Cannabis Review Quarterly - 2023 - Ten

We hope you

C Q R

STAFF

Publisher and CEO

George Arwady garwady@repub.com

SOUGHT AFTER CONTENT

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.

Advertising Director

Mark A. French mfrench@repub.com

Advertising Sales Manager

Michele Tingley mtingley@repub.com

Creative Design & Content Curation

Michelle Johnson mjohnson@repub.com

Content Review

Tiera Wright

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

CURRENT: Summer Edition: July 2023

Fall Edition: October 2023

Winter Edition: January 2024

Spring Edition: April 2024

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

Cannabis Review Quarterly (CRQ) is published by The Republican. Our offices are at 1860 Main Street, Summerfield, 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.

Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. For use only by adults 21 years of ag e o r 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 information 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 a gai nst 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 pr oduct 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 , c ontact poison control hotline

18002221222 or 911. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

A

28

Taking a look at the popular infused seltzer, new flavors and recipes.

30 Cannabis and Culture

Weed & wellness in the Berkshires.

33 Tripping and

42 Fact vs. Myth

Can the smell of cannabis promote natural healing?

Taking

Introduces

Taking

Suggested

Great “travel buddy” suggestions for your summer excursions.

36 How to Become a

The sommelier’s of cannabis.

38 Answers to Your

We asked our cannabis experts what questions and comments they hear the most.

41 Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Do higher “levels” give a “better” high?

Note to readers:

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.

Cover Photo: Dosed Strawberry Shortcake by Nate Blais.

Product PREVIEWS

SUMMER FLAVOR COURTESY OF FERNWAY

253

Location in Turner Falls VISIT 253FARMACY.COM FOR MORE INFO

EMERGEN-C SATIVA FLOWER

Yusef Sadiq, wholesale manager at 253, explained that Emergen-C is a “unique strain found by crossing Orange Push Pop and Sunset Sherbet. Its buds are dense, light green and beautifully adorned with purple and orange spots.” These buds are coated with trichomes, giving them a frosty appearance. “Its aroma is reminiscent of freshly squeezed orange juice,” Sadiq said. “Knowing your experience level when trying this strain is essential, as the first hit may be potent.” The cost of Emergen-C is as follows: 1 g pre-roll/$12, 1 g pre-packed/$15, 3.5 g pre-packed/$50 and 7 g prepacked/$90. Cannabis and sales tax not included.

253 HIGH TERPENE EXTRACT CONCENTRATES

If you are a fan of cannabis, Sadiq said you do not want to miss out on 253’s High Terpene Extract Concentrates. “Our extraction experts have used cutting-edge technology to create High Terpene Extracts

tility,” he shared. “We value the art and science of extraction, which is reflected in the quality of our concentrates. But, of course, you have to try it to believe it.” The concentrates are “perfect” for anyone looking to enhance their cannabis experience, he added. This product is sold in .5 g for $25 or 1 g for $50. Cannabis and sales tax not included.

253 INFUSED PRE-ROLLS

“We’re excited to introduce our latest product – Infused Pre-Rolls – to 253’s lineup,” shared Sadiq. “We take pride in using only premium smallbatch flower infused with canna

with intoxicating aromas and smooth flavors,” Sadiq said. For those looking for a stronger effect, the pre-rolls are “packed with an extra punch,” he added. Every puff encompasses subtle notes of terpenes – naturally extracted from 253’s strains – and quality flower. A 1 g pre-roll costs $20. Cannabis and sales tax not included.

BOSTON BUD FACTORY

Location in Holyoke

VISIT BOSTONBUDFACTORY.COM FOR MORE INFO

EXPANDED DELI BAR

“Boston Bud Factory is proud to announce that it has expanded its deli bar offerings,” shared Frank Dailey of Boston Bud Factory. “There are currently 16 different strains available, and we have added a top-shelf tier that now includes products testing over 30%.” Dailey said that Boston Bud Factory believes that consumers should be able to see products before purchasing and the bud bar helps consumers find the strain that “resonates best with their pallet.” Only local growers are featured at the deli bar including Gibby’s Garden, RiverRun Gardens, Tower Three and Hudson Valley Botanicals. Prices on the deli bar range from $7 to $12 per gram for the top-shelf selections. “When you want the best products at the lowest prices you go straight to the factory, Boston Bud Factory,”

COAST CANNABIS CO.

Locations across Massachusetts VISIT COASTCANNABISCO.COM

FOR MORE INFO

TROPICAL PUNCH

LIVE ROSIN GUMMY

COAST Cannabis Co. has launched several new products including the Tropical Punch Live Rosin Gummy.

Co-Founder Angela Brown said it is one of the purest forms of cannabis concentrate – live rosin. “The natural extraction process allows each strain’s terpenes and aromas to thrive,” Brown explained. There are no artificial colorings, flavors or solvents. “With a burst of tropical flavor, the taste will be as smooth as the high,” she shared. Each gummy is 5 mg and ranges in price between $25 and $35.

BOYSENBERRY 1:4:1

THC:CBD:CBC

“Allow your aches and pains to

COAST away,” said Brown. “Accompanied with a burst of sweet and tangy flavor, your taste buds and body will love our Boysenberry THC:CBD:CBC 1:4:1 gummy.” The product ranges in price between $25 and $35. Important note: 5 mg THC:20 mg CBD:5 mg CBC. “CBC is a powerful cannabinoid that targets aches and pains when paired with high amounts of CBD,” Brown said. “COAST Cannabis Co. is not making any medical claims.”

CRANBERRY DARK

CHOCOLATE 1:1:1

THC:CBD:CBN

COAST’s newest sleep product is the Cranberry 1:1:1 THC:CBD:CBN Dark Chocolate Bar. “Why did we choose organic cranberries to pair with our amazing dark chocolate? Cranberries are a natural source of melatonin … Yes, you heard that right. Making this the perfect bite to help you get the rest you deserve,” Brown said. The chocolate bar ranges in price between $25 and $30.

FERNWAY

Locations across Massachusetts VISIT FERNWAY.COM FOR MORE INFO

ALPINE STRAWBERRY

Alpine Strawberry is Fernway’s flavor of the summer. “It tastes like sublime, sun-ripened strawberries picked at their peak of freshness,” said Fernway CMO and Co-Founder Liam O’Brien. The product is now available in 510 vape cartridges for $50, an all-in-one recyclable Traveler vape for $30, and two-packs of terpene infused joints for $15 – so whether you prefer to smoke or vape, Fernway has an Alpine Strawberry for you. O’Brien noted that prices vary depending on which store you choose. “We’ll be celebrating it throughout the summer with limited edition merchandise and in-store events,” he said.

THE FERNWAY ROYALE

Set to launch later this summer is The Fernway Royale. O’Brien described it as “Fernway’s version of everyone’s favorite kind of joint –

TROPICAL PUNCH COURTESY OF COAST CANNABIS

the classic 1-gram pre-roll,” but more special. “Each one is meticulously packed with ultra-premium and gorgeous flavorful ground whole bud – never shake or trim – wrapped in ultra-thin rice paper and finished with a luxe ceramic tip,” O’Brien said. This product is “perfect for savoring the summer” with a smoking experience that incorporates flavor and flair, he shared. “It’s about embracing the full spectrum of life’s pleasures and enhancing them with a smooth, satisfying hit of a Royale. The anticipated price of the product is between $10 and $15.

FLORENCE CANNABIS CO.

