Peace
Peace
12/20 – 12/25
12/31 New Years Day sale 1/1
Weekly Specials
soothing sunday
30% off all Redbird, Bodhi High and 30% off all CBD
pandamonium monday
40% off all Panda flower and joints
30% off all other Panda, Snicklefritz, Dabstract, Sticky Frog, and Hot Sugar
best buds tuesday
30% off all flower and glass
concentration wednesday
30% off all dabs & cartridges, and 30% off batteries
munchies thursday
30% off all edibles & beverages
flower power friday
30% off flower and joints when you buy 7g or more and 30% off Blue Roots
safety meeting saturday
30% off flower and joints when you buy 7g or more
10% off - Wisdom Discount to Guests over 65
30% off - All CBD topicals, tinctures, and capsules
30% off - Daily rotating deals in every category
order online 9AM UNTIL 9PM
WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER
wes@leafmagazines.com
MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com | advertising sales
TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR daniel@leafmagazines.com
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
ASHLEY HIRCHERT SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD ashley@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
Our inspired cover this month comes from Gail Armstrong, a multiple awardwinning paper sculpture illustrator, trained at Glasgow School of Art and based in London. “Colour was key in lending this wintery snow scene a warm and cosy feel,” writes Armstrong. “By using the LEAF logo as the Cannabis cafe signage, the viewpoint for the scene followed naturally. The winter-character companions sit front and centre, and a sense of depth is achieved through the hints at a cafe interior through the window behind them.
ART BY GAIL ARMSTRONG @GAILARMSTRONGLANKSBURY ILLUSTRATIONX.COM/ARTISTS/GAILARMSTRONG
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES + NEWS
ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES
GAIL ARMSTRONG, ILLUSTRATION
DANIEL BERMAN, PHOTOS + DESIGNS
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES + DESIGNS
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
MICHAEL GREENMAN, VIDEO REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
DANSTAN KAUNDA, PHOTOS
JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
KELSEY STEVENS, PRODUCTION
TERPENE TRANSIT, DISTRIBUTION
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
ANGILA WATSON, PHOTOS
LENA B. WHITE, AD SALES + PRODUCTION BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Northwest 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 ricker@leafmagazines.com to start advertising with Northwest Leaf!
Exclusive Cannabis Journalism CONNECT WITH NORTHWEST LEAF!
WES
ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Edibles are the perfect way to put a daze in the holidays. Those yummy, potent gummies and treats will get you higher than Rudolph and deliver a hit of the munchies just in time for second helpings of stuffing and desserts.
I’ve used edibles heavily in the last 18 months as I have stopped drinking alcohol and found myself embracing a new buzz that is so much healthier. Cannabis as a medicine really shines in edible form, where benefits include pain relief, sleep aid, stress and anxiety help, and is certainly safer than alcohol. Too many edibles can be a bad thing, but you won’t die! A bad trip that leads to the ER will likely result in a multi-thousand dollar bill for fluids and a snack — which can easily be acquired at home. But I still hear from people scared to try edibles because of a bad experience or lack of knowledge, so it’s important to remember that what goes up will come down safely when using Cannabis.
Today’s lineup of infused products ranges from drinks to capsules, brownies to gummies, and with literally something for every taste or preference. These products are tested, consistent and deliver expected results ev ery time a consumer or patient turns to an edible for relief. Each time the choice is made to use Cannabis instead of pharmaceuticals like opiates or even Tylenol, the health of the individual goes up, and profits for pharma go down.
America is still one of only two countries that allow pharmaceutical companies to advertise on TV, the other being New Zealand. While we all tune out the stock footage, false promises and warnings against vomiting, diarrhea, blood clots or, in the case of Jardiance for type 2 diabetes, a rash on the perineum, these ads don’t work to sell pharma or convince us to talk to our doctor. But they do constitute 75% of TV marketing revenues as of 2020. When a media company s ells a majority of advertising to a small cabal of mega-corporations, those companies control the narrative of the media, which becomes a serious problem when those media companies operate news channels.
“CANNABIS AS A MEDICINE REALLY SHINES IN EDIBLE FORM, WHERE BENEFITS INCLUDE PAIN RELIEF, SLEEP AID, STRESS AND ANXIETY HELP, AND IS CERTAINLY SAFER THAN ALCOHOL.”
This is why we won’t see ads for weed anytime soon on airwaves or messaging from the news about natural health, exercise and psychedelics. Until America is freed from the corrupt yoke of pharma advertising, the chance of getting real health inform ation from a mainstream news source is very low.
When I started the Leaf in 2010, this conflict was obvious to many in the weed industry, who fought to free our plant and offer an alternative medicine sour ce for those suffering. Today we’ve come so far in terms of quality and options of medicines, which is perfectly represented by the Edibles Issue. But even as the weed industry grows, so d oes the chokehold Big Pharma has on media and politicians. As we close out 2024, I am motivated to fight this corruption and hopeful that the continued awakening of Americans happens with each purchase of natural and delicious Cannabis edibles. Side effects may include munchi es, general happiness and a lack of energy to argue about politics on social media. We definitely prefer that to insomnia, headaches and hives, but we’ll live with the cotton mouth.
celebrating 4 years of
BRITTNEY GRINER TO HEADLINE WOMEN GROW 2025 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner, who was famously imprisoned for Cannabis in Russia, is set to headline a conference with an address on “Cultivating Change: Empowering Women through Personal Leadership.” Griner lost her freedom for taking hash vape pens to Russia, where she played professional off-season basketball and where Cannabis is strictly illegal. She was traded back from Russia in a prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer and the subject of “Lord of War,” a Hollywood movie starring Nicolas Cage. Bout has sold arms to terrorists and dictators around the world and is free again to live up to his moniker, “The Merchant of Death.”
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY STUDY FINDS TEEN VIEWS ON WEED DEPEND ON PARENTS
INa shocking study, Washington State University has inferred that teenagers whose parents use Cannabis or have positive views on it are more likely to get high themselves.
“If teens perceive their parents’ use Cannabis, whether they actually do or not, it can send the message that the behavior is also acceptable for them, especially without explicit conversations that set boundaries for the teen,” said Stacey J.T. Hust, lead author of the study, as reported by NBC.
The study reported that 32% of teens believe their dad uses weed, while 25% think their moms are puffing the magic dragon. While the study doesn’t imply whether this use is necessarily right or wrong, it does warn that parents are responsible for communicating health risks and rights versus wrongs to teenagers. As America heads into the holiday and stupor bowl season, which sees TV ads pushing booze constantly, it’s hard to imagine that parents are to blame for kids seeking out Cannabis in legal states.
Considering that Cannabis is much safer than alcohol or other party drugs, many parents must see these reports and wonder, would I rather have my kid try weed than booze? For parents who hold positive views on weed, this might be a reality sooner rather than later, so take the time to talk to teens this holiday season about making safe, healthy choices for today and the future.
DEA JUDGE PUTS PRESSURE ON RESCHEDULING, SAYS CHOICE
ISN’T ABOUT WHETHER POT IS “GOOD OR BAD”
The DEA held its first meeting to act on the Biden administration’s Cannabis rescheduling directive, and the judge in charge sent a direct hit to challengers, saying that there would be no discussion of “whether marijuana is good...or bad.”
The Drug Enforcement Agency has enforced the Controlled Substances Act since 1971, classifying Cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug alongside heroin and methamphetamine, with the designation stating Cannabis has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This absurd classification has blocked almost all stateside research for 50 years and led to the mass incarceration of millions of Cannabis users. This tainted legacy has placed the federal government and the DEA at odds with the majority of the country, where Cannabis is legalized for recreational or medical use in 38 states, and 75% of those polled view Cannabis as a drug that should be legal.
Rescheduling of Cannabis could mean reduced controls, access to banking and tax write-offs, and new freedoms for Cannabis patients and users to grow and share their weed. It could also lead to a pharmaceutical chokehold on sales or production, depending on how the DEA and government move to classify the plant. While many activists and business owners in Cannabis are hopeful, it’s hard to trust the government that arrested millions for a plant their own data shows is safer than alcohol.
The same celebrities that championed Cannabis and the trap lifestyle are struggling to make their weed brands work, with Jay Z taking the top of the list for most money lost on a vanity branding project. Cannabis smokers love quality, and they put that above all else when purchasing. The same can be said for hip-hop, whose avid listeners will ditch artists that go too mainstream, returning again to the underground roots where the best music can be found up and coming. The brand, Monogram, hit
JAY Z’S WEED BRAND LOSES $575 MILLION, COLLAPSES IN CALIFORNIA’S DIFFICULT POT MARKET
markets with a big splash in 2025, trying to capture and sell a lifestyle of heady luxury with each hit. For Seth Yakatan, a Cannabis investor interviewed by SF Gate, this failure, despite hundreds of millions of dollars, wasn’t a surprise. He told reporters that the Monogram products “failed to live up to the hype,” with single joints that sold for as much as $50.
