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 (410) 961-8779
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
Kicking off 2025 with a bang is the imaginative work of Canadian illustrator Pete Ryan, in a cheeky homage to one of our favorite games of yesteryear. "A bespectacled child, [Pete] spent his time indoors, drawing endless pictures of bears and dogs," he writes on his website. "He now sits in a sun soaked studio in British Columbia and paints work for magazines, newspapers, advertising, and books." Pete's award-winning work has been published by The New Yorker, TIME, Scientific American and more.
ART BY PETE RYAN FOR LEAF MAGAZINES
@PETEXRYAN | PETERTHOMASRYAN.COM
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES
AJ AGUILAR, FEATURES
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS
JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES
ZACK JOHNSON, PHOTOS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES
MEG MACDONALD, PHOTOS
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES
JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
PETE RYAN, 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
WES ABNEY
Editor’s
Note
Thank you for picking up The Weed and Wellness Issue! It’s a new year and with it comes a fresh chance to focus on health and wellness. It sounds cliché, but health is truly the first wealth, and once squandered, it can be both expensive and difficult to recover. Luckily for us, we have a helper in Cannabis, which fits into every category of the ubiquitous world of health.
Back in 2010, I interviewed a marathon runner and athletic trainer who used Cannabis in training, racing and recovery. During the 28 miles of endurance running, he had a three-stage tincture and Gatorade system to keep the body moving. Years later I would take one of my first over 100 mg THC doses before running a Tough Mudder, which was 12 miles long with obstacles, including ice water, shock therapy and lots of mud. My body held up through the trials, my mind stayed free from the distraction of pain, and my recovery was much easier and aided by additional Cannabis use.
Since then I’ve regularly approached the gym with edibles in my system, not to try and float through a workout, but to push my body to a new limit while keeping my mind insulated from the workout I’ve found this same methodology to work during times of intens e stress, which happen often in a publisher's work life and as a father. Cannabis has helped me through so many difficult times — physically, mentally and emotionally — which is why I’ve dedicated my adult life to sharing our plant.
“CANNABIS HAS HELPED ME THROUGH SO MANY DIFFICULT TIMES — PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY...”
As I head into month 23 of no alcohol, I see clearly how I used to cope with drinking to deal with stress and how Cannabis has slid right in to that role. Even as a Cannabis patient and beLeafer, I didn’t have a full appreciation for the plant and how it has helped me until I really depended on it. I’ve had many tough days, and a few fun ones, when I felt like alcohol would have made things better. Each time I’ve used Cannabis, whether it’s hours later or the next day, I’ve felt so thankful that I chose the safer and healthier drug.
Health is like sobriety. It’s a battle fought daily and can be won daily. There will also be days where you lose, which is why intentional chea t days are great when dieting. Even with alcohol, if the goal is to drink less, what starts as a daily habit becomes easier over time. With Cannabis available in so many forms, it’s a wonderful time to put the plant at the center of your health and wellness plan. From the gym to the kitchen, or even in the bedr oom, Cannabis is ready to enhance and heal at the same time!
TO DEADLY DOO-DOO TWO MEN WOULD SURELY WISH TO UNDO
TWO MEN in Rochester, New York, are dead after using bat poop to feed their Cannabis plants.
Bat guano is the excrement produced by bats, usually after a morning cup of coffee, and it’s full of nutrients and microbes that help feed entire ecosystems. It’s also packed with nitrogen, which Cannabis plants love. While bagged soils with guano are available at most grow shops, our guess is that they went to a more direct source, exposing them to a harmful fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum.
This fungus releases spores, which the men breathed in while inoculating the plants with the mixture. This fungal infection can cause fever and cough, which aren’t so bad, but blood poisoning and respiratory failure are a problem. Both men sought medical attention, but despite treatment with antifungals, they both succumbed to the bat poo flu. While this doesn’t mean we all need to start masking again, there is a lesson to be learned. According to WGME 13, the men initially used bat poop purchased online, but later turned to guano from a bat infestation in their attic.
As a side note, rabies has a 99% fatality rate once symptoms appear, so if bitten by a bat, get the rabies vaccine immediately! And leave its poop for the professionals.
CALIFORNIA POT HAS A PESTICIDE PROBLEM, JUST
LIKE THE UNITED STATES' FOOD SUPPLY
THE LA TIMES reported last month that more than half of the products tested for recreational sale contained chemicals and pesticides that are not being monitored.
While this is a problem largely for the recreational market, which has testing and regulations that the black market does not, it seems to be a pervasive problem for the country’s largest Cannabis marketplace.
The LA Times has been breaking news on this issue all year, with an intense focus on pesticides in pot. Though it might not seem as big an issue as the $24 billion Gov. Gavin Newsom has spent on homelessness, especially as the state celebrates the 20th anniversary of its 10-year drive to end homelessness, ripping on the pot industry generates clicks — so here we are.
Cannabis testing screens for specific pesticides, but this list of 66 chemicals doesn’t match the 290 screened in a private market test.
What’s still unclear to this longtime smoker is the actual effects of pesticides on pot. Our government allows pesticides to be sprayed on strawberries and apples until the day of harvest. Our wheat is treated with glyphosate not just during growing season as a pesticide, but as a desiccant after harvest. Yes, we spray poison on our wheat to dry it out and keep bugs out.
The big takeaways from the most recent exposé are the presence of pesticides and chemicals that aren’t being tested for, including an insecticide called pymetrozine, which was once an ingredient in Lysol. Cannabis testing screens for specific pesticides, but this list of 66 chemicals doesn’t match the 290 screened in a private market test.
While we aren’t smoking bowls of wheat, hopefully, it seems as though the fear of pesticides in pot might be a lot of hot smoke. The black market, which supplies a huge amount of Cannabis to the world, isn’t tested, and there isn’t an epidemic of health issues there. While there seems to be a lack of evidence that Cannabis does anything but help heal those who use it, we can’t wait to see the new FDA tackle glyphosate, artificial dyes, artificial colors and all the other food additives that are banned in the EU and Canada. There’s plenty of solid data on the harms from those, which the LA Times might want to investigate instead of pointing the finger at weed.
CANNABIS RESEARCH PAPERS SURGED IN LAST DECADE
THE LAST DECADE saw the highest number of scientific papers ever written about Cannabis, with more than 35,000 published in the past 10 years alone. Cannabis research has been largely blocked for the last 50 years by the Controlled Substances Act, which defines Cannabis as a drug with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medicinal benefits.
While most Americans find this classification to be total bullshit, it has done more than fuel the war on drugs but also restricted the ability to conduct research in the United States.
Worldwide, Cannabis is studied for a huge variety of reasons, from anti-cancer properties to a host of therapeutic benefits. The data is starting to amass, making it harder for politicians and law enforcement alike to malign the plant much longer. For NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, the situation is clear, as evidenced by the statement published on NORML’s website.
“Despite the perception that marijuana has yet to be subject to adequate scientific scrutiny, scientists’ interest in studying Cannabis has increased exponentially in the past decade, as has our understanding of the plant, its active constituents, their mechanisms of action, and their effects on both the user and upon society. It is time for politicians and others to stop assessing Cannabis through the lens of ‘what we don’t know’ and instead start engaging in evidence-based discussions about marijuana and marijuana reform policies that are indicative of all that we do know.”
“Despite the perception that marijuana has yet to be subject to adequate scientific scrutiny, scientists’ interest in studying Cannabis has increased exponentially in the past decade..."
CANNABIS LEGALIZATION LED TO ‘IMMEDIATE DECLINE’ IN OPIATE OVERDOSE FATALITIES IN U.S.
