May 2024 - Maryland Leaf

APPALACHIAN CANNABIS:

WHERE NATURE MEETS CRAFTMANSHIP

COME JOIN OUR WAY OF LIFE.

WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER

wes@leafmagazines.com

MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com

TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com

DANIEL BERMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR daniel@leafmagazines.com

EARLY MARYLAND LEAF PUBLISHER early@leafmagazines.com

WYATT EARLY STATE DIRECTOR wyatt@leafmagazines.com (410) 961-8779

MEGHAN RIDLEY COPY EDITOR meghan@leafmagazines.com

THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

ABOUT THE COVER

For the launch of The Adventure Issue, we looked to graphic artist Dalton Bauder, who is known for his signature twist on the classic Choose Your Own Adventure books you probably remember from the back of a dusty old library shelf. "As an artist, I've always been attracted to the noisy, the colorful, and the illicit," he says. "I love using nostalgic tropes in my work. I hope you all enjoy this cover, it's a fun homage to many things that I, as well as all you other stoners, enjoy very much."

ILLUSTRATION BY DALTON BAUDER @SQUICHE FOR LEAF NATION

CONTRIBUTORS

DALTON BAUDER, ILLUSTRATION

BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES

JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION

AMANDA DAY, PHOTOS + FEATURES

MAX EARLY, FEATURES

MATT JACKSON, FEATURES

JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES

GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS

TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES

JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN

MIKE RICKER, FE ATURES

MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING

DAVID TAYLOR JR. PHOTOS

KATHERINE WOLF, FEATURES

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

Thanks for picking up The Adventure Issue of the Leaf!

Buying weed was once an adventure … and that’s why we’re honoring the spirit of the classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” books on our cover this month. While a quest for the dank was unlikely to lead to wizards, interdimensional creatures or buxom vixens in need of cannabinoid therapy, there was always an element of uncertainty and fear when buying a bag of illegal pot.

Of my many attempts to buy weed in college, a few stand out – including a time when the transfer of cash for the bag through a car window went wrong. Once my cash hit their hands they gunned it, but my strong grip on the Ziplock tore the bag and left me with half the stash I expected. Sadly, that’s one of the better “bad buy” stories – because short ounces, half eighths and crispy BC bud were always on the menu when buying weed in a Jack in the Box parking lot.

"SHORT OUNCES, HALF EIGHTHS AND CRISPY BC BUD WERE ALWAYS ON THE MENU WHEN BUYING WEED IN A JACK IN THE BOX PARKING LOT."

I’ve always believed that if you criminalized cheeseburgers, there would be a serious, thugged-out version of Jack breaking legs for blabbing about where the Ultimate Munchies Box was acquired from. We can see this with the prohibition of alcohol, which quickly led to a violent black market that swayed public opinion to relegalize the hooch. The same factors pushed weed into that gray area of criminality before legalization – but it was never really that dangerous because in the end, stoners are generally peaceful folks.

But what was dangerous was the cops, who would happily arrest easily-targeted stoners, which made buying illegal weed doubly dangerous. Watch out for the cops? Check. Don’t get burned? Check. What’s next? Turn the page!

Today’s freshly-21 crop of young adults will likely never experience the agony of waiting in a parking lot or for a text back during a dry period. Even the weed on the black market today is packaged, acquired on the internet or through a friendly local, and priced competitively due to the huge amount of supply. Don’t buy weed on the black market though, because that doesn’t support the industry that has made such sacrifices to give us dispensaries full of tasty, terpy products. Take it from me: The last thing we want to do is find the last page of the book returning us to a world where weed is illegal again.

NORTHWEST LEAF / OREGON LEAF / ALASKA LEAF / MARYLAND LEAF / CALIFORNIA LEAF / NORTHEAST LEAF / UTAH LEAF

GARDEN STATE BANS HOMEGROWN WEED

Weed may be legal to buy in New Jersey, but the plant remains criminalized to grow for those without a commercial license.

The Garden State may sound like a great place to jump into the green rush … but those looking to grow their own medicine or share recreational Cannabis this summer will be breaking the law.

Adults 21 and older can go to dispensaries to buy weed grown legally, but having a plant in the backyard garden bed is still a felony.

“Lawmakers originally feared that homegrow would threaten the viability of the legal industry, which translates into greed for tax revenue...”

Lawmakers originally feared that homegrow would threaten the viability of the legal industry, which translates into greed for tax revenue and control over a plant that has evaded law enforcement for over a century. Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D) has indicated his potential support for allowing a “very, very slim amount of homegrow applicants” that would be limited to very sick or terminal patients – how compassionate! Giving patients the right to grow a plant as they’re dying is representative of why the people voted to legalize in the first place.

With over 100 dispensaries open in NJ, it’s clear that the homegrow market is not competing with the licensed and taxed market. With over $1 Billion in sales projected for 2024, it’s clear that money is flowing – mostly to the state and federal government in the form of taxes. NJ has seen limited Cannabis access in the last two years, and being paired with high prices has driven many consumers and patients to cross state lines or to purchase Cannabis from the traditional market.

Historically, there doesn’t seem to be a good argument for limiting homegrow.

COLORADO TO AUCTION CUSTOM STONER LICENSE PLATES

he politics of bumper stickers and license plates have reached progressive Colorado, where the state is taking the high road and auctioning stonerthemed, official license plates to support people with disabilities.

Hiding 420 or 710 in a custom license plate has always been risky, just like having a pro-Cannabis sticker on a car. But what passes for probable cause in some states is now a fundraiser in Colorado –complete with a new series of limited edition license plates. Featuring 10 iconic options like HASHISH, REEFER or the clean and bold 420, these plates are a relative bargain, with the DANK plate selling last year for less than $600.

With these new plates hitting the roads, Colorado law enforcement has been careful to remind drivers that while a bumper sticker proclaiming “Ass, Cash or Hash” might not be illegal, you should still wait to spark up the green until safely off the road.

COPS

CAN'T USE WEED SMELL TO SEARCH CARS IN MINNESOTA

Smelling like weed will no longer be a legal reason for cops to initiate a search warrant during traffic stops in Minnesota.

In a blow to the war on drugs and the ongoing effects of predatory law enforcement, cops will no longer be able to claim that they “smelled pot” as their reason to search a car. This is thanks to a Supreme Court ruling stating that “the odor of marijuana alone” is not enough to justify a search, which is important in legal states and has implications for the rest of the country. Although it is still illegal to smoke or consume Cannabis while driving or in a car, simply having the dank will not be a reason to lose constitutionally-protected freedoms against unwarranted search and seizure. The ruling is causing a review of pending cases and cops are adjusting to the new parameters – surely finding new reasons to justify pulling folks over.

FAMILY OF OREGON MAN KILLED IN EXTRACTION EXPLOSIONS SUES FOR $24 MILLION

TWhen alcohol was freed from prohibition there were no limits on homebrew, and today there’s little resistance from corporations or craft breweries against the right to homebrew.

From the Cannabis advocacy stance, any limitations on a patient's right to grow is a direct infringement on freedom and not conducive with “legalization” of a plant that is still criminal to cultivate.

