HAVE YOURSELF A VERY MODERN HOLIDAY.
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ORIA'S FUNCTIONAL GUMMIES ARE DESIGNED TO HELP YOU REST, REFOCUS, AND UNWIND - MAKING IT EASIER TO FEEL MORE PRESENT THIS SEASON.
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ABOUT THE COVER
Our cover artwork this frosty month comes from Allie Reilly, a 26-year-old artist out of Eugene, Oregon, who is a first-time contributor but longtime reader and fan of the publication.
“I’m so grateful to have brought this piece to life for this magazine! Combining things you’re passionate about is such a great experience,” Reilly told the Leaf. “I think the concept of this piece is so fun — a great take on the Grinch — and I had a blast creating it. The comic-strip style is inspired by newspaper comics with a pop art twist.”
ILLUSTRATION BY ALLIE REILLY @ALLIEREILLY_
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES + DESIGN
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
JACKIE BRYANT, FEATURES
DAVID DOWNS, FEATURES
CARLY DREIZEN, REVIEWS
WYATT EARLY, FEATURES
HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES
ELLEN HOLLAND, FEATURES
WIND HOME, PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
BENJAMIN NEFF, PHOTOS
ALLISON REILLY, ILLUSTRATION
SAMANTHA STINCHCOMB, REVIEWS
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Editor’s Note
Thanks for picking up The Edibles Issue of the Leaf!
’Tis the season for joyful giving, but we must not forget to treat ourselves this holidaze.
Edibles are the gift that keeps on giving, with hours of giggle s and relaxation before restful nights. These long-term effects are especially beneficial before endurance tests like Santa photos at the mall, rushed wrapping seshes, or the ever-lovely office non-denominational “can we even say Merry Christmas” party.
Edibles are the OG party trick — and so much nicer than hitting the nog too hard. It’s way better to be the sleepy uncle than the buzzed brother trying to convince everyone of some esoteric conspiracy theory. Take it from me, as I approach three years of sobriety from alcohol. I attribute my strength to God first, and then edibles — both of which have helped me through so many difficult times. My journey through sobriety has reconnected me with the plant as a patient, and I’ ve found the biggest benefits over time come from edibles and eating FECO/RSO.
When Cannabis first reemerged medically in the 1980s, it was Brownie Mary who started infusing edibles for AIDS patients and others who were terminally ill. I say “reemerged” because 100 years ago — and for much of human history — Cannabis was used medicinally. Mary’s brownies paved the way for the pot brownie stereotype but also for a form of medicine that endures to this day.
How lucky we are to have an immense variety of delicious, potent, and consistent edibles. When I started the Leaf in 2010, the browni es and rice krispies came in X, XX, or the dreaded XXX strength, with no idea of THC percentages. Today, we can micro- or macro-dose with drinks, gummies, and candy that deliver the same experience every time.
“HOW LUCKY WE ARE TO HAVE AN IMMENSE VARIETY OF DELICIOUS, POTENT, AND CONSISTENT EDIBLES.”
While we might use these gummies to tune out a relative, they’re also the perfect gateway into Cannabis — making edibles the gift worth giving this year. Every adult I know over 40 has issues with sleep, pain, anxiety, seasonal depression, and a general feeling of “WTF happened to my joints?”
All of these symptoms and more can be alleviated with a Cannabi s-infused treat, and you never know who really needs a big dose of love and cannabinoids to truly feel the holiday spirit. You just might change their life with a gummy — I’ve seen it happen, which is why I’m so proud to share this issue with our Leaf readers — especially you! Happy Holidaze and Merry Christmas!
WHEN HEMP CHANGED THE RECIPE
Edibles have always carried a certain promise. They’re approachable, discreet and endlessly adaptable — chocolates, gummies, drinks, etc. For years, they’ve existed somewhere between medical and recreational, the wellness aisle and the candy shelf. The modern boom began after the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp — defined as Cannabis sativa containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. That one policy shift opened the door to an entirely new category.
IN THE YEARS SINCE, hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, delta-10 and more have shown up in gummies, chews and sodas sold everywhere from boutique apothecaries to gas stations. These weren’t the edibles found in licensed dispensaries; they were over-thecounter products marketed as “hemp.”
For a while, it looked as if the dream of nationwide access to manageable, lowdose THC had arrived — arguments within the culture notwithstanding. Now, that future feels less certain. In November 2025, Congress advanced a spending bill that effectively rewrites parts of the Farm Bill, capping total THC at 0.4 milligrams per container and banning synthesized or non-naturally occurring cannabinoids in hemp products. Federal lawmakers and regulators are reexamining the loopholes that allowed intoxicating hemp edibles to flourish.
Proposals circulating in Washington would redefine “total THC” to include THCA and other compounds that convert to delta-9 THC when heated, erasing the practical distinction between hemp and marijuana. If those changes hold, much of the hemp-derived edibles market could disappear.
For brands that dove into hemp, it’s an unsettling moment. Companies built around hemp-derived THC are weighing whether to pull products, reformulate or move under state Cannabis regulations. Many have operated in good faith within the ambiguity of the Farm Bill; now they’re realizing that window may be closing. Critics of the recent hemp wave say operators exploiting the “loophole” deserve the fallout, arguing that unregulated hemp companies undermine the broader legal Cannabis industry.
Consumers are caught in the middle. Millions have found edibles through hemp-derived products, drawn to their variable doses, predictable onset and broad availability. Yet the same qualities that made them accessible — minimal oversight and easy online sales — also made them inconsistent. As the rules tighten, some of those products will likely vanish, while others may reemerge under stricter testing and labeling standards.
"In November 2025, Congress advanced a spending bill that effectively rewrites parts of the Farm Bill, capping total THC at 0.4 milligrams per container and banning synthesized or non-naturally occurring cannabinoids in hemp products."
That evolution could be healthy. For years, potency has defined value in Cannabis, with higher THC seen as better. Lately, wellness culture, microdosing and a more mindful consumer base have started to challenge that logic. People want consistency and clarity over brute strength. The emerging idea of “functional THC” aims to meet that expectation by designing edibles around specific effects and balanced cannabinoid ratios.
Still, the regulatory shift will reshape the category. The wide-open era that followed hemp legalization is ending. What comes next is likely a smaller but more stable market — fewer products, clearer standards and a renewed focus on quality over novelty.
Edibles have never stopped evolving, but this is the most uncertain chapter yet. The law that launched them is being rewritten, and the industry built on its ambiguity is learning to adapt. Whether that results in a more mature market or simply a new set of boundaries, one thing is certain: The future of edibles is still being defined.
FIRE FOLLOWER
2026 GENETICS PREVIEW
AMERICA’S more than 3.3 million home growers and those abroad have a really epic lineup of flavors to chase into 2026 in their backyard gardens and garage tents. Legalization has put more diversity at the fingertips of more growers than ever in human history.
Online seed banks, direct website sales and events — like Terpnami in San Francisco — make it easier to drop in on your particular terp wave. Here’s what we’re seeing.
WHITETHORN ROSE STAYS FRESH
Dank, fruity Forbidden Fruit terps used to be out of fashion among connoisseurs. But just like ’90s acid-washed denim, they’re back in a big way in the winner’s circles at contests and in gardens.
You can bet that 2026 will be filled with fresh crosses of Huckleberry Hill Farms’ Whitethorn Rose. The award-winning cross of Paradise Punch and Lemon OG is appearing in more gardens as the southern Humboldt County team spreads the genetics far and wide. New public versions include Mulberry Rose.
Huckleberry Hill Farms founder John Casali gave “WTR” to a handful of elite farms — including Ridgeline Farms (see Blueberry Caviar x Whitethorn Rose) and Canna Country (see Country Rose) — and told them to make some magic with them.
“There is a winner in there,” Casali said.
LANTZ
GOES GLOBAL
Ridgeline Farms’ award-winning Lantz strain (Green Lantern x Ridgeline Runtz) is no longer a closely held genetic, so expect it to gain even more momentum in 2026.
Ridgeline founder Jason Gellman released refinements of the California State Fair and California Leaf Bowl award-winning strain via the Tangled Roots seed bank.
Gellman has worked his Lantz strain to the Grape Gas strain to make the new Cookies strain Blueberry Caviar, as well as Blackberry Caviar. We expect those extremely loud “caviars” to dominate in 2026.
NEWER BLINGIER ‘CANDIES’
The center of gravity in strain flavors sits over so-called “purple candy-gas” — dark, sweet, pungent varieties often descended from Gelato and Zkittlez. Global icon Compound Genetics knows what the people want. This month, they launch a new line of candy-tasting versions of their hit strain Pave (Paris OG x The Menthol).
“People love the Pave, and Compound hasn’t really done a super-candy-centered line of it,” Ruby Wagner, Compound’s marketing coordinator, said.
HASH DUMPERS
You can’t talk about 2026 trends without zeroing in on “hash dumpers,” which are flower strains that yield 5% or more of hash when washed.
