Missoula

What a place! I landed under gray skies and cold temperatures but even in all that gray, I noticed the abundance of nature and various shades of green in the massive mountains surrounding the city. Although Missoula is the second largest city in Montana, the pace is calm and moves with flow, not push.

If you’ve been to Portland, Oregon and loved it then you’ll love Missoula I felt big Portland vibes and energy there It’s like Missoula whispered to me like Portland did: “come as you are, we love you anyway”

Driving around the city, gentrification, though maybe it’s evolution, is taking place Like many places, you can see the construction of new developments and expansions happening. The population is growing and travel into the state is picking up; the first sign of that was the Missoula airport which is currently under construction, but still the best and easiest airport I’ve ever flown in and out of.

The Cannabis Scene

Fidelity Diagnostics, where chemistry and compliance meet and test Montana grown and created cannabis products

Owned by Andrew and Melissa, this company started with one machine in less than 1,000 square feet, and grew so much that they now operate out of a massive building with hella machines and computers doing all the things I didn’t pay attention to in class, and they love it! Montana’s new regulation on 10% variance in testing is thanks to Andrew and his supporters that got the bill passed

Tamara and Shanda of Secured Canna Transportation own the largest cannabis logistics com built the company to fill in wholesaling across the state In les owned business in cannabis has moved over 70 metric tons of THC packages, and thousands of pound

The very first cannabis cultivatio Montana was the myth known a which isn’t a myth, I saw it m underground grow owned and ope Pennsylvania born and raised legac beamed from his pores and is felt in harvests

-My PJ’s Farm favorite is: Lemon S

I visited Stokes, a cannabis company owned by Andrew, a legacy cultivator who is in love with cultivation, grows delicious nugs, and talked about Montana’s back and forth journey with cannabis legalization. He was honest about what many cultivators experience when a writer/journalist wants to share their stories. Andrew reflected on how cool it is for his work to be recognized, but also explained that it’s not so easy to transition from hiding what you did, to now showing what you do I shared big smiles and laughs while inhaling scents of the beauty grown for us to consume

The Urban Farmer lit up my world. Montana isn’t the first place black and brown people think of when planning a trip. With the racial tensions in history and present day, we tend to go to places we know have a heavy melanated population. When I announced that I was touring Montana, some of my followers expressed concern This is why the Urban Farmer lit me up; on the windows- a huge fist, next to it in big letters “Black Lives Matter” When I walked in, a huge painting of my favorite took up a wall: Lil Wayne! And then more gorgeous art spread around the walls inside Joseph, the owner of Urban Farmer, loves art and it shows This dispensary is more like an art gallery that sells cannabis. -My Urban Farmer favorite is: Tasty Waves cartridges.

Things to See an

massive mountains in nature In April though, that's a bit hard to explore if one is allergic to winter like I am For those that aren’t and seek outdoor exploration; skiing and hiking are very popular things to do and can be done at Pattee Canyon, Rattlesnake Trail, and Lolo Pass

Caras Park in downtown Missoula, off the Clark River is a gorgeous place to catch a vibe and a pretty sunset. Because it’s downtown, it’s the perfect place to walk off dinner and take in Missoula’s beauty Taking a walk down the strip along the Clark River, and listening to the river travel is soul nurturing

If you’re in Missoula around 4/20, always check with the Montana State Hemp & Cannabis Festival and their 420 Block Party; it’s an experience you don’t want to miss I was in attendance this year and had an amazing time!

If ghosts are your thing then visiting Garnet Ghost Town should be on your list of things to see and explore.

Vegan Food an

The vegan scene is a nice one in Missoula. Have you ever had an everything doughnut made vegan and stuffed with creamed cheese? Never have I ever, until Missoula. Veera’s was phenomenal! I had one of the most delicious vegan BLT’s I’ve ever had while dining at Market on Front, and the Green Source made me the best vegan mushroom hot cocoa I ate so good!