On the cover of our highly-anticipated Tech Issue is an array of innovative, ground-breaking Cannabis tech delving far and beyond the realm of the simple bong or pipe. These pieces, rigs and bud-bundles allow the Cannabis connoisseur to perfectly dial in the ideal dab or hit, and achieve a level of stoniness that past generations could only ponder. Styled and photographed by Creative Director Daniel Berman at the magazine's Seattle headquarters, this cover was a team effort of the highest magnitude.
PHOTO & STYLING BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS Assisting by @borophoto @mdgfilm @lena_b_sparked
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, NATIONAL NEWS
ADHDDEAD, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, PHOTOS + DESIGN
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES + DESIGN
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
WYATT EARLY, NATIONAL NEWS
NICK EVANS, REVIEWS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURE + PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
JAKE KERN, FEATURES
LEXI PADUSSIS, SALES
MITCHELL PETERSON, PHOTOS
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
BRIAN SANNER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
FERNANDO UFRET, FEATURES
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN
KAYL WOHL, NATIONAL NEWS BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
WES ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Thanks for picking up the Tech Issue of Northeast Leaf!
Our cover features the hottest ways to take a perfect temp dab or toke at the push of a button, and that’s a freedom that only technology by stoners for stoners can deliver.
We’ve come a long way from pop can tokes and simple pipes and bongs, and I, for one, am so grateful for the ability to take a dab without a torch. There’s no limit to the creativity when it comes to Cannabis and tech, which is why we drop globs and not bombs. As we look ahead to Christmas lists, any one of our cover-worthy p ieces would look great wrapped under the tree.
"THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE BEING ARRESTED RIGHT THIS MINUTE FOR CANNABIS, WHICH MEANS WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE WHEN IT COMES TO ENDING THE WAR ON DRUGS."
While it’s easy to get lost in the wizardry of new dabs and vaporizers, I want to once again make a plea for peace within our community and country. I’m counting down the days to the election, not because I want to see a particular candidate win, but because I cannot wait for us to unite as a country behind the choice of our people. We’ve got so much policy work and progress to be made, as Cannabis is far from truly legal or free in the state you’re reading this or around the country. There are still people being arrested right this minute for Cannabis, which means we still have a lot of work to be done when it comes to ending the War on Drugs.
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!
Exclusive Cannabis Journalism
In many ways, the advancements in technology are helping move Cannabis toward normalization. Smoking a stinky blunt, which I love to do, is less palatable for most new-to-Cannabis thinkers than a sip of vapor from an e-rig. With new pieces looking sexier and sleeker, being a stoner doesn’t feel lowbrow anymore; it’s actually quite hightech, pun intended.
So as we edge ever closer toward this election and daylight savings, remember that we are all likely struggling with some form of motion, fear, anxiety and possibly a little hope. Offer to share dabs and tokes with those you can and celebrate our freedom in the technology that we can use to share our planet and come together one hit at a time.
This November, voters in six states will decide on Cannabis-related measures on their ballots. Here’s what to expect:
ARKANSAS
Voters face the proposed Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2024 where Issue 3 aims to expand the medical Cannabis program. Licensed medical patients could soon grow Cannabis at home, with up to 14 (and up to seven mature) Cannabis plants. Issue 3 would also legalize telehealth appointments for medical marijuana certification and remove the initial application and renewal fees for certification. The bill would also extend the certification period from one year to three, affording patients less frequent renewals. Obtaining certification could become more accessible, as all health care practitioners — including physician assistants, nurse practitioners and pharmacists — could certify patients.
FLORIDA
Voting “yes” on Marijuana Legalization Initiative Amendment 3 supports recreational legalization for adults over the age of 21 and would allow individuals to possess up to three ounces of flower, along with up to five grams in the form of concentrate. “Expected retail sales of non-medical marijuana would generate at least $195.6 million annually in state and local sales tax revenues once the retail market is fully operational,” according to the Florida Financial Impact Estimating Conference. Despite these projections, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he doesn’t want Florida to “smell like weed,” while also leveraging a taxpayerfunded advertisement produced by the Florida Department of Transportation. The ad stated, “DUI crashes increase in states with legalized marijuana, putting everyone at risk.” Evidence of this correlation is inconsistent, and taxpayers could say that using state resources to amplify such a message also puts everyone at risk.
NEBRASKA
After a previous attempt in 2020 was removed by the state’s Supreme Court, Cannabis reaches the ballot once again. Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana announced earlier this year that it gathered about 114,000 signatures in support of Initiative 437 and 438, which
would allow medical patients to legally possess up to five ounces of Cannabis with a healthcare practitioner’s recommendation. For patients under 18, parental or guardian consent is required. Caregivers would also be able to assist patients in managing their medical Cannabis. These initiatives would adopt and enact the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act, as well as establish the Nebraska Cannabis Commission to oversee the state’s medical marijuana program.
OREGON
Measure 119 — aka the United for Cannabis Workers Act — focuses on protecting labor rights within the Oregon Cannabis industry by ensuring workers can freely organize and join unions. It would require Cannabis retailers and processors to sign “labor peace agreements,” which prevent employers from retaliating against or otherwise opposing unionization efforts. This measure would bring Cannabis workers’ rights in line with other industries and aims to address concerns, such as workplace safety and the use of harmful chemicals. Non-compliance would result in penalties, including fines or the potential revocation of business licenses.
NORTH DAKOTA
Previous legalization efforts failed narrowly in 2022, but voters have another opportunity with Measure 5. Voting “yes” is in favor of legalizing recreational Cannabis consumption, allowing adults 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of flower, four grams of concentrate, 1,500mg of THC in the form of cannabinoid products and 300mg of edibles. The measure would also allow individuals to grow three plants with a limit of six per household.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Voters will make their third attempt to pass adult-use Cannabis reform this year after previous attempts at legalization were rejected in 2020 and 2022. Measure 29, proposed by South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to two ounces of Cannabis flower, 16 grams of concentrate and six plants for personal use. However, it does not establish a commercial marketplace for Cannabis production and sales.
"An estimated 90% to 95% of hemp retail products are expected to be eliminated from sale."
GAVIN NEWSOME’S EMERGENCY HEMP REGULATIONS TAKE EFFECT IN CALIFORNIA
INlate September, California’s State Office of Administrative Law enacted emergency regulations that seek to eliminate “health incidents related to intoxicating hemp products.”
An estimated 90% to 95% of hemp retail products are expected to be eliminated from sale, according to Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. Jonathan and his team have since launched a lawsuit against the California Department of Public Health in an attempt to block the ban’s implementation. The suit also claims that this ban is in direct violation of state law, the federal Farm Bill, and the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.
DIRECTOR OF NY’S SOCIAL EQUITY PROGRAM RESIGNS
Damian Fagon will resign from his position as chief equity officer for the state’s Office of Cannabis Management in November. According to the Times Union, this resignation was announced in light of a recent investigation into allegations that Fagon used his position to implement punishment on a Cannabis processor who was vocal about unlawful practices occurring within the industry. While Fagon’s name was cleared of any malicious intent or wrongdoing, he will remain on leave from the organization until his resignation date.
