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We
ABOUT THE COVER
Based in Brighton, United Kingdom, DrBaph is a renowned and pioneering digital artist that caught the eye of Leaf Contributor Matt Jackson, who recommended them for a cover slot. "This year’s edition features a rosininspired piece rooted in visionary (psychedelic) art, capturing a moment of deep focus," notes DrBaph. "Inspired by the overlap of mysticism and scientific innovation, I aim to push the visual language of Cannabis culture through detail, technique and storytelling." Learn more about this unique artist and see more of their beautiful work on page 46.
ART BY DRBAPH | DRBAPH.COM | @DRBAPH
WES ABNEY, FEATURES DRBAPH, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
DAVID DOWNS, FEATURES
WYATT EARLY, FEATURES
HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN
BRUCE WOLF, PHOTOS
LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
JAMIE ZILL, PHOTOS
WES ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Thanks for picking up The Concentrate Issue of the Leaf!
Dab like an Egyptian would be the perfect Weird Al remix of the ’80s classic by the Bangles, and it’s the vibe I get when looking at our amazing cover this month. Which begs the question: Did the peop le who built the once-largest structure in the world also get high?
I’ll skip a long lecture about the improbability of people cutt ing and moving 2.3 million stone blocks (weighing an average of 2 tons each) without alien help or a pyramid potentially being a giant energy conductor and certainly not a tomb. But who's gonna refute those assertions anyway? The Egyptians were the first to document the healing and euphoric effects of the poppy plant. T hey would milk the flower for a delicious nectar that’s full of naturally occurring opiates. Sipping poppy tea, they’d celebrate the renewal of nature with rituals that included dancing and orgies. These were the first plant-resin parties, w hich they viewed as a gift in plant form from their deities.
Not too dissimilar from the process of squeezing resin from Can nabis, which was known as a medicinal plant in ancient times, is it that much of a stretch to assume they were smoking some hash too? Egypt was the bridge between the far East and the West at the time, facilitating trade along the Silk Road, which was surely traversed by wagons and cargos of hashish. While some historians believe that hash came to Egypt later in the 12th century by way of mystics from Syria, I’d like to believe that their documented medicinal use of Cannabis — da ting back to the earliest roots of Egyptian culture — included proce ssing the plant into a hash or rosin. How else would they have the wherew ithal to milk poppies, which eventually led to morphine, a drug that made surgeries possible and changed the misery of battlefield medica l tents during the Civil War and every war since?
Powerful medicines come from plants, and much of today’s pharmacopeia is generated by isolating compounds from holistic and natural medicines that were known to humans for thousands of years. From willow bark leading to aspirin or moldy bread giving the w orld the gift of penicillin, nature has been taking care of us for a very long t ime.
"THE EGYPTIANS WERE THE FIRST TO DOCUMENT THE HEALING AND EUPHORIC EFFECTS OF THE POPPY PLANT. THEY WOULD MILK THE FLOWER FOR A DELICIOUS NECTAR THAT’S FULL OF NATURALLY OCCURRING OPIATES. ”
Exclusive Cannabis Journalism CONTRIBUTORS
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I believe the Egyptians knew this, as people of the ancient pas t were incredibly connected with the natural world. They also had much more free time without the distractions of social media, daytime reruns of “Ridiculousness” and “Is It Cake?” on YouTube, so I’m sure somebody was trying to squish weed into resin to get a little higher. Which has nothing to do with why we chose this amazing cover image, but I digress. It could be the 75 concentrate reviews I wrote last week talking! So load up a dab, take a big inhale and enjoy the fruits of our labor: the best dabs we could find in each Leaf, reviewed with love and gratitude to God for the benefits of our favorite ancient plant, Cannabis.
TEXAS GOV. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC from hemp that was spearheaded by his lieutenant governor, exposing a rift and offering hope to Cannabis users and businesses in the Lone Star State.
Texans have enjoyed several years of a thriving Cannabis industry that has sprouted under the THCA and Delta 8 loopholes that have caused weed sales to proliferate around the country. Since the farm bill of 2018 established “Cannabis” as having Delta 9 THC, entrepreneurial folks have been using test results showing that weed has no THC and only THCA before smoking as evidence that it’s hemp, not Cannabis. This technical distinction is simply that when combusted, THCA converts to Delta 9 THC, which delivers the high we all love.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been sipping the prohibitionist tea, claiming there are countless “families who have seen their loved ones’ lives destroyed by these very dangerous drugs.” The dangerous drugs he is talking about aren’t meth or fentanyl. It’s weed. Lt. Gov. Patrick and a cabal of ignorant lawmakers sought a complete ban on hemp and THC, which cleared the Senate and House and went all the way to the governor's desk. At a recent press conference, Lt. Gov. Patrick doubled down on his claims saying, “You might go into a store and buy [a THC lollipop] and not even know that you’re getting your kid high on drugs and hooked for life.”
Luckily, Gov. Abbott was as sick of the lies and Drug War bullshit as the average Texan is. With 53,000 jobs on the line, billions in sales and many businesses growing because of hemp and Cannabis, Abbott has seen the writing on the wall and wants a piece of the growing industry to take roots in Texas.
“Texas must enact a regulatory framework that protects public safety, aligns with federal law, has a fully funded enforcement structure and can take effect without delay,” Gov. Abbott said after announcing the veto. For those in the know, this sounds like a plan to legalize Cannabis, which he called for in a special legislative session starting July 21. For a state legislature that only meets every two years, this special session is a big use of resources and indicates that legalization could be coming soon to the Lone Star State.
MORE THAN 300 NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS ASSISTED IN A DEA OPERATION TARGETING ILLEGAL MARIJUANA FARMS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY ON JUN. 18.
NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS
SENT FOR LA RIOTS RAID
WEED FARM INSTEAD
TROOPS SENT TO LOS ANGELES to combat the rising lawlessness and riots found themselves hundreds of miles away protecting Drug Enforcement Administration and immigration agents as they raided Cannabis farms suspected of being illegal.
While it might take the National Guard or Marines to break up a major protest, it seems like overkill to send those same troops out to a weed farm, no matter how illegal it is. Around 315 troops found themselves in the Coachella Valley raiding weed farms instead, looking for illegal activity and labor. Around 75 workers were detained pending verification of immigration status. While the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals approved the use of troops to stop violent protests, it's unlikely that they’d approve this use, which is essentially sending a military force to raid an agricultural farm.
The raids occurred on a 112-degree day and spread across nearly 1,000 acres of land, which was too much for the freedomhating DEA to handle.
“Due to the vast magnitude of the operation, we needed partners to safeguard not just our personnel but also the individuals either working or living in the premises,” the DEA spokesperson said, noting that they found two men padlocked inside a trailer.
It is unclear how the arrest of 75 farmworkers is going to win the War on Drugs or stop the violence from cartels that trade fentanyl and push human trafficking across the border with Mexico. But one thing is clear: While the attention of the people is focused on larger societal issues of immigration and potential World War III, the War on Drugs is happily chugging along and grinding lives up for a plant in a conflict that has lasted longer than all prior U.S. wars combined.
CANNABIS USERS 'TOO
DANGEROUS TO HAVE GUNS'
THE LARGEST constitutional rights fight coming to America is that of Cannabis users, who have been denied their constitutional rights to bear arms based on a Drug Enforcement Administration classification and fear that marijuana makes people violent.
The Second Amendment of the Constitution reads, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
This language is clear and states that people’s right to bear arms should not be taken away for any purpose. Court cases have narrowed this in what many consider infringements, but no attack on this essential liberty casts a wider net than those restricting freedom to Cannabis users. According to federal law, illegal drug users cannot possess firearms, and Cannabis falls into this category.
This disturbing use of lawfare against citizens rights has been defended in court based on the fact that drug users can quit at any time.
