CALIFORNIA
“IT’S
A 10 OUT OF 10!”
—
FREDDIE, BRAND OWNER
WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER
wes@leafmagazines.com
MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com | advertising opportunities
TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR daniel@leafmagazines.com
BOBBY BLACK STATE CONTENT DIRECTOR bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
ASHLEY HIRCHERT SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD ashley@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
Our inspired cover this month comes from Gail Armstrong, a multiple awardwinning paper sculpture illustrator, trained at Glasgow School of Art and based in London. “Colour was key in lending this wintery snow scene a warm and cosy feel,” writes Armstrong. “By using the LEAF logo as the Cannabis cafe signage, the viewpoint for the scene followed naturally. The winter-character companions sit front and centre, and a sense of depth is achieved through the hints at a cafe interior through the window behind them.
ART BY GAIL ARMSTRONG @GAILARMSTRONGLANKSBURY ILLUSTRATIONX.COM/ARTISTS/GAILARMSTRONG
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, NATIONAL NEWS
ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES
GAIL ARMSTRONG, ILLUSTRATION
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES + DESIGN
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES + PHOTOS
ADHD DEAD, FEATURES & PHOTOS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
DANSTAN KAUNDA, PHOTOS
JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
ANNIKA SEIFARTH, PHOTOS TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
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 ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Edibles are the perfect way to put a daze in the holidays. Those yummy, potent gummies and treats will get you higher than Rudolph and deliver a hit of the munchies just in time for second helpings of stuffing and desserts.
I’ve used edibles heavily in the last 18 months as I have stopped drinking alcohol and found myself embracing a new buzz that is so much healthier. Cannabis as a medicine really shines in edible form, where benefits include pain relief, sleep aid, stress and anxiety help, and is certainly safer than alcohol. Too many edibles can be a bad thing, but you won’t die! A bad trip that leads to the ER will likely result in a multi-thousand dollar bill for fluids and a snack — which can easily be acquired at home. But I still hear from people scared to try edibles because of a bad experience or lack of knowledge, so it’s important to remember that what goes up will come down safely when using Cannabis.
Today’s lineup of infused products ranges from drinks to capsules, brownies to gummies, and with literally something for every taste or preference. These products are tested, consistent and deliver expected results ev ery time a consumer or patient turns to an edible for relief. Each time the choice is made to use Cannabis instead of pharmaceuticals like opiates or even Tylenol, the health of the individual goes up, and profits for pharma go down.
America is still one of only two countries that allow pharmaceutical companies to advertise on TV, the other being New Zealand. While we all tune out the stock footage, false promises and warnings against vomiting, diarrhea, blood clots or, in the case of Jardiance for type 2 diabetes, a rash on the perineum, these ads don’t work to sell pharma or convince us to talk to our doctor. But they do constitute 75% of TV marketing revenues as of 2020. When a media company s ells a majority of advertising to a small cabal of mega-corporations, those companies control the narrative of the media, which becomes a serious problem when those media companies operate news channels.
“CANNABIS AS A MEDICINE REALLY SHINES IN EDIBLE FORM, WHERE BENEFITS INCLUDE PAIN RELIEF, SLEEP AID, STRESS AND ANXIETY HELP, AND IS CERTAINLY SAFER THAN ALCOHOL.”
This is why we won’t see ads for weed anytime soon on airwaves or messaging from the news about natural health, exercise and psychedelics. Until America is freed from the corrupt yoke of pharma advertising, the chance of getting real health inform ation from a mainstream news source is very low.
When I started the Leaf in 2010, this conflict was obvious to many in the weed industry, who fought to free our plant and offer an alternative medicine sour ce for those suffering. Today we’ve come so far in terms of quality and options of medicines, which is perfectly represented by the Edibles Issue. But even as the weed industry grows, so d oes the chokehold Big Pharma has on media and politicians. As we close out 2024, I am motivated to fight this corruption and hopeful that the continued awakening of Americans happens with each purchase of natural and delicious Cannabis edibles. Side effects may include munchi es, general happiness and a lack of energy to argue about politics on social media. We definitely prefer that to insomnia, headaches and hives, but we’ll live with the cotton mouth.
BRITTNEY GRINER TO HEADLINE WOMEN GROW 2025 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner, who was famously imprisoned for Cannabis in Russia, is set to headline a conference with an address on “Cultivating Change: Empowering Women through Personal Leadership.” Griner lost her freedom for taking hash vape pens to Russia, where she played professional off-season basketball and where Cannabis is strictly illegal. She was traded back from Russia in a prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer and the subject of “Lord of War,” a Hollywood movie starring Nicolas Cage. Bout has sold arms to terrorists and dictators around the world and is free again to live up to his moniker, “The Merchant of Death.”
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY STUDY FINDS TEEN VIEWS ON WEED DEPEND ON PARENTS
INa shocking study, Washington State University has inferred that teenagers whose parents use Cannabis or have positive views on it are more likely to get high themselves.
“If teens perceive their parents’ use Cannabis, whether they actually do or not, it can send the message that the behavior is also acceptable for them, especially without explicit conversations that set boundaries for the teen,” said Stacey J.T. Hust, lead author of the study, as reported by NBC.
The study reported that 32% of teens believe their dad uses weed, while 25% think their moms are puffing the magic dragon. While the study doesn’t imply whether this use is necessarily right or wrong, it does warn that parents are responsible for communicating health risks and rights versus wrongs to teenagers. As America heads into the holiday and stupor bowl season, which sees TV ads pushing booze constantly, it’s hard to imagine that parents are to blame for kids seeking out Cannabis in legal states.
Considering that Cannabis is much safer than alcohol or other party drugs, many parents must see these reports and wonder, would I rather have my kid try weed than booze? For parents who hold positive views on weed, this might be a reality sooner rather than later, so take the time to talk to teens this holiday season about making safe, healthy choices for today and the future.
DEA JUDGE PUTS PRESSURE ON RESCHEDULING, SAYS CHOICE
ISN’T ABOUT WHETHER POT IS “GOOD OR BAD”
The DEA held its first meeting to act on the Biden administration’s Cannabis rescheduling directive, and the judge in charge sent a direct hit to challengers, saying that there would be no discussion of “whether marijuana is good...or bad.”
The Drug Enforcement Agency has enforced the Controlled Substances Act since 1971, classifying Cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug alongside heroin and methamphetamine, with the designation stating Cannabis has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This absurd classification has blocked almost all stateside research for 50 years and led to the mass incarceration of millions of Cannabis users. This tainted legacy has placed the federal government and the DEA at odds with the majority of the country, where Cannabis is legalized for recreational or medical use in 38 states, and 75% of those polled view Cannabis as a drug that should be legal.
Rescheduling of Cannabis could mean reduced controls, access to banking and tax write-offs, and new freedoms for Cannabis patients and users to grow and share their weed. It could also lead to a pharmaceutical chokehold on sales or production, depending on how the DEA and government move to classify the plant. While many activists and business owners in Cannabis are hopeful, it’s hard to trust the government that arrested millions for a plant their own data shows is safer than alcohol.
