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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
MICHELLE NARANJO, CARA WIETSTOCK COPYDESK michelle@leafmagazines.com | cara@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
The solar return of The Adventure Issue is our celebration of the many ways that Cannabis enhances the creative journey of our lives. The artist Alex Wight, aka Skully Vibes, has been drawing his whole life. He spent six years as the GM of a major Denver dispensary, where he says he developed a deep connection to the plant and the community. He was taking a dab break, and hiking in the Rockies with his wife, when we reached out for the assignment. "Get outside and catch a vibe!"
ILLUSTRATION BY SKULLY VIBES SKULLYVIBES.COM @SKULLY.VIBES
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
MIKE CLEM, PHOTOS
DAVID DOWNS, FEATURES
WYATT EARLY, FEATURES
HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
ELLEN HOLLAND, FEATURES WIND HOME, PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + PHOTOS
JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES
JAKE KERN, FEATURES
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
JAMIE OWENS, FEATURES
BAXSEN PAINE, FEATURES
ALEX PEFFER, PHOTOS
SKULLY VIBES, ILLUSTRATION
BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
KATHERINE WOLF, FEATURES
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Exclusive Cannabis Journalism
Editor’s Note
Thanks for picking up The Adventure Issue of Maryland Leaf!
Buying weed used to be an adventure; meeting a dealer in a fast-food parking lot or a smoky basement carried an element of criminality and suspe nse. Part of the experience was getting ripped off, or at least not knowing what you were getting for your money. An eighth was $40 back in the late ’90s, when a gallon of gas was $1.79, and a Big Mac was $1.50. Oh, how we all long for those simpler times — but not the waiting for a pot dealer part!
Today, the excitement around buying weed comes from the variety, which is immense, and the many ways Cannabis can go into or on the body. A modern dispensary might have hundreds of different vapes, edibles, concentrates, joints and topicals, along with all the ways to consume.
It’s easier than ever to find a product that is ready to puff on the go, and between vapes and gummies, nobody needs to know that you are floating up the hiking trail instead of climbing it.
"…
NOBODY
NEEDS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE FLOATING UP THE HIKING TRAIL INSTEAD OF CLIMBING."
Weed is the ultimate companion for adventure, no matter what flavor of life you are experiencing. Cannabis puts us in the moment fo r thrills, enhances appetite and sound for food and concert exper iences and helps us recover and relax for post-fun reflection.
As I prepare for fishing season, topicals and vapes are right next to my emergency radio and survival belt. I feel most connected to nature and grateful for the natural gifts of God when I’m smoking on a river or in the woods in pursuit of a fish or a view.
As we head into the summer season, it’s important to pack your weed bags carefully. Remember that not every travel destination has the same laws regarding the green. You can generally get something where you are going in a checked bag or hidden away, but I recommend leaving it there on the way home. It’s never worth the risk of trouble for what we can buy here legally — unless your idea of an adventure is ending up on “Locked Up Abroad.”
So be safe, avoid sunburn, stay hydrated and thank your local pot shop for powering your next adventure!
-Wes Abney
3RD ANNUAL AWARDS PARTY
APR. 12, 2026 | BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY
Last month marked the third annual Maryland Leaf Bowl at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. The weather was perfect for an evening on the Inner Harbor, with temperatures hitting close to 70 degrees when the doors opened to the public.
THE HYPE WAS REAL; a line formed early and extended nearly two blocks. There must have been something in the air because everyone’s smiles lit up the venue for Maryland’s largest Cannabis shindig to date.
Baltimore comedian Jonathan Gabriele graced the microphone as our master of ceremonies, spicing up the show with some jokes in between award presentations. Nirvana Cannabis, a dispensary with locations in Baltimore City and Rosedale, helped bring in this caliber of emcee.
For those who have never attended, Maryland Leaf Bowl is an award ceremony where trophies are presented to companies based on real blind taste testing, with any potential bias being eliminated. Awards are presented in the following categories: Edibles, Topicals, Concentrates, Vapes, Flower and Pre-Rolls.
In between award presentations, attendees explored some of the new activations throughout the venue. Leafly brought an artist village, including a live painter, caricature artist, tattoo artists, lounge chairs and a good vibe. Two tattoo artists from Tattoo Charlie’s in Baltimore gave out free ink to guests. Custom flash sheets were made exclusively for this event, and more than 40 attendees received tattoos.
We teamed up with Peake ReLeaf Dispensary out of Rockville to bring in the HiScore video game lounge and competition. The top score in Guitar Hero for the day — as well as the winners of our Tekken 8 and Mario Kart World competitions — received a free Puffco Proxy. In addition to the established competitions, guests could also play these games all night.
Cobrastrk was back on the ones and twos this year, adding a musical element that kept spirits as
Crowd Filing In
Exotic Elevations Crew
Whether it was a trophy, a tattoo from Tattoo Charlie’s, a caricature of you and your friends or swag from the amazing vendors, everyone got to take something memorable home.
high as we were. A professional photo booth was brought in by Bloom Dispensary in Germantown. Everyone was smiling and dancing while they had their photos taken. Whether it was a trophy, a tattoo from Tattoo Charlie’s, a caricature of you and your friends or swag from the amazing vendors, everyone got to take something memorable home. Every year, we learn new ways to improve the Leaf Bowl experience, and we want to thank everyone for the support as we continue to make this the best celebration possible.
A massive thank you to our sponsors, vendors and entrants. All of the hard work that goes into producing a gathering of this size is immediately worth it when we see the happiness emanating from attendees, including our staff and competition directors.
Keep an eye out for more Maryland Leaf events, and follow our Instagram, @marylandleaf, to stay up to date on everything we have going on.
Fade Co.
Free Caricatures
Munchies
Attendees enjoy a sesh
>>
State Director Wyatt Early
Vireo Health
Maryland Herb Co.
Jugglers
Stilt Walkers
Community
All scores shown are out of 250 maximum points — except for Vapes, which have a 200 point maximum score, and RSO/FECO, which has a 150 max score.
Birthday Cake Bites from Bubby's Baked/Kind Therapeutics
Infused Brown Sugar from Hive & Leaf
Achy Eddies CBC/CBD Cherry Fruit Chews from Betty's Eddies
Sour Apple Zing Lozenges from Grow
Peanut Budda Buddha Bites from Incredibles/Green Thumb Industries
Dark Chocolate Discos from Evermore Cannabis Company
Tropical Punch 40mg Cannabis Drink Mix from Vibations
Strawberry Lemonade 10mg Cannabis Electrolyte Drink Mix from Vibations
Watermelon 1:1:1 CBG:THC:THCV Gummies from Do Drops/Holistic
RSO Indica Blueberry from HiColor
Night Caps 2:1:1 (CBD:THC:CBN) from Evermore Cannabis Company/CAPS
Gut 44:18:1 Tablets from Curio
Cappuccino Milk Chocolates from
Peach Blackberry 8:1:1 (CBD:THC:CBC) Discos from Evermore Cannabis
Bedtime Betty's 40mg Fruit Chew
Berry Bliss Berries & Whipped Cream 40mg from Oria/Airo Brands
Recovery Salve Gold from Cosmec Healing/Kind Therapeutics
Pain 1:1 Transdermal Stick Balm from
Pain Transdermal Gel from Curio
FIRE FOLLOWER
Award-winning journalist/author and former Leafly Senior Editor David Downs’ monthly genetics intelligence dispatch.
