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LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We,HighMoonMagazine,respectfullyacknowledge theterritoryinwhichwegatherastheancestral homelandsoftheWolastoqey,Mi’gmawand Peskotomuhkatipeoples.Werecognizetheenduring relationshiptheseIndigenouscommunitieshave withthislandandhonortheirrichculturalheritage andtraditions.Itisessentialtoacknowledgethe pastandpresentinjusticestheyhavefacedand continuetoface.Wearecommittedtofosteringa futureofunderstanding,respect,andcollaboration. Bysharingstoriesandknowledge,wehopeto contributepositivelytothedialoguearound reconciliationandsupportthevibrantIndigenous culturesandcommunitiesthatthrivetoday.

At High Moon Magazine, we want to clarify that we are not medical professionals We strongly advise you to consult a doctor before considering any information we publish as medical advice The views and opinions expressed in the articles, features, and advertisements of this magazine are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of High Moon or its affiliates. The magazine makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information contained in this publication

High Moon is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All content is provided "as is" and without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

The magazine is not responsible for the content of external websites linked within the publication Advertisements and sponsored content do not constitute an endorsement of any products or services, unless explicitly stated.

CannabisPublicationoftheYear

Thisawardisgiventoapublicationthatconsistentlyprovideshighquality,relevant,andcomprehensivecontentrelatedtothecannabis industry Thiscouldrangefrombusinesstrends,scientificresearch,policy changes,cultivationtechniques,andmore.Thewinningpublication demonstratesexcellentjournalismandservesasanessentialresource forindustryprofessionals,cannabisenthusiasts,andgeneralreaders alike

https://growupawards.com/vote

Editor’s Note

Welcometooursecondissueof2025!WHY4/22?Becauseifyoumiss4/20youalwayshave4/22.Iwant topersonallythankmywonderfulstaffwhoarealsolikefamilytome,Ineverenvisionedthisgettingas bigasithas,andthisisonlythebeginningofouradventure.FouryearsagoIwasasolowriterona missiontogivebacktothecannabiscommunityandhereweareproducingprintissuesandworking withincrediblehumans!We’vegrownfromasmall,passionateprojectintoathrivingpublicationthat reachesreadersfarandwide,allunitedbyasharedloveforcannabiscultureandthepositiveimpact itcanhave.Thiswouldn’tbepossiblewithoutthesupportofourreaders,contributors,andeveryone whohasbelievedinourvisionalongtheway.

Inthisissue,wehaveavarietyofexcitingarticles,interviews,andinsightsthatwecan’twaittoshare with you. From exploring innovative trends in the industry to sharing personal stories of transformationandhealing,weaimtoinspire,educate,andentertain.

Thankyouforbeingpartofthisjourneywithus.Here’stomoregrowth,learning,andcommunityinthe yearahead!

A thank you to my partners this issue.

FROM THE TEAM

TILLY ZACK

So excited for this issue! Huge shout-out to everyone and all their hard work!

THIS IS IT!

Check out my Radicle Femmes recap! Happy Earth Day!

I've been so excited getting everything together for this issue! Lots of hard work and dedication went into this, and I couldn't ask for a better team to put it all together! You won't wanna miss this one!

HighMoonFaves

The Bong Water Oracle - Single

Doktor High

Shawty Rollin' Up -

Single Higher Ground -

Single Seeds of Change - Single

Welcome to the Joint Craft Sensory Room

When the founders of Joint Craft met with potential clients and partners, they often encountered the “buzzkill” of having to step outside for a casual joint. This inspired the creation of the Joint Craft Lounge Envision a beautiful space featuring comfortable seating and a cannabis bar! The lounge is intended to be a sanctuary where creativity and relaxation coexist harmoniously Soft ambient lighting enhances the atmosphere, while the gentle murmur of conversations fills the room The casino-themed decor, complete with red velvet and various games, adds to the unique experience This is an Official Health Canada approved research lounge

Guests can delve into a carefully curated menu of premium strains, each accompanied by detailed descriptions of their distinct profiles and effects

Knowledgeable staff are readily available to assist guests in making their selections, ensuring a tailored and enriching experience.

Beyond its cannabis offerings, the lounge regularly hosts events such as workshops, live music performances, game nights, and more, cultivating a sense of community and shared enthusiasm. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a curious newcomer, the Joint Craft Lounge guarantees a welcoming and enlightening retreat where the pleasures of cannabis can be savored in a refined and supportive setting

When Cannabis New Brunswick started accepting bids for cannabis stores, Chris Jones was quick to seize the opportunity to expand his retail chain CANNABIS XPRESS into our delightful province With his knack for spotting opportunities and a genuine enthusiasm for offering topnotch products, Chris recognized the promising potential that New Brunswick held. Chris Jones was the first to launch a private retail store in New Brunswick and holds the title of the largest private retailer in the province in terms of both revenue and store count.

Chris Jones is a prominent entrepreneur and executive in the cannabis sector. He serves as the Founder and CEO of CANNABIS XPRESS a top chain of 18 successful cannabis shops throughout Canada, including 14 in Ontario and 4 in New Brunswick.

The vibrant culture of New Brunswick, with its stunning landscapes and friendly communities, was the perfect backdrop for this new venture. Chris Jones was committed to creating a welcoming environment in each store, staffed by knowledgeable and approachable employees who could guide customers to which products would best suit their needs. This also employs local residents of the communities and brings jobs to the New Brunswick economy.

As the plans for the stores began to take shape, the stores featured a minimalist design that enhanced the shopping experience, making it easy for customers to find what they needed. Each store offered a carefully selected range of cannabis products, from locally sourced options to popular favorites, ensuring quality and variety. This thoughtful curation allowed customers to explore different strains and products without feeling overwhelmed, providing a more personalized and enjoyable shopping experience.

Numerous residents of New Brunswick reside in rural regions where the nearest cannabis stores are several hours away. While Cannabis NB offers online delivery, not everyone prefers this option. Recognizing this challenge, Chris Jones saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between rural communities and access to quality cannabis products. His vision extended beyond just opening stores in urban centers; he aimed to make cannabis accessible to those in more remote areas as well.

Chris Jones is looking to broaden the reach of CANNABIS XPRESS into additional rural communities in New Brunswick! He has recently submitted applications for five more RFPs through Cannabis New Brunswick. These new locations are strategically chosen to ensure that even the most remote residents have access to the quality products and guidance that CANNABIS XPRESS is known for. By fostering a deeper connection with the communities he serves, Chris hopes to not only expand the business but also contribute positively to the social and economic fabric of New Brunswick. As CANNABIS XPRESS to grow, it remains committed to its core values of accessibility, quality, and community engagement, ensuring that every customer, regardless of their location, feels valued and supported.

Gr8N8 x CensoredCanvas presents

Art is the Heart of Cannabis

NATEPOTTS

Oneofmyfavouriteaspectsof goingtocannabiseventsis connectingwiththecommunity. LastyearataTorontoCannabis ExpoIhadtheincredible opportunitytomeetLiam,an artistwhoseworkinstantly captivatedme Aswechatted,I wasledtoacommunitypainted canvas,astunningpiecethat seemedtobreathelifeintothe room Alittlepieceofeveryone thatpassedbyandparticipated Everyindividualsenergyand contributionononepiece From there,Iwastakenonajourney throughtheartist’sprintsand individualartpieces,eachone morestrikingthanthelast The depthandpassionembeddedin eachworkspokevolumes, leavingalastingimpressionon me

LiamWesleyGoodmanisaCanadianartistrenownedforhis hyper-realisticcannabis-themedartworks Hisintricatepencil andcoloredpencilrenderingscapturethebeautyofcannabisin stunningdetail,showcasinghisexceptionaltechnicalskilland passionfortheplant.Beyondtraditionalart,Goodmanhas expandedhiscreativerepertoiretoincludeacannabis-inspired coloringbook,offeringfansachancetoengagewithhisartina newandinteractiveway Throughhiswork,Goodmancontinues tocelebrateandelevatecannabisculture,blendingartistic expressionwithadeepappreciationfortheplantwealllove Here inthisinterviewwedivedeeperintosomeofthissubjectmatter, pleasestaytunedforabonusinterviewcomingsoon!

Q;Howdidyoufirstgetinvolvedwithartinthecannabis space?Howhasthecultureandindustryinfluencedyourart atthebeginningandnow?

IdrewmyfirstcannabisflowerMayof2017afterbeing approachedataTorontovapourlounge Theemployeehad askedmeifIhadorcouldproduceartworktodisplayattheir location.Theyhadspecificallyusedthewords“Weedart”which isexactlywhatitsoundedlike,endlesscartooncharacters gettinghigh,Ifeltthatstyledidn’tdescribewherewewereor wereheadedasaculture Itookitasanopportunitytofocus andcreateabodyofworkthatalignswithvaluesofthosewho putprecisionandcareintoeverystepnomatterthelengthof theprocess.AtfirstIwascreatingbecauseIhadthoughtwhatI wasmakingwas“whatthecultureneeded”inawayIstilltruly believethat However,recentlyitfeelsasifI’mbeingpulled moretowardsnarrative,stretchedbetweenintentionand intuition Simplyput,Iwasfocusedonwhatmyartlookedlike, whereasnowmyfocusisonwhattheartfeelslike,whatisit saying

QWhatisthemostrewardingthingaboutcreatingartinthe cannabisspace?

Asanindividual,theconnectiontoothers,theplantissimply thevesselforconnection Asanartist,theopportunitytobe great.Dedicationinspiresotherstochasetheirdreamsand bringtheirownvisionstolife

Q:Inwhatwaysdoyoufeelartcanhelp normalizeanddestigmatizecannabis?

Artcanbeusedmanywaystonormalizecannabisin everydaylife,mychallengeistorepresenttheplant truthfullyinwaysthatdrawinthosewhoare questioningormisinformed Iftheartconnectsona technicalorvisuallevel,that’sthefootinthedoor My jobasanartistinrealismistoreclaimthenarrative andstereotypesbyshowcasingskill,precisionand masteryofdetail.Realismgivesachancetoshowoff thebeautyoftheplantinallit’snaturalvariety. Presentingtheplantwithartisticintegrityinits everydaybeauty,challengesnegativestereotypes throughvisualnormalization,onepaintingordrawing atatime

Q:Inwhatdifferentwaysdoyoufeel consumersconnectwithyourartinacolouring bookasopposedtoitbeinginprintform?How canpeoplesharetheirfinishedpieceswith you?

Thatisafantasticquestion Thecolouringbookisa chanceforanyonetogetinvolvedandengaged Cannabisrealismandnormalizingtheplantstarts withmorepeoplecreatingflowerartwork The colouringbookis30flowersrangingfromchallenging toevenmorechallenging.Pagebypagethebook providesanyonewiththeexperienceofcreatingfine detailedcannabisflowers Thebestpartiseachpage ofthebookisbasedoffarealismflowerdrawingI’ve alreadydrawn,readytoprint Theygohandinhand likeabongandlighter Choosefromanypage,find thecorrespondingprintandreallychallengeyourskills whenitcomestodetail.Ontheotherhand,collecting canvasprintsismoreabouttheappreciationand connectiontotheplantalongwithcontributingtothe visionofchange

Q:Whatpersonalvaluesormessagesdo youhopeyourartworkcommunicatesto youraudience?

I’minapivotalmomentincreating,I’vecreatedover 8000hoursofcannabisrealismandartwork I appreciatethosewhovaluetechnicalskill,highquality andsupportwhatIdo.Iwanttoinspireothersmostof all AsImovetowardsmoresurrealisticconcepts,I hopetoconnectonadeeperlevelthanjustphysical skillandtechnique

Check out my Linktree for quick access to all the important links whether it’s my latest blog posts, social media profiles, portfolio, or exclusive content Want even more convenience? Simply scan the QR code below or click the link to instantly visit Linktree and explore what I have to offer! https://www.instagram.com/liamwesleygoodman

Cannabis has never been just a product it’s a culture, a vibe, and for a lot of us, a way of life.

Jane Dope and HER.B were born from that exact space Not from boardrooms or market trends, but from smoke sessions, deep chats, and the desire to make cannabis feel like home— especially for women.

This isn’t about slapping pink on packaging and calling it empowerment. It’s about building something that actually gets us. Created by Abi Roach (yes, that Abi Roach legend, rebel, long-time weed advocate and former Hotbox Café boss), Jane Dope and HER.B are the real deal Not corporate, not watered down—just bold, beautiful cannabis and gear made by women who know what’s up

JANE DOPE! Weed and Swag for Women Who Love Weed, By Women Who Love Weed

Jane Dope is the closet you didn’t know you needed. Fabu dresses, buttery-soft tees, swimwear that hugs in all the right ways, and sizes from XXS to 6XL because stoner style should fit every body. The graphics are cheeky, the vibe is cozy but cool, and everything is made to wear high, low, or somewhere in between.

