Sensi Magazine Norcal - May 2021 by Sensi Magazine

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS Cannabis brands serving vets

ONE-HIT WONDER The joy of the one-hitter

NORCAL MAY 2021

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IT HAPPENED HERE

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NORCAL SENSI MAGAZINE MAY 2021

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FEATURES

It Happened Here

A Boulder, Colorado, resident reflects on how to move forward after the American nightmare came to her town.

DEPARTMENTS

15 EDITOR’S NOTE 38 THE SCENE Hot happenings and hip hangouts around town 16 THE BUZZ STAND UP FOR VETERANS News, tips, and tidbits to keep you in the loop GO GUIDED Adventure with pros around Northern California. GOOD NEWS Sacramento dispensary launches a carbon-offsetting initiative. GIFT GUIDE Spoil mom with cannabis goodies. VETS HELPING VETS

Discharged service members find healing and community through cannabis. CALENDAR Spring events across Northern California

50 THE END New tenants revive this San Francisco food hall.

California company uses cannabis for good. RECYCLABLE SHOES

Upgrade your footwear with biodegradable kicks.

ON THE COVER

Climbing Yosemite’s iconic granite rock formations. PHOTO BY ERIC, ADOBE STOCK

24 THE LIFE Contributing to your

health and happiness RECIPE Craft a calming cannabis cocktail. ONE-HIT WONDER The joy of the one-hitter HOROSCOPE What the stars hold for you.

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ADVISORY BOARD

COLORADO Agricor Laboratories Testing Lab Aspen Cannabis Insurance Insurance Services Canyon Cultivation Microdosing Cartology Corporation Cartridge Filling Equipment + Hardware Colorado Cannabis Company THC Coffee Concentrate Supply Co. Recreational Concentrates Emerald Construction Construction Green Edge Trimmers Trimmers Higher Grade Boutique Cannabis Hybrid Payroll Staffing & HR Benefits Jupiter Research Inhalation Hardware Lab Society Extraction Expert + Lab Supplies marQaha Sublinguals + Beverages Monte Fiore Farms Recreational Cultivation Northern Standard History of Cannabis PotGuide Cannabis Culture Source CO Wholesale Consulting Terrapin Care Station Recreational Dispensary Toast Mindful Consumption Uleva Hemp Products Wana Brands Edibles Witlon Inc. Payroll Processing SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Accucanna LLC Desert Hot Springs: Dispensary EventHI Events Flourish Software Distribution Management Helmand Valley Growers Company Medical Infrastructure Specialist HUB International Insurance Hybrid Payroll / Ms. Mary Staffing Staffing & HR Benefits Ikänik Farms Cannabis Distribution Red Rock Fertility Fertility Doctor Wana Brands Edible Gummies Witlon Payroll

NEVADA Eden Water Technologies Water System Technologies Green Leaf Money Canna Business Finanacing GreenHouse Payment Solutions Payment Processing Ideal Business Partners Corporate Law & Finance Jupiter Research Inhalatation Hardware Matrix NV Premium Live Resin Red Rock Fertility Fertility Doctor Rokin Vapes Vape Technology This Stuff Is Good For You CBD Bath and Body NEW ENGLAND Corners Packaging Packaging Curaleaf Veterans Cannabis Project Flourish Software Seed to Sale Green Goddess Supply Personal Homegrown Biochamber GreenHouse Payment Solutions Payment Processing The Holistic Center Medical Marijuana Evaluations PotGuide Travel & Tourism Revolutionary Clinics Medical Dispensary Royal Gold Soil Tess Woods Public Relations Public Relations

MICHIGAN Aronoff Law (Craig Aronoff) Licensing Law Firm Cannabis Counsel Cannabis Law Firm Etz Chaim Attestations Great Lakes Natural Remedies Lakeshore: Provisioning Center Kush Design Studio Cannabis Facility Design & Build LC Solutions Michigan PLLC Accounting/CPA Services Michigan Creative Branding MRB Solutions Human Resources Northern Specialty Health Upper Peninsula: Provisioning Center Oh, Hello Branding Promotional Marketing Perry & Drummy Inc. Commercial Insurance Pure West Compassion Club Caregiver Connection & Network Rair Medical Flower Solutions by Dr. Dave West Michigan: Hemp CBD Helping Friendly Hemp Company Hemp Topicals NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 365 Recreational Cannabis Dispensary: Recreational, Santa Rosa Convergence Laboratories Cannabis Testing Laboratory Green Unicorn Farms CBD Hemp Flower Humboldt CCTV Smart Ag Tech Humboldt Patient Resource Center Dispensary: Humboldt Humboldt Vape Tech Vape Accessories Kushla Life Sciences Cannabis Formulation and Products Red Door Remedies Dispensary: Cloverdale Southern Humboldt Royal Cannabis Company Mixed Light Farming Sonoma Patient Group Dispensary: Santa Rosa Strictly Topical Inc./Sweet ReLeaf Pain Relief Topicals Superbad inc. Premium California Cannabis Uleva Hemp Products Vaper Tip Vape Supply & Consulting Wana Brands Edible Gummies

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EDITORIAL

Stephanie Wilson Co-Founder + Editor in Chief stephanie.wilson@sensimag.com Doug Schnitzspahn Executive Editor Tracy Ross Managing Editor, Michigan Emilie-Noelle Provost Managing Editor, New England Debbie Hall Managing Editor, Nevada Jenny Willden Managing Editor, NorCal Dawn Garcia Managing Editor, Southern California Robyn Griggs Lawrence Editor at Large Mona Van Joseph Contributor, Horoscopes Radha Marcum Copy Editor Bevin Wallace Copy Editor DESIGN

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director jamie@emagency.com Rheya Tanner Art Director Wendy Mak Designer Josh Clark Designer BRAND DEVELOPMENT

Richard Guerra Director of Global Reach Amanda Patrizi Deputy Director of Global Reach Tuva Hank Music Director, Sensi Presents Neil Willis Production Director MEDIA PARTNERS

Marijuana Business Daily Minority Cannabis Business Association National Cannabis Industry Association Students for Sensible Drug Policy

EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder + CEO ron@sensimag.com Mike Mansbridge President Lou Ferris Vice President of Global Revenue Chris Foltz Vice President of Global Reach Jade Kolb Director of Project Management ADVERTISING

Nancy Reid Director, Team Building, Sensi East Joel Bergeson Director, Team Building, Sensi West PUBLISHING

Jamie Cooper Market Director, Michigan Abi Wright Market Director, Nevada Richard Guerra Market Director, New England Nancy Birnbaum Market Director, NorCal Diana Ramos Market Director, Oklahoma Rob Ball Market Director, S. California Angelique Kiss Market Director, S. California

MEDIA SALES

COLORADO Liana Cameris Media Sales Executive Tuva Hank Media Sales Executive Amanda Patrizi Media Sales Executive Tyler Tarr Media Sales Executive NEVADA Pam Hewitt Media Sales Executive NEW ENGLAND Jake Boynton Media Sales Executive MICHIGAN Kyle Miller Media Sales Executive Leah Stephens Media Sales Executive

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Magazine published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC.

