Letter from the Editor
Blessed be the tree!
I don’t know about you, but I am a big fan of 4/20. It truly is a high holy day for me — a time of celebrating the green good and all its multiplicity. As a woman in the cannabis world, I feel honored to get to spotlight and share the stories of other women in this world. That is what this edition is about — the women of cannabis. I hope that reading this will encourage you to celebrate and give flowers to the women in cannabis, traditionally and alternatively — be it the woman-owned and run farms and dispensaries, women who make pieces, or women who bring cannabis into their work in other industries. I also hope that this issue inspires women to celebrate being a part of the cannabis community more loudly (pun intended).
Enjoy this issue and Happy 4/20 friends!
Be Blazed,
Javay Frye-Nekrasova
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for reading Green Eugene. Please note that our publication and site spotlights content about substances that are illegal under federal and state laws in certain places. We do not promote, advocate, or condone illicit drug use. All content produced by Green Eugene is for educational and entertainment purposes only for readers 21+.
BUSINESS
Publisher & President
Eric Henry ehenry@dailyemerald.com
VP Operations Kathy Carbone kcarbone@dailyemerald.com
Director of Sales
Shelly Rondestvedt srondestvedt@dailyemerald.com
Creative & Technical Director Anna CK Smith creative@dailyemerald.com
Editor-in-Chief
Javay Frye-Nekrasova
Lead Designer
Abigail Raike
Cover Model
Lauren Miele
Cover Collage
Abigail Raike
Writers
Savannah Brown
James Lejeune
Daphne Patrick
Zohar Wacks
Designers and Illustrators
Eva Andrews
Rennick Coates
Gabriela Martinez-Contreras
Ryan Ehrhart
Ava Klooster
Bella Lyon
Dewni Mirihana
Photographers
Alyssa Garcia
Student Sales Manager
Lola Tagwerker
Account Executives
Elliot Byrne
Cooper Gast
Nate Ghilarducci
Ysai Hong
The Joint Playlist
Curated by The DesignShop Team
Written
and Designed by
Abigail Raike
The Joint Playlist isn’t your typical “Young, Wild & Free” by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa type of playlist, it’s a collaborative joint playlist that reminds us of community, cannabis, and camaraderie. We tapped into some psychedelic classics, emotional rollercoasters, and overall bangers we thought you’d like. This playlist celebrates late-night conversations that last until the break of dawn, sun-drenched afternoons at the park where laughter echoes, or the quiet comfort of smoking with friends.
This playlist is for the seekers and the storytellers. It’s for the moments when everything around you slows down, and all that matters is the people surrounding you. Scan the code, spark one up, and let the good times roll.
H G H I
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N
4/20 is essentially a high holy day within the cannabis community; so why not celebrate it as you would most religious or historical holidays? What’s a better way than being in community with your friends and family and enjoying the precious plant in its various forms? Not sure how to do it so it’s different from your regular, typical smoke sessions? Might we suggest throwing a garden party? You’re probably asking what a garden party is. I personally consider it to be a more curated and elevated
Written by Javay Frye-Nekrasova
Designed by Rennick Coates
smoke session and if you’re anything like me, you add a theme to really jazz it up. If this sounds like something you would be down to do, here’s a little guide on planning and lighting up the perfect garden party!
Who’s In Your Smoke Circle
Now, when it comes to deciding who all you want at your garden party, you have to consider the types of cannabis users that you are close to. This
consideration has to be made because not everyone enjoys or wants to be in such a populated and busy setting while enjoying a high. So, consider your friends and who would jive well in this type of setting, and also consider the mix of personalities of the guest list. If you have some canna-friends that enjoy a more mellow or quiet setting for smoke sessions, keep that in mind for balance with your more talkative, laughs and jokes canna-friends that are a little noisier and rambunctious.
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Theme
Now that you have decided on the guest list, it’s time to think about a theme (if that’s something you want — it’s not a requirement). When it comes to a theme, there are really no rules. Lean into a shared interest with your community, use holidays for inspiration, or keep it simple and make it cannabis-themed and have everyone come in their best ganja attire. Personally, this year’s garden party that I’m throwing is Easter themed (I know, I know, but they’re the same day); I will have Easterthemed activities and pastel colors galore. With your guest list finalized all that you have to do is send the invites. If you are a low-key person, a fun text message absolutely works; if you are more like me, a welldesigned Canva invitation does a lot for setting the mood and vibes in advance.
