Mar. 2024 - NW Leaf

hash rosin infused joint

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36 PATIENT PROFILE

40 COOKING WITH CANNABIS

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44 STRAIN OF THE MONTH

48 NAT PENNINGTON

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WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER wes@leafmagazines.com

MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com

TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING

tom@leafmagazines.com

DANIEL BERMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR daniel@leafmagazines.com

MEGHAN RIDLEY COPY EDITOR meghan@leafmagazines.com

ABOUT THE COVER

The Flower Issue is our annual exploration into the evolution of big and beautiful buds from seed to shelf. To showcase this, we called upon the terrific talents of photographer Chris Romaine, a.k.a Kandid Kush. His crisp and colorful Cannabis close-up highlights Poddy Mouth from Humboldt Seed Company @thehumboldtseedcompany. For even more trichome-covered fun, be sure to check out our website and see all of the other unique covers decorated with Chris' photographs.

COVER PHOTOS BY KANDID KUSH @KANDIDKUSH DESIGN BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor’s Note

Thanks for picking up The Flower Issue of Northwest Leaf!

Seeds are a wonderful metaphor for life, especially to Cannabis activists and those whose pot journeys began prior to legalization. The humble weed seed stood as a defiant symbol through the war on drugs – the one drug that couldn’t be eradicated because it grew in the ground.

I never understood the hypocrisy of demonizing such a beautiful plant, one that smells and tastes like the most fragrant of nectar, whose expressions release wonderful feelings without the harms of alcohol and pharmaceuticals. This plant survived 100 years of eradication and persecution and emerged stronger, more diverse, and more loved through the advent of indoor cultivation and medical awareness. These are historic times and already the newly-adult crowd can’t believe weed was ever illegal!

"AS CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HAS GROWN, SO HAS THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE PROCESSES."

As Cannabis legalization has grown, so has the science and technology behind the processes – leading to the wide world of processed products including vape pens, hash rosin, transdermal patches, nano-emulsified drinks and the classic pot brownie. All are made from the plant, but in the glamorous brightly-lit display cases are shiny finished products, not plants in red Solo cups like the early medical collectives. In my home state of Washington, you can buy every type of weed imaginable – including suppositories and flash frozen Space Weed – but you can’t buy a plant or a seed at a store to grow your own.

This disconnect from the plant to the consumer is real, and it’s felt especially by the farmers in today’s recreational markets. Most growers remember a time when Cannabis was illegal, but also a time when it had a lot of value. But legalization has brought over-regulation and over-taxation with tax code 280E that prevents ordinary business deductions – creating a hostile environment for growers themselves. Add to that the predatory buying tactics of many retailers and it suddenly isn’t shocking when farmers throw in the trowel, or return to the traditional market to eke out a living from the plant.

We all owe our thanks to the farmers and the flowers, the plant that survived its own war and emerged from basements and closets to state of the art greenhouses and corporate business parks. The industry has and is transforming, which is why we must all appreciate the beauty in the plant and understand that change is as unstoppable as the seeds we’ve planted.

In the words of Cynthia Occelli, "For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction."

To all the growers, from the home gardens to the medical and recreational facilities around the country, we applaud and appreciate you for your commitment to this plant. Thank you for reading and sharing the Leaf!

global JAMAICA SENDS CANNABIS TO THE UNITED STATES, LEGALLY THAT IS!

GERMANY LEGALIZES RECREATIONAL CANNABIS

This marks a historic vote for Germany, making it the third country in Europe to legalize Cannabis use for adults. Beginning April 1st, adults will be able to cultivate up to three plants and possess up to 50 grams of Cannabis inside their homes, while allowed to carry up to 25 grams in public. Then in July, licensed non profit Cannabis clubs will open and allow a maximum of 500 members to join per club. Only members of any specific club would legally be allowed to consume the products it produces. “The aim is to crack down on the black market and drugs-related crime, reduce the amount of dealing and cut the number of users,” Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said ahead of the vote.

THE SOUTH

MISSISSIPPI PLACES HOLD ON CANNABIS PRODUCTS AFTER ANONYMOUS CALL

Anew poll conducted for Neilan Strategy Group shows that 70% of respondents are eager to legalize medical Cannabis in Nebraska.

“Jamaica has long been associated with ‘ganja’ but never before in this context as a producer and legal exporter of THC as a pharmaceuticalgrade medicine.”

the third week of February both the DEA and the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness approved an export of Cannabis to be tested at a DEA approved laboratory. Pure Jamaican is the Cannabis company responsible for making this happen, with goals of shifting the age-old view of Jamaica and Cannabis to a more medical than recreational focus. This milestone “is a proud moment for Jamaica and for our group of companies.” “Jamaica has long been associated with ‘ganja’ but never before in this context as a producer and legal exporter of THC as a pharmaceutical-grade medicine,” Cathcart said in a statement from the company. “As the only company in Jamaica licensed for pharmaceutical manufacturing of cannabinoids, we are proud to be leading the way to elevating the role of Jamaica in the global Cannabis ecosystem.” - Pure Jamaica CEO Scott Cathcart

Ahold has been placed on a large number of medical Cannabis products in Mississippi after an anonymous call alleged that proper procedures were not being taken during pesticide testing at a lab called Rapid Analytics. This places a heavy strain on the market’s availability of products, with nearly 70% of the state’s licensed cannabis going through this facility. There are only two licensed Cannabis testing facilities operating in the state of Mississippi. “They have no basis for anything, except an anonymous call,” Lab Spokesperson Mamie Henry told the Mississippi Free Press.

“This places a heavy strain on the market’s availability of products, with nearly 70% of the state’s licensed Cannabis going through this facility.”

“Nebraskans are clearly ready to legalize medical marijuana,” said Perre Neilan of Neilan Strategy Group. This is not a surprise to poll conductors who have seen very similar results in previous years. This will be the third year in a row Nielan is trying to get medical Cannabis in front of voters, with high hopes of finally making it happen. In order to qualify for the ballot, an initiative seeking a law change must gather the signatures of about 86,000 registered voters and get signers from at least 5 percent of voters from 38 of state’s 93 counties.

$3b $1.4b $158.7m $787.5m

Yes you read that right, billion with a capital B. An amount that was surpassed in Cannabis sales in Michigan during 2023 alone.

The amount of Cannabis Missouri’s adult use market sold in its first year of operation.

The new Massachusetts sales record for a single month of Cannabis sales in MA, which began in 2018. The shocking total comes from just 400 Cannabis shops in the Commonwealth.

Maryland takes a step closer to the big B club with nearly 800 million in sales in 2023 between medical and recreational markets. Keep in mind recreational only went live in Maryland in July 2023.

ALLSTARS ALLSTARS

Seattle Supersonics legend Shawn Kemp happened to be a longtime stoner looking to play on the Cannabis court. At the same time, some retail entrepreneurs getting into this game were navigating the right location that would allow a legal I-502 company to take a lease. It was during this period and through great fortune that they came together to build a new version of hardwood in this perfectly located building, just blocks away from the former Key Arena where the Sonics lit up the court for years. Shawn wanted to work with some guys he knew he could trust, and since the three owners had been friends for 25 years, it made sense to build a team together.

THEY GOT GAME

Basketball is the theme with at least 20 iconic photos of The Reign Man’s career inside, while outside, a sick 30 x 80foot mural lights up the street. In fact, this is becoming more of a Supersonics shrine every day, as they continue to add to their collection of memorabilia via The Seattle Times – not to mention player’s jerseys from the likes of Gary Payton and others. So, when NBA fans come from all over the world, this will be the unofficial collection upon which to gaze. After all, this is Shawn’s legacy. And if you’re a Seattle native, it’s your legacy.

FIRST ROUND PICK

This place is legit! Every single product is showcased on the floor, so you can get an up-close view of what it actually looks like prior to purchase. With over 50 cases and 3,000 SKUs, this 4,000-squarefoot showroom is an adult’s playground. You’ll also leave feeling good because you didn’t get fouled by the man by paying downtown Seattle prices. They do good stuff, too – as budtenders will get set out for a neighborhood cleanup, wearing their jerseys and picking up trash. Sometimes Shawn even brings other local sports celebs by the shop, like former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu for their annual food drive. Hoist the trophy!