Designed for the cannabis chic

Then there’s HER.B, the weed side of the family. This is your go-to high cannabinoid products. Designed for women who enjoy euphoria. All our products are designed for innovation and function. Botanical terp & disi free, we focus on LIVE extract blends with primo inputs and craft flower, just HER.B

HER.B doesn’t do gimmicks. We do fire strains, smooth pulls, and gear that fits in with your life whether that’s running errands, hosting a dinner party, or spending the day horizontal with your cat and your thoughts. It’s cannabis that respects your rhythm, your energy, your flow

Jane Dope, HER.B it’s for us. For the women who’ve always been part of weed culture, even when it didn’t make space for us. For those of us who roll joints better than we fold laundry, who pair strains with playlists, and who know that cannabis isn’t just a thing we use it’s part of who we are.

So if you’re looking for weed and swag that’s made with you in mind, pull up a seat. You’re in the squad!

Rewiring Through Ritual: A Personal Exploration of Microdosing

BY VIV ALLEN

Alright, I’m going to start by telling you I’m late to the mushroom party But I had a very good reason! My experiences with psychedelics hail from a time of sheer recreations - party scenes, unknown dosages, and a lack of intention. I’ve grown up since then - mostly through the natural progression of time– but it’s been about 20 years. And while my last experience makes for a good story or a cautionary tale, the stigma around the consumption of psychedelics is strong

That said, having worked in cannabis for a few years, watching it go from illegal to legal, and slowly become more destigmatized, was an educational experience One that has not only put me in the periphery of the mushroom boom, but also allowed me, a middle-aged parent, to be curious about magic mushrooms and their effects on the brain, intentional consumption, and how, if I could, integrate that into a purposeful routine of mental wellness.

Before I take you down the rabbit hole

Now, big caveat, there is no medical direction in my experience. Just self-guided research and conversations with trusted people who have engaged in microdosing for their mental wellness. I’m not pushing the consumption of psychedelics. I am sharing my experience to open the conversation and chip away at some of the stigma Yes, I’m aware that magic mushrooms aren’t legal Neither was cannabis until 2018 Yes, I’m aware that my experience is individual and not repeatable for someone else Which is why I maintained a low dose and approached the experience with intention I’m not here to scare anyone with distorted realities and space I’m curious about the effects of psilocybin It’s the pursuit of knowledge

Working in cannabis exposed me to a different side of recreational drugs than I had previously experienced. I learned so much about dosage and effects, about terpenes and flavour profiles. Things that my younger self completely dismissed in pursuit of a good time, and never paid credence to in a mental health context But all that changed And now cannabis is part of a routine that calms my anxieties

But as I navigate my mental wellbeing, I have often felt like cannabis numbs the anxious parts And when the effects wind down, I’m left in the same mental soup I had been in Which is why I started looking for alternatives The therapy and SSRIs are great, the SNRIs (personally) not so much But I wanted something else to add to my toolkit

This sparked a lot of very open conversations with friends who I wouldn’t have known about microdosing mushrooms. Whether it be capsules, tinctures or gummies, they told me about their routines and the impact of mindful consumption.

As someone whose previous experience was generally in the unknown macrodosing –rife with the ambiguous “just take 3 caps and maybe add 2 stems” or “drink this” method that can only be described as a descent into the unknown– I was hesitant But I listened and I did my own reading to understand where research was at in the magic mushroom world.

Alright, I’m going to start by telling you I’m late to the mushroom party. But I had a very good reason! My experiences with psychedelics hail from a time of sheer recreations - party scenes, unknown dosages, and a lack of intention I’ve grown up since then - mostly through the natural progression of time– but it’s been about 20 years And while my last experience makes for a good story or a cautionary tale, the stigma around the consumption of psychedelics is strong

That said, having worked in cannabis for a few years, watching it go from illegal to legal, and slowly become more destigmatized, was an educational experience. One that has not only put me in the periphery of the mushroom boom, but also allowed me, a middle-aged parent, to be curious about magic mushrooms and their effects on the brain, intentional consumption, and how, if I could, integrate that into a purposeful routine of mental wellness

What did I take?

I decided for this exercise to stick to one variable as an input, and that was Ritual Relief Blue Raspberry gummies. These come in a 4-pack, and are dosed at 250mg each. My experience has been with dried mushrooms, so I was pretty excited to see what mushroom extract would do Compared to the dried version, extracts have more precise and controlled dosing, which was something I was looking for Having worked in cannabis edibles, that 1mg to 1g equivalent makes sense and makes me feel more confident

Plus, despite how long ago it had been since I took mushrooms, I keenly remember that the next day felt pretty awful (gut rot, anyone? No thanks ) Extract doesn’t cause gut rot, which is a huge win

All that said, I picked these based on recommendations from some friends in regards to ideal dosage and overall taste.

I do have a bit of a history with edibles when it comes to the cannabis world, and I admit that I’m a little bit of an ingredient snob. These gummies are pretty basic, and I wasn’t surprised by their ingredients. The presentation was good; they are quarter-sized and perfectly squishy. I was a bit surprised to note that there was no over-the-top mushroom smell, maybe just subtle earthy notes, but that blended in nicely with the blue raspberry flavour

But with my stash ready to go, I just had a few instructions:

Start with one gummy

Wait at least 1 5 hours before taking a second gummy

Just relax into it

And that’s what I did

The “Do I Feel Anything Moment”

I want to start by saying that despite my curiosity, I was apprehensive about taking mushrooms again I have bad memories from my last trip. Nothing like unknown dosages, overstimulation, andaprettyroughcomedown.Butthiswasgoingtobedifferent.

ButthistimeIwasintentional

I set aside some time, it was a beautiful day, and I did what I like to doonbeautifuldays:Iwentforalongwalk

If I said I didn’t look at my watch, asking myself “do I feel anything,” I’d be lying. I was very concerned with what my experience was going to be And by the hour-and-a-half mark, I felt like a gentle wave crested over me It wasn’t over the top I wasn’t seeing double or blurred lines. Instead, I noticed each note of music. I noticed the pinks in the spring blooms I felt the sun on my skin It was an awareness that I wasn’t expecting, but that wasn’t overwhelmingmewithinputs

My thoughts didn’t take over - not like they usually do No, instead they stayed focused on the intention that I had set out to explore andreallythoughtaboutwhatmyexperiencewastellingme

The effects started to wane at about the three and a half hour mark It wasn’t abrupt - I didn’t feel like a tap suddenly turning off Itwaslikethatwave,justrecedingfromtheshoreline.

And then I was back into myself But my thoughts were calm And there was a strange sense of clarity that I felt about some of the thingsthathavebeenonmymind.

I think the word that was used to describe this was heightened Andassomeonewhosemindneverfeelsat ease It wasdefinitely awelcomesidequest.

One And Not Done

If I had given this just a one-and-done experience, I wouldn’t believe it either. So I tried to repeat this experience a few times over two weeks I kept the variable of the dosage the same to not change too much But I changed up the activities I went with a schedule of every two days. And my activities varied from writing, cooking,cleaning,reading,journaling,andphysicalactivity.

On the whole, I felt a lot of the same Just an easy, peaceful feeling that cut out the noise between my ears. It was easier to focus on one thing at a time, and think a little more objectively about things thatwerebotheringme(it’sbeenaheavystartto2025)

As your standard-issue-anxious-millennial, I participate in therapy, I’m on SSRIs, and I use physical activity to calm my mind I’m not making sweeping life decisions But I am finding it easier to sort out thoughts that have often held me back My key takeaways this far in my journey are that the times I set a purpose to my experience, like journaling or some hard thoughts, or even a little meditation, I felt a lot more clarity It was easier to flow into the motions and feelpresent.

When I engaged in chores or standard tasks of any adult, the passage of time wasn’t there I wasn’t jonesing to be done There wasnoimpatience.Itwasjusteasygoing.

On the whole, my experience was eye-opening Comparing it to my experiences of the past, my trip with Ritual Relief has been leapsandboundsmoreenjoyable.

Are mushies for you?

Like I said at the beginning, I’m not here to push mushrooms on you I’m not an expert I’m not selling anything I’m a curious newbie sharing my experiences. Why? Because I know I’m not the onlyoneouttherewhoiscurious.

Knowing my own experiences, I’m aware that I’ve allowed myself to be stigmatized. I’ve permitted prejudice to take over and tell the story that mushrooms are synonymous with distortion, psychedelic adventures down the rabbit hole and wonky hands Buttherealityis,that’snottheonlyway

And more to that, science is curious about the effects of psilocybin and that in itself adds some additional credibility to its value My experience, even though I was hesitant and apprehensive to start, was controlled and calm. I gave it intention and purpose, and so far it has paid off But now with my interest sparked, I’m very curious to dive into the other options - higher dosage gummies, teas, chocolates, and tinctures There are a lot of products out there that can fit into different aspects of your lifestyle, and I think it’s about finding what works best and makes you feel most confident andcomfortable

Am I cured of depression? Heck no. Am I feeling a little better aboutthethoughtsinmyhead? Yes.

Do I think it can help you too? Yes. Just make sure you plan it out if it’s your first time. Think about what you want your experience to be, and ease into it I took advice from friends, and it made things easier because I didn’t feel like I was navigating this world alone If you’re curious about what I have been trying, you can check it out here. My best advice: do your homework if you’re new and curious aboutmushrooms

Besafeandhavefun!

MADEWITH100%ORGANIC CUBENSISANDPENISENVYEXTRACT

ASOPHISTICATEDLINEOFALL-NATURAL,EXPERTLYBLENDED,PSILOCYBINAND PSILOCYBINEXTRACTPRODUCTSTHATBUILDNEWNEURALPATHWAYSINYOUR BRAIN,

ZEROGUTROT

BRINGING A NEW VIBE TO CANNABIS MUSIC.

WelcometoHighMoonMagazine, wherewe'reabsolutelyoverthe moontopresentDoktorHigh!We hadacosmicchatwithDavid,who dishedonhispassionforcannabis culture,tunes,andcreativity. David'sonamissiontocraft enlightening buteducational productsaboutcannabis,from booksandarttoappareland groovymusic.

TheMusic

David has immersed himself in the music scene and discovered that most songs about "weed" tend to be “silly”, lacking educational value, and fail to portray the plant in a positive light. That’s when David was inspired to take things to the next level and curate music that can truly resonate with cannabis consumers With his deep understanding of the plant and its cultural vibes, David decided to whip up a unique mix of sound and substance. His tunes not only entertain but also drop some knowledge about the history, benefits, and smart use of cannabis Using AI and his cannabis knowledge David spices up his tracks with a blend of genres, like pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic and more. By doing his thing, David hopes to change how people see cannabis music, turning it into a way to celebrate the plant's potentialtomakelifebetterandinspirechange.

WhoisDavidJohnson!? FunFacts!

Hehasauthored27guidesaboutcannabis, availableonAmazon,thatfocusonspecific healthconditions.

Dr. High originally launched as an educational platform providing medical cannabisinformation.

Davidbeganmonetizinghiseffortsthrough art sales on Etsy after establishing his medicalcontent.

Recently,hehasventuredintotheworldof cannabis-focusedmusiccreation.

David’s Background in the Legal CannabisIndustry

David has an impressive track record in the legal cannabis sector He spent 2 5 years as the packaging and inventory supervisor at Freedom Cannabis in Alberta. Currently, he is at the helm of the post-production team at MTL Cannabis, where he manages the harvesting, trimming, and bucking processes Throughout his journey, he has acquired invaluable industry experience, sharpening his skills in quality control and supply chain management. This expertise has not only made him a valuable asset to the organizations he has been part of but has also deepened his understanding of the cannabis lifecycle, from seed to sale. David's experiences in the cannabis industry have provided him with a distinctive perspective on the plant, igniting his passion for crafting music that honors its diverse nature By blending his professional knowledge with his creative abilities, David seeks to inspire others to appreciate cannabis in a fresh and enlighteningway.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis culture, David stands out as a visionary who is redefining the way we perceive the plant through his multifaceted endeavors From authoring comprehensive guides to pioneering a new genre of cannabis music, he merges education and entertainment in a way that is both refreshing and enlightening His journey through the cannabis industry has equipped him with the insights necessary to craft art that celebrates theplant'smanybenefitsandculturalsignificance.

David’s passion for cannabis and creativity knows no bounds His commitment to educating others while simultaneously entertaining them with his innovative music is a testament to his dedication to changing perceptions. David is not only shaping the future of cannabis music but also inspiring a new generation to appreciate the plant for allthatitoffers.

As High Moon Magazine celebrates this unique blend of sound and substance, we eagerly await the next chapter in David'sjourneyandtheimpacthismusicwillcontinuetohaveoncannabisculture.

Purple Moon Full Spectrum Extract Night Oil

InHouseFull Spectrum extractsused

We truly enjoyed trying out their new Purple Moon Full Spectrum Oil along with the Purple Moon prerolls, both of which have skyrocketed to the top of our favorites list! The Purple Moon Full Spectrum Night Oil, in particular, has become a true superstar in my nightly lineup, and let me tell you, it’s been nothing short of magical! This oil is a delightful concoction that artfully blends THC, CBD, and CBN in a perfectly balanced ratio, making it a groovy choice for anyone on the quest for relaxation and tranquility before drifting off to dreamland.

The meticulous formulation of these cannabinoids works together like a dream team, promoting a serene sense of calm that transforms bedtime into a blissful retreat. The soothing effects of CBD gently wash away stress and tension, while the CBN, known for its dreamy sedative properties, cranks up the calming vibes even more. Each drop of this oil feels like a warm, cozy hug, easing your mind and body into a state of blissful relaxation https://www.instagram.com

SeedSovereignty: TheGuildedGeneticsStory

interviewedbyZachDrostfromHighMoonMagazine

HeyHighMoon. Thanksforhavingme.