What Y’all Gonna Do
Now, I love having pre-planned activities, and yes, enjoying cannabis together is definitely an activity, but I like to have some extra stuff because remember this is more than just your regular group smoke sesh — it’s elevated. Since I am doing an Easter-themed garden party this year, I will be having an Easter egg hunt. But this isn’t a kid’s Easter egg hunt; inside each egg will be a nug of cannabis. I like to have a mix of strains for variety. You can do activities that align with your theme or are just more fun, casual activities to enjoy while elevated. Board games are a fun option, but I would
avoid Monopoly. You could also be even more fancy and elevated with a canna-cuterie spread; it’s like charcuterie but with different strains and mediums of cannabis. You can add some fun by having rating cards, like if you were at a wine tasting, so that folks can rank the different strains and modes of consumption. You could also do a PowerPoint party, where everyone comes with a prepared presentation on a topic they are passionate about discussing after smoking — I personally think this is great if you don’t regularly get philosophical with your friends or haven’t already heard their passion topics during a session. Whatever activities you choose, make sure you are prepared ahead of time.
What’s A Party Without Snacks
As this is a garden party, snacks are a MUST. Nothing is worse than smoking and the munchies hitting hard, and it’s as if your body knows when you don’t have snacks, so it craves them even more. Don’t fall into that vicious cycle, prep the snacks so far in advance that you don’t even have to worry. If you have a theme, snacks that match or are aligned with the theme make it easy. You could also go for garden party snacks, like finger sandwiches, iced tea, and other items you would find at high tea. I personally love a good snack buffet for garden parties, and just in general when elevated. A grocery fun for the essentials like something with a crunch, like potato chips or Cheetos; something sweet, like popsicles, ice cream or cookies; and for your fit canna-
friends, something healthy, like dried fruit (I highly recommend mangos), watermelon or strawberries. Be sure not to forget the beverages. If you enjoy nostalgia, consider Capri Suns or keep it simple with sodas and water. If you are interested in a crossfade, having some wine or beer on hand can help with that, but if you have never mixed alcohol and cannabis, your garden party is not going to be the time to try it. Save it for a 1:1 session with a trusted friend, and maybe even someone with experience being crossfaded.
It’s Party Time
When the day comes for your garden party, it should feel good, easy, relaxed; if it’s not, consider pre-gaming (with a pre-roll??). After setting out the snacks or prepping the activities, all you really have to do is set the vibes. Depending on the time of your garden party, setting the vibes can include lighting, music and coziness. Lightning is very important. Are you letting in sunlight? Are you turning on fun, colored LEDs? Music is pretty easy, because you can search music sites for premade playlist or curate your own (or check out ours on page 7). For the coziness you are going to want to have cozy items close to where the fun happens. This can include things like having extra blankets and pillows, prepping some sweatshirts for folks who get cold, or getting the temperature just right.
Garden parties can be a fun way to make communal smoking sessions stand out more than a typical session. They don’t have to be the most extravagent thing if that is not what you are wanting. They are truly just an opportunity for the gang to get together and spend time enjoying marijuana in a way that is more intentional and invites a memorable experience. So, consider throwing a garden party in honor of 4/20 this year!
Women in Cannabis Women in Cannabis
Written by Javay Frye-Nekrasova | Designed by Eva Andrews
When you look at the cannabis industry broadly, it is mostly men that you see, be it at the dispensary, on the farm, or leading brands, and while this is true, women are largely involved in the cannabis industry in a multitude of ways. Though women are in the industry, they aren’t regularly seen at the forefront and that’s not right. According to data released by MJBizDaily in 2021, women make up 19.9% of the national cannabis businesses in terms of leadership. If we want to see more women enter the cannabis industry, traditionally or
Lauren Miele
alternatively, we have to spotlight the women already in it and show more representation. So, that’s what we are doing. I would like to introduce you to two incredible women who are within and adjacent to the cannabis industry in ways that you probably have never thought of. They exemplify the creative ways women can work in/with/around cannabis in ways that aren’t just being a grower or working in a dispensary.
Meet Lauren Miele
I first learned about Lauren via social media when I stumbled upon an account called KushKards. I very quickly followed and fell in love with the account. Over the years of following the account, I was continually impressed by Lauren and everything that was coming out of KushKards, and I knew she had to be featured in this story.
Lauren started KushKards at the end of 2013 from her desire to be able to gift cannabis. Recognizing a large hole in the cannabis and stationery industries, she made the first KushKard while on the NYC metro and then continued hand-making the cards until 2015, when she decided to mass-produce them.
