INTRODUCING
EXTREMELY TASTY & POTENT
Whole bud flower is infused with a proprietary process that combined diamonds, natural botanical terpenes and pure kief all contained within the pre-roll to produce a potent flavor explosion and high THC content for that desired Lift o or couch lock without the mess and burn of a traditional pre-roll.
NORTHWEST LEAF
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
TERPODACTYL MEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR amanda@leafmagazines.com
MIKE GIANAKOS ONLINE EDITOR mikeg@leafmagazines.com
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MICHAEL CZERHONIAK ADVERTISING SALES michael@leafmagazines.com
PAIGE RICHARDS ADVERTISING SALES paige@leafmagazines.com
WES ABNEY ABOUT THE COVER
Kicking off 2025 with a bang is the imaginative work of Canadian illustrator Pete Ryan, in a cheeky homage to Operation, 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, NATIONAL NEWS
ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES
ADHDDEAD, FEATURES
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
NICK EVANS, FEATURES
REX HILSINGER, FEATURE + PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
DANSTAN KAUNDA, PHOTOS
JAKE KERN, FEATURES
MEG MACDONALD, PHOTOS
MAINE CANNA MEDIA, PHOTOS
LEXI PADUSSIS, SALES
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
PETE RYAN, ILLUSTRATION
BRIAN SANNER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN
TAYLOR WEINBERG, PHOTOS
BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
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...”
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Northeast 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 paige@leafmagazines.com to start advertising with Northeast Leaf!
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!
/ OREGON LEAF / ALASKA LEAF / MARYLAND LEAF / CALIFORNIA LEAF / NORTHEAST LEAF / UTAH LEAF
BAT
POOP IN WEED LEADS 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.
440,445
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.
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%
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.
“You can feel confident that when you visit, you’ll leave with something thoughtfully curated to meet your specific needs.”
atlantic farms
ATLANTIC FARMS opened its doors in 2018, right as Maine’s medical marijuana legislation was taking root. Nestled in a distinctive A-frame building, this dispensary stands out as one of the most unique and entertaining locations around. What truly sets Atlantic Farms apart is its innovative pairing of a fully operational gas station with an on-site mobile certification unit, Chronic Wellness, led by Nurse Practitioner Jessica Taylor. Here, visitors can fuel up, get certified for medical Cannabis, and explore a thoughtfully curated selection of premium Cannabis products, all in one convenient stop.
scene and setting
Pulling into the property, I was immediately struck by Atlantic Farms’ bold orange signage perched atop the gas pumps — it’s impossible to miss and feels like a warm welcome. The pumps, covered in stickers from across Maine’s Cannabis community, added a fun, personal touch that made me smile. Walking up to the striking A-frame building, I couldn’t help but admire its blend of rustic charm and modern flair, so perfectly Maine. Inside, I found a small general store stocked with everyday essentials and local goodies, a nod to the community vibe that Atlantic Farms embodies. To the right, tucked into a cozy side room, was the dispensary itself — an intimate space filled with carefully curated Cannabis products. The entire layout felt thoughtfully designed, making the experience both familiar and exciting.
Product Selection
As I scanned the room, my eyes were immediately drawn to the stunning flower displays housed in a glass case, visible from both the general store and the dispensary. Each flower sample was paired with an informational card detailing the grower, the strain, and all the key details needed to make an informed purchase. While browsing, a few standout strains caught my attention: La Coco Nostra’s Cherry Dawg, G Funk from Indoor Plant Kingdom, and Shokis from Atlantic Farms. After spending some time with the flower, I moved over to the hash selection, where I was greeted by a lineup of familiar and highly regarded names. Numerous offerings from brands like Upward Organics, Monkey Jones, Best Friend Farms and Flavor Farming filled the shelves, including Best Friend Farms’ signature bubble hash balls, a must-try for any hash enthusiast.
