WAYS TOMAKE ANIMPACT
21+ ticketed event. State regulations prohibit cannabis consumption at this event.
WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER wes@leafmagazines.com
MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com
TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER daniel@leafmagazines.com
EARLY MARYLAND LEAF PUBLISHER early@leafmagazines.com
WYATT EARLY STATE DIRECTOR wyatt@leafmagazines.com (410) 961-8779
BOBBY BLACK LEAF BOWL DIRECTOR & HISTORIAN bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
Cassie Genc is an illustrator and painter based in Eugene, Oregon. Her love of surreal worlds, bold color and the Pacific Northwest inspire her work. Her main goal: create a rainbow-hued escape amidst the everyday. As she illustrated the cover for the Impact Issue, she aimed to create that surreality of confronting one’s own potential within — joint in hand — and the power of seizing it as a new and vibrant reality. When she isn’t designing graphic tees or textile patterns for Kohl’s retail, she regularly freelances, creates collections for local shows and sells her work at fairs and cons.
ILLUSTRATION BY CASSIE GENC CASSIEGENC.COM | @CASSIEGENC
WES ABNEY, FEATURES ADHD DEAD, FEATURES
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
WYATT EARLY, NATIONAL NEWS
HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES
ELLEN HOLLAND, FEATURES
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + ART
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN
AMANDA VILLEGAS, PHOTOS
BRUCE WOLF, PHOTOS
LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
WES ABNEY
Editor’s Note
Thanks for picking up The Impact Issue of Maryland Leaf!
June marks 15 years of publishing the Leaf, which began in June 2010 with the first issue of Northwest Leaf in Washington state. As we publish our 180th monthly issue of NW Leaf, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for our plant, community and the movement I’ve been able to dedicate my life’s work to.
I used to believe I was born in the wrong time, a man meant for a different era. My other passions are fishing and the outdoors, and as a boy my daydreams were filled with adventures in the untamed wilderness. Born too late to explore the raw world and born too early to explore outer space is where I occasionally find myself mentally. But I had a true epiphany recently: I was born at the perfect time to experience the rebirth of plant-based medicines, a movement that began on the West Coast with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest.
In 2010, weed was still illegal, patients were often considered fakers, and the opioid epidemic was raging across America. Legalization brought taxation without representation, ridiculous regulations from clueless go vernment agencies, and over 15 years, Cannabis has gone from underground to mainstream. I’m old enough to have been arrested for weed, to have run from cops and been caught smoking by college professors, and to have seen the first legal gram sold in multiple states.
Having just turned 37, I find myself back in college preparing for law school in 2026 to better fight for the plant and people harmed by the War on Drugs. My goal is not to leave the Cannabis industry or abandon the beaut iful mission of publishing Leaf magazines, but to gain new tools for the fight that is not yet won.
“...I WASN’T MEANT TO MINE FOR GOLD OR EXPLORE MARS, BUT I WAS BORN AT THE RIGHT TIME TO FIGHT FOR PLANT MEDICINES…”
Weed is not legal federally. The War on Drugs grinds lives daily in mass incarceration and for-profit prisons, and it still targets the poor and Black or brown lives disproportionately. In my home state of Washington, it’s a felony to grow a few pot plants in your backyard for recreational use. And in many states, like Idaho or soon-to-be dry Texas, our plant is still completely illegal.
CONNECT WITH MARYLAND LEAF Exclusive Cannabis Journalism CONTRIBUTORS
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Maryland Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. We can offer design services and guidance on promoting your company’s medicinal, recreational, commercial or industrial Cannabis business, product or event within our magazine and on our website, leafmagazines.com. Email wyatt@leafmagazines.com to start advertising with Maryland Leaf!
So what was my epiphany? I realized I wasn’t meant to mine for gold or explore Mars, but I was born at the right time to fight for plant medicines and usher global consciousness into a new era of healing, health and light! As a Christian, I feel this purpose aligns with my faith in God, who gave us plant medicines as a tool to connect spiritually and appreciate the wondrous design of this planet and universe.
I also want to say that YOU were born at the right time to have an Impact and raise your voice, along with a joint, as we spread the good news of Cannab is! I’ve seen lives changed, saved and ended with dignity because of the plant. I’ve seen ad dicts become clean, including my two-plus years sober from alcohol, and I’ve witnessed the tr ue healing power of the plant. So please share it! We must plant seeds of change in order to harvest the bounty, and we all can have an Impact by living well with weed, one hit at a time!
THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE NORTHWEST LEAF / OREGON LEAF / MARYLAND LEAF / CALIFORNIA LEAF / NORTHEAST LEAF
BY THE NUMBERS
40%
The National Hemp Report, released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shows a 40% increase in hemp production from 2023 to 2024. Industrial hemp production was up 64%, and floral hemp was up 159% in that time. This is a promising sign for the hemp industry and a continuous boom in this market for producers and retailers.
1 in 4
The amount of Native American Tribes in the U.S. who are now involved in Cannabis or hemp programs. The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association released an infographic in May showing the locations of over 100 of these programs around the country. This represents around 26% of all federally recognized Indigenous communities in the U.S. The data “shows that the Indigenous Cannabis industry is trending upward in terms of jobs, community development and overall industry growth, with many Tribes currently scaling to meet demands for global Cannabis distribution,” according to the association.
100k
Utah’s medical Cannabis program has reached a peak in medical Cannabis patients, surpassing 100,000 for the first time in five years. Members of the Utah Patients Coalition, a plant medicine advocacy group that lobbied hard to help pass the 2018 referendum that allowed the medical Cannabis program in deeply conservative Utah, see the milestone as a demonstration that the system to obtain a card is getting easier to navigate, according to Utah News Dispatch. The state, along with help from advocacy groups like UPC, are trying to eliminate barriers to entry for this booming industry.
$123.5m
In the largest bust to date from the state of California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, 105,700 plants and 22,057 pounds of illicit Cannabis products were seized, totaling $123,500,000. In a press release, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, “Let this be a reminder to all who grow Cannabis illegally: We won’t tolerate the undermining of our legal industry and impacts to our environment. I appreciate the multi-agency, cross-county efforts to take on the illicit market.” It’s a scary thought that even in 2025, we still have a state-funded task force going after the black market.
15
The amount of consumption lounges Maryland Gov. Wes Moore licensed after signing Senate Bill 215, but there is a catch. State law stipulates that Cannabis can be “consumed, but not smoked indoors” at a statesanctioned lounge. This means you will not be able to smoke in these lounges but will be able to purchase single-serve edibles, beverages and various other forms. Each serving will also be limited to 5mg of THC, a limitation whose effect remains to be seen. This is a step in the right direction, and the hope is that Maryland’s government will adjust as these businesses open.
£600k
Ex-Arsenal football player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has admitted to his involvement in an attempt to smuggle 60 kilograms, about 132 pounds, of Cannabis into the United Kingdom from Thailand. The haul was valued about £600,000, or just over $800,000. The Cannabis was seized after being found in suitcases arriving at London Stansted Airport in Essex on Sept. 2, 2024. His club at the time, Greenock Morton, has cut ties with Jay as he awaits sentencing in the UK. Thailand seems to be the origin of many recent smuggling attempts.
10-15%
In Minnesota the Cannabis market is nearing its launch. While not even operational yet, it has already seen a 5% tax hike under a new budget agreement. Under the initial law passed in 2023, the tax was supposed to be 10%. Under the revised agreement, the tax is up to 15%, plus an additional 6.975% sales tax and any other local taxes. This does not put a good feeling in the air for Minnesotans who were excited about their state’s upcoming program. Nevertheless residents are happy to have licensed dispensaries offering safe, convenient access to Cannabis.
QUALITY THAT SHINES
Bold, beautiful, and made for today’s standards.
STEPHEN DEBES
"NORMALIZING CANNABIS USE AND IMPACTING THE STIGMA ARE SOME OF MY MAJOR GOALS."
HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE ORIOLES THIS YEAR? Good! I was born right after Camden Yards was built, so I remember as early as Cal Ripken Jr. retiring. Growing up we had some rough years, but it’s good to see the Orioles as real contenders in the league today. I have a 5-year-old, so I like being able to take him to games now. A coworker and I are taking our children to Kids’ Opening Day so they get to run the bases and everything.
