THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
#93 | SEPT. 2026
Tannins & Terpenes
Moment Kandiez Flower Paired with HEX Ferments Butterfly Lime Kombucha
T H E D E L E C TA B L E A R T A N D S C I E N C E O F PA I R I N G B E V E R A G E S A N D C A N N A B I S F RE E / L E A F M AGA Z I N E S . COM
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FROM ZEROZ TO HEROZ With over 4% total terps, the latest batch of Zeroz can save any bad day.
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FIRE FOLLOWER
EVERGROWING RELEAF SHOP REVIEW
SEPT. 2026
10
BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH
Nature’s Heritage Strawberry Jelly Live Rosin & Red Shedman Farm Brewery Blueberry Lemon Cider
12
YAMI ORTIZ
PATIENT OF THE MONTH
FEAST BY 14 FIRELIGHT PAGE BURNER
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40
GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT
GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
ZIPLOCK SEEDS
ELIJAH COHEN
20
EKA GLASS
FEATURE | P. 26-34
COURTESY
Perfect Pairings
HAYLEY EWING @HAYLEYSHOOTS.U
COURTESY HAYLEY EWING @HAYLEYSHOOTS.U
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GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
FEATURE | RICK GLASS
DRY DINO
42 09 EDITOR’S NOTE 10 FIRE FOLLOWER 12 BUDTENDER 14 SHOP REVIEW 18 PATIENT PROFILE 20 VETERANS & CANNABIS 22 CONCENTRATE OF THE MONTH 24 STRAIN OF THE MONTH 26-34 PERFECT PAIRINGS 38 COOKING WITH CANNABIS 40 PAGE BURNER BOOK REVIEWS 42 GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT 44 CANNTHROPOLOGY
COURTESY
the TANNINS & TERPENES issue
VETERANS & CANNABIS
#93
[
SEPT. 2026
issue
STREET SMART BUD For the sharpest in the game.
30% OFF All September only at the following locations ONLINE CODE: SAVVYLEAF30
Cannabis products intended for legal customers 21+
E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0
T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E N O RT H W E ST LEA F / O R EG O N LEA F / M ARY LAN D LEA F / CAL I F O R N I A LEA F /
Sit back, relax and enjoy this beautiful special edition of Maryland Leaf! On the cover is the wonderous combination of Moment Kandiez Flower paired with HEX Ferments Butterfly Lime Kombucha. Our team encourages you to research the many varieties of terpenes that can be found across Cannabis products — from limonene and caryophyllene, to pinene and myrcene, and so many more. Cannabis is chock full of terpenes, the good kind is at least, and when paired with a tasty beverage, the flavor profiles and effects are nearly endless. Be sure to check out the full reviews pgs. 26-34! Happy pairing! PHOTO BY GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up the Tannins & Terpenes issue of the Leaf! We began pairing wine and weed in 2011, when one plant was accepted socially as having many varieties, flavors and provenance all related to the terroir, aka the soil, climate, topography and sunlight where the grapes were grown.
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The other was illegal. Before medical Cannabis began highlighting the differences in strains, weed was just weed. Sometimes it was better: sticky, smelly and full of trichomes. Other times it was dry, dusty and came straight from across the border. But good, bad or ugly, it was simply pot.
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY C E O & F O U N D E R wes@leafmagazines.com
MIKE RICKER O P E R AT I N G PA R T N E R ricker@leafmagazines.com TOM BOWERS C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R tom@leafmagazines.com DANIEL BERMAN C H I E F C R E AT I V E O F F I C E R daniel@leafmagazines.com EARLY M A RY L A N D L E A F P U B L I S H E R early@leafmagazines.com WYATT EARLY STAT E D I R E C T O R 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
WES ABNEY, FEATURES DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES DAVID DOWNS, FEATURES MAX EARLY, REVIEWS WYATT EARLY, FEATURES HAYLEY EWING, PHOTOS REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS ELLEN HOLLAND, FEATURES MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + PHOTOS JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS TAYLOR MARTIN, FEATURES TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS BAXSEN PAINE, FEATURES TIAN SCHERER, FEATURES CARA WEITSTOCK, FEATURES BRUCE WOLF, PHOTOS KATHERINE WOLF, FEATURES LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
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In 2010, we started publishing the Leaf, and we quickly realized the power of the plant and the differences between strains we take for granted today. This was a prescientific understanding of Cannabis. There was no THC testing or percentages. We didn’t know that the same common terpene limonene is in both a lemon fruit and in Super Lemon Haze. It’s also the primary ingredient in lemon cleaners, breaking down oil and grease with the power of nature, no synthetic or petrochemicals included. In 2011, and today, you’d find people who knew that there is a huge world of wine, even if they weren’t connoisseurs or sommeliers. And many of those folks still believe all weed is the same.
"IN 2010, WE STARTED PUBLISHING THE LEAF, AND QUICKLY REALIZED THE POWER OF THE PLANT, AND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STRAINS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED TODAY."
So the mission then is as relevant as it is today: to highlight the differences in smell, looks, flavors, experiences and effects that different strains share with us. With several years of sobriety from alcohol under my rapidly shrinking belt (I stopped counting after three years), I must say that the effects of Cannabis are unique, special and different every time. That can’t be said of a hangover. So we’ve expanded our pairings beyond wine to include sodas, energy drinks, teas and smoothies — because weed goes great with everything! For those choosing to crossfade with both, know that Cannabis is a neuroprotectant, meaning it helps protect the brain from damage. And those who smoke tend to drink less, so remember this: As with mushrooms, you can always take more, but not less. So sip your brew of choice, hit the bong and thank God that He gave us a plant that heals and delights without a headache the next day.
MARYLAND LEAF MAGAZINE
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
-Wes Abney
SEPT. 2026
PHOTO BY ROGER KISBY @ROGERKISBY
A B O U T T H E C OV E R
N O RT HEAST LEA F
perspective
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FIRE FOLLOWER
Award-winning journalist/author and former Leafly Senior Editor David Downs’ monthly genetics intelligence dispatch.
ZIPLOCK SEEDS RELEASES A CLAW OF BLACK PANTHERS OREGON’S SHANOAH STANLEY AIMS FOR HIS MAINSTREAM MOMENT
ZIPLOCK SEEDS’ SHANOAH STANLEY has a compulsion: He can’t stop breeding. “You get carried away with breeding, and you say to yourself, ‘Don’t forget to test it and release it.’ I have a problem like that,” he said. So the 7-year-old southern Oregon-based brand is shifting gears this summer. Stanley is pausing research and development to focus on releasing his masterwork: the Black Panther line of feminized seed crosses. He’s dropping 37 of them, about a dozen at a time, at ziplockseeds.com. The goal: put Ziplock on the map like no other Oregon breeder besides Archive Seed Bank. It’s an attainable goal. Black Panther is a cross of Cookies’ Cheetah Piss mixed with a selection of LIT Farms’ Watermelon Mimosa crossed with Jealousy. LIT called it KY Jealousy. Stanley named his selection Sinful. Ziplock hunted his Black Panther and found his keeper in 2021. Since then, the tropical, Burgundy wine and citrus-fuel strain has become his most award-winning, he said. Growers have racked up wins with it in the 2024 Caribbean Cup, as well as in Bogotá, Colombia, and Argentina contests. In total, Stanley said Ziplock Seeds has powered more than 75 contest wins for growers worldwide.