1.Alex,let’sstartwithyourroots what’syour personaljourneywithcannabis?Howdidthis plantfirstimpactyourlife,andwhendiditevolve frompassiontoprofession?

ion that cannabis fear a lot in the e negative ntly unlearning es No elders in dicine, or that it edicine I knew garettes, and oking it and they hool I saw more bagweed), in my ldn't I have been ped me with pain digenous rights, I I didn't think that that they were as more aware of the with good success e, for my personal lly began. A local

woodsman showed me how to use Miracle Grow for veg and flower and told me about flushing. For the next four years I destroyed my growing spaces (holes) with this fertilizer (which i only used on this green plant?!). It took some reflection and friends talking to me about other practices before I realized this.

My 30's brought me Living Soil Organics (LSO) practices, through a friend's influence, which is now the pinnacle of cannabis flower growing to me I learned about the soil food web (still am) and started practicing permaculture which influences my growing practices greatly Then, I learned of soil science and remineralization Maybe I evolved from passion to profession when I started practicing these techniques, learning from and being accountable to mistakes of mine/others and investing in /reflecting on what our goals actually are

2.Whendidyoufirstrealizeyouhadapassionforbreedingcannabis?

I've been seed saving and learning about pollination and breeding since the early 2000's. As a vegetable gardener and homesteader, resilience means food preservation and seed saving (along with much more). As a cannabis enthusiast & grower, I realized that access to viable seeds that grew well in my outdoor environment were a barrier in both the expense and the logistics of getting them to me (or so I believed).

When I made my own fem seeds for myself from outdoor phenohunted plants I grew myself and brought inside to have a controlled pollination, I realized I understood what I was doing and it was very successful. The plants I bred were abundant as expected, but better than that, they were selected from my personal outdoor trials. My passion for breeding, which quickly turned into an obsession, really took off when I took award winning auto strains and crossed them into phenohunted photoperiod plants for FAST strains that did amazing in our climate

3 WhatinspiredyoutostartGuilded Genetics,andwhat’sbehindthename?

Guilded Genetics, as a brand, was started because of the success we had with creating thriving and diverse seedstock for our sungrown short season climate, in the face of an industry that grows with bottled nutrients in energy intensive tents for THC.

A guild is a term used for a plant family. One of the things I love doing is designing food forests, which are composed of guilds; the main species is often a large tree like a nut tree followed by another tall tree (slightly smaller in height) like a pear or cherry, then support species (mixed ground cover) and secondary crops (cannabis, berries and dwarf fruit) with a climber or two like hops or kiwi and some root crops Guilds are composed of up to 7 or 8 height layers, and I think cannabis and hemp have a place in this Guilded Genetics implies the way cannabis is woven into our collective history and future

4.GuildedGeneticshasastrongfocusonhigh-CBDandfeminizedcannabisseeds.Why wasthisdirectionimportantforyou,andwhatuniquechallengeshaveyoufaced breedingstrainsforAtlanticCanada’sdemandingclimate?

I enjoy smoking some CBD Rich sungrown flowers and even though I see a hole in the industry where climatized smokable CBD rich chemovars for our northern regions are not happening, my strong focus on CBD comes from a few other experiences. I have someone in my life that is epileptic and it's proven that a CBD Rich chemovar helps with prevention and recovery from her grand mal seizures There are elders in my life that the CBD rich cannabis salve we make from concentrate RSO is a valued part of their routine for pain

management Of course I have some gravity toward CBD because of the stigma around THC evolution outpacing other cannabinoids too

Learning that breeding for my climate was achievable left me with a large learning curve once I decided to really start breeding Unique challenges presented themselves to me like the month of May AND Sept being cold and wet, and seeing which strains we are working with that thrived even in the less favourable conditions

Unique challenges like which seedstock to start with and how to grow larger populations of Sensemilla By researching who and where I bought from, and what strain growing traits I was searching for, I was able to start hunting seedstock in the full sun with a couple of newly legal Canadian licences Feminized seeds are easier, and as I aim for seed sovereignty, encouraging new growers to care for plants, we want our cultivars to succeed as females, and not pollinate the neighbourhood as males

5.Breedingisequalpartsartandscience what’syourcreativeprocesswhen developingnewstrains,andhowdo feminizedseedsbenefitgrowers comparedtotraditionalphotoperiod seeds?

I choose to breed with feminized seeds because there is no sexing required, making it easier for the growers I help. If life is art, then my creative process in breeding must be found in the traits we choose to bolster over years of selection, and the processes we choose to grow and store seed.

Working with the soil food web is a major part of my creative process Jeff Lowenfalls book, “Teaming with Biology” reminded me that the small living organisms from the environment the plant was grown in (and what’s living on the mother plant), is stored in the seed, and on the seed - I’ve heard it called bio-intelligence, but I see it mentioned in microscopy, as as endophytes (look it the science!) The biology of where and how the seed was grown, and stored has direct correlation to the success of its future growth We want to work with this, as well as cooperate with agronomy and soil science (via soil tests and amendments - Where the growth of a plant is determined by the least available essential nutrient, we want all the important minerals and biology stored in and on the seed )

There’s not much difference in some 1:1 cultivars we've created But as we breed more and more with registered hemp seed, the taller the plants become The CBD flowers these last two years seem just as smelly, while still being very sticky, but less trichomes are visible 6.HowdoesgrowingcannabisforCBDdifferfromgrowinghigh-THCvarieties?

7.What’syourprocessforselecting parentplantsforyourbreeding projects?Aretherespecifictraitsyou prioritizewhenbreedingforthe AtlanticCanadianenvironment?

In the beginning I was equally prioritizing 2 parentage focuses: 1) Preserving genetics and creating seed sovereignty for the infamous 'special cuts' our friends and elders show us, and 2) creating climatized seeds, so we can consistently get a plant that finishes terpy and full term in our sungrown environment.

Now it starts with the seed. I press every seed individually after harvest and curing, and select the largest seed before planting.

We observe our plants all year (we're in love with them). In the veg state we look for fast growing plants with strong self standing structures. During early transplanting stages I'm looking for root colonization and prioritizing the plants with denser root profiles which usually correlates to stronger plants above soil We remove any seedstock that is affected by insects The photoperiod seeds we phenohunting each year

We start early and those that can withstand the cooler temperatures in seedling phase are more attractive to me Later in the veg season we remove/replace any mutants (unless from our freakshow lineage), as well as those phenos that are not keeping up for whatever reason

The most rewarding time in the seed growing season for me is harvest time, but in phenotypic flower selection, the most amount of work needed as well as the most important breeding decisions are made in this time. We love so many traits the plants can express that choosing can be very hard. Four specific traits we choose for are: full term flowers in Sept/Oct with a low leaf to calyx ratio, disease/pest resistance, sticky with strong smell, and chosen color and growth structure.

8.Canyouwalkusthroughthelifecycleof creatinganewstrainfromstarttofinish?

-Research strain(s) to begin with & where to buy seeds/starts/cuts from

-Sungrown trial - sml population

-If chosen - sungrown phenohunt - med-lrg population

-collect cuts of your chosen phenos in late veg (July)

-Finish outdoor trials and determine which cut to keep (Oct)

-Clone the chosen pheno/chemovar

-Set up two (or more) indoor tents with carbon filters in and out, and many fans inside (one on each wall) Ensure there is a single master switch for all the fans and a separate one for the exhaust/intake

-Grow the chosen chemovar in Veg tent under 20h lights

-Remove one clone of chosen chemovar and place in pollination tent with 12h light (mark as pollen donor)

-Spray the designated pollen donor plant with an ethylene blocker, mine is STS, every 5 days until you see male flower parts You are making seeds here so ensure this donor is male by spraying the STS into the growth tips and rubbing lightly, while entirely covering the limbs I try not to spray into soil because silver is a heavy metal we dont need alot of in our bodies.

-When the Donor starts showing male bud points stop the STS spraying regiment and fill the pollination tent with as many plants as you can manage. I use 5 gallon pots and can fit no more than nine, 3ft tall plants. NOTE: pollination tent needs A LOT of fans and an easy way to control the airflow in/out, as well as carbon filters to ensure pollen doesn't get over the whole building.

-Tie a string to the pollen donor stalk, so when you pull on it it could shake the plant (without opening the tent) spreading the pollen

-When flowers are dropping pollen, turn off exhaust fans, wait a sec, than pull the pollen donor tether pollen should disperse with the fans over the whole tent Turn exhausts back on 5 mins later I do this every day, sometimes twice

-WAIT TILL SEEDS ARE FALLING off the plants that are finishing do not harvest plants early, they will take much longer to ripen as a seedstock than a flower alone would

- Test seed stock outdoors in trials gardens

- Repeat aiming to reinforce specific traits in the future seed stock

9.What’soneaspectofcannabisgenetics thatyoufeelisoftenmisunderstoodby growers?

Genetics are a heritage Environment and growth practices shape what the seed expresses If a seed producer breeds

plants indoors with bottled nutrients, then that plant may not be as receptive in your northern outdoor garden. If a seed producer breeds solely in a sterile environment, then there is a better chance that these strains are not selected for our swinging temperatures and insect pressures Growing strains that can reach full-term flowers in your own climate, under the sun, seems to always surprise those that have never been selective over where they get their genetics

10. Your work often spotlights seed sovereignty. What does the concept of seed sovereignty mean to you?

Seed sovereignty to me means that you own access to your own means of food, fibre and medicine through access to seeds Not just cannabis, but food and tree seeds Seeds are regenerative Seeds are the OG means of production - if you have seeds, you do more than survive, you thrive

The Seed is sovereign We are part of this plant's history, not the other way around Integral to some peoples way of life, and now like a $20 billion industry in places the seeds were not indigenous to, this little seed holds future ecological regeneration through industrial adaptations, and is clearly raising people all over the world out of poverty It's a weed that can't be controlled and it's easy to grow ;) Get some seeds lol !

11. Why is it so important for growers to have access to locally adapted cannabis genetics?

Locally adapted seedstock ensures that the genetics are capable of succeeding in our changing climate uncertainty More success is palpable when you grow genetics bred for our swinging temperatures and short season northern climate.

12.HandingoutseedsacrossCanadamustcreatesomeamazingmoments.What inspiresyoutotakethatstep,andhowdoesitalignwithyourvisionforGuildedGenetics?"

Yeah! Driving around to 133 shops in one week brought me outta my comfort zone, but I knew that Guilded Genetics needed to tell others about the success we have from breeding for our northern climate I'm always excited to share a free pack of 5 fem seeds It drives me forward and weaves a closer community of cannabis patrons through mutual aid Visit our website, sign up for our newsletter and send us an email to receive a free pack yourself! guildedgenetics@protonmail com

I don't have loads of money or investors to help spread the seed, so in 2020 I paired up with a distribution company, spreading my seed across first nation territories across Canada it was great! I’m happy, but there were a few downfalls The distribution company wouldn't tell me which shops bought seeds and then of course there is an inherent hole in capitalism where competition can sometimes prevent connection Only the shops that worked with that distribution company would get our genetics, so I knew I needed to get out there somehow, sometime soon, and drop packs at every shop if I could Then last year, for the first year ever, that company stopped carrying our genetics So I decided that for me to feel secure as a successful breeder in the northern cannabis seed market, I really needed to walk the territories myself, stopping at nearly every shop I could, giving out seeds and talking about our efforts And of course supporting the people and companies that have supported us Giving out the hottest new genetics we are popping at the right time of the year is mega inspiring I'm not a legal seed producer as there is a large economic barrier to get this title and business license(s). Thus, I get the privilege to work with the vibrant, sovereign and unceded, interconnected first nations to get my seeds out into the world and into the hands of growers I don’t personally know. If I was a legal operation with a micro license or LP, I wouldn’t be able to share my genetics in this grounded grey market. I get inspiration out of being part of this resilient community versus paying the provincial Canadian cannabis cartels.

Some know that in the past, a "Guild", was defined as a professional association or organization of people with similar interests, skills, preoccupations, often to promote mutual aid, professional development, and advocacy within their field... I'm on that vibe too.

13. What role does

collaboration

play in your work with other breeders or growers?

B uts from growers I trust In my opinion, to be a breeder you must be a g

I r breeders; now it’s a little different, but nothing serious at the moment even though there are companies I choose to buy seeds from over and over again (7 east genetics, Ethos, Barneys Farm, Pyramid seeds, reeferman, humbolt seed co, 207 genetics). In the age of micro licenses, and fourth wave cannabis seed producers, we have a plethora of individuals and small companies stepping into cannabis genetics. In the past there was no communication between me and other breeders; now it’s a little different, but nothing serious at the To help grow out the strains we’re developing and the crosses we’re making, I need to work with lots of other growers I give seeds to friends that can grow organically in full sun, and collect pics from their grow, learning about each strains different expressions I also support individuals with getting their annual cannabis prescription and Health Canada license as well as with getting personal production up and running so I can see more large populations, sungrown, phenohunts from our strains And soon I’ll be hiring a gardener or two with production space to grow out our pheno hunt winners each year!

