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Vegas Cannabis Magazine and Tahoe Cannabis Magazine feature content about cannabis, hemp, and cannabis-related products and information. In addition, we feature articles, legal information and medical news relevant to the cannabis industry. All content within our publications and on our website is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered personalized legal or medical advice. Both the printed publication and the website are intended for those over the age of 21. In the state of Nevada, cannabis is intended for use by those 21 and older. If consuming, please keep out of the reach of children. Vegas Cannabis Magazine LLC assumes no responsibility for the advertisements within this publication. We strive to ensure the accuracy of the information published. Vegas Cannabis Magazine LLC cannot be held responsible for any consequences which arise due to error or omissions. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.

CARSON CITY

Battle Born Dispensary

10115 US Hwy 50 East

Rise Dispensaries

135 Clearview Dr, #119

Zen Leaf 2765 US Hwy 50, Ste. A

CLARK

Pure Tonic Dispensary 420 USA Parkway

ELKO Newe 1555 Shoshone Circle

ELY Curaleaf

940 E. Aultman Street

Tsaa Nesunkwa 963 S. Pioche Hwy.

FALLON

Green Cross Farmacy

510 W. Williams Ave.

HENDERSON

Essence

4300 E. Sunset Rd

Jenny’s Dispensary

10420 S. Eastern Ave, #100

The Dispensary 50 N. Gibson Rd, #170

The Source 9480 S. Eastern Ave, #185

INCLINE VILLAGE

NuLeaf 877 Tahoe Blvd.

JACKPOT

Thrive 1868 Royal Dr.

LAS VEGAS

Beyond Hello

7885 W. Sahara Ave, #111

CannaStarz 631 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Cookies 2307 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 4240 W. Flamingo Rd. #100

Cultivate

3615 Spring Mountain Rd.

Curaleaf

1736 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 2320 Western Ave.

Deep Roots Harvest 3725 Blue Diamond Rd.

5991 W. Cheyenne Ave.

Euphoria Wellness

7780 S. Jones Blvd.

Exhale 4310 W. Flamingo Rd.

Essence

5765 W. Tropicana

7260 S. Rainbow, #104 6410 S. Durango, #115

Green

4510 S. Hualapai Way

Health for Life 200 E. Charleston

Inyo Fine Cannabis

2520 S. Maryland Pkwy, #2

Jade Cannabis Co.

1130 E. Desert Inn Rd. 6050 Sky Pointe

Jardin Premium Cannabis

2900 E. Desert Inn Rd, #102

Las Vegas Releaf

2242 Paradise Rd.

Medizin

4850 W. Sunset Road

MedMen

823 S. 3rd St.

4503 Paradise Rd, #210-240

6332 S. Rainbow Blvd, #105

Nevada Made Marijuana

310 E. Warm Springs

7650 W. Charleston

1675 E. Cactus Ave.

Nevada Wellness Center

3200 S. Valley View Blvd.

NuLeaf 430 E. Twain Ave.

1600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, #140

Nuwu Cannabis Marketplace

1235 Paiute Circle

11527 Nu Wav Kaiv Blvd.

Oasis Cannabis

1800 Industrial Road, #180

Planet 13

2548 W. Desert Inn Rd.

Reef Dispensaries

3400 Western Ave.

Sahara Wellness

420 E. Sahara Ave.

Shango

4380 Boulder Hwy.

ShowGrow

4850 S. Fort Apache Rd, #100

Silver Sage Wellness

4626 W. Charleston

The Dispensary

5347 S. Decatur Blvd.

The Grove

4647 S. University Center Dr.

The Sanctuary

1324 S. 3rd Street

The Source

2550 S. Rainbow Blvd, Ste. 8

Thrive

3500 W. Sahara Ave.

1112 S. Commerce St.

3698 W. Cactus Ave.

2975 S. Sammy Davis Jr. Dr.

Top Notch

5630 Stephanie St.

Tree of Life

1437 N. Jones Blvd.

Vegas Treehouse

4660 S. Decatur Blvd.

Wallflower

6540 Blue Diamond Rd.

Zen Leaf

9120 W. Post Road, #103

5940 W. Flamingo Rd.

LAUGHLIN

Nevada Made Marijuana 1975 S. Casino Dr.

LOVELOCK

Nabodoka Dispensary

115 Etha Drive

MESQUITE

Deep Roots Harvest 195 Willis Carrier Canyon

NORTH LAS VEGAS

Deep Roots Harvest 1306 W. Craig Rd.

Jennys Dispensary

5530 N. Decatur Blvd, #115

Reef Dispensaries

1370 W. Cheyenne Ave.

The Sanctuary

2113 Las Vegas Blvd. North

The Source 420 E. Deer Springs Way

Thrive Cannabis Marketplace

2755 W. Cheyenne Ave.

Tree of Life

150 E. Centennial Pkwy #114

Zen Leaf 444 W. Craig Rd.

PAHRUMP

The Grove 1541 E. Basin Ave.

The Source 2370 Homestead Road

RENO

Deep Roots Harvest 12240 Old Virginia Rd.

Jade 1085 S. Virginia St.

Kanna 5398 Sun Valley Blvd.

Mynt Dispensary 340 Lemmon Dr, Ste. A 132 E. 2nd St, #103

Rise Dispensaries 2881 Northtowne Ln.

Zen Leaf 1605 E. 2nd St, #103

The Dispensary 100 W. Plumb Lane

The Source 5270 Longley Ln, Ste.103

Three Nations Cannabis 11570 S. Virginia St.

Thrive Cannabis

7300 S. Virginia St.

SPARKS

Greenleaf Wellness 1730 Glendale Ave.

Reef Dispensaries 195 E. Glendale, Ste. 3

Rise Dispensaries 9650 Pyramid Way

Silver State Relief 175 E. Greg St.

SUN VALLEY

Reef Dispensaries 5105 Sun Valley Blvd, B

VERDI

Three Nations 420 Hwy 40 W, #C

WASHOE VALLEY

SoL Cannabis 275 Highway 395 South

WEST WENDOVER

Deep Roots Harvest 395 Industrial Way

WINNEMUCCA

Lucid Dispensary 3555 Construction Way

The Gold Leaf, NV 3302 Traders Way

Water Canyon Dispensary 1985 Hanson St.

CANNABIS

CRYO LIVE CURED FLOWER

Launches in Nevada this Fall

Get ready for something entirely new to hit the Nevada cannabis scene this fall, as CRYO Live Cured Flower makes its debut in the Las Vegas area.

Live Cured Flower is a new category of dried cannabis flower created with a unique drying and curing process. The buds are bigger and more vibrant, the flavors are delectable, and the smoke is smooth and gentle.

“Live Cured Flower is a whole new category of cannabis flower,” said Tracee McAfee, CEO of Cryo Cure, the company that developed the globally-patented drying and curing technology behind CRYO Live Cured Flower.

We sat down with McAfee and Cryo Cure president Greg Baughman to learn more about Live Cured Flower, their unique approach to drying and curing cannabis, and their upcoming launch in The Silver State.

What Makes Live Cured Flower Unique?

Some things in life need to be tried to be believed, and that’s certainly true of Live Cured Flower.

The first thing you’ll notice is its appearance. The larger-than-life buds are resplendent with crystalline trichomes that glimmer in the light. It truly looks different than other flower out there, and that’s only the beginning.

Live Cured Flower’s texture is also unique, breaking apart easily in your hands without the need for a grinder. At the same time, it’s not overly dry, so you can expect the buds to retain their structure until it’s time to break them up. That’s because Cryo Cure has modified and improved upon freeze-drying technology that zaps that small yet valuable moisture from cannabis flower. The result is a perfectly balanced moisture content, not too wet and not too dry.

Two words come to mind about the smoking experience: smooth and flavorful. The ideal moisture content of Live Cured Flower means you won’t get a harsh pull of smoke that leaves you coughing uncomfortably. And the rich terpene profile offers pronounced and nuanced flavors.

Finally, every consumer will want to know how this product makes you feel. Live Cured Flower retains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, preserving them at peak levels. This offers an exceptional experience that even the most discerning cannabis connoisseurs will appreciate.

It might sound fantastic, but these characteristics are all the result of Cryo Cure’s globally-patented drying and curing process. Developed by McAfee and Baughman, this approach not only expedites the process – completing it in less than 24 hours –but that crucial time savings contributes to preserving all the best qualities of the plant at the moment of harvest. The result is delivering what is quite literally farm-fresh, ready-to-smoke cannabis directly to the consumer.

Pulling Back the Curtain on the Live Cured Flower Process

So, how does the Live Cured Flower process work, and what makes it so different from other drying and curing methods? It starts with the award-winning genetics developed by Baughman during his time as a caregiver and grower in Michigan. After all, you can’t have top-shelf flower without top-shelf genetics, and

these strains stand out.

When Live Cured Flower hits Nevada dispensary shelves at the end of this month, these strains will be available:

• Banana Cello, a sativa-dominant combination of Lemoncello and Banana MAC

• Sour Cherry Larry, an indica dominant hybrid from Sour OG (Cali Connection) and Cherry Gelato (Greenline)

• Apple Dumplin’, a hybrid descended from Gelato 33 and Apple Fritter

• Sour OG, an indica-dominant hybrid hand-selected from a Cali Connections phenotype hunt for the original Sour Diesel

• The Juice, a sativa-dominant hybrid descended from Sour OG, Gorilla Cookies, GG#4, and Ohio Lemon G

These exceptional genetics are meticulously grown to harvest, and then it’s time to cure them with Cryo Cure’s globallypatented process. To do so, the buds are placed in a Cryo Cure machine that combines precise time, temperature, and pressure calculations to cure the flower, retaining between 8 and 12 percent of moisture content. That’s dry enough to preserve the flower and protect it from contaminants, and moist enough to lock in peak levels of cannabinoids and terpenes found in freshly harvested plants — hence the name Live Cured Flower.

Cryo Cure’s process not only retains more of the well-known terpenes like myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, but it also preserves rare monoterpenes often lost in the drying and curing stage, like alpha-bisabolol, camphene, carene, and eucalyptol. Thanks to this bouquet of additional terpenes, Live Cured Flower boasts a freshly-harvested experience with unique flavors and additional therapeutic potential. Best of all, you won’t miss any part of the plant’s natural goodness, as any kief that falls from the flower during harvest is infused back into the flower before packaging.

It’s important to mention that Cryo Cure is not the same as freeze-drying cannabis. Where freeze dryers leave flower devoid of all moisture content, making it brittle and harsh to smoke, Cryo Cure strikes a balance that leaves the flower in its freshest state. It’s this delicate balance and novel process that allows the awardwinning genetics behind Live Cured Flower to shine. And unlike

freeze dryers used for fruits and bouquets, Cryo Cure machines are built for cannabis from the insideout, including extra room between trays so buds aren’t squished in the process.

Meet the People Behind the Process

Partners in love and in business, McAfee and Baughman got their start in the industry thanks to Baughman’s background as a caregiver and grower in Michigan, where they first developed their patented drying and curing process.

"My goal was to produce flower that would be the best possible for patients, so once we had the genetics dialed in, I wanted to find a better way to cure the flower," Baughman said.

Inspiration came from iconic cultivator Ed Rosenthal, who mentioned the potential of freeze-drying for curing in his book, The Marijuana Grower’s Handbook.

“I always wanted to preserve the beauty of the flower fresh off the plant, so when Greg and I came across that information about freeze-drying in Ed’s book, we had a ‘eureka moment’ that this may be the answer to what we were looking for,” McAfee said.

Freeze drying, however, came with its share of pitfalls. The machines removed too much moisture and the texture was too brittle for a good smoking experience. Baughman and McAfee sought out to correct those shortcomings.

As they perfected the Cryo Cure machine, they realized they were onto something big, McAfee said.

“In so many focus groups, people have told me that Live Cured Flower is really great to try with friends as a social experience,” she said. “It’s a new category of cannabis flower that can’t be compared with traditional dried flower, and that makes it fun to introduce to others.”

With the process perfected, McAfee and Baughman sought to bring their technology to markets across the globe. And when they came across the opportunity to manage a license in Nevada, they jumped at it.

“We wanted Nevadans to experience the joys of Live Cured Flower, so we decided to launch our new consumer brand here,” McAfee said.

The pair rented a home in Pahrump and settled in immediately, finding the town to be the perfect fit for both their lifestyle and business. Located a short drive from Las Vegas, the town offers McAfee and Baughman the perfect opportunity to visit the city on business while also retreating from the bustling urban landscape to appreciate the beauty of the Mojave Desert and Pahrump Valley.

