CUSHWA BREWING COMPANY DENSE FOG
DOUBLE NEW ENGLAND IPA PAIRED WITH BL^CK MRKT NO MAS FLOWER
THEARTAND
FOODPAIRINGSCIENCEOFCANNABIS,
&BEVERAGES
September 1 – October 17,
Club SunMed x Belushi’s Farm is giving away:
2 Tickets to Ravens vs. Bears (10/26)
VIP TailGOAT Access with Jim Belushi
On-stage experience during the event
Low-key delightful.
THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
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We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please
ABOUT THE COVER
Cushwa Brewing Company in Williamsport welcomed us into their taproom with open arms! It's crazy to think back to the days when you'd have to hide your Cannabis at all costs, considering how we busted it out in the middle of an open brewery/ restaurant for our cover shoot. Hundreds of cans waiting to be filled spoke to us as the perfect background for a beer and Cannabis pairing. Huge shoutout to Jeremiah and the team at Cushwa for being so accommodating and open to our ideas, and to Shannon for the beautiful cover photo!
PHOTO BY SHANNON SWEENEY
@THESTONEDSOMMELIER | THESTONEDSOMMELIER.COM
Editor’s Note WES ABNEY
Thanks for picking up The Tannins & Terpenes Issue of the Leaf!
This month’s focus is on the dynamic and experiential bliss that comes from pairing Cannabis with delicious drinkables, as our dedicated writers sipped and savored to bring the freshest heat for your reading pleasure.
The Tannins & Terpenes Issue has been an annual tradition since 2011, when the idea of pairing wine and weed together was edgy and illegal. Back when Cannabis was marijuana, and having a few grams of the sticky icky could cost time in a real jail cell, the Leaf set out to pair flavors and break down barriers.
WES ABNEY, FEATURES
ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES
JORDAN BADRAN, PHOTOS
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
JACKIE BRYANT, FEATURES
JEFF DIMARCO, PHOTOS
DAVID DOWNS, FEATURES
WYATT EARLY, FEATURES
HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
ELLEN HOLLAND, FEATURES
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES
DANSTAN KAUNDA, PHOTOS
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES
SHARDELL MONIQUE, PHOTOS
JOSH STIFLER, PHOTOS
Exclusive Cannabis Journalism CONTRIBUTORS
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
SHANNON SWEENEY, FEATURES + PHOTOS BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
Email wyatt@leafmagazines.com to start advertising with Maryland Leaf!
CONNECT WITH MARYLAND LEAF
In pre-legalization, early medical days, the science of Cannabis was still in the stoned ages. The concept of strains was not yet cultural knowledge, and most people thought of pot as pot. Among the maturing medical Cannabis scene, the concept of strains, terpenes and flavor profiles was sprouting, thanks to deli-style sales where patients could smell flower before buying, leading to awareness of the beautiful and varying flavor profiles in the plant.
At the time of our first pairings, testing for THC and potency did not yet exist, so all Cannabis in medical shops was judged on a combination of smell, looks and effects. No high-THC-chasing bullshit clouded the growing or buying process. In many ways, the early medical days were the purest when purchasing Cannabis. The focus was on personal experience, flavors and effects, with a spirit of healing and gratitude for the plant that was emerging from the closet of criminalization.
"IN PRELEGALIZATION, EARLY MEDICAL DAYS, THE SCIENCE OF CANNABIS WAS STILL IN THE STONED AGES. THE CONCEPT OF STRAINS WAS NOT YET CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE, AND MOST PEOPLE THOUGHT OF POT AS POT. ”
To honor these flavors, we launched The Tannins & Terpenes Issue. The idea was to highlight Cannabis varieties alongside wine, which is culturally known to have wide differences in flavors, styles and even effects. We needed to transform the vision of weed as a singular plant to that of wine, in that it all comes from grapes, but the results are based on the cultivar, cultivation method, region and how the grapes are processed into a final wine. For growers, this should sound familiar.
Over the decade-plus of this project, I’ve worked with sommeliers who can blind sip a wine and name the style, region and production methods that led to the bottle’s bombastic flavor. I’ve seen the same evolution with Cannabis, which today is known for thousands of strains and crosses, all with unique flavor profiles and highs for every occasion.
Whether you sip and savor a glass of wine with your favorite flower or are California sober like me (skipping the booze) and prefer to pair heady hash with classic sodas, you’re in for an equally invigorating and tasteful experience. No matter how you pair weed with your favorite drink, one thing is certain: you won’t have cotton mouth!
TABITHA MARIE JONES
TABITHA MARIE JONES has been in the Cannabis industry for two years and has seen major changes in that short time. Having started in a medical-only industry, the customer flow has increased significantly, and there is a wider range of customers with different needs compared to when she began. She uses her big personality to make people feel comfortable in a rapidly changing environment. Check out her podcast, “The Ghouls Room,” and be on the lookout for books she is writing.
YOU’RE A WRITER, SO ARE YOU A BIG READER TOO? Yes, I read and write a lot. One of the first books that I ever put my hands on was Stephen King’s “It.” My father bet me that I wasn’t going to be able to finish it in a day, and I did. It’s over 1,000 pages, and the hundred-dollar incentive he gave me to do it was all I needed. That book molded my interest in literature and movies, and the writing itself made me curious to try writing myself.
WHAT GETS YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING? I listen to a lot of music, which is what really guided me to first start writing. I also felt inspired by Robert J. Crane’s “Girl in the Box” series. After reading it, I felt a certain flow that I had never experienced before when writing, and I wrote a prologue during my 30-minute work break.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PODCAST. It's called “The Ghouls Room,” and we break down horror movies, recapping and critiquing them while joking and laughing. Me and my best friend, Candace, will watch movies together and then record the podcast, ranking them and discussing our favorite kill in the movie. We have a ton of criteria we break down for what makes a movie good or bad in our opinions.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MOVIE? “Crooklyn,” which is a Spike Lee film about a mom raising her five kids in the hood, and, honestly, that's my mom. I’m the youngest of five siblings, so that movie always stuck to my bones and hit deep.
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT STARTING A CANNABIS BOOK CLUB? I would definitely love to start a Cannabis book club, as long as I was the one picking the books for everyone to read. I feel like a lot of people sleep on Stephen King because his books are so long. Once you get into it and pick up on the flow of his writing, a lot of people’s minds would be changed.
“I LIKE TO SMOKE SOME CANNABIS BEFORE I START WRITING BECAUSE IT HAS HAD A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON MY CREATIVITY.”
DOES YOUR WRITING INVOLVE CANNABIS, AND DOES CANNABIS HELP YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS? Cannabis is going to be in my books for sure, as it’s always been such a big part of my life. I like to smoke some Cannabis before I start writing because it has had a positive influence on my creativity. Cannabis really influences all areas of my life in a positive way, so whenever I can build it into the process, I do.
WHAT READING MATERIAL DO YOU GO TO FOR LEARNING NEW THINGS ABOUT THE PLANT? I watch a ton of different Cannabis podcasts and rely on getting information from people around me as much as possible. I have some friends in the industry in Arizona, and we communicate and learn from each other. I still learn things every day in this industry, and being here at The Living Room is a great place to pick up on knowledge.
Follow Tabitha on Instagram @tabbtasticc and @theghoulsroom_mlw
GROW WEST GROW WEST
SETTING AND VIBE
Combining the feeling of a hometown dispensary with that of a newly constructed store isn’t easy, but Grow West has the best of both worlds in one. Comfortable couches line the wall of the dispensary room alongside the Grow West bear decked out in vendor merchandise. There are two active drive-thru lines, which operate like a Chick-fil-A with employees coming out to your car and handing you the product. The shop even takes phone orders to make the purchasing process easier and more customer-friendly. The new Grow West building used to be a bar, and we can all get behind a bar being demolished and turned into a dispensary.
