NorthwestLeaf_May2026

THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE

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INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010

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issue

GROW TOUR

HEAVENLY BUDS

FIVE AMAZING GANJA GETAWAYS

MARY JANE BERLIN

NORTHERN NIGHTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

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MOVIES & MARIJUANA FEATURE

MAY 2026

STONEY MUSIC FESTIVALS

52

NAMESAKE & OBZRVR

GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT

THE ART OF DAVE ZACKIN STUDIO SESSIONS

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70

NAOMI HERNÁNDEZ @NAMESAKEGLASS

ELEVATE YOUR FATE

TICKET 30 TO TOKE

COURTESY

PAKALOLO ADVENTURE

COURTESY

ALEX PEFFER @PEFFER_PHOTOGRAPHY

JULIUS GUTIERREZ @AWORLDOFJULIUS

FEATURE

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EDITOR’S NOTE BARNEY’S FARM CANNABIS WILL TAKE YOU PLACES FIRE FOLLOWER PAGE BURNER THE BAKE SHOP HEAVENLY BUDS COOKING WITH CANNABIS ELEVATE YOUR FATE CONCENTRATES STRAIN OF THE MONTH SMOKE, STARS AND SERENITY GAME. SET. HASH. CAMPING WITH CANNABIS STONEY MUSIC FESTIVALS MARY JANE BERLIN HUNTER S. THOMPSON MOVIE NIGHT SESH GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT STUDIO SESSIONS

REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO

the adventure CAMPING WITH issue CANNABIS 50

FIRE FOLLOWER

MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON

COURTESY

ALIEN GENETICS

COURTESY

KIWI VELVET LIME

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MAY 2026 #191

SUN ROOTS FARM

E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 0

T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E

NORTHWEST

LEAF

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OREGON

LEAF

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MARYLAND

A B O U T T H E C OV E R The solar return of The Adventure Issue is our celebration of the many ways that Cannabis enhances the creative journey of our lives. The artist Alex Wight, aka Skully Vibes, has been drawing his whole life. He spent six years as the GM of a major Denver dispensary, where he says he developed a deep connection to the plant and the community. He was taking a dab break, and hiking in the Rockies with his wife, when we reached out for the assignment.

"Get outside and catch a vibe!"

ILLUSTRATION BY SKULLY VIBES SKULLYVIBES.COM | @SKULLY.VIBES

WES ABNEY C E O & F O U N D E R wes@leafmagazines.com

MIKE RICKER O P E R AT I N G PA R T N E R ricker@leafmagazines.com | advertising sales TOM BOWERS C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R tom@leafmagazines.com

DANIEL BERMAN C H I E F C R E AT I V E O F F I C E R daniel@leafmagazines.com

BOBBY BLACK LEAF BOWL DIRECTOR & HISTORIAN bobbyblack@leafmagazines.com MICHELLE NARANJO & CARA WIETSTOCK COPYDESK michelle@leafmagazines.com | cara@leafmagazines.com

MATT JACKSON S O C I A L M E D I A L E A D mattjackson@leafmagazines.com

LEAF

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CALIFORNIA

LEAF

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NORTHEAST

LEAF

Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up The Adventure Issue of Northwest Leaf!

Buying weed used to be an adventure; meeting a dealer in a fast-food parking lot or a smoky basement carried an element of criminality and suspense. Part of the experience was getting ripped off, or at least not knowing what you were getting for your money. An eighth was $40 back in the late ’90s, when a gallon of gas was $1.79, and a Big Mac was $1.50. Oh, how we all long for those simpler times

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— but not the waiting for a pot dealer part!

Today, the excitement around buying weed comes from the variety, which is immense, and the many ways Cannabis can go into or on the body. A modern

CONTRIBUTORS WES ABNEY, FEATURES AJ AGUILAR, FEATURES DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN + PHOTOS BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES JACKIE BRYANT, FEATURES MIKE CLEM, PHOTOS DAVID DOWNS, FEATURES JULIUS GUTIERREZ, PHOTOS NAOMI HERNÁNDEZ, PHOTOS REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS ELLEN HOLLAND, FEATURES MATT JACKSON, FEATURES JAKE KERN, FEATURES LENA B. MONAGHAN, AD S ALES + PRODUCTION JAMIE OWENS, FEATURES MIKE RICKER, PRODUCTION BAXSEN PAINE, FEATURES TERPENE TRANSIT, DISTRIBUTION TERPODACTYL MEDIA, PRODUCTION ALEX PEFFER, PHOTOS SKULLY VIBES, ILLUSTRATION BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, RECIPES KATHERINE WOLF, FEATURES

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!

dispensary might have hundreds of different vapes, edibles, concentrates, joints and topicals, along with all the ways to consume.

"… NOBODY NEEDS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE FLOATING UP THE HIKING TRAIL INSTEAD OF CLIMBING."

It’s easier than ever to find a product that is ready to puff on the go, and between vapes and gummies, nobody needs to know that you are floating up the hiking trail instead of climbing it.

Weed is the ultimate companion for adventure, no matter what flavor of life you are experiencing. Cannabis puts us in the moment for

thrills, enhances appetite and sound for food and concert experiences and helps us recover and relax for post-fun reflection.

As I prepare for fishing season, topicals and vapes are right next to my emergency radio and survival belt. I feel most connected to nature and grateful for the natural gifts of God when I’m smoking on a river or in the woods in pursuit of a fish or a view.

As we head into the summer season, it’s important to pack your weed bags carefully. Remember that not every travel destination has the same laws regarding the green. You can generally get something where you are going in a

CO N N E C T W I T H

NORTHWEST LEAF!

Exclusive Cannabis Journalism @NWLEAF

It’s never worth the risk of trouble for what we can buy here legally — unless your idea of an adventure is ending up on “Locked Up Abroad.”

So be safe, avoid sunburn, stay hydrated and thank your local pot shop for powering your next adventure!

NORTHWEST LEAF MAGAZINE

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

-Wes Abney

MAY 2026

PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS

checked bag or hidden away, but I recommend leaving it there on the way home.

MI MO S A X O RA N G E P U N CH

A FG H A N HASH PLA NT

INTERVIEW | FOUNDER DERRY BRETT

COURTESY

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BARNEY’S FARM IS STILL DOING THE SAME WORK

The company’s recent move into the U.S. has changed how closely that work is tied to the people using it. Barney’s Farm now handles distribution and is developing genetics in California, where Brett says the conditions allow for a slower, more deliberate pace.

“The quality coming out of that environment is exceptional,” he said, but the bigger shift is proximity — seeing how plants perform and adjusting in real time.

He doesn’t spend much time on the regulatory challenges that come with that shift, even though they’re significant. The U.S. market moves quickly and unevenly. That’s Derry Brett started collecting Cannabis genetics in the early 1980s, part of the landscape.

What stands out more to him is the moving through parts of Central and Southeast Asia and bringing seeds broader shift in how Cannabis is treated. back from places where the plant had been grown for generations. Those “I’ve spent most of my adult life in an industry that was criminalized, marginalized lines are still in Barney’s Farm’s breeding program — artifacts, yes, but and misunderstood,” he said. continually worked into whatever comes next as the seed bank's legacy grows.

The change isn’t total, but it’s enough to alter the context in which the work exists.

Brett doesn’t describe the industry as setARNEY’S FARM now operates as a global That expectation runs through the entire operation. tling into a single shape. Larger operations seed company with decades of recogniBarney’s Farm has expanded its facilities and invested in will continue to expand. Smaller breeders tion behind it, but Brett doesn’t frame it lab work, but the release process still comes down to a will continue working independently. that way. When the subject of competition simple rule: If something isn’t right, it doesn’t ship.

“Cannabis has always had a craft culcomes up, he shrugs it off.

The growers themselves have changed. Brett describes ture at its heart,” he said, and he doesn’t “The market being crowded is a compliment,” he the early coffeeshop years in Amsterdam as a smaller, expect that to disappear. said. “We showed the world what great Cannabis more exploratory moment.

His focus stays close to where it started. genetics could be.”

Now he’s dealing with growers who The work is still about taking He’s more interested arrive with a clear set of expectations. existing genetics, crossing them “The history in what happens after “People know exactly what they want and seeing what holds. Some of Cannabis is that first moment of — specific effects, specific flavor profiles, of it traces back to those early discovery. Finding a specific cultivation traits,” he said. collections in Asia. Some of it written in standout plant isn’t the That shift has pushed breeding in a comes from newer collaborathese plants.” problem. different direction. Brett points to the level tions. Brett mentions Africa as “Anyone can find a of terpene complexity now achievable, but a region he’s watching, but he fire pheno in a pack of doesn’t treat it as a finish line. It’s another variable to doesn’t present it as a pivot so much as a ten,” he said. “That’s stabilize, another thing that has to hold up over time. continuation. luck.”

The older genetics remain part of that process. Brett “What defines us is that we’re still chasThe work is in getting still works from the landrace material he collected ing it,” he said. “Still excited by what a new it to show up again — decades ago, folding it into newer lines rather than cross might become.” reliably, under different separating it. conditions, for various “Those genetics are irreplaceable,” he said. “The BARNEYSFARM.COM DE RRY B RE TT growers. history of Cannabis is written in these plants.” @BARNEYSFARM.GENETICS

COURTESY

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may 2026

STORY by JACKIE BRYANT @JACQBRY | AUTHOR PORTRAIT by IYDEEN YOUNIS

COURTESY

perspective

Former San Diego Magazine Managing Editor Jackie Bryant joins Leaf Nation to imagine the future of the Cannabis industry.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

CANNABIS WILL TAKE YOU PLACES! Weed is a core element of adventure Surrender to the smoke!