The same celebrities that championed Cannabis and the trap lifestyle are struggling to make their weed brands work, with Jay Z taking the top of the list for most money lost on a vanity branding project. Cannabis smokers love quality, and they put that above all else when purchasing. The same can be said for hip-hop, whose avid listeners will ditch artists that go too mainstream, returning again to the underground roots where the best music can be found up and coming. The brand, Monogram, hit
JAY Z’S WEED BRAND LOSES $575 MILLION, COLLAPSES IN CALIFORNIA’S DIFFICULT POT MARKET
markets with a big splash in 2025, trying to capture and sell a lifestyle of heady luxury with each hit. For Seth Yakatan, a Cannabis investor interviewed by SF Gate, this failure, despite hundreds of millions of dollars, wasn’t a surprise. He told reporters that the Monogram products “failed to live up to the hype,” with single joints that sold for as much as $50.
Knowing this, it’s no surprise that rap billionaire Jay Z has lost mega dollars trying to sell luxury joints and bud. The brand’s executives audaciously bragged to the media
10,000
Number of Cannabis users in a study to explore epigenetic changes of long-term users
Monogram products “failed to live up to the hype,” with single joints that sold for as much as $50.
in 2020 that they would dominate and consolidate the industry and that any smaller companies would struggle against the celeb-backed mega brand. That sentiment has aged like fine milk, as small and craft farmers continue to grow and prosper around the country while celeb-backed brands lose money and reputation with each successive failure.
The value of the Michigan Cannabis market, according to Politico.
Amount of Zen-brand gummies recalled in Missouri because a food coloring ingredient was missing from the packaging.
Number of plants in a Pittsburgh home that was raided, with the owner receiving extra charges for having a 5-year-old child in the house in terrible conditions.
Pounds of pot products found in East Village illegal dispensary raid last month, as NY struggles to stop black market sales.
masters of rosin la
Los Angeles was extra lit last month when Masters of Rosin made its West Coast debut after a buzzworthy kickoff in New York City earlier this year. I went to explore the left-coast iteration of this celebrated competition and came back impressed by the quality of the entrants and the event’s overall execution.
AFTER FLYING across the country and touching down in California, things got off to a good start when I saw the massive line at Cookies to drop off entries. It was clear the competition was going to be tight when over 50 competitors rolled in, each armed with their best hash rosin, ready to duke it out in what felt more like a family reunion than a cutthroat competition.
Checking out the judges’ panel, it was clearly designed to reflect the global nature of the competition’s history, while reading like a “who’s who” of the global hash scene: Joe from Big Green Budha representing South Africa, Lil Big Smoker from Brazil, and heavy hitters like JP Toro, Scott Deppe of Mothership Glass, Nick from Third Shift Resin, Dammit Bobby, Adam Simpson, Phil from SoilGrown and Jacob from Have Hash. This star-studded lineup ensured that every entry was scrutinized by the refined palates of some of the best in the business.
The event unfolded across several LA locations, starting at the Cookies
dispensary in Maywood, hosting an exclusive party at the Astor Club, and culminating in an intimate judges’ session at an undisclosed residence that added an upscale air of mystery to the proceedings.
But we came for the terps, and wow, did MOR deliver. Sampling the judges’ kit sent me on a sensory journey through the top tiers of hash craftsmanship. The quality of the entries across the board was impressively delightful.
After a week of testing and a few epic seshes, the winners were finally announced during the closing ceremony. At the awards, Real Deal Resin took home the top honors with their Zkittlez entry. In fact, Zkittlez and its crosses dominated the competition, claiming seven of the top 10 spots. It seems the community’s
love affair with that unmistakable profile is far from over, igniting memes and commentary across the internet about Z’s continued dominance on the competitive circuit.
Second place went to The Real Cannabis Chris with his Wild Cherry, a fruit-forward offering that stood out amid a sea of Z terps. Trichome Tortoise secured third with another stellar Zkittlez rosin, proving that excellence can shine even in a crowded field. Not to be overlooked, there were solid showings from a few East Coast entrants, reminding us that exceptional hash isn’t confined to the West Coast. These included Aloha Apothecary from Maine, which made a strong showing at 11th place, and Mega Raw Melts, which landed at 21st, demonstrating promise and potential in a highly competitive lineup.
Unfortunately, Hidden Forest Farms’ Zcube entry didn’t arrive in time — a potential missed opportunity, given how strong Z showed up on the leaderboard — but one that leaves us eagerly anticipating what they’ll bring to the next competition.
The event wasn’t just about the competition; it was a celebration of hash culture itself. The party at Astor Club LA was a highlight, with heavy hitters from all corners of the community converging in one place. The Alchemist spun tracks that perfectly complemented the vibe, turning the venue into a pulsating hub of energy. Rare glass rigs adorned tables like art installations, each one a masterpiece in its own right, while the air was thick with the rich aromas of premium terps savored by aficionados.
appreciation for the craft and the people who dedicate their lives to perfecting it.
With the proliferation of hash competitions around the globe, it’s easy to become desensitized to yet another event claiming to crown the “best of the best.”
David Madilyan, the organizer of the event, shared what makes it so special: “Masters of Rosin is very simple but it’s also very hard to win. We only have one category and we focus exclusively on rosin. The concept is always the same: Who has the best rosin in the world? It’s our eighth year doing the competition, and we are still about the same thing, with no plans to ever change that.”
What struck me most was the sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. In an industry that’s rapidly expanding and often driven by profit margins, Masters of Rosin felt refreshingly authentic. It wasn’t about hollow accolades; it was about genuine
Los Angeles may be known for its glitz and glamour, but for a few glorious days, the real stars were the hashmakers and the vibrant community that supports them. If this event is any indication of where we’re headed, the future of hash rosin is exceptionally bright.
@MASTERSOFROSIN
"It’s our eighth year doing the competition, and we are still about the same thing, with no plans to ever change that.”
-EVENT ORGANIZER DAVID MADILYAN
SAN FRANCISCO STYLE
CAPTAIN’S HAT
This bellwether shop first swung its doors open, grassroots style, in 2005 as a medical dispo by Nate Haas and Dan Kopp, who has been in the weed game since he was 16 years old. Dan started his Cannabis career as a cultivator and grew an interest in the retail space. The vision was to do it exceptionally from the outset with a model of quality prices for quality medicine. And as the journey has had its ups and downs, as one would expect from the pre-legal days, it’s been the industry experience that has proven this establishment to operate effectively.
SHANGHAI-STYLE
The name comes from the early days of this port city when sailors would languish in opium dens and brothels while taking a respite from the toils of the sea. The aesthetic exemplifies this classic era with strong wooden beams and hardwood maple floors. Venturing further inside, you’ll enter the first legal consumption lounge (opened in 2016) showcasing red-blocked damask wallpaper, high leather booths, a small stage and an excellent dab bar.
NORTH STAR
Always looking for new ways to reward the community for supporting this endeavor for almost 20 years, they’ve worked with Toys for Tots with the local fire department. Also, local projects with schools right there in the tenderloin of this magnificent city have been the recipients of backpacks for kids, turkeys, Christmas trees for the holidays and so much more. As part of the fabric of San Francisco, they’ve been featured in Architectural Digest and consistently ranked among the top 10 dispensaries in the state. It’s no surprise they’re setting the standard for stylized Cannabis buying.
“...CONSISTENTLY RANKED AMONG THE TOP 10 DISPENSARIES IN THE STATE.”
JEWELS TRAN
She loves expressing herself creatively through mediums like drawing, painting and designing nails. You might find her at exhibits and art museums when she’s not modeling for car shows as a fun side gig. And check out her podcast called “Joints and Drinks.” Follow her on Instagram @jewelsnxtdoor and @jointsanddrinks.
