Summer Solstice Issue

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FIZZY FIZZY PEACH PEACH FIZZY PEACH PEACH

L A N D A C K N O W L E D G M E N T

We, High Moon Magazine, respectfully acknowledge the territory in which we gather as the ancestral homelands of the Wolastoqey, Mi’gmaw and Peskotomuhkati peoples.We recognize the enduring relationship these Indigenous communities have with this land and honor their rich cultural heritage and traditions. It is essential to acknowledge the past and present injustices they have faced and continue to face. We are committed to fostering a future of understanding, respect, and collaboration. By sharing stories and knowledge, we hope to contribute positively to the dialogue around reconciliation and support the vibrant Indigenous cultures and communities that thrive today.

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.

Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved

Editor’s Note

Summer Solstice Edition

– High Moon Magazine

As the sun crowns the sky and the earth reaches peak bloom, we arrive at the Summer Solstice a sacred pause in the wheel of the year. A time to gather, reflect, and celebrate the light we carry.

In this edition, we honor cannabis not just as a plant, but as a portal: to healing, to memory, to resistance. Across cultures and generations, cannabis has rooted itself in ceremony, survival, and storytelling and in these pages, we explore that lineage with care.

At High Moon, we believe cannabis culture is more than just product drops and retail trends. It’s art, ancestry, agriculture. It’s communitybuilding under a shared sun. And like the solstice itself, it invites us to slow down and reconnect with nature, with each other, and with ourselves.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for burning bright.

In rhythm, in resistance,

CLEAN HITS. EVERY TIME.

Say goodbye to gunked-up glass.

Our high-flow, dual-function bowl stops ash in its tracks —keeping your bong fresh and your flavor pure.

Built from unbreakable aluminum with a stainless-steel burn zone for zero taste distortion. The Ash Stops Here

Sativa Peace Pack Launch

Launching June 17, 2025

5 x 0.5G Pre-Rolls

Get ready for your new summer staple. The CanWe line up is expanding with the launch of the Sativa Peace Pack. The CanWe Sativa Peace Pack features rotating strains of five half-gram pre-rolls made with craft-designated, coarse-ground whole flower rolled with unbleached hemp paper and hand-twisted in pocketfriendly hard tube.

Launching with Gorilla Poison a bold sativa-dominant strain with roots in Gorilla Glue x Durban Poison. Expect a sweet berry aroma with earthy, spiced tasting notes. With rotating strains, the Sativa Peace Pack is made to match every summer mood, whether it’s a weekend getaway at the cottage, strolling along the beach or vibing with friends in the park

One pack. Five seshes. Endless summer peace.

Spark some peace with CanWe

Rolling Deep with Victoria Cannabis Company;

Inside the Pre-Roll Renaissance, Cultivation Philosophy, and Grassroots Hustle with Kyp Rowe

“We’re

Gunning to be the

Pre-Roll Kings”

Kyp’s big news? Victoria Cannabis Company just dropped $360,000 on a Blackbird Roll Pro—a sleek, high-precision machine designed to elevate pre-roll production to craft royalty status. This isn't some mass-market gimmick. It's part of a 3–6 year plan to claim the top spot in Canadian craft pre-rolls.

“We’re treating pre-rolls like an art form,” he said. “Everyone’s still fighting over flower, but it’s a dying SKU. Prerolls, done right, are the future.”

At VCC, “done right” means dialing in combustion time , and designing luxury packaging complete with hinged tins, foam linings, vanity stickers, and waterresistant seals. This is boutique cannabis—designed to be experienced, not just consumed.

Victoria’s New Farm Gate Destination

Last October, Victoria Cannabis Company opened the doors to their Farm Gate retail store in Victoria—a bright, welcoming shop stocking 95 local BC products and drawing in a loyal crowd of Boomers and late Gen-Xers. The store’s downtown-adjacent location means heavy foot traffic, but its success is also thanks to a strategic pivot in marketing.

“We ditched the social grind,” Kyp explained. “Instead of chasing likes, we went deep on SEO. Website traffic shot up.”

In-store, they focus on connection: targeted sampling for budtenders, deep product knowledge, and showcasing the human side of cannabis. “We’re not trying to be the loudest brand,” Kyp said. “We’re trying to be the most honest.”

“There’s an obsession with numbers in this industry,” he said. “But potency doesn’t mean quality. We want unique, we want clean, we want something that feels like it came from the Earth not a spreadsheet.”

