Mar. 2023 - NW Leaf

THE FLOWER ISSUE

OUTTA THIS

DAILY DEALS

Conveniently located just seconds off of I-5 at exit 210

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Cannabis 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.

ORDER ONLINE OR IN PERSON 365 DAYS A YEAR

365RECREATIONAL.COM DEALS | MENU | PRE-ORDER

WE PRICE MATCH SHOW US A COMPETITORS

CURRENT PRICE THAT TOPS OURS, AND WE’LL MATCH IT

Stay true to your roots.

Dutch Treat

Northern Lights x Haze

with the finest hand crafted for you by

Blue Roots Cannabis

Limonene Linalool

Caryophyllene Myrcene

Relaxing Calming Creative

Uplifting

Warning: This product has intoxicating e ects and may be habit forming. Cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery while under the in uence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children.

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

KATHERINE WOLF CONTENT DIRECTOR kat@leafmagazines.com

MEGHAN RIDLEY COPY EDITOR meghan@leafmagazines.com

ASHLEY HIRCHERT SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD ashley@leafmagazines.com

ABOUT THE COVER

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

COVER & INTERIOR PHOTOS

ERIK CHRISTIANSEN @ERIK.NUGSHOTS

CONTRIBUTORS

WES ABNEY, FEATURES

DANIEL BERMAN, PHOTOS

BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES

JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION

TOM BOWERS, FEATURES

ERIK CHRISTIANSEN, PHOTOS

AMANDA DAY, FEATURES

EARLY, PRODUCTION

STEVE ELLIOTT, NATIONAL NEWS

MATT JACKSON, FEATURES

JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN

MIKE RICKER, FEATURES

MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING

TERPENE TRANSIT, DISTRIBUTION

JERRY WHITING, EMERITUS CONTRIBUTOR KATHERINE WOLF, FEATURES

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!

WES ABNEY

Editor’s Note

Thanks for picking up The Flower Issue of the Leaf!

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEGALIZATION HAS CREATED 30K JOBS FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS

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

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

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

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

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

53

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

TWITTER CHANGES MIND ON POT ADS

TWITTER WILL NOW allow Cannabis advertising. The change comes as the social media platform struggles for new revenue.

The company updated its policies on February 5 to allow marijuana ads to run on its services in the states where weed is legal.

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

“Twitter has adopted the most explicit advertising opportunity for marijuana users within federal guidelines.”

MEDICAL POT DEBATE CONTINUES IN N.C.

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

The Senate Judiciary Committee debated but did not vote on new legislation, which was filed at the start of the new two-year General Assembly session. Sen. Bill Rabon, a Brunswick County Republican, said he and his fellow sponsors wanted to review amendments before a committee meeting next week.

Prospects for passage again in the Senate are strong this year. But the bill's future will likely rest in the House – which declined to take up the previous proposal before going home last summer. Speaker Tim Moore suggested recently that support was possible in his chamber this year for legalizing medicinal pot and would be particularly true with tight controls.

71%

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

$50k

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

$5.5m

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

$20m

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

SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES CANNABIS RESEARCH FOR VETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quoted

east coast NEW HAMPSHIRE PANEL APPROVES LEGALIZATION

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

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

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

The full committee passed the bill in a 17-3 vote.

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

STORIES by STEVE ELLIOTT | THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA

“It simply doesn’t make sense to base an employment decision on that kind of unreliable outcome and test.”

-WA

State Sen. Karen Keiser (D), lead sponsor of SB 5123, which would protect most job candidates from discrimination for using marijuana outside of the workplace.

INAUGURAL AWARDS GALA

Goodwill filled the air on a clear Saturday night in Seattle as the Washington Cannabis industry gathered at the Seattle Design Center for the inaugural Northwest Leaf Bowl to find out who supplies the best heat in the state.

The competition drew more than 300 entries from nearly 100 companies, and the excitement in the air was palpable as Leaf luminaries Wes Abney, Mike Ricker and Bobby Black took the stage to emcee the event and hand out the coveted Leaf Bowl trophies to all of the winners. It was a celebration for the ages – with disco aliens, space fairies, an Abe Lincoln impersonator (it was President’s Day weekend, after all), and a capacity crowd filled with some of the finest Cannabis enthusiasts you’ll ever meet – all of whom were dressed to the nines. PICC Platform introduced their revolutionary joint infusion

Some Leaf Bowl team members and judges take the stage to close out the show.

Attendees take a smoke break out front during intermission.

Svin Garden representing on the green carpet.

system, Floyd’s Cannabis brought their party bus for outside festivities while buying everyone a drink inside, Mothership Glass wowed the crowd with world-class glass art, and everyone came ready to meet new friends and reunite with old ones in the spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.

It was truly the spectacle the Washington Cannabis industry deserved, with the Leaf recognizing the love and passion of the community for all of their hard work. To all of the winners: Congratulations … and you’d better start getting ready for next year, because we’ll be back bigger and better for the 2024 Northwest Leaf Bowl!

