THE HARVEST ISSUE
At Airo, we thrive on local partnerships rooted in quality and consistency. Together, we’re driving innovation and delivering premium cannabis experiences nationwide.
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WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER wes@leafmagazines.com
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
WES ABNEY ABOUT THE COVER
Every year, the Oregon Leaf team and our trusty contributors have the unique opportunity to explore Cannabis being grown on a large scale - showcasing how Cannabis quality can continue at even the biggest numbers. From our cover stars NW Kind to the intrepid crews of Rev 222, Remedy River, and Dirty Arm Farm, this special issue highlights how Cannabis is created from seed to sale — the process that enables all of us to consume our Cannabis safely and, ideally, with a copy of Oregon Leaf in hand.
PHOTO BY TONY SIMONELLI @SIMONELLITONY NWKIND.COM | @NW.KIND
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES + NEWS
ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
RYAN HERRON, FEATURES
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
MICHAEL GREENMAN, VIDEO
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
JAMIE OWENS, FEATURES
JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
SARAH SANDOVAL, SALES
TONY SIMONELLI, PHOTOS TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
BRUCE WOLF, PHOTOS
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!
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Editor’s Note
I write this note not knowing who will be the new president of our principled country, but I stand in full support of the elected President of our democratic republic who will work to address the systemic issues in our institutions. America is surely the greatest country in history, a nation founded on the ideals of freedom here and around the world. Yet, we have much work to do to ensure our fundamental rights.
The pursuit of the American dream rings clear around the world because this is the land of freedom and prosperity, which is symbolized by the legalization movement. There is no cause greater than fighting for the sick, the oppressed, and the natural world, and our movement is composed of these elements that have risen like a seedling out of a concrete crack. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, those fighting for survival in the Cannabis industry need more of this prosperity to land in the industry’s hands, and not in the endless tax coffers. We need to fight to be treated equally, as promised in our enshrined Constitution and Bill of Rights, where the pursuit of happiness and freedom go hand in hand with consuming Cannabis.
Weed might seem legal where you are reading this, but current laws enforce policies restricting gun rights, parental rights, and social service access for Cannabis users, all while over-taxation and overt censorship of Cannabis on social media make it clear that there is a narrative and an agenda against our plant and our community — and that’s on a good day. We aren’t far from a scenario where the fact-checkers turn on Cannabis and label the types of stories the Leaf has been publishing since 2010 as “misinformation.”
"WHY IS THERE A WAR AGAINST OUR MEDICINE AND NATURAL PLANTS?"
We live in a bubble in our legal states, and it’s easy to forget that a third of our country still faces criminal prosecution for possession of Cannabis. Our community makes light of drug laws surrounding psychedelics, but we sadly ignore that people are going to prison every day for these healing medicines, especially when used to treat ailments that big pharma has a chokehold on, like PTSD and depression.
Why is there a war against our medicine and natural plants? Because it threatens the pharmaceutical and military-industrial complex that dominates our society, and therefore the world. These forces market food full of ingredients and additives that are illegal in the EU and Canada, advertise alcohol and antidepressants, and push pro-consumption media that promotes pills to fix health issues. They do not, however, recommend exercise, natural medicines, dietary changes or spending time in nature with clean air and grounding, because there is no profit in that advice. Would a plant do well in this type of environment? No wonder America’s health is declining!
When I started the Leaf, weed was illegal. Consuming Cannabis, especially as medicine, was an act of defiance that opened consciousness to the lies of the system. The problematic criminal justice system that has locked up our community for 100 years became alarmingly apparent during this era of Cannabis enlightenment. Today I fear that awakening is lost as people legally choose the highest potency products to numb their minds. The defiance of using weed to open minds to promote health, well-being and healing has less impact now than the founding principles that legal Cannabis valued. I’ve always believed that Cannabis is a tool that could change the world, but it must be used as a tool for conscious growth. I still believe that Cannabis can change the world, but I’m convinced more than ever that it will take a great spiritual awakening to unite us and break free from the current zeitgeist that has divided Americans. Now is the time to fight against division, censorship, authoritarianism and mass media manipulation. We know the truth about our plant medicines, and we must hold that truth and guard it carefully. Just like the Truffula trees in Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” we must nurture the plant medicines that are connected to our spirits, our community and our health, and preserve them for a future that benefits all people, plants and animals.
SINGAPORE EXECUTES FOURTH PERSON IN 2024 FOR POSSESSION OF DRUGS
The island nation of Singapore, which has the strictest drug laws in the world, has executed a 64-year-old man for trafficking 36.93
ARKANSAS SUPREME COURT
REJECTS LEGALIZATION MEASURE
TW0 WEEKS BEFORE ELECTION
Astunning blow to legalization efforts in Arkansas was landed after the state Supreme Court ruled that the ballot initiative expanding medical Cannabis was too vague.
What’s unclear to voters is why the measure, which would have expanded access to doctors, added new conditions and allowed medical cards to last three years, was a threat to the justices’ views on Cannabis. The AP reported that in a “4-3 decision, the justices ruled the measure did not fully inform voters that it would have stripped the Legislature’s ability to change the 2016 constitutional amendment that legalized medical marijuana in the state.”
“The measure also included a controversial amendment that would have legalized recreational Cannabis up to an ounce.”
The percentage of all drug arrests made for Cannabis in more than a dozen states in 2023.
The percentage of polled voters who supported Florida legalization bid last month. 66%
“Flights into the announcements,
“drug trafficking may be punishable
While most countries in the world are reapproaching the issues of drugs and criminal penalties by focusing on rehabilitation and decriminalization, Singapore maintains the death penalty for anyone caught with drugs, regardless of intent to sell. A person found with 15 grams of heroin, 30 grams of cocaine, 250 grams of meth or 500 grams of Cannabis is subject to death by hanging if convicted. Only a handful of countries maintain these types of drug laws, including North Korea and Iran, where trafficking large amounts of illegal narcotics is punishable by death.
Flights into the country feature normal landing announcements, and a quick reminder that “drug trafficking may be punishable by death.” Citizens can also be drug tested by authorities if it’s believed they’ve consumed drugs, making personal freedoms regarding drugs nonexistent even when traveling.
CNN interviewed Kannon K. Shanmugam, Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Law, who defended his country’s drug policies, where 40 inmates are awaiting hanging on death row. “Look around the world,” Shanmugam told CNN. “Any time there has been a certain laxity in the approach to drugs, homicides go up. Killings, torture, kidnappings … that goes up.”
Life in a Singaporean prison is tough. Prisoners sleep on small floor mats, aren’t allowed furniture and are fed through a slot on the bottom of the door. In the hot tropical climate, there’s no forgiveness from heat or humidity, and as Shanmugam said, “We choose to make it harsh.”
As the world watches the United States for cues on drug policy, federal legalization could bring respite to drug prisoners not just here, but overseas as well. Until the war on drugs is ended globally, victims will continue to struggle for rights, including the right to live after making a mistake. For Shanmugam, the fight against drugs is “a fight you never say you’ve won.”
