Cannabis Review Quarterly - 2023 - Nine

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Published quarterly, Cannabis Review Quarterly is the perfect resource to discover all that’s happening within the cannabis industry.

CRQ is a sophisticated, informative publication that will keep you updated about the ever-changing cannabis space in our local communities, the region and the Massachusetts commonwealth.

CRQ Magazine reaches an audience of more than 250,000 adults** through a combination of print and

CURRENT Spring Edition: April 2023

Summer Edition: July 2023

Fall Edition: October 2023

Winter Edition: January 2024

** Sources: Nielsen Scarborough Research Study, Spring 2021; ComScore, Fall 2021

C Q R

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nine 2023

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Content Review

Tiera Wright

Cannabis Review Quarterly (CRQ) is published by The Republican. Our offices are at 1860 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103. All advertising is subject to the terms and conditions of the CRQ rate card, and all advertising submitted is subject to the approval of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to cancel an advertising order or reject or edit any advertising copy or images. The Republican Co. shall not be liable for incorrect ad placement. Liability for failure to publish an ad shall not exceed a refund of or credit for the original price of the ad. Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of space for the section the error occupies. Credit will be allowed for the first insertion only. Advertisers should check ads upon publication. The contents of this publication are copyrighted 2023. The Republican Co. All rights reserved. No portion of CRQ may be reproduced in any form without the consent of the Publisher.

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Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older or persons holding a patient registration card. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited infor-mation on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 911. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

Embracing Sublime

29 CBD and Hemp Products

In their own right.

30 Dan Coyle

Setting new standards for HIGHend collectible glassware.

34 Know

INSA talks education.

36 Genetics

Breif history of breeding cannabis. 38

Preserving History

While preparing for the future.

42 Fact vs. Myth

The history behind the term “420”.

Please consume responsibly. Cannabis and related products may cause impairment and may be habit forming. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children.

Products shown in this magazine have not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using these products, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana used during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product.

KEEP THESE PRODUCTS AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

2:1 CBD:THC CHERRY GUMMY COURTESY OF COAST CANNABIS CO.

BOSTON BUD FACTORY

Location in Holyoke VISIT BOSTONBUDFACTORY.COM

FOR MORE INFO

DELI-STYLE FLOWER

“Boston Bud Factory is pleased to now offer deli-style flower and is currently offering 11 different strains from a variety of local craft cultivators,” shared Frank Dailey of Boston Bud Factory. “The customer can see and smell each of the selections to help them determine which strain’s terpene profile best resonates with their particular senses.” Dailey noted that patients and customers are finding that the terpene profile can be more vital than the reported potency, depending on what the product is being used for. Terpene profiles can also be used to target specific benefits of cannabis which is known to be an anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, antioxidant and anti-depressant. The strains cost $10 per gram.

DIABLO MAN PRE-ROLLS

Boston Bud Factory will soon be launching a new pre-roll line with

Gerardo Ramos and Diablo Man PreRolls. “This is one of the first Social Equity Program participant collaborations where Boston Bud Factory provided Gerardo an opportunity to launch his own brand of pre-rolls,” shared Dailey. “Gerardo is also working on cultivation and manufacturing licenses, but this partnership allows him to start building his brand and sales through his Diablo Man Pre-Roll line.” Diablo Man Pre-Rolls is also developing an infused pre-roll that will launch around 4/20.

BUD’S GOODS & PROVISIONS

Locations in Worcester, Abington and Watertown

VISIT BUDSGOODS.COM

FOR MORE INFO

LIL’ JAY’S

Bud’s Goods offers several in-house products, with the first one being “Lil’ Jay’s.” Chief of Staff Jennifer Ngo described the product as “the people’s eighth” packed into 10 mini pre-rolls in a pocket-sized tin. “They are convenient and perfect for sharing with all your buds,” she added.

LIL’ BUD’S

Ngo described Lil’ Bud’s as “an affordable, curated selection of the highest quality small buds across Massachusetts.” She noted that Lil’ Buds are available in an ever-changing selection of strains, featuring the same cannabinoids and terpenes as all your favorites.

BUD’S EVERYDAY

Bud’s Everyday Flower is carefully sourced in bulk and freshly packaged by Bud’s. “All the flower we source is picked, and quality controlled to our Bud’s Goods standards,” said Ngo. “We do the work so you can reap the rewards: quality flower at an affordable price, every day.”

BUD’S FINEST

Lastly, Bud’s Finest Flower is a “tier above the rest and curated by our expert team,” shared Ngo. These buds are hand-selected from the best flower throughout the state for their quality, rarity, size and potency.

DELI-STYLE FLOWER AND DIABLO MAN PRE-ROLLS COURTESY OF BOSTON BUD FACTORY

LIL’ JAYS COURTESY OF BUD’S GOODS & PROVISIONS

COAST CANNABIS CO.

Locations across Massachusetts VISIT COASTCANNABISCO.COM

FOR MORE INFO

2:1 CBD:THC CHERRY GUMMY

COAST Cannabis Co. recently launched a 2:1 CBD:THC Cherry Gummy. Made with all natural and organic ingredients, this gummy creates a “sense of tranquility and comfort with a beloved cherry flavor,” shared COAST Cannabis Co-Founder Angela Brown. “Take a bite and take time to COAST!” Depending on the store, a package of the gummies can cost anywhere between $25 to $30.

FERNWAY

Locations across Massachusetts VISIT FERNWAY.COM

FOR MORE INFO

FLOWER

Fernway, the number one cannabis vape brand in Massachusetts, has now expanded to flower.

Liam O’Brien, CMO and co-founder of Fernway, announced on March 20 that Fernway now manufactures and sells terpene-infused joints, along with curating and selling the best flower in the state to provide customers with a superior smoking experience. He noted that the flower exceeds the highest standards in quality, freshness, appearance and smell. “While the current norm is for cannabis companies to grow their own and sell their own, Fernway is approaching the challenge of growing and selling ultra-premium cannabis in a unique way: by going out and finding the best flower the state has to offer,” shared O’Brien.

Kit Gallant, CEO and co-founder of Fernway, shared, “Fernway customers can rest assured they will only smoke the finest buds that the state has to offer.” Fernway will provide this same level of quality with its terpene-infused joints, as the pre-rolls will contain high potency, fresh-milled bud; a reusable ceramic tip and the

same delicious flavors of Fernway’s bestselling vapes: Berry Haze, Mango, Blueberry Cake and Berkshire Gold.

Fernway’s joints and flower are now available in more than 172 dispensaries across Massachusetts, with plans to expand to New Jersey later this year.

FLORENCE CANNABIS CO.

Location in Florence VISIT

FLORENCECANNABISCOMPANY.COM

PURPLE MOUNTAIN MAJESTY FLOWER & PRE-ROLLS

Florence Cannabis Co., a microbusi ness that produces small batch, craft cannabis flower for wholesale, has a couple of new product launches. Founder and Director of Operations Chris Rivers, said, “Coming from the Humboldt County Seed Company located in the heart of California’s Emerald Triangle, this strain is an indica dominant cross between Blue berry Muffin and Purple Trainwreck.”

According to Rivers, it has a signature turpentine smell from high levels of

Terpinolene, leaving most consumers feeling happy, relaxed and focused. “We decided to grow this strain to give East Coast consumers a chance to experience a West Coast gem,” he added. Prices range from $40 to $50 per eighth and $10 to $12 for a

PURPLE MOUNTAIN MAJESTY COURTESY OF FLORENCE CANNABIS CO.

DO-SI-DOS FLOWER AND PRE-ROLLS

Other new products offered by Florence Cannabis Co. are Do-Si-Dos Flower and Pre-Rolls. “This indica leaning hybrid has a light, sweet berry scent with earthy undertones. Easy to smoke with no harshness, this is a great option for newer flower consumers who do not want a high TAC [total active cannabinoids] strain,” Rivers explained. “Although lower in TAC, its high terpene levels contribute to a nice entourage effect that provides anxiety relief and an uplifting mood without the couchlock.” This product costs $20 to $25 per eighth, and $8 to $10 for a one-gram pre-roll, making for a great individual purchase or as an add-on.

Florence Cannabis Co. products are available at Liberty in Easthampton

and Springfield, Enlite in Northampton, Silver Therapeutics in Williamstown, Northeast Select Harvest in Somerville and STEM Haverhill.

HADLEAF

Location in Hadley VISIT HADLEAFDISPENSARY.COM FOR MORE INFO

EDIE PARKER PRE-ROLL PACKS

HadLeaf Assistant Store Manager

Dave Moson explained that Edie Parker is a woman-owned and operated business. Through the Edie Parker Foundation, Edie Parker Flower gives back to the community. These preroll packs come with two half gram pre-rolls and are available in three different varieties: Early Bird which is sativa, Happy Times, which is hybrid and Nightcap, indica. Edie Parker Pre-Roll Packs are priced around $15 and are sure to “spark a joy,” Moson said.

CANNATINI INFUSED ADULT CHEWS

“Perfect for a night out with friends or a night in on your couch, this edible brings a whole new meaning to higher spirits,” said Moson. Inspired by adult beverages, Cannatini Adult

Chews are designed to boost a good time and excite your taste buds in the process. Cannatini’s are available in a range of full-spectrum RSO-infused and unique cannabinoid varieties. The chews cost around $25.

