the glass issue the glass issue
Team Japan
"The SLOP C.U.P.," Yoshinori Kondo Marble, and Snic Barnes x Yoshinori Kondo collab.
THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE NORTHWEST LEAF / OREGON LEAF / MARYLAND
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
EARLY MARYLAND LEAF PUBLISHER early@leafmagazines.com
WYATT EARLY STATE DIRECTOR wyatt@leafmagazines.com (410) 961-8779
BOBBY BLACK LEAF BOWL DIRECTOR & HISTORIAN bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
Glass art transcends the globe, and we wanted to give you an inside look at some of the hottest artists out of Japan. We met up with a local collector here in Baltimore to shoot some of his pieces in the functional and nonfunctional glass worlds. Team Japan started out small, and continued growth can be expected from this group of glass professionals. It's amazing to see such pristine work coming from a region where Cannabis remains highly illegal. Greg Malcolm lined up the shot of this badass Yoshinori Kondo x Snic Barnes collab commanding an opal coin Kondo marble with a functional SLOP C.U.P. pipe next to it.
BY GREG MALCOLM @MARYLANDCONNOISSEUR
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
JEFF DIMARCO, PHOTOS
HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + ART
JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN
WIND HOME, PHOTOS
WOODY’S GLASS GALLERY, PHOTOS
JAMIE ZILL, PHOTOS
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WES
ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Thanks for picking up The Glass Issue of Maryland Leaf!
Our 4/20 tradition of an April glass issue dates back to 2011 when I first fell in love with the amazing art that serves functionally to get us high. Back then glass was still illegal paraphernalia, and going to a head shop meant talking about water tobacco pipes with a wink and a nod.
We began documenting glass as an underground movement, which rapidly became a heady art scene and then the dominant status symbol for an industry emerging from the shadows of illegality. As the plant has evolved from a medical fringe movement to a mainstream industry, the value and appreciation for the act of getting high have evolved into the finest high art.
Like many social and cultural movements, art is a driver for the Cannabis community, especially in the form of glass. The combination of beauty and function is stunning and only matched in the performance world of cars and boats. But as sexy as a dripping red Ferrari is, it can only get you high on dopamine, not THC. When I see a fresh drop from Mothership Glass, I imagine the process of heating a dab and inhaling a monster hit through a custom bong that has as much precision, intention and ripping effect as a sports car.
There’s glass that blows the mind with intense collaborations, like the Molten Art Classic “The Shipwreck” piece, a visual journey to the bottom of a dabby sea (Northeast Leaf, April 2024 cover), or pieces from artists like Mia Shea that celebrate the beauty and femininity of the female body in a sensual form (Northwest Leaf, April 2022 cover). From the simplest spoon pipe to the most intricate dab rigs, all glass has a special feel, as we return to it to feel good in a daily or even hourly ritual.
The ritual of getting high, the process by which we enjoy our medicine and recreation, has power and meaning when done with intention. Keeping a clean glass station helps deliver clean meds to the body, mind and soul, and adds to the natural experience of our plant. Cannabis and art go hand in hand, and celebrating artists from around the country in our 15th annual 4/20 Glass Issue brings me great joy!
“...ART IS A DRIVER FOR THE CANNABIS COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY IN THE FORM OF GLASS.”
In honor of all the artists who have brought beauty to this industry, please keep your bong clean, support locally sourced glass and support an artist by buying a new piece to celebrate the plant for 4/20!
LEAF / CALIFORNIA LEAF / NORTHEAST LEAF
PHOTO
BY THE NUMBERS
$50m
Glass House, a vertically integrated Cannabis company in California, has secured a new $50 million loan. It is one of the fastest-growing Cannabis companies in the U.S., and it plans to pay off its previous loan while pushing a majority of its current debt to 2030. This can be seen as an investment in an everexpanding market as well as a prediction for the future of Cannabis in the United States. Lenders don’t loan that many millions without strong confidence in this industry’s future.
