Cannabis and the Revolution in Women's Uterine Health.
How Shake Extractions is Shaking up the Cannabis Industry.
8 Q&A
Kristi Hensley of River Valley Relief.
DISPENSARY GROW
Ari Pascoe's daily dance with the plants at The Source Dispensary.
14 HOT BOX
Strain spotlight from The Source Dispensary and Apothecary.
26 CULTURE
Korto Momolu infusing fashion storytelling with cannabis. 28 GANJAPRENEUR
Annie Iselin of Bold Cultivation. 30 MARY
REBEKAH HALL SCOTT
Rebekah Hall Scott is an award-winning journalist working in her native state. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Rebekah has written for the Arkansas Times, Dwell magazine, Bust magazine and more.
TRICIA LARSON
By day, Tricia Larson is a strategic communication pro; by night, a writer who loves to dig deep and tell people’s stories. Whether strategizing or storytelling, she thrives on capturing the heart of what makes people tick.
ISABELLA WISINGER
Isabella Wisinger is based in Little Rock. She has published in ABILITY Magazine, Inviting Arkansas, The Idle Class, digital publications and The Suite Life for the Arkansas Times Isabella enjoys writing about health care, wellness and socioeconomic justice.
JESSICA MAXWELL
Jessica Maxwell is an aspiring writer from Little Rock. She received an M.A. in English from Mississippi State in 2023, where she was traumatized by Charles Dickens. Will write 4 food.
EBONY BLEVINS
Ebony Blevins is a Little Rock-based photojournalist and fine art photographer. A graduate of Arkansas State University, she has contributed to local, national and international publications. Recently, she’s focused on cannabis industry photography and is developing cannabis-inspired fine art projects.
OATMEAL GOTH
Oatmeal Goth is a Little Rock-based illustrator. She is currently making her own animated short film.
ALLIE JORDAN
Allie Jordan, photographer, videographer and marketing lead at The Source Dispensary & Apothecary, aims to shape Arkansas cannabis culture through impactful retail experiences and storytelling, drawing on her Mississippi grit, liberal arts education and documentary work in Mexico.
MEAGAN CHRIS
Driven by a deep passion for cannabis and operational efficiency, Meagan has worked across cultivation, operations, education and advocacy — from hands-on work to team leadership, aimed at elevating the industry and plant connection. Now, she's excited to join Massachusetts' vibrant cannabis community.
SARA REEVES
Sara Reeves is a commercial photographer based in Little Rock. She has been exploring Arkansas with her cameras for over 20 years, telling countless colorful stories of the places we roam and the fascinating people we meet along the way.
PUBLISHER
Lee Major lee@arktimes.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Mandy Keener mandy@arktimes.com
ART DIRECTOR/DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER
Katie Hassell
ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR
Mike Spain
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Terrell Jacob, Kaitlyn Looney, Evan Ethridge
DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR
Madeline Chosich
ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER
Roland R. Gladden
IT DIRECTOR
Robert Curfman
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Anitra Lovelace
EVENTS DIRECTOR
Donavan Suitt
CONTROLLER
Weldon Wilson
BILLING/COLLECTIONS
Charlotte Key
PRESIDENT Alan Leveritt
from seed to sale
Kristi Hensley on the joys and challenges of the cannabis industry.
BY REBEKAH HALL SCOTT
As the director of operations for River Valley Relief Cultivation in Fort Smith, Kristi Hensley deals in the daily logistics of processing, packaging and delivering cannabis products. First hired to run the new company’s packaging department in 2021, Hensley has grown with River Valley Relief since its inception. She sat down with the Arkansas Cannabis Times to share lessons and experiences from the helm of production at the smallest cultivation facility in the state.
What were you doing before you came to River Valley Relief, and why did you make the transition?
I worked previously at a bottling facility here in Fort Smith for 16 years. I was at a point in my career there where I was not going anywhere. It was right around the time that River Valley Relief had just announced it was going to start hiring, that they were going to open up a facility, and it was literally right down the road from where I worked. So I jumped on the opportunity. I’m a person that likes to learn, and I like to grow. With their mission and what they were trying to do, I wanted to be a part of it. Soon I was promoted to inventory manager, and my strengths as a leader were recognized pretty quickly by Ryan Kenaga [president of River Valley Relief], which led me to being the director of operations now.
What are your responsibilities as the director of operations?
We are a baby company, so I have been involved with everything from the very beginning. In my role as inventory manager, I was the sole person that was responsible for the daily transactions in BioTrack. It’s the seed-to-sale system that the state uses for tracking our inventory. That system not being user friendly led us to work on developing a better system, which I have been involved with from the beginning. Right now, I have a team of eight managers that run the show for me. So I delegate what we need to do and they get it done. I’ll do a morning walk-through, checking the room conditions. I’m usually one of the first ones here, so I like to go in before everybody else and see where the crew left it the night before. Just checking in with everybody every morning and making sure that they’ve got all that they need.
I’m responsible for lots of logistics, including deliveries. I work with my vault manager Aaron Merrill, he’s like my right hand, I couldn’t do it without him. We schedule all of the deliveries in the state — with one van, by the way. It took some work, but we’ve figured it out. I’ve learned so much from this team. Most of them
have cannabis production knowledge, so I’m learning every day, which I love. They have taught me so much more than I have taught them, I’m sure, but it’s rewarding. Every day is just rewarding.
What is it like working so closely with River Valley Relief president Ryan Kenaga? What have you learned from his leadership?
Ryan and I have developed a brothersister relationship. I’m here for him and he’s here to help me and guide me and mold me. We’re close in age, and we’ve kind of been through the same things growing up. He’s really patient with me. He gets down on my level where I can understand the business part of it. The production side, that’s my wheelhouse, I’ve got you all day. But when it comes to the business, and the sales, and the financial side of stuff, he’s really been patient in taking me under his wing and showing me the ropes and how to be successful. And I’m grateful for that. He took a chance on me without a college degree. He said, ‘You’ve got 16 years experience in manufacturing — that’s a doctorate as far as I’m concerned.’ And that’s something that’s just always stuck with me. We’ve got a good bond. I trust him, he trusts me.
What are some of the challenges of working in the cannabis industry?
It is ever evolving. What is happening this year might change next year. I’ve found that it feels like we’re starting over every year, with new laws or processes. Since we are a baby company, we are looking to improve and evolve ourselves. We’re always having to take a step back and look at what we’re doing and see how we can make it better.
What do you love about working in this industry? What joy do you find from it that is different from your previous experience?