Beyond the Genetics Gold Rush

Kyp’s cultivation philosophy is rooted in rebellion. Instead of chasing the latest California hype strain, Victoria Cannabis Company is going inward breeding their own genetics with Ryan Lee of Chimera Genetics , such as original crosses like crossing G Wagon and After Eight.

Their standout right now? Ukee, a 16% THC cultivar that Kyp described as “an experience, not a stat.”

Real Talk in Cannabis Media

Before signing off, we turned the conversation toward the state of cannabis media something close to both our hearts. I shared High Moon’s commitment to real voices and raw storytelling, and Kyp lit up (pun intended).

“You’re one of the only mags that feels grassroots—real and honest,” he told me. “That’s what this industry needs. We’ve had enough polished PR spin.”

Kyp's words resonated with me long after our conversation ended. At the heart of Victoria Cannabis Company lies a commitment to authenticity and quality, values that are often overshadowed in the rapidly commercializing cannabis industry. By focusing on craft, community, and genuine experiences, Kyp and his team are redefining what it means to be a leader in this field. As they continue to roll out their ambitious plans, one thing is clear: Victoria Cannabis Company isn't just about selling products; it's about cultivating a culture of honesty and innovation.

HIGH ON CREATIVITY: MARYJANE & PAINT

Where cannabis culture meets the canvas in a haze of creativity, community, and color.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sparking a joint and a creative flame at the same time, you’re not alone. Across Canada, a new kind of social event is taking root—MaryJane & Paint, an immersive cannabis-friendly art night that’s part guided painting session and part plant education seminar. It’s a multisensory, hands-on evening where strangers become art buddies and stoners become painters.

Puff,

Paint, and Party

UPCOMING DATES

JUNE 28 , BRANDON MANITOBA TH JULY 12 NANIMO BC TH, JULY 17 , EAST VAN, BC TH

JULY 19 , LANGLEY BC TH

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Originally launched as a laid-back community gathering for cannabis enthusiasts looking to unwind through art, MaryJane & Paint has evolved into a full-on creative experience. Imagine this: a room humming with low beats from a live DJ, the aroma of infused treats and Jamaican patties in the air, and the gentle scratch of paintbrushes filling the silence between laughs. Cannabis is not just welcome —it’s the main guest of honor. Bring your own or enjoy curated sponsor pre-rolls and puffables passed around like dessert.

Each event is intimate by design, They’re hosted in cozy, off-the-map venues— backyards, warehouses, living rooms turned art studios—where the vibe is as warm and friendly as the people in it.

Across Canada, a Movement Grows

From East Vancouver to Calgary, Ottawa to Niagara Falls, MaryJane & Paint is tapping into a powerful cultural current—one that celebrates cannabis not as a trend, but as a tool for connection, expression, and joy.

These nights are more than just paint-and-sip alternatives. They’re for the canna-curious and canna-comfortable alike. They’re about breaking stigmas and building community. Whether you’re a seasoned grower, a nervous first-time painter, or just someone looking to do something different on a Friday night, MaryJane & Paint is a good time with even better vibes.

WESTERN ROOTS, NORTHERN HIGHS INSIDE THE FAMILY LEGACY POWERING WESTERN CANNABIS

�� A Prairie-Grown Cannabis Legacy

In the heart of Regina, Saskatchewan, a new kind of legacy is taking shape—rooted in family, fueled by grit, and budding with bold ambition. Western Cannabis, a proudly family-owned business, has been steadily building its footprint in Canada’s cannabis space since its licensing in 2019. But its roots go even deeper.

“We were in construction for over 50 years. Cannabis was a big leap —but we were ready.”

From Cultivators to Crossroads

With about 30 team members and products already available in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, Western Cannabis is approaching a pivotal moment. As they continue to grow, the company is considering two exciting directions:

Expand their in-house cultivation operation, emphasizing premium small-batch flower Scale up processing and packaging services for other brands seeking a trusted production partner

“We’ve always been focused on quality and consistency. Whether we’re growing it or packaging it, we want our name to mean something.”

—Eric Kratz

And there’s momentum behind them: the company has recently been accepted into the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) for a Fall 2025 launch, opening the doors to Canada’s largest provincial market.