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

Cannabis has been a part of my professional career path for over a decade, and, before I got my first full-time job in the industry, I used the plant as a guide to manifest my dreams.

When searching for the next step in my career, I got high and wrote down a list of things that I enjoy. The list included weed, walking, wine and writing. I believe the act of writing out my intentions manifested a job incorporating two things I love: weed and writing.

may 2026

SINCE THEN, Cannabis has taken me along on many adventures. After many years of working in weed, this career path has taken me all over the world. As a Californian, I first felt I was making it in weed when I had a work trip to New York City. Getting to the place I had always seen on films and TV, which was all the way across the nation, made me feel like I had it made.

I visited the then-headquarters of High Times magazine, where longtime cultivation editor Danny Danko hooked me up with some award-winning concentrates. Later, I blazed up and went on a walk along the High Line — a public park built on a historic elevated rail line — to the Javits Convention Center.

I remember the stoney walk being quite the journey, that shatter that Danko gave me was super strong!

CANNABIS AS A CALLING This March, as a part of Women’s History Month, I had the opportunity to lead a panel at a Nor-Cal Women in Cannabis event that featured four influential women in the California Cannabis industry.

The panel included longtime Cannabis activists Aundre Speciale (owner of the oldest continuously operating dispensary in the nation, the Cannabis Buyers’ Club of Berkeley), Linda Jackson (who helped hundreds of patients receive their medical marijuana recommendations as a nurse with the state’s first cannabis by telemedicine practice), Debby Goldsberry (who co-founded the Cannabis Action Network and Berkeley Patients Group), and Lynnette Shaw (who faced years of federal prose-

DABSEL ADAMS/CREATIVE COMMONS

perspective

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Lately, I’ve been feeling a need for similar inspiration. I’m pulling that from my Cannabis community by asking them: Where is the coolest place that Cannabis has taken you?

When I posed that question to my main mentor, cultivation expert Ed Rosenthal, he mentioned a trip to Australia in the 1990s. He talked about a hidden grow that he had explored, reaching different terraced levels as he descended into a valley, and his time at an event called MardiGrass in Nimbin.

“Since my early youth I had dreamed of becoming a writer and plant scientist,” Rosenthal wrote in a 1999 issue of High Times. “However, during high school and college I was drawn to other matters and studied in a totally different area. Somehow, my natural inclinations broke through. My work as a writer for HIGH TIMES has helped me live a fantasy.

I have visited gardens and farms on five continents, and been given the opportunity to experience some interesting, unusual and even extraordinary places.”

Rosenthal has recently been making trips to India, a place that helped form his love of Cannabis back in the 1970s. We’ve talked a lot about that, but it was cool to discuss another one of his epic adventures, which took place at the Nimbin MardiGrass festival in Australia and is depicted in one of his most popular books, “The Marijuana Grower’s Handbook.”

“The event was a wild affair and media event,” Rosenthal wrote in High Times. “This festival is the highlight of the year in the small but very sophisticated town, which has several good restaurants and quite a cultural life, mostly homemade. This is very exciting because so many of the people are in the arts.”

Within the magazine, he also recounts the grow he ED R O S ENT H A L recently told me about while we were smoking a big jar of hash in his front yard.

“The most exciting part of the trip was my visit to a series of patches going downhill through a national wilderness park,” Rosenthal wrote. “The gardener chose places so remote that he reasoned it just wasn’t worth it for the police to seize the plots. Each plot contained 10-20 plants growing in partial sun.

The varieties had a lot of Thai and Dutch genetics.

I was enticed on the trip with his comforting words that it was ‘almost all downhill.’ I forgot to ask.

‘How steep?’”

Ellen Holland is a San Francisco Bay Area-based freelance writer, the former editor of High Times and the author of multiple books, including "Weed: Smoke It, Eat It, Grow It, Love It" (2024).

4 T H A N N U A L F U N D R A I S E R • L E AV E N W O R T H G O L F C L U B

Summer Classic GOLF TOURNAMENT

DATE

LOCATION

FORMAT

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Leavenworth Golf Club

18 Holes, All Skill Levels

ASHLEY ANN

W H AT ’ S I N C L U D E D

From left: Ellen Holland, Debby Goldsberry, Aundre Speciale, Linda Jackson and Lynnette Shaw

Each person on the panel had strong ties to the medical marijuana movement and approached the question of where Cannabis has taken them through the lens of their activism. the show securely and safely,” as one of the peaks of her life.

“It has been a lot. To quote the Dead, ‘a long, strange trip,’” she said. “We’re not done yet, either. We still have people in jail. We sell persecution, we still have second-class citizenship.”

Like Speciale, Goldsberry mentioned being a part of Jack Herer’s Hemp Tour.

“Well, on the hemp tours back in the early days, we did 45 states,” she said. “We were always on the Dead tour, because we could give out so much information about marijuana on the Dead tour, like people were coming from everywhere. So we did Dead tour, and then we made friends … and we ended up getting on Further tour, H.O.R.D.E tour, Lollapalooza, a Fishbone tour, a Primus tour, I mean, we had a good time ya’ll, a really good time.”

CARY NEWMAN/CREATIVE COMMONS

cution as the founder of one of the original dispensaries licensed under Proposition 215, the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana).

Each person on the panel had strong ties to the medical marijuana movement and approached the question of where Cannabis has taken them through the lens of their activism.

“Being on the bus with Jack Herer was the craziest, coolest experience of my life,” Speciale said of a late 1990s Hemp Tour with a traveling coalition of activists who set out to legalize hemp. “Debby (GoldsberDENNIS ry) and I threw a couple PE R O N of parties at the Playboy Mansion. I don’t know, you guys, if we can even talk about that, but that was a big benefit party.”

Shaw spoke about her involvement with Dennis Peron, an activist who led the California campaign to legalize Cannabis for medical use.

“It turned me to be the straight, white sound-bite girl because I was photogenic and looked like ivory snow, you know, just to get through to the general public,” Shaw said. “And so Dennis (Peron) sent me as a spokeswoman all over the place; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Florida. I was down in Los Angeles with Jack (Herer).”

Shaw also discussed being at the Seattle Hempfest “speaking for the cause, playing music and helping run

WORLDWIDE WEED The women in the panel, along with myself and Rosenthal, also shared international weedy memories of travels to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a core place for classic heads to make stoned memories together, and it still stands as a cool spot to smoke in 2026. But nowadays, there are so many other places opening the doors to people traveling the world searching for the adventure that Cannabis can bring. This plant is a great connector. Where is the coolest place Cannabis has taken you?

STORY by ELLEN HOLLAND @HOLLANDBUDS for LEAF NATION

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FIRE FOLLOWER

Award-winning journalist/author and former Leafly Senior Editor David Downs’ monthly genetics intelligence dispatch.

ALIEN GENETICS REVEALS ADVANCED ‘ROTATIONAL TERPS’ HOT FOR 2026

THE INFLUENTIAL MAKER OF FRUITY PEBBLES OG, STARFIGHTER AND ALIEN ROCK CANDY IS BACK WITH FOUR CROSSES TO HIS KIWI SOURS. HUNDREDS OF STRAINS bear Alien Genetics’ DNA, including MAC1 and Cookies and Cream. According to Alien and Lady Alien, the two-person team, Alien Genetics is in pursuit of unique terpenes that have a “rotational,” palate-staining quality.

The hottest release of the Kiwi Sours crosses is dubbed Laura Palmer for Alien Genetics’ love of the show “Twin Peaks.” Laura Palmer is (Paris Rock Candy x Marshmallowz) and Kiwi Sours. Get that one before it sells out. Alien made KIWI “hundreds” of packs, but that supply is already running low.

LIME OG The key is the insanely pedigreed Kiwi Sours (Alien Genetics’ Bubble Belts x Moon Arc). What’s in that? Bubble Belts is Rainbow Belts 3.0 and Tahoe Alien Bubble Gum, and it contains some Indiana Bubble Gum. Moon Arc is Moonbow 112 and Alien Rock Candy.

It’s “my favorite thing I’ve made in a long time,” Alien said. “It has a terp profile I just could not get away from. It was sour all over the place, a lot of gas, a lot of kiwi fruit flavor and a ton of candy. It has a bit of a rotational smell: One thing leads you to another, and another, and back around — gas, bubble gum, the kiwi fruit, sour candy. It’s one of those jars you can’t stop opening because it’s a bit of a journey.”

Alien hit Kiwi Sours to (Paris Rock Candy x Marshmallowz), KIWI which is [(Perris OG x Alien VELVET LIME Rock Candy) x (Hollywood Pure Kush x Moon Arc)]. It’s another Alien Genetics would love for folks to epic one in the garden. get some packs and win a hash cup with “It's one of the loudest flowa pheno, or find a stud and keep on ers I’ve ever smelled.