For the past ten years, Lauren and KushKards have been a successful niche within the cannabis industry and continue to grow in terms of what is offered and its impact. This monumental moment demonstrates the incredible work that Lauren does. She is continually supporting and
bringing women together to grow as entrepreneurs, inside and outside of the cannabis industry, and she’s got advice for other women interested in it.
How do you think women being in cannabis impacts/changes the industry?
By bringing outside knowledge, we [women] bring a lot to the table. When I was in product development and branding, I was able to bring every inch of that over to the business. So through my presentations, through my display packages, through my knowledge of selling a product to big companies like Bed Bath and Beyond, I was able to bring my experience to the industry that needed it, you know. Some dispensaries need that glow up. We bring something because our backgrounds are so diverse and creative, and we do a lot, and I think women have, you know, really increased and empowered their presence in the work field. So, my answer always to this is what we bring already to the table and how we can use it to help the industry.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Miele
What message do you have for other women looking to get into cannabis, be it traditional avenues or more alternative avenues?
I would just say, you gotta really be yourself. If you have to, I would go into the industry knowing, like, “Okay, I want to work at a dispensary. I want to learn about the weed. I want to be a grower, I want to go work out in cultivation and grow it.” If you’re an entrepreneur, what do you like? Really listen to what you want to do, instead of chasing what everyone else is doing.
Meet Danielle Simpson-Baker
Danielle is known as the Sex Pot Therapist on social media. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Florida and a board-certified sexologist who works at the merging of cannabis and therapy. I came to learn about her through her social media profile when I was randomly searching for cannabis related accounts to follow on social media. I was so impressed with the education and information she was providing around sex and cannabis and followed immediately.
As someone who is passionate about sex education, I was so drawn to Danielle’s work. We know that sex ed is lacking in America, and bringing cannabis into that conversation is so important because so many people mix cannabis and sex, typically without guidance, resulting in a lot of trial and error. That’s why what Danielle is doing is so impactful. Her work doesn’t stop there, though. Danielle recently launched her sexual wellness brand, Intimaura, which focuses on digital products to support people through their sexual journey, like journals. Be sure to check out Intimaura on social media and definitely follow Danielle on Instagram (@thesexpottherapist).
What do you consider to be the benefits of cannabis use during sex?
The heightened physical sensations that make things just feel a little more intense.
What is your favorite part about being a woman in the cannabis industry?
The fact that I’m still here, to be honest, 10 years later. I mean, 10 years later, the fact that I’m still in the industry, that I’ve created a whole woman-focused niche, and I’m dominating it. Like, yeah, there’s some little knockouts here and there. But like, you know KushKards is rocking it, and I’m so grateful for the name and the power, because if you get a KushKard, or you meet me, you will never forget me or the KushKard.
Would you say that there are any cons?
to know that I created that for myself, and the fact that it’s also kind of created somewhat of a community for people to be able to talk candidly about these things and get information.
Number one, you gotta know how you react to cannabis, period, like, outside of a sexual context. Does it make you more anxious? Does it make you feel something physically that you don’t like to feel? Some people feel nauseous, some people get a headache, so if it affects you negatively outside of sex, then I probably wouldn’t recommend it, or I would recommend being really mindful about your consumption. Know yourself on cannabis outside of sex first and be really mindful of how much you’re taking and what the consumption method is. Also, maybe make sure, especially if it’s partnered sex, that the person you’re having sex with is someone you’re comfortable with, because if you’re going to be consuming cannabis, you want to be able to trust that person while you’re under the influence.
What is something that you truly love about being the sex pot therapist?
Having the knowledge that people trust me as a professional in the field, and I guess I really did kind of just make a space for myself as an authority in the field. So it’s nice
The sesh is a whole gang activity in my house. Friday nights, if other plans were not already formed, are for the boys and the bong. It gives my roommates and me a chance to unpack the week through laughs, coughs and more laughs. “We ready, gents?” I call. “Sir, yes sir,” they jokingly reply. We step out into the cold night air with our equipment stacked on the alien-themed rolling tray. We pull up our chairs and spark up a conversation about anything under the sun. Then we spark up our green.
Let’s introduce our characters. Zdub, pre-med, lightweight, the clown of the house. Sween, our resident kush connoisseur, ripped the biggest bowl of the night – he was fried. Fish still hasn’t figured out how to properly hit a bong, but he’s getting there. Burgs couldn’t stop coughing. And me, I’m Jamo – I was just along for the ride.