A new paper has found that Cannabis legalization has led to fewer deaths from opiate overdoses across the country. While the doctor-prescribed opiate epidemic has tapered off, the country has been flooded with fentanyl from across the border. Although the numbers are declining, overdose deaths are still the leading cause of death for adults under 40 in 37 states. This is a terrifying statistic that demonstrates the ongoing wave of deaths associated with illegal opiates. While the paper, published out of Texas Tech University, has not yet been peer-reviewed, the data suggests that more people choose Cannabis, and fewer die, when pot is legalized. The paper, titled “Because I Got High? Recreational Marijuana Legalization’s Impact on Opioid Overdose Deaths,” is the first to show these findings, specifically that “legalization led to an immediate decline in opioid overdose death rates, which grew even stronger and persisted after five years.” We can only hope for more research, and more people choosing Cannabis over opiates as the new year begins.
Family Owned and Operated in Hagerstown MD
WEED + WELLNESS BY THE NUMBERS
440,445
90.5%
A study from the University of Colorado found this percentage of people reported feeling more enjoyment during exercise after consuming Cannabis, while 69% of participants also reported a decrease in pain, and 59.5% said it increased their focus.
50%
Gallup reported that 50% of Americans have reported trying Cannabis at least once in their life, marking a new high point for Cannabis use in the United States.
$4,627
Data from Flowhub shows that dispensaries accepting debit cards earn this much more per day than dispensaries that do not.
72%
A study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that 72% of participants said they would combine Cannabis and yoga again, citing significant improvements in mindfulness, increased mystical feelings and enhanced physical awareness.
37%
The number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by legal Cannabis in 2024, according to the 2024 Vangst Jobs Report. That represents a 5.4% year-over-year increase, with more than 20,000 Cannabis jobs added in the last year.
79%
The percentage of Americans who live in a county with at least one Cannabis dispensary, according to Pew Research, while 54% live in a state where recreational Cannabis is legal.
55% |47%
According to a recent study by The Harris Poll, this is the percentage of women over the age of 21 who consume Cannabis regularly, with the top three reasons being anxiety relief (60%), help with sleep (58%), and pain relief (53%).
The percentage of women and men, respectively, who said they were interested in losing weight, according to a study by the CDC.
21%
A recent study from CivicScience found that 21% of people participating in Dry January (no alcohol for the first month of the year) are replacing alcohol with Cannabis and CBD products.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK CANNABIS CAN PLAY IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS, BEYOND RECREATIONAL USE? It can play a lot of important roles. Cannabis can replace a lot of over-the-counter and prescription medications people take on a regular basis. Cancer patients, people with anxiety, stress, pain relief and much more can benefit from using Cannabis medicinally.
WHAT WAS THE MOST UNEXPECTED CHALLENGE YOU FACED WHEN ENTERING THE CANNABIS SPACE? Learning more about products and the plant. Specific terpenes, and learning the effects and flavors, was something new for me. I like to try different things and pay attention to the way terpenes and cannabinoids affect me personally. My coworkers also give me a lot of knowledge and input, and that feedback process helps everyone learn and expand their knowledge.
“I REALLY ENJOY HOW THE DISPENSARY AND THE MARKETING TEAM MAKE SO MUCH OF AN EFFORT TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR DRIVES."
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST HURDLES THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY STILL NEEDS TO OVERCOME? Some back-end things, like product availability and the consistent tracking of inventory. Menus are also challenging because a lot of people want paper menus, and with the amount of products we have
LILLIAN has just over a year under her belt in the Cannabis industry. She used to take prescription medication for anxiety and stress and has replaced it entirely with Cannabis. Prior to Cannabis, she always needed to take prescription medication before school. In high school, she started smoking and no longer needed the medicine. Now she works on the front lines of the Cannabis industry for Trilogy Wellness and loves every minute of it. Be sure to give Lillian a shout-out when you see her at the dispensary!
entering the dispensary regularly, it poses a challenge. It can be difficult to keep up with everything, and the second we print a paper menu, something else comes in that would have to be added.
DO YOU HAVE A MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD WITH CANNABIS? My first dab that I ever took out of a rig, which I admittedly might have overdone just a bit. I had extreme munchies, which my mom caught on to pretty quickly. I was stuck for a few hours until I went to sleep, but I will always remember that first dab.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT CANNABIS? A lot of people are using it just for fun, meanwhile, there is a lot of science to back medicinal use. I wish more people understood that medical patients are prioritized because we’re dealing with assisting in working to mitigate the negative effects of those ailments, physically and mentally.
ARE THERE ANY NEW PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES YOU’RE WORKING ON THAT YOU’RE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT? I really enjoy how the dispensary and the marketing team make so much of an effort to benefit the community through our drives. People can gain free loyalty points by donating cans to our can drive and make an impact while still getting a deal on products they were already going to purchase. We also participate in backto-school drives, fundraise for the University of Maryland Proton Center, and much more. I’m looking forward to all the new things Trilogy has to offer in 2025.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST HOBBY? I’ve played soccer my whole life, including at Howard Community College for three years, thanks to COVID hitting in my second year. I got to play with my little sister, and my older sister was the assistant coach, so we all got to travel together and be part of a team. Cannabis use was fairly common among sports players, and a couple of my soccer buddies and I used to smoke and talk after the games to reflect.
REMEDY COLUMBIA
-
A SHORT DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD from its old store location in Columbia, Remedy has settled in to its new home quite nicely. The dispensary floor is laid out with wall art and product installations from various Cannabis brands around the state. Setting itself apart from the standard dispensary, it has vintage arcade games, life-sized Connect 4, and a ping pong table. Ideally, one day we will be able to hang out and smoke after grabbing some buds and enjoy these amenities to the fullest. Remedy has become a mainstay and is widely known in the Maryland market. This store is definitely worth checking out if you are on your way past Columbia!
SETTING AND VIBE
The vibes are high year-round at this store, with good music, happy and enthusiastic employees, and fun extras. The layout of the store creates an inclusive environment that invites customers to hang out and enjoy their dispensary experience. They also have online ordering for those who prefer to get in and get out. You can truly immerse yourself in everything the Maryland market has to offer here.
FLOWER
Remedy keeps a massive library of flower options on the menu regularly. They also have an in-house brand called Bloom County that is grown by Curio Wellness and is exclusively available at Remedy locations. Strains like Durban Z from RYTHM Cannabis, Dante’s Inferno from Fade Co., Chilato from CULTA, and Cherry Chem from District Cannabis had me drooling over this menu as I scrolled endlessly. Being spoiled for choice is one of the things that make this market so great.
CONCENTRATES
There is a concentrate in every form and for every function on Remedy’s menu. Chasing the newest terps from Beezle Brands? They have it. After the newest rosin drop from CULTA? They have that, too. We can’t forget they have the classics, like temple ball hash and shatter for the OGs. One thing I look for when judging a concentrate menu is variety, and this menu came far from falling short of options.
EDIBLES
As Maryland continues to dive deeper every day into the types of edibles we have available, inventory managers have a day and night job keeping everything in stock. This store has everything you can imagine, including baked goods, drinks, tablets, gummies, chocolates and probably more by the time you’re reading this. Small-dose edibles stay on the menu for those just getting started, and high-dose edibles are always around for that extra kick we need from time to time.
“THIS STORE HAS EVERYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE, INCLUDING BAKED GOODS, DRINKS, TABLETS, GUMMIES, CHOCOLATES AND PROBABLY MORE BY THE TIME YOU’RE READING THIS.”
REVIEW ED: BLOOM COUNTY
HAN SOLO BURGER
Crossing up GMO Cookies and Larry OG brings out that deep, baked-good, savory, spicy flavor we have come to know and love. I found this strain to be the perfect appetite stimulant for days when I wasn’t feeling like myself. Typically this would be the perfect nighttime strain for after work and before dinner to get me in a comfortable mood. The sleepy relaxation began to set in at the perfect time and gave me a restful night’s sleep. 20.23% THC | 1.6% TOTAL TERPENES
DANA GORDON has carried a passion for movement and a naturally empathetic spirit throughout her life. Having danced and trained in yoga since she was young, she longed to combine the two into a unique wellness experience. Instead, she opted to try and make a name for herself in the corporate world. After walking away unharmed from a severe car accident in 2022, Dana had an epiphany and decided to pursue her idea.
