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TANNINS & TERPENES
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# 7 5 | S E P T . 2020
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PAIRING CANNABIS INDEPENDENT CANNABIS JOURNALISM SINCE 2010
sEPT. 2020
ISSUE 75 11 EDITOR NOTE 12 NATIONAL NEWS 14 LOCAL NEWS 16 EXPERT OPINION 20 HIGHLY LIKELY 22 STONER OWNER 24 PURCHASER Q&A 26 PATIENT PROFILE 30 CANNTHROPOLOGY 34 SHOP REVIEW PORTLAND 36 SHOP REVIEW SALEM 40 STRAIN OF THE MONTH 44 TANNINS & TERPENES 46 EXTRACTIONEERING 47 CANNASSENTIALS 48 MELLOW VIBES 49 ALTERED ALCHEMY 50 PORTLAND OVEN 52 PRODUCTIVE PAIRINGS 54 CLAIM 52 BREWING 56 BROOKLYN BREWERY 58 RAR BREWING 60 TALKING ‘BOUT TEMPS 64 RECIPES 68 EDIBLES 72 CONCENTRATES 76 TOPICALS 78 STONEY BALONEY
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DANIEL BERMAN
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in portland, we connect with patient of the month dustin brandon and learn how cannabis has profoundly impacted and aided their life.
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T H E E N L I G H T E N E D VO I C E
N O RT H W E S T L E A F / O R EG O N L E A F / A L AS KA L E A F / M A RY L A N D L E A F / CA L I F O R N I A L E A F /
A B O U T T H E C OV E R “The Tannins & Terpenes Issue is one of our favorite editions to produce each year. Exploring flavor nuances and creating intentional combinations to bring forth certain effects is a titillating and exciting experience, each and every time. We are still learning so much about this incredible plant and we are excited to share our findings with you in each issue. So grab a copy, kick back with one of the pairings found in this edition, and dive into a world of flavor with us. Pictured on this month’s cover is Portland’s Jackalope’s 2019 Rose paired with Cannassentials’ DEM Pure Certified Third Eyegasm.” -Max Early
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ABNEY
Editor’s Note Thanks for picking up our annual Tannins & Terpenes edition! Marijuana is safer than alcohol! I feel like that statement must lead the way for this note, because it is an unequivocal truth. If we looked at health impacts, deaths and the billions in social and healthcare costs that alcohol is responsible for, we would instead be selling Cannabis on every street corner. That said, it’s 2020 and we are getting closer to a future where Cannabis is at least treated equally to alcohol, and the two certainly do pair well together when the occasion calls for it. When we first started pairing the two in Northwest Leaf in 2012, the idea was to bring awareness to the many flavor profiles and styles that exist in the Cannabis sphere. An attitude from then still prevails today in many parts of the world: All pot is just pot. WHEN WE FIRST STARTED Our journey through pairing Cannabis and PAIRING alcohol has led us to throw events celebrating THE TWO IN the two, to create custom cocktails and mocktails NORTHWEST infused with terpenes, and to get really good at LEAF IN 2012, using Cannabis as a hangover preventer. More on THE IDEA WAS TO BRING this at a later date, but google Cannabis neuroAWARENESS protective properties and let your mind run. TO THE MANY The point being: We enjoy bringing these FLAVOR PROFILES AND pairings to life and this year we have some great STYLES THAT options for you to try. EXIST IN THE New for this year are our “Productive Pairings” CANNABIS - a concept from our California Leaf Director Nate SPHERE. Williams. The idea that you can only pair weed with alcohol is silly, so we made four new pairings with tea, coffee, kombucha and mate. These productive pairings are great for starting or getting through the day! I’m currently enjoying a blonde espresso roast with dabs of Unicorn Poop from Echo Electuary in Oregon, and it feels pretty damn good. I hope that this issue inspires you to try new pairings and flavor combinations, becoming an educational tool for you to share with anyone who still thinks all weed is created equal. So light up, pour a tasty beverage and enjoy this scintillating issue of the Leaf!
-Wes Abney sept. 2020
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politics
PELOSI DEFENDS MARIJUANA’S COVID-19 THERAPY POTENTIAL
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‘POSITIVE PERCEPTIONS’ OF CANNABIS FOR LEGAL STATES
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esearchers with the University of Waterloo, School of Public Health in Canada surveyed 5,530 adult respondents living in Alaska, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington state, and they found some very reassuring news, reports NORML. Adults over the age of 21 who live in states where retail Cannabis sales are allowed tend to have positive impressions of the marijuana industry, according to data published in the journal Addictive Behaviors. “The current findings suggest generally positive perceptions of the legal Cannabis market,” the authors reported. “THIS DATA ONCE “Most respondents, including frequent AGAIN AFFIRMS THAT MOST VOTERS DO NOT Cannabis consumers, perceived legal EXPERIENCE ‘BUYER’S Cannabis to be of equal or greater quality REMORSE’ FOLLOWING and convenience, and as safer to buy and MARIJUANA use than Cannabis from illegal sources.” LEGALIZATION.” “This data once again affirms that most voters do not experience ‘buyer’s remorse’ following marijuana legalization,” said NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano. “In the minds of most Americans, these laws are operating as voters intended and in a manner that is consistent with their expectations.” northwest
CANNABIS SOCIAL EQUITY MAKES PROGRESS IN WASHINGTON STATE
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ttempts to increase minority participation in Washington state’s marijuana industry are ongoing, but government officials there face hurdles in creating a workable social equity program, due to stiff competition and plentiful supplies, reports Marijuana Business Daily. Governor Jay Inslee in March signed House Bill Gov. Jay Inslee 2870 to create a new social equity program “that provides business opportunities to people from disproportionately harmed communities so they can ... become a Cannabis retailer.” Existing weed retailers in Washington are well established, as the state began recreational sales in 2014. That makes the state one of the most competitive in the nation for all types of Cannabis licensees. It will still be months before any social equity business licenses are issued, according to state health department employee Christy Hoff. Members of a task force - expected to consist of about a dozen people from state agencies, Cannabis businesses and minority representatives haven’t been selected.
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tons of Cannabis hidden inside lime boxes was seized at the Mexican border by authorities in August.
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percent of Canadian Cannabis market share is earned by vape pens, reports Headset data.
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ouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August defended a provision of the Democratic coronavirus relief bill tied to Cannabis. “I don’t agree with you that Cannabis is not related to this,” Pelosi said during a press briefing, reports The Hill. “This is a therapy that has proven successful.” House Democrats passed their own $3 trillion stimulus bill called the Heroes Act on May 15, but it never got a vote in the GOP-controlled Senate, reports Forbes. The provision would have allowed legal Cannabis businesses to work with banking services, reports USA Today. Cannabis business have been deemed ‘essential’ during the pandemic, but aren’t eligible for Small Business Administration loans, according to the National Cannabis Industry Association. southwest
ARIZONA LEGALIZATION INITIATIVE WILL BE ON NOVEMBER BALLOT
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annabis could become legalized in Arizona in the near future as a new measure has officially qualified for the November 2020 ballot. The Secretary of State in August announced that activists had turned in enough valid signatures to qualify, one month after about “ADULTS WOULD 420,000 signatures HAVE THE RIGHT were submitted, reports TO LEGALLY POSSESS UP Marijuana Moment. TO AN OUNCE Adults would have OF CANNABIS UNDER THE the right to legally MEASURE.” possess up to an ounce of Cannabis under the measure. Cultivation of up to six plants for personal use would also be allowed. Restorative justice provisions are also included in the measure, such as allowing people with prior pot convictions to petition for expungements and establishing a social equity Cannabis business ownership program.
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LEGALIZATION
NEW INITIATIVE TO LEGALIZE CANNABIS SALES FILED IN D.C.
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ctivists have filed a new proposed bailout initiative to legalize Cannabis sales in the nation’s capital. The “New Modern Day Cannabis Justice Reform Act” would halt prosecutions of marijuana cultivation, sales and consumption, reports Marijuana Moment. It would also stop Cannabis from being the cause of police searches and provide for record expungement of prior marijuana convictions. D.C. voters approved a legalization measure in 2014, but it only covered possession and home cultivation - not sales. The city has been prevented from implementing a retail model due to a Congressional rider barring it from using local tax funds for such purposes. The currently unregulated system of legalization has failed to address problems such as racially disproportionate enforcement, according to Dawn Lee-Carty, Executive Director of the campaign behind the initiative. To qualify for the ballot, activists would need to collect 24,835 valid signatures from registered voters. Activists recently submitted enough signatures to qualify Initiative 81, which would decriminalize psychedelics in D.C.
“Our research has always shown that a majority of Montanans support legalization, and now voters will have the opportunity to enact that policy, which will create jobs and generate new revenue for our state.” -New Approach Montana Political Director Pepper Petersen, describing the group’s successful effort to get Initiative 190 and Constitutional Initiative 118 on the November 2020 ballot.
new Cannabis retail licenses will be issued by Illinois in September, more than three months after the deadline.
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Cannabis plants were seized after two men were arrested for illegal cultivation in Bradford, England
$50m $348m
is the projected value of Virginia’s limited commercial medical Cannabis program by the year 2024.
was the jaw-dropping record amount of retail Cannabis sales reported for California in just the month of July.
By STEVE ELLIOTT, AUTHOR OF THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF MARIJUANA
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GRATEFUL BREAK See if you can find all fifteen words!
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OLCC Expands On-Site Delivery IN AN EFFORT to cut down on the danger of spreading COVID-19 at essential Cannabis dispensary businesses, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission proposed an extension of the allowance of on-site deliveries to consumers. “Due to the continued community spread of COVID-19, the Commission’s temporary actions to respond to COVID-19 are expected to expire before Oregon counties enter Phase 3 of re-opening,” the OLCC said in a statement. “The Commission is proposing to adopt the rules as permanent for such time as they are needed to maintain business continuity and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.” This change would be ongoing and would allow dispensaries to fulfill orders and deliver directly to customers within 150 feet of the licensed premises. This would allow for the continuance of curbside pickup and parking lot delivery, reducing the need for customers to congregate in lobbies and outside storefronts, waiting to shop. For more info, visit Oregon.gov/olcc
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At first the collaboration did not have a name, but that didn’t stop Storrs and Benvenuti from selling out of its fresh stock of filled donuts to lines of customers on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon in August. The most popular on the day we went was the pimento cheese with hot honey and sesame seeds, and the pair was also selling them in lemon curd, apricot and Boston cream pie varieties. In the time since, the pair announced a name for the project Fills - and a targeted opening of September. According to Storrs, the pimento cheese will remain as a savory donut on the menu, which will open with at least six flavors, along with their own take on a breakfast sandwich (bacon, fried egg and aioli on a donut bun). Important to note: While Storrs continues to garner acclaim for his Cannabis-infused cooking, these donuts are not infused. If you haven’t been able to catch a pop-up and want a preview of what’s in store, head to Bar King, where Benvenuti’s baked goods are available for walk-up customers, along with sidewalk seating.
WHILE STORRS CONTINUES TO GARNER ACCLAIM FOR HIS CANNABISINFUSED COOKING, THESE DONUTS ARE NOT INFUSED.
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Riding the wake of his Cannabis themed cooking show on Netflix (“Cooked with Cannabis,” co-starring Kelis), Portland-based celebrity chef Leather Storrs recently partnered with local baking badass Katherine Benvenuti (of Bar King) to offer weekly donut pop-ups inside the former Blue Star Donut space downtown - located a couple blocks from Powell’s Books at 1237 SW Washington St.
Watch for updates about the donut project on Instagram: Storrs @leatherstorrs | Benvenuti @simple_aint_easy
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On August 14, the Oregon Department of Agriculture released the proposed plan for the Oregon hemp industry for the remainder of 2020 and 2021. The new ruleset must be approved by the USDA before it is set in stone. Of particular concern to Oregon hemp farmers is the request that the USDA postpone the enforcement of testing requirements that are set to take effect as part of the Interim Final Rule (IFR) for domestic hemp production. The IFR states that on or before October 31, 2021, all hemp producers will have to have samples tested by a DEA-approved analytical testing lab. The ODA has requested an extension of this deadline to 2022, due to the fact that, at this point, Oregon has no DEA testing labs available to its hemp producers. For more info, visit Oregon.gov/oda
STORIES by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS
EXPERT OPINION oregonlEAF.COM
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language barriers Why do brands and budtenders alike cling to terms taken from 18th century definitions?
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alling a particular product sativa or indica is much like describing a wine by its vine. It is interesting information if you enjoy plant morphology, but falls short when relaying the nuances of effect, aroma and taste. Yet here we are today, drowning in the vagueness of these words. They are marketed on every item and muttered by the bulk of budtenders. From dispensaries to the mainstream media, we can’t escape these persistent plant identifiers. The terms sativa and indica have come a long way from their original definitions: ones that focused on geographical origin and plant structure. Despite a constant flow of community conversation on the matter, they remain widely misused. In a 1753 publication titled Species Plantarum (one of the first works to present a system of scientific nomenclature), a Swedish botanist named Carl Linnaeus introduced the name Cannabis sativa. At that time, Linnaeus described but one species of hemp (of the sativa variety). It wasn’t until European naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck listed another in 1785 that the world was introduced to “Cannabis indica.”
