Jan. 2025 - California Leaf

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CALIFORNIA

“This
— TAYLOR, BUDTENDER

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

We

and on

ABOUT THE COVER

Kicking off 2025 with a bang is the imaginative work of Canadian illustrator Pete Ryan, in a cheeky homage to Operation, one of our favorite games of yesteryear. "A bespectacled child, [Pete] spent his time indoors, drawing endless pictures of bears and dogs," he writes on his website. "He now sits in a sun soaked studio in British Columbia and paints work for magazines, newspapers, advertising, and books." Pete's award-winning work has been published by The New Yorker, TIME, Scientific American and more.

ART BY PETE RYAN FOR LEAF MAGAZINES @PETEXRYAN | PETERTHOMASRYAN.COM

CONTRIBUTORS

WES ABNEY, NATIONAL NEWS

ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES

DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN

BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES + DESIGN

JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION

TOM BOWERS, FEATURES + PHOTOS

REX HILSINGER, FEATURES

MATT JACKSON, FEATURES

MEG MACDONALD, PHOTOS

JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN

MIKE RICKER, FEATURES + PHOTOS

PETE RYAN, ILLUSTRATION

SUSAN ROEHR ,PHOTOS

TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS

BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES

WES ABNEY

Thank you for picking up The Weed and Wellness Issue! It’s a new year and with it comes a fresh chance to focus on health and wellness. It sounds cliché, but health is truly the first wealth, and once squandered, it can be both expensive and difficult to recover. Luckily for us, we have a helper in Cannabis, which fits into every category of the ubiquitous world of health.

Back in 2010, I interviewed a marathon runner and athletic trainer who used Cannabis in training, racing and recovery. During the 28 miles of endurance running, he had a three-stage tincture and Gatorade system to keep the body moving. Years later I would take one of my first over 100 mg THC doses before running a Tough Mudder, which was 12 miles long with obstacles, including ice water, shock therapy and lots of mud. My body held up through the trials, my mind stayed free from the distraction of pain, and my recovery was much easier and aided by additional Cannabis use.

Since then I’ve regularly approached the gym with edibles in my system, not to try and float through a workout, but to push my body to a new limit while keeping my mind insulated from the workout I’ve found this same methodology to work during times of intens e stress, which happen often in a publisher's work life and as a father. Cannabis has helped me through so many difficult times — physically, mentally and emotionally — which is why I’ve dedicated my adult life to sharing our plant.

“CANNABIS HAS HELPED ME THROUGH SO MANY DIFFICULT TIMES — PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY...”

As I head into month 23 of no alcohol, I see clearly how I used to cope with drinking to deal with stress and how Cannabis has slid right in to that role. Even as a Cannabis patient and beLeafer, I didn’t have a full appreciation for the plant and how it has helped me until I really depended on it. I’ve had many tough days, and a few fun ones, when I felt like alcohol would have made things better. Each time I’ve used Cannabis, whether it’s hours later or the next day, I’ve felt so thankful that I chose the safer and healthier drug.

Health is like sobriety. It’s a battle fought daily and can be won daily. There will also be days where you lose, which is why intentional chea t days are great when dieting. Even with alcohol, if the goal is to drink less, what starts as a daily habit becomes easier over time. With Cannabis available in so many forms, it’s a wonderful time to put the plant at the center of your health and wellness plan. From the gym to the kitchen, or even in the bedr oom, Cannabis is ready to enhance and heal at the same time!

WEED + WELLNESS BY THE NUMBERS

440,445

90.5%

A study from the University of Colorado found this percentage of people reported feeling more enjoyment during exercise after consuming Cannabis, while 69% of participants also reported a decrease in pain, and 59.5% said it increased their focus.

50%

Gallup reported that 50% of Americans have reported trying Cannabis at least once in their life, marking a new high point for Cannabis use in the United States.

$4,627

Data from Flowhub shows that dispensaries accepting debit cards earn this much more per day than dispensaries that do not.

72%

A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that 72% of participants said they would combine Cannabis and yoga again, citing significant improvements in mindfulness, increased mystical feelings and enhanced physical awareness.

37%

The number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by legal Cannabis in 2024, according to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report. That represents a 5.4% year-over-year increase, with more than 20,000 Cannabis jobs added in the last year.

79%

The percentage of Americans who live in a county with at least one Cannabis dispensary, according to Pew Research, while 54% live in a state where recreational Cannabis is legal.

55% |47%

According to a recent study by The Harris Poll, this is the percentage of women over the age of 21 who consume Cannabis regularly, with the top three reasons being anxiety relief (60%), help with sleep (58%), and pain relief (53%).

The percentage of women and men, respectively, who said they were interested in losing weight, according to a study by the CDC.

21%

A recent study from CivicScience found that 21% of people participating in Dry January (no alcohol for the first month of the year) are replacing alcohol with Cannabis and CBD products.

CALIFORNIA LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH SHAYLEEN SKINNER

This California native is living the dream with her two best friends and their little family of fur babies. She loves spending her free time in the backyard working in the garden of succulents and seasonal vegetables, curling up with a fantasy book and hiking in the Sierra Nevada. Follow her on Instagram @tri.ppylittlehippie

YOU’VE BEEN WORKING AT THE KANA COMPANY FOR A FEW YEARS AT THE SACRAMENTO LOCATION. HOW DOES SWITCHING TO A BRAND-NEW SHOP ON THE WAY TO LAKE TAHOE FEEL? I love it. We get a lot of people heading there and returning from there, so it’s fun to see lots of fresh faces. You can tell the ones who lost money at the casinos from the ones who were just there to enjoy the slopes. (giggles)

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SNOW? I love the snow, but I don’t love playing in the snow. I like being warm more than being cold.

WHAT STRAINS HAVE YOU BEEN LOVING LATELY? The one that’s been my trusted go-to lately has been the Gaslit Grape from Flawless Flowers, and another I’ve been enjoying is the Raw Garden Blueberry Muffin infused joints. They taste so good!

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THIS INDUSTRY FOR A LONG TIME?

I do. I really enjoy working in this industry — I really like the people I work with. Getting to know the clientele and connecting with them to recommend the best product for their needs is important, and I love that part of this. I grew up recognizing Cannabis as medicine, so it’s where I belong, and I could see myself still working in this business 10 to 20 years down the line.