DANA GORDON
"I DESCRIBE IT as the universe putting me back on track because I was steering far away from what I was meant to be doing,” she said. “I’m meant to help people heal.”
Dana earned her yoga instructor certification in May 2023, just over a year after the accident. In addition to her yoga certification, the 29-yearold Baltimore native is also a certified meditation instructor and Reiki Level II practitioner, a Japanese healing technique that involves healing through touch. The journey to get to where she is now, she said, has taught her to lean into her strengths and that it’s not about trying to make up for any weaknesses.
“The gifts you have, you have for a reason,” she said. “That space for movement and passion for movement being medicine and natural healing is right up my alley.”
Dana also teaches an elevated yoga class, where participants are encouraged to consume during the class. In it, they learn about the scientific relationship between yoga and Cannabis while practicing different stretches and breathing techniques. With the option to consume and a varying degree of tolerance among participants, the environment becomes less intimidating, Dana said, adding that she emphasizes playfulness in her classes.
“I like the element of Cannabis because it takes the edge off and they relax and laugh,” she said. “It’s OK to be wobbly; we’re all trying to get it together.”
The class was coined by the event company Loud Vybz, which reached out to Dana to teach it. Dana’s mission for the class, which also carries over into her other ventures, is to help break the stigma around what active Cannabis consumers do on a given day.
“We can smoke and do X, Y and Z, and maybe even do them better,” she explained. “With yoga, because there’s science that connects Cannabis to yoga, it enhances how in tune you are with yourself.”
On her 18th birthday while away at college, Dana smoked for the first time out of curiosity. While she’s credited her Cannabis use for helping to enhance her high-level creativity, she said it’s also helped with healing a stomach problem that stemmed from years of stress and ignoring her body’s signs that something was wrong. She added that her Cannabis use also led some of her family to look into its various benefits as well.
“Cannabis was the biggest release of pain,” she said.
“CBG, THC gummies and Cannabis have been transformative for me, my career and for people around me.”
A flower girl, Dana said she prefers hybrid-sativa flower to help with whatever task she’s about to tackle, citing a blend of limonene and linalool terpenes as her go-to combination in what she’s consuming.
The introduction of Cannabis into her life eventually led Dana into the Cannabis industry itself. Since graduating from Frostburg State University with a degree in communications studies in 2017, she has worked in marketing in various positions, both freelance and with different organizations.
In 2020, she made the decision to leave her remote marketing job and go full-time as a restaurant manager. Two days before her training was set to begin, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the restaurant, and she was laid off soon after.
Months later, she applied for a budtender position at a local dispensary, and within six months of starting, she worked her way up to being the shop’s marketing director. She worked with the shop until early 2023 when she made the jump into teaching her wellness classes and starting her own business, Plant Based Marketing Consulting.
The group works with other wellness-based companies to grow their brands and communities through content creation, social media campaigns and hosting different marketing events.
Dana said she intentionally decided to lean into the niche world of Cannabis because her own industry experience and perspective as a consumer bring a unique viewpoint to the marketing space.
“I made it my mission to help people heal,” she explained. “Being able to be creative and help people by expanding these companies and helping them reach their audiences can help people heal.”
Dana crafted a simple approach to abide by while working with her clients: community and authenticity lead to reach and exposure. It reflects what she’s learned to embrace on her own personal journey while showcasing communities in a way that mir rors the family-like dynamic she was raised with and built upon throughout her career.
“It’s not about the money for me; it’s about what you can do for the community,” she said. “I like creating experiences for people.”
With two careers that occasionally cross paths, Dana thrives when some of her days look a little different. Knowing that her best effort can also vary from day to day, she doesn’t let the outcome deter her from leaning into her strengths as a business owner and wellness practitioner to continue her healing mission.
“You have to be able to move despite fear. In spite of fear, you’re choosing to go forward,” she said. “Things scare me all the time, but I’m still going to do it.”
0.84%
1.6%
0.71%
0.6%
0.17% 0.15%
ROCKY MOUNTAIN LIVE RESIN BUDDER
DEW
Beezle Brands has come out with a Rocky Mountain Dew live resin budder that might just be my absolute favorite concentrate profile of 2024! Now, my own subjectivity aside, it surely is one of the most interesting and rare profiles in the Maryland market to date, and it’s worth exploring for the connoisseurship alone.
WHAT MAKES IT SO RARE is exactly what makes it my favorite: the profile contains both my favorite terpenes and my favorite ratios of those terpenes. A good way to evaluate your Cannabis profiles is by looking at terpene profiles — i.e., which terpenes produce your desired effects, flavors and aromas, and in what concentrations you perceive efficacy. A better way to approach Cannabis profiles is to think of them as a recipe, where not only the right ingredients matter, but also the ratio of those ingredients in relation to one another.
Beezle Brands’ Rocky Mountain Dew hits my personally perfect terpene profile, making it an excellent example of what makes top-shelf products desirable and rare. And believe me, Beezle Brands has a record of finding and preserving some of the most top-shelf genetics in our state!
I love terpinolene-dominant cultivars because they give me an energized, euphoric and creative headspace, often creating scent profiles that I really enjoy.
Over time I noticed that I preferred some more than others, and being the curious person I am, I did the math on my profile ratios and tracked that over time. Eventually, a pattern emerged, and I realized that I specifically enjoy terpinolene-dominant profiles that have a 4:1 to 5:1 ratio of terpinolene to ocimene. Since narrowing my search to those combinations of profiles, my shopping experience has improved.
Rocky Mountain Dew not only represents a relatively rare class of profiles as a terpinolene-dominant strain (rare in and of itself), but it also boasts a harmonious ratio of terpinolene to ocimene that makes the profile pop above and beyond my expectations.
This is evident when cracking open a jar of Beezle’s Rocky Mountain Dew, and the room fills with the aromas of carbonated soap, hinting of lemon-lime essence with a dollop of florals that just make the mouth water. It’s a prime example of the epicurean complexity this plant can achieve when handled by capable hands.
The team at Beezle Brands is just such a team, and the depth and uniqueness of the Rocky Mountain Dew live resin budder is a stand out for the East Coast Cannabis at large.
“Pavé embodies a delicate balance of floral, fresh mintiness and delicate underscores of fruit.”
THCA 26.58% TOTAL TERPS 3.51% CARYOPHYLLENE 0.98%
0.77%
0.5%
0.28%
0.27%
0.21%
0.12%
0.11%
CULTIVATED BY DISTRICT CANNABIS
DISTRICT CANNABIS HAS PRODUCED SOME OF MARYLAND’S HEAVIEST HITTERS, BUT NOTHING HAS QUITE COMPARED TO THEIR RECENT RENDITION OF PAVÉ, BRED BY COMPOUND GENETICS.
PAVÉ IS THE RESULT of a meticulous cross between Paris OG and Menthol that produced one of Maryland’s more unique profiles to date! Now we at Leaf Magazines spend a lot of our time reviewing and studying all the Cannabis products in our market, and suffice it to say that at this point, not many cultivars truly stand out from the crowd. District Cannabis’ Pavé is an exception to this norm and offers us one of the more interesting profiles that have come about. You, my wonderful reader, have been following along and tracking terpene profiles with us for quite some time, and I wonder: Can you spot what makes this profile unique?
While you ponder this question, it’s also important to note that the flower is a pristine sparkle tree of trichome-rich beauty.
Indeed, Pavé is a lot like a fresh Irish Spring surrounded by berry patches and recently used as a sink to brush one's teeth. Effervescent notes of earthy florals and bright berry fruits coalesce around a slightly sharp mint note, rounding out the profile into something truly delicious.