With drug war propagandists like Scutari pushing a “holier than thou” regulatory process where the elites decide who can grow, they are surely creating the perfect conditions for black market Cannabis to continue to thrive in the back corner of the Garden State.

HAWAII

SENATE KILLS DECRIM'

a low blow for locals and tourists, the Hawaii Senate rejected a Cannabis decriminalization bill – just weeks after rejecting a legalization bill.

The push to legalize is ongoing in Hawaii, whose beautiful islands and tropical climate are perfect for the plant that helps so many lives. The state has long had an underground Cannabis scene, with locals taking a relaxed attitude towards getting high on island time. Unfortunately for the people and patients who continue to suffer under criminal statutes, the Senate has rejected all attempts to legalize or decriminalize Cannabis this year.

Senator Kurt Fevella (R) compared decriminalization of Cannabis to “going backwards,” stating that “we tell kids no vape, no tobacco … and then here we are with this bill.” While tobacco use kills 480,000 people annually in the U.S., there is no data to suggest that Cannabis has killed even a single individual. It’s important to note that the National Institute of Health found decreased use of tobacco products in states that legalized Cannabis for medical use.

he family of a young father who was killed in a 2021 explosion are suing for wrongful death in a suit that could have broad implications for the Cannabis industry. Furious Eldridge was only 24 and assembling a BHO extraction system in Oregon when a butane leak caused an explosion, leaving him covered in burns that would ultimately claim his life. The suit claims that the leak was noticed by the owner and other team members, and that owner Joseph Donahue (who has already been convicted of criminal negligent homicide) sent Eldridge in to “stop the leak” just before the explosion. He received three years probation for the accident, but now faces a wrongful death suit. While butane or other gas explosions are extremely rare in permitted, legal Cannabis extraction facilities, there is always a risk associated with the processing of the plant. States including Oregon have developed permits and standards for creating spark-proof rooms for extraction, but it appears that Donahue was not following these standards. When police responded to the fire they also found guns, pills, LSD and mushrooms onsite – suggesting that the company focus was not on safety and compliance. Eldridge leaves behind a young daughter.

“Senator Kurt Fevella (R) compared decriminalization of Cannabis to “going backwards,”

The study also noted that, “Following recreational Cannabis legalization, an overall increase in adolescent Cannabis use has not been observed, but the perceived risk of harm and disapproval of Cannabis use has decreased amongst adolescents.” So, legalization has decreased the perceived harms of Cannabis amongst youth and most adults – but not those sitting in the halls of power.

“Decriminalization is very different from legalization,” said Senator Tim Richards (who is correct in that it frees the plant and people from criminal laws, without regulations and taxation). “So I will be voting no.”

Furious Eldridge

ENHANCED WITH MINOR CANNABINOIDS

ENHANCED WITH TERPENES

INAUGURAL AWARDS PARTY

The sweet smell of victory, and cannabis, filled the air at Hammerjacks on April 13 as the Maryland cannabis community gathered for the first annual Maryland Leaf bowl.

What began as a battle with the elements turned into a day that holds a special place in this market’s history. A little wind couldn’t stop us from having a ball as brands from around the state mingled with patients and adult use customers. Local DJ Andrea Belzner, better known as Cobrastrk, and her amazing mix of house music brought the vibes this event needed. In collaboration with Nirvana Center Dispensaries, Dink Dink Glass made 100 limited edition Maryland Leaf Bowl X Nirvana Center pendants that were given away to attendees who found and asked our State Director Wyatt Early.

Darius Jaron Exum of Evermore Cannabis Company shows off his four new trophies.

The Leaf mag team take a bow at the end of the show.

Erin Jeannier was among the several talented artists from Decked Out Entertainment who performed for the crowd.

With over 150 entries, our first-ever Maryland Leaf Bowl saw a solid amount of competition in dozens of categories.

This award ceremony was a celebration of the hard work and dedication of Maryland’s growers and processors. With over 150 entries we saw a solid amount of competition, and photographer Greg Malcolm captured photos of each and every one. Like all of our events we could not have pulled this off without the support of our sponsors and vendors. A special thank you to Releaf Shop in Baltimore, Cookies Baltimore, and Nirvana Center Dispensaries. To all the brands that entered, congratulations on the awards you took home and thank you for supporting this first time event. It takes courage to enter a product into a competition, and the gusto these brands brought to the table is something to be admired.

>> FULL AWARD RESULTS NEXT PAGE

Attendees were free to blaze it up all day at our open-air event.

The Beezle crew were among the day's big winners.

Partygoers strike a pose.

The Marimed crew accepting one of the many awards their company won.

The Leaf Bowl awards.

>> continued from previous page

INAUGURAL MARYLAND LEAF BOWL

Hey—wasn't this jar full an hour ago?

DaveTart of Grassroots takes a victory lap.

Live glassblowing by Dink Dink Glass.

Malayna greets guests at the Fade Co. booth.

Curio Wellness practically swept theTopical and some Edible categories.

Shooting hoops was part of the fun.

Bong raffle winner accepts their prize on stage.

The folks from Oria and Cookies Baltimore pose for a photo opp together.

Trulieve took home the award for Best Indoor Flower - Open Category.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

FLOWER - MIXED-LIGHT / GREENHOUSE

DESSERT

Gelato Cake from District Cannabis (191) WINNER

SWEETS & DREAMS

Devil Driver from District Cannabis (185) WINNER

EXOTIC

Cherry Limeade Cake from District Cannabis (203) WINNER

FLOWER - INDOOR

CBD-RICH

GS CBD from Evermore Cannabis Company (156) WINNER

GAS / OG / CHEM

Animal Face from Green Thumb Industries & Rythm (194) WINNER

Guerilla Grape from (the) Essence / Verano (192) RUNNER-UP

DESSERT

MAC 1 from Grassroots (203) WINNER

Short Cake from Curio Wellness (199) RUNNER-UP

JACK / HAZE

Yum Yum from (the) Essence / Verano (202) WINNER

Frozen Margarita from Green Thumb Industries & Rythm (201) RUNNER-UP

TROPICAL / FLORAL

Sour Peel from Evermore Cannabis Company (217) WINNER

Midnight Climax from Curio Wellness (199) RUNNER-UP

SWEETS & DREAMS

The Big Smooth from MariMed / Nature's Heritage (196) WINNER

Opals and Banonoze from Curio Wellness (191) RUNNER-UP

EXOTIC

Midnight Circus from Evermore Cannabis Company (219) WINNER

Grape Fritter from Garcia Hand Picked / Holistic Industries (212) RUNNER-UP

OPEN CATEGORY

Gorilla Warfare from Trulieve & Modern Flower (182) WINNER

Purple Obeah from Evermore Cannabis Company (181) RUNNER-UP

PRE-ROLLS

TRADITIONAL

Sour Diesel Pre-Roll from The Cannabist Company (184) WINNER

Opals and Banonoze Pre-Roll from Curio Wellness (172) RUNNER-UP

INFUSED / ENHANCED

Moon Boots Iced Swift Lifts from Verano Reserve/ Verano (181) WINNER

Afternoon Delight #4 Infused Show Dog "Stay" Mini Pre-Rolls from Dogwalker / Green Thumb Industries (177) RUNNER-UP

