THE ENLIGHTENED VOICE
#195 | SEPT. 2026
Tannins & Terpenes
Mako Farm Blueberry Sugar Paired with dry fly Huckleberry Vodka (and soda)
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FEATURE | RICK GLASS
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FEATURE | P. 42-51
VETERANS & CANNABIS ZIPLOCK SEEDS
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GROW TOUR
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MAGIC GARDENS
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11 EDITOR’S NOTE 14 HIGHER EDUCATION 16 FIRE FOLLOWER 18 GRASS IS GREENER 22 SHOP REVIEW 24 BUDTENDER 26 MAGIC GARDENS 30 GLASS ART SPOTLIGHT 32 PAGE BURNER BOOK REVIEWS 36 STRAIN OF THE MONTH 40 PURE OVER COFFEE 42-51 TASTY PAIRINGS 54 COOKING WITH CANNABIS 58 VETERAN’S HEALING JOURNEY 60 PATIENT OF THE MONTH 64 CANNTHROPOLOGY 70 STUDIO SESSIONS
GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
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#195
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SEPT. 2026
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A B O U T T H E C OV E R Sit back, relax and enjoy this beautiful special edition of Northwest Leaf! On the cover is the wonderous combination of Mako Farm Blueberry Sugar flower paired with Dry Fly Huckleberry Vodka. Our team encourages you to research the many varieties of terpenes that can be found across Cannabis products — from limonene and caryophyllene, to pinene and myrcene, and so many more. Cannabis is chock-full of terpenes, the good kind is at least, and when paired with a tasty beverage, the flavor profiles and effects are nearly endless. Be sure to check out the full reviews pages 40-51! Happy pairing! PHOTO BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS STYLING BY ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR @AJ.OG FEATURING @MAKO_FARM | @DRYFLYDISTILLING
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Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up the Tannins & Terpenes issue of the Leaf! We began pairing wine and weed in 2011, when one plant was accepted socially as having many varieties, flavors and provenance all related to the terroir, aka the soil, climate, topography and sunlight where the grapes were grown.
11
The other was illegal. Before medical Cannabis began highlighting the differences in strains, weed was just weed. Sometimes it was better: sticky, smelly and full of trichomes. Other times it was dry, dusty and came straight from across the border. But good, bad or ugly, it was simply pot.
WES ABNEY C E O & F O U N D E R wes@leafmagazines.com
CONTRIBUTORS WES ABNEY, FEATURES AJ AGUILAR, STYLING
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, DESIGN + PHOTOS BOBBY BLACK, DESIGN + FEATURES TOM BOWERS, PRODUCTION JACKIE BRYANT, FEATURES DAVID DOWNS, FEATURES REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS ELLEN HOLLAND, FEATURES
DANIEL BERMAN C H I E F C R E AT I V E O F F I C E R daniel@leafmagazines.com
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES DARRELL LAVIN, PHOTOS GREG MALCOLM, PHOTOS
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In 2010, we started publishing the Leaf, and we quickly realized the power of the plant and the differences between strains we take for granted today. This was a prescientific understanding of Cannabis. There was no THC testing or percentages. We didn’t know that the same common terpene limonene is in both a lemon fruit and in Super Lemon Haze. It’s also the primary ingredient in lemon cleaners, breaking down oil and grease with the power of nature, no synthetic or petrochemicals included. In 2011, and today, you’d find people who knew that there is a huge world of wine, even if they weren’t connoisseurs or sommeliers. And many of those folks still believe all weed is the same.
"IN 2010, WE STARTED PUBLISHING THE LEAF, AND QUICKLY REALIZED THE POWER OF THE PLANT, AND THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STRAINS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED TODAY."
So the mission then is as relevant as it is today: to highlight the differences in smell, looks, flavors, experiences and effects that different strains share with us. With several years of sobriety from alcohol under my rapidly shrinking belt (I stopped counting after three years), I must say that the effects of Cannabis are unique, special and different every time. That can’t be said of a hangover. So we’ve expanded our pairings beyond wine to include sodas, energy drinks, teas and smoothies — because weed goes great with everything!
CO N N E C T W I T H
For those choosing to crossfade with both, know that Cannabis is a neuroprotectant, meaning it helps protect the brain from damage. And those who smoke tend to drink less, so remember this:
Exclusive Cannabis Journalism
As with mushrooms, you can always take more, but not less. So sip your brew of choice, hit the bong and thank God that He gave us a plant that heals and delights without a headache the next day.
NORTHWEST LEAF! @NWLEAF
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-Wes Abney
sept. 2026
PHOTO BY ROGER KISBY @ROGERKISBY
NORTHWEST
YOU DESERVE A SHOPPING SPREE. GIRLWEED
THE EDUCATION THE UNITED STATES NEEDS & DESERVES
ADOBE STOCK
perspective
14
Former San Diego Magazine Managing Editor Jackie Bryant joins Leaf Nation to imagine the future of the Cannabis industry.
Kids went back to school this month, which means somewhere a cop is standing in a gymnasium telling them about drugs. I got that talk. You probably did, too. Mine came with a fried egg on television and a promise that one joint led to something much worse, and it took me most of my 20s to unpack how much of it was simply made up.
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HAT NOBODY SAYS ALOUD is that we replaced that education with marketing and well-intentioned efforts by earnest activists often drowned out by the cash around them. The propaganda got debunked, prohibition rolled back state by state and into that vacuum walked an industry with a marketing budget. So, the D.A.R.E. officer got swapped out for a 34% THC package from a budtender who’s been on the job 11 days, working off whatever the sales rep told him last Tuesday. That isn’t education either: It’s a different sales pitch aimed at the same person, with better graphic design. I think about this constantly because I teach college now, I write about this plant for a living and the questions I get from readers are rarely the ones the industry seems prepared to answer. People don’t want to know which strain is trending. They want to know how much to take. They want to know why something that worked last year now makes them anxious. They want to know whether the number on the package means anything; and the honest answer is that it means considerably less than we’ve let them believe.
sept. 2026
while the industry holds panels about the We built a whole retail category on THC, a metric that importance of education. mostly doesn’t predict the experience. Customers walk There’s a version of this business that out assuming it does, then we act surprised when sometakes the obligation seriously. It looks like one eats a 100-milligram cookie, has the worst night training budgets that survive a of their life and believes that weed is terrible It’s a budtender bad quarter. It looks like labels now. That’s not a consumer failure; that’s who can explain 5 written for humans. It looks like ours to own! milligrams versus 50 a shop where somebody will Real education is smaller and duller than without reading off a talk you out of a purchase. anything a marketing team wants to fund. It’s card. It’s a label with I don’t think we get there a budtender who can explain 5 milligrams numbers a person through regulation, though versus 50 without reading off a card. It’s a can actually act on. I’d take it. I think we get there label with numbers a person can actually when enough operators decide act on. It’s admitting that tolerance is real, that the person walking through the door that set and setting matter more than genetics and that deserves better than what I got in that the beginner in front of you should probably start small. gymnasium — a confident adult speaking None of that sells a $70 eighth. All of it keeps a customwith total authority, who turned out to er for a decade. have no idea what he was talking about. The people best positioned to do this work are the We spent thirty years earning the right ones getting squeezed the hardest right now. Legacy to be the people explaining this plant. operators who’ve grown the same cultivars for 20 years It’s time everyone involved in the indusknow things that can’t be learned from a deck. try takes up the mantle of ensuring this Independent shops with staff that stay beyond one season information is passed along responsibly build the kind of trust that turns into actual knowledge and truthfully. transfer. Both are being consolidated out of existence
STORY by JACKIE BRYANT @JACQBRY | AUTHOR PORTRAIT by IYDEEN YOUNIS
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FIRE FOLLOWER
Award-winning journalist/author and former Leafly Senior Editor David Downs’ monthly genetics intelligence dispatch.
ZIPLOCK SEEDS RELEASES A CLAW OF BLACK PANTHERS OREGON’S SHANOAH STANLEY AIMS FOR HIS MAINSTREAM MOMENT
ZIPLOCK SEEDS’ SHANOAH STANLEY has a compulsion: He can’t stop breeding. “You get carried away with breeding, and you say to yourself, ‘Don’t forget to test it and release it.’ I have a problem like that,” he said. So the 7-year-old southern Oregon-based brand is shifting gears this summer. Stanley is pausing research and development to focus on releasing his masterwork: the Black Panther line of feminized seed crosses. He’s dropping 37 of them, about a dozen at a time, at ziplockseeds.com. The goal: put Ziplock on the map like no other Oregon breeder besides Archive Seed Bank. It’s an attainable goal. Black Panther is a cross of Cookies’ Cheetah Piss mixed with a selection of LIT Farms’ Watermelon Mimosa crossed with Jealousy. LIT called it KY Jealousy. Stanley named his selection Sinful. Ziplock hunted his Black Panther and found his keeper in 2021. Since then, the tropical, Burgundy wine and citrus-fuel strain has become his most award-winning, he said. Growers have racked up wins with it in the 2024 Caribbean Cup, as well as in Bogotá, Colombia, and Argentina contests. In total, Stanley said Ziplock Seeds has powered more than 75 contest wins for growers worldwide.