Bloom Seed Co. is the biggest name to watch in the hash farming space. Their Melted Strawberries (GMO x Strawberry Guava) really lit up the Los Angeles dabbing festival Puffcon in October. With strains like Too Much Lime (Jealousy, Z, Lime and Headband), which just won second place on Nov. 9 at Masters of Rosin, it’s very much Bloom Seed Co.’s season.
Award-winning journalist/author and former Leafly Senior Editor David Downs’ monthly genetics intelligence dispatch.
RETURN OF THE GASSY OGS
Fans of green bud — with that iconic, late-’90s, lemon-pine-fuel stank — have refreshed options in 2026.
DNA Genetics has a new RP43 (short for Richard Petty) that is “kush, kush and more kush,” Aaron Yarkoni, co-founder of DNA Genetics, said. Yarkoni doesn’t care that rappers prefer purple candy-gas. He’s pursuing green, super-strong dope.
“We’re trying to make green weed great again,” he said. “People still love OG.”
Breeder Josh D, popularizer of OG Kush, has at least four new OGs to grow based on his high-performance Josh D OG stud “The Smooch.”
Metamorpheus F2 is The Smooch x The Smooch for the most OG in 2026.
EVEN MORE DIVERSE TERPS IN 2026
Lastly, 2026 promises a new era of diversity as more home growers choose personal favorites over hype.
Commercial powerhouse Purple City Genetics supports this diversity with strains like Bubble Tea, a Terpnami-only exclusive for home growers with a really unique Z terp. Bubble Tea ((Rainbow Belts x Caribbean Cookies) x Akira) doesn’t make the cut as a cash cropper, but that’s irrelevant to a terp chaser with a six-plant garden.
“That’s the fun part of home growing nowadays,” said Auryn McCafferty, co-founder of Purple City Genetics.
“WE’RE TRYING TO MAKE GREEN WEED GREAT AGAIN. PEOPLE STILL LOVE OG.” -DNA
MULBERRY ROSE
PHOTO BY HUCKLEBERRY HILL FARMS
Here’s what North America is doing in the garden this month: Finish trimming. Static sift your kief. Make hash. Press rosin. Bake edibles. Purchase seeds. Cover crop. Test soil for deficiencies. Cold Full Moon is Dec. 4.
DEC. 2025 POT FARMER’S ALMANAC
PHOTO
PHOTO BY RIDGELINE FARMS
LANTZ
PHOTO BY RIDGELINE FARMS
Getting a Cannabis infusion to feel just right depends on a number of factors
THE GOLDILOCKS ZONE FOR EDIBLES
Many Cannabis newcomers who have an aversion to smoking are eager to try edibles instead. But, as any seasoned stoner can tell you, the potency and duration of edibles can be wildly unpredictable; there are endless stories of people trying Cannabis infusions and getting uncomfortably high. I’ve been there more than a few times myself, and the solution to achieving optimal stoniness is, unfortunately, not as simple as counting the milligrams of THC that are ingested.
UNPACKING how edibles work is like unraveling a box of cords. When it comes to eating or drinking weed products, it is essential to understand that the way edibles are made is not standardized — and neither are their effects from person to person or even day to day. Cannabis edibles can be a potent medicine that helps ease our mental state and relieve tension in our bodies, but dialing in on the correct dose involves research and practice.
CARRIER INGREDIENTS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
Cannabis is lipophilic, which means it dissolves in fat (lipids), and hydrophobic, a word that describes substances that do not mix with water. Raw Cannabis doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects as when it’s heated through decarboxylation. This scientific process converts the cannabinoids into the active forms that we know best, such as THC and CBD. In creating edibles, Cannabis flowers or leaves are heated and then combined with a carrier — such as oils, butter, glycerin, gelatin or alcohol — to increase the absorption of cannabinoids. Combining cannabinoids with fat makes them easier to absorb and increases the intensity of their effects.
“The best fat to infuse depends on the person,” Vanessa Lavorato, an edibles expert and author of “How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time,” said. “Everybody has a different metabolism, allergies, tolerances, etc. A lot of people love MCT oil.”
The onset and duration of a high with edibles is also in flux due to how our bodies metabolize cannabinoids. Drinks and tinctures can be absorbed by the mucus membranes in our mouths, which makes the effects come on quicker because they bypass the digestive process. Nanotechnology, which manipulates materials at a microscopic scale, is also being used to create Cannabis edibles that result in quicker onset times. This process wraps cannabinoids in layers of water and fats to make them more readily absorbed or bioavailable.
THE SPECTRUM
Looking beyond which ingredients manufacturers use to activate the cannabinoids within edibles, how potent a gummy, cookie or THC drink might be involves consideration of the type of Cannabis that’s going into the infused product. Cannabis contains many cannabinoids, but it also has other biologically relevant substances such as terpenes, which contribute to the plant’s aromas, flavors and effects. Products that contain all of the components present in Cannabis and do not isolate them down to one element, such as THC, are known as “full spectrum.”
Edibles can be crafted with plant material (leaves and flowers). But because working with this plant material as a base can result in a weedy herbaceous taste that many people do not find appealing, edibles made with Cannabis concentrates — such as distillate, rosin or ice water hash — are more prevalent in the consumer marketplace.
“Concentrates make edibles easy,” Lavorato said. “The hash maker did the work of removing the resin from the plant, then either decarb first or directly whisk the concentrate into a warm fat.”
Lavorato’s book includes a list of concentrates, outlining which are already decarboxylated and explaining how to do so for the ones that are not.
“The cookbook focuses on flower because that is what most people have access to, and it helps to understand dosing to start with a lower potency input,” Lavorato said. “I like to give people options so everybody feels included.”
“The cookbook focuses on flower because that is what most people have access to, and it helps to understand dosing to start with a lower potency input,” Lavorato said.
To create consistent products and completely remove the herbal taste of weed, many edible companies develop products with distillate. Distillate is a purified Cannabis concentrate that removes additional chemical elements of the Cannabis plant, focusing solely on one selected cannabinoid, such as THC or CBD.
“I like to give people options so everybody feels included.”
I have found that when a gummy contains hash rather than distillate, it doesn’t matter if both contain the same milligrams of THC; the hash edibles are more potent. This is likely because hash is a full-spectrum product. Cannabinoid scientists, most prominently the late Raphael Mechoulam, explain that the compounds in Cannabis tend to work more effectively together than when they are isolated. This phenomenon is known as the “entourage effect.”
THE RECEPTORS
Understanding how Cannabis works begins at the cellular level. The plant interacts with receptors found in almost every organ in our bodies via the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids are the chemical compounds we produce internally, and phytocannabinoids are those derived from plants. Both types of cannabinoids bind to chemical receptors to help keep systems in our bodies — like our nervous and digestive systems — in balance.
When we ingest Cannabis, it is metabolized by the liver before it enters the bloodstream. It also transforms its chemical makeup into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent than the delta-9 THC that is created when Cannabis is inhaled.
“The effects of an edible on the human body are different for each individual,” Cannabis cultivation expert Ed Rosenthal wrote on his blog. “It depends on several factors, including weight, experience, hydration, recent food intake, and overall liver condition.”
Our individual physiques and diets are a big piece of the puzzle in understanding how edibles might work. Research shows that those who are on high-fat diets like keto or paleo may feel the effects of Cannabis more, and that these types of diets can be helpful for people with digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, because of the ways the diets affect endocannabinoid receptors within our gut.
What you’ve eaten before enjoying a Cannabis-infused beverage or snack also affects how strongly an edible feels. Cannabis infusions tend to have a more substantial effect on an empty stomach compared to after a full meal. Finally, there are unicorns among us. Some people seem immune to edibles’ effects, regardless of how many milligrams they consume. One theory explaining this phenomenon involves individual metabolic differences. It suggests that these individuals may have higher levels of the metabolic enzyme CYP2C9. The idea is that those who have more of the enzyme break down THC faster, which means that they don’t feel the effects of Cannabis when it’s ingested.
EASE INTO IT
For me, edibles provide a hard reset, as if everything has been powered down, allowing me to disengage from negative thought patterns. Almost all types of Cannabis will make me more introspective, creative and alert, and edibles are no different from smoking Cannabis for me in that regard. What I do experience after taking edibles, however, is a deep night’s rest, likely because they help me stay asleep during the night.
I used to be the type of person who could tolerate extremely high doses of edibles. For a few years, I ingested Cannabis edibles almost every day.
These days, my Cannabis consumption habits have slowed down, but I still really value the freeing feelings that an edible can bring on both in terms of my psyche and my physical body.
While the process of finding the right dose is always bound to involve a bit of trial and error, the key is to start with a small amount and scale up.