ALIEN GENETICS REVEALS ADVANCED ‘ROTATIONAL TERPS’
THE INFLUENTIAL MAKER OF FRUITY PEBBLES OG, STARFIGHTER AND ALIEN ROCK CANDY IS BACK WITH FOUR CROSSES TO HIS KIWI SOURS.
HUNDREDS OF STRAINS bear Alien Genetics’ DNA, including MAC1 and Cookies and Cream. According to Alien and Lady Alien, the two-person team, Alien Genetics is in pursuit of unique terpenes that have a “rotational,” palate-staining quality.
The hottest release of the Kiwi Sours crosses is dubbed Laura Palmer for Alien Genetics’ love of the show “Twin Peaks.” Laura Palmer is (Paris Rock Candy x Marshmallowz) and Kiwi Sours. Get that one before it sells out. Alien made “hundreds” of packs, but that supply is already running low.
The key is the insanely pedigreed Kiwi Sours (Alien Genetics’ Bubble Belts x Moon Arc). What’s in that? Bubble Belts is Rainbow Belts 3.0 and Tahoe Alien Bubble Gum, and it contains some Indiana Bubble Gum. Moon Arc is Moonbow 112 and Alien Rock Candy.
It’s “my favorite thing I’ve made in a long time,” Alien said. “It has a terp profile I just could not get away from. It was sour all over the place, a lot of gas, a lot of kiwi fruit flavor and a ton of candy. It has a bit of a rotational smell: One thing leads you to another, and another, and back around — gas, bubble gum, the kiwi fruit, sour candy. It’s one of those jars you can’t stop opening because it’s a bit of a journey.”
Alien hit Kiwi Sours to (Paris Rock Candy x Marshmallowz), which is [(Perris OG x Alien Rock Candy) x (Hollywood Pure Kush x Moon Arc)]. It’s another epic one in the garden.
“It's one of the loudest flowers I’ve ever smelled. Being in the room while it is harvested is overwhelming and almost offensive to the senses,” Alien said. “I harvested a room of it this morning, and the best way to describe it is: sharp astringent gas, Pine-Sol OG Kush, bitter skunk. It’s got a complex perfume with a bit of candy deep in the background.”
Together with the Kiwi Sours? Yes.
Alien said all the Laura Palmers have the same smell and taste and vary mainly by height. The taller ones yield a little better.
Alien Genetics bred all the Kiwi Sours crosses indoors for organic soil conditions. Alien likes to top them once. They’re going outside in gardens this year. Laura Palmer likes a pretty typical vegetative, flower and harvest process. Alien did recommend some extra silicate.
“The branches just exploded,” he said.
Alien Genetics would love for folks to get some packs and win a hash cup with a pheno, or find a stud and keep on working it. Although it’s tough to think what could improve on all that goodness already packed in there. Alien imagines hitting it back to his Fruity Pebbles OG, but that’s a story for another time.
Founded in 1999 in Honeydew, California, Alien has moved operations to the East Coast, focusing heavily on the New Jersey and New York markets. The company is also currently forming partnerships with commercial facilities from Maine to Florida.
POT FARMER’S ALMANAC
Get your clones May 16-17 during California’s first Clonetopia at San Francisco’s Solful dispensary and 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center in Richmond, California. More than 15 varieties from four nurseries will be available, and you can meet the nursery operators.
HendRx Nursery is bringing out its selection of Tire Fire OG for $1,500 per clone. They also have “Surprise 6” packs of six clones for $150 — dealer’s choice.
Purple City Genetics has the never-before-released cut of Habibi (Z x Moroccan Peaches), as well as Lemon Cherry Congo, Watermelon Dream and Cel-Ray. Talking Trees brings out some GDP x Urkle cuts, as well as Strawberry Pop. Haze Valley Nursery offers three varieties of Tom Hill Haze for $1,500 for the three-pack. Haze Valley is also selling clones of the strains Hashburger and Grape Lobster. Visit sfspacewalk.com to learn more.
It’s clone-hardening-off and planting season, which means slowly getting your baby cutting used to the sun and the weather. Harden off your clones by taking them outside in the morning and exposing them to shaded sunlight for a little bit longer each day for a week. Bring them in at night. Remember: Don’t overwater a clone. After a week of increasing amounts of shaded sunlight, plant the clone in a 20-gallon fabric pot of high-quality organic tomato potting soil, and place it in the sunlight.
ALIENGENETICS.ORG
@ITSLADYALIEN
@ALIENGENETICS.OFFICIAL
@THEALIENYOUSEEK
KIWI LIME OG
KIWI VELVET LIME
KIWI ROOT BEER
LAURA PALMER
HOT FOR 2026
CANNABIS WILL TAKE YOU PLACES!
Weed is a core element of adventure
Surrender to the smoke!
Cannabis has been a part of my professional career path for over a decade, and, before I got my first full-time job in the industry, I used the plant as a guide to manifest my dreams. When searching for the next step in my career, I got high and wrote down a list of things that I enjoy. The list included weed, walking, wine and writing. I believe the act of writing out my intentions manifested a job incorporating two things I love: weed and writing.
SINCE THEN, Cannabis has taken me along on many adventures. After many years of working in weed, this career path has taken me all over the world. As a Californian, I first felt I was making it in weed when I had a work trip to New York City. Getting to the place I had always seen on films and TV, which was all the way across the nation, made me feel like I had it made.
I visited the then-headquarters of High Times magazine, where longtime cultivation editor Danny Danko hooked me up with some award-winning concentrates. Later, I blazed up and went on a walk along the High Line — a public park built on a historic elevated rail line — to the Javits Convention Center. I remember the stoney walk being quite the journey, that shatter that Danko gave me was super strong!
Lately, I’ve been feeling a need for similar inspiration. I’m pulling that from my Cannabis community by asking them: Where is the coolest place that Cannabis has taken you?
When I posed that question to my main mentor, cultivation expert Ed Rosenthal, he mentioned a trip to Australia in the 1990s. He talked about a hidden grow that he had explored, reaching different terraced levels as he descended into a valley, and his time at an event called MardiGrass in Nimbin.
“Since my early youth I had dreamed of becoming a writer and plant scientist,” Rosenthal wrote in a 1999 issue of High Times. “However, during high school and college I was drawn to other matters and studied in a totally different area. Somehow, my natural inclinations broke through. My work as a writer for HIGH TIMES has helped me live a fantasy. I have visited gardens and farms on five continents, and been given the opportunity to experience some interesting, unusual and even extraordinary places.”
Rosenthal has recently been making trips to India, a place that helped form his love of Cannabis back in the 1970s. We’ve talked a lot about that, but it was cool to discuss another one of his epic adventures, which took place at the Nimbin MardiGrass festival in Australia and is depicted in one of his most popular books, “The Marijuana Grower’s Handbook.”
“The event was a wild affair and media event,” Rosenthal wrote in High Times. “This festival is the highlight of the year in the small but very sophisticated town, which has several good restaurants and quite a cultural life, mostly homemade. This is very exciting because so many of the people are in the arts.”
Within the magazine, he also recounts the grow he recently told me about while we were smoking a big jar of hash in his front yard.
“The most exciting part of the trip was my visit to a series of patches going downhill through a national wilderness park,” Rosenthal wrote. “The gardener chose places so remote that he reasoned it just wasn’t worth it for the police to seize the plots. Each plot contained 10-20 plants growing in partial sun. The varieties had a lot of Thai and Dutch genetics. I was enticed on the trip with his comforting words that it was ‘almost all downhill.’ I forgot to ask.
