May 2024 - California Leaf

CALIFORNIA

VENDORS

THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER

wes@leafmagazines.com

MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com | advertising opportunities

TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com

DANIEL BERMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR daniel@leafmagazines.com

BOBBY BLACK STATE CONTENT DIRECTOR bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com

MEGHAN RIDLEY COPY EDITOR meghan@leafmagazines.com

ASHLEY HIRCHERT SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD ashley@leafmagazines.com

ABOUT THE COVER

For the launch of The Adventure Issue, we looked to graphic artist Dalton Bauder, who is known for his signature twist on the classic Choose Your Own Adventure books you probably remember from the back of a dusty old library shelf. "As an artist, I've always been attracted to the noisy, the colorful, and the illicit," he says. "I love using nostalgic tropes in my work. I hope you all enjoy this cover, it's a fun homage to many things that I, as well as all you other stoners, enjoy very much."

ILLUSTRATION BY DALTON BAUDER @SQUICHE FOR LEAF NATION

WES ABNEY, FEATURES ADHDDEAD, FEATURES DALTON BAUDER, ILLUSTRATION BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION TOM BOWERS, FEATURES + PHOTOS AMANDA DAY, FEATURES MAX EARLY. FEATURES TEFA FELICCI, PHOTOS MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + PHOTOS VERONICA LEMOS, PHOTOS JESSE RAMIREZ, DESIGN MIKE RICKER, FEATURES + PHOTOS MEGHAN RIDLEY, EDITING MICHELLE ROSENBLUM PHOTOS JIA SOUND, PHOTOS LEON VILLAGOMEZ, PHOTOS

TAYLOR WEINBERG, PHOTOS WINDHOME, PHOTOS BRUCE WOLF, PHOTOS KATHERINE WOLF, FEATURES LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES

WES ABNEY

Editor’s Note

Thanks for picking up The Adventure Issue of the Leaf!

Buying weed was once an adventure … and that’s why we’re honoring the spirit of the classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” books on our cover this month. While a quest for the dank was unlikely to lead to wizards, interdimensional creatures or buxom vixens in need of cannabinoid therapy, there was always an element of uncertainty and fear when buying a bag of illegal pot.

Of my many attempts to buy weed in college, a few stand out – including a time when the transfer of cash for the bag through a car window went wrong. Once my cash hit their hands they gunned it, but my strong grip on the Ziplock tore the bag and left me with half the stash I expected. Sadly, that’s one of the better “bad buy” stories – because short ounces, half eighths and crispy BC bud were always on the menu when buying weed in a Jack in the Box parking lot.

AND

I’ve always believed that if you criminalized cheeseburgers, there would be a serious, thugged-out version of Jack breaking legs for blabbing about where the Ultimate Munchies Box was acquired from. We can see this with the prohibition of alcohol, which quickly led to a violent black market that swayed public opinion to relegalize the hooch. The same factors pushed weed into that gray area of criminality before legalization – but it was never really that dangerous because in the end, stoners are generally peaceful folks.

But what was dangerous was the cops, who would happily arrest easily-targeted stoners, which made buying illegal weed doubly dangerous. Watch out for the cops? Check. Don’t get burned? Check. What’s next? Turn the page!

Today’s freshly-21 crop of young adults will likely never experience the agony of waiting in a parking lot or for a text back during a dry period. Even the weed on the black market today is packaged, acquired on the internet or through a friendly local, and priced competitively due to the huge amount of supply. Don’t buy weed on the black market though, because that doesn’t support the industry that has made such sacrifices to give us dispensaries full of tasty, terpy products. Take it from me: The last thing we want to do is find the last page of the book returning us to a world where weed is illegal again.

"SHORT OUNCES, HALF EIGHTHS

CRISPY BC BUD WERE ALWAYS ON THE MENU WHEN BUYING WEED IN A JACK IN THE BOX PARKING LOT."

NORTHWEST LEAF / OREGON LEAF / ALASKA LEAF / MARYLAND LEAF / CALIFORNIA LEAF / NORTHEAST LEAF / UTAH LEAF

GARDEN STATE BANS HOMEGROWN WEED

Weed may be legal to buy in New Jersey, but the plant remains criminalized to grow for those without a commercial license.

The Garden State may sound like a great place to jump into the green rush … but those looking to grow their own medicine or share recreational Cannabis this summer will be breaking the law.

Adults 21 and older can go to dispensaries to buy weed grown legally, but having a plant in the backyard garden bed is still a felony.

“Lawmakers originally feared that homegrow would threaten the viability of the legal industry, which translates into greed for tax revenue...”

Lawmakers originally feared that homegrow would threaten the viability of the legal industry, which translates into greed for tax revenue and control over a plant that has evaded law enforcement for over a century. Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D) has indicated his potential support for allowing a “very, very slim amount of homegrow applicants” that would be limited to very sick or terminal patients – how compassionate! Giving patients the right to grow a plant as they’re dying is representative of why the people voted to legalize in the first place.

With over 100 dispensaries open in NJ, it’s clear that the homegrow market is not competing with the licensed and taxed market. With over $1 Billion in sales projected for 2024, it’s clear that money is flowing – mostly to the state and federal government in the form of taxes. NJ has seen limited Cannabis access in the last two years, and being paired with high prices has driven many consumers and patients to cross state lines or to purchase Cannabis from the traditional market.

Historically, there doesn’t seem to be a good argument for limiting homegrow.