VAPE CARTRIDGES

CO2

Golden Strawberry Oh Vape from Curio Wellness (119) WINNER

GENERAL HYDROCARBON

Berrylicious .5g Nectar Cartridge from Verano / (the) Essence (124) WINNER

DISTILLATE - FLAVORED/BOTANICAL

Happy Hour Juicy Mango 1g Cart from Verano / Savvy (143) WINNER

Black Mamba from Airo Brands (133) RUNNER-UP

DISTILLATE - CANNABIS TERPS ONLY

Moroccan Peaches Buzz Vape from Beezle Brands (117) WINNER

Thin Mint Disposable Vape Cart from MariMed / In-House (109) RUNNER-UP

LIVE RESIN

Moon Boots .5g Live Resin Vape Cartridge from Verano (170) WINNER

Orange Grove Live Resin Cart from Evermore Cannabis Company (155) RUNNER-UP

SOLVENTLESS The Soap Solventless Disposable from Beezle Brands (160) WINNER

Cereal Slapz Live Rosin 0.5g Cart from Eden (141) RUNNER-UP

CONCENTRATES

BUDDER / BADDER

Perfect Pair x Deadband Live Resin Badder from Alchemist (190) WINNER

Cookies & Cream Live Badder from Verano (188) RUNNER-UP

CRUMBLE / SUGAR

Double Tangie Banana Live Sugar from MariMed / Nature's Heritage (200) WINNER

Papaya Live Sugar & Sauce from Grassroots (185) RUNNER-UP

DIAMONDS & SAUCE

Orange Cookies Cured Resin Sauce from Beezle Brands (196) WINNER

Grapefruit Diesel from Alchemist (179) RUNNER-UP

SOLVENTLESS - ROSIN

Trop Cherries Rosin from Beezle Brands (210) WINNER

Papaya Live Rosin Cold Cure from Evermore Cannabis Company (194) RUNNER-UP

SOLVENTLESS - TRADITIONAL HASH

Wedding Cake from Temple (153) WINNER

Wedding Cake from Eden (152) RUNNER-UP

FECO / RSO

Jungle Pie RSO from Grassroots (97) WINNER

EDIBLES

BAKED GOODS

Full Spectrum Brownie Bites from Bubby's Baked (193) WINNER

CANDES

Go Betty Go Watermelon Fruit Chews from Betty's Eddies (216) WINNER

Achy Eddies PM Orange Creme

Fruit Chews from Betty's Eddies (201)

RUNNER-UP

CHOCOLATES

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Discos from Evermore Cannabis Company (197)

WINNER

White Chocolate Berry Bites from Beezle Brands (196) RUNNER-UP

BEVERAGES / TINCTURES

Vanilla Bean White Chocolate Creamer from Lillybear Edible Co. (196)

WINNER

Vibations Strawberry Lemonade Drink Mix from MariMed / Kind Therapeutics USA (194)

RUNNER-UP

GUMMIES

Starfruit Pride Gummies from Do Drops / Holistic Industries (206) WINNER

Black Mamba Citrus & Blackberry Gummies from Oria / Airo Brands (203)

RUNNER-UP

CAPSULES/ TABLETS

Good Night Tablet from Curio Wellness (162) WINNER

Good Day THCV Tablet from Curio Wellness (159) RUNNER-UP

ALTERNATIVE CANNABINOID

Good Night Chew from Curio Wellness (177)

WINNER

Good Day Citrus Honey THCV Chew from Curio Wellness (173) RUNNER-UP

TOPICALS

BALM / SALVE

MOVE Topical Balm from Curio Wellness (166)

WINNER

TRANSDERMAL MOVE Transdermal Gel from Curio Wellness (173)

WINNER

OIL / SPRAY / LUBE OH Intimacy Oil from Curio Wellness (178) WINNER

MARYLAND LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH HUGO TEJADA

HUGO SMOKES a little bit of everything, but his terp-chasing ways have him leaning heavily on the concentrates these days. He is tapped in with the Cannabis community and all of the available products, plus he stays on top of new drops and keeps his customers in the know regarding important industry developments. Yet another shining example of how Cannabis industry employees live active, productive lifestyles and incorporate Cannabis into the mix, Hugo is a refreshing reminder of how vibrant and thriving the Cannabis community can be.

WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO SPEAK SPANISH? So my parents are from El Salvador. I was born and raised in Maryland but my parents moved over here in the late ‘60s/early ‘70s. I was born in 2001 and picked up the Spanish language from hearing my parents speak around the house and to me in Spanish. I love being bilingual – customers come in all the time who only speak Spanish, so I take a lot of those customers. Even just going to a gas station or convenience store, the Latin culture around here is huge and can be seen.

WHAT SPORTS DO YOU ENJOY? I started off playing lacrosse freshman and sophomore year in high school, then I played soccer after that. I kind of wanted to do football but it was during the same time as lacrosse, which I was more interested in. My dad likes soccer a lot and I grew up watching it with him – I’d say it's my main sport now. In the World Cup I was rooting for France or Argentina – and Manchester City is my favorite team in the Premier League.

WHAT VIDEO GAMES ARE YOU PLAYING RIGHT NOW? I play Playstation 5 and I’m into games like Madden, 2K, Fifa, Call of Duty, Rocket League – a little bit of everything really. I play with coworkers and homies and it's a connection with people outside of work, and a great way to unwind with the boys.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CANNABIS? Even when I first started here, my coworker Raven gave me a book called ‘The Textbook of Terps.’ I pretty much dove into the book and tried to learn it inside and out. I also had my med card before beginning to work here, so I had an idea of what brands were killing it and what terpenes were, as well as how they could be used. I also do a ton of research on my phone – it’s amazing to see how much you can learn about Cannabis with just a couple clicks of a button.

HOW HAS THE SWITCH FROM THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TO THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY BEEN? I worked at Audi Annapolis as a service advisor. People would come in and tell me what was going on with their car, and I would send my recommendations to a technician and deliver information back to the customer. The difference between that and this job is I used to work on commissions – now I am the technician … I listen to customers and grab recommended products based on my experience with them and listening to their needs.

WHAT MAKES WORKING AT GREENLIGHT SO SPECIAL TO YOU? Even from my first week here I felt welcomed into the family. Everyone that works here is also around the same age, which helps make for a comfortable environment. Certain jobs don’t have the type of culture behind the scenes that Greenlight brings to the table, and for that reason (among others) I am grateful to be in this position.

THE SHINIEST new toy in the Green Point Wellness lineup is their badass store in Millersville, which opened just after adult use went live this past July. Right off Veterans Highway, their drive-thru makes it incredibly easy to stop off and grab some Cannabis without ever getting out of the car – but the inside of this store is more than worth checking out as well, from the impressive sales floor to the insanely large amount of products in stock at any given time. Make sure to check out the SunMed wall inside the dispensary with a huge image of the inside of their grow, making for a perfect photo-op before you hit the road. Huge shoutout to the entire team at Green Point Wellness for making the dispensary experience so approachable and giving people a real reason to come back.