ATTUNE MUSCLE FREEZE

Attune Muscle Freeze, a cooling menthol pain relief lotion/salve, can now be found on the shelves at HadLeaf. Infused with a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC, Muscle Freeze offers many anti-inflammatory properties to relax your muscles and help ease aches and pains. This popular topical is non-psychoactive and can be used at any time of the day. The product costs around $25.

INSA

Locations in Easthampton, Salem and Springfield

VISIT MYINSA.COM FOR MORE INFO

TABLITS

“Leading Massachusetts-based cannabis grower and retailer, Insa, is proud to bring another form of consumption to their consumers and patients with the release of fast acting, plantbased pills called Tablits,” shared Insa CEO and Co-Founder Peter Gallagher. “Available in six unique blends of cannabinoids and botanicals, Insa Tablits help support your daily routine.” With plant-derived antioxidants, serotonin boosters, sleep encouragers and other natural ingredients, Tablits are created to deliver a balanced

ATTUNE MUSCLE FREEZE COURTESY OF HADLEAF

CANNATINI INFUSED ADULT CHEWS COURTESY OF HADLEAF

experience that makes your good days even better, Gallagher said. Tablits also provide consistent and predictable dosing with a fast-acting consumption method in the form of an easy-to-swallow pill.

“We wanted our patients and consumers to be able to utilize cannabis to support their wellness goals in a convenient manner that meshes seamlessly with their lifestyle,” said Gallagher. “Our team developed six varieties of Tablits using unique plant-based ingredients such as CBN, L-Theanine and magnesium paired with our high-quality cannabis extract to target specific needs and support holistic wellness.”

This spring, all variations of Insa Tablits will be available at Massachusetts’ Insa locations along with other retail partners. Each package contains 20 Tablits dosed at 5 mg THC per pill, and retails for $35.

JOY – A POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE

The first blend of Tablits is called “Joy.” Joy is described as “a cheerful blend of cannabis and other happy botanicals designed to literally put a smile on your face,” Gallagher explained. “If you didn’t get that from the name – we tried to make it obvious – you’ll certainly get it from the experience.” Each pill is loaded with passionflower, Theobroma or cacao and a little bit of caffeine, all of which are dopamine boosters.

AMPED – BRING. IT. ON.

“Amped is a mosh pit of naturally energizing plant extracts and stimulating cannabis formulated to boost your body and sharpen your brain,” said Gallagher. “This Tablit is your answer to all those ‘why can’t I focus,’ ‘I don’t feel motivated,’ ‘I’m too tired’ type days.” Each pill has amino acids, caffeine and 5 mg of THC.

“The caffeine and THC combo zaps procrastination on the spot, while the L-Theanine and GABA [Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid] combo electrifies your brain and brings everything into focus,” he shared. “Go ahead, tell that to-do list to bring it on.

MELLOW –THAT WARM FUZZY FEELING

Tablits Mellow is described by Gallagher as “a harmonizing blend of botanicals and cannabis intentionally created to calm the mind and soothe the nerves.” He continued, “This Tablit gently shushes any extra noise in your head and body using a generous mix of plant-derived antioxidants, serotonin-boosting magnesium citrate, 5 mg of THC – and for good mellow measure – 2 mg of CBN.” The Mellow experience can be compared to the warm fuzzy feeling of being wrapped in a blanket on the couch, watching reruns of your favorite TV show, all while enjoying a snack –comforting, tranquil and pleasantly predictable, shared Gallagher.

G’NIGHT –IS IT BEDTIME YET?

“G’Night is a tranquil blend of sleepy botanicals and calming cannabis

that promotes a quiet mind and a restful night’s sleep,” said Gallagher. “Ashwagandha and hops do their thing by helping lower your blood pressure and relaxing your mind, while melatonin signals to your body that it’s time for bed.” Each pill has 5 mg of CBN and 5 mg of THC. “A non-intoxicating form of aged THC, CBN is a natural cannabinoid known for promoting relaxation and sleep,” he shared. The combination in these Tablits will have you ready for bed faster than you say “G’night.”

RELIEF – FEEL BETTER, LIVE MORE

Relief is a fully crafted blend of botanicals and cannabis to help alleviate discomfort and enhance holistic wellness. “The 5 mg of THC and CBD work together to target inflammation alongside Quercetin, a plant flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. GABA tops off this Tablits’ power by helping ease

G’NIGHT –IS IT BEDTIME YET? COURTESY OF INSA

both the mind and body into deep relaxation,” said Gallagher. “Think of the Relief experience like a full-body massage – but without the stranger involved.”

FLIRTY – IT’S SEXY TIME

“Flirty is a stimulating blend of natural aphrodisiacs and potent cannabis that helps get you in the mood,” shared Gallagher. “A dependable wing person, our Flirty Tablit is a tantalizing mix of libido-boosting botanicals – such as Horny Goat Weed and Muira Puama – and 5 mg of THC that gets you ready and relaxed for when things get steamy.”

PIONEER CANNABIS CO.

Location in Brimfield VISIT PIONEERCANNABISCOMPANY. COM FOR MORE INFO

PAPER CRANE PRE-ROLLS

Maura Doyle, CEO of Pioneer Cannabis Co., shared several new products that will be offered at Pioneer this spring with the first one being Paper Crane PreRolls. “We met Lisa, co-founder of Paper

Crane, at a Canna-Ladies lunch designed to foster relationships with women-owned businesses in the industry and from one small business to another – they are a perfect fit with Pioneer,” said Doyle. Paper Crane is a sun grown cannabis farm in Hubbardston. “They are legacy growers and social equity licensees whose mantra “Loyal to the Soil” is evident in the quality of their flower,” she shared. Pioneer Cannabis Co. offers a variety of Paper Crane’s $12 pre-rolls with strains ranging from Gorilla Breath to Blue Dream x Lemon Spritzer, with more to come this summer.

BEDTIME BETTY’S RASPBERRY CRÈME

“One of the most common things we hear from new customers is they are looking for help with sleep. We boast a variety of sleep-inducing products, but the newest offering is Bedtime Betty’s Raspberry Crème,” shared Doyle. The Raspberry Crème is a fruit chew with 5 mg of THC, 10 mg of CBD and 5mg of CBN –the cannabinoid found to help with relaxation and sleep. “These chews are delicious and a great option for those who don’t love the consistency of a gummy,” she added. A bag of 10 chews costs $20.

I AM EDIBLE’S BLACKBERRY 20:1

One of Pioneer’s most popular options – also the lowest dose product on the menu – is their “I Am Edible Blackberry Gummy.” For new cannabis consumers or those looking for minimal THC, Doyle said this has been their go to. Each gummy offers 20 mg of CBD and 1 mg of THC, compared to the common dosage

of 5 mg in most edibles across the state. “These gummies have offered our customers – and our team – a great edible option to help chill out without feeling the cerebral effects found in most standard THC dosages,” shared Doyle. A tin of 20 gummies costs $24.

TRULIEVE

Location in Northampton VISIT TRULIEVE.COM FOR MORE INFO

SPRING CLONES DROPS

Executive Director Robert Kremer shared that Trulieve will offer three different strains of clones this spring. The drop schedule is as follows:

On April 7, Hammock Daddy launched, which is a hybrid. Its lineage is Banana Daddy x 8541.

On May 5, Honeygold – a hybrid –will launch. Its lineage is Point Break x Redneck Wedding.

Lastly, on June 6, the last clone drop – Wedding Gift – will launch. It is a hybrid, and its lineage is Bubbas Gift x Redneck Wedding.

Kremer said clones are available for pre-order via Trulieve’s retail locations in Massachusetts. Clones are $25 each, with grow kit bundles available for purchase.

CLONES DROP COURTESY OF TRULIEVE

STORY BY JANICE BEETLE PHOTOS BY CAVU HEMP

FROM HAYFIELDS TO HEMP

Breathing new life into old farmland

Jacob Zieminski lived and breathed agriculture as a child growing up on a dairy farm in Cheshire. His first job was taking care of his cousin’s cows after his family’s enterprise succumbed to economic pressure and went dormant.

Not many years later, while earning a degree in management and finance at Providence College, Zieminski began a relationship with marijuana, using it to ease anxiety and his ADD. After graduation, and over the next two decades, his cannabis usage became less

pronounced, but he became deeply exposed to medical marijuana and its revolutionary impact on healthcare.

Zieminski appreciated the cannabis industry so much that in 2019, a year after passage of the Farm Bill, he and his brother, Justin, breathed new life into the family farm, adding craft CBD hemp crops—a variety of cannabis—to the property’s hay fields, vegetables, raspberry vines and apple orchards.

As of January, CAVU Hemp was one of 47 hemp license holders in Massachusetts, and Jacob Zieminski

was one of only 16 farmers to hold a dual license to both grow and process the plant, which allows him to sell product to dispensaries. He sits on the leadership council for the Mass Hemp Association, and he’s pleased to have combined two of his main passions in life.

