the California State Fair – which means they were the first to win that award at a state fair anywhere. Ever. Yep, they choose to do things differently, and they do it all exceedingly well. That’s why we were stoked when they told us they were coming out with a new line of edibles based on a traditional New England confection, the Maple Melt. These infused bites of maple candy truly melt in your mouth in a wash of sweet bliss. It’s a delicious departure from the rest of the edibles field, and would make a perfect accompaniment to a holiday celebration. Keep your eyes peeled for these new treats at retail shops, and don’t sleep on their weekly flower drops if you’re looking for new heat.10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per bag | @mocahumboldt
DEC. 2023
REVIEWS by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM & MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON/@CALIFORNIALEAFMAG PHOTOS BY TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM
OFFER ENDS JANUARY 31ST, 2024. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. DIRECTIONS: USE PROMO CODE ON CHECKOUT TO RECEIVE 30% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER. TAX AND FEES APPLY.
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the edibles issue | ingredients + other CLARIFIED CAPSULES & GHEE VARIOUS POTENCIES
With a distinctly traditional, medical approach to potency and formulation, Clarified makes products for Cannabis healing and therapy. Their Whole Plant capsules pack the most potency-per-dose of any product we sampled, with THC levels up to 80mg per cap – and they are unbelievably effective. These are for people who have high tolerance, or a powerful need for pain relief and appetite enhancement. The healing power of the plant lies within. @getclarified
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NEXT LEVEL EDIBLES LIGHT BROWN SUGAR & VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
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The world of edibles is packed with fully realized treats and candies, but for those with more of a DIY aesthetic, Next Level crafts has infused ingredient lines so aspiring culinarians can make their own edibles at home. The light brown sugar works great for a cookie recipe or scooped onto a bowl of piping hot steel cut oats, and the virgin coconut oil is great as a substitute for the non-infused version in your recipes. Keep your eye out for more from this patient-driven company as they R&D new products – including an upcoming line of infused cookie and brownie mixes. @nxtleveledibles
BROWN SUGAR 3MG THC PER TEASPOON 32 SERVINGS TOTAL VIRGIN COCONUT OIL 108MG THC PER JAR 24 SERVINGS TOTAL
HUXLEYS GEL CAPS AROMA CULINARY HOT SAUCE, BARBECUE SAUCE & OLIVE OIL For those all-infused, euphoria-inducing meal sessions where absolutely every piece needs to bring an added benefit, Aroma Culinary’s line of sauces and oils comes in for the win. Created by Brooklyn Chef Leighton Murdock, the hot sauce brings a mild to medium amount of heat to supplement a rice dish or to drizzle over popcorn, while the barbecue sauce offers a rounded blend of sweetness, smoke and a hint of spice. The olive oil would be good for a finishing drizzle over salad, or a warm dish when you want to add an infused kick. @aromaculinary
DEC. 2023
The Huxleys gel-caps feel like they belong on a shelf in a CVS or Walgreens, and they’re more effective than a lot of the products you’ll find at those stores. In a true filled gel-cap form akin to a Nyquil gel-cap, these blend THC with the relaxative properties of CBD and CBN – making for a perfect dose to take about 30 minutes before bedtime on those nights when you know you might need a little help drifting off to dreamland. 5mg CBN, 5mg CBD & 5mg THC per capsule | 50 capsules per bottle | huxleysremedies.com
REVIEWS by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM & MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON/@CALIFORNIALEAFMAG PHOTOS BY TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM
cooking with cannabis
TRIFLE WITHTHIS MAKES 16 SERVINGS
THE CUSTARD 2 cups whole milk 2 cups heavy cream, not ultra-pasteurized 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon almond extract 6 egg yolks 6 ounces granulated sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon canna-butter, melted and cooled 1. Place milk and cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil. 2. In a large bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar, cornstarch and canna-butter until smooth and pale. 3. Gently pour the boiled cream/milk mixture over the egg yolks, starting a few drops at a time while whisking quickly to keep the eggs from cooking. 4. Return the mixture to the saucepan, then cook over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it thickens enough to coat the back of it. Add the vanilla and stir to combine. 5. Pass through a fine sieve, let sit at room temperature for an hour, and cool thoroughly in the fridge.
