Vol 23 Destination Edition

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CANNABIS DESTINATIONS 2025 NETHERLANDS PUERTO RICO THAILAND CANADA MEXICO SPAIN USA CANNABIS CULTURE WELCOMES US ALL

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‟IT'S NOT THE DESTINATION THAT MATTERS. IT'S THE CHANGE OF SCENE.”

— Brian Eno

Vivid Cannabis TROP CHERRY Photo by Paola Tello

growisecpas.com

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ravel is among the greatest pleasures in life. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and reminds us how big, beautiful, and varied this world is. Whether you’re traveling over a state line, across the country, or around the world, travel reminds us there’s always something new to discover.

People travel for many reasons—for adventure, for fun, for food and drinks, or to pursue a hobby. It only makes sense that people would travel for cannabis, too. In the last hundred years or so, plant lovers had to keep their hunt for the plant under wraps, a challenge when you’re a tourist somewhere new. And yet people have always managed, sometimes even bringing back a piece of their journey with them, introducing new strains and genetics to friends and family at home.

But today, weed lovers have more options than ever for weed-friendly destinations.

What was once confined to the red light district of Amsterdam can now be found around the world, legally.

And cannabis tourism is big business. One research firm predicts the global cannabis tourism industry will be worth over $23 billion by 2030. When destinations embrace cannabis tourism, they profit. It’s high time for tourism marketing agencies across all legal states to shed the stigmas of the past and embrace a plant-minded future, openly providing information on cannabis rules and regulations in their state, county, or town.

In this issue, we explore a handful of the many destinations where cannabis-minded travelers can visit and still find the plant, and a few destinations we’re keeping our eye on as the next weed hot spot. These destinations span the globe, from Southeast Asia, across North America, all the way into Europe. Whether you’re seeking a spot for adventure, one full of rest and relaxation, or a play-it-by-ear road trip, you’ll find a cannabis-friendly destination within these pages that fits.

I’m thrilled to share with you: the Destinations Issue, an issue that shows just how transcendent a love of cannabis is around the world.

Jessica Reilly-Chevalier EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Borealis Cannabis ICE CREAM SUNDAY Photo by Paola Tello

TABLE of CONTENTS

Pg. 8

From Curiosity to Connection: Why the Midwest is Ready for a Cannabis Tourism Awakening By Laura Hand

Pg. 12 Bud Backstories: Durban Poison By Ali Lopez Pg. 17 Faces of Cannabis By Dustin Hoxworth & Derrall Peach Pg. 20 San José del Cabo: The Perfect Getaway for Sun, Sand, & Quiet Cannabis Dreams By Dustin Hoxworth Pg. 24 The Real Story Behind Amsterdam's Best Know Cultivar: Amnesia Haze By Captain Hooter Pg. 32 Beyond the Dispensary: A Deep Dive into Cannabis Consumption Lounges By Bethany Niebauer Pg. 38 Homegrown With Jim Berry Pg. 42 Kluai Buat Chi: Banana in Coconut Milk By Chef Nui Pg. 44 Canada: The Cannabis Tourism Dream By Matt Jerome Pg. 48 The Cannabis Frontier: Exploring Travel & Culture with Brian Applegarth By Sara Payan Pg. 52 The Top 5 States for A Weed Road Trip By Jessica Reilly-Chevalier Pg. 58 Spannabis XXII: The End of an Era By Lance Lambert Pg. 62 Paradise Found: My Dream Vacation of Beaches, Wellness, & Cannabis in Thailand By Lauren Mundell Pg. 66 High Stakes & Higher Vibes in Las Vegas By Rob Sanchez Pg. 68 High Vibes & Island Time: The Ultimate Canna-Getaway in Puerto Rico By Verónica M. Pérez

Verdant Cannabis BLUE NRDZ Photo by Derrall Peach

FAT NUGS STAFF

DUSTIN HOXWORTH, Founder JESSICA REILLY-CHEVALIER, Editor-in-Chief DANIEL CRAWFORD, COO NICK SCLAFANI, VP of Sales CHRISTINA AYDT, Lead Designer ERIN CULLISON, Designer JUNE BLANKIN, Account Manager/Event Coordinator HOLLIS DOHERTY, Editor SAMANTHA DIETZ, Social Media Specialist BETHANY NIEBAUER, Staff Writer

Photographers: KYEA MOFIRE PAOLA TELLO DERRALL PEACH CHRIS BIRDSONG

From Curiosity to Connection

Why the Midwest is Ready for a Cannabis Tourism Awakening

By Laura Hand

r c

annabis tourism is still taking shape across the country.

Most markets are experimenting, testing ideas, and figuring it out as they go. We are just beginning to explore what it could become in the Midwest.

What drew me in was the intersection of wellness, plant medicine, and sensory experience.

Volunteering with the Cannabis Travel Association International (CTAI) and now serving on its board, has allowed me to learn from a wide range of global perspectives. I love seeing what cannabis travel looks like in different parts of the world, so I can bring that knowledge and those connections back to the Midwest. What I have learned is that we already have the right ingredients. Now, it is about putting them together with intention.

THE MIDWEST CONSUMER IS CURIOUS & DESERVING OF MORE Here in the Midwest, cannabis consumers are in a different phase compared to the coasts.

We are still in the early stages of inspiration and education.

People are curious but often cautious. They need experiences that feel safe, supportive, and guided.

What many cannabis businesses overlook is that consumers are not always seeking cannabis itself. They seek a desired intention, such as increased creativity, clarity, or connection to nature or self. According to the CTAI 2023 Cannabis Travel Data Report, more than 80% of cannabis-motivated travelers are looking for experiences focused on wellness, nature, or local culture. These types of experiences are already part of what makes the Midwest special. We just have not connected the dots in a way that invites people in.

WHAT THAILAND TAUGHT ME ABOUT DESIGNING BETTER CANNABIS EXPERIENCES On a recent trip to The Beach Samui, a boutique wellness resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, I experienced firsthand what it looks like when cannabis tourism is crafted with intention.

I live with constant decision fatigue as a business owner and single mom. I usually spend hours researching every detail when I book travel, especially outside the country or centered around plant medicine. I want to know exactly what I am stepping into, especially if I am stepping out of my comfort zone. But this trip felt different.

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The team at The Beach Samui provided clear, thoughtful communication before I boarded the plane.

They sent resources that helped me prepare both mentally and physically.

That level of care and transparency created trust before I even arrived.

It eased my mind and allowed me to show up open. For cannabis tourism operators, this is one of the most overlooked opportunities. Most guests are managing their own mental load. Helping them feel prepared is one of the best ways to set your experience apart.

Among the highlights of my stay was infused yoga in the treetops at a locally supported elephant sanctuary. After spending time with the elephants, one wrapped its trunk gently around me in a hug. It was a moment I will never forget. Another favorite was a guided cannabis oil massage followed by sound healing.

That combination left me feeling grounded in my body and deeply rested.

I also experienced breathwork, meditation, and an ice bath on my suite balcony. That was a challenge for me, but the structure of the session, along with the encouragement of the local healer, made it feel achievable. That practice is now part of my own wellness routine.

And then there was the herbal milk bath I soaked in while watching the sunset over the ocean, listening to the waves. It was a quiet, personal moment that allowed everything from the week to integrate. It was not just about the plant. It was about how the entire stay had been designed around my intention.

This is absolutely possible in the Midwest. The landscapes are different, but the potential is the same. We can bring this level of structure and personalization to food effect pairings in Minnesota,

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camping retreats in Missouri, or cultivation tours in Michigan.

It starts with preparation and guidance. It continues with a clear guest journey. And it works because every touchpoint connects back to what the guest came for.

For example, instead of a standard menu at a dispensary or retreat, Midwest operators could ask simple questions like, “Are you here to relax, recharge, or explore something new?” That one step can help guests choose more intentionally. A regional wellness center could offer seasonal experiences like infused hikes through fall foliage or sound baths paired with topical products. Lodges or boutique rentals could partner with local producers to include curated cannabis welcome kits or an in-room cannabis bar aligned with the guest’s reason for visiting.

DESIGNING THE GUEST JOURNEY: Before, During, & After If you want to build experiences that people remember and recommend, you need to design with intention across every stage of the guest journey. The best cannabis tourism operators think in three parts: before, during, and after.

BEFORE THE EXPERIENCE: Set Expectations & Build Trust Most guests arrive with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Clear communication upfront helps reduce decision fatigue and builds early trust.

• • • •

TIPS: Define key terms and offer packing or preparation tips, especially for first-time or canna-curious guests.

Offer a simple intake form or welcome email that asks guests what they are hoping to feel or explore.

Explain the flow of the experience so they know what to expect.

Be clear about consent, comfort levels, and optional participation.

DURING THE EXPERIENCE: Engage the Senses & Support the Intention This is where the core transformation happens. Your role is to create the conditions for connection, not to control the outcome.

• • •

TIPS: Touch, taste, scent, sound, and sight are your design tools.

Use them to create something they will feel and remember long after it’s over.

Match your facilitators to the vibe you want to create.

Give guests space to listen to their own bodies and adjust as needed.

AFTER THE EXPERIENCE: Invite Reflection & Reconnection The guest journey does not end when the event is over. Reflection and integration are part of what makes an experience stick.

• • •

TIPS: Send a follow-up message with a note of gratitude, links to resources or journaling prompts, and a discount on their next stay.

Offer a way for them to stay connected or continue learning.

Invite feedback not just for improvement, but as a way to make them feel heard.

LEARN FROM OTHERS. Then Make It Midwest.

We do not need to reinvent cannabis tourism from scratch, but we do need to design it for where we live. California and Colorado have set strong examples with education-forward dispensaries, culinary pairings, and wellness retreats. But the experiences that thrive on the coasts will not always translate directly here. What works in Joshua Tree will not necessarily resonate in rural Minnesota or Wisconsin. That is not a limitation. It is our opportunity.

The Midwest already has everything it needs to build something special. We have passionate growers, herbalists, chefs, yoga instructors, retreat spaces, and hospitality leaders. Cannabis tourism gives us the chance to connect these pieces with intention. When those partnerships are built thoughtfully, they create a flywheel effect. Each part strengthens the whole and generates momentum that benefits everyone involved.

Start by contacting local tour guides who offer hiking, paddling, or cultural excursions and explore how you could layer in a wellness or cannabis education element. Partner with boutique hotels or short-term rentals to offer curated welcome kits, infused spa products, or wellness itineraries. Connect with yoga teachers, massage therapists, and breathwork facilitators to co-host events that combine movement and mindfulness with cannabis education. Look to regional farms or parks for immersive outdoor venues that can serve as the backdrop for sensory-based experiences.

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS TRAVEL As a mother, traveler, experience designer, and Midwesterner, I see the incredible opportunity in front of us. Cannabis is simply the connector. The real experience we are offering is care. Reflection. Community. We have the chance to design something that is rooted in Midwest values while contributing to a global movement focused on intentional, healing-centered travel. If you work in hospitality, tourism, or wellness and want to help shape what this looks like, I encourage you to explore and join the Cannabis Travel Association International. It is a space for education, collaboration, and connection with others who are building the future of cannabis tourism. One meaningful experience at a time.

Laura Hand is the founder of Laura Loo Experience Design, a brand experience strategist, and a board member of the Cannabis Travel Association International. Inspired by her journey of loss and healing, Laura helps wellness resorts and B2B companies craft transformative experiences that resonate deeply with their audiences. Through her work, she strives to inspire others to explore the healing power of plant medicine and create meaningful connections.

BUD BACKSTORIES

Durban Poison

By Ali Lopez

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ome people travel to find new cannabis experiences, and some travel to find ancient ones. If you’re into strains that carry centuries of history in every puff, then come with us on a trip to the roots of one of the most legendary landraces on Earth: Durban Poison.

This pure sativa comes from the coastal city of Durban, South Africa (thus the name), where it grew wild, long before it ever touched a dispensary shelf. It’s a time capsule of culture, a direct line to a past w h e r e weed was a way of life for everyone. Thanks to a few bold travelers and breeders who saw its potential, Durban Poison made its way from South Africa to Amsterdam and beyond, making it a global icon.

leave it to ed rosenthal

Durban Poison might be one of the most legendary strains out there, but it almost didn’t make it off the African coast. Luckily, the late 1970s were a golden era for cannabis explorers, and Ed Rosenthal was Indiana Jones.

Rosenthal was on a mission to bring the best genetics back to the States, and this mission took him around the world.

While traveling through South Africa, Rosenthal came across a strain unlike anything he had seen before. It was pure, electric sativa energy packed into dense, trichome-covered buds. This wasn’t some roadside weed. This was Durban Poison, which had been thriving in its homeland for centuries. Recognizing its potential, he collected seeds and smuggled them back to the US. Back home, Rosenthal linked up with the canna-famous Mel Frank,

a fellow cannabis enthusiast who quite literally wrote the book on cannabis cultivation in 1974 (It’s called “The Marijuana Grower’s Insider’s Guide”). Together, they worked to refine Durban Poison, making it easier to grow outside its native environment while preserving the energetic, clear-headed high that made it so special. This collab turned this South African secret into a global icon.