Location in Florence VISIT

FLORENCECANNABISCOMPANY.COM

DOG SITTERS

Florence Cannabis Co. Founder and Director of Operations Chris Rivers said, “Everyone has heard of Dog Walkers – smaller joints which are the perfect size for a walk with the dog.” Now, Florence Cannabis Co. is offering the Dog Sitter pack, which is a seven pack of half gram prerolls. A pre-roll can be enjoyed while walking the dog, or whenever you want. “Filled with Florence Cannabis Co.’s exclusive Dream Machine Strain – 30% THC – enjoy the orange, lavender and hoppy aromas and flavors while experiencing a relaxing and calming effect,” Rivers said. The seven pack is available for $40-$45.

The product is available in 1-gram packages for $20-$25.

All Florence Cannabis Co. products can be found at Liberty Easthampton, Enlite Northampton, Stem Haverhill, Greenrock Cannabis Southshore, Patriot Care Greenfield and Silver Therapeutics in Williamstown.

HADLEAF

Location in Hadley VISIT HADLEAFDISPENSARY.COM FOR MORE INFO

DOUBLE BAKED CAKE BATTER CHEESECAKE CHOCOLATES

HadLeaf has launched several new products for the summer including Double Baked 20-pack Cake Batter Cheesecake Chocolates, made with decadent white chocolate blended with pop rocks for a fun twist on a classic flavor, said Assistant Store

Kief is collected during the trim process and is now available at Florence Cannabis Co. “Kief, which is a collection of pure and clean trichomes, is a very versatile concentrate and can be used as a topper, by itself, sprinkled into a joint or pressed,” explained Rivers. He noted that their kief has total active cannabinoids of over 45% which is some of the highest on the market, with almost 2% terpenes.

DOG SITTERS COURTESY OF FLORENCE CANNABIS CO.

SUMMER FLAVOR COURTESY OF FERNWAY

FLYERS INFUSED COCKTAILS COURTESY OF HADLEAF

Manager Dave Moson. “These chocolates are crafted with a full spectrum [Rick Simpson Oil] sativa formula, offering a robust cannabinoid and terpene profile,” he shared. The Double Baked Chocolates are available in a variety of flavors including S’mores Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake and Key Lime Pie Cheesecake, along with multiple strain specific options like hybrid, indicia and 1:1 for consumers looking for a more specific feeling from their edible. The chocolates range in price between $25 and $30.

FLYERS INFUSED COCKTAILS

“Flyers were created to reimagine how the world approaches social drinking,” Moson said. “Flyers looks to provide a sophisticated, alternative cocktail choice – one that allows you to live your fullest life without regret, sacrifice or hangovers.” Flyers are infused with 5 mg of THC and are available in three flavors: Ol’ Fashioned, Margarita and Spritz.

Flyers Infused Cocktails cost $5 to $7 per can.

FATHOM LIVE HASH ROSIN ALL-IN-ONE VAPE PENS

“Fathom uses single source fresh frozen premium flower to make their strain specific live rosins and simply puts them in a more portable, easy to use form,” said Moson. The pens are pre-loaded with a half gram of hash rosin, with the two most popular strains being GMO and Gelato. The price range for these all-in-one vaporizers is $50-$60.

INSA

Locations in Easthampton, Salem and Summerfield

VISIT MYINSA.COM FOR MORE INFO

PIÑA COLADA DROPS

Insa is releasing a seasonal line of limited-edition products just in time for all summer activities. Back by popular demand is Insa’s 100 mg Pina Colada Drops that “bring aromas of spending your summer by the water – bursting with refreshing, tropical and pineapple flavors,” said Head Chef and Director of R&D Julian Rose. “These sweet coconut summer themed

drops will make you experience a relaxing beach vacation, anywhere you may be.” As the drops do not contain any alcohol, it focuses more on the classic fruit flavors with 5mg of THC per piece. The Pina Colada Drops retail for $30 a pack.

S’MORES CHOCOLATE BAR

Did someone say s’mores? Made up of graham cracker crumble, fluffy marshmallows and creamy milk chocolate, the S’mores Chocolate Bar will transport a consumer’s taste buds to summer nights around the campfire, said Rose. “With 5 mg per piece and 20 pieces per bar, this summer must have guarantees to leave you and your campfire crew asking for s’more.” The product retails for $30 a bar.

BERRY LEMONADE VAPORIZERS

Available in Insa’s Massachusetts and Florida retail locations are Berry Lemonade Vaporizers. Rose said, “Indulge in flavors of juicy and rich berries,

complemented perfectly with freshly squeezed lemons that will leave you energized for all summer activities under the sun.” The Berry Lemonade Vaporizers are available in 500 mg cartridges and dart pods that retail for $50 and 350 mg pens that retail

PIONEER CANNABIS CO.

Location in Brimfield VISIT PIONEERCANNABISCOMPANY. COM FOR MORE INFO

TREEWORK’S CANNA CREAM

Pioneer Cannabis Co. CEO Maura Doyle said, “We have a lot of customers coming through our doors looking for relief from aches and pains. While we have many edibles on our shelves that can help – for those who are looking to avoid the mental high – we suggest to them our go-to topical, Canna Cream.” Canna Cream is filled with medicinal herbs and healing oils and serves as a multi-pur pose CBD cream for those looking to use cannabis for its healing properties. With equal parts CBD and THC, Canna Cream offers pain relief and can be purchased for $40.

PIONEER VALLEY’S M-80

While Pioneer Cannabis Co. has an array of pre-rolled joints, when customers are looking for

one that will kick it up a notch, Doyle suggests an M-80. “This infused pre-roll is made with premium flower that’s infused with distillate, terps and then hand-rolled in kief,” she said. The pre-rolls come in four strains: Guava OG, Mango Super Silver Haze, Raspberry Skywalker OG and Tropical Trainwreck. Doyle said Pioneer always has at least two of the strains on their shelves.

“Aptly named, the M-80 is a real firecracker and can be purchased for $24,” she added.

TREEWORKS CANNA CREAM AND PIONEER VALLEY’S M-80 COURTESY OF PIONEER CANNABIS CO.

Taking your at home spa day to a spahhhhhhh day, with a range of easily found adult-use cannabis products.

Talk to any spa manager and you’ll get some rundown of the key components of recreating a proper spa day in the comfort of your own home.

Scent is often a crucial element of course, as the connection between the olfactory system and memories or feelings of relaxation are powerful and well demonstrated. But all of your senses being activated and then put into some form of relaxation and restorative juju is what most seek when kicking off a treat-yourself day of primping and pampering right at home.

Now just think: All that, plus the many plant based benefits and entourage effects of combining wellness and weed in the walls of your personal inner sanctum. What’s better than that?

Thus we present this easy-to-follow guide of ways to kickstart a kickass day of damn good spa and wellness while never leaving your front door…provided you did so beforehand and hit your local Western Mass dispensary for these widely available products, in this case all sourced from Canna Provisions’ two retail stores in Holyoke and Lee (products featured on next page).

MORNING

1. Your day begins with a sprinkle of sunshine by throwing a few drops of Treeworks Jungle Drops or the Daily Drops into your morning coffee or post-workout smoothie. The Daily Drops are an amazing 1:5 blend of CBG and THC (with ginger added) for a spritely way to get moving in the AM. The Jungle Drops were the 2022 High Times Cannabis Cup Winner, packed with well-balanced and highly enjoyable effects (and a blueberry pie flavor). Combining the 5 most well-paired cannabinoids: THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC into one tincture, Jungle Drops create an uplifting yet soothing mind and body experience unlike the rest.

