Mar. 2023 - NE Leaf

NORTHEAST

THE FLOWER ISSUE

From Maryland to Maine, Your Favorite Brands All Along the Northeast

CURALEAF

@curaleaf.usa | flower, vapes & edibles

SELECT

@select.better | premium vapes & edibles

GRASSROOTS

@grassrootscannabisco | high-quality flower & concentrates

B NOBLE

@bnobleo cial | pre-rolls & flower for a cause

FIND.

@find.your.flower | high-quality flower at prices that’ll make you smile

ENDLESS COAST

@drinkendlesscoast | infused beverages

ABOUT THE COVER

Phenotype #109 from Humboldt Seed Company’s 10k Plant Phenotype Mega Hunt happened to be particularly photogenic and fortunately for us world class Cannabis photographer Erik “Nugshots” Christiansen was onsite to capture the magic. The cross is Pineapple Upside Down Cake x Squirt. Thefluorescentpinkhairs(stigma)weren’tas strikingwhendriedso#109didn’tmakethe winnerscircle,butstillthisphotohighlights the striking beauty of the Cannabis flower. For all you science nerds out there, check out those stigmatic papillae! Be sure to visit our website, LeafMagazines.com, to see the other covers we released this month with Erik's beautiful close-up work.

COVER & INTERIOR PHOTOS

ERIK CHRISTIANSEN @ERIK.NUGSHOTS

CONTRIBUTORS

BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN

JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION

TOM BOWERS, FEATURES

ERIK CHRISTIANSEN, PHOTOS

AMANDA DAY, FEATURES

JENN DOE, SALES

EARLY, PRODUCTION

STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS

MATT JACKSON, FEATURES

BAILEY JONSON, REVIEWS + PHOTOS

SARA MILLS-GAINES, SALES

BOBBY NUGGZ, REVIEWS + PHOTOS

LEXI PADUSSIS, SALES + FEATURES

BAXSEN PAINE, FEATURES + PHOTOS

MIKE RICKER, FEATURES

CHARLES TAGGART, FEATURES + PHOTOS

JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN

DAN VINKOVETSKY, FEATURES

NATE WILLIAMS, FEATURES

BRUCE WOLF, PHOTOS

KATHERINE WOLF, FEATURES

LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES

Thanks for picking up The Flower Issue of the Leaf!

Flower power might be a hippie concept, but it really hits the spot with a tasty toke of delicious Cannabis. How lucky are we as humans that our favorite plant has evolved to not only get us high, but feel better?

When you look at the natural world of plants and animals, most evolutionary traits have been developed to protect the species – usually at the expense of whatever unlucky animal comes along for a bite. From the poison dart frog to the stinging nettle, there are very few options that humans can eat and feel better from. This idea is especially prevalent in mushrooms, where similar looking fungi can either be edible or deadly. Thankfully, we have thousands of years of human development and experimentation to credit for our current ability to safely choose our plant-based medicines and recreational adventures.

Going back to Cannabis, it seems beyond lucky that the trichomes and terpenes the plant develops and expresses to keep deer and bugs away, actually light up the human endocannabinoid system perfectly. And if you really want to trip out, don’t forget that it’s the same limonene terpenes in Cannabis that are also in citrus fruits!

“IT SEEMS BEYOND LUCKY THAT THE TRICHOMES AND TERPENES THE PLANT DEVELOPS AND EXPRESSES TO KEEP DEER AND BUGS AWAY, ACTUALLY LIGHT UP THE HUMAN ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM PERFECTLY.”

I feel very blessed to have found our plant beneficial to my health needs, so much so that I started the Leaf in 2010 to share that truth and fight the war on drugs. Back then we didn’t have advanced extraction methods or even the science to isolate THC, let alone the amazing developments of today that have taken the plant into so many uncharted territories. Walk into a dispensary nowadays and you’ll see a whole pharmacy of options that’ll get you high and well at the same time … but what you won’t see in most states is the plant itself.

That’s why we decided to revamp our strains/genetics-themed edition with the official Flower Issue of the Leaf – to talk about the plant, share beautiful photos, and reconnect with the gift that grows from the ground for all of humankind’s benefit. Thank you for reading and sharing the Leaf, and as we head into springtime, please consider planting your own flowers once the dreaded April showers have concluded. There are few greater joys in life than growing and consuming your own Cannabis – an experience every lover of the plant should have at least once. Flower power for the win!

SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES CANNABIS RESEARCH FOR VETS

AU.S. Senate committee approved a bipartisan bill on February 18 to promote Cannabis research for military veterans. It is the first piece of standalone marijuana legislation to ever advance through a committee in the chamber.

Because the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee did not have a quorum present to act on the bill, members instead approved the legislation in a more informal “off the floor” session later in the day.

The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act was sponsored by panel Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). It is intended to mandate studies by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to explore the therapeutic potential of marijuana for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain.

THE SOUTH MARIJUANA SALES BILL FAILS TO PASS IN VIRGINIA

Virginia won’t begin Cannabis sales by 2024 after the last remaining bill to set up the market failed, reports WRIC. A GOP-controlled House of Delegates subcommittee voted 5-3 along party lines February 14 to kill legislation from Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) that would have paved the way for adult-use sales to begin next year.

Under current law, people 21 and up in Virginia can have up to an ounce of weed on them or grow up to four plants in their homes. Virginians can also buy marijuana for medicinal purposes with a medical authorization, but there’s no way for adults to purchase it for recreational use.

“The axed bill would have paved the way for adult-use sales to begin next year.”

The bill passed in 2021 to allow marijuana possession included a reenactment clause, which requires the General Assembly to approve the measure again and set a framework for retail sales. Lawmakers set a 2024 target for legal sales – but the efforts to create a regulatory framework for the market have continued to fail in the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

MEDICAL POT DEBATE CONTINUES IN N.C.

DEBATE ON the legalization of medical Cannabis in North Carolina resumed in the state senate on February 15, reports WLOS. A very similar bill creating the framework for its sale and use passed the full chamber by a wide margin just eight months ago.

The Senate Judiciary Committee debated but did not vote on new legislation, which was filed at the start of the new twoyear General Assembly session. Sen. Bill Rabon, a Brunswick County Republican, said he and his fellow sponsors wanted to review amendments before a committee meeting next week. Prospects for passage again in the Senate are strong this year. But the bill's future will likely rest in the House – which declined to take up the previous proposal before going home last summer. Speaker Tim Moore suggested recently that support was possible in his chamber this year for legalizing medicinal pot and would be particularly true with tight controls.

TWITTER CHANGES MIND ON POT ADS

TWITTER WILL NOW allow Cannabis advertising.

The change comes as the social media platform struggles for new revenue. The company updated its policies on February 5 to allow marijuana ads to run on its services in the states where weed is legal.

