Dec. 2022 - Maryland Leaf

FESTIVE NEW FLAVORS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR HOLIDAYS

Introducing holiday vapes from Co2lors™. Pure cannabis oil combines with natural flavors for a potent experience that’s big on taste. Enjoy as sweet visions of Sugar Plums dance in your head, or let the bright flavors of Spiced Cider warm your spirit.

Available only for a limited time.

co2lors • co2lors.com

Must be 18 years or older to view content. Medical cannabis is for certified patient use only. Consumption of medical cannabis may impair your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. Please use extreme caution. There may be health risk associated with cannabis use, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Accidental consumption of cannabis by children or animals may result in severe adverse reactions. Keep cannabis out of the reach of children and animals.

WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER wes@leafmagazines.com

MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com

TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com

DANIEL BERMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR daniel@leafmagazines.com

EARLY MARYLAND LEAF PUBLISHER early@leafmagazines.com

WYATT EARLY STATE DIRECTOR wyatt@leafmagazines.com

O’HARA SHIPE ONLINE EDITOR ohara@leafmagazines.com

MEGHAN RIDLEY COPY EDITOR meghan@leafmagazines.com

ABOUT THE COVER

As Cannabis edibles continue to emerge as one of the industry’s fastest growing markets, Leaf Nation sought to showcase how that acceptance and embrace could yield a new twist on the holiday party scene. Our heads dancing with visions of Norman Rockwell and other nostalgic artists, Creative Director Daniel Berman worked with Brooklyn-based illustrator Kiki Kita to bring the concept to life. Kita grew up in Nagoya, Japan and Dallas, Texas, and counts Smithsonian Magazine and Hilton among her diverse clientele.

Kita’s work has also been recognized by the prestigious American Illustration competition and the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.

KIKI KITA for LEAF NATION

FOLLOW @_KITAKIKI

CONTRIBUTORS

WES ABNEY, FEATURES

BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES

JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION

TOM BOWERS, FEATURES

SARAH CAPPARUCCINI, PHOTOS

EARLY, PRODUCTION

WYATT EARLY, FEATURES

STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS

NICHOLAS FARRELL, PHOTOS

MATT JACKSON, FEATURES

GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS

TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES

BAXSEN PAINE, FEATURES + PHOTOS

JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN

MIKE RICKER, FEATURES

MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING

SAMANTHA STINCHCOMB, REVIEWS

WES ABNEY

Editor’s Note

Thanks for picking up the Edibles Issue of the Leaf!

The holidays are here and there’s no better time to fill up on tasty treats that will put a real sparkle in the Christmas lights this year. December is a huge month for edibles, and no wonder, with so many family gatherings and white elephant parties to attend. And there’s nothing more satisfying than quietly crunching an infused peppermint bark chocolate bar as the kids go on a sugar bender and half the adults on a booze-fueled festivus, while the rest of the family casts their all-to sober and judgemental looks from across the room.

No wonder Santa has an eating disorder – he has to change his final list constantly to accommodate all the end of the year drama, and people don’t even give him weed cookies! Is it true that kids in states with legal weed have cooler presents and happier holidays than in places where ganja is illegal? I digress, as my own edibles and coffee must really be kicking in…

But here’s the thing: I personally love edibles so much that some days I don’t smoke weed. Nonetheless, I have a constant layer of cannabinoids kicking around in my bloodstream – with specific dosages and blended options including CBD for pain relief and anxiety, Delta 8 THC for less psychoactivity, CBG for the giggles or CBN for sleepy time. You really can dial in your experience one milligram or serving at a time. We live in a glorious era for edibles, and I never take that for granted.

When I started the Leaf in 2010, testing for THC percentages in bud wasn’t available and we had little to no idea about other cannabinoids, terpenes or the entourage effect. Edibles came in dosages like XXX and were wildly inconsistent – to the extent that I didn’t eat them for many years. It only takes one bad trip to teach most users to read the label, and it wasn’t until testing for Cannabis potency at Analytical 360 in Seattle became available that I started sampling infused treats.

The daze of ziplock brownies are long gone, and most people don’t have time for homemade edible adventures – but thankfully we have the option to head to the store and enjoy a selection of infused drinks, mints, treats and even chips in some markets. For my full advice on edible do’s and don’ts, check out my piece later in the magazine, but here is my core advice: Always read the label and think twice before eating more. Edibles take a long time to kick in, but once you’re on the journey, the train doesn’t stop until you wake up the next morning.

And remember, no matter what, you will wake up – so don’t waste a trip in an ambulance. The only way edibles could kill you is if a giant tote bin full of them fell on your head.

“WE LIVE IN A GLORIOUS ERA FOR EDIBLES, AND I NEVER TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED.”

SEAN COMBS GETS INTO THE WEED BUSINESS

Hip-hop mogul and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs is venturing into the world of Cannabis.

Combs has agreed to acquire licensed Cannabis operations in New York, Massachusetts and Illinois, in a deal worth up to $185 million. The transaction marks Combs’ first investment in marijuana and will reportedly create the country’s first minority-owned, vertically-integrated, multi-state Cannabis company. It will also reportedly be the world’s largest Blackowned marijuana operation, according to a release from Combs and the companies.

The transaction comes after Cresco Labs earlier this year agreed to purchase rival Columbia Care in a $2 billion deal. The acquisition makes Cresco the top U.S. marijuana producer. It was one of the biggest deals in the Cannabis industry, and required Cresco to divest assets in limited-license markets including New York state.

The deal includes four retail stores and one production facility in the Empire State; three retail stores and one production facility in Massachusetts; and two retail stores and one production facility in Illinois.

“My mission has always been to create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in industries where we’ve traditionally been denied access,” Combs said. “And this acquisition provides the immediate scale and impact needed to create a more equitable future in Cannabis.”

GERMANY ENABLES CONTROLLED CANNABIS CULTIVATION & DISTRO

ermany will permit adults to purchase and possess up to 30 grams (a little over an ounce) of Cannabis for adult use, reports Bloomberg. The ruling coalition is fulfilling its promise to legalize weed, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s cabinet approved a proposal allowing controlled cultivation and distribution of marijuana. Germany, with Europe’s biggest economy, wants to discourage the illegal (and untaxed) market for the herb.

The coalition government last year struck an agreement to introduce legislation allowing distribution of Cannabis in licensed shops.

The plan would also allow home cultivation of three marijuana plants per adult, reports the BBC.

MARYLAND AND MISSOURI LEGALIZE ADULT-USE CANNABIS

MARYLAND VOTERS in November overwhelmingly passed a measure making the state the twentieth to legalize marijuana for adult use. Meanwhile, 53% of Missouri residents approved a legalization measure of their own.

Under Maryland legalization, possessing amounts between 1.5 ounces and 2.5 ounces will be subject to civil fines. Possession of greater amounts will remain subject to existing criminal penalties. Adults can grow up to two marijuana plants.

Missouri’s new law allows adults to possess up to three ounces of marijuana. Adults can home-cultivate up to six flowering plants, six immature plants, and six plants under 14 inches for personal use.

FIVE TEXAS CITIES PASS DECRIM LAWS

VOTERS IN five Texas cities in November decided in favor of municipal ballot initiatives eliminating local enforcement of low-level marijuana offenses.

Voters in the cities of Denton, Killeen, San Marcos, Elgin and Harker Heights decided ‘yes’ on the measures. Specifically, the ordinances limit local law enforcement from making arrests or issuing citations for most marijuana-related violations. It also prohibits police in most circumstances from considering the odor of Cannabis as probable cause of a crime.

“Texans have shown that they want major Cannabis law reforms in Texas via polling, legislative engagement, and now at the local ballot box,” Texas NORML Executive Director Jax James said. “This will have a positive impact on the almost half a million people living in these cities.”

MINNESOTA GOVERNOR PROMISES LEGALIZATION

INCUMBENT Governor Tim Walz (DFL) is planning for Cannabis legalization with Democrats newly in control of the Minnesota Legislature. Spark ‘em if you got them!

The governor promised it will be “one of the first” bills to pass in 2023, according to former governor Jesse Ventura. Walz called him to chat about the implications of November’s midterm election results, Ventura said.