I have got to say, it’s the feedback that I see from patients. Knowing that what we’re doing is helping somebody. It
EBONY BLEVINS
matters. Everybody has their cannabis journey, and when I see that we’re a part of someone’s journey, I know that I’m doing it for the right reasons. I’m a patient myself, and I use our products. I rely heavily on one in particular that we make which, if I didn’t have it for my day to day, I would be miserable. It is really gratifying to know that we are making a good impact out there.
In this issue of Arkansas Cannabis Times, we’re highlighting women in the cannabis industry in Arkansas. What has your experience been as a woman in a leadership role in this industry? Have you faced any pushback because of your gender?
I wouldn’t say pushback, more so as not being heard. I had to find my voice. I leaned on Annie Iselin [senior director of operations for Bold Cultivation] as a mentor in this industry, on how to navigate this boys club. Talking with her, she helped me find that voice inside me that can command a building full of young employees and keep them in line. To be recognized as someone who has something to say. I’ve always been a person who, my actions will show that, but sometimes you’ve got to have that voice, too. I’m building confidence that I didn’t have before.
There’s not enough of us, but I’m a woman’s woman. I love women. We’re all here to support each other, and every woman I’ve met in the industry has been nothing but open and has shared things that have helped them along the way. I’ve seen that there is a sisterhood.
What are you excited about for River Valley Relief in the coming year? With dialing things in, we’re finding ourselves with more flower. More flower means we have potential to make more products. There’s one in particular in the kitchen coming out that I’m very excited about, it’s going to be very yummy and it’s going to take the state by storm. River Valley Relief’s just got big things coming this year, and I can’t wait to get started.
Where Education Meets Compassion
Her Harvest
Cultivating more than cannabis.
BY MEAGAN CHRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLIE JORDAN
In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, amidst the rolling hills surrounding Rogers, a unique kind of magic is happening at The Source Dispensary. Ari Pascoe, the director of cultivation, tends to her 50 plants with a reverence that transcends mere horticulture; it’s a symphony of love, intuition and generations of feminine wisdom. In a state where plant count is limited, Pascoe and her team have perfected the art of maximizing their space, creating a garden of unparalleled beauty and vitality.
A Legacy Rooted in Nature and Nurturing
Pascoe’s journey began in a community woven with the threads of strong, Southern women — a “coven,” as she affectionately calls it. Raised by a single mother and deeply influenced by her grandmother’s green thumb, Pascoe learned early that plants respond to kindness, to songs, to a gentle touch. “My grandmother taught me to talk to my plants, to sing to them,” Pascoe recalls. “No negativity, just pure nurturing energy.” This ancestral connection to the earth is further enriched by her Panamanian heritage, where her father resides, and where she experienced the lush, untamed beauty of the jungle. These experiences instilled in her a deep respect for nature's power.
Pascoe’s lineage is a tapestry of powerful women, and she feels a profound connection to the divine feminine. “The cannabis plant is a woman,” she says, "and the fruits of our labor reflect feminine, nurturing energy. I feel privileged to be a part of that process." This connection extends to her passion for natural medicine. “I’ve always been drawn to plant-based healing,” Pascoe
explains. “Even as a kid playing World of Warcraft, my hunter night elf was always concocting cures from herbs. I think that planted a seed.”
Living a plant-based lifestyle, Pascoe integrates plant medicine into her daily self-care routine. “I’m a huge advocate for natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals,” she says. “Being able to provide that to my community is an honor.” She’s passionate about blending “plant wisdom with modern science to support physical health, mental clarity and spiritual growth.”
From Budtender to Cultivator: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Pascoe’s journey at The Source began five years ago, when the doors of the dispensary first opened. Starting as a budtender, she quickly fell in love with the culture, the patients and the healing power of cannabis. “Even in the early days, during COVID, I knew this was where I belonged,” she says. Her dedication led her to become a trainer, sharing her knowledge and passion with others. But her heart belonged in the grow room.
“I was vocal about wanting to be in cultivation,” Pascoe recounts. “As a woman in this industry, you have to be. They’ll look right over you if you’re not.”
Luckily, Pascoe had a strong support system, including her colleague Rob Garcia, who championed her aspirations. After training in Missouri, Pascoe’s dream became a reality when The Source opened its own grow.
“It’s a male-dominated industry,” she acknowledges, “but I had people in my corner, and I was loud.” Her persistence paid off, and she stepped into her role as director of cultivation with unwavering determination. Garcia affirms this, stating, “Ari has taught me everything I know when it comes to cultivation from cloning, nutrient ratios, trimming and maintaining our small intimate grow. Her knowledge in cultivation is superb.” Pascoe, with characteristic modesty, adds, “Rob flatters me in saying I've taught him everything he knows. I would like to, candidly, add that we've learned everything we know side by side, together.”
"In the Flow": Cultivation as a Dance of Intuition and Observation
The Source’s house brand, "In the Flow," is a reflection of Pascoe’s personal philosophy and her cultivation methods. “It’s a dance,” she says, “a daily dance with the plants.” Her past experience with flow
In the heart of The Source's grow room, Ari Pascoe's intuition and observation guide her daily dance with the cannabis plants. Her commitment to quality and her dedicated approach make her a leader in the field.
arts, like poi and dragon staff, taught her patience and the ability to “be in the flow,” skills she applies daily in the grow room.
Hand-watering each plant is her favorite part of the job. “It’s where I find my peace,” she shares. “It’s so calming and authentic.”
Music plays a vital role in her grow room. “Music is vibrational, and so are we,” Pascoe explains. “Plants see and speak through vibration. We create a synergetic connection with them through music.” She curates the perfect soundtrack to stimulate photosynthesis and communication, creating a harmonious environment.
Pascoe relies heavily on intuition and careful observation. “We learn from everything,” she says. The May 2024 tornado that hit the grow served as a powerful lesson. “It really reiterated how much I care about these plants,” she says. “With minimal power, our team and the community worked tirelessly. It desensitized me in a positive way. I’m a worrier by nature, but that experience taught me that growth is a daily opportunity, and each day offers new avenues for education.”
Impact and Community: Nurturing Growth Beyond the Grow Room
While Pascoe battles imposter syndrome, her team sees her as a mentor. “They’ve told me they feel mentored by me every day,” she says, her voice filled with humility. “I hope I inspire them through my work ethic, compassion and dedication.” She believes women bring a unique perspective to cultivation. “Women are nurturers, cultivators by nature,” she says. “The industry could benefit from some more ‘girl science.’” Evelyn Diaz, Ari's longtime friend and colleague, shares, “Honestly, what haven’t I learned from Ari? We’ve been best friends since childhood, so she’s taught me a lot about life, people and just how to navigate the world. Working in the grow with her, she passes down everything she knows and learns about cultivating cannabis. But it’s more than that — she doesn’t just teach; she involves me in her learning process, and we grow together in every sense of the word.”