Spring always brings a

sense of renewal, a fresh start.

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FAC E B O O K Like Sensi Media Group to infuse your newsfeed with more of our great cannabis lifestyle content.

But no year could this feel more true than 2021 in Northern California. After surging COVID-19 cases sent the state back into strict lockdowns this winter, the Golden State emerged this spring with the lowest COVID-infection rate in the continental United States. Thanks to the vaccine’s rapid rollout, Northern California counties are dropping down into the orange and yellow tiers, and people are finally getting back to their “normal” lives. On June 15, California is prepared to fully open its economy if there are enough vaccine doses for Californians 16 and older and hospitalizations stay stabilized. Sure, common sense measures like wearing masks and social distancing will continue, but subtle positive shifts are bringing back fun and community in the Golden State, even if life as it was in the before times still feels far off. You can see a movie in a theater again, and you can even visit Disneyland if you’re a California resident! While the Magic Kingdom might not be on your May bucket list, we’re highlighting small and outdoor events around Northern California that are worth your RSVP. From Mother’s Day celebrations to crafting classes, use our Cultural Calendar to plan your month ahead. If you’re stressing over the perfect Mother’s Day gift, mix yourself up the relaxation-inducing cannabis cocktail on page 24 made with Rhythm seltzer, a new Bay Area brand. Then get comfy in your favorite chair and flip to The Buzz to find gifts for every cannabis-loving mom.

Subtle, positive shifts are bringing back fun and community in the Golden State, even if life as it was in the before times still feels far off.

Cheers from the orange tier, TWITTER Follow @sensimag for need-to-know news and views from Sensi headquarters.

I N S TAG R A M Pretty things, pretty places, pretty awesome people: find it all on @sensimagazine

Jenny Willden @jennywillden

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Go Guided There are just 57 hours of freedom from 3 p.m. Friday to midnight on Sunday before the weekday work grind begins again. Eager adventurers work to max out this time off by ditching work a bit early and driving to hike, explore, 16

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and camp in Northern California’s stunning natural landscapes. But knowing how to maximize your time and safely explore is a challenge, and that’s exactly where 57Hours comes in. This company

partners with professionally trained and certified guides who take you safely backpacking in Yosemite’s backcountry, rock climbing in Lake Tahoe, and hiking along the famed Pacific Coast Trail. Trip leaders

bring the technical gear you need and guide you safely while teaching skills and techniques you can use for future adventures. (And they snap stellar Instagram pics too.) 57Hours / 57hours.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF 57HOURS

Get outdoors (safely) around Northern California with guided adventures.

CONTRIBUTOR

Jenny Willden

BY THE NUMBERS

175 YEARS GOOD NEWS

OFFSETTING CANNABIS CARBON

PHOTOS (LEFT) COURTESY OF THE SANCTUARY

A Sacramento dispensary introduces a carbon-offsetting initiative. The Sanctuary, a Sacramento-based cannabis dispensary and delivery service, is leading in the fight against climate change by becoming the first dispensary to introduce carbon offsetting for its vehicle and facility emissions. This is accomplished via donations to California-based Carbon Offsets To Alleviate Poverty (COTAP). The Sanctuary hopes to lead by example and encourages others to reduce and offset their carbon footprints. Packaging regulations, transportation requirements, and indoor growing practices mean cannabis has a larger carbon footprint than is desirable, so The Sanctuary sees its carbon offsetting as a way to fight the emissions it’s generating. Beyond carbon offsetting, COTAP works to support farmers and ensure food security. California is viewed as a cannabis-cultivation leader, and this is one step in making those practices more eco-friendly.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Spoil Mom with fresh cannabis goodies this Mother’s Day—all available in Northern California.

Since the Bear Flag Revolt in California on June 14, 1846, which created the flag that inspired California’s current state flag SOURCE: thehistorylist.com

115TH

Anniversary of the Great San Francisco earthquake on April 18, 1906 SOURCE: thehistorylist.com

17 MILLION

Gallons of wine California produces each year, 90% of America’s total wine production SOURCE: goldmedalwineclub.com

275

FEET

Height of General Sherman, the world’s largest tree, which is in California’s Sequoia National Park SOURCE: nps.gov

1) Gem + Jane Cannabis-Infused Seltzers: Gift these sparkling, fruity cannabis seltzers made by and for women. Formulations range from THCV-infused to pair with dancing and high-energy fun to Delta-8 THC and CBD combinations that induce restful sleep. Choose unique fruit fusions or an unflavored simple seltzer. cannacraft.com

2) Satori Singles: Indulge Mom’s sweet tooth with chocolate edibles made from South American cacao and pure cannabis oil. Available in milk or dark chocolate, each package has 10 mg of THC, and these cannabinoids are quickly absorbed thanks to a nano-emulsifier. satorichocolates.com

3) Ras Boss Cannabis Jewelry: Real marijuana buds encased in 24K gold are a one-of-akind gift for cannabis-loving moms. Choose from bud or leaf necklaces or leaf earrings handcrafted from real plants paired with metal, gold, and natural gemstones. rasboss.com (Continued on page 19) M AY 2021

S E N S I M AG .C O M

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THE BUZZ

BILITIES BY STEPHANIE WILSON, EDITOR IN CHIEF

1 DID YOU KNOW? The average four-year-old child laughs 300

4) Pod Tones: Experience cannabis rosin, squeezed from the plant, with these pure rosin vaporizers. Each one contains lab-tested rosin sourced from pressing cannabis flowers between warm plates to extract unaltered, strain-specific cannabinoids and terpenes that deliver a specific high. podtones.co

times per day.

2 BY CONTRAST, it takes two months for the average 40-year-old adult to laugh that many times.

3 LAUGHTER IS INDEED GOOD FOR YOU. According to the Mayo Clinic, in the short-term, a good laugh stimulates your organs, increases your intake of oxygen-rich air, activates and relieves your stress response, and soothes tension. Long term, laughter can improve your immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction, and generally improve your mood. 4 CANNABIS MAKES YOU LAUGH MORE. It stimulates the area of your brain associated with laughter.

