GROWING TOGETHER
Breeding Grounds is a project under which Sensi Seeds releases its cutting-edge strains. As part of this program, we join hands with breeders of Sherbinskis, Serge Cannabis, Champelli, Humboldt Seed Company, Fat Beans, and more.
We are proud to be at the forefront of developing ground-breaking genetics, working in collaboration with some of the best breeders worldwide.
SENSISEEDS.US
@SENSISEEDS_US
@SENSISEEDS.US
WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER wes@leafmagazines.com
MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com
TOM BOWERS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER tom@leafmagazines.com
DANIEL BERMAN CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER daniel@leafmagazines.com
TERPODACTYL MEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR amanda@leafmagazines.com
BOBBY BLACK LEAF BOWL DIRECTOR & HISTORIAN bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com
MIKE GIANAKOS ONLINE EDITOR mikeg@leafmagazines.com
KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
MICHAEL CZERHONIAK ADVERTISING SALES michael@leafmagazines.com
PAIGE RICHARDS ADVERTISING SALES paige@leafmagazines.com
ABOUT THE COVER
Swinging into the sunshine of spring is this adventurous new cover from longtime Leaf Magazines collaborator Joshua Boulet. With a humble nod to classics of cinema and literature and the special issue inside, we were pleased to create this fun and novel illustration. Boulet's creative, heartfelt and detailed work has graced the cover of our magazines for years and years, and was the illustrator for Mike Ricker's Stoney Baloney column from 2020-2025. Throughout this edition, we've sought to highlight a variety of ways to take Cannabis and make even daily life an adventure - because we all need more!
ART BY JOSHUA BOULET
JOSHUABOULET.COM
CONTRIBUTORS
WES ABNEY, FEATURES
ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR, FEATURES
ADHDDEAD, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
JESS BERNSTEIN, PHOTOS
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATIONS
TOM BOWERS, FEATURES
COURTNEY CARDINI, PHOTOS
CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, PHOTOS
WYATT EARLY, NATIONAL NEWS
NESTO FARINAS, PHOTOS REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + ART
JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES
RUSSELL JOHNSON, PHOTOS
JAKE KERN, FEATURES
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
LEXI PADUSSIS, SALES
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
KATE RUSSELL, PHOTOS
BRIAN SANNER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, PRODUCTION
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Northeast Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. Email paige@leafmagazines.com to start advertising!
LEAF!
Thanks for picking up the Adventure Issue of the Leaf!
Nothing says adventure like a packed bowl of weed, which is why we chose to have a giant nug chasing a stoner Indiana Jones throug h a vibrant scene. Have you ever been out in public, at a restaurant or the gym, when the weed that had been silently running in the background reached up and slapped you with a major case of “I’m too stoned to be in public”? I certainly have!
I’m training to climb a mountain and fight big salmon this summer, so I’ve been pushing my limits on edibles and workouts this spring. Recently I was on a 200mg leg day adventure when the edibles hit 27 minutes and 32 seconds in. At that moment, I simultaneously became aware that I had to pee, had extreme cottonmouth, was sweating profusely and had suddenly become extraordinarily tuned in to everyone around me doing gym things. My hands swell ed up with tension, music slowed down, and fight-or-flight kicked me right in the gut, along with two delicious 100mg lemonade shots from Agro Couture.
To escape the sudden madness, I found myself intensely studying Papa John’s $6.99 ad on my treadmill TV, as if I don’t hate ads. I’m such a mindless consumer that I’ll watch ads for processed doughy deliciousness even at the gym. Who knew that going 3 mph on a level-10 incline could be such an intense adventure? Twenty-three minutes later, the sound of a child’s laughter in an EDM mix snapped me back, releasing a rush of anxiety that matched the beat, pus hing my mind and body toward a peak as I finished my warmup cardio.
"I FOUND MYSELF INTENSELY STUDYING PAPA JOHN’S $6.99 AD ON MY TREADMILL TV."
I remember this intense workout because I wrote about it while freaking out on the treadmill, and when I thought of my most re cent weed adventure as a prompt for this Editor’s Note, that memory was still strong in my consciousness. While often anxiety-inducing, I do love adventur es like “Fuck, I’m too baked for Costco but want the free samples,” or the real-life reality show, “Let’s take blinker hits in Walmart and people-watch,” which is always worthy of a daytime Emmy.
My point in sharing these stories, while silly, is that life becomes an adventure with weed. It takes the daily routine of work, gym and errands and turns it into an exciting experience. Weed forces me into the moment, especially when majorly stoned, which is the opposite of the mindless escapism that the TV or alcohol offer.
Whether your adventures involve climbing high mountains or peaking your high at Pilates, smoking weed is an essential ingredient for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Like last year’s Choose Your Own Adventure cover, which you can find at leafmagazines.com, weed really is the magic wizard that is guiding us to our next epic memory!
BY THE NUMBERS
87%
In a survey conducted by the National Library of Public Medicine, 87% of the 111 respondents reported that THC products helped them with recovery following exercise. An even higher 93% of participants felt the same way about CBD-infused products. These participants regularly engage in aerobic and resistance exercises and habitually use Cannabis. This represents a win for Cannabis consumers who exercise and an important study toward breaking the stigma of laziness surrounding stoners.
72%
According to a Cannabis Craze study by data analytics firm Technomics, this percentage of consumers said they would visit a restaurant that incorporates Cannabis in its food. This figure represents a 9.2% year-over-year increase in people interested in a culinary Cannabis experience. Additionally, 63% of consumers reported using Cannabis prior to visiting both restaurants and bars. We all know Cannabis can elevate a dining experience, which is probably why we smell something familiarly loud in the air about 63% of the time we dine out.