We usually go for a strain that lands more on the mellow side of things because we have some lightweights.
“Smoke Stax” from Hazy Valley Horticulture was perfect for us. At 21.8% THC, it’s a little mellower than some of the other strands from this grower. It still had us stumbling over our words and
laughing even harder, though. It smells sweet but tastes kushier than some other strains I’ve had. It burns so well in the bowl and isn’t harsh going down. Strains like Skywalker OG, Animal Mintz, and Strawberry Cough are harder on the lungs, resulting in a stronger high; Smoke Stax is much more chill.
My guy at my favorite dispensary in town, Eugene OG, said it was a lighter hybrid with a sativa lead and an indica finish. I didn’t really know what that meant until I tried it. It delivered as advertised. We were chatting and laughing, having a grand old time. None of us went non-verbal, which was a bonus. But I’m sure that if we had smoked an entire joint of “The Stax,” as I’ve come to call it, it would’ve had us sinking into the couch. A couple of hits from our petite piece was all I needed. It was a delightful high.
After his first rip, Zdub dropped some knowledge about the lungs and how inhaling is the fastest way to get high. “Eight Mississippis” is how long it should take for the full effect. So naturally, we had to put it to the test. The results were inconclusive, probably because we were already very high.
“The Stax” had us locked in for the eventual start of our movie of choice, “How to Train Your Dragon.” Burgs bashed on it just a little. But he didn’t mention it again once we got to Hiccup’s first flight with Toothless. He’s a notorious movie sleeper. He almost didn’t want to smoke with
us because he’s usually out cold 25 minutes in, but he made it through alright.
If you’re looking for a laid-back smoke with your people, look no further than Smoke Stax. My time with it reminded me what I love about my relationship with weed. There have been some low points in that relationship, but when it’s all said and done, there’s nothing better than sitting around a table with some of the people I love the most, swapping stories, cracking jokes and taking rips. It’s a communal activity – the most rewarding when done together. It unlocks aspects of my relationships with people that might be harder to come by in everyday life.
Strain of the Month
Some of my fondest memories with roommates and my closest friends were made after a joint or two. What better way to spend a Friday night?
Light up the Smoke Stack, take a puff, and remember why you love who you love. Happy 4/20 ya’ll.
Written
by Zohar Wacks | Designed by Ryan Ehrhart
Have you ever impressed your friends by rolling a great joint? Well, think how impressed they’ll be when you grow and dry your own cannabis!
Have you ever impressed your friends by rolling a great joint? Well, think how impressed they’ll be when you grow and dry your own marijuana! Learning how to grow your own cannabis can seem daunting, and there are many different options, so this guide will provide clear stepby-step instructions for growing cannabis in your backyard in Eugene, Oregon. Before I get started, a quick disclaimer: you can only grow four cannabis plants without a license in the state of Oregon.
Step 1: Get Your Seeds
Cannabis plants are either “short-day” or auto-flowering varieties. Short-day plants’ flowering success is related to sun levels, and Eugene doesn’t get a ton of sun, so I recommend any strain of auto-flowering cannabis. The seeds will be labeled auto-flowering on the website or the seed packet. You can get seeds from friends who grow or from online retailers like North Atlantic Seed Co or Seedsman. If you’re starting from a start, a plant that’s already sprouted and started growing leaves, skip to step four.
Step Two: Germinate your seeds
Germinating seeds is important because it can help you separate duds from good seeds and speed up the growing process. Put the seeds on one side of a paper towel or piece of old newspaper and fold the paper in half over the seeds. Then, dampen the paper with a spray bottle, put it in a plastic bag or other airtight container, and store it somewhere dark and warm for 3-5 days. You’re ready to proceed once you see a small white root tendril sprouting from the seed.
Step Three: Potting
When you have your seed that’s just started sprouting, transfer each seed to its own pot. I recommend peat pots so you don’t damage the root system when replanting outside. Fill each pot with potting soil and mix in some plant food or fertilizer. Use a finger to make a hole about ¾” deep and put the sprouted seed in with the root facing down. Make sure your pots have a hole in the bottom for drainage. If too much water accumulates, it can cause the roots to rot. Water one to two ounces daily until the plant emerges from the soil. Once they emerge, water them every other day.