FLOWER
The menu is loaded with strains from all of Maryland’s top growers, accommodating the needs of just about any sought-after terpene profile you can imagine. Grow West had over 100 unique flower offerings during my visit, and the menu seems to stay around that impressive number. Of course, you can expect one of the best Grow West flower menus in the state, considering the dispensary’s proximity to its Cumberland grow facility. I have found that this leads to fresher flower with that perfect level of moisture content.
CONCENTRATES
A river of live concentrate products flows through this menu, including live badders, budders, diamonds, sauce and rosin. I was excited to see Evermore’s Z1.0 live rosin on the menu, which boasts a blend of candy-like terpenes mixed with a gassy undertone. This is a family-owned business that treats its customers as such and understands the importance of maintaining a thoughtful menu that caters to everyone who comes into the store.
EDIBLES
With more than 90 edible offerings on the menu during my visit, I was impressed with the variety of flavors and cannabinoid ratios available at this store. As we dive deeper into our relationship with Cannabis, it’s extremely important to hone the ratio that resonates with us. Grow West recently came out with its “Suckers” line, which is essentially a lollipop without the stick. This product takes me back to the OG days of trying edibles for the first time, but with a modern twist to make the experience one to remember.
THE NEW GROW WEST BUILDING USED TO BE A BAR, AND WE CAN ALL GET BEHIND A BAR BEING DEMOLISHED AND TURNED INTO A DISPENSARY.
REVIEW ED: GROW WEST
MEMBER BERRY FLOWER
These bright orange, trichomedusted nugs have that cheesy aroma and appearance.
Skunkberry and Mandarin Sunset are the two strains that came together to create Member Berry, producing a sweet berry aroma. On the exhale, citrusy notes of tangerine are accompanied by grapes and stone fruit. This strain is a blend of fruity goodness, and it gave me a blissful, hazy high that started in my head and worked its way down to the rest of my body.
JOHNNY BOYKIN
Sitting in a recording session with Johnny Boykin, his work ethic and attention to detail show he’s no amateur in a vocal booth. Part of what keeps the artistic grind refreshing for the 30-year-old with each new project, he said, is the renewed challenge of staying in the present. “There’s a balance between being complacent and being confident to say that a project is finished and ready to go,” he said, adding that his last project is what he feels finally represents him artistically up to this point. “It was the first project I’ve done
that I felt was like, I’d hand it to Jay-Z myself and say, ‘You need to hear this.’”
RAISED IN ROCKVILLE, the path to being an artist was easy for Johnny to follow with his mother and grandmother both being performing musicians, in addition to his father also being involved in the industry. With his mother overseeing the church choir, Johnny said he was put “front and center” to grow and showcase his abilities when he joined. He said by the time he got to high school, he was well-prepared to be a performing artist.
From there, Johnny began writing and producing his own music and traced his first few releases back to the days of MySpace. Normally, when he’s writing, a lot of what he puts to tape comes from freestyling and piecing things together, but occasionally he’ll write a few bars to start with and let the vibe of the song take over.
Since his first project dropped, however, he said it took him a while to settle on an artist name. After a long time of going by “1,000 different names,” he settled on Epifani, with some knowing him by the shortened name, Piff.
Outside of Maryland, Johnny has performed up and down the East Coast in addition to playing a set at SXSW in Austin, Texas. He’s also made multiple trips out to California to record and perform, explaining that these trips helped guide him and inspired him to grow his following back home before tapping into a wider audience. “I feel like it’s important to be a staple from where I’m from first,” he said.
When he’s not performing, Johnny keeps himself occupied with some of his other interests, like fashion. He has designed merchandise for his own projects and his label, 3500 World, and said his passion to couple fashion and music came from growing up and being captivated by artists who had similar interests, like Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.
“Mytoleranceishigh, soIneedastrongstrain. Iknowsomepeoplecan’t handleastrongindica. Ismokethroughsome indica,andI’mreadytogo foranothersession.”
The name, he said, is inspired by his spurof-the-moment creativity, with the name coming to him in the moment like most of his lyrics. He also said the name is partly inspired by the T-Pain album, “Epiphany.” “I played the hell out of that album for so long, that name never left my mind,” he said. “I didn’t want a dictionary name as my stage name, so I swagged it out.”
“It’s very much what I grew up on,” Johnny said, pointing to tattoos on his arms of N.E.R.D. and Billionaire Boys Club logos. “That ’06 to ’09 era was really what soaked me up when it comes to music.”
Not long after becoming enamored with music and fashion, Johnny also discovered something that would become essential to his well-being: Cannabis. After carrying some curiosity about it after being warned not to try it, he decided to smoke with some friends in his sophomore year of high school. Since then, it has become a part of his day-to-day routine, so much so that he got a job as a budtender at the beginning of the year.
“Cannabis goes hand in hand with my lifestyle,” he said, adding that he recently got his medical certification so he can try different dosages and products. “I’m always smoking a joint — whether it’s writing a song, working on a design, it’s part of the experience. I’m a stoner, there’s no way I wouldn’t come to the studio without weed.”
Despite being a dedicated flower smoker, Johnny said he does like to infuse his joints with a concentrate. In terms of a preference, strong indica strains are what he reaches for, adding that even with an indica strain’s relaxing qualities, he never feels himself slowing down.
“My tolerance is high, so I need a strong strain. I know some people can’t handle a strong indica. I smoke through some indica, and I’m ready to go for another session,” he said.
With new music currently being mixed and a new personal clothing line in its sample phase, Johnny’s not afraid to show how confident he is in what he’s been cooking up to drop this year.
Johnny humbly acknowledges that with everything he has going on, the success of those projects will come in their own time.
“Patience is a virtue,” he said while reflecting on what this journey has taught him.
“I thought I was going to be in a house on the hills at 25, so what I took from that was nothing will come in your time. But the more you work towards something, the closer you’ll get to it.”
@PIFF3500
@3500WORLD
DIAMONDS AND SAUCE MARSHMALLOW OG
DIAMONDS AND SAUCE
THE DIAMONDS are the crystallized version of THCA, while the sauce is a very terpene-rich liquid resin, and together they make for an exquisitely potent and flavorful concentrate experience. The Melting Point Extracts crew are masters of this process, and when they decided to put their standard operating procedures to work on the candy-like, mellow-feeling Marshmallow OG, I knew we would have to get some.
Before I gush too much on the sublime flavor of this dab, I must address the powerful medicinal effects that this cultivar and product class offer.
With such robust terpene profiles combined with the potency of crystallized THC, this product is especially beneficial to high-needs and high-tolerance folks alike.
THE DOMINATING EFFECTS OF LIMONENE ENSURE THAT THE HIGH IS AS EUPHORIC AS IT IS POTENT, WHILE THE FOLLOWUP TEMPER SUGGESTS A MELLOW BUT NOT COUCH-LOCKING HIGH.
Melting Point Extracts is a known force in the concentrate game, and this month, we caught them flexing with this potent Marshmallow OG diamonds and sauce. Now, I love some diamonds and sauce products, but for those of you who haven’t experienced this top-tier product, I will break it down for you.
The dominating effects of limonene ensure that the high is as euphoric as it is potent, while the follow-up temper suggests a mellow but not couch-locking high. It’s an excellent daily driver, regardless of need or tolerance.
But beyond the absolutely amazing efficacy of the dab is the truly delicious candy-like dab. I am a lover of sweet varieties, and Marshmallow OG has a storied reputation for being a sugary sweet flavor profile that translates well to the concentrated form.
A lot of selection goes into a processing operation because of the old “fire in, fire out” mantra, and just because a flower smokes well, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will extract well.
The fine folks of MPX surely know what they are doing, both in the choosing and the making.