1
The number of state-licensed Cannabis consumption lounges still open in Nevada. You’d expect a state as wild as Nevada to have a booming market for Cannabis consumption lounges, given the various other types of partying taking place there. The problem behind the failure of this sector falls on stringent regulations for these businesses and high financial barriers to entry. You can walk down the Las Vegas strip holding a bottle of vodka, but for some reason they still don’t want you smoking weed in public.
100%
Not a formal statistic but rather the opinion of NBA star Kevin Durant on how many NBA players smoke weed. “It’s the NBA, man. Everybody does it, to be honest. It’s like wine at this point” said Durant, who heavily lobbied NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to lift the league’s ban on Cannabis. “I just enjoy the plant. It’s as simple as that.” Need he say more? Considering players are allowed to consume alcohol and prescription medication, we think not.
Researchers with the University of Oklahoma assessed 98 Cannabis consumers who regularly engage in moderate to vigorous activity. The assessment concluded that participants on average engage in 31 more minutes of physical activity on days they consumed Cannabis products. Whether you’re going out for an easy walk around your neighborhood or smoking a fatty and hitting a PR deadlift, Cannabis may enhance the experience in a positive way.
For this dollar figure, you and nine friends can embark on the Smoky Mountain High Cannabis Dispensary & Safari Jeep Adventure Tour in North Carolina. They’ll pick you up from your hotel or campground, take you to get just the right product for your ideal day, and take you on a breathtaking safari Jeep ride through the wilderness of the Cherokee Reservation. Imagine getting blitzed and being driven around to see big beautiful mountains populated by elk, bears and tons of different species of birds. Put this tour on your bucket list.
78
The New York Times' sports division, The Athletic, conducted a survey with 170 professional MMA fighters and discovered that 78 of them (nearly 50%) use Cannabis. As expected, many of these fighters are using Cannabis for recovery, but several also reported using it recreationally. Whether it’s being used to relax and recover after dishing out and taking hundreds of punches to the head and body, or as an alternative to alcohol and other drugs, fighters using Cannabis is something we can all get behind.
29% $700
The amount of all active leisure travelers who are interested in Cannabis-related activities while on vacation, according to a study published by MMGY Travel Intelligence. These activities include visiting a dispensary, trying various cannabinoid-rich products and infused beverages, indulging in a CBD spa treatment or sampling Cannabis in a safe and comfortable environment.
REAGANMOORE
BE SWEET, LITTLE HONEY — that’s the nickname given to Reagan Moore by people close to her. She has the first half of that phrase tattooed on her as a reminder of who she is and to honor the lessons in humility and generosity passed down from her late grandmother. “Everyone called her Honey because she was so sweet,” she said. “She just wanted to give and take care of others, and I looked up to that.”
It took some time for Reagan to really find and grow into the woman she is now. Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, the 22-year-old said she felt isolated growing up in a city she described as a stopping point before getting to more populated areas like Atlanta or Savannah.
“There weren’t a lot of people who looked like me, so it was hard for me to really understand what it meant to be a Black woman growing up,” she said while crediting a former teacher with giving her advice on reaching her potential. “She taught me about how missed opportunities aren’t always on you … she was always a safe space when I lived in Georgia.”
Reagan has had Type 1 diabetes since she was 9. She said that as a kid, she didn’t know what diabetes was, and when she stayed in the hospital for extended testing, it was hard for her to understand what was happening. She said the diagnosis also led to self-confidence issues and low self-esteem, especially around her friends.
The embarrassment of taking medication in front of her friends, she said, led her to ignore her diagnosis, and she ended up back in the hospital with complications from a lack of treatment at age 11. After doctors explained the long-term consequences of not taking care of herself, she took the diagnosis more seriously and felt stronger for having survived that experience. “I grew up pretty fast because of that,” she said. “I had no choice.”
For Reagan, a normal day with Type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin multiple times a day and checking her blood sugar levels, a process that involves a sensor that sends updates to her phone every few minutes, alleviating the need to prick herself.
“All of my friends smoked. I smoked a little bit, but not often,” she recalled. “I wish I could go back to that time. I used to get so high off half a blunt, sitting there laughing and screaming at things.”
Cannabis isn’t much of a factor in managing her diabetes, she said, aside from providing her with an appetite to keep her blood sugar steady. She described her Cannabis use as more of a remedy for her mental health, helping her combat anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
“I only take medication for bipolar disorder,” she said.
“I don’t love medication. With smoking or eating an edible, that’s what eases and calms me.”
Preferring more indica-leaning strains with a good amount of myrcene or linalool, like GMO, she said she likes rolling up and smoking.
More recently, she said she’s been taking small drops of a tincture after a recommendation from one of her regular customers, which she’s found helps calm her racing thoughts at night and makes it easier to fall asleep.
Reagan’s love for Cannabis led her to become a budtender in 2023 after deciding to pursue a different career path. That eventually led her to enroll as a patient in the state’s medical program.
“Idon’tlovemedication. Withsmokingoreating anedible,that’swhat easesandcalmsme.”
“You usually check your blood sugar at least five to six times a day, I do at least, because I want to be cautious,” she said, adding that her blood sugar levels fluctuate frequently and often peak and drop in the middle of the night.
Reagan and her family moved to Baltimore when she was 15, and within a few months, the new environment had grown on her despite carrying some resentment about picking up and moving to a new state. Compared to living in Macon, she said the fresh start inspired her to talk to people and try things she probably wouldn’t have before — one of them being Cannabis. In high school, she sat in on a few smoking sessions with friends but said she began using Cannabis more frequently in college.
Working as a budtender has many parallels to Reagan’s goal of becoming a teacher, specifically teaching math to middle school students. She initially attended West Virginia University as a nursing major but switched majors and transferred back home to Stevenson University as an education major. Inspired by her mother’s journey in the education field, Reagan said she has always loved school and wants to make the same impact her mother had in the classroom.
