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THE EQUALITY ISSUE F RE E / L E A F M AGA Z I N E S . COM
#144 | JUNE 2022
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JOINT RIVERS AUBURN
CHILLIN’ KHUSH EXPLORING WITH KUSH & KOSHER CHEECH FAMILY KUSH
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SHOP REVIEW
INTERVIEW
FEATURE
CANNTHROPOLOGY
INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010
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JUNE 2022
#144
budtender of the month
ZACK VIDAL 22
DARRENN ZEMANEK
THE EQUALITY ISSUE
PODCAST
issue
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BLACK AND LOUD CANNABIS q &a | Brandon ‘Yungg Bleeze’ Fair
JOINT RIVERS AUBURN
JUNE 2022
28 KHUSH KUSH CANNABIS
INSIDE THE BELLINGHAM PRODUCER/PROCESSOR
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CANNTHROPOLOGY JEWS AND CANNABIS
COURTESY
40
COURTESY
24 SHOP REVIEW
RHYS LOGAN
CANNABIS COMEDY ICON CHEECH MARIN ZOOMS IN WITH THE LEAF’S BOBBY BLACK TO DISCUSS HIS LEGENDARY CAREER, HIS CANNABIS BRANDS, HIS LOVE OF CHICANO ART, AND THE NEW MUSEUM THAT BEARS HIS NAME.
DANIEL BERMAN
leafmagazines.com
CHILLIN’WITH CHEECH
13 16 20 22 24 28 32 36 40 46 50 54 58 60 62 66 70
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EDITOR’S NOTE NATIONAL NEWS HEMP INDUSTRY BUDTENDER Q&A SHOP REVIEW BLACK AND LOUD HIGHLY LIKELY STRAIN OF THE MONTH CHILLIN’ WITH CHEECH KHUSH KUSH CANNABIS NIMBLE DIVERSITY DISTRO COOKING WITH CANNABIS EDIBLE OF THE MONTH CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH OFF THE SHELF CANNTHROPOLOGY STONEY BALONEY
DARRENN ZEMANEK
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N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F /
A B O U T T H E C OV E R For this month’s cover, we looked to Leaf Creative Director Daniel Berman to create an impactful image that could encapsulate everything we are feeling about equality in the Cannabis industry at this unique moment in time. Seattle-based Cannabis stylist Malina Lopez (@malinalopez) has collaborated with us on more than twodozen cover shoots, and really brought home this fun concept. Our thanks as well to House of Cultivar for supplying the fresh live Cannabis, and to our models @devon_manier, @yourflynessthrifts, @jessiesfitclub, @1208garcia and @malinalopez for their time and energy.
PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS WES ABNEY C E O & F O U N D E R wes@leafmagazines.com
CONTRIBUTORS
MIKE RICKER O P E R AT I N G PA R T N E R ricker@leafmagazines.com | advertising sales
TOM BOWERS C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R daniel@leafmagazines.com O’HARA SHIPE O N L I N E E D I T O R ohara@leafmagazines.com MEGHAN RIDLEY C O PY E D I T O R meghan@leafmagazines.com We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of
BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES MARY CARREON, FEATURES EARLY, PRODUCTION WYATT EARLY, FEATURES STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS RHYS LOGAN, PHOTOS MALINA LOPEZ, PROPS + STYLING JEFF PORTERFIELD DESIGN JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN MIKE RICKER, FEATURES MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING ERIC SMITH, REVIEWS TERPENE TRANSIT, DISTRIBUTION JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN NATE WILLIAMS, FEATURES JERRY WHITING, FEATURES BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES DARREN ZEMANEK, PHOTOS
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ABNEY
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up the 3rd annual Equality Issue of the Leaf! My intention for this issue’s cover was to highlight the many hands of our Cannabis community, all brought together by the plant that has helped heal us. Special thanks to House of Cultivar in Seattle for providing the plants, Malina Lopez for her creative styling and approach to bring my idea to life, and to Daniel Berman for nailing the shot. This issue is an expression of our whole team, and our commitment to telling stories that can open eyes and help usher in a new era for humanity.
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Sadly our country has a lot of healing to do in order to right the ravaging effects of the war on drugs. For the last century, Americans – especially minorities – have been systematically locked away, lost jobs or children, and been killed by police for using Cannabis and other drugs. While I go deeper into this history in my Endless War on Humanity piece (read it online at LeafMagazines.com), I bring it up here to illustrate my point in relation to this issue’s theme. In the eyes of the Government and Law Enforcement, anyone who chooses to use Cannabis or other drugs is considered a second class citizen. I think it’s high time we address that situation by considering the very foundation of America – the Declaration of Independence – which guarantees “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the IN TODAY’S pursuit of Happiness.” ‘FREE Is there any greater expression of humanity than using drugs to expand and explore new forms of consciousness, emotions, feelings and experiences? The human condition can be wonderful, painful, and utterly boring in our modern journey. Why is it still thought of as morally wrong to use drugs when happy hour and pharmaceuticals dominate the culture?
AMERICA,’ THOSE WHO USE DRUGS CAN STILL LOSE THEIR FREEDOM.
And is there no greater perversion of this statement in today’s context than the continued war on drugs? In today’s “free America,” those who use drugs can still lose their freedom. And to be clear, this isn’t about weed only. I’m with Dr. Carl Hart (look up his work) in that all drugs should be legal for recreational and/or medicinal use, with their abuse treated as a social and mental health issue, not a criminal one. We should celebrate our humanity without criminalizing our pursuit of happiness, whether with Cannabis, entheogenic plants like peyote or psilocybin mushrooms, or even with harder drugs. Treating those addicted to drugs like humans – giving them safe-use sites and social services instead of criminalizing addiction – has reduced drug use in parts of Europe. In America, the difference between a good drug and a bad drug is if a pharmaceutical company can profit from it while advertising on TV. For-profit pharmaceuticals have got to end and legalizing Cannabis is only the beginning … especially with the controlled-commercialized-taxed form of “legal” weed that we accept today. In conclusion (mainly because I’m out of space), when the most dangerous aspect of possessing a drug is being caught with it, nobody who chooses to use it is equal. Ending the war on drugs could be the greatest step toward all of us being equal, and begin the process by which we can heal as one country, together.
-Wes Abney JUNE 2022
HIG
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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!
WES
N O RT H E AS T L E A F
HERE'S TO MORE SUMMERS OF LOVE
PEACE. LOVE. CANNABIS.
That's been our motto for nearly a decade since our company's foundation in 2013. Today more than ever, we celebrate equality together with our consumers, employees, partners and the Washington Cannabis community. Here is to more love, this summer, and all year long.
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WATCH ON LEAF LIFE PODCAST V2
cannabis NEWS
POLITICS
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16
GLOBAL
THAILAND GIVING AWAY 1 MILLION FREE CANNABIS PLANTS
SOUTH CAROLINA REPUBLICANS AXE MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL
AN
arduous seven-year struggle to pass a medical marijuana bill ended with a whimper last month in South Carolina. A Republican House leader ruled the proposal contains an unconstitutional tax increase. South Carolina’s medical Cannabis law would have been one of the most restrictive in the U.S. Only residents with medical conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, sickle cell, autism and PTSD would be able to access marijuana. Smoking weed would be illegal; patients would be instructed to use oil, salves, patches or vaporizers.
T
WEED VENDING MACHINE EARNS MAN UP TO $2K A DAY
A
uthorities say a man was making up to $2,000 per day by running a marijuana vending machine outside his house. Marcellus Cornwell used it to sell marijuana and pills, according to a criminal complaint. The tip also alleged Cornwell had numerous firearms and was selling weed and guns to minors. ATF agents conducted surveillance at Cornwell’s home, twice buying “suspected marijuana” from the vending machine in February and March, according to the criminal complaint.
2
Arkansas groups are sponsoring legalization signature drives: Arkansas True Grass & Responsible Growth Arkansas.
leafmagazines.com
JUNE 2022
JUNE 2022
7
of every 10 Biden voters support national marijuana legalization.
he government of Thailand announced this week that it will give away 1 million free Cannabis plants for home cultivation. Thailand’s public health minister, who has spearheaded the nation’s weed decrim, made a Facebook post in May with the plans. Industry analysts say the moves could help lure more international visitors to Thailand and strengthen medical tourism (tourism accounted for as much as a fifth of Thailand’s pre-Covid economy). But foreign tourists should exercise extreme caution: current Thai law forbids the non-medical THE GOVERNMENT IS DISTRIBUTING THE use of highly potent mariPLANTS WHEN MOST juana. Tourists convicted of LEGAL RESTRICTIONS possessing the herb can face a ARE LIFTED JUNE 9. draconian 15 years in prison.
18 83%
states have legalized the adult use of Cannabis.
of Texans support medical marijuana legalization, according to a new poll.
550
pounds of marijuana were seized in Utah on May 15, after troopers pulled over a tractor-trailer for expired registration.
$1.9m of marijuana was sold on the first day of legal adult-use sales in New Jersey.