Knowing this, it’s no surprise that rap billionaire Jay Z has lost mega dollars trying to sell luxury joints and bud. The brand’s executives audaciously bragged to the media
10,000
Number of Cannabis users in a study to explore epigenetic changes of long-term users
Monogram products “failed to live up to the hype,” with single joints that sold for as much as $50.
in 2020 that they would dominate and consolidate the industry and that any smaller companies would struggle against the celeb-backed mega brand. That sentiment has aged like fine milk, as small and craft farmers continue to grow and prosper around the country while celeb-backed brands lose money and reputation with each successive failure.
The value of the Michigan Cannabis market, according to Politico.
Amount of Zen-brand gummies recalled in Missouri because a food coloring ingredient was missing from the packaging.
Number of plants in a Pittsburgh home that was raided, with the owner receiving extra charges for having a 5-year-old child in the house in terrible conditions.
Pounds of pot products found in East Village illegal dispensary raid last month, as NY struggles to stop black market sales.
NORTHWEST LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH SARAH FESLER
“I HAVE A BIG
DREAM TO OPEN A WEED BAKERY.”
When this small-town single mom isn’t binge-playing “Overwatch” or finding the next anime to get obsessed over, you’ll catch her blasting EDM while cleaning the house. Her greatest joy is being with her kids but she manages to get out for an occasional rave on the weekends. Follow her @xiuminmochi.
HOW DO YOU LIKE BEING A MOTHER IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? I absolutely love it. Not only does it help me be a better mom, but it’s brought me so many new mom connections. Being a single mom doesn’t need to be so stressful. Sometimes we all need to take a step back, eat an edible and enjoy the moment with the kiddos while making silly crafts or crying over Disney movies.
HOW HAS BEING A MOTHER HELPED YOU BE A BETTER BUDTENDER? I get a lot of stressed-out moms that come into the shop — it’s a look they have on their face, and all I have to ask is, ‘You got kids?’ And it’s usually followed by a huge sigh and then we vent about how our children pissed us off today and then we discuss how being stoned doesn’t take away our awesome mom abilities! Heck, I even get dads, too, that come in stressed out. We need more stoner parents in the world! (laughs)
CAN YOU RECOMMEND SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE EDIBLES? YES! Swifts currently has me in a chokehold with their milk chocolate caramel truffle. The MAX ones, to be exact. You get all the good stuff — CBD CBG, CBN — what a delicious cocktail! Their peanut butter cups are also so amazing. For gummies, though, I really think that Doozies has a good hand in the market. They started adding functional mushrooms to their edibles, and I take them almost daily as they are a good dose of everything!
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM GIG? Owning my own business, honestly. I have a big dream to open a weed bakery.
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE THING TO EAT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Spam musubi. You get some meat that’s hella cheap, rice which is also super cheap, teriyaki sauce and seaweed. Honestly, you should be able to live forever with how much salt you’re consuming in one setting. You’re preserving yourself from the inside out!
THE KUSHERY, CATHCART
5626 134TH PL SE B, EVERETT, WA
THEKUSHERY.ROCKS
@KUSHERYCATHCART
8 AM - 10 PM SUN. - THURS.
8 AM - 12 AM FRIDAY & SATURDAY (425) 337-5145
KITSAP CHARACTER
MODEST TO BROADEST
This enterprise started in a tiny trailer with visions of turning it into one of the premier shops on the Olympic Peninsula. General Manager Derek Christiansen, a local from Bremerton who started his legal Cannabis career as a budtender at a local dispo, worked his way up the ladder by showing creativity and ambition. Well, it didn’t take long for his success story to gain traction. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, which owns the shop, supported the team’s vision by building an entirely new structure that blows the minds of folks passing along the highway. Now they all get to prove their pride daily in a stateof-the-art building.
GOOD NEIGHBORS
There’s no coincidence that this structure is exactly 4,200 square feet. The spacious open floor plan dwarfs any store in the area, giving them the authority to add new brands nearly every week. They love to specialize in local farms like Eagle Tree and THC Supreme to provide the community with some bragging rights. Inside, customers are surrounded by a cool wrap that showcases a 360-degree panoramic view of some local scenery.
COMFORT ZONE
One of the safest shops in the state (yes, that’s a real concern in this predominantly cash business), they recently won the 2023 award for Best Cannabis Dispensary in the “Best of Kitsap.” In fact, they’ve got a separate medical room just for patients. And if you’re on the hunt for some of the best flower grown locally, try their in-house brand, Ascension. Lastly, the famed “Guru of Ganja” Ed Rosenthal recently held a book signing there to show his support and the place was bustling!
STAFF PICKS
Flower
Blue Roots Cannabis Co. Lamb’s Breath - Maxwell
Good Earth Cannabis Pineapples in Space - Sam
Royal Tree Gardens Middlefork - Sarah
Ascension Oishii - Derek
JOINTS
Constellation Cannabis Rosin Rolo - Rudy
Knots GMO x 9 Pound Hammer Infused - Sarah
Fox Cannabis Rainbow Pave Infused - Sam
Ascension Matilda Headband x 3 OGs - Derek
CARTS
Bodhi Terpee Slurpee Disposable - Maxwell
Mfused Tranquility - Sarah
Smokey Point Productions Live Resin Tangie - Rudy
Plaid Jacket Super Boof Disposable - Derek
DABS
Oleum Extracts Honey Crystals - Sarah
Bodhi Deluxe Dutch Oven - Rudy
Soulshine CBG Wax - Maxwell
Ascension Blend Hash - Derek
EDIBLES
Swifts Edibles Raspberry Lemonade Chewz - Sarah
Constellation Cannabis 1:1:1 Gravity Gummies - Maxwell
Hazy Daze Bud-ease Biscuits - Rudy
THC Supreme Chocolate Nougats 10 pk - Derek
“THEY LOVE TO SPECIALIZE IN LOCAL FARMS LIKE EAGLE TREE AND THC SUPREME TO PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH SOME BRAGGING RIGHTS.”
30% OFF DECEMBER 20TH
Washington Bud
OUR
JOURNEY BEGINS about an hour north of Seattle, tucked into the evergreens along the I-5 corridor outside Smokey Point — where Washington Bud Company has called home for the past 10 years. Before that, they served the medical Cannabis community by building relationships and procuring genetics that served patients well. The brand was established in February 2012, making them a pioneer of the Washington Cannabis industry.
Company
SHAWN DENAE and husband Bill Wagenseller lead this team. They handle the sales, logistics, marketing, bookkeeping and brand innovations. The next generation of the family, Seth Wagenseller, is the head grower. His laser-focused energy goes into all aspects of the plants’ growth as he continues to maintain the family’s high quality and standards. He got his start growing the plant back in the early 2000s, which gave him a great education starting in the infancy of Cannabis growth technology and continuing to the high-tech world we live in today.
There’s a mix of genuine legacy techniques used here alongside an array of high-end LEDs for their lumen requirements. This switch from the high-pressure sodium lights of the past has not only maintained the high quality of their flower but increased overall yield by almost 20%!
As time goes by, growth is inevitable. I was able to see their new greenhouse getting its final touches of construction. This additional square footage will allow them to expand to a larger indoor flowering area and provide the veg and propagation life cycles with natural light and a greater canopy.
Washington Bud Co. prides themselves on providing boutique-batch, artisan-grown Cannabis. As they like to say: “We grow for flavor and effect. If we enjoy the aromatic flavors and happy experiences, we believe you will too!” Their dedication to flower means that you’ll very rarely get to try the concentrated versions of their strains, and they don’t grow hybrids for just the extraction return numbers. This makes the buds coming from this farm custom-curated for a flower experience that’s unmatched today.
There are plenty of successful legacy strains here — something they’ve always been known for. From the citrus hit of their Mimosa and the dankness of Power Trip to the absolute old-school fire flavor of Purple Sour Diesel, each strain they choose to propagate features strong genetics, ensuring consistent harvests.
The team here has a very friendly, welcoming vibe. The workflow reflects many long-time team members who seem to be in the groove and enjoying themselves while providing such high-quality Cannabis — be sure to check out their amazing flower at your favorite local Cannabis store!
“ We grow for flavor and effect. If we enjoy the aromatic flavors and happy experiences, we believe you will too! ”
shawn & bill mimosa
GREEN REVOLUTION
GREEN REVOLUTION
THE IMMENSE SMELLS of all the real fruit flavors bringing an immediate smile to my face is the first thing I’ll always remember about my trip to visit Green Revolution. The air was filled with the vibrant scents of their carefully crafted products. The second thing I’ll remember is the welcoming and friendly team members I had the pleasure of meeting during my tour of their facility. From the moment I walked in, it was clear that the people behind Green Revolution are passionate about what they do, dedicated to quality and genuinely invested in creating products that make a difference for their customers.
