Sensi Magazine Massachusetts - Summer 2023 Publication

All the weed you need.

22 The Maine Attraction

Camp Laughing Grass is the state’s first licensed, cannabis-friendly campground.

28 The Bright Lights of Northern Lights

The famed California music festival celebrates its 10th year with a new blend of electronic music and cannabis offerings.

34 Foraging for Magic

Stalking the wild Azzie in the mushroomhunting capital of the Pacific Northwest DEPARTMENTS

11 EDITOR’S NOTE

12 THE BUZZ News, tips, and tidbits to keep you in the loop COUNTERCULTURE CHOCOLATES Midnight Bars’ tasty cannabis treats WEED LICENSE Cannabis license plate auction bene ts disabled community

HIGH TEHC TOKE Looking for new ways to enjoy THC more quickly?

MAKE A WISH The ower- lled birthday candles Birthjays take the cake

BOOMX New retail dispensary is ready to make some noise.

16 THE LIFE

Contributing to your health and happiness

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT Blue River Dispensary opens its doors in Cambridge.

40 THE SCENE

Hot happenings and hip hangouts around town

THE PLACES YOU’LL GO

Whether you’re looking for private parties, social events, or festivals, here is where the state’s growing cannabis crowd hangs out.

50 THE END

The Green Goddess Invitational tees o in Haverhill.

PHOTO BY SARAH GATES PHOTOGRAPHY

EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder ron@sensimag.com

Jamie Cooper President jamie.cooper@sensimag.com

Jade Kolb COO jade@sensimag.com

Jona Patterson Creative Director jona@sensimag.com

PUBLISHING

Tyler Tarr Market Director, Colorado

Jamie Cooper Market Director, Michigan

Richard Guerra Market Director, Massachusetts

Jake Boynton Market Director, Massachusetts

Keely Thornhill Market Director, Oklahoma

EDITORIAL

Matthew Solan Executive Editor Matthew.Solan@sensimag.com

Mike DiPaola Copy Editor Mike.Dipaola@sensimag.com

Elana Frankel National Contributor

Robyn Griggs Lawrence National Contributor

Aaron Bible Contributor, Colorado

Claire Barber Contributor, Colorado

Leland Rucker Contributor, Colorado

Meredith Freed Contributor, Massachusetts

Gretchen VanMonette Contributor, Michigan

Debbie Hall Contributor, Oklahoma

DESIGN

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director jamie@emagency.com

Rheya Tanner Art Director

Wendy Mak Designer

Josh Clark Designer

Andrew Ontko Designer

PRODUCTION

Neil Willis

Production Director & Client Support Specialist

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The summer season holds a special place in

our hearts as it allows us to indulge in our favorite activities. From attending vibrant music festivals to enjoying the serene beauty of beaches and lakes, we relish the opportunity to connect with the great outdoors alongside our cherished cannabis communities, friends, and family.

This particular summer holds even more significance for us as we unveil our exciting new programs in every market we serve. Since 2020, we have been compelled to re-evaluate our business and adapt to changing circumstances.

In late 2020, we transitioned to a digital platform. However, by the summer of 2021, our partners expressed a desire for tangible magazines they could hold in their hands. As a result, we introduced four regional magazines (Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Oklahoma) and organized four events: two Sensi Nights and two Sensi Connects. These programs continued successfully throughout the year until a new opportunity presented itself.

FACEBOOK

Like Sensi Media Group to infuse your newsfeed with more of our great cannabis lifestyle content.

TWITTER

Follow @sensimag for need-to-know news and views from Sensi headquarters.

Recognizing the value of facilitating connections between buyers and brands, we initiated curated events held eight times a year across the states we serve. These intimate gatherings focus on driving revenue and cultivating stronger relationships between buyers and brands at a statewide level.

We are delighted to welcome two exceptional leaders to our Senior Leadership team to further enhance our operations. Jamie Cooper, who currently spearheads our Michigan market, has assumed the role of president and will oversee our marketing, content, and production departments. Meanwhile, Jade Kolb has assumed the position of chief operating officer (COO) and has remarkably transformed our systems and programs within a matter of months. Their invaluable perspectives contribute to our leadership team, ensuring immediate and meaningful impact.

Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website alongside this latest issue. We invite you to visit SensiMag.com and explore the remarkable digital programs that will emerge from this innovative platform.

INSTAGRAM

Pretty things, pretty places, pretty awesome people: nd it all on @sensimagazine

Within this issue, you will discover captivating stories around cannabis-focused events and summer tourism, such as foraging for mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest and a rundown on the best private parties and festivals in Massachusetts.

Happy Summer, Sensi Readers!

This particular summer holds even more significance for us as we unveil our exciting new programs in every market we serve.

Counterculture Chocolates

In a world of bland, cardboard-tasting supermarket chocolates, why not treat your tastebuds to artisan chocolate cannabis bars and discs from Midnight Bars?

There are 14 combinations to select from, each handcrafted in small batches. Try their traditional creamy milk chocolate or indulge in one of their more unique flavors. The Key Lime Pie white chocolate and S’mores are popular, while the seasonal Pumpkin Spice and Strawberry-Lemonade milk chocolates must be tried to be believed. The line also includes

dark chocolate and two sugar-free options. Each bar has 200 mg of THC, conveniently scored for portion control.

Try one of their Full Moon bites for a smaller portion with maximum dosage. Made with the same high-quality ingredients and THC, these chocolate discs are packed with 200 mg of THC and come in various flavors — Thin Mint, Strawberry Milkshake, and Orange Chocolate — as well as sugar-free versions.

Midnight Bars and Full Moons were created by grower Jacob

Greba, winner of 12 High Times awards, and produced and distributed through a partnership with Highway Horticulture.

— Gretchen VanMonette

Satisfy your sweet tooth and pick up a Midnight Bar or a couple Full Moon bites from the candy counter at your favorite dispensary or visit

W33D L1C3N53

Cannabis license plate auction bene ts disabled community

As if your standard green Colorado license plate doesn’t already say what it needs to say, you can up your chances of getting pulled over out of state with these new, fundraising MJ-themed license plates.

Last month, the state held its third annual cannabis-themed license plate auction, allowing fans to rep con gurations such as “DANK,” the creative “FRTWNTY,” and simply “MJ” on their whips. Proceeds support Colorado’s disabled community through the Colorado Disability Funding Committee, raising more than $40,000 yearly since its inception. Last year the plate con guration “420” went for $10,000.