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT IN THE NEW YEAR? I love gardening, and this year I’m getting chickens.

WHERE’S THE COOLEST GARDEN IN THE WORLD? I love Japanese tea gardens, but Italy is calling my name. I love pasta!

HEAVENLY

GOOD GLORY

This proud enterprise began in 2001 as a tiny medical collective on the east side of Los Angeles, providing meds for patients, and 24 years later they are still making an impact! Eventually, they took a chance on the city of Venice for their relocation, where their dream evolved into a magical marvel of morsels. Just a stone’s throw from hip Abbot Kinney Boulevard, they are officially the closest legal Cannabis shop to the Venice Pier.

PROPER PRESTIGE

The reputation here is earned on the daily with mom-and-pop tendencies focused on carrying smaller, niche and equity brands that you won’t find elsewhere in the area. There’s joy in supporting lesser-known companies and giving them a chance to shine, as true cannasseurs often seek the difference. The decor is unrivaled, featuring a cool, handmade chandelier with a lotus design visible from its base. Other curated items in this collection include antique hanging lamps, custom-made wallpaper and, of course, the 19th-century drug sign that came from the other type of pharmacy.

SAINTHOOD

The locals get rays of divine sunshine from these do-gooders. Any local regular gets a discount at the register, as well as veterans, seniors and cancer patients. From the outset, it’s been about treating the community with care. And there’s a groovy coffee shop/ community space/art gallery close by called Little Lunch Venice, where they offer reciprocal discounts. Oh, and while you’re here, grab yourself a splash of sparkling water out of their tap that you can flavor with sour apple syrup. Ambrosia!

STAFF PICKS FLOWER

Canndescent White Truffle Cruise - Alex

Green Dawg Cultivators D1 - Ajouraye

710 Labs Wedding Crasher - Alnaly

JOINTS

True Classic Strawberry Cherry Gelato - Alex

Nasha Altitude Infused Pre-roll - Ajouraye

LA Family Farms Brain Stew Hash Hole - Alnaly

CARTS

Don Perico Champaya - Ajouraye

Sherbinski Snack Box Live Rosin - Alnaly

DABS

710 Labs Lemon Head Tier 1 Rosin - Ajouraye

Don Perico Wild Papaya Live Rosin - Alnaly

EDIBLES

PLUS Blackberry Lemonade Gummies - Alex

Good Tide Strawberry Kiwi - Donnie

CLSICS Call of Focus Live Rosin Gummies - Ajouraye

Space Gem Space Drops Solventless Live Rosin

Gummies - Alnaly

FOCUS V (CA)

ROSIN TECH LABS (CA)

HASHERY (NJ)

SAM JURIST

Many CEOs in the Cannabis space can be titled suits or chads that sit behind desks and don’t interact with their employees. Sam is an anomaly: whether he’s budtending at the Hashery, washing in the lab at Rosin Tech or filming content for Focus V, Sam is active in all phases of his businesses. As the youngest of seven siblings, Sam Jurist grew up in a dynamic family environment that helped hone his survival instincts from an early age. By middle school, Sam was already exploring online sales on eBay. Those experiences set the stage for a career defined by entrepreneurial drive. After college, he launched his first major endeavor: a real estate brokerage called MyGradPad, which focused on helping recent graduates secure housing in New York City. Not long after, he ventured into the tech world, co-founding Snippit, an app that licensed music from major publishers and garnered over 100,000 subscribers. An athlete with a competitive spirit, Sam goes to every event, working alongside his team, pushing them to match his energy & engaging consumers face to face.

DETERMINED TO PIVOT toward a tangible, product-based business, Sam found an opportunity in the burgeoning “rosin tech” movement on Instagram. At the time, people were using hair straighteners to extract rosin — a labor-intensive and inefficient method. Recognizing a need in the market for better equipment, Sam and his team retrofitted T-shirt presses, transforming them into purpose-built rosin presses for both home and commercial use. Within a week of launching, the business took off, with sales skyrocketing and a growing waitlist for their products. This success marked the genesis of Rosin Tech Labs, which soon expanded from New York to Los Angeles. From there, Sam continued to build — acquiring Focus V, a company that has become a leader in vaporizer technology, and later opening Hashery, a dispensary in his home state of New Jersey. Today, Sam’s diverse and innovative business ventures are united by a singular passion: driving the evolution of hash and creating products and services that promote the education and expansion of solventless hash oil. >>

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I never wanted to have a 9-to-5 job; I always wanted to start my own business. My dad had his own company in the printing industry, and going there as a kid… it struck me as an amazing atmosphere, which made me want to start my own thing.

WAS THERE CANNABIS GROWING UP?

My mother was 13 years younger than my dad. She introduced him to “pot” when he was 50 years old. He has been smoking ever since, now 86. As the youngest of seven kids, my older siblings were also doing their thing, so I’ve always been exposed to the plant. The first joint I ever had was one I found in my dad’s briefcase.

“EVERYTHING WE DO IS ABOUT ADVANCING CANNABIS, SUPPORTING THE GROWERS, THE CONSUMERS, AND THE COMMUNITY THAT BRINGS IT ALL TO LIFE.”

IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS SINCE YOU BEGAN YOUR VENTURE INTO THE CANNABIS GAME. DO YOU SEE A CEILING TO HOW GOOD AND EFFECTIVE CONCENTRATES CAN GET?

Certainly not yet. It has been constantly evolving in process and technology and there is still a lot that we hash makers don’t know. Most of us who take this seriously are all in that constant pursuit of excellence, continually finding better ways to grow, extract, preserve and consume the trichome head.

YOU’RE ON THE PRECIPICE OF DEVELOPING NEW GADGETRY THROUGH FOCUS V. DO YOU SEE YOURSELF EXPANDING INTO NEW TERRITORIES OF VAPORIZING? Right now, we’re focused primarily on dabbing devices. We’ve had some brainstorming sessions on vaporizers built specifically for flower, but this is not in the immediate pipeline. There are more devices we want to bring onto the concentrate side first but there are a lot of crossovers. The PCB boards, the battery tech, the heating necessary for vaporizing flower — most of it is transferable, so we can take a lot of what we’ve learned and apply it to a great flower vape in the future.

