HQ February #285 - Party Nuts - Natalie's Toybox by HQInternational

February 2024

Magazine

FEBRUARY 2024 | ISSUE 285 PUBLISHED BY HEADQUEST INTERNATIONAL LLC

HQ Magazine As the industry’s leading publication for over two decades, we want to remind you all that we are more than just another magazine; WE are the nexus of commerce for the counterculture marketplace; headshops, smoke shops, vape shops, adult novelties, and dispensaries. Both publisher and platform, HQ exists to facilitate the continued evolution of a once-marginalized industry now on the cusp of legitimization. As a publisher, we are your advocate and your advisor, your continual stream of all information that matters to you; from product knowledge, to business insights, to how it all fits into the panorama of the bigger world. As a platform, we are your connection. We are the bullhorn, the billboard, and the bridge; the perfect bullseye of your target market. And as this industry continues to come into its own and navigate the coming seismic shifts in the landscape, we’ll be the light to guide its steps.

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Editor-in-Chief Sandy Caputo Account Executives Monica Frésquez monica@headquest.com C: (505) 489-3285 Marc Toretzky sales@headquest.com C: (213) 304-3751 Creative Director David Pogge david@headquest.com C: (404) 477-7009 Billing Therese Galati accounting@headquest.com Contributing Writers Darin Burt darinburt@headquest.com Dario Sabaghi editorial@headquest.com

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Sofia Noillif editorial@headquest.com

@HQMag1998

Matt Weeks editorial@headquest.com

@hqmag4u

Ryan Mills editorial@headquest.com

HQ EXPERIENCE HQ Magazine, the industry’s longest-running publication, remains committed to serving the smoke shop community. With an unwavering dedication to delivering award-winning content, and relevant news and providing insight into the latest and greatest industry products, HQ will continue to seek out the best way to reach as many subscribers as possible. With HQ’s recent acquisition, the tides are turning and we know that YOU are ready for something new, something BIG. If you are looking for an upgraded experience, join HQ’s Elite membership program by scanning the QR code below. With each membership, you will receive HQ Magazine each month with no service interruptions, free access to HQ’s digital magazine, exclusive offers from our advertisers, and periodic sample boxes from the industry’s most trusted brands. Upgrade your experience today!

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Eva Berlin Sylvestre editorial@headquest.com Samatha Carrillo editorial@headquest.com Kim Airs editorial@headquest.com HEADQUEST INTERNATIONAL LLC. assumes no responsibility for contents herein. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the writer. Published monthly by Headquest International LLC., 6300 Riverside Plaza LN. NW., Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87120. Send address change requests (please include information from the shipping label) to the address above, call 505-275-6049, or email subscriptions@headquest.com. Printed in Canada on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. BEWARE! HQ has no affiliates or outside sales team. Any business or person contacting you and acting as an HQ Representative or claiming affiliation with HQ Publications is unlawfully misrepresenting himself or herself. Please contact sandy@headquest.com if you are approached by any such entity.

TRUE STRAINS

NEXT GENERATION CANNABIS February 2024

CONTACT3 Magazine

HeadQuest

CONTENTS

102

116

16 Smoke Signals

Sound out the big words to enjoy fun, light reading for two.

52 HeadSpace

Into the Weeds on the Industry’s Stickiest Subjects.

126 Quest 4 the Best

A nexgen grinder, a vaporizer, and a stoner Trapper Keeper walk into a bar and order a kratom shot.

Bill Hicks: Remembering the 52 mad prophet of comedy. 24 Jaimie McKenna: Arizona They gave her less than HQ After Hours canna-marketing guru spills the goods. 60 Dosed: a year to live. Mushrooms gave Our mini-mag within a mag that’s

Women in Cannabis

40 Puff Brands

We didn’t write a puﬀ piece; just a piece on Puﬀ.

her a new perspective. Recreational Weed Turns 10: Harvesting insights from a decade: the good, the bad & the ugly.

EdQuest

Puﬀ, puﬀ, class in session!

all about the fun side of adulting.

72 Puff & Pleasure

Sex and weed go together like . . . well . . . sex and weed. Cash in.

74 Vendor Profile

Doc Johnson: Time for you checkup. There’s no rubber glove.

Data Bitch: To hell with Feature 102 Ain’t your gut. Trust the numbers. 76 V-Day prep: “Oh no, I’m late” Taxman Cometh: ...That’s what she said. 108 The Tips and tricks for paying the PleasureQuest

116

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troll toll (in this case, the IRS) Marijuana & Memory We’d tell you what it’s about, but we forgot.

Gadgets and play things to really hit the spot(s).

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Smoke Signals

CASUAL CONSUMPTION Short Briefs and Quick Snippets: Your Gateway Drug to Full-Blown Literacy

Did You Know?

Oh, Sweet Molly

Contrary to what you may hav heard, Valentine’s Day was not invented by Hallmark. True story. Hallmark cards did play a significant role in its commercialization when it began mass-producing cards to capitalize on the holiday in 1913, but the tradition allegedly goes back to the Ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, as well as the Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine. The tradition of celebrating love and affection between intimate companions became more pronounced in the High Middle Ages, notably through the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer and the tradition of courtly love.

MAPS Public Benefit Corporation has made a groundbreaking submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, potentially becoming the first psychedelicassisted therapy. This submission, encapsulating over 30 years of clinical research, includes results from two Phase 3 studies, MAPP1 and MAPP2, which met primary and secondary Read More: endpoints. With a Breakthrough Therapy designation from 2017, MAPS is seeking Priority Review. The FDA’s approval could lead the DEA to reschedule MDMA, allowing its prescription use. This therapy combines MDMA with psychotherapy, showing significant efficacy and safety in treating PTSD, potentially transforming mental health care.

“Love drug” may treat ptsd

our monthly collection of fun facts and useful tidbits - valentine’s day edition

F*cking birds, man. In medieval England and France, it was commonly believed that birds started their mating season on February 14th, which further solidified the holiday’s connection with romance and love. F*cking jailbirds, man. Historians believe that The Duke of Orleans wrote the earliest known Valentine’s card to his wife while he was a prisoner in the Tower of London in 1415. F*cking millennials, man. According to the National Retail Federation, the percentage of pet owners who bought Valentine’s Day gifts for their furbabies (God, please don’t tell us someone splurged on a goldfish) jumped from 17% in 2010 to 27% in 2020, which translated to a revenue boost from $450 million to $1.7 billion.

High Times in Hot Places

Arizona’s rec Market hits $1 billion

Arizona’s cannabis market blazed past $1 billion as recreational use dominated sales, leaving medical marijuana’s figures in the dust. Medical sales wilted to an all-time low, while recreational revenues remained robust, contributing significantly to state taxes, with the excise tax alone yielding $174.5 million this year. Despite adjustments in figures, the Read More: trend is clear: recreational sales are the market’s driving force, now a cornerstone of Arizona’s economic landscape.

Trade Show Roundup

Pack your bags, pack a bowl, hit the road (order of events, TBD) Smoke Shop Events Austin, TX January 14-16, 2024 Supplement Events Austin, TX January 17 - 19, 2023

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TPE/Glass Vegas Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall Las Vegas, NV January 30 - February 2, 2024 CHAMPS Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall Las Vegas, NV February 14 - 17, 2024

“The worst is when somebody asks me what something means before they want to buy a piece of artwork from me. It’s like, ‘like sh*t, dude I don’t know. I was high as f*ck when I made that.’” - Shawn Hocking

Florida Man Says What?

“Transcendence”: artwork by Shawn Hocking | fuckwiththematrix.com

Another One Bites the Dust: The Latest Anti-Pot Myth Debunked In Ohio, a contentious debate unfolded around the recent legalization of adult-use cannabis, with Governor Mike DeWine warning of the dangers of fentanyl-laced marijuana. This claim, echoed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, e m e r g e d as a central a r g u m e n t a g a i n s t legalization, suggesting a new risk in the cannabis market. However, this alarming claim has been debunked by medical experts. Dr. Tasha Turner-Bicknell, an associate professor and overdose prevention specialist, stated that no evidence supports the

presence of fentanyl in marijuana. Research and state lab tests consistently show negative results for fentanyl in cannabis samples. Additionally, Turner-Bicknell explained that the combustion properties of fentanyl and marijuana d i f f e r significantly, rendering the notion of their combination implausible. Despite these findings, t he my t h cont inu e s to influence political discussions on cannabis policy. Read More:

Correction: Byline Addition

In our last issue, the byline for “From Goose to Green” was inadvertently left out. The article was written by Eva Berlin Sylvestre. We apologize for the error and wish to recognize Eva for her contribution. We have investigated the situation and determined fault for the oversight. Rest assured, the culprit has been sufficiently flogged and sent to bed without a dab.

I think [marijuana’s] a real, real problem . . . it’s a lot different than stuff that people were using 30 or 40 years ago. And I think when kids get on that, I think it causes a lot of problems, And then, of course, you know, they can throw fentanyl in any of this stuff now. -Florida Governor Ron Desantis,

seen here trying to remember how to smile.

Recommended Listening: “Little Games” by Hunter He fronted a cover band in the fifth grade—and they were good enough to draw a crowd outside the venue of a Rush concert while covering Tom Sawyer. He was mentored by Dug Pinnick of King’s X as a teenager, after the seminal rocker came across a video of one of his performances. He filled the opening slot on a show featuring both Dug Pinnick and Corey Glover of Living C o l o r when he was only 15. Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy wrote the recommendation that helped get him accepted into the music program at Columbia College of Chicago. Who is this potential savior of of rock n’ roll? He’s Hunter, AKA Hunter Borowick, the son of industry veteran, Rick Borowick of BG Sales—and he deserves Listen your attention. His latest single, “Little Games,” which has already logged an impressive 61,000 streams on Spotify, reminds us of everything we loved about the pop-punk of the early Oughts, while eschewing the navel-gazing melodrama that plagued the era and rendered many would-be classics forgettable. Flashes of Something Corporate, Saves the Day, and even a touch of Eve 6, all shine through, delivering a track that’s infectiously nostalgic, but decidedly original— and never derivative.

