FOR EVERY OCCASION
Fuel/OG/Chem
Open Category
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Open Category Sweets & Dreams
Gas/OG/Chem
WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER
wes@leafmagazines.com
MIKE RICKER OPERATING PARTNER ricker@leafmagazines.com | advertising sales
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KAYL WOHL COPY EDITOR kayl@leafmagazines.com
ASHLEY HIRCHERT SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD ashley@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
DANIEL BERMAN, PHOTOS + DESIGNS
JESS BERNSTEIN, PHOTOS
JOSHUA BOULET, ILLUSTRATION
COURTNEY CARDINI, PHOTOS
CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, PHOTOS
WYATT EARLY, NATIONAL NEWS NESTO FARINAS, PHOTOS
ROBERT GARCIA, STYLING
MICHAEL GREENMAN, VIDEO
REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + ART JAKE KERN, FEATURES
JESSE JOHNSON, FEATURES
GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
KATE RUSSELL, PHOTOS
KELSEY STEVENS, PRODUCTION
TERPENE TRANSIT, DISTRIBUTION
TERPODACTYL MEDIA, FEATURES + PHOTOS
JAMIE VICTOR, DESIGN LENA B. WHITE, AD S ALES + PRODUCTION BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES
We are creators of targeted, independent Cannabis journalism. Please email us to discuss advertising in the next issue of Northwest Leaf Magazine. We do not sell stories or coverage. Email ricker@leafmagazines.com to start advertising!
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!
We Grow Sticky
This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children. FIND A
BY THE NUMBERS
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.
31
1 100% 87%
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.
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.
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.
DROPPED THE ‘EEZ’ , KEPT THE FREEZE MEET
SLUSH.
BY LIFTED CANNABIS
ERIC CESAR LUNA RIVERA
THE BAKERÉÉ BELLTOWN
222 WALL STREET SEATTLE, WA
THEBAKEREESEATTLE.COM
@THEBAKEREEOFFICIAL
OPEN 8 AM - 11:45 PM DAILY (206) 466-2936
It’s not every day you meet a budtender with the heart of a healer, the courage of a bull rider, and the soul of a Chicano warrior — but that’s exactly who Eric Cesar Luna Rivera is. Born in Seattle and rooted in Michoacán, Mexico, Eric carries the strength of his ancestors and the dreams of his generation into every interaction — whether guiding patients as a medical translator, or welcoming the canna-curious as a cherished bilingual budtender at The Bakeréé Belltown. He’s a fourth-gen jaripeo bull rider, a cultural bridge between nations, and a Cannabis activist who has transformed past injustice into a mission of empowerment. In this special Adventure Issue, we dive into Eric’s multicultural world — from bull riding arenas in Cuto de la Esperanza, to the dispensary counters and clinics of the Pacific Northwest. Whether he’s helping Spanish-speaking patients find relief or envisioning a dispensary all his own, Eric’s story is one of cultural pride, resilience, and radical love for la planta. Follow him on IG @ericluna13.
Tell us where you’re rooted, both physically and spiritually. I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but my roots are in Cuto de la Esperanza, Michoacán. That’s where both my parents are from. Spiritually, my heart beats in two lands — El Norte y El Sur — and both have shaped who I am.
You carry such a powerful story, bridging worlds. Can you share a memory that connects you to your Mexican heritage and Cannabis? Growing up, my abuelita in Mexico used Cannabis as medicine. She’d make tinctures for pain — it wasn’t recreational, it was medicina. It was normal to see elders using the plant for healing. That memory stuck with me. Even before I smoked it myself, I knew Cannabis was medicine.
When did your personal Cannabis journey begin? I started young — around 12 or 13. First a bong, then joints. After mi abuelo passed, I stopped for a while. He was a huge influence on me — a cowboy, a true jaripeo man. Eventually, I found my way back to the plant, this time with more respect and purpose.