Walz extended an invitation to former wrestling star Ventura – a longtime Cannabis activist – to the anticipated signing ceremony once lawmakers deliver a legalization bill to the governor’s desk.

MISSOURI GROUP PLANS POT-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT AREA

states – Maryland and Missouri – legalized adult-use Cannabis in November’s election.

years have passed since Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize adult-use marijuana.

states have legalized adult-use Cannabis, with two more added after the Nov. 2022 elections.

of voters in Elgin, Tex. approved a city ordinance that will officially decriminalize marijuana.

W

ell, that didn’t take long. Just a day after Missouri voters legalized adult-use marijuana, developers were already rolling out plans for an entertainment district allowing people to consume marijuana onsite.

It will be known as the Smokey River Entertainment District. Planners want to build it in the small village of River Bend, along the Missouri River, north of Independence.

“You go to any music venue throughout the United States, Cannabis has been a part of it whether you know it or not. Whether it was legal or illegal,” said Besa Hospitality Group Marketing VP Joey Pintozzi.

He envisions wedding venues, an amphitheater, clubs, restaurants and spots for adults to consume marijuana. “It’s normalizing Cannabis in everyday life,” Pintozzi said.

MICHIGAN

A JUDGE ALLOWS VIRIDIS’ LAWSUIT TO PROCEED

judge has cleared Viridis North to move forward with its lawsuit against four individuals who worked for the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA). The lawsuit alleges these individuals violated Viridis North’s constitutional rights. According to the suit, they did so by issuing what the company terms “a baseless recall” in November 2021.

U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney ruled that Viridis North’s suit can continue. This entitles the company to receive documents, discover evidence and question people under oath. This is to determine any individual liability among CRA leadership and staff for their roles in last year’s recall. The recall was against marijuana tested by Viridis North in Bay City, Mich.

“We applaud the Court for allowing this case to move forward so Viridis North can seek justice,” said David Russell, attorney with Foster, Swift, Collins, and Smith, P.C. “This was clearly an ill-conceived recall based on politics, not science, and we intend to pursue all remedies in court. It’s high time for the state to admit responsibility for its actions.”

Cannabis retailers are now open in Massachusetts’ legal adult-use market.

in revenue was brought in by Colorado’s legal Cannabis market in 2021, making it the 2nd largest in the country behind California at $5.2 billion.

STORIES by STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF

“It will be known as the Smokey River Entertainment District.”

BARBIE CYR

WHAT WAS THE REASON YOU TRIED CANNABIS? I struggle with anxiety, and have had a hair-pulling disorder since I was 10 years old. Basically, when you get stressed out you pull your hair out – and I struggled with that for a very long time. I saw using Cannabis was an escape from that mentally, and with street Cannabis, you could not hone in

desire.

DID CANNABIS HELP YOU WITH YOUR WEIGHT-LOSS JOURNEY? Yes! I was working a sedentary job and it was so boring staring at the same four walls and people every day. Physically, I was limited to certain things like not being able to stand for long periods of time. I decided I wanted to take

control of my life and began exploring options with weightloss surgeries. I had a gastric sleeve that caused me nothing but problems and then after they did a bypass, I have seen incredible success and results. The doctors did not want me to use Cannabis before or after my surgery, but once I had my medical card, they had to accept it. Now I like to say I’m running circles around my old self.

DOES ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY USE CANNABIS, OTHER THAN YOUR MOM? When I got into the program as a patient, my grandmother still called it ‘dope’ – which really got under my skin. I said right then and there I would end the stigma for her. Now she is a patient – she uses topicals

and edibles mostly. She is so funny, we have come into the dispensary with a specific list and then I look over and she is ordering a dozen other things. My stepdad was completely against it as well – he used to dump street Cannabis down the toilet. Now he is using edibles and vapes and I couldn’t be happier about it.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES? I love to do makeup – that’s one of my favorite things. Being in a different body for most of my life, makeup was something that was one-size-fits-all … I didn’t have to worry if it wasn’t going to fit me or come in my size. Cannabis has always been a hobby of mine of course. I have also been dabbling in photography and it’s exciting to learn new things as I go.

DID YOU VOTE ‘YES’ ON QUESTION 4, AND WHY? Absolutely yes. I want to see where Maryland’s program can go – I’ve been seeing it change a little more year after year and going towards adult use. I’m excited to see what’s next for dispensary life … me and the patients all have a lot of questions. I know it will be taxed, but hopefully it will go towards roads and many other things we need in this community.

“THE DOCTORS DID NOT WANT ME TO USE CANNABIS BEFORE OR AFTER MY SURGERY, BUT ONCE I HAD MY MEDICAL CARD, THEY HAD TO ACCEPT IT. NOW I LIKE TO SAY I’M RUNNING CIRCLES AROUND MY OLD SELF.”

on the effects you

BARBIE GREW UP IN ESSEX, and as her mother became disabled when she was 13 years old, she found herself juggling roles as both a student and a caretaker. Seeing her mother in pain throughout her life – and then seeing her life change because of Cannabis – was incredible to witness and inspired Barbie to make a change as well. Before long, they became patients together and began to visit the shop Barbie now works in today – Green Goods in Baltimore.

SALVERA SALVERA

SETTING & VIBE

Located in a corporate center among medical and office buildings, the feel of this dispensary is very professional. They have a strong focus on truly honing in on the medical needs of patients in the area. By keeping a team of well-educated employees, they never miss a beat when it comes to patients – from their story to their ailments, and what they can hopefully use to help them.

FLOWER

Salvera had over 35 individual strains of flower during my visit – an impressive number, especially for a standalone store. I was excited to see some of the new brands that have come to Maryland, like Tyson 2.0 grown by gLeaf. They also offer 15% off to first-time patients, a 15% discount for senior citizens, and a 22% discount for military veterans and active members.

CONCENTRATES

In terms of potency, they have everything from CBD isolate to RSO in stock. In terms of terpy goodness, they stock dozens of live resins in the form of sugar, badder, wax, shatter, rosin and more. If you need someone to walk you through your first experience with concentrates and help you get the right gear, these wonderful employees are perfect for the job.

EDIBLES

As we began working on the December Edibles Issue, we kept a close eye on dispensary menus around the state. Salvera’s selection has a little bit of everything, including baked goods, gummies, tinctures, capsules and drinks. It will be very

continue to follow this trend.

interesting to see the variety of new baked goods entering the market as companies

Salvera is a Black and locally-owned dispensary serving the Bowie area since October 2018. As a small shop, they like to focus on educating patients and making them as knowledgeable as they can about medical Cannabis. In an effort to continuously increase the level of comfortability at this store, Assistant Manager Noel B. strives to create a positive environment for the employ ees and patients alike. While you’re making your way through Maryland, you’ll want to stop by and experience this dispensary for yourself.

CANNABIS

A BETTER LIFE

As a professional recording artist and DJ, Brec Seiniger has been mixing for nearly a decade. But his latest collaboration might be his wildest yet.

The producer/songwriter from Gaithersburg, Maryland boldly created what could be the newest “Pepsi Challenge.” Sharing a video for his followers on Instagram, Brec was seen pouring a maple syrup-flavored can of Pepsi cola onto a plate of IHOP pancakes. He proceeded to happily devour a healthy-sized bite, soliciting a variety of responses from social media – some bemused, others bewildered.

Smiling, the blue-haired 26-year-old explained, “My goal is to make sure I’m hav ing fun in whatever I’m doing.”

Brecreation, his artist name, combines his name (Brec) with the term recreation [pronounced Breck-Reation]. Brec cultivated the stage name with the intention of keeping his universe orbiting a world of enjoyment. No matter the destination of his career, he says, Brecreation serves as a simple reminder that enjoyment is to be at the forefront of any project he chooses to work on.

“The end goal for me is to be a full-time musician,” said Brec, a graduate of Towson University. “I enjoy the musical process and I make music that I love.”

Studying business entrepreneurship, Brec “reinvented” himself at Towson, turning the dream of becoming a hip-hop artist into a reality. He went from freestyling over pre-recorded instrumentals in high school, to writing his own lyrics and creating his own beats – a two-year process that led to a “tighter” product, eventually landing a debut album that set the campus abuzz.