WHERE DO YOU SEE FOCUS V LANDING ON THE GLOBAL STAGE IN THE NEXT DECADE?

We do a ton of local events with Focus V in LA, and internationally, have a strong presence in Spain. We are always looking to support quality events and event organizers that represent the culture we stand for. Our goal with the community is to keep it inclusive for all and make those looking to join the community feel comfortable getting involved.

IF YOU COULD FIRE UP A DAB FOR ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE? Probably Elon Musk. It would be interesting to see what his brain does when he’s dabbed out.

@THESAMSHO @ROSIN.TECH.CALI @FOCUS.V

A Stoner Owner is a Cannabis business owner who has a relationship with the plant. We want to buy and smoke Cannabis from companies that care about their products, employees and the plant. You wouldn’t buy food from a restaurant where the cooks don’t eat in the kitchen, so why buy corporate weed grown by a company only concerned with profits? Stoner Owner approval means a company cares, and we love weed grown with care. Let’s retake our culture and reshape a stigma by honoring those who grow, process and sell the best Cannabis possible.

@THESAMSHO

BLUE SAGE THC

“...it was important for me to get this out there to help people.”
-Owner Tawnia Sodergren

A decade ago, Tawnia Sodergren was developing a beauty products line while making and distributing infused baked goods on the Prop 215 market in Santa Barbara, and it occurred to her. Why not blend the two pursuits? “I was like, ‘Wow, this is a good opportunity,’” Sodergren said. “I was already infusing the oil for my baked goods and was developing a skincare line.” She started adding infusions to her beauty products, and voila! Blue Sage THC was born.

“I SHARED IT with friends and family, and everyone was having great results,” Sodergren said. “It was super efficacious.”

After a long journey through the jungle of adult-use red tape, Sodergren finally launched under Prop 64 three years ago, focusing on the Southern California market.

“We’ve been in it,” she said. “I feel like it was important for me to get this out there to help people.”

Sodergren formulates all of her topical products using organic inputs and aims to keep them simple. Her Blue Sage Topical Healing Creams are based in shea butter, coconut oil, hempseed oil, jojoba oil, beeswax and emulsifying wax, and feature vitamin E, Optiphen and essential oils, with herb infusions including comfrey, calendula, helichrysum and of course, Cannabis.

“We can pronounce all the ingredients,” she said. “I hate to use the word natural because anything can be called natural, but it’s very clean.”

They come in two sizes and three scents: Original (peppermint lavender), Orange Chai and Citrus Cedar. Blue Sage recently won a Silver Medal at the 2024 California State Fair Cannabis Awards.

Sodergren says her products are helpful for an array of applications, including relief from deep muscle pain after workouts, healing from surgery, arthritis and skin issues.

“Someone just emailed me recently and told me how it helped their psoriasis,” she said. “We use a lot of THC and not just a distillate. It’s a full-spectrum oil, so it has all of the cannabinoids and terpenes. We feel like the whole family has something to bring to the table.”

Blue Sage Topical Healing Cream is available statewide at dispensaries.

ROSE QUEEN

BRED AND CULTIVATED BY

EmeraldBotanicalsSpirit

We spend most of the year focused so heavily on the enticing psychoactive properties of our friend THC that we might neglect the rest of the spectrum of minor and complementary cannabinoids that impact the endocannabinoid system. This month, we decided to spotlight a CBD-dominant varietal for our Strain of the Month, given that it’s The Weed and Wellness Issue. And who better to turn to than Mendocino’s own sungrown stars at Emerald Spirit Botanicals.

MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA

NESTLED INTO a wooded Northern California hillside, this Sun + Earth certified family operation started at the end of the 1900s, when founder Katie Jeane settled on the land, eventually starting to cultivate food and Cannabis there with her sons, Joseph and River.

We’ve had the pleasure of walking the property with Katie Jeane and Joseph and have had the opportunity to learn her approach to breeding, which is closer to plant spirituality than science. She listens to what the plants tell her, and through this careful communion, she has been able to breed a selection of genetics that bring out high concentrations of desirable minor cannabinoids such as CBG, THCV, as well as flavorful and expressive CBD-rich varietals.

This year, Emerald Spirit Botanicals won a gold medal at the California State Fair Cannabis Awards for its Rose Queen, a CBD-laden 20:1 cross of The Queen and Black Rose.

It’s an intensely charismatic cultivar, with bright and airy floral top notes, fruity sweetness, and slightly rich earthy undertones that tantalize the palate. It makes for a smooth smoke that can be savored through multiple joints in a row — an all-day strain, perfect for easing stress without clouding one’s focus on the task at hand.

It would be a perfect replacement for someone who still clings to an hourly cigarette break, but offers delicious flavor and clean, sungrown medicine. We also enjoyed Emerald Spirit’s Rose Queen CBD Tincture. It got us through the holiday season, keeping everything on an even keel.

If you haven’t had the chance to try Rose Queen, now’s your chance — the new harvest just released in the Farm Cut jars, minimally processed in order to protect the integrity of the flower, just like the growers keep their headstash.

We also recommend searching out Emerald Spirit’s other offerings — their THCV-rich Pink Boost Goddess is one of our favorites. It’s energizing and delicious and is also a beautiful flower. No matter what it is, you can’t go wrong with this farm.

HOW MANGOES AND MYRCENE MIGHT HELP YOUR HIGH

HERBAN LEGEND?

A Kick from the Kitchen

Putting food and Cannabis together is a powerful combo, but there’s an old theory that says pairing the two might have another strong, unexpected effect. The premise is that eating a mango right after you smoke some weed will significantly increase the effect of your high, and this theory of putting the munchies first in order to intensify your high isn’t solely restricted to mangoes.

Anecdotal evidence is all over the internet stating how the high levels of beta-caryophyllene in broccoli, tryptophan in sweet potatoes, or fatty acids in nuts can be harnessed to synergize and amplify the potency of Cannabis. So let’s take a look at where this idea comes from. Is there any science to it, and most importantly, does it work?