While other platforms have allowed marijuana-adjacent products, such as cannabidiol (CBD) to be advertised, Twitter has adopted the most explicit advertising opportunity for marijuana users within federal guidelines.

LEGALIZATION HAS CREATED 30K JOBS FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS

THE GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS says that the state’s marijuana legalization law has created more than 30,000 jobs since the market launched in 2020.

During his State of the State and Budget address on February 15, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, touted the job creation figure, adding that “Illinois is home to the country’s most diverse Cannabis industry and some of the largest companies.”

east coast

NEW HAMPSHIRE PANEL APPROVES LEGALIZATION

ANew Hampshire legislative committee put its finishing touches on a revised bill to legalize marijuana, approving it February 15.

Members of the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Liquor Subcommittee have been working on the legislation for weeks over a series of meetings. They debated a variety of provisions and amendments to the original measure that was filed by bipartisan House leaders.

The full committee accepted final amendments on February 15 and passed the bill in a 17-3 vote.

“...the state’s existing Liquor Commission will be in charge of regulating the marijuana market.”

A major change to the legislation from its introduced form would put the state’s existing Liquor Commission in charge of regulating the marijuana market, rather than create a new independent commission to do so, as was proposed in the original version of HB 639. The body would also be renamed the Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

NORMALIZATION

MINNESOTA D.A.R.E. READIES FOR LEGALIZATION

The D.A.R.E. program in Minnesota is preparing for the potential legalization of marijuana in the state.

“Illinois is home to the country’s most diverse Cannabis industry and some of the largest companies.”

He also included the marijuana company 4Front in a list of the “large businesses” that are “moving to and expanding in Illinois.”

“It’s becoming normalized, just like alcohol is and tobacco is by so many families,” fretted Executive Director Kathi Ackerman. “Other kids are going to do it.”

“Ackerman said the D.A.R.E. program will refrain from telling kids not to do marijuana, which they’ve found to be an ineffective strategy.”

Ackerman said the D.A.R.E. program will refrain from telling kids not to do marijuana, which they’ve found to be an ineffective strategy. They’ll continue to teach decision making habits that they hope will stray kids from early adoption.

“We want to delay, delay, delay the use of some of these chemicals,” Ackerman said.

U.S. states have legalized Cannabis. The first states to ever do so were CO and WA in 2012, and most recently in RI, MD and MO in 2022.

pounds is the amount of an Arkansas man’s illegal marijuana bust back in February.

53 increase in Florida medical marijuana patients has been seen in two years.

71%

$5.5m

$20m

was announced in grants for underserved marijuana retail areas in California.

was the fine for an unlicensed marijuana store called Jungle Boyz, located in lower Manhattan, according to the New York Post.

$50k

was donated by Tallahassee, FL-based MMJ company Trulieve last month to the Florida adult-use legalization campaign for the 2024 ballot.

Raldenys Tolentino

RALDENYS TOLENTINO stands in front of her bedroom mirror, takes a deep breath and exhales.

Whoooshhhhhhhh.

The Massachusetts native has been looking into this particular oval-shaped reflection for 15 years. Adorned with flowers and bound by white tint, the glass was gifted to her at age 11 when her family moved to the Bronx. While some of the innocence of that adolescence remains, a bundle of blemishes on her body serve as a reminder of time’s passage.

“Scars are the tattoos of life,” said Raldenys (pronounced Rawl-Den-Ees).

The 25-year-old remains in recovery more than two years after suffering a horrific motorcycle accident in South Harlem, New York.

On November 8, 2020, Raldenys had finished her shift as a bartender at The Row Harlem around 9 p.m. With her car temporarily out of service, she was presented with two options: Take an Uber ride home, or jump on a joyride with a group of friends. She chose the latter, hopping on the back of her friend Christopher Marrero’s bike – a memory she does not recall as a result of the trauma.

Police reports from that day describe the duo as riding north on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard when a Volkswagen sedan driver – heading south on the same avenue – turned onto West 116th Street, creating a violent collision.

“She takes the turn and all you see is a big fire,” said Raldenys, describing surveillance video shown to her by the assistant district attorney. “I felt detached from it. I know it’s real, but I don’t believe it. It just feels like it’s from a movie. That shit doesn’t happen in real life.”

Raldenys was launched nearly 60 feet from the bike. A violent impact with the ground left her with a broken neck, two broken arms, a pair of broken legs, a broken pelvis, a ruptured spleen, a collapsed right lung and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). She was rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside (MSM), while Marrero was taken to Harlem Hospital in serious condition. The Volkswagen driver was taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving.

Having lost a tremendous amount of blood, Raldenys was given a 30 percent chance to live. She was induced into a coma, where she would stay for two weeks while surgeons attempted to repair her broken body. Her father and brother, who were living in Lynn, Massachusetts, rushed to be at her side, with her mother traveling from the Dominican Republic soon after.

“The first thing I really remember after waking up was it being around Christmas time,” she said, explaining the TBI impacted her memory. “There was just so much pain.”

“Soooooo much pain,” she repeated.

Raldenys stayed at MSM for three months. During that time, she underwent over 30 surgeries, including a spinal fusion to her C-1 and C-2 vertebrae, as well as a variety of skin grafts to patch extensive road rash across her body. With Covid-19 precautions in play, Raldenys was limited to one visitor at a time. Her mother Dilenia and father Rafael alternated weeks at their daughter’s side.

“[My parents] were troopers,” she said, recalling daily treats of homemade meals courtesy of her parents and her uncle,

Coming back from the brink of death to find relief in Cannabis.

Follow her on Instagram @highpriestess133

with whom they stayed during the hospitalization. “They were always at my bedside until visitation hours were over.”

Raldenys also received a tremendous amount of support and prayer from the three communities she had been a part of: North Shore, Massachusetts, New York City and the Dominican Republic. A GoFundMe page raised nearly $10,000, helping the family offset the extreme medical costs of a lengthy stay.

“When I look back, they gave me the motivation to get better,” she said. “That experience showed me how loved I am.”

On February 3, 2021, Raldenys was released from MSM and taken to Spaulding Rehab Center in Boston – where she would fast track her healing.

“The best of the best,” she smiled. “Everyone [at Spaulding] was amazing. I had rehab and all kinds of therapy – speech, physical, occupational and even recreational. I learned how to tie-dye shirts, had water gun fights with my nurses, and they even taught me how to cook. They had me walking in just two weeks. It was the first time since the accident that I started to feel like myself again.”

On February 17, 2021 – just 102 days after her accident – Raldenys was allowed to go home to live with her family in Lynn. After months of relying on morphine, dilaudid and oxycodone to lessen the pain, Raldenys’ family was worried she would become addicted to the powerful pharmaceuticals.

“I was at the hospital for so long, all I wanted to do was leave,” she said. “But once I got home, I didn’t feel at home at all. I was uncomfortable. I was in pain. I was miserable. I thought, ‘Why’d they even save me if it’s just going to be like this?’ I thought the pain was forever.”