“I think math has a lot of subjects people shy away from, even in adulthood,” she said. “I really loved math, and being able to teach kids how to be a good mathematician would be super cool.”
Reagan has also expressed interest in becoming a therapist after meeting with a mental health specialist in high school. She said opening up to someone gave her a confidence boost, and she wants to provide that same experience to anyone she works with, whether as a budtender or an educator.
“I love being able to be a light for others,” she said. “I know when I have my own space, I want that to be a safe space — to be a teacher and a therapist, all in one.” @_REAGANMOORE
Hit the Road
So, you are hitting the road. Cool. It’s May, time to get some sun, some fun and some delightful Cannabis to make everything just right. Whether you are on a bike, a boat or a chair in your living room, be safe, be kind and be the best you that you can be. The chosen strain for these traveling treats is the sativa-dominant Electric Blue #3, with flavors of berry, skunk and pine. Highly uplifting, it’s a dream to smoke and even more delightful when eaten. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
A Dozen Dates
12 large Medjool dates, slit open, pits removed 1/2 cup almond butter
2 tablespoons canna-butter, melted 4 strawberries, thinly sliced 12 walnuts
1. Place the dates on your work surface. In a small bowl, stir the canna-butter into the almond butter.
2. Place a teaspoon of almond butter in each open cavity. Add a strawberry slice and a walnut.
Trail Mix
Zen
2 cups cereal of your choice
1/2 cup yellow raisins
1/2 cup dark raisins
1 cup dehydrated fruit of your choice (I used bananas and raspberries)
1/2 cup hazelnuts
1/2 cup pretzels, broken
3 tablespoons canna-butter
1 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for the canna-butter, honey and cumin.
2. In a large frying pan, heat the canna-butter with the honey and cumin.
3. When melted, add all the ingredients and coat evenly with the infused butter. Allow to cool thoroughly before placing in an airtight container.
Lovely
Apricots
20 dried apricots
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons canna-butter Coconut flakes Sprinkles
1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips at 20-second intervals, until almost completely melted.
2. Add the canna-butter, stir and microwave 20 seconds more. Stir again to mix well.
3. Holding the apricots one at a time, dip half way into the melted chocolate.
4. Sprinkle the coconut and the sprinkles on the just-dipped apricots. Place on parchment to set.
MAKE GROWING EASY AGAIN
SIMPLIFY YOUR GROW BY SWITCHING TO A GRANULAR FERTILIZER THAT HAS BEEN SPECIALY FORMULATED FOR CANNABIS. IT’S AS SIMPLE AS MIXING IN WITH SOIL OR COCO THEN IT’S WATER ONLY AFTER THAT. FOR WITH CUT COSTS REDUCE ERRORS
QUALITY AND YIELD MOST AFFORDABLE FERTILIZER AT SCALE SCALE
OLIO SOUR RASPBERRY LIVE ROSIN GUMMIES
DABOLIO.COM
@DABOLIO710
@OLIO_NY
higher in New York’s growing edibles market, and their latest Sour Raspberry Live Rosin Gummies are another strong example of that. We have previously written about Olio’s products and their commitment to creating the best hash products for hash lovers by bringing legacy market quality into recreational storefronts, and these gummies only build on that reputation.
INFUSED WITH a solventless live rosin extract, these gummies come in at 10mg each, with effects that kick in smoothly, providing a euphoric lift upfront, followed by relaxation and a gentle calm. They are perfect for helping you wind down effortlessly and providing good vibes.
Olio stays true to its roots, with clean and potent solventless products that respect both the plant and the consumer. As with any edible using a live rosin infusion, you are getting a full-spectrum experience, loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes to deliver maximum effect and a potent, holistic experience.
Olio’s Sour Raspberry Live Rosin Gummies are crafted first and foremost for the consumers’ experience. You can taste the familiar rosin-tinged warmth that blooms with each bite, lending an herbaceous note on top of a sweet tang from the raspberry.
The richness of the raspberry shines here, with a flavor profile that feels intentional, leaning into the herbal flavor of the plant rather than masking it with an overly saccharine palate.
Expanding on their growing lineup, these gummies from Olio are 100% vegan. Made with an apple-based pectin in place of traditional gelatin, the consistency is soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth tender.
The best way to experience these is to really savor each gummy and let it almost dissolve in your mouth instead of just chewing and moving on.
The slight touch of sweetness at the finish is clean and subtle, with no lingering artificial aftertaste and no cloying gumminess coating your teeth. Whether you’re an experienced edible fan or just starting to explore, these are worth picking up the next time you hit your local shop.
“...The richness of the raspberry shines here, with a flavor profile that feels intentional, leaning into the herbal flavor of the plant.”
INTRODUCING
EXTREMELY TASTY & POTENT
Whole bud flower is infused with a proprietary process that combined diamonds, natural botanical terpenes and pure kief all contained within the pre-roll to produce a potent flavor explosion and high THC content for that desired Lift o or couch lock without the mess and burn of a traditional pre-roll.
As someone who has long admired the tradition and craftsmanship behind temple ball hash, experiencing Sweetgrass’ Grenadine Live Temple Ball was a genuine pleasure. I chose to enjoy it mixed with flower in a classic chillum, allowing the hash’s full flavor and smooth resin profile to shine through with each puff. The experience delivered vibrant bursts of sweet cherry layered with rich, earthy notes, wrapped in a silky, easy smoke.
Each session offered not just a bold flavor but also a deeper connection to the centuries-old artistry that first sparked my love for solventless concentrates. Sweetgrass’ careful preparation and respect for tradition shine through every aspect of this product. Smoking the Grenadine Live Temple Ball was a powerful reminder of why temple ball hash remains among the best expressions of Cannabis today.