‘How steep?’”
CANNABIS AS A CALLING
This March, as a part of Women’s History Month, I had the opportunity to lead a panel at a Nor-Cal Women in Cannabis event that featured four influential women in the California Cannabis industry.
The panel included longtime Cannabis activists Aundre Speciale (owner of the oldest continuously operating dispensary in the nation, the Cannabis Buyers’ Club of Berkeley), Linda Jackson (who helped hundreds of patients receive their medical marijuana recommendations as a nurse with the state’s first cannabis by telemedicine practice), Debby Goldsberry (who co-founded the Cannabis Action Network and Berkeley Patients Group), and Lynnette Shaw (who faced years of federal
Eachpersononthepanelhadstrongtiestothemedicalmarijuana movementandapproachedthequestionofwhereCannabis hastakenthemthroughthelensoftheiractivism.
prosecution as the founder one of the original dispensaries licensed under Proposition 215, the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana).
Each person on the panel had strong ties to the medical marijuana movement and approached the question of where Cannabis has taken them through the lens of their activism.
“Being on the bus with Jack Herer was the craziest, coolest experience of my life,”
Speciale said of a late 1990s Hemp Tour with a traveling coalition of activists who set out to legalize hemp. “Debby (Goldsberry) and I threw a couple of parties at the Playboy Mansion. I don’t know, you guys, if we can even talk about that, but that was a big benefit party.”
the show securely and safely,” as one of the peaks of her life.
“It has been a lot. To quote the Dead, ‘a long, strange trip,’” she said. “We’re not done yet, either. We still have people in jail. We sell persecution, we still have second-class citizenship.”
Like Speciale, Goldsberry mentioned being a part of Jack Herer’s Hemp Tour.
Shaw spoke about her involvement with Dennis Peron, an activist who led the California campaign to legalize Cannabis for medical use.
“It turned me to be the straight, white sound-bite girl because I was photogenic and looked like ivory snow, you know, just to get through to the general public,” Shaw said. “And so Dennis (Peron) sent me as a spokeswoman all over the place; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Florida. I was down in Los Angeles with Jack (Herer).”
Shaw also discussed being at the Seattle Hempfest “speaking for the cause, playing music and helping run
“Well, on the hemp tours back in the early days, we did 45 states,” she said. “We were always on the Dead tour, because we could give out so much information about marijuana on the Dead tour, like people were coming from everywhere. So we did Dead tour, and then we made friends … and we ended up getting on Further tour, H.O.R.D.E tour, Lollapalooza, a Fishbone tour, a Primus tour, I mean, we had a good time ya’ll, a really good time.”
WORLDWIDE WEED
The women in the panel, along with myself and Rosenthal, also shared international weedy memories of travels to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a core place for classic heads to make stoned memories together, and it still stands as a cool spot to smoke in 2026. But nowadays, there are so many other places opening the doors to people traveling the world searching for the adventure that Cannabis can bring. This plant is a great connector. Where is the coolest place Cannabis has taken you?
ASHLEY ANN
From left: Ellen Holland, Debby Goldsberry, Aundre Speciale, Linda Jackson and Lynnette Shaw
DENNIS PERON
CARLOS MELENDEZ
"CANNABIS IS LEGAL NOW MEDICALLY AND RECREATIONALLY, AND IT SHOULDN’T CARRY THE SAME ILLEGAL FEELING IT DID FOR SO MANY YEARS."
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES? Is weed a hobby?
Because it feels like a hobby outside working in a dispensary. I’m a little bit of a collector of different things like fountain pens, Cannabis, and guitars and basses. I have eighths stashed of Culta flower, Rythm flower, and tons of jars of wax. I buy a lot of Cannabis but I don’t smoke it all at once because I like to have variety. We all have a little bit of a collector in us, and weed is such a fascinating hobby to me.
HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY FEEL ABOUT CANNABIS?
I identify culturally as Mexican, even though I’m very much American. Culturally, growing up, CCannabis was a very bad thing and my mom would say “eres un drug adicto.” She still has a very hard time with Cannabis, and because she lives with me she comments about how many jars I have around the house. I wish she could understand that Cannabis is an herb and has so many different varieties, and not all weed is made the same. As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, I want to show her and the world that this can be a grounding plant that enhances so many things.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER PARENTS WHO WANT TO USE CANNABIS?
Everyone uses it differently, and there is still a huge stigma around it and what it does to you.
I want people to know that it’s not comparable to getting really drunk, and losing control of your senses. Parenting can be really stressful, and sometimes a healthy release like Cannabis can be a really good thing for us. My main piece of advice would be not to hide it from your kids, and educate them on what it is. Also in breaking the stigma people need to know that Cannabis is legal now medically and recreationally, and it shouldn’t carry the same illegal feeling it did for so many years.
WHEN YOU GO ON ADVENTURES IN NATURE, DO YOU PREFER TO PREGAME WITH CANNABIS OR TAKE IT WITH YOU? Both for sure. I’m a big fan of edibles, and they are like the destination with effects lasting longer than smoking. I also bring my Puffco Proxy with me everywhere, along with some joints and at least a couple grams of wax. I usually have a little bit of everything with me in my on the go bag.
DO YOU SHOP OFF INDICA VERSUS SATIVA, OR SPECIFIC TERPENES? I have a little bit of a different take on these topics, because ultimately everything I smoke tends to chill me out. I have a bad back, which is why I constantly use Brownie Scout from Rythm and it helps me distract myself from that pain. I really seek out flavors, and that is one of the biggest things for me, especially terpinolene heavy strains like Durban Poison and Pineapple Trainwreck. Citrusy strains also help bring me out of a funk, so terpenes definitely can change my mood for the better. You have to mix it up though, because too much of anything can be overwhelming.
“LOOK MOM, I’M FAMOUS!” Carlos Melendez said as we finished our interview, noting how far he has come from his first time “dancing with Mary” at the age of 18. Melendez graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Spanish Language and Literature and a minor in U.S. Latino Studies. When it comes to advocating for the plant, he points out how much hypocrisy exists in the modern work world, which allows many people to drink alcohol outside of work but bans cannabis. It’s obvious from talking to Melendez that he cares deeply for other people, and gives all of his knowledge and time to every patient he serves. Be sure to stop by Rise Joppa and pay him a visit.
KOANCANNABIS
KOAN CANNABIS OPENED ITS DOORS IN OCTOBER 2025, and this state-of-the-art space is operated by Army veteran Jonathan Clay and his partner, Lee Rodriguez. As longtime Hagerstown residents, they have a goal of bringing value to the community while maintaining and pushing Cannabis culture forward. Community is extremely important to Clay and Rodriguez, both of whom place great importance on bringing value to their customers in the store and after they’ve gotten their medicine. Be sure to stop in and check out some of the crazy deals this dispensary offers the next time you’re in Hagerstown.
SETTING AND VIBE
As a recent construction, this store still has that new house smell when you step in the front door. After you walk past the product displays showcasing the latest brands the shop offers, you arrive at a long line of kiosks. Customers can either quickly place an order if they’re in a rush, or they have the option of chatting with a knowledgeable budtender and getting product recommendations. There is also a drive-thru just to make the experience as easy and customizable as possible for each customer.