YOU’VE GOT A LOT GOING ON. HOW DO YOU TAKE THE ENERGY FROM YOUR OTHER ENDEAVORS INTO BUDTENDING? I feel I can be creative in this industry like there are no limits. And I think it’s important to stay curious like your customer. I have a good amount of knowledge, and I’m big on customer service. I believe that anyone who comes here deserves to have good service. My first priority is always the customer. I budtend for results.
AS AN ARTIST, IF YOU WERE TO CREATE YOUR OWN WEED BRAND, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE? That’s always been something in the back of my mind. Obviously, it would be woman-owned. The brand would be all about potency and genuine quality. I would like it all-natural, organic, no banned pesticides. I would want people to know that a woman did this, long nails, all by herself. I would want it to be vibey.
WHAT WOULD YOUR BRAND LOOK LIKE AESTHETICALLY?
It would represent me. I draw all my tattoos myself and have the artist do the work. They are Asian style, so the art of the brand is Asian and womanbased. Maybe I can be the first one! I would want the look to be cool and crazy with airtight, convenient packaging.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER ASIANS WHO ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH CANNABIS? Up the standard and explore your options! I’m big on my Vietnamese culture, and I advocate for my fellow Asians to open their minds and find the benefits of this plant and the cool community that celebrates it.
IF YOU COULD SHARE THE MICROPHONE ON STAGE WITH ANY SINGER, WHO WOULD IT BE? Sade. Her voice sounds like a good weed strain — a nice indica that would put you to sleep.
ELEVATED GIFT GUIDE
ENLIGHTEN YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH 12 GIFTS TO UPLIFT YOUR SPIRIT
AS DECEMBER’S CHILL EMBRACES US AND SUNLIGHT GROWS SCARCE, the seasonal shift can leave many yearning for warmth, light, and connection. This winter, I’ve faced a quiet journey of solitude and introspection, reflecting on the complexities of the holidays. Not everyone finds joy in these weeks of traditional nostalgia — holidays can be tough for those walking solo through life’s seasons. That’s why I’ve curated this Elevated Gift Guide — a collection of treasures to warm the heart and uplift the spirit. Many partners have shared exclusive discount codes for our Leaf readers. Whether you’re shopping for someone special or indulging in self-care, these gifts brighten the holidays, elevate daily life, and carry magic into the new year. Remember, self-love is the foundation of every connection, a gift that keeps giving. Happy Holidays, OGs — stay lifted, stay grateful and spread high vibes!
ELEVATED GIFT GUIDE
ELEVATE YOUR HOME
Royal Phoenix Original Naturescape
Home Decor Canvas
Brighten the walls of your home with breathtaking visual magic captured by Phoenix, a Ukrainian artist based in Seattle, Washington. These nature landscapes capture the soulful essence of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Each piece is printed on high-quality canvas, coated for protection and hand-stretched by Phoenix herself, ensuring every creation infuses her personal touch. Her vivid, high-quality canvas radiates warmth and serenity, embodying her belief that art feeds the soul and helps overcome life’s hardships. Experience her artistry in person at the Pike Place Market and support this woman-owned business while inviting beauty and inspiration into your space. @seattle_royalphoenix | royalphoenixart.com use code: ROYALEAF
Ethically Sourced, Rare White Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp by SpiritualQuest
Created over 200 million years ago, salt lamps are valued for potential benefits like air purification, reduced allergens, mood enhancement, negative ion production and neutralizing electromagnetic radiation. During damp winter months, when indoor air quality often suffers, they’re a valuable addition to wellness-focused decor, uplifting your spirit all season. Susan Robertson, owner of SpiritualQuest, transformed her life through a powerful wellness journey inspired by her struggle with debilitating migraines — a challenge I deeply relate to. In creating a healing and balanced environment, Himalayan rock salts became her trusted ally. spiritualquest.com use code: LEAFQUEST
Pendleton Woolen Mills
Wool Blankets
A heritage company from the Pacific Northwest with six generations of family ownership, Pendelton has spent more than 160 years crafting high-quality wool products while honoring Native American culture. With mills in Oregon and Washougal, Washington, their locally sourced wool reflects the beauty of the American West. Pendleton wool blankets, often given as intentional gifts, hold deep cultural significance in Native American storytelling as symbols of respect, protection and connection. Featured is The Fire Legend Blanket, inspired by the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) legend of a trickster hero who transformed into a rabbit to bring fire to his people. Its dazzling geometric pattern symbolizes triumph and resilience. pendleton-usa.com | use code: LEAFTRIBE
The Fender x Teufel
ROCKSTER GO 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Music can uplift any moment, and this portable Bluetooth speaker delivers exceptional sound wherever you go. Teufel’s legendary German-engineered audio combines with Fender’s classic American design in the ROCKSTER GO 2. Whether braving winter’s chill or enjoying a sunlit beach, this speaker’s IP67-certified dustproof and waterproof construction ensures durability, even in harsh weather or water submersion. Powered by Teufel’s Dynamore technology, it offers full, immersive soundscapes. Daisy-chain up to 100 units for synchronized sound or pair two for true stereo bliss to transform any space into a live concert vibe. Explore the collaboration and holiday discounts. us.teufelaudio.com
ELEVATE YOUR INTERNAL WELLNESS
Ma Fair Trade Ceremonial Cacao
Formerly known as Buddha Chocolate, Ma’s Ceremonial Cacao warms the body and activates the release of anandamide, the “bliss molecule,” promoting joy and heightened consciousness. It’s my first go-to during times of grief, heartbreak or mental hardship. Embracing cacao is a nourishing ritual rooted in ancient plant medicine, expanding the heart and fostering self-love. This holiday season, let this sacred elixir bring harmony and peace while supporting a family-owned business. Favorites include 100% ceremonial cacao — stone-ground, heirloom-crafted and aromatic — and the Holy Rose Drinking Chocolate, infused with rose petals, cardamom, beetroot and stress-soothing ashwagandha. buddhachocolate. com | code: MALEAF
Neau Tropics Psilocin
Microdose Spray
Crafted by the small business Neau Tropics, this microdose spray is available in grape or fresh mint, my personal favorite. This wellness remedy is my go-to source for combatting dark, gloomy days when the onset of depression or loneliness is knocking at the door. A game changer formulated for daily wellness, this psychotropic solution is intentionally crafted to make microdosing easy. Infused with 8 grams of pure isolated psilocin, it bypasses stomach queasiness and nausea to deliver a quicker onset and controllable come-down. While higher states can be achieved, this formulation is intended for functional use. It’s a quick, easy way to boost your mood, enhance focused creativity and fuel brain-boosting nootropic benefits from plant medicine. This tincture also works as a drink mixer, pairing well with seltzer water or coffee. neautropics.com | @neautropics. official
Mystical
Mushroom Society
Psilosonic Microdose
Capsules
Unlock the harmony of ancient wisdom and modern science with Psilosonic Microdose Capsules, designed to promote spiritual growth and cognitive wellness. Produced in the U.S., each capsule contains 200 mg of psilocybin cubensis, paired with 250 mg of a functional mushroom blend featuring lion’s mane, cordyceps, reishi and maitake. These brain-boosting nootropics and adaptogens are known for enhancing neuroplasticity, focus, mental clarity and stress management. Together, this synergistic formula offers a holistic approach to wellness, balancing the mind, body and spirit. Featured are two revered psychotropic strains: Amazonian and Albino Penis Envy. With roots in ceremonial practices and supported by emerging science, this woman-owned company is crafting supplemental wellness that can transform a normal day into a ceremonial celebration. mysticalmushroomsociety.com @mysticalmushroomsociety
ELEVATE YOUR FASHION
Grassroots California San Pedro Del Sol V3 Black Aspen Hat
Grassroots California is a vibrant fusion of streetwear, art and canna-counter-culture. Known for limited-edition artist collabs, from eco-friendly hemp hats to bold, artistic designs inspired by legends like Jerry Garcia, their apparel is a celebration of self-expression and sustainability. This holiday season, let their innovative creations inspire you to embrace your unique flare. Featured is the limited-edition San Pedro Del Sol V3 Black Aspen Hat — one of 200 wide-brim hats embellished with a prism design and adorned with locally sourced feathers. Inspired by desert life in Western North America and San Pedro spirit medicine journeys, this beautiful hat embodies the harmony of the sun and earth. grassrootscalifornia.com | code: LEAFROOTS
Aunt Mimi’s Apothecary Elevated Smokeware Fashion Accessories
THE SPARKLEFIED, CRYSTAL-DRIPPED SCOOPER DAB TOOL A chic, wire-wrapped dab tool with crystals and beads, combining elegance and playful style.
