THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
F RE E / L E A F M AGA Z I N E S . COM
#36 | DEC. 2021
INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010
State-of-the-art, “Dutch-style,” greenhouse technology rooted in three generations of family growers
Look for SunMed Lab’s infused and concentrate products at your favorite dispensary this December.
and farmers.
+ Full spectrum, natural sunlight to cultivate medical cannabis flower organically for the perfect balance of potency, taste and flavor.
=
Infused and concentrate products bursting with SunMed’s coveted, sun grown terpenes and cannabinoids for patients who prefer a more natural treatment alternative for chronic illness and pain.
GROWN BY THE SUN. EXTRACTED BY SUNMED.
SUNMEDGROWERS.COM
SETTING THE STANDARD FOR CLEAN, NATURAL AND SUSTAINABLE MEDICAL CANNABIS CULTIVATION AND EXTRACTION. Medical cannabis is for use only by a qualifying patient. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of cannabis or cannabis products. There may be additional health risks associated with the consumption of cannabis or cannabis products for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
the edibles issue
SHOP REVIEW NATURE’S MEDICINE
dec. 2021
24
GIFT GUIDE LEAF PICKS
32
EDIBLES 101 LEARN MORE!
GREG MALCOLM ADOBE STOCK
20
DANIEL BERMAN
CHOCOLATES & CARAMELS 44 WYATT EARLY
leafmagazines.com
BEVERAGES & DRINK ENHANCERS
7 10 12 16 18 20 24 28 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 50 52 54
46
GREG MALCOLM
THE edibles ISSUE
#36
[
4
DECEMBER 2021
issue
EDITOR’S NOTE N AT I O N A L N E W S CANNABIS LAW PAT I E N T P R O F I L E BUDTENDER Q&A SHOP REVIEW LEAF GIFT GUIDE STRAIN OF THE MONTH EDIBLES 101 INCREDIBLES GUMMIES DO DROPS/GARCIA HAND PICKED CURIO WELLNESS ENCORE EDIBLES E V E R M O R E , S E L E C T, W A N A C H O C O L AT E S & C A R A M E L S BEVERAGES/ENHANCERS C O N C E N T R AT E O F T H E M O N T H CANNTHROPOLOGY STONEY BALONEY
Dripping with features Contoured gravity-fed pod
Preserves and ensures every last drop of premium Elite oil gets used
Heavy duty magnets
Strong magnetic pod + battery connection for sure fit and signature “click”
Variable voltage settings
High heat for more potency and vapor production. Low heat for more flavor experience
Auto draw activation
“Always on” auto draw battery for simple and easy operation
Natural elements
Clay-based ceramic coil assembly wrapped in a natural cotton only wick
Sleek and pocketable
Premium weighted hand feel and contoured edges for comfort and durability
Welcome to what’s next.
FIND US HERE
Must be 18 years or older to view content. Medical cannabis is for certified patient use only.
E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0
T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E
N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F / N O RT H E AS T L E A F
A B O U T T H E C OV E R Creative Director Daniel Berman commissioned the talented Las Vegas illustrator Cabin 7 Originals to create this month’s incredible cover. “Inspired by iconic classics like Willy Wonka and Candyland, the making of this design was a nostalgic adventure,” she said. “I believe the purpose of art is to make people feel things, and I think that’s achieved here in a super fun way. With its ethereal glow and starry sky, it’s magic and cheer wrapped in a neat little bow. I like my work to remind people that cartoons, colors, and candy are things we can still enjoy as adults - plus now we can enjoy them with a little THC.”
ART by CABIN 7 ORIGINALS @CABIN7ORIGINALS
FOUNDER
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES CABIN 7 ORIGINALS, ILLUSTRATION JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES EARLY, PRODUCTION STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS GREG MALCOM, PHOTOS TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES BAXSEN PAINE, FEATURES JEFF PORTERFIELD, DESIGN MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING MIKE ROTHMAN, LAW COLUMN JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN
WES@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
PUBLISHER EARLY
EARLY@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR DANIEL BERMAN | VISUALS & DESIGN
DANIEL@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
STATE DIRECTOR WYATT EARLY | AD SALES
WYATT@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM 410-961-8779
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Maryland Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s medicinal, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, LeafMagazines.com. Email wyatt@leafmagazines.com to start advertising with Maryland Leaf!
CONNECT WITH MARYLAND LEAF Exclusive Cannabis Journalism @MDLEAF
|
@MARYLANDLEAF
@NWLEAF
ISSUU.COM/NWLEAF
FREE ONLINE ARCHIVE
WES
ABNEY
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Edibles Issue of the Leaf! ‘TIS THE SEASON for libations and yummy bites, and since edibles deliver the best of both worlds without having to consume any holiday spirits, we can trade a hangover for the munchies and hook Santa up with some real tasty cookies!
7
I absolutely love our cover this month by Cabin 7 Originals, who breathed a whimsical and beautiful scene to life from our team’s direction. I’m a sucker for holiday decorations that are adult – and I definitely have a few bad Xmas sweaters that are not family dinner appropriate. While I may self-censor naughty jingles, one thing I definitely don’t hide is the help Cannabis gives me around the holidays. We all have the judgey aunt or disappointed parental unit who will happily take pharmaceuticals, but give you dirty looks for getting more baked than the ham at dinner. And while I don’t recommend trying to convert any lost Qs at the grown up’s table, you can definitely spread good cheer by sharing Cannabis. Which is a big part of why we picked December for The Edibles Issue – the holidays are stressful, they bring out a need to get high in a discrete way, and they make great gifts or intros to Cannabis for friends and family in need of a holiday buzz.
“WHILE I MAY SELF-CENSOR NAUGHTY JINGLES, ONE THING I DEFINITELY DON’T HIDE IS THE HELP CANNABIS GIVES ME AROUND THE HOLIDAYS.“
While many of us have a story of eating too many edibles or a random “XXX brownie” that came from a well-meaning friend, today’s products are precision dosed and regulated to deliver an expected experience. Learn more about this in our Edibles 101 piece, including how to read the label so you don’t end up overdoing it. But if you do, and you or a loved one find yourself melting and unable to function, fear not! Calling an ambulance will only get you an expensive bill for a rehydration IV drip, which can be acquired much easier in the form of Gatorade and snacks. Whether you have a huge tolerance for THC or are just starting to explore this diverse world of scrumptious items that get you high, give our Edibles Guide a look through and go try one! With everything from mints to drinks, baked goods to tinctures, there’s sure to be a buzz that meets your preferences. And don’t forget to take care of Santa!
-Wes Abney dec. 2021
Spend less, stay lit Check weed off the list with savings
midWEST
national news
politics
10
POT SHOP OPENS 400 FT. FROM CHICAGO’S WRIGLEY FIELD
MOST LIBERALS SUPPORT LEGALIZATION; MAJORITY OF CONSERVATIVES OPPOSE
IT
seems obvious, on the face of it. Those who tend towards the liberal end of the political spectrum have always also tended to favor marijuana legalization. And those who lean conservative have tended to oppose weed. But more and more, with the mainstreaming of Cannabis, we hear “both sides” arguments, and they have increasing merit. The bottom line is, though, that those who are most conservative in the American political landscape – still, after all these years – oppose marijuana. Most folks know there’s growing bipartisan support for legalization in the USA. And a newly released survey from the Pew Research Center shows broad consensus across ideological lines that patients should be able to legally access marijuana for medical purposes. But when it comes to adult-use, “recreational” legalization, that coalition doesn’t entirely hold. MOST FOLKS The poll, simply stated, shows Democrats are more KNOW THERE’S likely to support full Cannabis legalization than RepubliGROWING cans. To take examples from each end of the ideological BIPARTISAN spectrum, 91% of those classified as the Progressive Left SUPPORT FOR support legalization. Meanwhile, just 33% of “Faith and LEGALIZATION Flag” conservatives – thus farthest to the right – want weed IN THE USA. to be legal.
WEIRD
SUPER BOWL CHAMP ARRESTED FOR POT
leafmagazines.com
P
olice arrested Nigel Bradham, a linebacker on the Philadelphia Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII, in Florida on November 13. Troopers said they found more than three pounds of marijuana in his car during a traffic stop, reports the Philly Voice. They charged Bradham, 32, with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of a firearm during a felony, according to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. He posted $1,000 bail and police released him from Leon County jail November 14. The current free agent told a judge he intended to hire an attorney, but court records didn’t yet list one assigned to the case, reports WCTV. Florida Highway Patrol officers stopped the NFL veteran because the tag on his 2021 Chevrolet Corvette didn’t match records. Officers claimed there was a strong smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Bradham claimed to be a Florida medical marijuana patient, troopers said, however he was unable to produce identification to prove that. Bradham’s name then didn’t come up after cops conducted a state registry search, reports TMZ. Medical marijuana is legal in Florida, but adult-use Cannabis remains against the law.