Evolution in Amsterdam

Even though Rosenthal can be credited as the first person to export Durban Poison, he’s not the only one who was responsible for its international

DURBAN POISON Photo by

@resinated_lens

growth (pun intended). The iconic American breeder Sam the Skunkman got his hands on some Durban Poison and took it to the cannabis capital of the world: Amsterdam.

perfect hangout strain with your friends since it keeps you social and energized without getting all existential on everyone.

In Amsterdam’s ideal growing environment, breeders fine-tuned Durban Poison through selective breeding to enhance its most desirable traits. They shortened its flowering time (not everyone has the patience of a landrace grower), boosted its resin production, and locked in that signature sweet, spicy aroma. What they ended up with was a strain that still carried the raw power of its African roots but was now primed for large-scale cultivation.

Durban Poison’s stable genetics have made it a foundation in the development of a ton of hybrid strains, contributing its powerful characteristics to various breeding programs. You might recognize a few of them:

In 1985, Durban Poison had its official debut in The Seed Back catalog, solidifying its place on the world stage. The strain’s resilience, massive yields, and soaring sativa effects made it an instant favorite.

Characteristics & Effects:

APPEARANCE & AROMA Durban Poison is a stunner. Its chunky, round buds are dense with trichomes, giving them a frosty, almost sugar-coated look. It may look like sugar, spice, and everything nice, but inside is some serious Chemical X. Break open a bud, and you’re hit with a bold, complex aroma that is sweet and piney with hints of citrus and a spicy touch of anise. It’s the kind of scent that wakes you right up like a deep breath of crisp morning air.

Cannabinoid Profile

Durban Poison is pure sativa, which means there’s barely a whisper of CBD. Its THC levels usually range from 15-25%, but its THCV content is what you really want to pay attention to. THCV is sometimes called the “sports car” of cannabinoids because it delivers a fast-hitting, energetic high that doesn’t leave you couch-locked. It’s also known for appetite suppression, so if you want to avoid the munchies, this is the strain to reach for.

Effects and Experience

This is a daytime strain through and through. You can expect a euphoric, cerebral high that sharpens your focus, boosts your creativity, and keeps your energy levels high. Durban Poison keeps your momentum going so you can finish that to-do list or finally get started on that creative project. Many also find it helps with stress, depression, and fatigue, thanks to its mood lift that isn’t accompanied by brain fog. Come to think of it, that also makes it a

Durban Poison’s Modern Influence

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: This popular hybrid is a cross between Durban Poison and OG Kush, known for its sweet and earthy aroma alongside euphoric effects.

CHERRY PIE: This strain brings the flavor with a cross of Durban Poison and Granddaddy Purple. It’s got sweet and sour cherry notes with relaxing effects.

WHITE POISON: This heavy hitter is a cross between Durban Poison and White Widow, combining the energetic uplift of Durban Poison with the frosty trichome-covered potency of White Widow.

PLATINUM COOKIES: This is a next-level evolution of Girl Scout Cookies with OG Kush thrown in the mix. That makes Durban Poison the proud grandfather of this smooth and potent strain.

Preserve The Past, Protect the Future

Landrace strains like Durban Poison are a reminder that cannabis is a piece of history shaped by the environment and people who have cultivated it for generations. As cannabis tourism spreads, sustainability is more important than ever. Supporting ethical cultivation practices, preserving landrace genetics, and respecting the regions that have nurtured these legendary strains lets future generations experience the same rich, untamed cannabis that travelers like Ed Rosenthal once sought out.

So, if you’re smoking halfway across the world or right on your couch, take a second to think about the journey this strain took to get to your stash, and take a hit of living history.

Photo by @resinated_lens

‟TRAVEL IS NOT REWARD FOR WORKING, IT’S EDUCATION FOR LIVING.”

— Anthony Bourdain

Borealis Cannabis SUPER BOOF Photo by Paola Tello

FACES of

CANNABIS Photos by Derrall Peach & Article by Dustin Hoxworth

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celebration of the people who make the cannabis industry special. It’s our living archive of the real ones; those who grind, grow, create, and advocate for the plant, the community, and the culture that surrounds it. It’s about the unsung heroes; the budtender who remembers your name, the cultivator covered in resin, the artist sketching strains into the story.

It highlights the growers, patients, advocates, artists, and everyday humans who live and breathe cannabis. Through striking visuals that tell stories, the idea is to capture the soul of our community, one face at a time to feature a snapshot of authenticity, a movement, a mirror, and a love letter to those shaping the future of this space with passion, grit, and dirt under their nails.

DERRALL PEACH Derrall is a Tucson-based photographer specializing in macro cannabis imagery and editorial portraiture. With a background in the military and a deep respect for the plant’s healing potential, Derrall uses focus-stacking and studio techniques to highlight cannabis in a new light. His work aims to shift the narrative and strip away stigma through raw, honest visuals.

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GABRIELLA LUGO IG @turn.gabby Gabriella Lugo is a cannabis industry Brand Ambassador and Event Coordinator who has had a very personal journey with the plant. Cannabis isn't something that just improved Gabriella’s life, it saved it. At a time when she felt completely lost, the plant gave Gabriella clarity, balance, and healing.

And that experience isn’t unique. Cannabis also helped many of her family members as they’ve leaned into the plant as a form of shared wellness and support.

“I’ve been actively involved in the cannabis industry for over seven years, and I’m proud to stand strong in a constantly evolving space. My day-to-day work as an event coordinator allows me to help shape the culture locally, giving brands, patients, and professionals spaces to connect, learn, and grow together. I incorporate cannabis into my daily routine, primarily for pain

management, smoking flower with my bong, and using topicals to help ease chronic physical discomfort. Switching from pharmaceuticals to plant medicine has been among the most empowering decisions ever. I’m the healthiest and happiest I’ve ever been.

Beyond my own wellness journey, I’m passionate about cannabis advocacy and strengthening our local community.

Whether it's organizing inclusive events, supporting patient education, or uplifting small businesses and underrepresented voices, I want to ensure this industry remains compassionate, accessible, and human. Cannabis gave me a second chance at life, and I’m committed to helping others find that same path forward.”

JORDYN YATES aka @thehippychronicles on IG and YouTube is a 32-year-old cannabis advocate based in the heart of the desert.

Some know him as a content creator, others as an activist, but he’s also just a guy who’s always been unapologetically honest and passionate about the plant that helped change his life.

“I found cannabis at a young age, during a time when low-quality brick weed, or “reggie,” was the norm. At first, it was just something to do, but everything changed once I got my hands on highquality flower for the first time. That shift was more than just about taste or potency; it was a perspective change. I started to understand the plant’s depth, potential, and the experience it could offer. Around that same time, artists like Wiz Khalifa were redefining cannabis culture, and let’s be real, if you were bumping Wiz, you couldn’t still be smoking mids.

As my love for cannabis deepened, so did my struggles with other substances. At one point, I found myself caught in a cycle of cocaine and alcohol addiction. The turning point came with the birth of my second child. I knew I needed to change. Getting sober wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. To stay grounded and focused, I launched The Hippy Chronicles, a platform that gave me purpose and helped me build community.

Eight years later, I’m still sober. And now, I’ve found myself being recognized as one of the emerging voices in the cannabis space, right here in the state where I was born and raised. That’s an honor I don’t take lightly. Cannabis didn’t just help me get clean; it helped me stay clean. And I’m committed to using my voice to keep pushing the culture forward.”

SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

THE PERFECT GETAWAY FOR SUN, SAND, AND QUIET CANNABIS DREAMS

By Dustin Hoxworth

A JOURNEY TO PARADISE San José del Cabo, a gorgeous little gem on the Baja California Peninsula, is the kind of place that effortlessly blends luxury, culture, and natural beauty. From the moment I stepped off the plane at Los Cabos International Airport, I felt the warmth—not just from the sun, but from the people. In my experience, the Mexican people are the most welcoming, friendly, helpful, and respectful people on the planet. This trip was a chance to experience everything that makes this region special: perfect weather, stunning beaches, world-class hospitality, and of course, homegrown cannabis.

While Mexico’s cannabis laws are still evolving just like every other country on the planet, I knew I wanted to have access to cannabis throughout my trip. So, I did what most of us do these days and picked up a couple cartridges, dropped them in my carry-on luggage, and off I went. Having a couple of live rosin carts on the trip made it easy to ensure I could enjoy my cannabis medicine at any time, but I was also pleasantly surprised to find that the local enthusiasm for cannabis is alive and well. The younger generation, especially those working in hospitality, are eager to discuss their home-grow, cannabis culture, legalization overall, and their hopes for a future where it becomes a staple of the tourism industry.

THE HEARTBEAT OF SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO Unlike its more party-centric neighbor, Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo is the laid back, chill, artsy little sister of Los Cabos. Walking through the downtown streets, I was met with an intoxicating mix of sights, sounds, and smells; fresh food sizzling on grills, the rich aroma of authentic Mexican cuisine wafting through open-air restaurants, the lively traditional Mexican music around every corner, and the vibrant colors of local art galleries lining the streets.

The town square was buzzing with a mix of locals and tourists, all soaking up the lively atmosphere and performances that were going on. Restaurants and bars spill out onto cobblestone streets, offering everything from high-end gourmet experiences to casual hot dog and taco stands for a quick bite of tasty street food.

Even though cannabis retail is still non-existent in Mexico, I found that many locals were open about sharing their experiences, especially after seeing my Fat Nugs Magazine shirt, and actual print copies of the magazine itself. During one conversation a young bartender rolled up his sleeve to reveal a 420 tattoo with a cannabis leaf. Some even offered me their own personal stash, excited to engage in conversations about strains, effects, and the future of legal cannabis in Mexico.

THE REALITY OF CANNABIS IN MEXICO Mexico’s cannabis laws have been a work in progress for years. While the Supreme Court ruled that prohibition was unconstitutional, full legalization is still in limbo. Currently, personal consumption and home cultivation are allowed within legal limits, but commercial sales remain a gray area. The hospitality industry employees I spoke with were hopeful that one day, cannabis would be fully embraced as part of Mexico’s economy, just like tequila and mezcal.

For now, cannabis is tolerated in many social settings, and finding it isn’t difficult if you know where to look. However, for those who prefer a hassle-free experience, traveling with your own cartridges or edibles is a smart move (just do it quietly so you don’t get nailed at the airport). It ensures that you have safe and reliable access without navigating the current legal gray zones.

Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice, nor should be taken as such. Travel with cannabis at your own risk

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STAYING AT THE MARQUIS: A LUXURY ESCAPE My home base for this trip was The Marquis Los Cabos, an all-inclusive adults-only resort about 20 minutes from the airport. The second I arrived, I knew I’d made the right choice. With its stunning beachfront location, infinity pools overlooking the ocean, and toptier service, it was the epitome of relaxation.

Each morning started with a walk along the beach, the sand between my toes, the waves providing a perfect soundtrack to the day, and the cheapest, yet best hourlong massage I’ve ever had, right on the beach.

While the resort offered unlimited food and alcohol, I couldn’t help but think about how amazing it would be if places like this also catered to cannabis enthusiasts.

Imagine a resort where guests could enjoy expertly curated cannabis pairings, infused spa treatments, or guided joint rolling and hash-making classes. It’s not farfetched, as destinations around the world in places like Jamaica and Thailand are neck deep in cannabis tourism, and Mexico has the potential to also be a major player in and even eventually lead the charge. But for now, it was just me and my dual cart Inspo from Randy’s for the win.

UNFORGETTABLE DINING EXPERIENCES: ACRE & FLORA FARMS San José del Cabo isn’t just about stunning beaches and luxury resorts; it’s also home to some of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had.

One of the highlights of my trip was dinner at Acre, a resort with treehouses as the main accommodations and a restaurant located in the middle of what feels like an enormous jungle, with an effortlessly cool vibe. The moment I walked in, I was transported to a different world. The mixologists here craft excellent cocktails, and the farm-to-table menu is packed with interesting and bold flavors. The live three-piece band took the experience over the top, but if there’s ever a place that could seamlessly incorporate cannabis pairings into its dining experience, it’s Acre. You’ve got to go there and just sit at or near the bar and experience what the place truly is, a restaurant unlike any other.

Another standout was Flora Farms. Although there were people everywhere and it’s a bit of a tourist trap, it’s a beautiful, laid-back farm-to-table restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere. The energy here is different; although a bit loud, it was still calming, welcoming, and deeply rooted in the land. As I enjoyed fresh dishes in the open-air setting, I couldn’t help but imagine how cannabis could complement the experience. A cannabisinfused dinner, featuring local strains and carefully curated food pairings, would take an already unforgettable meal to the next level.

THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS TOURISM IN MEXICO As cannabis tourism continues to expand worldwide, Mexico has a golden opportunity to embrace it. Resorts could expand their all-inclusive offerings to include cannabis, much like how some destinations already offer wellness retreats with

plant medicine experiences. By incorporating cannabis into the hospitality industry, Mexico could open up an entirely new market of travelers.

IMAGINE: • Cannabis-infused spa treatments with CBD and THC options • Educational workshops on home cultivation, hash-making, and joint-rolling • Gourmet cannabis dining experiences, with expert pairings of food, wine, and flower • Retail opportunities, from high-end dispensaries to exclusive resort-branded cannabis products This shift wouldn’t just benefit tourists, it would also create jobs, boost the economy, and help Mexico stay ahead in the rapidly growing cannabis industry. The country is already a global destination for tequila, mezcal, incredible cuisine, beautiful beaches, and all-inclusive resorts, so why not add cannabis to the mix?

WHY MEXICO DESERVES TO LEAD THE WAY Mexico is one of the most beautiful, welcoming countries on the planet. Its rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes make it a dream destination. Adding cannabis to the equation would only enhance what’s already a world-class experience.

With legalization slowly progressing, there’s hope that cannabis will soon become an official part of Mexico’s tourism industry. The younger generation is ready for it, and as cannabis tourism explodes over the next decade, Mexico deserves to be at the forefront.

As I wrapped up my trip, sipping a cocktail by the ocean, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the future. The world is waking up to the benefits of cannabis, and destinations that embrace it will thrive. I can only hope that next time I return to San José del Cabo, I’ll be checking into a resort that not only offers bottomless mimosas and margaritas but also a perfectly curated cannabis experience.

Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: Mexico and cannabis belong together. And the future looks greener than ever.

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By Captain Hooter

W H E N I WAS A S K ED TO WRI TE THI S A RTI CLE FOR FAT N U GS M AGA ZINE , I K N E W T H E WHAT A N D WHO I N O N E S ECON D: AMNE S I A HA ZE BY SOMA .

Hazey in Amsterdam If your last visit to Amsterdam seems a little hazy in your memory, it’s highly possible you tried some of Soma’s Amnesia Haze, the city’s bestknown cultivar going back to the early 2000’s The name “Amnesia” reflects the strain’s potency, often described as causing moments of forgetfulness among users, despite its energetic buzz. Upon its release, it quickly became a favorite in Amsterdam’s coffee shops and it’s still well-known for its high THC content, long-lasting effects, and ability to spark creativity and focus. (YES, I’m smoking some right now!)

If you Google “Amnesia Haze”, it might tell you it’s a sativa-dominant hybrid, with a complex lineage, bred from a mix of international landrace strains, including: Jamaican Sativa, South Asian Indica, and an Afghani Hawaiian.

Well, it turns out that’s only part of the story. To get the whole story I went to the master himself, Soma, the awardwinning founder of Soma Seeds in Amsterdam.

The trail that leads to the birth of Amnesia Haze is a wonderful connection of good friends and good karma.

Interview with the Creator of Amnesia Haze CAPTAIN HOOTER: How did you originally make it

here to Amsterdam?

SOMA: It was Jack.

CH: Jack Herer?

SOMA: Yeah, Jack was one of my best friends before

I ever came here. I met him in 1990. I was living in Gainesville, Florida. I had a court case there for cannabis. One day, I got “The Emperor Wears No Clothes.” I read the whole book a couple of times.

Really impressed me. So I decided, man, I got this court case happening in Gainesville. I should put on a hemp rally right in front of the courthouse.

CH: There you go. Fight the Power!

SOMA: I got the permit and I called Jack Herer. Didn’t

know him yet, personally. I said, “Jack, I want to do a hemp rally in front of the courthouse here. I want to just really show how beneficial cannabis is. Would you come?” He says, “Yeah, if you get my plane ticket.”

I had a gold chain, a Thai gold chain on my neck. My friend owned a pawn shop, a good friend of mine. I went to the pawn shop, took the chain off, and got enough cash to buy Jack a plane ticket.

He flew down from Alaska to Gainesville, Florida and I put him up in my house. So me and Jack got really close. He blew my mind. Showing me all the hemp uses… like these pants I’m wearing right now are 100% hemp. I didn’t know any of that stuff before I met him. This shirt is hemp too. I didn’t know you could do stuff like that. He showed me 50,000 useful products could be made from this plant.

Jack showed me how to stand up for it. We put on that HempRally in Gainesville, Florida, in front of the courthouse. There were like, 50 cops there at the first one. It was scary—but a big success. And then next thing I know, Jack invites me to come with him to Amsterdam.

I found out Jack was on his way to receive the “Freedom Fighter Of The Year” Award at the 7th High Times Cannabis Cup, and here I am sitting next to him on the plane. There

VOLUME 23 | 25

were like 19 of us, on the plane from New York heading to the Cup. Jack is sitting next to me, Steve Hager, the editor from High Times—it was a great group.

Back in 1994, you could still smoke cigarettes on a plane, so all the seats still had ashtrays. On the way over, It’s like 3:30 in the morning, sitting next to Jack. I remember I had a big roach in my sock. and a pack of matches. I look at Jack and he nods, and I light it up. Everybody’s asleep. So, I lit it, handed it to Jack, and it hits really fast. We’re trying to make it disappear and not get caught.

We smoked the whole thing. Yeah, and you see all these cannabis people slowly starting to wake up… sniffing the air. Me and Jack, we’re acting like we’re the most innocent candidates that ever were alive.

SOMA: Yes! But I had also brought a bunch of seeds with me

from America. When I came here in 1994, I was already growing a bunch of different genetics there. You know, hiding it, being very low-key. I had this Big Skunk Korean that a friend of mine had come up with and he shared it with me.

CH: So is that what they’re talking about online about Amnesia

Haze? It says it was bred from a mix of international landrace strains, including a Jamaican Sativa, a South Asian Indica, and an Afghani Hawaiian.

SOMA: Yes, Afghani Hawaiian was one of my strains. I brought

it with me.

CH: OK, So the South

Asian Indica was actually the Korean. Now then that leaves the Jamaican Sativa… which we now know the Jamaican Sativa was actually Neville’s Haze… Boom, boom, boom.

Ben Dronkers, from Sensi Seeds, was one of the first people I met here. We go to his place, the Cannabis Castle, with the whole group. It just completely blows my mind! I never saw such freedom mixed with cannabis. Not in my life yet.

I walked through that whole place, my jaw dropped. I saw what was possible, right then. This was my path.

CH: How did you actually

create Amnesia Haze?

SOMA: I was just a beginner.

In those days, I knew that you had to literally develop your knowledge from experience.

Some successes and many fails. A lot came along for me in that process. Nevil Schoenmakers, he was a good friend of mine too. We used to play chess together and mess with genetics a little bit.

"

In those days, I knew that you had to literally develop your knowledge from experience. Some successes & many fails.

He came to my place one time, my first place.

I had a big warehouse place, 450 square meters. And I had one of those mailboxes that you could stick something pretty big in through it, you know, because it had a little box on the inside. And so he came over one day, I wasn’t there, before cell phones. He called me on my landline when I got back home and said, go look in your mailbox. So I ran down there and looked, and he stuck the whole fucking mailbox full of clones in Rockwell! A couple of them broke, but most of them were good.

Neville’s Hazes. And also another one, Big Skunk.

Soma: I was a beginner with genetics, not totally knowing what I’m doing, but being a great smoker and really knowing what terpenes are and what a good high is, and what flavor, and good drying, you know, all that stuff is. But not really knowing about genetics much yet. I’m growing my Afghani Hawaiian. I’m growing Neville’s Hazes. I’m growing Super Silver Hazes here at the time… I’m growing Big Skunk Korean and I’m growing, what else? Skunk Number One. Along with many different things.

CH: So the base was the Neville’s Haze? Did

you know you were gonna start with that?

SOMA: No, I’m taking this clone, that clone,

this clone, taking one that I really like, turning that female into a male with silver sulfate solution. I would take a female, turn it into a male through stress of some kind, and then have that female made into a male, and hit the other females. And then I would get female seeds only. Then I would grow those seeds and see what I got, terp-wise, high-wise, growing successfully, not very hard grow, a combination that worked good and that didn’t stress you out.

"

CH: What a great friend!

CH: Was there a point where you knew how big Amnesia Haze

was going to be?

SOMA: No. It took a good two or three years of trying this mix,

that mix, this mix, Afghani-Hawaiian mixed with Super Silver Hazes phenotypes in the same grow room.

CH: So there were many renditions of it?

SOMA: Yes—that would finish at the same time. We’d dry them

out and smoke the first one, smoke the second one, the third one, maybe go through seven of them. And we would get to this one that we named Amnesia Haze. When we got to that one, we’d smoke several of them, not just one. We’d smoke it in the same space where we’d grown it in. But with that one, we forgot what we were doing. Yeah, amnesia.

CH: And that’s where Amnesia came from?

SOMA: Yes, that’s where the name came from. We would literally,

we would get to this one point it’d be like if someone asked you your name, you can’t remember your name right away… like I got amnesia. It was perfect. It was destiny.

CH: Who came up with the name?

SOMA: Me. It was called all these other Haze names. All the

Hazes that went down before that. It was this Haze, Neville’s Haze, Super Silver Haze, that Haze, this Haze. Amnesia was perfect for this one. This was the first Amnesia Haze. It’s 2003.

The rest, they say, is history! Amnesia Haze won its very first competition, winning 1st Place at the High Time Cannabis Cup in 2004. And yes, I did smoke this bud with him… I think?

Soma of Soma’s Sacred Seeds, is a living legend and one of the leading breeders in the cannabis industry. He has developed a reputation for combining exotic genetics to create award-winning, unique strains including his Amnesia Haze, NYC Diesel, and Lavender. His dedication to crafting high-quality, flavorful, and potent cannabis cemented his place as a true pioneer in modern cannabis breeding history.

Verdant Cannabis ZORRO Photo by Derrall Peach

CRAfT 2 3 1

1. glitter bomb 2. tropical cherry orange 3. zoap 4. permanent push pop 5. lemondary 6. slurty

6 4

5

PAOLA TELLO

CANNABIS 1 3 2

1. amnesia haze 2. purple gorilla 3. lemon cherry gelato 4. anonymous 5. purple punch 6. durban poison

4

5

KYEA MOFIRE

6

BEYOND THE DISPENSARY:

A Deep Dive into Cannabis Consumption Lounges

a

By Bethany Niebauer

primary purpose of consumption lounges is to offer tourists and locals alike a place to legally consume.

Nearly all hotels prohibit smoking and vaping, as do most vacation rentals offered through companies like AirBnB or VRBO. Most residential leases also prohibit smoking inside, threatening fines or eviction for those who fail to comply.

state has a different name for this piece of legislation and the language is different, but the policy goal was consistent: to limit exposure to second-hand smoke. Some readers may remember a time when those entering restaurants had to declare a preference for the smoking, or non-smoking section. This wave of legislation was a big part of why that’s no longer the case.

Some states, (like New York), permit cannabis consumption anywhere where a cigarette could be legally consumed.

More commonly, states, (such as Colorado), prohibit any form of consumption in a public place. This means that even as states legalized the plant, there were few places where people could actually light up.

These laws are separate from the Federal “Clean Air Act,” which was passed in 1970 and regulates emissions from vehicles and other stationary sources. The first state-wide smoking ban was passed in California in 1995 while the most recent one was in Alaska in 2018. The three-year period between 2004 and 2007 saw the most number of states passing an indoor smoking ban.

CONSUMPTION LOUNGES Enter the consumption lounge. The first licensed consumption lounge opened in Oakland, California in 2019.

That’s relatively recent, considering that the first state to offer a cannabis business license of any kind was Colorado in 2010. Today, only 12 states offer a consumption lounge license: Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, and New York. Massachusetts is currently considering a licensing process but has promulgated no regulatory changes thus far.

There are four main varieties of lounges. Retail-connected lounges are affiliated with a dispensary or contain one under the same roof. Some states require that these be separate businesses, even when they’re in the same building, and owned by the same people.

Standalone lounges operate independently and do not provide direct cannabis sales to consumers. Patrons are expected to source their own products before entering.

Private membership clubs are often used to skirt regulatory restrictions and typically exist without any kind of cannabis license.

The last category is event-based lounges. These are temporary spaces that exist at cannabis-friendly events such as weddings, conferences, or festivals.

LEGAL COMPLICATIONS Most states have passed some version of a “Clean Indoor Air Act,” which prohibits smoking in indoor areas. Each

Of the states that chose to prohibit indoor smoking, some of them have exceptions for cigar shops, tobacco shops, casinos, or adult establishments. None of these laws has an explicit exception for cannabis. States that have chosen to legalize consumption lounges have had to crowbar in an exception concurrent with the cannabis legislation, or not. This is one reason for the patchwork nature of consumption lounges. Legislators aren’t always willing to untangle the requirements of previous legislation in order to facilitate cannabis’ expansion.