THE CAKE
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1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, room temp 2 tablespoons canna-butter, room temp 3 cups granulated sugar 5 large eggs, room temp 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature pinch of salt 1. Heat oven to 325º. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan. If you don’t have a bundt pan, a 9x2-inch pan will work. 2. In a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
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1. In a large bowl, gently combine the cake and custard. Fold in the fruit and pour into your serving bowl. Smooth the top.
DECEMBER HASHTAGS // #JingleAllTheWay #LaurieAndMaryJane #DontFearTheEdible #EatYourCannabis #BeKind | #Share #Herb+Spice
2. Top with the whipped heavy cream. 3. Sprinkle with the amaretti cookies. You can make ahead of time, just wait to whip the cream if you can – and then sprinkle. The cookies may get soggy otherwise, and that would be a bummer.
THIS IS MY VERY FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESSERT. I serve it on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve. Traditionally a boozy indulgence, this magnificent creation is infused with, you guessed it … Cannabis. Keeping the dose low throughout the holiday season, the butter is infused with Corazón De Piña – a blend of CBD and THC from East Fork Cultivars with a tasty twist of pineapple and pepper perfect for festive occasions. I find that it heightens focus and moments of happiness in a delightful way. Remember, this is a wonderful time of year to help people and animals – and a sprinkle of these vibes would be a wonderful thing to share with others. Trifle bowls are often surprisingly reasonable in price! I bought a bunch at Target last year for under 10 bucks. Gift a trifle and say, “Keep the bowl!” Now that’s nice. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
DEC. 2023
3. Add one egg at a time, mixing well. Finish with the vanilla. 4. Combine the flour with the baking powder and salt. 5. Add half the dry ingredients and half the milk. Mix to combine. Add remaining ingredients until just mixed. 6. Add the batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a cake tester comes out just clean. 7. Cool for 30 minutes before removing from the pan. Cut the cake into 1-inch chunks.
FRUIT 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1 tablespoon canna-butter, melted and cooled 1 tablespoon sugar, more if too tart 1. In a medium bowl, combine berries, canna-butter and sugar.
WHIPPED CREAM 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar 1. In an electric mixer, whip the cream with the sugar until fluffy.
RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF @LAURIEANDMARYJANE for LEAF NATION | PHOTO by BRUCE WOLF @BRUCE_WOLF
cannthropology
PRESENTS
Christ & Cannabis
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Each December 25th, people around the world celebrate the beloved holiday of Christmas — commemorating the birth of the Christian savior Jesus. So in this issue, I thought it might be fun to explore the possible historical relationship between marijuana and the messiah. THE ANOINTED ONE Though commonly referred to as Jesus Christ, it’s well established that his actual name was Yeshua (Jesus was the Greek translation) and that Christ was not his last name. Jews at that time didn’t really have surnames – they simply used their father’s name or land of birth as a last name (in his case, Jesus son of Joseph or Jesus of Nazareth). Christ was, in fact, not a name, but a title bestowed upon him – either by his disciples, or possibly even after his death. Derived from the Greek word christos meaning “anointed,” the title “Christ” literally translates as “the anointed one” or “the anointer.” In its practical sense, “to anoint” means simply “to smear or rub with oil or liquid.” But in its religious, Biblical context, it also means to consecrate or “make holy” someone or something through ritual. According to scripture, anointing was something that was done to Jesus, that Jesus did to others (particularly when healing the sick), and that Jesus encouraged his followers to do to themselves and others. Believe it or not, this practice – like many of Jesus’ activities – was considered radical and perhaps even heretical at that time, since God’s law expressly forbade the anointing of laypeople. Until then, only Hebraic priests and monarchs were allowed to be anointed. In “Bible Myths and their Parallels in Other Religions” (1882), author TW Doane notes: “[The practice of anointing] was common among the kings of Israel. It was the sign and symbol of royalty. The word ‘Messiah’ signifies the ‘Anointed One,’ and none of the kings of Israel were styled the Messiah unless anointed.” Anointing commoners was so taboo because it was believed that the Holy Anointing Oil would actually imbue the person being anointed with the Holy Spirit — enabling them to receive divine revelations and “understand the truth of God.”
