Dec. 2023 - Maryland Leaf

THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

F RE E / L E A F M AGA Z I N E S . COM

#60 | DEC. 2023

INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS. Enjoy the season with limited edition holiday vapes and chocolates.

@SunMed.Labs @SunMed.Growers

@SunMedGrowers

SunMedGrowers.com

Must be 21+ or a registered medical cannabis patient to consume this product. Consumption of cannabis may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Please use extreme caution. There may be risks associated with cannabis use, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

MARYLAND, MEET YOUR NEW FAVORITE EDIBLE! Award-winning Airo cannabis is now available in edible form. Your favorite A isan tastes in a fast-acting, long-lasting mouthwatering gummy. Have it all - no compromises. Believe it.

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The contents may only be lawfully consumed by a consumer 21 years old or older, or a registered medical cannabis patient.

VEGAN | ORGANIC SWEETENERS | 30+ TERPENES

ENHANCE YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH OUR EXPANDED PRODUCT LINEUP

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Only individuals who are 21 years or older or are a qualifying patient who is 18 years or older may view this content. The phrases, "Quick," and "Powered by Azuca TiME Infusion" are not intended to be medical or therapeutic claims.

high, maryland!

#60

[

DEC. 2023

issue

SHOP REVIEW

12

WYATT EARLY

ASCEND CANNABIS

16

GREG MALCOLM

THE EDIBLES ISSUE

6

30-40

SUNMED LABS

dec. 2023

reviews the state's top Cannabis-infused edibles - from gummies to chews.

28

CRESCENT CANNA

42

RECIPES

PAT I E N T O F T H E M O N T H

BRUCE WOLF

26

JOANNA DEBAUGH

Maryland Leaf's Wyatt Early

COURTESY

SARAH CAPPARUCCINI

leafmagazines.com

GREG MALCOLM

EXCLUSIVE

09 10 12 16 20 24 26 28 30 34 42 44 46

EDITOR’S NOTE BUDTENDER Q&A SHOP REVIEW PATIENT OF THE MONTH CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH STRAIN OF THE MONTH SUNMED LABS TOUR CRESCENT CANNA CHOCOLATES & BAKED GOODS GUMMIES & CHEWS COOKING WITH CANNABIS GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT STONEY BALONEY

Learn more at naturesheritagecannabisco.com This product name and accompanying statements are not intended to represent a medical or therapeutic claim. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. PLEASE CONSUME RESPONSIBLY. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Promotion is for medical patients only. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children.

ENJOY GROUNDBREAKING FLAVOR Earthquake Indica THC 29.75% • Terps 2.78 Lineage Terpenes Aroma Flavor

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As cannabis lovers ourselves, we take great pride in the unrelenting pursuit of quality at every step in our process to craft a product that is truly a cut above the rest.

Now Available in Maryland thecultivarcollection

*Must be 21+ to view this content. ©2023 Cultivar™. All rights reserved.

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 / U TA H L E A F

A B O U T T H E C OV E R

This month's delectable cover comes to us from Santa Barbara, CA-based illustrator Daniel Sulzberg, whose stunningly layered and surreal work has been published around the world

by The New York Times, Nike, Red Bull and more. Leaf Creative Director Daniel Berman and Chief Operating Officer Tom Bowers worked closely with Sulzberg to craft this Wonka-like spin on Santa's workshop, complete with stoned elves and red-eyed gummy worms. This month, we hope you take a moment to enjoy some wonderful local Cannabis edibles, dive into this special issue, and take a much needed break!

ILLUSTRATION BY DANIEL SULZBERG @DANVILLAGE_ILLUSTRATION

WES ABNEY C E O & F O U N D E R wes@leafmagazines.com MIKE RICKER O P E R AT I N G PA R T N E R ricker@leafmagazines.com

TOM BOWERS C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R tom@leafmagazines.com DANIEL BERMAN C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R daniel@leafmagazines.com EARLY M A RY L A N D L E A F P U B L I S H E R early@leafmagazines.com WYATT EARLY STAT E D I R E C T O R wyatt@leafmagazines.com (410) 961-8779 MEGHAN RIDLEY C O PY E D I T O R meghan@leafmagazines.com

CONTRIBUTORS BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES SARAH CAPPARUCCINI, PHOTOS AMANDA DAY, PHOTOS + FEATURES MAX EARLY, FEATURES WYATT EARLY, PHOTOS + FEATURES GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES BAXSEN PAINE, PHOTOS + FEATURES JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING DANIEL SULZBERG, ILLUSTRATION BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES

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, recreational, 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 @MDLEAF |

@MARYLANDLEAF

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FREE ONLINE ARCHIVE

WES

ABNEY

Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Edibles Issue of Maryland Leaf!

Edibles are packed full of holiday spirit in the form of cannabinoids and terpenes, which is the perfect way to float through the holidaze without a hangover. How do you think Santa does it, after all? Lot’s of infused reindeer 9 feed and cookies baked with love and weed! All joking aside, as I head into the holiday season abstaining from alcohol, I find fresh gratitude for Cannabis in all shapes and sizes. When heading to shop, or worrying about “THE BENEFIT menus or travel, CBD can really lower anxiety – great for everyday I FIND BY life or if you find yourself experiencing too high of a THC dose. Have CHOOSING you ever white knuckled a 200mg THC trip to Costco? It can get a CANNABIS little sketchy! Overall, the benefit I find by choosing Cannabis instead INSTEAD OF of alcohol is the freedom to live in the moment without letting the ALCOHOL IS THE FREEDOM TO LIVE high-strung nature of the holidays get to me.

IN THE MOMENT, WITHOUT I grew up in a household where this time of year translated into LETTING THE stress-cleaning and worrying about what distant family members HIGH-STRUNG thought. And of course, lot’s of boozing. No family is perfect and mine NATURE OF THE HOLIDAYS tried very hard, but I have to wonder what life would have been like GET TO ME.” if weed had been legal during my childhood. That’s the biggest gift I am giving to my daughters and family this year: The gift of sobriety, and the lessons that come with handling stressful situations and celebrations (often one in the same) without turning to alcohol.

With teenagers in the house, I do have to be discreet – which is where the edibles really help bring the buzz that makes the holidays so merry and bright. When I started the first Leaf in 2010, edibles were untested, often over or under infused, and generally left an untrustworthy taste lingering in your mouth. Today’s stoners have so many options it’s dizzying, with drinks and chocolates and baked goods to tease the palate, and tinctures and formulas for sleep or stress for those needing rest. We live in a wonderful time for plant medicine, literally blooming with options and lighting a new way of wellness forward – without the pharmaceuticals and booze automatically baked into the situation.

But we do look forward to baking ourselves to the perfect 420º this holiday season and we hope you’ll join in the festivities … just make sure you wrap the presents first.

Exclusive Cannabis Journalism

-Wes Abney

DEC. 2023

INTERVIEW

MARYLAND LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH

JORDAN SANTA "I GIVE PEOPLE THE BEST CANNABIS EDUCATION I POSSIBLY CAN, BUT I’M ALSO OPEN TO LEARNING THINGS FROM PATIENTS AND CUSTOMERS THAT COME IN.”

