MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com
TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR daniel@leafmagazines.com
AMANDA LOPEZ STATE CONTENT DIRECTOR amanda@leafmagazines.com
MAKANI NELSON STATE SALES DIRECTOR makani@leafmagazines.com (808) 754-4182
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
Our inspired cover this month comes from Gail Armstrong, a multiple awardwinning paper sculpture illustrator, trained at Glasgow School of Art and based in London. “Colour was key in lending this wintery snow scene a warm and cosy feel,” writes Armstrong. “By using the LEAF logo as the Cannabis cafe signage, the viewpoint for the scene followed naturally. The winter-character companions sit front and centre, and a sense of depth is achieved through the hints at a cafe interior through the window behind them.
ART BY GAIL ARMSTRONG @GAILARMSTRONGLANKSBURY ILLUSTRATIONX.COM/ARTISTS/GAILARMSTRONG
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, NATIONAL NEWS
GAIL ARMSTRONG, ILLUSTRATION
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
RYAN HERRON, FEATURES
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
JACOB GLASSER, SALES
MICHAEL GREENMAN, VIDEO
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
JAMIE OWENS, FEATURES
JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
SARAH SANDOVAL, SALES
DIANA THOMPSON, PHOTOS
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in an upcoming issue of Oregon Leaf. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, leafmagazines.com. Email makani@leafmagazines.com to learn more about our range of affordable print and digital advertising options to help support Oregon Leaf, the state’s longest-running Cannabis magazine!
CONNECT
OREGON LEAF!
WES ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Edibles are the perfect way to put a daze in the holidays. Those yummy, potent gummies and treats will get you higher than Rudolph and deliver a hit of the munchies just in time for second helpings of stuffing and desserts.
I’ve used edibles heavily in the last 18 months as I have stopped drinking alcohol and found myself embracing a new buzz that is so much healthier. Cannabis as a medicine really shines in edible form, where benefits include pain relief, sleep aid, stress and anxiety help, and is certainly safer than alcohol. Too many edibles can be a bad thing, but you won’t die! A bad trip that leads to the ER will likely result in a multi-thousand dollar bill for fluids and a snack — which can easily be acquired at home. But I still hear from people scared to try edibles because of a bad experience or lack of knowledge, so it’s important to remember that what goes up will come down safely when using Cannabis.
Today’s lineup of infused products ranges from drinks to capsules, brownies to gummies, and with literally something for every taste or preference. These products are tested, consistent and deliver expected results ev ery time a consumer or patient turns to an edible for relief. Each time the choice is made to use Cannabis instead of pharmaceuticals like opiates or even Tylenol, the health of the individual goes up, and profits for pharma go down.
America is still one of only two countries that allow pharmaceutical companies to advertise on TV, the other being New Zealand. While we all tune out the stock footage, false promises and warnings against vomiting, diarrhea, blood clots or, in the case of Jardiance for type 2 diabetes, a rash on the perineum, these ads don’t work to sell pharma or convince us to talk to our doctor. But they do constitute 75% of TV marketing revenues as of 2020. When a media company s ells a majority of advertising to a small cabal of mega-corporations, those companies control the narrative of the media, which becomes a serious problem when those media companies operate news channels.
“CANNABIS AS A MEDICINE REALLY SHINES IN EDIBLE FORM, WHERE BENEFITS INCLUDE PAIN RELIEF, SLEEP AID, STRESS AND ANXIETY HELP, AND IS CERTAINLY SAFER THAN ALCOHOL.”
This is why we won’t see ads for weed anytime soon on airwaves or messaging from the news about natural health, exercise and psychedelics. Until America is freed from the corrupt yoke of pharma advertising, the chance of getting real health inform ation from a mainstream news source is very low.
When I started the Leaf in 2010, this conflict was obvious to many in the weed industry, who fought to free our plant and offer an alternative medicine sour ce for those suffering. Today we’ve come so far in terms of quality and options of medicines, which is perfectly represented by the Edibles Issue. But even as the weed industry grows, so d oes the chokehold Big Pharma has on media and politicians. As we close out 2024, I am motivated to fight this corruption and hopeful that the continued awakening of Americans happens with each purchase of natural and delicious Cannabis edibles. Side effects may include munchi es, general happiness and a lack of energy to argue about politics on social media. We definitely prefer that to insomnia, headaches and hives, but we’ll live with the cotton mouth.
BRITTNEY GRINER TO HEADLINE WOMEN GROW 2025 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
WNBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner, who was famously imprisoned for Cannabis in Russia, is set to headline a conference with an address on “Cultivating Change: Empowering Women through Personal Leadership.” Griner lost her freedom for taking hash vape pens to Russia, where she played professional off-season basketball and where Cannabis is strictly illegal. She was traded back from Russia in a prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer and the subject of “Lord of War,” a Hollywood movie starring Nicolas Cage. Bout has sold arms to terrorists and dictators around the world and is free again to live up to his moniker, “The Merchant of Death.”
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY STUDY FINDS TEEN VIEWS ON WEED DEPEND ON PARENTS
INa shocking study, Washington State University has inferred that teenagers whose parents use Cannabis or have positive views on it are more likely to get high themselves.
“If teens perceive their parents’ use Cannabis, whether they actually do or not, it can send the message that the behavior is also acceptable for them, especially without explicit conversations that set boundaries for the teen,” said Stacey J.T. Hust, lead author of the study, as reported by NBC.
The study reported that 32% of teens believe their dad uses weed, while 25% think their moms are puffing the magic dragon. While the study doesn’t imply whether this use is necessarily right or wrong, it does warn that parents are responsible for communicating health risks and rights versus wrongs to teenagers. As America heads into the holiday and stupor bowl season, which sees TV ads pushing booze constantly, it’s hard to imagine that parents are to blame for kids seeking out Cannabis in legal states.
Considering that Cannabis is much safer than alcohol or other party drugs, many parents must see these reports and wonder, would I rather have my kid try weed than booze? For parents who hold positive views on weed, this might be a reality sooner rather than later, so take the time to talk to teens this holiday season about making safe, healthy choices for today and the future.
DEA JUDGE PUTS PRESSURE ON RESCHEDULING, SAYS CHOICE
ISN’T ABOUT WHETHER POT IS “GOOD OR BAD”
The DEA held its first meeting to act on the Biden administration’s Cannabis rescheduling directive, and the judge in charge sent a direct hit to challengers, saying that there would be no discussion of “whether marijuana is good...or bad.”
