A look at popular and soon-to-arrive products in the cannabis market.
9 Bees and Cannabis
As bees begin their busy season of pollinating fruits to flowers. Do they pollinate cannabis too? 10 Discover something new
Canna Provisions shares their top 11 products to check out.
12 Meet Rooster
Pioneer Cannabis Co.’s popular shop dog.
15 Picnic Perfect
Fun and easy dosed recipes to bring to your next get together.
17 Dosing for Beginners
Start low and go slow.
18 Cannabis Use Over Age 50
Why more seniors are turning to cannabis for wellness.
21 Highs and Lows of Growing Cannabis
How elevation can effect growth and what strains tend to flourish in MA and the USA.
24 Cannabis and Food
They make quite a pair.
26
Fact vs. Myth
Debunking common misconceptions.
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Content Review Tiera Wright
Cannabis Review Magazine (CRM) 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 CRM 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 2025. The Republican Co. All rights reserved. No portion of CRM may be reproduced in any form without the consent of the Publisher.
Boston Bud Factory has expanded its tincture product offerings, including two strengths of Tincture/Cooking Oil, which is 300 mg and 1,000 mg, respectively. The 300 mg bottle is priced at $20, and the 1,000 mg bottle is priced at $40. “Boston Bud Factory has also developed a nighttime tincture that has THC, CBD and CBN to help ease pain or relax for nighttime sleep,” said Frank Dailey of Boston Bud Factory. “Boston Bud Factory tinctures are all natural, containing only Vegan Palm Oil and CO2 extracted cannabinoids. The tincture can be used directly under the tongue for fast absorption and dosing, or it can be added to food or beverages.” Dailey went on to say that the Boston Bud Factory Tinctures are a “great way” to consume responsibly with total control over dosing, based on the desired effects.
BOSTON BUD FACTORY DELI STYLE BAR
Dailey noted that Boston Bud Factory has the largest deli bar in Massachusetts with 12-25 strains on display at any given time. “Customers can see and smell all the available options to find the terpene profile that most resonates with their palate,” he explained. Boston Bud Factory has some of the best cultivators in the state on the deli
tions after seeing and smelling the various options,” said Dailey. “Many customers buy a small amount of several strains so that they can evaluate what strains work best for their needs. If you are a serious and responsible cannabis consumer then Boston Bud Factory is the place to go, friendly atmosphere and not just the same products all other dispensaries are selling.” He continued, “Boston Bud Factory offers a unique product line and a unique experience for our customers,
CHOCOLATE SQUARES
COURTESY OF COAST
CHOCOLATE SQUARES
COAST Cannabis Co. has a couple new offerings, including Chocolate Squares, which are “four times more premium organic, ethically sourced chocolate in every square,” said Angela Brown, co-founder of COAST Cannabis. The squares are available in the following flavors: milk chocolate crunch, raspberry swirl dark chocolate and dark chocolate trifecta. It has a 5:5:5 ratio of CBG:CBD:THC. The Chocolate Squares are individually wrapped and are perfect for sharing, retailing between $22 and $25.
CO2 EXTRACT AND PRODUCTS
COURTESY OF BOSTON BUD FACTORY
BLISSFUL BLUEBERRY
5:5:5 CBC:CBN:THC
“Blissful Blueberry offers sweet relief from aches and pains, helping you to drift into deep, restful sleep,” said Brown. “This blend of CBC, CBN and THC is designed to soothe discomfort and pro mote relaxation, so you wake up feeling refreshed and restored.” The product retails between $25 and $27.
PIONEER CANNABIS CO.
Location in Brimfield Visit pioneercannabiscompany.com for more info
FIRE STARTERS BY TRIFECTA FARMS
“Trifecta Farms is locally owned and operated right in Brimfield, which thrills us – and our customers – that we can offer flower that has been grown and sold all within our small town,” said Pioneer Cannabis Co. CEO Maura Doyle. “We’ve had their flower and prerolls on our shelves for over a year now and when customers were looking for even more options from them, Trifecta
JUANADIPS COURTESY OF PIONEER CANNABIS CO.
found on Pioneer’s shelves for $35 per
Named after Pioneer’s shop dog, Rooster, “Rooster’s Bones” are affordably priced joints for those looking to try a new strain, on a budget. Rooster’s Bones are 1g pre-rolls that can be found every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Pioneer for $4.20 each. Each customer can purchase up to two “bones,” to ensure all Pioneer customers get to take advantage of the deal. “The strain changes every day so customers can come in each day and get the variety they are looking for without hurting their wallet,” Doyle said.
JUANADIPS
“These nano-infused THC dip pouches deliver a fast-acting, invigorating canna bis experience with natural spearmint flavor,” shared Doyle. “Jua naDips offer a new method of consump tion – you simply place a pouch between your cheek and gum for 20 minutes to enjoy its fast-acting
Bees and cannabis
As the weather warms and flowers and other plants begin to bloom, the bees will return for their peak activity season of pollinating.
While bees pollinate a variety of plants, the question is, do they pollinate cannabis?
The answer is no. Cannabis plants are actually pollinated by the wind, which is called anemophily.
“Plants that rely on wind for pollination don’t need to attract pollinators, so they produce huge amounts of small pollen grains, and usually don’t have special colors, odors or nectar,” said Elsa Scott, a writer for Best Bees.
While bees do not pollinate cannabis plants, they can be seen on them, as bees will search for and collect nectar on male hemp and cannabis plants for their pollen.
