Sensi Magazine Colorado - Fall 2023 Publication by Sensi Magazine

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Cannabis favs for X-mas

C O LO R A D O FALL 2023

CIRRUS SOCIAL CLUB

The state’s new upscale venue

LEGENDS OF HASH

Choosing America’s best hash

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COLORADO SENSI MAGAZINE FALL 2023

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FEATURES

Fall into Flavor

Gift Guide

Country Cannabis celebrates the season.

Sensi’s top picks for stocking stuffers and under-the-tree gifts for the cannabis lover in your life.

DEPARTMENTS

15 EDITOR’S NOTE 20 THE LIFE Contributing to your health and happiness 16 THE BUZZ THE LIVING LEGENDS News, tips, and tidbits to keep you in the loop PSYCHEDELICS on next year’s ballot MASTERCARD declines cannabis

OF HASH At the annual

get-together of the Legends of Hashish, luminaries decide who has the best hash in America.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Cannabis favs for X-mas

CIRRUS SOCIAL CLUB

The state’s new upscale venue

LEGENDS OF HASH

Choosing America’s best hash

C O LO R A D O FALL 2023

COLORADO SENATOR

reintroduces legalization bill PRETTY LIGHTS is back in the spotlight after a five-year hiatus. YOU CAN NOW BUY CANNABIS online in

Colorado

38 THE SCENE Hot happenings and hip hangouts around town MODEL BEHAVIOR

ON THE COVER

Cirrus Social Club plans to offer a new way for Colorado users to enjoy cannabis in a sophisticated and upscale venue.

Country Cannabis: Setting the table for the holidays. PHOTO BY MAGGIE YESKO PHOTOGRAPHY

50 THE END

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EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder ron@sensimag.com Jade Kolb COO jade@sensimag.com Jona Patterson Creative Director jona@sensimag.com Carolyn Scott Communications Director carol@sensimag.com PUBLISHING

Tyler Tarr Market Director, Colorado Jamie Cooper Market Director, Michigan Richard Guerra Market Director, Massachusetts Jake Boynton Market Director, Massachusetts EDITORIAL

Matthew Solan Executive Editor Matthew.Solan@sensimag.com Mike DiPaola Copy Editor Mike.Dipaola@sensimag.com Claire Barber Colorado Editor Allison Farley Michigan Editor Andrew Ward Massachusetts Editor Tyler Curtis National Contributor Debbie Hall National Contributor Matt Jackson National Contributor Elizabeth McWilliams National Contributor 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

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FOUNDER’S NOTE

Magazine published monthly by Sensi Media Group LLC.

This is my favorite time of year! The holiday

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.

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

season—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—brings family and close friends together for moments of connection and celebration. We have some exciting events lined up as we end 2023. The Sensi community will soon be hosting our last Sensi Night event of the year, bringing together thousands of owners and consumers from all our markets. We’re also excited about attending the annual MJBizCon at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 28 to December 1, where we’ll be hosting our 4th annual gathering of CEOs and decision-makers. (Go to mjbizconference.com for more information and use the code 23SENSI10 when purchasing tickets.) To kick off the conference week, we’re teaming up with our friends at Hearst Media Group on the first night. We will have limited tickets available, and drops begin the first week of November. (You can find tickets through our social media channels and the Sensi e-newsletters.) Speaking of great gatherings, in this issue, you’ll read about our experience at last year’s Legends of Hash in California as we prepare to return for this year’s event in Los Angeles. It’s definitely one of our favorite occasions. Finally, are you looking for some great cannabis-themed holiday gifts? Check out our Annual Gift Guide showcasing some of our favorite ideas and much more. We look forward to connecting with you in 2024 and wish you and your loved ones a Happy Holiday Season!

The Sensi community will soon be hosting our last Sensi Night event of the year, bringing together thousands of owners and consumers from all our markets.

Yours truly,

Ron Kolb

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Psychedelics on Next Year’s Ballot Massachusetts activists have submitted two initiatives to legalize certain psychedelics and establish licensed facilities for supervised services. The initiatives would remove criminal penalties for low-level possession of five entheogenic plants and fungi while creating a licensing system for psychedelic service centers. One of the initiatives would allow adults 21 and older to cultivate their psychedelics. The campaign is backed by New Approach PAC, which has 16

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supported similar reform efforts in other states. Massachusetts has seen a local psychedelics movement, with six cities across the state already decriminalizing natural plants and fungi. The initiatives also aim to address the mental health crisis in Massachusetts by providing alternative therapies. The measures will go before voters on the state’s 2024 ballot if the approximately 74,500 valid signatures from registered voters are collected.

SENATOR PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MASTERCARD DECLINES CANNABIS Mastercard has instructed financial institutions to stop allowing marijuana transactions on its debit cards. This move deals a blow to the cannabis industry, which is already on the fringes of the financial system in the United States. Despite several states legalizing the medicinal and recreational uses of marijuana, it remains illegal at the federal level. As a result, most banks in the country do not service cannabis companies. Mastercard’s spokesperson stated that the purchases of cannabis are not allowed on their systems due to the federal government considering cannabis sales illegal. Industry executives expressed disappointment with the decision, seeing it as another obstacle for the state-legal cannabis industry and its consumers. The cannabis industry has advocated for reforms like the SAFE Banking Act to make banking services easier. However, Senator John Cornyn of Texas recently expressed skepticism about the prospects of passing such legislation.