BANK ROLL COLLEGE PARK
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CASTING A SHADOW
Out in his spot in Oregon, Stanley reversed the Black Panther to produce feminized pollen and pollinated his stable to make the current lineup. Stanley is so far ahead of most DISCO KITTY breeders, his strain names are unrecognizable: Cyber Wolf? ical candy, dessert wine and sherbert. Bombay Fuzz? Fog Lights? The mom is a mix of Zoap and Frosted It’s basically the best stuff Flakes. Frosted Flakes is Cereal Milk from Seed Junky Genetics and and White Truffle. Rawr! Compound Genetics selected The first likely cup and crossed to PUNK “I breed with the best winner? White Chocolate make new lines. ROCK shit that we find.” Chip crossed with Black “I breed with the -Shanoah Stanley Panther. The fruitiest? Tropic best shit that we find,” he said. “Most people Ziplock Seeds Thunder. The best for hash? can’t relate to anything I’m doing because it’s Black Panther so new and modern. Well, do you know what crosses to Papaya Mon, Gas Face is? The Menthol? Apples and Bananas? Zoap? Hash Burger, Divine Nectar Zangria? Z?” or Zerari. Tiger’s Kiss When talking about making selections in his greenhouse, bleeds red sap when you Stanley said, “It has to stop me in my tracks.” He does a cut it. It’s a whole menagspeed walk through the rows, first focusing on vigor. All erie. Ziplock plants are girthy and prison-swole. The smell on the Where does this passion branch doesn’t count. What’s crucial is jar smell, smoke, and zeal come from? Stanflavor translation and terp durability — the stuff consumers ley was born and raised in will notice. Maui, Hawaii, growing on roadsides and in mountain MEET THE CLAW pastures with his dad. FrusHe casts his genetic nets far and wide, and the haul has ZNOW tration from an early bust arrived. First up is Znow Leopard (Znow Flakes x Black LEOPARD led him to just give away Panther), described as having deep, rich notes of fuel, trop-
SEPT. 2026
TROPIC THUNDER
seeds in blank Ziploc baggies. Everyone started calling him “Ziplock,” and it stuck. Aside from a Breeding Grounds deal with Sensi Seeds, Stanley handles all his own photos, website and materials. Expect more from the Black Panther oeuvre to trickle out into 2027. Don’t try to keep him out of the garden, either. “I don’t need to make any more seeds, but I’m going to because I’m crazy,” he said. “The fire is hot. We keep stoking it, and we’re not stopping.” SEPT. 2026 POT FARMER’S ALMANAC Early finishers wrap up this month. Regular finishers flower hard. Supplement nutrients phosphorus and potassium as needed. Take your bud photos. Tidy up the dry room, order Grove Bags and other gear, clean and sharpen scissors and set a harvest schedule. The first day of fall is Sept. 22. Harvest Moon, also known as Corn Moon, is Sept. 26.
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STORY by DAVID DOWNS @DAVIDDOWNS for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by ZIPLOCK SEEDS
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budtender of the month
ELIJAHCOHEN HOW DID YOUR UPBRINGING SHAPE YOUR VIEW AROUND HOLISTIC MEDICINE? Everything in my childhood was treated holistically before going the pharmaceutical route or anything else. The simple things like using Epsom soaks, arnica gel and honey. All of that led into walking up to my mom at the age of 16 with a bottle of Adderall I was prescribed and saying, “I’m done doing this; I smoke Cannabis because it benefits me more.” She let out a deep sigh and said, “OK, I guess this is happening,” and accepted it. I think she didn’t want to stigmatize it, considering it was such a deep part of her culture, seeing hundreds of Grateful Dead shows.
WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS HAVING AS A MAJOR THERAPEUTIC BENEFIT IN THE FUTURE? I think it comes down to dosing, which is a really hard thing that everyone has an argument about. Psilocybin in extracted “NOT ONLY IS CANNABIS forms is going to be the closest thing to an A CREATIVE TOOL, exact dosing method for holistic medicine in that world. Cannabis acts almost like a BUT IT WORKS AS psychedelic as well in high doses and creates A SOCIAL TOOL.” a bridge for people to be open to those more intense experiences. Responsible use is above everything else. I took part in a test in collaboration with the MCA (Maryland Cannabis Administration) and the Chesapeake Region Safety Council, where me and seven friends of mine smoked in a room at the CRSC facility and then got tested by cops, sheriffs and paramedics to test our sobriety with certain levels of Cannabis consumption.
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DID CANNABIS PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR LOVE FOR PLAYING AND LISTENING TO MUSIC? Not only is Cannabis a creative tool, but it works as a social tool. The amount of musicians I have met in random gatherings through sharing a bowl or some dabs leads to strange, deeper connections. It also influences me as it influences music in general, so I can't help but tie Cannabis into music interpretation and the artwork surrounding it. I make the joke all the time that if you tried to make a Venn diagram between Cannabis and music, it would just be a circle.
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KIP CANNABIS
9 CRANBROOK ROAD, COCKEYSVILLE, MD KIPCAN.COM | @KIPMARYLAND OPEN MON.-SAT.: 8 A.M.-11 P.M. (PREORDERS AND DRIVE-THRU PICKUP ONLY FROM 9 P.M.-11 P.M.) (410) 403-0280
AT THE AGE OF 5, Elijah Cohen was diagnosed with Asperger’s (now called autism spectrum disorder), and at 10, he contracted Lyme disease after getting bitten by a small tick. Looking back, he said, “It’s funny to think that those two moments would go on to define my life.” A love for glass art, Cannabis, music and the history of how all these things intermingle has culminated in a deep passion for the plant and its community within Cohen. In June, he celebrated his one-year anniversary working at KIP Cannabis and loves what he does every day.
SEPT. 2026
ARE YOU INTO GROWING CANNABIS PERSONALLY? Yes, indeed. I started growing in my closet with some lights when I was 14-16 years old, and I knew basically nothing about it. By the time I was 20, I got myself a tent, better lights, better ventilations, and had the knowledge that so many people were willing to share with me. I think the hardest part is trust in genetics. I’ve had a lot of issues getting seeds from certain companies, and there being a majority of those being duds. Some of these seeds have been improperly stored and sitting on the shelves for four to five years. It’s frustrating, but it’s all a part of the learning experience. When I was 22, I started a breeding project where I made a cross of Lost Cause from Archive Seed Bank with a mystery bag seed I got from a local influencer. After a few runs, I got it relatively stabilized, and every seed I’ve popped from those since has grown into a large bush. I call it Baltimore Harbor Water, looking for a gross name that makes heads turn.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT THE MARYLAND INDUSTRY, AND WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? From what I’ve seen in comparison to other states’ industries, I think Maryland prides itself on education more than other places. Not just through publications like Maryland Leaf, who are willing to put things out there as bluntly and honestly as they come, but also through budtenders who are willing and able to be completely up front with their patients — something I’ve always been able to do at KIP. I do wish the Maryland market was more focused on the genetic side to the plants. I find a lot of labels to categorize things as a general indica, sativa, hybrid marketing plan in terms of effects. Education into genetics would go a lot further when trying to recommend proposed effects to everyone in the industry.
STORY by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by HAYLEY EWING @HAYLEYSHOOTS.U SEND NOMINATIONS FOR BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH TO WYATT@LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
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SHOP REVIEW
EVERGROWING RELEAF
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OWNER KAREN SPICKNALL 8620 SNOWDEN RIVER PKWY, COLUMBIA, MD EVERGROWINGRELEAF.COM @EVERGROWINGRELEAF (443) 542-0523 MON.-SAT. 9 A.M.-9 P.M. SUN. 9 A.M.-7 P.M.
SEPT. 2026
MUNCHIES MOMENT
OFFICIALLY OPENING ITS DOORS on Feb. 27, 2026, this family-owned dispensary is the product of two farming families from Prince George’s County and Howard County coming together for a new venture in agriculture. The Spicknalls have roots in vegetable farming in PG County, making this a true mom-and-pop dispensary. They place a strong emphasis on community, and one of their goals in opening a dispensary was to uplift the Cannabis community while highlighting its culture. General Manager Thomas Davis helps curate the menu, placing a strong focus on bulk flower, which results in the end product in a patient’s jars being top tier. Be sure to pop in and pay them a visit the next time you’re rolling through Columbia.