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CASTING A SHADOW
Out in his spot in Oregon, Stanley reversed the Black Panther to produce feminized pollen and pollinated his stable to make the current lineup. Stanley is so far ahead of most DISCO KITTY breeders, his strain names are unrecognizable: Cyber Wolf? ical candy, dessert wine and sherbert. Bombay Fuzz? Fog Lights? The mom is a mix of Zoap and Frosted It’s basically the best stuff Flakes. Frosted Flakes is Cereal Milk from Seed Junky Genetics and and White Truffle. Rawr! Compound Genetics selected The first likely cup and crossed to PUNK “I breed with the best winner? White Chocolate make new lines. ROCK shit that we find.” Chip crossed with Black “I breed with the -Shanoah Stanley Panther. The fruitiest? Tropic best shit that we find,” he said. “Most people Ziplock Seeds Thunder. The best for hash? can’t relate to anything I’m doing because it’s Black Panther so new and modern. Well, do you know what crosses to Papaya Mon, Gas Face is? The Menthol? Apples and Bananas? Zoap? Hash Burger, Divine Nectar Zangria? Z?” or Zerari. Tiger’s Kiss When talking about making selections in his greenhouse, bleeds red sap when you Stanley said, “It has to stop me in my tracks.” He does a cut it. It’s a whole menagspeed walk through the rows, first focusing on vigor. All erie. Ziplock plants are girthy and prison-swole. The smell on the Where does this passion branch doesn’t count. What’s crucial is jar smell, smoke, and zeal come from? Stanflavor translation and terp durability — the stuff consumers ley was born and raised in will notice. Maui, Hawaii, growing on roadsides and in mountain MEET THE CLAW pastures with his dad. FrusHe casts his genetic nets far and wide, and the haul has ZNOW tration from an early bust arrived. First up is Znow Leopard (Znow Flakes x Black LEOPARD led him to just give away Panther), described as having deep, rich notes of fuel, trop-
SEPT. 2026
TROPIC THUNDER
seeds in blank Ziploc baggies. Everyone started calling him “Ziplock,” and it stuck. Aside from a Breeding Grounds deal with Sensi Seeds, Stanley handles all his own photos, website and materials. Expect more from the Black Panther oeuvre to trickle out into 2027. Don’t try to keep him out of the garden, either. “I don’t need to make any more seeds, but I’m going to because I’m crazy,” he said. “The fire is hot. We keep stoking it, and we’re not stopping.” SEPT. 2026 POT FARMER’S ALMANAC Early finishers wrap up this month. Regular finishers flower hard. Supplement nutrients phosphorus and potassium as needed. Take your bud photos. Tidy up the dry room, order Grove Bags and other gear, clean and sharpen scissors and set a harvest schedule. The first day of fall is Sept. 22. Harvest Moon, also known as Corn Moon, is Sept. 26.
@ZIPLOCKSEEDS
STORY by DAVID DOWNS @DAVIDDOWNS for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by ZIPLOCK SEEDS
Ellen Holland is a San Francisco Bay Area-based freelance writer, the former editor of High Times
perspective
and the author of multiple books, including "Weed: Smoke It, Eat It, Grow It, Love It" (2024).
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FROM JOKE TO REALITY
THE GRASS IS GREENER
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Oakland baseball embraces Cannabis culture
When the Oakland Ballers became the Oakland Blazers as a nod to Cannabis culture for one night this summer, they were cashing in on a gimmick. You couldn’t smoke weed at the ballpark, but all the winks and nods were there. The players mimed smoking joints, a Grateful Dead cover band jammed throughout the game, and fan gear had “Kush” written across the backs of the jerseys and included a small weed leaf. But the stunt, which could have stood as no more meaningful than fast food chains advertising 420 deals, came to fuller life through a partnership with Oaksterdam, America’s first Cannabis college.
SEPT. 2026
Based in Oakland, California, the Oakland Ballers are an independent baseball team in the Pioneer League. The idea of becoming the Oakland Blazers originated from an April Fools’ Day joke where the team posted a picture of the Blazers jersey. “The response was so overwhelming when we soft launched the design and the joke that we felt like we had to do it to give the people what they wanted,” Casey Pratt, the Oakland Ballers vice president of communications and fan entertainment, said. Through a partnership with Oaksterdam, the game stood as a representation of the mainstream acceptance of Cannabis culture. “Things have come so far,” longtime Cannabis activist and Oaksterdam horticulture instructor Jeff Jones said. “(Cannabis) is such a nonissue.” Journalist Adam Tschorn extensively covered the team’s transition from a joke to reality through his Substack, High Adam. “My stock line for public-facing Cannabis-related culture things is anytime you have a Cannabis-related event where someone doesn’t play the piano really fast and then murder people — and that’s a reference to “Reefer Madness” — it’s a good day,” Tschorn said. “It’s more exposure of Cannabis and the faces of people who are involved in Cannabis in a way that just sort of gets it out there.” Through Tschorn’s coverage of the Blazers, he learned that the color for the jersey — light green, purple and orange — “The response was so was chosen as a reference to the colors in overwhelming when a legendary strain that we soft launched the originated in Oakland: design and the joke Granddaddy Purple. that we felt like “I just felt like, we had to do it to ‘OK, they weren’t just give the people co-opting Cannabis; they were really leanwhat they wanted.” ing into it,’” Tschorn -Casey Pratt, said. “Oakland has a Oakland Ballers long history of blazing vice president of a trail with Cannabis, communications and and it felt like it all fan entertainment really worked. It was a way that would expose the plant to people who weren’t necessarily familiar with it and think it’s this dangerous thing, and it was pretty high profile.” As a part of the pregame festivities, Oaksterdam partnered with Emerald Farms Tours to host a crawl of Cannabis lounges in Oakland’s downtown. In its heyday of the early to mid-2000s, Oaksterdam was not only a campus but also a cultural district that contained many places to purchase and consume weed. “We’re finally relegalizing what we have shown two decades ago was safe and responsible,” Dale Sky Jones said of the Cannabis consumption lounges that exist in Oakland today. “Now, finally, the new adult-use laws are catching up, and we’re just here to show other communities that this can be safe, successful and a benefit.”
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All in all, the game felt like a success for the normalization of Cannabis in a climate where the stigmas of “Reefer Madness” remain. “It is a pretty high-profile activation or placement of something that’s still very illegal in a lot of states and at the federal level,” Tschorn said. “The Ballers fans are pretty enthusiastic. I’m curious to find out if there were any converts, people who were not down with weed before, but now are like, ‘OK, weed people are cool.’” Pratt said there wasn’t really any pushback to the alternate branding. “What’s wild is we’ve received such little pushback,” Pratt said. “We, like, almost expected some, but it hasn’t really come. I think that the Cannabis industry and weed and everything has become a lot more acceptable and a responsible way for adults to partake if they so choose to.”
STORY by ELLEN HOLLAND @HOLLANDBUDS for LEAF NATION Photos by Darrell Lavin Photography | See more photos at LeafMagazines.com
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NORTHWIND CANNABIS
sept. 2026
Northwind Cannabis is a special kind of shop. Owned and operated by the Samish Indian Nation, this dispensary serves locals with the best Cannabis in the state and also caters to thousands of bud enthusiasts who visit this beautiful area. SET ON THE HILLSIDE overlooking Lake Campbell — and just a few minutes from Deception Pass — the Leaf found a team that is really dedicated to making your shopping experience complete. Decades in the industry are represented here. There are no greenhorns, just well-versed and educated budtenders, with the support of a management team that knows what they have. They really do it all at this store: personal service, deli-style selection, local gardens and daily discounts. On Aug. 15, Northwind celebrated its first year in business with a full experience, including vendors, food trucks and a dab bar stocked with the legendary Mothership Glass. This was a proper and wellearned accomplishment for the team NORTHWIND at Northwind, but the fight for this tribe CANNABIS goes back many years. 14130 SMEYES RUN, STE 100 According to the Samish Indian ANACORTES, WA NORTHWINDCANNABIS.COM Nation’s website, a clerical error made @NORTHWINDSMOKESIGNALS by a Bureau of Indian Affairs employee 8 A.M.-10 P.M. DAILY stripped the tribe’s federal recognition (360) 293-0786 in 1969. It wasn’t until almost 30 years later, in 1996, that the Department of the Interior officially re-recognized the tribe. Since then, they’ve been developing their community and catching up on decades of lost infrastructure. This shop represents the third business entity the tribe has developed. In the face of all that adversity, Northwind was the 2026 Best of Anacortes winner in the Recreational Cannabis category.
shop faves FLOWER Svin Garden Amaretto Sour C O N C E N T R AT E Constellation Cannabis Galactic Rainbow VA P E Svin Garden One Piece
“THERE IS A LOT OF NATURAL LIGHT, AND NOTHING FEELS CONFINED OR CONGESTED.”
PREROLL Oz Gardenz Kitchen Sink EDIBLE Constellation Cannabis Live Rosin Gummies
This is a story about perseverance, dedication and a celebration of the local culture. If we can say one thing about the Skagit and Island counties, it’s that there is a lot of local sentiment. People stick together here. Now, back to the Leaf’s experience at Northwind. As soon as you pull in, you know you are in the right spot. The exterior features a clean, inviting parking lot with plenty of spots for vehicles of all sizes. We were greeted with a very inviting vibe. There is a lot of natural light, and nothing feels confined or congested. The obviously curated displays don’t overwhelm the senses and really feature a great blend of the state’s offerings. If you find yourself in this part of the Northwest this fall or are looking for an excuse to check it out — the monthly events at this space are definitely worth the trip. Visit Northwind’s website for more information, and get out there and enjoy the outdoors! Mount Erie, Deception Pass and Lake Campbell are just a few of the nearby attractions.