14
grams of Cannabis would get you just a $100 fine in a decriminalization bill introduced in Wisconsin.
dec. 2021
health & science
51
pounds of illegal weed were discovered on a Cali man by Louisiana Highway Patrol officers.
68
percent of Americans believe Cannabis should be legal, according to Gallup, similar to last year’s results.
A
new Cannabis dispensary in Chicago opened just 400 feet from the legendary baseball venue, Wrigley Field, reports Fox 32. Sunnyside Wrigleyville is located at 3524 N. Clark Street. According to shop owner Cresco Labs, it’s the closest dispensary to a national sports stadium in the United States. The ganja shop will have an impressive 21 checkout counters. Cresco said this allows employees to service thousands on “high traffic days when baseball games, concerts and other large-scale city events take place next THE GANJA door.” SHOP WILL Longtime HAVE AN Chicago IMPRESSIVE barflies will 21 CHECKOUT recognize the COUNTERS. envied location: the former home of the John Barleycorn bar. With top shelf flower going for $20 a gram and upwards of $50 an eighth (3.5 grams), shoppers should be ready to drop a few bucks. The dispensary’s presence at such a prime retail location comes at least partially as the result of recent re-zoning by Chicago officials. Rules which prevented pot shops downtown were relaxed.
STUDY: LEGALIZATION DIDN’T INCREASE TRAFFIC INJURIES IN CANADA
M
arijuana legalization did not result in increased traffic injuries in Canada, a new study has found. In a study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, researchers sought to investigate claims that establishing Cannabis legalization in October 2018 would make roads less safe, as prohibitionists frequently claim. But analyzing Ontario and Alberta data from 2015 to 2019, they could find no evidence at all to support that. “Implementation of the Cannabis Act was not associated with evidence of significant post-legalization changes in traffic-injury [emergency department] visits in Ontario or Alberta among all drivers or youth drivers, in particular,” the study states. The evidence doesn’t support claims that legalization might increase both marijuana-impaired driving and traffic injuries, said lead author Russ Callaghan.
THE SOUTH
MISSISSIPPI GOV. ‘UNCOMFORTABLE’ WITH THC IN MEDICAL MARIJUANA
W
hile voters approved a pretty good medical marijuana law in 2020, a year later, Governor Tate Reeves says he wants lawmakers to make yet more changes in a proposal to create a medicinal Cannabis program in the state. Voters approved a business-friendly medical marijuana program a year ago, but the State Supreme Court struck down the measure on a technicality. State lawmakers then drafted a measure creating a medical marijuana program and moved it through the legislature. The GOP governor said in November that he wants tighter limits on the amount of Cannabis patients could buy. He also wants to reduce the content of THC, the compound that produces a high and also has medical benefits. Reeves described the THC levels in current drafts of the bill as “higher than I am comfortable with,” without specifying actual amounts.
$150 $30k 67k
is the cost of the “Puff, Puff, Pass” Tour from Las Vegas Cannabis Tours, a 2.5 hr jaunt to creative local dispensaries.
in marijuana products were seized in local stores by police serving search warrants in Hendersonville, Ky.
pounds of MMJ have been sold under Arkansas’ program since May 2019.
STORIES by STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA
THINGS ARE GETTING A LOT COOLER! Get amazing daily specials Enjoy 24-hour online ordering Get free consults with our on-staff Clinical Director
FIND US HERE
STORE LOCATIONS
Curaleaf Columbia 7090 Deepage Dr. Columbia, MD Our newest store!
Curaleaf Montgomery Village 10011 Stedwick Rd. Gaithersburg, MD Home of our Drive-Thru
Questions? Contact us at Info.md@curaleaf.com
Must be 18 years or older to view content. Medical cannabis is for certified patient use only.
Curaleaf Reisterstown 11722 Reisterstown Rd. Reisterstown, MD
Herbology Gaithersburg 106 N. Frederick Ave. Gaithersburg, MD
Cannabis LAW
12
E
Edibles have arrived (finally)
leafmagazines.com
ON
JANUARY, 12, 2022, all eyes will once again turn to Annapolis and the General Assembly, where the eternally hopeful Cannabis-consuming residents of Maryland will wait expectantly as legislators wrestle with the question: Will this be the year? Will this be the year that the Maryland General Assembly and the governor finally agree to do what the residents of the State of Maryland have asked them to do for years now, and legalize Cannabis (in all its forms) for adult use and recreational purposes? And when will the State finally end the War on Cannabis, free its prisoners, and reconcile with its many victims? But while we wait for the tea leaves to settle, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission has been diligently pursuing its mission developing the policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations making medical Cannabis available to qualifying patients in a safe and effective manner. In April 2021, the Commission fulfilled one of its initial promises to patients when it issued its final regulations creating the framework for edible products in Maryland dispensaries. Effective April 19, 2021, any “medical Cannabis product intended for human consumption by oral ingestion . . . that dissolve[s] or disintegrate[s] in
the mouth,” will be recognized as a Cannabis product and subject to regulation. These new regulations finally fill the product void that has existed since Maryland’s dispensaries first opened. This is great news for Cannabis patients in Maryland, as it will mean more products, more categories of products, and more ways to experience the benefits of the medicine. One of the weaknesses of Maryland’s medical Cannabis program has been the lack of availability of edible products containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some edibles had been previously available in dispensaries prior to the enactment of these new rules. Those products were poorly made and packaged. Now all edible products previously on the market in dispensaries must come into compliance within 90 days. And all edible products offered for sale in dispensaries must be approved and overseen by the MMCC.
dibles can be an important tool for health care workers, caregivers, and others to provide a patient with a convenient, effective, reliable, safe, therapeutic and measured dose. These new final regulations for edibles provide processors with the market specifications about how to create, label, prepare and sell these products at licensed dispensaries in the state. For the typical patient this will mean that at the dispensary level, you will see more products containing THC with a wider variety of dosage forms, providing patients with more choices in how they want to administer their medicine. Now that the edibles product category is available in Maryland, patients can enjoy a commercially produced, regulated and standardized dosage of THC that has been tested, certified and packaged by the State. In addition, the THC comes delivered in a variety of edible forms such as tinctures, capsules, sublingual strips or gummies – in childproof packaging, in geometric shapes (not characters), and in packaging designed to warn parents and children about its contents. As more edible dosage forms become available, more patients will be able to experience the therapeutic benefits of the plant without harmful routes of administration. For example, smoking or vaporizing THC is the most popular way that marijuana is ingested by patients. But what if smoking or vaporizing isn’t possible for a patient due to their location in a hospital. Or worse, is unsafe for a patient at all due to their respiratory condition? This is where the new class of edible THC products provide superior relief for chronic conditions. By offering a wide variety of routes of administration and standardized doses, edibles can offer a broad spectrum of relief for patients. The good news is that the Commission is now encouraging Maryland’s medical Cannabis processors to produce edibles containing THC. This means that patients can now purchase at their local dispensary pre-measured doses of THC with better labeling, in child-proof packaging, with warning labels and produced by commercial, good manufacturing processes, that supposedly won’t be confused for kids’ vitamins. For patients, these regulations will result in a greater variety of products at your local dispensary, catering to an increasingly sophisticated medical patient clientele.
“As more edible dosage forms become available, more patients will be able to experience the therapeutic benefits of the plant...”