BY THE NUMBERS Seven American cities made a recent list of global cities that consume the most cannabis annually, based on metric tons, including the No. 1 spot:

62.3 METRIC TONS 1. New York City

35 Colorado Senator

3. Los Angeles

24.9 Reintroduces 4. Chicago

18.5 6. Houston

11.4 12. Phoenix

10.6 15. Philadelphia

6.8 20. Denver

SOURCE: CFAH’s 2023 Cannabis Price Index

Legalization Bill

In other news regarding cannabis and federal legality, Senator and former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper recently reintroduced the PREPARE Act. This bill aims to lay the groundwork for federal regulation of cannabis in the United States. The PREPARE Act proposes the establishment of a federal commission, inspired by Colorado’s regulatory commission, that would advise the government on the proper safeguards for federal cannabis legalization. The commission’s responsibilities would include advising on a federal regulatory framework based on state cannabis regulations, considering potential regulations similar to those for alcohol. It would also address the disproportionate impact of cannabis prohibition on minority, low-income, and veteran communities. The PREPARE Act has received broad support from various stakeholders, including advocacy groups and industry associations. FA L L 2023

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Pretty Lights

PRETTY LIGHTS IMAGES COURTESY OF PRETTY LIGHTS

After a Five-Year Hiatus, “Pretty Lights” is Back in the Spotlight Iconic electronic music producer and Colorado native Pretty Lights (real name Derek Vincent Smith) has officially returned after a hiatus since 2018 for mental health reasons. This August, he returned to the stage with a full band, including Michal Menert, tattooing the artist's new logo on his forearm to celebrate. The momentous comeback concert occurred at Denver's Mission Ballroom, with 5,000 in attendance. This marked Smith's first show in five years and the start of a cross-country tour. The four-hour performance showcased a range of new tracks from Smith, who hasn't dropped any new music since 2017. Fans are eagerly anticipating an official release of this new material. Smith expressed excitement about his return, stating that this show was just the beginning as he and his team have been working on building and rehearsing the production for months. Check out tour dates at prettylightsmusic.com.

The Centennial State has officially allowed online marijuana sales, providing consumers with a new method to order cannabis. The legislation, signed into law by Governor Jared Polis, removes language from state statutes that previously barred the internet sale of cannabis while implementing regulations to facilitate online commerce. Under the new law, individuals aged 21 and older can browse and purchase marijuana products online but must physically collect them from the retailer. Retailers must verify the customer's name and age at purchase, with the information matching identification provided during product collection. Additionally, retailers must provide digital versions of warnings and educational materials required within their licensed premises. The legislation aims to reduce cash in the marijuana industry, thereby minimizing the risk of robbery. FA L L 2023

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The Living Legends of Hash

cized part, Legends did not launch with the intent to identify America’s best hash. The idea was born during a session of getting stoned. It was 2002 in Amsterdam, and the elusive legendary breeder and hash maker At the annual get-together of the Legends of Hashish, Skunkman Sam suggestluminaries decide who has the best hash in America. ed he and co-founding partner Marcus “BubbleTEXT TYLER CURTIS PHOTOS WILLIAM NAGY man” Richardson throw a dinner at a friend’s Lebanese restaurant during ment will often depend the city’s iconic High makers in the game,” When you make an inon factors like flavor Times Cannabis Cup. says Jess. credible pie or grow a preferences, differing The restaurant known as Winning a competicrazy pumpkin, you head taste buds and palettes, The Artist had held space tion like Legends does to the county fair to and connections with in years past for folks like much more than stroke claim your prize. When certain profiles that may Richardson and Sam to it comes to making hash, one’s ego. It’s a useful influence judgment. puff to their hearts’ deplatform to promote a you head to the event Even different textures sire out of German-made brand and a great way known as Legends of Roor bongs while enjoyHashish, but there are no to show consumers that can extract different ing incredible cuisine. open signups or tryouts. your work is truly of the responses from differSince not everyone ent people, whether best quality. Rather, your invitation it’s based on the hash’s who attended the Cup Since premier hash is held within the power ability to be handled or was a hash nerd, the makers have attended and possession of the the amount of terpenes team decided to create event organizers, and in- Legends for years, atvisually present in the 50 tickets and hand-sestead of the whole coun- tendees often compete top layer. lect folks to gather in against the best, which ty rolling through, your puts many connoisseurs’ Inviting makers to The Artist’s private room spectators are mostly for the evening. Due to eyes on the results. All of judge their peers in a other top-tier makers the high profile and senthis builds hype and pub- proper setting with acand a select few lucky sitive nature of those in licity, which is one of the cess to the right tools is spectators. the only way to find what attendance (many were driving forces between Sometimes, that instands out and “wins.” wanted as hash smugsuccessful hash brands vite leads to a win, as Legends give their judgglers), Legends did not in the traditional and in the case of Icehouse allow cameras or phones. adult-use markets. With es everything they need Jess of California’s Ice for a true assessment: a Despite being a celeHouse Melts, who, after more folks than ever torch and butane, isopro- bration, the event soon producing solventless taking second place in became a full-blown 2021, won his first blue hash, standing out is the pyl alcohol for cleaning, path toward success. a temperature gauge, and friendly competition. ribbon last year for the 30 grams of sample hash. The Artist would host best full melt. Best in show at least 10 Legends “It’s an honor to be over the next 15 years, Back in the days invited to compete with Trying to find the best further advancing the some of the most rehash can be subjective. While the competition competitive culture and may be the most publispected and top hash A connoisseur’s assessFA L L 2023