14.Howdoyoueducategrowersaboutthe importanceofgeneticsintheircultivation success?

I talk alot I show people living examples and share lessons unsolicited often lol I enjoy helping create opportunities to converse about the terpenes effect, our endocannabinoid system and the mechanics of cannabinoids on us I also enjoy directing attention to easy to digest research like the podcast "Shaping Fire", or more science info like the book series from Jeff Lowenfalls, "Teaming With " Eventually I'll print some handouts and maybe even give out USBs with documentaries and research

15.Haveyoureceivedanymemorable feedbackfromgrowerswho’veusedyour seeds?Whatwouldbethemostrewarding partofbreedingandsharingcannabis seedswithothers?

Hearing the growers' success is indeed sensational Each year I get emails, photos and high-fives for the seeds being so easy to grow Some speak of the colors like the smurf lineage being from royal purple to black, others note the harvest times are in September almost guaranteeing terpy, heavier flowers. It's reassuring to hear and see plants that give their grower 3lbs in sungrown environments like the sovereignty lineage and big goals fast crosses. Even cooler to hear of shops that sell out and have happy growers in their community. I understand I'm one of the few developing some many CBD strains and crosses (outside of Oregon CBD). And I saw a little stir out there of the need for smokable CBD Flowers, yet what I saw on most shelves was a poor representation of what the CBD rich cultivar has to offer I get a great reward personally getting the tasty, smokable, cbd rich strains to people/shops that know the importance of cannabinoids other than THC Intergenerational wealth is knowledge, and we are now intimately familiar with the organic sungrown cannabis plant, confidence in this is the most rewarding I think I share this feeling with others when they have a good amount of seed stock in the vault Food, water, shelter, medicine baby!

16.What’syourvisionforthefutureof GuildedGeneticsasacompany?

Guilded Genetics will refine its palette of strains over the next three focused years. We will cooperate with small operations looking for seed sovereignty themselves, and growers willing to help us do larger sungrown phenohunts I personally look

forward to collaborating with micro licenses to reach into the legal (white) market, with strains that are more likely to succeed in outdoor production, within our short growing season Overall I want to continue to grow for myself and help friends and family, while breeding more rewarding plants that can maybe win hearts

17 Howdoyoustayinspiredandcreative insuchacompetitiveandevolving industry?

Ha, I don't compare myself to people growing or breeding for the dollars. It's easy to enjoy a convo with other cannabis enthusiasts. Unless I'm giving something away, I'm not at those industry meet ups yet, so it doesn't get me down lol.. I get a kick out of functional systems, and so i appreciate the opportunity to work with living soil and full sun, the plant growing, is horticulturally rewarding to me. Big and stinky, colorful and shiny, the trials garden is really something else to walk through if you like flowers :)

20.Howdoyouaddressthechallengesof maintaininggeneticstabilityacross generations?

Purple Smurf - ornamental black purple fast flowering plant. 4 years of in-breeding

Sovereignty - 3lb Fast flowering sativa that's full term by October. mold resistant and easy to harvest. 4 years of inbreeding

CBD ConLui - 4 yrs of working with registered hemp CBD-rich cultivars, breed into an ethos genetics Grampas Stash easy to grow, tasty 20:1 cbd:thc

Garfield - tropicanna poison fast x Local 2lb OG cut We know the mold resistance is there, we are now selecting for taste and full term sept!

Portal Nugs - easy to grow, sungrown louder gas We are phenohunting for large, loud, uniform, fast & mold resistant this year

Glitter Smurf - easy to grow and spectacular colors we are phenohunting for large, loud purple, fast & mold resistant

Raspberry Wafers - sour flavour burst we want to reinforce this year first week in October harvest Mold Resistant

Auto Eastern Green Claw - 4oz award winning auto parentage done in 100 days from germination. mold resistant and uniform

19 Inyouropinion,whatsetsyourseeds apartfromothersonthemarket?

Our sungrown phenohunts, leading to a climatized seed stock, is a quality that has us standing out from other cool breeders. Also, our low overhead costs allow us to sell seeds at a price significantly lower than the market value, which transfers down to the grower in most cases :)

Trial gardens, germination tests, and by working with a strain over a minimum of 3 years.

We aim to stabilize our strains as either photoperiod, fast flowering or auto/ruderalis, so the phenotypical expression is uniform in the seed stock. As we select chemovars in our sungrown environment to bred with, we reinforce and remove traits, then test to make sure we are getting what we want EX: no more long flowering photoperiod, only fast flowering cannabis flowers

After growing out new strains and backcrosses in trial gardens we sometimes need to label selected strain packages as "mixed auto & photo", ‘cause that generation of seedstock has both expressions when grown out, and we still want to offer it out there as "a cannabis strain with staggered harvest" 18.Couldyoutellusaboutanystandout

21.Howdoyouseethecannabisbreeding landscapeevolvinginthenextdecade?

I have hopes of climatized seed stock and decentralized seed bank hubs within cannabis exclusively, but I'm pragmatic as we live in late stage capitalism with the class war playing out Some people clearly grow or breed for the dollars and thus are not progressing the strains or community toward resilience

The law is trying to catch up to the demand and allowing some craft markets to pop up, but there are real economic barriers to this route which will; in my opinion, continue to define the landscape of cannabis toward THC rich indoor genetics. With the means of distribution being mostly from the internet these days, those with better SEO knowledge are reaching the farthest, obscuring those breeders without the will to join in on the hard competition in a multi-billion dollar industry. I believe climatized seedstock decentralizes production and increases local abundance, but I'm not sure the breeding landscape is moving in this direction yet. Let see..

22.Whatadvicewouldyougivetoaspiring breederslookingtostarttheirown projects?

Research, Research, Research. Learn where to start genetically. What strain traits are in the seed stock you begin breeding with is VERY important almost as important as where, and who you buy your genetics from Apart from that, grow in full sun and work WITH nature every chance you can

24.Lookingtothefuture,what legacydoyouhopetoleaveforthe cannabiscommunitythrough GuildedGenetics,anditsimpacton thecannabiscommunityinAtlantic Canadaandbeyond?

The legacy we hope to leave is cultivars of flowers that can withstand our moist fall and short growing season; intergenerational knowledge locked endemically into seeds passed down. Specifically we’re aiming to achieve this through:

1) Helping elders/growers create seed stock from their hand selected cultivars;

2) Breeding diverse & uniform strains that succeed in our northern climate;

3) Increases availability of climatized seed stock in Atlantic Canada while lowering the over-the-counter market price of feminized cannabis seeds in Atlantic Canada;

4) Educating growers on benefits from growing organically in regenerative living soil; and

5) Educating consumers on holistic based cannapathic therapies

Ihadthedelightfulopportunityto meetTorrcannafewyearsago whentheyembarkedontheir journeyinthelegalcannabis industry Witnessingtheirgrowthas asmall,family-ownedcraft cannabisfacilityhasbeentruly rewarding Iadmiretheirfamily dynamicandhowthesiblings collaboratetoensurethebusiness thrives Werecentlycaughtupand wehadquestions,andthe TorrCannfamprovided

CannabishasbeenapartofourfamilyforaslongasIcanremember.Mygrandfatherwasatrueglobe-trotter—backin the1960s,longbeforelegalizationwasevenaconversation.Hetraveledtheworld,seekingoutraregeneticsand learningcultivationtechniquesfromdifferentregions.Itwasn’tjustabouttheplantforhim;itwasaboutunderstanding itshistory,itspotential,anditsplaceinculture.Thatpassionwassomethinghepasseddowntous,eventhoughwe didn’tknowitatthetime.Askids,wewatchedmymom’syoungerbrother,David,getdeeplyinvolvedwithcannabis cultivation.Helearnedtheropesatayoungagefromourgrandfather,andwhenhebecameamastergrower,he sharedeverythingheknewwithouryoungerbrother,Daniel.ItwasclearthatthiswasDaniel’scallingfromthestart. Eveninhighschool,heknewcannabiswouldbehisfuture.Andwhentherestofusstartedcarvingourownpaths,we alwayshadthisunspokenunderstandingthatwe’dcometogetheronedaytocarryonthefamilylegacy.

Forme,thatjourneybeganincommercialpropertymanagement.Ialsoearnedmyrealestatelicensealongtheway, whileAlextookadifferentroute,divingintotheculinaryworld.SheearnedherdiplomainCulinaryManagement, alwayswithapassionforthefinerdetails—whetherinakitchenorinlife.Meanwhile,Danielwasfocusedoncannabis productionforACMPRpatients.Hetookanycoursehecouldfind,attendedwebinars,andworkedwithmultiple licensedproducersbeforeweevengotourownlicenseinOntario.Hewasn’tjustgrowingplants;hewaslearning everythingabouttheindustry,itsregulations,anditsfuture.Then,whenlegalizationfinallyhappened,weknewthe timehadcome.Wesatdownasafamilyandrealizedthiswasit.Thiswasthemomentwe’dbeenwaitingfortobringall ourknowledgeandskillstogether.WejumpedinheadfirstandbeganplanningafacilityinNapanee,Ontario.

Itwasn’teasy.Wetookanoldautobodyshopandspent16monthscompletelyretrofittingit.Itwasahugeproject,but wewereluckytohaveourdads’knowledgeofconstructionpasseddowntous.Nottomention,wehadthehelpofour husbands’companies—MaxMechanicalandHillisHomes.Wewereabletodoalotoftheworkourselves,whichnot onlysavedusmoneybutreallymadethespacefeellikeours.

ChoosingNapaneewasn’tjustabusinessdecision.Wepickeditbecauseitwascannabis-friendly,withotherlicensed producersalreadyinthearea,anditwasonly20minutesawayfromourfamilycottageinTamworth,Ontario.That cottagehasbeenoursanctuaryforyears.It’swherewespentoursummers,soitjustfeltrighttoplantourrootsso closetoaplacethat’sbeensoimportanttous.

Now,aswecultivatecannabis,we’renotjustgrowingaplant—we’recontinuingalegacy.Daniel,whohaslearnedso muchovertheyears,willonedaypasshisknowledgeontoourfuturesonsanddaughters.It’sabeautifulthing, knowingthatwe’renotjustbuildingabusinessbutafuture—onerootedinfamily,passion,andtheloveoftheplant that’sbeeninourbloodfordecades.AttheheartofourjourneyisourmotherandactingCEO,Shannon.Withover30 yearsinrealestatedevelopmentandastrongbackgroundinexecutivecoordination,shebringsinvaluableexperience andsteadyleadershiptothetable.Shannonkeepsusgrounded,focused,andinspired.Hervisionandguidancehave helpedshapeeverystepofthisprocess,turningafamilydreamintoathrivingreality.Withheratthehelm,we’renot justgrowingcannabis—we’regrowingalegacy.

2.Canyoudescribeyourcultivationprocessandhowyouensureconsistencyinyourproduct?

Whenitcomestocultivation,we’vebeenfearless.We’vethrownjustabouteverythingatthewalltoseewhatsticks— organiclivingsoil,Promixwithbothbottledorganicsandrawsaltnutrients(ahybridapproachwejokinglynamed Synganix),andRockwool.It’sbeenawildrideoftrial,error,andunexpectedwins.

Afteryearsofexperimentation,we’velandedonamethodwereallybelievein:runningrawsaltsinRockwool,in partnershipwithFrontRowAg.It’sclean,it’sconsistent,and—honestly—itjustworks.Thinkofitasthe“plug-and-play” ofcultivation.Withthissetup,we’reabletodialineveryaspectofthegrow:VPD,DLI,fertigationstrategies—youname it.We’reobsessedwithdata,andthismethodgivesusfullvisibilitysowecanmakebetterdecisions,faster.OurHVAC systemplaysahugeroleinallofthis.It’snotyouraverageinstall.Mybrother-in-lawbuiltitwithdesigninputfromme andmydad—theytogetherbringover40yearsofexperienceinHVAC.Iknewwhattheplantsneeded,theyknewhow todeliverit.It’safullycustomizedsystemwithUVfiltrationbuiltintokeyductworkandgrowrooms.Supplyairis deliveredunderthecanopy,givingusevendistributionandeliminatingmicroclimates.

Everydetailisintentional.

WhatinspiredyoutostartTorrCann,andwhatsetsyourmicrogrowapartfromlargercannabisoperations?

Cleanliness is a non-negotiable for us. We run a tight ship—sanitized spaces, consistent water and feed schedules, and the kind of airflow that makes our plants feel like they’re on vacation in the perfect climate. We’re chasing consistency at every stage.

And it doesn’t stop at harvest. We’ve built a post-harvest program tailored to the needs of each genetic, with a foundation in the classic 60/60 method (60°F and 60% humidity). But we don’t just hang and hope—we listen to the flower and adjust as needed.

At the end of the day, we’re growers who love the process. We’ve geeked out over every detail because we believe that great cannabis is no accident. It’s built on curiosity, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of passion.

What types of cultivars do you focus on, and do you offer any unique or specialty genetics?