Smoking the Science

The origins of this legend link to one of the most dominant terpenes in the world of weed: myrcene. This naturally occurring chemical compound is often prevalent in strains considered particularly stony or labeled as “indica” in stores. We’ve also come to understand that these compounds are responsible for the effects of Cannabis beyond the reach of just THC. Myrcene is currently thought of as influencing the impact of anxiety on a person, as well as having analgesic and antibacterial properties. Most importantly, for us, myrcene is thought

to have an effect on what we call the blood-brain barrier, a cellular wall that allows for the transportation of chemicals from our bloodstream to our brains.

Certain evidence points to a connection between large amounts of myrcene and how swiftly these neurochemicals pass through the cells and reach our brains. This would mean that the effects of consuming myrcenerich mangoes and Cannabis together would produce a robust and more effective delivery as the boost of myrcene carries that intoxicating canna-cocktail over the defensive wall and into the end zone.

Does it Work?

As of now, we don’t have any firm studies that link these two things as a definite psychoactive power couple. Of course it’s also important to remember that just like different harvests of Cannabis produce different levels of THC (and myrcene), so do mango crops. For example, the levels of myrcene present in many of the currently available strains of Cannabis, such as a Blue Dream or OG Kush, can often have 0.7% myrcene in a gram.

“CERTAIN EVIDENCE POINTS TO A CONNECTION BETWEEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF MYRCENE AND HOW SWIFTLY THESE NEUROCHEMICALS PASS THROUGH THE CELLS AND REACH OUR BRAINS.”

On average, the National Institute of Health states that mango pulp contains 0.09 mg/kg of myrcene, meaning you’d need “well over 1,000 mangoes to achieve anything approaching 1 gram of myrcene.” While consuming a large amount of fruit might have an effect on the brain’s intake of Cannabis, wolfing down that many fiber-rich mangoes in order to test this theory would give you a wicked stomach ache. There might be a small rush from eating a mango after you smoke, but that could very well be the joy of beating off cotton mouth with a sweet, juicy snack. In the end, further study is needed on myrcene’s effects to better understand how it might influence the bloodbrain barrier and help people achieve faster and more effective relief. However, most experts agree this falls under myth. If you’d like to experiment for yourself, most experts suggest consuming your mango raw, not cooked, to retain its terpenes, and the fruit should actually be consumed about an hour before you start smoking to give your body time to absorb the nutrients.

BLISSFUL BOND

HOW CANNABIS CAN ELEVATE ORGASMIC WELLNESS

The journey of wellness is one of deep connection — mind to body, heart to spirit and self to the symbiotic universe. When I sat down with Dr. Celeste Saenz, a naturopathic doctor with 16 years of experience specializing in women’s health, the conversation drifted into one of the most intimate yet profoundly transformative topics: the role of orgasms in human wellness. Paired with the synergistic potential of Cannabis, the discussion was enlightening and high-vibrational. Dr. Saenz, founder of Vitalis Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, Washington, exudes a calming yet vibrant energy. Her work focuses on holistic healing, and her passion lies in empowering individuals — especially women — to reclaim their health and vitality. She explains how something as taboo as the concept of sacred orgasm can transform our physical well-being as well as emotional and spiritual health.

WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND ORGASMS AND WELLNESS?

Orgasming puts your body in an active state of praise and reverence for the gift of life. Physiologically, a cascade of feel-good hormones, including oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine flood the body. These chemicals reduce stress, improve mood and even boost immune function. They also enhance circulation and support cardiovascular health. It’s a full-body reset.

HOW DOES CANNABIS HELP WITH INTIMACY?

Cannabis can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is essential for intimacy. It also heightens sensory perception, making touch and connection a more vivid, enjoyable experience. Allowing people to tune into their bodies, enhances intimacy and pleasure.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC CANNABIS PRODUCTS YOU RECOMMEND FOR ENHANCING INTIMACY?

I recommend topical oils or lubricants for localized relaxation and heightened sensation. For systemic effects, a balanced edible or tincture can work wonders, just ensure you’re in a comfortable setting and start with a low dose.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEW TO COMBINING CANNABIS AND INTIMACY?

Begin with a mindful approach. Light a candle, play some music and take time to connect with your breath. Use a small amount of Cannabis, and focus on being present with your body and your partner. It’s about creating an environment of trust and exploration.

A JOURNEY TO PLEASURE

Dr. Saenz described orgasms as a full-body reset. Beyond the physiological benefits, orgasms also serve as a gateway to deeper emotional and spiritual states. “It’s an act of surrender,” she said. “In those moments, we let go of control, open ourselves to vulnerability and connect with something greater — whether that’s a partner, ourselves or the divine.”

Dr. Saenz emphasized the connection between pleasure and health. “Our bodies are designed for pleasure, but many people carry tension and disconnect from their physical and emotional selves,” she said. “Orgasms have the power to release built-up stress, regulate the nervous system and bring us back to a state of balance.”

"CANNABISINFUSED ORGASMS, WHEN APPROACHED WITH INTENTION AND CARE, CAN BE

A POWERFUL TOOL FOR WELLNESS AND SELFDISCOVERY."

Finding this balance can be a life-changing journey. “I’ve seen patients transform when they allow themselves to embrace pleasure,” she said. “It’s not just about the physical sensations; it’s about engaging with your body in a way that promotes trust, joy, connection, moving blocked energy and letting go of what no longer serves us. It’s a practice of deep liberation.”

THE ROLE OF SENSATION AND CONSENT

Dr. Saenz noted Cannabis’s unique ability to enhance sensation and relaxation since it works with our endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, pain and pleasure.

“Certain strains or products can heighten awareness, making emotions more accessible,” she shared. “For some people, this means breaking through barriers of shame or trauma that have held them back from experiencing pleasure.”

She explained how specific Cannabis strains and delivery methods can be tailored to individual needs. “A high-CBD strain might be perfect for someone seeking relaxation and stress relief in the intimacy department, while a balanced THC-CBD strain can enhance physical sensations without overwhelming the mind,” she said. “Seek to find what works for your unique chemistry. It’s not about escaping reality but about engaging with it more fully.”

Consent is a non-negotiable and education is key, she noted. “Cannabis and intimacy require intentionality. Start with low doses, communicate openly with your partner or yourself and set the mood,” she said. “This isn’t just about having an orgasm; it’s about creating a space for healing and connection.”