SUMMIT WELLNESS CATONSVILLE

6328 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, CATONSVILLE, MD SUMMITDISPENSARY.COM @SUMMITWELLNESS410 9:30AM-9:30PM DAILY (443) 840-8287

10

SO YOU LIKE TO GAME. WHAT VIDEO GAMES ARE YOU PLAYING RIGHT NOW? I like RPGs (role-playing video games) like Assasin’s Creed, Grand Theft Auto and the Fallout series. I’m really excited for the new GTA to come out – it’s been like 15 years we’ve been waiting for that.

Lately I’ve been replaying games that I have on the newest Xbox console. The PC is too much of a jump and I can’t do a keyboard.

WHAT COMES FIRST IN THE MORNING, CANNABIS OR COFFEE? Both, doublefisting coffee and Cannabis at the same time.

WHAT IS IT LIKE GOING FROM PATIENT TO BUDTENDER? I’m getting more insider knowledge about the industry from people around me. When we have people come in and do pop-ups, I get educated on new products being sold and soon to be launched. I didn’t expect to have the amount of knowledge that I have now, and it has been cool to see that process continue for me.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO WATCH ON TV? I’ve been rewatching old episodes of ‘South Park’ and I really enjoy that stupid-ass show on Netflix called ‘Big Mouth.’ It’s so inappropriate, but it's also funny and relatable. If we can’t laugh at ourselves, then what are we doing?

leafmagazines.com

WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT IN THE DISPENSARY? I try to figure out what brought people into the store. Obviously patients are looking to alleviate some type of ailment – may it be stress, anxiety, or lots of other things. Sometimes people just want a little break from their daily struggles, even if it's only 45 minutes. I give people the best Cannabis education I possibly can, but I’m also open to learning things from patients and customers that come in.

J

UST IN TIME for the holidays, we have a Budtender of the Month whose name gets you in the Christmas spirit: Jordan Santa. Jordan is a rockstar at Summit Wellness who is continuously improving the lives of the patients and adultuse customers in and around Catonsville.

A perfect example of when working in the Cannabis industry goes right, Jordan feels blessed to be a part of the movement every single day.

DEC. 2023

HOW DO YOU RELATE TO PATIENTS? I use Cannabis for anxiety, and increasing my appetite on days where I don’t have as big of one. A lot of patients and people have anxiety and daily stresses, so I relate to the need to calm down and focus on what needs to be done.

DID YOU EVER THINK MARYLAND WOULD BE WHERE IT IS TODAY WITH CANNABIS? I did not. Growing up, I was not involved with weed at all and was taught it was a drug that I shouldn’t do. My friends all started smoking and one day after some convincing, I tried it at 18 and I’ve never been happier. It is crazy to come full circle and be working in an industry I never knew would exist here.

STORY & PHOTO by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF SEND NOMINATIONS FOR BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH TO WYATT@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

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12

ASCENDCANNABIS

DEC. 2023

SHOP REVIEW

IN A FAMILIAR SPACE formerly known as Nature’s Medicines, Ascend Cannabis threw a fresh paint job and a new spin on their dispensary in Ellicott City. One of four Ascend stores in Maryland, their presence includes shops in Laurel, Crofton and Aberdeen, in addition to this latest opening. The shop provides a perfect photo-op with a green leafy wall and neon sign that reads “Let’s Ascend” – and it is clear the staff not only lives this message, but utilizes it to bring to life a next-level dispensary experience for patients and adult-use customers. << PRODUCT REVIEW >>

FA DE C O . YAH EMI F LOWE R As expected, the dominant terpene in this strain’s profile is limonene – which definitely makes itself known on the nose. Ripping the top off the mylar and busting it open unveils a blend of citrusy, floral and plum-like sensations flooding my nostrils. Grandiflora Genetics brings us this strain by crossing Project 4516 and Melonatta, both of which have earned a strong reputation on the Cannabis market nationwide. Smoking a joint caused my anxiety to slip away comfortably – being replaced with calmness and clarity, without any grogginess. 29.34% Total Cannabinoids 2.93% Terpenes

SETTING AND VIBE You can feel very comfortable walking into this dispensary, as the crew here keeps the energy on point via the steady flow of good vibes and music to match. The clean layout and open floor plan provides an ample amount of space to browse freely and check out the product and merchandise displays. Carefully curated beyond their Cannabis selection, the locally themed artwork that adorns the walls boasts everything from crabs to homages to Poe – with the perfectly poetic words “Cannabisland: Land of the Free, Home of the Chill” written alongside them.

"CAREFULLY CURATED BEYOND THEIR CANNABIS SELECTION, THE LOCALLY-THEMED ARTWORK THAT ADORNS THE WALLS BOASTS EVERYTHING FROM CRABS TO HOMAGES TO POE."

FLOWER The selection of flower at Ascend is wide, with a huge variety of price and potency ranges. Most days you can slide out of the store with an eighth of flower for $25, but if you want to splurge they have great options at the $50 price point as well. Their well-stocked shelves feature everything from fruity and exotic to sweet and cakey cultivars, and of course, all the classic gas, Haze and Kush strains we all know and love. Keep an eye out for daily discounts on select brands (listed on their website) and don’t let a lack of cash keep you from stopping in – Ascend happily accepts debit cards.

EDIBLES During the time of my visit, I could grab a buy one/get one free deal on Smokiez edibles! This 50% discount is basically an unbeatable deal, and consistent with their approach to offers and specials that put not just a little extra money back in the pocket of patients and customers – but a high-quality product as well. Deals aside, the selection of edibles was consistent with the best I have seen in the state of Maryland. Whether you’re after chews, chocolates, drinks, baked goods, tablets or capsules, Ascend’s selection is nothing short of highly appetizing.

C O N C E N T R AT E S Live resin dominates the concentrate menu here (which I was not mad about) and they continue to add new products like hash rosin on a daily basis. You can of course find things like RSO, shatter, and all the other usual suspects on the menu. Remember, concentrates are currently only available to the medical market – but recreational customers can still pick up distillate cartridges in the meantime.

ASCEND CANNABIS ELLICOTT CITY 10169 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, ELLICOTT CITY, MD LETSASCEND.COM @ASCENDDISPENSARIE (410) 988-6004 9AM-9PM DAILY

STORY & PHOTOS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF

Now Available

At Your Local Dispensary https://www.thefadecompany.com

Must be 21+ or a medical cannabis patient to view this content

Scan QR Code To Learn More FOLLOW US ON

or VISIT YOUR LOCAL STORY

STORY OF HYATTSVILLE 2486 Chillum Rd Hyattsville, MD 20782 (240) 800-7544

STORY OF MECHANICSVILLE 38105 Three Notch Rd Mechanicsville, MD 20659 (301) 242-3200

STORY OF SILVER SPRING 12355 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 20906 (240) 247-3017

STORY OF WALDORF 2250 Old Washington Rd Waldorf, MD 20601 (301) 291-7944

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OPEN EVERYDAY 10AM - 10PM CONSUMPTION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS MAY IMPAIR YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE A CAR OR OPERATE MACHINERY. PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION. THERE MAY BE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CANNABIS USE, ESPECIALLY DURING PREGNANCY OR BREAST-FEEDING. ACCIDENTAL CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS BY CHILDREN OR ANIMALS MAY RESULT IN SEVERE ADVERSE REACTIONS. KEEP CANNABIS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS.