The high that follows highlights the uniqueness of the profile and why Pavé really stood out to us. Maybe some of you were able to guess it, but if you direct your attention to the profile, you will notice a conspicuous absence of the most common terpene in Cannabis: myrcene. I cannot stress enough how rare it is to find a genetic that doesn’t test for myrcene, as it is the most common terpene in Cannabis and frequently one of the major driving forces behind a high itself.
The colas are littered with intact, densely packed trichomes that create an eye-catching bag appeal with a nose that furthers curiosity. As I have already hinted, this profile is quite unique, and that translates to its nose.
Pavé embodies a delicate balance of floral, fresh mintiness and delicate underscores of fruit. Florals and fruits are a rare combination in Cannabis but offer some of the most intriguing profiles for the palate to sample.
In the case of District Cannabis’ Pavé, we have a caryophyllene-, limonene- and linalool-dominant profile that is tempered with humulene, bisabolol, fenchol and terpineol. This produces a distinctly gentle, creatively euphoric and functionally sedative headspace that is marked by calm focus and eager attention. I recommend Pavé to any Cannabis lover who seeks to expand their palate and explore deeper into Cannabis chemistry.
Pavé
HOW MANGOES AND MYRCENE MIGHT HELP YOUR HIGH
HERBAN LEGEND?
A Kick from the Kitchen
Putting food and Cannabis together is a powerful combo, but there’s an old theory that says pairing the two might have another strong, unexpected effect. The premise is that eating a mango right after you smoke some weed will significantly increase the effect of your high, and this theory of putting the munchies first in order to intensify your high isn’t solely restricted to mangoes.
Anecdotal evidence is all over the internet stating how the high levels of beta-caryophyllene in broccoli, tryptophan in sweet potatoes, or fatty acids in nuts can be harnessed to synergize and amplify the potency of Cannabis. So let’s take a look at where this idea comes from. Is there any science to it, and most importantly, does it work?
Smoking the Science
The origins of this legend link to one of the most dominant terpenes in the world of weed: myrcene. This naturally occurring chemical compound is often prevalent in strains considered particularly stony or labeled as “indica” in stores. We’ve also come to understand that these compounds are responsible for the effects of Cannabis beyond the reach of just THC. Myrcene is currently thought of as influencing the impact of anxiety on a person, as well as having analgesic and antibacterial properties. Most importantly, for us, myrcene is thought
to have an effect on what we call the blood-brain barrier, a cellular wall that allows for the transportation of chemicals from our bloodstream to our brains.
Certain evidence points to a connection between large amounts of myrcene and how swiftly these neurochemicals pass through the cells and reach our brains. This would mean that the effects of consuming myrcenerich mangoes and Cannabis together would produce a robust and more effective delivery as the boost of myrcene carries that intoxicating canna-cocktail over the defensive wall and into the end zone.
Does it Work?
As of now, we don’t have any firm studies that link these two things as a definite psychoactive power couple. Of course it’s also important to remember that just like different harvests of Cannabis produce different levels of THC (and myrcene), so do mango crops. For example, the levels of myrcene present in many of the currently available strains of Cannabis, such as a Blue Dream or OG Kush, can often have 0.7% myrcene in a gram.
“CERTAIN EVIDENCE POINTS TO A CONNECTION BETWEEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF MYRCENE AND HOW SWIFTLY THESE NEUROCHEMICALS PASS THROUGH THE CELLS AND REACH OUR BRAINS.”
On average, the National Institute of Health states that mango pulp contains 0.09 mg/kg of myrcene, meaning you’d need “well over 1,000 mangoes to achieve anything approaching 1 gram of myrcene.” While consuming a large amount of fruit might have an effect on the brain’s intake of Cannabis, wolfing down that many fiber-rich mangoes in order to test this theory would give you a wicked stomach ache. There might be a small rush from eating a mango after you smoke, but that could very well be the joy of beating off cotton mouth with a sweet, juicy snack. In the end, further study is needed on myrcene’s effects to better understand how it might influence the bloodbrain barrier and help people achieve faster and more effective relief. However, most experts agree this falls under myth. If you’d like to experiment for yourself, most experts suggest consuming your mango raw, not cooked, to retain its terpenes, and the fruit should actually be consumed about an hour before you start smoking to give your body time to absorb the nutrients.
5 BENEFICIAL HOUSEPLANTS
CANNABIS
Who says Cannabis needs to stay in the stash jar?
As a houseplant, it brings a mellow, grounding presence to your space. Tending it can be as meditative as a slow exhale, easing tension like a well-timed bowl. Under your care, these pleasing leaves pump out fresh oxygen and scrumptious smells, serving ornamental and olfactory satisfaction. Just remember to follow your local rules, dial in the right conditions (which will vary depending on cultivar selection, medium, and more), and watch this green diva thrive. She’s as beautiful to behold as she is to burn.
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is the plant version of that friend who shows up with homemade soup when you’re sick. Accidentally brush your hand on a hot banger? Snap off a leaf and slather on its soothing ooze Looking for edible health benefits ranging from digestive help to B-12? Slurp on the same gel. Sporting an iconic, desert-chic silhouette, aloe loves sunbathing and a light-watering hand, making it a lowmaintenance roommate good for beginners. It’s said to help purify the air, and at night, it rolls up its sleeves to quietly release oxygen, helping you sleep easier.
POTHOS
If your green thumb is weak, we suggest starting here. Pothos is the boho drifter of houseplants — happy in low light or bright corners, unfazed by a missed watering or two. Snip off a few cuttings to quickly expand your indoor garden or share with friends; this plant practically begs for community with its rapid-rooting hardiness and ease of care. It’s also a natural air filter, gently scrubbing out indoor pollutants like a loving friend picking lint off of your favorite sweater. Plus, its trailing vines look dreamy, draping any room in an ethereal, earthy ambiance.
SPIDER PLANT
Spider plants are like the indie band you discovered before they blew up — reliable, cool, and low-key virtuous. Long, arching leaves cascade down like green fireworks, while their hidden talent is filtering out indoor pollutants to keep your air fresh. Got pets?
Good news — spider plants won’t send them to the vet (although, we still recommend keeping them out of reach). They thrive in moderate light and regular watering but will bounce back from many mistakes. Much like Pothos, these beg to be shared, with cute baby “spiderettes” often sprouting from the main plant when maturity and conditions are just right.
PEACE LILY
If you’re looking for a little floral fun to freshen up your space, take a peek at the peace lily. With its glossy leaves, white blossoms and tranquil aura, this sophisticated stunner is as productive as it is pretty. It’s another plant known for removing some gnarly airborne toxins, subtly adjusting humidity and just overall leveling up your breathing game. Keep it in lowto-medium light and show it moderate watering love, and it’ll reward you in multiple manners.
Houseplants offer so much more than just an inviting atmosphere. Think of these green allies as your home’s wellness bouncers, filtering out the stale air and pumping in fresh energy — both aesthetically and actually. If you’re new to nurturing indoor plants or looking to add another to your collection, we’ve plucked five picks to boost your breathing, ease your mind, and turn your spot into a lush and leafy oasis. Grab your gardening gloves and dig in.
FROM STIGMA
CANNABIS has long been a polarizing topic in the medical community, but 2023 marked a pivotal moment for its integration into health care. That September, the American Nurses Association (ANA) — an organization representing more than 5 million nurses nationwide — officially recognized Cannabis nursing as a specialty. Less than a year later, in June 2024, the ANA and the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) jointly published “Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice,” solidifying the role of Cannabis nurses in the broader health care system.
“This is huge,” said Dr. Deanna Sommers, PhD, RN, CPNP, incoming ACNA president-elect for 2025 and one of the lead authors of the publication. “If you look at other specialties, they all have a scope and standards. Now we finally do too.”