5 MORAL OF THIS STORY: you should get high and giggle more. It’s good for you.

5) Africali Culture Wrap Hemp Rolling Papers: Ditch bleach, dye, and chemicals, and wrap mom’s stash in these allhemp rolling papers instead. They help you actually taste the flavor of what you smoke, and Africali donates 10 percent of profits to cannabis-equity programs. africaliculture.com

6) ABX All-Natural Cannabis Gummies: Choose these pure, potent gummies for mothers who are choosy about ingredients. Each gummy is vegan, gluten free, all natural, and contains 5 mg of THC from sun-grown cannabis oil. Available in four fruit flavors with 20 pieces in each container. abx.org

“May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.” —Fennel Hudson, author

7) Bloom Farms Wellness Dream Tincture: Help Mom get her Zs with this sleep-enhancing tincture that boosts relaxation and restfulness. Made from organically grown, full-spectrum hemp and hemp-derived CBN (cannabinol), it acts as a mild sedative to encourage restful sleep. bloomfarmswellness.com

8) Farmer and the Felon: This new cannabis flower brand partners with the Last Prisoner Project to bring restorative justice to 40,000 nonviolent cannabis offenders still behind bars in the United States. Choose from 30 unique strains available bagged or in prerolls and know your Mother’s Day gift is supporting a great cause. farmerfelon.com

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Cannabis Infused Green Pepper Based all-purpose condiment (hot sauce, salsa hybrid) - Medium Heat/ Flavor is the focus - Use as a finishing sauce/ topping or incorporate into any dish - Very versatile, Infuse anything.

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THE BUZZ

VETS HELPING VETS A California company uses cannabis to help heal postcombat and service-connected disabilities. Founded and operated by United State military veterans, Brothers Mark is a California cannabis company focused on supporting the nation’s veterans long after they’ve been discharged from service. The company aims to provide clean, quality cannabis products to military veterans in an effort to treat the symptoms of post-combat PTSD, mental health issues, chronic pain, and other service-related disabilities. Brothers Mark sees cannabis as medicine and supports the Veterans Cannabis Group and other veterans-advocacy groups through donations. Whether you served or not, support the mission by purchasing Brothers Mark cannabis products, which range from prerolls to vape to concentrates. Brothers Mark / brothersmark.com

Plant-Based Kicks

Get your own biodegradable, recyclable shoes from this California company.

WHAT YOU DO MAKES A DIFFERENCE, AND YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT KIND OF DIFFERENCE YOU WANT TO MAKE.”

Here’s a dirty secret: your favorite footwear is (probably) bad for the planet. Many kicks are made of unrecyclable plastic that eventually ends up in a landfill, and big footwear factories tend to pay their employees terribly. But cannabis-industry expert Peter Holzworth is looking to change all of that with his new brand, Fly Soul Shoes. The company’s stylish, artisanal shoes are made of strong, recyclable jute fibers and modeled after the bright colors and vibrant culture of Tepotzlán, Mexico. Holzworth established a relationship with a third-generation family of cobblers to create and build Fly Soul Shoes and pays each employee a living wage. Fly Soul next plans to launch a 100 percent hemp shoe that’s completely biodegradable and recyclable. From —Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist there, Holzworth plans to expand into hemp belts, accessories, dog collars, and leashes. Fly Soul Shoes / flysoulshoes.com

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Sip Some Zs Craft a calming cocktail using CBD-infused seltzer.

Getting enough rest and taking time for relaxation are vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But we live in a world that’s normalized exhaustion and stress. We spend so much of the day stimulated by digital devices that, when it’s time to disconnect, we’re still wired. If you can relate, it’s time to take a break and treat yourself to a relaxing cocktail for which both your mind and body will thank you. So, remove the bluelight glasses, turn off the computer, and unwind with a relaxing CBD-infused (guilt-free) cocktail. The Lucid Dreams cocktail features Dream, a 24

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hemp CBD-infused seltzer created by Rhythm. This all-natural seltzer is infused with 15 grams of broad-spectrum hemp CBD extract, natural blackberry and lavender flavors, and five milligrams of melatonin. It’s sweetened with monk fruit, not sugar, and has only five calories per serving. Lucid Dreams is a perfect nightcap inspired by the blissful feeling that washes over your body moments before you fall asleep. Wondering where to buy Rhythm? Order at drinkrhythm.com and it ships free anywhere in the lower 48 states.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RHYTHM

TEXT JENNY WILLDEN

Lucid Dreams Makes about 1 serving / Recipe by Rhythm CBD Seltzers

INGREDIENTS

Ice 1 part gin 1 part chilled jasmine tea 3 parts Rhythm Dream Seltzer 1 teaspoon condensed milk Fresh or frozen blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine ice, gin, tea, and condensed milk in a shaker. Shake vigorously. • Pour into a rocks glass, filling it a 1/4 of the way up. • Top with Rhythm Dream and garnish with fresh or frozen blueberries. M AY 2021

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THE LIFE

VECTOR BY GOOD STUDIO, ADOBE STOCK

WELLNESS

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THE LIFE WELLNESS

One-Hit Wonder It doesn’t take much to revamp your mind. The one-hit wonder. In the world of popular music, it’s a somewhat dismissive term. It’s a slight to the bands and artists who enjoyed one hugely successful song (think “MMMbop,” “Walking on Sunshine,” or “867-5309/Jenny”), then more or less disappeared into showbiz oblivion. Personally, I would rather have one hit instead of none. And I often can. That’s because at my house, the term “one-hit wonder” is shorthand for the cannabis cocktail hour, when, sometime around 5 or 6 p.m., I smoke one hit and instantly leave all the Zoom calls, texts, emails, pop-up schedules, news alerts and noise of the day behind. It’s an incredibly liberating feeling. Opening the doors in my head to new ideas, suddenly solving problems to things that just an hour earlier I thought I might never quite figure out, thinking of how I really might finish writing a new book—The Ghost Hotel—this fall, or just kicking the soccer ball for my big dog, Moses, while I move the backyard hose around. The concept of the onehit wonder is something I discovered researching my first book, The Monster, a

kind of allegory about how we might take control of the ways we confront the monsters in our personal lives—whether they be disease, mental strife, addiction, or alcoholism—by “turning a light on.” During my research, I met a rolfer who was instrumental in helping my wife and I on the path to better health. Once, after a particularly therapeutic session, I asked him how he managed the cycle of processing all of the hurt he was healing. Or, in other words, how he made sure he wasn’t holding onto other peoples’ shit. He said, “Every night when I get home, before I walk in the house, I smoke one hit then go hold on to an iron rod in my courtyard until I feel like it’s all gone. Then I can go be with my family for the evening.” “One hit?” I said. “That doesn’t seem near enough for all the problems you’re solving.” But he was already back to focusing on my health— in particular, a lingering knee injury he thought was exacerbated by my reluctance to release my grief over the recent death of my dog Tobear, a barrel-chested, willful, very

