Do not attempt to smoke this magazine
THE FLOWER ISSUE
TOP NOTCH BUDS
AS NATURE INTENDED
FOLLOW US
LEAF / OREGON LEAF / ALASKA LEAF / MARYLAND LEAF / CALIFORNIA LEAF / NORTHEAST LEAF
WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER
wes@leafmagazines.com
MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com
TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER daniel@leafmagazines.com
TERPODACTYL MEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR amanda@leafmagazines.com
BOBBY BLACK LEAF BOWL DIRECTOR & HISTORIAN
bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com
MIKE GIANAKOS ONLINE EDITOR mikeg@leafmagazines.com
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
MICHAEL CZERHONIAK ADVERTISING SALES michael@leafmagazines.com
PAIGE RICHARDS ADVERTISING SALES paige@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
This month’s special edition highlights some of the region’s best Cannabis. Among many standout images, our team of Cannasseurs carefully chose Fiji Sunset cultivated by Unicorn Tears (@unicorn_tears_co) out of Maine, to grace the front cover. Brian Sanner has created many wonderful close-up shots for Northeast Leaf and his work always successfully highlights the beauty and wonder of Cannabis flower, as well as concentrates and devices. Learn more about our favorite strains and cultivators across pages 20-29.
PHOTO BY BRIAN SANNER @CALYXS_AND_COLAS_2.0 DESIGN BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
CONTRIBUTORS
ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES ADHDDEAD, FEATURES DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES JEFF DIMARCO, PHOTOS WYATT EARLY, NATIONAL NEWS NICK EVANS, REVIEWS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
CRYSTAL HOFFEE, REVIEWS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + ART
JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES NICKII KANE, PHOTOS
JAKE KERN, FEATURES
TODD MCCORMICK, PHOTOS
JOSH MONTHEI, PHOTOS
LEXI PADUSSIS, SALES
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
BRIAN SANNER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, PRODUCTION
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN
TAYLOR WEINBERG, PHOTOS
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Northeast Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. Email paige@leafmagazines.com to start advertising!
NORTHEAST LEAF!
WES
ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Thanks for picking up The Flower Issue of Northeast Leaf!
This is our ode to weed: the buds, the nugs, the plant that fil ls our minds and lungs with healing and happy smoke! Frosty trichome-covered flower is the input for every product we find on a dispensary s helf, processed into concentrates and then into edibles and topicals. It all starts as a plant, and that’s why we’ve picked the best buds to share with you!
I vividly remember the first time I picked up a High Times magazine, in the early 2000s, and saw a fully flowered plant covered in trichomes, red hairs and edgy leaves under a blue light filter. It looked almost alien! This illegal exotic plant could put you in jail, yet it looked so crummy in the dime bags and e ighths of BC bud around Seattle at that time. I was stunned and intrigued. I wanted to see the plant in the dirt, sending my roots into the weeds that day.
In my youthful era, Cannabis was illegal, and I was told that the Devil’s Lettuce would give me testicular cancer, ruin my brain like a fried egg, and steal my motivation. If only the warnings about alcohol had been equally as serious. It might seem trite, but seeing a weed plant in that magazine changed my entire view on Cannabis as a drug. How could all this fear be about something similar to an orchid or a tulip?
The first time I held a pot plant, in a red Solo cup, I was again struck by the juxtaposition between the reputation of the plant and the r eality of a little green seedling. I was reminded of the Parable of the Mustard Seed — how faith is like a tiny seed that can grow into a large tree that provides food, an environment for other animals and a safe space for birds and critters. What better example than the humble pot seed, which provides food, fuel and fiber as hemp and delivers medici ne and a safe recreational high as Cannabis? Surely the plant that can do it all is a gift from God, and definitely not comparable to lettuce!
“SEEING A WEED PLANT IN THAT MAGAZINE CHANGED MY ENTIRE VIEW ON CANNABIS AS A DRUG.”
I’ve been to the Portland Rose Garden, tripped in the Seattle A rboretum at the peak of blooming season, and yet no plant I’ve ever seen or sme lled compares to the beauty of Cannabis. Our favorite plant can share the same scent and flavor of a sugary strawberry patch in bloom, have the creamy-cheesy-garlicky funk of ripe durian fruit, and even share the same chemical compounds as the spray from a skunk! All of nature is represented in the spectrum of flavors, from the swee t to the cat piss.
Cannabis is the only plant that can send us to the sky in euphoria, help us rest peacefully and get us totally ripped while healing the body. I believe that all use of Cannabis is medicinal, because even on a rainy spring day, if the only reason for smoking is to feel better, then the act is one of healing. How many people turn to alcohol, pharmaceuticals or the ever-present sugar to feel bett er while harming their bodies?
There’s only one plant we can smoke or vaporize to feel better, which is why we celebrate all the beautiful colors, shapes and flavors in our annual Flower Issue!
BY THE NUMBERS
In Massachusetts, this is the percentage of dispensary retail products out of 100 that failed mold testing requirements. According to Christopher Hudalla, Ph.D., founder and CSO of testing laboratory ProVerde, the results of the tests are alarming. He said, “Well over half of the samples submitted do not pass the state’s own criteria for safety.” Who knows what blend of respiratory, allergy and fungal infections and reactions could result from using these products?
£400,000
The value of a Cannabis farm dismantled by police in North Yorkshire, England. The grow was discovered by an electrical company that discovered an irregular amount of power being used on the property during a power outage inspection. According to BBC News, officers described the operation as “sophisticated,” even though only two people were on scene during the raid. The police caught the two 30ish-year-old men, who are believed to be linked to an organized crime group.
20 lbs. $100m
The amount of Cannabis found along with a handgun in a traffic stop by the Florida Highway Patrol. The 27-year-old driver was stopped for illegal window tint when the officer noticed a heavy smell of fresh Cannabis. When asked, the driver admitted to smoking but could not provide a license or medical Cannabis card. The gun wasn’t loaded, but having random cash throughout the car and several large bags of different quantities of Cannabis didn’t help.
The Michigan Department of Treasury is distributing nearly $100 million among 302 local entities and tribes, according to a mid-February announcement. Detroit will receive $3 million in Cannabis tax revenue, the most of any community in Michigan. Of the counties, Wayne County rings the bell again this year with the most in tax revenue, around $5 million. The 10% sales tax provides counties with a little more than $58,000 per licensed Cannabis business in their jurisdiction.
New York’s Cannabis Control Board issued 74 new adult-use geared licenses in February spread out across six distributors, 10 microbusinesses, 39 processors and 16 retailers. As of late February, the state has 307 legal Cannabis retail stores in operation. Many more licensed Cannabis businesses in New York have yet to open, but the market should see an exciting uptick in mid to late 2025.
$300
In early February the Idaho State Senate voted 27-8 to approve a bill creating a mandatory minimum fine of $300 for simple Cannabis possession. Individuals 18 and older will receive this fine when caught with up to 3 ounces of Cannabis. With the amount of neighboring states that have lax Cannabis systems, this is only a small step in the right direction. This was almost the final hurdle after the House passed the bill just days earlier with a 54-14 vote. Now it goes on to Gov. Brad Little for consideration. If signed into law, it would take effect on July 1 of this year.