$ 429.9m $ 15.5m
The total reported revenue of New York’s Cannabis program from January 2024 through the end of August. Weekly sales of $20 million were also surpassed in the month of August for the first time in the state’s history. The cost of advertisements purchased by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's taxpayer-funded administration railing against Amendment 3, the measure to legalize marijuana that has strong support on both sides.
200k+
The number of people arrested in the last year in the U.S. for Cannabis. According to the FBI report, simple possessions made up a majority of those cases; 23% of all drug arrests listed in this report come from Cannabis possession arrests.
AUGUSTA, GA PHARMACY DISREGARDS DEA WARNING AND BEGINS SELLING MEDICAL CANNABIS OIL
bout a year after a warning that came from the DEA, Living Well Pharmacy in Augusta began selling low-potency THC oil. The warning came as a reminder that pharmacies selling prescription medications must strictly abide by federal regulations. This is contradictory to the state regulation that permits lowTHC Cannabis oil to be sold at licensed pharmacies throughout the state. The DEA warning appeared to have stopped all sales of this oil until now, and it is unclear whether or not they will have a response to Living Well Pharmacy’s bold decision not to heed their warning.
www.stacheproducts.com
the smoking jacket
AS I PULLED UP to the serene, well-manicured property of Toro Glass in Ithaca, New York, I was greeted by smiling faces, chill music and the smell of coffee and weed — an indication of the vibes to come. The Smoking Jacket 2024 was a two-day event hosted by The Hashish Inn podcast that brought together top-tier hash makers from across the country for a secluded, intimate competition that balanced community, craftsmanship and the finest solventless hash concentrates.
BLESSED WITH perfect weather and an even better selection of terps, the weekend felt like an oasis of concentrated community camaraderie. The Toro property is nestled among pristine nature, providing the ideal backdrop for this craft event. The vibe was laid-back yet pulsed with excited energy, with 32 hash entries from some of the most respected producers in the industry competing for the top prize. Connoisseurs mixed with makers as genetics and terps were generously exchanged. But beyond the contest there was a sense of connection that threaded through the entire weekend as attendees mingled, shared and learned from each other.
The Smoking Jacket was more than just a competition; it was a thoughtfully curated experience designed to foster connection and education. Guests took part in resin tastings from well-known producers like Burny Terps, Yeti Melts, and Mega Raw Melts, alongside live Q&A panels that offered insights into the art and science of solventless extraction.
On the competition side, Helios Hash edged out Solventless Refinery and The Real Cannabis Chris to take home the coveted top spot with their entry, Vizion. The winning entry was a masterful blend of The Vision (outdoor) and Zkittlez (indoor) rosin. Helios is no stranger to the competition scene, adding another important title to their growing trophy shelf.
I reached out to the owners of Helios to get their take on what taking home 1st place overall meant for the Maine hash scene:
“This win is a significant milestone not only for Maine but for the entire New England region. It reflects our community’s dedication, talent and commitment to showcasing what the East Coast can provide for the craft Cannabis community. This achievement not only elevates Maine’s profile in the competitive landscape but also serves as an inspiration for individuals and teams throughout New England.
Within the past few years, the East Coast has made a boom with countless hash makers winning various competitions around the country. It shows the potential we have to make a mark in the craft Cannabis scene and furthers the movement of innovation that will benefit our local communities for years to come.”
Beyond the competition, the weekend was full of memorable moments. One highlight included a special behind-the-scenes tour of JP Toro’s workshop, where guests got a peek underneath the hood and were teased with glimpses of his upcoming work. (Deadhead author’s note: keep an eye out for the upcoming Grateful Dead-themed pipes).
But perhaps the most heartwarming moment came when JP Toro surprised a guest, whose birthday was that weekend, with a one-of-one
rig straight from his shop. The look on the guest’s face was pure joy, like a kid who had just unwrapped the video game system they’d been dreaming of. He darted off to try out his new piece, and the excitement was infectious.
That energy continued throughout the weekend. After the festivities, Shoragim from The Hashish Inn spoke with me about his experience bringing the competition to the East Coast: “The opportunity to host it in such an iconic setting was magical. The intersections of the arts of resin and glass was on full display. That was something that really resonated for us as a team and hopefully for an event as a whole.”
Event attendees left buzzing about the quality of the entrants and the unique experiences that unfolded for them over the weekend.
The event blended best-in-class hash with the ability to rub shoulders with some of the top producers in the country, at the home of the world’s best glassblowers. With its smooth operation, incredible setting and first-rate terps, The Smoking Jacket reminded everyone in attendance of the benefits of a well-done, elevated hash experience.
Rounding out the top 5 overall included representatives from across the country
1. Helios Hash @helios_hash
2. Solventless Refinery @solventlessrefinery
3. The Real Cannabis Chris @therealcannabis_chris
4. Burly Botanicals @burly_botanicals
5. Portal Provisions @portal_provisions
People’s Choice
Burly Botanicals
Maker’s Choice
The Real Cannabis Chris Expert’s Choice
Solventless Refinery
JP’s Choice
Trichome Tortoise
The journey today has taken us to Hopedale, Massachusetts, into a Cannabis-friendly realm created by the eponymous Caroline of Caroline’s Cannabis. Even from the parking lot, you can appreciate the elegance of the premises, which gives a feeling of spa-meetscabin-at-the-lake. Upon entering, I was greeted by Brooke, with a warm smile and such amiability that I immediately felt at peace and relaxed. It was an appropriate start, as they leaned into the kindness tone, embracing the “be kind” artwork by the main entrance.
ENVIRONMENT
Remember the first time you walked into a dispensary? When was the last time you felt like that? I remember the awe and wonder — being excited by so many things I love under one roof, all within a safe place to acquire them. As soon as I stepped over the threshold and into the main floor, I felt that same rush of excitement. In front of me was a display room with space dedicated to an array of brands, partners, merch and glass. It felt like a wellthought-out display, carefully coordinating a sophisticated and inspired atmosphere.
The space is teeming with vibrancy, with art, pictures and music woven throughout. Toward the middle of this extended space is the dispensary counter, and across from it, a wall piano with rotating seasonal decor. They even kept part of the space dedicated to musical instruments like drums, guitars, a Spanish cajón, and memoirs with artists who have attended their gatherings, such as the legendary Snoop Dogg.
STAFF & CREW
Caroline is an empowered entrepreneur who loves the plant. When sourcing, she personally selects the buds you get to ensure you have the same experience she does. You can appreciate her dedication, passion, and commitment to providing a great experience for her customers. A good reputation is important to her, as she is working hard to take her in-house brand around Massachusetts and hopes to expand nationally someday.
You can really tell how much of herself she puts into the store’s experience.
Shoutout to Mel, the assistant regional manager, for the awesome terp talk! Thanks also to Josh, who introduced me to how the menu works and what the customer journey is like for the patrons of their store.
PRODUCT & SELECTION
4
10 A.M.-10 P.M. DAILY (774) 243-0323
The menu is one of the most extensive menus I have ever seen in a dispensary. Three separate boards display the edibles section by type and brands, and they carry everything from chocolates to ice cream. The pre-roll offerings alone required two full menu boards before getting into general flower, vapes and concentrates. Towering over the counter is a wall-sized board featuring every strain they offer by the eighth, separated into sativa, indica or hybrid, and organized by prices for every budget.