ANY TIPS FOR FELLOW PARENTS WHO CONSUME CANNABIS? I get this question a lot when new Cannabis consumers come in. The older generation has a lot of concerns about the stigmas of Cannabis and being a parent. When people come in and see medical patients bringing their kids into the store, it helps to break that stigma. Growing up, every once in a while my parents would bring me to the liquor store with them, so how is this any different? GOLDLEAF does a wonderful job of keeping an open platform for questions surrounding these types of topics.
HOW DID YOU COME TO BE THE 2024 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AT GOLDLEAF? I believe it was a vote between the employees and higherups here at the dispensary. It was a decision of all of the Employees of the Month from the previous year, and I didn’t expect it. A lot of the people I work with are extremely nice and friendly, especially since I came from the hotel industry. The comfortability of being able to talk to these types of people makes social situations easy in this industry. You can offer advice to overwhelmed people and steer them in the right direction, helping them to make their own decisions about products in the future.
HOW IS THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY SIMILAR TO THE HOTEL INDUSTRY? So it is very similar in the aspect of dealing with people from all walks of life. It’s ironic because a lot of the people coming through our doors are on the older side of what you’d expect. I see 70-plus-year-old customers taking 40mg edibles and loving it. You never know who you’re going to be talking to, and the shared experience we all have brings us together.
DID YOU EVER SEE YOUR ROLE IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY LASTING AS LONG AS IT HAS? No, I was actually furloughed with Hilton Baltimore, so I technically had a job with them. A lot of people were trying to figure out if they wanted to move to different Hilton locations, but we didn’t have a time frame for coming back to work. I had to figure out what I was going to do, and it was honestly a blessing in disguise. The year I had in between industries allowed me to experience a lot of my son’s milestones. I had a medical card, and my buddy in Annapolis recommended I work at GOLDLEAF, and I found it to be really nice.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE ON THE CUSTOMERS THAT VISIT YOU HERE? Normalizing Cannabis use and impacting the stigma are some of my major goals. I’m trying to get people to not feel like they’re doing something wrong, while educating them and empowering them to educate themselves. There are so many possibilities for what people can use Cannabis for, and enlightening them to the different areas of wellness is important to me. If I’m not the most well-versed about a specific product or topic, I pass people off to my team members who can make sure someone has all the information they need. Doing this can help get their friends and family off the fence about whether or not they want to try Cannabis products.
MARYLAND LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH and GOLDLEAF Dispensary Employee of the Year Stephen Debes is ecstatic to be part of the Cannabis industry. As a parent, he brings his A-game to the dispensary, helping smash the stigma surrounding Cannabis dads. He wants to give people a comfortable environment to purchase Cannabis and a consistent, friendly face to enhance that feeling. If you’re someone Stephen knows from the store, he’ll even give you a personal heads-up when a product you’ve been chasing comes in. Be sure to pop into GOLDLEAF and ask for Stephen the next time you’re in Annapolis!
9:30
WAAVE HAS BEEN IN THE GAME since the early days of Maryland’s Cannabis industry and has been one of the only dispensaries in the Greenbelt area for years. Luckily for Greenbelt, Waave’s tight-knit team has been holding it down at the store. They offer a ton of different deals pretty much every day of the week, and they host fun even ts around the store for various holidays. Our visit fell on a Wheel Wednesday, when customers who spend $50 or more can spin a prize wheel. Prizes include 20% off your order, Waave swag, $2 infused pre-rolls and more. Head out to the store on June 21 for Waave Fest!
SETTING AND VIBE
Beyond the ID checkpoint is a room with self-service kiosks for browsing the menu and ordering on the fly. The space also features brand installations, artwork and a Pac-Man machine for customers to play. The entire staff at this store is extremely welcoming and inviting to everyone who walks through the door. Greeting customers on a first-name basis is a major takeaway from our visit, as they greeted people coming through the doors constantly.
FLOWER
Waave does a ton of in-house packing of flower from various brands, ensuring freshness and moisture content by including a Boveda pack in each Mylar. This is pretty much as close to deli style as Maryland’s market is going to get, and we know it’s missed. During their happy hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they have eighths as low as $20 for some top-tier flower. On Mondays and Wednesdays, they do early bird deals, so be sure to stay on top of what deals are being run on which days.
CONCENTRATE
We scrolled and scrolled through the kiosk, eying the concentrate menu, and it really seemed endless. There were nearly 100 different options for concentrate during our visit, and they keep their menu stocked like this regularly. It made me happy to see eight different strains of hash available from various processors. If you’ve yet to dive into some of the hash options available in Maryland, consider that your next pickup.
EDIBLES
Gummies, drinks and chocolates are some of the most frequent forms of edibles found on Waave’s menu. They also have tablets, tinctures and baked goods in a wide variety of cannabinoid options. Seltzers from Sunnies and sodas from Keef are readily available in all the fruit and cola flavors we know and love. If you’re new to edibles, ask the budtenders here for a recommendation based on your desired goals or effects.
“THE ENTIRE STAFF AT THIS STORE IS EXTREMELY WELCOMING AND INVITING TO EVERYONE WHO WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR.”
REVIEW ED: FADE CO. WEDDING CAKE (HOUSE-PACKED)
Fade Co. flower has been a staple in my stash since the brand first came on the market, and their product has stayed consistently fire since. True to its name, this strain has a cake-like aroma with hints of gassy cologne on the back end. I use this strain to unwind after a long day and find it helps relieve pain and stress at the same time. Even the smaller-sized buds were perfect to break down by hand and roll into a joint.
BRITTANY RUTH
Brittany Ruth walks out of her local dispensary with a six-pack of Tall Seltzers from Evermore, a bevy of flavors in hand. It may appear to someone passing by that she’s just stocking up for the week, but she’s actually celebrating a special milestone. “It’s now been six months, and I have not had a drop of alcohol,” she says, smiling as she finishes sharing the news. “And I probably never will again.” She notes that the Talls make her feel more comfortable and included socially when she’s at a party or out with friends, without any added peer pressure to drink.
SHE SAYS THE SELTZERS, along with her overall journey with Cannabis, not only helped her cut out alcohol completely but also allowed her to face and work through some lingering trauma she’s had to carry with her from her upbringing.
Growing up in a small town in rural Pennsylvania, it didn’t offer much to do outside of meeting up at bonfires in the cornfields, she says. As she started high school, an opportunity to escape from the dull nature of a small-town life and the uninspiring people in it presented itself to Brittany in the many forms of art.
“I was one of two Asians in my high school,” she says. “I knew that I was already standing out and they already think I’m weird and crazy, so just run with it.”
She took every extracurricular art class she could in school, but she says her passion for art started when she was younger and spent the summer with her grandmother, who was an artist.
“She would teach me how to draw, how to paint ceramics, and how to make pottery,” Brittany says, adding that her grandmother would also task her with taking reference pictures for her art, sparking her love for photography. “I kind of grew up with a camera in my hands.”
After high school, Brittany attended Penn State as a psychology major before dropping out after one semester. She later re-enrolled as an art history major but dropped out again shortly after.
Her family moved to Maryland before she started college, so she decided it was time to join them. Once she settled into her new surroundings, she enrolled at Harford Community College to study photography, earning her A.A. and landing a studio photography job.
the most rewarding she’s had. She started smoking weed when she was younger, out of boredom and as a sleep aid, and got her medical card not long before starting her budtending job.
Brittany slowly took on more responsibilities at the shop and was given the opportunity to implement her artistic abilities in upper management work, such as product photography and ad design, teaching herself along the way. This eventually led her to shift from the sales floor to the dispensary’s marketing team full time, where she now leads the team.
It was tough climbing the ladder to get to where she is now, she says, but the support and encouragement from the team around her to see her grow and step out of her comfort zone inspired her to continue her personal journey of educating and helping those around her.
“Water doesn’t just push you; sometimes you have to go with it,” she says. “Going from smoking weed at 15 to working in the industry, and I can say I help people — that’s the best thing ever.”