2. More of a rise-and-burn kind of consumer? Kickstart your morning with some Smash Hits Kingston Kind, a high-CBD, low-THC landrace strain from the mountains of Kinston, Jamaica which bring all the citrusand-earth flavors and the kind of get-up-and-go full body energy and

balance that makes for fuel to run, or run errands, or whatever is on the agenda for a feel-better day. These are also available in “Communion” 5-pack preroll tins as part of Smash Hits partnership with Little Steven Van Zandt.

“Your day begins with a sprinkle of sunshine by throwing a few drops of Treeworks Jungle Drops or the Daily Drops into your morning coffee or post-workout smoothie.”

AFTERNOON

Now that your day is going and you have more wellness on the docket, cue up some chosen live music or an inspirational motivational podcast/ mindfulness exercise and then settle into a relaxing water + cucumber + fresh herbs you can prep in the morning to hydrate the mind and body. Want to plus it up a bit?

3. Add some WYNK Black Cherry Fizz, a refreshing seltzer infused with a tasty tang of ripe black cherries and a properly balanced ratio of THC:CBD with a reliable onset of effects in 10-15 minutes. The best part? WYNK has zero calories and zero sugar.  4. If the uplift and feelings of “this is the time to go hiking,” take that spirit and run with it (forest bathing is the key to a happy and healthy life). Have some Wana Massachusetts Sunrise, delicious fast acting sativa chews that are an amazing pre-hike fuel up. Fancy flower when the sun is high in the sky on a day of physical restoration? 5. Go for some Smash Hits Lemon OG Haze, a classic and energizing example of the strain that you can grab as a 1 gram flower bud, a full 3.5 gram jar, or 7 grams of small buds for creating little salads of your chosen chiba with a side of sour tart lemon, pine, pepper, and diesel fuel flavors thrown in.

EVENING

As the day stretches on, the sun begins to dip, and you are settling into a fantastic groove of good feels, it’s time to begin the descent.

6. Start off with some Live Rosin in the form of a convenient 510 vaporizer cartridge of California Raisins - a sweet and unctuous offering from the Smash Hits line that won the High Time 2022 Massachusetts Cannabis Cup for best concentrate. Looking to maybe cook with some cannabis for the evening? 7. Grab some Live Hash Rosin of the California Raisins or the Chem S1 from Smash Hits, mix it up into a slowly simmering butter (don’t go over 220 degrees to maintain the flavor and cannabinoid profile). Put that on things you like butter on. Game over. Goodness all night.

8. After dinner, you may be saying “this was a good day and I deserve the benefits and body fun of eating dark chocolate” - which is good because the COAST Dark Chocolate and Raspberry is a fantastic 100mg bar (5mg per serving) of Organic Dark Chocolate, Organic Dehydrated Raspberry, Organic Cocoa Butter, and Distilled Cannabis Oil. Want a little extra something-something? Shave the chocolate over some dosed ice cream for a supercharged dosed delight. Or just regular ice cream for that matter. Because ice cream is amazing, and a day of rest and rejuvenation can always be made better with ice cream.

BEDTIME

After a day like you have just had, you can cap it off at bedtime in a variety of ways. Want to slide right into the rainbow waterfall of deep sleep, stay there and dance among the nancies of your nightly dreamscape?

9. Grab some Smash Hits Da Funk flower or a preroll and light up before you lay down, as that strain can be a one way ticket to the zonked zone. 10. Speaking of zonked, grab some Zzonked, a fantastic collection of gummies blending melatonin and full-spectrum cannabinoids: CBN, CBD, and THC. A combo like that has helped people fall asleep faster, deeper and regulate one’s sleep cycle for a more replenishing rest.The other way is to forgo the night light for a light romp in the hay (it’s great exercise after all).

11. & 12. Grab some Sawyer Farm CBD Intimacy Oil for you and a partner, or just have a 2-pack of 1906 Love Drops containing a swallowable pill of plant based ingredients, THC/ CBD, and even Muira Puama and Catuaba plant ingredients, known as the “Viagra of the Amazon” due to increasing blood flow to the pelvic area and per the company aids in “erections in men as well as sensation and orgasms in women.” Feel free to put that to the test.

Brimfield Winery introduces CBD Wine FOR HEALTH & ENTHUSIASTS

Brimfield Winery re-opened for their 5th season with some interesting newcomers to their Wine, Beer, and Cider portfolio. They have added hemp to the family of grape, hop and apple produced products.

Owners Kate and Rusty Corriveau are excited to introduce new items to the wine portfolio, including dealcoholized CBD infused wines. They are calling them “Dr. Asa’s Travelers Antidote” with a nod at the property’s first owner circa 1820, Dr. Asa Lincoln, and “Travelers Antidote” reflecting elixirs of the past era and the CBD health claims of today.

The wine contains 60 MG CBD and 20 MG CBG - lab tested and posted for CBD aficionados.  Carrying this option enhances inclusiveness at the Winery.  Nonalcoholic CBD wine might be a welcomed option for a designated driver, someone watching caloric intake, (only 25/35 calories per serving) or just those who love the attributes of the CBD/CBG combination.

“To get authentic dealcoholized wine, you need to start with real wine,” Kate explains. The grapes are grown, harvested, and fermented in the same way they would be

for an alcoholic wine. The difference is the additional steps that come into play after the fermentation process but before the beverage is bottled. The alcohol removal method used for our products is vacuum distillation. This allows the removal of the alcohol yet retaining all the natural delicate flavors of wine.

The hemp plant is almost undetectable in the nose of the wine, however, very notable on the palate at first pass. By the second sip, the grapes punch their way through, dominating the taste buds. The Winery carries three varietals: Cabernet, Sangria, and Rose.

The winery has also enhanced its event schedule including some past favorite festivals such as the Pioneer Valley Wine Festival highlighting wineries from across Massachusetts, outdoor concerts with acts like the extremely popular Brimfield Blues Festival (August 26th).

For more event details visit Brimfieldwinery.com

EVENTS:

July 29 Brimfield Old Home Day

August 12 Hitchcock Academy’s Sip N Stars**

August 19 Zydeco Crawfish/Shrimp Party**

August 26 Pioneer Valley’s Brimfield Blues Festival**

September 17 Opacum Land Trust Road Race

September 23 Harvest Festival by BCP

October 8 Brimfield’s 15th Annual Car Show

October 14 Rocktoberfest!

October 21 Farmer’s Table Feast

all the natural delicate flavors of wine by using

process to remove alcohol

STORY BY TIERA N. WRIGHT RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY NATE BLAIS DOSING RECIPES BY DAN MCCARTHY

Summer Daze Menu

In the words of cookbook author and Food Network staple, Katie Lee, “If summer had one defining scent, it’d definitely be the smell of barbecue.” That’s right kids, Spring has sprung, school’s out for the summer, and beach weather is upon us—so that can only mean one thing: it’s time to get cooking for a good ol’ fashion backyard barbeque. Hot dogs and hamburgers are so last summer; so crack open a hard or CBD infused seltzer, fire up the grill, and enjoy these dosed summertime recipes that are sure to spark fireworks at your next barbeque.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

INGREDIENTS:

Store bought pound cake

2-3 Tbsp butter  Whipped cream  Strawberries

2 Tbsp Cannabis infused honey

DIRECTIONS:

Brush butter on two slices of pound cake and grill about 2 minutes per side. Serve with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, drizzle with cannabis infused honey and enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE CANNABIS HONEY:

A fantastic way if you’re prepping in advance is to purchase a Magical Butter or related infusion machine which is an all-in-one infusion method. It has pre-established infusion and cooking settings and an internal whisking mechanism for stirring.