But he—and many other hemp farmers across the state—are worried about the future of the crops here. Hemp farmers are battling everything from strict regulations to the difficulty of growing the plant, a rapidly shrinking

per-pound cost, product coming from out of state illegally and market limitations. Also, the 2018 legislation expires in September and must be renegotiated.

Legislation pending in the Senate—bill S1900—would offer some relief; an agency would be created to oversee the Cannabis Control Commission, and that entity would have enforcement power to ensure that only Massachusetts farmers could sell CBD Hemp to Massachusetts dispensaries. Two additional bills, SD598 and HD1509, would also establish hemp and its derivatives as agricultural products that could be sold at farmer’s markets across the state.

“It will be a while before these measures come up for a vote,” said Julia Agron, the president of the Northeast Sustainable Hemp Association and an active member of the Mass Hemp Coalition, the latter group of which is lobbying actively at a grass roots level for passage of these bills. (The association is a nonprofit and is prohibited from lobbying.)

ONE FARMER’S STORY IS A TYPICAL ONE

Agron is the HR manager of a cannabis farm in Whately that was once a fertile ground for asparagus. She also holds a license to grow on the undera-half-acre backyard farm in Amherst she owns with her husband, Navid Hatfield.

She explained that the high cost of a license here—at $500 per year for a dual license, or $300 to cultivate or process—is only one deterrent. A rigid regulation dictates that if the THC level rises above .3 percent, farmers licensed to grow hemp only must destroy their crops because, at over .3 percent THC, the plant is considered to be marijuana and must be destroyed.

And there are also problems with bringing cannabis/hemp to market; growers here are competing with farmers across the country, many of whom have 10,000-acre fields and a much longer growing season.

“Cannabis became a commodity,”

Agron said. “We all thought it would sell for $100 a pound, and it did for about a second. Now, farmers might get $10 per pound.”

In addition, after the Farm Bill passed in 2018 and farmers began growing, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced a year later that cannabis and CBD products were not a food and could not be sold, and growers couldn’t sell to dispensaries until the Survive and Thrive amendment passed in 2020.

Selling to dispensaries is also not without problems. Growers must pay to process and package their product, further reducing profits.

“We couldn’t make any money,” Agron said. “We all bought licenses to grow tomatoes, but then we were told that we could only sell the tomatoes to the ketchup factory. We can’t sell to the public.”

Because of the limitations and restrictions, Agron simply grows for herself and family and friends. She hopes one day to sell plant and her products at farmer’s markets and tell the story of her natural backyard farm with its charming goats.

What she has gotten out of her cannabis-growing experience are lessons in

BROTHERS IN FARMING

Justin Zieminski moved back to the family farm before Jacob, working the fields, beginning to grow hay again and building a single-family home on the 75-acre property. Jacob joined his brother in 2018 after 18 years in corporate healthcare.

When Jacob returned, he worked with the University of Massachusetts Department of Agriculture on soil testing, discovered the farmland was still fertile and began to grow cannabis.

Putting his dual growing and processing license to use, he uses a propriety, solventless method to transform the live flower into varying grades of bubble hash and then creates products such as tinctures, lotions and ingestibles. “This process is laborious and time-consuming, but the output is one of the highest grades of cannabis and is hands down the freshest option on the market,” he said.

In the Zieminskis’ first growing season in 2019, they grew about a thousand pounds of CBD Hemp, increasing the harvest each year to over 2,000 pounds. In 2021, Zieminski grew a strain from a breeder in Oregon—“the most beautiful plants I’ve ever grown”— but he lost 75 percent of the crop to disease in the fall, learning the hard way that the plant doesn’t grow well in the Northeast.

politics and the passage of legislation; she is on speaking terms with state Sen. Jo Comerford.

Agron will push hard for passage of all pending legislation, but she has been in this fight since 2019 and said she has only this one last battle left in her. “I really believe in this plant. I’m passionate about it,” she said. “But it’s not worth the cost of pursuing a hemp license if you’re just doing it for yourself when you can grow cannabis in Mass. for personal use without a license or regulatory oversight.”

In 2022, after passage of Survive and Thrive, the brothers began selling to a wholesale client in southeastern Massachusetts, a dispensary. While the effort became more profitable, the brothers knew it would not be profitable enough, and they began to diversify, also growing tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, beets and carrots.

“Should hemp be able to drive a farm? Yes,” Zieminski said. “But we’re at a stage in the development of the market that, by diversifying, we’re managing our risk. If hemp crashes, and there’s a drought in California, we can make money on tomatoes. We’re trying to be smart in that sense. We’re really looking at this to be strategically diversified and connected to the community.”

“This process is laborious and timeconsuming, but the output is one of the highest grades of cannabis and is hands down the freshest option on the market,”

Zieminski said.

TIPS FOR HOME GROWERS

When marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts, Zieminski began growing for himself—tipping a hoe into the complicated industry.

His efforts began with indoor growing, but that came with the added cost of energy to run the grow lights. He got involved with an energy group sponsored by the CCC and studying

energy consumption and sustainability, which all led him to growing outdoors.

“There’s nothing more powerful than the sun,” he said.

He added, “Everyone should grow,” and he highly recommends that users, or those experimenting, begin to grow as an option to buying product from a dispensary. “It’s a great way to discover what works for you versus going to a dispensary, which is expensive,” he said. “Once you find something, it will probably be worth it; growing at home can save thousands per year.”

He offers these tips for first-time cannabis home-growers: Study up. Before you begin tilling soil, learn as much as you can about cannabis farming using online resources and courses that might be offered at area community colleges. Zieminski learned about growing by attending sessions offered by the New England Cannabis Conventions, which hosts a series of industry events across the region. The Massachusetts event was held in Boston on March 10, but there is a convention in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 20-21 and in Burlington, Vermont, on May 6-7. “That’s how I learned,” Zieminski said. “I got curious. I went to these conventions and saw what companies were doing and what was out there. You’re affectively teaching yourself to be a scientist on some level. You learn about nutrients the plants need and when they need them in the growing season.” For convention details, visit https:// necann.com/.

Study up on various plant genetics. “If you get bad seeds, you can’t grow great plants,” he said.

Grow within the limits of the law. Home growers are allowed

six plants per person or 12 per household, and if the grower holds a medical marijuana card, he or she may grow more.

Buy your seeds or seedlings online, or look for clones at your local dispensary. Zieminski recommends ETHOS Genetics in Colorado, a small family-owned business. For growing CBD, he uses Oregon CBD, which is also a small operation led by two brothers. If there are dispensaries in your area, you can ask if they sell clones—or cuttings from live marijuana plants.

To follow the work of the Mass Hemp Coalition and its lobbying efforts, visit https://www.facebook.com/MassHempCoalition/

“We’re really looking at this to be strategically diversified and connected to the community.”

Zieminski said.

Beware

hen cultivating cannabis, gardeners need to be on the lookout for pests that can devastate their plants and ruin the harvest. Cannabis pests come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from microscopic pests like mites and mildew to larger bugs like caterpillars and snails. Removing cannabis pests is a very important part of cultivating and caring for a successful cannabis crop. If nothing is done to prevent or eradicate the pests, the time and effort of cultivating cannabis plants will be wasted. The best defense a cultivator can have is a great offense, and being proactive will save you time, effort, money, and the sweet end result of caring for your plants. Pests can wreak havoc on the health and quality of your cannabis plants, so taking action to control them is essential. Fortunately, there are a few strategies and tactics that gardeners can use to protect their crops from pesky intruders.

The first step in the pest prevention process is identifying the types of pests that may threaten the garden. Knowing which insects to look for, what their behavior and lifestyle is like, and what damage they may do is essential. A few common cannabis pests are aphids, caterpillars, mites, snails, and whiteflies. These pests can become a serious concern if left unchecked, pests will attack the fan leaves and cause a halt in new growth from occurring because the plant is attempting to fight off the intruders. Caterpillars can eat their way through stems and buds, destroying the plant from the inside. Gardeners can use books or online resources to help with identification. A few key identifiers include, yellowing of leaves and stems, brown spots and white dots on the fan leaves, random holes throughout the plant, and the curling of leaves can be a giveaway that something is infecting

STORY BY GIOVANNI CAVALLINI ISTOCK PHOTOS

your plants. While some pests can be removed and prevent you from destroying a harvest, there are some things that can’t be remedied. Such as powdery mildew, if your crop becomes infected with powdery mildew the best option, besides starting over, is to isolate the infected plants away from the healthy ones, lower the humidity, and use less water for the remaining of feeding.

Once the pests are identified, gardeners can move forward with a pest management plan. It is important to take into consideration the type of pest, as well as the environment of the garden and the plant’s needs. One of the most popular approaches is using a physical barrier, such as row covers or insect screens. These materials provide a layer of protection and prevent bugs from entering the garden. Other approaches to physical barriers include using cloves of garlic around the base of the stem, using fine-netting over the whole plant, and cardboard barriers inserted one to two inches in the soil around the plant.