While she’s loyal to the Tall Seltzers as her go-to favorite for consumption, Brittany has a few different ways of enjoying her medicine. Smoking an indica-heavy flower rolled in a joint is a pretty consistent choice, she says, adding that she enjoys the physical act of smoking and the social aspect attached to it.
“goingfromsmokingweed at15toworkinginthe industry,andIcansayI helppeople-that’sthe bestthingever.”
Reflecting on the two semesters she spent at Penn State, she says the experience helped her realize she wanted to make a career out of helping people. How to offer it, though, was still something she had to figure out.
After working a variety of odd jobs in Maryland and losing her studio job due to COVID-19, Brittany applied at a dispensary and became a budtender — a job she says she had been looking for since moving and
“You can hand anybody a joint, and then you end up in a conversation and know everything about them in 10 minutes,” she says.
While Cannabis is a huge part of her life, Brittany says she doesn’t see herself being in the industry forever. She floats the idea of one day starting her own business that focuses on giving creatives a place to find their niche, grow their abilities and make their connections, similar to the opportunities given to her by her former bosses and what her grandmother helped her to find as a kid.
“I know it’s hard to find a job, especially in what you’re good at. I mean, I started with a pen and paint,” she says. “It’s fun showing other creatives there’s nothing set in stone; yet, there are rules they recommend you follow, but it’s literally just a recommendation.
BRITTANY-RUTH.PIXPA.COM | @_CANNABRIT2.0
EDEN SOLVENTLESS
WHITE DURBAN COLD CURE
Eden Solventless delivers another standout rendition of the amazing White Durban cultivar, cold-cured into dabbable goodness and highly recommended for Marylanders everywhere.
THE WHITE DURBAN cold-cured live rosin from Eden proves to be one of the more euphoric, energetic and downright giddy highs I’ve experienced in quite some time.
Given the testing numbers, that’s hardly surprising, but I am dazed nonetheless. With a total terpene yield of more than 10%, it was clearly going to be a flavor and aroma experience worth pursuing. What makes it stand out, though, is its terpinolene dominance, and more specifically, its terpinolene dominance in relation to its ocimene temper.
I have written before about my love of terpinolenedominant cultivars, but even within this broad terpene category are subcategories I love even more. Eden’s White Durban rosin is a pristine example of wellextracted flower that accentuates the overall profile
of the flower as it’s meticulously collected and concentrated. It also hits my personal, subjective preferences in exactly the right ways.
When I first noted that I respond well to terpinolene-dominant highs, and that they often come with robust fruity, floral and sweet profiles, I consumed as many flowers with those profiles as possible.
Over time I came to realize that the cultivars that truly stood out from the crowd on my palate were specifically terpinolene-dominant varieties with a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of terpinolene to ocimene.
This realization has changed my life, and Eden Solventless has tapped into exactly my palate. What I find so appealing about a terpinolene-ocimene headspace is that it seems to be one of your classically giggly, energetic and euphoric headspaces that sometimes get muddled down by the myrcene- and caryophylleneheavy profiles that are so common.
Eden’s cold-cured White Durban
rosin brings spectacularly euphoric and giggly headspaces and offers one of the best relaxation escapes from the world. If you ever are in need of a pure dose of Cannabisinduced happiness and joy, I highly recommend the Eden’s White Durban rosin. Don’t forget to explore what ratios of terpenes really pop on your palate too! alchemistlabs.co @edensolventlessmd @alchemistlabsmd
“WITH A TOTAL TERPENE YIELD OF MORE THAN 10%, IT WAS CLEARLY GOING TO BE A FLAVOR AND AROMA EXPERIENCE WORTH PURSUING.”
A NEW WAY TO FLOAT.
ENJOY OUR NATURAL VAPES IN FRESH FLAVORS.
ROOT BEER FLOAT
MARSHMALLOW PUFF
BLUEBERRY MUFFIN
CULTIVATED BY FADE CO.
LA POP ROCKS
I think Fade Co. has found one of their loudest cultivars yet!
LA Pop Rocks, a cross between Triangle Kush Bx2 and Z Animal, is one of those classic, super-dank, super-gassy varieties that can fill a room just by opening the bag.
FADE CO. has cultivated some excellent Cannabis in Maryland, but their LA Pop Rocks variety is probably the loudest of loud flower to come out of their grow to date. Obviously we all love a jar pop that reveals a strong odor of whatever our favorite variety of Cannabis is, but you know when you open a bag and it’s not just a strong odor but a complete floor-to-ceiling saturation of the space you’re in? This is my experience with opening a bag of Fade Co.’s LA Pop Rocks.
Opening a bag of flower broadcasts the full spectrum of funky gas to every corner of my room, displaying the quintessential array of dank gas that is familiar and pleasant to old and new heads alike. In that milieu of fueled funk are hints and wafts of fruits and florals that display the layered nature of the LA Pop Rocks aroma.
“...a really dapper, dank, funky funk that seems uniquely old school and essential…”
Generally speaking, any Cannabis variety that can fill a room with aroma is worth noting, but to have such a powerful presence as well as an iconic aroma profile is just something that has market-staple written all over it.
If you’ve ever experienced a really dapper, dank, funky funk that seems uniquely old school and essential, then LA Pop Rocks will be a familiar friend.
Beyond the aroma profile, the strain is also one of the super-special, low-myrcene varieties that, in this case, lets us explore a limonene-linalool-dominant, caryophyllenepinene-tempered variety — a rare treat indeed. For me, the experience creates a face and head high that instantly packs a classic stoney wallop with a strong sense of euphoric giggles. This balance of terpenes is worth exploring, and I would be very curious to see how lines of LA Pop Rocks might be bred out one day.
Fade Co. really produced a flower that appeals to every type of Cannabis user in a way that truly captures all the senses this plant is capable of touching.
Weed culture today is pushing back on classic stereotypes and redefining and realigning vintage ideas about what a stoner looks like, what we do for fun and what we want to smoke. Whether it’s renting a Gravitron or a Times Square billboard, weed smokers are becoming a more accepted and impactful part of society. Let’s look at some trends that seem to be growing on a national scale.
"ALONGWITHGASFLAVORS, SOURCROSSESHAVEHIT ADEFINITEUPTICKFROM BOTHTHEROSINAND FLOWERMARKETS"
EURO-AMERICAN TEAM-UPS
This is something that’s been brewing up for a while now but is hitting trend status. European seed companies like Barney’s Farm, Sensi, Blimburn, and Royal Queen are creating partnerships between their brand and American names like DOJA, Happy Munkey, Backpack Boys, and Sherbinksis. Last month, Barney’s announced a new collaboration with B-Real of Cypress Hill. What was once an American scene traveling to Europe for genetics has shifted to Europeans promoting American breeding projects and cementing their place within this new global ecosystem for Cannabis genetics.
FOOD COMPANIES
COOK UP CANNABIS SUPPORT
We saw a major lack of the usual brand involvement for 4/20 this year. No big activations or capsule drops, not even the traditional shoe release. Instead, the food sector picked up the torch. There’s even a collaboration between Blazy Susan and Jimmy John’s now. Carl’s Jr., Popeyes, Jack in the Box, Smashburger, Buffalo Wild Wings, Magnolia Bakery and, of course, Jimmy John’s all had stoner specials on the menu for 4/20. We have a reputation for exploring new food combinations, which makes stoners the dream demographic for anyone looking for people to stand in line for a pickle-glaze chicken sandwich.
STONER FASHION GETS A GLOW-UP
We’re breaking down old ideas about how pot-centric people dress. Cannabis brands are shifting into lifestyle brands through capsule drops and collabs. Now fashion is looking at what Cannabis culture wants to see and responding in kind. Carhartt, a major favorite with the scene, announced its 2025 Spring/Summer WIP line will highlight tactile, hemp-blend fabrics. Binske partnered with L’equip to drop a line of high-end clothing that has zero weed references on it. This year, New York’s STAPLE clothing store did a pop-up event with trulyredpanda and EDISTSEW, plus the Alien Labs and HUF 4/20 collection, which is long sold out.
GAS AND SOURS ARE BACK?