Because cannabis does not produce nectar – the primary ingredient in honey production – bees cannot make honey from it.
“However, when bees forage on cannabis, traces of the pollen can make their way into the honey,” said Scott.
She continued, “The scientific literature suggests that bees do not prefer cannabis pollen – it is intended for wind pollination, after all – but will resort to visiting male plants and collecting pollen from them during a floral dearth. A floral dearth is a time in which not many plants are blooming.”
Additionally, cannabis plants likely welcome sap-sucking and scale insects. “These insects excrete a waste product known as honeydew – a sweet sticky substance, high in sugars and amino acids. Honeybees will collect and store the honeydew just like nectar,” shared Scott.
Bees will also visit cannabis plants to gather resin to make propolis, which is a natural resinous mixture of saliva and beeswax with exudate, collected from tree buds, sap or other botanical sources.
Described as “bee glue,” propolis is used in hive defense (National Library of Medicine).
If a bee were to land on a cannabis plant, another question is, can a bee get high?
According to Scott, the answer is also no.
“They lack the neuroreceptors that would allow them to experience the psychoactive elements present in cannabis. It is theorized that the cannabinoid receptor was lost in insects over the course of evolution,” she said. “Interestingly, the cannabinoid receptor appears to be the only known neuroreceptor that is present in mammals and absent in insects.”
Recent research findings – conducted from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland – include several methods to prolong
“Plants that rely on wind for pollination don’t need to attract pollinators, so they produce huge amounts of small pollen grains, and usually don’t have special colors, odors or nectar.”
- Elsa Scott, writer for Best Bees
bees’ longevity, such as probiotics and plant and cannabis extracts.
“Research has shown neonicotinoids, pesticides derived from nicotine, to be particularly harmful to pollinators,” while specific cannabis extracts protected the bees in the university’s experiment from some negative neonicotinoid’s effects.
Additional research and testing are still
needed following this 2024 report, however, Scott said, “it’s an exciting development in the quest to protect bee and pollinator health.”
In the meantime, if you see a bee buzzing around – a buzz not to be confused with a cannabis high – just let it “bee.”
Works cited: https://bestbees.com/bees-and-weed https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
STORY BY LAUREN LeBEL
PHOTO ADOBE STOCK
STORY BY DAN MCCARTHY
Discover something new
When it comes to procuring a choice selection of the best products available on the legal cannabis market in Massachusetts, you’d be hard pressed to find a better landscape of the best stuff around than Western Massachusetts, at Canna Provisions stores in Holyoke in the Pioneer Valley and Lee in the Berkshires right off the Mass Pike.
Keep this rundown of the choice products for the rest of 2025. Want to just find the products and get to ordering? Scan the QR code to hop right to our menu from here and pick some goodies up today!
1. Betty’s Eddies Ache Away Eddies PM
Betty’s Eddies has been a mainstay of Massachusetts marijuana moxie for some time now. Their Bedtime Betty’s are a regular purchase for most that know the brand, but they have expanded their lines to include a range of delicious all-natural fruit chews that combine minor cannabinoids and effects-driven combinations like these orange creme full spectrum THC:CBD:CBC chews for aches, pains, and blissful sleep.
2. Vibations Dosed
Drink Powder Mixes
There are times when you can burn one or fire up a bowl of loosely ground cannabis flower. Other times, you need something discreet and portable to be able to whip up a batch of energetic fast-acting cannabis and electrolyte mixes with THC, THCV, and flavors like Peach Tangerine Tea and Lemon Lime goodness. Throw them in a bottle of water and you’re good to go.
3. Herbal Infusion 1-Hour
Brownie Kit
You have one hour. You want classic fudge brownies. You want something that is already infused and all you need to do is have somewhere to bake it, something to bake it in, and a desire for a strong and consistently dosed tray of fresh fudge cannabis brownies, all in one bag. Best part? If you want it stronger, just add your own activated flower!
4. Eleven Cannabis Flower
Rich, technicolor effects that enter super heady with active creativity euphoric introspection, and leaves a deep tingly full body high in its wake. That’s one way to describe the range of Eleven cannabis flower, a line of premium cannabis within the Ethos Cannabis family of cannabis brands. Be it healthy 14g half-ounce bags like here, or just an eight, you can crank your cannabis up to eleven with Eleven.
5. Treeworks Canna Cream
For those that have topical aches, muscle pains, and the kind of issues that makes one say “at this point I’d love it if there was a full spectrum THC:CBD topical salve and gorgeous smelling balm to rub on my skin and have the benefits of cannabis passed transdermally to my localized pain” good news: You’re covered. Grab some Treeworks Canna Cream before it’s sold out, as it regularly can be due to popularity.
6. J-Bam Flower
J-Bam is a Pittsfield-based small craft cannabis cultivator rolling out a variety of their own lines. Their solid approach to growing dynamite flower with strains like Cheddar Cheese, Sicilian Grapes, and Lion’s Breath, as well as their other line Therapy, means hanging out with J-BAM for a night ensures you’re getting the cannabis experience you hoped for. And can get it again and again.
7. Smash Hits Cannabis
Smash Hits has become one of the most sought after cannabis brands in the Massachusetts legal space thanks to iconic Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski’s cultural and cultivation cache. Born in Mass and perfected at Smash Hits cannabis for Canna Provisions, between the 14g Half Stash sativa/indica/hybrid preroll jar collections with Neville’s Diesel, to the handy five-packs of strains like Milk n’ Cookies and Sherbanger, to the award-winning and epoch setting Chem D (in flower or in live bubble hash), Smash continues to be Massachusetts favorite flower brand.