Can you speak on your current Cannabis experience in Mexico? That moment you mentioned with la Policia Federal sounded symbolic of the larger global struggle. Yeah, I was traveling from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Mexico. I had just purchased a CBD vape pen from a legal store and I got stopped by la policia. The dogs snuffed out an empty package with a weed leaf printed on it — no product was anywhere in the car, just the image of la planta. Even though it was empty I was searched head to toe. They threatened to arrest me for a legally purchased empty package. I had to buy my way out of their claws. That moment hit hard — I was in my ancestral homeland, but still treated like a criminal over something my people have used for generations.
You also work as a medical translator. What’s that experience been like? It’s deeply humbling. I work with mostly Spanish-speaking patients — many dealing with critical end of life conditions like cancer. I translate between them and doctors. I’ve celebrated and cried with familias. It’s a blessing to bring comfort, especially to people who feel unseen in these medical systems.
RESTORE THE ROOTS
Cannabis is ancestral medicine — not just a trend.
From abuelas crafting mota salves to modern-day healers like Eric Luna, this plant has always lived in the hands of the people. As legalization grows, equity must follow. Support social equity applicants, honor Indigenous and immigrant stories, and remember OG’s, mota is medicine — and it has always belonged to the people.
Now you’re aiming to open your own shop through a social equity license? Yeah, that’s the dream. I’ve been through the system — I caught a felony at 18 for possession. It’s impacted job prospects, housing, everything. So I want to create a space that reflects our culture, our story, and offers safe access. I want to bring this knowledge back to Mexico one day, too.
What’s your vibe as a budtender? What strains are you smoking right now? I’m a sweet strain guy — love Gelato, anything fruity or gassy. I like Dutchies or smoking rosin out the Puffco Peak. As a budtender, I try to educate — not just push product. I want people to feel empowered by their choices.
Music and movement are big in jaripeo culture. What’s playing when you’re vibing with the plant? Banda and sones — the stuff they play at jaripeos. That’s my rhythm. It reminds me of home, of the adrenaline, the community, the sacred dance with the bulls.
Your story is puro medicina. Any last words for our readers? Embrace your roots. Don’t be ashamed of where you come from. Whether it’s the barrio, the ranchera, or the borderlands — your story is valid and la medicina marijuana – it connects us all.
HIGH COUNTRY
In the quiet corners of Whatcom County, a little green dream has taken root and grown into something much more than just a Cannabis dispensary. Dank of America, with locations in both Blaine and Bellingham, isn’t just a place to pick up your favorite flower — it’s a place where community, compassion and connection bloom alongside top-shelf weed.
THE NAME? A stroke of stoned genius. Owner Tom fondly recalls handing his son-in-law some beer and a few buds, asking him to think up a name. By morning, the answer was clear: Dank of America. “I laughed super hard and said, ‘Done!’” Tom says with a grin. Stories of confused consumers just trying to make a withdrawal or a deposit are a common occurrence here.
The shop’s mission? Simple: to offer something for everyone. Whether you’re chasing the heavy-hitting euphoria of SubX flower, the high-value, terprich clouds of Pressed 4 Less rosin, or just a relaxing Ray’s Lemonade for the weekend, Dank has your back. From $10 eighths to premium THC isolates, every budget and taste is welcome here.
Hailey, based in the Blaine location, beams about the shop’s energy: “We bring smiles and good weed to Whatcom County.” With seasoned budtenders offering decades of experience, customers know they’re getting more than just a sale — they’re getting guidance. “We love hearing when our suggestions become someone’s new favorite,” Hailey says. “It’s the kind of human connection we thrive on.”
At the Bellingham location, Mike keeps things just as real. “We’re staying true to our mom-and-pop roots, even as we grow,” Mike says.
“We want our shelves stocked with everything from cheap dabs to the finest rosins.”
BLAINE
SKAGIT ORGANICS
HAILEY, DON & BECCA
New brands like Cloud 9 and staples like Falcanna carts and Green Revolution’s Doozies edibles are keeping regulars excited and newcomers coming back for more.
TOP SELLERS
BELLINGHAM
Flower
SubX | Fox
Prerolls
Stone Age Joints | Ooowee Carts
Falcanna Northwest Cannabis Solutions
“WE’RE STAYING TRUE TO OUR MOM-AND-POP ROOTS, EVEN AS WE GROW,” -MIKE, DANK OF AMERICA BELLINGHAM.