6328 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228
+1 (443) 840-8287
$23 District Cannabis (1/8oz) Flower
$6 District Cannabis (2x.5g) Prerolls
$20 District Cannabis (5x.5g) Prerolls Packs
$14 District Cannabis (.5g) Distillate Vapes
$30 District Cannabis (1g) Distillate Vapes
$12 Wyld (100mg) Gummies
THE SMELL TEST
What the minimization of weed’s sensory experience means for Cannabis consumers and the industry at large
The smell of Cannabis has never been neutral. It was once an unmistakable warning sign, drawing the attention of police or neighbors and making consumption a risk. At the same time, that skunky punch was a signal to the initiated, a kind of social bat signal that weed was near. To this day, smell remains one of the most recognizable parts of the Cannabis experience. And yet, in the supposed era of normalization, it is being targeted in ways that reveal how little has actually changed.
Scent, especially, is under pressure. Products are marketed as being low-odor, discreet and “lifestyle-friendly.”
Vaporizers, edibles and tinctures avoid the smell altogether.
Even flower, the most aromatic format, is increasingly sealed inside multiple layers of plastic and cardboard designed as much to mute odor as to comply with regulations. The message is clear: Weed should be consumed politely behind closed doors without notice.
But scent is not a superficial detail. It is memory, emotion and culture. Consider how fragrance is utilized in other industries. Perfume houses build entire empires on the power of scent. Food is unimaginable without aroma. Coffee, wine and whiskey all rely on deeply developed vocabularies to describe their smells, which in turn are celebrated as central to the experience. Cannabis has its own lexicon — skunk, gas, fruit, pine — and those descriptors connect directly to how the plant feels, grows and works in the body.
"The smell of Cannabis can be a comfort, a warning or a reminder of history. It is never neutral."
IN RECENT YEARS, “nuisance” complaints have become a primary tool in policing Cannabis. Homeowners associations enact weed bans under the cover of neighborhood decorum. Cities pass odor ordinances that treat the plant as if it were toxic waste. These rules may not look like Prohibition, but they carry its spirit forward. They rely on the idea that Cannabis should stay hidden.
Simultaneously, the legal industry has found its way of downplaying Cannabis’ sensory presence. Packaging has become sleeker, quieter and more “design-forward.” In California, to give just one example, you can’t even smell the buds before you buy them. Talk about antithetical to the spirit of things.
The idea is to make Cannabis products resemble skin care, matcha or boutique supplements — anything but weed. Of course, there are arguments in favor of this strategy: a wider audience, less stigma and easier retail placement. But the result is a flattening of the culture and enthusiasm that allowed Cannabis to become semi-legal at all, that ushered in a subculture. The unruly qualities that made it distinct — its funk, visibility and reputation as a disruptor — are now subdued, disguised or stripped out entirely.
There’s also a political truth to odor. It has long been used to criminalize. Police officers regularly cite smell as probable cause. Landlords use it as justification for eviction. Municipalities treat it as a public health hazard, despite lacking evidence to support claims. When brands or consumers lean into the idea that weed’s smell is something to hide, they reinforce those structures, whether intentionally or not.
At the same time, there is something deeply human in the way Cannabis odor has historically built community. People remember catching whiffs at concerts, in college dorms or on city streets and feeling both curiosity and recognition. Scent draws lines, sometimes between safety and danger, but also between inclusion and exclusion, familiarity and fear. The smell of Cannabis can be a comfort, a warning or a reminder of history. It is never neutral.
What we’re witnessing now is a reshaping of weed shame into something softer, but no less real. It is not the blunt force of Prohibition, with raids and arrests, although those still occur in many places. It is the pressure to assimilate. To keep Cannabis presentable, muted and palatable enough to pass in spaces that still don’t accept it fully. More polite does not mean more freedom. If normalization is going to mean anything beyond market growth, the sensory reality of Cannabis has to be included. It is integral to the plant’s identity, science and culture. To deny that is to deny the very thing that made Cannabis powerful in the first place: its ability to announce itself, unapologetically, to the world.
HETTI & TOOBES
Nine years ago, Aaron Guffey had a dream, so he went out and created it himself. This is Hetti and Toobes, located in the Greektown neighborhood of Baltimore, and it’s a staple of the local glass community. Wizard Missile, as he’s known in the glass world, was determined to create a collaborative space where like-minded people could come together to make art. His need for a 24-hour space drove him to create, fund, run and (to this day) keep inspirational energies flowing through Hetti and Toobes. This art space has offered many amazing classes hosted by worldrenowned artists, including Kevin Nail, JDZ, Matt Eskuche, Sally Prasch and more. Lately, Aaron has been focused on creating a slightly more formal setting where education is the focus and more people can experience the art o f glass blowing.
THE STORY starts before all of this, though. In 2013, Aaron started on a Hot Head torch in the hopes of encouraging his brother to check out other mediums. But once he got on the torch, he was all in. In the spring of 2014, he got his education at the Penland School of Craft, where he spent one week and was blessed with the magical presence of generations of artists finding their flames and following their dreams. His personal highlight is, of course, getting to learn from the esteemed Prasch.
“I absolutely lost my mind and came back, and I started selling tie-dye shirts, bike parts, anything I could get together to get a kiln and start blowing glass full time,” Aaron said.
Within two years, he started the studio, where it sits today, full of energy, all these years later. It’s a testament to the community and artisans that places like this still exist. I think that collectives like these are
the string that ties it all together for the generations to come. The roll call would be too long if I listed everyone who has had a space or taught a class at this creative space, but here is the current roster: @budderglass, @crunchglass, @cristobreaksglass, @rl.dots, @wizardmissile, @chun1glassfun and @jwindyglassart.
An emphasis on unity, family and bringing like-minded people together is what makes Hetti and Toobes an art space where people can share time and energy daily with a focus on overall harmony.
If you’re ever in the area, contact Hetti and Toobes to see if they have time available for a viewing. If you want to see this amazing art form from the inside, try out one of their wonderful classes.
These classes range from $50 to $200, are held on the first Sunday and last Friday of each month, and always have a spot for everyone.
The focus on unity, family and bringing likeminded people together is what makes Hetti and Toobes into an art space where people can share time and energy on a daily basis with a focus on overall harmony.
Pipe by Crunch
Cristo
Budder Glass
Wizard Missle
Crunch on the torch
AMORP SYMPHONY
HOUS
Kensington, Pennsylvania, a place that has become a Philadelphia art haven, is where this artist’s journey began. It was a typical hot, humid summer, but this particular evening would include a small thunderstorm while another large spark was happening below. It was July 26, 2017, and Amorphous Symphony was born into the world of glass art. A few of Brandon Spencer’s friends saw his interest piquing, and they decided to enable him to follow his inspiration by renting him space at their glass studio. Since that point in the timeline, Brandon’s switch has always been in the “on” position.
At the 2025 Mini Masters Champs Glass Games in Las Vegas, Brandon took home 1st place in the Expanding Consciousness category for his “Shivasaurus.”
ANOTHER THING BRANDON travel. He’s not constantly on the road, but when he is, you can guarantee he’s making solid connections with people and enjoying all the culture he can find. Speaking of traveling, Brandon recently won first place at the 2025 Mini Masters Champs Glass Games in Las Vegas for his sculpture, “Shivasaurus,” in the Expanding Consciousness category. Artists were limited to a 4-by-4-inch box of prep material and only six hours to complete the project.
I CAN’T
Massachusetts, Rip Tide in Belfast, Maine, and Beaufort Glass Art Gallery in Beaufort, South Carolina. A U.K. Dino drop and a few more openings will be posted on his social media, so stay tuned.
Amorphous Symphony continues to push the boundaries of borosilicate art.
a few years ago, and his kind demeanor and obvious dedication to the craft set him apart from a lot of the artists that were coming on the scene at that time. I would see this kid call it a night when the party was just getting started.
He knew he needed to be well-rested to perform his best every day. Now, to be clear, there have been nights when I’ve watched the sunrise on a New Jersey shore with him and an amazing group of people.