TEXT PETER KRAY

funny Malamute-Labrador mix we had nicknamed, “The Mighty Burrito.” The rolfer said, “You need to stop looking at your feet so much when you walk. Look where you’re going. Look at the horizon.” Which is something I still think about when I go for a long walk. Albeit the one-hit thing is what I think about the most. At the time I was writing that book, it slowly dawned on me that I was also writing it to help myself. It was a period in my life when I wasn’t satisfied with just one of much of anything. And cannabis—along with good beer, bourbon, and crisp reposado—was key to treating every day as part of some extremely casual long-working weekend, something Ernest Hemingway called, “the fiesta concept of life” in his final—and I think finest— book, A Moveable Feast. The beauty of getting back to one sublime moment or lasting sensation, one perfect pint of cold IPA, one fine glass of pinot noir with fresh pasta, or one fragrant inhale of the sweet leaf to remember the magic of each day was still a couple years down the tracks.

It’s the savoring of things, and sometimes the scarcity, that gives them meaning. It’s by being in the moment that you heighten the pleasure and increase the memory of each event. And it’s so much more enjoyable than the monotony of gluttony—of having so much of something that the only remarkable aspect is of how much you can cram in your garage or stuff in your mouth. You know that feeling you get when you first hear a song that you know you will love forever, and every time you play it again, it takes you back to the first time you heard it? That’s what I’m talking about. I read once that when Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys founder and architect of the California surf sound, first heard The Ronettes classic wall of sound masterpiece, “Be My Baby,” he had to pull over to the side of the road because it impacted him so much. In 2013 he told The New York Times, “In a way it wasn’t like having your mind blown, it was like having your mind revamped.” That’s the way I feel when I enjoy my one hit at the end of the day. Then I walk out onto my patio to look at the big, blue beautiful world, as I smile and wonder about it all.

A B O U T T H E AU T H O R

Peter Kray is the author of The God of Skiing. The book has been called “the greatest ski novel of all time.” Buy it here: amzn.to/2lmzpvn

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THE LIFE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mona Van Joseph is a professionally licensed intuitive reader in Las Vegas since 2002. Author, radio host, and columnist, she created the Dice Wisdom app and is available for phone and in-person sessions. mona.vegas

HOROSCOPE

MAY HOROSCOPE What do the stars hold for you? TEXT MONA VAN JOSEPH

APR. 20-MAY 20

TAURUS

It’s time to accept that what you bring to the world is about to be acknowledged and appreciated. Be brave. Present your amazing ideas, and they will fall on the right ears. Embrace the challenge.

to be called back because of your skills, patience, and experience. Cooperate with the right people, and doors will open. JULY 23-AUG. 22

LEO

SEPT. 23-OCT. 22

LIBRA

You have been more productive in the last three months than most people—and it shows through the excellence and experience of your new skills. You’ve discovered the thing that works for you. Now you get to move forward.

There’s a stepping stone that’s either an opportunity MAY 21-JUNE 20 to teach you what you don’t OCT. 23-NOV. 21 GEMINI know or bring you to that Cooperation is the word of the next level in your career or SCORPIO month. Get people to agree, love life. Either way, you will Things are lining up for you sign, and commit without un- be introduced to the A list. to be very specific with your means to end goals. It might dervaluing you and how you be time to think about where can help them. Agree only to AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 your skills would translate total commitment without VIRGO compromise this month. May is not the action month into a different industry. The for you to prove your med- universe is ready for you. JUNE 21-JULY 22 dle; it’s the month to be preNOV. 22-DEC. 21 CANCER pared for what happens in Many good choices will pres- June. Gratitude goes a long SAGITTARIUS ent themselves this month. way. Step into that awesome You’ve just been rewarded by information previously withYou will be one of the people spotlight this month.

TAURUS, BE BRAVE. PRESENT YOUR AMAZING IDEAS, AND THEY WILL FALL ON THE RIGHT EARS. EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE.

held from you. Get very clear ognizing the people who are on what you really want and good and kind to you withbe ready for an opportunity out asking you for anything. to present itself in July. Patience has served you well. FEB. 19-MAR. 20

PISCES

DEC. 22-JAN. 19

CAPRICORN

It’s time to allow something a little more creative into your life. It could be as simple as investigating things for others because they don’t have the time or playing bass guitar on call for local bands. Make sure it’s joyful.

Be the queen or king of cooperation this month. Your new beginning will present itself; you will be noticed for what you may do. Right now, be as helpful as you can without gagging at the political circus around you. MAR. 21-APR. 19

ARIES

Communication is essential AQUARIUS this month. Update your conYou have incredibly high nections on social media and standards for yourself, align with the people who and sometimes those stan- represent your future, not dards fall over to the peoyour past. What you begin in ple around you. Start by rec- May will flourish in July. JAN. 20-FEB. 18

