MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com
TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER daniel@leafmagazines.com
EARLY MARYLAND LEAF PUBLISHER early@leafmagazines.com
WYATT EARLY STATE DIRECTOR wyatt@leafmagazines.com (410) 961-8779
ABOUT THE COVER
Swinging into the sunshine of spring is this adventurous new cover from longtime Leaf Magazines collaborator Joshua Boulet. With a humble nod to classics of cinema and literature and the special issue inside, we were pleased to create this fun and novel illustration. Boulet's creative, heartfelt and detailed work has graced the cover of our magazines for years and years, and was the illustrator for Mike Ricker's Stoney Baloney column from 2020-2025. Throughout this edition, we've sought to highlight a variety of ways to take Cannabis and make even daily life an adventure - because we all need more!
ART BY JOSHUA BOULET JOSHUABOULET.COM
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES ADHD DEAD, FEATURES
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
JEFF DIMARCO, PHOTOS
WYATT EARLY, NATIONAL NEWS
HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + ART
JAKE KERN, FEATURES
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES
BOBBY BLACK LEAF BOWL DIRECTOR & HISTORIAN bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN
BRUCE WOLF, PHOTOS
LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Maryland Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s medicinal, recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, leafmagazines.com. Email wyatt@leafmagazines.com to start advertising with Maryland Leaf!
CONNECT WITH MARYLAND LEAF Exclusive Cannabis Journalism
WES ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Thanks for picking up the Adventure Issue of the Leaf!
Nothing says adventure like a packed bowl of weed, which is why we chose to have a giant nug chasing a stoner Indiana Jones throug h a vibrant scene. Have you ever been out in public, at a restaurant or the gym, when the weed that had been silently running in the background reached up and slapped you with a major case of “I’m too stoned to be in public”? I certainly have!
I’m training to climb a mountain and fight big salmon this summer, so I’ve been pushing my limits on edibles and workouts this spring. Recently I was on a 200mg leg day adventure when the edibles hit 27 minutes and 32 seconds in. At that moment, I simultaneously became aware that I had to pee, had extreme cottonmouth, was sweating profusely and had suddenly become extraordinarily tuned in to everyone around me doing gym things. My hands swell ed up with tension, music slowed down, and fight-or-flight kicked me right in the gut, along with two delicious 100mg lemonade shots from Agro Couture.
To escape the sudden madness, I found myself intensely studying Papa John’s $6.99 ad on my treadmill TV, as if I don’t hate ads. I’m such a mindless consumer that I’ll watch ads for processed doughy deliciousness even at the gym. Who knew that going 3 mph on a level-10 incline could be such an intense adventure? Twenty-three minutes later, the sound of a child’s laughter in an EDM mix snapped me back, releasing a rush of anxiety that matched the beat, pus hing my mind and body toward a peak as I finished my warmup cardio.
"I FOUND MYSELF INTENSELY STUDYING PAPA JOHN’S $6.99 AD ON MY TREADMILL TV."
I remember this intense workout because I wrote about it while freaking out on the treadmill, and when I thought of my most re cent weed adventure as a prompt for this Editor’s Note, that memory was still strong in my consciousness. While often anxiety-inducing, I do love ad ventures like “Fuck, I’m too baked for Costco but want the free samples,” or the real-life reality show, “Let’s take blinker hits in Walmart and people-watch,” which is always worthy of a daytime Emmy.
My point in sharing these stories, while silly, is that life becomes an adventure with weed. It takes the daily routine of work, gym and errands and turns it into an exciting experience. Weed forces me into the moment, especially when majorly stoned, which is the opposite of the mindless escapism that the TV or alcohol offer.
Whether your adventures involve climbing high mountains or peaking your high at Pilates, smoking weed is an essential ingredient for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Like last year’s Choose Your Own Adventure cover, which you can find at leafmagazines.com, weed really is the magic wizard that is guiding us to our next epic memory!
BY THE NUMBERS
In a survey conducted by the National Library of Public Medicine, 87% of the 111 respondents reported that THC products helped them with recovery following exercise. An even higher 93% of participants felt the same way about CBD-infused products. These participants regularly engage in aerobic and resistance exercises and habitually use Cannabis. This represents a win for Cannabis consumers who exercise and an important study toward breaking the stigma of laziness surrounding stoners.
72%
According to a Cannabis Craze study by data analytics firm Technomics, this percentage of consumers said they would visit a restaurant that incorporates Cannabis in its food. This figure represents a 9.2% year-over-year increase in people interested in a culinary Cannabis experience. Additionally, 63% of consumers reported using Cannabis prior to visiting both restaurants and bars. We all know Cannabis can elevate a dining experience, which is probably why we smell something familiarly loud in the air about 63% of the time we dine out.
31
1 100% 87%
The number of state-licensed Cannabis consumption lounges still open in Nevada. You’d expect a state as wild as Nevada to have a booming market for Cannabis consumption lounges, given the various other types of partying taking place there. The problem behind the failure of this sector falls on stringent regulations for these businesses and high financial barriers to entry. You can walk down the Las Vegas strip holding a bottle of vodka, but for some reason they still don’t want you smoking weed in public.
Not a formal statistic but rather the opinion of NBA star Kevin Durant on how many NBA players smoke weed. “It’s the NBA, man. Everybody does it, to be honest. It’s like wine at this point” said Durant, who heavily lobbied NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to lift the league’s ban on Cannabis. “I just enjoy the plant. It’s as simple as that.” Need he say more? Considering players are allowed to consume alcohol and prescription medication, we think not.
Researchers with the University of Oklahoma assessed 98 Cannabis consumers who regularly engage in moderate to vigorous activity. The assessment concluded that participants on average engage in 31 more minutes of physical activity on days they consumed Cannabis products. Whether you’re going out for an easy walk around your neighborhood or smoking a fatty and hitting a PR deadlift, Cannabis may enhance the experience in a positive way.