“We love living in Pahrump,” McAfee said. “It’s so beautiful, friendly, and with a small-town feel. It’s close to Las Vegas, but still quiet and peaceful, so we have the best of both worlds.

“And the industry here looks very promising,” she added.

As Live Cured Flower rolls out in Nevada dispensaries, McAfee and Baughman feel like they’re in the perfect spot to grow their business and be a part of the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry.

Showcasing Live Cured Flower with Unique Packaging

How will you know Live Cured Flower when it reaches a dispensary near you? Its unique packaging can leave no question, allowing you to inspect the flower closely before you buy. Live Cured Flower comes in an upside-down jar, which acts as a magnifying glass so you can examine the trichomes and literally see the difference between Live Cured Flower and traditionally dried and cured flower.

“While we were planning our packaging, I had this feeling that the flower was too beautiful to cover up,” McAfee said. “We were

playing with labeling and suddenly I just turned the jar upside down and realized that, with a small label, we could really show off the flower.”

Live Cured Flower comes in larger-than-usual packaging, as the buds don’t shrink during the Cryo Cure process. And, just as the process protects terpenes and cannabinoids, so too will the packaging. An outer box shields the flower from ultraviolet light that would otherwise degrade its quality.

“I’m super excited for everyone to get their first jar of Live Cured Flower, open the box, and pull it out for that surprise and delight,” McAfee said.

Where to find Live Cured Flower in Nevada

Expect Live Cured Flower to hit dispensary shelves in fall 2023, when it will be available at Planet 13, Jardin, CannaStarz, and Sahara Wellness. According to McAfee, Live Cured Flower will soon be available in other dispensaries throughout the state as well, so if you want to try it for yourself let your local dispensary know that you want them to stock Live Cured Flower. All five strains will also be available in prerolls for consumers who prefer a more convenient, ready-to-smoke option.

The launch of Live Cured Flower is only the beginning for McAfee and Baughman in Nevada. The pair plan to also introduce a line of CRYO Concentrates and CRYO Confections in the coming months. These concentrates and edibles will be made with live rosin extracted from Live Cured Flower, bringing robust terpene profiles and potent cannabinoids to consumers of all preferences.

“We’re really excited for the launch of Live Cured Flower and the CRYO line in Nevada,” McAfee said. “We’ve only been here a short time but it already feels like home, and we couldn’t be more pleased to grow our business in such a great place.”

Plans, Actions & Advice for Advocates THE CHAMBER OF CANNABIS

BY JOSH KASOFF

Even though Nevada Question 2 passed during the tumultuous 2016 election by nearly 100,000 votes and a billion-dollar recreational cannabis industry would exist in the Silver State, both the language of the legislative measure itself and the subsequent industry that formed weren’t perfect by any means. “Social equity” and any terms related to anything involving criminal justice reform were foreign concepts and almost entirely omitted from this bill and although Question 2 legalized the recreational purchase of cannabis for not only Nevada locals but the nearly 43 million people that visit Las Vegas and Reno annually, there wasn’t a single location for those tourists to legally consume the products that they bought.

Due to a variety of federal laws, the hotels with casinos can’t endorse cannabis sales or consumption whatsoever. Until the recent opening of The Lexi, not a single Vegas hotel advertised any sort of cannabis-friendly policy. Because Las Vegas is the convention capital of the world, some of the larger hotels may provide venues to host cannabis-related conventions, but that’s usually as far as these juggernaut Vegas hotels’ support for cannabis goes. At this point, anything resembling a consumption lounge or legitimate dispensary within a Vegas or Reno hotel with a gaming license is about as likely as opening a consumption lounge in the White House.

Mass expungements for cannabis-related charges weren’t offered by the Nevada Attorney General’s Office until the summer of 2020 during a time when the global pandemic dominated nearly every news cycle. Many previously convicted Nevadans had to personally contact the AG’s Office to determine if they received an expungement. Except for the Nuwu Tasting Room which exists on Paiute tribal land, cannabis consumption lounges didn’t become a legislative reality until the 2021 Legislature Session, when Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager sponsored Assembly Bill 341. This bill was equally as historic for Nevada cannabis as this bill was the first cannabis reform-related legislation to specifically include any sort of social equity measure.

However, Nevada is two years removed from the 2021 Legislature Session and with the exceptions of three licenses getting greenlit for operation, no consumption lounges have opened. There’s continuous disagreements arising in Clark and Washoe County over the exact location and regulation of these lounges, with the arguments and bureaucratic gridlock seeming endless. The lounges will undoubtedly be a massive success for the cannabisrelated tourism that Nevada has become known for and could provide a vital lifeline to the strengthening of the state’s cannabis industry, yet the opening of 40 different consumption lounges remains in limbo as this inaction and disagreements continue.

Over the 2023 fiscal year, the Nevada cannabis industry suffered a staggering financial loss. Far beyond the predicted losses of around $25 million, Nevada cannabis sales went down nearly $114 million from this point in the 2022 fiscal year. With only one month unpublished in the 2023 fiscal year for cannabis sales, that steep financial loss isn’t expected to minimize very much. On the employment side, mass layoffs within cannabis businesses of all sizes have become a commonly occurring reality.

"The numbers speak for themselves. The regulations and laws around the legal cannabis market are not setting operators and the 15,000+ industry employees for success.” Chamber of Cannabis President Tina Ulman described. “It's vital that knowledgeable industry leaders who are experts in their field voice their concerns and solutions and our regulators and policy makers implement these changes so we can evolve. Right now we're going backwards and that's unacceptable. Nevada has the ability to have one of the strongest cannabis markets in the United States. We have the biggest competitive advantage, with millions of tourists coming to our great state and we are missing the boat on growing cannabis commerce, tourism and tax dollars. SB 277 will change the trajectory of the industry."

The Nevada cannabis industry needed a saving grace to transition into the next economic chapter of operations, and Senate Bill 277

may be exactly that. Sponsored by Senator Dallas Harris, the bill more than doubled the daily retail cannabis purchasing limits from one ounce of flower and 3500 milligrams of concentrates to 2.5 ounces of flower and 7000 milligrams of concentrates in total, finally giving Las Vegans and the millions of yearly visitors access to the same purchasing limits that visitors of Augusta, Maine have.

Throughout all of 2023 and even in the final months of 2022, the Chamber of Cannabis raised awareness for the possibilities of Senate Bill 277 on multiple fronts. Along with hosting multiple Chamber meetings and several more meetings with key legislators, the Chamber’s efforts culminated in the massive Chamber of Cannabis Lobby Day in April, where the organization brought a total of 50 passionate advocates and professionals from every field of the cannabis industry to Carson City to lobby Nevada’s elected officials in favor of SB 277 and other cannabis-related reforms in the 2023 Session.

The multi-faceted and tireless efforts of the Chamber of Cannabis were ultimately successful, as Senate Bill 277 passed in both houses of the Nevada Legislature and signed into law by the sheriff-turnedGovernor Joe Lombardo. And unlike the consumption lounges that have an opening date that’s been more postponed than the release of Rihanna’s new album, Nevada cannabis consumers and tourists have a definite date that the provisions of SB 277 will take effect, with the date being the very first day of 2024.

Even though the signing of Senate Bill 277 will hopefully be the saving grace that Nevada cannabis desperately needs, the Chamber realizes that there’s plenty more work to do in order to perfect the industry and their efforts aren’t ceasing whatsoever.

“The Chamber has had an incredibly impactful and eventful summer.” Executive Director Bri Padilla informed. “After successfully working with Senator Harris and the industry to get SB 277 passed and signed by Governor Lombardo as well as helping pass AJR8 and SB 242, the Chamber also received the Non-Profit of the Year award at the Las Vegas Cannabis Awards Music Festival for the second year in a row.”

The Chamber has also given Northern Nevada plenty of attention simultaneously. Given that Reno and Washoe County are facing their own unique issues regarding a less than supportive general public and local legislators such as the recent Washoe County Board of Commissioners’ vote against opening lounges such as Sol Cannabis’ lounge in unincorporated parts of the county, the July meeting in The Biggest Little City in the World that the Chamber hosted was paramount for numerous reasons.

“Our recent meeting in Reno went incredibly well.” Padilla recollected. “We welcomed 40 industry leaders, many of whom attended or supported our April 10 Lobby Day and spoke to them about our wins and the changes that the passing of SB 277 will bring to the industry in the coming months and next year. Our membership in Reno is incredibly passionate, engaged, and concerned about the future of our industry.”

“Our recent meeting in Reno was an opportunity for us to share with our Northern counterparts how much this bill impacts everyone.”

explained Chamber of Cannabis Vice President Dani Baranowski. “It was important to join in the hoo-rah after we held our lobby day in Carson City that was majority attended by the Northern Nevada community. Reno has a mighty energy and we couldn't have passed this bill without them."

The Chamber has also joined forces and have acquired some very notable members on their roster, such as MJBiz, MJ Unpacked and Nison Co. Since the vital 2023 Legislative Session, the Chamber has also regularly hosted online education classes in partnership with New Frontier Data regarding some very crucial topics to the cannabis industry and data. The award-winning organization will also be notably present and involved at many of the several upcoming cannabis-related conventions in Las Vegas, such as MJBiz Con’s Associations’ Day as well as the Green Label Expo and Cannabis Business Times’ Cannabis Conference.

Just next month, there is a crucial Cannabis Compliance Board meeting regarding possible special use permits for cannabis brands that the Chamber will certainly be attending. On October 21, the organization will once again be hosting their annual Costume Ball at the first cannabis-friendly hotel in Vegas and Game Changer member of the Chamber, The Lexi Hotel. And to celebrate a very successful legislative year where significant policies were enacted that have tremendous potential for this currently struggling industry, The Chamber’s final meeting of the year will be hosted at the cannabis retail pioneer for not only Las Vegas but the entire country’s cannabis industry as well, Nuwu Cannabis Marketplace on December 14th.

Being a cannabis advocate and professional for as many years as she has, Executive Director Padilla stressed the importance of staying active as an activist and that the real meaningful work is done in between legislative sessions.

“Now is the time for cannabis activists to inspect the outcome of rules that have passed and those that have not passed.” Padilla assured. “For example, both the state and the city have passed different rules that will impact the development and growth of the cannabis industry at large, not only existing operators but emergent operators who will be coming online with cannabis lounges. If we fear that certain rule changes will harm our industry, or our consumers and patience, now is the time to set up a framework for accountability and recordkeeping.”

Although SB 277 has been signed and sealed into Nevada law and the consumption lounges will eventually, emphasis on eventually, open to much fanfare, the Nevada cannabis industry still has room for improvement.

“While our state has historically been proud of its “gold standard“ cannabis industry, if you ask most operators today, they will tell you that they are concerned about the future of the industry and its viability.” Padilla explained. “That is to say, that there are absolutely changes that we need, not only from our state, regulators and legislators, but also in the hearts and minds of people. Education is still a critical part of the development and growth of the industry. This includes educating those who represent us and regulate our industry with the needs, realities and ramifications of the current environment.”

The Chamber of Cannabis

Advocating for a Conscientious, Inclusive, and Thriving Industry

Keeping the Vibe High All Summer Long With the Chamber of Cannabis and the Nevada Industry! Check out their website at thechamberofcannabis.org to become a member or attend their next event.

Photos: Megan Evans and Ameret Chanelle

BUDDING RELIEF

BY Dr. Nicole Mackie

Harnessing the Power of Cannabis Tinctures for Soothing Swelling & Mastering Pain Management

Cannabis tinctures have a long history of being used as a medical remedy, dating back to medieval times and traditional Chinese medicine in 2700 B.C. In recent years, I’ve seen a growing trend among my dental patients to explore natural wellness alternatives to alleviate anxiety and pain rather than relying solely on medically prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts of the cannabis plant, typically created by soaking cannabis plant material in alcohol or another solvent. These tinctures are often administered by placing drops under the tongue, which allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream compared to oral consumption. This method offers convenience, precise dosing, and discreet usage – making it an appealing natural option for individuals experiencing oral discomfort. It's also worth noting that individuals who enjoy cannabis but wish to avoid smoking may find tinctures to be an effective alternative.

After undergoing oral surgery, inflammation is a common occurrence that can result in pain and swelling. While more research is needed due to varying marijuana legality, reports have indicated that THC and CBD could help manage postoperative pain. Sublingual consumption of tinctures is a safer option for healing mouths compared to other forms of THC consumption, such as smoking, as it doesn't involve additional tools and doesn't produce smoke or odors.