DEC. 2023
HOLY ANOINTING OIL So what exactly was in this sacred anointing oil (also known in some sects as the “chrism,” which bears an obvious resemblance to “Christ”) that enabled one to communicate with God? Well, it so happens that God himself dictated the exact recipe for this Holy Anointing Oil (as well as who was and wasn’t allowed to use it) when he appeared to Moses during that whole “burning bush” episode: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of q’aneh-bosm, 500 shekels of cassia … and a hind of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend ... Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. Do not pour it on anyone else’s body, and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred.’” (Exodus 30:22-33)
Now, we all know what myrrh and cinnamon are, and cassia is a tree bark very similar to cinnamon … but what the heck is q’aneh-bosm (or kaneh bosm), you may ask? Most historians have claimed that kaneh bosm refers to the root of the Acorus calamus plant (commonly known as calamus or ‘Sweet Flag’), which has been used as an herbal remedy for gastrointestinal ailments for millennia. But as I mentioned in my June 2022 column “Kosher Kush: The History of Jews and Cannabis,” some scholars believe that kaneh bosm was, in fact, Cannabis. It was Polish etymologist Dr. Sula Benet who first argued that the Aramaic term kaneh bosm might refer to Cannabis rather than calamus. In 1936, while lecturing in Warsaw, Benet claimed that, after deep etymological studies, she was convinced that the term had been mistranslated during the third century AD when the Old Testament was first translated from Hebrew into Greek. She explained that the root “kan” actually translated to “hemp,” and bos meant “aromatic.” And since the “m” represents a pluralization, the singular would be kanehbos…which obviously sounds remarkably similar to Cannabis. Dr. Benet’s assertion was later backed up by anthropologist Weston La Barre in 1980 and again over the past few decades by renowned scholar of Cannabis and religion Chris Bennett. Beyond mere linguistics, though, it’s also been pointed out that the amount of calamus outlined in the formula – 250 shekels, or roughly six pounds – infused into around a gallon and a half of olive oil would be highly toxic to humans. Six pounds of Cannabis, however, would not be – and in fact, could produce quite a potent psychotropic effect … perhaps even allowing one to “see God,” so to speak. “The skin is the biggest organ of the body, so of course, considerably more Cannabis is needed to be effective this way … much more than when ingested or smoked,” Bennet told Herb magazine in 2019. “The people who used the Holy Oil literally drenched themselves in it.” BAPTISM OR CHRISM? This “revelation” also shines a new light on the significance of Jesus’ baptism – arguably the most consequential and transformative event in his life besides his crucifixion. In fact, it is Jesus’ encounter with John the Baptist where the gospels of Mark and John essentially begin. “It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him. And there came a voice from Heaven, saying, ‘Thou Art My Beloved Son, In Whom I Am Well Pleased.’ And immediately, the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him.” (Mark 1: 9-13) So, it was during his baptism around the age of 30 that Jesus first heard the voice of God. And immediately thereafter, the Holy Spirit sent him out alone into the desert to fast for 40 days, where he was thrice visited by Satan. That sounds an awful lot like a shamanic vision quest – which, in Native/Pagan traditions, typically involved ingesting some form of entheogen.
If the Holy Anointing Oil Jesus used was indeed a form of Cannabis oil, it would certainly lend a level of
scientific credibility to some of the visions he reportedly had, as well as the supposed miracles he performed.
Which begs the question: What if it wasn’t just water that Jesus was baptized with? What if John also anointed him in Holy Oil as part of the baptism ritual? The Gnostic Gospels – a collection of texts written by early Christian mystics believed to predate the New Testament gospels – suggest that may be precisely what happened. In the book “Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism,” author Kurt Rudolph writes, “Anointing with oil has a greater representation than baptism in Gnosis, and in some texts, it is even regarded as more significant. In general, however, it is taken closely with the baptismal ceremony – the anointing taking place either before or after the baptism.” One of the Gnostic scriptures, the Gospel of Philip, even states explicitly that it is anointing, not baptism, that makes one a Christian. “The anointing (chrism) is superior to baptism. For from the anointing, we were called ‘anointed ones’ (Christians), not because of the baptism. And Christ also was [so] named because of the anointing, for the Father anointed the son, and the son anointed the apostles, and the apostles anointed us. [Therefore] he who has been anointed has the All. He has the resurrection, the light. . . the Holy Spirit. . . [If] one receives this unction, this person is no longer a Christian but a Christ.” Indeed, it’s only after his baptism (a.k.a. anointing?) that Jesus begins his ministry, performs “miracles,” and is eventually referred to as “Christ.”
