Oct. 2023 - Oregon Leaf

the tech issue

Single Source Single Strain

INFUSED

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

20 grams of flower, 10 grams of concentrate, 10 units of cartridges / pre-rolls / edibles / topicals.

$420 per entry. For every 3 entries you buy, you get a 4th entry free!

Accepting entries starting November 1, 2023. Final deadline for entry TBA.

2024 OREGON LEAF BOWL CATEGORIES

FLOWER

PRODUCTION METHODS

• INDOOR

• MIXED-LIGHT/GREENHOUSE

• LIGHT DEP

• FULL-TERM SUNGROWN

*NEW FLAVOR PROFILES!*

• GAS, OG & CHEM

• TROPICAL & FLORAL

• DESSERTS

• SWEETS & DREAMS

• JACKS & HAZES

• EXOTICS

• OPEN CATEGORY

• CBD-RICH (1:1 OR BETTER - NO HEMP)

Enter your flower by how it’s grown, then pick the category that best represents it’s flavor profile ... or enter in the Open Category for some battle royale-style competition!

The LEAF BOWL is proud to announce that we are now using the scientific terpene classifications developed by

CONCENTRATES & EXTRACTS

FECO/RSO

• HIGH THC

• HIGH ALTERNATIVE CANNABINOIDS

HYDROCARBON

• PULL ‘N’ SNAP/SHATTER

• DIAMONDS/SAUCE

• BUDDER/BADDER

• CRUMBLE/SUGAR

SOLVENTLESS

• FULL-MELT/BUBBLE HASH

• ROSIN

• TRADITIONAL HASH

CARTRIDGES

• ALT. CANNABINOID (CBD, CBN, ETC.)

• DISTILLATE (CANNABIS TERPS ONLY)

• DISTILLATE (BOTANICAL/FLAVORED)

• GENERAL HYDROCARBON

• LIVE RESIN

• SOLVENTLESS

• CO2

PRE-ROLLS

TRADITIONAL INFUSED

INFUSED PRODUCTS

EDIBLES

• BAKED GOODS

• GUMMIES

• CANDIES

• CHOCOLATES

• DRINKABLES/TINCTURES

• SAVORY/OTHER SNACKS

• CAPSULES/TABLETS

• ALTERNATIVE CANNABINOID

TOPICALS

• CREAMS/LOTIONS

• BALMS/SALVES

• BEAUTY PRODUCTS

• SPRAYS/OILS

• TRANSDERMALS

• CBD ONLY

SCAN CODE TO ENTER

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 DAY STATE CONTENT DIRECTOR amanda@leafmagazines.com

MAKANI NELSON STATE SALES DIRECTOR makani@leafmagazines.com (808) 754-4182

MEGHAN RIDLEY COPY EDITOR meghan@leafmagazines.com

ABOUT THE COVER

In crafting Oregon Leaf's new cover, artist Michael Gordon embarked on a smoky journey into the world of generative AI. Driven by a passionate belief in AI's potential to unlock human creativity, Michael's creative process envisions a future beyond our horizons. Through visually impactful imagery, he invites viewers to see the world anew – fostering wonder and gratitude for the present while contemplating a responsible bridge to the future. Michael advocates for AI as the ultimate communicator and coach, guiding it towards human-centered solutions. Follow his work @Digiflexlabs on IG.

COVER ART BY MICHAEL GORDON

CONTRIBUTORS

WES ABNEY, REVIEWS

BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES

JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION

TOM BOWERS, FEATURES

AMANDA DAY, FEATURES + PHOTOS

MAX EARLY, FEATURES

MICHAEL GORDON, ILLUSTRATION

MATT JACKSON, FEATURES

JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN

MIKE RICKER, FEATURES

MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING

BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES

KAT WOLF, FEATURES

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 W I T H OREGON LEAF!

WES ABNEY

Editor’s Note

Thanks for picking up The Tech Issue of Oregon Leaf!

Technology has taken our humble plant and transformed the ways we grow, process, buy and consume Cannabis in an ever-evolving quest to get higher. While that might sound reductivist, trying to get even more baked has been the bleeding edge of innovation in weed for the last 20 years. From the early days of knife hits and Sobe bottle gravity bongs, to open-blasting BHO or making homemade cannabutter, the mystery surrounding Cannabis has added to the intrigue and experience of getting high.

Today we hear about new tech on a near-daily basis, which is why it’s important to slow down and appreciate the little things from time to time. One such guilty pleasure is the disposable vape. I know – they are somewhat more wasteful than normal cartridges, and I often find myself with three or four in my pocket at an event – but I love the convenience of sneaking a hit of tasty oil from a palm-sized pen. In my lifetime, I’ve gone from the paranoia of hiding the smell of smoke from authority figures of all kinds, to the pleasure of freedom and choice between vape pens in all shapes and sizes at the average dispensary, along with hundreds of other products.

Technology and freedom have combined to provide huge value for Cannabis users via the medicinal treatments and testing of cannabinoids and terpenes that has expanded our understanding of the plant and its place in our world. And while the future of the stock market and the geopolitics of war remain out of focus in my crystal ball, I do have a very strong feeling that the future is going to continue to be great for pot. So I don’t worry about AI replacing humans in the industry, or the government or big pharma stealing our plant back from the people.

“IN MY LIFETIME, I’VE GONE FROM THE PARANOIA OF HIDING THE SMELL OF SMOKE FROM AUTHORITY FIGURES OF ALL KINDS, TO THE PLEASURE OF FREEDOM AND CHOICE BETWEEN VAPE PENS IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES AT THE AVERAGE DISPENSARY.”

We’ve come such a long way in only a few decades and now seeds of knowledge and acceptance are sprouting worldwide. Other countries are advancing the study of Cannabis and legalizing the plant, with global freedom being the ultimate goal. The technology of Cannabis provides credibility, access and information – all powerful tools for shaping policy and ending the global war on drugs. Those same tools also whip up a mighty dab of terpy rosin at 420º in the Carta 2 electronic dabber on my desk … and for that, I’m grateful.