MEDICAL CANNABIS LAW GROUP | MEDICALCANNABISLAWGROUP.COM | 301-251-9660 | 226 NORTH ADAMS ST. ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
Since 2008, Mike Rothman has counseled clients regarding Cannabis laws and regulations as the founder and principal of the Medical Cannabis Law Group and the Law Office of Mike Rothman in Rockville, Maryland. Mr. Rothman has testified on Cannabis laws and regulations before the Maryland House of Delegates, taught classes, and lobbied the federal government on behalf of patients and businesses. Mr. Rothman’s Law Office focuses on criminal defense, including use of the medical Cannabis defense.
dec. 2021
COLUMN by MIKE ROTHMAN, ATTORNEY & PRINCIPAL | MEDICAL CANNABIS LAW GROUP
patient of the month
16
CANNABIS FOR A BETTER LIFE
jordansmith IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. No, not the holiday season, but the anniversary of a day that forever changed the trajectory of Jordan Smith’s life: November 14, 2019. “From the time I was five I wanted to be a teacher,” expressed Jordan, who completed her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Salisbury University in 2017. “At the age of 4, I took over my preschool class when the teacher was absent and they did the morning routine wrong,” she laughed. “I’ve just always been good with kids.” Upon graduating, the Towson native took a job as a fourth-grade teacher at Woodbridge Elementary School in Catonsville. She spent two years gaining experience before being sidelined for health reasons. Jordan underwent a surgical procedure to treat occipital neuralgia – a distinct type of headache the National Institute of Health describes as a “shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears.”
leafmagazines.com
“I had to get my tonsils and adenoids out, and they were debating whether I should get a second surgery on a nerve in my neck,” said the 25-year-old, recalling a 2019 summer spent in recovery. Medical Cannabis alleviated most of Jordan’s pain. A cardholder since 2017, she had grown weary of prescription medication after years of trial and mostly error. “Growing up, my brother was the stoner,” she giggled. “I literally never touched [Cannabis] until I got to college. But once I got my card, I was full on for Cannabis. I was able to cut back on prescription meds, a lot of which were making me worse.” E M P LOY M E N T & C A N N A B I S
By late August, Jordan secured a position as a special education teacher in her hometown, leading a staff of educational assistants to provide care to six behaviorally-challenged students. She insists she was upfront about her medical card and usage during non-working hours. “I told the head of HR during my interview that I had my medical Cannabis card and asked if this would be an issue,” she said. “She told me that it was fine and that I had nothing to worry about.” But when Jordan was bitten by a student and had to go to Patient First for a tetanus shot, as a requirement for worker’s compensation, she was asked to take a drug test – which registered positive for Cannabis. The test was relayed to her place of employment. When she returned to the school, she was asked by an administrator to visit the principal’s office.
dec. 2021
“We opened the door to the office and I was surrounded by the principal who hired me, the admin who had just complimented me on how well I was doing, and the head of HR that told me I would be fine,” she said. Nevertheless, Jordan was asked to sign a termination agreement. “[They] escorted me back into the classroom and made me pack my belongings in front of my students and my staff,” she said. “They didn’t even give me a chance to say goodbye.” Parents of students texted her, trying to find a reason for their teacher’s departure. As part of her agreement, Jordan couldn’t respond. “It was one of the lowest points of my life,” she said. “I had been dead set on teaching. I didn’t know where to turn. I had just finished one surgery and perhaps needed another. I was still getting treatment for migraines. I was a pretty broken human being.” Needing to maintain a roof over her head, Jordan reluctantly took a desk job as an administrative assistant for a family business in Columbia – a job she held for nearly two years. On the upside, Jordan had spent anywhere from 12 to 14 hours per day working as a schoolteacher. A 9-to-5 job would allow her to focus on her health, as well as medicate during the day. “Working at the school, I went [without Cannabis] every day until the end of the night,” she said. “By that time, my pain would be insane.”
“Now I’m able to work on my physical and mental health. I finally feel I’m at a place that wants to help me become my best self.”
F I N D I N G H E R PAT H
Jordan began to focus on ways to medicate and remain functional during the day. “I began to realize there were so many options,” she said. “Tinctures, gummies, drinks – they all helped me get through my desk job. I started making my own edibles and studying about terpenes.” As her passion and knowledge of the plant grew, so did Jordan’s confidence – presenting an opportunity to apply with a medical dispensary in Baltimore (ReLeaf Shop) this past spring. She began working nights and weekends as a patient care advisor. Her role quickly expanded to a full-time position, leaving behind her days as an administrator.
MOVING FORWARD
Empowered behind the counter, Jordan has taken pride in serving as an educator once more. “It’s a whole new world dealing with adults compared to children,” said Jordan, who was given the moniker of ‘Label Queen’ by her coworkers, actively seeking out busy-body tasks during downtime. Jordan is considering chasing a master’s degree in Cannabis science. She has also begun making educational art for the industry, merging her past life with her present. “I’m happier than I have been in a long time,” she said. “Two years ago I was hiding who I was. I was hiding my Cannabis use and I was afraid of the judgment I would receive. Now I’m able to work on my physical and mental health. I finally feel I’m at a place that wants to help me become my best self.” A sense of shame – and failure – had taken a stronghold over Jordan when her long sought-after teaching career went up in flames. Now, she’s pridefully paving a new path and more importantly, following her heart. “I spent a year or two wallowing in everything that happened,” she said. “I asked myself, ‘Why am I so focused on the negative?’ When I finally sat back and realized all that had happened, I saw what a blessing it was. I said, ‘Holy shit! This changed my life!’ It’s given me a new perspective.” As for November 14, Jordan says it’s no longer a day that will live in infamy. “This year, it’ll be a celebratory day,” she said. “I realized you don’t have to be stuck miserable. You can work at something you love and enjoy and make a living from it. I had to understand why my journey took this turn. This is the year I move on from what happened two years ago. And there is so much more coming.”
STORY by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT | FOLLOW JORDAN: @JOSCANNACO
INTERVIEW
MARYLAND LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH
LAURA LOWE
“ I LOVE BEING ABLE TO GO TO THE DISPENSARY AND CHOOSE WHICH MEDICATION IS RIGHT FOR ME AND MY INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.” be long lasting, it helps in the interim while I unwind and smoke flower. I also have been enjoying all these fabulous edibles that have flooded the market recently. They really do help alleviate the pain. HAVE YOU USED CANNABIS IN YOUR HONEY AFTER HARVESTING? In 2020, I experimented with a small hemp grow on our family farm. It was a great learning experience, and it allowed our family to work on a project and have a purpose during a time when there was so much uncertainty. After harvesting I used the flower to infuse my honey with CBD, and I gave that to friends and family. They tell me it helps them with joint pain and insomnia – so I’m happy it helps! I also use Cannabis to infuse my honey as well, but that is only for personal use of course (laughs).
18
leafmagazines.com
P
ositive Energy is Laura’s “second family” – where she feels empowered working for a female owned and operated business! Working there has allowed her to blossom as a person and become the most authentic version of herself, for which she is forever grateful. In addition to the many friendships she has made at Positive Energy, she also considers Cannabis to be a lifelong friend – helping her to combat the grief of losing loved ones and fight cancer. “I feel if I did not have Cannabis to help me decompress, I would still be in the grieving process,” says Laura.
FROM PATIENT TO BUDTENDER, WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO MAKE THE SWITCH? When I was hired at Positive Energy in November of 2018, it was a time in my life where I needed a change. I had been working in the social services field for many years and was burnt out. I had recently completed radiation for cervical cancer and lost my mom after a long battle with breast cancer. I remember thinking to myself … well, it’s now or never. I walked into Positive Energy and saw Denise smiling at the front desk. I remember saying, ‘Denise, any chance you are hiring?’ She said, ‘Not right now, but I will take your resume and let you know if we do.’ A month later she called me, and the rest is history. Looking back now I am so thankful I made the switch and Positive Energy gave me this opportunity!
POSITIVE ENERGY
9939 JERRY MACK RD STE 500, OCEAN CITY, MD POSITIVEENERGYOC.COM | @POSITIVEENERGYOC OPEN 11AM-7PM MON-FRI | 10AM-4PM SAT
dec. 2021
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START USING CANNABIS MEDICINALLY? When the medical program came to Maryland I felt, number one, I needed to be legal after I had been looking over my shoulder for years, and number two, I wanted to be involved in something I truly believed in. Being able to control the medicine I am getting, as opposed to not knowing, is a huge deal for me. I love being able to go to the dispensary and choose which medication is right for me and my individual needs. IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU USED CANNABIS TO COMBAT SYMPTOMS OF CANCER AND ITS TREATMENTS? Cancer treatments are exhausting – and with the anxiety you feel from the fear of the unknown, insomnia is a huge deal. During treatments I used RSO to help me sleep, which allowed my body the time it needed to repair itself. I also used flower and topicals. The main issue for me now is scar tissue that I was left with after radiation. There are many days where my hips ache at the end of the day. I feel topicals are one of the products on the market that do not get the hype they deserve. I often get immediate relief and although it may not
WHAT IS SOMETHING UNEXPECTED ABOUT THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU HAVE COME TO REALIZE? This industry has changed so much just in the three years I have been working here. I have come to realize Cannabis is used by all walks of life – from the youngest patient being a toddler to the oldest patient in their 90s. I love how this industry unifies us. We are all medical Cannabis patients.