Little did they know, she had an ace up her sleeve: the medicinal properties of Cannabis.

Raldenys was an avid user of Cannabis before the accident, but wasn’t allowed to partake while in the medical facilities. Once home, she began relying on pre-rolled joints to lessen the pain, improve her mood and take away anxiety.

“I smoked weed [recreationally] before, but now I had a reason to,” she said. “[My use of Cannabis] evolved. Now I’m more conscious of how I use it.”

Cannabis allowed her to see her battle was with one person: the woman in the mirror.

Raldenys didn’t like her scars. She didn’t like being disabled. And she didn’t enjoy having a negative mindset. So she set out to do something about it.

After seeing a few videos on TikTok about the power of affirmations, Raldenys began fighting off the voices in her head that tormented her, winning the battle with potent statements of positivity – voicing them out loud and journaling them at the start and end of each day.

“People were telling me to just stay positive, and at that point, I didn’t have anything to lose, so I gave it a try,” she said. “Affirmations helped calm me down and reassure me that everything was going to be OK. I began brainwashing myself into being grateful.”

Raldenys also had to offer herself grace, forgiving herself for choosing to get on the motorcycle.

“I was blaming myself because if I had just taken the Uber, everything woulda been fine,” Raldenys said, tearing up at the thought of bringing pain to her family. “But as I spent more time with myself, I started looking at other perspectives. I came up with the idea that it could have been my fault; it could have been everyone’s fault; and it could have been no one’s fault. That I got to choose which one of those perspectives I wanted to make my reality – that brought me peace.”

In a moment of bravery, Raldenys stepped in front of the mirror and began addressing her scars, one by one.

“I didn’t know what happened in each,” she said. “But I just thought, ‘It’s OK, because I’m still here. I’m still alive.’ So I looked at every scar and I started accepting them. That was when the shift happened.”

She stayed upbeat with music and a good attitude, while maintaining more solitude than she had prior to the accident.

The family’s four-year old poodle, Odie, became her unofficial service dog.

A believer in true love, Raldenys recently became an ordained minister, with hopes of marrying couples in the future.

This past summer, she visited the Dominican Republic, reconnecting with old friends and visiting churches that helped contribute towards her online fundraiser.

“Some people were relieved to see I was as recovered as I am,” she said, noting it was her first trip to the D-R in 11 years. “Others were just happy to see me in whatever condition I was.”

While a lawsuit against the driver of the Volkswagen is entering its third year, Raldenys has yet to return to the workforce, exclaiming, “Healing is my number one priority.” She still struggles to walk long distances, opting for a cane in moments of weakness. She also has difficulty with her balance, especially when going up and down stairs.

“I can’t stand for too long or my feet start hurting,” Raldenys sighed, acknowledging the end of her bartending career. “I loved to serve, but I guess I’m working on a different way of serving – soul healing.”

Cannabis maintains a role in her recovery, allowing for her to partake in a 10-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout upwards of three times per week. Mandarin Cookies, her favorite strain, helps ramp up the physical activity. She orders it by way of delivery from INSA dispensary in Salem, Massachusetts, as her license remains suspended due to her physical limitations.

“Healing for me is a daily thing,” she said. “My best from yesterday may not be my best today. It can change from day to day. I just take it day by day and accept it.”

Cannabis, she says, offers her the ability to stay in the present moment. Looking forward or looking backwards can evoke feelings of anxiety or sadness.

“It definitely feels like two different lives,” she said. “I don’t want to say I miss it, but it’s something that I notice. There are things I used to do before that I can’t now. The way I battle that is to tell myself that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to do that. That’s something that I did.”

“I learned a great deal about myself,” she added. “And I’m still learning daily. But I have the power to create the life I want for myself. I’ve given myself no other option but to get better.”

“Healing for me is a daily thing.”

My best from yesterday may not be my best today. It can change from day to day. I just take it day by day and accept it.”

Dungeons Vault Genetics

What drew you to move to the East Coast?

I’ve always loved the East Coast. Every time we did shows in Mass, Maine or even Vermont, I was always bummed to leave. The people are great, the scenery is beautiful – and the Cannabis is always top notch.

Why did you choose Maine over other states? When I was doing my research on where the best place for DVG to operate would be, Maine seemed to make the most sense. Plant numbers are a huge factor when it comes to not only growing, but breeding Cannabis and the selection process. I was really attracted to all the benefits they gave caregivers. There’s a completely different attitude and trend around certain strains when it comes to the West Coast as well. You’ll find a lot more people here in Maine are still smoking a variety of strains and not strictly limiting their purchases solely around purple weed and a flashy name. I have met so many cool people out here and the opportunities are endless. The ability to really grow and expand on your business is what really excited me and continues to.

When did you start DVG? After being a grower and watching the industry evolve for almost two decades, I started DVG in 2014. My first round of seeds was released in 2015 and the rest is history. I came in at a time where there were a lot less breeders and there was a moral compass we all followed. Over the past seven years I have seen the industry change. Overnight companies have popped up and have infiltrated the scene with bogus

HAILING FROM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

and spending his formative years in Washington state, Eric Wimber, the creator of Dungeons Vault Genetics, has been a longtime Cannabis connoisseur with years of growing under his belt –creating strains from his collection of established lines combined with the newest industry movers.

From popping seeds in his parent’s yard as a kid to working alongside Ken Estes of Grand Daddy Purple (which he notes was a pivotal time in his career), Eric is truly well versed in his craft. Wimber has bred multiple award-winning cultivars such as the well-known Grandpa’s Breath and continues to grow stunning flowers to this day.

Since starting his seed company in 2014, Eric has provided us with top shelf Cannabis and around 50 carefully developed and selected crosses. He recently moved to Maine with his family for a fresh start to work his Cannabis lines in the emerging East Coast scene. Using his keen sense of smell and attuned eye for great products, Eric knows what he is looking to create in his garden and share with the community. With corporations currently dominating the Cannabis market, we’re stoked that Eric is bringing his personal touch for the plant to our side of the country – something we look forward to seeing more of with legalization emerging in many states.

claims, stolen genetics and a complete lack of any ethics. My goal when I created DVG was to bring flavors I would enjoy and thought others would as well. I have created a lot of cultivars that are still holding their own in an oversaturated market.

Tell us about some of your latest work. The newest line is the Tropical Flame, with a couple drops from previous breeds popping up here and there. Tropical Flame is a cross of Forbidden Fruit (Cherry Pie x Tangie) and my Hot Rod (Motorbreath #15 x Grandpas Breath). The Hot Tropic, Citrus Squeeze and Northeast Heat all had really nice plants that blended extremely well. I was a bit shocked there wasn’t much influence passed down from the male in the breed. For the folks who aren’t the hugest citrus fans, this is great. You can expect some great yields and amazing smelling plants that will grow great indoors and out.