Step Four: Planting
When the plants have four to six leaves, they’re ready for transplanting! Cannabis plants need as much sun as they can get, especially here in Oregon. Plant them wherever they will get the most sun, not too close to a fence or any other shadecasting structure. If you planted them in peat pots, you can put those straight into the ground, and they’ll decompose; otherwise, tip the pot sideways and gently tap the plant out. Use a trowel to dig a hole in the ground to match the size of your little plant and its dirt clod and stick it in there. Plant them with at least a foot and a half of space between; cannabis plants can get pretty huge. Now, you just have to take care of them until they flower. If they look pale, use more fertilizer; if they look too dark, use less fertilizer. If it didn’t rain yesterday and won’t rain today, water your plants!
Step Five: Harvest
When you see little white hairs growing on your plants, the flowering stage has begun, basically plant puberty. Pay extra
close attention, you may need to fertilize your plants again as this is the most nutrient-expensive stage of development. The little flower wisps quickly develop into green and white buds. The first sign that your plants are almost ready for harvest is the strong fragrance when new flowers stop growing. Then, the flowers will start to darken and curl in. When nearly all of the flower has darkened and curled, it hits the highest THC level and is ready for harvest. If you want a more mellow high, wait a week or two after this. To harvest, just cut the buds off with scissors and trim the leaves and side stems.
Step Six: Drying
This is the easiest part! Just hang them to dry on some twine. You can hang them in a closet, from the ceiling, or in a tent in your yard. Anywhere will do! Once the stems snap without bending and the buds pop off the branch without leaving “strings,” your flower is ready for the final step.
Step Seven: Curing
The last step helps smooth out the buds and strengthen the effects. Fill quart-sized mason jars a little over three-quarters of the way with buds. Open the jars every day to release moisture for two weeks. After two weeks, they should be ready to roll!
If you need garden supplies, I recommend Down to Earth on 5th and Olive.
Growing your own cannabis is a fun and rewarding project. Not only do you get a lot of weed from each plant, but you’ll feel proud and get to show it off to your friends. Growing your own is also much cheaper than getting it at a dispensary, and you can grow any strain you can find seeds for!
Connect the Dots
Designed by Eva Andrews
What do you like about working at New Millennium?
I love the culture there — we really kind of pride ourselves on being the “friendly shop” in Eugene. Most of the time, our customers come in and they’re remarking on the vibes and the fact that everybody’s so friendly. I love our customers and our community.
Can you speak on working in a mostly womanoperated dispensary and your experience as a woman in the industry?
We have two owners, a husband and wife team, but we predominantly work with our owner, Carolina. Eight out of 11 of our employees are women or femme presenting. We hire the best candidates available, and a lot of times they just work out to be women.
There is a lot of rampant misogyny still alive and well in this industry. Unfortunately, I’ve been the general manager for about seven years here, and there are a lot of instances where I’ll have vendors come in who are men who still ask to speak to my male counterpart. The staff jokes about #everydaysexism. But, as long as you come in with confidence, you can weather the storm pretty good.
Speaking of women in cannabis, what is your dream all-woman blunt rotation?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, because I feel like she could handle it. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, And Natasha Lyonne.
Tell me about the first time that you got high.
It was my older sister who got me high. It definitely felt very innocent. Cannabis, luckily, is pretty easygoing. My big sister and her friends were hanging out, and I wanted to be cool and get in on it. I just got stoned with big sis and we went bowling. It was great.
Go-to method and sativa, indica or hybrid?
I mean, a little bit of everything. But hard pressed, I’m a flower gal. I use indica. Sativa can have a tendency to exacerbate my anxiety, so since I’m an anxious little baby, I tend to avoid the sativas.
Advice for newbies?
I always recommend just to start low. You can always take more, but you can’t take less. I would just recommend starting with a lower potency, especially with edibles in the beginning. A lot of cannabis is trial and error, so it’s good to keep a journal to kind of keep track of what things have affected you well and things that haven’t.
What’s your favorite thing to do while high?
I’m always going for creativity, so probably playing guitar. I’ve been playing “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims on loop trying to get it right. And finally, what is your favorite thing about working in cannabis?
There’s such a communal, just energy about working in the industry, which is unlike any other industry I’ve worked in before. It’s a very tight-knit community, and it’s so supportive. You don’t see a lot of angry stoners.