Being in working it. Although it’s tough to think KIWI the room while what could improve ROOT Founded in 1999 in it is harvested is on all that goodness BEER Honeydew, California, overwhelming already packed in there. and almost offensive to the senses,” Alien Alien imagines hitting Alien has moved said. “I harvested a room of it this morning, it back to his Fruity operations to the and the best way to describe it is: sharp Pebbles OG, but that’s a East Coast, focusing astringent gas, Pine-Sol OG Kush, bitter story for another time. heavily on the New skunk. It’s got a complex perfume with a bit Jersey and New York of candy deep in the background.”

P O T FA R M E R ’ S markets. The company Together with the Kiwi Sours? Yes. ALMANAC is also currently forming Alien said all the Laura Palmers have the Get your clones May same smell and taste and vary mainly by partnerships with 16-17 during Califorheight. The taller ones yield a little better. nia’s first Clonetopia at commercial facilities Alien Genetics bred all the Kiwi Sours San Francisco’s Solful from Maine to Florida. crosses indoors for organic soil conditions. dispensary and 7 Stars Alien likes to top them once. They’re going Holistic Healing Center outside in gardens this year. Laura Palmer in Richmond, California. likes a pretty typical vegetative, flower and harvest process.

More than 15 varieties from four nurserAlien did recommend some extra silicate. ies will be available, and you can meet “The branches just exploded,” he said. the nursery operators.

MAY 2026

LAURA PALMER

HendRx Nursery is bringing out its selection of Tire Fire OG for $1,500 per clone. They also have “Surprise 6” packs of six clones for $150 — dealer’s choice.

Purple City Genetics has the never-before-released cut of Habibi (Z x Moroccan Peaches), as well as Lemon Cherry Congo, Watermelon Dream and Cel-Ray. Talking Trees brings out some GDP x Urkle cuts, as well as Strawberry Pop. Haze Valley Nursery offers three varieties of Tom Hill Haze for $1,500 for the three-pack. Haze Valley is also selling clones of the strains Hashburger and Grape Lobster. Visit sfspacewalk.com to learn more.

It’s clone-hardening-off and planting season, which means slowly getting your baby cutting used to the sun and the weather. Harden off your clones by taking them outside in the morning and exposing them to shaded sunlight for a little bit longer each day for a week. Bring them in at night. Remember: Don’t overwater a clone. After a week of increasing amounts of shaded sunlight, plant the clone in a 20-gallon fabric pot of high-quality organic tomato potting soil, and place it in the sunlight.

ALIENGENETICS.ORG @ITSLADYALIEN @ALIENGENETICS.OFFICIAL @THEALIENYOUSEEK

STORY by DAVID DOWNS @DAVIDDOWNS for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by ALIEN GENETICS

PAGE BURNER

Page Burner Check out this month’s roundup of books that pair well with taking a few puffs and the path less traveled. Let’s hit the road, readers! the last season

by Eric Blehm @ericblehmofficial

STEP RIGHT INTO the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, but with a dark twist in this gripping true story. “The Last Season” follows backcountry ranger Randy Morgenson, infamous for his ability to locate lost hikers, until he becomes one himself. Equal parts adventure biography and true-crime-esque mystery, this Outdoor Book Award winner pulls you deep into the solitude of nature and keeps you questioning what really happened to Morgenson out there.

high infatuation

by Steph Davis @highsteph

RAW AND REFLECTIVE self-proclaimed “dirtbag climber” Steph Davis shares the highs and lows (literally) of a life lived on the edge. Through a collection of essays and poems, she explores hard-earned lessons in solitude, ambition and resilience shaped by her experience as a professional athlete. You’ll be hanging on every word as Davis takes you from a single-day ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan to weeks spent waiting out storms in a tent in the mountains of Patagonia.

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a walk in the woods

leafmagazines.com

by Bill Bryson @billbryson8394

PART TRAVEL MEMOIR, part laughout-loud adventure, this New York Times bestseller follows Bill Bryson on his 2,100mile journey along the Appalachian Trail.

From unexpected wildlife encounters to hilariously unqualified travel companions, his sharp humor keeps the trek light and endlessly entertaining. Woven throughout his trail tales are thoughtful reflections on the importance of preserving America’s wilderness, helping you meditate on what it really means to get lost in the wild.

forage. gather. feast.

by Maria Finn @maria_finn1

IF YOU LIKE getting adventurous in the kitchen, this cookbook is for you. With over 100 recipes built around foraged ingredients, Maria Finn makes it easy to turn a walk in the woods (or even your own backyard) into your next home-cooked meal.

Rooted in fresh West Coast flavors and seasonal simplicity, some standout recipes include the Pine Scones with Huckleberries, Rose Hip and Apple Jam and Campfire Porcini Risotto (yum).

may 2026

STORY by KATHERINE WOLF @KATADELLIC

shop review

THE BAKE SHOP GEORGE

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

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may 2026

“BEING ONLY 15 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE GORGE AMPHITHEATRE, WE GET TO EXPERIENCE THE

COURTESY/ BASS CANYON

CONCERT’S ENERGY FIRSTHAND.”

Next time you are heading out to a killer show or festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, do yourself a favor and stop and stock up at The Bake Shop. Northwest Leaf recently had an opportunity to ask marketing director JD De La Mora a few questions about the store and his thoughts on the current Initiative 502 market.

shop faves FLOWER Phat Panda Rainbow Sherbert C O N C E N T R AT E Magic Garden Triple Burger Rosin

HOW LONG HAS THE BAKE SHOP BEEN OPEN?

We’ve been operating as The Bake Shop George since 2018, but our roots in the community go back even further. Before rebranding, we were serving customers under a different name with much of the same staff. That continuity has been a big part of who we are. Our team knows the customers, and the customers know us, so even as we’ve grown, we’ve always stayed local at heart.

VA P E C A R T R I D G E Fire Bros El Chivo Live Resin

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF RETAIL CANNABIS GOING?

I believe that the future of I-502 is bright, especially with the reWHAT IS IT LIKE BEING THE CLOSEST CANNABIS cent move to reschedule CannaSTORE TO THE GORGE AMPHITHEATRE? bis to Schedule III. Rescheduling Being only 15 minutes away from the Gorge recognizes the medical benefits Amphitheatre, we get to experience that Cannabis has THE BAKE SHOP the concert’s energy firsthand. We to offer. Even with 216 ROYAL ANNE DRIVE W., see visitors not only from all over the this change, day GEORGE, WA country but from all over the world to day, we are still (509) 379-5662 who travel to experience the hidden dealing with tight THEBAKESHOPCANNABIS.COM gem that is the Gorge. margins, heavy 8 A.M. - 9 P.M. DAILY taxes and a very WHY IS THE BAKE SHOP THE PREFERRED LOCAL competitive market. ReschedulRETAILER IN YOUR AREA? ing doesn’t suddenly solve those Our customers choose us because we take pride problems, but it does tell shops in staying current with the industry and carrying like us that the future is going the best products Washington has to offer. They to reward professionalism. The trust us to provide the products they want. Putting gap between well-run stores and our customers and their preferences first is why everyone else is about to get a they continue to choose The Bake Shop George. lot wider.

EDIBLE Oleum Extracts Live Resin infused Sugar Cones PREROLL PICC Gorilla Fuel x The Kitchen Stank Hash Hole

STORY by REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO for NORTHWEST LEAF @NWLEAF | PHOTOS by JD DE LA MORA/THE BAKE SHOP See more photos at LeafMagazines.com

THE adventure ISSUE

leafmagazines.com

24

HEAVENLY BUDS

Heavenly isn’t just a Cannabis garden; it’s an experience — from its in-house designed and engineered state-of-the-art waterchilling system to the years of experience utilized to develop one of the most efficient gardens we’ve seen. It is no surprise that Heavenly is regarded as one of the most premium brands in Washington.

PERMANENT MARKER

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may 2026

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“We saw some really healthy plants in vegetative states; the homeostasis of those and the flower rooms were on par with the best gardens we’ve seen in years.”

STRAWBERRY BANANA ZKITTLES

T

mated these days aren't automated HINGS STARTED OUT here. These products still retain the GREAT on this tour. quality that goes into handcrafted We were greeted with Cannabis. terrific vibes by general Heavenly’s owner, Chad Ferrel, manager Clarissa Curtis has a background in mechanical and an adorable Boston engineering, and it shows everywhere terrier, Stella, who is obviously the in the facility. Utilizing his skill set, he one really in charge of everything. developed a water-chillFresh-frozen flower ing system for hash is a priority here. It is processing that works the base ingredient in without ice. It is comthe amazing rosin and posed of reverse-osmoconcentrate products that sis water that maintains are processed on-site.

32 degrees Fahrenheit The team is next-level; using glycol suspended they all truly enjoy and in cooling tubes. execute their positions to Some of the amazing a point of excellence that strains on hand during is seldom achieved. We our visit were Permasaw some really healthy CLARISSA & CURING nent Marker, Gushers, plants in vegetative Strawberry Banana Zkittles and Apple states; the homeostasis of those and Fritter. The garden also propagates the flower rooms were on par with the legacy phenos like Super Lemon Haze best gardens we’ve seen in years. and Yoda that they’ve stabilized for Though there is modern technoloover 15 years. Another consumer gy applied here, the flowers are still favorite is their Cake Bomb; don’t hand-trimmed and cured in glass miss this creamy-tasting masterpiece jars, which takes focused effort. A lot at your favorite local retailer. of the processes that are usually auto-

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If you are a medical patient, you’ll be happy to hear that all products made by Heavenly are Department of Health-approved, which helps to save you on taxes and increases your daily purchase limit.