The publication addresses the unique challenges nurses face in providing safe and ethical care for patients using Cannabis. From educating patients about its potential benefits and risks to navigating the complexities of federal and state laws, Cannabis nursing aims to bridge a critical gap in modern health care.
A NEW FRONTIER
Nursing is often described as the backbone of health care, with nurses consistently ranking among the most trusted professionals. Cannabis, however, has long existed in a legal and cultural gray area, creating serious challenges for both nurses and patients.
“Nurses are the most trusted organization through and through, and most people don’t go to their physician and say, ‘Hey, I was thinking about trying Cannabis,’” said Nicole Foss, MBA, RN and current president of the ACNA, during our conversation. “No, they’re going to talk to the nurse.” That means, whether they like it or not, nurses are already on the front lines of guiding Cannabis-using patients. The ACNA’s new specialty scope and standards give them the tools to do it responsibly. So, what is a Cannabis nurse? Cannabis nursing is officially defined as a specialty practice focused on the care of health care consumers seeking education and guidance in the therapeutic use of Cannabis. This encompasses everything from discussing Cannabis’s potential benefits and risks to ensuring its safe integration with other medications.
Founded in 2006 by the late Nurse Julia (Ed) Glick — a fierce patient advocate and early Oregon Medical Marijuana Program educator — the ACNA began as a collective of passionate nurses working with medical Cannabis patients when it was still deeply stigmatized.
“WE NEED TO EMPOWER NURSES SO THEY CAN EMPOWER PATIENTS.”
-2024 ACNA PRESIDENT NICOLE FOSS, MBA, RN, ON
THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
AND ADVOCACY
According to Foss, the group’s earliest efforts centered on “helping patients figure out how to navigate Cannabis when it was very, very taboo,” but it soon evolved to address bigger hurdles, such as outdated school policies, inconsistent regulations and a lack of formal education in nursing curricula.
FROM TABOO TO TEXTBOOK
With education at the head of their mission, the ACNA stepped in to begin
"Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice" outlines 18 standards, divided between the traditional nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcomes, planning, implementation and evaluation) and professional performance (ethics, collaboration, research, education and more).
TO SPECIALTY
formal education. After three years in the making, “Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice” was published.
The publication outlines 18 standards, divided between the traditional nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, outcomes, planning, implementation and evaluation) and professional performance (ethics, collaboration, research, education and more).
While drafting the document, Dr. Sommers and her colleagues faced significant obstacles, including federal laws that still classify Cannabis as a Schedule I drug. “Nursing curricula still barely mention Cannabis, other than substance abuse,” Dr. Sommers noted. “The federal ban doesn’t help. But we’ve got to align with reality: patients are using Cannabis every day.”
BRIDGING THE GAP
Many nursing programs simply do not address Cannabis’s potential therapeutic applications, focusing instead on substance-abuse concerns. Dr. Sommers points out that this creates a significant knowledge gap at the point of care, especially as more states legalize Cannabis for medical or adult use.
According to Foss, the ACNA hopes the new scope and standards will serve as a jumping-off point for curriculum development. “We need to empower nurses so they can empower patients,” she said. “That starts with education.”
ETHICAL CHALLENGES
The new scope and standards also highlight the ethical and educational complexities nurses often face. “We had a nursing student who tested positive for Cannabis three months before graduating,” Dr. Sommers recalled. “Four years of nursing school — gone. That just didn’t feel right to me, so I started digging deeper.”
Her inquiries led to the realization that many nursing schools operate under zero-tolerance policies that make little sense in states where adult-use Cannabis is legal. Dr. Sommers revised her own program’s policy to allow one retest, but the student’s sample came back “negative, dilute,” which certain clinical agencies still treated as a positive.
“That heartbreak — and others like it — was a major motivation to get involved with ACNA,” she said.
Foss, who has a well-rounded background working closely with veterans as well as Cannabis companies, sees firsthand the impact of legal inconsistencies. “Insurance is a hard game, but we’re at a tipping point,” she told me. “Some plans are finally ready to put CBD products on their portals. That’s taken three years of conversations just for one insurer.”
CERTIFICATION AHEAD
"WE’VE GOT TO ALIGN WITH REALITY: PATIENTS ARE USING CANNABIS EVERY DAY.”
With the new scope and standards published, the big question is: What comes next? For the ACNA, it’s about formalizing an exam that would allow nurses to achieve board certification in Cannabis nursing.
“People ask, ‘When can I take the test?’” Dr. Sommers said, laughing. “Well, we have to pilot and validate questions. Different states, different laws. It’s a process, but it’ll legitimize Cannabis nursing even more.”
POLICY SHIFT
Meanwhile, ACNA is pushing for change at the legislative level. The organization is collaborating with the ANA on policy discussions surrounding re-scheduling or de-scheduling Cannabis, effectively making it more accessible to patients without stigmatizing nurses. “Ultimately, ACNA wants Cannabis de-scheduled,” Dr. Sommers said. “We can’t just wait for regulators to catch up.”
Foss, who also has a background in insurance, emphasized that insurance reimbursement for Cannabis-based therapies could be on the horizon. “Nurses are in a perfect position to drive that conversation,” she said. “Whether it’s legislative or insurance-based, we want consistent, safe access for patients.”
NURSING THE FUTURE
Although “Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice” marks a significant milestone, both Foss and Dr. Sommers agree there is much more to accomplish. They encourage nurses, educators and policymakers to get involved, whether by joining the ACNA, advocating for policy updates or expanding research on medical Cannabis.
For nurses and nursing students, the bottom line is that health care is changing — and Cannabis nursing could be at the forefront of a more holistic, personalized approach. “We’ll be doing a fundraising drive specifically for the scope and standards in 2025,” Foss said. “That’ll keep us growing, building this community.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Sommers echoed that there is no better time than now to explore Cannabis nursing. “I want people to understand how big this is for nursing.” CANNABISNURSES.ORG @ACNANURSES
2023-2025 ACNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BLISSFUL BOND
HOW CANNABIS CAN ELEVATE ORGASMIC WELLNESS
The journey of wellness is one of deep connection — mind to body, heart to spirit and self to the symbiotic universe. When I sat down with Dr. Celeste Saenz, a naturopathic doctor with 16 years of experience specializing in women’s health, the conversation drifted into one of the most intimate yet profoundly transformative topics: the role of orgasms in human wellness. Paired with the synergistic potential of Cannabis, the discussion was enlightening and high-vibrational. Dr. Saenz, founder of Vitalis Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, Washington, exudes a calming yet vibrant energy. Her work focuses on holistic healing, and her passion lies in empowering individuals — especially women — to reclaim their health and vitality. She explains how something as taboo as the concept of sacred orgasm can transform our physical well-being as well as emotional and spiritual health.
WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND ORGASMS AND WELLNESS?
Orgasming puts your body in an active state of praise and reverence for the gift of life. Physiologically, a cascade of feel-good hormones, including oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine flood the body. These chemicals reduce stress, improve mood and even boost immune function. They also enhance circulation and support cardiovascular health. It’s a full-body reset.
HOW DOES CANNABIS HELP WITH INTIMACY?
Cannabis can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is essential for intimacy. It also heightens sensory perception, making touch and connection a more vivid, enjoyable experience. Allowing people to tune into their bodies, enhances intimacy and pleasure.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC CANNABIS PRODUCTS YOU RECOMMEND FOR ENHANCING INTIMACY?
I recommend topical oils or lubricants for localized relaxation and heightened sensation. For systemic effects, a balanced edible or tincture can work wonders, just ensure you’re in a comfortable setting and start with a low dose.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEW TO COMBINING CANNABIS AND INTIMACY?
Begin with a mindful approach. Light a candle, play some music and take time to connect with your breath. Use a small amount of Cannabis, and focus on being present with your body and your partner. It’s about creating an environment of trust and exploration.