The Drug Enforcement Agency has enforced the Controlled Substances Act since 1971, classifying Cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug alongside heroin and methamphetamine, with the designation stating Cannabis has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This absurd classification has blocked almost all stateside research for 50 years and led to the mass incarceration of millions of Cannabis users. This tainted legacy has placed the federal government and the DEA at odds with the majority of the country, where Cannabis is legalized for recreational or medical use in 38 states, and 75% of those polled view Cannabis as a drug that should be legal.
Rescheduling of Cannabis could mean reduced controls, access to banking and tax write-offs, and new freedoms for Cannabis patients and users to grow and share their weed. It could also lead to a pharmaceutical chokehold on sales or production, depending on how the DEA and government move to classify the plant. While many activists and business owners in Cannabis are hopeful, it’s hard to trust the government that arrested millions for a plant their own data shows is safer than alcohol.
The same celebrities that championed Cannabis and the trap lifestyle are struggling to make their weed brands work, with Jay Z taking the top of the list for most money lost on a vanity branding project. Cannabis smokers love quality, and they put that above all else when purchasing. The same can be said for hip-hop, whose avid listeners will ditch artists that go too mainstream, returning again to the underground roots where the best music can be found up and coming. The brand, Monogram, hit
JAY Z’S WEED BRAND LOSES $575 MILLION, COLLAPSES IN CALIFORNIA’S DIFFICULT POT MARKET
markets with a big splash in 2025, trying to capture and sell a lifestyle of heady luxury with each hit. For Seth Yakatan, a Cannabis investor interviewed by SF Gate, this failure, despite hundreds of millions of dollars, wasn’t a surprise. He told reporters that the Monogram products “failed to live up to the hype,” with single joints that sold for as much as $50.
Knowing this, it’s no surprise that rap billionaire Jay Z has lost mega dollars trying to sell luxury joints and bud. The brand’s executives audaciously bragged to the media
10,000
Number of Cannabis users in a study to explore epigenetic changes of long-term users
Monogram products “failed to live up to the hype,” with single joints that sold for as much as $50.
in 2020 that they would dominate and consolidate the industry and that any smaller companies would struggle against the celeb-backed mega brand. That sentiment has aged like fine milk, as small and craft farmers continue to grow and prosper around the country while celeb-backed brands lose money and reputation with each successive failure.
The value of the Michigan Cannabis market, according to Politico.
Amount of Zen-brand gummies recalled in Missouri because a food coloring ingredient was missing from the packaging.
Number of plants in a Pittsburgh home that was raided, with the owner receiving extra charges for having a 5-year-old child in the house in terrible conditions.
Pounds of pot products found in East Village illegal dispensary raid last month, as NY struggles to stop black market sales.
For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Do not drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.
For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Do not drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.
motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.
ROARING SUCCESS
KNOWN FOR their moniker, “Why pay more?”
Green Lion has grown exponentially over the last decade, expanding from a single storefront into four fully-fledged, brick-and-mortar locations. Shop locales include St. Helens, which first opened over 10 years ago; North Bend; Clackamas; and most recently, Portland, which opened to the public Aug. 1, 2024. That’s not the end of this big cat’s domain, either. The rumble in the jungle has it that a fifth Green Lion will be joining the pride in Milwaukee next year.
SO WHAT IS IT that brings in customers across multiple locations and cities? As previously mentioned, cost seems to be a significant factor for both new and returning shoppers. Store Manager Tony Gonzalez notes, “We have the selection, variety and price point for everybody.” Budget ounces, in-house pre-rolls and popular edibles are all priced competitively and ready to move. Each Green Lion location offers price matching on identical products, so if a specific item is available elsewhere at a lower cost, patrons can request a manager to adjust the fee or provide a discount.
A large selection of edibles is available at Green Lion dispensaries, with brands like Drops, Wyld and Mellow Vibes selling particularly well. Variety — both in edibles and products in general — is central to the business’s strategy for success. Their shelves are stocked with a colossal array of different companies and categories, and if a specific brand isn’t available, budtenders can often recommend a comparable item in quality and price.
“WE HAVE THE SELECTION, VARIETY AND PRICE POINT FOR EVERYBODY.”
- STORE MANAGER TONY GONZALEZ
Many shoppers come to Green Lion looking for the highest percentage Cannabis items available at the lowest price possible. The dispensary accommodates these requests swiftly and easily, but staff often provides additional information about things
like terpenes, flavor profiles and alternative cannabinoids. This creates a natural education opportunity for consumers. Education, staff finds, helps empower clientele to reliably discover the products and experiences they seek. Informed customers are satisfied customers, and satisfied customers tend to be returning customers. Of particular note, Green Lion hosts several different vendor days and events as a means to support their local communities and bring in customers. This past summer, the store partnered with the non-profit animal sanctuary The Asher House for two different vendor days where all proceeds were donated to the charity. Interim General Manager Tristen Page explains, “Staff love it, the community loves it. We like to actively incorporate events and do things to support our local communities.” To that end, the dispensary hosts an annual Thanksgiving giveaway, distributing 100 to 150 turkeys per shop location. Recipients of the festive fowls don’t even need to make a purchase — anyone who shows up that day can hop in line to receive a complimentary turkey. It’s very much like a king of the jungle to look out for their pack and it seems that Green Lion is doing just that.
GREEN LION
7000 JOHNSON CREEK BLVD, PORTLAND, OR GREENLION420.COM | @GREENLION_JOHNSONCREEK (503) 327-8992 | OPEN 9 AM -10 PM DAILY
SPIRITUS & HORIZON EDIBLES
After passing through several layers of security and locking ourselves into the small lab, it’s clear this Spiritus is anything but unassuming. Instead of the rows of polypropylene tubs often associated with hobby grows, I find myself standing between a blast-proof extraction chamber and an eye-washing sink. The framed licenses, sterilization tools, and neatly arranged lab equipment give off the unmistakable feel of a GMP-certified lab — with one notable difference: it’s a balmy 76 degrees. The climate-controlled environment is careful ly maintained to optimize the growth of mycelium colonizing the bags of grain neatly stacked along one wall.
MICHAEL BRIGGS, president of Spiritus and the manufacturer of Horizon edibles, guides us through a behind-the-scenes tour of the first legal psilocybin edible company in the U.S. As legislation began paving the way for mushroom-assisted therapy, Michael had what you might call a third-eye-assisted glimpse of the future.