Right now, we’re focused on a single genetic that we’re proud to be growing for our partner, Pistols and Paris. Through that collaboration, we’ve just released our in-house cut of Permanent Marker x Hawaiian Rain, a cultivar that was carefully hunted over the past year by our uncle David. It’s now hitting shelves in Ontario under the name “Perma Fried.” Before that, we grew our Island Pink cut for their “Pink Goo” label. Earlier in our journey, we also exported to international markets, forming relationships that we still nurture today. While that side of the business is on pause for the moment, we’re always keeping an eye out for the right opportunity to jump back in with the right partners. With deep roots in the legacy cannabis scene, we’ve built an incredible inhouse collection—over 40 unique genetics and nearly 7,500 seeds sourced from renowned breeders, legendary eras, and our own personal breeding projects. David and I have each contributed to this library, but only a select few made it through the gauntlet of trial and error Today, just 12 standout genetics live in our facility—each chosen for its flavor, bag appeal, effects, and most importantly, because we genuinely love consuming them ourselves. But the real magic sits quietly in our vault.

Among the modern genetics are seed packs from the 1960s, handed down from our grandfather’s travels. The labels read 1960 and 1962, but the exact origins? A mystery. These seeds are a time capsule of pure, unhybridized cannabis—strains that could potentially reintroduce classic indica and sativa expressions into today’s market. It’s an adventure we’re excited to take on, and one we believe sets us apart. In a world of hybrids, this is our way of reconnecting with the plant’s roots—literally. Our seed bank isn’t just a collection—it’s a tool. It gives us the ability to stay ahead of market trends, anticipate what consumers are craving, and dig deep to pheno-hunt something rare, nostalgic, and truly unique.

How is it being a family owned business!?

Being a family-owned business comes with its unique set of rewards and challenges. With strong personalities in the mix, there are naturally moments of tension—but that passion also fuels our drive and commitment. Early on, we made a collective promise to separate business from family matters, and that decision has been key to our success. While it’s not always easy, maintaining that boundary has allowed us to work together effectively while preserving the strength of our personal relationships.

That said, one of the most rewarding parts is simply being able to work alongside family every day. There’s a deep sense of trust, pride, and connection that comes from building something together, and it makes the journey all the more meaningful.

What can we expect next from TorrCann?!

There’s always something brewing behind the scenes at TorrCann. As demand for our flower continues to grow, so does the list of brands and companies eager to collaborate. We’re constantly networking, exploring ways to scale our operations while staying true to the craftsmanship and care that defines us. Being a micro-cultivator with high demand, our biggest challenge is space— and making sure we never compromise on quality, no matter how much we’re asked to produce.

For now, we’re focused on doing what we do best: nurturing strong relationships that align with our values. Our partnership with Pistols and Paris continues to thrive, rooted in a shared passion for exceptional cannabis. And now, we’re thrilled to announce a new chapter with Glen Coyle and the Six One Charlie team—a partnership that’s been years in the making.

Glen and I connected a few years back, and from our first conversations, I knew we shared something special—a deep respect for the plant and a belief in its healing power, especially for veterans and first responders. As our talks evolved, so did the vision. It became clear we needed a dedicated space to support this mission—something crafted with care, intention, and a “no corners cut” mentality.

So we built it.

Inside TorrCann HQ, we’ve created a new 6-light flower room designed specifically for this project. It’s a small-batch space running on the same precision plug-and-play system we’ve dialed in across the rest of our facility— but scaled down to allow even more attention to detail. The room will produce limited drops of ultra-premium flower, grown with patients in mind every step of the way. What makes this even more exciting is the transparency. Patients will be able to follow along through full video coverage of the grow process, plus weekly Instagram Live Q&As, giving them direct insight into how their medicine is grown—from clone to jar.

This is just the beginning. We’re building something meaningful here—not just for today, but for the future. And as we continue to grow, we’ll keep doing it our way: rooted in passion, driven by purpose, and always, always for the love of the plant.

https://www.instagram.com/torrcann/

I started taking Naturally Nutra’s CBD:CBG with Turmeric capsules to help manage menstrual pain and the results have been better than I expected. Each capsule contains a balanced dose of CBD (100mg) and CBG (20mg), combined with turmeric, which is known for its natural antiinflammatory properties. What impressed me most is how the formula works synergistically The CBD helps calm the overall sense of discomfort, while CBG seems to add an extra layer of focus and energy something I didn’t even realize I needed until the stiffness and brain fog started fading. The turmeric adds that extra inflammation-fighting boost, making this a smart combo if you’re looking for more than just surface-level relief What stands out is the consistency and purity of these capsules. The precise dosing ensures I know exactly what I’m taking, and the absence of THC means I can go about my day without any psychoactive effects. The addition of turmeric not only adds a natural touch but also brings its wellknown anti-inflammatory properties to the mix. Product info here

Relief Stick Comparison

Iamluckyenoughtohaveawidevarietyofreliefsticksatmydisposaltotry Ithoughtitwouldbeafunideatocomparethem allandseewhichonesmy88yearoldMomwouldliketotryanddareIhopeevenkeep!Readtotheendtoseewhatshesays

Thereisnospecificordertothesephotos,I'vewrittenthisthewaytheabovephotowastaken

Wildflower THC/CBD

EaseofUse: I found this one very easy to use, it glides on nicely The stick isn't too hard or soft, it has just the right consistencytohaveasmoothapplication

Smell:Eucalyptusandpeppermintcometomymindfirst.

Texture:Ilikethewaythisoneglideson It'saperfectcombinationofcoconutoilandSheabutter Heat,LengthofHeat:Formetheheatfromthisoneisveryminimal,itlastedforabout20minutes

Effectiveness:Thisonereallyhelpsmewithmusclepaininmylegsandlowerback Relieflastedforabout2hours

Residue:Thisdoesleaveabitofalayeronyourskinbutbytheendofthedayitisgone

MyMomchosenottrythisone She'sstillhesitanttotrysomeTHCsalves

Rebound by Stewart Farms Arctic Heat

EaseofUse:Ireallyenjoyedthisone Itseasytoapply

Smell:Itsmellsverywintery,likepineandwood

Texture:Idofindthisonetobeabitsoft,Ihopeitwon'tmeltwhenitgetswarmout

Heat,LengthofHeat:Ifeeltheheatverymildly Thewarmingsensationlastedlessthan10minutesforme

Effectiveness:Iliketoputthisoneonmykneesandlowerback.Youcanreallyfeelthemusclesstarttorelaxafterafew minutes

Residue:Itdoesn'tleaveafilmonmyskin

MyMomdidnttrythisoneeither SinceIbroughtsomewithjustCBD,shewashappiertotrythoseonesinstead (PleasenotethatthisisasampleIreceiveddirectlyfromStewartFarms Theoneforpurchasewillbeinasolidblue holder)

Ufeelu The Feel Stick

EaseofUse:Idofindthissticktobetoodense FirsttimeIuseditIthinkIputtoomuchonandihadtorubsomeoffas theheatsensationwastoostrongformyskin

Smell:ItsmellskindoflikeaHallscoughdropbutinaniceway Itsmellsverymintywitheucalyptusundertones

Texture:Thetextureofthisstickisharderthantheothersbutonceyouwarmituponyourskin,itdoesbecomesabit easiertouse

Heat,LengthofHeat:Thisstickhasthestrongestheat Ifyouliketheheatsensationthisoneisforyou Itcanlastupto halfanhour.

Effectiveness:Itdoeshelpwiththosedeepdownaches,theonesthathurtwhenitrains Relieflastedabout2hours

Residue:Theamountofresiduefullydependsonhowmuchyouputon Ifyougolightlythereisn'tmuch,butifyouadd morethenbythenextdayIcanstillfeelitonmyskin Bonustothisthouisifyourubitintoyourskinsomemoreit'slikeit reactivatesandyoucanfeeltheheatagain

MyMomhastriedthisbrandbeforebutthestickwastoohardforherverythinskin Ididadviseherthatithasbeen reformulatedsoweopeneditandIshowedherhowtowarmitonherskinfirst,itwasstilltoohardforhertotry(the elderlycanbeabitcold) Unfortunatelyherskinisverydelicateandshewasnotabletoapplyit

IhavespokenwithSamthefounderofufeeluaboutthisandhehasletmeknowthattheyareconstantlyworkingon theirproductandareopentoreceivinghonestreviewslikethisone Ithelpsthemknowwhatareastheproductmay need some work I really appreciate a company that can accept constructive criticism and work towards an easier productforseniorstouse

Wildflower CBD Relief Stick

EaseofUse:Thisisanicesoftstickthatglideseasily Idoworryitmaymeltabitifinawarmerclimate

Smell: Camphor and mint came to mind but after speaking with the company and checking out their website the ingredientsareWintergreen,PeppermintandEucalyptusessentialoils

Texture:Thisisasofter,oilerstick

Heat,LengthofHeat:Thewarmingsensationismild.Lastedabout10minutesforme.

Effectiveness:Ifoundthisonehelpedmostwithmykneepainforabout2hours

Residue:Onceitworeofftheresidueonmyskinwasminimal

MyelderlyMomsays “WildflowerCBDdidn'tdomuchformyknees,workedokonshoulderbladepain Smellisok”

Wildwood Labs CBD Body Balm

EaseofUse:Eventhoughthisstickisharderitdoesgoonnicely

Smell:Itdoessmellstronglyofcinnamonandabitofginger.AlmostlikeastickofBigRedchewinggum.

Texture:Thestickissolidbutalsoglidesnicelyonmyskin Itdoesnotstainmyskinorclothes

Heat,LengthofHeat:Ididn'tfeelanyheatwiththisone

Effectiveness:Itdidhelpwithsomeofmyachesforaboutanhourandahalf Residue:Thisonedoesleavealingeringcinnamonsmellonmybodyandclothes Icanstillsmellitonmyskinthenext day

MyelderlyMom says thisoneworkedonherknees,sheputsomeonhershouldertoobutcouldntstandthesmellall night Shesaidthatevenafterhershowershecouldsmellit Shecouldalsostillsmellitontheclothesshehadwornthat day Note:shedoesn'tlikethescentofcinnamonverymuch

SidebonusgoesouttoasampleofJubleeskinbodybutterextrastrengthsweetcitrus Worksverywellandthere'snostrongsmellatalltobotherher It wasalittlehardforhertogetitoutofthetin Shedidn'twantittogetunderhernails Attheendofmytripmydear88yearoldMomaskedmeifshecouldkeep2products

IwasoverjoyedtoseethatshewantedtokeeptwoproductsthatIhadbroughtforustotry

A little back story. I've been a toker going back for over 30 years. My parents were always againstmesmokingbutIknewcannabishelpedme Imsohappytofinallybeabletoshare someproductswithmyMomandgivehersomeofthereliefI'vebeenabletofeel

The Wildflower CBD and the Jublee body butter won her over. Cannfluencer of the year 2024 Toronto. Independent Writer for High Moon Magazine and Cannaviews.ca OCS Scholarship award winner.

BeyondtheBattlefield:AU.S.VeteransThoughts onMedicalCannabisasaTreatmentOptionfor

Service-RelatedConditions

Warcanleavemanytypesof wounds.Forsome,it’sthememories. Snapshotsoftimestoohauntingto forget.Forothers,it’sthephysicaltoll. Injuriesthatlastlongafterthefighting stops.ForBenjaminReed,aU.S. veteranwhoservedmostrecentlyin Ukraine,it’sboth.Butthisisnotastory aboutwar.Thisisaconversation aboutwhatcomesafter:thefightto reclaimasenseofnormalcy,to managepain,tofindpeace.

CONTRIBUTOR& NEWWRITER

Canada first legalized medical cannabis in 2001, with recreational legalization following in2018 Havingsincebecomeagloballeader in providing regulated access for veterans and civilians alike, many Canadian veterans haveturnedtocannabistotreatissuessuch as chronic pain and PTSD In 2008, VAC (VeteransAffairsCanada)introduceda reimbursement plan that covers up to 3 grams(oritsequivalentinoil)adayfor veteransatacappedpricetooffsetthecosts of their prescriptions Currently, medical cannabis remains a recognized and supported option in the Canadian veteran healthcaresystem.

Medical cannabis has a more complex history in America, marked by early 20thcentury prohibition and a slow, state-bystate reacceptance Despite support from veteranadvocacygroups,federalrestrictions stillpreventVA(UnitedStatesDepartmentof Veterans Affairs) doctors from recommending or providing financial coverageforcannabis

The use of medical cannabis can be a polarizing subject, commonly sparking up debatesthatrangefrompoliticaltopersonal belief.FirsthandexperienceslikeReed’soffer usanimportantinsightintotherolemedical cannabisplaysinthelivesofthosewhoserve theircountry

In this interview, Reed shares his honest thoughtsonhowheseescannabisfittinginto the broader conversation about veteran healthcare

Q: Can you provide a brief personal background and share any key deployments, assignments, or roles you held during your service?

A: I grew up in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, in a middle-class family At 18,IenlistedintheUnitedStatesArmy,driven by a desire to travel the world and handle firearms. I chose to serve as a Military Police officer, as it provided extensive firearms training and had a civilian equivalent a condition set by my parents Their one requestwassimple:“Ifyou’regoingtoenlist during wartime (2006), at least choose a professionyoucanapplyintherealworld.”

I served my first contract for five years, leavingtheArmywiththerankofSpecialist Fromthere,Itransitionedintoprivatemilitary contracting, completing three contracts before joining the Alaska National Guard In 2022, at the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I volunteered, having previously lived in Ukraine and acquired fluencyinRussian

Q: Did you have any experience with cannabis before joining the military? Did yourviewsshiftduringorafteryourservice?