STORIES by STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA
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EXPERT OPINION
HEMP INDUSTRY
chemically equivalent. Each has its own ratio of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. Wood is ground into small pieces in order to make paper. X percent of hemp can probably be added to wood in existing factories. On the other hand, cotton is spun or woven, so any hemp fibers need to work without new machines. Hemp is known for its long, strong fibers – if farmers grow tall plants, the resultant fibers could be blended without a whole new factory. The first question anyone in the textile or paper industry will ask is: “Yes, blends are great – but can you guarantee a steady supply of hemp once we commit to integrating it into our product line?” From a business point of view, this is a key question for farmers on the front end and existing manufacturers on the receiving end. Farmers and processors need to make long-term commitments to grow the industry together. The good news is that shifting away from cotton and wood is good for the planet (and possibly cheaper too), but the only way the hemp fiber market is going to grow is if farmers have customers. Nothing will spur them to grow more hemp than signed purchase agreements in-hand before they plant. I agree that what I’m saying is a classic chicken-and-egg conundrum. No big company is going to introduce a product line that will run out of materials once they start selling. The bulk of the hemp being grown today is for CBD extraction, not fiber. Hemp farmers need to plant fiber cultivars and lots of them, too. The only way the fiber industry can scale up profitably is if the farms are close to the manufacturing plants. I love small family What if hemp replaced farms, but my guess is WHILE BLENDS MAY NOT a fraction of cotton, wood that 50 acres of hemp BE AS SEXY AS 100% HEMP, or plastic? We all want is the smallest profitable EACH INDUSTRY LIKELY HAS to wear hemp jeans and harvest size. t-shirts. Can I interest you The marketplace will A SWEET SPOT WHERE A in clothing that is 20% or be the final arbitrator. HEMP BLEND WOULD REQUIRE Farmers who grow even 10% hemp fiber? ONLY MINOR RETOOLING OF Would you feed your lots of fiber will seek printer paper that was a out customers, just as EXISTING MANUFACTURING post-consumer recycled enlightened companies FACILITIES. paper and hemp fiber that want to use hemp blend? Building a deck or will look for suppliers. shed? What if you could buy plywood that wasn’t The rest of us need to be patient and from trees, but a mixture of hemp and wood? support the hemp industry in all of its forms While blends may not be as sexy as 100% and guises. And if that means blending hemp, each industry likely has a sweet spot where hemp into wood and paper and other a hemp blend would require only minor retooling existing materials, then so be it. After all, of existing manufacturing facilities. Hemp stems a little hemp here and there can make a may resemble wood at first glance, but they aren’t big difference.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ALL HEMP...
20
WE PHOTO BY ADOBE
leafmagazines.com
Jerry Whiting
all love hemp and we want more of it in our day-to-day lives. Whether food or paper or clothing, we can’t get enough of it because the U.S. market is still very small and fragmented. I’m not suggesting we give up on hemp, but perhaps all of us – farmers, manufacturers and consumers alike – should think about the transition to a hemp-filled world. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not backing away from my vision of how hemp can be used for so many different things. Let’s be honest: We’re not going to wake up one morning to see hemp in everything we encounter. Or will we?
JUNE 2022
EXCLUSIVE COLUMN by JERRY WHITING for LEAF NATION // LeBlancCNE.com/podcast
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Photos and Design: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 years of age or older.
THE THE EQUALITY TRAVEL ISSUE interview
W H O ’ S Y O U R FAV O R I T E B U D T E N D E R ? T E L L U S W H Y ! E M A I L N O M I N A T I O N S T O R I C K E R @ L E A F M A G A Z I N E S . C O M
ZackVidal N O RT H W E S T L E A F B U D T E N D E R O F T H E M O N T H
Having been highly involved in baseball, volleyball, track and swimming growing up, he’s still a huge sports fan on the field and on the TV. He’s also into the outdoors with hiking and camping on the must-do list, but the ultimate goal is to one day catch that big professional break in acting and modeling. Follow him on Instagram @MR.DISNEY_ HOW DID THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY FIND YOU? Well, I worked a number
of jobs – both at Planet Fitness and Starbucks, then shortly after I worked at MOD Pizza. And then I thankfully found Local Roots.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’VE FOUND YOUR HOME NOW? Yes, I really like what I do
– I feel it’s the perfect fit. I already know many of the customers from Starbucks, so going from serving them coffee to their favorite strains has been a great transition.
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WHAT MAKES YOU A PERFECT FIT?
My knowledge is spot on as far as effect. I’ve been learning a lot of new information with CBD, CBG, CBN and other cannabinoids. And I’m a charismatic person who enjoys making people feel comfortable through the trust that comes with confidently helping them. I’m a very energetic person and that gives them a level of comfortability.
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
THERE’S OBVIOUSLY A LOT OF DIVERSITY BEHIND CANNABIS COUNTERS. DO YOU LOVE THAT? Yes, that’s what makes it
“I’VE GOT A BACKGROUND IN TAEKWONDO AND KARATE, AND NEXT I WANT TO GO INTO MMA.”
LOCAL ROOTS TACOMA 5917 N 26TH ST, TACOMA, WA MYLOCALROOTS.COM @LOCALROOTS_WA OPEN 8AM-11:45PM DAILY (253) 267-5428
MAY 2022 JUNE 2022
more comfortable for most people who buy Cannabis, in my opinion. I’m proud of my sexuality. Sometimes I’ll go into work wearing a crop top and some long earrings, and often I’ll get people who compliment me. I also get a lot of questions about my sexuality, but it’s never anything demeaning or offensive – more curious, I think. I tell them that I’m pansexual, which many don’t know the meaning of. So, I get to break that down and inform them with a smile.
I UNDERSTAND YOU’RE INTO MMA. Yes, my friends and I do this thing in the park where we put gloves on, cheer for each other, have a referee, and go a couple rounds. We all have a history of martial arts. I’ve got a background in taekwondo and karate, and next I want to go into MMA. We do it about every five months. YOU NEED TO INITIATE THE FIRST GAY MMA LEAGUE. That would be sick! INTERVIEW by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ | PHOTO by DARREN ZEMANEK @DARRENZEMANEK
NATURALLY GROWN IN LAKE STEVENS , WA PacificNWGrowers
pacific_northwest_growers
This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination,and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
shop review
24
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JOINT RIVERS AUBURN
“WITH SIX STAFFERS HOLDING MEDICAL CERTIFICATION, YOU WON’T HAVE TO GO FAR TO LEARN THE BENEFITS OF CANNABINOIDS.”
JUNE 2022
AUBURN’S WONDERFUL SECRET UP AND RUNNING
As with most tribal councils, there’s a committee that has the distinct duty of convincing the respected decision-makers that selling Cannabis is a good idea. This may sound easy, but it’s not when the stigma surrounding the plant is still very real for some people. Fortunately, these folks thought it made good sense and they became the third tribal shop to open west of the Cascades. A celebration is in order on the 18th of this month for their four-year anniversary!
S TA F F PICKS
FLOWERS Torus Grape GMO – Courtney Mama J’s Sundae Driver – Gene Plaid Jacket Banana Runtz – Terrence Legendary Jealousy – Zakk Loud Acai Jelly – Ami
Joints Stingers Kush Pop – Gene Dose Infused Preroll SFV OG – Terrence Torus Slurricane – Zakk Lifted Sugar Sticks Crème Boule – Ami
CARTS Lifted Apple Fritter – Courtney Dabstract Sugar Mama – Gene
BINGO All the flower is in the middle of the room – called Weed Island – for your browsing pleasure with a whopping 71 vendors making an appearance on the shelves, so there’s no shortage of selection (and that’s just flower). The jewelry store style floorspace makes for roomy browsing, where the interested staff will approach with a desire to better understand your preferences for the perfect selection. Next door there’s a bingo hall, so people coming over during intermission, or after their big win, are ready to make the investment in good vibes.
BIG ON EDUCATION
Bloom Alien Jack – Terrence Full Spec Guava – Zakk
DABS Dank Czar Pineapple Zkittlez – Courtney Six Fifths Papaya Cake – Gene Viking Cannabis Tropicana Haze – Terrence
With six staffers holding medical certification, you won’t have to go far to learn the benefits of cannabinoids. The tribal elders keep secret-shoppers filtering in from time to time to maintain customer service at the highest of levels. Once a year around the end of the summer, they hold a Vendor Fair with at least 10 of the best companies. In fact, last year a Jamaican band entertained the crowd for a wild time. It’s a fun opportunity to get face-to-face with some of the good people behind your favorite brands – while they showcase their wonderful new products. You’re invited!
Gold’N Grams Kushmans – Terrence
ALL SEASON DESTINATION
Swifts Chews Raspberry Lemonade – Terrence
When the heat is pumping, firework stands are posted up right across the street. And if you’re headed to White River Amphitheater in the summer and Crystal Mountain in the snowy season, you know where to stop off along your path. And hey, don’t forget there’s a world class casino right there with a brand-new hotel/resort being christened at the end of 2023, maybe sooner. Good luck!