“It’s been a journey,” he said. “In high school, I was creating – but I wasn’t show ing people my work. I’d get nervous. I just wasn’t ready for it. At Towson, I started

Towson University also provided a culture that allowed his love for Cannabis to grow exponentially – feeling a sense of freedom medicating in the confines of Baltimore County that he hadn’t had at home.

“Cannabis has kept me grounded since day one,” said Brec, recalling a run-in with the law at 17 that led to a juvenile arrest for possession of a small amount of Cannabis.

It has since been expunged from his record.

“Montgomery County has a very strict police force,” he said. “And back in the day the stigma was a bit different.”

Brec was forced to take six weeks of drug prevention classes, which included mandatory drug tests.

“The classes said nothing negative about Cannabis,” he recalled. “They’d go into scientific evidence for alcohol and other substances, but Cannabis was just glossed over. When my six weeks was up, I went right back to smoking.”

Since becoming a medical patient, Brec praises Cannabis for helping discover “deeper layers of artistry,” as well as serving to pull him out of a bad day, week or spell.

“It’s such a big part of my routine and my life,” he said, crediting his brother and manager, Nathan, with the introduction to the plant. “Cannabis keeps me grounded emotionally, and allows me to better deal with things internally and externally.”

The plant has also served as the inspiration for his new brainchild: Mount Envy, a 50-acre property on the outskirts of Frederick. The land features a custom-built cabin with state-of-the-art recording equipment. In its first operational year, Brec has collaborated with various musical artists, hosted podcasts, recorded music videos, and even held a comedy show for local comedians at the location.

“It’s a wild spot,” he said. “This is an opportunity to really do something special in the DMV. We built up the studio here, got the house looking good and hit the ground running. We’ve had a lot of artists coming through. I’m really just trying to get as much content as possible.”

Touring nationally for the Catonsville-based dance company, Monsters Dance, Brec spent a lot of time in Los Angeles following the re duction of pandemic-mandated travel restric tions. After being out in L.A. for a four-month stint, he found himself grinding too hard to pay for a city rental that provided too little in return.

“I love California and its weather … plus Cannabis is huge out there,” he said. “But there’s a lot of people paying so much for such little space, and I was one of them. Most of them don’t get to see this kind of lifestyle. So when they get here, it’s very rejuvenating. They get very inspired.”

While Mount Envy holds a special spot in his heart, Brec main tains the retreat comes secondary to his music.

“It’s a lot to juggle,” he said. “I am trying to be Brecreation, but at the same time, Mount Envy is a vehicle that allows me to connect with a lot of cool people. So I feel super fortunate and blessed.“

Brec is quick to add his parents to his list of blessings, referring to them as “saints” for understanding his uniqueness, and ultimately not condemning his use of Cannabis – though it took some time to receive their acceptance of his medicine.

“They are extremely kind, generous and have really strong mor als,” he said. “They didn’t care if I stole a penny or a thousand dol lars, stealing was stealing. So I was raised with strong values. They gave me the foundation to be a good person and go from there.”

He believes the work ethic he carries from their upbringing is the ticket to his success – past, present and future.

“I’m always pushing, trying to put myself in a position to continue succeeding and growing my momentum,” he said.

“Ultimately, I just want to leave an impact with my music,” he added. “But there’s still a lot of work left to do. I’ve gotta keep my head down and keep grinding.”

patient of the month STORY & PORTRAIT by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR 20

@BRECREATION

The new Berniehana Butter cultivated by SunMed Growers is a curated walk through the Girl Scout Cookies genetic line that is truly a piece of Cannabis breeding history. The Cookies genetic team has swept the nation with their wide range of top shelf cultivars and has been around long enough to start tapping into some of their old favorites to produce the next generation fire of Cannabis.

Berniehana Butter is a relatively complex cross that incorporates Jet Fuel Gelato x Guava and Blue Cookies x Oreo – resulting in a work of refined Cannabis breeding of the highest caliber. The growers at SunMed carried these genetics to fruition and have blessed us with their iteration of this slightly sedative and succulent flower, now coming out of one of the more unique cultivations in Maryland.

The nose is dominated by earthy and floral tones that meld together to smother hints of berry fruits and smooth diesel. This blend of aromas is the quintessential bakers’ butter essence and brings forth a creamy infused smell. Sage, rosemary and other sharp herbs come to mind, but quickly reveal subtle notes of raspberry, lavender and petrol.

TESTING

THCA

Imagine enjoying a gorgeous rosemary olive loaf that’s drizzled lightly in a raspberry vinaigrette, on an orchard down the street from a raceway that wafts just the slightest amount of diesel smell in the breeze, and you will be close to understanding SunMed’s Berniehana Butter. The savory sweetness is an enticing bouquet but honestly, what stands out the most to me is the overall bud structure of the Cannabis itself.

TOTAL TERPS

CARYOPHYLLENE

MYRCENE

LIMONENE

LINALOOL

.11 HUMULENE

I am traditionally used to Cookies genetics being produced by indoor artificial light here in Maryland. While indoor lights have come a long way over the decades, there is nothing that beats the beauty and majesty of a fullsun flower. SunMed has built a system that incorporates the efficiency of indoor lights with the breadth of quality of full spectrum sunlight in their mixed light greenhouse.

This Berniehana Butter was grown using both indoor advanced lighting, as well as direct sunlight through a greenhouse roof, and the quality of the nugs is overwhelmingly evident.

REVIEW by TAYLOR MARTIN for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

THE EDIBLES HALL of FAME

This feisty medical marijuana legend moved to the Bay Area during World War II to embark on a career in social activism. In the early 1980s, she volunteered at San Francisco General Hospital and became known for baking and distributing Cannabis brownies to AIDS patients suffering from wasting syndrome. After several high-profile arrests, the city eventually gave Rathbun permission to provide brownies to people with AIDS. She also helped establish Dennis Peron’s San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club – the first medical Cannabis dispensary in the U.S. For more on Brownie Mary check out Bobby Black’s Cannthopology column this month.

“...the city eventually gave Rathbun permis sion to provide brownies to peo ple with AIDS.”

“He later soured on the practice of eating weed

An author, journalist and explorer, Fitz Hugh Ludlow started eating Cannabis extracts during college at Princeton in the mid1800s – in particular a tetanus remedy called Tilden’s extract – during the time that marijuana-infused medicines were a part of the medical pharmacopeia. He wrote his autobiographical book “The Hasheesh Eater” in 1857, extolling the ability of Cannabis to enlighten and boost creativity. He later soured on the practice of eating weed after becoming addicted to opium, and unfortunately ended up expressing racist and bigoted remarks in his later works, but his influence in introducing edibles to many in the the public remains.

Way ahead of her time, Alice B. Toklas was born in San Francisco but later moved to Paris to join the emerging avant-garde movement. She had a four-decade relationship with writer Gertrude Stein and the couple hosted legendary parties for American expats, budding intellectuals and French painters. She published her “Alice B. Toklas Cook Book” in 1954 with a recipe from her artist friend in Morocco, Brion Gysin, for “Haschich Fudge” for brownies infused with Cannabis and featuring dates and figs. The original edible was later immortalized in “I Love You, Alice B. Toklas” – the 1968 film starring Peter Sellers.

“She published her “Alice B. Toklas Cook Book” in 1954.”

Born and raised in Illinois, Jim Wilson Jr. — aka Chef Ra — excelled in academics and athletics but also endured racial abuse. He soon joined the counterculture, traveling to Woodstock and Jamaica before becoming a fixture of Ann Arbor’s Hash Bash and Grateful Dead tours with his Rasta Pasta Pesto. His friend, High Times Editorin-Chief Steven Hager, hired him as an edible columnist and put him on the November 1987 cover. Ra’s ebullient personality and recipes – such as Springtime Ganja Nachos and Ultimate Hash Brownies – were also featured in the videos “Chef Ra Escapes Babylon” (1989) and “Ganja Gourmet” (2003). Sadly, Jim passed away on December 26, 2006.

“He soon joined the counterculture, traveling to Woodstock and Jamaica...”

We are pleased to be Introducing the first 10 inaugural inductees into our Leaf Magazine Cannabis Edibles Hall of Fame honoring lasting contributions to the world of marijuanainfused foods. These pioneers and legends changed the way we consume weed, from brownies to beverages and beyond.