Diaz also highlights Pascoe’s management style, saying, “She’s fair, thoughtful and really takes the time to
Top: Working in the clone room, Ari Pascoe nurtures the next generation of cannabis plants, ensuring a healthy start for The Source's "In the Flow" brand. Bottom: The Source's flower room stands as a testament to the shared commitment of Ari Pascoe and her team to cultivating highquality cannabis, grown with care and precision.
understand each situation before making a decision. She doesn’t just follow a rigid set of rules — she looks at the bigger picture and approaches things with both logic and heart. She has high standards, but she also knows that not every situation should be handled the same way.” Garcia adds, “The one thing I love about Ari's management style is her attention to detail, and her organization. She cares a lot about her employees and our small grow, and is always very helpful in all aspects here at The Source.”
Pascoe actively participates in industry events and engages with the local community. “Arkansas has a powerful network of strong women,” she notes, citing Mandi Strickland, The Source’s CEO, as a constant source of inspiration. “Because women in cannabis face unique challenges, we’ve cultivated a supportive network.”
The Future of Cannabis: A Vision of Growth and Innovation
Pascoe is excited about the future of cannabis cultivation. “We’re always willing to integrate new ideas and perspectives,” she says. Her advice to aspiring female growers is simple: “If this industry resonates with your soul, you belong here. No challenge or obstacle should deter you from pursuing your calling.”
Garcia also emphasizes, “My favorite thing about growing at The Source is the fact that it is a small, hands-on intimate grow from cloning to harvest.” Diaz echoes this sentiment, saying, “I love that I get to grow medicine for people. Hearing how the strains we cultivate truly improve lives is incredibly rewarding. And the best part? I get to do it alongside my best friend.”
Closing Thoughts
Pascoe’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion and dedication. She has transformed The Source’s grow room into a sanctuary of vibrant life, reflecting her own nurturing spirit. Her connection to her plants, her team and her community is a testament to the power of feminine energy in the cannabis industry.
“These plants are more than just medicine,” Pascoe says, her eyes filled with warmth. “They’re a reflection of the love and care we put into them. And that’s what makes them truly special.”
Cannabis and the Revolution in Women's Uterine Health.
BY MEAGAN CHRIS
For generations, women have silently endured the discomfort and disruption of all types of uterine conditions, often with limited relief options. However, a new frontier in women's health is emerging, offering a beacon of hope and a natural path to reclaiming a sense of comfort — cannabis. This article aims to create an understanding of the intricate connection between cannabis and the womenʼs reproductive system, exploring its potential to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Let's venture into this exciting realm, exploring the science, the applications and the considerations for women seeking a different or additional approach to their health.
The Body's Complex Ecosystem
The Endocannabinoid System and the Uterus
Imagine a vast network of communication connecting different operators throughout your body, from your head to your toes, dedicated to maintaining balance and harmony in your organs and systems. That network is called the endocannabinoid system (for the purpose of saving a mouthful, we will refer to it as the ECS). The ECS is a complex web of receptors and neurotransmitters present everywhere in the body, with a particularly significant central location in the female reproductive organs — the uterus,
ovaries and even the brain. The ECS plays a critical role in numerous reproductive processes, acting as the organizer in the operation of female health:
• Uterine Preparation: The ECS helps regulate the uterine lining, preparing it for implantation, a critical step for a healthy pregnancy.
• Placental Development: The ECS contributes to the healthy development and function of the placenta, the lifeline that nourishes a developing fetus.
• Labor Regulation: The ECS influences the powerful uterine contractions during labor, helping to regulate their timing and strength, ensuring a smooth delivery.
Beyond these key examples, the ECS is involved in a multitude of other reproductive functions, constantly working to maintain peace. Cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis, interact with the ECS, driving it like a superhighway. This interaction can influence processes like pain perception, inflammation and hormone regulation. Understanding this connection is key to exploring how cannabis may potentially alleviate symptoms associated with certain uterine health conditions.
A Natural Approach
Cannabis for Common Conditions
Given the ECSʼs profound involvement in uterine health, we can take a deeper look at how cannabis offers a targeted approach to managing a variety of conditions that affect womenʼs well-being.
Menopause
Menopause, the natural cessation of menstruation, often brings a basket of symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness. Cannabis, through its interaction with the ECS, which influences hormone regulation, mood and sleep, may offer a natural way to navigate this transition.
Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, decreased libido.
Cannabis Products: Vaporizing or using tinctures with a balanced CBD:THC ratio can help manage mood swings. CBN gummies can help with sleep issues. CBD suppositories may alleviate vaginal dryness.
Terpenes/Cannabinoids: Look for strains high in myrcene (for relaxation), limonene (for mood elevation) and CBD (for overall balance).
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS, a hormonal disorder, involves imbalances and cysts. Cannabis, interacting with the ECS, may support symptom management.
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by intense mood swings, irritability, depression and physical discomfort. Cannabis may offer a way to manage these debilitating symptoms.
Symptoms : Severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, breast tenderness.
Cannabis Products: Low-dose THC products, particularly edibles or tinctures, may help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) can help ease physical discomfort symptoms.
Terpenes /Cannabinoids: Linalool (for anxiety relief) and CBG (for mood stabilization) may be beneficial.
Endometriosis and Period Pain
Endometriosis and period pain cause significant pelvic pain. Cannabis offers a multifaceted approach.
Cannabis Products: THC:CBD transdermal patches have been found to alleviate fatigue and bloating. Topical creams can loosen joints. Tinctures and edibles may address general discomfort, while high-dose suppositories may help with cramping.
Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with low doses and gradually increase.
Understand Terpenes and Cannabinoids: Research specific terpenes and cannabinoids for your symptoms.
Choose the Right Products: Explore, experiment with tinctures, edibles, topicals, vapes. Find the product right for you. Arkansas dispensaries offer many options, and budtenders are eager to help you find the best product for you.
Cannabis offers the potential for a natural approach for women seeking relief from various health conditions. By understanding the role of the ECS and exploring the diverse range of cannabis products available, women can work with their health care providers to create personalized treatment plans that increase their quality of life and empower them to reclaim comfort and control over their health. This is more than just symptom management; itʼs about embracing a new approach to well-being and finding informed, holistic harmony.
DONNY BURGER
In the Flow strain spotlight from The Source Dispensary and Apothecary.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLIE JORDAN
An indica-dominant strain for the experienced cannabis connoisseur, Donny Burger’s powerful sensory experience will happily humble you. Grown with love by The Source in Rogers, with genetics that were pheno-hunted with meticulous care by In The Flow of Boulder, Colorado, Donny is simply a cut above the rest. Her high potency packs a punch, with THC levels reaching as high as 32%! In aroma and flavor profile, Donny Burger is the definition of dank. She leaves the consumer in a relaxed, giggly euphoria. If you’re looking for the perfect contribution to your dream rotation, Donny’s definitely your girl.