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THE LIFE

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N

Visit legendsofhashish.com

overall demand for higher quality solventless hashish. Since its inception, the event has been hosted in four countries: The Netherlands, Spain, Canada, and now the United States. Born in the USA Legends’ entry into the U.S. began with Addison DeMoura. He has been in the cannabis industry for more than 25 years, having launched Steep Hill Labs, and now works in the marketing and sales sector of cannabis. After attending two Legends of Hashish dinners and being a huge fan of Bubbleman, DeMoura reached out to the hash mogul. Could he try a United States

edition? A friend had access to a venue in downtown Los Angeles that recalled the same ambiance from The Artist, and COVID restrictions had just been lifted. “Hash is the elixir that makes people love peo-

ple more,” says DeMoura. “When you get good hash with good people in a good environment, it breaks down all the walls. Legends is all about the best food, the best hash, the best people, all in the same place.”

Legends, American-style The American version of Legends has made some tweaks to the traditional format. For instance, historically the winner is chosen by the first plate to be empty. To mimic this approach, a point-ofsales system was implemented during the first U.S. event in 2021 to keep track of requested samples, but the following year scorecards were kept for better accuracy. This year’s event is set for December 2-3. And, for the first time, Legends will have an official outsider host: Twitch star and cannabis talk show host Adam Ill. The event, in keeping with tradition, should be legendary. FA L L 2023

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FALL

FLAVOR Into

Country Cannabis celebrates the season TEXT ELIZABETH McWILLIAMS PHOTOS MAGGIE YESKO PHOTOGRAPHY

t Sensi, we discourage the use of terrible puns, but here goes: holiday films like “Home for The Holidays” and “The Family Stone” really hit home. If you haven’t seen either of these films, we highly suggest that you add them to your mustsee streaming queue. But what on Earth do holiday films have to do with Sensi Magazine? More specifically, what does the brand Country Cannabis have to do with films about families and holidays? Turns out, quite a bit. Well, perhaps they don’t have much to do with film production, but Country Cannabis is certainly a big fan of the holidays, and, more importantly, they are deeply invested in families of all shapes and sizes, functions and dysfunctions. As a culture, we seem to have a deep affection for holiday films that lovingly highlight the complicated and messy dynamics that 26

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underscore family life. And Country Cannabis is no different. They are family-owned and operated, yet they also consider each of their team members an extension of the family. That’s a hefty family tree since they now employ over 90 people. Lots of branches on which to hang all sorts of ornaments or, if you’re more in keeping with the cannabis vibe, holiday edibles, and pumpkin-pie pre-rolls that will go far to help you navigate the various bumps, laughter, bellyaches, irritations, travel pitfalls, and cozy, candlelit moments that are inseparable from heading into the holidays. But Country Cannabis strives to offer more than just caramels, gummies, or pumpkin spice cookies (don’t forget to check out their recipe at the end of the article). They also aim to fold each team member’s holiday traditions and survival tips into an expand-

ing knowledge base to be shared within the Country Cannabis family and with their growing client base in Colorado and other states where their brands are sold. Think of this holiday wisdom as a patchwork quilt with each individual panel stitched from years of experience and varying perspectives that range from those who eagerly partake to those who are merely cannabis adjacent, from hilarity to deep relaxation, or from methods to escape the holiday madness to techniques for diving right in. This is a holiday quilt that each of us can wrap up in when—ah, at last!—we finally get to the end of the day and put down our whipping spoons or those darn elusive scissors and cuddle up by the fireside with a big exhale (or inhale). So, from their family to yours, here are just a few select panels from the Country Cannabis holiday quilt.

PHOTO CREDIT

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Favorite Holiday Food: Sicilian tradition of “Feast of the Seven Fishes” We put our own spin on it and count crab as one of the seven fish.

Favorite Holiday Food: Vegan roast and fresh bread

Ideal Holiday Cannabis: You can’t go wrong with edibles!

Holiday Survival Tip #17: Sneak out to the store with your cousins for an “ice run” so as to enjoy that annual cousin pre-roll.

Holiday Survival Tip #21: Always come prepared with your own lighter and a vape cart battery. Memory: Each year, my friends and I get together to celebrate Friendsgiving. Everyone brings their favorite dish and, as chance would have it, I am often well positioned to bring my favorite Country Cannabis edible. Sometimes we try to hold out until dessert to pass around the goodies but, more often than not, we just dive right in.

Ideal Holiday Cannabis: Infused caramels to make infused cocktails

Memory: One year, we had friends over for Friendsgiving. We started our grocery shopping at a dispensary and selected 20 infused, miniature pumpkin pies. We handed out the pies to all our guests, and 50 percent of them ended up dozing happily on the couch. It was the laziest and coziest Thanksgiving we ever had!

Compliance Specialist, former Tulsa Police Officer Favorite Holiday Food: My mom’s “Cheryl’s Dream Pie” Ideal Holiday Cannabis: I choose not to smoke cannabis. Holiday Survival Tip #99: If you don’t want to be arrested over the holidays, avoid using your vehicle as a hotbox. Memory: Years ago, during the holidays and back when I was a cop, I saw two women in a parked car with plumes of smoke circling the vehicle. I asked the driver if she had drugs, to which she simply said, “NO.” I explained that I saw the cannabis in plain sight and was therefore obligated to arrest her. A few years later, the exact same thing happened— with the exact same woman!