“Mickey continued to produce weed candy while becoming more active in pot politics.”

Mickey Martin co-founded Tainted Inc. and Compassion Medicinal Edibles in Oakland after the passing of Prop 215 to provide patients with Cannabis-infused chocolate bars with names and labels mimicking established brands. After parting ways with partner Chris Bliss, Mickey continued to produce weed candy while becoming more active in pot politics. He eventually “grew into a large marijuana-candy maker that bought chocolate by the ton” – according to the DEA, which raided Tainted Inc. in 2007, resulting in Mickey’s arrest on Federal charges. He remained defiant, co-authoring “Medical Marijuana 101” in 2012 and founding Parents 4 Pot, a nonprofit that provided support and Christmas presents for families of pot prisoners. He passed away in 2017.

In the early 1990s, activist, entertainer and model Mary Jane Dunsdon made a name for herself on Vancouver’s Wreck Beach –selling cold slices of watermelon along with weed cookies to locals in-the-know. She was arrested several times, sometimes while topless, adding to her notoriety and bringing attention to the need for a legal framework for Cannabis in Canada. “Watermelon” was featured on multiple covers of High Times and also in the video “High Times presents Watermelon’s Baked and Baking” in 2003. She’s now the founder and operator of the Commercial Drive Licorice Parlour.

“Watermelon” was featured on multiple covers of High Times.”

Elise McDonough began her career at High Times in 2002 as a talented art designer, but quickly discovered her prowess as an edible writer and editor. Having judged the infused food category of multiple Cannabis Cups (over 500 edibles!), she created a new lane for herself as a food critic and author who introduced an element of fine dining to Cannabisinfused cuisine, becoming the first-ever Edibles Editor at HT. Elise is the author of “The Official High Times Cannabis Cookbook,” “Marijuana for Everybody!” and Vice’s “Bong Appetit.” Elise has experience as a PR specialist and brand builder and is currently the Director of Marketing at multi-state Cannabis brand binske.

“McDonough wrote ‘The Official High Times Cannabis Cookbook,’ ‘Mar ijuana for Every body!’ and Vice’s ‘Bong Appetit.’ ”

Cheri got her start as a circus performer and magician, eventually pivoting into a career as a professional food writer and recipe developer. After discovering medical marijuana and graduating from Oaksterdam University, Cheri set out to turn her foodie credentials into a career in Cannabis cuisine. Since then, she’s engaged in activism – organizing multiple rallies and fundraisers – and is also the author of “The Cannabis Gourmet Cookbook” (2012), “Mary Jane: The Complete Marijuana Handbook for Women” (2015) and “The Easy Cannabis Cookbook” (2018). She also teaches live classes, as well as online Cannabis cooking courses on her website cannabischeri.com.

“Sicard is known for her activism, organizing rallies and fundraisers.”

As a co-founder of Tainted, Chris Bliss was the chef and chocolatier who created the recipes, logos and branding for their chocolates and truffles – long before any of it was remotely allowed. He also prepared some of the first multi-course marijuana laden meals ever served. Trained in all aspects of cooking, from the busiest diner kitchens to the impeccable restaurants of Wolfgang Puck, his experience helped pioneer the manufacturing, labeling and packaging we see in the current edible industry. Many of today’s legal brands owe Chris a huge debt of gratitude, as he taught and trained the founders in the alchemical arts of infusion.

“Bliss helped pioneer the manu facturing, labeling and packaging we see in the current edible industry.”

“Bobrow introduced the main stream public to Cannabis cocktails and mocktails.”

Author, chef, mixologist and “Cannabis Alchemist” Warren Bobrow got his start in the alcohol industry, having studied food writing at New School University and the French Culinary Institute. He’s also written multiple books, including “Apothecary Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails, Bitters and Shrub Syrup Cocktails” and “The Craft Cocktail Compendium.” His 2016 book, “Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails & Tonics: The Art of Spirited Drinks & Buzz-Worthy Libations,” introduced the mainstream to marijuana-infused liquid beverages – now an entire segment of the legal weed industry. In fact, he’s also the co-founder and CEO of Klaus (@drinkklaus), creating terpene-forward craft Cannabis cocktails for the marijuana marketplace.

Advice for optimizing the edible experience.

For the first timer…

THE edibles ISSUE THIS INFUSED LIFE

Go slow! You can always eat more, but never less. Start with a single serving of 5-10mg, wait a couple hours, and enjoy the feeling. Pay at tention to how your body reacts and remember: One plus one, doesn’t equal two. Everybody reacts differently to servings, and you might feel great at 10mg and feel sick and out of control at 20mg. So take it easy, start slow, and build a tolerance and dosage range that works for you over time.

What’s a serving size? How do I decide dosage?

Looking at the label on an edible might seem confusing, but there are a few simple tricks to figuring it all out. The two most important things to note are the serving size and total cannabi noids/potency. Most states define a serving as either 5mg or 10mg of THC. Potency will always be based on milligrams. The total potency could be 50mg or 100mg, depending on regulations, but it could also be as high as 1,000+ milli grams if it’s a tincture or high-strength option. Reading this and knowing your dosage is the difference between a fun time and a neverend ing rollercoaster of THC.

For most people, eating a single serving is going to be perfect. People with low tolerances might find medicinal relief at just two or three milligrams, but a sweet space seems to be 10mg. Once you feel comfortable there, explore by adding a serving per edible experience so you can expand your comfortability zone.

It’s also common to have a personal range when it comes to dosing. For this writer, 1020mg is a daily relaxer and anti-anxiety tool, 50mg does the trick for pain but makes it hard to focus, and 100mg is a full-blown, drooly edi ble trip. But this is just me – I’ve seen people eat 250mg and reach for the next cookie. So take it slow and find your sweet spot when it comes to dosage … you’ll have fun and feel great!

Can I overdose on edibles?

Here’s the good news about eating too much THC: You can’t die! The only way edibles could kill you is if a loaded crate of them fell on your head in a tragic weed warehouse accident. But that’s where the good news ends.

Do you remember the first time you got too drunk? Most of us have at least a few col lege-age, puking-in-random-places memories that we’d like to forget. That said, consuming too much THC or other cannabinoids can result in serious discomfort similar to alcohol over consumption, with symptoms including nausea/ puking, paranoia and the spins. In extreme

This holiday season, get ready to fly as high as a reindeer with our annual Edibles Issue! To avoid crashing and burning like Rudolph after a long night of whatever keeps his nose so red, check out our edibles advice for living your best infused life. While most of this information is for new consumers, it’s always great to get a refresher course – and to keep sharing with friends and family before embarking on a journey into the holidaze.

situations, the high level of psychoactive effects can lead to crazed behavior.

The only cure for over consumption is time and water, which is why you should avoid wast ing a medical professional’s time at a hospital getting fluids and a large bill. If you or a friend end up too high, grab the Gatorade and a weighted blanket, and plan to sit it out. This might mean silence and darkness or putting on a favorite movie – but rest assured that it will pass and once you fall asleep, you’ll be on your way to a fresh start the next day.

The Edible Hangover

While edibles are much safer than alcohol, they can still cause a hangover that can be incred ibly unpleasant. Imagine being stuck in a sort of mental quicksand and having every move ment slowed down 30%, while feeling like the dehydrated SpongeBob that tried to hang out in Sandy’s air environment. Like a fish out of water, eating too much can leave you gasping … and

there’s not a lot to help but coffee and fluids. Our best advice to prevent a hangover is to go slow, and make sure to eat edibles with enough time to activate and have effects before sleep. And if your goal is sleep, don’t wait until your bedtime to pop the CBN. Giving the cannabinoids time to kick in will help with either fun or sleep, and allow for a restful night without effects clouding your mind the next day.

In Budtenders We Trust

Last but certainly not least, trust your budtender when you have questions, concerns or expe riences to share. Don’t be shy: They’ve heard it all and probably love helping with advice!

If they don’t, pick a more enthusiastic bud tender and dive in. Getting trusted info from the source is always clutch, especially before dropping money on a new product or trying something different. And for the best advice possible, always tip your budtender for good service. It will definitely pay off!

