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FAST TIMES AND TUCSON’S HIGH
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Dr. Heather Moroso celebrates grand opening of new South Tucson clinic - Page 17
A mom with a medical marijuana card defeats state officials who put her on a child-abuse registry, but an appeal is possible - Page 21
HAPPY 4/20! WITH THE INTERNATIONAL stoner holiday of 4/20 coming up next week, there’s a whole bunch of celebrating on the horizon. Once again, the Weedly is here with a special section to commemorate the cannabis community. Our regular Weedly correspondent, David Abbott, has three stories in this week’s issue. He talks to a woman who ended up on the Department of Child Services child-abuser registry because she used cannabis to fight off a serious medical condition that left her nauseous throughout her pregnancy. Despite the fact that she had a medical card, she had to engage in a lengthy court battle to get herself off the list, even though her son is healthy and happy. And now state officials may take the court fight all the way to the Arizona Supreme Court. Abbott also tours Dr. Heather Moroso’s new cannabis-friendly medical center in South Tucson and looks at tax revenues to conclude that Arizonans spent—
New business offers infused dinner parties - Page 26 checks notes—a staggering $1.4 billion on marijuana products last year. Meanwhile, staff writer Nicole Feltman introduces you to Meaghan Gould, who is launching a business catering cannabis-infused private dinners; our staff teamed up to share some of our favorite spots to cure the munchies; our Tucson Weekly Test Department sampled a number of products you’ll find on dispensary shelves; and, last but not least, we have the results of our Cannabis Bowl, determined by you, the Tucson Weedly readers. Be sure to peruse our advertisers this week to find out where you can find the best of the plentiful deals in the dispensaries this week. Go have a bong hit of fresh bud and sit back to read all about it. Jim Nintzel Executive Editor
Sampling a variety of cannabis products on the shelves of your local dispensary - Page 27
Arizonans spent more than $1.4 billion on cannabis in 2021 - Page 33
Tucson Weekly readers’ favorite dispensaries, edibles, doctors and more - Page 35
15 places to cure your 4/20 munchies - Page 39
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OPEN INVITATION
Dr. Heather Moroso celebrates grand opening of new South Tucson clinic
By David Abbott tucsoneditor@tucsonlocalmedia.com
HEATHER MOROSO, ONE OF Tucson’s top cannabis doctors, started work on a new community wellness center just as most of the world was shutting down thanks to the COVID outbreak in early 2020. More than two years later, she celebrated with the grand opening of the Moroso Medical Center on April 1. Moroso, who has won multiple awards from Weekly’s annual Cannabis Bowl, has survived both the pandemic and a crash in the medical marijuana certification business. Now she’s ready to fully dedicate herself to her new endeavor. The Moroso Medical Center is located in South Tucson at the intersection of East 33rd Street and Fourth Avenue, the former site of Antonio’s, a historic tavern that was reportedly the last bar in a one-mile-square city that at one time had as many as 50 drinking establishments. Now the building is a naturopathic
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wellness center and cannabis-friendly space for new patients and those who made the move with Moroso from the Speedway location, where she practiced for five years. “What we’re excited to do is create a cannabis-friendly space,” Moroso says. “It’s not like a hookah lounge where people smoke weed all day, but if they attend a class, people can choose to medicate if they want.” The building has a large, open and airy main space filled with art Moroso has collected over the years. She’s incorporated features of the old tavern, such as the bar top that supported generations of elbows and many glasses of beer. She is still settling in, but Moroso is planning to expand her offerings to include a variety of classes from creating DIY home-made edibles to grow-yourown workshops to soil classes. Moroso will also offer a variety of yoga classes, both inside and behind the building, which has become a friendly place for her patients to gather for classes and other events. In addition to her clinical work, she will also offer alternative types of care, from acupuncture to naturopathic consultation, massage and nutritional advice. She plans to bring back her “custom Apothecary shop,” that will use as much from the on-site garden as possible for products like the Chiltepin CBD icy-hot, as well as other lotions and potions processed with an in-house herbal still. On top of all that, visitors will be able to enjoy smoothies created in the building’s large kitchen. The entire project has been a community effort through an extensive support group that planned and executed the project, including the “ethnobotanical” garden that will provide fresh food and medicinal plants for various projects,
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“My gratitude runs deep,” Dr. Heather Moroso said. “I always say it’s a cockle-warmer, because even the event was with people who I’ve known since I started this, from musicians to people cooking food. It was definitely a team effort, even though my name is up front.”
classes and Moroso’s own line of products. Moroso has relied on the help of friends to build and decorate interior and exterior spaces, often using the barter system to provide work and materials. “All the work was done by volunteers and trade with friends,” she says. “Just setting up the space was done by just pooling resources. I did pay people but it was also a lot of friends, blood, sweat and tears and my own biceps.” Even the grand opening was a communal event, with her friends Miss Olivia & the Interlopers and hip hop band Jivin’ Scientists providing an evening of live music. Local artist Jessica Gonzales, whose works graces nearly every wall in the building, worked on murals during the event. “My gratitude runs deep,” Moroso says. “I always say it’s a cockle warmer, because even the event was with
people who I’ve known since I started this, from musicians to people cooking food. It was definitely a team effort, even though my name is up front.” The project came at a strange time for the world and the Arizona medical marijuana program. As if the pandemic’s shutdown wasn’t enough, Moroso set out on her venture in the wake of the Arizona Department of Health Services’ move to two-year MMJ certifications, which essentially halved the business of certificate providers throughout the state. “I would say we’re not quite to where we were before, but we’re a whole lot closer,” she says. “I think it’s really wonderful that people see the benefit of keeping their medical card versus just going with recreational.” Not only does a medical certificate
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OPEN INVITATION
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allow cardholders to possess more cannabis (2.5 ounces of flower versus one ounce), but they can also purchase and possess higher-dosage edibles. Medical patients also generally pay less for their weed through a reduced tax rate that doesn’t include the 16% sales tax that adult-use recreational customers pay. Moroso has been in Tucson since 1992, moving here from Seattle to attend the University of Arizona, where she earned a degree in ecology and environmental biology. She then went on to achieve her NMD from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2002. She has served the community for many years, treating and serving HIV/ AIDS patients through volunteer work with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. She worked for El Rio/ Special Immunology Associates from 2004-2009. She has served on the boards of Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network, Wingspan’s Health & Wellness Advisory Board and the Pima County
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Consortium Membership Committee. She currently serves on the board of the Southern Arizona Artists and Musicians Healthcare Alliance. In 2007, she founded the nonprofit Positively Beautiful, an organization that helps HIV/AIDS patients with their self-esteem as their bodies succumb to the ravages of the disease. Ultimately, the new space is a reflection of Moroso, from her down-to-earth outlook on life to the community she has built throughout her 30 years in Tucson. That’s also what keeps her working more or less solo, despite offers of partnership from outside her clinic. “I don’t think people necessarily share the same vision,” she says. “Sometimes, maybe I don’t even know exactly what my vision is. My place is kind of weird and funky and it’s me, which I think works.” The Moroso Medical Center is at 2231 S. Fourth Ave. For information on classes or getting a medical marijuana certificate, go to morosomedicalcenter. com or call 275-1449. Check out Moroso Medical Center on Facebook, at www. facebook.com/morosomedicalcenter.