FLOWER
“You always will get something you don't expect when coming into the store,” Clay said. Whether it's a preroll for a penny, a crazy discount on some flower or some swag from KOAN or the brands they sell, this shop has different deals every single day. Checking out the website for the latest bargain is always a good move. There are over a hundred different flower options available, and they even have an in-house flower brand called 42 Zen.
CONCENTRATES
Rodriguez was fired up about the brand-new concentrates he keeps on the menu, including rosin, live resin and much more from Maryland’s top processors. The concentrate menu runs deep at KOAN, giving terpene chasers a place to stay up to date on the latest and greatest. A standout at this dispensary is the wide variety of RSO options from Nature’s Heritage, Avexia, District Cannabis and Grassroots.
EDIBLES
When evaluating an edible menu, Maryland Leaf looks for items that have made waves in the community as well as new product offerings. KOAN has Achy Eddies from Betty’s Eddies and Sour Apple Zing Suckers from Grow West, both of which won in the Best Candy category at the 2026 Maryland Leaf Bowl. They also offer a deep selection of high-dose edibles for medical patients who need a little extra THC in each bite.
OPERATORS
LEE RODRIGUEZ & JONATHAN CLAY
“YOU ALWAYS WILL GET SOMETHING YOU DON'T EXPECT WHEN COMING INTO THE STORE.”
REVIEWED: 42 ZEN TACO CAT
Clay and Rodriguez started 42 Zen, their in-house line, with the intention of shaking things up and creating something that they could call their own. Kind Tree grows the flower for this brand, and they have plans to expand it to concentrates, edibles and much more. Each package is 4.2 grams, giving you more bang for your buck over the standard 3.5 grams. Taco Cat is a cross between Wedding Cake and London Pound Cake 75, producing a crazy mix of gassy and creamy aromas. This strain hits hard, with a heavy feeling setting in behind the eyes just moments after smoking a joint. @42_ZEN 29.41% TOTAL
& 1.95% TOTAL TERPENES
MAHMUT ILK
Whether he’s dashing into coffee shops and small businesses in Baltimore or hanging out at a music festival, Mahmut Ilk always finds a window of opportunity to hustle. He’s been tapped into several different communities and wants to help elevate everyone he can. But as a new business owner, a goal he’s had for a minute is to combine two scenes close to his heart — Cannabis and EDM — into a newer, refreshing experience.
AFTER ATTENDING various industry events and music festivals, Ilk turned his passion into action and began thinking of a more immersive event concept where people from either scene could step in and be welcomed into a unique community. He’s still figuring out what this pairing will ultimately look like, but he's been working with some of his EDM-scene connections to bring the venture to life — like his business sponsoring a Baltimore festival next month.
“Essentially, the object of the game is to grow and get the community bigger. I like helping people, and it makes me feel good being able to make someone else feel good,” he said, adding that he never likes to settle when it comes to facing a challenge. “I just want to be better than I was the last day.”
Ilk was born in Istanbul, Turkey, but his family moved to Columbia, Maryland, when he was young. Even though he doesn’t remember much from growing up there, he said the family would still take trips back there in the summer.
“I’mnotsomeone whocansitinone spotinfrontofa computerallday. Ineedtobefree.”
“I had a great opportunity to be in another country for three months at a time,” he said about visiting Turkey.
Following high school, he enrolled at Howard Community College to find his career path, but in his mind, he knew that he wanted to get involved in the Cannabis industry. This desire started well before he enrolled in community college, he said, but Maryland was still far away from introducing any kind of Cannabis program at the time.
“There wasn’t a path yet,” he said, adding that trying to get into the industry while living in a stricter household was also a challenge.
Ilk completed his general studies at Howard and transferred to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to study information systems. While what he was learning was interesting, he still wanted to work in a more fulfilling job field.
“I’m not someone who can sit in one spot in front of a computer all day. I need to be free,” he said.
Not too long after getting to UMBC, a friend reached out and wanted him to visit them in California. While there, Ilk said he got a taste of the Cannabis industry in a state that had passed recreational Cannabis legislation and knew it was the right place for him. About a month after he came back to Maryland, he said he packed up his things and headed back to the West Coast. While he had tried different Cannabis from states around the country, including in Maryland’s underground markets, he said the combination of Cannabis and other creative ventures sealed the deal for him to go back.
“I moved out there and started applying to literally every dispensary I could see and handed them my resume,” he said, eventually landing a budtending job with Stiiizy.
From there, he moved to the inventory department, developing a specific process that the company would use as a template for some of its other stores.
“I would go into their new stores and go through a process, basically set up all their inventory space and then hop over to the next store,” he said.
The company had a unique setup where their cultivation, processing and retail space were combined into one
building, giving Ilk a huge opportunity to learn more facets of the industry. He said he carried a lot of this knowledge with him to Maryland when he moved back around 2020.
With Maryland introducing a medical Cannabis program while he was away, Ilk signed up for his medical certification so he could land an industry job in the state.
After bouncing between dispensaries and finding that he had worked almost every kind of position in them over the last few years, Ilk decided to try other work outside of the Cannabis industry, but returned shortly after and started taking on more tasks at his dispensaries related to marketing and community engagement.
“My real goal was to get into account managing. I wanted to get into wholesale; that never left my mind,” he said, adding that some of his new responsibilities included handing out discount cards around town and manning booths at events. “I was trying to be involved as much as possible.”
CANNABIS FOR A BETTER LIFE
Wanting to work for all the brands that he enjoys, he took a step back from dispensary jobs to start his own business that not only helped himself but also others already in the industry or anyone trying to get a foot in the door. The goal of Elevated Solutions, Ilk’s business, is to provide dispensaries with marketing assistance and find brand representatives for their respective companies.
“Think about it: There’s 198 stores, roughly, in the state of Maryland, and you have two brand reps. How are you going to cover all of that? We’re that extra leg that companies can utilize to help find people to brand rep,” he said.
He started the company with the goal in mind for brands to be able to focus their attention and resources on other tasks, in addition to making it easy for interested people to join his team and pick up assignments. Ilk said he wants to make the brand rep position more accessible for anyone to get into and give them the opportunity to grow in the industry.
“It’s cool for people that just want a little side gig while still working in the industry, but it’s also creating opportunities for people who are in the same boat I am,” he said, admitting the struggle he’s had breaking into that field. “If you’re interested (in the industry), we’ll give you the avenue
to work with the companies that you want to work with.”
While he enjoys a little bit of everything in terms of consuming, Ilk said ideally, when he’s looking for flower or dabs, he prefers a terpene profile that’s evenly balanced with myrcene and limonene.
“My all-time favorite strain, they don’t have it here in Maryland, is OG Cookies. It’s a cross between OG Kush and Girl Scout Cookie,” Ilk said.
As this interview ends, Ilk gets up from the couch and walks over to a large Monstera deliciosa plant in the living room, which he said he “brought back from the dead.” He finds his garden to be a place of peace and something he spends a lot of time getting lost in, pointing out the other monstera plants in the house and the small garden in his backyard. Like putting a new plant into the soil of his garden, Ilk is putting the same amount of energy and dedication into growing his business.
“I love the art, I love seeing something grow,” he said, looking out at his garden.