PHOTO BY ADOBE STOCK

EDIBLE LIFE HACKS FOR THE MODERN STONER

In many Cannabis markets across the United States, the dosage cap for edibles often seems to scoff in the face of the medicinal food and beverage movement that helped create so many of the names we know today. So, what do you do if you want something with more THC than what’s available on the shelf? We’ve come too far now to go back to making questionablydosed brownies in our kitchen, and not everyone wants to learn the art of cooking with Cannabis. But there are a ton of hacks –and even some products out there – that will help you transform your favorite edibles into amazingly potent “haute cuisine.” Below, you can find four suggestions for spicing up your edibles without becoming a Michelin SensiStar chef.

One classic example is a dessert I learned about in Europe in the early 2000s called a Yogi. All you need is some hash, some oil, and a sin gle-serving carton of yogurt. Head to your local shop and ask for some melty bubble hash, place about one third to one half of a gram into a spoon with a bit of coconut or cooking oil, and heat the bottom until they melt into one mixture (alternatively, you can warm them up in a ramekin). Then drop that into your cup of yogurt, stir, and eat up. At first, you’ll wonder if it’s even working, but after a couple hours in … get ready for a beautiful ride that can last half the day.

If you’re looking for something a little fancier, how about something I worked up by accident?

Called the Canna-Potta, this take on a classic Italian dessert usually calls for two thirds to a whole bag of gummies per serving. Take your gummies and place them into a muffin top tin. Let them melt at 95 degrees on a lower rack for two to three minutes, or until they become one solid disc. Heat gelatin powder, heavy cream, salt, sugar and vanilla bean extract together. Whisk well, then let cool and pour into cups. Pop everything into the fridge to chill for at least four hours, then place that high-powered con fection on top and bon appetit.

Have you ever tried a tincture milkshake? One of the benefits of the Cannabis beverage explosion has been the increase of delicious, large-dose mixers in a wide array of flavors on the market. It’s a misno mer that beverages must be low-dose, and a good tincture can work solo or in tandem with a Cannabis beverage. For example, stopping by your local store and tossing 200mg of Mango

tincture in with some blueberries, vanilla ice cream and coconut milk makes for an incredible afternoon (you can pour them into two glasses, but we can’t guarantee you’ll share). Up your level by topping it with your favorite canna-drink.

Want something a little simpler, but with almost no end to the possibilities? Look no further than RSO. Also called Full Spectrum Oil, by adding a drop the size of a grain of rice to something like buttered toast, you can achieve a similar effect to a handful of treats – or even transform a gummy into a supercharged edible. When consuming THC, it’s important to remember it’s lipid-soluble, meaning it will need to bond with fat to produce that wonderful experience. Now, who’s ready for a 50mg fried peanut butter and banana sandwich?

There’s no telling what new ideas you might get the next time you’re checking out the edible section at a dispensary! If you come up with something fun, tag Leaf Magazines and let’s share the culinary creativity.

PHOTO BY ADOBE STOCK

“For a Yogi, all you need is some hash, some oil, and a carton of yogurt.”

CURIO WELLNESS CURIO WELLNESS

TERPENE INFUSED CHEWS

Curio Wellness continues to make a powerful name for themselves in the medical Cannabis industry as the folks responsible for some of our favorite flower, concentrates, vapes and – of course – edibles. Their newest product, a line of terpene-infused chews, completely revolutionizes Maryland’s edible scene by introducing powerful terpenes and unique effects to the equation.

Using several patient trials and extensive research, Curio has created a patent-pending infusion method that allows the body to pro cess terpenes to their fullest potential, aiming to deliver optimal effects.

With three different flavors and ter pene blends available, these products have totally changed the way I target my anxiety, sleep troubles, and other areas of need.

Terpenes or “terps” are natural ly-occurring chemical compounds found in plants. They play a vital role in properly using medical Cannabis to address different ailments and illnesses. They are responsible for aroma and flavor in Cannabis, as well as supplying unique therapeutic effects to our bodies. When THC and terpenes are combined, they allow the body to strengthen the benefits of each other, providing an enhanced

entourage effect. For this line of products, Curio has carefully chosen six common terpenes that have scientific data supporting their specific effects and have compiled them into three specific blends, all available in 5mg THC or 25mg THC chews.

The three delectable flavors – lemon lime, or ange and pineapple – are made using a propri etary sugar blend and botanically-derived terpenes to provide an ideal taste experience. Upon opening each package, I was met with fruity-but-not-artifi cial aromas and medium-sized gumdrop-shaped bites. I started my personal experience with the orange flavor, which is a combo of the terpenes valencene and limonene. By incorporat ing these specific terps into a chew, these provided me with an energizing boost of focus to bang out my writing projects. It had an orange creamsicle taste with a light sugary dusting – a true pleasure for my palate.

I opted for the pineapple flavor after a long night at my industry job because its terps – myrcene and linalool – are known to provide calming stress relief. I took two of the 5mg THC chews and fell asleep instantly, but did wake up a few times throughout the night. I imagine the 25mg THC would keep me asleep, so I will be trying that next. My favorite out of the trio, however, was the lemon lime flavor

– featuring terps pinene and beta-caryophyl lene. These terpenes are known to provide uplifting, balancing effects.

What sets Curio’s newest creation apart from other edibles on the market is not just its enticing flavor or delightful aroma, but the ex tensive research and development that went into formulating Maryland’s first effects-based chew. No other edible in the state features enough terpenes to show up on test results, which is why we see so many letters instead of numbers on edibles’ packaging.

Utilizing blind studies and an infusion method all their own, Curio’s team has delivered a product that unlocks the most impactful terpene potential possible. The results for me were a consistent optimal effect, depending upon what I was targeting at the time of treatment.

Curio Wellness accepted the challenge to invent a chew that contained a level of terpenes high enough to be detected on the certificate of analysis (COA), and succeeded.

After trying out all of these products myself, I can say they are different from any other edible I’ve tried. I personally felt the desired effects stronger than with indica, sativa or hybrid claiming labels, and the two available THC options allowed me to adjust my dosage to meet my needs.

“Utilizing blind studies and an infusion method all their own, Curio’s team has delivered a product that unlocks the most impactful terpene potential possible.”

SELECT RAINBOW UPLOAD X BITES

If you have tried these edibles, you know how amazing their flavor is. They remind me of the flavor of rainbow belts candy. At 10mg per chew, I can combine these with other edibles to get my cannabinoid ratios dialed in. They are made using liposomal encapsulation technology to improve absorption and increase the effectiveness of orally ingested cannabinoids.

10MG THC/PIECE | 100MG THC/PACKAGE

SELECT BLUEBERRY INDICA BITES

We love to see edibles with a specific indica leaning expectation. When taking edibles that don’t have this specification, it can be hard for patients to know if an edible will have that sativa leaning effect. All of the Select Bites have a taste that cannot be mistaken and are true to their names. After two of these bites, I found myself in a state of serenity.

10MG THC/PIECE | 100MG THC/PACKAGE

SELECT FAST ACTING TANGERINE SATIVA BITES

For a quick pick-me-up on dreary days, I go to Selects’ Sativa bites. They are fast-acting, so personally I feel confident in their ability to quickly get me into an energetic state. I ate two chews during the middle of a hectic work week and found myself experiencing a serious uptick in positive energy.

10MG THC/PIECE | 100MG THC/PACKAGE

INGESTIBLES

@MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

SELECT BLACKBERRY SNOOZE BITES

When it comes to sleep, everyone has a little bit of a different process for getting it. For me, CBN has been one of the most useful tools in this area. There are 20 chews in each Snooze pack, which allows me to increase my intake by 5mg of THC and CBN at a time. I found that two or three chews would get me in the best spot for a full night of uninterrupted sleep.