Beyond flower and hash, Atlantic Farms boasts an impressive selection of edibles, perfect for those who prefer not to smoke or vaporize but still enjoy indulging in Cannabis. Their cases were brimming with mouthwatering options. I found myself drooling over the 4:1 Grape RSO gummies from Sola Edibles, Glaze’s Sea Salt Toffee 1,000 mg chocolate bar (extra drool-worthy), and High Peaks’ Sugar Highs, which simply melt in your mouth. If you’ve tried them before, you know exactly what I mean.
vibe and staff
During my visit to Atlantic Farms, I genuinely enjoyed chatting with the staff and sharing laughs. It’s clear they not only enjoy their work but are truly passionate about what they do. Many of the employees have been with Atlantic Farms for years, and that longevity is part of what makes this place so special. Over time, they’ve built trusting relationships with their customers, creating a sense of community that’s hard to find. You can feel confident that when you visit, you’ll leave with something thoughtfully curated to meet your specific needs.
Experience
Atlantic Farms isn’t just a dispensary; it’s an experience that feels authentically Maine. From the charm of the classically shaped building to the unique convenience of a fully functioning gas station on-site, everything about this place feels welcoming and genuine. Add in the thoughtfully curated Cannabis selection and the friendly, passionate staff, and it is clear why Atlantic Farms stands out. Whether you’re a seasoned Cannabis connoisseur or just starting to explore, there’s something here for everyone. As I pulled away, with my tank full and a bag of carefully chosen products in hand, I couldn’t help but appreciate how much care and connection go into every part of Atlantic Farms. It’s not just the products or the convenience that keep people coming back; it’s the people and the community they’ve built around them.
atlantic farms 460 Warren Ave, Portland, ME theatlanticfarms.com | @atlantic_farms | (207) 613-9520 Open 7 AM - 8 PM Mon. - Sat. and 9 AM - 5 PM Sun.
Nurse Practitioner Jessica Taylor
NYC-based dab bar Stay Dosed, led by Jezebel “Jdosed” Lopez, is a local staple at many of the headiest and hashiest events in the city. She’s known for combining her love of sharing concentrates with education and a welcoming environment for both newcomers and connoisseurs alike. ADHDDEAD sat down with her to chat about her businesses and what it takes to help get the crowds lifted at Cannabis events.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. How do you describe your brand, and when did you first dream up the concept for Stay Dosed?
I would describe my brand as a service that aims to make the consumption of Cannabis concentrates accessible, educative and engaging. It’s a ‘for-higher’ mobile dab bar service that focuses on providing a high-quality experience for the consumer. The concept arose around 2019 through some homies and their perception of how I would set up dabs for myself. They were intrigued by the extensive cleaning process and the way I would temp each dab and were the ones that gave me my first opportunities at their events. I loved the thrill and excitement I would get from sharing this passion for quality concentrate consumption with people that I started actively seeking more opportunities to join events in the community and collaborations with processors and concentrate brands. From then on, the intention has never changed: to provide the same great experience I would want for myself.
How do you curate what’s served at a Stay Dosed dab bar, and what flavors or effects are you most excited to share with your guests right now? I’m a big supporter of the New York legacy market, so my intention has been to highlight brands operating out of my home state and show love to the people that have been putting in the work. Whenever I have the chance to showcase some NY-sourced terps, it truly fills me with gratitude and excitement. To share something with people that was grown and processed locally makes me appreciate the work on a passionate level. Of course, I don’t always get to work with local brands, but I’ve also been fortunate enough to have showcased some out-of-state brands with some undoubtedly quality terps. Heavy shout out to all the brands that have been down to work with the Stay Dosed dab bar; it’s always a true pleasure to
STAY DOSED
showcase some good terps. As for the flavor profile, I personally am a gas and funk lover but always seek to offer a variety and get excited to share clean and tasty terps, no matter what kind. I enjoy engaging with each individual, finding which flavor and/or effect they think would make their experience the most enjoyable.
A great dab sesh requires a great setting. How do you craft an environment that makes people feel comfortable experimenting, learning and connecting at your dab bar? Pretty lights! (Laughs.) No but seriously, what stoner doesn’t like pretty lights? I like to say, when you see the bright, neon purple moon, you know you found me. I have put a lot of time and effort into making my station presentable, cohesive and welcoming. People seem to like the purple theme; as their eyes wander the table, they start to notice almost every accessory, tool and component on the table is predominantly purple, and the smile on their face visibly grows. I like to do event-specific light
box signs that display a relevant message and do a good photo op for people who like to capture content. It has become a fun challenge to think of something new and witty each time. I also usually have a visual menu on a screen so people know what’s available for sampling, strain genetics, the brand(s) powering the terps and any other relevant details that assist in the experience. Being educated on what I’m consuming is important to me, so I want to reflect that in my displays.