GROWING UP, DID YOU EVER THINK THE EASTERN SHORE WOULD HAVE DISPENSARIES AND MEDICAL CANNABIS GROWS? Growing up on the Eastern Shore there was such a stigma on Cannabis. The older people called it ‘dope.’ Little did they know, dope is not Cannabis! We have been able to educate the elderly population to realize this is a true medication. That makes me feel like the Eastern Shore has come a long way. This industry is so beneficial to our area. It has given many like me the opportunity to work in an industry they believe in. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF FITTING INTO THE INDUSTRY 10 YEARS FROM NOW? Wow, that’s a great question. Above all, in 10 years I see myself healthy and happy! I will still be working at Positive Energy, helping and educating people about Cannabis. In my free time, I hope to combine my love for Cannabis with my love for my honeybees. My life goal is to have a small organic grow, infuse my honey and provide a premium product for the patients of Maryland.
INTERVIEW by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by TYLER ODACHOWSKI @T_ODACHOWSKI S E N D N O M I N AT I O N S F O R B U D T E N D E R O F T H E M O N T H T O W YAT T @ L E A F M A G A Z I N E S .C O M
YOUR RELIEF IS HERE. The only medical cannabis facility in St. Mary’s County is open and ready to help you stay centered.
ONLINE ORDERING & CURBSIDE PICKUP A R E AVA I L A B L E AT S O M D R E L I E F. C O M With daily deals, online ordering, knowledgeable team members, and all the necessary health precautions to keep staff and patients safe, it’s never been easier to get relief.
M O N D AY– S AT U R D AY 10 a m – 8 p m | S U N D AY 1 1 a m – 6 pm
S O M D R E L I E F. C O M
SHOP REVIEW
NATURE’S MEDICINES SETTING & VIBE Comfort is the name of the game here, and each patient I saw purchasing medicine was catered to in a specific fashion. Let’s be honest: Some people just want to grab an eighth of the lowest cost strain, and some people want to sit and chat about their life. No matter which type of patient you are, they have you covered in more ways than one. The layout can be best described as the perfect blend of your living room and the Apple store!
20
FLOWER How many strains do you expect to see at your average dispensary? Maybe 15 to 20? Be prepared to meet over 50 cultivars here: from budget ounces and shake, to top-of-the-line products, as well as the newest strains from Rythm and Curio Wellness. They also have a ton of pre-rolls, including infused options from Kaviar.
CONCENTRATES Nature’s Medicines has it all: kief, shatter, badder, live resin, sauce, diamonds, RSO and even more. I was stoked to see some baller jars including 2g and even 3.5g jars circulating around the menu. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of diving into a huge concentrate jar and scooping out a fat succulent dab, then you know what I’m talking about.
leafmagazines.com
EDIBLES I find it reassuring when a dispensary has a wide selection of edibles outside of the usual chews. Don’t worry, they still have every chew under the sun here, but you can also expect to find things like caramels, drinks, chocolate and Full Extract Cannabis Oil aka FECO – which can be used similarly to RSO for many ailments, including severe chronic pain.
QUICK HIT With an impressive sales floor displaying products in varying forms from several different companies, the multitude of options and elegant setting of Nature’s Medicines in Crofton is sure to provide a unique Cannabis experience. Featuring all the comfort one could ask for, the only potential pitfall is confusing this fine establishment for your own living room.
dec. 2021
NATURE’S MEDICINES CROFTON 1657 CROFTON BLVD, CROFTON, MD OPEN 9AM-9PM MONDAY-FRIDAY
10AM-9PM SATURDAY, 10AM-7PM SUNDAY NATURESMEDICINES.COM (410) 264-1411
REVIEW
Nature’s Heritage
Oro Blanco
NATURE’S MEDICINES HAS IT ALL: KIEF, SHATTER, BADDER, LIVE RESIN, SAUCE, DIAMONDS, RSO AND MORE.
Busting open this jar unleashed a mixture of woody, spicy and gassy notes, blending the aromas together in a fragrant fashion. The nugs were bright green, coated with orange hairs that wrapped around them like ribbon on a holiday gift. With a beautifully even balance of myrcene and limonene, I knew this batch would be a great daytime smoke for a level-headed high. 28.81% THCA | 1.12% TERPENES | NATURESHERITAGECANNABIS.COM
STORY & PHOTOS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF
A woman-owned and well-trusted medical Cannabis dispensary promoting the health and wellness of the Baltimore area for over three years. Our knowledgeable staff can answer all your terpene questions! Visit us online for specials, loyalty program info, online ordering, and more.
P U R E L I F E B A LT I M O R E . C O M
CARROLL COUNTY’S BEST DISPENSARY
FIRST TIME? Get a free 30 minute consultation with our clinical pharmacist to help you with product selection and education. Or let us help you with the application process and get you registered for your medical card. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.
RETURNING CUSTOMER? Take advantage of our loyalty program. Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend at The Dispensary. Earn 100 points and get $10 off- all the way up to $50 off when you earn 500 points.
DISCOUNTS EVERY DAY Veterans 25% Off Seniors 20% Off Industry 15% Off Plus 30% Off for New Patients! REFERALL BONUS: Bring in a New Patient and You Both Get 30% Off.
THEDISPENSARYMD.COM 330 140 Village Rd, Westminster 667-314-3297
S P E C I A L S .
T U E S DAY
W E D N E S DAY
INDUSTRY DAY
25% OFF +
TWO-FER TUESDAYS
SELECT EIGHTHS
2 FOR $20
20% OFF
FOR CANNABIS, RESTAURANT, AND BAR EMPLOYEES*
PREROLLED JOINTS
SAVE ON STAFF FLOWER PICKS
T H U R S DAY
F R I DAY
E VE RYDAY
BUY-1-GET-1
BUY-1-GET-1
VETERANS GET
50% OFF
50% OFF
22% OFF
ALL INGESTIBLES, INCLUDING RSO
CARTRIDGES AND CONCENTRATES
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
35 E Cross Street Federal Hill, Baltimore, MD • 443.708.5683
the EDIBLES issue
Holiday GIFT GUIDE 1 MyBudVase Artisan Vase/Bong
Smoking made beautiful, this South Carolina-based company adds a chic element to your stoney lifestyle. With a wide selection of tasteful designs, the hardest part will be deciding if you want to put it to use, or simply keep it on display. @mybudvase - $125-$225
2 Wokeface Magnetic Lid Rolling Tray 24
You won’t be using a boring tray again anytime soon. This artfully adorned magnetic lid and rolling tray go together like peanut butter and jelly. Mobile joint rolling optimized! @wokeface - $20
1
3 Pax Era Life vaporizer
Airy and diminutive with 2.5x the battery life, you’ll top this unique vape battery with an oil-filled pod for a pint-sized powerhouse puff. With so many color designs to choose from, it’s a stoney extension of your personality. @pax_official - $35
4 Blazy Susan Spinning Rolling Tray
The ultimate home base for all your weed things. If your life requires more organization, this will keep every dab accessory right where you left it. Spin to win! @blazysusan - $80-$145
2
leafmagazines.com
5 Phoenix Art Project Natural Resin Art
This handmade desk art is designed from pieces of nature collected in New England and cured in eco poxy, environmentally-friendly resin. Framed, on the desk, or hanging from the tree – Cannabis enthusiasts will cherish the uniqueness. @pheonixartproject - $30-$89
6 Dynavap Battery-Free Vaporizor
The innovative design allows clean air flow, which equates to an old school meets new cool experience. With more control over the temperature, you’re distinctly in charge with ultimate access to the true flavor of your weed and oil. Dynamite! @dynavap - $87-$225
7 sitka hash dome
High end smokeware is few and far between, but this old school hash company is bringing the dome to your home. Bucket list complete! @sitkagold - $150
DEC. 2021
8 tOTEEZ MINI BINS
Who needs a nug jug when you’ve got a tiny tote? Now you can match your weed stash with your garage stash with this cute, durable box. @toteeztinytotes - $10
9 Puff Puff Pass Card Games Put the drinking games back in the closet for a stonified replacement. Thought provoking cards allow players to modify the rules as they go, making the fun virtually limitless. @playpuffpuffpass - $15
10 13
9 11
7
12
8
6
5 3
4
10 EZ Pipe Ooze Lighter Pipe Combo
Take your entire show on the road with the Swiss Army Knife of weed pipes. Inexpensive and practical, it’s an all-in-one compact device that keeps all your vital tools in one handy place. @ezlitepipe - $9.99
11 Powerhitter 12 Vessel Touchless Smoking Vape batteries Since the 1970s, this squeezable tube has been letting you rip it without lipping it. Load a joint inside and watch the smoke pour into your mouth like fog rolling over the hilltops. Now you can smoke a joint in the shower! @powerhitterco - $25
Where discretion meets style, these beauties are at the top of their class. With sleek designs and high-end functionality, you’ll feel spoiled with every taste. If you’re spending on quality oil, it makes sense to invest in the best. @vessel_brand $45-$60
13 stACHE RIO DAB RIG
Whether at home or away, this cold-start device will get you properly ignited. With a built-in torch, dead batteries and burnt coils are a thing of the past. @stacheproducts - $199
REVIEWS by LEAF NATION STAFF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS & MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ
PAX Era Life in Midnight Rain. Life at its purest. Cannabis at its simplest.