Since the first six months of Ohio’s recreational Cannabis program, state sales went to nearly $320 million. This number is eye-opening considering the medical program in Ohio did less than $15 million in revenue during its first six months. The state’s Division of Cannabis Control reports more than $2 billion in the medical market since 2019 across 37 cultivators, 46 processors, nine testing labs and 131 retailers.
The number of Cannabis stores in Seattle that were hit with a smash-and-grab burglary on the same day in late February. The Reef Cannabis in Capitol Hill and Cannazone in SoDo had vehicles driven through their doors after hours, costing the owners tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. This isn’t the first time thieves have targeted these stores, with each store having $15,000 to $20,000 in merchandise stolen in previous years in the same style of burglary.
MAKE GROWING EASY AGAIN
SIMPLIFY YOUR GROW BY SWITCHING TO A GRANULAR FERTILIZER THAT HAS BEEN SPECIALY FORMULATED FOR CANNABIS. IT’S AS SIMPLE AS MIXING IN WITH SOIL OR COCO THEN IT’S WATER ONLY AFTER THAT. FOR WITH CUT COSTS REDUCE ERRORS
Zach Gates
In a world filled with limitless creative possibilities, some artists find their niche in the most unexpected places.
Zach Gates is one such artist, whose journey into glassblowing began in Baltimore and led him to Philadelphia. From being a collector to a creator of stunning borosilicate glass designs, he continues to allure with his incredible works and techniques.
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND GLASS
When asked what he would do first with a time machine, Gates’ answer was simple: “I’m going back to the dinosaurs!” This playful remark reflects the sense of wonder fueling his artistic vision.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Gates’ interest in the medium started as a collector’s hobby. In 2017, he purchased his first glass art piece, created by Andy G, which ignited his passion and led him to explore what borosilicate glass could offer. That same year he had the opportunity to view live glass blowing by Scooby Meow Glass.
In 2019 Gates relocated to Philadelphia, where his journey as a glass artist began. He came with no prior experience, simply drawn to the material’s possibilities. His dedication culminated in his graduation from the renowned Salem School of Glass in 2021. Since then he has enjoyed the amazing artists’ community in the Philadelphia area.
“In 2019 Gates relocated to Philadelphia, where his journey as a glass artist began.”
FUMING: THE HEART OF THE CRAFT
When asked about his favorite aspect of glassblowing, the answer was simple — fuming.
Silver striking, a fuming technique, is especially fascinating to him. It involves metal vapor to color glass, and silver produces vibrant hues.
Achieving the entire rainbow spectrum through fuming is a key element that adds depth and complexity to his creations.
But fuming isn’t the only technique that draws his attention. Faceting, the process of cutting and shaping the glass to create intricate patterns, complements fuming perfectly. The interplay between the colors from fuming and reflective patterns from faceting gives a stunning, multidimensional quality that’s become his signature style.
One of Gates’ current favorite designs is the “Bloopcycler,” which stands out for its unique, fluid structure.
He said that he prefers to select a combination of colors from Molten Aura Labs and Greasy Glass, and enjoys showcasing their rich colors that make the art truly pop. The vibrancy of Royal Jelly, Magenta and Pink are particularly striking, allowing techniques like sleeving and ghosting to come to life.
These elements — rich color, intricate technique and fluid design — are central to his work. With each new piece, he blends creativity with technical mastery, and his love for the material deepens.
“With every new piece, his love for the material deepens, and his craft continues to evolve.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Looking to the future, Gates has several exciting projects on the horizon. One of the most anticipated is a drop at Ignite Glass and Gifts, where fans can get a chance to see new creations firsthand. An innovative project is also in the works: “Gemception,” a captivating piece that features a gem within a gem. This unique idea promises to push the boundaries of glassblowing even further, combining the natural beauty of gemstones with the skill and intricacy of glass art. With exciting projects on the way, the world of glassblowing surely will see more of his captivating creations in the years to come. @GATEZGLASS | GATEZGLASS.BIGCARTEL.COM
THE ARTIST’S EVOLUTION
SACRED SESH
THE RASTAFARIAN, HOLISTIC ART OF STEAMING
a cherished gift from Jah, ganja isn’t used recreationally but sacramentally, integrated into rituals, meditations and communal gatherings known as “reasoning sessions.” In these spaces, the steam chalice is a focal point, its vapor facilitating clarity of mind, spiritual elevation and communal bonding. In the Rastafarian lineage of ancient wisdom, the steam chalice — or steam rolla — stands as a powerful and sacred way to commune with the herb in its purest form.
THE SESH is more than a ritual; it’s a communion with the earth, a bridge between the physical and the divine. In the Rastafarian tradition, the sacramental herb of Cannabis, or ganja, is honored as a vessel of healing and enlightenment. Rooted in a spiritual framework, ganja is revered as the “Tree of Life,” a sacred herb that offers healing, elevated insight and a pathway to divine connection.
Unlike traditional combustion, steamrolling activates the medicinal properties of the plant without the burn. This process involves placing whole Cannabis flower and other herbs into a ceramic bowl, which is then heated indirectly with natural coconut shell charcoal. As the herbs warm slowly, they release a fragrant and potent vapor free from the harmful byproducts of direct combustion.
This technique, deeply rooted in Rastafarian culture, preserves the integrity of the herb, offering a cleaner, smoother and more intentional experience. Through the gentle release of terpenes and cannabinoids, steaming allows the true spirit of the plant to unfold — expanding the mind, uplifting the soul and nurturing the body.
Beyond providing these sacred tools to the community, JahSteamaz offers personal and group steam chalice ceremonies, both virtually and in person. These immersive ceremonies guide participants through the mindful practice of steaming, fostering a deeper connection to the herbs and oneself. Under TaiJah’s guidance, individuals learn to cultivate a respectful and holistic relationship with Cannabis, viewing it not just as a substance but as a sacrament.
A RITUAL OF HEALING AND CONNECTION
“Through the gentle release of terpenes and cannabinoids, steaming allows the true spirit of the plant to unfold — expanding the mind, uplifting the soul and nurturing the body.”
JahSteamaz, a collective dedicated to the art of herbal healing, embodies this ancestral knowledge through its line of products and educational offerings.
Founder TaiJah Mills, a devoted plant medicine advocate and medicine woman, embraced her calling to craft these sacred tools and share the wisdom of steaming with the world following a journey back to her ancestral homeland of Jamaica.
JahSteamaz offers handcrafted steam chalices made in Jamaica. Crafted from natural materials like coconut shells, bamboo and clay, each piece is a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage and the Rastafarian commitment to natural living. These chalices are not merely products but vessels of tradition designed to facilitate a conscious and intentional relationship with plant medicine.