Simply plug it in, grab a large jar of raw honey, and add your desired amount of either activated or unactivated flower into the base. Close the lid and set it to a 2-4 hour simmer at > 220 degrees and allow for a slow infusion. Strain the contents through a sieve or through the funnel sieve most machines come with (check before purchasing or borrowing from a friend). Let it settle and since it’s honey you can store it in a cool dry place and it will be good for years!

INFUSED BBQ SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

1 yellow onion

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 Tbsp cannabis butter

1 Tbsp whole grains mustard  Garlic, to taste

Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Start by sautéing your onions in cannabis butter, sweat them down for about 5 minutes and add in your garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Add in ketchup, ACV, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard and water and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 30 minutes and add salt and pepper to taste. Throw it on chicken or some ribs and enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE CANNABIS BUTTER

OR CANNABIS OIL:

Grab some cooking shake from your favorite dispensary and infusing that into olive oil and a very accurate Crock Pot or slow cooker. Keep it low - below 200 degrees on the warm setting or a copper cook top. Place the Smash Hits cooking shake in a cheese cloth, seal it with a twist tie or cooking twine, and put that into the oil. Cook for 6-8 hours. Remove cloth. If any loose material comes through the cloth, you can just restrain using a sieve, and keep in a cool dark place.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bag frozen corn, or 4 ears fresh corn

1 bag of hot Cheetos

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp cannabis mayo

1 Tbsp sour cream

2 Tbsp cotija cheese or queso fresco  Cilantro, garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Put a frying pan on a hot grill and melt your butter, add in your corn and cook for about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before adding in your cannabis mayo, sour cream, and cheese. Assemble in a bowl starting with cannabis infused corn mixture, Hot Cheetos and then repeat the process to form layers. Enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE CANNABIS MAYO:

1 cup of mayo : 2 tbsps full spectrum oil-based cannabis tincture. Whisk ingredients well and  refrigerate for a few hours. Go for the Treeworks Purist Drops for a balanced and full body effect thanks to 1:1 THC:CBD RSO infused drops that work as both a food additive and a topical!

MEXICAN CORN

A beginner’s guide to cannabis

Are you curious about cannabis? If so, you’re not alone. An increasing number of Americans are becoming first-time users of what was once forbidden but is now legal in many states and is used to solve problems or just party on.

“Drilling down to why people want cannabis is the first question we ask guests who come into one of our retail locations; Why are you here? Are you looking to relieve pain? Are you dealing with stress or anxiety? Are you looking for help sleeping? Are you looking to just have a good time and relax,” says Christina Alario, marketing manager for Native Sun, which has stores in North Attleboro and Hudson, Massachusetts.

Cannabis is rapidly becoming a mainstream solution to many of life’s challenges. Those who have been using cannabis surreptitiously are now publicly proclaiming its benefits, telling friends and family to give it a try. Many

people who have lost faith in western medicine are dumping those drugs and checking out cannabis—and many in the scientific community are now touting the drug’s medical benefits.

“Many people have tried other types of medications, painkillers and opioids but they’re worried about the downfalls and risks. Because nothing else has worked, they’re turning to can nabis as a last resort, and this should have been where they started,” says Alario.

Federal law bans growing and using cannabis nationwide, and there contin ues to be a stigma around using it. But as states increasingly legalize it, that negative association is beginning to disappear.

CANNABIS IN A NEW LIGHT

Marijuana has long been the cannabis poster child and those who smoked joints did so largely in secret. But the

Native Sun is doing everything it can to entice new consumers into their stores. It starts with hiring and educating a cross generational staff to attract a broad demographic range of consumers, telling new users how cannabis can help them.

There is also a remarkable shift in how dispensaries are presenting themselves. Many of the first ones to open were relegated to the back of industrial parks, hidden from a public that was jittery about joints and this newly legalized drug. Even today many dispensaries lock their doors, buzz people in and have guards carefully watching who’s pulling into the parking lot.

“It almost felt like you were doing something wrong,” says Alario.

Native Sun is taking a different approach, opening two inviting and visible retail locations in eastern Massachusetts, placing them directly in the path of consumers. “It was important that our stores were in mainstream retail areas—places people would go when they’re running errands. We’re not ashamed. We’re welcoming people through our front doors, which aren’t locked,” she says.

There is still work to be done before the stigma surrounding cannabis goes up in smoke. Even Alario’s parents weren’t thrilled when she told them she’d be working in a dispensary.

“I had to have this conversation with my parents when I started working in the industry. They’ve been told their whole lives that cannabis is a gateway drug, that it’s bad and in the same boat as harder drugs, and it’s not. That’s why we’re working so hard to educate people,” she says.

Part of that education is telling customers cannabis is much more than joints and brownies. Manufacturers are innovating new products, infusing it into tinctures, edibles, beverages, spices, patches and lotions. It’s all helping dispensaries attract new customers.

CANNABIS CAUTION

People who are just now trying cannabis are instructed to go slow until they know how their body reacts to THC and CBD. Alario is asking customers to track how they’re feeling in a journal so they can make informed decisions about how much more or less they can consume.

There is always the danger new users will overindulge, especially when the relaxing effect of edibles takes a while to kick in. Eager for a quick high and feeling nothing at first, some new users continue consuming edibles until they get sick.

Overdoing cannabis doesn’t mean overdosing and dying, according to numerous studies. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base states “epidemiological data indicate that in the general population marijuana use is not associated with increased mortality.”

While overconsumption may not lead to fatal overdoses, it can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, anxiety, panic, paranoia, vomiting or a rapid heart rate. Some remedies include using CBD to counteract THC, chewing peppercorns or just sleeping it off. And of critical importance, it’s not okay to indulge and then drive a car or operate dangerous equipment.

“Treat it just like you would any other type of medicine. You have to see how your body is going to react,” says Alario. “You want to have a good experience, otherwise you’re not going to get the full benefits of cannabis and you won’t be coming back.”

For more information visit nativesuncannabis.com, email info@nativesuncannais.com, or visit one of Native Sun’s two Massachusetts stores:

Hudson

Mon-Sun: 9AM-10PM

(978) 212-5723

37 Coolidge St. Hudson, MA 01749

North Attleborough

Mon-Wed: 9AM-10PM Thur-Sat: 9AM-11PM

(857) 330-3223

1320 South Washington St North Attleborough, MA, 02760

CANNABIS FOR BEGINNERS, OR VETERAN CONSUMERS

EDIBLES

Joybombs Fruit Candy

They are considered low-dose at 2.5mg of THC per serving (typically 5mg of THC). They are discreet, tasty and make it easy to micro-dose throughout the day.

Wana Exotic Yuzu 2:1 Gummies

This is a ratioed product, 2:1 CBD:THC. Each gummy contains 5mg of THC and 10mg of CBD. The two cannabinoids work better when they are used together, and CBD can tame the psychoactive effects of THC.

BEVERAGES

Cantrip Blackberry Lavender

Made with all-natural blackberry essence and real lavender, this THC seltzer is floral yet juicy with a slight tart pop. Topped with Sour Tangie botanical essence, Blackberry Lavender is great for an evening cool down or the perfect partner to a mid-afternoon snack.

VAPES

Inspire by Montel Chill 1:1 Vape

Vaping is best for anyone looking for more immediate relief or effects. Edibles can take up to 2 hours to take effect, but a vape will hit in 10-15 minutes. Not only does this vape have the CBD:THC (1:1) ratio we recommend for beginners, it also has added cannabis-derived terpenes known to calm users and boost focus.