LIMITED
EDITION Shop the one-of-a-kind hand-dripped designs at a retailer near you.
NOT FOR SALE TO MINORS. PAX DOES NOT PRODUCE, MANUFACTURE OR DISTRIBUTE CANNABIS. While supplies last. © 2021 PAX Labs, Inc. All Rights Reserved. PAX, X, ERA, ERA LIFE, and ERA PRO are all trademarks of PAX Labs, Inc. US and International Patents Pending. Complete list of Patents and Trademarks: pax.com/intellectual-property-list
leafmagazines.com
28
dec. 2021
SOUR PEEL
STRAIN OF THE MONTH
TRUE QUALITY IN A PRODUCT SUCH AS CANNABIS ISN’T JUST ABOUT NUMBERS AND RATIOS, CAUSES AND EFFECTS – THERE IS ALSO AN ELEMENT OF SENSORY APPRECIATION THAT CAN BE IMPARTED TO THE PRODUCT, WHICH TOP SHELF GROWERS CAN REALLY TAP INTO.
grown by
EVERMORE
“RICH TROPICAL FRUITS ARE AT THE TOP OF THE NOSE, BLENDING TOGETHER A RICH AROMA OF KIWI, PAPAYA, GRAPE AND GUAVA...”
In the case of Evermore’s Sour Peel, patients in need of the heavier and more sedative side of the terpene spectrum can access their desired profile with a 27.3% THCa dose, complete with a fully robust flavor that I will be recommending for as long as it stays on the market. This cross of Forbidden Fruit x East Coast Sour Diesel is a truly exquisite expression of Cannabis. Rich tropical fruits are at the top of the nose, blending together a rich aroma of kiwi, papaya, grape and guava, blended together with honied meadow flower cream, all of which is underscored and accentuated by a light yet sharp fuel – not unlike the vapor aroma left behind from a fresh herbal distillation process. The layered complexity is truly the stuff that the fine wine industry is built on, and gives our state tremendous hope for our future market. While it is true that we lack the same degree of outdoor cultivation, and thus access to marketable terroir that the wine industry currently holds, we are nevertheless trending in that direction. Evermore Cannabis Company has been providing us with amazing Cannabis since the early days of our market, and they have only improved. With some of the most well thought out product lines, I am confident you will enjoy your TESTING experience with THCa 27.31% Total terpenes 2.1% them, whichever product you Myrcene 1% Limonene .3% choose – but I Linalool .22% absolutely adore Caryophyllene .22% this Sour Peel. Its rich complexity of aroma is an olfactory delight that is worth adding to your personal Cannabis journals. This is a tasty, heavy-hitter that has become one of my personal favorites – and for that I thank the Evermore grow team for their efforts to produce our medicine to such a high quality.
REVIEW by TAYLOR MARTIN for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT | EVERMORECOMPANY.COM | @EVERMOREBRANDS
@drinkgrass.io
www.drinkgrass.io
Available at CULTA and finer dispensaries
2 oz. with 10mg of THC With Technology powered by Solutech
RESPECT FLOWER POWER. DRINK GRASS. tm
the EDIBLES issue
edibles 101
32
Decarboxylation
Emulsifier
Decarboxylation is a necessary pre-process in the creation of edibles that involves heating up your Cannabis product (flower or oil) to 220º F to break off carboxyl units from Delta 9 THCa, thus converting inactive THCa into active THC. This process happens naturally when smoking or vaporizing, however edibles require decarbing prior to product creation. Decarbed Cannabis can be infused into an edible product.
Because Cannabis is infused into oil/butter and many edible recipes require the use of water, emulsifiers are used to create many edible products. As you probably remember, oil and water do not mix. An emulsifier is a compound that is added to oil/water concoctions so that they can blend together in a homogenous solution, and is an essential step for many edible products.
Edible Infusion
Nano-emulsified
Food that incorporates a variety of Cannabis infusions to create a product that tastes as good as its effects are. These products are orally ingested and metabolized through the liver, which is a distinctively different mechanism of action from inhalable products. Expect a slower onset, more robust body effect, and significantly prolonged duration compared to other consumption methods such as smoking or vaping. These products include anything that can be made using oil or butter.
11-OH-THC (11-hydroxy-THC)
When Cannabis oil is mixed with an oil or butter, this is considered an infused product. Generally THC is infused into an oil or butter in a known quantity, and then that butter or oil is incorporated into a chef’s favorite recipe to create an edible Cannabis product. Ethanol can be used to extract THC and then evaporated directly onto sugar, salt or pre-made products to create infused products, however these are not as stable or consistent compared to something infused with butter or oil. Infusions are most commonly made from solvent-based extractions like hydrocarbon, CO2 and ethanol. The quality of the infusion is a direct result of the quality of the extraction process, as well as the extraction input material.
This compound is a metabolite that is derived from the metabolization of Delta 9 THC within the liver. Enzymes in the liver convert the Delta 9 THC into 11-OH-THC when we orally ingest Cannabis, and this conversion accounts for edibles exponentially high potency and prolonged effects when compared to inhalation. 11-OH-THC is approximately five to 10 times more potent that Delta 9 THC, and is only created via liver metabolization.
Dosing Guidelines
PHOTO BY ADOBE STOCK
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
What is an edible
Low and slow is the rule for all Cannabis products, and this rule is even more important for proper edible dosage. Due to the notoriously potent effects of edibles that result from the conversion of Delta 9 into 11-OH-THC, dosing recommendations start at 1mg for first time users. From there it is recommended to slowly increase your dosage until you find the dose that is comfortable for you and your needs. Consumers often get too high from edibles because they try to match their smoking dosage to their edible dosage, without realizing that eating a gram of Cannabis is significantly more potent than smoking a gram of Cannabis. Your lifestyle, medical needs and product access will help you determine the best dosing regimen that supports your personal relief, with regard to your daily schedule.
DEC. 2021
Solventless Infusions
There are hundreds of types of emulsifiers that can be used to create products, depending on the nitty gritty details of your product development. A sonicator is a tool that utilizes ultrasonic frequencies to break up particles on a molecular level. When utilizing a sonicator with an emulsifier, you can lower the amount of emulsifier needed, as well as increase the bioavailability of the cannabinoids in the product. Thus you create a nano-emulsified product that, in theory, produces a higher quality effect with less active ingredients used.
Edible vs. Ingestible
A trending subset of infusions that utilizes Cannabis oil derived from a solventless process. These products typically contain the most robust amount of cannabinoids and effects possible, particularly compared to their solvent-based competition. These are typically infused with hash and rosin products, and are generally considered to be a FECO product (full spectrum extract Cannabis oil).
‘Edible’ typically refers to a food-based product, whereas ‘ingestible’ can refer to any product that is consumed orally. Ingestibles include drinks, tinctures and tablets, which are also processed through the liver and share the same mechanism of action as edibles, just with varying degrees of potency/onset. An edible is more traditionally thought of as a brownie or cookie, but today can include anything from a gummy, to a jerky, to a savory pie, to a steak dinner.