However, it's important to acknowledge potential drawbacks. Dry mouth is a known side effect of cannabis use, including tinctures. Although dry mouth might not directly impact pain and swelling, it can affect oral health and contribute to discomfort during the recovery phase. Furthermore, the concentration of cannabinoids in cannabis tinctures can differ significantly depending on the manufacturer and preparation process. This lack of consistency can lead to unpredictable effects and challenges in accurately dosing,

underscoring the importance of seeking guidance from a healthcare professional before use.

Another discreet and convenient option that some individuals consider for managing pain through cannabis is edibles. However, it's essential to note that these products are intended for oral consumption and may pose a risk of discomfort, particularly after dental surgery. Additionally, there's a potential for developing a tolerance to edibles when used for prolonged periods as a pain relief solution.

There’s no denying cannabis tinctures have a rich history as a natural remedy for various ailments. While they hold promise for managing pain and discomfort, especially after oral surgery, it's crucial to approach their use with caution and under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare professional. By doing so, individuals can make informed decisions about incorporating cannabis-based alternatives into their pain relief strategies.

Dr. Nicole Mackie Dental Implant Specialty Center is the premiere specialty dentistry facility in Las Vegas, owned and operated by award-winning board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Nicole Mackie DDS, MS, FACP. She opened her specialty center in 2019 to cater to all patients’ comprehensive dentistry needs – from a single implant to complete full mouth reconstruction. With over 20 years of experience, more than 8,000 reconstructive surgeries, and more than 2,300 full arch restorations under her belt, it still fills her heart with joy every time Dr. Mackie shows a patient their new smile.

In addition to her specialty dental procedures, Dr. Mackie is a licensed aesthetic and facial injector, offering dermal fillers, wrinkle reducers, and other treatments at her specialty clinic. She is board certified by the Academy of Procedural Medicine for these adjunct procedures. Located at 8840 West Russell Rd. Suite 210, Las Vegas, NV 89148, Dr. Nicole Mackie Dental Implant Specialty Center has the most comprehensive list of offerings to transform your smile into one you love.

For more information or to book a complimentary consultation, please visit drnicolemackie.com or call 702-463-1300. Follow Dr. Mackie on Instagram @vegasprosthodontist and at facebook.com/ vegasprosthodontist.

>>> Ask the Leaf Nurse! Making Whoopee on Weed

Chocolate and Oysters, move over! There is a new aphrodisiac on the rise! Yes, we are talking about cannabis. The relationship between marijuana and sex goes a long way and while some stories portray sensual symbiosis, others may argue that weed can crush your libido like a sledgehammer. The truth is that marijuana can heat and cool both women and men. So then, is it an aphrodisiac or a mood breaker? Keep on reading, and you’ll find out the pros and cons of marijuana use in the sweet game of sexuality.

Is weed good for sex?

Yes and no, given that marijuana effects are highly individual and can both induce and decrease sexual potency. Also, marijuana has different effects on women and men.

For example, while studies show that female marijuana users have better sexual health, stronger sexual desire, arousal, and orgasms, they can also experience vaginal dryness. When it comes to men, although marijuana can increase their sex drive, it can also decrease the overall penile blood flow during intercourse. In addition to that, studies imply that men who smoke weed and practice sex are four times less likely to achieve a climax.

Do you last longer when high?

While it can change the perception of time, marijuana does extend sexual intercourse in both women and men. There is evidence that supports its effects on libido, sensuality, and orgasm. Cannabis has been scientifically proven to increase female sexual experience. On the

other hand, there is evidence that smoking weed could result in erectile dysfunction in men.

Can being high make you not get hard? Men who often smoke marijuana can sometimes experience erectile dysfunction. In chronic users, marijuana can decrease testosterone levels and affect arousal. Hence, smoking weed in moderation is highly advised for men (to achieve the most optimal performance). What’s more, some sources even claim that choosing the right strain could help overcome these issues entirely.

By: Terry Bruesehoff, RN BSN

Can use of cannabis cause infertility?

There is no conclusive evidence that confirms that smoking marijuana can leave you infertile. However, the negative connection between marijuana and sex can be observed in the fact that compulsive pot smoking is associated with low sperm count in men and menstrual irregularities in women.

Try something new

If you’re looking to break out of your comfort zone when it comes to sex, there’s anecdotal evidence that some strains can help. Based on online user reviews, these strains lower your inhibitions and boost your confidence:

• Granddaddy Purple, an indica

• Trainwreck, a potent sativadominant hybrid

• Atomic Northern Lights, an indica-dominant hybrid

• Blue Dream, a sativa-dominant hybrid

Which is better: indica, sativa, or hybrid?

There’s no simple answer to this question, because these classifications are less important than the terpenes in a strain, according to Renko. “Those actually are just physiological plant classifications made around the physical plant properties and not its flower profile, which is where the focus should be,” he explained. There’s no right or wrong strain for sex. The best one for that encounter will depend on how your body responds to specific strains and on the type of romp you’re aiming for.

Look at your options, start with a low dose and find the strain that works for you and your sweet spot!

Industry Spotlight >>> Andrew Natale

As anyone who works either directly in the Nevada cannabis industry or a related business can attest to, nearly everyone employed in this newest American industry has their own interesting reasons behind why they sought employment in this industry. Whether due to deeply personal reasons involving medical conditions or due to a lack of gainful opportunities within other industries, almost every Nevada cannabis industry employee and professional has their own unique tale of how they came to work in this industry.

Especially given the several disadvantages that nearly all cannabis businesses face with the current Schedule I status and Section 280E of the IRS Tax Code, cannabis employees must take a significant leap of not only faith but one of hard work and extreme dedication and diligence. While it can be exciting to know that you’re living and working in the first few years of an industry (estimated to be a $53 billion dollar a year industry by 2027) it’s not always glamorous working in the cannabis industry. A quality employee will need to show their worth through work ethic, reliability and most importantly, promptness.

Occasionally, that inspiration for taking a tremendous professional leap and joining a newly formed industry can come directly from a close family member’s own employment in that industry. In the case of the award-winning cannabis brand Matrix, Nevada’s grower and cultivation expert Andrew Natale”s sister Sierra, who is the Director of Cultivation, was a primary driving force behind him joining the well-respected brand.

Natale’s first position at the massive Matrix facility in North Las Vegas was one of great importance towards the health, cleanliness and maintenance of any licensed cannabis manufacturing facility.

“I was looking to get my foot in the door and my sister was already here. She said that we’d need this job filled and it was supposed to be for packaging. It turned out though that they needed a porter to do all the laundry and cleaning. So, I started here like that and I worked very hard and made sure I was on top of

all my duties.”

by josh kasoff

Seeing the very present determination and solid work ethic that Natale possessed, he soon received a considerable transfer to be a vegetation cultivator for the beautiful plants that have garnered Matrix Nevada such esteem and recognition.

“I worked with the processes and learned everything I possibly could about feeding, the nutrients, lighting, values and everything. I picked up on that and eventually, I took over all the feeding for the facility.”

During his rewarding time as a veg cultivator, Natale mastered the many machines and technologies that large cannabis brands utilize for their cultivation to ensure the precise climate and ecological conditions that need to be kept within the multiple types of cultivation rooms in order to successfully grow the healthiest and most high quality cannabis flower.

As he’s been cultivating Matrix’s high quality flower for six years now, Natale has been able to observe and study exactly what makes for a stellar employee.

“The willingness to learn and take up what advice more experienced people might give you. Being a good leader too and wanting to teach the new employees too.” Natale mentioned when asked about which characteristics of a good employee are most necessary and recollected that he himself frequently asked for advice and lessons about cannabis cultivation from the more seasoned cultivators and other employees during his own early years in the garden rooms. Luckily for the Matrix cultivation team, both Natale and his dynamic team work and live by those cornerstone values of a good employee.

“I have a really great team here at Matrix. They can pick my brain and I can rely on them for anything I need. They want to learn and grow and have a very positive attitude. And when they grow, I can grow with them too.”

Natale overlooks the large-scale cultivation of a number of notable and much appreciated

cannabis strains in dispensaries across Nevada, including Hells OG, Nepalese Kush and Sugar Tips. One of their most popular strains, Super Sour Orange, won the very prestigious Best Sativa Flower award at the High Times Cannabis Cup Nevada: People’s Choice Edition in 2021.

“We’re working with other brands and we’ll be upgrading the facility in order to really boost production. We’re going to grow for sure. I’m looking forward to that and I really get to grow with this company. I’ve been here six years, so I’m really looking forward to that.”

Natale had some impactful wisdom and advice to give to those who wish to work directly in the cannabis industry, especially the sometimes tedious yet crucially important and detailed cultivation side.

“For anyone that wants to get involved in the industry, it’s a grind. You really have to put the work in and you’re going to take some battles and it’s going to be rough. But the best thing you can do is to keep fighting and make yourself known and that you want it. More people tend to see that and that’s how I got to where I’m at today. I fought everyday and if there were some days I went home and wanted to give up, I told myself to never give up and keep going. No matter how bad it gets, keep going. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”

Celebrating Hispanic HeritageMonth

language, and that isn’t the original language of my ancestors but instead one forced upon them, and now generally accepted.

Recognizing 3 Hispanic/Latin/Latinx Women in Cannabis this Hispanic Heritage Month 2023: “Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.”Hispanic Heritage Month(.gov).

BY veronica castillo

advantage of any opportunity I have to continue to use my platform to show that anyone- no matter size, strength, gender, sexual identity, can be anything they want to be”.

As I sit with my feet planted in the soil at the front door of the Caribbean, a peninsula known as the state of Florida, I can’t help but feel inspired and consumed by the light and love of my ancestors. Ancestors that colonizers placed under their term: Hispanic, but are actually Arawak/Taino/Carib. You see, before colonizers invaded the Caribbean, the Arawak/ Taino/ Carib were the principal inhabitants of most of Florida, Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the Greater and Lesser Antilles islands.

Spanish didn’t become a language here in Florida and the rest of the Caribbean until the peninsula and islands were under Spanish rule, and an influx of immigration from Spain and many other countries under Spanish rule began to take place.

Using the United States Territory of Puerto Rico (“yo soy Boricua pa’que tu sepas!”) for example, the language of the island and much of the Caribbean is a mashup of the original Arawakan language, mixed with Spanish, mixed with African (remember, enslaved Africans had their own language), and mixed with English. The Library of Congress says:

“Despite concerted efforts to eradicate the native Taíno language during 400 years of Spanish rule, the Taíno language is still tangible in Puerto Rican Spanish; and it blends with other cultural systems of communications.”

So, I am celebrating under the title “Hispanic Heritage Month'' but I know all too well that the term Hispanic is associated with Spanish

The Green Baker, a Florida based chef specializing in cannabis. “I was born in NYC (BX BABY!!) in the 80’s, but was raised in Puerto Rico around my mom’s family from the age of 9-18. Then I moved to Florida in 1999 to attend culinary school. I was raised within a very Caribbean but also very Americanized home. My dad is Jamaican and my mom is Puerto Rican; I’m a Nuyorican really.”

Leena Trinidad, a Florida based Business Consultant, Trini HC, specializing in cannabis: I always tell people I’m half Puerto Rican and Half Irish… so I can drink and fightalthough truth be told I have never been in a fight- I take after my Papi- he says ‘Trinidad’s are Lovers not Fighters, we bring peace.’ And since I’m a Libra I also bring balance. I think that is the perfect way to describe me and although I didn’t grow up within my Hispanic culture, my daddy’s bloodline runs deep and I feel like I grew up on the island of Borinken (the original name of the island of Puerto Rico).”

In closing I’d like to share that there are over 60 million hispanics living in the United States, representing more than 18% of the United States population. Over 60% of hispanics in the U.S are of Mexican descent. People yell “go back home”, and that makes no sense. Maybe this hasn’t been taught/considered: before the wars to take land: California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming were Mexico.

Ranchera Mami, cannabis cultivator with Mexican ancestry and owner of California based Ranchera Familia. “It’s important for me to help represent and advocate for the inclusivity and equity of other LatinX growers and other minority groups like African Americans and Asians; those that are highly underrepresented in the agriculture and overall cannabis industry. It’s important to take

Veronica Castillo is known as the Traveling Cannabis Writer. She was a nomadic writer on the road covering all things cannabis/ hemp/ and overall plant medicines and recently established her homebase at home in Florida. Her body of work can be found in multiple industry publications where she provides cannabis industry and community insights from her 5 time journey around the country. She is a collaborator, connector, and much of her travel is supported by industry sponsors.