A JOURNEY TO PLEASURE
Dr. Saenz described orgasms as a full-body reset. Beyond the physiological benefits, orgasms also serve as a gateway to deeper emotional and spiritual states. “It’s an act of surrender,” she said. “In those moments, we let go of control, open ourselves to vulnerability and connect with something greater — whether that’s a partner, ourselves or the divine.”
Dr. Saenz emphasized the connection between pleasure and health. “Our bodies are designed for pleasure, but many people carry tension and disconnect from their physical and emotional selves,” she said. “Orgasms have the power to release built-up stress, regulate the nervous system and bring us back to a state of balance.”
"CANNABISINFUSED ORGASMS, WHEN APPROACHED WITH INTENTION AND CARE, CAN BE
A POWERFUL TOOL FOR WELLNESS AND SELFDISCOVERY."
Finding this balance can be a life-changing journey. “I’ve seen patients transform when they allow themselves to embrace pleasure,” she said. “It’s not just about the physical sensations; it’s about engaging with your body in a way that promotes trust, joy, connection, moving blocked energy and letting go of what no longer serves us. It’s a practice of deep liberation.”
THE ROLE OF SENSATION AND CONSENT
Dr. Saenz noted Cannabis’s unique ability to enhance sensation and relaxation since it works with our endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, pain and pleasure.
“Certain strains or products can heighten awareness, making emotions more accessible,” she shared. “For some people, this means breaking through barriers of shame or trauma that have held them back from experiencing pleasure.”
She explained how specific Cannabis strains and delivery methods can be tailored to individual needs. “A high-CBD strain might be perfect for someone seeking relaxation and stress relief in the intimacy department, while a balanced THC-CBD strain can enhance physical sensations without overwhelming the mind,” she said. “Seek to find what works for your unique chemistry. It’s not about escaping reality but about engaging with it more fully.”
Consent is a non-negotiable and education is key, she noted. “Cannabis and intimacy require intentionality. Start with low doses, communicate openly with your partner or yourself and set the mood,” she said. “This isn’t just about having an orgasm; it’s about creating a space for healing and connection.”
EMBRACING PLEASURE AS MEDICINE
As our conversation drew to a close, I felt inspired by Dr. Saenz’s holistic perspective. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, her work reminds us that pleasure is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Cannabis-infused orgasms, when approached with intention and care, can be a powerful tool for wellness and self-discovery. So why not embrace them as part of a vibrant, joyful, and balanced life?
Yearning for more?
Listen to Leaf Life Podcast #293 "The Big O” featuring Dr. Celeste.
TOPICALS
olive oil, calendula and full-spectrum Cannabis. Designed for external use only, it can be especially beneficial for females experiencing conditions like endometriosis or dry spells. Simply massage around your intimate regions and the high-THC formulation stimulates blood flow, increasing sensation and orgasm. The balm is particularly impactful for the cannabinoid receptors in the womb space. Fragrance-free and high potency, OM Love Balm can be used however your imagination allows. It’s available in licensed retail Cannabis shops throughout California with full-spectrum THC or online in a CBD-only formula. omliving.com | om-wellness.com | @getomliving
HER HIGHNESS CBD PLEASURE OIL
Unleash your passion with Her Highness CBD Pleasure Oil, a luxurious, plantpowered elixir designed to elevate your intimate experiences. This orgasmic enhancer combines hemp-derived CBD for soothing relaxation, Delta-8 for increased blood flow, and South American Spilanthes acmella extract to awaken your senses with pulsating magic. With a lush base of extra virgin olive oil and sensual notes of basil, vanilla and peppermint, it’s the ultimate indulgence for body, mind, and spirit — pure pleasure in every drop. herhighnesscbd.com | @herhighnessnyc
NEO SENSUAL TINGLE CBD INTIMATE GLIDE
Step into a world of heightened intimacy and sensual bliss with the NEO Sensual Tingle CBD Intimate Glide, uniquely formulated to stimulate the clitoris with tingling sensations that excite and delight. Infused with invigorating peppermint and vasodilators, this vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free formula awakens the body and spirit, enhancing pleasure with every touch. Whether shared with a partner or explored solo, this water-based glide elevates connection and self-discovery with a tantalizing tingle that lingers like a whisper of ecstasy. neosensuality.com
MOVE ON UP!
Exercise is something that can be adopted at any point in life in various capacities. Whether you wake up every morning and run 10 miles or go for a one-mile walk to start the day, there is no room for ego. Any level of effort put forth toward bettering yourself physically can also reap rewards for your mental health. Although different people’s levels of pain can vary greatly, finding ways to mitigate the pain related to physical activity is a tricky field that we all have to navigate.
THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY has many goals to help patients and adult-use consumers achieve with their products. One of the mainstays many companies gear their products to is pain relief. As a runner, I have tried dozens of different pain relief methods to prepare myself for long runs and help my body recover after they’re over. A very common pain that runners like myself experience is in their iliotibial band on the knee. It can strike any time during a short, medium length, or long run, and there is not much you can do about it on the spot. With how frustrating it can be, finding a product to use before and after running is critical for longevity.
Move Transdermal Balm by Curio Wellness is something that I keep in my inventory at all times for preparation and post-game relief. As a transdermal, applying it to the exact area of discomfort is incredibly easy and lacks the mess of a scoopable gel. What I appreciate about this product is there is no harsh smell during or after application. Sometimes Cannabis products geared toward pain relief focus too much on the immediate relief and not as much on the real issue. This product is the perfect blend of both.
A process starts in my mind and body when I apply this balm that creates physical and mental harmony from within. Immediately after applying, a cooling sensation smothers the area of application, providing pain relief in the moment. While that is happening, 150 mg of CBD and 150 mg of THC go to work,
"SOMETIMES CANNABIS PRODUCTS GEARED TOWARD PAIN RELIEF FOCUS TOO MUCH ON THE IMMEDIATE RELIEF AND NOT AS MUCH ON THE REAL ISSUE. THIS PRODUCT IS THE PERFECT BLEND OF BOTH."
attacking the site of pain and providing that long-term relief that lasts all day. There have been times when I finished a long run and immediately felt that knee and thigh pain that all runners dread. Going up and down the stairs and just walking around can be painful at times. Within 20 minutes of applying Curio’s Move balm, I feel the tension release and comfort return to even the areas experiencing the worst pain.
Several other products in the Move line have assisted with my daily muscle and joint recovery. Another 1:1 product with a slightly lesser dosage than the transdermal balm is the 100 mg THC:100mg CBD version. I find it best to start with the 100 mg version, and then if you need a little extra relief, move up to the 150 mg line.
Additionally, there is a transdermal gel which differentiates from the balm in being a squeezable pump gel. I find the gel to be more useful in active injury recovery as it focuses directly on that top layer of skin where we get bruises and bumps. The gel has more of an instant cooling effect, but that could also have something to do with the large amount you can apply by pumping it out instead of rubbing on the balm.
All of these products have proven to make my life a lot easier in terms of pain management. It is important to remember that everyone’s body is going to react a little differently than the person before or after them. This emphasizes the need to find the perfect product for you and keep it in your stash. Be on the lookout for more from the Move line and Curio Wellness in general in 2025!
Coldberger
Nicole Berger, better known as Coldberger, is a true product of the ’90s. In her work, you’ll see a lot of inspiration from the decade’s colorways and geometric shape designs.
WHEN CREATING and developing her art, she draws inspiration from the objects around her, reimagining them in her own style and voice. “I don’t care as much about what object I’m making — it’s more about putting my energy into the work; the canvas can be anything,” she said. “I love my style and the shapes and palettes I create, but another huge inspiration and driving force is my community. I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work. How could I want anything else?”
Getting her start in glass in 2010, she attended Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. The supportive, family-like atmosphere of the program gave her a strong starting foundation. Afterward, her education continued as she spent the next two years apprenticing with world-renowned artist Daniel Coyle.