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CANNABIS CONUNDRUM
A mom with a medical marijuana card defeats state officials who put her on a child-abuse registry, but an appeal is possible But DCS and the AG’s office have until April 30 to make a final appeal. “At first, I was super excited about it,” said Lindsay Ridgell, the woman who took on DCS. “But now, the more people A WOMAN WHO WAS PUT ON THE are talking about it, the reality of the fact Arizona Department of Child Services that they might make an appeal is on Child Abuse Central Registry because my mind.” she used cannabis while pregnant Ridgell’s story began in September thought she had finally defeated state 2018 when she became pregnant with officials in the Arizona Court of Appeals, but the Arizona Attorney Gener- her first child, Silas, whose last name is being withheld by request. At the al’s Office may still take the case to the time, she was a DCS employee and Arizona Supreme Court. had worked as an investigator for the The case that garnered national department for 18 months, performing attention last summer concluded on in-home case management. March 30. Should the verdict stand, it The pregnancy was rough on Ridgell, would represent a big win for cannabis who suffered from a condition known as enforcement and could serve to rein in the state’s pursuit of parents who legally hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which is marked by severe nausea and vomiting use medical marijuana. By David Abbott tucsoneditor@tucsonlocalmedia.com
throughout pregnancy. HG is a potentially debilitating condition that can lead to severe weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration and cause long-term health issues for both the mother and the baby. Her doctors prescribed a number of medications to treat the resulting anxiety, nausea and insomnia, but Ridgell was only able to find relief through cannabis. During her pregnancy, Ridgell was hospitalized twice, receiving additional prescriptions from her OBGYN for medications. In May 2019, she gave birth to her son. There were medical issues with Silas from the beginning and after he was transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for evaluation, blood tests found
he had several prescription drugs in his system, including Buspar and Benadryl, prescribed to Ridgell by her doctors. His blood also tested positive for marijuana. The child was immediately diagnosed with intrauterine addictive drug exposure, which was reported to DCS. At the end of May 2019, DCS informed the new mother that she was being placed on the registry. As a result, Ridgell’s life was turned on its head. She had trouble finding employment and her life has been in limbo as the cases made their way through the courts. “She became pregnant, went to renew her card and told her qualifying CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
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physician that she was pregnant,” said Scottsdale attorney Julie Gunnigle, who defended Ridgell in the appeal. “HG is a very severe form of nausea, where you basically throw up for nine months. It was literally only cannabis that saved her kid’s life because one in three pregnancies end up with a miscarriage when you have HG.” In February 2020, an administrative law judge found that most of DCS’s evidence was “double hearsay,” and “was not the kind of evidence on which a reasonable person would rely.” The ALJ directed DCS to amend its previous finding as “unsubstantiated,” thereby removing Ridgell from the registry. But DCS refused to comply, claiming Ridgell had neglected the child by exposing him prenatally to cannabis that “was not the result of a medical
treatment administered to the mother or the newborn infant by a health professional.” A judicial review of the case in Maricopa County Superior Court upheld the DCS decision, which led Ridgell and Gunnigle to take the case to the Arizona Court of Appeals to determine “whether the administrative action was illegal, arbitrary, capricious, or involved an abuse of discretion.” Ridgell, who has suffered from irritable bowel syndrome for the past 12 years, received her medical marijuana certification in 2010 as part of the first wave of medical patients in the state. “I was one of the original cardholders,” she said. “I’ve had it since we didn’t have dispensaries or anywhere you could legally purchase your medication. It’s the only thing that really helps me.” Records were not clear as to how much knowledge Ridgell’s OBGYN and other doctors had about her cannabis use, although when she renewed
her MMJ certification she informed her qualifying physician that she was pregnant. Yet two courts found the laws established and memorialized in the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act of 2010 to be decisive and the DCS director erred in putting her on the registry. “I think it’s really important that people understand what this ruling means and how wasteful DCS, and by extension the Attorney General’s office, has been in even pursuing cases like this,” Gunnigle said. Judge Randall M. Howe, who oversaw the appeal, agreed and in his findings ordered DCS to remove Ridgell from the registry. In his decision, Howe wrote, “marijuana use authorized under AMMA ‘must be considered the equivalent of the use of any other medication under the direction of a physician.’ Thus, by definition, using marijuana under AMMA is medical treatment ‘administered’ to Ridgell by a health profession-
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al. Taking marijuana as [her qualifying doctor] authorized is the same as taking any other medication ‘under the direction of a physician.’ Contrary to the [DCS’s] findings otherwise, whether any of Ridgell’s other doctors knew she was taking medical marijuana for her chronic nausea—and any dispute about that fact—is irrelevant.” According to Gunnigle, who is running as a Democrat for Maricopa County Attorney in a special election to replace Allister Adel (who resigned last month), the ACLU recently completed a public records request that found some “startling facts” about appeals related to the registry. From 2016 to September 2021, there were 1,423 cases where parents requested hearings for being placed on the registry. Of those hearings, the most common outcome was failure to appear. Of the cases heard, only “50 or CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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60” went to a hearing and the majority of them ended with “credible findings of neglect,” although Gunnigle believes that is because the deck is stacked in favor of DCS. “People understood that they could request a hearing but didn’t understand how to get good legal representation, or the process scared them off,” Gunnigle said. “So, many of them failed to appear for their hearings.” Cannabis advocates watching this case believe it sets precedence to interpret the AMMA in favor of patients, but Sonia Martinez, the Phoenix attorney who initially represented Ridgell, thinks the matter is not settled. Martinez is working on a similar case, one she believes is more clearcut than Ridgell’s, but on Monday she was informed to prepare to defend it, even though she thought it would be suspended in the wake of the Ridgell decision. “DCS does not think that [the Ridgell] ruling is what it is,” Martinez said. “My take is essentially if you have your medical marijuana card, you’re essentially protected, but DCS, at least according to their response, doesn’t think so. It’s frustrating for me as an attorney.” Gunnigle believes the fear of being placed on the child-abuse registry could lead women, particularly women in underserved communities, to forgo prenatal care, leading to a “public health nightmare,” endangering the lives of both the mothers and their unborn children. “I’m glad Lindsay took this case,” she said. “To my knowledge, this is the first instance where there is a Court of Appeals win on a central neglect registry case in a very long time. This is the first case to interpret the immunity portions of AMMA.” Should the AG take the case to the state Supreme Court, it would be up to the court’s discretion on whether to