JOE MILLER

Director of Operations, Colorado Favorite Holiday Food: My annual Pumpkin Spice Latte Ideal Holiday Cannabis: All of it. I don’t discriminate. Holiday Survival Tip #38: If you don’t want your parents to know you are high, don’t grab that third piece of pie. Memory: Once upon a time, many Christmases ago, I was walking up to my family’s house smoking a joint. When I got close, I took one more drag to put it out… or so I thought. The roach stuck to my coat. Unknowingly, I gathered all my presents and walked into the house. I was immediately greeted with a bear hug by my sweet little grandmother. What I didn’t know was that, during the hug, the roach transferred from my coat to the back of her sweater. Well, let me tell you—this made for an exciting Christmas Eve. For the duration of the evening, my grandmother smelled as if she had just finished hotboxing in the family bathroom. We could all smell it, but—for once—it wasn’t me who reeked, but my grandmother! Shortly after dinner, she walked by me. As I began

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to smell that sweet Maryjane, I noticed the roach stuck to her back, much like the one I had smoked earlier that evening. Being a loyal grandson, I discreetly went in for another hug and peeled off the roach. Every year, I like to take a minute to remember that Christmas when “Granny Hotboxed in the Family Bathroom.” Though hotboxing might not yet be a household term, cannabis is rapidly becoming mainstream. Country Cannabis openly embraces this inevitable shift and seeks ways to merge with the community. Whether it is through

their commitment to providing useful information to those folks who are only cannabis curious, to their sponsorship of the Tulsa Oilers (a new indoor, professional football team), to participating in various festivals and community events, or to sharing their holiday tips and tricks, they understand that community and family are ultimately synonymous. So, please join Country Cannabis by sharing your own cannabis holiday traditions on their Instagram page or by visiting their website, countrycannabis.com, for holiday-inspired treats and other various goings-on.

Country Cannabis Pumpkin Spice Cookies Time: 10-12 minutes / Yield: 20 cookies

INGREDIENT S

INSTRUCTIONS

For the dough

Preparation (optional)

2½ cups flour 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 1½ tsp pumpkin spice ½ cup butter, softened 1¼ cup sugar ½ cup pumpkin pureé 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla flavoring For the topping

¼ cup sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ Baker’s bar white chocolate (Optional)

• Cover and chill • Separate 2 tbsp until firm enough butter and melt. to be rolled by • Measure medicine hand, at least 1 hr. (distillate is easiest) and add to Baking the cookies melted butter. • Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two • Re-combine with softened butter. (If cookie sheets with parchment butter seems too soft, refrigerate for paper. In a small bowl, mix cinna30 mins to 1 hr.) mon and sugar. • If not medicating, skip this section. • With a scooper or tablespoon, scoop dough and Making the dough • In a medium bowl, roll until rounded. Coat generously mix flour, baking with cinnamon soda, pumpkin sugar and add to spice, and salt. baking sheet. • In separate bowl, • Bake 10-12 minutes beat butter and sugar until mixture or until lightly is pale yellow and browned on the bottoms. Place on a wire fluffy (5 mins). rack and let cool. • Add pureé, egg, and • If desired, drizzle vanilla. Mix until smooth. Slowly add melted white chocolate over flour mixture until cookies. ENJOY! just combined. FA L L 2023

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Gift

GUIDE Sensi's top picks for stocking stuffers and under-the-tree gifts for the cannabis lover in your life.

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HighOnLove Their products use the benefits of cannabis oil for intimacy and self-care products that really work (and are gorgeously packaged, so they’re perfect for gifting). The entire line is cruelty-free, vegan, and bottled in small batches. HighOnLove was designed for all women, whether solo or coupled up, young or old. highonlove.store

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Windstar Glass Unique handmade jewelry from glass artist Shayla. (Check out her pendants featuring a Monarch butterfly wing.) Clothing and other fun accessories are also available. windstarglass.bigcartel.com Save 20% with exclusive promo code SENSI20

We’ve come a long way since torches, big dab rigs, and overwhelming hits were the poster child for hash culture, which is exactly why Puffco has created a sleek, hi-tech consumption device. With the touch of a button, the device is in session. It’s modular, portable, discreet, and compatible with a suite of accessors. puffco.com/ pages/proxycollection

Focus V Their CARTA 2 boasts a larger atomizer with a 360° heating element and optimized airflow. An OLED screen displays everything you need to know in real time, and the new mobile app allows full control with seamless response times. focusv.com. $50 off Black CARTA2 with code SENSI

Culinary Cannabis These hemp spice blends are made from locally grown, hand-harvested raw cannabis. Use them for pain relief, or add them to your favorite recipes. myculinarycannabis.com HOLIDAY DEAL! Buy One Get One 50% Off

Ardent FX The Ardent FX is a decarboxylator that packs a punch. With one push of a button, you can decarb, infuse, and bake all in one, whether it’s THC, CBD, CBG, or a custom mix. Ardent also gives the option of an instant edible, so you can sprinkle the activated cannabis on anything. ardentcannabis.com Save 20% with code SENSI20

Flower Mill USA These grinds are designed to crumble your herb where it naturally wants to break apart, providing a uniform and fluffy result. Two screens offer coarse or ultra-fine texture. flowermillusa.com Get 15% off entire order with code SENSI.