8. Howl’s, Bay State Extracts, Or Good Feels Tinctures
There is no shortage of amazing options for cannabis tinctures on the market. And that’s a good thing. Be it the Harvest Cup 2024 award-winning Howl’s line that uses a 3,000 year old apothecary method for whole plant infusions, to the spectacular Blackout drops from Bay State Extracts for deep minor-cannabinoid fueled
sleep, or even the Good Feels lines of flavored syrups, keep these on hand when you want fast and effects-driven results from a killer tincture.
9. Stinger/Havn Blunts
Ever thought to yourself “you know, I could go for a preroll, but I could REALLY go for an infused preroll with a blunt presentation”. If you have, that’s amazing. Because that’s not only a very specific thought, but it just happens to be the speciality of the Stinger and HAVN line of pre-rolled infused blunts ready to be thrown in a pocket and deployed at the proper time. Which, honestly, is any time.
10. Perpetual Vapes
Perpetual hit the scene with compact and discrete easy-to-carry on-the-go vaping options not too long ago and the consuming classes are all the more lifted for it. With anti-clog capabilities and a ceramic core, the powerful battery and single source distillate featuring classic strains like Grandaddy Purp featured here, means that next smokeless event you attend will be far better enjoyed with a perpetual state of chill with these.
11. Coast Squares
Coast Cannabis, the family-owned, Massachusetts-born, women-led mainstay of milk chocolate amazingness as well as choice effects based gummies and sleep chews, did a very smart thing. They took their recipes for stuff like Gingerbread Latte Milk Chocolate bars and broke them up into 10 squares per bag to be able to grab a 5mg treat whenever you are in the mood. And boy oh boy, has this year been a mood. Enjoy.
Meet Rooster Pioneer Cannabis Co. shop dog
STORY BY LAUREN LeBEL PHOTOS SUBMITTED
When you think about dog bones, you think of the treats that are given to our four-legged friends. But at Pioneer Cannabis Co., it has a whole other meaning.
When customers visit the Brimfield dispensary, they can be sure to find Rooster, a 9-year-old, 120-pound Yellow Labrador.
“He is always laying at our budtender’s feet as they are helping customers,” said Maura Doyle, CEO of Pioneer Cannabis Co. “Most times customers don’t even know he’s there because he is so calm and quiet, they generally only see him if they know to peer over the counter and see him in his spot.”
She continued, “I often joke that he’s half dog, half pony. He’s the laziest dog on the planet – doesn’t need a fence or a leash, he always stays by my side,” with most of his time spent being asleep.
“This hasn’t come with age,” Doyle added. “He’s always been this way.”
Doyle’s mom breeds Labradors and when Rooster was born, she told Doyle she had never seen a Labrador his size – even as a puppy.
“Two things make his tail wag: someone throwing a stick for him – preferably in water – and attention from Pioneer customers and staff. He loves the love,” Doyle said.
Rooster has had a presence at Pioneer since it opened in 2022.
Doyle shared that they have customers that bring Rooster special jerky they make for him every time they visit, while others bring him toys or get down on the floor and give him belly rubs. “He loves seeing them and it’s sweet because the feeling is mutual,” she said.
In the spring of 2024, the Pioneer team came up with the idea of offering discounted pre-rolls and began selling the joints on days that are typically slower at the store, which is early in the week.
They offered a $4.20 joint where the strain type changed daily on Monday through Wednesdays. Due to the price, the variety and the quality, Doyle said the joints quickly became one of their most popular offerings, and in turn, some of their busiest sales days.
She shared that they decided they should brand this joint specific to Pioneer, since it was a customer favorite.
“Two things make his tail wag: someone throwing a stick for him – preferably in water – and attention from Pioneer customers and staff. He loves the love.”
- Maura Doyle, CEO of Pioneer Cannabis Co
“We decided branding it with Rooster’s face and likeness would bring two of our customer’s favorites into one,” Doyle said. “We worked with Trifecta Farms, a craft cultivator right here in Brimfield, to secure a variety of their strains – 17 and counting – to be rotated through as Rooster’s Bones offering.”
The name – Rooster Bones – came to be because customers would come in and refer to pre-rolls as bones, which made it a “natural fit,” Doyle said.
“I had a sketch of Rooster done and created the logo myself and then the team at Trifecta Farms took the reins in getting the custom packaging created,” she added.
Rooster’s Bones are 1g pre-rolls filled with cold-cured ground and sifted whole flower from Trifecta Farms. The strains change daily, rotating between 17 different offerings.
Customers can buy up to two per day to ensure that all customers can take advantage of the savings.
Doyle noted that many couples stop in and buy two each week, and the Pioneer team always looks forward to seeing them.
Since rebranding the joints last year, Doyle said Rooster’s Bones are the top seller every day they are offered.
“People used to say, ‘can I have the 420 joint of the day?’ and it’s pretty cool to now hear people ask for it by name – ‘what’s Rooster’s Bone today?’” Doyle said.
Because Rooster’s Bones were such a hit, Pioneer decided to take it a step further and introduce Rooster’s Bones merchandise.
The merch includes T-shirts – available in two colors – and free stickers for any interested customer.