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Women in Cannabis

Photo: Cole Renoe | @cole.renoe

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A LADDER IN THE DESERT

Jaimie McKenna: Grow Sciences’ Marketing Ace Talks Strategy and Innovation By Eva Berlin Sylvestre

t’s not often journalists mic the marketer, which makes sense via our training: “Marketers are our nemeses — they care about products, not about enlightenment!” But if you allow it, a second level dawns: Marketers are everyday people who know more about the industry than most, and are capable of caring about both. With that in mind, we put our feelers out for someone who’d be willing to talk shop about a facet of the industry oft overlooked: the messenger behind the message. In this instance, we’re shining a light on Jaimie McKenna of Phoenix’s Grow Sciences. Jaimie McKenna’s rise to the role of Marketing Manager for Phoenix’s Grow Sciences is a

narrative of both serendipity and hard-earned triumph. Originally hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, her post-college life led her from waitressing to a photography job, searching for a role that could harness her creative zest. Her pivot into the cannabis space began at the Local Joint, a popular Phoenix dispensary, where her dynamic ascent from receptionist to General Manager transpired within a year. It was here that Jaimie’s knack for brand cultivation and community engagement became strikingly clear. Eventually, the marketing realm beckoned, offering a new canvas for her talents, leading to her current role at Grow Sciences. Since taking the reins at Grow, Jaimie has built a marketing

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Women in Cannabis

machine of epic proportions, deftly maneuvering both the stifling regulations governing the trade and the niche, but diverse culture they serve, while fostering sustained growth and increasing market presence. After a bit of arm twisting, Jaimie agreed to sit down with HQ and grant us some insight into what makes the gal behind the Insta hit post. Gather round, dear readers, for what follows is gold. How did you venture into the cannabis marketing industry? I need to go back in time just a bit to paint a clear picture of how I fell into this wonderful industry totally by chance. I’m originally from Providence, Rhode Island. I lived there until I was 28 years old. After I graduated from college and got married, my husband and I were looking to switch things up. I’ve always longed to get out of the East Coast and see what else is out there and meet new people. So, when my husband had the opportunity to transfer his job to Phoenix, we decided to make quite a drastic change and ended up on 28

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The cannabis industry is communitybased. You can use the standard marketing outlets such as out of home advertising, print, and digital, but it’s about being present in the community and making genuine connections with your accounts and consumers daily.

the opposite side of the country. I was looking for a job that could lead to bigger opportunities and fast. While I was searching endlessly for more entry-level jobs that looked promising, a receptionist job at a local dispensary in Phoenix caught my eye. On a whim, I applied and got a job at PARC Dispensary in August of 2017. My hard work paid off and it helped me advance from receptionist to budtender, and then to shift supervisor within three months of being hired. I was promoted to General Manager around my one-year mark — an insane learning experience. The first thing my boss told me when I started to advance in the company was that working in this industry is like dog years. And she wasn’t kidding! My boss recognized [burnout] and suggested that it was time for me to maybe venture into another area of the company that I hadn’t been able to spend a lot of time in yet, and that was marketing. [Eventually], I took a job offer from an Arizona brand called Grow

Sciences, and it has been an absolutely wonderful two years. What are the key marketing strategies you employ in the cannabis industry, and how do they diﬀer from traditional industries? The cannabis industry is communitybased. You can use the standard marketing outlets such as out of home advertising, print, and digital, but it’s about being present in the community and making genuine connections with your accounts and consumers daily. This keeps your brand top of mind because the competition is stiff in Arizona. Can you discuss the legal and regulatory challenges you face in cannabis marketing, and how you navigate them? Cannabis marketing has evolved over the years quite a bit. In the beginning, we had to come up with creative ways to send the message that you were a legal medical cannabis shop or brand

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At Grow Sciences, we decided to create an app from scratch and use that to connect with our consumers daily. They can find our products at their favorite dispensary, get notifications about exclusive or new drops, and even connect directly with our team using the chat function.

They can find our products at their favorite dispensary, get notifications about exclusive or new drops, and even connect directly with our team using the chat function. This has already solved a lot of our issues.

and you had products to sell. Even the storefronts had to be pretty inconspicuous. There were restrictions on certain words and imagery, such as traditional pot leaves and certain products, but they have become more lenient since recreational use went into effect at the end of 2020. Billboards were the last type of advertising to start allowing most types of images and words for advertising, but you still can’t show products being used in the image. How do you identify and target your core audience in a market with diverse consumer preferences? Keep the feedback loop open. Any way 32

Magazine February 2024

you can connect with your sellers and consumers is key. Run events and let people try the product and provide feedback right in front of you. What role does digital marketing play in your strategy, especially considering restrictions on certain platforms? Social media is definitely the hardest platform to use to connect with your consumers. Shadow banning and account deletions are a hard pill to swallow when the majority of your audience is constantly engaged online. At Grow Sciences, we decided to create an app from scratch and use that to connect with our consumers daily.

Ensuring compliance while staying unique can be tricky, but I am lucky enough to consult our team and talk with our compliance officer when designing packaging for a new product. The guidelines are pretty gray, but we do our best to stay connected with the state and get approval before anything goes to print. It pushes us to be creative and think outside of the box. What trends do you predict in cannabis marketing over the next ﬁve years? I think more brands will start creating or using white label apps to connect with their consumers. I don’t foresee any more restrictions being implemented as we get closer to legalization.

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Women in Cannabis

What’s the most innovative campaign you’ve worked on, and what were its results?

and cluttered with our field materials. The next day, I’ll be in Northern AZ, checking out a new dispensary that we are launching in and taking measurements for a display space. We are just constantly on the go, and it’s what makes our job so much fun. It’s impossible to become too complacent.

work inside the cultivation, so I’m immersed with the entire company. They just expanded into an 80,000 square foot facility, and it’s already I have worked on a number of working like a well-oiled machine. campaigns over the years, but I think I can literally watch the product go the most innovative one I worked on from clone to finished product every was the app launch. We now have day. We grow, harvest, trim, extract, over 5,300 app subscribers and package all under one to date. It’s a constant roof. Giving our accounts advertisement in all of a tour of the building is so We now have over 5,300 app our marketing campaigns, much fun because not all subscribers to date. It’s a constant and the numbers keep dispensaries create their advertisement in all of our marketing climbing. own product, and they campaigns, and the numbers keep aren’t able to see how the climbing. What’s a typical sausage is made. Every day for a cannabis tour is like watching a kid marketer? walk through a chocolate What are some side-perks you factory. It’s very fulfilling to share the Every day is different! We have a small enjoy? same kind of love and admiration for team at Grow Sciences, and we wear a lot of hats. We try to spread ourselves Cannabis events are the best part of cannabis. out so that we can be out there in the the job! You get to relax, smoke, and field representing the company we just enjoy time with your team while love so much. One day I’ll be in the connecting with like-minded people office all day, which is located in the in the industry. It has definitely been heart of our cultivation, decorated the cherry on top of this career. I also

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Heads of Industry

THIS IS NOT A PUFF PIECE* (BUT THIS IS)

Magazine January 2024

*It’s a Piece on Puff Brands READING IS ADVISED. By Ryan Mills

GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY. ICONIC FLAVORS. AN 11-YEAR LEGACY.. PUFF BRANDS IS POISED TO RESHAPE THE FUTURE OF INHALATION RETAIL.

ou probably have some Puff Brands products on your shelves, and rightfully so. This company single handedly checks item after item off an inventory list. Tasty vapes? Yes. Your daily driver made out of American glass? Check. Smoke supplies? You got it. With a flair for innovation and quality, Puff Brands has carved out a niche for itself by offering a diverse and growing range of products designed to hit the sweet spot between luxury and price. “We are always in the improvement mindset,” said Joe DeStefano, Puff Brands’ Chief Commercial Officer. “Always improving, but always with TLC and love in the product.” The folks at Puff Brands are striving to go beyond just another name in the industry, and by all accounts, their efforts are finding success. They are the maestros behind some of the most exciting and user-friendly wholesale smoke shop products available. As one of the first to hit the e-Liquid market back in 2013, Puff Brands quickly distinguished themselves in the market with their unique flavor profiles. Their early success was anchored by the launch of the brand’s iconic “Circus Cookie,” a flavor that combined the nostalgic taste of animal crackers with vanilla frosting and rainbow. This groundbreaking product set the tone for the company’s innovative approach, paving the way for its future endeavors.

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Heads of Industry

More than a decade later, the team at Puff Brands is churning out 413 percent growth year over year, due in large part to providing smoke accessories and alternatives that cater to an array of tastes and preferences without feeling hokey or cheap. “Every month is record breaking in regards to sales,” DeStefano continued. “What started a decade ago as an attempt to provide an

What started a decade ago as an attempt to provide an e-Liquid that was a little more unique . . . has now become a staple in most vape shops, smoke shops and e-Liquid product portfolios and has helped to catapult us into the stratosphere of ancillary cannabis products. e-Liquid that was a little more unique, not so run of the mill, has now become a staple in most vape shops, smoke shops and e-Liquid product portfolios and has helped to catapult us into the stratosphere of ancillary cannabis products.” The company’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in product design and quality can be seen in each product, from the

Joe DeStefano, Puff Brands 42

Magazine February 2024

intricate glass designs to the meticulously formulated e-Liquids. It is a testament to the company’s dedication to crafting unique experiences. The ethos of Puff Brands revolves around delivering premium experiences at prices accessible to a wide range of consumers, a philosophy particularly relevant in the current economic climate. In 2018, under the leadership of the company’s new CEO, Walker Wilkerson, an experienced figure in the vape industry, Puff Brands expanded its horizon. Recognizing the shift in market trends and the potential of the disposable vape market, which gained traction post “JUUL Rush” of 2017, the company adapted its strategy to meet these new demands. Puff Brands was able to strategically diversify to not only survive but thrive. Today, there are a total of seven different brands under the larger Puff Brands umbrella: Hotbox, Hotbox Luxe, Hotbox Limited, Primo, Ritual, Strange Fruit, and PuffLabs E-Liquids, each with their own array of products, and each one staying true to the trifecta of innovation, customer love, and top-notch quality. Continued on Page 44

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Heads of Industry

The company’s Hotbox vape is a prime example of recognizing changes and patterns in the consumer zeitgeist and responding. This 7500 puff vape is prefilled, pre-charged/ rechargeable and ready to deliver a hassle-free vaping experience right out of the box with a lanyard and charging cable included. The Hotbox line offers a range of flavors including Gummy, Ice Cream Cake and Strawberry Rainbow Snowcone, so whether you’re a vaping veteran or just curious about the hype, it’s pretty effortless to get lost in a cloud of delicious vapor.

enhances brand loyalty, and positions the company as a thought leader in the industry.