But most nights, he’s focusing on his art and what goes into it, whether it’s learning new techniques or collaborating with some of the world’s most renowned artists.
Amorphous Symphony continues to push the boundaries of borosilicate art.
When Brandon isn’t on the torch, you’ll find him hanging out with his girlfriend and dogs, watching anime or playing video games.
Fade Co. is coming in hot with a new limitededition Holy Grail strain product line. Each eighth is in a jar that is packed in a little Air Force One-like shoebox for some ’90s nostalgia, and it also comes with a glass filter tip and a pack of Elements papers.
THIS MONTH'S SELECTION is a super sparkly White Wedding cultivar that packs a daring amount of THC into every puff. White Wedding has a gigantic 32.5% THC, hardwiring the phytochemical experience into one streamlined for potency.
For those individuals with high tolerances and/or chronic medical needs, White Wedding offers the potency you need to hit those endocannabinoid receptors in just the right way.
The White Wedding terpene profile consists of a classic limonenedominant “indica” effect with your standard dose of caryophyllene, myrcene and a slight linalool tail. This is also known as your classic pain reliever profile, but when coupled with such a large percentage of THC, it becomes an exponentially more effective profile. Additionally, people with chronic medical needs require as much bang for their buck as possible, and Fade Co. is building a reputation for providing that exact potent bang that is also sought out by old heads and high-tolerance individuals.
You can tell by the bud’s dense trichome structure and compact colas that Fade Co. puts their money's worth into their products. A company that puts the time, money and energy into producing the potency the market craves is still a task I stand in awe of. It wasn’t long ago that we as an industry were outlawed, and Fade Co.’s White Wedding is a shining monument of potency that helps fortify a market that was fought so hard for. If you are a chronic-needs user, then Fade Co.’s White Wedding is the toke that will get you through the day.
"WHITE WEDDING OFFERS THE POTENCY YOU NEED TO HIT THOSE ENDOCANNABINOID RECEPTORS IN JUST THE RIGHT WAY."
THEFADECOMPANY.COM | @FADECO2.0
SNIFFING OUT SOLUTIONS TO FIND TRUTH IN TERPS POTENCY PROBLEM
HIGH STAKES AND NUMBERS
It’s no secret that potency drives the Cannabis market, even though patients and producers alike have been screaming about the plant’s many other beneficial compounds, like terpenes, for 10-plus years. This trend — driven by a lack of general consumer education and a viciously volatile market where producers are forced to compete at all costs — has snowballed into a situation where it seems no side is winning.
Breeders and growers are discarding unique profiles in favor of culling cultivars that produce potency. Shops are stuck with stale shelves that won’t sell. Consumers are paying premiums for results they can’t trust and, more importantly, missing out on a pivotal part of the plant’s experience. Cannabis testing labs are at the forefront of this issue, stuck in the same cycle of survival where potency pays the bills.
To dive deeper into this problem, we sought the expertise of Taylor Pearce. He is currently the lab director at Green Leaf Lab (Sacramento), and he has a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and over 12 years of testing experience (spanning four companies) in Oregon, Arizona and California.
TESTING STANDARDS
Similar problems plague all of these markets. From California to Arkansas, class action lawsuits have been filed against brands and labs alike for inflated THC numbers.
In California, a 2022 independent study reported on by Cannabis Industry Journal showed that out of 150 products tested, 87% were greater than “10% deviant of their labeled values.”
Legalized states around the nation are facing the same story, with state reference laboratories continuing to find flaws in private-party potency results.
Pearce adds that testing standards lacking state-to-state fluidity and scientific language stunt the evolution of overall testing procedures, while market pressure pushes producers to “shop around” for labs more likely to inflate numbers. With such great variance from lab to lab Pearce adds that, “potency results vary so much, you can’t even rely on them.”
UNTAPPED TERPENE TREASURES
After years of what Pearce accurately calls “lukewarm public attention,” terpenes have failed to gain real traction among the masses as a marker, largely due to a lack of state-mandated testing and, therefore, consumer information. But these compounds offer a vibrant picture of aroma, flavor, effect and overall experience.
Terpene testing has caught on in multiple markets as a way for concentrates, in particular, to set themselves apart. But it’s up to brands to push the trend and labs to inform them of their testing options.
Pearce acknowledges that this has its own obstacles, like the same risk of percentage inflation and the limitations of the tests commonly requested. His proposed solution: relative abundance terpene testing.
A FULL FINGERPRINT
The relative abundance method doesn’t focus on exact percentages of top terpenes, but on whether a terpene is “present at statistically significant levels.” This provides a much deeper look at a profile’s unique “fingerprint.”
In 2024, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission investigated seven of the state’s (then) 11 licensed testing labs for inflating THC results, citing three. One year later, the problem persisted. A 2025 report by the OLCC and the state’s Cannabis Reference Laboratory found that “third-party laboratory results were 13% higher” than CRL’s findings. For consumers, this is bad news. If the only metric the masses rely on is unreliable, then what markers are actually meaningful?
“A 2022 independent study reported on by Cannabis Industry Journal showed that out of 150 products tested, 87% were greater than ‘10% deviant of their labeled values.’ ”
“I think the approach to terpene testing is wrong. We’re often asked to look for the top two or three terpenes, which generally results in the same ten or so common compounds across strains,” Pearce shared. “The more interesting question is: What is the full terpene fingerprint? That’s where you really start to see how two strains with similar THC can have such different effects.” If we can’t count on THC as consumers, a more comprehensive snapshot is necessary. The latest research points to the presence of nearly 120 terpenes in Cannabis. Limiting our understanding of a profile to THC and just two or three terpenes restricts our ability to wield its effects, whether you’re looking at this from a marketability or medical perspective.
GREEN LEAF LAB SACRAMENTO DIRECTOR TAYLOR PEARCE
flavor savor
JUDGING FLOWERS BY THEIR FLAVORS (AND TERPS) AT THE LEAF BOWL
Since we launched the Leaf Bowl competitionsinlate2021,the Leafstaffallagreedthatweneeded tomovebeyondthethreetraditional flowercategoriesofIndica,Sativaand Hybrid.Somuchprogresshadbeen madeinunderstandingthenumerous terpenesandothercompoundsthat giveCannabiscultivarstheirdistinctive aromas and flavors that those old classifications had become outdated for judgingpurposes.Andso,wecreated ourownflowercategories based on flavorprofiles.
BUT SOON AFTER, while judging hydrocarbon concentrates for the Emerald Cup, I learned about the terpene classification system developed by PhytoFacts and SC Labs. And while the categories we came up with were very similar, their categories were based on a detailed analysis of thousands of different strain samples. So last year, with SC Labs’ blessing, we adopted their data-driven classifications as the official flower categories of the Leaf Bowl, with the addition of two of our own nonterpenebased groupings: CBD and Open Category. Ideally, all flower samples should be entered into the flavor category that best fits their terpene profile. That way, our judges can rate each entry against other entries with similar characteristics. For anyone hoping to enter or judge the Leaf Bowl next year and beyond, here is a brief overview of our flower classifications...
SPECIAL THANKS TO PHYTOFACTS AND SC LABS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING WORK IN DEVELOPING THESE PROFILES AND ALLOWING US TO UTILIZE THEM FOR OUR COMPETITION.
Flavor/Aroma: Orange, Tangerine
Typical Cultivars: Tangie, Mimosa, Forbidden Fruit // The most recent addition to their classification system, this category is based less on terpene dominance and more on the prevalence of an orangey-smelling compound dubbed “tropicanna sulfur,” which often overpowers the terpenes.
Flavor/Aroma: Piney, woodsy, fruity
Typical Cultivars: Jack Herer, Trainwreck, various Hazes // Most associated with what we’ve historically considered “sativas,” these cultivars are dominated mainly by a combination of myrcene, caryophyllene and terpinolene.