Almost every seed bank and breeder we’ve spoken to this year has said some variation of the same thing: “Gas is back.” It’s a trend you can see in strains like Permanent Gas, Brainwash and Bazkittlez. Right now it’s mostly the candy-leaning stuff that’s being gobbled up, leaving us to wonder if this will truly catch fire. Along with gas flavors, sour crosses have hit a definite uptick from both the rosin and flower markets, along with the amount of Sour D. Though, much like gas, it’s the sweeter flavors that are finding an immediate place with consumers looking to “branch out.”
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
There’s a major shift in the way stoners are perceived when we head out for the night. In the last year a ton of restaurants, rooftop bars and outdoor patios became open to hosting weed events or don’t seem to mind the casual pull on an e-rig. As Cannabis lounges become more and more of an accepted idea, so too are the people who frequent them. As such, options for what can be part of a Cannabis event have also blown wide open. Hell, we even saw a Gravitron for Puffcon and a Ferris wheel at Hall of Flowers. What’s next?
CUSH’FORKUSH
It’s been six years since Tahir Johnson went all in on his dreams, trading a high-paying job with SunTrust Bank in Washington, D.C., to work as a part-time budtender in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
THE DIVINE PASSION for Cannabis that walked Johnson into the industry has since given the 41-year-old wings stronger than your average Redhawk. Within four years of hustling, the Union High graduate became one of the first Black owners of an adult-use dispensary in New Jersey, opening the doors to Simply Pure Trenton in Ewing Township.
Ascending those ranks, he explained, took a tremendous amount of time and effort. He grew emotional reflecting on the trials and tribulations of his journey.
“I didn’t realize Cannabis was so hard,” said Johnson, his eyes welling as a tear strolled down his right cheek. “People assume that because you own a dispensary, you’re automatically making millions. But that’s just not the case. Sure, there are people out there who are doing it, and you can; it’s possible. But it doesn’t come easy. It takes a lot of time and a lot of hard work.”
Johnson returned home two decades after departing the state to attend one of the nation’s most prestigious historically Black colleges, Howard University in Washington, D.C., and making his mark in finance with bigtime players like Morgan Stanley.
His triumphant homecoming has been celebrated by a community mightily impacted by the War on Drugs. In the decade prior to New Jersey’s Cannabis legalization in 2020, Black residents of Mercer County were 4.1 times more likely to be arrested, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Much of the racial disparity stemmed from Cannabis-related arrests.
“I’m really proud to see the impact [Simply Pure Trenton] has had on my community,” said Johnson, who has been open about his own struggles with law enforcement, thrice arrested for possession of small amounts of Cannabis. “I’m reuniting with people I’ve known my whole life, even down to my kindergarten teacher. And then there’ll be times when complete strangers come up to me, and they’ll just start crying, happy to know that someone like me exists.”
Living up to such high expectations is a weight Johnson knows well.
“I accept that people find the things I’ve done inspirational,” he said, referencing an old Charles Barkley line about not being a role model. “I’ve had an opportunity not everyone gets to do, and I’m grateful. People might think I’m a celebrity or something, but really I just want to be a regular guy.”
In 2018, while still a financial advisor, Johnson applied for Cannabis licenses in Maryland and New Jersey. Subsequent rejections, he recalled, became a beautiful redirection that opened doors to the broader industry.
“In a way, I’m glad I didn’t get it then,” he said. “Because in the years between then and now, I had so much to learn about this industry. And I’ve made so many connections.”
As a part-time patient care specialist, Johnson used his free time to become an outspoken leader for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Cannabis industry.
“ILOOKAT CANNABISASMY CONTRIBUTIONTO THEREVOLUTION… IWASTAUGHTYOU LIFTUPOTHERSAS YOUCLIMB.”
In addition to serving as a current council member for the MJBiz Conference, Johnson has volunteered with the National Cannabis Industry Association, the U.S. Cannabis Council and the Marijuana Policy Project. He also conducted 68 episodes of the podcast “Cannabis Diversity Report,” interviewing industry leaders on various topics from 2020 to 2024.
SIMPLY PURE TRENTON
“Cannabis is something that has been used as a tool to oppress my people,” he said. “It seemed like everybody I knew growing up has been arrested for weed at some point. But my white friends I’d smoke with at Union High — they didn’t experience that [reality].”
SIMPLYPURETRENTON.COM
“I look at Cannabis as my contribution to the revolution,” Johnson said. “At my core, this is who I am. Growing up the way I did — between my parents and going to Afrikan People’s Action School Elementary — I was taught you lift up others as you climb. I idolized those Black civil rights leaders that were changemakers in our communities.”
@SIMPLYPURETRENTON
@SIMPLYTAHIR
@THECANNABISDIVERSITYREPORT
He’s committed to raising awareness and now holds the power to empower young African Americans by supplying jobs in the workforce. With New Jersey’s Cannabis market surpassing $1 billion in combined medicinal and recreational Cannabis sales in 2024 — a nearly 25% increase from the previous year, as reported by NJBiz — Johnson sees an opportunity to be part of the economic transformation. Over the next five years, he envisions expanding his operations to multiple dispensaries across several states.
“I want to be an example that we as Black
Johnson is appreciative of a financial background that provides keen insight into an industry that remains at odds with its history.
THETIDETURNS GREEN
COAST Cannabis Co. is riding a wave down the Eastern Seaboard just in time to reach Maryland this summer. With its organic, handcrafted blend of edibles, the popular brand based out of Massachusetts hopes its splash extends from Ocean City to the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.
“THE MARYLAND COMMUNITY has been very welcoming!” said co-owner Angela Brown. “We were outside Camden Yards the other day meeting with people in the industry and just taking in a bit of Baltimore. There are so many similarities between Marylanders and folks from Massachusetts, it really feels like we’re back in Boston.”
Co-Owners Angela Brown & Brian Cusick
Angela and her husband, co-owner Brian Cusick, have been on a barnstorming tour of the state, meeting with stakeholders in a variety of cities and towns across Maryland. The pair founded COAST Cannabis Co. in 2017, becoming the first independent Cannabis product manufacturer to reach stores in Massachusetts in 2020.
Their small team has since expanded operations into Rhode Island in 2023 and Connecticut this past winter.
COAST prides itself on “creating wholesome products free of gluten and artificial additives” that contain “no unnecessary sugar coatings.”
“We try to be as authentic a brand as possible,” said Brian, 38. “Angela and I started out as two medical patients who felt under-serviced, and so we began making these products in our home kitchen. Nearly a decade later, we’re still consuming our products regularly and always trying to improve the quality to ensure our constituents get the best products possible.”
The couple met while attending Fitchburg State University in Central Massachusetts. While Brian was an avid user of cannabis, Angela was initially against it.
“I grew up with the D.A.R.E. program at school telling us not to do drugs,” said Angela, 39, who is originally from the North Shore of Massachusetts.
“If and when I used it in college, it would be at a frat party after a dozen Bud Lights. And abusing it like that, I didn’t see it as medicine. I saw it as a quick way to get dizzy and ruin the night.”
However, after graduation, Angela began to suffer bouts of insomnia and an array of digestive issues. Pharmaceuticals brought some relief, albeit with side effects. In time, Brian’s advocacy of Cannabis began to sway her toward creating a relationship with the plant. Angela began a steady dose of edibles and soon after stopped using the prescriptions.
“As his wife, I don’t always go out of my way to tell him he’s right,” Angela laughed. “But I ate my words. The transformation was magical, and almost overnight, I got rid of my prescriptions. Having gone through those mistakes like that, I think it helped me grow and understand this industry better.”
The couple hopes to transfer that wisdom into delicacies expected to hit shelves in Maryland this June. COAST will partner with The Cannabist Company to feature an array of gLeaf edibles ranging in flavor, potency and effect. The Cannabist Company is one of the largest Cannabis operators in the U.S., with 89 facilities nationwide — including 70 dispensaries and 19 cultivation and manufacturing sites. The outstanding reputation of COAST in competing markets drew the interest of The Cannabist Company, which promptly pursued a partnership.
“[Their] emphasis on flavor and function makes them a perfect addition to our product lineup, and we’re excited to share these clean, flavor-forward edibles with our Maryland consumers,” said Catie Dunn, director of commercial partnerships for The Cannabist Company.
The Cannabist Company operates three dispensaries in Maryland, including Columbia Care Chevy Chase, gLeaf Frederick and gLeaf Rockville, while its gLeaf product brand can be found on shelves throughout the state.