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16

PAT I E N T O F T H E M O N T H

CANNABIS FOR A BETTER LIFE

joannadebaugh EVERY STORM RUNS OUT OF RAIN; that’s the message Joanna DeBaugh carries today.

Regrettably, it is a tale that has taken two decades to tell. Joanna, a 41-year-old single mother from Boonsboro, Maryland, was diagnosed in high school with kidney disease. Doctors cautioned her about the severity of long-term health risks, including advising against pregnancy. However, in 2004 she gave birth to a son, Jacob. In 2008, those warnings appeared ominous when kidney failure forced Joanna, now the mother of a four-year-old child, to undergo dialysis treatments while hoping for a miracle. Her prayers for a healthy donor arrived when her mother, Joyce, proved to be a match. “Unfortunately, [her kidney] only lasted five years,” she said, citing a variety of rejection episodes.

“I had to go back to getting dialysis – this time hemodialysis. They had to fuse an artery and vein in my arm to make a fistula. I was back getting treatment four hours a day, three days per week.”

Unable to work a full-time job, Joanna was forced to rely on government benefits and the help of family and friends to get by. She was placed back on the donor list in 2013, asked to play a waiting game once more. A feeling of helplessness was soon accompanied by a deep melancholy.

“I’ve always worked,” the graduate of Grace Academy said, admitting to profound and lengthy periods of depression. “To me, even having a job is helping fulfill some type of purpose. They also had me on really high doses of prednisone at that time. The side effects just made my depression worse.”

In 2014, a cadaver donor gave Joanna another bite at the apple. She underwent a second kidney transplant at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, which allowed her to return to the workforce. But the success of the operation appeared short-lived when doctors diagnosed Joanna with stage four kidney failure in 2017.

Overwhelmed, she applied for a medical Cannabis license to help cope with the stress and anxiety.

“My son was the number one reason I kept going,” she said. “I’m the only parent in the picture. I had to keep going.”

As the medical industry opened its doors to Maryland, Joanna took a chance on a new occupation – leaving behind a job as a claims adjuster for State Farms Insurance in favor of part-time employment with Kind Therapeutics, Inc. (the Maryland division of multi-state Cannabis operator MariMed).

Working at the company’s Hagerstown cultivation and processing facility, she started with packaging edibles and has since ascended up the ranks, serving as the full-time Edibles Manufacturing Manager for the past three years. Her “home” during the day is the facility’s GMP-certified, state-of-the-art kitchen.

“I feel very grateful to be a part of something that is bigger than me,” she said. “I’m part of a team [at MariMed] that takes great commitment and pride in what we are doing. And that makes it a dream job.”

Joanna is careful not to sell Cannabis as a cure for kidney disease. She does, however, cite its use for the improvement of her physical and mental health, bolstering the resilience needed to overcome a battle that has defined more than half her life.

“I get to help people improve their quality of life by doing something I love,” she said, claiming food as one of her love languages. “I get to help make medicine that is not manufactured and placed in a pharmacy.”

Recently, her son Jacob graduated high school. Now 19, Joanna says she is blessed to witness him tackle the challenge of adulthood.

“We really have a very special bond,” she said, noting that Jacob hopes to someday work as an automotive mechanic. “Through all my health issues, he’s seen me persevere and he’s the reason I kept going. But it’s not something I did by myself. Again, I just feel so blessed and grateful to be here.”

“I feel very grateful to be a part of something that is bigger than me...

I’m part of a team that takes great commitment and pride in what we are doing.

And that makes it a dream job.”

DEC. 2023

STORY by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

Leaf g Medical Cannabis

Order online at

gLeaf.com

gLeaf Frederick

4606 Wedgewood Blvd.

Frederick, MD 21703 301-662-2222

gLeaf Rockville

808 Hungerford Dr. Rockville, MD 20850 301-917-3665 MEDICAL CANNABIS IS FOR QUALIFIED MARYLAND PATIENTS ONLY. FREE DELIVERY MAY REQUIRE MINIMUM SPEND AMOUNT BASE D ON DELIVERY LOCATION

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES WITH OUR SUN-GROWN, NATURAL WILDFLOWER!

WILD FLOWER Grow West is proud to introduce Wildflower, our latest flower line grown entirely outdoors in the bountiful and temperate mountains of Maryland. Our Wildflower receives ample sunlight, fresh air, and nourishment from rainwater. Plant extracts, natural oils, and minerals are used to aid growth, but ultimately, the plant relies on Mother Nature to thrive. Discover the purest and most natural way to enjoy cannabis with Wildflower today.

Medical cannabis is for certified Maryland patients only; or must be 21+ to purchase.

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concentrate of the month

SLAPZ

gLeaf

LIVE ROSIN BADDER

20

GLEAF.COM @GLEAF_WELLNESS

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69.2% THCa 7.78% total terps 2.37% limonene 1.48% caryophyllene 1.29% myrcene .55% humulene .53% linalool .5% pinene .3% fenchol 19% terpineol .12% camphene

DEC. 2023

Effects sparkle with a euphoria alongside the couch-locking and pain-relieving waves pulsing through the body. gLeaf Slapz live rosin badder lives up to its namesake with a powerful slap to the face that will rattle your endocannabinoid system with each and every dab. Consider it the heavy-hitter in the concentrate kit of the professional toker – suitable for treating the heaviest of symptoms and breaking through the highest of tolerances. For me, the Slapz provides a smackdown that helps me recover from those super long days dominated by high stress and chronic pain.

As many of you know, rosin products are made from the application of heat and pressure to the flower/hash to produce rosin. What you may not know? We can produce different viscosities of oil via this process, similar to hydrocarbon extracts like shatters, budders and sugars. The gLeaf Slapz is a true badder – making it convenient to dab, as well as to work with in joints, blunts and bowls. Its fusion of potency and ease of use solidifies its place in the connoisseur’s toking kit.

The aroma brings a classic sweet and sour with a citrus fuel that’ll be undoubtedly nostalgic for the old heads – boasting a delectable terpene profile that carries with it effects as powerful as the smells.

The notable dominance of limonene makes Slapz’s effects sparkle with a euphoria alongside the couch-locking and pain-relieving waves pulsing through the body. A wildly-good mood and full-body relief you say?

Sounds like the perfect heavy-hitter for the holidaze to us.

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

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STRAIN OF THE MONTH

“Provides a rich and luxurious headspace, minus the couchlocking effects.”