The 2023 auction wrapped up at the end of April. Now you’ll see the unique personalized plates around town, or winners can purchase a novelty plate for display in their home or o ce while retaining the rights to the unique wording.

But cannabis isn’t the only star of this unique fundraising show. Star Wars-themed plates spelling out “ANAKIN,” “OBIWAN,” and “CHEWY” were also auctioned o , along with plates commemorating the long-anticipated re-opening of Casa Bonita (the cli diving-themed Mexican restaurant), purchased in 2021 by Matt Stone and Trey Parker of South Park fame.

Others may opt for something classic yet low-key: the original “greenie” plate background, used from 1962 to 1999, whose purchase also goes to support the state’s disability funding committee. — Aaron Bible

BY THE NUMBERS

46.2 PERCENT

Percentage of cannabis sales from millennial consumers (people born between 1981 and 1996); Next is Generation X (born between the mid1960s and 1980) at 23.9%; Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2010) at 16.8%; and Bab Boomers (born between 1946 and the mid-1960s) at 13.1%.

SOURCE: Headset Demographics Report 2023

0.5

Amount of every dollar spent in the U.S. on cannabis topical products during the rst two months of 2023 that came from female consumers.

SOURCE: Headset Demographics Report 2023

HIGH TeHC TOKE

Looking for new ways to enjoy THC more quickly? This product line has you covered.

Their next generation of products springs from a proprietary technology that improves the way THC and other cannabinoids enter the body. The 28 global patents provide fast and accurate dosing, allowing a discreet high with an average onset time of 15 minutes.

Take High TeHC’s versatile Elev8 powder, for example. Scooping out five milligrams of the lightly honeyed-flavored powder at a time adds a healthy dose of THC to anything, with no weed taste. The DeHydr8 food science team has seen Elev8 dosed in mocktails, soda, salad dressing, BBQ sauce, ice cream, or just dropped on the tongue. “As a beverage enhancer, it’s a way to enjoy the social aspect of drinking without the alcohol,” says DeHydr8 founder Todd Webber. “You can still be the life of the party, but without a hangover.”

HIGH TeHC also offers naturally sweetened, vegan, and gluten-free gummies known as the TeHC Stack by HIGH TeHC. They are already racking up rave reviews for their beneficial ingredients, great taste, and quick onset. Coming soon to retail shelves is their Tic TeHCs (think Tic Tacs) featuring flavors like Mellow Melon, Lemon Haze, Vanilla Mint, and Grape. These dissolving treats provide a quick, predictable microdose of 2.5 mg of THC per piece, allowing anyone to find the best dose to fit their lifestyle. “We’re finding that many users are looking to microdose, not get blown out of their minds. Weekday enjoyment is often different from weekend use,” says Webber. — GV

PHOTOS FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF @GOVOFCO TWITTER; DEHYDR8

M A K E A W I S H

Michael Scherr of Higher Celebrations has partnered with Northeast Alternatives in Fall River to exclusively debut NEA award-winning flower-filled birthday candles called BirthJays, to Massachusetts consumers and adult visitors.

The cannabis business is often fostered through relationships. Scherr’s long-time friend Hillary King, NEA’s director of wholesale, approached him with the idea of bringing his wellknown novelty cones to the Massachusetts market filled with NEA’s highly awarded, cultivated flower.

BirthJays are now available in various strains, giving consumers options to elevate their celebrations. The current offerings are Zsweet Inzanity, Tropsanto #7, Runtz OG, and Girl Scout Cookies, but they may change as new and different strains are harvested. BirthJays can be used to celebrate America's birthday, July 4th, or any other reason to blow out a candle and then burn that candle down with your companions. BirthJays have been seen celebrating with Snoop Dogg, Tommy Chong, NBA’s Kevin Durant, Afroman, and more.

In June, NEA and Higher Celebrations launched their new PrideJays, exclusively available at the Northeast Alternatives Fall River location, to celebrate Pride Month. A portion of the proceeds ($.50) from each PrideJay purchased was donated to the Boston chapter of the nonprofit Gay 4 Good, which mobilizes LGBTQ+ and allies to promote diversity, foster inclusion, and promote LGBTQ+ visibility.

See birthjays.com.

— Meredith Freed

BoomX Marks its Spot

Shirley, Massachusetts' sole recreational adult-use retail dispensary opened its doors to the public in March 2023. BoomX, a local Massachusetts family business co-founded and led by COO Kristin Bowles, followed the family tradition of building a strong foundation for an inclusive cannabis experience.

Kristin partners with her two brothers, Mike and Anthony Cardillo, and her father, Tony Cardillo. The family has owned and operated a construction company, A. Cardillo and Sons, Inc., for 75 years, and the name, BoomX, pays homage to this history and Kristin’s grandfather, fondly known as Red. The dispensary had its soft opening on March 1 and is co-located with a provisionally licensed tier-3 cultivation space. BoomX has also begun working on a second retail location in Waltham.

This six-year journey began with purchasing the property in 2016, followed by the Host Community Agreement and licensing process in 2019. The opening of their agship store features local brands, including Heirloom Collective, Ocean Breeze, Good Chemistry, Treeworks, Fernway, River Run Gardens, ComCann, Wellman Farm, Yanma (Blackstone Valley Naturals), and more.

BoomX is also inspired by the family in another way. Kristin's son was born profoundly deaf, so the sta receives training in American Sign Language for hearing-impaired clientele from Matt Maxey of Dea nitely Dope and Framingham's Learning Center for the Deaf. — MF Visit boomxcannabis.com.

PHOTOS FROM LEFT STORY: COURTESY OF BIRTHJAYS; BOOMX

A River Runs Through It

Blue River Dispensary opens its doors in Cambridge.

TEXT

Blue River Dispensary

opened its flagship adult retail farm-to-table dispensary in March 2023. This majority women-owned social equity company features Blue River’s solventless, highend products and carefully curated local-partner offerings.

The Blue River retail adult-use dispensary is co-founded and led by Jessica Pelletier (chief executive officer), Shanel Lindsay (executive director), and Michael Latulippe (director of business development). The trio have known each other for at least a decade, consider each

other family, and are determined to make their business vision a reality in Cambridge.

Blue River is flowing in the right direction if initial sales are any indication.

In their fi rst seven weeks, Blue River has found that concentrates and vape product sales were almost equal to flower, even as the statewide trend heavily favors flower sales. These numbers indicate the highly sought, trail-blazing concentrates featuring top-shelf choices for the cannabis consumer.

“We collaborate with exceptional growers in

Holyoke to create these concentrates and extractions,” says Tony Verzura, Blue River’s chief product and marketing officer.