If you’re looking for a wide selection of options in a pleasant, welcoming setting, Caroline’s Cannabis may be the spot for you. I’m looking forward to going back and diving into even more of Caroline’s selections.
“YOU CAN REALLY TELL HOW MUCH OF HERSELF SHE PUTS INTO THE STORE’S EXPERIENCE.”
Cannabisinfused beverages are one of the fastest-growing industry segments, and in a growing cooler case of options, Sherpa Select Dazey hash rosin-infused seltzer stands out as a signpost for more sophisticated and elegant consumption. Offering a delightful blend of flavors and effects, this lemon-lime rosininfused seltzer delivers a refreshing twist on traditional consumption and offers a journey into the peaks of relaxation and euphoria. It brings a familiar comfort, making these colorful cans a must-add to any well-stocked refrigerator.
DAZEY SELTZER
INSPIRED MARGARITA
1 Dazey Lemon Lime Seltzer
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce watermelon or grapefruit juice (optional)
Salt & lime slice to garnish
>> In a rocks glass, combine all the ingredients and add ice. Garnish with salt and lime slice.
DAZEY SELTZER
HIBISCUS SHRUB
1 Dazey Lemon Lime Seltzer
3 ounces hibiscus syrup (substitute cherry syrup for a more tart taste)
6 mint leaves
>> In a tall Collins glass, muddle 5 mint leaves. Add ice and Dazey Seltzer, and pour hibiscus syrup overtop to form a float. Garnish with additional mint.
SHERPA SELECT LEMON-LIME HASH SELTZER
FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER, and Sherpa Select rises to the challenge of standing out on overcrowded shelves of Mylar-wrapped products. The Dazey can is a work of art, featuring elaborate design elements that nod to the can’s flavor profile, including a sleek silver skeleton and lime-slice eyes dripping with terpenes. You can also rest assured that what you’re drinking is 100% authentic, thanks to the serial-number-matched QR code ID system on each can.
Cracking it open releases a subtle yet inviting aroma of lemon and lime, tantalizing the senses with its citrusy freshness. The carbonation bites through the familiar herbal flavor found in more potent edibles, invigorating the palate with each effervescent sip.
Dazey seltzers are made in Vermont from a blend of organic citrus purees and are infused with strain-specific, single-source Black Lemon Cake hash rosin before being steeped with American-grown Citra hops for added flavor. The lemon-lime flavor is perfectly balanced — neither too tart nor too sweet — making it a delightful beverage for any occasion.
With a substantial 25mg of THC per can, experienced consumers can sit back and crack open a few cold ones to fine-tune the desired effects. While one can left me feeling rejuvenated and bubbly, a few more brought me to the throes of euphoria, accompanied by a sense of weightlessness.
Sipping on a freshly cracked Dazey, it’s easy to catch a prescient glimpse into a future where you’re offered a more relaxing alternative to a beer around the campfire. As delicious as the Dazey is on its own, it also makes a fantastic base for an alcohol-free cocktail. Pour your Dazey over a glass of ice, fresh orange and lime juice, and add a dash of agave nectar for a margarita-inspired treat. Or, combine with hibiscus and garnish with fresh mint for a delightful shrub.
You can expect to see these highly stylized cans centerstage at special celebrations. Mixed into an elevated cocktail, or in their own stylish can, Sherpa Select Dazey Seltzers are a sign of a new-age product.
@sherpa_seeds
25mg of THC per can
SINCE 2005, The Papermill has been hunting for and selecting unique flavors. First in Rhode Island, then in Colorado and finally moving to Maine in 2016, entering the medical program in 2020. Their passion for sifting through seeds and finding unique flavors and experiences has not gone unnoticed by the greater New England community, as the Papermill has been showing up and showing out at some heavyhitting events over the past few years.
ORANGE BERRY FIZZ ROSIN
“THE CREAMY ORANGE AND FERMENTED FRUIT REALLY STAIN YOUR PALATE, LINGERING ON YOUR TONGUE LONG AFTER THE DAB IS DONE.”
AT PIFF CON this past June, took 2nd place for Piff-Haze Extracts with their 90u Cat Piff Rosin, an in-house breeding project pairing selections of 707 Seedbank’s Catt Piss and Piff Coast Farm’s Purple Manguito.
Papermill’s Orange Berry Fizz was awarded 2nd place at last year’s Culture Cup. This year it took 9th place for rosin and 4th place for melt. Orange Berry Fizz is a mixed wash of Papermill selections, blending their Candied Orange from Symbiotic Genetics (Zkittlez x Mimosa v6) with their Berry Fizz from Terp Fountain Genetics (Papaya BX x Red Piegasm) in an undisclosed ratio.
The Orange Berry Fizz Rosin is a pale, opaque yellow-gold color with a shimmer of terps that highlight the rosin’s curves. The texture is light, airy and wet but still easy to transfer from tool to nail.
The smell is very citrus-forward from the Candied Oranges, with the Berry Fizz lending sweet and over-ripe fruit stained with raspberries and strawberries. When dabbed, the vapor is soft and smooth as it fills the lungs before you exhale. The creamy orange and fermented fruit really stain your palate, lingering on your tongue long after the dab is done.
Effects begin behind the eyes, and quickly grow into a fullbody buzz with an uplifted, but mellow mood.
The Orange Berry Fizz is a great choice any time of day to focus your creative headspace or just to enjoy some of the exceptional terps coming out of the Papermill in Maine.
@thepapermillmaine
Danielle Guthrie
On a warm, sunny Seattle summer day in 2012, Danielle was walking to Hempfest. On her way to the event, she walked past an artist known on Instagram as @danigirlglass who got her attention and insisted she check out her case of line-worked bubblers. She told Dani her name was Danielle, and Dani gave her an oil tray. That was the day that started Danielle’s journey into the current world of contemporary glass art.
Orange Joystick Cap
CARTA Trombone Recycler
IT’S ALWAYS NICE to catch up with a previously featured artist. This month we have the extremely talented Danielle Guthrie. Hailing from Issaquah, Washington, and starting on the torch in 2013, she was fortunate to mentor under the highly acclaimed PNW artist Sean Witschger (@gl_asshole). From there, Danielle moved on to 7 Point Studio where she helped out around the studio, taught classes at the Boro School and had the fortune to learn more than a thing or two from the legend that is Nate Dizzle (@swissperc). Danielle spent a little over the next two years at 7 Point before moving on to work with another wizard in our industry, Phil Siegel (@philsiegelglass). Currently, Danielle works out of a studio at her home in the North Cascades at the base of Mount Baker. This is where you’ll often find her looking for every last stash of powder during the ski season! When I asked her how her views on glass may have changed over the years, she said, “Nowadays I approach glass more artistically. I want to create a certain vibe and feeling with my work. I lean more toward finding designs and aesthetics that are palatable to our current market. But my construction methods have changed a lot over the years. Instead of making a section and seeing what I can put together with it, I come up with a design on paper and execute it from start to finish.” As Danielle says, “You have to be able to adapt because things change. That’s just the lesson of time.”
RECENT WORK
The Trombone attachment featured here is made for both the current versions of the Puffco Peak and the Focus V CARTA. They feature water percolation with a recycling function to make operation as smooth as possible. The joystick carb caps are functional for both the CARTA 2 and the New Puffco as well. You can find these new additions and other great works for all walks of life on her website, danielleguthrieglass.com, or on her Instagram @danielleguthrieglass.