BIG LEAGUE

A few blocks away, Seattle Center makes for an excellent stoney stroll.

STAFF PICKS

FLOWER

Southern Comfort by Thunder Chief -Jillian

Ice Ice Baby by Freddy’s Fuego -Saul

Pacific Sunshine by Falcanna -Katie

True Purple Berry by Ayra -Carter

JOINTS

Strawberry Gary (infused) by Oleum -Jillian

Birthday Cake by Redbird -Katie

Raspberry Punch by Legit Gold -Maxy

Fubar by Seattle Bubble Works (infused bubble hash) -Sam

CARTS

Biscotti by Seattle Private Reserve -Esrom

Raspberry Mimosa by Ooowee -Jillian

Space Lemons by Buddies -Katie

DABS

Very Berry Shatter by Slab Mechanix -Jillian

Black Truffle by Lifted -Esrom

Orange Cookies by Mama J’s -Carter

Pressure by Bacon’s Buds -Katie

EDIBLES

Mango Sorbet by Cormorant Brands -Carter

Mango Live Resin Sativa Chews by Smokiez -Maxy

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake by Skuared -Katie

Cherry Amaretto Bon Bombs by Verdelux -Jillian

“WITH OVER 50 CASES AND 3,000 SKUS, THIS 4,000 S.F. SHOWROOM IS AN ADULT’S PLAYGROUND.”

JESSICA GIBSON

NORTHWEST LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH

YOU’RE A PARENT, HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE SUBJECT OF CANNABIS WITH YOUR CHILD?

He’s almost 16 now and I’m very open about it with him — I don’t want his curiosity to get him in trouble. So it’s important to me that he knows the benefits, because I don’t believe that it is a gateway drug.

YOU HAVE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE. DO YOU TEACH HIM ABOUT WHERE HE COMES FROM, TOO? Oh yeah, we’re big on that. We stay connected to our culture anywhere we go. Every year we go back to the reservation in South Dakota –where we moved from eight years ago when he was a boy – to do powwows and connect with relatives and friends. It’s the Oglala Sioux tribe in Pine Ridge.

HOW DO YOU APPLY YOUR PARENTING SKILLS TO YOUR CRAFT OF SUGGESTING PRODUCTS WHEN YOU’RE BUDTENDING?

That’s a fun one. So, when I’m selling a good sativa and I have to clean, do laundry and go-go-go, I’ll think about terpenes that I’m familiar with that get me motivated. And the same goes for a time when I want to relax and watch a movie with my son, and I need a strain that won’t make me fall asleep. It’s really about recognizing what information is available about the particular terpenes … I’ll suggest them according to the experiences I’ve had with them. Then there are cannabinoids … I love my CBD and CBG products also.

IF YOU COULD CONJURE ANYONE WHO’S PASSED ON TO SMOKE WITH, WHO WOULD THAT BE?

SPOKANE GREEN LEAF

9107 N COUNTRY HOMES BLVD #13

SPOKANE, WA | (509) 919-3467

SPOKANEGREENLEAF.COM

@SGL.KEEPITGREEN

8AM-11PM MON-SAT

8AM-10PM SUN

“I LOVE MY CBD AND CBG PRODUCTS.”

Proud of her Native American culture, artwork is something that has always spoken to her soul when crafting beadwork and listening to music. She’s also a hands-on ‘Sports Mom’ who you’ll see running and cheering along the sidelines at her son’s games … when not belting out laughter at a comedy show. Follow her on IG @jleaygibson.

My grandma. She wasn’t a Cannabis consumer, but when she was alive I felt like she always knew when I was gonna smoke weed because she would often call when it was happening. My best friend and I would go into the bathroom to be alone and turn on the colorful lights, and coincidentally my grandma would call – so we would put her on speaker and talk to her, having a blast chatting it up.

DO YOU THINK SHE WOULD APPROVE OF YOU WORKING IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? Yes. I’ve been here for over seven years and she was alive when I started. Once I sat down and talked to her about the benefits of the plant, she understood and approved. She was never judgmental. She said, ‘If you’re happy and helping people, then I know you’re happy – that’s what I want for you.’

pink is in!

Looking to enhance the Washington Cannabis event scene, a new team of women in weed known as Pink Kush (Joely, Kat and Tiffany) hit the ground running with their first-ever event: the elegant Pink Kush Bash.

This fun gathering (with more to come) included different stoney activities like table games, giveaways and most importantly, an intricate chef’s tasting menu station to satiate the salivating senses that solidified this open consumption soiree.

Like the strain Pink Kush with its sweet vanilla tone, there was no denying the explosion of flavor embodied by the fun experience these ladies cultivated.

FOLLOW THE TEAM

@DOSIJOVENDS

@T.FFANYDU

@LETSGETBAYKD

Highlighted with a stunning array of yummy bites and delightfully refreshing mocktails, every detail of this suave event proved a welcome diversion from the standard sesh.

Special thanks to all the supporters who made this celebration special, including Whitney Harmon Glass who provided a gold Mr. Twister Dab Cap, and Scope & Stack, who provided the space.

We can’t wait until the next one – a Spring Equinox celebration with a seven-course tasting menu. For more deets, check out their Instagram @pinkkush.og.

"I've been immersed in art my entire life.”

Do you ever find yourself curious about where certain artists draw their inspiration from? Ever since I first laid eyes on Trevy Metal's artwork, I have been intrigued and beyond curious with the aforementioned – left pondering where he comes up with some of the mystical characters and cartoons that’ve been birthed from his brain.

BORN AND RAISED in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, Trevy spent lots of time around his father – a passionate tattoo artist – which fueled Trevy's imagination, along with a healthy dose of cartoons. "I've been immersed in art my entire life. I started working with glass in 2015 in Philadelphia at a studio called Krushmore, and learned carving and how to do it from Rye Glass (@ryeglass)."

Paving his lane in the art world, Trevy skillfully uses a dremel to engrave his immaculate works of art onto all sorts of incredible borosilicate glass pieces. Using everything from nostalgic imagery like Gameboy to ancient Egyptian designs, Trevy's artwork tells a story and elevates the smoking experience to a new level.

You can tell there's a ton of intentionality put into his collaboration pieces, as Trevy works with other world-renowned artists including Stormin Norman (@stormin___norman), Buck Glass (@buckglass), Darby (@darbyholmglass) and WJC (@wjcglas), creating customized artwork in synergy with their bodies of work. But he also channels his creativity in many different expressions and forms of art, including clothing, smoking accessories, canvases and beyond.

He's recently offered his imaginative services to multiple Cannabis brands like Archive Portland and Dabrite, while also doing design work for clothing labels such as Market and OHGEESY's brand OTX.

When asked what he's smoking on these days, the response was simple yet on the money. "A good OG will always have my heart, but I'm repping hard for the East Coast with Pleasant Effect's Zoap!"

ally train ally train

Ally Train crafts her art as an act of defiance against her body because it hurts for her to create. But with everything she makes, its purpose is to in some way shape or turn on one of your senses. “I like to be doing something where you have to be interacting with your body and the piece,” said Ally.

AS THE creator of Cough Creative – a social media account she populates with her custom art, jewelry, infused recipes and Cannabis-related memes – she began with decorating mirrors and selling some pieces as a side hustle. From there she moved to customizing bongs with drip art in 2022, finding a unique drip pattern that the 23-year-old considers to be her calling card. In addition to brands reaching out to collaborate with her, her art has garnered a demand from a variety of clients – including a custom piece made for Cannabis influencer Koala Puffs. While some will view her social media presence and be quick to label her as an influencer, Ally prefers

to introduce herself as an artist and content creator. “My goal from the beginning was to focus on my art, then it became more about the memes and the recipes,” she said. “I would love for people to think of me as an artist first, but I know that they don’t.”

Battling various illnesses since the age of eight, Ally was diagnosed at 15 with Ankylosing Spondylitis – a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, but she feels it in her entire body. Ally was also diagnosed with ADHD at 17, after years of struggling and going undiagnosed.

“No one took me seriously until I was 15. My parents took me seriously, but my doctors didn’t,” she said. “They always thought I was trying to miss school, which wasn’t the case.”