A: In high school, I was a regular cannabis userbuthadtostopduetomycareer After my service, I resumed using cannabis occasionally,thoughinfrequently.

Q:Canyoudescribeanyphysicalormental healthchallengesyou’vefacedasaresultof your military service? How have these challengesimpactedyourdailylife?

A: Years of service have taken a toll on my body my knees are in ruin, my left knee will eventuallyrequireaprosthetic(at38 ),andI havefourherniateddiscs PTSDisan ongoing battle, fluctuating between being manageableandcompletelyunmanageable, attimesrequiringinpatientpsychiatriccare Ukraine exacerbated my condition in ways IraqandAfghanistandidnot Thosewere combatoperations;Ukrainewasawar It’san entirelydifferentexperiencewhenyou see an entire grid square in front of you obliteratedbyheavyrocketartillery,when droneshuntyourelentlessly,dayandnight.

Q: What treatments or methods whether medical,therapeutic,orpersonal—haveyou usedtomanagetheseissues?Wasmedical cannabisapartofyourtreatment?

A: I have explored nearly every conventional avenue for managing PTSD Cannabis has played a role in my personal treatment, thoughIdon’tclaimittobeamiraclesolution What has been most effective, however, is workingcloselywithateamofmentalhealth professionals psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists alongsideastrongpersonal support network Science-based methods, includingholisticapproacheslike mindfulness, structured routines, and treatmentssuchasEMDRtherapy,havebeen instrumental

GEORGIA WOODS

Q: How does cannabis compare to other treatments you’ve tried? Do you think the medicalsystemprioritizespharmaceuticaltreatmentsoveralternativeoptionslike medicalcannabis?

A:Cannabis,inmyview,servesmoreasaharm-reductiontoolthanasustainable treatmentplan Whileitcanbehighlyeffectiveforconditionslikeinsomnia far preferable to alcohol or benzodiazepines the broader conversation around its medical benefitsisoftenoverstated.RecentresearchhasledPTSDtreatmentprotocolstomove away from benzodiazepines, recognizing their long-term harm in most cases Many peoplewanteasyfixes,butPTSDisn'tsomethingthatcanbesolvedovernight Weliveina societyobsessedwithshortcuts,butrealprogressrequiresthedisciplinetofollowawellstructured treatment plan with a knowledgeable psychiatrist For me, a major breakthrough came with trazodone (a SARI, not an SSRI). Within a few months, I saw a turnaround Idon’tintendtostayonitforever,butduringperiodsofsevereinsomnia,it wassignificantlymoreeffective andlessdamaging thanbenzodiazepines Ifyouneed an escape every night, it’s understandable Buttherealquestionis:Whydoyouneed thatescape?

Q:WhatareyourthoughtsontheVA’scurrentpoliciesregardingmedicalcannabisusefor conditionslikePTSD,depression,anxiety,orchronicpain?Doyouthinktheirresearchinto cannabisasatreatmentforveteransissufficientandinyouropinion,doveteransreceive enougheducationontherisksandbenefitsofmedicalcannabis?

A:IbelievetheVA’sstanceoncannabisislargelyinlinewiththebroadermedical community WhileI’mnotentirelysurewhatguidancetheygive,Idothinkthey genuinelyaimtoprovideveteranswiththebestpossibletreatment Thatsaid,thebodyof research on cannabis for PTSD remains limited In November 2024, a study was commissionedtoexamineitseffectsonveterans,andperhapsitwilloffermoreconcrete insights.

Some aspects of cannabis culture have been pure grift such as the overblown claims thatCBDcanreducepost-exerciseinflammationoractasareliabletopicalpainreliever I watched the MMA community latch onto that trend, with lower-tier fighters pushing dubiousCBDproductsontothegeneralpublic Thatsaid,cannabisdoeshavelegitimate applicationsincertainmedical conditions glaucoma,specificformsofepilepsy butitsclinicalefficacyisoften overstated However,Iwillsaythis whileitsbenefitsmaybeexaggerated,itiscertainlya healthieralternativetobenzodiazepinesoralcohol.

Nomatterwhereyouarefrom,wecanalltakeReed’sperspectiveasareminderthatrecoveryfromservice-related issuesisnotone-size-fits-all.Healingdemandspatience,support,andawillingnesstoexploredifferenttreatment options.

Ultimately,thisconversationgoeswaybeyondmedicalcannabis—it’saboutensuringveteransarereceivingthe resources,respect,andcaretheydeserve.Listeningtotheirneedsandexperiencesisthefirststeptowardreal solutions.Whetherthroughtherapy,medication,oralternativetreatmentslikecannabis,thegoalremainsthe same:findawaytomoveforward.

TohearmorefromReed,youcanfollowhimonInstagramat@benjamin_based.

Alright, listen up, because we're about to get real cozy with growing some cannabis, right here at home. Forget those fancy grow-ops you see online, we're talking down-to-earth, budgetfriendly, and totally you style. Look, I get it. Growing your own can feel intimidating. Like, "Where do I even start?" But trust me, it's way simpler than you think. We're gonna ditch the jargon and the pricey gadgets, and just get our hands dirty. This isn't about some perfect, Instagram-worthy garden; it's about your garden, growing your way

We're talking about choosing plants that vibe with your space, whether that's a sunny balcony or a corner in your spare room We're gonna find creative ways to get the most out of what you've got, without breaking the bank Think repurposing, DIY, and using stuff you probably already have lying around And yeah, we're going organic Because let's be honest, you want to smoke something you feel good about, right? No weird chemicals, just pure, natural goodness We'll explore natural nutrients, composting, and keeping those pesky bugs away without resorting to anything sketchyThis isn't just about growing plants, it's about connecting with them It's about learning, experimenting, and seeing what works for you. It's about that feeling of satisfaction when you see those first little sprouts, and then those beautiful, resinous buds.

So, grab your gloves, put on some chill tunes, and let's get started. We're in this together, and I'm here to help you every step of the way. Let's make your home a little greener, and a whole lot happier.

Container Gardening

Grow Your Own Cannabis: A Guide to Budget-Friendly Organic

WrittenbyTillyQuigg

Then there are the indica plants, short and bushy, like those cozy, comfy plants you just want to hug They're perfect for tighter spaces

Now, hybrids? They take the best of both worlds, but always check the mature plant’s possible size! Genetics are willd!

Another fine option would be clones. They’re like hitting the genetic jackpot – you're basically growing a copy of a plant you already know and love. But hey, we're doing seeds here, right?

Germinating seeds is like giving birth to tiny green miracles. You can go old-school with the paper towel trick, or get fancy with plugs and cubes Personally, I've had success with just popping them straight into light soil, but you gotta be a helicopter parent with the moisture And don't even get me started on the water method – it's like a tiny spa day for your seeds Whatever you choose, remember, they're delicate little things, so keep it warm, keep it moist, and handle them with all the gentleness you can muster

So, you're diving into container cannabis growing, huh? Smart move! But before you get all green-thumbed, let's talk plant personalities.

You've got your towering, skinny sativas, think of them as the supermodels of the cannabis world, needing plenty of vertical space.

indica short, bushy plants short, wide fan leaves

darker green

courtesy of Zack Drost

Step2:PlanningYourGreenSpace andSelectingYourContainers

Alright, let's talk about setting up your grow, like, really talk. First off, don't just throw plants in pots and hope for the best. Picture your grow space – balcony, patio, that tricked-out tent of yours – and imagine your plants living their best lives there. Rule of thumb? Three square feet per plant, give or take. You don't want a plant mosh pit, trust me.

Spacing is key. Think of it as giving your plants their own personal bubble. Cram them together, and you're asking for trouble: mold, pests, the works. They'll be fighting over light and nutrients like siblings over the last slice of pizza For indoor grows, 3-5 gallon pots are usually golden Outdoor? Go big or go home, baby 15-25 gallons, maybe even more They need room to stretch those roots!

Now, pots It's not just about size, it's about vibe Terracotta's got that earthy look, but dries out fast Plastic? Keeps things moist, but can get hot Fabric pots? They're like yoga pants for plants, breathable and comfy, but again, they dry out quicker And please, for the love of all that's green, avoid anything treated with arsenic Seriously, don't be that person

Drainage is non-negotiable. Think of it as your plants' escape route from root rot prison. Every pot needs holes, period. If it doesn't have them, DIY it! Drill bits are your friends. And forget the pebbles at the bottom; it's a myth. Just make sure the water can get out.

On a budget? Get creative! Buckets, food containers, you name it – just disinfect them with a bleach solution first. And when you're setting up, think light and wind. You don't want your plants baking in the sun or getting blown around like tumbleweeds Furniture dollies and bricks are your friends here Basically, treat your plants like you'd treat your best buds: give them space, good vibes, and don't let them drown

Step3:SourcingYourSupplies WithoutBreakingtheBank

Alright, let's talk about setting up your cannabis grow without emptying your wallet. Because, let's be real, growing your own should be about enjoying the process, not stressing about the bills.

First up, seeds versus clones. Seeds are your budget-friendly buddies. Sure, they take a bit more TLC, but think of it as getting to know your plants from day one. Plus, if you're in Canada, you can grab them legally from places like your local dispensary. It's like a legit treasure hunt!

Now, you'll need some essentials Lights, soil, pots – the usual suspects But here's the thing: with a lot of this, you don't need to go all fancy-pants We're talking DIY and organic here, folks Think compost teas, kitchen scraps, and maybe even some worm castings if you're feeling adventurous And yeah, you'll need a watering can or hose, and some basic tools But these are one-time buys, like investing in a good pair of shoes – they'll take you places Basically, growing your own doesn't have to mean selling a kidney With a little creativity and some smart choices, you can create a killer garden without breaking the bank It's all about being resourceful and enjoying the journey Next, let's talk pots, but like, the broke-but-boujee way. Forget those overpriced garden center pots. We're going on a treasure hunt!

First stop: thrift stores and garage sales Seriously, these places are goldmines You'll find all sorts of quirky, unique pots that'll give your grow some personality Plus, you're saving them from landfill, which is a win-win Then there's the online hustle Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji? Your new best friends People are always getting rid of stuff, and that includes pots A little haggling never hurt anyone, either Don't be shy about asking around! Friends, neighbors, even that weird guy down the street with the amazing garden – they might have pots stashed away in their garage. A little "hey, you wouldn't happen to have any spare pots, would you?" can go a long way.

And here's a pro tip: hit up garden centers at the end of the season. They're practically giving away their leftover stock. It's like Black Friday for pots! But the real magic? Repurposing. Old buckets, food containers, even those weird novelty mugs you got as a gift – they can all become planters. Just make sure they've got drainage, or you're asking for trouble. Basically, think outside the pot Get creative, get thrifty, and your plants (and your wallet) will thank you

The Essentials of Gardening:

(Sun)light, Water, Soil, Nutrients, Drainage, and Pest Management

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of growing, because whether you're aiming for prize-winning tomatoes or those sweet cannabis buds, the basics are the same We're talking the holy grail of gardening here: light, water, soil, nutrients, drainage, and keeping those pesky critters at bay Forget the fancy jargon and complicated setups; we're breaking it down real simple, real personal Think of it as your plant's survival kit, and we're gonna make sure you know how to use every tool in it Let's get our hands dirty and grow something awesome, shall we?

PlantsandTheir

LuminousLoveAffair

Alright, let's break down lighting for your cannabis grow, like, seriously Think of light as your plants' lifeblood

Vegging? Indoors, you're looking at 18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness Timers are your best friends here Outdoors, you're riding the natural daylight hours of spring and summer Basically, give them sun, and lots of it Flowering? That's where things get tricky 12 hours of light, 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness No peeking! Indoors, timers are non-negotiable Outdoors, you gotta be strategic – light pollution is your enemy Think streetlights, porch lights, even moonlight can mess things up

And speaking of indoors, that grow tent? Make sure it's lined with reflective stuff, like mylar or white material. It's like putting your plants in a tanning booth, but in a good way. You're bouncing all that light back onto them, maximizing every photon.

Bottom line? Consistent light cycles, the right intensity, and keeping your environment dialed in are crucial. You wouldn't skip a meal, right? Don't skip on the light. Your plants will thank you with some seriously happy buds

H2OhMyGoodness: WateringEssentials

Alright, let's talk watering, like, real talk. Because drowning your plants is just as bad as letting them shrivel up like raisins.

Container growing? It's like living in a desert for your plants. Pots dry out fast. So, you gotta be on it. Daily check-ups, people. The finger test? Your best friend. Stick it in, an inch deep. Dry? Water. Simple. Or, you know, lift the pot. If it feels like a feather compared to when you last soaked it, they're thirsty.

When you do water, don't be shy. Drench that soil until you see it dripping out the bottom Get those edges, too You want the whole root party to be happy Morning watering is the pro move Gives the leaves time to dry off before night, which keeps the mold monsters away Hot and windy? Prepare to water more Like, a lot more Evaporation is a sneaky devil But remember, overwatering is a one-way ticket to root rot city Wilting? Could be thirsty, could be drowning Plants are dramatic like that And if you're going full-on hydro or deepwater culture? Aeration stones are your secret weapon They're like little oxygen tanks for your roots, pumping in those lifegiving bubbles and keeping the rot at bay Plus, they keep the nutrient party evenly distributed

Watering is a balancing act. You gotta be attentive, consistent, and know your plants. Don't be a helicopter parent, but don't be a neglectful one either.