What’s in Store

Blue River continues to ignite the Massachusetts market with exciting new adult consumption products. The leading-edge, vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, alcohol-free, nut-free (pretty much everything-free, except the cannabis) water-soluble rosin capsules are an easy way to consume cannabis without calories, prep, or clean-up.

The capsules can be pulled apart for sublingual consumption with considerably less wait time than an edible, which relies on the body’s metabolism to activate the effects. The powder disappears in less than 30 seconds with no aftertaste or grainy residuals.

If a sublingual administration isn’t for you, adding it to any edible or beverage or just swallowing the pill will deliver the same benefits with a bit of a delay, as with all edibles, but the nanotechnology secures a swifter onset. Once this product catches on,

expect it to fly off the shelves for those seeking a discreet and easy way to consume a reliable 5-milligram dose with no odor, prep, or cleanup necessary.

The newly released Rosin Popping Boba is even more exciting than the rosin capsules. For this collaboration, Verzura teamed up with Scott Van Rixel, a chocolatier and European-trained chef by trade, to bring Van Rixel’s idea of infused live rosin boba to fruition. Choose between Salted Caramel, Java

Cold Brew, Grape Berry Bliss, Cherry Sarsaparilla, and Passion Fruit – or try them all to discover your favorite flavor.

“Each single-serve 5-mg-dose pouch comes with a convenient oversized straw for direct consumption,” says Verzura. Also included are ideas for complimentary mixers, printed on the packaging: add it to lemonade, coffee, or tea, for example, or pour it over dessert. Due to nanotechnology, Rosin Popping Boba delivers a delicious, uplifting ex-

perience with shorter onset wait times.

Verzura’s innovation and knowledge shine through with his signature, small batch, solventless, “super-concentrate” extracts Flan and Torrone. Torrone features a proprietary blend derived from Blue River’s signature live rosin, fresh press, and solventless diamonds with the highest purification standards for the ultimate cannabis connoisseur.

Verzura’s favorite small-batch, Flan, is an

innovative deconstructed live rosin offering the consumer a unique, euphoric experience. These pure super-concentrates are raising industry standards for quality and affordability with each special batch.

Get Them Now

While more collaborations and batches are in the works, you’ll likely never get to try it again if you miss one. Changing up strains is an essential defense for seasoned consumers to help counter any tolerance

“We collaborate with exceptional growers in Holyoke to create these concentrates and extractions.”

—Tony Verzura, Blue River’s chief product and marketing o cer

PUBLIC RELATIONS CANNABIS

built up from consuming one strain for too long— much like changing up exercise routines to awaken new muscles— and is part of the reasoning for creating these consecutive small-batch concentrates. Much like the niche of the craft brew industry, smallbatch releases offer patrons exclusive experiences with one-of-a-kind products.

The retail menu showcases Blue River’s signature top shelf products along with local partners like Betty’s Eddies, Harbor House Collective, Local Roots, Nature’s Heritage, and more. Each partner is hand selected to offer

thoughtfully curated and affordable options in the adult-use market.

In keeping with the company’s social equity roots, 15 percent of shelf space is designated to feature social equity and economic empowerment companies. Blue River retail also highlights products and accessories from Puff Co, Salem-based glass-blowing business Witch DR, and Ardent appliances. Verzura’s vision of bringing the most affordable, organic concentrates and solventless extracts to a loyal customer base has materialized. It is gaining ground daily, developing and fostering an engaged, sup-

portive community. You can see the support of people around the city and neighboring towns sporting the available merchandise advertising “TERP DEPT” or the recognizable blue lotus on their gear.

Massachusetts’ cannabis industry is booming, and Blue River is a proud pioneer of innovative cannabis concentrates and solventless

extractions, in addition to their community leadership as a majority woman-owned, social equity business. A second store is expected to open in Somerville mid to late summer, so be on the lookout for this much-anticipated addition to the Blue River portfolio.

To stay on top of the latest news, check out www.blueriverterps.com for more information.

THE MAINE

Camp Laughing Grass is the state’s rst licensed, cannabis-friendly campground where everyone can nd something they like.

TEXT ELANA FRANKEL

Late last spring, my husband walked into my home office and said he wanted to go camping for three nights in Maine. I had spent years trying to talk him into pitching a tent in a forest, on a beach, by a lake, or near a mountain, but the cityborn-and-bred, 6’3” man always

was a firm, “No.” So his invitation was a surprising turn.

“But this isn’t really camping camping,” he said. “The tent is already set up, and there’s a Queensized bed with sheets and pillows. We cook outside, and there’s a bathhouse with toilets, sinks, and showers. It’s deep in the woods, by

ATTRACTION

the Crooked River. There are swimming, kayaking, canoes, and hiking trails. And Maine is soooo gorgeous.

“Oh, and one more thing,” he added. “It’s the only state-licensed, cannabis-friendly campground in the country, and they have a 4:20 happy hour daily.”

I was all in.

And so it was six weeks later that we found ourselves rambling down a rocky pathway to a spot called Dark Star, where we would hunker down in a tent in Harrison, Maine, listening to the rainfall (romantic) and hearing owls hoo-hoo-ing in nearby trees (nature). A breeze moved through

the tent, and we were tired from floating in the river and tasting new local strains at the campground happy hour.

There is something magical and serene about spending time outdoors, off the grid, but even more so when there is the freedom to inhale. Whenever you want. With-

out judgment. Without fear. With a like-minded community.

And there’s nothing more poetic than a symphony of coughing to break the night’s silence.

“I love hearing people’s stories,” says Trinity Madison, who founded Camp Laughing Grass four years ago. “And knowing they had fun.”

The Backwoods Backstory

Maine legalized adult use and retail sale in 2016. After purchasing the 17-acre site in 2019, Madison decided to open a 21+ cannabis-friendly campground for storytelling, sharing, and smoking.

But it wouldn’t be cannabis without a pivot, and this coming summer is one for the history books.

Towards the end of last year’s season, Ryan, the founding groundskeeper, died in a motorcycle accident. A vital part of the Camp Laughing Grass vibe, Ryan was the first person you met when you arrived, the first person you called when you ran out of toilet paper or needed firewood, and the first person you asked about local growers. And he was the last

person to wave goodbye as you left. Ryan’s impact can still be felt in the campground as each site’s turndown service is adorned with his trademark mini weed-leaf soap.

Then earlier this year, after a TikTok video went viral, the campground sold out for the season. The five glamping sites and five cabins were booked, but Mother Nature had other plans.