How Shake Extractions is Shaking up the Cannabis Industry.
BY JESSICA MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH HALL PHOTOGRAPHY
Justoff a quiet roadway leading out of Fayetteville, a building emerges from the tree line. The sign out front lists two tenants: a lawyer and a personal trainer. But inside, in that unassuming yet fittingly green structure in Johnson, Shake Extractions — a women-owned and operated cannabis company — has made its home. Shake Extractions is just one branch of Shake Collaborations, the overall branding and product development company. Shake Extractions’ journey is one of humble beginnings, but don’t be fooled — their business is thriving. Unlike many other cannabis companies backed by corporate money and large investors, Shake is entirely self-made.
Its story is a classic American tale of grit and determination, proving that passion and perseverance can carve out success in a competitive industry.
Proudly defining themselves as “small, scrappy and independent,” the four women behind Shake have gone all in to make their vision a reality. The founding mothers cleverly and affectionately referred to as “Buds” on their website — Operations Bud Julie Brents, Creative Bud Brittany Phillips, Business Bud Antigone “Tig” Davoulas and Beaker Bud Syrona Scott — come from vastly different professional backgrounds but share a unified vision of what cannabis products should be: premium and accessible to all.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing for the team, however. They have faced a number of challenges since their early days. Beyond the lack of big-time investors operating in the Arkansas cannabis industry in general comes with unique challenges, particularly due to legal restrictions. For one, cannabis processors like Shake Extractions cannot market their products directly to consumers and must rely on dispensaries and budtenders to do so. Additionally, the team faced significant disappointment following recent election outcomes that upheld restrictive policies. Issue 3 making it onto the ballot was a meant to be a hopeful harbinger of good things
From left to right Business Bud Antigone “Tig” Davoulas, Creative Bud Brittany Phillips, Beaker Bud Syrona Scott and Operations Bud Julie Brents
to come for the cannabis industry, but when it didn’t come to fruition, the disappointment was palpable.
Another barrier that Shake has broken through is the gender barrier. The cannabis industry remains largely male-dominated, and many dispensary products are marketed toward men. However, in Arkansas, the highest percentage of medical marijuana cardholders are women between the ages of 25-44. Recognizing this gap in the market, the women of Shake saw an opportunity to create products specifically designed for female consumers — though they are quick to emphasize that
their products are for everyone. Their primary goal is to develop high-quality, innovative cannabis products that merge wellness with accessibility. Indeed, Shake Collaborations’ journey began first with a focus on CBD products, launching their first line, CBD and Me, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, their vision evolved, leading them to refine their approach and expand into THCbased products.
Rather than focusing on traditional edibles like gummies — which may not be ideal for health-conscious consumers or those with allergies — Shake has prioritized smokeless products such as tinctures and topicals. For the uninitiated, tinctures can feel intimidating, but the reality is not so scary. Dosing is clear and easy to understand. Tinctures are sublingual products, meaning that they are taken as liquid drops under the tongue, and offer numerous advantages: They act faster than edibles, last longer and lack the strong scent associated with cannabis flower, making them a discreet option. Additionally, tinctures have a longer shelf life than many edible alternatives. Each tincture blends together organic ingredients, vitamins and strains of
cannabis to target something particular and maximize health benefits. Creative Director Brittany Phillips explains that these products are “perfect for the microdosing-curious professional,” Shake truly has something for everyone. For example, in their line of tinctures they have curated blends for immune system support, mood boost and gut health each with its own unique flavor composition. All with a catchy, wellness-forward name: “Vita Drops.” These few products target physical health concerns, but what about mental health? Shake also has products to promote your mental wellbeing.
“The Mood Drops — Cold Brew” tastes like, you guessed it, a delicious freshly brewed glass of cold brew coffee. If you are still not convinced that the tincture life is right for you, Shake’s line of topical products might be just the thing you’re looking for. Their 4:1 Rosemary Body Balm with Rosemary for Muscle and Joint Support offers you pain relief and comfort without having to ingest cannabis. Shake is also interested in promoting sexual health and wellness for both individuals and couples. Their “1:1 Infused Lube for Couples — Coconut” opens the door for new ways to experience and learn about cannabis.
Despite all the challenges that Shake has faced during comeuppance, one thing that you can be sure of is that they are going to create premium and unique products that start a conversation. Shake Extractions is more than just a cannabis company; it is a testament to creativity, resilience and innovation. Their branding is bold, their approach is fresh and their commitment to pushing boundaries in the industry is undeniable. As they continue to grow, one thing remains certain: Shake Extractions is just getting started.
Women changing the weed game
BY ISABELLA WISINGER
Arkansas’s burgeoning medical marijuana industry is powered by women. The women of Arkansas are creating an impact that goes beyond the boundaries of their professional roles and refining cannabis culture itself. From cultivation executives to product developers and brand designers, female leaders are driving fiscal growth in The Natural State while championing patient-centered care. Meet some of the influential women at the forefront of Arkansas’s medical marijuana movement.
TYMBER POPE
General Manager
Purspirit
Tymber Pope, born and raised in Fayetteville, has been in the medical marijuana industry for the past three years. She became an advocate for medical marijuana after deciding to cut alcohol out of her life: “The only thing that kept me grounded and consistent was cannabis. It quickly became a passion of mine … I made it a goal to build my career around that passion and guide others to the medicine.”
Pope now works as the general manager of Purspirit Cannabis in Fayetteville, where she wears many hats day-to-day budtending, filling online orders, checking in inbounds, managing the store schedule and leading team meetings. Pope says the most fulfilling part of her job is helping people. “My personal goal is to educate and help every patient that walks through our doors with genuine kindness and compassion!” When she isn’t at Purspirit, you can find Pope digging for crystals, skating, knitting or climbing around the Ozarks.
Cait Connolly is a jack of all trades! After getting a degree in anthropology, she was a wedding planner, florist, commission artist for children’s books, logos and board games, and even a casino pit boss. She now owns FullSpec, a full-service branding firm, and splits her time between client meetings, creative strategy, visual design and website building. Her passion is using creativity to serve others. “I love bringing people together, celebrating their ideas and helping them shine.”
Connolly’s branding business collaborates with key industry stakeholders in Arkansas’s medical marijuana industry. She is currently working with TruManagement and Osage Creek Cultivation. Connolly hopes that by entering the cannabis sector she can help facilitate greater accessibility to medical marijuana and improve patient experiences.