For this dollar figure, you and nine friends can embark on the Smoky Mountain High Cannabis Dispensary & Safari Jeep Adventure Tour in North Carolina. They’ll pick you up from your hotel or campground, take you to get just the right product for your ideal day, and take you on a breathtaking safari Jeep ride through the wilderness of the Cherokee Reservation. Imagine getting blitzed and being driven around to see big beautiful mountains populated by elk, bears and tons of different species of birds. Put this tour on your bucket list.
The New York Times' sports division, The Athletic, conducted a survey with 170 professional MMA fighters and discovered that 78 of them (nearly 50%) use Cannabis. As expected, many of these fighters are using Cannabis for recovery, but several also reported using it recreationally. Whether it’s being used to relax and recover after dishing out and taking hundreds of punches to the head and body, or as an alternative to alcohol and other drugs, fighters using Cannabis is something we can all get behind.
29% $700
The amount of all active leisure travelers who are interested in Cannabis-related activities while on vacation, according to a study published by MMGY Travel Intelligence. These activities include visiting a dispensary, trying various cannabinoid-rich products and infused beverages, indulging in a CBD spa treatment or sampling Cannabis in a safe and comfortable environment.
MARYLAND2025 LEAF BOWL
The 2nd Annual Maryland Leaf Bowl brought out the best of this community, from the entrants to the attendees. A venue like the Baltimore Museum of Industry never seemed possible for hosting a Cannabis industry event when Maryland Leaf started in 2019. What could be better than this venue accepting us? Welcoming us with open arms as what we are: an industry.
“YOU GUYS are an industry just like any other,” said Jesse Rhodes, the BMI’s director of events. The feeling this warm statement gave us was indescribably extraordinary leading up to our biggest event in the history of the company.
Every year our goal is to make the next event bigger and better than the last, and we couldn’t make it all happen without the support of our sponsors, entrants, performers and attendees. Another goal we hold close to our hearts is supporting local businesses and giving them yet another unconventional platform to reach the masses.
With local DMV comedian Justo at the helm of the award ceremony this year, a whimsical element of comedy brought the vibe to a ten. Tromac, an up-and-coming local DJ, graced our ears with his musical presence as people danced through the halls of the museum.
Smokin Roche’s BBQ served up wagyu burgers, nachos and much more, with the option of a CBD-infused barbecue sauce to go with it. Mexican on the Run dished out its famous beef birria tacos, quesadillas and burritos. Every stoner needs a sweet treat especially after a savory meal, so Taharka Brothers pulled up their truck with a fire assortment of flavors for everyone. Stache Brands had the Terp Tap rocking outside in the pavilion, where the line never let up all evening long.
“The whole Maryland Leaf team cannot express our gratitude enough to everyone who supports our vision in these events.”
>> CONTINUES PG. 14 continu
MARYLAND LEAF BOWL 2025
As the award show began, the seats and corridor flooded with people eager to see what our judges had voted as best of the best.
Curio Wellness, Grassroots, Fade Co., Nature’s Heritage, Evermore, District Cannabis and Terrascend came in hot with tons of awards in the indoor and mixed-light flower categories. One of the nicest looking entries we saw was Jack Herer from Curio Wellness, from the size of the nugs to that nostalgic aroma that took us back to the first time we’ve ever smelled this strain.
CULTA, Alchemist, Eden, Temple and Exotic Elevations saw some major wins in the concentrate category. The Strawberry Snoball Cold Cure Live Rosin from CULTA was uniform in consistency, smell and flavor, which are part of the reason they took home the win for best rosin. In truth, we were very impressed with all of the entries we saw and commend the efforts from companies to put out their best products.
The whole Maryland Leaf team cannot express our gratitude enough to everyone who supports our vision in these events. Advanced Nutrients, Sunnies and ReLeaf Shop get a special shoutout as our presenting, experience, and hospitality sponsors, respectively. To all of the vendors and entrants, your support means the world to us, and we cannot thank you enough. On to the next one!
SARAH HONG
SARAH GREW UP in Maryland and has been a longtime Cannabis enjoyer and cat lover. She found her home at Chesacanna after getting her first exposure to the industry at a different dispensary. During peak COVID times, Sarah found relief through Cannabis and got through the strongest illness she ever had to face. Now, her expertise and love for the plant impact the lives of the patients and adult-use customers she serves daily. Sarah feels strongly that everyone in this world is going through a lot on a daily basis, and going the extra mile to make someone’s day can go farther than you expect.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? I was a medical patient first in 2015, and I was purchasing Cannabis from Blair Wellness Center. They were hiring and I needed a job, so I applied and got hired, working there for around three years. After that, I came to Chesacanna, and I’ve already got a year under my belt here. Curiosity in a new industry is what sparked my interest in working with Cannabis. Before this industry, I worked for my mom’s carry-out restaurant, doing everything around the store.
WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT TOWSON UNIVERSITY?
It’s still a journey for me. I changed my major twice and went from wanting to be a math teacher to just a pure math major. I took a break to focus on other areas of my life before going back and finishing. I learned a bunch of random knowledge in college. I really attribute my best qualities to working for my mom for so long. My parents raised me to be responsible and I carry that into the workplace.
GROWING UP IN MARYLAND, DID YOU EVER THINK CANNABIS WOULD BE LEGAL? I always enjoyed Cannabis recreationally, and then once it became medical, I was a little hesitant to get my card. About a year or two into the program, I decided to apply. After being approved, I was exposed to a whole new experience in this field. I had never purchased legal Cannabis or seen it being something that would be possible for me.
WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY THINK ABOUT CANNABIS? Bottom line: They think I work in a pharmacy. They know that I use Cannabis, but they are not open-minded about it. I think it’s an older generation kind of thing; they don’t really understand the legality of it, and I’ve always had to hide it from them.