"THE TIGHT-KNIT STAFF HERE IS HIGHLY EDUCATED AND DEDICATED TO GIVING EVERYONE WHO COMES THROUGH THE DOOR A KILLER DISPENSARY EXPERIENCE." SETTING AND VIBE A wide-open floor plan makes this dispensary feel spacious, with product displays placed throughout the room as you make your way to the front counter. There are several rooms continuing to be built out with brand activations, and it will be exciting to see how the look of this dispensary continues to evolve. They have nonmedicated snacks and drinks for sale as well, which is something you don’t see as often as you may think in dispensaries across Maryland. The tight-knit staff here is highly educated and dedicated to giving everyone who comes through the door a killer dispensary experience. FLOWER Prepacked flower can, of course, be purchased, but by purchasing in bulk and packaging in-house, the staff here have more control over the end product. If something is not up to their standards, they can see it before it makes its way into their jars and customers’ hands. This is as close as we have to deli style, which the Maryland Cannabis Administration took off the map during the coronavirus. I think we all want to get back to the days when we could see each strain available before purchase, putting the power back in the hands of the consumers. C O N C E N T R AT E S Certain concentrates in Maryland can only be purchased by medical patients, and Evergrowing Releaf offers 20% off for medical patients every day of the week. In addition to that, veterans save 25% every day, and they offer weekly deals that save you money while you’re grabbing your favorite products. One thing I noticed about this concentrate menu was a strong selection of products from Beezle, one of Maryland’s favorite companies to dab on. EDIBLES A well-versed staff makes for a well-versed menu, and this edible menu is a prime example of just that. They had everything from medicated seasoning from Beezle to infused drink mix from Vibations. Whether you’re after something sweet or savory, there is a product for every flavor profile and consumer type on the menu. Stop by before the Ravens games this year and grab some seasoning to cook your game day meals.
MODERN FLOWER GROOVY DIESEL The gassy smell coming out of this jar smacked me in the face as soon as I popped the top. It was followed by a spicy undertone. The exact lineage of this strain is unknown, but if you’re looking for a balanced hybrid that leans on a diesel flavor profile, this is the one for you. I typically go for the gassier strains at night, but this was perfect for a midday smoke as well. Almost 3% of the total terpene profile is made up of beta-caryophyllene, myrcene and limonene, giving me a smooth and steady high. MODERNFLOWER.COM TOTAL CANNABINOIDS 37.23%, TOTAL TERPENES 4.16%
STORY by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT @MARYLANDLEAF | SHOP PHOTOS by HAYLEY EWING @HAYLEYSHOOTS.U See more photos at LeafMagazines.com
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YAMI ORTIZ In a summer that feels like one heat wave follows another over the east coast and the sun has no clouds to hide behind, it doesn’t seem to bother Yami Ortiz that much. Growing up in Puerto Rico and living for a time in San Juan, she told the Leaf that she didn’t own a car and would bike everywhere. Not only did living on the island help her to adjust to and thrive in the land of eternal summers, but riding around and seeing the culture around her — the graffiti art, parties with reggaeton playing, the sense of pride people carried around — inspired her to carry a bit of that with her wherever she went. “I’M A BORICUA IN BALTIMORE,” she proudly exclaimed, adding that while driving around the state she feels nostalgic relating things back to her time on the island, like driving down the eastern shore or seeing crowds of people wearing Orioles jerseys, for example. “With Maryland, I see similarities in the duality — there’s Maryland pride and Puerto Rican pride. If I go to Puerto Rico, I’m going to wear some hibiscus. If I’m in Maryland, I’m going to try to be around some black-eyed Susans.” Ortiz grew up in a military family in Juana Diaz, in southern Puerto Rico. When she and her brother arrived in the family, they spoke Spanglish, picking up Spanish phrases by assimilation. “I consider English to be my first language, but my mom and dad would speak to us in Spanish, and we’ll respond in English, and it would be a mixture of things,” she said. After graduating from high school, Ortiz attended college and got a bachelor’s degree in teaching English as a second Language. She taught in classrooms for a little while after graduating, but felt that the environment was no longer where she wanted to work. She lived in Puerto Rico until Hurricane Maria hit the island and then relocated to Maryland, which she has called home for over eight years. “I came out here looking for job opportunities, and I always found jobs that resonated with my bilingualism,” she said. Some jobs included customer service and working as a translator. After a few years of moving around different jobs, she found her way into the Cannabis industry and worked in different roles at a few dispensaries before starting as a brand rep for Story in late 2024.
“I think my military upbringing has made me an adaptable person,” she said, adding that her teaching background and previous customer service work have helped her build habits that keep her organized and prepared for any role she needs to step into. She also said that to make her pop-up experiences more memorable, she’ll visit a dollar store arts-and-crafts section beforehand for small trinkets to throw on her table to catch someone’s attention. “That was a thing my mom would do is just take me to the dollar store,” she said, adding that her mom is also a teacher in Puerto Rico. “I find them to be cool.” Even though she’s admitted to being a late bloomer to trying Cannabis, Ortiz said it eventually developed into a passion of hers once she started consuming it more and learning about the potential of the plant itself. “I know it’s hard to steer people away from calling it weed, but it’s not a weed. It’s a beautiful flower, and you gotta stop and smell the flowers,” she said. Outside of her work in the industry, a lot of Ortiz’s interests naturally intersect with Cannabis, like music and tattoo culture. She said with a few of them going hand in hand, it feels much easier for her to represent both the company she works for and herself out in the wild. Having the opportunity to travel for work, she said, also affords her time to keep up with things she’s done since she was a kid, like roller skating. “I’d road trip to the skate parks, and that’s how I view (work) now, like I’m road tripping to these dispensaries,” she said, adding that she still makes time before her pop-ups to do some skating. “I’m getting to learn Maryland more as I go. The driving can be a little physically demanding, but I push through knowing I make someone’s day.” When she wants to consume, Ortiz said she likes to roll “magic wands,” a combination of flower with some concentrate infused throughout. She said she prefers anything with Jack or Haze in terms of strains, particularly those that keep her creative and on the go.
“I know it’s hard to steer people away from calling it weed, but it’s not a weed. It’s a beautiful flower, and you gotta stop and smell the flowers.”
SEPT. 2026
STORY by JESSE JOHNSON @JESSETHEVIBESMAN for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
CANNABIS FOR A BETTER LIFE The “magic wands,” she said, are meant to be an extension of her “Faded Fairy” nickname, which symbolizes her love of art and whimsy and celebrates the diverse culture of the company she works for. “I see (rolling a joint) as a craft. Taking the time to roll your own joint is an artisanal, mindful practice that creates a deeper appreciation for the plant. Calling them ‘magic wands’ reflects that intention,” she said. “For me, it’s less about fantasy and more about bringing intention, artistry and a little wonder into the Cannabis experience.” Even though she still has goals to achieve here, Ortiz said she hopes to retire back to the island at some point and buy a good portion of land there to host parties and guests while growing Cannabis and coffee on the property, among other things. She hopes to pass what she learned here in Maryland about Cannabis, combined with her natural sense of hospitality and bilingual abilities, to people on the island when she returns, continuing to open new doors for herself and others to follow. “I want people to come to my sanctuary, have the Puerto Rican experience and be able to, like, mesh it with Cannabis too,” she said. “I want to work with local people who want to show that this is our island, this is what we can do. We’ve gone through so much, and we’re resilient.” @THATFADEDFAIRY
feature
leafmagazines.com
20
Back to life A veteran reckons with war, sobriety
and healing When Rick Glass thinks about Iraq, he doesn't begin with politics. He remembers the sound. A Maryland native who grew up an hour outside Washington, D.C., Glass was close enough to Saddam Hussein's statue to hear it being toppled. Days earlier, his unit had assaulted Al-Faw Palace and was trying to replenish ammunition when they came under heavy fire. His friend, John Keeney, was hit by a sniper's round in the elbow. “I was eating an MRE, and while I heard rounds going overhead, that one sounded very different,” the Marine recalled, noting it took 13 surgeries to save his gunner’s arm. Years later, Glass would come to understand that surviving combat was only the beginning of his battle.