CAIT CONNOLY Owner FullSpec
LESLIE WATT Manager CROP
Leslie Watt, manager of CROP dispensary in Jonesboro, has been a self-proclaimed “flower child” since she was 18 years old. She’s worked in management since she was 19, starting off in the restaurant industry and then branching out to staffing, agriculture and now cannabis. Watt, originally a patient, decided to start as a receptionist at CROP because it was her dispensary of choice. She’s worked her way up since then, and loves her management role: “I can truly say I have my dream job.” Watt’s mission at CROP is to take care of the people she’s been raised alongside in Jonesboro. “Our patients are and will always be our top focus … I try to make sure they know they matter, and they are loved.” Watt started CROP’s first annual food drive last November, which successfully gathered over 2,000 pounds of food and donated it to a local pantry in Northeast Arkansas. Watt is also the organizer of CROP’s first Budtender Appreciation Day, an event where the dispensary will match all budtender tips and donate the money to the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society.
ROCHELLE BRADSHAW
Brand Ambassador
The Source Dispensary & Apothecary
Rochelle Bradshaw, brand ambassador of The Source Dispensary & Apothecary in Rogers, has been a touring reggae singer since she was 20. She has traveled across the globe, singing alongside legends like Stephen Marley and The Wailers, and performed on six continents, witnessing firsthand how cannabis can change lives. She became interested in cannabis because of its association with reggae culture and its potential for managing her own childhood epilepsy. “As an adult, I discovered that cannabis could effectively help manage my condition … I also witnessed how cannabis helped fellow musicians manage pain and anxiety from the road.”
Bradshaw’s background makes her a natural fit for her forward-facing position at The Source, where she oversees social media, radio ads, and helps develop products like her Island Time gummies. “Creating these branded products allows me to bring a piece of my Caribbean heritage and reggae culture into the Arkansas cannabis market.”
The position gives her the flexibility to continue performing while making a meaningful community impact. Looking ahead, Bradshaw hopes to deepen the connection between cannabis and the arts. “Long term, I’d like to establish a music therapy program that incorporates both cannabis education and reggae’s healing vibrations.”
Erika Gee returned to practicing private law after spending eight years working for the office of the Arkansas Attorney General. She uses what she learned from her executive background to now represent businesses and individuals who are regulated by the state government, which is how she became involved in Arkansas’s cannabis industry. “Even though it was an industry new to Arkansas after the passage of Amendment 98, representing clients in the cannabis business fits squarely into my practice and experience … it has been really interesting to learn the nuts and bolts of this industry over the last eight years.” Gee is an attorney and partner at Wright Lindsey Jennings, one of Arkansas’s largest and oldest firms, where she leads the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp team and participates in the Government Practice group. Since settling in Arkansas in 1993, Gee has become an engaged member of North Little Rock’s culinary scene. Her love of cooking led her to open the Ease Supper Club & Bistro, a regularly occurring dinner party in Park Hill. Each dinner has a different menu and theme. The Bistro is an Ease auxiliary project that offers a full wine list, small plates and snacks.
LINDSAY MAULDIN Assistant General Manager CROP
ERIKA GEE
Attorney, Partner
Wright Lindsey Jennings
Lindsay Mauldin has always called Arkansas home. She was born and raised in Newport, where she lived until attending college. While in college, Mauldin held many leadership roles along with managerial roles in her early career leading to her current role with CROP as assistant general manager. She has held many roles since beginning her career in the medical marijuana industry.
In 2015, Mauldin experienced a traumatic attack, which caused her to seek alternative forms of care. She found that using marijuana helped with her physical injuries and with mental health struggles caused by the event. This helped push her toward the medical marijuana field.
She has found a passion to help people. “My vision for the MMJ industry is always to have the best options available for our patients. It is so beneficial for so many across the state, and we need to make sure we are improving and becoming better each year.”
KAITY GROVE
Major Accounts Manager
Dark Horse Cannabis
Kaity Grove is a young professional with a diverse background that spans education, business and the medical marijuana industry. After a few years of teaching eighth- and ninth-grade art, Grove transitioned into cannabis sales in 2021 and became a financial solutions consultant with Abaca, a company specializing in financial technology for cannabis banking. Her expertise in cannabis banking led her to Dark Horse Cannabis and her current role as their major accounts manager, where she oversees Major Accounts in Arkansas, Missouri and soon to be Kentucky. Outside of her work in cannabis, Grove is passionate about Arkansas's local music scene and is co-working with her husband to launch a new business in downtown Little Rock that will spotlight their love for underground music. She loves working on events and programs that bring Arkansans together. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else … Collaborating with dispensaries and cultivators to bring the best products and national brands to our state is one of my greatest passions.”
JENNIFER MORGAN
General Manager
Comprehensive Care Group
Jennifer Morgan was born in Conway and raised in Prim, Arkansas. She left behind a 20year, successful career working as an area supervisor for one of the largest McDonald’s franchise owners in the country to join Arkansas’s medical marijuana sector. “I took a leap of faith jumping into the industry … I truly believe in this plant and its ability to help us all. This June marks three years and I couldn’t be happier about my decision.” Morgan’s passion for the cannabis plant comes from its impact on her family. Her daughter benefited from CBD during her childhood, and her father was able to drastically decrease his reliance on pharmaceuticals after becoming a medical marijuana patient.
Morgan is now the general manager of Comprehensive Care Group, where she uses the grit and determination she cultivated in her previous line of work to contribute to industry growth, empower patients and build Arkansas’s cannabis community.
Little Rock native Wendy Brown graduated from UALR with a dual degree in graphic design and studio art. She utilizes her education daily as co-owner of the full-service marketing agency Waveline Studio, which specializes in irreverent industries. When Brown completed a rebrand assignment for Dark Horse Cannabis in 2024, it led to her current role as their director of marketing, and she now splits her time between creative campaigning, packaging and store design, and traveling for industry events.
When asked why she decided to pursue a new position in the medical marijuana field, Brown said: “I’ve always had an interest in vice industries — their unique challenges, the way they push boundaries and the creative freedom that comes with working in a space that’s still defining itself. Cannabis, in particular, is an industry with so much potential for innovation. It’s incredibly rewarding to help shape this industry as it grows … ensuring that Dark Horse stays ahead of the curve and continues to make a lasting impact in the cannabis space.”
WENDY BROWN
Director of Marketing
Dark Horse Cannabis
Ebony Blevins hails from Chicago — and Ann Arbor, Michigan, Pine Bluff and Little Rock. Her creative career started when she picked up a camera at eight years old. After getting her degree in journalism, Blevins worked as a freelance photographer and a part-time assistant to a drag queen before transitioning into her current role as the Arkansas market manager for TICAL, the cannabis brand founded by the Wu-Tang Clan’s Method Man. She still does photography while traveling the state to visit dispensaries and oversee TICAL products. Blevins decided to get into medical marijuana in Arkansas because of its growth possibilities as an incredibly young industry. “There's so much potential working in the cannabis sector, and I just want to make my mark.” She decided to work for TICAL because of its celebrity affiliation. “I've always wanted to work for a celebrity, and I knew this opportunity was a foot in the door.”