Federal law “bars their possession of firearms only temporarily and leaves it within their power to lift the restriction at any time; anyone who stops habitually using illegal drugs can resume possessing firearms.”
Does this mean that when smoking a joint, a legal background-checked firearm owner is suddenly committing a federal crime?
Solicitor General D. John Sauer has insisted on the Biden administration’s interpretation, saying “users of illegal drugs [including marijuana] pose a clear danger of misusing firearms.”
There are three major cases challenging the constitutional validity of these laws. In U.S. v. Cooper, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a three-year prison sentence for a Cannabis user convicted of firearms violations simply for using the plant.
“Nothing in our tradition allows disarmament simply because [the defendant] belongs to a category of people, drug users, that Congress has categorically deemed dangerous,” the ruling said.
In a time where so much societal focus is on the potential loss of rights, here is the largest class action group of all, facing the loss of the right to bear arms and secure personal protection and freedom. Cannabis users consist of all adult ages and demographics, vote blue and red, pay taxes and have categorically lost their most fundamental rights for using a plant that is legal in most of the country.
Continuing this illegal prohibition of rights is akin to Congress saying we choose Pepsi over Coke (instead of alcohol and pharmaceuticals over weed), and everyone who drinks Coke has now lost their freedom. For this writer and Diet Coke lover, it's a wonder if more people would protest the loss of a fizzy beverage than their most fundamental freedom.
WEST COAST
ALL GOOD NOW FESTIVAL LIVES UP TO NEW NAME
All Good Music Festival, the brainchild of Tim Walther, first hit the scene in 1997 and was held at Wilmers Park in Brandywine. It moved to West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio before landing back in Maryland. Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia was the site for the reintroduction of the festival with a new name: All Good Now. The production team pulled out all the stops. The weather held out, the vibes were high and All Good Now gave us a weekend we won’t forget.
BELOVED BAND THE BRIDGE kicked off the event, performing their very last show on Merriweather’s new Chrysalis stage. Led by front man Cris Jacobs, the band went through their catalog of classics, and quite a few tears were shed on the last song. Next up was Dogs in A Pile, who had a funky, jazz-fueled, psychedelic vibe. Neal Francis, a jam band scene veteran, followed up as the crowds continued to build. The Disco Biscuits delivered a powerful hour of some of their best tunes and got the crowd dancing with their unique style influenced by Phish and the Grateful Dead (with a mighty dose of electronica mixed in). Mollie Tuttle followed on the Chrysalis stage with a country-inspired set that made the crowd go crazy.
All of the sets from the smaller Chrysalis stage were broadcasted on the screens and speakers at the main stage, making it easy to not miss any of the music. Various art installations and performers were placed throughout the venue, including a large Buddha sculpture, giant metallic skeletons and stilt walkers with bubbles.
"Looking around at your friends at the end of a music festival, giving them hugs, telling them you love them and feeling all of that love is what this community is all about."
Next up was The String Cheese Incident, a veteran of the festival world and some of the most talented musicians to form a jam band. “It is the only job I ever had. Not bad work if you can get it,” founding member Michael Kang said in a recent interview. This set and his demeanor reinforced that sentiment. Their music is always uplifting with a message of community. Night one closed out with a simple stage setup for Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. Expecting a set of Grateful Dead, the band wowed with several covers and got a bit political at times. It was very refreshing.
Bill Nershi from The String Cheese Incident
Peter Anspach of Goose
Jimmy Law from Dogs in A Pile
Chrysalis Stage
Day two started with Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel. Keller is an engaging artist and usually provides the crowd with a laugh or two. A newer band called Eggy followed. Although not familiar with their music, I found myself dancing along to their ripping guitar leads. The country feature of the day was Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, who brought a cowboy-esque swagger to the stage. The crowd was going crazy as light drizzles fell from the sky, and the vibe continued to get higher.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, a local Baltimore band, started the music on the main stage midafternoon and performed one of their best sets to date. The members used to go to All Good when it was a multinight camping festival a decade ago, and this was a culmination of years of hard work. Lead singer “Scrambled Greg” Ormont ended the set with a very moving speech about how much the set meant to the band.
Moe. followed up on the Chrysalis stage with their unique blend of hard-driving rock and jam tunes. They first played All Good in 1999, and this year marked their eighth appearance at this festival.
Next up was Lawrence, a brother-sister-led band featuring lead singer Gracie Lawrence, who was fresh off a three-month Broadway run. They brought a unique vibe that first-time listeners never would have expected. The night concluded with two sets from the heir apparent to the jam scene, Goose. Everyone sang along word for word as they closed out the festival. To go along with the fire set was a drone show. Logos and words were spelled out in the sky, including a picture of a goose and “Goose” in cursive lettering. Looking around at your friends at the end of a music festival, giving them hugs, telling them you love them and feeling all of that love is what this community is all about. Thank you to All Good Now for throwing such a game-changing event in our own backyard.
Scrambled Greg from Pigeons Playing Ping pong
The Disco Biscuits' Jon Gutwillig
Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country
DOMINIC PERCIAVALLE
“FOR ME, ONE OF THE MAIN BENEFITS OF SMOKING CANNABIS IS INCREASING MY APPETITE, SO CANNABIS AND FOOD GO HAND IN HAND WHETHER IT’S INFUSED FOOD OR NOT.”
SAYING DOMINIC PERCIAVALLE is grateful to be in the Cannabis industry is an understatement. His passion for Cannabis started in high school when his English teacher recommended he study the history of Cannabis in the United States. Whether his teacher was a low-key stoner or not, Dom learned why it was made illegal here and about the negative stigma surrounding the plant, which was much stronger at that time. The same stigma still exists in a slightly lesser dose, but Dominic and people like him are a big reason that people can see Cannabis users in a positive light. Be sure to stop in and shout him out when you visit CULTA in Columbia!
CAN YOU ELABORATE ON HOW YOUR MOM’S EXPERIENCE AND THOSE OF OTHER FAMILY AND FRIENDS SOLIDIFIED YOUR BELIEF IN ITS MEDICINAL BENEFITS? Since as early as I can remember, she would have migraines almost on a daily basis. She has gone through so many procedures and ideas from different doctors on how to mitigate migraines, none of which really helped too much. Eventually she started taking gummies and smoking CBD products, and I’ve seen her quality of life improve as she became a grandmother. Besides that, my aunt’s father-in-law is going through dementia, and with our help, he has been able to find relief from irritability, as well as the people who help take care of him.
HAVING BEEN IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY FOR NEARLY A YEAR NOW, WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK SO FAR?
WHAT CHANGES OR ADVANCEMENTS DO YOU HOPE TO SEE IN THE MARYLAND CANNABIS INDUSTRY, OR EVEN NATIONALLY? For me I think we have got to get the southern states involved. I love Maryland, and the program is on a great pace, but the cost of living here is crazy. The South is an untapped market that could benefit greatly from Cannabis. As soon as the votes come in, those states and their governments will see the benefits on all sides for their communities. I’d also like to see the same product availability for medical patients and recreational customers.
HAVE YOU EXPLORED ANY CULINARY APPLICATIONS OF CANNABIS? I’ve dabbled into homemade edibles here and there with a Magic Butter machine. For me, one of the main benefits of smoking Cannabis is increasing my appetite, so Cannabis and food go hand in hand whether it’s infused food or not.
how much Cannabis can help people.
On a daily basis here at the dispensary, I see customers come in and just knowing how the medicine I help them find is improving their quality of life is extremely rewarding. We have daily conversations with customers about how they are doing, and these relationships give us a direct line on how we are helping them.
AS A SPORTS GUY AND A DIEHARD STEELERS FAN, ARE THERE ANY PARALLELS BETWEEN THE WORLD OF COMPETITIVE SPORTS AND THE BURGEONING CANNABIS INDUSTRY? I love talking to people about the rivalry between the teams, and there is always a good vibe in the dispensary. The NFL has loosened its Cannabis consumption rules, and the NBA has been relaxed for a while about the topic. People are starting to realize that Cannabis is a therapeutic and medicinal plant. Even just playing sports in high school, smoking after the game relaxes your body and provides a perfect alternative to pharmaceuticals that have the same intention with negative side effects.