SEPT. 2026
“I WOKE UP ANGRY FOR YEARS,” he said. “And in all honesty, I still wake up angry.” As the United States approaches the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, Glass knows that day will carry a weight difficult for most Americans to understand. “The 25th anniversary of 9/11 is going to evoke a lot of emotion for me,” he said, “because I know it’s part of the reason why I served time in combat.” Glass doesn’t question the horror of Sept. 11. What he questions is what came afterward — and whether the sacrifices made by people like him were justified. “I’m patriotic, but I also think it’s good to question things, including your government,” he said. “I guess I’m still looking for those weapons of mass destruction,” he added, shaking his head. Sometimes, Glass said, veterans need a reason for losing someone. They convince themselves that their fallen friends died for a greater purpose. But genuine healing may require confronting something harder. “There are some people in that picture who aren’t here today, and don’t get me wrong, they’re heroes — every last one of them,” Glass said. “But their death is also a result of their government lying.” He knows how provocative that sounds to another veteran. “When you say to another veteran, ‘Your buddy died in vain,’ that’s enough for them to want to physically confront you,” he said. “But if we’re talking from a true place of healing, we might have to really come to a place of, like, ‘Dude, we don’t have to lie to each other anymore.’” Glass eventually found himself fighting another war — one that followed him home. On April 19, 2017, he was arrested for his third DUI. He now credits the Westminster Police Department with giving him his sobriety date: April 20. At the time, Glass didn’t even use Cannabis. “420 is a holiday that I used to make fun of my Cannabis-consuming friends for celebrating,” he said. “And now it’s one of the biggest days of the year for me.” Sobriety forced Glass to confront things he had spent years avoiding. While drinking, he convinced himself that he enjoyed shaving in the shower. He told himself it gave him a closer shave, but what he was really doing was dodging a necessary conversation with his reflection.
“The only thing I was doing was avoiding looking education, community resources and reducing stigma at myself in that mirror,” he said. around the plant. Recovery meant becoming willing to look. He wants people to understand cannabinoids, Nine years into sobriety, Glass is married, a terpenes, consumption methods and the differences homeowner for the first time in his life and credits between products rather than simply telling them his wife as one of the most stabilizing forces in his what to use. recovery. “I think a lot of people are gravitating towards About a year into sobriety, he was struggling with Cannabis, but I think there is a severe lack of negative effects from prescription medication. education,” he said. He began researching “Cannabis personally saved my Cannabis and its life.” use among veterans. A man who once mocked 420 He had only used now considers April 20 his sobriety Cannabis a handful anniversary. A Marine who went to of times before, war believing in the mission now always while drinking. questions the government that sent He decided to try it him. A man who once avoided his intentionally. own reflection now spends his life “Let’s see what confronting the things he would happens if you rather not see. actually start using “There’s just so many things that this plant intentionally if I knew then what I know now, I as medicine,” he feel like I would be so much further remembered telling in life,” he said. “Sometimes that himself. actually is a source of frustration for What Glass wanted me, but I just have to understand most was sleep. that all this is part of my story.” “I personally believe Glass doesn’t consider himself if you don’t have religious. But he has come good sleep, you don’t to believe that the seemingly have good anything,” disconnected pieces of his life may he said. “The first time not be so disconnected after all. Cannabis wasn’t the I used Cannabis, I got “If I never went to Iraq, would end of his recovery; a restful sleep. When I I have ever used Cannabis?” he it became another woke up, I literally got asked. “I don’t know. Possibly, tool in it. He also tears in my eyes and possibly not. I just think for a believes veterans said to myself, ‘Is this reason, everything is tied together.” deserve serious how normal people That belief has given him a sense scientific research into feel every single of purpose. Through Canna Cares, other forms of plant day?’” he wants to help people ask difficult medicine, including For Glass, questions about their health, their psilocybin. Cannabis wasn’t medications and what recovery can the end of his recovery; it became another tool look like. But he is careful not to present himself as in it. He also believes veterans deserve serious someone who has figured it all out. scientific research into other forms of plant medicine, “I got so much to work on,” he said. “I have so including psilocybin. many character defects. I’m just starting to unplug a “If you asked me about drugs 10 years ago, I lot of these things that are going on in my life.” probably wouldn’t have had the same answer,” he Cannabis, he said, “has allowed me to live my life said. “But now, I think every single drug out there more. It allows me to participate more.” has its benefit if it’s used in a scientific way with a And perhaps most tellingly, it has allowed him to scientific approach.” feel. Glass’ philosophy is simple: Veterans deserve “Cannabis gives me empathy; it gives me more tools, better research and the freedom to find compassion,” he said. “I cry more now than I ever what actually helps them heal. did, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” That belief has led him beyond his own recovery. For the past three years, Glass has been building CANNACARESMD.COM Canna Cares, a 501(c)(3) focused on Cannabis @RICKGLASS420
STORY by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
concentrate of the month THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
KIND TREE
LIVE GRAPE RESIN SUGAR
GUMMIEZ
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Kind Tree’s heavy-hitting Grape Gummiez live resin sugar is taking the Concentrate of the Month spot for its fruity, gassy and floral aromatics and absolute banger of a terpene profile. GRAPE GUMMIEZ is notable for its heavy fruit nose, but the subtle nuances that artful extraction can coax out of a plant are one of the reasons that concentrates are regarded as a special elevation of the flower itself. While the flower is heavy on the fruit with underscores of fuel, the live resin concentrate version of the plant reveals a plethora of floral notes that coalesces into the fruity gassiness in a truly elegant manner. The hints of meadow flowers, lavender and chamomile are as distinct as the gasoline-drenched grapes and diesel-coated raspberry notes. Altogether, the nose of the dab is mouthwatering, to say the least.
SEPT. 2026
The consistency is on the saucier side of a sugar, but with distinct, well-formed sugar crystals that create a potent and flavorful dab experience. I think the profile’s temper of ocimene, linalool and caryophyllene is one of the more unique tempers on a profile that yields both the floral notes and a distinctly calm headspace that is truly an excellent anxiety tamer. Grape Gummiez creates one of those quintessential mellow headspaces that lets the negative thoughts pass through rather than linger around the brain. Too many Cannabis products ultimately yield relatively similar terpene profiles, which makes the uniqueness of the Grape Gummiez terps a breath of fresh air amid a summer of fire and smoke.
Being able to create a controlled crystallization process with live material is one of the skill sets that every great extraction team needs to master, and the Kind Tree team seems to have honed it to a T with their sugar rendition of Grape Gummiez. The wizardry of a Cannabis lab is one of those underappreciated arts that is often taken for granted in a market that has a notably high number of experts. The creation of a noteworthy product that goes above and beyond that high bar is something the Kind Tree team can be proud of, and Grape Gummiez live resin sugar is one such product. KINDTREECANNABIS.COM @KINDTREECANN
GRAPE GUMMIEZ CREATES ONE OF THOSE QUINTESSENTIAL MELLOW HEADSPACES THAT LETS THE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS PASS THROUGH RATHER THAN LINGER AROUND THE BRAIN. THCA: 80.61% TOTAL TERPENES: 9.61% MYRCENE: 4.76% LIMONENE: 1.9% OCIMENE: 0.9% LINALOOL: 0.63% CARYOPHYLLENE: 0.54% TERPINEOL: 0.27%
REVIEW by TAYLOR MARTIN for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
Cannabis is only for use by certified patients and adults 21+
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE STRAIN OF THE MONTH
THCA: 32.33% TOTAL TERPENES: 3.26% MYRCENE: 1.87% PINENE: 0.46% CARYOPHYLLENE: 0.35% LIMONENE: 0.16% HUMULENE: 0.12%
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"IF I ROLLED A LEMON
leafmagazines.com
IN A BLUEBERRY AND MANGO PUREE, THEN DUNKED IT IN A PITCHER OF LEMONADE AND POURED IT OUT OVER A MOSSY MEADOW, I WOULD BE CLOSE TO CAPTURING THE AROMATICS COMING OFF THIS FLOWER."