“I don’t know, I literally see it grow every day in front of my face, and I’m like, I’m doing that.” @ILK_MAHM | @E.SOLUTIONSMD
WITH A FRIEND
TRI-STATE BLACK BANANA LIVE RESIN SUGAR
We're going on adventure with Kind Tree's Tri-State Black Banana Live Resin Sugar! Black Banana is known up and down the East Coast in all the markets. Kind Tree blesses consumers, and having a rendition of the impressive flower cross in a live resin sugar form is definitely a springtime treat.
A CROSS BETWEEN Honey Banana and Black Mamba, the Tri-State Black Banana combines peppery and herbal aromas in a mouthwateringly delicious way.
The predominant note I get is reminiscent of a fresh grape that was rolled in pepper and basil near a tire factory. It melts the mind before you even take a toke.
The flavor of the hit was sharp and brought out the rubber, while the grape faded into the exhale and proceeded to push the mind toward a calm sea of tranquility.
With a strong caryophyllene- and limonene-dominant profile, I got a powerful mental health jolt that was pleasant, calming and mellow.
While there is certainly nothing energizing about this dab, it also does not sedate or couch lock most individuals, which to my mind defines the quintessential hybrid effect.
Kind Tree is relatively new to the concentrate world, but it has fast become a Maryland staple brand known for flavorful dabs and crafty concentrates. Their Tri-State Black Banana Live Resin Sugar stands out in their portfolio. In a state with many resins and rosins, it is a unique top-tier sugar. Whatever your preferred concentrate viscosity and texture, this is one worth dabbing, rolling up or any combination of the two.
A big shoutout to the Kind Tree extraction team for capturing the delicate essence of a wonderful flower and using their wizardry to concentrate it down into the delightful sugar crystals my banger knows and loves. If you haven’t had a chance to toke on Kind Tree’s Black Banana, then now is the time to get some before dispensaries sell out their spring stock.
HIGH ROADS ONLY
A cross between Rainbow Zangria and Blue Lobster, Blue Zangria 9 offers consumers a bright and euphoric headspace with robust fruity overtones of the most delectable variety.
Blue Zangria 9 Blue Zangria 9
This month’s strain is another incredible Evermore Cannabis Company cultivar that has been winning Leaf Bowl accolades and Marylanders’ hearts and minds alike. Blue Zangria 9 is the sparkliest high spring has to offer, and if you haven’t had the chance to try some, then you are surely missing out.
EVERMORE’S BLUE ZANGRIA 9 won not one but two 2026 Maryland Leaf Bowl flower awards for Best Indoor - Exotic and the very prestigious Best Indoor - Open Category. The Leaf Bowl is Maryland’s premier Cannabis cup, and the awards truly represent the best pot the state has to offer. So, it is no surprise to see Evermore winning awards, but a single cultivar sweeping multiple categories is certainly noteworthy.
A cross between Rainbow Zangria and Blue Lobster, the Blue Zangria 9 offers consumers a bright and euphoric headspace with robust fruity overtones of the most delectable variety. The flower reeks of blueberry banana smoothie and citrus peel with undertones of lighter fluid and cream.
The aroma profile is one that the entire East Coast would adore, but the high is the spring daily driver of everyone’s dreams. The profile is limonene dominant with a caryophyllene, linalool and pinene tail, which equates to a sublime mental health boost that is as euphoric as it is anxiolytic.
CULTIVATED BY
0.19%
0.17%
0.1%
0.1%
0.29%
Blue Zangria 9 will bring your mood up without overloading your system into a ball of anxiety. Caryophyllene and linalool together make for a powerfully calming (without the couch lock) temper to the euphoric serotonin dump induced by the limonene.
All in all, it is a superb cultivar that was carefully curated to perfection by the pros at Evermore. This company has impressed us many times in a multitude of ways, but winning two categories with one cultivar has transitioned them to legendary status in the halls of Maryland Cannabis cultivators. Blue Zangria 9 is the spring high that demands the attention of Cannabis tokers across the mid-Atlantic.
EVERMORECOMPANY.COM | @EVERMOREBRANDS
Smoke, stars and serenity
An interview with astrophotographer Mike Clem
Smoke, stars and serenity
It’s April in the Mid-Atlantic, and Mike Clem steps onto the hallowed grounds of Antietam National Battlefield in Washington County, Maryland — home to the bloodiest single day in American history.
SPRING HAS BEEN slow to arrive, but under a clear sky on April 20, Clem is determined to carry out his mission. The Thurmont, Maryland, native pulls a lighter from his pocket and sparks up a well-crafted cannon of Good Vibes Only 42ZEN.
Accompanied by his girlfriend, Libby, the two prepare to photograph the night sky.
As remnants of smoke drift across the field, the stark backdrop of history is not lost on the 48-year-old photographer.
“It just feels like we’re at a time in society where there is constant battle,” he said, pointing to political unrest, economic divides and personal struggles.
A patient care specialist for nearly a decade, Clem has found a home at KOAN Cannabis in Hagerstown, Maryland.
“I love what they’re about,” Clem said, whose Cannabis career has taken him from California to Pennsylvania and now to Maryland. “The name ‘Koan’ in Buddhism means the last step before enlightenment.”
Clem takes pride in providing 40 hours of medical care each week. Afterward, the budtender insists on escaping the yang of work life to find yin behind his Nikon Z6 II mirrorless camera.
He has been shooting events, landscapes and people for more than 20 years, beginning with a cropped DSLR and a kit lens.
“I grew up in a family of Deadheads,” Clem said, referencing his parents’ love of the Grateful Dead. “So music and fan art were always around me.”
Drawing and painting didn’t come naturally to him, but he said he has a “knack for capturing moments with the camera,” first getting started through concert photography.
“When you’re shooting live music, there are moments you can capture — a deep guitar solo or a powerful vocal — and you can almost feel that image,” he said.
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“I grew up in a family of Deadheads... music and fan art were always around me.”
Since astrophotography can take upward of five hours, Clem often pairs his love of music with photography and Cannabis to reach a state of relaxation and unlock new levels of creativity.
“It’s such a simple way to have an enjoyable evening,” he said. “When it comes to music and the night sky, you can find your zen anywhere. That’s all you need. It’s so freeing.”
Clem chases shots of the Milky Way from February through October, when it is most visible in the Northern Hemisphere. During the winter months, his focus shifts to the Orion region.
“It isn’t as visibly astounding,” he said, “but it’s still quite a beauty to shoot.”
He also enjoys stacking time-lapse images of the night sky to create star trails.
Arriving during the “blue hour” — the 60 minutes after sunset when light still lingers across the sky — Clem fastens his camera to a tripod for steadiness and consistency before taking upward of 400 photos, which he later stacks using Adobe Photoshop or the free app Sequator.
“You get different effects depending on which direction you aim the camera,” Clem said. “I usually go north because people are more drawn to the circular trail look. It draws the eye into the frame in an almost hypnotic way. It’s like staring into a circular vortex.”
Clem hopes to pursue this passion for as long as he’s circling the sun. The good news? He said it’s a hobby anyone can start with just a couple hundred dollars.
“A good camera and a decent wide-angle lens — that’s all you really need,” he said. “And if you really want to get into it, there’s a lot of stuff on YouTube for astrophotography, especially star trails.”
To see more of Mike Clem’s photography, visit his Instagram page, @astrodeadhead.