AARON ADKINSON
BORN AND RAISED IN BALTIMORE CITY, Aaron Adkinson bleeds orange, purple and black. He got his degree in industrial design from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Under the stage name NVSV (pronounced “NASA”), Aaron makes music and owns/operates a recording studio in Baltimore, and you can find his music on all major streaming platforms. Cannabis is a heavy influence on the culture he is creating, finding commonalities between himself and other artists in the space. Head down to ReLeaf Shop in Baltimore and give Aaron a shoutout the next time you’re in the city!
YOUR NEW ALBUM, “MAGIC MAN,” JUST DROPPED. WHAT INSPIRED THIS PROJECT, AND WHAT MESSAGE OR FEELING DO YOU HOPE LISTENERS TAKE AWAY FROM IT? The album is called “Magic Man” because it was really supposed to be a disappearing act, but once I got into it fully, the art took the form of sleight of hand. I speak on socioeconomic issues and direct people to pay attention to the right things that society is distracting them from. Next week, I will be in the Baltimore Beat, who is also covering the album. I want to create dialogue with my music. The internet has created an echo chamber for virtue signaling versus people actually standing for something they believe in. People need to have their own opinions and thoughts, and that's what I did with “Magic Man.” Lines like, “How you got an iPhone and you militant?” That gets people thinking about the meaning behind the words.
HOW DO YOU THINK CANNABIS INFLUENCES YOUR ARTISTIC APPROACH/EXPRESSION? I grew up with a single mom as a black kid in Baltimore, and I have an older brother in prison. My mom tried to keep me away from a lot of things as a kid, which led me to explore and find out certain things about the world on my own. Thankfully, the thing I discovered was that the art world is mirrored by Cannabis. I started smoking when I was 15, and my mom knew about it even though I was hiding it. When I got to college, I smoked more freely and started having discussions with my mom, who has multiple sclerosis. I told her she could use Cannabis, and she got her medical card despite the stigma she knows surrounding Cannabis. Going to school in Pittsburgh, I was peers with Mac Miller and shared space with him. This showed me how Cannabis can bring people together and how artists can make Cannabis a part of their character and dialogue. If I’m trying to express myself in a way that I can fully be myself, Cannabis is a part of that process.
IS CANNABIS A BIG PART OF THE CREATIVE SCENE IN MARYLAND?
I see how Cannabis is pairing with the arts in the community. There still aren’t very many spaces where you can smoke a joint in the same space you could drink a glass of wine, but it’s changing. Once it becomes more accepted in that way, people will start to come out of their shell more surrounding consumption.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER INDEPENDENT ARTISTS TRYING TO BUILD SOMETHING SUSTAINABLE IN THEIR HOMETOWN? Know what you like. Something that I’m noticing is that there are a lot of forced opinions and people not having their own unique thoughts about what they like, especially for music. A lot of artists are pigeonholed into whatever genre or subgenre they are in and miss out on a lot of chances for artistic exposure. Also, make what you like versus chasing the cycle of making what people want to hear.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VIOLENCE IN MODERN RAP MUSIC?
That is one of the reasons I recommend people branch out and listen to other artists outside mainstream rap. We need to figure out why labels are glorifying violence versus self-reflection in music. I don’t want to get deep into conspiracy, but this is a topic definitely worth looking into.
@ITSNVSV
THE APOTHECARIUM
9AM-9PM
9AM-8:30PM
(PICKUP)
SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO THE WHITE MARSH MALL, in Nottingham, is a bright and modern dispensary called The Apothecarium, which opened in the middle of 2024. This is t heir fourth location in Maryland, adding to their stores in Salisbury, Burtonsville and Cumberland. The store carries a sophisticated-stoner energy, complete with a convenient drive-thru. Since it’s a TerrAscend owned store, you can expect to find a wide variety of products from companies like Kind Tree, Legend and Valhalla in addition to all of your favorite brands from around the state. Next time you’re at White Marsh Mall, stop in for something to elevate the day.
SETTING AND VIBE
As you enter the doors into The Apothecarium dispensary floor, a large neon sign greets you that states, “This is where the magic happens.” Inside, that magic translates to comfort and familiarity one should expect from a hometown dispensary with friendly staff greeting customers. Display packages line the sales floor, which can help people get more familiar with the product variation, as well as create opportunities for staff to explain products to people.
FLOWER
The menu at The Apothecarium Nottingham stretches for pages filled with flower options from every company in the state. There is also a tab on the menu for infused flower, including a ton of different options for diamond and live resin infused pre-roll joints. Ounce deals under $200 and daily specials make shopping approachable. Terpene information is listed on the website, making it easy for terp chasers to dial in exactly what they want to order from the comfort of their device.
CONCENTRATES
During my visit, I found that grams of concentrate started around $30 —a serious value. The menu featured 17 different live strains from Kind Tree and fan-favorite Cookies varieties in live-resin form. Whether chasing high-end extracts or staying on budget, patients will find something that fits.
"OUNCE DEALS UNDER $200 AND DAILY SPECIALS MAKE SHOPPING APPROACHABLE."
EDIBLES
Valhalla, Incredibles, and Grassroots Jams dominated the case, backed by Wana, Encore, Strane, and heavy hitters from Betty’s Eddies. This time of year, the Apple of My Pie flavor from Betty’s Eddies always delivers a hit of nostalgia for me, so I was thrilled to see these on the menu. RSO capsules also stood out — an easy, discreet way to dial in a precise dose on the go.
When taking edibles, a full spectrum product – such as an RSO gummy – can go a long way toward your daily medicating regimen. These gummies had a sweet grape flavor, true to their name, with a little sugary coating to help mask the Cannabis flavor. I found myself only needing to take one gummy at a time to reach my dosage sweet spot, with the full spectrum of cannabinoids going to work quickly and lasting for hours.
MICHAEL MURPHY
Some things have a certain way of sticking with you throughout your life. For Michael Murphy, known to his friends and co-workers as “Murph,” it’s owning a pug. He said the only stretch of his life he’s never had one in his ownership was for maybe about a month or two. “Right now, I’m on No. 6 of my lifetime,” he laughed. “I’ve always had a pug involved in my life someway. My mom and grandma had a pug and chihuahua when I was born. They’re like my emotional support animals.”
MURPH GREW UP outside of Baltimore as the only child of a single mom. As a kid, he said sports took up most of his time outside of school, finding his passion to be splitting his time between the football and lacrosse teams. Being an only child, he found it easy to immerse himself in the fun of playing in a group and the family-like mentality associated with joining a team.
“It was just me and (my mom) most of the time. A lot of the time it may have been just me,” he said, adding he’s found that harvesting that kind of environment has carried over into his work life as an adult. “I like that camaraderie of people sharing in your misery
Entering his college years with the intention of playing football, Murph instead pivoted to attending community college right out of high school to figure out his career path. After transferring to Salisbury University, he got a degree in physical education.
He initially wanted to pursue broadcasting and potentially break into the sports media industry, but after talking with his mom, she steered him onto a “secure” career path in the educational
After getting his degree, his first teaching job was at a Catholic school. After three years of teaching in a private school, he moved to the public school system in Anne Arundel County, where he taught various grade levels at a few different schools around the county.
Teaching at public schools also gave him the opportunity to start coaching in the athletic programs. He knew at some point that he wanted to get into coaching given his athletic background, but it was the lessons he’d learned from his coaches that really inspired him to make an impact in the communities he was joining.
"Ididn’twantto feelthathangover. Iwaymore preferredthepeace andsolitudethat Cannabisgivesyou."
“Growing up without a father figure around, I kind of gravitated toward that male leadership of a teacher or a coach,” he said.
“I’m a big relationship guy; that family camaraderie of a team that I felt when I played and being part of that as a coach made that all come full circle.”
After teaching in Anne Arundel County for 15 years, Murph moved to teaching in Baltimore City until 2022, when he decided to step away from teaching altogether and make the leap into the Cannabis industry.
As a teenager, he said he dabbled with Cannabis until he decided to get serious about sports and his education and didn’t touch it again until after college. It was around that time that his mom got sick, and he had to care for her while finishing up college and finding a job. She passed later that same year, and Murph said he had to “grow up really fast.” He credits Cannabis for helping him deal with the anxiety and trauma that come with that.
“As a 23-, 24-year-old who is inheriting a house and all the bills, I think Cannabis helped me ground myself,” he said. “I drank and partied, but the side effects wore me out, and I didn’t want to feel that hangover. I way more preferred the peace and solitude that Cannabis gives you.”
He got his medical card in 2019 while he was still teaching, and it inspired him to get more serious with his Cannabis use. With his athletic experience in mind, he crafted a regimen of consuming the same amount of edibles and flower every day so he can really feel the full effects of the plant.
Being at work acts as his “built-in t-break” for the day, but when he gets home, his downtime involves a couple joints — anything indica-lean ing in terms of strain — and some edibles, one preferably with some CBN in it to wind down with later in the evening.