Gardeners can also utilize non-toxic sprays to help manage the pests. Neem oil and other botanical sprays can effectively kill bugs without the risk of exposing the plants to harsh chemicals. If the non-toxic sprays seem to not be effective, there are pesticides that have been created for the cannabis industry, but are not always the healthiest options. Soap and water spray is another method of pesticides that can be used to halt the reproduction and kill off aphids and small mites. Organic methods, such as releasing predatory insects, can also be employed to target specific pests. Two of the best predatory insects that can be released onto cannabis plants without hurting the yield or plant itself, are ladybugs and praying mantis. Lady bugs are not only very cute and adorable, but they are also

carnivores and eat mostly all cannabis pests that have four legs. Ladybugs can be released indoors and outdoors on crops to prevent and eradicate a wide assortment of issues. Downsides of ladybugs are if they do not have food or water, they will move on from your crops and leave them unattended. Praying mantis are predators that will also eat most, if not all, of the pests infecting your plants. While this predator should only be used on outdoor crops, they will fight and eat all flying and walking pests that may settle down. Cannabis gardeners need to stay vigilant and actively monitor their crops for signs of infestation. Checking plants regularly, cleaning the area of debris, and maintaining a healthy garden environment will reduce the risk of pest outbreaks. When in doubt, it’s best to contact an experienced garden consultant or exterminator to deter mine the best pest management plan. The most important thing for a cultiva tor to remember is being proac tive when it comes to pests will save you time and effort in the long run. It is heartbreak ing and discourag ing when you spend months

maintaining a plant’s survival, only to see it attacked and killed in the last 2 months of its life. Prevention methods may seem redundant and pointless when there’s no pests in the garden, but it’s better to never see a pest in the garden in the first place, than to try and fight them off.

With some extra effort, cannabis gardeners can protect their plants and keep the garden thriving. By understanding and addressing the pest problem, gardeners can enjoy a successful and healthy harvest. With the outdoor season creeping up on us slowly, right now is the best time to start thinking of a prevention plan and begin implementing steps and a procedure to follow to ensure the best quality of plants. Times have changed from hiding your stash from others, to hiding your stash from pests. Good

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

1. SMASH HITS MAC1 5-PACK: Fresh off a placement in the recent NECANN 2023 cannabis competition win for their MAC1 (Cap’s Cut), this Smash Hits cannabis 5-pack of .5g joints is the go-to on the road tin to pack into my pocket or a bag. Amazing lavender, cinnamon and orange flavor punch with a social, full body high.

Zack Wilson, Retail Supervisor, Canna Provisions.

2. WANA 5:1 CBD:THC SOUR GUMMIES: Wana is a fantastic company led by a wonderful team and female leader so I’m always going to be supporting them. But these 5:1 CBD:THC sour gummies they produce is one of my favorite pick-me-ups that helps with my central body aches and pains while also creating a greater sense of well being and clarity of thought for me. Love having these at the ready in my bag when running errands on a busy day!

Meg Sanders, CEO, Canna Provisions.

3. SMASH HITS DURBAN POISON PREROLL: I tend to favor strains that pack in huge flavor and a steady, energetic, go get things done kind of effects. This Durban Poison hits all the right marks, and is a great throwback to the kind of flower I came up on in the 1990s.

Erik Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Canna Provisions.

4. PAX LIVE ROSIN JACK HERER POD: I’m all aboard that Live Rosin train for vape products personally, as I love the full flavor and even fuller effects than simple distillate vapes. That PAX got into the Live Rosin game is a bonus unto itself (I’ve been a fan of their products for years) but this Jack Herer is that blast of uplift and creative focus I look for in a pocket vape.

Jana LaFrance, Training and Development Manager, Canna Provisions

5. CRISPY COMMISSION WAX: SMASH HITS CHEM 91 X WONKA BARS (CHEM’S WONKA): I knew Smash Hits and Crispy Commission had produced some great collaboration dabs and concentrates, but the batch of Chem’s Wonka, basically using peak-harvest Chem 91 and Wonka Bars strain together in one batch, is another level! Over the top flavors of GMO and sugarfruit with tons of petrol and sweetness. An amazing release.

Lissa Thibodeau, Field Marketing Specialist, Canna Provisions.

6. VIBRATIONS HIGH + ENERGY THC DRINK MIX:

Something about ripping open a package of these THC drink mixes and dropping into some cold water that almost brings me back to summers making fruit punch, only, you know, the adult version. These 10 packs are great when I meet up with my hiking pals for a trek up a hill, and we can all cheers each other knowing the fast onset and energetic effects kick in when I need it most on the trail.

Dan McCarthy, Media Specialist, Canna Provisions.

7. WYNK SELTZER: I’ve been trying tons of seltzers since they hit the market, and the Black Cherry THC Selzer from WYNK is my personal favorite. Great fruit flavor, fast effects, and a consistent experience. I also love that I can grab a pack of these in place of beer or White Claw-ish things when hanging out with friends. I’ll take the high over booze buzz any day!

Andrew Kuchis,

Marketing Coordinator, Canna Provisions.

8. TREEWORKS X SMASH HITS

LIVE ROSIN VAPE CARTS: The only time I consume vapes are when I have a great Live Rosin using great genetics, which is why I was so excited to get my hands on this batch of Live Rosin using one of the best crops of Chem S1 we’ve released to the public. Incredible classic Chem D full body and mind effects, and testing at almost 6% terps means this grass is all gas in the chamber. This one is best in the hands of a developed consumer, as they’ll appreciate it the most Greg “Chemdog” Krazanowski, Director of Cultivation

Smash Hits Cannabis for Canna Provisions.

9. SMASH HITS 1G BUDS: I’m a flower fan, but I also don’t consume a lot at any given time but am a big fan of having choices. The one-gram bud offerings from Smash Hits means I can try a bit before settling on a larger purchase. Love that I grabbed some of the last of the UFJoe before it was gone, it was named after me!

Joe

Welch, Director of Operations, Canna Provisions.

10. 1906 GO SINGLE PACKS: I love being able to have a few different to-go packs of 1906 tucked away for when I need some uplift, and the 1906 GO tablets have about as much caffeine as a cup of good coffee, and it’s plant-based ingredients increase blood flow to the brain and body so my mental energy and stamina get a needed boost every time.

Lizz Palmer, Marketing Manager, Canna Provisions.

Expanding the Brand with Fernway

Fernway, the No. 1 vape brand in Massachusetts has recently expanded its product offerings to include joints and flower.

At the end of March, both products were made public and can now be purchased by consumers.

“Even though Massachusetts knows [Fernway] for its vapes, we’ve been smoking joints and smoking flower for even longer,” said Fernway CEO Liam O’Brien.

He shared that the Fernway team wanted to take the same approach that they did with vapes and apply that to joints and flower. The approach, as O’Brien described it, was completely custom – built from the ground up – in hopes of creating a better product.

“The things that were really guiding us were [the] same thing people love about our vapes: quality, consistency, flavor and style,” said O’Brien.

With the joints, he explained that a custom cone was created that uses ultra-thin rice paper, providing a “clean and even burn.” Wrapped around the joint is a band that lists the flavor as well as Fernway’s logo, so you always know what you are smoking and where it came from.

The tip of the joint is the first of its kind in Massachusetts, as it is ceramic. On the inside of the tip there is a filter with five holes that are drilled through the ceramic part, so that you get smoke and airflow but never any ash or embers, said O’Brien.

One of the perks to the ceramic tip is that it never becomes soggy like a paper filter. It also has a silicone cork that keeps the flower inside the joint from being exposed to air until you are ready to smoke it, allowing the consumer to retain maximum freshness and flavor.

Although the joints are new to Fernway, O’Brien said it is not completely new as it includes their bestselling terpene blend that people know from their vapes. “It’s both a really exciting new product for people who like to smoke joints but it’s also a way to enjoy your favorite Fernway flavors at the same time,” he said.

While the creation of the joints took a similar approach to the vapes with a true custom premium product, O’Brien said they went about things differently with the flower.

“With flower, there isn’t manufacturing – there’s cultivation. At Fernway,

we don’t grow – we’re not cultivators. But what that does is it allows us to be able to go out in the marketplace – we’ve got a really deep network of cultivators we’ve been building up over the last few years – and what we do is we go out and find the best plants we possibly can … The true top of the market … Plants that have been expertly and lovingly crafted, trimmed, grown, dried, cured,” O’Brien said.

After that, the plant is curated so that anyone who buys Fernway flower knows they are receiving the “best of the best.”

Fernway has exact quality standards when it comes down to the amount of space between the plants, size of the buds, aroma, flavor and the effects. O’Brien noted that Fernway prioritizes consistency so all the flower will test 25% or more THC.

“It was really important for us to focus on quality,” said O’Brien.

He went on to say that when people shop for flower in the state, most share a common experience in that even when there is good bud out there, it is not easy to find. O’Brien explained that this is because some of the best buds are grown by some of the

smallest growers, meaning they will not have much supply and when they do, it will sell quickly, or it will only be available at certain dispensaries. If you do find something you like and return to buy more the following week, it might not be there.

The other unfortunate part that people face is the sale of premium buds. While the flower might have been premium when it was put in the bag, it has been sitting on the shelf, drying out for months, which is not the same, shared O’Brien.