FAR &DOTTER
CURIO WELLNESS HAS TEAMED UP WITH VIOLA to bring Pikesville a new dispensary in an equitable way. Growing up in Pikesville, I never thought I’d see a dispensary in the same place I used to grab Panera Bread, but I love to see it. The crew at this store has a heavy focus on education and uplifting social equity within the industry in Maryland. This serves as a great example of how equitable and fair practices can be made in the Cannabis industry right here in Maryland. Viola founder and retired NBA player Al Harrington was in town for the grand opening over the 4/20 weekend. Harrington started Viola after seeing how much relief Cannabis brought his grandmother, naming the company after her and seeking out partnerships with families like his.
SETTING AND VIBE
As we’ve come to expect from Far & Dotter, this dispensary has an upscale vibe while still feeling comfortable and approachable. The store is filled with various wellness products ranging from vitamins to bath bombs. There’s also a ton of localized swag, different kinds of pipes for everything from novice to expert consumers, and products from boutique brands like Edie Parker. The staff does a wonderful job of making everyone who enters the store feel welcome and opening up dialogue to meet patients’ needs.
FLOWER
As can be expected from a Curio Wellness-owned store, they have a huge selection of flower from their own brand. That’s not to say the menu is limited, as they had various strains available from around 20 different brands during my visit. They even had small buds available for $17 an eighth, and their daily deals extend across every product category on the menu. Their website lists detailed terpene information, making selecting a product a piece of cake and a transparent process for the buyer.
CONCENTRATES
Terpy live resins dominate the concentrate menu here, but solventless extracts also make an appearance. One unique aspect of this concentrate menu is a wide variety of RSO syringes and full-spectrum applicators. They also have Puffco Peaks for sale, which are a great way to get started or introduce newbies to dabbing. With this approachable, torch-free method, people get a good vibe from their first dab experience.
EDIBLES
Calling the edible selection at this location impressive would be a massive understatement. They have more variations of form, flavor and cannabinoids than we can reasonably ask for under one roof. I was excited to see single-serve Dixie Elixirs on the menu, as I usually just want a small bit of an elixir as opposed to the entirety of larger bottles. They also had drink mixes, tablets, gummies, soft and hard candy and a wide selection of baked goods.
“THE STAFF DOES A WONDERFUL JOB OF MAKING EVERYONE WHO ENTERS THE STORE FEEL WELCOME…”
REVIEW ED: CURIO WELLNESS
KUSH MINTZ FLOWER
Animal Mints and Bubba Kush are tangled up in a beautiful expression of this classic strain. The nose and flavor both have a minty overtone with notes of gassy, earthy cookies on the back end. The buds are tight and dense while being loaded with frosty trichomes that make it look like you dropped your weed in the snow. After a joint, I felt a calmness in my mind and body that put me in a great mood for the rest of the day.
CHYNNA JONES
Whether Chynna Jones has served you at the dispensary where she works or you’re with her in a sesh, you’ll notice her uniquely crafted nails commanding your attention. She often wears a different design on each of her hands, and while she lives for the reaction she gets from her customers and bystanders, she said it’s also quite a challenge to figure something like that out. “I love when I’m doing my thing and talking with my hands, so I love when people say ‘Oh, I love your nails,’” she said. “Not too many people do two different designs for both hands — they usually aren’t related unless it’s maybe like a holiday.”
BORN AND RAISED IN BALTIMORE COUNTY, Chynna said she was always active as a child, describing herself as a “never in the house” type of person. After graduating high school, she said her next move was attending culinary school, with the goal of opening a restaurant in Maryland that would serve Cannabis-infused dishes. She would go back to school a few times after graduation to try for a degree but ultimately never finished.
“I still learned a lot from there,” she said about her time in culinary school. “Not taking anything away from that, that just ended up not being my avenue.”
Like many others, Chynna’s career plans changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, and her focus pivoted to starting over in a new industry: the beauty industry. Feeling a need to keep up with her self-care routine and with businesses closing their doors, Chynna bought a nail kit from Amazon and took it upon herself to start doing her own nails. After scrolling through TikTok and Instagram and seeing others in the same situation, she said it looked easy enough to try for herself.
“I was always a girly girl. I prefer to have my nails done, hair done, all of that,” she said. “I wanted to find a way to still maintain that and save some money too. Now we’re here, and I’ve been doing them for five years.”
“I try to figure out different ways to bring my clients outside of their comfort zone to get them to do something different,” she said, adding that a lot of her clients are looking for simplicity, for example, but still want her personal touch added. “When they look at it, they’re like, ‘Wow, I’ve never gotten this before,’ and I love it.”
Around the same time she began doing nails, Chynna was also getting into the Cannabis industry. She said she started smoking at 18, around the time she graduated high school, adding that she knew nothing about Cannabis other than that she liked how it made her feel. She began hearing about dispensaries opening in the state around the start of the medical program and applied to work at one, eager to learn more about the industry and the plant.
Finding her stride, she started taking on clients after experimenting with some designs on her own nails. At first she was nervous about what comes with working with the public, but she said after doing it for so long, she’s found ways to appeal to her clients’ wishes while pushing herself to make the most of the surface she’s given to work with.
During one of her last stints at culinary school, she applied for a job with Zen Leaf and was hired soon after. While she’s currently working at Star Buds, she credits the team at Zen Leaf for training her and giving her the knowledge and confidence to train and teach not only her patients but also her fellow budtenders, working her way up to being one of their employee trainers after becoming a team lead.
Moving to Star Buds helped her branch out creatively, expanding her business to offer custom joint pins, earrings and key chains. Wearing the earrings at work and having co-workers repping her pins, the demand to make more grew once people started taking notice, in addition to those who separately reach out to her on social media. Chynna said her shop eventually started selling them as well, even giving her a spot to do some pop-ups. She said the community she’s built from selling her art and the connections she’s made that help her maintain and promote her business motivate her to keep things moving and pushing her to find her next piece.
“I love making [the pins and earrings] look real, but it’s not real. I like the fact that I make it look so real that people are trying to crack them open,” she said. “That’s my way of expressing art.”
Chynna said her go-to way of consuming is to light up a joint of some tasty flower, with overall taste being more of a factor in how she’ll enjoy her medicine instead of terpene count or THC levels.
“I don’t chase numbers; I just want to be able to taste it,” she said, adding that she also takes a few other things into consideration when picking a strain, like the brand, strain name and smell. “If it smells good, you know it’s going to taste good.”
Like other workers in the industry, Chynna said she enjoys what she does but still asks herself what the perfect job in the industry might look like for her. The thought doesn’t stop her from putting her head down and chasing opportunities to expand her business, like securing a vendor spot at this year’s AFRAM Festival in June.
“One thing my old boss would always teach me is, if you want a job, you better make it yourself at that point,” she said.
“I want to push this business as much as possible, be in pop-ups and be recognized by more dispensaries. I’ve just got to lock in at this point.”
@CHYCITYJOINTZ
Simple Salads
Recipes serve 4
Elote
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons infused oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 sliced scallions
3 cups cooked corn kernels
Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 cup cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. Toss well.
2. When serving, top with some remaining cotija cheese.
Mango Lime
2 peeled and pitted mangoes, cut into chunks
1 peeled and pitted avocado, cut into chunks
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 lime, juiced Avocado oil
4 teaspoons infused oil
Caprese
2 cups cherry tomatoes 1 cup mozzarella pearls
3/4 cup peeled cucumber, cut into chunks
1/2
1. In a medium bowl, add all the ingredients.
2. Toss to combine, and chill before serving.
Salt and pepper, to taste
1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients. 2. Chill before serving.