STORY & PHOTOS by REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO for NORTHWEST LEAF @NWLEAF See more photos at LeafMagazines.com
budtender of the month LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
24
CAITLIN GOLDSBERRY Music and nature are two of Caitlin Goldsberry’s biggest passions in life, including playing saxophone since the age of 10. You might catch her peak bagging (it’s a thing) on the Pacific Crest Trail, where she just got off the grid for six days. And she’s been vegan for twelve years and counting! Why is budtending the best job in the world? I think it’s just about getting to meet new, cool people and make a lot of friends. Pretty much everything I do in my personal life is an extension from working in the Cannabis industry. And the best part is that I get to hang out all day and try great weed and make important connections. If you could change anything to improve budtending, what would you write on your comment card? I would change the law to a deli-style interaction with the customers. I think it’s important for them to open the jar and smell the weed, and that’s something we’re prevented from doing in Washington. Sometimes the flower looks beautiful in the jar, but you open it and there is no nose, and it crumbles when you pinch it. It would be great if we could just have a sampler jar of each strain to show the customer so they can have a little sniff.
sept. 2026
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What have you been smoking lately? I’m into Foemina right now. They’ve got some high-quality sativas, and they’re always turning out great strains. What other necessary change would you like to see in the near future in regulations? It would be great to see some change for edible regulations. People’s tolerances are way over the 10-milligramsper-piece thing, so you have to eat a bunch of them to get the desired effect. If you could be a member of any musical act in the world, which would it be? Oh man, that’s a curveball. So, I’m going to throw you a curveball. It would have to be King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard because those crazy Aussies are always playing crazy shows and they’ve got a really nutty fanbase.
“PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING I DO IN MY PERSONAL LIFE IS AN EXTENSION FROM WORKING IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY.” Well, your chances are good. There are like 20 members of that band, so can’t you just slide onto the tour bus and grab a tambourine? Twelve guys, 20 albums, they’ll never know I’m there. I’ve got a lot of friends who are Gizzheads, so now I’m a Gizzhead. @FIREBALLBURRITWO
STORY & PHOTOS by MIKE RICKER @RICKERDJ @NWLEAF Who’s your favorite budtender? Tell us why! Email nominations to rex@leafmagazines.com
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MASTERY Rooted in traditional dry sift extraction methods and cured with care, Sitka® hashish captures the elegance and character of the famed Lebanese style. Smooth, aromatic, and deeply flavorful, with warm spice, rich earth, subtle florals, and bright citrus, Sitka hash delivers a terpene profile that has real depth and character. Balanced in potency and rich in flavor, Sitka offers an authentic hash experience that stays true to the traditions that inspired it.
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FOR USE BY PERSONS 21 AND OVER ONLY. SITKA® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF AUREPINE INC, SEATTLE, WA, USA. MANUFACTURED IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON BY SITKA 412952. MANUFACTURED IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA BY HIGHEST HEALTH CDPH-10003599.
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garden tour
MAGIC GARDE
26
leafmagazines.com
CO-OWNER TYLER BILLINGSLY IN THE GARDEN
SEPT. 2026
DENS
AARON MUNDAY OF AMHG
“The strain library has grown to around 33 pheno-hunted and stabilized flavors selected and grown specifically for making fire rosin.”
Those working in the Cannabis industry often set goals of owning a licensed farm or store. Magic Gardens, a hash-focused garden in the Everett area, is the product of such dreams. TYLER BILLINGSLEY, Charles Tack and Ray There is also a tactile element before harvest Ziemba worked for other brands before coming that leads the way to the right flower for a farm together to co-own and operate this one. The focused solely on hash production. If a run trio manages everything from seed to sale with doesn’t come through on promises made by the occasional helper during high-labor mothese preliminary tests, like the Lemon Honey ments. Aaron Munday of Amhg, a separately (Gelonade x Honey Banana) from the Honey licensed processor in the same building, is the Banana pheno hunt, Magic Gardens might run a wizard in charge of hash rosin production. one-time limited release. “It’s kind of just like family values,” Billingsley “(We) called it a loss on our end and just shared with the Leaf. “It’s just continued the hunt,” Billingthree partners. We don’t have sley recalled about Lemon investors, and we kind of just Honey before sharing that are in it for … a different reason a customer messaged days than most people that are investearlier about how much they ing in to the Cannabis indusloved it. try. We do this for ourselves, With the farm running essentially.” smoothly, more focus has The group began working shifted to breeding interesttogether in 2023 and hit stores ing strains that haven’t been the following year with three dabbed before — and postrains: Hash Burger, Triple Burgtentially dropping a new cater and Banana Cream Cake x egory of concentrate. Magic Jealousy. Now, the strain library Gardens has established has grown to around 33 pheitself among Washington’s no-hunted and stabilized flavors most talented hash makers, selected and grown specifically with Super Boof winning Best for making fire rosin. Rosin at the 2025 Northwest The “synganic” operation Leaf Bowl and Triple Burger uses a combination of synthetic taking runner-up for Best Full and organic nutrients, with a Melt/Bubble Hash in 2026. special shoutout to Mills NutriFor now, the operation ents, which the garden swears is 100% dedicated to hash POOCHIES HONEY by as the best pure recipe for rosin. But Billingsley shared resin production. After harvest, an interest in further develfresh-frozen flower is washed oping bubble hash, provided and pressed into hash rosin by it’s high enough quality to Amhg. The result is a sugared be enjoyed in an electric dab frosting with a flavor true to the rig. While that is a bit farther terpene profile. off, consumers can expect Multiple factors, including unique drops from Magic identifying flavors the market is Gardens soon. lacking, guide selections. That Bringing fun flavors to is why Magic Gardens started dispensary shelves has kept with gas-forward genetics before the cyclical growing process HASHBURGER opening up to fruit profiles in fresh for Billingsley. The pasits Honey Banana pheno hunt. sionate cultivator added that At that point, the team threw out around seven STARBURST36 (Starburst OG x KC36) “will be Honey Banana crosses and dialed in a breeding the foundation to a lot of our new crosses movprogram. ing forward! I selected a male plant that I hit to a Billingsley is notably excited about this arm of portion of our library, and it has opened up some the operation. Some Magic Gardens rosin being major potential for some new flavor profiles for dabbed today took years to stabilize. us as we work through the new pheno hunts.” The process starts with about six months of The team is also currently hunting through Zkitpopping seeds, then six months of running those tlez crosses and just finalized the hunt on Papaya crosses to collect new ones. From there, another Fuel (Sherbanger x Papaya), which is scheduled year hunting off of those bred seeds hopefully for harvest in a month or so. leads to a viable plant. A perfect pheno is slightExcellent hash starts with hand-selected genetly different for every grower. ics grown into clean, stinky flower. This farm is “There’s a lot of visual traits and kind of physiinvested in curating all three — hash, genetics, cal traits when the plant is growing; you can kind flower — at the highest quality. It is evident in the of identify how the rosin feels, the texture of it, end product, which speaks for itself following one the shape of it,” Billingsley explained. “I’m lookswift inhale. Those who value artisanally made ing under a microscope, and I’m kind of looking hash or a clean dab that is true to its terpene at the size of the resin gland and how it stands profile may need to take a stroll through the on the stalk compared to other strains.” Magic Gardens. @MAGICGARDENSOFHASH
STORY by CARA WIETSTOCK @CARA_JUANA @NWLEAF | GARDEN PHOTOS by @RICKERDJ | PRODUCT PHOTOS by @THINGSFROMSTEINFARM See more photos at LeafMagazines.com
glass art spotlight
ETHAN VERKHOVSKY
30
This month, the Leaf wanted to share some stunning artwork from the Great White North made by Ethan Verkhovsky. Also well known as the artist Eka Glass, he hails from the mighty land of Canada and now resides in Montreal. But this story starts with his parents, who moved to Calgary, Alberta, from Russia to seek a new life many years ago. Brought up in a multilingual household, Verkhovsky is fluent in English, Russian and French.
Eka
Glass @EKAGLASS (FUNCTIONAL)
@EKGLASSART
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(HOME DECOR)
CL E A R L A MP RAY
DO U BLE S WIS S S PA C E
SEPT. 2026
B U L G A RI A N LION
B LUE ANGLE R
LIFE HAS NO SET BOUNDARIES, and Verkhovsky’s dedication to finding his path led him to many job roles, from a professional poker player to a medical hypnotherapist, along his journey. He had just started his doctorate in osteopathy when art entered his periphery. His introduction to glassblowing happened back in 2016 at a studio called Island City Glass in Montreal. It was here that he made lifelong friends and found his passion for borosilicate artwork. He considers himself a traveling artist, a man of the road. Collaborating with artists far and near, he’s been able to develop a uniquely deep archive of work and a wide array of technical skills. When the Leaf asked him about his inspirations, Verkhovsky said, “Some of the first artists I saw are still, to this day, my largest inspirations, and I'm blessed and fortunate enough to call some of them teachers and even friends.” In the constant pursuit of knowledge and experiences, Verkhovsky has participated in many glassblowing intensives. This is when a legendary artist, or artists, hosts a small group of other artists for usually three to five days. They work closely with the students to develop their skills in specific aesthetic and functional techniques. At the time of this interview, Verkhovsky was attending a two-week class at the Corning Museum of Glass hosted by Daniel Coyle, aka Coyle, and Adam Whobrey, aka Hoobs. Coming from a self-confessed nonartist background, he said, “I try to create pieces that make you feel something. Might be uncomfortable, might be desirable.” The Leaf team finds his work very desirable, both visually and functionally. Always on the move, his next home port will be the beautiful seaside city of Kingston, Ontario, where his journey with this craft will continue to grow. On top of functional art, Verkhovsky also focuses his efforts on stunning home decor. You can find his contemporary work exclusively on Instagram or on display in your local glass gallery.