WHAT IS A CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THIS JOB? You have to make sure customers have a pleasant experience in the dispensary, and for someone selling weed, it’s not as easy as it seems. Many times, customers want to talk about their lives and you have to be there to listen and genuinely take an interest in their lives. Without an educated person behind the counter to help guide decisions, customers can be lost in such a deep world of Cannabis.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENHANCE BY USING CANNABIS? I haven’t been as active as I’d like lately, but I smoke a lot of weed and pretty much use it before anything. Taking a bong hit before a nice walk outside can be very therapeutic and a serious mood uplifter. I also play Pokemon Go, which requires a lot of moving around, and Cannabis always enhances that experience.
HAVEN DISPENSARY
WHEN TRAVELING ACROSS THE STATE from our home base in Baltimore, I regularly pass by many dispensaries. Haven is one of those stores that ha s always caught my attention off the side of Crain Highway. From its robin’s egg blue color to the sheer impressive nature of the exterior, I knew this was a store I had to visit. With a fully operational drive-thru, it’s a perfect place to stop off and grab something in a pinch. The interior is just as impressive, and the well-informed staff of connoisseurs makes the experience an all-encompassing good time.
SETTING AND VIBE
This dispensary floor gave me a rush of nostalgia while impressing me with its unique technology. They have arcade games and toy machines you can feed a quarter into like the good old days. Displays from various companies line the back wall of the store, making a comfortable, elegant space for companies to do popups. A projector hangs from the ceiling, blasting trippy images onto the wall. When you walk in front of it, your body becomes a part of the image, something I’ve only seen at music festivals or art installations.
FLOWER
Marketing manager Joey Creel is extremely well tapped into Maryland’s Cannabis market and knows the products like the back of his hand. He is part of a team that keeps the best of the best in stock at Haven and makes sure the patients they know and love have the products they want. Joey also does weekly product reviews on Haven’s social media channels, which is a great way to stay in tune with what’s new.
CONCENTRATES
An extensive concentrate menu is something that any good dispensary needs, especially with each customer having vastly different preferences. Haven has a stacked list of different forms, potencies and flavor profiles that sync up with those preferences. I was happy to see some bubble hash from District Cannabis on the menu — a product Maryland hasn’t seen much of and one I think the people are going to like. It will be exciting to see how the quality of products like this continues to increase, and eventually we will be smoking six-star bubble hash.
EDIBLES
For medical patients, this store had a massive selection of high-dose edibles, which come in around 40mg per gummy. Not to worry if you’re a recreational customer, the variety of different forms and flavors of edibles goes far and wide at Haven. Strawberry Pound Cake Bites from Sunnies? Check. Keef sodas in original and sugar-free varieties? Check. I could keep going and going, but you’ll have to hit the store and check out the rest of the options yourself!
“...A PERFECT PLACE TO STOP OFF AND GRAB SOMETHING IN A PINCH.”
A cross between The White and Cinderella 99, this strain creates a sweet, citrusy lemon flavor with hints of gas and baked goods on the exhale. This was a super heady one, giving me an immediate high that crept in behind my eyes before settling my entire body into a comfortable state. I had a strong bit of neck pain before taking a dab, and as I melted away into the couch I couldn’t notice a thing. This will definitely be making its way into my repertoire of pain-relief strains. 78.55% TOTAL CANNABINOIDS | 12.65% TOTAL TERPENES
REVIEW ED: BEEZLE BRANDS WHITE 99 LIVE RESIN BUDDER
REAGANMOORE
BE SWEET, LITTLE HONEY — that’s the nickname given to Reagan Moore by people close to her. She has the first half of that phrase tattooed on her as a reminder of who she is and to honor the lessons in humility and generosity passed down from her late grandmother. “Everyone called her Honey because she was so sweet,” she said. “She just wanted to give and take care of others, and I looked up to that.”
It took some time for Reagan to really find and grow into the woman she is now. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, the 22-year-old said she felt isolated growing up in a city she described as a stopping point before getting to more populated areas like Atlanta or Savannah.
“There weren’t a lot of people who looked like me, so it was hard for me to really understand what it meant to be a Black woman growing up,” she said while crediting a former teacher with giving her advice on reaching her potential. “She taught me about how missed opportunities aren’t always on you … she was always a safe space when I lived in Georgia.”
Reagan has had Type 1 diabetes since she was 9. She said that as a kid, she didn’t know what diabetes was, and when she stayed in the hospital for extended testing, it was hard for her to understand what was happening. She said the diagnosis also led to self-confidence issues and low self-esteem, especially around her friends.
The embarrassment of taking medication in front of her friends, she said, led her to ignore her diagnosis, and she ended up back in the hospital with complications from a lack of treatment at age 11. After doctors explained the long-term consequences of not taking care of herself, she took the diagnosis more seriously and felt stronger for having survived that experience. “I grew up pretty fast because of that,” she said. “I had no choice.”
For Reagan, a normal day with Type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin multiple times a day and checking her blood sugar levels, a process that involves a sensor that sends updates to her phone every few minutes, alleviating the need to prick herself.
“All of my friends smoked. I smoked a little bit, but not often,” she recalled. “I wish I could go back to that time. I used to get so high off half a blunt, sitting there laughing and screaming at things.”
Cannabis isn’t much of a factor in managing her diabetes, she said, aside from providing her with an appetite to keep her blood sugar steady. She described her Cannabis use as more of a remedy for her mental health, helping her combat anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
“I only take medication for bipolar disorder,” she said.
“I don’t love medication. With smoking or eating an edible, that’s what eases and calms me.”
Preferring more indica-leaning strains with a good amount of myrcene or linalool, like GMO, she said she likes rolling up and smoking.
More recently, she said she’s been taking small drops of a tincture after a recommendation from one of her regular customers, which she’s found helps calm her racing thoughts at night and makes it easier to fall asleep.
Reagan’s love for Cannabis led her to become a budtender in 2023 after deciding to pursue a different career path. That eventually led her to enroll as a patient in the state’s medical program.