“We’re thrilled to bring COAST’s award-winning gummies to Maryland,” Catie added. “The COAST team has been incredibly collaborative and engaged throughout the partnership, making the launch process in Maryland a truly positive experience for our team.”
COAST has also made a habit of creating largescale community events geared toward cleaning local beaches, national parks and waterways. Last summer, in partnership with Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay, the company spearheaded a three-city volunteer cleanup, restoring beaches in Lynn, Dorchester, and Marshfield, Mass..
“I think the beach has a lot of parallels to using Cannabis,” said Brian, a native of Cape Cod. “Just the experience — it provides a euphoric feeling, and there’s a social aspect that can be shared amongst friends and family that Cannabis also provides. We’ve tried to convey those feelings with the COAST brand.”
Their sustainability efforts have surpassed most on the market, earning a Certified Plastic Negative rating, which means that for every package produced, more plastic is removed from the environment than is used. The company has effectively collected 20,909 pounds of plastic through this initiative in just the past year.
“We grew up at the beach,” Brian said. “It’s a way of life for us.”
Additionally, COAST has redesigned their chocolate bar packaging to incorporate recycled ocean plastics. Those chocolates are slated to reach Maryland in the fall.
“We want to be the most trusted Cannabis edible brand,” Angela said.
“We want customers to know they can trust COAST products, and we will never mislead them, as so many Cannabis companies do.”
The couple hopes to launch a Maryland-based environmental cleanup and is actively seeking partnerships with dispensaries and local conservation groups alike. Any and all inquiries are encouraged via email at info@coastcannabisco.com.
“ITHINKTHEBEACH HASALOTOFPARALLELS TOUSINGCANNABIS… ITPROVIDESAEUPHORIC FEELING,ANDTHERE’SA SOCIALASPECTTHATCAN BESHAREDAMONGST
The COAST Cannabis Co. crew cleans up.
SAVING SOPHIE
Radical Love, Remarkable Science: How a Mother’s Faithful Persistence Sparked a Revolution in Pediatric Cancer Immune Therapy
When Tracy Ryan first cradled her newborn daughter Sophie, she envisioned a life filled with milestones and celebrations — not medical charts and prognosis reports. At 8-and-a-half months old, Sophie was diagnosed with an optic pathway glioma (OPG) — a rare, slow-growing brain tumor with a devastating persistence. Doctors offered no cure, only a revolving door of chemotherapy, invasive surgeries and soul-crushing uncertainty. Tracy refused to accept that prognosis. She didn’t collapse under the weight of fear, she rose to the calling. With Sophie’s father Josh by her side, this couple was determined to overcome the impossible. “I co-created this beautiful child and held her in my womb,” Tracy said. “I refuse to believe that anyone has more say in her outcome than we do.”
Tracy testifies
AS TEST RESULTS CAME IN, the diagnosis was documented as a low-grade brain tumor with a 90% survival rate and an unfortunate 85% recurrence rate. With minimal developments in childhood cancer therapy over the last 40 years, chemotherapy was the only treatment option.
Her immune system was compromised, and a growing cyst in her brain was affecting her motor function. High-dose carboplatin was the next conventional recommendation, a treatment known for its toxicity and harsh side effects.
The Ryans knew they needed to find a toxic-free option for treatment; at nine months old, medical Cannabis was Sophie’s first safe, pain-free option for therapy. The benefits were vast, including leading the Ryan family toward a global pediatric Cannabis advocacy journey. In 2013, Sophie was asked to star in the Netflix documentary “Weed the People.”
After bravely enduring more than 75 MRIs, 11 surgeries and eight failed chemo protocols, it became clear that Sophie’s journey toward health would embark on uncharted territory.
With a deep-rooted mother’s intuition and a fierce commitment to Sophie thriving, Tracy stepped out of the conventional medical current and into disruptive scientific territory. Her passion for curing Sophie eventually led to the launch of NKore BioTherapeutics, a cutting-edge biotech company advancing a new class of immune therapies called NK (natural killer) cell infusions. She launched the effort alongside co-founder Dr. Anahid Jewett, M.P.H., Ph.D., a UCLA scientist
whose breakthrough research in immune deficiency therapy has disrupted the medical industry. The Ryans made a brave choice to embrace the new NK cell therapy, holding faith that it would be the answer to their prayers.
In December 2023, Sophie became the first pediatric patient in the world to receive NKore’s experimental therapy, NK101. The infusion had no adverse side effects, and the results were almost immediate. Sophie’s vision improved for the first time in years, allowing her to read from 20 feet instead of just 12.
Between January and June 2024, her tumor volume appeared to grow by 60%, but the increase was small — just millimeters in dimension. The clinical team recognized this as pseudoprogression, a sign that immune cells were infiltrating the tumor and causing temporary swelling. By December 2024, scans showed clear signs of necrosis — cell death inside her once “incurable” tumor. Her immune system was revitalized, and for the first time in over a decade, Sophie’s childhood joy and vibrant energy returned. Was this a scientific miracle? Tracy would say it was an act of unshaken faith, a mother’s tenacity, an unwillingness to give up. “Her brain tumor is crumbling. Her immune system is thriving. This is not a miracle. It’s the future of cancer care as we know it,” she said.
As Sophie’s immunity continues to thrive, Tracy and the team at NKore have started to work with other patients facing life-threatening diagnoses.
One such patient is Jamie Grooms, a 64-year-old man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who endured three years of targeted chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic without ever reaching remission. Standard treatments had left his bone marrow with 20% tumor infiltration and debilitating side effects.
In December 2023, Jamie received a single low-dose infusion of NK101. Two months later, his tumor cells had dropped to 5%.
Great Spirit, Divine Mother, Friend Beloved God, We give thanks for the radiant souls of these warrior children, born into battle yet destined for brilliance. May every cell in their bodies remember its divine blueprint and rise in harmony with healing. Wrap their families in grace, their communities in strength, and their futures in the promise of longevity, joy, and vibrant life. We celebrate the miracle already unfolding, and trust that the light of recovery is not only possible — it is inevitable.
Following a second infusion in July 2024, Jamie’s tumor infiltration was reduced to just 0.23%. CT scans confirmed up to 70% reduction in lymph node size. His immune function rebounded, and his cancer entered partial remission. Most importantly, he felt alive and vibrant again.
These clinical stories are not isolated cases. They are data points in a growing body of evidence proving that NK cell therapy is not only safer but potentially more effective than traditional chemotherapies for certain cancers. In fact, these discoveries have forced some outdated therapies to the sidelines, paving the way for an era of less toxic, immune-focused treatment — especially for children.
Tracy’s advocacy didn’t stop at the clinic. Through her nonprofit, Saving Sophie, she became a national voice in pediatric cancer policy. She now speaks annually at the Congressional Pediatric Cancer Caucus, collaborates with Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and has made multiple visits to the White House to advocate for equitable funding.
In 2025, as a result of the current presidential administration, federal grant funding for pediatric cancer was cut from $160 million to $60 million, a huge deficit. This increases the need for community advocacy and donations to nonprofit charities. Please consider donating to Saving Sophie to help families in need.
You can learn more about Tracy and Sophie’s journey by watching the upcoming documentary, “Saving Sophie: The Road to a Cure” — a visual testament to love, science and revolution. It will be available for public viewing in 2026.
Their journey reminds us that the fight against cancer isn’t just in the labs or hospitals, it’s in the hearts of families. It’s in the decision to say “no” to limitation and “yes” to possibility. The journey of healing starts with a liberated mind that does not put blind faith in the system but instead stands in bold defiance of it.
Today, Sophie is not just surviving; she is thriving. Her life has catalyzed a world reimagined.
One mother’s choice to challenge the commercialized medical system that has long since been broken will continue to shape the legacy of immunotherapeutic medicine for the treatment of cancer in patients of all ages. This is a true American story of impactful disruption, a reminder, OGs, that with our voice and determined action, we can usher in a world renewed in faith.
PHOTOS BY AMANDA VILLEGAS
IMPACT PROFILES
NORTHEAST
JOSH ALB
Josh Alb, founder of Cannademix, describes the core of his work as “education as activism.” He explains, “When I started in Cannabis my job was to educate dispensary staff, doctors and consumers about the medical benefits of cannabinoids.”