SPAC E M O N KE Y
“I try to create pieces that make you feel something. Might be uncomfortable, might be desirable.”
STORY by REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS courtesy
book reviews
Page Burner Feast by Firelight
Simple Recipes for Camping, Cabins, and the Great Outdoors by Emma Frisch
One of my favorite ways to enjoy the full expression of tannins and terpenes is over a campfire, under the stars.
POWER UP YOUR SESSION. 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.
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GOOD FOOD and good Cannabis just taste better in the great outdoors. The crackle of firewood as the joint makes its way around the circle. The scents of sharp pine and fresh dirt swirling with gooey s’mores and salty popcorn. It all sharpens the senses, turning simple meals into something a little more magical. It’s a reminder that cooking outside isn't just about the food, but rather about slowing down enough to feel a little more connected to the people around the fire and the ground underneath you. So when I'm packing for a weekend in the woods, “Feast by Firelight” by Emma Frisch always makes it into my duffel bag. The book includes more than 80 camp-friendly recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus happy hour and homemade trail snacks. From simple no-bake chocolate pretzel power bars to fuel up before a hike to molten lava brownies baked in hollowed-out orange peels right in the coals of your evening campfire — there’s a flavor for every adventurer. Beyond the recipes, Frisch packs in quick, practical tips for fireside cooking with confidence. There's a helpful checklist for building your outdoor kitchen and packing your cooler, plus guidance on fueling a camp stove properly, following Leave No Trace principles, and safely smothering a grease fire. During a recent alfresco dining experience, we whipped up the Tiramisu French Toast with Strawberries from page 72 for breakfast. Pro tip: Stopping at a farm stand to pick up local wildflower honey and fresh strawberries on the way to our spot was so worth it. This recipe paired perfectly with some morning rips of Kimbo Kush (Blackberry Kush x Starfighter F2) hash from 710 Labs. Sour green apple notes from its Starfighter lineage balanced the ripe, sweet strawberries and tart mascarpone beautifully. With my coffee and a full jar, I was content to hang out at the picnic table long after the plates were cleared.
sept. 2026
"Beyond the recipes, Frisch packs in quick, practical tips for fireside cooking with confidence." EMMAFRISCH.COM @EMMAFRISCH
STORY by KATHERINE WOLF @KATADELLIC
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36
B RED BY
SOLFIRE GARDENS GROWN BY
MAD MARK FARMS WHITE TRUFFLE X B ITTIES
Marketing jingles work because they’re catchy, so instead of following the Glad company tagline: “Don’t get mad. Get Glad.”, we encourage you to “Get Mad Mark,” and then get supremely baked to the point of referencing obscure TV ads from the 90s. GLAD began marketing the aforementioned campaign in 1987, which was revived recently with the help of Oscar the Grouch from “Sesame Street.” Ironically, Oscar looks like a giant nug, but you won’t find any hand-trimmed Mad Mark weed in a bag of any kind. Mark tells folks that he’s not a weed farmer; he’s a trichome farmer, which explains why his flower is so incredibly frosty. Success in growing is passion, hard work and attention to detail, and for Mark this means keeping all buds in glass, which protects trichomes and looks so great with the Mr. Yuck face winking from the shelf. The Eucalypto shines through the glass, The first hits shimmering with frosty are grapey, fizzy trichomes that contrast and gassy, with a beautifully with the minty-eucalyptus deep purple and limeexhale that green bud coloration. brightens Opening a jar the palate releases a rush of creamy, gassy grape that starts syrupy sweet before citrus and truffle meet a menthol-mint finish that’s complex and mouthwatering. A cross of White Truffle and Bitties bred by Solfire Gardens, the buds are dense and thick, with a perfect sticky snap that’s proof of a proper cure. The first hits are grapey, fizzy and gassy, with a minty-eucalyptus exhale that brightens the palate with a fresh tingle before slamming into the senses. Several bowls will lead to euphoric, heavy eyes and a rumbly-tummy-while-couchlocked vibe that’s impossible to be mad at. MADMARKFARMS.COM @MADMARKFARMS
sept. 2026
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REVIEW by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX @NWLEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS Styling by Angela-Jordan Aguilar @aj.og
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company profile
Drinking coffee and enjoying a dab or a joint isn’t just a long-standing tradition — it’s a lifestyle. There are few things more perfectly paired than the bean and the green, and if you’re going to be serious about your coffee, you’ll need a good setup. Whether you go for an 8 or 16 ounce cup of coffee, glass artist Etai Rahmil has designed a system that will make you the envy of your friends when they stop by.
OVER
PURE
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40
PURE OVER uses an all borosilicate glass top section that allows aromas and oils to pass through the filter holes into the coffee bed as the grounds create a compact layer that aids in the filtration. Rahmil told the Leaf that he sees Pure Over as the perfect combo of pour-over and French press brewing methods. Draw out the nuances like a pour-over, but get the body and mouthfeel of immersion. “That’s why I make one for myself every morning,” he said. “Nothing compares to it.” The whole project started around the end of 2019, when Rahmil ran out of paper coffee filters in the glass studio. Instead of stopping to buy more, he and his shop mate decided to break the paper chain and spend a month designing an all-glass filter system to brew pour-over coffee.
SEPT. 2026
Now in 2026, this system, which they call Pure Over, has become a product used by 100,000 people worldwide. By October 2020, they had launched a Kickstarter campaign that took off, and by April 2021, they had launched a website. Rahmil said that the third day of the Kickstarter was the first moment he knew this was more than just an idea. That first year, they sold over 10,000 units. With the growing discussion about microplastics and their longterm effects, Rahmil said there’s been renewed interest in finding products that won’t affect flavor or leave traces behind in our bodies.
“THAT’S WHY I MAKE ONE FOR MYSELF EVERY MORNING. NOTHING COMPARES TO IT.” PUREOVER.COM @PUREOVERCOFFEE
Pure Over has been featured by publications like Forbes, Oprah Daily and Bon Appétit and is carried in a large group of coffee shops. All of this has brought Rahmil further into his role as the head developer and designer for the company, while his childhood best friend, Nate Ebrahimoon, handles duties as CEO. Rahmil said Ebrahimoon played a huge role in pushing him to envision Pure Over not just as a project from the glass shop or a possible side hustle, but a brewing method recognized across the globe. “His vision made me push past what I thought it was or could be,” Rahmil said.
STORY by MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON/LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by PURE OVER
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
leafmagazines.com
42
Coffee and hash rule our world. That is why we work so hard to share our stoner vibes and improve the planet with Cannabis and hemp. We took this classic hippie-speedball pairing, the best way to wake and bake, and threw in a delicious bar of chocolate that helps protect the animals we love. Feeling good and doing good don’t always align, so we indulged in revelry with this funky, gluey and immaculately stoney hash-rosin pairing.
SEPT. 2026
Experience Organics Truffle OG 70-140u Rosin, Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate & Happy Vanilla Cold Brew TANNINS
Cold brew is so hot this time of year, and it’s ready to go in the fridge anytime with Happy Products’ vanilla cold brew. Dark and strong with a perfect hint of natural vanilla, this brew slaps the senses and then gently finishes with a lightly sweet kiss. Since we like it sharp, a bite of an extreme dark chocolate bar hits subtly, full of tannins, flavonoids and 88% cocoa. TERPENES
Indulge in the heady version of truffles with a sour-citrus-meets-permanent-marker hash that reeks of thick gas, freshsqueezed lime and rich, funky, rubbery, OG notes that delight the senses. Light gold and perfectly moist, it’s lovely to identify the Hardcore OG and White Truffle parentage that combine in a gassy, loud and heavily baked love child: Truffle OG. Low-temp dabs are smooth, but hit the senses like a train, leaving the mind ringing and shocked in a giggly morning daze. PAIRING
A rosin this rich and robust deserves a coffee with as much kick as possible, and a little sweetness to offset the clouds of gas filling the mind and room. The first inhales release a loud rush of hashy lemon lime with a mind-melting fog of gas and funk that sedates and excites at the same time in a totally stoned buzz that’s in desperate need of coffee. Sipping the brew bounces our senses back, reminding us of hunger, so we bite into a dark-chocolate square to reset the palate and add some sugar to this morning remix of the famous “Kroll Show” “European model diet.” A dab, a coffee and a bar of chocolate, followed by a short half-hour workday, is just what the doctor ordered! “A rosin this rich and robust deserves a coffee with as much kick as possible.” EXPERIENCEORGANICS.NET @EXPERIENCEORGANICS @DRINKHAPPYPRODUCTS @ESCHOCOLATE
REVIEW by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX @NWLEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS Styling by Angela-Jordan Aguilar @aj.og
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
“These super soft melt-away gummies taste like a fizzy Sprite with extra tang and a perfect finish that leaves a kiss of hash and a promise of a high to come.” CLARITYFARMS.NET @CLARITYFARMSWA @NINKASIBREWING @SCHILLINGCIDERHOUSE
44
leafmagazines.com
Bigtime Rosin Gummies, Ninkasi Lime Lager & Shilling Yuzu Peach Hard Cider
Sip and savor the last-of-summer vibes with a heady hit of rosin gummies that will delight the palate and melt your mind. With the last days of sunshine slipping away, it’s important to live for the moment and go Bigtime when it’s party time. Doing it big means ditching normal flavor combos, digging into the fridge and stash for a new buzz to share with friends and insinuating that just like your ability to get very high, your taste in pairings is equally on point.