The measure also included a controversial amendment that would have legalized recreational Cannabis up to an ounce, if Cannabis became legal under federal law. Arkansas voters declined to legalize recreational Cannabis in 2022, and this issue is still up for debate among the ironically named Natural State residents.
While the state currently maintains a limited medical Cannabis program, there are no plans to legalize adult use or expand medical access for patients. By adding in the legalization caveat and restricting the Legislature’s ability to modify the rules, the ballot was “doomed… and plainly misleading,” according to Justice Shawn Womack. Those hoping for legalization will have to return to the initiative process to bring freedom to Arkansas in 2026.
BIt took two to tangle over a garbage bag full of weed, which led to one person shot and both arrested in Wilmington, Delaware.
HIP HOP ICON SNOOP DOGG REPORTS WEATHER ON TODAY SHOW, HIGH CHANCE OF CANNABIS FORECASTED
eloved rapper and stoner cultural icon Snoop Dogg dropped by the Today show last month to deliver a weather update laced with Cannabis jokes.
While the forecasts for Mary Jane Falls, Nevada, were clearly a joke, the overall message was that people are smoking Cannabis all over the country and that it’s as normal as the daily weather.
“...my favorite is when it’s nice, hot and misty outside, 84 degrees in Blunt, South Dakota,” Snoop said in the clip”
“Al, it’s 57 degrees in Mary Jane Falls, Nevada? And then I heard it’s gonna be 56 degrees in Stoner, Colorado. But my favorite is when it’s nice, hot and misty outside, 84 degrees in Blunt, South Dakota,” Snoop said in the clip, which is available on YouTube. While things are staying hot in Roach, Missouri, according to Snoop, the real buzz is that weed continues to make ground in popular culture and at the ballot box.
200,306 40%
The amount in pounds of Cannabis an errant flock of sheep ate this summer, prompting weird behavior on the Thessaly, Greece farm.
The number of Americans arrested for Cannabis in 2023, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data released last month.
Quoted
“This is just evidence that the Legislature is completely impotent when it comes to taking this thing [legalization] on and doing this legislatively. They are unwilling to do the hard work because they don’t want the smell of the devil’s lettuce on them.”
-Former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg, Florida Republican, who told Politico that “he believes that at least half of Republican lawmakers support Amendment 3 [to legalize Cannabis] privately even though they publicly oppose it.”
Bubble’s Naturally Potent Hash Makes Me Horny
MERLIN’SBEST KEPTSECRET
RIVER CITY is a retail Cannabis dispensary established in the community of Merlin, Oregon.
Coinciding with the statewide legalization of recreational Cannabis, the business first opened its doors in August 2015 and kicked off public sales in the state just two months later. Described as small but a force to be reckoned with, this privately owned, woman-run dispensary is one of four stores within the overarching Budz Brand.
GIVEN Southern Oregon’s reputation for producing some of the best flower and concentrates in the entire world, it’s no surprise that River City keeps its shelves flowing with a sizable selection of fresh, accessible products. The shop sells a broad range of items from $12 ounces to top-shelf hash rosin and just about everything in between.
The goal is to provide an assortment of options at different price points and create a more inclusive experience for patrons of all kinds.
To that end, Budz has products grown by its own farms available in-store, allowing some astounding deals, including $1 pre-rolls and individual grams of flower.
Buddies Brand and Saturn Extracts collaborations, made with inputs from Budz’s in-house farms, can also be purchased at a slightly reduced cost compared to other concentrates on similar tiers.
“WE WANT THE CUSTOMERS SPENDING $2 TO FEEL JUST AS SPECIAL AND HEARD AS THE CUSTOMERS SPENDING $200.” -GM BIANCA WILLIS
bath soaks, tinctures and even CBD pre-rolls to meet different needs.”
When it comes to sales, River City offers a wide variety of happy hours, deal days and special offers. One of the most unique discounts is their first responder benefit, which applies to anyone providing emergency response services. Designed as a way to give back to those who sacrifice for the community, the discount has found its usage increasing in tandem with the prevalence of wildfires in Southern Oregon. It turns out even firefighters need to kick back and relax with a joint after a long day, so it’s heartening to see River City finding avenues to provide support.
The model for budtenders at River City is one of approachability and genuineness. It’s clear in interacting with staff onsite that there is a high degree of mutual respect given to any person who walks through the door.
The selection of alternative cannabinoid products seems to be an important focus for River City given the extensive collection of CBD, CBG, CBN and other broad-spectrumbased commodities.
General Manager Bianca Willis notes that she makes it a point to carry non-THC products: “Many customers need pain relief, relaxation, sleep or a mood boost but may not want the psychoactive component for whatever reason. We carry things like edibles,
“No one wants to be talked at, they want to be talked to,” Bianca explains. “We want the customers spending $2 to feel just as special and heard as the customers spending $200. Dispensary retail is inherently different from other types of commerce, and it’s really important for the customer to feel some level of trust that they will leave the store with a specific experience.”
RESILIENT ROOTS
THE FUTURE OF FAMILY FARMS
Southern Oregon’s sunny slopes, fertile forests and vibrant valleys have nurtured a rich Cannabis culture, one rooted in generations of small, family-run farms. Distanced from the bustling cities to the north, these farms have long operated within a web of local ties and nostalgic neighborly collaboration. Since legalization, however, this ecosystem has faced a slow erosion, as market pressures and competition bring shifts that strain the cooperative spirit.
BUT ONE COALITION of growers is working to reclaim that sense of community. Southern Oregon Family Farms (SOFF) is a collective of Cannabis cultivators and advocates committed to protecting the legacy of small family farms and planting a prosperous future.
“It’s not just about the plant; it’s about the people who have nurtured this land for generations,” said Aaron Getty, CEO of Special Branded Inc. and vice president of SOFF. Sitting among the board’s 15 farm members at one of their many meetings, there’s a sense that these keepers of the sun-grown tradition are standing at a tipping point. The pressures of legalization run deep, from soil to soul, but SOFF’s growers are digging in, committed to ensuring that the heart of Southern Oregon’s Cannabis culture isn’t lost to the winds of change.
“…SOFF’s growers are digging in, committed to ensuring that the heart of Southern Oregon’s Cannabis culture isn’t lost to the winds of change.”
Prohibition pushed many growers underground — or indoors, rather — and away from sun-grown tactics. This shift paved the way for commercial growth in controlled environments, tempting with the possibility of higher yields and more frequent harvests. When farmers finally felt free to step into the light again, legalization’s patterns already had firm footing, prioritizing
production pace and predictability. Indoor flower was already a “top shelf” commodity, as producers, retailers and consumers alike adopted price, potency and bag-appeal-based buying habits. But this basis left out many of the nuances that various cultivation methods can provide patients and plummeted the value of sun-grown Cannabis.