[The Hotbox Luxe] is not just a vaporizer, it’s the vape of your dreams.

Puff Brands is going beyond mere adaptation to the changes in the smoke shop industry, aspiring instead to be a driving force in shaping its future. They believe in spreading the word, as much as the smoke (or vapor.). Education is prioritized over sales, which ensures happy, informed customers, 44

Magazine February 2024

And the future looks lux. Puff Brands recently launched the HotBox Luxe, a first of its kind high-end vaporizer equipped with a massive 12,000-puff capacity prefilled tank, full LCD screen, and price that won’t break the bank. In fact, there is no increase in price from the Hotbox to the Hotbox Luxe. “It’s not just a vaporizer, it’s the vape of your dreams,” DeStefano gushed, the excitement in his voice palpable through the phone line. “After more than a year of research and development, its arrival will undoubtedly provide luxury to

- Joe DeStefano, Puff Brands

those who crave a little lavishness in their vape and signifies the ongoing evolution and innovation of Puff Brands.” Puff Brands’ journey from a pioneering e-juice manufacturer to a leader in the vape and cannabis markets is a story of innovation, strategic adaptation, and a steadfast commitment to quality. As the industry continues to evolve, Puff Brands is well-positioned to continue setting new standards, offering premium experiences that respect the time and investment of every customer.

The future is bright. The company’s impressive trajectory from e-Liquid pioneers to a multifaceted powerhouse encapsulates a deep understanding of market needs and consumer desires. With each product launch and brand expansion, the entrepreneurs behind Puff Brands double down on their reputation as market leaders, setting the bar high for quality and ingenuity while maintaining an approachable appeal for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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HeadSpace

Thirty years after his death, we’re still learning from the legendary comedian and Pro-entheogen Philosopher

Bill Hicks: Reconsidered

ECHOES OF

LAUGHTER By Matt Weeks

efore he performed for a 12th and final time on David Letterman’s show, comedian Bill Hicks had to send a copy of his routine to the show for approval. Dutifully, Hicks sanded down the edges of his jokes, removed the curse words, lightened up the dark material just enough to make it safe for TV. But his performance on Oct. 1, 1993—a tight seven minutes covering Billy Ray Cyrus, the pro-life movement, smoking, and Easter—never aired.

It took David Letterman 15 years to catch up to Bill Hicks.

On January 30, 2009, the Late Show host apologized—on air—to Hicks’ mother for cutting her son’s final appearance. Then he aired the full routine.

and scholarly wordplay were two sincere beliefs that informed and guided his act.

It’s taken the rest of us even longer.

The First Modern Man

Hicks’ primary belief was in Truth. He felt obligated to The producers worried the anti-religious material in Hicks’ act would upset the Late Show’s viewer base and anger its speak honestly advertisers. So, they used the nuclear option and cut his appearance altogether. While his jokes feel routine now (“Not and to point out Viewers at home were left to wonder why only do I think pot shouldn’t be illegal, I the promised comedian never showed up. think it should be mandatory.”) they were when others Within four months, Hicks would be dead genuinely shocking in George H.W. Bush’s America. Not that controversy was ever from pancreatic cancer. didn’t. his goal; beneath the sardonic delivery

Magazine February 2024

Hicks was ahead of the American public on nearly everything. At a time when comedy clubs were the domain of goofballs in sports jackets poking fun at airline food, Hicks was a splash of cold water. From the stage, he advocated illegal drug use and decried religion. It was stuff other comedians wouldn’t touch, even the edgy ones.

Hicks’ primary belief was in Truth. He felt obligated to speak honestly and to point out when others didn’t.

Continued on Page 54

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. . . some of the language and views he expressed . . . are beyond what any respectable comic would utter now. But there’s a danger to reading a dead comic’s jokes as evidence of their true beliefs. A typical routine went like this: “They lie about marijuana. Tell you pot smoking makes you unmotivated. Lie! When you’re high, you can do everything you normally do just as well—you just realize that it’s not worth the fuckin’ effort. There is a difference,” he’d say. “I know this is not a popular idea. You don’t hear it often anymore, but it’s the truth. I have taken drugs before … and I had a real good time. Sorry! Didn’t murder anybody, didn’t rob anybody, didn’t rape anybody, didn’t beat anybody, didn’t lose one job. Laughed my ass off and went about my day. Sorry!” Hicks’ second belief was in unifying spirituality that saw people as one. He first came to this idea on a cannabis and magic mushroom-fueled experience, but it connected with him so deeply that it became the lens through which he saw the entire world. Raised in Texas by fundamentalist Christian parents, Hicks spent his teen years searching for answers to life’s big questions that felt honest. Through his experiments with drugs, Hicks discovered a deeper truth that withstood his personal brand of uncompromising scrutiny. From his act: “You see, Jung had this idea of a ‘collective unconscious’ which mankind shared . . . and I agree. But I think this collective mind is supposed to be conscious, not unconscious. And that it is our job as the agents of evolution to enlighten—to bring light into the dark corners of that netherworld and thus awaken our

minds to truth and complete the circle that was broken with the dream of our fall f r o m g r a c e . And, if we evolve the idea, the planet might be more compassionate and something like heaven might dawn.” He never performed a full set without sharing his spiritual side, but as a comic working before crowds of drunk people, he sandwiched the deep stuff between jokes. Sometimes, when he would get too involved sharing his spirituality or upbraiding the public over loving “sell outs” like Gallagher, Hicks would turn down the volume by telling the audience, “Don’t worry— there’s dick jokes on the way!”

The Lost Prophet If there’s been a reckoning for Hicks, it’s been shallow. Many retrospectives have focused on the parts of his act that would offend people today. And it’s true: some of the language and views he expressed in the late 80s and early 90s are beyond what any respectable comic would utter now. But there’s a danger to reading a dead comic’s jokes as evidence of their true beliefs. On stage, Hicks was the cigarettesmoking, leather-jacketed avatar

of late 80s/early 90s angst. He crucified religious leaders for their hypocrisy and reserved choice words for entertainers who seemed more interested in making money than meaningful art. But he also demanded a smarter a progressive policy, lauded reading, and regularly did a bit called “goat boy” in which he pretended to be a Pan-like icon of debauchery who enjoyed nothing more than giving cunnilingus. Most of the progressive bits get overlooked in his postmortems. Thanks to his preachy tone and 90s vocabulary, he is often labeled as one of the Angry White Man™ of yesteryear. But that’s a misreading. Hicks urged people not to take life seriously by presenting himself as someone who took it extraordinarily seriously. The depth of his emotion was the joke—something that can easily get lost without the context of his time. Hicks never winked through his belligerent demeanor the way that Lewis Black does or laughed at Continued on Page 56

Magazine February 2024

HeadSpace

himself as he trotted out a ridiculous and wrong-headed statement, the way Louis C.K. does, but his sentiment was the same. He wasn’t actually angry; it was just funnier that way. Off stage, Hicks was sober, gracious, and intelligent. He spent the last weeks of his life re-reading “The Lord of Rings” for the sheer enjoyment it gave him. Although he held opposing beliefs, he remained close to his parents all his life. Although they forbade him from performing when he was a teen, he implored them to watch one of his sets as an adult. To soften the blow, he warned his mom: “Listen to the message, not the words.” If there was frustration in his comedy, it stemmed from what he saw as a mass delusion. Hicks railed against capitalism, entertainment, and religion as things that distracted his audience from the simple and beautiful truth that we’re all connected to and responsible for each other. He hated that culture had de-centered truth. For Hicks, the opiate of the masses should have been, well, opium. Or at least cannabis. What he found in drugs was a chance to glimpse the bigger picture. They

But what made him great wasn’t the jokes. It was how he used them in service of greater ideas. He wove public policy prescriptions and spiritual truths into his act, stealthily deploying them like thought grenades that wouldn’t explode until later. represented a spiritual medicine that reminded users to enjoy the ride. He knit together a career by funneling that very absurdity through the authenticity-obsessed ire of Generation X. When discussing society, he’d open with, “It’s all about money, not freedom, OK? It has nothing to do with fuckin’ freedom. If you think you’re free, try going somewhere without fucking money, OK?” Then he’d add: “It’s just a simple choice, right now, between fear and love. The eyes of fear want you to put bigger locks on your doors, buy guns, close yourself off. The eyes of love instead see all of us as one.”

Rewriting the Legacy The cannabis legalization effort owes its success to legions of unsung and unremembered advocates. Bill Hicks deserves a space among its most ardent and influential supporters. Although he’s hardly referenced these days, Hicks has an outsized effect on both comedy and cannabis acceptance that went far beyond his fame. You know the old saying that only 100 people bought the first Velvet Underground record, but everyone one of them started a band? Bill Hicks was like that. He’s your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian. But what made him great wasn’t the jokes. It was how he used them in service of greater ideas. He wove public policy prescriptions and spiritual truths into his act, stealthily deploying them like thought grenades that wouldn’t explode until later. He was one of the first comedians to respect an audience enough to challenge them and try to save them at the same time. In “Bill Hicks: Love All the People,” John Lahr describes Hicks’ sincerity in the promise of the human spirit. “The next revolution is gonna be a revolution of ideas. A bloodless revolution,” Hicks said. “And if I can take part in it by transforming my own consciousness, then someone else’s, I’m happy to do it.”