“You usually check your blood sugar at least five to six times a day, I do at least, because I want to be cautious,” she said, adding that her blood sugar levels fluctuate frequently and often peak and drop in the middle of the night.
Reagan and her family moved to Baltimore when she was 15, and within a few months, the new environment had grown on her despite carrying some resentment about picking up and moving to a new state. Compared to living in Macon, she said the fresh start inspired her to talk to people and try things she probably wouldn’t have before — one of them being Cannabis. In high school, she sat in on a few smoking sessions with friends but said she began using Cannabis more frequently in college.
Working as a budtender has many parallels to Reagan’s goal of becoming a teacher, specifically teaching math to middle school students. She initially attended West Virginia University as a nursing major but switched majors and transferred back home to Stevenson University as an education major. Inspired by her mother’s journey in the education field, Reagan said she has always loved school and wants to make the same impact her mother had in the classroom.
“I think math has a lot of subjects people shy away from, even in adulthood,” she said. “I really loved math, and being able to teach kids how to be a good mathematician would be super cool.”
Reagan has also expressed interest in becoming a therapist after meeting with a mental health specialist in high school. She said opening up to someone gave her a confidence boost, and she wants to provide that same experience to anyone she works with, whether as a budtender or an educator.
“I love being able to be a light for others,” she said. “I know when I have my own space, I want that to be a safe space — to be a teacher and a therapist, all in one.” @_REAGANMOORE
STRAWBERRY CANDY X LEMON MERINGUE LIVE
Taking the spotlight as this month’s Concentrate of the Month is SunMed Labs’ Strawberry Candy x Lemon Meringue live resin batter blend! SunMed Growers and Labs have been one of the cornerstones of the Maryland Cannabis market, providing a consistent supply of the state's favorite genetics and brands, rain or shine.
THEIR LAB TEAM has particularly stood out in the market since they first started their extraction process, achieving market success after market success. Their Strawberry Candy x Lemon Meringue live resin batter blend is one of their truly standout dabs. Terpinolenedominant with a rich temper of myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene and linalool, the Strawberry Candy x Lemon Meringue smokes like the ideal “indicahybrid” experience you always wanted.
The first inhale of this illustrious concentrate saturates the senses with candied calmness and lemon leisure. The flavor and aroma profile is one of those rare products whose namesake lives up to the experience itself. Full of strawberry and lemon citrus deliquescence, underscored with bright, floral, candied notes, this dab is sure to tickle even the most particular of palates. Sweet, bright and delicious describe the initial experience of Strawberry Candy x Lemon Meringue live resin, from the jar pop to the first dab, with an exquisite balance that can only be attributed to the lab’s skills.
Once your senses have absorbed the initial piquant profile of delicious aroma and flavor, you’re rapidly transported to one of the most delightful headspaces in the Cannabis kingdom. For me, the dab induced the perfect balance of an elated, active mind and calm, relaxed relief, harmoniously
RESIN BATTER
intertwined in one of the more luxurious highs of 2025. Being able to actively explore your thoughts and day while serenely maintaining that life perspective Cannabis imparts is one of the true joys of the plant, and SunMed Labs captures that feeling in their Strawberry Candy x Lemon Meringue live resin concentrate. We should all be so lucky as to sample these feelings, and I hope you get a chance to dab some of SunMed Cannabis concentrates! SUNMEDGROWERS.COM | @SUNMED.LABS
“...THIS ILLUSTRIOUS CONCENTRATE SATURATES THE SENSES WITH CANDIED CALMNESS AND LEMON LEISURE.”
Nano Gummies
“...an airy, floaty flavor that seems ethereal at first puff but comes back to earth with gassy glory…”
STAY PUFT STAY PUFT
This month’s Strain of the Month is a slept-on genetic out of Modern Flower called Stay Puft. Modern Flower has a reputation for consistency and variety, producing several genetics that Maryland adores. The Stay Puft lineage is one of those rare Modern Flower iterations that you only find in certain dispensaries but should absolutely be available in every dispensary statewide!
A PRODUCT of Compound Genetics, Stay Puft represents the best breeding traits of its heritage, Marshmallow OG x Grape Gasoline, with large nugs, creamy sweet and fruity notes and a smooth gas burn on the back.
CULTIVATED BY MODERN FLOWER
Our bag was packed to bursting with some of the fluffiest nugs I’ve seen in our state, which is an important indicator of quality. Too many cultivators are using plant growth regulators and other inputs that create the characteristic tight, dense nugs that are often bland and harsh. Fluffy nugs like the Stay Puft suggest a greater degree of cultivation quality that, for the educated consumer, are more desirable overall. Add in the fact that it’s a stellar genetic, bred by a respected breeder and grown by a skilled cultivator, and you have a real treat. Stay Puft will almost certainly spread to dispensaries across the states.
The notably creamy smoke is a sweet, desirable blend with a fruit-gas kick on the exhale that’s delectably delightful. Stay Puft has an airy, floaty flavor that seems ethereal at first puff but comes back to earth with gassy glory, imbued with divine grape notes.
Overall the smoke is full-bodied, flavorful and offers the consumer a very well-balanced high that touches mind and body. Take some time to explore this refined toke for your personal knowledge bank — it’s sure to make your list of notable cultivars in Maryland.
THE ADVENTURE OF MEOW WOLF
INTO THE WORMHOLE INTO THE WORMHOLE INTO THE WORMHOLE
Trying to explain Meow Wolf is like trying to describe a dream while you’re still half in it. Venturing through this immersive art environment is a journey that resists easy description. It’s not quite an art installation. It’s not a theme park. It is a full-body, sensoryflooding plunge into a shifting universe where narrative bends, time blinks and reality becomes optional.