Genius Pipe Genius is a multifunctional pipe designed for flower and oil consumption, used by modern consumers worldwide for enhanced taste and a unique user experience. geniuspipe.com Use code SENSI10 to get 10% off.

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Element Apothec “CBD is a well-documented anti-inflammatory agent. Infusing it into a pain patch so that you can apply it directly where you experience pain is a fantastic way to get one of nature’s most powerful medicines directly to where you need it … and fast.” —Carolyn Scott, Communications Director

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Oaksterdam University “I’ve read about how many people have entered the country’s first cannabis college to gain the knowledge and expertise they need to advance their careers in the cannabis industry from cultivation to business to policy. If you are serious about cannabis, this is the place to go. And, for those of us who cannot attend the college, The Budtender's Guide is the MUST HAVE for all of us who want to be truly educated about the science and history of cannabis.” —Matthew Solan, Executive Editor

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A gummy for flower lovers. Revolutionary in their solventless approach, these gummies are small-batch, strain-specific edibles made in collaboration with local cultivators and extractors from all across Colorado. Scan the product’s QR code to learn everything you need about your batch, including hash maker notes and full test results. dialedingummies.com.

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Cirrus Social Club plans to offer a new way for Colorado users to enjoy cannabis in a sophisticated and upscale venue. TEXT CLAIRE BARBER PHOTOS COURTESY OF AREND RICHARD

Since its recreational legalization in 2012, there has been a fundamental piece missing in Colorado’s cannabis economy: places to consume weed legally in a setting outside the home. In May of 2019, House Bill 1230 passed, allowing businesses to apply for private-consumption licenses and limited pot sales. Since the bill passed, a small number of cannabis hospitality

venues have opened in the city. Tetra Lounge and The Coffee Joint (one a nightclub-esque weed bar, the other a coffee shop that allows vaping indoors) have both opened successfully—albeit with a lot of red tape. But one entrepreneur, Arend Richard, is aiming to shake up the cannabis hospitality world with a venue and business model unlike anything in Denver or the U.S. cannabis mar-

ket. Think bougie cocktail hour set to jazz. Instead of alcohol, you’ll find elegant glassware and weed. Enter Cirrus Social Club. Slated to open in 2024, the club’s ambiance is designed to be unlike anything that exists anywhere else, says Richard. “It’s sort of eclectic glamor meets Nana, but still leaning toward glamorous.” Nana is Richard’s grandmother. She’s the style and experience

gatekeeper. If Nana won’t like it, then Richard won’t do it. “I would say it’s definitely designed for the female gaze,” says Richard. “Our target demographic is women from age 25 to 55 and the people in her life.” While you typically might imagine a cannabis lounge to be dimly lit and leaning towards a party scene (loud music, lights, club aesthetic), Cirrus is the complete opposite, and for a reason. “Cirrus Social Club is the first of its kind high-end cannabis lounge that caters to getting the greatest number of people to sesh together,” says Richard. “I think that the world would be a much better place if everybody had a little weed every now and then.” To help people learn to, and become comfortable with, consuming cannabis, you need a welcoming and open environment: plenty of light, flowers, piano, and pastels. “What I really hope to do is create a space that makes the everyday FA L L 2023

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THE SCENE

person, the majority, the mainstream person, want to go and enjoy a cannabis experience,” says Richard. To simplify it, Cirrus provides the glassware, which Richard calls “Seshware.” Patrons order a “sesh” with a predetermined set of items for their table. Small plates will be available, with predetermined menus catered from local establishments. On Saturday and Sunday, Cirrus plans to serve brunch. As for the weed, “the primary method of consumption at Cirrus will be a dry herb vaporization,” says Richard. While they are still sorting out exact details, he predicts that 90% of consumption at Cirrus will be from volcano bags, where patrons don’t smoke but inhale vapor. “I believe the best way for someone to get high, especially for the first time, is to inhale warm

air, THC,” says Richard. “It’s not smoke, but you’re still getting all the benefits of the THC.” Glass consumption from bongs and pieces is allowed, as is the consumption of concentrates. No paper (joints, blunts) are permitted. The main cannabis menu will include two low-THC strains. “Weed loves to be around beauty,” says Richard. “So, while you inhale, there’s the sounds of a custom-painted Steinway and Sons piano that is playing itself to jazz and oldie music. There are lots of textures and colors to greet the eye.” Richard has been in the cannabis world for over a decade. In 2017, he embarked on the business side of things, starting a popular YouTube channel where he taught folks to smoke and enjoy cannabis. After his channel and a slew of other cannabis influencers were deleted from the site by YouTube

in 2018, Richard began WeedTube. It is what it sounds like, a video platform and social media site that garnered 6 million users while Richard was its CEO. In 2022, he left to launch Cirrus. “I have been in the cannabis world for a long time, and it has changed my life entirely. I think that it opened my mind. It made me a more empathetic human being,” says Richard. Queer and cannabis As a gay man, Richard reckons with the cannabis industry’s shortcomings. “It is very much a heteronormative sort of industry,” he says. “I’ve

always felt like the token gay person in a space.” Now, with Cirrus, Richard has begun to feel more seen. “People from Colorado are coming into my home from the private sessions to get a glimpse into what we’re doing. It’s almost like they see me now due to the contribution that I’m making, which I think is really lovely.” Richard has continuously pushed for this kind of inclusion and recognition for queer people and the LGBTQIA+ community in the cannabis space. In 2018, he co-hosted the Glitter Bong Bash event at the Tetra Lounge. The FA L L 2023