SWEETGRASS BOTANICALS
GRENADINE TEMPLE BALL
Sweetgrass Botanicals has become a standout name in New England’s evolving Cannabis scene, blending traditional craft with a forwardthinking approach. Built on a foundation of quality, community and education, Sweetgrass offers a curated selection of premium Cannabis products in an environment designed to be welcoming and inclusive. Beyond retail, they foster a deeper connection to the plant, hosting events where herbalists, hash makers and regenerative farming experts share insights into Cannabis science and sustainable practices.
“...BURSTS WITH BRIGHT, SWEET CHERRY NOTES, BALANCED BY SUBTLE TARTNESS AND A SMOOTH, SUGARY FINISH REMINISCENT OF A CLASSIC SHIRLEY TEMPLE.”
AT THE HEART of Sweetgrass’ reputation is hash maker Benjamin McCabe, whose expertise in solventless extraction earned the company first place in the Licensed Facility Non-Solvent Concentrate category at this year’s NECANN Cup in Boston in March. His award-winning work highlights Sweetgrass’ commitment to preserving the craftsmanship of traditional Cannabis concentrates while embracing modern innovation.
HOW TO ENJOY TEMPLE BALL HASH
Temple ball hash is versatile but rewards patience and technique.
Traditionally, small pieces are gently warmed between the fingers until pliable, then crumbled or rolled into thin “snakes” for smoking.
Popular methods include:
Mixed with flower: Blend softened hash into ground flower for a richer, smoother bowl or joint.
Hash pipe or chillum: For a traditional experience, smoke it in a small hash pipe or chillum for full-bodied, flavorful hits.
Whichever method you choose, using gentle heat and lower temperatures helps preserve the hash’s complex terpene profile and smooth effects.
Among their celebrated offerings is the Grenadine Live Temple Ball, a contemporary take on one of Cannabis’s oldest concentrate forms. Temple balls, historically crafted in the Himalayan regions, are hand-rolled, resin-rich spheres known for their smooth, complex effects and exceptional aging potential. Sweetgrass’ version, made with fresh-frozen Cannabis and meticulous curing techniques, delivers a vibrant, terpene-forward experience suited to today’s discerning consumer.
The strain behind this standout concentrate, Grenadine, is a flavorful hybrid of Cherry Garcia and Crescendo. Its dense, colorful buds offer a rich aroma of ripe cherries and creamy vanilla, setting the stage for a smoking experience that is both nostalgic and refined. On the inhale, Grenadine bursts with bright, sweet cherry notes, balanced by subtle tartness and a smooth, sugary finish reminiscent of a classic Shirley Temple. For flavor-focused consumers, Grenadine is a musttry, offering an exceptional blend of taste, aroma, and potency.
The Grenadine Live Temple Ball showcases this flavor in concentrated form. The exterior glistens with a polished resin sheen, and breaking it open reveals a pliable interior rich with complex aromatics. Smoked traditionally, the hash produces silky, flavorful clouds that mirror the flower’s sweet, fruity notes with an added earthy richness. The effects are deeply relaxing yet mentally clear, highlighting the full-spectrum benefits of traditional solventless hash.
UK CHEESE UK CHEESE
“...A DISTINCTIVE CHEESY AROMA TO THE BUDS, NOT THAT SHARP PARMESAN STINKY FOOT FUNK. IT’S DEEPER, MORE SAVORY…”
UK CHEESE is a clone-only phenotype of Skunk #1, a new classic yet modern hybrid created by the late Skunkman Sam in the 1970s.
THE THREE-WAY CROSS of (Afghan x Colombian) x Acapulco Gold is one of the foundations of modern Cannabis breeding stock. Across the world, multiple cuts have been kept and used as production plants and breeding stock over the years. The cut High Seas 207 cultivates was sourced from Nikka T of Essential Extracts. The flower looks modern despite its four-decade life on the scene and stands on its own when compared to modern hybrids, with medium-high bud density, some frost, dark green sugar leaves and purple notes across the bud.
There’s a distinctive cheesy aroma to the buds, not that sharp parmesan stinky foot funk. It’s deeper and more savory, like aged cheddar or Colby Jack territory. There are also some floral, berry and peppery aromas.
The flavor follows suit with a bit of cheesy funk, though the berry and floral aromas take the center stage on your palate. It’s a soft, pleasurable smoke. You can toke deeply without the smoke being too scratchy on your throat. The effects are balanced between the body and the head. The ramp-up 20 minutes after the sesh is a little sneaky; you may not notice the body relaxation and painrelieving qualities until the calming head high sets in and quiets the internal chatter. It’s a creative and dreamy experience that is fit for any endeavor, whether it be socializing, creating, doing chores or just vibing on the couch with the dog and your new favorite record. High Seas 207’s UK Cheese is a great example of classic strains that hold up to modern expectations. It is a fragrant, balanced and pleasurable experience that’s sure to elevate whatever the day has in store for you. @HIGHSEAS207
THE ADVENTURE OF MEOW WOLF W
INTO THE WORMHOLE INTO THE WORMHOLE INTO THE WORMHOLE
Trying to explain Meow Wolf is like trying to describe a dream while you’re still half in it. Venturing through this immersive art environment is a journey that resists easy description. It’s not quite an art installation. It’s not a theme park. It is a full-body, sensoryflooding plunge into a shifting universe where narrative bends, time blinks and reality becomes optional.
PHOTO BY JESS BERNSTEIN DENVER
PHOTO BY ATLAS MEDIA SANTA FE
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS
LAS VEGAS
PHOTO BY KATE RUSSELL
WWith permanent exhibitions in Santa Fe, Denver, Las Vegas and Grapevine, Texas, Meow Wolf offers experiences that are equal parts science fiction, sacred geometry, haunted house and heady quest. It’s art at its most chaotic and interactive.