Legendary Hash Rosin Pineapple Cake – Ami
EDIBLES Binkse Mixed Berry – Gene Hot Sugar Fruit Drops Watermelon – Zakk Groovy Flavor 1:1 Cannafruit – Ami
specials HAPPY HOUR MON-FRI 7AM-10AM EARLYBIRD 20% OFF ENTIRE STORE MARY JANE MONDAY 20% OFF ALL DAY TOPICALS AND TINCTURE TUESDAYS 15% OFF WAXY WEDNESDAY BUY 2 CONCENTRATES BOTH 25% OFF TASTY THURSDAYS 20% OFF EDIBLES FEATURED FARM FRIDAY 20% OFF OR MORE ENTIRE WEEKEND HEAVYWEIGHT SATURDAYS 20% OFF ALL QUARTER OUNCES CYBER SUNDAY 10% OFF ONLINE ORDERS
JOINT RIVERS AUBURN
2121 AUBURN WAY SOUTH, AUBURN WA JOINTRIVERS.COM | @JOINTRIVERS_253 OPEN 7AM-11PM DAILY | (253) 263-8899
STORY by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ/NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
EXPERIENCE HIGHER LIVING ⋅ Tasty, potent flowers ⋅ First child-resistant mason jar in the industry ⋅ Reusable, airtight packaging ⋅ Packaged quickly to maintain optimal freshness
This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
THE EQUALITY ISSUE
Loud & Proud q&a | Brandon ‘Yungg Bleeze’ Fair
CO-OWNER, BLACK AND LOUD CANNABIS
leafmagazines.com
28
JUNE 2022
BLACK AND LOUD is a declaration to the Washington Cannabis industry that minorities deserve to be recognized as equals. Since launching a year and a half ago into one of the most mature markets in the world, they quickly learned that survival not only meant leaning on established Black retail owners who respected their vision – such as Michael Beraki of Kush 21, Duane Dunn of Emerald Leaves, and Paul Brice of Happy Trees – but also by evolving their bombastic aesthetic through music and fashion. Bleeze, tell me about the journey of Black and Loud Cannabis. First off, it took a lot of minds putting ideas together and trying to figure out new ways to get representation for Black people and other minorities in the Washington Cannabis industry. Once we decided that we wanted to launch a brand and then did our research on the market, we began to believe with stronger conviction that we could do this. Then we had to identify the right investor that believed in what we wanted to do. That’s where Bella Jane’s came in and partnered with us in the right way, which allowed us to start moving. And now 14 months later, we’re in over 70 stores. There’s got to be more than just blackness and loudness to your brand that has helped you achieve this growing success. What would you say is the secret sauce in addition to the amazing aesthetic that has resonated with your fanbase? It’s behind the team we have. We’ve got a lot of diversity in age and different backgrounds with varying experiences. It’s really an intellectual, hardworking bunch of people that share a similar vision. My role is to add an extra eye to the appeal of the brand while blending with the accountants, marketing department, etc. We’ve been
really good about tailoring a product geared toward a specific demographic, obviously, but the hustle is vital in this industry and that’s where I get to do my thing – which is throw the swag and the sauce behind it. The Black and Loud color scheme, logos, merchandise and so on, we get to put the drip on it. One thing about influence in America, so many of the trends come from Black culture. We just take that same energy and apply it to what we do in the Cannabis game. What’s crackin’ in your hip hop career? Well, one real blessing is the fact that I was already working my music career and building a following before Black and Loud came into existence. So, we already had a built-in platform via social media to capitalize on. I’m busy – got a busy summer coming playing shows. The latest project I released is a five-song EP called Kush Emberz – listen to it everywhere. Any other wisdom you’d like to impart upon the Leaf world? I just want to thank all the stores that carry Black and Loud who recognized that we do need proper representation for minorities in the Cannabis industry. We are still fighting an uphill battle. The imbalance that exists is real and we deserve a chance to compete fairly.
“We’ve got a lot of diversity in age and different backgrounds with varying experiences. It’s really an intellectual, hardworking bunch of people that share a similar vision.”
@YUNGGBLEEZE @ B L A C K N L O U D WA
INTERVIEW by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ/NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTOS by DARREN ZEMANEK @DARRENZEMANEK
WHERE WILL THEY TAKE YOU... NO SOLVENTS
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WWW.CONSTELLATIONCANNABIS.COM Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed by only persons 21 or older. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.
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highly likely
ICONIC MUSICIAN & ACTIVIST
WILLIE NELSON H i g h l y L i ke l y h i g h l i g h t s C a n n a b i s p i o n e e r s w h o h a v e p a v e d t h e w a y t o g r e a t e r h e r b a l a c c e p t a n c e.
MY FRIENDS, this column has now been published over 80 times in the family of Leaf magazines. That’s 80 different subjects to admire and learn about in connection to Cannabis. Some are familiar, some not so much. How is it then, that I somehow overlooked whom many consider to be the greatest living Cannabis activist and celebrity? Why I’ve never stopped to write about the weed-fueled life of Willie Nelson … I don’t know. But I correct that mistake this month.
W
CREATIVE COMMONS
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“THE LEGENDARY SINGER AND GUITAR PLAYER TURNED 89 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR AND FOR MOST OF HIS ADULT LIFE, HE’S BEEN HARD AT WORK TRYING TO DESTIGMATIZE CANNABIS CULTURE. JUNE 2022
illie Nelson is one of the Nelson began to realize not just the greatest country music harmlessness of smoking pot, but artists of all time. His kind, the healing powers of the plant. An gentle demeanor and advocate was born. easygoing sound have endeared The rest, as they say, is history. him to millions upon millions of There’s the story of Willie smoking fans. You never hear anybody say a joint on the roof of the White anything bad about Willie Nelson. House, and of him attempting to do The legendary singer and guitar the same at the Texas Governor’s player turned 89 years old this Mansion. And there’s all of the year and for most of his adult life, celebrities that have wanted to he’s been hard at work trying to smoke with him, from Snoop Dogg destigmatize Cannabis culture. to Toby Keith to Luke Wilson. Nelson’s first But Nelson experience smoking wasn’t just content weed was in 1954 at to live the celebrity a roadside bar near life of the world’s Fort Worth, Texas. most recognizable He was 21 years old weed connoisseur and a big drinker – instead, he’s (whiskey being his worked tirelessly choice) when he tried since the late ‘70s a joint given to him to normalize the by a fellow musician use of Cannabis. – but it didn’t do That’s been done anything for him. primarily through It wouldn’t be until his own serene Nelson on the cover six months later that personality and of Rolling Stone’s Nelson finally figured a sort of honesty April 2019 Weed Issue. out how to properly whenever he’s inhale the low-grade asked about his THC Cannabis of the 1950s. use of the plant, not to mention “One night I did it right,” said his namesake brand of legal weed Nelson. Thus began his love affair – Willie’s Reserve – which proudly with the herb. adorns shelves of dispensaries It wouldn’t be until 1971, across the U.S. however, that Nelson would finally At almost 90 years old, Willie put a reference to weed in a song. Nelson doesn’t smoke the herb It was a veiled reference (to a as much these days, but he does “green telephone”), of course, still enjoy the benefits of Cannabis because at that time Cannabis via edibles. And for all of us still usage – even in the outlaw country smoking out there, we have people scene that Willie was a part of – like Willie Nelson to thank for was still a taboo subject. But as he paving the way toward Cannabis continued to consume Cannabis, freedom.
STORY by PACER STACKTRAIN for LEAF NATION
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BACIO O
JUNE 2022
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I’VE ALWAYS FELT that learning an entire language was too much for most stoners, but if one wants to travel, it’s important to know how to swear, order food, and buy weed in any local language you intend to immerse in. That said, I wouldn’t recommend asking for Bacio Oreoz if you do end up in Italy, because they’ll think you’re saying “Kiss my Cookies” – which may or may not go over well. It’s much better to hit your favorite dispensary and ask, where you’ll be rewarded with a jar of this tantalizing top shelf cross of Oreoz and Bacio Gelato. Immaculately frosty with glistening trichomes, it’s hard to tell what color the actual bud is because it’s so coated in THC. Each bud is perfectly trimmed and dripping with a healthy coating of red hairs, and the flower pulls apart like sticky dough that leaves fingers tacky when preparing a bowl. The flower oozes creamy, lemon-pepper-gas that tickles the nostrils as it quickly fills a room with warm cookie notes. Smelling good enough to eat, this writer might have licked his fingers before sparking a fat toke in our new @danielleguthrieglass sherlock. First inhales are exceptionally smooth with a creamy citrus flavor that adds a kiss of peppery cookies on exhale, coating the palate with a tingly sensation as repeated puffs fill lungs. For such a sticky bud, the flower burns cleanly, if a little slow, allowing for a long sesh with each bowl loaded. The effects are cheek flushing, like a warm kiss that starts in the head and melts into the body. Highly sedating while wondrously euphoric, the heavy warmth lingers for hours as the mind and body bask in the glory of the first Bacio Oreoz kiss. K-SAVAGE.COM @MINGLEWOODBRANDS
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“I’m a flower guy, man. I like a pipe and flower. But I’m getting to like edibles more.” JUNE 2022
chillin’with
cheech
When it comes to icons of Cannabis culture, few are more universally recognized or revered as the legendary comedy duo of Cheech and Chong. From their humble beginnings as an improv act at a Vancouver strip club in the late 1960s, Richard “Cheech” Marin and Thomas Chong rose to counterculture stardom in the ‘70s and early ’80s with a string of gold and Grammy-winning comedy albums, followed by a series of hilarious films featuring characters that were laughable-yetlovable exaggerations of stoner stereotypes. Sadly, in 1985 – after nearly 20 years of entertaining audiences – the pair reached a creative impasse and decided to part ways.