“It’s wild to walk in the parking lot and see
“People used to say, ‘can I have the 420 joint of the day?’ and it’s pretty cool to now hear people ask for it by name...
‘what’s Rooster’s Bone today?’” Doyle said.
our dog’s face on someone’s car,” Doyle said. “[Rooster] has become a beloved member of the store and in turn, so many customers bring their pets in.”
She continued, “When we opened the store, the vision was always to have a ‘Cheers Bar’ type atmosphere where people stop in even if they don’t need to buy anything, just to visit or say hi and through our love for animals, that is exactly what it’s become. People bring their dogs in for treats, to socialize or just to visit with our team. Dog people are always great people, so it’s made for a great atmosphere that we’re really proud of. I knew working in cannabis would be fun but adding in a love for dogs has taken a fun job and turned it into a dream job for most of us.”
Rooster’s Bones can be pre-ordered on Pioneer’s website pioneercannabiscompany. com but only purchased in store. The prerolls have its own section on their online menu – “Rooster’s $4.20 Bone of the Day.”
Picnic perfect
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries, halved
1 cup raspberries
1 cup blackberries
2 tbsp canna honey
1 tbsp lemon juice Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS:
Mix together your honey and lemon juice with a pinch of salt and set aside. Cut your strawberries in half and add to a serving bowl. Add in the rest of your fruit and honey mixture and stir to combine. Let sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving and enjoy!
and easy dosed recipes to bring to your next gathering!
PHOTOS AND RECIPES BY NATE BLAIS
CANNA HONEY RED WHITE AND BLUE FRUIT SALAD
CANNABIS INFUSED ROOT BEER FLOAT
INGREDIENTS: Your favorite cannabis infused soda Vanilla ice cream
DIRECTIONS:
To a glass add one scoop of vanilla ice cream, slowly pour over your soda. Add another scoop of ice cream once the bubbles have settled and enjoy!
GRILLED
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound shrimp, deveined 1-2 tbsp cannabutter 1 cup of your favorite hot sauce Ranch or bleu cheese for dipping
CANNA BUFFALO SHRIMP
DIRECTIONS:Melt your cannabutter over medium to low heat and add in your hot sauce. Stir to combine and let cool. Toss your shrimp in a half cup of your canna buffalo sauce, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and toss shrimp in remaining buffalo sauce. Serve with carrots, celery, and ranch or bleu cheese dressing for dipping! Enjoy!
Dosing for beginners: start low and GO SLOW
From chocolate bars to gummies, drinks and more, edible forms of cannabis come in various types.
While some might prefer consuming cannabis as a food product – compared to smoking a joint – edibles are discreet, and its effects can sneak up. Therefore, it is important to know how much you are consuming and to have control of your overall experience, as everyone is different.
For first-time edible users, it is crucial to start low and go slow. That way, you can always take more but cannot back track and take less.
According to Leafly, the recommended dosage for those individuals is 2.5 mg to start. “Five mg is often considered one dose, so 2.5 mg is a half-dose, also called a microdose, which most users report not imparting intense intoxication or adverse effects,” (Leafly).
Because edibles sold in dispensaries typically come in 2.5, 5 or 10 mg doses, it is recommended to buy gummies, mints or another type of edible that can be cut up easily to create smaller doses.
Depending on factors such as metabolism, food consumption and more, edibles can take up to 90 minutes to kick in and can last about six hours.
“Wait at least one hour after taking edibles, and if you don’t feel anything or want stronger effects after one hour, take another 2.5 mg,” (Leafly).
It continued, “The most common mistakes
in cannabis dosing occur when a person takes too high a dose for their tolerance or doesn’t feel any effect from an edible after one hour and decides to take another dose. Two hours later, both doses come through, and the individual experiences the unpleasant effects of cannabis overconsumption,” (Leafly). Ultimately, this could result in feeling too high.
If after one hour you still don’t feel any effects from the edible, Leafly suggests having a snack – like fresh fruit – to “stimulate digestion and help absorption in your gut.”
“Even if you consider yourself a heavy smoker, you’ll likely have a low tolerance if you don’t regularly consume edibles, and may want to start with 2.5 mg, a half dose,” (Leafly). If more effects are desired after 60 minutes, take another – or less than – 2.5 mg.
“Some people who are new to cannabis require [two to three] doses before they feel anything at all, so it’s often best to try the same low dose three times with eight to 24 hours between trials before increasing the dose,” (Leafly).
Again, it is important to note that everyone’s edible experience will be different. No two people are alike, so one individual’s experience may be more unique than that of a friend.
“Everybody reacts to THC differently and some are more receptive than others,” (Leafly).
While eating too much cannabis will not hurt the body, unwanted or unpleasant effects from the consumption can be avoided if the proper
dosage and type of edible – best suited for the individual – is determined.
Before purchasing a product at a licensed dispensary, it is important to read the label to determine the dose.
Every person has a dose that is right for them based on a variety of factors, including the type of edible, dosage, tolerance, body weight and metabolism.
“Two individuals may respond very differently to the same type of edible with the same dose – one may get very stoned, and one may not get stoned at all,” depending on the factors.
“Always start with a small dose of edibles and gradually increase until you find your ideal dose,” (Leafly).
Regardless, before consuming an edible – or any form of cannabis – it is important to be in the right headspace.
For instance, if you are feeling anxious or are in an unfamiliar, unsafe setting, your high may be an unpleasant one, whereas if you are happy and comfortable, your overall experience will likely be a good one.