5MG THC/PIECE AND 100MG THC/PACKAGE | 5MG CBN/PIECE AND 100MG CBN/PACKAGE

SELECTCANNABIS.COM | @SELECT.BETTER

REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT

PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM

INGESTIBLES

WANA WATERMELON, MANGO, AND BLUEBERRY CHEWS

For those just looking for a THC pick-me-up, Wana has several flavors to suit your needs. We tried Watermelon, Mango and Blueberry in this potency, and the consistency of the shapes of these edibles was impressive. Sometimes edibles will be wonky in shape and size, but these are perfect. My favorite flavor was the Blueberry Indica, and I found that it only took me one chew to find my sweet spot for sleep. 10MG THC/CHEW | 100MG THC/PACK @WANABRANDS WANABRANDS.COM

Chews, from the flavor to the potency of cannabinoid blends. As always with Wana, these chews are vegan and haven’t been made with any high fructose corn syrup. These are 2:1 CBD to THC, which for me is a perfect mix of a clear-headed high with a stoney relaxed essence.

20MG CBD AND 10MG THC/CHEW | 200MG CBD AND 100MG THC/PACK | @WANABRANDS WANABRANDS.COM

WANA SOUR RASPBERRY LIMEADE INDICA CHEWS

I love the sour crystals on these Wana chews, and the Raspberry Limeade is such a fun flavor combo. These 30mg THC chews are indica-leaning, which makes them perfect for unwinding after a crazy day. They really allowed my mind to settle down and flow freely, while putting my body in a state of serenity.

30MG THC/PIECE | 300MG THC/PACKAGE @WANABRANDS WANABRANDS.COM

WANA SOUR BLOOD ORANGE SATIVA CHEWS

Wana is such a consistent grab for me when it comes to edibles. These 30mg THC gummies are my go-to when I know I’m about to have a long day around lots of people. They allow me to rise above my anxiety and feel at ease in daily stressful situations, such as traffic or the line at the grocery store. These sativa-leaning chews are perfect to keep me upbeat throughout the day, with no serious crash at the end. The taste was a subtle twist on a classic orange flavor.

30MG THC/PIECE | 300MG/PACKAGE | @WANABRANDS WANABRANDS.COM

HICOLOR MAX DREAM GUMMY CUBES

For those nights where pain is keeping me from going to sleep, I go to this combination of gummies. The pairing of high THC with some CBN added in is my perfect regimen for getting to bed. I use one of each chew to give me 50mg of THC and 10mg of CBN. I’m excited to see where the edible milligram limit will go under the new program … will we get 100mg per piece edibles? DREAM: 10MG THC AND 10MG CBN PER CUBE 100MG THC AND 100MG CBN/PACK | MAX: 40MG THC/PACK @VIREOHEALTH VIREOHEALTH.COM/HICOLOR

HICOLOR OXNARD STRAWBERRY & CONCORD GRAPE PASTILLES

These candies proved to be nostalgic, taking me back to my early days in the Cannabis industry. Hard candies aren’t on the market as much as they used to be in states like Colorado and Oregon. At 5mg THC per candy, these are a great way to get started with edibles. This is also a great way to microdose THC, allowing you to accurately add 5mg at a time into your regimen. 5MG THC/PIECE | 100MG THC/PACK

@VIREOHEALTH VIREOHEALTH.COM/HICOLOR

BETTY’S EDDIES

ELDERBETTY AND BERRY GOOD THINGS CANNABIS INFUSED FRUIT CHEWS

BETTY’S EDDIES

LEMON

+ AGAVE MELATONIN CANNABIS INFUSED FRUIT CHEWS

Betty’s Eddies is dialing in their recipe to cater to more specific tastes and desired effects for Cannabis patients. Personally, mixing a little melatonin in with my cannabinoid regimen has helped me get more sound sleep and fall asleep easier.

I am excited to see how this product continues to progress as they consistently dial this product in further. The flavor reminded me of a melted lemon slushy from Camden Yards.

10MG THC/PIECE | 100MG THC/ PACKAGE | 2MG MELATONIN/PIECE

20MGMELATONIN/PACKAGE

@BETTYSEDDIESOFFICIAL BETTYSEDDIES.COM

As the only taffy we have on the market, we are lucky it's this one! The flavor and consistency of these edibles is top tier and they are made with all organic fruits for the flavoring. The multipack has a little bit of everything, including strawberry, grape, orange, lemon and lime. You can also hone in on the flavor you like the most and buy packs of those ones individually. One or two chews typically got me where I was looking to go with these edibles, putting me in a serene state of relaxation. 10MG/PIECE | 100MG/PACKAGE | @BETTYSEDDIESOFFICIAL BETTYSEDDIES.COM

INGESTIBLES

IN HOUSE GUMMIES WATERMELON, WILD BERRY AND RASPBERRY VARIETIES

The shape and color of these make them look like gumdrops – perfect for the holiday season. Something very unique about these gummies is that each one has a different ratio of CBD:THC. Part of being a patient is figuring out the ratio of different cannabinoids your body needs in order for you to be comfortable. My favorite flavor was the watermelon, and my favorite ratio was the 5:1 CBD to THC, which helped me keep a cool head. WATERMELON: 10MG THC/PIECE 100MG THC/PACKAGE WILD BERRY: 50MG CBD AND 10MG THC/PIECE 500MG CBD AND 100MG THC/PACKAGE | RASPBERRY: 10MG CBD AND 10MG THC/PIECE | 100MG CBD AND 100MG THC/PACKAGE | @MARIMED_INC

ROBHOTS GUMMIES

Robhots come in several flavors, and each individual package has multiple flavors within itself – with the exception of Apple Pie. The Reds consist of Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Punch and Watermelon. The Berries consist of Cherry, Grape and Strawberry. The Exotics consist of Guava, Mango-Melon and Pomegranate. Lastly, the Night Time with 10mg THC, 20mg CBN, and 3mg melatonin per chew consist of Blackberry, Blueberry and Plum flavors. My favorite of the bunch were the exotics, and I found two chews was my sweet spot for continuous daytime relief.10MG/PIECE | 100/PACKAGE | @CULTAIG CULTA.IO

BITS GUMMIES ACAI AFFECTION, ELDERBERRY WELLNESS AND GUAVO GO

I gotta start by saying the shape and size of these gummies is extremely cute. They are tiny, colorful little triangles with a satisfyingly even coat of sugar on the outside. Being a smaller, more dense gummy, these have a little bit of bite to them. While all three of these flavors have 5mg of THC, the Elderberry Wellness also has 5mg of CBD in each gummy – making it a 1:1 product. Mixing a 1:1 product into my daily regimen has consistently given me the relief I needed without any added anxiety potentially on the horizon. ACAI AFFECTION AND GUAVA GO: 5MG THC/GUMMY ELDERBERRY WELLNESS: 5MG THC AND 5MG CBD/GUMMY @BITSDOMORE BITS.VERANO.COM

INCREDIBLES

SNOOZZZE BERRY CANNABIS

INFUSED CHEWS

This might be my personal favorite edible of all time for getting myself a good night’s sleep I was able to fall asleep immediately and stay asleep throughout the night. I woke up feeling refreshed, not groggy, and was able to tackle my day with a well-rested mind. I would not recommend taking these during the day, as they do truly live up to their name and lead to a beautiful snooze. As for flavor, there’s a reason blue candy is always a crowd pleaser!

10MG THC AND 2MG CBN/PIECE

100MG THC AND 20MG CBN/PACKAGE

@ILOVEINCREDIBLES ILOVEINCREDIBLES.COM

INCREDIBLES CANNABIS INFUSED GUMMIES

The incredible edible has done it again with an assortment of flavors, all available in 100mg THC packages. I tried out the Watermelon Smash, Summer Peach, Mon Cherry and Greener Apple. I found all to be pleasantly fruity and light, but my favorite was the Summer Peach because it reminded me of a peach ring candy. I found that one gummy in the morning and one in the afternoon provided me with the perfect amount of continuous relief. Incredibles is such a fun brand and these edibles definitely live up to their image. 10MG THC/PIECE | 100MG THC PER PACKAGE | @ILOVEINCREDIBLES ILOVEINCREDIBLES.COM

INCREDIBLES

STRAHHHBERRY CHEWABLE LOZENGES

Incredibles takes a deep dive into cannabinoids starting with their 1:1 strawberry-flavored gummies. Yes, they are called chewable lozenges on the package – but these edibles can best be described as a small gummy. I enjoyed the small size of these because it made them easier to chew, which could have many applications for patients. After two gummies, I was in a clear-headed, euphoric and happy mindset. 10MG CBD AND 10MG THC/CHEW | 100MG CBD AND 100 THC/PACK | @ILOVEINCREDIBLES ILOVEINCREDIBLES.COM