“IN CANNABIS, THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL IS HAVING A STRONG COMMUNITY.”
Dismantling myths of the industry and how cannabinoid medications work led to deeper conversations and connections that reveal the plant’s broader potential for healing and social change.
Cannademix, which has hosted everything from expungement clinics to job fairs, aims to inform both the community and legislators, bridging gaps that helped create legal markets in New Jersey and New York. Pushing for criminal justice reform and equity, Cannademix addresses the systemic harm caused by decades of prohibition.
“The War on Drugs is a war on people,” Alb says, calling it a class war rooted in colonialism.
He urges voters to support lawmakers who back home grow and reminds people that Cannabis consumers could swing elections. “We as a Cannabis community have an immense amount of voting power,” he says, adding that nearly 10% of the state’s population consume Cannabis. “As a community, our voice matters much more than people think, which is why events like Unity at American Dream are so important in showing the world our power.”
Through Cannademix, he mentors the next generation of students, professionals and policymakers beyond what chemistry and cannabinoid science can teach in textbooks: community. “Society does everything to strip people of that sense of connection,” Alb says. “Our industry is made up of undocumented people, and they contribute so much more than people think. In Cannabis, the only thing that makes you successful is having a strong community.”
@cannademix @thealbchemist
SHANETHA MARABLELEWIS
Army combat veteran Shanetha Marable-Lewis is a tireless advocate for veterans' access to Cannabis and alternative therapies, driven by a personal mission to save lives. Having lost her mother to addiction and fentanyl poisoning, and over 40 friends and family members to substance abuse, she is deeply passionate about serving veterans and patients suffering from PTSD and addiction.
Her work extends to bridging the gap between federal Cannabis access and veterans, addressing the current limitations of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Marable-Lewis aims to integrate Cannabis into the federal health care system, ensuring safe and affordable access for those who served. Her expertise led to her appointment by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to the state’s Psychedelics Task Force as a researcher.
As executive director of Veterans Initiative 22 and an alumna of the University of Maryland’s Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Graduate Program, she brings a unique perspective.
As chair of the Committee on Regulations and Governance for the Psychedelics Task Force, she is responsible for drafting a legislative report in Maryland on access models for DMT, mescaline and psilocybin. She also served as an expert witness for Veterans Initiative 22 in the DEA’s proposed national rescheduling of Cannabis. She hopes to pursue a doctorate in neuropsychopharmacology, focusing on Cannabis and natural psychedelic substances, believing these therapies hold the key to saving lives. veteransinitiative22.com
“...DEEPLY PASSIONATE ABOUT SERVING VETERANS AND PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM PTSD AND ADDICTION.”
MARYLAND
STORY BY WYATT EARLY
OREGON
CALIFORNIA
JOYCE CENALI
Joyce Cenali is a Cannabis executive who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. As chief operating officer of Sonoma Hills Farm, Cenali’s background includes both production and compliance.
“Relative to the farm back in the day, I was tagging Metrc onto the plants, I was putting plants in the ground,” Cenali says. “I’ve cloned off many a mother, but now we’ve been able to build a team that does a lot of that.”
SEAN BEEMAN
For over two decades, Sean Beeman was more than just a name in Oregon’s medical Cannabis community: he was a lifeline for countless folks looking to find healing and hope. As the founder of Oregon’s Genesis Pharms, Beeman poured his heart into providing plant-based medicine that truly impacted many individuals’ lives.
His journey into Cannabis cultivation and extraction was driven by his health struggles with hepatitis C. Fueled by a mission to bring relief to others, Beeman rarely allowed personal challenges (like a fire that wiped out the family home and farm) or patient obstacles (like financial shortfalls) to stand in the way of providing care for those pushing through everything from cancer to Crohn’s and everything in between.
Beeman’s approach to Cannabis wasn’t about growing plants; it was about growing trust and a sense of hope. His no-till, pesticide-free farming practices reflected his respect for the earth and the people he served. His products, from RSO to capsules and suppositories, were carefully crafted to improve quality of life. But what truly set him apart was his genuine care for the people who relied on his work.
The Oregon community (and beyond) was saddened to hear of Sean’s passing in early 2025. But his legacy of kindness, generosity and meaningful medicine will continue to inspire for years to come. @genesis_pharms
"BEEMAN’S APPROACH TO CANNABIS WASN’T ABOUT GROWING PLANTS; IT WAS ABOUT GROWING TRUST AND A SENSE OF HOPE. HIS NO-TILL, PESTICIDE-FREE FARMING PRACTICES REFLECTED HIS RESPECT FOR THE EARTH AND THE PEOPLE HE SERVED.
Today, Cenali coordinates with nurseries to procure Cannabis genetics and, after the flowers are grown and cured, works with the farm’s production team on quality control and locating sales channels for both collaborative and blind bulk releases. As co-founder of the Cannabis Media Council (CMC), Cenali is invested in creating and promoting collaborative media campaigns to reach new Cannabis customers.
“I want to see as much choice and as much consumer diversity as possible in terms of how products are going to flow to the consumer,” Cenali says. “I like to say that I want the plant to receive the first Super Bowl commercial and not some singular company just because they can pay the bill.”
The CMC’s “I’m High Right Now” campaign is currently running on Meta platforms, which are notorious for censoring Cannabis content, and has appeared in print in Vanity Fair. Cenali says she volunteers her time with the organization to build a Cannabis industry that includes small businesses alongside multi-state operators (MSO). “[MSOs] are going to exist and we appreciate their leadership and their ability to have lobbyists and whatnot, but we would just encourage those MSOs also think collectively and not singularly about who should have a chance to advertise and seek new consumers,” Cenali says. “It should be ‘all of the above’ as opposed to ‘some of the few.’” @joycewill4u
“I WANT TO SEE AS MUCH CHOICE AND AS MUCH CONSUMER DIVERSITY AS POSSIBLE IN TERMS OF HOW PRODUCTS ARE GOING TO FLOW TO THE CONSUMER.”
STORY
FAST FACTS
Hemp Press is the only print shop in the world solely dedicated to hemp paper.
Switching to hemp packaging can help a mid-sized Cannabis brand save several acres of forest per year.
Hemp Press’ fiber needs facilitate planting ~20 million hemp seeds annually.
HEMP PRESS
Somewhere between a joint and a genius idea, Hemp Press was born. What started as a clever way to make business cards double as rolling tips has grown into the only print shop on Earth fully dedicated to hemp paper, and it’s rooted in Oregon.
Founded by Matthew Glyer, Hemp Press isn’t just printing labels; they’re rethinking the entire lifecycle of Cannabis packaging, from how it’s made to where it ends up. In a world full of greenwashing, they’ve grown the real deal: clean materials, compostable inks and a zero-waste process that actually makes a dent. This story explores how one small shop is quietly reshaping the packaging game and why the impact matters to anyone who cares about the plant, the planet and the future of both.
SEEDS OF INNOVATION
Born in California and raised in Eugene, Glyer’s love of nature and commitment to service laid the groundwork for a business with a mission: to protect forests and create smarter, cleaner packaging. In 2012, he invented Crutch Cards, a custom-printed business card made from hemp paper and perforated into filter tips for joints.
“Initially, I sold them with cool printed designs, but everyone wanted their brand and art on them, so I made them a custom product,” he explains. What started with hand-feeding paper into inkjet printers one sheet at a time eventually grew into a 10,000-square-foot commercial print shop that ships worldwide.
“Hemp Press is one of a kind on Earth,” Glyer says. “We are the only print shop dedicated solely to alternative fiber (hemp) papers.” That singular focus grew from a deep connection to Cannabis culture and its community. “I built this business out of a love for Cannabis, so it’s baked into the ethos. The community has been so supportive of the vision of Hemp Press, so we keep giving back in every way we can.”
Before farms had logos, let alone packaging, Glyer was helping shape the visual identity of Oregon’s emerging Cannabis industry. “We laid a lot of the foundation by engineering the first joint box for the recreational market,” he says. “A lot of the classic Cannabis box forms you see across the country originated at Hemp Press.”