Another complicating legal factor: consumption lounges exist purely as a function of adult-use markets. Every state that permits a consumption lounge has an adult-use program. Since medicine is typically consumed at home, or in private, it’s tough to make the argument that medical patients need the ability to consume socially in order to effectively treat their condition. If Grandma is trying to treat the pain and cachexia from her liver cancer, it’s going to be tough to convince anyone that she can only do that in a friendly and relaxed social setting.

SCRATCHING THE SURFACE OF CONSUMPTION LOUNGES While there are about 12,000 licensed dispensaries in the United States, there are probably less than 100 consumption lounges. There are so few that it was difficult to find data on them when researching this piece. The state of Colorado only has 3 that are licensed. These spaces make up a tiny fraction of the cannabis industry.

CONSUMPTION LOUNGE STATE MAP

Permits a Licensed Consumption Lounge

Gabe Barham, 35, is one of the owners of Only Alien, a microbusiness with a combined lounge space in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

They’ve been operational for just over a year, and he acknowledged that overly strict regulations prevent his business from generating more revenue.

They would love to serve patrons from a menu, offer food or drinks, or offer services such as tableside blunt rolling, but all of that is prohibited by the regulations. The lounge doesn’t charge an admittance fee or sell memberships. Instead, they create events such as comedy nights, painting classes, and dueling pianos. When asked about the kind of revenue that the lounge generates, he conceded that it doesn’t bring in much at all.

Dewayne Benjamin, 44, is the sole owner of Tetra Lounge located in downtown Denver.

Operating since 2008 under a membership model, Tetra Lounge doesn’t offer marijuana for sale and doesn’t require a cannabis business license in order to operate. Guests are expected to bring their own products to consume.

Because Tetra doesn’t sell cannabis, the company isn’t subject to Section 280E, (the IRS rule that forbids deductions and credits for illegal businesses, thus creating staggering tax rates for marijuana companies.) They produce revenue by selling memberships, renting the event space, and through sponsorship opportunities. The membership stream is the strongest - Tetra has approximately 38,000 members. The lounge also functions as an event space, hosting everything from weddings and cryptocurrency conferences to celebrity smoke sessions.

Unlike a lot of other lounge owners, Benjamin is quite successful; the lounge brought in about a million dollars in revenue over the past year. Key to his success is making sure all demographics and community members feel welcome.

when it comes to consuming marijuana. Even if their lease forbids them from enjoying marijuana in their home, a lot of stoners are willing to risk it. Marijuana’s complicated legal history has meant that proponents have had to get comfortable breaking the law in order to indulge. If the only selling point of a lounge is that it’s a legal place to consume, that’s not going to be sufficient to entice most smokers. Spaces have to offer something additional, be it community, or entertainment, or exceptional service.

Another explanation for lounges’ lack of popularity is stigma. Lounges are inherently social places and too many consumers are wary of being seen smoking. There are still a lot of people deriving medical benefit from the plant who don’t want to have that information publicly known.

State regulations play a tremendous role in deciding whether or not cannabis lounges experience greater success. Most consumers want something in addition to a legal place to smoke. If regulations prevent businesses from offering that experience, then their success is far from guaranteed.

Interestingly, both Barham and Benjamin said that they had never had an episode of overconsumption. Neither establishment had ever had to call the police for a single incident, and neither knew of a car accident that had resulted from someone driving while high after leaving the establishment. Running a business that’s safe for consumers is not a challenge that either of them has faced.

DIGGING DEEPER Even in a city as progressive as New York, lounges cannot serve cannabis or offer food or beverages for sale. That restriction is largely standard - most lounges are prohibited from serving food or beverages.

California generally has the fewest restrictions on lounges, but that’s dependent on the municipality. The city of West Hollywood has three, well-known cannabis lounges.

According to Hoodie Analytics, a cannabis market data and research firm, the top 10 cannabis dispensaries in the country all earn above $3 million each in revenue every month. The average combined monthly sales for the three licensed consumption lounges located in West Hollywood, California was under $1 million. It’s safe to say that cannabis lounges aren’t half as popular as dispensaries.

Consumers need a reason to consume outside of their homes. Most consumers, especially the older ones, are used to skirting the law

Bethany Niebauer is the Business and Mediation Columnist for Fat Nugs Magazine and the founder of Axial Resolutions, a mediation firm specializing in dispute resolution for the cannabis industry. With a decade of experience in the cannabis space, she writes about the evolving business and regulatory landscape.

She lives in Denver.

VOLUME 23 | 33

Danette Carrion &

THE REBECCA FINN HOUsE history w i t h

a

modern

twist

t

By Daniel Crawford

he Eastern Seaboard of the United States is dotted with many historical locations and homesteads, but not all hold secrets like the Rebecca Finn House. Located in Tom’s River, New Jersey, and built in 1868, the Finn House is now home to New Jersey’s first consumption lounge.

Restored with painstaking attention to detail, Danette Carrion is carving out her own path at the forefront of the New Jersey cannabis industry. Weaving cannabis into every aspect of the historical property was a natural fit. Overlooking Tom’s River, the Finn House hosts intimate gatherings, parties, and community events, perfect for enjoying various methods of consumption.

The quality of the events Danette throws is evident by the 700+ people who have signed up to be members in their first year open. When you go to the Finn House, you are purchasing time.

All the food and samples (yes, I am talking cannabis!) are included with your visit.

IT’S NOT JUST THE WELL-PLANNED EVENTS. There is a free Canna-Bus to drive members home after events, driven by 420-friendly retired law officers. Eventually, there will be Cannabis-Cruises available: a six-person boat will come equipped with snacks and smoking materials. Who wouldn’t

love a sunset cruise puffing on a spliff and snacking on a charcuterie board?

Now open daily, the Finn House comes complete with a private chef and spa. A perfect combination of relaxation and healthy indulgences for any type of canna-inspired event.

Located within an hour and a half of Philadelphia and New York City, it’s the perfect East Coast getaway.

EDUCATION IS PARAMOUNT. Members have access to Anna Schwabe, PhD (aka Dr. Annabis), a cannabis geneticist who cares deeply about the plant and the people. She’s spent the last five years teaching Cannabis Science at CU Boulder and is a board member of the Agricultural Genomics Foundation, a nonprofit focused on education and farmer-led field trials. Anna helps guide patients through their purchases to ensure proper dosing.

Having someone who is respected, trusted, and accessible to recommend products before making the transaction allows patients to make their purchases with confidence.

The Finn House offers a safe and comfortable place to consume for any private gathering. From weddings to karaoke, puff painting to infused dinners, Danette and her team don’t leave a single stone unturned when it comes to your consumption needs.

REBECCA FINN HOUSE

Home grown

By Jim Berry

WELCOME BACK TO HOMEGROWN!

W

ell, I’ve been stuck in the basement long enough! Let’s take this issue on the road, shall we? We’ll take a quick trip around the good ole US of A to talk about your right to grow this miraculous plant in the comfort of your own home.

Somehow, in its infinite wisdom and industry, the federal government still has cannabis classified as a Class 1 controlled substance. This essentially means that they view it as a highly addictive drug with no medical value.

THE LEGAL STATUS Nationally, it is still very much illegal. There are hopes and even some recent discussions at that level about potentially reclassifying the plant. I won’t hold my breath. But, they also don’t have the will to send in the jack boots to start closing down state-licensed commercial facilities and raiding state-sanctioned home grows.

Because of this, we are left with a hodgepodge of different state laws that have both evolved and devolved over the years, in my opinion. Voters and state legislatures across the country have legalized either the medical and/or recreational cultivation, sale, and possession of cannabis to some degree.

As they say around Fat Nugs, “It ain’t really legal without home grow.” And in many of those states, provisions have been made to allow for some form of legal home growing for personal consumption. But not in every state. The details of exactly who can grow and how much they can grow vary quite a bit from state to state.

I suppose this is the point in the article that I should mention that I am not a legal professional, and before you start buying gear and popping beans, you should consult the specifics of home cultivation laws in your state. I know the laws in my state.

With the passing of Prop 215 in 1996, California was the first state to legalize any form of personal cultivation. Among other things, it allowed for the private cultivation of cannabis for qualified medical patients and their caregivers. A caregiver is merely a person who has been officially designated to care for (and potentially possess) a patient’s allotment of plants.

Since 1996, the vast majority of states have legalized the medical use of cannabis in some form or another. My home state of Michigan has fairly liberal laws. Mississippi? Georgia?

Not so much.

About half of all states have legalized adult recreational use.

But surprisingly few allow for recreational home cultivation— only 16 by my count. And a surprising number of states allow the medical sale and use of cannabis, but don’t allow those patients to grow this plant for themselves—only an additional 14 states allow for home medical cultivation.

Even though cannabis is legal in some form or another in about 80% of states, it’s only legal for medical patients to grow their own plants in about half of the states. And that number falls to below 30% of states that allow their citizens the right to grow a plant in the privacy of their own homes for recreational use.

Not so legal, is it? Not feeling so free? Welcome to the complicated world of a large, democratic republic.

As the wave of cannabis legalization has slowly swept from west to east, voters and state legislatures have also passed quite a variety of laws and restrictions on cultivation. Each state initiative has had its own challenges, depending on that state’s political climate at the time.

OPPOSITION TO HOME GROW Special interest groups have fought home grow laws vigorously along the way. Early in the movement, those in opposition were most likely to be law enforcement agencies, churches, and community groups. Ever so slowly, as communities have witnessed that legalization was not the end of civilization, social pressure has waned quite a bit.

But in many states, this pressure has been replaced by that of capitalistic interests. It is more and more common now to see lobbyists for cannabis operators in the commercial market pushing back on home grow rights. The more restrictive they make the home cultivation laws, the more consumers will have to spend money in dispensaries.

VOLUME 23 | 39

Here’s an excellent example. Michigan passed medical cannabis laws in 2008. Patients are allowed to grow up to twelve plants for personal use. Caregivers can serve up to five patients. Adult use laws were passed in 2018, allowing any household with an adult 21 or over to grow twelve plants per household. If one is a caregiver and a patient, they could have up to 84 plants in their possession!

That’s a lot of plants.

In contrast, let’s talk about Maryland. It passed its laws in 2022. How many plants can an adult possess for recreational use?

Two. Medical patients? Four. Maryland does have a caregiver program allowing five patients, but it doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that the potential plant counts are much lower. If you’re growing at home in Maryland, whether it be two plants or four, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to clone and maintain your choice of genetics, leaving you the option of purchasing clones from the industry. If you’re a recreational user, this is just a drag. If you’re a medical patient, you essentially have no reliable source f o r your medicine unless you rely on a caregiver who can pool plant accounts a bit.

STATE

The result is less cannabis provided by the illicit, morally corrupt “black market.”

More nice, safe cannabis sold and taxed at licensed dispensaries. And I’m sure that flower you bought at the dispo wouldn’t ping any toxic fungicide tests and hasn’t been run through a microwave. Your state regulators are competent and diligent. No sneaking anything fishy past them. You don’t even need to know the history of your flower. If it’s on the shelf, it’s safe. Don’t worry about it.

BUT IF YOU CAN GROW… If you are fortunate enough to live in a state that allows you to grow, there are usually a few other aspects than plant count to consider in order to keep your grow legal. Most states place some limitations on exactly where you can grow. Can you grow outside or only inside? Some other things to consider are whether or not your garden must be locked or even visible from an adjacent property. Is anyone besides you allowed in your garden?

If so, whom?

Some states make a distinction between mature and immature plants. What the heck is a mature plant? I’d consider it mature only during harvest time, when it’s ripe according to my standards. But I’m sure that curious law enforcement wouldn’t see it from my perspective. I’ve always

taken this distinction to mean mature plants are flowering and immature plants are in a propagation or vegetative stage.

It is also important to know what your state considers a plant. Must it be a certain size to qualify? Does it need to have roots? And how many plants can you have of a certain size?

Here’s one last thing to consider. And it’s an aspect of cultivation laws that has always perplexed me. Not only does every state put a limit on the number of plants that you can grow, they also put a limit on the overall dry weight of usable flower that you are allowed to possess.

Even a gardener with minimal or marginal skills will quickly realize that there is a disconnect between the number of plants you can grow and the amount of finished product you may possess. You may potentially be able to grow twelve plants, but the harvest from one plant could potentially throw you over your limits. It all depends on how large a plant it is. Some outdoor plants have been known to produce 15 or more pounds per plant!

Again, I am not an expert in cannabis law.

Not in my own state and certainly not in all 50. But hopefully, these words have given you some things to consider and will help you be prudent in planning and maintaining your garden. Until next time!