The steam chalice is not just a typical consumption device — it is an intentional sacramental chalice. Before engaging in the ritual, take a moment to ground yourself. Set an intention for your sesh — whether it’s clarity, healing, creativity or a deeper spiritual connection. As you inhale the sacred steam, visualize the medicine permeating your being, filling you with light, wisdom and Jah’s eternal love. Positive vibrations such as music, chanting or even silent meditation can further enhance the experience.
ALIGNING WITH THE ELEMENTS
To truly elevate your sesh, it’s essential to work in harmony with the elements. Fire represents transformation, the spark that awakens the spirit of the plant. Whether using a natural charcoal or an ember, approaching the flame with reverence ensures a respectful activation of the herb’s healing properties.
Air is the breath of life, carrying the essence of the herb into the lungs, where it merges with
our own life force. Conscious breathing — deep, intentional inhales and slow, meditative exhales — enhances the absorption of its wisdom.
Water cools and purifies, filtering the vapor through the chalice’s natural reservoir. Like the sacred rivers that cleanse the soul, water in the steam chalice allows for a smoother and more hydrating intake of the medicine.
Earth is the foundation, the source from which the herb is born. Honoring the soil, respecting the cultivation process and choosing ethically grown, pesticide-free herbs ensures that we are in alignment with the highest vibrational plant medicine.
SACRAMENT, NOT RECREATION
In the eyes of true herbalists and spiritual seekers, Cannabis is not a recreational drug — it is a sacrament, a teacher, a bridge between worlds. JahSteamaz is keeping this ancient wisdom alive, reminding us that how we engage with the herb matters. The way we prepare it, the energy we bring to the sesh and the tools we use all contribute to the vibrational quality of the experience.
By adopting the practice of steaming with the chalice, individuals can experience the holistic benefits of Cannabis, accessing its therapeutic properties while aligning with a tradition that promotes mindfulness, respect and spiritual growth. For those seeking to deepen their connection to plant medicine, steaming offers a path of purity, reverence and holistic healing. Whether new to the practice or already walking the path, JahSteamaz provides the tools and wisdom needed to elevate your sesh to a truly sacred experience.
The next time you get ready to burn one down or light one up, remember OGs: This is more than a moment of relaxation — it is an act of devotion.
Pause before your sesh, set an intention and give thanks to the four elements, Mama Ganja and the Ancestors who protected our sacred plant medicines. As the steam rises, let it carry your prayers of gratitude into the cosmos, to infinity and beyond. Until next time, One Love OGs!
THE ART OF STEAMING
BACKYARD BLISS
Based in Massachusetts, Weedscape is a locally rooted service that transforms backyards into personalized green spaces where Cannabis and native flora flourish together. With a commitment to hands-on, one-on-one consultations, Weedscape is all about empowering homeowners to grow their own recreational and medicinal Cannabis while reviving local ecosystems.
“WEED IS DEFINED in the dictionary as an ‘unwanted or undesirable plant.’ We strongly disagree,” owner and founder Chris Hart said. “Gardening is about well-being — growing weed, too.”
The process begins with a friendly, in-person visit to evaluate your garden’s unique potential, looking at everything from soil quality and sunlight exposure to the existing local plant life. Weedscape works closely with each client to develop a tailored plan that makes the most of your outdoor space. But the vision doesn’t stop at Cannabis; it’s about creating a balanced environment where native species can thrive. Through their “Rewind and ReWILD” initiative, Weedscape introduces key native plants to your garden, helping to attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies while restoring the natural biodiversity of the area.
Chief Marketing Officer Ronny LeBlanc recalls the moment when the idea came together: “When Chris pitched me the idea about backyard Cannabis gardens surrounded by pollinators… it clicked. Create an ecosystem in your backyard that benefits nature, your mental health, and learn the art of growing Cannabis outdoors — it feels like we are time traveling. It feels right.”
“Weedscape
invites you to reimagine your backyard as a vibrant ecosystem — a place where your personal cultivation of Cannabis contributes to a larger movement of ecological restoration.”
A KEY FEATURE of Weedscape’s offer is their exclusive partnership with 555 Genetics. This collaboration brings unique Cannabis strains such as Garlic Nector, Lime Tart and Sour London Jelly into the mix. These strains have been chosen for their ability to grow robustly in a home garden setting, providing delightful flavors and consistent performance without sacrificing sustainability.
In addition to their premium Cannabis selections, Weedscape enriches your garden with a carefully curated mix of native pollinator flowers. Imagine a garden adorned with the bright hues of New England aster, the intriguing shapes of northeast beardtongue, the elegant curves of trumpet honeysuckle, the cheerful charm of bee balm cardinal flower, as well as the natural beauty of Joe Pye weed, boneset and mountain mint. These plants not only add an attractive burst of color but also help rebuild a resilient ecosystem by inviting local wildlife and pollinators back to your garden.
With a small, passionate team at its core, Weedscape prides itself on offering personalized, expert guidance without the bureaucracy of a large company. The service is intimate and community-focused, reflecting the founders’ deep belief in the importance of sustainable, homegrown solutions. Every consultation is an opportunity to share practical tips, sustainable gardening practices and the simple joy of nurturing a living ecosystem right at home.
“Weedscape gardens are good for all life forms in your backyard, including you and your neighbors,” said Hart.
Weedscape invites you to reimagine your backyard as a vibrant ecosystem — a place where your personal cultivation of Cannabis contributes to a larger movement of ecological restoration. By blending the art of growing premium Cannabis with the science of native plant propagation, Weedscape is leading the charge toward a greener, more self-sufficient future, one backyard at a time.
Attorney & partner Kevin Hart, CMO Ronny LeBlanc, and Owner & Founder Chris Hart
Cardoz Blended Gourmet
Infused Cooking Oil
“...each measured drizzle offers the perfect opportunity to add a mindful touch, even when dining.”
Based in Massachusetts, Cardoz Blended Gourmet is reshaping the culinary landscape by infusing Cannabis innovation with a storied family legacy. Founded by New Jersey native Peter Cardoz, the company draws inspiration from his late father, celebrated Chef Floyd Cardoz, while harnessing Peter’s scientific expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. In 2024, Cardoz Blended Gourmet made headlines with the launch of a live resin cooking oil that empowers home chefs to create gourmet Cannabis-infused dishes. Working closely with his mother, Barkha Cardoz, Peter’s venture sets a new standard for quality and creativity in the industry, blending tradition with modern innovation.
IN MY QUEST for unique culinary experiences, I recently discovered a live Cannabis resin-infused cooking oil that has transformed the way I approach my meals. This oil isn’t designed to be a flavor powerhouse; it’s primarily a carrier for THC, offering a subtle way to infuse each dish with its effects while leaving the original taste of the recipes intact. With its clear, amber hue and delicate herbal aroma, each measured drizzle offers the perfect opportunity to add a mindful touch, even when dining.