Huron Smith IV of Sol Cultivations puts circumstances into perspective. “To go from selling pounds at $1,800 to $180… There were a lot of difficult times and a lot of missteps from the State of Oregon that made it difficult for the niche farmers to thrive…Now (with SOFF) we don’t have to play all those roles and be the best version of us we can be…It’s nice to be fighting for a group that’s fighting for you.”
This group is grounded in resilience and founded in that very light. Kristine Miller (now board president) of Southern Oregon Moonshine, Devin of Circle D Farms, Aaron of MD Remedies, and Justin of Calyx CPA stepped up to found SOFF officially in 2022. The cooperative was built around three main components: community sharing, financial support and
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
KUMBA HILLS FARMS
ALTA GARDENS
@ALTA.GARDENS
BLUE AND YELLOW FARM
BLUEANDYELLOWFARM.COM
BONAFIDE
BONAFIDECANNABIS.COM
CALYX CPA CALYXCPA.COM
CIRCLE D FARMS
@CIRCLEDFARMS
GREEN BANDIT
GOGREENBANDIT.COM
KUMBAHILLSFARMS.COM
MILLERVILLE FARMS
MILLERVILLEOREGON.COM
NIGHTWOOD HORTICULTURE
@NIGHTWOODFARMS
PEACOCK FLOWER FARM
RIVER GROWN
@RIVERGROWNCANNA
ROGANJA
@ROGANJAOREGON
SAVAGE SKUNK FARMS
@SAVAGESKUNKFARMSLLC
SOL CULTIVATIONS
SOLCULTIVATIONS.COM
SOUTHERN
OREGON MOONSHINE
consumer education. “We didn’t have much to offer each other at first, except the comfort of knowing we weren’t alone,” Miller shares.
In under a few years, these dedicated doers have taken strong steps forward, seeing all of their goals set in motion with much more in sight. Community sharing of resources like compost, distribution and seasonal labor have eased the burden of small family teams. Financial support in the form of a collective wholesale facility is putting power back into producers’ pockets. Consumer education has blossomed into exciting events like Earth Day cleanups, community golf tournaments, speaker series and an upcoming documentary. The collective has even rallied to represent and inform legislators in important decisions, like Aspergillus testing.
Looking to the future, Southern Oregon Family Farms is nurturing the heart of sun-grown Cannabis, supporting local farmers with advocacy, forward-thinking solutions and practical education. With plans to expand wholesale options, grow to 30 members, share their inhouse product grading system and foster an understanding of “top-shelf sun-grown,” SOFF is planting the seeds for success. As Green Bandit Owners Brian and Sarah Niestrath share, “It’s not just about making it to the next harvest; it’s about bringing joy back to Cannabis.”
@SOUTHERN.OREGON.MOONSHINE
SPECIAL BRANDED
MD REMEDIES
@STALLIONGENES
SOFAMILYFARMS.COM
@SOUTHERNOREGONFAMILYFARMS
If you don’t know by now, Superboof is a cultivar that’s captivated the canna-scene and has touched the soil of many Oregon gardens in recent years. Perhaps this profile’s smashing success stems from its widely appealing bouquet, featuring a fruity funk. Maybe it’s the way it gently dips you into its intoxicating balance of uplifted mentality and physical relaxation, with many users reporting creative focus and relief from pain.
A CROSS of Black Cherry Punch and Tropicana Cookies bred by Blockhead Buds (as “Blockberry”) and selected by Jay of Bean Fiendz, this rendition comes from Oregon’s Grape God. It’s delivered in a deliciously portable cold-cure rosin all-in-one, neatly tucked into an O2VAPE pen. The all-glass tank, ceramic coil and dual air intake offer a hearty hit without too much heat. It’s rechargeable, sturdy, sleek and smooth. But it’s what’s inside that you’re here for! Grape God’s Superboof is a tank full of juicy stank hiding in light honey-gold liquid. The fruit-like genetics of this lineage will leave you surprised by the robustness of the rosin. Tart notes and accents of arboraceous spice come together and provide a backbone to the sweeter side. There’s a citrus element (not unlike its Tropicana parent), but it’s subtle and hardly the star. As a matter of fact, one particular flavor is hard to pinpoint. Which is what makes this well-rounded cultivar a winner. 76.4% THC | 0.22% CBD
THEGRAPEGOD.COM @GRAPE__GOD BLOCKHEADBUDS.COM @BLOCKHEADBUDS BEANFIENDZ.COM @MOBILEJAY @O2VAPE
“GRAPE GOD’S SUPERBOOF IS A TANK FULL OF JUICY STANK HIDING IN LIGHT HONEY-GOLD LIQUID.”
A GUIDE TO DANKSGIVING: CART PAIRINGS
12AM-3PM
3PM-5PM 5PM-6PM
9AM-12PM 10:30AM-11AM 11AM-12PM - THANKGIVING DAY PARADE - MORNING NATURE WALK - PREPARE TURKEY FOR OVEN - WATCH FOOTBALL - BOARD GAMES & APPETIZERS - STONED FAMILY PHOTOS
6:30PM-8PM 8PM-9PM 9:30PM
-FEAST ON A TURKEY DINNER -EAT PIE, AND REFLECT ON LIFE -PASS OUT.
LEMON SUGAR KUSH LEMON SUGAR KUSH
LEFT COAST STANDARD IS NO STRANGER TO THE LEAF.
This Leaf Bowl recipient has raked in five first-place trophies and even graced the pages for a special Harvest Issue garden tour in November 2023 (read it in our archive at LeafMagazines.com). But this year’s correspondence doesn’t come from the sun-soaked hills of Southern Oregon, rather, right where this Rebel Grown-bred Lemon Sugar Kush left us: the couch.
THE SMALL TEAM at Left Coast Standard works with native, living soil and Certified Clean Green cultivation tactics on a plot of earth they’ve been nurturing for years. While they undoubtedly dabble in new and trendy Cannabis cultivars, this crew continues to pay homage to classic varieties — like Leaf Bowl winners and ’90s-originated Orange Blossom and Juicy Fruit — that may otherwise face the fate of falling to fads.
Lemon Sugar Kush may not have roots reaching into the ’90s, but it supplies an old-school, heavy-headed high that is nearly nostalgic. It’s always important to acknowledge that each human experiences Cannabis differently due to many personal physiological factors. But after multiple experiments and test subjects (a sophisticated way to say “the sesh”), we found it offered a similar and soothing sedative outcome to most.
This flower’s fumes and flavor find themselves somewhere between dinner and dessert. After a meaty, pepper-cream pinch on the palate, it slips into the second course of herbal, candied citrus, wrapping up the third and final round with a warm sugar cookie surprise. Like any multi-course meal, you’ll likely be left feeling fulfilled and sleepy. Set this one aside for a cozy autumn curl-up on the couch, and don’t forget to snag some snacks.
“IT SLIPS INTO THE SECOND COURSE OF HERBAL, CANDIED CITRUS … WITH A WARM SUGAR COOKIE SURPRISE.”