One of the most important aspects to me, however, is cleanliness. I prep the rigs and the quartz before every event and try to maintain my pieces looking like new. Using distilled water in the rigs and alcohol pads to wipe off the rig mouthpieces and caps/marbles after every single dab is a non-negotiable, and I maintain a clean station by using mini trash cans. I also try to change out the water of the rigs every hour for high-volume events to maintain freshness. When possible, I try to use one rig per strain to avoid terps
“I’M HERE TO DISRUPT THE STIGMA. I WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH TOWARDS MORE EDUCATION ON CONCENTRATES AND CONCENTRATE CONSUMPTION IN ALL AVENUES THAT I CAN.”
combining in the rig water. I have an extensive process for cleaning the quartz after each dab, and while that may mean it takes some time to prep each dab, the intention is always to provide the cleanest and tastiest dab achievable.
New York’s Cannabis scene is evolving fast; how do you see Stay Dosed fitting into that bigger cultural shift, and what role do you want to play in shaping the city’s relationship with Cannabis? I’m here to disrupt the stigma. I will continue to push towards more education on concentrates and concentrate consumption in all avenues that I can and aspire to work with other people with aligned goals and in settings where it’s not available yet. My longterm goals are to get more hands-on in the lab and/or processing setting. I am always looking for ways to continue my education with the subject as it’s ever evolving and the information to be learned continuously grows.
NYC has always been a melting pot of flavors, cultures and perspectives. In what ways do you see your
dab bar reflecting that diversity, whether through the people who come in, the events you host or the concentrates you serve? I love to have rotating brands/concentrates at the dab bar. You’ll rarely see the same thing twice. I’ve showcased terps from all across the state and country and always aim to have different terp profiles available. I’ve had the opportunity to set up the dab bar at all the boroughs, finding myself at legacy events, private events/dinners, music events, awards shows, dispensaries — wherever the terps get called. Through the dab bar, I’ve been able to engage with all kinds of different people from different places, and the interactions are always different but truly almost pleasant, leaving me elated. That’s one of the best parts of being behind the bar — meeting so many kinds of people and having a shared experience with them.
Running a dab bar seems like equal part connoisseurship and community-building. How do you balance educating newcomers on the art of dabbing with catering to seasoned enthusiasts who know exactly what they’re after? When someone comes up to the dab bar, I first walk them through the terps available and try to get a sense of what kind of flavor profile or effect they’re after. They’re always allowed to smell what’s available, and I have coffee grounds for people to cleanse their nose palates. Interacting with what you’re going to consume is important and can create a safer relationship with the experience and product. I then get an understanding of where their consumption level is at. Their honesty helps me curate the best experience for them. I have people who come up and want a soul-crushing dab, and I get that! Let’s get some dab sweats going. On the other side, I’ve been grateful enough to have walked many people through their first-ever dab or a redemption dab after they had a prior negative experience. It’s something that can be scary for many and to be given the chance to dissipate that fear and stigma is pretty rad for me.
A Stoner Owner is a Cannabis business owner who has a relationship with the plant. We want to buy and smoke Cannabis from companies that care about their products, employees and the plant. You wouldn’t buy food from a restaurant where the cooks don’t eat in the kitchen, so why buy corporate weed grown by a company only concerned with profits? Stoner Owner approval means a company cares, and we love weed grown with care. Let’s retake our culture and reshape a stigma by honoring those who grow, process and sell the best Cannabis possible.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for Stay Dosed? Are there certain collaborations, product lines or experiences on your wishlist that might help push the boundaries of what a dab bar can be in New York City and beyond? I’d love to continue to work with legacy NY brands, and as they start to emerge into the legal market, I hope to continue to do so as well. I also seek to do more educational events/ workshops with interested brands/stores as well as dinner collaborations and flavor-terp pairings. I find myself imagining the dab bar in places where you would normally find a ‘regular bar,’ though I know that is a way to go. I would like to participate in weddings and similar events, which seems more attainable. I’m passionate about sharing this experience with others and will continue to show up however I can.