Magazine February 2024

Classic Hicks

Equal parts comedian and prophet, Bill Hicks delivered prescient truths as often as zingers, and often, managed to mix the two. Below is a collection of Hicks at his best.

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HeadSpace

T ‘Dosed’ is the Medicine We Need. By Samantha Ann Carillo

A profound narrative of healing and acceptance: how psilocybin therapy fostered personal rebirth and paved the way for physical healing.

Magazine February 2024

yler Chandler and Nicholas Meyer’s new documentary DOSED: The Trip of a Lifetime takes viewers on a deep dive into terminal cancer patient Laurie Brooks’ story. Spoiler alert: Brooks’ healing journey transforms into a new beginning thanks to the curative effects of plant-based medicines, namely magic mushrooms and cannabis oil. Incorporating alternative medicines into terminal cancer treatment is an intense topic but Chandler and Meyer continue to approach their subject with curiosity and empathy. While their last documentary focused on plant-based addiction treatment, DOSED: The Trip of a Lifetime chronicles Brooks’ use of psilocybin and cannabis oil as adjuncts to standard Western cancer treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. We meet 53-year-old Brooks at her home in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Surrounded by family, the story of Brooks’ terminal colon cancer diagnosis is foregrounded by tearful testimony about her abiding love for them. News footage describes Brooks as one of four Canadian patients approved to use psychedelic medicine for endof-life anxiety. Brooks, who never used drugs recreationally, was one of the first patients the Canadian government approved for a special

exemption to ingest psilocybin for therapeutic purposes. Brooks first learned about psilocybin’s psychotherapeutic potential from her friend Dave Phillips, a therapist with TheraPsil, a group of healthcare professionals working to make psilocybinassisted psychotherapy available to Canadians living with end-oflife distress. Phillips contextualizes psilocybin’s history, from early research and applications to its criminalization in the 1970s and forward to current therapeutic protocols. DOSED: The Trip of a Lifetime melds footage of Brooks on her guided trip with kaleidoscopic mandala-like animations that help viewers without prior psychedelic drug experience to imagine the visual and auditory hallucinations, altered senses of time and space and emotional changes that psilocybin provides. On her first guided trip, Brooks takes three grams of magic mushrooms to confront her biggest fear: the impact of her impending death on her family. Brooks comes out of that session relieved, explaining that her grandmother guided her to the knowledge that her family would be okay after she died. After that initial trip, she didn’t feel a need for a second session but noted that receiving more bad news about her Continued on Page 62

February 2024

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HeadSpace

cancer progression could change that. Throughout the film, expert interviews give viewers a more comprehensive, nuanced understanding of psychoactive medicine. American mycologist Paul Stamets waxes poetic about psilocybin’s spiritual benefits before elucidating modern scientific understanding of its physiological benefits. Stamets focuses on the phenomenon of neurogenesis, “an increased synaptic integration, the birth of new neurons.” Brooks visits her doctor halfway through the film and discovers that her latest imaging shows her cancer’s recurrence and spread. Chemotherapy and surgery now her cancer as an external entity with Simpson Oil, a high-THC regimen pose significant risks to her. Facing a life of its own, she could look at it that can induce cancer cells’ death the prospect of death again, Brooks as an internal process manifesting via apoptosis while inhibiting future takes a second guided trip to address within her that is responsive to her growth. her own fears about accelerated relationship with the self. Brooks returns home early to meet mortality. Brooks ingests six grams entheogen provider Garyth this time and achieves Moxey and try Rick Simpson a sense of acceptance oil. Ultimately Brooks finds about the end of her the 60-grams-in-60-days Brooks is radically changed by this life. One of the most protocol too sedating so she point, thanks largely to psilocybin potent aspects of this listens to her body, switching therapy. In addition to shifts in her documentary is the to CBD for daytime and conception of death, she has also way it reveals changes taking cannabis oil at night. radically altered her approach to in Brooks’ emotional Brooks is radically changed living. affect and perspective by this point, thanks largely before and after to psilocybin therapy. In psilocybin therapy. Further inspired to live authentically, addition to shifts in her conception of Opting against surgery, Brooks Brooks tells her mother about her death, she has also radically altered meets physician Gabor Maté for a mushroom trip and they grow closer. her approach to living. “real conversation.” She tells Maté Then Brooks and her husband set off DOSED: The Trip of a Lifetime about her life, including her religious on a road trip to enjoy the now. They concludes with footage of Brooks upbringing, and the expectations she visit noted ethnopharmacologist and her family receiving her latest internalized from those experiences. Dennis McKenna along the way. scan results, which confirm tumor Maté muses that, rather than seeing During their discussion about psilocybin, McKenna mentions Rick shrinkage with no further spread, and a note from the filmmakers that Brooks had outlived her original terminal diagnosis by four years by the conclusion of filming. Following its limited theatrical run, DOSED: The Trip of a Lifetime is now available to stream on a donation basis at dosedmovie.com. Watch Dosed: The Trip of a Lifetime HERE 62

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After Hours

PUFF & PLEASURE Adult Christmas is Finally Here! By Kim Airs

es, you read right - this is not a typo! It’s the month of love, sex, romance and cannabis! Why not promote it as the month of “LOVE SEX - & CANNA-KISS!”

Vibe in a flaming, red tiger lily color is always a great seller too. Add to it the matching Panty Vibe and you’ll experience a high like never before! The vibes and the packaging are so small, they could easily be stocking stuffers, too.

From Evolved, there’s the Lady In Red. A perfectly sized, 17-speed bullet—great for beginners and just enough for tokers to dip their toe into the pool of sexual health and wellness products.

For those brick and mortar retailers whose sole focus is adult pleasure When I visit a smoke or vape shop, I’m products, we all know that February The folks at Screaming O have a often perplexed by the lack of signage is consistently our busiest month for panty vibe of their own. Their Remove recommending product pairings or sales. Our goal as retailers is to upsell Vibrating Panties feature a remote highlighting specific items. I often and cross-promote think of the creative different categories signage at Trader Joe’s with every sale. and how many times I’ve It’s never too late to . . . highlight some “Need some lube purchased something on small, red vibes near your checkout stand. with that toy you just the sign’s messaging alone Lacking Vision? Just think of those POP got?” is always an Introducing a new product? items you fall for in the checkout line of easy way to make an Consider displaying Marshall or TJ Max, but then imagine they additional sale with signage that encourages were butt plugs and vibrators. an adult product. customers to explore the latest offerings by pairing If you’re primarily control vibe at just the right spot and them with newly released flowers or a smoke shop, it’s your chance to have long ties on both sides of the vape products, and perhaps even an introduce “Love, Sex and Canna- hips that make them truly “one size adult toy. Subtle visual prompts can KISS” products in your sales. It’s fits all.” Panty vibes are all the rage help alleviate the apprehension some never too late to bring in some red this year; definitely the hottest gift to might feel about purchasing adult paper hearts for your displays or give and receive in 2024. items alongside their chosen cannabis highlight some small, red vibes near products or smoking accessories. your checkout stand. Lacking vision? California Exotic Novelties, now Just think of those POP items you fall known as CalExotics, has a small Still haven’t added any pleasure toys for in the checkout line of Marshalls but cute silver metal butt plug with a to your shelves? Well, February is or TJ Maxx, but then imagine they ruby red heart encircled in the base. the perfect month to launch your were butt plugs and vibrators. Now Nothing says “I love you” more than new adult toy section, or at least that you’ve caught the vision, let’s a silvery butt plug and a blunt wrap incorporate a few choice offerings go over a few products that could fill to match! In fact, unlikely yet clever into your general wares. Your friendly those slots (pun intended). pairings are a great way to go. The adult products distributor will be possibilities are endless; just use your happy to help you. One great product that is small, imagination. compact, and inexpensive is the Now onto a successful cuffing season and profitable Valentine’s Day! Hello, Sexy! line from Thank Me Now brands. Or, an easy-to-use Finger 72

Magazine February 2024

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After Hours

A PHD IN SENSUALITY

Doc Johnson: 50 Years of Pleasure Enhancement By Darin Burt

hat if we told you that the world of adult pleasure isn’t just evolving—it’s breaking free from the shadows and taking center stage? Doc Johnson, a name synonymous with sensuality and sophistication, is casting social acceptance and product innovation in a whole new light. Founded nearly half a century ago, Doc Johnson has been instrumental in transforming the adult novelty market into a sophisticated category of sexual health and wellness. With an eye towards future trends and market demands, they are now tapping into the unique environment of smoke shops, recognizing a complementary relationship between their products and the smoke shop clientele. “We’ve curated product offerings that we think make the most sense in a smoke shop setting,” says Scott Watkins, Doc Johnson’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. This move, he explains, is more than just expanding the company’s market reach; it’s about aligning with contemporary retail trends and consumer demands, ensuring that the products are not only a good fit but also add value to the smoke shop’s existing offerings. Doc Johnson is recognized globally as the creator of the Original Pocket Rocket, a small external-use bullet vibrator; the John Holmes Personal Pump, a plunger-style enlargement device endorsed by the well-endowed 74

Magazine February 2024

porn star; the Vac-U-Lock harnessand-attachments system; and all manner of dongs, strap-ons, C rings, ticklers, anal beads, massagers, lubricants, and male enhancement products. A prime example of the synergy between the adult world and the cannabis community is Doc Johnson’s

‘Goodhead’ series. Originally designed for sexual wellness, this line has been adapted to also address common issues faced by smokers.This dual-functionality of the Goodhead products is a prime example of how Doc Johnson is engaging the specific needs of smoke shop customers, offering products that enhance their experience in more ways than one. For example, their Deep Throat Spray, initially created to alleviate

the gag reflex during oral sex, also mitigates the throat irritation from harsh bong hits. On the flip side, Juicy Head provides instant moisture and fresh breath, useful for dry mouth caused by either intimate encounters or smoking.