COLORADO TO AUCTION CUSTOM STONER LICENSE PLATES

he politics of bumper stickers and license plates have reached progressive Colorado, where the state is taking the high road and auctioning stonerthemed, official license plates to support people with disabilities.

Hiding 420 or 710 in a custom license plate has always been risky, just like having a pro-Cannabis sticker on a car. But what passes for probable cause in some states is now a fundraiser in Colorado –complete with a new series of limited edition license plates. Featuring 10 iconic options like HASHISH, REEFER or the clean and bold 420, these plates are a relative bargain, with the DANK plate selling last year for less than $600.

With these new plates hitting the roads, Colorado law enforcement has been careful to remind drivers that while a bumper sticker proclaiming “Ass, Cash or Hash” might not be illegal, you should still wait to spark up the green until safely off the road.

COPS

CAN'T USE WEED SMELL TO SEARCH CARS IN MINNESOTA

Smelling like weed will no longer be a legal reason for cops to initiate a search warrant during traffic stops in Minnesota.

In a blow to the war on drugs and the ongoing effects of predatory law enforcement, cops will no longer be able to claim that they “smelled pot” as their reason to search a car. This is thanks to a Supreme Court ruling stating that “the odor of marijuana alone” is not enough to justify a search, which is important in legal states and has implications for the rest of the country. Although it is still illegal to smoke or consume Cannabis while driving or in a car, simply having the dank will not be a reason to lose constitutionally-protected freedoms against unwarranted search and seizure. The ruling is causing a review of pending cases and cops are adjusting to the new parameters – surely finding new reasons to justify pulling folks over.

FAMILY OF OREGON MAN KILLED IN EXTRACTION EXPLOSIONS SUES FOR $24 MILLION

TWhen alcohol was freed from prohibition there were no limits on homebrew, and today there’s little resistance from corporations or craft breweries against the right to homebrew.

From the Cannabis advocacy stance, any limitations on a patient's right to grow is a direct infringement on freedom and not conducive with “legalization” of a plant that is still criminal to cultivate.

With drug war propagandists like Scutari pushing a “holier than thou” regulatory process where the elites decide who can grow, they are surely creating the perfect conditions for black market Cannabis to continue to thrive in the back corner of the Garden State.

HAWAII

SENATE KILLS DECRIM'

a low blow for locals and tourists, the Hawaii Senate rejected a Cannabis decriminalization bill – just weeks after rejecting a legalization bill.

The push to legalize is ongoing in Hawaii, whose beautiful islands and tropical climate are perfect for the plant that helps so many lives. The state has long had an underground Cannabis scene, with locals taking a relaxed attitude towards getting high on island time. Unfortunately for the people and patients who continue to suffer under criminal statutes, the Senate has rejected all attempts to legalize or decriminalize Cannabis this year.

Senator Kurt Fevella (R) compared decriminalization of Cannabis to “going backwards,” stating that “we tell kids no vape, no tobacco … and then here we are with this bill.” While tobacco use kills 480,000 people annually in the U.S., there is no data to suggest that Cannabis has killed even a single individual. It’s important to note that the National Institute of Health found decreased use of tobacco products in states that legalized Cannabis for medical use.

he family of a young father who was killed in a 2021 explosion are suing for wrongful death in a suit that could have broad implications for the Cannabis industry. Furious Eldridge was only 24 and assembling a BHO extraction system in Oregon when a butane leak caused an explosion, leaving him covered in burns that would ultimately claim his life. The suit claims that the leak was noticed by the owner and other team members, and that owner Joseph Donahue (who has already been convicted of criminal negligent homicide) sent Eldridge in to “stop the leak” just before the explosion. He received three years probation for the accident, but now faces a wrongful death suit. While butane or other gas explosions are extremely rare in permitted, legal Cannabis extraction facilities, there is always a risk associated with the processing of the plant. States including Oregon have developed permits and standards for creating spark-proof rooms for extraction, but it appears that Donahue was not following these standards. When police responded to the fire they also found guns, pills, LSD and mushrooms onsite – suggesting that the company focus was not on safety and compliance. Eldridge leaves behind a young daughter.

“Senator Kurt Fevella (R) compared decriminalization of Cannabis to “going backwards,”

The study also noted that, “Following recreational Cannabis legalization, an overall increase in adolescent Cannabis use has not been observed, but the perceived risk of harm and disapproval of Cannabis use has decreased amongst adolescents.” So, legalization has decreased the perceived harms of Cannabis amongst youth and most adults – but not those sitting in the halls of power.

“Decriminalization is very different from legalization,” said Senator Tim Richards (who is correct in that it frees the plant and people from criminal laws, without regulations and taxation). “So I will be voting no.”

Furious Eldridge

green on

"The planets definitely aligned with beautiful weather and glowing attitudes.”

the green

While the moon was passing before the sun on April 8, the second annual Blunts and Birdies event was eclipsing last year’s success at the Huntington Club in Huntington Beach.

The planets definitely aligned with beautiful weather and glowing attitudes while the California Cannabis industry came together to display a very average performance in terms of actual golfing – but an exceptional performance at networking and letting down the hair for some much-deserved fun.

The big winners were Last Prisoner Project –who benefitted around $2,000 in donations from the exciting raffle – while OC NORML kindly managed the registration table as the excited attendees packed the course.

Huge thanks to Weedmaps for sponsoring the event and all the colorful pop-ups provided by supporting companies.