Photo courtesy GlassHouseFarms.com
$100k
Nearly 10 years ago in 2016, this pipe sold for more than $100,000 at auction — a momentous day in the world of high-end glass art. Mothership Glass’ Scott Deppe and solo artist Sagan Glass made this unbelievable Fabergé moon-phase egg. As a functional pipe, this piece pushes the limits of how far bongs can go. With several crescent and full moons adorning it, there is always another facet of this work of art to catch your eye. The gigantic moon marble near the bottom of the piece was legitimately launched into space before the construction of this pipe. Photo courtesy MothershipGlass.com
$120k
$420k
More than just an ironic number, a dispensary owner in Massachusetts reportedly owes the state around $424,000 in unpaid sales tax. Last month, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue received permission to seize assets and property in hopes of covering the debt allegedly owed by the operators behind Rebelle. The state secured a bank levy on the business’s accounts but did not succeed in actually taking money from their accounts. Photo courtesy instagram.com/rebellerebels
In 2015, a 43-year-old man was arrested for smashing a Dale Chihuly sculpture valued at $120,000. The sculpture was on display at the Tacoma Art Museum in Washington when the man entered a closed exhibit. Video footage showed him swinging his arm before colored glass appeared shattered all over the floor. He tried to enter another closed exhibit before being stopped and apprehended by museum security. Photo of artist courtesy DaleChihuly.com
$72m
In 2024, the Maryland Comptroller’s Office collected more than $72,000,000 in tax revenues on recreational Cannabis sales. Medical patients in Maryland didn’t pay any of that tax, which shows the value of holding a medical Cannabis card even in an adult-use state. There is a 9% sales tax on all recreational Cannabis sales, which can really add up for daily Cannabis consumers. Photo by Adobe Stock
It is widely expected that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will veto a lawmaker-passed plan to legalize retail sales of Cannabis in the commonwealth. This would lead to the state missing out on tens of millions of dollars in state revenue — funds that could be used for everything from kindergarten programs to substance abuse treatment. One can’t help but wonder what is going through the mind of someone knowingly attempting to block an effort geared toward bettering their state as a whole.
$10m+
1.4m
Photo by Creative Commons
According to a new report commissioned by California’s Department of Cannabis Control, the state increased legal Cannabis production by 11.8% in 2024. Moving up to 1.4 million pounds produced annually, this is a clear sign that California’s Cannabis market is booming. Whether it comes down to Cannabis tourism or locals keeping their stash heavy, this is a healthy trend to see in such a well-developed Cannabis market.
Photo by Adobe Stock
150
During a routine traffic stop in Webster Parish, Louisiana, deputies seized approximately 150 pounds of what was described as high-grade Cannabis. The load was valued at an estimated $225,000, and Georgia resident Joseph Alva Harper was taken into custody on multiple charges, including possession in the presence of a firearm.
Photo courtesy Webster Parish Sheriff's Office
ARIEL MITCHELL
BALTIMORE-BORN AND -RAISED, Ariel Mitchell has a background that’s taken her from customer service and education to freelance photography and, most recently, the Cannabis industry. She brings a certain drive and inspiration to the Cannabis world that reflects on her interactions with people inside and outside the dispensary. Passion is critical in this industry, and Ariel brings that energy to everyone she interacts with. Follow her @exquisitely.ariel
WHAT PARTS OF THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY HAVE YOU FOUND MOST INSPIRING? Helping people and the sense of community are the strongest driving forces for me. I just hit a year in the industry in January, and that feeling is still so strong. Meeting and connecting with people in the industry who share the same love is exciting to me. I’ve always been driven to helping people, so I love that I’ve found that here and can educate others.
HOW DO YOUR CREATIVE HOBBIES LIKE CROCHETING, DRAWING AND WRITING INFLUENCE YOUR APPROACH TO LIFE, PROBLEM-SOLVING AND GENERATING NEW IDEAS? It allows me to put a different spin on things in life. I’m constantly looking for ways to make things more creative, interesting and approachable — even the little things, like making sure the store has decorations and organizing products in a way that is fun for everyone. Adding that whimsical touch on things makes me feel nice when the world can be crappy sometimes. I made all of my coworkers crochet frogs for Christmas, and it made me and everyone really happy. My brain is always running a thousand miles a minute, stemming from my ADHD. Random ideas pop into my head; hearing music inspires me to create as well. Current Joys has been on repeat lately, and it’s a great time of year for his music. It can be kind of sad at times, but this can bring out creative energy and push me forward.
clue about Cannabis, but you spend time explaining different facets of the plant to them, and it’s extremely rewarding. The feeling of seeing someone walk out with confidence in their purchase is priceless. You know that they will be more confident moving forward, and you are a big part of that empowerment. No matter what age people are, I find that everyone occasionally has the same questions, so I love using my knowledge to help them make future decisions.
“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN DRIVEN TO HELPING PEOPLE, SO I LOVE THAT I’VE FOUND THAT HERE…”
DO YOU USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO PROMOTE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY OR OTHER CREATIVE WORK? IF SO, WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU FIND EFFECTIVE? I have struggled with promoting myself for sure. It’s a balancing act to find time for freelance photography while also maintaining the same energy at work. I feel like consistency works the most with social media, along with trying to do something different than everyone else. People get caught up in trends on social media, and then before they know it, that trend is over. Trying to come up with content that no one has seen before is my intention.
WHAT DOES MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY MEAN TO YOU?