If Oregon and other states were to take psychedelic therapy seriously, they’d need a serious product to support it. He recognized that precise dosing — an issue plaguing many home-spun edibles—would be the key to ensuring consistent potency.
“These products are destined for therapy centers across Oregon, helping to legitimize and elevate the field of psilocybin-assisted therapy.”
Years later, here we are discussing the pharmacy-grade mill Spiritus acquired to perfect their product’s homogenization, its steady hum blending with the lab’s ventilation fans. Michael seems satisfied with their solution. “Every product we make is tested twice — once in-house and once through a third-party lab. It’s the only way to guarantee compliance and safety,” said Michael.
Beyond compliance, Spiritus prioritizes precise dosing to give users a consistent experience. “Right now, services are super expensive,” Michael points out. “It’s one thing to get a variation in a joint that costs 10 bucks. It’s another thing to pay two grand for this experience and not get the potency you expect.” Spiritus employs high-performance liquid chromatography to ensure their products meet exact potency standards. Michael punctuates the thought: “It’s about ensuring people get exactly what they’re expecting every single time.”
The rise of psilocybin in mental health and wellness has been exponential, particularly since the pandemic. Many, including Michael, have explored the benefits of microdosing mushrooms to promote neuroplasticity or attending professionally led retreats for deeper therapeutic experiences. Wellness has become the cornerstone of the psychedelics space, lending seriousness to compounds capable of unlocking transcendent experiences far beyond, say, an all-keyboard King Gizzard show (though feel free to file that one under “self-care”).
With increasing awareness of psilocybin’s potential for addressing PTSD, self-image, and re-evaluating priorities, a grey market has inevitably emerged alongside it. Unfortunately, many of these unregulated offerings — when tested — reveal dangerous additives, like bath-salt-type compounds or poisonous amanita extractions. In contrast, companies like Spiritus inspire confidence. They’re not chasing a quick buck with cartoonish packaging but crafting therapeutic doses, clearly labeled and carefully packaged to preserve active compounds. These products are destined for therapy centers across Oregon, helping to legitimize and elevate the field of psilocybin-assisted therapy.
MICHAEL BRIGGS
NELSON & CO.
TRIPLE BURGER LIVE ROSIN TRIPLE BURGER LIVE ROSIN
+ NELSON & CO.’S CAREFREE JELLIES
There couldn’t be a better choice for our Edibles Issue
“TRIPLE BURGER AND THE REST OF THE BURGER FAMILY ARE ALWAYS A FAVORITE WITH THOSE NOT AFRAID OF SOMETHING FUNKY.”
“Concentrate of the Month” than this Triple Burger live rosin from the caring people at Nelson and Company Organics. With a quad shot of GMO in its lineage, this strain has a palpable blast of sharp, smoky flavor that’s a refreshing change from the parade of fruity flavors.
NELSON AND CO. has been enriching the Oregon Cannabis market since they first hit shelves over a decade ago. With more than 20 years of experience with the plant, they have a stellar reputation with people for producing eye-wateringly good single-source rosin and full melt from their diverse collection of strains.
Triple Burger and the rest of the Burger family are always a favorite with those not afraid of something funky. This all started, it’s said, with Skunkmasterflex and the GMO pheno discovered from a bag of Mamiko Chem D x GSC seeds. Skunk House then dropped the Han Solo Burger (GMO Cookies x Larry OG), named for Adam Sandler’s 2012 “That’s My Boy.” After that came Donny Burger, crossing Han Solo back to GMO, then hitting that to GMO again for Double Burger. As you may have guessed, Triple Burger is GMO x Double Burger. Despite the overwhelming influence of GMO, which dominates the taste, smell and look of this cold cure, there’s an edge that pools up in the sinuses on the exhale. That fizzy funk stays at the top of the mouth and up in the nose, while the rest of the profile stays covered in that peppery, earthy flavor.
In light of the Edibles Issue, we sat down to try a dab with each of the three flavors of Nelson and Co.’s Carefree Jellies. Shaped like a paper flower, each tiny petal is a 10 mg piece, making the whole thing a 100 mg vegan edible that’s about the size of a silver dollar. Right off the bat, I consider this to be one of the most travel-friendly edibles I’ve come across in the Oregon market. Infused with the same quality of single-source hash rosin we’re reviewing in this article, the onset is that smooth, in-the-background high you get from rosin edibles.
The strong taste of hash edible follows, which depending on your preference can be a good thing. The flavors they offer are sour apple, strawberry and blueberry. We found the Sour Apple to be the one that best masks the taste of Cannabis, while the Blueberry interacts best with the Triple Burger rosin.
Whether it’s burgers or jellies, one thing’s for sure: when Nelson and Company Organics is in the kitchen, expect no leftovers.
Sauce Bars
Sauce Essentials is an innovative, multi-licensed extract company operating in eight different states including Oregon. While Sauce services a wide range of products from infused pre-rolls to edible candies, the focus for our Off-The-Shelf review is on their affectionately named Sauce Bars. Sauce Bars are disposable (and recyclable) Cannabis vape cartridges filled with a mixture of both Cannabis extracts and non-Cannabis flavor additives. Each strain has a different formulation of cannabinoids and terpenes explicitly designed to deliver a potent, palatepainting flavor experience. The technology itself is intuitive; the device doesn’t need to be turned on and buttons don’t need to be pressed. Simple draws on the pod produce large, hazy clouds of vapor. A small light on the bottom of the apparatus flashes on and off to indicate when it’s in use, and every vaporizer has a USB-C charging port if the device runs low on battery before it’s fully consumed.
“The technology itself is intuitive; the device doesn’t need to be turned on and buttons don’t need to be pressed. Simple draws on the pod produce large, hazy clouds of vapor.”
Strawberry Cough
The Strawberry Cough Sauce Bar possesses what is probably the most pungent profile in the lineup — the pod practically radiates sweet strawberry smells. The flavor kindles memories of syrupy strawberry sauce poured over the top of a freshly baked shortcake. Known for inducing a buzzy, cerebral head high, this strain is sure to keep sativa lovers satisfied.