“...it’s the community that drives me! I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work…”
After spending 25 years in Pennsylvania, she decided it was time for some new scenery.
In 2016 she moved briefly to Montana to assist another legend in our industry, Christopher McElroy, also known as 2 Stroke Glass. This experience gave her an education in coldworking glass and various color techniques, as well as other skills in electrical work, woodworking and even breaking down a deer. After her stint in Montana was up, it was time for the next adventure.
The glass art scene has always been strong in Colorado, filled with many talented glass friends, and beautiful scenery — the perfect combo for her next home.
Coldberger is always on the move, it seems. When she’s not at home in Denver, you can catch her traveling the world at various trade shows, gallery openings and teaching classes. If you want to try to get one of these coveted learning opportunities, you can reach out to her about upcoming classes at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York or Barcelona Glass Studio in Spain. You can also catch her nearly every year at the world-famous Pilchuck Glass School, where she's been on staff since 2014.
Coldberger’s work has always been articulate yet fun, fashionable yet timeless, and always leaves me with a smile on my face.
COLDBERGER.COM | @COLDBERGER
2024 collab with Sibelle for DFO.
THREE MILDLY POTENT POTABLES to combat the winter blues or, even better, if you are one of the lucky ones, enhance your cold-weather cheer. The drinks are powered by Pruf Cultivar’s Astral Works, a high-CBD strain providing a sense of calm and a tropical, fruity taste. Sometimes, high CBD allows me to focus while enjoying a mild psychoactive experience. Other times, I want to get really, really stoned. Happy New Year! Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
PRETTY POURS
Serves two
DOLE THIS OUT
Serves two
2 cups pineapple chunks
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1 peeled orange, cut into chunks
1 cup coconut yogurt
2 tablespoons agave syrup
2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Garnish with an orange slice
1. Just blend in the blender until smooth.
2. Divide between two glasses.
GREEN ACRES
Serves two
1 large ripe avocado, pit removed, peeled and cut into pieces
1 cup packed baby kale, rinsed
1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into chunks
2 cups almond milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted
1. Just blend in the blender until smooth.
2. Divide between two glasses.
KING
1 medium papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into pieces
1 medium banana, sliced and frozen
2 cups almond milk
2 tablespoons lime juice
2-4 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons canna-oil or cannabutter, melted
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 cup ice cubes
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons Tajín chili/lime seasoning
1. Combine everything but the honey and the Tajín in the blender. Blend till smooth.
2. Pour the honey on a small, flat plate. Pour the Tajín on a separate plate. Run the rim of each glass through the honey, then through the Tajín.
PAPAYA
Meds From The Feds
Although 38 states have legalized Cannabis for medical use, it remains prohibited on the federal level. But what many people don’t realize is that the federal government actually established a legal medical marijuana program of its own over four decades ago — one that’s provided a handful of patients with free weed from Uncle Sam himself.
REEFER FOR RESEARCH
America’s original medical marijuana program began, surprisingly, at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacology. In 1968, UMSP was awarded the first and only official government contract to supply the National Institute on Mental Health with marijuana so researchers could study its effects. They secured an outdoor garden space just off campus and an assortment of seeds, and by the end of that year, they’d produced their first crop of Cannabis. Among the first scientists approved to dip into Uncle Sam’s secret stash were Dr. Robert Hepler and Dr. Ira R. Frank at UCLA. In 1971, the duo published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association titled “Marihuana Smoking and Intraocular Pressure,” which indicated that THC reduced eye pressure, suggesting Cannabis was a possible treatment for glaucoma and other optical conditions.
Unbeknownst to them, a young man across the country would soon arrive at the same conclusion through experimentation of his own.
ROBERT RANDALL
In 1971, 23-year-old Washington, D.C., taxi driver Robert Randall was diagnosed with glaucoma and told he’d likely be blind within five years. The prescribed eyedrops only seemed to make things worse. Then one day he smoked a joint, and to his surprise, it eased his eye pain and improved his vision. Randall began smoking weed regularly and eventually decided to start growing it himself. Unfortunately, in summer 1975, Randall and his wife Alice returned from vacation to find the four plants on their sun deck gone and a search warrant on their kitchen table, along with a note from the MPD requesting that they turn themselves in. It seems police noticed their plants while raiding a neighboring apartment and visited their place next.
to testify on his behalf. As a result, on Nov. 24, 1976, the judge ruled in Randall’s favor — dismissing the charges and affirming his use of marijuana as a “medical necessity.” That verdict marked the first time in 40 years that the U.S. government acknowledged that Cannabis may have medicinal use.
Meanwhile, Randall had also filed a petition in May 1976 with the DEA and NIDA requesting medical access to that Mississippi marijuana. Within weeks of his historic verdict, NIDA granted that petition, making him the first legally sanctioned medical marijuana user in American history.
Randall and his wife were charged with possession. Had they pled guilty, they could’ve simply paid a small fine and moved on… but within a week of their arrest, Randall learned about the Hepler/Frank study and instead decided to fight it — pleading “not guilty” and invoking the rarely-used Common Law Doctrine of Necessity to mount the first-ever medical marijuana defense. He even got Dr. Hepler
But his battle wasn’t over yet: As retaliation for his criticisms in the media, the FDA imposed harsh restrictions on where and how often he could obtain his meds, effectively cutting him off. In response, on May 6, 1978, Randall filed a sweeping lawsuit against the FDA, DEA, NIDA, DOJ and Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Apparently, officials were so terrified of the case going to trial that within 48 hours they’d settled out of court. The new agreement allowed Randall to receive Cannabis via a standard written prescription as part of a new FDA research effort called the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program, or IND.
The original University of Mississippi outdoor Cannabis garden.
The five patients receiving joints from Uncle Sam circa 1990 (left to right): Robert Randall, Corrine Millet, Elvy Musikka, George McMahon, and Irv Rosenfeld.
Randall’s first medicinal joint prescription.
COMPASSIONATE IND
Founded as a direct result of the settlement in the Randall v. U.S. case, the IND program was a concession made by NIDA to allow a select few patients with specific conditions to receive a monthly allotment of Cannabis from Ole Miss for “compassionate reasons.”
Here’s how it worked: After the plants were harvested and dried, they were shipped in large metal drums to a facility in North Carolina, where they were crushed, sifted and watered, then fed into a bulk cigarette-making machine. Next, those joints were freeze-dried and loaded 300-deep into round steel canisters, which were then stored in a freezer until being shipped off to the pre-approved doctor or pharmacist.
The government attempted to keep this new IND program under wraps because its very existence was a tacit admission that Cannabis did in fact have medicinal value — a direct contradiction to their official position and its classification under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. This is why it took nearly four years before another patient would be reluctantly admitted to the program: a financial adviser in Florida by the name of Irvin Rosenfeld.
IRVIN ROSENFELD
Since the age of 10, Rosenfeld suffered from a rare disease called Multiple Congenital Cartilaginous Exostoses — a condition that causes painful bone tumors to grow at his joints. Throughout his life, Rosenfeld underwent numerous surgeries and tried various medications before accidentally discovering that smoking marijuana helped relieve his pain and inflammation. Originally against illegal drugs, he was essentially peer pressured into smoking it while attending college in Miami in 1971. It didn’t affect him much at first, but one day, he smoked a joint while playing chess and came to the remarkable realization that he’d been sitting for over 30 minutes with no pain for the first time in years.
The following year, he dropped out of college and moved back to his home state of Virginia, where he and his doctor petitioned the FDA for approval to conduct their own medical study. After being stonewalled for years, Rosenfeld was about to give up hope. Then, in 1977, he met Randall at a college speaking engagement and was encouraged to keep fighting.
“He said, ‘You know, the government has no intentions of ever giving it to anyone else, but if anybody has a chance, you do.’”