It starts in small corners. For example, you may have a transaction with someone who has no
CANNABIS MARKETING OFTEN INVOLVES VISUAL STORYTELLING. HOW WOULD YOU USE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS AND CREATIVE EYE TO CREATE COMPELLING CONTENT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA? I have noticed a strong focus in the Cannabis industry on advertising the products, but a lack of advertising people using the products. I know legally that can get a little fuzzy, but connecting the community into your marketing is a great way to show people how things can be used that they wouldn’t expect. This encourages people to want to recreate their own story with products and use them in different ways.
YOU HAVE A CLEAR PASSION FOR HELPING PEOPLE IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY. WHAT'S A CHALLENGING SITUATION YOU'VE ENCOUNTERED WITH A PATIENT OR CUSTOMER, AND HOW DID YOU USE YOUR SKILLS TO RESOLVE IT?
When I first started in the industry, I had a customer come in who had never dabbed before, so I walked her through the whole thing, and thankfully we had a rig on display. I explained how everything works, the different components of a dab rig and how to use them. She ended up purchasing everything
I recommended, and I told her to watch some YouTube videos before she actually tried it out. A week later, she came back and was really excited about her first dabbing experience.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN DESTIGMATIZING CANNABIS USE AND PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION? The Last Prisoner Project is doing a great job breaking some of the stigma surrounding Cannabis. I love seeing when they post the stories of people getting released from prison, and I tell
people about it all the time. A lot of people don’t realize how many people are still in prison for Cannabis, and it helps spread awareness on those stories.
HEALTH FOR LIFE
WHITE MARSH
4741 RIDGE RD, NOTTINGHAM, MD HEALTHFORLIFEDISPENSARIES.COM
@HEALTHFORLIFE_MARYLAND
9 AM - 9 PM SUN. - THURS. 9 AM - 10 PM FRI. - SAT. (410) 525-7100
NOW IN FULL BLOOM
Discover your new favorite strains.
THE FOREST
THE FOREST, a minority- and women- owned dispensary, is the newest addition to the Canton community. Christina Johnson, founder and CEO of Standard Wellness Maryland, prioritizes community impact, equity and wellness. The Forest’s mission is to provide high-quality Cannabis products and serve as a catalyst for positive change. The name symbolizes growth, renewal and the natural connection to Cannabis as a plant. As Standard Wellness Maryland progresses with vertical integration, customers can expect vapes and edibles under the Glow brand and flower from The Standard and The Reserve brands.
SETTING AND VIBE
When you walk through the large front doors, you are immediately immersed in a forest with rainforest sounds, birds singing and a ceiling as high as a canopy. As you make your way to the dispensary room, the walls are lined with mini-forest installations that incorporate products they sell in-store. The whole staff here seems really happy to be a part of a group making a difference in the community. They are even working with the Canton Community Association to ensure they interact with the Baltimore community in a transparent and approachable way.
FLOWER
The flower selection at The Forest is top-tier and a strong entry into the market since their opening in late January. It’s clear the staff here works very hard to keep the hottest new strains available and flowing into the store. Glossing through their flower menu felt like looking at a list of exotic fruits, baked goods and candies. I was excited to see some new strains from Garcia Hand Picked, which the community has been buzzing about lately.
CONCENTRATES
Going down the list of concentrate companies alphabetically, I didn’t see a single one missing. Kief, budders, badders, temple ball hash, rosin, shatter and more are all regularly on the menu. They even have a staff picks section to highlight what the connoisseur staff members are dabbing on right now.
EDIBLES
Before going into the store, I wasn’t aware that Keef now has a sugar-free line in Maryland, which they had in Mr. Puffer and Original Cola flavors. As I continued to scroll through the menu, I found they carry nearly every new edible flavor in Maryland. The new Birthday Cake Bites from Bubby’s Baked have been on my hit list lately, so grab some if you see them!
“THE NAME SYMBOLIZES GROWTH, RENEWAL AND THE NATURAL CONNECTION TO CANNABIS…”
Also a part of the Standard Wellness Maryland family and the newest brand to launch in MD, Glow makes its appearance on the scene. These squareshaped chews have a nice texture that isn’t too firm but still has a little bite.
The sweet berry fruit punch flavor lasts for a while, and they’ve done a nice job of masking the Cannabis flavor without compromising potency. About an hour after a single chew, I felt a peaceful wave of relaxation that settled me in for a cozy evening.
10MG THC PER CHEW | 100MG PER PACKAGE
REVIEW ED: GLOW FEELING PUNCHY CHEWS
CEO CHRISTINA JOHNSON
TIMBONNER
WAKING UP IN ANY AMOUNT OF PAIN is an unpleasant way to start the day. For Tim Bonner, it’s a pretty normal occurrence that’s taken him a while to accept as part of his everyday routine. “Sometimes the conditions win, but that’s okay. That’s going to happen from time to time, but I try to focus on the good days,” he said.