But Dank of America is more than a business. It’s a mission. Tom, ever humble, speaks proudly of the shop’s role in the community. “We’re offering a real alternative to opioids,” he says. “We’re working with the local senior center, educating about medical Cannabis, and hearing some truly powerful stories.”
The future? It’s bright, green and full of promise. But more than anything, it’s about the people. As Hailey puts it best: “Dank of America — where friends meet friends.”
DANK OF AMERICA
5309 WA-539 SUITE B
BELLINGHAM, WA
DANKOFAMERICAWA.COM/BELLINGHAM
@DANKOFAMERICABELLINGHAM (360) 332-8922 | 8 AM - 10 PM DAILY
2530 PEACE PORTAL DR B
BLAINE, WA
DANKOFAMERICABLAINE.COM
@DANKOFAMERICABLAINEWA (360) 746-8545 | 8 AM - 11:45 PM DAILY
Concentrates
Emerald City Cultivation
Venom Extractions
Edibles
Green Revolution | Ceres Garden
BLAINE
Flower
SubX | Cloud 9
Prerolls
Trichome Extracts InTERPreter
Emerald Peaks Blunt Lord
Carts
Ric Flair Drip (disposable)
Full Spec Elite (510-thread)
Concentrates
Pressed 4 Less
Edibles
Mary Jones Sodas Doozies Watermelon CBG/THC mix
Ray’s Lemonades
CONCENTRATES
Jessica Mills is a licensed esthetician, manicurist, medical Cannabis patient and single mother who has built a business while raising her two sons. She began using Cannabis to treat Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, and has dedicated a large part of her life to sharing the benefits of CBD and plant-based medicines. Her lineup of topicals, skINFUZED by MJ Esthetics, is full of beneficial plant medicine, and patrons can visit her store in Sultan for CBD, natural plants and herbs, and even get a CBD facial with a mani/pedi treatment!
How did you get inspired to start creating your own line of topicals? I started skINFUZED back in 2018 while trying to figure out what I wanted to do long-term in the Cannabis industry. I left my job at Green Lion Farms, where we focused on high-THC products, but I knew that so many people wanted options without THC, especially older patients.
MILLS
Did you have previous experience with skincare and topicals? As far as skincare goes, I went to school to be a licensed esthetician in 2015. I started in Cannabis in 2011, and I was always curating something, whether infusing Cannabis butter or adding concentrates and oils to lotions.
Are you making topicals from scratch? Yes! I infuse all of my topicals myself and focus on combining local ingredients like my lavender essential oil that’s grown and processed in Skagit County. My salves and sprays have a variety of beneficial plants with CBD and other natural ingredients, like shea butter, local beeswax and essential oils.
“Cannabis hasputmy conditionin remission!”
Does combining Cannabis with other plant medicines work well? My salves have 10 different ingredients that all work together synergistically. Almost all the herbs and medicinal plants have anti-inflammatory effects, but then you have herbs like arnica, which helps with bruising; dandelions that help with skin irritation; willow bark for pain relief; and a wide range of antioxidants that come from the blend of plants and herbs. Cannabis is hugely beneficial, but we have all these other plants that provide benefits. For people who visit my shop, I have a lot of these herbs for sale in bulk, and I love providing knowledge on how to make teas, tinctures or infusions.
What do you love about working with CBD? I like working with CBD because of people’s jobs. A lot of people still get tested for THC and they worry about that. That’s why I strictly work with CBD isolate, which gives people confidence that it won’t show up on a drug test. I make CBD drops that are fantastic for anxiety, stress, pain and calming the nervous system. They even help with anxiety from high-THC products.
Where can people find your products? At the Seattle Waterfront Marketplace across from the Ferris Wheel, there’s a store covered in Henry art. You can also find my retail shop off Highway 2 in Sultan, called skINFUZED. And then local farmers’ markets, including Bellingham every Saturday since 2019. This has been my full-time job since 2018. It’s how I support my sons, and I love it!