hear it. Gunnigle says there is a high bar for it to advance, but nothing is guaranteed. “I imagine there’s a lot of attorneying going on right now behind the scenes,” she said. “It’s very rare that people announce they’re taking cases to the Supreme Court. I know, that happens in the movies, but that doesn’t happen in real life.” As to Ridgell, who is not even sure she has been removed from the registry, she and her family are nervously awaiting the April 30 appeal deadline so she can pick up the pieces of her life and move on. Her son is healthy and will celebrate his third birthday next month. She hopes to become more active in advocacy for people who are put on the registry, but her career at DCS is definitely over. “I’m not sure I could ever go back to work for DCS, just morally, now that I’ve had a kid,” she said. “Everything’s different, and their policies and procedures are not something I feel like I could work with.”
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CANNABIS CATERING New business offers infused dinner parties
and euphoric high. “You’re not too high at any point, but it’s more of like, ‘Oh I am feeling it for sure’,” said Gould. Gould also set up a deal with Uber to A TUCSON WOMAN IS PUTTING get guests a ride to and from the venue her love of cannabis together with her to encourage them to not drive under party planning skills to create marijuathe influence. na-infused dinner parties. Gould is happy that weed is becomMeaghan Gould, aka Meaghie Jane, threw her first party in February at a pri- ing more socially acceptable because vate residence in the Catalina Foothills. she felt like it was always presented to “In Tucson we do have that cannabis her as a “gateway drug.” She recalls the warnings: “If you smoke weed you are community,” Gould said. Guests were greeted by an elaborate- going to get addicted to heroin. I feel like that was kind of instilled, especially ly set table and a bar cart with weed, a in freshman and sophomore year of grinder and a bong with fresh water. They were invited to pour themselves a high school,” she said. Born and raised in Tucson, Gould drink or roll up a joint before enjoying attended Salpointe High School. She the sativa-infused appetizer of roasted vegetables alongside a long cheese-and- started smoking weed when she was 16 years old and once got busted for it at fruit board. school, leading to a five-day suspension. After enjoying the appetizers, the But it didn’t dampen her enthusiasm guests went outside to catch the sunset and take a few photos. When they came for cannabis. In fact, she liked it so much back inside, the sound of Justin Beiber’s that during a smoking sesh, a fellow “Peaches” flooded the room along with smoker gave her the nickname Meaghie Jane. It wasn’t long before the nickname a citrusy and earthy smell from the second course, a white fish with a green caught on and the whole school started goddess sauce and a cabbage radicchio calling her Meaghie Jane, which she has now turned into a brand name for her salad with an infused dressing. fledgling business. The chef finished the meal with a “I feel like I know this is what I am blood orange creme brulee to go along supposed to be doing so there is no with an orange CBD oil. To infuse the food, Gould crafted her other route,” she said. “It is just a matter of time and sticking it out.” own extracts that she made from the She is currently hosting dinner parties Abundant Organics brand. She likes to at private residences, promoting her use a sativa for a more happy, bubbly, By Nicole Feltman nfeltman@tucsonlocalmedia.com
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started making her own oils by baking her flower and mixing it with coconut oil. She experimented with incorporating cannabis into cooking and learned how to properly dose her meals while accounting for how the oil affected the flavor profiles. She is currently looking to collaborate with dispensaries for 4/20 events, and hopes to have her own strain of weed in the future. “Everyone in the community is looking for all the same things. It’s competitive but everyone wants the same goal of making weed normal and socially acceptable,” she said. As a young entrepreneur, Meaghie is experiencing challenges starting up her business, but with help from her silent partner and business mentor, she is moving forward. She hopes to have her own cannabis cafe in the future, COURTESY PHOTO citing the eastside Harambe Cafe as an “As a country evolving and letting go of the inspiration. War on Drugs, a new scene for cannabis is She is happy that weed is losing its going to eventually happen and I hope to be a part of that,” Meaghan Gould said. stigma. “As a country evolving and letting go of the War on Drugs, a new scene for cannabis is going to eventually happen brand, and getting her name out into and I hope to be a part of that,” the industry. she said. “The industry in general is super welcoming and supportive of people trying If you are looking to book an dinner to get in because, you know, as long as event in the future, check out Meaghie you’re passionate about it, people are Jane’s instagram @meaghiejane like ‘yeah let’s collaborate and let’s do things together’,” she said. Gould graduated from the University of Arizona in 2018 with her Bachelors in Science and Psychology and a minor in General Science. She was particularly interested in cognitive neuroscience and the study of the mind. After graduating, she realized that she was really interested in event planning. After hosting a friendsgiving with 30 of her friends one year, she became aware of how much she really loved setting up events. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Gould took her experience working as a server at several local spots, including Blanco Tacos and Tequila, Sauce Pizza and Wine, and Zinburger, and decided to create a career that combines food, COURTESY PHOTO cannabis and party planning. A cannabis catering cart! About a year ago, Meaghie Jane
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HIGH SPIRITS
Sampling a variety of cannabis products on the shelves of your local dispensary By the Tucson Weekly Test Department tucsoneditor@tucsonlocalmedia.com Botanica Flower. Flower has come a long way from the days when we were separating stems and seeds from the Mexican weed we used to score from our dealer back in the ’90s. We tried out Botanica’s house-grown blueberry strain, a gorgeous fresh bud that had a light, fruity aroma right out of the pack. After just a few smooth hits, we felt that uplifting high that kept us happy and relaxed for more than a hour. It was a wonderful head and body high that we’d recommend as a way to add a boost to your evening or weekend, although it’s probably not one for the workplace, especially if you’re handling heavy machinery.