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SANTEE, CALIFORNIA. GRUNDY, VIRGINIA. MADISON, MONTANA. MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI. METEOR, WISCONSIN. COLUMBOS, OHIO. BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN. RED LAKE, MINNESOTA TACOMA, WASHINGTON. GOLETA, CALIFORNIA. BART TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA. SALT LAK CITY, UTAH. BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA. CRANDON, WISCONSIN. OMAHA, NEBRASKA. ARVADA COLORADO. TINLEY PARK, ILLINOIS. KIRKWOOD, MISSOURI. DEKALB, ILLINOIS. SKAGIT WASHINGTON. COVINA, CLIFORNIA. GENEVA AND SAMSON, ALABAMA. CARTHAGE, NORTH CAROLINA. BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK. COLLIER TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA. FORT HOOD TEXAS. SAIPAN, NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS. ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. APPOMATTOX, VIR GINIA. HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA. LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO. MANCHESTER, CONNECTICUT TUSCON, ARIZONA. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN. COPLEY TOWNSHIP, OHIO. CARSON CITY NEVADA. SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA. IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA. CHARDON, OHIO. OAKLAND CALIFORNIA. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. AURORA, COLORADO. OAK CREEK, WISCONSIN. COL LEGE STATION, TEXAS. NEW YORK, NEW YORK. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA. BROOKFIELD WISCONSIN. CLACKAMAS, OREGON. NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT. WEBSTER, NEW YORK. SOUTH VALLEY, NEW MEXICO. SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA. HIALEAH, FLORIDA. SAYLORSBURG How do you move PENNSYLVANIA. WASHINGTON, D.C. FORT HOOD, TEXAS. ISLA VISTA, CALIFORNIA. SPRING forward when TEXAS. MARYSVILLE, WASHINGTON. PORTLAND, the AmericanOREGON. MONTGOMERY, PENNSYLVANIA TYRONE, MISSOURI. WACO, TEXAS. CHARLESTON, Nightmare comesSOUTH CAROLINA. CHATTANOOGA, TEN NESSEE. LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA. HARRIS, TEXAS. to your town?MONETA, VIRGINIA. ROSEBURG, OREGON COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO. SAN BERNADINO, CALIFORNIA. KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN HESSTON AND NEWTON, KANSAS. KANSAS CITY, KANSAS. WILKINSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA. It happened here. PIKE, OHIO. BELTSVILLE AND BETHESDA, MARYLAND. ORLANDO, FLORIDA. DALLAS, TEXAS ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN. BATON ROUGE,TEXTLOUISIANA. MUKLITEO, WASHINGTON. CITRONELLE ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE ALABAMA. BURLINGTON, WASHINGTON.PHOTOSTOWNVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA. BROWARD, FLOR ELLIOT WHITEHEAD IDA. SCHOFIELD AND ROTHSCHILD, WISCONSIN. CINCINATI, OHIO. FRESNO, CALIFORNIA KIRKERSVILLE, OHIO. LINCOLN, MISSISSIPPI. SANDY, UTAH. EATON TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVA NIA. ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. CLO VIS, NEW MEXICO. PLANO, TEXAS. ANTIOCH, TENNESSEE. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, TEXAS. TEHAMA, CALIFORNIA. AZTEC, NEW MEXICO. HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLORA DO. BENTON, KENTUCKY. MELCROFT, PENNSYLVANIA. PARKLAND, FLORIDA. YOUNTVILLE CALIFORNIA. SAN BRUNO, CALIFORNIA. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE. SANTA FE, TEXAS. SCOTS DALE, ARIZONA. TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND. JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA ABERDEEN, MARYLAND. FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA. TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA. THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA. ROBBINS, ILLINOIS. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. SEBRING, FLORIDA. ASCENSION AND LIVINGSTON, LOUISIANA. AURORA, ILLINOIS. POWAY, CALIFORNIA. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA. HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLORADO. VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA. GILROY, CALIFOR NIA. EL PASO, TEXAS. DAYTON, OHIO. MIDLAND-ODESSA, TEXAS. SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO. ORINDA, CALIFORNIA. SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA. MIRAMAR, FLORIDA. PENSACOLA, FLOR DA. JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY. WHITE SETTLEMENT, TEXAS. GRANTSVILLE, UTAH. MILWAU KEE, WISCONSIN. ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN. ROCKFORD, ILLINO SUNRISE, FLORIDA. MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA. BUFFALO, MINNESOTA. ATLANTA, GEORGIA. BOULDER M AY 2021

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was struggling to write an article about a breakup with my yoga studio when my daughter called to tell me there was an active shooter at the neighborhood grocery store that we have frequented almost daily for 25 years. I abandoned the prose (which no longer mattered) and hopped online to learn what I could from live news reports and social media. It got worse and worse. I stumbled on a live video, then switched it off when I saw bodies. We heard rumors of six people dead. Then the official report: 10 humans gunned down, some as they were bagging groceries and helping customers navigate the self-checkout system (as they had so many times for me). I told my kids to be prepared

because surely, we would know at least one victim. We did.

realize, of course, that we were all aging together, as oblivious to the wrinkles and gray hairs on each WHAT WAS LOST other as we were to our own. Teri Leiker was a fixture at our King I mostly hated the time I spent at Soopers, and she made a difference King Soopers, to be honest. When in my life. She was always smiling, I was a working mom, Sunday visibly happy about making sure afternoon meant piling my cart my groceries were bagged properhigh with carefully planned and ly. We made small talk. When I was selected food to feed my family all crabby (admittedly too often), she week. It was the first place each of tried to cheer me up. I could meamy kids rode their bikes to without sure the depth of my bad mood by me or their father to accompany whether she was successful or not. them (and I was a nervous wreck She usually was, at least briefly. both times). When they went off When you go to a place for 25 to college, I wandered the store years, the people there become like aimlessly, completely perplexed family. Teri wasn’t the only workabout how to feed only myself and er at the Table Mesa King Sooptrying to figure out what single ers who seemed to love her job. I people eat. I imagined myself used to joke that the workers there spending purgatory pushing a cart never quit and never aged. I didn’t through those aisles, indecisive and (continued) M AY 2021

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desperate for sustenance, buying Chef Boyardee Beefaroni because it was there and reminded me of my childhood.

It’s about all of us, of course. My community is suffering shock and grief after this shit that plagues our country—the shit that could never happen here—came THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS to our town. We don’t know what But this isn’t about me. It’s not to do with our personal grief, about any of us who rush to pubour broken connections. Some lish when tragedy strikes. I was find comfort in comments full of annoyed, at first, that so many of prayers and heart emojis. Othmy friends posted on social meers will join physical vigils, some dia about their relationship to the more political than others, and store, how many times they’d fre- find solace in the solidarity. I’m quented it, how it could have been going to one tonight because I them or their loved ones. This can’t be the person who grieves isn’t about you, I wanted to say, alone—not for this one. because sometimes I try to bury We will light candles and cry my sorrow in unjustified righand probably hug (even though teousness (and it never helps). we’re not supposed to). We will

honor 10 dead souls, and we’ll promise never to forget. We’ll debate gun control and maybe talk a bit about mental health, post more thoughts and prayers and emojis. Then we’ll do nothing again and watch in horror as history repeats. And when it does, at a shopping mall or a school or on a random street in the next town that will be forever remembered by a massacre, people like me will rush to put words to the unspeakable and offer up their affiliation with the scene of the crime as a reminder that this could happen anywhere. The shock. The grief. The words that make no difference. This is life in America.