INCREDIBLES

TANGAHHHRINE CHEWABLE LOZENGES

As we move further into exploring these variations, Incredibles has upped the dose of CBD per chew, which in my opinion is an underrated ratio. 2:1 products such as this oftentimes provide me with the most clear and clean high possible. Sometimes edibles can be overbearing in terms of the effect, but personally, I find that adding in a fat dose of CBD will offset any feeling of couch-lock. 20MG CBD AND 10MG THC/CHEW | 200MG CBD AND 100MG THC/ PACK | @ILOVEINCREDIBLES ILOVEINCREDIBLES.COM

BOOST LEMON LIME CHEWABLE

For those who haven’t heard of THCV, do not fear. It has been known to help with appetite suppression, and people are trying to use it for weight loss now. I used these to cool down after a workout, and I must say my urge to eat everything in the kitchen was not as strong as usual. I can definitely see this cannabinoid being a mainstay in my regimen moving forward –kudos to Incredibles for making it more available. 10MG THCV AND 10MG THC/CHEW | 5MG CBD AND 100MG THCV/PACK | 100MG THC AND 50MG CBD/PACK | @ILOVEINCREDIBLES ILOVEINCREDIBLES.COM

INCREDIBLES

OVER THE MOONBERRY

Incredibles changes the way patients treat their sleep troubles with this Cannabis infused gummy, containing 50mg CBN and 50mg CBG per package. These properties provided me with a deep, relaxing high that put my body in a state of relaxed exhaustion.I really enjoyed the deep REM cycle it allowed me to enjoy, but I did wake up feeling groggy. It was difficult to shake the sleepiness off throughout the day, so I would save this edible for a time when I have no plans.

10MG THC, 5MG CBN AND 5MG CBD/PIECE

100MG THC, 50MG CBN AND 50MG CBG/PACKAGE

@ILOVEINCREDIBLES ILOVEINCREDIBLES.COM

CHOCOLATES, BAKED GOODS & BEVERAGES

EVERMORE DISCOS WHITE & DARK CHOCOLATE WITH PEPPERMINT TOPPING

Just in time for the holidays, Evermore has come out with something we have all been waiting to see. As a huge peppermint bark fan, these are right up my alley. Discos are made with full extract Cannabis oil, giving the patient a huge range of cannabinoids outside of just THC and CBD. I really appreciate that these were made in two variations, white and dark chocolate. Doing so makes this product more versatile and open to everyone who would want to try it. At 40mg per piece, I take confidence in this chocolate’s ability to put me in an anxiety-free zone, as I usually need a higher dose for unusually anxious days. 40MG/PIECE | 400MG/PACK EVERMORECOMPANY.COM @EVERMOREBRANDS

VIBATIONS CANNABIS DRINK MIX PEACH TANGERINE TEA

We have seen several Cannabis drinks on the market as the Maryland medical program has progressed, but Vibations is bringing some new flare to this segment of the market. Instead of being limited to simple flavors, they have gone above and beyond in bringing us Peach Tangerine Tea.

All you have to do is add one of the packets to 16 ounces of water, stir, add some ice, and you are sipping in style. At 10mg per packet, I tend to take 36 ounces of water, dump two packets in, and create a pitcher I can sip on throughout the day. The flavor is sweet, fruity, and does not have a noticeable Cannabis flavor of any kind.

10MG PER POUCH | 100MG PER PACKAGE

VIBATIONSCANNABIS.COM @VIBATIONSCANNABIS

BUBBY’S BAKED FULL SPECTRUM BROWNIE, SNICKERDOODLE AND CHOCO CHIP BITES

Maryland is relatively new to the baked goods game, and Bubby’s Baked came in hot with three banger flavors. Holding the title for the company that created the largest Cannabis infused brownie in the world, they know a thing or two about baking. The brownie bites smell and taste exactly like a non-medicated brownie with the slightest hint of Cannabis on the end. All three of these flavors are soft and chewy, and the Snickerdoodle Bites reminded me of a Mrs. Fields cookie. My favorite of the three was the Choco Chip Bites, with crunchy chocolate chips meeting a soft and sweet cookie. I found that one or two bites got me in the sweet spot of sedating effects, perfect for a night at home. 10MG/BITE 50MG/PACKAGE | BUBBYSBAKED.COM @BUBBYSBAKED

Snoop Dogg OG

are the winter dabs you have been waiting for. This warm and effervescent extract offers the perfect snuggle-weather high as it mellows, relaxes and calms. Perfect for curling up on a couch and highly effective for addressing pain and anxiety symptoms, the Snoop Dogg OG most definitely packs a potent punch.

SunMed Labs has produced some absolutely gigantic diamonds, slathered in a delicious sauce that leans towards the heavy side of the terpene spectrum. Over five percent myrcene followed by limonene, caryophyllene and linalool, the Snoop Dogg OG promises to deliver for the heady dabber.

It is also important to note the relatively large amounts of humulene, fenchol, terpineol, camphene and bisabolol – which temper this concentrate and give it some of its nuanced aroma and flavor. The genetics are supposedly a closely guarded secret, but it is rumored to be a cross incorporating Lemon OG and Sour Diesel, however the exact lineage is anyone’s guess. Whatever the genetics are, the mysterious cross combined with some of the more rare terpenes makes it a dab for connoisseurs and patients alike. There is a muted tart aroma – almost as if a sour lemonade got mixed into a creamy sherbet – smooth, but pronouncedly sour citrus.

The headspace is very mellow and relaxed, but still functional. I can feel every toke work its way throughout my body, gently easing my aches and pains while lulling me into a beautifully heady state of mind. The lemon notes are extremely pronounced on the exhale and the flavor of the dab is quite smooth. It is always amazing to hit a dab and not even think about coughing and the SunMed Labs team really hit the mark with these Snoop Dogg OG diamonds. Everyone should give them a taste this winter!

REVIEW by TAYLOR MARTIN for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM

diamonds by SunMed Labs

Baking a Difference

HUMBLE ORIGINS

Brownie Mary was born Mary Jane Rathbun on December 22, 1922, in Chicago, then raised in Minnesota. She was a social justice warrior from the get-go: At 13, she fought back against a nun at her Catholic school for trying to cane her; in her teens, she traveled to Wisconsin to campaign for the unionization of miners; and in the ’40s she fought for abortion rights in Minneapolis.

During World War II, Rathbun and a few of her girlfriends moved to San Francisco hoping to marry a military man … which she did – giving birth to a daughter named Peggy in 1955 – but divorced soon after. She moved into a public housing unit not far from Haight Ashbury and got a job as a waitress at the local IHOP. Coming of age in the 1960s, her daughter befriended many gay men in the predom inantly LGBTQ Castro district. Which is why, after Peggy was tragically killed by a drunk driver at the age of 22, Rathbun began mothering young gay run aways as her new “adopted” children. It was through her embrace of the gay community that she eventu ally connected with her future friend and partner-incrime, Cannabis activist Dennis Peron.

INTRO TO CANNABIS

Rathbun first met Dennis Peron in 1974 when they shared a joint at the Castro’s Cafe Flore. Inspired by Peron, and a copy of Alice B. Toklas’s infamous Can

nabis cookbook, Rathbun started baking weed-laced cookies and brownies as a side hustle to make ends meet using ingredients purchased with her $650 per month Social Security check and grower-donated Cannabis (often left anonymously on her doorstep). She sold her “magically delicious” brownies for a few dollars each out of a napkin-lined basket (and later, at Peron’s Big Top pot market) and advertised them with flyers posted on local bulletin boards. Before long, she was churning out hundreds of brownies a day, with customers reportedly lining up along the stairs to her apartment to order them by the dozen. By the decade’s end, she’d become a folk hero in the Castro known as “Brownie Mary.”

Eventually, Brownie Mary’s endeavors came into the crosshairs of law enforcement when a narc from the SFPD came across one of her flyers. On the night of January 14, 1981, Det. Sgt. Robert Bullard showed up at her apartment posing as a customer and placed her under arrest … to which the feisty, foulmouthed 57-year-old in the flowered apron reacted by saying, “Oh shit.”