@STAYDOSED
FRUIT PUNCH HASH GUMMIES
Rezinators Fruit Punch Hash Gummies are a standout edible in New York’s recreational Cannabis market. With so many new products hitting shelves, it’s not hard to find good edibles, but Rezinators elevates the category with its emphasis on solventless extraction that delivers both flavor and function. Crafted with hash rosin from a blend of two uplifting strains, Pineapple Haze and Papa Smurf (Blue Dream x Cotton Candy), the gummies produce an uplifting high that settles in about 30 to 45 minutes after consumption. Thanks to the thoughtfully curated strain
When it comes to edibles, our preference is always to focus on the plant. That’s why we like Rezinators’ solventless extraction process, which preserves the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. This results in a more complex and balanced high without introducing additional chemicals. Each gummy contains 10 mg of THC, with 100 mg per package, giving reliable and consistent dosing. The commitment to clean ingredients is ever-present — Rezinators are vegan, gluten-free and fat-free, making them suitable for those with specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
The gummies have a firm, satisfying texture that won’t melt, break down or stick together if tossed in your jacket pocket alongside your keys and phone. That durability makes them a perfect on-the-go option for busy days or spontaneous plans.
The nostalgic fruit punch flavor shines with a refreshing authenticity that is a nod to playful childhood flavors. These gummies are bold and satisfying, but be warned — they do not hold back on the sweetness front with 2 grams of sugar per piece, making a bag comparable to most off-the-shelf sour candy. Edibles like Rezinators Fruit Punch Hash Gummies showcase how thoughtful craftsmanship and natural processes are reaching the mainstream with a product that is as enjoyable as it is effective. For anyone seeking a versatile, durable and
FONDUE 73-159u ROSIN
Rory Farms LLC is a Maine-based Cannabis company founded in honor of its namesake, Rory, whose journey with pancreatic cancer inspired its mission. After her passing in 2021, the company was established to carry forward her legacy by providing high-quality Cannabis products and educating others about the plant’s transformative benefits. Rory Farms is committed to challenging outdated stigmas, promoting wellness and contributing to the evolving narrative around Cannabis. Rooted in a deeply personal story, Rory Farms combines quality, transparency and advocacy to make a meaningful impact in the Cannabis industry and beyond.
GENETIC INFORMATION
Fondue is a strain brought to us by Little Lake Valley Seed Company. It’s a blend that marries old-school funk with some of the newest fruity flavors on the block. A cross of UK Cheese and Faux Fana (Banana OG x Heirloom OG) x Sunset Sherb, this strain makes no effort to be subtle — it’s unapologetically loud.
The moment I cracked the seal and spun off the jar’s lid, a fume of cheese funk targeted my nose with military precision, leaving a lingering sweet note in its wake. My eyes widened, and a giddy grin spread across my face — Cheese is a funk that’s truly fondue to my heart!
LOOK, TASTE AND EFFECTS
Peering into the jar, I was greeted by a greasy, creamy slab of rosin that perfectly lived up to its name — a rich, melted piece of fondue cheese in all its decadent glory. The texture was soft and inviting, almost daring me to dive in. I dipped my dabber into the luscious slab, savoring how it yielded effortlessly, and carefully portioned out a generous dab. With my Puffco fired up, I could feel the anticipation building as I waited for the temperature to rise. The gentle vibration in my hand was my cue — it was go time. I began to inhale, and my lungs were immediately met with an explosion of flavor — a bold, funky cheese tang intertwined with an unexpected sweetness that lingered on my palate like the briny kick of a well-aged gouda. Each pull was a symphony of terps, a unique balance of savory and sweet that felt indulgent yet somehow refined.