The tournament ended with a hearty buffet where all the awards were presented, and everyone got to go home happy with a belly full of food and laughs. Except for Dank Vapes who missed dinner because they accidentally played an extra hole. Ah, stoners.

See you next year guys!

Produced by

The Goodfellas Group & The Network Show.

CALIFORNIA LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH LORI ECKBERG

"OJAI IS JUST A REALLY BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO BE."

SESPE CREEK

408 BRYANT CIRCLE UNIT C, OJAI

9AM-7PM MON-TH | 9AM-8PM FRI 9AM-7PM SAT | 9AM-5PM SUN SESPE.ORG | @ORIGINALSESPE (805) 738-7490

WHEN SHE’S not making resin art, you’ll find her crafting cool earrings to give to friends. Many of her days are spent in her little garden with plumeria flowers and a giant staghorn fern that hung in the avocado tree at her home when she was a child … and now hangs at her home in Ojai. Follow Lori on Instagram @OJAI.HIPPY

DID YOU GROW UP IN THE AREA? I’m originally from Ventura, just down the road. I’ve been coming up here since the early ‘70s in my dad’s 1965 Ford Econoline van – we would sell my mom’s art in the B of A parking lot. I love it here. Ojai is wonderful this time of year after a rainy winter because the rivers are running, there are waterfalls, and Lake Casitas is full. Ojai is just a really beautiful place to be.

THAT’S WONDERFUL! WHEN DID YOU GET INTO THE WEED BUSINESS? I started as a security guard at a different dispensary. To make a long story short, I lost my keys to the shop and subsequently lost my job, which at the time was kind of devastating. And then Chelsea Sutula, owner of Sespe Creek and a huge Cannabis advocate, offered me a home here where I can help people every day. I’m the senior advocate for the shop. I’m also the oldest person at the shop – which is great because a lot of people who come in are around my age and they need help with sleep, anxiety, etc. It gives me a real sense of purpose.

IF YOU HAD ANY ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS INTO THIS CANNABIS ARENA, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I want everyone to know that you don’t have to smoke to get the medicinal effects of Cannabis. There are so many different modalities. The advice I give to my nephews and nieces and grand-nephews and grandnieces is ‘understand that this is medicine.’ Open your eyes and don’t abuse it. It is a plant that deserves to be loved and nurtured.

V FOR VISION

Being known as one of the most reputable flower companies in the state provides advantages when venturing toward new opportunities. And the word Venture, beginning with a big ol’ V, is apropos for a company that hangs its hat on that ubiquitous letter, the centerpiece to the MaVen brand. With their reputation well established, the intention for this exceptional company in the competitive San Fernando Valley was simply to expand on the consistent class that the California Cannabis community has come to expect from this cast of leaders.

A LIVING BROCHURE

Waiting for the city of Tarzana to approve the zoning for nearly two years took great patience for these stonerpreneurs, but persistence is what makes winners in this nail-biter industry. Finally, when the light turned green, they quickly incorporated the look and feel that’s reflective of the Maven story – curating a pleasant space where they could incorporate products from key companies who share the same values. And now fans of all things Maven have a place to immerse themselves into the distinct culture of what this brand represents. It is here that they implement the personal feedback from their loyal clientele – an essential component to improving their processes while maintaining their stature.

VITALLY INVOLVED

Ventura Boulevard wasn’t exactly a hotbed for Cannabis retail, so there were some stigmas to overcome with the local business community. Initially, they knocked on doors to offer handshakes and high fives to ensure they weren’t misinterpreted as being the black sheep of the district. And just like the Maven logo, the response from their neighbors has been golden. Victory!

THE MAVEN STORE

18629 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana @themavenstoreofficial themavenstoreca.com (818) 938-9202

10AM-8PM Mon-Thurs | 10AM-9PM Fri 9AM-9PM Sat | 11AM-7PM Sun

“NOW FANS OF ALL THINGS MAVEN HAVE A PLACE TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES INTO THE DISTINCT CULTURE OF WHAT THIS BRAND REPRESENTS.”

STAFF PICKS

FLOWER

Heirbloom The Sherbert -Maggie

Maven Black Diamond X -Isabel

Cam Devil Driver -Steven

Teds Budz Duck Sauce -G

JOINTS

Almora Strawberry Haze Hash Infused -Sabrina

Cam Infused joints Bubba’s Girl -Isabel

Teds Budz Toasted Marshmallows -Steven

Sluggers Black Cherry Gelato -Celina

CARTS

710 Labs Randy Watson -Sarah

Cold Fire Ben n Berry’s -Isabel Bloom Maui Wowie -G

DABS

Punch Extracts Grease Bucket Rosin -Sarah

Maven Orange Truffle Souffle -Steven

Raw Garden Kaleidoscope Cookies -G

EDIBLES

Cam Sour Pineapple Gummies -Sarah

Heavy Hitters Lights Out Gummies -Isabel

Highatus 1:1:1 Blueberry -Steven

Camino Watermelon Lemonade -G

2 large ripe avocados, peeled and seeded

Juice of 2 medium limes

4-6 teaspoons canna oil

¼ cup chopped scallions

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 small tomato, seeded and chopped

1. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados.