Earth Extracts Sugar Wax. The Earth’s Healing live resin terp sugar is a jar of golden granules of THCA crystals made from house-grown Unkle Cherry flower that is frozen immediately after harvest to preserve terpenes. The soft consistency makes it easy to scoop out your dose. As with similar concentrates, it’s a potent concoction with a sweet taste. iLava Entourage Dablicator. As much as we enjoy extracts, they can sure be a sticky mess to smoke. iLava’s nifty Dablicator removes a lot of that hassle by putting the concentrate in a pen-like device. You twist the pen so that a white button emerges from one end. You then point the other end onto your dab rig or COURTESY PHOTO
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Earth’s Healing’s Shatter.
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preferred smoking device and push the button. Voila! A neat little drop emerges, no muss, no fuss. We found it was also handy for adding a drop to our our flower to make a little homemade moon rock. The technology aside, the quality of the extract is, well, high, and it will give you the lift you’re after. Earth Extracts Shatter. Crafted by the gang at Earth’s Healing, this sticky shatter was made from cured whole nugget flower. Wrapped in a wax paper, it’s easy to peel off a dose for whatever rig you’re using to smoke it. And let us assure you: It will get you high. Be careful about dosage if you have anything else you need to get done, as a little dab will most definitely do you. iLava Entourage Gummies. These tasty treats come in a variety of flavors and strains, but they are all delicious. Crafted by the crew at Downtown Dispensary/D2, the gummies are solid but soft, like Jujyfruit candies, and the fruit flavor overwhelms any trace of THC. Each box contains 10 10mg gummies, which is a solid dose for cannabis enthusiasts. If it’s daytime, you’ll want to try the Entourage Day formula, a
sativa cocktail of 5mg THC, 5 mg delta 8 THC, 5mg CBD and 5mg CBG that will give you a mild buzz without taking you out of commission. In the evening, you might try Entourage Twilight, a hybrid that will help you let go of the day’s stress that includes CBG, CDB and CBD. And when it’s time for bed, try out Entourage Night, an indica variety with 10mg THC, 5mg CBN and 5mg CBG that helped our review get a deep sleep without a groggy hangover in the morning. iLava Delta 8 Clarity Cartridge, Green Quack Strain. If you’re looking for a mild cannabis buzz without the cloudy mind or giggles that sometimes accompanies the use of cannabis, Delta 8 Clarity is the way to go. This smooth smoke will leave you relaxed without making you high as a kite—which can be a challenge with today’s potent flower strains. Botanica Citrus Desert Cartridge. Some cartridges just don’t seem to have the same uplift as flower, but Botanica’s citrus desert cart definitely gets you into the zone. With a hint of citrus flavor, the smooth smoke is ideal for a night out when you don’t want the foggy high or an edible but you do want to be discreet when you’re drawing a hit. Dynamite shit.
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Desert Bloom Re-Leaf Center Releaf Brand Flower. We sampled several potent strains from Desert Bloom Re-Leaf Center, including Darth Vader (indica, 31.17% THC), Gorilla Glue #4 (hybrid, 21.79% THC), MF Cookiez (indica 24.8% THC) and Face Off OG (Indica 21.23% THC). All of the strains were really nice and the indicas hit slightly different. The personal fave: Gorilla Glue #4. As a hybrid, it felt really nice with a strong sense of euphoria and healthy blend of body and head highs, but it was still easy to get things done around the house. The Darth Vader strain checked all the boxes. A phenomenal taste that also was the perfect blend of body and relaxation for an evening toke. The drowsiness you’d expect from a higher THC percentage wasn’t really there and the strength was nice that you were able to get desired results from a pinch. A very special strain they are putting out. All the buds were dressed to impress with a nice amount of crystallization and texture. These dense buds, cured to perfection, are the type you can take out and impress a friend with. Desert Bloom Releaf Brand Vape Cartridge, Sunset Runtz Live Resin (Indica, 89.44% THC). Live resin really seems to be the way to go for the new generation of vape cartridges. The Sunset Runtz greats you with a nice
fruity taste from the terps upon first pull and, depending on your tolerance, that may be all you need. The relaxing vibe you’d expect from an indica without an overpowering drowsiness. A solid vape cart for those looking to expand into the strong vape cartridges, given that it’s a staggering 89.44% THC. Desert Bloom High School S.H. Sugar Wax (Hybrid, 82.17% THC). At 82.17% it’s not the highest concentrate on the market, but it definitely does the job. This hybrid is a great option for those looking to get into the wonderful world of concentrates as well as seasoned dabbers alike. The perk of the sugar wax is just how easy it is to handle and dose. Sticky enough to grab while also not so sticky that you’ll be dealing with strings as you try to pull the right amount. Our reviewer sampled with a nectar collector and it greeted him with an immediate sense of euphoria while also leaning into a more body than head high. Nice balance you’d expect from a quality hybrid strain such as High School S.H. Definitely worth a try for every smoker that’s looking for a quick and easy way to dose. Sublime Live Resin Wax Concentrate (Hybrid, 63% THC). We got a nice, clean lift from a single rip of Sublime live resin wax concentrate and spent a recent afternoon buzzing with energy,
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clarity and high spirits. That evening, we upped the ante, mixing a pebble’s worth into our after-dinner joint. It might have been too much. Our head was foggy, our fingers turned into hotdogs and it took two hours to write this review. And we can’t even remember what we were going to say about it! We recommend caution, even for the tetrahydrocannabinol-tolerant. Cannabliss Broad Spectrum Sour Gummies. From the great culinary minds at Halo Infusions comes a brand new offering from Cannabliss. Their Broad Spectrum Sour Gummies greet you with an amazing flavor upon first chew. There is a nice amount of balance between the sour and sweet that makes for an enjoyable flavor profile—so much so that you almost want to eat the whole bag in a sitting. But at 10MG per gummy, these edibles are consistent and easy to dose. To get the full experience. We started with 1 gummy then gradually over the next couple hours ate a total of 3. The first 10MG gives a nice subtle feeling you’d expect from that dosage
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Cannabliss THC Gummies.
and took about 35-45 minutes to come on. The second came around after the first initial effects came on and puts you in a real nice spot: body forward with a touch of a head high. It wasn’t until the 30MG where we felt it on all fronts. By the third hour, after ingesting 30MG total toward the end day, we hit the pillow and went right to bed. All in all, great experience and keeps with the trend of what we expect from the Halo Infusion kitchens. These Sour Gummies will be released for sale soon, so keep your eyes peeled and make sure to ask your favorite budtender for availability.