GREEN REVOLUTION’S commitment to quality shines through in all their products, from tinctures to topicals. In this article, we’ll focus on their edibles and beverages. These products offer fast-acting effects, precise dosing and enjoyable flavors, providing a premium Cannabis experience with every use. They also maintain a gluten-free and nut-free facility, with all products being vegan and kosher certified.
Green Revolution’s Cannabis edibles stand out due to their innovative use of a proprietary nanotechnology called UNET. This advanced technology allows the company to break down Cannabis oil into microscopic, water-soluble molecules. The result is faster and more efficient absorption of Cannabis into the body, leading to quicker onset times and more predictable, controllable effects for users.
REVOLUTION
REVOLUTION
Cannabis edibles are often known for their challenges with accurate dosing, as they can take time to take effect and the results can vary from person to person. However, by using UNET, Green Revolution overcomes this common problem by ensuring precise dosing and faster activation, providing a more reliable and consistent experience for consumers. This approach makes their edibles more effective for users looking for both fast relief and precise control over their Cannabis consumption.
For energy, THC and CBG are paired with caffeine, creating a burst of vitality that energizes and invigorates the body and mind.
“Our mission is to provide people from all walks of life with the highest quality, innovative products and solutions to power their quest to live better, healthier and more positive lives.”
– Leo Shlovsky Co-Founder & CEO
One of the team’s newest innovations is the Doozies Plus line. Green Revolution expertly crafted this to offer a harmonious blend of cannabinoids and active botanicals, each selected to enhance and support specific experiences. The combination of cannabinoids with traditional medicinal herbs creates powerful synergies tailored to the desired effects.
For calm and relaxation, ashwagandha, an herb known for its stress-relieving properties, pairs with CBD and CBC to help promote a serene, restorative state of mind.
For cognitive support, lion’s mane, a mushroom renowned for its ability to enhance brain function, is combined with CBG and CBD, encouraging improved focus and mental clarity.
For intimacy, a thoughtful blend of CBG and CBC taps into the uplifting, connective properties of these cannabinoids, crafting a warm, intimate experience.
What sets these combinations apart is Green Revolution’s dedication to using ancient medicinal herbs with proven benefits, ensuring that each product in the Doozies Plus line does more than deliver cannabinoids — it creates an intentional, tailored experience. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, focus, connection, or vitality, each blend is purposefully designed to enhance the desired effect, offering a holistic approach to wellness.
Thirsty? Try one of the best in the game with Green Revolution’s Wildside drinks and Wildside energy shots. Both are crafted using UNET technology, ensuring a rapid release of effects. Wildside beverages are an ideal choice for enjoying Cannabis in a social setting. You can create Cannabis-infused mocktails with Wildside, allowing you to participate in social gatherings and enjoy the experience without the negative side effects associated with alcohol. Whether you’re hosting a party or relaxing with friends, Wildside provides a fun and refreshing way to enjoy Cannabis. Find your nearest retailer and more information about this expansive company online on their website!
SPIRITUS & HORIZON EDIBLES
After passing through several layers of security and locking ourselves into the small lab, it’s clear this Spiritus is anything but unassuming. Instead of the rows of polypropylene tubs often associated with hobby grows, I find myself standing between a blast-proof extraction chamber and an eye-washing sink. The framed licenses, sterilization tools, and neatly arranged lab equipment give off the unmistakable feel of a GMP-certified lab — with one notable difference: it’s a balmy 76 degrees. The climate-controlled environment is careful ly maintained to optimize the growth of mycelium colonizing the bags of grain neatly stacked along one wall.
MICHAEL BRIGGS, president of Spiritus and the manufacturer of Horizon edibles, guides us through a behind-the-scenes tour of the first legal psilocybin edible company in the U.S. As legislation began paving the way for mushroom-assisted therapy, Michael had what you might call a third-eye-assisted glimpse of the future.
If Oregon and other states were to take psychedelic therapy seriously, they’d need a serious product to support it. He recognized that precise dosing — an issue plaguing many home-spun edibles—would be the key to ensuring consistent potency.
Beyond compliance, Spiritus prioritizes precise dosing to give users a consistent experience. “Right now, services are super expensive,” Michael points out. “It’s one thing to get a variation in a joint that costs 10 bucks.
“These products are destined for therapy centers across Oregon, helping to legitimize and elevate the field of psilocybin-assisted therapy.”
Years later, here we are discussing the pharmacy-grade mill Spiritus acquired to perfect their product’s homogenization, its steady hum blending with the lab’s ventilation fans. Michael seems satisfied with their solution. “Every product we make is tested twice — once in-house and once through a third-party lab. It’s the only way to guarantee compliance and safety,” said Michael.
It’s another thing to pay two grand for this experience and not get the potency you expect.” Spiritus employs high-performance liquid chromatography to ensure their products meet exact potency standards. Michael punctuates the thought: “It’s about ensuring people get exactly what they’re expecting every single time.”
The rise of psilocybin in mental health and wellness has been exponential, particularly since the pandemic. Many, including Michael, have explored the benefits of microdosing mushrooms to promote neuroplasticity or attending professionally led retreats for deeper therapeutic experiences. Wellness has become the cornerstone of the psychedelics space, lending seriousness to compounds capable of unlocking transcendent experiences far beyond, say, an all-keyboard King Gizzard show (though feel free to file that one under “self-care”).
With increasing awareness of psilocybin’s potential for addressing PTSD, self-image, and re-evaluating priorities, a grey market has inevitably emerged alongside it. Unfortunately, many of these unregulated offerings — when tested — reveal dangerous additives, like bath-salt-type compounds or poisonous amanita extractions. In contrast, companies like Spiritus inspire confidence. They’re not chasing a quick buck with cartoonish packaging but crafting therapeutic doses, clearly labeled and carefully packaged to preserve active compounds. These products are destined for therapy centers across Oregon, helping to legitimize and elevate the field of psilocybin-assisted therapy.
MICHAEL BRIGGS
MEDICAL CANNABIS SUMMIT
The Cannabis Alliance is excited to host a comprehensive Medical Cannabis Summit on December 12, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry peers to discuss the current state and future of medical cannabis in Washington state.
December 12, 2024 10:00am – 4:00pm
Seattle Public Library
Generously sponsored by:
Tickets $10 in-person or live online thecannabisalliance.us/medical-cannabis-summit
ELEVATED GIFT GUIDE
ENLIGHTEN YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH 12 GIFTS TO UPLIFT YOUR SPIRIT
AS DECEMBER’S CHILL EMBRACES US AND SUNLIGHT GROWS SCARCE, the seasonal shift can leave many yearning for warmth, light, and connection. This winter, I’ve faced a quiet journey of solitude and introspection, reflecting on the complexities of the holidays. Not everyone finds joy in these weeks of traditional nostalgia — holidays can be tough for those walking solo through life’s seasons. That’s why I’ve curated this Elevated Gift Guide — a collection of treasures to warm the heart and uplift the spirit. Many partners have shared exclusive discount codes for our Leaf readers. Whether you’re shopping for someone special or indulging in self-care, these gifts brighten the holidays, elevate daily life, and carry magic into the new year. Remember, self-love is the foundation of every connection, a gift that keeps giving. Happy Holidays, OGs — stay lifted, stay grateful and spread high vibes!