Nonetheless, taking too many edibles – or overdosing – can make for an unpleasant experience, even if your head is in it. Which is why – no matter the circumstances – it is necessary to know your dosage and listen to your body.
Why More Seniors Than Ever Are Turning to Cannabis for Wellness
The Golden Age of Cannabis
Cannabis is no longer just the domain of younger consumers seeking recreational highs—in Massachusetts, as well as nationally, it has firmly entered the wellness space for older adults.
A rapidly growing number of Americans aged 50 and older, particularly those over 60, are turning to cannabis for relief from chronic pain, sleep disorders, and anxiety. This demographic shift is reshaping the cannabis market, fueling product innovation, and driving demand for educational resources tailored to first-time senior users.
THE RAPID RISE OF SENIOR CANNABIS USE
The numbers tell a robust story. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, cannabis use among adults over 65 in 2022 represents a twenty-fold increase. In a 2023 report from New Frontier Data, seniors now account for 24% of all cannabis purchases, making them one of the fastest-growing consumer segments in the industry. Anecdotal evidence, from consumers relaying their experiences to local media and retail stores, to stories of local assisted-living and retirement facilities discovering residents were self-organizing “gummy parties” to explore the legal products available to enhance communal movie nights, abound.
This trend is particularly pronounced in Massachusetts, where legal access has encouraged many older adults to experiment with cannabis for the first time. Dispensaries like Canna Provisions in Lee, MA report that seniors are coming in eager to learn about cannabis, often driven by word-of-mouth recommendations from friends.
“We have a lot of seniors coming in looking for relief from pain, sleep issues, and anxiety. They’re curious and eager to learn about how cannabis can help them,” says Meg Sanders, CEO and co-owner of Canna Provisions.
Emily Quinn, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for The Arbors Assisted
Living, which has locations in Greenfield and Amherst, MA, has spoken with local media about observing how cannabis and seniors are finding each other. And, how interacting with local dispensaries for education and information is yielding a net-positive for all involved: “ We are committed to educating our residents and seniors in every possible way,” says Quinn. “By learning from our friends in the industry, like at Canna Provisions, we aim to break the stigma around cannabis and provide valuable information that they might not seek out on their own. If these products will benefit our residents, we fully support them!”
Even more telling, a UC San Diego School of Medicine study found that among 568 seniors surveyed, 61% had initiated cannabis use after the age of 60. This suggests that for many, cannabis is not a return to youthful experimentation but rather a completely new therapeutic option.
WHY ARE SENIORS TURNING TO CANNABIS?
Pain Management: The Leading Factor
Chronic pain is the leading driver of cannabis use among seniors, with studies showing that 73% of senior cannabis users consume it for pain relief. Conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, and past injuries make daily life uncomfortable for many older adults. Traditional treatments such as opioids or NSAIDs come with risks, making cannabis an attractive alternative.
A 2023 BDSA Consumer Insights report indicates that medical cannabis users aged 55+ overwhelmingly prefer non-smoking options like tinctures and topicals, which allow for localized pain relief without psychoactive effects.
Sleep Improvement:
Addressing a Common Challenge
Insomnia and fragmented sleep are common issues for older adults. According to the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, an estimated
More and more senior cannabis users report using it for anxiety relief, with some studies noting that nearly half of those using cannabis for sleep also use it for mental health concerns.
40-70% of seniors experience sleep disturbances. Cannabis has emerged as a popular option, with 29% of senior users citing sleep improvement as their primary reason for consumption.
Interestingly, other research shows that seniors using cannabis for sleep prefer THC-containing products over CBD-only formulations, indicating that the psychoactive component plays a role in sleep maintenance. A recent study on cannabis and sleep patterns found that medical cannabis users reported fewer night-time awakenings compared to non-users.
Anxiety and Mental Health:
A Growing Motivation
Anxiety and depression often go undiagnosed in seniors, leading many to seek alternative solutions. More and more senior cannabis users report using it for anxiety relief, with some studies noting that nearly half of those using cannabis for sleep also use it for mental health concerns.
CBD-dominant products are especially popular among seniors looking for relaxation without intoxication. New Frontier Data found
that CBD sales among consumers over age 55 have increased by 62% since 2021, reflecting growing interest in non-psychoactive cannabis-based wellness
WHAT CANNABIS PRODUCTS ARE SENIORS USING?
Unlike younger consumers, seniors tend to prefer smokefree options that allow for controlled dosing and longer-lasting effects.
Tinctures & Oils: Brands like Treeworks, Howl’s, LEVIA, and Good Feels create popular tinctures and oils for precise dosing and ease of use.
Edibles (Low-Dose Gummies & Chocolates): Brands like Wana, Betty’s Eddies, Zzzonked, Mindy’s, Coast, and more are convenient and discreet, with steady, prolonged effects with full spectrum cannabinoid dosing (versus just THC alone).
Topicals (Creams & Lotions): Brands like Treeworks Canna Cream and Nordic Goddess have become ideal for arthritis and localized pain relief for some seniors.
Pre-Rolls: Brands like Smash Hits cannabis, Eleven, Nature’s Heritage, and more attract some older users who still enjoy traditional smoking, particularly low-THC strains.
Capsules and swallowables: 1906 are favored for their similarity to traditional medications and rapid onset time.