In addition to a lifelong struggle with maintaining a healthy weight due to gastrointestinal problems, Tim also found himself getting constantly sick, and when he was 28, he suffered a stroke. Since then, he said the symptoms of his GI condition intensified, while also making his ongoing struggles with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a mitochondrial mutation of the OPA1 gene worse.
The NF1 disease, he said, affects the muscles, bones and nerve endings, adding that one symptom of the disease is the development of tumors all over the body. He then reveals a wrap on his arm from undergoing a recent operation to have a tumor removed. “I’ve had quite a few removed, I want to say around 10 so far,” he said.
In total, Tim said he’s had about 20 different operations to combat his different conditions, including the insertion of a feeding tube into his body. While it took some time for him to get used to having it, he said he’s thankful for the relief it’s been able to bring to him. “Without it, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “It’s like when everything makes you sick, but then you get this one thing and it doesn’t make you sick anymore.”
With the added relief from his feeding tube, Tim said Cannabis has been a big contributor to improving his well-being. He started smoking when he was around 14 and noticed at a young age that it helped with his gut health and lowering his anxiety. He acquired his medical card around the start of the medical program in Maryland and began frequenting his local dispensaries.
“Before Cannabis, I was on a lot of pills. Sure, I felt OK, but I was a zombie,” he said. “Once I started using Cannabis, I saw how I didn’t need all these pills, and I eventually graduated to just using Cannabis.”
One thing he’s noticed, especially with using Cannabis to help with the NF1 disease, is the frequency of tumors on his body compared to other patients who are fighting the disease is significantly less. While there is no definitive research on the topic, he suggests THC helped to shrink the tumors he’s grown.
"OnceIstarted usingCannabis, IsawhowIdidn’t needallthesepills..."
In terms of his preference for taking his medicine, Tim said he loves to dab while also electing to smoke some flower and take some RSO oil to change things up, adding that he reaches for something indica-leaning with a good mix of terpenes at the top of the profile. Tim said he’s been able to medicate through his feeding tube as well, adding tinctures or liquid elixir into his feeds. “If it’s an edible, I can eventually crush it down and put it in the tube,” he said.
Using Cannabis to treat his conditions eventually led Tim into finding a career in the industry. He first became a packager at Charm City and has since taken that experience to different shops around Baltimore, more recently as an inventory lead at CULTA. He said his conditions — including having a cochlear implant to improve his hearing — have put limitations on how he works but brushes them off as little things to work around while on the job.
Tim also said his two children are medical patients in the state. Even though his son is now only using it occasionally, he said he noticed a difference in his son’s behavior after beginning a tincture treatment and eventually graduating to eating half of a 10 mg edible.
“[Those] helped him to calm down and focus more, it was amazing,” he said. “My daughter has pretty bad anxiety, so Cannabis has helped her to open up and learn how to be more social.”
Tim’s interests outside of the Cannabis industry include photography, specifically Cannabis photography, and an aspiration to learn American Sign Language and possibly try his hand at being an interpreter. He also said a longterm goal of his would be to get into some kind of charity or foundation work, but for now he wants to continue passing on what he’s learned about himself, his conditions and the industry to his fellow budtenders and patients.
“I don’t see as many patients with medical issues anymore since we’ve gone recreational, which is OK,” he said. “But those are the cases I really like to do because you just get into it and do research. Those are things that I enjoy doing. Advice can really change someone’s life, and you can do that in just a few words.” @cannatimbis
MAY 2-3
BEEZLE BRANDS
SUIT AND TIE SUIT AND TIE
The Concentrate of the Month this issue hails from the illustrious Beezle Extracts brand, a name synonymous with topshelf concentrate products here in Maryland. This month we have selected the sophisticatedly funky Suit and Tie live resin budder to explore and illuminate!
WITH A TOTAL terpene concentration of 9.19%, we already knew the aroma and flavor profile would be pristine. Time and time again, the Beezle team has captured, preserved and accentuated the profiles of the flowers from which they extract, and their rendition of Suit and Tie is no different.
Suit and Tie live resin budder offers a deliciously funky, gas-bucket profile that creates a sense of propriety and sophistication worthy of its namesake. Cannabis markets are like any other epicurean market in that they tend to service the flavor and aroma
profiles most favored by the masses. Connoisseurs know and love these commonalities as much as anyone else but also recognize that deeper, more nuanced profiles are worth pursuing. Beezle’s Suit and Tie live resin budder is one such connoisseur’s profile, reflecting one of the more delicious but less often found profiles on the market!
The nature of the amalgamation of terpenes presents the consumer with a rich, earthy funk underscored with natural gas notes and inundated with berry fruits that, quite frankly, is not a common profile anywhere we find Cannabis.
In a market full of fruits and fuels, the earthy funk stands out as unique and desirable, whether you are approaching your Cannabis use like a connoisseur or it’s your first foray into the dispensary space.