// Cultivars with unusual terpene combinations that don’t fit into any of the previously outlined categories, including those with high levels of less-common terps like ocimene, humulene or linalool, among others.
Flavor/Aroma: Spicy, sweet, doughy
Typical Cultivars: Girl Scout Cookies, various Cake and Gelato strains // Cultivars featuring a codominance of caryophyllene and limonene.
Flavor/Aroma:
Sweet, hoppy, herbaceous
Typical Cultivars: Blue Dream, Grandaddy Purp, Cherry AK // These cultivars exhibit high levels of myrcene, accompanied by secondary codominance of pinene and caryophyllene.
Flavor/Aroma: Varied
Typical Cultivars: Charlotte’s Web, Ringo’s Gift, Cannatonic // Strains of any flavor profile that have a significant percentage of CBD.
Flavor/Aroma: Sweet, gassy, peppery
Typical Cultivars: OG Kush, Chemdog, Sour Diesel // Closely related to Desserts, cultivars in this category also feature a codominance of caryophyllene and limonene, but with the addition of a heavy myrcene presence. Many strains in this classification also feature high levels of thiols, the compounds that give Cannabis its fuel-like aroma.
Flavor/Aroma:
Tropical fruit, flowers, herbs
Typical Cultivars: Hawaiian, In the Pines, most Pineapple strains // These cultivars have high levels of ocimene co-dominated by myrcene and/or caryophyllene.
// This is a catch-all category we created for competitors who don’t know which category their entry belongs in or who prefer to have their entry compete in a broader field rather than against similar strains.
Mimosa 1937 Farms
Jack Herer Curio Wellness
Blue Dream Sky High Gardens Flyin’ Hawaiian 1937 Farms
Gelato Cake District Cannabis Sour Diesel Sense Cannabis
Dutch Treat WoodWide
Blue Raspberry Icee Terp Mansion
Cannatonic x Ringo’s Gift Hogwash Pharms
CUSHWA BREWING COMPANY DENSE FOG DOUBLE
"... a pairing that is bold yet balanced, moving from juicy fruit to resinous depth ..." TANNINS
Cushwa Brewing Company in Williamsport has earned a reputation for bold hop-forward beers, and its Dense Fog Double New England IPA shows why. At 8.3% ABV and 65 IBU, it pours with the signature hazy body of an IPA, softening the intensity while delivering big flavor. Beer does not contain tannins in the same way that wine or tea does, but Dense Fog creates a similar drying effect through hop polyphenols and layered bitterness. The combination of Simcoe, Mosaic and Amarillo hops bursts with juicy mango and papaya on the first sip before shifting into pine and resin that coat the palate. The pillowy malt base cushions this bitterness, giving the beer balance and length. This structure works in the same way that tannins do in wine, adding depth, contrast and a finish that lingers.
TERPENES
On the Cannabis side, BL^CK MRKT’s No Mas flower delivers a terpene profile that feels just as multidimensional. Testing at 25% total active cannabinoids and 4% total terpenes, it is dominated by myrcene, which brings earthy depth along with subtle sweetness. Limonene contributes a sharp citrus lift, while linalool softens the edges with a floral calm. When smoked, the inhale is tropical and rich, and the exhale trails into a smooth floral finish.
PAIRING
The overlap lies in their shared abundance of myrcene. The IPA’s juicy hop character mirrors the flower’s tropical aromatics, creating immediate harmony. At the same time, the beer’s piney bitterness is softened by the floral influence of linalool. Limonene acts as a bridge, providing a citrus note that cuts through the resinous weight of both beer and flower. The result is a pairing that is bold yet balanced, moving from juicy fruit to resinous depth before closing with a refreshing, lingering complexity.
OLD WESTMINSTER WINERY
PAIRING
The wine’s delicate honeysuckle notes are complemented by the rosin’s orange-citrus aromatics, creating a fragrant opening impression. On the palate, Albariño’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the rosin, while its sur lie creaminess mirrors the concentrate’s smooth mouthfeel. Limonene enhances the wine’s citrus flavors, caryophyllene adds a spicy counterpoint to its mineral edge and linalool aligns the floral softness with the wine’s bouquet. The result is a pairing that feels indulgent yet refreshing, memorable long after the last sip and exhale.
"Limonene enhances the wine’s citrus flavors, caryophyllene adds a spicy counterpoint to its mineral edge and linalool aligns the floral softness with the wine’s bouquet."
TANNINS
Old Westminster Winery, located in Westminster, was recently named one of three finalists for VinePair’s American Winery of the Year, a distinction that reflects both its innovation and dedication to quality. Among its standout releases is the 2024 Albariño, which is made from 100% hand-harvested grapes and aged for six months in stainless steel. This approach allows the varietal’s bright character to shine, while sur lie contact adds subtle texture and creaminess. The wine opens with aromas of honeysuckle, white peach and lemon zest, creating an inviting bouquet. On the palate, flavors of citrus, green apple and stone fruit are supported by crisp acidity and a lightly creamy midpalate. The Albariño grape doesn't have a high tannin level, but the stainless steel and lees aging provide a sensation of structure that echoes the role tannins play in red wine. There is a gentle grip and lingering mineral finish that balances the fruit and keeps the profile refreshing. This texture gives the wine depth without sacrificing its hallmark freshness.
TERPENES
Fruit Gushers Cold Cure Live Rosin processed by Eden Solventless captures the essence of the flower at its freshest. Testing at 83% total active cannabinoids and 6.5% total terpenes, it delivers a concentrated expression of citrus, spice and florals. Limonene is the leading terpene, bringing aromas of sweet orange and tangerine candy. Caryophyllene adds warmth and peppery spice that lingers on the exhale, while linalool softens the edges with a floral lift. The cold-cure process gives the rosin a velvet-like texture that melts smoothly, coating the palate in bright citrus.
ALPINE COCKTAIL BAR
TANNINS
Bright and refreshing, the Grapefruit Gelato Mocktail immediately grabs attention with layers of citrus, spice and tropical fruit. Crafted at Alpine Cocktail Bar in Hagerstown, it features Seedlip Spice 94, a distilled nonalcoholic spirit. Fresh grapefruit and lime juice drive the zesty backbone, while mango juice contributes sweetness and a gentle edge of bitterness. Cream of coconut smooths everything into a silky texture that lingers across the palate. Although the drink is alcohol-free, the spice elements of Seedlip provide structure and depth that function much like tannins would.
TERPENES
District Cannabis, also based in Hagerstown, captures the flavor of Grapefruit Gelato in its live batter, a concentrate that tests at 86% total active cannabinoids and 8% total terpenes. The terpene profile is led by myrcene, with earthy undertones that ground the experience. Linalool follows with soft florals, while limonene delivers a vivid burst of citrus reminiscent of grapefruit zest and lemon peel. The live batter’s whipped texture enhances these flavors, unfolding in stages upon the inhale.
"Cream of coconut mirrors the concentrate’s velvety mouthfeel, creating a seamless bridge between sip and inhale."
PAIRING
The mocktail’s citrus elements amplify the limonene-driven brightness of Grapefruit Gelato, while mango juice locks into the myrcene-rich tropical core of the strain. Cream of coconut mirrors the concentrate’s velvety mouthfeel, creating a seamless bridge between sip and inhale. Seedlip’s spice brings complexity that plays against the strain’s earthy undertones, tying it all together. The result is a pairing that is vibrant, tasty and distinctly local, celebrating both Alpine Cocktail Bar and District Cannabis as leaders in their craft.