“A storm wiped out the paths, and now the river runs right through the campground,” says Madison.

Madison rearranged the glamping sites to accommodate the guests coming this summer from a range of states and countries. She added a converted mini bus

wired for electricity and running water. She received permission from the town, which has always supported the business since day one, to build an A-frame structure with an indoor/outdoor space for a private hot tub.

A Booming Destination

Cannabis tourism is evolving and has become a $17 billion industry, according to Forbes data. However, while Maine’s 12 state park campgrounds, Acadia National Park, and approximately 200 licensed campgrounds are excellent camping options, only Camp Laughing Grass discourages alcohol and tobacco and encourages cannabis.

CANNABIS CAMPING ETIQUETTE

Be respectful. Always. To people and the plant. Leave no trace. No one wants to see blunt butts on the trail or near their tent.

Be mindful of heat, from camp res and roaches. Bring extra water Dehydration and cotton mouth are not a fun combination.

Know your way home Finding your way in the dark is one thing, but nding your way in the dark while high is another.

TRIFECTA RELAX CBN VAPE CARTRIDGE

The Trifecta Relax is the first product in Massachusetts to utilize rare and minor cannabinoids sourced from MA Certified Industrial Hemp. This unique broad spectrum formulation boasts a healthy CBN dosage to ease you into a relaxing evening. Full panel tested and ready for both retail and wholesale. Processed and manufactured in accordance with all MA state laws and ready for your dispensary or retail shelves.

100% Sourced from Mass Certified Industrial Hemp

During our stay, we met people from every age and stage—a group of local, single mothers who needed a break from the day-today; friends who love to camp and smoke; couples of all kinds; and a mother and her son who just got out of rehab and was trying CBD dominant cannabis to keep him off the hard stuff.

The social aspect of Camp Laughing Grass—smoking and sharing stories—bonds campers and sets it apart from other campgrounds.

People like Trinity Madison herself. Not only is she the owner and proprietor of Camp Laughing Grass, but Madison is also its heart and soul. She is knowledgeable, funny, and makes everyone feel at home—and safe. It’s the cannabis community you’ve always wanted to be a part of. And maybe, (just maybe) the rumors of Madison franchising the campground will soon bring cannabis, camping, and community to your state.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

WHAT YOU GET

Each site has access to a re pit, bathhouse, picnic tables, hiking and biking trails, and kayaks and canoes. Glamping sites and cabins range from $119 to $139 per night, while traditional tent sites can be reserved at $59 per night. The converted bus and A-frame are priced upon request. Continental breakfast is included.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Pondicherry Park at Depot St, Bridgton, includes 66 acres of woodlands and streams in the heart of Bridgton and a 2.3-mile trail network from easy to moderate.

Bridgton Books at 140 Main St, Bridgton. An independent bookstore in the area since 1993. Sells new and used.

The Village Tie Up at 29 Main Street in Harrison. If you want an incredible egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich on the way in or out of the camp friendly tip: don’t ask for it on a roll. It’s a Kaiser.

THE LOCAL SCENE

Every afternoon, the 4:20 Weedchuterie board features samples from local retailers, including High Rollers, Crystal Springs, High Tide Edibles, Sticky Bud Farms, Baked Bliss, GRE (Golden Remedy Edibles), and Paul’s Boutique, and Smokies

OWNER TRINITY MADISON’S PICKS:

• Deliveries from Crystal Springs and High Rollers

• Favorite edible: Highbrow hash rosin fruit punch

• Favorite supplier of hash rosin: Cure Cannabis Co. “I just smoke hash rosin; they always have the biggest selection.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elana Frankel is a writer, creative director, and filmmaker.

The famed California music festival celebrates its 10th year with a new blend of electronic music and cannabis o erings.

TEXT MATTHEW SOLAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NORTHERN NIGHTS

The Northern Nights Music Festival—that rare offering of electronic music, cannabis, art, wellness, and glamping—will celebrate its 10th anniversary July 14 to 16 at Cook’s Valley Campground in Piercy, a two-hour drive north of the Bay Area.

An estimated 5,000-plus festival goers are expected to gather in the bend of the Eel River in Humboldt County in the heart of Northern California’s Emerald Triangle.

In business, location is everything, and that’s true for the festival business. “The Cook’s Valley Camp-

ground has hosted Northern Nights every year, and people look forward to getting away from everything for a few days,” say co-founders Matty Roberts and Andrew Borgelt.

CANNABIS CULTURE

Northern Nights have long been a pioneer in marrying cannabis with electronic music. In 2019 when recreational cannabis was legalized in California, Northern Nights became the first overnight camping music festival to sell cannabis on-site. “When cannabis became legal, we knew we had to incorporate it into the festival,” say Roberts and Borgelt.

Last year they upped their commitment a notch by posting dispensaries at multiple stages so people could enjoy the tunes while enjoying their weed. “This year, we plan to expand Northern Nights’ reputation as an integrated cannabis experience and offer cannabis sales throughout the event,” say Roberts and Borgelt.

To celebrate its milestone birthday, Northern Nights will also be the first festival to develop its own in-house cannabis strain, in collaboration with Humboldt Seed Company. Seeds will be available on-site for personal and commercial sales.

HIGH

QUALITY AFFORDABLE

ACCESSORIES

AS STYLISH AS YOU

The festival’s popular Tree Lounge returns with a new central location, featuring cannabis sales and live music. It will be the only place people can consume the specialized strain.

Other cannabis vendors and businesses who will be on-site include Weedmaps, Embarc Events, Cvalt, and One Log House. There will also be festival-wide cannabis experiences curated by Royal Blunts, Arcata Fire, Boonville Farm, and others. Local cannabis farms will also be on hand to highlight their services, share their stories, and support other local farmers and small businesses looking to pursue cannabis.

MUSICAL GUESTS

But the festival organizers point out that it’s always music first and cannabis second. This year’s lineup will showcase a blend of top electronic musicians and up-and-coming local talent. Scheduled to perform are Belgian drum-and-bass

veteran Netsky, Tokimonsta, Big Gigantic, G Jones, and Dr. Fresch.

Other performers include Coco & Breezy, Daily Bread, Elephant Heart, Leigh Jones, MiMOSA, High Step Society, Megan Hamilton, Forester, and TruthLive.

California-grown talent includes Santa Cruz-based KR3TURE and San Diego’s Casmalia.