75.5% THC and 82.9% total cannabinoids
White Widow
The White Widow Sauce Bar is subtle but powerful, featuring a sweetened, almost sugary pine flavoring superimposed over a background of mixed citrus. Categorized as a hybrid, the live resin-based strain invokes an invigorating feeling of euphoria paired with downright sublime stoniness. 84.1% THC and 85.9% total cannabinoids
Purple Haze
The Purple Haze Sauce Bar is surprisingly fruity, slapping the senses with magnitudes of purple and white grapes. The expression has an almost nostalgic artificial grape flavoring, reminiscent of grape Swisher Sweets and Welch’s grape juice. The sativa-like effect is floaty and stimulating, generating an intoxicatingly delightful feeling. 80.8% THC and 86.7% total cannabinoids
Blue Dream
The Blue Dream Sauce Bar has a deep, tart berry profile that lingers over the palate on each hit. Consisting of blueberry and soft spice, the taste profile is almost akin to that of a cobbler or some kind of fruit pie. Despite its status as a hybrid, the effect on the Blue Dream can be increasingly heavy in higher doses, leaving the consumer feeling relatively sedated. 76.8% THC and 81.4% total cannabinoids
Laurie + MaryJane's best-selling cookies are now available at 100mg THC in one BIG COOKIE! Everyone knows a BIGGER cookie means a BETTER cookie, so we made the same great cookies at double the size and double the potency. Like all signature Laurie + Maryane edibles, we use the finest fair trade ingredients and bake with love. Happy Holidays!
Laurie + MaryJane is a family-owned and woman-led company in Portland. Laurie Wolf, a medical cannabis patient and advocate, started the company in 2014. Her sacred mission: to make the most delicious, reliable, and effective cannabis edibles.
For more information, visit LAURIEANDMARYJANE.COM
JP jumped on the torch in 2004 and hasn’t stopped yet! I still remember him back in the day slanging glass pipes in the parking lot at Mount Baker in Washington state, taking breaks between powder runs. To this day he still holds a season pass.
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, and he still calls the beautiful Pacific Northwest home. When he’s not in the studio, he’s out with his sons exploring and enjoying their favorite pastimes.
Whether it’s fishing, camping, hiking, BMX riding Baker or just having a campfire, his boys are always his first priority.
His brand, @pizzalglass on Instagram, is well known in the contemporary glass art industry. Currently, he works out of his private studio in Bellingham, Washington, alongside Tyler Lycklama (aka @lickalama), with whom he recently collaborated on a piece featured in this article. Over the years, he’s had the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative artists in the world. He’s also known for his extensive time with the Mothership Glass team, where he honed his shaping skills and helped develop systems for creating some of the most iconic designs in the functional glass art world.
“Art is what you make of it,” says JP about the future of borosilicate glass art. “I try to focus on colorways that excite me, but I always start with a solid functional design. We see ups and downs in our industry just like any other. I always push forward in my craft and aim to innovate instead of recreate.”
This piece highlights JP’s stellar shaping and his ability to make a creative yet symmetrical design, utilizing the standout gold-fumed sections made by Tyler. When you get two artists together that complement each other’s skills, you end up with something stunning. This marvel stands 9 inches tall and comes in a custom Pelican case with a matching slide and spinner carb cap.
@PIZZALGLASS
@LICKALAMA
John Perkins & Tyler Lycklama
"Perkins is also known for his extensive time with the Mothership team where he honed his shaping skills and helped to develop systems for creating some of the most well known designs in the functional glass art world."
SUPER SILVER HAZE
Is holiday stress setting in yet? Well, here’s something that’ll deck your halls — yeah, it’s silver, but this tree is tougher than tinsel.
THIS SUPER SILVER HAZE hails from Hazy Valley Horticulture in Eugene. At HVH, the crew is honing their sights on cultivars with longer flowering periods (more specifically, sativas) like this Haze cross. It’s a hybrid on paper, thanks to the balanced background that (according to the original breeders) includes “25% Skunk and 25% Northern Lights.” However, the Haze characteristics that compose the remaining half of this lineage flourish in this flower, from form to function. The HVH team tells us that this cut came from a secret source but hails back to the legendary Shantibaba Seeds, where Scott Blakey (aka Shantibaba) and Nevil Schoenmakers concocted this multi-cup-winning cultivar back in the mid-to-late ’90s. HVH has nurtured Super Silver Haze for about six years at their location, perfecting that potent effect and flavor. Super Silver Haze offers a profile and punch that isn’t easily forgotten. But if you’re new to this classic cultivar, its scent is best described as “cleaning day in a log cabin candy store.” It’s fresh. It’s citrusy. It’s woody. It’s sweet. The combination provides a pleasantly uplifting smell and taste experience. As the first exhale escapes, pine plays a bigger role on the palate and drives the instantly cerebral hit. It’s the type that can trick you into a stoney situation if you find yourself staring into the abyss — or offer the fanatic focus of tunnel vision, should you harness its Super Silver power through the Haze.
Portland Fog gemmies! gemmies! are small, hexagonal Cannabis gummies infused with full-spectrum live resin. The Portland Fog 1:1 CBN gummies feature a particularly distinct and delicious Earl Grey tea flavor with touches of honey, bergamot and licorice. The effect is easy, calming and supports sleep, making them a perfect edible to medicate with before bed. Gluten-free and created using Clean Green Certified inputs, these confectionery goodies are an edible diamond in the rough.
highercultures.com | @highercultures 10.22mg/102.19mg THC per serving/container & 12.83mg/128.26mg CBN per serving/container
Mule Extracts Sour Cherry Limeade Super Sativa Kicker
This 4 THC:2 CBG:1 CBC gummy is specially designed to provide an energetic, balanced high that’s great for “kicking” the day off with some extra pizazz. Distinguished by its attention-grabbing cherry scent that wafts forth from the packaging the moment it’s opened, the sensory experience for each jellied sweet extends from the fantastic fragrance to the palatestaining sour limeade taste that sits on the tongue after each bite.
Yamba Junk
Lemon and Lime SugaDoobs
Looking more like a giant tube of Pixy Stix powder than a traditional Cannabis edible, SugaDoobs from Yamba are a sugar lover’s dream. These sweet treats can be consumed straight, sprinkled on food or even mixed into drinks for almost endless applications. Both the lemon and lime SugaDoobs pack a lip-puckering punch to the palate that electrifies the taste buds with sweet and sour flavor sensations.
yambajunk.com | @yamba.junk
BOTZ
Full Spectrum
Gummy
BOTZ are full-spectrum, 100 mg Cannabis gummies that take the form of subdivided rectangular blocks. The Pineapple Orange Guava, or POG flavor, features a sweet, tropical taste that has notes of its namesake fruit in the expression, while the Blue Razz and Sour Apple flavors are similarly fruity and scrumptious. For consumers looking to short-circuit their own motherboard in the best way, these BOTZ are programmed to electrify the senses.