EMBRACING PLEASURE AS MEDICINE

As our conversation drew to a close, I felt inspired by Dr. Saenz’s holistic perspective. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, her work reminds us that pleasure is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Cannabis-infused orgasms, when approached with intention and care, can be a powerful tool for wellness and self-discovery. So why not embrace them as part of a vibrant, joyful, and balanced life?

Yearning for more?

Listen to Leaf Life Podcast #293 "The Big O” featuring Dr. Celeste.

TOPICALS

olive oil, calendula and full-spectrum Cannabis. Designed for external use only, it can be especially beneficial for females experiencing conditions like endometriosis or dry spells. Simply massage around your intimate regions and the high-THC formulation stimulates blood flow, increasing sensation and orgasm. The balm is particularly impactful for the cannabinoid receptors in the womb space. Fragrance-free and high potency, OM Love Balm can be used however your imagination allows. It’s available in licensed retail Cannabis shops throughout California with full-spectrum THC or online in a CBD-only formula. omliving.com | om-wellness.com | @getomliving

HER HIGHNESS CBD PLEASURE OIL

Unleash your passion with Her Highness CBD Pleasure Oil, a luxurious, plantpowered elixir designed to elevate your intimate experiences. This orgasmic enhancer combines hemp-derived CBD for soothing relaxation, Delta-8 for increased blood flow, and South American Spilanthes acmella extract to awaken your senses with pulsating magic. With a lush base of extra virgin olive oil and sensual notes of basil, vanilla and peppermint, it’s the ultimate indulgence for body, mind, and spirit — pure pleasure in every drop. herhighnesscbd.com | @herhighnessnyc

NEO SENSUAL TINGLE CBD INTIMATE GLIDE

Step into a world of heightened intimacy and sensual bliss with the NEO Sensual Tingle CBD Intimate Glide, uniquely formulated to stimulate the clitoris with tingling sensations that excite and delight. Infused with invigorating peppermint and vasodilators, this vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free formula awakens the body and spirit, enhancing pleasure with every touch. Whether shared with a partner or explored solo, this water-based glide elevates connection and self-discovery with a tantalizing tingle that lingers like a whisper of ecstasy. neosensuality.com

TAKE A BREAK!

QUITTING IS FOR QUITTERS, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO TOLERANCE AND CANNABIS, TAKING A BREAK COULD MAKE YOU THE BIG WINNER THE NEXT TIME YOU LIGHT UP.

IT’S the new year, and everyone is giving something up. Dry January is always commendable, and you won’t see this Cali-sober writer throwing shade at people for giving up the sauce. Taking a break from booze is a win, whether for a day, a month or a year! But I do have a problem with those new gym memberships, no-sugar, “new year, new me” folks on social media who see the opportunity to gain social credit points rather than make actual change. Change is hard, especially when it comes to addictive substances like alcohol, sugar or hard drugs. Luckily, Cannabis is nonaddictive, at least physically, and can play a role in your own health choices for this new year.

SHORT BREAKS & LONG BREAKS

Tolerance breaks don’t have to be all or nothing. It can mean skipping edibles, dabbing or not smoking before 5 p.m. Any chance to reset or refresh the endocannabinoid system is beneficial.

Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system integrated into our central nervous system, with a network of receptors that regulate and maintain neurological and physiological functions. Regular Cannabis use can lead to reduced receptor responsiveness, which isn’t harmful but can leave users feeling foggy, tired or unmotivated. Taking a break from smoking, dabbing or edibles can help reset the system, and even a short break can lead to a big high the next time you light up.

A long break from Cannabis does not lead to an “endocannabinoid deficiency,” but the body’s endocannabinoid system naturally produces cannabinoids to help regulate inflammation, pain and stress. Some theories suggest low levels of these endocannabinoids may contribute to migraines or IBS, and

that an imbalance could potentially create an environment where disease spreads more easily. However, this is unrelated to Cannabis abstinence. This system is crucial for balance, which is why cannabinoids are found in breast milk and why the body produces its own endogenous cannabinoids.

Our advice? Take short breaks and monitor your body and mental state to find the best balance for Cannabis in your life.

CHANGING YOUR ROUTINE

Waking and baking is a vibe. Let’s be real. There’s nothing quite like morning bong hits or dabs before floating to a coffee shop and taking an excruciatingly long time to order your normal triple vanilla latte. But is it the best way to start the day? The answer is undoubtedly yes if your plans involve adventures, shopping or a general lack of responsibility!

But those trying to make it in this difficult world and inflated economy might benefit from waiting to bake until a few hours after waking. Changing a routine starts with day one, trying something different and seeing if it helps. If it does, try to combine a few days and analyze the results. It doesn’t have to be major changes; simply waiting a few hours to smoke could make your day more productive. However, we all know someone who needs to take a bong hit by noon because, after lunch, they get grumpy. So this advice hits both ways: If you are struggling with the afternoon blues or can’t stand the mornings, perhaps the right blend of terps and cannabinoids will provide the smoky boost you need to sail through a happy day.

For patients, daily use can be a lifesaver. It’s also the only significantly beneficial drug usable daily, for decades, without major side effects. Even Tylenol or Ibuprofen can destroy the body after extended use. It can also kill.

“Tylenol accounts for more than 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 458 deaths due to acute liver failure each year, with the highest rate among patients aged 15 to 24,” says Jeffrey Folk, M.D., CMO of Piedmont Healthcare.

“TAKING A BREAK FROM SMOKING, DABBING

OR EDIBLES CAN HELP RESET THE SYSTEM…”

Given that there are no known adverse effects to Cannabis, it comes down to personal choices and habits. Cannabis can be used for creative energy to drive a healthy workday or can be a couch-locked inhibitor to success. This depends on strain choice, consumption method choice and intention. Weed certainly makes many things better, but if it’s slowing you down at times when you need to be productive, take a break! The bong will be waiting, and the high after a break always hits a little harder.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Cannabis is a beautiful plant that helps so many people. You cannot overdose on it, there’s no physical dependency or addiction, and there’s no hangover when compared to alcohol.

IS SOBRIETY FROM CANNABIS NECESSARY?