>> FULL AWARD RESULTS NEXT PAGE

Chris Owusu and his Wyld Canna crew (above). The flower girls (below) and "Disco Dreamscape" dancers (left, with Abe Lincoln) of Maison de V Entertainment.

The capacity crowd awaits the start of the awards ceremony.

Best Infused Pre-Roll winners Mammoth Labs.

SEE MORE PHOTOS AT LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

The NW Leaf Bowl competition drew more than 300 entries from nearly 100 companies, and the excitement in the air was palpable.

Best Cannabis-Only Distillate Cartridge winners Dabstract.

Binske's Elise McDonough accepts the award for Best Gummy.

Glass artists Mia Shea and Scott Deppe (left) chilling with Tim of Maltby Cannabis (right) and friends in the Mothership Glass gallery.

Leaf leadership Wes Abney, Mike Ricker and Tom Bowers pose with glassblower Andrew Chansky (top left), his wife Jordan (red dress) and the Floyd's Cannabis team.

Leaf luminaries Tom Bowers, Bobby Black and Matt Jackson hanging with lovely industry influencers Tyler Schermerhorn and Ray Arias.

The Penway Media team, who had a booth at the Bowl.

Janelle and Michele of Crystallography Gems.

Wendy Hull of Fairwinds accepts the Best Topical

NW Leaf's sexy Budtender of the Month (Oct 2022) Brooke Wisener (in pink) and friends.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

FLOWER - MIXED-LIGHT / LIGHT DEP / GREENHOUSE

FUEL / OG / CHEM

Oil Tanker from Viking Cannabis & Free Rain Farms (196)

WINNER

Honeycomb from Dewey Cannabis (194)

RUNNER-UP

PURPS / DESSERTS

Slurricane from Lazy Bee Gardens (191)

WINNER

CITRUS / SAP

Old School Lemons from Viking Cannabis & Free Rain Farms (204)

WINNER

Kiwi Daiquiri from Lazy Bee Gardens (182)

RUNNER-UP

EXOTIC FRUIT

Black Cherry Punch from Sacred Cannabis (197)

WINNER

GMO Zkittlez from Viking Cannabis & Free Rain Farms (182)

RUNNER-UP

OPEN CATEGORY

Caribbean Chocolate from Dewey Cannabis (189)

WINNER

Jordanz from Sacred Cannabis (184)

RUNNER-UP

FLOWER - SUNGROWN

FUEL / OG / CHEM

Mendo Diesel from Cannasol Farms (168)

WINNER

PURPS / DESSERTS

Oregon Purple Diesel from Grow Op Farms & Snickle Fritz (182)

WINNER

Purple Trainwreck from Cannasol Farms (155)

RUNNER-UP

CITRUS / SAP

Beach Babe from Grow Op Farms & Snickle Fritz (189)

WINNER

EXOTIC FRUIT

Grape Durkle from Cannasol Farms (175)

WINNER

OPEN CATEGORY

Gouda Berry #1 from Painted Rooster (158)

WINNER

FLOWER - INDOOR

CBD-RICH

Huckleberry Web from Mt Baker Homegrown (172)

WINNER

FUEL / OG / CHEM

Mad Gelato from Mad Mark / Mas Farms (216)

WINNER

Sourdough from Cloud 9 Farms (209)

RUNNER-UP

PURPS / DESSERTS

Strawberries & Cream from Bacon Buds (206)

WINNER

Sherb Crasher from Freddys Fuego & Quality Green Trees (205)

RUNNER-UP

CITRUS / SAP

Boysenberry Truffle from Lifted Cannabis (226)

WINNER

Point Break from Primoboss & Prince Farms (225)

RUNNER-UP

EXOTIC FRUIT

Lemon Cherry Terdz from Clout King & Minglewood (204)

WINNER

ZTrufflez from Lifted Cannabis Co. (202)

RUNNER-UP

OPEN CATEGORY

Lilac Wine from K Savage & Minglewood (203)

WINNER

Unicorn Factory from High Tide (199)

RUNNER-UP

PRE-ROLLS

TRADITIONAL

Mimosa Pre-Roll from Bacon Buds (180)

WINNER

One Piece Pre-Roll from Svin Gardens (179)

RUNNER-UP

INFUSED

Cherry Bomb Gelato Solventless Infused Pre-Roll from Mammoth Labs (220)

WINNER

Lemonder x Lemon Jet Diamond Tip Infused Joint from Seattle Private Reserve (219)

RUNNER-UP

CONCENTRATES / EXTRACTS

BUDDER / BADDER

Tropical Runtz Loud Resin from Refine & House of Cultivar (200)

WINNER

Boysenberry Creme Brulee Live Badder from Lifted Cannabis Co. (180)

RUNNER-UP

CRUMBLE / SUGAR

Redneck Mintz from Dabstract (179)

WINNER

Memory Loss Sugar Crystal BHO from Emerald Mountain (161)

RUNNER-UP

DIAMONDS & SAUCE

Lemon Drip from Maltby Cannabis Company (188)

WINNER

Dolato from Bodhi High (187)

RUNNER-UP

PULL ‘N’ SNAP / SHATTER

Lemon Jet Shatter from Seattle Private Reserve (171)

WINNER

Flower, Pre-Roll, Concentrate & Edible scores shown are out of 250 maximum points. Topicals, Cartridges, and RSO/FECO are out of a 200 point maximum.