REVIEWS
greenstateofmindinc.com | @greenstateofmindinc 10.24mg/102mg THC per serving/container
Hyphae Wellness and Tao Gardens Solventless Cannabis Infused Mushroom Gummies
Made with a synergistic amalgamation of hash rosin and lion’s mane extract, the Cannabis-infused mushroom gummies from Hyphae Wellness and Tao Gardens are some of the most inimitable edibles on the market. Each gummy is flavored with a strawberry-guava fruit puree, giving them a natural, mouth-watering succulence. Featuring a fast onset, the effect is focused, anxiety-reducing and cognitively intoxicating, making it an ideal treat for medicating.
gethyphae.com | @hyphaewellness | taogardensor.com @taogardens 9.45mg/94.5mg THC per serving/container
Hapy Kitchen
Strawberry Lemon Drop 1:1 Cookie
Hapy Kitchen is known for having ridiculously tasty pastries, and these Strawberry Lemon Drop Cookies are no different. Infused with Strawberry Fields hash rosin that’s designed to create a 1:1 THC:CBG entourage effect, these cookies are both addictively flavorsome and remarkably effective. Featuring a lemon shortbread base with lemon chips and strawberry chunks, this is one that’s sure to delight fans of yummy baked goods and Cannabis edibles alike.
hapykitchen.com @hapykitchen.pdx
8.97mg/89.7mg THC & 9.57mg/ 95.7mg CBG per serving/container
REVIEWS
Cascade Valley Cannabis Live Rosin Gummy
The Sour Passionfruit Yerba Mate gummy from Cascade is one part edible, one part energy supplement, and one part mystical rocket fuel. These delicious little tropical fruit-flavored jellies are powered by a formula of THC, yerba mate, L-theanine and B12 that elevates energy levels as much as it does mood and mental state. Featuring alternate formulations of supplements and mushrooms across their solventless gummy line (including Sweet Raspberry Reishi, Sweet Blueberry Hibiscus, and Sour Huckleberry Cordyceps), these candies put the fun in functional Cannabis edible.
Laurie + MaryJane 1:1 Chocolate Mint Fudge Yourself Fudge
“Fudge Yourself” has never been such an appealing request until now, but Laurie + MaryJane are bringing a new meaning to the phrase. Fudge Yourself Cannabis Fudge is an infused chocolate treat powered by THC and a whole lot of love. Each sweetened block is segmented and easy to pull apart for specific doses. Featuring a soft, silky texture that literally melts in the mouth, fudging oneself is an absolutely appetizing way to medicate.
laurieandmaryjane.com | @laurieandmaryjane
10.3mg/103mg THC per serving/container & 10.19mg/101mg CBD per serving/container
SDK Red Velvet Cookie
This infused Cannabis confection packs a hefty 100 mg of GMO hash rosin. With a flavor best described as a chocolatey, cake-like delight, the taste is consistent with what one would expect from an actual slice of red velvet cake. Appropriately, the consistency of the cookie is velvety soft with a slight crunch to each bite. In higher doses, the edible produces a weighty, sedating effect. However the cookie crumbles, this is one delicacy that’s devilishly delicious. cascadevalleycannabis.co | @cascadevlyfarm
Captivating the cultivar Oregon Guava from Ground Up Farms in gummy form, Willamette Valley Alchemy’s sister brand returns with another fresh and fruity frolic through Flavortown. You’ll find that they offer plenty of different cultivars and cannabinoid ratios. But we reached for the CBD-heavy option with a sprinkle of THC, because you know we don’t roll without the entourage (effect). These morsels are made with real fruit puree and are easy to keep on hand, thanks to their pre-partition doses in a reusable, palm-sized tin.
groundupfarms.com | @groundupfarms | retreatsedibles.com | @retreats_wva 0.28mg/2.8mg THC & 9.14mg | 91.35mg CBD per serving/container review & photo by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media
Magic Number Magic Bubbly
Old acquaintances may be forgotten, but one thing that won’t be forgotten this holiday season is the Magic Bubbly. Made with Wilson! Zero solventless hash rosin from Bo’s Nose Knows, this strain-specific, apple cider-based edible drink has become a yearly staple for many Oregonian Cannabis connoisseurs. It’s tasty, it’s fun to overindulge in, and it’s a superior alternative to alcohol for toasting to a year of health and happiness.
drinkmagicnumber.com | @wedrinkmagicnumber 9.50mg/95.04mg THC per serving/container review & photo by Jamie Owens
Fire Dept. Cannabis Sleepytime 1:1:1 Snickerdoodle Cookie
If sleep has been slipping past you, Fire Dept. is here to save your slumber with 300 milligrams of cannabinoids. Offering a rosin and artificially derived CBN infusion in a small, soft cookie with a crisp snap, this 1:1:1 blend brings a balanced and bold approach to bedtime. If sleep still evades you after the recommended waiting period (two hours), this scrumptious Snickerdoodle is still worth the bedtime snack.
firedeptcanna.com | @firedept.oregon
9.71mg/97.1mg THC, 9.42mg/94.2mg CBD 9.22mg/92.2mg CBN per serving/container review & photo by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media
Christmas at the In-laws?
Purefectionery Rainbow Crunch Blueberry Fruit Cruncher
The Purefectionery Rainbow Crunch Blueberry Fruit Cruncher bonds the bold sweetness of blueberries with the satisfying crunch nostalgia of Nerds. Made with Platinum Monkey RSO, grown and crafted by the folks at Siskiyou Sungrown, this edible strikes a balance between innovative flavor and reliable inputs. Perfect for anyone curious about blending crunchy bites with a hint of RSO wellness, this treat offers a fun and tasty take on Cannabis confections.
Drops’ Raspberry Parfait 2:1 Jellies are a clever mix of live rosin-derived THC and hemp-derived CBD, perfectly paired in a 2:1 ratio. With their soft, fruity flavor and vegan-friendly ingredients, they make dosing effortless — no slicing or measuring, just pop and enjoy. Packaged in a recyclable tin, they’re as considerate to the planet as they are to your routine. These jellies are ideal for anyone who values simplicity, sustainability and a touch of sweetness in their edible explorations.
dropscandies.com | @dropscandies
4.9mg/97.7mg THC & 2.6mg/51.5mg CBD per serving/container
REVIEWS
Joyibles Sour Blends Pucker Pear and Cherry Bomb 1:1 Joy Bombs
Joyibles’ Joy Bombs offer a candy-coated experience with a texture reminiscent of Skittles and a satisfying tart zing. Produced by Nimble in Portland, these gluten-free, vegan chews contain 2.5 mg of THC and 2.5 mg of CBD per piece, and at four pieces per serving, the low per-piece milligrams make for approachable and manageable dosing increments. The punchy pear and cherry flavors, paired with their tangy tartness, make these Joy Bombs a standout choice for sour candy lovers.