So, if you see Heavenly on the shelf, give the products a try.

We highly recommend anything the team here puts out!

HEAVENLYBUDS.COM @HEAVENLYBUDS

CAKEBOMB CRUMBLE

STORY & PHOTOS by REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO See more photos at LeafMagazines.com

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cooking with Cannabis

28

Simply Spring

These Cannabis-infused recipes are all about keeping things fresh, simple and seasonal. Each dish stands on its own, built around straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, with a light infusion of Strawberry Gelato, a Pruf Cultivar indica-dominant hybrid. I made these recipes for a candlelight dinner on our floating home’s deck. Everyone enjoyed it, and no one fell in the river!

CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP Makes four servings 1 1/4 pounds asparagus, rinsed, tough stems removed, cut into pieces 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock 2 tablespoons butter 4 teaspoons canna-butter or oil 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced leeks, divided 2/3 cup half-and-half 1/4 cup canola oil 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest Salt and white pepper to taste 1. In a medium pot, combine the asparagus and stock. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

2. In a medium skillet, heat the butter and canna-butter over mediumlow heat. Add garlic and 1 cup of the leeks, and saute for 7-9 minutes, until tender 3. Add the leeks and half-and-half to the soup, and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Return the unwashed skillet to medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the remaining 1⁄2 cup of leeks and cook until golden brown and crisp, 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the leeks to a clean towel to drain.

5. Puree the soup in a blender or food processor. Or, if you have an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot.

6. Return the blended soup to the pot, and rewarm it over mediumlow heat.

7. Garnish the soup with lemon zest and frizzled leeks, and season with salt and pepper before serving.

THAI SHRIMP SALAD Makes four servings 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce 4 teaspoons canna-oil 2 teaspoons coconut palm sugar 1 serrano chili, seeded and chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, cleaned, cooked 2 medium green papayas, peeled, sliced or cubed 2 carrots, shredded 8 fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup cilantro 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, canna-oil, sugar, onion, chili and garlic.

2. In a large serving bowl, combine the shrimp, papayas and carrots.

Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss well to combine.

3. Garnish with mint, cilantro and peanuts before serving.

leafmagazines.com

BRUSCHETTA WITH RICOTTA AND PEAS Makes four servings 8 slices peasant bread, lightly toasted 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped scallions 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen

CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP

may 2026

BRUSCHETTA WITH RICOTTA AND PEAS

1. Drizzle or brush the toasted bread with the canna-olive oil, using half a teaspoon per slice.

2. Spread 2 tablespoons of ricotta on each slice.

3. In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the scallions, and saute for 4-5 minutes.

4. Add the peas, and saute until soft and no longer vibrant green, 3-4 minutes.

5. Divide peas among the bread slices.

6. Drizzle each slice with 1 teaspoon of the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF @LAURIEANDMARYJANE | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF @BRUCE_WOLF #DontFearTheEdible #BeKind #EatYourCannabis | Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com

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For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Cannabis 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.

elevate your fate

30

MAUKA TO MAKAI

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

A PAKALOLO-INSPIRED ADVENTURE ACROSS THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI `I

The Big Island of Hawai`i embodies a sense of feral magic; it is both ancient and vibrant with new green life. As you set foot on the ‘Āina and breathe in the ocean air, your whole body drops into awe. You feel Tūtū Pele’s mana rising through the warmth of lava rock beneath your feet, her essence carried on salt-kissed trade winds drifting in from the vast Pacific. The land meets you exactly where you are and whispers, “Slow down and breathe in the blessings.” Mauka to makai — mountain to ocean — this island isn’t just a destination, it’s a living, breathing kūpuna, inviting you to remember what it means to be here now.

329 OUT-OF-STATE MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD

My first stop when arriving on the “Big I” is always for some good Aloha-grown, medical-grade ganja from my hānai ‘ohana at Big Island Grown. Hawai`i offers an online outof-state patient card known as a “329 OSP.” A valid home-state medical Cannabis card, matching government ID and a nonrefundable $49.50 fee grants patients access to the island’s best medical-grade Pakalolo. Once approved, visitors can access their electronic Hawai`i 329 OSP through an online account, keeping the journey pono, legal and rooted in respect for the plant.

THE B.I.G. ALOHA SESH — MAUKA SIDE

Every adventure is elevated by the perfect Cannabis pairing, so I asked the good people at Big Island Grown for guidance.

may 2026

In true Aloha spirit, the team’s lead cultivators invited us on a mauka-side waterfall hike to sesh and connect.

We arrived at a hidden gem on the Onomea side of the island, known locally as “6 Tons.” Entering through a small opening in the jungle, we mindfully weaved along a riverbed into thick tropical growth.

The trail pulsed with life — roots underfoot, mist in the air, everything breathing.

For a moment, I felt completely swallowed by the island, like an ant working within a vast, living garden.

The hike was pono, no rush, no hype, just real conversation and connection. We discussed the nuances of growing in a tropical climate, the importance of respecting nature and the team’s humble mission to give back to the island communities.

At the waterfall’s crest, the view opened into a breathtaking, lush, green valley stretching toward the deep blue ocean, reflecting sunlight in the distance.

“Big waterfalls call for big dabs,” Vic, B.I.G.’s director of cultivation, laughed, firing up the torch. He blessed us with a Papaya Live Rosin dab. Sweet, juicy, minty terps melted my tension while my mind hummed with gratitude.

We shared plans for the days ahead, snorkeling Kona-side and playing like keiki in the garden at Megan Love’s.

They recommended Maui Girl, a bright, uplifting sativa that felt like sunlight dancing on water. It was perfect for a snorkeling adventure, keeping us present and flowing with the ocean. Cuban Linx was also on their list, a creative hybrid with a citrus spark and social energy that is ideal for making art, movement and laughter-filled garden sessions.

A STOP AT MEGAN LOVE’S: HOME OF THE HIGH, HAPPY, HOLY, HEALTHY, HULA-HOOPING HIPPY

After stocking the stash, we drifted over to the Megan Love bed-and-breakfast in Kona, a hidden gem that provides a heart-centered ‘ohana experience.

Megan herself is a whole vibe, radiating mana Aloha. The space felt like stepping into a childhood backyard where time dissolves; barefoot in the grass, hoops

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spinning, laughter echoing through the trees.

Vinyl records played softly, blending with the birds and breeze. We shared a Cuban Linx joint in her tropical garden bursting with orchids and hibiscus.

No rush, just storytelling, connection and genuine joy. It was the kind of high that roots you deeper into the moment.

MAKAI ADVENTURE TIME — SALT WATER AND SURRENDER

The next morning began with Kona coffee and a Maui-Girl-sunrise sesh: light, euphoric and expansive. It set the tone for a twohour snorkel adventure along the Kona Coast with Hawai`i Island and Ocean Tours, where crystal-clear waters and underwater landscapes created a dreamlike playground. Dropping into the ocean, everything softened. Vibrant fish drifted through coral gardens as sunlight flickered in the water like a living mosaic.

Guided by Captain Kekoa, we explored secluded reef pockets near the Captain Cook Monument while appreciating Native Hawaiian storytelling and fresh-cut pineapple.

One of the highlights was The Grotto, a sea cave carved by Pele’s ancient fire. This lava tube stretches nearly 14 miles before dropping beneath the coastline, connecting land to ocean.

Locals speak of the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia falling in love with Hawai`i’s waters in the late 1980s, logging hundreds of dives through its volcanic arches and underwater caves.

I couldn’t help but playfully wonder if Garcia ever sparked a doobie deep inside Pele’s submerged cathedral.

In true Hawaiian spirit, this adventure wasn’t about chasing a high. It was about flowing with the breathing essence of Aloha — from stillness in the jungle to childlike joy at MeganLoves to the living ancestral presence in the ocean. Mauka to makai; the island has a way of reminding us OGs that life doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s as simple as good people, open air and moments in nature that take your breath away.

STORY by ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR @AJ.OG @ELEVATE_YOUR_FATE Photos by Julius Gutierrez @aworldofjulius | See more photos at LeafMagazines.com

concentrates of the month leafmagazines.com

32

K.SAVAGE SUPPLY CO.

SWISS WATCH & BLUE NOTE

HASH ROSIN

IF THE AROMA doesn’t pull you in, perhaps knowing that part of your purchase goes to Last Prisoner Project will.

K.Savage Supply Co. is a “proud supporter” of the organization, stating on its website that it has donated over $46,000 as of November 2024 “to help with legal intervention, re-entry programs and enact policy change.”

Popping open the origami-esque package on the first flavor — Swiss Watch, a cross of Gary Payton and Runtz — reveals a simple, double-sealed jar. The rosin is smooth and supple, scooping without crumble, and just juicy enough to provide perfect texture.

It’s tart and spicy at the same time — both scents volley between nostrils and fight for attention. As more sour seeps out, it takes over, leaning into a citrus-rind feel with a finish that quickly fades to fuel.

Runtz is driving this ride, with its tart, candy fumes and sweet finish.

But there are mysterious undertones that offer something more complex and likely lean on the Gary Payton lineage.

The second jar offers a bewitching take on Blue Note. This cultivar is a cross of Kush Mints and Wedding Crasher, and the profile is entirely propelled by petrol. It has a slightly tackier texture that is closer to crumbly, but by no means dry.