And whether you are a first-time dabber or veteran toker, Beezle Brands is always a safe bet for exploring dabs.
“...A DELICIOUSLY FUNKY, GAS-BUCKET PROFILE THAT CREATES A SENSE OF PROPRIETY AND SOPHISTICATION WORTHY OF ITS NAMESAKE.”
Suit and Tie is a limonenedominant profile with one of the more nuanced flavor and aroma experiences in the state, offering Marylanders a chance to expand their palates to the level of connoisseurs everywhere.
BEEZLEBRANDS.COM @BEEZLEBRANDS_MD
“...a cohesive meditative trance of a high that is a truly exceptional space to explore.”
CULTIVATED BY GARCIA HAND PICKED
SWAMPWATER FUMEZ
Swampwater Fumez is a cultivar produced by the Garcia Hand Picked brand that is surely worth exploring if you haven’t yet had the pleasure. Garcia Hand Picked releases several noteworthy Cannabis cultivars, but Swampwater Fumez is one of those uniquely terped profiles that offer connoisseur-level exploration, as well as very powerful medicinal effects.
IT SMOKES on the indica side of the effects spectrum in a way that I find to be quite heavy and drowsy but notably serene. It’s more than just the relaxation and sleepy calm that’s common with the heavier varieties but is deeply peaceful with a worry-free sense of stupor. I attribute this type of serenity to the cultivars that test high for linalool in particular. Linalool is a powerful anti-anxiety addition within any Cannabis profile and generally tends to be one of the rarer terpenes available. Garcia Hand Picked Swampwater Fumez is just such a rare profile in that it blends caryophyllene, linalool and limonene into a cohesive meditative trance of a high that is a truly exceptional space to explore. High sedation and anxiety needs will definitely be hit by this profile, and connoisseurs will adore the uniquely candied floral aroma and flavor profile.
Linalool is markedly floral by nature, but there is something about this particular profile, as it blends and evolves with caryophyllene, limonene and humulene, that really brings out a candy-sweet aroma that feels like a meadow flower candied in crystalline sugars. Additionally, there is a strong overtone of earthy gas that likely creates the “Swampwater” namesake. If we candied meadow flowers next to a swamp’s natural gas geyser, we’d be in the ballpark of the Swampwater Fumez’s nuanced terpene profile. Lovers of the heavier tokes and exotic aromas should absolutely look to get their hands on this special flower!
TEAM JAPAN TEAM JAPAN
TEAM JAPAN is a group of unbelievably creative individuals. Including Junichi “Rose Roads” Kojima, Daisuke “Disk” Saito, Yoshinori Kondo, Takao Miyake and John Kobuki, the group has been pushing the boundaries of what can be done with glass.
EACH MEMBER OF TEAM JAPAN brings their unique style and approach to glass art. Kojima and Miyake are known for their intricate use of pointillism in glass, a first-of-its-kind design, and both are true masters of their craft. Using thousands of dots in tight, intricate patterns, these guys create a larger image from a microcosm of colorful dots. The beautiful patterns are done with such precision that when I first saw one, I couldn’t believe it was man-made. Some are more focused on patterns, while others depict images like Grateful Dead’s Steal Your Face logo or artistic land, sea and skyscapes.
Kondo, who Leaf featured in the 2023 Glass Issue, started out making soft glass beads using his kitchen stove. He has come a long way since then, making his name a mainstay in the American glass world with some help from American artist Josh Sable. Sable saw something in Kondo and assisted him in bringing his talents to a market that was much more interested in what he was making: weed. His dot stack patterns, opal inlay work and sculpting skills made his work skyrocket in value and popularity in a short amount of time.
Saito, better known as Disk Glass, gained widespread attention for his colorfully clean mosaic patterns, which took the internet and community by storm around the same time Team Japan was gaining popularity. He regularly collaborates with different members of Team Japan as well as American artists to make the “SLOP C.U.P.,” which is a functional “Contemporary Undercover Pipe” that resembles the shape of a fast food cup. Each cup is such a collaborative process that every design is unique, and hardly any SLOP C.U.P. resembles another. Kobuki has taught, demonstrated and exhibited glass blowing both in the United States and Japan. He uses compression to create images, like Hannya masks, samurai, flowers, dragons, skulls, jellyfish, mushrooms, and way more, encased in glass. He has even used the same technique to create the Joker, Frankenstein and Krampus. He is widely known for his marbles, which are all you will find on his Instagram page and are truly a sight to behold in person.
JAPAN JAPAN
Together, Team Japan has created some of the most impressive and groundbreaking glass art in the world. Their work has been exhibited in galleries around the globe, and they have been featured in numerous publications. The value of their work has remained high, even in a fluctuating glass market. The intrinsic value of these artists’ work is something I understood immediately upon my first peak. Team Japan is an inspiration to glass artists and enthusiasts alike. Their work shows that there are no limits to what can be achieved with glass.