Concrete Jungle 1:1 Berry Fruit Gummy
Concrete Jungle’s 1:1 Berry Fruit Gummies bring together live resin from Cannabis and CBN artificially derived from hemp extract, for a thoughtfully curated experience. Packed with a sugary berry flavor, these gummies offer a sweet, simple and approachable way to explore the synergy of cannabinoids. The live resin preserves the plant’s natural terpene profile, while the addition of CBN tends to relay relaxation. Easy peel-apart portions make knives unnecessary and on-the-go dosing a smooth transaction.
concretejungleextracts.com
10.14mg/101.4mg THC & 10.7mg/100.7mg CBN per serving/container
Dave’s Nuttz Milk Chocolate Covered Hazelnuts
Did you know Oregon produces about 99% of the country’s hazelnuts? These particular chocolatecovered nuts are Oregon to the core. The creamy, crunchy delicacies are delicately dipped in Green Dragon Extracts-infused (milk, dark or blonde) chocolate, making most of each bite taste magically unmedicated. But at almost 10 mg per hazelnut, it only takes 10 to reach the full 100 mg, so crack this bag open with caution. This dangerously delicious and distinctly dazzling snack will slip through your fingers — and mouth — with way too much ease.
davesnuttz.printful.me
@spacecakedave
9.43mg/94.3mg THC per serving/container
REVIEWS
Quality Drugs Oh Yeah Orange, Sublime Strawberry and Magic Melon Fruit Chews Serra Quality Drugs fruit chews deliver bold flavors in bundles like Oh Yeah Orange, Sublime Strawberry, and Magic Melon. It’s a chew that’s somewhere between soft taffy and a Starburst. Infused with Cannabis oil concentrate, these treats balance vibrant taste with reliable consistency. Made with simple ingredients like cane sugar, butter, and natural flavors, they’re a sweet choice for anyone looking for a flavorful, fun, approachable, and individually wrapped edible dose that stands out for its unique texture and satisfying mouthfeel.
Oregon Bud Company Orange Cream Gummy
Oregon Bud Company’s Orange Cream Gummy brings a nostalgic summer twist with its smooth, citrusy flavor reminiscent of a creamsicle. The compact 1-inch square isn’t just adorable — it’s functional, breaking into slivers that are as easy to dose as they are to eat. Made by a local dispensary with six spots across Oregon, this gummy is more than a treat — it’s a thoughtful nod to those who like their edibles simple, flavorful and refreshingly fuss-free.
oregonbc.com | @oregon.budcompany
10.4mg/104mg THC & 0.054mg/0.54mg CBD per serving/container
shopserra.com | @shop_serra 9.33mg/93.33mg THC per serving/container
Blossom Strawberry Gummy
Angel Industries’ Blossom Strawberry Gummies combine a cute flower shape with practical functionality — easily split into five to 10 servings for customizable use. Made with real fruit juice, natural flavoring, cane sugar and agave syrup, these vegan gummies bring a bright, fruity taste without cutting corners on quality ingredients. Whether you’re drawn in by the fun design or the clean recipe, these gummies offer an easy and enjoyable way to savor an edible that’s as tasty as it is versatile.
www.angel.industries | @blossomgummy | @angel.industries 9.6mg/96mg THC per serving
Grön Milk Chocolate Mini Bar
The Grön Milk Chocolate Mini Bar pairs creamy Fair Trade Certified milk chocolate with a delicate dusting of Jacobsen sea salt for a decadent, sweet-andsavory experience. The mini bar is impressively small, packing all 100 mg into a 1-inch square. The size is a refreshing option if you’d like less sugar. Infused with rosin, this soy- and glutenfree bar offers a straightforward option for those who prefer a little indulgence with their edibles.
eatgron.com
@eatgron
9.15mg/91.51mg THC per serving/container
REVIEWS
Verdant Leaf Pink Lemonade Gummies
Verdant Leaf’s Pink Lemonade Gummies offer a plant-based option with a tangy pink lemonade flavor. These vegan, glutenfree gummies are nano-infused with Rainbow Belts live rosin, a process designed to enhance cannabinoid absorption. With a focus on quality ingredients and mindful choices, they provide a simple and approachable way to explore infused edibles. Whether for the flavor or the formulation, these gummies are a thoughtful addition to any edible lineup.
verdantleaf.com | @theverdantleaf
9.42mg/94.26mg THC per serving/container
Rebel Spirit Tangerine Tart Sativa Soar Gummy
Rebel Spirit’s Tangerine Tart Sativa Soar Gummy is a refreshing twist on edibles, crafted with strain-specific Jack Herer and Thunderbird Rose live resin for a lively, citrus-forward kick. Made vegan and in collaboration with Rose City Confections, it’s a snack with purpose. Rebel Spirit has supported the Last Prisoner Project since 2020, spearheading local efforts and donating a portion of profits. This gummy offers flavor and feels with a side of real community impact.
rebelspiritcannabis.com | @rebelspiritfarm | @rosecityconfections 10.8mg/108mg THC per serving/container
OrNice Naughty
I’M PRETTY SURE I LIVE IN MEXICO NOW, long story, but I’m back in Oregon for the holidays. It’s raining and dreary, but being back, I like to infuse my edibles with Zsunami, a delightful strain from Pruf Cultivar that gives a great high. It’s a hybrid with a lime Skittles aroma and flavor. Relaxing and uplifting, I’m blessed with occasional bouts of uncontrollable laughter — always nice around the holidays. For many of us with election-related PTSD, edibles this season are a must. Not too strong, no need to go overboard. Just enjoy. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
CHOCOLATE BEAUTY’S
Makes 20
2 cups chocolate chips (12-ounce bag)
3 to 4 tablespoons cannabutter
1 cup assorted nuts and dried fruit
1. Place the chocolate and cannabutter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power at 20-second intervals, stirring after each until almost fully melted. The chocolate will continue to melt.