PHOTO BY JESS BERNSTEIN
DENVER
PHOTO BY ATLAS MEDIA SANTA FE
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS
LAS VEGAS
PHOTO BY KATE RUSSELL
WWith permanent exhibitions in Santa Fe, Denver, Las Vegas and Grapevine, Texas, Meow Wolf offers experiences that are equal parts science fiction, sacred geometry, haunted house and heady quest. It’s art at its most chaotic and interactive.
Stepping into any Meow Wolf location is a complete dislocation from reality. Upon entry, any sense of normalcy dissolves. You are pulled through a wormhole of impossible architecture, a cacophony of iridescent neon, alien symbology and tactile forests tucked behind refrigerators. Suburban homes are rigged with interdimensional surveillance. Every surface is alive with detail. Behind each doorway, real or imagined, there lies a choice. Time folds in on itself. Possibility fractures in every direction.
Unlike the linear flow of a museum or the scripted thrill of a theme park, Meow Wolf does not tell you where to go or what to feel. This is an open sandbox. You can simply walk and absorb the riot of color, sound, texture and movement, or you can go deeper. For those who choose to engage, the experience becomes a kind of lucid role-playing game, unfolding through a complex web of storylines involving alternate dimensions, lost civilizations, memory-based economies and cryptic figures like the Hallow or the Rat King. It’s a world that rewards curiosity and disregards assumption.
The spirit of adventure here isn’t manufactured. It emerges from the work itself. By giving its artists full creative freedom, Meow Wolf taps into something primal: the drive to explore, to uncover, to follow the strange path just to see where it leads. At times, it feels like wandering through a dream. At others, like stepping inside a playable graphic novel.
“AT TIMES, IT FEELS LIKE WANDERING THROUGH A DREAM. AT OTHERS, LIKE STEPPING INSIDE A PLAYABLE GRAPHIC NOVEL.”
Meow Wolf carries a clear countercultural lineage. There’s something distinctly psychedelic in the way it operates — echoes of the Acid Tests, of Kesey’s Furthur, of the Grateful Dead’s kaleidoscopic, tie-dyed visual language and embrace of spontaneity. It feels homegrown but not amateur, high-concept but never sterile.
For those engaging with Cannabis, the experience tilts even further into the extraordinary. A mild edible or a well-rolled joint can sharpen the synesthetic edges and open things up even more. Meow Wolf is one of the rare places where altered perception feels not only welcome but anticipated. The spaces are designed to overwhelm, to challenge the senses and the mind, and to pull the visitor into an active, unfolding story, not a passive walk-through.
Meow Wolf began in 2008 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, founded by a collective of creatives: Sean Di Ianni, Matt King, Corvas Brinkerhoff, Emily Montoya, Caity Kennedy, Benji Geary and Vince Kadlubek, who described themselves as “a community of punk, quirky, artistic pals.”
With backing from George R. R. Martin, who purchased and renovated an old bowling alley to house their vision, the group launched its first permanent installation, House of Eternal Return, in 2016.
Today, Meow Wolf has five locations, each distinct in aesthetic and storyline: Santa Fe’s House of Eternal Return; Houston’s The Real Unreal; Denver’s multiversal Convergence Station; Las Vegas’ Omega Mart; and Grapevine’s The Real Unreal. New locations in Los Angeles and New York City’s South Street Seaport are on the horizon.
What unites all of these exhibitions is an insistence on presence. Meow Wolf cannot be streamed. It cannot be flattened into a video or turned into background content. It demands that the visitor move, look, choose and feel. This is adventure without a map.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS
LAS VEGAS
BAR ORAI @bar.orai
Tucked in a side street of Manhattan, Bar Orai is known for its curated vinyl collection that leans heavily on jazz, funk and obscure soul. Word is, they snagged a few ultra-rare Japanese pressings, which pair nicely with an interior designed for minimal distraction. An intimate, low-key environment that practically begs you to settle in with a mellow strain (not currently allowed) and lose yourself in the music. Regulars say the bar’s staff is passionate about guiding you to the perfect album, making each visit feel like a personal listening session rather than background noise.
VINYL, VIBES AND VISION
AUDIO BARS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS LOUNGES
There’s something magical about a cozy lounge, a stack of vinyl records and the gentle crackle of music drifting through the air. While still hypothetical in many states, the idea of a proper sesh paired with top-notch sound is beginning to take shape. A handful of cool vinyl and hi-fi bars might be previewing what Cannabis-friendly listening lounges could become once the laws catch up. At their core, these spots showcase how music and socializing collide in an environment built around high-fidelity sound. As states refine their consumption laws, these audio-first venues already offer a roadmap: impeccable acoustics, curated record collections and a laid-back energy that perfectly suits a chilled-out sesh.
WAX ON HI-FI
@waxonhifi
Wax On Hi-Fi leans into California’s sunny optimism with bright decor and airy seating. Their vinyl shelves bounce from surf-rock staples to modern funk albums, reflecting the region’s breezy atmosphere. Natural light floods the space, making it a prime environment for pairing an energizing sativa or hybrid strain to elevate the mood. The open vibe suggests a daytime hangout for folks who want a sonic adventure without the nightclub energy.
IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
@insheepsclothinghifi
Though not explicitly Cannabis-friendly, In Sheep’s Clothing has cultivated a near-religious devotion to the listening bar format. Patrons are expected to dial back phone usage and let the meticulously curated vinyl selections transport them. This place is a poster child for how minimalistic decor, high-grade speakers and a willingness to appreciate music can create something far more profound than a typical bar scene.
SHIBUYA HIFI
Named after Tokyo’s famed Shibuya district, this lounge nods to Japanese listening bars by cultivating a nearspiritual approach to audio. The seating is arranged to face the music, literally, so you’re not stuck chatting away while the vinyl spins in the background. Seattle’s music scene already thrives on indie and alternative vibes, and Shibuya HiFi offers a modern twist on that foundation. Expect to spot the occasional experimental or lo-fi album in their rotation. Some evenings are dedicated to themed playlists, floating across psychedelic rock or classic hip-hop. @shibuyahifi
GOLD LINE BAR
Located in the greater Los Angeles area, Gold Line Bar is owned and operated in part by the team behind Stones Throw Records, meaning its vinyl library is massive and meticulously curated. Hip-hop, funk, soul and worldwide rarities line the shelves.