Ration R&R 5:1 Disposable Vape

With a 5:1 CBD to THC ratio, this high-CBD dose offers added anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving effects than THC alone, without a super heavy psychoactive high. This all-in-one device is disposable.

TINCTURES & TOPICALS

Howl’s Anytime Tincture

Tinctures are great for accurate dosing. Typically consumed orally, tinctures take effect faster because they’re absorbed right into the bloodstream. Howl’s Anytime Tincture keeps consumers in the present while alleviating pain and anxiety.

Freshly Baked 1:1

Everyday Wellness Patch

Transdermal patches are easy to use, discreet and great for targeted pain relief. Each patch contains 20mg of THC and 20mg of CBD released into the bloodstream over 8-12 hours.

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 $1,990,000 ($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 OpeningsElectrical 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. $750,000

Rebecca Rivera • 413-204-1420

Rebecca Rivera • 413-204-1420

Levia Lemme drink a

There is no better feeling than taking a cold, refreshing sip of your favorite beverage on a hot summer day. To enhance that experience and accompany any occasion is Levia, a cannabis infused seltzer.

Levia Co-Founder Kristin Rogers described the product as “healthy” as it contains zero sugar, zero calories and has all natural flavors.

While most people think of consuming cannabis by smoking or eating it, drinking it is a whole different experience.

When creating Levia, Rogers said they wanted to have the “full value” of the cannabis plant.

“We’re really at the tip of the iceberg of what cannabis can really do,” she shared.

Levia allows you to choose the feeling you want, “rather than picking a weed and falling asleep every time and being disappointed it was not a good experience,” said Rogers. She noted that they wanted to make the product “more effects based.”

“It tastes just like a seltzer. We use

an emulsification process, and it is clear just like every other seltzer [and] it is only 5 mg,” she shared.

For Rogers, she said 5 mg is like a beer and wanted to try to mimic that with Levia. “We want people to feel like this is a replacement” or use it as a replacement for alcohol, she said.

There are three Levia seltzers that are always available including “Achieve” – a raspberry lime flavor that is uplifting and provides energy. “Celebrate” is a hybrid that is “somewhere in the middle” – it will not make you tired but

will not make you run around clearing your house, Rogers said. Lastly, there is “Dream,” which focuses on bedtime relaxation.

If you are going to a backyard barbecue, Rogers suggests choosing Achieve. “One makes me feel like I just had a glass of wine – just like everyone else – except I’m not [going to] be hungover the next day,” she said.

Rogers shared that one of Levia’s most important aspects is its fast onset. It takes about 15-20 minutes to kick in, and in two to three hours, you won’t feel it anymore.

“We wanted to make sure it was a really good experience especially for people who had never tried cannabis before or who had a terrible experience and wanted to get back into it,” Rogers said.

Also available now through the end of July is Levia’s summer classic series: Peach Tea. Rogers shared that this summertime flavor is her “new favorite seasonal.”

“I’m so impressed with how much it tastes just like peach tea,” she added.

The end of the summer seasonal –launching in August – is Levia’s Cherry Lemonade. This is in partnership with Kynd Cannabis.

Rogers shared that she is the most excited for this launch because one year ago, Levia was bought by Ayr Wellness, which also has a new strain –cherry lemonade – that they are using for this flavor specifically.

“[It is] finally all coming together” in creating their first real collaboration, she said.

To match the seltzers, Levia has three tinctures. Understanding that everyone has a different tolerance, Rogers shared that they wanted to make a tincture enhancement using the exact same formula, so that people could make their own Levia.

“If you don’t like seltzer, you can make your coffee into a Levia because the tincture is water soluble as well. Essentially, with the tincture, you can make anything into a Levia,” she explained.

She went on to say that the great

thing about the tinctures is that they can be used with any mocktail. When Levia does various events, Rogers said it is fun to create a new mocktail, however, her favorite one is a mojito.

Something a lot of people might not know about Levia’s creation is that it was done in Rogers’ garage.

She explained that it was “a dream” she shared with her husband and another couple, to provide people with a good cannabis experience.

Rogers shared that her background is a substance abuse therapist, and her husband is a brand marketer. Together, they thought it would be amazing to give someone an experience where you don’t have to smoke it and it has a fast onset. She noted that people are still smoking so much because that is the “quickest way to get everything and you get the value of the entire plant.”

Although Levia started to launch in 2017, it took several years to hit the market. It officially became available in March 2021 and has been growing ever since.

Rogers said, “It is so fun to have a product that we also use every single day.”

She went on to describe the product and brand as a “labor of love.”

TO FIND LEVIA NEAR YOU, VISIT LEVIA.BUZZ. PRICING DEPENDS ON THE LOCATION, BUT TYPICALLY RANGES BETWEEN $5-7 FOR ONE CAN.

STORY BY DAN MCCARTHY IG: @ACUTALPROOF PHOTOS SUBMITTED

cannabis and culture

With summer in full swing across Western Massachusetts, the high season for travel to the Berkshires for Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Company, the natural splendor of the rolling Berkshire hills, Gilded Age mansions like the magisterial Edith Wharton home, The Mount, and more brings adults of all ages ready to cut loose and take it all in.

And at The Lenox Collection, a trio of stunning restored Victorian homes converted into cozy B+B’s with a modern attention to all that’s good and new in the area. And this summer marks the launch of a season-long series of weed and wellness events combining woman-owned local wellness businesses like yoga and audio sound baths, as well as the #1 award winning independent woman-owned dispensary in the region, Canna Provisions.

Their partnership with locations like the Mount, the Chambery Inn in Lee,

and the Lenox Collection’s crown jewel, The Constance, has ushered in a new day for wellness experiences combining cannabis, education, relaxation, and cultural experiences immersed among stunning natural Berkshires landscapes.

Jeff Bourdon, General Manager of The Constance and Lenox Collection, was keen to take the locations into the modern era with these experiences aimed at all adult ages and helped spearhead the half-dozen 21+ events happening through August.

Inspired by one of its early owners, a British carpenter who invested years of craftsmanship into his home, The Constance exudes artfulness and care, proclaiming: “From our beginnings as a tavern in 1825, our door has always been open to visitors seeking rest and refreshment. Today, our guest rooms offer a glimpse of Victorian living while attending to the needs of modern travelers.”

With a keen eye on the middle-aged children continuing on in family traditions of vacationing at The Constance and its sister properties while in town for summer 2023, Bourdon, a veteran of Canyon Ranch and other wellness staples of Berkshire County, knows a thing or two about catering to the desires of his guests by going above and beyond for unique experiences.

THE CONSTANCE AND ITS PROPERTIES HAVE A LONG LEGACY IN THE BERKSHIRES. WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CLIENTELE REGARDING THE CURRENT DEMOGRAPHIC INSTILLING THE NEXT GENERATION A SENSE OF RELEVANCE AND YEAR ROUND ATTRACTIVENESS?