After eating an edible at a house party and occasionally smoking throughout her later years of high school, Ally realized that Cannabis could help with her insomnia and Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Although she still takes medication for certain illnesses, Cannabis is what she frequents the most and takes it as needed – and as she puts it, “As I need it a lot…”

During her college years, Ally began to educate herself more formally on the effects Cannabis had on her. Soon after, she acquired her medical card and trained to become a budtender. On campus, she was the go-to friend within her group for Cannabis knowledge and would contribute to smoke sessions – something she said would become expected of her from her peers. “I like to say that smoke is cyclical. It will always come back to you if you’re willing to contribute to other people,” she said.

After graduating from Towson University in 2022, Ally worked for a Cannabis software Company before resigning due to the mental

Although she still takes medication for certain illnesses, Cannabis is what she frequents the most and takes it asneeded–and as she puts it, “AsIneeditalot.”

CANNABIS FOR A BETTER LIFE

strain of the job – ultimately inspiring her to pursue art and content creation full-time. “It’s always what I’ve wanted to do, but I’ve always been told that art and things like social media – you can’t make money off doing it,” she said. “If I don’t do it now, I’ll never get to do it.”

With this decision, Ally credits her family for being there after she left her job and supporting her while she grew her brand. “The anecdote about starving artists … I don’t want to say it applies to me because I’m really lucky to have the support of my family,” she said. “I wouldn’t be as successful as I am because they wouldn’t have been there to catch me when I fell after I quit my job.”

While the Cough Creative page is a culmination of her different passions, Ally also gives her audience a look into some lifestyle changes she’s made to work with her different illnesses, including her cooking content. With her stomach not being able to handle the sugar substitute in store-bought edibles, she asked herself what she could do to make something a little more accessible and still want to eat it.

Tapping into her childhood passion for cooking, she’s made infused dishes like olive oil apple cake, gnocchi, and ham and swiss pastries. Ally hopes to in the future start an interactive cooking club where its participants can “selfdose and learn about the cooking aspects” of Cannabis.

Despite her ailments, Ally stays light-hearted when she talks about her struggles and describes herself as “chronically ill and chronically chill.” She knows some things are harder for her to do, but she does not let them make her angry at her body or the world around her. “There’s nothing I can do about it except continue to try and make my life easier,” she said. “Whether that’s making things more accessible in my home or stretching so I don’t get sore – whatever it is, I’m not going to be ashamed to do things like that.”

Follow her work on Instagram @coughcreative

March

March

March

MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE

CHORIZO–COTIJA CHEESE QUESADILLAS

2 SERVINGS | 1/2 QUESADILLA PER PERSON

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 green onions (white and green parts), chopped

1 link chorizo, removed from the casing and crumbled (or ¼ cup bulk chorizo)

¼ cup cotija cheese

2 teaspoons canna oil

2 flour tortillas (6-inch)

Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Salsa, for serving (optional)

1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

A quesadilla can be so much more than just melted cheese in a tortilla. This version pairs spicy chorizo with the salt and tang of this Mexican cheese.

2. Add the green onions and chorizo, breaking the sausage up with a spoon into small pieces. Sauté until the onions are tender and all the pink has disappeared from the meat.

3. In a medium bowl, stir together the cheese and canna oil. Add the chorizo mixture and mix thoroughly. Don’t wash skillet.

4. In the same skillet, heat one of the tortillas.

5. Spread the filling across one tortilla, leaving a ¼ inch border around the edges, and place the second tortilla on top.

6. Cook the quesadilla, turning once, until golden brown – 5 to 7 minutes total.

7. Let the quesadilla rest for a few minutes before cutting it in half and serving it with the sour cream and salsa, if using.

SPICED &STONED

6 tablespoons dark chocolate

hot cocoa mix

of our favorite indulgences. And it’s not just for winter – we drink it year round. For extra glam, top it with whipped cream and serve it with a cinnamon stick for stirring.

1 ½ tablespoons chocolate syrup

2 teaspoons canna butter, at room temperature

2 small pinches of chili powder (optional)

½ cup whole milk, heated until warm

1 ½ cups water, heated until warm

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or two pinches of cayenne pepper (for garnish)

SERVES 2 | 5MG THC/SERVING

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the cocoa mix, chocolate syrup, canna butter and chili powder, if using, over medium-low heat until the butter has melted and the mix has dissolved.

2. Pour the warmed milk into the pan and whisk until well combined.

3. Pour the warmed water into the pan and whisk to combine. Reduce the heat to low and warm the chocolate until hot, 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Divide the hot chocolate between two mugs, and garnish each mug with 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon or cayenne pepper. Serve immediately.

GUACAMOLE MAKES 2 CUPS

½ CUP SERVING

2 large ripe avocados, peeled and seeded

Juice of two medium limes

4 teaspoons canna oil

½ small red onion, diced

¼ cup finely chopped cilantro leaves

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 small tomato, seeded and chopped (optional)

1. In a medium bowl, mash the avocado.

2. Add all the other ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Avocados have tremendous health benefits and they also taste great, especially when made into guacamole. To keep your guac from turning brown, drizzle it with citrus juice and press plastic wrap snugly into its surface (this limits the oxygen exposure that leads to browning).

We like our guacamole chunky, so we mash the avocado only enough to break it up a bit … but you can make yours as smooth as you like.

cultivated by dank czar

venom breath

Spring terps are in the air, so it’s time to come out of our caves and freshen our minds and mouths with a sharp bite of Venom Breath.

BAD BREATH and cottonmouth go together like coffee and weed, which can leave even the best brushed of us with a hot case of stanky breath.

While we like our weed as funky as possible, the same cannot be said for our teeth – which is why we paired the Venom Breath with a few of our favorite gum brands.

A cross between the Pure Michigan (Oreoz x Mendo Breath) and the Grimace Blood 09 (GDP x Miami Mango), the Venom Breath has a unique parentage that stands out from the crowded breeding scene.

Grown indoors and hand trimmed, this strain continues a legacy of unique genetics for flower and hash lovers that Dank Czar has set a high bar for in Washington’s weed scene.

The thick and chunky buds have a light-green body that glistens with shiny trichomes, coating every bit of surface area and fingers in a sticky layer when loading a bowl. First notes are sour and funky, with a fermented, tropical fruit-diesel and spicy citrus-vanilla tang that promises a heady, mind-rocking buzz to come. Ripping into the flower delivers a superbly smooth smoke that’s full of a breathy-hazey-cherried sweetness that opens airways and allows for big, satisfying hits – with effects building from the chest and spreading to cover the whole body.

Ripping into a third bowl kicks the effects into overdrive, delivering on the promised Venom portion of the name. This strain sneaks up like a thirst – suddenly snapping the senses shut in a trap full of THC and terpenes. The high is heady and floaty in a whistle while you work way, allowing superfluous thoughts to quiet as the mind and body focus on the task at hand … which is feeling pretty damn good. Almost too powerful for work, but perfect for those needing to ignore pain or stress, the Venom Breath is a snappy way to blaze through the workday with no bad breath, or vibes.

THE flower

breeding brilliance

WHEN YOU LEAVE THE DISPENSARY with the newest heat from your favorite cultivator in-hand, you may not realize it, but decades of genetic cross-breeding, thousands and thousands of scrapped batches, painstaking rounds of assessment and data gathering, all led to that weed strain ending up in that jar. Each year, The Flower Issue aims to shine a light on this beautiful bud we all enjoy and the people who spend their entire lives trying to make sure we don’t have to smoke the same old strains every day. We caught up with some of the world’s premier Cannabis geneticists to learn what really pops their seeds … and to hear what they have in the works for 2024 and beyond.

Humboldt Seed Company brings a familial approach to the concept of a global Cannabis genetics business. Run by father-daughter team Nat and Halle Pennington, along with Nat’s partner Ben Lind, HSC currently produces new genetics in facilities on multiple continents.

humboldt seed company nat pennington

Their efforts in 2023 included a massive, multi-farm collaborative pheno hunt that provided them with the data they needed to enable them to bring the world’s first Cannabis triploids to market – which possess three copies of chromosomes instead of the usual two – and are 99% seedless due to natural breeding techniques and selective pressures. That project also solidified some new winners they’re bringing to market: the juicy Orange Creampop and the tasty treat called Granny Candy.