Three simple salads with no heat required, and you probably can pick everything up at your local farmers market. If you’re interested in a main meal, add a protein and maybe some crusty bread and, of course, some Cannabis-infused oil. I always have infused olive oil, so sometimes a simple drizzle is all you need to do to get to your happy place. I’m thinking that the mango salad would be great with shrimp, the mozzarella and tomato with chicken, and the elote with cottage cheese. Trust me, cottage cheese is a good thing. And it’s making a comeback. I revisited one of my favorite strains, Dark Star, and I’m not sure why I let so much time go by. I bought Prüf Cultivar's Dark Star from Electric Lettuce. This feels as indica as it gets, and I just chilled for hours, thinking that I won’t let that much time go by again. I bought two ounces, one I infused into olive oil and the other I will roll. This strain is deeply relaxing and helpful with pain relief. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
Best selection and variety available at all Apothecarium locations
710 Day Day Day Day Grab and Dab Kind Tree Celebrate 710 Day Celebrate 710 Day
PERMANENT
this classic cross that truthfully harkens back more to her Permanent Marker origins than her Sour Diesel roots. With that being said, this variety is a thing in and of itself and is truly worth the time to download into your palate. But even before learning about this variety’s esteemed lineage, I wanted a puff because of its lovely, enticing and quite balanced terpene profile.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve certainly noticed that some of Maryland’s best sellers — and my personal favorites — are profiles heavily dominated by caryophyllene. There seems to be a consistent trend for profiles and genetics with caryophyllene at the top, which could be due to the fact that caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors like CBD does or just the darndest coincidence. Regardless, CULTA’s Permanent Gas is a caryophyllenedominant delight tempered with an even balance of limonene, linalool and myrcene that rounds the high into a trance-like state of pleasant calm. The limonene and linalool combo is one of my personal favorite anti-anxiety combos, and I feel it’s tremendously more efficacious with the caryophyllene top.
PERMANENT GAS
“...an even balance of limonene, linalool and myrcene that rounds the high into a trancelike state…”
As I briefly mentioned, the flavor and aroma have hints of the Sour Diesel parent; however, it is the Permanent Marker that really shines through in the toke. The nose has a strong gas top that features some floral sweetness mixed in, and just a hint of OG Sour Diesel comes in on the exhale. CULTA has grown yet another joy for the community. If you are a fan of classic lineages or caryophyllenedominant profiles, then CULTA’s Permanent Gas is worth a purchase.
CULTA.COM | @CULTAIG
HYDROCARBON
District Cannabis
“Devil Driver” Cured Batter
Consistency-wise, this batch pooled up in a golden river of saucy batter. The nose was more on the limonene side, but I’ve found Devil Driver to be a caryophyllene bomb, creating a gassy flavor profile with hints of citrus from the limonene. About 15 minutes post dab, I was relaxing in the sun without a care in the world. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs 82.17% Total Cannabinoids, 8.57% Total Terpenes
Kings and Queens “Blockberry” Live Resin Badder
This strain became available exclusively with the release of this magazine in select Green Goods locations across Maryland. Black Cherry Kush comes together with Tropicana Cookies to create an abundance of terpenes reminiscent of an orange creamsicle. The bright color paired with the smell made me really excited to take a dab. The Tropicana Cookies side of this strain dominates the flavor profile from the second it touches your lips. I found this to be the perfect strain to pull out before going outside due to the clean energy it provided me. Vireohealth.com/kings-queens @kqcannabis | 77.42% Total Cannabinoids, 8.62% Total Terpenes
Beezle “Jack Herer” Live Resin Budder
I’m a sucker for Jack Herer and basically anything that comes out of Beezle’s lab, so I was hyped up to dive into this jar. The nose was that of a classic Jack Herer with hints of a Tangerine and Tropicana Cookies smell. Chunky, tangible budder would be the best way to describe the consistency of this batch. Blowing out a dab from a low-temperature Puffco left a sweet berry flavor lingering in my mouth. After a dab, my energy levels went straight to the moon! Beezlebrands.com @beezlebrands_md | 84.89% Total Cannabinoids 7.40% Total Terpenes
Nature’s Heritage “Rainbow Chip” Live Budder
Rainbow Chip, bred by Exotic Genetix, is a cross between Sunset Sherbert and Mint Chocolate Chip. Opening the jar released an undeniably mint forward and citrus back-end aroma into the air. The flavor reminded me of walking into Candy Kitchen in Ocean City. After a dab, I felt a major uptick in my energy, making this strain a go-to for getting shit done. Naturesheritagecannabis.com @naturesheritage_ 81.47% Total Cannabinoids, 6.42% Total Terpenes
Organic Remedies Maryland
“Golden Marten” Cured Badder
This chunky and sugary batch of badder smelled like opening a bottle of Sprite, dispersing a lem on-lime aroma throughout the room. The exhale was extremely smooth, and the flavor of stone fruits was the only thing on my mind. I’ve come back to this strain when my anxiety peaks, and my experience of relief has always been the same. Organic Remedies has been coming correct, and I’m excited to see this company continue to expand in Maryland. Organicremediesmd.com 87.43% Total Cannabinoids, 7.18% Total Terpenes
Kind Tree “Chunky Monkey” Live Sugar
Kind Tree has been consistently getting better and better at their craft, so shout out to the homies at the lab. This batch of Chunky Monkey was true to its name, with a chunky, saucy sugar booming with terpenes. The nose is a mixture of grapes and bananas with a slightly peppery, citrus scent. Myrcene came through strongly on the exhale while maintaining its fruit smoothie essence. As an indica-dominant hybrid with a high level of myrcene, this was a stoney but uplifting high. Kindtreecannabis.com @kindtreecann | 82.36% Total Cannabinoids, 9.32% Total Terpenes
Sunnies “Golden Pineapple” Live Resin Batter
The puddles of gold lining this jar create a river of terpenes flowing through the middle. This concentrate smelled so loud, the entire room was overflowing with sweet pineapple aromas. Terpinolene dominates the profile of this batch of live resin, bringing a sweet, fresh smell and flavor to my palate. This strain has been a first choice lately for a preworkout smoke, bringing me a clean, energetic high. Sunmedgrowers.com @sunmedgrowers.md 80.78% Total Cannabinoids, 13.13% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis “Pavé” Live Sugar
The second I smelled this batch of sugar, I knew it was going to be a limonene bomb. This strain, bred by Compound Genetics, is a cross between Paris OG and The Menthol. The scent on this smelled like menthol and fresh-cut lemons. On the exhale, I got more of a gassy profile flavor paired with hints of that underlying citrus. I was happy, smiling and beyond relaxed after taking a couple dabs, and I could not get that delicious bakeshop aroma out of my mouth. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs | 85.75% Total Cannabinoids 10.39% Total Terpenes
Exotic Elevations
“Lavender Lemonade” Live Badder
When it comes to live badder, Exotic Elevation’s post-processing is top notch. Introducing their beautiful purple/blue jars, this one is filled with delicious, smooth, creamy live badder. Leading with terpinolene as its highest terpene, this dab released its flavor from start to finish with a strong sweet lemon flavor.