“If you wanted to take a vitamin so you don’t get sick, you would take that vitamin regularly,” he said. “Your body’s built to take in these cannabinoids, and for the most part of our lives, it’s been starved for so long. So, a regular dosage, I feel, func tions the best. Things tend to get better with repetition.”
Currently working as a budtender, Murph previous ly worked for Verano in the packaging department. It was here that he found his passion for growing and caring for Cannabis plants after meeting a regular at the shop who grew them, and he figured out how feasible it was to take the journey for himself.
“I used to fish and play golf and have all of these other hobbies with coaching and being around sports. Then, when I left education, I lost that,” he said. “Now (growing) is one of my favorite things to do in my downtime. It fills that little void that I had when I stopped teaching.”
But even with distancing himself from teaching, Murph manages to find those teachable moments throughout his workday and exercise those years of experience to make an impact in someone’s day to day.
“It’s a little better that I’m working at the front end of a dispensary as a budtender where I can talk to and grow people with their knowledge, like I would with my plants or like I would if they were my students.”
Drops
GUSH MINTS LIVE ROSIN
I love me some live rosin, and I love me some Beezle dabs.
That’s why I get so excited for this month’s concentrate — a reinvigorated iteration of a classic Maryland flower.
GUSH MINTS has floated around Maryland for years, but the mark of a great processor is their ability to take good flower and bring out its best qualities for a concentrated experience. Gush Mints is a good flower, and Beezle’s team are great processors — and thus the Gush Mints Live Rosin was born.
Companies like Beezle that create “live” products really focus their brands around toptier quality distinctions by selecting some of the freshest flowers and capturing the most robust essence possible. Beezle squishes its Gush Mints selection and captures a delectable essence that every dab enthusiast will love.
At the top of the terpene profile are two sizable dollops of limonene and caryophyllene, which drive the nose and effects, tempered by a healthy trail of myrcene, linalool and humulene.
“WE ALL KNOW THERE ARE ROSINS, AND THEN THERE ARE ROSINS.
BEEZLE CONSISTENTLY PRODUCES SOME OF THE MOST PREMIUM ROSIN IN THE STATE, AND THEIR GUSH MINTS IS NO EXCEPTION.”
Those in the know might recognize a classic “indica” effect profile — which I adore — but what stands out most to me is the powerful aroma. Gush Mints flower is often described as citrusy, no doubt owing to its strong limonene concentration, but when pressed by Beezle’s team, the depth of that citrus becomes more pronounced and the nuances of the other terpenes begin to pop. The rosin reads like a fresh lemonade stand on a hot summer day — packed with sweet citrus and joy. The back notes are earthy and spicy, evoking an herb garden that’s been freshly turned and full of peppery, basil and rosemary-like notes.
It’s truly one of the tastiest flavor and aroma profiles I’ve experienced this year, and the credit for that goes to the artisans at Beezle Labs and their freshfrozen selections. We all know there are rosins, and then there are rosins. Beezle consistently produces some of the most premium rosin in the state, and their Gush Mints is no exception. Wonderful coloration and excellent consistency are hallmarks of their product, but I can’t get over that lemonade aroma that persists from jar pop to inhale to exhale.
This month’s featured flower is the wondrous Fried Ice Cream by Fade Co’s Holy Grail product line. The jar holds densely grown, robust, colorful nugs that embody the standards Maryland has come to appreciate in its smoking products.
MOST PEOPLE think of Cannabis as just a green, leafy flower, but part of the plant’s diversity shows up in the subtle coloration it can produce. Fade Co’s Fried Ice Cream is a perfect example — a close inspection reveals a mosaic of colors that delight the eye and entice the palate. Shades of green, yellow, orange and purple verge almost on blue, all accentuated by the glitter of bulbous trichome heads that catch the light and make you want to smoke it right away.
The nose is a cornucopia of scents that’s hard to pin down to a single aroma but is best described as a spectrum. The jar pop hits with creamy gas notes, while the grind releases spicy, herbal nuances touched with fruit. That spectrum shifts constantly as you grind, roll and smoke. Cannabis can express a vast range of scents, making it one of the most fascinating plants on the planet — and Fade Co’s Fried Ice Cream stands out for that exact reason: its range.
The inhale and exhale take you on a trip through urban parks, boutique ice cream shops and herbal gardens as Fried Ice Cream flexes its unique terpene combination. I love a variety that surprises me as the toking experience evolves — and Maryland seems to enjoy the same journey. Add its potency bomb of 34% THCa and you have a powerful headspace that leans sedative. Fried Ice Cream by Fade Co wraps the mind in a pleasant, misty fog that eases stress and releases muscles in spectacular fashion. A toke on Fried Ice Cream is a worthwhile smoke indeed. THEFADECOMPANY.COM
TOTAL THC: 34.34%
TOTAL TERPS: 1.77%
LIMONENE: 0.51%
CARYOPHYLLENE: 0.38%
LINALOOL: 0.26%
MYRCENE: 0.15%
HUMULENE: 0.13%
PINENE: 0.15%
“Most people think of Cannabis as just a green, leafy flower, but part of the plant’s diversity shows up in the subtle coloration it can produce. Fade Co’s Fried Ice Cream is a perfect example — a close inspection reveals a mosaic of colors that delight the eye and entice the palate.”
Cultivated by Fade Co.
@fadecoofficial
ice cream fried ice cream fried
Baked Goods & Chocolates
SUNNIES
BANANA BREAD BITES
Banana bread at work?
Infused banana bread at work is more up my alley — and Sunnies takes that experience to a whole new level. Each bite is individually wrapped inside the packaging, keeping them fresh and maintaining that soft, chewy consistency. I ate two of these because they tasted so good, and within a half hour my lower-back pain melted away as I drifted into a state of relaxation.
@SUNMEDGROWERS.MD
INCREDIBLES PEANUT BUDDA BUDDHA AND STRAWBERRY CRUNCH CHOCOLATE BITES
A sensory experience, these chocolates first hit you in the nostrils when you rip one open — unleashing a sweet and savory mix of aromas. The flavor matches that, with the Peanut Budda Buddha reminding me of a peanut butter–filled chocolate-covered pretzel. The Strawberry Crunch flavor has crispy pieces inside, pairing sweet strawberry chocolate with a little crunch. With how good these taste, I have to pace myself and resist eating the entire pack at once. After eating one of each, I settled into a serene state of mind — perfect for a night in on the couch with movies and snacks. @ILOVEINCREDIBLES
10MG THC PER CHOCOLATE / 10 CHOCOLATES PER PACK
BUBBY’S BAKED PUMPKIN BREAD AND BROWNIE BITES
Busting open the top on these Bubby’s Baked treats smells like walking into a bakery cranking out fresh batches of brownies and pumpkin pie. They taste so on point that I find it hard to stop myself from eating more than one at a time. They’re soft and chewy, the Cannabis flavor is covered up insanely well, and at 10mg THC each you can easily cut them in half or eat two or three to reach your desired effect.
@BUBBYSBAKED
DARK
It’s easy to see that a lot of time and effort went into making these truffles perfect — from the size, shape and consistency to the flavor. I like to pop these in the fridge before consuming, giving them that cold mouthfeel and slightly altering the consistency of the ganache. The dark chocolate pairs extremely well with the espresso ganache filling. After consuming two because I couldn’t stop at one, I had a bubbly, giggly high that made me want to go outside and immerse myself in nature.
@SUNMEDGROWERS.MD | 10MG THC PER TRUFFLE / 5 TRUFFLES PER PACK
ENCORE SATIVA RSO MILK CHOCOLATES
I love to see edibles made with RSO because of the full range of cannabinoids and effects they offer. I feel confident in any full-spectrum product’s ability to put me in a deep state of tranquility, and these certainly did the trick. Using a sativa blend of RSO helps combat the couch lock typical of most edibles, and after one chocolate I had a strong buzz that didn’t make me sleepy. @ENCOREEDIBLES | 10MG THC PER CHOCOLATE / 10 CHOCOLATES PER PACK
SUNNIES
CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES WITH ESPRESSO GANACHE
Chocolates & Candies
EVERMORE CANNABIS COMPANY DARK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT DISCOS
Every year when the holidays roll around, I look forward to Evermore bringing back its peppermint chocolate Discos. Between the Felchlin Swiss chocolate and the peppermint pieces, these are a rich, indulgent way to bring in the season. I took one of each flavor before a family dinner and found myself happy, giggling and going back for a second plate. Both flavors are on point, and as a white-chocolate lover I found myself gravitating toward that one. @EVERMOREBRANDS 10MG THC PER CHOCOLATE / 10 CHOCOLATES PER PACK
ENCORE
INDICA SEA SALT CARAMELS
INCREDIBLES BLACK CHERRY CHOCOLATE BITES
Fruity-chocolate lovers rejoice with this ice-cream–sundaeesque flavor — another banger from Incredibles. I like to crush these up and put them on top of ice cream, or even melt them down and coat desserts in them. The 10mg of CBD in the mix adds a calming element that I really appreciate edibles having. After mixing one in with some ice cream, I felt my anxiety fade into the background and good times begin to flourish.