Stepping into any Meow Wolf location is a complete dislocation from reality. Upon entry, any sense of normalcy dissolves. You are pulled through a wormhole of impossible architecture, a cacophony of iridescent neon, alien symbology and tactile forests tucked behind refrigerators. Suburban homes are rigged with interdimensional surveillance. Every surface is alive with detail. Behind each doorway, real or imagined, there lies a choice. Time folds in on itself. Possibility fractures in every direction.
Unlike the linear flow of a museum or the scripted thrill of a theme park, Meow Wolf does not tell you where to go or what to feel. This is an open sandbox. You can simply walk and absorb the riot of color, sound, texture and movement, or you can go deeper. For those who choose to engage, the experience becomes a kind of lucid role-playing game, unfolding through a complex web of storylines involving alternate dimensions, lost civilizations, memory-based economies and cryptic figures like the Hallow or the Rat King. It’s a world that rewards curiosity and disregards assumption.
The spirit of adventure here isn’t manufactured. It emerges from the work itself. By giving its artists full creative freedom, Meow Wolf taps into something primal: the drive to explore, to uncover, to follow the strange path just to see where it leads. At times, it feels like wandering through a dream. At others, like stepping inside a playable graphic novel.
“AT TIMES, IT FEELS LIKE WANDERING THROUGH A DREAM. AT OTHERS, LIKE STEPPING INSIDE A PLAYABLE GRAPHIC NOVEL.”
Meow Wolf carries a clear countercultural lineage. There’s something distinctly psychedelic in the way it operates — echoes of the Acid Tests, of Kesey’s Furthur, of the Grateful Dead’s kaleidoscopic, tie-dyed visual language and embrace of spontaneity. It feels homegrown but not amateur, high-concept but never sterile.
For those engaging with Cannabis, the experience tilts even further into the extraordinary. A mild edible or a well-rolled joint can sharpen the synesthetic edges and open things up even more. Meow Wolf is one of the rare places where altered perception feels not only welcome but anticipated. The spaces are designed to overwhelm, to challenge the senses and the mind, and to pull the visitor into an active, unfolding story, not a passive walk-through.
Meow Wolf began in 2008 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, founded by a collective of creatives: Sean Di Ianni, Matt King, Corvas Brinkerhoff, Emily Montoya, Caity Kennedy, Benji Geary and Vince Kadlubek, who described themselves as “a community of punk, quirky, artistic pals.”
With backing from George R. R. Martin, who purchased and renovated an old bowling alley to house their vision, the group launched its first permanent installation, House of Eternal Return, in 2016.
Today, Meow Wolf has five locations, each distinct in aesthetic and storyline: Santa Fe’s House of Eternal Return; Houston’s The Real Unreal; Denver’s multiversal Convergence Station; Las Vegas’ Omega Mart; and Grapevine’s The Real Unreal. New locations in Los Angeles and New York City’s South Street Seaport are on the horizon.
What unites all of these exhibitions is an insistence on presence. Meow Wolf cannot be streamed. It cannot be flattened into a video or turned into background content. It demands that the visitor move, look, choose and feel. This is adventure without a map.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS
LAS VEGAS
BAR ORAI @bar.orai
Tucked in a side street of Manhattan, Bar Orai is known for its curated vinyl collection that leans heavily on jazz, funk and obscure soul. Word is, they snagged a few ultra-rare Japanese pressings, which pair nicely with an interior designed for minimal distraction. An intimate, low-key environment that practically begs you to settle in with a mellow strain (not currently allowed) and lose yourself in the music. Regulars say the bar’s staff is passionate about guiding you to the perfect album, making each visit feel like a personal listening session rather than background noise.
VINYL, VIBES AND VISION
AUDIO BARS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CANNABIS LOUNGES
There’s something magical about a cozy lounge, a stack of vinyl records and the gentle crackle of music drifting through the air. While still hypothetical in many states, the idea of a proper sesh paired with top-notch sound is beginning to take shape. A handful of cool vinyl and hi-fi bars might be previewing what Cannabis-friendly listening lounges could become once the laws catch up. At their core, these spots showcase how music and socializing collide in an environment built around high-fidelity sound. As states refine their consumption laws, these audio-first venues already offer a roadmap: impeccable acoustics, curated record collections and a laid-back energy that perfectly suits a chilled-out sesh.
WAX ON HI-FI
@waxonhifi
Wax On Hi-Fi leans into California’s sunny optimism with bright decor and airy seating. Their vinyl shelves bounce from surf-rock staples to modern funk albums, reflecting the region’s breezy atmosphere. Natural light floods the space, making it a prime environment for pairing an energizing sativa or hybrid strain to elevate the mood. The open vibe suggests a daytime hangout for folks who want a sonic adventure without the nightclub energy.
IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
@insheepsclothinghifi
Though not explicitly Cannabis-friendly, In Sheep’s Clothing has cultivated a near-religious devotion to the listening bar format. Patrons are expected to dial back phone usage and let the meticulously curated vinyl selections transport them. This place is a poster child for how minimalistic decor, high-grade speakers and a willingness to appreciate music can create something far more profound than a typical bar scene.
SHIBUYA HIFI
Named after Tokyo’s famed Shibuya district, this lounge nods to Japanese listening bars by cultivating a nearspiritual approach to audio. The seating is arranged to face the music, literally, so you’re not stuck chatting away while the vinyl spins in the background. Seattle’s music scene already thrives on indie and alternative vibes, and Shibuya HiFi offers a modern twist on that foundation. Expect to spot the occasional experimental or lo-fi album in their rotation. Some evenings are dedicated to themed playlists, floating across psychedelic rock or classic hip-hop. @shibuyahifi
GOLD LINE BAR
Located in the greater Los Angeles area, Gold Line Bar is owned and operated in part by the team behind Stones Throw Records, meaning its vinyl library is massive and meticulously curated. Hip-hop, funk, soul and worldwide rarities line the shelves. Sometimes you’ll catch a DJ spinning an Afrobeat set; other times you’ll drop in on a night devoted to ’70s Ethiopian jazz. The interior echoes vintage record shops and laid-back living rooms, creating a space that worships sound as much as it caters to casual conversation. @goldlinebar
For now, keep these vinyl bars on your radar for a taste of what’s possible. The next wave of Cannabis consumption lounges may be taking notes, ensuring that before too long, we’ll all be able to fire up our favorite strain while a perfect groove supplies sonic goodness from the speakers.