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BILLION-DOLLAR BUD
Arizonans spent more than $1.4 billion on cannabis in 2021
By David Abbott tucsoneditor@tucsonlocalmedia.com
IN THE FIRST YEAR THAT Arizona adults could legally buy cannabis, they spent slightly more than $1.4 billion on marijuana. According to the Arizona Department of Revenue, the recreational market brought in nearly $650 million, despite sales beginning on Jan. 22, 2021. The well-established medical market that has been in existence for a decade recorded $758 million in sales in 2021, according to ADOR. December 2021 saw recreational sales top medical for only the second time, with the adult-use market notching nearly $67.2 million in sales compared to $53.5 million on the medical side. And December marked the third month in a row that recreational marijuana sales set a record for the burgeoning industry, beating out the $64 million sold in November. A year ago, recreational sales began with just $11.4 million in the final 10 days of January 2021. Harvest Health Inc., now owned by Florida-based Trulieve Cannabis Corp, was the only dispensary prepared for sales that weren’t expected to begin until March or April. At the time, Harvest and its 15 dispensary licenses was owned by Tempe native Steve White, who contributed $1.8 million to the 2020 campaign to pass Proposition 207, which legalized recreational cannabis in Arizona. But other dispensaries rushed to open once adult-use sales were legal, and they quickly caught up to medical cannabis sales. At the close of 2021, recreational sales contributed more than $104.1 million in
excise tax, while sales taxes brought in another $113.5 million in tax revenue. When the $63.5 million in medical marijuana sales taxes are included, cannabis sales in Arizona added nearly $218 million to state coffers in 2021. The state collects 16% in excise tax on recreational sales in addition to the standard sales tax; medical patients pay just the sales tax. Local jurisdictions charge an additional 2% or so for all marijuana sales. Proposition 207, approved by voters in 2020, legalized adult use of cannaCOURTESY PHOTO bis and specified public use for taxes collected on recreational sales. OneDecember 2021 saw recreational sales top medical for only the second time, with the third is dedicated to community college adult-use market notching nearly $67.2 million in sales compared to $53.5 million on the medical side. and provisional community college districts; 31% to public safety (police, fire departments, fire districts, first responders); 25% to the Arizona Highway User Revenue Fund, and 10% to the justice reinvestment fund, dedicated to providing public health services, counseling, job training and other social services for communities that have been adversely affected and disproportionately impacted by marijuana arrests and criminalization. Headset, a data and analytics provider for the cannabis industry, reported the following highlights of the cannabis year 2021, including: • In February, total market sales grew 39% compared to January. In March, total market sales grew 29.6%. • The sales breakdown for 2021 reported that cannabis flower accounted for roughly 47% of all Arizona cannabis sales in 2021. Vapor pens accounted for around 23.7%.
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Best Delivery Service Earth’s Healing 78 W. River Road (520) 253-7198 2075 E. Benson Highway (520) 373-5779 earthshealing.org Even before the pandemic, Earth’s Healing’s delivery service was on point. If you’re feeling too lazy (or too high) to drive, the friendly staff will bring your bud to you, as long as you call your order in early enough to make the daily cut. If you’re spending between $40 and $100, you’ll pay a flat $10 fee. If your order is between $101 and $200, you’ll pay a mere $5. And if your order is above $200, it’s free. With the way gas prices are climbing, you might be saving money with this service.
READER RECOMMENDED
Downtown Dispensary/D2 221 E. Sixth St. (520) 838-0492
thedowntowndispensary.com 7105 E. 22nd St. (520) 214-3232 d2dispensary.com Desert Bloom Re-Leaf Center 8060 E. 22nd St. (520) 886-1760 Dbloomtucson.com
Best Certification Center Tumbleweeds Health Center 4826 E. Broadway Blvd. (520) 838-4430 tumbleweedshealthcenter.com Tumbleweeds Health Center isn’t just a place to get your medical card, although it’s our readers’ favorite spot to do just that. Since they opened Tumbleweeds more than a decade ago, owners Dana Rae Zygmunt and Kim A. Williams have made it their mission to educate the public about the many medical benefits of cannabis. If you’re got questions, they’ve got answers.
READER RECOMMENDED
Dr. Reeferalz Medical Marijuana Evaluation Center 4120 E. Speedway Blvd. (520) 623-0420 Drreeferalz.com Natural Healing Care Center 2231 E. Speedway Blvd. (520) 323-0069 Naturalhealingcarecenter.com
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Best Medical Marijuana Doc
READER RECOMMENDED
Heather Moroso
4826 E. Broadway Blvd.
Moroso Medical Center
(520) 838-4430
2231 S. Fourth Ave.
tumbleweedshealthcenter.com
(520) 275-1449
Dr. Shonna Christian
morosomedicalcenter.com
Dr. Reeferalz Medical Marijuana Evaluation Center
Dr. Heather Moroso once again tops this category, to no great surprise. She’s been working with cannabis patients ever since voters legalized medical marijuana more than a decade ago and is well known for her compassionate work with HIV/AIDS patients. Be sure to check out her new clinic, the Moroso Medical Center, in South Tucson, where she’s given the old Antonio’s tavern a total makeover. You’ll not only have the opportunity to get certified for a medical marijuana card, but you’ll also have the chance to take classes, socialize with your fellow cannabis enthusiasts, learn more about healthy lifestyles and enjoy a smoothie. (See “Open Invitation,” Page 17, for details.)