ROSEROADSGLASS.NET | @ROSEROADSKOJIMA | @DISK_GLASS IHE-IMPORTER.COM | @YOSHINORIKONDO @TAKAOMIYAKE | @KOBUKIGLASS
Left-right: Team Japan "SLOP C.U.P." Yoshinori Kondo Marble, and a Snic Barnes x Yoshinori Kondo collab.
Rose Roads Solo UV Reactive Pendant
TURTLE TIME + FIONA PHOENIX FIRE
TURTLE AND FIONA are not just amazing loyal friends, they are the salt of the earth. Their artistic exploits are matched by the energy they bring to this planet and everyone around them. Often known for their exploratory work in dichroic borosilicate prep, each of them has a vision that flows like a river. Whether it’s Turtle's amazing dedication to sculptural work or Fiona’s focus on inspiration from other generations, you can’t help but stop and stare at the art this couple creates.
TURTLE got on the torch in 2000, making him one of the original borosilicate glass artists on the scene. In 2005, Clinton took him under his wing, and Turtle went full time on his journey into glass art.
Fast forward to 2010, the best birthday present ever, he and Fiona found each other. She got on the bench immediately, and together they have shown our industry how a couple can truly motivate one another.
Today you can find them working in their studio in the beautiful town of Ashland, Oregon. And if you’re fortunate enough to make it to the Oregon County Fair this year, don’t miss their booth!
LURCH COLLAB
SALT COLLAB (UV-REACTIVE)
TONY KAZY
IF YOU’VE HAD the pleasure of meeting him in person, you know. If you haven’t, do it when you get a chance. Tony carries a certain kind of energy that is very rare these days. It’s infectious, and once it gets a hold of you, Godspeed!
Calling Colorado his home is generous; he’s constantly traveling to expand his knowledge and collaborate with his friends. Tony says his biggest inspiration is “pushing myself and my limits to see if I can get to the same level as all my friends in this amazing world.”
I constantly see him pushing himself and the limits of contemporary borosilicate art. Here you can enjoy a few of his dragon sculptures with a removable sword to use as a dabber.
If you want to find Tony Kazy, he’s doing a different opening in a different state for the rest of the year. Follow his IG for updates, and don’t miss this degen’ if he’s anywhere nearby.
@TONYKAZYGLASS
HEATHBAR
GLASS COLLAB
FIREFLY GLASS COLLAB
TONY KAZY… Oh boy, there’s a lot to unpack here. This savage may be a true mutant. I met him for the first time in Denver in 2014, and the world was a little different then.
APIX DESIGN
design the jewelry of the Cannabis industry. Like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany, they are the dreamers behind the shiny showstoppers at the sesh. That’s why it’s always a reason to celebrate when non-Cannabis media gives them their flowers. That’s what happened when I tuned into a recent episode of Conan O’Brien’s podcast “Conan Needs A Friend” and heard a name I instantly recognized: California glass artist Dan Dahlhauser, also known as Apix Design.
Dan says it took close to a year for him to hear back, but after that first phone call the whole process really took about a week from screening to taping.
On a pre-interview call with Team Coco’s Aaron Bleyaert, Dan went over glassblowing and the type of work he makes. It was then that Bleyaert asked if Dan could make a Conan bong — what would it look like, and could it be made so that three people could hit it at once? After an idea session on what that would look like, 30 minutes later, Dan got the call that he’d be featured on the podcast, which meant he had just a few days to create something and get it to their studios before the episode was recorded.
“It was a bit of a forced pressure to deliver,” Dan says, “but I kind of like that setup when I’m working.”
The result is what Bleyaert called the Chill Chums Bong, a 15-inch tube that splits off into three mouthpieces and flows down over a gridded stemline. The faceted bowl features three orange spiral horns to signify Conan’s signature hair, and the tube is emblazoned with Easter eggs like Conan’s signature doodle, some gerbils to reference the podcast and a big Team Coco logo. Along with the tube, Dan also created a set of glasses, ashtrays and a special Sherlock pipe for co-host Sona Movsesian. As the first glassblower ever interviewed by Conan, he felt, “Why not come in guns blazing.”
THIS BAY AREA NATIVE has been creating custom works since high school when he discovered all his friends suddenly needed bongs.
Originally he wanted to get into welding but felt it was too time-consuming and expensive, so he went into glassblowing instead. “If I only knew,” he joked.
Now living in Vacaville, CA and creating for clients all over the world, he and his wife are both die-hard fans of comedian Conan O’Brien.
So when Dan discovered that you can apply to be a guest on the latenight legend’s podcast, he immediately signed up.