SEPT. 2026
BIGTIME YUZU LIME GUMMY & NINKASI LIME LAGER
Rosin gummies are the edible of choice for hard-hitting bites, and when it’s time for Bigtime gummies, there are fun flavors, like the Yuzu Lime, that start with a web search. A yuzu is an East Asian citrus fruit, with a sweet and tart combo that’s begging to be paired with fresh-squeezed limes. These super soft melt-away gummies taste like a fizzy Sprite with extra tang and a perfect finish that leaves a kiss of hash and a promise of a high to come. The Ninkasi Lime Lager comes to save the day when cotton mouth strikes, in a crisp and refreshing lager that’s balanced and smoothed out by the lime finish. Almost a Corona and lime — which would also go well with these gummies — but the Ninkasi adds complexity and a malty lime finish that’s ready for the beach or backyard barbecues.
BIGTIME MANGO CHAMOY GUMMY & SHILLING YUZU PEACH HARD CIDER
Sweet and spicy come together with hash rosin to delight the mind and taste buds with each soft and melty Bigtime gummy. The first bites are bright and have a light crunch of sugared texture. The smooth, gummy base delivers a soft and ripe mango flavor with the sweet, salty, sour and spicy kick of Chamoy, which lingers on the palate as a hashy, spicy kick. These aren’t hot spicy, but it’s the perfect excuse to follow each bite with a sip of the Shilling Yuzu Peach Hard Cider. This beverage takes this buzz to a whole new level, with bright notes of fresh-pressed apples, juicy peach and fragrant yuzu citrus in a refreshing, easy-to-drink cider. Together, the cider crushes the cotton mouth, while the gummies melt the mind and body in a perfectly paired buzz that’s ready for the last late sunsets of the year.
REVIEW by NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF @NWLEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS Styling by Angela-Jordan Aguilar @aj.og
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
46
1937 Farms Frosted Mimosa, 19 Crimes Cali Gold Sparkling Wine by Snoop Dogg & Juisala Orange Juice TANNINS
Sunshine in a bottle, bright, energizing and oh, so juicy, Juisala orange juice is fresh-pressed in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood from 100% organic, West Coast-sourced oranges. Naturally sweet, Juisala hits the palate with a clean, citrus snap before settling into a soft, pulpy finish. There’s nothing artificial about it; just vibrant, fresh orange terpenes that awaken your senses and brighten your mind. For our pairing, that bright citrus character becomes the foundation for a flavor profile so tasty, it could be a crime. Now things get cryptic. The 19 Crimes Cali Gold Sparkling by Snoop Dogg doesn’t exactly whisper “classy brunch mimosas.” It rolls up with a little swagger, a gold label and the unmistakable energy of the Doggfather himself. 19 Crimes built its brand around defiance and rule breakers, making Uncle Snoop a natural partner for this rebellious spirit. Inside the bottle, Cali Gold brings floral and citrus aromas together with a subtle toasty nuttiness, grounding the tropical fruit tannins with fresh-cut green apples. TERPENES
Adding to the OG spirit is Frosted Mimosa from family-owned 1937 Farms, operated by two brothers who take pride in cultivating legendary strains in their craft operation. Grown in the Snoqualmie Valley, their small-batch approach emphasizes careful cultivation, hand trimming and slow curing to preserve terpene expression. Beautifully frosted purple and green buds shimmer with trichomes, oozing with creamy, tropical, orange notes that drip into a green apple peel tempered with a fizzy skunk rolling in green grass. It’s a mouthwatering blend of sweet and complex flavors. Our first toke before rolling finds limonene leading the aromatic charge, with crisp lemon-orange notes rolling across the palate before giving way to a juicy funk with an earthy, tangy finish.
leafmagazines.com
PAIRING
Pour that fresh-pressed Juisala into Snoop’s 19 Crimes Cali Gold, watch the bubbles rise, then spark up that 1937 Farms Frosted Mimosa and let the terps roll. The bright, juicy orange wakes up the tropical citrus notes in the glass, while Frosted Mimosa’s limonene-rich smoke circles back with lemon, orange and sweet fruit on the palate. In true Uncle Snoop style, we rolled the Frosted Mimosa into a classic Swisher Sweets. The experience was bright and euphoric, with an uplifting cerebral energy that kept the creative wheels turning while settling into a mellow, easygoing vibe. Sipping and puffing, fresh citrus bubbles brighten the palate as puffs of smooth, terpene-rich flower cloud the mind. Sip meets smoke, smoke meets sparkle, and mimosa meets Mimosa with sticky icky, euphoric energy. Now that’s a brunch worth rolling up for!
SEPT. 2026
“The bright, juicy orange wakes up the tropical citrus notes in the glass.” 1937FARMS.COM @1937FARMS @SNOOPDOGG @19CRIMES @JUISALA
Some brunch dates are fancy, some are funky and some pull up carrying a blunt, wearing oversized vintage Cazal frames and refusing to follow the rules. Enter Snoop Dogg and 19 Crimes Cali Gold Sparkling Wine, add a fresh-pressed splash of organic orange juice by Juisala and roll it up with Frosted Mimosa from 1937 Farms for a true OG-inspired flavor session.
REVIEW by ANGELA-JORDAN AGUILAR @AJ.OG | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS Styling by Angela-Jordan Aguilar @aj.og
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
Just as a smoothie wouldn’t be good with only one fruit, we find it’s best to combine flavors and effects for an ultimate on-the-go buzz. HOUSEOFCULTIVAR.CO @NAKEDSMOOTHIE
48
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Foemina Golden Pineapple, Grand Cru Solventless Grape Gas, & Colors Chiquita Banana Naked Piña Colada Machine Boosted Smoothie
Taste the tropics with a trio of heady all-in-one vaporizers by House of Cultivar, a classic downtown Seattle brand that’s renowned for inhouse genetics, top-shelf quality and attention to unique flavor profiles. With distinct offerings in its three new vape lines, we paired them all together for a fruit basket vibe with a pina colada smoothie that’s already loaded, so you can stay baked.
SEPT. 2026
TANNINS
The Naked smoothie was probably shocking when it first came out, but is being nude really that edgy anymore? Today, we’re into feeling good, clothed or otherwise, and that still starts with what we put into our bodies as fuel. The Piña Colada Machine is a much better choice than the alcohol-infused version, with no hangover or regrets. Bursting with fresh, fruity terpenes from pineapple juice, apple juice, banana puree, coconut milk, orange juice and a kiss of lemon, the only thing missing is a fresh hit of weed!
TERPENES
House of Cultivar breeds, grows and processes award-winning cuts in downtown Seattle that are known for their extraordinary profiles and hard-hitting effects. The brand is newer to the vape game but has been releasing tasty and terpy live resin and rosin for years, so we couldn’t wait to rip this trio of pens. Every fun adventure begins with dabs, so we start with the Grape Gas, which sends thick, creamy, grapey, gassy clouds of rosin funk straight to the brain. The Foemina, a sativa-focused live resin vape, is naturally flavored with Cannabis terpenes and delivers uplifting, euphoric effects. The Chiquita Banana Live Resin from Colors finishes our vape smoothie, whose golden oil sends a creamy, gassy, gentle, earthy, banana-glue rush that delivers a mini tropical vacation with each hit.
PAIRING
Just as a smoothie wouldn’t be good with only one fruit, we find it’s best to combine flavors and effects for an ultimate on-the-go buzz. The Grape Gas slows time and sends euphoria as we sip the smoothie, which delights with tropical flavors and a coconutty base that’s refreshing and delicious. To revive our stoned mind, we hit the Golden Pineapple, which awakens senses and the palate with golden citrus and a honey-pineapple exhale. To finish our baked trifecta, we rip the Chiquita Banana, which slows time and awakens our tummies to a thirsty, hungry cotton mouth that’s readily satisfied with the Piña Colada. This pairing is ready for pre/ post gym, a heady lunch break or whenever you want to turn the brain into a dab smoothie, powered by House of Cultivar.
REVIEW by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX @NWLEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS Styling by Angela-Jordan Aguilar @aj.og
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dankswarehouse.com | @dankswarehouse.co Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 and older. 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 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.
edmonds
7207 212th St. SW Edmonds, WA (425) 670-0690
THE TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
TANNINS
50
We mixed a simple vodka soda with the Dry Fly Huckleberry vodka, which is distilled in Spokane. This bright, creamy wheat vodka is infused with Idaho huckleberries for a perfectly sweet taste with a syrupy vanilla finish. Poured with seltzer water, it’s a simple bevvy with big flavor that’s ready to refresh after big tokes of flower. TERPENES
The Blueberry Sugar is stunning right from the jar, with fluffy, medium-density nugs that are green, purple and ridiculously frosted in visible trichomes. Grown in living soil with organic practices, this flower’s terpene and flavor profile is insane, sending a bright, warming rush of doughy blueberries, citrus gas and a fizzy lemon-vanilla frosting finish that teased our tummies as much as our minds.