THE SMOKING JACKET THE SMOKING JACKET

A Communion for Connoisseurs

This successful sesh started like any other. Old friends gathered and new ones swapped selections like life stories, as if a peek into a jar was all you needed to know about each other. But there was something special in the air on September 15 at the private Archive Event Center in Portland, and it wasn’t just the top tier terps. The Smoking Jacket 2023 was kicking off – hosted by the Hashish Inn for only the second time in ‘hashstory.’

PLACING IN PORTLAND

Last year, co-creators Shoragim @ thehashishinn (founder of the Hashish Inn podcast, and our wonderfully warm, welcoming host) and Adam @simp.lee.adam (creative director and our delightfully dry-humored event emcee) dreamed up the first-ever event in Los Angeles. There wasn’t supposed to be a second Smoking Jacket – but the response reflected the passion put in, and praise the hash heavens: Portland was selected.

When we stole a second of Shoragim’s time, he shared that this location made sense after recording the very first podcast episode (back in 2019) with PDX’s own Camden of PUA Extractions and Nelson & Company. The inspiration behind that first podcast was an origin story some of us can relate to: the pursuit of pain relief and above all, a passion for fine hash.

Fast forward to 2023. Shoragim, Adam, and an amazing

crew of creatives and supporting staff came together to make this event special. With sponsorships from Archive, Hashtek, Sticker Plug LA, Rosin Evolution, Zach Brown Glass, Indux Labs, Banger Basket, DabRite and ProSwabs, there wasn’t a detail left in the dust.

ROLLING IN ROSIN

The event entries rolled in as rosin, with 34 makers and brands from nine states standing up to try their hand in friendly competition.

Throughout each of the event’s three eight-hour days, maker, expert, and people’s choice judges powered through their Smoking Jacket cases – carefully scoring each of the entries based on 10 attributes: visual, consistency, fragrance/ aroma, draw/ exhale, flavor, aftertaste, body, balance, overall, and residue.

When we weren’t perusing our Peli’s, fraternizing with folks or

tasting whatever terps were the talk of the table, our attention was turned to the stage, where “Resin Talks” took place in panel form on topics from cultivation to melt.

“Resin Tastings” walked us first-hand through flavors with several makers, while the crowd asked questions and tasted together. For a little extra fun, Real Deal Resin’s Hot Dabs Podcast rocked a few folks’ worlds while recording live.

JOINING THE CLUB

At $1,000 per competitor ticket and $1,350 per People’s Choice pass, the price allowed for a caliber of competitors and judges unique to The Smoking Jacket. Taking into consideration all of the above and the heavy amount of heavenly hash here (while the rosin entries were rockin’, many makers shared their best melt at the table), it’s an entry price we found few frowning over. It helped that the hosts were gracious in their goodie-bags and provided three straight days of fuel in the form of Howdy Coffee, Ski. Hi Foods and Demarco’s Sandwiches.

If for some reason you weren’t feeling well-fed and dazzled by the dabs, the

CRUSHING THE COMPETITION

1st Place Expert Judges

Fort Wendy “Yellow Zushi”

2nd Place Expert Judges

Turtle Trees “OG Pie Breath”

3rd Place Expert Judges

Trichome Tortoise “Super Boof”

1st Place Maker’s Choice

network of knowledge alone was worth the ticket tag. There were a staggering number of leaders and living legends in hash and horticulture in attendance, from expert judges to the winner’s circle.

The Real Cannabis Chris “Michael Jordan”

1st Place People’s Choice

The Real Cannabis Chris “Michael Jordan”

On a coast where there are plenty of cool cups, competitions and community gatherings, you can look at this type of event as a club. It’s a communion of connoisseurs looking for an exclusive experience … or maybe even their own Smoking Jacket.

ESTEEMED JUDGES // Jay @professorsift | Kaya @pacificnwrootz | Chris @dammit__bobby_ | Andrea @slite23 | Amanda @yashimelts | Brandon @kushkirk | Julian @dablogic

GET CRISPY! GET CRISPY!

Embrace the back to school and Halloween sugary snack bonanza with the Canna Crispy lineup for a treat that’s definitely for “mature audiences only.”

Falling back into the rain and routine of winter can take even the most caffeinated adult and turn them as crispy as a week-old Voodoo donut. But being called ‘crispy’ can be both a negative and positive attribute – kind of like being called ‘edgy.’

In the case of these delicious four-sided edibles that definitely remove edginess and replace it with a heavily-stoned buzz, you might still end up a little ‘crispy’ depending on your THC tolerance.

Nevertheless, it was with great pleasure that we dove into the adult version of a classic fall treat: the Canna Crispy by Better Edibles.

Better Edibles has been delivering their namesake since 2019 via affordable high-potency treats with authentic ingredients. With over 18 flavors of Crispies utilizing things like Ghirardelli cocoa powder and freeze-dried strawberries, these are anything but basic. We dove into the original Crispy flavor first, savoring the classic taste and texture with a light hint of Cannabis in the finish.

Better Edibles

Better Edibles uses a proprietary solution of distillate, carrier oils and emulsifiers to add higher bioavailability and a fast onset. The small size of the Crispy is perfect for high tolerance users, giving them a full dose in a small format while saving room for Halloween candy!

Exploring the range of flavors, we loved the real-deal taste of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in the peanut butter and chocolate flavor, which also had pre-sliced portions for 10mg servings. The cookies and cream flavor was labeled sativa (fun for daytime edible use) and tasted like real Oreos with a crunch added to the marshmallowy crispy bite. We felt like kids eating the Fruity Pebbles flavor until the buzz hit … a potent reminder that we are definitely adults.

As the spooky spirit of the season takes hold, don’t be afraid to indulge in the hard-hitting Canna Crispies – their heady buzz will take you sky high and leave you floating like a ghoul just in time for Halloween.

@betteredibles | 100mg THC/package

“With over 18 flavors of Crispies utilizing things like Ghirardelli cocoa powder and freeze-dried strawberries, these are anything but basic.”

Purple Milk Badder Purple Milk Badder

Processed by COLEMAN LOVE

Dive into a low-temp bowl of the fruity and creamy Purple Milk that brings an extra helping of berries and Kush that’s perfect for a stoney breakfast-in-bed dab. Colors and milk don’t usually go together, unless it’s at the end of a bowl of color-changing Cap’n Crunch Berries. As a kid, this writer's mom would use food coloring to “holiday theme” the milk: orange for Halloween, red for Valentine’s Day and green for St. Patrick’s. When friends would come over they’d be shocked and delighted – a feeling that can be revisited when offering up the tasty dabs of Purple Milk.