28.6% THCA .57% CARYOPHYLLENE .39% LIMONENE .29% LINALOOL .15% HUMULENE .13% MYRCENE CULTA.IO | @CULTAIG

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24

DOSIDOS #

DEC. 2023

CULTIVATED BY CULTA

Culta Cannabis has long cultivated a reputation for producing top-tier flower and as such, has amassed a robust catalog of some of the best cultivars available in our state. In this collection of genetics is a highly sought after line by the name of Dosidos – and within it dances several varieties of its dankness.

#22-22

THE DOSIDOS #22-22 is our pick for the best representation of this coveted genetic line – both potent and loud, it’s the perfect encapsulation of your quintessential indica effects.

Exploring the terpene profile reveals a caryophyllene:limonene:linalool dominance leading the way and providing a rich and luxurious headspace, minus the couch-locking effects that can occur when myrcene tries to take over. This allows the strain to address symptoms with an even balance of physical and mental relief, without sending you to foggily and groggily take on the day. Consistently chronic, Dosidos #22-22 is one of Maryland’s most popular flowers to date for these hardhitting and reliable effects.

The jar pop leaves little-to-no time between the initial twist and an overwhelming sensation of being smacked by smell. Indeed, opening a batch is loud enough to fill an entire house, let alone a room. The aromatic mosaic lingers in the air as an amalgamation of adhesives and fuel layers over a cakey goodness, capturing the senses and inducing daydreams of gassy grandeur.

So, does dancing with flavors of oil refineries and bakeries sound like a festive addition to your holiday season? Just let Dosidos #22-22 lead the way for a mouth watering Cannabis experience that’s sure to delight.

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

THE EDIBLES ISSUE

WEEDY WONKA

26

To u r i n g S u n M e d L a b s E d i b l e Fa c to r y leafmagazines.com

How good are SunMed Growers’ Cannabis edibles?

So good, says one Maryland man, that he was willing to stake his career, his marriage and the wellbeing of his entire family on them. “It’s been a great ride,” smiled Andrew Reich. “We kind of make the joke, that when the Yankees call, you answer the phone call.”

DEC. 2023

“Once on board, Reich helped to draw the blueprints for the lab.

What followed was a $16 million, 25,000-square-foot factory as part of the company's 500,000square-foot complex.”

The 39-year-old has been the Division Manager of SunMed Labs for nearly three years. He entered a meeting with Owner Jake Van Wingerden, who wanted to see if Reich (serving as the Vice President of Operations for iAnthus at that time) was the right person for the job.

“They had only been in cultivation,” recalled Reich, who got his start in the Cannabis industry with Arizona Facilities Supplies in 2017. “So in 2020, [Jake] asked me, “If I ever bought a processing license, would you come and run it?”

That hypothetical became a reality in April of 2021 when the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) approved the ownership transfer of a processing license, making way for SunMed Growers to create SunMed Labs. Their plan was to build out a new 30,000-square-foot Cannabis processing lab and commercial kitchen on its Warwick campus. But first, a team had to move the labs acquired through PharmaCann from Cumberland – a 214-mile trek.

“That’s a long drive,” said Reich, who drove an 18-foot cargo vehicle on behalf of SunMed. “At the time, I wasn’t even technically working for SunMed. I was in a holding period and they were paying

hourly as a contractor until [my family] was able to make the transition and move up here.”

Reich had to convince his wife, Leigh, to uproot themselves and their newborn little girl – selling their house in Central Maryland in the process and moving hours east to the Delaware border.

“That was a tough sell,” said Reich, who attended Towson University. “Honestly, it was a pretty rough patch in our marriage and she wasn’t completely sold on it.”

The Van Wingerdens’ success around the country in farming, Cannabis included, was swaying.

As was SunMed’s commitment to the Reichs. In exchange for removing Reich from his non-compete contract with iAnthus Capital, SunMed Growers agreed to give a five-percent discount on all orders for the following year.

Once on board, Reich helped to draw the blueprints for the lab. What followed was a $16 million, 25,000-square-foot factory as part of the company's 500,000-square-foot complex.

“Ownership has a pretty simple philosophy: hire good people and give them no excuses,” Reich said. “That means giving us the best material and best equipment to make the best products.”

The factory – coined by colleagues as the “Willy Wonka Weed Factory” – took two years to build. In the interim, Reich and a small team worked out of a garage lab.

“We started with chocolates,” he said. “We had to walk before we could run. We had to get our formulation and calculations dialed in. If we dosed them wrong in the beginning, we’d melt them down and re-dose them. Our introduction into the edibles realm was a learning process.”

SunMed Labs now boasts nine different varieties of gummy flavors, as well as seven varieties of chocolates. Brownie bites and ORiA gummies are scheduled to launch in December, while SunMed truffles will make an appearance on the market this winter.

SunMed Labs, Reich boasts, led the Maryland wholesale market with a total of 21.2% of sales, citing a Benzinga News report from September.

“I’ve been a Cannabis consumer for 20 years and it feels good to put out affordable, high-quality products to the public,” he said.

And best of all? His marriage is thriving, and his little girl’s future is brighter than ever.

“We both agree it’s the best decision we ever made,” said Reich, speaking on behalf of Leigh.

“SunMed is a great little family here.”

Charged with a staff of 50 of the 200 total employees in Warwick, Reich got to witness the wholesome nature of his work family this fall. A few months after celebrating the opening of recreational Cannabis in Maryland, the Van Wingerdens announced that everyone in the company would receive a $10,000 raise.

“It was emotional for everybody here,” he said.

“That’s life-changing money. There were single moms crying. Everyone rose to give a standing ovation. It was just a lot of raw emotion. People were grateful. It was pretty cool.”

SUNMEDGROWERS.COM | @SUNMED.LABS

STORY by BAXSEN PAINE for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by SARAH CAPPARUCCINI @SARAHROSEFOTOS See more photos from the garden at LeafMagazines.com

Fizzy Festivity

28

Known for its popular THC Seltzer Crescent 9, Crescent Canna has established its brand in over 1,000 retail locations across 20 states, as well as serving customers across the country by way of online distribution.

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THE EDIBLES ISSUE

Behind the Scenes at Crescent Canna

“We want to be the best,” said Rob Lind, Co-owner and Chief Operations Officer of Crescent Canna. “Our products are different. We use real brewing ingredients.

When you drink and consume it, you can taste and feel the difference.”

Nearly a decade before Crescent Canna opened its doors in 2019, Rob jumped into the CBD industry on behalf of one patient: his mother, Laurel.

At age 61, doctors discovered she had a cancerous tumor – and her son was determined to do everything in his power to help her return to good health.

“At the time, I was a commercial energy consultant for a Fortune 500 company,” recalled the resident of North Carolina and native of Los Angeles. “But once my mother got cancer, it scared the crap out of me. I wanted to figure out how to extract and create CBD products at home – and quickly.”

Rob took a job with a CBD company as their procurement and marketing specialist, eventually being tasked with managing a warehouse and building out a laboratory.

Working in concert with a PhD chemist, Rob says he helped reformulate the product to better fit patient needs. After a year in the industry, he jumped back into the energy field – but the experience left a lasting impression.

“It really drove me back,” said the 37 year old. “I was tired of sitting behind three monitors. I wanted to get back to being hands on and helping people.”