Grapelicious Live Resin Shatter from Seattle Private Reserve (169)

RUNNER-UP

SOLVENTLESS - ROSIN

Grapefruit Mtn Live Rosin from Premier Cannabis (205)

WINNER

Gorilla Cookies Solventless Jam from Skunk Processors & MJ Botanical (192)

RUNNER-UP

SOLVENTLESS - FULL MELT

Mimosa 33 6-Star from American Hash Makers (193)

WINNER

Dosidos 6-Star from Constellation Cannabis / Alpha Crux (164)

RUNNER-UP

FECO / RSO - HIGH THC

Slurricane RSO Original from Skagit Organics, Big Ridge Farms & Sweet Nirvana Bakery (162)

WINNER

Hybrid RSO from Skunk Processors (147)

RUNNER-UP

FECO / RSO - HIGH ALTERNATIVE CANNABINOIDS

The White CBG Original from Skagit Organics & Emerald Twist (158)

WINNER

FECO 1:1 (CBD/THC) from Fairwinds (133)

RUNNER-UP

VAPE CARTRIDGES

ALTERNATIVE CANNABINOIDS

Jack Herer + CBG Vape from Passion Flower & Fairwinds (123)

WINNER

CO2

Monster Berry from Doctor and Crook / Free Rain Farms (116)

WINNER

Golden Ticket Live Resin Cartridge from Avitas (110)

RUNNER-UP

GENERAL HYDROCARBON

Metaverse Cured Cartridge from Lifted Cannabis Co. (107)

WINNER

Divine Kush Breath Ceramic Vape from Skord (96)

RUNNER-UP

DISTILLATE - FLAVORED/BOTANICAL

Watermelon Disposable from Grow Op Farms (110)

WINNER

Blackberry Crumble Kush from Optimum Extracts (109)

RUNNER-UP

DISTILLATE - CANNABIS TERPS ONLY

Oregon Purple Diesel from Dabstract (110)

WINNER

Garlic Icing HTE Cartridge from Lifted Cannabis Co. (99)

RUNNER-UP

LIVE RESIN

Forbidden Fruit from Dabstract (136)

WINNER

Dutch Treat Full Spectrum Ceramic Cartridge from Northwest Concentrates / Refine (129)

RUNNER-UP

SOLVENTLESS

Tropic Truffle Solventless Sap from Skunk Processors / Ground Up (146)

WINNER

Rainbow Belts Rosin Disposable from Dank Czar (123)

RUNNER-UP

EDIBLES

BAKED GOODS

Strawberry Pot-Tarts from Khush Kush (191)

WINNER

Haystacks from Khush Kush (188)

RUNNER-UP

CANDY

Caramelo Meltaway Truffle from Verdelux Chocolates (219)

WINNER

Milk Chocolate Squares from Kallisto Chocolates & Rolling Hills Farms (214) RUNNER-UP

DRINKS / TINCTURES

Möbius Pineapple from Möbius Beverage (216)

WINNER

Sungaze Strawberry Citrus Seltzer from Sungaze Cannabis Seltzer & Painted Rooster Cannabis Co. (215) RUNNER-UP

GUMMIES

Blackberry-Lemon Soft Lozenge from Binske & Lucid Brands (229) WINNER

Sour Watermelon Fruit Chews from Smokiez Edibles (209) RUNNER-UP

CAPSULES/ TABLETS

Full Spectrum Space Capsule from Constellation Cannabis (199) WINNER

ALTERNATIVE CANNABINOID

Watermelon Tangerine Soft Lozenge from Binske & Lucid Brands (225) WINNER

Ola Savor Sesame Ginger from Flower Farma & Skagit Organics (209) RUNNER-UP

TOPICALS

CREAMS / LOTIONS

Salvation Mercy from Verdelux (162) WINNER

Flow Cream from Fairwinds (161) RUNNER-UP

For the complete list of entries and judges' scores head over to our website at LeafMagazines.com

MAHIA SARDEN

SONICS LEGEND and six-time NBA all-star Shawn Kemp recently expanded his Cannabis empire with a new dispensary location in Seattle’s industrialchic SODO neighborhood. We stopped by to chat with Mahia Sarden – a fanatic for both Cannabis and basketball – to get the inside scoop on flower offerings at the shop and what she’s been smoking on lately. Follow Mahia @O.G_Chocolate.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT KEMP’S, AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? Working at Kemp’s is my first official budtender job, so I’m still very new to the industry. My favorite thing about what I do has to be talking about Cannabis with different people every day. I love working out of this particular shop a lot because of the footprint that Shawn Kemp has left for the Black community. I feel honored to be a part of its growth and excited to see where it goes!