Twisting open a jar of Purple Milk releases a rush of rich berries with comforting notes of gassy vanilla and lemony Kush that tantalize the palate and mind. The thick golden badder has a gorgeous layer of terps floating in a sappy-thick consistency, loading easily into our Focus V by Carta for a low-temp dab. First inhales are extremely smooth with a thick gassy vapor that coats the palate before exhale –

lingering with a syrupy grape tang in the tastebuds as effects envelop the senses like a misty fog.

We felt ourselves relax as anxiety, stress and extra thoughts slowed down, while the present moment of stoney bliss became our newfound focal point – complete with a warming body buzz that loosened tight muscles and unwound the mind. While it might be heavy for some

users, we found this Purple Milk to be lovely in the morning hours, allowing for a before-the-workday break to center and get perfectly stoned and zoned for tasks. But it’s still a heady, heavy high … so don’t go too hard, or save the Purple Milk for an end-of-the-day treat with cereal for dinner. We won’t judge! Purple Punch x Cereal Milk 80.49% THC | 8.96% Terpenes

BLACK MARKET GLASS

The term “tech” might spark visions of circuit boards and gadgetry, but we like to look at things with a broader perspective. Today, we’ll dive into a type of tech that’s more art than electrical. It’s a tech that terp lovers everywhere can appreciate: the quartz banger. The terminology and techniques behind bangers have shifted over the years as our insatiable curiosity and quest for the tastiest Cannabis consumption continues to evolve. But Black Market Glass in Portland has kept pace, offering an ever-evolving array of ways to dab like a pro. We checked out three of their latest inventions to see what they have to offer.

Glob-Cano V2

For coffee aficionados, this beast is reminiscent of a classic Chemex pour-over. If you’re not familiar, it’s something like a cross between an hourglass and an Erlenmeyer lab beaker. The shape offers five intake holes and a banger base that’s over an inch in diameter. So if you want to go in for a gargantuan glob … this one is for you. $370

Slurpzilla

If you’re looking for a little pizzazz on your next big dab, the Supressed Slurpzilla may be more up your alley. The 5mmthick walls will retain all the heat you need while the piece’s five micro jets and bottom intakes rip around your resin and provide a massive puff. The intricate beveling of the quartz is as beautiful to behold as this piece is to use! $530

Micro-TerpNado

The most petite and practical of the selections, The TerpNado features sandblasted intakes that funnel flow in a tornadolike fashion. This provides a beautiful spin if you’re so inclined to add pearls or towers. The extra tall chamber also provides plenty of surface area to spread terps, despite the svelte nature of the piece. $340

Glob-Cano (top), Slurpzilla (middle), Micro-TerpNado (bottom), carb caps and terp towers also pictured as accents.

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BK Glassware

For Ben Kendall, AKA BK Glassware, blowing glass is a family affair. Growing up in a rural area of Southern Oregon known to the locals as Takilma, Ben is a second-generation glass artist and Cannabis cultivator. His father migrated to Oregon in the ‘70s after finishing his schooling at Goddard College with a focus on glass blowing. Fast forward 20 years with a ton of experience in the hot shop under his belt, he established his business: Kendall Art Glass.

BK and his older brother first got involved in the glass studio around the age of 10, making nightlights that their dad would market on the wholesale circuit. "Working with glass as a child gave me a unique experience with this medium. Watching my dad blow glass over the years allowed me to learn visually," said Kendall.

As he continued refining his technique with soft glass in high school and college, he began marketing his products under the brand BK Glassware –attending craft fairs and pop-up markets such as the Eugene Saturday Market and the Oregon Country Fair.

BK specializes in tumbler and goblet cups in many sizes with just about every color in the rainbow! Their smooth and clean feel blends seamlessly with common kitchen aesthetics.

Another fun fact about Ben is that he owns and operates his own hash brand, Zap Solventless. Made with love and processed with care, Zap Solventless pheno hunts tons of legendary breeder's genetics like Oregon's local Kush Kirk and Washington's Archive Seed Bank.

"Glass and Cannabis go hand in hand, and that’s no different for my family," said Kendall. To see more of his marvelous work – or reach out with any purchase and pricing inquiries – head to his IG account @bkglassware.

"Working with glass as a child gave me a unique experience with this medium.

Watching my dad blow glass over the years allowed me to learn visually."

ROSEBUD ROSEBUD

“THE ONETWO PUNCH IT PACKS WILL HAVE YOU FLOATY IN THE HEAD WITH FEET LIKE LEAD.”

KUSH KUSH

REJOICE! Rosebud Growers has risen to the task. That’s probably because this Portland team has been doing its thing since 2016, with plenty of time to perfect cultivars like this Rosebud Kush. The crew at Rosebud hunted this pheno of Solfire Gardens’ “The Don Mega” and tracked down a trophy in this beautifully balanced representation of GMO x Black Banana.

With wild, heavy nugs donning dark gray-green and lavender-black highlights, Rosebud Kush comes in swinging from the first smoke. The one-two punch it packs will have you floaty in the head with feet like lead. It’s a peaceful package for a woundup writer with a pacing problem. But we wouldn’t know anything about that… This cultivar gives off its strong, musty, meaty, woody side at first sniff. But like many things in life, look a little deeper and you’ll find something sweet inside. A burst of berries reveals itself as you break into the nug – imagine the clean, comforting scent of a craft store, somewhere between the dried flowers and scented candles section. While you’re there, you should grab a few arts and crafts supplies because this cultivar has a high chance of tickling your creative characteristics.

As we fire up a fresh bong, our palates are placed in a cup of pepperkissed cream with flashes of fruit. We’re left with a lingering mouthfeel of dairy-like indulgence and the satisfaction of this powerful smoke.

GROWN BY ROSEBUD GROWERS

These nostalgic nugs take us back to the days when we didn’t consume Cannabis daily for a living. That good ol’-fashioned knock to the noggin is hard to come by with a tolerance that could topple a room full of seasoned smokers.