For a satisfying dinner, I often rely on a simple vegetable sauté. I begin by chopping a handful of fresh bell peppers, zucchini and mushrooms. Using my standard cooking oil to lightly sauté the vegetables, I let their natural flavors shine through. Just before finishing, I add a modest drizzle of the infused oil. The result is a dish that retains its vibrant taste while incorporating a gentle, uplifting buzz from the THC, a transformation that is both subtle and satisfying.
After dinner, I like to treat myself to a well-deserved dessert that complements the earlier flavors. A small serving of vanilla ice cream becomes an indulgent finale when finished with a light drizzle of the THC-infused oil. Since this oil is mainly a carrier, it doesn’t overpower the dessert’s inherent sweetness. Instead, it provides a slight herbal whisper that enhances the overall experience without masking the original flavors.
What truly sets this infused cooking oil apart is not just its role in the kitchen but also its calming influence. Even when dining alone, I find that meals prepared with this finishing touch carry a dual benefit — nourishing both the body and the mind. After a long day, enjoying a carefully crafted dish with this addition helps me unwind and sparks a creative energy that carries over into my evening. It’s as if each bite becomes a mindful moment, a gentle reminder to savor both taste and tranquility.
This live Cannabis resin-infused cooking oil has earned its place as a discreet yet valued element of my personal kitchen. By acting solely as a carrier for THC, it transforms everyday cooking into a personalized ritual of subtle enjoyment and relaxation. In a busy world, it’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest additions can have the most profound impact — one meal, one moment at a time.
Z-UNIT 90-119U 1ST WASH COLD CURE HASH ROSIN
Misty’s Melts might be new to the Maine hash scene, but they produce work like seasoned veterans. This female-owned, small-batch brand takes you to the candy shop with their latest offering, Z-Unit.
WASHED IN-HOUSE from 90-119u first pull heads, this selection was bred by New York’s own N.Y.CEEDS — a wild mashup of [Zkittlez x (Zkittlez x (Kosher Kush x OZ Kush)] x Spritzer).
With a unique NYC breeder pedigree, the clear nod to 50 Cent’s once-legendary crew in the name hits differently. After testing, tasting and experiencing this cold cure hash rosin, it became clear why Z-Unit is blasting onto the scene with its flashy flavor and knockout effects.
“...Z-UNIT IS BLASTING ONTO THE SCENE WITH ITS FLASHY FLAVOR AND KNOCKOUT EFFECTS.”
The bright, pearlescent white rosin has a sharp aroma of sweet berry buttercream with the tiniest hint of sugar rock candy.
That richness is cut by shaved citrus peel, bringing a contrast that keeps it from feeling too heavy before landing on a nice grape exhale, courtesy of the Grape Pie from the Spritzer parentage. The initial sharp candy flavor ends with a pleasant berry fruit profile. This lip-smacking, sweet-candy flavor and uplifting high make it easy to go in for another dab, just to chase that flavor one more time.
The mood-boosting high is potent but not a heavy couchlock experience. A consistent and long-lasting euphoria wraps around the body, melting stress without clouding the mind.
Perfect for zoning into your favorite movie, spinning a classic album (author’s picks: Grateful Dead’s 12/19/73 or 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”), or, if you’re feeling inspired, getting productive and doing something as exciting as writing a stellar rosin review. Misty’s Melts dialed this one in.
The texture is perfect. The inhale is silky with no harshness — just a flood of terps that demand attention even on the biggest stage.
For a brand just getting started, Misty’s Melts is already starting to put out some heat and is not afraid to make a powerful statement. So if you see this one in a store near you, don’t be a “Window Shopper” and make sure you scoop “Just A Lil’ Bit.”
@MISTYS_MELTS
WWW.NYCEEDS.NYC
BRED BY N.Y.CEEDS | LINEAGE: [ZKITTLEZ X (ZKITTLEZ X (KOSHER KUSH X OZ KUSH)] X SPRITZER)
INTRODUCING
EXTREMELY TASTY & POTENT
Whole bud flower is infused with a proprietary process that combined diamonds, natural botanical terpenes and pure kief all contained within the pre-roll to produce a potent flavor explosion and high THC content for that desired Lift o or couch lock without the mess and burn of a traditional pre-roll.
cupcake’s CANNABIS pie face
The guys up in the mountains of Maine at Cupcake’s have really dialed in the balance on this Pie Face, letting that Cherry Pie lineage shine with a deep, rich fruit note that lingers on both the nose and translates nicely to the exhale. A balanced hybrid, it’s not without some oomph from the Face Off OG side that keeps it from getting too soft, cutting through with a stoney, head-hugging potency that settles behind the eyes. The flower is smooth, flavorful and potent enough to make time slip a little. This one seems ideal for winding down without getting knocked out while still being a tasty smoke. cupcakescannabis.com | Review by @adhddead
Photo by Brian Sanner @calyxs_and_colas_2.0
fulltilt labs frost donkey
Frost Donkey’s odor will overwhelm you the second you crack the jar, unleashing a deep, gassy aroma cut with warm vanilla and amber. The rich scent is layered with citrus, pine, and sour spice, opening the palate up for the heavy resin content of this frost-covered strain. The flavor follows in perfect form, blending nutty sweetness with sharp lemon and a touch of diesel. This high comes on fast, settling the mind with a euphoric kick before settling into a deep, full-bodied relaxation. Perfect for unwinding, Frost Donkey delivers a smooth, potent experience that melts away stress and keeps you locked into pure comfort. | fulltiltlabs.com @fulltilt_labs | Review by Jake Kern @jake.s.kern
Photo by Taylor Weinberg @taylordweinberg
Locally grown in New Jersey by Tokesly using some of Colorado’s finest genetics, Dante’s Inferno unfurls into layered high, slowly working through your body with a sensation of sweet sedation. A cross of Oreoz and Devil Driver, this strain carries a creamy aroma with overtones of ripe berries, layered over a deep foundation of chocolate and diesel. The flavor is just as rich, balancing sugary fruit with a spicy kick. Breaking up these dense, resin-packed buds leaves your fingers sticky, hinting at the potency within. Expect a slow descent into full-body relaxation while your mind stays sharp, sparking creativity amid the calm. | @Tokesly | @tokeslygenetics
Review by Jake Kern @jake.s.kern
Photo by Taylor Weinberg @taylordweinberg
niche CANNABIS pink biscotti
Pink Biscotti hits your senses the moment you open its jar; a rich aroma blends sweet cookies, earthy herbs and ripe fruit. The smell is deep and resinous, filling the air with a sugary nuttiness and a hint of spice. The flavor is just as indulgent, coating your palate with a smooth mix of tonka bean, warm spices and a subtle herbal finish. The high begins with an uplifting heady rush before settling into a full-body calm. Perfect for easing stress and anxiety, Pink Biscotti is a potent indulgence that delivers both relaxation and a sensory experience worth savoring. | @niche.nfe
Review by Jake Kern @jake.s.kern
Photo by Taylor Weinberg @taylordweinberg
THE FLOWER ISSUE
umamii black maple