THE HEPBURNER A clip-less burner wand with precious stones and fidgets, merging practicality with artistic flair.
MIMI’S CRYSTAL PLANT FRIENDS These toke pokers, crafted with tumbled stones and copper wire, bring utility, energy, and discreet charm to your plants and sesh.
Aunt Mimi’s Elevated Smokeware line is crafted by a women-owned, small family business based in Ferndale, Washington. Each handcrafted creation can be customized to reflect playful yet elegant magic, designed to class up your sesh and spark joy. Uniquely yours, each item is handmade with beads, stones and embellishments that can be custom-selected, ensuring a one-of-a-kind accessory that stays true to its elevated vibe. Rooted in sustainability and classy stoner appeal, Aunt Mimi celebrates individuality by blending functionality with funky, whimsical style. Have a specific vision? Aunt Mimi will bring your dreams to life because your sacred sesh deserves elegance and a touch of ingenuity. auntmimisapothecary.bigcartel.com | code: NWLEAF22 for 22% off
RE:STASH
+ RE:UP Cup re-stash.com
MIMI’S SPARKLEFIED CANNA EARRINGS Handcrafted with beads, stones and shimmering accents, these hypoallergenic earrings add radiant, personalized style.
THE PERSONAL FEATHER RITUAL WAND Infused with crystals, this elegant roach clip is a unique addition to any collection.
ELEVATE YOUR SESH
RE:STASH + RE:UP Cup
Protect your stash and the planet with RE:STASH, the world’s first drop-proof, child-proof, lightproof, and smell-proof glass storage solution. Crafted by a minority-owned, Oregon-based company committed to sustainability, RE:STASH embodies the slogan “Reuse, Reduce, Respect.” Their patented child-proof mason jar lid and silicone glass sleeve set a new standard for eco-friendly design. The RE:STASH Cannabis growler functions as a refillable exit container, helping dispensaries in deli-style states reduce plastic waste. Expanding this mission, the RE:UP Cup offers refillable mason jar drinkware, eliminating single-use plastics. The 2024 Elevated Holiday Gift Set features the 420 Lover’s Indica and Sativa 8-ounce jars paired with a 16-ounce RE:UP Cup in a limited-edition galaxy print. @restashjar | re-stash.com | use code: ELEVATEYOURSTASH
VIBES Premium Rolling Papers
Created by influencer, rapper, and entrepreneur Berner, VIBES Rolling Papers set a new standard for quality and purpose. Crafted in France and refined in the Dominican Republic, these premium papers enhance the purity and potency of your Cannabis for an elevated sesh. Vibes is more than a smoking accessory — it’s a movement. Through the Release Papers initiative, each paper tells the story of a federal Cannabis prisoner, with a QR code linking to the Cannabis Clemency Now petition. Partnering with the Last Prisoner Project, Vibes turns every roll into advocacy, promoting justice and driving action for Cannabis reform. Celebrate the sacred connection between plant and purpose while supporting those impacted by unjust incarceration. vibespapers.com | use code: LEAFVIBE
Ario Capture + Hot Knife
This family-owned Washington business redefines the vape experience with high-quality, discreet and reliable products. Guided by a commitment to customer care, Airo designs vape solutions that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle, empowering your sesh with ease. The Ario Capture is the ultimate e-rig for conscious Cannabis connoisseurs. Its built-in reclaim jar —only one of its kind — minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency, honoring the sacred plant by reducing environmental impact. With four customizable temperature settings and a powerful 4000mAh battery, it offers a smooth and tailored experience for every concentrate lover. Pair it with the Ario Vape Hot Knife for an effortless sesh; this ceramic-tipped tool transforms loading concentrates into seamless consumption. ariovape.com | use code: ARIOLEAF for 20% off
AY PAPI LIVE ROSIN & GUMMIES
FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, Whitethorn Rose from Huckleberry Hill Farms has been a lowkey legend in the California strain game, particularly when it comes to rosin production. So much so that Huckleberry’s John Casali has been expanding his repertoire of hash collabs over the past few years, gathering an impressive collection of awards and accolades along the way. This year, he partnered with Ay Papi on a couple of exciting projects, including strain specific, Cannabis flavor-forward gummies, and rosin made from new Whitethorn Rose-based crosses. For this issue, we decided to do a special edition of Concentrate of the Month, pairing and highlighting these two collaborative creations.
THE NEW Ay Papi x Huckleberry Hill rosin offerings are phenomenal expressions of the mindblowingly vibrant genetics involved. For this pairing, we decided to go with Paradise Rose, an exclusive Ay Papi x Huckleberry Hill x My Green Network pheno which is a cross of Whitethorn Rose back into its mother plant, Paradise Punch.
“Johnny says this strain reminds him the most of his original Fruit Loops strain that he used to find the Whitethorn Rose,” said Ay Papi founder and CEO, Justin Lee.
The resulting rosin emanates an electric, assertively fruit-forward profile with a tangy, slightly floral lingering whisper on the back end.
This being the Edibles Issue, we couldn’t help but pair it with the Ay Papi x ST6R x Huckleberry Hill Whitethorn Rose Live Rosin gummies.
These gummies unflinchingly embrace the flavor of the cultivar of origin, which is a cross between Paradise Punch x Lemon OG. The makers purposefully avoid masking the flavor of this unforgettable terpene profile. In fact, they amplify it. Anyone who loves the strain, or even just loves the flavor of Cannabis, should try them.
Together, the Paradise Rose Live Rosin and the Whitethorn Rose gummies almost overwhelm the senses with soaring top notes of citrus, tropical fruit, sweettart confections, and a hint of earthy pine forest.
Seek these out for an experience.
While you’re at it, don’t miss Ay Papi x Huckleberry Hill x Ridgeline Farms’ collab, the Ridgeline Rose, which is a cross of Casali’s Whitethorn Rose with Jason Gellman’s trademark Lantz strain from Ridgeline. Absolute fire.