What direction are you headed in this year? For 2023, I’m gonna be working a fem line first. I have been talking about doing this for years and it’s a big request everywhere I’ve been. I have a lot of unreleased regular seeds that are currently being tested as we speak and will hopefully be dropping this spring. I’ll continue to work on my own personal lines, but I have some new cultivars I’m excited about and cannot wait to share with people.The future of

DVG really will depend on where this industry heads. As we continue to see the corporate takeover and more and more small farms shut down, the future of Cannabis breeders seems dim. DVG is working to establish my roots out east and get my product on shelves and in as many hands as I can. A strong foothold is the only way I’m gonna survive in this cutthroat industry. Feminized seeds, tissue culture clones and exclusive genetics are the name of the game right now – and I intend on being a part of it all.

I see you have linked up with rapper, Curren$y. How did that come about? I work with a couple of companies, and one is Andretti Cannabis Co. Curren$y is a huge name in the game right now and has made his way to the top. His collaborative work has been viewed by millions and to have him smoking my herb is a great feeling. He’s a truly down-to-earth person who enjoys his herb and smokes heavily. I plan on getting him and the team at Andretti more strains this year and we will be rolling out a whole new line for Jet Life.

What are your favorite DVG strains and overall favorites to grow? To date, the Sugar Babiez is my favorite. Hot Rod, Swamp Thing, Purple Jellato ... all runners up. The Sugar Babiez is the one, though. Over 30% total THC, over 3% terpene profile – it speaks for itself. I’ve always tried to be very humble when it comes to my herb and what I produce, but I can truly say this one is special and needs attention far and wide. I love working with any new strain. I really enjoy all the different aromas of Cannabis.

“I’M ALWAYS EXCITED TO SEE PEOPLE BREED WITH MY GEAR. IT'S A GREAT FEELING KNOWING SOMEONE BOUGHT YOUR SEEDS, GREW IT OUT AND FOUND SOMETHING THAT EXCITED THEM SO MUCH THEY USED IT IN THEIR WORK.”

Purple Jellato

If I lost my sense of smell, it would ruin it for me. I get so excited every time I enter my grow and smell each plant. With each passing week, watching as they mature, it just becomes such a fun and rewarding experience. To date, there’s still one strain that got away from me and I’d give anything to get her back. Back in 2003-2004, we were smoking on Northern Lights x (Skunk x Haze) and this specific cut was what we would call ‘loud’ today. Back then it was just the ‘James’ bud’ until the grower finally revealed its true lineage. That is still some of the most stinky, over-the-top, dank smelling herb I’ve ever had the pleasure of smoking.

Do you prefer feminized or regular seeds? I’ve always been a regular seed guy. I grew reg seeds, bred regs and never had a desire to move into the fem market. I think after losing out on so many sales and seeing how many people have decided to only grow feminized seeds, it’s become a priority to move into that market ASAP. I’ll always make and work with regs as well because I do believe they can be more stable. Sales of all Cannabis seeds seemed to have slowed down and I really attribute that to the recession more than a move or push to stop growing from seed. I believe there will always be a demand from the home growers for non-corporate bred seeds. So hopefully we have years ahead of us to work and continue to drop flavors for the masses.

“WHETHER YOU’RE A KNOWN BREEDER OR A GUY WITH A FEW PLANTS, IT’S A FUN AND REWARDING EXPERIENCE TO MAKE SEEDS AND JUST SEE WHAT CAN COME FROM THE DONORS YOU CHOSE.”

How do you select your males? When it comes to the selection process of a male, you really just have to flower it out. To breed with any male blindly is a shot in the dark at best. There’s really no telling what he will bring to the table until you’ve grown out the seeds and see the results. I personally like to see a heavily-branched plant with space between internodes. There’s a perfect amount of spacing that seems to make for the perfect symmetrical plant. Along with simple structure selection and potential smell of plants, the trichome production (if any) is a major sign I look for.

Do you want to see more people breeding with your gear? I’m always excited to see people breed with my gear. It’s a great feeling knowing someone bought your seeds, grew it out and found something that excited them so much they used it in their work. Whether you’re a known breeder or a guy with a few plants, it’s a fun and rewarding experience to make seeds and just see what can come from the donors you chose.

How do you feel about the current state of the industry and how do you think it will evolve this year? It’s a scary time right now. I’m seeing more and more people fall off and pack up and shut down than ever before. It’s never been this hard to survive in the Cannabis scene and I don’t think any of us were prepared for it. The growers and breeders with a name will continue to thrive or at least survive these times, while we see a major shift across the country with prices dwindling and more and more talk of interstate commerce. You’re only as strong as your brand and if you haven’t made a name for yourself at this point, you have missed the boat.

Any breeders or collaborations you’d like to do? As far as collabs go, Umami seeds and I have been in talks on working a new line together and I am hoping that will happen very soon. I have some other guys I would absolutely love to work with as well. For me, I’ve really done a lot on my own and I have found it works great that way. Growing up in the ‘90s and early 2000s, we would see a lot of hip-hop/rap artists work projects together and add some great content to each other’s already popular work. I see that same model working in the breeding space – you just have to team up with the right people. Also, I wanted to include that Chemdog and I are gonna be working together, I’m sponsoring the 2023 Terptown Throwdown and I’ll be dropping my first line of flowers here in Maine this March.

DUNGEONSVAULTGENETICS.COM

The Unicorn Poop, which took first place in the solventless concentrates category at the 2022 New England Harvest Cup, brings a smile to your face with its mystical name. However, this silly sounding strain has a serious lineage, crossing Girl Scout Cookies with Sophisticated Lady.

In addition to top-notch genetics, Zero Gravity boasts excellent service. After calling to set up a medical Cannabis delivery in Central Maine, I quickly received a text back stating they were on the way with my order, estimating their arrival no later than 30 minutes. A mere 25 minutes later, Zero Gravity’s delivery service pulled into the driveway and handed me their spaceman-branded gift bag with a smile.

Opening the bag immediately upon returning inside, I was struck by the fragrance of this live rosin extract – a lovely amalgamation of delicious fruity and berry overtones. Its sour citrus and earthy aromas bring a noticeable freshness to its flavor. On a personal note, I could have easily enjoyed this flavorful live rosin delight all day long and deep into the night!

After just a few small low-temp dabs full of sweet flavor, this magical strain provided a euphoric body buzz – leaving me feeling energized and creative for hours. My anxiety also melted away, and I soon noticed that my stress and chronic back pain magically disappeared along with it.

I shared some of the Unicorn Poop with a friend who prefers larger and hotter dabs and they mentioned, between peels of euphoric laughter, how much they enjoyed the sweet berry flavor – and that they were also remarkably high. Don’t let the amusing, mythically-scatological name fool you: Unicorn Poop live rosin provides a very long-lasting body high with its THC coming in at a whopping 88 percent.