REV 222 | SOUTHERN OREGON
CULTIVATING FAITH
DRAWN BY WORD of a new Joe in town with a spiritual mission, we made our way southbound on Interstate 5. Our destination was Rev 222, a Southern Oregon gem named after the biblical verse Revelation 22:2 — “The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Owned and operated by the spirited Joe Penovich, this farm is as much a sanctuary as it is a thriving Cannabis garden. Joe’s deep respect for the plant, coupled with his spiritual background and years of entrepreneurial success, has shaped Rev 222 into a unique space where Cannabis and faith converge.
UPON ARRIVAL, the energy of the land itself was welcoming. Joe greeted us with an infectious smile; his genuine warmth was contagious. The property reflects the meticulous care of a five-star restaurant chain, an ode to his entrepreneurial venture. “Godliness is cleanliness,” he said as he led us through rows of Cannabis glistening in the sun.
“The principles that made our restaurants successful — attention to detail, cleanliness and care — apply here. But it’s more than appearance; it’s about nurturing native soil, life, and spirit.”
Joe’s connection to the plant is divinely inspired. “I was a church-going Christian for years, but I wasn’t being led by the Spirit,” he reflects. “The Church serves its purpose, but I believe that Cannabis is a true gateway to God.”
Joe’s team of three works in harmony with him to cultivate this vision. “We believe in working with the earth, not against it,” says Rick Laform, director of operations. The farm operates on a philosophy of stewardship, caring for native soil enhanced with organic calcium, kelp and bone meal. “Our goal is to produce this medicine in the most natural way possible — it’s one of God’s creations,” Joe says.
AJ & JOE PRAY
Each Cannabis plant shines like brilliant jewels. The team integrates many sustainable practices. “The sun is the ultimate healer,” Joe said. “Combined with living native soil and greenhouses, you maximize the gifts provided and create a reflection of God’s design.”
Among the garden’s unique gems are two wellness-leaning cultivars: Divina Obscura, a balanced 1:1 cross of Charlotte’s Web, and Miss Universe. With crisp, apple-green buds and a rose-like aroma, this strain nurtures body and spirit. Another revered treasure, Pennywise, offers a calming experience for those seeking relief from anxiety or physical discomfort.
The farm’s crown jewel, however, is the rare cut of Revelations OG, a sativa-dominant hybrid born from Mule Fuel. Joe calls this strain “prayer medicine,” meant to quiet the mind and connect users to a higher source. With a rich, ultra-gassy aroma touched by pine, Revelations OG delivers an uplifting experience that transcends the ordinary. “This strain taps you in, turning down the bombardment of the world,” he says.
Their focus is to unlock the full medicinal and spiritual potential of each plant.
For Joe, Cannabis is not recreational; it’s sacramental. His own spiritual journey with Cannabis began in 2018 with a 1:1 Charlotte’s Web tincture taken with morning tea and prayer. “When we combine this plant with prayer, we turn off the noise of the world — technology, distractions — and open ourselves to hear the voice of God. Cannabis helps us see the world through a higher vision,” Joe says. He believes that intentional prayer — often missing in modern church practices — alongside the sacred use of Cannabis can spark a spiritual revival, breaking stigma and transforming lives. “Cannabis is going to be a powerful tool in the faith community as the stigma fades.”
Farm Facts
1 Tier one producer license
Situated on nine acres
3 full-time employees
3,000 plants annually in the ground on average
6,000 plants during peak growing season
1,000 pounds max total harvest — small batches, big quality!
12 unique 2024 cultivars were curated with promising phenotypes of interesting crosses that will make up the Rev 222 private farm reserve, including genetics from StaeFli Farms and Archive Seed Bank.
Exclusive cultivar: Revelations OG (developed by Cultivation Director Shane Mulhern) from a classified source is the rarest and most noteworthy strain in the garden, featuring a unique Mule Fuel phenotype.
2024 team favorite cultivars: Tropicana Cherry and Amaretto Sour
“CANNABIS IS GOING TO BE A POWERFUL TOOL IN THE FAITH COMMUNITY AS THE STIGMA FADES.”
-OWNER JOE PENOVICH
The joyful gratitude experienced over that meal was a testament to Joe’s love for spiritual community, where faith and human connection converge.
Driving away, I felt a deep appreciation for the time spent with these friends of the Leaf. Joe and his team have created something truly purposeful. Rev 222 Farm is a sanctuary where spiritual healing is not only cultivated but shared — perhaps Cannabis is the biblical tree that awakens the healing of the nations after all.
Pheno hunting is a key practice at Rev 222, allowing Joe and his team to explore the diversity of the Cannabis plant. “Each strain has its own purpose,” says Shane Mulhern, director of cultivation.
“We believe each cultivar holds unique healing properties. It’s our job to discover what these are.”
He points to the historical use of Cannabis and other plant medicines in early Christian rituals as evidence of its potential for a deeper connection with God. “This plant has been respected for centuries as prayer medicine,” he says.
As a final act of fellowship, Joe and his team invited us to a meal of homemade enchiladas, crafted with farm-fresh ingredients. Before breaking bread, he led us in prayer, summoning blessings upon the land, this meal, his crew and the Leaf team’s journey.
AMARETTO SOUR
THE WILDMAN OF REMEDY RIVER
IT WAS A CRISP AND SUNNY Southern Oregon fall afternoon. As a proud Leaf Magazines journalist, I was given the celebratory annual assignment of The Harvest Issue garden review. So I set forth in pursuit, to hunt down the WildMan growing a plant-based remedy along the riverbanks of Applegate.
Owner-operator Elijah Rinaldi manages two recreational Cannabis gardens: WildMan Genetics and Remedy River Cannabis Farm. WildMan Genetics features premium cultivars handselected by Elijah — a testament to his commitment to the best genetics for processor collaborations and limited-run private reserves.
WILDMAN GENETICS & REMEDY RIVER CANNABIS FARM
GARLICOTT 13
“THE AUTHENTICITY OF THIS HOMESTEAD FARMING APPROACH, ROOTED IN FAMILY AND NATURE, WAS A REFRESHING DISCOVERY.”
One eye-catching cultivar is the deep purple, full-bodied flower speckled with wide, neon green leaf tips; this Chile Verde’s hand-tailored cola development and glistening trichome structure are true signs of craftsmanship. With musty, cheesy notes that leave a fruity, spicy freshness biting at the nose, this gorgeous cultivar is nothing short of a winner. Chile Verde was one of more than 50 cultivars gracing the fields of Remedy River, a 120-acre, sun-grown farm managed by three dedicated farmhands.
Like many others, this unique strain was grown by Remedy River Cannabis Farm and hand-selected as a standout cut for the WildMan Genetics 2024 cultivar selection.
Before rounding the corner to the farmhouse and chicken coups, a feeling of nostalgia strikes: a large, classy, mustard-yellow 1973 Seagrave firetruck adorns the corridors of the farm. It was purchased for its useful industrial-quality pump and the ability to move a large amount of water quickly at any given moment — an obvious benefit for a sungrown farm that has recently witnessed unforgiving wildfires, leaving a mark on the Applegate Valley and surrounding neighbors. This was the first indication of entering WildMan territories, where agricultural farm guardians take problem-solving and protecting nature into their own hands.