“These
gummies unflinchingly embrace the flavor of the cultivar of origin... a cross between Paradise Punch x Lemon OG... Anyone who loves the strain, or even just loves the flavor of Cannabis, should try them.”
A CROSS OF XOTIC FLAVORZ’ LEGENDARY PURPLE CARTEL WITH HSC’S OWN JELLY DONUTZ (HEY, ANOTHER PAIRING), THIS CUT FINISHES BEAUTIFULLY UNDER THE CARE AND ATTENTION OF LUKE SANDERS AND THE TERP MANSION TEAM.
CULTIVATED
ChiCken ‘n’
BRED BY HUMBOLDT SEED COMPANY
IN THE WORLD OF PERFECT PAIRINGS, there are a few marquee players. As the venerable RZA said, some things go together like cheese and cheddar. Like jeans and sweater. Like mo’ and better. Or, like Chicken ‘n’ Wafflez.
The second we laid eyes on it, we couldn’t pass on December’s “Strain of the Month,” cultivated by Humboldt County’s latest legendary come-up, Terp Mansion. This strain is itself a perfect pairing, bred by another NorCal legacy titan, Humboldt Seed Company.
A cross of Xotic Flavorz’ legendary Purple Cartel with HSC’s own Jelly Donutz (hey, another pairing), this cut finishes beautifully under the care and attention of Luke Sanders and the Terp Mansion team.
We’ve had the benefit of trying the Chicken ‘n’ Wafflez from Sanders’ recent light-dep harvest, and what we sampled were beautifully structured frosty nugs with a little bit of pastry dough and hard candy sweetness draped over an undercurrent of stanky, fuel-fired funk.
The buds broke up easily, coating my fingertips with lingering, sticky aromatics (why I don’t use a grinder for a first smoke test). It burned smooth, each draw offering developing flavors, with sweet beginnings leading to gas on the back end.
It’s awesome to see heat coming out of collabs from homegrown Humboldt legacy players, and this one is not to be missed. Don’t sleep on Terp Mansion’s solventless lineup, either — this brand just keeps on getting better with age.
@TERP_MANSION | TERPMANSION.COM | @THEHUMBOLDTSEEDCOMPANY | HUMBOLDTSEEDCOMPANY.COM
MANSION
‘n’ Wafflez CULTIVATED
Kush Cups Los Santos Medium Roast
Kush Cups medium roast is a great all-day coffee that goes down smooth and can easily stretch into two or three cups. There are 5 mg of THC in every 8-ounce cup of joe, and you can pick this up as either pre-ground coffee or in Keurig pods, which are easy to slip in when making coffee away from home. This single-origin coffee was sourced from Guatemala in a region above Antigua that’s famous for its coffee production. Earthy as you roll it around in your mouth, there are also pronounced fruit notes in the body of the flavor, while the first impressions hit your tongue with a mix of citrus peel and smoke. 5mg per serving | 100mg per package
Kush Cups Tiger Magic Dark Roast
Dark roasts are great for people who need some later-in-the-day coffee or are worried about too much acidity. These lower-acid coffees tend to explore some of the less bright and citrus profiles, and this is no exception. The smell from the bag is like sticking your nose in a sack of brown sugar and baking chocolate. A mix of beans from Mexico and Rwanda Karambi, the flavor profile also manages to sneak in a little of that zest with an element sometimes compared to a hint of cranberry. 5mg per serving | 100mg per package
Kush Cups Soleada Blonde Roast
Specially selected Arabica beans comprise the Latin American blend that was used to create the lightest roast that Kush Cups offers. Despite being known for a higher caffeine experience, this light roast was blended for a smooth and mellow experience to pair with the 5 mg of THC. Along with this, Soleada is designed as a 1-ounce serving size, which works best with French press and pour-over setups. Along with the chocolatey profile that seems to stretch across all three of Kush Cups roasts, there’s also a honeyed note that sweetens the taste on your tongue. We found Soleada perfect for those espressostyle cups of coffee. 5mg per serving | 100mg per package
Kush Cups Sweet & Dreamy Hot Cocoa Mix
With snow about to hit the Wet Coast anytime now, infused hot cocoa is just the thing to keep the icicles from forming. European-style Dutch cocoa with 10 mg in a cup, Kush Cups offers these single-serving packs of powdered sipping cocoa that, like Swiss Miss, can be added to milk or water to make an instant cup of joy. The chocolate here is smooth and blends easily in the cup. We even found it ideal for crafting a “medicated mocha” with a cup of coffee. For people seeking a stronger experience, we got creative with a large glass, a packet of Sweet & Dreamy, some masa and cinnamon to perfect a modern interpretation of the thick Mexican chocolate drink champurrado. What’s amazing about this is that you can add this powdered chocolate to many warm beverages, so after your cocoa, you can drink outside the box. 10mg single serving
Kush Cups Horchata Latta
Look, we understand that white chocolate is a divisive topic — most people either love it or hate it. But when Kush Cups decided to create a horchata-inspired beverage with a touch of white chocolate, we were totally here for it. The smell is a rich bouquet of vanilla and cinnamon that’s followed by sweet white chocolate. Like their cocoa, Horchata Latta mixes easily with milk or water and pairs well with coffee to make a lightweight latte. We decided to mix some into a batch of homemade horchata at the house. The feedback from dinner guests was that the delicious addition should be served at every party… even from a few of the white chocolate haters. 10mg single serving
kushcups.com | @kushcups
Kush Cups Featured in our Sept. 2024 Tannins & Terpenes issue, Kush Cups uses a proprietary NanoBoost infusion in their medium, dark, (and now), light roast coffees. Available as a single serving or a 10-serving bag, we also took a look at their delicious cocoa and horchata drinks.
Swifts Coastal Confectionery
Cannabees Infused Raw Honey
If you’re a morning beverage person, you’re probably no stranger to dropping some quality honey in your tea or coffee to sweeten the taste. Swifts offers clover honey infused with 10 mg of hash rosin for a smoother experience. Often, rosin edibles will hit you in a less dramatic fashion, so expect a nice little buzz (no pun intended). There are numerous health benefits to a spoonful of honey every day, so why not make it delicious and fun? The sweet honey flavor is not just good in a beverage, but I also found myself going directly to that golden nectar for a little 10 mg bump after breakfast. The best part is that every purchase of this product supports honeybee preservation and research at Washington State University, so you can feel good while feeling good about yourself. 10mg per serving | 100mg per package
Swifts Coastal Confectionery
Live Rosin Infused Dark
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Chocolate and peanut butter — that time-tested, age-old combo that never steers us wrong. Each thinshelled, dark chocolate cup contains 10 mg of THC from live rosin. With 10 to a bag, there’s enough to share during movie night or pass under the table during family holiday dinners. We found that the use of dark chocolate made these feel a little more like a Trader Joe’s PB cup than a Reese’s, and there was not much of a Cannabis flavor to the treat. 10mg per serving | 100mg per package
Swifts Coastal Confectionery
Cannabis-infused Grape Freeze Pops
Summer might be gone, but come December, these freeze pops will be the perfect cap to an afternoon of cranking up the heater, throwing on shorts and putting a beach scene on the TV to simulate a hot day. All you have to do is pop them in the freezer, and in no time you’ll have the same kind of warm weather treat you remember from your youth, except with a slightly more adult effect afterward. There’s 10 mg in each packet, though we can’t guarantee how much it will take to make your mouth nice and purple. 10mg single serving
swiftsedibles.com @swiftsconfectionery
Swifts Coastal Confectionery
A brand that’s fast on the scene in both California and Washington, Swifts Coastal Confectionery is not just fun to say but also fun to eat. We’ve reviewed some of their most popular products, including a summer weather treat that never goes out of season.