As Fernway puts its customers first, O’Brien said they wanted to solve these problems and install the most demanding quality standards, talk to every grower in the state and prioritize the ones giving the plant the love it deserves. The plants and buds that “receive the Fernway seal of quality,” are put out in the flower line. “It’s a true quality approach,” O’Brien noted, which was not seen in the marketplace prior. This is because if you grow your own bud, you must sell what is grown even if it is not up to your standards. “It’s just the nature of the business model,” he added. Because Fernway does not grow its own flower, they are always able to bring their customers the best product.

lot that had to be learned as a brand and company. However, he pointed out that the “great thing” about being able to approach this challenge was the close involvement of every department. “Everyone is carrying the same weight,” he said. Even though there have been challenges, the fact that everyone is working together on the same goal does not make it seem like a challenge but rather an opportunity, he added.

O’Brien recognized the Fernway team for their hard work and dedication on this launch and their continued efforts over the coming months.

As the customers grow, O’Brien said they want to grow alongside them, providing new adventures, new ways to enjoy their favorite products and down the road, offer even more.

to equip yourself for bigger challenges and bigger opportunities. We took the opportunity as we were preparing for the flower and joints launch to go into the DNA of our brand,” said O’Brien.

Since launching Fernway in 2021, the company has evolved. He shared that it was important to look at the aspects that have changed and decide on what to embrace about the brand. This is when the team decided to revisit the typography and find some new fonts they like and revisit the logo to see if it can be tightened up on packaging and more. However, what this really did was allow Fernway to acknowledge and appreciate what it is about the brand – at the core of it – that has resonated with people over the past two years.

“We believe cannabis makes the good life even better. So, what that means is that we are here to enhance existing experiences. We are here to make the things you enjoy even more enjoyable. And it’s a lot of work to produce the products and experiences that make that happen, but we are so glad to do it because one thing that hasn’t changed is [Fernway’s mission],” said O’Brien. Even with a new font or products, their goals remain.

Fernway’s website, https://fernway. com/, has been updated to reflect its new offerings. O’Brien said they improved and expanded on the aspects of the site that will be looked at by customers.

One major change, as noted by O’Brien, is that Fernway is no longer a cannabis vape brand, but is a cannabis brand.

Fenway recently celebrated its two-year anniversary as a brand. Reflecting on all its growth, O’Brien said he has been looking back on the successes and challenges they have faced. From that, he recognized that there is a pattern at Fernway which is after something is pulled off – whether it be a product or expansion – they begin thinking about the next big thing. “We’re really ambitious,” he said. With the launch of the joints and flower, O’Brien said he knew there would be challenges as there was a

He shared that more flower-based products will come out over the course of the year. This includes joints, packaged vapes, along with other form factors. In the third quarter of 2023, Fernway will be expanding to New Jersey.

In addition to Fernway’s new products, in a technical sense, O’Brien said they are “rebranding,” but more so expanding. This includes updating the Fernway logo, packaging, website and more.

“Bigger ideas mean that you need

“Updating a website can be a really big and complicated project but it’s been so enjoyable,” said O’Brien.

On the packaging front, when shopping for your favorite Fernway flavors, O’Brien said the exterior might look different, but everything is the same.

“I’m really excited to show our audience what we can do with this new look, brand and elements. I think our creativity as a company has always been something that I think sets us apart and I’m really excited to show that to [our] customers,” he concluded.

By keeping all the freshly harvested flower frozen, it minimizes the opportunity of losing sensitive terpenes to heat & light.

SPRINGTIME CHUNKY SALSA

Add a refreshing dosed pineapple springtime chunky salsa to your next picnic.

INGREDIENTS: HOW YOU’LL MAKE IT

• 4 cups diced pineapple

• 3/4 cup red onion, diced

• 1 cup red and yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1 fresh cilantro bunch, chopped (leaves only)

• 2 tablespoons infused cannabis oil (or tinctures - dose accordingly)

• 3 tablespoons lime juice (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Combine Cannabis Oil, lime juice, and salt. Mix well. Set aside. In large bowl, add all other ingredients and mix.

Drizzle cannabis oil mixture over top and stir until mixed thoroughly.

Notes: Another option is to use whole-plant infused tinctures for dosing food, like Howl’s Anytime, or if you want to make CBD infused summer-time snacks, CBD from a regenerative farm in MA like the Sawyer Farm CBD. Another great tincture is the LEVIA water-soluble Achieve tincture for energy.

For those that like RSO (a full spectrum extract potent cannabis oil) the Purist Drops or Sunrise Punch Sativa drops by Treeworks out of West Hatfield MA are amazing on their own or as a topical, or as a dosing product. Their tinctures use RSO which provides a balanced, organic, vegan, gluten and sugar-free way to dose your food products. Also available: straight RSO in 1 gram syringes.

PHOTO ISTOCK

Head to Canna Provisions in Holyoke and ask their guides for tincture recommendations for your salsa!

Embracing Sublime Tradition, Vibes, Ganja, and Good Music

Badfish trumpeter Danny Torgersen’s lungs are filled with music, and Ganja smoke. As the lead trumpeter, occasional guitarist, and self-identified “ass shaker” of the world renowned Sublime cover band Badfish, Danny has been touring the nation spreading the Sublime vibes and traditions that the original Sublime front man Bradley Nowell pioneered over twenty years ago. Nowell was an eclectic composer and musical genius. In his relatively brief career as a musician, Nowell trailblazed new musical realms which remain unmatched in ingenuity and creativity. The Sublime sound is characterized largely by Ska, Punk, and Reggae, but Nowell also combined an eclectic mix of sounds from all types of musical areas like, rap, pop culture, and even Operas. As lead trumpeter and Sublime enthusiast, Torgersen obsesses over replicating the original Sublime sound and culture. And when the occasion calls for it, Torgersen is happy to spark up a blunt on stage in keeping with the Ganja traditions of Reggae and Sublime.

WHATS IT LIKE PLAYING FOR BADFISH?

It’s an honor to play in this band. They’ve had such a long legacy of keeping the sublime ethos alive and there’s so many bands that have come from the tours they’ve put on. It’s cultural at this point. I have never played professionally unless we smoked weed. It’s such a piece of that genre and energy and Bradley refers to it in his music listening to reggae.

WHAT DEFINES SUBLIME CULTURE AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “BADFISH”?

Sublime culture is rebellious culture, it is about rebellion and revolution. That’s what it represented in its root form. I’ve heard a lot of theories about what it is to be a badfish. Are you a badfish

too? If Bradley’s a badfish, were all being badfishes if we’re playing sublime songs. To me it nods back to that rebelliousness and staying a wanderer. Nowell sort of sings about staying as an outlier. Surf culture and beach culture is engrained with SoCal culture and beach culture is engrained with reggae culture. And you see that on tour.

HOW IS CANNABIS ENTWINED WITH SUBLIME?

Y’know, marijuana’s connection to reggae alone is enough to be an eternal bond. The roots of Rasta and viewing marijuana as a sacred plant you can’t separate the two. Even if the band isn’t smoking, I’m sure people listening are. It’s a lot of cultural but in a way too it’s represented the rebellious spirit of that genre, the ska punk reggae movement. It represented rebelliousness especially when weed was illegal. Now it doesn’t die with it becoming legal, it feels like a victory. It feels like we won something.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO SMOKE ON STAGE?

In my heart my favorite thing to smoke is a blunt, but I have asthma. I just love a constant stream of joints and Sativas, I can’t be snoozing. I will say though because I was recovering from a surgery I got really into edibles which seemed to navigate back in the day when we were cooking shit up but now there’s all these specifications. I’m into the Baked Bros edibles. They’re each named out of each aesthetic. I like “Happy” and “Sleepy” that’s a good way to live.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TRUMPETING FOR SUBLIME SONGS?

The horn arrangements of the Sublime catalog are all over the place. Sometimes it’s a trombone, trumpet, sax. I try to represent all of those as best I can on the trumpet. I’ve been playing since I was

a kid. I would say it makes people the happiest, so for that reason its my favorite instrument, and the hardest, but the gains outweigh the difficult. If you play trumpet in someone’s face, they’re just stoked. It’s cool that horns have held their place in ska culture.

Some of these horn parts are legendary. Like the trombone solo on Wrong Way. It’s just engrained on music history. It’s interesting to see that out of everything it’s what hits the hardest. It evokes memories and something meaningful when people hear it. They know every note of a hornline, like they know the lyrics. That’s one of my favorite songs to play.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SONG TO PLAY?

I feel like, lately the song Jailhouse has been my favorite to play. Not a lot happens in that song but the groove is so sick and the lyrics are sick and the chords, it’s almost like rap, again, that rebellious reggae punk attitude. I dig peace and love unity reggae too but I kinda like that grunge stuff.

One of my favorite songs live is Ruca that’s because we’ve been using samplers to play the original samples from the album. We do it just like the album. Lately Pat has been playing the sampler and playing the sample at the same time. It was cool when Troy, Bradley’s widow came out and she said that’s the first time we’ve heard it live. And she’s an awesome person who supports everyone in the scene.

YOU’RE FRIENDS WITH BRADLEY’S WIDOW AND FAMILY AND PEOPLE WHO KNEW HIM, WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT HIM?

They all talk about him like he was a true genius artist who just did what he did. The confidence and the way people talk about it. People talk about how much

music he knew about. You can see that when you start catching on to the songs from the past he’s quoting and weaving into things. He’s sort of a librarian of reggae and hip hop making all of these mashups. He’s sort of the boss DJ. People always bring up his intelligence and the ease of his musicianship and cleverness with songwriting and music history.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUBLIME ALBUM?