DEC. 2023

Rob was introduced to business partners in Louisiana and soon Crescent Canna was created, manufacturing and distributing out of Charlotte, North Carolina. February 2019 marked Crescent Canna’s launch of a line of products featuring CBD tinctures, topicals and gummies, as well as hemp flower. Soon after, Rob and his partners established a goal of making its mark on the CBD beverage market.

“We identified that as a desire early on and really wanted to be the first in the market doing it,” he said. “Our whole objective was to swing for the fences on this and we hit it hard.”

Crescent 9 offers three varieties, including the

ever-popular Tropical flavor with 6mg of THC and 3mg of CBD that’s considered to be the company’s flagship formulation. Ginger Lemonade (5mg THC, 4mg CBD) and Strawberry (50mg THC) are also available.

The products source ingredients from grows in California, Florida, Texas and Colorado, and are created with help from Deutsche Beverage – a local North Carolina affiliate with a national presence.

Crescent Canna then sends the final product out for independent testing at Florida’s ACS Laboratories and California’s SC Labs – a pair of reputable testing companies in the Cannabis industry – mak-

“One of the best things I’ve found is looking at our reviews and seeing the impact we’ve had on people's lives … I love reading them.”

ing sure products are free of contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, etc.) and establishing their level of potency (amount of various cannabinoids). Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are then posted on its website.

“We’ve put a lot of work into establishing a deep trust and loyalty with our customer base,” Rob said.

Crescent 9’s top-shelf “flavor, quality and effect,” he explains, are the reasons Crescent Canna didn’t just stay afloat during the challenges of a global pandemic. Rather, it managed to thrive.

“This is a low-dose alternative to alcohol,” Rob said. “People can go out to bars and be able to dose themselves accurately.

We always want our customers to consume

responsibly and with the lower dose cans, that makes it possible. Many of our customers have said they’ve cut back their alcohol consumption 30 to 50 percent, sometimes even more. They report better sleep and they awake with no hangover.”

This past October, the Crescent 9 beverage brand recorded its highest grossing total in distribution and e-commerce in four years of operation. The success has allowed Crescent Canna to expand its operations, moving from a facility of 3,500 square feet to over 8,000.

The team is nearing 1 million cans sold.

“Crescent 9 is sold in over 1,000 bars and restaurants around the country, “he said.

“Our margins lead the Cannabis beverage industry.”

Of equal excitement to Rob, his mother Laurel’s cancer has been in remission for eight years.

“She is one of our biggest supporters,” he smiled. “She is a frequent consumer and advocate.”

Impacting lives, he says, is a better feeling than any success he ever experienced as a cog in the energy sector.

“One of the best things I’ve found is looking at our reviews and seeing the impact we’ve had on people's lives,” Rob said. “It’s feel-good and rewarding to know our products truly make a difference. I love reading them. It makes me feel like I know our customers even better. Crescent Canna works.

It helps people. And changes lives.”

CRESCENTCANNA.COM | @CRESCENT_CANNA

STORY by BAXSEN PAINE for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by CRESCENT CANNA

THE EDIBLES ISSUE

REVIEWS | CHOCOLATES & BAKED GOODS

LUX CARAMEL-FILLED CHOCOLATES SEA SALT CARAMEL, SMOKED ALMOND AND CARAMEL MACCHIATO

Each one of these flavors is nothing short of tantalizing, making it hard to decide which one was my favorite. All three of them are caramel-filled, but when you look at the bottom of each piece you’ll notice crumbles of almonds and what appears to be smashed coffee beans. Lux is making waves on the market here in Maryland – expect to see them in more dispensaries as time goes on, as they’re definitely an edible to keep an eye out for. 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack

BUBBY’S BAKED CHOCO CHIP, SNICKERDOODLE AND BROWNIE BITES Still one of the only baked goods offerings on Maryland’s Cannabis market, Bubby’s has these recipes down pat. The Cannabis flavor barely makes it through, which is a plus for those who prefer their edibles sans the herbaceousness often associated with infused foods. Texture-wise, these remind me of little bites and provide a lovely feeling of nostalgia. My sweet spot was two of the five pieces in a pack – putting me in a perfect state of mind to slip away to sleep. 10mg THC per bite | 50mg THC per pack | @bubbysbaked

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LILLYBEAR FREEZE DRIED ASTRO BITES

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CHOCOLATE, STRAWBERRY AND NEAPOLITAN

Nostalgia is the name of the game with these tasty bites of goodness – bringing a softened-chocolate consistency and slight crunchiness that really takes me back. The Cannabis flavor is masked nicely and I found myself digging into each bag multiple times, but the Neapolitan’s classic blend of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla was especially enticing. Just two bites had me flirting with euphoria … perfect for putting a sparkle on holiday festivities. 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack @lillybearedibles

DIXIE PEPPERMINT DARK CHOCOLATES

ENCORE EDIBLES

MILK AND DARK SEA SALT CHOCOLATES

The milk chocolate varieties from Encore include both sativa and indica options, and the dark chocolate version is a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBN. Knowing CBN’s reputation for helping with sleep, I definitely found myself going back to the dark chocolate sea salt before bedtime. The individual wrapping of each chocolate in the package is a plus, making them easy to transport without worrying about making a mess. One chocolate was the perfect amount to get me into a relaxed headspace. Milk Chocolate | 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack Dark Sea Salt | 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack | @encoreedibles |

DEC. 2023

Dixie is a brand that has stayed around since the beginning of the Cannabis market here thanks to Curio Wellness. These chocolates are gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free and contain all-natural flavoring. I love a good dark peppermint chocolate during the holidays … and these have that extra little kick I need. As a 25mg per piece edible, I definitely didn’t consume more than one of these at a time – but given the large size of each piece, I could easily eat half and have my chocolate craving satisfied. 25mg THC per piece 250mg THC per pack | @dixiebrandsofficial

REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLY_WYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

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THE EDIBLES ISSUE

REVIEWS | CHOCOLATES & BAKED GOODS

BEEZLE CHOCOLATE BITES MILK CHOCOLATE, KRUNCH, BERRY, BLACK & WHITE KRUNCH

The design of these bites is a sight to behold – featuring a unique hexagonal shape and honeycomb imprints, with telltale signs of the flavors within breaking through layers of chocolate to reveal their tastiness. You can’t go wrong with Milk Chocolate, Berry is delicious and a rare flavor for the Maryland market, Krunch is reminiscent of Buncha Crunch, and Black & White Krunch (my favorite of the bunch) is a take on the classic Cookies & Cream. 10mg THC per piece 100mg THC per pack | @beezlebrands_md

32

HICOLOR INFUSED CHOCOLATE BITES

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HiColor is bringing a plethora of flavor and potency options for their chocolates, making it easy for consumers to find their individual sweet spot. With per piece/per package potency options of 10mg/100mg and 40mg/400mg coming in Milk, Dark and Blonde Chocolate varieties, there’s a little something for every palate. The Blonde was undoubtedly attractive due to its unique taste and overall rarity on the market, but 20mg of any of the flavors got me stoned and zoned to perfection. Blonde and Dark Chocolate | 10mg THC per piece 100mg THC per pack | Milk Chocolate | 40mg THC per piece | 400mg THC per pack @vireohealth