“When I shoot the Milky Way, I try to get to the spot I've picked to shoot about an hour before the Milky Way core rises. Once it's high enough over the horizon to start shooting, I usually take 10-20 shots. In post-processing, I stack the images using free software, such as Sequator, WHICH HELPS TO REDUCE NOISE OR GRAIN IN THE IMAGE. Once the final stacked image is ready, you can edit to your preference in whichever photo editing software you prefer; I use Adobe Lightroom.”
to toke
Cannabis complements music in magical ways, but when it comes to concerts, consumers are often left without ways to light up legally. Many generations have snuck smokeables past security, stuffing them into secret stash pockets or whatever crevice their clothes could provide passage in. But gone are the days of smuggling smokes, bridled in bras and warm boots — smashed and suspiciously damp — only to be speedily sucked down among the legs of strangers, crouched in the chaotic safety of their shadows. Today, as Cannabis laws and event organizers catch up, there’s a growing movement of music festivals welcoming consumers with progressive policies and official, smokefriendly sections. Check out a few of them here!
n or T hern n i G h T s
The Miracle in Mundelein
While the official 2026 dates have yet to be announced, predictions place this year’s festival sometime in September again. Last year’s lineup featured a blend of jam band, hip-hop, reggae and funk genres — an excellent soundtrack for the official open-consumption policy, where you can spark up “anywhere within The Miracle Concert,” or at one of the grounds' “multiple rolling stations, dab bars, and vape bars.” themiracleconcert.com | @miracleconcert
The Dirtybird Campout at Northern Nights Music Festival is tucked into the ancient redwoods of Cooks Valley, California. This music and camping experience features river swimming, art, yoga and over 18 electronic music artists. It is the first event in the nation to allow consumption, dating back to the 2013 medical days. That tradition continues today, with sales and seshes contained to the Tree Lounge for those 21-plus. At Northern Nights, you can choose your own adventure — from free riverside tent camping to shaded Redwood Grove sites, group options, RV hookups and full glamping. Grab your gear and roll up this July 17–19, with musical headliners CloZee, Justin Martin and LP Giobbi. northernnights.org | @nnmfestival
Puffcon
f lorida Groves
If you want to puff where it isn't just accepted, but encouraged, Puffco’s annual downtown Los Angeles block party is where concentrate culture comes to life. While it strays slightly from a traditional music festival structure, you’ll find live music, immersive art, over 75 Cannabis brands and a fully open-consumption policy. That means your rig, pen or pre-roll is welcome everywhere on the grounds. Puffcon 2026 lands on Oct. 3–4 at LA Center Studios. puffcon.com | @puffcon_la
Florida Groves is another all-ages festival option with a 21-plus Cannabis section. This two-day celebration of music, art and Cannabis culture kicks off at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando. Once inside, you can head to the Green Grove (presented by Cookies) for activations and appearances by budding brands all weekend. Since Florida runs a medical program, doctors are even on-site to get you MMJ-certified on the spot (with an appointment). Check out headliners Goose and Daily Bread holding down four stages, April 11–12, 2027. floridagroves.com | @floridagrovesfest
A Field Guide to Canna-Friendly Music Festivals
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
ou T side lands
Outside Lands is a three-day celebration bursting with music, food, art, wine, beer and Bay Area culture. It’s set across 80 acres of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with a special section called Grass Lands. This 21-plus Cannabis marketplace and consumption area made history in 2019 as the first official Cannabis sales and consumption experience at a (major) U.S. music festival. This Aug. 7–9, you can hit the joint and then the mainstage to see headliners Charli XCX, The Strokes and Rüfüs Du Sol. sfoutsidelands.com | @outsidelands
r eGGae on T he r iver
Sprouting along the same stretch of the Eel River in Humboldt County, first in 1984 as a community fundraiser, Reggae on the River brings three days of all-ages reggae to the County Line Ranch. The grounds are openly Cannabis-friendly, with direct-to-consumer sales from local Emerald Triangle-family farms on-site. Camp on the riverbed, in the Persimmon Grove, by the lot or glamp your way through the weekend this Aug. 14–16, with headliners Burning Spear, Kabaka Pyramid and Don Carlos. reggaeontheriver.com | @reggaeontheriver
LOS ANGELES, CA
ORLANDO, FL
COOKS VALLEY, CA
HUMBOLT, CA
MUNDELEIN,
Mary Jane Berlin Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary
berlin buds
DUBBED the world’s largest Cannabis event, it is held in Messe Berlin, a sprawling 5.9 million-square-foot space with 30 halls. Over the last two years, the expo has been expanding to fit, adding a new hall in 2025 with another planned for 2027. Founder and CEO Duc Anh Dang described it in a Business of Cannabis article as “Disneyland for Cannabis.” There’s even a giant Ferris wheel. This June marks the 10-year anniversary of Mary Jane Berlin, and things are expected to pop off in the city.
We talk a lot about the global Cannabis community, but when you’re at Mary Jane Berlin, you really feel like a tiny dot in the Cannabis cosmos.
Last year, 65,000 people attended the four-day event, and for 2026, organizers have said you’ll be able to celebrate with “over 75,000 like-minded people.” To put that into perspective, that’s like filling the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be held.
Thursday’s B2B-centric programming provides professionals a chance to hear important discussions and explore the grounds before the public is admitted. After that, the expo will transform into a full-blown trade show and festival, with live musical acts performing on stage throughout each day. The schedule features 90 international speakers, including American content creators Dope As Yola and Koala Puffs, alongside a slew of U.S. brands like Connected, Doja, Archive Seed Bank and Greendawg.
Mary Jane Berlin will continue into the evenings with multiple after-parties around the city. Barney’s Farm Seed Bank will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, so we expect the brand to top last year’s packed house party.
Another big highlight should be the annual High Rollers Cup, where rockstar breeders and cultivators will compete for bragging rights on the bowling lanes, and Redman will make an appearance.
With so many brands aiming their message out into the world beyond their home states, and a few already making moves, the German market is sure to see continued growth. When the Leaf spoke with award-winning Cannabis and clothing brand Golden State Banana, they expected to be running a Berlin cafe spot by the end of the year.
As MunchNews put it, “Germany's legalization has transformed Mary Jane from a cultural celebration into a commercial powerhouse.”
Ekocan, a research group put in charge of studying the effects of the German Cannabis Act, recently published their 222-page report which stated that up to 200 tons of medical Cannabis were available in Germany in 2025, and only 2.6 tons of that was produced domestically. With so much interest in Germany's market, and its ability to bring players together on a global scale, we expect a huge crowd at Mary Jane Berlin 2026 — and Leaf will be there to bring you all the news.
@MARY_JANE_BERLIN | MARYJANE-BERLIN.COM
Wondering what sets our products apart?
At Exotic Elevations, we specialize in preserving the natural cannabinoids and terpenes that give each cultivar its unique character.
Did you know that Cannabinoids like THC and Cannabis Terpenes are naturally colorless?
The golden or amber tint you see in most extracts comes from unwanted compounds like chlorophyll, fats, and other waxes that get extracted during c onventional processing.
Our process is different. Without using harsh methods like chromatography, bleaches, clays, or centrifuges, we leave those unwanted compounds behind—right where they belong.
The result? A clean, flavorful extract that captures the true essence of the plant. Every product we make is crafted to cts and experie vars used.
arylan d Native’s
To: You ot Corporate pe you enjoy. -EE
GaMe. seT.
board games
For many, board games serve as one of the earliest mechanisms of play, forming a foundation for understanding competition and collaboration as a whole. Over time, the hobby has evolved well past genre staples like Monopoly, growing into an almost infinite range of categories and topics. Choose from strategy games, resource gathering games, social deduction games, heck, there’s even popular games that entail exploding cats or dealing as much dope as possible. Whatever the selection, edibles in the form of low-dose gummies or THC drinks are a great option for enhancing any game night sesh.