7g multipack of madness (2x3.5g) matanuska thunder F#*k (Sativa) & Orange Creamsicle (Hybrid)

10x0.5g matanuska thunder F#*k

2g electric Cherry Pressed Hash (Sativa)

What sets Western Cannabis apart from other producers in Saskatchewan and across Canada?

Western Cannabis is a Saskatchewan grown, family run micro grow facility based out of Regina. What sets us apart is the fact that the owners of the grow are all family and have a role to play within the business This ensures that Westerns’ number one priority with our product will always be to put quality first With our family running the business, we can guarantee quality product and stand behind our products at all times.

What’s your favorite strain that you grow, and why?

Our favourite strain to grow is a hard question, but we would have to go with Matanuska Thunder F#k Matanuska Thunder F#k is a very unique strain in that it originates from the Matanuska Valley up in Alaska. Brought in by our initial seed purchase back in 2019, this heavy sativa strain grows super tall and lanky and packs a punch in the THC department withTHC numbers ranging between 27-34%

What advice would you give to aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs in Canada?

Advice I would give to aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs is to focus on making the best product you can. In our case, we believe in putting the work into your product and the results/sales will take care of itself. Let the product speak for your brand and your brand image and awareness will continue to grow.

What cultivation techniques do you prioritize— organic soil, hydroponics, or something unique?

We have a hydroponic system that utilizes inert rockwool cubes and a water-based synthetic nutrient solution delivered via drip irrigation This setup allows for precise control over nutrient availability and balance, pH levels, and oxygen supply to the root zones, enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency. The added level of control this system provides promotes rapid growth, uniformity, and consistent quality, all while reducing costs and optimizing space utilization compared to traditional soilbased methods. By utilizing LST we use the sea of green technique to ensure every bud site has the room and light to grow to its full potential

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS BEVERAGES, ONE LIVE ROSIN DRINK AT A TIME

�� Science-Backed, Flavor-Forward

Enter Royce, Sweet Tooth’s formulation guru and a big believer in nanotechnology the backbone of their beverage innovation. His emulsions don't just blend cannabinoids into liquid they supercharge them The result? Faster, more efficient absorption, with effects kicking in significantly quicker than traditional edibles.

“There’s a noticeable difference,” Blake explains. “It’s not just about onset time—it’s about feeling the full spectrum of the plant in a way that’s bioavailable and repeatable.”

Unlike distillate-heavy competitors, Sweet Tooth leans into live rosin, preserving the plant’s terpene profile and delivering a high that’s both nuanced and powerful. It's a nod to connoisseurs and craft lovers who expect more than just THC content.

Founded by longtime friends

Blake, Royce, and Kyle—two brothers and a best friend united by a shared vision—Smyle Brands LTD emerged from a seven-year odyssey through Canada’s evolving cannabis landscape to land firmly in the spotlight with a product that hits differently— literally.

Beverages Meets Craft: A Unique Lineup

Symle’s beverage lineup for Sweet Tooth reads like a nostalgic candy aisle remix. Flagship flavors like Fizzy Peach, Orange Cream, and White Ice deliver full-bodied sweetness, while the Hydrate sub-brand offers a zero-sugar, sparkling lavender option for wellnessoriented sippers. Not everyone gets it and that’s the point.

�� The Sweet Future

“Lavender is polarizing,” Blake admits. “But the people who love it really love it.”

The team is also making waves through collaborations, including a tongue-incheek Futurama-inspired Slurm drink, and partnerships with local cultivators like Dabble Farms for strain-specific limited editions

As cannabis beverages evolve from novelty to necessity, Sweet Tooth stands out by staying true to its craft roots prioritizing quality, community, and the kind of high that can’t be faked in a lab With live rosin at its core, nanotech under the hood, and a flavor palette that dares to be different, the brand isn’t just keeping up with the industry it’s reshaping what cannabis drinks can be.

For Blake, Royce, and Kyle, the journey has never been about shortcuts. It’s about doing things the right way, not the easy way. And with every batch brewed and every can cracked, they’re building something that tastes like the future—but feels like home.