SEPT. 2026
Maryland citrus heads, rejoice for this month’s flower: Lemon Blanc by
Lemon Blanc CULTIVATED BY EVERMORE CANNABIS COMPANY
Evermore Cannabis Company! This lemon-forward nose hits hard and heavy while leaving the mind functioning and the palate yearning. LEMON BLANC is an Evermore cross between Big Lemons and Guava Cream 5 that packs a powerful punch of myrcene with all of the hallmarks of quality we have come to expect from the brand. The Evermore team has a reputation for quality flowers overall, but regularly produces cultivars that exceed even our highest expectations. The Lemon Blanc is such a cultivar, and I would love to invite you to try some. The nose from the jar pop absolutely holds true to its namesake with the announcement of a pure lemon-citrus note at the very top. It's not a nuanced, vague citrus note, but rather a clear and distinct lemon scent that is underscored with a variety of berry fruits and soft earth notes that make this aromatic profile very appealing. If I rolled a lemon in a blueberry and mango puree, then dunked it in a pitcher of lemonade and poured it out over a mossy meadow, I would be close to capturing the aromatics coming off this flower. The profile is heavily dominated by myrcene, which really does envelop the body and mind in the heavier headspaces our beloved plant offers us, but, importantly, the mind stays active and alert. While there is the quintessential foggy heaviness in the high, within the high is an active mind that may be a bit slower but nevertheless alert. The pinene and limonene really carry a lot of weight in this profile and help the Lemon Blanc to be a powerful daily driver of a flower. A great nose and great effect, Lemon Blanc promises to be the way to close out the summer months with sunshine and relaxation under the auspicious umbrella of Evermore Cannabis. EVERMORECOMPANY.COM @EVERMOREBRANDS
REVIEW by TAYLOR MARTIN for MARYLAND LEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
TANNINS
Made using 100% chardonnay grapes, this wine took home the gold medal in the 2020 and 2021 Governor’s Cup and a double gold in the 2016 Governor’s Cup. They use their very best grapes in this particular wine, creating a nose of oak and vanilla that intertwine with a balanced acidity and notes of crisp green apple. The palate is flooded with notes of caramel and butterscotch that can’t be missed with each sip. Being fermented in French oak, ideal for tannin extraction, makes this the perfect wine for pairing with food and, of course, some high-quality Cannabis.
TERPENES
The Holy Grail strain line from Fade Co. is some of the best Cannabis they produce time and time again. GMO and Cookies n’ Cream make up Dirty 30, bringing out luscious aromas that are creamy, gassy and have a slight hint of earthiness lingering. When smoking this flower, a caramelly, dough-like flavor lingers in the mouth from puff to puff and long after smoking. Minutes after smoking a joint, a sense of calm began to work its way into my mind and body, making this ideal for winding down at the end of a long day. PAIRING
The caramel flavor deep within this chardonnay blends together swimmingly with the rich, gassy profile of the flower. There is a certain sharpness to dry white wine that accompanies the smoothness to a strong baked-goodlike Cannabis strain. After a long day, some of us wind down with a nice glass of wine, and some of us wind down with a hit off the bowl or a joint. This pairing brings the best of both worlds together, relaxing the mind and body while settling my thoughts for a peaceful night at home. 34.19% Total Cannabinoids Total Terpenes 3.682%
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Fade Co. Dirty 30 Flower & Linganore Chardonnay Reserve 2024 SEPT. 2026
"The caramel flavor deep within this chardonnay blends together swimmingly with the rich, gassy profile of the flower." THEFADECOMPANY.COM @FADECOOFFICIAL LINGANOREWINES.COM @LINGANOREWINECELLARS
STORY by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT @MARYLANDLEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
PAIRING
Maryland restaurants commonly use Chesapeake Bay seasonings as the rim on their bloody marys, so this pairing was the first-and-best thing that came to mind when pairing a seasoning with a beverage. This combination utilizes a small amount of THC compared to what's in the entire package, so as to not overdo it when combining with the alcohol in the bloody mary. As you sip the spicy bloody mary, the Bay Area Blend seasoning adds a little Maryland kick to the flavor profile. Dusting a little bit of the blend on top of the cocktail really pulls the flavor together in harmony. 5mg THC per scoop, 100mg THC per package
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Beezle Bay Area Blend Seasoning & George’s Spicy Bloody Mary Mix and George’s Organic Vodka TANNINS
George’s produces their products right here in Frederick. Their Spicy Bloody Mary Mix uses fresh tomatoes, horseradish, lemon juice and Worcestershire, among other natural ingredients. The vodka is six-times distilled and uses water sourced from a limestone-shelved aquifer, giving it a clean and smooth flavor. As with any bloody mary, a garnish of celery and a lemon wedge on the rim bring this cocktail together in perfect harmony. Spicy notes from the horseradish create a savory profile, making this the perfect brunch or lunch adult beverage. For those who don’t drink alcohol, it’s recommended to pair the mixer with a sweet brunch item, like pancakes or waffles.
SEPT. 2026
TERPENES
A Maryland classic, Beezle’s Bay Area Blend seasoning smells and tastes like Maryland from the second the bag is ripped open. The aroma coming out of the package is very similar to J.O. Crab House Spice or Old Bay seasoning, giving this product endless possibilities in its uses. I like to dump the entire packet of seasoning into a measuring cup or use tablespoons to get as close as possible to a defined dose. They also include a scooper in each package to portion out 5-milligram doses. With 100mg of THC in each package, you can coat your proteins with it, sprinkle it on a freshly made batch of chocolate or really use it in anything that requires a salty seasoning.
"As you sip the spicy bloody mary, the Bay Area Blend seasoning adds a little Maryland kick to the flavor profile." BEEZLEBRANDS.COM @BEEZLEBRANDS_EAST GEORGESBEVERAGECOMPANY.COM @GEORGESBEVCO
STORY by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT @MARYLANDLEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
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THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
PAIRING
Sweet and sour are the name of the game with this pairing, combining the sweet notes of strawberry and blueberry with the energizing effects and lemony zest in the cider. After taking a dab of the rosin and sipping on the seltzer, a candy flavor lingered in my mouth and made me want to go back for another. When the effects of the rosin and the buzz of the cider came together, the unity created a relaxation made for a day spent on the beach lounging in the sun. Total Cannabinoids 84.59% Total Terpenes 8.71%
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Nature’s Heritage Strawberry Jelly Live Rosin & Red Shedman Farm Brewery Blueberry Lemon Cider TANNINS
After recovering from a devastating fire in September 2024, Red Shedman Farm Brewery is coming back stronger than ever. Their new beer shed is under construction, and supporting a small, locally owned brewery like this one is something everyone in Maryland can get behind. Their blueberry lemon cider is extremely unique, differentiating itself from a classic hard apple cider flavor and venturing into a whole different side of the fruit spectrum. The blueberry hits your tongue on the first sip, creating a sweet, lush mouthfeel accompanied by hints of zesty lemon. While some beers and ciders create a filling sensation in your stomach, this one was an easy drink from start to finish.