How has Cannabis helped you as a patient? Cannabis has helped me through my seizure disorder, helps regulate my neurons, and prevent my seizures from happening. I have a sleep-related seizure disorder, Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, which causes me to seize during sleep. I started using Cannabis during my first pregnancy, as doctors encouraged me to do, to limit the effects of my seizures. Cannabis has put my condition in remission! This was before there was access to CBD isolate alone, which I can take at night without making me foggy. With my CBD drops, there is no anxiety or fogginess, and my seizures have been under control.
What’s your favorite product in the lineup? I work with drops and topicals a lot, but salves are my biggest seller. They help with injuries, bruising, burns, itching, rashes. I’ve helped people reduce their eczema; it’s not something that just goes away, but CBD can help with symptoms, including for kids. People can use the salves long term, and CBD maintains the efficacy that steroid based topicals do not.
What’s your recommendation to people considering topicals for pain and other ailments? Sometimes it’s hard to get people to try it, so my business cards have a sample of my salve inside them. We all need to take care of our skin and injuries. Some people are skeptical about topical results for weed, but I’ll mention arnica, which has been used for thousands of years, versus Cannabis, which has a mixed reputation. That opens their minds to the benefits. Everyone gets a bug bite, itch or pain, and when you have a topical that works, it leads people to believe in it.
CHECK OUT JESSICA’S SULTAN STOREFRONT FOR SKINFUZED 30331 US-2 #4 SULTAN, WA MJ ESTHETICS MJESTHETICS.COM | @MJESTHETICS (206) 334-6111
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS BELLINGHAM, SNOHOMISH, SULTAN, AND SEATTLE WATERFRONT MARKETPLACE
CBD alone has unique benefits, and people can use my products like the drops without feeling off or worrying about driving.
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.
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.
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
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.
NEPALESE TEMPLEHASH
Crossing the planes of reality, our adventure starts with clean-burning, instant-reacting blond Nepalese Temple Hash. This is the stuff of legends — you’ll know from the first taste.
First, a little bit about Yeti Scat Trails. Their methods set them apart from every other producer, so pardon me as I just scratch the surface.
Their renowned traditional hashish is carefully selected from their highest-quality Cannabis flower. Honoring centuries-old techniques, each batch is handcrafted to preserve the full spectrum of the female flower and the potency of the Cannabis rosin pod.
With expert attention to detail and a focus on delivering a rich smoking experience, the flower is washed in ice water, sifted down to 20 microns, hand-pressed, slow-dried and naturally aged in their curing cave.
The finished hash is then shaped into precisely sized pucks, which can be embossed with custom labels or formed into balls that pay tribute to the legendary Temple Ball hash crafted by the Nepalese Temple Masters.
For this Casper Hill strain, its euphoric, quick hold relaxes the mind and body into a perfect state of deep healing. The head high comes in strong but maintains a perfect elevation throughout, avoiding the dips and highs commonly associated with a long night of seshing.
No matter which small-batch craft hash of Yeti Scat Trails you’re able to obtain from your local Cannabis retailer, you’ll be treating yourself and those around you to a higher high based on hundreds, if not thousands, of years of perfecting Cannabis concentration and consumption.
Choosing the consumption method for this type of Cannabis concentrate can include trying a few, so here are four well-known approaches.
GREEN SCREEN
As simple as it sounds. Whether using a pipe, bong, bubbler, etc., simply crumble or spread the hash on your bowl and roast it like a campfire. Use the coals of your bowl to slowly heat and melt the hashish, which intensifies the flavor and efficiency of each bowl.
INFUSED JOINT/BLUNT
“...its
euphoric, quick hold relaxes the mind and body into a perfect state of deep healing.”
Add this to the grinder with your flower or top off your wrapped goodness just before rolling it up with a snake or a crumbled covering of this evenly burning concentrate, doubling or tripling the strength of the experience.
ON A PIN
There are many modern interpretations of this method, and some artisan-made apparatus as well, but the process stays the same.