Tried THCV Tried THCV ?

THCV is the Super Sativa you ' ve been look

Focus and energy minus th clouded mind and munchi

Ask your budtender for whole plant, n THCV in Kites Super Sativa prerolls.

top tech

Since last year’s issue we’ve seen some great advancements in the Cannabis sphere, with brands using novel technologies to address the ways we consume the plant. Here are just a few modern marvels.

Leaf Nation's Matt Jackson reviews the latest and greatest in Cannabis consumption.

BILLOW

For anyone who lives in an apartment or condo where smoking is a no-go, meet your new sesh buddy Billow. Place your joint into the chamber and watch as the unit provides you a full inhalation experience – pulling smoke through a hose and mouthpiece before sucking it back into the unit, acting like a filtration system that sends the smoke from your exhale and the joint through a carbon filter layer. Additional fragrance packets can be added to further mask the smell with things like the soothing scent of lavender. whatisbillow.com | $500

PUFFCO 3D XL CHAMBER

Released on the heels of the 10-year Peak

Pro update, this is a piece of equipment any Puffco fan will want to upgrade to. The extra deep chamber on this thing is an impressive 78% larger, making it a serious well for dropping globs into. The joystick top has an extra-long extension to reach all the way down and the chamber unlocks a higher vapor setting through your Puffco mobile app for even bigger clouds.

puffco.com | $125

TERP CHILLER

The Terp Chiller by TERPS is a portable refrigerated cooler that holds an impressive eight 2-gram myron hash jars at a time, and can bring its interior temperature down to as low as 32º fahrenheit in half an hour. Smaller than a classic Igloo but larger than anything of its kind, the unit has a fold-down top handle and gives you six to eight hours of performance on a full charge. The Terp Chiller comes with both a wall and car charger, but you can purchase additional batteries to change out during a long adventure. terpsbrand.com | $275

> GALLANT GRAVITY

Gallant has created the Greeb, a piece of stonertech bringing the old ways into the future. For anyone who’s never hit a gravity bong, the Greeb is here to save your soul. This medical-grade stainless steel, tapered bowl about the size of an acorn, fits in nearly any size of bottle. Simply pop a hole in the bottom of the bottle or pick up one from their shop, then drop in your Greeb and you’re good to go. The brand offers a stealthy travel set as well as a kit to transform any of your favorite bottles into your custom gravity bong. gallantgravity.com | $24.99

top tech

G PEN DASH PLUS

OOKA X SEVEN9

OOKA wants to elevate the way people are inhaling. This cordless, portable, electronic hookah uses pre-filled pods that contain microchips instead of charcoal. The series with seven9 out in California right now brings strain specific and blended Cannabis lines, as well as ones infused with live resin. You can’t load your own flower into the pods, but this is a nifty party device because the function is great and each session will give you around 45 minutes of smoking. getooka.com | $399 unit $36-45 pack of 2 pods.

Adding to what fans of the brand already loved about this flower vaporizer, the Dash Plus has a lot more control under the hood. The zinc alloy body is a little larger in your hand – but in exchange, users now enjoy an LCD screen that shows your heat setting and battery level, as well as controls that customize your temperature at a range of 320º to 420º fahrenheit. This unit features a combination of convection and conduction heating to more efficiently heat up your herb and avoid that burnedoutside/green-inside effect.

FOCUS V SABRE

The most useful electronic dab tool on the market, Focus V took all the issues from previous iterations of this kind of product and fixed it up in the lab until this was ready to launch, and now comes in colors to match each of their CARTA2 units. Three clicks gives you a flashlight and should you find yourself messing up the tip, it's a simple twist to remove and replace with one from their affordable replacement packs. Small enough for the hand but too large to disappear in your bag. focusv.com | $40

TERP SOUS-VIDE

A dabbers high tech, session device. Instead of torching your quartz to temperature and possibly overheating it, simply rest your slurpers, buckets and bangers inside the heating tube of the TSV to reach your desired temperature without using butane or a metal coil. There’s a platform as well that can lift and lower your rig into position above the “heat bath.” Saving butane is saving the planet and TSV is so dedicated to the cause that they even offer payment plans to help people clear that first hurdle. terpsousvide.com | $700

INDUX LABS BIRD

Dial your dabs into the future with the Bird induction heater. Released on the heels of Indux Labs’ two previous models, Bird is a portable tabletop unit that heats up your glass dab inserts without a torch or attached nail and looks like a cross between a theremin and a ‘50s space-age radio. The Bird rips. You can get an impressive amount of pulls off of your dab through this machine, but you’ll need inserts that you can purchase online – so don’t order your new toy without also getting some batteries or you’ll be bummed on Christmas Day. induxlabs.com | $1500

modern marvels

Meet the cutting-edge tools being used by industry innovators to craft better, cleaner Cannabis products – meaning tastier terps for us smokers!

TSRgrow LED LIGHTS

THE PRESS CLUB TABLETOP ROSIN PRESS

Studies have shown that far-red light can increase crop biomass, and this technology is now being applied to Cannabis cultivation as well. TSRgrow has been at the forefront of using a full-spectrum approach to horticultural lighting that incorporates the more traditional blues, reds and greens — plus far-red and UV diodes. This ensures even indoor plants can fully absorb photons as they would naturally from the sun for optimal plant growth and higher yields. TSRgrow also removed the ballasts from their lights, instead using remote power servers centrally located in cabinets outside of the grow room. Relocating this power source helps reduce the temperature inside grow rooms by roughly 20%, cutting HVAC and cooling costs. This approach means a more comfortable environment for the plants, plus substantial energy savings and lower operational costs for growers.