GREEN POINT WELLNESS

SETTING AND VIBE

The crew at this store is all smiles, making a comfortable environment for everyone that shops here. The wide-open plan of the sales floor showcases products all around the room and includes installations from different producers and processors that highlight specific product lines. A fancy Cannabis store with a hometown vibe is the best way to describe the feeling this shop left me with – bringing the perfect mix of a high-scale, classy dispensary with authentic stoner vibes.

FLOWER

There must be someone at this store whose job is “staying on top of the drops.” They have a massive variety of everything in the state of Maryland – from the newest of the new to the classics we love and expect to find. I’ve personally been loving the Frozen Margarita flower from Rythm lately, so I was stoked to find it in stock here. They also had the newest strains from Belushi’s Farms and the Hashburger flower is out of this world. Keeping an eye out for other strains from Belushi is highly recommended.

CONCENTRATES

Everything you want to find in the world of concentrates is waiting for you at Green Point Wellness. I love seeing more solventless hash being available on Maryland’s concentrate menus and they had several types of rosin, temple balls and traditional hash. They even had solventless rosin pens, which are still relatively new to the Maryland market. Live resin definitely doesn’t hide on this menu either – featuring more than a dozen strains in crumble, badder and more.

EDIBLES

As time has gone on, Maryland has continuously taken steps forward in the offerings of edibles available on the market. While we still have a ton of amazing gummy options, the wheelhouse has expanded considerably in the past five to six years. I was really impressed with the massive amount of flavors of Betty’s Eddies they had in stock. No matter what your reason for consuming Cannabis is, they have an edible geared towards sleep, focus and everything in between.

"THEY HAVE A MASSIVE VARIETY OF EVERYTHING IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND – FROM THE NEWEST OF THE

TO THE CLASSICS WE

AND EXPECT TO FIND."

Whenever I see a Cherry Pie cross I go for it … and this baller jar from SunMed Labs crosses one of my all-time favorites Golden Pineapple into the mix. Popping off the lid reveals a strong blend of fruity and gassy OG terpenes. At over 4% terpinolene and just under 4% myrcene, this is a truly balanced hybrid bath of live resin. The exhale brought the nose through in an exotic and pungent, sourfruity flavor. I found myself relieved of stress and in a relaxed but productive state after one to two dabs, making it a perfect daytime strain for me.

Dispensary Supervisor Dean Warner >>

PATIENT OF THE MONTH

KarissaPsathas

Struggling with her mental health throughout her life, Karissa Psathas tried different medications to try and improve it – but nothing worked. After following a recommendation from her doctor to pick up a hobby, however, she found a new obsession: Olympic weightlifting.

KNOWING THAT her physical health also had an effect on her mental health, she made it a goal to live a healthier lifestyle when she began her fitness journey in 2022. Since then, she’s lost 50 pounds. Karissa admits she has struggled with discipline in the past, but said a fitness journey is the most “popular” thing to try to bring consistency into your life. “I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do what I said I was going to do,” the 26-year-old Baltimore native said.

Thankfully, Karissa has plenty of athletic experience from her youth to build off of. She took up gymnastics throughout middle school and into high school, where she also played field hockey. These are foundational to her current weightlifting training – where she works out six days a week with full-body exercises incorporating Olympic lifts. While she credits her trainer for turning her on to the Olympic side of weightlifting, she said she ultimately took it up because it felt like more of a sport – motivating her to show up and compete.

Incorporating Cannabis into her workouts has been a journey – evolving from an “only after she’s been to the gym" option to pre-workout microdosing becoming an essential piece of her fitness puzzle. “I realized that when I would do it, I would hit personal records. I would be able to push harder,” said Karissa. “The mind-to-muscle connection that I would feel was insane versus when I didn’t take anything.”

Karissa explained that she specifically times out when she smokes or takes an edible, so that it will kick in at a certain point during a workout – almost always for her hardest movements like squats, deadlifts or Olympic lifts.

“I like squatting 225 pounds easily when I smoke right before, and without it I can’t go past 185 pounds without feeling like I’m going to die,” she explained.

When it comes to strains, Green Crack is her sativa-dominant solution for perfect pre-workout vibes. “I dream about that strain,” said Karissa. “I’m not going to lie.” The indica-dominant hybrid Snoop Dogg OG serves as her preferred cultivar for winding down throughout the remainder of the day.

While Karissa stays plenty busy with her training, her mission to incorporate weed into working out goes far beyond her own fitness regimen.

Her social media presence includes regular posting on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and she created an app called Strong Stoners featuring activities and monthly fitness challenges, as well as a fitness and Cannabis-themed clothing company called Budlifts.

“I think that the combination of Cannabis and the gym, they saved me,” said Karissa. “I was really struggling for so long and it wasn’t until I started pairing the two that I finally was able to find what works for me.”

While a lot of the fitness influencers she has connected with do smoke Cannabis, they don’t incorporate it into their content like she does.

“Ithinkthatthecombination ofCannabisandthegym, theysavedme.Iwasreally strugglingforsolongand itwasn’tuntilIstarted pairingthetwothatI finallywasabletofind whatworksforme.”

“A lot of this I’m doing because I’m trying to stay true to myself … it’s worth it because I do think in the future, if I’m patient and keep doing what I’m doing, I’ll just be an OG.”

@selfcarewithkarissa

THE SOAP THE SOAP LIVE ROSIN

THE BEEZLE TEAM has rapidly earned a reputation for providing some of the best extracts in the Maryland market and the skill of their ability to capture the essence of a flower is truly highlighted by their rendition of The Soap in live rosin form.

This sensory masterpiece – born of meticulous manipulations of pressure and delicate olfactory selection – captures The Soap’s unique terpene profile while preserving the succulent aroma every strain hunter searches for. Packed full of an above-average amount of rare terpenes and stacked on each other in uncommon ways, the mindful consumer is sure to do a double take at this profile – so you’re gonna want to be on the lookout for this rosin.

Connoisseurs know that caryophyllene dominant profiles are rare, and even more rare if the caryophyllene is uncoupled from myrcene. This alone is something I look for as I search through the ever-growing amount of labels and options at the dispensary. But what’s even more rare are The Soap’s overall characteristics: caryophyllene on top of limonene on top of a substantial bit of humulene and linalool, with a tail-end temper involving pinene, bisabolol and eudesmol is just something I quite frankly haven’t seen before. Over my years evaluating and reviewing Cannabis, you definitely start to notice some common

A UNIQUELY FUNKY, CHEESY, PINE-FRUIT AND MINTGAS ROSIN EXPLOSION."

patterns between profiles – but every now and then something totally different pops up and that's part of the joy that Cannabis continues to bring to our community.