2. Add all the other ingredients and mix thoroughly.

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

SERVES 4-6

DUE TO THE CRAZINESS OF THE WORLD and needing some spice, my husband Bruce and I decided to do a little traveling south of the border. We spent 10 weeks in Mexico, living on a tight budget and traveling by bus around the country. Great, illuminating trip – all good except for being stopped by four heavily-armed police checking our suitcases for drugs in an empty bus station at 1:00 a.m. That was scary. We had great food, I became a mezcal fan – and we even found some pretty tasty Cannabis on our travels. As for these three recipes, their tastiness comes from the Noble Farms’ strain Sunburn, a sativa dominant hybrid, quite uplifting and strong. Sometimes I get a little anxious from sativas, but Sunburn was a pleasure from start to finish. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com

Clockwise from lower-left: Guacamole, Chicken Fajitas and Stuffed Poblano Peppers.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil with the lime juice and spices. Add the chicken and marinate for an hour.

2. In a medium skillet, add the remaining olive oil. When hot, add the peppers and onion and saute until soft, about 7-9 minutes. Add the chicken, salt and pepper and saute until golden brown, 5-7 minutes.

3. Divide mixture between the tortillas and top with the salsa and cream.

8 small or 4 large poblano chiles, sliced in half and seeded

4 teaspoons canna oil or butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, peeled and chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

1 pound lean ground turkey or beef

15 ounce can chili seasoned beans

1 tablespoon chili powder

salt and pepper

2/3 cup shredded cheddar

1. Heat oven to 340º. Place the peppers on a baking sheet.

2. In a medium skillet, heat the oils. Saute the onion and garlic for 5-7 minutes. Add the meat and saute until cooked through, 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the beans, chili powder and salt and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through.

4. Fill the peppers with the meat mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes.

SERVES 4-6 STUFFED

CHICKEN FAJITAS

4 teaspoons canna-oil or butter, melted

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons lime juice

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon paprika

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken

breasts, cut in small pieces

½ cup sliced peppers, any color

1 small onion, peeled and chopped

salt and pepper

½ cup salsa

4-8 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema

4-8 tortillas, corn or flour

MELTED STRAWBERRIES ROSIN

Trilogy 710 isn’t just the brand name for May’s Concentrate of the Month … it’s also emblematic of the three powerhouse names behind this single gram of rosin.

home the gold for flower at King of Z Hill in Gold en Gate Park last year. Having enjoyed smoking their flower and the rosin it makes, it’s an easy bet for me when I see their logo as the partner farm.

“When people coming to visit Cali ask what rosin they should pick up, even the Reddit threads agree on Trilogy.”

Trilogy 710 is part of the Bobby Trill brand, a name well known in Cannabis circles for his work with hash. When people coming to visit Cali ask what rosin they should pick up, even the Reddit threads agree on Trilogy 710. Apart from just this brand, Bobby has a long resume in the game and was even tapped recently to judge the Masters of Rosin competition in New York.

Trilogy 710 sits at a level of quality that even a traditional market shopper wants to see some when shopping far from home. Recent drops of this Amarello and Albany Sour have really got people talking online.

A mix of Strawberry Guava and GMO, what we have here is something sweet and savory. The color is nice and bright without seeming too light, while the consistency is just a little too terpy to hand roll into a snake but not overly wet. People who grew this reported getting a lot of strawberry guava and onion in both the smell and taste. I picked up a lot of fruit and candy on the nose but that first exhale will surprise you with a blast of something that is, in fact, more onion-y at first. After the second breath, the sweet flavor cuts down the middle, slicing those notes of pepper to either side of the tongue. The aftertaste carries more of that lightly funky and savory flavor, but you’ll still catch a lingering sweetness playing at the roof of your mouth. This one won’t knock you out in a dab, but will make you so high that trying to complete a task will feel like paddling upstream (except you’ll have a blast doing it).

"As

a kid I was obsessed with comic book art. That style of heavy exaggeration still influences my sculptural work today."

BIG TOM

Get ready to be taken on an intergalactic trip around the universe and straight through your nostalgic childhood memories with Big Tom's marvelous masterpieces … from Simpsons-themed neckwear and smokable pipes to creepy crea tions, Tom Howell provides artwork and glass pieces that people from every walk of life can enjoy.

GROWING UP on the East Coast, Big Tom was a ramblin’ man who followed his heart and the Grateful Dead all around the country, traveling from one concert to the next festival. During his journeys, he became fully immersed in the glass scene and fell in love with the energy that this medium holds.

After dealing with some legal issues in 1997, he needed to find a lawfully paying job – which coincidentally ended up being a pipe maker at the world-famous Jerome Baker Designs studio in Eugene, where he excelled at sculpting solid glass.

In 2003, Big Tom once again found himself on the wrong side of the law during the Operation Pipe Dreams raids — he needed to grow and evolve.

"I doubled down and continued blowing glass regardless," said Howell.

Inspired by cartoons and illustrations as a child, Big Tom has always had a knack for turning his wildest dreams into realities.

"I have always been pretty good at drawing, and as a kid I was obsessed with comic book art. That style of heavy exaggeration still influences my sculptural work today," said Howell.

Curious about Big Tom’s creations? Check out his Instagram page to check out pieces ranging from $100 up to a few grand.

DARK WEB

As the aspiring captains of the Cannabis industry work to get the paneling riveted to the sides of their rocket ships before they hit the vast vacuum of The Space, Alien Labs seemingly scoots past with FTL-driven velocity.

You have to love seeing a legacy operator like Ted Lidie turn his love for weed, pop culture, comics and science fiction into a leading brand in multiple states.