TSRgrow.com | @tsrgrow_solutions

TROLMASTER

HYDRO-X ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM

The Hydro-X is an environmental control system from Trolmaster designed to help cultivation facilities become more efficient and less wasteful. This all-in-one hub makes it possible for growers to automate their lights, HVAC systems, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, humidifiers and CO2 generators based on each room’s microclimate and plant’s life cycle stage. They can also monitor and adjust these settings from a mobile app, getting warning alerts if a problem arises with the ability to make changes at any time and from any location. For example, if the temperature in a grow room drops below peak levels in the middle of the night, it can be reset remotely without sending an employee in. This level of environmental control prevents issues like mildew and root rot from affecting the plants while eliminating unnecessary time, labor and electricity for cultivators. Trolmaster.com | @trolmaster.agro

The Press Club is known for that proprietary pink stitching on its rosin bags, but recently expanded its product line by dropping the first-ever tabletop rosin presses. Designed to be portable and take up minimal space in the lab, these minis come in two sizes that measure less than one foot in all directions and weigh in at under 45 pounds. They still pack a punch, though – the 3x5-inch size has 10 tons of crushing pressure, while the 4x7-inch comes through with 20 tons of force. There’s also a top handle for easy transport and the whole thing can be set up with just a few screws, featuring patented easy-drip technology to transform from a horizontal to a tilted press in less than three seconds. Driving innovation in compactness and convenience, these presses allow extractors that are working with minimal space or traveling often to still crank out some serious heat. Thepressclub.co | @thepressclub.co

HASHTEK SOLVENTLESS EXTRACTION EQUIPMENT

Hashtek is helping hash makers bring high-quality solventless products to the masses through its ice water extraction equipment that can produce bubble hash, rosin, full melt and dry sift at scale. Washing hash by hand is time-consuming and hard on the body, but most options to help automate this process agitate from the bottom with high-shear vortex style agitation – which can knock sensitive trichome heads off the fresh frozen plant material. Instead of making hash in a blender, Hashtek equipment gently agitates from the top down to mimic hand-paddling and protect trichome heads. These systems also utilize a sanitary stainless steel design that prevents microplastics and plant matter from seeping into the end product, allowing craft producers to do more washes without putting more stress on their bodies or sacrificing flavor and quality in their hash.

Hashtek.ca | @hashtek.ca

ganja GRAVEYARD

Say goodbye to the paraphernalia of the past and hello to their modern replacements.

For this month's Tech Issue and the official start of spooky season, we figured it’d be fun to take a walk down memory lane … revisiting the good ol’ gadgets (thankfully) collecting dust in the sesh tool graveyard and highlighting the ones that have replaced them.

BYE: HOT KNIVES

HIGH: DAB TOOLS

Can you believe people actually used to heat up hash over the stove between two kitchen knives?! These days you can ditch scooping your dab with a kitchen utensil in favor of sleek and sexy tools actually designed for concentrates. Brands like Mystic Timber, Duncan Dabbers and Apex Ancillary are some of our favorites when it comes to grabbing up globs. You can even take your tech a step further with the magnetic tool stand from Apex – keeping all your dab tools sitting upright in one convenient place while housing your carb caps, pearls, head stash jars and more. Freeing up space on your sesh table and avoiding the mess of resin-coated tools sticking to your stuff? Ah, technology. The Apex Ancillary Magnetic Toolstand | apexancillary.com

BYE: STOPWATCHES

HIGH: TEMP GAUGES

All hash heads can agree there are few things worse than a hot dab. You used to torch that sucker ‘til it was red, wait a minute or so, and hope for the best. Now, there’s a variety of tech available to help you get the perfectly temped and terpy dab every time. Convenient eRigs like the Focus V CARTA 2 and Puffco Peak make it possible to choose your temperature with the click of a button or even an app on your cell phone. If you like to go glass rather than electronic, there are also quite a few options for handy temperature gauges … you can use the Terpometer, Dab Rite, or this new Terporium Terp Gun to make sure you’re not dropping in for a hot dab. The laser feature for aiming guidance is so clutch – plus, it just makes us feel cool with the lightsaber vibes. The Terporium Terp Gun | terporium.com

BYE: PLASTIC BAGGIES

HIGH: HEAD STASH JARS

We all remember getting our stash from the sketchy dealer in one of those flimsy little sandwich bags you had to lick to seal. We also probably all remember shoving said bag into the bottom of our backpack, hoping it wouldn’t be too loud when we unzipped it in class. Luckily, modern Cannabis containers like the Staze Preserve, PAX Vacuum Stash Jar, and these Re:stash jars exist to keep your dank more discreet these days. Here around Leaf Nation, we like to keep nugs safe and sound in our custom Leaf Bowl Re:stash jars, but you can find them in a variety of colors and designs to match any sesh station setup. Re:stash Jars re-stash.com

BYE: TITANIUM NAILS

BYE: SODA CANS

HIGH: SPOON PIPES

Many of us were once high school stoners using soda cans to discreetly cop a buzz in the parking lot. Now, if you’ve run out of rolling papers or need to smoke on the go, there’s no need to crush a Coke can and poke a hole in it. Spoon pipes have become a quintessential part of any flower smoker's toolbox, but brands have even evolved the everyday pocket puffer into top-notch toking tech. Take the KØL Pipe by HØJ, for example – a magnetic pipe with titanium-coated stainless steel filters and tiny indentations on the inside (inspired by the gills of a Mako shark) that trap and cool your smoke before it reaches your lungs. Shark tech in our smoking devices? The future is here, people. The KØL Pipe by HØJ | hoj.life

HIGH: QUARTZ BANGERS

If you’ve never had to season a titanium nail to avoid a little extra metallic flavor with your dabs, consider yourself lucky. As the glass and hash scene matured, manufacturers moved to making glass, ceramic and quartz nails, of which the latter is now the new norm. Why the shift? Quartz is a stronger material than regular borosilicate glass and features far better heat resistance and flavor retention – meaning tastier terps with no seasoning required. Now you can grab some quartz from pretty much any corner head shop, but glass legends like JP Toro, Joel Halen and Quave are known for having some of the headiest and highest-quality options around. We personally love these Quave Club Bangers that are hand-made to order in Seattle, right down the road from Leaf HQ! Quave Club Bangers | quavecb.com

Pipe Dreams Dispensary

GREEN STOP

TRACK TOWN COLLECTIVE

school is in sesh

Exploring the wide world of elevated education for Cannabis and Psilocybin

The indoctrinated ideology that higher education is the ticket to success has been on the BS radar for some time now. But this writer is here to theorize that there’s still something special about an environment of education and innovation. If other subjects benefit from the collective curiosity of humankind, why shouldn’t substances like Cannabis and Psilocybin?

Across the nation, traditional and freshly-founded institutions are incorporating standardized Cannabis courses through partnerships with education and training companies like Green Flower.