Blevins hopes to see Arkansas legalize recreational marijuana, citing the state’s robust tourism market as a reason to make the switch: “Adult use will help attract more interest in visiting our state.” She says that she loves Arkansas because of its natural beauty and its slow-is-better approach to life, and resides in Little Rock.
KATHERINE OJALA
Customer Experience Manager
Labs
EBONY BLEVINS
Arkansas Market Manager
Born an Air Force "brat" in London, England, Katherine (known as Kat) found their home in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2013 via Las Vegas, NV. A career in cannabis was unplanned, initially beginning as a Field Technician. However, after reading an article about Steep Hill Arkansas, now Acre Labs, she was drawn to the scientific aspect of cannabis testing. Seeing "Tested by: Steep Hill" on products and ensuring patient safety became a source of pride, and working with lab technicians revealed the complexities of cannabis chemistry. She is known as “the testing lady” and carries that moniker with pride. Kat’s interests outside of work include art galleries and metal shows. She aspires to see Arkansas become a powerhouse for clean cannabis, reducing stigma and prioritizing patient safety. Little Rock is a "safe haven," valued for its balance of city life and access to natural scenery. The best part of working in the cannabis industry was meeting her soon-to-be life partner, Perry!
Allie Jordan is the marketing lead at The Source Dispensary & Apothecary in Rogers, where she oversees a diverse creative team, crafts marketing campaigns and new product designs, and networks with statewide industry players and nonprofit organizations. She comes to the Source after living in the Yucatán Peninsula for seven years, where she was a major mover and shaker in the advocacy and arts scene.
While living in Mexico, Jordan founded a nonprofit called Ko’ox Boon that provides programs for indigenous Mayan children. She also served as a creative director for an embroidery apparel brand, did photography for several movies made on the peninsula (including the feature documentary film “Beautiful Labor” about a 90-year-old Mayan midwife), and worked in production for big television shows on the Riviera Maya such as “Der Bachelor” (a German adaption of The Bachelor.) Jordan says that her years of working as a documentarian in Mexico have given her a unique perspective on cannabis that she uses in her role as marketing lead. “I’ve long been an advocate of plant medicine and jumped at the opportunity to grow my marketing and photography skills. My team and I have a goal to make The Source a destination dispensary and … My vision is to help expand access and create a cannabis market with abundant choices of quality products for patients.”
ALLIE JORDAN
Marketing Lead
The Source Dispensary & Apothecary
Acre
CINDY
MOFFITT Founder Natural State CannaFriends
Cindy Moffitt was born and raised in Arkansas. She is a bona fide southerner who loves to garden and fish, and has an impressive collection of both windchimes and garden gnomes. Moffitt became a medical marijuana patient while seeking pain relief from cancer and post-surgical recovery. As a patient, she founded the Natural State CannaFriends Facebook group to share information about Arkansas’s medical marijuana products, and it quickly evolved into a full-blown business that now hosts cannabis-friendly events. She continues to guide other patients through the process of finding the right products and shares information about medical marijuana every week through the CannaFriends livestream. “I would like to expand our events to other areas of the state and collaborate with more dispensaries and cultivators.”
When Moffitt isn’t busy homeschooling her children or running Natural State CannaFriends, she’s researching how cannabis can help people. Her educational resources have helped many Arkansans on the road to recovery. “I love watching our [Arkansas] program grow and mature. I would like to see it continue to produce new products that continue to help patients across the state.”
Arkansas native Kristina Bienick is the executive assistant at Custom Cannabis in Alexander. As the very first staff member hired, she helped open the dispensary in 2020, starting off as a receptionist and working her way up to her current position. Before being hired at Custom Cannabis, Bienick prepared herself to enter the medical marijuana industry by taking classes and becoming twice certified as a dispensary agent by the ACIA and Hempstaff.
Bienick’s goal is to advocate for cannabis and continually learn more about its medical applications to be as equipped as she can to help Arkansas patients. She hopes to see changes in the industry such as recreational legalization, which would allow for more dispensary marketing and advertising. Bienick says that the heavy regulation of all marijuana marketing in Arkansas is causing barriers to entry and she would like to be able to promote Custom Cannabis freely without censorship.
Executive Assistant Custom Cannabis
ERIN GRAY Owner Healing Hemp of Arkansas
Erin Gray has been a part of Arkansas’s medical marijuana industry from the very beginning. She is an original investor in one of Arkansas's first dispensaries, and now owns Healing Hemp of Arkansas (established 2018.) Gray decided to get into the cannabis market because she believes Arkansas needs medication alternatives and spaces dedicated to patient education. “It’s incredibly fulfilling when a customer returns to share their story of finding relief after years of struggling with pain or anxiety. Many of them have been able to wean off the opiates and benzodiazepines they’ve relied on for years, breaking free from the cycle of one prescription after another … To see people regain control of their health in a more natural, holistic way is one of the most rewarding aspects of this industry.”
Gray’s passion for patient progress is funneled into her work at Healing Hemp. Her prioritization of only high-quality products has made the store one of the most trusted in the state. She says the secret to staying abreast of a rapidly changing market is a consistent focus on customer care, product integrity and lab testing. “The industry needs to be regulated more carefully, focusing on age restrictions, ensuring the quality of products and providing thorough education to consumers on the best ways to use these products safely and effectively.”
KRISTINA BIENICK
NATural
BEAuty
Designer Korto Momolu on infusing cannabis with fashion and the benefits of medical marijuana.
BY
REBEKAH HALL SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA REEVES
Fashion designer Korto Momolu is no novice to the beauty of natural fibers. Momolu, 50, has long worked with linen, burlap and wool, crafting clothes that celebrate texture and color.
“When you’re using natural fibers, the way they take on dyeing, and the way you can manipulate it, it’s so different from a polyester — there’s something about the weight of it,” Momolu said. “I love working with it because of the way it presses, the way it sews, the way it drapes, the way it flows. It blends well together.”
In 2019, the Little Rock-based designer collaborated with Women Grow, an organization that promotes women’s leadership in the cannabis industry, to create a cannabis-inspired clothing collection for New York Fashion Week. For the collection, Momolu worked with hemp fabric for the first time. Hemp is a cannabis strain that is low in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC levels, and it is often used in fiber and papermaking. Momolu said she enjoyed the process, and in 2024 she designed several new pieces using hemp fabric for her fashion show at the Cannabis and Wellness Expo.