Exoticelevations.com @exoticelevations
80.64% Total Cannabinoids, 19.26% Total Terpenes
Grassroots
“Ray Charles” Live Sugar
This classic hitter from Grassroots is a succulent cross between Romulan and Afghani Bullrider, and it has been a favorite of Maryland patients for quite some time. I typically only use this strain at night due to the power of its relaxing effects. The nose is best described as a floral, sweet, fruity and slightly piney fragrance. The flavor was skunky and stronger on the pine side of the spectrum. @grassrootscannabisco | 90.9% Total Cannabinoids, 8.70% Total Terpenes
Organic Remedies
“Dancing
Tots” Cured Batter
Dancing Tots is what you may see in your dreams after enjoying this heavy-hitting indica! Featuring a unique terpene profile of caryophyllene, limonene and linalool, get ready for a burst of gas, hints of fruits and a great lingering aftertaste followed by that relaxing feeling of a good indica. Organicremediesmd.com
72.83% Total Cannabinoids 6.51% Total Terpenes
HYDROCARBON
Kind Tree “Crisp Crescendo” Live Badder
A beautiful badder is a sight to behold, with waves of golden oil cascading over each other in the jar. The aroma reminded me of gasoline mixed with freshsqueezed lemonade. As soon as I started taking a dab, my senses were flooded with a gassy, sweet, creamy flavor. After taking a couple dabs, I had a happy, euphoric feeling come over me that led to the giggles. Kindtreecannabis.com @kindtreecann | 81.78% Total Cannabinoids, 14.35% Total Terpenes
Exotic Elevations
“Master
Kush” Live Badder
When it comes to Kush flavors, you either hit or miss, and this one hits hard. Consistency is hard to achieve, and Exotic Elevations has their badder technique perfected. This creamy concentrate has the Kush flavor and elevated Kush high — clear and uplifting! Exoticelevations.com @exoticelevations 80.55% Total Cannabinoids, 19.36% Total Terpenes
Nature’s Heritage
“Chimera #2” Live Sugar White Truffle x The Creature are the parents of Chimera #2, and while the cross creating The Creature remains unknown, the aroma it adds to this batch is phenomenal. Notes of tropical fruit and nectarines overflow my senses, with a buttery and rich undertone. The flavor was an exotic mix of lavender-like flavors paired with caramel and butterscotch. I felt a tranquil body high quickly after taking a dab, and my mind was at ease. Naturesheritagecannabis.com @naturesheritage_ | 83.22% Total Cannabinoids, 7.48% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis
“Gelato Cake” Live Resin Batter
This strain is a Maryland classic and mainstay since the early days of District Cannabis. Busting open this jar brought smells of an ice cream shop into the air paired with fresh baked goods. After a dab, I began to get a heavy, relaxing head high that slowly worked its way into the rest of my body. This particular batch was very high in limonene, which balanced out the high nicely. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs | Total Cannabinoids 81.92%, 13.45% Total Terpenes
Evermore Cannabis Company “Z 1.0” Live Resin Cake Badder
If you are looking to treat yourself to a serious flavor burst, this concentrate is waiting at a nearby dispensary. Z 1.0 is strain bred by Evermore that is strong in grape and citrus flavors from its Zkittlez lineage. A high that is both extremely relaxing yet thought-provoking, I found my mind wandering (in a good way). Evermorecompany.com @evermorebrands 80.25% Total Cannabinoids, 7.86% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis “Lemon Royale”
Cured Batter
Giant chunks of pungent, sparkling, golden batter filled this jar to the brim. You get Lemon Royale by crossing Lemon Tree with GMO x Triangle Kush. GMO and Triangle Kush dominated the terpene profile of this batch, but there are undertones of a Meyer lemon scent. The citrus flavor surprised me on the exhale, but GMO remains apparent in the background. This was the perfect hybrid for me, blending euphoria with energy. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs | 85.92% Total Cannabinoids 7.28% Total Terpenes
Kings and Queens “Runtz Ghost Train” Live Resin Badder
This strain was bright all around, from the hazy, tangerine-like aroma to the color of the saucy oil in the jar. The flavor was an out-of-this-world blast of tangerines and cookies, impressing my taste buds and soothing my mind. I found myself diving back into this jar time and time again when I craved a citrus terpene profile. Well done to Kings and Queens for continuing to evolve their strain library. Vireohealth.com/kings-queens @kqcannabis | 70.72% Total Cannabinoids, 9.18% Total Terpenes
Beezle “GMOJI” Live Resin Budder
By just looking at the names of Beezle’s concentrates, you know exactly what the consistency is going to be, as was the case with this lusciously decadent live resin budder. The funky flavor profile was a perfect combination of limonene, caryophyllene and myrcene, creating a chemy, Kush-like aroma and taste. Beezlebrands.com @beezlebrands_md | 82.01% Total Cannabinoids, 7.40% Total Terpenes
Organic Remedies “Filthy Animals” Live Sugar
Filthy Animals is a hybrid cross between 09 Animal Cookies x Modified Banana — a very tasty and potent hybrid. The overall terpene profile is a very complex gas with earthy and fruity tones. The high is very good for day use, invigorating and relaxing at the same time.
Organicremediesmd.com
79.63% Total Cannabinoids 5.31% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis “Spritzer” Cured Batter
Upon opening this fresh jar, I was surprised with a beautiful, thick, golden, noodle-shaped concentrate swirling around itself. The nose reminds me of fresh-cut grapefruit with a sprinkle of sugar on top. On the flavor side, a peppery, floral essence lingered on my palate long after taking a dab. I felt a euphoric buzz come over me, providing a clean, energetic high. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs
83.40% Total Cannabinoids, 9.18% Total Terpenes
Kind Tree “Sweet Siren” Live Sugar
Sweet Siren, a cross of Hash Haze and Cherry Diesel, is one of those unique hybrids that has a flavor profile similar to Chem Dawg. This one is more on the gas flavor spectrum with hints of haze on the back-end flavor. Loaded with myrcene, this is a really relaxing concentrate that doesn’t leave you tired. Smoothness on the lungs is a nice bonus. Kindtreecannabis.com @kindtreecann | 92.3% Total Cannabinoids, 8.6280.44% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis “Berry Peyton” Cured Sugar
Berry Peyton had me excited before I opened the jar. With a classic strain like Gary Peyton crossed with Strawberry Fritter, look out, taste buds! The nose is incredibly enticing, and my anticipation was met with a truly memorable dab that combined an amazing berry flavor with the classic Gary Peyton earth flavor. Caryophyllene is a great appetite stimulant that often features a berry nose and taste, and this strain is packed with those healing terps. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs
77.48% Total Cannabinoids, 8.12% Total Terpenes
HYDROCARBON
Exotic Elevations
“Myers Reserve Lemon Skunk” Live Diamonds
Exotic Elevations continues to deliver really loud and flavorful extracts to the Maryland market. This jar was overflowing with glistening diamonds and crystal clear terps. This is one of those concentrates that tastes exactly like it smells, which was lemon flavoring that flooded my mouth as the energizing effects increased by the second. This dab does not disappoint. Exoticelevations.com
@exoticelevations | 92.3% Total Cannabinoids
7.17% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis “Cherry Limeade Cake” Live Resin Sugar
A beautiful jar of perfectly blended sugar awaits the eyes and a bountiful array of terpenes floods the nostrils when you open up this jar. There is an art to making well-blended sugars, and when executed properly, the terpene blast is intense with a strong, relaxing high. Full of fruit and gas flavors, this jar is a nice addition to anyone's dispensary bag! Districtcannabis.us
@districtcnbs | 87.93% Total Cannabinoids
11.73% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis
“Hazy
Face” Live Sugar
This is a sativa cross of Big Sur Holy Weed and Face-Off OG by Archive Seedbank, and you can't go wrong with genetics like that and District Cannabis’ skill in the lab. Talk about an uplifting and energizing high, this is one for pure motivation. Packed with citrus flavor and a unique mint back flavor, this is a concentrate to be enjoyed.