Black Maple is as visually striking as it is flavorful, with dark, rich hues and deep canyons of crystallization running through its dense buds. The aroma is addictively sweet at first, rolling into a pleasant musk with notes of sweet grape, black pepper and warm wood. The flavor follows suit, balancing chocolatey richness with a woody, peppery exhale and subtle hints of gas and vanilla. Its high is both physically relaxing and mentally engaging, making it perfect for creative sessions, social gatherings or just unwinding. Expect a smooth lift before settling into a mellow, satisfying comedown. enjoyumamii.com | @enjoy.umamii | Review by @jake.s.kern | Photo by @taylordweinberg
GOOD LIFE GARDENS ROAD RAGE OG
This one wipes out stress on impact. Grown in Maine by small-batch craft producers Good Life Gardens, this Road Rage OG reeks of gas, rubber and something funky — almost borderline offensive. After the first hit slaps you heavy, with the Hot Rod lineage revving straight to the skull, while the Swamp Thing genetics creep in just as fast, melting tension and replacing it with a deep, eyes-low calm. Perfect for turning down the noise without losing the edge. The high is less road rage and more cruise control with the bass up. @good_life_gardens | Review by @adhddead | Photo by Brian Sanner @calyxs_and_colas_2.0
ForZiato is another great example of Zkittlez in a cross. This Flavor Farming selection features Zkittlez pollinated with reversed pollen from Bacio Gelato (aka Gelato 41). The Z terps are strong on this one, with some creamy, sugary dough, lavender and warm tires to round things out. There’s some nice bag appeal, too, with a big frost atop the dark green buds with purple sugar leaves. @flavorfarming Review by Nick Evans @NicksPicks207
Monkey Jones Alien Strawberry Candy
The nose jumps out at you. It’s all sweet strawberry and tart lemon yogurt, with dense, thick green spears and purple sugar leaves, all crusted with resin glands. Cracking the bud open shows more of the classic purple linalool-type aromas. The buzz is a very cozy, blanket-type high with a floaty, positive headspace that’s certain to elevate your day. www.monkeyjones.me @_monkey_jones | Review by Nick Evans @NicksPicks207
Zsunami, created by Archive Seeds, is a cross of Zazul and Moonbow 112 F2 #60. Upstate Gardens’ cut has beautiful lime sorbet and mossy forest aromas so alluring that you get stuck with your nose in the jar. The dense, trichome-laden buds break down to a great texture, and the palate-staining smoking experience is as pleasant as the stoney punch that quickly washes over you. upstategardens.com | @upstategardens
Review by Nick Evans @NicksPicks207
upstate gardens zsunami
high road moonbow
High Road’s Moonbow is a great example of how sometimes the sequels are better than the original. It’s everything you might want in a Z strain: soft sweet candy on the nose, an uplifting mood-boosting high and that signature mouth-coating sweetness. But with better bag appeal, easier to grow and maybe even a bit more potent given the Dosidos hidden in the lineage. This version of the standout strain smokes smooth from start to finish, with no noticeable harshness and white ash — just clean-burning, topshelf power. A true standout for Z fans who like their flavor with some extra muscle, this is another solid entry from the team at High Road. highroad207.com @highroad207
Review by ADHDDEAD
@adhddead
This one does exactly what the name says. Firefly Organics’ Glueberry blends MOB’s (Mother of Berries) tart berry profile with GG4’s signature sticky funk, creating a flavor that somehow legitimately tastes like blueberry glue. It’s a unique combination that has your taste buds bouncing back and forth on the exhale through a haze of thick, milky smoke. The high results in a full-body melt-into-the-couch sensation, locking you down and keeping you there. | @firefly.organics
Review by ADHDDEAD @adhddead
Firefly Organics Glueberry
by
PHOTO
GELE HEADBANGER
It is one of GELE’s signature strains, and you can see why they hang their hats on this Karma Genetics cross of Sour Diesel and Biker Kush. There are notes of gas, Pine-Sol cleaner and earthy dank popping out of the jar.
At 30% THC, it’s a solid hitter with a layered high. It’s also a real crowd-pleaser, with people reaching for this jar for seconds at the sesh. gardenofgele.com @gardenofgele2.0
Review by Nick Evans
@NicksPicks207
PHOTO by BRIAN SANNER
Fiji Sunset is a cross of Glazed Apricot Gelato and Grape Gasoline, made by Chris at Compound Genetics. Hunted and selected by Flavor Farming, this strain has a boat dock vibe, with notes of rich, deep red grenadine and apricot over pineapple and citrus in a tiki glass. The hint of gasoline solidifies the sentiment. The high is strong but balanced, offering a euphoric headspace and a mellow, pain-melting body high, a perfect pairing for your yacht rock playlist.
@unicorn_tears_co
Review by Nick Evans @NicksPicks207
PHOTO by BRIAN SANNER
HERB ' N' LEGENDS
Welcome to another case of examining some of Cannabis’ most enduring superstitions.
This month we look at one that, to this day, gets brought up at smoke sessions and livestreams all over the world. Some people will tell you irrefutably and with religious conviction that not only do you need to hold in your Cannabis hit but that you aren’t getting as high if you don’t. And while half of that statement is true, which half and why might just surprise you.
THERE’S NO DOUBT a minigame involved in trying not to immediately exhale after taking a puff. Contests are often held around a rotation to see who exhales before the joint gets back to them or who explodes into a coughing fit from trying. The phrase “if you don’t cough, you don’t get off” seems directly tied to the idea of holding in a hit. So, considering the firm belief, we have to ask: Is there merit to this idea? The Cannabis world often suffers from a lack of scientific studies to properly determine whether myths like this are fact or fiction. However, this is one of those instances where the science isn’t just available — it’s been there for years. Between the YouTube videos and brand-written articles on the subject, the National Institutes of Health website outlines a 1989 study in which Cannabis smokers were asked to hold their hits for zero, 10 and 20 seconds. Researchers then monitored them to determine whether breath-holding affected function or efficacy. Even back then, they found no conclusive evidence to support the idea that purposely holding your breath results in a
greater absorption of THC into the lungs.
From that breadcrumb, you might find a 1992 study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, which concluded that there was more evidence for cumulative exposure (i.e., how many puffs you take) rather than prolonged exposure. Though the study was a weeklong trial with a small sample size, most of the same team reunited in 1995 to create a second study examining volume versus duration, published in the same journal.
"...there’s a reason you might feel more lightheaded after holding your breath for 30 seconds or coughing your guts out."
From both these studies, the team was able to report that their findings “support the notion that cumulative puff volume systematically influences biological exposure and subjective effects, but cast doubt on the common belief that prolonged breath-holding of marijuana smoke enhances classical subjective effects associated with its reinforcing value in humans.”
Despite all this, there’s still some mystery in the situation. That 1989 study is also quick to point out that “the actual influence on breath-hold duration
in response to marijuana smoke” wasn’t what was being studied, but rather the use of “systematic manipulation of breath-hold duration on the physiological, cognitive and subjective response to marijuana smoke.”