“With a touch of funk and soul, there’s something to scratch everyone’s musical itch,” say Roberts and Borgelt. “Every year, we send patrons a questionnaire to see what music they are excited about and who they want to see.”

Don’t be surprised if some festival acts soon appear in sold-out arenas. “We’ve had many bands play here, and within a few years, they have moved up to the national stage,” say Roberts and Borgelt.

This year, seven stages will be in action, including the River Stage, which allows guests to float in the Eel River while watching performances; the Grove Stage,

curtained in redwoods; and the Bunker Stage, for those in a party mood. Fans can also get a good view of performers while hanging out in the Tree Lounge.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

The festival is not all music and weed. Organizers have also announced the Movement & Wellness phase-one lineup in collaboration with Movement Makers, which includes breathwork practices, sound healing experiences, primal movement, exploratory dance, community education circles, live music, arts integration, yoga classes, and a cacao ceremony.

For people wanting to make an entire weekend of it, Anywhere Outpost Glamping tents are available. The luxury setup includes furnished bedroom tents, lounge tents, air-conditioned restrooms with flushing toilets, exclusive hot outdoor showers, and a complimentary beverage bar. Northern Nights is an 18-and-older event.

Stalking the wild Azzie in the mushroomhunting capital of the Paci c Northwest

TEXT ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE PHOTOS LEAH D’AMBROSIO

FORAGING FOR

EXPERIENCE LIVE RESIN

1ST PLACE & BEST IN SHOW — SOLVENT CONCENTRATE AVAILABLE AT AYR CANNABIS DISPENSARIES

hazeconcentrates

This product has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery while under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The intoxicating effects of edible products may be delayed 2 hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

Chef Sebastian Carosi, one of the first and finest farm-to-fork pioneers and a virtuoso cannabis chef, offered to teach me how to stalk the wild Azzie. “There really is no better experience with anything psilocybin-related than picking your own,” he told me. “You can actually go find your own psilocybin in the wild, beyond a government-sanctioned organic label, and that in itself is part of the therapeutic effect.”

Carosi describes himself this way: “Imagine James Beard and Salvador Dali have a ’70s baby … raised by Alice Waters and Jack Kerouac … babysat by Jack Herer and Julia Child,” a chef who makes “organic, plant-heavy American truck-stop cuisine served on white tablecloths.” He’s a master forager and a heck of a lot of fun to hang out with, and the opportunity to learn the art of the hunt from him in the mushroom capital of the Pacific Northwest was far too good to pass up. He didn’t have to ask twice.

I wrapped myself in layers of North Face, laced up my Sorels, and joined Carosi; his wife, Car-

la Asquith; and my friend Leah D’Ambrosio—along with dozens of other hunters who descend on Long Beach, Washington, every fall in cold, wet pursuit of the shroom. (In Long Beach, they say, first come the rains, then the Azzies, then the Winnebagos).

Long Beach is a 28-mile-long peninsula along the southwest coast of Washington where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Warm and wet, it’s a forager’s paradise. The shores are rich with clams, oysters, and crab; wild berry bushes and dense mycelial mats cling to the sandy soil. James Beard made a home and restaurant here, and mycology guru Paul Stamets lives just up the road. Fungi is plentiful, from beefy King Boletes, otherwise known as porcini—which you’ll pay a fortune for at the market, if you can find them—to crunchy, tasty Lactarius deliciosus. Amanita muscaria, or Fly Agaric, with its iconic red cap and white spots, makes for great pics but shouldn’t be eaten.

But, let’s be honest, it’s the Azzies that draw the crowds. Long Beach is legendary for its bounty of the little shrooms, also known as flying saucers, beloved for being the most psilocybin-dense mushrooms on the planet. “Discovered” in 1979 by Boy Scouts camping near the mouth of the Columbia River, just over the bridge in Oregon, Azzies were formally named Psilocybe azurescens by none other than Stamets, whose son is named Azureus for the color of bruised psilocybin.

“Simply blowing on the fibrils of the stem of this purple-brown spored mushroom causes the fibrils to turn bluish with an azure

color, hence its name,” Stamets writes on Instagram. “Psilocybin dephosphorylates into psilocin, then further degrades into an associated blue compound. The more bluish bruising, the more potent this mushroom once was.”

These are the mushrooms Stamets took Michael Pollan to find— likely in the same spots we covered with Carosi—the ones Pollan wrote about tripping on in his best-selling book How to Change Your Mind. When you eat them, according to Psilopedia, a nonprofit educational center and encyclopedia, Azzies “produce intense visual hallucination, profound journeys into alternate realms of consciousness, and more rarely induce temporary paralysis.”

For Carosi, Azzies are good medicine. When he was 17, he was sentenced to seven years for a cannabis charge, and the mushrooms cut through his prison PTSD like nothing else. That he could return to prison for gathering his medicine was not lost on any of us as we searched for it. Picking Azzies is a Class A felony in the United States and the state of Washington. Under the 1971 US Controlled Substances Act, psilocybin and psilocin are listed alongside heroin as Schedule I drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

It’s hard to get my mind around this. In Denver, we voted to decriminalize psilocybin in 2019, and it seems like everyone’s casually doing mushrooms, in micro and macro doses. In January 2023, Oregon—a stone’s throw from Long Beach—became the first state to legalize the adult use of psilocybin.

Mushrooms show extraordinary promise for many of the mental

When you eat magic mushrooms, your body turns the psilocybin in them into psilocin, which binds with serotonin receptors in the brain that regulate cognition, memory, mood, and perception. Psilocin stimulates the visual cortex while muting the region of the brain responsible for our sense of self, or ego.

MUSHROOM MAGIC

health issues that intensified during the pandemic—particularly depression—and they’re losing their stigma under the gaze of celebrities like Pollan and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Still, we had to be aware. Rangers looking to harass dune-pickers patrol the state parks ringing Long Beach, and I couldn’t stop checking the horizon for them when I should have been scouring the thick wet grass for little caramel-colored, nippled caps with purple spores. That might be why we weren’t all that successful. Again and again, D’Ambrosio and I called out that we’d found a patch of Azzies, only to be told they were galerinas, poisonous mushrooms that look like Azzies but have rust brown spores and appear to be far

more prevalent. I’m not sure I ever got my “mushroom eyes,” and fear of arrest didn’t help my flow. We—or really, Asquith—found a mere handful of Azzies. Late in the day, as the rain came down in relentless sheets, I was kneeling under a clump of shore pines when Asquith told me to look to my left. Two little brown mushrooms and a couple of pins (babies) were nestled together in a cluster in the grass. When I picked them— gently, so I wouldn’t damage the mycelium below—the white stems immediately turned blue in the palm of my hand.