ALT Beverage Enhancer
Papaya Live Resin
Liquid Cannabis
ALT stands for Advanced Liquid Technology. Their product, which comes in discreet little vials, contains zero sugars or calories. Each one in the pack has your choice of either 5 or 10 mg of THC. By adding it to any beverage, ALT allows you to create your own Cannabis beverage, although the company recommends coffees, teas, smoothies, juices or seltzers. The two main ingredients are Cannabis and water (just like me!), and nanoabsorption technology significantly reduces the onset time compared to previous edible or beverage experiences you might have tried. The high is a little lighter than the feeling you might usually experience, more like a rosin gummy with a smoother take-off and landing, so an extra dose might be a nice way to get that heavy-duty effect — although we wouldn’t recommend going beyond that. 10mg per serving | 50mg total per bag @altlife | altlife.com
Blue Raspberry Gummy THC, CBG, CBD
Huckleberry Gummy THC, CBD, CBN
Peach Gummy THC, CBD, THCV
Gluten-free and vegan, even though the bag says 15 mg per piece, each of Dime’s three gummy flavors has only 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD. The extra 5 mg is different for each bag as Dime intends the flavor suite to reflect various times of day. The Huckleberry has a more pre-bedtime lineup of CBN, while the CBG or THCV in Peach and Blue Raspberry are better suited for daytime use. What’s also nice is that the 5 mg dosage means that if you're a low tolerance person you can eat a whole one instead of half and for people with a greater tolerance, now you can eat a handful of candy instead of just a piece for two.
5:5:5mg per serving | 300mg per bag @dimemerch | dimeindustries.com
Dime Industries Gummies
REVIEWS
Atlas Edibles Cannabis-Infused Granola Bites
If these granola bites from Atlas Edibles look familiar, it’s probably because we recently included their Caramel Cashew variety as part of a pairing in our Tannins and Terpenes Issue a few months ago. For this issue, however, we’re showcasing their three other delectable selections — namely, their indicadominant Mexican Chocolate (featuring cacao, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and puffed rice) and Dark Chocolate (featuring cacao, pecans, hazelnuts, currants, cinnamon and salt), as well as their sativa-dominant Lemon Blueberry (featuring dried blueberries, almonds, candied ginger and poppy seeds). All varieties are made using Cannabis-infused coconut oil and 100% all-natural ingredients, offering a healthy, sweet and stony snack. 20mg THC per cluster | 100mg per package
Atlas Edibles ALTA Cannabis-Infused Beverage Mixes
Like Kool-Aid with a kick, these ALTA powdered drink mixes are a refreshing and convenient way to catch a buzz while quenching your thirst. There are three flavors to choose from: a zesty Classic Lemonade, a fruity Pomegranate Green Tea (pictured in glass) and a sweet Peach Iced Tea, which won first place for Best Beverage Enhancer at last year’s Emerald Cup awards. Stir a capful into a cup of water for a quick fix, or pour the whole tube into your water bottle and shake it up to sip throughout the day. 10mg THC per capful | 100mg per package
atlasedibles.com @atlasedibles
REVIEWS
KANHA
Reliability, dosage diversity and product variety are key reasons why KANHA has grown to become one of the — now global — leaders in the Cannabis edibles space. We’ve never had a KANHA product we didn’t like. The nano-infused, effect-based line offers a number of different benefits, whether you want to get frisky, get productive or get sleepy. The Solventless Live Rosin Belts deliver a mouthwatering zip with a
Buddies
West Coast’s Buddies is one of those long-standing powerhouse brands that delivers consistency across all of its product lines. An early player in the vape cartridge game, Buddies has since expanded into other categories, including its stellar line of gummies. Formulated with cannabinoid dosages designed to achieve specific effects and matched with complementary flavor profiles (i.e., bright citrus flavors matched with uplifting Sativa effects), these gummies are a go-to for the delectable delivery of delight. The Sunrise Tangerine gummy, with its 2:1 ratio of THC:THCV, was particularly helpful for energizing us through the Thanksgiving holiday. @buddiesbrand_apparel
potent punch. The standout from what we sampled from this year’s issue was a different look from them — the KANHA Minis. These little candycoated chocolate pieces in mild dosages (4 mg THC and 2 mg of a variable alternate cannabinoid per piece) and highly portable packaging reminded us of the candy that rhymes with Eminem and came in effectsbased formulations enhanced with minor cannabinoids, such as THCV (Fly), CBC (Groove) and CBG (Float). @kanhabliss
REVIEWS
Champelli
Champelli is a Bay Area legend known for being the guy with the top-tier trees. His reputation for quality, style and taste infuses all of his projects. The same can be said for his line of Champelli gummies. With die-cut import package styling and Euroinspired flavor selections such as Cassis and Aranciata, these gummies stand out from the everyday infused confection. The sweet-tart Cassis was a particular surprise — it brought me back to my days sipping and swaying in the streets of Brussels. If you want to imbue an occasion with a dash of class and distinct flavor, check out Champelli. @champelli | champelli.co
Absolute Extracts
Coming in hot out of the Cannacraft brand family, the ABX Dab Duos bring expertly crafted confectionery concoctions that taste and feel as fun as they look. Powered by solventless rosin from the legends at Kalya Extracts, these zippy morsels zap your tastebuds with complementary fruit flavors paired together in each bag. Every variety is top-notch from a flavor, texture and effect perspective, and has a soft, pleasantly squishy chew. It was hard to pick a favorite, but we kept going back to the Tropical Guava and Passion Fruit bag. Maybe it’s the coming onset of winter, but the flavor imbued the days with a dose of sunshine. @absoluteextracts | abx.org
REVIEWS
Calilily
We live in a world where wine moms proudly and publicly proclaim their affinity for the fermented nectar of the grape, but Cannabis moms get persecuted for their preference for the plant. Brand new on the scene, Calilily hopes to leave that stigma in the rearview with their line of premium fruit chews. The woman-owned company sprouted from Co-owner Liz Rodrigo’s memories of her mother’s battle with cancer when Rodrigo would have to go score medicine from underground channels to help ease her mother’s suffering. Calilily crafts carefully dosed and cleanly presented products, made with no artificial dyes or flavorings. Each flavor uses its own blend of major and minor cannabinoids, with the intention of achieving a specific effect. The Starfruit “Dozing Off” variety featured 5 mg THC and 2 mg of sleep-inspiring CBN per piece, and the Elderberry “End of Day” flavor featured 5 mg each of THC and CBD.
Korova
While gummies are the reigning emperor of the edible space, sometimes you just want something different: a baked treat with extra emphasis on baked. Korova scratches that itch, offering an array of tasty culinary delights made for the true toker who isn’t afraid of a hefty helping of THC for their sweet tooth. Their Saturday Morning sack of cookies serves as a perfect entry point to the brand, filled with approachable single servings that seem like Famous Amos and Chips Ahoy! got high together. On the other end of the potency spectrum, the 1,000 mg THC Black Bar was a showstopper. Literally. There is no more show after that one. The de la Vaca Mazapán made a huge impact, with delicious, crumbly peanut butter goodness in every bite. We’re excited to see what else Korova comes up with.