Sometimes you’ll catch a DJ spinning an Afrobeat set; other times you’ll drop in on a night devoted to ’70s Ethiopian jazz. The interior echoes vintage record shops and laid-back living rooms, creating a space that worships sound as much as it caters to casual conversation.
@goldlinebar
For now, keep these vinyl bars on your radar for a taste of what’s possible. The next wave of Cannabis consumption lounges may be taking notes, ensuring that before too long, we’ll all be able to fire up our favorite strain while a perfect groove supplies sonic goodness from the speakers.
LOS ANGELES
SEATTLE
LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES
BUDS + BACKWOODS
What’s better than a wake-and-bake? A wake-and-bake by a lake! Mary Jane and Mother Nature are fine friends, and more campsites are opening their doors to Cannabis enthusiasts these days than ever before. But despite many states legalizing recreational use, it’s not as simple as rolling out the tent and roll up a joint. Here’s your guide to responsible trailblazing.
THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE
National Parks and National Forests
Cannabis is strictly illegal on federal lands. That means no puffing or packing in National Parks or National Forests, even if you’re in a state where sale and use are legal. Violating these rules can lead to serious fines or worse.
State Parks
These rules vary from state to state. Even if Cannabis is legal in the area, it may be prohibited in state or even county-specific parks, so it’s always best to check specific park regulations first.
Private Campgrounds
Some private campgrounds still strictly prohibit Cannabis or smoking in general, but some are going green and catering entirely to Cannabis (see sidebar).
TOKE RESPONSIBLY
Fire Safety First
Consider your environment before lighting up. Avoid combustibles in high-risk areas, and check your area’s current fire danger levels. Opt for vaporizers or edibles in dry seasons, and make sure anything you discard is completely extinguished before packing out.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
It should go without saying, but here we are. Please don’t leave behind roaches, packaging or anything else, so come prepared with a safe receptacle to retain these items.
Be Nice Neighbors
Remember, not everyone shares your love for the leaf. Keep smoke, noise and other scents contained to your own campsite, and always consider your neighbors.
Leave No Trace Stay on designated trails to preserve the environment. And if you’re a bit stoned, be careful that you’re not disturbing wildlife or wandering off-course.
Camp Laughing Grass
A cozy, 21-and-older campground located in Harrison, Maine, where you can enjoy riverfront views from tents, cabins, A-frames, and glamping setups surrounded by plenty of open-air space to light up. camplaughinggrass.com @camp_laughing_grass
The Grassy Knoll
This Muskegon, Michigan, location is an operating dispensary with an adjacent 5-acre field that’s partnered with local event planners to cater to campers and events alike. It offers RV parking and tent sites “where nugs and nature meet.” muskegoneventplace.com @muskegoneventplace grassyknollmuskegon.com @tgk_231
GANJA GEAR
WHEN
Sol Spirit Retreats
Sol Spirit in Willow Creek, California, is an operating Cannabis farm that offers all-inclusive adventure. Experience farm-to-table meals, cultivation tours and the beauty of Northern California’s Emerald Triangle landscape from onsite “luxury bell tent accommodations." solspiritretreats.com | @solspiritretreats
420 Treehouses
If you’re looking for an odd adventure, Oregon never disappoints. This Takilma location (that doubles as a medical grow) offers nontraditional glamping experiences, like treehouses and the “USS Mary Jane,” a sleepable sailboat suspended 35 feet up in a tree! 420treehouses.com @420treehouses
Start with Storage A smell-proof pouch, cooler or hard case with humidity control will keep your herb fresh and discreet. A metal water bottle will provide a safe passage for ashes.
Manage Your Method
Portable vaporizers, e-rigs, travel pipes, compact grinders, small rolling trays and stuffable paper cones can be game-changers. A windproof lighter or hemp wick is always handy for lighting up on a breezy day.
Mountain Refuge Ranch
This stunning, small campground is located on private property and offers panoramic views from cliffside sites of the Selkirk Mountains in Metaline Falls, Washington. While the campground is not cannaspecific, the owners maintain an open, smoke-friendly policy and discourage the presence of children due to the elevated location. mountainrefugeranch.com @mtnrefuge
Consider Your Course If you need a more low-key approach or are adventuring during high fire danger, explore edibles. Want to prevent pain and put some pep in your step? Try topicals!
TOKE +TASTE
Food can be a portal, transporting you across time and space with a whirlwind of flavors, aromas and textures. When used with intention, Cannabis enhances this adventure, deepening your perception and heightening tastes and sensations. THC is more than an extra layer to a dish; it interacts with food in ways both subtle and profound.
AN EDIBLE can lengthen the arc of a meal, expanding your appetite across courses. A well-timed joint before eating can amplify deeper, richer flavors or prepare the mind for an immersive dining experience. The key is balance: knowing when to let Cannabis take the lead and when to let the food speak for itself.
Different dining styles call for different approaches. Some meals demand precision and restraint, while others invite indulgence and excess. The right Cannabis pairing amplifies the best aspects of the experience without overpowering the meal.
Dim sum is a playground for post-edible exploration. A high dose taken well in advance aligns perfectly with the arrival of steaming baskets and crisp, golden bites. This style of dining invites you to follow your crav-
ings across courses of pillowy char siu bao, crispy scallion pancakes and xiao long bao that burst with hot, savory soup. The variety of flavors and textures matches the ever-swelling peak of an edible, keeping the experience dynamic and engaging. New York’s Jing Fong offers the quintessential dim sum experience in a vast dining hall packed with rolling carts and endless choices, an adventure in itself. For Korean barbecue, the act of cooking at the table is just as integral as the meal itself. A premium joint beforehand sets the stage, allowing the ritual of lighting up to mirror the anticipation of fire hitting the grill. The lingering effects of a strong indica or hybrid seamlessly blend with the primal satisfaction of grilling meats tableside, where smoke, char and umami richness mingle.