In our case, Beezle brought us this joy by pressing it out and meticulously preserving it so that lovers of rare Cannabis profiles can explore the uniquely funky, cheesy, pine-fruit and mint-gas rosin explosion that is The Soap. Popping the jar immediately opens up a classic, deliciously weird funk that quickly gives way to something of an aged aromatic blackberry goat cheese that's simmering in Elmer’s glue, with notes of lavender and a minty infusion that brings it all together. So if you haven’t familiarized yourself with the top notch products from the team at Beezle yet, consider cleansing your endocannabinoid system with The Soap for a creamy and funky introduction to their canopy of exquisite Cannabis experiences.

KHALIFA MINTS

TRULIEVE HAS PRODUCED SUNSHINE IN A FLOWER WITH THEIR RENDITION OF KHALIFA MINTS, A EUPHORICALLY MELLOW DAILY DRIVER FOR ALL YOUR SPRING ACTIVITIES. THE FIRST EXPANSION OF THE KHALIFA KUSH GENETICS CATALOG, THIS STUNNER IS A CROSS BETWEEN THE AFOREMENTIONED KHALIFA KUSH AND THE MENTHOL – RESPONSIBLE FOR LEAVING A MINTY-FRESH IMPRESSION ON THE CONNOISSEUR COMMUNITY THAT CONTINUES TO LINGER IN THE BEST OF WAYS.

CULTIVATED BY TRULIEVE

“An exotic tinge of flavor that transports you to the tropics.”

TRULIEVE.COM

BRED BY Compound Genetics and selected by Wiz Khalifa himself, this cultivar is a truly exquisite example of the marriage between connoisseurship quality and the practical needs of the daily toker. With more than enough potency to touch your symptoms and a profile that keeps you active, uplifted and euphoric, it's kind of hard to not smoke on the Khalifa Mints all day long.

With a powerful kick of limonene at the top of the profile, the Khalifa Mints unleashes a wave of energetic euphoria that really brightens the mood and energizes the spirit. Which isn’t to say that she takes you too far in this direction, because the profile has an immediate linalool and caryophyllene temper that mellows out the fireworks without dousing it with a heavy couchlock. The end result is a positive cerebral state coupled with a day-to-day productivity that is unparalleled in quality of experience and effect. And we haven’t even factored in the perpetual olfactory delight and truly milky smoke that pours from this flower.

With an undeniable citrus fruit fragrance at the top of the nose of the Khalifa Mints, its blend of creamy floral spice with light kerosene smacks the senses with an exotic tinge of flavor that transports you to the tropics. Popping one of the jars immediately conjures up the image of a grapefruit soaking in coconut milk that's been spiced and flowered, sitting next to a grill and waiting to be flambeed or bruleed into some form of delicious goodness. Truly a tantalizing aroma that accentuates the pleasure of the experience and the quality of the product overall.

As I go about my spring cleaning and get ready for the madness of summer, I need a toke of something that actively keeps me going and complements my energy for the day.

Khalifa Mints is the perfect daily driver of the season that balances cerebral euphoria with the mellow moods I need. Keep an eye out for these showcase nugs from Trulieve … this fire is a surefire bet to fly off shelves.

trulieve.com | @trulieve_

NEW ITEM DUO’S

MIX & MATCH YOUR MEDICATING

2 HALF GRAM VAPE CARTS

PICK YOUR PACK -ADVENTURE-DISCOVER-DREAMSCAPE-

FIND THEM AT CHESAPEAKE

APOTHECARY OR A DISPENSARY NEAR YOU

KEEF CANNABIS-INFUSED SODAS

POPPING OFF

Keef was launched in 2010 when founder Erik Knutson wanted to create a new way to enjoy a drink with friends and family. bringing the beverage to life, he put his first test batch in front of his 85-year-old Grandma Dee – who went back for seconds after taking her first sip. She loved it, and for being someone who doesn’t consume Cannabis regularly, Erik knew he was on to something.

The brand has come a long way since then, expanding into Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Nevada, Puerto Rico, Canada, and now the lovely state of Maryland. SunMed Growers is the brand responsible for bringing this sweet treat to the market in Maryland, and needless to say they are doing Keef justice. It has been amazing to see the landscape of the edibles market in Maryland go from exclusively gummies to baked goods, chocolates, coffee creamer, and now soda. Combining the sweet experience of having a soda with the relaxing effects of Cannabis makes for a social beverage that won’t leave you with hangxiety. It also provides an option for non-drinkers that allows them to be included in an activity they are often excluded from. Alcohol is one of the only drugs in the world people publicly get shamed and guilted for not using. We’ve all heard someone say, “Come on, just have a drink with us.”

This product smashes that idea and provides something for the Cannabis-only crowd to join in with.

The current flavors on the Maryland market include Blue Razz, Purple

"All of the classic sodas from Keef are caffeine-free, perfect for any time of the day."

Passion, Bubba Kush Root Beer, Orange Kush and of course, Classic Cola. There are 10mg in each can, making this product available to both medical and adult-use customers. The state has certainly limited many of the products that adult-use customers can purchase and SunMed wants to make this something anyone and everyone can enjoy. Keef also produces 25mg and 100mg varieties in other markets, so hopefully that is on the horizon for Maryland. I grabbed a can of each of the available flavors, diving into the Classic Cola first to get a feel for where this brand started out before I tried the others to see how it has evolved. When eating edibles you obviously want the effects, but sometimes an overpowering Cannabis flavor can ruin the experience. The flavor in the Classic Cola is spot on with what you would expect out of cola, with a nicely masked Cannabis flavor that doesn’t even come close to outweighing the flavor. Aside from the Classic Cola, my favorites were Orange Kush and Purple Passion. Markets outside of Maryland have several other flavors including Mr. Puffer and Pineapple X-Press, which will hopefully be hitting shelves here in the coming months.

About 20 minutes after consuming my first can, I began to feel a cerebral relaxation wash over my head and then down into my body – all the way to my toes. All of the classic sodas from Keef are caffeine-free, making them perfect for any time of the day. I look forward to this summer when I can crack open an ice-cold Keef soda on the beach and get some major relaxation in the sun. Kudos to the team at SunMed for constantly finding ways to be innovative and bring products to the market that we never saw coming.

KEEFBRANDS.COM | @KEEFBRANDS

GREEN SCENEs

AUTHOR LAUREN YOSHIKO DISCUSSES HER INNOVATIVE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR TOKERS.

Lauren Yoshiko has always been on the cutting edge of Cannabis journalism. When her home state of Oregon legalized adult use in 2014, she wrote some of the very first articles about the new recreational Cannabis industry. Even before that, she was publishing strain reviews in Portland’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Willamette Week under the pseudonym "Mary Romano" (for fear of losing her day job, ironically).

AFTER YEARS on the ground covering how Cannabis and culture collide for outlets like Forbes, Thrillist and Rolling Stone, Lauren was approached in 2022 to take on the biggest adventure of her literary career so far – writing an entire book. It’d also be the first-ever book of its kind: a travel guide to legal Cannabis destinations across the United States.