ELEVATED GIFT GUIDE
ELEVATE YOUR HOME
Royal Phoenix Original Naturescape
Home Decor Canvas
Brighten the walls of your home with breathtaking visual magic captured by Phoenix, a Ukrainian artist based in Seattle, Washington. These nature landscapes capture the soulful essence of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Each piece is printed on high-quality canvas, coated for protection and hand-stretched by Phoenix herself, ensuring every creation infuses her personal touch. Her vivid, high-quality canvas radiates warmth and serenity, embodying her belief that art feeds the soul and helps overcome life’s hardships. Experience her artistry in person at the Pike Place Market and support this woman-owned business while inviting beauty and inspiration into your space. @seattle_royalphoenix | royalphoenixart.com use code: ROYALEAF
Ethically Sourced, Rare White Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp by SpiritualQuest
Created over 200 million years ago, salt lamps are valued for potential benefits like air purification, reduced allergens, mood enhancement, negative ion production and neutralizing electromagnetic radiation. During damp winter months, when indoor air quality often suffers, they’re a valuable addition to wellness-focused decor, uplifting your spirit all season. Susan Robertson, owner of SpiritualQuest, transformed her life through a powerful wellness journey inspired by her struggle with debilitating migraines — a challenge I deeply relate to. In creating a healing and balanced environment, Himalayan rock salts became her trusted ally. spiritualquest.com use code: LEAFQUEST
Pendleton Woolen Mills
Wool Blankets
A heritage company from the Pacific Northwest with six generations of family ownership, Pendelton has spent more than 160 years crafting high-quality wool products while honoring Native American culture. With mills in Oregon and Washougal, Washington, their locally sourced wool reflects the beauty of the American West. Pendleton wool blankets, often given as intentional gifts, hold deep cultural significance in Native American storytelling as symbols of respect, protection and connection. Featured is The Fire Legend Blanket, inspired by the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) legend of a trickster hero who transformed into a rabbit to bring fire to his people. Its dazzling geometric pattern symbolizes triumph and resilience. pendleton-usa.com | use code: LEAFTRIBE
The Fender x Teufel
ROCKSTER GO 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Music can uplift any moment, and this portable Bluetooth speaker delivers exceptional sound wherever you go. Teufel’s legendary German-engineered audio combines with Fender’s classic American design in the ROCKSTER GO 2. Whether braving winter’s chill or enjoying a sunlit beach, this speaker’s IP67-certified dustproof and waterproof construction ensures durability, even in harsh weather or water submersion. Powered by Teufel’s Dynamore technology, it offers full, immersive soundscapes. Daisy-chain up to 100 units for synchronized sound or pair two for true stereo bliss to transform any space into a live concert vibe. Explore the collaboration and holiday discounts. us.teufelaudio.com
ELEVATE YOUR INTERNAL WELLNESS
Ma Fair Trade Ceremonial Cacao
Formerly known as Buddha Chocolate, Ma’s Ceremonial Cacao warms the body and activates the release of anandamide, the “bliss molecule,” promoting joy and heightened consciousness. It’s my first go-to during times of grief, heartbreak or mental hardship. Embracing cacao is a nourishing ritual rooted in ancient plant medicine, expanding the heart and fostering self-love. This holiday season, let this sacred elixir bring harmony and peace while supporting a family-owned business. Favorites include 100% ceremonial cacao — stone-ground, heirloom-crafted and aromatic — and the Holy Rose Drinking Chocolate, infused with rose petals, cardamom, beetroot and stress-soothing ashwagandha. buddhachocolate. com | code: MALEAF
Neau Tropics Psilocin
Microdose Spray
Crafted by the small business Neau Tropics, this microdose spray is available in grape or fresh mint, my personal favorite. This wellness remedy is my go-to source for combatting dark, gloomy days when the onset of depression or loneliness is knocking at the door. A game changer formulated for daily wellness, this psychotropic solution is intentionally crafted to make microdosing easy. Infused with 8 grams of pure isolated psilocin, it bypasses stomach queasiness and nausea to deliver a quicker onset and controllable come-down. While higher states can be achieved, this formulation is intended for functional use. It’s a quick, easy way to boost your mood, enhance focused creativity and fuel brain-boosting nootropic benefits from plant medicine. This tincture also works as a drink mixer, pairing well with seltzer water or coffee. neautropics.com | @neautropics. official
Mystical
Mushroom Society
Psilosonic Microdose
Capsules
Unlock the harmony of ancient wisdom and modern science with Psilosonic Microdose Capsules, designed to promote spiritual growth and cognitive wellness. Produced in the U.S., each capsule contains 200 mg of psilocybin cubensis, paired with 250 mg of a functional mushroom blend featuring lion’s mane, cordyceps, reishi and maitake. These brain-boosting nootropics and adaptogens are known for enhancing neuroplasticity, focus, mental clarity and stress management. Together, this synergistic formula offers a holistic approach to wellness, balancing the mind, body and spirit. Featured are two revered psychotropic strains: Amazonian and Albino Penis Envy. With roots in ceremonial practices and supported by emerging science, this woman-owned company is crafting supplemental wellness that can transform a normal day into a ceremonial celebration. mysticalmushroomsociety.com @mysticalmushroomsociety
ELEVATE YOUR FASHION
Grassroots California San Pedro Del Sol V3 Black Aspen Hat
Grassroots California is a vibrant fusion of streetwear, art and canna-counter-culture. Known for limited-edition artist collabs, from eco-friendly hemp hats to bold, artistic designs inspired by legends like Jerry Garcia, their apparel is a celebration of self-expression and sustainability. This holiday season, let their innovative creations inspire you to embrace your unique flare. Featured is the limited-edition San Pedro Del Sol V3 Black Aspen Hat — one of 200 wide-brim hats embellished with a prism design and adorned with locally sourced feathers. Inspired by desert life in Western North America and San Pedro spirit medicine journeys, this beautiful hat embodies the harmony of the sun and earth. grassrootscalifornia.com | code: LEAFROOTS
Aunt Mimi’s Apothecary Elevated Smokeware Fashion Accessories
THE SPARKLEFIED, CRYSTAL-DRIPPED SCOOPER DAB TOOL A chic, wire-wrapped dab tool with crystals and beads, combining elegance and playful style.
THE HEPBURNER A clip-less burner wand with precious stones and fidgets, merging practicality with artistic flair.
MIMI’S CRYSTAL PLANT FRIENDS These toke pokers, crafted with tumbled stones and copper wire, bring utility, energy, and discreet charm to your plants and sesh.
Aunt Mimi’s Elevated Smokeware line is crafted by a women-owned, small family business based in Ferndale, Washington. Each handcrafted creation can be customized to reflect playful yet elegant magic, designed to class up your sesh and spark joy. Uniquely yours, each item is handmade with beads, stones and embellishments that can be custom-selected, ensuring a one-of-a-kind accessory that stays true to its elevated vibe. Rooted in sustainability and classy stoner appeal, Aunt Mimi celebrates individuality by blending functionality with funky, whimsical style. Have a specific vision? Aunt Mimi will bring your dreams to life because your sacred sesh deserves elegance and a touch of ingenuity. auntmimisapothecary.bigcartel.com | code: NWLEAF22 for 22% off
RE:STASH
+ RE:UP Cup re-stash.com
MIMI’S SPARKLEFIED CANNA EARRINGS Handcrafted with beads, stones and shimmering accents, these hypoallergenic earrings add radiant, personalized style.
THE PERSONAL FEATHER RITUAL WAND Infused with crystals, this elegant roach clip is a unique addition to any collection.
ELEVATE YOUR SESH
RE:STASH + RE:UP Cup
Protect your stash and the planet with RE:STASH, the world’s first drop-proof, child-proof, lightproof, and smell-proof glass storage solution. Crafted by a minority-owned, Oregon-based company committed to sustainability, RE:STASH embodies the slogan “Reuse, Reduce, Respect.” Their patented child-proof mason jar lid and silicone glass sleeve set a new standard for eco-friendly design. The RE:STASH Cannabis growler functions as a refillable exit container, helping dispensaries in deli-style states reduce plastic waste. Expanding this mission, the RE:UP Cup offers refillable mason jar drinkware, eliminating single-use plastics. The 2024 Elevated Holiday Gift Set features the 420 Lover’s Indica and Sativa 8-ounce jars paired with a 16-ounce RE:UP Cup in a limited-edition galaxy print. @restashjar | re-stash.com | use code: ELEVATEYOURSTASH
VIBES Premium Rolling Papers
Created by influencer, rapper, and entrepreneur Berner, VIBES Rolling Papers set a new standard for quality and purpose. Crafted in France and refined in the Dominican Republic, these premium papers enhance the purity and potency of your Cannabis for an elevated sesh. Vibes is more than a smoking accessory — it’s a movement. Through the Release Papers initiative, each paper tells the story of a federal Cannabis prisoner, with a QR code linking to the Cannabis Clemency Now petition. Partnering with the Last Prisoner Project, Vibes turns every roll into advocacy, promoting justice and driving action for Cannabis reform. Celebrate the sacred connection between plant and purpose while supporting those impacted by unjust incarceration. vibespapers.com | use code: LEAFVIBE
Ario Capture + Hot Knife
This family-owned Washington business redefines the vape experience with high-quality, discreet and reliable products. Guided by a commitment to customer care, Airo designs vape solutions that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle, empowering your sesh with ease. The Ario Capture is the ultimate e-rig for conscious Cannabis connoisseurs. Its built-in reclaim jar —only one of its kind — minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency, honoring the sacred plant by reducing environmental impact. With four customizable temperature settings and a powerful 4000mAh battery, it offers a smooth and tailored experience for every concentrate lover. Pair it with the Ario Vape Hot Knife for an effortless sesh; this ceramic-tipped tool transforms loading concentrates into seamless consumption. ariovape.com | use code: ARIOLEAF for 20% off
OLEUM EXTRACTS SPOTLIGHT
SLEEK AND SEXY, the new blacked-out pen from Oleum Extracts represents years of experience and development to bring a consistent, high-end disposable that hits with flavor and effects of a fresh dab. Oleum has been processing top-shelf Cannabis into concentrates for over 15 years, starting in medical before establishing itself as one of the earliest and most consistent recreational concentrate companies. They’ve put the plant first, focusing on delivering the terpiest and hardest-hitting effects at attainable prices, which is why the brand continues to thrive. With this new technology release, Oleum continues to lead the pack with flavor and style, filling the sleek black disposables with high-terpene extract and liquid THCA diamonds for ultimate effects.