WHITE
RABBIT GASTROPUB RASTA PIZZA PAIRED WITH CURIO WELLNESS MORNING WOOD FLOWER
TANNINS
WHITERABBITGASTROPUB.COM
@WHITERABBITGASTROPUB FREDERICK, MD
Spicy, sweet and layered with flavor, the Rasta Pizza immediately draws the eye and tempts the palate. This pizza features jerk chicken, tropical fruit salsa, fried plantains, pickled red onion and fresh basil, and it’s finished with a tasty mango tango sauce. Nestled in the heart of Frederick, this gastropub has become a destination for locals craving inventive, thoughtfully crafted dishes. Each component balances heat, sweetness and herbal notes, creating a complex flavor profile that unfolds bite by bite. The richness of the plantains and the brightness of the fruit salsa give the dish a full-bodied structure reminiscent of tannins in a fine wine, while the jerk seasoning adds a peppery backbone that lingers on the tongue. CURIOWELLNESS.COM
TERPENES
Morning Wood flower from Curio Wellness provides an ideal complement to the Rasta Pizza, with 28% total active cannabinoids and 3% total terpenes. Its terpene profile, led by caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene, brings a complexity that mirrors the pizza’s layers of flavor. Caryophyllene delivers a peppery spice, while limonene and myrcene highlight more tropical notes. Carefully cultivated by the team at Curio, this small batch strain offers a consistently high-quality experience.
PAIRING
With over 1% caryophyllene, this flower naturally leans into spice, making it a perfect match for the Rasta Pizza. The jerk chicken amplifies the strain’s peppery notes, while the tropical fruit salsa and mango tango sauce bring forward its fruity, citrusy terpenes. Fried plantains and fresh basil provide richness and aromatic lift. The pizza is available all of September at White Rabbit Gastropub in Frederick.
"The jerk chicken amplifies the strain’s peppery notes, while the tropical fruit salsa and mango tango sauce bring forward its fruity, citrusy terpenes."
TANNINS
The Lockhouse Latte combines turmeric and ginger syrup, a single shot of espresso, steamed milk and a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. Made at River Bottom Roasters in Williamsport, the latte balances the warmth of the spices with the natural bitterness and astringency of the espresso, which contains its own tannins that give the drink structure and depth. Steamed milk smooths the flavors, creating a creamy, cohesive texture.
RIVER BOTTOM ROASTERS LOCKHOUSE LATTE PAIRED WITH ORGANIC REMEDIES NEAPOLITAN V2 CURED SUGAR
TERPENES
Neapolitan V2 Cured Sugar from Organic Remedies tests at 85% total active cannabinoids and 6% total terpenes, with caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene leading the profile. It’s crafted from a blend of three strains — Super Boof, Pillow Lava and Hash Burger — which gives it a layered complexity. Caryophyllene brings a peppery warmth, limonene adds bright citrus notes and myrcene contributes earthy undertones.
"Just as perfumers use coffee beans to reset the palate, the deep aroma of freshly roasted espresso helped us uncover nuanced notes within the concentrate."
PAIRING
This caryophyllene-heavy concentrate blends three different strains, layered like Neapolitan ice cream with a spectrum of flavors and aromas. Just as perfumers use coffee beans to reset the palate, the deep aroma of freshly roasted espresso helped us uncover nuanced notes within the concentrate. The earthy warmth of turmeric and ginger brings out its spice-driven character, while a dusting of cinnamon ties the pairing together with a cozy, aromatic finish.
CANNABIS TAKES FLIGHT
Jamie Evans brings the mentality of wine tastings toweed.
On a traditionally chilly July evening in San Francisco, a small group gathered at a wine bar for an event that combined the aromas and flavors of wine alongside another one of California’s most celebrated agricultural products: Cannabis.
TUCKED IN a narrow street near San Francisco’s famed Zuni Café, Hotel Biron is not a hotel, but a wine bar and art gallery. This summer, Hotel Biron joined with certified sommelier and Cannabis author Jamie Evans to take part in her educational series, Terpenes and Tannins. The series, which has also taken place in areas best known for their wine production (such as Napa Valley and Anderson Valley), presents how Cannabis can complement a meal following the road map of wine tastings. At the events, Cannabis and other culinary ingredients are placed in wine glasses for sniffing (and sometimes smoking) as Evans demonstrates how the aromatic and flavorful elements of the world’s most favored flower can enhance the tastes of wine.
“There is this level of connoisseurship when you think about Cannabis,” Evans said to introduce the evening.
“When I came into the space, what I thought was interesting was learning about how farmers think about Cannabis. It’s very similar to how a grape farmer thinks about wine, and it’s really about that sense of place and practice. Cannabis does have that sense of terroir.”
As a loyal reader of Leaf Magazines, you likely already know about the gospel of departed hash educator Frenchy Cannoli. But if not, “terroir” is a French word that’s most often associated with wine and the characteristic aromas and flavors created by environmental factors, such as the climate, soil and farming practices. As Cannoli often said, the best Cannabis showcases a sense of place.
Evans approaches enjoying Cannabis in the same way that people appreciate wine at a tasting: meeting the producer, talking about how the products were created and breaking down sensory characteristics like appearance, aromas and flavor balance.
SAMPLING FLOWERS AND FRUITS
Terpenes are aromatic and flavorful compounds found in plants. Terpenes are in flowers (like Cannabis) and also in fruits (like grapes). Tannins are present in Cannabis, but these chemical compounds play a larger role in red wines and black teas. They taste bitter and make your mouth dry.
For the event in San Francisco, Evans combined a cabernet sauvignon — a grape known for its high tannin content — with a Blueberry Cupcake grown by Sonoma Hills Farm. Blueberry Cupcake is a cross of Blueberry Muffin and Wedding Cake bred by HendRx that’s true to its name in expressing elements of cake batter and blueberries.
HendRx reports that its terpene profile includes myrcene, limonene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, humulene, linalool and guaiol.
Located in Sonoma County, the Cannabis grown at Sonoma Hills Farm originates from a delineated grape growing region, or American Viticultural Area, called the Petaluma Gap.
“She definitely does give blueberries to me,” Joyce Cenali, chief operating officer of Sonoma Hills Farm, said.
“She’s one of the ones that you notice in the field immediately when she starts to flower. She goes in a cheese direction as well.”
The proteins and fat in cheese combat the puckering sensations of tannins in wine and have been paired since the early days of winemaking. Because cheese and wine have a long tradition of being coupled, it makes sense that Cannabis strains that express cheesy smells and tastes would go well with a tannic red wine. Evans explained that the pairing she chose isn’t as tannic as cabernet sauvignons from the Napa Valley. The night’s selection was from Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard located in the Yakima Valley, the first AVA in Washington state. The wine Evans selected for Blueberry Cupcake takes on the berry notes the region is known for, she said.
CLEARING THE SMOKE
It’s 2025, and even in states where Cannabis has been legalized, it’s challenging to find venues that are open to hosting weed-themed events.
HOTEL BIRON
ANDERSON VALLEY WEED & WINE PAIRING
Because smoking Cannabis or tobacco isn’t allowed in bars in California, the tasting in San Francisco involved touching and smelling the weed, but not smoking it.
Hotel Biron’s owner, Ron Ramsubhag, is an organic chemist by day who, in 2024, became the proprietor of the bar he used to patronize.
“A lot of our regulars here, even staff, enjoy (Cannabis), even myself,” Ramsubhag said.
When asked if he was afraid people would start toking up inside, Ramsubhag said the thought had crossed his mind, but that ultimately he knew “it was going to be a fun educational experience.”
“Our regulars that come to the bar, they’re advocates for weed and marijuana and the medical properties that come with it,” he said.
TAKE FLIGHT
The San Francisco tasting event also included Pink Jesus, the signature strain of Sonoma Hills Farm. Pink Jesus is a cross of Pink 2.0, Starfighter and Heirloom OG. Cenali described the Cannabis as having notes of ginger, pink bubblegum, black raspberry and licorice. The primary terpenes in Pink Jesus are ocimene, beta-caryophyllene and humulene, she said.