Dr. Alicia Miller
Tumbleweeds Health Center
4120 E. Speedway Blvd. (520) 623-0420 Drreeferalz.com
Best Waiting Room Earth’s Healing 78 W. River Road
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(520) 253-7198
4220 E. Speedway Blvd. 1525 N. Park Ave.
Halo Cannabis
Best Pre-Roll
(520) 447-7463
7710 S. Wilmot Road
theprimeleaf.com
(520) 664-2251
Earth’s Healing
thegreenhalo.com
2075 E. Benson Highway (520) 373-5779 earthshealing.org Between the pandemic and the advent of recreational sales, the comfy couches at Earth’s Healing have gone away, but our readers still fondly remember being able to lounge in comfort while waiting for an order. Still, Earth’s Healing remains the top spot when you’re waiting for your name to be called and we love the makeover they’ve done at the Benson Highway location.
READER RECOMMENDED
Halo Cannabis
7710 S. Wilmot Road (520) 664-2251 thegreenhalo.com Prime Leaf
READER RECOMMENDED
Best Customer Service Earth’s Healing 78 W. River Road
Prime Leaf 4220 E. Speedway Blvd 1525 N. Park Ave. (520) 447-7463 theprimeleaf.com
(520) 253-7198 2075 E. Benson Highway (520) 373-5779 earthshealing.org The Earth’s Healing budtenders know how to take care of their patients—and they prove it on a daily basis. You can dodge the line by ordering ahead of time online and if you don’t want to drive to the store, they will even deliver for you. What more can you ask for?
Best New Patient Special Earth’s Healing 78 W. River Road (520) 253-7198 2075 E. Benson Highway (520) 373-5779 earthshealing.org If you’re a new medical patient, there’s the fun of exploring the specials you’re eligible for when you visit dispensaries. Let’s face it: Free weed is the best weed. At Earth’s Healing, new patients have the choice of four specials: A free onegram pre-roll; a free 100-mg edible; a free 500 mg Earthvape; or a buy-one/ get-one deal on a $25 eighth of an ounce. Plus, on your second visit, you get a free pre-roll. Now that’s a way to earn return visits.
READER RECOMMENDED
Halo Cannabis
7710 S. Wilmot Road (520) 664-2251 thegreenhalo.com NatureMed 5390 E. Ina Road (520) 620-9123 naturemedaz.com
78 W. River Road (520) 253-7198 2075 E. Benson Highway (520) 373-5779 earthshealing.org If you’re looking for a tasty pre-roll to pass around to enjoy that sense of community that comes with sharing a joint, Earth’s Healing has fine options made from fresh bud. Measuring out at a gram, it’s surely enough to spark joy in your life.
READER RECOMMENDED
Halo Cannabis
7710 S. Wilmot Road (520) 664-2251 thegreenhalo.com NatureMed 5390 E. Ina Road (520) 620-9123 naturemedaz.com
Best Soft-Drink Edible Pure & Simple (Halo Infusions) Halo Infusions’ Pure & Simple brand offers several delicious options of dosed drinks, including a hibiscus citrus juice blend and a prickly lemonade juice blend, as well as an apple juice and an orange juice. All 8-ounce servings come with 100mg of THC, meaning that just a sip will be enough to start the morning on a high note. Unless you’re a cannabis veteran, you won’t want to drink the entire thing in one sitting. Check your local dispensary to see if they carry Pure & Simple.
READER RECOMMENDED
Baked Bros Keef
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Best THC Brownie Aunt Ellie’s Aunt Ellie cooks up everything from a 25mg “daily dose” brownie (though we have to say that 25mg seems like more than a daily dose for most people) to the 500mg ultra mega brownie, which is enough doses to keep us high for a month or two. They are all baked locally and the chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the minor undertones of cannabis. Delicious and one of best values for your bud bucks.
READER RECOMMENDED
Sublime Amy & Al’s
READER RECOMMENDED
Wyld Sublime
Best THC Topical iLava Touch We have friends who swear by the pain-relieving effects they get from iLava Touch, a blend of THC, CBD and other essential oils such as mango ginger and blue tansy. Developed by the team at Downtown Dispensary/D2, the topical gel has a wonderful scent and can help with everything from arthritis pain to a bad back.
READER RECOMMENDED
Best Craft Baked Edible Sublime Sublime infuses a wide line of edibles, including chocolate bars, hard candy (don’t miss the Phoenix prickly pear for some authentic Arizona flavor), spicy Southwest pretzels and a chili-limon popcorn. We sure miss the lemon tea cake they used to make, but their line remains as potent and tasty as well.
READER RECOMMENDED
Aunt Ellie’s Amy & Al’s
Best Candy THC Edible Ogeez! If you like gummies, you should try out Ogeez! They have a wonderful chewy texture and are available in a variety of fruity flavors, including raspberry orange, blackberries and cream, and watermelon. Mostly, they come in 10mg doses in packs of 10, but medical patients are eligible to pick up a pack of 10 30mg gummies. Pro tip: Medical patients can find them for 30% off on Saturdays at both Prime Leaf locations.
Sublime Chronic Health
Best Indica Concentrate Earth Extracts Cannabis concentrates have a few advantages over fresh bud: They don’t create stinky weed clouds when you smoke it and you can get high AF. Our readers give this year’s prize to the concentrates at Earth’s Extracts, the house brand of Earth’s Healing. The extract comes in various forms that range from a sticky sheet of shatter to tiny little crystals of live resin terp sugar. Whichever direction you do, you’ll enjoy the buzz.
READER RECOMMENDED
Halo Cannabis C-Rex
Best Sativa Concentrate Earth Extracts Our readers not only loved the Earth’s Extracts indica concentrate, but they CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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also voted the Earth’s Healing house brand as the best sativa concentrate.
READER RECOMMENDED
C-Rex Halo Cannabis
Best Hybrid Concentrate Earth Extracts And it’s the trifecta for Earth Extracts as they also win for the best hybrid concentrate. Whether they are crafting this from cured whole nugget flower or fresh frozen bud (to preserve as many terpenes as possible), the Earth Extracts team knows how to get the best out of the plant.