MEDICAL ADULT GROW USE GROW PLANT COUNTS

Alaska

YES

YES

3 mature plants, 3 immature. More than one adult in the home allows 6 mature, six immature

Arizona

YES

YES

Up to 6 plants, additional adults allow for a total of 12. Medical patients can grow 12

California

YES

YES

Adults can have 6 plants. Medical patients typically 12. Medical patients have no limits if a case can be made, unless limited by municipalities

Colorado

YES

YES

3 mature, 3 immature—same for medical, but medical patients can make a case for up to 99 plants

Connecticut

YES

YES

3 mature, 3 immature—Medical patients max at 6 and 6 with more than one patient in home

Hawaii

YES

NO

10 plants, only 4 mature at any one time

Illinois

YES

NO

Up to 5 plants for registered medical patients

Maine

YES

YES

Adults 6 mature plants.12 immature plants. Unlimited seedlings. Per resident!

Maryland

YES

YES

Adults 2 plants. Medical patients 4 plants. What a joke.

Massachusetts

YES

YES

Up to 6 plants per adult. 12 per household. Medical up to 12 mature and 12 immature

Michigan

YES

YES

Up to 12 plants—no distinction between medical and AU

Missouri

YES

YES

Up to 6 mature, 6 immature and 6 clones/seedlings

Montana

YES

YES

Adults 2 mature, 2 immature. Medical patients 4 mature, 4 immature

Nevada

YES

YES

6 per adult, 12 per household, if more than 25 miles from a state licensed dispo. Medical is 12 plants if more than 25 miles or if strain is unavailable.

New Mexico

YES

YES

6 per adult. 12 per household. Medical 4 mature and 12 immature.

New York

YES

YES

Medical and AU—3 mature, 3 immature. 12 max per household

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Banana in Coconut Milk

KLUAI BUAT CHI

A

very popular Thai dessert! This recipe was sent to us by Lauren Mundell after her time at the Beach Samui, enjoying this dessert created by Chef Nui. It’s not infused, so it’s perfect for those post-smoking session munchies. Or, you can infuse the coconut milk before you make it for a delicious edible with tropical flavors!

Ingredients: • 2 ripe bananas, sliced into 1-inch pieces • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk • 3-4 pandan leaves (optional) Directions: 1. In a pot, combine the coconut milk and the pandan leaves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced bananas to the pot. Stir in sugar and a pinch of salt, adjusting the sweetness to your own preference.

3. Allow the mixture to boil for about 2 minutes, ensuring the bananas are heated through.

4. Remove from heat and serve, sprinkling with sesame seeds (to taste) before serving.

You can see more of Chef Nui’s dishes on her instagram, @nui_chef

*Pandan is an aromatic plant with long, blade-like leaves, commonly used for cooking across Southeast Asia. You can find pandan leaves at your local asian market or online. Or, substitute with vanilla bean extract or vanilla bean paste.

• Sugar, to taste • Pinch of salt • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Enjoy this delicious dessert warm or chilled!

CANADA: THE CANNABIS TOURISM DREAM

By Matt Jerome

i

t’s no secret that Canada loves cannabis—it’s part of our fabric. We’ve had skin in the game forever and with our relatively relaxed drug laws, it’s no wonder we’ve magnetized outlaws, outcasts, and patients alike, each looking to take a few less glances over their shoulder. Ironically, when these kinds of people meet, bonds are quickly built, and community is formed in force.

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FAT NUGS MAGAZINE

For ages, said community has been shrouded in mystery behind cloak and dagger, forced to operate without protection and under substantial risk. Like many countries we have fought valiantly for our medicinal programs and with the legalization of cannabis in 2018, a major victory was won. Since then, cannabis has increasingly become a viable and dependable medicinal alternative in the daily lives of so many here in Canada, and the world is taking notice.

A vibrant cannabis-based tourism market is on the horizon, and whether it’s cannabis weddings, farm-to-table infused dinners, cannabis competitions, Ganjier seminars, group education, or stigma-breaking expos, effectual leadership is needed and is vital to reach our potential. Misinformation, stigma, and hyperbole still run rampant in the world and is a pivotal issue that needs to be addressed as we move into this new era.

Our community of cannabis educators here in Canada are responding in force, bringing sharp focus to the importance of quality-driven education on a mass scale. We have worked relentlessly to create a new age of cannabis.

One that not only breaks the age-old stigma but effectively brings tangible information to those in need. Archaic laws and stoner movie stereotypes have shaped our collective persona as either criminals or idiots, the irony of which is not lost on most of us running cannabis business now.

As a proud medicinal patient and educator, it’s been my personal mission to provide information wherever I can to empower people with communityfocused education, and I am excited for the future.

by nature, and whether I am enjoying a relaxing sauna, hiking, golfing, sightseeing, or enjoying local art and culture, I am openly celebrating being who I am. A proud stoner, plain and simple. I’m rejuvenating, healing, and returning to balance all with the added comfort of knowing that all of it is safe, encouraged, and legal.

I am at 1 Winstanley Road on Galiano Island—I am at the Galiano Grow House. Located in Western Canada, on British Columbia’s most southern gulf island, sits a small farm with a huge bed and breakfast dedicated to doing things the Canadian way.

The name Galiano Island carries immense weight in Canada and has long been home to illicit cannabis operations. Surrounded by endless wildlife and beauty, it is immersed in Canadian cannabis history, and steeped in lore - something owner and operator Adam Clarke is happy to share a story or two about. Adam and his crew; Sean Gallant and Kathrin Mathias, farm and operate this land as Galiano Grow House Inc.—and it is a stoner paradise.

❝

What would it be like to have a worry-free vacation based around cannabis?

❞

I genuinely believe cannabis tourism and hospitality are the keys to engaging the world effectively when it comes to cannabis education and am proud to say that companies like Meristem Cannabis Consulting, Educannation, the Canadian Cannabis Tourism Alliance, and the Cannabis Institute are working hard to make this dream a reality.

We’re excited to welcome you to our home.

VISITING STONER PARADISE: Galiano Grow House in British Columbia, Canada Whenever I’ve travelled, cannabis has always been at the cornerstone of my plans. How will I find some?

What’s the risk? How much will it cost? I genuinely need to build a plan and budget around it wherever I go. It’s vital to me and I’m certain now I’m not the only one.

This fact has unfortunately put me in some incredibly sketchy and often disappointing situations throughout the years. I admit, even some frankly dangerous ones. I often used to dream—“What would it be like to have a worry-free vacation based around cannabis?”

Personally, I’m on an island, away from big city life trying to slow time down with my family. Peace, quiet, and a big old bag of weed. I am experiencing my kind of hospitality and am feeling at home away from home, surrounded by craft cannabis shops, culture, and local history. I’m surrounded

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a beautiful three-story cottage nestled in over three hundred live hemp plants set amongst a background of red cedars. Handson tours of the hemp fields, medical education classes, and seminars on cultivation are offered, with plans to offer a smokable CBD flower to the public soon.

Like many cannabis enthusiasts, to find a deep appreciation nature and am a traditionalist at heart. Through my years of growing cannabis, I have come to appreciate all forms of cultivation, especially when it comes to responsible agriculture. This means that for me, eating fresh, locally sourced food is as important as smoking fresh, top-quality cannabis.

I’ve come f o r

Whether it’s being eaten, smoked, studied, or grown, I personally want quality around me in every form on my vacation. I want different ways to ingest fresh farm-to-table cannabis and VOLUME 23 | 45

food, to enjoy and learn about cannabis from seasoned educators, and to do this all in a place that provides a genuine experience. At Galiano Grow House, you will find it all.

During your stay, you will also hear the nearby woodfired greenhouse crackling away. Music to any dedicated epicurean’s ears. With a dedicated focus on growing sustainable micro-greens, Adam and his team help produce fresh food for the farm and the community here, year-round.

Among these businesses is the “Oxeye”—a local coffee shop with farm-to-table style offerings, just a 15-minute walk down the road.

Where do I venture if I need some cannabis, I hear you ask?

The true beauty of it is at Galiano, you will simply walk a few short steps over to the “West Coast Weedery”—a fully licensed on-site cannabis facility.

Dustan McLean, Adam and his team have launched this micro-production facility right on-site at Galiano Grow House, bringing the top-quality cannabis you deserve, and the education needed to use it effectively. With a clear focus on creating only the finest selection, West Coast Weedery aims to be people’s choice for small-batch curated cannabis.

All shopping will be done through the “farm-gate” retail store, and before you ask, a farm-gate store is akin to the attached shop one would visit at the end of a winery tour, for reference. With experienced and invested staff on hand, ready to tell you the story behind every plant, it provides the freshest cannabis you can enjoy, hands down.

Talking with Adam, Dustan, and his team, it is clear to see a genuine passion for the plant and their island. Adam discussed hosting cannabis competitions, concerts, and events, engaging the local cannabis culture and community on-site. Events that I can assure you I will be attending.

As a dedicated fan of music, I was also excited to hear about his current side project of building a recording studio on the farm.

With this addition to the farm, Adam and his team are excited to do an even deeper dive into c o m mu n i t y - f o c u s e d cannabis education, allowing anyone to fully understand how the cannabis smoked on-site is grown and cared for, and how true quality is created.

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“Our hope in the future is that we can work with the community to bring in local musicians and help push that music to market for them. We are excited to have both cannabis and music in our lives on the farm and look to quality of life before anything else. Living on Galiano is a privilege of which we all are very aware of. We harvest rainwater for growing, use sustainable farm practices, and maintain a healthy ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.” – A Clarke. (Interview February 2025) Can you imagine it? No more wondering if you’re going to be put in a back alley situation to buy some overpriced boof.

No more worrying about getting robbed for your passport.

No more sweating whether you’re going to end up in jail instead of on your return flight.

Instead, follow your nose up north here to Galiano Grow House, where you will be welcomed like royalty. We love our cannabis and want to share it with the world. I’ll see you there!

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THE CANNABIS FRONTIER:

Exploring Travel & Culture with Brian Applegarth This interview is an edited transcript of Sara’s podcast interview with Brian. To hear the full version, check out the “Planted with Sara Payan” podcast.

understanding the depth and breadth of cannabis as an entheogen and what that means.

Sara Payan: Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Planted with Sara Payan podcast.

I’m Sara Payan with our guest Brian Applegarth, the founder of the Cannabis Travel Association and the founder and creator of the Cannabis Trail.

Brian Applegarth: Thank you for inviting me.

SP: When was the first time you were aware of the importance of cannabis travel?

BA: That was Amsterdam. When I was 25, I visited Amsterdam for about four weeks. I was young and discovered how much I value travel, culture, and tourism. I was taken with Amsterdam as a destination for many reasons.

One was that this coffee shop scene existed. I stayed at the Bulldog Hostel.

I remember walking into the hostel and staying there, visiting all the coffee shops, going to the Van Gogh Museum in an altered state, and sitting down with my notepad and doing deep thinking with art. I was very aware of how special that experience was because cannabis was part of it.

I started thinking of it more in the context of the tourism economy later.

You get older and understand more about business and how the world works.

SP: Your work in cannabis tourism... you were ahead of your time. When you started doing this work, the landscape looked a lot different than it does now.

There weren’t as many states or countries that had cannabis programs. What were some of the challenges with creating a narrative around it and dealing with the stigma?

BA: Three barriers are constantly part of the conversation. The first barrier is stigma, which is all part of the reefer madness propaganda that has been going on. The second barrier has been smoking. Smoking is a very sensitive topic in hotels, tourism, and destinations. And the third one is the altered state and not

I’ve learned over the years that there are three core tactics to help move the needle or move the conversation forward and advance normalization. The first is fact-based education, pointing to specific things that have happened based on fact. Cannabis was part of the U.S. medical pharmacopeia, for example, from 1850 to 1941. At the federal level, a patent was filed in 2003 with cannabis as a neuroprotective, which is currently a codified document at the federal level.

So, this kind of fact-based education is a powerful tool.

The second one is data. Being able to talk about the audience and the consumer trends. In the travel industry, they look a lot at human movement data, visitation volume, and hotel overnight stays and tie all of that into a cannabis travel audience, which is very different than a cannabis consumer audience. 24% of the 70-ish million Americans who are cannabismotivated travelers do not self-identify as cannabis consumers. They consume life experiences. This is an example of somebody who would go on a cannabis farm for a tour, even if they don’t smoke pot or don’t take a tincture. They’ll also go on a coffee farm tour in Kona, but they may not drink caffeine or coffee, or they’ll go on a wine tour with their spouse but don’t drink alcohol. So, this is the travel audience.

The third one is case studies. I can point to other destinations like Amsterdam, Oakland, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Santa Ana that are proactively investing in cannabis tourism strategy. You have businesses that pay taxes, residents that work at these facilities and pay their rent, and businesses that are part of the business community and the experience landscape. Destinations are waking up to that.

SP: One of the things I’ve been loving is that there are people taking part in these experiences that don’t necessarily consume cannabis. Whether it’s from their curiosity or they’re traveling with a group of friends or with a partner that’s an aficionado. A lot of these experiences are inclusive.

For example, at The Bohemian Chemist, The Madrones, and The Brambles up in the Anderson Valley. Smoking is not allowed in the rooms. If somebody wants to go there, they know that the room is not going to smell dank and smoky.