TIPS FOR HAPPY HUNTING

• WEAR SEVERAL LAYERS of warm, waterproof clothes. Good gear makes for good days.

• BRING A POCKET KNIFE to get a clean cut of the mushrooms at the base (though it’s possible to pick them by hand) and a mesh bag or basket that allows the mushroom spores to fall to the ground and repopulate as you walk the dunes.

• DON’T DISTURB THE UNDERGROUND ROOT SYSTEM anymore than you need to when you’re harvesting.

• ALWAYS LEAVE SOME BEHIND Even if you get lucky and nd a whole colony, don’t pick them all.

• TAKE FIELD NOTES about the habitat, how the mushrooms are growing, and where you nd mushrooms. Make sure to visit the site again because mushrooms often return to the same spots year after year.

• DRY YOUR MUSHROOMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. mushrooms are 90 to 95 percent water and should be dried immediately to retain their potency. They can be air-dried for two or three days, or you can pop them in a dehydrator to speed up the process.

had penetrated all our layers, even the waterproof ones.

We called it a day, a successful one, and headed back to town for much-needed cups of hot tea and bowls of clam chowder. Carosi surmised we may have been about five days too early for the best pickings, and that was fine. We experienced the thrill of finding our own medicine—just enough of a taste to make me want to try again next year.

Update: In May 2023, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the Washington Psilocybin Services Act, which lays the foundation for implementing the legalized use of psilocybin therapy. However, it may be years before the general

PHOTO BY SARAH GATES PHOTOGRAPHY

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Whether you’re looking for private parties, social events, or festivals, here is where the state’s growing cannabis crowd hangs out.

Traveling in Massachusetts this summer has no shortage of options for cannabis shopping. With more than 200 retail dispensaries now open, people are seeking places to consume beyond their private residences. With social consumption regulations still unknown, private parties and events are popping up all across the Bay State. No doubt more will be announced as summer continues. But this listing will help you enjoy cannabis and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Summit Lounge in Worcester. This is the first private consumption space to open in Massachusetts. Located in the center of the state in the can-

nabis-friendly city of Worcester, the Summit Lounge offers three membership levels: daily at $10, monthly at $20, or yearly at $200. Check their website for upcoming events, including puff-n-paint night, bingo, trivia, rolling competitions, and more.

See thesummitlounge.com.

Fireseed Arts in Framingham. This emerging private space creates an entertaining art atmosphere with decorated instruments lining the walls alongside paintings, custom furniture, posters, and sculptures. With a speakeasy feel, it is a popular booking destination for private events, dinners, and launch parties. Occasionally,

TEXT MEREDITH FREED

“Stem Presents: The Green Goddess Invitational” at the Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill MA.

these private parties offer tickets to the public, so keep an eye out on social media and ticketing sites like Eventbrite. Private events are often invite-only and not always easy to discover before the event happens. But if you want to support this beautiful space, check out fireseedartstudios.com and shop for custom rolling trays, cutting boards, musical instruments, custom furniture, and more.

The People’s Congregation of Shakers and Movers in Weymouth.

Originally founded in Waterboro, Maine, and now providing a physical education and resource center in Weymouth, PCS&M takes on a spiritual approach with cannabis and plant medicine,

also will be available virtually and can be found on Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram. Other member session opportunities include meditation, paint parties, and sound healing. Dedicated congregants embrace this lifestyle choice for connection, healing, spirit rejuvenation, and wellness. This 501(c)(3) benevolent charity offers collaborations with high priestesses for ceremonies, including weddings and funerals. Check out pcsam.org for more information.

offering members an integrated experience for the body, mind, and soul. Three weekly services are led by a PCS&M Guide: Breathwork Tuesdays, Yoga Wednesdays, and Integrated Recovery Practices on Friday featuring yoga, breathwork, and other self-care experiences. Resuming in the fall, will be Soul Saturdays, featuring a DJ at noon. Some sessions

Irie Bliss Bus in Weymouth. This venue operated by the PCS&M offers 420 friendly experiences for private parties, pop ups, and other events in the Commonwealth and is available for rent to bring the PCS&M experience directly to you. Check out theblissbus.com for more information.

Diaspora Experiences

in Harvard Square, Cambridge. This brand-new 21-and-older private club has made a splash in the cannabis scene with yoga classes, private dining experiences, and private events featuring musicians, performance artists, and comedians. Follow them on Instagram (@diaspora_exp) for opportunities to join this grassroots venue.

CURRENT EVENTS

Massachusetts also has some epic events planned in the coming months.

Sensi Sessions at Electric Haze, Worcester.

The last Tuesday of every month through September will feature the Sensi All-Stars, special guests, and sponsors. Electric Haze is a hookah bar and live-music lounge known for creating memorable experiences. Their partnership with Sensi and other sponsors for these free, monthly concerts is sure to draw cannabis enthusiasts of all kinds for high vibes and good times. More details at thehaze.com.

STEM, Haverhill. Caroline Pinneau, CEO and Owner of Haverhill’s downtown adult-use retail dispensary, has been sharing her excitement for the industry with

Top: Fireseed Arts in Framingham creates an atmosphere that blends music and art with a speakeasy feel.

Below: The Bliss Bus offers spirituality-themed activities for private parties and local events. PHOTOS TOP: COURTESY OF FIRESEED ARTS; RIGHT: COURTESY OF PCS&M

don’t-miss events that help foster a compassionate community. The recent inaugural Bong and Pong Tournament raised $16,000 for YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts and was a big hit. Pinneau recently announced STEM will sponsor the cannabis-themed Green Goddess Invitational golf tournament on Sept. 11 in Haverhill, created and curated by women.

Visit stemhaverhill.com.

Terptown Throwdown. Slated for Aug. 18-19 at the Spencer Fairgrounds in Spencer, this music and arts festival is a refreshing space where cultivators

embrace the opportunity to show off their creativity and expertise. A unique and exciting aspect of this festival are the Homegrown Cannabis Awards. Terptown Throwdown supports and uplifts Massachusetts’ home growers, caregivers, and cultivators. Find more information at terptownthrowdownfestival.com.

TeeHC Open.

Set for Sept. 9, this highly anticipated, exclusive golf event for cannabis industry professionals, leaders, and staff is sponsored by Sensi Media, Joint Venture Company, and others. Visit teehcopen.com for more information.

are minimal ($100 fi ne and/or confiscation), and attendees can choose to consume at their own risk. Massachusetts law allows adults to possess up to one ounce of cannabis in public. So help end the stigma by flaunting your flower with thousands of others. Learn more at masscann.org/ boston-freedom-rally.