THE BUSINESS OF CANNABIS FOR SENIORS: MARKET GROWTH & FUTURE TRENDS
The increasing demand for cannabis among older adults is reshaping the market:
• The legal cannabis industry is projected to exceed $57 billion by 2030 (New Frontier Data).
• Medical cannabis sales alone are expected to double from $8.5 billion in 2020 to $16 billion by 2025.
• Seniors aged 55+ now represent 24% of all cannabis purchases.
This consumer shift is driving dispensaries to expand education initiatives, tailor low-dose product lines, and create community-driven senior cannabis programs.
THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS FOR SENIORS
The rise of senior cannabis use reflects a fundamental shift in the way older adults approach their health and wellness. With increased education, access, and product options, seniors are embracing cannabis not just as an alternative medicine but as an essential part of their self-care routine. As the industry continues to evolve, expect to see even more innovations tailored to this growing demographic.
Whether it’s for pain relief, better sleep, or simply improved quality of life, seniors are redefining what it means to age—and cannabis is increasingly playing a role in that transformation here in the Commonwealth. and OF
STORY BY KEITH O’CONNOR IMAGE ADOBE STOCK
Iand lows OF GROWING CANNABIS Highs
t’s no simple task with a variety of factors to consider whatever the climate where you live, including light, CO2, water, soil and nutrition, temperature, humidity, oxygen, resistance to pests and diseases, harvest time, yield potential and wind.
In essence, from sea level to high altitude growing, it’s not just about how you grow your plants to accommodate challenging environmental factors, but where in the country you grow them.
According to the FloraFlex blog, growing cannabis in high elevations presents unique challenges and opportunities for cultivators. Factors like temperature fluctuations, increased UV exposure, and shorter growing seasons can impact plant growth and yield. However, with proper planning and implementation, growing cannabis in high elevations can yield exceptional results.
FloraFlex recommends choosing cannabis
strains that are well-suited for high elevation environments is crucial. Select varieties known to be resilient, disease-resistant, and tolerant of cooler temperatures. Indica-dominant strains and hybrids often perform better in high-altitude settings due to their hardy genetics.
Cannabis plants are classified into three main groups - Indica, Sativa and Hybrids. Indigenous to the Hindu Kush mountains of Southern Asia, Indica-dominant strains are shorter plants with bushier and wider leaves. Sativa plants are known to be taller with thin leaves and grow more quickly. Sativa is considered as being uplifting and energetic, while Indica provide a more relaxing and calming high. Hybrids are made of different subspecies of cannabis.
The word “high” in high altitude growing also takes on additional significance.
There has been some research pointing to
the fact that high altitude growing increases cannabis trichome production resulting in different and more potent cannabinoid profiles for those plants. Cannabinoids are chemicals that cause drug-like effects in the body including the central nervous and immune systems.
Some of the highest elevations in the United States include Nevada (5,500 feet), New Mexico (5,700 feet), Utah (6,100 feet), Wyoming (6,700 feet), and Colorado (6,800 feet).
California’s average elevation is about 2,900 feet with the highest point considered Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet. The lowest average elevations can be found in Rhode Island (200 feet), District of Columbia (150 feet), Florida (100 feet), Louisiana (100 feet.), and Delaware (60 feet).
Among them California and Colorado are touted as the best states in which to cultivate fine weed. Warm, sunny climates (mild
winters), humidity (plant growth is better with higher humidity), and high altitudes in both states contribute to ideal conditions for growth. In particular, the Emerald Triangle in California and the Medford-Ashland regions of Southern Oregon are cited as “near perfect.”
But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the country. And despite the fact that weed loves sunshine and warmth, you can still manage to cultivate cannabis successfully in the Northeast’s cooler climate.
If you are not a dedicated aficionado in search of growing the finest weed like what is found in California and Colorado, for example, is it really worth it to uproot from your home in New England, or anywhere for that matter, when back down to sea level growing cannabis can be equally rewarding but challenging.
Elevation aside, some of the best states considered by Kind Seed Co. for year-round cannabis cultivation, whether indoor or outdoor, high or lower elevations, include California and Colorado (already mentioned), Oregon, Washington, Florida, Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan and Massachusetts. Massachusetts?
While Massachusetts winters can be severe, it is likely that the state was considered best for year-round cultivation because indoor cultivation is the most popular method. Still, the cannabis industry is growing in Massachusetts with more new farms.
Some of the pros for Massachusetts growing include a long warm summer with the ability to start cultivation outdoors as early as May and perhaps even April. Also, the fall
and adaptable strains that are fast-flowering - consider an autoflowering variety or photoperiod cannabis referred to as “early” or “fast versions.”
While claiming overall that the East Coast does not provide ideal outdoor growing conditions for marijuana, the California-based Asana Recovery lists “Five Areas in the United States That Are Ideal for Growing Weed.”
They include Northern California, Washington, Oregon, and in general, the South. They don’t list Massachusetts, but they do list Maine, noting the state provides ideal environments for indica and hybrids (which can be harvested earlier than sativa). Maine contains nutrient-rich soil and a supply of fresh water that can support growth.
It is important to not only follow the “rule of law” when it comes to strains for best cultivation results, but the “rule of law” in terms of legality in your state.
Massachusetts entered the legal cannabis market with the passage of the medical-use cannabis ballot initiative in November 2012. Four year later, 53% of Massachusetts residents turned out at the polls in November 2016 to pass Ballot Question 4, which legalized the possession, use, production, and sale of adult-use cannabis.