Pennington shared some of his vision for the future with the Leaf for this issue. >>

On what he looks forward to in 2024: "We're excited to see folks’ reaction to new strains like Granny Candy and Orange Creampop, of course the triploids too. We'll be producing true breeding F1 Hybrid seed over the summer and that is the result of 20 years of breeding pure lines. This means that seeds will be uniform from plant to plant, like clones, and will display vigor like we've never seen in Cannabis."

On the implications of the new triploid genetics: “It is definitely a new frontier – triploids can increase yields, cannabinoids, terpenes and even make a strain much better for hash production, as we showed in our study with Resin Dial. Hopefully triploids can increase the chances for small farms and lower carbon production and the burden on the nation's power grid.”

On their current projects on the global Cannabis scene: “We just completed a massive phenotype hunt in the Caribbean and we are spending time in Morocco this spring – planning research and phenotype hunting projects there, as well as learning about the traditional hash production that the area is known for.”

On the trends they see across the global markets: “We've seen candy strains have a big run over the last couple months in LA and parts of the rest of the country. The European community is still coveting anything that's not a Haze or Cheese strain, while at the same time New York City seems to love a Haze strain called The Piff. We've learned that a ‘one terp fits all’ philosophy just doesn't work, which is why we breed such a diverse variety of strains. We've always said that the best Cannabis is having a bunch of different kinds of Cannabis!”

Humboldtseedcompany.com

ABOVE: Granny Candy cultivated by Terp Mansion @terp.mansion

RIGHT: Orange Creampop cultivated by Casa Flor @casaflorfamily

“We just completed a massive phenotype hunt in the Caribbean and we are spending time in Morocco this spring.”

breeding brilliance

James Loud is a former awardwinning chef from the San Francisco culinary scene who took his 30+ year love affair with Cannabis and turned it into a career as an award-winning seed breeder, educator and hype man for the plant.

Operating out of his James Loud Genetics facility in Northern California, Loud produces seeds under his own label and also grows them for some of the largest seed sellers in the world. His podcast features an ever-expanding list of respected figures in the Cannabis scene, and he recently published

james loud

On his origin story as a Cannabis breeder: “I started smoking Cannabis in 1991 in the Bay Area. In the early ‘90s, my brother had plants that were hidden in the neighbor's backyard at night before my parents got home. I started growing indoors in a closet with a phototron shortly after. Breeding was something that just came naturally. It was an evolution to growing. ... We wanted something different. Back then there wasn't as much genetic diversity. I envisioned breeding early on – most of my friends thought it was a joke that I wanted to do a seed company and they didn't quite get it ... in 2008, 2009. I was making crosses and really kind of eyeing the seed model – I was thinking, ‘Man, this could be really good.’ Because we can have pot and we can also make money selling seeds – we could have our own version of Sour Diesel, which was the big thing. We were all about Sour Diesel back then. And so that kind of evolved. There was Sour Diesel, OG Kush, Chem Dog. Those were all the rage before Girl Scout Cookies. Those were the exotics of their time, and we all wanted our own versions of those things.”

On his new book, Cannabis Breeding: “I've been working on it for five years; it’s the fifth version of the book and finally we got it down. I got a really good team together – the best editor, the best layout person. Angela Bacca did the editing along with my wife Jeanette, and we got contributions in the book from so many people. It's a 380-page book and I'd say there's like 15 other people that contributed something … it's a group effort and I think the book came out really, really good. I'm super happy – it's been quite the journey and it’s still not over. Now we have to market it.”

On the cultivar that impacted him the most in his life: “The most impactful cultivar in my life was Cat Piss. It was so strong and pungent that you could walk in a room and you could smell the Cat Piss – whether it was the flower or the smoke – you'd know right away it was Cat Piss. It tasted good all the way down to the roach. You could smoke a roach a week later, and go, ‘That's the Cat Piss roach.’ And that's what made me fall in love with weed, to be honest.”

On what makes a winning strain: “How does it smoke and how does it taste? I want to know the effect. I want to know all these things. I feel like those things are really what makes it, and some of that stuff gets lost with people. People get so excited about the way stuff looks, and the way it films for social media. Social media has taken us into a bad direction in breeding a little bit, because it’s

On finding his place in the genetics world: “I believe in self-improvement, and I think that self-improvement over time equals succes s. Being passionate about what you do, that's super important to me. … I'm not trying to be the biggest and the best. I'm just trying to be the best that I can be. Training Jiu Jitsu has taught me that. As a business owner, you learn how to fail a lot and you learn to accept failure. … If you love it, keep doing it – and eventually you're going to be good at it. And I feel like that translates to anything that you do, whether it's growing or whether it's cooking or whether it's swimming – whatever it is, you do it enough, you get good at it. If you're passionate about it, you're going to get really good at it.” jamesloudgenetics.com

ABOVE: Zour Diesel bred by James Loud and grown by House of Cultivar.

RIGHT: Seed Cabinet and Podcast Recording.

“Those were the exotics of their time, and we all wanted our own versions of those things.”

mario guzman sherbinskis

On how he knew he wanted to be a Cannabis breeder: “I’ve never been a very technical person when it comes to tech. I am more of a high EQ, hands-on person. When I started growing and working with plants, I found a huge admiration for the hard work and satisfaction of a hard day's work. Building my first grow myself and all the ones that came after, and building a team and a community drove me – and I fell in love. This was the early 2000s.”

On his sources of inspiration: “I’m inspired by the people that do the heavy lifting in life and don’t look for pats on the back or accolades. They just do the work selflessly. They are who they are behind closed doors when no one is looking. They still do the right thing. These are the people that I look up to.”

There isn’t a Cannabis brand on the market today that doesn’t owe a debt of thanks to Mario Guzman. The Sacramento-born Bay Area legend developed the Sunset Sherbert strain, and followed that up with Gelato. Every head stash in the past decade has had something that came from that lineage at one time or another. His company Sherbinskis continues to develop new genetics and push the boundaries of the Cannabis genetics scene.

On the growers he admires: “The garage growers around the world who put their heart and soul into every gram they grow. And also the generational outdoor farmers that this industry is built on. The generations of farmers that came before the social media era, and have nothing left of their faces now but the legendary stories of the people that lived this life before us, and paved the way for the life that we now know as the ‘industry.’”

On when he knew Gelato was going to be a hit: “I knew it would be a hit when I started smoking some of the first batches I grew. The look, smell, feel – they were all something new. The Sunset Sherbert as a parent is one of the keys to why Gelato is so good and makes you feel amazing. To this day it’s one of my favorites, the parent to the Gelato.”

On selecting genetics to release into the world: “The world’s needs are growing! There is such a huge variety of needs for certain markets and climates/environments. My work with genetics has broadened my learning and understanding of those needs and it goes way beyond just Gelato, which is really exciting to me. My library goes much further as I’ve been fortunate to be given genetics by the top breeders in the world and have opportunities globally to pursue.”

On his current focus: “I’m 1000% completely focused on delivering flower to the global market through EUGMP facilities. And also the development of my new platform/brand called ‘Voice of the Plant.’ It’s my passion project and vision of creating a platform for all plant medicine thought leaders, and connecting people with plants through creative interactions with music, art and food.”

On Genesys, the mysterious space-age social media series he posted on the Sherbinskis Instagram: “I had some fun telling a story with AI. It was for the people that saw what it was at its core. The world is changing.” sherbinskis.com

BREEDER SPOTLIGHT 3 OF 4

way beyond just Gelato, which is really exciting to me.”

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chris lynch cipher genetics

Chris Lynch has been churning out hype strains from his facilities on the West Coast for years. As the mind and palate behind Grape Gas, Horchata, Gastro Pop, Pink Certz and a number of collabs with Berner from Cookies like Apples & Bananas, Lynch needs no introduction among heat-seeking flower fanatics. His latest release, Blue Lobster, dropped in exclusive collabs on both coasts. (Find more on Blue Lobster in this month’s California Leaf and Northeast Leaf magazines.) Leaf connected with Lynch to learn more about his new company, Cipher Genetics, and hear his thoughts on the state of the strain world.