SEPT. 2026
TERPENES
Nature’s Heritage has been grinding hard in the lab, bringing forth better versions and strains of their solventless line with each drop. Strawberry Jelly is a cross between Sour Strawberry and Jelly Breath, which feels like an evenly balanced hybrid. The name is true to the flavor and aroma, reminiscent of popping off the lid from a fresh batch of jam from the farmers market. The effects were energizing and lifted the spirit, making this a tool in my tool belt for a clean and consistent smoke during the day.
"Sweet and sour are the name of the game with this pairing, combining the sweet notes of strawberry and blueberry with the energizing effects and lemony zest in the cider." NATURESHERITAGECANNABIS.COM @NATURESHERITAGE_ REDSHEDMAN.COM @REDSHEDMANBREWERY
STORY by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT @MARYLANDLEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
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THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
PAIRING
This pairing leans heavily into the sweet side of both the kombucha and the flower, blending to make an irresistibly sugary flavor profile. As a nonalcoholic pairing, it was hard to put down the bottle of kombucha after just one glass. This allows you to dive deeper into the flower, which also had such a strong flavor and aroma that it was tempting to roll joint after joint. The slight hoppiness to the kombucha also paired extremely well with the lingering gas in the background of the Kandiez flavor profile. 25.72% Total Cannabinoids 1.53% Total Terpenes
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Moment Kandiez Flower & HEX Ferments Butterfly Lime Kombucha TANNINS
HEX Ferments is a well-known Maryland staple in the kombucha world, and a mainstay at farmers markets around the state. They produce a wide variety of fermented beverages and vegetables, including kombucha, krauts and sauerkrauts, pickles, kimchi and more. Butterfly pea flowers, organic lime juice and organic honey dance their way into a sweet combination perfect for those just getting into drinking kombucha. The flavor is dominantly floral, with a tart back end similar to a Smarties candy. Visit the HEX Superette market and cafe in North Baltimore city for an informed kombucha tasting along with a slew of delicious food offerings.
SEPT. 2026
TERPENES
Flower from Moment has quickly been climbing the ranks among Maryland’s favorite products since its launch earlier this year. Kandiez is a cross between Gelato and Zkittlez, producing an aroma true to its name, similar to that of a Purple Punch. While candy is the dominant flavor that comes to mind when smoking it, there is a gassy element to this flower that is unique and powerful. The resinous buds are completely coated in trichomes, making the bag appeal just as enticing as the aroma. While the high starts out with an uplifted mood, it begins to take hold as a sedating and soothing effect in the mind.
"This pairing leans heavily into the sweet side of both the kombucha and the flower, blending to make an irresistibly sugary flavor profile." MOMENTMARYLAND.COM @MOMENTMARYLAND HEXFERMENTS.COM @HEXFERMENTS
STORY by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT @MARYLANDLEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
the tannins & terpenes issue
TANNINS
Chesapeake Coffee Roasters comes out of Crofton and is a coffee company that’s making a difference. Operating on a mission of sustainability, this bird-friendly line of coffee seeks to preserve natural wildlife habitats. Their Guatemalan blend features the Baltimore Oriole as its mascot and is a medium roast with notes of orange and dark chocolate that make themselves known when you pop open the bag. Upon blending the beans, a slightly sweet yet bitter aroma overtakes your nose and translates onto the palate from the first sip to the last one. The clean energy that a freshly brewed cup of coffee brings is unparalleled to many modern forms of caffeine, like energy drinks, which contain tons of unknown chemicals and useless water-soluble vitamins.
TERPENES
Baked good lovers are still a relatively underserved segment of the Cannabis market here in Maryland, but Sunnies is coming correct with many different flavors. Their Snickerdoodle Bites have a mouthwatering, sweet and delicious gooey interior with a crumbly sugar exterior. At 10 milligrams of THC apiece, these are perfect for beginners dabbling in edibles, while remaining tasty enough that high-dose consumers can rip through the whole bag. The senses are flooded with a cinnamon sugar that lingers, satisfying a classic munchies craving. PAIRING
Coffee and baked goods go hand in hand, whether you’re taking a bite first and sipping your coffee or dunking the delicious morsel straight into that hot liquid. Texturally, the crunchy bits of sugar and the gooey insides all blend together nicely with a sip of rich and bold coffee. This pairing brings your mind and senses directly toward the feeling of stepping into a coffee shop and smelling the enticing aromas that fill the room. 10mg THC per bite, 100mg THC per package
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Sunnies Snickerdoodle Bites & Chesapeake Coffee Roasters Bird Friendly Guatemala Blend Coffee SEPT. 2026
STORY by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT @MARYLANDLEAF | PHOTO by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
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"Texturally, the crunchy bits of sugar and the gooey insides all blend together nicely with a sip of rich and bold coffee." SUNMEDGROWERS.COM @SUNMEDGROWERS.MD WWW.CHESAPEAKE.COFFEE @CHESAPEAKECOFFEEROASTERS ONLY INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE 21 YEARS OR OLDER OR ARE A QUALIFYING PATIENT WHO IS 18 YEARS OR OLDER MAY VIEW THIS CONTENT.
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cooking with Cannabis
Cooking with
jack herer ROSE & RESIN BAKLAVA Makes 30 servings 1 pound pistachios, lightly toasted 1 16-ounce package phyllo dough, defrosted 5 tablespoons canna-butter, melted 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup honey 1 tablespoon rose water 1. Heat oven to 340 F. 2. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. 3. In a food processor, chop the pistachios into a mediumfine texture. In a small bowl, combine both butters and mix well. 4. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover with a lightly dampened cloth to keep from drying out as you work. Place 2 sheets of dough in the pan, and brush with the butter. Place another sheet of dough on top and repeat with individual sheets of phyllo until you have layered 12 sheets. 5. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top. From here, continue the pattern, adding the nuts with the butter in between each layer of dough. The top layers should be near 6 to 8 sheets high. 6. Using a sharp knife, cut to the bottom of the pan into diamond or square shapes. Bake for about 50 minutes, until baklava is golden and crisp. 7. While the baklava is baking, make the sauce! Boil sugar and water until the sugar is melted. Add vanilla, honey and rose water. Simmer slowly for about 45 minutes. 8. Remove baklava from the oven and immediately pour sauce over it. Let cool, and then enjoy.
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LEMON HAZE ON A TOASTED BAGUETTE
leafmagazines.com
Makes 12 slices 2 large lemons, zested and juiced (about a half cup) 1 cup granulated sugar 5 egg yolks, lightly beaten 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces 2 tablespoons canna-butter, cut into pieces 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt 12 slices baguette, toasted 1 cup fresh berries, sliced if large 1/3 cup flaked coconut
HIGH TIDE ROLLS Serves 12, two pieces per serving 2 cucumbers, ends removed 4 teaspoons canna-butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 5 ounces smoked salmon 5 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 scallions, cut into pieces 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons capers
1. In a medium bowl, combine the zest and sugar. Mash together with a wooden spoon or potato masher. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the zest and sugar mixture, lemon juice, yolks and butters. Stir well to mix. Cook the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butters are melted and the mixture thickens, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and place in a bowl. 3. Stir in the vanilla and salt. 4. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools. Place plastic wrap against the curd and chill for at least 2 hours. 5. Spread the curd over the toasted bread. Top with berries and flaked coconut.
Baklava is a dream to infuse, with amazing flavors in its flaky phyllo and canna-butter layers. The cucumber spirals are impressive to behold and taste wonderfully smoky and citrusy. Lemon curd is easy to make and even easier to eat with just a spoon and a screen. Jack Herer from Pruf Cultivar’s Curated Collection rocked these recipes.
laurie@laurieandmaryjane.com
sept. 2026
1. Place the cucumbers on your work surface. Using a vegetable peeler, slice the cucumbers horizontally, trying to cut a slice that is the whole length of the cucumber. Pat the slices dry with a clean dish towel. 2. In a food processor, combine the canna-butter, cream cheese, salmon, mayonnaise, scallion, dill, lemon juice, pepper and salt. Process until smooth. 3. Spread each cucumber slice with the salmon mixture, 1 to 2 tablespoons each. Sprinkle with the capers. Tightly roll each slice. The slices will stay together; no need for a toothpick. 4. Place on a serving tray and enjoy.
RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF @LAURIEANDMARYJANE | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF @BRUCE_WOLF #DontFearTheEdible #BeKind #EatYourCannabis | Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
book reviews
Page Burner Feast by Firelight
Simple Recipes for Camping, Cabins, and the Great Outdoors by Emma Frisch
One of my favorite ways to enjoy the full expression of tannins and terpenes is over a campfire, under the stars.
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GOOD FOOD and good Cannabis just taste better in the great outdoors. The crackle of firewood as the joint makes its way around the circle. The scents of sharp pine and fresh dirt swirling with gooey s’mores and salty popcorn. It all sharpens the senses, turning simple meals into something a little more magical. It’s a reminder that cooking outside isn't just about the food, but rather about slowing down enough to feel a little more connected to the people around the fire and the ground underneath you. So when I'm packing for a weekend in the woods, “Feast by Firelight” by Emma Frisch always makes it into my duffel bag. The book includes more than 80 camp-friendly recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus happy hour and homemade trail snacks. From simple no-bake chocolate pretzel power bars to fuel up before a hike to molten lava brownies baked in hollowed-out orange peels right in the coals of your evening campfire — there’s a flavor for every adventurer. Beyond the recipes, Frisch packs in quick, practical tips for fireside cooking with confidence. There's a helpful checklist for building your outdoor kitchen and packing your cooler, plus guidance on fueling a camp stove properly, following Leave No Trace principles, and safely smothering a grease fire. During a recent alfresco dining experience, we whipped up the Tiramisu French Toast with Strawberries from page 72 for breakfast. Pro tip: Stopping at a farm stand to pick up local wildflower honey and fresh strawberries on the way to our spot was so worth it. This recipe paired perfectly with some morning rips of Kimbo Kush (Blackberry Kush x Starfighter F2) hash from 710 Labs. Sour green apple notes from its Starfighter lineage balanced the ripe, sweet strawberries and tart mascarpone beautifully. With my coffee and a full jar, I was content to hang out at the picnic table long after the plates were cleared.
sept. 2026
"Beyond the recipes, Frisch packs in quick, practical tips for fireside cooking with confidence." EMMAFRISCH.COM @EMMAFRISCH
STORY by KATHERINE WOLF @KATADELLIC
Cannabis is only for use by certified patients and adults 21+
glass art spotlight
ETHAN VERKHOVSKY
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This month, the Leaf wanted to share some stunning artwork from the Great White North made by Ethan Verkhovsky. Also well known as the artist Eka Glass, he hails from the mighty land of Canada and now resides in Montreal. But this story starts with his parents, who moved to Calgary, Alberta, from Russia to seek a new life many years ago. Brought up in a multilingual household, Verkhovsky is fluent in English, Russian and French.
Eka
Glass @EKAGLASS (FUNCTIONAL)
@EKGLASSART
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(HOME DECOR)
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DO U BLE S WIS S S PA C E
SEPT. 2026
B U L G A RI A N LION
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LIFE HAS NO SET BOUNDARIES, and Verkhovsky’s dedication to finding his path led him to many job roles, from a professional poker player to a medical hypnotherapist, along his journey. He had just started his doctorate in osteopathy when art entered his periphery. His introduction to glassblowing happened back in 2016 at a studio called Island City Glass in Montreal. It was here that he made lifelong friends and found his passion for borosilicate artwork. He considers himself a traveling artist, a man of the road. Collaborating with artists far and near, he’s been able to develop a uniquely deep archive of work and a wide array of technical skills. When the Leaf asked him about his inspirations, Verkhovsky said, “Some of the first artists I saw are still, to this day, my largest inspirations, and I'm blessed and fortunate enough to call some of them teachers and even friends.” In the constant pursuit of knowledge and experiences, Verkhovsky has participated in many glassblowing intensives. This is when a legendary artist, or artists, hosts a small group of other artists for usually three to five days. They work closely with the students to develop their skills in specific aesthetic and functional techniques. At the time of this interview, Verkhovsky was attending a two-week class at the Corning Museum of Glass hosted by Daniel Coyle, aka Coyle, and Adam Whobrey, aka Hoobs. Coming from a self-confessed nonartist background, he said, “I try to create pieces that make you feel something. Might be uncomfortable, might be desirable.” The Leaf team finds his work very desirable, both visually and functionally. Always on the move, his next home port will be the beautiful seaside city of Kingston, Ontario, where his journey with this craft will continue to grow. On top of functional art, Verkhovsky also focuses his efforts on stunning home decor. You can find his contemporary work exclusively on Instagram or on display in your local glass gallery.
SPAC E M O N KE Y
“I try to create pieces that make you feel something. Might be uncomfortable, might be desirable.”
STORY by REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS courtesy
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These days, there are a plethora of pot-infused beverages to choose from… but for thousands of years, there was really only one bud-laced brew: the original Cannabis cocktail, bhang. Sometimes referred to as the “Nectar of the Gods,” this marijuana milkshake from India has been bringing all the boys (and girls) to the yard since the dawn of recorded history. WHAT IS BHANG? Originating from the Sanskrit word “bhanga,” meaning “hemp,” the Urdu/Hindi term “bhang” has been used on the Indian subcontinent since the Vedic Period (late Bronze Age) to refer to Cannabis leaves, seeds and stems (flowers are called “ganjah,” and resin is known as “charas”). But bhang’s definition extends beyond just the leaves — it can also mean an edible paste made by grinding up the leaves or a beverage containing that paste: namely, bhang thandai or bhang lassi. The paste is blended with various combinations of ground nuts, herbs, seeds, spices and warm milk for a bhang thandai or yogurt for the thicker version, bhang lassi. The mixture is then cooled (thandai means “cooling off”) and garnished with rose petals and pistachios. The result is a rich, refreshing beverage similar to an iced chai or smoothie that’s said to calm the mind and body. But for Indians, bhang is more than just a deliciously dank drink — it’s integral to their cultural and spiritual traditions. LORD OF THE BHANG The first written accounts of bhang appear in Hinduism’s sacred texts, the Vedas (2000-1400 BCE), which classify it among the most sacred of plants — calling it a “source of happiness,” a “joy-giver” and a “liberator.” Bhang appears repeatedly in Indian mythology, usually in connection with the god Shiva.
sep. 2026
In the story of Samudra Manthan, a group of “Devas” (gods) and “Asuras” (demons) conducted a “churning of the cosmic oceans” (Samudra Manthan) to create an “elixir of immortality” called “amrita” (“ambrosia” to the Greeks). Legend has it that a few drops of this amrita fell to earth, and those spots were where the first Cannabis plants sprouted up. Unfortunately, this churning also created a poison potent enough to destroy all life called “halahala.” To save the universe, Shiva drank all of the poison himself, turning his throat blue and causing him agonizing pain. Rushing to his aid, his consort, the goddess Parvati, gave him a cup of bhang, alleviating his suffering. In another tale, after Shiva argues with Parvati, he retreats to the mountains and falls asleep under a “leafy plant.” Upon awakening, he’s hungry and anxious, but feels instantly rejuvenated after chewing the leaves, and decides to gift the plant to humanity. Shiva used bhang regularly to relax and focus during meditation, and was even rumored to bathe in it. Since artists have often depicted Shiva with stoney eyes, dreadlocks, and smoking charas or drinking bhang, he’s considered the first “hippie god” and has been bestowed the epithet “Lord of the Bhang.”