RIPPING on the Cash Glow sends a heady flow of thick but smooth vapor into the lungs, coating the palate with the sour gas of GMO that’s balanced perfectly with the gently fruity and heavy Tropicana Cookies for a double whammy of flavor and effects. The pens hit effortlessly, with major airflow that sends big clouds into the air and a super-clean exhale that we love from Oleum. Repeated hits enhance the gluey funk, freeing the mind of stress as it floats happily above a sedated body.
Tearing open a Mylar holding the Test Tube Trop releases a sweet, syrupy rush of tropical cookies and gelato before the pen has even been hit. Those are some loud terps! First puffs rush into the lungs with sour power, sending visions of dancing grapes from Fruit of the Loom crashing a weedy wedding full of cakey, earthy pine, combining for a fruity, sweet-andsour, gassy exhale that’s simply delicious. Effects numb the mind and body, slowing thoughts as feelings of euphoria and glowy, stoney bliss take control of the day.
These new disposables feature a digital screen with a battery meter, high- and low-heat settings, and a cold start function for big rips. The live resin terpenes come from the extraction process and are 100% Cannabis-derived, then mixed with liquid THCA diamonds, which are close to 99% THCA and extremely potent. Together, the terps and diamonds provide a full spectrum of flavor and effects that are delicious, potent and easy to discretely rip on the go. With the full taste and flavor of a terpy dab in a disposable format, these new premium offerings from Oleum are ready to deliver big hits for the holidays.
BIKER GELATO
CULTIVATED BY
“TWISTING OPEN A JAR RELEASES A LOUD RUSH OF SOUR, FUNKY GELATO GAS THAT SMACKS THE SENSES LIKE AN EXHAUST CHIRP FROM A TUNED-UP HARLEY.”
TREES CO.
REV UP YOUR MOTOR WITH THIS HIGH-PERFORMANCE PURPLE FLOWER THAT’S READY TO INTOXICATE AND SET THE MIND AS FREE AS A BIKER ON THE OPEN ROAD.
THE BIKER GELATO is a beautiful blend of Biker Kush and Gelato and is completely covered in frosty trichomes that glisten like fresh snow. The deep purple buds are dense and heavily resinated, killing it on strong jar appeal with old-school looks and hand-trimmed nugs. Twisting open a jar and peeling the quality seal, which is a classy touch, releases a loud rush of sour, funky Gelato gas that smacks the senses like an exhaust chirp from a tuned-up Harley.
Breaking up the tight nugs reveals aromas of rotten glue, sour permanent marker and a Gelato tang that fills the air and teases the mind. The buds are dense and pieces of flower stick to fingers as a bowl is loaded, displaying a ton of resin with a dialed-in cure that delivers a satisfying snap when breaking up the flower. The bowl burns slow and smooth, filling the lungs with a warming hug of smoke that exhales with a sweeter-than-expected gassy kiss. Effects hit the mind first, releasing cerebral pressure while enhancing sounds and sensations. Time seems to slow as muscles relax and stress melts away, freeing the mind from the pressures of the holidays.
Biker Gelato is heavier than expected, with strong sedative effects that prepare the mind and body for adventures in the kitchen while browsing YouTube. Patients seeking pain relief will find relaxed muscles and a happy disconnect between mind and body that make movement smooth and slow. High-tolerance users will enjoy the stoned, heady effects during the day or at night.
Trees Co. is a Tier 1 producer — the smallest license size — and proves that the craft approach to Cannabis almost always produces the tastiest flowers. Grown with love and attention to detail, and offering unique cuts like Buff Cherry and Grape Gas, the Trees Co. lineup is worthy of tasting this holiday season.
REVIEWS
Hellavated Mango Tango Sourz Gummiez
Get in the mood for dancing with the Mango Tango from Heallavated. These perfectly sour gummies have a smooth melt and sweet finish, filling the mind with tropical citrus vibes and a heady buzz that’s ready for the dance floor. 10mg/100mg THC per serving/package hellavated.com
Sungaze Cannabis Company
Strawberry Citrus, Lemon Ginger and Lime Agave Shots
Fans of the Sungaze lineup are sure to be delighted and happily baked by the new trio of 100 mg THC shooters. Matching the OG flavors and using the same ingredients, the new shooters are ready to turn the party up to 100. The shots have a lightly fizzy effervescence and settle on the palate easily. We loved the Lemon Ginger, which calmed a midday stressed-out tummy and delivered a potent, heady, fullspectrum high. While there’s always room in our fridge for the lowerdose Sungaze cans, we love the new high-potency Sungaze shots! 100mg THC per shot @drinksungaze | drinksungaze.com
THC Supreme Snickerdoodles
Bite into a freshly baked mini cookie that’s indulgent and infused, small enough to eat a few — or the whole bag! THC Supreme infuses their edibles with cannabutter, delivering potent, full-spectrum effects and giving these cookies a buttery consistency that’s pure snickerdoodle deliciousness. 10mg/100mg THC per serving/package @thcsupreme_official | thcsupreme.com
REVIEWS
Ray’s Lemonade Lil’ Ray’s Solventless Lemonade Shots
These classic lemonade flavors that built the brand have been refreshed with a new, hashier, solventless hit of THC. Delivering even stronger effects, these classic sweet flavors are perfect for a mental backyard barbecue — no sunshine required. 5mg/100mg THC per serving/package @raysinfusedlemonade | rayslemonade.com
THC Supreme Peppermint Truffles
’Tis the season for mint and chocolate, so combine the two for a truffle experience that’s decadent and heady. With 10 mg of full-spectrum THC from cannabutter, these edibles hit fast and have serious lasting effects. The truffles are rich and perfectly balanced between minty freshness and deep chocolate richness, and nobody at the white elephant party will suspect a thing as a treat is unwrapped and a new peppermint vibe takes over. 10mg/100mg THC per serving/package @thcsupreme_official | thcsupreme.com
Sungaze Cannabis Company Strawberry Citrus, Lemon Ginger and Lime Agave 2:1 Seltzers
Sip, savor and repeat without guilt as the sugar-free deliciousness of Sungaze’s seltzers takes relaxation to a new level. With a lower-dose serving of 2.5 mg THC and 5 mg CBD, these are seshable, sippable drinks that are a great replacement for alcohol this holiday season. The sugar-free versions of the classic lineup taste amazing, with our favorite being the creamy-sweet Strawberry Citrus, which refreshes and tantalizes the senses with a complex flavor. Available in six-packs! 2.5mg THC and 5mg CBD per seltzer @drinksungaze | drinksungaze.com
REVIEWS
Berry Punch Gummies
Get that Goodiez good sleep with the new Berry Punch gummies from the Swifts family. Soft and bursting with tropical berry flavor, these gummies deliver a relaxing dose of THC and CBN, perfect for getting stoney at the end of the day while the CBN ensures a restful night’s sleep.10mg/100mg THC & 5mg/50mg CBN per serving/package goodiezbrands.com
Swifts Edibles
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
An infused twist on a classic childhood treat, these yummy sandwich cookies are covered in 37% milk couverture, a high-end chocolate that melts scrumptiously before the cookie’s crunch. The rich chocolatemalty flavor washes away with each bite, delighting the senses and delivering a satisfying buzz. 10mg/100mg THC per serving/package @swifts.edibles.wa wa.swiftsedibles.com
Ray’s Lemonade Lil’ Ray’s Raspberry, Pineapple and Dragon Fruit Lemonade
A little Ray’s goes a long ways, and these new shot flavors do not disappoint. The OGs in heady 100 mg shooters, these tiny bottles pack a big punch with a lot of flavor. We loved the fresh fruity zing of the pineapple, the syrupy sweet raspberry and the tropical, gently sweet dragon fruit. Maximize your day and buzz with a shot from Lil’ Ray’s! 5mg/100mg THC per serving/package @raysinfusedlemonade | rayslemonade.com
Goodiez 2:1 THC:CBN
REVIEWS
Green Revolution Doozies - Blueberry Lemon, Sour Green Apple, Strawberry Pineapple, and Rainier Cherry Gummies
New from Green Revolution are the Doozies Plus, featuring unique Cannabioid blends with fun additives, like the fast acting energy gummies, featuring a 2:1 THC to CBG blend, plus 40 mg of THC in each Sour Apple bite! Bright and gently sour, these appley soft and chewy bite has a gentle melt and easy finish, sending a rush of energy to the mind and body. We were especially interested in the Love Gummies, featuring 1:1:1 of THC, CBG, CBC and maca extract, which is known colloquially as Peruvian ginseng, and is widely used to stimulate libido. The Strawberry Pineapple is fresh and tropical, and like the Bliss Gummies flavor Rainier Cherry, tastes like fresh fruit extract in a heavenly soft gummy bite. The Bliss blend features 2:1:1 THC, CBC, and CBD and ashwagandha which studies have shown to reduce stress and anxiety. With these three new medicinal and tasty blends, there’s a Doozie for everyone this holiday. greenrevolution.com/wa | @expgreenrevolution