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A British Medical Journal piece by editor Geoff Watts explains that Lamarck originally distinguished Cannabis sativa from the indica variety “on the basis of several characteristics including their firm stems, thin bark, and the shape of their leaves and flowers.” In a 2016 publication called Cannabis Taxonomy: The Sativa vs. Indica Debate, Robert Clarke and Dr. Mark Merlin observe that Lamarck named the second species Cannabis indica - meaning ‘Cannabis from India’ - after the first wave of this “highly psychoactive plant” reached Europe. While Linnaeus observed the hemp-like, narrow-leafed, low THC characteristics of Europe’s plants being grown for fiber, Lamarck documented India’s wide-leafed, high-potency plants grown for hashish. The high-potency plants that were observed as “indica” may have something to do with the classification’s reputation as heavy hitting and sleepy. Originally grown for their fiber production and low THC, sativas became well known as light or uplifting. This knowledge gives us insight into the way these words are used today. But our scientific evidence has grown a great deal since the 18th century, and we now have access to a neverending network of information at our fingertips. It’s easier than ever to learn about strain lineage, cannabinoids, terpenes, and the synergy of mechanisms like the entourage effect that affect the human body far beyond what simplified categories of Cannabis can relay. So, why do brands and budtenders alike cling to terms taken from 18th century definitions? These classifications were never put down on paper as a way to describe effects and if they were, years of evolution and breeding would have rendered them obsolete in the 2020 market. There’s no question that regulation has played a part in the industry simplification of classifying Cannabis. Companies can’t legally make medical claims and are limited in how they describe products. The State of Oregon doesn’t require terpene testing either, so many companies don’t see the need to test every product for a complete profile. With only parts of the puzzle (like THC and CBD) required on Oregon Cannabis labels, it is admittedly difficult to assess the outcome of particular products.
“There are biochemically distinct strains of Cannabis, but the sativa/indica distinction as commonly applied in the lay literature is total nonsense and an exercise in futility. One cannot in any way currently guess the biochemical content of a given Cannabis plant based on its height, branching, or leaf morphology...It is essential that future commerce allows complete and accurate cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles to be available.” -Dr. Ethan Russo The solution? Consumer education and conscientious company branding. Educate your staff, encourage terpene testing and take time to use alternative product descriptors. Tempted to describe a strain’s effects as sativa? Try terms like uplifting, focused or energetic. Got an inclination to say indica? Try talking about sleepiness, heaviness or relaxation. There are a plethora of descriptors that will avoid rustling regulator’s feathers over medical claims. When thorough terpene testing isn’t available, there are many ways to read about common cultivar characteristics. Clarifying that there is no need to throw out the terms sativa and indica should soothe any sour feelings this far into the conversation - after all, they are irrefutably relevant to growers and breeders identifying the morphological characteristics of plants. But drastically limiting the use of this tacky terminology on the consumer side would serve this and future Cannabis communities well. Generalizing the massive variety of benefits is damaging to normalization efforts, the medical movement and consumerism alike. Narrowing presentation down to sativa, indica or hybrid severely limits the long list of incredibly valuable effects Cannabis can provide. Amanda Day is a multimedia artist and journalist based in Eugene, who has worked for Oregon Leaf since 2019.
STORY by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA | ILLUSTRATION by SVTDESIGN
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SUSANBLACKMORE In the same lecture, she went on to talk about how Memetics refers to the before any sort of SUSAN BLACKMORE IS societies have developed relationships to mindstudy of information and recreational legalization A RENOWNED BRITISH altering substances: culture, and is based on in America, Blackmore WRITER, LECTURER, “In just about every human society there has ever the concept of Darwinian admitted to a largely PROFESSOR AND been, people have used dangerous drugs - but evolution. One of the best academic audience that BROADCASTER WHOSE most have developed rituals that bring an element ways to simply look at what FIELD OF RESEARCH she consumes Cannabis: INCLUDES MEMETICS, of control or safety to the experience,” noted memetics studies is the “Some people may PARAPSYCHOLOGY Blackmore. “In more primitive societies, it is shamans concept of the ‘meme’ in smoke dope just to relax AND CONSCIOUSNESS. and healers who control the use of dangerous drugs, internet culture. One can or have fun, but for me choose appropriate settings in which to take them study what effect memes the reason goes deeper. and teach people how to appreciate the visions created and shared (and edited) online In fact, I can honestly say that without and insights that they can bring. In our own society, can have in the real world; say, on social Cannabis, most of my scientific research criminals control all drug sales. This means that justice movements or the rise of neowould never have been done and most users have no way of knowing exactly what they are fascism. of my books on psychology and evolution buying and no one to teach them how to use these Parapsychology is the study of processes would not have been written,” she said. dangerous tools…” typically considered outside of scientific “Some evenings, after a long day at my “It’s an old metaphor, but people often liken the knowledge of the capacity of the human desk, I’ll slip into the bath, light a candle task to climbing a mountain. The drugs can take brain. Processes like telepathy, telekinesis and a spliff, and let the ideas flow - that you up in a helicopter to see what’s there, but you and hypnosis. lecture I have to give to 500 people next can’t stay. In the end, you have to climb That said, listening to a lecture from week, that article I’m writing the mountain yourself - the hard way. Blackmore can be a heady experience. for New Scientist, those “I can Even so, the drugs may provide the But it’s Blackmore’s wit and colloquial tricky last words of a book honestly say inspiration to keep climbing.” style of interpretation of big subjects (like, I’ve been working on for that without This is only an introduction to you, for example – consciousness) that has months. This is the time Cannabis, most dear reader, of one of the many subjects made her such a popular lecturer and when the sentences seem to of my scientific (61, by my count) that this column has essayist. I recommend a seven minute write themselves. Or I might research would covered over the past five years. It is YouTube video called “Consciousness sit out in my greenhouse never have my hope that this small introduction – A Short Introduction” to see how easy on a summer evening been done will pique your interest enough to learn she makes big, sweeping concepts among my tomatoes and and most of a little bit more about her and about understandable to lay people. peach trees, struggling with my books on your own consciousness - and what But what might be Blackmore’s most questions about free will or psychology beneficial things that Cannabis does for compelling thoughts on Cannabis (and the nature of the universe, and evolution it. If a leading scientist can be helped other mind-altering drugs) can be taken and find that a smoke gives would not have by this remarkable plant, let’s see what from her 2005 speech at the Cheltenham me new ways of thinking been written.” we can do! Science Festival. There, a full 10 years about them.”
sept. 2020
By PACER STACKTRAIN for LEAF NATION | PHOTO by CREATIVE COMMONS
stoner owner
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WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED ON YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER? Work/life balance. The first few years of Track Town required me to be there seven days a week, 12+ hours a day. It took a long while and lots of coaching/support from my friends and family for me to figure out how to build the business to a point that I could begin spending time with my family - instead of just being at work. WHAT IS IT THAT DREW YOU TO THE CANNABIS PLANT? CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT YOUR PAST RELATIONSHIP WITH CANNABIS FROM THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH AND HOW IT SHAPED YOUR LIFE PATH? I’ve always looked to Cannabis as a healing plant. I have family and friends that have served our country that have seen huge improvements in their quality of life because of Cannabis. I wanted to be part of a team effort to help provide relief to people who need it the most, so I started a medical dispensary and made a 22% veteran discount, student discount and wisdom discount for our older customers.
SAM ELKINGTON
WHAT CULTIVARS DO YOU ENJOY SMOKING THE MOST TODAY IN 2020 AND WHY? All of the gassy strains! GMO, OG Kush and FATSO are a few strains that come to mind. I like strong flavors and a relaxing high. Those three flavors definitely take the cake for favorite flavors and feelings.
TRACK TOWN COLLECTIVE Professional musician, part-time golfer and snowboarder, plus full-time family man and father of two (including a newborn), Sam Elkington likely fell through the roof of a barn as a baby like a real life Clark Kent. Because on top of all that, he owns and oversees one of Oregon’s most well established Cannabis retail locations, a fan favorite: Track Town Collective of Eugene.
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WHAT SEPARATES TRACK TOWN COLLECTIVE FROM THE REST OF THE BUNCH? Track Town’s low prices and welcoming atmosphere are what I frequently get compliments on from our awesome customers. There’s no rocket science going on here. Just treat people well and keep the prices as low as possible. CAN YOU SPEAK ON THE ORIGINS OF TRACK TOWN AND HOW IT CAME TO BE? I set a goal back in 2012 to open my own medical-only location. Through hard work and persistence I was able to get a license and location figured out by 2014. The goal has been and always will be the same: Provide the best available products for the lowest price possible, so people can actually afford what they are buying. WHAT ARE YOUR SECRETS TO PERSONAL SUCCESS? Wake up early. I wake up every day at 5:30 a.m. That means I’ve already had hours to get things happening in my work day before most people even wake up. Make sure to spend time on your family and friends outside of work. Work/life balance is important. If you want to succeed in your professional life, then you need to balance your personal life with it.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO SAY TO THE WORLD? Follow your dreams. Make goals to get to those dreams. Make sure you appreciate and show love to the people who help you get to where you want to go. I didn’t come from any kind of money and I never got a degree in business. If I can start a successful Cannabis company, then you can too!
“I WAKE UP EVERY DAY AT 5:30 A.M. THAT MEANS I’VE ALREADY HAD HOURS TO GET THINGS HAPPENING IN MY WORK DAY BEFORE MOST PEOPLE EVEN WAKE UP. ” A Stoner Owner is a Cannabis business owner who has a relationship with the plant. We want to buy and smoke Cannabis from companies that care about their products, employees and the plant. You wouldn’t buy food from a restaurant where the cooks don’t eat in the kitchen, so why buy corporate weed grown by a company only concerned with profits? Stoner Owner approval means a company cares, and we love weed grown with care. Look for the Stoner Owner stamp when purchasing fine Cannabis, and let’s retake our culture and reshape a stigma by honoring those who grow, process and sell the best Cannabis possible.
tracktownc.com
sept. 2020
INTERVIEW by BARRON WOLFE @BARRON.WOLFE for OREGON LEAF | PHOTO by JOSHUA K. ELLIOTT @SONDERFELTLLC
interview
W H O ’ S YOU R FAVO R I T E S H O P E M P LOY E E ? T E L L U S W H Y ! E M A I L N O M I N AT I O N S T O M A X @ O R L E A F . C O M
Cedar Hughes-Blades WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DIGGING LATELY? Flower: Moon Drops by Flowersmith. Flowersmith is “loyal to the soil” - they understand that the end product is a representation of the health of the soil - as with all plants. Opposed to feeding their plants salt-based nutrients, they feed the soil which in turn feeds the plant.
WHAT ROLE HAS CANNABIS PLAYED IN YOU R LIFE AND WHAT LED YOU TO WORK IN THE INDUSTRY? Cannabis has played
an immense role in my life and that role has shape-shifted over the past 18 years. Initially Cannabis was a tool for selfdiscovery. It has helped me combat my depression, anxiety and chronic pain, but most of all it has helped to shed light on the parts of me that contributed to those symptoms in the first place. For the past eight years Cannabis has additionally become my main source of income and livelihood. Symbiotically, I work to progress the evolution of Cannabis while it helps to evolve me as an individual.
Extracts: Original Wedding Cake Batter by Sterling Gold. Sterling Gold is vertically-integrated with Liontree Farms, which means that they are only extracting organic, native soil, sungrown Cannabis.
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WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOU R ROLE AT MONGOOSE CANNABIS? I came in originally as
Tinctures: Magic Drops by Magic Number because one, I have a high tolerance to ingestible Cannabis products and they allow me to dose appropriately. Two, they are infused with strain specific live resin so I know exactly how my high will manifest. And three, the packaging is mostly recyclable.
a Cannabis retail consultant and my role has since shifted into Operations Manager/Purchasing Manager. I have years of Cannabis retail management experience, a plethora of connections in the industry and an extremely refined palate. I left the industry in 2019 to focus on my other career (massage therapy). I was feeling jaded by the Oregon Cannabis industry. I witnessed large conglomerates eating up small businesses and low-quality products flooding the market. BDS Analytics alluded to the fact that the companies making these products were “leading the market.” Meanwhile, the compassionate, connoisseur-grade, craft companies were going under and/or downsizing. My jaded-ness has fueled my desire to connect Cannabis consumers to the best Cannabis producers and processors in the state.
Topical: Sacred Herb Medicinals. Whole plant infusions seem to have a more efficacious effect and I use these regularly in my massage practice.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING RETAILERS IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? Corporate consolidation and the ability to
thrive. Between the cost of licensing, upgrades to facilities, additional labor costs - because of the intense scrutiny over Cannabis compliance - and most of all the fact that Cannabis companies are not permitted to write off the cost of labor, inventory, etc, due to federal regulation. Publicly owned corporations eagerly acquire small, family-owned businesses that are struggling from the costs of operations. These larger corporations cannot possibly connect with local communities to serve them in the same way that locally owned businesses can. This cycle has become all too familiar and we see it happening across the state.