“I was really lucky to actually get contacted by a publisher, Hardie Grant, who was interested in covering the new world of Cannabis but was definitely sensitive to doing it in a thoughtful way,” Lauren tells us. “More than just the splashiest spots or sheer quantity, they really wanted a quality curation of places that are doing unique things in ethical ways. And when they looked around at who was reporting on this space, they saw that I was pretty intentional with the people I wrote about and who I featured. So I was like, where do I sign? You're speaking my language.”

But just how did she tackle the challenge of curating the coolest, most creative places to consume from coast to coast?

Prefer to stay mentally stimulated when you’re stoned? You might want to check out one of Lauren’s favorite spots in the book: the THC Museum in New York (THC NYC), with multiple floors of experiences including music, light shows and multi-sensory elements.

While all of these green scenes are unique in their own ways, they do have one thing in common: most are small, locally-owned businesses with a focus on high-quality craft Cannabis and highly-curated experiences.

“It was really fun – lots of conversations and more than just business features – it was really wrapping my head around being somebody who loves weed in these different regions.”

“I was overwhelmed initially, but when I really sat down and thought about it, the people I've written about over the last 10 years all became sort of confidants for their regions,” she explains.

“It was awesome to tap the network and reach out to all these people and be like, ‘Hey, what’s your favorite spot in Boston? What are your favorite spots that you go to, person that lives in Phoenix?’ It was

PHOTO BY ZOE CHING

really fun – lots of conversations and more than just business features – it was really wrapping my head around being somebody who loves weed in these different regions.”

Green Scenes ended up spanning 15 states and 24 cities total, compiling 120 of the most interesting Cannabis-friendly sites and experiences. From places to stay like The Lexi (Las Vegas’s first consumption hotel with a sleek and sophisticated design) to shops such as Joint Rivers (a casino-inspired dispensary operating on Native-owned land in Washington), there’s a little something for every kind of adventure enthusiast.

Love to spoil yourself at the spa? Puff on a joint while you get your toes painted at Nomsternailz in Oregon, or participate in a relaxing Cacao and Kush ceremony at New Rituals wellness collective in California. More of a foodie? Visit the husband-and-wife-duo serving up Dope Dinners, inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean and Mediterranean in Massachusetts or sip on an infused Blue Dream Cosmic Slushie at Chi’Tiva in Illinois.

“As a consumer, I love this product and want it to be trustworthy and high quality. With this book, I wanted to highlight people with that same mentality that are craft-based, that care about how they grow, that are trying to be as least extractive as possible on the earth and maybe even leaving it a little happier than when they first arrived,” Lauren tells us. “It’s about: Who do I want to see thrive? Who do I want to see win? And who could use the help? I definitely seek out independent small-owned businesses that are doing things thoughtfully – because they are the ones really caring about that craft quality or one-on-one experiences.”

Has our Adventure Issue inspired you to take a trip somewhere totally new? Want to branch out in your own backyard? Either way, Lauren envisions you taking Green Scenes along for the ride.

“You could keep it at home on your coffee table and have it be something people flip through and learn a little bit at a time.

I also love the idea of people folding a page and taking it with them on their trip,” she says.

“Or flipping through before they go somewhere and being like, ‘OK, I'm going to a legal state, I know I'm gonna want to try some weed – these are the spots that I'm going to bookmark on my phone or take a screenshot of or check out the website.’ Then they can really build that into their trip in a fun way.”

Green Scenes is available now on Amazon and in booksellers nationwide.

JOINT RIVERS | WASHINGTON

PHOTO BY WINONA GREY

LIVE SAUCE CARTS

Your

ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES PRODUCT REVIEWS

pack + play

Rollie Boy has reimagined the joint case. Gone are the days of loose bats bumping into each other as you frolic with friends, thanks to attached covers that safely store four individual joints and swing open as needed. The hard-sided, water and smell-resistant receptacle even comes with a detachable match-strike that can be removed to fit a standard Bic lighter – so you’ll always be ready to roll up. Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Revelry Supply Co. The Rolling Kit

and leather accents paired with a waterproof zipper and lockable clasp make this portable pouch both durable and discreet. Review by Katherine Wolf @katadellic

Puffco Proxy Travel Bag PUFFCO.COM | @PUFFCO

The Puffco Proxy is an essential accessory to any adventure … and there’s no better way to hit it on the go than with the Proxy Travel Bag. This simple dab purse comes in black or desert (tan) and features a plethora of pockets, including slots for two hot knives, a secret stash pocket, and a concentrate jar storage pouch at the bottom. But the coolest part is the magnetic drop-down loading tray, which gives you a stable surface to load your dabs anywhere, anytime. Review by Bobby Black @thebobbyblack

Vessel Rover Case VESSELBRAND.COM | @VESSEL_BRAND

Designed for Vessel’s Craftsman, Expedition, Core and Vista Edge Series pens, this sophisticated and sleek case is versatile enough to accommodate all of your vape pen, charger and cartridge needs. It comes in several colors, including this premium, soft-touch “cognac” faux-leather option and several water-resistant nylon options. At just seven inches long and under four inches wide, it’s about the size of the average wallet and nearly as necessary. Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Suvo Labs Original Stash Bag

SUVOLABS.COM | @SUVOLABS

If you’re looking for versatility in all of your on-the-go needs, Suvo Labs has prepared the perfect product: The Original Stash Bag. Their 3X layered Carbon-Lock® fabric doesn’t let any smells seep through and its moisture-regulating technology means fresher bud in your bag. A protective padding offers the option to gallivant with glass in good hands, while a customizable combo lock secures the whole stash.

Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Weedgets Doob Tube Kit

WEEDGETS.COM | @WEEDGETSLLC

This is a Doob Tube unlike others. Its simple, smell-proof, watertight, “aircraftgrade aluminum” design holds a hidden feature. Inside, you’ll find the joint, cone, or blunt of your choice and with it, a reusable, removable filter. It’s composed of a washable, medical-grade silicone tip and charcoal filters to smooth out your smoke. The filters are crafted from “biodegradable and non-toxic materials,” so you can feel good about feeling good! Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Dime Bags The Outfit

DIMEBAGS.COM | @DIMEBAGS

If you want to look fresh and stay functional, meet “The Outfit” – the fanny pack your stoner uncle wished he had back in the ‘70s. There are seven compartments total (including a secret zippered pocket and main section with a three-digit combination lock) made with fully smell-proof, carbon-filter technology. Whether you’re wearing it to a concert, yoga class or trip to the museum, you can head to the function knowing your fire goodies are safe, secure and strapped on your body at all times! Review by Katherine Wolf @katadellic

Tightpac Coolpac

TIGHTPAC.COM | @TIGHTPAC

If simplicity suits you, try the Coolpac from Tightpac. This pill-shaped, 4.5-inch container is airtight, smell-proof, and just the right size for a nice nug, pair of joints, or some canna-candies. This company specializes in vacuum-sealed containers made for a multitude of uses, so you’ll find that all of their products are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified as foodsafe and set to store your flower without fear.

Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Staze The Day Tripper STAZE.CO | @STAZEFRESH

Whether you're getting ready for a local day trip or heading out on a longer adventure, Staze makes sure your flower stays fresh. There’s a main compartment for loose buds and a removable joint holder slot (made from the eco-friendly agave plant) that keeps your pre-rolls upright and organized. Crafted to be smell-proof, water-proof, UV-protected, lightweight and available in colorways inspired by the calming hues of nature, this is the perfect pick for any outdoor quest – or, simply a trip to your friend's couch to sesh. Review by Katherine Wolf @katadellic

JYARZ The All New JYARZ Classic JYARZ.COM | @JYARZ

If you’re out for a fierce flower adventure, this twist on a timeless classic will hold around three grams in a removable glass compartment. The All New JYARZ Classic offers TripleBlock™ technology that locks in freshness, smell and the elements – it’s even been tested “on the Colorado River under the most extreme conditions.” With a child-proof cap option also available, this one can come along on adventures with the whole family. Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

spannabis

Like the rushing of a global tide, the Cannabis community flooded this spring into Barcelona and nearby Cornellà De Llobregat for one of the largest Cannabis events on earth. This marked the twentieth year of the convention known as Spannabis. Crowds packed in breaking the previous record of 35,000 attendees, and the halls seemed ready to burst at the seams with excited faces. Held just outside of Barcelona proper, Spannabis somehow manages to pack an insane amount of things to see each day before commuting back into the city. There were plenty of incredible talks, heart-pounding music, and amazing sights from the convention floor showcasing what’s new in Cannabis worldwide.

So, What Did We See?

European legends Sensi Seeds announced the continuation of their “Breeding Ground” collaborative seed drops and along with returning hitters Fat Beans and Humboldt Seed Company, announced new exclusives with Champelli, Sherbinskis, and Serge Cannabis. Champelli told Leaf how the seeds for this project were sown after last year’s Spannabis when he was introduced to the Sensi crew through Smokenhagen. “It’s amazing to get to work with such an iconic brand with 40 years in the game,” he said.

For Serge, it was listening to feedback from the European community at his booth last year that led him to stop in Amsterdam and tour the Sensi Seeds Facility. This release with strains like Ghostbuzzters OG is just the tip of the iceberg. “There’s a lot of cool shit still to come from this,” he shares.

The pick-and-shovel crowd was out in full regalia as well. Tons of filter tip and grow equipment companies offered the chance to win items in exchange for punching a bag or spinning a wheel.

The brand Grovebags decided to do something different and hosted a scavenger hunt throughout the grounds, with winners taking home a swag pack worth $300. The biggest prize winner of the day was undoubtedly Big Dank Energy, an American content creator who won the Focus V online contest and received a fully funded trip to Spannabis. He told Leaf how blown away he was at getting to meet and smoke with dabbers from so many different corners of the globe.

Across the convention hall, Eva Seeds had half-elves and halflings hocking packs of their Viejo Toby (GG4 x Conspiracy Kush) as well as a strain called Lost In Barcelona. At the Mills Nutrient booth, Bruno Rolls was giving sneak peeks at his new rosin-infused rolls. Talking with the European seed breeders, many said Americans were mainly looking for classic hits like Karma Genetics’ Sour D. We also heard more than a few of the competing hashmakers from the States asking about Grateful Seeds, who saw hits from their lineup winning at competitions happening all over the city, ZHead at Ego Clash.

spannabis

Another Round of Z Genetics are at the front of many conversations at Spannabis, and speaking with some of the US brands set up at the convention, we found that Europe is still clamoring for Z crosses. Scott from Wizard Treez reported that the drop of their Big Z (Zkittlez x Zangria) sold out in an afternoon. Over at the PowerzzzUp booth, Kenny Powers told us that the most popular pickups were undeniably their Z Cube crosses. Across at the Terphogz booth, Tony Mendo showed us sold-out signs for Zluntz, Zlurpee, Zquishie, and basically everything from the cupboard but the Znickerdoodles.

out early on their entire GG4 line of crosses. We asked Bianca (AKA Lil’ Big Smoker), how they flew off the shelves before the Z stuff and she commented, “A lot of us spent the last couple years getting established and now that people have had a chance to try out the work, they’re coming back with a solid confidence in the menu.”

“There were plenty of incredible talks, heart-pounding music, and amazing sights from the convention floor showcasing what’s new in Cannabis worldwide."

Another exciting part of the convention, the Spannabis Champions Cup, also saw a surprise occurrence as American brand Feeling Frosty collaborated with Weed You Social Club and CBD Scientist to enter a living-soil-grown Zkittlez, which won first place in the rosin category.

Though the end of the alphabet continued to dominate both competition winners and biggest seed demands, it wasn’t just Zkittlez that people wanted. Purple City Genetics said tons of Europeans and Americans were picking up Moroccan Peaches, and at the booth for B.C.’s Gastown Genetics, they sold

Don’t Say ‘Until Next Year’

Despite political pressure on the city’s social clubs and an overwhelming police presence in Barcelona during the week, there really is no way to cap the wellspring of stoners, plant advocates, growers, breeders, business-suit bongtokers, weed influencers, and brands returning to this city every year — and the crowd keeps getting bigger. As the organizers put it, in the face of a variety of hardships, “Spannabis 2024 has once more surpassed every expectation, filling the weekend in Barcelona with color and revindications.”

As the streets of the Gothic Quarter are now empty of 35,000 like-minded souls and Germany moves into the legalization limelight, keep a close watch on our Spanish comrades as Bilbao looks to host a second Spannabis this September, and Barcelona’s social clubs fight for acceptance.

PHOTO BY MATT JACKSON

west coast

Reviews by Mike Ricker @rickerdj

the jet sesh

Hitting the Cannabis consumption lounge scene in LA + NYC

The Woods

THEWOODSWEHO.COM | @THEWOODSWEHO

Founded by actor/advocate Woody Harrelson and OG partner Devon Wheeler, the model is a nouveau Amsterdam highlighted by a Holywater Conscious Cocktail Bar with a boutique Cannabis shop affixed to pick your elixir. Priding themselves as the only official outdoor consumption lounge, here you’re enveloped by nature with a Balinese sanctuary feel. The Woods is the most intimate and personal of the four, miraculously hiding you from the madness of Santa Monica Boulevard outside – a vacation within your vacation. Freestanding bungalows allow a languid hang while the smoke trails out the window and over the koi pond. This is exactly how Woody wanted it – a place where his personal values are elegantly reflected – where a sungrown, earthdriven, water-purified plant can be enjoyed and honored in a social, yet meditative setting.

OG Cannabis Cafe

CANNABIS.CAFE

@OGCANNABISCAFE

This is where you come to let loose. It’s a multi-faceted operation that’s great for lunch on the ambient patio, or perfect for date night.

With entertaining themed evenings, you can catch comedy, karaoke, or maybe an appearance by Cheech or a DJ set by B-Real. Officially the first to open before the pandemic, they’ve managed to combine everything a stoner may want, need and desire into one heck of a soiree. But like the others, there’s no skimping on atmosphere with good food (menu created by Chef to the Stars, Johah Johnson), great cocktails and high LA energy.