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two-time event was an LGBTQIA+ smoke sesh, which set a record for attendance at the lounge. “It was incredible, uplifting, and wonderful,” says Richard. “But again, those two events for queer people are the only two that I’ve ever been to, and I put them on. They both sold out, but nobody else is putting on events or spaces really for that, that I was ever a part of.” Cirrus is aiming to change all of that. “This space is being created and built with emphasis that it is safe,” says Richard. “It’s meant to feel comfortable. It’s meant to feel like a place you could go with your Nana and maybe have a conversation about your identity that you’ve never had before.”

Staying on schedule Ambitions aside, roadblocks are inevitable for any new venue. Since beginning the project, Richard says the budget has doubled. Ventilation requirements are strict for cannabis establishments, which has slowed down work and raised costs. Still, the Cirrus team continues to move forward and plans to open on schedule. The establishment has its state and city license pending final approval after a building inspection, and its health plan permit has been okayed. Cirrus will initially open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. They will be open for tea and brunch on Saturday —Arend Richard and Sunday. Membership options will be available, but membership

“It’s meant to feel comfortable. It’s meant to feel like a place you could go with your Nana and maybe have a conversation about your identity that you’ve never had before.”

is not required to enter. Members will get access to a specialized menu with a wider selection of cannabis offerings, members-only glasses, and priority reservations for events. “Our business model is different than anything that exists in this space right now,” says Richard. “Cirrus is a place for the everyday average person who doesn’t usually smoke weed to come and enjoy cannabis socially. It is a place to go for date night. It is a place to go celebrate something with your friends. It’s a place to have a different kind of conversation on a Friday night than you normally would.”

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that enhances the way you enjoy your smoke sessions. Our proprietary PATENT PENDING design is the answer to the problem of unclean, wet, or compromised pre-roll cones. Imagine a world where you can indulge in a “fresh” mouthpiece every single time you pass the joint to the next person. This is the promise we bring to you with Puff Pull Pass.

PRE ROLL

PUFF PULL PASS @PUFFPULLPASS / PUFFPULLPASS.COM

ntroducing Puff Pull Pass – the innovative solution to an age-old problem. In a world where sharing joints has been a concern even before the pandemic, we bring you a game-changing product that revolutionizes the pre-roll industry. Say goodbye to the discomfort and uncertainty of sharing joints and welcome a new era of worry-free

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How It Works: Quick and Easy Sharing Our mission is to make consumption effortless. With our easy twistand-pull process, you can effortlessly tear off a new, clean mouthpiece for each new user. Gone are the days of awkwardly wiping off the mouthpiece or hesitating to share a joint. Puff Pull Pass ensures a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone in the session.

Pass, you’re not just investing in a product; you’re investing in a community that values hygiene, comfort, and the overall joy of sharing.

Join Us on the Journey We invite you to join us on this exciting innovation and transformation journey. As we continue to evolve and grow, we’re committed to making sharing joints a worry-free and enjoyable activity once again. For Consumers and Producers! Whether you’re a brand looking to introduce a groundbreaking product to your market or a consumer seeking a new way to enjoy your smoke sessions, Puff Pull Pass has you covered. Embrace a new era of sharing, bonding, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Experience Puff Pull Pass and rediscover the joy of sharing joints without the worry. Your smoke sessions will never be the same again!

A Unique Experience At Puff Pull Pass, we’re not just about creating with friends, family, or enjoyment with Puff a product; we’re about even strangers often Pull Pass. crafting an unforgetDisclaimer: Puff Pull Pass makes comes with concerns. no claims that the product The Problem: Sharing table experience. We prevents or mitigates diseases. Joints now that we are Especially in a world understand that sharing more conscious than aware of germs and a joint is more than just disease ever about health and passing around smoke We’ve all been there – cleanliness, sharing that awkward moment joints has become a so- – a smoke session should be a bonding when you’re handed a cial challenge. But fear experience, a moment joint or pre-roll cone not, because Puff Pull that’s, let’s just say, less Pass is here to change of connection. Our innovation is driven by the than perfect. Whether the game. desire to enhance this it’s a wet, saliva-covThe Solution: Puff ered mouthpiece or an Pull Pass Pre Roll Cone experience, especially when shared with othunhygienic cone, the Puff Pull Pass is not just joy of sharing a smoke a product; it’s a solution ers. By using Puff Pull SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS HASH HOLE