READER RECOMMENDED
Halo Cannabis C-Rex
Best Sativa Vape Cartridge C-Rex C-Rex creates its cannabis extract without the use of solvents, which sounds like a step forward to us. The team uses fresh-frozen bud, ice water, heat and pressure to squeeze out that THC and create a range of products, including the cartridges our readers love.
READER RECOMMENDED
Earth Extracts iLava
READER RECOMMENDED
C-Rex iLava
Best Hybrid Vape Cartridge iLava iLava, the house brand of Downtown Dispensary/D2, is one of the finest vape cartridges on the local market. Made with their signature extract, the cartridge delivers a mild buzz while allowing the user to remain discreet.
READER RECOMMENDED
Best Indica Vape Cartridge
Earthvape C-Rex
Earth Extracts
Best CBD Vape Cartridge
Earth Extracts continues its dominance of the 2022 Cannabis Bowl with yet another win for their splendid concentrate. We can only say congrats for winning so many of our readers’ hearts (and lungs).
Earthvape And yet another win for Earth’s Healing for their CBD vape cartridge. If you don’t enjoy the cloudy effects of THC but are still seeking relief from pain, CBD might just be the thing for you.
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C-Rex Stiiizy
Best Indica Flower Halo Cannabis 7710 S. Wilmot Road (520) 664-2251 thegreenhalo.com
Congrats to Halo Cannabis for winning the coveted Best Flower award in both the indica and sativa categories. This is quality cannabis that will taste fresh and deliver the high you’re seeking.
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Mohave Sunday Goods
Best Hybrid Flower The Pharm The Pharm boasts that it grows “sunsoaked cannabis” at its Willcox farm— and that sounds like a great Pharm-totable experience to us. Whether you’re looking for flower for your pipe, a preroll to share with friends, or a distillate, check your local dispensary to see if they are carrying Pharm.
READER RECOMMENDED
Halo Cannabis Sublime
Best Sativa Flower
Best CBD Flower
Halo Cannabis
5460 E. Speedway Blvd.
7710 S. Wilmot Road (520) 664-2251 thegreenhalo.com Halo Cannabis has a grow right on the edge of Tucson, so you know the bud is going to be fresh. They offer an ever-changing lineup of sativa strains as they crossbreed to reach that elusive perfect buzz.
READER RECOMMENDED
Sunday Goods Sublime
Healthful Flowers (520) 279-1819 healthfulflowers.com We’re learning a lot more about the benefits of CBD, so more people are experimenting with it, especially since it doesn’t carry the same (happily vanishing) stigma of cannabis. Healthful Flowers carries a wide variety of CBD strains and a knowledgeable staff to help you navigate your option.
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Tierra Grow CBD Wellness
APRIL 14, 2022
Munchies! Munchies! HUNGER GAMES
15 places to cure your 4/20 munchies
By Staff Report tucsoneditor@tucsonlocalmedia.com
spicy gushers, spicy mango pieces, spicy Sour Patch Kids, and even spicy Starburst. And if those don’t sound up your alley, Tanna’s also sells spicy rim dip, so you can take their flavors to whatever food or drink you desire. Sometimes the munchies mean you’re looking for a classic snack, but other times, you’re looking for a wild combination of flavors that you’ve never had before. And in those situations, Tanna’s Botannas is the place to go. 4426 S. Sixth Ave. (520) 445-5875. tannasbotannas.com
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Caruso’s. 434 N. Fourth Ave. (520) 624-5765. carusositalian.com
Frog & Firkin. A standout among the University Boulevard scene, Frog & Firkin has almost everything we could hope for in a pub, especially when it comes to the food. Make the place one stop on a University tour, or select it as your destination all its own, either way, there is plenty here to satisfy some cravings. We appreciate how the food feels equal parts fancy and indulgent, such as their steak salad with grilled Arte Bella. We all know weed makes you more cre- tenderloin and bleu cheese crumbles, their nacho platter overflowing with toppings, multiple selections ative and hungry, so wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place to combine the two? Fourth Ave’s Arte Bella cap- of specialty fries, and about a dozen burgers to choose italizes on the combo by being “Tucson’s original puff from. But if there’s one thing on the Frog & Firkin menu we want to shout out as a munchies delicacy, and paint.” Here, you can grab food and drinks while it’s their “Amazeballs Truffle Mac & Cheese,’’ with four participating in a variety of painting classes, all with different cheeses, truffle oil, bacon and butter crumbs. a 4/20 twist. Just imagine how vibrant and creative those acrylics and watercolors will turn out when you Just another reason we Firkin love this place. 874 E. have a bit of extra inspiration in you; you can vape and University Blvd. (520) 623-7507. frogandfirkin.com. dab inside the venue, and you can light fire to flower CONTINUED ON PAGE 41 products on their patio. And if you forget anything, there’s a smoke shop just next door. But don’t let all that distract from their food, including quesadillas, nachos, bowls, desserts, plus happy hour specials and a Taco Tuesday. There are a lot of options on Fourth Ave., but Arte Bella stands out with a special combination. 340 N. Fourth Ave. (520) 526-2588. artebellaon4th. com
FUN FACT: SCIENTISTS WITH THE SOCIETY for the Study of Ingestive Behavior conducted a 2018 study that showed that dosing lab mice with cannabis vapor triggered hunger hormones and shifted portions of the brain to “hungry mode.” But you don’t have to be a scientist to know that weed enhances your appetite. You just need to dose yourself with cannabis vapor and—trust us on this one—your stomach is gonna start grumbling and food Caruso’s. One of Tucson’s oldest family restaurants is going to taste realllllly good. is also one of its tastiest. Italian food, cheese and big Given that stoner holiday 4/20 is right around the servings all go hand in hand, and we have a hard time corner, we picked out some of our favorite spots to thinking of something that sounds more appealing satisfy that weed-sparked appetite. when the munchies hit. There are plenty of options for good dining at Fourth Ave’s Caruso’s, but we’re Tanna’s Botannas. All you need to know is right especially drawn to their specialty lasagne, made with there on the sign: Fire snacks. When you’re in a homemade noodles, layered with a cheese-meat sauce, munchies mood, what more could you want than and “baked in a blanket of cheese.” Options for these some spicy, savory snacks of the Southwestern style? Tanna’s crafts up some unique munchies by combin- range from chicken to meatball to vegetarian. All we can say is thank you for continuing to do what you do, ing classic candies with a roasty kick. We’re talking