Tacoma brand K.Savage Supply Co. sent us home with two scrumptious samples of solventless. In fact, the terpenes dragging us into each jar were so tempting that we had a hard time choosing one.

At first sniff, you might catch a sprinkle of sweetness, but stick your nose a little deeper, and you’ll be surprised by the complexity. It’s earthy and dank, similar to wet cedar. But it all bounces back to a pungent pop of rubber and gas — like a pit stop among the pines.

Both dabs go down with all the smoothness you’d expect from indoor-operating, pesticide-free, calculated cultivators like the crew at K.Savage Supply Co.

K-SAVAGE.COM @KSAVAGESUPPLYCO

may 2026

STORY & PHOTO by TERPODACTYL MEDIA @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA for NORTHWEST LEAF @NWLEAF

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strain of the month

CLOUD 9 FARMS

cold snap

leafmagazines.com

may 2026

CLOUD 9 FARMS is a family-operated facility in the Kelso/Longview area of the Evergreen State, where they pump out blissful buds like this Cold Snap, a cross of Biscotti and The Menthol first bred by the folks at Wyeast Farms.

These tightly tangled nugs greet you with notes of baked oats, blueberry, vanilla and something more sensational: A tantalizingly savory tang springs up upon cracking the bud. This note quickly dissipates into an earthy, warm cloveand-mint nuance — more feeling than flavor, likely a trait taken from The Menthol’s self-explanatory style.

The flavor here is big on Biscotti, with The Menthol nearly melting away until it blasts through the back end of the hit for a brief second. A filo crust finish sits on our palates, like the

A filo crust finish sits on our palates, like the aftertaste and mouthfeel that a flaky pastry like baklava brings.

STORY & PHOTO by TERPODACTYL MEDIA @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA for NORTHWEST LEAF @NWLEAF

@CLOUD9FARMSI502

aftertaste and mouthfeel that a flaky pastry like baklava brings. It’s lipid, lingering and the kind of taste you crave when in need of comfort.

This smoke is smooth, setting in slowly and serenely until you realize that your shoulders are 6 inches lower and that a silver lining attitude is sweeping over your conscience. We found the effects to offer heavy physical relief, with a short period of mental melt. But the weight was quick to lift.

Light on our feet and minds once again, we can see clearly now why this brand is called Cloud 9.

As the clouds begin to part in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, there’s one we’ll be chasing through the sunshine: Cloud 9. We even found it in flower form so that you can keep a little in your pocket on a dull day.

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40 THE ADVENTURE ISSUE

Smoke, stars and serenity

MAY 2026

An interview with astrophotographer Mike Clem

STORY by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by MIKE CLEM @ASTRODEADHEAD

THE ADVENTURE ISSUE

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Smoke, stars and serenity

leafmagazines.com

42

It’s April in the Mid-Atlantic, and Mike Clem steps onto the hallowed grounds of Antietam National Battlefield in Washington County, Maryland — home to the bloodiest single day in American history.

MAY 2026

SPRING HAS BEEN slow to arrive, but under a clear sky on April 20, Clem is determined to carry out his mission. The Thurmont, Maryland, native pulls a lighter from his pocket and sparks up a well-crafted cannon of Good Vibes Only 42ZEN. Accompanied by his girlfriend, Libby, the two prepare to photograph the night sky.

As remnants of smoke drift across the field, the stark backdrop of history is not lost on the 48-year-old photographer.

“It just feels like we’re at a time in society where there is constant battle,” he said, pointing to political unrest, economic divides and personal struggles.

A patient care specialist for nearly a decade, Clem has found a home at KOAN Cannabis in Hagerstown, Maryland.

“I love what they’re about,” Clem said, whose Cannabis career has taken him from California to Pennsylvania and now to Maryland. “The name ‘Koan’ in Buddhism means the last step before enlightenment.”

Clem takes pride in providing 40 hours of medical care each week. Afterward, the budtender insists on escaping the yang of work life to find yin behind his Nikon Z6 II mirrorless camera.

He has been shooting events, landscapes and people for more than 20 years, beginning with a cropped DSLR and a kit lens.

“I grew up in a family of Deadheads,” Clem said, referencing his parents’ love of the Grateful Dead. “So music and fan art were always around me.”

Drawing and painting didn’t come naturally to him, but he said he has a “knack for capturing moments with the camera,” first getting started through concert photography.

“When you’re shooting live music, there are moments you can capture — a deep guitar solo or a powerful vocal — and you can almost feel that image,” he said. > > C O N T I N U E S N E X T PA G E

STORY by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for LEAF NATION | PHOTO by MIKE CLEM @ASTRODEADHEAD

THE ADVENTURE ISSUE

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Smoke, stars and serenity

44

“I grew up in a family of Deadheads.. music and fan art were always around me.” leafmagazines.com

Since astrophotography can take upward of five hours, Clem often pairs his love of music with photography and Cannabis to reach a state of relaxation and unlock new levels of creativity.

“It’s such a simple way to have an enjoyable evening,” he said. “When it comes to music and the night sky, you can find your zen anywhere. That’s all you need. It’s so freeing.”

Clem chases shots of the Milky Way from February through October, when it is most visible in the Northern Hemisphere. During the winter months, his focus shifts to the Orion region.

“It isn’t as visibly astounding,” he said, “but it’s still quite a beauty to shoot.”

He also enjoys stacking time-lapse images of the night sky to create star trails.

MAY 2026

Arriving during the “blue hour” — the 60 minutes after sunset when light still lingers across the sky — Clem fastens his camera to a tripod for steadiness and consistency before taking upward of 400 photos, which he later stacks using Adobe Photoshop or the free app Sequator.

“You get different effects depending on which direction you aim the camera,” Clem said. “I usually go north because people are more drawn to the circular trail look. It draws the eye into the frame in an almost hypnotic way. It’s like staring into a circular vortex.”

Clem hopes to pursue this passion for as long as he’s circling the sun. The good news? He said it’s a hobby anyone can start with just a couple hundred dollars.

“A good camera and a decent wide-angle lens — that’s all you really need,” he said. “And if you really want to get into it, there’s a lot of stuff on YouTube for astrophotography, especially star trails.”

To see more of Mike Clem’s photography, visit his Instagram page, @astrodeadhead.

“When I shoot the Milky Way, I try to get to the spot I've picked to shoot about an hour before the Milky Way core rises.

Once it's high enough over the horizon to start shooting, I usually take 10-20 shots. In post-processing, I stack the images using free software, such as Sequator, WHICH HELPS TO REDUCE NOISE OR GRAIN IN THE IMAGE. Once the final stacked image is ready, you can edit to your preference in whichever photo editing software you prefer; I use Adobe Lightroom.”

STORY by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by MIKE CLEM @ASTRODEADHEAD

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THE ADVENTURE ISSUE

game. set.

48

board

leafmagazines.com

games

For many, board games serve as one of the earliest mechanisms of play, forming a foundation for understanding competition and collaboration as a whole. Over time, the hobby has evolved well past genre staples like Monopoly, growing into an almost infinite range of categories and topics.

Choose from strategy games, resource gathering games, social deduction games, heck, there’s even popular games that entail exploding cats or dealing as much dope as possible. Whatever the selection, edibles in the form of low-dose gummies or THC drinks are a great option for enhancing any game night sesh.

Codenames, Werewolf (Mafia), Catan, Azul, Pandemic, Clue, Ticket to Ride, Exit: The Game, Weed-Opoly, Ganjaland and Botany

MAY 2026

card

TTRP

Playing cards have been an ubiquitous source of leisure and social gaming for over a millenium due to their simplicity, ease of access and versatility. With the advent of popular games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, playing cards are more relevant now than ever before. Whether it’s a gameshop-styled competition or Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, the stakes (and more importantly the players) will be a lot higher with some good ganja to puff on. Gone are the days of smoking a Cuban cigar at poker night; a hand-rolled hashhole is the new-andimproved premium stogie.

Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons are the board game equivalent of stepping through a portal and out into a mystical world of magic and wonder. Entailing strategy, roleplaying and a whole lot of dice rolling, this collaborative storytelling medium is one of the most engaging formats of recreational gaming, providing a sense of adventure and camaraderie that grows with each completed quest. Given the typical length of a TTRPG session, it’s recommended to bring a rig and a favorite jar of concentrate to share in an epic afternoon of swords and sesh-ery.

blackjack, poker, spades, Spoons, Bullshit, No Thanks!, Grass and Puff Puff Pass

Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, Talisman AND Betrayal on HillHouse

games

games

hash.

Analog Play in a Digital Landscape

In a world that’s oversaturated with digital media, cryptocurrencies and pixelated avatars, one of the most radical, adventurous things we can

do is just log offline and reconnect with other human beings face-to-face.

Since the dawn of time, one of the primary ways we relate to others is through play.

Within the context of an increasingly virtual existence, analog games have come to represent more than just a break from this progressively techno-feudalistic reality — they personify a cross-section of leisure and genuine human connection that is needed now more than ever. So how do we bring the whimsy of authentic, personal interaction back to the sesh? It’s all in the love of the game.

YARD

games

Making appearances at backyard BBQs and summer picnics across the country, yard games are an excellent source of competition that pairs exceedingly well with outdoor Cannabis consumption. Take a turn, take a puff on a joint and pass it along. Take another turn, take another puff and pass it. Given the more active nature of outdoor games, prerolled joints, vape carts and handheld pipes are all solid choices for medicating while playing.