2. Place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan. Use a cookie scoop or drop 20 heaping tablespoonfuls onto the parchment. Spread slightly, then sprinkle with the nuts and dried fruit. Allow to set in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
SPICY MANGO DIPPERS
Makes 40, two per person
40 pieces dried mango (your choice of sugared, sugared with chili, or natural)
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
3 to 4 tablespoons cannabutter
1. Place the mango pieces on a parchment-covered sheet pan.
2. Place the chocolate and cannabutter in a small/medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 20-second intervals on low power. Stir and heat until almost fully melted. The chocolate will continue to melt.
3. Holding the mango pieces by the ends, dip them halfway into the melted chocolate and place on the parchment to set.
CLUSTER LUCKS
Makes 20, 5 mg of THC each
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or melts
3 to 4 tablespoons cannabutter
12 small peanut butter cups or soft caramels 100 pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate with the cannabutter at 15-second intervals on low power. Stir until fully melted. White chocolate burns easily, so don’t overheat.
2. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a sheet pan. Place the melted chips on top of the candy in 20 equal portions. Place 5 pecans at the base of each of the white chocolate mounds and press gently.
3. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips on low power in 20-second intervals.
4. When melted, stir and use a fork to dip in the melted chocolate and drizzle over the white chocolate. Allow to set in fridge for 30 minutes.
HIGHLIDAY DELIGHTS
Saga of the Scythians
Like some Iron Age version of the Hells Angels, the fearsome nomads known as the Scythians drank, fought and conquered their way across ancient Eurasia. They also happen to be one of the earliest cultures on Earth to incorporate Cannabis into their practical and spiritual lives.
WHO WERE THE SCYTHIANS?
The Scythians (sai·thee·uhns) were an Iranic tribe of nomadic equestrian warriors who lived in the Eurasian Steppes (a region of grasslands across Central Asia) from around 800 to 300 B.C.E. Much about the Scythian people remains a mystery: since they didn’t have a written language, most of what we know about them comes from the writings of Greek historians — most notably the so-called “father of history,” Herodotus. From such accounts, along with archaeological evidence, anthropologists have been able to piece together a picture of Scythian culture.
WARRIORS, WOMEN, & WINE
For one thing, we know that they revered horses and were among the earliest civilizations to master the art of riding. Horses played a role in all aspects of Scythian life — be it for travel, herding, hunting or battle — and they equipped their steeds with ornate saddles, harnesses and armor. They reportedly even slept with and were buried with them; equine skeletons have been found alongside human remains in excavations of their sacred burial mounds, called “kurgans.” They were so closely associated with horses, in fact, that it’s believed the Greek myth of the centaur (a half-man, half-horse creature) was inspired by Scythian horsemen.
As for their appearance, we know they wore elaborately decorated clothing and armor, including tall pointed hats, tunics and various bracelets and plates made of gold and copper. We also know that they were heavily tattooed and that they would use the tattooed skin of their dead as a form of human leather.
By all accounts, the Scythians were fearsome warriors. Centuries before Attila’s Huns or Genghis Khan’s Mongol hordes, it was the Scythian cavalry who terrorized Eurasia — conquering other tribes like the Thracians and the Cimmerians. (Fantasy fans will recognize Cimmerians as the tribe of Conan the Barbar ian… in fact, the villains in the classic 1982 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger are rumored to be partly based on the Scythians.)
Though they used a wide array of armaments (including spears, maces, battle axes and swords), their primary weapon was a short, composite, double-curved bow, which they shot with great accuracy even while riding. They were so renowned for their archery skills that Athenians allegedly employed Scythian slaves and conscripts as a primitive police force. In fact, it’s theorized that the name “Scythia” itself may come from the ancient Indo-European word skuza, meaning “archer.”
And unlike the Greeks and Romans, it wasn’t just the Scythian men who were warriors — their women were apparently
just as fierce. According to Herodotus, these female warriors, who were “causing the Greeks to feel awe, fear and respect,” were none other than the Amazons — the fabled tribe of man-haters from which the superhero Wonder Woman arises — who he claimed had assimilated and interbred with the Scythians after failing to
In addition to their wild appearance and fighting females, there was another reason the West considered the Scythians barbarians: unlike the “civilized” Greeks, who mixed their wine with water, Scythians drank theirs straight up and to excess.
“To drink wine is the mark of a civilized man,” noted French historian Francois Hartog in “The World of the Scythians” (Rolle, 1980), “but to drink wine undiluted is the mark of a savage and represents a transgression.”
There’s another intoxicant, however, that they revered more than wine, and that was Cannabis.
Recreation of the Scythian Ice Maiden/Altai Lady tomb at the Anokhin Museum in Pazyryk, Siberia.
Tattooed skin leather from the Pazyryk excavation.
Scythian mounted archer.
Amazon archer.
HERODOTUS, HEMP, & HOTBOXING
Wild Cannabis plants were undoubtedly plentiful across the Central Asian steppe by 10,000 B.C., so it should come as little surprise to learn that the Scythians were among the earliest cultures to utilize it. In fact, it’s believed that the name “Cannabis” actually originated from the Scythian word kanab — which, after its introduction to the Greeks became kannabis, then Cannabis in Latin. It’s also believed that the Proto-Germanic word for the plant, hanapiz — which later evolved into the Old Saxon hanap, then “hemp” — originated from Kanab.
Scythians wove hemp fiber into textiles and braided it into lariats and lassoes, which they used for herding and in warfare (which may also explain why Wonder Woman wields a “magic lasso”). Aside from its fiber, evidence suggests that they also incorporated Cannabis into their religious ceremonies — most notably their funeral rites. In Book IV of his 5th-century B.C.E. work “The Histories,” Herodotus explains that after a Scythian died, their loved ones would spend 40 days honoring them with feasts (during which the deceased was reportedly eaten!). At the end of this celebration period, they would engage in a purification ritual that essentially entailed hotboxing a teepee:
“They make a booth by fixing in the ground three sticks inclined towards one another, and stretching around them woollen felts, which they arrange so as to fit as close as possible: inside the booth a dish is placed upon the ground, into which they put a number of red-hot stones, and then add some hemp-seed. … Immediately it smokes and gives out such a vapour as no Grecian vapour-bath can exceed; the Scyths, delighted, shout for joy...”
Since seeds obviously don’t produce the kind of euphoric vapor that Herodotus describes, historians generally agree that it was likely Cannabis flowers that they were burning and that the seeds were simply what was left at the end. And remarkably, archaeologists have since found evidence to back up Herodotus’ tale.
ARCHEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
In 1929, archaeologists discovered 14 Scythian burial mounds dating from the 5th to the 3rd century B.C.E. in a region along the border between Siberia and Kazakhstan known as Pazyryk. Upon later excavation of these frozen kurgans, they uncovered embalmed, heavily tattooed corpses and skins from the permafrost (including the so-called Ice Maiden or “Altai Lady”), as well as textiles, garments, furniture, riding gear, jewelry and pelts. Most tellingly, though, they found a wooden “hexapod” tent frame alongside copper censers (incense burners) containing charred stones, as well as a fur bag containing fossilized Cannabis seeds — direct evidence of the purification ritual described by Herodotus.
It’s believed that the name “Cannabis” actually originated from the Scythian word “kanab” — which, after its introduction to the Greeks became “kannabis,” then “Cannabis” in Latin.
More recently, in 2013, another kurgan was discovered in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, 30 miles east of Stavropol in southern Russia — a 2,400-year-old site dubbed Sengileevskoe-2. After a month of excavating the burial chamber, Russian archaeologist Andrey Belinski and his team uncovered a stone box containing an astonishing seven pounds of solid gold relics, including jewelry, three thimble-sized cups and two ornate bucket-shaped vessels. Upon examination, Belinski noticed patches of sticky black residue inside the vessels. After sending them to Stavropol’s crime lab for analysis, the test results came back positive for both Cannabis and opium. These findings, along with other evidence suggesting that some form of roof or pavilion once covered the site, led scholars to believe that Sengileevskoe-2 “may have been the location of an intense ritual.”
“We now know the purpose was preparation of opium or a narcotic substance for sacred rites,” attested Professor Askold Ivantchik, director of the Centre for Comparative Studies of Ancient Civilizations at the Russian Academy of Sciences. “That Belinski detected the use of these substances is another proof the objects have cultic character.”
Having found no evidence of charring, however, Belinski ruled out the infamous smoke-bath ceremony. Instead, he surmised that the drugs were likely mixed into a drink that was consumed from the vessels, and therefore rather than a purification ritual, it may have been a ritual to communicate with the dead or the divine.
HAOMA GATHERERS
So what was this potent pot-laced potable they were drinking, you may ask? As it happens, there are accounts of just such a beverage used during that period — haoma, aka soma
According to ancient texts, haoma/soma can refer to either a plant or an intoxicating drink made from that plant — both of which were considered sacred to the Vedic and Zoroastrian religions. Precisely what that intoxicating plant is has been the subject of speculation and debate for centuries. In George W. Brown’s 1890 book “Researches in Oriental History,” haoma is described as “...an intoxicating beverage, prepared from the green stalks of the moon-plant ... Cannabis Indica, or Indian hemp ... was tasted by the priests on sacrificial occasions, whilst hymns were sung in its praise. Its action was that of hashish. It produced intoxication and stimulation of the senses, which were taken for inspiration.”
The hypothesis that haoma contained Cannabis is bolstered by evidence uncovered by another Russian archaeologist named Victor Sarianidi, who found traces of Cannabis, ephedra and opium while excavating a site devoted to the preparation of haoma at the Bactria Margiana Archeological Complex near the Hindu Kush region of northern Iran and Afghanistan.
But other than the vessels discovered at Sengileevskoe-2, is there any other evidence that the Scythians drank haoma? Indeed — at the tomb of the Persian king Darius the Great at Persepolis in Iran, which dates to 490 B.C.E., the inscription carved in Old Persian cuneiform refers explicitly to “haoma-drinking Scythians.”
“The Scythian relationship with Haoma was indeed close — so much so that they were widely known as the ‘Haoma-Gatherers,’” Cannabis historian Chris Bennett explains in his 2010 book “Cannabis and the Soma Solution.” “Referring to the Scythians under their Persian name of the ‘Sakas,’ [Iranian author] Guive Mirfendereski notes that the Scythians of eastern Central Asia are called ‘Homa Saka’ and ‘haumavarka’ (Haoma-gatherers).”
Some scholars have even suggested that the name haoma itself may be a variation of the Chinese word hú-má, meaning “Scythian hemp.”
UP IN SMOKE
History paints a frightening yet fascinating picture of Scythian society: tribes of tattooed cannibals galloping across the steppes, guzzling wine, hotboxing weed and conquering any who opposed them like some sort of Iron Age Hells Angels. But alas, these historic hemp-smoking horsemen eventually succumbed to the ravages of their time — first diminished dramatically by the Sarmatians in the 3rd century B.C.E., then finished off by the Goths in the 3rd century C.E. Nevertheless, their enduring influence on both Asian and European cultures, as well as their connection to Cannabis, remains undeniable.
For our podcast & more Cannabis history content visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
Golden vessel unearthed from the kurgan at the Sengileevskoe-2 site.
Relief of Scythian tributaries at Darius the Great’s tomb.
ANDREY BELINSKI
THERE’S NOT A DAMN THING WRONG WITH SOCKS.
Hell, life without them just wouldn’t be as cozy.
In fact, I can’t say there’s a more soothing sensation than pulling up a brand spankin’ new pair of cotton fluffiness over the feet. It’s a reward for those soldiers, a way of thanking them for taking a pounding and being the trusted vehicles that get you from point P to point Q.
Did you know that your feet are among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, and socks are there to soak all that up and prevent the scent of cheese from settling into your shoes? I know what you’re thinking: the smell of cheese in your shoes is not gouda. So, you better brie ready to head to Monterrey, Jack.
Awkward silence.
Anyway, we’ve become spoiled. Because socks are now a commodity we take for granted. What was once a true luxury of the bourgeoisie has become mass-produced and a commonplace afterthought found on the discount aisle at Marshalls. And getting them as a gift almost feels like a scam.
But you can’t blame grandma — her purpose is to keep you clothed and well-souped. After all, her grandmother probably grew up around the Great Depression, so being able to provide comfort for her brood is her way of expressing love.
And socks have become cool, with graphic prints of eclectic patterns and weed symbols. In fact, socks are a great way to make a statement. And that statement is that you are so fucking fashionable that when it comes to dressing, no stone is unturnt.
“And if they think my socks are dope, wait until they get a look at my underwear.”
Now, it should be noted that getting socked in the face sucks. Unless It’s with a bag of weed that smells gouda.