The Leaf is no stranger to Alien Labs. We’ve sung their praises before and have been particularly stoked on the hash collabs they’ve put together with like-minded OGs like Marc Hammond and the Kalya crew. But it’s been a few years since we gave Alien Labs’ flower a close-up. So, when we heard they were dropping a new hybrid of unknown genetic lineage (obviously of Alien origin) called Dark Web, our interest was piqued.

Soon enough we got our hands on a jar – without even having to access a TOR server to get it – and dissected it on our examination table.

This flower exemplifies the term – it’s sweet, floral and shockingly beautiful. When you break open the tightly stacked, substantially formed buds, bright, ethereal streaks of violet highlight an otherworldly color palette.

The smoke is as stellar as anything Alien – on the top end of that esteemed spectrum, even. And the effect is relaxing enough to calm the nerves for the trip to space, but won’t put you in cryogenic sleep for the journey.

“BRIGHT,

STREAKS OF VIOLET HIGHLIGHT AN OTHERWORLDLY COLOR PALETTE.”

CULTIVATED BY ALIEN

LABS

CALIFORNIA

ALIENLABS.ORG | @ALIENLABS | 29% THC

ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES PRODUCT REVIEWS

pack + play

All the rolling necessities, ready to roll up with you to any hiking trail, travel day or team sesh. This kit comes complete with a tray, two-piece grinder and pack of papers – all of which are hemp-derived. There’s also a perfectly-sized pouch (so you never lose your lighter again) and two additional pockets to store all your sesh accessories. Metal hardware and leather accents paired with a waterproof zipper and lockable clasp make this portable pouch both durable and discreet. Review by Katherine Wolf @katadellic Rollie Boy Joint Case

Rollie Boy has reimagined the joint case. Gone are the days of loose bats bumping into each other as you frolic with friends, thanks to attached covers that safely store four individual joints and swing open as needed. The hard-sided, water and smell-resistant receptacle even comes with a detachable match-strike that can be removed to fit a standard Bic lighter – so you’ll always be ready to roll up. Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Revelry Supply Co. The Rolling Kit

Puffco Proxy Travel Bag PUFFCO.COM | @PUFFCO

The Puffco Proxy is an essential accessory to any adventure … and there’s no better way to hit it on the go than with the Proxy Travel Bag. This simple dab purse comes in black or desert (tan) and features a plethora of pockets, including slots for two hot knives, a secret stash pocket, and a concentrate jar storage pouch at the bottom. But the coolest part is the magnetic drop-down loading tray, which gives you a stable surface to load your dabs anywhere, anytime. Review by Bobby Black @thebobbyblack

Vessel Rover Case VESSELBRAND.COM | @VESSEL_BRAND

Designed for Vessel’s Craftsman, Expedition, Core and Vista Edge Series pens, this sophisticated and sleek case is versatile enough to accommodate all of your vape pen, charger and cartridge needs. It comes in several colors, including this premium, soft-touch “cognac” faux-leather option and several water-resistant nylon options. At just seven inches long and under four inches wide, it’s about the size of the average wallet and nearly as necessary. Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Suvo Labs Original Stash Bag

SUVOLABS.COM | @SUVOLABS

If you’re looking for versatility in all of your on-the-go needs, Suvo Labs has prepared the perfect product: The Original Stash Bag. Their 3X layered Carbon-Lock® fabric doesn’t let any smells seep through and its moisture-regulating technology means fresher bud in your bag. A protective padding offers the option to gallivant with glass in good hands, while a customizable combo lock secures the whole stash.

Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Weedgets Doob Tube Kit

WEEDGETS.COM | @WEEDGETSLLC

This is a Doob Tube unlike others. Its simple, smell-proof, watertight, “aircraftgrade aluminum” design holds a hidden feature. Inside, you’ll find the joint, cone, or blunt of your choice and with it, a reusable, removable filter. It’s composed of a washable, medical-grade silicone tip and charcoal filters to smooth out your smoke. The filters are crafted from “biodegradable and non-toxic materials,” so you can feel good about feeling good! Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Dime Bags The Outfit

DIMEBAGS.COM | @DIMEBAGS

If you want to look fresh and stay functional, meet “The Outfit” – the fanny pack your stoner uncle wished he had back in the ‘70s. There are seven compartments total (including a secret zippered pocket and main section with a three-digit combination lock) made with fully smell-proof, carbon-filter technology. Whether you’re wearing it to a concert, yoga class or trip to the museum, you can head to the function knowing your fire goodies are safe, secure and strapped on your body at all times! Review by Katherine Wolf @katadellic

Tightpac Coolpac

TIGHTPAC.COM | @TIGHTPAC

If simplicity suits you, try the Coolpac from Tightpac. This pill-shaped, 4.5-inch container is airtight, smell-proof, and just the right size for a nice nug, pair of joints, or some canna-candies. This company specializes in vacuum-sealed containers made for a multitude of uses, so you’ll find that all of their products are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified as foodsafe and set to store your flower without fear.

Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Staze The Day Tripper STAZE.CO | @STAZEFRESH

Whether you're getting ready for a local day trip or heading out on a longer adventure, Staze makes sure your flower stays fresh. There’s a main compartment for loose buds and a removable joint holder slot (made from the eco-friendly agave plant) that keeps your pre-rolls upright and organized. Crafted to be smell-proof, water-proof, UV-protected, lightweight and available in colorways inspired by the calming hues of nature, this is the perfect pick for any outdoor quest – or, simply a trip to your friend's couch to sesh. Review by Katherine Wolf @katadellic

JYARZ The All New JYARZ Classic JYARZ.COM | @JYARZ

If you’re out for a fierce flower adventure, this twist on a timeless classic will hold around three grams in a removable glass compartment. The All New JYARZ Classic offers TripleBlock™ technology that locks in freshness, smell and the elements – it’s even been tested “on the Colorado River under the most extreme conditions.” With a child-proof cap option also available, this one can come along on adventures with the whole family. Review by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media

Smoking Cannabis is oftentimes a social act, and modern Cannabis laws have made it antisocial – driving consumers home and into isolation. But with the continued emergence of Cannabis consumption lounges and other spaces that provide a group setting to enjoy the plant, we’re finding increasingly creative ways to come together from coast to coast. As Los Angeles and New York lead the charge for the opening of these spaces for us to gather around the ganja, the Leaf highly recommends breathing the fresh air of Cannabis freedom that these establishments have to offer.

the jet sesh

Founded by actor/advocate Woody Harrelson and OG partner Devon Wheeler, the model is a nouveau Amsterdam highlighted by a Holywater Conscious Cocktail Bar with a boutique Cannabis shop affixed to pick your elixir.

Priding themselves as the only official outdoor consumption lounge, here you’re enveloped by nature with a Balinese sanctuary feel. The Woods is the most intimate and personal of the four, miraculously hiding you from the madness of Santa Monica Boulevard outside – a vacation within your vacation.

Free-standing bungalows allow a languid hang while the smoke trails out the window and over the koi pond. This is exactly how Woody wanted it – a place where his personal values are elegantly reflected – where a sungrown, earth-driven, water-purified plant can be enjoyed and honored in a social, yet meditative setting.

Pleasure Med

PLEASUREMED.COM | @PLEASUREMEDLA

This is one of two with a kitchen and the food is the best in the biz. Developing a menu through a Michelin star chef who imparted his farm-to-table approach affords you seasonal tastes with the freshest ingredients. The atmosphere is light and airy in a bougie setting with first rate service, also featuring a quality selection of weed to consume upstairs in the restaurant assisted by the Cannabis flight attendants, or to purchase from the retail dispensary (as well as unusual, tasty cocktails in the foyer). You get exclusivity without the stuffiness – Gatsby vibes that are inclusive and open to everyone. It’s experience first here … and then the experience enhances the high.

OG Cannabis Cafe

CANNABIS.CAFE @OGCANNABISCAFE

This is where you come to let loose. It’s a multi-faceted operation that’s great for lunch on the ambient patio, or perfect for date night. With entertaining themed evenings, you can catch comedy, karaoke, or maybe an appearance by Cheech or a DJ set by B-Real. Officially the first to open before the pandemic, they’ve managed to combine everything a stoner may want, need and desire into one heck of a soiree. But like the others, there’s no skimping on atmosphere with good food (menu created by Chef to the Stars, Johah Johnson), great cocktails and high LA energy.

The

Artist Tree WeHo THEARTISTTREE.COM | @THEARTISTTREE

The name sets the tone: A two-story convergence of creativity fueled by the commingling of art and cannabinoids. You’ll enjoy a seasonal handcrafted Cannabis cocktail on the veranda with the city’s bustling buzz affording a backdrop that coalesces with the sweet sounds of music emitting from the walls. This art gallery marries colorful ideas of local artists while the Cannabis unlocks the boundaries of your perception with a context that feels idyllic, yet comfortably confined. There are multiple The Artist Tree retail spaces spread throughout Los Angeles and beyond, but none with the aroma and flair of this rare combination.

the jet sesh

THC NYC THCNYC.COM | @THCNYC

With five sprawling floors dedicated to the art, science and culture of our favorite plant, THC NYC or as many locals call it the “THC Museum,” is a great place to sesh and score a selfie in SoHo. With interactive exhibits during the day and a rotation of curated Cannabis culture events during the evening, there’s always something interesting available to enhance your seshing experience. This spot can feel like a playground for stoners on the exhibit floors, while providing an upscale lounge experience on their massive top floor.

Work 'N' Roll

WORKNROLL.NYC | @WORKNROLL.NYC

This Manhattan event and co-working space is similar to a WeWork during the day (smoking allowed), before hosting Cannabis events in the evening. Acting as an incubator for the local community, Work ‘n’ Roll hosts events from international brands like The Masters of Rosin to local industry coffee nights, or events raising funds for women in Cannabis. For those who start early, this versatile space is one of the earliest opening spots to sesh in the city.

TAYLOR WEINBERG

The Astor Club

@ASTORCLUBNYC

Polanco Brothers

POLANCOBROTHERSCORP.COM

@POLANCOBROTHERS

One of the most beautiful and unique spots to smoke in NYC, this former cigar store and lounge has turned over a new leaf so to speak, with an upscale, impeccably designed dispensary and event/sesh space located in Midtown. High-end design details and materials make the space feel luxurious and exclusive as you are guided through to the speakeasy style event space and cigar vault. Polanco Brothers allows you to access and enjoy a piece of New York history in a way that very few ever get to experience.