You have this grown-up, beautiful space to spend time in, yet there’s an opportunity to consume and interact with cannabis in other ways, along with other things to do, like wine tasting, having a dining experience, and going for a hike. You can have the best of both worlds without alienating one interest or another.

BA: I can’t agree more. That’s one of these very obvious things to people like me and you. There are a lot of different methods of ingestion, different cultivar profiles, and dosing approaches, and getting that information out in an understandable way is not just for the consumer but for the industry.

I do a lot of industry and stakeholderlevel education because that’s where it starts when you’re working across sectors.

You’ve got to start educating at the stakeholder level. This is the conversation today, and it’s exciting. It’s not just leisure, it’s also medical travel, cannabis events, and hemp events. I make it a point not to leave hemp out because that’s such an important conversation, and even down to the hempcrete that can be used to build hotels. All those points of intersectionality are important for the travel industry to understand at the global level because tourism and travel account for about 10.2% of the global GDP on Earth.

It’s a hub-and-spoke model. It’s hotels, attractions, rental car companies, restaurants, culinary, and tourist information offices. How are they adapting to provide information to tourists so they know what’s legal, what’s not, where they can safely consume, and giving them a lay of the land? They call it wayfinding in tourism and travel. That’s where I exist all day, every day—right at that intersection.

SP: I love the fact that you’re very inclusive with both cannabis and hemp.

It’s a critical conversation because we need both. They reside peacefully with one another as long as we don’t create complications. And the fact is, that the more we work together, the more

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people. We’ve done a lot of work on educating people about alcohol. In health class, we discussed a shot versus a pint of beer versus a glass of wine.

The fear around cannabis being used socially in public with alcohol—if you put it in perspective with alcohol use, it makes it sound like people would go to Beverages & More, grab a bottle of Everclear, and chug it. And we know people aren’t doing that. If we have these conversations and help people with this safe container for experimentation, we won’t have problems. We can be trusted as adults.

opportunities we have to drive better policy. Also, hempcrete is excellent for people with environmental sensitivities.

There is something to be said about hempcrete building and alleviating some of those issues.

BA: One of the interesting case studies is Minnesota. They essentially legalized hemp, five milligrams or less. Look at the 4,000-plus hemp licenses deployed throughout the state. You see hotels, spas, and people that are offering lowdose cannabis beverages and edibles and topicals in a very mainstream setting, which gave the travel industry a new tool in the toolkit to be able to offer these services and meet people where they’re at. In Minnesota, I think it’s almost 20 to 25% of the craft beverage sales now that are cannabis beverages or hemp beverages.

That proves the model yet again. When you start looking at the drop in wine and alcohol, there’s a lot of general shifting in the beverage sector, and we all know that it will continue to evolve rapidly and change. But having the cannabis and hemp industry on the same page with this would be a win for the plant, most importantly, and for consumers and travelers.

SP: It’s a great model to see how it’s working out for them. It doesn’t seem there’s been any complications. When we’re in other states worried about what happens if we have cannabis and alcohol in the same room, it’s a call to educate

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BA: I fully agree. From my own experience, cannabis consumed before having an adult beverage or a beer is completely compatible for someone like me. On the other hand, if somebody is intoxicated with alcohol significantly and then decides to take cannabis, that’s where that warning should lie. But to throw the baby out with the bathwater, I think that’s inaccurate.

SP: When we look at the European market where recreational or adult use isn’t legalized, there are private clubs. People who are going to these destinations to experience cannabis. People are excited to do it, but these governments are frustrated because tourists sometimes don’t behave. And that’s one of the biggest things pushing stigma and getting Amsterdam to be like, “Hey, maybe we don’t want anyone but the locals to have access.” The fundamental question is how to be a good cannabis tourist, especially when you’re American in a foreign country.

BA: That’s a great question. It starts with being aware of the laws and what’s accessible and possible in that country.

From the traveler’s point of view, it’s traveling with respect, and that comes down to where you are smoking and who it is impacting. It also comes down to cultural sensitivities, whether it’s smoking in the right place or being in a legacyproducing community—approaching it with care, kindness, and compassion, following the community’s lead, and folding into the culture. Being a good visitor is important.

You mentioned Amsterdam. They kicked up this tourism model in the ‘70s, and it was a quasi-legal coffee shop model with no real supply chain intact, but it still exists, served the need, and worked. And then you have the tourism data behind it.

I found a data set from 2015 when one in four visitors to Amsterdam went into a coffee shop. One in four. And one in 10 cited cannabis as the driving force behind their booking to go to Amsterdam.

Human beings are consuming it and interacting with it at a cultural level in all sorts of ways, which inspired The Cannabis Trail. I started building and conceptualizing The Cannabis Trail because it tells the story of how cannabis and hemp have been part of California’s evolution and cultural heritage and how it exists today.

Hemp artifacts have been found in most California missions. The first hemp store in the U.S. was in Southern Humboldt in Garberville. Urban communities were targeted during the war on drugs. Their community has important stories to tell that tie into the prison complex and how that has evolved. What about the hippies and the Beatniks and the Back to the Land movement and the queer community that took cannabis to help people address the AIDS epidemic? These stories are a part of the fabric of California as a destination. Other destinations have their stories as well. When you think of cannabis tourism, think of the culture and the craft.

Find Brian on Instagram at: @thecannabistrail @cannabistravelauthority @theganja.traveler

T H E

TOP5 STATES F O R

A

WEED

ROAD

TRIP

By Jessica Reilly-Chevalier I lived on the road for 18 months, and I’ve been to 36 states in my van.

I’ve shopped every legal market on the East Coast and most on the West Coast too (someday I’ll make it to Washington.) Legislation laws vary wildly, and some states are noticeably better than others in terms of options, flower quality, product information, and pricing.

Here are my top five US states for a weed-friendly road trip (This is your standard disclaimer that none of this is legal advice, and smoking in your car is illegal in most states. You, and you alone, are responsible for your behavior and knowing the law.)

#5

V E R M ON T

t

he Green Mountain State is one of my favorite places to go for green.

While Vermont led its recreational legalization process with home grow over dispensaries, retail locations began to open in 2022 and have since found their way across the state. The rural state doesn’t have dispos in every town, but you’ll find them in most places, especially in bigger cities like Burlington and Montpelier, and tourist towns like Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch.

CALIFORNIA

The product information can be great here: I bought eighths that displayed the terpene percentage, the aroma notes of the flower, and the CBD percentage. No matter where you go for hiking, camping, or swimming, you’ll find good bud—and access is everything.

i

t’s not a list about recreational cannabis states without the mecca of US weed. Here you can get weed like no other, grown from the Emerald Triangle by people who love and care for this plant with more tenderness and knowledge than you’ve ever dreamt. There’s the Cannabis Trail to take you through some of the best cultivators in the state, if not the country, and many farms even offer camping opportunities—what could be better than waking up next to weed plants?

But California comes in last on this list for a reason—it’s expensive, the market is riddled with bad players (looking @ you, brands named in the LA Times articles) and—despite weed being legal for over a decade—there are still counties that don’t allow retail sales. If you don’t plan well, you could easily find yourself on a Cali road trip with no bud—what a bummer.

#4

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#3

t

he cannabis market in Oregon is struggling with price compression and oversaturation, but from a consumer’s perspective, there’s no better place to get high-quality products for dirt cheap. Did I feel guilty paying just $20 for a ball of temple hash? Absolutely. Did I enjoy the hell out of it, and buy several more products during that dispo visit? You bet.

Oregon just may be the most beautiful place I’ve ever smoked; Crater Lake and Gold Beach are tied for prettiest smoking picture and I simply can’t think of anything better than a hash-hole joint on the beach at sunset in August. There are dozens of locations to get cannabis across the state, so you’re never far from your next smoking sesh—even in the woods outside of Crater Lake.

O R E G ON M A I N E

h

undreds of miles of coastline, mountain trails, and lush greenery—Maine is an outdoor paradise. Here I found something incredible: affordable eighths and actual variation in the THC potency. Once, I bought an eighth of 12% THC for $25.

I assumed I’d smoke it and get to work— only to find myself laid up and high as hell.

Shout-out to a robust terpene profile and minor cannabinoids for showing off the best of the entourage effect and proving that potency isn’t everything.

This state would be higher on my list, but access can be limited. Outside of the larger areas like Portland, Bangor, and Bar Harbor, most of the dispensaries are still medical. If you’re headed somewhere like Baxter State Park or Rangeley Lakes, you’ll need to pick up weed in a surrounding town first. Plan accordingly during your trip, and you’ll be fine.

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#2

NEW MEXICO

t

he Land of Enchantment is completely under the radar when it comes to the cannabis market. New Mexico legalized in 2021, just a month after New York, but the rollout has been a completely different world. There are more dispensaries per capita here than in Colorado, and you can’t swing a lighter without bumping into somewhere to buy weed. Whether you’re on the highway over the mesa, a ski town, or the capital, there are more dispensaries than anyone knows what to do with.

Prices are affordable for consumers (not so great for businesses) despite high taxes, and this state offers a robust selection of sungrown strains.

If that’s surprising, consider that the elevation and arid climate of New Mexico are comparable to the mountains of Afghanistan, where Kush plants come from.

I’ll freely admit to being a little biased because I live here, but I’ve been to 36 states and seen dozens of legal markets - New Mexico’s product selection and pricing hold up against the best of them. While brands are not required to display much more than the THC percentages, some go above and beyond with minor cannabinoids and terpenes as well.

And you don’t know relaxation until you’ve smoked a joint in a natural hot spring on the side of a river.

Honorable Mention: New York I know rollout of legalization in the Empire State has been a hot mess, but the MRTA did something most legalization bills fail to do: made it legal to smoke weed anywhere you can smoke cigarettes. Granted, New York is not a smoke-friendly state, so legal options are limited, but they exist. Visitors to this state actually have options on where to light up and are not just confined to a 420-friendly rental or huddled around a corner somewhere out of sight. It felt fantastic when I legally lit up a joint at the State Fair - even if it was confined to the smoker’s section.

Dispensaries are finally coming to all corners of this state, so access is expanding. There are dozens of incredible farmers throughout the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley growing great strains of cannabis and fine-tuning what works well for New York’s climate. I couldn’t leave this state off because I firmly believe in New Yorkers, and I know this market will be something amazing, even if it’s slow getting there.

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Vidid Cannabis DONNY BURGER Photo by Paola Tello

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THE END OF AN ERA

SPANNABIS XXII

By Lance Lambert

F

or the last 24 years, sans 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, the cannabis community has been making an annual pilgrimage to Barcelona for this epic event.

It all started in 2001 when a few businessmen in the space decided to bring the typical hemp fair model in Europe to this beautiful Mediterranean city. While that very first show was held at Palau Sant Jordi, it has since been held at the Fira de Cornellá. This simply translates to Cornellá Fairgrounds.

This legendary venue is located at the south-western corner of the Barcelona metropolitan area. It’s a short 10km drive from the famed La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter of downtown Barcelona, making it a phenomenal destination for all who attend.

MY FIRST SPANNABIS My first Spannabis dates back to 2017 during my time with Weedmaps. Ever since, it has been one of the top mustattend events, especially when it comes to my specialty of expanding brands into the international space.

Spannabis has been one of the four mustattend shows in Europe, along with Mary Jane, Product Earth, and Cannafest. These trade fairs traditionally made up what I call ‘The European Cross’. And while there are several other relevant shows in the

region like CannaTrade, GreenTech, and Cannafair, these four expos nicely cover the four corners of Europe. That said, after an unfortunate issue at Product Earth last year in London, the West will likely have a void for the 2025 trade fair season.

The Friday before what many of us call Weed Week–Barcelona, (BCN, for those in the know) the team from Spannabis sent an email out, first to those of us tied to press credentials, then to all registered attendees.

This email was titled: Last Spannabis edition in Barcelona: the largest cannabis fair moves to Bilbao in 2026.

This news spread through the international industry community like wildfire. The email went on to explain that “The exhibition venue that has hosted the event for years is set to be demolished. With no suitable facilities to keep the event in Barcelona, Spannabis has found a new venue that will ensure its growth and international projection.”

THE END OF AN ERA This made for a bittersweet trip across the pond for me, just two days after receiving the news, knowing this would be the end of an era. While I’m sure the move to Bilbao, as shared in the press release, will be good overall, it won’t be the same. There’s just something about the energy of Barcelona.

And it’s a bit taboo as the city itself isn’t

really cannabis-friendly. The mayor is not a fan, nor is a majority of the government at large.

Hence why they were unable to find an alternate venue in this metro. Between the hundreds of social clubs, the food, endless historical buildings, and districts, there’s just something special about this beautiful city on the Mediterranean hosting this annual event.

Upon arriving Monday evening, energy was resonating throughout the city. Many, including myself, show up almost a week in advance. I find this is beneficial on a few fronts. To start, it gives me ample time to make the adjustment from Pacific Standard Time (I’m based out of SoCal).

It also allows me to catch up with many industry friends who come from throughout Europe and around the globe. As crazy as schedules get during the show days, the early arrival has really become a prerequisite.