Jeff Bourdon: The existing legacy clientele still holds strong roots in The Berkshires.  It is their children and

WEED AND WELLNESS SOUNDBATH AND YOGA EVENT WITH CANNA PROVISIONS AND SOCREATES AT THE MOUNT

TOP: JEFFERY BOURDON

CONSTANCE GENERAL MANAGER

ABOVE: CANNA PROVISIONS SNACKS AND EDUCATION TABLE AT THE MOUNT PRESENT AT ALL THEIR WELLNESS EVENTS

RIGHT: ZEN AND THE ART OF WELLNESS MAINTENANCE AT THE MOUNT

grandchildren that are the future wave of The Berkshires tourism market.  As our local community partners target a more youthful audience through relevant cultural programming, we will continue to see a shift in the demographic, with a bit of a hybrid model during the transition phase; which I feel like we are currently in.  The quintessential Lenox Collection of inns, which includes The Constance, offers travelers a modernized, lifestyle boutique hotel experience, with an authentic nod to the historical importance of the properties and genuine hospitality.  Given our location, and recent renovations to meet the needs of the modern traveler, I feel like we are positioned nicely to lead the way into the next chapter of The Berkshires history book.

HOW DID THIS WEED AND WELLNESS SERIES COME TO BE FOR THE CONSTANCE?

I am continually looking for new avenues to build partnerships, for outside of the box ideas, all while seeking to evolve and improve our guest experience at The Lenox Collection.  After a

brief meet with the incredible Canna Provision team, it was clear that their passion and dedication, as it relates to the wellness and education component that exists within proper cannabis usage, was a perfect fit to help move the needle in the right direction when attracting new clientele to The Lenox Collection.  We look forward to future collaborations as they are truly a fun group to work with.

IF YOU WERE GETTING AN OLD FRIEND YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IN YEARS TO BE EXCITED FOR THESE EVENTS, HOW WOULD YOU PRESENT IT TO THAT PERSON? IN OTHER WORDS, WHY THESE EVENTS, AND WHY NOW?

Once they took a moment to see the gorgeous property of The Constance, inside and out, and chatted with one of the Canna experts, it wouldn’t be a hard sell.  It’s a perfect marriage of beauty, wellness, and relaxation.  Also, who doesn’t love the energy that downtown Lenox brings to The Berkshires?

HOW DOES THIS PLAY INTO YOUR OVERALL APPROACH TO HOSPITALITY AND OFFERINGS FOR YOUR GUESTS?

Variety is key.  We have to continue to evolve in order to stay relevant with the ever changing needs of today’s travelers.

LOCAL COLLABORATIONS ARE THE KEY TO UPLIFTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY. HOW DO YOU SEE THIS COLLABORATION TAPPING INTO THE HIGH TOURIST SEASON IN LENOX?

Both The Lenox Collection and Canna Provisions have a great reputation locally.  This partnership will only be mutually beneficial to each of our success stories, and a success in terms of what we are providing attendees.  As we grow this web of bright minds, bringing individuals together to game plan the future of The Berkshires, it will be nothing short of a win for both locals and travelers alike.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE LINKS FOR SIGNUPS VISIT: cannaprovisions.com/blog/wellnesscannabis-event-series-dates-info

THE CONSTANCE, WHERE CANNA PROVISIONS WELLNESS SERIES WILL TAKE PLACE OUT ON THE LAWN AND INSIDE THE FIRST FLOOR IN LENOX, MA. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Tripping and traveling

It wasn’t so long ago when marijuana users were warned about tripping out with too much grass. But today that’s the way to go as people increasingly take cannabis along for the ride when they travel—but the caution signs are everywhere.

The federal government still bans the use of cannabis across the U.S., so traveling across state lines with it on planes, trains or automobiles is illegal, even when going from one pot-friendly state to another.

Bringing cannabis along for the ride is essentially limited to in-state travel, and if you’re on the road make sure your CBD and THC are tucked in the trunk, not inside the vehicle. Just like alcohol, cannabis must be out of reach and stowed away for the ride.

“Cannabis comes in handy when less desirable aspects of a vacation happen,” says Lisa Black, head of training and education at Insa. The company grows cannabis, manufactures cannabis infused products in Massachusetts and sells them at two stores in Springfield and one in Easthampton.

Black says cannabis can be a great travel buddy.

“Maybe you partied a little too hard the night before and you’re feeling some tummy trouble the next day. Using cannabis is great way to relieve nausea. If you have sore and achy muscles from walking around and seeing all the sights, cannabis lotion is a soothing, pain-relieving lifesaver,” she continues.

Traveling can be an exciting adventure for some, a time to relax for others—but it is a stressful sojourn for many people. While getting there can be part of the fun, some dread crowded airports and taking to the air. Cannabis can help jittery travelers relax, but it’s illegal to take it on planes.

“You can still use cannabis to settle down when you fly. Try taking an edible before you board the plane. The delayed effects of edibles will kick in during the flight. That way you’re not bringing any cannabis into the airport, but you’re still feeling medicated,” says Black.

Once travelers get to their final destinations, if cannabis is legal, they can find a dispensary and buy what they need.

SO MANY CHOICES

There are many ways to consume cannabis, and product experts can make sure you travel happy trails when you use it. You might want to think twice about taking cannabis infused brownies, candy or anything else that might melt on a hot summer day. But not to worry; there are many other options.

“One thing that is amazing about the cannabis industry is the innovation that is constantly occurring. It’s a little difficult for consumers to keep on top of all the different ways that cannabis has innovated. I’m sure people think it’s just brownies and joints, but we’ve moved far, far past that,” says Black.

Variety comes in handy especially when people are staying with friends and relatives who hate the small of pot, or who simply don’t approve of cannabis altogether.

That’s when it pays to be discreet.

“Vaporizers have botanical derived terpenes and those are nice because they smell less like cannabis and very much like lemons and oranges. You don’t smell like you’ve been smoking a bowl,” says Black.

Helping people plan trips has long been left to travel agents, but taking cannabis along for the ride poses a host of issues and opportunities, and the customer service staff at Insa knows how to help.

“We tell our team when somebody comes in, even if they’re an old school person who’s used cannabis for a long time, guide them through the maze of products that may not be the first things on their minds,” says Black.

For more tips and information, email info@myinsa.com, visit Insa.com or call 877-500-INSA seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHEN TAKING A TRIP, CONSIDER THESE TRAVEL BUDDIES:

Vaporizers: These powerful devices come pre-filled with concentrated cannabis. Clementine or seasonal berry lemonade smell and taste great, giving a little energy boost while still relaxing weary travelers.

Tinctures: These underappreciated products offer lots of versatility. Tinctures are typically dropped under the tongue or infused into foods. As well as pure THC varieties, tinctures come in a wide range of choices, including those with high levels of CBD—an excellent choice if you’re excited from adventures and need to sleep for an early outing.

Lotions: Easy to pack and travel with, users won’t get high due to the way bodies absorb lotion. THC and CBD work together to help with sore muscles, bug bites, sunburns and more.

Insa has 5 retail locations in Massachusetts:

MEDICAL

Avon, MA (20 Stockwell Drive)

Springfield, MA (506 Cottage Street)

ADULT USE

Springfield, MA (1200 W Columbus Ave)

Salem, MA (462 Highland Avenue)

MEDICAL/ADULT USE

Easthampton, MA (122 Pleasant Street)

In addition, Insa has the following:

One medical dispensary in Ohio, Eight medical dispensaries in Florida, (a 9th opening in mid-summer)

How to become a GANJIER

In every industry, there are trained and certified experts that can distinguish the qualities of their respective products, and in the cannabis industry, those experts are known as the “Ganjier.”

For those who have visited a dispensary, the term “budtender” is likely a familiar one, as they are the liaison between a customer and cannabis. While budtenders are assumed to have a great deal of knowledge with the products they are selling, their training and experience may differ from one person to another. To fill that gap in expertise is the Ganjier (Forbes).