On his origin story: “My love for Cannabis started around the age of 14. I saw pictures of Cannabis for the first time in magazines at the grocery store, and thought it looked so unique and special. Over the next 20 years, I became more and more fascinated with everything related to the plant. I grew up in Portland, Oregon, and always had access to high-quality flowers and this fueled my love and passion. In 2013 a friend named OneEye made the cultivar Dog Walker OG. The market was starting to become saturated with similar strains and prices were going down. OneEye was able to maintain a strong demand for his flower because he had exclusive genetics. Dog Walker was trending in the state and everyone wanted it. This opened my eyes to the power of Cannabis genetics and how unique flavors were very appreciated. This spurred my desire to focus heavily on genetics and pushed me over to the next level. I already loved all things Cannabis, but this experience propelled me to see things in a different light. From that point on, I became obsessed with collecting rare cuts and breeding with them. I was constantly testing the new strains and I enjoyed giving them unique names.”

On his influences: “The time I spent in Amsterdam was my first burst of influence. I had impactful experiences hanging out with Soma that were a major source of inspiration. I was also inspired early on by Exotic Genetix, Archive Seeds, DNA Genetics, Cannarado, Jungle Boys, and a handful of others. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my personal taste for genetics and listen to my inner voice for guidance. This combined with daily feedback from the Cannabis community helps guide my direction and vision.”

around the world about how my genetics improved their quality of life and health is so powerful. Some of my favorite creations are Apples & Bananas, Blue Lobster, Gastro Pop, Pavé and Grape Gas.”

On his new company, Cipher Genetics: “We’re focusing on breeding new cultivars with strong therapeutic benefits at Cipher Genetics. All the new strains we create awe us with impressive terpene profiles, cannabinoid levels and flower morphologies. I’m working with Kate, my partner, who has a strong molecular genetics background. She brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and insight to Cipher that makes for a strong work dynamic together. Our next big project is the Blue Lobster seed collection in collaboration with Maine Trees, which is scheduled to drop later this year.”

On what he considers when selecting new genetics: “I look for genetics that check all of the boxes for desired traits and stand apart from the rest. I want to bring new profiles to market, not more of the same.”

BLUE LOBSTER

On candy terps and the future of trends in the flower market: “Limonene, a main terpene in the ‘candy nose,’ is highly regarded in pharmacology research for its anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects. Limonene and another candy terpene, linalool, increase THC potency. Candy and dessert terpene profiles also activate the dopaminergic areas in the brain when smelled, so there’s another reason they’re so popular. I think skunk and gas strains will still keep a sizable foothold in the industry. Skunky B-myrcene, spicy B-caryophyllene, a-terpineol and gamma-terpinene are noted as pain-relieving compounds as well. I think the industry will stay focused on the highest terpene content strains because their effects are impressive. The gas and spicy profiles won’t be lost in favor of only candy strains, because every terpene has a high medicinal value.”

cipher-genetics.com

“Our next big project is the Blue Lobster seed collection in collaboration with Maine Trees, which is scheduled to drop later this year.”

The Ups & Downs of Cross-Country Cannabis The Ups & Downs of Cross-Country

Do they love RS11 out in Colorado as much as they do in California? Is Grape Gas what they’re rolling up in Arizona, and does New York still love smoking Diesel? These are the kinds of questions you have to ask yourself when you’re a multi-state brand in the Cannabis sphere. Whether it’s expansion through a licensing deal or the creation of a new cultivation site, bringing a company up to this level gives someone a unique perspective about what consumers are smoking from coast to coast – something that’s becoming increasingly more valuable as a Gallup news poll reported in 2023 that now half of Americans have at least tried Cannabis. In honor of The Flower Issue, and hitting the halfway mark, we reached out to Anna Willey from CAM, Dave Polley from Preferred Gardens, and Ted Lidie from Alien Labs to get their take on creating weed for stoners across the country.

tHERE’S NO quick answer on how you build a menu for diners with different palates, but one thing each person we spoke to mentioned was having faith in the foundation they’ve built –particularly forging their path in California’s challenging Cannabis market. Polley admitted that, “Being in California for over a decade comes with a form of respect. I’d have to say it’s a faster track when you’ve done it the hard way for so long and been successful.” The ability to rely on track record is something Lidie also asserts has been one of the most valuable parts about swinging into a new market. “We’re an established brand, so people are excited to see us come to town,” he told us. Being a name that maintains their own operations in Arizona, and operates in Florida through Trulieve, he mentioned how the strains they’ve developed over their decade-long history have helped in troduce them to consumers in new states before they even get there – primarily by having so much user-generated content available to describe Alien Labs products. And as for Willey – who has already moved her brand once from Colorado to California before now being in multiple states – she says, “You have to trust in what you’ve built in one state, take your staple strains, and hope folks in a new one will like it.”

In the end, when it comes to what’s easy about serving stoners across state lines, Polley summed it up best: “There’s nothing easy about it.” You might assume a strain’s popularity moves like fish along a current from the Pacific towards the Atlantic, but it’s a much more unpredictable process. Something that flies off shelves in California or Arizona might attract flies in Michigan or Florida. Lidie mentioned again how they’ve mitigated much of this through brand recognition of the strains they offer, but there are a host of unforeseen rules and regulations that pop up – forcing brands to rename strains, redevelop packaging, or even change cultivation methods completely in order to comply. Polley shared how Preferred Gardens has turned down big opportunities because partners weren’t able to get cultivation setups to Polley’s strict standards for product quality. Founded in California back in 2015, Preferred Gardens has put in the work – expanding into Florida through a partnership with The Flowery and projects already underway in Arizona and New York. One interesting issue Lidie pointed out was how, coming from California, there’s a lot we take for granted (such as how much of an educated trimmer community there is on the West Coast). Still, no matter how it's grown or trimmed, the one constant seems to always be that it has to be good. As Willey, the largest female Cannabis producer in the country told us, “What hits in one state usually won't be as effective in the next, but quality rules over everything.”

ROADBLOCKS AHEAD

to be honest it gets overwhelming – even for the most decorated smokers.” Lidie, who also strives to check every batch that Alien Labs puts out, stated, “It’s a lot of work that on the surface, just looks like smoking weed – but I feel like quality control is a big part of how we hold ourselves accountable for what the work looks like and your personal standards are a big part of what drives your brand.”

part they’ve seen about a brand branching into new territory is the time it takes to rev up to the same level it was known for at home.

To echo Polley’s statement from earlier, there really doesn’t seem to be anything easy about serving a national stoner audience. But speaking to these individuals, a very important point was made: Take the time to understand the regional differences and develop the product, so it’s a top shelf example of Cannabis in that state – instead of holding it against your work in another state. Each has different rules to live by, but both need to be reflections of a brand standard. After all, regardless of what you light in your bowl, we might have differences from state to state but one thing is clear: We all want good weed … or at least half of us do.

These rigorous personal standards are not only something each of these individuals highlighted as part of their recipe for staying on course in new waters, it’s also what can take the longest in terms of delivering the same experience to new smokers. This point was further echoed by Marc Hammond, who along with his brother Scott, operate Kalya Extracts in California and Oregon. Being a hash-making company, they not only have to look at flower trends from state to state, but also at which producers are creating camdispensary.com | alienlabs.org

“What hits in one state usually won't be as effective in the next, but quality rules over everything.”

Anna Willey | CAM

Along with the issue of educating consumers with such a wide degree of knowledge about Cannabis from stateto-state, each shared how the one hurdle you might never consider is how quickly quality control becomes a much bigger situation than you bargained for. “I’m very hands-on,” Polley said, “so every batch needs to be smoke-tested by me and the crew. That might sound fun and easy to most people, but

wedding cake

washington

#1 Wedding #2 GG4 #3 Blue #4 Runtz #5 Golden #6 Ice Cream #7 Gelato #8 OG Chem #9 Purple #10 MAC

oregon

Runtz Super Boof Bananas

Ice Cream Cake

Blue Dream Junky

Garlic Gelato

Donny Burger Strawberry

nevada

Cookies

7 Pineapple #8 Purple Kush #9 Wedding Cake #10 Funk Master

california

Dream Cake Milk

#4 OG #18 #5 Biscotti #6 Garlic #7 Kush Mints #8 Lemon Cherry Gelato #9 Gelato #10 Runtz

THE STAGGERING complexity of the Cannabis plant creates a kaleidoscope of shapes, colors, aromas, flavors and effects – enticing people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. Concurrently, these people have a diversity of tastes and preferences –translating into a Cannabis landscape where a strain can be a hit in one corner of the country, while not even on the radar in another. For our annual Flower Issue we teamed up with Headset, a company specializing in retail-level sales data for the Cannabis industry, and dug into some of the trends surrounding strains in different regions of North America. Here’s what people around the country are smoking on.