“We actively listen to our consumers, whether it’s for improving existing products or developing new ones for emerging categories,” Watkins adds.

in a competitive market. To help retailers make the most of this addition, Doc Johnson places a strong emphasis on education. Through their comprehensive website, Doc Johnson’s recent cannabis b2bdocjohnson.com, they offer collaborations are a big hit with valuable resources like the ‘School of smoke shops. They’ve introduced a Doc’ program. This initiative is geared Then there’s the ‘In a Bag’ series, which range of cannabis-related products, towards educating both retailers and feels tailor-made for the smoke shop including edibles, pre-rolled joints, consumers about the adult product scene. This product line covers a wide and medicinal mushrooms. This industry, which is essential for spectrum, including broadening understanding vibrators, strokers, and acceptance, especially dildos, anal trainers, Offering a wider variety of products, in shops newly introducing and even playful beyond what’s typically associated with these types of products. fetish products. What smoke shops, not only enriches the “Offering a wider variety sets the ‘In A Bag’ customer experience but also shows of products, beyond what’s line apart is its clever the retailer’s commitment to the sexual typically associated with packaging strategy wellness industry. where products are smoke shops, not only discretely packed into enriches the customer three distinct, stylish experience but also shows bags: Green for items designed for expansion aligns well with the typical the retailer’s commitment to the individuals with vulvas, Blue for those offerings of smoke shops, providing sexual wellness industry,” Watkins intended for penises, and Yellow a fresh and appealing addition to summarizes. “It’s about providing for products that can be enjoyed both Doc Johnson’s lineup and the access to products that focus on by anyone, regardless of gender or inventory of these retailers. pleasure and intimacy, which is good genitalia. for everyone.” For smoke shop owners, incorporating Watkins highlights that 65% of Doc Doc Johnson’s products offers a Johnson’s products are manufactured chance to diversify product lines, in North America, emphasizing meet evolving consumer interests, support for local economies and stand out and ensuring high-quality, affordable products. It also means their team has a shorter cycle when it comes to developing and releasing new products, with up to 150 new SKUs annually.

February 2024

Magazine

After Hours

CUPID’S COUNTDOWN

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Strategies That Work

Procrastinators have romantic partners too. You can help!

alentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to seize the opportunity to boost sales and make a love connection with your customers. Don’t worry if you haven’t planned in advance; often, last-minute promotions can be surprisingly effective. Let’s point Cupid’s arrow at some smart, quick marketing strategies that can help your store win hearts and sales in the romantic season.

Flash Sales and Deals You know what gets hearts racing? Flash sales and limited-time offers. Imagine offering sweet discounts on hot items like aromatherapy candles, adult toys, CBDinfused chocolates, and CBD massage oils or bath bombs for a romantic spa night. People love a good bargain, especially when time’s running out. Throw in a “buy one, get one” deal, and you’re practically irresistible.

Magazine February 2024

Flash Sales and Deals Valentine’s Day is known for sparking impulsive purchases. Couples and singles alike feel the pressure to find that perfect gift or spice things up. That sense of urgency can be your best friend as a retailer.

Flash Sales and Deals

Going Viral on the Themed bundles are where it’s at. Create Socials sets for different folks—couples, singles, or those looking to explore. Mix and match products for various budgets. The idea is to make the choice easy, and the deal too good to pass up.

Social media is your magic wand for spreading the word about last-minute Valentine’s deals. Cook up a social media recipe that includes targeted ads, influencer collabs, and content that sizzles. Don’t forget the power of hashtags, stories, and live events to get folks excited.

Valentine’s vs. The Holidays You may be thinking, “We’ve just wrapped up our Christmas sales, so why bother with Valentine’s Day?” It’s a valid question, considering the whirlwind of activity during the holiday season. However, before you dismiss the idea of Valentine’s Day promotions, let’s take a moment to compare the two and see why it’s still worth your while:

Who’s it for: Gift cards are lifesavers for the last-minute givers. Encourage customers to give the gift of choice. Gift cards not only mean immediate sales but also repeat business when recipients come back to cash them in.

What’s in the Cart: Valentine’s Day shines a spotlight on products that add romance and intimacy, like adult toys. The holiday season encompasses everything from electronics to clothing and home decor.

Bundling Beauties: Valentine’s Day

More Than Amour

deals, and that feeling of “I need to get this now before it’s gone!”

When you’re running a smoke shop and time is ticking on a special sales opportunity, you’ve got to think quickly. There’s not enough time to roll out a big, holiday-themed campaign. Instead, you need to focus on what really grabs people’s attention—great

This approach is not just about making the most of the last-minute rush; it’s also about diversifying your reach. Not everyone is looking for holidaythemed items, but who doesn’t love a good bargain?

Now, from a shop owner’s point of view, it’s all about getting those sales up, and fast. You want to put out offers that are easy to understand and even easier to grab. This is what customers are looking for too. They expect to see some sweet deals when a big day like Valentine’s is on the horizon. Sure, adding a bit of Valentine’s flair to your shop and promotions is nice, but at the end of the day, it’s those eye-catching deals that really bring people in. It’s about giving them a good reason t o choose your shop, whether they’re shopping for a special occasion or just because they found a deal too good to pass up.

bundles focus on intimate experiences, whereas holiday season bundles are diverse, featuring gift sets and themed packages.

Feel the Love: Valentine’s Day tugs

at the heartstrings with themes of love and passion. The holiday season is all about joy, togetherness, generosity, and tradition.

Time Crunch: Valentine’s Day is a

quick sprint with last-minute deals and promotions taking center stage. The holiday season is more like a marathon with long-term planning needed.

In-Store Romance Set the mood with a romantic in-store vibe. Hang some hearts, put on some sultry tunes, and arrange your products in eye-catching displays. How about hosting a Valentine’s Day raffle or a “secret admirer” discount to lure shoppers in?

Gift Cards and Love Notes Gift cards are lifesavers for the lastminute givers. Encourage customers to give the gift of choice. Gift cards not only mean immediate sales but also repeat business when recipients come back to cash them in.

February 2024

Magazine

After Hours

Sizzling Sellers that Put the “F” in Functional

Doxy 3 Massager The Doxy 3 Massager—nudge, nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more—is the latest USB-C wand from U.K. pleasure brand Doxy. Compact yet mighty, this 11-inch long wonder with a 1.75 inch wide head packs a pleasurable punch, offering a distinct vibration style that sets it apart from its larger counterparts. The innovative device features a 10-foot USB-C cable, detachable silicone head, and comes in eye-catching turquoise and black. Its unique screw-on removable head allows for easy attachment of four new silicone accessories, including a Rabbit-style, Male Masturbator, Prostate Stimulator, and a Clitoral Stimulating head, all crafted by Nexus. The body, cast from an aluminum and titanium alloy, and the head, molded from medicalgrade silicone, ensure durability and safety. The intuitive control buttons, glowing in a soft blue, allow for easy adjustment of intensity and a special pulse mode for oscillating vibrations. Its waterproof design allows for adventurous use, even in the bathtub. As the company co-founder and Managing Director, Andrew Critchon remarked, “The Doxy 3 answers the need for both power and quality—at an affordable price.”

Magazine February 2024

Shroom by The Oh Club “The Shroom is a testament to our commitment to creating products that resonate with the innate instincts and desires that have evolved over millennia, as we draw inspiration from the natural world to create an experience that feels truly organic and fulfilling for consumers.” - Devin Shanahan, CEO, The Oh Club Truer words, Devin; truer words. Mushrooms are growing in popularity within the smoke shop community, but The Oh Club is taking this trend to new heights with its latest innovation, the Shroom mushroom-shaped vibrator. This rechargeable device is not just a whimsical nod to nature; it’s a powerhouse of pleasure, boasting nine distinct vibration patterns. Beyond its aesthetic and tactile allure, the Shroom is incredibly versatile. Whether enhancing partner play or elevating solo sessions, its velvety cap and diverse vibration settings promise ceaseless delight. Its silicone construction is ideal for use with lubricants, enhancing sensations in the most intimate areas. Plus, its waterproof design invites users to indulge in luxurious, relaxing environments like the bathtub. In essence, Shroom redefines the standards of intimate pleasure, merging the whimsical with the deeply satisfying.

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HeadSpace

DID THE SKY FALL? By Matt Weeks

A Look Back: Ten Years of Legalization

Magazine February 2024

n 2014, Sean Azzariti, a U.S. Marine who did two tours during the Iraq War, took three $20 bills out of his wallet to pay for an eighth of Bubba Kush. As he handed over the cash to 3D Cannabis Center in Denver, Azzariti smiled for the cameras. He had just become the first American to legally buy recreational cannabis in more than a century. Ten years later, his flower sits unused. Azzariti never opened the white paper bag he received that day. It was more important as a physical representation of a larger movement. But when he tried to donate the parcel, both the Smithsonian Institution and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science refused his offer. After all, it’s illegal. Though the flower may not ever make it behind display glass, its function as a symbol of the American legalization movement couldn’t be clearer: A decade after our first experiments with recreational cannabis, we’re still afraid to let it out of the bag. Even as the pro-legalization movement has dominated ballot boxes and brought forth a new industry, why does it still feel so stigmatized, so niche? Do we not have the stomach to open up that paper sack and peek inside? What would a sober accounting of the data tell us about what’s changed since that fateful day when a combat veteran with PTSD bought America’s first legal dime bag? Let’s find out.

The first legal cannabis sale in moder history took place in Colorado on January 2, 2014. Critics said it would ruin the country. Were they right?