As we entered the farm, we were greeted by Zelda, the tail-wagging farm companion pit bull, a few wild fawns grazing on the skirts of the lush green and the WildMan himself.
Elijah walked us down to the garden to meet two of his cherished farm hands: his father and younger brother. Together, with four to five additional harvest season employees, this team welcomes over 4,500 new, lush green ladies into the world of recreational Cannabis each year. The authenticity of this homestead farming approach, rooted in family and nature, was a refreshing discovery. The connection between generations brought warmth to me, highlighting the historic importance of family farming as a core value for those who honor this sacred agricultural practice.
Elijah is a Virginia Tech graduate of biological systems engineering with a focus on plant genetics. Armed with an applied education in industrial tobacco plant breeding, he has implemented unique, fully regenerative polyculture farming practices, such as a self-made catchment irrigation pond that provides a living, semiannual ecosystem for a school of tilapia. These fish complete a full lifecycle that generates high-quality nitrates to nourish the plants and surrounding wildlife. This harmonious ecosystem not only enhances the robust health of the crops but also exemplifies a holistic approach to farming that benefits the intricate balance of nature. >> pg. 32
Farm Facts
120 acres of sun-grown polyculture farmland.
3 full-time farm hands with 5 to 6 additional hands during peak harvest season.
4,500+ plants harvested in one season.
50+ unique cultivars in production this season, including 25 hand-picked selections from elite local breeders.
10,000 pounds of total Cannabis will be harvested; 5,000 pounds of fresh-frozen material, plus 5000 pounds of cured sun-grown flower.
20+ retailers statewide carry The Remedy River WildMan Genetic’s exclusive cured flower.
5 processors statewide collaborate with Remedy River’s bulk harvest.
If you’re looking for concentrate vape options of WildMan Genetics, you can find Elijah’s favorites this season under the Entourage Cannabis label.
If full-bodied, premium sun-grown flower is calling your name, you can find Remedy River’s private reserve at The Herbsman in Medford.
Remedy River private reserve concentrates can be found under Willamette Valley Alchemy, Moonwalk and the Squishy Scientific labels.
The WildMan’s personal favorite, Great Day Smoke, is Garlicott 13 by StaeFli Farms Genetics. Its bright, apricot-citrus and linalool floral terpenes offer fresh, fruity daytime notes.
Great Night Smoke is the dank Sherb Bait 25 by StaeFli Farms Genetics, with a skunky, funky aroma that gives a distinct visual of your most recent culinary delight — the perfect paring of fresh, buttery mashed potatoes.
TALLYMON
ZACHARY & MARK RINALDI
THE WILDMAN OF REMEDY RIVER
ASwe strolled through the flourishing rows, the complex aroma of fresh, exotic Cannabis terpenes filled the air. Among some favorite palate notes were the funky, skunky, garlic-buttery exotic genetics; the gassy, chemy, dank, sticky kush flowers; and the fresh, crisp, tangy, zesty linalool-laced sativa-dominant strains. Each cultivar told its own story — a narrative of dedication to unique, aromatically pungent flowers, evidence of an unwavering love for plant genetic exploration.
Remedy River is a vibrant ecosystem backed by a deep mulch regenerative growing methodology, using organic and low-intervention farming practices.
Operating on two unique tier-two recreational garden licenses, this farm is robust and flourishing, with developed root masses and companion plants thriving alongside the Cannabis beds. The rich biodiversity provides a living sanctuary as part of a larger ecosystem.
Elijah and I walked over to the chicken coops to let out the two-legged, feathered farm hands for their soil and pest manicuring task for the day. It became clear that the Remedy River team is committed to the purest expression of Cannabis cultivation by introducing full-circle, remedy-based practices and ecologically conscious methods.
Remedy River and WildMan Genetics are shining examples of what can be achieved when love for the land and the plant converge. The choice to create a living, organic sanctuary produces a happy, healthy, symbiotic garden that positively contributes to the ecological diversity of agricultural wildlife.
Witnessing this slice of rich life reminds us of the bright future the Cannabis industry can promise — a future where full-circle, family farming and genetic exploration create a living remedy for the people and the planet.
SHER BAIT 25
DIRTY ARM FARM
With half a lifetime spent growing and processing Cannabis, the man behind the Dirty Arm Farm legend has refocused on sun-grown full-term flower to feed his flourishing rosin operation and a growing family.
It’s a big leap to go from the Oregon Cannabis scene’s meme lord to a familyfocused father, but that’s exactly the transition that Jamie Syken has made. He’s emerging from over two decades of growing into a mature, humbled and driven farmer whose sole focus is soil to oil. With 9,000 plants in the ground this year and a team of four, his home overlooks the bountiful fields of green; life has simplified in some ways, but, like the pressure it takes to squeeze rosin, the road to success is paved with sweat, risk and a firm belief in the values of traditional agriculture.
“I’VEbeen a plant weirdo for 30 years,” he said. “As an herbalist, wild food chef and grower, my spiritual connection with plants runs deep. Growing outside has changed my relationship with the Cannabis plant.”
The Dirty Arm Farm covers two acres on a gently sloped hillside that overlooks downtown Ashland. The land was one of the first homesteads in the city, with long sunny days hitting the hillside directly. Thick, long rows of 30 different strains are grown directly in native soil that’s turned and amended with organic practices, including local cow manure.
“We put aged cow manure at the top of the rows, and it will roll down all the way to the end. It’s organic and has no impact. We go to the local dairy and get a truckload, so there’s no plastic or shipping waste. Our success is all through efficiency, not corner-cutting, by actually farming and not buying bottles. We’ve adapted large-scale agriculture practices with techniques we’ve collected through the years,” Syken explained passionately. “A big part of our focus is to keep the cost really low because our thing is access. I want the average Albany mill worker to be able to afford Zkittlez. It shouldn’t be only well-off people smoking the best.”
towering plants is a little like wading through a river of thick grass, with towering walls of heavily budded and terpene-rich plants as far as the eye can see. There are tons of cover crops, and as we pass through, bugs lift up, with Syken noting that the bugs and deer stick to the cover crops and leave the buds alone. “With all of these native cover crops here, the bugs don’t want the weed,” he said.
Plants went in the ground June 1 as two-foot-tall clones, and with a beautifully sunny growing season this year, many will stay in the dirt through the end of October. A team of four manages the entire process from start to finish. Because the plants are grown for soil to oil, there’s no trimming or curing; they’re harvested and immediately fresh frozen in giant on-site freezers. Inside frigid walk-ins, the buds are stored in perfect condition until processing.
This year’s outdoor harvest of more than 60,000 pounds will feed the hash processing lab for an entire year. With a 1-2% yield of 90u rosin, this represents a huge stash of hash for the market. Dirty Arm’s rosin jars and pens are exclusively filled with 90u, with the remainder going into Dabinol, gummies and other products as top-shelf, food-grade oil.