COUNTING THE IMPACT
The real turning point came when he started calculating the environmental impact. “One day I started running numbers, and I began seeing how many acres of forest we had protected by using hemp for paper. Add to that our fiber needs facilitate planting roughly 20 million Cannabis seeds a year, and that feels like a fun flex,” he says.
Sustainability isn’t a footnote for Hemp Press, it’s the foundation. Glyer explains that a mid-sized Cannabis brand switching to their hemp paper could conserve several acres of forest annually. Plus, the paper requires significantly less energy to produce than tree-based stock. “Many cultivators and extractors alike can claim a product lifecycle that is carbon/energy negative,” he says.
But part of the challenge is education. “Most paper packaging is coated with plastic and treated with optical brighteners to achieve a shiny, brightwhite finish, making it unrecyclable,” Glyer says. “In contrast, our hemp papers are both recyclable and compostable, and even our inks carry certified compostable ratings.”
DIY TO ISO
From the beginning, Glyer had to work around the skepticism of print shops unwilling to risk their equipment on hemp materials. “Part of why I started a print shop was that no one wanted to print hemp paper for fear of breaking their equipment,” he says. He bought and modified his own machinery to take that risk head-on.
“Now our papers are certified for use on the most high-end and advanced printing presses on the market,” he says. Even shops that approach it with caution are left “pleasantly surprised.”
Over the years, Hemp Press has experimented with every available ink, adhesive and finish. Today, they offer custom packaging solutions that can be printed and shipped in under a week, often including strain and lab data directly on the box, no stickers required. “Like award-winning Cannabis, our work is rooted in craftsmanship and attention to detail, with a zero-waste process where every usable inch of hemp paper is sold,” he says.
Cost, of course, remains a significant hurdle. “Logging subsidies and cheap overseas mills make wood-pulp paper hard to beat on price,” he says. “We’ve had to automate and innovate to keep total costs low for our finished goods.”
BIG HELP FOR S MALL BRANDS
Still, the team is optimistic. “We’ve been part of thousands of product launches, from brand identity to packaging design and engineering to go-tomarket strategies,” Glyer says. They’ve also won numerous packaging awards for form and function and helped brands replace massive volumes of single-use plastic.
Hemp Press also provides consulting and support for smaller, budget-conscious operations. “Choose a flexible, budget-minded packaging partner that understands craft Cannabis,” Glyer advises. “Small tweaks like right-sizing your packaging or streamlining label placement can drive costs down.”
“EVERY CHOICE BRANDS MAKE THAT ALIGNS WITH CONSUMER DEMAND TO PROTECT NATURE IS A STEP TOWARD A RICHER, MORE MEANINGFUL CONNECTION WITH EARTH.”
TRASH THE PLASTIC
Looking ahead, Glyer is excited to roll out two major innovations: an automated assembly line to reduce labor costs and a machine-plus-compostable packaging system for prerolls that ditches the plastic pop-top. “Both are engineered to align with our rapid-turnaround printed packaging solutions, and in true Hemp Press fashion, sustainable materials come as the default,” he says.
He’s also not shy about what he hopes will change industry-wide. “Regulators should rethink today’s child-resistant packaging rules,” he says. “People rip open those bulky, multi-layer plastic containers and throw them away the moment they get home. They generate needless waste without improving safety.”
When asked how he defines success, Glyer simply states, “The future is now when new systems make existing systems appear obsolete. That’s why Hemp Press has proven Cannabis can replace extractive petroleum and forest-based packaging. Every choice brands make that aligns with consumer demand to protect nature is a step toward a richer, more meaningful connection with Earth.”
PAPER WITH PURPOSE
When it comes to sourcing, Glyer is clear about the company’s priorities: “The Hemp Press vision is one of American-made excellence. We continue to develop supply chain redundancies and resilience, with the ability to source fibers as well as process, pulp and mill papers both domestically and in Europe. All of our papers are certified carbon neutral in America, and we plan to keep it that way.”
Hemp Press collaborates with all kinds of national brands (Cannabis and otherwise). However, their roots run deep in the craft Can nabis space, where care, creativity and sustainability may still mean something. For those in the community who are tired of watching the industry pile on plas tic while waiting for regulators to catch up, it’s clear: we can’t afford to wait. Hemp Press offers a way to move forward now, mak ing thoughtful, waste-reducing choices that still meet compliance and look damn good doing it. If you’re ready to take packaging into your own hands, this is a solid place to start.
MAKE AN IMPACT
5 DAILY ACTS TO USHER IN A HEALED EARTH
IN THIS MODERN AGE of climate anxiety and overconsumption, it’s easy to feel powerless, but real impact starts with intentional daily choices. When we root our lifestyle in love for the Earth, even the smallest acts ripple outward, becoming regenerative blessings for the seven generations to come. Here are five soulful ways to live in alignment with Grandmother Earth. Each one is an invitation to return to the sacred cycle of reciprocity and create a positive impact every day.
#1
Smoke with intention and choose Earth-loving tools
Cannabis is more than a plant — it’s a teacher, a healer and an ally. How we consume it matters. Elevate your Cannabis consumption ritual by choosing organic, living-soil, sungrown flower that’s sustainably grown and packaged. Seek out local growers or Indigenous-owned brands that walk in harmony with the land. Ask your local budtender about brands that prioritize sustainable, full-circle growing practices. By supporting these businesses, we are fueling the cascade effect of regenerative agriculture, an impact that extends far beyond a pure vibrant toke. When it comes to consumption, choose locally made, functional glassware and organic, U.S.-sourced hemp wick over lighters. For storage, skip plastic packaging all together. Not only is the plastic toxic for the environment, but it also degrades the trichome and helix structure of your sacred herb.
IMPACT ACTION:
Swap disposable smokeware tools for longlasting, handmade ones. Support Cannabis growers and smokeware artisans rooted in regenerative practices.
For the freshest storage solution, reach for a reusable U.S.-made premium glass Mason jar — or better yet, the world’s first drop-proof, lightproof and child-resistant glass Mason jar: the RE:STASH jar. When your sesh is grounded in intention and care, from flower to flame, it becomes a sacred offering a moment of communion with the Earth.
#2
Bless your water and say no to plastic bottles
Water is life. It’s the original alchemical elixir of Earth and the first element in our being. Instead of contributing to plastic pollution, honor the element by using a refillable glass or stainless steel bottle. Avoid water stored in plastic at all costs. Even the so-called toxic-free or BPA-free plastic options contribute to a catastrophic, toxic production pipeline that harms our planet. Adopt the mindset that no plastic is safe for consumption, because if Earth Mother cannot regenerate it, then we should not be creating it. Treat ecological regions surrounded by water with the utmost care and respect. Choose cleaning supplies that have zero ecological impact, and never dispose of motor oil near waterways. Look up your local services for proper disposal of motor oils, lithium batteries and other severely toxic byproduct waste. When consuming water, whisper a blessing before you sip. Charge your water with positive spoken words and crystals like shungite to ensure it becomes a source of vibrant, refreshing hydration. Water holds memory, and we shape it with our gratitude and intention.
IMPACT ACTION:
Commit to going plastic-free for a week and experience the joy of a toxicfree world. Say a small blessing before each drink of water and feel your connection deepen.
Grow something native to support our pollinator ancestors
You don’t need a huge garden or a green thumb to become a cultivator of life, whether it’s basil in your kitchen, lavender in your garden, mint on your balcony or a single Cannabis plant in your backyard. When you grow something, you’re taking part in Earth’s most primal connection. Tending to a plant deepens your awareness, reconnects you to seasonal rhythms and nurtures reciprocity. Our native North American pollinators are currently facing an elevated extinction risk. Insects like bees, butterflies and moths are particularly vulnerable.
#4
Buy less, trade more, love local
IMPACT ACTION:
Start a mini herb garden this moon cycle. Learn from its native medicine. Speak to it with loving kindness. Give thanks with every harvest.
The world doesn’t need more stuff — it needs more soul. Break the cycle of overconsumption by supporting local artisans, farmers and creators who craft with care and integrity. Join a community trade group. Host a clothing or gear swap with your friends. When you shift from consumer to conscious community member, your resources stretch further and your footprint softens. Sharing and swapping is the original currency of Indigenous culture, and it’s time we return to the richness of exchange.