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Big Bhang Theory
HOLI SMOKE Given the close connection between Shiva and Cannabis, it’s no surprise that bhang is a sacred component of holidays honoring him. Maha Shivaratri (Great Night of Shiva), which is observed in the Hindu month of Phalgun (February-March), commemorates Shiva and Parvati’s nuptials. During this celebration, Shiva’s worshippers consume bhang leaves and beverages and present them to him as “prasad” (a religious offering). Another Shiva-related holiday widely associated with bhang is Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors.” According to Hindu lore, when Shiva’s first wife Sati died, he flew into a distraught rage and performed a “Tandava” (dance of destruction), after which he fell into a trance-like state of mourning. Unbeknownst to him, part of Sita’s spirit survived and was reincarnated as Parvati. When Parvati asked Kamadeva (the Hindu god of love) for assistance, Kamadeva shot a bhang-dipped arrow into Shiva — breaking his trance and causing him to fall in love with Parvati anew. That day became Holi.
Parvati offering bhang to Shiva. Watercolor by Kailash Raj.
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AYURVEDA India also values Cannabis for its medicinal properties, as part of its ancient holistic wellness system known as “Ayurveda” (Sanskrit for “knowledge of life”). In Ayurvedic texts dating back to the eighth century CE, bhang is prescribed to treat such varied ailments as nausea, anxiety, inflammation, indigestion, insomnia, migraines, malaria, rheumatism and even skin disorders. In fact, it was recommended for so many illnesses that it has been called the “penicillin of Ayurvedic medicine.” Of course, Ayurveda does not promote full-on intoxication, which it considers an abuse that can lead to mental disorders, such as Tamas (delusion and lethargy) and Rajas (hyperactivity). Rather, it advocates moderate, mindful consumption of bhang to maintain physiological and psychological balance — which, given what we know today about the endocannabinoid system, makes perfect sense.
“Bhang appears repeatedly in Indian mythology, usually in connection with the god Shiva, who has
been bestowed the epiteth “Lord of the Bhang.” each. Describing the effects, he observed that one man “wept bitterly all afternoon,” one was “terrified with fear,” a few were “complimenting each other in high terms” and one “fought with one of the wooden pillars of the porch” until his knuckles were raw. As for Bowrey himself, he confessed that he “sat sweating for the space of three hours in exceeding measure.”
BESOTTED BRITS The earliest English account of bhang comes from an East India Company merchant captain named Thomas Bowrey. During his first visit to India’s Bengal region in 1673, he noticed that the inhabitants didn’t drink alcohol, but instead found “means to besott (sic) themselves Enough with Bangha and Gangah.” Two years later, while on shore leave there, he and his men decided to try some for themselves — guzzling pints of the “bewitching” beverage, which they purchased for sixpence
THE INDIAN HEMP COMMISSION When the British took control of India in the 18th century, they were reportedly alarmed about the pervasive use of Cannabis there. And so, in 1798, the East India Company enacted a tax on bhang, ganja and charas, hoping to reduce its usage “for the sake of the natives’ good health and sanity.” In 1893, Parliament took a step further — appointing a commission of medical professionals
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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
EUROPEAN EXPOSURE It wasn’t until the 16th century that the West became aware of bhang. The earliest record of bhang in Europe comes from a Jewish Portuguese botanist/physician in Goa named Garcia da Orta. In his 1534 treatise “Colloquies on the Simples and Drugs and Portrait of Jan Huygen van Linschoten from Medicinal Matters of India and of a his “Itinerario.” Few Fruits,” Orta wrote extensively about “bangue” — apparently rejecting the idea that it was the same as English hemp, and explaining how inhabitants enjoyed chewing it, smoking it or grinding it into powder and drinking it with spices because it “intoxicates like opium.” “The profit from its use is for the man … to be raised above all cares and anxieties, and it makes some break into a foolish laugh,” Orta observed. “Those of my servants who took it … said that it made them so as not to feel work, to be very happy, and to have a craving for food.” Around 60 years later, a Dutch merchant/cartographer also living in Goa, Jan Huygen van Linschoten, wrote about bhang in his 1596 book, “Itinerario” (aka “The Voyage of John Huyghen Van Linschoten to the East Indies”). In it, he notes that bhang “… maketh a good appetite, but useth most to provoke lust … to reele and looke as if they were drunke, and halfe foolish, doing nothing but laugh and bee merrie.”
KNOX & HOOKE Another East India sailor who was instrumental in introducing bhang to England was Robert Knox. While sailing to Persia in January 1658, Knox’s ship was damaged and forced to port in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where the king took the entire crew prisoner. After two decades in captivity, Knox managed to escape and sail to a Dutch settlement on the north of the island. Along the way, he was forced to drink muddy pond water, which made him deathly ill. Luckily, the locals offered him bhang, which fixed him right up. “… we learned an Antidote and Counter-Poyson against the filthy venemous (sic) water … that after the use thereof we had no more Sickness,” Knox attested in his 1681 book “An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon.” “It is only a dry leaf: they call it in Portugueze Banga ... and this we eat Morning and Evening upon an empty Stomach. It intoxicates the Brain, and makes one giddy.” After returning to England, Knox was able to procure more “Banga,” some of which he gifted to his friend, scientist Robert Hooke. Hooke spent a month studying the plant, noting in his diary that he found it to be “wholesome, though for a time it takes away the memory and understanding.” On Dec. 18, he gave a lecture at the Royal Society about the herb, which he proposed could “prove as considerable a Medicine.” Sadly, Hooke’s attempt to introduce Cannabis into Western pharmacopeia was unsuccessful; it would be another century and a half until Britain recognized its medical potential, with credit instead going to Dr. W.B. O’Shaughnessy in 1844.
AUG. 2021
to launch an extensive study of the cultivation, trade, consumption and cultural/religious significance of Cannabis in Indian society. Published in 1894, the “Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report” concluded that excessive use of bhang was rare, that moderate use was harmless and that to outlaw it would “cause widespread unrest among Hindu and Muslim communities alike.” And so, Cannabis remained legal in India for the next 60-odd years … that is, until the dawn of the drug war. BAN THE BHANG? In 1961, the United Nations enacted the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs — Bhang shop in Jaisalmer India. an international treaty banning all nonmedical drugs that was adopted by 73 nations, including India. However, since the treaty only specified “the flowering or fruiting tops of the Cannabis plant … from which the resin has not been extracted” as a narcotic, bhang was exempt from the ban. Then, in 1985, under pressure from the U.S., India passed an even stricter drug law — the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Nevertheless, the previous legal loophole held, as the NDPS clearly differentiated ganja and charas from bhang, once again excluding bhang from the prohibition (upheld by India’s high court in Karnataka in August 2022). Though permitted on a national level, many states still passed their own laws restricting or outright prohibiting bhang. In towns where it is permitted (mostly in Northern areas like Uttar Pradesh), it’s sold in government-licensed shops that regulate how it’s sold and to whom. GOING OUT WITH A BHANG Regardless of its legality, Cannabis remains India’s most popular intoxicant, with Mumbai and Delhi both listed among the top ten cities in the world for Cannabis use. According to a 2019 survey by India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, about 2.8% of citizens (nearly 39 million people) still drink bhang regularly. After 3000 years, it’s safe to say that bhang — and Cannabis in general —remain deeply ingrained in India’s spirituality and culture. Bobby Black is a former senior editor and 21-year veteran of High Times magazine, executive director of the World of Cannabis Museum Project, and host of the Cannthropology podcast. For more Cannabis history visit cannthropology.com.
STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y for LEA F NAT IO N
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Observed on the full moon after Maha Shivaratri, Holi is a joyous two-day festival that celebrates the coming of spring by dancing, singing, feasting, laughing, dousing fellow celebrants with bright colored powders and liquids … and of course, drinking lots of bhang thandai and lassi.
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