In states such as Oregon, Psilocybin facilitators are building the foundation of public education and training from the ground up, or with the help of continuing education organizations like Fluence.

The time to grow your knowledge of plant medicines has never been better.

If you’re looking to expand your skills or kick off a new career in Cannabis or Psilocybin, we’ve compiled a list of educational options available online and across the nation.

CANNABIS PROGRAMS @ TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Beal University Bangor, ME

Beal’s fully-online programs include focuses in Medicinal Plant Sciences, Cannabis Sciences, Cannabis Business Administration, and Cannabis Business Operations. beal.edu

City Colleges of Chicago Chicago, Ill.

Colleges like CCC offer job-specific degrees and certificates like Cannabis Applied Studies, Dispensary Operations Specialist, Processing Technician, and more! catalog.ccc.edu

Colorado State University-Pueblo Pueblo, CO

Looking to live the lab life?

At CSU Pueblo you can pursue science-oriented studies like a Cannabis Biology and Chemistry Bachelor or Master of Science degree. csupueblo.edu

Columbia Gorge Community College

Dalles, OR

Like many traditional institutions, CGCC partners with Cannabis content and technology company Green

Flower to provide eight-week, online courses like Advanced Manufacturing Agent, Advanced Dispensary Associate, and Advanced Cultivation Technician. cgcc.cannabisstudiesonline.com

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga has leaned into larger programs, offering two, $2,950 certificate programs. One is in Cannabis Health Care and Medicine, and the other Cannabis Compliance and Risk. cannabiseducation.gonzaga.edu

Lake Superior State University

Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Back in 2020, Lake Superior State University founded the “first program in the U.S. focused squarely on Cannabis chemistry.” Today, they offer programs covering a range of topics from production to business. lssu.edu

Minot State University

Minot, ND

MSU boasts, “one of only two four-year medicinal plant chemistry programs in the nation.” Their Medicinal Plant Chemistry course have lab-focused lessons seeking to secure an understanding of “separation and analysis of compounds from plants.” minotstateu.edu/enroll

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI

NMU provides 24-week, online certificates, from compliance and business to healthcare and agriculture. cannabisstudies.nmu.edu

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

Upper Providence Township, PA

If you’re looking to learn every level of the grow game, check out the Cannabis Horticulture Degree from PIT. This program explores the plant and process, from seed to extraction. pit.edu/academics/cannabis-studies

Portland Community College

Portland, OR

PCC is another Green Flower partner, so you can expect online, nine-week courses in cultivation, retail, and extraction starting at $800. cannabised.pcc.edu

Saint Louis University St. Louis, MI

If you’re looking for a long list of Cannabis science and operations courses, SLU has one of the lengthier. Classes range from law to production and everything in between. catalog.slu.edu

Saint Joseph’s University

Philadelphia, PA

Thinking of a more thorough education?

At SJU, courses cover six-months and four focuses. cannabisstudies.sju.edu

St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud, MN

Many of these Cannabis programs powered by Green Flower have courses kicking-off in early November. So, check out the course options today! cannabiseducation.stcloudstate.edu

Stautzenberger College

Maumee, OH

Stautzenberger has one of the heftier programs around. Their diploma program in Dispensary Administration spans eightmonths and 53 credits. sctoday.edu/programs/school-cannabis

Stockton University

Galloway Township, NJ

Stockton University offers a refreshing array of individual and certificate courses. But we were especially intrigued by their social justice, sustainability, and public relation topics. Stockton.edu

SUNY Morrisville

Morrisville, NY

This institution’s grow-centered courses are bolstered by a year-round, “Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) greenhouse featuring various hydroponics systems,” and a “four-seasons” farm. morrisville.edu/cannabis

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Minor’s are a great way to narrow down your career focus. At the Syracuse University College of Professional Studies, you’ll find foundational knowledge in law, science, business, and cultivation. professionalstudies.syracuse.edu

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA

This institution boasts one of the broader Cannabis course loads, offering a fully online, 33-credit Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Business that spans anywhere from a year and a half to four years. jefferson.edu

University of Denver

Denver, CO

U of D’s Center for Professional Development offers four, 24-week programs powered by Green Flower. cannabiseducation.du.edu

University of Maryland

College Park, MD

The School of Pharmacy here will help you hone-in on Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis. It’s the first program of its kind in the US and combines online instruction with in-person experiences. Pharmacy.umaryland.edu

University of Rhode Island

South Kingstown, R.I.

The University of Rhode Island’s Undergraduate Certificate in Cannabis Studies supplies “state of the art” courses that include features like, “virtual laboratory experiences.” web.uri.edu

University of Vermont

Burlington, VT

The Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont was the first medical school in the U.S. to incorporate Cannabis certificates. The idea bloomed when an emergency room physician and botanist teamed up to combat the onslaught of opioid overdoses by educating health professionals on a safer alternative. learn.uvm.edu

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Ill.

Western Illinois University facilitates two minor paths. But it’s their Cannabis and Culture Minor that sparked our interest. According to the course descriptions, students can expect to learn about the “socio-cultural, historical, and politics of cannabis use in the United States and around the globe.” wiu.edu/academics/cannabis

school is in sesh

Exploring the wide world of elevated education for Cannabis and Psilocybin

PSILOCYBIN PROGRAMS

Alma Institute Portland, OR almatraining.org

Awaken ABA LLC Salem, OR awakenaba.com

UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA University of California Berkeley is looking ahead, with accredited classes that already meet the necessary Oregon State regulatory measures for psilocybin facilitator training. psychedelics.berkeley.edu

Changa Institute Lake Oswego, OR changainstitute.com

Clinical Cognitive Facilitator Training LLC

Tigard, OR clinicalcognitivetraining.com

Earth Medicine Center Training Program Oregon earthmedicinecenter.com

Entheogen Institute Ashland, OR entheogen-institute.com

InnerTrek

Damascus, OR

Headed by Measure 109 co-author Tom Eckert, InnerTrek hosted the nation's very first cohort of psilocybin facilitator graduates in March of 2023. Innertrek.org