As a solo artist, Marin transcended typecasting – appearing in dozens of films and television shows, including “Born in East L.A.” (which he wrote and directed) and the popular program “Nash Bridges,” as well as countless cameos and voiceover roles (including several animated Disney characters). Then in 2012, to the delight of their fans, Cheech and Chong announced that they were reuniting. They’ve since done several live comedy tours and an animated film together, and have launched their own Cannabis brands – further solidifying their status as reefer royalty. But Cheech isn’t just an icon in the worlds of Cannabis and entertainment … he’s also an icon in the Mexican-American community. Marin has dedicated much of his life to illuminating and elevating Chicano culture and has spent decades amassing one of the most impressive collections of Latino art in the world. Now, he’s sharing that collection with the world via a sensational new museum bearing his name that opens its doors in Riverside, Calif. later this month. One month before the grand opening, Cheech sat down for a conversation with Leaf’s own Bobby Black to discuss his career, his thoughts on legalization, and his lifelong passions for art and marijuana.
When did you first get turned on to marijuana? I was 19 and a
freshman in college. I came home one night and there was a party going on in my apartment. My roommate passed this cigarette thing to me and I said, ‘What’s this?’ He says, ‘Marijuana.’ … So I smoked it and passed it around, and by the time it came back, I was high. Everything was going slower, more mellow, and the music sounded better. From that day forward, I was like, ‘Oh, so what else have they been lying about?’ After moving to Canada in the late ‘60s to avoid the draft, you met Tommy and began doing improv shows together – eventually signing a record deal with Lou Adler and releasing a series of comedy albums. The most famous of these is probably “Big Bambu,” which looked like a huge pack of rolling papers and even came with a giant rolling paper inside. Whose idea was that? That was a guy named Craig Braun, who had this graphics company and made album packages. He also made the Rolling Stones album “Sticky Fingers” with the zipper. He came to Lou with the idea, and Lou went for it. “Big Bambu” went on to become the best-selling comedy album in history at the time. I’m guessing you guys must have smoked a joint rolled with that giant paper at some point? Numerous times! We’d be on the road, and kids would bring them to us and say, ‘We were saving this to smoke with you!’ Continues next page
INTERVIEW by BOBBY BLACK @BOBBYBLACK420/LEAF NATION
THE EQUALITY ISSUE
CHILLIN’ WITH CHEECH
Continued from previous page
Cheech and Chong in their early days (1970).
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From albums, you soon transitioned into films – starting with 1978’s cult classic “Up In Smoke.” You went on to make six movies together, including “Nice Dreams” which featured an appearance by LSD guru Timothy Leary. What was he like, and did you guys trip out with him? Yeah, sure! [laughs] Timmy was one of our best friends. He was like a psychedelic Irish pub rabble-rouser. He was incredibly intelligent and the most fun guy you could ever meet. He knew a lot about astronomy, and he used to come over to our house and point out all the stars and the constellations to us. We spent a lot of time together.
about the word marijuana? Do you think it’s negative and should be canceled? I don’t really subscribe to that argument. Marijuana, Cannabis … it doesn’t matter to me. The fact that it’s a Spanish word means more to me. So for me, it’s a totally positive word.
What’s your favorite Cheech and Chong film, and why? Probably ‘Up in Smoke’ because it encompassed a lot of the bits we were doing before and it was a big hit worldwide, but also because it was our first movie. Your first movie is really special, like your first love.
Some states are trying to rectify the War on Drugs’ injustices against people of color via social equity programs. What’s your assessment of where things are in terms of social equity for Hispanics and Chicanos? I think it’s wide open right now. Anybody who cares to join, it seems, can … but it depends on what state you’re in and who controls that state. That’s the problem. So the big answer is to make it legal federally, and that wipes out a whole bunch of problems. We have to get it de-scheduled. I mean, when you have 39 out of 50 states that have some form of legalized marijuana, whether it be medical or recreational, how is that not legal? You gotta legalize it.
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As you know, the word “marijuana” originated in Mexico as a slang term for Cannabis. Do you know much about how the word originated and was used? It was used to denigrate [Cannabis] and give it this Mexican hue so that the police could use that as an excuse to stop Mexicans. It was also used to denigrate jazz musicians and black guys – like only them and Mexicans smoke this shit. Well, yes … but that’s how Harry Anslinger and yellow journalists who had racist agendas used it against Mexicans. But it wasn’t a bad word among Mexicans, was it? No, no – it was a salve. They made salve out of marijuana. They boiled it down … just like you have CBD now. Mexicans were using it for all kinds of ailments – to rub on their skin and make it hurt less. So from the very beginning, it’s always been a medicine. There are some wokesters now who are claiming that the word “marijuana” itself is racist and that it shouldn’t be used anymore. As the world’s most famous and beloved Chicano pothead, how do you feel
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“I just get happy on weed.”
Are there any equity organizations you’ve been involved in supporting? I like the Last Prisoner Project. We’ve been supporting that a lot. Because there are some guys still in jail for having a joint, you know? It’s ridiculous. It was a way to suppress that community, and they’re still trying to. But there’s no segment of society now that marijuana doesn’t enter – it affects the whole country. In 2018, you launched your own Cannabis brand, Cheech’s Stash. How’s that been going? It’s going very well. We’ve got everybody
in the family working on it. My daughter, who’s a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, she handles all our graphics and social media. And my son is heavily involved in sales and … well, let’s call it ‘quality control.’ [laughs] But it’s hard to make a celebrity brand go because everybody has like “Elvis wine” or something, you know? If anybody has enough cred to put out a weed brand, it should be you. Well yeah, if it’s good … cause everybody’s gonna catch on real quick if it’s not. And so our motto is, ‘It will always be good.’ It may not always be the same, but no matter what strain it is, if it has our name on it, it will always be good. Have you ever grown your own weed? Were you any good at it? Yeah, but the less I did, the better it got. [laughs] A friend of mine who will go nameless – although his name is Jan Michael Vincent – he was an actor and a very good friend of mine. And one day he came to me and said, ‘Hey, I’m growing a bunch of plants here, and I’m gonna give you a couple.’ I said, ‘Oh, okay, great … where should I put ‘em?’ He told me, ‘Just put ‘em over there by those bushes.’ Then I went out on tour and when I came back, there were these Christmas trees that had grown through the bottom of the pot! They were huge,
museums a lot because you have to see paintings in person to get the full value. So when I had enough money all of a sudden, with the success of Cheech and Chong, I could actually afford to buy art. That’s when I discovered the Chicano painters. I said, ‘Whoa – I see what these guys’ influences are; they’re all international art and Mexican culture and their neighborhoods, and wow – how come they’re not being shown? Why aren’t they getting shelf space in museums and galleries?’ So I said, ‘OK, well, I’m gonna start collecting this art’ – because all the masterpieces of Chicano art were basically still out there for purchase. So I was the right guy at the right place at the right time.
with giant colas on them, and it was like, ‘Holy shit, man!’ And this had just coincided with the advent of the Seal-a-Meal, so you could vacuum-seal all your food. I thought, ‘Should work for marijuana, too’ – so we vacuum-sealed all the biggest buds and we had great weed for a long time. You and Tommy are also launching a new Cannabis brand together now, right? Yeah, it’s called Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Company. We still have our own separate lines, but there’s a lot of value in being together rather than apart, and there was a company that thought so and put the money behind it. The original intention was to open Cheech and Chong dispensaries, but that doesn’t seem like such a viable thing now because you don’t really need brick and mortar dispensaries in a lot of cases, and that’s a real big overhead. So we decided to just do our products, sell them to everybody and increase the presence of our brands. Do you still get high pretty often? Define pretty often … like every minute? [laughs] Well, maybe not every minute, but every day – sometimes all day. I just get happy on weed. What’s your preferred method? I’m a flower guy, man. I like a pipe and flower. But I’m getting to like edibles more. What about dabs, do you like dabs? Yeah, as a matter of fact, I do – very much. How I got introduced to it is that I had to have my second knee replacement about a year or two ago. For the first one, I was prescribed these opioids to ease the pain and the rehabilitation. That was a long journey – I got kind of hooked on them, and at the end, it wasn’t working no matter how many I took. It got very depressing because the pain was still there, and nothing I was doing was helping. Then, after six months, one day it just stopped. I waited 10 years before the next operation because I didn’t want to go through that again. And that’s when I found dabs. A buddy of mine introduced me to dabs, she said, ‘This will help ease that pain.’ So I did it, and it was unbelievable. I mean, you got high, but it was a body high – it kind of invaded your whole body and took the edge off the pain. And then the rehabilitation was just two months and I was ready to go – I could walk, run, do anything.