“I WORK TO PROGRESS THE EVOLUTION OF CANNABIS WHILE IT HELPS TO EVOLVE ME AS AN INDIVIDUAL.”
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OREGON LEAF PURCHASER OF THE MONTH
IN A DISPENSARY, it’s often easy to tell when you’re being offered stellar service - or when you’re not. Conscientious, thoughtful consideration means going beyond simply recommending whatever’s cheapest, or whatever has the highest testing numbers. Cannabis consumers very often need to address a very real ailment or issue, and the help they get at the dispensary level can be a significant lifeline. When we first met Cedar Hughes-Blades, the level of care with which she made recommendations was impressive and her suggestions were spot-on. As the Purchasing Manager for the family-owned, independent Southeast Portland dispensary Mongoose Cannabis, Hughes-Blades has a firm grasp on the power of the medicine in stock at the shop. This month, we connected with Hughes-Blades to gain insights on her role and the industry. (Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity).
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO ARE EITHER NEW TO THE INDUSTRY OR WANT TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY? Be compassionate. The Cannabis industry
was founded on compassion and it seems as though some of that compassion has been lost along the way - unfortunately replaced with ego and greed. The most successful people I know in this industry came into this industry for the love of the plant, and with the desire to help others.
M O NG O OSE CAN NAB I S | 3123 SE BELMONT ST, PORTLAND, OR | MONGOOSECANNABIS.COM | @MONGOOSECANNABIS | 10AM-9PM DAILY
sept. 2020
INTERVIEW by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS | PHOTO by @RESINATED_LENS
DUSTIN BRANDON
patient profile
cannabis & brittle bone disease
“I’M HERE TO SIMPLY BE A VOICE AND GIVE THE MOVEMENT EVERY BIT OF MY PRIVILEGE: MY DISABILITY, MY WHITENESS AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT I CAN.”
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>> After over 450 fractures, this Portland Cannabis community member has managed to keep his funny-bone intact.
Dustin Brandon (also known as @2lesslegs) is a stand-up comic and Cannabis activist hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. In his 36 years, he’s seen more than his fair share of obstacles battling Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or ‘brittle bone disease.’ But this wheelchair warrior continues to turn tragedy into triumph.
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What originally brought you to Oregon and how did you get started in the Portland Cannabis and comedy scenes? When I was 18, I left Boston to
pursue a professional career in wheelchair basketball. I played basketball my entire life, which is what brought me to Oregon. About five years ago down in Medford, I helped start a team called the Rogue Valley Scorpions. A bunch of us from around the country literally moved from our hometowns to start the team. Unfortunately, after my first year, I was hit by a car while crossing the street in my wheelchair. That put an end to my sports career. It was a pretty significant injury. I went to the hospital with well over 40 breaks and fractures. That’s what got me started in Cannabis. I had to retire (basketball) and my other passions in life were Cannabis and comedy. Portland is a great place for both of those things. As soon as I could heal enough to get back in my wheelchair, I moved and started going to comedy shows, studying my favorite comedians and learning. I spent the rest of my time involved in the Cannabis community - going to events and seshes and soaking up as much as I could. Eventually, I started planning my own events and co-branding with other people.
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Some folks that self-identify as Cannabis ‘activists’ are merely media influencers. As someone that has a deep connection to Cannabis both personally and professionally, what does it mean to you to be an activist? More than anything, you’re always representing the plant. You’re always representing the flower. You’re always representing that side of approval. Wherever you are, you’re always representing Cannabis. I walk around with a weed tattoo on my hand...I did that because I’m not just a consumer. I don’t just love smoking Cannabis - it saved my life. I have an undying dedication to it. Cannabis should be available to everyone, everywhere, whether they can afford it or can’t afford it. Anyone who sees different, I’m willing to have the conversation and respond accordingly.
Anyone watching your social media feed has seen you out supporting the BLM movement for the last 70+ days straight. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience? Proposition 504 (and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) is very important to me. There was once a time when the Black community came to the aid of
the disabled community in unimaginable ways, simply because they understood. I feel it’s important our generation of the disabled community pays that back any way we can. I’ve turned down a lot of interviews in regards to what I’m doing out here specifically with the Black Lives Matter movement because I’m here to support them...I’m here to simply be a voice and give the movement every bit of my privilege: my disability, my whiteness and anything else that I can. Whether you like me or not in the community, whether you support me or not, at the end of the day I know this is the most important thing going on. I hope that on day one you helped, or day 57. I hope everyone takes some time.
What role has Cannabis played in your life through these trying times? Cannabis has been so
significant to me throughout this entire process. Whether you’re out here every night or you’ve only been out here for 20 days, it does wear and tear on you. Cannabis has gotten me through this entire time. At 36-years-old, after a lifetime of injuries I’ve had well over 80-90 surgeries. Being able to smoke during marches to get my body through it...I can’t even tell you how significant it’s been!
INTERVIEW by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA | PHOTO by MARIAH HARRIS @MOMENTS.BY.MARIAH
Conscious Intent @ SAC R E D. F LO W E R . FA R M S
/ SAC R E DF LO W E R FA R M S
@ D E M SAC R E D F LO W E R
NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN!
Off 28th & Alberta Mention OR Leaf at our new store for a free gift!
2005 Beavercreek Rd Oregon City, OR 503-344-6729 5012 NE 28th Ave Portland, OR 971-346-2098
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 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
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WORLD OF CANNABIS PRESENTS
HOMAGE DOCTOR TO THE
R E M E M B E R I NG D R . LE STE R G R I N S PO O N
June 24, 1928 - June 25, 2020
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As the 1960s drew to a close and newly-elected president Richard Nixon was codifying his anti-drug agenda into law, a handful of pro-pot activists arose to challenge those efforts. These reformers found an unlikely and invaluable ally in a brilliant middle-aged professor from Harvard named Lester Grinspoon. Grinspoon received his doctorate in psychiatry from Harvard Medical School in 1955. It was while teaching there in 1965 that he met young astronomer Carl Sagan at a faculty dinner. The two bonded over their opposition to the Vietnam War, sparking a lifelong friendship. But Grinspoon was shocked to learn that Sagan and others in their intellectual circle enjoyed smoking marijuana. Both intrigued by Sagan’s affinity for cannabis and concerned by what he believed was a dangerous habit, Grinspoon did what any scientist worth their salt might do—he started researching it.
MARIHUANA RECONSIDERED
When he began his study of marijuana in 1967, Grinspoon’s initial intention was to “define scientifically the nature and degree of those dangers” and persuade Sagan to stop using it. Instead, he reached the opposite conclusion—that cannabis was “remarkably non-toxic” and that it may have some beneficial medicinal applications. Grinspoon published his findings in the December 1969 edition of Scientific American, in an article called simply “Marihuana.” “Based on the reaction to that [article], he was encouraged to do a book-length exposition of what he had learned,” Grinspoon’s son
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David recalls, “which was basically that he’d been brainwashed along with everybody else into thinking that marijuana was this dangerous substance.” Two years later, he published Marihuana Reconsidered (Harvard University Press), an instant classic in which he dispels many of the myths surrounding the much-maligned herb. “I have concluded,” Grinspoon writes, “that marijuana is a relatively safe intoxicant which is not addicting, does not in and of itself lead to the use of harder drugs, is not criminogenic, and does not lead to sexual excess.” The only real harm associated with cannabis was, he noted, “the way we as a society were dealing with people who use it.” The book also contains an essay extolling the plant’s virtues by an anonymous cannabis user dubbed ‘Mr. X,’ whose identity remained a family secret for over 30 years. Mr. X, it turned out, had been Sagan all along—a fact that Grinspoon only revealed after Sagan’s death in 1996. The impact of Marihuana Reconsidered was immense and immediate—disdained and disowned by his Harvard peers, but extolled by the fledgling legalization community, for whom it was a valuable resource and a validation of their mission. “Lester, without question, was the intellectual leader of the entire movement from the moment his book was published in 1971,” asserts NORML founder Keith Stroup. “Lester Grinspoon’s book was the Bible.”
NEMESIS OF NIXON
Thanks to his book, Dr. Grinspoon quickly became a thorn in President Nixon’s side. After reading a New York Times review of Marijhuana Reconsidered in his daily brief, Nixon launched into an an anti-Semitic tirade. “Every one of the
bastards that are out for the legalization of marijuana is Jewish!” he complained in his infamous oval office recordings. “What the Christ is the matter with the Jews?” Nixon then circled Grinspoon’s name and scribbled in the margin below: “This clown is far on the left.” “When Lester saw that, he was delighted,” says David. “He said, ‘Wow—I made it onto the enemies list of one of history’s biggest assholes!’” The same year that Marihuana Reconsidered was published, he was called to testify before the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse (aka the Shafer Commission). Nixon appointed the commission to investigate cannabis’ potential harm to bolster his argument for categorizing it as a Schedule I drug under his new Controlled Substances Act. Stroup, who first met Grinspoon at these hearings, recalls being impressed by his confidence. “He was so self-assured, so comfortable with his own intellect, that he showed no signs of being intimidated. He was the most powerful person testifying at those hearings.” Grinspoon’s testimony proved highly effective. When the commission released its final report in 1972 (“Marihuana, a Signal of Misunderstanding”), it concluded that cannabis was in fact not a danger to society, and even recommended decriminalizing it (which Nixon ignored).
JOHN LENNON
Later that year, Grinspoon was called to testify on another high-profile case—at the deportation hearings for John Lennon. After Lennon had campaigned against the president’s reelection, Nixon tried to use a past “cannabis resin” possession charge as a basis to kick Lennon out of the country. Thanks to Grinspoon’s testimony, Lennon’s lawyer Leon Wildes argued that “resin” was a secretion of cannabis, but not technically marijuana, and therefore the immigration law citing “narcotics and mar-
STORY by BOBBY BLACK @WORLDOFCANNABISMUSEUM for LEAF NATION | PHOTOGRAPH by TODD MCCORMICK
ijuana” didn’t legally apply. After three years in court, Wildes finally won the case and Lennon got his green card. To show their gratitude, John and Yoko took Grinspoon out to dinner, sent him flowers, and gifted him with albums autographed to his sons Danny and David. (Side note: It was one of Lennon’s albums— The Beatles’ masterpiece Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band—that “astounded” Grinspoon after getting high with Sagan for the first time, some two years after Marihuana Reconsidered was published.)
FAMILY TRAGEDY
Dr. Grinspoon witnessed cannabis’ medicinal efficacy first-hand when he and his wife Betsy administered it to their teenage son Danny. Danny had been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia and was suffering from nausea and vomiting after his chemotherapy...but after smoking a few hits from a joint before each treatment, those symptoms disappeared—dramatically increasing his quality of life and morale. Sadly, Danny lost his battle with leukemia in 1973, but his case led to the first scientific study on cannabis for nausea.
THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA MOVEMENT
Grinspoon went on to author many other books about illicit drugs throughout the 1970s and 80s. Then in 1993, he co-authored a second book about cannabis called Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine (with Harvard Law professor James Bakalar)— a compendium of anecdotes that further explored the medical potential of the plant and helped bolster California’s burgeoning medical marijuana movement. Valerie Leveroni Corral, who co-founded the Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana, attests to the book’s influence. “It absolutely had an impact on our movement...it had a scholarly element which was profoundly important to not look like just a ragtag team of activists.” Within a few years of its publication, Corral and other prominent cannabis advocates in California co-authored and helped pass the Compassionate Use Act (Proposition 215), which legalized marijuana for medical purposes in America for the first time in 1996. “Without a doubt, [Grinspoon’s] intellectual gravitas lent to the incredible activism that was going on in the San Francisco area,” affirms former NORML executive director Allen St. Pierre. “We have legal marijua-
na in many parts of the country today because of these two unique forces working together.”
THE NEW NORML
One year after the publication of “Forbidden Medicine,” Grinspoon was tapped by NORML to overhaul its then struggling organization. Stroup had enlisted Grinspoon into NORML’s leadership early on. Now, on the brink of collapse, the organization turned to him for help. “In 1994, the NORML board, for all intents and purposes, imploded,” St. Pierre explains. “So Lester was contacted to try to pull together an entirely new board.” “The only thing the board could agree on is that they trusted Lester’s judgment,” says Stroup. “They knew whoever he picked would be good for NORML and for the movement.” At Grinspoon’s recommendation, Stroup returned as NORML’s director and a new board of directors was compiled—ushering in a new ‘golden age’ for the organization. Grinspoon continued to serve on NORML’s board for decades and spoke at many of their conferences. And in 2007, when Stroup and fellow NORML board member Rick Cusick were arrested for smoking a joint at the Boston Freedom Rally and decided to take their case to trial, Grinspoon kickstarted their defense fund with a $5,000 contribution and helped convince renowned Harvard Law Professor Charles ‘Billion-Dollar Charlie’ Nesson to take their case pro bono.
and Writing. Both NORML and High Times named their most prestigious awards after him. There’s also a band named after him in Australia (Grinspoon), and a cannabis strain named after him in Amsterdam (an heirloom sativa called “Dr. Grinspoon” by Barneys Farm). And on April 20 of this year, the cannabis Business Awards, in collaboration with World of cannabis, named him a 420 Icon (one of the top 100 cannabis influencers of all-time).