Hidden in a nondescript building downtown, The Astor Club is a nexus for the local and global Cannabis community. You never know who you’ll run into when you pull up. Between local connoisseurs you’re likely to find popular rappers, influencers, artists and industry players smoking on the highest of high-grade Cannabis while taking a respite from the bustling city outside.

spannabis

Like the rushing of a global tide, the Cannabis community flooded this spring into Barcelona and nearby Cornellà De Llobregat for one of the largest Cannabis events on earth. This marked the twentieth year of the convention known as Spannabis. Crowds packed in breaking the previous record of 35,000 attendees, and the halls seemed ready to burst at the seams with excited faces. Held just outside of Barcelona proper, Spannabis somehow manages to pack an insane amount of things to see each day before commuting back into the city. There were plenty of incredible talks, heart-pounding music, and amazing sights from the convention floor showcasing what’s new in Cannabis worldwide.

So, What Did We See?

European legends Sensi Seeds announced the continuation of their “Breeding Ground” collaborative seed drops and along with returning hitters Fat Beans and Humboldt Seed Company, announced new exclusives with Champelli, Sherbinskis, and Serge Cannabis. Champelli told Leaf how the seeds for this project were sown after last year’s Spannabis when he was introduced to the Sensi crew through Smokenhagen. “It’s amazing to get to work with such an iconic brand with 40 years in the game,” he said.

For Serge, it was listening to feedback from the European community at his booth last year that led him to stop in Amsterdam and tour the Sensi Seeds Facility. This release with strains like Ghostbuzzters OG is just the tip of the iceberg. “There’s a lot of cool shit still to come from this,” he shares.

The pick-and-shovel crowd was out in full regalia as well. Tons of filter tip and grow equipment companies offered the chance to win items in exchange for punching a bag or spinning a wheel.

The brand Grovebags decided to do something different and hosted a scavenger hunt throughout the grounds, with winners taking home a swag pack worth $300. The biggest prize winner of the day was undoubtedly Big Dank Energy, an American content creator who won the Focus V online contest and received a fully funded trip to Spannabis. He told Leaf how blown away he was at getting to meet and smoke with dabbers from so many different corners of the globe.

Across the convention hall, Eva Seeds had half-elves and halflings hocking packs of their Viejo Toby (GG4 x Conspiracy Kush) as well as a strain called Lost In Barcelona. At the Mills Nutrient booth, Bruno Rolls was giving sneak peeks at his new rosin-infused rolls. Talking with the European seed breeders, many said Americans were mainly looking for classic hits like Karma Genetics’ Sour D. We also heard more than a few of the competing hashmakers from the States asking about Grateful Seeds, who saw hits from their lineup winning at competitions happening all over the city, ZHead at Ego Clash.

spannabis

Another Round of Z Genetics are at the front of many conversations at Spannabis, and speaking with some of the US brands set up at the convention, we found that Europe is still clamoring for Z crosses. Scott from Wizard Treez reported that the drop of their Big Z (Zkittlez x Zangria) sold out in an afternoon. Over at the PowerzzzUp booth, Kenny Powers told us that the most popular pickups were undeniably their Z Cube crosses. Across at the Terphogz booth, Tony Mendo showed us sold-out signs for Zluntz, Zlurpee, Zquishie, and basically everything from the cupboard but the Znickerdoodles.

out early on their entire GG4 line of crosses. We asked Bianca (AKA Lil’ Big Smoker), how they flew off the shelves before the Z stuff and she commented, “A lot of us spent the last couple years getting established and now that people have had a chance to try out the work, they’re coming back with a solid confidence in the menu.”

“There were plenty of incredible talks, heart-pounding music, and amazing sights from the convention floor showcasing what’s new in Cannabis worldwide."

Another exciting part of the convention, the Spannabis Champions Cup, also saw a surprise occurrence as American brand Feeling Frosty collaborated with Weed You Social Club and CBD Scientist to enter a living-soil-grown Zkittlez, which won first place in the rosin category.

Though the end of the alphabet continued to dominate both competition winners and biggest seed demands, it wasn’t just Zkittlez that people wanted. Purple City Genetics said tons of Europeans and Americans were picking up Moroccan Peaches, and at the booth for B.C.’s Gastown Genetics, they sold

Don’t Say ‘Until Next Year’

Despite political pressure on the city’s social clubs and an overwhelming police presence in Barcelona during the week, there really is no way to cap the wellspring of stoners, plant advocates, growers, breeders, business-suit bongtokers, weed influencers, and brands returning to this city every year — and the crowd keeps getting bigger. As the organizers put it, in the face of a variety of hardships, “Spannabis 2024 has once more surpassed every expectation, filling the weekend in Barcelona with color and revindications.”

As the streets of the Gothic Quarter are now empty of 35,000 like-minded souls and Germany moves into the legalization limelight, keep a close watch on our Spanish comrades as Bilbao looks to host a second Spannabis this September, and Barcelona’s social clubs fight for acceptance.

PHOTO BY MATT JACKSON

GREEN SCENEs

AUTHOR LAUREN YOSHIKO DISCUSSES HER INNOVATIVE TRAVEL GUIDE FOR TOKERS.

Lauren Yoshiko has always been on the cutting edge of Cannabis journalism. When her home state of Oregon legalized adult use in 2014, she wrote some of the very first articles about the new recreational Cannabis industry. Even before that, she was publishing strain reviews in Portland’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Willamette Week under the pseudonym "Mary Romano" (for fear of losing her day job, ironically).