Dan’s appearance on the podcast is a great conversation that shows their genuine reactions to both the piece and the art form, while also sharing how much care and intention go into making these pieces. Dan said he felt they really had fun talking about the work, how he became a glassblower and getting to share something he created as a thank-you for all the laughs O’Brien has given him and his wife. “All joking aside,” O’Brien told him, “you’re an artist.”
This Chill Chums bong is the first of its kind for Dan, but he’s already had people contact him asking for one of their own.
Fans of the podcast have also been reaching out to Dan, asking for pictures so they can see it for themselves, which are available on his website.
For now the piece rests with Team Coco, presumably in the studio waiting for the podcast’s next Chill Chums episode. When asked what Dan’s been working on next, he mentioned a desire to combine his glasswork with his love for woodworking, sculpture and furniture making. “I’ve even taken up welding.”
LOCATED IN the small town of Coquille on the Southern Oregon coast, Chase's studio is a place of inspiration and creativity. Surrounded by nature’s beauty — rugged coastlines, dense forests and winding rivers — he finds himself deeply influenced by the world around him. The unique landscapes, teeming with life, are reflected in his work, infusing his glass pieces with intricate designs that evoke the raw, organic shapes found in nature.
Chase’s greatest inspiration comes from nature itself, coupled with his love for sculptural art. The delicate patterns of plants, the fluid movement of animals and the harmony of the natural world all fuel his
CHASE HARDMAN
CHASE HARDMAN, a talented glass artist, has been crafting functional art for nearly two decades. His journey began in 2006 when he first picked up a torch, drawn to the dynamic relationship between heat and glass. What started as a curiosity quickly evolved into a passionate pursuit, and over the years, Chase honed his skills to become a master of his craft.
His goal is to merge these natural influences with functional glass art, creating pieces that can be both admired and used. Each work is a fusion of beauty and utility, whether it’s a glass sculpture inspired by wildlife or a piece of glassware that carries the essence of nature in its design.
Looking to the future, Chase is excited to explore new collaborations with fellow artists and expand his reach to attract a wider range of collectors. By diversifying both his designs and price range, he hopes to make his art accessible to a broader audience, continuing to share his unique vision of nature through glass.
NATHAN BELMONT
NATHAN BELMONT’S adventure as a glass artist began in 2004 in Hawaii, where he first fell in love with the art of glassblowing. His passion for the craft has only grown over the years, and he is now based in Eugene, Oregon, where he continues to create stunning glass pieces.
WHAT TRULY DRIVES
Nathan is the incredible glassblowing community, a group of individuals he describes as uniquely loving and supportive. He feels an immense sense of gratitude to be a part of this tight-knit family and is continually inspired by the people around him. Nathan believes that the community deserves his very best, and he works tirelessly to contribute to it in meaningful ways.
Over the years, Nathan’s work has evolved, but his commitment to pushing the boundaries of glassblowing has remained steadfast. He has become known not only for his exceptional craftsmanship but also for his willingness to share his knowledge with others. This commitment to mentorship is evident in the upcoming events Nathan is excited to be a part of. He will be traveling to Costa Rica for a special 4/20 event, where he will bring his glasswork and teach a class, hosted by @clubsocial. This marks a unique opportunity for him to connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts in a beautiful and vibrant setting.
In addition to Costa Rica, Nathan will be teaching in Tucson, Arizona, this May and again in Colorado in July. These classes offer a chance for aspiring glass artists to learn from one of the best in the field, gaining valuable insight into the craft. Nathan’s journey is a testament to the power of community and the relentless pursuit of artistic growth, and he said he’s honored to continue sharing his knowledge and passion with others.
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NIKO CRAY
NIKO CRAY got his start on the torch in 2010 at just 18 years old. It was then that he went straight down the rabbit hole, beginning what has become an impressive career. His dedication to sculptural work and shaping absolutely shines. While maintaining a high level of technical skill in complex prep across various aesthetics, he always makes his art stand out.
COLLABORATION is a major piece of the puzzle for his work. Shown here are a few examples of masterpieces he made with Salt, Cowboy and his father, Tony Cray. These pieces highlight the fusion of their individual styles.
The functioning fountain sculpture stands nearly two feet tall, a work of art which took first place at the Midwest Meltdown!
His studio is located outside of St. Louis, where Niko and the Cray family slay the outdoors when he’s not blowing glass — building trails and ripping them on dirt bikes or getting into the backcountry for some knee-deep pow. The family that rides together stays together.
Right now he has a few larger-scale projects in the works and will be traveling to the Tacoma (Washington) Museum of Glass later this month for the Joint Venture show as a demo artist. If you have a chance, check out the museum’s annual event on April 19 and 20.
"FLOW"
"ROYGBIV SNAKE SET"
TONY CRAY COLLAB
RIDICULOUSLEEGLASSY
IT WAS a cool spring day, possibly May 5 or 7, 2020, when Ridiculousleeglassy, an artist renowned for his eccentricity and unwavering dedication to this craft, began working at his studio in Rickreall, Oregon, near Salem.