STORY by TAYLOR MARTIN for LEAF NATION
FiND YOUR FLAVOR
Now available in maryland: 10mg THC, 10:10 CBD:THC and 5:5 CBD:THC
the edibles issue
I LOV E I N C R E D I B L E S .CO M | @ I N C R E D I B L E S M M J
INCREDIBLES GUMMIES BERRY 5:1 THC TO CBN LOZENGES Mixing some CBN into my nightly regimen has helped immensely with a solid night’s sleep. These smell and taste like fresh blueberries, and I usually take between two or three gummies to reach my desired level of comfort and sleepiness. 10mg THC and 2mg CBN/serving, 100mg THC and 20mg CBN/package
TANGAHHHRINE 2:1 CBD TO THC LOZENGES These chewy lozenges are a 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC, meaning there is twice as much CBD as THC in each piece. The sweet and citrusy flavor was accompanied by a smooth, level-headed high I have come to expect from CBD-rich products. 10mg THC and 20mg CBD/serving, 100mg THC and 200mg CBD/package
34
STRAHHHBERRY 1:1 THC TO CBD LOZENGES
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
The flavor of these edibles reminded me of a strawberry milkshake with a little dash of Cannabis. I took these during the day, for a balanced feeling of euphoria and creativity. After two or three chews, I was in a wonderful mood and headspace. 10mg THC and 10mg CBD/serving, 100mg THC and 100Mmg CBD/package
GREENER APPLE THC LOZENGES Sometimes all I need is a little THC to get my mood right, and that’s when I reach for the greener apple lozenges. I had a little fun experimenting with using these in conjunction with different formulations, to up other product’s ratio on the THC side. 10mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/package
dec. 2021
REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
the edibles issue
D O D R O P S E D I B L E S .CO M | @ D O D R O P S _ E D I B L E S
DO DROPS & GARCIA HAND PICKED G A R C I A H A N D P I C K E D.CO M | @ G A R C I A H A N D P I C K E D
GARCIA HAND PICKED
MIXED BERRY JERRYS The flavor of these gummies is absolutely outstanding, with little to no Cannabis taste being noticeable. I also love the psychedelic inspired packaging produced by this brand. After eating three gummies, I felt a nice and relaxing buzz begin to settle in, which ended up lasting for hours. 5mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/package
36
DO DROPS
ASSORTED FLAVORS
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
We had the pleasure of trying Do Drops in lemon, sour blue raspberry, sour orange, watermelon, and green apple. Having grown up in the ‘90s, I was instantly attracted to the sour blue raspberry – a flavor reminding me of DumDums blue raspberry terps. At 2.5mg THC, these are great for microdosing, or testing your tolerance with edibles. 2.5mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/package
dec. 2021
REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
Be Safe. Be Well.
Have Your Cannabis Delivered. Order online at
gLeaf.com
or call
1-800-208-WEED (9333)
Order Online and Pick Up In-Store at Either gLeaf Location 808 Hungerford Drive Rockville, MD 20850
4606 Wedgewood Blvd. Frederick, MD 21703
(301) 917-3665
(301) 662-2222
M O N D AY– S AT U R D AY 9 a m – 9 p m
◊
S U N DAY 10 a m – 8 pm
Medical cannabis use is for certified Maryland patients only. Must be 18 or older.
C U R I OW E L L N E S S .CO M | @ C U R I O _ W E L L N E S S
the edibles issue
CURIO WELLNESS
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
38
BLUEBERRY LAVENDER MEDICATED CHEWS
BLACK CHERRY VANILLA MEDICATED CHEWS
BLOOD ORANGE TURMERIC MEDICATED CHEWS
LEMON HONEY MEDICATED CHEWS
Upon opening the tin of these chews, a smell similar to maple syrup hits your nose and excites the senses. With 10mg of CBN, I can feel confident in these chews’ ability to deliver me a solid night’s sleep without fail. During my time experimenting with these, I never had to take more than one or two chews to fall asleep soundly. 10mg CBN and 5mg THC/serving, 100mg CBD and 50mg THC/package
For days or nights when I am experiencing significant back and shoulder pain, I need something with a little more THC than usual. These chews are 40mg THC each, which puts the power in my hands to fight back against back pain. When taking two chews, I felt euphoria and mental calmness like none other, and my pain was greatly reduced. 40mg THC/ serving, 400mg THC/package
I love seeing edibles blended with natural herbs and roots that have proven beneficial to human health. Mixing turmeric into this wonderful blend produced a truly unique variety of edible in Maryland. With a 5:1 ratio of THC to CBD, you can load up on effects while also getting a solid dosage of CBD in the mix. 4mg CBD and 20mg THC/serving, 40mg CBD and 200mg THC/package
When looking for a clear-headed edible high with no tired feeling, Curio’s lemon honey chews are my go-to. I like to eat a couple of them, giving myself a larger dosage of CBD, while keeping my THC intake at a lower amount. Perfectly chewy, these are one of my favorite consistencies of edibles on the market. 20mg CBD and 4mg THC/serving, 200mg CBD and 40mg THC/package
dec. 2021
REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
drive-thru
Just in Time for Thanksgiving! ALL DAY EVERYDAY LOW Prices! $30 .3g disposables: Rythm, Verano $39 .5g carts: Rythm, Kind Tree, Verano $69 1g carts: Rythm, Kind Tree M-F: 10-9 Saturday: 10-8 Sun: 11-5 (Drive Thru Only) https://kipcan.com/our-menu
*Medical Cannabis is for use only by a certified patient* *No discounts applicable to above mentioned carts*
V E R A N O. H O L D I N G S | @ V E R A N O B R A N D S
the edibles issue
ENCORE EDIBLES
leafmagazines.com
40
WATERMELON SATIVA SOUR GUMMIES
STRAWBERRY SATIVA GUMMIES
MANDARIN 1:1 GUMMIES
Who doesn’t love sour gummies? The hint of sour in this flavor took them over the top, making them my favorite out of the Encore Edibles line. The watermelon flavor was more natural than reminiscent of Sour Patch Kids. After two to three gummies, I was cruising through my day with comfort and a light load on my mind. 10mg THC/serving, 90mg THC/container.
These gummies boast a hexagonal shape, giving them a cool geometric vibe that had me excited to dive into them. These tasted of fresh strawberries, accompanied by a light Cannabis flavor. I like to eat two at a time, finding 20mg of THC to be a sweet spot and functional high. 10mg THC/serving, 90mg THC /container.
These gummies smell and taste like freshly squeezed orange juice, with a slight Cannabis note on the aftertaste. 1:1 gummies are always a good thing to have in your regimen, balancing out some of the THC with some mind-easing CBD. 10mg THC and 10mg CBD/serving, 90mg THC and 90mg CBD/container.
dec. 2021
REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
THE SCIENCE OF CANNABIS E V O LV E D At Evolab, we use nothing but cannabis in our products, which means developing a wholly unique process to extract and purify cannabis terpenes, terpenoids, and flavonoids into what we call CDCA, nothing in between you and the plant, you can rest comfortably enjoying Evolab’s entire line of products.
Evolab.com
Medical cannabis use is for certified patients only.
the edibles issue
EVERMORE, SELECT, WANA
E V E R M O R E C O M PA N Y.C O M @ E V E R M O R E C O M PA N Y S E L E C TC A N N A B I S .C O M @ S E L E C T. B E T T E R WA N A B R A N D S .C O M @ WA N A B R A N D S
SELECT
PASSION FRUIT BITES Busting open this package immediately reminded me of the smell of opening a fresh pack of Gushers or a Fruit RollUp. The bright yellow color of these gummies is extremely visually appealing. The sweet and citrusy passion fruit flavor comes through in waves of deliciousness. After two gummies, I was in a sleepy state of mind … perfect for bedtime. 10mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/package
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
42
SELECT
EVERMORE
WANA
These sweet little sugar-coated beauties were deliciously fruity. With nanotechnology, the THC of these gummies is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, creating an effect similar to smoking or dabbing, versus the usual edible high. After two gummies and about 15 minutes, I began to feel a relaxing euphoria take hold. 5mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/package
Evermore Discos are a longtime favorite of Maryland patients, with different flavors making their way to market. Discos are made with FECO instead of the usual distillate, which provides a wide range of benefits due to many more cannabinoids being included. It only takes one Disco to get me in the right mental and physical space. 5mg THC/ serving, 100mg THC/package
At 30mg of THC per chew, I knew that I only needed one of these to feel a noticeable difference in my pain level. I ate these during the day to combat back and neck pain, and never needed to eat more than a single chew. With the sativa blend used in these, I also felt confident they would not make me groggy in any way. 30mg THC/serving, 300mg THC/package
POMEGRANATE FAST ACTING BITES
dec. 2021
RADZBERRY DISCOS
BLOOD ORANGE SOUR CHEWS
REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
Affordable Advertising Available email Wyatt@LeafMagazines.com for details on including your brand & company in the January 2022 issue of Maryland Leaf!