IMPACT ACTION: Choose one item you would normally buy new and instead trade, thrift or buy local. Make it an act of love.
Choose native wildflower species, herbs, edibles and locally sourced shrubs. Our pollinator community benefits greatly when we decide to garden with intention. The more we root into soil, the more we remember that we, too, are of the Earth.
#5
Reclaim the sacred cycle: reduce, reuse, recycle
We’ve heard the phrase before, but let’s elevate the understanding. Reduce by questioning your consumption. Do you really need it? Reuse by getting creative, such as by turning jars into stash holders, wrapping gifts with old scarves or saving pretty packaging for art projects. Recycle, yes, but make it sacred. Clean it, bless it and offer it back to the system with love. The Earth is a master recycler, so let’s learn from her example and treat every object as a temporary guest, not a throwaway.
IMPACT ACTION: Set up a recycling station in your home with intention. Burn sage or copal near it once a week to keep the energy high and mindful.
You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be consciously present. When we live in reverent harmony toward our plant allies, our water, our community and above all our Earth, we become part of the solution. Remember, OGs, the power is already in your hands. Let your life be the ritual. Let your choices be the change.
Marina
Marina Glass began her journey in 2020, deep in the misty forests of Oregon. Surrounded by towering pines, foglaced mornings and a grassroots community of creatives, she discovered borosilicate glass — and never looked back. What began as a quiet fascination quickly grew into a passionate pursuit: a life shaped by fire, movement and meaningful connection.
NOW BASED in the sundrenched deserts of Arizona, Marina’s art continues to evolve. She’s become known for her highly detailed miniature figurines — each one a testament to both creativity and precision.
Drawing inspiration from the things she loves most, her work often features playful cartoons, expressive animals and surreal clowns. She captures complexity on such a small scale with an expert hand; the process demands advanced technical skill, patience and control over heat and form. But for Marina, this meticulous dance with molten glass is a joy, not a chore. Each piece is infused with her unique voice, shaped by both whimsy and mastery.
Looking ahead, Marina’s plans reflect the same spirit of adventure that fueled her beginnings. A full West Coast tour is next — an art-fueled road trip that will take her up and down the coast, connecting with fellow makers, collectors and creative communities. After that, she’ll head to Chicago for a joint show with her longtime friend and collaborator, Kid Glass.
It’s more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of shared growth and vision.
Then it’s on to Arkansas to visit Banjo and the family, grounding herself in love, laughter and the kind of community that inspires her at the deepest level.
Throughout it all, travel and connection remain Marina’s compass. Every stop along the way feeds her art. Every person, a new spark!
She shows this through her extensive domestic and international travels.
Her dream? To take borosilicate glass into the mainstream — creating more space for events, collaboration and visibility for artists in the flame-working world. She envisions a vibrant scene where stories are told through glass and where community thrives.
Marina Glass isn’t just making art; she’s building a movement one flame, one figurine, one connection at a time. And her journey is only just beginning.
It is almost impossible to pin this artist down. If you’re looking for artwork by Marina Glass, try her directly on socials or inquire at your local glass art gallery for availability. But be warned: Marina’s work sells very, very quickly. @MA.RINA.GLASS
Berry Boost
It’s June, and it’s all about the berries. You can use frozen berries, but if you have the opportunity to use fresh, their season is now, and you won’t be sorry. Jack Herer was my go-to sativa for years: reliable and always packed a punch. For a little while, I found that true sativas made me anxious, not an uncommon issue, but I’ve slowly gotten back on the sativa horse, and life is good. Oregon-based Pruf Cultivar’s Jack Herer is a stunning 26.5% THC — definitely a powerful smoking experience — but for the last few months, I have been sativa-related anxiety-free. I find that cooking with this strain mellows it out considerably, though I do think of it as a daytime, energetic way to medicate. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
Roasted Strawberry Fool
1 1/2 cups strawberries, trimmed/halved 1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons infused oil/melted infused butter
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1. Heat oven to 340°F. In a baking dish, combine the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Roast for 20 minutes, stirring a few times. Puree in a blender. Allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. (This step can be done a day ahead.)
2. In a chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form. Gently fold 1 cup of the chilled strawberry puree into the cream. Chill for 1 hour.
3. Place two serving glasses on your work surface. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the pureed berries into the bottom of each glass. Divide the cream mixture between the glasses, and top with 1 tablespoon of the puree.
Blackberry Smoothie
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 frozen banana, sliced before freezing, drizzled with lime juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
2/3 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
3/4 cups almond or oat milk
2 to 4 tablespoons honey or agave
2 teaspoons infused coconut oil or melted infused butter Lime slices, for garnish
1. In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth.
2. Divide between two glasses, and garnish with lime slices.
Blueberry
Buckwheat
Cake
Baking spray
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup buckwheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
3 tablespoons infused coconut oil or infused melted butter
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting
1. Heat oven to 340°F. Spray a 9-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, buckwheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
3. In another medium bowl, combine the oils or butters, eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the buttermilk mixture until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until the center is set, 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool thoroughly, then dust with powdered sugar.
There’s no question that Cannabis is a gateway, but to where is the question. If you read all the classic anti-pot literature, the answer is straight into the arms of a heroin needle and a Grand Theft Auto-style shootout with police.
COINED IN THE ’70S and popularized in the ’80s, the concept of Cannabis as a stepping stone to a life of hard drugs has been used as an argument against the plant for almost 100 years. Even though many of us live in states that accept Cannabis as an “adult-use” substance like beer or wine, this administration’s pick for head of the FDA has already referred to Cannabis as a gateway drug. So, it might be worth having a look at how Cannabis came to be labeled a gateway, whether that science holds up, and what we’ve learned since.
Many attribute the term to works published in the 1970s by Dr. Robert DuPont and Dr. Denise Kandel. Tasked by the National Institute on Drug Abuse to study the causes of drug use, Kandel discovered a link between tobacco use and a proclivity for cocaine in animals and found that the statistical link between those substances in humans included the use of Cannabis. DuPont’s book, “Getting Tough on Gateway Drugs,” described weed as one of the most dangerous drugs there is and suggested that without it, the chain from legal substances to illicit ones breaks down. Each of these arguments was founded by the fact that hard drug users had also used Cannabis, but neither proved a link between using Cannabis and using harder drugs.
Kandel has since emphasized that framing Cannabis as the first stone in the chain ignores the giant boulder of easier-to-find substances like wine or nicotine. In fact, she and her husband, Nobel Prize-winning neurologist Dr. Eric Kandel, co-authored a paper on the molecular basis for nicotine as the real gateway drug. DuPont admitted in a 2000 interview that his stance on Cannabis has shifted profoundly over the years and that back then, in a meeting with President Richard Nixon, he was told: “If you make any hint of supporting decriminalization, you are history. Everything else, you figure it out. But that one, I’m telling you, that’s the deal.”
Looking at studies today, there does seem to be some evidence to support both cases for Cannabis leading to other types of drug use. A Colorado study examining whether or not legalization in the state had led to a rise in dangerous crime or drug abuse found no statistical evidence that smoking weed was leading to a rise in things like heroin or crack, nor were people being robbed on the street as a way to score the next joint.
“...framing Cannabis as the first stone in the chain ignores the giant boulder of easier-to-find substances like wine or nicotine.”
However, over in Europe, a Spanish study looked at adolescents to see if Cannabis use increased a chance of opioid use and concluded that there was an increased correlation between those who used opioids and people who also reported using Cannabis.
The American Addiction Centers published a survey showing Cannabis is far behind alcohol and tobacco in terms of the first substance people try. However, that number doubled for Cannabis as the second substance and stayed significantly high in the “third-tried” category. Still, to Kandel’s original point, tobacco and alcohol made up 89.6% of the first-tried category, which supports the thought that Cannabis is present but not the cause of any sort of drug trajectory. So will smoking weed put you on track to dangerous drug use? There are a ton of sociological, economic and behavioral factors that come into play around drug use. And while exposure to drugs during adolescence may increase the likelihood of future use, the data seems to suggest that weed might be along for the ride, but I don’t think it’s the one driving the car.