I WILL BE SPENDING the next few months in Mexico, so I am taking this opportunity to share some recipes from my lovely neighbors who grew up here. The recipes are not complicated, and all the ingredients are available in the States. I’m learning a lot and eating well, whether in restaurants or street taco vendors. One of my neighbors and I are doing a recipe exchange. Cannabis is not fully legal in Mexico, so I am using a nameless strain that is a little skunky, high in myrcene I think, and there is a touch of sweetness. These next few months will be interesting! I’ll keep you posted. And remember, you can always reach out to me for cannabis-infused recipe ideas. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
MYRA’S GREEN SAUCE
Makes 2 cups
2 tomatillos, husked and chopped
2 medium green tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeño, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1 tablespoon canna-oil
2 sprigs cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sour cream
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the tomatillos, green tomatoes, jalapeño and garlic. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Cool.
2. Place the cooled tomato mixture in a blender with the remaining ingredients. Blend until it is nearly smooth—or, how I like it, with a little texture.
PICO DE GALLO DE ODIN
Six servings
3-4 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
3 scallions, chopped
1 clove garlic, very thinly sliced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon canna-oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Cover and allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour for flavors to develop.
ESQUITES MAGIC
Four servings
1 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 frozen corn
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon cannabutter, softened
1 tablespoon sriracha
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1-2 teaspoons chili powder
Lime wedges
Salt
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. When the water boils, add the corn, cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
2. Drain the corn and place in a bowl. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, cannabutter, sriracha, lime juice and salt.
4. Add mayo mixture to the corn and mix well.
5. Top with the cheese, cilantro, chili powder and squeeze on some fresh lime juice.
Stir before serving.
IF YOU’VE EVER wanted to “taste the rainbow” and get after those real deal Z terps, look no further than Maine-based HighRoad’s latest run of Zkittlez. This standout rendition of one of my favorite strains is a dialed-in expression of this fan-favorite strain.
BEING IN HIGH DEMAND, there are many versions of Zkittlez on the market that can feel watered down and not quite as special in taste and effect as the original. HighRoad has an exceptional offering that smokes, tastes and feels the way real “Z chasers” clamor for. The first thing that hits you when you open up a jar of Zkittlez is the unmistakable smell. It’s like stepping into a candy aisle with bold berry, citrus and tropical notes all mingling together, ready to take your senses on a magical journey. The aroma pulls you in, and before you know it, you’ll be reaching for your grinder, ready to see if the flavor matches the smell. Well, the results are in — and it lives up to the hype. HighRoad’s Zkittlez brings that same fruity intensity straight to your palate. Each puff of this strain delivers layers of complex candy fruit flavors that unfold with every hit. The high is just as enjoyable. Zkittlez offers a balanced, uplifting buzz that’s perfect for daytime enjoyment. Be prepared to enjoy a state of relaxed euphoria without overwhelming your senses, making it an ideal companion for creative projects, social gatherings or simply unwinding after a long day. The effects leave you with a pleasant, steady vibe that is both mentally stimulating and physically soothing. HighRoad has really outdone itself with this one, capturing the essence of what makes this strain so beloved. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just someone who appreciates a flavorful smoke, Zkittlez is a must-try offering that combines taste and effects that are hard to match in today’s market. So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the candy aisle and reach for HighRoad Zkittlez. With its mouth-watering candy-coated flavors and balanced high, this strain proves that sometimes you really can taste the rainbow.
“THE
AROMA PULLS YOU IN, AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOU’LL BE REACHING FOR YOUR GRINDER, READY TO SEE IF THE FLAVOR MATCHES THE SMELL.”
CANNATECH
BOMB E-RIG
With a minion-esque look and a beautiful black and yellow color scheme, the Bomb E-Rig is ready to blast off your next dab sesh. Dropping globs in the Bomb is easy and consistent, with a bright LED screen and internal color-changing light. We loved the deep bowl, full 360-degree heating, and a rotating carb cap for easy airflow. At less than half the price of other top-of-the-line options, the Bomb feels pro when getting a dab ready and consistently delivers explosive tokes. With top-shelf features at a budget price, this is a great starter rig or travel addition to any stoner’s lineup. $179
PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN
SURVIVOR PINK AIROPRO
EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE
IN EVERY WAY IMAGINABLE
Enjoy smooth, potent draws with our built-in ceramic atomizer and discreet haptic feedback— no lights or buttons. The sturdy aluminum design and magnetic fitting make it easy to swap pods mess-free and on the go.
KEY FEATURES OF AIRO VAPORIZERS
CANNA
FOCUS V CARTA 2 &SABRE
Sleek and sexy with the soft touch white surface, the V CARTA lights up the mind with each tasty temperature-controlled dab and adds a trippy sensory light show that stands out through the new look.
The CARTA lineup has been improving each year, with better functionality and looks while maintaining the core value and simplicity that makes them amazing e-rigs. The new CARTA 2 boasts a bigger Intelli-Core that can handle bigger globs of concentrate and features improved airflow and a freshly updated heating element.
live resin? The CARTA 2 will dial in your dab and deliver a beautiful strobe show as the effects light up the mind and body. With new, fast wireless charging capabilities, it’s easier than ever to take precisionquality dabs on the go or in the comfort of your home with the new CARTA 2. $350
If you’ve ever struggled with getting a dab off a metal tool or had the displeasure of dropping an oily tool on the ground to be instantly covered in carpet and pet fur, this new Saber is the tool for you. With a replaceable ceramic tip and the gorgeous new clear outer skin, the Saber heats up almost instantly to allow a glob or small dab to slide off the tool, keeping it clean for future use. It avoids the need to scrape or push a tool against the chamber to get a dab ready. The Saber charges quickly with USB-C technology, holds a long charge, and even has a built-in spotlight to shine a light on your terpy dab as it’s dropped into a banger. We can confidently say that, like a choice between a hammer or a nail gun on a construction job site, the next time you’re working on building a buzz, the Saber will be the tool of choice. $40
by DANIEL BERMAN
PHOTO
Handcrafting New Handcrafting New Englands Largest Englands Largest Selection of Edibles Selection of Edibles Since 2017 Since 2017
MEDICAL
RECREATIONAL
This sleek red case looks like it could be holding earpods, but it’s ready to get you blasted with vapor! Discreet and easily hooked to a bag or slipped in a pocket, this battery is ready to rock, no tunes included. yocanvaporizer.com @yocanvaporizer
$29.99
Sleek and solid, this battery feels classy and is super easy to use. With easy voltage settings, an LED screen with a battery indicator, and a solid metal design, this pen battery is made to last. yocanvaporizer.com @yocanvaporizer $30.00
With bright colors and clear plastic parts reminiscent of the OG iMac or the clear Game Boy, the Turtle 510 thread vape is inhale-activated, features a manual mode for unclogging carts, and carries a longlasting charge. lookah.com @lookahglass
Power up like Mario with these adorable mushroom batteries that fit a 510 cartridge, with three voltage settings, an LED battery meter, and a variety of colors for your next vape adventure.