Codenames, Werewolf (Mafia), Catan, Azul, Pandemic, Clue, Ticket to Ride, Exit: The Game, Weed-Opoly, Ganjaland and Botany
card
Playing cards have been an ubiquitous source of leisure and social gaming for over a millenium due to their simplicity, ease of access and versatility. With the advent of popular games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, playing cards are more relevant now than ever before. Whether it’s a gameshop-styled competition or Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, the stakes (and more importantly the players) will be a lot higher with some good ganja to puff on. Gone are the days of smoking a Cuban cigar at poker night; a hand-rolled hashhole is the new-andimproved premium stogie.
blackjack, poker, spades, Spoons, Bullshit, No Thanks!, Grass and Puff Puff Pass
TTRP games
Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons are the board game equivalent of stepping through a portal and out into a mystical world of magic and wonder. Entailing strategy, roleplaying and a whole lot of dice rolling, this collaborative storytelling medium is one of the most engaging formats of recreational gaming, providing a sense of adventure and camaraderie that grows with each completed quest. Given the typical length of a TTRPG session, it’s recommended to bring a rig and a favorite jar of concentrate to share in an epic afternoon of swords and sesh-ery.
Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, Talisman AND Betrayal on HillHouse
hash. Analog Play in a Digital Landscape
In a world that’s oversaturated with digital media, cryptocurrencies and pixelated avatars, one of the most radical, adventurous things we can do is just log offline and reconnect with other human beings face-to-face. Since the dawn of time, one of the primary ways we relate to others is through play. Within the context of an increasingly virtual existence, analog games have come to represent more than just a break from this progressively techno-feudalistic reality — they personify a cross-section of leisure and genuine human connection that is needed now more than ever. So how do we bring the whimsy of authentic, personal interaction back to the sesh? It’s all in the love of the game.
Making appearances at backyard BBQs and summer picnics across the country, yard games are an excellent source of competition that pairs exceedingly well with outdoor Cannabis consumption. Take a turn, take a puff on a joint and pass it along. Take another turn, take another puff and pass it. Given the more active nature of outdoor games, pre-rolled joints, vape carts and handheld pipes are all solid choices for medicating while playing. It’s honestly hard to beat the feeling of getting buzzed and soaking in some Vitamin D on a sunny day.
cornhole (Bags), bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes and bong pong
YARD games party games arts + crafts
With scenarios that range from the hilarious to the downright raunchy, party games are a lively way to cut loose with some not-so-sober friends. Prompts like “huge nugs of alien weed” or “hitting the bong with Barack Obama” will have the whole room grinning ear-to-ear before falling over with raucous laughter. Durable smokeware is recommended for safety and peace of mind in a typical party atmosphere. Besides, what better time to break out that 3-foot plastic bong than during a sick rager?
Cards Against Humanity Weed Pack, Telestrations After Dark, Trial by Trolley, Do or Smoke, Smoke Sesh and Charades for Stoners
As a joint activity, smoking and art go hand-in-hand. While not a game in the traditional sense, arts and crafts can be a superb way to unwind and share time with friends. Artistic mediums provide moments of mindfulness and catharsis that are further fueled by the right Cannabis strain, and there’s no quicker way to light up the right side of the brain than by ripping a fat bowl of Sour Diesel or Super Silver Haze and throwing some acrylic on the canvas.
painting, tie-dye, joint origami, pressing flowers, adult coloring books (@cabin7originals and @liamwesleygoodman), knitting, crochet and pot-tery
mahmut@elevatedsolutionllc.com / dishant@elevatedso lutionllc.com / guillermo@elevatedsolutionllc.com
One of the most tried-and-true celebratory stoner traditions is something we’re calling “infused movie night.” With the infamous “Reefer Madness” premiering nearly 90 years ago, I wanted to revisit the stoned cinema with some updated tips for 2026. As a seasoned plant lover, I think the most important thing when hosting fellow Cannabis consumers for any celebration is a sense of intention. While any typical Tuesday can feel like a movie after a few special tokes, hosting friends for a more elevated experience is worth the time and effort putting in those finishing touches.
Lights Light Up
Camera
The Leaf Guide to a Stoned-at-Home Movie Night
I ALWAYS RECOMMEND having a dedicated stash spot. Be it a bar cart, a nice enamel tray, like a Blazy Susan, or just a table set to the side, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is spills and splashes.
From there, the next thing to consider is snackage, from your favorite uninfused bites to edibles and homemade baked goods, dosing has to be kept top of mind.
It can be all too easy to chow down one too many times over the course of a movie, and suddenly the final-act surprise becomes a terror-inducing twist for a friend who did not realize they were well past their ideal dose on their third brownie. Or they slumped over, snoring because the marinara was too potent.
That is why dosing is the number one thing to consider. Edibles that come with multiple potency points, like Space Poppers, reviewed last month, are perfect for consumers of all tolerance levels to lock in at a level they’re comfortable with.
As Ina Garten says, “store-bought is fine.” But for the homemade route, there are several infused pantry staples on the market that make DIY edibles easy. Whatever your approach, having a clear recipe and dosing plan is paramount.
To guide dosing, I have been loving the book “How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time” by Vanessa Lavorato. Combining her background on “Bong Appétit” with an impressive volume of lab testing, Lavorato delivers sciencebacked recipes that have more dialed-in dosing guidelines for those dining and cooking.
Maine Trees Lobster OG & “The Lobster” (2015) Felas NYC Haze & “How High” (2001)
This bizarre black comedy is a bit of a head game. Expect more introverted introspection and a slightly gobsmacked response compared to a more laugh-out-loud comedy. Lobster OG is the perfect strain pairing, not only for the pun, but because of how it will have you laid-back with a deeply sedating and cerebral high that mirrors the film’s strange, detached tone — almost like life as a crustacean.
This is a raunchier film by 2026 standards, but what do you expect when Redman and Method Man make their on-screen debut in one of the most iconic Cannabis buddy comedies? If you haven’t seen this one before, head off to college and expect to recognize more than a few jokes. NYC Haze will take you right back to the early 2000s with its citrus-rich aroma that gushes notes of Tropicana OJ. While it won’t have you speaking to ghosts, the uplifting limonene-filled strain may have you laughing out loud at even the most eyebrow-raising jokes.
She also provides simple infusion techniques for newer at-home edibles chefs.
Another easy approach to measured consumption is to use an infused tincture or drink mixer, allowing you and your guests to dial in their dosage or pass altogether. I keep a bottle of 1906’s THC-infused Spirits on hand — the neutral flavor and 10-milligram dose allow me to quickly enhance any drink to complement whatever is on screen. Infusion method is an important factor, and another reason I turn to the 1906 drink. It is incredibly fast-acting, meaning no one spends the raucous first act waiting for their edible to hit.
Beverages also solve a common problem: coughing over a punchline. While I love a bong or blunt as much as anyone, especially with less seasoned consumers, you will spend as much time pausing and rewinding as seshing with this method. If flower is an important part of your celebration, consider a dry herb vaporizer.
I like Storz & Bickel’s hand-held Venty for personal use and the iconic Volcano to satisfy a whole party without derailing the viewing experience.