After searching her home, police found and confiscated 18 pounds of Cannabis and 54 dozen brownies. To cover her legal defense, it’s rumored she had to sell most of her belongings – including the kitchen table on which the brownies were made. She pled guilty to nine counts of possession and sale of marijuana, but the judge liked her and sentenced her to just three years probation and 500 hours of community service – which, it turned out, she was happy to do. In fact, she found her service so

BROWNIE BUSTS

Compared to everyone from Betty Crocker, Mrs. Field and Sara Lee, to Florence Nightingale, Mother Teresa and Harriet Tubman, Brownie Mary wasn’t just a pioneer of Cannabis edibles – she was a selfless, spirited activist who many consider the mother of the medical marijuana movement.

With best friend and partner-in-crime Dennis Peron.

A never-before-published photo of Brownie Mary.

rewarding that she finished her sentence in a record 60 days and kept on volunteering thereafter.

Despite her probation, Rathbun went right back to baking – except this time, instead of selling the brownies, she gave them away to AIDS and cancer patients for free. On December 7, 1982, while on her way to deliver some brownies to a friend under going chemotherapy, Rathbun had the bad luck of running into one of the cops that had arrested her the year before. After he discovered the four dozen brownies she was carrying, she was arrested again and charged with several counts of possession and a probation violation. Luckily for her, the charges were later dropped – but not before she received a stern warning at her court hearing.

“The judge said, ‘You have to stop the Brownie Mary shtick – it’s over,’” Peron’s husband John En twistle told Bon Appetit magazine in 2019. “‘If you do it again, we’ll send you to jail.’”

Undeterred, for the next decade she made weekly visits to Ward 86 at San Francisco General Hospi tal, where she spent thousands of hours volunteer ing with AIDS patients and supplying them with her brownies at no charge.

“She called them her kids,” Peron recalled. “Many of them were dying alone and despised. Their families wouldn’t even visit them. She baked them something that helped ease their pain, and she also dispensed friendliness and resilience. A lot of those patients called her an angel of mercy.”

Mary became so beloved at the hospital that in 1986 they gave her a “Volunteer of the Year” award.

to court, but police wouldn’t take the bait. Rathbun, however, did get busted again on July 19, 1992, in the town of Cazadero, where she was caught baking brownies at a grower friend’s house and charged with felony possession of two-and-a-half pounds of marijuana. Initially, the Sonoma County district attorney attempted to prosecute her, but that didn’t exactly go as planned.

On August 25, Rathbun testified at a medical marijuana hearing held by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors at City Hall. By the end of that hearing, the Board had not only passed a resolu tion making possession or cultivation of medical Cannabis law enforcement’s “lowest priority,” they also voted to honor Rathbun’s humanitarian work –officially declaring August 25 “Brownie Mary Day” across the city. Addressing the 5,000-plus crowd outside after, Brownie Mary raised her fists and shouted: “If the narcs think I’m gonna stop baking brownies for my kids with AIDS, they can go fuck themselves in Macy’s window!”

putting this saintly septuagenarian on trial, the DA dropped the charges.

As a cause célèbre for medical marijuana, Brownie Mary helped broaden sympathy for the movement and pass Proposition 215 in No vember 1996. That same year, she and Dennis released the book they’d co-authored: “Brownie Mary’s Mari juana Cookbook and Dennis Peron’s Recipe for Social Change.” Notably absent from the book, however, was her famous brownie recipe – because, as Rathbun once told the NY Times, “When and if they legalize [Canna bis], I’ll sell my brownie recipe to Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines and take the profits and buy an old Victorian for my kids with AIDS.”

DEATH & LEGACY

Two different editions of Brownie Mary’s cookbook.

Unfortunately, Mary never got that opportunity. Sad ly, by the time Prop 215 was passed, Rathbun was in so much pain from her numerous ailments that she considered contacting Dr. Kevorkian to arrange for assisted suicide. After suffering a fall in August 1998, she underwent surgery on her neck and spine, after which she was confined to a wheelchair. Finally, on April 10, 1999, Brownie Mary suffered a heart attack and died at Laguna Honda Hospital. She was 76.

ACTIVISM & ANOTHER ARREST

In addition to helping the sick, Rathbun also got more involved in Cannabis activism. At Peron’s invitation, she spoke to the ACT UP organization about the effectiveness of Cannabis in treating HIV patients. And in 1991, she helped him with Proposition P – an initiative to protect doctors in San Francisco from criminal penalties for prescribing medical marijuana – which passed that November with an overwhelming 80% support.

In 1992, Rathbun helped Peron and Entwistle launch the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club (the first public medical marijuana dispensary in the country) in Peron’s house, which included a Brownie Mary’s Cafe in the basement. Apparently, the club’s organizers were actually hoping it would get busted so they could take their case for medical marijuana

THE PEOPLE V. RATHBUN

Like that SF rally, Rathbun’s pre-trial hearing – held two months later at a small Santa Rosa courthouse – became a huge media event.

“We marched to court. The radio and television stations all covered it. The court and the halls were filled with everyone from flower children to medical specialists,” explained famed Cannabis attorney Tony Serra in the book “Lust for Justice: The Radical Life & Law of J. Tony Serra.”

With her new high-profile lawyer at her side, Rathbun showed up in her trademark bifocals, polyester pants, and sweater adorned with various pro-pot pins and pleaded not guilty. Serra then presented her defense: submitting a flurry of affi davits from doctors, psychiatrists and activists, and positing that she did not profit from her “crimes” –that they were acts of conscience and compassion and that “the nobility of her actions outweighed the reprehensibleness of her offense.” The judge offered her a “slap on the wrist” plea deal carrying a fine of $10,000, but Rathbun refused – instead insisting on a jury trial. Eager to avoid the negative publicity of

A week after her death, a candlelight vigil was held in her honor in the Castro, where nearly 500 peo ple paid their respects by leaving candles, flowers, photos, news clippings, pot leaf leis and of course, brown ies. Among those who spoke at the memorial were Peron, Serra and SF District Attorney Terence Hallinan, who told the crowd: “Brownie Mary was a hero, and will one day be remembered as the Florence Nightingale of the medical marijuana movement.”

“Brownie Mary is a heroine in the eyes of many,” Serra once aptly attested. “She won herself a place in history.”

For our podcast & more Cannabis history content visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.

“If the narcs think I’m gonna stop baking brownies for my kids with AIDS, they can go fuck themselves in Macy’s window!”

With famed cannabis attorney Tony Serra (left) and his legal team.

Painting of Brownie Mary by artist Thomasina DeMaio.

Offering brownies to AIDS patients.

ANYONE WHO’S EVER worked in a restaurant knows that when you have two half-empty bottles of the world’s most popular condiment, you pour one into the other to make one of them appear fresh and new while the other gets tossed. It’s called marrying the ketchup. That’s a figurative term.

But what if we made it literal? Because let’s face it, there are a lot of people on this planet who are unhappily married. And if they could run off with a bottle of ketchup to a tropical island for a glorious honeymoon without the rough repercussions of divorce, most would probably drop everything and go. Think about it … a plush balcony overlooking the crashing waves of a majestic coastline with your culinary love. Where’s the sign-up sheet?

If I could marry a bottle of ketchup, I probably would. We already share bottley fluids, so why not consummate what you consume? I mean, talk about compatibility: I want succulent tomato flavor and the sauce’s only objective is to be eaten.

In no time, we’ll have a small family of packets.

And it will never guilt you for inviting other tasty items into the relationship. Like a greasy burger beckons to be dipping in the dripping. And French fries are lacking the jazz with no sauce to give them pizzazz.

Ketchup is good on just about everything. In fact, I’m pretty sure that if you look up the food pyramid from the year 1955, it will tell you that man can survive off ketchup alone. Because we’re not just talking about tomatoes and sugar – but onions, cloves, garlic and other healthy items that put the zing in amazing.

I understand that there are some cultures that prefer soy sauce or chili sauce, but I don’t get it. You could smother a piece of plywood with ketchup, and it would probably still taste good.

By the way, is ketchup really the world’s most popular condiment?

For me it’s bubble hash.

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