With Randall’s guidance, in 1982, the FDA finally held a hearing for his case. After listening to his “very eloquent and convincing” testimony, the FDA granted his request, and in 1983 he became the second person accepted into the IND program.
With the help of Randall and Rosenfeld, more and more patients began petitioning for access to the program, including Iowans Barbara Douglas and George McMahon, Nebraska grandmother Corrine Millet, and Vietnam vet Lynn Pierson. But perhaps the best-known IND participant is the feisty firebrand, Elvy Musikka.
Within weeks of his historic verdict, NIDA granted his petition — making Randall the first legally-sanctioned
medical marijuana user in American history.
ENTER ELVY
Originally from Columbia, Elvy Musikka was born with congenital cataracts. At age 6, she had the first of many surgeries — some of which did more harm than good. In addition to her cataracts, Musikka was also diagnosed with glaucoma in 1975. At that point, her doctor unofficially advised her to use marijuana to try to save her sight. Like Rosenfeld, she had been against drug use up until that point, but in 1976, after learning about Randall’s case, she decided to try some pot brownies. The results were, according to her, “nothing short of a miracle.”
Musikka began using Cannabis regularly, and in 1980, she started growing a half dozen plants in her backyard in Hollywood, Florida. For nearly a decade, she grew and used Cannabis medicinally without legal incident — that is, until 1988, when a boarder she was trying to evict dropped the dime on her. When the police arrived on the evening of March 4, she didn’t try to hide the plants. Instead, she explained that they were her medicine and without them she’d go blind. Nevertheless, they confiscated her weed, arrested her and charged her with cultivation.
Musikka was facing a possible sentence of five years in prison, but rather than calling an attorney, she went straight to the media. Her story quickly caught the attention of both NORML attorney Norm Kent (who offered to represent her pro bono) and Randall, who also offered his assistance. Thanks to testimony by Randall and her ophthalmologist at her trial that August, the judge ruled in her favor, declaring: “I don’t see where a better case could ever be made for medical necessity. In this case, Miss Musikka is trying to preserve herself from serious bodily injury.”
Two months after her acquittal, Musikka was accepted into the IND, becoming the first woman to receive Cannabis through the program.
BUNK WEED & BLINDNESS
Unfortunately, Musikka’s struggles were far from over. After she moved to Eugene, Oregon, in 2005, NIDA refused to ship the tins to her new location, forcing her to fly back to Florida each year to pick up her joints. She also faced ongoing harassment at airports and on the road from law enforcement agents who didn’t understand or care about her unique legal status. But perhaps the greatest injustice inflicted on Musikka — and, in fact, all of the IND patients — was the poor quality Cannabis they received. Not
only was U-Miss’s weed loaded with seeds and stems, freezedried, and often many years old, but its potency was also abysmal — containing just 2% to 6% THC and practically zero other cannabinoids. Tragically, it was one particularly weak batch in 2012 that indirectly caused Musikka to go completely blind in her right eye.
“They sent us a bunch of garbage with no THC,” she told Freedom Leaf in 2016. “It was hemp — which I love to wear, but it didn’t do anything for my glaucoma.”
Apparently, the lack of THC (which she assumed she was getting from the joints) caused the pressure in her eyes to hit “critical levels.” In turn, this led doctors to perform emergency surgery, which they botched — causing the detachment of her retina and the loss of her optic nerve.
END OF AN ERA
At its peak in 1991, 43 people had been approved for the IND, but only 15 of them ever actually received any meds from the feds. Reportedly, government officials grew nervous about the program getting out of hand due to a large influx of applications from AIDS patients during the late ’80s. And so, in 1992, the Bush administration directed NIDA to stop accepting new patients, effectively ending the program for anyone who wasn’t grandfathered in — including nearly 300 patients awaiting approval.
“The government was never comfortable with this program,” Rick Doblin, executive director of MAPS, told the LA Times in 2015. “They are just waiting for all the people in it to die.”
Sadly, that’s gradually what happened. Today, only Rosenfeld and Musikka remain. Though still technically enrolled in the program, Musikka opted to stop receiving joints in 2020 — partly because she tired of flying to Florida, and partly because she’d rather smoke better bud. Which, of course, leaves Rosenfeld as the last patient still smoking Uncle Sam’s schwag.
“I appreciate what the government has done and hope it never stops,” he once said. “I feel very, very fortunate … I shouldn’t have been alive and I’m still alive. I take no other medicines; I’m in great shape because of the Cannabis. I’m living proof that medical Cannabis is real medicine.”
To listen to Bobby’s interview with Elvy, visit worldofcannabis.museum/podcast.
ANDRE GROSSMAN
DON RYAN/ALAMY
Patient #2: Irvin Rosenfeld.
Randall’s tin of joints.
Elvy Musikka and her joints.
12/23/2024
HASH,
In the heart of the cannabis revolution, ALCHEMIST VENTURES, stands as a beacon of craftsmanship and tradition, blending timehonored techniques with cutting-edge innovation to create some of the finest hash on the market.
Article by Al. Kemist
At Alchemist Ventures, quality is not just a goal it’s a way of life.
As a small, social equity lab, this passionate collective takes immense pride in crafting some of Maryland’s finest cannabis hash, with each batch reflecting their unwavering dedication to excellence
Rooted in a community-focused operation, the team works handin-hand with local growers, prioritizing clean sourcing and toptier quality over mass production. Their mission isn’t to create the cheapest product, but rather to produce hash that honors the artistry and integrity of the plant.
Alchemist Ventures is home to four distinct brands, each with it own unique vision The Alchemist brand, the namesake of the lab offers a premium selection of Live and Cured resins that embody the heart and soul of the operation. Equity is the value-driven line, offering exceptional quality at an accessible price for the conscious consumer The crown jewels of the collection, however are Eden, a brand dedicated to premium solventless products that showcase the team’s dedication to purity and craftsmanship, and Temple, an exclusive line focused solely on delivering the finest hash for the true connoisseur
Combining ancient techniques with modern innovation, Alchemist Ventures perfects its craft through meticulous processes, whether it’s Moroccan hash pressed bricks or hand-rolled Nepalese hash balls. Each glistening gram and intoxicating aroma that emerges from their jars tells a story of precision, patience, and pride.
For Alchemist Ventures, it's not just about creating a product it’s about creating an experience. With every hand-processed batch, they reinforce their commitment to quality, inclusivity, and sustainability within the cannabis industry, proving that when passion leads the way, excellence follows
MAKE BAD DECISIONS.
End of story. Well, there’s more actually.
See, we all know that it’s difficult to think clearly when gazing through the glowing lens of beer goggles. Because when everything in your periphery is enhanced by fuzzy glamour-shot lighting, the miscalculation alarm can be severely compromised when your weaker senses are enticed.
Suddenly, casting caution to the wind makes perfect sense, and you are down because you’ve just unlocked the jailed trap star who runs the city. That antisocial video gamer who clocked in this morning with a Best Buy name tag just got steamrolled by the tank that is the new, confident and boastful Chief Executed Baller. With a couple of shots and a beer satiating the gullet, the amazing new you has emerged. And this dude is a fucking player who struts with swagger and makes the calls, ready to order some rounds and make some forgettable memories.
This is the juncture in the evening where terrible ideas become sound opportunities to prove to the world that the Tin Man just needed a few drops of oil to lube up the joints. A few of these ill-advised decisions include tossing back a fifth shot of Fireball whiskey, doubling up on the stack of waffles, and cranking the ignition on the Hyundai. It all makes beautiful, perfect sense. Oh, and hooking up with your childhood bestie.
Not all decisions made when drunk are bad, however. The moment you decided to hit a homeless guy’s pinner on the sidewalk after slapping his palm with a 20 spot instead of calling Guido for an eight-ball of blow was the best choice you made all week.
Thankfully, the evening wasn’t a complete loss.
ROLLED AND READY
No prep, no mess, just next-level enjoyment for your lifestyle.