The 1992/1995 research team also saw a slight uptick in results when smoke was held in for three to 10 seconds, but that’s not how this myth gained such a lasting legacy that people on social media will constantly bring it up.
For one thing, there’s a reason you might feel more lightheaded after holding your breath for 30 seconds or coughing your guts out. Both of these activities deprive your brain of oxygen, elevating carbon dioxide in the bloodstream and producing feelings of spaciness, confusion and dizziness. So yes, these things will make you feel more fucked up, but that’s different than being higher.
We’ll have to wait for more studies to examine THC absorption, but for now, the next time someone comments on how long you held in your hit, you can remind them that you’re here to get high on weed, not a lack of oxygen.
iDO ROBOTS GROW WITH ELECTRIC SEEDS?
compound genetics, node labs and the hunt for synthetic seeds
WAS AT A PARTY when Felipe Recalde from Compound Genetics came up and pulled out a vial filled with these clear, gelatinous bubbles. Inside each orb was a tiny green shoot suspended in goo like an embryo in a fish egg. He shook them up and poured some into my hands to show they weren’t as delicate as they appeared. “These,” he said, “are Cannabis seeds.” When you think of planting fields of Cannabis 100 years from now, what do you imagine it will look like?
Certainly far different than the hoop houses or even the giant indoor facilities we see today. Looking at the progression from small farms to large facilities and seeing the title of this article, it’s hard not to start picturing some kind of science fiction garden from “Blade Runner” or “Alien.” Certainly the term “synthseeds” sounds like it was made by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. The concept of a synthetic seed, or seed analog, was actually first discovered back in 1958.
A SEED BY ANY OTHER NAME
Presented as a concept in 1977, the very first synthseeds were reproduced in 1984 with somatic embryos from alfalfa.
Even looking the concept up online you’ll find YouTube videos dating back to five and six years ago from places as far away as Australia. The National Library of Medicine lists a 2022 study examining artificial seeds as an alternative approach for the commercial-scale use of clones. Because, to be clear right from the start, we’re not talking about a solution for traditional Cannabis cultivation methods but rather another tool in the playbook for large-scale cultivation.
There will always be a need for natural seed stock in the world of Cannabis and the genetic diversity it provides. However, as more commercial facilities open up, synthetic seeds have undeniable applications in those environments — particularly for transferring genetics. Many different laws and regulations still apply to seeds. Remember that while a package might say “novelty use,” it’s still subject to agricultural restrictions. Many tourists have come back from Amsterdam only to discover their “novelty” seeds taken at customs. In speaking with Compound for this article, Recalde says the meristem cell contained inside an artificial seed represents base cells and can’t simply be planted in the ground to grow. Therefore, they’re excluded from many of the situations traditional seeds can find themselves in.
To learn more, we headed to Compound Genetics’ facility in Santa Rosa, Calif., where they maintain a lab as well as a facility to work on long-term projects like synthseeds. Part of Node Labs and connected to an antique barn, the facility can house a staggering 450 different cultivars, but Production Manager Emily Hsu says they normally store around 300 strains. These range from Compound and other recreational flower brands to a section for private client storage and a space for their work with the Origins Council to offer free genetic banking for farmers stewarding
California’s legacy outdoor genetics. Together with Lauren Avenius, CEO of Node Labs, Hsu walked us through the breakdown of the parts of a synthetic seed and how they’re made, a process they say all starts with meristems cells.
WHAT ARE MERISTEMS?
A meristem is a cluster of cells within a plant containing a bunch of actively dividing initial cells, along with derivative cells that have an intended purpose. Avenius says, “Think of it a bit like the stem cell of the plant world.” They collect these meristems and then prepare them into synthetic seeds which they refer to in the lab as “boba.” When asked why the reference, Avenius said, “I think we've all had boba tea before, and you understand how it has that outer casing within that little bit of a pop when it opens up, and then it’s filled with a sugary sort of fluid, right? That's basically what this is. We simulate everything that’s inside a seed: all of the food, the little bit of hormones, all of the sugars and starches that that seed embryo gets, we put in here.” Softer than your traditional seed, the shell is made of sodium alginate, a completely organic, edible substance that the plant can easily break through but requires a bit of force to burst from the outside.
"
To anyone who can recognize how important genetics are to the future of Cannabis, this represents a possible game-changer."
in tissue culture, and eventually replacing clones is Avenius and Recalde’s long-term goal. “Our vision for the project is that these become a viable product to replace clones so that you’ll get all the benefits of a sterile clone and genetically identical plants, with all the agronomic data, so you can dial in your room and be able to have that perfect product output,” Avenius says.
From there, we went to the lab station where Shannon Healy, manager of R&D, was sitting down to create the artificial seeds by collecting the fluid and meristem into a scientific turkey baster, dropping it into the sodium alginate, where it instantly formed a tiny egg, and was scooped out into a sterile container. We asked Healy if the recipe for the liquid starter was universal to the process, and she says they actually went through several different mixtures of sodium alginate and calcium chloride before achieving a successful autoclavable solution. When asked how long these stay viable, Healy said they have some in cold storage that are as old as five months. Even the ones I was sent home with sat in and out of my fridge for six weeks before tiny sprouts started to poke through the shells.
THE FUTURE IS NOW
Currently, Recalde says Node and Compound are stress testing to see how long the meristem stays viable, as well as running trials on how to eventually plant these straight into rockwool cubes. He believes that with a tissue culture lab in Colombia and partners in Germany, Canada, Israel, Thailand and Australia, “we need to simulate that supply chain now to be ready.” Long term, Avenius says, they want home and commercial growers to be able to plant these just like seeds. The result would be a healthy, harvestable plant grown straight from nothing but the tiny bit of tissue and its boba bathtub. Recalde says he sees one of the most important long-term benefits as the ease with which synthetic seeds allow us to transport plants.
Also, Avenius points out, unlike seeds you can’t just plant a meristem and have it grow into a plant for harvest. “Those meristems need that direction, the right growth medium and hormones to get it to grow into what you want. Sometimes that can make the plants have a strange morphology,” she says. That’s the reason they don’t recommend using tissue culture as a flowering crop but instead recommend growing it out to become a mother plant.
For now, they want boba seeds to become a replacement for the traditional storage methods
This leads me back to what put me into this story in the first place: the idea that you can wander around with a container full of healthy clones right in your pocket, ready to be delivered anywhere you can reach in at least six weeks. To anyone who can recognize how important genetics are to the future of Cannabis, this represents a possible game-changer. Despite the 40-year-old technology still being 10 to 15 years away from what Node and Compound are picturing, this is something they see as part of prepping for the future.
This year at Spannabis in Barcelona, Avenius says they hope to unveil the project to commercial growers with a simplified explanation: “How do we combine the best thing about seeds, which is they’re cheaper and healthier, with the best thing about tissue culture and clones, which are genetically identical and have proven commercial viability?”