Overall, the Poop is a great daytime strain depending on what activities you intend to take on. I’d recommend hiking, skiing or just hanging out with friends and family. Regardless of what you end up doing, be prepared for lots of laughing and giggling.

You can find Zero Gravity Cannabis’ medical delivery service in Central Maine, and their products are available at fine dispensaries in central and southern regions of the state.

“This magical strain provided a euphoric body buzz – leaving me feeling energized and creative for hours.”

Unicorn Poop Solventless Live Rosin is an amazing, indica-dominant hybrid from Maine-based Zero Gravity Cannabis.

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.

This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side e ects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. The impairment e ects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA. Please Consume Responsibly.  For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.

SNACK ATTACK

SPECIAL NACHOS

SERVES 8

3 cups tortilla chips

3 green onions (white and green parts), chopped

1 small tomato, seeded and chopped

1 cup cheddar cheese sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.

2. Put the chips on a baking sheet and bake until light golden brown, turning once for 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Transfer the chips to a serving platter.

4. Top with the green onions and tomato.

5. Pour the cheese sauce over chips. Serve immediately.

This sauce is unbeatable on nachos, but it also has a myriad of other uses – which is good, because the recipe makes more than you’ll need for the nachos. We like to pour it on top of potato hash and a sunny-side-up egg for a weekend breakfast, or add it to a baked potato loaded with fresh vegetables for a quick and easy late-night snack. If you don’t have white pepper, black pepper works just as well.

Here are three of my favorite Cannabis-infused recipes that can serve as a snack, party food, or a fun night in front of a screen. For sure, I’ve had the nachos for dinner more times than I can count. I tend to cook the mushrooms a little longer than the recipe suggests, as I like when the mushrooms get very tender … with the melted cheese and crumbs they just melt in your mouth. And the bruschetta is a comforting combo of creamy ricotta and peas.

CHEDDAR CHEESE SAUCE

2 tablespoons butter

8 teaspoons canna butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper

1 cup (whole or 2 percent) milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 ounces cream cheese, slightly softened

1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar pinch of ground nutmeg

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and canna butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour, salt and white pepper, and cook for several minutes – stirring to remove the raw flour taste.

2. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, stirring constantly; this ensures a smooth and creamy consistency. Once the milk and cream have been added, add the cream cheese in three or four pieces, whisking between each addition.

3. Continue to cook the sauce over medium-low heat until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 7 to 10 minutes.

4. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar a ½ cup at a time, whisking between each addition, 5 to 6 minutes.

5. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the nutmeg, and serve immediately.

MUSHROOMS SEVILLE STYLE

8 SERVINGS, 2 MUSHROOMS/PERSON

16 extra-large white button mushrooms, cleaned

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for coating mushrooms

Salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3⁄4 pound chorizo sausage (removed from casing if in links)

1⁄2 cup diced green onion (white and green parts)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1⁄2 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons canna-olive oil

1 Roma tomato, seeded and finely chopped

2/3 cup panko bread crumbs

3 ounces Neufchâtel cheese, at room temperature

1/3 cup cotija cheese, at room temperature

1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop.

2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon into small pieces until all the pink has disappeared, 4 to 5 minutes

3. Add the chopped mushroom stems, green onion, garlic and jalapeño, and cook until the stems are tender, 2 to 3 minutes more.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the canna oil, mixing thoroughly for 2 minutes.

5. Stir in the tomato, bread crumbs, Neufchâtel, cotija, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Fill the mushroom caps with 1 ½ tablespoons each of the sausage mixture.

7. Bake the mushrooms until they are tender and the filling is golden brown on top, about 20 minutes.

8. Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve.

BRUSCHETTA WITH RICOTTA & PEAS

SERVES 4, TWO PIECES

EACH

8 slices peasant bread, lightly toasted

4 teaspoons canna-olive oil

1 cup ricotta cheese

Ricotta is a totally underutilized cheese. It’s spreadable and creamy, with a subtle flavor, and its texture pairs nicely with the crunch of toasted bread and the sweetness of peas in this recipe.

3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons chopped onion or green onion

½ cup peas, fresh or frozen (thawed, if frozen) salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Drizzle or brush the toasted bread with the canna olive oil, using ½ teaspoon per slice.

2. Spread 2 tablespoons of ricotta on each slice.

3. In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add onions and sauté until they wilt slightly, 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Add the peas and sauté until they soften and are no longer vibrant green, 3 to 4 minutes more.

5. Divide the pea mixture among the bread slices.

6. Drizzle each slice with 1 teaspoon of the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

MARCH HASHTAGS | #OutLikeALamb #BeKind #GoWomen #DontFearTheEdible #EatYourCannabis

CULTIVATED BY HOUSE OF CULTIVAR

Beginning with the packaging, you can’t miss that House of Cultivar’s embodies an air of sophistication. You get the vibe that an exclusive group produced this weed –and, as high-level breeders and genetic preservationists, they don’t disappoint.

We chose the Strawberries & Cream – a Runtz x Unknown Strawberry cross – for our first foray into HoC’s offerings. Basically speaking, it’s an incredibly well-rounded strain that gets the highest scores in every category. At first glance, this flower is absolutely covered in terpy trichomes that are almost entirely snow white. Under this crystalized topcoat is a colorful, dark-hued leaf structure and numerous bright-orange flower pistils. The bud structure is gorgeous and the trimming is perfect – a very pretty sight to behold.

The scent of this Cannabis flower is the next thing to hit you, bringing a sweet linalool terpene profile with a lemony freshness that can trigger memories of summertime. Breaking a bud open reveals cheesy undertones that signify the potency of this strain and entices the palate with flavor.

Smoking this flower provides a supremely relaxing high. It is dried, cured and trimmed flawlessly, which translates really well when you’re rolling up.

With earthy notes and a creamy vanilla pull, you can absolutely make the Strawberries & Cream correlation that’s implied here. Sweet tasting and appealing to a sugary palate, this strain would be perfect for a night cap.

Wholesale orders Greencare Collective Gcc-brands.com

Retail partners announcing soon Houseofcultivar.com @House.of.cultivar

The strain’s strong indica lineage provides a sedative effect and a body high that is as pleasant as it is strong. Make sure you’re ready to chill out and potentially sit down for a while … this strain is perfect for long conversations and just lounging around.

“A SWEET LINALOOL TERPENE PROFILE WITH A LEMONY FRESHNESS THAT CAN TRIGGER MEMORIES OF SUMMERTIME. ”

HAVING SOURCED some of the best genetics in the world, House of Cultivar is bringing their connoisseur knowledge and vast experience from the Pacific Northwest to the Massachusetts market.

With an already impressive genetic resume (currently set up with Cookies as their official cultivator and distributor for the state of Washington), the brand is making moves to expand and continue their legacy.