Utilizing a (usually glass) globe with an open bottom (a drinking glass is often substituted), the hash is suspended on a pin with a support to keep it upright inside the globe. A lighter or match is used to get the hash burning below flame temperature. This smoldering hash is then covered by the cup until it fills with smoke. Then it’s removed and inhaled, creating an even more concentrated version of consuming this delicious form of craft hash.
HOT KNIVES
If you were born before a certain year (of which I haven’t been able to pin down) then you can skip this. If you don’t know about this method, I apologize to the person who got you your flatware. First make the hash into small balls, about one toke sized — or based on your preference, but usually the size of a few grains of rice balled up. Heat the tips of two butter knives on your stove (as long as it’s not a glass top). A propane or butane torch also works. Once the knife tips are red hot, remove from heat, let cool briefly, then pick up the prepped hash ball with one hot knife tip and press it between the other hot knife tip. Inhale from above for a perfectly tempered, old-school dab.
CULTIVATED BY BACON’S BUDS
BIG SMOOTH
“...THE BUDS ARE PILLOWY SOFT WITH A MEDIUMTHICK DENSITY, COATING FINGERS IN TRICHOMES AS A BOWL IS LOADED.”
SOAK UP SPRING SUNSHINE WITH A FRUITY AND FUNKY CUT HARVESTED WITH LOVE FROM THE LIVING SOIL BEDS INSIDE BACON’S BUDS, WHERE CRAFT AND PASSION COMBINE FOR PREMIUM FLOWER AND HASH.
IT’S THE SEASON of smooth grass, smooth waves and smooth vibes while rolling a longboard around Green Lake. There’s something special about the word “smooth” — it’s both a sensation and an action word that sent me into semantic satiation for a few minutes, a mental phenomenon where repeating a word over and over can cause it to lose meaning and be perceived as a sound instead of as a word with meaning.
The Big Smooth, which sounds like a professional surfer’s Instagram handle or the stoner uncle’s nickname, is a chunky, beautiful cut bred by Exotic Genetix. It combines two classic heaters, OG Blueberry x Cookies and Cream, for a sweet and exotic flavor profile. Each bud is giant, with foxtails pushing out that are covered in trichomes with a layer of red hairs. Stunning in the jar, the buds are pillowy soft with a medium-thick density, coating fingers in trichomes as a bowl is loaded.
First notes from the jar are bright citrus and blueberry gas, which wafts out and overwhelms the senses with sugary fuel. Leaving the jar open for a couple minutes releases a thicker, creamy-cookies funk that’s complex and smooth, adding to the sweetness of a superbly flavorful flower that brings out the best of both parent strains.
Hitting a bowl sends a warm and sweet rush of smoke into the lungs, exhaling with a vibrant berries-and-cream tang that lingers after each hit. Repeated bowls help bring out the Cookies funk, but the smoke stays sweet and, living up to its name, exceptionally smooth. This is where the living soil and organic style methods of growing shine!
Effects hit the mind first and fast, slowing thoughts as a chillaxed euphoria takes hold, reducing stress and engaging sesh mode. Big Smooth is stoney enough to make everyday activities fuzzy and fun, with a heady kick of stoned happiness that turns any moment into an adventure.
25.74% THC | OG BLUEBERRY X COOKIES AND CREAM) BRED BY EXOTIC GENETIX
Road trippin this summer? Blaze the trail right—swing by Cutie Judy’s for dank deals, chill vibes, and a stash that’ll keep the good times rollin.
THE ADVENTURE OF MEOW WOLF
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
matter where you’re at
The High Wizard Wizbang and his companion Buddy need your help to get to the land of Dockside. At Dockside, we strive to help anyone on their adventures with weed, no matter where they’re at. And with our app? Exploring what you need is a breeze and there are always ways to save. Access secret app-only flash sales, find products, and manage your collection of loyalty points and rewards. It’s even got a record of every purchase you make, so you can worry about your other quests. So journey forth! Download the app! And forge your own journey with Dockside!
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
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.
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.
BOWL APPEAL
Korean Barbecue
A premium joint enhances the rich umami, smoke and char of tableside grilling.
Notable Location: Park’s BBQ, Los Angeles
Dim Sum
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
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
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
WHEN
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!
form an alliance?