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Stand Up for Veterans How veteran cannabis companies, organizations, and nonprofits are helping discharged service members access this powerful plant. TEXT JENNY WILLDEN

some vets never feel truly healed and are discovering cannabis as an additional treatment option. While California’s long been at the forefront of cannabis legalization, becoming the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 and legalizing it for recreational use in 2016, it’s still catching up in supporting cannabis ac-

PHOTO BY BUMBLE DEE, ADOBE STOCK

In America, “support the troops” is a common refrain, however for combat-injured veterans, the wounds of war outlast the battlefield, and support is needed long after their service is up. But those suffering from PTSD, depression, and sleep disorders often feel forgotten. Prescribed pharmaceuticals to ease the pain,

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PHOTO COURTESY OF OPERATION EVAC

cess for military veterans. Many who separate from the armed forces are looking for solutions to combat chronic pain and injuries sustained from service. But despite the legality of cannabis in 16 states for recreational adult use and 36 for medicinal use, some former military members who rely on VA health benefits worry about consuming it, at least publicly. Due to its continued to recommend cannabis federal designation as a and help veterans obtain Schedule 1 drug, cannait from legal state markets. bis is federally classified Sean Kiernan, a as having no accepted disabled veteran and the medical benefit and CEO of Weed for Warhaving the potential for riors, supports the Safe abuse in the eyes of the law. This means Veterans Harbor Act but doesn’t expect VA doctors to Affairs health care prowrite cannabis prescripviders can’t recommend tions soon. He sees this cannabis as a treatment option or assist veterans proposed legislation as less effective for veterin obtaining it. ans than altering CaliBut California is fornia’s current Proposinow pushing to end tion 64, which legalized this federal prohibition cannabis in California. on veterans obtaining “What we’re proposing cannabis through the VA is to fix Prop 64. We literwith groups like Sacraally cross out and use the mento-based Weed for Warriors Project support- model of 64 and make ing a change in legislation. it better,” says Kiernan. “Eight out of 10 voters In April, a bipartisan thought a yes on Prop 64 coalition of lawmakers reintroduced the Veterans meant cannabis would be sold in their community.” Medical Marijuana Safe The proposed changes Harbor Act in Congress, which would temporarily include access to legal allow veterans to possess dispensaries in every and use medical cannabis community and making under federal law. VA phy- it easier for vets to get the help they need. This legissicians would be allowed

lation comes as the American opinion of marijuana legalization is rapidly changing. A Pew Research Center poll found Americans opposing cannabis legalization dropped from 52 percent in 2010 to 32 percent in 2020. Among veteran households, 82 percent want to see marijuana designated as a federally legal treatment option, according to a 2017 American Legion survey on the topic. Unfortunately, the longtime medical response to combat injuries has not included cannabis. It’s instead been to prescribe opioids, anti-anxiety medications, and other potentially addictive pharmaceuticals. But, as awareness of the risks of these medications becomes clear, vets in Northern California are turning to cannabis as an alternative or additional treatment option. Some even launching their

own successful cannabis businesses. Whether you are a veteran, love a veteran, or just want to give back to those who’ve served, raise your awareness about this important issue and support these California nonprofits and veteran-owned cannabis companies. Educating Veterans About Cannabis Awareness of the benefits of cannabis is rising, but many veterans struggling with sleep, depression, PTSD, and other combat-related issues don’t know cannabis is an alternative option, or how to safely and affordably access it. That’s where Oakland-based Operation EVAC (Educating Veterans About Cannabis) comes in. This organization supports the growth and healing of veterans in the Bay Area through M AY 2021

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THE SCENE

assistance, personal development, and community service. Before COVID-19, cannabis-education meetings were held weekly at dispensaries across San Francisco; they have since moved to Zoom. These meetings teach veterans about the benefits of cannabis and methods of consumption, allowing vets to bond and share experiences. They close with a 20-minute meditation. The Veterans Cannabis Group (VGG) is another California-based advocacy group for veterans who use medical cannabis. It provides education, safe access, and information on VA resources and benefits. The group also helps veterans who use cannabis connect with one another and their local cannabis community. VCG actively participates in local city council

Sean Kiernan, an ex-Army Airborne infantry soldier who found relief from service-related injuries by using cannabis. “Cannabis has made me a better husband, father, and person because it’s grounded me in a way I wasn’t grounded before,” Kiernan says. “It allows me to stay off more dangerous meds the VA wants me to take. And I don’t like how those make me feel. So for me, it’s a win-win.” Kiernan and Carrillo took over WFWP in 2015 meetings and state-level with the goal of buildmeetings to ensure the ing a veteran cannabis needs of the veteran community are being met community through in-person events. “Magic when new cannabis laws happened at the events are written or altered. we did; we were bringing Building Community vets together and using for Veterans cannabis as a tool,” he Sacramento-based Weed says. “The real healing for Warriors Project we were seeing is the (WFWP) was founded connections. PTSD is a in 2014 by Kevin Richdebilitating disease, and ardson, a former Marine one of the most debilitatwho kicked a pill addicing parts is the isolation.” tion when attempting Veterans who didn’t to treat his PTSD from leave their homes due service-related injuries. to their PTSD began He established WFWP attending chapter meetto support the holistic ings, and Kiernan gathrehabilitation of veterered and distributed free ans through cannabis cannabis to vets in need education, communiuntil events were halted ty-based projects, and due to the COVID-19 cannabis donations for pandemic. This spring those who can’t afford it. events have returned at WFWP is now led by cannabis donation pickCOO Mark Carrillo, a up parties at dispensaries Marine Corps veteran where vets connect. who handles outreach WFWP grew, providing and events, and CEO education and cannabis

donations for in-need veterans throughout the Bay Area. “We don’t charge vets money for this cannabis,” says Kiernan. “It is very grassroots.” Affordable Cannabis for Veterans When California legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, it established a new tax structure for the state’s legal cannabis industry. This new tax code lumped commercial and nonprofit cannabis into a single, heavily taxed category. This high tax on donated cannabis halted compassionate giving programs like WFWP’s overnight. The passage of Senate Bill 34, which went into effect on March 1, 2020, now exempts certain cannabis donations from excise, sale, use, and cultivation taxes. This change matters especially for injured and disabled veterans who live on a low, fi xed income. “We were made promises under Prop 64, but all it really did was legalize cannabis for rich owners, doctors, lawyers,” says Kiernan. “But the vast majority of people who need cannabis are poor and working class, and are using the illicit market.” WFWP wants to prevent this by giving away legal, tested cannabis to anyone M AY 2021