Take hits of dabs from this keychain nectar collector, which has a heated tip ready to dip into a jar of your favorite oil. This is the dopest on-the-go way to take a quick dab, and it’s easily rechargeable, totally discreet, and ready to send a dab straight to the brain quickly and effectively. theconnectbrand.com @connect.brands
$19.99
CANNATECH
GOLDEN CEDAR WHOLESALE, a Washington-based company, provides custom batteries and offers white-label opportunities for those looking to create their own pen battery. Founded by brothers Mohamad and Ali Karaouni, they moved to the PNW from California after a vacation-inspired them to join the Cannabis industry up north. Their beautiful website features a variety of vaporizers, wraps, cones, and a dope clearance section for those on the hunt for deals! The two brothers are chasing their dream of operating a wholesale business that caters to stoners and the companies that bring the fire with each puff of a pen. With a huge variety of batteries to match your vibe, we’ve selected a few of our favorites to highlight! goldencedarwholesale.com | @goldencedarws
AIROSPORT BATTERY
Compact and magnetic, with the cartridge tucked inside the battery compartment, this fun gradient-colored case is perfect for discreet hits that keep the cartridge ready for action. yocanvaporizer.com @yocanvaporizer
$23.99
The name that began so many memes, the Penjamin is both a name and the style of this battery, which looks like a classic writing device from the presmartphone era. You see, pens were once for writing, not smoking, so we love this unique throwback. With three voltage settings and a variety of colors, this pen will get people talking, ink and cartridge not included. smylelabs.com @smylelabs
It’s hard to pinpoint the moment when the 510-threaded battery simply became a standard, nofrills baseline tier below a new premium vape battery category. Still, Airo’s arrival on the scene as a luxury-tier item is definitely a contender for a seminal moment. The sturdy, sleek energy docks were the first to feature haptic feedback and provide a stylish home for the proprietary cartridge pods, which mate with a satisfying magnetic click. Working with different oil producers in each market, the Airo team finds high-quality concentrate for the pods, and together, the battery and pods produce huge, potent clouds. Airo continues to grow and plans to add a lineup of edibles to its offerings in some of its markets later this year, but their battery continues to be the foundation on which the company was built.
AIROBRANDS.COM @AIROBRANDS
Review by
Tom Bowers @megabombtom
CANNATECH
FOCUSVAERIS
While the V CARTA is truly an on-the-go dab rig, the new Aeris is a pocket-friendly answer to the Puffco Proxy that allows for simple, waterfree dabbing with the click push of a button. The best and worst part of bongs and rigs is their watery requirement. A little H2O acts as a filter for the smoke and helps temper the warmth of a dab, but it gets oily fast; both filling and emptying create opportunities for messes that are not ideal when traveling. This is where the Aeris shines, with all the technology of a V CARTA but without the water chamber to complicate the act of quick dabbing. The Aeris features the new Intelli-Core from the CARTA 2 and can also be used to vaporize flower. With a soft-touch ergonomic design and swirling lines that look great on a desk or coffee table, the Aeris fits perfectly in a pocket, cup holder or bag to transform any moment into a heady one. $199
FOCUSV.COM @FOCUS.V
DAVINCI IQ3
Don’t burn your flower or favorite extract — heat it with the highbrow DaVinci IQ3, a high-capacity, compact vaporizer that’s worthy of the name. The new IQ3 improves upon previous designs with more airflow, cooler vapor and a larger oven to load up to 0.7 grams of material into. Sleek and stylish, the outside of the device is made with brushed aircraft aluminum, giving it a beautiful feel. Temperatures are controlled with simple plus or minus buttons, with a dial on the bottom to adjust vapor density and airflow. We found it useful to play with the flow until the vapor was thick and satisfying, but not too harsh, thanks to the Cool Core system that circulates the vapor without overheating for a smoother experience. The temperature lights up on little dots, and while it feels a little low-tech, there’s also no screen to break. A quick 30-second heat-up to the desired temperature and this vaporizer will turn flower or oil into art-inspiring vapor, one hit at a time. $299
FOCUSV.COM @FOCUS.V
CANNATECH
NEWPEAK
PLANET OF THE VAPES LOBOVAPORIZER
Wolf out in time for Halloween with the Lobo, a powerful handheld vaporizer that combines health and stealth into a streamlined device ready for seshing under a full moon. Vaporizing Cannabis used to require lots of tools and bags, but the beautiful minds behind vape superstore Planet of the Vapes took years of experience and, we’re assuming, lots of puffs to deliver a new portable vaporizer that hits hard. Powering on brings a simple screen with temperature control at the click of a button, readying a 0.2-gram chamber for a perfect bowl of ground flower. From start to first hit is only 40 seconds, sending a few minutes and around a dozen full tokes to the mind with smooth and flavorful effects. The Lobo is easy to clean and reload, and using the swappable batteries, you can keep a sesh rolling, or pack it for extended trips. Vaporizing flower delivers full effects without the need to burn or smoke, which can be easier for those with conditions that prevent smoking, and allow for discrete use in situations where smoking is not appropriate. With a full selection of vaporizers from new to classic, including the Lobo, visit their website for a new way to experience our favorite plant. $159.95
PLANETOFTHEVAPES.COM @POTVLIFE
Experience new highs for less money with the New Peak, a refreshingly simple upgrade to the intro-level e-rig market. Puffco set the standard for the electronic dab rig with their original Peak, which dominated the scene for years with advanced temperature control through a screen, flawless functionality, and a design that was built by stoners for stoners. But at $420, not everyone can afford the gorgeous new Storm Peak Pro, which makes room for the New Peak to entice with simple settings and classic looks. The New Peak is all Puffco, featuring the 3D Chamber and Joystick Cap for consistently excellent performance on dabs. What’s new is the easy four option heat settings, just like the Proxy, and a quick two-click function that means a perfect dab is only 25 seconds away. While purists and snobs might aim for the Peak Pro, we find the New Peak perfect as a travel rig and see big value and elegance in the simpler design. $220
CANNATECH
The Venty is a heavy-hitting dry herb vape that is impressive straight out of the box. It’s built like a tank, with the same top-notch craftsmanship that made the Volcano a household name. You can tell right away they didn’t skimp on materials, and like previous Storz & Bickel products, it feels sturdy and built to last. With adjustable airflow, on-device temperature controls and the fastest heat-up time of any S&B vaporizer, the Venty is all about versatile efficiency. This device was built for convenience and precision with its multiple settings and smart connectivity. What separates the Venty from the rest is the way it hits. This thing produces dense, flavorful clouds that rival most desktop vaporizes. Whether you’re after a smooth, mellow session or want to turn things up for a bigger punch, the Venty lets you fine-tune your experience to get your high dialed in exactly how you like it. It’s rare to find a portable vape with this kind of power, but the Venty manages to pull it off. It’s a bit on the larger side for a handheld but really hits. So, if you’re prioritizing performance over portability, this could be the vaporizer to scoop in 2024. $449
STÜNDENGLASS MODÜL+DOK
The latest innovation from Stündenglass brings a new level of versatility to your Modül setup, evolving it into a sleek handheld rig. The Dok station magnetically attaches to the anodized aluminum base, with the Stündenglass valve stem glass on one side and your concentrate or flower-fueled Modül on the other. Right out of the box, the clean, thoughtful design and solid build are evident, with each piece fitting perfectly in the matching travel case. Within 90 seconds of opening the package, I was already dabbing, which speaks volumes about the ease of setup. While the Modül has already made waves with the popular Stündenglass Gravity Infusers, this latest attachment takes things up a notch. It’s clearly designed with hash lovers in mind, offering a more versatile, handheld and functional experience. What really sets this apart is the smart product design — sturdy, intuitive and incredibly user-friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or “hash curious” and just getting into the game, the Stündenglass Modül + Dok combo checks all the box es and offers a seamless, enjoyable experience for both concentrate and flower users. $449
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.