ABOVE: the facade of The Cheech at dawn. LEFT: The yetuntitled 26-foot lenticular artwork by Einar & Jamex de la Torre, seen standing with Cheech Marin at its base during installation on April 26, 2022. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RIVERSIDE ART MUSEUM
How would you compare the classic strains from the ‘70s to modern weed? Well, the new weed doesn’t pop your eye out if a seed explodes. [laughs] You always had to watch for that, man. You know, ‘Pop! Oh, geez – it almost got me!’ Because it was Mexican weed, and they just chopped it down and bundled it up. Let’s shift away from Cannabis and talk about your other great passion – art. Tell us how that incredible collection of yours came about. Well, I was always interested in art from a very early age because I had this group of Chicano cousins who were very bright, and they started assigning us topics to go out and find out about – and I got assigned art. So I went to the library and took out all the art books and was like, ‘Oh – that’s what Picasso looks like, that’s what Michelangelo and DaVinci and Miro look like.’ And that’s how I learned about art. From that day forward, I used to go to
And now, that collection is serving as the foundation of a new museum in Riverside that’s opening this month called The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture. Or, as the intimates like to call it, ‘The Cheech.’ This has obviously been in the works for a long time, so I bet you’re very excited about it. Tell us how it all came together. I’m so excited, I can’t tell you! I was doing a show with part of the collection at the Riverside museum there, and it was the biggest show they ever had attendance-wise. It was unbelievable. And so they had this beautiful mid-century building, which was the town library, but they were gonna build a new library down the street and they had to repurpose the building. So the town manager saw the show and came up with this big idea: He said, ‘Why don’t we give the building to Cheech, and he’ll house the collection there.’ I said, ‘OK – sounds good to me!’ That was five years ago. It got delayed due to Covid, but now on June 18 the museum is finally going to open, and it’s spectacular. I mean, I’ve been in a lot of museums in my life, and this one is really spectacular. So, what can attendees expect on opening day? Is there going to be a big party? Oh yeah — We’re gonna have three days of festivities before we open. We’re even gonna have a low rider parade come up to the front of the museum. And people can expect to see a really unbelievable museum with art they’ve generally never seen before. Because my mantra is: You can’t love or hate Chicano art unless you see it.
ABOVE: Artwork by Frank Romero in Cheech’s personal art collection.
What’s next for you after this? You know, Woody Harrelson just opened a smoke lounge in West Hollywood … I know you said you’re not opening dispensaries, but what about a smoke lounge with a Cheech and Chong theme and decor? That would be really cool. I actually just finished working with Woody on a picture this December in Winnipeg, and we had a great time. He’s an old buddy. But yeah, sure – I mean, if some smoke lounge opens up and it makes sense, we’d be interested. You never know. CHEECHMARIN.COM | @CHEECHMARIN
INTERVIEW by BOBBY BLACK @BOBBYBLACK420/LEAF NATION
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“Bringing happiness is the ultimate goal of the brand, which radiates good vibes and positivity.”
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A FAMILY AFFAIR
Co-founder Sandip “Sunny” Saini in the company’s producer/processor facility in Bellingham, Wash.
THE STORY OF THE SINGH’S, THE FAMILY OF INDIAN IMMIGRANTS BEHIND THE KHUSH KUSH BRAND
The Singh family story is one of both great sacrifice and great success. The moral of their story, however, is singular: When you believe in something, you do whatever it takes to make it happen – whether it’s fighting for the freedom of your people, starting a new life as an immigrant to give your family a better future, or pioneering an industry ripe with oppression. In this case, that industry was Cannabis, and the success story is Khush Kush. HOW DID one family go from convenience store to Cannabis farm? Surjit Singh and his son Sandip Saini, known to most as Sunny, realized a grow-op could be their route to achieving the American dream … but the vision wasn’t always so clear. Flashback to Singh’s upbringing in Punjab, harvesting rice under the blazing Indian sun on his family’s farm before immigrating to the United States in 1989 at the age of 25. The rest of the family followed suit in 1995, landing in the town of Bellingham where they purchased a failing gas station shortly after. Singh transformed the space into a convenience store that quickly became not only profitable, but a go-to spot for the local Indian community. Stocked with familiar spices and festive Bollywood movies, it was a welcome addition to the recent influx of South Asian immigrants in the greater Bellingham area. While the newfound success of the store afforded the family a comfort-
JUNE 2022
able middle-class life, Surjit knew he wanted more. When Washington legalized Cannabis in 2012, he finally had an idea of where that “more” could come from. When he first presented the concept to his son, Sunny assumed it was a joke. Growing up in a conservative Indian family, Cannabis was considered taboo at best. So just what made Surjit look at the open plot of land available behind the convenience store and think: Let’s start a Cannabis grow? “My dad is a serial entrepreneur and knows opportunity when he sees it,” says Sunny. Once they realized Surjit was serious, the whole family quickly got on board. Sunny left his job in the Northeast with ESPN to return home and build the business alongside his father. “I had a great career, but I was always working for somebody else. There’s that inherent need to do something for yourself that’s meaningful and can evolve into something much bigger than you ever anticipated. Cannabis is the indus-
Katherine Wolf is a branding specialist and writer with a passion for helping cannabis companies grow and thrive. She is the Chief Marketing & Operations Officer of Malek's Premium Cannabis, a small-batch Colorado cultivator focused on flavor first genetics.
“We’re privileged to have this. People have gone to jail for 20-plus years and a lot of lives have been lost over this. So let’s take a moment to appreciate what we have here, what this is all about, and the number of sacrifices that went into this.” Sunny Saini try that will give you that opportunity if it’s done the right way.” And so, the journey officially began when the family received their cultivation license in 2016 and built the nearly 10,000-square-foot greenhouse from the ground up. Sunny says his dad’s farming background and adaptable mentality brought “the calming force the facility needed” through the growing pains of starting a grow-op. The Cannabis plant is notoriously finicky and the way Surjit grew up in India – growing a variety of crops and relying on them for food – prepped him for the complexities of growing Cannabis and the inconsistencies between yields. Beyond the plants themselves, a technology barrier made it difficult for Surjit to understand the forms involved with licensing and grasp the ever-changing regulations facing the pioneering players in Cannabis. Luckily, Sunny and his sister were there to fill in gaps – balancing out their father’s green thumb with a set of business, branding and sales skills that got things off the ground – but unfortunately, the challenges didn’t stop there. In a state with hundreds of cultivation licenses, Khush Kush is one of just three Indian-owned farms in Washington.
Khush Kush Packaging Manager Arshdeep Singh, left, and Packager Rajwinder Kaur, work on a recent batch of Cannabis flower.
The others include Mt. Baker Growers, located The Cannabis is grown to complement this sense just down the block in Bellingham, and Om Shiv of happiness evoked by the brand, from the use of out of Spokane. While the family wasn’t going award-winning genetics to the fact that every prodto let a lack of Indian representation in the local uct is properly dried and hand-trimmed with care. Cannabis cultivation scene stop them from making Sunny hopes that when people try Khush Kush, at their mark on the industry, it did create a barrier least for a moment, they can find a way to just zone when it came to getting Khush Kush products on in on the happiness in their hands. “We’re prividispensary shelves. leged to have this,” says Sunny. “People have gone “Obviously, 99% of shops are owned by white to jail for 20-plus years and a lot of lives have been people, and I can’t sit here honestly and tell you lost over this. So let’s take a moment to appreciate there weren’t times when I had what we have here, what this is all to make three or four trips to the about, and the number of sacrifices same shop to get on their shelves, that went into this.” compared to some other guy who Sacrifice is certainly a common showed up and maybe looked like theme in the Singh family story. them, smoked out with them, and Gurcharan Singh, Sunny’s grandgot in on the first try,” says Sunny. father – a freedom fighter and “Sure, maybe, there was extra work national hero in India – fought that went into it, but work is work for people’s right to live freely and you have to do whatever you and without oppression. So what Grow Tech Jackie Zender in the garden. have to once you’re focused. Those does Sunny think he would say if are the complexities of our society, it is what it is. he could see Surjit now? “He would be so proud It’s all about not giving up on getting in front of to see that his son carried his legacy forward by buyers and telling your story. Hopefully, the product tackling an industry ruled by oppression and lack speaks for itself and they’ll give you a chance.” of freedom. He was always proud of all his sons That extra work paid off and the product certainand how they chose to provide for their families.” ly did speak for itself – fast forward to today, and When it comes to emerging minority brands in Khush Kush is in over 50 retail locations with no the space hoping to get in on the American green signs of slowing down. dream, Sunny is both realistic and optimistic. Bringing happiness is the ultimate goal of the “Whether somebody is Indian, white, Black … it brand, which radiates good vibes and positivity doesn’t really matter,” he says. … and actually came to Sunny in a dream. As he “When you’re in the grind of this industry, all evolved the brand from dream to reality, his Indian you’re trying to do is survive. If you have a game heritage intertwined itself into nearly every aspect: plan and can see the end goal, race and all those from green and orange colors inspired by the Indithings don’t matter. Change in Cannabis is coming an flag to the name itself. “Khush” means happi… people are becoming more aware and giving ness in their native language of Punjabi, while minority brands more of an opportunity, which is “Kush” is a term often used to refer to cultivars how it should be.” from the Hindu Kush mountain range spanning Central and South Asia. KHUSHKUSH.COM | @KHUSHKUSH
STORY by KATHERINE WOLF for NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTOS by RHYS LOGAN @RRHYS_L
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nimble
A Symbol of Change
On the surface, Nimble Distro seems lighthearted and playful. Whimsical, even. But much like the Cannabis industry as a whole, underneath the company’s breezy whimsy lives a mission and intention that carries with it an intense gravity. FOUNDED just outside of Portland, Ore. by longtime friends and business partners Joy Hudson and Marissa Rodriguez, Nimble stands as a company constructed with detail and deliberation to make a change in the world. It’s a company borne on the wings of huge ambition and commitment to justice and charity – structured in a way that they hope can be a blueprint for how Cannabis companies can be built in the future, in order to build a better, more just world.