SUNMED GROWERS SUNNIES DARK, MINT MILK, RASPBERRY WHITE AND MINT DARK CHOCOLATE

SunMed’s consistency in their edibles lineup is top tier, so I was excited to see them bring a line of chocolate to the market. These flavors are true to their names, with little-to-no Cannabis taste burning its way through the chocolate. Each piece is individually packaged – something I always appreciate due to the freshness and transportability it ensures. Between the five delicious flavors I tried, the Raspberry White Chocolate’s silky blend of sweet cream and fruit stood out from its chocolate counterparts. Keep an eye out for seasonal flavors across the SunMed product line – palate pleasin’ for the holiday season! 10mg per piece | 100mg per pack @sunmed.labs

DEC. 2023

EVERMORE DISCOS CHOCOLATES PEPPERMINT DARK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE, MILK AND DARK CHOCOLATES

What makes Evermore Discos so special? FECO. Full Extract Cannabis Oil gives you the full range of cannabinoids outside the usual suspects of THC and occasional CBD. Their high-minded holiday line featuring Peppermint Dark and White Chocolate brings back memories of stockings filled with candy on Christmas morning. The quality of chocolate used in Discos has always been spectacular, and I find that 10mg of these is always enough to get me to my desired state. 10mg-40mg per piece | 100mg-400mg per pack @evermorebrands

gLeaf DARK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE These high quality chocolates feature a fun rhombus shape that can be broken down into 5mg pieces for precise dosing, or built into a pinwheel if your highness has you feeling creative. I’m a sucker for white chocolate in general … and melting these down and drizzling them on top of baked goods feels like I might be falling in love.

10mg THC per piece 100mg THC per pack @gleaf.md

REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLY_WYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

THE EDIBLES ISSUE

REVIEWS | GUMMIES & CHEWS

CURIO WELLNESS TERPENE INFUSED CHEWS & GI STIMULATE CHEWS BERRY ZEST & CITRUS GINGER

SWEET TALK INFUSED GUMMIES Sweet Talk has a wide variety of flavors in their chews and I was lucky enough to find Blue Raspberry (indica), Cranberry Raspberry (indica), Guava Passionfruit (sativa) and Green Apple (hybrid). All of the formulations had noticeably different effects, and the alertness of the sativa really gave me a boost. The Blue Raspberry was my favorite, taking me back to my Dum-Dum days. 5mg THC per chew | 100mg THC per pack | @bubbysbaked

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The Terpene Infused chews utilize specific terps to produce a desired effect, and I found the relaxation of the Berry Zest variety to be a great match for a particularly stressful day. The intention with GI Stimulate chews is to increase appetite, coupled with relaxation. Edibles typically give me the munchies, but the power of CBG took these to the next level. I also really enjoyed the Citrus Ginger flavor, which tends to calm my stomach in and of itself.

Berry Zest | 5mg THC per bite | 100mg THC per pack GI Stimulate 20mg CBG | 5mg THC per piece and 200mg CBG | 50mg THC per pack @curiowellnessbrand

ENCORE GUMMIES BERRY BURST, TROPICAL MANGO, STRAWBERRY PEACH 2:1 AND CONCORD GRAPE

HICOLOR NANO & ORIGINAL GUMMIES SOUR BLUEBERRY NANO, BLACK CURRANT NANO, CHERRY, MULBERRY & BLUEBERRY

Sugary little squares are the name of the game with gummies from HiColor, and they come in a fast-acting Nano, as well as the sativa, hybrid and indica Originals. The Sour Blueberry Nanos have always been a favorite of mine, and the Original blend is now made with full spectrum RSO – giving you a full range of cannabinoids for a robust high. The Nanos kicked in within about 15 minutes, a much faster onset than most edibles out there. The Originals lasted for hours and hours until I fell asleep, and for that reason I mostly used them on the weekend, versus Nanos on weekdays. 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack | @vireohealth

DEC. 2023

I appreciate the fact that Encore is labeling their edibles by indica and sativa, as this factor is so important for medicinal and recreational Cannabis consumers alike. The Berry Burst are a sweet-flavored indica, the Strawberry Peach are sour and contain 20mg of CBD and 10mg of THC apiece, the Concord Grape are RSO indica, and the Tropical Mango are RSO sativa – a little something for every palate. It is really nice to see this company using RSO and giving people all of the cannabinoids they want and need! My favorite of this bunch was the Concord Grape, putting me in a relaxed state of euphoria after two gummies.

Berry Burst, Tropical Mango, and Concord Grape 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack | Strawberry Peach 2:1 20mg CBD and 10mg THC per piece | 200mg CBD and 100mg THC per pack | @encoreedibles

REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLY_WYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

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THE EDIBLES ISSUE

REVIEWS | GUMMIES & CHEWS STRANE LIVE RESIN GUMMIES MIXED BERRY GARCIA HAND PICKED GUMMIES

This is the first time I have seen gummies on the Maryland market infused with live resin – and these soft and sugary little cubes are strain specific. I tried Wild Strawberry infused with RYFO live resin and Blood Orange Mimosa infused with Sour Tangie live resin. Sour Tangie is already one of those strains that tastes so good you could eat it, so this gummy was a favorite for me.

The Garcia Hand Picked gummies are a delightful mix of blue, red and orange flavors – a little something for every palate.

10mg THC per piece 100mg THC per pack @thisisstrane @garciahandpicked

36

WANA CHEWS W/ CANNABINOID RATIOS

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DREAM BERRY, MIDNIGHT BERRY, STRAWBERRY LEMONADE, STRAWBERRY LIME AND EXOTIC YUZU

Dream Berry and Midnight Berry have one clear intention with their ratios of different cannabinoids: sleep. The Dream Berry is a little heavier on all of the cannabinoids, including CBD, CBN, CBG and THC. Every time I popped open these containers, the smell had me reaching for another – although I really only needed one to get to a sleepy state. 1:1 and 2:1 ratios are so important to have in your edible stash – balancing each other out in a symphony of effects. My favorite of this bunch is the Exotic Yuzu flavor, bringing me back to the farmer’s market where I drink “Yuzuade” from Ekiben! @wanabrands Dream Berry 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack 5mg CBG & CBN per piece | 50mg CBG & CBN per pack 20mg CBD per piece | 200mg CBD per pack Midnight Berry 2mg THC per piece | 20mg THC per pack 2mg CBG & CBN per piece | 20mg each CBN & CBG per pack 10mg CBD per piece | 100mg CBD per pack Strawberry Lime and Strawberry Lemonade 10mg THC & CBD per piece | 100mg THC & CBD per pack Exotic Yuzu 2:1 20mg CBD per piece | 200mg CBD per pack 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack

DEC. 2023

BETTY’S EDDIES CANNABIS FRUIT CHEWS BEDTIME (LEMON AGAVE AND RASPBERRY CREME), GO BETTY GO (WATERMELON), EASIN'; EDDIES (PINEAPPLE ORANGE), AND SWEAT WEATHER BETTY’S (APPLE PIE)