Agro Couture
1:1
Wildberry Gummies
Slip into sweet dreams with the help of CBN in these yummy gummies that are powered by the dabs and lab of Slab Mechanix. These deliver a sweet bedtime treat with lower potency than Agro Couture’s delicious 100 mg shots. The rich berry gummies have 10 mg of THC and CBN, which provides a stoney, comforting buzz that wraps the body in a warm euphoria before sending you off to dreamland 10mg/100mg THC & 10mg/100mg CBN per serving/package @agrocouture agrocouture.com @slabmechanix slabmechanix.com
Swifts Edibles Sour Drops Pink Lemonade Hard Candy
Pick up the most potent tin of mints we’ve found, ever, with the 500 mg power pack of Swifts Sour Drops. With 20 pieces inside that are each 5 mg THC, 15 mg CBD, and 2.5 mg of CBG and CBN, these yummy candies pack a full spectrum of effects into a tiny bite. Stored in pill packs inside the tin, simply press one out, pop in the bright and sour Pink Lemonade, and start vibing for a buzz that hits swiftly! 500mg total per tin | 100mg THC 300mg CBD 50mg CBG & CBN @swifts.edibles.wa | wa.swiftsedibles.com
REVIEWS
Agro Couture 1:1 CBD:CBN shots Peach Lemonade, Wildberry Lemonade and Tropical Lemonade
Agro Couture continues to crush it with their lineup of 100 mg shots, now featuring new 1:1 versions in CBN and CBD. Adding 100 mg of CBD into the mix provides a much headier high, dialing up relaxation to 11 and relieving pain and anxiety. The trio of lemonades are so tasty, with fresh fruit flavors and a sweet citrus finish. The Wildberry Lemonade delivers the ultimate good night dose, with 100 mg of CBN to float the mind and body off to dreamland. With a rich berry flavor and a nice kick of THC, these shots are the perfect way to float through a day. 100mg THC & 100mg CBN or CBD per serving/package @agrocouture | agrocouture.com | @slabmechanix | slabmechanix.com
Heavenly Edibles Heavenly Edibles is focused on bringing a classic edible back to the forefront with their hard candy Juicy Bites, which are reminiscent of an infused Life Savers. With a classic shape, these poppable bites are full of rich flavor and can be sucked or crunched depending on preference. We loved the combination of flavors, like the bright citrus Mango Peach, or the deeper fruity Huckleberry. With options including Strawberry Lemonade, Peanutbutter Coffee, Peppermint and Cinnamon, these tasty Os are ready to deliver a heady buzz with a classic feel that’s discrete, delicious and full of fun to mix flavors. 10mg THC per serving heavenlybites.vip
Hellavated Blueberry Dream and Clementine Gummiez
Get Hellavated this holiday season with sweet sugared gummies bringing the berry and fruit flavor that’ll get you dancing like the Fruit of the Loom commercial cast. If you’re younger than 30, YouTube this! The Blueberry Dream tastes sweet and combines berries with a hazy tang for a tasty finish, while the Clementine brings a mandarin-esque gentle citrus flavor that’s ready for breakfast or whenever your wholesome edible snack is scheduled to turn the day into a Hellavated adventure. 10mg THC per serving @hellavated.com
Evergreen Herbal Baja Blaze Tropical Lime Soda
Get Baja Blazed with this soda that’s satisfying and tastes like it came from a magically infused soda fountain. For those who haven’t tried the bubbly elixir that is Baja Blast, a Mountain Dew twist that launched in 2004 exclusively at Taco Bell, Baja Blaze captures the essence of this tropical lime with classic Dew notes and a gentle Cannabis tang that reminds you that the bottle holds 100 mg of THC — no fire sauce needed. 100mg THC per soda buy.forevergreenherbal.com
REVIEWS
Verdelux Lush Gummies
Embrace the feeling of lusciousness with the new Lush gummy blends by Verdelux. Featuring delicious real fruit purees for flavor and full-spectrum RSO for the infusion, these delicious treats have medicinal, potent blends. The Chelan Peach tastes like a freshly picked summer treat, and with a bunch of CBD and almost no THC, these are perfect for workday stress or helping family or friends who need low-dose options. We loved the Maui Pineapple for its extra kick of CBC and CBG, with a soft, chewy bite and a sweet and tart fresh fruit flavor. For those looking to relax and sleep, the Summerland Cherry is the perfect hit of CBN and CBD to get a good night’s rest, with each bright and tasty bite of cherries. With real fruit flavor and heavy effects, these gummies are ready to get you into Lush mode. CBD Chelan Peach 20mg CBD 1mg THC per piece | CBN + CBD Summerland Cherry 10mg THC 5mg CBD 5mg CBN per piece
Maui Pineapple 10mg THC 5mg CBC 5mg CBG per piece @verdeluxwashington | verdelux.com
Neau Tropics Holiday Bars
Pumpkin Spice Latte and Peppermint Bark With new seasons come flavors that we all love and expect, but instead of a hot latte, these chocolate infusions will have you melting in front of the Christmas tree. With two grams of fruiting bodies, these bars are easily broken into smaller pieces for microdoses. About half can be a great starting macrodose, with some users enjoying an entire bar. With true-to-the-holiday flavors and beautiful textures — from the pumpkin-spiced creamy chocolate to the crunch of peppermint — these bars combine artisanal ingredients with plant medicine for a trip that’ll get you higher than Santa’s sleigh. @neautropics.official |neautropicschocolates.com
Khush Kush Marsh-Mellow Squares
Go old school with the classic blend of cereal, marshmallows and Cannabis for a treat that’s endured through decades of edible advancement. While our pages are surely full of new drinks and flavors, there’s power in the OG staples that take us back to a state of childlike wonder. Nothing does this better than the Marsh-Mellow Squares. Soft, chewy and marshmallowy, these lightly sweet cereal bites are potent, shareable and a fun way to get baked this winter. 10mg/30mg THC per square/package @khushkush | khushkush.com
REVIEWS
Mama J’s Rainbow Edibles
Mama J’s is known for fire flower, whose Biker Gelato is featured as this month’s “Strain of the Month” for being a super frosty and stoney cut. They’ve also launched a new line of distillate-based gummies that bring natural flavors and ditch the corn syrup for a classic gummy. The Blue Raspberry hits the classic schoolyard blue tongue vibe, while the Strawberry is rich and sweet with a lingering fruitiness. The Green Apple 1:1 is gently sour, refreshingly tart and packs a solid relaxing buzz ready to make the day a little sweeter, one gummy at a time. @rainbow_canna | mamaj’s.com
Constellation Cannabis Moonshots Lemon Lime & Tropical Punch
Aim for the moon and you’ll end up in the stars, and you’ll never miss with the heady and heavy effects of solventless rosin from Constellation’s Moonshots. Known for premium hash rosin, Constellation has been making heady shots for a few years, and we love their new flavors with unique cannabinoid blends. The Lemon Lime is bright and sweet, with a clean finish and fast-acting effects. The CBG is great for energy, fighting inflammation and getting on the go. We mixed the Tropical Punch into a Red Bull for an infused smash of energy, making a quick mocktail that hit hard with an extra kick of CBC. These shots pack the power of rosin in a clean, quick format, ready for your next high-potency adventure. 50mg THC & CBG per serving; 50mg THC & CBC per serving @constellationcannabis_wa | constellationcannabis.com
Smokey Point Productions Treat Edibles
Gelato Punch & Tangie Gummies
Soft and pillowy, with a smooth melt, these Leaf Bowl award-winning gummies hit the palate like a freshly squeezed glass of sour tangle, balanced with a kiss of gassy rosin. They deliver a heady punch of THC, CBD and CBG for extra energy, giving these gummies a full-spectrum effect that’s ready for the holidaze. @treatededibles | treatededibles.com
REVIEWS
Smokey Point Productions
Treat Edibles S’mores Clusters
Soft, pillowy marshmallow and crunchy graham cracker bits are covered in high-quality, melty chocolate for a bite that tastes like a handcrafted s’more — no fire required. With solventless rosin providing the kick, these scrumptious bites are impossible to share, so grab two boxes! 10mg THC per piece, 100mg THC per package
@treatedibleswa | treatedibles.com
smokeypointproductions.com
Smokey Point Productions
Treat Edibles Macadamia Turtles
Smooth and sweet with a delicious nutty texture and a smooth caramel finish, the Macadamia Turtles are layered and complex, tasting like an elegant dessert that delivers a heady buzz of solventless live rosin.