Districtcannabis.us
@districtcnbs
87.93% Total Cannabinoids
11.73% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis “Devil Driver” Live Sugar
This beautiful jar of wet, golden sugar unleashes a blend of cheesy and fruity terps that were taking turns dominating the flavor profile. Those two flavor profiles synchronized into a perfect harmony of dank, tangy, sweet taste. Devil Driver is a cross between Melonade and Sundae Driver, and the name of each of those strains masterfully summarizes the flavor profile. I felt an increase in focus after taking a dab, making this a good daytime strain. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs | 84.33% Total Cannabinoids, 10.94% Total Terpenes
Organic Remedies
“Guava Biscuit” Diamond Sauce
Glistening terpenes surround boulders in this perfectly balanced blend from Organic Remedies. This is one of the strains that describes itself, as the fruit flavors blend with the Cookies lineage for a lingering flavor that lasts. The effects were equally balanced between pure relaxation and creative spark.
Organicremediesmd.com
82.78% Total Cannabinoids
14.24% Total Terpenes
Kings and Queens
“Strawberry Cough” Cured Resin Shatter
We can’t forget where it all started, and that was with shatter. Kings and Queens keeps this processing tech alive with this tasty Strawberry Cough cured resin shatter. Packing one heck of a punch at 81.72%, I enjoyed the nostalgia of a classic shatter dab! Vireohealth.com/ kings-queens
@kqcannabis
81.72% Total Cannabinoids
5.78% Total Terpenes
$35 Grassroots 3.5g Flower
$5 Find Prerolls (2x.5g)
$8 Find Prerolls (2x.5g)
$20 Select (.5g) Cartridges
$36 Select (1g) Cartridges
$65 Select Briq (2g) Disposables
$14 Select Bites (100mg)
Beezle “Rainbow Sherb” Nectarz Disposable
The design and small size of this vape make it beautiful and easy to carry. There are no steps in between opening this vape and giving it a rip — not even a button. A cross between Champagne and Blackberry, the flavor is fruity with a hint of peppery goodness on the end. After a couple of rips, I felt a head high and settled into a peaceful comfortability. Beezlebrands.com @beezlebrands_md
89.08% Total Cannabinoids
5.21% Total Terpenes
Organic Remedies Maryland “Face Fat” Liquid Live Resin Vape
The discreet nature of this vape makes it a perfect candidate for inconspicuous medicating while you’re not at home. A full gram is tucked away inside the body of the pen, and a slight window shows you when the cartridge is nearing empty. This strain is from Atlas Seed, and it combines GMO and Fatso. The flavor was heavy on the GMO side, and I felt extremely relaxed after puffing on this pen.
Organicremediesmd.com
81.09% Total Cannabinoids, 9.21% Total Terpenes
Strane “Super Gremlin” All-in-One
A legendary cross between Animal Cookies and Sherbanger creates the strain known as Super Gremlin. Flavor-wise, this vape reminded me of those candy necklaces we all use to snack on as kids. These little all-in-one vapes from Strane are easy to use, strong on the Cannabis terpene flavor and highly effective. A tiny window on the side of the device shows you exactly how much oil you have left. After taking a couple puffs, I had a clean boost of energy without any of the anxiety that sativa strains can sometimes cause. Thisisstrane.com @thisisstrane 89.69% Total Cannabinoids 7.32% Total Terpenes
Sunnies “Maui Berry” Vape Cartridge
Everything coming out of Sunmed’s lab has been consistently fire, thanks to the team behind the scenes. At over 90% cannabinoids, this bright gold, transparent distillate is packed with just the right amount of terpenes for a succulent flavor that isn’t overwhelming. The flavor is a tropical, exotic blend of sweet berries combined with pineapple and mango. After taking a couple rips, I entered a creative headspace, perfect for creating art or getting out in nature.
Sunmedgrowers.com @sunmedgrowers.md
92.59% Total Cannabinoids
3.28% Total Terpenes
Select Essentials
“Cantaloupe Crush” Vape Cartridge
Select Essentials is a product line I go to for consistency that does not miss in terms of flavor and effectiveness. This cartridge uses botanical terpenes and tasted exactly as the name described, boasting a sweet cantaloupe flavor. I found the high to be more on the mellow and sleepy side, proving to be a true indica. Selectelevated.com @select.better | 89.62% Total Cannabinoids, 13.5% Total Terpenes
Equity Extracts
and
These pens taste precisely how you would expect based on their respective names. The Grape Galaxy reminds me of a sweet grape snowball on a hot summer day, and the Mango Ice has a fruity flavor with a hint of an icy chill on the exhale. Both flavors were in between 86-87% total cannabinoids and just over 1.2% terpenes each. The all-in-one pens are becoming widely popular in Maryland due to how attractive they are and how easily they can be used. alchemistlabs.co/equity-extracts @alchemistmd_ | 86% Total Cannabinoids 1-1.2% Total Terpenes
“Mango Ice”
“Grape Galaxy” Pens
Hellavated “Maui Sunrise” Vape Cartridge
“Right near the beach! Boy-ee!” The flavor on this cartridge reminded me of a welcome drink you get on a tropical vacation. Hellavated vapes are made with distillate and botanical-derived terpenes, providing a crazy level of flavor and a strong effect that lasts. After taking a few puffs, I felt the pain in my lower back melt away. Hellavated.com @hellavatedofficial 88.42% Total Cannabinoids, 2.22% Total Terpenes
Organic Remedies Maryland
“Papa POG BFS” Brik Vape
Just when I think they are out of cool designs for their vape carts, Organic Remedies is back at it again. This vape was particularly high in an uncommon terpene: ocimene. Ocimene has a woody, citrusy aroma, and it has been used by many as an anti-inflammatory. Shout out to Organic Remedies for chasing strains that have different intentions compared to many strains currently on the market.
Organicremediesmd.com
81.30% Total Cannabinoids
9.33% Total Terpenes
Organic Remedies Maryland
“Filthy Animals” FSE Pixi Vape
A fun part about vapes from Organic Remedies is that they typically have varying designs on different flavors/types of disposables. As an FSE disposable, they are preserving all of the cannabinoids and terpenes possible while maintaining the plant’s integrity. Whether this strain was named after “Home Alone” or not, this vape had my spirits and mind both high. The flavor was slightly fruity with a dominant profile of gas and earth. I noticed a strong uptick in my appetite when puffing on this vape.
Organicremediesmd.com |
78.42% Total Cannabinoids, 9.50% Total Terpenes
Rove Vape Cartridges
Evermore Cannabis Company
“Strawberry OGZ”
Live Resin Vape
When hitting a live resin vape, you can expect a flavor closer to the smell of a Cannabis plant. Those Cannabis-derived terpenes come through strongly, and this vape was a funky, terpy blend of gas and fruit. Strawberry OGZ is the child of an OGZ 28 mother plant bred with a Strawberry Meltshake father. OG and candy terps create a memorable flavor and a heavy effect that I felt behind my eyes. Evermorecompany.com @evermorebrands
77.63% Total Cannabinoids 10.93% Total Terpenes
“Skywalker,” “Sour Jack,” “Kush,” “Waui,” “Dream” and “Punch” Brand new on the scene in Maryland is Rove, a longtime member of the Cannabis industry across the country. For their launch, I wanted to test out all of the flavors and see which ones I liked best. Sour Jack tasted like green apple, Waui tasted like banana, Punch tasted like Fruit Stripe gum and Dream tasted like Hi-C fruit punch. Kush and Skywalker tasted more like Cannabis than fruit flavors. I found all of these to be pretty good for any time of day. rovebrand.com @rovebrand 88.4-91.8% Total Cannabinoids, 0.56-5.3% Total Terpenes
Select Essentials
“Strawberry Cheesecake” 2 Gram Briq
Big things come in small packages, such as 2 grams stuffed into a surprisingly tiny and discreet Briq disposable. Select does limited-time offerings with their cartridge flavors, and this one tasted like a sweet and fruity bakeshop. The effects were that of a well-balanced hybrid, with limonene, caryophyllene and myrcene coming in at around the same dominant level of 1-2% each. After a few rips, I had a comfortable feeling come over me that lasted for the rest of the afternoon.