I’ve personally been to the Betty’s Eddies facility and have seen their chews being crafted in small batches, with organic and natural fruits and vegetables. There’s nothing else like them available on the market texture and consistency wise, reminiscent of an upgraded saltwater taffy that’ll get you high. Most of the flavors have added spices, while some contain natural caffeine or melatonin. Keep an eye out for exciting new combos released seasonally, especially the Sweater Weather Betty’s that tastes like fresh apple pie! @bettyseddiesofficial Sweater Weather Betty’s | 10mg THC per chew | 100mg THC per pack Bedtime Betty’s Raspberry Creme | 10mg THC | 20mg CBD | 5mg CBN per chew Bedtime Betty’s Lemon Agave | 10mg THC per chew | 100mg THC per pack + melatonin Easin' Eddies | 10mg THC | 5mg CBG | 2.5mg CBDV per chew Go Betty Go | 40mg THC | 2.5mg THCV per chew

REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLY_WYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

THE EDIBLES ISSUE

REVIEWS | GUMMIES & CHEWS

CURIO WELLNESS MEDICATED CHEWS

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Chews from Curio come in so many different flavors and variations of potency, but I wanted to focus on a select three. Elderberry Hibiscus smell and taste of sweet berries and flowers, and I used these for my midday edible. Good Night was the perfect dose before bed, helping me fall asleep and stay asleep. But the Citrus Honey was definitely my favorite, providing me with a strong dose of CBD for anxiety relief.

Keep an eye out for Curio’s never-ending selection of flavors and potencies!

Elderberry Hibiscus | 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack Good Night | 5mg THC & 10mg CBN per piece | 50mg THC & 100mg CBN per pack Citrus Honey | 2mg THC & 20mg CBD per piece | 20mg THC & 200mg CBD per pack @curiowellnessbrand

BEEZLE BITES SOLVENTLESS ROSIN GUMMIES PEACH & RASPBERRY

For all the people out there on a strictly solventless diet, these Beezle Bites are definitely something to get excited about. And if you don’t know what you just read, it means these gummies are made with a solventless rosin that does not require any chemicals to extract. The flavor on both of these is spot on, true to their names, and sweet without overpowering the palate. A great treat to get your holiday season sparkling! 10mg THC | 100mg THC per pack | @beezlebrands_md

CULTA ROBHOTS GUMMIES EXOTICS, REDS, APPLE PIE, BERRIES & NIGHT TIME

Gummies from Robhots are produced by Culta here in Maryland, and they’re doing justice to the brand. Each individual flavor other than Apple Pie has a blend of three different colors and flavors of gummies per package. The dosage is 10mg per chew with the exception of the Night Time version, which has 20mg CBN, 10mg THC, and melatonin added for the extra sleepy-time power. I like this dosage of CBN for its added potency, as it breaks through my higher tolerance level and ushers me to sleep peacefully. Exotics, Reds, Apple Pie, Berries | 10mg THC | 100mg THC per pack Night Time | 20mg CBN & 10mg THC per piece | 200mg CBN & 100mg THC per pack | @cultaig

DEC. 2023

SUNMED LABS SUNNIES GUMMIES GREEN APPLE, CINNAMON, GOLDEN PINEAPPLE, AND APPLE PIE

Yet another outstanding product to make its way out of SunMed Labs, Sunnies Gummies are one of my favorites from the texture to the flavor. I really enjoy how SunMed is always coming up with creative holiday-themed and flavored edibles. I dug back into the Green Apple bag several times, and was smoking Golden Pineapple live resin while eating the Golden Pineapple gummies – quite the pairing. Keep your eyes peeled for new flavors constantly hitting the market.

10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack @sunmed.labs

REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLY_WYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

THE EDIBLES ISSUE

REVIEWS | GUMMIES & CHEWS BEBOE INFUSED GUMMIES CLOUD 9, INSPIRED, REMEDY BLEND & SWEET DREAMS BLEND

Every single flavor has 20 gummies in each package, which allows for a multitude of options for specific cannabinoid doses.

Inside the box is a resealable bag to keep the gummies fresh. The Cloud 9 are sparkling pear flavored, the Inspired are blood orange, the Remedy are golden peach, and the Sweet Dreams is raspberry plum.

The Sweet Dreams has the perfect little slice of CBN for a restful night’s sleep.

Cloud 9 | 5mg THC | 5mg CBG per piece Inspired | 5mg THC per piece Remedy Blend | 5mg of THC | 10mg CBD Sweet Dreams Blend | 5mg THC 1mg CBN per piece @beboefamily

gLeaf CITRUS MEDICATED CHEWS These delicious little squares from gLeaf are that denser gummy consistency we have come to know and love. I know we all learned not to play with our food as kids, but we could not resist stacking these uniform bites up for a photo. The flavor is sweet and sour at the same time, perfect for Tangie heads like myself. After two chews, both my body and spirits were uplifted.

10mg THC 100mg THC per pack @gleaf_wellness

40

WANA CLASSIC & QUICK CHEWS BLOOD ORANGE, WATERMELON, ISLAND PUNCH, ORCHARD PEACH, BLUEBERRY, ITALIAN LEMON CREAM, MANGO AND RASPBERRY LIMEADE

Do you ever buy so many chews at the store you feel like Willy Wonka when you get home? This definitely happened to me with all these flavor options from Wana – why go with a standard lemon when you can have the Italian Lemon Cream? My favorite flavor has always been and still is the Mango, serving up fresh fruit vibes from start to finish. I find the classic chews highly effective for managing my dosage on a particularly stressful day. Quick and Classic | 10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack Blood Orange and Raspberry Limeade | 40mg THC | 400mg THC per pack @wanabrands

IN HOUSE GUMMIES

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BLOOD ORANGE, AND STRAWBERRY

SELECT X BITES RAINBOW UPLOAD, ORANGE MATTER & STRAWBERRY SPACEWALK X Bites make use of liposomal technology with the intention of improving the absorption and increasing the effectiveness of cannabinoids. For me, they kicked in quickly and had lasting effects throughout the day. My favorite flavor was the Rainbow Upload, reminding me of Airheads rainbow strips.

Strawberry Spacewalk was a close second, and I really love the firm consistency of these gummies.

10mg THC per piece | 100mg THC per pack | @select.better

DEC. 2023

I love the size of these little gummies from In House.

They’re like perfect little gumdrops just in time for the holidays.

I definitely wouldn’t mind reaching in my grandma's candy bowl and digging one of these bad boys out. I really enjoyed the 5:1 CBD:THC gummies the Blood Orange flavor. It can be very important for my personal medication regimen to add in large doses of CBD, and this was my go-to product for that. The watermelon we’re a close second, reminding me of Sour Patch Kids. Blood Orange | 50mg CBD | 10mg THC per piece and 500mg CBD | 100mg THC per pack | Strawberry | 10mg CBD & 10mg THC per piece | 100mg CBD & 100mg THC per pack | @marimed_inc

REVIEWS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLY_WYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR

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THE CUSTARD 2 cups whole milk 2 cups heavy cream, not ultra-pasteurized 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon almond extract 6 egg yolks 6 ounces granulated sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon canna-butter, melted and cooled 1. Place milk and cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar, cornstarch and canna-butter until smooth and pale.