What We Know: A Gut Check Admittedly, parsing the data on cannabis is difficult. Even our best polls are murky. What is certain is that a clear majority of Americans support expanding cannabis legalization, both recreationally and medicinally. But exactly how many—and why—is up for debate. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 68 percent of Americans support recreational legalization, but only 53 percent believe that cannabis has a positive effect on users (and just half of Americans think the substance has a positive effect on society). Those statistics are a little more promising than what a similar poll put out by the Pew Research Center found the same year. It reported that a mere 59 percent of Americans support recreational cannabis laws. Why the disconnect? For most respondents, it came down to personal history. Those who copped to trying cannabis were twice as likely to say it should be legalized. Fifty percent of respondents to the Gallup poll reported past usage; only 46 percent of those talking to Pew admitted the same. If those numbers sound low, consider where they started. In 1968, only 12 percent of Americans were pro-legalization and a mere 4 percent claimed to have tried cannabis. Those numbers crept higher through the 70s, then crashed again in the Just-Say-No ‘80s. However, starting in 1989, attitudes have continued to trend more positively, even as alcohol’s scores worsen. The message is winning, but it’s far from non-controversial.

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g on d ith m a ase 1, w e s u ecre 202 cent bis e c n as d nd per anna 27.7 a t bs hs h 013 ao 24 nd c rom u s t f t . . .ll youeen 2owncent acent a etw ol d per per b lcoh 30 17.7 a om to fr own nt. d erce p

Will Someone Please Think of the Children? One of the greatest hits of the cannabis critics concerns kids. This year, people who were 11 when Colorado and Oregon legalized can buy the drug legally. Did growing up with cannabis as a legitimate product affect their habits? Though it’s impossible to know with certainty whether teens in legalized states use cannabis more than their peers, the data indicates that’s not the case. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a massive report in 2021 finding no statistical link 86

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between legalization and high school cannabis consumption. That study is consistent with a 2018 survey of 55 other published papers. In fact, cannabis use has trended down among teens—even in the years before the Covid lockdowns. A more localized study, done by Healthy Kids Colorado, found that substance use among all youths has decreased between 2013 and 2021, with alcohol down to 24 percent from 30 percent and cannabis down to 17.7 percent from 27.7 percent. If legalized cannabis really is affecting kids, they’re hiding it well.

But Does it Help? One of the greatest promises of the legalization movement is the chance to improve cannabis research. And it looks like it’s coming to pass. After being stifled for years by asinine regulations, researchers have finally persuaded government agencies to loosen the rope. Removing the substance from the Schedule I tier would help even more, but the 2022 law providing increased access to medical cannabis might help—if the government rolls everything out properly. Luckily, that’s not our only hope. For years, the American public had to piece together Continued on Page 88

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Colorado: Teen Alcohol Use - 2013 vs. 2021 Percentage of students who feel it would be easy to get alcohol if they wanted

Percentage of students who had at least one drink of alcohol in or more in the past 30 days

and neuroscience at Colorado University, Boulder, and her team came up with a workaround to regulations that prevents scientists from administering cannabis to patients. The researchers tell patients which products to purchase from a local dispensary, then drive to their subjects’ home to perform research. The team arrives with a mobile lab, takes samples from the patients before they dose, then takes a new set of samples. The team’s first study showed conclusively that cannabis products containing specific amounts of both CBD and THC could fight inflammation and pain without delivering cognitive impairment. They’re currently working on more research—and using crowdfunding sources to ensure they can reach a larger population.

The Media Dilemma its understanding of cannabis’ effects on the body from research that relied on less-than-ideal inputs. Scientists were restricted to using poorly grown, often moldy cannabis samples that bore little resemblance to what was sold on the black market or in dispensaries. But thanks to legalization, some researchers have found creative ways around restrictions.

Bryan’s conditions may not be ideal, but they’re undeniably an improvement. Yet, even if every forthcoming paper had flawless research designs, every potential new discovery would still face sensationalized, overblown coverage. The field of cannabis research is simply too new. A true scientific consensus has yet to form, which has given rise

The point here is not to bring up left-versus-right, but rather to illuminate something that continues to befuddle policymakers: there’s simply no great way to implement legality. Continued on Page 92

For example, Angela Bryan, a professor of psychology

Ann Arbor, Michigan - April 2, 2016: Comedian, entrepreneur, medical marijuana patient, and former Drug War casualty, Tommy Chong speaks during Hash Bash 2016. Chong has been a pivotal ﬁgure in the cause of legalization. 88

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Colorado: Teen Cigarette Use 2013 vs. 2021 like all great researchers, the authors were clear about the limitations of their work.

to the kind of medical promises the substance may not be able to deliver. Take for example, the breathless coverage a study published in the August 2022 edition of the journal, Addiction received. Media outlets reported that it showed definitively that residents of legalized states use cannabis 24 percent more frequently than do others. But that’s not exactly true. What the scientists actually found was subtler. The study surveyed sets of twins who lived in separate states. It found those in legalized states claimed to consume more cannabis. Its underlying premise was that, because the pairs were genetically similar, the only difference in their usage habits would be laws of their home states. However,

While news coverage made it sound like recreational laws cause usage—the researchers found that such legislation only spurs those who already used cannabis to use it more often. “Our analyses suggest that among individuals who have used in their life-time, cannabis legalization may cause increased likelihood of recent use, but cannabis legalization is unlikely to cause initiation in individuals who were life-time abstainers prior to legalizations [sic, emphasis ours],” they wrote. “One potential alternative explanation for increases in use associated with legalization could be that it instead reflects an increased openness to report activities that are no longer illegal. We cannot determine whether this is the case, but we note that we also saw increases in reported cannabis use by residents of illegal states.” That’s not an outlier, either. Luckily, several universities have established cannabis research centers that should accelerate our understanding and, hopefully, provide a voice of authority that can keep overblown headlines in check. Continued on Page 94

Colorado: Teen Cannabis Use - 2013 vs. 2021 Percentage of students who feel it would be easy to access cannabis Percentage of students who used marijuana more than once in their life

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Percentage of students who used marijuana more than once during the past 30 days

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What We Know We Don’t Know In November, Ohio became the 24th state to legalize recreational usage. Voters approved the initiative by a healthy margin, but the polls were hardly closed before lawmakers from both parties announced plans to change the law before it went into effect. Republicans sought to remove stipulations that would have prioritized granting licenses to those who were harmed by past

cannabis laws, while Democrats sought to amend the law to ensure some of the tax revenue went to schools. The point here is not to bring up left-versus-right, but rather to illuminate something that continues to befuddle policymakers: there’s simply no great way to implement legality. Although Americans continue to vote for legalization, it’s not all that clear what they actually support.

The big tent of legalization advocates contains a spectrum that runs from free market-inspired libertarians to social justice-seeking social democrats. Some want to benefit from moving the market out of the shadows, while others want the freedom to use cannabis as medicine, and still others believe that legalization corrects sins of the past that have been perpetrated primarily against minorities. That leaves a great bit of space to bicker about policy execution.

Colorado: Teen Vape Use - 2013 vs. 2021 Percentage of students who used a vapor product in the past 30 days Percentage of students who feel it would be easy to access a vape Percentage of students who have ever used a vapor product Percentage of students who think breathing second-hand vapor poses some risk

Why 2017?

The graph illustrating teen vaping trends begins from 2017, as vapor products only gained mainstream prevalence around 2015. Consequently, Healthy Kids Colorado, the organization conducting the survey, did not include questions about vaping in their questionnaire until this increased prevalence was recognized.

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Do high taxes keep the black market in business? Do social justice requirements slow down the free market and lead to inferior goods? Do zoning regulations ensure the stigma sticks around? It’s all arguable.

Where Are We Now? U.S. Marines are famous for being the first into the fray. It’s no different with cannabis. In the decade since Sean Azzariti bought $60 worth of bud, some progress has been made. Today, more than half the population lives in a state that has legalized recreational cannabis. But not everything has changed.

In the upcoming presidential election, neither of the two frontrunners supports a nation-wide legalization agenda. In many legalized states, people are still sitting in jail for offenses that are no longer criminal—and were never truly harmful. And we still don’t know just how much it helps with pain, PTSD, anxiety, sleep, hunger, etc. Two years ago, the Cato Institute, that bastion of Koch-funded libertarianism, released a policy analysis on marijuana legalization to help legislators. Its advice was simple: ignore both sides. Cato scholars found that recreational legalization has led to only the smallest changes. Both the

advocates and the critics overstated their cases. Instead, Cato found clear evidence that, aside from higher tax collections, most things stayed the same. Crime rates stay steady. Kids aren’t more likely to get high. Justice doesn’t become more even-handed. Rates of harder drug consumption don’t rise. Public health outcomes are largely the same. While individuals may see great benefits or harms, there’s no great shift on the ground beneath our feet. So, what has changed, 10 years in? Our attitudes. In a decade’s time, our ideas about cannabis have grown closer together. As a nation, we’re less divided today than we were yesterday. Maybe that’s enough for one plant.

Cannabis Legal Status State-by-State January 2014 vs. January 2024 Full Legalization

Medical

Prohibition

CBD Only

Prohibition* (Medical passed, not yet in effect)

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EdQuest

IN DATA WE TRUST DATA : A BETTER WAY OF KNOWING,

By Soﬁa Noillif

I Harnessing your data is the key to the success of your business in the post-modern era.

t’s 2024, and the COVID era has passed – we think, at least for now. As we’ve come out of our homespun antiviral cocoons, one thing has been certain: the analog era is over. Whatever vestiges of the pre-digital age that managed to survive up until March 2020 are now dead. Marketing teams are no longer hanging out on Madison Avenue, holding Scotch snifters in thousand-dollar suits. Instead, they’re behind a computer, writing algorithms and analyzing results. Data is king.

random as the topics of conversation at a toddlers’ tea party. Contracted tuberculosis in the 15th century? Must be because you walked under a ladder and pet that black cat? No one likes cat people, anyways. All things considered, the medieval period sucked, and it’s definitely not a place you’d want to live in—so why are you running your business like a 12-the century peasant? That’s precisely where the power of data analytics comes in. The guessing game is over.