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who needs it. “What we’re fighting for now is access,” Kiernan says. “We’re trying to make everyone realize that veterans can’t afford to medicate in the legal market.” “The passage of SB 34 opened the pathway for donations in the legal market,” says Kiernan. And WFWP is taking this work to the next level by launching its own community-funded cannabis products. “It isn’t about the profit. We’re all disabled vets ourselves, and we want to pay it forward,” he says. “Vets come to get cannabis, and they find a family. That’s continued at WFWP to this day.” Those looking to donate to Weed for Warriors Project or support its mission can connect with the founders on social media or at wfwproject.org. Military veterans looking to buy on the legal marketplace can also access big cannabis discounts at Flower Co., a wholesale California cannabis-delivery company. It offers complimentary membership to all U.S. military veterans through FlowerVets.com. This subscription-based membership is usually $119 per year, and this model allows members to access its cannabis catalog at a 30 to 50 percent discount over

traditional dispensaries. Flower Co. was founded to make quality cannabis accessible to those in need, and its scheduled deliveries and membership help make this possible for veterans on a low or fixed income. Flower Co. also financially supports the Veterans Cannabis Group, an organization that advocates for and supports the use of medicinal cannabis to treat the symptoms of combat-related PTSD. Veteran-founded Brands Some veterans, after experiencing benefits from cannabis, have launched their own brands, such as California-based cannabis producer Stiiizy. It was founded by veteran James Kim, who served in the US Army 101st Airborne Division. Like many veterans, he struggled with PTSD after his 13-month deployment to Iraq and found cannabis helped him manage his symptoms and ease his transition back into civilian life. He sought to create products that would help veterans and the public, and Stiiizy has emerged as a leader in the cannabis-lifestyle-brand space. Its proprietary pod system is popular for vaping, and Stiiizy recently teamed up with Weed for Warriors and The Blacklist to launch limited-edi-

tion pod system batteries. One hundred percent of the proceeds from these batteries, which sold out, were donated to Weed for Warriors—raising over $16,000 for the organization. Helmand Valley Growers Company (HVGC) is another California company founded in 2019 by three US Special Operation Raiders: Andy Miears, Bryan Buckley, and Matt Curran, who served following 9/11. The founders are on a mission to end the opioid and suicide epidemic plaguing veterans by exploring the benefits of cannabis and other aid. The HGVC team explains this epidemic on its website: “When the U.S. Military deploys to the combat theater, roughly 60 percent of those deployed will be prescribed opioids upon return to the United States, and

over half will develop a dependency/addiction.” The team observed the suffering of veterans firsthand and took the step to partner with experts in researching medical cannabis. Through this, HGVC’s answer to ending the epidemic became clear: “develop alternate medical solutions for those suffering from pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, sleep disorders, and most critically, are at significant risk of suicide.” All profits from HVGC’s cannabis-distillate products and apparel go to the Battle Brothers Foundation, a charitable organization that funds medical cannabis research and community-based personal development. Give back to our nation’s heroes by patronizing these veteran-run companies and know your purchase is supporting a great cause. M AY 2021

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Cultural Calendar

Celebrate spring at outdoor events and festivals throughout Northern California. TEXT JENNY WILLDEN

As Northern California’s COVID-19 cases drop and businesses begin to reopen, events are slowly but surely returning. If you’re itching for an escape, go support local businesses and celebrate spring at these (mostly) in-person markets, events, and concerts. 44

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Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Davis Farmers Market

Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Ferry Plaza, San Francisco ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

Every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning Central Park, Davis davisfarmersmarket.org

Wednesdays at Winn

Outdoor Bingo Night

Every Wednesday Winn Park, Sacramento wednesdaysatwinn.com

Every Wednesday evening Green River Brewing & Taproom, Winters

New evening market in downtown Sacramento with produce, locally made crafts, and food.

greenriverbrewingandtaproom.com Bring the whole family to this outdoor bingo night at Green River Brewing’s sprawling

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEED AND SOUL CLUB

CALENDAR

THE SCENE CALENDAR

LEFT: SAN FRANCISCO SPRING PLANT SWAP BELOW: UPCYCLE POP: ECO ART MARKET RIGHT: MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND AT BEES N BLOOMS

outdoor park along Putah Creek.

Napa Farmers Market

St. Supery #InJoy At Home Virtual Wine Tastings

Every Saturday City of Napa Parking Lot (1100 West Street), Downtown Napa napafarmersmarket.org

Every Thursday Virtual Event stsupery.com

Blankets & Wine Comedy Every Saturday Golden Gate Park Polo Field, San Francisco eventbrite.com

Upcycle Pop: Eco Art Market Every Saturday Atrium 916, Sacramento atrium916.com

Calistoga Farmers Market Every Saturday Washington Street, Calistoga visitcalistoga.com

Sebastopol Makers Market Every Saturday Sebastopol Plaza, Sebastopol sebastopoldowntown.com

Old Sacramento Waterfront Wheel and Carousel Daily Waterfront Park, Old Sacramento oldsacramento.com

PHOTOS (FROM TOP) COURTESY OF BEES N BLOOMS, UPCYCLE POP

Watch Sacramento eco artists create works from discarded items at this weekly market at the Old Sacramento Waterfront.

Midtown Farmers Market Every Saturday Between J and L Streets, Sacramento exploremidtown.org

The Comedy Edge: Stand-up on the Waterfront May 1 & 8 Rocky’s Market Brooklyn Basin, Oakland

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Laugh the night away at this outdoor comedy event along Oakland’s waterfront. COVID compliant and paired with wine and delicious cuisine.

Downtown Vallejo Farmers Market

Local Love Spring Art Festival

Every Saturday Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo pcfma.org

May 7–16 Terra Gallery, San Francisco musepop.io

San Francisco Spring Plant Swap May 8 South Park, San Francisco seedandsoulclub.org

Share your houseplant hobby at this plant swap event, and enjoy pies, coffee, and good conversation.

Outdoor Grow & BodyProduct-Making Workshop May 8 MACO Event Space, Oakland eventbrite.com

Mother’s Day Weekend at Bees N Blooms May 8–9 Bees N Blooms, Santa Rosa beesnblooms.com

Come pick out a bouquet, enjoy a picnic, walk the labyrinth, or shop at this pop-up Mother’s Day weekend event.