This brings us to cultivar selection: Consider what you’re smoking. If you’re settling in for a movie marathon or multihour binge, some strains may be more of an energy boost than you’re looking for. Likewise, if the movie marathon is also a fright fest, some more potent strains might have you jumping at the shadows later.
Major Headband & “Yellow Submarine” (1968)
Enjoy over-the-top psychedelic visuals combined with a soundtrack that reminds you why The Beatles’ legacy is so enduring. You can get up and dance to this movie, or sit back and soak in the lusciously layered animated imagery, reveling in the handcrafted details of this cacophonous, kaleidoscopic visual experience. Headband from Major in New York, a cross of OG Kush and Sour Diesel, is the perfect counterpart. You could have enough energy to sing along and even discover that this gorgeous grow is more than potent enough to immerse you in the battle against the Blue Meanies.
Simply Spring
These Cannabis-infused recipes are all about keeping things fresh, simple and seasonal. Each dish stands on its own, built around straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, with a light infusion of Strawberry Gelato, a Pruf Cultivar indica-dominant hybrid. I made these recipes for a candlelight dinner on our floating home’s deck. Everyone enjoyed it, and no one fell in the river!
CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
Makes four servings
1 1/4 pounds asparagus, rinsed, tough stems removed, cut into pieces
Makes four servings
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
4 teaspoons canna-oil
2 teaspoons coconut palm sugar
1 serrano chili, seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, cleaned, cooked
2 medium green papayas, peeled, sliced or cubed
2 carrots, shredded
8 fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup cilantro
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, canna-oil, sugar, onion, chili and garlic.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine the shrimp, papayas and carrots.
Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss well to combine.
3. Garnish with mint, cilantro and peanuts before serving.
3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
2 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons canna-butter or oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced leeks, divided 2/3 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest Salt and white pepper to taste
1. In a medium pot, combine the asparagus and stock. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
2. In a medium skillet, heat the butter and canna-butter over mediumlow heat. Add garlic and 1 cup of the leeks, and saute for 7-9 minutes, until tender
3. Add the leeks and half-and-half to the soup, and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Return the unwashed skillet to medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the remaining 1⁄2 cup of leeks and cook until golden brown and crisp, 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the leeks to a clean towel to drain.
5. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Or, if you have an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot.
6. Return the blended soup to the pot, and rewarm it over mediumlow heat.
7. Garnish the soup with lemon zest and frizzled leeks, and season with salt and pepper before serving.
BRUSCHETTA WITH RICOTTA AND PEAS
Makes four servings
8 slices peasant bread, lightly toasted
4 teaspoons canna-olive oil
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped scallions
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
1. Drizzle or brush the toasted bread with the canna-olive oil, using half a teaspoon per slice.
2. Spread 2 tablespoons of ricotta on each slice.
3. In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the scallions, and saute for 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the peas, and saute until soft and no longer vibrant green, 3-4 minutes.
5. Divide peas among the bread slices.
6. Drizzle each slice with 1 teaspoon of the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP
BRUSCHETTA WITH RICOTTA AND PEAS
THAI SHRIMP SALAD
Check out this month’s roundup of books that pair well with taking a few puffs and the path less traveled. Let’s hit the road, readers!
the last season
by Eric Blehm @ericblehmofficial
STEP RIGHT INTO the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, but with a dark twist in this gripping true story. “The Last Season” follows backcountry ranger Randy Morgenson, infamous for his ability to locate lost hikers, until he becomes one himself. Equal parts adventure biography and true-crime-esque mystery, this Outdoor Book Award winner pulls you deep into the solitude of nature and keeps you questioning what really happened to Morgenson out there.
high infatuation
by Steph Davis @highsteph
RAW AND REFLECTIVE self-proclaimed “dirtbag climber” Steph Davis shares the highs and lows (literally) of a life lived on the edge. Through a collection of essays and poems, she explores hard-earned lessons in solitude, ambition and resilience shaped by her experience as a professional athlete. You’ll be hanging on every word as Davis takes you from a single-day ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan to weeks spent waiting out storms in a tent in the mountains of Patagonia.
a walk in the woods
by Bill Bryson @billbryson8394
PART TRAVEL MEMOIR, part laughout-loud adventure, this New York Times bestseller follows Bill Bryson on his 2,100mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. From unexpected wildlife encounters to hilariously unqualified travel companions, his sharp humor keeps the trek light and endlessly entertaining. Woven throughout his trail tales are thoughtful reflections on the importance of preserving America’s wilderness, helping you meditate on what it really means to get lost in the wild.
forage. gather. feast. by
Maria Finn @maria_finn1
IF YOU LIKE getting adventurous in the kitchen, this cookbook is for you. With over 100 recipes built around foraged ingredients, Maria Finn makes it easy to turn a walk in the woods (or even your own backyard) into your next home-cooked meal. Rooted in fresh West Coast flavors and seasonal simplicity, some standout recipes include the Pine Scones with Huckleberries, Rose Hip and Apple Jam and Campfire Porcini Risotto (yum).
TRILOGY WELLNESS
HOW CANNABIS INSPIRES ART
RUGSODA NICK FERRARA
Nick Ferrara only started his career as RUGSODA six years ago after discovering a YouTube tutorial on how to create custom rugs with a tufting gun. He has since built a portfolio that has drawn the attention of millions of online viewers, as well as names like Converse, Warner Brothers, Complex, Welch’s, Market and The Wall Street Journal.
BUILDING ON his success with flat rugs, Ferrara’s creativity expanded into the third dimension with bags shaped like dice, spray cans and miniature dumpsters. Recently, he entered a new space by designing and producing his first vinyl figure.
This leap into limited-edition accessories, especially his controversial workboot-inspired Boot Bag release, propelled his work to go viral. The exposure drew attention from brands like Zig Zag, who then commissioned Ferrara to create a custom bag for an online giveaway.
The name RUGSODA is something Ferrara said came to his mind randomly while thinking of things he loves. He’s even released a line of custom socks that come packed inside soda cans. When asked how Cannabis has influenced his artistic process, Ferrara explained that weaving together fashion, art and Cannabis feels natural, given that he’s been smoking weed since high school.
“Weed’s inspired many of my past projects, like the giant nug rug I made for PAX, my joint pillows or the ashtray full of blunts rug,” Ferrara said. Back in his studio in Florida, Ferrara is listening to “Teacups and Kettles” from BBY Goyard’s “4thwall Pt. 2” on repeat while sketching out new designs. For more, though, the RUGSODA website has a radio link that drops you deeper into Ferrara’s inner soundtrack. He showed me the Zig Zag collaboration, and I asked what it felt like to work on a project like this.
“You never really know where art will take you,” Ferrara remarked. “It’s wild that when I was 17, I
was arrested for hotboxing my car. Now, I’m 27, and weed brands reach out to me for collaborations.”
So, what’s the next big drop for RUGSODA? Ferrara said he couldn’t reveal any details just yet, but confirmed his direction.
“I guarantee weed will continue to inspire many more projects of mine in the future,” Ferrara concluded.
NICK WITH RUGS
“IT’S WILD THAT WHEN I WAS 17, I WAS ARRESTED FOR HOTBOXING MY CAR. NOW, I’M 27, AND WEED BRANDS REACH OUT TO ME FOR COLLABORATIONS.”
Convenience meets quality