Dirt'sBestFriends: OrganicSoil

Alright, let's talk dirt, but the cheap and cheerful kind Because who wants to spend a fortune on something you're just gonna bury?

If you're going big with those pots, buying potting mix in bulk is your move It's like buying in Costco – more for less But, and this is a big but, DIY is where the real savings are at Think of it like baking a cake, but for plants Equal parts peat moss and perlite? Boom, you've got a basic mix Want to get fancy? Throw in some vermiculite, compost (your plants' best friend, trust me), blood meal, rock phosphate, and greensand It's like a nutrient buffet for your roots And seriously, compost is your secret weapon. It's like the Swiss Army knife of potting mixes. Improves structure, feeds your plants, the works. If you can get your hands on some good compost, you're golden.

You don't need to break the bank to give your plants a good home. A little DIY and some smart shopping, and you'll have a potting mix that'll make your plants (and your wallet) happy.

FeedingYourPlantsNaturally: OrganicNutrientsfromYourHome

Alright, let's talk about turning your household and garden scraps into plant superpowers, and yes, we're including your furry friend's contributions!

Think of it like this: your kitchen and garden are basically a plant spa, and your pet rabbit is the spa's VIP guest. Compost? That's the full-body massage, packed with all the good stuff. Coffee grounds? A little pick-me-up for your soil, like a shot of espresso. Banana peel tea? Potassium power-up! And Epsom salts? They're like a muscle relaxant for your greens.

Eggshells? Calcium boosters Fish tank or rice water? A little sprinkle of trace elements Wood ash? Calcium and more, but go easy on it Grass clippings? Free mulch or compost, baby! Animal manure, especially chicken? It's like plant steroids, but natural Don't forget molasses A little diluted sweetness for your soil microbes, keeping them happy and working hard And here's the kicker: rabbit manure Seriously, if you've got a pet rabbit, you've got garden gold It's practically pre-composted, cold, and rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients You can practically use it straight up, or add it to your compost pile to supercharge the whole batch

It's like adding a superfood smoothie to your plants' diet. Just scoop it up and let those plants thrive! You're turning waste into wonders, and even your pet is helping out. It's good for your plants, good for the planet, and good for your wallet. So, get creative with those leftovers, and thank your rabbit!

Handy Dandy Nutrient Chart

Animal Manure

Banana Peels

Coffee Grounds

Compost

Epsom Salt

Grass Clippings

Molasses

Wood Ash

Varied:Nitrogen, phosphorus,potassium, micronutrients

Potassium,phosphorus, calcium

Nitrogenpotassium phosphorus,trace minerals

Nitrogenphosphorus, potassium, micronutrients

Addsrichorganic matter;improvessoil structure;slow-release nutrients

Addsorganicmatter

Increases soil acidity; improves drainage; adds organic matter; deterssomepests

Improves soil structure; helps regulatesoilpH

Magnesiumsulfur enhances nutrient uptake; promotes greenerfoliage

Nitrogen,potassium

Potassium,sulfur,trace mineralssugars

Potassiumcalcium traceminerals

Mulches soil to retain moisture; adds organicmatter

Feeds beneficial soil microbes; adds trace minerals

Increases soil pH (liming effect); providespotassium

LettingtheWaterFlow: PotDrainage101

Okay, let's talk pot drainage, like, seriously You know that feeling when you're wearing wet socks all day? That's basically what root rot is for your plants A soggy, suffocating nightmare And trust me, nobody wants that

So, drainage holes? Non-negotiable. Think of them as tiny escape routes for excess water, keeping your plants breathing easy. If your pot's playing hard to get and doesn't have any, you gotta take matters into your own hands. Grab your drill and get ready to DIY. Ceramic and terracotta? Treat 'em like you're drilling into concrete, because, well, you kinda are. Masonry bits are your friends here. Plastic? Easy peasy, any old drill bit will do. Wood? Get your wood drill or spade bits ready. Metal? You'll need metal drill bits for that Fabric pots? They're the cool kids, breathing easy and draining naturally

Don't let your plants drown A little drilling now saves a lot of plant heartbreak later Your green babies will thank you with happy roots and a killer yield

KeepingPestsOut, Naturally(andCheaply!)

Alright, let's keep those container plants happy and pe without turning your balcony into a mini-chem lab. We natural, folks, because who needs the drama?

First things first, prevention is your green thumb's BFF. it like this: healthy plants are like a fortress. Good sun, watering, and air flow? That's their armor. And you? Yo plant detective, doing daily check-ups for any unwelco guests. Seriously, a quick peek can save you a world of later. Even in those tiny pots, you can play plant match certain combos are like a natural pest-repelling dream

If the bugs decide to throw a party, crash it! Handpicki wonders for the big guys, like slugs and caterpillars Fo terrors, like aphids and spider mites, blast 'em with a h like a tiny plant car wash And insecticidal soap? It's lik but firm eviction notice

And listen up, because this is gold: nematodes These microscopic dudes are like tiny pest ninjas, taking out soildwelling baddies They're natural, they're effective, and they won't harm your precious plants Best part? Buy them once, and they reproduce until the pest problem is solved – talk about a natural, self-sustaining pest control army! Then, once their food source (the pests) is gone, they naturally die off, leaving your garden pest-free and chemical-free. Plus, herbs! Think of them as your plant's personal bodyguards. Basil, mint, rosemary –they're not just for cooking, they're pest-repelling rockstars. You can use them as companion plants, strategically placing them around your garden to deter pests, or even sprinkle dried herbs like rosemary and mint directly on the soil surface as a natural pest deterrent. Think of it as creating a fragrant, bug-repelling force field around your precious plants

And They Grew Happily Ever After...

Alright, let's wrap this up, just between you and me, 'cause growing your own cannabis? It's more than just a hobby, it's a whole vibe.

Look, you're diving into something cool here You're taking control, you're getting your hands dirty, and you're creating something awesome And yeah, it can be a bit of a learning curve You'll probably mess up a few times, we all do Maybe you'll overwater, maybe you'll forget to check the pH, maybe a sneaky bug will try to crash the party But that's okay! That's part of the journey

For diseases, especially those icky fungal ones, drainage is your mantra Don't let your plants live in a swamp And if you see any sick leaves or plants, get 'em outta there, ASAP! Neem oil is your backup plan when things get really gnarly

Think of you ystem

Keep it bala hing Your plants (and

Think of it like learning a new recipe You don't nail it on the first try, right? You tweak, you adjust, you figure out what works for you And that's exactly what growing cannabis is like You'll find your rhythm, you'll discover your own little tricks, and you'll end up with a garden that's uniquely yours. And let's be real, there's something super satisfying about watching those little seedlings turn into big, beautiful plants. You're nurturing life, you're creating something from scratch, and you're doing it all yourself. That's pretty damn cool.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Try different soil mixes, play around with different nutrients, see what kind of light your plants respond to best. Get creative with your containers! You're not just growing plants, you're creating your own little green oasis

courtesy of Zack Drost

PeanutButterRockstar

3.5gFlower

PeanutButterRockstarisanindica-dominantcultivarthatperfectly blendspotencyandflavour,offeringawell-roundedexperience.The PeanutButterRockstar’slineagecontainverytypicalindicagenetics, whichhelpsexplainitsshortstatureanddensenugstructure Thebuds aredark,forestgreenwithvividorangepistils PeanutButterRockstarhas verynuttyaromatics Consumersoftenreportexperiencingterpenesthat mimichazelnuts,pecansandpeanuts.Thesweetcaramelandvanilla terpscomefromitsparent,MendoBreath,whichmayintensifythese peanutbutter-likeflavours.ItisimportanttonotethatPeanutButter Rockstarhasequallystrongearthynoteslikewoodsandpine.Users shouldalsoexpectaslightlyspicy“hash-like”aftertaste,typicalofKushdescendedcultivars.

AboutHighMaintenance

HighMaintenanceisavalue-basedlifestylebranddesignedtosparkjoy& keeplifelight Aneffervescent,up-beatandtimelybrandperfectforthe vibrant,andyouthfulentryuserwholivesandworksonalimitedbudget

AtATSDelta,weblendadvancedtechnologywithexpertcraftmanshipto delivertoptiercannabisproducts.Ourcommitmenttoquality, sustainabilityandcustomersatisfactionmakesusyourpremierchoice Discoverwhywestandoutintheworldofcannabis

Let me introduce myself the same way I introducemyselftomyplants:gently,with intention. I’m Simone Jennifer Smith writer, educator,communitybuilder,and,yes, someone who’s learned a few things about psychologyboththeoretically,andthrough livedexperience Thisarticleisn’taboutgetting high;it’saboutgettinggrounded

Welcome to a conversation where cannabis isn’tjustaplant it’sapractice

ThePowerofPayingAttention

Mindfulness isn’t just for yogis, or your favorite overpricedapp It’ssimplytheactof being fully present aware, engaged, and non-judgmental.JonKabat-Zinn,asagein secular mindfulness, describes it as “Paying attentiononpurpose,inthepresentmoment, andnon-judgmentally.”

“Cannabisisn’tjustaplant it’sapractice”

Cultivating cannabis, like all other plants, demands that kind of attention Whether you’re adjusting the humidity, checking for nutrientlockout,orjustwatchingyourbaby stretch toward the light it keeps you anchoredinthemoment,andthat’swherethe magicis.

PlantsareaNaturalHealer

Horticultural therapy is no joke in the mental healthworld Studiesshowthattendingto plants improves mood, reduces stress, and buildsemotionalresilience(Ciprianietal, 2017) Addcannabis tothe mix andyou’ve got animmersiveexperiencethattapsinto allfivesenses.

●Thinkaboutit:

●Thesmellofterpenes

●TheglistenoftrichomesunderLEDlight

●Thequietsatisfactionofpruningwithcare

●Thestickyfingers

●Patience

This isn’t passive self-care It’s active, physical mindfulness Aritual

TheFlow;GivingintotheExperience Iamgoingtogetnerdyforasecond.Research hasshownthatgardeningsignificantly reduces cortisol the body’s main stress hormone(VandenBerg&Custers,2011).

Mindful gardening specifically, according to Scott&Woods(2020),leadstoincreased emotionalregulationanddecreasedanxiety Ifyouarealreadyagardeneryouwillknowthe exactexperiencethatIamtalkingabout here

Let’sBeReal:It’sNotAlwaysZen

Here’s the no-nonsense part Growing the cannabisplantcanbefrustrating.Mold, mites, light burns, nutrient mix-ups it’s a classroomwithnomercy.Kindalikelife… You see, that’s where mindfulness really kicks in. It’s not about avoiding difficulty. It’s about noticing it, staying calm, and adapting That’sresilience,andaccordingto Albert Einstein, “The highest form of intelligence”

“That mold outbreak? A lesson in impermanence.”

WhatYouGrowGrowsYou

At its core, cultivating the cannabis plant teachesyoutobeintentional.Toobserve without judgment. To respect timing. To listen.

Honestly? It has taught me how to care. Aboutsomethingsmall,living,andfullof potential Thataloneismoving “The most important thing you’re cultivating mightnotbewhat’sinyourpot it mightbeyou”

SimoneJenniferSmith(Founder,Hear2Help)

Website:https://hear-2-helpcom/ Editor-in-Chief:https://torontocaribbean.com/ Facebook:https://wwwfacebookcom/simonejennifer smith/

Instagram: https://wwwinstagramcom/hear 2 help/

References(forthecuriousminds)

●Cipriani,J etal (2017) OccupationalTherapyinMentalHealth,33(1),47–69

●Csikszentmihalyi,M (1990) Flow:ThePsychologyofOptimalExperience

●Kabat-Zinn,J (1990) FullCatastropheLiving

●Scott,B A &Woods,H C (2020) JournalofHealthPsychology,25(12),1630–1640

●Tang,Y Y,Hölzel,B K,&Posner,M I (2015) NatureReviewsNeuroscience,16(4),213–225

●VandenBerg,A E,&Custers,M H G (2011) JournalofHealthPsychology,16(1),3–11

Dear Society, Cannabis Isn’t Your Enemy

"In the end they'll judge me anyway, so whatever." Kid Cudi

By Aly Benson

Those of us who've dedicated our lives to the plant know, in an unfathomable amount of niches of society, cannabis is a topic and experience readily rejected. It can be as simple as micro-aggression through commentary in conversations or a side eye when discussing our jobs, and it diminishes everything legacy growers, decriminalization advocates and those who’ve followed their footsteps have been working towards. You might know or be someone who used cannabis as a substitute for painkillers, to ease chemotherapy side effects, but for everyone one of those individuals, there’s another stuck in a state of prejudice. And just because someone who consumes regularly or takes an edible to feel a bit silly during that one vacation a year with your friend group, doesn't mean there’s a prominent stance of being genuinely pro-cannabis (more specifically when compared to the acceptance of alcohol, and I don’t just mean consumption).