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PAIRING
The first hits of the Blueberry Sugar wash over the palate in waves of fizzy berry bliss that delights and dulls the senses with each exhale, slowing time and enhancing sound in a heady, euphoric buzz. Repeated tokes are extremely smooth and bright, sending the mind floating in a daze above the body. Ripping bowls delivers a fully baked blueberry buzz, which is ready for a refreshing sip of huckleberries that’s gentle and relaxing. Together, the buds and booze are ready for an afternoon in the garden or an evening cocktail hour. But after an hour, prepare to be heavily stoned and ready for berries in the form of baked goods.
SEPT. 2026
Blueberries and huckleberries are the best of friends, so we set out to turn our palate more purple than the gum-chewing girl in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” who transforms into a giant blueberry after sneaking a hit of three-course dinner gum. Similar to poor Violet, we also want to experience a mega dinner after sipping and smoking this heady combination of berries and buds that’s ready to entertain your next dinner party.
Mako Farm Blueberry Sugar & Dry Fly Huckleberry Vodka
Together, the buds and booze are ready for an afternoon in the garden or an evening cocktail hour. @MAKO_FARM @DRYFLYDISTILLING
REVIEW by NORTHWEST LEAF STAFF @NWLEAF | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS Styling by Angela-Jordan Aguilar @aj.og
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3 DISTINCT LINEUPS TO CHOOSE FROM POPPED AND HUNTED IN HOUSE DIVERSE LINEUP OF STRAINS GROWN WITH CARE
NO FILLERS OR CUTTING AGENTS FLAVOR TRUE TO THE FLOWER 100% PROPANE HASH OIL FIRE IN FIRE OUT
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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.
MOUNT VERNON
17929 WA-536, Suite B, Mount Vernon, WA 98409
PORT ANGELES
PULLMAN
1403 East 1st Street Port Angeles, WA (360) 477-4724
5952 Airport Road Pullman, WA (509) 872-3080
EVERETT
(360) 899-4428
4218 Rucker Avenue Everett, WA (425) 258-3054 floyds.everett
floyds.mountvernon
Sedro-Woolley
Burlington
410 W. State Street Sedro Woolley, W (360) 588-4473
735 S Burlington Blvd Burlington, WA (360) 899-4697
cooking with Cannabis
Cooking with
jack herer
Baklava is a dream to infuse, with amazing flavors in its flaky phyllo and canna-butter layers. The cucumber spirals are impressive to behold and taste wonderfully smoky and citrusy. Lemon curd is easy to make and even easier to eat with just a spoon and a screen. Jack Herer from Pruf Cultivar’s Curated Collection rocked these recipes.
laurie@laurieandmaryjane.com
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LEMON HAZE ON A TOASTED BAGUETTE Makes 12 slices 2 large lemons, zested and juiced (about a half cup) 1 cup granulated sugar 5 egg yolks, lightly beaten 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces 2 tablespoons canna-butter, cut into pieces
SEPT. 2026
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt 12 slices baguette, toasted 1 cup fresh berries, sliced if large 1/3 cup flaked coconut
1. In a medium bowl, combine the zest and sugar. Mash together with a wooden spoon or potato masher. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the zest and sugar mixture, lemon juice, yolks and butters. Stir well to mix. Cook the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butters are melted and the mixture thickens, about 12 to 15 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and place in a bowl. Stir in the vanilla and salt. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools. 4. Place plastic wrap against the curd and chill for at least 2 hours. 5. Spread the curd over the toasted bread. Top with berries and flaked coconut.
HIGH TIDE ROLLS Serves 12, two pieces per serving 2 cucumbers, ends removed 4 teaspoons canna-butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 5 ounces smoked salmon 5 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 scallions, cut into pieces 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons capers
1. Place the cucumbers on your work surface. Using a vegetable peeler, slice the cucumbers horizontally, trying to cut a slice that is the whole length of the cucumber. Pat the slices dry with a clean dish towel. 2. In a food processor, combine the canna-butter, cream cheese, salmon, mayonnaise, scallion, dill, lemon juice, pepper and salt. Process until smooth. 3. Spread each cucumber slice with the salmon mixture, 1 to 2 tablespoons each. Sprinkle with the capers. Tightly roll each slice. The slices will stay together; no need for a toothpick. 4. Place on a serving tray and enjoy.
ROSE & RESIN BAKLAVA Makes 30 servings 1 pound pistachios, lightly toasted 1 16-ounce package phyllo dough, defrosted 5 tablespoons canna-butter, melted 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup honey 1 tablespoon rose water 1. Heat oven to 340 F. 2. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. 3. In a food processor, chop the pistachios into a mediumfine texture. In a small bowl, combine both butters and mix well. 4. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover with a lightly dampened cloth to keep from drying out as you work. Place 2 sheets of dough in the pan, and brush with the butter. Place another sheet of dough on top and repeat with individual sheets of phyllo until you have layered 12 sheets. 5. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top. From here, continue the pattern, adding the nuts with the butter in between each layer of dough. The top layers should be near 6 to 8 sheets high. 6. Using a sharp knife, cut to the bottom of the pan into diamond or square shapes. Bake for about 50 minutes, until baklava is golden and crisp. 7. While the baklava is baking, make the sauce! Boil sugar and water until the sugar is melted. Add vanilla, honey and rose water. Simmer slowly for about 45 minutes. 8. Remove baklava from the oven and immediately pour sauce over it. Let cool, and then enjoy.
RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF @LAURIEANDMARYJANE | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF @BRUCE_WOLF #DontFearTheEdible #BeKind #EatYourCannabis | Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
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Marijuana products may be purchased or possessed only by persons 21 and older. 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 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children.
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Back to life A veteran reckons with war, sobriety
and healing When Rick Glass thinks about Iraq, he doesn't begin with politics. He remembers the sound. A Maryland native who grew up an hour outside Washington, D.C., Glass was close enough to Saddam Hussein's statue to hear it being toppled. Days earlier, his unit had assaulted Al-Faw Palace and was trying to replenish ammunition when they came under heavy fire. His friend, John Keeney, was hit by a sniper's round in the elbow. “I was eating an MRE, and while I heard rounds going overhead, that one sounded very different,” the Marine recalled, noting it took 13 surgeries to save his gunner’s arm. Years later, Glass would come to understand that surviving combat was only the beginning of his battle.
SEPT. 2026
“I WOKE UP ANGRY FOR YEARS,” he said. “And in all honesty, I still wake up angry.” As the United States approaches the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, Glass knows that day will carry a weight difficult for most Americans to understand. “The 25th anniversary of 9/11 is going to evoke a lot of emotion for me,” he said, “because I know it’s part of the reason why I served time in combat.” Glass doesn’t question the horror of Sept. 11. What he questions is what came afterward — and whether the sacrifices made by people like him were justified. “I’m patriotic, but I also think it’s good to question things, including your government,” he said. “I guess I’m still looking for those weapons of mass destruction,” he added, shaking his head. Sometimes, Glass said, veterans need a reason for losing someone. They convince themselves that their fallen friends died for a greater purpose. But genuine healing may require confronting something harder. “There are some people in that picture who aren’t here today, and don’t get me wrong, they’re heroes — every last one of them,” Glass said. “But their death is also a result of their government lying.” He knows how provocative that sounds to another veteran. “When you say to another veteran, ‘Your buddy died in vain,’ that’s enough for them to want to physically confront you,” he said. “But if we’re talking from a true place of healing, we might have to really come to a place of, like, ‘Dude, we don’t have to lie to each other anymore.’” Glass eventually found himself fighting another war — one that followed him home. On April 19, 2017, he was arrested for his third DUI. He now credits the Westminster Police Department with giving him his sobriety date: April 20. At the time, Glass didn’t even use Cannabis. “420 is a holiday that I used to make fun of my Cannabis-consuming friends for celebrating,” he said. “And now it’s one of the biggest days of the year for me.” Sobriety forced Glass to confront things he had spent years avoiding. While drinking, he convinced himself that he enjoyed shaving in the shower. He told himself it gave him a closer shave, but what he was really doing was dodging a necessary conversation with his reflection.