Budtender Spotlight
Roxanne’s New Millennium Recommendations:
Flower: Kaprikorn Farms
Dab: Decibel and Verdant Leaf
Edible: Verdant Leaf 100 milligram nano gummies
Can’t Miss Deals:
Daily 10% student discount
Tasty Tuesday: 20% off edibles Thursdays: 20% off cartridges
CROSSWORD
Written by Daphne Patrick
Across
5. This country was the first to fully legalize cannabis for recreational use
6. A non-smokable form of cannabis often used in food and drinks
8. Color of most bud
9. A slang term for marijuana, often used in pop culture
13. Another word for marijuana
14. Person who works at the dispensary
16. Marijuana store
17. Because the "Mile 420" signs kept getting stolen, there is a "419.99" mile marker along Interstate 70 as it passes through what U.S. state
Danny Danko is the Senior Cultivation Editor of what monthly cannabis issues magazine that got its seed funding from 1970s cannabis sales
20. Rolling cannabis into a small cylinder for smoking
22. The cannabis plant’s tiny, sticky glands that produce THC
Down
1. A popular method of consuming cannabis using water
2. Responsible for the aromas and flavors of weed
3. Popular munchies fast food
4. A method of cannabis consumption where the user inhales vaporized oils
7. Iconic reggae artist is synonymous with cannabis advocacy
10. Ice cream company advocating for cannabis related justice
11. Famous cannabis entrepreneur and former NBA player who launched his own cannabis brand
12. Name for a mixed weed and tobacco cigarette
15. Cannabis product typically used for its fiber
19. A cannabis-infused food item
21. The compound in cannabis responsible for its psychoactive effects
18.
Written by Daphne Patrick | Designed and Illustrated by Dew Mirihana
I have a confession to make: I don’t smoke. Not regularly, at least. I know, I know what you’re thinking, and the answer is yes, I still write for the Green Eugene! I’m typically a non-smoker, sticking to my routine the other 364 days of the year. But, yes, sometimes at parties, if a joint is passed around, I might join in; but for the most part, I sit it out, nodding and laughing with the group. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a regular smoker to be part of cannabis culture, especially here in Eugene, a place where weed is more than just a product, it’s becoming part of everyday life.
Cannabis culture has come a long way, and while there’s still much work to be done in terms of policy reform before true justice is realized, the community that surrounds weed has gone mainstream, and the conversations have followed suit. More than the influx of dispensaries in town or CBD lotions on every shelf, cannabis is woven into the fabric of how we express ourselves - through art, music, and business. The medical world is beginning to acknowledge what many communities have known for decades: cannabis can relieve both physical and psychological symptoms. Meanwhile, our legal infrastructure is slowly catching up, and young people - particularly Gen Z - are leading the charge in shaping conversations about justice, legality, and racial inequities that are inextricably connected to cannabis culture.
And while smoking is still a classic way to partake, I’ve noticed that being part of the community doesn’t necessarily mean lighting up. It has become
something much more expansive and inclusive. I believe that there’s something fundamentally communal about cannabis. It’s about gathering, some for the effects and some for the atmosphere and conversation. In recent years, the conversation has extended much farther beyond the average smoker. More and more, non-smokers are finding their places in this community. Whether it’s supporting local cannabis-related businesses or shaping the societal dialogue surrounding it, the role of non-smokers has become more important than ever.
For example, when American track and field athlete Sha’Carri Richardson was banned from competing in the 2021 Olympics, after publicly acknowledging using cannabis in the wake of her mother’s passing, it reignited the conversation about recreational marijuana use. Richardson qualified for the Olympics here in Eugene and claimed to have used the drug in the state of Oregon, where recreational marijuana use is legal. However, the thing that made this moment so significant wasn’t simply the controversy around her disqualification; it was the way it brought Gen Z into the broader cannabis conversation. Young people took to social media to express their disagreement with Richardsons’ disqualification, with one user posting
to X, “If the Olympics think marijuana is a performance enhancing drug then a cup of coffee is a Schedule 2 narcotic” Furthermore, in a demonstration of solidarity, users across multiple social media platforms started using the hashtag #LetShacarriRun to express their disapproval of her suspension and call for it to be overturned. The hashtag continued to gain momentum online and it eventually spurred the creation of the petition, “Let Sha’Carri Run,” by progressive lobbying group MoveOn Civic Action, which garnered nearly 600,000 signatures. The petition called on the U.S Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to reinstate Richardson’s
competition eligibility. Kristen Leah Sussman, a doctoral student at the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations at The University of Texas at Austin weighs in on this, “while Richardson’s suspension was, ultimately, not overturned, this public reaction has the potential to prompt antidoping policy changes.”