Boston Common Annual Freedom Rally.

For the 34th time the longest-running cannabis rally in Massachusetts will occur in the Boston Common this September. With roots in civil disobedience to destigmatize and advocate for cannabis equity and legalization, this well-attended event features an education village, performance stages, guest speakers, vendors, and cannabis enthusiasts converging near the State House steps. While public consumption is technically still illegal in Massachusetts, the consequences

Boston Cannabis Week. Celebrating its fi fth year, Boston Cannabis Week (Sept. 18-24) offers programming for the cannabis community featuring events for professionals and the canna-curious alike. The schedule will celebrate culture, sports, education, arts, wellness, and community. Visit bostoncannabisweek.com for up-to-date information.

HighLifeStyle Show.

This second annual event, set for Sept. 22-24 in Boxborough, invites ticket holders to bring their own cannabis (BYOC) to the resort hotel conference featuring a myriad of vendors, cultivators, dispensaries, brands, lifestyle products, and accessories. The event features live music, comedy, artists, and art installations, plus educational resources for everyone to enjoy.

Visit highlifestyleshow.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To nd other upcoming cannabis places and events, subscribe to the blog Jason’s High Lights (jasonshighlights.com). Searching for events on Eventbrite.com and using hashtags like #massachusetts and #cannabis is another helpful resource.

The Terptown Throwdown arts and music festival supports home growers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERPTOWN THROWDOWN

REBELLE

@REBELLE

/ @REBELLEDISPENSARY2.0 / LETSREBELLE.COM

Rebelle is a vertically integrated cannabis company founded by Charlotte Hanna in 2019. We have a retail store in Great Barrington, opened in 2020, and a cultivation facility housed in a renovated 100-year-old warehouse in Northampton. Our Director of Cultivation, Mike Ronnie, met Charlotte in spring 2018, and in summer 2019, he and his family packed up and moved from

the Lake Tahoe area to Massachusetts to be a part of what she was building with Rebelle.

Tell us a little about your products and where can people nd them.

Our first five strains are available at our dispensary and through our wholesale partners all over the state. We’re really excited to get our flower and other products out into the market. We’re offering a range of strains that

will please even the most discerning cannabis connoisseur. And we’re always developing new genetics and strains you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

How would you describe your company culture?

As a start-up, we take pride in our small but mighty team. We value flexibility and encourage everyone to take on various roles within the company, covering all aspects of

retail, manufacturing, and cultivation. You will even Charlotte hand-trimming flower and greeting customers.

What sets you apart in the market?

It’s incredibly important to learn and adapt in this industry. We scrutinize every aspect of the growing process, from sourcing the best genetics to using natural-based IPM and specialized feeding programs. Our strict and diligent daily schedule, alongside the ability to monitor and tailor every step of the process, guarantees that every plant receives the attention it deserves.

What has been your biggest success so far?

Growing in Massachusetts poses challenges due to higher humidity and outside bug pressure. Additionally, combating mold is crucial as it is a major risk factor in growing cannabis on the East Coast. Despite these challenges, our facility has maintained a 100% success rate in testing

for mold and micro toxins. On top of that, we achieved zero loss on the first yield, which is a remarkable feat! Overall, it’s been amazing to watch what used to be a clandestine and underground operation evolve into a transparent and accepted industry. But the licensing process in Massachusetts is still a significant obstacle, making it difficult to bring products to market. Our team has worked tirelessly for four years to make our vision a reality. Seeing our flower hit the shelves is a proud moment for all of us.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

We are currently working on a new product: a vape pen infused with live rosin to produce a full spectrum, solventless oil vape that is unlike anything else out there right now. We’re pretty excited for this new addition to the Rebelle lineup, especially as we’re commited to using only the highest quality ingredients.

Our strict and diligent daily schedule, alongside the ability to monitor and tailor every step of the process, guarantees that every plant receives the attention it deserves.

CULTIVATOR

TRULIEVE

@TRULIEVE.MA @TRULIEVE_MA TRULIEVE.COM

Kim Rivers was approached by a group of nursery owners, asking her to join a team they were calling Truelieve. She became the company’s CEO, and for the last nine years has been the key driver for the company’s customer-centric vision, strong growth, strategic expansion, and industry-leading profitability. She was traveling the country meeting with cultivation operations to learn about the industry when she learned of a new opportunity in the industry: The concept of being an Multi State Operator (MSO) had just started. There was a new level of scalability in the industry that had not been achieved effectively at that point. Rivers’ experience as an attorney – coupled with an early entrepreneurial background in real estate and the hospitality industry – prepared her for the unique and quickly evolving cannabis industry.

Tell us a little about your products. We offer a variety of can-

nabis products including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, edibles, beverages, and so much more!

We have dispensary locations in Framingham, Northampton, and Worcester. Our associates are well-versed in all things cannabis and ready to answer all of your canna-questions, so we welcome everyone from first-timers to daily tokers.

What was your mission at the start of your company?

Trulieve’s mission has always been to provide the highest level of cannabis products and customer experience through authentic and reciprocal relationships and to be the leading customer-focused cannabis brand in the United States. Since our first sale, we have been committed to meeting customer needs. We often say we grow one patient at a time.

Why do you feel your business is important to the community?

By providing innovative, high-quality products at our

dispensaries, Trulieve delivers exceptional customer experiences and increases access to cannabis for medical and recreational customers in the communities we serve.

How does your business give back to the community?

As an organization, we are committed to encouraging diverse perspectives and empowering the voices of our associates, patients, and communities. The

Trulieve Community Outreach Program is centered around our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the power of medical cannabis through education and community enrichment. By continuing to reach and teach, we can break the stigmas attached to cannabis, provide a greater understanding of its benefits, and help deliver a positive impact.

Since our first sale, we’ve been committed to meeting customer needs. We often say we grow one patient at a time.

VANTAGE BUILDERS

@VANTAGEBUILDERS / @VANTAGEBLDRS / VB-INC.COM

John Connor and Ed Silva started Vantage Builders in 2000. The firm’s longevity has been the result of being client focused, supporting our team members, and being engaged in our community.

Vantage Builders has offices in Florida and Rhode Island, but our headquarters is in Waltham, MA. We’ve also completed cannabis projects in New Hampshire and are on schedule to begin work

on a cultivation facility in Ohio – though we can’t disclose any details yet!