Evans followed in describing the wine pairing, a cava rosado. The pink sparkling selection was from Spain and is a blend of two types of grapes, garnacha and trepat. Evans described the wine as having notes of cherries and strawberries and the aroma of rose petals.
"What I thought was interesting was learning about how farmers think about Cannabis. It’s very similar to how a grape farmer thinks about wine, and it’s really about that sense of place and practice.”
“You’re probably going to go for that chilled albariño or like a grüner veltliner or something like that. And I think Cannabis is the same. You think about the occasion that you want to pair with, like how do you want to feel? And then you can customize it that way.”
Guests were invited to smell the wine and the Cannabis side by side to evaluate if they could identify any similarities or differences.
“The truth is you can evaluate your Cannabis just like you can wine,” Evans said. “So this is what we’re trying to demonstrate tonight: that you can find different aromas and flavors in different strains. You can almost have like a flight of Cannabis and taste through it just like we do with wine.”
THE OCCASION
When it comes to choosing weed and wine, Evans said pairings come with occasions.
“When you’re out on the beach or you’re enjoying something on a hot day, you’re probably not going to reach for that big Napa cab,” Evans said.
Thinking of it that way, a full-bodied red wine is the indica of weed. It’s best when you want to relax in the evening.
For daytime affairs, Evans recommends going with lighter-bodied white wines and strains that contain terpenes associated with uplifting and energizing effects, such as pinene, which was in the rosemary that was passed around in a wine glass at the Terpenes and Tannins event.
Evans said when you’re in doubt about what wine might work best with your weed selection, go with bubbly.
“I think with bubbles, with sparkling wine especially, it very much cleanses your palate,” Evans said. “You salivate. It’s such a good match, so I always say champagne or cava, and bubbles and Cannabis is one of my favorite pairings.”
HEAT IT, HIT IT, OVE IT HEAT IT, HIT IT, LOVE IT
available at most maryland dispensaries
For use only by qualifying patients and consumers at least 21 years old
CANNABIS SOMMELIER JAMIE EVANS PHOTO BY MONICA LO/HIGH TIMES
FIRE FOLLOWER HEMP LEGALIZATION TURBOCHARGES CLONE SCENE
THE ANNUAL North American outdoor Cannabis crop is weeks away from finishing, but indoors, a robust “clone” season runs all year long. And hemp legalization has supercharged the clone scene. Put a clone in a grow tent today, and you’ll have fresh zaza by the new year.
The 2018 Farm Bill change that legalized hemp also laid the groundwork for a utopia of Cannabis cuttings, or clones. Since these snips of stem and leaves don’t have any THC in them, they are legally equivalent to the starter plants at your local gardening store.
In 2025’s U.S. clonetopia, you can get starters of vintage and hype strains for sale at events or shipped to you alive. These cuttings have the same DNA as the mother, a clone of an already hit strain. Clones can go for $20 to about $100, with Rebel Grown’s Double OG Chem #15 far exceeding that at $420,000. The price varies depending on how commercially exciting the mother is.
Award-winning journalist/author and former Leafly Senior Editor David Downs’ new genetics intelligence dispatch.
Breeders newly offering direct-to-consumer clones in 2025 include Rebel Grown (maker of Double OG Chem) and James Loud Genetics with Cereal Milk, RS11 and GMO (loudclones.com). Hash strain experts Bloom Seed Co. and maker of the modern hit MaiTai, Clearwater Genetics, both offer clone lists via Discord and their websites. In California, groups like Phinest, Purple City Genetics, HendRx Nursery and Constellation Nursery shine bright.
THE $420,000 CUTTING
Double OG Chem #15 won The Emerald Cup Breeder’s Cup four times, including three times in a row. “The loudest, gassiest fuel herb we have found in over 25 years,” Dan Pomerantz, founder and CEO of Rebel Grown, stated.
For September, Pomerantz is listing new clones on his website every Friday, especially “reliable, trusted classics” like OG Kush, Triangle Kush, Headband and Cherry Pie (rebelgrowngenetics.com).
Pomerantz listed the Double OG Chem 15 at $420,000 as “a little bit of a joke,” he said. We mere mortals can smoke the strain in Arizona, Ohio and New York starting this month.
James Loud Genetics ships a slate of hype in custom containers all year, like Violet Dripz and Candy Dripz (two Grape Gas crosses). Violet Dripz is a Black Runtz x Grape Gas cross that makes great rosin. “It’s very grapey — like an Alexander the Grape Otter Pop,” founder and CEO James Loud said.
You can jump on the Leafly Strain of the Year 2024, Super Boof, with clones from breeder Blockhead or selector Mobile Jay (beanfiendz.com). Blockhead’s Breeder Cut, aka Pink Panty Cut, is $600 at blockheadbuds.com.
MR. SHERBINSKI CHANNELS VOICE OF THE PLANT
Mario “Sherbinski” Guzman — popularizer of Sunset Sherbert and Gelato — is working on his next project, Voice of the Plant (voiceoftheplant.net).
Twelve years after launching the Sherbinskis flower brand, he said he was ready to get his hands dirty and be more punk rock. This fall and winter, Voice of the Plant has new rec flowers for New York, a podcast in development, six recordings with M-1 from Dead Prez and a seeds show at MJ BizCon in December.
“I was looking to start something from scratch. No investors. I wanted the challenge,” Guzman said from New York.
Guzman says VOP aims beyond the profit of “a cookie-cutter flower brand” to be a community catalyst, to have fun and to connect. Working with his wife, he is raiding his contacts for collaborators to cross-pollinate with.
“I WAS LOOKING TO START SOMETHING FROM SCRATCH. NO INVESTORS. I WANTED THE CHALLENGE.” -SHERBINSKI
“I might make an organic vegan frozen food line, why not?” Guzman said. “We just want to connect people with plants through food, art, music and business.”
This next chapter is Sherbinski “paying it forward,” he said. Guzman says it’s also an answer to the part of himself who wants to be more than a “one-hit wonder” for Gelato. “A brand or a genetic does not define who we are,” he said.
September 7 North America’s Cannabis crop flowers (and “early girls”) finish in September. In the garden, scout for nutrient deficiencies, mold, pests and hermaphrodite plants (whose pollen can destroy the crop). Also, lock in harvest prep, and get the drying room ready. Make sure the dehumidifier and air conditioning are working. Gather harvest supplies and clean gear. Autumnal Equinox: September 22 or 23. Days are exactly 12 hours long. Weather outlook:
CANDY DRIPZ
PHOTO BY JAMES LOUD GENETICS
DOUBLE OG CHEM PHOTO BY REBEL GROWN
REBEL COOKIES
PHOTO BY REBEL GROWN
VIOLET DRIPZ
PHOTO BY JAMES LOUD GENETICS
September Sandos
1. Toast the rolls.
2. In a small skillet, heat the oils. Add the onion, and cook on very low heat until soft and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. If they are sticking, add a splash of water. Stir frequently, and let cool.
3. Distribute the onions between the two rolls.
Canna Cubano
Makes two sandwiches
2 (8-inch) Cuban-style rolls (or soft rolls), cut in half lengthwise
1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons canna-oil
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
6 slices roast pork
6 slices Swiss cheese
6 slices ham
16 dill pickle chips
1. Spread the mayo on the bottom half of the rolls, and spread the tops with the mustard stirred with the canna-oil.
2. Layer 3 slices of roast pork, 3 slices of Swiss, 3 ham slices, and 8 pickle chips on the bottom of each roll, then top the roll.
3. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
4. Cook the sandwiches, pressing down frequently with a spatula, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted, 7 to 9 minutes.
Talking Turkey
Makes two sandwiches
2 ciabatta rolls, cut in half lengthwise
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons canna-oil
1 large yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
4 strips jarred roasted red pepper
6 slices havarti cheese
8 slices turkey breast (roasted or smoked)
4. Layer 2 pepper strips, 3 havarti slices and 4 turkey slices on the bottom of each roll.
5. Slice each sandwich in half before serving.
Vegged Out
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F.