JOIN THE ORIGINAL GRASSROOTS

CANNABIS ACTIVIST

LEARN MORE AT MASSCANN.ORG

GANJA GLOSSARY

BAG APPEAL The look and attractiveness of a finished flower. This element plays a significant role in how a product will sell – even if the product itself doesn’t smoke as good as it looks.

CALYX Leafy cocoon-like petals in which seeds typically form.

CMH Ceramic Metal Halide. A commonly used type of lighting for indoor Cannabis cultivation.

COCO Refers to shredded coconut husks, which is a commonly used grow medium that splits the difference between soilless and living soil.

CULTIVAR A more scientifically accurate term for “strain.”

FULL TERM A Cannabis plant that has been grown outside to full maturity – also commonly referred to as full sun, sungrown or outdoor. Also a designation for method of cultivation.

HASH STRAIN A cultivar selected particularly for its ability to yield commercially viable volumes of bubble hash when processed. Thanks to the continually increasing interest in and sales of solventless concentrates, these sought-after cultivars are guiding growers’ decisions on what to produce.

HID High Intensity Discharge. A commonly used type of lighting for indoor Cannabis cultivation.

HPS High Pressure Sodium. A commonly used type of lighting for indoor Cannabis cultivation.

HYDRO Short for hydroponics – a method of cultivation in which soil is not used. This style of growing sparked a wave of innovation for indoor cultivation hardware and techniques after the discovery that hydroponically-produced buds displayed bag appeal the likes of which had never been seen before.

HYPE STRAIN Any cultivar that is new and gaining popularity quickly –a simultaneously complimentary and derogatory term.

INDOOR Cannabis cultivated in a fully enclosed, indoor environment, allowing for an unmatched degree of control by the grower.

LED Light Emitting Diode. A rapidly growing type of lighting for indoor Cannabis cultivation that offers lower power usage than other indoor lighting options.

LIGHT DEP Short for light deprivation. A style of cultivation that utilizes greenhouses with the ability to block out light – tricking Cannabis plants into entering the flowering cycle. Psych!

LIVING SOIL Biologically-active grow medium filled with living microbial organisms – it’s alive!

MEDIUM Refers to the type of material a Cannabis plant was grown in. Generally, the more natural it is, the better the end product. But don’t take our word for it … find out for yourself!

PHENOTYPE Scientifically speaking, it’s a set of observable characteristics resulting from the interaction between an individual’s genotype and the environment. In layman’s terms, it’s the unique expression of a particular plant.

PISTIL The female organs of a flower.

ROCKWOOL A soilless inert grow medium made from rock and other minerals that have been melted down and turned into a fibrous wool-like material.

SINGLE SOURCE Applies to inhouse vertical integration in terms of product production on at least two levels. Most often, this term is applied to concentrates that were produced by the same group or individual that grew the material that was processed. When applied to flower, it tends to mean that all the flower found under that label was produced in-house.

SMALLS Cannabis buds from the lower portions of a plant that don’t receive as much light, and therefore don’t grow into large, full-size colas.

STIGMA The part of a pistil that receives the pollen during pollination.

TERPENES Terps for short. Organically occurring compounds largely responsible for a cultivar’s smell and taste.

ZAZA OR ZA Slang for exotic. Largely used by trappers and traditional market cultivators to describe “high grade” or “top shelf” Cannabis that is very often not “high grade” or “top shelf.”

TOP OF THE POTS

WITH ALL OF THE NEW HEAT BEING HUNTED BY BREEDERS AROUND THE COUNTRY, WE COULDN’T HELP BUT BE CURIOUS: WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR STRAINS BY REGION?

So we teamed up with the data analysts at Headset – a company that tracks and aggregates retail sales data for the Cannabis industry – to take a look at the current trends in Cannabis cultivars. There’s some overlap (hey there, Runtz crosses) and a few not-so-surprises (Blue Dream was still in the top 10 in almost every market). It’s worth noting that the top cultivar in every state was actually classified as “Other” because many retailers don’t always input the strain data into their systems –something that will continue to evolve as the industry matures. Check out the top five strains from each these seven states, ranked by sales and market share.

@CANNABOMBTOM/LEAF NATION

WASHINGTON

1. Wedding Cake

2. GG#4

3. Runtz

4. Gelato

5. Blue Dream

OREGON

1. Runtz

2. Bananas

3. Ice Cream Cake

4. GMO Cookies

5. Blueberry Muffin

CALIFORNIA

1. Gelato

2. Wedding Cake

3. Runtz

4. Cereal Milk

5. Garlic cookies

NEVADA

1. Wedding Cake

2. Runtz

3. GMO Cookies

4. Gelato

5. Head Cheese

MICHIGAN

1. Runtz

2. Kush Mints

3. Crescendo

4. Garlic cookies

5. Wedding Cake

COLORADO

1. Blue Dream

2. MAC

3. GG4

4. Durban Poison

5. Glueball

MASSACHUSETTS

1. Wedding Cake

2. Runtz

3. Garlic cookies

4. Zkittlez

5. Cheese

HEAT SEEKERS

HEAT SEEKERS

ARCHIVE SEED BANK

One of Oregon’s most famous Cannabis brands and the creators of the Moonbow (Zkittlez x Dosidos). Smokers outside the Beaver State may recognize them from their partnership with Connected and Alien Labs. Archive has an unnatural talent for breeding stunning pairings that bring out the best in their parentage. In 2022, they caused heart palpitations by dropping their newest hit, Oishii. Essentially a Moonbow backcross, they described it as “a Damascus blade of candy gas.” Watch out for the next big advancement, as they work on a whole line of hybrids involving Oishii pollen, including a Zkittlez x Oishii cross. archiveseedbank.com @archiveseedbank

Mike from Exotic Genetix started breeding after seeing the medical patients at the grow shop he worked at having to deal with round after round of substandard, or worse, tainted genetics. The journey that began in a tiny hydroponic store in Tacoma, Wash. has given rise to a brand that’s put out a non-stop playlist of hits like Purple Lambo, Buckin Runtz, Whipped Cherries and Red Pop. That first one was the strain behind California Leaf’s last concentrate of the month. On the future horizon, expect to see people tripping out on new Falcon-9 crosses like Lazer Fuel, Red Rager, Neon Sunshine and Yikes. exoticgenetix.com @exoticgenetix_official

TIKI MADMAN

EXOTIC GENETIX MASONIC SEED CO.