THE CANNABIS COMMUNITY is mourning the loss of yet another of its greatest icons — breeder and entrepreneur David Watson (better known as Sam the Skunk Man), who passed into the great beyond on Monday, January 27, 2025 (the same day that medical marijuana activist Dennis Peron died seven years earlier), at the age of 76.
Watson — aka Skunkman Sam, aka Sam Selezny, aka Sadu Sam — was, by most accounts, the most influential Cannabis breeder in history. Starting out in Santa Cruz County in the early 1970s, he began collecting, cataloging and crossing Cannabis cultivars from around the globe, eventually creating several classic strains, including — as his nickname suggests — the legendary Skunk #1, whose genetic fingerprints can be found within many of the popular varieties enjoyed today.
Watson shared the unique genetics he’d procured and produced with the public through the seed company he founded, Sacred Seeds (America’s first commercial seed bank).
Salute to the SKUNK MAN
TRIBUTE by BOBBY BLACK @THEBOBBYBLACK
Then, in 1984, he brought around a quarter million seeds to Amsterdam, where, under the new name of Cultivator’s Choice, he sold his genetics (including Skunk #1, Afghan #1, Durban Poison, Hindu Kush and the original Haze) to all of the Dutch growers, who then used them to help create the iconic strains and seed companies we know today. It’s not overstating things to say that every Cannabis breeder operating over the past 40 years owes a debt of gratitude to the Skunkman.
Beyond breeding, Watson made numerous other groundbreaking contributions to Cannabis culture and science. In the late 1980s, he published the first pamphlet explaining how to make water hash and is credited with coining the phrase, “If it don’t bubble, it ain’t worth the trouble.”
He later went on to co-host the infamous Legends of Hashish dinner party and competition (held in Amsterdam each November during the Cannabis Cup) with his lifelong friend, botanist Robert Connell Clarke, and Marcus “Bubbleman” Richardson. He and Clarke also co-founded the International Hemp Association, as well as the genetics company Hortilab, and Hortapharm, the world’s first privately funded pharmaceutical cannabinoid research company.
“Every Cannabis breeder operating over the past 40 years owes a debt of gratitude to the Skunk Man.”
Regarded by many as a kind-hearted curmudgeon, Watson was almost universally beloved by growers around the world. But despite his revered status in the community, he eschewed all accolades and recognition, preferring to live a very private life as an expat in Amsterdam (where he resided with his wife and partner Diana since the 1980s) and forbidding photos of himself to be made public. It’s only now, after his death, that friends have begun posting images of him.
As part of his final wishes, Watson’s ashes have been portioned out into small, custom-blown glass vials to be shared with his friends and other prominent growers around the world, with the intention that they be sprinkled into the soil of their next crops so that his remains can nourish the sacred plant he so loved and devoted his life to.
Sensi Sensibility
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Holland’s Sensi Seed Bank is the world’s oldest and most influential Cannabis seed company still in operation.
EARLY DAYS
Sensi Seeds was founded in 1985 by Dutch cultivator and entrepreneur Ben Dronkers. Born on Dec 25, 1949, Dronkers was raised in Rotterdam, where he first gained an appreciation for horticulture while spending time with his mother in their garden.
In 1963, at the age of 15, he began working as a boatswain’s boy (an assistant deck hand) for the Rotterdam-based Holland-America merchant shipping line. While visiting ports of call in various countries, he sought exotic fabrics for a clothing company he hoped to start. Three years later, Dronkers had already married and had his first son, Alan. In 1968, he and his wife did indeed open their own clothing boutique… but by then, his passion had already started shifting towards another pursuit: Cannabis.
INTRODUCTION TO CANNABIS
Dronkers smoked his first joint (tobacco and hashish, as was typical in Europe at the time) at 17 while walking on a pedestrian bridge across the Nieuwe Maas River with a friend. Soon, instead of just collecting hemp fabrics on his voyages, he was also collecting seeds. And since there was nowhere to get hash or weed there in Rotterdam, he and his friend began riding down to Amsterdam to cop.
Like in America, the late ’60s saw a counterculture beginning to emerge in the Netherlands. In June 1970, around a year after Woodstock, Rotterdam had a psychedelic rock festival of its own. Billed as “Europe’s answer to Woodstock,” the Holland Pop Festival — aka “Stamping Ground” and the “Kralingen Music Festival” featured a stellar lineup, including Santana, Jefferson Airplane and Pink Floyd. It was this concert that many cite as the birthplace of the Dutch’s famous tolerance towards Cannabis use, or gedoogbeleid — and Dronkers was right at the heart of it.
“Everyone knew that at the festival a lot of people would be smoking, so the police said they would take it easy, that there would be no arrests because they were afraid there would be riots,” he told High Times in 1996. “So we made a ‘Hash and Marijuana Here’ sign and sat under it and sold it.”
CULTIVATING THE DREAM
By 1975, Dronkers had begun growing his own Cannabis in makeshift greenhouses using seeds he’d acquired abroad or culled from some of the better quality weed he’d come across.
“Back then we were experimenting with the first indoor grow techniques, using cool-tubes shaped as a tipi to try and get some buds. The weed was not good, but it worked,” he once explained. “For us, it felt amazing that we could just put some seeds in the ground, water it, and grow your own weed.”
Dronkers began setting up larger-scale grows, then tried to sell his harvests to coffeeshops. But ironically, since the Dutch market wasn’t used to seeing kind bud, he initially encountered resistance.
“The first two to three years that I grew Cannabis in greenhouses, no one wanted to buy it,” he explains. “The Dutch had only seen brown Thai and African weed, which was pressed into blocks and dried out. So when they saw green buds, they didn’t know what to do with it. They even called it ‘spinach.’”
Eventually, though, he convinced a few shops to take a chance on his “spinach,” and they they were not disappointed: it was flying off the shelves, thanks in large part to American tourists.
“[People] were getting so stoned that they would literally fall off their stools!” Dronkers emphasized.
BUILDING THE BANK
From 1978 to 1984, Dronkers spent much time traveling to various regions along the infamous Hippie Trail (e.g. India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Morocco), procuring quality hashish and landrace genetics.
Sensi Seed Bank owner Ben Dronkers in front of his shop in Amsterdam.
Dronkers with a Skunk bush in his greenhouse (1983).
Then, in the early to mid-1980s, Holland’s tolerance toward Cannabis began attracting some of America’s top pot pioneers who were eager to share their cultivation knowledge and genetics with Amsterdam’s burgeoning marijuana market. From grow gurus like Ed Rosenthal, Jorge Cervantes, “Seattle Greg” McAllister, and Sam the Skunk Man, Dronkers obtained now-classic strains like Skunk #1, Early Pearl, Original Haze and Northern Lights. Using these cultivars and those he’d curated from his travels, Dronkers began developing and stabilizing his own hybrids.
SENSI SMILE
In addition to selling his weed to coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Dronkers also opened his own shop in his hometown in 1983. The first Cannabis cafe in Rotterdam, Sensi Smile, was originally just his clothing shop with a big pot leaf in the window from which they sold weed and hash.