SURROUNDED BY the rhythmic hum of the furnace and the rich scent of molten glass, Lee is always deep in the process of creating something extraordinary. Whether he’s creating new prep to share with the masses of glassblowers worldwide or honing his own construction techniques, his focus is unwavering.
Ridiculousleeglassy’s journey has been one of constant inspiration and growth, deeply influenced by psychedelic art and surrealism. His mentor, Sir Pyro Glass, played a pivotal role in shaping his style, instilling a relentless drive for excellence. Equally influential is his girlfriend, Windstar Glass, whose own work fuels his passion for innovation and individuality.
With every twist and turn of the molten glass, Ridiculousleeglassy is reminded of the bigger picture. His goals aren’t simply to create; it is to master the craft, learn every technique and collaborate with others who share his vision for unique, one-of-a-kind art. Lee remains determined to one day be the best glassblower in the world. Yet beyond technical mastery, he’s always sought to grow as a person — striving to be a better human day in and day out.
As Ridiculousleeglassy looks back at his finished piece from the 2024 CHAMPS Glass Games “Down the Rabbit Hole” competition, he knows it was just one step in a larger journey. His future is full of promise, and his commitment to pushing boundaries is unwavering. For him, the art was never just about the glass — it is about constantly evolving, both as an artist and a person. @RIDICULOUSLEEGLASSY
Jay and Silent Bob, The Freak Brothers, Towelie, Tommy Chong, and Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski: all classic characters from pop culture, all famous for being the absentminded and unmotivated embodiment of being a stoner. These images helped perpetuate the myth that weed will make you a lazy and befuddled person, always stuck somewhere between a weed hangover and the next sesh.
THE STEREOTYPE of the befuddled, unmotivated pothead who wakes up at noon and constantly forgets everything is a powerful image that has been used for everything from scare tactics to marketing. However, is this depiction of what weed does to your brain really indicative of long-term Cannabis use, or is it merely a myth? A couple of recent studies on the long-term effects of Cannabis use — specifically on energy levels and cognitive function — have sought to determine whether this perception of the stoner brain is a real thing or just another marijuana myth.
WILL WEED MAKE YOU LAZY?
This January, a study published in SAGE Journals examined the “emotional, motivational and self-regulatory effects of frequently getting high.” The test subjects, who each got high five times a day for a week straight, were tested periodically to register their emotional state and levels of motivation and conscientiousness. Importantly, researchers found during this testing that they found no evidence of the so-called weed hangover. Dr. Michael Inzlicht, one of the authors, told the University of Toronto, “There is a stereotype that chronic Cannabis users are somehow lazy or unproductive. We found that’s not the case. … Their behavior might change a bit in the moment while they’re high, but our evidence shows they are not lazy or lacking motivation at all.”
The paper found that, overall, people using Cannabis reported more positive emotions and fewer negative ones. Very frequent users displayed a lack of self-control and decreased organization relative to less frequent users, but Inzlicht said this attraction to distraction didn’t make them less “hard-working, responsible or able to focus.” Perhaps it's not that stoners are unable to act but that we’re acting everywhere all at once and just deciding where to land the blow. However, they did point out that this was a sample of 260 people who were willing to sit in a room high and be repeatedly asked, “How do you feel?”
WILL WEED MAKE YOU STUPID?
A 2024 Danish study on brain behavior followed the relationship between long-term Cannabis use and IQ levels. Created as a follow-up to a report on age-related cognitive decline, the research team was able to gain access to over 5,000 male participants, divided them up between Cannabis users and non-users, and again by when they started using weed. The examination looked at extensive health questionnaires and a cognitive test given to Danish male citizens at ages 22 and 62. Using this data, along with their history of Cannabis use, scientists stated that they could find “no significant harmful effects of Cannabis use on age-related cognitive decline.” In fact, the test subjects who used Cannabis showed less decline from early adulthood through late midlife when compared to those who never tried weed.
“There is a stereotype that chronic Cannabis users are somehow lazy or unproductive. We found that’s not the case.”
The paper concludes, “Among Cannabis users, neither age of initiation … nor frequent use was significantly associated with greater age-related cognitive decline.”
Looking at their findings, potheads came out a full 1.3 IQ points lower in cognitive decline compared to sober citizens. While rich in data, this test sadly has an information blind spot, as they weren’t able to also examine non-male test subjects to better understand the facts. However, having this jumpoff point creates a greater need for additional testing. When we take a look at this data, it’s hard to still subscribe to the idea of an old stoner whose brain can’t remember where they put their pipe when it’s in their hand. It seems like these studies show tokers are keeping a pretty sharp mind, even if we are still prone to letting that mind wander.
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