For her Spring/Summer 2025 collection at New York Fashion Week, Momolu returned to using natural fibers, including raffia. She said the pieces were inspired by her emergence from a dark period of grief after the death of her father.
“This last collection was called Rebirth,” she said. “I was turning 50 and entering a phase of my life where it was like being born again. My previous collection was about death and grieving, and this was about really coming out and seeing the light, and the color, and living again and laughing again.”
Momolu said she had stopped sewing for a time, but when she found herself ready to create again, inspiration came easily.
“Once I started that first piece, it was like water,” she said. “It was running. The ideas were coming, and it was fresh. I was remembering what I liked to do, like hand beading — all the things that make Korto, Korto. It was like learning how to walk after an
Korto Momolu infuses her bold designs with passionate storytelling and texture, including hemp fiber.
accident. It was exciting, and I didn’t want to stop creating.”
The bold patterns and textural details — including tassels, fringe and embroidery — of the clothing help convey this narrative, which Momolu said is a vital part of her design philosophy.
“I tell stories when I make clothes,” she said. “I don’t just make a dress. The dress will represent something because I don’t believe that you just frivolously make stuff. I think telling a story is important because that’s how I express myself.”
Momolu said for her collection with Women Grow the story focused on highlighting the many benefits and uses of cannabis and helping to destigmatize the plant — an experience that also opened her eyes to the impact of medical cannabis.
“We were able to use the platform of the fashion industry to help bring awareness to it,” Momolu said. “Look at this beautiful plant that can also be made into things that we can wear, and be shabby and chic. It’s helping cancer patients and people in pain who can’t take opioids all day. It helped us start the conversation about the goodness of the cannabis leaf. We know what the stigma is, but look at how the good outweighs the bad.”
Medical cannabis has also provided Momolu relief in her own health issues. She has arthritis and anxiety, both
qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Arkansas. After Momolu’s doctor recommended her for a card, she tried different tinctures and gummies to help with her arthritic pain and to help her sleep.
“With the pain I have in my hips and arms, sometimes I can’t get comfortable, so some days I’ll use it to go to bed, to be able to rest and help my body chill,” Momolu said. “Especially after I’ve worked and been sitting up all day, it’s going to be an issue with your body when you do what I do.”
Momulu said it’s important to understand that medical cannabis is not a cure-all, but can be a helpful aid and an alternative to stronger medications.
“This was something that helped ease the pain,” she said. “It didn’t take it away. It’s not a magic pill, but it does give you a little better quality of life if you’re going through a lot of painful days.”
Momolu said she hopes to see marijuana federally legalized and, along with it, broader and more intentional education efforts about the plant and the drug.
“I think a lot of it is about education,” she said. “So many people are really ignorant about what marijuana actually is. Sometimes people say things and it’s like, ‘Where did you get that from?’ With more education about aspects that people may be afraid of, it could kind of take away
that fear. People should really understand what you’re doing, what you’re taking and what it does.”
Momolu said her experience working with the Women Grow organization also helped her understand how women are uniquely suited to be leaders in the cannabis industry.
“It was very empowering,” Momolu said. “These women were CEOs, Ph.D.s, doctors. They were at the top of their game, top-tier women from all ranges of life who actually wanted to get in the field for the medicine of it. I’ve seen them curate a business out of something there is a real need for. These women are innovators.
“Women have the nurturing spirit. We’ve always been affiliated with growth. It’s a natural place for us to be. It’s not just a business where it’s about money. With these women, it was beyond that. It was about the medicine and the people they’re helping. That’s how they embraced me.”
For Momolu, following her passions has been the guiding force at her center — wherever that force may take her.
“I’ve never just had this straight and narrow path where I just do what everybody else does,” she said. “One day I’m doing this, the next day I’m doing a cannabis line. Don’t be afraid to be who you are and stand by the things you believe in. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”
In her fashion show at the 2024 Cannabis and Wellness Expo, Momolu’s penchant for patterns and accessories was on full display in every look down the runway.
BRIAN CHILSON
BRIAN CHILSON
BOLD MOVES
How Annie Iselin is Shaping the Cannabis Industry in Arkansas.
BY TRICIA LARSON
BY EBONY BLEVINS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Annie Iselin in the grow room at Bold Cultivation.
If there’s one thing Annie Iselin has learned in her cannabis career, it’s that no two days — or markets — are the same.
“Challenge and cannabis are perpetual,” she said, laughing.
“I liken being in this space to calling audibles often and frequently.” And if there’s one person equipped to do that with grace, grit and humor, it’s her.
Iselin entered the cannabis industry in 2009, when medical marijuana was newly legal in Colorado. At the time, she worked in the nonprofit sector, helping at-risk and homeless youth. But when two college friends landed one of the first cannabis licenses in Denver, they called her up with an offer — one they said they could “kind of” afford to pay her for. (Spoiler: They couldn’t.) She took the job anyway.
That decision landed her at Mile High Green Cross, a small dispensary on Ninth and Broadway, where she did a little bit of everything — budtending, bookkeeping, harvesting, growing, trimming and even transporting. There, she met advocates for legalization, patients seeking alternatives to prescription drugs, and discovered cannabis users came from all walks of life. “Working here is where I learned my business acumen and my love of helping people,” she says.
As the Denver market scaled, so did Iselin. She moved on to Kind Love, an “institution” in the area. Known for quality products and customer service, the Glendale dispensary handily competed with larger cannabis companies. “I’m still quite proud of that,” Iselin remarked. “Some of my former colleagues are now doing amazing things for cannabis all over the nation.”
Eventually, Iselin transitioned into cannabis application writing, consulting on licensing processes nationwide — including Arkansas, where BOLD came into the picture.
“I remember my VP telling me about this group and saying I was probably the only project manager who would align with their values and vision,” she said. Eight years later, Iselin is BOLD’s senior director of operations, overseeing one of the state’s largest cannabis companies.
by leaving what we think we know at the door and learning what actually is.”
Iselin describes her leadership style as a balance between “firm when needed, soft when needed.” While she has high expectations, she understands that employees have lives beyond the cultivation facility. “Leadership has to couple accountability with empathy,” she said. “It can make things more challenging sometimes, but it’s how we honor the people who make up our family.”
That responsibility extends beyond the workplace. When asked what keeps her going in an often difficult industry, she points to her relentless drive and those watching her.
“I was born this way,” she said. “My mom instilled individualism. She made sure I knew being different was a superpower. My dad taught me discipline — if you’re going to do something, do it right the first time. I’m a balance of both.”
"LeaderShip haS to couple accountability With eMpathy. It can Make thingS More challenging SoMetiMeS, but it’S hoW We honor the people Who Make up our faMily."