LANDRACE PRESERVATION SOCIETY

A Michigan grower who’s been lighting up the Pacific Coast, Tiki’s been breeding for the last decade – but he popped his first seed when he was only 13 years old. The brand has a reputation for its own outstanding work and collaborations with other legends Cannabis Corey and Mosca Seeds. Tiki Madman has always had a focus on growing for developing strains instead of bag appeal. One of their major heaters is the Devil Driver (Tiki’s Cut Sundae Driver x Melonade). In June of 2022, they dropped the Devil Driver Fems collection, mixing it with Snowman, Lazy Lemon and Toaster Strudel. Tiki Madman has always had a focus on growing for developing strains instead of bag appeal. tikimadman.com @tikimadman

Few breeders are out on the scene like Compton, California’s Masonic. When not running his shop, recording an episode of a podcast, or helping out at an industry event, he’s hard at work in his backyard tending chicken and breeding new hits. Famous for creating Wilson (Banana OG x Papaya) x Tropicana Cookies, his newest accolade is Banana God – a Banana OG x Wilson that’s been gaining attention after winning the gold at Ego Clash 2022. On April 15, he’ll be hosting his third annual Free Seed Day in L.A. Last year saw 1,000 people gathered together to share the joy of cultivation. masonicseeds.co | @masonicsmoker4.0

This nonprofit collective is all about being the most authentic and reliable source for heirloom and landrace cultivars from around the world. As more and more hybrid strains come onto the market, this group wants to make sure some of the unique strains that are part of our history aren’t lost to time. One example of this is their Pure Magic, a Himalayan cultivar from Northern India which is bred for Charas production. LPS lines are primarily bred and acclimatized in Oregon’s North Coast and Willamette Valley regions. Selected over generations, their genetics “strive to recreate the mystery and magic of the Cannabis world of the ’60s and ’70s.” landracepreservationsociety.org @landrace_preservation_society

You can’t put out a Flower Issue without talking about breeders. And you can’t talk about breeders without mentioning the following heat seekers responsible for some of the biggest breakthroughs in Cannabis genetics.

EXCLUSIVE CULTIVARS FROM CALIFORNIA’S CANNABIS CAPITAL

SEEDS: FEMINIZED, REGULAR, AUTOFLOWER, PHOTOPERIOD THC AND CBD

CLONES: STRAIN LICENSE AGREEMENTS AVAILABLE FROM OUR 2022 UNPRECEDENTED 10K PLANT PHENOTYPE MEGA-HUNTS!

ONLINE SEED SALES NOW AVAILABLE, ORDER NOW BEFORE WE’RE SOLD OUT!

AN ODE TO

Walk into nearly any supermarket these days, and you’ll find organic options for products like produce, meat, coffee and wine. Now, the Cannabis industry is finally starting to follow suit.

Organic Cannabis is grown naturally, without the addition of man-made pesticides, chemicals or genetically-modified organisms. This eliminates the risk of inhaling toxins lingering from the growing process and results in flower that is richer in cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. With reduced health risks, stronger effects and more developed flavor profiles, it’s no wonder why organically-grown ganja is in higher demand

than ever before. And as more consumers are seeking out organic flower in dispensaries, more cultivators are starting to adopt organic and regenerative farming practices in their grow. Wanting to learn more, I linked up with Michael Jie-Shen Fang – one of the most prolific breeders, growers and entrepreneurs in the organic Cannabis space known by most simply as “Fang” – to find out what originally sparked his own obsession with organic flower.

Starting back at the very beginning, he tells me about growing up in a little pocket of Orange County that was mostly “concrete jungle and fast food” with health struggles that left him constantly in and out of the doctors and on medication. It wasn’t until moving from SoCal to the Bay Area for college that he learned what the term “organic” even meant.

“Being at UC Berkeley, there were a lot of good natural influences,” Fang tells me. “It was the first time I was exposed to Whole Foods,

Berkeley Bowl and all these co-ops, and the farmers market scene was popping. It was really the culture of the Bay Area that influenced me and opened my eyes to things I didn’t know existed. When I discovered there was even a concept of being holistic and regenerative – relying on your own immune system, using herbs and mushrooms and all this goodness – I was blown away.”

Fang continues to explain more about how the culture of the Bay Area changed his mindset and inspired him to go all in on organic. “I was always so sick and I couldn’t figure out why. It wasn’t until I started this holistic lifestyle and doing the organic thing that I was freed from a lot of those ailments,” he explains. “I felt a lot of my pain and discomfort fade away and was actually healthy for the first time. As soon as I became more intentional about my consumption, and stayed away from anything that wasn’t grown holistically by people that cared – that’s what changed everything.”

PORTAL (CAKE X CPKB)

ORGANIC

This commitment to the organic lifestyle quickly extended far beyond just food and into Fang’s Cannabis garden. “When I started focusing more on nutrient density and knowing where my food came from, it made me realize I should do that for my plants, too,” he tells me. “I’ve grown in every different way, and it just became obvious through trying different methods that organic was the best way forward. It was a natural progression.”

A natural progression indeed … one that eventually led him to co-found Gage Green Group, a Cannabis collective focused on furthering organic breeding and fostering collaboration amongst the organic community. A trailblazer in the space and household name amongst any organic OG, Fang’s work now has numerous facets: GGG Natural (a line of adaptogenic mushroom and herbal formulations), Seed

Bank International (an elite genetics catalog featuring some of the most renowned breeders across the globe) and Genetic Designer (his newest passion project for genetic research and seed drops).

He’s also gone into event production, starting The Organic Cup – the only Cannabis competition and trade show dedicated exclusively to natural gardeners – because as he puts it, “Nobody really focuses on organics. It’s basically an afterthought. But for me, it’s my lifeblood, so it just felt logical to start an organic-focused event. Even though not everybody understands it, this lifestyle is the only thing I can really stand behind. Everything I do has an organic or natural aspect to it.”

With Organic Cup events in Michigan, New York and now Barcelona, Fang continues to empower organic breeders and growers all around

the world. When I ask how he envisions the future of organic farming and the Cannabis industry, his eyes light up and we eventually end up back at the supermarket analogy.

“I started from a place where I’d go to the store and there’d be nothing for me. And now there might be a whole section of local or organically-sourced foods,” says Fang. “Cannabis is starting to look the same, and the fact that most new growers are starting as natural farmers shows that the future is trending in that aspect. It’s really awesome to see that slight shift, even though there’s a lot more work to do.”

@f4nggggggg

@therealgagegreengroup

@seedbankinternational

@geneticdesigner

"This commitment to the organic lifestyle quickly extended far beyond just food and into Fang’s Cannabis garden."

For Michael Jie-Shen Fang, organic farming is about more than just flower – it’s a way of life.

JUICY (RS-11 X CPKB)

GUACAMOLE (OREOZ X NYCSD)

GENETIC DESIGNER SEEDS

AH, CANNABIS.

We can’t think of another plant on earth that is more coveted or revered. Its practical uses are too numerous to mention, due at least in part to its biodiversity. What other plant inspires devotees to wait in lines longer than city blocks just to sample new variations in its genetic potential? At the same time, stalwart stewards care for individual living genetics for a quarter century or more, just to preserve the legacy and exact breed that may one day prove to be the elixir, flavor, or antidote we always needed.