10mg THC per piece, 100mg THC per package
@treatedibleswa | treatedibles.com smokeypointproductions.com
Verdelux Matcha
Melt Away
1:1 THC:CBG
Verdelux has added a new flavor to their classic lineup of Melt Aways with the matcha flavor that’s infused with an extra kick of CBG. CBG can protect the brain and body against inflammation, help with symptoms of IBS, stimulate appetite and provide focus and energy with euphoric clarity. These chocolatecovered green tea treats offer a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a perfect blend of sweetness and a nutty, bright and rich flavor. With a heady cannabinoid blend, these Melt Away treats are the perfect companion to a midday cup of coffee or tea.
@verdeluxwashington | verdelux.com
Paying tribute to the dearly departed but never-forgotten Seattle Sonics, this couverture chocolate bar is filled with 6 grams of magic and tons of sweet strawberry and cakey-chocolate flavor, along with beautiful texture and bar appeal — but you’ll want to go easy on the bites. It’s almost dangerous how yummy these bars are because a small square is enough for a microdose. A new perspective is only a strawberry shortcake bite away.
@neautropics.official | neautropicschocolates.com
Neau Tropics Strawberry Shortcake Sonic Bar
Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients:
Agro Couture Caramel Apple Shot
8oz Apple Cider
Caramel Syrup
Cinnamon Sugar
Green Apple
Cinnamon Stick
Instructions:
Prep your glass by rimming the edge with caramel and then dipping in a mix of sugar/cinnamon.
In a cocktail shaker, combine ingredients with ice and shake. (Dose with AC Shot according to preference.) Strain into glass and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Optional:
Add 1.5oz Spiced Rum
Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
Agro Couture Peppermint
White Chocolate Shot
6oz Cold Brew
2oz Chocolate Peppermint Creamer
Hot Fudge
Crushed Peppermint Candy
Instructions:
Prep your glass by rimming the edge with chocolate sauce and dipping in a plate of crushed peppermint candy. In a cocktail shaker, combine ingredients with ice and shake. (Dose with AC Shot according to preference.) Strain into stemmed glass.
Optional: Add 1.5oz Peppermint Vodka
Gingerbread Eggnog Martini
Ingredients:
Agro Couture Egg Nog Shot
Pinch of:
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Ginger Cloves
6oz Eggnog
White Chocolate
Raw Sugar
Instructions:
Prep glass by rimming the edge with white chocolate and dipping in raw sugar. In a cocktail shaker, combine ingredients with ice and shake. (Dose with AC Shot according to preference.) Strain into stemmed glass and garnish with Cinnamon.
Optional:
Add 1.5oz Kahlua and 1.5oz Vanilla Vodka
full-spectrum Cannabutter confections
Strain Specific Handmade Medically Compliant
I’M PRETTY SURE I LIVE IN MEXICO NOW, long story, but I’m back in Oregon for the holidays. It’s raining and dreary, but being back, I like to infuse my edibles with Zsunami, a delightful strain from Pruf Cultivar that gives a great high. It’s a hybrid with a lime Skittles aroma and flavor. Relaxing and uplifting, I’m blessed with occasional bouts of uncontrollable laughter — always nice around the holidays. For many of us with election-related PTSD, edibles this season are a must. Not too strong, no need to go overboard. Just enjoy. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
CHOCOLATE BEAUTY’S
Makes 20
2 cups chocolate chips (12-ounce bag)
3 to 4 tablespoons cannabutter
1 cup assorted nuts and dried fruit
1. Place the chocolate and cannabutter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power at 20-second intervals, stirring after each until almost fully melted. The chocolate will continue to melt.
2. Place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan. Use a cookie scoop or drop 20 heaping tablespoonfuls onto the parchment. Spread slightly, then sprinkle with the nuts and dried fruit. Allow to set in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
SPICY MANGO DIPPERS
Makes 40
40 pieces dried mango (your choice of sugared, sugared with chili, or natural)
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
3 to 4 tablespoons cannabutter
1. Place the mango pieces on a parchment-covered sheet pan.
2. Place the chocolate and cannabutter in a small/medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 20-second intervals on low power. Stir and heat until almost fully melted. The chocolate will continue to melt.
3. Holding the mango pieces by the ends, dip them halfway into the melted chocolate and place on the parchment to set.
CLUSTER LUCKS
Makes 20, 5 mg of THC each
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or melts
3 to 4 tablespoons cannabutter
12 small peanut butter cups or soft caramels 100 pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate with the cannabutter at 15-second intervals on low power. Stir until fully melted. White chocolate burns easily, so don’t overheat.
2. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a sheet pan. Place the melted chips on top of the candy in 20 equal portions. Place 5 pecans at the base of each of the white chocolate mounds and press gently.
3. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips on low power in 20-second intervals.
4. When melted, stir and use a fork to dip in the melted chocolate and drizzle over the white chocolate. Allow to set in fridge for 30 minutes.
HIGHLIDAY DELIGHTS
The Perfect Stocking Stuffers
John Perkins & Tyler Lycklama
JP jumped on the torch in 2004 and hasn’t stopped yet! I still remember him back in the day slanging glass pipes in the parking lot at Mount Baker in Washington state, taking breaks between powder runs. To this day he still holds a season pass.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, and he still calls the beautiful Pacific Northwest home. When he’s not in the studio, he’s out with his sons exploring and enjoying their favorite pastimes.
Whether it’s fishing, camping, hiking, BMX riding Baker or just having a campfire, his boys are always his first priority.
His brand, @pizzalglass on Instagram, is well known in the contemporary glass art industry. Currently, he works out of his private studio in Bellingham, Washington, alongside Tyler Lycklama (aka @lickalama), with whom he recently collaborated on a piece featured in this article. Over the years, he’s had the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative artists in the world. He’s also known for his extensive time with the Mothership Glass team, where he honed his shaping skills and helped develop systems for creating some of the most iconic designs in the functional glass art world.
“Art is what you make of it,” says JP about the future of borosilicate glass art. “I try to focus on colorways that excite me, but I always start with a solid functional design. We see ups and downs in our industry just like any other. I always push forward in my craft and aim to innovate instead of recreate.”
This piece highlights JP’s stellar shaping and his ability to make a creative yet symmetrical design, utilizing the standout gold-fumed sections made by Tyler. When you get two artists together that complement each other’s skills, you end up with something stunning. This marvel stands 9 inches tall and comes in a custom Pelican case with a matching slide and spinner carb cap.
@PIZZALGLASS
@LICKALAMA
"Perkins is also known for his extensive time with the Mothership team where he honed his shaping skills and helped to develop systems for creating some of the most well known designs in the functional glass art world."
Saga of the Scythians
Like some Iron Age version of the Hells Angels, the fearsome nomads known as the Scythians drank, fought and conquered their way across ancient Eurasia. They also happen to be one of the earliest cultures on Earth to incorporate Cannabis into their practical and spiritual lives.
WHO WERE THE SCYTHIANS?
The Scythians (sai·thee·uhns) were an Iranic tribe of nomadic equestrian warriors who lived in the Eurasian Steppes (a region of grasslands across Central Asia) from around 800 to 300 B.C.E. Much about the Scythian people remains a mystery: since they didn’t have a written language, most of what we know about them comes from the writings of Greek historians — most notably the so-called “father of history,” Herodotus. From such accounts, along with archaeological evidence, anthropologists have been able to piece together a picture of Scythian culture.
WARRIORS, WOMEN, & WINE
For one thing, we know that they revered horses and were among the earliest civilizations to master the art of riding. Horses played a role in all aspects of Scythian life — be it for travel, herding, hunting or battle — and they equipped their steeds with ornate saddles, harnesses and armor. They reportedly even slept with and were buried with them; equine skeletons have been found alongside human remains in excavations of their sacred burial mounds, called “kurgans.” They were so closely associated with horses, in fact, that it’s believed the Greek myth of the centaur (a half-man, half-horse creature) was inspired by Scythian horsemen.
As for their appearance, we know they wore elaborately decorated clothing and armor, including tall pointed hats, tunics and various bracelets and plates made of gold and copper. We also know that they were heavily tattooed and that they would use the tattooed skin of their dead as a form of human leather.
By all accounts, the Scythians were fearsome warriors. Centuries before Attila’s Huns or Genghis Khan’s Mongol hordes, it was the Scythian cavalry who terrorized Eurasia — conquering other tribes like the Thracians and the Cimmerians. (Fantasy fans will recognize Cimmerians as the tribe of Conan the Barbar ian… in fact, the villains in the classic 1982 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger are rumored to be partly based on the Scythians.)
Though they used a wide array of armaments (including spears, maces, battle axes and swords), their primary weapon was a short, composite, double-curved bow, which they shot with great accuracy even while riding. They were so renowned for their archery skills that Athenians allegedly employed Scythian slaves and conscripts as a primitive police force. In fact, it’s theorized that the name “Scythia” itself may come from the ancient Indo-European word skuza, meaning “archer.”