#1 LA Kush Cake #2 Runtz #3 Wedding Cake #4 Lemon Cherry Gelato #5 Jenny Kush #6 Afternoon Delight #7 Gelato #8 Head Cheese #9 Kush Cake #10 Bananas

arizona

colorado

#1 MAC #2 Blue Dream #3 Ice Cream Cake #4 Lilac Diesel #5 White 99 #6 Glueball #7 Bubba Fett #8 Strawberry Banana #9 Gelato Cake #10 Runtz

#1 Wedding Cake #2 Kush Mints #3 Jealousy #4 Guava #5 Mule Fuel #6 Gelato #7 Las Vegas Triangle Kush #8 Apple Fritter #9 Blue Dream #10 GG4

TOP OF

michigan

#1 Runtz #2 Kush Mints

#3 Super Boof

#4 Bananas

#5 Rainbow

#6 Cream #7 Ice Cream Cake

#8 Wedding Cake

#9 Gastro Pop

#10 Oreoz

#1 Sour Diesel #2 Runtz

#3 Gas Face #4 Blueberry Muffin

#5 Lilac Diesel

#6 Gush Mints

#7 Glitter Bomb #8 Biscotti #9 Alaskan Thunder Fuck #10 Wedding Cake

missouri

#1 Ice Cream Cake

#2 GMO Cookies

#3 Crescendo

#4 Sherbet Cake

#5 MAC

#6 Gorilla Pie

#7 Florida Kush

#8 Bubba Fett

#9 Truffle #10 Star Cookies

illinois

#1 Brownie Scout #2 Pineapple Express #3 Sherbert #4 Kush Mints #5 Bananas #6 Banana Daddy

#7 Georgia Pie

#8 Sour Diesel #9 Gelato #10 GG4

ohio

#1 GMO Cookies

#2 Orange 43

#3 Ice Cream Cake

#4 Animal Face

#5 Frosted Kush

#6 Biscotti

#7 92 Cookies

#8 Brownie Scout

#9 Layer Cake

#10 Garlic Breath

massachusetts

#1SourDiesel #2Runtz #3GasFace #4BlueberryMuffin

#5LilacDiesel

#6GushMints #7GlitterBomb

#8Biscotti #9AlaskanThunderFuck #10WeddingCake

maryland

#1Bananas #2Mimosa #3Runtz #4WeddingCake

#5BlueDream #6BrownieScout

#7Oreoz #8ChocolateOG # SourDiesel # MandarinZkittlez

THE POTS

The Pursuit of

Cultivators are typically going for buds with the best bag appeal. It’s all about growing out the fluffiest and fattest nugs that will sit looking pretty in their flower packaging. On the other hand, solventless extractors making hash and rosin are in pursuit of one very important (but often more inconspicuous) thing: resin.

IN FACT, growing specifically for solventless production has been dubbed “resin farming” and inspired an entire industry of breeding for “hash plants.” But if we’re going to get into resin farming and hash plants, we’ve got to talk trichomes first – the small, wispy structures on the surface of the Cannabis plant that look like little hairs.

The trichome head sits on top of the stalk and contains the highest concentrations of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and more. It’s basically where all the good stuff that determines the taste, aroma and medicinal effects of that particular plant is stored. Here the glands produce a sticky substance called resin to hold all those valuable compounds together and keep them safe from threats like pests and UV radiation. When a plant produces lots of trichome heads, its flowers will be visibly glistening with a thick, solid layer of sparkling resin – almost like they’re wearing a frosty fur coat!

Resin farmers are essentially growing to maximize the amount of these trichome heads (and therefore resin) on their plants, which are then extracted from the rest of the plant material to create solventless products. They for sure want to see that frosty fur coat.

Factors like the density, structure and consistency of trichome heads can all contribute to whether or not a strain is a “dumper” – meaning it dumps these large amounts of resin. While the way a plant is grown (e.g. the lights and nutrients used) can have a slight impact here, most of these trichome traits are controlled by the genetic makeup of the plant. Hence the need to create new Cannabis genetics tailored to trichome quality and resin production. Simply by nature, some strains tend to yield better or create higher quality solventless extracts than others. It’s why GMO and Papaya are known to be dumpers while old-school Kush and OG varietals rarely extract well.

ABOVE: A 200% close-up of Papaya hash.

RIGHT: Harvest Moon Gardens' GMO.

Resin

Household Names in Breeding for Resin

Bloom Seed Co.

Exotic Genetix

Oni Seed Co.

Little Lake Valley Seed Co.

Ras Kaya Paul of Pacific Northwest Roots

Masonic Seed Company

Top Dawg Seeds

DNA Genetics

Archive Seed Bank

Garden of Grease Seeds

3rd Gen Family Farm

So, breeding new strains for solventless production becomes like a puzzle. These breeders are identifying existing genetics with traits ideal for extraction, then putting them together to create something new that is (hopefully) even better than its individual components. For example, taking a GMO plant that absolutely dumps resin and crossing it with an OG strain that doesn’t yield high enough for commercial solventless production, but has an incredibly sought-after terpene profile. The goal here would be to breed these strains together and find a phenotype that yields well enough (thanks to the GMO parent) without losing that unique flavor from the OG parent.

Owner and Operator of legacy brand Pacific Northwest Roots, Ras Kaya Paul is one of the OGs when it comes to putting together these puzzles. He started working with the plant in the mid-’90s and grew his passion and knowledge into a successful growing and breeding enterprise, developing hash genetics now known across the country such as Kaya’s Koffee and The Freeze.

Ras Kaya explains, “When breeding for ‘hash plants’ there are many things to consider. Chief among these are exceptional terpenes, trichome type and proper yields. Many seed makers are recombining known hash plants and having success creating poly-hybrids for the masses – and that’s good for the people.”

“It’s also important to make a distinction and recognize the folks like Archive, 3rd Gen, and others like myself that have been at the craft for decades,” he continues, “developing those cornerstone genetics and hash-making techniques for others to build on. As with breeding for flowers, this kind of innovation for our industry requires testing and processing the genetics, then making thoughtful selections based on those results.”

With that, the pursuit of resin continues…

"Growing specifically for solventless production has been dubbed 'resin farming' and inspired an entire industry of breeding for hash plants."

FLOWER SPOTLIGHTS

Super Boof Plaid Jacket

Death Ray Kindness

Cannabis

GLISTENING AND OOZING with sugared lemons and sour Fruity Pebbles, the nose knows that this is certainly not boof – it’s the Super Boof! IYDK, ‘boof’ is a term for below average weed. If we lost you at’ ‘IYDK’ – consult the closest teenager and then try again. All that said, this gorgeous flower is light green, covered in frosty trichomes, and smells like it’s dripping wet with vibrant terpenes. Almost like a weedy version of a lemon drop with a gassy, orange-peel garnish, the Super Boof smells good enough to lick. First tokes delight the senses, zinging into the mind with a stoney flourish, elevating the mood with a social and creative high bringing just the right amount of stoniness to keep it silly – just like the name suggests. Black Cherry Punch x Tropicanna Cookies 22.2% THC | plaidjacket.com | @plaidjacketi502 (on IG)

Purple Sunset PNDUB

EMBRACE THE FRUITY umami of this unique three-way cross of genetics that’s the perfect way to cut the edge at the end of the day. Dark purple and frosty, these buds reek of fermented fruit and a mandarin soy sauce/ green apple funk that is complex and flavorful. The buds have a thicker density and break up with sticky fingers, and the fluffy flower burns with superb smoothness – sending a rush of relaxing euphoria to the mind that melts into the body, relaxing muscles and easing stress in a buzz that’s ready to chillax at the end of the day. Purple Punch x Mandarin Sunset x Mandarin Cookies | @420pndub | @pndublife