Suddenly, being a nerd is now cool and statistics are sexy. It’s no longer so much about instincts and “it” factors, so much as it’s about data analytics. But what exactly are data analytics, and why are they important for you? Simple answer: Because they’re reliable.

So, what are data analytics exactly? They’re your solution for injecting your business with evidence-based insights, enabling you to interpret market needs and trends, and understand the hows and the whys behind your business’s performance. In this day and age, collecting and analyzing your data is crucial for making informed decisions, understanding customer behavior, and streamlining operations.

But for a big-picture answer, let’s use our imaginations for a moment. Picture going back to the medieval times, where diagnosing an illness was as

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Different Strokes for Different Folks To help us nerd out even more on an already nerdy topic, we talked to Dr. Gabrielle Pogge. Dr. Pogge is a data analyst with a PhD in Social Psychology who consults with marketing upstart, Medicine Tree Media. “Data analytics give you the superpower to describe what is happening within your small business,” Dr. Pogge explains. “They tell us why it’s happening and predict what will happen in the future to turn insights into actions.” Sounds smart, huh? Sit tight and buckle up, buttercup. Your world’s about to get a whole lot smarter. But first thing’s first: For this month, let’s look at the four types of insights data analytics offer: “By using each of these elements of data analytics,” Dr. Pogge elaborates, “you can discover useful insights that allow you to make empirically informed business decisions in which you can be confident. The most powerful insights come from employing a combination of all four elements.” Simply put, data analytics help you understand your own business’s story: what happened, why it happened, what might happen next, and what you should do about it. It’s an epic narrative of harrowing adventures—and you are the hero. Stay tuned for next month’s installment, when Dr. Pogge digs in deeper to give us useful tips on how to apply data analytics in your everyday business operations.

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THE TAXMAN COMETH

High Stakes and Tax Breaks: A Few Things to Consider for April 15th

By Soﬁa Noillif

ne. Two. Three. Four.

Let me tell you how it will be. There’s one for you and 19 for me. You know where this is going. If not, you should consider adding more Beatles to your musical diet. He’s the Taxman—and dear friends, the Taxman cometh. Tax season is almost upon us, which means that we need to get cracking on all that prep work. Truth be told, if you’re a business owner, you should have been prepping all year, but the dangers of procrastination are another subject for another day. For now, let’s get our brains in tax mode by going over some of the broad strokes that you’ll need to keep in mind when ol’ Uncle Sam comes for his 19 out of 20.

Section 280E: Vestige of the Reaganite Drug Warriors Let’s talk briefly about IRC Section 280E, a statute that probably has nothing to do with you, but also might have everything to do with you. In 1982, Congress enacted IRC 280E of the

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Internal Revenue Code to punish businesses engaged in illegal drug trafficking, including cannabis. Under this statute, businesses involved in the trafficking of Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances, as classified by the Controlled Substances Act, are limited in the deductions they can claim on their federal income tax returns. Cannabis falls under Schedule I, and this section directly impacts cannabis businesses. Cannabis operations can pay an effective tax rate of 60 - 80% m o r e than their

neighboring non-cannabis business because of this archaic code limiting them to claim only Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) related deductions. But here’s the good news, for those simply on the accessory side—as in those who do not directly grow, sell, or traffic cannabis, but only sell related accessories—which is most of us, the implications of IRC Section 280E are different. Since your business is not dealing with the controlled substance itself, you are generally not subject to the limitations of Section 280E. This means you can typically deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses under IRC Section 162. Hooray! Pop the champagne! Hold on. Don’t pop that bubbly just yet. There’s a lot more to go over and still a helluva lot more paperwork to fill out. Read on for a few more bits and pieces that might make this painful time of the year a little less . . . well . . . painful. (See Sidebar 1 for more info on IRC Section 280E.) Continued on Page 110

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Sidebar 1

delta-8 and IRC 280: is there a problem?

TRUE STORY: HEAD SHOP OWNERS HAVE SPENT A NIGHT OR TWO IN JAIL OVER UNPAID TOBACCO TAX REVENUE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY DIGGING UNDER THEIR COUCH CUSHIONS. WHY? SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T REALIZE THEY NEEDED TO PAY IT.

While IRC Section 280E doesn’t apply to accessories or the various other peripherals of the industry, its application to Delta 8 products is a legal gray area for the ages. Let’s pick this apart and see if we can’t make a little sense of it. As we know, per the current iteration of the Farm Bill, all derivatives and extracts of hemp are legal—and hemp is deﬁned as any cannabis plant with a Delta-9 THC concentration of no more than .3% on a dry weight basis. Therefore, Delta-8 is technically legal to buy and sell, so long as it is derived from the hemp plant. It’s practically an industry catechism at this point.

Expense Categorization: Direct vs. Indirect Direct expenses are those costs that are directly attributable to the production of goods sold. For your business, this most likely includes expenses incurred in acquiring products like glass, pipes, vaporizers, hemp consumables, etc. These are considered the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and are crucial for your tax calculations because, even under Section 280E, COGS can be deducted. In contrast, indirect expenses are the general overhead costs that are necessary for running

a business but are not directly tied to your operations. Examples include rent, utilities, general office supplies, and marketing costs. It’s here that Section 280E poses a significant challenge for cannabisrelated businesses. But remember, this limitation does not apply directly to accessory businesses; only those businesses involved in handling the plant itself—specifically, the variation of the plant

still governed by the CSA (meaning, not hemp.)

Navigating the State and Local Tax Maze Next, let’s look at state and local tax laws for a moment. In states where cannabis is legal, the tax regime is a gray sky jigsaw puzzle with pieces from both federal, state regulations and often even municipal regulations. Continued on Page 112

“Keep a tax savings acct just prepare for Shop Talk: “Don’t taxes; prepare for refund and put a bit of money This time of year, into it every month so you retailers season. aren’t caught oﬀ guard at people are buying for the end of the year when instead of weigh in on themselves have a large tax bill. friends and family.” When I’ve ‘over saved’ and tax season -Terry Behrman, Mary Jane’s you have excess left over in best Glass Haberdasher - Colorado tax savings we transfer it to our property holdings practices. Springs, CO company and buy a new rental property.

-Shana Wilkinson, Smokey Shays - South Carolina

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However, this past August, Marijuana Moment reported on a 2021 email from Terrance Boos, chief of the DEA’s Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section. In the email, Boos speciﬁcally stated, “Any quantity of Delta-8 THC obtained by chemical means is a controlled substance.” Now, this was written prior to the DEA’s statement made a year ago in which they announced that Delta-8 & 9 THCO were oﬃcially recognized as Schedule 1 substances, so perhaps that’s as far as the statement covers. However, it should be noted that Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in the plant at such miniscule levels that virtually any Delta-8 product on the market is likely produced by converting CBD through a chemical process. According to Boos, “That act of taking that Continued on Page 112

Auditors are often unfamiliar with our business model, regardless of what they claim, and discrepancies they find are worth contending if you can back up your books. You have every right to challenge their findings with their supervisors. We’ve overruled their findings going that route before. -Chuck Giarratana, Vapors Smoke Shop - Campbell, CA

“280E scares the f*** out of me. Its application makes makes huge liabilities for the people in the cannabis space. I may be a bit dramatic but while it’s on the books it leaves me concerned with the 80,000 new IRS agents looking for something to audit.” -Anonymous (by request)

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delta-8 and IRC 280 (Cont.)

substance in any synthetic step now brings it back under the CSA.” So, although THCO has been the only category of hemp cannabinoid speciﬁcally named by the DEA, it appears that the agency is still of the mindset that most of the Delta-8 currently on the market would be considered a controlled substance. Should the IRS follow this guidance in their deﬁnitions, it would mean devastating consequences for anyone involved in the sale of Delta-8, which is almost everyone here. Chances are nothing will happen, and we’ll all come out the other side unscathed. But the mere possibility is all the more reason why you should always consult with a professional—and not just any professional, but one who is well-versed in the nuances of our quirky little corner of commerce.

Meanwhile, you’re probably not just selling cannabis accessories. Most shops in our little corner of commerce are deeply involved with the sale of various tobacco products as well, and that’s where it gets really tricky. True story: Head shop owners have spent a night or two in jail over unpaid tobacco tax revenue that could have been covered by digging under their couch cushions. Why? Simply because they didn’t realize they needed to pay it. Point is, you have to do your homework. Our tip? Be wary of companies claiming the taxes on the products they offer are prepaid and always keep a keen eye on these ever-changing rules, because the rules . . . they are a’changing. Most 112

Tax hatred: The American way. Anti-tax cartoon published in 1862.

importantly, regularly consult with a tax expert too. Remember, there are only two certainties in this great country: death and taxes. Aww…did you think I was going to say freedom? That’s adorable.

The lost art of Record Keeping Think of record-keeping as your reserve (second) parachute. Those wellorganized files and records are your best friends when it comes to justifying those all-important deductions and bracing for the ‘just in case’ scenario of audits. Embrace your inner OCD and keep those records shining! Chuck G. at Vapors in the Bay Area of California underscores the significance of proper record keeping, sharing a teachable moment in the process. “Auditors are

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often unfamiliar with our business model,” he tells us. “Discrepancies they find are worth contending if you can back up your books.” Best course of action: Hire a bookkeeper, but don’t just assume they’re doing their job. Politely, but firmly stay involved. If they drop the ball, it’s your ass, not theirs.

Stay in the Loop The cannabis/head shop world is always evolving, and so are its laws and regulations. Keeping up with these changes is not just good practice—it’s crucial for your business’s health. So, keep an ear to the podcasts and an eye on the screen to stay informed about the legal shifts that could affect your tax strategy. Start with reading HQ. I mean, we’re cool and all, but we also know a lot

of smart people—and they tell us what to write.

Don’t Skip the Tax Pros With taxes, a little expert advice goes a long way to keep the IRS auditor away. Consulting with tax professionals who know the ins and outs of the cannabis and accessory industries is like traveling with Gandalf. You can move forward with confidence, you’re less likely to get lost, and you’ll have a much better shot at defeating the Balrog (which in this case is an audit.) You shall not pass and such. Trent Bohl of Smokey Joe’s West in Silver City, New Mexico, highlights the significance of understanding deductions and the invaluable role of a competent accountant.