Myco-Method

Rhododendron, OR Myco-method.com

SoundMind Institute

Psychedelic Facilitator Training

Portland, OR

The SoundMind Institute offers a robust board of globally-renowned psychedelic professionals, including the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), Dr. Rick Doblin. soundmind.training/program

Subtle Winds Eugene, OR subtlewinds.com

Synaptic Institute Portland, OR synaptic.institute

The Leela School of Awakening Ashland, OR leelaschool.org

The Mending Mindcelium Method Oregon mendingmindcelium.com

CANNABISSPECIFIC INSTITUTIONS & PROGRAMS

Cannabis Training University

Denver, CO

If you’re looking to legends like Ed Rosenthal for education, sources like CTU offer curated courses with access to his e-books and more. cannabistraininguniversity.com

Cleveland School of Cannabis

Independence, OH

If payment is an obstacle, this Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools-approved institution can provide student loans with deferred payment plans. csceducation.com/about

Clover Leaf University

Denver, CO

Clover Leaf University was the “first university specializing in phytotechnology to be approved, regulated, and licensed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Private Occupational School Board.” cloverleafuniversity.com

Cookies U

Humboldt County, CA

As part of the Cookies brand social impact initiative, Cookies U is offered exclusively to marginalized community members. Programs are free for selected applicants and focus on seed-to-sale training with paid compensation. impact.cookies.co/cookiesu

Ganjier Northern California

For those seeking sommelier status, Ganjier has gathered a panel of experts to guide you along your three-step certification journey. ganjier.com

GF Institute

Online

Green Flower is the California company behind the curriculum of many (if not most) certifications and programs listed. While the institute itself doesn't offer its own courses, you can check out its website for listings of institutions currently running its curriculum. gfinstitute.org

Oaksterdam University Oakland, CA

Oaksterdam is recognized as America’s original Cannabis University, first opening its doors back in 2007. The institution has since produced over 80,000 alumni. oaksterdamuniversity.com

THC University

Online

Cannabis-specific institutions like THC Uni aren’t restricted to the same standards as many traditional schools. So they team up with industry-experts like Jorge Cervantes to provide programs in everything from “Intro to CBD,” to “Terpene Basics.” thcuniversity.org

The Medical Cannabis Institute Online

This institute aims to educate researchers and health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of Cannabis, offering state-specific courses for practitioners, case studies and more. themedicalcannabisinstitute.org

Trichome Institute Online

This is another place you can find course selections for sommeliers. But this online institute also offers an education in cooking with Cannabis, consultant training, extraction, and dispensary management. trichomeinstitute.com

pot bots

Artificial intelligence, or AI, could be the most impactful technology of this century. But it isn’t new … and as we sit in the ever-evolving churn of Cannabis legislation and legalization, it’s important to look at emerging technological advancements with a questioning eye and ask: Is AI good for the Cannabis movement?

Can AI take the data while we take the dabs?

AI

has been the subject of techno-philosophers and computer nerds for decades, with popularized movies and books portraying AI as an ensuing, all-encompassing, evil entity that will destroy humanity as soon as it’s turned on. While Chat GPT might have influenced a few term papers, the world has not ended since AI was turned on – so let’s explore what it really is.

AI is a tool, first and foremost. It should not be anthropomorphized. It is not an entity, like a person. It does not have feelings, or even think in the way we use that word. AI is more of an enhanced Google – a massive collection of data that can be used as a tool to create, analyze, monitor or action objectives at the direction of humans. And while fear mongering in the media might warn of world-ending outcomes, AI is already here helping human enterprises and even operating the self-driving cars Tesla has pioneered.

The machine does not control us,” said Max Tegmark in his book ‘Life 3.0.’ “We control the machine. And it is our duty to use it wisely.”

As the most potentially powerful tool in human history, AI is to today’s society what Google would have been 50 or even 500 years ago. An all-knowing entity that could answer all questions from the complete database of human knowledge would have been considered a God.

Today, in a world used to asking Siri questions that would have once taken hours of research or been impossible to even answer 50 years ago, we now have a mind-boggling level of accessibility and capability with regard to data and information of all kinds. So, will it change the world? It already has. And should it change how we fight wars or fight fires (especially when combined with robotics), it will likely lead to less loss of human life. But when it comes to our everyday existence, it seems like our “real world” worry is about one thing: How will it affect our jobs?

AI TOOK MY JOB: THE INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

Emerging technology has been stealing jobs since the automatic loom was invented – helping kick off the Industrial Revolution in 1814 and driving competition for skilled mill workers, rather than simple laborers. Much like today’s tech workers, those skilled workers were wooed with libraries and other perks as the lower-class laborers languished – assuming their role in the economy was over.

Gallup has been polling Americans for decades about the fear of technology taking their jobs. And perhaps unsurprisingly, ever since pollsters started asking the question, a resounding majority has answered yes. The modern version of this fear is the “robot workforce” theory that posits we will all be replaced by humanoid robots that don’t get tired or hurt.

For this writer – who moved furniture and built a few houses in college and during the early years of starting Leaf Magazines – the idea of robots doing dangerous or back-breaking work is a dream. But as a society and species, we should look to embrace technology that ends the struggle, aiming to evolve to a social structure that isn’t based upon the trading of time for work to simply survive.

For more on this, check out Universal Basic Income and the four-day work week – keeping in mind the fact that robots are already helping us make cars, computers, and almost anything else with complex machinery processes.

“The countries with the highest robot density have among the lowest unemployment rates,” said Ulrich Spiesshofer, former CEO of leading robotics and technology company ABB Ltd. “Technology and humans combined in the right way will drive prosperity.”

But just how does AI intersect with P-O-T? As we look at the developed economy of the weed industry, there are very few jobs that AI can take – but a lot of ways it can make systems associated with productivity and security run more smoothly. As we know, AI is not a sentient being – it is an efficient tool with the power of infinite data. In the garden, this can manifest in the form of software and sensors to monitor the growing environment – from temperature and humidity levels, to more complex data like light levels, nutrient concentrations or deficiencies, and modeling based on previous data to say which plants to cull early in the process. From a software perspective, AI can provide immense amounts of data to growers and processors that will make cultivation easier and more precise. This will reduce waste and increase quality, while still requiring a human team to run the system. Sounds like a win!

On the retail side, AI is going to make purchasing pot easier – especially for the dispensaries as they procure products to sell.