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A Firkin Good Time Since 2001
y, Thirst Got the ? ies h c n u m
Great Beer & Delicious Food! 874 East University Blvd 520 623 7507 FROGANDFIRKIN.COM Sunday-Thursday 11:00am - 1:00am, Friday-Saturday 11:00am - 2:00am
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Little Love Burger. A newcomer to the Congress restaurant scene, the gang at Little Love Burger has already made a name for themselves thanks to their natural angus beef (or vegetarian) burgers covered in specialty toppings. Their selections range from the classic to a BBQ burger with swiss and cheddar and bacon, to the overflowing chili and mustard burger. They even give you the option to craft your own burger by selecting any of their toppings, for the picky stoner. On a recent trip in, we were head-over-heels about their “All Spiced Up” burger, which comes topped with pepper jack, jalapeno, slaw, black pepper bacon, tomato and spicy ketchup. It takes a special burger joint to fill the hole that Diablo Burger left in our hearts, but Little Love Burger definitely fits the bill. 312 E. Congress St. (520) 849-5908. littleloveburger.com Scented Leaf. Maybe you’re feeling a bit more mellow when the munchies hit, and you don’t exactly want to dive into a pile of greasy food. For the more reflective in the audience, either of Scented Leaf’s locations may do the trick. With more of a flavor focus after you indulge, fancy teas taste all the more refreshing and multi-layered. Dig into the Scented Leaf’s loose-leaf teas from around the world and experience some wild flavor combinations! If a
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simple mint tea isn’t quite your thing, they also have Banana Chocolate Cake tea, Blueberry Bliss, Pomegranate Razz, Spicy Pear and much more. 943 E. University Blvd. suite 165, and 308 E. Congress St. (520) 624-2930. thescentedleaf.com Tumerico. Even if you’re not among the “meat is murder” crowd, you’re going to love this Latin-inspired vegetarian eatery with plenty of Vegan options and generous portions that include “all the powers”: beans, rice and veggies. The jackfruit carnitas will fool you into thinking you’re eating pork, although you should listen when they warn you it’s gonna be spicy. Plus, you can add CBD to your drinks. Soooo good. 2526 E. Sixth St. (520) 240-6947. 402 E. Fourth Ave. (520) 392-0224. tumerico.com The Screamery. I scream, you scream, we all scream for the Sreamery’s ice cream. With all the standard flavors plus exotic options such as Ooey Gooey Buttercake and Sweet Cream Honeycomb, you’e going to find the cold sweetness your tongue is seeking. Or enjoy a shake, banana split or ice cream nachos. 50 S. Houghton Road. (520) 721-5299. 2545 E. Speedway Blvd. (520) 777-3080. 250 E. Congress St. (520) 207-7486. 5920 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive. (520) 328-8145. thescreamery.com
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COURTESY PHOTO
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HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY 11AM - 10PM SUNDAY 11AM-5PM
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Tucson Tamale Company. If you haven’t tried a vegetable curry tamale from Tucson Tamale Company, you’ve missed out on one of the finest food fusions in Southern Arizona. When Tucson Tamale owners Shari and Todd Martin decided to experiment with what a tamale could be, they created some astounding options wrapped up in a cork husk. There’s a reason these guys sell millions of these tamales every year—because they’re great! 7286 N. Oracle Road. (520) 403-1888. 7159 E. Tanque Verde Road. (520) 298-8404. tucsontamale.com
workout routine treat yo’self to a little piece of joy. I mean, it’s just one day! We also recommend a side of tater tots for a crunchy texture. 500 N. Fourth Ave. (520) 207-6970. Lo4th.com ANELLO Pizzeria. Say you’re high. You end up in downtown Tucson. You’re not really sure if you should be out in public, but you know you’re looking for a pizza, as it’s a classic way to combat the munchies. ANELLO’s limited menu makes it easy for readers to choose their toppings and they excel at what they make. If you’re craving something sweet afterward, ANELLO’s offers delicious tarts like their blue corn lemon and pecan honey tarts. 222 E. Sixth St. annelo.space
Dessert Case at Hotel Congress. If your sweet tooth is activated by cannabis, you’ll want to gaze into the revolving dessert case at Hotel Congress, where house-baked delights twirl all day long. Whether you’re looking for a slice of pie or cake, a tart of some kind or just a cookie, you’ll find something here to activate your taste buds. Of course, the entrees aren’t bad, either. 311 E. Congress St. (520) 622-8848. Hotelcongress.com
Nico’s Burritos. The munchies can hit at any time, so thank goodness we have Nico’s, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can’t go wrong with a bacon, egg, potato and cheese breakfast burrito, with the green salsa and a large horchata. We’re not advising you to drive while high, but there is a drive-thru window if you don’t feel like being out in public. And everything on the menu is under $12. Multiple locations. ordernicosmexicanfood.com
Amy’s Donuts. If you’re really looking for a sugar rush to accompany that head rush, Amy’s Donuts will deliver. With options such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Pebbles, and Cookie Monster, you know these donuts are fresh baked for the freshly baked. 101 E. Fort Lowell Road. (520) 647-2481. amysdonuts.com
Cheba Hut. Is any list of spots to stave off the munchies complete without Cheba Hut? This is where the subs are toasted and so are you. These guys lean into that stoner culture, with loaded not’chos and krispy fruity pebble bars wrapped in marshmallow gooeyness. Enjoy a “Cottonmouth Cure” such as Kool-Aid. Open until 10 p.m., with a full bar, seating for days, and the option for online or pick-up ordering. Cheba Hut is the ultimate stoner fantasy. 446 N Campbell Ave. (520) 495-4719. chebahut.com
Lindy’s on 4th. Sometimes, you want a cheeseburger. Sometimes you want mac ’n’ cheese. And sometimes, you want both! Luckily, Lindy’s has both in a single meal, the mac ’n’ cheeseburger. This calorie-packed sandwich is the kind of decadence you deserve as a treat once in a while. If you’re celebrating 4/20, forget about that summer
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BEST TEA EVER
a to Quench Any Dry Mouth! Now Delivering with Door Dash
Voted Best Tea 3 Years Running!
943 E University Blvd, #165 • 308 E Congress St TheScentedLeaf.com
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