It’s honestly hard to beat the feeling of getting buzzed and soaking in some vitamin D on a sunny day.

cornhole (Bags), bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes and bong pong

party games

arts +

crafts

With scenarios that range from the hilarious to the downright raunchy, party games are a lively way to cut loose with some not-so-sober friends.

Prompts like “huge nugs of alien weed” or “hitting the bong with Barack Obama” will have the whole room grinning ear to ear before falling over with raucous laughter. Durable smokeware is recommended for safety and peace of mind in a typical party atmosphere.

Besides, what better time to break out that 3-foot plastic bong than during a sick rager?

As a joint activity, smoking and art go hand in hand. While not a game in the traditional sense, arts and crafts can be a superb way to unwind and share time with friends. Artistic mediums provide moments of mindfulness and catharsis that are further fueled by the right Cannabis strain, and there’s no quicker way to light up the right side of the brain than by ripping a fat bowl of Sour Diesel or Super Silver Haze and throwing some acrylic on the canvas.

Cards Against Humanity Weed Pack, Telestrations After Dark, Trial by Trolley, Do or Smoke, Smoke Sesh and Charades for Stoners

painting, tie-dye, joint origami, pressing flowers, adult coloring books (@cabin7originals and @liamwesleygoodman), knitting, crochet and pot-tery

STORY by JAMIE OWENS @PNW_CHRONIC710 for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS COURTESY & CREATIVE COMMONS

Glynraven Gardens Located on top of a ridge with stunning views of Mendocino County, this farm offers overnight stays in a few different lodging styles, including a hemp house, an Airstream trailer and a yurt. Tent and recreational vehicle camping are also available, along with composting toilets and showers. Beyond the Cannabis garden, the property’s highlight is the lavish infinity pool, which provides an unparalleled view of the area while you soak. Cannabis tastings are an option for daytime visitors with a reservation. The tastings include a flight of four flowers and a day pass to enjoy the pool and the grounds.

GLYNRAVENGARDENS.COM | @GLYNRAVEN.GARDENS

POHOTOS BY HIPCAMP

THE adventure ISSUE

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Taking glamping to a higher level

Camping with Cannabis

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These unique spots, located in the country’s Cannabis heartland, allow visitors to toke up while gazing at ganja flowers growing naturally under the California sun.

CAMPING AT a Cannabis farm is an unforgettable experience that offers a deeper connection with the plant. You really never forget the first time you look out over a field of buds swaying in the breeze or take a picture of yourself next to a plant that’s taller than you.

Plus, these farms are in some of Northern California’s most beautiful and rugged outdoor locations with plenty of local wildlife viewing, hiking and adventure beyond simply enjoying the plants.

So stop the smoke-and-scroll and return to nature, if only for a weekend. With these campsites, the idea is to get off the grid and find the kind of peace that only the phenomenal sight of Cannabis plants growing in a natural landscape can provide.

It’s time to smell the flowers. Instead of the usual camping trip you were planning on this summer, improve your mental wellbeing by booking a stay at one of these green spaces, and find out what it’s really like to touch grass.

may 2026

sun roots farms This retreat is located in Covelo and is bookable through Harvest Hosts.

It is billed by owners Patricia Vargas and Forrest Gauder in the camp listing as a “wildlife sanctuary escape off the beaten path, perfect for eco-minded travelers.” Vargas and Gauder told the Leaf that this spot is for RV campers, with hookups available and septic upon request. There are orchards, flowers, Cannabis gardens and a herd of friendly alpacas — which may be a highlight for animal lovers. They offer private garden tours, and there’s an on-site farm shop set up in a vintage Airstream. Campsites open for reservations in June. @SUNROOTSFARM

POHOTOS BY HIPCAMP

Sol Spirit Farm Wake up to the smell of Cannabis terpenes at this farm stay in Trinity County. Sol Spirit Retreats offers a glamping experience with tent accommodations that include real beds. The regeneratively grown Cannabis here is top notch, and a stay covers breakfast, dinner and an on-site farm tour. Get high and be on the lookout for Bigfoot, as this area is the epicenter for Sasquatch sightings.

SOLSPIRITFARM.COM | @SOLSPIRITFARM

Five Sisters Farm This regenerative Cannabis farm is located at the Southern Humboldt County line, adjacent to French’s Camp, where the legendary Reggae on the River music festival was held for 40 years. There are two fully furnished tent areas on the property, plus campsites with space to bring your own tent or RV. The camp features a hot outdoor shower and Wi-Fi, and you’re less than a mile from Richardson Grove State Park.

The farm website invites visitors to “see cannabis as it has been grown for decades, under the open sun in native soil getting afternoon wind gusts coming up the South Fork Eel River running below.”

FIVESISTERSFARM.CO | @FIVESISTERSFARMS

Valkyrie Farm We also found a camp location posted on Airbnb with three different rentals on their 2-acre Cannabis farm. Located in Freshwater Valley, just east of Eureka, you can choose between a one-bedroom apartment, a two-bedroom farmhouse or an Airstream trailer with an attached hot tub. Surrounded by redwood trees, the accommodations are Cannabis-friendly, but you can’t smoke indoors. The proprietors give seasonal tours of the garden and encourage visitors to “walk around the farm, visit our quirky goats, and unwind” in the camp listing. @VALKYRIEFARM

STORY by ELLEN HOLLAND @HOLLANDBUDS for CALIFORNIA LEAF @CALIFORNIALEAFMAG | PHOTOS courtesy

THE ADVENTURE ISSUE

Ticket

to Toke

Cannabis complements music in magical ways, but when it comes to concerts, consumers are often left without ways to light up legally. Many generations have snuck smokables past security, stuffing them into secret stash pockets or whatever crevice their clothes could provide passage in. But gone are the days of smuggling smokes, bridled in bras and warm boots — smashed and suspiciously damp — only to be speedily sucked down among the legs of strangers, crouched in the chaotic safety of their shadows. Today, as Cannabis laws and event organizers catch up, there’s a growing movement of music festivals welcoming consumers with progressive policies and official, smokefriendly sections. Check out a few of them here!

MUNDELEIN, IL

The Miracle in Mundelein

While the official 2026 dates have yet to be announced, predictions place this year’s festival sometime in September again. Last year’s lineup featured a blend of jam band, hip-hop, reggae and funk genres — an excellent soundtrack for the official open-consumption policy, where you can spark up “anywhere within The Miracle Concert,” or at one of the grounds' “multiple rolling stations, dab bars, vape bars,” and more. themiracleconcert.com | @miracleconcert

COOKS VALLEY, CA

Northern Nights

The Dirtybird Campout at Northern Nights Music Festival is tucked into the ancient redwoods of Cooks Valley, California. This music and camping experience features river swimming, art, yoga and over 18 electronic music artists. It is the first event in the nation to allow consumption, dating back to the 2013 medical days. That tradition continues today, with sales and seshes contained to the Tree Lounge for those 21-plus. At Northern Nights, you can choose your own adventure — from free riverside tent camping to shaded Redwood Grove sites, group options, RV hookups and full glamping. Grab your gear and roll up this July 17–19, with musical headliners CloZee, Justin Martin and LP Giobbi. northernnights.org | @nnmfestival

Florida Groves

Puffcon

If you want to puff where it isn't just accepted, but encouraged, Puffco’s annual downtown Los Angeles block party is where concentrate culture comes to life. While it strays slightly from a traditional music festival structure, you’ll find live music, immersive art, over 75 Cannabis brands and a fully open-consumption policy.

That means your rig, pen or preroll is welcome everywhere on the grounds. Puffcon 2026 lands on Oct. 3–4 at LA Center Studios.

Florida Groves is another all-ages festival option with a 21-plus Cannabis section. This two-day celebration of music, art and Cannabis culture kicks off at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando. Once inside, you can head to the Green Grove (presented by Cookies) for activations and appearances by budding brands all weekend.

Since Florida runs a medical program, doctors are even on-site to get you MMJ-certified on the spot (with an appointment). Check out headliners Goose and Daily Bread holding down four stages, April 11–12, 2027.

puffcon.com | @puffcon_la

floridagroves.com | @floridagrovesfest

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ORLANDO, FL

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A Field Guide to Canna-Friendly Music Festivals

HUMBOLT, C A

Reggae on the River

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

outside lands

Outside Lands is a three-day celebration bursting with music, food, art, wine, beer and Bay Area culture. It’s set across 80 acres of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with a special section called Grass Lands. This 21-plus Cannabis marketplace and consumption area made history in 2019 as the first official Cannabis sales and consumption experience at a (major) U.S. music festival. This Aug. 7–9, you can hit the joint and then the mainstage to see headliners Charli XCX, The Strokes and Rüfüs Du Sol. sfoutsidelands.com | @outsidelands

MAY 2026

Sprouting along the same stretch of the Eel River in Humboldt County, first in 1984 as a community fundraiser, Reggae on the River brings three days of all-ages reggae to the County Line Ranch. The grounds are openly Cannabis-friendly, with direct-to-consumer sales from local Emerald Triangle-family farms on-site. Camp on the riverbed, in the Persimmon Grove, by the lot or glamp your way through the weekend this Aug. 14–16, with headliners Burning Spear, Kabaka Pyramid and Don Carlos. reggaeontheriver.com | @reggaeontheriver

STORY by TERPODACTYL MEDIA @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA/LEAF NATION | PHOTOS COURTESY

THE ADVENTURE ISSUE

Mary Jane Berlin Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

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berlinbuds leafmagazines.com

We talk a lot about the global Cannabis community, but when you’re at Mary Jane Berlin, you really feel like a tiny dot in the Cannabis cosmos.