#MARYLANDLEAF @MARYLANDLEAF MDLEAF
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
the edibles issue
CHOCOLATES & CARAMELS
ENCORE EDIBLES
INDICA SEA SALT CARAMELS Sweet and salty can be a fire combination, and the sea salt accompanied with the rich caramel had me completely forget I was eating an edible. The balance of the aforementioned outweighs the Cannabis flavor, which is definitely a good thing sometimes. After two caramels, I was falling asleep halfway through the new Dune movie. 10mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/package | verano. holdings @veranobrands
ENCORE EDIBLES
BELGIAN CHOCOLATIER INDICA MILK CHOCOLATE The packaging of these chocolates were giving Godiva vibes, from the shiny bright exterior to the individually wrapped pieces. Each chocolate is perforated in the middle, making them perfect for breaking into two sessions. One chocolate was enough for me effects wise, but the flavor made it difficult to not eat every single one in one sitting. 10mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/package verano.holdings @veranobrands
44
leafmagazines.com
EVERMORE
CHOCOLATE DISCOS
ENCORE EDIBLES
SATIVA ESPRESSO CARAMELS Flavored with Vigilante Coffee Company coffee, these taste of fresh espresso and caramel, while supporting a Maryland business. I mixed one of these in with a coffee, and let the flavors go to town. After one caramel, I noticed a boost in positive energy that was perfect for a busy work day. 10mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/ package | verano.holdings | @veranobrands
dec. 2021
Evermore uses high quality dark chocolate when producing their Discos, which is combined with an extract known as FECO. Full Extract Cannabis Oil gives a much wider and arguably stronger range of effects than distillate. I made a hot chocolate and grated one of these Discos over the whipped cream, for a match of effects and flavors that were made in heaven. 10mg THC/serving, 100mg THC/ package evermorecompany.com @evermorecompany
REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
Pure Flower. Now Portable. Cresco liquid live resin boasts the full flavor of our best-in-class live resin. Crafted from premium fresh frozen flower, this butane-extracted oil is a high terpene, full spectrum cannabis oil, providing maximimum aroma, potency and flavor.
No fillers. No cutting agents.
Just 100% true cannabis. Polyethylene Glycol
Medium Chain Triglycerides
Propylene Glycol
Vegetable Glycerin
Cresco CCell Vape Technology CCell was designed for a full flavor profile. It features an innovative coil-embedded ceramic heating element, providing consistent temperature for the most reliable vaping experience. The porous ceramic cylinder, coupled with four large carburetor holes, ensures optimal oil flow through the atomizer. This allows for long pulls while simultaneously reducing oil waste to the bare minimum. The CCell’s inhale activation technology, paired with the high voltage battery, provides a vape pen that is ready to hit as soon as you pick it up. These products are for use only by a qualifying patient. There may be health risks associated with consumption of the medical cannabis or medical cannabis products.
Discover more at crescocannabis.com
the edibles issue
BEVERAGES
the edibles issue
BEVERAGES
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
46
DIXIE ELIXIRS
SELECT
At 200mg, I believe these are made to be divided into multiple uses for a patient. Dixie Elixirs are the only drink on the Maryland market that is fully ready to consume straight out of the bottle. After drinking roughly 30mg of THC, I felt a relaxing wave of calmness slide over my body. 200mg THC/bottle dixieelixirs.com | @dixiebrandsofficial
Have you ever heard of squeezing Mio into your water to enhance the flavor? Select has created their version of that, but with Cannabis. Also combined with nano technology, this is a beverage enhancer that can be added to any drink, and will take effect faster than a traditional edible. I added mine to a batch of unsweetened tea, sweetening up both the batch of tea and my day significantly. 100mg THC/bottle | selectcannabis.com | @select.better
THC INFUSED BERRY LEMONADE ELIXIR
dec. 2021
HINT OF SWEET SQUEEZE
REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
Wana Reason to Celebrate? Happy Holidays from North America's #1 Sour Chews wanabrands.com For use by qualified patients only.
All Things Cannabis For All People beardedlorax rickerdj stashleylynn
PODCAST
maaryjwhite leaflifepodcast
#144
ALL ABOUT EDIBLES!
(From Pot Brownies to Nano-Infused Capsules) THIS MONTH: #143 THE FAST FOOD SHOW (Marketing to Stoners) #145 MORAL DILEMMAS (Battling the Moral Majority) #142 THE MIDS (The New Budweiser)
NOW ON LEAF LIFE PODCAST V2
LISTEN ON:
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 or older. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.
concentrate of the month
KINGS & QUEENS VIREOHEALTH.COM | @VIREOHEALTH
“...for those of you with the heavy pain, anxiety and sleep needs, or who have an affinity for the heavy couchlockers of the world – Terple is worth exploring.”
50
leafmagazines.com
TERPLE LIVE RESIN SUGAR Kings & Queens is a relatively new concentrate brand to hit the Maryland market, courtesy of the team at Vireo Health – and they’re setting the bar high with their debut run of Terple live resin sugar. I personally had never seen such a combination of terpenes in a profile before (a super rare 1:1 ratio of nerolidol:linalool), so naturally it had to be the one I tried. The nose alone was worth the purchase, as it combines excellent attributes of its parents – Tropicanna Cookies and Slurricane #7 – providing a rich amalgamation of fruity candy and effervescent florals. The aroma reminds me of candied orange peels and lime Starbursts rolled around in rose petals, with just a dollop of hibiscus water. The smell is truly appetizing but again, the headspace was my primary goal of exploring. Indeed, nerolidol has been suggested to be even more sedative and couch-locky than the common myrcene, making it an excellent test to compare effects. I really have not seen much nerolidol on the market. This is such a shame because my goodness, does the Terple create a powerful experience.
DEC. 2021
T E S T R E S U LT S The first dab instantly permeated my membranes Thca 80.26% and spread throughout my body to create an almost Total terps 3.6% instantaneous sense of calm and relief. The unclenching of Caryophyllene .99% my body was immediate, however, it didn’t stop there. Limonene .78% I was lulled into one of the single most comfortable, stoney Nerolidol .55% highs that I have ever experienced. Now for those of you who Linalool .52% enjoy a more cerebral and uplifting high, this might not be Myrcene .35% the best for you. But for those of you with the heavy pain, Humulene .26% anxiety and sleep needs, or who have an affinity for the heavy Eudesmol .21% couchlockers of the world – Terple is worth exploring. This was a truly luscious and lucid stoner fog. Able to cocoon in my bed and putter around the house, the Terple had me stoned in such a comfortable way. Imagine your heaviest, cloudiest high, and then picture that high enveloping you deeper – but in such a gentle manner that nary a thought of anxiety or paranoia enters the mind. Kings & Queens will have to keep sending out the unique terpene profiles, having led off their brand with this delightful dab. For those of you seeking to add some notes about nerolidol to your terp journal, check out the Terple live resin sugar and see what kind of reaction you get!
REVIEW by TAYLOR MARTIN for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT
MARYLAND
Medical cannabis use is for certified patients only
cannthropology
52
WORLD OF Cannabis PRESENTS
Legalizing The Last Frontier
leafmagazines.com
How the second-to-last state to join the Union became the second US state to decriminalize marijuana. Activist attorney Irwin Ravin—known as the grandfather of If you asked the average American which states Alaska’s Cannabis legalization movement. were the pioneers of Cannabis legalization, off – eventually opening a law they’d likely answer California and Colorado. practice together in AnchorBut in reality, Oregon was actually the first state to decriminalize marijuana age and getting high together way back in 1973, followed soon after by Alaska in 1975. And unlike the often. It was during one of their former states, who legalized Cannabis through voter initiatives, both Oregon smoke sessions in late 1972 and Alaska did so through their state legislatures. In Alaska’s case, that law that the duo began plotting to was undoubtedly influenced by an iconic act of civil disobedience by the overturn what they viewed as man who would become known as the grandfather of the state’s marijuana the state’s unjust Cannabis law. movement: Irwin Ravin. Ravin’s legal partner/defense attorney and The political conditions there former state NORML rep Robert Wagstaff. seemed ripe for change: Earlier THAT’S SO RAVIN that very year, Alaskans had amended their state constitution to include an Irwin Ravin was born on June 20, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey, and grew explicit right to privacy (Article 1, Section 22). Plus, the justices on the state’s up in a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish home in the nearby suburb of Hillside. Supreme Court were among the youngest and most liberal in the country. All Irwin, it seems, developed a fondness for marijuana at an early age – as the partners needed was the right test case to mount their legal challenge. evidenced by the recollection of his younger sister Deena, who claimed that Luckily for them, fate would soon intervene on their behalf. he was growing his own plants by the time he was 16 years old. At age 20, On the evening of December 11, 1972, Ravin was pulled over for a he dropped out of college to join the Army, serving an 18-month stint in broken tail light in Anchorage. It was just a routine traffic stop, but it providKorea (1959-1960). After his tour was up, Ravin returned home to complete ed him the perfect opportunity and he decided to act: Knowing he had two his education: first graduating from Rutgers University, then NYU Law School. joints in his coat pocket, he refused to sign the ticket and deliberately got Upon passing the bar exam, he went to work for his uncle Morris as a law himself arrested – allegedly even holding up the weed in his hand until he clerk at the family firm of Ravin and Ravin. But after the Newark race riots in was taken into custody. July 1967, Ravin chose to flee the dangers of the inner city; within a month, “It wasn’t even my car,” he recalled in a 1990 Homer News article. “I he moved his wife and two young sons up to Fairbanks, Alaska. made them arrest me, and then gave them the pot.” It was there in Fairbanks that he met a fellow pot-smoking lawyer (and Ravin’s arrest provided him and Wagstaff the perfect vehicle to attempt to assistant district attorney) named Robert Wagstaff. A jazz fan originally from overturn the existing Cannabis law. Kansas City, Wagstaff had been smoking reefer since 1961. The pair hit it
DEC. 2021
“It wasn’t about pot – it was about the right to privacy,” Ravin told the Homer News in October 1990. “It was a philosophy of freedom from government intrusion into personal life.”