Bird is the Word THE STORY OF NEVADA CANNABIS DISTRIBUTOR, BLACKBIRD

By Daniel "Flash" Carter & Garrett Dillon

In an industry as notoriously overregulated, overtaxed and competitive as cannabis, brand survival is largely a matter of resilience on a playing field that is constantly changing. Between glacial paced shifts in policy towards a more equitable and ultimately profitable market and the lightning fast influx of multistate operators with deep pockets, local marijuana businesses face a host of unique challenges in maintaining their operations, much less growing them at a rate that would be expected in almost any other industry.

The story of Blackbird provides a perfect example of the tenacity required to sustain and thrive in these inhospitable conditions. Formed in Reno in 2015 as the result of an unlikely merger between a bike messenger company and a medical courier company with the simple mission statement “Keep It Moving”, Blackbird rose to prominence as one of the first licensed cannabis distributors in the state, providing wholesale and retail delivery services as well as innovative software to the emerging medical marijuana market in Nevada. After expanding operations to Las Vegas in 2016 and integrating into the recreational cannabis market the following year Blackbird continued to set the standard for third party transportation and software services, boasting the majority of all wholesale transportation within the state. By 2021 their services were utilized by 400 retailer brands in 23 states.

When the COVID-19 lockdowns went into effect in 2020 dispensary services were restricted to curbside pick up and delivery only, this resulted in a surge of home deliveries that sometimes saw as many as 1,000 orders a day coming out of Blackbird’s 12 dispensary partners, thereby sustaining retail cannabis operations in Nevada as their home delivery team became the frontline in the struggle to provide both recreational customers and medical patients with the products they desperately needed in the face of widespread uncertainty and skyrocketing infection and mortality rates.

Through all the ups and downs endemic to this industry Blackbird has maintained a conspicuously low turnover rate. Current Director of Operations Drea Ballard started out as one of the first drivers in Reno after transitioning over from Blackbird’s bike

messenger predecessor company Bootleg Courier, where he had been working since 2010.

“Of the 25 employees currently working at Blackbird only one has been with us for less than 3 years.” says Drea. “One reason for that is we’ve always hired people who fit our culture and ethos and develop them with skills to get the job done. Embracing and empowering the individual has been far more beneficial for our business than hiring the seemingly most ‘qualified’ candidates. You’re either a Bird or you're not.”

This unique work culture, along with their employees' trademark loud-and-proud devotion to it, has persevered through the years. So much so that even when they found themselves operating under the umbrella of larger corporate entities, they insisted they retain the Blackbird title. No matter what company name appeared on their checks, the workforce continued to refer to themselves as “Birds”.

In 2018 Blackbird was acquired by Tilt Holdings, a Massachusetts based multifaceted cannabis conglomerate which offers a wide range of products and services across several states. By providing the resources and knowledge necessary to grow a small startup like Blackbird, Tilt’s influence proved to be indispensable in the long journey from Blackbird's humble beginnings to its current status as the number one third party cannabis distributor in Nevada.

“The scale of our operations would be difficult to overstate. Last year alone, we facilitated over 13,000 orders totalling $131 million worth of wholesale product. By the end of the summer we project that we will have completed 100,000 Metrc transfers since the program was rolled out in the state,” Drea shares.

After a few highly constructive years partnered with Tilt, Blackbird was acquired in 2021 by HERBL, which was at that time California’s largest cannabis supply chain solutions company. This acquisition resulted in both a large capital infusion which strengthened Blackbird’s already exemplary wholesale distribution service and proprietary e-commerce platform as well as the

unfortunate shuttering of its home delivery team. “The headwinds of the industry are very real and it’s difficult to turn a profit,” Drea informs me solemnly. “Hopefully one day regulatory changes will make our reentry into last-mile delivery more economically feasible.”

Those same headwinds would ultimately prove to be HERBL’s undoing. This was due to a business model tailored to California’s unique regulations which requires brands to sell their products to licensed distributors such as HERBL, who then assume the responsibility of delivering the orders as well as collecting invoices and remitting those funds back to the originating cultivation/production company. In a cash strapped market like California where many operators struggle to pay their taxes and other basic fees, the result has been retailers taking deliveries on credit and then simply not paying, leaving HERBL liable for millions of dollars worth of unpaid invoices.

As Blackbird moves forward independently into the unknown, the prevailing mindset within the organization’s ranks is one of enduring optimism cultivated through years of weathering the volatility of the cannabis industry.

“We are going to continue to do what we have always done- support the cannabis operators in Nevada by adapting our business to the ever changing landscape that is the industry. We have built strong relationships with producers, retailers and consumers and look to leverage those relationships to grow alongside the industry” Drea states matter-of-factly. .

Speaking as a proud member of the Las Vegas Blackbird team since 2016, this writer shares in this persistent positivity. Having gone through multiple changes in leadership, regulations and clientele, I can safely say that no matter what the future holds for Blackbird we will continue to navigate the tumultuousness of the cannabis industry with the hallmark efficiency and dedication that has made this brand the top rated third party distributor in the state.

UNIVERSAL WELL-BEING >>>

Three Ways Cannabis Acts as Medicine for All

Within the cannabis community, a clear divide often arises between those who use the plant recreationally and those who rely on it for medicinal purposes. Some states legalize cannabis exclusively for medical use, inadvertently stigmatizing recreational users in the process. However, this division is merely an illusion established by those responsible for legalization. While some individuals turn to cannabis to address specific health conditions and enhance their quality of life, others simply use it because they enjoy cannabis. However, the truth of the matter is that cannabis does not distinguish between users. Everyone benefits from cannabis making it medicinal for all who partake in the plant. Let’s dive into three ways cannabis helps all consumers, regardless of their intentions.

To begin, cannabis provides antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are vital components for supporting health by combatting a broad spectrum of illnesses linked to oxidative stress. They function as defenders of cells, shielding them from harm induced by free radicals, which can damage cells, proteins (like collagen), and even DNA. The accumulation of free radicals in the body contributes to chronic diseases, cardiovascular issues, cancers, and other health problems. Cannabis’ natural ability to help combat and destroy free radicals through its powerful antioxidant activity, offers all who use the plant support against aging-related concerns and contributes to overall health and

wellness.

Cannabis additionally possesses the ability to diminish inflammation within the body. Every individual experiences acute inflammation as a natural physiological response. This can stem from various sources such as physical exertion, excessive stress, and prolonged periods of work. Typically, acute inflammation dissipates over time. However, some

>>>BY SARAH SCHWEFEL

million adults have anxiety that interferes with daily activities. Daily stress can have a lasting impact on our mental health and can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Great news is cannabis can help. While too much THC can induce anxiety, low doses of THC have been found to significantly reduce stress levels and anxiety, while providing relaxation to the body and mind. Chances are, you might have engaged with cannabis precisely for this reason.

If you've ever returned home after a taxing day, sought solace, taken a moment to partake, and felt the day's burdens gently dissolve, you've engaged in the therapeutic use of cannabis.

instances persist and transition into chronic inflammation. This prolonged inflammation can exert a notable influence on one's quality of life and pave the way for chronic ailments like pain, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and more. Cannabis has been found to combat the daily occurrences of inflammation, providing a supportive measure against its impact.

Mental health impacts individuals from all walks of life and has become more prevalent than ever. In fact, it is estimated at least 21 million adults in the United States had a major depressive episode last year, and over 40

It's time to move beyond the categorization of cannabis as either recreational or medicinal. Instead, let's acknowledge it for what research substantiates it to be—a therapeutic powerhouse. These benefits merely scratch the surface of the many advantages cannabis holds. Being a cannabis patient myself, relying on the plant to manage severe symptoms, I recognize the diverse array of motivations behind its use. And as a cannabis researcher, I'm confident in asserting that the plant offers medicinal benefits to all users, whether intentional or not.

COUNTDOWN™ Product Spotlight

Ready to escape the ordinary? You're just moments away from Lift Off. Leave it all behind knowing you'll land safely upon your return.

COUNTDOWN™ is a nano emulsion cannabis-infused beverage that delivers a sky-high blast with powerful flavor. Sip or guzzle, it's up to you; you're in control. Our beverage is an enjoyable way to streamline your escape.

And, unlike most expensive space travel, COUNTDOWN™ is a great bang for your buck. 3...2...1...Lift Off!

COUNTDOWN™, part of the Wherehouse Beverage Co. family, is a line of precise, high-dose THC non-alcoholic nano emulsion cannabisinfused beverages. Each can contains either 25mg or 50mg of THC and less than five calories. Manufactured using an innovative and advanced technological process that circumvents the roadblocks of interstate commerce to allow for on-site infusion across legal markets, these strong all-natural libations offer a transformative twist to traditional refreshments.

Flavors include Berry Force Ascend, with strong notes of raspberry and cherry, blended with a squeeze of lime and a touch of all-natural agave nectar, and Orange Blast, similar to orange sherbet and perfectly complemented by a hint of agave nectar.

Offering unparalleled consumer control with precision dosing, COUNTDOWN™ can be savored at your own pace, allowing for a

leisurely sip, an adventurous chug or a precise pour using the can’s attached dosing cap. Effects typically manifest within 15 minutes.

For more information about COUNTDOWN™, visit countdowndrink.com. Follow them on Instagram @countdowndrink.

NEVADA Dispensaries WHAT’S GOOD IN

JAMS JELLIES

Peach Hybrid

If you’re a fan of bonbons gelifies, which is what the French refer to as soft jelly gummy candies, then you need to get jamming on these tender morsels. I like the fact that these aren’t individually packaged. But that also means you need to consume them quickly. Waste not, want not, refuel.

Total THC- 100mg

Servings- 10

THC/Serving- 10mg

JAMS JELLIES

Ruby Red Grapefruit Sativa

Delicious ruby red grapefruit sativa gummies, guaranteed to pack a punch. Perfect for daytime consumption, social gatherings, or getting your task list going! 10mg of THC per gummy makes for evenly dosed and fruitily enhanced experiences.

Total THC- 100mg

Servings- 10

THC/Serving- 10mg

Shehan

JAMS JELLIES

Sour Watermelon Lime

Indica, Fast-Acting

These new Jams Jellies are perfect for those looking to calm down and relax a little. For me, the low 5mg dose is just enough to help me fall asleep. The soft texture and great taste make these my first choice for night time edibles.

Total THC- 100mg

Servings- 20

THC/Serving- 5mg

BOUNTI

Raspberry Skywalker

Vape Cartridge

Awesome bonus passed down to me from my Bounty Buddies. I show up in Elko at Newe dispensary for the pop up party, lit the doobie on tribal land and left with gifts in hand. It really is beautiful and on the drive back, Luke Skywalker had my back. Feels as if Bounti is the next Chosen One!

THC- 90.18%

CBN- 9.59mg/g

Caryophyllene- 3.55mg/g

CBG- 30.58mg/g

Limonene:- 3.59mg/g

Myrcene- 2.66mg/g

CURATED & PHOTOGRAPHED BY Bill

with assistance from BILL

JENN

SHWA

SHWA Shwa Laytart

JENN Jennifer Walker Justin Beckelman

STEPH Stephanie Shehan JBIZ

STEPH

JBIZ

REMEDY Fruit Snacks

Cured Resin Sugar

I've been smashin’ on Fruit Snacks with my Huni Badger for about a week now and there's still about half left. Right on. Do the math. Sugar is way more inexpensive than flower. I also feel a surge of power for like an hour after I devour a good dab. Excuse me, can I get my Fruit Snacks Sugar and my Huni Badger back please? I need a Remedy.

THC- 87.0055%

Caryophyllene- 10.45mg/g

Limonene- 6.09mg/g

Myrcene- 5.94mg/g

REMEDY Chemonade

Cured Resin Sugar

Looking into my crystal balled head, I see the future of consumption lounges. They’re dab bars. Like a shot of liquor, you’ll walk up, order your dab, then knock it back. As it flows through your body, the only thing you’ll be thinking about is hitting the dance floor. When this happens, and you're shaking your ass to the beats, remember you heard it from Profit Shwa first.

THC- 83.8632%

Caryophyllene- 14.81mg/g

Limonene- 12.04mg/g

Myrcene- 10.22mg/g

PRODUCTS

REMEDY THC Bomb

If we plan on dropping bombs, the only bomb dropping I can stand behind is this THC Bomb. It may take a few people down, but at least the aftermath is easier to pick up the pieces and proceed with your lifestyle. Buds not Bombs. That is, unless it is a THC Bomb. If that’s the case, you can drop that bomb on me anytime.