Farm Facts
30 strains | 9,000 total plants
2 acres of plantings | 3 licenses
4 total team members
“I WANT THE AVERAGE ALBANY MILL WORKER TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD ZKITTLEZ. IT SHOULDN’T BE ONLY WELL-OFF PEOPLE SMOKING THE BEST.”
-JAMIE SYKEN
less, and right now it’s $30 a gram out the door for customers. Here’s the thing: growing it cheaper, once you get rid of the lights and bullshit, is actually better because the sun is doing it,” he said.
In his years of growing, Syken has endured changing markets, a shift from medical to recreational and a DEA raid in the early days of medical. As his house and farm were raided, he was tackled at the local food co-op and threatened with years in prison. While charges were ultimately dropped, these struggles shaped his run with weed, which today has found a comfortable pace in the enduring race that is legal Cannabis.
“I’ve matured a lot and got to a different point where both the ego and the scene has died,” Syken said, “Now, as a grower, you’re doing a service for Oregonians to improve people’s lives with good weed. I look at my job as a service: to give customers the best for the least.”
Looking to the future, he hopes for a new chapter of recreational weed, where quality and heritage Oregon companies deliver the most value for customers.
“It’s not the memes or the bullshit anymore; it’s about access for your average person to afford 90u without breaking the bank,” he explained.
“This is something you can only do with the right combination of grow knowledge, hash knowledge, the right land and sun, and a lot of hard work. I’m proud because I’m decades into getting to right here, and of all the years, this harvest feels like the real delivery to the people of Oregon.”
The original greenhouse that powered his run as live resin guru sits empty and is available for rent, as his focus has shifted fully to traditional sun-grown farming. Moving through the rows of
“The rosin has brought me back to where I started with bubble hash: a bucket and a paint mixer 24 years ago. Then I went to live resin, and now we use a 200-gallon ICON. We wash 150 pounds of fresh frozen per wash. It’s large-scale for solvent-
With the harvest over and the hash work just beginning, it’s easy to see that the Dirty Arm Farm name is earned and continues to leave a lasting impression on the Oregon Cannabis market.
DANTE’S INFERNO
TEST TUBE #5
PINK CERTS & PAYAPA MELON
HYBRIDS
Blue Dream
Stairway to Heaven
Popscotti
Blood Honey
Dreamsicle
A LABOR OF LOVE
NW KIND | GROW & LAB TOUR
“THERE’S JUST SOMETHING you don’t get indoors,” says NW Kind co-founder Blaise LaFlamme. “It blows you away when you plant a one-foot clone in July, and by the end of the season, it’s nine or 10 feet tall. There’s something really special about that.”
Blaise recently walked us through their farm, a lush space filled with the scent of every Cannabis strain you can imagine. As we traverse the tight rows, he explains how they’ll decide if each cultivar is destined for cold-water or hydrocarbon extraction. “It’s pretty amazing how much data you can get from 20 to 30 grams of fresh frozen in a mason jar with some water and ice. This doesn’t guarantee that a cultivar is going to wash well at scale, but it gives us enough info to mark it a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for a large run.”
TROPICANNA CHERRY AND ZLURPEE
ROSIN DRIP
“THAT’S
THE BEAUTY OF GROWING FOR HASH; YOU REALLY HAVE TO HAVE A PASSION FOR IT.” -FOUNDER
BLAISE LAFLAMME
Washing hash is as much an art as it is a science, and not every cultivar makes the cut. The fact is, most won’t wash well at all, and it will be months of work before they know if they have a winner on their hands. Even with clones, it’s a game of patience. Months of planning, testing and careful consideration go into deciding if a specific cut is worthy of making it into rotation. It’s a labor of love, but a necessary one, to ensure only the best material ends up in the final wash.
“We love all the new-school strains,” Blaise says. “But my dad, David, and our partner Rico are really into the old-school sativas, so we keep classics like Pineapple Express, Blue Dream and Jack Herer.” When asked if they grow more sativa-leaning strains than most other farms, Blaise confirms that it’s been a big part of their lineup. “We do run a lot of old-school cultivars that don’t wash very well but make for incredible hydrocarbon products. We will still test wash most everything that comes in. Sometimes you’re pleasantly surprised by strains you wouldn’t typically think of as a hash strain.”
When asked if the low-yielders are worth keeping, he adds, “We really focus on terpene production, as well. If you spend all the time on a hunt, put something in rotation, then it doesn’t wash how you’d like… If the terps are worthy, we still keep it around. That’s the beauty of growing for hash; you really have to have a passion for it.”
As our tour winds down, we find ourselves in front of one of the most stunning plants in the garden: the award-winning Sunset MAC, a pheno they hunted from seed. With its stunning fall colors and a thick coat of trichomes glowing in the setting sun, I’m not sure if Blaise planned this as our final stop or if we just gravitated over unintentionally. The scent of OG and Sunset funk hangs in the air as Blaise wraps up our conversation with a sentiment we all share: “We’ve had one of the best Octobers the farm has ever seen, and we can’t wait to taste the results of all this hard work.” NWKIND.COM @NW.KIND
BHO BADDER
LAB CREW
LEFTOVERSREIMAGINED
MY FAMILY CONTINUES THE TRADITION of a big family dinner on Thanksgiving, but we are aware of the true nature of this day, and we feel shame. As we should. I am still in Mexico, and my cooking tends to be a mix of both cuisines, using some vegetables and spices that were foreign to me. I am dealing with a very limited herb selection. Living in Oregon really, really spoiled me. Waaaaaaah. Feel free to get in touch if you need any more ideas for leftovers. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
TURKEY EMPANADAS
Makes six, serves two
1/2 cup turkey, shredded
1/4 cup mashed potatoes
1/4 cup peas
2 tablespoons gravy
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
2 teaspoons canna-oil or butter
1 egg, beaten
Two sheets of pie dough
1. In a large bowl combine the turkey, potatoes, peas, gravy, cranberry sauce and cannabutter.
2. Prepare your work surface with a little flour, and gently roll out the crust just a bit. Using a 5- or 6-inch biscuit cutter, or a drinking glass, cut out 6 circles.
3. Divide the mixture between the circles of dough. Brush the edges with the egg and fold to close. Press well with the tines of a fork. Heat oven to 340°F.
4. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet, buttered or lined with parchment. Bake until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
POT POZOLE VERDE
Serves two, heartily
1/2 pound tomatillos, husks removed, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 large poblano pepper, seeded and diced
3 cups chicken or turkey stock
1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/4 cups canned hominy, drained and rinsed
1 cup turkey, shredded
2 teaspoons canna-butter
Tortilla chips
Cotija cheese
1. In a blender, combine tomatillo, onion, poblano and blend for 30 seconds. Mixture can be chunky.
2. Add the garlic and salt, and blend till smooth.
3. Add the soup to a saucepan and gently simmer. Add the hominy, turkey and cannabutter. Taste for salt and pepper.
4. Garnish with chopped tortillas and maybe a little cotija cheese.
PECAN PIE TRIFLE
Serves two
2 slices pecan pie, cut in pieces 2/3 cup Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla 2 teaspoons cannabutter or oil
1. Place two wine glasses on your work surface. In a small bowl combine the yogurt with the cannabutter.
2. Alternate layering pie and yogurt. The tartness of the yogurt is terrific with the sweetness of the pie. Also works with apple pie!