HEALING OF THE SICK If the Holy Anointing Oil that Jesus used on himself and others was indeed a form of Cannabis oil, it would certainly lend a level of scientific credibility to some of the visions he reportedly had, as well as the supposed miracles he performed. Among the many ailments Jesus is said to have healed – often simply by laying his hands upon the afflicted – include leprosy, lesions, swollen muscles, blindness and demonic possession: “News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.” (Matthew 4:24) “And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.” (Mark 6:13) A potent Cannabis oil applied to the skin would serve as a powerful topical medicine – allowing the body to absorb large amounts of CBD, as well as THC and other cannabinoids transdermally. Research has shown that cannabinoids have significant analgesic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and have been proven effective in treating many ailments similar to those Jesus supposedly healed – including muscle pain, anxiety and glaucoma, as well as skin conditions including dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and pruritus (which bear many similarities to leprosy). What’s more, anyone who’s seen Sanjay Gupta’s “Weed” special with Charlotte Figi on CNN knows how instantaneously and “miraculously” CBD oil can halt the seizures and shaking associated with conditions like epilepsy, rheumatism and multiple sclerosis – which, in Biblical times, might easily be mistaken for demonic possession. MARIJUANA MESSIAH? Did Cannabis-infused anointing oil play a role in Jesus’ supposed divinity? Could it be that what early Christians perceived as possession by the Holy Spirit was actually just being really, really high? Like most tales in the Bible, we may never be able to definitively prove these theories one way or the other. If they are true, however, that would technically make Jesus one of the very first pro-pot activists. “If Cannabis was one of the main ingredients of the ancient anointing oil, and receiving this oil is what made Jesus the Christ and his followers Christians,” Bennet postulates, “then persecuting those who use Cannabis could be considered anti-Christ.” In other words, a Christian should never be stoned for getting stoned. For our podcast & more Cannabis history content visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y fo r LEA F NAT IO N | I M AG E S b y P E RC HAN C E AI I M AG E G E N E RATO R
stoney baloney LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
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WHERE IS THIS GATE OF WHICH THEY SPEAK? Is it the one that you carelessly enter that leads you into a string of bad decisions, eventually overtaking your better sense of judgment where you surrender to any resistance against an ugly dependency on cocaine and heroin? Sure, it starts out harmlessly. Just a couple puffs on a joint because you caved to the peer pressure of your cool buddies or older brother and his friends. But next thing you know, you’re selling your ass on the streets – frothing at the mouth, comfortable with needles. You see, what I envision when I think of going through the Cannabis gate … it’s like entering a wide-open expanse of understanding. There’s a warm, inviting breeze flowing over a majestic mountain range colored with vibrant, beautifully lit growth in a lush habitat that is inviting and blissful. Well, maybe that’s LSD … but you get the point. There is no pressure to stay in this stoney place if it’s not what you’re vibing on, but nonetheless, you are quite welcome to indulge in all that makes you happy. Everyone is welcome. It is a place of tolerance and acceptance. Yes, some of the people appear a pinch dumb, but what the fuck? It’s way better than uptight, right? The point is this: If someone has a propensity to seek out the highest peak they can reach, only to jump directly off the cliff to the bottom of Marianas Trench – all in the course of a 24-hour period – then there’s probably something called “bad parenting” that had a part in their craving to escape the monster clawing at the inside of their psyche. Otherwise, Cannabis is not a gateway to anything other than a potential “Rick and Morty” marathon. And a gateway through the golden arches of McDonald’s to the podium from where you proudly ring the Taco Bell.
dec. 2023
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