“Similar to the sommelier’s role in the wine industry, the Ganjier is trained in the art, science and appreciation of cannabis craft, consumption and connoisseurship, possessing a multidisciplinary knowledge and astute professionalism serving to raise the standard of excellence throughout the cannabis industry,” stated the Ganjier’s official website.

It went on to say, “The Ganjier is educated in the history, science, genetics, cultivation, processing and consumption of cannabis. Additionally, the Ganjier is trained in the systematic

what’s best for them (Ganjier).

To become a Ganjier, there is a three-step journey to certification. Step one is the online courses which consists of 10 online video courses and

assessment and grading of the quality of cannabis and cannabis products. Most critically, the Ganjier is a trusted and reliable guide for the cannabis consumer.”

To be a Ganjier, you must be over the age of 18. Currently, the cannabis industry is in “dire need” of these professionals to assist consumers in finding

31 individual lessons – led by 18 experts from the Ganjier Council – covering topics from cultivation to consumption methods. This step can be taken individually as a stand-alone module, with the other two training and exam components completed later through the “Complete My Journey” program.

The second step to certification is

To be a Ganjier, you must be over the age of 18. Currently, the cannabis industry is in “dire need” of these professionals to assist consumers in finding what’s best for them.

the live training, which is hands-on, in-person instruction from preeminent experts on the Ganjier Council. “This immersive sommelier-style instruction in the art of cannabis assessment takes place at our stunning 243-acre wilderness campus in the storied Emerald Triangle of Northern California,” Ganjier explains.

The third and final step is in-person exams. Students are graded on their knowledge, service and assessment ingenuity through written exams, in-person scenarios and quality evaluation trials.

According to the Ganjier website, a Ganjier is trained to be a trusted guide for the cannabis consumer, perform critical discernment of cannabis quality by understanding the finer points, nuances and complexities of the cannabis plant, from terpenes to terroir and more.

The Ganjier Council is led by “the cannabis industry’s most respected and brilliant minds spanning six decades of experience and disciplines, from cultivation to concentrates, chemistry to commerce,” (Ganjier).

The council was established to guide, validate and back the accuracy, validity and difficulty of the Ganjier Certification Program. Collectively, the council has contributed over 8,000 hours in two years, to create the certification program.

Ganjier Certification Program Managing Director Derek Gilman shared that certified Ganjiers can serve a “vital role in the quickly growing world of legal marijuana,” (Forbes).

He noted that until the Ganjier program launched, there were no such experts that existed in cannabis.

“The Ganjier is equal parts cannabis aficionado and interpretive liaison – schooled in intricacies like taste terpenes and finish – serving as a conduit between cannabis and consumer, navigating its complexities and optimizing user experience,” Gilman said.

For those interested in taking the course this summer or to learn more about the Ganjier program, visit ganjier.com.

References

https://www.ganjier.com/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2022/03/03/how-to-become-a-ganjier-the-sommelier-of-cannabis/?sh=308760114f11

Answers to your Common Questions

As the world of cannabis evolves, the consumers adapt with it. Whether you are a first time or experienced user, there are always questions that people have. To learn and share the most common and unique – or strange – questions asked, we reached out to some dispensaries across Massachusetts and shared their responses below.

Fernway CMO and Co-Founder

Liam O’Brien said a question he often receives is:

QHOW DO I TELL WHAT LIVE RESIN IS THE BEST?

Answer: “When Fernway dropped Live Resin cartridges in December [2022], we were glad to offer a true Live Resin product in a marketplace with a lot of lower quality imitations. Our customers look to us for guidance – what’s premium, why is it worth pursuing and what’s not premium – so we get questions about Live Resin because it’s not something

a lot of people are familiar with. Simply put, real Live Resin is made from premium cannabis that’s freshly frozen to lock in the full terpene (flavor) and cannabinoid profile of the plant, so that the resulting oil is the closest possible experience to the plant. It’s a small-batch process so Live Resin usually costs a little more than other vapes, but that’s because it delivers delicious and complex flavors and effects that can’t be replicated otherwise. We always tell our customers to check with their budtender to ask which products on the menu are made from real Live Resin and which ones are cheaper imitations made with distilled oil, so that they always get the best possible experience,” O’Brien said.

QWHY DOES MY JOINT BURN LOPSIDEDLY?

Answer: “Joints that burn only on one side – which is widely referred to as “canoeing” for the way the joint resembles a canoe when it burns

like that – can be a real bummer. It’s distracting and it leads to a less satisfying hit. Joints canoe if they’re packed in cheap paper – Fernway uses ultra-thin rice paper in its joints for a clean and even burn. They can also canoe if they’re stored for long periods of time on their side, because the ground flower shifts around and ends up lopsided inside the cone. That’s why our packaging stores joints upright,” he shared.

QHOW DO I UNCLOG MY VAPE?

Answer: O’Brien said, “A clogged vape can be frustrating, but there’s a few ways to solve it and a few ways to avoid it happening at all. To solve it, use a battery that can preheat the cartridge so that any oil that’s stuck in the airway gets loosened and vaporized. Take shallow, slow hits because big fast hits can make the clog worse. To avoid it happening, keep your cartridge stored upright, don’t leave it in a hot car or in

direct sunlight – which can saturate the wick and cause a clog before you even take the first hit - and remember to preheat the cartridge every time.”

QWHY IS IT SO HARD TO FIND GOOD FLOWER CONSISTENTLY?

Answer: “There’s a lot of amazing cannabis cultivators in Massachusetts and they grow some incredible bud. But it’s not always making its way to consumers. Why is that? Well, it’s for a couple reasons. A lot of amazing growers don’t have big sales and distribution teams, so they can only get their product to so many dispensaries and they’re usually clustered near the grower. And right now, there’s a big gap in quality control – if you aren’t sorting out the absolute best buds from the medium-grade ones, they just get sold at the dispensary under the same price, and the customer’s not allowed to see the product before they buy it so they have to take a gamble whether they’re getting the jar with the nice buds or the less nice ones,” O’Brien said. “We launched Fernway Flower specifically to solve that problem. The way we do it is by seeking out the best growers in the state, hand-selecting their finest strains and the finest buds from those strains, then distributing them to our many dispensary partners so we can share them with everyone. We love to spotlight the different growers and what makes them special, and we’re thrilled to be able to raise the bar for flower statewide.”

QHOW DO I OPEN THE FERNWAY TRAVELER BOX?

Answer: O’Brien said, “We always listen to customer feedback so we can improve our products and experiences, and this was a question we used to get a lot after we released the Fernway Traveler. Like all our packaging, we custom designed the Traveler box. It has to be child proof because it’s a cannabis product and we used a button mechanism on both sides of the box that you need to push down to slide the box open. But what we realized is that the initial version was a little too challenging for our adult customers to open. So, we went back to the workshop and redesigned a V2 of button mechanism that’s still child proof but less challenging for adults to open, so they don’t get needlessly interrupted on their way to enjoying a Fernway.”

Florence Cannabis Co. Founder and Director of Operations Chris Rivers said for strange and frequent questions, he always gets the generic, “I can’t imagine what your electric bill is” comments. “Also, people

Please Consume Responsibly

edibles.

will sometimes hand me some random seeds that they saved from a stash from years ago and tell me how I need to grow it in the facility, usually without knowing what strain it is but just assuring me its ‘the best shit ever, ’ he shared. “I’ve also had people hand me bud at conventions or events as a resume for employment … Please keep doing that,” Rivers said.

COAST Cannabis Co-Founder Angela Brown shared some of the frequently asked questions she hears.