Jon Boley & Carrie Strope
"Succulent Fire" | 2024
THIS AMAZING joining of artistic evolutions highlights what happens when two artists truly complement each other's styles, skills and strengths.
Carrie’s dedication to the consistency of the flower builds is magical; the blending of the colorways creates a literal and realistic feel that keeps the eye looking for the next detail. Jon’s ability to create something functional yet still make it a canvas to showcase an internal vision is always a shining light in his compositions. I think the artists put it best in their own words.
“This one really turned out amazing, and I worked hard to keep it organic, purposefully off-balancing the flowers in different areas and canting the face slightly. This series represents how art and inspiration can take over our worlds, engulfing us within it,” said Jon, a.k.a Shaggy.
“I clustered 136 of Carrie’s freeze-cast flowers on top of one of my bottle vase pipes, leaving the fitting and mouthpiece slightly exposed to show how the pipe world is slowly emerging into the art world. For many years in our community, we have been hidden and looked down upon. Happily, over the years, we have begun to be accepted by the world as a whole.”
“I began working with glass in 2005, starting with soft glass at the furnace and a kiln-forming class in Napa, California,” Carrie said. “This collaborative piece with Jon is something I’m particularly proud of. It combines both of our aesthetics and skill sets: my expertise in color mixing and kiln forming and Jon’s incredible artistic vision and mastery of glass. The technique I used here is usually reserved for soft glass, which makes working with borosilicate in this way so exciting — it challenges many of the traditional boundaries of glasswork. This approach allows for more control over color gradients and the blending of custom colors that aren’t typically found in borosilicate work.”
Valued at $10,000, this 9"×5"×5" work of art was made entirely of colors by Northstar Glassworks (@ northstarglass) including Opaque Aqua, Lava, Cherry, Canary, Goldenrod and Black Jack.
“The intricate arrangement of succulents around the rig highlights the level of craftsmanship involved, with each one thoughtfully placed like a mosaic of flowers in a bouquet, creating a natural and vibrant effect,” she said.
“The warm gradients of oranges, reds and yellows add depth, making the piece not only a tool but a stunning visual centerpiece. To me, this piece represents a fusion of artistry and technique, pushing the limits of what glass can do. Whether it’s displayed as part of a collection or used for its intended purpose, it merges form and function, elevating both the experience and the appreciation of glass as an art form.”
@GLASSARTBYSHAGGY | @CALYXANN
Master in Disguise
In a career spanning half a century, author Jorge Cervantes has published some of the most influential grow guides of all time — establishing him as one of the world’s most renowned Cannabis experts. Which is why, despite being forced to hide his true identity for decades, High Times once referred to him as “the most trusted name in marijuana cultivation.”
WEED & WANDERLUST
The man known as Jorge Cervantes was actually born George Van Patten on October 10, 1953, in Ontario, Oregon. A gardener from the get-go, he began growing radishes at just five years of age. In his youth, he worked as a paperboy (for The Argus Observer) before being promoted to the press room, where he acquired valuable knowledge about writing, photography and printing techniques.
It was in 1971, while in high school, that George and his friends got stoned for the first time — scoring a “three-finger lid” (about an ounce) of Mexican dirt weed, stuffing one of his father’s pipes full of it, then sitting in his car and puffing away until it was all gone.
“It took forever to get high, but once I was high, it was great,” he told Oregon Cannabis Stories last September. “It was surreal, like I was in a movie. I loved it.”
After high school, Van Patten used the money he’d saved to fund a trip to Spain, where he studied at the University of Valencia (1973-74). A year later, he continued his education down in Cholula, Mexico, where he truly fell in love with “mariguana” (spelled with a ‘g’, he notes).
“I’ve been fascinated with Cannabis since I took my first hit when I was 17 years old,” Van Patten told softscrets.com last year. “A few years later, at the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico, I started consuming daily. All I could think about by the time I graduated university was growing more and better Cannabis.”
In 1976, he moved back to Oregon, where he graduated from Portland State University and grew his first crop of Cannabis. The following year, he moved to Santa Barbara, where he partnered with a Chilean buddy named Roberto to open a landscaping business called Green Thumb Gardening. On the side, he ran a guerilla grow in the Santa Ynez Mountains and became the top pot plug in the area. But soon, that travel bug was biting once again ... so, in 1979, George sold the business and drove back down to Mexico, then onward through Central and South America on a yearlong adventure before returning to Portland.
THE INDOOR GROW BIBLE
Once back in Oregon, Van Patten moved his operation indoors — transforming his basement into a grow room to avoid detection. But despite the explosion of indoor growing, there wasn’t much information available about how to do it right.
“I started asking questions at the new hydroponic/HID stores that were appearing at the time, and I found that many of the owners and employees really did not
know what the hell they were talking about,” he recalled in an interview with Wildflower magazine. “That’s when I started to write.”
Granted, there had already been a few grow guides published — most notably, “The Cultivator’s Handbook of Marijuana” (Bill Drake, 1970) and “The Marijuana Grower’s Guide” (Ed Rosenthal and Mel Frank, 1981) — but they were focused almost entirely on outdoor cultivation. So Van Patten began recording and analyzing his methods in the garden, then compiling his findings and recommendations into an indoor grow manual. In addition to writing the book, Cervantes also took the photos and drew the diagrams himself.
Of course, he couldn’t release a Cannabis cultivation book under his real name without drawing heat on himself. And so, using the
Jorge Cervantes in his disguise circa 2006.
The master at work out in the field.
Spanish translation of his first name and the maiden name of his wife, he adopted the nom de plume Jorge Cervantes. To further hide his identity, he devised a disguise for his new persona: a black dreadlock wig, black goatee, black beret and sunglasses — a get-up he would later refer to as his “Che Guevara/Bob Marley look.”
After shopping his manuscript to a dozen different publishers without success, he drew upon his past experience at the newspaper to publish it himself. The result was a 96page black and white manuscript first released in 1983 entitled “Indoor Marijuana Horticulture.” He then hit the road throughout Western Washington and Oregon on a mission to sell it to every headshop and garden store he could find — or, at least, any that were willing to carry it.
“Most hydroponic stores wouldn’t sell my book because it linked them to Cannabis cultivation,” Cervantes explains. “If they were connected to Cannabis cultivation, their store, bank accounts and all assets could be confiscated.”
“I’ve been fascinated with Cannabis since I took my first hit when I was 17 years old ... All I could think about by the time I graduated university was growing more and better Cannabis.”