“At around $.50 a mile, you can really reduce tax burden. My 30k in business mileage dropped my tax liability by Trent Bohl, Smokey $15,000.” -Joe’s West - Silver City, NM “A basic understanding of deductions & having a good accountant is crucial,” he states. Bohl emphasizes the financial benefits of accounting for every deductible, particularly mileage deductions. “At around $.50 a mile, you can really reduce tax burden. My 30k in business mileage dropped my tax liability by $15,000.”

See You Next Year… In the end, remember this: taxes in the cannabis accessory world are like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get, but you can always expect things to get a bit sticky. Keep your wits sharp, your records sharper, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll come out the other side with a few dollars to spare. Stay tax-savvy, my friends!

Sidebar 2

What if I sell both cannabis and accessories? Own a head shop and a dispensary? This sidebar is for you. In a case where a business enterprise directly deals with cannabis while also operating a second entity that does not touch cannabis - for example, a retail dispensary establishment and a head shop - the application of IRC Section 280E becomes a nuanced and complicated issue. It’s essential to establish completely separate management corporations for each establishment. The primary challenge for entrepreneurs in this scenario is to convincingly demonstrate to the IRS that the business activities for cannabis and non-cannabis products are distinct. This requires meticulous record keeping and accounting practices. Businesses must keep separate invoices, receipts, and accounting records for each line of business. Failing to do so could lead the IRS to treat all income as subject to Section 280E, thereby disallowing deductions for the expenses related to non-cannabis products.

editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, ﬁnancial, or tax advice. The head shop and cannabis accessory industry faces unique regulatory challenges, and we recommend consulting with professional advisors before making any business decisions. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. February 2024

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HEAD IN A CLOUD?

Marijuana, Cognition and Memory: What we Know & What we Don’t Know (& What We Maybe Forgot)

Spoiler alert: There’s a lot we don’t know. Let’s dissect the facts & fallacies about marijuana’s mental impact. By Dario Sabaghi

here’s a wide array of claims surrounding marijuana, and they typically fall into three broad categories. To start, we have the completely debunked myths, such as the notion of marijuana being a ‘gateway’ drug — an idea that lacks solid backing. Next are the claims that mix a bit of truth with exaggeration, like the addictiveness of marijuana. It’s not false, but the level of addiction is quite low compared to other substances, and it concerns only a small subset of users. And finally, there’s the territory we’re still mapping out: claims shrouded in ongoing research, where the jury’s still out on the full extent of marijuana’s effects–which is the category in which this month’s topic falls. The question of whether marijuana impairs cognition has sparked heated debate for generations. Cast as public enemy number one in the war on drugs since the sixties, cannabis has shouldered the stigma of a substance that dulls the mind. “It will make you dumb,” parents have cautioned, painting it as the bane of memory and wit, with insinuations of lasting mental fog. But, amidst the clamor of claims and counterclaims, how do we sift through the

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rhetoric and research to uncover the truth about cannabis and cognitive function? How much of the feared cognitive haze is fact, and how much is smoky speculation? Let’s start with good news. Remember when your parents, teachers, D.A.R.E. officer, et al, told you that pot kills brain cells? You can chalk that one up to utter bullshit. That was based on a

“scientific” study from the 70s in which researchers put gas masks on chimps and then nearly suffocated them with marijuana smoke. Of course, that kills brain cells; it’s called “asphyxiation.” However, brace yourself for this next part because you’re not going to like it. The fact is most of the recent studies have pointed to marijuana having a detrimental effect on memory and cognition. Please don’t shoot the messenger here, I am simply relaying the facts as they are available. However, keep in mind that not all studies are of equal value, as illustrated by the suffocating chimpanzee story, and they don’t all result in the finding of new scientific facts. In fact, just about every study cited in this article ends with an iteration of “more research on this topic is needed.” Ultimately, the scientific community has yet to agree on the extent of potential impairment. Before delving into what science says (or doesn’t say) about the link between marijuana, memory and cognition, it is important to understand the difference between these two terms and how THC works on our brain. Continued on Page 118

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EdQuest

[A] study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, concluded that an acute administration of THC is associated with moderate impairments in episodic and working memory, processing speed, and executive functions. [No sh*t.]

Memory and cognition, while interconnected, refer to separate aspects of brain function. Memory is dedicated to storing and retrieving information, while cognition consists of a broader range of mental processes, including acquisition, processing, and the utilization of information. Put another way, memory is a subset of cognition, concentrating on processes related to storing and retrieving information within the overall framework of cognitive activities. As we discussed in the December issue, THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the brain, which manages various body functions such as mood, appetite, and memory. This system includes receptors, endocannabinoids (natural compounds in the body that connect to these receptors), and enzymes to which THC’s structure attaches, activating cannabinoid receptors, especially the CB1 receptors found in the brain. When THC activates CB1 receptors, it brings about various effects on cognition. The impact of marijuana on cognition can be categorized into short-term and long-term effects. 118

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Let’s tackle the short term first. According to a systematic review article published in 2021 in the journal Current Opinion in Psychology (ScienceDirect, Elsevier), the impact of marijuana intoxication on cognition is dose-dependent, affecting learning, memory, attention, inhibition, and decision-making. Meanwhile, the same year, another study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, concluded that an acute administration of THC is associated with moderate impairments in episodic and working memory, processing speed, and executive functions. Attention and impulsivity are also affected, with smaller impairments. It is likely that none of this is exactly surprising to you. We all know a few high-functioning stoners who reach their full intellectual potential after a toke like Popeye and his spinach, but most of us would agree that they’re the exception more than the rule. But back to the rest of us. The cognitive effects mentioned above are integral to the characteristic “high” linked with marijuana use. As most of us know from experience, short-term impacts on memory and cognition are reversible and typically lessen as the acute effects of THC wear off. Additionally, the extent of cognitive impairment varies based on individual reactions, meaning the shortterm effects of THC on brain activity can differ significantly among individuals. Continued on Page 122

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EdQuest

. . . studies have suggested that compounds in the plant may have neuroprotective properties, and one specifically connected cannabis to a positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, and epilepsy.

Again, just think about your friend who becomes Einstein after a bong rip while you stuff your face with Cheez-Its and sputter out amused gurgles at Family Guy reruns. Results may vary? Nay. Results absolutely vary.

Let’s move on to the long-term effects. This is where things get a bit hazier. As the author of the study from Current Opinion in Psychology put it, “evidence regarding the effects of long-term heavy cannabis use on cognition remains equivocal.” Put simply, we really aren’t sure of anything– and by “we,” I mean scientists. However, they have hunches—and those hunches are based on the data. One of the most notable recent studies on the long-term effects of cannabis on cognition was published in the journal The American Journal of Psychiatry in March of 2022. The study made 122

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use of over 1,000 individuals born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between 1972 and 1973 and followed them until age 45 to explore the effects of long-term and heavy marijuana use on brain function. According to the results, those who used marijuana persistently and heavily experienced cognitive impairments across various cognitive spheres. Long-term marijuana users showed an average decline of 5.5 IQ points from childhood to midlife, with deficits in learning and processing speed compared to non-users. According to the authors of this study, the frequency of marijuana use is correlated with the extent of cognitive impairment. However, individuals who used marijuana less than once a week without developing addiction didn’t show marijuana-related cognitive deficits.

There’s yet another study, published 2014, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) that studied how chronic marijuana use influences the structure of the human brain. Using the analysis of 110 individuals, the study concluded that those who consistently used marijuana heavily showed reduced gray matter volumes in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC–a crucial region in the brain’s reward system) compared to non-users. However, interestingly enough, these users also displayed heightened functional and structural connectivity in the OFC network, indicating adaptive neural responses. In addition to the frequency of consumption and the potency of the product, age is a crucial factor that significantly influences marijuana’s impact on memory and cognition. The ongoing development of the brain through adolescence, as well as

early adulthood, focuses on refining neural pathways, contributing to brain maturity and the enhancement of the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decisionmaking, emotional control, and assessing situations. Since the human brain continues developing until the age of about 25, marijuana use during adolescence and young adulthood may potentially impact learning and memory by influencing the establishment of connections crucial for these functions. Meanwhile, at the other end of the life cycle, it appears that marijuana’s cognitive effects are likely a lot more positive. Multiple studies have suggested that compounds in the plant may have neuroprotective properties, and one specifically connected cannabis to a positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, and epilepsy. In fact, the U.S. government holds a patent on cannabis, expressly for this purpose. The patent, numbered 6,630,507, was granted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2003, and is titled, “Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants.” It states that certain cannabinoids found in marijuana could be useful in treating and preventing a wide variety of diseases including ischemic, age-related, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. The patent also mentions that cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism, which makes them useful as a neuroprotectant. So, does cannabis use impair cognitive function? Potentially yes, but the true long-term effects are unclear and will vary by user based on individual factors and frequency of usage. More research is needed—a lot more. But does cannabis help with cognitive function? Based on multiple studies, as well as a U.S. governmentowned patent, we can answer that with a “potentially, yes” as well. It’s complicated. Does your head hurt now? Smoke a bowl.

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Eyce PV1 The latest offering from our pals at Eyce, the PV1 is the company’s first foray into the dry herb vaporizer realm—but given the $79.99 retail price tag and the trusted name, that “newb” status won’t last long. With a focus on usability and durability, the Eyce PV1 is meticulously designed with a glass-coated alumina ceramic heat chamber and a stainless-steel airflow path, to deliver a pure, aromatic mist to your gullet. Unveiling the innovative AutoFlow™ vape technology, the PV1 features four expertly calibrated temperature presets that progressively increase heat over a smooth 5-minute span, ensuring a refined and impactful vaping experience. All of this, from a company that started out making freezable molds for ice bongs. Tip-o-the-hat, Eyce!

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