The media outrage caught the attention of multiple elected officials, including Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Cannabis Caucus, former representative Barbara Lee from California’s 12th district, and our very own Earl Blumenauer from Oregon’s 3rd. They spearheaded the writing of a letter addressed to the Anti-Doping Agency, condemning Richardson’s suspension and requesting that marijuana be removed from the list of banned substances. Sixteen other members of Congress signed onto this letter. The USADA responded to express their agreement in the outdated and harmful rules; however, they could not change the rules alone. The USADA must follow the code set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), although they have been diligent about recommending the changing of regulations surrounding marijuana during the annual review of the WADA Prohibited List, as well as continued advocacy for research funding regarding potential performance-enhancing effects and technology to better assess the time of marijuana use. “Simply put, USADA will continue to be very active in its efforts to change how marijuana is addressed under the WADA Code and Prohibited List.”
The example of Sha’Carri Richardson’s disqualification and the online and in-person conversations that followed highlighted the power of advocacy and collective action, even when the change we’d like to see doesn’t come right away. Contacting representatives, sharing opinions, signing petitions, and organizing online can spark important conversations toward progress. What stands out to me is how both cannabis users and non-users came together to challenge the conflicting and unfair policies surrounding marijuana
in competition. Real change demands our united efforts, and while systemic reform can take years or even decades, the strength of our collective voice and persistence does matter. Her story illustrates how non-smokers, particularly those who care about broader issues like social justice, can be vital to cannabis advocacy. These conversations are for everyone who demands fairness, justice, and the widespread changing of outdated and harmful perceptions.
At times, we may feel like one small voice shouting into the void that is social media, but prominent companies and lobbying groups are taking notice. I bet you’ve heard of a little company called “Ben and Jerry,” whose website proudly states, “We love making ice cream - but using our business to make the world a better place gives our work its meaning.” To them, this means demanding our governors to redress the harsh punishments and overcriminalization of marijuana that are harming people to this day, even in states where it is legal. It’s more than a well-known brand championing this social cause; in 2023, co-founder Ben Cohen started a non-profit cannabis company with a “mission of helping to right the wrongs of the war on drugs.” With over 75% of its profits going to grants for Black cannabis entrepreneurs, the rest is split between the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and the National Last Prisoner Project, initiatives working toward the ending of incarceration for people imprisoned for cannabis offenses. Ben and Jerry’s believe in making 4/20 a day for everyone to celebrate, which is possible if we each use our voices. You can send a pre-written letter in support to your governor on Ben and Jerry’s website, which I think is pretty sweet.
At home in Eugene, a town where dispensaries are nearly as common as coffee shops, non-smokers have the opportunity to connect with cannabis culture in multiple ways. At Electric Lettuce, customers can purchase local art prints, cannabisthemed and not, with some of the proceeds going to a charity of the artist’s choice. At Spacebuds, folks can check out the business’s podcast, “Weighing In,” where employees
contribute their reviews of movies, video games, and TV shows. And if you’re looking for something extra special, SugarBud dispensary has been going on a “recreational Cannabis quest based on five tenets: music, art, love, integrity, and community.” Originally located in Portland, SugarBud hosts mini-concerts and musicians at their small garden location, with the belief that music affects each living thing in a profound way, including the plants. This series has been dubbed “Serenaded Buds” and has been an ongoing tradition since co-founder Jarrod first started drumming in the garden years ago. Now, the company hosts musicians regularly for a little extra bud boost.” SugarBud has done an exemplary job at marrying cannabis culture with the most special aspects of the community. In Eugene, that vision manifests itself as a social hub, filled with merch, artistic creations, a lounge space, an impressive calendar of public events, and home to the Willamette Artisan Pizza food truck. Co-founder, Anna, says of the project, “we’re finding those networks of people that have found Cannabis as an elevator and a motivator,” and I couldn’t have said it better myself!
As someone who doesn’t smoke, but still wants to immerse myself in the pockets of culture in my city, I can still support these businesses, consume this content, and attend these events. Creativity, advocacy, and connection are meant to be accessible to everyone, and I believe that is just as important. So, what does it actually mean to be a non-smoker in a place like Eugene? Well, it means you’ll be the designated “joint passer,” of course! In all seriousness, I believe that it means joining a larger conversation. It’s about embracing the shift from cannabis being just a product you don’t relate to, to something deeper. I spoke with Emma, a student at the UO, to get her perspective on cannabis culture as a nonsmoker. She shared that her decision not to use marijuana is a personal preference as it tends to trigger anxiety; however, her choice doesn’t make her feel excluded from the broader culture here. She said that the mainstreaming of weed in Eugene makes it easier for people like herself to engage, “It’s very similar to friend groups who have friends that don’t
drink but still go out with them,” she said. “You can mimic that without taking the substance, you don’t have to take a hit to fit in and have fun.”