DEATH & LEGACY
After spending half a century fighting cannabis prohibition, Dr. Grinspoon spent the last decade of his life fighting cancer. On the morning of June 25—one day after celebrating his 92nd birthday— he passed away peacefully at his home outside Boston. Thanks to his groundbreaking work and courageous activism, Lester Grinspoon will be forever remembered as one of the most consequential figures in cannabis history.
Watch our exclusive memorial to Dr. Grinspoon at worldofcannabis.museum/grinspoon, or listen to it on Episode 5 of Cannthropology wherever you get your podcasts. (This content was originally published on worldofcannabis.museum and is reprinted with permission.)
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HONORS & ACCOLADES
Grinspoon retired as an associate professor emeritus in 2000, having twice been ‘green listed’ by the Harvard promotion committee, who didn’t approve of how his controversial stance on cannabis reflected upon the school’s reputation. “He didn’t get a full professorship, which is objectively silly given his level of accomplishments,” David notes. “There was a time when that bothered him, but it ceased to bother him because he got so much out of the community that were engaged in this movement with him.” Indeed, Dr. Grinspoon was a beloved figure in the cannabis community, and was honored numerous times over the years: In 1990, he received the Drug Policy Foundation’s Alfred R. Lindesmith Award for Achievement in the Field of Scholarship
President Richard Nixon’s notes on Grinspoon | courtesy Nixon Library
Lester with longtime friend, astronomer Carl Sagan, left | courtesy Grinspoon family
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Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of marijuana. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out reach of children.
SHOP REVIEW
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PORTLAND
SOMEWHERE SOMEWHERE TRULY ENCOMPASSES ENERGY that the entire world could use more of right now: A friendly reminder to take care of the environment, which in turn helps you take better care of yourself and those around you. Bringing together the worlds of plant lovers and Cannabis, this shop beams with a positive light and vibe that is simply unmatched. So head on over to Somewhere for some plant therapy and find out more about different Cannabis products to help take your daily health regimen to the next level!
SEPT. 2020
“COMING IN OFF THE STREET ONE WOULD THINK YOU ARE IN AN EXTRAVAGANT PLANT STORE, UNTIL PEERING OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SPACE, WHERE YOU WILL FIND THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEIR CANNABIS PRODUCTS.” ENVIRONMENT Prepare yourself to walk into a forest-like environment where Cannabis, unique house plants and health and wellness products all collide in unison. Coming in off the street one would think you are in an extravagant plant store, until peering over to the other side of the space, where you will find the vast majority of their Cannabis products. Upon entering, I left my worries at the door as the ambiance of the shop invited a feeling of relaxation. With a very open storefront, one is made to feel unrushed and quite welcomed. Built and designed by team member Sam Tucker, Somewhere is easily one of the most modern, uplifting and refreshing dispensaries we have ever visited.
HISTORY & VALUES Opening a day or two before Cinco De Mayo, Somewhere has been proudly serving NW Portland for over three months now! Paying special attention to self care, this shop pays a great deal of attention to the relationship between Cannabis, tea and plants. With the plants, it’s all about building an act of stewardship - in this case, taking care of your surroundings and environment. This message is felt clearly throughout the shop, as all of the elements provided certainly help you connect with yourself and the world around you. As tea and Cannabis have many historical rituals surrounding them, Somewhere encourages their customers to enjoy both herbs as excellent tools for transition. For example, if you are looking to find a new Cannabis strain or a tea that might aid with sleep, Somewhere is your shop!
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PRODUCT SELECTION Utilizing consciously sourced Cannabis products, you can feel safe knowing your dollar is going towards a good cause. Here you will find local products including small batch artisan tea from Portland’s T Project and a wide selection of succulents & other flora. in the flower department, Somewhere offers four different wooden boxes, ranging from head to body. In these boxes, you will find a delightful selection of lovely cultivars from sustainable gardens such as Virida Farms, Lion Tree Farms, Green Source Gardens, and East Fork Cultivar. Additionally, customers can positively come here to find a large variety of tinctures with beneficial cannabinoids, including CBG, CBN and THC-A. And don’t fret dabbers - Somewhere has a proper selection of concentrates and extracts, also sustainably sourced. Make sure to grab a house plant or two to tie together the individual bond between Cannabis and plant therapy!
BUDTENDERS & SPECIALS Providing a personable one-on-one experience with every individual that comes through their doors, Somewhere’s staff prides themselves in their abilities to gauge what each person needs based on specific requests and budtender experience. Unlike some other dispensaries, you can genuinely feel the love that their small team has for both Cannabis and plants overall. Customers can always come here to find an outdoor/sungrown organic $18 eighth (out the door). Somewhere also offers a 10% discount to the military, students and senior citizens.
2128 NW OVERTON ST, PORTLAND, OR (503) 384-2466 SOMEWHEREPDX.COM @SOMEWHEREPDX OPEN 10AM-8PM DAILY
T P R O J EC T
G R E E N S OU R C E G A R D E N S
GoodYearfortheRoses
BIOMATRIXflower
BASED OUT OF PORTLAND, T Project offers a wide variety of organic, hand-blended teas. Sourced from Japan to China, this refined white peony tea emits notes of roses and lavender. While infused with bright Mediterranean flowers, this tea instills a feeling of peace and serenity with each sip. Although the flavor profile may sound very floral, the taste is quite balanced and leaves your mouth with an overall silky and enjoyable texture. $25
CULTIVATED BY Green Source Gardens, BioMatrix is an outstanding cross of Voltron x Black Dog Kush BC4. Utilizing biodynamics and permaculture growing styles, GSG offers a quality of flower that all individuals can feel wholesome and mentally clear about consuming. With notes of blackberries attributed by the Black Dog Kush lineage, this cultivar packs a punch and makes for a great after work smoke. We recommend this cultivar for those of you looking to decompress with a smile!. 22% THC, $10/g
REVIEW by MAX EARLY @LIFTED_STARDUST | SHOP PHOTOS by @RESINATEDLENS | PRODUCT PHOTOS by @BERMANPHOTOS
SHOP REVIEW
SALEM
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MOONBEAM NOT FAR FROM the fairgrounds of Salem, MoonBeam Budz stocks their shelves with an affordable array of goods and plenty of flowers from their own Sherwood, OR farm. You’ll find that comfort and customer appreciation are palpable priorities in this carefully curated dispensary domain.
SEPT. 2020
BUDZ
B UCKW E E D FA R M S
D RO P S
peachcobbler
OrangeCannabisJellies
PEACH COBBLER is rumored to be a Peach Kush, Sour Diesel and Romulan cross. Buckweed Farm’s brings a very sweet, fruity representation that’s fragrant from the moment you crack into each nug. The effects are energetic and certainly cerebral, so the strain should please those looking to avoid lethargy. @buckweedfarms
TEN ORANGE DROPS are inside this little box for a total of 50mg THC. They are sugarcoated but pack a pungent citrus punch, thanks to the orange essential oil. It’s a welcome addition over fake flavoring and each box also offers real Cannabis terpenes that can be identified by strain. 50mg THC/package
ENVIRONMENT This spacious location offers polished vintage charm in a century-old building that was once the old Highway Fuel Company. Exposed, rustic wood beams and retro artwork line the way from the entrance to exit, while a wonderfully welcoming seating area that once provided space for provisioning and product consultation (pre-COVID) now offers a spot to sit and read the latest Leaf or wait your turn in line. Other MoonBeam amenities worth mentioning include an easily accessible, ample parking lot and public restroom. For those concerned with being cornered by crowds, the floor layout leaves limitless room to remain socially distant during peak patient hours.
HISTORY & VALUES
THE FLOOR LAYOUT LEAVES LIMITLESS ROOM TO REMAIN SOCIALLY DISTANT DURING PEAK PATIENT HOURS.
MoonBeam Budz began as Buckweed Farms, an organic grow operation in Sherwood. But when the Sherwood City Council voted to keep Cannabis sales out of their city, the company settled on Salem to set up shop. They opened their doors in July of 2019 and have been building bonds in the community ever since. There’s a focus on customer communication and appreciation here. Owners and staff alike describe a desire to treat folks like family and the small staff of just five or six employees helps maintain that mood.
PRODUCT SELECTION While you may not find many solventless selections or top-tier extracts, you can expect an excellent selection of affordable options under $40 and well known name brands from Bobsled to White Label Extracts. Cartridges and concentrate infused pre-rolls are in good supply from companies like Green Dragon, Hush, REL, Karma and Fire Dept. Cannabis. Edibles like Highland Provisions gummies are heralded as a staff favorite, with many more from folks like Wyld, Wana and Enjoy. Find yourself in front of the flower and you’ll notice fairly priced nugs from five to 10 dollars per gram. Self Made Farms, Marigrow, Coyote Creek and Cascadia Premium Cannabis are just some of the other gardens sharing shelf space with the house brand, Buckweed Farms.
BUDTENDERS & SPECIALS The budtenders here are beaming with bright enthusiasm and polite professionalism that exudes a warm welcome. It’s clear that there are some solid community connections and a real appreciation for their regulars. If you’re walking into this dispensary with bargains on the brain, you won’t be disappointed. MoonBeam Budz offers Monday-Friday deals for early birds, happy hour and power hour, on top of daily discounts for specified items. Sundays are something special since customers can choose 15% off any single item and the store’s loyalty program benefits anyone returning.
2390 FAIRGROUNDS RD NE, SALEM, OR (503) 990-7348 MOONBEAMBUDZ.COM @MOONBEAM_BUDZ OPEN 9AM-9PM MONDAY-SATURDAY, 10AM-6PM SUNDAY
REVIEW & SHOP PHOTOS by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA for OREGON LEAF | PRODUCT PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
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STRAIN OF THE MONTH
REVIEW by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA PHOTO by RESINATED LENS @RESINATED.LENS
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GRANDPA’S
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GROWN by THE PLANT
SEPT. 2020
THE SMOKE IS PERFECT IF YOU LIKE A LITTLE PINCH OF PEPPER AND THERE’S A CREAMY MOUTHFEEL THAT WRAPS THE EXHALE UP NICELY.
Formerly known as ‘This Is The Shit’ or ‘T.I.T.S,’ this strain name was changed to Grandpa’s Finest for a milder public perception. Nomenclature aside, the genetics behind the herbal homage to geriatrics are enough to entice hordes of heavy hitters.
FINEST
Grandpa’s Finest is a cross of SourBand (from Crispy’s Bean Co) and OGKB that was bred by Diamondback Genetics, but September’s Strain of the Month selection comes from a producer known as The Plant. This Certified Kind Junction City Cannabis operation also runs an organic fruit and vegetable farm (@sweetleafatmarket), turning native soil into nugs - and nutrition! Their rendition of Grandpa’s Finest gives a good first impression with consistent trichome coverage and an alluring nug structure. The sparse golden hairs highlight chunky bracts and the buds break apart with an appealing, sticky cure. The nose offers a spicy herbal note followed by fuel and Cookie-strain characteristics. There’s a mild meatiness from the OGKB, but it’s well balanced by the Diesel and Headband background. If we’re talking terpenes, this persnickety plant nerd would bet on nerolidol and betacaryophyllene, but there’s bound to be a bountiful list in a complex flavor cross like this one. On the palate, the smoke is perfect if you like a little pinch of pepper and there’s a creamy mouthfeel that wraps the exhale up nicely. The overall effect relays relaxation through muscle relief and there’s a pleasant release of the pressure that tends to build up in your temples. This strain may not surrender you to sleep, but it will wash a warm fuzzy feeling over folks firing up.
@THEOGPLANT (CULTIVATION) @DBACKGENETICS (BREEDER)
THE NEW ESSENTIAL T E N H A L F G R A M J O I N T S P E R PA C K
F O R U S E O N LY B Y A D U L T S 2 1 & O L D E R . K E E P O U T O F R E A C H O F C H I L D R E N . DO NOT DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MARIJUANA.
@ TSL.DISTRIBUTION • SWEETLIFEPDX.COM
HELPING BIPOC BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE OREGON CANNABIS INDUSTRY
BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE ARE ARRESTED FOR CANNABIS CRIMES AT 2–3 TIMES GREATER RATES THAN WHITE PEOPLE, WHICH COSTS BIPOC FAMILIES BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND REDUCED ACCESS TO ADVANCEMENT. NULEAF PROJECT WORKS TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIPOC COMMUNITIES IN THE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR LEGAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY, WHILE DEMANDING THAT CANNABIS TAXES ARE SPENT HELPING TO REPAIR THE DAMAGES STRUCTURAL RACISM HAS INFLICTED UPON BLACK AND BROWN LIVES.
S PA R K C H A N G E F O R B L A C K L I V E S W I T H N U L E A F P R O J E C T.