There are so many vast opinions on the misconception of consumers and the "lack of responsibilities" they hold that much of the masses believe to be so true, and honestly, I'm over it. These perceptions are outdated, uneducated and stuck in the past. The War On Drugs and D.A.R.E. teachings' aftermath still live strong in our society, almost a decade after Canadian legalization. And it's not like there's endless information on cannabis that’s easily accessible, but do people know it even exists? If they do, how can they really make sense of an overload of an ever-growing research topic? The nature of embracing cannabis, from a modern societal perspective, heavily relies on whether there is someone in their circle who openly uses the plant and is educated enough to gently introduce cannabis in a new light. I think it's easy to assume that those who believe cannabis to be a nuisance, a lazy person's outlet, and a scapegoat substance have never really taken the time out of their day to familiarize themselves properly. It’s an easy assumption from here to say that the majority of people probably don’t even know humans produce the same chemical compounds as cannabis through a magical operation in our bodies called the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). It's instances like this that make it extremely difficult to believe the populace could ever comprehend the process of extraction for diamond or rosin concentrates paralleled to that of fermentation yeast and the role hops have to make a crisp pale ale beer.

It All Comes Down To One Thing: Education

Before falling into the rabbit hole of criticism too quickly, there are extraordinary moves in cannabis being made, specifically in the educational space. However, these options are not public knowledge nor usually accepted in academic spaces. As a personal example, I became Canada's first Resident Cannabis Sommelier for a publicly traded company in the medical and recreational space beginning in 2019 after receiving two cannabis-focussed certificates - and this is a topic that I rarely share in non-industry settings due to the criticisms I've faced in the past due to someone's negative views being shared before "what I do for work" has come into conversation.

Let's be clear, in no way or form do I support underage consumption or use of cannabis - I at times have significant hesitations on the applications of medical cannabis, knowing the risk of its effects on a developing brain and body (though doctors and health care practitioners are always the final decision makes on this subject). That being said, prejudices about medical cannabis benefits or basic knowledge are still highly restricted in pre- and post-secondary schooling. I understand why, but I also openly believe there's no harm in opening the doors to learn about an up-and-coming, exciting industry for younger people. However, the majority opinion of highlevel decision-makers has made the option practically mute.

For example, the skepticism and preconceived notions of cannabis can be compared with graduating students intrigued by the world of winemaking. In grade 12, all students are required by British Columbia's educational department to present their post-secondary plans. Even though these students would be unable to taste wines until they're 19, they can still be accepted into University programs and have no issues passing provincial requirements to graduate with little to no resistance from their interviewers. Then there's cannabis. It is unfathomably opposed to being an equal option in this scenario. It's quite inevitable that there are, and will be, more and more people in the younger generations interested in cannabis as an avenue for a long-term career, whether this be roles like extraction equipment engineers or grow master (which to note, usually requires at least a 510 year agricultural or hands-on experience). So why can't there be better facilitation for safe youth education and professional routes? Especially when options like Niagara College's Commercial Cannabis Production and Old's College's Cannabis Production Program exist. Regardless of these options, Canada still has no equivalent to a full undergraduate degree specific to cannabis studies; all options are confined to diplomas, continuous studies or post-graduate certificates.

The Conflict of Responsible Roles

I have always been a supporter of cannabis parents, regardless of their stance on awareness or restricting their children's knowledge of consumption, growing, or applications of the plant. And when I say cannabis parents, I mean those who consume or those who've beaten all odds and participated in the turnover of a previously illegal, natural medicine into a full-time career. I may not be a parent, but I do find myself in the "responsible adult" role more often as time goes on. I highly restrict younger people's exposure to cannabis, or the details of my job and career. It’s not something I am hiding or ashamed of in any way or form, but it’s a boundary I’ve personally set (and it’s absolutely ok if you disagree).

In fact, in 2022, I hosted many online discussions where the cannabis community spoke to the variations of parents' views and methods for introducing or withholding information about cannabis. Editor of High Moon Jess Hope, who was in attendance of one, spoke to the conflict many parents in the industry share, saying there's more to the story than "being just a canna-mom." Long-term cannabis industry worker and consultant James Ouimet also spoke to the subject, stating, "There's no point in keeping it [from children]. We are in a new world."

Realistically, parents don't need to justify their choices of how, when, or if not to share insights into cannabis. Many begin the conversation as an application of medicine made for adults, others as a horticulture hobby; others leave it to time and those who are more qualified to teach the subject. None of these are the wrong way, but there is consistently an underlying theme I’ve witnessed: acknowledging there should always be limitations to what kids get to know, see and learn; and it’s always done with extreme self awareness and personal preference.

Respect and Mindfulness Matter

There's much consideration that goes into being a cannabis worker and consumer We tend not to push the subject, because we know the opposition we could face, and doesn't mean we don't care about others' perspectives. We're just cautious. Despite popular belief, it's easy to say the majority of cannabis people don't push the 'drug' in any capacity We (cannabis community members) can tend to avoid sparking up in public in general, despite legality allowing us to do soit’s a more private activity For me, I’m overly cautious on the use of cannabis, and onlookers' judgement can sometimes be highly discouraging, especially when using it for medical purposes. It’s a common occurrence for patients to receive back-handed comments and “joking” ridicule on the side effects of using cannabis from nonconsumers; something I’ve never seen so predominantly and so often with any other form of prescription.

It’s also a respectful standard to ask anyone I don't know well if it would bother them if I consume around them or remove myself from their space to partake because the scent can be triggering to those with lung issues, experiences with anxiety-triggered highs, or extreme allergies (yes, cannabis allergies do exist). Allergies to indirect cannabis compounds can cross over to cause a reaction, such as those exposed to mangos, pineapples, and other high myrcene ingredients, can and have caused violent reactions for those exposed to cannabis scents and particles. In the end, not being interested in cannabis isn't only a stigma-based opinion; many contributing factors play into why someone may not be into it, and we, as cannabis educators, must respect that wholeheartedly And, too often, we take the blows of judgement because it’s just the way things are.

As many cannabis folks will agree, saying "we still have much to achieve" will be the broken record that will repeatedly play for many, many years. Until there is equality in cannabis knowledge and acceptance from the general public, high-level decision-makers and standardized education implementations, we'll be stuck in cautious participation and constant pushing to share what we know to be true: cannabis' characteristics, applications and extraordinary processes make this one brilliant plant to learn about and pursue.

RADICLE FEMMES A

InternationalWomen’sDayisapowerfulreminderofthe progress made and the work still to be done in the global pursuit of gender equality. Celebrated annually on March 8th, this day honors the achievements of women across cultures, industries, and generations while spotlighting ongoing challenges such as wage gaps, gender-based violence, and unequal access to education and leadership opportunities Recognizing International Women’s Day is important not only to celebrate resilience and success, but also to inspire action, foster awareness, and unite communities in building a more just and inclusive world. It’s a call to acknowledge women’s impact and amplify their voices year-round MarigoldPRisCanada’sleadingpublicrelationsagency for Licensed Producers and national brands, recognized for its innovative campaigns and deep industry expertise With a sharp focus on cannabis, emerging tech, and purpose-driven organizations, Marigold deliversstrategiccommunicationsthatbuildawareness, driveengagement,andsparkmeaningfulconversations. AttheheartofMarigoldisapredominantlyfemaleteam of branding, PR, and social media experts who bring heart and hustle to everything they do Known for their collaborative energy, industry insight, and values-based approach, the women behind Marigold are deeply embedded in the sectors they serve advocating for progress,authenticity,andimpact Whetherworkingwith trailblazingcannabisbrandsortechcompaniesshaping the future, Marigold builds lasting relationships through sharedpurposeandexceptionalservice.

recap

OnMarch6,2025,aheadofInternationalWomen’sDay, Marigold PR proudly hosted the second Radicle Femmes IWD event in Toronto a powerful gathering celebrating women in cannabis. Held at Soluna and presented in partnership with the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), the event brought together over 180 attendees, including trailblazing women and allies shaping the future of the Canadian cannabis industry. With dynamic panels on retail, branding, and consumer trends, and support from standout partners like Green Monké, Glacial Gold, IRCC, and Jane Dope, Radicle Femmes delivered a day of insight, inspiration, and authentic connection. More than just a networking event, it’s a movement rooted in growth, community, and equity As Marigold PR’s CEO Katie Pringle puts it, “Radicle Femmes has become a space where people can find opportunity” Now a staple in the cannabis calendar, Radicle Femmes continues to amplify the voices of women, spark industry change, and prove thatcommunityisthecatalystforprogress. Advancing opportunities for women in the cannabis industry is not only a matter of equity but a strategic move toward a healthier, more innovative market. As one of the fastest-growing sectors in Canada, cannabisoffersararechancetobuildinclusivityinto itsfoundation yetwomenremainunderrepresentedin leadership and ownership roles. Empowering women through mentorship, funding access, and policy advocacy can drive diverse perspectives, better business outcomes, and stronger community ties A morebalancedindustrybenefitseveryonebyfostering ethical practices, inclusive product development, and long-term sustainability Equity isn’t just good PR it’s smartbusiness

TheAccessibilityofHome Growing:LifelongBenefits

BY CAMERON JAMES CSASZAR

For some 12,000 years humanity has sown the seeds of a variety of plant life in the soils beneath our feet. Not only did the harvests of the earth feed and clothe us, they have sheltered, medicated, and ultimately propelled us into the 21st century. Hempen rope for ships and hemp fibres for clothing, hempcrete brick, cbd tinctures, biofuel, the possibilities of cannabis are endless. Within the 21st century, however, we often find ourselves fairly removed from one of the biggest forces that shaped us.

Industrialization of agriculture, the types of dwellings and areas around us, law and rule surrounding property use, how we function in society is fueled by what grows, and yet we find fewer and fewer people fueling themselves with the bounties of the earth. In a sense, we have sown ourselves into the very hemp fiber fabric of agriculture throughout history, and now is as good a time as ever to develop more than a hobby or a one time summer experiment into the development of a verdant thumb. In this article, we will learn more about just how easily accessible and beneficial home growing is to daily life as well as your overall mental and physical health.

How accessible IS growing in general?

As our horizontal sprawl is curbed and our linear sprawl is escalated, the opportunity to grow directly in the ground is reduced. There are quite a few space saving methods available in agriculture that can help put you in a position to reap what you sow. More advanced techniques, such as indoor growing or hydroponic growing, can be done in a closet's worth of space. I personally grow my plants (cannabis and otherwise), outdoors in purpose made fabric grow bags as well as upcycling fabric tote bags or NWPP (Non Woven Polypropylene) grocery bags. The grow media specifically really needs to have a purpose more so than a price tag. I personally mix coconut coir (which is purchased in dried blocks to save on cost) and perlite into cheaper filler soils while also being considerate of the content of those filler soils. You can get a majority of these soils or amendments at grocery stores, dollar stores, the general public, or grow centres. Using different materials at different price points can help support a financially considerate grow. Composting your own household goods, adding pre done or locally sourced composts and other organic amendments help to provide nutrient density in the soil and in the crops. You get to be in control of the level of intensity and CAN pace your gardening to your ability. You are able to take your health into your own hands, by your own hands.

https://www.instagram.com/ peppercorn_prince/

Growing ANYTHING at home provides life lessons, as well as a source of entertainment and pride of your own work. Plants ultimately want to grow, and by supporting their growth you receive based on your participation and efforts. You are learning to delay gratification and add into something that takes time, until you are provided with the fruits of your labour. Ultimately, you are the arbiter of your own production. We get to shape the plants that grow for us, and in doing so, lay the very framework of self discipline and caring for another being. Whether it be cannabis, or a tomato plant, or even regrowing the ends of green onions, that delay for a reward is imperative to growth as a human being. Good things really do come to those that wait, and patience is a virtue, right? The lessons passed down regarding these facets of life have always been with us, and reconnecting with them, I believe, is a key to contentment in one's life. While pushing your plants to be the best they can be, you are simultaneously training yourself to seek out betterment for a cause, and there is often SOME physical reward built into this anthro-phyto agreement. You even get to choose the types of rewards you get post harvest.

To produce your own cannabis or foodstock, I feel, is one of the greater steps you can take towards caring for yourself. You are in direct control of what benefit you receive from your plants. Whether you are growing a CBD dominant cannabis strain, or you are growing zucchini for your backyard BBQs over the summer, the end result is inherently full of what you have provided for it as well as the results of the plant's growth. We have been using those results from cannabis cultivation for thousands of years! Nurturing that system is no different than nurturing the plants to provide that benefit. Even if your end goal for the cannabis grown is “recreational”, you are still caring for yourself through that growth process. A banana does not lose its nutrients in a banana split. As factory farming begins to yield foodstock with less nutrients available compared to decades past, you are in direct control of the macro and micro nutrients and minerals present in the medium you grow in and that ends up in your food. The exposure to a variety of molecules through the growth and consumption process IS medicinal in itself. It is an excellent way to hedge your bets in the world we live in today.

To conclude, not only is growing any crop at home easy and affordable, it is healing and therapeutic. We perform an action that connects us with the last 12,000 years or so of human history and resilience. It is grounding, it is compounding, it is the very essence of the thumbprint human beings have left on the earth. To grow externally is to grow internally. Grow something this summer! It will make a difference in your year and perhaps for the rest of your life.