My favorite album… I’d say that’s a big toss up between 40oz or self titled. In fact we’re playing the entire album in a couple weeks at Garden Grove because it’s a few nights.

STP gets requested every night. Saw Red is legend. That propelled Gwen Stefani in a way. Hardcore fans they spend more time listening so they hear things the first listen they don’t catch.

WHEN DID YOU GET INTO SUBLIME, WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THEM?

Around 13 I got into Sublime, Ska, Punk. Right when you’re deciding your overall aesthetic. Being a young trumpet player and hearing ska songs on the radio that’s such a connection for a whole generation of horn players. You could play horn and be modern and punk and popular. If you’re playing in concert band you don’t

feel that way. My first bands ever were ska bands. I must’ve joined one when I was 14 and haven’t stopped since. Ska meant the world to me to be honest with you. I was a Ska kid.

It’s such a fun incarnation of punk. I’m a total nerd about it. Bradley was such a musical genius, he was the boss DJ.

Just the song Garden Grove alone has multiple hip hop samples, one from 1972 by the Ohio Players, two NWA samples from 87 and 88 and then there’s that synthesizer appears in all of NWA’s songs before 96 NWA, Too Short, Snoop Dogg. Summertime is an old theatrical song from the American songbook.

Foolish Fool is also from classic Mo Town.

Scarlet begonias is a dead song that

crosses over into the jam world. You would be shocked to find out all the samples in their history.

Check out Badfish locally!

Smash Hits Cannabis presents Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime

WHERE: Gateway City Performing Arts Center Holyoke, Mass.

WHEN: Wed. April 19, 2023 at 7pm

For additional details on the show visit: gatewaycityarts.com/event/ badfish-tribute-to-sublime/

“Being a young trumpet player and hearing ska songs on the radio that’s such a connection for a whole generation of horn players.”

CBD and HEMP products

Even though medical marijuana and recreational marijuana use is now legal in many parts of the country, CBD is widely being harnessed in its own right. Cannabidiol oil is a chemical found in marijuana and hemp plants. CBD doesn’t contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high, advises the Mayo Clinic. CBD has been studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety. The only CBD product currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is prescription Epidiolex for epilepsy.

Since hemp oil is high in essential fatty acids, it may produce antiinflammatory effects and improve brain function. It is widely used in beauty products like skin creams as well. Always speak to a doctor before using CBD and related products.

Getting healthier is a common theme in warmer weather months. CBD and hemp health trends could help ease health symptoms.

STORY BY METRO ISTOCK PHOTO

Dan Coyle

STORY BY JAKE DRESSLER

PHOTOS BY NATE BLAIS AND SUBMITTED

When most cannabis consumers think about glassware, they picture the typical pipes and bubblers on display at gas station counters and smoke shops. Some of those pipes are mass produced, bought wholesale online, and sold at reasonable prices for the cannabis everyman looking for something that will get the job done.

But to Dan Coyle and his community of artists, glassware means so much more. Beyond the gas station bowls and Amazon pocket pipes exists a global congregation of collectors and artists whose obsessions for glass have built an expansive universe. Glass artists like Coyle design pieces that marry function with form resulting in stunning glass creations that double as perfectly efficient pipes. “I create pieces that people can have on their shelves for display and then pick them up and smoke them” Coyle told CRQ.

In his previous career, Coyle was a professional scientific glass blower making glass lab equipment like beakers, test tubes, and intricate falling film distillation apparatuses. He jumped ship in 2011 and became a fully independent artist in 2013. For ten years he’s built a massive following of collectors across New England and a nationally recognized brand. Podcast and ex-fear factor host Joe Rogan follows Coyle on Instagram.

If you want one of Coyle’s pieces, he says you can find them online or in stores. He doesn’t sell direct, but he does do commissions (sometimes.) Some stores that carry his work include Lillis in Worcester, Northern Lights in Enfield, Witch DR. in Salem Massachusetts, Naturals Collective in Lemonster and Stoked in Bridgeport Connecticut.

WHAT IS THE STYLE / INSPIRATION OF YOUR ART?

My main thing is sculptural work and I do cartoon realism its semi-grafitti-esque. I make monkeys, that’s my main thing I like to make because it’s my favorite animal. Slowly over the years they’ve morphed into their own kind of

design. I can make it as a pilot or caricatures. I also do bears which are my mother’s favorite animals. I have banana motifs and even pipes shaped like colors of bananas because that’s monkey food.

Besides those main designs I have developed like a functional recycler. It’s for smoking hash oil they call it a rig. The water will come up into one chamber then shoot back down then recycle back up as you’re hitting it and the water splashes around like crazy and diffuses and cools down the smoke. That design I made is called a backflip recycler. The concept behind it was everyone started making them 5 years ago and there was this documentary on motocross called “unchained” and they were talking about in the competitions as soon as someone did a backflip on a dirt bike pretty much everyone had to do one to place. My idea with this was for the water to come up and do a backflip. I spent a lot of time designing it. I made about 10 prototypes until I got one that worked and functioned the way I wanted to.

Kind of like comparing the backflip in motocross to recyclers in pipe industry. A lot of people have developed their own designs.

WHEN DID YOU START AS AN ARTIST?

I have always done art when I was little, but I kind of fell off. I was cooking in the kitchen and studying culinary arts. I wanted to try glass art. For beginner glass artists it’s hard to make a living and build your skills. I found a college that taught glass blowing. When I graduated I had one job over the summer making quartz apparatus.

I worked in Milwaukee making laboratory equipment glass. I was making pipes and pendants on the side for friends.

In May I quit my job and decided to become a full time artist. I cashed my 401K which kept me afloat for 8-9 months but I was making a lot of work but selling and marketing was difficult. I was getting to the end of my 401k money with shelves full of work and then this person came through and ended up buying it all and helped promote me.

HOW POPULAR ARE YOUR PIPES, DO PEOPLE USE THEM FOR FLOWER?

It is popular; its all dependent on the person. More people are more focused on smoking concentrate and hash. People still smoke flower out of the dry pipes and bubblers. With these pieces they’re pretty crazy, there’s a big community of people and “sesh” is what they call it. With the pipe art that’s what makes it different than painting. These collectors will take their piece and travel and set up and smoke and its kind of a little bit more sentimental, people get to share in and hold it, touch it, you breathe through it, you’re smoking through the artwork. People sharing smoke, it’s been a thing for a long time.

WHAT DO YOU MAKE BESIDES PIPES?

I make pipes, pendants, drinkware, sculpture work, sometimes ornaments. Right now I’m working on cups that are carved out a little bit with my motifs and candles so that people can buy it, burn the wax out then have a drinking cup at the end. Marbles are a big thing too.

DO PEOPLE COLLECT YOUR WORK?

Yeah. I have a loyal customer base of collectors. I just had a show and it was a big sesh and two of my collectors came and were using my bigger pieces letting people use them.

WHATS YOUR MOST POPULAR DESIGN?

Hard to say, I’d say the monkeys but that’s because that’s what I make the most of. My backflip design is popular too but I don’t make as much of those. Those take quite a bit of time and effort to make.

WHAT DEFINES YOUR TECHNIQUE?

It takes a lot of patience, a steady hand. Since I was trained in scientific glass blowing I use a lot of the techniques I learned in the trade because it really helps me out to know how big to make things or how small. If I’m making a complex glass I know what pieces fit together.

After entering a dispensary, showing your identification and being let into a world of possibilities, what do you do next? Does the vibrant colored packaging catch your eye or is it the THC infused chocolate bar that is calling your name? With so many products to choose from and emotions to target, the experience can be overwhelming for a first time or seasoned cannabis user. To assist in the process are the individuals behind the bar. You might know them as “budtenders,” but at Insa, the employees have more knowledge than an encyclopedia.

Head of Training and Education

Lisa Black said the Insa team members engage and educate everyone who walks through the door. For those that are new to cannabis, the employees take things slow in order to understand what best suits the customer’s needs. No matter one’s experience with cannabis, “the team is prepared to answer

Know about the grow

questions,” said Black. “Everyone has questions.”

What separates Insa from other dispensaries is their customer service and in-store experience. “Other dispensaries have a get in, get out feel,” shared Black. “We super emphasize with [our] team that people can take as much time as they need and ask as many questions [as they want].” The Insa stores are set up to match this model as its products are displayed for people to view – allowing them to “get a feel” on what they are looking for.

To work at Insa, no cannabis experience is required. Black shared that she has trained several employees who had no background or knowledge prior to applying. As a part of the training process, Black teaches cannabis basics

with a focus on terpenes – which is big at Insa – along with fully preparing an individual for everything they need to know.

“Training at Insa doesn’t stop at orientation,” said Black, as she often shares training materials with employees to enhance their performance. “We just want to grow careers,” she added.

For employees who are interested, Insa even offers scholarships to take classes and pursue a degree.

“At Insa, we grow together,” said Black.

She continued, “I started off as a budtender and worked [up] to this.”