Pleasure Med

PLEASUREMED.COM | @PLEASUREMEDLA

The Artist Tree WeHo THEARTISTTREE.COM | @THEARTISTTREE

This is one of two with a kitchen and the food is the best in the biz. Developing a menu through a Michelin star chef who imparted his farm-to-table approach affords you seasonal tastes with the freshest ingredients. The atmosphere is light and airy in a bougie setting with first rate service, also featuring a quality selection of weed to consume upstairs in the restaurant assisted by the Cannabis flight attendants, or to purchase from the retail dispensary (as well as unusual, tasty cocktails in the foyer). You get exclusivity without the stuffiness – Gatsby vibes that are inclusive and open to everyone. It’s experience first here … and then the experience enhances the high.

The name sets the tone: A two-story convergence of creativity fueled by the commingling of art and cannabinoids. You’ll enjoy a seasonal handcrafted Cannabis cocktail on the veranda with the city’s bustling buzz affording a backdrop that coalesces with the sweet sounds of music emitting from the walls. This art gallery marries colorful ideas of local artists while the Cannabis unlocks the boundaries of your perception with a context that feels idyllic, yet comfortably confined. There are multiple The Artist Tree retail spaces spread throughout Los Angeles and beyond, but none with the aroma and flair of this rare combination.

MIKE RICKER

COURTESY

Smoking Cannabis is oftentimes a social act, and modern Cannabis laws have made it antisocial – driving consumers home and into isolation. But with the continued emergence of Cannabis consumption lounges and other spaces that provide a group setting to enjoy the plant, we’re finding increasingly creative ways to come together from coast to coast. As Los Angeles and New York lead the charge for the opening of these spaces for us to gather around the ganja, the Leaf highly recommends breathing the fresh air of Cannabis freedom that these establishments have to offer.

Work 'N' Roll

WORKNROLL.NYC

@WORKNROLL.NYC

This Manhattan event and co-working space is similar to a WeWork during the day (smoking allowed), before hosting Cannabis events in the evening. Acting as an incubator for the local community, Work ‘n’ Roll hosts events from international brands like The Masters of Rosin to local industry coffee nights, or events raising funds for women in Cannabis. For those who start early, this versatile space is one of the earliest opening spots to sesh in the city.

THC NYC

THCNYC.COM | @THCNYC

With five sprawling floors dedicated to the art, science and culture of our favorite plant, THC NYC or as many locals call it the “THC Museum,” is a great place to sesh and score a selfie in SoHo. With interactive exhibits during the day and a rotation of curated Cannabis culture events during the evening, there’s always something interesting available to enhance your seshing experience. This spot can feel like a playground for stoners on the exhibit floors, while providing an upscale lounge experience on their massive top floor.

Polanco Brothers

POLANCOBROTHERSCORP.COM

@POLANCOBROTHERS

One of the most beautiful and unique spots to smoke in NYC, this former cigar store and lounge has turned over a new leaf so to speak, with an upscale, impeccably designed dispensary and event/sesh space located in Midtown. High-end design details and materials make the space feel luxurious and exclusive as you are guided through to the speakeasy style event space and cigar vault. Polanco Brothers allows you to access and enjoy a piece of New York history in a way that very few ever get to experience.

The Astor Club

@ASTORCLUBNYC

Hidden in a nondescript building downtown, The Astor Club is a nexus for the local and global Cannabis community. You never know who you’ll run into when you pull up. Between local connoisseurs you’re likely to find popular rappers, influencers, artists and industry players smoking on the highest of high-grade Cannabis while taking a respite from the bustling city outside.

"As

a kid I was obsessed with comic book art. That style of heavy exaggeration still influences my sculptural work today."

BIG TOM

Get ready to be taken on an intergalactic trip around the universe and straight through your nostalgic childhood memories with Big Tom's marvelous masterpieces … from Simpsons-themed neckwear and smokable pipes to creepy crea tions, Tom Howell provides artwork and glass pieces that people from every walk of life can enjoy.

GROWING UP on the East Coast, Big Tom was a ramblin’ man who followed his heart and the Grateful Dead all around the country, traveling from one concert to the next festival. During his journeys, he became fully immersed in the glass scene and fell in love with the energy that this medium holds.

After dealing with some legal issues in 1997, he needed to find a lawfully paying job – which coincidentally ended up being a pipe maker at the world-famous Jerome Baker Designs studio in Eugene, where he excelled at sculpting solid glass.

In 2003, Big Tom once again found himself on the wrong side of the law during the Operation Pipe Dreams raids — he needed to grow and evolve.

"I doubled down and continued blowing glass regardless," said Howell.

Inspired by cartoons and illustrations as a child, Big Tom has always had a knack for turning his wildest dreams into realities.

"I have always been pretty good at drawing, and as a kid I was obsessed with comic book art. That style of heavy exaggeration still influences my sculptural work today," said Howell.

Curious about Big Tom’s creations? Check out his Instagram page to check out pieces ranging from $100 up to a few grand.

IF YOU’RE BAKED, just about anything tastes incredible. But there’s a big difference between the stoner who stares into a bowl of Fruit Loops like it’s the glowing briefcase in Pulp Fiction and the sadomasochist who invites the pungent pucker of pickle juice straight to the larynx. This is an extreme difference in personality profiles for sure … but then, it takes all types to make up the human clusterfuck called society.

The rest of us lie somewhere in between: down for taste-testing new items, so long as it doesn’t land us bending over the porcelain god with deep, convulsing regret. After all, we’re stoners – open-minded to new experiences driven by THC-induced curiosity.

By now everyone knows that you can drink the pickle juice when that’s all that’s left in the jar, correct? Yes, there may be some seasoning settled at the bottom of the pond, and it would require a cowboy palate for the true foodie to chug that baby deep into the gizzard – but some people have a penchant for painful challenges. Like shoving an entire package of Sour Worms into your mouth to dissolve without chewing. Or the Seven-Alarm challenge at Wing Dome where the ghost pepper-soaked buffalo sauce inspires the heart to race and the lips to swell. Or to dab an entire $10 gram of cotton-candy flavored distillate boof.

And I don’t know why dudes need to alpine their asses to the peak of Everest, but they’re out there doing it. I mean, it can’t be fun. I’m sure it hurts. And it ain’t free. In fact, you could buy a sailboat for the same amount of money that it takes just to get there. To each their own.

And drinking a jar of pickle juice is on the same level. Because as we sensation seekers will tell you, zest is the best. Sure, a sugar cookie is like mouth nookie, and coffee and toffee are awfully awesome – but the sour zip-zap of the vinegar jar brings the tickle from the pickle. And I’m fickle.

adventure. Chews your own

Curio’s latest & greatest edible innovations

We’re introducing two new premier products to our already vast line of effective, great-tasting chews: Move Chews take aim at solving your muscle aches and pains, and Fast-Acting Chews hit in as little as 5-10 minutes*!

Don’t forget, all of our chews are made from 100% Curio Wellness™ flower and available in a variety of dosages.

muscle aches and pains.

What You’ll Love: Fast onset of uplifting feelings.