AFTER YEARS on the ground covering how Cannabis and culture collide for outlets like Forbes, Thrillist and Rolling Stone, Lauren was approached in 2022 to take on the biggest adventure of her literary career so far – writing an entire book. It’d also be the first-ever book of its kind: a travel guide to legal Cannabis destinations across the United States.

“I was really lucky to actually get contacted by a publisher, Hardie Grant, who was interested in covering the new world of Cannabis but was definitely sensitive to doing it in a thoughtful way,” Lauren tells us. “More than just the splashiest spots or sheer quantity, they really wanted a quality curation of places that are doing unique things in ethical ways. And when they looked around at who was reporting on this space, they saw that I was pretty intentional with the people I wrote about and who I featured. So I was like, where do I sign? You're speaking my language.”

But just how did she tackle the challenge of curating the coolest, most creative places to consume from coast to coast?

Prefer to stay mentally stimulated when you’re stoned? You might want to check out one of Lauren’s favorite spots in the book: the THC Museum in New York (THC NYC), with multiple floors of experiences including music, light shows and multi-sensory elements.

While all of these green scenes are unique in their own ways, they do have one thing in common: most are small, locally-owned businesses with a focus on high-quality craft Cannabis and highly-curated experiences.

“It was really fun – lots of conversations and more than just business features – it was really wrapping my head around being somebody who loves weed in these different regions.”

“I was overwhelmed initially, but when I really sat down and thought about it, the people I've written about over the last 10 years all became sort of confidants for their regions,” she explains.

“It was awesome to tap the network and reach out to all these people and be like, ‘Hey, what’s your favorite spot in Boston? What are your favorite spots that you go to, person that lives in Phoenix?’ It was

PHOTO BY ZOE CHING

really fun – lots of conversations and more than just business features – it was really wrapping my head around being somebody who loves weed in these different regions.”

Green Scenes ended up spanning 15 states and 24 cities total, compiling 120 of the most interesting Cannabis-friendly sites and experiences. From places to stay like The Lexi (Las Vegas’s first consumption hotel with a sleek and sophisticated design) to shops such as Joint Rivers (a casino-inspired dispensary operating on Native-owned land in Washington), there’s a little something for every kind of adventure enthusiast.

Love to spoil yourself at the spa? Puff on a joint while you get your toes painted at Nomsternailz in Oregon, or participate in a relaxing Cacao and Kush ceremony at New Rituals wellness collective in California. More of a foodie? Visit the husband-and-wife-duo serving up Dope Dinners, inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean and Mediterranean in Massachusetts or sip on an infused Blue Dream Cosmic Slushie at Chi’Tiva in Illinois.

“As a consumer, I love this product and want it to be trustworthy and high quality. With this book, I wanted to highlight people with that same mentality that are craft-based, that care about how they grow, that are trying to be as least extractive as possible on the earth and maybe even leaving it a little happier than when they first arrived,” Lauren tells us. “It’s about: Who do I want to see thrive? Who do I want to see win? And who could use the help? I definitely seek out independent small-owned businesses that are doing things thoughtfully – because they are the ones really caring about that craft quality or one-on-one experiences.”

Has our Adventure Issue inspired you to take a trip somewhere totally new? Want to branch out in your own backyard? Either way, Lauren envisions you taking Green Scenes along for the ride.

“You could keep it at home on your coffee table and have it be something people flip through and learn a little bit at a time.

I also love the idea of people folding a page and taking it with them on their trip,” she says.

“Or flipping through before they go somewhere and being like, ‘OK, I'm going to a legal state, I know I'm gonna want to try some weed – these are the spots that I'm going to bookmark on my phone or take a screenshot of or check out the website.’ Then they can really build that into their trip in a fun way.”

Green Scenes is available now on Amazon and in booksellers nationwide.

JOINT RIVERS | WASHINGTON

PHOTO BY WINONA GREY

IF YOU’RE BAKED, just about anything tastes incredible. But there’s a big difference between the stoner who stares into a bowl of Fruit Loops like it’s the glowing briefcase in Pulp Fiction and the sadomasochist who invites the pungent pucker of pickle juice straight to the larynx. This is an extreme difference in personality profiles for sure … but then, it takes all types to make up the human clusterfuck called society.

The rest of us lie somewhere in between: down for taste-testing new items, so long as it doesn’t land us bending over the porcelain god with deep, convulsing regret. After all, we’re stoners – open-minded to new experiences driven by THC-induced curiosity.

By now everyone knows that you can drink the pickle juice when that’s all that’s left in the jar, correct? Yes, there may be some seasoning settled at the bottom of the pond, and it would require a cowboy palate for the true foodie to chug that baby deep into the gizzard – but some people have a penchant for painful challenges. Like shoving an entire package of Sour Worms into your mouth to dissolve without chewing. Or the Seven-Alarm challenge at Wing Dome where the ghost pepper-soaked buffalo sauce inspires the heart to race and the lips to swell. Or to dab an entire $10 gram of cotton-candy flavored distillate boof.

And I don’t know why dudes need to alpine their asses to the peak of Everest, but they’re out there doing it. I mean, it can’t be fun. I’m sure it hurts. And it ain’t free. In fact, you could buy a sailboat for the same amount of money that it takes just to get there. To each their own.

And drinking a jar of pickle juice is on the same level. Because as we sensation seekers will tell you, zest is the best. Sure, a sugar cookie is like mouth nookie, and coffee and toffee are awfully awesome – but the sour zip-zap of the vinegar jar brings the tickle from the pickle. And I’m fickle.