LIKE THE THREAT of quicksand or volcanos, death rays featured heavily in cartoons from the ‘80s and ‘90s, which instantly pulled us towards these chunky, frosty buds. The buds have gentle foxtails jutting out with green and purple colors swirling with red hairs and a ton of trichomes. Breaking up the soft, sticky buds releases a wave of sour gas with notes of vanilla, citrus and a Cherry Pie finish – warning the mind of impending stoniness when the Death Ray is activated. Super smooth and full of tangy purple cherries on exhale, this strain melts the mind into the body in a couchlocked, puddled high that’s perfect for throwback cartoons and soggy cereal at midnight. Cherry Pie x Planter Purple F2 #144 | 15.58% THC | 1.3% Terpenes kindnesscannabis.com

Fruity

Cereal Milk

Gold Leaf

GROWN BY OGs using Clean Green Certified practices in living soil, Gold Leaf has led the way with organic practices and LED lights, producing award-winning strains and hash for over a decade. The Fruity Cereal Milk is stunning, with dark-purple tinted buds that are frostier than Snoqualmie Pass after a big storm. The buds are fluffy and soft and leave lightly sticky trichomes on fingertips when loading a bowl – releasing a soft rush of creamy and tropical fruit terps with a vanilla-brioche-pudding finish that’s hard to stop smelling. Smooth and sharply sweet, this flower is both stoney and uplifting … a uniquely euphoric couchlock that’s perfect for lazy mornings. goldleafgardens.com | @goldleafgardens420 (on IG)

FLOWER SPOTLIGHTS

Blackberry Kush Washington Bud Co.

FOUNDED IN 2012, Washington Bud Co. has focused on growing craft indoor Cannabis that’s tested for pesticides and heavy metals, carrying on their legacy medical roots. Their Blackberry has thick, bouncy and frosty buds that reek with off-the-green-vine berries, rich syrupy notes of fruit and tart, and a frosted scone finish that teases the mind and tummy. With heavy sedative effects that chill the mind and loosen muscles, this Blackberry is perfect for chillaxing and relieving stress at the end of a busy day. 24.6% THC wabudco.com | @washingtonbudco (on X)

Panama Red CannaSol Farms

GO OLD SCHOOL with the bright and uplifting sativa grown in the natural earth and sun of Eastern Washington. CannaSol Farms has been growing with organic methods outdoors since the early days of medical Cannabis, staying true to their roots with long flowering sativas like the infamous Panama Red. One of the first strains to gain a name and fame, the Panama Red has giant and chunky golden-green nugs with sparkling, fully developed trichomes that come from a full summer of natural growth. Cannabis produces trichomes and terpenes as a pest deterrent, and outdoor plants double down on this – which is why these buds smell like a freshpeeled lemon dripping in earthy gas and Kush. First tokes are superbly smooth and bright, with a lemon-lime exhale and a quick-hitting creative euphoria that had us longing for bare feet in the grass on a sunny day. Panama ‘74 x Green Panama x Colombian Red Dot 24.27% THC | cannasol.com | @cannasolfarms (on IG)

Blackbeard’s Truffle

Freddy’s Finest /Freddy’sFuego

LET OUT A Y’ARR and embrace the scallywag lifestyle with the true treasure of Blackbeard, the infamous pirate known for his smoking dreadlocks and theatrical flair. Being a pirate captain was a combination of outlaw style and the battlefield tactics of a general, all in search of treasure. And it’s this search for treasure that drives the team at Freddy’s Fuego in their annual pheno hunt, living the modern pirate’s life in a quest for the best genetics to join the treasure chest of strains. The Blackbeard’s Truffle has dense, round purple buds that look like they were rolled in a pile of frosty trichomes, glistening from the jar and hinting at glory inside. First notes are bright and sharp, with fresh green grapes and gassy-vanilla-cherries melting

together with a loud, funky and cheesy white truffle for a complex and delicious strain. Dominating senses with a heady high that rolls over the mind and body in waves, this strain slows time and brightens sounds while dulling feelings in a stoned fog that we definitely don’t recommend for use while operating vessels of any kind. Chart a course for the fridge and couch, steer clear of cable news, and find something funny to go with the Freddy’s Fuego version of pirate’s grog. White Truffle x Cherry Pie | freddysfuego.com @freddys.fuego (on IG)

THE JUICE BOX

+

THE DEFINITION OF FUN-SIZED

FLOWER SPOTLIGHTS

Gary Poppins

Freddy’s Finest / Freddy’s Fuego

FLOATING LIKE Mary Poppins before slamming dunks as a Seattle Supersonic, Gary Payton’s basketball legacy continues to carry power with the Cannabis strain that bears his namesake. The Gary Payton cultivar comes from Cookies, which the Exotic Genetix team combined with Red Runtz for a unique cut that’s sweet and powerful. The squat buds have a classic Cookies bud structure, with a dark purple color and a powerplay of frosty trichomes. First notes are full of fizzy, fermented red berries with hints of lavender and citrus gas, plus a mild earthiness that ignites senses while hinting at heavy effects. First hits are dense and fruity, with a thick smoke that exhales easily, but grabs the chest and frontal lobes in a euphoric grip that brightens the mind and eyes, leaving the body floating below in a relaxed bliss. Like the couple seconds of perfection in the air before a slam dunk (but lasting for hours), the Gary Poppins is an epic strain for a Seattle legend. Gary Payton x Red Runtz | freddysfuego.com | @freddys.fuego (on IG)

Sin “N” Juice

Mt. Baker Home Grown

DEEP PURPLE AND STUNNING, this beautiful and fruity strain feels so good that it must be naughty, living up to the fun name. Opening the bag releases a rush of tropical citrus and a honey-floral Fruit Loops flavor that tantalizes the mind and stomach, teasing the senses as the thick and fluffy purple buds are broken up. This weed smells so amazing it’s hard to tear it apart, but the sweetest treat comes on exhale – tingling the palate as a fizzy, tropical punch flavor lingers after each hit. Multiple hits send the mind on a mini vacation, slowing thoughts and amplifying happy sounds and feelings as a chillaxed, euphoric buzz takes hold. While preferably smoked on a sunny beach, this strain also has the right amount of power and energy to transform a lunch break in the parking lot into a balanced escape that won’t wreck your work day. Bahama Mama x Tropicanna Cookies mtbakerhg.com | @mt.bakerhomegrown (on IG)

Papaya Lish Organics

EXPERIENCE A TASTE of the tropics with this frosty, sungrown, living-soil flower from Lish Organics. Light green and covered in red hairs, this sweet and fruity strain is known as indica dominant – but from all smells and flavors, it seems more in the sativa-leaning hybrid space. The buds are thick and dense, releasing notes of cakey-hazeycitrus with a fresh, sliced-fruit tang that tantalizes taste buds. First tokes are bright and sugary, sending a rush to the frontal lobes with a high that’s mentally calming and physically relaxing, but not sedative. Perfect for outside adventures, this sungrown flower will have you in the mood – even if it’s watching adventures stoned on YouTube. 22% THC 2.1% Terpenes | cannasol.com @lish.organics | @cannasolfarms

Mexican Flan Fire Bros.

SERVE A DOUBLE HELPING of dessert with a treat that will get you baked, instead of the other way around. The Mexican Flan has big, chunky and dense buds with yellow-orange hairs that contrast from a light-green body, all coated in a thick layer of frosty trichomes. Snapping a solid nug releases a thick, creamy and sour cinnamon funk with earthy-yeasty-vanilla notes that remind us of an infused loaf of bread that’s halfway through the baking process. First tokes finish the aforementioned baking process, slapping the frontal lobes and oozing over the body like frosting. Calming, happy and goofy, this buzz is perfect for dessert – even if it’s first thing in the morning. 27% THC | firebros206.com @firebros (on IG)

FLOWER SPOTLIGHTS

Moonbow

Gold Leaf

BRED BY the local legends at Archive, whose Portland store offers the ability to buy clones for homegrow, the Moonbow is a unique cut of Zkittlez x Do-Si-Dos that has quickly become a coveted ge netic cross around the country. The buds are a deep purple with a smattering of red hairs and tons of trichomes, boasting a fluffier bud structure that’s sticky and breaks up easily – releasing a warming aroma of earthy red wine alongside a gentle, vanilla-citrus-haze finish that’s relaxing and inviting. Exceptionally smooth, the smoke exhales with a tingle that ignites senses … sending the body a big hug while relaxing mental muscles as an aura of happy, floaty energy takes over the mind and body in a high worthy of