THC- 27.463%

Myrcene- 7.23mg/g

Caryophyllene- 5.78mg/g

Humulene- 2.99mg/g

MATRIX White Miso

Ya baby, Miso faded! This White Miso got me so lit, it made me forget all the important shit I was supposed to run and get done. I blazed up and got spun, and ended up just having a ton of fun. My day was over before any work had begun. Today I just folded under the gun. I'll try to have a good run tomorrow. I'll rise with the sun. White Miso makes time fly.

THC- 30.307%

Limonene- 6.73mg/g

Caryophyllene- 4.81mg/g

Farnesene- 4.46mg/g

REMEDY

Las Vegas

Kush Cake

Great for insomnia and anxiety, this strain relaxes with euphoric and tranquilizing effects. A perfect flower to unwind from your daily hussle. Las Vegas Kush Cake is beloved by both Rec and Medical users alike for its intensely soothing benefits. There’s always room for cake!

THC- 26.779%

Limonene- 4.80mg/g

Myrcene- 2.75mg/g

Linalool- 2.26mg/g

MATRIX GPxAB One-Gram Preroll

This hybrid combines a potent strain with a delicious strain, which balance together magically like a fire-eating clown on a tightrope. The size is perfect for sharing. However, it can give you a steady high if you hit it solo throughout the day. It could be while you clean house, work on your auto, or finally finish that book. Solid gold, through and through.

THC- 30.613%

Farnesene- 17.36mg/g

Myrcene- 11.77mg/g

Caryophyllene- 3.9mg/g

SHWA

BILL

SHWA

BILL

HIGH HEADS Orange Whip Puff Punch

This is something to stay thirsty for, my friend. My question is, did they reverse engineer an Orange Julius, and drop a cannabis infused syrup into a little white flask? They did! And, it's incredible and delicious. Guzzle it down. I'd better ditch the flask before they get suspicious.

Total THC- 100mg Servings- 17

THC/Serving- 5.88mg

THE CLEAR Blue Raz

Elite All-In-One Vape

I like a vape that fits into my hand because discretion is a must. The bottom also lights up, so if your assailant is far enough away, it looks like a cig. Just take into consideration that this little cylinder has enough boost to fly you to space. So be discrete and keep your shit together and you’ll fly under the radar just fine. Remember- relax baby, be cool.

THC- 87.7%

CBD- 3.19%

THE CLEAR Lemon Haze

Elite Elite All-In-One Vape

Admittedly, I’m more of a flower fan, but this Elite All-In-One Vape from The Clear hits just right. This is a discreet, pocket-sized vape perfect for consumption on the go. The flavor is a bright sweet and sour with lemon zest top notes. A great day time, upbeat strain.

THC- 76%

TWAX By The Clear Grapevine

Infused

Preroll

I’m nicknaming this infused preroll Grape Ape Juggler! Not only do you maintain the grape juice flavor all the way to the end of this joint, but also get your brain juggled by the translucent grape-ape whose wild spirit inhabits this fire stick. Needless to say…. Welcome to the jungle!

THC- 364.2mg

Caryophyllene- 2.54mg/g

Linalool- 1.21mg/g

CIRCLE S FARMS Sticky Buns

I don't like to have Sticky Buns, so I use a bidet. But after trying this weed, I realized that I do like Sticky Buns, but in a different way. This herb is fantastic! Circle S has their cultivation on point these days. These nugs are grown perfectly, so plump and crisp. See for yourself. I love Sticky Buns.

THC- 26.38%

Caryophyllene- 5.47mg/g

Limonene- 4.29mg/g

Linalool- 2.28mg/g

CIRCLE S FARMS Cherry on Top Disposable Vape Pen Indica

Can I try that? Pretty please, with a cherry on top. Very tasty. I'm blowing thick, white clouds with this portable vape pen made by Circle S Farms. Expect a heavy sedating effect, helping you get some much needed sleep.

THC- 81.62%

Myrcene- 18.63mg/g

Caryophyllene- 6.83mg/g

Limonene- 4.52mg/g

SHWA

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BILL

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GIRL'S TRIP Strawberry Strip

This is a tried and true sativa-dominant strain, the effects of which will definitely take you on a Strawberry Strip sweet trip! The aroma of sweet berries will inspire you while limonene lifts your spirits and myrcene eases your mind and body.

THC- 22 75%

Limonene- 7.6mg/g

Myrcene- 2.86mg/g

Caryophyllene- 2.55mg/g

GIRL'S TRIP Cabana Crush

Music and passion were always the fashion at the Copa… Cabana Crush. I fell in love. This is a sink in the couch or swim flower. It's fierce, and heavy, with a deep, dark purple sweetness. Impressive, to say the least. I'm calling it a beast.

THC- 24.85%

Terpinolene- 10.62mg/g

Ocimene- 3.58mg/g

Myrcene- 2.12mg/g

GIRL'S TRIP Trip Tease

This lady should be on any trip you're planning. Doesn’t matter if you’re heading to the mountains or Smith’s. You need this sweet lady as your co-pilot. Guaranteed, the conversation will be intriguing and humorous. Even the moments of silence feel relaxing and respective. If you’re taking a trip, make sure to keep it trippy.

THC- 27.45%

Limonene- 10.39mg/g

Linalool- 4.8mg/g

Myrcene- 1.68mg/g

CAMP

Cherry Burger

Ice Water Hash Rosin

100% Solventless

What an outstanding substance! This shit is stanky. It's made without butane or any harsh solvents. I've been dabbing it for a few days now and I love it. It's one of the only rosins that gets you faded and provides a boost of energy. I'm still trying to figure out the strain name though. Can I order my Cherry Burger plain please?

THC- 77.93%

Limonene- 13.90mg/g

Caryophyllene- 12.10mg/g

Humulene- 5.00mg/g

CAMP

La Bomba

Solventless Live Rosin

Disposable Vape Pen

Bomba, La Bomba. Necessito uno para mi boca. Singing along, and dropped this in my truck somewhere. It fell in that spot in between the seat and the console, and I was legitimately sad until it popped up a few days later. So glad to be reunited. And it feels so good. Reunited, and it's understood. CAMP is arguably the best production in Nevada. Double parody word score.

THC- 70.91%

CBG- 2.14%

Caryophyllene- 20.10mg/g

Myrcene- 11.50mg/g

Limonene- 7.80mg/g

BILL

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BILL

Reading LIT!

HAMMER OF THE DOGS

By: Jarret Keene

Have you been hunting for a high energy dystopian book set in Sin City and filled with characters like….

• Lash, a warrior riot grrrl protagonist who happens to be a dead-on skilled drone pilot with a deep love for coffee, making weapons, heavy metal, and dropping the enemy like lead zeppelins?

• Dio, a tech-savvy, cactus-eating, hacker mechanic with a lineage from the lowrider Gestro Aztecs of Las Vegas?

• Prof, a mad professor, psychotic religious pseudo-prophet hellbent on manifesting a Cyborg-Savior?

• Richter, a badass antagonist with a broken heart who’s manipulated, blackmailed, and toyed with by two sadistic powers?

• Westphal, a deranged materialistic elitist driven by domination and a vicious lust for greed?

• Gas-huffing cave dwellers?

• Pagan souls who sleepwalk into oblivion?

• Biker gangs and Russian mobs?

• Gladiator robots fighting preteens in roaring stadiums?

A book that has the largest and goriest genetically modified flamingo massacre ever written?

If so, then welcome to The Collapse. Hammer of the Dogs by Jarret Keene drops you into a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas where few humans remain. From the underground tunnels to the scorched surface, those who survived the bombings now scavenge what’s left of a decimated city. The two main groups race for remaining resources while fighting with personal drones, picking off their enemies on the ground from the desert sky. “There was a time when drones assured a dazzling tomorrow ... Deliver medicine and food. Monitor human rights abuses. Improve public safety. All of it lies, falsehoods cooked up by the industry’s public relations to make Americans believe drones were innocuous.”

Now, Las Vegas is a place where “Drones circle like cough-syrup'd buzzards.”

For our nihilistic protagonist, Lash, drones are her spirit animals. She spends her days building, weaponizing and flying them. Drones that Lash uses to fight men that have been gutter-spawned in the chaos-charred barrios of Las Vegas. All the while, she desperately searches for her father, who may or may not still be alive.

Lash lives underground, below the Luxor in what is now called The Academy. The Academy is controlled by Prof, a religious zealot who manages the operation like a military sweatshop using malnourished, drugged-up kids to build drones while he convinces them of a cyborg messiah coming to save their souls. The only true enemy, according to Prof, is Richter, an assassin who has killed many of Lash’s fellow associates from The Academy. Richter's goal is to wipe out The Academy completely. Lash’s goal is to stop Richter, find her father, and get the hell out of Las Vegas. But, with the discovery of a nearby nuclear warhead, both Lash and Richter race to recover it before

Suggestions for Stoney Reading Freaks

By Shwa Laytart

it falls into the hands of their rival.

But when the two combatants meet, Lash has to determine who is telling the truth and who the real enemy is, while everyone is trying to use her for their own benefit.

Hammerof theDogs

Hammer of the Dogs is a hero's journey that pulls you in like a tractor beam and moves like a laser show. Each chapter describes a place both familiar and futuristic. A haunting parallel reality that could very well come true. Throughout the story, Lash carries with her a hate for humanity and yet a love for innocence that everyone can relate to, especially in this day and age.

JarretKeene ANovel

Author Jarret Keene is a Las Vegas rockstar in his own right, who teaches American literature and the graphic novel at the University of Nevada. He’s a skilled journalist, poet, biographer, teacher, and devotee of comics in all shapes and forms. Hammer of the Dogs emulates all of Keene’s achievements and passions while showcasing a city, even in its post-apocalyptic form, with love and reverence.

Get your copy of Hammer of the Dogs now, so when the movie comes out and everyone is talking about it you can say, “...The book was better!” Jarret Keene’s Hammer of the Dogs is by far the best Las Vegas dystopian book ever written and most likely it will stay that way until the next global catastrophe. So I highly suggest you spark up and kick back with a copy of your own. This book is definitely worth Reading Lit!

You can pick up a copy of Hammer of the Dogs by Jarret Keene at Avantpop Bookstore in Las Vegas or at bookshop.org/shop/avantpop

“A thrilling adventure starring an unforgettable warrior.” —PETER TELEP, author of Tom Clancy’s EndWar: The Missing

THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CANNABIS. FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS 21 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. GREEN LIFE PRODUCTIONS LLC (RC146).

Lady Led Collabs returned to NuWu with a larger than life Canna Carnivale event that welcomed more than 160 industry leaders and new community members. If you missed this event, their year of events is still in full swing! Stay tuned by following them on Instagram at @ladyledcollabs.

Photographer: JoVán Johnson - Unik

>>> The Herbalist ARTIST Spotlight

BY STEPHANIE SHEhaN

Angela “The Herbalist” Hegne is a staple at local cannabis and music events. She recently released "The Most" featuring Dizzy Wright, and you can catch her this month at JaRose Hookah Lounge. I recently caught up with her to find out where she is from and how she got her start in music.

STEPHANIE SHEHAN: Are you originally from Vegas? If not, where are you from and how long have you been here?

THE HERBALIST: I am Battleborn in Reno, Nevada. I just moved to Vegas in September 2022.

SS: How long have you been in music? How did you get your start?

TH: I’ve been performing for about 5 years now. I started as a poet, and eventually my love for music and rhyming intertwined when I wrote my first Hip Hop song.

SS: You are a cannabis advocate. Are you also in the cannabis industry?

TH: I am not officially in the cannabis industry, but I am a cannabis advocate and I advocate through my

music.

SS: Have you always advocated for the plant? Do you use cannabis medically or recreationally?

TH: I have been a cannabis advocate my entire life. I use cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes.

SS: Any favorite brands and/or products?

TH: I love to support local brands like Cannalean, and Dizzy Wright by Redwood.

SS: Any changes you'd like to see in the

industry?

TH: I feel the industry has come so far in certain parts of the country, and that is AMAZING! I would like to see all states decriminalize marijuana in the future. I also pray for those who are serving prison sentences related to marijuana charges to be set free. There are other changes that would be great too, but these I feel are most important!

SS: Any music events coming up?

TH: I am performing in Las Vegas pretty consistently, my next show is on the 12th at JaRose Hookah Lounge.

SS: How can readers follow you?

TH: Follow me on IG @ angelatheherbalist or stream my music on any major platform. Check out my newest release, “The Most” featuring Dizzy Wright.

SS: Anything you want to add?

TH: I am very grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dreams every day. Moving to Las Vegas has been a blessing to me in every way and I am honored to be a part of Las Vegas Hip Hop.