WHAT FLOWER BRANDS OR STRAINS ARE HOT ON YOUR SHELVES RIGHT NOW? Our hottest brand right now has got to be Mama J’s. My favorite flower of theirs handsdown is the Katsu Bubba. The smoke, the high, the smell … it’s all 10/10 in my book. The day to get Mama J’s in the shop would be on Fridays at 25% off.

WHAT WOULD WE FIND IF WE LOOKED IN YOUR PERSONAL SMOKE STASH RIGHT NOW? My personal smoke stash always consists of a lot of heavy indica strains with cookie terps, like a Wedding Cake or Gelato.

WHAT KIND OF FLOWER FLAVOR AND TERPENE PROFILE DO YOU USUALLY GO FOR? My flavor profile has got to be gassy! I love a good gassy, potent weed smell. For terpenes, I lean towards eugenol – the euphoria and soothingness are something that I usually look for while smoking.

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE BUDTENDER? TELL US WHY! EMAIL

TO RICKER@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

“MY PERSONAL SMOKE STASH ALWAYS CONSISTS OF A LOT OF HEAVY INDICA STRAINS WITH COOKIE TERPS, LIKE A WEDDING CAKE OR GELATO.”

BEST CANNABIS REWARDS P RO G R AM

FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

COME VISIT TO SEE WHY WE ARE THE BEST CANNABIS RETAILER IN THE NORTHWEST.

PRODUCTS

HUNDREDS OF BUDGET, VALUE AND LUXURY PRODUCTS, GUARANTEED TO HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU.

DAILY DEALS

ALL YOUR FAVORITES, EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK.

SIGN UP FOR OUR REWARDS PROGRAM TO LEARN MORE.

SPOKANE OTIS ORCHARDS MOSES LAKE

“These folks pride themselves as an integral part of the local culture where natural elements connect with the earth, creating a beloved Cannabis utopia.”

TOKELAND CANNABIS

Tokeland

COASTAL CLASS

STAFF PICKS

FLOWERS

Blue Roots T-1000 - Cherri

Washington Bud Co Afghani Hashplant - Michael

Svin Gardens One Piece - Josh

Khush Kush - Phillip

Joints

Blue Roots Dutch Treat - Cherri

Redbird Tropicana Garlic - Josh

Blue Roots Champagne Kush - Jacob

CARTS

Regulators Live Resin Gary Payton - Cherri

WATER SIGN

On the northern edge of Willapa Bay you’ll find something well worth the drive – an out of the ordinary retail shop with some cool attractions. These folks pride themselves as an integral part of the local culture where natural elements connect with the earth, creating a beloved Cannabis utopia. Welcome to the weed enthusiast’s paradise!

WOOD ART

It’s all about the big bong out front! Master wood carver and Tokeland resident, Jeffro Uitto (Follow him @jeffrouitto), made one of the most memorable welcome items you’ll ever see on display. His company, Knock on Wood, is world renowned and upon opening in this southern corner of the state, he set out to create one of his masterworks. And if that doesn’t blow you away, wander inside to see his Tree of Life panel carved from salvaged redwood taken from an old water tank. Check out his work online, but if you want to see it in person first, make a day of it and roll over to Tokeland Cannabis.

TRIBE VIBE

These people believe that there is a responsibility to give back to the indigenous communities across the country. After all, progress is always welcome in the normalization of our beloved plant. And for them this includes doing various things like participating in panel discussions at the National Indigenous Cannabis Policy & Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C. last November while teaming up with local businesses to provide economic development through ecotourism. And it all starts with the central component being this wonderful weed shop.

Passion Flower The Doctor - Josh

Bodhi High Platinum Ice - Phillip

Mfused - Angel

DABS

Dessert Dabs Banana Foster - Cherri

Dabstract MAC Stomper - Michael

Bodhi High Duct Tape - Josh

EDIBLES

Juicy Peach Doozies - Josh

Illuminations Hard Candies - Phillip

Junes Jellies - Jacob

Sun Gaze Strawberry Citrus - Hali

Wood Carver Jeffro Uitto, at right.

Check out the designs by Courtney Buckley

PRESSURE COLD CURED HASHROSIN

APTLY NAMED for its thick, greaselike consistency and with an almost cult-like local following, hash heads across the state rush out to score a jar of this stuff during limited-time drops.

And yes, this is the Flower Issue. But quality flower is truly the foundation and focus of Bacon’s Buds rosin line –making this Pressure the perfect pick for our March Concentrate of the Month!

It all starts in the grow room on the family-run Bacon’s Buds facility up in the hills of Washougal. All Bacon’s Grease rosin is single-source, meaning that the flower was cultivated and the concentrate was extracted in-house. As opposed to purchasing flower that has been grown by someone else in another location, going single-source gives a processor complete control throughout every stage of production. This is crucial in order for Bacon’s Grease to produce a chemical-free, fully-organic concentrate. Their building has ENERGY STAR® rated insulation and watercooled A/C, with LEC vegetation lights for a minimized carbon footprint, and all the plants are grown in certified organic soil and watered with natural spring water that’s free of harmful chemicals and traceable minerals – which is then drained and recycled back into its original source.