All of this magic springs from the simple, sexy act of Cannabis copulation. In the wild, this birds and the bees story might seem pretty traditional.

A male plant pollinates a nearby female plant, usually with the help of the autumn

necessary for breeding “super plants” was possible, Cannabis was illegal. Pioneered by brave stoners over the past 60 years, the legacy of guerrilla breeding is unprecedented and the heritage and oral history should be studied. No other plant has ever been bred in thousands of garages and basements all over the world, each breeder having their own easel of local genetics, working with the canvas of their regional terroir and the demand of their local Cannabis enthusiasts. Conventional plant breeders might not view the work of our outlaw community over the past 60 years as a real breeding program, but there is no denying that the sheer number of participants, the love for the plant, and traditional breeding practices are responsible for almost all of the major advances in Cannabis genetics. Popular strains known the world over have come

THE SEXY ACT OF CANNABIS COPULATION CANNA SUTRA

breeze. But for Cannabis, sex is actually the exception of the plant kingdom, not the rule. Only six percent of plant species have separate male and female individuals, so most plants can just take care of themselves when they’re in the mood. Sounds a bit lonely (and boring). With Cannabis, the amazing diversity and fast transformations breeders see can be attributed to having two parents – while most plants often have just one. Beyond the two sexes, Cannabis coitus and evolution have been influenced by humanity. We know for sure that people have used Cannabis medicinally for at least 5,000 years. It’s more than likely that plants with better qualities were selected for survival and propagation and over time, were shared by nomads around Asia, Europe and Africa.

Humans have been self-motivated matchmakers for millennia, and the evolution of the alluring Cannabis flower progressed slowly for eons through both natural and human influence.

Ironically, prohibition may have actually saved Cannabis from the monoculture we see in today's “Big Ag” settings and helped preserve landrace varieties. As we all know, weed has been vilified by racists and greedy businessmen since the early 20th century, so by the time transcontinental world travel and the communication

from unwitting hobbyists, a random seed in a bag of bud, or an overlooked male plant that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. After all, anyone who plays can win the lottery, and judging weed is a pretty subjective effort – with conflicting opinions on what's dank happening as often as consensus. More often than not, if a specific terpene profile or cannabinoid ratio doesn't speak to you, it's just that you haven't tried it in the right context. Who knows? Maybe having the best kind of Cannabis is as simple as having a lot of different kinds of Cannabis…

We think that the smartest breeders would seek to preserve just as often as they create. Just a few years ago, nobody wanted purple flowers … now they're the bee’s knees, fetching top dollar. Suddenly those purple strains stashed in the back of the seed vault are pretty important. Breeding techniques could easily take Cannabis in the direction of corn and soybeans (where one variety makes up 98% of the market), but if we choose a different path and embrace variety, we can use these powerful tools to create an economy that’s diverse – while protecting the individuality of the plant, as it speaks to each of us.

They say happiness held is a seed, but happiness shared is a flower. And it turns out, love is just like wildflowers – often found in the most unlikely places.

STORY by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM/LEAF NATION, NATHANIEL PENNINGTON @THEHUMBOLDTSEEDCOMPANY, AND ERIK CHRISTIANSEN @ERIK.NUGSHOTS

BEST MENU IN MASS

Rico“Phone Homie” Valderrama

In 45 years, Rico accomplished more with his brand than many dream of accomplishing in a lifetime. Born Rico Valderrama, he was often known to his friends and fans as “Phone Homie.” He traveled the world meeting and sharing his love for the plant and this industry.

AT A 2012 CONCERT in Amsterdam, Ghostface Killah was performing with the Wu Tang Clan. Rico was in the crowd and was offered a chance to get on stage. He pushed forward, enamored with excitement. Once on stage, Ghostface asked him his name, to which he quickly replied “Phone Homie.” It was the birth of his brand and soon, became a lifestyle that will live on as his legacy.

The mainstream media’s anti-Cannabis spin in regard to Rico’s cause of death felt typical. But friends and family who were present at the hospital said that his condition was complicated due to side effects of Covid-19 and over a year with ECMO treatments – a form of life support used only in critical situations

involving the lungs and heart.

“I remember visiting him in the hospital and there were 21 IV drugs hooked together running into him at the same time and it was like that for months,” explained Brian Schottenham, a close friend and New York local who spoke with us about his late friend. “The meds and treatments are what truly burned out his liver, not the Cannabis use,” he added.

But before his illness, Valderrama had the presence to change the energy of entire halls

holding thousands of people and he brought that home with him. That’s because his biggest accomplishment was not his brand, but his children. “He was the greatest dad, and everyone around him could feel the love he gave his kids,” shared Franco, a close friend of Rico’s.

Rico had the power to push the positivity of any room and replaced any pessimism present with new opportunities and a comedic change of subject. At every turn, he was a booming voice of fun and comedy with a dab cough that echoed through canyons. He will be forever missed and remembered for his passion and presence in the community. @phonehomie

“He was the greatest dad, and everyone around him could feel the love he gave his kids,” shares Franco, a close friend of Rico’s.

Rico on the Slab Hour podcast.

Holding an award at the 2018 High Times Cannabis Cup.

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD THE PHRASE “FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD?” It means that you’re searching your vocabulary to find the most applicable language that best represents what you’re trying to convey. Sometimes you don’t have the exact word, but by using this phrase, you make it known that your intention is to communicate your thought effectively. And it’s totally cool. Because it is understood by the person with whom you’re interacting that although you don’t currently have the best articulation, you are also not trying too hard to impress.

And that is what’s wrong with how the word “perfect” is wielded today. People overuse it believing they are demonstrating wisdom by applying it where a less fabulous word would normally go – thinking that it boosts their ability to elocute “perfect” words. Which makes sense. Because the current “me” society that displays their filtered flawlessness on the internet as a quantified representation of who they are, is hiding from the word “imperfect.”

That’s one you won’t hear them use.

It’s absurd. A trigger. How dare you!

The overplay of the word “perfect” is an encapsulation of this artificially intelligent future we are doing “The Robot” into. Perception is largely reality, and the word accentuates the image people pretend to possess. There’s this idea that if you say something “perfect,” then “perfection” will materialize – which realistically doesn’t happen. Just because you use the word to describe something as “perfect,” doesn’t make it “perfect.”

So, when the woman who answers the phone in customer service gleefully uses the word more than twice for the figurative cherry on the sundae, she is in essence informing herself that not only did she resolve the issue, but it couldn’t have been handled any more “perfectly.”

But no, I’m sorry … the last four digits of my Social Security number are not perfect. They are just OK. You know what’s perfect? Cannabis. And Agnes, my pet gerbil.

AVAILABLE AT SELECT MASSACHUSETTS DISPENSARIES