Across Massachusetts, Insa employs between 400 to 500 people in total. This includes retail, production, marketing and more. Black noted that there

are training opportunities for Insa employees who do not need to know anything about cannabis, like the accountants.

She explained that there is a whole database at the store for internal training. “I create all the courses,” which are built in house, said Black. For external training, there is “robust” education instruction, such as frequent webinars that Black hosts.

“People who come to us from other dispensaries and walks of life say they received the best training here,” she shared. What is taught inside the walls of Insa are lessons and training that employees will have for a lifetime, she added.

From outside sources, Black said she often hears positive feedback about the knowledge that Insa employees carry. However, there are still a lot of questions surrounding cannabis.

“People want to know the ‘why’ behind cannabis,” she said. As more dispensaries open and more products are being made, there are more options for people to learn the truth about it.

“Education is the cure to stigma,” Black said. Rather than being “scared” or “hating it,” she believes people should try to understand cannabis and hopefully become an advocate for it.

Over the past five years, Black noted that there has been a decrease in the stigma and credits education to that. She shared that her mother is a prime example of this as she used to be against cannabis, but tried a non-intoxicating lotion that did not make her high and helped with her pain, causing her to change her mindset.

“This plant will only benefit people as a society,” said Black.

Every day, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., people can call Insa’s customer service line with any cannabis related questions at 877-500-INSA. To learn more about cannabis, visit https://insa.com/.

380 Dwight Street

Holyoke, MA

Exclusive waterfront property available in the heart of historic industrial Holyoke. Become part of an exciting community & add your touch towards the progression of love, arts, culture, & creation. Canal Gallery Building consisting of 52,000 sqft, divided among 3 floors & an occupiable attic level. First level fully occupied by four retail & office establishments. Second, Third & attic levels available for buyers’ creative direction. Property updates include but are not limited to, roof, windows, electrical, heating & fire sprinkler & alarm systems. Amazing opportunity to invest in the ever-growing canal community. When reviewing documents, please note that the second, third & fourth floors are vacant & not generating revenue. Budget is based on 22,000 sq ft occupancy. City of Holyoke confirmed residential use allowed $2,300,000 ($44/SF)

574 Haydenville Road

Northampton, MA

3.86 Acre Northampton/Leeds property includes two structures and plenty of land to expand. **Lower Building

Features:- 2,040 Sq Ft Warehouse

Space, 12ft ceiling height, 2 Garage Doors and 826 Sq Ft of Office Space with a Foyer entrance, 2 offices, 1 bathroom and a kitchen.- Public Water and Private Sewer- Oil Heat **Upper Building Features:- 3,600 SqFt of Open Warehouse Space with l6’8 ft Ceiling Height, 2 Garage Door Openings- Electrical Features 400AMP service- Spring Water and Well Access- Radiant Propane Heat. Location is properly zoned for commercial and for Cannabis cultivation/manufacturing. Cannabis Cultivators and Manufacturers can save time and improve lead with included Host Community Agreement and Tier l Provisional cultivation license for up to 5,000 Sq Ft of canopy with Tier 2 potential. Provisional Manufacturers License expected soon. Property is available with option to buy both Provisional Licenses. $1,100,000

LISA BLACK, HEAD OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION AT INSA

Brief History of Breeding Cannabis GENETICS 101

For centuries, cultivators have worked hard to cross and interbreed different varieties of the cannabis plant in order to bring about the most desired effects and qualities. Starting with Landrace cultivars such as Durban Poison, Acapulco Gold, Hindu Kush, and Thai were grown for their specific climates in which they originated from. As time progressed, farmers from India, Egypt, China and other parts of the world slowly became proficient in the art of cross-breeding. They used techniques such as grafting, inbreeding, backcrossing, and even careful pollination to create new types of cannabis plants that would mix the desired effects & traits for the newer generations of lineage. Afghani Kush is a prime example of a landrace that was crossbred to create cultivars to survive in other climates & regions of the world. By the early 1700s, these techniques had become widespread and the term “cannabis breeding” was coined. By the late 1930s, cannabis breeding had begun to be outlawed by both the scientific and medical community, but cultivators and farmers weren’t de-

terred. The 1980’s were referred to by many as the Golden Age of Breeding, cultivators had refined their techniques and began focusing more on producing different varieties of cannabis plants. Breeders experimented with various cultivars and attempted to breed strains that would have a stronger and longer-lasting effect. Having developed methods to ensure the growth and propagation of certain strains, during this time, many cultivators interbred all different types of cultivars to find new terpene profiles. Some of the most infamous cultivars to be named, such as Chem Dawg, Purple Haze, Blue Dream, Northern Lights, Big Bud, and Skunk.

In 1835, a Swiss naturalist, Alfred Du Pont de Nemours, first described how two different species of cannabis could be crossed together to create a third hybrid species. As the years went on, breeders developed more complex and targeted methods.

This gave birth to the now popular Indica and Sativa subspecies of the cannabis plant. Landrace sativas were crossed with indicas to shorten the time of flowering and thicken the bud structure to increase visual appearance and bag appeal. The work of modern-day breeders, both commercially and locally, has seen the development of over 7,000 different varieties of cannabis, which is now used all over the world to create new, medically beneficial strains and products.

Cannabis breeding and genetics are closely related fields, as breeding involves manipulating the plant’s genetic makeup to create new strains with specific characteristics. Understanding the underlying genetics of cannabis is essential for successful breeding, as it allows breeders to predict how different strains will interact and which traits are likely to be passed onto their offsprings. Commercially accepted ways to label new cultivars start with the female plant crossed by the male plant (F x M). For example Runtz was created by crossing Zkittles x Gelato. The Zkittles cultivar had the sweet terpene profile, but produced small buds; while the Gelato cultivar was known for its ease of growing and thick bud structure, making it perfect for the now infamous Runtz

The genetic makeup of cannabis is complex, with multiple genes interacting to determine the plant’s physical and chemical characteristics. Traits such as plant height, leaf shape, flower color, and cannabinoid content are all influenced by the plant’s genetics. Additionally, the inheritance of these traits can be influenced by factors such as environmental conditions, breeding techniques, and the specific genetic makeup of the parent plants.

In order to successfully breed cannabis, breeders must carefully select parent plants that exhibit the desired traits, and then cross them in a controlled manner to create offspring with those same traits. This process can take several generations, as breeders must carefully observe and test the offspring in order to ensure that the desired traits are being passed on consistently. The first generation of new plants are referred to as the F1 generation. This batch of plants will have a wide variety of different traits all related to their parents. If the grower decides to take two plants from the F1 generation and breed them together, a F2 generation will be created. When a cultivar comes to the public market, it will usually undergo at least one full round of backcrossing to stabilize the genetics and receive similar results from each seed. Backcrossing refers to taking a plant and breeding it back with the original parent to ensure desired results are achieved.

Advances in genetics research have led to new tools and techniques for cannabis breeding, such as genome sequencing and marker-assisted selection. These tools can help breeders to more accurately predict which traits will be passed onto offspring, and can speed up the breeding process by allowing breeders to identify desirable traits more quickly. With technology making breeding easier, this will speed up the time it takes to bring a stabilized cultivar to the consumers hands.

Overall, cannabis breeding and genetics are important fields that play a critical role in the development of new and improved cannabis cultivars. By understanding the underlying genetics of the plant and using careful breeding techniques, breeders can create cultivars that meet the needs and preferences of consumers, while also advancing our understanding of this complex and fascinating plant. Today, with advancements in technology and our growing knowledge of the cannabis plant, the art of cannabis breeding has become even more precise and powerful. Breeders can now tailor their breeding efforts to develop exacting levels of terpene profiles, desired psychoactive effects, and disease resistance, allowing the perfect combination of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids for any specific goal.

BY LAUREN LeBEL

Wynk:

ENHANCING YOUR EXPERIENCE ONE SIP AT A TIME

As the cannabis industry evolves, ways to consume it is also changing. Of course, you have heard of smoking, eating and applying products, but have you ever heard of drinking it?

Wynk CEO Malini Patel shared that cannabis infused seltzers are up and coming.

Wynk, which is described as “seltzer with a Wynk of THC,” is sold in a 2.5 mg or 5 mg can.

Currently, the beverage comes in three flavors including Black Cherry Fizz, Lime Twist and Juicy Mango.

Patel compared the seltzer to La Croix sparkling water – a “light” and “clean favor” that does not taste like weed. When creating Wynk, Patel said they were looking for something like a generic seltzer – but enhanced – as it is infused with THC and CBD.

“[Wynk is] light, balanced and social,” shared Patel. The beverage has zero calories and zero sugars. “[It is a] perfect balance of THC and CBD” – a 1:1 ratio, she added.

Whether you choose the 2.5 mg or 5 mg seltzer, consumers can feel upbeat and social, with a guaranteed good time, Patel said.

As the weather warms and people start gathering outdoors, Wynk is the perfect beverage to accompany any event.

More recently, Patel said she has found people changing their relationships with alcohol – looking for a more moderate use. While too much alcohol can lead to being bed bound the following day, you can drink Wynk without having to worry about feeling sluggish in the morning.

“[It’s a] quick onset with no effects the next day,” said Patel.