SPOTLIGHTONHONORÉ:CANNABIS CULTURE,COMMUNITY,AND COLLABORATION

In an era where cannabis is rapidly commercialized, it’s easy to forget its roots both literal and cultural But for Honoré, an artist, educator, and community organizer, the plant has always been more than product; it’s a tool for reconnection, healing, and storytelling In a recent conversation with High Moon Magazine, Honoré and I delved into the projects they’re bringing to life this season each one blending creativity, history, and emotional wellness with an unmistakable heart-led approach

�� Cannabis & Culture: Honoring African Roots Through Art

For Honoré, cannabis isn’t just a plant it’s a legacy. As an artist and cultural storyteller, Honoré is on a mission to reconnect cannabis with its African origins, bringing forward the rich, complex history often left out of today’s mainstream narratives Their work blends education, creativity, and community, challenging the sterile branding and corporate noise that too often dominates the cannabis space

“It’s

about giving the plant back its context,” Honoré explains. “Cannabis didn’t just appear in dispensaries in 2018. It’s been used by our ancestors ritually, medicinally, spiritually for centuries.”

By weaving together storytelling, music, and visual art, Honoré invites others to see cannabis not just as a product, but as a cultural thread one that connects generations, rituals, and resistance. Their approach reclaims space for Black and African diasporic voices, long sidelined in contemporary cannabis discourse In reframing the conversation, Honoré isn’t just sharing history they’re sparking a movement rooted in memory, healing, and truth

“WE HOLD SO MUCH IN OUR BODIES , ” HONORÉ SHARED. “THIS SPACE IS ABOUT ALLOWING THAT TO BE SEEN AND RELEASED—ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO WERE TAUGHT TO STAY SILENT.”

�� Building Space for Healing: Emotional Support

for Men & Boys

Beyond cannabis education, Honoré is leading another transformative effort: a virtual emotional support group for boys and men. In a society where masculine vulnerability is often suppressed, this initiative provides a rare and powerful space for open conversation

“We hold so much in our bodies,” Honoré shared “This space is about allowing that to be seen and released especially for those who were taught to stay silent ”

The group meets regularly and offers structured support, introspective dialogue, and communitybuilding in a digital environment It’s part of a broader movement toward healing through honest connection

Art by Honoré

In loving memory of his parents

��

Cultivating a Purposeful Future

As our conversation with Honoré ended, it was clear their journey represents a broader shift in the cannabis community towards reclaiming narratives, fostering inclusivity, and emphasizing the plant's cultural significance

Honoré’s work shows cannabis as more than a commodity; it’s a catalyst for cultural recognition and creative expression In a profit-driven world, their purpose-driven projects remind us of the power of intention By nurturing spaces for education and selfdiscovery, Honoré honors the past and paves the way for a future where cannabis culture reflects its diverse roots

Through dedication to creativity and community, Honoré leads with heart As we explore the evolving cannabis landscape, their story inspires us to cultivate connections that honor both the plant and its people, contributing to a more inclusive dialogue that celebrates cannabis's multifaceted impact

Whetheryou'redeepintoawork sprintordialingintoyourcreative flow,ufeeluFocusMomentsare designedtosharpenyourmind withoutthecrash Craftedwith broad-spectrumCBDand synergisticterpenesit’syourgo-to formentalclarityandcalmenergy noTHC,nofog,justflow.

Riptides all in one vape

Bright,bold,andreadytogo,the Riptidesdisposablevapeoffers smoothpullsandflavorfulclouds Withnosetuprequired,it’safussfreeoptionformellowsummer vibes Thevibrantdesignisjusta bonus thisvapedeliverswhereit counts.

Summer Favourites

Thisisn’tyouraveragepre-roll —Jubleeupstheantewitha potenthashinfusionforarich, full-bodiedexperience.Ithits hardandburnssmooth, makingitastandoutfor seasonedsmokers Greatfor windingdownorlevelingup yoursesh.

Thismultipackisaconcentrate lover’sdream.Eachvarietyof shatterisclean,potent,andpacks aseriouspunch.Whetheryou’re dabbingsoloorsharingwith friends,itoffersaboldhighand greatversatility.Purepotency,no compromises.

Summer Favourites

NaturallyNutra24KGold

CBD:CBGFacialMist:

Formulation:Enrichedwith 1000mgCBD,100mgCBG,24K goldflakes,hyaluronicacid,rose oil,andamineralblend designedforcalminghydration andaluxeglow

Wyld Sour Apple Gummies

Atart,juicysativaediblewith 10mgTHCpergummy,these apple-flavoredtreatsdeliveran uplifting,clear-headedbuzz Perfectfordaytimecreativityor socialvibes boldflavor,smooth high

Burstingwithbrightstrawberryand zestylemonadeflavors,thiscannabisinfusedsodadeliversarefreshing sativaliftwith10mgTHCpercan Craftedwithliverosinforaclean, smoothbuzz,it’stheperfectfizzy pick-me-upforsunnydaysandsocial vibes.