RED ROOTS ROLLING CO. @REDROOTSROLLINGCO REDROOTSROLLING.COM

rom the foothills of Appalachia to the bustling heart of a major city, Kayne , raised by his grandparents, is a testament to the transformative power of dreams and determination. Growing up amidst the sweltering heat of Kentucky’s tobacco ﬁelds, he knew there was more to life than the familiar horizon. Despite the allure of football scholarships and the promise of a comfortable life tending the family farm, he chose to chase the horizon that beckoned from afar. He packed his dreams and headed west to Colorado,

a place where the mountains stood as a backdrop for new possibilities. There, he found his passion in cultivating the plant. His love for cannabis and the desire to create a product that reﬂected the very essence of Quality, thus the birth of Red Roots Rolling Co. Today, at just 25 years old, he stands as the proud Owner/ founder of a seven-ﬁgure business, Red Roots Rolling Co, situated in one of the nation’s largest cities. From the hot Kentucky summers to the thriving streets of the city, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that with

highest quality possible. We source only the best flower and Hash that Colorado has to offer, ensuring that every puff carries the essence of our region’s cannabis expertise. These carefully curated gems are expertly rolled, ensuring a consistent burn and an experience that’s second to none. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or a burst of creativity, our Hash A Hash Hole isn’t just a joint; it’s a potent Holes are designed to experience meticulously take you on a journey crafted for the discern- through the realms of both flavor and effect. ing cannabis enthusiast. Blending the finest Why do you feel your ingredients, our Hash buisness is important Holes are masterpieces to the community? of flavor and potency. Red Roots Rolling Co Each one is a testament holds a significant role to our unwavering ded- within the cannabis ication to delivering the community as a beacon unwavering belief, hard work, and a determination to forge a unique path, dreams can take root and flourish in the most unexpected places.

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of authenticity and dedication. Our origins in the black market give us a unique edge that sets us apart from the competition. Having lived and breathed the evolution of the industry, we understand its intricacies from ﬁrsthand experience. This vantage point allows us to craft products that resonate with both the street culture and the demands of a discerning consumer base. By marrying our genuine Traditional market beginnings with our commitment to delivering exceptional quality, we offer a bridge between the past and the present, fostering trust and camaraderie within the cannabis community. FA L L 2023

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LO U N G E

SHISHA LEAFA @SHISHALEAFA&LOUNGE

@SHISHALEAFA / SHISHALEAFA.COM

simply unwind. Accommodating up to 120 individuals, our space is versatile — ideal for private celebrations, team bonding, or community gatherings.

Our Mission Beyond providing a green, non-addictive shisha alternative, we are fervently committed to nurturing growth, fostering collaboration, and fortifying community ties. In partnership with “The Headwaters Protectors”, a non-proﬁt established during the pandemic, we extend support and resources to the un-housed in Denver. Through year-round events, we rally clothing and food donations on our premises, directly beneﬁting those in need.

Our Inspiration Shisha Leafa redeﬁnes hookah enjoyment, creatively converting once discarded Cannabis Fan Leaf into a treasured experience. Our assurance? It’s so clean you can eat it.

Our Eco-conscious Vision With a combined two-decade experience in the cannabis sector, our leaders recognized the glaring issue of waste. With Shisha Leafa, we’ve championed a green movement, converting otherwise discarded elements into the world’s pioneering cannabis-derived (hemp) Shisha creating a sustainable solution for not only the Industry but the world moving toward an environmental, social, Fostering Art & Culture and governance (ESG) objective. Our event space vibrates with the energy of Community Impact budding performers Shisha Leafa isn’t just a refining their talents and brand; it’s a community seasoned artists savorpillar. Our active coming their craft. Whether munity involvement, it’s open mics, podcasts, commitment to eduor artist coaching, The cation, and spaces for hisha Leafa is Our Team Our Offering Shisha Leafa Lounge relaxation for creatives the fruit of over At the core of Shisha Shisha Leafa stands as harmoniously merges and entrepreneurs sets two years of Leafa, a passionate team an avant-garde, eco-con- Shisha Culture with us apart, ensuring we meticulous research of six dedicated employ- scious alternative to tra- Entertainment, crafting leave an indelible mark and development culon every life we touch. ees drive our vision for- ditional tobacco shisha. an enriched lifestyle. minating in the product ward. We also have sev- Our handcrafted Hemp launch in October 2022. eral strategic partnerderived shisha, infused ships with The Highly with our distinct terpene Where to Find Us The lounge is a haven Connected App and THC blends, promises unOur Shisha Leaf Lounge for business mavens, Girls’ founders Krysta paralleled flavors and a is nestled in the heart Jones and Sanja Ganja, crisp finish. The lounge artistic souls, and of Denver, and is DenKind Love, and FamBAM is a haven for business ver’s premier non-tobacentrepreneurs to Productions to utilize mavens, artistic souls, co hookah lounge and connect, innovate, or each other’s networks, to and entrepreneurs to exclusive event space. build each other up. connect, innovate, or simply unwind.

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BUSINESS SP TLIGHTS

company for three years and deeply understand the struggles that come along with building brands and manufacturWhat made you choose to start a coming cannabis products pany in this industry? — we lived it. My cofounders and I think it is important I were working at that the suppliers in NASA back in 2018 plant touching entities and eventually found deeply understand the ourselves bored of the problems of their cusslow bureaucratic world tomers so they can give of academia. It was them the best solutions then that we decided to that allow them to optispice things up and start mize their business. Our a company for ourselves company looks at every that was actually in cannabis process as a e-commerce inventory way to save our cusautomation, not canna- tomers money so they bis. It wasn’t until 2019 can grow their company that we decided to get and turn this industry into cannabis because into a respected global we loved the plant and powerhouse. identified a massive How does your busipain point with the lack ness give back to your of automation for cancommunity? nabis manufacturers. We have an internship Why do you feel your program for students business is important looking to learn about to the community? robotics. I think it is In 2020 we actually deeply important to started a plant touching stimulate the next genentity that did coneration of of engineers tract manufacturing in and I know when I was trimming, flower, and young I would have prerolls for brands in killed for even the abilithe Oakland area of ty to mop the floors at a California. We ran that robotics company.