E BL LA C CY RE
J O I N O U R W O R K A T N U L E A F P R O J E C T. O R G
tannins & terpenes issue
TANNINS & TERPENES
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PAIRING CANNABIS
WHAT ARE TANNINS? WHAT ARE TERPENES? WHY DO THEY MATTER? Well, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Both tannins and terpenes are organic substances found in a wide variety of plants. These compounds have similar roles within the consumable products they’re fabricated into.
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* TANNINS are astringent phenolic molecules that are most commonly found in wood, but also found in everything from foods like grapes, apples, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mint and basil, to beverages like wine, tea, kombucha, cider and beer. Tannins are bitter and also tend to cause a drying effect on the tongue - think the ‘pucker’ of red wine. * TERPENES are a large and diverse class of organic hydrocarbons produced by a variety of plants and some insects. These molecules have strong odors and are largely responsible for dictating the smell and effect of a particular Cannabis strain. Terpenes are the primary constituents of essential oils and are also used in food, cosmetics and biotechnology.
oregonlEAF.COM
* TANNINS AND TERPENES not only contribute to the experience of consuming the products they exist within, they are directly responsible for a significant portion of it. As a generally curious bunch, we dedicate this Tannins & Terpenes Issue to exploring the relationship between these two compounds and sharing our findings with you. Enjoy! -NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415
sept. 2020
SPECIAL SECTION | PAGES 46-59
HIGH QUALITY. CERTIFIED. SINGLE SOURCE.
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE.
theverdantleaf BE KIND TO EARTH AND KIND TO YOURSELF. IT’S TIME TO CHOOSE CERTIFIED KIND! CERTIFIED KIND IS OREGON’S PREMIERE 3RD PARTY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR ORGANICALLY GROWN AND PROCESSED CANNABIS. PRODUCTS THAT CARRY THE CERTIFIED KIND SEAL, LIKE VERDANT LEAF’S SOLVENTLESS ROSIN CARTRIDGES, DO NOT CONTAIN ANY ADDITIVES OF ANY KIND. THIS IS CANNABIS MADE THE NATURAL WAY. LEARN MORE AT CERTIFIED-KIND.COM
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tannins & terpenes issue
TA N N I N S
SELTZER
SEVEN PEAKS RASPBERRY COSMO HARD SELTZER
4.7% ABV, 19.2 OZ >> Utilizing mountain water sourced from the Cascades and
alcohol derived from Northwest apples, Bend-based Seven Peaks brings you their Raspberry Cosmo Hard Seltzer. This light, crisp and refreshing beverage is the perfect solution to having a few drinks, without packing on unnecessary calories. The use of apple wine in this seltzer is a delightful touch, as the flavor of raspberry, elderflower and a hint of apples all work quite well together. With zero grams of sugar, this drink is guilt-free and tasty, which isn’t always the case. TERPENES
EXTRACTIONEERING HTFSE SUNDAE DRIVER CARTRIDGE
54.17% THC, 17.77% TERPENES >> Holy berry terpenes Batman, these carts are jammin’! As notes of Concord grapes and pine overloaded my palate with flavor, the effects slowly started kicking, providing a massive sense of relaxation and calmness. Cultivated by Eugreen and extracted by the wizards at Extractioneering, this elusive cut of Sundae Driver tests for a wide variety of terpenes, including limonene, b-caryophyllene, linalool and pinene. While most consumers would think a lower THC percentage would equal a more mellow high, that is certainly not the case at all. With this ridiculous range of terpenes, Extractioneering’s cartridges truly provide full-bodied effects that comparable, 70-80% THC cartridges can’t possibly come close to touching.
THE PAIRING
Combine both of these sensational products for a star ascended match made in heaven. With Summer coming to an end, now is a great time to grab some inner tubes, a few cans of Raspberry Cosmo and Sundae Driver cartridges for you and your friends, and hit the river! We would recommend this pairing for you adventurous individuals out there looking for convenient and flavorful fun on the go! Crack a can, press a button and unwind yourselves into a world of tasty terpenes!
oregonlEAF.COM
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sevenpeaksseltzer.com / @sevenpeaksseltzer extractioneering.com / @extractioneering.oregon
sept. 2020
STORY by MAX EARLY @LIFTED_STARDUST | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS | STYLING by @MIKE.AHMANN
WINE
TA N N I N S
JACKALOPE 2019 ROSÉ 12% ABV, 750ML >> Winemaker Corey Schus-
ter became a brief local celebrity of sorts in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown, when he found a loophole in the OLCC regulations that allowed him to set up a direct-to-consumer ‘shop’ of sorts in the back of his pickup in front of his winemaking facility in Portland. The move helped him continue selling through the intense confusion of those early months and he’s currently prepping for the 2020 harvest season. One of the most interesting aspects of Schuster’s approach is his love for the somewhat obscure Bordeaux varietal Cabernet Franc. The grape - which offers a bit more pepper-forward characteristics than its other Bordeaux brethren, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Not only does Schuster sell a white Cabernet Franc - an extreme rarity - but also features the varietal along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in his balanced, fruit-forward Rosé. With slight berry and tropical notes balanced by a slight acidity, the Jackalope Rosé makes a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon in the waning sunlight. TERPENES
CANNASSENTIALS THIRD EYEGASM
28.1% THC, 3.33% TERPENES >> Sometimes
you want a strain that makes you want to clean the house. Other times you want something to help you sleep. Then there are those times you want something perfect for just shutting up and getting lost in thought. Cannassentials’ Third Eyegasm is perfect for those chilled out, introspective moods. High in limonene and myrcene, this strain would be perfect to enjoy at the top of a mountain before hiking back down, or perhaps sitting on the beach, contemplating the breadth and depth of existence. The notes of fuel, earth, pine and citrus will soothe you, leaving the thoughts to flow.
THE PAIRING
The earthy, rich flavors and mellow mood of the Cannassentials Third Eyegasm made for a perfect Summer pairing with the Jackalope Rosé. Snag a bottle or two, an eighth, a couple of friends and settle into a pastoral setting preferably one with a view. It’s the ideal way to celebrate the transition of Summer into Fall.
jackalopewinecellars.com / @jackalopecorey cannassentials.net / @cannassentials
STORY by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS | STYLING by @MIKE.AHMANN
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tannins & terpenes issue
CIDER
TA N N I N S
TERPENES
2 TOWNS CIDERHOUSE HARD APPLE BRIGHTCIDER
MELLOW VIBES SOUR APPLE PEACES
rode the gluten-free wave to grow from a cottage industry into a major player in the craft beverage world, Oregon’s 2 Towns Ciderhouse grew with it. One of its main claims to success is the Bright Cider, an immensely crushable, semi-dry cider with a crisp, tart finish. More refreshing than Martinelli’s - and also more entertaining - this cider stays just within the “session” category with 6% alcohol by volume. It has a perfect balance of sweet and tart apple goodness, making it a perfect sip as we head into Fall.
One of the freshest offerings from the Mellow Vibes family, Peaces offer chilled out relief in hard candy form. Available in blue raspberry, cinnamon, watermelon and sour apple, the Peaces aim square at that candy dish nostalgia. Think Jolly Ranchers, but more subtle. The sour apple showcased classic green apple flavor with hints of pear, and anyone who may be turned away at the word ‘sour’ shouldn’t worry - these morsels are only slightly tart.
6% ABV, 12OZ >> When the cider community
10PCS/50MG THC PER PACKAGE >>
THE PAIRING In the world of pairing, a slightly sweet sour apple candy and a crisp cider seems almost too easy. Mellow Vibes’ Peaces and 2 Towns’ Bright Cider definitely make friendly bedfellows - the tartness of the cider brings out the sweetness of the candy, making both halves into a new, power-apple whole.
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2townsciderhouse.com / @2townscider mellowvibes.com / @gotmellowvibes
sept. 2020
STORY by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS | STYLING by @MIKE.AHMANN
COCKTAIL
TA N N I N S
BARREL HITCH AMERICAN BLENDED WHISKEY
80 PROOF, 750ML >> Whiskey on the rocks
is an awesome way to consume alcohol and it could be considered the dabs of the drinking world. The words ‘whiskey’ and ‘dabs’ are very similar in that they stand as vague and generic categorical terms for a vast array of different products. Whiskey (or whisky) is used to label any aged grain alcohol - typically made from corn, wheat, rye or barley. This selection is an American blend, meaning it’s made with corn and hand blended with distillers yeast here in the USA. A pure and simple 80 proof domestic spirit shockingly priced under $20, Barrel Hitch takes an unpretentious and inclusive approach to whiskey drinking. The rich and robust, sweet and aromatic sensation of slow sipping Barrel Hitch gives the average Joe a chance to feel like the high powered boss they are destined to become. TERPENES
ALTERED ALCHEMY ANIMAL MINTS
66.7% THC >> Altered Alchemy should be a
fan favorite for anyone who keeps their budget under $20. This yummy Animal Mints terp sugar meets expectations in all categories from nose to taste and appearance. Out of the six strains we were presented with, after many flavor tests and a lot of careful consideration, we collectively chose Animal Mints, as its rich earthy flavor complemented our earthy tasting American blended whiskey better than the rest. This sugar smells pungent and carries a tinge of sharp mintiness that tickles the nose when smoked at the right temperature. The effects of Animal Mints are grounding enough to remove the edge and uplifting enough to avoid needing a midday cat nap.
THE PAIRING
Introducing a bold pairing for the sophisticated and smart shopping aristocrat of modern times: Altered Alchemy’s Terp Sugar Animal Mints, grown by Southern Oregon’s Alta Crest, and paired with Barrel Hitch American Blended Whiskey, distilled and bottled in Portland by East Side Distilling. Bring this pair together after a hard day to look your problems in the face and laugh a sinister laugh, taking on whatever life throws at you like a champion and a connoisseur. @altered_alchemy541 / @eastsidedistilling
STORY by BARRON WOLFE @BARRON.WOLFE | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS | STYLING by @MIKE.AHMANN
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tannins & terpenes issue
BEER TA N N I N S
TERPENES
FERMENT BREWING EL LAGER DORADO
PORTLAND OVEN MILD POT SAUCE
beer. Nothing beats escaping the heat with an ice cold lager in hand, there to replenish and rejuvenate with a little buzz. As the days are still ending late and warm, I was compelled to find a pairing that would be perfect for this setting. I decided on a Michelada, so I set out to find a local Mexican-style lager. This landed me on the El Lager Dorado by Ferment Brewing Company. Ferment Brewing is based out of Hood River and focuses on the science of bottom fermentation. This is the process of the chemical breakdown of yeasts and bacteria in cooler temperatures. Ferment Brewing uses locally foraged ingredients to craft different beers and kombuchas. The El Lager Dorado is a combination of European malts mixed with maize and wild agave syrup. The agave gave the beer a slightly sweet and sour finish, almost negating the need for a lime!
conveniently small Pot Sauce bottles, you can now turn your food into an infused meal! Pot Sauce is 50mg of THC and available in three different heat intensity levels: mild, hot and insane. This unique form of edible condiment is a fun treat that you can pick up at your local dispensary. It is also relatively inexpensive, as retail pricing is only around five dollars per bottle!
4.3% ABV / 16OZ >> Summertime calls for lighter
50MG THC, 10ML >> With Portland Oven’s
THE PAIRING Micheladas are beers mixed with tomato juice, lime juice, sauces and spices. Think of them as a Bloody Mary, but with beer. They are extremely popular in their origin country of Mexico, and a perfect way to cool off on a hot day. I mixed the El Lager Dorado with 2.5oz of Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, fresh squeezed lime and rimmed with Tajin. When adding the Pot Sauce, I opted for the mild heat, as I didn’t want to over-spice the pairing. By using less Clamato juice than recommended, I was able to enjoy the taste of the maize in the beer. The Pot Sauce certainly added a kick of spice, but did not overpower the pairing. As I sat outside drinking the Michelada and watching the sunset, I felt a cerebral buzz from the mixture of alcohol and THC. All in all, a perfect way to end my day cooling down with the sunset.
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fermentbrewing.com / @fermentbrewing portlandoven.com / @portlandoven
sept. 2020
STORY by MAKANI NELSON @CHOICENUG | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS | STYLING by @MIKE.AHMANN
TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
CANNABIS & CAFFEINE
PRODUCTIVE PAIRINGS
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House of Cultivar Orange Vines paired with Green Tea HOUSE OF CULTIVAR ORANGE VINES
The Orange Vines taste like a kiss of sunshine hitting an orange grove in the peak of harvest, transporting the mind to a grassy patch under trees heavy with ripe fruit. Covered in layers of delicious crystals, the beautiful orange hairs ooze with citrus and gassy sap that awakens the mind and brightens the senses with a perfectly stoney bliss (20.5% THC).
oregonlEAF.COM
GREEN TEA
Since green tea’s accidental discovery as a beverage in 2737 B.C., it has been enjoyed as a mental stimulant and as a daily beverage in many cultures. With a sweet and nutty taste known all over the world, many people today are turning to tea instead of coffee for a jolt of mental clarity, and a variety of different flavor options. While this pairing focuses on green tea, combining different Cannabis strains with tea can deliver positive effects for the start, middle or end of the day.