DUBBED the world’s largest Cannabis event, it is held in Messe Berlin, a sprawling 5.9 million-square-foot space with 30 halls.

Over the last two years, the expo has been expanding to fit, adding a new hall in 2025 with another planned for 2027. Founder and CEO Duc Anh Dang described it in a Business of Cannabis article as “Disneyland for Cannabis.” There’s even a giant Ferris wheel.

This June marks the 10-year anniversary of Mary Jane Berlin, and things are expected to pop off in the city.

MAY 2026

Last year, 65,000 people attended the four-day event, and for 2026, organizers have said you’ll be able to celebrate with “over 75,000 like-minded people.” To put that into perspective, that’s like filling the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be held.

The B2B-centric programming on June 11 provides professionals a chance to hear important discussions and explore the grounds before the public is admitted. After that, the expo will transform into a full-blown trade show and festival June 12-14, with live musical acts performing on stage throughout each day. The schedule features 90 international speakers, including American content creators Dope As Yola and Koala Puffs, alongside a slew of U.S. brands like Connected, Doja, Archive Seed Bank and Greendawg.

Mary Jane Berlin will continue into the evenings with multiple after-parties around the city. Barney’s Farm Seed Bank will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, so we expect the brand to top last year’s packed house party.

Another big highlight should be the annual High Rollers Cup, where rockstar breeders and cultivators will compete for bragging rights on the bowling lanes, and Redman will make an appearance.

With so many brands aiming their message out into the world beyond their home states, and a few already making moves, the German market is sure to see continued growth. When the Leaf spoke with award-winning Cannabis and clothing brand Golden State Banana, they expected to be running a Berlin cafe spot by the end of the year.

As MunchNews put it, “Germany's legalization has transformed Mary Jane from a cultural celebration into a commercial powerhouse.”

Ekocan, a research group put in charge of studying the effects of the German Cannabis Act, recently published its 222-page report. It stated that in 2025, up to 200 tons of medical Cannabis were available in Germany, only 2.6 tons of which were produced domestically.

With so much interest in Germany's market, and its ability to bring players together on a global scale, we expect a huge crowd at Mary Jane Berlin 2026 — and Leaf will be there to bring you all the news. @MARY_JANE_BERLIN | MARYJANE-BERLIN.COM

STORY & PHOTOS by MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON for LEAF NATION See more photos at LeafMagazines.com

CAPITOL HILL | GEORGETOWN | BREMERTON This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Cannabis 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 21 and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and

judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health ris s associated consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of the reach of children.

ith

THE adventure ISSUE

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hunter s.thompson Recently, a friend said that she mentioned the author Hunter S. Thompson to her journalism class, and the students couldn’t come up with a single reference beyond a vague callback to the film version of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.”

Indeed, the drug-addled, outlaw persona has overshadowed much of Thompson’s literary work — work that was so impressive.

Author David S. Wills pointed out, “I can’t think of a single other writer so original that he earned his own literary genre.”

A reporter, writer and cultural icon, Thompson is credited as the father of “gonzo journalism.” To oversimplify it, this narrative genre Jumanjis the person into their story as both narrator and character, often blurring the lines between what’s real and subjective. New York Times literary critic William Crawford Woods declared this writing style a product of a time when people’s public and private lives were crashing together, and a style that answered the question, “How to tell the story of a time when all fiction was science fiction, all facts lies?”

In today’s new age of media, there’s a lot that’s been built on the foundation of Thompson’s gonzo method. Much of it can be seen not in journalism but in the content creators we follow online, influential figures reporting on their favorite subjects and engaging a growing fanbase. Looking at elements of Thompson’s approach, we can see additional parallels with modern content creators.

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WHAT the godfather of gonzo MEANS FOR THE CONTENT-CREATOR ERA

S H O C K VA L U E

C O N T E N T A N D C R E AT O R

Immersing yourself in your subject was a particular focus in Thompson’s writings. To get as far into the situation as you can and push until you and the story are both barreling toward an unavoidable conclusion.

Thompson even roped his friends, like illustrator Ralph Steadman, into the fray on more than one occasion. He knew that people not only want to hear a story, but want to know what it would be like to move within the story themselves, even if sometimes it was with all the social grace of MrBeast.

If you’ve ever seen or read “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” you already have an idea of this. Thompson believed in breaking down conventions to evoke a response, to silence the spell the world has over our attention span and shock the system into a momentary reboot, focusing instead on the incredible sight being described to us.

Whether it’s creating a YouTube thumbnail, a call to action for a TikTok reel or a title like “A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream,” each relies on a bit of shock value to get the conversation started.

B L E N D I N G FA C T AND PERSPECTIVE

Many of Thompson’s tales seemed too incredible to be true, a result intended by both author and editor. Thompson regularly stated that he thought objectivity was a myth and that fiction was more compelling and true than any kind of reporting. He was known for constantly carrying a recorder to document his experiences. But he felt that it’s not always what happened but how you experienced it that makes for the best final product. It’s said that he once told an editor, “Fiction is a bridge to truth that journalism can’t reach.”

COURTESY IMDB

THE GONZO INFLUENCE

What future journalists and creators can take away from looking at Thompson’s work is how to let go and allow events to drift you from main to supporting roles without regard for sponsorship or demonetization.

Thompson cared about making money from his craft, but he seemed haunted by his public persona rather than focused on how to merchandise it on a personal level. That’s part of what drew people to him.

Thompson’s unique style and voice attracted eyes, which brought in dollars for the magazines that published his articles, something he played to his advantage to create some incredible articles. Rolling Stone flew Thompson to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to cover the historic fight Issue 1036 of Rolling between Muhammad Ali Stone magazine offered a cover story on their and George Foreman. Cycle legendary contributor World sent him a $10,000 in October 2007.

Ducati motorcycle to test drive. He’s been portrayed on screen by actors like Bill Murray and Johnny Depp.

Thompson would have most likely called social media a “cruel and shallow money trench,” as he did with the music industry. But I also think he would have recognized how important viewership has become in our society and found a way to bring his typewritten words to the small screen — much in the same way he allowed Depp to utter that iconic phrase: “We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.”

Johnny Depp’s memorable performance as Hunter S. Thompson in the 1998 film “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” exposed a new generation to Thompson’s work and antics.

Thompson regularly stated that he thought objectivity was a myth and that fiction was more compelling and true than any kind of reporting.

STORY by MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by MAGNOLIA PICTURES/GONZO

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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 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.

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NEW LOOK 2026

THE adventure ISSUE

One of the most tried-and-true celebratory stoner traditions is something we’re calling “infused movie night.” With the infamous “Reefer Madness” premiering nearly 90 years ago, I wanted to revisit the stoned cinema with some updated tips for 2026. As a seasoned plant lover, I think the most important thing when hosting fellow Cannabis consumers for any celebration is a sense of intention. While any typical Tuesday can feel like a movie after a few special tokes, hosting friends for a more elevated experience is worth the time and

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effort putting in those finishing touches.

s t h iL g Camera

Light Up The Leaf Guide to a Stoned-at-Home Movie Night

may 2026

I ALWAYS RECOMMEND having a dedicated stash spot. Be it a bar cart, a nice enamel tray, like a Blazy Susan, or just a table set to the side, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is spills and splashes.

From there, the next thing to consider is snackage, from your favorite uninfused bites to edibles and homemade baked goods, dosing has to be kept top of mind.

It can be all too easy to chow down one too many times over the course of a movie, and suddenly the final-act surprise becomes a terror-inducing twist for a friend who did not realize they were well past their ideal dose on their third brownie. Or they slumped over, snoring because the marinara was too potent.

That is why dosing is the number one thing to consider. Edibles that come with multiple potency points, like Space Poppers, Poppers reviewed last month, are perfect for consumers of all tolerance levels to lock in at a level they’re comfortable with.

As Ina Garten says, “store-bought is fine.” But for the homemade route, there are several infused pantry staples on the market that make DIY edibles easy. Whatever your approach, having a clear recipe and dosing plan is paramount.

To guide dosing, I have been loving the book “How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time” by Vanessa Lavorato.

Combining her background on “Bong Appétit” with an impressive volume of lab testing, Lavorato delivers sciencebacked recipes that have more dialed-in dosing guidelines for those dining and cooking.

She also provides simple infusion techniques for newer at-home edibles chefs.

Another easy approach to measured consumption is to use an infused tincture or drink mixer, allowing you and your guests to dial in their dosage or pass altogether. I keep a bottle of 1906’s THC-infused Spirits on hand — the neutral flavor and 10-milligram dose allow me to quickly enhance any drink to complement whatever is on screen. Infusion method is an important factor, and another reason I turn to the 1906 drink. It is incredibly fast-acting, meaning no one spends the raucous first act waiting for their edible to hit.

Beverages also solve a common problem: coughing over a punchline.

While I love a bong or blunt as much as anyone, especially with less seasoned consumers, you will spend as much time pausing and rewinding as seshing with this method.