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A D R E A M B O R N O U T O F PA I N
Hudson and Rodriguez founded Nimble on the heels of exiting the company they ran together, The Sweet Life Distro. But their commitment to justice came early in life – and they were active in policy and philanthropy long before their current endeavor. “She was born with a fist in the air, shaking it at the man,” Hudson said of Rodriguez, whose passion for justice she describes with almost reverential regard. Born into a family of progressive thinkers in Mendocino County, Rodriguez recalls pivotal moments in her childhood that influenced her commitment to activism. One of the earliest was in eighth grade, when “We want to know she read an article about the CIA funding the Iran Contras by selling crack cocaine for cash on the streets of Los Angeles. that our actions, When 2020 hit, the pair were in the midst of an exit from their comour business, pany, and Hudson was at a complete reset point in her life. It was the perfect time for drastic action. our intent, “Like a lot of beautiful things, it’s born out of pain,” Hudson said. our initiatives … “Marissa and I loved building the company that we built before Nimble, but we often felt like we couldn’t truly make it everything that we wanted are working it to be. … We paused for a minute and began asking ourselves the toward repair.” really important question of who we want to be.” -NIMBLE CO-FOUNDER MARISSA RODRIGUEZ Like the entire world, Hudson and Rodriguez were shaken and shaped by the events of that year.
JUNE 2022
Nimble Co-Founders Marissa Rodriguez, left, and Joy Hudson, at their Portland, Ore. offices, where the company’s products help raise funds for organizations working to undo the harm of the war on drugs, specifically the damage to Black and Brown communities.
The pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, the protests, the gross injustice of it all – it seemed to cast their mission into stark relief. “These profound moments that were happening in the world were blowing right through us as we were forming the foundation of the company,” Hudson said. “I think that is part of the magic sauce … that we kept being hit by these critical things that just rocked us, and then we’d get back to forming our company and would say, ‘What can we start and do now?’” Their privilege as successful entrepreneurs drove them to ask some hard questions. “What responsibility do we have to everyone? To ourselves, to our families, to the people who work for us, for our vendor clients, and our customers,” Rodriguez asked. “What responsibility do we have to them, especially looking through the lens of the horrific colonial legacy of this country, specifically in Cannabis? That’s the conversation that we were having 18 months ago. Wow, we can do this thing, and if we can do it, we sure as shit better get it right.” FROM THE GROUND UP
The starting point for their mission shone like a beacon on a clear night. Hudson and Rodriguez, two female entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest, decided they wanted to fix the world. And they wanted to start with the war on drugs. “We want to know that our actions, our business, our intent, our initiatives … are working toward repair,” Rodriguez said. “We have this totally crazy goal of undoing the harm done by the war on drugs. That’s ridiculous that Joy and I are going to undo the harm done by the war on drugs. But it has to be crazy aspirational. You have to set these goals that seem impossible in order to make any progress.” Moving forward mightily, they designed a number of goals to overlay on top of the core responsibilities of being a wholesale distributor and manufacturer. The first no-brainer was that they wanted to be a second-chance employer, so they hired consultants who had worked with prisoners and within the system to find the best path forward to build that program – constructing their organizational chart with former prisoners in mind. Next, they knew they wanted to build their company to not only better the lives of their employees,
but also to raise money for organizaproduct, so that we’re contributing tions that worked to undo the harm to our cause unit by unit,” Hudson done by the war on drugs, specificalsaid of their approach. “So literally ly the damage to Black and Brown as the brand is growing, the cause communities. gets more and more and more. It’s “Money is influence,” Rodriguez built into the early framework. We’re said. “Corporations have more rights not waiting for profitability. We’re than women.” (At this point in the not doing a percentage of profits, interview, everyone had to take a because if you wait until that point pause to let the reality of that stateto consider your giving, it’s a very NuProject Co-founder Jeannette ment truly sink in.) stressful point … unless it’s a very Ward Horton said the support of “It’s tragic, but it’s the reality that large number.” Nimble and a consistent source of we live in. Corporations have rights. funds has been “game-changing.” Jeannette Ward Horton, co-foundIf we’re going to be a corporation, er of NuProject and thought leader how do we turn that money into influence in all on issues of equity and entrepreneurship in the kinds of ways? How do we support local orgs and Cannabis community, says that Nimble’s approach initiatives? How do we support the people who has already made a significant difference in the work for us?” community her organization serves. “That to me kind of shifts the idea,” Ward I N T E N T I O N A L I M PA C T Horton said of Nimble’s commitment to giving To begin with, they started by making sure their before profits are calculated. “It’s something that’s company minimum wage was above the local minnice to do after the fact, but then when times get imum wage, setting the baseline tight, companies can cut it off. But the way Nimble hourly rate at $17 per hour. is doing it, it’s part of their plan. The support Then they carved aside 10% of is game-changing for us, having a consistent ownership in the company for source of funds … It’s hard to express how much employee stock options, which the regular support really does mean. Black and are available to all employees. Brown-run nonprofits are “We want to go back to the significantly less funded model where employers who than their white peers, and employ somebody for their entire they really leaned in. I can’t career, those people should be more thankful.” be able to retire from there. That support adds up to You don’t do that through their real-world impact, and has actual wages, that’s how they contributed significantly to survive,” Hudson said, referring NuProject’s cause. to the choice to offer ownership “We’ve given $2 million to the staff. to the community,” Ward “Ownership creates an Horton said about NuProjattitude of ownership, which is ect’s overall impact to great for the organization. But date, to which Nimble has there’s also the fact that I just want people to have contributed significantly. something,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve spent 486 hours On top of internal care, perhaps the most mentoring Black and impactful piece of Nimble’s business comes from Brown entrepreneurs, and its approach to charitable giving. They started by we couldn’t have done identifying a way to take their flagship brand – colthat without Joy and Marissa. 486 hours is a lot of orful pre-roll packs called Kites – and turn it into mentoring for the Black and Brown community.” a revenue generator for good. They give 50 cents Nimble isn’t stopping there. Hudson and Rodrifrom the sale of every pack to NuProject (nuprojguez also will be rolling out a new premium flower ect.org), a Portland-based organization dedicatpre-roll line called Broomsticks, a witchy nod that ed to building generational wealth in Black and will give profits to an abortion access fund. Brown communities. Hudson and Rodriguez are currently finding “Whenever we’re creating a new product, and licensees in other states, and the first thing they we create our cost of goods schedule, we build look for is an alignment of values – before discussreparations into the line item as a cost on the ing anything else. “If a Cannabis company wants to look at how to do this, and how to give back, and make it part of our fabric,” Ward Horton said, “then Nimble is doing it right.” The reason, for the Nimble team, is clear. “What’s your legacy? What side of history were you on? You had an opportunity to do something. What did you do? Those are the kinds of questions I ask myself,” Rodriguez said. “What will my grandchildren think of the choices that I made?” NIMBLEDISTRO.COM | @NIMBLEDISTRO N U P R O J E C T. O R G | @ N U L E A F P R O J E C
STORY by TOM BOWERS @CANNABOMBTOM for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by FLETCHER WOLD @FWOLD_PHOTOGRAPHY
cooking with cannnabis
tastes of summer JUNE ROCKS. And it’s Pride Month. The weather tends to be good … hopefully warm, not crazy hot. From Alaska to SoCal to the East Coast and beyond, we all should be able to enjoy some outdoor merrymaking. My strain of the month is Life Coach from Noble Farms. First of all – and I hate to be shallow – it’s pretty. But more importantly, as the love child of Orange Cookies and Biscotti, it’s sweet, fruity and quite uplifting. Oh Cannabis, I love you.
Serves four | 5mg THC per serving
ARUGULA SALAD EXTRAORDINAIRE 4 strips bacon 1 large shallot, peeled and minced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 2 tablespoons brown sugar 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2/3 cup olive oil 4 teaspoons canna olive oil 4 large handfuls of arugula 4 large handfuls mixed salad greens 20 large cooked shrimp, cut in pieces if desired 1 red onion, thinly sliced 20 grape tomatoes 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, cut in chunks and tossed with lemon juice salt and pepper
1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain off grease, reserving the fat in the pan. Chop bacon. 2. Heat the bacon drippings in the skillet, over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add brown sugar and stir to dissolve. 3. Scrape the contents of the skillet into a blender. Add the vinegar, juice, mustard and oils. Blend well. 4. In a large serving bowl, toss the greens with the shrimp, red onion, tomatoes and avocado. Add the dressing and toss again. Season with salt and pepper.
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Serves four | 5mg THC per serving
FANCY FISH TACOS
R EC I P E S b y LAU RIE WOLF P HOTOS b y B RUC E WO LF
Serves four | 5mg THC per serving
CANNA CARBONARA
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2 tablespoons olive oil 4 teaspoons canna olive oil 2 ounces pancetta or lardons of bacon, cut in small pieces 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 large eggs ½ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for garnish 1 pound spaghetti salt and pepper
1. In a large saute pan, heat both of the oils over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 2-3 minutes, until starting to get crisp around the edges. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the cheese. 3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook according to the directions on the package. The pasta needs to be hot for this dish to be successful. Drain the pasta and immediately add to the saute pan. 4. Remove pan from the heat, add egg mixture to pasta and stir fast to coat pasta. 5. Season with salt and pepper and serve with additional cheese, if desired.
june 2022
¼ cup cooking oil 8 small flour tortillas 4 radishes, thinly sliced 3 scallions, sliced ½ yellow bell pepper, cut in chunks 1 avocado, cut in cubes and tossed with lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped red onion 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced ½ pound cod or other white fish salt and pepper 4 teaspoons canna olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil parsley, cilantro, lemon slices to garnish
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Saute the tortillas quickly on both sides and place on paper towels or a clean dish towel. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the radishes, scallions, pepper, avocado, red onion and garlic. 3. Place the fish on your work surface. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a medium saucepan, combine the canna and olive oils. Break the fish into pieces and saute quickly, about 3-4 minutes, tossing to cook evenly. 4. Add the fish to the vegetable mixture in the bowl, tossing gently to combine. 5. Place two tortillas on each plate. Top each tortilla with some of the fish mixture. Garnish with the parsley, cilantro and lemon slices. Salt and pepper to taste.