@ILOVEINCREDIBLES | 10MG THC 10MG CBD PER CHOCOLATE 10 CHOCOLATES PER PACK
HICOLOR CAPPUCCINO MILK CHOCOLATE
These cappuccino chocolate drops feel like a tiny luxury that offers a great addition to the everyday mundane. The silky milk chocolate is infused with just enough espresso flavor to feel indulgent without leaning bitter. The texture is smooth, melting perfectly in the mouth and delivering a taste reminiscent of my summer in the Swiss Alps. With effects landing softly, this edible creates a cozy body feel supported by a mellow mental lift. It’s what I reach for after hosting a six-course dinner party for friends and someone has the audacity to ask for dessert.
@VIREOHEALTH | 10MG THC PER CHOCOLATE
10 CHOCOLATES PER PACK
Melt-in-your-mouth caramels take me back to some of the first edibles I ever made — experimenting with different recipes and infusion methods. The sweet, sugary flavor of these masks the Cannabis taste nicely, and the ability to pair them with other foods or desserts is endless. I like to sandwich these between two pieces of Encore chocolate for a caramel-chocolate explosion. Taking two was my perfect dosage.
@ENCOREEDIBLES | 10MG THC PER CARAMEL
10 CARAMELS PER PACK
DIXIE STRAIGHT UP DARK CHOCOLATES
A deep, rich cocoa profile that chocolate lovers will truly appreciate. One to two large squares was my ideal serving size; the effects rolled in gently — intense enough that I felt relief from muscle tension and pain without feeling overly impaired. A delicious, bittersweet treat that indulges, soothes and satisfies all the senses. I enjoyed taking them during the day or in the evening.
@CURIOWELLNESSBRAND | 10MG THC PER CHOCOLATE
10 CHOCOLATES PER PACK
Refreshments
VIBATIONS
TROPICAL PUNCH DRINK MIX
Fast-acting, full-spectrum, electrolyte-enhanced, alternatecannabinoid drink mix packets were not on my bingo card for 2025 — but I’m happy to live in a world where Cannabis products have come this far. This specific flavor is caffeine-free, but I noticed a stepup in my energy levels when taking these, probably thanks to the 5mg of THCV in the formula. Simply mix the packet with 16 ounces of water, or a little less if you like the flavor stronger. I dumped a packet in my water bottle before a hike and felt strong throughout the duration of
VIBATIONSCANNABIS.COM
10MG THC / 5MG THCV PER PACKET
DIXIE ELIXIRS
CHERRY LIMEADE
ELIXIR SINGLE
As a single-serving edible, this is perfect for days when you’re traveling and need a quick edible that’s easy to take down. Each bottle contains a single 10mg dose, with a zesty sweet cherry-lime flavor that washes down nicely. I like to mix these with seltzer water, making an infused soda that I can carry around and enjoy in social settings. After one bottle, I began to unwind and release the stress of the day.
DIXIEELIXIRS.COM
10MG THC PER BOTTLE
VIBATIONS STRAWBERRY LEMONADE DRINK MIX
This flavor has 30mg of natural caffeine from guarana, adding a noticeable pep in my step. I typically drink coffee or the occasional energy drink, so I doubled down on two packets to get 60mg of caffeine and 20mg of THC. The flavor reminds me of a classic strawberry lemonade mix, with a sweetness that lingers on the palate. After two packets, I had a creative, focused high that lasted around four to five hours.
VIBATIONSCANNABIS.COM
10MG THC / 30MG CAFFEINE PER PACKET / 10 PACKETS PER PACK
ORGANIC REMEDIES
LITTLE JIMMY
PINEAPPLE PARADISE TEA
A brand-new product for the Maryland market, Little Jimmy from Organic Remedies is their take on a single-serve beverage — a pineappleflavored “paradise tea” that transported me to island life both in flavor and effects. I like how each of these is only 30 milliliters of liquid, making it a quick shot that can be thrown back. With a sativa blend driving this product, it’s like five-hour energy meets Cannabis drinks.
@ORGANICREMEDIESMARYLAND
10MG THC PER BOTTLE
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Gummies
EVERMORE CANNABIS COMPANY
PINEAPPLE
PASSIONFRUIT
1:1 DISCOS
This flavor is a tropical explosion, and passion-fruit and citrus lovers will appreciate the taste and aroma of these chews. At 10mg each of THC and CBD per chew, I pop these throughout the day to maintain an enlightened mood. Keep up with Evermore and The Living Room on social media to see them dropping new flavors in this line.
@EVERMOREBRANDS 10MG THC/CBD PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
BEEZLE WATERMELON TAJÍN FRUTA BITES
A vegan offering from Beezle, Fruta Bites provide a plantbased alternative with cool, funky flavors that have a light dusting of Tajín. The flavor reminds me of going to a fruit cart and getting a mixed batch with Tajín — taking me back to my time in Puerto Rico. These are also made with rosin, this specific batch containing Rum Pie Live Rosin made using flower from Curio Wellness. I’d say I only eat one of these, but the spicy little kick paired with the fruity flavor always has me going
A one-to-one ratio of THC to CBD syncs up perfectly with my system, giving me a steady high with no anxiety. The sweet-tart flavor lingers on the tongue, reminiscent of a cherry-lime slushie. About 30 minutes after taking two gummies, I felt stress leave my mind as my inflammation gradually eased. I like these during the day for a clearheaded pick-me-up. @WANABRANDS | 10MG THC AND 10MG CBD PER CHEW / 10 CHEWS PER PACKAGE
ENCORE ORANGECELLO GUMMIES
These little hexagons are packed with a dominant orange-creamsicle flavor, allowing the Cannabis essence to linger in the background. This flavor is part of Encore’s limited-edition drops, so time is of the essence when it comes to grabbing this one. The texture is consistent with all Encore gummies — a soft chew that still has a little bite. These were perfect for a daytime buzz, taking one as needed throughout the day. @ENCOREEDIBLES
INCREDIBLES FAST-ACTING SOUR CHERRY TART AND PINEAPPLE EXPRESS GUMMIES
10MG THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
CURIO WELLNESS
SLEEP BLUEBERRY
CHEWS 2:1
CBN:THC
One to two of these dark-blue cubes was all I needed to quickly fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. There was a subtle tartness to the blueberry flavor, but it didn’t take away from the experience. The high dose of CBN gave me a restful night’s sleep, while the low dose of THC uplifted my mood and eased inflammation and pain.
CURIOWELLNESSBRAND.COM | 10MG CBN 5MG THC PER CHEW / 10 CHEWS PER PACKAGE
INCREDIBLES SOUR BLUE RAZZBERRY GUMMIES
An absolute banger of a flavor, the taste of these gummies reminded me of blue-raspberry Dum Dums lollipops. I’m a sucker for sour candy, and these hit that sweet spot perfectly. My only complaint is that they tasted so good I could hardly keep myself from eating more than one at a time. With a nice dose of CBG in each gummy, I took these during times when my stomach was out of whack. @ILOVEINCREDIBLES | 10MG THC/CBG PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PAC
True to their names, the Pineapple Express flavor had a strong taste and aroma of pineapples, and the Cherry Tart was heavy on the cherries. The Sour Cherry Tart gummies were coated in a mix of sour sugar, while the Pineapple Express were not. Both formulas are fast acting — for me, effects began around 10 to 15 minutes and still lasted as long as a traditional edible.
@ILOVEINCREDIBLES / 10MG THC PER GUMMY 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
Another edible in the fast-acting category, these are intended to hit quickly and last for hours. The Shineapple jellies have a sweet strawberry-pineapple aroma and flavor, and with CBG plus THCV in addition to THC, a calm stomach is top of mind. The Lullaberry jellies contain THC, CBN, CBD and even melatonin for added sleep benefits. A sweet blackberry flavor led to a very quick onset of a relaxed high — perfect for slipping into a sleepy dream state. HELLOJAMS.COM | SHINEAPPLE: 10MG THC / 5MG THCV AND CBG PER JELLY 10 JELLIES PER PACK | LULLABERRY: 10MG THC / 5MG CBN AND CBD PER JELLY 10 JELLIES PER PACK
WANA 1:1 STRAWBERRY LIME CHEWS
JAMS REMIX SHINEAPPLE AND LULLABERRY FAST-ACTING JELLIES
Gummies
BEEZLE
LEMON LIME AND TANGERINE BITES
Beezle has absolutely knocked it out of the park with its edibles — from the packaging to the consistency to the effectiveness. Something about the sleek, colorful, honeycomb-teasing packaging gets me super excited to rip into a fresh pack. It’s also worth mentioning that the gummies are placed in a small plastic bag inside the mylar, assuring freshness in every batch. The Lemon Lime flavor smells and tastes like cracking open a Sprite, and the Tangerine flavor is reminiscent of orange Fanta. @BEEZLEBRANDS_MD
LEMON LIME: 10MG THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK | TANGERINE: 10MG THC / 3MG THCV PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
COAST CANNABIS
PEACH “RELAX” INFUSED CHEW
20:1 CBD:THC
Coast Cannabis sets the bar high with its 20:1 blend of CBD:THC Peach Infused Chews. After taking a couple, I instantly noticed their natural, light peach flavor and chewy texture. Easy and enjoyable to eat any time of day, the high-CBD content promotes relaxation, focus and physical ease, while the small touch of THC creates a light buzz that adds a gentle mood lift.