@korovainsider | korova-unrivaled.com
Our favorite was the Kaffir Lime, which was perfect for a productive afternoon. For added transparency, Calilily provides information on the specific strains and farms used for each product on their website. CalililyCanna.com
REVIEWS
CalyFX
We at the Leaf promote responsible consumption, but every once and a while we can’t help but get the munchies and absentmindedly chow down on a grip of edibles. With CalyFX, we have a thirst-quenching infused beverage to add to the mix. CalyFX’s legitimately delightful, refreshing sippers could easily replace an evening cocktail ritual or a wine spritzer at a holiday party. We loved both the Mango and the Strawberry Lemonade varieties, which were just flavorful enough to mix with sparkling water but still light enough to drink on their own. Recommended for at-home mocktails. @calyfxus | calyfx.com
Big Pete’s
Few things compare to a good Rice Krisp-, err, I mean crispy marshmallow treat. Sure, there are plenty of things that are as good, but when you want that crunchy, chewy, over-the-top sweetness that only puffed rice and marshmallow fluff can provide, then nothing else will do. So obviously we at the Leaf were thrilled to discover Big Pete’s, the Santa Cruzbased purveyor of fantastic chewy marshmallow treats, yummy gummies and more. Everything we tried from their lineup was tasty, but the standout was the Fruity Blast variant of the aforementioned marshmallow treat, spiked with Fruity Pebb-, I mean, fruity puffed rice cereal, held together by delightfully sweet fluffy goodness. @officialbigpetes | bigpetestreats.com
John Perkins & Tyler Lycklama
JP jumped on the torch in 2004 and hasn’t stopped yet! I still remember him back in the day slanging glass pipes in the parking lot at Mount Baker in Washington state, taking breaks between powder runs. To this day he still holds a season pass.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, and he still calls the beautiful Pacific Northwest home. When he’s not in the studio, he’s out with his sons exploring and enjoying their favorite pastimes.
Whether it’s fishing, camping, hiking, BMX riding Baker or just having a campfire, his boys are always his first priority.
His brand, @pizzalglass on Instagram, is well known in the contemporary glass art industry. Currently, he works out of his private studio in Bellingham, Washington, alongside Tyler Lycklama (aka @lickalama), with whom he recently collaborated on a piece featured in this article. Over the years, he’s had the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative artists in the world. He’s also known for his extensive time with the Mothership Glass team, where he honed his shaping skills and helped develop systems for creating some of the most iconic designs in the functional glass art world.
“Art is what you make of it,” says JP about the future of borosilicate glass art. “I try to focus on colorways that excite me, but I always start with a solid functional design. We see ups and downs in our industry just like any other. I always push forward in my craft and aim to innovate instead of recreate.”
This piece highlights JP’s stellar shaping and his ability to make a creative yet symmetrical design, utilizing the standout gold-fumed sections made by Tyler. When you get two artists together that complement each other’s skills, you end up with something stunning. This marvel stands 9 inches tall and comes in a custom Pelican case with a matching slide and spinner carb cap.
@PIZZALGLASS
@LICKALAMA
"Perkins is also known for his extensive time with the Mothership team where he honed his shaping skills and helped to develop systems for creating some of the most well known designs in the functional glass art world."
Saga of the Scythians
Like some Iron Age version of the Hells Angels, the fearsome nomads known as the Scythians drank, fought and conquered their way across ancient Eurasia. They also happen to be one of the earliest cultures on Earth to incorporate Cannabis into their practical and spiritual lives.
WHO WERE THE SCYTHIANS?
The Scythians (sai·thee·uhns) were an Iranic tribe of nomadic equestrian warriors who lived in the Eurasian Steppes (a region of grasslands across Central Asia) from around 800 to 300 B.C.E. Much about the Scythian people remains a mystery: since they didn’t have a written language, most of what we know about them comes from the writings of Greek historians — most notably the so-called “father of history,” Herodotus. From such accounts, along with archaeological evidence, anthropologists have been able to piece together a picture of Scythian culture.
WARRIORS, WOMEN, & WINE
For one thing, we know that they revered horses and were among the earliest civilizations to master the art of riding. Horses played a role in all aspects of Scythian life — be it for travel, herding, hunting or battle — and they equipped their steeds with ornate saddles, harnesses and armor. They reportedly even slept with and were buried with them; equine skeletons have been found alongside human remains in excavations of their sacred burial mounds, called “kurgans.” They were so closely associated with horses, in fact, that it’s believed the Greek myth of the centaur (a half-man, half-horse creature) was inspired by Scythian horsemen.
As for their appearance, we know they wore elaborately decorated clothing and armor, including tall pointed hats, tunics and various bracelets and plates made of gold and copper. We also know that they were heavily tattooed and that they would use the tattooed skin of their dead as a form of human leather.
By all accounts, the Scythians were fearsome warriors. Centuries before Attila’s Huns or Genghis Khan’s Mongol hordes, it was the Scythian cavalry who terrorized Eurasia — conquering other tribes like the Thracians and the Cimmerians. (Fantasy fans will recognize Cimmerians as the tribe of Conan the Barbar ian… in fact, the villains in the classic 1982 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger are rumored to be partly based on the Scythians.)
Though they used a wide array of armaments (including spears, maces, battle axes and swords), their primary weapon was a short, composite, double-curved bow, which they shot with great accuracy even while riding. They were so renowned for their archery skills that Athenians allegedly employed Scythian slaves and conscripts as a primitive police force. In fact, it’s theorized that the name “Scythia” itself may come from the ancient Indo-European word skuza, meaning “archer.”
And unlike the Greeks and Romans, it wasn’t just the Scythian men who were warriors — their women were apparently
just as fierce. According to Herodotus, these female warriors, who were “causing the Greeks to feel awe, fear and respect,” were none other than the Amazons — the fabled tribe of man-haters from which the superhero Wonder Woman arises — who he claimed had assimilated and interbred with the Scythians after failing to
In addition to their wild appearance and fighting females, there was another reason the West considered the Scythians barbarians: unlike the “civilized” Greeks, who mixed their wine with water, Scythians drank theirs straight up and to excess.
“To drink wine is the mark of a civilized man,” noted French historian Francois Hartog in “The World of the Scythians” (Rolle, 1980), “but to drink wine undiluted is the mark of a savage and represents a transgression.”
There’s another intoxicant, however, that they revered more than wine, and that was Cannabis.
Recreation of the Scythian Ice Maiden/Altai Lady tomb at the Anokhin Museum in Pazyryk, Siberia.
Tattooed
Scythian mounted archer.
Amazon archer.
HERODOTUS, HEMP, & HOTBOXING
Wild Cannabis plants were undoubtedly plentiful across the Central Asian steppe by 10,000 B.C., so it should come as little surprise to learn that the Scythians were among the earliest cultures to utilize it. In fact, it’s believed that the name “Cannabis” actually originated from the Scythian word kanab — which, after its introduction to the Greeks became kannabis, then Cannabis in Latin. It’s also believed that the Proto-Germanic word for the plant, hanapiz — which later evolved into the Old Saxon hanap, then “hemp” — originated from Kanab.