When I asked Emma about the social justice issues tied to cannabis, she pointed out the unique role nonsmokers can play in these conversations. “Non-smoker voices can be powerful when advocating for these issues,” she explained. “The unfortunate part about it is… older generations tend to disregard people they’ve deemed ‘potheads,’ but when a non-smoker says ‘this isn’t right,’ they start to listen more.” Emma believes that as cannabis use becomes more normalized, it will be more accepted across all parts of society. The more people talk openly about it, the fewer biases and misjudgments will linger. I was curious about her thoughts on the way non-users perceive cannabis culture, and Emma emphasized that misconceptions about smokers being ‘lazy’ or ‘incompetent’ are still pervasive in our society, but inaccurate. “There are a lot of smart, hardworking people who smoke weed, and the stereotype isn’t true,” she said.
Talking to Emma, it was clear to me that her perspective aligns with the growing movement of non-smokers who see the implications of outdated and often discriminatory cannabis policy, and she believes that as more people recognize the disproportionate effects of these laws have on marginalized communities, it will become harder for lawmakers to ignore the need for reform.“Whether it’s calling your representatives, signing petitions, or showing up at rallies, we all have a role to play in pushing for legalization at the federal level.” She made it clear to me that we are all a lot more similar than we are different, and her approach to this topic highlighted the value of advocacy not being limited to being directly involved with the issue. “I don’t think there’s anything that nonsmokers can’t do that smokers can because we all have the same power as citizens,” she commented.
You don’t need to partake to understand that cannabis is becoming a force for wellness, community, and personal expression, and I believe that speaks to more than just cannabis. We should all feel empowered to care about things we might not understand. Empathy is one of our most powerful tools when it comes to justice.
At the end of the day, it’s not about whether or not you smoke; it’s about what you bring to the table, your perspective, your ideas, and your willingness to engage. Whether you’re enjoying a live show at SugarTops Hybrid Gallery, picking up some local art at Electric Lettuce, listening to SpaceBuds’ “Weighing In” podcast, or advocating for the ending of discriminatory and archaic legislation, there’s a place for you here! Cannabis culture is more than just the act of smoking; it’s about the connections, the community, and the conversations we’re having together. And hey, if you’re not puffing, you might as well be passing with a purpose!
MATZO CRACK
Zohar Wacks
hree things make good munchies food: not too bland, interesting texture, and heavy richness. I usually prefer savories over desserts because of texture and stronger flavors, but matzo crack checks every box. It needs to chill in the fridge for a while, but the first few steps before chilling just take a quick twenty minutes, so you can light up while you wait!
2 sticks unsalted butter
Matzo Crack is a Jewish modernclassic that people serve as a Pesach (Passover) dessert or make with leftover Matzah. Matzah (or Matzos) is a traditional flatbread eaten by Jews on Pesach, one of our spring holidays. On Pesach, matzah is the only kind of bread we can have, which rules out a lot of desserts like cakes and cookies, so we have to find creative substitutes that don’t involve bread.
Made from matzah and layered with crunchy toffee, chocolate, and whatever toppings you want, it’s always the first thing to run out at a Seder (ritual dinner). It’s got that perfect combination of strong flavor, fun texture, and heavy richness that satisfies even the most extreme munchies. I’ve also seen someone make an edible version by making the toffee layer with infused butter.
1 cup brown sugar
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional toppings: Chopped nuts Sea salt
Chopped dried fruit Sprinkles (why not?) Literally whatever you want
Put the butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and stir to combine. Once it starts to boil, give it about another three minutes to really thicken it up. Pour the toffee onto the matzos and spread it evenly with a spatula. Be incredibly careful, the toffee will be boiling hot and stick to your skin. NOT A FUN EXPERIENCE.
STEP 3: Chocolate Layer
Put the baking sheet with the matzos in the oven to harden up the toffee for about 8-10 minutes. Once you take it out, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips on it. The hot toffee will melt the chocolate in 3-5 minutes, once it’s melted spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle whatever toppings you chose on top and put it in the fridge to chill for 45 minutes.
Once you pull it out of the fridge, cut it into squares 1-2” on a side. Just like Bubby makes it, delicious, no?
Joyfull Pesach!!!
by Abigail Raike
Designed
HAPPY