LOS ANGELES
SEATTLE
LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES
COURTESY
TOKE +TASTE
Food can be a portal, transporting you across time and space with a whirlwind of flavors, aromas and textures. When used with intention, Cannabis enhances this adventure, deepening your perception and heightening tastes and sensations. THC is more than an extra layer to a dish; it interacts with food in ways both subtle and profound.
AN EDIBLE can lengthen the arc of a meal, expanding your appetite across courses. A well-timed joint before eating can amplify deeper, richer flavors or prepare the mind for an immersive dining experience. The key is balance: knowing when to let Cannabis take the lead and when to let the food speak for itself.
Different dining styles call for different approaches. Some meals demand precision and restraint, while others invite indulgence and excess. The right Cannabis pairing amplifies the best aspects of the experience without overpowering the meal.
Dim sum is a playground for post-edible exploration. A high dose taken well in advance aligns perfectly with the arrival of steaming baskets and crisp, golden bites. This style of dining invites you to follow your crav-
ings across courses of pillowy char siu bao, crispy scallion pancakes and xiao long bao that burst with hot, savory soup. The variety of flavors and textures matches the ever-swelling peak of an edible, keeping the experience dynamic and engaging. New York’s Jing Fong offers the quintessential dim sum experience in a vast dining hall packed with rolling carts and endless choices, an adventure in itself. For Korean barbecue, the act of cooking at the table is just as integral as the meal itself. A premium joint beforehand sets the stage, allowing the ritual of lighting up to mirror the anticipation of fire hitting the grill. The lingering effects of a strong indica or hybrid seamlessly blend with the primal satisfaction of grilling meats tableside, where smoke, char and umami richness mingle.
The same principles apply to any open-flame-driven feast. If Korean barbecue isn’t a local option, a Brazilian steakhouse or Texas-style barbecue market offers a similarly indulgent experience. For authenticity, Los Angeles’ Park’s BBQ serves premium cuts with deep, smoky flavors that thrive under Cannabis’s influence.
Omakase unfolds in a carefully deliberate sequence, each course a study in balance. The delicate layering of flavors — from pristine cuts of fish to seasoned rice touched with vinegar and soy — rewards an attuned palate.
A low-dose edible or tincture can sharpen your focus without overwhelming any senses, allowing the nuanced interplay of textures and tastes to unfold as intended. Too strong a dose will blur the finer details, muting the sharpness of yuzu or the umami depth of aged soy. The goal is refinement, heightening awareness without distortion.
Korean Barbecue
A premium joint enhances the rich umami, smoke and char of tableside grilling.
Notable Location: Park’s BBQ, Los Angeles
For those seeking an omakase experience at the pinnacle of craftsmanship, Sushi Nakazawa in New York offers a journey through impeccable technique and flavor.
“THE VARIETY OF FLAVORS AND TEXTURES MATCHES THE EVER-SWELLING PEAK OF AN EDIBLE, KEEPING THE EXPERIENCE DYNAMIC AND ENGAGING.”
Tasting menus present a unique opportunity to pair Cannabis course by course, allowing the effects to unfold in tandem with the meal’s progression. A hybrid strain, taken in measured doses throughout dinner, shifts the state of mind alongside the flavors. The key is pacing, ensuring Cannabis enhances rather than overshadows the natural rhythm of the meal. Chicago’s Eden is redefining this format, incorporating Cannabis-infused elements into their High-Minded Events. Their farm-to-table approach, paired with an immersive chef-driven experience, allows precise pairings to shine in an intimate dining setting.
For immersive dining experiences like Medieval Times, where spectacle and atmosphere outweigh subtlety, Cannabis’s more psychoactive effects can elevate the grandeur. A high-dose edible paired with a pre-meal joint primes the senses for the theatrics, making the experience feel larger than life.
In settings where refined palates take a back seat to maximum excitement, Cannabis helps heighten the absurdity and immersion. Medieval Times or Rainforest Cafe locations across the country provide the perfect setting to lean into this kind of time-warped, theatrical dining.
Introducing Cannabis into the culinary experience unlocks new potential. Thoughtfully paired, THC transforms a meal from something consumed into something fully experienced, stretching flavors, melding sensations, and turning every bite into a moment of discovery.
Dim Sum
BOWL APPEAL
A high-dose edible taken in advance stretches appetite and enjoyment across a variety of dumplings and crispy bites. Notable Location: Jing Fong, New York
Omakase
A low-dose edible or tincture sharpens focus without dulling delicate flavors of fresh fish and aged soy.
Notable Location: Sushi Nakazawa, New York
Tasting Menus
A carefully paced hybrid strain evolves with each course, enhancing flavors without overpowering.
Notable Location: Eden, Chicago
Immersive Dining
High-THC edibles and a pre-meal joint amplify the spectacle, making every element feel larger than life. Notable Locations: Medieval Times, Rainforest Cafe, nationwide
EDEN
RAINFOREST CAFE
SUSHI NAKAZAWA
BUDS + BACKWOODS
What’s better than a wake-and-bake? A wake-and-bake by a lake! Mary Jane and Mother Nature are fine friends, and more campsites are opening their doors to Cannabis enthusiasts these days than ever before. But despite many states legalizing recreational use, it’s not as simple as rolling out the tent and roll up a joint. Here’s your guide to responsible trailblazing.
THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE
National Parks and National Forests
Cannabis is strictly illegal on federal lands. That means no puffing or packing in National Parks or National Forests, even if you’re in a state where sale and use are legal. Violating these rules can lead to serious fines or worse.
State Parks
These rules vary from state to state. Even if Cannabis is legal in the area, it may be prohibited in state or even county-specific parks, so it’s always best to check specific park regulations first.
Private Campgrounds
Some private campgrounds still strictly prohibit Cannabis or smoking in general, but some are going green and catering entirely to Cannabis (see sidebar).
TOKE RESPONSIBLY
FOR A SUCCESSFUL SESH, ALWAYS CONSIDER SAFETY.
Fire Safety First
Consider your environment before lighting up. Avoid combustibles in high-risk areas, and check your area’s current fire danger levels. Opt for vaporizers or edibles in dry seasons, and make sure anything you discard is completely extinguished before packing out.
Pack It In, Pack It Out It should go without saying, but here we are. Please don’t leave behind roaches, packaging or anything else, so come prepared with a safe receptacle to retain these items.
Be Nice Neighbors
Remember, not everyone shares your love for the leaf. Keep smoke, noise and other scents contained to your own campsite, and always consider your neighbors.
Leave No Trace Stay on designated trails to preserve the environment. And if you’re a bit stoned, be careful that you’re not disturbing wildlife or wandering off-course.
Camp Laughing Grass
A cozy, 21-and-older campground located in Harrison, Maine, where you can enjoy riverfront views from tents, cabins, A-frames, and glamping setups surrounded by plenty of open-air space to light up. camplaughinggrass.com
@camp_laughing_grass
CANNA-FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS
The Grassy Knoll
This Muskegon, Michigan, location is an operating dispensary with an adjacent 5-acre field that’s partnered with local event planners to cater to campers and events alike. It offers RV parking and tent sites “where nugs and nature meet.” muskegoneventplace.com @muskegoneventplace grassyknollmuskegon.com @tgk_231
GANJA GEAR
Sol Spirit Retreats
Sol Spirit in Willow Creek, California, is an operating Cannabis farm that offers all-inclusive adventure. Experience farm-to-table meals, cultivation tours and the beauty of Northern California’s Emerald Triangle landscape from onsite “luxury bell tent accommodations." solspiritretreats.com | @solspiritretreats
420 Treehouses
If you’re looking for an odd adventure, Oregon never disappoints. This Takilma location (that doubles as a medical grow) offers nontraditional glamping experiences, like treehouses and the “USS Mary Jane,” a sleepable sailboat suspended 35 feet up in a tree! 420treehouses.com @420treehouses
Start with Storage
A smell-proof pouch, cooler or hard case with humidity control will keep your herb fresh and discreet. A metal water bottle will provide a safe passage for ashes.
Manage Your Method
Portable vaporizers, e-rigs, travel pipes, compact grinders, small rolling trays and stuffable paper cones can be game-changers. A windproof lighter or hemp wick is always handy for lighting up on a breezy day.
Mountain Refuge Ranch
This stunning, small campground is located on private property and offers panoramic views from cliffside sites of the Selkirk Mountains in Metaline Falls, Washington. While the campground is not cannaspecific, the owners maintain an open, smoke-friendly policy and discourage the presence of children due to the elevated location. mountainrefugeranch.com @mtnrefuge
Consider Your Course
If you need a more low-key approach or are adventuring during high fire danger, explore edibles. Want to prevent pain and put some pep in your step? Try topicals!
SACRED FLOW & ELEVATED PLAY
A CANNABIS-INFUSED ACROYOGA JOURNEY IN THE RIVIERA MAYA
THE SWEET, sticky scent of sun-cured Mexican flower filled the air as we passed the dutchie to the left, barefoot and beaming under the watchful gaze of Mama Frida, peering through the aerial hoops. With each exhale, the worries of the world drifted further away, replaced by giggles, bright eyes and the knowing spark of something magical unfolding. We were in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Mexico — the tropical evening breeze carried the jungle’s vibrant resonance, setting the tone for an AcroYoga adventure that is sure to lift us into a whole new dimension.
OUR CREW gathered like cosmic puzzle pieces — entrepreneurial travelers, healers, athletes and artists seeking connection and elevated movement. Ready to embrace an afternoon of trust, flight and shared joy, the only requirement was to lead with an open heart and conscious body movement. We were nestled in the vibrant sanctuary of Plano Zero, a creative movement and art space tucked into Centro Playa.
Surrounded by colorful murals, jungle greenery and a warm embrace of all artistic expressions, Plano Zero holds space for movement, arts, sound journeys, sacred smoke and creative communion. It’s one of the few spots in the Riviera Maya that openly honors plant medicine and freedom of self-expression.
We lit our sacred herb with reverence and playfulness, letting the Cannabis tune us in.
The local flower — earthy, sun-grown, with a citrus twist — was a heart-opener and a body-whisperer, helping us melt resistance and soften into presence. It was the perfect companion for our next adventure: AcroYoga.
Rooted in the blend of classical yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage, AcroYoga is a mix of movement and trust. Born in the early 2000s, it brings together the grounding wisdom of yoga with the dynamic play of circus arts.
"Cannabis gave us permission to be fully present and playful. It softened the hard edges of performance and perfection and reminded us that joy is the real
BEYOND THE HANDSTANDS
balancing acts, Acro is about connection — to ourselves, our partners and the infinite dance of giving and receiving.
In Acro, there are three primary roles: base, flyer and spotter — each vital to the alchemy of lift-off. The base provides grounded support (think stable legs and open palms), the flyer surrenders to flight (with core strength and trust), and the spotter holds the container of safety and awareness. It’s a tribal dance of co-creation, an elevated metaphor for community and consciousness.