Selectelevated.com @select.better | 88.49% Total Cannabinoids
4.88% Total Terpenes
Beezle
“Sweet Tooth” Live Resin FSE Disposable
The form and function of disposable vapes are evolving with the market in Maryland. Long gone are the days of the only option being a 510 thread cartridge that needs to be screwed onto a battery. The flavor on this cart was a true Cannabis-derived terpene, live resin punch that made me do a double take. These are a great option this summer for true Cannabis flavor on the go. Beezlebrands.com @beezlebrands_md 71.54% Total Cannabinoids, 11.88% Total Terpenes
Solventless
District Cannabis “DMV OG” Bubble Hash
This hybrid strain was bred by Archive Seed Bank in Oregon and combines Ghost OG and Planet Purple. The name is more than fitting for the Maryland market, and the crazy funky aroma is a smell to behold. A chemy, garlicky aroma flew out of the jar as soon as I opened it, revealing clumps of what looked like terpene-rich wet beach sand. I found this to be a nearly balanced hybrid, not taking me in the energetic or drowsy direction specifically, but providing an enjoyable and comfortable high. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs | 59.15% Total Cannabinoids, 7.06% Total Terpenes
Culta “Blazing Onions” Cold Cured Rosin
A cross of Chem D x London Pound Mints by Three Trees Genetics creates a truly delicious jar of cold cured hash rosin. Soft to the touch and creamy (like a fresh jar of rosin should be), the aroma that emanates is strong to the nose, emitting the GMO-type mix of terpenes many oddly adore. The effects are not typical of a GMO, as this strain is not bursting with myrcene. Instead, it was very strong on the creative side with my mind wandering all over happy places. Culta.com @cultaig | 87.7% Total Cannabinoids, 4.63% Total Terpenes
Eden Solventless “Funk Mountain” Moroccan Hash
Unscrewing the lid on this jar revealed chunks of blonde hash that looked soft to the touch. Poking a dabber into the hash broke it easily and unleashed a smell so good, I did a triple take. Funk Mountain is a cross between Tropicana Cookies and Strawberry Guava, and the smell they create is that of a fresh fruit smoothie on a tropical island. I threw some of it in with a joint, and that smell came through in a mouthwatering flavor. I felt energized after smoking the joint, and I had the same effect when smoking it through a pipe. alchemistlabs.co/eden-solventless/ @alchemistmd_ 80.18% Total Cannabinoids, 9.8% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis
“Cherry Limeade Cake” Bubble Hash
The nose on this hash is super cakey with a distant aroma of citrus persisting in the background. Consistency-wise, it is on the crumbly side and blends perfectly with flower in a joint, or it can be sprinkled on top of a bong or bowl hit. I have always found hash to have strong sedative effects, and after a rip of this, I felt myself sinking into the couch at peak comfortability. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs | 70.08% Total Cannabinoids, 4.77% Total Terpenes
Curio Wellness
“Midnight Climax” Live Rosin Vape
What a time to be alive, when you can walk into the dispensary and grab an all-in-one disposable rosin pen. Midnight Climax is a powerful
hybrid created by crossing MK Ultra and Raven, both of which are known for their strong effects. This particular batch was a myrcene overload at over 3%, creating a peppery, clean exhale that you can absolutely tell is rosin. After a few puffs, I felt a ripple of relaxation throughout my body that continued to make waves for hours. Curiowellness.com @curiowellnessbrand 83.36% Total Cannabinoids, 8.24% Total Terpenes
Solventless
Temple Hash “Groovy Diesel” Temple Ball
This one is for the OG lovers, with that classic smell coming out of the jar the second it was opened and filling the room in a matter of minutes. The flavor was also a classic, taking me back to some of the first times I ever smoked this type of concentrate. The hash had a soft consistency, perfect for crumbling on top of some flower or even smoking through an old-school hash pipe. I felt a relaxing but balanced high take effect, making this a good hash for me to use during the day for anxiety. alchemistlabs.co/temple-hash/ @alchemistmd_ | 75.91% Total Cannabinoids, 9.04% Total Terpenes
“Animal Cookies” Cold Cure Rosin by Eden Solventless
This strain has been a favorite of the community in Maryland and across the country for many years, and it's easy to see why. The fiery, earthy OG aroma hits you in the face the second you open the jar. The sharp profile of Fire OG comes through intensely on the exhale, with notes of sugary nutty goodness. The effects hit rather quickly after taking a dab, sending me into a spacey, euphoric and introspective high. alchemistlabs.co/eden-solventless/ @alchemistmd_ 85.63% Total Cannabinoids, 9.120% Total Terpenes
District Cannabis “Cherry Chem” Bubble Hash
Cherry Pie and Chemdog, two utterly classic strains, come together to create a gingerbread, cinnamon, clove-like aroma. I always find this strain to have a distinct level of smoothness to it, may it be in flower, solventless or hydrocarbon dab forms. On the exhale, it tasted like mixing a strawberry candy with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. This strain increased my appetite every time I consumed it, making this one of my top picks for days I’m just not feeling the best. Districtcannabis.us @districtcnbs | 67.87% Total Cannabinoids, 10.75% Total Terpenes
Temple Hash
“Mango Mindset”
Temple Ball
Over half of the 7% percent terpene profile is myrcene alone, which is something I’ve found common in mango strains. With over 4% myrcene, I exclusively used this strain to turn off my anxiety before bed and get into a comfortable mental environment. The aroma coming out of the jar was a fruity mango aroma blended with earth and gasoline. That fruity mango flavor came through on the exhale, and the high was swift, powerful and long-lasting. alchemistlabs.co/temple-hash @alchemistmd_ | 76% Total Cannabinoids 7.81% Total Terpenes
Grassroots “Titan Express” RSO Dropper
Strain-specific RSOs are fairly unique, and a Kush one is even more rare. I was a bit unsure how a Kush RSO would work, as this RSO has a terpene flavor of limonene, which is associated with sativa strains. However, this was no sativa. I felt my pain subsiding and my eyelids getting heavy after just 20 minutes followed by a solid night's rest. @grassrootscannabisco
83.06% Total Cannabinoids, 5.29% Total Terpenes
Avexia “Charm City Kush” RSO
Upon opening the package, it's quite apparent that Verano makes their RSO from premium flower, as it is not the usual dark brown Cannabis oil but a beautiful golden color. There is not only a variation in color but in taste as well (a much more pleasant variation of RSO). I was a bit skeptical of how this would help with pain and rest, as the terpene myrcene was not present. But after a long flight in the late hours of the night, I found my stress easing away and sleep quickly followed.
Verano.com/brand/avexia
@avexia.wellness
78.33% Total Cannabinoids
1.82% Total Terpenes
Evermore Full Extract Cannabis Oil Capsules
This is FECO, a bit different from RSO, as ethanol is used as the extraction method. These are, by far, the highest THC content edibles on the Maryland market, but numbers don’t always tell the whole story. The capsules dissolve slowly in the digestive tract, allowing these to time-release the THC. Onset can be up to four hours per the label. I experienced a slow onset of the pain relief followed by a very solid night's rest. Evermorecompany.com @evermorebrands | 100mg THC per capsule
Nature’s Heritage “Snake Cake S1” RSO
Packaged in a beautiful tube wrapped with Cannabis flowers, this RSO came with detailed dosage instructions and a few plans to build up to higher dosages if needed. The flavor of this RSO is quite nice, and the hint of terpenes makes it go down easily with no bitter aftertaste. The effects were fast-acting, and sleep came quickly and lasted well into the morning with very little THC hangover.
Naturesheritagecannabis.com
@naturesheritage_
83.56% Total Cannabinoids
2.22% Total Terpenes
tools of the trade
When it comes to smoking hash, we've come a long way from butter knives on the stove. Those blackened paddles were once a mainstay. And while smoking devices continually evolve, arguably, the dab tool has stayed closer to the world of craft. Here are some of the ways people are putting their unique spin on this essential yet classic object.