“The only thing I was doing was avoiding looking education, community resources and reducing stigma at myself in that mirror,” he said. around the plant. Recovery meant becoming willing to look. He wants people to understand cannabinoids, Nine years into sobriety, Glass is married, a terpenes, consumption methods and the differences homeowner for the first time in his life and credits between products rather than simply telling them his wife as one of the most stabilizing forces in his what to use. recovery. “I think a lot of people are gravitating towards About a year into sobriety, he was struggling with Cannabis, but I think there is a severe lack of negative effects from prescription medication. education,” he said. He began researching “Cannabis personally saved my Cannabis and its life.” use among veterans. A man who once mocked 420 He had only used now considers April 20 his sobriety Cannabis a handful anniversary. A Marine who went to of times before, war believing in the mission now always while drinking. questions the government that sent He decided to try it him. A man who once avoided his intentionally. own reflection now spends his life “Let’s see what confronting the things he would happens if you rather not see. actually start using “There’s just so many things that this plant intentionally if I knew then what I know now, I as medicine,” he feel like I would be so much further remembered telling in life,” he said. “Sometimes that himself. actually is a source of frustration for What Glass wanted me, but I just have to understand most was sleep. that all this is part of my story.” “I personally believe Glass doesn’t consider himself if you don’t have religious. But he has come good sleep, you don’t to believe that the seemingly have good anything,” disconnected pieces of his life may he said. “The first time not be so disconnected after all. Cannabis wasn’t the I used Cannabis, I got “If I never went to Iraq, would end of his recovery; a restful sleep. When I I have ever used Cannabis?” he it became another woke up, I literally got asked. “I don’t know. Possibly, tool in it. He also tears in my eyes and possibly not. I just think for a believes veterans said to myself, ‘Is this reason, everything is tied together.” deserve serious how normal people That belief has given him a sense scientific research into feel every single of purpose. Through Canna Cares, other forms of plant day?’” he wants to help people ask difficult medicine, including For Glass, questions about their health, their psilocybin. Cannabis wasn’t medications and what recovery can the end of his recovery; it became another tool look like. But he is careful not to present himself as in it. He also believes veterans deserve serious someone who has figured it all out. scientific research into other forms of plant medicine, “I got so much to work on,” he said. “I have so including psilocybin. many character defects. I’m just starting to unplug a “If you asked me about drugs 10 years ago, I lot of these things that are going on in my life.” probably wouldn’t have had the same answer,” he Cannabis, he said, “has allowed me to live my life said. “But now, I think every single drug out there more. It allows me to participate more.” has its benefit if it’s used in a scientific way with a And perhaps most tellingly, it has allowed him to scientific approach.” feel. Glass’ philosophy is simple: Veterans deserve “Cannabis gives me empathy; it gives me more tools, better research and the freedom to find compassion,” he said. “I cry more now than I ever what actually helps them heal. did, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” That belief has led him beyond his own recovery. For the past three years, Glass has been building CANNACARESMD.COM Canna Cares, a 501(c)(3) focused on Cannabis @RICKGLASS420
STORY by BAXSEN PAINE @BAXSENPAINE for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by GREG MALCOLM @MARYLAND.CONNOISSEUR
patient of the month
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60
BIGMIKE There’s one uncontestable and concrete fact that everyone who’s been a part of this hash and weed scene for the last decade knows to be true: Big Mike loves you.
SEPT. 2026
A fundraising dinner for Big Mike this summer helped raise money toward his kidney transplant.
MICHAEL “BIG MIKE” JACKSON has been a part “I don’t know if it’s the of the hash scene on the West Coast for 15-plus plant that gives me peace,” years. He’s watched the evolution, from dabbing Jackson told the Leaf, “but slabs of butane hash oil to single-source solventless. I know that this plant allows He’s chopped it up with icons of the community, like me the space and the breath Frenchy Cannoli and Mila Jansen, and was chosen that I need to find peace. by Mothership Glass to hide one of their It allows me the glass eggs last Easter. grace to pause In 2022 — after being diagnosed and the reason to with Stage 4 chronic kidney disease and push.” wanting to get himself and his family Part of that push out of the city — he moved to central has been docuCalifornia and started making hash. menting his daily Watching hash makers and studying cullife on Instagram. BIG MIKE JAX tivation since the Chalice Festival days, “When I started KIDNEY he knew this was something he’d be documenting my TRANSPLANT truly passionate about jumping into. journey online, FUNDRAISER Jackson said that the first year, I hated posting. GOFUND.ME/ watering the greenhouse while holding But now, my DMs D95E9F0DD his medication bag in the other hand, are flooded with people who have been helped him discover how much dopacomforted or inspired by these posts, and mine and serotonin came from doing what he always I realize it’s so much bigger than myself now,” he knew he’d have the skills for. Now, he sees the said. “I’ve been through some dark stuff and dealt benefits of Cannabis use in the way it deals with not with some serious demons, but I’ve never felt menphysical pain but the mental stress of staying positive tally or spiritually stronger, thanks to this plant.” and thankful. Like so many of us, “when I found Cannabis people, I knew I found my misfits, my people,” Jackson said. “Growing up a big fat dude named Michael “I DON’T KNOW IF IT’S THE Jackson, I was an easy target in Los Angeles, and it was rough.” PLANT THAT GIVES ME PEACE,” He said that through the plant, he was able to JACKSON TOLD THE LEAF, quickly build a place in the community. “BUT I KNOW THAT THIS PLANT “It unlocked my true character and what I have to ALLOWS ME THE SPACE AND offer in this world, and that’s love,” he said. Jackson wants to be the person at the sesh who THE BREATH THAT I NEED TO welcomes everyone, who gives anyone who might FIND PEACE. IT ALLOWS ME have felt like him a chance to come to the table, hit THE GRACE TO PAUSE AND THE the rig and see if this might also be your group of misfits. REASON TO PUSH.”
The dialysis treatments and medications tend to take a lot out of Jackson nowadays, but he said he’s been in the gym getting ready to sesh with everyone at Puffcon. It’s a time, Jackson told the Leaf, that feels like a family reunion. This year, he’ll be hosting the first blood drive at the Puffcon lot. Working with LifeSource, which has been involved in Bleed for Weed blood drives in other states, he’ll give every donor a special gift at his booth once the event kicks off. Jackson has one of those positive energies that inspires us all to be a little more thankful. “The world has got a lot of pain and turmoil,” he said at the start. “To be able to wake up and have the privilege to do what you love, to be consumed by passion and art and love and community and culture — it’s a privilege, and I’m so grateful for it.” @NOTBIGMIKEJAX | @BIGMIKEJAX
STORY by MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON @CALIFORNIALEAFMAG | PHOTOS by CHRIS ROMAINE @KANDIDKUSH
cannthropology
P RE S E N TS
The
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These days, there are a plethora of pot-infused beverages to choose from… but for thousands of years, there was really only one bud-laced brew: the original Cannabis cocktail, bhang. Sometimes referred to as the “Nectar of the Gods,” this marijuana milkshake from India has been bringing all the boys (and girls) to the yard since the dawn of recorded history. WHAT IS BHANG? Originating from the Sanskrit word “bhanga,” meaning “hemp,” the Urdu/Hindi term “bhang” has been used on the Indian subcontinent since the Vedic Period (late Bronze Age) to refer to Cannabis leaves, seeds and stems (flowers are called “ganjah,” and resin is known as “charas”). But bhang’s definition extends beyond just the leaves — it can also mean an edible paste made by grinding up the leaves or a beverage containing that paste: namely, bhang thandai or bhang lassi. The paste is blended with various combinations of ground nuts, herbs, seeds, spices and warm milk for a bhang thandai or yogurt for the thicker version, bhang lassi. The mixture is then cooled (thandai means “cooling off”) and garnished with rose petals and pistachios. The result is a rich, refreshing beverage similar to an iced chai or smoothie that’s said to calm the mind and body. But for Indians, bhang is more than just a deliciously dank drink — it’s integral to their cultural and spiritual traditions. LORD OF THE BHANG The first written accounts of bhang appear in Hinduism’s sacred texts, the Vedas (2000-1400 BCE), which classify it among the most sacred of plants — calling it a “source of happiness,” a “joy-giver” and a “liberator.” Bhang appears repeatedly in Indian mythology, usually in connection with the god Shiva.
sep. 2026
In the story of Samudra Manthan, a group of “Devas” (gods) and “Asuras” (demons) conducted a “churning of the cosmic oceans” (Samudra Manthan) to create an “elixir of immortality” called “amrita” (“ambrosia” to the Greeks). Legend has it that a few drops of this amrita fell to earth, and those spots were where the first Cannabis plants sprouted up. Unfortunately, this churning also created a poison potent enough to destroy all life called “halahala.” To save the universe, Shiva drank all of the poison himself, turning his throat blue and causing him agonizing pain. Rushing to his aid, his consort, the goddess Parvati, gave him a cup of bhang, alleviating his suffering. In another tale, after Shiva argues with Parvati, he retreats to the mountains and falls asleep under a “leafy plant.” Upon awakening, he’s hungry and anxious, but feels instantly rejuvenated after chewing the leaves, and decides to gift the plant to humanity. Shiva used bhang regularly to relax and focus during meditation, and was even rumored to bathe in it. Since artists have often depicted Shiva with stoney eyes, dreadlocks, and smoking charas or drinking bhang, he’s considered the first “hippie god” and has been bestowed the epithet “Lord of the Bhang.”
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Big Bhang Theory
HOLI SMOKE Given the close connection between Shiva and Cannabis, it’s no surprise that bhang is a sacred component of holidays honoring him. Maha Shivaratri (Great Night of Shiva), which is observed in the Hindu month of Phalgun (February-March), commemorates Shiva and Parvati’s nuptials. During this celebration, Shiva’s worshippers consume bhang leaves and beverages and present them to him as “prasad” (a religious offering). Another Shiva-related holiday widely associated with bhang is Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors.” According to Hindu lore, when Shiva’s first wife Sati died, he flew into a distraught rage and performed a “Tandava” (dance of destruction), after which he fell into a trance-like state of mourning. Unbeknownst to him, part of Sita’s spirit survived and was reincarnated as Parvati. When Parvati asked Kamadeva (the Hindu god of love) for assistance, Kamadeva shot a bhang-dipped arrow into Shiva — breaking his trance and causing him to fall in love with Parvati anew. That day became Holi.
Parvati offering bhang to Shiva. Watercolor by Kailash Raj.
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AYURVEDA India also values Cannabis for its medicinal properties, as part of its ancient holistic wellness system known as “Ayurveda” (Sanskrit for “knowledge of life”). In Ayurvedic texts dating back to the eighth century CE, bhang is prescribed to treat such varied ailments as nausea, anxiety, inflammation, indigestion, insomnia, migraines, malaria, rheumatism and even skin disorders. In fact, it was recommended for so many illnesses that it has been called the “penicillin of Ayurvedic medicine.” Of course, Ayurveda does not promote full-on intoxication, which it considers an abuse that can lead to mental disorders, such as Tamas (delusion and lethargy) and Rajas (hyperactivity). Rather, it advocates moderate, mindful consumption of bhang to maintain physiological and psychological balance — which, given what we know today about the endocannabinoid system, makes perfect sense.