2. Combine the oils and pour onto a rimmed baking sheet. Put the zucchini, bell pepper and onion slices on the baking sheet, and sprinkle with the cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss to coat, and bake until the vegetables are tender, 20-25 minutes. Let the veggies cool a bit.
September is that tasty in-between month when there’s still a little summer, but it’s almost harvest time. These Cannabisinfused sandwiches fit right in. The talking turkey brings fall vibes with caramelized onions and melted havarti, perfect for lunch, casual dinner or when you get a case of the munchies. Adding a few strips of bacon wouldn’t be a bad thing. The vegged out hummus with roasted vegetables is farmers market fare, and if you haven’t tried hummus on a sandwich, you’re missing out. The canna Cubano is one of the best sandwiches the world has known. The mustard, pickles and pork create a fantastic combination of flavors and textures. My infusion strain of choice was Pruf Cultivar’s Tangie Biscotti. It’s not always available, so grab it when it is. It is easy, uplifting and the best of both worlds: euphoric and fun, yet it offers stress reduction, and sleep comes easily. The flavors are citrus, cheese and an earthy quality. Myrcene is the dominant terpene, hence the emphasis on relaxation. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons canna-oil
1 small zucchini, cut into thin strips
1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and cut into thin strips
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3/4 cup hummus (your favorite brand)
4 slices whole-grain bread
3. Spread the hummus equally on all four slices of bread.
4. Divide the vegetables between 2 bread slices, add more salt and pepper to taste and top with the remaining 2 slices of bread. Slice each sandwich in half before serving.
Makes two sandwiches
Limited Availability - Strain Selection Subject to Change
$23 District Cannabis (3.5g) Flower
$6 District Cannabis (2x.5g) Prerolls
$20 District Cannabis (5x.5g) Preroll Packs
$14 District Cannabis (.5g) Distillate Vapes
$30 District Cannabis (1g) Distillate Vapes
2 For $50 District Cannabis (1g) Concentrates
$12 Wyld (100mg) Gummies
BEYOND THE BUD
GROWING TANNINAND TERPENE-RICH PLANTS FOR THE BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT
Long before pharmaceutical laboratories and prescriptions, the Native American medicine chest was the home garden, and the pharmacy was nature. In Ayurveda, the ancient system of wellness born in India over 5,000 years ago, plants are more than just food or fragrance. They are sacred allies, each carrying a unique vibrational signature and a spectrum of botanical compounds that nurture the mind, body and soul.
TWO OF THESE botanical treasures, tannins and terpenes, are often celebrated in fine wines, craft beers and Cannabis. However, they aren’t just found in bottles and buds; these potent plant gifts are alive and thriving in the lush green world surrounding us.
Tannins are plant polyphenols: potent antioxidants with a knack for detoxifying, reducing inflammation and toning tissues. They protect against cellular damage and help the body release what no longer serves it. Terpenes are found in the essential oils of plants. These are the compounds that
give herbs, flowers and trees their distinct scents and colors, as well as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and mood-elevating powers.
Cannabis is a rich source of beneficial terpenes and tannins. For example, terpenes like myrcene (found in Blue Dream) ease stress and relax muscles, while limonene (abundant in Super Lemon Haze) uplifts mood and boosts immunity. Cannabis tannin content contributes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, especially in sun-grown, full-spectrum flower.
CULTIVATING AROMATIC HERBAL WISDOM
Want to cultivate an elevated medicine chest? Here are four plants that are guaranteed to overflow with beneficial tannins and terpenes.
HOLY BASIL (TULSI)
In Ayurveda, Tulsi is called the “incomparable one,” and for good reason. This fragrant green goddess is a terpene powerhouse, exuding eugenol and other aromatic oils that soothe anxiety, balance the breath and ignite spiritual clarity. Her tannins bring immune-boosting and detoxifying strength, making Tulsi a daily tonic for both body and spirit. In tribal traditions, Tulsi’s leaves are often brewed into teas for purification rituals. Plant her in a sunny spot, and she’ll fill your garden with sacred vitality.
ROSEMARY
Rosemary is a garden guardian and mental clarity muse. terpenes like rosmarinic acid and cineole give this plant focus-enhancing and antimicrobial gifts, while its tannins lend astringent and anti-inflammatory magic. Indigenous herbalists have turned to rosemary to awaken memory, stimulate circulation and protect against illness. A simple sprig in your tea or tucked into your hair during meditation can invite focus, courage and clarity into your day. Additionally, drinking a cup of rosemary tea twice a day helps prevent parasites.
When we welcome these plants into our home grow, we are weaving ourselves back into an indigenous relationship between humans and the plant spirit world, a relationship of care with these plant teachers who, in return, care for us. As a true OG full circle wellness advocate, I encourage all OGs to welcome this Native wisdom into your garden. Bond with them, grow with them and harvest their gifts with gratitude.
SAGE
Known to Native American tribes as a sacred ancestral teacher, sage has been burned in ceremonies for purification and spiritual clearing for centuries. Beyond the smoke, her leaves are rich in terpenes like thujone and camphor, which support respiratory health and soothe inflammation. Her tannins act as natural antiseptics, helping the body’s tissues heal and tighten. In Ayurvedic wisdom, sage tea is used for digestion and cooling excess heat in the body. Keep her near the entrances and exits to bless the energy of your home.
POMEGRANATE
The pomegranate tree is a tannin-rich beauty that bridges sweet fruit with deep medicinal potency. Its bark and rind hold concentrated tannins that cleanse the gut, strengthen the heart and act as natural antimicrobials. Terpenes in the flower and leaves stimulate anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing benefits. In Indigenous traditions, the pomegranate is a plant of fertility, abundance and longevity. This plant is worthy of a sunny corner in any sacred garden.
HOW CANNABIS INSPIRES ART
TREVYMETAL
Known for his intricate glass engravings, vibrant illustrations and creative vinyl figures, Philadelphia-based artist Trevy Metal (Trevor Johns) has a playful, recognizable style that has helped design products for brands like Chinatown Market, Dab Rite and Diamond Supply Co.
HE’S COLLABORATED with just about every big-name glass artist out there, and his collection of art and merchandise has been the focus of gallery shows nationwide. Raised in tattoo shops where his dad was working, Trevy Metal says he’s been largely inspired by things that were in the background during his childhood. This meant a diet of Heavy Metal magazines, Ralph Bakshi cartoons and the world of illustrators like Peter Max and Mark Bode.
Looking at Metal’s work, it’s easy to see his connection to comic books, Jim Henson monsters, pop culture from the last 50 years and Japanese animation. “My dad loved ‘Astro Boy’ and ‘Speed Racer,’” he said. These are the types of things, he says, that stay with him in his studio today.
“Right now, obviously, you’ll hear a lot of Sabbath and Ozzy on repeat while my TV plays all the ‘Aliens’ movies, but I’ve also been hard into ‘Plastic Beach’ by the Gorillaz.”
As an artist, he says Cannabis helps him “dig into the deeper themes” in his head. “I think even during my early experimentations with Cannabis, I noticed these dreamy states that let me zone out and uncover themes and concepts in a way that a typical daydream or free drawing session doesn’t fully do,” he told the Leaf. He described how it’s not just the state of being high that allows him to connect with his past for ideas, but that it also helps him feel calm enough later to sit and sift through that intense flow of images to consciously decide which idea to pursue. “The afterglow of getting high is when I get most inspired,” he said.
Metal says his art is also born out of everyday occurrences in life.
“I live in a big city on purpose. There’s something new around almost every corner, and you never know what might trigger a memory or idea,” he said.
“I can literally get inspired by a pile of trash on the ground if the trash is the right color or texture.”
Baby Buds.