Sobriety is both a positive life decision and a surging trend, but is it necessary to take a break from Cannabis to be sober? A major question regarding Cannabis is that of use versus abuse. When a patient uses Cannabis in high doses, they are often using it as medicine, reaping benefits without negative side effects. Taking a break from Cannabis could lead to negative health issues for patients depending on the plant.

We should never judge how people use Cannabis but always be ready to pass a joint or share the advice that maybe it isn’t the right time to get high. Above all, we must not judge people for how they interact with the plant. What might be a devastating dose of highTHC edibles for one person could be the only thing keeping another person from suffering in pain or choosing opiates.

Cannabis is a gift from God and Gaia, a wonderful medicine, and a tool for helping with sobriety from other drugs and alcohol.

As this writer approaches two years of sobriety from alcohol next month, I know that Cannabis was a tool that has kept me sober, and I am so grateful for the plant that has helped us all.

5 BENEFICIAL HOUSEPLANTS

CANNABIS

Who says Cannabis needs to stay in the stash jar?

As a houseplant, it brings a mellow, grounding presence to your space. Tending it can be as meditative as a slow exhale, easing tension like a well-timed bowl. Under your care, these pleasing leaves pump out fresh oxygen and scrumptious smells, serving ornamental and olfactory satisfaction. Just remember to follow your local rules, dial in the right conditions (which will vary depending on cultivar selection, medium, and more), and watch this green diva thrive. She’s as beautiful to behold as she is to burn.

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is the plant version of that friend who shows up with homemade soup when you’re sick. Accidentally brush your hand on a hot banger? Snap off a leaf and slather on its soothing ooze Looking for edible health benefits ranging from digestive help to B-12? Slurp on the same gel. Sporting an iconic, desert-chic silhouette, aloe loves sunbathing and a light-watering hand, making it a lowmaintenance roommate good for beginners. It’s said to help purify the air, and at night, it rolls up its sleeves to quietly release oxygen, helping you sleep easier.

POTHOS

If your green thumb is weak, we suggest starting here. Pothos is the boho drifter of houseplants — happy in low light or bright corners, unfazed by a missed watering or two. Snip off a few cuttings to quickly expand your indoor garden or share with friends; this plant practically begs for community with its rapid-rooting hardiness and ease of care. It’s also a natural air filter, gently scrubbing out indoor pollutants like a loving friend picking lint off of your favorite sweater. Plus, its trailing vines look dreamy, draping any room in an ethereal, earthy ambiance.

SPIDER PLANT

Spider plants are like the indie band you discovered before they blew up — reliable, cool, and low-key virtuous. Long, arching leaves cascade down like green fireworks, while their hidden talent is filtering out indoor pollutants to keep your air fresh. Got pets?

Good news — spider plants won’t send them to the vet (although, we still recommend keeping them out of reach). They thrive in moderate light and regular watering but will bounce back from many mistakes. Much like Pothos, these beg to be shared, with cute baby “spiderettes” often sprouting from the main plant when maturity and conditions are just right.

PEACE LILY

If you’re looking for a little floral fun to freshen up your space, take a peek at the peace lily. With its glossy leaves, white blossoms and tranquil aura, this sophisticated stunner is as productive as it is pretty. It’s another plant known for removing some gnarly airborne toxins, subtly adjusting humidity and just overall leveling up your breathing game. Keep it in lowto-medium light and show it moderate watering love, and it’ll reward you in multiple manners.

Houseplants offer so much more than just an inviting atmosphere. Think of these green allies as your home’s wellness bouncers, filtering out the stale air and pumping in fresh energy — both aesthetically and actually. If you’re new to nurturing indoor plants or looking to add another to your collection, we’ve plucked five picks to boost your breathing, ease your mind, and turn your spot into a lush and leafy oasis. Grab your gardening gloves and dig in.

Coldberger

Nicole Berger, better known as Coldberger, is a true product of the ’90s. In her work, you’ll see a lot of inspiration from the decade’s colorways and geometric shape designs.

WHEN CREATING and developing her art, she draws inspiration from the objects around her, reimagining them in her own style and voice. “I don’t care as much about what object I’m making — it’s more about putting my energy into the work; the canvas can be anything,” she said. “I love my style and the shapes and palettes I create, but another huge inspiration and driving force is my community. I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work. How could I want anything else?”

Getting her start in glass in 2010, she attended Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. The supportive, family-like atmosphere of the program gave her a strong starting foundation. Afterward, her education continued as she spent the next two years apprenticing with world-renowned artist Daniel Coyle.

“...it’s the community that drives me! I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work…”

After spending 25 years in Pennsylvania, she decided it was time for some new scenery.

In 2016 she moved briefly to Montana to assist another legend in our industry, Christopher McElroy, also known as 2 Stroke Glass. This experience gave her an education in coldworking glass and various color techniques, as well as other skills in electrical work, woodworking and even breaking down a deer. After her stint in Montana was up, it was time for the next adventure.

The glass art scene has always been strong in Colorado, filled with many talented glass friends, and beautiful scenery — the perfect combo for her next home.

Coldberger is always on the move, it seems. When she’s not at home in Denver, you can catch her traveling the world at various trade shows, gallery openings and teaching classes. If you want to try to get one of these coveted learning opportunities, you can reach out to her about upcoming classes at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York or Barcelona Glass Studio in Spain. You can also catch her nearly every year at the world-famous Pilchuck Glass School, where she's been on staff since 2014.

Coldberger’s work has always been articulate yet fun, fashionable yet timeless, and always leaves me with a smile on my face.

COLDBERGER.COM | @COLDBERGER

2024 collab with Sibelle for DFO.