IN THE 1980S, Richard Stoner (no, we’re not kidding) developed a revolutionary plant-growing technique known as aeroponics. This exciting growing method used only air and a fine mist of nutrients to cultivate crops with extraordinary efficiency. Naturally, NASA took notice when looking to sustain space crews with crops — dirt doesn’t exactly fit into a zerogravity scenario.
SPACE WEED
Zero Gravity Gardening
IN 1997, NASA partnered with Stoner’s company, AgriHouse, to develop an experiment for the Mir space station. With his years of experience and a patent under his belt, Stoner helped NASA bring space gardening to life, focusing on ways to grow food in zero gravity. According to NASA Spinoff, this research opened the door to aeroponics as a viable, futuristic farming method. But space tomatoes were only the beginning.
Tech probs
Fast forward a few decades and aeroponics has found its way back to Earth. This space-age technology, once reserved for astronauts, is slowly seeping into greenhouses across the globe, offering growers a highly efficient, sustainable way to cultivate their crops. So what exactly is aeroponics, and why does it have the potential to change the way we grow Cannabis?
Magical Mist
Aeroponics ditches the dirt altogether. Instead, plants are suspended with their roots freely dangling in the air rather than directly into soil or water. A nutrient-rich mist is sprayed directly onto those exposed roots. The setup typically includes energy-efficient LEDs, an intricate misting system and a closed-loop environment to recycle water and maximize nutrient efficiency. Unlike traditional soil-based growing or even hydroponics, aeroponics uses significantly less water — up to 98% less than soil growing and 40% less than hydroponics. That’s a massive deal for cultivators in water-strapped areas like California, where every drop counts. But it doesn’t stop there. The roots’ exposure to maximum oxygen means faster growth rates — up to three times faster than soil — and potentially higher yields. This method isn’t just sustainable; it’s a powerhouse for production.
Water Wise
Water conservation is just one of the perks. Aeroponic systems are often fully enclosed, creating a controlled environment that’s practically tailor-made for Cannabis cultivation. Pests? Not here. Diseases? Hardly. By eliminating the risk factors that soil can introduce, growers can skip the pesticide aisle altogether, and that’s a win for everyone (except the chemical companies).
And when it comes to nutrients, aeroponics allows growers to control exactly what the plant absorbs. There’s no guessing game in nutrient delivery, which can significantly reduce fertilizer use — by as much as 60%, according to NASA research with BioServe Space Technologies and AgriHouse Inc. In short, aeroponics lets Cannabis cultivators dial in their process to a degree that simply isn’t scientifically possible with traditional methods.
While aeroponics might still seem like tthe shy new kid on the block, we’ve already seen companies making waves in the Cannabis space with this technology. Enter Aeriz, one of the largest aeroponic Cannabis farms in the U.S. They’re perfecting the art of combining sustainability with high-quality Cannabis production with a focus on reducing environmental impact, all while still churning out award-winning strains. Going green doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality.
Like any new technology, aeroponics comes with its own set of challenges. The cost of setting up an aeroponic system is no joke. An aeroponic system requires high-tech sensors, specialized misting nozzles, and automated controllers to ensure the whole process runs smoothly. While automated systems aren’t new to big production facilities, that initial investment can be steep, and for many smaller growers, it might be unreachable — especially in an industry battling big financial burdens due to continued federal inflexibility. But for those willing to take the plunge, the long-term savings on water, nutrients and labor can offset the startup costs over time.
Then there’s the technical knowledge required. On top of plant biology and nutrient management, aeroponic growers must rely on system engineering skills to keep things running smoothly. This is precision farming, and even a small mistake could lead to big consequences. If the misting system fails for a short time, the plants’ roots can dry out, and the entire crop could be lost. That’s why backup systems and redundancies are crucial to avoiding catastrophe, but they also pose an extra cost.
Flavor Fuel
Critics might question whether aeroponic-grown Cannabis can deliver the same flavor and quality as traditional methods, but they’re in for a surprise. Companies like AeroFarms, which focuses on food production in a culinary niche, have demonstrated that this method can actually produce a fuller flavor spectrum, thanks to the strict control over nutrients. But Cannabis consumers will have to be the judge of whether that translates to smoke.
sustainability
For all its challenges, the future of aeroponics in Cannabis still shines bright, if only dimmed a bit by the distance… Technological advancements are slowly but surely making these systems more accessible, with automation, sensors and AI integration taking much of the guesswork out of the equation.
As these innovations continue to roll out, aeroponics could become more financially feasible for growers at all levels, not just those with big investors. And then there’s the sustainability factor. In an industry that’s increasingly focused on its environmental footprint, aeroponics offers a way to grow Cannabis more sustainably by conserving water, reducing fertilizer use and eliminating pesticides. For growers who want to do right by the planet, aeroponics is an attractive option.
So, is aeroponics the future of Cannabis cultivation? It’s got all the right ingredients: water efficiency, faster growth, better yields and sustainability. But, like any industry, Cannabis has its traditionalists who might be slower to adopt this space-age technology — and we can’t blame them. From the initial costs and the technical demands to ditching generations of gardening practices passed down, the shift to this tech will certainly be slow.
However, the potential to revolutionize cultivation is undeniable. As more companies look to push the boundaries of Cannabis farming, aeroponics might just float to the top, offering a cleaner, greener way to grow the plant we love.
The robust pre-roll market continues to evolve as consumer tastes develop and mature, and production capabilities rush to keep pace.
Once a market segment primed for production leftovers and the much-maligned destination for “floor scraps,” the commercial pre-roll category is now the hottest and fastest-growing category in Cannabis.
Thanks to the rise of convenience-purchasing at retail, as well as new commercial trends around the newer ultra-premium pre-roll category dominated by the hash hole, pre-rolls accounted for $4.1 billion in annual sales (394 million units), according to a recent data survey conducted by the analysts at Headset in collaboration with Custom Cones USA. Infused joints make up more than 43% of those sales, and that figure is growing.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Well, first, it means that consumers are willing to pay more for a premium pre-roll product. Second, it means the pre-roll segment will need to find a way to scale.
The demand for premium hand-rolled products is on the rise, as is the field of amazingly talented hash hole artists such as CGO, Proper Doinks, Sturts Doinks, Bruno Rolls, and other craft connoisseurs, many of whom companies commission to roll batches of branded hand-rolls.
But that craft segment can’t scale to serve the mass-market consumer. That’s where machinists and robotics manufacturers come in.
These are companies that undergo rigorous research and development in order to bring efficiency and scale to the rolling and infusion process. If we’re ever going to see packs of infused hash holes offered at an affordable scale, these companies will likely be the ones behind it.