Our session was part of the Kate in Paradise Acro class, a heart-led gathering that brings together international AcroYoga nomad Kate and local teachers and enthusiasts. Kate has partnered with Plano Zero to offer her elevated movement workshops semiannually in Playa del Carmen. In partnership with Vamos Experiences, you can catch her AcroYoga retreats in tropical destinations worldwide.
We flowed through warmups, barefoot on the mat, feeling the earth beneath and the sky within. The tropical magic of the Riviera Maya held us in resonance as we lifted each other higher — first into bird pose, then star, and finally into floating therapeutic flows that reawakened the child within.
And here’s where the plant medicine truly shined.
Cannabis, like many herbal allies, is more than a buzz; it’s a sacred connector that helps dissolve the ego, ease social tension and amplify our sense of wonder. When used with intention, it awakens the inner child — the one who’s not afraid to fall, who plays without judgment, and who sees movement as magic. In the sacred space of Acro, that energy becomes fuel for flow.
We weren’t just stretching; we were expressing. Laughing. Exploring shapes and sensations with curiosity. Cannabis gave us permission to be fully present and playful. It softened the hard edges of performance and perfection and reminded us that joy is the real medicine. We were moving together as one tribe, one breath, one shared dream of what it means to lift each other up.
So, OG's, if you find yourself in Playa del Carmen looking for something more than just margaritas and beach bars, seek out the tribe at Plano Zero. Bring your medicine, your mat and your open heart, and be ready to fly.
Disclaimer: Cannabis can be a powerful plant ally for flow, connection and creativity, but it should be used with caution, especially when combined with physical movement. Only experienced Cannabis consumers who are also familiar with the fundamentals of AcroYoga should partake before engaging in elevated partner play. As always, listen to your body, communicate with your partners and choose safety over sensation. Elevated consent is the highest form of trust. Cannabis is not provided or accessible at Plano Zero. Simply put, the creators of Plano Zero respect the symbiosis between plant medicine and art. The current legal regulatory system allows for CBD-only consumption in Mexico.
Firefly Glass
NICK NOWAK
Nick Nowak first lit the torch in 2007, just 18 years old and driven by curiosity. Back then, it was all about soft glass beads — small, delicate creations that marked the start of a much bigger journey. Over time, what began as a fascination evolved into a calling. Now known in the art world as Firefly, Nick crafts intricate glasswork from his home studio tucked away in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
NATURE IS HIS MUSE.
Animals, in particular, have always captured his imagination.
“I’ve always found animals to be something I love creating,” Nick explains. “I’m constantly inspired by them — their form, their movement, the spirit they carry.” That inspiration breathes life into each piece, with every curve of glass reflecting his deep appreciation for the natural world.
Looking ahead, Nick’s calendar is filling up with exciting collaborations. One of the highlights is a joint show with his longtime friend and fellow artist Jeff Heath (@jeffheathbar), set to debut on July 12.
Hosted by Woody’s Glass Gallery (@woodysglassgallery), the event will take place at Ignite Glass Studios (@igniteglass) in downtown Chicago — a space known not just for its sleek gallery but also for its dual glassblowing studios, accommodating both soft glass furnace work and Boro torch techniques.
For Nick, this upcoming show is more than an exhibition — it’s a milestone. “I’m really looking forward to building up a strong body of work and releasing it there,” he says. With each new piece, he continues to push his craft, blending technical skill with heartfelt inspiration.
From humble beads to breathtaking animal forms, Nick’s journey on the torch is a glowing testament to passion, growth and the art of fire and glass.
FIREFLYGLASS.BIGCARTEL.COM | @FIREFLY_GLASS
“I’ve always found animals to be something I love creating.”
When it comes to Cannabis usage, not all endocannabinoid systems move at the same speed. We all know people who blast off from 5mg of THC and those for whom the dose has to be more like an elephant tranquilizer. We also know that things like live resin gummies hit differently than rosin gummies. So given the wild differences, we’ve long believed that weed is semi-immune to a dosing standardization that goes beyond the vague guardrails we have in place: “You can always take more, not less,” “Start with five and move up by five,” and even “puff, puff, pass.”
However, this study from 2024 has popped up and it’s looking to change the paradigm on how certain doses of THC might compare to each other. Outlined in the April ’24 issue of the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, researchers from the University of British Columbia are suggesting that one of the biggest blind spots in the effort to create a standardized dose of THC is tolerance.
A sample group of people ages 18 to 93 with a history of Cannabis use that ranged from low to high doses had their habits studied across seven different modes of use (bong, pipe, dab, edible, etc.). Using this data, they claim to have created the initial version of what they’re calling the Index of Cannabis Equivalence (ICE).
dardized dosing, it can help facilitate efforts in regulation, research and the creation of guidelines for using Cannabis.
The one bias they’ve identified is that they did focus on individuals with lower tolerances, and so for people in the elephant tranquilizer group, the research is still out.
“...one of the biggest blind spots in the effort to create a standardized dose of THC is tolerance.”
This new index has led them to boldly declare that two puffs on a joint, pipe or vaporizer (flower or concentrate) is the equivalent to one bong hit, one 5mg edible, or a one-fourth of a dab. The research team believes that through the creation of stan-
But, the findings from this study are tailored toward creating a baseline guide for people who might not own three Blazer torches and a Toro glass bong. So is there a way to say two puffs is all a person needs when they’re starting out? Well the ICE will help people figure out how much of that dab to inhale if a 5mg piece of chocolate is their usual jam. The index certainly starts to clear away some of the fog around dosing and gives us something that we can use to show people blunts and beverages aren’t so different after all.
Source Study: "The Index of Cannabis Equivalence (ICE): A User-Centered Approach to Standardization of Cannabis Dose–Response, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