The finest and cleanest starting material creates the purest and most flavorful rosin, and you can truly taste all of the attention to detail that makes this Pressure so proper! A cross of Gary Payton x Rainbow Chip bred by Exotic Genetix, she’s been a staple strain at Bacon’s Grease for nearly three years now and it’s not hard to see why.

Starting with appearance, the cold cure (fresh press rosin that has been whipped up to create a badder-like consistency) is a gorgeous shade of light caramel and we love the hash coin presentation. Opening the jar, she reeks of strong, sweet gas and hints of fresh lemon peel – all Gary Payton off the rip. After taking a few more deep inhales, a floral, musky aroma shines through from the Sherb in the Rainbow Chip, a cross of Mint Chocolate Chip x Sunset Sherbet.

What starts out as an ultra-sweet flavor profile subtly fades into a doughy, almost chocolatey terp with a super smooth and creamy finish on the exhale. That thick, heavy smoke complements the high – indica-leaning and potent with long-lasting, sedating effects, this Bacon’s Grease blasted us to outer space. Perfect for unwinding after a busy day of work or relaxing after a long hike, she sure relieves the pressure.

If you live in Washington and love a good glob, you’re more than likely familiar with Bacon’s Grease.

BACON’S GREASE

“Opening the jar, she reeks of strong, sweet gas and hints of fresh lemon peel – all Gary Payton off the rip.”

TANTALIZING TERPENES

PINEAPPLE BURST

Lineage: Pineapple

Fruz x Kush Mintz

Breeder: Seed Junky

Terpene Profile: limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene

ACID RAIN

Lineage: Gelatti x Runtz

Breeder: Modern Epigenetics

Terpene Profile: limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene

BRUNCH RUNTZ

Lineage: Boysenberry

Creme Brulee x Runtz

Breeder: Upper Left Genetics

Terpene Profile: limonene, myrcene, linalol

COFFEE CREAMER

Lineage: Zkittlez x Kush Mints

Breeder: Seed Junky

Terpene Profile: limonene, myrcene, geranyl acetate

Cannabis new flower strains are full of flavor and stay fresh longer in our improved flower jars.

Ceres Macadamia Nut Balls

ENJOY A MOMENT OF ISLAND TIME with each crunchy bite of this new twist on a classic nutty treat. Macadamia and chocolate go together like toes and sand, so it’s no surprise that the tasty infused concoction from the Ceres kitchens is a huge hit. To say you’ll go nuts for these balls is a joke that basically wrote itself, but even we were surprised by the deliciousness of each yummy treat.

Every piece has a perfectly-centered macadamia nut coated in delicious Belgian chocolate that’s nano-emulsified for fast-acting effects. Biting into the chocolate has the consistency of a chocolate malt ball with a perfect nutty snap and a creamy chocolate finish, resulting in a textured bite that is a whole mouthfeel experience. This is one of the few edibles that we would buy uninfused – trust us,

they’re that delicious – and they go perfectly with a cup of morning coffee or as a late night treat to start relaxing. When it comes to effects, most 10mg edibles hit the same – but we found great results with these bites. The combination of the fats and lipids in the chocolate and nuts combined with the high-end infusion of cannabinoids, delivers effects quickly and with potent staying power. With a perfect blend of macadamia and topshelf chocolate, there really is no better treat to take a mental vacation with … no sandy toes required.

@CERES_GARDEN502

“A PERFECT NUTTY SNAP AND A CREAMY CHOCOLATE FINISH.”

- 2023 NorthWest LEAFBOWL Winner -

1st place: Lemon Jet - Pull ‘n’ Snap/Shatter

2nd Place: grapelicious - Pull ‘n’ Snap/Shatter

2nd Place: Lemonder x Lemon Jet - INFUSED Joint

THE WAKE AND BAKE is a classic for a reason. This sleepy stoner ritual is rumored to be popularized by Grateful Dead fans back in the 1960s, and here at Leaf HQ, we always start our mornings with a strong cup of coffee and some Cannabis.

This Biscotti Pancakes felt like just the right fit for a first-smoke-of-the-day sesh as we put together the Flower Issue. Cultivated by New School Cannabis, a new brand on the block in the Washington scene powered by Artizen and focused on exotic genetics, she’s a cross of Gelato #25 x South Florida OG.

Opening the jar and getting smacked in the nose with a sweet, syrupy smell that is straight Gelato, this strain had us craving our favorite fluffy breakfast food. Frosty and resinous, our fingers got sticky as hell (another ode to syrup) as we broke up the buds for rolling.

That classic Gelato terp we all know and love is still center stage in the taste, but with a twist of hazelnut and chocolate on the finish. Surprisingly subtle notes of sour lemon and black pepper creep up on the exhale from the South Florida OG – a cross of Chemdog x (Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush). This gives the strain a complex, cookie-flavored profile that’s sweet and fruity while also earthy and spicy. It’s like a bite of nutty lemon shortbread.