The same principles apply to any open-flame-driven feast. If Korean barbecue isn’t a local option, a Brazilian steakhouse or Texas-style barbecue market offers a similarly indulgent experience. For authenticity, Los Angeles’ Park’s BBQ serves premium cuts with deep, smoky flavors that thrive under Cannabis’s influence.
Omakase unfolds in a carefully deliberate sequence, each course a study in balance. The delicate layering of flavors — from pristine cuts of fish to seasoned rice touched with vinegar and soy — rewards an attuned palate.
A low-dose edible or tincture can sharpen your focus without overwhelming any senses, allowing the nuanced interplay of textures and tastes to unfold as intended. Too strong a dose will blur the finer details, muting the sharpness of yuzu or the umami depth of aged soy. The goal is refinement, heightening awareness without distortion.
For those seeking an omakase experience at the pinnacle of craftsmanship, Sushi Nakazawa in New York offers a journey through impeccable technique and flavor.
“THE VARIETY OF FLAVORS AND TEXTURES MATCHES THE EVER-SWELLING PEAK OF AN EDIBLE, KEEPING THE EXPERIENCE DYNAMIC AND ENGAGING.”
Tasting menus present a unique opportunity to pair Cannabis course by course, allowing the effects to unfold in tandem with the meal’s progression. A hybrid strain, taken in measured doses throughout dinner, shifts the state of mind alongside the flavors. The key is pacing, ensuring Cannabis enhances rather than overshadows the natural rhythm of the meal. Chicago’s Eden is redefining this format, incorporating Cannabis-infused elements into their High-Minded Events.
Their farm-to-table approach, paired with an immersive chef-driven experience, allows precise pairings to shine in an intimate dining setting.
For immersive dining experiences like Medieval Times, where spectacle and atmosphere outweigh subtlety, Cannabis’s more psychoactive effects can elevate the grandeur. A high-dose edible paired with a pre-meal joint primes the senses for the theatrics, making the experience feel larger than life.
In settings where refined palates take a back seat to maximum excitement, Cannabis helps heighten the absurdity and immersion. Medieval Times or Rainforest Cafe locations across the country provide the perfect setting to lean into this kind of time-warped, theatrical dining.
Introducing Cannabis into the culinary experience unlocks new potential. Thoughtfully paired, THC transforms a meal from something consumed into something fully experienced, stretching flavors, melding sensations, and turning every bite into a moment of discovery.
BOWL APPEAL
Korean Barbecue
A premium joint enhances the rich umami, smoke and char of tableside grilling.
Notable Location: Park’s BBQ, Los Angeles
Dim Sum
A high-dose edible taken in advance stretches appetite and enjoyment across a variety of dumplings and crispy bites. Notable Location: Jing Fong, New York
Omakase
A low-dose edible or tincture sharpens focus without dulling delicate flavors of fresh fish and aged soy.
Notable Location: Sushi Nakazawa, New York
Tasting Menus
A carefully paced hybrid strain evolves with each course, enhancing flavors without overpowering.
Notable Location: Eden, Chicago
Immersive Dining
High-THC edibles and a pre-meal joint amplify the spectacle, making every element feel larger than life. Notable Locations: Medieval Times, Rainforest Cafe, nationwide
EDEN
RAINFOREST CAFE
SUSHI NAKAZAWA
SACRED FLOW & ELEVATED PLAY
A CANNABIS-INFUSED ACROYOGA JOURNEY IN THE RIVIERA MAYA
THE SWEET, sticky scent of sun-cured Mexican flower filled the air as we passed the dutchie to the left, barefoot and beaming under the watchful gaze of Mama Frida, peering through the aerial hoops. With each exhale, the worries of the world drifted further away, replaced by giggles, bright eyes and the knowing spark of something magical unfolding. We were in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Mexico — the tropical evening breeze carried the jungle’s vibrant resonance, setting the tone for an AcroYoga adventure that is sure to lift us into a whole new dimension.
OUR CREW gathered like cosmic puzzle pieces — entrepreneurial travelers, healers, athletes and artists seeking connection and elevated movement. Ready to embrace an afternoon of trust, flight and shared joy, the only requirement was to lead with an open heart and conscious body movement. We were nestled in the vibrant sanctuary of Plano Zero, a creative movement and art space tucked into Centro Playa.
Surrounded by colorful murals, jungle greenery and a warm embrace of all artistic expressions, Plano Zero holds space for movement, arts, sound journeys, sacred smoke and creative communion. It’s one of the few spots in the Riviera Maya that openly honors plant medicine and freedom of self-expression.
We lit our sacred herb with reverence and playfulness, letting the Cannabis tune us in.
The local flower — earthy, sun-grown, with a citrus twist — was a heart-opener and a body-whisperer, helping us melt resistance and soften into presence. It was the perfect companion for our next adventure: AcroYoga.
BEYOND THE HANDSTANDS
balancing acts, Acro is about connection — to ourselves, our partners and the infinite dance of giving and receiving.
In Acro, there are three primary roles: base, flyer and spotter — each vital to the alchemy of lift-off. The base provides grounded support (think stable legs and open palms), the flyer surrenders to flight (with core strength and trust), and the spotter holds the container of safety and awareness. It’s a tribal dance of co-creation, an elevated metaphor for community and consciousness.
Our session was part of the Kate in Paradise Acro class, a heart-led gathering that brings together international AcroYoga nomad Kate and local teachers and enthusiasts. Kate has partnered with Plano Zero to offer her elevated movement workshops semiannually in Playa del Carmen. In partnership with Vamos Experiences, you can catch her AcroYoga retreats in tropical destinations worldwide.