3. Gently pour the boiled cream/milk mixture over the egg yolks, starting a few drops at a time while whisking quickly to keep the eggs from cooking.

4. Return the mixture to the saucepan, then cook over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it thickens enough to coat the back of it. Add the vanilla and stir to combine.

5. Pass through a fine sieve, let sit at room temperature for an hour, and cool thoroughly in the fridge.

THE CAKE

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1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, room temp 2 tablespoons canna-butter, room temp 3 cups granulated sugar 5 large eggs, room temp 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ teaspoon almond extract 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature pinch of salt 1. Heat oven to 325º. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.

If you don’t have a bundt pan, a 9x2-inch pan will work.

2. In a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

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1. In a large bowl, gently combine the cake and custard. Fold in the fruit and pour into your serving bowl. Smooth the top.

DECEMBER HASHTAGS // #JingleAllTheWay #LaurieAndMaryJane #DontFearTheEdible #EatYourCannabis #BeKind | #Share #Herb+Spice

2. Top with the whipped heavy cream.

3. Sprinkle with the amaretti cookies.

You can make ahead of time, just wait to whip the cream if you can – and then sprinkle.

The cookies may get soggy otherwise, and that would be a bummer.

THIS IS MY VERY FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESSERT. I serve it on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve. Traditionally a boozy indulgence, this magnificent creation is infused with, you guessed it …

Cannabis. Keeping the dose low throughout the holiday season, the butter is infused with Corazon De Pina – a blend of CBD and THC from East Fork Cultivars with a tasty twist of pineapple and pepper perfect for festive occasions. I find that it heightens focus and moments of happiness in a delightful way. Remember, this is a wonderful time of year to help people and animals – and a sprinkle of these vibes would be a wonderful thing to share with others. Trifle bowls are often surprisingly reasonable in price! I bought a bunch at Target last year for under 10 bucks. Gift a trifle and say, “Keep the bowl!” Now that’s nice. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com

DEC. 2023

3. Add one egg at a time, mixing well. Finish with the vanilla.

4. Combine the flour with the baking powder and salt.

5. Add half the dry ingredients and half the milk. Mix to combine.

Add remaining ingredients until just mixed.

6. Add the batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a cake tester comes out just clean.

7. Cool for 30 minutes before removing from the pan. Cut the cake into 1-inch chunks.

FRUIT 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1 tablespoon canna-butter, melted and cooled 1 tablespoon sugar, more if too tart 1. In a medium bowl, combine berries, canna-butter and sugar.

WHIPPED CREAM 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon powdered sugar 1. In an electric mixer, whip the cream with the sugar until fluffy.

RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF @LAURIEANDMARYJANE for LEAF NATION | PHOTO by BRUCE WOLF @BRUCE_WOLF

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glass art spotlight

@RENEEPATULA | SWEETSHOPGLASS.BIGCARTEL.COM

Renee Patula

In light of our December Edibles Issue, it only made sense to spotlight Renee Patula. Her incredible glasswork transports you to another world parallel to Candyland – think lollipops, ice cream, and massive blasts of color that bring back some of our favorite and most nostalgic memories.

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"I really enjoyed making things that stood out on the shelf … something that people could have a nostalgic connection to.”

DEC. 2023

Focusing primarily on her "Sweet Glass Pendants," Patula started working with the art form in 2004. Originally from San Diego and Temecula in Southern California, she also lived in the northwest Chicago suburbs for about 14 years. She now calls Eugene, Oregon home.

"I've made pipes for years and was getting burnt out. I was looking to change things up, and around 2013 was inspired by emojis. When I first got them on my phone, I thought, ‘What would an emoji cupcake look like?’ And the ideas just came from that," shared Patula.

After that, she started getting custom orders for specific dessert items that reminded people of a loved one, or a favorite treat they used to eat.

"I really enjoyed making things that stood out on the shelf, something more ‘girly’ or something that people could have a nostalgic connection to," said Patula.

Her wondrous creations range from familiar famous holiday treats such as candy corn and Christmas cookies, to classic goodies like Rocket Pops. And she takes you to the ice cream truck with her incredibly detailed cartoon character popsicle pendants – including Sonic, Jigglypuff, Spongebob and Bubbles.

Her work typically retails for $120-$350 and can be found on her Instagram page @ reneepatula, as well as her Etsy and Big Cartel shops. You can also find her work in glass pipe shops all over the country!

STORY by MAX EARLY @LIFTEDSTARDUST for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS courtesy Renee Patula

High On

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for MORE details & booking scan here or visit US AT HIGHERWAYTRAVEL.COM/COLOMBIA

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46

WHERE IS THIS GATE OF WHICH THEY SPEAK? Is it the one that you carelessly enter that leads you into a string of bad decisions, eventually overtaking your better sense of judgment where you surrender to any resistance against an ugly dependency on cocaine and heroin?

Sure, it starts out harmlessly. Just a couple puffs on a joint because you caved to the peer pressure of your cool buddies or older brother and his friends. But next thing you know, you’re selling your ass on the streets – frothing at the mouth, comfortable with needles.

You see, what I envision when I think of going through the Cannabis gate … it’s like entering a wide-open expanse of understanding.

There’s a warm, inviting breeze flowing over a majestic mountain range colored with vibrant, beautifully lit growth in a lush habitat that is inviting and blissful.

Well, maybe that’s LSD … but you get the point.

There is no pressure to stay in this stoney place if it’s not what you’re vibing on, but nonetheless, you are quite welcome to indulge in all that makes you happy. Everyone is welcome. It is a place of tolerance and acceptance. Yes, some of the people appear a pinch dumb, but what the fuck? It’s way better than uptight, right?

The point is this: If someone has a propensity to seek out the highest peak they can reach, only to jump directly off the cliff to the bottom of Marianas Trench – all in the course of a 24-hour period – then there’s probably something called “bad parenting” that had a part in their craving to escape the monster clawing at the inside of their psyche.

Otherwise, Cannabis is not a gateway to anything other than a potential “Rick and Morty” marathon.

And a gateway through the golden arches of McDonald’s to the podium from where you proudly ring the Taco Bell.

dec. 2023

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July 1st WELCOME MED & REC CUSTOMERS!

BEST NEW PATIENT SPECIALS • DAILY DEALS EXCELLENT REWARDS PROGRAM • BROAD SELECTION BALTIMORE • BETHESDA • WHITE MARSH Cannabis may only be lawfully consumed by a consumer 21 years old or older, or a registered medical cannabis patient. Consumption of 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 breast-feeding. A person must be at least 21 years old to view this content.

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Cannabis may only be lawfully consumed by a consumer 21 years old or older, or a registered medical cannabis patient. Consumption of 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 breast-feeding. A person must be at least 21 years old to view this content.