DO DROPS SLUMBERBERRY 1:1 CBN:THC
Something all of us could use a little help with is sleep, and edibles geared toward a restful night are extremely important. These gummies are shaped like a button — and as cute as one too. The flavor is a sweet mix of blueberry and blackberry, and I found one to two of them to be my sweet spot for achieving a stable night of rest. I also noted no feeling of grogginess the next morning.
@DODROPS_EDIBLES | 10MG CBN AND THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
@COASTCANNACO 20MG CBD AND 1MG THC PER GUMMY / 20 GUMMIES PER PACKAGE
INHOUSE BLUEBERRY DREAMS HIGH-DOSE GUMMIES
For all the medical Cannabis patients out there, high-dose gummies are an essential part of the repertoire. With 40mg of THC in each gummy, I never needed more than one — and sometimes even split them in half. These are made with full-spectrum Cannabis oil, which has a noticeably strong effect profile. The heavy, sleepy high hit within 20 minutes and put me to sleep within 30. For such a high THC level, the Cannabis flavor was masked well, with a sweet-sour blueberry essence lingering afterward. @COASTCANNACO
40MG THC / 15MG CBD / 5MG CBN PER CHEW
10 CHEWS PER PACK
BETTY’S EDDIES RASPBERRY CRÈME BEDTIME BETTY’S
From chatting with hundreds of Cannabis consumers across the country, I’ve discovered that many are using products like this to combat issues with sleep. The flavor reminds me of a chew with a cream filling, but as a vegan product, the flavor is blended in nicely without any dairy. I take two of these before bed and find myself falling asleep faster and sleeping more soundly. There’s no grogginess the morning after — even when I take three or four at a time.
@BETTYSEDDIESOFFICIAL | 10MG THC / 20MG CBD 5MG CBN PER CHEW / 10 CHEWS PER PACK
WANA DREAM BERRY QUICK AND CLASSIC CHEWS
My bedside table loves to see Wana’s sleep-focused gummies coming. I keep these in my repertoire for when I need a good night’s sleep or have trouble falling and staying asleep. The sweet berry flavor soothes my taste buds and puts me in the perfect mood to let the cannabinoids go to work. The Classics are a little stronger than the Quicks, and for that reason I take the Classics when I have time to sleep in.
@WANABRANDS | QUICK: 10MG CBD / 2MG CBN
2MG CBG / 2MG THC PER CHEW / 10 CHEWS PER PACKAGE
CLASSIC: 20MG CBD / 5MG CBN / 5MG
EVERMORE
CANNABIS COMPANY
PEACH BLACKBERRY
8:1:1 DISCOS
I truly love what Evermore is doing with its wide range of ratios in its Discos line. Everybody reacts a little differently to different cannabinoid ratios, and products like these help you dial in exactly what agrees with your endocannabinoid system. With close to 100mg of CBD in each chew, I always expect my anxiety to disappear rather quickly. That relief paired with the calmness of THC and the mental stimulation that CBC can provide makes these a grand slam.
@EVERMOREBRANDS 80MG CBD AND 10MG THC/CBC PER CHEW / 10 CHEWS PER PACK
HICOLOR BLOOD ORANGE
HIGH-DOSE NANO GUMMIES
These tart little orange squares are engineered with nano technology, meaning water-soluble cannabinoids that lead to faster absorption. The 40mg of THC in these eases my pain without fail, and the quick onset helps when I need fast relief. About 30 minutes after taking a gummy, I felt a blissful calm wash over me before drifting into a sleepy state.
INHOUSECANNABIS.COM | 40MG THC PER CHEW
10 CHEWS PER PACK
ORIA PEACH MANGO SATIVA
LIVE RESIN
A serving size of one gummy is enough to bring soothing relief and relaxation throughout the day. Each bright orange hexagon is lightly sugar-coated, bursting with fresh, tangy citrus flavor that holds just the right amount of sweetness. The effects creep in slowly, starting behind the head and eyes before dispersing through the rest of the body.
@AIROBRANDS | 40MG THC PER GUMMY
10 GUMMIES PER PACKAGE
INCREDIBLES SNOOZZZIER BERRY
2:1:1 THC:CBN:CBG GUMMIES
One thing that seems harmonious among gummies intended for sleep is their berry flavor and dark-blue color. The Incredibles gummies are a little chewier than the traditional gummy, allowing you to savor that sweet berry flavor. One thing I really enjoyed about this specific formulation is its ability to calm my stomach using a little CBG. One gummy was all I needed for a smooth and steady sleep.
10MG THC / 5MG CBN
5MG CBG PER GUMMY
10 GUMMIES PER PACK
VALHALLA BLUE RASPBERRY AND PINEAPPLE GUMMIES
These delicious sugar-coated squares were difficult to put down, from their flavor to the effects I came to know and love. The Pineapple gummies are made with a sativa RSO, making them perfect for my daytime aches and pains while still giving me a clean, energetic high. I saved the blue raspberry gummies for nighttime use — as an indica, I found they put me in a more relaxed and soothing mood. Keep an eye out for other flavors currently available and on the horizon from Valhalla.
@TERRASCEND 10MG THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
@ILOVEINCREDIBLES
INHOUSE
WILD BERRY GUMMIES
Gumdrop-shaped, delicious mixed-berry-flavored, sugarcoated gummies — just in time for the holidays. With some THCV in the mix, these gave me energy and didn’t produce the typical munchies-driven high most edibles do. Instead, they put me in a talkative mood and stopped me from eating my fourth plate at the Thanksgiving dinner table. For that reason, I use these almost exclusively for a daytime high or to curb late-night snacking cravings.
iNHOUSECANNABIS.COM
10MG THC / 2MG THCV PER CHEW
10 CHEWS PER PACK
BITS DRAGONFRUIT LOL 1:1 GUMMIES
There was a noticeable difference in my ease of mind when taking these gummies, putting me in a surprisingly giggly mood for 5mg of THC. I also noticed a significant level of concentration without getting me into a slump like some edibles can. These gummies also contain B6 and B12 — vitamins that studies have shown may support brain health, red-blood-cell production, heart health and immune-system.
@BITSDOMORE | 5MG THC AND CBC PER GUMMY
20 GUMMIES PER PACK
Gummies
SUNNIES GRAPE SUNSET 5:5:1
CBN:CBD:THC
The smooth grape flavor of these gummies is perfectly balanced — not too strong, just enough to make you crave another. The 5:5:1 blend of CBN:CBD:THC works like a symphony, easing both body and mind into a deep calm. Within an hour of taking two of the darkpurple discs, I felt relaxed, happy and peacefully grounded. My eyelids grew heavy, and boom — I was asleep faster than if the sunset itself tucked me in.
@SUNMEDGROWERS.MD
Wana’s Watermelon Hybrid chews reminded me why watermelon is forever a top-tier edible flavor. They’re sweet, clean and summery but not overly sugary. The sativaforward chews deliver a burst of sunshine in the colder months. The mango flavor is juicy and smooth, without the weird aftertaste some fruity edibles have. Their indica chews deliver exactly what you’d expect — plus some. These chewy, berry-forward bites lean into a nostalgic blueberry flavor that feels classic without tasting artificial. The flavor on the Island Punch, Orchard Peach and Italian Lemon Cream chews all rang true to their names, with a quicker onset than the Wana Classics. @WANABRANDS | 10MG THC PER CHEW / 10 CHEWS PER PACKAGE
HICOLOR BLUE RASPBERRY, SOUR LEMON DROP AND PASSIONFRUIT (RSO)
HiColor’s RSO line brings a new depth to classic gummy flavors, with the RSO playing friendly with their fun flavor offerings. The tastes are vibrant and nostalgic — like the 7-Eleven Slurpees I indulged in as a kid — but with a grown-up, full-spectrum edge thanks to the added infusion. The effects hit hard with a grounded warmth that crept in slowly and settled deep in my body. It’s my go-to when life gets overwhelming and I want my world to soften a bit. 10MG THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
COAST CANNABIS BOYSENBERRY RECOVERY INFUSED CHEWS
ORIA RASPBERRY
TANGERINE HYBRID LIVE RESIN
A bright, fruity explosion with a sweet raspberry twist and zesty citrus flavor. One to two of these were the perfect dose for me, with 10mg of THC per gummy. Their texture is smooth and chewy, making them a delicious joy to savor. The hybrid effects brought me an uplifting, creative buzz followed by a gentle calm that left me feeling balanced and happy. @AIROBRANDS | 10MG THC PER GUMMY
10 GUMMIES PER PACK
Exercising daily can take a toll on the body, so having an edible geared toward recovery can go a long way. I noticed that these gummies relieved soreness after a tough gym session or long run. The sweet boysenberry flavor works well to conceal the Cannabis taste, and the chews have a bite comparable to that of a gummy bear. I usually take two at a time, and my mind thanks me for the 40mg of CBD.