Mother’s Day Pizza & Wine on Floral Workshop the Green May 8 Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg rodneystrong.com

May 16 Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg rodneystrong.com

Sweet Pea’s May Market

Daytime Disco in the Vineyard

May 8 Sweet Pea’s Boutique, Vacaville visitvacaville.com

May 21–23 Charles Krug Winery, St. Helena bluenotenapa.com

Mother’s Day Picnic

Dry Creek Vineyard Sip & Sign Painting

May 9 Garden Valley Ranch, Petaluma gardenvalley.com

Yoga Hike May 15 Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Kenwood sugarloafpark.org

Secret Garden Showcase May 15 Sacramento eventbrite.com

Sunday Brunch in the Vineyards May 16 Hannah Nicole Vineyards & Winery, Brentwood hnvwines.com

May 23 Dry Creek Vineyards, Healdsburg boardsandbottle.com

An Evening with Los Lobos from Blue Note Napa May 28 Charles Krug Winery, St. Helena bluenotenapa.com

CANA-Carnaval San Francisco May 29–30 John O’Connell High School, San Francisco carnavalsanfrancisco.org

M AY 2021

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P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E S O N O M A PAT I E N T G R O U P

Sonoma Patient Group

discounts to low income and disabled people to ensure that they are taken care of. On top of that, the company offers everyday deals and senior discounts. New in the last two years, customers can order ahead or order for delivery. Big changes are planned that will make the experience even better for customers. A brand-new facility is in the works that will be state of the art and will enable Sonoma Patient Group to further meet and exceed its customers’ needs. “Our pride is our customer service; we call it hometown hospitaliedge base is unsurpassed. Staffers ty,” Sugg says. “We try to make people will take the time to discuss what feel welcome.” customers are looking for and the best So, the next time you need any product, products to help. For people just looking head over to the Sonoma Patient Group for a nice high, they can help there too. and let its staff help. You won’t regret it. Founded by John Sugg, a pioneer in the cannabis industry who was active in the mid-nineties in the legalization movement, the business operated as a nonprofit for its first 14 years. Its only focus was helping people discover the healing properties of cannabis. On that point, it offers a variety of programs to help make sure that everyone Sonoma Patient Group can partake in the products that they Dispensary need. The compassion program offers sonomapatientgroup.com

One of the pioneers in the industry also is one of the nicest.

orn in 2003 from an overwhelming desire to help others, the Sonoma Patient Group is the longest permitted dispensary in Sonoma County. From the moment it opened its doors, it has preached and followed the ethos of “patients helping patients.” Nothing is more important to the company than ensuring that it meets every customer’s needs and helps people find the correct products. Because Sonoma Patient Group was a medical dispensary until two years ago, its staff and management are very focused on all the medicinal aspects of cannabis, hemp, and CBD. Its knowl-

M AY 2021

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Green Unicorn Farms Fills the Gap These low-THC flower experts offer trust, quality, and reliability.

reen Unicorn Farms was born at the tail end of 2019 when its fouders saw a gap in the market for a brand that could deliver consistent, quality, affordable CBD hemp flower online to customers all across the US. Green Unicorn searches far and wide for the latest and most popular CBD strains to add to its curated selection. The result is an ever-expanding menu of low-THC flowers to meet the needs of this rapidly growing product category within the CBD industry. For Green Unicorn Farms, education is key, which is why the company goes

the extra mile to provide as much information as possible to help guide its customers’ journeys. Green Unicorn even offers an AI shopper on its website to help first-time buyers find the right products, with the ultimate goal being to help people living as a better version of themselves by offering a wide range of wellness products that can be used from dusk till dawn. The founders of Green Unicorn Farms, Christopher Leonard and Robert Hising, have years of experience helping build and grow brands in the cannabis and CBD space with their agency Cannaverse Solutions.

The insights they have gained from this experience help them navigate the many challenges a new company faces when launching into a competitive marketplace. Green Unicorn Farms doesn’t stop with low-THC flowers though. The company has ambitious goals for the high-THC cannabis market as well. With a fun and approachable brand architecture, the company is currently evaluating potential licensing partners in states such as New York and California. Eventually, the plan is to offer a full-spectrum of cannabis and CBD products that can be found in both regulated and unregulated markets nationwide. In order to give back to the community, Green Unicorn Farms has partnered with Sweetleaf Collective to launch ALTRSM compassion flower. All proceeds from the sale of ALTRSM products through Green Unicorn Farms’ website support the Sweetleaf Collective, which helps low-income terminally ill patients access free medical cannabis.

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THE END

Ferry Building Rising New tenants bring promise to this beleaguered food hall.

San Francisco’s beloved bayside Ferry Building first opened in 1898 as a hub for ferries and trains, but its designation as a dining destination in the early 2000s brought new acclaim to this historic landmark. A darling of the food-hall scene, this once-bustling marketplace has been gutted by the COVID-19 pandemic and San Francisco’s strict shelter-in-place orders. This led to the recent departure of high-profile tenants, in50

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cluding Cowgirl Creamery and its companion Sidewalk Cafe. But this spring, the tide is turning as new vendors sign on to occupy the iconic space. The first is Black-owned, Oakland-based Red Bay Coffee, which is opening in the center of the Ferry Building Marketplace, right next to Book Passage. Red Bay is a leading “fourth wave” coffee shop that is committed to supporting African coffee growers and economic restoration.⁠⁠

Red Bay Coffee’s Ferry Building location will offer brewed coffee made from its roasted coffee beans, specialty drinks, and fresh pastries. It will launch with outdoor seating and takeaway service but plans to offer indoor seating as conditions with the pandemic allow. Camping fans will love SuperStella, a 1989 Volkswagen camper van– based catering operation from Bay Area chef Anthony Strong, which just debuted at the Ferry

Plaza. This private dining room on wheels is “glamping at its finest,” according to Strong, and holds up to four guests for private camping-inspired dinners. Book online up to 90 days in advance. Also, just in time for Mother’s Day, there is a new floral pop-up from Flowers By Romy, a San Francisco floral designer. These new tenants signal renewed hope and a promising path forward for this San Francisco original.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

TEXT JENNY WILLDEN

ONE-HIT WONDERS The joy of the One Hitter

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Area 15’s interactive exhibit

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MAN OF METAL

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Ricardo Breceda’s journey to art

N E VA DA

MICHIGAN

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

MAY 2021

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MIND AT EASE Cannabis through the eyes of fashion’s Armen Gregorian

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IT’S GROW TIME A homegrown Detroiter grows his own.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS Cannabis brands serving vets

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BUILDING BOSTON

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Serving cannabis and community

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How King Soopers changed Boulder

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NORCAL

NEW ENGLAND

C O LO R A D O

MAY 2021

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