THE WEEK LEADING UP TO SPANNABIS In the past 5 years, the week leading up to Spannabis has morphed into a proper Weed Week. All kinds of activations, private networking events, cups, and competitions fill one’s schedule.

This year alone, Grove Bags sponsored or hosted six events throughout the week. These ranged from Jimi Devine’s Heat Quest, our El Internacional Puff Puff Primordial international networking event, Seedstockers High & Slice party, to Autoflower World Cup, and Matt Jackson’s Head in the Clouds event, amongst others.

No matter your stamina, it’s a week you need to make sure to seriously pace yourself. I found the best rule to follow is to be ‘in bed by midnight’.

This is especially imperative when working the

expo itself. The expo floor is open from 11 a.m.

- 8:30 p.m. Yes, you read that right. And for those that work the circuit, you know that means arriving by 10 a.m. for setup, and not leaving until 9 p.m. once everything is put away.

But it doesn’t end after 11 hours on your feet.

Most of us go straight from the show to dinner meetings, followed by the many networking events mentioned. This usually results in a 16hour marathon of conversations, and the constant hustle of being ‘on’ the entire time.

THIS YEAR AT SPANNABIS This year, we at Grove Bags added another layer to the mix of many deliverables. With a personal goal to one-up our game every year at expos like Spannabis and Mary Jane, we did a second annual on-site activation. This entailed collaborating with twelve other companies also exhibiting. We made a custom bag for each, resulting in our custom dualbranded bags being found in every tent and hall of the venue.

While working the show is not for the faint of heart, the food, weather, and gorgeous scenery combined with some great camaraderie and collaborations make it all worth it. And when it comes to business, this is where the real deals happen.

As I’ve said for years now, if MJBiz is considered the Super Bowl, Spannabis is the FIFA World Cup. Something most stateside don’t even have on their radar, but yet a must-attend when running, or building an international brand in cannabis.

I will say this year I saw more friends and familiar brands from the States than ever before. To date, they have a 2-year waiting list with over 200

companies in queue, according to friend Alejandro with Team Spannabis. This will obviously shift as they move to the much larger and far better-equipped venue in Bilbao.

Just like some shows continue to grow while others have shrunk domestically, a similar evolution is taking place before our eyes on the other side of the world… literally as we speak.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WORLDWIDE With Germany legalizing cannabis in April of 2024, the team at Mary Jane proactively expanded their footprint vastly for last year’s expo. Taking a big chance on legalization would pass, considering they made this move literally months prior to the legal shift occurring in Deutschland.

After working at Mary Jane last June, I can report that their gamble paid off. With over 43,000 tickets sold, this solidified their status as the biggest expo in Europe, and around the world, for that matter. They now boast the largest venue by square meters and the largest exhibitor list. With this event now taking place in the largest legal adult-use market in all of Europe, it makes sense. This caused us to reevaluate where we spend our annual expo budget, even more so based on the continued drop in ROI for the States biggest industry expo.

Unlike in Germany, cannabis is still not legal in Spain. As of

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this year, Germany holds the title as the 3rd largest GDP in the world, with a population north of 83 million. This helped Mary Jane methodically position itself as the reigning supreme cannabis expo on the international stage as of 2024.

While getting notice of the expo grounds being demolished would have been considered a second blow to Spannabis, huge props to them in making the decision to evolve, not die. It might not be the same in Bilbao, but it technically has far greater potential than its now former host of Barcelona.

Bilbao is far more cannabis-friendly, the food is better, and most things are less expensive; from lodging and BNBs, to food and flower.

No doubt, the show soon trading in the Mediterranean for a Bay of Biscay backdrop will still have a place in the international circuit.

This fair started out with a heavy focus on genetics, and continues to be the go-to for many of us seeking the latest cultivars. It will most definitely remain in the top four of mustattend shows in Europe for me. One thing is evident: in this ever-evolving industry, both domestically and abroad, the only thing constant is change.

UNIDENTIFIED STRAIN Photo by Paola Tello

P A R A D I S E

F O U N D

MY DREAM VACATION of BEACHES, WELLNESS, CANNABIS in THAILAND

&

By Lauren Mundell

i

closed my eyes and inhaled the warm jungle air.

“Now, let’s make our way into Warrior II,” our instructor’s voice guided us. Opening my eyes, I found myself floating in a misty cloud atop a jungle, overlooking majestic elephants below. It was just me, my husband, and our instructor, surrounded by the symphony of nature—the rustling of leaves, the distant calls of tropical birds, and the deep, soothing rumbles of the elephants communicating with one another. This wasn’t a White Lotus fever dream—it was real. And I have the tattoo to prove it.

the island, experiencing the warmth of Thai hospitality and the power of mindful travel.

That moment captured the essence of our 10-year wedding anniversary trip to Thailand—a journey of stunning beaches, incredible flavors, wellness-focused experiences, and a seamless integration of cannabis into travel. Over two weeks, we explored culture across the country, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the vibrant nightlife of Phuket, and most memorably, on the breathtaking island of Koh Samui, where we were hosted by the incredible Beach Samui.

The resort also offered its own in-house cannabis dispensary, where guests could order high-quality cannabis products directly to their rooms. I borrowed a beautiful bong, enjoyed perfectly curated strains, and even incorporated cannabis into my wellness treatments and excursions. The seamless integration of cannabis into the resort experience made me feel completely at ease—like I could fully be myself, indulging in relaxation without judgment. It was a rare and special feeling to be in such a beautiful place where my love for cannabis was welcomed as part of the experience.

The Beach Samui Experience Nestled on the serene shores of Koh Samui, The Beach Samui is more than just a luxury retreat—it’s a sanctuary for relaxation, wellness, and cannabis enthusiasts. The resort hosted my husband and me for five unforgettable days, where we were immersed in the natural beauty of

From preparing meals and feeding rescued elephants at their sanctuary to practicing yoga on the sky bridge above them, every moment felt surreal. The sanctuary was a haven, where elephants were treated like royalty, basking in the care and love of their caretakers. The misty jungle air, the rhythmic breath of these magnificent animals, and the grounding movements of yoga made it an experience that felt truly transformative.

Flavors of Thailand Some of my favorite moments of the trip were the ones where cannabis intertwined with the natural beauty and culture of Thailand, making every sensation more

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vivid—the sweet aroma of tropical flowers, the warmth of the sun on my skin, the sounds of birds and the amazing flavors of Thai cuisine.

The guided waterfall hike led us through a jungle alive with the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers, the rhythmic crash of falling water drawing us forward. Each step became a lesson in mindfulness, the cool stone beneath my feet grounding me as mist settled on my skin. Later, the private, in-room sound healing session took the experience even deeper—resonant vibrations moving through our bodies, syncing our breath to the rhythm of the tones. It was the first time we truly felt the healing connection between sound, body, and mind.

Cannabis also heightened another highlight of the trip: a hands-on cooking class with Chef Noe at The Beach Samui. We learned to make Pad Thai from scratch, the wok hissing as the noodles caramelized in a tangy tamarind sauce, sending waves of savory sweetness into the air. But the true showstopper was the infused banana coconut dessert— creamy coconut blended with ripe bananas and a hint of cannabis-infused oil, creating a luscious treat that embodied the flavors of Thailand.

Cannabis Culture in Thailand Cannabis in Thailand is largely catered to tourists. From conversations with locals, it became clear that many see cannabis as more of a vice than a medicinal tool, shaped by cultural and religious beliefs. Buddhism does not traditionally

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include cannabis use, so its adoption remains limited among locals. However, the tourism industry has embraced it wholeheartedly, making dispensaries a common sight in popular destinations.

For tourists, dispensaries are everywhere—sometimes tucked inside barber shops or cafes, blending seamlessly into the vibrant local scene. Thailand decriminalized cannabis on June 9, 2022, allowing for its cultivation and possession.

Earlier, in December 2018, the country made history as the first Asian nation to legalize cannabis for medical use.

However, unlike the structured regulatory system in the U.S., Thailand's cannabis market operates with little oversight, allowing virtually anyone to sell the plant. I only visited dispensaries that had smoking lounges because I wanted to be able to compare different experiences that felt safe to me.

Each dispensary I visited in Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket had its own unique atmosphere, shaping my experience in unexpected ways. In Bangkok, I found myself on a rooftop with an international crowd, sharing stories over joints and exchanging perspectives on cannabis culture worldwide. The conversation flowed effortlessly, proving how the plant has a way of bridging differences.

In Phuket, I explored a youthful, vibrant lounge where the air was cool, the furniture inviting, and a big-screen TV hinted at impromptu karaoke sessions. The lounge also featured a juice bar and delicious healthy food, which could be enjoyed in the smoking area or in the adjoining café, making it a perfect

It was a rare & special feeling to be in such a beautiful place where my love for cannabis was welcomed as part of the experience.

place to relax and recharge. The setup felt designed for social connection, with gaming consoles and cozy corners for long, relaxed conversations.

Koh Samui, on the other hand, had a more intimate feel— quieter, more reflective, where the beauty of the island seemed to heighten every sensation. These experiences made me realize that cannabis culture in Thailand wasn’t just about the product; it was about the spaces, the people, and the unspoken understanding that no matter where you are from, cannabis brings people together.

The Future of Cannabis in Thailand While we were visiting, we learned from Brian Lunt, Founder and CEO of The Beach Samui, that the Thai government was considering rolling back cannabis legalization and potentially reinstating it as a controlled substance. This uncertainty did not seem to immediately slow the commercial availability of cannabis. Since then, discussions have emerged about reclassifying cannabis as a wellness supplement and restricting its sale to licensed locations.

[Editor’s note: while the plan to roll back cannabis legalization made headlines in 2025, nothing has been changed—yet.]

While I enjoyed exploring dispensaries, I found much of the cannabis to be of lower quality than what I would find in the U.S. However, at The Beach Samui, I was treated to locally grown flower, flown in from a neighboring island. It smelled like chocolate and delivered the perfect sweet high to complement my sound-healing experience.

My time in Thailand was more than just a vacation—it was a reminder that cannabis can enhance travel in ways that go beyond simple recreation. It fostered connections, deepened experiences, and blended seamlessly with the stunning natural beauty and wellness-focused culture of the country.

The Beach Samui exemplifies how cannabis can be thoughtfully integrated into a luxurious and mindful travel experience, offering a space where relaxation and indulgence coexist effortlessly.

For those seeking a destination that allows them to fully embrace both wellness and cannabis, Thailand— especially Koh Samui—proves that paradise is not just a place, but a feeling of true freedom and connection.

Despite these potential changes, the cannabis industry in Thailand was thriving—dispensaries were everywhere, and entrepreneurs had fully embraced the growing demand from tourists. Even if the legal landscape shifts, it seems unlikely that cannabis will disappear entirely from Thailand’s tourism scene.

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HIGH STAKES & HIGHER VIBES IN LAS VEGAS

By Rob Sanchez

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omewhere in Nevada, nestled in a basin of the Mojave Desert, surrounded by mountains, is a place you may know. It’s renowned for its casinos, gambling, entertainment, restaurants, extravagant hotels, neon nightlife, and nature (believe it or not.)

Las Vegas is one of the most iconic destination cities in the world, offering everything you can think of and more to the millions of folks who visit the Strip each year.

The new kid on the block in Sin City is, and has been, the cannabis industry, although, the recent addition of The Sphere is also a solid, albeit very “Vegas,” addition. With over 100 licensed dispensaries in the city, consumption lounges rolling out, established brands and top-shelf products, cannabis connoisseurs and novices alike can have a stony time in the desert while doing all that there is to do and eating well.

Whether it be a vacation, wedding, conference, or a surreal Fear and Loathing-esque experience bringing you to the city, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what you should know before you go.

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THE ESSENTIALS Like all markets, you must be 21 or older to purchase in Vegas.

The purchase limit is 2.5 ounces of flower or 7 grams of concentrate per transaction.

Read that once more: you can PICK UP 2.5 ounces and/or 7 grams of concentrate, which should be enough for even the most consummate smoker’s week-long vacation.

Don’t forget to bring cash or plan to use the ATM, as not all shops have cashless payment options. ATM fees are lower (~$4) at dispensaries than they are at the Strip (~$8), so a bonus tip would be to take out extra at the dispensary if you’ll need it back at the Strip.

Expect slightly higher costs than you may be used to in other markets, as Las Vegas has a bit of a tourist premium on everything.

This can be especially noticeable closer to the strip; it’s a little better if you’re willing to visit a local destination like The Source or Tree of Life. But in general, thanks to good ol’ taxes, the Vegas cannabis market is pricey, relative to Colorado or California.

Flower is better bought in bulk to get price breaks for a ~$70 half or ~$140 ounce. If you want to sample different cultivars,

then go with individual grams, which are ~$10-$15 each. Every other product category can be found in Vegas from distillate pens, topicals, edibles, pre-rolls, and concentrates to moon rocks, infused beverages, and more. If you need something quick and don’t have the standard tools and supplies along with you, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a handful of pre-rolls and a disposable live rosin pen to see you through.