Budtender of the Month

Southern Nevada

Morgan Mason

BUDTENDER at THE SOURCE

After getting her start in the cannabis industry as a brand ambassador, Morgan has found her comfort zone being a budtender. Morgan gets the most joy from helping patients find the right products, providing them with correct information, and making a positive impact on their lives. You can find Morgan putting a smile on peoples faces over at the Source in Las Vegas, NV.

What made you want to join the cannabis industry and what was your first industry job?

Growing up, my mom used cannabis to aid her sleep apnea. And, after my dad was diagnosed with cancer two and a half years ago, I was fueled to learn more about cannabis and all of the different ways it can be consumed and used for healing. I'm always on the search for something new he can try. My introduction into the industry was being a brand ambassador which was super fun! I'm now a budtender at The Source.

Have your views/thoughts about cannabis changed since becoming a budtender?

Cannabis has so many incredible benefits, there really is something for everybody. And the way that it has changed so many people's lives and is such a leader in medicine is amazing to me! I was blessed to join the industry when I did, even if it was only two years ago, my knowledge has only grown as my love for the plant has.

What’s the most satisfying part of budtending?

I love being able to support my patients who are not only using cannabis recreationally, but those who are also using cannabis as a healing tool. Introducing a patient to a product that they end up loving is pretty heartwarming too. Being able to make people smile or even brighten their day in the slightest is a job done right.

What’s your favorite topic you like to educate patients on?

I love talking about terpenes and the benefits of cannabinoids present in your product. But, I also

love diving into cannabis consumption while also treating cancer. There are so many different benefits and healing aspects that I have witnessed with my own eyes that you just have to be so thankful the plant even exists at all. I love hearing about guests and family who have been able to get off of hard medication and switch over to THC or CBD products.

What’s your favorite way to consume?

I think it's a tie between dabs and blunts. I love the flavor of the smoke from the dab more, I just use a rig, but I like to cold start to really get the full flavor profile of the oils. Rolling a blunt is an art in itself and it's just satisfying rolling up and facing a blunt. I love the slow burn and feeling the flower in between my fingers.

Do you have any favorite cannabis brands?

Recently, I've been really enjoying Pheno Exotics and GLP. Jasper has been popping out with some really nice buds, I love their Lemon Pastries. CAMP and Mammoth Labs make fantastic rosin disposables. Tsunami and Medizin definitely take the crown for rosin/concentrates for me.

What’s your favorite terpene?

Terpinolene! Everything about it from the pungent smell, the muscle relaxation I get, and that spacey and hazy mind is exactly what I'm looking for in my smokes. Myrcene, terpinolene, and ocimene is a mix I really like getting into.

What you been smoking on?

In my stash right now I have this really tasty Platinum Strawberries flower from Redwood, the Daystripper from Srene, a few others but an honorable mention to the Runtz from Tsunami. I can't get enough of the CAMP disposable. I've been pretty happy with the Stiiizy solventless rosin too!

Budtender of the Month

Northern Nevada Ariel Land

Budtender at KANNA

Ariel Land is one of the most knowledgeable budtenders in the cannabis industry. She finds joy in providing customers with information about different strains, products and consumption methods. She is a customer favorite because she offers personalized recommendations based on customers' preferences and needs. You can catch Ariel at Kanna in Sun Valley, NV.

What made you want to join the cannabis industry and what was your first industry job?

In 2015 I became a medical patient, graduated from U.N.R., and worked in an integrative medical office that offered holistic treatments for chronic conditions that were typically treated with medications that caused bad side effects. The doctors I worked for believed in alternative medicine and utilizing CBD and cannabis for relief. I started as a budtender at Reef in 2018 and within three months found my niche as an inventory control coordinator.

Have your views/thoughts about cannabis changed since becoming a budtender?

Absolutely. After working for Deep Roots Harvest as an inventory supervisor I was able to experience more of the medical side of the business again. We provided patients with a knowledgeable consultation and supplied them with their medicinal needs. Talking with your patients, it is much more about the ingredients in the products and the terpene contents in which they benefit from, versus solely just the highest THC item on the wall.

What’s your favorite topic you like to educate patients on?

Cannabinoids and terpenes always. A lot of recreational consumers chase after a higher THC content, then come back disappointed that it didn't have the desired effect. Sometimes a strain can be 33% but only have 4mgs worth of terpenes all together.

What’s the most interesting THC product you’ve sold or seen in a dispensary?

I would say the Bad Boy Hot Sauce by Srene and the BBQ Potato Chips by Just Edibles. I even tried a drop of the hot sauce on the potato chip and well, it becomes fun trying not to eat the whole bag!

What’s your favorite way to consume?

I love smoking flower and enjoy smoking it out of a bong the best. Sometimes if I am feeling fancy I will make an infused bowl and add some live rosin on top.

Do you have any favorite cannabis brands?

My top favorite brands are Srene, Fleur, and GLP. I have yet to smoke a strain or product from any of these cultivators that disappoints. I have been smoking Srene's flower for years and now that I work for them at our Kanna Dispensary in Sun Valley, I am able to appreciate their terpene rich products even more. Being in the industry for almost five years I love seeing the development of clean, no till living soil grows.

What you been smoking on?

I am currently smoking on Fruity P x Garlic Breath #5 flower and Jet fuel Acai x Garlic Breath #5 Live Rosin from Srene, and finishing up the last of some Grape Monster flower from Fleur. The combination of myrcene in the Fruity P and Garlic Breath #5 strains combined with the high amount of limonene in the Jet Fuel Acai is mind altering and provides such a wonderful euphoric melty high. Although Grape Monster is typically a sativa, it always has a high myrcene content that keeps me mellow and happy, not to mention it tastes great!

>>>INTERVIEWS BY rocky hernandez jorrell ellis

New C t New C t

Extending Your >>> Psychedelic Afterglow

Disclaimer: We do not encourage illegal activity. Check with and adhere to your local laws. We do not claim psychedelics or plant medicine to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with your doctor. The goal of this article is to promote entertainment, safety and education.

What Is The Afterglow?

If you’ve ever found yourself on a mind-bending psychedelic journey, you’ve likely experienced that magical space upon the come-down where reality's curtain hasn't quite dropped, and you're still feeling glowy and profound. I like to call this the “afterglow”.

The afterglow is an extended encore to the main event, where all the epiphanies and shifts in perspective reside fresh in your mind, ready to be introduced into your everyday life. It’s also an integral opportunity for growth, healing, and transformation that often gets overlooked, like a stellar B-side on your favorite record.

Making sense of all those insights can be tricky. That's where integration comes in.

Integration is the act of understanding, accepting, and incorporating these insights into everyday life. It is the mental housekeeping needed to make sure the wisdom from your trip doesn't get lost in the cosmic laundry.

In this article, we'll get down to the nuts and bolts of afterglow integration, exploring both conventional and unconventional tips and techniques.

What To Expect From The Afterglow

You've just returned from your psychedelic voyage, and the world's looking a tad different, isn't it? Welcome to the afterglow, my friend. It's like the cosmic afterparty, where the universe is still whispering its secrets, and you're riding that mystical wave between two worlds.

Each person’s afterglow is unique to them, and it can vary based on what you've consumed, your mindset, the environment, or even what you had for breakfast. So don't stress if your afterglow doesn't come with all the bells and whistles—or if it comes with extra!

Many people find that their afterglow shifts over time. One moment, you might be floating in bliss, and the next you're contemplating the meaning of that weird dream you had three years ago. Here are some other common elements of the afterglow experience:

A Feeling of Connection: Whether it's to yourself, others, the universe at large, or that houseplant you've been neglecting, you might feel a newfound bond with everything around you.

An Emotional Whirlwind: Joy, sadness, gratitude, confusion. Deep emotions often follow psychedelic experiences. This is totally normal, even if it feels like you're on an emotional roller coaster.

Creative Sparks: Suddenly, you're Picasso with a paintbrush or Shakespeare with a pen. Creativity often flows like a wild river during the afterglow. Go with it!

Deep Reflection: Those big questions in life? Yeah, they tend to pop up. It's a prime time for some serious soul-searching and the pondering of existential riddles.

Physical Sensations: You might still feel a tingle in your toes or a warmth in your heart. It's like your body's still grooving to a rhythm only it can hear.

The afterglow is like a cosmic sandbox, an experiential playground where you get to explore, reflect, and make sense of your journey. It's wild, wonderful, and sometimes, downright wacky. But hey, that's why we're here – to make sure you've got the tools to navigate this mystical terrain like a seasoned pro. Ready to turn those cosmic revelations into practical wisdom?

Afterglow Integration Tools & Techniques

I spoke recently with my friend Donny Starkins about some of his favorite integration rituals. Donny, an international yoga instructor, mindfulness teacher, podcaster, and personal development coach in San Diego (you can find

>>> BY JADEN RAE

him on Instagram at @donnystarkins), had this to share:

"When the journey ends, that's when the real work truly begins. For me, it's about drawing closer to Spirit and grounding myself in that space. I always turn to meditation and journaling to capture the flood of ideas and reflections. I consider this a crucial step in the integration process; it's how we give shape and meaning to those swirling thoughts.

I also have a text thread circle—a small group where every morning, we all share our gratitudes. It’s made up of like minded souls who offer support and love unconditionally. A gratitude practice can sometimes feel repetitive, but this text chain injects spontaneity. It keeps things fresh, making us more likely to remain committed. At the end of the day, the real magic isn't just in the experience itself, but in how we integrate it into our everyday lives.``

Hearing Donny describe his process created an analogy in my mind: embarking on a journey and merely watching it unfold without integration is like sitting through an incredibly profound movie and then just walking out of the theater, without taking any action to incorporate any insights. But through integration, you can appreciate the depth of your journey, embody and instill its lessons, making them part of your everyday reality.

Donny’s emphasis on gratitude resonated deeply with me. I often say that gratitude is so much more than just a hashtag. It’s a powerful state of being. You attract what you radiate, not what you want. So, when we radiate gratitude, we set in motion an energy that draws positive experiences, people, and opportunities into our lives. Instead of just wishing for good vibes, we can be the source of them and watch how the world mirrors that joy and appreciation right back at us.

Navigating the afterglow of a psychedelic journey can be both exhilarating and bewildering. You've glimpsed profound insights, but how do you bring them back into daily life?

How do you integrate these revelations in a way that's meaningful? Here are some tools and techniques to help you make the most of the afterglow:

1. Journaling

Penning your thoughts, emotions, and visions is a perfect way to give form to abstract ideas. Whether through words or sketches, journaling helps you remember and reflect on the nuances of your journey.

Why It's Important: In the immediate afterglow, thoughts and insights may still be vivid and fresh. Journaling helps capture those fleeting moments, creating a permanent record that you can revisit and explore. It's like freezing time, holding onto the subtleties that might otherwise be lost.

2. Meditation

The practice of meditation can build a bridge between the altered states of consciousness and your everyday awareness. You might think of it as a runway for your trip to descend upon. It offers a peaceful space to explore and digest your newfound wisdom, allowing it to integrate with your existing beliefs and values.

Why It's Important: The afterglow offers a softened, receptive state of mind, ideal for introspective practices like meditation. It facilitates a deeper connection to your inner self, helping you assimilate the revelations and emotional shifts experienced during your journey.

3. Creative Exploration

After a psychedelic experience, you may find words inadequate to convey what you've felt or seen. Painting, sculpting, dancing, or any form of creative art can be a therapeutic way to express what may be inexpressible in words.

Why It's Important: Psychedelic experiences often open doors to new perceptions, sensations, and emotions that can be abstract or overwhelming. Engaging in creative expression allows you to explore and process these multifaceted experiences in a nonverbal way. Creative expression provides an alternative language of expression, and allows you to translate the mystical into the material. (Check out psychedelic-themed coloring books from Sunwise on Amazon and creative game apps like Kami and I Love Hue Too.)

4. Connecting With Nature

Nature has a way of helping us feel connected to something larger. Spending time outdoors, whether hiking or simply sitting by a stream, can foster a sense of harmony and clarity, aiding in the integration process.

Why It's Important: Psychedelic experiences often dissolve the boundaries between self and environment, leading to profound realizations about interconnectedness and the natural world. Spending time with nature during the afterglow can reinforce these insights, allowing you to physically connect with the Earth and the ecosystems around you. Whether it's feeling the grass underfoot or listening to the wind in the trees, nature's embrace is a therapeutic and soul-nurturing way to integrate otherworldly wisdom into your earthly existence.

5.