#Celebrat ePri de #HappyBi rt hdayBruce #EatYourCa nna b is # D ontFea rTheEd ib le # Ukra ine
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EDIBLE OF THE MONTH
“30 minutes later I was mumbling words and completely dazed in a wonderful stoney haze.”
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AGRO COUTURE
INFUSED LEMONADE SHOTS NOTHING BRINGS the summer picnic vibe like lemonade, but this is one batch you’ll want to keep to yourself at your next family BBQ. These shooter sized bottles might look small, but they pack a huge punch with 100mg of nano-emulsified Cannabis extract that hits quickly and lasts for hours. Many Cannabis drinks are oversized and contain lower doses, meaning a lot of sugar and a beverage you probably wouldn’t drink uninfused. That’s definitely not the case with all the delicious flavors from Agro Couture, which taste perfect straight, or can be easily mixed into a larger drink of your choosing.
JUNE 2022
Whether the sun has gotten the memo or not, summer is here in the PNW. Thankfully, regardless of the weather, you can create your own sunny vibes with four delicious new 100mg lemonade shots by Agro Couture.
It is important to note just how effective the nano-emulsification is with these drinks. As an experienced edible enthusiast, I felt confident drinking half of the Tropical Lemonade bottle, which has a hint of pineapple and lime that would be perfect in a homemade margarita. Just 30 minutes later I was mumbling words and completely dazed in a wonderful stoney haze. I later discovered that I had consumed most of the bottle, and promptly finished the last bit to keep the party going. As I had the pleasure of sampling all four flavors, I savored them for days where I could
afford to go straight to relaxation and loved the nostalgic colored flavors of Blue Raspberry and Pink Lemonade, and made a killer Kentucky Lemonade with my favorite Bulleit Bourbon for a heady cocktail that kicked off my holiday weekend. So take my advice with a shot of lemonade – and remember that while these are undoubtedly yummy solo or mixed into a mock/cocktail – they will provide a full day’s worth of cannabinoids in a lovely salute to summer’s start! SLABMECHANIX.COM | @SLABMECHANIX 100MG THC PER BOTTLE
REVIEW by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
concentrate of the month
“The low temp dab melts the rosin and coats the palate in vanilla citrus berries that grip the lungs on inhale, before the vapor seemingly drips out of the mouth on exhale.”
Paddle out into sweet waves of syrupy berries that erupt like the crashing of a big roller, tossing the mind and body into a stoney bliss that’s the dabbing equivalent of a beach day.
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HOC SOLVENTLESS GRAND CRU MALIBU BERRIES june 2022
WHILE THE CITY OF MALIBU might evoke memories of Barbies or Charlie Sheen, it’s safe to say that “Two and a Half Men” would still be filming if Sheen had chosen delicious hash rosin instead of cocaine. While it’s too late to save that show or his career, it’s perfect timing to try the new solventless Grand Cru lineup from House of Cultivar. Grown and processed in the SODO district of Seattle, HOC is known for their in-house bred strains and craft approach, with pesticide testing for everything they produce. Their beautiful flower graces the cover of this special issue, so we decided to share a taste of their dabs here as Concentrate of the Month. Twisting open the black jar from the fridge releases a bouquet of terps that rush out like heat from the oven, which is fitting given that the dominant flavors are from the Sugar Berry Scone parentage. One of my personal favorite strains, when combined with the Malibu Marsha (Tropicana X Cookies & Cream F2) it creates a unique and distinctly delicious rosin. Light colored with a perfectly gooey texture, the rosin reeks of creamy warm berries with a hint of soy sauce and a gassy, lemonycookies tang. Perfection in flavor and consistency, we loaded a glob for a cold start to get the most terps into our lungs as quickly as possible. The low temp dab melts the rosin and coats the palate in vanilla citrus berries that grip the lungs on inhale, before the vapor seemingly drips out of the mouth on exhale. Extremely smooth and with little expansion, this is a unique buzz that really begins from the chest outward, taking a few minutes for the wave of stoney energy ripples to reach the extremities and mind. As thoughts slow down and a happy feeling of contentment takes over, leaning back in the office chair feels as good as hitting a beach chair – while the Malibu Berries deliver a vacation experience one dab at a time. HOUSEOFCULTIVAR.COM @HOUSE.OF.CULTIVAR 64% THC, 4% TERPENES
REVIEW by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
reviews
off the shelf SIPPIN’ ON SUMMER
IT’S HERE BABY, sunshine in Seattle. There’s a certain energy that comes to Washington once the glowing orb starts heating things up. Trails are trekked, rivers are floated, and beaches are full of people decompressing this tastiest of seasons in the PNW. So, we thought we’d suggest some high-dration to keep you cool and help you ride the wave of electric energy rolling in this blissful time of year. And these 100mg liquid libations will induce a summer sized grin.
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LIL’ RAYS
DRAGONFRUIT LEMONADE
These airplane shooter style infused beverages have taken the recreational market by storm. A big punch in a little bottle, it’s easy to see why these became such a popular option for the stoner on the go. With several flavors and a $12 price tag, these beverages can keep you fulfilled all day. Gulp it down in a single swig or enjoy 5mg capfuls when you need a little more motivation to summit that lookout you’ve been planning since January. The Dragon Fruit is delicious and it’s nice not to have an overwhelming distillate flavor in such a concentrated product. 100mg THC rayslemonade.com
MOJO
MANGO PASSIONFRUIT SODA
Summer is all about finding your mojo. Get yours 12oz at a time with a Mojo Soda. Leave the heavy IPAs and fruit beers behind and fill your cooler with some truly refreshing, Heylo processed CO2 oil infused sodas instead. Whether you’re soaking up the rays at Alki or tossing a disc around Golden Gardens, an ice-cold Mojo will crank the volume to 11. The full spectrum oil used to infuse these sodas just hits differently than distillate infused beverages. Plus, there’s something so quintessentially summer about popping a cap off a cold glass bottle and raising it to your lips. 100mg THC craftcannnabis.com
PASSION FLOWER
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STRAWBERRY NECTAR DROPS
“WHETHER YOU’RE SOAKING UP THE RAYS AT ALKI OR TOSSING A DISC AROUND GOLDEN GARDENS, AN ICE-COLD MOJO WILL CRANK THE VOLUME TO 11. ” JUNE 2022
Being the new kid on the block in the edible market is not an easy position to be in, but Passion Flower has come out like gangbusters with the smallest 100mg beverage on the market at just .1oz. At $15 these resealable, 1mg per drop beverages are great for the light and heavyweight alike. Drink it straight or add some drops to your favorite sparkling water and you’ve got yourself a delicious concoction for any occasion. We imagine these would be ideal for a Mariners game and avoiding that concession line with the $15 Coors Lights. The M’s might not win, but get enough Nectar Drops in you and you’ll feel like at least you did. You can almost hear Dave Niehaus saying “My Oh My!” with every drop that hits your personal home run. 100mg THC passionflowerwa.com
REVIEWS by ERIC SMITH @THE_HANDICAPS_LOCK for NORTHWEST LEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
Lifted Presents...
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PURE ENJOYMENT (NEVER CUT WITH DISTILLATE
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This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. For use of adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. DO NOT operate a vehicle or any machinery under the innuence of this drug. This product may be unlawful outside of Washington state.
This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. For use of adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. DO NOT operate a vehicle or any machinery under the innuence of this drug. This product may be unl unlawful outside of Washington state.
cannthropology
PRESENTS
The ruins of the temple fortress at Tel Arad in Israel’s Negev desert. Below: Tokin’ Jew seder plate.
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Kosher Kush leafmagazines.com
Highlighting the history of Jews and Cannabis.
It’s well established that, for Grav Labs’ menorah bong. millennia, Cannabis has been used as food and fiber, as well as for medicinal and sacramental purposes by many ancient cultures … but would it surprise you to know that the Hebrews were among them? Now, a new exhibit at New York City’s YIVO Institute for Jewish Research is showcasing the age-old relationship between the Chosen Cairo Geniza fragment. TEXTS & TEXTILES People and their apparent drug of choice. Titled “Am Yisrael But these are hardly the High: The Story of Jews and Cannabis,” the exhibit contains only references to Cannabis in ancient Hebrew a number of contemporary items – including a shofar pipe, a Yiddish translation of the book “Hashish” and a menorah texts. The Talmud (the primary source of Jewish bong by Grav Labs, which curator Eddy Portnoy says served religious law) discusses growing hemp and how as the inspiration for the exhibit. It also features a sampling it should be kept separate from other crops. of documents from the Cairo Geniza: a collection of around There are also references to Jews using hemp 400,000 Jewish manuscript fragments discovered in the textiles to make religious garments such as tallitot (prayer shawls), tzitzit (knotted fringes Ben Ezra Synagogue in Old Cairo in the 1800s. Among the or tassels), and even burial shrouds. gems found in this treasure trove of material are song lyrics “It’s most prominent in clothing and about a Jew high on hashish and wine with a severe case of is considered to have a form of spiritual the munchies, and a “purchase order” for protection, so it was used very comhashish in exchange for silver dating from monly in burying the dead in Israel,” the 13th century CE.