True dream-makers, these German crafters launched in 2021 with a goal to tailor custom dab tools to match the headiest pieces popping up in private collections. I personally have a magnetic Apex Ancillary tool from DMK with the disembodied heads from “Spirited Away.” dmk710.com @dmk_710 Allow 7-14 business days for shipping.
Made in limited batches of 10, these highly prized tools from glass legends Mothership are finally out to the public. Made from stainless steel and with some serious heft, they look like a Space Age communicator. @mothership_glass | MothershipGlass.com
the terpshank
These handcrafted, stainless steel tools are modeled off of a hand-forged cheese knife. Their creator, Bubba, told Leaf Magazine, “I really liked the aesthetic of the shaping and instantly knew I wanted to turn it around.” These are the luxury vehicles of the hash community. @bubbasface - Watch Instagram for new drops, or catch him in person at trade shows
cellini & co. canablades
Handcrafted in the Bay Area, Cellini & Company are the Ollivanders of dab tools. Started in 2018, Cellini himself produces each one in his workshop, matching the perfect combinations of shaped wooden handles, brass fittings and stainless steel tips. celliniandco.com @cellini_co
These are miniature versions of classic weapons from around the world. We asked him what was the craziest recreation he’s ever made. “I’d have to say the Dragon Spear,” he answered. “It’s a solid, hand-carved piece of gold-dyed curly maple with a tanzanite eye, custom-fitted to a 7,500-year-old black bog oak staff.” @canablades @canatools DM for purchase.
snuff glass
A favorite with photographers, Snuff attributes this reputation to focusing on how a tool looks from a macro level as well as in your hand. “I use my eye for detail to create something that contains visually pleasing subtle nuances,” they told the Leaf. @snuffglass | Watch Instagram for new drops.
STORY by MATT JACKSON
tools of the trade
daburai
John Cretella’s stainless steel Daburai katanas, first created in 2013, are collector's items for longtime and old school hash heads. Each piece features custom details like handles or scabbards inlaid with gems and precious stones. @the_daburai | Big Al's in Berkeley, CA often has a small selection, but you can order directly through the artist on FB or IG.
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Dunkin’ Dabbers
Made in sunny San Diego, these dab tools have acrylic block handles that contain everything from copper leaf to shredded cash. You might have seen his work with 710 Labs releasing dab tools in their colorful box pattern. dunkindabbers.com @dunkinmedz | Releases 4-5 drops/week on IG.
Antoine Pochon Knives
Arguably the most popular dab tool I’ve seen in Europe, these feature titanium, stainless and Damascus-patterned steel with handles of exotic wood and mammoth ivory. Antoine said he was inspired to create more than the sword style he kept always seeing online.
@antoine_pochon_knives
Contact via DM for purchase
tenacious tools
Each Tenacious Tools collection showcases a different way of opening like an actual blade. Their maker told Leaf that each style draws a lot of inspiration from his experiences collecting and studying custom, high-end knives. @tenacious_tools | Watch Instagram for drops.
Jred
In the quiet Pacific Northwest summers, long before the name "Jred" meant anything in the glass world, it started like so many good stories: with a spark of curiosity and a friend who didn’t like being watched.
JARED "JRED" BETTY’S entry into glassblowing wasn’t through formal training or some prestigious art school. It began with admiration. His friend was making some of the coolest bubblers and pipes he’d ever seen. Jred started buying pieces to resell them, but something deeper was brewing. Watching glass take shape, even in glimpses, made something click. “I could do that,” he thought. And when his friend, who trained under Bob Badtram, finally let him watch a small part of the process, it was enough. The seed was planted, and from there, it was hustle and heat. Alongside a close friend, now known as Fresh Pyrex Glass, Jred took the plunge. The two split the cost of their first oxygen and propane tanks and got their hands on a pair of first-run GTT torches. They set up a hot shop behind Fresh’s grandfather’s house. The summer of ’97 was full of melted glass and magic.
Bears Dancing
Fuego y Hielo Jred x Brian Jacobson
Flower Tube
WHAT SETS JRED APART is an obsessive commitment to perfect form and technical challenge.
From classic bongs and pipes to intricate recyclers and filla work, he constantly pushes to refine difficult techniques rather than chase trends.
“I’m really just trying to challenge myself,” he said. “If it’s hard, I want to try it. I want my patterns clean, my shapes proper. That’s what inspires me.” His pieces aren’t just beautiful; they work beautifully. That balance has earned him a loyal following of collectors and smokers who respect both craftsmanship and performance.
One of Jred’s most recognized contributions to the glass world came from experimentation.
At the time, he was working on a tech recycler and had an idea for a new percolator design. Midbuild, it struck him: That same concept might work for a quartz nail. He built it, fired it up and tested it, finding it worked better than expected. The Diamond Knot was born.
Its efficient heat retention and vaporization mechanics made it a game-changer for hash oil users. It quickly took off, and not just because it looked cool. It performed like nothing else at the time. A happy accident turned into a lasting legacy.
Soon after came the Diamond Loop, a recycler design incorporated into a quartz bucket with Diamond Knot diffusion.
Today, Jred lives in Stanwood, Washington, with his family. The complex is a slice of heaven where the kids can be kids, play in the pond, skate the ramp, ride the trails or just enjoy the sunset that sits in the shadows of the legendary Pilchuck Glass School. This is truly a dream location, nestled in an area known for its rich glass culture and creative energy. Whether he’s traveling or enjoying the beautiful PNW, Jred stays at the torch, building the kind of work that doesn’t need a loud introduction — it speaks for itself.
JREDGLASS.COM | @JREDGLASS | INFO@JREDGLASS.COM
Diamond Loop Diamond Knot
Flower Tube Close-Up
REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO
Rainbows to Enlightenment
DrBaph DrBaph
Exploring the carefully curated creations of this month's cover artist
Hailing from the seaside town of Brighton, United Kingdom, is creative coder, 3D artist and developer DrBaph. They studied computer science at Middlesex University before moving on to Northbrook College and University of Brighton, where they achieved a level 5 certification (foundation degree) in illustration followed by a level 6 certification (bachelor’s degree with honors) in illustration. During that time and in the nearly ten years following their graduation, DrBaph has created everything from intricate hash rosin renderings to 3D models of abstract art and architecture.
SUCCESSFULLY MERGING the natural beauty of Cannabis extracts with the combined intelligence of humans and machines takes time and practice. Using rough sketches that evolve to a liquid simulation engine, they are able to “mimic the natural flow of rosin.”
Upon first looking at a piece of their art, you wouldn’t be able to tell if it was hand-sculpted using hash rosin or digitally produced. Dancing on that line is something DrBaph has perfected, creating limitless potential for their art.
You may have seen some of their creations for companies in the Cannabis space, including Puffco’s Puffcon
Block Party, Glob Mops, Terp Burps and many more. Attention to detail is one of DrBaph’s main mantras, working layer by layer on their art to create depth, lighting and movement intricacies that exist in hash rosin. Whether they are whipping up a psychedelic piece of hash art (like the cover of this magazine) or creating something fun (like a buttery rosin jam loaded waffle), it’s easy to see why people on social media around the world have flocked to this artist.
Art is meant to stimulate thought and reflection and push the boundaries of what we can create. Inspiration can be drawn from a number of sources, but
"Taking something we are so familiar with, rosin, and showing it to us in an unfamiliar way is just the kind of stimulation DrBaph is generating with these pieces."
discovering a new form of art is a sure way to light that creative fire. Taking something we are so familiar with, rosin, and showing it to us in an unfamiliar way is just the kind of stimulation DrBaph is generating with these pieces. Whether you create art for yourself or to share with the world, just the act of creating something can take away the stresses of daily life. Thank you to DrBaph for lighting a fire in our minds and inspiring artists around the world! DRBAPH.COM