@COASTCANNACO 5MG
PACKAGE
BEBOE BLOOD ORANGE AND RASPBERRY PLUM GUMMIES
From the creative and colorful packaging to the diamond-shaped gummies bursting with fruit flavor, these are a home run. They have a strong but not overpowering sweetness, which helps disperse that Cannabis flavor and makes them easy to eat. I usually go for two or three at a time, but they’re scored down the middle, making them easy to split if you’re seeking a lower dosage. @BEBOEFAMILY 5MG THC PER GUMMY / 20 GUMMIES PER PACK
ENCORE CONCORD GRAPE RSO INDICA GUMMIES
Encore is one of my favorite gummy brands because of their consistency — each purple hexagon comes lightly sugardusted, bringing an everlasting sweetness that complements its light, fruity flavor. The onset came in gently but firmly, wrapping me in a calm, heavy relaxation that carried throughout my entire body. For a soothing indica edible that pairs flavor with a deep, restful vibe, these hit the mark.
@ENCOREEDIBLES | 10MG THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACKAGE
BEEZLE PEACH SOLVENTLESS BITES
A longtime favorite of the Maryland Leaf crew, these solventless gummies are made with strain-specific rosin and labeled on each package. This particular batch was made with Plumdawg Millionaire rosin, with the flower coming out of Curio Wellness’ grow. For those of us who only like to smoke solventless, now you can eat it too. After one gummy, I noticed myself slip into a safety-blanket feeling — mentally calm and collected as can be.
@BEEZLEBRANDS_MD
10MG THC PER GUMMY 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
WANA HYBRID CHEWS
Gummies
HICOLOR SOUR GREEN APPLE
5:1 CBD:THC
These sour-forward gummies have become a staple in my stash, with that high-CBD dosage delivering a calming, body-forward effect. Even with the sour coating, the flavor stays crisp and bright, and the unique 5:1 ratio gives me a noticeable wave of relief without much headiness. They’ve become a go-to for daytime stress or muscle relief after a tough workout. They settle in steadily, and the high feels as clean and crisp as their flavor. @VIREOHEALTH
50MG CBD AND 10MG THC PER GUMMY
10 GUMMIES PER PACK
BITS ACAI AFFECTION GUMMIES
With edibles geared toward many aspects of human life, intimacy is an important area that needs to be covered. Acai Affection gummies from BITS have a pinch of rose, a drop of rose hip and a “hint of passion.” Needless to say, you should probably stick with another type of BITS before going to dinner with your family. These were perfect for a night in with your significant other, proving to be stimulating to the mind and body. @BITSDOMORE
5MG THC/CBG PER GUMMY
20 GUMMIES PER PACK
HICOLOR FRUIT PUNCH POWER-UP 1:4 THCV:THC
I love when a product tells me exactly what it’s going to do, and the “power-up” in their name is no joke. These gummies are my go-to when I want to get moving and grooving while still delivering that easing body high we all look for. While the flavor was a little too juice-boxesque for my liking, I love how HiColor continues to get creative with flavor profiles, experimenting far beyond the typical ones dominating shelves. @VIREOHEALTH
2.5MG THCV AND 10MG THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
HICOLOR RASPBERRY LEMONADE 1:1:1 CBG:CBD:THC
HiColor nails the sweet-tart balance with this refreshing mix of raspberry and lemonade. The equal ratio of cannabinoids creates a steady, centered experience with enough THC to lift my mood, balanced by the calming duo of CBG and CBD. It’s the gummy I reach for on a Sunday afternoon when I want to feel good, functional and a little blissful. The flavor is summery and bright without being overly sugary, making it a great option when I want a more approachable profile. @VIREOHEALTH
10MG CBG, CBD AND THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
GLOW WATERMELON BLUSH, ISLAND VIBES AND FEELING PUNCHY
Proudly produced by a female-owned operation, these sugar-coated squares are a sure fit for everyone at the sesh. The flavors are unique and play into the easygoing vibes Glow represents. Each square contains 10mg and can be easily portioned into 2.5mg halves thanks to a perforated split down the middle. The effects live up to their name, helping me find my glow within and carry that “effortless but excellent” attitude throughout the day. @STANDARDWELLNESS | 10MG THC PER GUMMY
10 GUMMIES PER PACK
WYLD BLOOD ORANGE 1:1 THC:CBC Wyld is one brand I always come back to, with the Blood Orange 1:1s being my first grab. They make me feel bright, lively and comfortable with a bold, zesty flavor profile. Not only does the CBC cannabinoid provide an uplifting, clarifying feel, it also contains anti-inflammatory properties crucial for easing pain. These are perfect for when I need a mood boost, providing a mellow, euphoric buzz that doesn’t get heavy or sleepy. I love these for daytime use, especially when I need a little emotional support.
@WYLD | 10MG CBC AND THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
DO DROPS
FOCUS 1:1:1
CBG:THC:THCV
If you ever wished your morning coffee had a Cannabis counterpart, this is it. Do Drops’ Focus blend hits the perfectly balanced trifecta — CBG brings clarity, THC ties everything together and THCV adds that clean lift. The onset is light but noticeable, helping me settle into a productive rhythm without the jitters or crash. The flavor leans toward bright citrus with a lightly sweet finish, making it an easy addition to my morning routine. The perfect pick for when I want to feel “on” without feeling altered. @DODROPS_EDIBLES
10MG CBG, THC AND THCV PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACK
WANA PASSIONFRUIT
PINEAPPLE 1:1:1 CBG:CBD:THC CHEWS
This ratio by Wana is my personal favorite, offering a calm, balanced, functional experience. The flavor is tropical and fun without sacrificing any effects. The CBG and CBD smooth out the THC perfectly, giving me a serene, centered vibe that eventually fades into a prime level of relaxation.
I love these for social settings or when I’m diving into creative work.
@WANABRANDS | 10MG CBG, CBD AND THC PER GUMMY
10 GUMMIES PER PACK
COAST CANNABIS
GOODNIGHT GRAPE (SLEEP) 5:1 CBN:THC
One of the newer brands on the scene, Coast is making waves with thoughtfully blended ratios. This sleep formula can be intense — each gummy contains 25mg of CBN, which drifted me into a deep sleep. I did have a slow start the next morning, but the fact that they’re gluten- and dairy-free, organic, and not sugarcoated set me on course for sweet dreams, allowing me to carry my clean eating all the way through bedtime.
@COASTCANNACO | 25MG CBN AND 5MG THC PER GUMMY / 20 GUMMIES PER PACK
RASPBERRY LIMEADE AND GREEN APPLE CHEWS
We’re lucky to have so many high-dose options for medical patients in Maryland, and Wana does them extremely well. I never find myself needing more than one of these gummies — a heavy head high typically takes hold after about 20 minutes. All three flavors are delicious and mask the Cannabis taste despite their high cannabinoid content. My favorite flavor is green apple, and as a hybrid, these proved perfect for any time of day. @WANABRANDS | 40MG THC PER GUMMY / 10 GUMMIES PER PACKAGE
COAST CANNABIS
RASPBERRY LIME (ENERGY)
1:1:1 THCV:CBD:THC
I’m always on the hunt for a gummy that actually energizes without the jitters, and this Raspberry Lime blend from Coast really did it for me. With a tart but bright flavor, the 1:1:1 combo gave me a motivating, lifted buzz without any increased anxiety. I love eating two of these when I’m having a slower morning or once my afternoon slump kicks in. They taste as fresh as they feel and help me avoid that dreaded 3 p.m. coffee cup.
@COASTCANNACO | 5MG THCV, CBD AND THC PER GUMMY / 20 GUMMIES PER PACK
JAMS MIXED BERRY AND SOUR WATERMELON LIME JELLIES
Relaxing times are ahead with these indica-blend jellies, both of which have extraordinary flavor and a soft consistency. The Sour Watermelon Lime jellies won first place in the 2025 Maryland Leaf Bowl in the gummies category — and for good reason. The tangy lime flavor paired with sweet watermelon makes for the perfect combo, and at 5mg per jelly, these can be dosed to your desire.