CannaSol Farms

the full-spectrum effects of sungrown flower and unique genetics that carry a high CBG buzz. Bred by Oregon CBD and grown full-term with organic practices, CannaSol specializes in tasty and terpy outdoor flower – and this highCBG cut of The White does not disappoint. The flower has a dense bud structure and the deep green coloration of outdoor cultivated Cannabis, with a healthy coating of trichomes that The White is known for. Breaking up the flower releases a warming earthy-gassy-haze with a rush of ripe cherries that tastes fruity and extremely smooth when smoked – sending a rush of CBG to the brain that brings a calm, meditative state that’s perfect for a feel-good mental reset. 18% CBG | 7% THC | 5% Terpenes | cannasol.com | @cannasolfarms (on IG)

kindnesscannabis.com REVIEWS

Scotty 2 Hotty Cloud 9 Farms

IT SOUNDS LIKE either a ‘90s movie or a TikTok dance, but it’s really a cross of two epic genetic lineages for a strain that’s so hot it’s in the name. With frosty, dark-purple colors and foxtails pointing out and dripping in trichomes, this flower screams bag appeal. The buds look fluffy but are surprisingly solid, leaving a slightly sticky layer while loading into a bowl. Flavors are subtle but complex, with a chocolate-diesel-haze plus hints of pine and vanilla that come alive in sharp, sweet and smooth tokes. Repeated hits relieve mental pressure, relaxing the forehead and jaw while sharpening senses in a creative, in-the-moment buzz that’s had us feeling extra hot for a few hours. Biscotti x Rainbow Chip | @cloud9i502 (on IG)

FLOWER SPOTLIGHTS

Thin Mint Magic Captain Yeti

THE STRAIN that best encompasses the first genetic gold rush was the Girl Scout Cookies, and the many potent and flavorful crosses it led to. Cookies lovers will delight in the Thin Mint Magic, which has oversized GSC nugs that are purple tinged and coated in dusty trichomes that sprinkle as a bud is broken up. This unique cut is loud and bright, with fermented fruit and sour-earthy-cocoa blending into a complex and sweet treat. Smooth tokes deliver a chillaxed and spacey buzz that calms stress and leaves the body and mind feeling baked with love – just like a cookie.

Girl Scout Cookies x Chocolate Kush 26.6% THC | captainyeti.com @captainyeti_wa (on IG)

A TRUE PNW classic, the Skymaster is a mossback strain bred locally in a beautiful combination of Blue Dream and Master Kush. This odd-couple strain combines the uplifting euphoria and sweet dreamy flavors of the Blue Dream with the deep, heavy high and earthy, hashy notes of the Master Kush. The final Skymaster strain has chunky buds that are coated in red hairs and trichomes, with a fluffier density that’s perfect for rolling. Breaking up buds releases a fizzy and fresh rush of blue and red berry notes with an apple-citrus-gas tang that’s sweet and complex. Effects build in the mind, sending a rush of euphoria that makes the body feel lighter and thoughts flow quickly – floating us along in a perfect social hour buzz worthy of the epic Skymaster moniker. 24.2% THC | wabudco.com @washingtonbudco (on X)

Skymaster Washington Bud Co.

Bacio Bars

Lazy Bee Gardens

embodies the best combination of sungrown terpenes with the controlled environment of a greenhouse and grown with living soil – delivering chunky, frosty and flavorful buds that are sustainable and pack a full-spectrum high. The Bacio Bars delivers a sourchoco-pine gas with a kick of funky garlic and rubber for an odious and complex flower. With a twist of CBG, the Bacio Bars has a sweet and superbly smooth smoke that makes big hits easy – filling the body and mind with a floaty, warming glow that’s perfect for adventures in real life, or from the safety of the couch. 23% THC | 1.92% CBG | 2.9% Terpenes lazybeegardens.com | @lazybeegardens (on IG)

Raspberry High End Farms

PURPLE AND FROSTY, these fluffy and sticky buds reek with a sour and fermented grape KoolAid that smells so funky, it’s hard to pull the nose out of the jar. A true sweet and sour strain, the Raspberry Gummiez has strong notes of red berries and gas with a sugary tang that had us seriously considering licking sticky fingers while loading a fat bowl. First tokes are smooth and full of more berry flavor, sending a relaxing wave of chill that places the mind and body into food and couch mode. Red Pop x GMO 24.9% THC | @420_hef (on IG)

FLOWER SPOTLIGHTS

Blanco Braeburn Dank Czar

BRIGHT NOTES of green apples crash into a deep and sharp, Runtzy haze of vanilla funk that’s fresh and raw at the same time – teasing the mind and stomach with a new twist on the forbidden apple. Thick and chunky, the buds have little foxtails and a light green and purple tint, with tons of glistening trichomes coating the entire bud surface that sprinkle from fingers with a satisfying snap as the buds are broken up. Super smooth but heavy, this strain grips the lungs and smacks the forehead with a durred, drooly stoniness that is worthy of a big “woah” after a few tasty hits.White Runtz x Apples & Bananas 26% THC | dankczar.com | @dankczar_washington (on IG)

Red 40 High End Farms

BRIGHT AND UNDENIABLY RED, this strain proves that a color can truly be a smell as well. An almost artificial red-cherry-wine fizz swirls out of the jar with a rush of bright citrus and limey gas, making this a top GMO cross for unique flavor. The buds are soft and pillowy and very sticky, releasing a sweet garlic/soy sauce tang while loading a fat bowl. The flower burns smooth and fast, and effects rush to the mind – speeding thoughts and filling the body with a stoney, euphoric energy that’s great for chores, work, and especially outdoor activities.Red Pop x GMO 23.3% THC | @420_hef (on IG)

Apple Zauce Lazy Bee Farms

AN APPLE A DAY keeps the doctor away, and if you really want to double down, you can use an apple as a pipe first and then eat it! Luckily most of us are past smoking out of apples, but we can definitely get down on the fruity twist of Apple Zauce.

Sour Dough Cloud 9 Farms

RISE TO the occasion with a strain that you’ll need if you want to get in the mood, at least according to the internet. Regardless of aphrodisiac effects, this strain is loud and in your face with a sour-yeasty funk that ignites the senses. Breaking up a chunky purple bud releases a darker, grapefruit-chocolate-fuel with a minty-cookies kiss that smells oddly delicious. The sour power continues into the smoke, burning slow and smooth and smacking the senses in a hazy, heady high that put us in the mood for snacks in the kitchen first.

Big chunky buds trick the senses with fresh green-apple rinds and a sugary, light, honeyed-melon-rose petal finish that smells like an exotic garden in full bloom. Smooth and bright, this sticky flower burns easily – delivering a tingle of sunny euphoria while simultaneously slowing the body down. With slow movements and happy thoughts, this strain has us ready for lawn chairs and cold drinks with a terpy hit of summer. Apple Fritter x Zuchi lazybeegardens.com @lazybeegardens (on IG)

EVERY ONE OF US suffers from some form of dysfunction – one that charges our need to act out in dramatic ways. It’s OK … there’s no need to build a defense. Because whatever it is that causes us to project our suffering, we all need to express emotion.

You see, we are often unaware of the root of our anger since it has generally developed from personal trauma endured during the formative years. And when you add the unforgiving stresses that come with modernity, everyone’s pot eventually steams with a piercing whistle. And although every individual’s experience is unique unto themselves, the forum to where much of this frustration is projected is the most common place for public interaction: the grid of shared asphalt.

And what makes the highways and byways the easy arena to cast one’s flared opinions? It’s the fact that each person is secured by a housing of locked doors and fast wheels. This is the haven from where spitting vitriol and emphatic threats towards an utter stranger two times her size will insulate an otherwise pleasant grandmother. Where most ordinary individuals would normally buckle in fear at any face-to-face confrontation with an adversary, within this automobile they personify the confidence of a professional wrestler.

The dissatisfaction of our core sometimes manifests in uncharacteristic ways.

But no one should ever internalize accusations on the blacktop, as it is only someone else’s personal anxiety manifesting outwardly. Self-control has never been a strong suit amongst most people when pushed into small spaces, and therefore the discomfort is sometimes blamed on the obstruction preventing them from their desperately needed open space.

Which is exactly why driving stoned should be legal.