And unlike the Greeks and Romans, it wasn’t just the Scythian men who were warriors — their women were apparently
just as fierce. According to Herodotus, these female warriors, who were “causing the Greeks to feel awe, fear and respect,” were none other than the Amazons — the fabled tribe of man-haters from which the superhero Wonder Woman arises — who he claimed had assimilated and interbred with the Scythians after failing to
In addition to their wild appearance and fighting females, there was another reason the West considered the Scythians barbarians: unlike the “civilized” Greeks, who mixed their wine with water, Scythians drank theirs straight up and to excess.
“To drink wine is the mark of a civilized man,” noted French historian Francois Hartog in “The World of the Scythians” (Rolle, 1980), “but to drink wine undiluted is the mark of a savage and represents a transgression.”
There’s another intoxicant, however, that they revered more than wine, and that was Cannabis.
Recreation of the Scythian Ice Maiden/Altai Lady tomb at the Anokhin Museum in Pazyryk, Siberia.
Tattooed skin leather from the Pazyryk excavation.
Scythian mounted archer.
Amazon archer.
HERODOTUS, HEMP, & HOTBOXING
Wild Cannabis plants were undoubtedly plentiful across the Central Asian steppe by 10,000 B.C., so it should come as little surprise to learn that the Scythians were among the earliest cultures to utilize it. In fact, it’s believed that the name “Cannabis” actually originated from the Scythian word kanab — which, after its introduction to the Greeks became kannabis, then Cannabis in Latin. It’s also believed that the Proto-Germanic word for the plant, hanapiz — which later evolved into the Old Saxon hanap, then “hemp” — originated from Kanab.
Scythians wove hemp fiber into textiles and braided it into lariats and lassoes, which they used for herding and in warfare (which may also explain why Wonder Woman wields a “magic lasso”). Aside from its fiber, evidence suggests that they also incorporated Cannabis into their religious ceremonies — most notably their funeral rites. In Book IV of his 5th-century B.C.E. work “The Histories,” Herodotus explains that after a Scythian died, their loved ones would spend 40 days honoring them with feasts (during which the deceased was reportedly eaten!). At the end of this celebration period, they would engage in a purification ritual that essentially entailed hotboxing a teepee:
“They make a booth by fixing in the ground three sticks inclined towards one another, and stretching around them woollen felts, which they arrange so as to fit as close as possible: inside the booth a dish is placed upon the ground, into which they put a number of red-hot stones, and then add some hemp-seed. … Immediately it smokes and gives out such a vapour as no Grecian vapour-bath can exceed; the Scyths, delighted, shout for joy...”
Since seeds obviously don’t produce the kind of euphoric vapor that Herodotus describes, historians generally agree that it was likely Cannabis flowers that they were burning and that the seeds were simply what was left at the end. And remarkably, archaeologists have since found evidence to back up Herodotus’ tale.
ARCHEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
In 1929, archaeologists discovered 14 Scythian burial mounds dating from the 5th to the 3rd century B.C.E. in a region along the border between Siberia and Kazakhstan known as Pazyryk. Upon later excavation of these frozen kurgans, they uncovered embalmed, heavily tattooed corpses and skins from the permafrost (including the so-called Ice Maiden or “Altai Lady”), as well as textiles, garments, furniture, riding gear, jewelry and pelts. Most tellingly, though, they found a wooden “hexapod” tent frame alongside copper censers (incense burners) containing charred stones, as well as a fur bag containing fossilized Cannabis seeds — direct evidence of the purification ritual described by Herodotus.
It’s believed that the name “Cannabis” actually originated from the Scythian word “kanab” — which, after its introduction to the Greeks became “kannabis,” then “Cannabis” in Latin.
More recently, in 2013, another kurgan was discovered in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, 30 miles east of Stavropol in southern Russia — a 2,400-year-old site dubbed Sengileevskoe-2. After a month of excavating the burial chamber, Russian archaeologist Andrey Belinski and his team uncovered a stone box containing an astonishing seven pounds of solid gold relics, including jewelry, three thimble-sized cups and two ornate bucket-shaped vessels. Upon examination, Belinski noticed patches of sticky black residue inside the vessels. After sending them to Stavropol’s crime lab for analysis, the test results came back positive for both Cannabis and opium. These findings, along with other evidence suggesting that some form of roof or pavilion once covered the site, led scholars to believe that Sengileevskoe-2 “may have been the location of an intense ritual.”
“We now know the purpose was preparation of opium or a narcotic substance for sacred rites,” attested Professor Askold Ivantchik, director of the Centre for Comparative Studies of Ancient Civilizations at the Russian Academy of Sciences. “That Belinski detected the use of these substances is another proof the objects have cultic character.”
Having found no evidence of charring, however, Belinski ruled out the infamous smoke-bath ceremony. Instead, he surmised that the drugs were likely mixed into a drink that was consumed from the vessels, and therefore rather than a purification ritual, it may have been a ritual to communicate with the dead or the divine.
HAOMA GATHERERS
So what was this potent pot-laced potable they were drinking, you may ask? As it happens, there are accounts of just such a beverage used during that period — haoma, aka soma
According to ancient texts, haoma/soma can refer to either a plant or an intoxicating drink made from that plant — both of which were considered sacred to the Vedic and Zoroastrian religions. Precisely what that intoxicating plant is has been the subject of speculation and debate for centuries. In George W. Brown’s 1890 book “Researches in Oriental History,” haoma is described as “...an intoxicating beverage, prepared from the green stalks of the moon-plant ... Cannabis Indica, or Indian hemp ... was tasted by the priests on sacrificial occasions, whilst hymns were sung in its praise. Its action was that of hashish. It produced intoxication and stimulation of the senses, which were taken for inspiration.”
The hypothesis that haoma contained Cannabis is bolstered by evidence uncovered by another Russian archaeologist named Victor Sarianidi, who found traces of Cannabis, ephedra and opium while excavating a site devoted to the preparation of haoma at the Bactria Margiana Archeological Complex near the Hindu Kush region of northern Iran and Afghanistan.
But other than the vessels discovered at Sengileevskoe-2, is there any other evidence that the Scythians drank haoma? Indeed — at the tomb of the Persian king Darius the Great at Persepolis in Iran, which dates to 490 B.C.E., the inscription carved in Old Persian cuneiform refers explicitly to “haoma-drinking Scythians.”
“The Scythian relationship with Haoma was indeed close — so much so that they were widely known as the ‘Haoma-Gatherers,’” Cannabis historian Chris Bennett explains in his 2010 book “Cannabis and the Soma Solution.” “Referring to the Scythians under their Persian name of the ‘Sakas,’ [Iranian author] Guive Mirfendereski notes that the Scythians of eastern Central Asia are called ‘Homa Saka’ and ‘haumavarka’ (Haoma-gatherers).”
Some scholars have even suggested that the name haoma itself may be a variation of the Chinese word hú-má, meaning “Scythian hemp.”
UP IN SMOKE
History paints a frightening yet fascinating picture of Scythian society: tribes of tattooed cannibals galloping across the steppes, guzzling wine, hotboxing weed and conquering any who opposed them like some sort of Iron Age Hells Angels. But alas, these historic hemp-smoking horsemen eventually succumbed to the ravages of their time — first diminished dramatically by the Sarmatians in the 3rd century B.C.E., then finished off by the Goths in the 3rd century C.E. Nevertheless, their enduring influence on both Asian and European cultures, as well as their connection to Cannabis, remains undeniable.
For our podcast & more Cannabis history content visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
Golden vessel unearthed from the kurgan at the Sengileevskoe-2 site.
Relief of Scythian tributaries at Darius the Great’s tomb.
ANDREY BELINSKI
THERE’S NOT A DAMN THING WRONG WITH SOCKS.
Hell, life without them just wouldn’t be as cozy.
In fact, I can’t say there’s a more soothing sensation than pulling up a brand spankin’ new pair of cotton fluffiness over the feet. It’s a reward for those soldiers, a way of thanking them for taking a pounding and being the trusted vehicles that get you from point P to point Q.
Did you know that your feet are among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, and socks are there to soak all that up and prevent the scent of cheese from settling into your shoes? I know what you’re thinking: the smell of cheese in your shoes is not gouda. So, you better brie ready to head to Monterrey, Jack.
Awkward silence.
Anyway, we’ve become spoiled. Because socks are now a commodity we take for granted. What was once a true luxury of the bourgeoisie has become mass-produced and a commonplace afterthought found on the discount aisle at Marshalls. And getting them as a gift almost feels like a scam.
But you can’t blame grandma — her purpose is to keep you clothed and well-souped. After all, her grandmother probably grew up around the Great Depression, so being able to provide comfort for her brood is her way of expressing love.
And socks have become cool, with graphic prints of eclectic patterns and weed symbols. In fact, socks are a great way to make a statement. And that statement is that you are so fucking fashionable that when it comes to dressing, no stone is unturnt.
“And if they think my socks are dope, wait until they get a look at my underwear.”
Now, it should be noted that getting socked in the face sucks. Unless It’s with a bag of weed that smells gouda.