Those stores that did carry it kept it hidden behind the counter… but despite its lack of visibility, IMH was a huge hit — selling 6,000 copies in its first year and landing distribution deals with Seattle’s Homestead Books and San Francisco’s Last Gasp. It was so popular and comprehensive, in fact, that its adherents began referring to it as the “Indoor Grow Bible.”
HIGH TIMES & HOLLAND
Over the next few years, big things started to happen for Jorge — primarily thanks to the pot publication of record, High Times: In February 1984, his book was first advertised in its pages (as part of Rosenthal’s Quick Trading ad); that December, he made his first editorial contribution to the magazine (“Sex and Cloning”); and in early 1985, he first saw the ad for the Holland Seed Bank, through which he was able to connect with Dutch Cannabis breeder Nevil Schoenmachers. Later that year, he traveled to the Netherlands and paid the first of many visits to Nevil at his infamous “Cannabis Castle.” During these visits, Schoenmachers introduced him to new breeding and growing techniques (e.g., Rockwool) and shared with him lots of weed and seeds, including one renowned cultivar that became his alltime favorite to grow and smoke.
“That Nevil’s Haze he got from [Skunkman] Sam … I couldn’t get enough of that!” he gushes.
GREEN MERCHANTS
Besides High Times, there was really only one other notable Cannabis magazine at the time — Sinsemilla Tips (see our Nov 2021 issue), run out of the Full Moon Farm Products shop in Corvallis, Oregon. Being just an hour and a half south of Portland, Cervantes occasionally drove down there for equipment. It was there, in 1981, that he met the shop’s owner (and ST’s publisher) Tom Alexander, who later enlisted Cervantes as a regular contributor to the magazine, carried his book, and became a lifelong friend.
Another cultivation shop owner/author turned lifelong friend was Steve Murphy (aka Murphy Stevens) — owner of the Indoor Sun Shop in Seattle, whose book “How to Grow the Finest Marijuana Indoors Under Lights” reportedly inspired the second edition of Jorge’s book. Released in 1985, this re-writ-
ten, expanded and professionally printed version of “IMH” featured a full-color cover and improved illustrations.
In addition to his new edition, Cervantes also designed a proprietary high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting system and even opened a grow shop of his own to sell them: Jorge Cervantes’ Indoor Garden Store. Unfortunately for him and Alexander, their stores would be forced out of business a few years later, courtesy of Uncle Sam.
On October 27, 1989, DEA agents raided dozens of grow shops as part of a multi-state sting dubbed Operation Green Merchant. Though nothing these shops sold was technically illegal, undercover narcs had persuaded employees and customers to discuss Cannabis cultivation, then used that testimony to bust them. Luckily, Cervantes dodged that bullet; since none of his customers would implicate him, his shop was not raided, and he was never charged. Nevertheless, authorities were harassing him, and the heightened scrutiny by police had him especially spooked because Green Merchant had also targeted Schoenmakers — who, Cervantes confesses, he’d been illegally moving seeds to on occasion. Afraid of ending up in prison like many of his comrades, he decided to close his shop.
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
During the 1990s, Cervantes moved every couple of years: first to Washington, then British Columbia, then Amsterdam, before ultimately expatriating to Barcelona in 1998. Throughout that time, he continued to build upon his past successes. In 1990, he founded his own company, Van Patten Publishing. In 1993, he released a third edition of his book, retitled “Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower’s Bible,” featuring new chapters by fellow cultivation experts Ed Rosenthal and Robert Connell Clarke. After the passage of Prop 215 in 1996, this edition became the textbook of choice for new educational programs that emerged to train medical Cannabis cultivators in California. In 2000, when Rosenthal ended his long-running HT column “Ask
Ed” over legal issues with the magazine, Cervantes took over the slot, renaming the advice column “Jorge’s RX” and writing it monthly for the next decade. In 2006, he partnered with HT to release the how-to DVD series “Jorge Cervantes’ Ultimate Grow.”
And, of course, he remained a fixture at the annual Cannabis Cups, hosting seminars and signing books — always as his incognito alter ego.
It wasn’t until after the Obama administration announced its hands-off policy toward medical marijuana that he felt confident enough to come out of the grow closet. On February 8, 2010, in an interview on NPR’s “Tell Me More,” Cervantes finally came clean about his secret identity. His real-life American debut followed that June at the first-ever High Times Medical Cannabis Cup in San Francisco, where he hosted a medical cultivation seminar without his disguise for the first time.
THE ODYSSEY CONTINUES
Over his half-century-long career, Jorge Cervantes has published more than 50 books in 11 languages. To date, IMH alone has sold over a million copies. He’s been honored with a Gold Benjamin Franklin Award by the Independent Book Publishers Association in 2015, High Times Lester Grinspoon Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, and a 420 Icon award from World of Cannabis/Cannabis Business Awards in 2020. And just this year, Toronto’s Grow Up conference inducted him into their Hall of Fame. But perhaps most meaningfully, he’s taught countless pot smokers around the world how to grow their own Cannabis.
“The Cannabis community has been my life,” he once professed. “Standing here today, reflecting upon the path traversed, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride … this journey has been nothing short of magical — a green odyssey that has touched lives across continents, breaking barriers and cultivating friendships that span languages and borders.” Muchas gracias, Señor Cervantes.
To read the full, unabridged version of this story and listen to the interview on our podcast, visit worldofcannabis.museum/cannthropology.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JORGE CERVANTES
Los Alamos Gardens in California (2022).
Tom Alexander, Jorge & author Jeff Lowenfels.
For those who choose to stand out, be di erent, and create their own path
‘TWASN’T IT SHAKESPEARE WHO WROTE
“a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose”? Whether he did or not, it’s a play on words. And from what the history books tell us, he was the best at making plays out of words.
Or organizing words into a play.
What we learn from this is that, as useful as language can be, it can also prove confounding. Through all the channeling to the place in the brain where comprehension is gained by translating your senses into images or ideas, there is always the opportunity for misinterpretation.
In the English language alone, there are currently 20,000 words, so chances are very good that a few of them are going to be doppelgänged. I mean, to a foreigner, it can’t be easy to discern the nuance of building a building. Or how a minute can be minute, much less how a solution can become a solution.
I know, it’s fucked.
They are called heteronyms. And as I’m sure you know by now, the key to differentiating terminology is by understanding the context of the word. Meaning, you just need to know the subject matter you’re talking about.
By the way, did you know they found a pipe in Shakespeare’s grave and they’re pretty sure the dude smoked weed? So, what did he mean when he wrote that “a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose”? Well, there are many ways to refer to a rose in literature. And actually, ‘twasn’t he who wrote that — I just looked it up. He wrote, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” which is from “Romeo and Juliet” and means love transcends applied labels like Montague and Capulet.
And speaking of love, if a jar is ajar, it most likely means I’m preparing to pack a bowl. Just like Bill Shakespeare would’ve done.
In case you’re studying English.