We recommend rolling up some Biscotti Pancakes while you sip on a creamy cup of joe and get your mind right for the day ahead. This strain is indica dominant, but didn’t cause heavy couchlock – instead, we experienced a more euphoric effect that can really go either way. While we took a few tokes to get centered before crushing a busy workday, Biscotti Pancakes pairs just as well with a slow Saturday morning

Biscotti Pancakes

“That classic Gelato terp we all know and love is still center stage in the taste, but with a twist of hazelnut and chocolate on the finish.”

FREDDY'S FUEGO

For the team at Freddy’s Fuego, the treasure is finding the finest flower.

AS WE TALK seed breeding and walk carefully down the center row in one of the flower rooms, ducking our heads to avoid bumping into winding plant stalks and fat nugs stretching towards the lights above us, he continues to explain: “We’ve been doing pheno hunts and in-house breeding projects since the beginning. I think a lot of other companies are catching on and realizing you need quality flower and genetics as the foundation to be successful in anything else in this industry, so they’re starting to pheno hunt now – but that’s something we’ve been doing since day one.”

“Genetics are the number one thing that we focus on and it’s always flower first,” gushes Ben Davis –Founder and Owner of Freddy’s Fuego – a family-run craft producer and processor cranking absolute fire out of their facility along the peninsula of Poulsbo, Washington.

BIG BABY & LE MANS

STORY BY KATHERINE WOLF @KATADELLIC

Pheno hunting (selecting the best phenotype of a cultivar to breed at scale) is certainly the foundation on which the Freddy’s Fuego brand was built, and is still a core component of their cultivation style today. Twice a year, Freddy’s takes what they call “The Hunt” to the people and each time, over 500 seeds are popped to bring a selection of 40 different genetics to market.

These strains are dropped with limited-time packaging featuring a QR code on the back of the bag, which leads to the Hunt Scorecard – a digital form where Freddy’s fans can give their feedback on each pheno. The visual category comprises a one to five rating on stickiness (dry to sticky), color (ehhh to beautiful) and trichomes (very little to bling bling). Next up on the scorecard is aroma, where consumers vote “gas or pass” and can check off a list of smells rang-

ing from lemon and grape to vanilla and pine. Taste is rated one to five (nah to love it) and judging ends with one final yes or no question: Should we keep this strain? The Freddy’s team then uses this feedback to narrow the strain list from 40 to 12 genetics.

As we take our tour, buds of the top 12 cultivars are nearly bursting at the seams just a few days out from harvest. Stopping to smell a patch of Red Delicious (Apple Fritter x Red Pop) plants absolutely reeking of ripe berry smoothie terps, I ask Davis what his favorite strain is so far in this Hunt. “Glacee Blanch,” he tells me. “We got the seeds from Beleaf Cannabis, and as a cross of Ice Cream Cake x White Truffle, she’s super potent with a brown sugar flavor that almost tastes like a white chocolate mocha.”

Ah, but will Red Delicious and Glacee Blanch make the final cut? It’s up to us to decide. This run will be released in the coming months and the voting process will repeat. The top four strains will find themselves added to the Freddy’s Finest line, which Davis refers to as, “Really the best stuff that we’ve spent years and years pheno hunting before we bring it to market.” After a year or so, these strains move to the Freddy’s Flagship line in order to make room for the next generation of Hunt winners.

QUICK HIT

Founded: 2017

Tier Status: 3

Size: 10,000 SF

Employees: 40

Known for: Larry Cake, Dante’s Inferno, Big Baby, Sherb Crasher

“The Vault” (a storage space for flower awaiting rolling or packaging) is guarded by Pablo’s Mints – the beloved logo of an archived Hunt strain that Davis says he’s always wanted to get tattooed. In the office, treasure maps hang on the walls while swords, coins and assorted pirates’ booty are displayed amongst trophies and medals. When asked what the story is behind the Freddy’s name and the whole pirate persona, Davis had this to end with:

“Everybody has a little bit of pirate in them. Ultimately, the pirate symbolizes those who came before us and risked it all when everything was illegal. Freddy’s isn’t here to do something new and different – we’re here to carry the torch from the underground.”

“It’s a shout out to the underground and an ode to the culture. Everybody has a little bit of pirate in them. Ultimately, the pirate symbolizes those who came before us and risked it all when everything was illegal.

Freddy’s isn’t here to do something new and different – we’re here to carry the torch from the underground. I’ve been working with Cannabis since I was very young and don’t want to ever forget my roots. I want Freddy’s Fuego to represent the underground, the culture, and the connoisseur. I’ve been pheno hunting, growing and breeding my whole life – I’ve never ever done anything but this. I love this plant.”

Making our way out of the garden and throughout the rest of the facility, we notice odes to the pirate life around nearly every turn.

GLACEE BLANCHE

DANTE’S INFERNO

THE CREW

FREDDY’S SHERB CRASHER WAS THE 2023 NORTHWEST LEAF BOWL RUNNER-UP IN PURPS & DESSERTS.

GANJA GLOSSARY

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

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

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

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

CULTIVAR A more scientifically accurate term for “strain.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PISTIL The female organs of a flower.