According to the Cannabis Control Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the law allows adults 21 and over to grow up to six plants in their home (home described as indoor or outdoor growing), and a maximum of up to 12 plants if there are two or more adults living in the residence. The plants must be in an area that is equipped with a lock or security device and cannot be
aircraft or other optical aids.
Aside from home growing, the cannabis industry is thriving in Massachusetts, noted the Cannabis Control Commission.
“The cannabis industry in Massachusetts continued to mature in 2024 as the Commission approved the 700th—and counting—notice to commence operations,” Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins said. “The clear growth of the industry is the result of ongoing collaboration between commissioners and agency staff, business owners, host communities, an engaged consumer base, and the medical community. We’re looking ahead to continued growth in 2025 and beyond as we seek to expand the industry with new social consumption licenses.”
As for the question, “Which is better, indoor or outdoor cannabis?” Well, that’s a whole other story for another time.
THE BEST CANNABIS STRAINS TO GROW IN MASSACHUSETTS
Royal King Seeds (royalkingseeds.com) offers a page on their website that explores cannabis cultivation in Massachusetts, climate considerations, and cultivation tips. They list four of the best strains for Massachusetts cultivators. Visit their webpage for additional information on climate adaptability, yield, THC content, medicinal benefits and more for the following:
Blue Dream Cannabis Seeds
Blue Dream exhibits a vigorous growth pattern adaptable to various temperature fluctuations and other climate challenges unique to Massachusetts. The moderate
for the weather patterns characteristic of Massachusetts.
White Widow Cannabis Seeds
White Widow’s exceptional resilience to mold and its capacity to withstand cooler temperatures render it exceptionally wellmatched for Massachusetts’ distinct humid continental climate. Its aroma and flavor profiles, intricate mosaics of earthy, spicy, and sweet notes, invite connoisseurs and novices alike to explore the subtleties that make cannabis such a multifaceted plant.
Northern Lights Cannabis Seeds
The strain’s abbreviated flowering period aligns perfectly with the climatic conditions and the growing season of Massachusetts, allowing it to reach full maturity and be harvested before the colder weather. It provides a seamless and rewarding journey for both novice and expert growers, offering the promise of bountiful harvests of aesthetically pleasing, resin-rich buds that deliver potent effects.
BEST OUTDOOR CANNABIS STRAINS IN THE USA
Royal King Seeds (royalkingseeds.com) offers an overview of the best strains for use in the United States by growers who choose to plant outdoors. Their list takes into consideration climate suitability, resistance to pests and diseases, harvest time, and yield and potency. It also includes three strains noted by Royal King Seeds (above) for use in MassachusettsBlue Dream, Sour Diesel and Northern Lights. Here are four additional strains from their list:
Girl Scout Cookies - Girl Scout Cookies, or GSC, is a renowned strain that performs exceptionally well outdoors. It offers high potency, impressive resin production, and a complex flavor profile with hints of sweetness and earthiness.
OG Kush - OG Kush is a classic strain that adapts well to outdoor environments. It offers potent effects, a characteristic earthy and piney flavor, and is known for its impressive resin production.
Super Lemon Haze - Super Lemon Haze is a sativa-dominant strain that excels in outdoor environments with plenty of sunlight. It offers a citrusy aroma, uplifting effects, and is cherished by growers for its substantial yields.
Durban Poison - Durban Poison is a resilient and hardy sativa strain. Originating from South Africa, it excels in warm climates and offers energizing effects, a distinct aroma, and a unique blend of spicy
traditional & modern forms of consumption with papers, hand & water pipes, or the newest high-end vaporizers that elevate any beginner or expert’s KE O a ti nal m der for s f onsumption ater pipes t e gh-end hat e evate
THEY MAKE QUITE A PAIR Cannabis and food
He is maestro of the meal, a connoisseur of cannabis.
Jay O’Malley is vice president of marketing along with research and development at MariMed. He may very well have the best job at the Norwood-based company, which grows and processes cannabis into a wide range of products sold under several brands including Betty’s Eddies, Bubby’s Baked, Vibations and Nature’s Heritage.
While a sommelier pairs wine with food,
That works out well for Vibations, a line of cannabis infused beverages.
“When I think about snacking, I think about salty foods.”
Salty, crunchy snacks can send people looking for ways to quench their thirst while keeping a practical eye on hydration.
“Because snack foods tend to be high in salt, hydrating keeps the juices flowing in your body and is certainly good for you.”
The debate rages on as to whether cannabis heightens or diminishes senses. Try O’Malley’s tongue twister after a few pops of a cannabis
DIY DINNERS
Cannabis infused butter and oils allow chefs to introduce cannabis to virtually anything they are making—from salsa and salad dressing to meat, fish, poultry and vegetarian offerings.
Do it yourself diners can try their hand at extracting oil from flower, but an easier way is
between courses, a break in the action that cleanses the palette, allowing it to reset and get set for the next offering. Cannabis comes in handy as a substitute to sherbert so many use as sorbet.
“Betty’s Eddies are small bite-size chews. They’re sweet and have a nice bit of acidity to them. We have one called Go Betty Go, which is watermelon flavored and infused with THCV. The acidity is going to cleanse the palate and give you a little bit of energy. That would be nice after a heavier appetizer like a chowder or after dinner but before dessert.”
“When you’re thinking about flower and smoking, cigars can cleanse the palate. You have the aroma and taste but you also have the smoke that is calming, pleasurable and extends the dining experience.”