THE PAIRING
Mt. Baker Homegrown Gelato 33 & Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee MT. BAKER HOMEGROWN GEL ATO 33
Gelato 33 is a cross between the Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Grown with love and attention to detail, this beautiful flower is frosty and rich with orange and berry notes, hiding gassy Cookies in the background. Classics would call this a stoney hybrid, with slowed down contemplative thoughts and a light-feeling, powerfully relaxed body high (27.32% THC).
STUMPTOWN COLD BREW COFFEE
Originating in Japan and brewed in the Northwest, the Stumptown Cold Brew is a smooth and tasty way to experience lower acid coffee right out of the fridge. Cold brewed coffee is made by soaking coarse ground beans for 12-24 hours, resulting in a higher caffeine brew that doesn’t have the oils and fatty acids of hot brewed coffee. This delivers different flavor profiles and a smooth taste, whether enjoyed black or with a favorite cream or flavor.
THE PAIRING
We sipped a freshly brewed cup of green tea on a lazy weekend, when morning had already become afternoon. Looking for a pick-me-up that wouldn’t cause brain fog or a later energy crash, the first step was breaking up the flower while the tea brewed. The aromatic citrus of the Orange Vines awakens the senses, and the first tokes are bright and energetic with a syrupy exhale. The tea follows big hits with a mellow, sweeter taste that balances the palate and clears the way for the next hit. Enjoying both led to a lightly caffeinated body buzz and electric cerebral effects, with the mind gloriously uplifted and sparkling with a happy and fun high.
Known as a hippie speedball, or occasionally as a Seattle speedball, the combination of coffee and Cannabis is truly a match made in heaven. Nothing pushes the senses forward while simultaneously dulling them like the sweet bliss of being speedballed in the morning. Our favorite buzz combines a heavier or stonier strain with strong coffee, to allow the effects to balance and meet in the middle. Hence, a speedball. The stoney euphoria of the Gelato 33 delivers a perfectly grinning daytime buzz, while the high caffeine content and strong, chocolatey flavor of the cold brew wash it all down with a perfect amount of pep in this writer’s step.
@HOUSE.OF.CULTIVAR
@MTBAKERHG / STUMPTOWNCOFFEE.COM/COLD-BREW
sept. 2020
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Evolvd Lemon Diesel CO2 Cartridge & Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate EVOLVD LEMON DIESEL CO2 CARTRIDGE
When it comes to curing the midday blues, we often turn to a 1:1 CBD cartridge or a concentrate high in CBG. Luckily we had this Lemon Diesel cartridge ready to go, with nearly 5% CBG and a heady dose of THC and terpenes. CBG is not only highly medicinal - fighting inflammation, pain and nausea while fighting cancer and IBS - it is also a supreme mood stabilizer. CBG releases anandamide, the body’s native ‘bliss’ molecule, which can help with anxiety and provide a happy, uplifting vibe. Choosing either a CBD or CBG-rich high in the afternoon can help with productivity, especially when paired with a little caffeine. 67.95% THC 0.10% CBD 4.86% CBG 7.73% Terpenes
GUAYAKI ORGANIC YERBA MATE RASPBERRY TERERÉ
Yerba Mate is a tea-based beverage made from the plant’s leaves, from which the drink draws its name. Served hot or cold traditionally, today a wide variety of flavors and carbonated or noncarbonated options exist to tease taste buds and deliver a potent caffeine buzz. With less acid than coffee, many choose a bottle or can of yerba mate in place of a cup of coffee or energy drink. Yerba Mate also contains B and C vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthful choice when making a T&T pairing.
Artizen Dutchberry Flower & GT’s Synergy Kombucha ARTIZEN DUTCHBERRY
Artizen is one of the largest producers of Cannabis in Washington, and they’ve found success by maintaining their craft approach and love for the plant as the company has grown. Their 27% THC Dutchberry is a combination of DJ Short Blueberry and Dutch Treat, delivering a ton of happy energy and a unique flavor profile that combines the deep Blueberry of the DJ Short with the hazy, piney freshness of the Dutch Treat.
SYNERGY GRAPE CHIA KOMBUCHA
Kombucha is a fizzy and fermented tea drink with as many flavor offerings as potential health benefits. The full line of GT’s Kombuchas are raw and organic with live cultures, probiotics and active enzymes. These help support gut health, ease digestion and boost immunity. Perfect for an afternoon or evening substitute for alcohol, or a mid-morning boost, kombucha offers a unique world of fun and fizzy drinks.
THE PAIRING
Perfect for on the go, both the resealable bottle and the portable nature of the cartridge make this a great daytime pairing. The Lemon Diesel slips into the lungs with a bright citrus inhale and an earthy-gas tingle on the exhale. The terpenes and CBG interact wondrously, dropping a blissful euphoria onto the mind, while relaxing the body without slowing it down. The Raspberry Terere is perfect to wash down the vapor, with a lightly sweet berry-tea flavor that is both refreshing and energizing. After a dozen healthy puffs and a full bottle of mate, we were completely ready for whatever the day had to offer, adventures guaranteed.
The Dutchberry bursts with rich berry flavors that swirl around the palate as visions of dark sweet berries fill the mind. Much like the fizzy pops of the kombucha as it’s being poured, the aroma of the Dutchberry grabs all the senses while waiting to be consumed. Taking a bright and smooth inhale of the flower delivers a sunny euphoria that melts the mind into the body. Chasing a hit with a sip of the grape-forward drink is refreshing and rewarding, as the bubbles tingle and are chased down with the yummy chia for a little added texture in the finish. Nutritious and uplifting, this pairing will help keep motivation high during a long afternoon, or is the perfect alternative to an alcoholic happy hour.
EVOLVDCANNABIS.COM / @EVOLVDCANNABIS / GUAYAKI.COM / @GUAYAKI
ARTIZENCANNABIS.COM / @ARTIZENCANNABIS / GTSLIVINGFOODS.COM
THE PAIRING
STORY by WES ABNEY @BEARDEDLORAX/LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS | STYLING by MIKE AHMAN @MIKE.AHMANN
tannins & terpenes issue oregonlEAF.COM
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CLAIM52 BREWING CLAIM 52 BREWERY 1030 Tyinn St #1 Eugene, OR W-THURS. 3-7 PM
CLAIM 52 KITCHEN 1203 Willamette St #140 Eugene, OR Daily 11AM-7 PM
sept. 2020
For those of you familiar with craft beer, it comes as no surprise that Claim 52 Brewing has been catching the world's attention with their fruited sour "Thicc" series. Locals and connoisseurs from afar have been lining up weekly this summer on Saturday mornings for their chance at a few Thiccets - a ticket redeemable for one 4-pack of Thicc. Not able to make it over to the morning drop? No worries, as Claim 52 Kitchen offers a few kegs of Thicc directly after the release - most of the time remaining there for a few days afterward! So stop by their kitchen, grab some fish tacos and the fruits of their labor!
When collaborating with TJ’s Oregon, how did you go about selecting specific hops/fruits to mirror strains like Durban Poison, Headband, and the crowd favorite Purple Kush Thicc? Our very first collab with TJ’s was for
4/20 in 2017. We met with them at the Provisions store and settled on Super Salad, which I believe was a blend of several Cannabis strains. We liked the idea of blending several hops to mimic the different flavor and aroma compounds of Super Salad. We rolled that theme into the rest of our collabs, expanding to the use of fruit purees, citrus zest, chocolate and vanilla in an attempt to mimic terpene profiles. It’s something I think both sides enjoy, and we are thrilled our patrons seem to enjoy it as well.
How did “Thicc” get born into existence? When the
name “Thicc” was decided upon late last summer, we had already been making heavily fruited sour beers for a few years. It was our decompression from the constant push to add more and more hops to IPAs. We wanted to push the boundaries with fruit. These beers had unrelated names and were exclusively packaged into kegs. It was not until we installed our canning line that we got serious about producing more of this style and offering it in cans. The can artwork really made the whole series feel cohesive and we look forward to making future Thicc flavors. This weekend will be our seventeenth Thicc release.
Brewmaster Bryce Fisher and Assistant Brewer Willie Gonia
What is the working process of creating your beautiful can artwork? For the last year or so, all of our
artwork has been done by Jake Cormeny of Outside Artwork. The process, for the most part, is telling Jake that we need a new beer label, poster or merch design, and a few days later he has something amazing waiting for us. Occasionally we might give him the smallest bit of direction, but most of what you see is straight from his brain. He has really helped us capture the theme and vision of our beers and our brand.
We’ve recently noticed your “Black is Beautiful” Imperial Stout. Can you please elaborate a bit on this project? The “Black is Beautiful” campaign was launched by Weatheredsouls Brewing in San Antonio, Texas. This initiative is a nationwide collaboration to raise awareness around racial injustice and take steps towards a more inclusive craft beer industry. At this time, over 1,000 breweries have participated by making their versions of a provided Imperial Stout recipe. Local Eugene coffee roasters, Farmer’s Union, jumped in to help us with this collaboration by donating coffee beans specifically roasted for this beer.
What are some of your sources of inspiration for all of the different flavor profiles? We spend a lot of time
brainstorming flavor combinations. At any time of the day, you can walk into the brewery and witness an argument about whether a specific combination of fruits or adjuncts will work together. I’d say most of our inspiration comes from food and non-beer drinks that we enjoy. We can bring the joy of our childhood favorites to life in beer form. Who doesn’t have a fond memory of eating a Rocket Pop or Choco Taco?
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“WE WANTED TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES WITH FRUIT.”
STORY by MAX EARLY @LIFTED_STARDUST | PHOTOS by AMANDA DAY @TERPODACTYL_MEDIA | CLAIM52BREWING.COM @CLAIM52BREW
TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
“Up through the Civil War, Black people did all the brewing in the United States. Brewing, distilling, this is really hard work. And it was done by enslaved people.” - GARRETT OLIVER
oregonlEAF.COM
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Garrett Oliver Brewmaster | Brooklyn Brewery >> READING THROUGH the stories in last month’s Equality Issue, two things became clear: On one hand,
an inspiring number of amazing people and organizations fight tirelessly against systemic racism and inequity to ensure that the future of the Cannabis industry doesn’t repeat the mistakes of the past. On the other hand, the industry has a long road ahead if we’re going to achieve real equity.
sept. 2020
S
ince this is our annual Tannins and Terpenes Issue, the Leaf editorial team saw an opportunity to view the equity issues facing the Cannabis community through the lens of its closest analog - the alcohol industry. For that task, I called on an icon from my time in the beer industry: Garrett Oliver. As the brewmaster at the helm of the legendary Brooklyn Brewery out of New York City, Oliver has been one of a small but slowly growing number of Black brewers working in the United States. Since entering the industry in 1989, he has become one of the most prominent brewmasters in the world, of any race or gender. But it hasn’t been easy. “For a long time, I was the only Black brewer that anyone saw or knew,” Oliver said over a Zoom call in August. With a laugh, he recalled moments when racial preconceptions led people to assume that he held a subordinate position at his brewery. “They would come to the brewery and they would walk right past me, and shake the hand of my (white) assistant, Kurt, and say, ‘Hello, Garrett,’” Oliver said. “And Kurt would point at me and say, ‘Garrett’s over there.’” Considering Oliver’s achievements, that’s a staggering mistake to make. He edited the “Oxford Companion to Beer” and authored “The Brewmaster’s Table,” considered by many to be the definitive guide to pairing beer and food. He even earned a James Beard award for his trailblazing work in the craft beer industry. The man sweats excellence. In July, he announced his most ambitious project yet - the formation of The Michael Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (www.themjf.org) - named after the legendary beer and spirits writer of the same name, one of Oliver’s early mentors. Here, their core mission is “funding the technical education and career advancement for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the brewing and distilling industries.” Few people are better equipped to address where the beer industry has been and where it needs to go in its search for equality than Oliver. Over the course of our conversation, it became clear that the beer and Cannabis communities share an uncannily similar history, and both must cut the same path into the future.