Co-founded by former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer Nohtal Partansky, Sorting Robotics has been working for years to increase margins and efficiency in pre-roll automation.
Starting with the company’s Aura One machine, which the company says can roll up to 18 joints per minute and also roll blunts, the company has added multiple machines to its lineup that handle different types of infusions. The Jiko injects concentrates down the center of the joint, aiming for the hash hole sector, and the Jiko+ can inject any meltable concentrate, including live fresh-press rosin. According to their data sheets, one operator can inject 115,200 infusions per month.
For the past couple of years, we’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen from the PICC Platform. Created by a production machinery firm out of Spokane, Washington, the PICC Platform’s end-to-end rolling and infusing capability automates the entire process with one system. Their machine mills the flower, layer-packs the cones, and then injects them with concentrates precisely down the center, creating perfect infused cones that the company claims never canoe and always burn all of the material evenly. (The Leaf team has tried a few, and from what we can see, those claims are correct.)
To those of us who remember when infusing a joint meant rolling up a ball of finger hash, lighting it on fire, crumbling it and sprinkling it over your hand-separated flower, the Cannabis industry has become an amazing technological wonderland. And while there will surely always be a market and a desire for a freshly rolled hash hole filled with a custom flower and hash combo by an expert in the craft, we can’t help but be wowed by a future that promises infused, kief-rolled hitters manufactured for the masses. Being able to scale and automate such an intricate process showcases the ingenuity and invention of the minds in the Cannabis industry, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Sorting Robotics also introduced the Stardust, which coats the joints in kief and concentrates, and also can automate the creation of moon rocks at scale using dry sift, bubble hash, crushed THCa diamonds, or powdered Cannabis.
PICC Platform
PICC Platform
STONED Apparitions
Dab Talk with STEVEN ABREU
To get the latest scoop on the ever-evolving dabbing scene, along with some insider tips, we sat down with Steven Abreu, a longtime Cannabis advocate and operator of Stoned Apparitions. With over 15 years of experience in the Cannabis scene, Steven has witnessed firsthand the transformation of how people consume.
“Inhalation technique can make or break your experience. Hitting a dab rig is just not like hitting a bong.”
Stoned Apparitions is a dab bar vendor in New York City that focuses exclusively on e-rigs and electronic consumption technology.
Steven brings his innovative and fun toys to events all around the East Coast and is a staple at heady gatherings in NYC. His commitment to finding the latest and greatest tech to get his consumers lifted is well-known, and he loves to show people new ways to enjoy their favorite plant.
The following excerpt is from a longer conversation we had at the Astor Club in Chinatown.
How has the dabbing experience changed over the past 10 years?
When I first started dabbing it was red hot nails and glass domes. I remember upgrading from a quartz nail to a titanium nail, and it felt like it couldn’t get any better than that!
Now, everyone’s using some variation of a terp slurper, quartz banger, inserts, induction, electromagnetic or thermal heating. E-rigs have made the entire dabbing experience a lot more accessible to a lot more people who otherwise never would have tried a dab.
What is your setup at home?
A Dirge Glassworks rig with either a Toro banger that I’ll heat up with the Scope and Stack Checkmate banger heater, or I’ll use their e-nail banger. For me, the less water and less drag, the better. I like my rigs simple and to the point.
What advice would you give to new dabbers?
Clean your rig daily! That goes for any consumption method, but really try to keep your mouthpiece and banger clean between sessions, even if dabbing solo. Inhalation technique can make or break your experience.
Hitting a dab rig is not just like hitting a bong. I find that most people will end up having a bad time if they rip a dab rig like they’re hitting a traditional bong.
I always explain that there’s no need to hold your breath after hitting the rig, just let it right out.
If you end up coughing up a lung; Don’t hunch over! Stand up straight and extend your torso so that you can better catch your breath.
For more dab talk and to learn more about dabbing, check out
Steven’s Instagram @stonedapparitions
TONED
Puffing Proto
When it comes to stoner tech, it doesn’t get much more historic than the Proto Pipe. Often referred to as the “Swiss Army knife of paraphernalia,” the Proto Pipe was essentially the first smoking device explicitly designed with the Cannabis consumer in mind.
EARLY INSPIRATION
The Proto Pipe is the brainchild of an artist and self-taught machinist from Denver named Phil Jergenson.
“As kids, we used to build slot cars,” Phil’s brother Richard recalls. “That’s where we learned how to solder metal, which later became instrumental in birthing the Proto Pipe.”
As a teenager in the late 1960s, Phil got turned on to Cannabis after a neighbor brought some back from a visit to San Francisco. A short time later, while riding a ski lift, Phil had what he calls his “Eureka moment.”
“I was trying to light a pipe … and I realized I didn’t have any of the implements that you needed,” he told the LA Times in 2021. “That’s when I decided I was going to design a pipe.”
THE PIPE DREAM
At that time, there weren’t many pipes for weed smokers — only pipes made of corn cobs, wood or cheap, screwed-together metal components. With the Space Race and James Bond all the rage, Jergenson aspired to create as cool and futuristic a pipe as possible. As a stoner earning his living drafting detailed architectural models, he was well equipped to do so.
brass, which solved the problem. With each iteration, he added more features, such as a permanent screen, a swivel bowl lid, a tamper, a steel-tipped poker, a resin trap, and a storage pod to keep your “combustibles” in. Finally, after countless hours, he came up with a device he was satisfied with, called “The Contrivance.”
PROTO PIPE TAKES OFF
With a cool new pipe to sell, all he needed now was to connect with his market. And so, in 1970, Jergenson moved to the countercul ture capital of San Francisco to find his fortune. After securing a warehouse in the Mission District, he summoned his brothers, Kent and Richard, to help him get the business off the ground.
The brothers began selling the Contrivance to hippies on the street for five dollars apiece. But things got off to a rocky start: their drill wasn’t creating precise-enough holes, making many of the pipes unsellable. As a result, they didn’t earn enough to cover their expenses and had to get day jobs. For Phil, that unfortunately meant moving down to Fullerton to work a carpentry gig.
After a year or so of lackluster results, Jergenson feared his pipe dream might go up in smoke. Then, in June 1972, he took a gamble and spent $120 to place an ad in an up-and-coming magazine called Rolling Stone. A few months later, their post office box was overflowing with orders. Now living in SoCal, Phil had to take commuter flights up to the Bay to make pipes on weekends. It would take nearly a year before they’d earn enough for Phil to move back to San Fran and make pipes full time. By 1973, business was so good that they were able to open a second workshop in Berkeley. But the real game changer came in the fall of 1974, with the premiere of High Times magazine. The Jergensons placed an ad for The Contrivance in HT’s second issue (Spring 1975), and the response was so overwhelming that they continued to advertise in the mag for nearly a decade.
Above: Original ad in Rolling Stone.
Proto Pipe creator Phil Jergenson circa 1974. Below:
RIPOFF & REBRANDING
One day in 1975, while selling pipes on Telegraph Avenue, Phil was propositioned by a so-called record promoter from SoCal named Israel Juda, who flashed him a briefcase full of cash and made him a dubious offer:
“He said, ‘Look — this is going to go one of several ways,” Richard recounts. “You’re either going to sell me the business for $30,000, or we’re going to be business partners fifty-fifty, or I’m going to make these without you.”