She went on to say that Wynk has a fast-acting capability, allowing consumers to feel its effects within 15 to 20 minutes.

Another advantage to Wynk is that it is controllable. For instance, after drinking one seltzer, you can see how you feel before having another. With smoking, sometimes you can take too big of a hit and can’t go back. Patel explained that this eliminates the guesswork and allows you to feel how you want to feel. Since Wynk was established at the end of 2021, it has grown exponentially. When the brand reached its one-year anniversary, Patel said Wynk had entered 10 new markets in 10 different states, being sold in over 600 stores.

Although Wynk has experienced successes, Patel noted that cannabis infused seltzers are still a small category. However, she shared that she has noticed improvements in beverage tastes, which is always going to matter to customers.

She explained that when they make their product, it is tested in line by several people to make sure it is not harmful. Then, a third-party will test it for accurate dosing and more before it hits the shelves. Patel noted the importance of testing when it comes to emerging categories.

“The product is really delicious but

also high quality,” she shared.

One of the barriers with beverages is its size. Patel said many dispensaries do not have enough space to sell the seltzers because they are heavier and bulkier than other products. “It takes a lot of selling right now to budtenders,” for stores to offer this, she added.

Another barrier is the education around cannabis infused beverages. Although people might like the idea of it, that does not mean they are necessarily buying it compared to their favorite products. In hopes of improving this, Wynk has been undergoing a rebrand that will go through the summer. Patel is hopeful that the improvements will attract even more interested customers.

Although she loves Wynk’s current flavor lineup, she shared that some additional flavors are in the works. The rebrand will also include the offerings of 6-pack minis and 12 can multi-packs.

Currently, a 2.5 mg can of Wynk costs $5, and a 5 mg can costs around $7 or $8, depending on the market.

For additional information on Wynk and where to find it, visit drinkwynk.com

PHOTO YUMI KUROSAWA PHOTOGRAPHY

STORY BY LAUREN LeBEL PHOTOS BY NATE BLAIS

Preserving HISTORY

As the cannabis industry grows, more dispensaries are popping up across the state. However, to open a store, a structure needs to be built, an existing one needs to be renovated or a demolition process must take place in order to construct a new facility from scratch.

Preserving a building’s history while filling it with the future –cannabis – is Bud’s Goods & Provisions.

Bud’s Goods opened its first location in Worcester during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020. During that time and still to this day, Bud’s Goods CEO Alex Mazin said finding a location was the biggest hurdle that separated many from being in the industry to those who could not enter the industry.

As a Worcester native, Mazin thought it would only be right to open a store in the city he was born and raised. “If the city is going to make choices on who to give these [dispensaries] to, it should be to those that grew up in the city and want to give back to the city,” he said.

Mazin shared that Worcester “made it easy” and provided individuals with a colored map on the areas zoned for cannabis. Every day, he would drive along those routes until he came across a location in the north part of the city. Through conversations with local realtors and a little bit of luck, Mazin was able to open his first dispensary in the former Gold Star Diner.

“From there, everything came together,” Mazin said.

While others were out there looking to obtain licenses and securing any space available to begin operations, Mazin said he was more selective on choosing a location that felt “normal.”

When Bud’s Goods moved into the building on West Boylston Street, everything was gutted and renovated, although the aesthetic of the building’s history was left untouched. “This was catered to the brand Bud’s Goods is trying to build: the New England lifestyle experience,” Mazin said.

while preparing for the FUTURE

The dispensary’s color scheme – like the American Flag – plays into the “nostalgia of the New Englander or patriot,” although Buds’ utilizes dark blue, brick red and a cream color, shared Mazin.

He went on to say that the piece of real estate is deemed a historical site by the city of Worcester. Prior to the diner, it was one of the first food markets in the city.

When the building was purchased, Mazin said that it was in rough shape. Before opening the dispensary, a new parking lot was created, the facade of the structure was restored, among other improvements. Despite those changes, he said, “We still tried to embody and capture what the building used to be from a business operations standpoint.”

When customers visit the Worcester location, Mazin said the experience is similar to an old school diner, with a big, long bar counter.

Along with Buds’ original location, two other dispensaries opened in Abington (May 2021) and Watertown (June 2022). Both stores encompass a unique theme, although they stick to an “overarching brand and vision” of paying homage to New England, said Mazin.

In Abington, the store aims to capture the theme of an old school movie theater. Mazin explained that he still wants to capture themes from the 1960s and 70s – keeping it “very Americana” – but adding another piece of it.

In Watertown, Mazin said, “What makes it unique from a real estate standpoint is that it’s the only dispensary in Massachusetts that’s in the same building as residential apartments.” Bud’s Goods is located on the first floor, with four apartment floors above.

“When we thought of that theme, it was still Americana, [19]50s, 60s, 70s era, but it’s designed to be Bud’s house,” shared Mazin.

“You get your ID checked in the porch [then] you walk into the kitchen where we feature all of the edibles and consumables. From the kitchen you walk into the library where we feature

all of the flower and pre-rolls. Off to the side there’s the closet where we feature all of our merchandise and apparel, and then ahead of you is the great room where we complete your transactions,” Mazin said.

“It’s a much more subversive experience,” he added.

As this industry is still young and as an entrepreneur in this space, Mazin said he must push the boundary.

In Massachusetts, only three operating stores are allowed. However, Mazin noted that Bud’s Goods is the only three store operators in the state that does not grow their own product. “Because we don’t grow cannabis, our job is really to curate cannabis, and we’re not biased toward any flower that we grow. Most or many operators grow their own product and so they’re going to try to inherently sell you that product,” he shared.

For example, you may be visiting a dispensary that is limiting your options and quality because they are pushing their brand, whereas Bud’s Goods does the opposite. Mazin said his team visits every grow in the state to review the quality and ensure it meets their price point standards. Additionally, he said they try to curate what they think are some of the best products in the industry.

Bud’s Goods retails a variety of products including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals and more.

The way Buds’ lays out its products and sub brands are one way the dispensary differs from others, shared Mazin. He added that the in-store experience, brand partnerships and prices – among other reasons – make Bud’s Goods stand out.

“I’m really adamant with my team that there are many components to be a really good store and we do the best we can in all aspects,” Mazin said. “Every decision I make is with the consumer first and foremost in mind.”

For additional information on Bud’s Goods, visit https://budsgoods.com

BY LAUREN LeBEL PHOTO ISTOCK

The history behind 420

There are many terms associated with marijuana, including one unofficial holiday that is celebrated by pot smokers around the world: 4/20. Whether you observe the day or not, you might know the origin of where the phrase came from, although many are unaware of its true meaning.

Perhaps when you think of the term “420” you think of teenagers crowding in a garage, hotboxing the confined space and jamming out to Bob Marley.

Maybe you think 4/20 or April 20 is a significant date in American history in terms of cannabis laws and legalization, or a code word among police officers for marijuana smoking in progress (Time). Or maybe you thought there was no meaning behind the term, and someone made it up to designate an entire day to smoking the good stuff.

Regardless of what you thought, all the assumptions previously listed are wrong. The truth is, the term dates to the fall of 1971, when five California teens who hung out by a wall outside their San Rafael school – which inspired their nickname, “the Waldos” – invented it (History).

When the Waldos learned of a Coast Guard member who seeded a cannabis plant and could no longer tend to the crop, they were provided with a treasure map that allegedly led to the discarded product. “The group would meet at the Louis Pasteur statue outside their high

school at least once a week [to] conduct a search. Their meeting time? 4:20 p.m., after practice – [as] they were all athletes,” said Rob Homer in an article posted by the History network. He continued, “The Waldos would pile into a car, smoke some pot and scour the nearby Point Reyes Forest for the elusive, free herb.”

Steve Capper, one of the original members of the Waldos, shared, “We would

open access to their shows. “There was a place called Winterland, and we’d always be backstage running around or on stage and, of course, we’re using those phrases. When somebody passes a joint or something, ‘Hey, 420.’ So, it started spreading through that community,” shared Capper.

So how did the unique phrase spread internationally?

The answer is the Grateful Dead.

Homer said, “While many other illicit tales of the origins of 420 have wafted into the half-baked history books, the Waldos have proof they used the word back in the 1970s. Kept safely tucked

remind each other in the hallways [that] we were supposed to meet up at 4:20 [p.m.]. It originally started out [as] 4:20-Louis and we eventually dropped the Louis.” Although the Waldos were never able to secure some free bud for a quick high, they started an everlasting phrase that is still used to this day.

Before it was well known, high schoolers used 420 as a code word to discuss smoking pot without their parents or teachers knowing. So how did the unique phrase spread internationally? The answer is the Grateful Dead (History).

A few members of the Waldos had connections to the Grateful Dead based on previous friendships and business relationships. This allowed the Waldos to have

away in a vault in a San Francisco bank is their original 420 tie-dyed flag, a newspaper clipping where one of the members discusses wanting to just say “420” for this high school graduation speech and postmarked letters between the group filled with 420 references.”

This 4/20, when you light up a joint with your friends, be sure to share the facts of this celebrated day to debunk the myths that have lingered for over half a century.

References www.history.com/news/the-hazy-history-of-420 https://time.com/4292844/420-april-20-marijuana-pot-holiday-history/