“Smoking with something that has sativa is generally associated with a little bit more energy. As you’re going into a meal, you might enjoy that lighter sativa flower. It gets your senses heightened and ready to enjoy the meal as you’re going through the dishes.”
Aromas that come from flowers can enhance the flavor of food, adding the sensational rush people experience during dinner. Nearly every bit of taste flows through the nose. Some say 95% of the flavor we experience is from aroma.
“By smoking, you’re opening up your senses. You’re prepping them for whatever dish you’re about to eat. Try eating and blocking your nose. You won’t taste anything.”
CANNABIS AND COFFEE
AREN’T
JUST DESSERTS
Back in the day the daring dabbled with cannabis by dropping it into brownies. Illicit back then, they elicit kudos today.
The aforementioned cannabis infused oils and butter can give edge to bakers making pies, cookies and cakes. O’Malley also sees consumers turning to brownies and muffins to round out dinner.
“Bubby’s Baked products are dessert unto themselves like our infused brownies and birthday cake offerings. We have a chocolate chip, bite-sized muffins. You pair a chocolate brownie with a cup of coffee, getting the acidity and sweetness from chocolate chip or brownie bites.”
“Smoking is a nice pairing at the end of the evening. THC in the smoke helps digestion and relaxes you. An Indica strain is more about a whole body experience, not just the headiness of the high but really mellowing out the body at the end of the day after a great dinner.”
That final course can either mellow the crowd for a quiet night at home or launch everyone into an exciting night on the town.
“The big question is, are you finished for the night or are you getting ready to go out?”
It’s been said cannabis can dull the senses,
but O’Malley has no appetite for that.
“It’s counter to what everyone always said— when you have cannabis, you lose focus. You actually gain focus on whatever you’re doing. You’re focused on the different flavors of the food that evolve as you’re enjoying the dish.”
At Primus, we’re more than just a dispensary –we’re a neighborhood hub, a place where passion for cannabis meets exceptional service. Our mission is simple: to provide our community with the highest quality products, personalized recommendations, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and respected.
Flower Pre-Rolls Vaporizers Concentrates Edibles
Facts vs. myths
It’s 2025, and while the cannabis industry has evolved greatly – especially over the last decade or so – there are still some limitations and regulations it faces today.
In addition to these complications, there are still myths that are floating around in every aspect of the plant, such as its history, growth process and consumption effects, to name a few.
So, what is the truth?
With April 20 – better known as 4/20 – on the horizon, pot smokers are gearing up for the unofficial holiday that is celebrated in various ways.
While some believe the term “420” was derived from California police codes used to
reference cannabis, the truth is that it was created in 1971 by a group of five high school students in San Rafael, California, who used “420” as a code to meet after school and look for a rumored discarded cannabis plant. The friends would meet at 4:20 p.m., pile into a car, smoke some pot and search the
stereotype” that is often associated with peo ple who smoke weed.
“Marijuana doesn’t seem to make users less motivated, less productive or prone to lingering cognitive dullness,” said Mark Travers, a psychologist and contributor to Forbes.
The truth is more multifaceted than what the cliches put forward; it all depends on individual circumstances, habits and mental states.”
nearby forest for the alleged free product, and although they never found it, they started a phrase that eventually spread internationally, and is still used to this day (History). Another common myth is the “lazy stoner
Travers shared that this stereotype likely exists because marijuana – like any sub stance – effects consumers differently. “For some, smoking weed might indeed lead to moments of introspection, relaxation or
even laziness – but that’s a far cry from saying that marijuana inherently makes everyone lazy or unmotivated. The truth is more multifaceted than what the cliches put forward; it all depends on individual circumstances, habits and mental states,” he said.
Similarly, a myth is that all people who use cannabis must be stoned or high, when in reality, that is not the case, as it is used for both medical and recreational purposes.
“People living with pain get pain relief; people using it socially and not in pain, get high. In addition, medical cannabis is made of two components: THC, which causes the mental effects associated with feeling high, and CBD, which produces bodily effects. Various strains of cannabis have different ratios of THC and CBD, which means that not all strains create as much of a ‘high’ feeling,” (U.S. Pain Foundation).
Often, people who smoke weed say that they do so because unlike alcohol, there is no hangover. While it might be true that the effects are different, the “weed hangover” is more associated with emotional and cognitive dullness, compared to the next-day effects.
Travers said, “The effects of cannabis intoxication are short-lived, with little indication of any sort of ‘weed hangover’ a few hours later or the next day. This debunks the idea that marijuana has lingering negative effects on users; the reality is that once the high is over, so are its immediate impacts.”
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve and before you form an opinion on the topic – or choose to give it a try – it is important to be able to decipher a myth from the truth.
SOUGHT AFTER CONTENT
Cannabis Review Magazine is the perfect resource to discover all that’s happening within the cannabis industry.
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.
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Cannabis Review Magazine reaches an audience of more than 250,000 adults* through a combination of print and digital media platforms. They include the Sunday Republican, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive.com.
The Sunday Republican has the largest daily newspaper subscriber base in the region. El Pueblo Latino is the area’s exclusive Spanishlanguage weekly newspaper. MassLive is the leading news and information website in the region, statewide and in New England. Each edition of Cannabis Review Magazine is distributed inside The Republican and El Pueblo Latino and posted digitally on MassLive for 6 months.
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