How did you start working with cannabis businesses?

When cannabis was legalized in Massachusetts, we began working with cannabis entrepreneurs. We built one of the first cultivation facilities in the state, for Theory Wellness, and now have one of the most experienced cannabis construction practices with nearly one million square feet of cannabis space

constructed. These can be extremely technical builds, requiring industry-specific knowledge from preconstruction, through electrical, HVAC and fertigation systems.

What services do you o er?

As a full-service commercial contractor, we do everything from ground-up construction of buildings to tenant improvements and renovations. Our cannabis construction practice is one of the most experienced in the industr, with strong expertise in the corporate, laboratory, education, industrial, and retail markets.

How many employees do you have?

In 2022, our firm had a tremendous amount of growth. Our team grew by approximately 50 percent, to 62 people. We grow very deliberately, only bringing on new team members as client projects dictate.

What was your mission at the start of your company?

We create the environments that allow businesses to succeed. That’s been our mission from the start and it hasn’t changed in more than 20 years. For our cannabis clients, we build state-of-the-art cultivation facilities that support their particular grow philosophy. We build highend dispensaries for our clients to best showcase

their products and allow them to highlight their brand. And it’s the same for other market sectors, from labs to corporate offices to schools.

Why do you feel your business is important to the industry?

We bring a level of technical construction expertise to our cannabis projects that is unmatched in the industry. Because we have completed many projects, our clients trust us to help with site selection, work with the local municipality, figure out permitting, and determine water and electrical requirements. Our in-depth industry expertise helps shorten the learning curve for our clients and helps them get from seed to sale much more efficiently.

How does your business give back to your community?

Vantage has assisted dozens of local, regional, and national organizations over the years, including the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, Special Olympics of MA, and New Hope, which serves those affected by domestic and sexual violence. In 2022, we held our first Fore20 Classic golf tournament, which also raised funds for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Planning for the second annual tournament is already underway!

COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR

We create the environments that allow businesses to succeed. That’s been our mission from the start and it hasn’t changed in more than 20 years.

Tell us about your business.

Ahh is a universal sound of realization, relief, discovery, affirmation, and pleasure. We work with award-winning small batch producers to create handcrafted cannabis chocolate, highlighting superfoods and organic, responsibly sourced ingredients. By infusing RSO, cannabinoid minors, paired with strain-specific terpenes, we encourage the entourage effect in all our bars. We launched in December 2022 in Massachusetts and are in 40 dispensaries and growing.

How did you get here?

We are artists, herbalists, and cultivators first.

Haley is a skilled herbalist whose experience in providing wellness for her community and family are at the heart of Ahh recipes. Andrew is a visual artist, designer, and Rastafari reggae producer and performer with 20 years’ experience. This is a way of life for us. We put that focus, intention, precision, creativity, and love into everything we craft for Ahh.

Why do you do what you do?

We love plants and are passionate about sharing their benefits throughout our community. Sharing that knowledge fulfills a sense of purpose. We also love

THE PASS

@THEPASSDOTCO

@THEPASS.CO / THEPASS.CO

Tell us about your business.

The Pass has been in the Massachusetts cannabis market for almost four years. We are a tight-knit team of farmers and makers, bringing you fresh, Berkshire-grown cannabis flower, concentrates, and infused products.

What products do you o er?

We have it all: flower, prerolls, gummies, live

chocolate! Cacao is one of those superfoods that inspires us. It works harmoniously with cannabis, interacting with endocannabinoid receptors to enhance mood and health. We saw a need for authentic craft chocolate, full-spectrum and organic edibles, and became invigorated to bridge that gap, simultaneously filling a void for Black and women-owned cannabis brands.

What’s coming next? We plan to continue providing trusted, quality products, while establishing the brand you can rely on for delicious, nutritive, effects-based experiences.

hash rosin, vapes, solventless products, tinctures, topicals, and mints. Oh, and a full CBD Line!

Where can people nd you or your products? Our products are available “from The Berkshires to Boston.” Our dispensary is located in the heart of the Berkshires but you can also get our products delivered right to your doorstep through Rolling

Releaf in Boston. Send wholesale inquiries to wholesale@thepass.co.

What is your company mission?

Our mission is to support human consciousness –to inspire, connect, and calm the mind and body

through intelligent consumption of our natural flower, extractions, and infused products.

How does your business serve the community?

All are welcome in our dispensary and our prod-

ucts are made to help each person’s unique journey in life. Whether it’s your first time trying cannabis or you are a seasoned cannaseur, we carefully craft our products for your satisfaction and enjoyment.

Summertime and the Reading is Easy

Catching up on your reading is part of enjoying the summer months. Looking for some books to deepen your education and relationship with cannabis? Add these three titles to your summer stack. TEXT MEREDITH FREED

Cannabis: A Big Sister’s Guide by Anna

May Meade

and Mary Meade. This easy-to-read introduction and guide to cannabis gives us the scoop on what it is, how to get it, how to use it, and why adding cannabis to your life could be beneficial. Learning the difference between strains and terpenes, the endocannabinoid system, the many forms of cannabis consumption, how to become a cannabis patient in an available state, and a very helpful appendix with images and charts for a visual breakdown of the information, helps the reader understand the basics of cannabis and how to incorporate this knowledge into our everyday lives. Cannabis advice from a universally caring big sister will benefit us all.

Seeing Through The Smoke, A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana

by Peter

Grinspoon,

MD. Dr. Grinspoon takes us through the history of cannabis, the data on harms (real and political), and the emerging data on the benefits of cannabis, particularly as an alternative to opioid use. Dr. Grinspoon’s father, Lester Grinspoon, was a cannabis pioneer in the 1970s at Harvard who fueled Peter’s interest in the benefits and misconceptions of cannabis in the public realm. This book gives the reader a clear understanding of how we got to this point in the medical cannabis movement and what to expect in the future for cannabis wellness.

Weed Week: A Seven-Day Journaling Challenge by Lisa Capitani. A Connecticut cannabis nurse, Capitani’s wellness philosophy of awareness, understanding, change, and healing to alter patterns, perceptions, and behaviors will help the reader achieve a life filled with health, wellness, and wholeness. This book challenges the reader to practice intentional cannabis use, exploring the experience of different consumption methods and strains, tracking the information with prompts, and encouraging the user to build a relationship with the plant and its effects. Capitani embraces taking advantage of your cannabis habit as a tool for self-exploration and how cannabis can help improve your quality of life.