Rooted in the blend of classical yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage, AcroYoga is a mix of movement and trust. Born in the early 2000s, it brings together the grounding wisdom of yoga with the dynamic play of circus arts.
"Cannabis gave us permission to be fully present and playful. It softened the hard edges of performance and perfection and reminded us that joy is the real
We flowed through warmups, barefoot on the mat, feeling the earth beneath and the sky within. The tropical magic of the Riviera Maya held us in resonance as we lifted each other higher — first into bird pose, then star, and finally into floating therapeutic flows that reawakened the child within.
And here’s where the plant medicine truly shined.
Cannabis, like many herbal allies, is more than a buzz; it’s a sacred connector that helps dissolve the ego, ease social tension and amplify our sense of wonder. When used with intention, it awakens the inner child — the one who’s not afraid to fall, who plays without judgment, and who sees movement as magic. In the sacred space of Acro, that energy becomes fuel for flow.
We weren’t just stretching; we were expressing. Laughing. Exploring shapes and sensations with curiosity. Cannabis gave us permission to be fully present and playful. It softened the hard edges of performance and perfection and reminded us that joy is the real medicine. We were moving together as one tribe, one breath, one shared dream of what it means to lift each other up.
So, OG's, if you find yourself in Playa del Carmen looking for something more than just margaritas and beach bars, seek out the tribe at Plano Zero. Bring your medicine, your mat and your open heart, and be ready to fly.
Disclaimer: Cannabis can be a powerful plant ally for flow, connection and creativity, but it should be used with caution, especially when combined with physical movement. Only experienced Cannabis consumers who are also familiar with the fundamentals of AcroYoga should partake before engaging in elevated partner play. As always, listen to your body, communicate with your partners and choose safety over sensation. Elevated consent is the highest form of trust. Cannabis is not provided or accessible at Plano Zero. Simply put, the creators of Plano Zero respect the symbiosis between plant medicine and art. The current legal regulatory system allows for CBD-only consumption in Mexico.
Firefly Glass NICK NOWAK
Nick Nowak first lit the torch in 2007, just 18 years old and driven by curiosity. Back then, it was all about soft glass beads — small, delicate creations that marked the start of a much bigger journey. Over time, what began as a fascination evolved into a calling. Now known in the art world as Firefly, Nick crafts intricate glasswork from his home studio tucked away in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
NATURE IS HIS MUSE.
Animals, in particular, have always captured his imagination.
“I’ve always found animals to be something I love creating,” Nick explains. “I’m constantly inspired by them — their form, their movement, the spirit they carry.” That inspiration breathes life into each piece, with every curve of glass reflecting his deep appreciation for the natural world.
Looking ahead, Nick’s calendar is filling up with exciting collaborations. One of the highlights is a joint show with his longtime friend and fellow artist Jeff Heath (@jeffheathbar), set to debut on July 12.
Hosted by Woody’s Glass Gallery (@woodysglassgallery), the event will take place at Ignite Glass Studios (@igniteglass) in downtown Chicago — a space known not just for its sleek gallery but also for its dual glassblowing studios, accommodating both soft glass furnace work and Boro torch techniques.
For Nick, this upcoming show is more than an exhibition — it’s a milestone. “I’m really looking forward to building up a strong body of work and releasing it there,” he says. With each new piece, he continues to push his craft, blending technical skill with heartfelt inspiration.
From humble beads to breathtaking animal forms, Nick’s journey on the torch is a glowing testament to passion, growth and the art of fire and glass.
FIREFLYGLASS.BIGCARTEL.COM | @FIREFLY_GLASS
“I’ve always found animals to be something I love creating.”
When it comes to Cannabis usage, not all endocannabinoid systems move at the same speed. We all know people who blast off from 5mg of THC and those for whom the dose has to be more like an elephant tranquilizer. We also know that things like live resin gummies hit differently than rosin gummies. So given the wild differences, we’ve long believed that weed is semi-immune to a dosing standardization that goes beyond the vague guardrails we have in place: “You can always take more, not less,” “Start with five and move up by five,” and even “puff, puff, pass.”
However, this study from 2024 has popped up and it’s looking to change the paradigm on how certain doses of THC might compare to each other. Outlined in the April ’24 issue of the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, researchers from the University of British Columbia are suggesting that one of the biggest blind spots in the effort to create a standardized dose of THC is tolerance.
A sample group of people ages 18 to 93 with a history of Cannabis use that ranged from low to high doses had their habits studied across seven different modes of use (bong, pipe, dab, edible, etc.). Using this data, they claim to have created the initial version of what they’re calling the Index of Cannabis Equivalence (ICE).
dardized dosing, it can help facilitate efforts in regulation, research and the creation of guidelines for using Cannabis.
The one bias they’ve identified is that they did focus on individuals with lower tolerances, and so for people in the elephant tranquilizer group, the research is still out.
“...one of the biggest blind spots in the effort to create a standardized dose of THC is tolerance.”
This new index has led them to boldly declare that two puffs on a joint, pipe or vaporizer (flower or concentrate) is the equivalent to one bong hit, one 5mg edible, or a one-fourth of a dab. The research team believes that through the creation of stan-
But, the findings from this study are tailored toward creating a baseline guide for people who might not own three Blazer torches and a Toro glass bong. So is there a way to say two puffs is all a person needs when they’re starting out? Well the ICE will help people figure out how much of that dab to inhale if a 5mg piece of chocolate is their usual jam. The index certainly starts to clear away some of the fog around dosing and gives us something that we can use to show people blunts and beverages aren’t so different after all.
Source Study: "The Index of Cannabis Equivalence (ICE): A User-Centered Approach to Standardization of Cannabis Dose–Response, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Made for Well Beings
Let’s make this your well-est summer ever. At Curio Wellness™, cannabis is about more than feeling good. It’s about minds and bodies being happy, healthy, and harmonized. Inside. Outside. 24/7.
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