JUNE 2022
Tokin’ Jew shofar pipe.
says Rabbi Yosef Glassman, MD, who spoke at the exhibit’s opening. “It’s believed that when there’s resurrection of the dead in the future, people will be wearing Cannabis clothing.” Hemp was often used to build Schach (Sukkah roofs), and in the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) it’s also recommended as the preferred material for wicks in Shabbat lamps and candles. KANEH BOSEM There are also several places in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) that refer to a spice called kaneh bosem, which may or may not be Cannabis. The Aramaic term (also referred to as kanabos) appears five times in the Old Testament – most significantly in Exodus, where God lists it among the five spices in the recipe for holy anointing oil he dictates to Moses. Historically, most sources have translated kaneh bosem as “sweet cane” – a vague description that makes identifying it difficult. Some scholars have interpreted it to be calamus, while others even believe its identity was purposely kept a secret because it was so sacred.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF YIVO ARCHIVES (4)
ISRAEL MUSEUM
TEL ARAD TEMPLE In May 2020, the academic journal of Tel Aviv University’s Institute of Archaeology published an article revealing that Can- Above: Tel Arad’s “Holy of nabis residue had been Holies.” Inset: Cannabis discovered on one of two resin residue on the altar. altars in the 2,700-yearold Judean temple known as Tel Arad (located in the Negev Desert about 59 miles south of Tel Aviv). The two limestone altars, which contained traces of burnt offerings, were located at the entrance of the temple’s inner sanctum – also known as the “holy of holies.” The larger of the two altars contained remnants of frankincense, while the smaller was found to contain traces of Cannabis resin (including cannabinoids THC, CBD and CBN) and animal dung, which archeologists believe was likely used to heat the hashish. Researchers also noted that since Cannabis wasn’t typically utilized for its fragrance, it was almost certainly burned for its psychotropic effects. “It seems likely that Cannabis was used at Arad as a deliberate psychoactive, to stimulate ecstasy as part of cultic ceremonies,” they wrote. “If so, this is the first such evidence in the cult of Judah.” MEDICAL USE & THE MIDDLE AGES There’s ample evidence that Jews continued to use Cannabis spiritually and medicinally throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages. In 1992, an archaeological dig in a cave at Beit Shemesh (about 35 miles west of Jerusalem) uncovered evidence of hashish in the stomach of the 1,623-year-old
remains of a 14-year-old girl who was nine months pregnant – leading researchers to conclude it had likely been used as an anesthetic during childbirth as early as the 4th century CE. In the 12th century, Maimonides – the most influential Jewish scholar/physician of the Middle Ages – recommended using Cannabis oil for colds, headaches, respiratory problems and clogged ears. In the 13th century, a Kabbalistic grimoire called the “Sefer Raziel” suggested Cannabis as a preventative for keeping demons away. And in the 16th century, the chief rabbi of Cairo, Rabbi ben Solomon ibn Abi Zimra, stated that the “leaves of Cannabis make one happy.” And then there’s Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (aka Baal Shem Tov), who founded the Hasidic sect in the 18th century. A mystic and kabbalist whose teachings emphasized the importance of joy and direct connection with God, Eliezer was reported to “pray ecstatically,” make medicines from wild grasses and barks, and smoke from a water pipe which he claimed produced aliyat neshama (ascension of the soul). In fact, his biographer once said, “he would give his entire portion in this world, Hasidism and in the world to come, founder Baal just for a taste of what the Shem Tov. Ba’al Shem Tov got from his pipe.” MOROCCAN MERCHANTS Though it’s always been claimed it was tobacco that Eliezer was smoking, it’s certainly possible there was some hashish sprinkled in. After all, Jews were among the biggest tobacco and hash merchants in the Middle East at the time. Yiddish translation of When Morocco became “Hashish” (1911). one of the world’s largest YIVO LIBRARY producers of hashish in the 17th century, it was the Jews who brokered most of the export deals between the farmers in the Rif Mountains and the Arabic-speaking city dwellers. “The Jews, in general, did not grow Cannabis … but they received a monopoly from the king for the sale of tobacco in Morocco, and that included sales of the Cannabis plant and the hashish produced from it,” explained Moroccan Jewry expert Dr. Doron Danino in a 2019 interview with the Times of Israel. “Jews used to speak several languages, and they had a business sense, which made it a mutually beneficial partnership.” According to Dr. Danino, some Jews were even sprinkling hash into their shakshuka dalashubh — a couscous dish served as part of their preparation for celebrations and events.
FROM RABBIS TO RADICALS During the rise of America’s counterculture, Jews were consistently at the forefront of Cannabis activism. Jazz musician Mezz Mezzrow, aka the Muggles King, was Louis Armstrong’s reefer dealer and one of the plant’s earliest public advocates. It was allegedly Mezzrow who first turned on Beatnik icon Allen Ginsburg, who later “Am Yisrael High” exhibit poster co-founded America’s first featuring Allen Ginsberg. marijuana legalization advocacy group LeMar in 1964 and led the first pro-marijuana march in New York’s Lower East Side. Ginsberg, in turn, helped mentor the Yippies in the late ’60s, most of whose prominent members (Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, A.J. Weberman and Aron “Pie Man” Kay) were also Jews. Even President Richard Nixon acknowledged the connection between Jews and Cannabis in his infamous 1971 racist Oval Office recording: “You know, it’s a funny thing, every one of the bastards that are out for legalizing marijuana are Jewish.” In addition to activism, Jews have also led the way in Cannabis science via Israeli scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam – considered the “father of Cannabis research” for discovering THC, CBD and the endocannabinoid system in the 1960s – as well as the “godfather of medical marijuana,” Harvard professor/psychiatrist Dr. Lester Grinspoon. Other prominent Jewish marijuana advocates have included “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” author Jack Herer, grow guru Ed Rosenthal, and Drug Policy Alliance founder Ethan Nadelmann, among many others. EDUARD GUREVICH
Despite the similarity in phonetics, it wasn’t until 1936 that a Polish etymologist named Sula Benet first put forth the theory that kaneh bosem might be Cannabis. In her paper “Early Diffusion and Folk Uses of Hemp,” Benet argued that, after analyzing numerous ancient texts and comparative etymologies, she was convinced that the term had been mistranslated – explaining that the root “kan” actually translated to “hemp” and bosem meant “aromatic.” If Benet’s theory were correct, it would mean that ancient Jews not only used Cannabis as a textile, but also in their religious ceremonies – a hypothesis recently borne out by archeological evidence. Sula Benet (1936).
MODERN MITZVAH So, where does Jewish religious leadership stand on Cannabis in the modern age? Though it was declared forbidden under Jewish law by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein in 1973, that stance has since softened significantly. In 2013, Rabbi Efraim Zalmanovich stated that Cannabis was permitted for medical use and three years later, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky ruled that it could be consumed during Passover. Since then, several brands have been certified as Kosher by the Orthodox Union, including Vireo, Mitzvah Herbal, and Mazel Tov Farms (who co-sponsored the YIVO exhibit). “There is no question that the plant has a holy source, God himself,” says Glassman. “Marijuana usage…is an aspect of Jewish law and tradition that had long been buried, and one that deserves resurfacing and exploration.” For our podcast & more Cannabis history content visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y for LEA F NAT IO N
stoney baloney LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
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NO MATTER HOW WELL you take care of your body, gravity will eventually pull you back to earth to be reclaimed by the soil. And although very smart people on this planet have developed stunning scientific methods to prolong the everlasting blink, when your train is whistling into the station, you’ll need to politely disembark to clear space for new passengers. This is the end of the line – no pill, no surgery – and no more birthdays. But you can’t be mad. Being atop the food chain doesn’t mean you live forever – just that you live well, longer. In fact, you’ll most likely dwell here about five times longer than the average caveperson ever did, so be grateful that you don’t have to be worried about being eaten by a razor-toothed land shark. That poor hairy dude didn’t have a gun, a car, or an electric razor … much less a Home Depot. Yes, there are clams that live over 500 years and there are some trees that live thousands of years. But for you, large brain or not, 120 loops around the glowing orb are what you get – give or take a decade or 10 depending on how well you attract lightning. And that’s a generous estimation, mostly reserved for women living on some isolated island in Japan or Italy with simple diets and a daily glass of vino, sequestered from our instant gratification society of processed foods and secondhand smoke. So, there’s no denying that some people have temporarily circumvented death. But just as there are clever roundabouts and shortcuts en route to your final destination, the tick of the almighty timepiece will eventually come to a halt. And when that clock finally stops, let’s hope it gets stuck on 4:20. After all, the best way to go is up in smoke.
june 2022
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Warning: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Should not be used by woman that are breast feeding. For use by adults twenty one or older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. This product may be unlawful outside of Washington State.
get lit.