BOLD embraces a “humans first” philosophy that guides its mission. “No matter what business you’re in, it’s about people first,” Iselin said. That means prioritizing not just quality cannabis, but also relationships with staff, dispensary teams, patients, physicians and even skeptics.
“The stigma in Arkansas is still a challenge,” she admits. “Cannabis has been out of prohibition for a while in other states, but here, we’re still working to educate people. It’s imperative for cannabis users to feel comfortable speaking about their use and their ‘why.’”
If there’s anyone equipped to build those bridges, it’s Iselin. Her strategy? Open doors instead of closing them. Back in Denver, when regulators were still trying to wrap their heads around cannabis, she welcomed them in. “While most weren’t answering their doors, I was inviting them inside, teaching them, asking them questions. We were literally creating the system while we operated.”
She brings that same collaborative spirit to Arkansas. “It’s about finding common ground. The way we overcome stigma is
She also knows that the next generation is paying attention. “I’ve got young people who love me and look up to me. They’re watching how I handle obstacles — how I carry myself when adversity is handed to me as the main course.”
Outside of work, Iselin enjoys disconnecting from technology, reading, watching a good TV series and spending time with her twin grandsons, who keep her “reinvigorated and completely worn out at the same time.”
A lifelong music lover, she lets her playlist set the tone for her day. One artist who stands out: Aretha Franklin.
Iselin was emotional when the Queen of Soul passed. “When her records played in my house as a kid, my dad would get up to dance and say, ‘Can you wiggle your hips?’” she recalls. She admires Franklin not only for her voice, but for her nononsense approach to life.
When it comes to cannabis role models, she names Wanda James, the first Black woman to own a fully vertical cannabis company in the U.S. “Wanda is unapologetically herself,” Iselin said. “She embraced me at a time I needed it most. Women are special. She is extraordinary.”
When it comes to the future, Iselin remains pragmatic. “I’m not sure anyone truly knows what’s coming,” she said. “There are benefits to staying a medical-only state, like ensuring patients have access to specialized products. But the industry is always evolving.”
What she does know is that BOLD will continue to set the standard. “We are massive in terms of operation, but we still operate like a small business — at least in how we approach our staff and day-to-day,” she said. “That makes us unique.”
She welcomes the competition in Arkansas’s market. “I love good competition. It brings out the best in everyone — and that’s always better for the patient.”
Since its inception, BOLD has remained committed to building community, producing an exceptional product and providing standout service. With Iselin at the helm, one thing’s for sure — BOLD isn’t just a name. It’s a way of doing business.
This weed is a-ok
Well, gang, spring has sprung and Mary Jane Doe is pretending not to be completely miserable (and referring to herself in third person, apparently.)
Here I stand, at the foothills of the Ouachitas, sneezing a hundred sneezes and ruminating on life, love and the thrill of it all. The year of 2025 has presented us a double feature the likes of which we haven’t seen since the summer before last’s Barbenheimer. Our beloved 4.20 happened to fall on Easter this year. Another one of Jesus’ cosmic jokes. I start my day off celebrating at El Sur, where I indulge in its annual spin on Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme. “The Crunch Sur.” Apparently I wasn’t the only genius who had this idea, because I ran into four people I know before 11:30 a.m. Gleefully, between sips of my aqua fresca, I rejoice, “He is resin!” Waving hello to family, friends and acquaintances, I'm about to ask for an offering plate to pass around like a real Sunday service, but I ask for a to-go box instead. I have to hide the second half of my Crunch Sur in my car to eat later, to fain hunger for … Family Easter. Dun dun DUNNNN!!!! I wish articles had sounds.
I make sure to rip my pen upward of three times before entering the nightmare blunt rotation — I mean, cough cough, family gathering. I could really use a dose of that good ole-fashioned acoustic weed, but the Blackberry Moonshine whatever-weed-pen-I-have-floating-around-inthe-bottom-of-my-tote-bag is a pretty close second. It gets the job done, ya know. And it’s not so smelly. “Only a couple hours before I can stuff up some kumquat into a cone,” I gently remind myself.
I take a deep breath and walk into my childhood home. Memories are flooding back. Suddenly, I’m 17 and have just smoked secret weed out of the window in the attic. Does everyone here know I’m really high? To my relief, my sister is loudly pronouncing that she has already ripped three bowls by noon. Thank God, I’m not the highest one here yet. I can play it cool.
I pull up a chair and poke around at my food like I didn’t just house half a Crunch Sur. That coconut cake over there is looking pretty good. I can’t wait for dessert. Bright shiny object. Are my eyes super red? Squirrel! I glance up and see my sister staring at me behind her big round glasses, like some long lost Incredible. This is hilarious. And I don’t know why.
The world is on fire and here I sit, sandwiched between Uncle Tim and Great Aunt Mary, halfway holding back church giggles with my sibling like I’m a kid in church again. “Maybe things aren’t so bad after all,” my inner narrative projects. It’s Sunday, and I’m feeling lucky to be alive. Weed helps. I’m beginning to realize how all of those people fell for this story after all. I go home and am proven: Kumquat is waiting for me.
—Mary Jane Doe
SOME OF MJD’S SPRING HIGHLIGHTS: Road Head by Leafology
This 50/50 hybrid has a tropical smell that makes me go, “Oooooo!” every time I open the jar, and the strain feels as euphoric as the name suggests. I first tried this strain on a sunny afternoon outside of a cabin I rented in the Ozarks with some friends for a long weekend. I was a bit anxious it would pack too big a punch considering how potent the smell and colorful the bud was, but I was relieved to experience a slow climb up. I puffed on a joint and watched the bare trees start to dance. This ended up being my strain of choice that weekend, accompanying me from a hike at Devil’s Den to relaxing in the hot tub at night. 10/10 would recommend.
LA Kush Cake by BOLD
This indica-heavy hybrid smells like sweet mint Orbit, and I love mint anything. This strain was one half of the hippie speedball I consumed before going to check out the Diego Rivera exhibit (open till May 18!) at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. It paired perfectly with my Fidel & Co double cappuccino, the chill of the indica balancing the buzz of the caffeine. I walked around the exhibit leisurely, carrying my tote back with extra whimsy as I romanticized my life. Pretty chill stuff. 9/10 would recommend.
Interspecies Erotica by Carpenter Farms
Another 50/50 hybrid. I noticed a bit more of a head rush with this strain than I did with the others. I smoked this before I saw “E.T.” for the first time. I ended up breaking through my Lexapro and sobbing like a baby when (spoiler!) E.T. fake dies on the operating table. This strain includes a terpene that my buddy warned me to avoid, caryopholline. Was this terpene to blame for the gravity of my reaction? Who knows. 6/10 would recommend.
Erika Gee Government Relations & Lobbying, Pharmacy Regulations