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP OF THE POTS

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

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

@CANNABOMBTOM/LEAF NATION

WASHINGTON

1. Wedding Cake

2. GG#4

3. Runtz

4. Gelato

5. Blue Dream

OREGON

1. Runtz

2. Bananas

3. Ice Cream Cake

4. GMO Cookies

5. Blueberry Muffin

CALIFORNIA

1. Gelato

2. Wedding Cake

3. Runtz

4. Cereal Milk

5. Garlic cookies

NEVADA

1. Wedding Cake

2. Runtz

3. GMO Cookies

4. Gelato

5. Head Cheese

MICHIGAN

1. Runtz

2. Kush Mints

3. Crescendo

4. Garlic cookies

5. Wedding Cake COLORADO

1. Blue Dream

2. MAC

3. GG4

4. Durban Poison

5. Glueball

MASSACHUSETTS

1. Wedding Cake

2. Runtz

3. Garlic cookies

4. Zkittlez

5. Cheese

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Cannabis 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 the consumption of this product. For use only by adults over the age of 21. Keep out of reach of children. We are a legal recreational dispensary in Washington State.

ARCHIVE SEED BANK

EXOTIC GENETIX

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

archiveseedbank.com

@archiveseedbank

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

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

exoticgenetix.com

@exoticgenetix_official

HEAT SEEKERS

TIKI MADMAN

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

tikimadman.com

@tikimadman

SEEKERS

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

masonicseeds.co | @masonicsmoker4.0

MASONIC SEED CO. LANDRACE PRESERVATION SOCIETY

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

landracepreservationsociety.org

@landrace_preservation_society

AN ODE TO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PORTAL (CAKE X CPKB)

ORGANIC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@f4nggggggg

@therealgagegreengroup

@seedbankinternational

@geneticdesigner

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

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

JUICY (RS-11 X CPKB)

GUACAMOLE (OREOZ X NYCSD)

AH, CANNABIS.

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

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

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

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

CANNA SUTRA

THE SEXY ACT OF CANNABIS COPULATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELEVATED EIGHTHS

Whether you roll papers, pack a bowl or load the dry herb vaporizer when you go to fire up your flower, this issue is all about honoring the Cannabis plant and the beautiful buds she produces. So, for this month’s Connoisseur’s Corner, we figured it was only right to round up some of the most noteworthy nugs available across Washington. No matter how you toke up, if you love terps and top-shelf flower, check out these picks for elevated eighths!

TORUS MINT MILKSHAKE

Torus was created to advance the craft of deep water cultivation –a proprietary in-house process that “blends art and science” and results in some seriously fire flower. We also love the hightech Torus jars featuring a vacuum seal lid, which uses air extraction to preserve terpenes and freshness. This Mint Milkshake is a cross of Ice Cream Cake x Animal Mintz, bred by Seed Junky Genetics. Smooth and creamy on the exhale, a toke tastes like a refreshing mint chocolate chip milkshake on a blazing summer day. With a 75:25 indica:sativa ratio and dominant limonene, b-caryophyllene and myrcene terpenes, this strain will have you feeling tranquil and relaxed. We like to say it’s the perfect midnight smoker’s snack before bedtime. (27.3% THC)

TORUSCULTURE.COM

@TORUSCULTURE

SUBX GUAVA OREOZ

SUBX is a small producer/processor specializing in “modern and classic genetics” – and this Guava Oreoz is truly the best of both worlds. Bred by Obsoul33t3 Genetics, she’s a hybrid cross of Guava Gelato (Thin Mint GSC x Sunset Sherbet) x Oreoz (Cookies & Cream x Secret Weapon). Those timeless Gelato terps we all know and love are definitely present, but with a surprisingly tart twist from the Sherb. This flower has an extremely frosty appearance with a skunkyyet-sweet aroma. A little hashy, a little musky and a little tropical, it’s spot on guava – one of the hottest flavor profiles hitting flower shelves this spring. (24.2% THC)

SUBDUED-EXCITEMENT.COM

@SUBXWA

FOX CANNABIS CO.

THE GOAT

A small-batch cultivator with a sustainability-focused facility nestled in the northwest corner of Washington, Fox Cannabis Co. is actually the state’s first I-502 processor to use 100% renewable energy. The GOAT was bred by Red Cup Genetics and crosses Modified Mints x Animal Mints for an earthy sweetness with strong notes of vanilla. There’s also some funk from the GMO in the Modified Mints, finished with just a trace of mint from the SinMint Cookies that appears in both parent genetics. As a pretty even-keeled hybrid, this strain can be a go-to for both day and nighttime use – personally, we thought that sweet earthy funk paired well with an afternoon hike through the beautiful PNW woods.

(30% THC)

FOXCANNABISWA.COM

@FOX.CANNABISWA

COOKIE JAR CANNABIS LAVENDER COOKIES

Cookie Jar Cannabis operates a family-owned facility out in Bellingham specializing in elite, house-bred genetics. This Lavender Cookies is a stunning example of such – a cross of Lavender x Animal Cookies bred and selected by the Cookie Jar team out in San Francisco back in 2011. She is floral and herbaceous on the nose, with some of the sweet cookie terp shining through on the back end. Dominant in caryophyllene, humulene and limonene, this strain is like a cup of sleepytime tea in a jar. Speaking of jars, the brand uses food-grade glass to better preserve the flower inside, and the minimal design without the usual slew of stickers is intentionally done to encourage their reuse and recycling.