THREE MILDLY POTENT POTABLES to combat the winter blues or, even better, if you are one of the lucky ones, enhance your cold-weather cheer. The drinks are powered by Pruf Cultivar’s Astral Works, a high-CBD strain providing a sense of calm and a tropical, fruity taste. Sometimes, high CBD allows me to focus while enjoying a mild psychoactive experience. Other times, I want to get really, really stoned. Happy New Year! Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com

PRETTY POURS

Serves two

DOLE THIS OUT

Serves two

2 cups pineapple chunks

1 1/2 cups coconut milk

1 peeled orange, cut into chunks

1 cup coconut yogurt

2 tablespoons agave syrup

2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Garnish with an orange slice

1. Just blend in the blender until smooth.

2. Divide between two glasses.

GREEN ACRES

Serves two

1 large ripe avocado, pit removed, peeled and cut into pieces

1 cup packed baby kale, rinsed

1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into chunks

2 cups almond milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted

1. Just blend in the blender until smooth.

2. Divide between two glasses.

KING

1 medium papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into pieces

1 medium banana, sliced and frozen

2 cups almond milk

2 tablespoons lime juice

2-4 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 cup ice cubes

2 teaspoons honey

2 teaspoons Tajín chili/lime seasoning

1. Combine everything but the honey and the Tajín in the blender. Blend till smooth.

2. Pour the honey on a small, flat plate. Pour the Tajín on a separate plate. Run the rim of each glass through the honey, then through the Tajín.

PAPAYA

LITTLE D’S LITTLE D’S

THCA

DIAMOND INFUSED PRE-ROLLS

NO TRIM. NO SHAKE. ONLY QUALITY CANNABIS!

Meds From The Feds

Although 38 states have legalized Cannabis for medical use, it remains prohibited on the federal level. But what many people don’t realize is that the federal government actually established a legal medical marijuana program of its own over four decades ago — one that’s provided a handful of patients with free weed from Uncle Sam himself.

REEFER FOR RESEARCH

America’s original medical marijuana program began, surprisingly, at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacology. In 1968, UMSP was awarded the first and only official government contract to supply the National Institute on Mental Health with marijuana so researchers could study its effects. They secured an outdoor garden space just off campus and an assortment of seeds, and by the end of that year, they’d produced their first crop of Cannabis. Among the first scientists approved to dip into Uncle Sam’s secret stash were Dr. Robert Hepler and Dr. Ira R. Frank at UCLA. In 1971, the duo published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association titled “Marihuana Smoking and Intraocular Pressure,” which indicated that THC reduced eye pressure, suggesting Cannabis was a possible treatment for glaucoma and other optical conditions.

Unbeknownst to them, a young man across the country would soon arrive at the same conclusion through experimentation of his own.

ROBERT RANDALL

In 1971, 23-year-old Washington, D.C., taxi driver Robert Randall was diagnosed with glaucoma and told he’d likely be blind within five years. The prescribed eyedrops only seemed to make things worse. Then one day he smoked a joint, and to his surprise, it eased his eye pain and improved his vision. Randall began smoking weed regularly and eventually decided to start growing it himself. Unfortunately, in summer 1975, Randall and his wife Alice returned from vacation to find the four plants on their sun deck gone and a search warrant on their kitchen table, along with a note from the MPD requesting that they turn themselves in. It seems police noticed their plants while raiding a neighboring apartment and visited their place next.

to testify on his behalf. As a result, on Nov. 24, 1976, the judge ruled in Randall’s favor — dismissing the charges and affirming his use of marijuana as a “medical necessity.” That verdict marked the first time in 40 years that the U.S. government acknowledged that Cannabis may have medicinal use.

Meanwhile, Randall had also filed a petition in May 1976 with the DEA and NIDA requesting medical access to that Mississippi marijuana. Within weeks of his historic verdict, NIDA granted that petition, making him the first legally sanctioned medical marijuana user in American history.

Randall and his wife were charged with possession. Had they pled guilty, they could’ve simply paid a small fine and moved on… but within a week of their arrest, Randall learned about the Hepler/Frank study and instead decided to fight it — pleading “not guilty” and invoking the rarely-used Common Law Doctrine of Necessity to mount the first-ever medical marijuana defense. He even got Dr. Hepler

But his battle wasn’t over yet: As retaliation for his criticisms in the media, the FDA imposed harsh restrictions on where and how often he could obtain his meds, effectively cutting him off. In response, on May 6, 1978, Randall filed a sweeping lawsuit against the FDA, DEA, NIDA, DOJ and Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Apparently, officials were so terrified of the case going to trial that within 48 hours they’d settled out of court. The new agreement allowed Randall to receive Cannabis via a standard written prescription as part of a new FDA research effort called the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program, or IND.

The original University of Mississippi outdoor Cannabis garden.
The five patients receiving joints from Uncle Sam circa 1990 (left to right): Robert Randall, Corrine Millet, Elvy Musikka, George McMahon, and Irv Rosenfeld.
Randall’s first medicinal joint prescription.

COMPASSIONATE IND

Founded as a direct result of the settlement in the Randall v. U.S. case, the IND program was a concession made by NIDA to allow a select few patients with specific conditions to receive a monthly allotment of Cannabis from Ole Miss for “compassionate reasons.”

Here’s how it worked: After the plants were harvested and dried, they were shipped in large metal drums to a facility in North Carolina, where they were crushed, sifted and watered, then fed into a bulk cigarette-making machine. Next, those joints were freeze-dried and loaded 300-deep into round steel canisters, which were then stored in a freezer until being shipped off to the pre-approved doctor or pharmacist.

The government attempted to keep this new IND program under wraps because its very existence was a tacit admission that Cannabis did in fact have medicinal value — a direct contradiction to their official position and its classification under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. This is why it took nearly four years before another patient would be reluctantly admitted to the program: a financial adviser in Florida by the name of Irvin Rosenfeld.

IRVIN ROSENFELD

Since the age of 10, Rosenfeld suffered from a rare disease called Multiple Congenital Cartilaginous Exostoses — a condition that causes painful bone tumors to grow at his joints. Throughout his life, Rosenfeld underwent numerous surgeries and tried various medications before accidentally discovering that smoking marijuana helped relieve his pain and inflammation. Originally against illegal drugs, he was essentially peer pressured into smoking it while attending college in Miami in 1971. It didn’t affect him much at first, but one day, he smoked a joint while playing chess and came to the remarkable realization that he’d been sitting for over 30 minutes with no pain for the first time in years.

The following year, he dropped out of college and moved back to his home state of Virginia, where he and his doctor petitioned the FDA for approval to conduct their own medical study. After being stonewalled for years, Rosenfeld was about to give up hope. Then, in 1977, he met Randall at a college speaking engagement and was encouraged to keep fighting.

“He said, ‘You know, the government has no intentions of ever giving it to anyone else, but if anybody has a chance, you do.’”