When discussing the history of brewing, Oliver addresses the roots of inequity in terms that sound all too familiar to anyone versed in the history of Cannabis. “Up through the Civil War, Black people did all the brewing in the United States,” he said. “Brewing, distilling, this is really hard work. And it was done by enslaved people.” As slavery ended, the labor became paid, and then subsequently became unionized during the Industrial Revolution. At that point, the makeup of the beer industry started to change. “When an industry that might be a home industry - like brewing was at one point - then turns into an industry that can make money, women are forced out, and people of color are forced out,” Oliver said. “Ask yourself why, in a restaurant, are the cooks women and people of color, and the chefs are white men? Well, which makes money?” According to a February 2020 dataset from the Brewer’s Association, out of all breweries where ownership is made up of a single gender, 96% are male. In terms of race, BA reports that non-management production staff are 76.2% white and brewers are 89% white. It’s a familiar song. Like beer, the Cannabis industry grew from historically diverse roots, in this case because the risk associated with illegal activity dissuaded participation by people with historically reliable means to make money via traditional, legal avenues - i.e., straight, white men. Disenfranchised people who have been systematically oppressed by the system - racial minorities and disadvantaged communities - looked to Cannabis as a means of survival outside of the traditional markets. Ever since Cannabis became legal in multiple states, the regulated industry has followed the same trend of whitewashing that plagued the beer industry. In our August 2020 Equality Issue, we reported on the severe lack of female and non-white ownership in the fledgling Maryland Cannabis industry. Additionally, a 2019 report by MJBiz Daily revealed that only 16.4% of Cannabis businesses in Ohio are minority-owned, and Massachusetts boasts a paltry 1.4%. MJBiz used Ohio and Massachusetts because they gather the most reliable, robust diversity data, and both states’ figures are
set against the national average of 19.8% minority-owned non-Cannabis businesses, according to the report. That absurdly low national number speaks volumes to the systemic problem of inequity across all industries. The real head-scratcher, however, is that neither the beer nor the Cannabis industry comes close to meeting even that low bar. After all, aren’t beer and weed known for bringing people together? Though he’s not involved in the Cannabis industry, Oliver knows the score. “We used to put you in jail,” he said, referring to minorities working in the unregulated market. “But now that these VC (venture capital) people have shown up, and people are going to make money, and the government’s going to get their taxes - now you’re out (of the industry).”
THE MAGIC WORD
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From Oliver’s point of view, the blueprint for equity comes down to three syllables. “My one word would be mindfulness,” he said. “All you have to do, really, is spend some time thinking about it.” Part of what’s been working in the beer industry, he says, are events like Fresh Fest, the country’s first beer festival showcasing Black brewers and Black presenters. “I thought, why are they doing that? Why don’t African Americans just go to a regular beer festival? And then I went and it was not a segregated beer festival, it was the most diverse beer festival I have ever seen,” Oliver said. “I had never seen hundreds of African AmeriGarrett Oliver, center, with Day Bracey, left, and Ed Bailey, right, cans geeking out over craft beer. And I founders of Fresh Fest, the first-ever Black beer festival.
STORY by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS | PORTRAITS by MATT FURMAN @FURMANPHOTO | BROOKLYNBREWERY.COM | @BROOKLYNBREWERY
COURTESY FRESH FEST
S A M E R O O T, D I F F E R E N T P L A N T
thought, where have these people been?” Oliver says it’s vital for business operators to prioritize equity and diversity. “On a list of things to do, equity is going to be number 15 on the list,” he said. “When have you ever gotten to number 15 on a list of things to do? Sheetrock this wall, lay this piping, and then number 15 is equity. When are you ever going to get to equity? If you don’t move it up the list, you’ll never get to it. And that’s mindfulness.” Through his work at The MJF, Oliver strives to provide mentorship, education and financial support to members of the BIPOC community who are looking to enter the brewing world. The hope is to set them up with the necessary experience to land leadership positions and change the landscape, one professional at a time. When it comes to mindful action, the regulated Cannabis industry already has a roughly 100-year head start on the beer industry, which carved its ruts in the road of racial inequity many decades ago. Like The MJF does for beer, groups like Portland, Ore.-based NuLeaf Project and the Last Prisoner Project work to build equity infrastructure while the industry is still young. Local municipalities have gotten involved - the Equity Permit Program in Oakland, Calif. has taken huge leaps to avoid the disenfranchisement of the people who built the industry in the unregulated market. Here they’ve established criteria for licensee eligibility that requires applicants have either a Cannabis conviction in the past 22 years or a 10-year residency in a neighborhood with disproportionate Cannabis arrests, plus individual income at 80% or less than the city’s average. While industry statistics still don’t resemble the ideal, one thing is obvious: Of all industries, the newly legal Cannabis market stands the best chance to do things right from the start. As Oliver says, it all comes down to mindful action. And that, at its heart, is what the Cannabis community is all about.
oregonlEAF.COM
tannins & terpenes issue
RAR BREWING
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sept. 2020
{INTERVIEW} CO-OWNER JT MERRYWEATHER Heading towards Ocean City from Baltimore, I stopped in historic Cambridge to visit RAR Brewing for a tour and interview with Co-Owner JT Merryweather. The Taproom and Chessie Burger (RAR’s restaurant) were both filled with local art, beautiful handmade wooden tables, and plenty of space indoor and outdoor to gather with friends. Head over to RAR in Cambridge this summer for some of the tastiest brews and burgers around!
What’s with the name? Our name is an acronym for Real Ale Revival and basically you can pronounce it ‘rawr’ or spell out R-A-R. It’s a fun little debate to hear people get hype with each other about and they always ask me, ‘Well, what is it?’ And I’m like, ‘You can say it either way.’ And they’re like, ‘That’s bullshit!’
What made you get into brewing beer? Basically it was a hobby. We
were all kind of hanging out in the same group of friends and hunted beer in our spare time. We were always stuck hanging out with each other and someone would be like, “I was in Pennsylvania and had the best beer from Victory Brewing or Troegs.’ Keep in mind this was 10 years ago when craft breweries really started getting hot. One day we finally had the bright idea to try making our own beer. It was something we really just wanted to have fun with, and six or seven of us together chipped in a couple hundred bucks each. It became clear who was the most interested in it, and my business partner and I were there almost every week trying to brew. We were watching the evolution of beer and thought about how cool it would be to do it ourselves. We realized that mentally, we were in a similar place to many of the craft breweries that were operating. That’s when we stopped treating it like a hobby and started treating it like a job.
Where do you draw inspiration for the flavors in your Out of Order series?
Everywhere honestly, it happens very serendipitously and by the time we sit down for our monthly meeting we already have tons of ideas in our heads. For instance, the All Inclusive from the last drop (lactose based sour beer conditioned on pineapple, coconut and vanilla soft serve), we knew we wanted to be a ‘painkiller’ cocktail type beer. We kick around tons of ideas, maybe get a little elevated and come up with some ideas. We’re also group texting constantly, so if someone is out at a restaurant and has a crazy drink, dish or dessert, they’ll text the group, ‘Guys, we gotta make something like this.’ We are trying to be creative AF with this stuff - we have never not released an Out of Order flavor we created.
What is your favorite thing about coming to work? Seeing the people
SEEING THE PRIDE THAT MY TEAM TAKES IN THEIR WORK IS INCREDIBLE AND THEY KNOW WE’RE ALL ON THIS SHIP TOGETHER.
I work with and knowing I get to create that environment, workplace and vibe that we have. It’s also the little things, like making sure the guy who cans the beer can get out on beer release day and see the people freaking out about his hard work. Seeing the pride that my team takes in their work is incredible and they know we’re all on this ship together. We’re going to keep making the best beer that our customer base responds to and offering it at a great price - I hope you guys like it.
Do you think craft beer and craft Cannabis have room for collaboration?
I do. I have recently become aware of THC being water soluble, which means you can possibly have a Cannabis beverage that would act similarly to alcohol. With a two minute onset, you can be halfway through your Cannabis seltzer and you’re feeling a buzz already. To me, that is the future of intertwining those two worlds. You can’t smoke alcohol, but you can certainly drink THC - and THC beverages could bring the smokers in from outside.
What does the future hold for RAR? We are currently in the process of converting 10,000 feet of storage space into our new production facility, just a few miles from our current one. Pre-COVID, we had plans to open new spots in both D.C. and Ocean City, which has been temporarily put on hold. For now we are looking to expand and we have our ears to the tracks.
STORY & PHOTOS by WYATT EARLY @ERRLYWYATT/MARYLAND LEAF | RARBREWING.COM
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TANNINS & TERPENES ISSUE
Terpenes and terpenoids seem like the yin and yang of what creates the balance and wholeness we all look for in a robust and pleasurable high.
oregonlEAF.COM
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TALKING ‘BOUT TERPS sept. 2020
Let’s just say I’ve been occasionally smoking Cannabis for 15 years as a holistic mental/physical/spiritual maintenance routine, and no one ever taught me about terpenes or terpenoids until a month ago. Crazy. So you mean to tell me I can choose and steer my Cannabis experience by choosing which chemical compounds or terpenes I wish to have in my inhale? Yes. OK, weed connoisseurs, I’m late. Sad, I know. But thanks to California and all the canna gurus I’ve met along the way, I can now tell a friend that maybe asking for a limonene strain would be best if he intends to drive to San Francisco from L.A. at eight in the morning. Especially after three bagels with cream cheese.
As I’ve been on my journey to optimal happiness, I think of the many unnecessary times in which I could have possibly avoided a panic attack while too stoned and googling to find a way out of it. Up until this year my knowledge of the blessed plant was pretty elementary. I never attributed terps to that skunk-like scent that made me giggle with curiosity, or changed my mood around friends. For me it was either sativa - the upper that helped me organize my closet by color and size while dancing disco - or indica, the chronic overthinker and meditation inspirer that made corner grocery store trips a two hour affair. It turns out that it’s not just the THC or CBD count of 23% on the back of the pre-roll pack, or the vague description of indica or sativa. It’s way more - like myrcene and humulene to name a few. Excuse me, what? If these terms are new to you, trust me, you’re not alone. If you go down the rabbit hole of YouTube you’ll see high grade meals like fresh ceviche prepared by the sea in Ibiza, with terpenes being the main ingredient. Everyone in the videos seem incredibly happy, as if they discovered a well-kept secret. They love food. They love weed. And somehow they found the way to make them dance together in perfect synergy. This science is the stuff you want to pay attention to when baking a batch of edible brownies in hopes that people reach nirvana.
Even though the house gets aromatic, I’ve been told it’s best to cover your batch with foil to keep the terpenes from evaporating, as well as identifying the proper temperatures for each. And your best healthy binding agent to keep the molecules intact? Coconut oil. Cannabis has an endless and intricate chemical body and intellect - a complex array of what I like to call character traits. I got to thinking about my whole experience with Cannabis or even the times when I thought I immensely enjoyed deep dish pizza while watching “That 70’s Show,” when really a nice limonene strain could have had me biking, rather than couch-locked at home from a carb coma. Terpenes and terpenoids seem like the yin and yang of what creates the balance and wholeness we all look for in a robust and pleasurable high - with aromas and psychological qualities that when experimented with and understood - can create a perfect profile for each of our THC dreams. At the core, these compounds provide distinct characteristics such as myrcene, which is commonly found in lemongrass and has that sedative, almost analgesic effect that I really enjoy. Imagine if we all had a specific terpene profile and it meant more to society than our social security numbers? What if we ate by it and lived by it? Healed ourselves by it and made it part of our overall health and wellness makeup, unique to our own personal needs? What if we went to dispensaries instead of pharmacies with an exact terpene prescription designed for us, by us, based on years of experience with a full understanding of what benefits they hold? What if we knew exactly which would make us hype when we felt blue, or which would put us to bed when we were restless? Imagine. Imagine it’s 2025 and your friends just invited you to dinner. It’s been a long day at work, in 114 degree Sacramento weather, so while you contemplate if you’ve got the energy to be social and sift through potentially clean clothes, you grab a zesty pop from your freezer doused in limonene to cool off and revive. Your salivary glands dance in citrus and after the fourth A$AP Rocky track, you’re amped and tell Alexa to send an iMessage to your amigos confirming you’ll be there at seven in front of Shinrin-Yoku, your favorite Cannabis conscious fine dining destination on 16th & Broadway. Certain your crush might also arrive, you chew on half a piece of Locomotion, a linalool infused chewing gum to ease the anxiety and head out.
You stop to fill your 2023 Jeep Neo with ethanol at $3.00 a gallon and into your Apple Watch vocalize your customized terpene profile into the SynergyDining app. Given your height, weight, allergies, flavor, mood and chemical preference of the night, the team at Shinrin-Yoku are aware of just how to make sure you and your guests have the ultimate pleasurable and safe canna-culinary experience. Upon arrival, your over zealous friends are greeted by a host that leads you through a botanical passageway towards the restaurant entry, with alpha and beta pinene misted pine and palm trees recreating Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese term meaning quite literally, forest bathing. While you lounge and await your table, you begin feeling the nostalgia of your family as memories of Yosemite perk up in your mind. Even better, the pinene sends an alert to the cells of your digestive system and your enzymes are ready and activated to enjoy and digest a full meal. When was the last time you had Blackberry Kush sparkling water before ordering a meal? Too long, so you do and it’s delicious. Not just to your tongue, but your mind and entire being, creating a sensory orchestra. You choose the sashimi salad off the menu with limonene infused Yuzu citrus dressing to keep that fresh energy going, since you’re not 23 anymore and want to at least keep up your social buzz until 10 p.m. Your friends order a platter of spicy black pepper smoked salmon rolls with b-caryophyllene or humulene steamed vegetable dumplings to combat the indigestion that may, or thankfully may not, come later. Up next, some b-caryophyllene warm chai with cloves and anise to help relieve your friend’s hands from her chronic arthritis, followed by a myrcene infused vegan mango and coconut mochi for dessert, for that friend who can’t seem to get enough sleep in the evenings. Intentional, mindful, medicinal eating. You all smile, satiated and head home for what you already expect to be the best slumber of your week. And while expectation can sometimes be a bore, for an uncertain world, sometimes it’s citrus yet sweet to know that you can control your mind and how you feel. Maybe this sounds far from reality, but I like to believe we can create our reality, and that with further knowledge of terpenes in Cannabis, and plant life overall, we can attain a wholeness and use these tools to make a reality that we can not just survive or tolerate - but actually enjoy. Peace.