"Anchoring" with a Song or Scent

"Anchoring" is a technique from NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) that involves connecting an internal emotion or response to an external or internal stimulus, such as a song or scent. This association enables you to recall that specific emotion or response whenever you encounter the linked stimulus again.

Why It's Important: Anchoring creates a tangible link to an intangible experience. By forging this sensory link, you establish a "shortcut" to the memories and feelings you encountered during your psychedelic journey, making it easier to revisit and reflect on them later.

6. Creating a Text Circle

Find others who are on a similar journey and create a morning gratitude text thread. As Donny emphasized, growth is best maintained when you have accountability partners. Use group text apps like Signal for encrypted, private messaging, especially when talking about psychedelic substances.

Afterglow Nourishment For Body & Mind

The psychedelic journey can be profound and exhilarating, but it can also be taxing on both body and mind. A little post-journey nourishment goes a long way in ensuring a smooth transition back to daily life. Here are some healing aids to consider:

1. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) - Especially after MDMA

5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin and can help

replenish depleted serotonin levels following MDMA use. It also promotes relaxation and a balanced mood. Find this OTC at most drug stores.

2. Chamomile Tea - Calming and Soothing

Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea can ease anxiety and support restful sleep after an intense psychedelic journey.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Brain Support

Omega-3s promote healthy brain function and can support the mind's flexibility and resilience after a psychedelic experience.

4. Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and ElectrolytesHydration and Nutrients

After a psychedelic journey, replenishing hydration and nutrients is key. Fresh fruits and vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals, while electrolytes help restore balance to the body's fluid levels, supporting overall recovery.

5. Magnesium - Muscle Relaxation

Psychedelics can sometimes cause muscle tension. Magnesium can ease muscle tightness and promote relaxation. Magnesium also plays a crucial role in our brain's synaptic activity, facilitating the communication between neurons. This essential mineral is vital for maintaining cognitive sharpness, mental clarity, focus, and overall brain function.

6. CBD (Cannabidiol) - Overall Wellness

CBD is known to reduce anxiety, inflammation, and support overall well-being, making it a great ally for the afterglow period.

Integration is an essential phase of your journey that deserves mindful attention and care. So grab your favorite pen, a fragrant cup of tea, or that song that takes you back, and let your afterglow adventure unfold.

Jaden Rae is a Las Vegas resident and best-selling author of the Microdosing Guide And Journal. She hosts a free online community at MagicAndGlow.com and provides tools to enhance emotional well-being, find meaning, create magic, nourish souls and enrich lives. Jaden has been featured on the Today Show, The Early Show, Martha Stewart Radio, Fox Business News and more. You can find her on Instagram @ magic.and.glow

SIP, NIBBLE & TRIP >>>

How To Make Your Own Chocolate Magic Mushroom Edibles

*Author’s Disclaimer: We do not encourage illegal activity, nor the sale or trade of illegal substances. Check with and adhere to your local laws. We do not claim plant medicine to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with your doctor. The goal of this article is to promote safety and education.

As psychedelics make waves throughout mainstream culture, popular magic mushroom edible brands like Polkadot are captivating taste buds and facilitating unique experiences for many.

But here's the delightful twist: You don’t need to rely on store-bought brands to get a taste of this magical union. What if I told you that you can craft your very own magic mushroom chocolates in the cozy confines of your kitchen? In fact, it’s your safest option!

I recently spoke with my friend Rev about the risks associated with buying underground infused products. Rev is the founder of The Entheology Project which is focused on harm reduction, education, and setting safety standards in the world of entheogens, as well as MushGPT, an AI specialist that provides responsible support for psychedelic research and knowledge, both of which can be found on his website entheo.info. When I asked Rev about the safety of trying underground edibles, he had this to say:

"Venturing into the underground market for mushroom chocolates is a risky game. They’re neither regulated or tested, and with the alarming rise of adulterants like fentanyl and synthetic psilocybin in circulation, you truly never know what you might be consuming. I've even come across products laced with delta variants and contaminated with animal hair.” Consuming edibles is not just about the experience. More importantly, it's about safety. My advice? Make your own. Control the quality, know the ingredients, and ensure a safer journey.

So this month, we’re embarking on a delectable DIY journey to create homemade chocolate edibles infused with the mystical powers of mushrooms. Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic!

Why Chocolates Shine for Mushroom Infusion

Let's face it: gobbling down dried mushrooms might not top the list of delightful culinary experiences for many of us. Their earthy, fibrous texture is somewhat of an acquired taste, and they can often feel like the furthest thing from a treat.

Enter the transformative power of chocolate! Not only does it mask the less-than-pleasant flavor of raw mushrooms, but it also offers a deliciously dependable method for dosing, whether you're aiming for a full trip or just a subtle microdose. Incorporating finely ground mushroom pieces into your chocolate ensures a consistent dosage for each piece you savor.

Now, if you’re thinking about whipping up a batch of chocolate from scratch—hats off to your culinary enthusiasm! However, for the rest of us who lean more towards convenience and taste, starting with a favorite store-bought chocolate bar is the way to go. (Trader Joe’s Pound Plus is

>>> BY JADEN RAE

my personal favorite. It’s affordable, tastes fantastic, and melts like a dream. But if you're playing favorites, don't hesitate to grab Hershey’s or any other beloved chocolate bar, just as long as it’s not overloaded with nuts or other additions.) After that, all you then need to dive into this delectable DIY endeavor is a trusty chocolate mold and a good ol' coffee grinder.

With these tools in hand and the allure of velvety chocolate as your canvas, you're all set to craft magical mushroom-infused masterpieces that delight both the palate and the mind.

Tips for Perfect Mushroom-Infused Chocolates

Embarking on the journey of crafting mushroom-infused chocolates? Hold onto your spatula, because I've got some game-changing tips to ensure that every piece you make is a delectable gem.

Accurate Dosing: Did you know that the potency of mushrooms can vary widely, even from one end of the grow tub to the other? That’s why I recommend making a batch of microdosing chocolates first, to experience the medicine in a more manageable form first. Use a milligram scale that measures in 0.001 grams.

Mold Matters: Think about the bite-size treats you want. Unless you're in the mood for a chocolate bar's worth in one serving, smaller molds are the way to go. Plus, opting for molds of the same shape guarantees consistent dosing.

Balance Overload: Remember, you’re making chocolate treats, not mushroom patties. Overloading with dried mushrooms will not only jeopardize the delightful taste but you’ll also end up with an unpleasant, gritty texture. Moderation is the mantra.

The Milky Way: Milk chocolate is your trusty sidekick here. With its higher butter content, it's adept at camouflaging any grittiness. As tempting as dark chocolate might sound, it can lead to a drier, grittier end product. Trust me; you don't want your chocolates to have a sandy surprise.

To Temper or Not to Temper?: Tempering chocolate stabilizes it, giving a glossy finish and a crisp snap. While it adds a touch of professionalism, it requires extra patience and precision. If you're aiming for aesthetics and texture, it's worth the effort. However, if your main focus is on the mushroom infusion and personal consumption, skipping this step is okay, though be prepared for potential cosmetic imperfections like 'bloom'. The choice is yours, but remember: the true magic is in the mushrooms.

Protecting the Magic: Psilocybin and psilocin, the magical components in your mushrooms, are a tad shy. They tend to degrade with exposure to light and heat. The solution? Wrap each piece of your crafted wonder in tin foil and refrigerate the chocolate. For the aesthetically inclined, there's foil specifically designed for chocolates, giving your edibles that extra shine and protection.

Science of Blooming: Refrigerating the chocolate helps preserve the psilocybin and psilocin, but will also cause the chocolate to “bloom.” Blooming is the white or grayish streaks on refrigerated chocolate—a result of fat or sugar crystals rising to the surface. While it might not win any beauty contests, blooming doesn't mean your chocolate's gone bad. It's purely cosmetic. Refrigerate your chocolates to keep the magic alive.

Safety First – Label Them!: One man's treat can be another's unexpected trip. It's crucial to differentiate between your infused delights and regular chocolates, especially if you have guests, kids, or unsuspecting snackers around. Always label your mushroom-infused chocolates clearly. A simple sticker or a special box can do the trick. It ensures that only those in the know indulge, keeping surprises of the psychedelic sort strictly on purpose. Armed with these tips, you're now more than ready to create some of the most tantalizing mushroom-infused chocolates around.

Mapping Out the Perfect Dosage

Dosage can be a tricky game, especially when you’re fusing psychedelics with something as delightful as chocolate. But fear not! We’ve crunched the numbers to give you the sweet spot (pun intended) for crafting the perfect piece.

This ratio ensures that you have the perfect balance of chocolate to mushroom, so every piece is not only delicious but also packs the right psychedelic punch.

For a MICROdose, start with 100mg - 250mg per piece. For your first goaround, I suggest making microdose chocolates, so that you're familiar with the potency of your magic.

Looking for a MACROdose? Choose a mold with larger pieces. The more dried mushroom matter you use, the more “gritty” the texture of your chocolate, so you will need to balance out the mushroom to chocolate ratio. Whether you choose to micro or macrodose with your chocolates, use this formula to ensure the right dosage level:

• First, figure out your desired dose per piece.

• Next, count how many pieces your mold fits.

• To find how much mushroom you’ll need to add, multiply the above quantities:

• Desired dose per piece × the number of pieces in your mold = the total amount of ground mushroom to add to your batch.

• How many ounces of chocolate you’ll need for your batch will depend on the mold you choose.

Equipment

Silicone chocolate mold

Rubber spatula

Baking tray

Silicone pouring measuring cup (optional, but definitely recommended for pouring chocolate)

Steps

• Finely chop the chocolate. This will ensure even melting. Set aside onethird of the broken chocolate for later, and place the remaining two-thirds in a microwave-safe bowl or silicone measuring cup.

• Microwave the chocolate at 50% power for 15 to 20-second intervals. (Gradual temperature changes are best to help your chocolate shine!) • After each interval, remove the chocolate from the microwave and stir. It's crucial to stir often to prevent overheating and ensure even melting. For milk chocolate, aim to reach a temperature of around 110°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.

• Once the chocolate has melted and reached the desired temperature, remove it from the microwave and add the unmelted chocolate piece by piece, stirring constantly until each piece melts. This process is called "seeding" and aids in tempering. Continue stirring until the chocolate cools to about 80°F.

• After seeding, microwave the chocolate again but this time at 50% power for very short 5 to 10-second bursts, stirring and checking the temperature in between. You're aiming for 86°F-88°F.

• As the tempered chocolate cools slightly, grind your magic mushrooms in a coffee grinder until they're super fine.

• Once the chocolate has cooled (but is still liquid), stir in the finely ground mushrooms until the mix is even. If your chocolate gets too solid, resist the urge to re-microwave (as this can damage the psilocybin). Instead, let the silicone cup bask in some hot water to gently melt the chocolate back to the desired consistency.

• Place your silicone chocolate mold on a baking sheet. Silicone molds can be a bit wobbly, so having it on a solid tray helps, especially if you're planning to shift things around before the chocolate sets.

• Carefully pour the mushroom-infused chocolate mixture into the mold sections.

• Allow the chocolates to solidify overnight. Once set, wrap each piece individually and don't forget to clearly label them with a warning. To best preserve the actives, refrigerate.

Psychedelic journeys are deeply personal, and I believe that having a hand in the infusion process only strengthens that connection. May your adventures be safe, beautiful and enlightening, and may you savor the experience you’ve crafted for yourself.

Jaden Rae is a Las Vegas resident and best-selling author of the Microdosing Guide And Journal. She hosts a free online community at MagicAndGlow. com and provides tools to enhance emotional well-being, find meaning, create magic, nourish souls and enrich lives. Jaden has been featured on the Today Show, The Early Show, Martha Stewart Radio, Fox Business News and more. You can find her on Instagram @magic.and.glow

for Weight Loss

Jaden Rae

SEPTEMBER HOROSCOPES

ARIES (MARCH 20 – APRIL 19)

Although things may not go smoothly this month, you have the courage and energy to work through them. As the seasons begin to shift, September can feel like a fresh start for Aries. You thrive in the excitement of change and new beginnings. Although there will be many planets in retrograde at the beginning of the month, this doesn’t hold you back and you handle any situation with a calm, cool, and collected approach. It’s a great time to strengthen relationships and flex your creative problem solving. With Venus moving directly in Leo at the beginning of the month, opportunities may arise to meet a new flame or get closer to those who already hold a special place in your life. We recommend the Mini Infused Preroll Pack by Cannavative in Sierra Sunshine to accompany you in traversing fresh terrain.