Q Q Q

ARE COAST PRODUCTS VEGAN FRIENDLY?

Answer: “Our gummies are not vegan friendly. COAST uses a grass-fed all beef, non-genetically modified organism gelatin in all of our gummies. However, our dark chocolate bars are vegan,” Brown said.

WHAT OIL DO WE USE TO INFUSE OUR EDIBLES?

Answer: Brown shared, “COAST does all in house extraction of distillate oil and now Live Rosin.”

ARE OUR GUMMIES GLUTEN AND DAIRY FREE?

Answer: “Yes, all of our gummy products are gluten free and dairy free. Our dark chocolate is also dairy free. In addition, we have many chocolate bars that are gluten free,” she said.

BY JAKE DRESSLER PHOTO ISTOCK

WHY BIGGER

isn’t always better.

Searching for the perfect THC percentage among the many nuanced strains of flower and edibles on the market can be a daunting task. Will a slight percent increase in THC really make a difference? What about slight differences in CBD? How much THC actually enters my bloodstream?

There’s one thing for sure and that is that higher THC percentages aren’t necessarily “better,” i.e., they won’t necessarily produce a heightened effect. For example, a common grievance with edibles is that the high percentages advertised don’t always correspond to a better effect. Consumers often are disappointed after ingesting edibles with high THC percentages only to find the effect to be moderate.

The milligrams advertised on edibles are slightly deceptive. This is because most of the THC in edibles never reaches your bloodstream. The bioavailability of THC, or the amount of THC that enters the bloodstream, is only 10 – 20% when consumed in an edible. That’s why edibles with seemingly high THC percentages don’t always produce the expected effect. But edibles aren’t the only method of consumption affected that lose THC in the process. Likewise smoking, vaping, and dabbing also lose a significant portion of THC through consumption. Studies suggest that 20 –40% of THC is lost through side stream smoke in the average joint. The bioavail-

ability of THC when smokes fluctuate, within the range of anywhere from 2% to 56% primarily due to variables like inhalation volume, amount, duration, and spacing of puffs.

Higher percentage THC products will generally produce heightened effects. However, depending on the methods you are using and on your consumption patterns, the effects of higher THC might be counterintuitive. Generally, vape products trump smokable products in terms of bioavailability, and edibles come in last. So, a moderate percentage of THC on a vape pen might actually produce a better effect than a smokable product with a higher THC percentage. Similarly, smokable products may produce higher effects than edibles, depending on other factors like your metabolism too.

Another interesting thing about THC percentages and how the chemical interacts with our bloodstream is a phenomenon called “self-titration.” Self-titration is commonly used in the medical community to describe increasing doses to find the “perfect” amount for a consumer or patient. Though not widely studied, some cannabis researchers have found that consumers naturally self-titrate when ingesting cannabis. In a 2007 study by UCSF’s Donald Abrams, he found that when offered three strains of increasingly potent cannabis, users tended to smoke the cannabis until

they felt satisfied. Although some strains were stronger, the levels of THC in each participants bloodstream were about the same, only varying slightly. His findings suggest that even if we are offered higher percentages of THC, we tend to keep our consumption within the bounds of our comfort zone.

THC percentages are not the end all be all the cannabis experience. There are other factors at play that have a compound influence on the ultimate experience. A lot of time cannabis users think that they want higher percentages for a more intense or enhanced effect when really, they might just benefit from a different combination of other variables like terpenes and CBD percentages. Emerging evidence suggests that all plant compounds in cannabis work together synergistically—this is known as the entourage effect. When we smoke or vaporize cannabis, our bodies take in hundreds of botanical compounds.

Each one arrives with unique effects and benefits, and their behavior may change in the presence of other compounds. The combinations of these compounds ultimately can enhance the effects of cannabis more than THC content alone. Coupled with the right consumption method like vaping, smoking, or through edibles, your ultimate cannabis experience might not have anything to do with THC alone but the search for the perfect combinations of the right variables that suit your preferences.

fact vs. myth:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy utilizes various essential oils and other aroma compounds to improve health both mentally and physically, but is it used in cannabis, and if so, what are its perks?

Some might believe that to enjoy the benefits of cannabis, you must smoke, vape or eat it. However, that is not true, as it also has healthful benefits by smelling the plant’s aromatic terpenes.

“The ancient practice of inhaling essential oil scents, which are made from potent terpenes, has been healing humans for thousands of years – for a reason. Aromatherapy is considered alternative medicine, leaving many skeptical of its effectiveness. But the non-skeptics get it and therefore, continue to benefit from good, centuries-old fashioned healing,” stated Cannafloria Wellness.

“The olfactory system, as well as areas of the brain that respond to scent, are rich in cannabinoid receptors. When you inhale the scent of hemp-infused essential oils, you gain the same relaxing, health-enhancing benefits as from the more common, aforementioned methods,” it continued.

The essential oils that are used in aromatherapy are extracted from plants such as lavender, basil and peppermint – to name a few – all of which have “powerful terpenes” and give each plant a unique scent. However, these plants usually have about one or two primary terpenes, whereas cannabis has over 100 terpenes with various flavors and aromas. “As with other plants, cannabis terpenes are extracted to create healthful essential oils, which provide a bounty of natural healing for the mind, body and spirit,” (Cannafloria Wellness).

According to Herbivore Botanicals,

“Aromatherapy works with the body’s sense of smell to influence your endocrine and autonomic nervous systems. In the case of cannabis, studies have shown that the scent of cannabis alone can activate the body’s endocannabinoid system [the system of receptors in the body, built specifically to respond to cannabinoids]. This means the herbaceous aroma produced by cannabis offers subtle therapeutic reward –without tincture or toke.”

Like anything, the cannabis scent can bring an abundance of creative memories,

positive mood-boost and pain management (Cannafloria Wellness).

Cannafloria Wellness explained, “From nostrils to [the] brain, the signature scents of essential oils trigger responses in the olfactory system, which directs the limbic system and amygdala to elicit a response.” ECS receptors respond to cannabis compounds the same way they do to natural cannabinoids produced within the body.

“The olfactory system is rich in cannabinoid receptors, especially CB1, which responds to both THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis and CBD supports the immune system with balance and healing,” said Cannafloria Wellness. “CB1 receptors are also found in the limbic system and amygdala. When hemp-infused essential oil is inhaled, its molecules bind to these receptors and elicit a response that’s similar to the more common consumption methods.”

Cannabis oil also takes healing to a different level. Like essential oils, all cannabis oils are typically mixed with carrier oils to deliver a safe and effective healing. “Adding cannabis oil to the mix definitely takes healing to a higher level when you want to feel calm, focused, relaxed, renewed and radiantly healthy,” Cannafloria Wellness shared.

thoughts and feelings. For example, it might remind you of a deep conversation or an artistic experience. “Being familiar with the divine applications of cannabis may even invite spiritual inspiration upon detecting the scent,” said Herbivore.

Inhaling distinct aromas of essential oils triggers a chain reaction within the body. One whiff sends the scent of terpenes to parts of the brain which directs the body to respond accordingly with relaxation, a

So, if you are looking to improve your cannabis experience and incorporate aromatherapy into it, make sure you do the research to learn the facts before believing the myths.

References

https://aromafloria.com/blogs/cannafloria/ aromatherapy-does-the-smell-of-cannabis-terpenes-help-us-heal

https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/blogs/news/ cannabis-aromatherapy

“Being familiar with the divine applications of cannabis may even invite spiritual inspiration upon detecting the scent,” said Herbivore.