STORY by SKYE CABRERA @SKYE.CABRERA for CALIFORNIA LEAF
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cooking with Cannabis
STONED SUMMER
Same crazy world, with no end in sight. As we all try to stay safe with our masks and our hand sanitizer, try to remember what you have to be thankful for. And help make the changes we need to be the world we want to have - a healthy planet, equal justice and peace for everyone. Try, we all need to try. These recipes were infused with Noble Farms Royal Wedding, and a bit of Wesley’s Wish CBD from East Fork Cultivars. #BlackLivesMatter #DontFearTheEdible #EatYourCannabis
STEAK & ROASTED POTATO SALAD
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1. In a medium bowl whisk together the vinegar and oils. Add the cumin, salt and pepper. Set aside. 2. In a medium skillet heat the canola oil. Add the scallion, cooked potato and beans, and sauté for 4-5 minutes. 3. In a large mixing bowl combine all the remaining ingredients. 4. Toss the dressing with the steak and vegetables and serve. Serves 4.
>> This is my absolute favorite smoothie. Refreshing, tasty and calming, now when we need it most.
PISTACHIO LIME SMOOTHIE
4 tablespoons sherry vinegar 4 teaspoons canna-olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon cumin salt, pepper
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree. 2. Garnish with pistachios. 1 ½ cups almond milk, or preferred milk
¼ cup lime juice concentrate
1 whole avocado, peeled and pit removed
2-4 tablespoons honey
1 banana, peeled and sliced
4 tablespoons pistachios
1 lime, cut in chunks
2 teaspoons canna-oil
1 tablespoon canola oil
>> You can always change the meat or veggies. The last time I made this, I turned the leftovers into a tasty sandwich on a toasted roll.
2 scallions, in pieces 2 pounds cooked potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks 1 cup cooked green beans, trimmed and cut in pieces ½ cup chopped red onion 16 ounces steak, grilled to desired degree of doneness, cut in chunks 4 radishes, thinly sliced
oregonlEAF.COM
4 cups chopped romaine
>> This dish would also be wonderful with the addition of shrimp, tofu, scallops or chicken. Feel free to use spinach instead of arugula. Although many pesto recipes are made with pine nuts, their current price point has made walnuts my go-to. No regrets here.
sept. 2020
1. In a food processor or blender combine the arugula, walnuts, garlic, salt and pepper. 2. Drizzle in the olive oils. 3. Turn the pesto into a serving bowl and stir in the Parmesan. 4. In a large saucepot bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. 5. Drain the pasta, return to saucepot off heat, and toss with the pesto and the remaining bunch of arugula. 6. Divide the pasta between the plates, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with some grated Parmesan. Serves 4-6.
ARUGULA & PESTO SPAGHETTI
6 cups arugula, packed
Salt
½ cup walnuts
Pepper
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 lb. pasta
½ cup olive oil
1 bunch arugula, rinsed, dried
2-3 tablespoons canna-olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Small chunk Parmesan for grating
RECIPES by LAURIE WOLF | PHOTOS by BRUCE WOLF
QuantumOregon.com @QuantumAlchemy_or
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Keep out of reach of children. For use by adults 21 years of age and older. Do not drive a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana.
EDIBLE OF THE MONTH
CROWN B ALCHEMY | PORTLAND
HIGH 5 CANNABIS ELIXIR
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As the Cannabis community ups its science game to match other industries, the diversification of products on shelves continues to accelerate. To that end, Crown B Alchemy’s High 5 Cannabis Elixir shots use the science of nano emulsification - reducing particle size to nano scale - to fill a gap in the quick convenience segment of the market. Without diving too deep into the science, nano processing has inspired plenty of buzz in the Cannabis industry over the past few years. Nano encapsulated particles allow for cannabinoids to be easily suspended in liquid, and according to studies published through the National Institute of Health, nano-encapsulated particles also allow for quicker uptake of medicines by the body. That’s why these little two ounce shots boast a 15 minute uptake window - a significantly shorter wait than many edibles on the market, which generally take 45 minutes to upward of two hours to take effect. The shots themselves look familiar for a good reason. They aim squarely at the convenient 5 Hour Energy Drink look and package size, and by design, would perch perfectly next to a cash register at a grocery or corner store. That’s a placement Cannabis companies have spent the past few years preparing to go after, and offering a quick dose in a convenient package is a great way to get there. But this elixir line goes beyond quick convenience. Crown B infuses each bottle with strain-specific, single-farm cannabinoids with all-organic ingredients, including all-fruit purees and MCT oil. They source locally when possible, excepting geographically specific ingredients such as organic blue agave from Jalisco, Mexico, and organic green tea matcha from Kyoto, Japan. We found the Natural Wild Berry & Acai Sativa 50mg THC version (also available in 1:1), using Lemon Skunk as a base strain, to be pretty darn tasty. With a puckering berry and acai flavor, the upbeat effect set in as quickly as advertised and lasted for a couple of hours. Crown B Alchemy also offers Green Tea Matcha (50mg THC and 1:1 varieties), Lemon Lime Hybrid (50mg THC) and Pomegranate Indica (50mg THC) to round out the High 5 Cannabis Elixir line, and will be launching a Peach/Mango Indica flavor this month. If you’re looking for a quick, convenient and discreet path to relief, keep an eye out for these at your favorite dispensary. 5MG THC PER SERVING / 50MG THC PER BOTTLE
CROWNBALCHEMY.COM | @CROWNBALCHEMY
sept. 2020
With a puckering berry a n d a c a i f l a vo r, t h e upbeat effect set in as quickly as advertised and lasted for a couple of hours.
REVIEW by TOM BOWERS @PROPAGATECONSULTANTS | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
concentrate OF THE MONTH
HIGHLAND PROVISIONS
PARADISE CIRCUS
LIVE ROSIN JAM
oregonlEAF.COM
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69.62% THC / 5.7% TERPENES
This tantalizing terpene profile delivers a pungent odor of fresh squeezed O.J. balanced with notes of jet fuel that cannot be ignored.
sept. 2020
Beautiful Bend - a terp oasis in the high desert that produces such a robust and fruitful selection of concentrates that local producers are forced to go above and beyond to separate themselves from the herd. Highland Provisions has done so in impressive fashion and their Paradise Circus live rosin jam has deservingly earned a spot as our Concentrate of the Month. To give an idea of exactly how much of a fan favorite their solventless extracts have become, people were literally stalking Instagram to find out when and where this Paradise Circus jam would be available. I saw it myself. The hype and demand are both real, and for good reason. Paradise Circus is an exciting cross of Tropicana Cookies and Tina - an uplifting cerebral sativa and a heavy-hitting indica that go together like the yin and the yang, delivering notably potent yet deeply peaceful effects. Perfect to start the morning off with, as this tantalizing terpene profile delivers a pungent odor of fresh squeezed O.J., balanced with notes of jet fuel that cannot be ignored. I could have been lucid dreaming when I stepped inside Highland’s state-of-the-art facility, which felt like a hybrid fantasy between SpaceX and Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The sights and smells - oh, the smells - left me giddy and giggling like a seven-year-old child throughout the entire tour. It was a life-changing moment dressing up in sterilized Oompa Loompa gear and watching terp scientists in white lab coats give the freshest and most luscious looking bright green nugs a certified osmosis ice bath. You heard that right: osmosis water. Yes, all the ice and all the water used to make this delicious live rosin, is run through a mechanism that appears straight out of the engine room of a nuclear submarine. When it comes to the final product and why it is so good, this is where vertical integration equals quality control. Obsessive cleanliness is maintained throughout the entire journey from the clone room to the moment the glass jars are filled with what appears to be a translucent alien goo, with micro THC-A crystals swimming in a tiny ocean of terpenes. Their special water combined with an automated nutrient delivery system, a sterile indoor climate and some passionate attention to detail, has brought us a solventless concentrate that deserves some real attention. Cold-starting a dab of Paradise Circus jam had me feeling refreshed, happy, limitlessly abundant, full of energy and VERY high. The future belongs to proactive stoners. If that’s something you consider yourself, get on Instagram and follow @HighlandProvisions to stay up-to-date on their latest product launches. Get ’em while you can because they don’t last long.
HIGHLANDPROVISIONSCO.COM | @HIGHLANDPROVISIONS
REVIEW by BARRON WOLFE @BARRON.WOLFE | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
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TOPICAL OF THE MONTH
PACKAGING & APPEARANCE
1,000MG HEMP CBD | @APEXHEMPOIL
With clean and simplistic packaging, consumers know exactly what they’re getting - a delightful 1000mg hemp CBD lotion to aid the body and nourish the skin, with a refreshing vanilla scent to boot! The large lettering keeps anyone from mistaking this product as anything else, while still being as inconspicuous as any other lotion in the cabinet with its neutral brown bottle and commonly used pump top.
The vanilla scent dominates the lotion in the best way possible.
AROMA
The vanilla scent dominates the lotion in the best way possible, without overpowering the space around anyone. Cutting through this potent vanilla are crisp notes of coriander and sweet herbal spice from the various oils that make up this pleasurable hemp lotion. The balanced blend of aromatic oils complements the Cannabis’ bold scent, so users can comfortably medicate without covering themselves in unwanted or obvious aromas, making this product perfect for people who like to stay under the radar.
APPLICATION
The large pump bottle makes the lotion’s application as uncomplicated and manageable as possible with its oil-rich formula and moisturizing additives. With all-natural ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera and coriander seed oil alongside the Apex Hemp Oil, the lotion itself glides effortlessly on the skin while using minimal product, meaning you can get the best bang for your buck. One small pump should do the trick on areas like the hands, joints or neck, while a few pumps would cover larger areas like legs, shoulders and back muscles.
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EFFECTS
Using a raw cold press method and USDA Organic ingredients, Apex boasts a product more potent than those that use alcohol, butane or hexane processing, while also being naturally safe and environmentally conscious. The 1000mg dosage means that each pump is full of beneficial cannabinoids like CBD-a, CBG-a, and many others that are known to help muscles by alleviating tension and reducing inflammation. Skin feels instantly nourished between the supple oils and additives, without feeling overly greasy, while the vanilla scent quickly relaxes without overpowering. Within half an hour, users can begin to feel the positive effects of the cannabinoids and the unique formula Apex has put together.
oregonlEAF.COM
VALUE
HEMP LOTION APEX HEMP OIL
sept. 2020
At $49, this full spectrum hemp lotion may seem pricey at first glance, but once you consider the inconspicuousness of the product, its easy application, nourishing formula and amazing vanilla aroma, it’s hard to look at any other product. The fact that such a small amount can be stretched so far is reason alone to make this lotion worthy of the cost. The benefits of Apex’s formula and methodology mean consumers can save money normally spent buying multiple products, while feeling comfortable in their choice to support a small, family-run business that focuses on quality goods.
OVERALL
With moisturizing oils, beneficial cannabinoids and a sublime vanilla aroma, this Apex Hemp Lotion is a must-have for alleviating muscle tension while sufficiently nourishing the skin. The all-natural and environmentally safe methodology provides consumers with an ethical product that can be enjoyed in all 50 states without drawing attention to the product’s cannabinoid-heavy base. Check their website to order some for yourself today!
REVIEW by ALEX WORKMAN @WORKDUBS | PHOTO by DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS
Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
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B AT T LIN G GRA VIT Y he actress Bette Davis once said that getting old is not for the faint of heart. And the reason for this assessment of absolute accuracy is because after managing your life over the Earth’s crust for enough seasons, the force of attraction by which terrestrial bodies tend to fall toward the center of the Earth begins to have an effect on your physicality. That’s what gravity is. But don’t be mad. You see, it is this pull of weight that has afforded us a body at all. Unless you believe we were put here by a superhuman being or spirit, worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes. Thank God for the dictionary. Wait, my bad, he didn’t create that - a man named Robert Cawdrey did in the year 1604. Or did God create it through him? Hold on, shouldn’t God be referred to with gender neutrality now? Anyway, back to gravity. Our energy attracts the matter that forms muscle, bone, etc. And with the pressure of gravity, your substance grows. And if you are not working the muscle, what occurs is atrophy, eventually resulting in immobility and death. So, it is this force of gravity that has allowed all organisms on Earth to develop and proliferate. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Recently, I went a week without walking due to being bedridden as a result of an injury and with the first attempt, it was clear my muscles had begun the physiological process of atrophy. Now, taking steps along a firm sidewalk was like navigating a massive trampoline surface. Or like a cat walking in booties. Thankfully, Cannabis gets you lifted.
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oregonlEAF.COM
by Mike Ricker
Sept. 2020
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