TAURUS (APRIL 19 – MAY 20)

Things feel like they are dragging on this month and you may find yourself in a depressive state. Many planets are in retrograde and this puts you in a very reflective mood that can tire you out. You feel exhausted by your thoughts. Try to avoid overthinking which can make you insecure about your decisions and where you find yourself. Don’t ignore your feelings and instead just wait it out, seek support from loved ones, and focus on things that feel good. Pick up a heavy hitting edible like the Caramel Chocolate Brownie by Vert to make the time go by faster and quiet your mind. Don’t worry, there are better days ahead!

GEMINI (MAY 20 – JUNE 20)

September is stressful for Gemini as things that you had put off over the Summer are starting to catch up with you. Try not to add anything to your plate, as you’ll already have a tight schedule. With so much to do, it’s best for you to take any time that you have to keep to yourself and recover. There is a lot of reflection happening and it’s important to give yourself space to organize your thoughts and priorities. If you can’t do it on your own, take a fat dab of the Orange Velvet Live Resin Sugar by Verano to slow down and help you think things through. Once you come up with a game plan, you should feel better and enjoy the hustle more. Avoid obsessively worrying about things as this will only tire you out more.

CANCER (JUNE 20 – JULY 22)

You are craving closeness this month and will long for physical and emotional security. These feelings will challenge you and make you crave contact with close friends and a romantic partner. Try not to rely too much on others during

By Margaux Hansberry

this time, as they have the potential to let you down. If you focus on self love, you will feel better and not need so much reassurance in your relationships. It’s important that you focus on inner peace in September, although situations may test you especially at work. Don’t react with your emotions or retreat. Face any conflicts head on so that they don’t linger and make you feel worse. Use a relaxing strain like the Waffle Cone by The Grower Circle to practice self care and unwind when you’re feeling needy.

LEO (JULY 22 – AUGUST 22)

It’s an easy month for you Leo and you will be able to handle any changes with ease. Things seem to flow and your creativity is running high. You will want to focus on activities that add fuel to this flame by investing in musical or artistic talent. You will even be especially skilled at culinary creations if that’s your thing. Take advantage of the last of sunny days. It could be the last opportunity you have to take a long trip this year. In many ways, you will lead the pack this month. It’s an especially stressful time for others and they may lean on you for support. Use your strength to progress your goals and help those around you. We think a five pack of Pheno Exotic Jet Fuel x Tangy Power half gram prerolls will be the best option to keep you on a roll!

VIRGO (AUG 22 – SEPT 22)

You are feeling especially motherly this month, Virgo! On one hand, you’ll be extra nurturing and generous. You’ll be especially drawn to helping others including caring for animals if that’s your thing. You may find yourself volunteering or adopting a new pet. If you are planning for an addition to your family, now is the time. On the other hand, you will also feel that you know best. This can manifest as expressing dominance and telling others what to do. You may want to control your partner or children and this can lead to problems. Remember that everyone makes their own progress and knows what’s best for themselves. You will want something strong and heavy like the Slurricane blunt by El Blunto for when you’re irritated by others going at their own pace.

LIBRA (SEP 22 – OCT 23)

With Mars in Libra all month long, you are feeling energized and in top shape! Use it to your advantage to tackle those daunting tasks that have been on your list for a while. Relationships may be sticky and you will pick fights if you don’t focus on getting things done for yourself. You have an abundance of physical, mental, and sexual energy. You may feel a bit jealous and rejected if your partner isn’t on the same page as you. Don’t act impulsively and take time to clear your thoughts. A couple puffs off the Sour Tangie Stiiizy pod vape pen will keep you in a positive headspace. It’s a great time to start fresh and you are especially motivated to rearrange your home or

do a deep clean. You are enthusiastic about nesting and creating a comfortable space for yourself before you start celebrating when the Sun enters Libra on the 22nd!

SCORPIO (OCT 23 – NOV 21)

Be cautious of your relationships this month, Scorpio. You may meet someone that takes your attention away from your partner or other interests. Uranus and Jupiter will cause a lot of on again off again situations for you and it feels like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. At times you are overly romantic, at others you could be shut down and cold hearted. The key is to stay calm and keep your feelings to yourself. If you’re single you may find yourself seeking complicated relationships that aren’t best for you. If you’re in a relationship, you will find yourself craving independence. Give yourself time alone to feel the feelings. A potent gram of White Truffle Live Rosin by Reina will help you make it through the month.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 21 – DEC 21)

You are feeling your best this month, Sagittarius! It’s easy to connect with others, you are healthy, and your mind is clear. It’s easy to share information, especially with those who look up to you, for example, children. It’s best to spend a lot of time with your people this month because you could be the wind beneath someone’s wings. You will feel energized by group activities and meeting up with friends. Those close to you will admire your charm and leadership, allowing you to excel at work and at home. The New Moon in Virgo on the 14th is a great time to plan out your goals through the end of the year. We recommend treating yourself and your friends with a jar of the 100mg Ghee Butter by Cannabella to infuse your BBQs!

CAPRICORN (DEC 21 – JAN 19)

Despite usually being on top of everything, the many retrogrades this month aren’t helping you with your time management and discipline. You may find yourself unmotivated and stagnant. Although it’s not often that you let people help you, talk to someone you trust to help you work things out and make a solid plan. You need to think about what you really want and reprioritize from there. Don’t take on any additional responsibilities, it’s time for you to manage what’s currently on your plate. You aren’t usually a procrastinator but putting things off feels good at the moment. Pick up something that will get you moving like the Super Sour Diesel by Nature’s Chemistry. You won’t be feeling this way forever!

AQUARIUS (JAN 19 – FEB 18)

You are enjoying your freedom this month which could cause some big changes with your relationships. You

have a lot of energy, especially sexual energy, that influences you to seek excitement. You are entertaining and social. Be cautious of breaking hearts as you are easily bored. Try not to lead anyone on and be clear about your fleeting intentions and attention. It’s likely you could let those who are close to you down, especially if you go back on any commitments. They will see you as unreliable but easily forgive you once you spend some quality time with them. Bring a pack of full gram peacemakers with you like the Apple Tarts Pre Rolls by Deep Roots Harvest for when you have to charm your way out of trouble.

PISCES (FEB 18 – MAR 20)

With the seasons changing, you may be prone to some extra anxiety due to new or shifting responsibilities. Don’t let worry or concern take over your thoughts. Try to stay positive and work through your emotions with manual labor. Tire the body to quiet the mind. Prepping the garden for winter or going to the gym will help keep your stress at bay. Take a few extra days off to focus on self care and your transition from the carefree days of Summer. As long as you practice peace, take care of your health, and remove yourself from situations that make you upset, you should feel better. For times that you can’t remove yourself, take a safety break with a couple tasty puffs of the Banana Flambe Live Resin PacksPod disposable pen!

Follow Marnie Montroy on IG @MarnieMontroy

Cooking with Cannabis

Cooking for a Queen with Marnie

Montroy

CBD Infused Veggie Kabobs and a Sangria Mocktail

VEGGIE KABOBS INGREDIENTS:

Wash and cut your veggies. Then use the directions below to get the perfect size veggies

• Bell Peppers: Remove the stem and seeds, and cut the peppers into 1- to 1 ½-inch squares.

• Red or White Onions: Peel the onion and cut it into quarters.

• PIneapple: Lay the flat side of the pineapple down on the cutting board. Cut the piece lengthwise to create two long quarter pieces. Cut the quarter piece in half lengthwise again making 1 inch cubes.

• Medium Size Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Slice them into 1⁄2-inch rounds. Don’t cut them too thin. This will prevent them from getting too soft and falling off the skewer.

• Whole Cherry or Grape Tomatoes

• Corn: Remove the husk and the silk. Cut the cobs into ½-inch to ¾-inch rounds. Skewer the corn rounds through the center of the cob.

VEGGIE KABOBS PREPARATION:

Place two pieces of each onto metal or bamboo skewers (if you use bamboo soak for 30 min so they don’t burn on the grill). Soak with the veggie marinade either by pouring it on or brushing it. Place on grill for 10 min turning every few min. If you don't have a grill you can use the oven on Broil, placing the Skewers 6 inching from the heating element for 10 min as well.

*Optional* brush with your favorite tangy BBQ sauce

SANGRIA MOCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:

Grape juice

Sparkling water

Cranberry juice or orange juice

It's been one of the hottest summers on record in the recent history of our planet. I feel like September will be the best weather for grilling so I wanted to share with you this easy to make recipe for my favorite veggie skewers. They don't take long to cook but offer a mouthwatering taste perfect for your late summer BBQ. I matched it with a deep tasting refreshing Sangria Mocktail that's sure to be just as colorful as it is delicious. You are gonna love this!! Stay cool and as always Bon Appetit.

VEGGIE MARINADE INGREDIENTS & PREPARATION:

Olive oil

Garlic cloves, minced or powdered (half the amount for powdered)

Lemon juice

Italian seasoning

CBD tincture or powder (your desired dosage)

Salt & pepper

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl

Chopped fruit (grapes, oranges, tangerines, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries)

Ice

Chopped herbs and fresh citrus slices

SANGRIA MOCKTAIL PREPARATION:

Add the grape juice, orange juice, sparkling water and chopped fruit to a large pitcher. Place the Sangria mocktail in the fridge and let it chill for a minimum of one hour. Remove from the fridge, top with ice and garnish your drink with herbs and fruit.

Cooking with Cannabushi

>>> An Infusion Series with chef chris rodarte

What’s up all you Stoner’s and Stonette’s! I’m back again and I hope you enjoyed the last issue. Talk about delicious food. I hope you guys liked my appearance with Rokin Vapes on Cannabis Talk 101! The ESPN of Cannabis! Everyone is amazing and I had a great experience. This month we want to keep it simple but deliver a dish you won’t forget, well until the effects kick in…don’t worry that’s what the magazine is for. We can always read it again. So let’s take a trip to Vietnam with my rendition of a traditional dish! Now let’s get to it! It already smells PHO-nomenal!

“Un-PHO-Ghettable

Ingredients:

Infused Chili Oil or Coconut Oil

1 box of Low Sodium Chicken Broth

2 Chicken Breasts

1 pack of Shrimp (clean and peeled)

1 pack Fresh Bean Sprouts

1 Red Onion

1 pc. Lemongrass

1 pack Fresh Basil

1 bunch of Fresh Cilantro

1 bunch of Scallions

1-2 packs of Yakisoba Noodles (if you like Udon, use those)

1 can of Coconut Milk

1 oz. Sambal Oelek or Chili Garlic Crisp

1 small pc. Fresh Ginger (peeled)

INSTRUCTIONS:

First let’s cook our shrimp and chicken. Start by boiling a pot of water with some salt and ginger. Once that’s ready, throw those shrimp in for about 2 minutes, depending on how much you put in there. It doesn’t take long so just cook thoroughly. Drain and place to the side. Over a medium heat cook your chicken breasts with just a little salt and pepper. (If you love spicy, slice some jalapenos and cook them

too). Once they have almost completed cooking, pour in half of your coconut milk. Finish cooking. Slice your chicken and separate the leftover milk/fat broth to the side.

Now, start a pot of water for your noodles. You can use Yakisoba, Udon, or Rice Vermicelli. They all have different cooking styles so use the package directions and once complete, drain and place to the side.

While you wait for the noods, slice your lemongrass (which I dipped into the infused chili oil), slice your red onion, scallions, pick your cilantro and basil off the stems, and get ready to make your broth. Using a decent sized ‘pot’ pour your chicken broth, plus if you have any other leftover bones or chicken fat, and beef fats, use it in your broth. Toss in a chopped piece of ginger. Take the skin off by using a spoon until you have nothing but the inner meat. Add some salt and pepper as well. Whatever leftover veggies you have toss them in as well. Cook for about 10-15 minutes…or longer on a medium heat. Bones work extremely well so if you decide to use chicken on the bone, boil that chicken first. Then use the fats and bones for your broth.

Once your broth is ready, we are ready to start building an Un-PHOGhettable dish! Start by grabbing a big bowl, and place your cooked noods inside and continue to build the dish with some broth, then add your chicken, shrimp, basil, scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts, lemongrass, infused chili oil, onions and if you like, add some sliced jalapenos. Place a little Sambal or Chili garlic, pour in some of the coconut milk broth and you just made an amazing Vietnamese dish. Plus, it’s got weeed in it!

There you have it. I remember working at Benihana in Downtown Atlanta as a sushi chef. I would work with Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino and Japanese. We would save the bones and scraps from the Teppanyaki side and save it for Pho Day. We would literally cook everything all day long in a pot and make a family meal with it. A little something from my travels. I hope you enjoy it!