With Randall’s guidance, in 1982, the FDA finally held a hearing for his case. After listening to his “very eloquent and convincing” testimony, the FDA granted his request, and in 1983 he became the second person accepted into the IND program.

With the help of Randall and Rosenfeld, more and more patients began petitioning for access to the program, including Iowans Barbara Douglas and George McMahon, Nebraska grandmother Corrine Millet, and Vietnam vet Lynn Pierson. But perhaps the best-known IND participant is the feisty firebrand, Elvy Musikka.

Within weeks of his historic verdict, NIDA granted his petition — making Randall the first legally-sanctioned

medical marijuana user in American history.

ENTER ELVY

Originally from Columbia, Elvy Musikka was born with congenital cataracts. At age 6, she had the first of many surgeries — some of which did more harm than good. In addition to her cataracts, Musikka was also diagnosed with glaucoma in 1975. At that point, her doctor unofficially advised her to use marijuana to try to save her sight. Like Rosenfeld, she had been against drug use up until that point, but in 1976, after learning about Randall’s case, she decided to try some pot brownies. The results were, according to her, “nothing short of a miracle.”

Musikka began using Cannabis regularly, and in 1980, she started growing a half dozen plants in her backyard in Hollywood, Florida. For nearly a decade, she grew and used Cannabis medicinally without legal incident — that is, until 1988, when a boarder she was trying to evict dropped the dime on her. When the police arrived on the evening of March 4, she didn’t try to hide the plants. Instead, she explained that they were her medicine and without them she’d go blind. Nevertheless, they confiscated her weed, arrested her and charged her with cultivation.

Musikka was facing a possible sentence of five years in prison, but rather than calling an attorney, she went straight to the media. Her story quickly caught the attention of both NORML attorney Norm Kent (who offered to represent her pro bono) and Randall, who also offered his assistance. Thanks to testimony by Randall and her ophthalmologist at her trial that August, the judge ruled in her favor, declaring: “I don’t see where a better case could ever be made for medical necessity. In this case, Miss Musikka is trying to preserve herself from serious bodily injury.”

Two months after her acquittal, Musikka was accepted into the IND, becoming the first woman to receive Cannabis through the program.

BUNK WEED & BLINDNESS

Unfortunately, Musikka’s struggles were far from over. After she moved to Eugene, Oregon, in 2005, NIDA refused to ship the tins to her new location, forcing her to fly back to Florida each year to pick up her joints. She also faced ongoing harassment at airports and on the road from law enforcement agents who didn’t understand or care about her unique legal status. But perhaps the greatest injustice inflicted on Musikka — and, in fact, all of the IND patients — was the poor quality Cannabis they received. Not

only was U-Miss’s weed loaded with seeds and stems, freezedried, and often many years old, but its potency was also abysmal — containing just 2% to 6% THC and practically zero other cannabinoids. Tragically, it was one particularly weak batch in 2012 that indirectly caused Musikka to go completely blind in her right eye.

“They sent us a bunch of garbage with no THC,” she told Freedom Leaf in 2016. “It was hemp — which I love to wear, but it didn’t do anything for my glaucoma.”

Apparently, the lack of THC (which she assumed she was getting from the joints) caused the pressure in her eyes to hit “critical levels.” In turn, this led doctors to perform emergency surgery, which they botched — causing the detachment of her retina and the loss of her optic nerve.

END OF AN ERA

At its peak in 1991, 43 people had been approved for the IND, but only 15 of them ever actually received any meds from the feds. Reportedly, government officials grew nervous about the program getting out of hand due to a large influx of applications from AIDS patients during the late ’80s. And so, in 1992, the Bush administration directed NIDA to stop accepting new patients, effectively ending the program for anyone who wasn’t grandfathered in — including nearly 300 patients awaiting approval.

“The government was never comfortable with this program,” Rick Doblin, executive director of MAPS, told the LA Times in 2015. “They are just waiting for all the people in it to die.”

Sadly, that’s gradually what happened. Today, only Rosenfeld and Musikka remain. Though still technically enrolled in the program, Musikka opted to stop receiving joints in 2020 — partly because she tired of flying to Florida, and partly because she’d rather smoke better bud. Which, of course, leaves Rosenfeld as the last patient still smoking Uncle Sam’s schwag.

“I appreciate what the government has done and hope it never stops,” he once said. “I feel very, very fortunate … I shouldn’t have been alive and I’m still alive. I take no other medicines; I’m in great shape because of the Cannabis. I’m living proof that medical Cannabis is real medicine.”

To listen to Bobby’s interview with Elvy, visit worldofcannabis.museum/podcast.

ANDRE GROSSMAN
DON RYAN/ALAMY
Patient #2: Irvin Rosenfeld.
Randall’s tin of joints.
Elvy Musikka and her joints.

MAKE BAD DECISIONS.

End of story. Well, there’s more actually.

See, we all know that it’s difficult to think clearly when gazing through the glowing lens of beer goggles. Because when everything in your periphery is enhanced by fuzzy glamour-shot lighting, the miscalculation alarm can be severely compromised when your weaker senses are enticed.

Suddenly, casting caution to the wind makes perfect sense, and you are down because you’ve just unlocked the jailed trap star who runs the city. That antisocial video gamer who clocked in this morning with a Best Buy name tag just got steamrolled by the tank that is the new, confident and boastful Chief Executed Baller. With a couple of shots and a beer satiating the gullet, the amazing new you has emerged. And this dude is a fucking player who struts with swagger and makes the calls, ready to order some rounds and make some forgettable memories.

This is the juncture in the evening where terrible ideas become sound opportunities to prove to the world that the Tin Man just needed a few drops of oil to lube up the joints. A few of these ill-advised decisions include tossing back a fifth shot of Fireball whiskey, doubling up on the stack of waffles, and cranking the ignition on the Hyundai. It all makes beautiful, perfect sense. Oh, and hooking up with your childhood bestie.

Not all decisions made when drunk are bad, however. The moment you decided to hit a homeless guy’s pinner on the sidewalk after slapping his palm with a 20 spot instead of calling Guido for an eight-ball of blow was the best choice you made all week.

Thankfully, the evening wasn’t a complete loss.

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