THE TERPENES The best thing about the Vegas Cannabis market is that the top three terpenes are listed on every product’s label measured in mg/g. As cannabis markets mature, the focus shifts from THC to terpenes. There are several markets like California and Missouri that display terpene percentages. This helps without a doubt, but seeing the mg/g measurements of individual terpenes without having to pull out the Certificate of Analysis (COA) is another level.

If you know your terps, you’ll be able to search and select your favorite primary terpenes and see the strengths of the secondary and tertiary ones as well. To optimize the experience, check the labels and look for a primary terpene at or over 10 mg/g. That alone will eliminate ~75% of the product selection to show you where the quality is. From there, you can look at the second and third terpenes to make your decision. You may even get lucky to find a secondary terpene measuring ~10mg/g, if so, enjoy that diamond in the rough.

If you’re not used to shopping this way, let me break it down for you. The most common terps you’ll find are Myrcene (earthy), Caryophyllene (spicy), and Limonine (citrus). If a strain is higher in Myrcene/Caryophyllene, it’ll lean towards longer-lasting indica (sedative and chill) effects. If Limonine is dominant, then you’ll get a shorter, often more sativa (euphoric and energetic) experience. This is far from an exact science but is a quick way to gauge things and get started in the world of terpenes.

As a tourist and connoisseur, these are the dominant terps to keep an eye out for; Terpinolene (forest/floral/melon), Pinene (herbal/ pine), and Linalool (sweet/floral). Anything not on this list would also be worth checking out.

WHERE’S THE WEED AT? In short, everywhere. Dispensaries are scattered about near the Strip with taxis and rideshares aplenty waiting to chauffeur you. The key thing to point out is that delivery to the casinos is still not allowed in Las Vegas. Cannabis dispensaries will only deliver to private residences. If you plan to stay on the Strip and want to have cannabis, I would recommend stopping at the dispensary first thing after the airport, before going to your hotel. Easier to get this little errand done right when you land, so the rest of the time spent in the city can be laid back.

menu, you can place a pickup order there while waiting for your rideshare at the airport and be in and out. If not, just walk in and the budtenders will get you sorted. NuLeaf on East Twain Ave is also an excellent choice and represents some of the best brands and products Vegas has to offer.

In a city of excess, as expected, you can find the nation’s, and possibly world’s, largest dispensaries—Planet 13 on the west side of the Strip and NuWu to the north. If you’re after cannabis tourism, definitely plan a stop at one or both of these. From Planet 13, Reef is only a few blocks away for a second helping of big, grandiose Vegas dispensaries. Last but not least, consumption lounges! If you want to visit a lounge to see the future of cannabis, you can find one inside Planet 13 and another at NuWu. For the most relaxed approach, it could be worth considering a home rental to have that private residence for cannabis deliveries and consumption. This is a good way to do it if you’re not all that interested in the pomp and circumstance of Vegas or plan to do more nature than nightlife.

TIME TO LIGHT UP! But now the most important question, where can you smoke? Well, that’s where things are a little odd with the city being as cannabis friendly as it is; only private residences and consumption lounges are on the list of approved smoking locations. That being said, wandering down and around the strip and in and out of parking garages, you may see and smell otherwise. If you’re concerned at all about consumption, you want to get to a lounge or go the smoke-free route with edibles, tinctures, beverages, and vape pens. All of which are more discreet and easily accessible while you roam the strip.

However you end up consuming, watch your intake especially if drinking and/or traveling during the summer. You don’t want to overdo it and realize you’re three or four casinos away from your room or end up sleeping away part of your vacation. If your tolerance is low to moderate, tread carefully during the day and save more consumption for the night. For high-tolerance travelers, there’s no shortage of products to try throughout your stay.

CONCLUSION Now you know what to do, where to go, and how to find the best cannabis in Las Vegas. No matter the reason you’re visiting the city, if you have loved cannabis for decades or you’ve never tried it before, there’s always something for everyone, and there’s no place like Las Vegas to try new things. With this information, you can focus on deciding which excellent restaurant, casino or show to visit next.

As a bonus tip, some of my favorite brands available are Polaris, Super Good, Tsunami Labs, Trendi, Green Life Production, Nature’s Chemistry, and The Grower Circle.

If you win or lose in Vegas, make sure to smoke well!

The closest dispensary to the airport is The Grove on South University. If you know your way around a cannabis VOLUME 23 | 67

HIGH VIBES & ISLAND TIME

The Ultimate Canna-Getaway in Puerto Rico

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uerto Rico isn’t just about sun, sand, salsa, bomba, and reggaeton music—it’s also a dream destination for medical cannabis patients looking for a little R&R with their THC. As a registered medical patient from the mainland, you can legally buy and enjoy cannabis products here, and trust me, the experience is next level.

High! My name is Verónica Pérez, I’m a Medical Cannabis consultant, educator, and coach to patients all over the island, but more than anything... I am a medical cannabis patient and proud BORICUA from the municipality of Mayaguez (better known as “The Sultan of the West.”)

I want to invite you to come and visit the green paradise that is “Borikén (its original Taino name)”, as well as its warm, welcoming and proud canna-community.

Getting Your Hands on the Goods If you already have a medical cannabis card from a U.S. state that participates in patient verification, you’re in luck—Puerto Rico honors it! You can hit up dispensaries and stock up for your trip.

No card? No problem. You can apply for a temporary 30-day certification by visiting a local doctor, and many

dispensaries make this process easy.

Google “Online Medical Cannabis License in Puerto Rico,” and you’ll see a variety of options to choose from. If you have any questions or doubts about this process, don’t hesitate to contact our dispensaries, online license processing sites, or even myself; I’m more than happy to help!

By Verónica M. Pérez

What’s on the Menu?

Dispensaries here have a solid selection: edibles, tinctures, concentrates, topicals, and cartridges.

But here’s the kicker—if you want to enjoy some fat nugs, you’ll need a doctor’s special authorization. It’s a unique rule that sets Puerto Rico apart from other cannabis-friendly spots, but don’t let it be a bummer. If you don’t have the specifics on your doctor’s recommendation from the mainland, one of our licensed and authorized docs can help you out, just let ‘em know your preference for consuming Fat Nugs and you’re all set.

Where to Blaze up (or Not) Rule #1: no public consumption. Still pretty conservative at its core, Puerto Rico takes this seriously, so keep it private—hotels, Airbnbs, and other rentals that allow it are your best bet.

Respect the local vibe, and you’ll have a smooth trip.

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Elevating Your Boricua Experience Pair your cannabis experience with some of the island’s best offerings across all regions: West Coast Wonders—I’m a true Westie, so here are my sesh recommendations: Explore Guánica’s Biosphere Reserve and Cayo Aurora (Gilligan’s Island), kayak through La Parguera’s Bioluminescent Bay in Lajas, or visit Cabo Rojo’s Playuela (Playa Sucia) and Los Morrillos Lighthouse. Enjoy fresh seafood in Joyuda, then take a stroll through Mayagüez’s Casco Urbano and Plaza Colón, where you’ll find historical charm and some of the best dining spots on the island. Indulge in delicious eats at Cassave Restaurant, La Jibarita, Off The Wall, and many more hidden gems waiting to satisfy your munchies.

Discover San Sebastián’s Gozalandia Waterfall, a breathtaking cascade perfect for a refreshing swim, and explore Hacienda El Jibarito, a charming countryside retreat offering stunning views and a taste of local coffee culture. Hit the waves in Rincón’s Domes Beach, or snorkel at Steps Beach. Aguadilla offers hidden gems like Survival Beach and Peña Blanca, while Isabela’s Jobos Beach is a local favorite.

But, before exploring the rest of the West, be sure to hit my pals up at High Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Mayaguez to stock up on Top-Tier FAT NUGS from Borincanna, INC., Sticky Buds, Medgrow, Biogrow, and other premium flower brands, UMA brand edibles, and concentrates, elite hash-derived products from Rosareta, as well as award- winning products from 13x Champions Puerto Rico Alchemy, with their crafted edibles, extracts and concentrates that are sure to impress the pickiest of stoners.

Northern Treasures Take in the breathtaking views at Arecibo’s Cueva Ventana (Indian Cave), enjoy the waterslides at Dorado’s Watermill Aquatic Park, or explore Bayamón’s Parque de las Ciencias.

If you need a quick pit stop for herb, visit Green Vibes in Arecibo, or my canna-peeps at Canna Labs in Dorado, with great products and even greater service!

Metropolitan Marvels Walk the cobblestoned streets of the historic and iconic Old San Juan, where you’ll find El Totem, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and La Fortaleza, LED Night Kayaking Experience

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in and vibrant nightlife at La Placita de Santurce make for a great night out. Live music while elevated? Fun times, guaranteed! Canna-pitstop options: Earthgift (SJ), Canna Labs (Guaynabo/Isla Verde), and BLeaf in Carolina.

Eastern Escapes Visit the famous El Yunque Rainforest (considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World), kayak in Fajardo’s Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay, or explore the Cabezas Natural Reserve. Vieques’ Mosquito Bay is a must-see, and Culebra’s Flamenco Beach is one of the world’s most stunning beaches. Just imagine yourself medicated and carefree while watching the sunset… it’s simply breathtaking! But, before you take that boat ride to our sister isles, be sure to stop at Elementos, in Humacao, or The Farm in Rio Grande for all your seshy needs!

Southern Escapes Visit our Pearl of the South, Ponce: Home to the iconic Parque de Bombas, a historic firehouse-turned-museum with

striking red-and-black architecture. While you’re there, check out the Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center, an ancient Taíno archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Puerto Rico’s pre-Columbian history and will surely take you on a spiritual high. If you’re out of canna-meds, check in with the Best Buds crew in Ponce, and stock up on all your canna-needs.

Munchies Mission Got the munchies? Puerto Rico’s culinary scene is a must for cannabis lovers. Beyond mofongo, lechón, surfside fritters and fresh seafood, indulge in sweet treats like quesitos (cream cheese-filled pastries made famous by Bad Bunny’s short film: “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”), guava-filled pastelillitos, mango paste, and the iconic “sobao” bread (just ask for it in any bakery on the island.)

Don’t forget to try the OG Christmas-time staple dish: arroz con gandules, our signature yellow rice with pigeon peas, and pasteles de masa. Wash it all down with a piña colada, local rums, craft beers, or some of the best coffee in the world.

Canna-Friendly Stays & Experiences Looking for a cannabis-friendly place to stay?

Check out Bud and Breakfast, a ganja-friendly lodging option available online, in the Puerto Rico section. These accommodations cater to cannabis consumers, offering a welcoming environment to relax and enjoy. AirBNB also has “smoking friendly” stays all across the island that you can definitely check out, just be sure to have open, friendly communication with the Host, and if requested, provide your Medical Cannabis License as proof to avoid any issues.

For those who want to take their trip to the next level, The Experience (Metro Area/ East) provides curated cannabis adventures, including dispensary tours, educational sessions, and immersive activities that blend local culture with the plant. Find all the deets at prcannabisdispensary.com and elevate your Puerto Rican getaway in style.

Stay Smart, Stay Legal Carry your med card (and doctor’s recommendation) —It’s literally your golden ticket to enter any dispensary. If you don’t have one, visit leafwell.com and start the process beforehand, if possible. It’s quite easy, but sometimes it does take a little time to get processed and approved by Puerto Rico’s Department of Health, so inhale and exhale with patience.

Follow the laws—keep it private and respectful. I recommend you revise and study our Ley 42 (Act 42, available online for free) for all of the deets you need to be clear as day while you vacay.

Respect the culture—Cannabis is legal for medical use, but not everyone vibes with it—keep it classy. A personal, discreet sesh is the way to go here.

The Final Rotation Puerto Rico isn’t just another beach getaway— it’s the ultimate spot for medical cannabis patients (and enthusiasts) looking to chill, explore, and indulge. Whether you’re vibing at a bioluminescent bay, hiking through El Yunque, or kicking back on one of the world’s best beaches, this island has it all… and this is just the tip of the iceberg, because, for an island merely 100x35 miles long, it holds a huge heart, bred from a complex and controversial history stemming from our proud Taino, African and European ancestries. Puerto Rico’s rich and diverse culture is deeply embedded in our cannabis community, and I truly believe it’s our low-key superpower, that which binds us with the rest of the Caribbean and America with much love and respect for the sacred plant.

So, grab your med card, pack your bags, and get ready to elevate your Puerto Rican adventure— because there’s no place like “The Jewel of the Caribbean” for that unforgettable tropical sesh that you know you deserve. Buenos humos, and see ya soon! #HappyMedicating

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LONDON POUND CAKE Photo by Paola Tello

‟I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'M GOING FROM HERE, BUT I PROMISE IT WON'T BE BORING.”

— David Bowie

Borealis Cannabis ICE CREAM SUNDAY Photo by Paola Tello