Ravin was charged with violating Alaska Statute 17.12.010 – possession of Cannabis for personal use. At a District Court hearing in early May 1973, Wagstaff (and another lawyer they brought on by the name of R. Collin Middleton) filed a motion to dismiss the charge. Ravin’s team put forth a two-pronged legal strategy: First, they argued that in light of the constitution’s right to privacy guarantee, there was no legitimate state interest in prohibiting possession of marijuana by adults for personal use; second, they argued that marijuana’s classification as a dangerous drug was irrational and prohibition was irrational: The court – citing the separation of powers therefore denied Ravin due process and – deferred to the legislature to address it … which, it just so happened, equal protection under the law. they were in the process of doing. Before long, Ravin’s case was being championed by both NORML (of which DECRIM WIN Wagstaff was now the organization’s Serendipitously, while Ravin’s case was being state coordinator) and the ACLU, whose deliberated by the court, the Alaska State LegAnchorage chapter president Sally Coegislature had begun moving forward on a new hom expressed her support to the press. Cannabis reform bill. Sponsored by young Re“The circumstances of arrest have publican state senator Terry Miller of Fairbanks, no relevance to the issue,” Coeghom SB 350 decriminalized possession of up to one said in an article in the Fairbanks Daily ounce of marijuana for adults 18 years or older, News-Miner (on, of all days, April 20th). reducing it to a mere civil infraction punish“The state cannot constitutionally declare able by a fine of $100 or less. Fearing that its a substance illegal unless it is proven to passage might dissuade the court from rulbe harmful. The clear evidence is that On May 16, 1975, ing in their favor, Wagstaff actually testified marijuana is harmless, period.” against the bill – a position that justifiably the personal NORML flew in several expert witnessdrew ire from his NORML colleagues. Nevuse, possession es to testify on Ravin’s behalf, including ertheless, on May 16 – just 11 days before esteemed Harvard psychiatrist (and godthe court’s ruling – the bill passed, and with and cultivation father of medical marijuana) Dr. Lester Governor Jay Hammond’s declination to of Cannabis Grinspoon, who attested to the relative neither sign nor veto it, became the law of had effectively harmlessness of the plant. Together, the land. Ravin, NORML and the ACLU mainWhether the legislation had any effect on become legal in tained that the burden of proof lied with the court’s decision or vice versa is uncertain Ravin at work in his office. Alaska. the government to show that there was a … what was certain, however, was that the “compelling public interest” in prohibiting personal use, possession and cultivation (thanks to a subsequent ruling the drug. Unsurprisingly, the state didn’t agree. by the state attorney general) of Cannabis had effectively become legal in AlasOn Nov 17, 1973, the District Court ruled that ka. What’s more, this new law essentially nullified the charge against Ravin, who the law was indeed constitutional and denied was now basically off the hook. their motion. Undeterred, Ravin’s team ap“He won,” his sister was quoted as saying, “and he became a Paul Bunyan, a pealed to the Superior Court (which upheld the folk hero up there.” prior decision), and then finally to the Alaskan Supreme Court. LEGALIZATION LEGACY The Supreme Court took up their case on In the years that followed, Cannabis law in Alaska was liberalized even further: October 16, 1974. After hearing two hours of first in 1982, when the $100 fine was removed, and again in 1986 when the oral arguments and testimony from the expert maximum possession amount was raised to four ounces in the home and one witnesses, the court adjourned to deliberate. ounce in public. Then in 1990, in a remarkable reversal of course, Alaskans Six months later – on May 27, 1975 – they passed Ballot Measure 2 which re-criminalized possession of small amounts of announced their unanimous verdict. Cannabis – making it a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine or up to 90 Regarding the first question, the court condays in jail. But thanks to the precedent set by Ravin v. Alaska, that initiative was cluded that Alaskan’s right to privacy “would ultimately struck down as unconstitutional. encompass the possession and ingestion of As for Ravin, he eventually retired from the legal profession and ended up substances such as marijuana in a purely perdriving a taxi in Homer. On April 7, 2010, he suffered a heart attack and was sonal, non-commercial context in the home.” sent to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage where he died four That landmark decision made the Alaska days later. He was 70 years old. Supreme Court the first and only court in the Though Irwin Ravin didn’t live to see Cannabis fully legalized for adult use in history of the United States to recognize a Alaska in 2014 (another Measure 2), he did live long enough to see it legalconstitutional right to privacy in regard to Canized for medicinal use in 1998 (Measure 8), and was also around to see his nabis. Granted, those protections were limited landmark ruling survive another challenge in 2003 (in the case of Noy v. State). NY Times article announcing the to within an individual’s private residence – but More importantly, though, Ravin’s legacy as an Alaskan icon of personal liberty Alaska Supreme Court decision this was nevertheless a monumental victory for remains as solid and enduring as the great Denali. May 28, 1975. the pro-Cannabis and libertarian causes. “It wasn’t about pot – it was about the right to privacy,” Ravin later told the Homer News in October 1990. For more about legalization in Alaska, listen to Episode #17 “It was a philosophy of freedom from government intrusion into of our podcast at worldofCannabis.museum/cannthropology. personal life.” Regarding the second issue, as to whether or not marijuana’s Story and photos originally published on worldofCannabis.museum and reprinted with permission. STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y for LEA F NAT IO N
DEENA OKSENHORN
RAVIN V. ALASKA
stoney baloney LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
54
LET’S BE FRANK, getting a shitty gift that is only going to end up in the garage stuffed inside a plastic bin for the next eight years is a burden you didn’t ask for. Yet, you’re forced to choke out a smile while pretending that a jigsaw puzzle of a flower garden somewhere in Germany has been the missing piece to completing your own life puzzle. Unexpectedly, you are thrust into an acting role, forced to exemplify the positive attributes of an item for which you not only have zero interest, but resent for even being categorized as someone who would. You first comment on the colorful packaging, secretly hoping that grandma accidentally farts and deters the attention of the room so you can slide it aside in hopes that the distraction will direct the party onward to the next present in line. You summon grandma’s bowels through the manifestation of positive thinking. It works. She is oblivious while everyone cringes, awkwardly ignoring the robust rip that just filled the delicate air. Except for Uncle Ernie, who busts out in a gargled gut laugh and you think the gin blossoms on his nose are going to pop. “Weather reports say beware of breaking wind!” The room eventually settles. There is a moment when you meet eyes with the benefactor of said gift, as the person calculates your guise. You are uncertain of how to react, measuring their nuances for a tick, looking for a crack in their façade in the attempt of determining the level of excitement that is expected. You wonder how they could have possibly concluded that this gift was a personal fit for you, but fuck it. For the sake of pleasantry, you play the role and tell them it’s perfect. Your cousin Tara, who gets it, takes a hit from her vape pen and nods with a subtle smirk. Funny how we never get re-gifted Cannabis products.
DEC. 2021
FOLLOW @RICKERDJ // GET THE AUDIO VERSION & EVERY EPISODE AT LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
BEST NEW PATIENT SPECIALS • DAILY DEALS EXCELLENT REWARDS PROGRAM • BROAD SELECTION
BALTIMORE • BETHESDA • WHITE MARSH Pre-Order • Walk-In hflmd.com
Medical cannabis is for use by certified patients only. There may be health risks associated with cannabis use, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
full spectrum live resin carts 100% CANNABIS OIL EXTRACTED FROM FRESH FROZEN FLOWER CHECK YOUR LOCAL DISPENSARY FOR IN-STOCK STRAINS
meltingpointextracts.com Medical cannabis is for use by certified patients only. There may be health risks associated with cannabis use, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
And to all a Good Night.
Good Night is a scientifically-developed line of cannabis sleep aids to help support falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.* Treat yourself to a Good Night this holiday season.
*Visit curiowellness.com/goodnight
For personal use only by qualifying patient.