(22.3% THC)

COOKIEJARCANNABIS.COM

@COOKIEJARCANNABIS

off the shelf

PRICED RIGHT PRE-ROLLS

THERE’S A PRECONCEIVED NOTION THAT ALL PRE-ROLLS are made with bottom-of-the-bin material, but this month’s Off the Shelf is here to break that stigma. In honor of the proper pre-roll, we’re featuring two-pack versions that are both all-bud and budget-friendly! That’s right – all of the convenience with none of the trim or shake.

LAZY BEE GARDENS BACIO BARS

Lazy Bee Gardens is known for its sustainably sungrown, award-winning Cannabis out of Washington’s scenic Methow Valley. This hybrid cross of Wonka Bars x Gelato was bred in-house back in the summer of 2020 by crossing a Wonka Bars male to a Bacio Gelato female. A balanced blend of both its parents, the gas hits hard from the Bacio Gelato, followed by funk on the finish from the Wonka Bars. This strain remains a staff favorite around the Lazy Bee farm to this day and is also quite the crowd pleaser – taking home the 2022 Craft Cup for Best Light Dep Flower and Best Pre-Roll! We also love how their two-pack tubes feature a full terpene breakdown, with this particular strain being dominant in pinene for a relaxing and cerebral high.

22% THC | 0.6 grams/preroll | 1.2 grams/package lazybeegardens.com @lazybeegardens

LILAC CITY GARDENS WARHEAD

Established in 2014, Lilac City Gardens grows artisan Cannabis just west of Spokane out in Airway Heights. Warhead is a signature strain and one of the only sativas in the Lilac City lineup, bred in-house by crossing Sour Apples with Cherry Cookies. Like a sour candy, she’s sweet and fruity at first then hits with a surprisingly tart punch. Ultra-uplifting effects make this strain great for a wake-and-bake sesh – we recommend pairing a full-flower Warhead pre-roll with your morning brew and a slice of toast slathered in fresh cherry jam. As a bonus, these packs come with a sulphurless strikeanywhere match (meaning no lighter is required for ultimate on-the-go convenience) and feature a glow-in-the-dark tube!

16.3% THC | 0.5 grams/preroll | 1 gram/package @lilaccitygardens

THE HAPPY CANNABIS CO. GELATO CAKE

These two-pack, all-bud pre-rolls contain suninfused flower grown by Sound Cannabis on their farm on the Washington Coast, and we’ve gotta give a special shoutout to Flora – one of the “farm family members who is the hands and heart behind every single pre-roll” at Happy Cannabis Co. She grinds all the flower (with specific grind settings based on the bud structure of each strain) and knocks every single joint, which explains why her name is on the labels! This Gelato Cake crosses Gelato 33 x Wedding Cake with a bold gassy inhale and a sweet, sugary exhale. Indica dominant and one of the most sedative strains in the Happy Cannabis Co. lineup, the effects are potent and long-lasting. If you’re looking for a solid night’s sleep or want to take a journey to outer space after your joint, this gelato takes the cake.

22.86% THC | 0.5 grams/preroll | 1 gram/package @thehappycannabis

FIRE BROS. CREPE APE

The Fire Bros. two-packs boast the slogan “All Killer, No Filler” – referring to the full flower nature of their pre-rolls and the lack of pesticides in their grow. Crepe Ape, an indica strain made by crossing a male Project 4516 plant with London Pound Cake 75 x Kush Mints, is dedicated to one of the original Fire Bros. crew and an old buddy of the team to this day @heavysugar. After getting into non-fungible tokens (NFTs), he thought it would be fun to do an homage to his Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT on a label. The Crepe Ape special edition collab was born and has since become the brand’s best-selling strain! It’s all lemon at first, with a nutty and doughy flavor reminiscent of vanilla cookies on the exhale.

19.98% THC | 0.5 grams/preroll | 1 gram/package firebros206.com @firebros

without a heavy price

without a heavy price

HTE Vape Pens & Concentrates

HTE Vape Pens & Concentrates

Rich cannabinoid & terpene content

Rich cannabinoid & terpene content

Potent & budget friendly for the daily consumer Potent & budget friendly for the daily consumer

NEW Honey Tree Infused Joints Honey Tree Infused Joints

100% Flower - Live Resin + 97% THCa - Live Resin + THCa

Crystal Infusion

2x 0.5g Infused Joints 2x 0.5g Infused Joints

100% Flower - Live Resin - HTE 100% Flower - Live Resin - HTE Flower

Batter Infusion

2x 0.5g Infused Joints Joints

by

by bodhi.high.extracts bodhi.high.extracts

Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by 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 only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.

Powered

Powered

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

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

That’s one you won’t hear them use.

It’s absurd. A trigger. How dare you!

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

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

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