He also had an odd, Andy Warhol-inspired marketing shtick in mind to sell them.
“I’m going to call them The Tomato,” he reportedly pitched. “We’re going to etch the name ‘Tomato’ on the top of the pipe and put ’em in a can with a tomato label on it.”
Hoping to utilize his money rather than get ripped off, Phil reluctantly agreed to bring him on as a partner. A short time later, he showed up at their warehouse with 10,000 cans, which he’d scammed from the American Can Company. However, after Richard met him and talked it over with his brother, they decided to back out of the deal.
Sure enough, about a month later, tomato cans containing cheap forgeries started showing up in shops around the Bay. To counteract these knockoffs, the Jergensons changed their product’s name: One night, a friend who meant to say “prototype pipe” mistakenly called it a “proto pipe,” and the name instantly stuck. They registered the new name and began etching a pair of interlocking “P”s (inspired by the Rolls-Royce logo) onto all of the new Proto Pipes they produced.
They also brought in some more trustworthy partners — including an underground cartoonist named Larry Todd, who’d made a name for himself with his Dr. Atomic comics. Todd helped them rebrand the Proto Pipe by drawing up fun new ads and lending them one of his characters to use as their mascot: a trash can-shaped robot they renamed “Probot.” They even made a life-size Probot costume to promote at trade shows. In fact, at the NY Fashion and Boutique Show in the winter of 1979, Probot became the hit of the show.
“Our timing was perfect because Star Wars had recently come out,” Richard remembers. “Everybody was saying, ‘Look — it’s R2-D2!’ And we were like, ‘No, it’s Probot!’”
DRUG WAR DOWNERS
By the early ’80s, Proto Pipe was employing around a dozen staffers and churning out nearly 500 pipes a week. Unfortunately, they were also facing new challenges. First, in 1979, their warehouse in Berkeley was sold, and their rent was doubled overnight. As a result, they moved their operations to a former car dealership in the small Men-
With the Space Race and James Bond all the rage, Jergenson aspired to make as cool and futuristic a pipe as possible.
docino town of Willits. But apparently, the city council wasn’t too happy with them being there, even though everyone knew the town’s economy was Cannabis-driven.
“We were the only visible tip of the underground economy that was keeping all these communities in Northern California alive for decades … and we weren’t out in the hills — we were right on Main Street,” Richard explains. “We were harassed, so we ended up moving to another side of town.”
In 1986, President Reagan pushed through the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, which, among other things, banned the interstate sale and transportation of drug paraphernalia. Not wanting to end up in prison, the brothers sold the business to a friend named Michael Lightrain in the winter of 1987, with the understanding that whenever legalization came about, they could buy it back. Rebranding it as a tobacco pipe, Lightrain ran the company for the next three decades.
Meanwhile, the Jergensons moved on to other pursuits, founding a “life-sized Erector set” company called Grid Beam. Richard also devoted more time to his other passion: cannthropology. Over the years, he curated thousands of pieces of counterculture memorabilia and artifacts. This impressive collection would eventually inspire the Jergensons to reclaim the brand they built.
REUNION & RECLAMATION
Fast forward to 2014: After surviving a battle with cancer, Richard was reexamining what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.
“I’ve got this astonishing archive of counterculture material,” he thought. “Why not do something with it?”
Richard contacted Emerald Cup organizers Tim and Taylor Blake, who, after visiting him and seeing his collection, offered him a space at the event that December.
“I invited Phil and Larry, so it was the three horsemen back together again after three decades,” Richard recalls. “We had a great showing. The reception was just fantastic.” Impressed by how legit the Cannabis community had become, the partners were inspired to get back in the game. The only problem was that Lightrain was less than cooperative.
“We had an agreement that when legalization came, we wanted the business back. However,
when that day came, the agreement was not honored,” he says. Unable to reclaim their brand as promised, Phil decided to move forward without the Proto Pipe name, designing a new pipe with a larger, round bowl and other new features, which he dubbed the Mendo Pipe. Lightrain’s mismanagement of the company would soon work in the brothers’ favor.
“He ultimately drove the business into the ground because he was an absentee owner and was never really a part of the culture,” Richard says.
As a result, the company fell into debt, and by 2017, Lightrain was so far behind on rent that the landlord evicted him and offered the he warehouse back to the brothers. Moreover, Lightrain had let the trademark and patent lapse, enabling the brothers to reclaim them. After nearly 30 years, the Jergensons finally had their Proto Pipe back.
THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
Since then, the Jergensons have rejuvenated the brand, renaming the Mendo Pipe the Proto Pipe Rocket and enlisting Phil’s daughter, Rona, to build their website. The website enabled stoners around the world to access their products and garnered some free marketing, courtesy of LA Times journalist Adam Tschorn, who wrote a feature on them in 2021. Today, they’re producing about 1,000 pipes a month and have sold more than 1.5 million units worldwide.
“The numbers aren’t quite what they were back in the heady days,” Richard admits. “But the quality of the pipes is off the charts. And everyone is so happy that the founders are back.”
“In many ways, [Proto Pipe is] the Levi Strauss of Cannabis,” noted Tschorn.
As the company’s official archivist and historian, Richard is currently working on a book that will tell the full story behind Proto Pipe’s colorful history — one that, as a fellow cannthropologist, I look forward to reading someday.
To read the full, unabridged version of this story and listen to the interview on our podcast, visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
The Jergenson brothers with life-sized Probot in Willits.
Richard displays his archives at the Emerald Cup.
Phil selling pipes on Telegraph Ave in 1975.
PEOPLE tell me this sometimes. But am I narcissistic or just eager to be recognized? A little of both, methinks. Aren’t we all guilty of wanting attention at some level? I mean, at what point are you self-absorbed or just looking to feel relevant in this glorious human experience of lightning strikes and rolling stones? Because let’s be honest, every one of us, from an instinctual level, is looking out for numero uno as much as any other living organism. And some of you would argue that you always put your child before yourself, but if that’s really the best means for your DNA to reach the next millennium, then why does the flight attendant instruct you to put your life vest on first?
Because the kid ain’t gonna make it without its momma.
I get it, drawing too much attention to yourself can always be a means for criticism in this environment of acceptance where all people are welcome to share the stage equally. But all people aren’t equal, physically or mentally. Just like weed.
And I’m not claiming that I or my country, race, religion, gender or candidate is better than any other person or living thing on the planet, just that it seems silly that we should consider ourselves the same. In kindergarten, they told us we are all unique in our own special way, like a snowflake. Right about the same time, they told us how to dress, which god to worship and which football team to root for.
Contradictions are everywhere.
I understand that global equality is basically in reference to civil rights, which I’m down with. And I believe we all deserve the same opportunities. And I believe in following a dab with a bowl of flower and maybe chasing it with an edible.
So, am I a narcissist?
Or am I an alchemist?
JELLIES WITH A PURPOSE
In honor of Breast Cancer Action Month, Curaleaf is joining the fight with every Cherry Vanilla bite. Savor the limited-edition Cherry Vanilla JAMS this October only at Curaleaf, and we’ll donate a portion from all sales to support Impact One, an organization that assists breast cancer patients on their journey. Making a difference never tasted so good.