Scythians wove hemp fiber into textiles and braided it into lariats and lassoes, which they used for herding and in warfare (which may also explain why Wonder Woman wields a “magic lasso”). Aside from its fiber, evidence suggests that they also incorporated Cannabis into their religious ceremonies — most notably their funeral rites. In Book IV of his 5th-century B.C.E. work “The Histories,” Herodotus explains that after a Scythian died, their loved ones would spend 40 days honoring them with feasts (during which the deceased was reportedly eaten!). At the end of this celebration period, they would engage in a purification ritual that essentially entailed hotboxing a teepee:
“They make a booth by fixing in the ground three sticks inclined towards one another, and stretching around them woollen felts, which they arrange so as to fit as close as possible: inside the booth a dish is placed upon the ground, into which they put a number of red-hot stones, and then add some hemp-seed. … Immediately it smokes and gives out such a vapour as no Grecian vapour-bath can exceed; the Scyths, delighted, shout for joy...”
Since seeds obviously don’t produce the kind of euphoric vapor that Herodotus describes, historians generally agree that it was likely Cannabis flowers that they were burning and that the seeds were simply what was left at the end. And remarkably, archaeologists have since found evidence to back up Herodotus’ tale.
ARCHEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
In 1929, archaeologists discovered 14 Scythian burial mounds dating from the 5th to the 3rd century B.C.E. in a region along the border between Siberia and Kazakhstan known as Pazyryk. Upon later excavation of these frozen kurgans, they uncovered embalmed, heavily tattooed corpses and skins from the permafrost (including the so-called Ice Maiden or “Altai Lady”), as well as textiles, garments, furniture, riding gear, jewelry and pelts. Most tellingly, though, they found a wooden “hexapod” tent frame alongside copper censers (incense burners) containing charred stones, as well as a fur bag containing fossilized Cannabis seeds — direct evidence of the purification ritual described by Herodotus.
It’s believed that the name “Cannabis” actually originated from the Scythian word “kanab” — which, after its introduction to the Greeks became “kannabis,” then “Cannabis” in Latin.
More recently, in 2013, another kurgan was discovered in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, 30 miles east of Stavropol in southern Russia — a 2,400-year-old site dubbed Sengileevskoe-2. After a month of excavating the burial chamber, Russian archaeologist Andrey Belinski and his team uncovered a stone box containing an astonishing seven pounds of solid gold relics, including jewelry, three thimble-sized cups and two ornate bucket-shaped vessels. Upon examination, Belinski noticed patches of sticky black residue inside the vessels. After sending them to Stavropol’s crime lab for analysis, the test results came back positive for both Cannabis and opium. These findings, along with other evidence suggesting that some form of roof or pavilion once covered the site, led scholars to believe that Sengileevskoe-2 “may have been the location of an intense ritual.”
“We now know the purpose was preparation of opium or a narcotic substance for sacred rites,” attested Professor Askold Ivantchik, director of the Centre for Comparative Studies of Ancient Civilizations at the Russian Academy of Sciences. “That Belinski detected the use of these substances is another proof the objects have cultic character.”
Having found no evidence of charring, however, Belinski ruled out the infamous smoke-bath ceremony. Instead, he surmised that the drugs were likely mixed into a drink that was consumed from the vessels, and therefore rather than a purification ritual, it may have been a ritual to communicate with the dead or the divine.
HAOMA GATHERERS
So what was this potent pot-laced potable they were drinking, you may ask? As it happens, there are accounts of just such a beverage used during that period — haoma, aka soma
According to ancient texts, haoma/soma can refer to either a plant or an intoxicating drink made from that plant — both of which were considered sacred to the Vedic and Zoroastrian religions. Precisely what that intoxicating plant is has been the subject of speculation and debate for centuries. In George W. Brown’s 1890 book “Researches in Oriental History,” haoma is described as “...an intoxicating beverage, prepared from the green stalks of the moon-plant ... Cannabis Indica, or Indian hemp ... was tasted by the priests on sacrificial occasions, whilst hymns were sung in its praise. Its action was that of hashish. It produced intoxication and stimulation of the senses, which were taken for inspiration.”
The hypothesis that haoma contained Cannabis is bolstered by evidence uncovered by another Russian archaeologist named Victor Sarianidi, who found traces of Cannabis, ephedra and opium while excavating a site devoted to the preparation of haoma at the Bactria Margiana Archeological Complex near the Hindu Kush region of northern Iran and Afghanistan.
But other than the vessels discovered at Sengileevskoe-2, is there any other evidence that the Scythians drank haoma? Indeed — at the tomb of the Persian king Darius the Great at Persepolis in Iran, which dates to 490 B.C.E., the inscription carved in Old Persian cuneiform refers explicitly to “haoma-drinking Scythians.”
“The Scythian relationship with Haoma was indeed close — so much so that they were widely known as the ‘Haoma-Gatherers,’” Cannabis historian Chris Bennett explains in his 2010 book “Cannabis and the Soma Solution.” “Referring to the Scythians under their Persian name of the ‘Sakas,’ [Iranian author] Guive Mirfendereski notes that the Scythians of eastern Central Asia are called ‘Homa Saka’ and ‘haumavarka’ (Haoma-gatherers).”
Some scholars have even suggested that the name haoma itself may be a variation of the Chinese word hú-má, meaning “Scythian hemp.”
UP IN SMOKE
History paints a frightening yet fascinating picture of Scythian society: tribes of tattooed cannibals galloping across the steppes, guzzling wine, hotboxing weed and conquering any who opposed them like some sort of Iron Age Hells Angels. But alas, these historic hemp-smoking horsemen eventually succumbed to the ravages of their time — first diminished dramatically by the Sarmatians in the 3rd century B.C.E., then finished off by the Goths in the 3rd century C.E. Nevertheless, their enduring influence on both Asian and European cultures, as well as their connection to Cannabis, remains undeniable.
For our podcast & more Cannabis history content visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
Golden vessel unearthed from the kurgan at the Sengileevskoe-2 site.
Relief of Scythian tributaries at Darius the Great’s tomb.
ANDREY BELINSKI
THERE’S NOT A DAMN THING WRONG WITH SOCKS.
Hell, life without them just wouldn’t be as cozy.
In fact, I can’t say there’s a more soothing sensation than pulling up a brand spankin’ new pair of cotton fluffiness over the feet. It’s a reward for those soldiers, a way of thanking them for taking a pounding and being the trusted vehicles that get you from point P to point Q.
Did you know that your feet are among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, and socks are there to soak all that up and prevent the scent of cheese from settling into your shoes? I know what you’re thinking: the smell of cheese in your shoes is not gouda. So, you better brie ready to head to Monterrey, Jack.
Awkward silence.
Anyway, we’ve become spoiled. Because socks are now a commodity we take for granted. What was once a true luxury of the bourgeoisie has become mass-produced and a commonplace afterthought found on the discount aisle at Marshalls. And getting them as a gift almost feels like a scam.
But you can’t blame grandma — her purpose is to keep you clothed and well-souped. After all, her grandmother probably grew up around the Great Depression, so being able to provide comfort for her brood is her way of expressing love.
And socks have become cool, with graphic prints of eclectic patterns and weed symbols. In fact, socks are a great way to make a statement. And that statement is that you are so fucking fashionable that when it comes to dressing, no stone is unturnt.
“And if they think my socks are dope, wait until they get a look at my underwear.”
Now, it should be noted that getting socked in the face sucks. Unless It’s with a bag of weed that smells gouda.
SCAN ME
Half Gram Hash Hole