If flower is an important part of your celebration, consider a dry herb vaporizer.

I like Storz & Bickel’s hand-held Venty for personal use and the iconic Volcano to satisfy a whole party without derailing the viewing experience.

This brings us to cultivar selection: Consider what you’re smoking.

If you’re settling in for a movie marathon or multihour binge, some strains may be more of an energy boost than you’re looking for.

Likewise, if the movie marathon is also a fright fest, some more potent strains might have you jumping at the shadows later.

Maine Trees Lobster OG & “The Lobster” (2015)

Felas NYC Haze & “How High” (2001)

Major Headband & “Yellow Submarine” (1968)

This bizarre black comedy is a bit of a head game. Expect more introverted introspection and a slightly gobsmacked response compared to a more laugh-out-loud comedy. Lobster OG is the perfect strain pairing, not only for the pun, but because of how it will have you laid-back with a deeply sedating and cerebral high that mirrors the film’s strange, detached tone — almost like life as a crustacean.

This is a raunchier film by 2026 standards, but what do you expect when Redman and Method Man make their on-screen debut in one of the most iconic Cannabis buddy comedies? If you haven’t seen this one before, head off to college and expect to recognize more than a few jokes. NYC Haze will take you right back to the early 2000s with its citrus-rich aroma that gushes notes of Tropicana OJ. While it won’t have you speaking to ghosts, the uplifting limonene-filled strain may have you laughing out loud at even the most eyebrow-raising jokes.

Enjoy over-the-top psychedelic visuals combined with a soundtrack that reminds you why The Beatles’ legacy is so enduring. You can get up and dance to this movie, or sit back and soak in the lusciously layered animated imagery, reveling in the handcrafted details of this cacophonous, kaleidoscopic visual experience. Headband from Major in New York, a cross of OG Kush and Sour Diesel, is the perfect counterpart. You could have enough energy to sing along and even discover that this gorgeous grow is more than potent enough to immerse you in the battle against the Blue Meanies.

@SPACEPOPPERS | @BLAZYSUSAN | @VANESSAMARIGOLD | @1906NEWHIGHS | @STORZ.BICKEL | @FELASCANNABIS | @MAINETREES | @MAJOR.NYC

STORY by JAKE KERN @KUSHANDCURDS for @NORTHEASTLEAFMAG | PHOTOS by ALEX PEFFER @PEFFER_PHOTOGRAPHY

glass art spotlight

NAMESAKE & OBZRVR

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This team hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, in the great white North shows what over a decade of partnership can bring to the art world. Their continued pursuit of creativity and visual expression makes for an unmatched level of sublime works.

LEAFMAGAZINES.COM

HOW LONG HAVE YOU TWO BEEN ON THE TORCH?

Giovanni Buda: I first got on the torch 14 years ago while I was in college. I was studying interactive design, … and in my second year, I decided to transfer into the Craft and Design program in order to pursue a career in glass. I’m glad to say I’ve been able to work full-time on the torch since 2016.

Naomi Hernández: The first time I tried flameworking was in 2014, and then for the next decade I would occasionally hop on the torch for fun, maybe once or twice a year. I was mostly making chains to gift my friends and family. … It wasn’t until mid-2024 that I started apprenticing under my partner and learning to blow glass fulltime.

may 2026

Giovanni Buda @obzrvr_ WHERE DID YOUR JOURNEYS BEGIN, AND WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO BLOW GLASS?

GB: I naturally drifted towards flameworking as I always wanted to make pipes. When I first entered the program, they didn’t allow us to make pipes, but by my fourth year, they accepted my final thesis proposal on a series of networked rigs. Those pieces were also the first pipes to be displayed in the Sandra Ainsley Gallery in Toronto. At school, I had endless time to tinker and experiment with what I wanted to make. That’s what I found so interesting, and still do: … always being able to explore new methods and techniques to achieve a certain result and being able to refine that process.

NH: My journey in glass really started with meeting my partner, Gio, in college. I was a film student. … So, when he transferred into the glass program, I started documenting a lot of his process. I found myself captivated by the cluttered intimacy of a flameworking studio. …

All this time later, and I’d say Gio’s encouragement and passion towards the craft is something that motivates me. It constantly helps remind me there is still so much left to explore.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO CREATE?

GB: I really enjoy making hollow structures like my Sentinel rigs. It was a fun design that came together through experimenting with natural function while I was at school. … I’ve also had a lot of fun

“My main focus is on realism, but specifically the objects that we tend to overlook.”

-Glass Artist Naomi Hernández

Naomi Hernández @namesakeglass

working with Naomi on our brand, Pending Approval, over the last year and a half. Recently, we’ve been doing more direct collabs with the Puffco attachments. This has been my first experience with designing concepts for an e-rig, so it’s been really rewarding to explore new areas of the industry. …

NH: My main focus is on realism, but specifically the objects that we tend to overlook. … I am deeply inspired by the work of Matt Eskuche, specifically the videos he would post online of his plastic soda bottle work. … I absolutely loved the idea of curbing the viewers’ expectations. … I bring a lot of that to my work; it’s the reason I set out to make a hyper-realistic glass pencil, as well as other small everyday objects. What has been really cool is seeing that evolve into the work we’ve been doing recently with the Puffco Proxy Core sets. Since the device is designed for discretion, it lends itself well to the idea of making work that is hidden in plain sight.

we were able to design and build it out specifically for our needs. We put a lot of thought into our space and are very grateful that we get the opportunity to work out of a clean and safe studio every day.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OPENINGS OR UPCOMING DROPS?

NH: There are some upcoming drops and events, but we can’t share many details just yet, so keep an eye on our page for more info! … In the meantime, we will be running Instagram auctions on new prototype designs as we make them.

IS THERE A WEBSITE WHERE PEOPLE CAN PURCHASE YOUR WORK?

NH: All of our future independent drops will be on Obzrvr.com but you can also find some work at a wonderful local shop called Glassology. The owners, Matt and Megan, are pillars in the local scene and have always been big supporters of our work.

WHERE IS THE STUDIO TODAY?

NH: Our studio is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It’s a very small two-person studio, but thankfully,

@NAMESAKEGLASS @OBZRVR_ OBZRVR.COM

STORY by REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO | PHOTOS by NAOMI HERNÁNDEZ See more photos at LeafMagazines.com

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WARNING: Cannabis products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 and older. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Cannabis 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 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.

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HOW CANNABIS INSPIRES ART

DAVE ZACKIN

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If you live in New York, you’ve probably walked past some of Dave Zackin’s designs while high.

As creative director for the New York Regional Plan Association, Zackin has designed New York City’s public space recycling bins and educational recycling stickers. The graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design holds a bachelor’s degree in animation and a master’s degree in both public health and urban studies.

HIS WORK has been featured on hundreds of public information posters throughout the city, but the artist has also gained notoriety for his ceramic pottery, which has garnered him over 100,000 Instagram followers.

Zackin takes discarded pots and clay pieces from Gasworks NYC, the community studio where he creates, and gives them new life and purpose. His creative process begins with raiding the studio for a starting point.

He wraps unfired pottery in wet rags to rehydrate before sculpting over the top of the piece. If it’s already been cooked and the shape is locked in, Zackin paints messages and designs in glaze. These range from a plate proclaiming, “I will eat all of my enemies,” to a candy bowl reading, “one of these candies is poisoned, but the rest are delicious.” Zackin calls these his “good-bad ideas.” This is where he said Cannabis comes in.

“I try to empty my head and come up with some ideas that seem like they’re coming from the outside of the world and looking in,” Zackin said. He went on to add that “pot really helps with this.”

Zackin experimented with Cannabis throughout junior high, high school and college, but it wasn’t until he spent a year dating a medical Cannabis patient that he started smoking on the regular.

Nowadays, though he still smokes a few times a week, he considers himself a lightweight. “Two hits off a vape pen does the trick for me,” he said.

MAY 2026

D AV E Z A C K I N . C O M @ D AV E Z A C K I N

“I TRY TO EMPTY MY HEAD AND COME UP WITH SOME IDEAS THAT SEEM LIKE THEY’RE COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE WORLD AND LOOKING IN.”

For making ceramics, Zackin explained that it is best to smoke only a little bit before hitting the studio.

“If I smoke too much, I get obsessed with surface patterns and spend a lot of time doing what we refer to in the ceramic studio as ‘cat licking’ — adjusting tiny details on a pretty much completed piece,” Zackin said.

Since Gasworks NYC is a shared studio space, Zackin mostly gossips with friends while creating. Many artists lock themselves away in the studio, toiling away alone, but he prefers the energy of having people there to interact with while he works.

“We also listen to Lower Dens, Stevie Wonder and whatever someone who connects to the Bluetooth speaker starts playing,” he shared. “Sometimes people sing.”

Staring at Zackin’s finished ceramics, I get a sort of Will Vinton claymation vibe, with characters that seem to bubble up and come to life from their clay origins.

Sometimes they feature a muppet-like face and arms, or a cup with kind features and large ears.

When asked how he comes up with daily ideas, Zackin said, “Using other people’s leftovers as a starting point allows me to make a lot of work really quickly and not feel too precious about each piece.”

The process, he revealed, becomes much easier after a couple of hits.

STORY by MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by DAVE ZACKIN See more of their work at LeafMagazines.com