As the session continued, I felt the effects settle in, starting with a warm, euphoric buzz in my mind before radiating through my body. My muscles softened, tension melted away, and I found myself floating in a state of deep relaxation. Yet, despite the soothing physical effects, my mood remained light and upbeat, leaving me functional and engaged, with a smile I couldn’t seem to wipe off my face. Fondue is not just a treat for the senses — it’s an experience, one that leaves you both grounded and uplifted in the best possible way.
“EACH PULL WAS A SYMPHONY OF TERPS, A UNIQUE BALANCE OF SAVORY AND SWEET THAT FELT INDULGENT…”
RUBY WAVES
“RUBY
CREATED and selected in-house by Skunkfoot Farms, Ruby Waves is a cross of Skunktek’s Gas Cap (Sour Diesel x i95) x 707 Headband, paired with the Cherry Pie clone — one of the mothers of modern Cannabis.
The flowers on this keeper selection are dense, bright green buds with big, layered bracts that stack atop themselves and foxtail out from the center mass. Sparse tufts of burnt pumpkin-colored hairs are speckled between the densely layered trichomes. The resin is tacky, with buds that have no problem sticking to your fingers and shrugging off gravity’s insistence.
The initial nose is rich with woodsy pine, earthy sage and nostril-tickling gas. It’s incredibly pleasant and welcoming.
The flower breaks up nicely, and while the resin itself is tacky, the ground flower doesn’t stick together much. Post-grind, the texture is papery and soft, perfect for combustion. There is also a notable bit of purple that’s revealed after the grind.
The smoke is a smooth, pleasurable experience. It is soft and vaporous, with no tickle in the throat or heavy lung expansion. After my tasting, I found myself with a relaxed body, some pressure behind the eyes and an uplifted, engaged headspace. Ruby Waves is a great all-day strain, even heavy consumption didn’t slow me down. Instead, it led me to become a ball of energy, my mind happily floating between free associations and random musings.
Skunkfoot Farm’s Ruby Waves is a fantastic all-day choice for people who want an elevated day without slowing down their creative flow.
skunkfootfarms.com @skunkfootfarms skunktek.com
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.
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.”
"CANNABISINFUSED ORGASMS, WHEN APPROACHED
WITH INTENTION AND CARE, CAN BE A POWERFUL TOOL FOR WELLNESS AND SELFDISCOVERY."
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.”
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 OM LOVE BALM
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
TAKE A BREAK!
QUITTING IS FOR QUITTERS, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO TOLERANCE AND CANNABIS, TAKING A BREAK COULD MAKE YOU THE BIG WINNER THE NEXT TIME YOU LIGHT UP.
IT’Sthe new year, and everyone is giving something up. Dry January is always commendable, and you won’t see this Cali-sober writer throwing shade at people for giving up the sauce. Taking a break from booze is a win, whether for a day, a month or a year! But I do have a problem with those new gym memberships, no-sugar, “new year, new me” folks on social media who see the opportunity to gain social credit points rather than make actual change. Change is hard, especially when it comes to addictive substances like alcohol, sugar or hard drugs. Luckily, Cannabis is nonaddictive, at least physically, and can play a role in your own health choices for this new year.
SHORT BREAKS & LONG BREAKS
Tolerance breaks don’t have to be all or nothing. It can mean skipping edibles, dabbing or not smoking before 5 p.m. Any chance to reset or refresh the endocannabinoid system is beneficial.
Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system integrated into our central nervous system, with a network of receptors that regulate and maintain neurological and physiological functions. Regular Cannabis use can lead to reduced receptor responsiveness, which isn’t harmful but can leave users feeling foggy, tired or unmotivated. Taking a break from smoking, dabbing or edibles can help reset the system, and even a short break can lead to a big high the next time you light up. A long break from Cannabis does not lead to an “endocannabinoid deficiency,” but the body’s endocannabinoid system naturally produces cannabinoids to help regulate inflammation, pain and stress. Some theories suggest low levels of these endocannabinoids may contribute to migraines or IBS, and
that an imbalance could potentially create an environment where disease spreads more easily. However, this is unrelated to Cannabis abstinence. This system is crucial for balance, which is why cannabinoids are found in breast milk and why the body produces its own endogenous cannabinoids.