Additional locations were later opened in Amsterdam, Groningen and other parts of Rotterdam. Unfortunately, raising his public profile like that also led to unwanted scrutiny from the law. And though Dutch authorities tolerated the sale and possession of small amounts of Cannabis, growing more than five plants was still considered illegal, so Dronkers’ large-scale grows inevitably led him to run afoul of the law. Luckily, though, penalties for Cannabis in Holland weren’t very harsh.
“Altogether, I’ve been arrested about 80 times in my life,” Dronkers confessed to HT. “I’ve been convicted about 15 times and jailed four or five times, but always for a short time. The longest period I’ve been in jail was six weeks.”
As the story goes, it was during one of these jail stays that Dronkers began researching the legal basis of Cannabis prohibition in Europe, the Opium Act (celebrating its centennial this year), and discovered a loophole of sorts: apparently, Cannabis seeds were exempt from the ban. After verifying this find with his lawyer, he decided to shift gears and sell seeds instead of weed. And thus, the Sensi Seed Club (aka Sensi Connoisseurs’ Club) was born.
SEEDS OF SUCCESS
In 1985, Dronkers rented a storefront in Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District and began selling their seeds. The shop was an immediate success, attracting aspiring home growers and pros worldwide.
Sensi’s most famous strain, Jack Herer, has become one of the most popular “sativas” in the world.
Of course, Sensi wasn’t the only seed company operating out of Holland at the time: Super Sativa Seed Club (SSSC), Lowlands Seed Company, and The Seed Bank were also in the mix. Of these, The Seed Bank was the first and most successful, thanks to founder Nevil Schoenmakers’ bold move of selling to Americans via ads in High Times. Unfortunately, that strategy backfired when he became the target of the Bush administration’s Operation Green Merchant sting in 1989.
In 1991, Schoenmakers was arrested in Australia and faced extradition to the U.S. During his incarceration, he struck a deal to sell his entire seed and plant stock — as well as his mansion known as the “Cannabis Castle” — to Dronkers. With the acquisition of Nevils’ Seed Bank, Sensi Seed Club became the Sensi Seed Bank… and with the dissolution of SSSC, Lowlands, and Cultivators Choice soon after, emerged as the largest seed company in the world.
THE CANNABIS CUP
With a vast genetic library and no serious competition, Sensi Seeds began cranking out phenomenal new strains (e.g., Silver Haze, Black Domina, Sensi Skunk, Big Bud and Hindu Kush), some of which would go on to win awards at High Times’ newly-created (1988)
Cannabis Cup competition — even sweeping the Seed Company category in 1993.
But it was the 7th Annual Cup in 1994 that would prove to be the real game-changer for Sensi. That was the year Sensi first opened up the Cannabis Castle for tours and, during a special ceremony there, premiered what would become their most famous strain — one that bears the name of the weed world’s most legendary activist, Jack Herer. Allegedly a cross between Haze, Northern Lights, and Skunk, this sativa-dominant sensation ended up taking home the top prize that year and has since become one of the most popular “sativas” in the world.
After 2002, Sensi took a decade-long hiatus from participating in the Cannabis Cups. It wasn’t until 2013, at the 26th Cup, that Dronkers finally decided to re-enter the competition, and High Times celebrated his return by inducting him into their Counterculture Hall of Fame.
HEMP COMPANY & MUSEUM
In addition to his seed company, Dronkers has spearheaded several other groundbreaking projects in the Cannabis space.
The same year he launched Sensi Seeds, Dronkers also opened the Cannabis Info Museum — the world’s first Cannabis museum — just a few blocks from his seed shop. With help from Rosenthal, he curated an ongoing exhibit showcasing some of the countless Cannabis-related artifacts he’d collected on his travels. After an expansion in 2008, then a complete remodel in 2012, it transformed into the iconic Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum we know today. A sister museum was opened in Barcelona mere weeks after the Amsterdam location’s reopening.
Next, in 1993, Dronkers founded HempFlax, a company that grows hemp in several European countries and processes it into fibers for textiles and plastic substitutes. It’s the largest CBD oil producer in Europe.
Then, in 2004, he created the Cannabis Culture Awards — an annual ceremony at the museum honoring individuals who’d taken an extraordinary stand on behalf of Cannabis, including Herer, Rosenthal, Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Todd McCormick, and Sir Richard Branson.
A NEW CHAPTER
Now, at 74, Dronkers lives in Malaysia in semi-retirement, passing the proverbial torch to his son (and executive director) Gio Dronkers. Under his stewardship, Sensi has continued to thrive — now offering over 500 unique and classic cultivars. And at MJ Bizcon last December, Sensi announced that they would be merging with both Nor-Cal’s ILGM (I Love Growing Marijuana) and fellow Amsterdam icons Barney’s Farm Genetics, and plan to take the new conglomerate public later this year. This would make it the world’s first publicly traded Cannabis seed company.
“This partnership strikes a balance between honoring the legacy market and shaping a brighter future for the Cannabis industry,” Dronkers said of the merger. “We are devoted to innovation, quality and preserving the seeds of this rich, diverse and extraordinary plant.”
For our podcast and more Cannabis history content visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
Sensi Seeds’ Cannabis Connoisseurs Club (1992).
Dronkers in a Cannabis field in Afghanistan in the 1970s.
Jack Herer celebrates the debut of his namesake strain at Sensi’s Cannabis Castle (1994).
Dronkers & Rosenthal at his Rotterdam coffeeshop during the1980s.
Amsterdam’s Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum: before and after. Sensi catalog (1996).
DRAGON ASS SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH DRAGGING ASS.
Dragging ass is something we all do when our energy is low, especially in the moments upon waking before the requisite black brewed stimulant sparks the body’s motor that consumes fuel and burps exhaust.
We all know that feeling of lethargy. For so many of us, the first 30 minutes of the day is like boot camp. And if you happen to find yourself in a bizarre situation where that previously mentioned human gasoline called coffee is not available, motivating your brain toward a direction of productivity is like tugging cement through water. You are a recoil starter on the lawn mower with an empty tank. Regardless of how many times you tug on that sucker, the engine ain’t turning over until it gets some gas.
It’s not dissimilar for some stoners, you know. Different kind of gas, of course.
Anyway, dragon ass is something completely separate. However, these intelligent lizards have been known to be unapologetically lazy when perched atop their spoils of plunder, enjoying a good snore. At least that’s what we learned from the “The Lord of the Rings.” They’re kinda like cats when the belly is full. They will aimlessly drift into a back nap with the loins exposed — dreaming colorful fantasies of torching small village rooftops while blissfully unaware of the dribble of drool leaking through the muzzle’s lower incisors.
But then the interruption can be so very abrupt when the scent of hairy feet fouls the nostrils, alarming the defenses of little pint-sized thieves called Hobbitses. And nothing pisses a dragon off more than getting his favorite hood ornament jacked from his booty. So, with a burst of smoke and a toss of the tail, he boldly rises with awesome drama and devours him in one swallow.
And then he sniffs for a mate. Preferably one with nice booty.