Are you a cannabis business owner, entrepreneur, employee, or advocate looking to make a real impact? The Cannabis Alliance is Washington’s largest nonprofit trade association dedicated to shaping smart policies, fostering industry connections, and supporting a sustainable future for cannabis. Advocate. Connect. Make an impact.
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.
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.”
TIMBONNER
WAKING UP IN ANY AMOUNT OF PAIN is an unpleasant way to start the day. For Tim Bonner, it’s a pretty normal occurrence that’s taken him a while to accept as part of his everyday routine. “Sometimes the conditions win, but that’s okay. That’s going to happen from time to time, but I try to focus on the good days,” he said.
In addition to a lifelong struggle with maintaining a healthy weight due to gastrointestinal problems, Tim also found himself getting constantly sick, and when he was 28, he suffered a stroke. Since then, he said the symptoms of his GI condition intensified, while also making his ongoing struggles with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a mitochondrial mutation of the OPA1 gene worse.
The NF1 disease, he said, affects the muscles, bones and nerve endings, adding that one symptom of the disease is the development of tumors all over the body. He then reveals a wrap on his arm from undergoing a recent operation to have a tumor removed. “I’ve had quite a few removed, I want to say around 10 so far,” he said.
In total, Tim said he’s had about 20 different operations to combat his different conditions, including the insertion of a feeding tube into his body. While it took some time for him to get used to having it, he said he’s thankful for the relief it’s been able to bring to him. “Without it, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “It’s like when everything makes you sick, but then you get this one thing and it doesn’t make you sick anymore.”
With the added relief from his feeding tube, Tim said Cannabis has been a big contributor to improving his well-being. He started smoking when he was around 14 and noticed at a young age that it helped with his gut health and lowering his anxiety. He acquired his medical card around the start of the medical program in Maryland and began frequenting his local dispensaries.
“Before Cannabis, I was on a lot of pills. Sure, I felt OK, but I was a zombie,” he said. “Once I started using Cannabis, I saw how I didn’t need all these pills, and I eventually graduated to just using Cannabis.”
One thing he’s noticed, especially with using Cannabis to help with the NF1 disease, is the frequency of tumors on his body compared to other patients who are fighting the disease is significantly less. While there is no definitive research on the topic, he suggests THC helped to shrink the tumors he’s grown.
"OnceIstarted usingCannabis, IsawhowIdidn’t needallthesepills..."
In terms of his preference for taking his medicine, Tim said he loves to dab while also electing to smoke some flower and take some RSO oil to change things up, adding that he reaches for something indica-leaning with a good mix of terpenes at the top of the profile. Tim said he’s been able to medicate through his feeding tube as well, adding tinctures or liquid elixir into his feeds. “If it’s an edible, I can eventually crush it down and put it in the tube,” he said.
Using Cannabis to treat his conditions eventually led Tim into finding a career in the industry. He first became a packager at Charm City and has since taken that experience to different shops around Baltimore, more recently as an inventory lead at CULTA. He said his conditions — including having a cochlear implant to improve his hearing — have put limitations on how he works but brushes them off as little things to work around while on the job.
Tim also said his two children are medical patients in the state. Even though his son is now only using it occasionally, he said he noticed a difference in his son’s behavior after beginning a tincture treatment and eventually graduating to eating half of a 10 mg edible.
“[Those] helped him to calm down and focus more, it was amazing,” he said. “My daughter has pretty bad anxiety, so Cannabis has helped her to open up and learn how to be more social.”
Tim’s interests outside of the Cannabis industry include photography, specifically Cannabis photography, and an aspiration to learn American Sign Language and possibly try his hand at being an interpreter. He also said a longterm goal of his would be to get into some kind of charity or foundation work, but for now he wants to continue passing on what he’s learned about himself, his conditions and the industry to his fellow budtenders and patients.
“I don’t see as many patients with medical issues anymore since we’ve gone recreational, which is OK,” he said. “But those are the cases I really like to do because you just get into it and do research. Those are things that I enjoy doing. Advice can really change someone’s life, and you can do that in just a few words.” @cannatimbis
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
