STRAIN OF THE MONTH

Do-Si-Dos Cross of Face Off OG and Girl Scout Cookies provides a nicely balanced high

By Rick Misterly

EVERANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

One of my main objectives is to bring attention to the growers of the products that you purchase. Traditionally it has been the farmer who begins the process of how we get any agricultural product. With my farm being the sole source of income for over 30 years, I know firsthand what it takes to bring a live product to the table.

In the early days of the legal cannabis industry, I saw the initial investment as growers put out their “picks and shovels” to get underway long before any return would be realized. Like other farmers, the cannabis grower is at the beginning of the supply chain.

In the early days of Washington’s legal market, growers with ideas of high wholesale prices were soon brought back to reality with returns far lower than expected. Remaining growers have been forced to tweak and prune their business model to fit lower profits while also refining their growing methods and maintaining a quality product for increasingly discriminating buyers.

Stephanie Lamb, sales and assistant operation manager at Blue Roots, attributes the high quality of Blue Roots’ products to a number of things, from growing in coco (an absorbent byproduct from coconuts) to using a combination of lights designed to create the perfect environment for the plants.

Another of my objectives is to help dispel the misinformation and stigma surrounding marijuana. With the help of every grower, retailer, writer and cannabis user we are collectively gaining a stronger voice in bringing this magical plant out of the shadows. One of the biggest leaps during this recent health crisis is Washington’s designation of cannabis as an essential industry, just a few short years after statewide legalization.

Appearance: This particular specimen of Do-Si-Dos from Blue Roots appeared jewel-like in its clear case. The nicely trimmed purple leaves were contrasted by the overall olive green flower peppered heavily with golden orange pistils. The buds were arranged in what looked like a double helix and it took a while before deciding to break up this beautiful sight in order to reach the next step. All of the trichomes remained intact as evidence to the care taken in handling by the trimmers. This attention to detail, which preserves the terpenes, assures a greater overall experience.

Aroma: A bright citrusy lime strikes first giving away obvious freshness. This is followed with powerful live notes of deep, rich earth. But what prevails through the nose and dry hit is a strong dried lavender bringing a calming effect even before lighting up.

Effects: This cross of Face Off OG and Girl Scout Cookies gives a good balance in the high regardless of dosage. What can be the narcotic effects of Face Off is offset nicely by Girl Scout Cookies leaving a clear mind and relaxed body. Let

Do-Si-Dos THC: 21.54% CBD: 0.09%

Dominant Terpenes:

Limonene, Linalool, Caryophyllene Grown by Blue Roots Cannabis Company, Airway Heights Purchased at Herbal E Scents, Colville

the terpenes guide the THC to their intended pathways and the tingling effects begin in the toes and creep slowly upward. Relax and enjoy the feeling as it could take at least 30 minutes before body and mind come into sync. Do-SiDos would work well for relieving stress and anxiety while providing a remedy for tight or achy muscles. The bright clarity of mind should make for just the right edge in social gatherings or deep philosophical discussions. Best enjoyed later in the day when leisure is the main activity.

CANNABIS IN BRIEF

STUDY SHOWS DECLINE IN DRINKING IN LEGAL-ACCESS STATES

DENVER – The longer cannabis has been legal, the less people are drinking alcohol, according to a market study showing both regulated products.

ICR Strategic Communications and Spectacle recently released “The 2020 Cannabis Consumer,” which reported that people who consume cannabis generally consume less alcohol. It also indicated that 1 in 3 people in legal cannabis states are drinking less, and 47 percent said they prefer cannabis over alcohol and felt more in control after consuming cannabis.

The study also asked whether participants combined both products; 70 percent said they never planned to schedule their cannabis consumption around alcohol, and a similar number said they rarely or never combined the two.

While alcoholic drinks are declining, cannabis-infused beverages are gaining market share. What’s especially popular are ones with less THC rather than higher amounts. This sector is also expected to grow in the next five years.

Colorado, home of Coors Brewing, saw an increase of total beers sold as the state’s population grew over the last five years, but a decrease in the amount of beer purchased and consumed per person.

Source: The Street SHUTTERSTOCK

Ballot efforts in limbo in several states

BOISE – Efforts to ask voters to decide whether to approve marijuana on the November ballots in Idaho, Montana and Missouri have been placed on hold or abandoned due to health concerns.

The Idaho Cannabis Coalition had been attempting to collect 55,057 signatures from registered voters by May 1 to add a medical marijuana question to the ballot. In late April, the campaign announced it had collected about 40,000 but was forced to suspend efforts.

Campaign spokesman Russ Belville said the educational campaign will continue and he would like to see medical marijuana on the ballot in 2022. Idaho not only prohibits recreational and medical cannabis, but even has a ban on farmers legally growing industrial hemp.

In Missouri, backers of an effort to allow voters to decide whether recreational cannabis should be allowed abandoned a goal of gathering 170,000 signatures by May 3. Missourians for a

New Approach said they found it difficult to collect the figures when nonessential businesses closed and residents were told to stay home in March and April due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Organizers said they sought the ability to collect signatures electronically, but state officials declined.

Medical marijuana was approved in Missouri in 2018, and organizers hope to continue their enthusiasm for 2022.

New Approach Montana also sought the ability to collect signatures online to add recreational marijuana and extend the deadline from July to August. State officials declined, so organizers are planning a 2021 voter drive. Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

REMOVAL OF COUNTY BAN BRINGS BACK SHOP

VANCOUVER – Sticky's Pot Shop, which had to legally close its doors in 2018 due to a Clark County cannabis ban, recently re-opened for business.

The shop in the community of Hazel Dell, an unincorporated area of the county, originally opened in 2014 but was subject to a county-wide ban, although cities can make their own decisions.

The shop appealed the shut-down order in court and the Washington Superior Court said counties have the right to decide on zoning issues. The Washinton Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal.

However, the make-up of the Clark County Council changed in 2019, and members voted to remove the ban effective in 2020, allowing licensed retailers and growers to open.

While other potential entrepreneurs have been scouting out possible locations in the county, Washington’s

Liquor and Cannabis Board allowed Sticky’s to return to the same location, provided it follow required sanitation and social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19 precautions. The pandemic has also allowed the shop and others in the area to offer curbside pick-up.

Source: The Columbian