Atropicaltwistonyourpre-roll,this sativa-dominanthybridburstswithjuicy mango,pineapple,andexotic passionfruitflavors.Triple-infusedfor potencyandflavor,itdeliversabold, upliftinghighwithsmooth,fragranthits perfectforbrighteningyourdaywith atasteofparadise.

Sheesh Hash Soda –Strawberry Lemonade
BubbleKushFruitWandz–DragonfruitHibiscus

Q&A with Dan Kozina

Contributor: Nate Potts

I met Dan Kozina about 6 years ago while in search for a tattoo artists. He is a multi time award winning tattoo artist, and a muralist with many projects under his belt whether private, business, or regionally backed.

Before we dive into the Q&A portion I just wanted to be candid about THC use and tattoo sessions, now i'm no Doctor or Tattoo artist. That being said, psychoactive substances might not be suitable for this kind of session. Whether it's blood thinning, your perception of pain, possible anxiety or paranoia, or even communication with your artist could be hindered. If you're going to use cannabis consider small doses, or full spectrum options and always communicate with your artist. Consider including some non psychoactive cannabinoids in your aftercare! Here in Ontario we have a CBD aftercare balm by Aiki Skin, boasting great ingredients. This product has all the benefits of what you'd need for your tattoo with CBD as well! Your experience is unique when it comes to consumption, listen to your body. Having the most awareness possible will equal a great tattoo session.

Hit me up on social media and tell me your experiences with the plant and some ink! On my linktree QR code you'll find an extended cut of the interview with Dan!

N8; How do these two murals in the cannabis community compare to each other artistically & Professionally? Similarities? Differences?

Kozy; These mural are very different, Im versatile in my work so I approach projects differently depending on the client:

(UPHI) features a mountain landscape, geometric patterns, and flowers. (PEPE) is more abstract, which mimics the topographic style of the business' storefront and window decals. Similarities I featured the logo in both murals and used airbrush, spray paint and brush work to complete both. I try to make unique and different work for every job I do, that way each mural has its own personality and also gives me the opportunity to try something new.

N8; what was your mindset when you were approached for these mural jobs? What is your motivation to contribute to the culture?

Kozy; My mindset is to work efficiently and take into consideration the vision/values/and vibes of my clients. The mural will add personality to the businesses and I feel like the outcome will be incredibly important to the experience customers have while shopping. My motivation for the culture is to create an inviting atmosphere where the beauty, art, and imagination flourish, and the customer experience is heightened with the atmosphere the mural creates. I want Cannabis to be associated with creativity and comfort, murals will not only decorate but define the business.

N8; How did taking on mural work impact your career as a whole?

Kozy; After completing many murals my reputation as an artist has been elevated I'm always busy, working on paintings,tattoos and all kinds of creative projects I was always a painter before tattooing but both work hand in hand. Withmurals all over town l have become a bit more well known, considering I work in a private studio setting.

N8: Do you think the Niagara Region, in which we are from, has impacted your art?

Kozy: The region has been kind to me but I feel like there is a lack of awareness by many people that muralists are around and willing to paint. I see many businesses using posters and tvs to decorate where a mural would be perfect. I would like to see more Murals in the region, by more artists than myself

N8; where do you find inspiration? For these specific pieces and art in general?

Kozy; I find inspiration by first consulting my clients for ideas. If given free reign I lean toward animals/nature/landscape/surrealism/fantasy to inspire the work I do If the space has an interesting shape or existing theme I will try to match and compliment what's already there

N8; How has your art style evolved over time? Especially when it comes to these projects within the cannabis industry?

Kozy; My style of art has changed a lot in the last 10 years' I used to stick with one style of work, maybe more illustrative and graphic, similar to comic book art, but after painting for the last decade I include every style possible, from realism to painterly approaches, and everything in between.

I am Nate Potts @gr8n8pottsy I was introduced in the April digital issue! A little bit about myself, I do cannabis reviews amongst other content on my pages, I’ve been consuming for 10yrs and working in the industry for 2yrs!

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