The weakest link in the entire Cannabis industry is uneducated “buyers” who manage retail inventory for stores without science or data, often using hype or intuition to decide what to buy and then offer to their customers. Uninformed buying leads to old pot on shelves and the hot strains having gaps in ordering. That’s not how Costco or Walmart decide what to sell, and the weed industry could stand to grow in this respect. AI can analyze sales data and sell-through rates to optimize retail selections, helping ensure that the customer preferences are clear and shelves remain appropriately stocked.

But don’t forget: Once the weed is on the shelf, along with hundreds of other options, we humans will still want to hear from another human about which indica slaps, or the sativa that’s a surefire juicer for creativity. While AI is smart, it can’t smoke weed – ergo, we’ll always need budtenders. AI can take the data, while we take the dabs.

As we look further into how Cannabis is bought, sold and smoked, AI’s effortless capacity to help optimize delivery routes, analyze sales data, and even create packaging mockups and artwork, places a dynamic tool at our disposal. But none of that can be actioned without a human, and even the artwork requires a prompting of the AI, which takes skill.

“I think the future of global competition is, unambiguously, about creative talent,” said Vivienne Ming, Executive Chair and Co-Founder at Socos Labs. “Everyone will have access to amazing AI. Your vendor on that will not be a huge differentiator. Your creative talent though – that will be who you are. Instead of chasing that race to the bottom on labor costs, invest in turning your talent into a team of explorers who can solve amazing problems using AI as the tool that takes the busy work out. That is the company that wins in the end.”

From the perspective of this writer, who has seen the Cannabis industry emerge from the shadows of an illegal market to become a multibillion dollar legal industry, there isn’t a wave of jobs to be lost to AI in Cannabis – but there is a tsunami of opportunity with the potential to make the growing, selling and buying processes easier. Considering that most Americans' first bag of pot came in a Ziplock baggie from a fast food parking lot, the co-evolution of technology and Cannabis has only made the world a better place to be high.

#239

it, then it’s diluted

–concept where the customer doesn’t know what flavor they are

– Yup, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

STONED &SPOOKY

CREEPY CHAI LATTE

2 SERVINGS

3 cups milk, your choice

3 black tea bags

2-3 tablespoons maple syrup

2 teaspoons canna-butter

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon clove

¼ teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons whipped cream (optional)

2 teaspoons CBD Sweet Spice Blend (optional)

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk. Once it comes to a boil, add the tea bags.

2. Let the tea steep, off the heat, for 4 minutes, then remove. Turn the heat back on and add the spices and extract. Whisk together.

3. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with the Sweet Spice Blend.

STONEY POPCORN

9 SERVINGS

18 cups popcorn, or 2/3 cup popcorn kernels, popped 3 tablespoons CBD Herb + Spice Ranch Blend, or your favorite non-CBD blend

3 tablespoons canna-butter

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1. Place the popcorn in a big bowl. Set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the butters on low, just until it melts.

3. Using your clean hands or large spoon, toss the popcorn with the butter, distributing evenly. Immediately toss with the Spice Blend, mixing well.

FEELIN’ NUTTY

9 SERVINGS

2 tablespoons plus one teaspoon

Herb + Spice Blend or favorite spice blend

2 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons canna-butter, melted and cooled

1 large egg white, whisked until frothy

3 cups assorted nuts, or just use your favorite

OCTOBER HASHTAGS // # HappyHalloween

# EatYourCannabis

# DontFearTheEdible

# LaurieAndMaryJane # Herb+Spice

IT’S FALL. COOLER WEATHER PREVAILS. HARVEST IS HERE AND HALLOWEEN IS COMING… These recipes were infused with the THC strain Alpine Kush from East Fork Cultivars. It’s one of my favorite indicadominant strains. I’ve created a line of CBD-infused spice blends (also infused with East Fork flower) that I have added to these recipes as well, creating an example of the entourage effect – the best of both strains

1. Heat oven to 250. In a medium bowl, combine the spices with the sugar. Toss with the cooled butter.

2. Whisk the egg white until frothy, add the nuts, then toss with the spices until well distributed.

3. Spread the nuts on a parchment covered baking sheet. Bake until dry, about 45-50 minutes.

contributing to a well-deserved, delightful experience. When I’m not cooking with the blends, I sprinkle the Italian on slices of pizza or the Sweet Spice on my coffee. I’m going for 30mg of CBD per day, and I’m liking how relaxed I feel. You can always reach out to me with questions or concerns, or if you’re just in the mood to talk about Cannabis – I’m down!

Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com

I THINK IT IS THE DEVIL’S CANDY. Call me broken, but when the idea of black licorice enters my thoughts, I immediately picture the odd fuck from “Lemony Snicket’s” hiding a sinister grin behind his outreached hand that is gripping its sticky stems like a bouquet of dying flowers. Or that miserable pedophile in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” who goes Richter when out sniffing for children.

Is there one single redeeming quality about black licorice other than the fact that it is candy? At least that’s what they call it … but that’s a matter of opinion. Because the flavor I get is castor oil, not candy. That’s the spoonful of snake pee that children had to choke down when they caught a cold in the days before the Cold War.

For those of you who skipped American History, it wasn’t a war that was cold. Let’s move on.

Black licorice is even worse than candy corn – which doesn’t taste anything like corn – but in its defense, at least it doesn’t taste like black licorice. In fact, it doesn’t taste like anything at all, but it does look just like a giant kernel of corn, which makes it wonderfully stoney, nonetheless.

I think fennel is what gives black licorice this horrific flavor. My guess is that this herb grows in Death Valley, which would constitute it as the birthplace of black licorice. Therefore, I’ll bet that when you’re sent to the fiery depths of hell, it’s actually Death Valley where they serve black licorice sandwiches for lunch with black licorice flavored mayonnaise and a fennel leaf instead of lettuce. Sounds like torture.

Like when I think of drinking a witch’s brew, what appears is the image of black licorice tea with a lizard tail garnish, drunk through a straw from a freshly-harvested water buffalo nostril.

Hey, red licorice is delicious! Green licorice would be dank. Someone should invent it. Although they’d want to take out the word liquor.

Team Rider: Riley Willey