HELLOJAMS.COM | MIXED BERRY: 10MG THC PER JELLY
10 JELLIES PER PACK | SOUR WATERMELON LIME: 5MG THC PER JELLY
20 JELLIES PER PACK
COAST CANNABIS
TANGERINE INFUSED 5:5:5 THC:CBD:CBG CHEWS
I took two of the smooth orange rounds and instantly noticed the sweet, tangy citrus notes that overtook my mouth and tongue with each bite. The lovely 5:5:5 blend of THC, CBD and CBG gave me a relaxing, mellow experience without any brain fog — ideal to take during the day when productivity is the focus. A sunny, bright twist on a traditional edible.
@COASTCANNACO | 5MG THC 5MG CBD / 5MG CBG PER GUMMY 20 GUMMIES PER PACKAGE
HIGHLIDAY2025 GIFTGUIDE
Want to find the perfect item for your special someone, even if that someone is you?
The Leaf staff filled out their holiday wish lists with a few o f their favorite items to help you deck the halls.
HEADSTASH
TACO PLATE ROLLING TRAY
Here’s an easy stocking stuffer that lets the recipient fill their favorite cones and prerolls. This rolling tray looks just like a plate of tacos with the trimmings, and it has a magnetic cover that makes the whole thing look like a styrofoam to-go box. It fits right in your bag for taking to the sesh.
HEADSPACEMARKET.COM | $9
ALM NO NO I'M NOT STONED T-SHIRT
Los Angeles-based designer and artist Tetsuzo Okubo’s brand A LOVE MOVEMENT spreads happiness through fashion. Using recycled cashmere, military materials and eco-friendly cotton, ALM creates statement pieces for your wardrobe. This shirt, which tells the world you’re not stoned, can be seen in person at their Roommate store in L.A.
ALM-LA.COM | $48
HAROLD LUDEMAN CHILLUMS
Everyone should learn how to smoke out of a chillum. They’re fun and easy to keep in your pocket, and they keep strangers' lips off your glass. Harold Ludeman, maker of some visually captivating glass, has a whole selection of killer chillums on his website ready to ship to your door.
HAROLDLUDEMAN.COM | $37
EDIE
HEMPER THEME BOXES
This is a great way to grab something fun for your smoking buddy. There are over 55 different box themes to choose from, so it won’t be hard to find something they’ll like. Each box comes with a curated selection of accessories to go along with the statement smoking piece.
HEMPER.CO | $100
It doesn’t matter if you’re hiding your stash from a roommate or a landlord or just keeping your space tidy, everybody needs a good stash spot for their weed. This clever piece by Nothing Personal hides your stuff inside a stack of fake video game and DVD boxes with copyright-exempt titles. THENOTHINGPERSONALSHOP.COM | $85
Edie Parker puts out smoking accessories synonymous with style, grace and a cute-butclassy feminine flair. The Fresh Sesh Gift Kit offers an affordable starter for the sweetie on your list. It includes an Edie Stripe Gum Lighter, a metal One Hitter, a Marker Doob Tube and a silicone ashtray. Check out their website to see all the glamorous, high-end pieces.
EDIE-PARKER.COM | $35
OOZE PEEL BANANA BATTERY
It’s time to give your “Pendall Jenner” a glow-up with Ooze’s golden banana battery for your 510 cartridges. Choose from five heat settings, a range of 2.2 to 4.2 volts and six unit
PARKER FRESH SESH GIFT KIT
HIGHLIDAY2025 GIFTGUIDE
MANTELPIECE THE VASE
“A timeless vase and a discreet bong all in one” — that’s the way Mantelpiece describes this chic gift that hides right in plain sight. The circular vase section slides right over the bong portion and fits together like a pair of fighting Japanese robots. The company is also releasing an emerald green version.
YOURMANTELPIECE.COM
$300
smokin' gifts // under $350
DR. DABBER GHOST²
A glow-up for Dr. Dabber’s 2013 flagship product, the Ghost² is designed for the perfect portable dab. About the size of a Geek Bar, this unit has five temperature settings, provides around 20 cycles when fully charged and uses the same dynamic heating modes as their larger Switch² device. Plus, it’s a nice price for such a dynamic device. DRDABBER.COM | $119.95
ZEUS ARSENAL
ARC GT4
Vaporizing flower is the best way to truly taste the terpenes and keep your lungs happy. Zeus Arsenal’s new model includes nine preset temperatures, allowing you to get the most out of your flower. This device makes it easy to vaporize on the go while still having the same comfortable experience you do at home. Also available in Gold. ZEUSARSENAL.COM
$310
It’s the age of robots, and like some mechanical spider, iRobud spins a joint around a core of your own ground flower. It can roll a jay in 30 seconds, about the same time it takes a Keurig to make your coffee.Choose your size and density right from the app. IROBUD.COM | $499
POWER PAT BUBBLE CAP
One of the most popular carb caps of the hash community, the telltale shape and incredible function have become signifiers for someone investing in their glass collection. We asked the best way to secure a cap, and Power Pat told the Leaf that people can “message me to see if they’re on the naughty or nice list.”
@_POWERPAT | PRICING UPON REQUEST
GOOD ART THE DOOBIE BROTHER V2 ROACH CLIP
When your grandparents used to use that chip-bagstyle clip on their joints, did they ever imagine we’d be puffing hash donuts with sterling silver in the future? Crafted by hand in Los Angeles, Good Art’s roach clip looks amazing as a chain or a bracelet, and it can be customized with one of three styles. GOODART.COM
$635
IROBUD JOINT ROLLING ROBOT
RYAN ROSBURG
Ryan Rosburg is 46 now, but he was just 15 years old when he started melting glass. As a child, the now-glass artist was obsessed with fire and drawn to anything creative, so it was a natural progression for Rosburg’s artistic output to be led by the torch. Or, as Rosburg put it, “If I’m really honest, I would say that after I smoked weed for the first time, I really wanted to make things to smoke weed out of.”
HE SAYS biggest influences early on were sculptural soft glass legends like Lucio Bubbacco and Milon Townsend. He was inspired by the way they worked with scale and the attention to detail in the figurines they made.
Another major inspiration for Rosburg was the 19th-century duo from Bohemia in the Czech Republic, brothers Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka. The glass artists are best known today for their botanically correct models of plants that were commissioned for, and still remain at, the Harvard Museum of Natural History. In one amazing feat, they created around 4,400 glass models that represent over 830 plant species.
That inspiration took root for him in Colorado where — while growing up and after just getting on the torch — Rosburg was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of glass artist Homer Hoyt. Hoyt is world renowned for authoring his 1989 book, “Glassblowing: An Introduction to Solid and Blown Glass Sculpturing.”
He became a mentor of sorts to Rosburg, who says Hoyt was, “helpful with advice and really kind. He was older in those days but still very sharp and present. My first reamer and graphite tools were handed down from him.”
Ryan continued to develop his craft in Colorado until 2016, when he landed in The Whiteaker, an arts district and well-known mecca for glass artists in Eugene, Ore. He’s still there today, continuing down the rabbit hole, where his use of borosilicate glass and flame creates stunningly realistic pieces of art that supersedes many others who attempt the same craft. The first piece I saw of his was an extremely realistic miniature burger pendant. I was blown away by the level of detail and proportion; needless to say, I’m still a fan to this day.
These days, his repertoire includes all manner of edible delicacies and anatomically correct sculptures. In the future, he says he plans to continue expanding his portfolio to include more expressive works — kind of like storytelling in a way — in whatever direction his imagination leads.
While talking to Rosburg, I have to ask, “What are your visions for the future of the glass art industry?” He says it’s a “big question.”
“I really have no idea what’s in store for the future of all things, but I do know that people will always keep doing it,” Rosburg says.
“There will be glass art, glass pipes and the people who enjoy making them, plus the people who support it. There will also be those who don’t support our industry, and we’re still under the thumb of hands much bigger than our own.”
“Our reach is limited and still pretty underground. I see that every time I watch a current movie and see an old acrylic bong that just looks like the old, outdated relic that it is,” Rosburg adds, adding that it’s likely how many people still view the pipe industry today.
“A device for burnouts and the reckless left over from the hippies of the ‘60s and ‘70s,” Rosburg says. “Movies are an effective zeitgeist for trends and it seems we really haven’t quite made it to the stage yet.”
@ROSBURGGLASS
T.K. HAPPA COLLAB
UV REACTIVE
ETHAN WINDY COLLAB
Get ready to elevate your experience with 4 NEW royal drops from Kings and Queens – the ultimate lineup of infused luxury cannabis products made for those who demand the throne.
2ct - 1g Infused Blunts 1g Infused Pre-Rolls
Less mess. More potency. All crown. This is infused cannabis fit for royalty –
Rolled fat and smooth with hand ground flower, crumble, and THCa Diamonds – These royal blunts hit with king-size power in every puff.
Big flavor. Bigger hits. This heavy hitter is loaded with the same killer combo – crumble, THCa Diamonds, and hand ground flower for an instant throne takeover.