Our advice? Take short breaks and monitor your body and mental state to find the best balance for Cannabis in your life.
CHANGING YOUR ROUTINE
Waking and baking is a vibe. Let’s be real. There’s nothing quite like morning bong hits or dabs before floating to a coffee shop and taking an excruciatingly long time to order your normal triple vanilla latte. But is it the best way to start the day? The answer is undoubtedly yes if your plans involve adventures, shopping or a general lack of responsibility!
But those trying to make it in this difficult world and inflated economy might benefit from waiting to bake until a few hours after waking. Changing a routine starts with day one, trying something different and seeing if it helps. If it does, try to combine a few days and analyze the results. It doesn’t have to be major changes; simply waiting a few hours to smoke could make your day more productive.
For patients, daily use can be a lifesaver. It’s also the only significantly beneficial drug usable daily, for decades, without major side effects. Even Tylenol or Ibuprofen can destroy the body after extended use. It can also kill.
“Tylenol accounts for more than 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 458 deaths due to acute liver failure each year, with the highest rate among patients aged 15 to 24,” says Jeffrey Folk, M.D., CMO of Piedmont Healthcare.
Given that there are no known adverse effects to Cannabis, it comes down to personal choices and habits. Cannabis can be used for creative energy to drive a healthy workday or can be a couch-locked inhibitor to success. This depends on strain choice, consumption method choice and intention. Weed certainly makes many things better, but if it’s slowing you down at times when you need to be productive, take a break! The bong will be waiting, and the high after a break always hits a little harder.
“TAKING A BREAK FROM SMOKING, DABBING OR EDIBLES CAN HELP RESET THE SYSTEM…”
However, we all know someone who needs to take a bong hit by noon because, after lunch, they get grumpy. So this advice hits both ways: If you are struggling with the afternoon blues or can’t stand the mornings, perhaps the right blend of terps and cannabinoids will provide the smoky boost you need to sail through a happy day.
IS SOBRIETY FROM CANNABIS NECESSARY?
Sobriety is both a positive life decision and a surging trend, but is it necessary to take a break from Cannabis to be sober? A major question regarding Cannabis is that of use versus abuse. When a patient uses Cannabis in high doses, they are often using it as medicine, reaping benefits without negative side effects. Taking a break from Cannabis could lead to negative health issues for patients depending on the plant.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Cannabis is a beautiful plant that helps so many people. You cannot overdose on it, there’s no physical dependency or addiction, and there’s no hangover when compared to alcohol.
We should never judge how people use Cannabis but always be ready to pass a joint or share the advice that maybe it isn’t the right time to get high. Above all, we must not judge people for how they interact with the plant. What might be a devastating dose of highTHC edibles for one person could be the only thing keeping another person from suffering in pain or choosing opiates.
Cannabis is a gift from God and Gaia, a wonderful medicine, and a tool for helping with sobriety from other drugs and alcohol.
As this writer approaches two years of sobriety from alcohol next month, I know that Cannabis was a tool that has kept me sober, and I am so grateful for the plant that has helped us all.
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?
“WE NEED TO EMPOWER NURSES SO THEY CAN EMPOWER PATIENTS.”
-2024 ACNA PRESIDENT NICOLE FOSS, MBA, RN, ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
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.
The ACNA was founded in 2006 by visionary leaders, the late nurse Julia (Ed) Glick and Mary Lynn Mathre, during the Fourth National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics. It began as a collective of passionate nurses supporting medical cannabis patients when the field was still deeply stigmatized. 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
"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
2023-2025
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 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
ACNA stepped in to begin 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.”
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.”
-DR.
DEANNA SOMMERS, PHD, RN, CPNP & INCOMING ACNA PRESIDENTELECT FOR 2025.
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.”
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 expand ing 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
ACNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.
Coldberger
In her work, you’ll see a lot of inspiration from the decade’s colorways and geometric shape designs.
Nicole Berger, better known as Coldberger, is a true product of the ’90s.
Coldberger
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.
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 cold-working 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
“...it’s the community that drives me! I get to play with my best friends, and that’s my work…”
2024 collab with Sibelle for DFO.
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.
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.