“Bhang appears repeatedly in Indian mythology, usually in connection with the god Shiva, who has
been bestowed the epiteth “Lord of the Bhang.” each. Describing the effects, he observed that one man “wept bitterly all afternoon,” one was “terrified with fear,” a few were “complimenting each other in high terms” and one “fought with one of the wooden pillars of the porch” until his knuckles were raw. As for Bowrey himself, he confessed that he “sat sweating for the space of three hours in exceeding measure.”
BESOTTED BRITS The earliest English account of bhang comes from an East India Company merchant captain named Thomas Bowrey. During his first visit to India’s Bengal region in 1673, he noticed that the inhabitants didn’t drink alcohol, but instead found “means to besott (sic) themselves Enough with Bangha and Gangah.” Two years later, while on shore leave there, he and his men decided to try some for themselves — guzzling pints of the “bewitching” beverage, which they purchased for sixpence
THE INDIAN HEMP COMMISSION When the British took control of India in the 18th century, they were reportedly alarmed about the pervasive use of Cannabis there. And so, in 1798, the East India Company enacted a tax on bhang, ganja and charas, hoping to reduce its usage “for the sake of the natives’ good health and sanity.” In 1893, Parliament took a step further — appointing a commission of medical professionals
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WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
EUROPEAN EXPOSURE It wasn’t until the 16th century that the West became aware of bhang. The earliest record of bhang in Europe comes from a Jewish Portuguese botanist/physician in Goa named Garcia da Orta. In his 1534 treatise “Colloquies on the Simples and Drugs and Portrait of Jan Huygen van Linschoten from Medicinal Matters of India and of a his “Itinerario.” Few Fruits,” Orta wrote extensively about “bangue” — apparently rejecting the idea that it was the same as English hemp, and explaining how inhabitants enjoyed chewing it, smoking it or grinding it into powder and drinking it with spices because it “intoxicates like opium.” “The profit from its use is for the man … to be raised above all cares and anxieties, and it makes some break into a foolish laugh,” Orta observed. “Those of my servants who took it … said that it made them so as not to feel work, to be very happy, and to have a craving for food.” Around 60 years later, a Dutch merchant/cartographer also living in Goa, Jan Huygen van Linschoten, wrote about bhang in his 1596 book, “Itinerario” (aka “The Voyage of John Huyghen Van Linschoten to the East Indies”). In it, he notes that bhang “… maketh a good appetite, but useth most to provoke lust … to reele and looke as if they were drunke, and halfe foolish, doing nothing but laugh and bee merrie.”
KNOX & HOOKE Another East India sailor who was instrumental in introducing bhang to England was Robert Knox. While sailing to Persia in January 1658, Knox’s ship was damaged and forced to port in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where the king took the entire crew prisoner. After two decades in captivity, Knox managed to escape and sail to a Dutch settlement on the north of the island. Along the way, he was forced to drink muddy pond water, which made him deathly ill. Luckily, the locals offered him bhang, which fixed him right up. “… we learned an Antidote and Counter-Poyson against the filthy venemous (sic) water … that after the use thereof we had no more Sickness,” Knox attested in his 1681 book “An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon.” “It is only a dry leaf: they call it in Portugueze Banga ... and this we eat Morning and Evening upon an empty Stomach. It intoxicates the Brain, and makes one giddy.” After returning to England, Knox was able to procure more “Banga,” some of which he gifted to his friend, scientist Robert Hooke. Hooke spent a month studying the plant, noting in his diary that he found it to be “wholesome, though for a time it takes away the memory and understanding.” On Dec. 18, he gave a lecture at the Royal Society about the herb, which he proposed could “prove as considerable a Medicine.” Sadly, Hooke’s attempt to introduce Cannabis into Western pharmacopeia was unsuccessful; it would be another century and a half until Britain recognized its medical potential, with credit instead going to Dr. W.B. O’Shaughnessy in 1844.
AUG. 2021
to launch an extensive study of the cultivation, trade, consumption and cultural/religious significance of Cannabis in Indian society. Published in 1894, the “Indian Hemp Drugs Commission Report” concluded that excessive use of bhang was rare, that moderate use was harmless and that to outlaw it would “cause widespread unrest among Hindu and Muslim communities alike.” And so, Cannabis remained legal in India for the next 60-odd years … that is, until the dawn of the drug war. BAN THE BHANG? In 1961, the United Nations enacted the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs — Bhang shop in Jaisalmer India. an international treaty banning all nonmedical drugs that was adopted by 73 nations, including India. However, since the treaty only specified “the flowering or fruiting tops of the Cannabis plant … from which the resin has not been extracted” as a narcotic, bhang was exempt from the ban. Then, in 1985, under pressure from the U.S., India passed an even stricter drug law — the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Nevertheless, the previous legal loophole held, as the NDPS clearly differentiated ganja and charas from bhang, once again excluding bhang from the prohibition (upheld by India’s high court in Karnataka in August 2022). Though permitted on a national level, many states still passed their own laws restricting or outright prohibiting bhang. In towns where it is permitted (mostly in Northern areas like Uttar Pradesh), it’s sold in government-licensed shops that regulate how it’s sold and to whom. GOING OUT WITH A BHANG Regardless of its legality, Cannabis remains India’s most popular intoxicant, with Mumbai and Delhi both listed among the top ten cities in the world for Cannabis use. According to a 2019 survey by India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, about 2.8% of citizens (nearly 39 million people) still drink bhang regularly. After 3000 years, it’s safe to say that bhang — and Cannabis in general —remain deeply ingrained in India’s spirituality and culture. Bobby Black is a former senior editor and 21-year veteran of High Times magazine, executive director of the World of Cannabis Museum Project, and host of the Cannthropology podcast. For more Cannabis history visit cannthropology.com.
STO RY b y B O B BY B LAC K @ CAN N T H RO PO LO G Y for LEA F NAT IO N
TOM MAISEY / WIKIMEDIA
Observed on the full moon after Maha Shivaratri, Holi is a joyous two-day festival that celebrates the coming of spring by dancing, singing, feasting, laughing, dousing fellow celebrants with bright colored powders and liquids … and of course, drinking lots of bhang thandai and lassi.
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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.
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.
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A self-described “meme artist,” Wookerson’s illustrations are verbal vignettes taken from his experiences growing up in the glassblowing, Grateful Dead and Cannabis scenes.
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the language of classic cartoons and comic characters, his work has an instantly recognizable style that’s become part of the visual identity of Cannabis culture. Famous for his slogan, “You can’t smoke hash all day if you don’t start in the morning,” Wookerson’s pieces pair cultural statements and non sequiturs with images distilled through a ‘90s kid’s culture-sponge of a brain. No doubt, Wookerson found a lot of inspiration growing up with the works of artists like Bill Watterson, Charles Schulz, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. However, it’s the statements and impact their pieces have had on people that fascinate him more than just the lines on the paper. Wookerson said that while he’s always loved making art, it wasn’t until the pandemic and some prodding from Banjo Glass that he felt launched into creating the ideas he had inside his head. “The pandemic forced me to try shit, to look at myself and ask, what did I really have control over besides my own art?”
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He posted some drawings at @lotcomedy. “It was just putting things out there to see what would happen,” he said. What started as just a meme page has ballooned into an art career and a position as sort of a cartoonist for the culture. Speaking from his home in San Francisco, he showed us the first few projects he worked on with brands like Feeling Frosty, Have Hash and Professor Sift. “These really opened things up and brought my art in front of a lot of people’s eyes.” With hash and weed being the focus of so much of his personal and client-driven art, we were curious how much it’s involved in his actual studio time. “I’m mostly in there after the kids go to bed, so the art and the smoking are all kind of part of the same ritual.” Just like choosing between a pencil and a paintbrush, Wookerson uses hash for allnight screen-printing sessions and reserves flower for things like oil painting. “For me, weed is more of a relaxing, mindwandering experience, and dabs are like a cup of coffee,” he explained.
Wookerson
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OKERSON On the day we spoke, Dolly Parton had passed, and so Wookerson’s studio was filled with the sounds of Parton, Linda Ronstadt and other ‘80s ladies of country. “There is a level of what I do in my art that’s connected to my mother,” he told Leaf Magazines. “A lot of the time, the music I have on while I work is a mix of the rock and bluegrass I grew up hearing from her.” Still inspired by the sights and sounds of his youth, the work he’s making right now is more focused on references to contemporary figures. “A lot of the inspiration for my work has been getting more current, and as that happens, the characters popping up have been the heroes of my adulthood as well as my childhood.” Wookerson told us he sees a lot of this next capsule collection as being focused on typography paired with the larger-than-life figures in the Cannabis scene. Having been a kid raised on a steady diet of pop culture, he stopped a moment, smiled and added, “but you know, GTA 6 is also coming.”
“What started as just a meme page has ballooned into an art career and a position as sort of a cartoonist for the culture.” STORY by MATT JACKSON @ACTIONMATTJACKSON for LEAF NATION | PHOTOS & ILLUSTRATIONS by WOOKERSON & KEY CURATIONS See more of their work at LeafMagazines.com