How many employees do you have? We currently have 12 full-time employees.

R O B OT I C S

SORTING ROBOTICS @SORTINGROBOTICSINC / SORTINGROBOTICS.COM

orting Robotics Inc. was founded in 2018 by Nohtal Partansky, Cassio Santos, and Sean Lawlor. Nohtal and Sean were both engineers with NASA’s JPL laboratory in Pasadena, CA and Cassio Santos was in his PhD program at UC Riverside in Computer Vision when they founded the company.

Tell us about your products Sorting Robotics creates automation and robotics solution for cannabis manufacturers. Our current products focus on the pre-roll manufacturing segment : the Jiko Automated Pre-Roll Infusion Machine and the Jiko+ Donut Maker, both of which infuse any meltable concentrates including fresh

press rosin, hash rosin, badder and more, into the center of a ﬁnished pre-roll; and any form factor cones, straight tubes, and blunts.

What was your mission at the start of your company? We want to automate the mundane tasks so people can enjoy doing what they do best, being human.

We deeply understand the struggles that come along with building brands and manufacturing cannabis products — we lived it. —Nohtal Partansky, Founder & CEO

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E-COMMERCE

WEEDMAPS

@WEEDMAPS / WEEDMAPS.COM

eedmaps allows consumers to easily search for the best weed deals near them, check out consumer reviews on products, discover new brands and products, and order for delivery and pick up through participating retailers. Consumers can download the app in IOS and Android, or at weedmaps.com. We can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @weedmaps On the Businessto-Business side, Weedmaps also offers compliant technology solutions to cannabis business and brands through Weedmaps for Business, our suite of omnichannel advertising, marketing, operations and e-commerce tools, which can be found at weedmaps.com/ business. Weedmaps’ mission is driven by our passion for the plant, with a goal of championing the truth about cannabis and standing with all who believe in open, safe and legal access to cannabis. Weedmaps was founded in 2008 by

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two California Prop 215 medical marijuana patients who weren’t having any luck ﬁnding reliable, local information about cannabis products, or dispensaries. Weedmaps launched as an online directory, similar to Yelp, with an easily accessible directory of medical dispensaries to guide fellow medical cannabis patients in their own research. As U.S. state medical programs began expanding, and the onset of adult-use cannabis moved forward both in the U.S. and Canada, Weedmaps expanded to support emerging markets, eventually growing into the two-sided marketplace we provide today. And now, Weedmaps employs approximately 500 people across the U.S. and Canada, with our headquarters in Irvine, CA. We believe that our business is valuable to the cannabis community because trustworthy information on cannabis is still tough to ﬁnd, and the continued stigma of the plant also brings misinformation, especially in newer adult-use markets. At

Weedmaps, we see ourselves not just as a place to buy weed through our clients, but a place for consumers to get educated about cannabis products before they even step foot in a dispensary. Our Weedmaps News and Learn content also provides detailed, expert information on the latest consumption methods, as well as a host of how-to’s to support cannabis users regardless of if they’re beginners or expertlevel consumers. SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

THE END

Dale “Rick” Thompson IN MEMORIAM:

The legacy of one of Michigan’s giants of cannabis will continue to live on. Dale “Rick” Thompson, a prominent cannabis advocate in Michigan, passed away on September 18, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of tireless activism and dedication to the cannabis industry. The 57-year-old father of three children and a grandfather died at his home with family in Flushing, where he lived with his elderly mother. He was diagnosed with colon cancer three months prior. “Rick” Thompson, here with Sensi’s Jamie Cooper, was a leader in cannabis advocacy for more than two decades.

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Thompson’s involvement in cannabis advocacy began in the early 2000s. Through his work, Thompson aimed to educate the public and destigmatize the use of medical marijuana. His efforts contributed to the passage of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act in 2008, which allowed for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. A fervent advocate for patient’s rights, Thompson tirelessly fought for the

rights of patients, ensuring their legal protections and access to safe, reliable cannabis products. He often attended Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Meetings, voicing his concerns about the regulations he felt needed to change. The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency even invited Thompson to join a consumer advocacy committee. Thompson also co-hosted the “Jazz Cabbage Cafe” podcast and regularly wrote about cannabis, including as the former editor-in-chief for Michigan Medical Marijuana Magazine, launched in 2009, and the Compassion Chronicles, an online medical marijuana publication started in 2012. When Thompson’s health began to decline, he resigned from his position on the board of the Michigan chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), which he’d held since 2014. He held his role at the Re-

demption Foundation up until his death. Aside from his advocacy work, Thompson was also a respected journalist and expert in the field. He regularly contributed articles to cannabis-related publications, shedding light on new research, policy developments, and industry trends. His extensive knowledge and ability to communicate complex information in an accessible manner helped solidify his reputation as a leading authority in the cannabis community. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve and gain acceptance, Thompson’s imprint will forever remain, reminding future generations of the importance of fighting for justice, understanding, and equality. Whether through the successful legislative battles he fought or the countless lives he touched, Rick Thompson will be remembered as a true pioneer in the fight for cannabis reform.

TOP PHOTO BY BROCK KALNASY

TEXT JAMIE COOPER