greeneugene.com
February 2024
People of Color in Cannabis
pg. 04 Unionization pg. 20 People and Their Glass
Dear readers, As I write my final editor’s note (for real this time), I reflect on the growth this publication has seen. Just last year, Green Eugene won three Oregon Newspaper Publisher’s Association awards and one College Media Business & Advertising Managers award. This industry needs cannabis journalists, especially in Eugene and Springfield, to hold green-washy industry players accountable. We’re critical but also take time to celebrate the evolution cannabis has made in our society. More importantly, this edition has reached your hands, which means you might actually give a shit about the nuances beyond the highs of gummy edibles or preroll clouds. Thank you for reading. We present this theme by highlighting people of color within the cannabis community and industry. However, in our pursuit of representation, we cannot ignore the glaring issues that persist, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Let’s confront it: Eugene, and many parts of the state, lack diversity and equitable opportunities for people of color within the cannabis industry. The consequences of historical racism, systemic barriers and the ongoing effects of settler colonialism persists in late-stage capitalism, even in the market of flowers. Too frequently, sources face valid hesitancy to attach their name and face to a publication topic defaced by federal illegality. Ongoing, Native tribes are defending their land from trespass cultivation, which is the illegal occupation of growing cannabis on tribal or public land with devastating effects on the natural ecosystem. We also cannot ignore the disproportionate wealth accumulated by white people in the industry while Black individuals are 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession, as reported by the American Civil Liberties Union. In this edition, we look at these topics, including recent union organizing events and processes. We also hear from students as they reflect on their cultural identities intersecting with cannabis topics. Have a job starting soon? Brush up on the laws regarding preemployment drug testing, written by Green Eugene’s next editor, Armando Ramirez. I’m excited to see what the future holds and what stories will be uncovered and discovered. Thank you for growing with me over the years.
Farewell, Kayl Wohl
STAFF
Editor
Kayl Wohl
Managing Editor
Armando Ramirez Lead Designer
Abigail Raike Cover Photo
Alex Hernandez Cover Models
Avi Knolla Emilia Kok Evan Furukawa Jeremy Mitaux
Writers
Dominic Adams Jess Coronado Javay Frye-Nekrasova Armando Ramirez Lizzy Solorzano Designers and Illustrators
Eva Andrews Liz Blodgett Ryan Ehrhart Julia Faria Griffin Forti Maryclaire Lane Spencer So
Photographers
Alex Hernandez Megan McEntee Account Executives
Taylor Baumgardner Cori Caplinger Cooper Gast Lola Tagwerker
Thank you for reading Green Eugene. Please note that our publication and site spotlights content about substances that are illegal under federal and state laws in certain places. We do not promote, advocate, or condone illicit drug use. All content produced by Green Eugene is for educational and entertainment purposes only for readers 21+.
04 Dispensary Unionization
17 Let Your Creativity Flow
05 Pre-Employment Drug Testing
18 Richard Flores
07 Q/A: Terrence Quarles
20 People and Their Glass
08 Societal Perspective of Cannabis
23 Hawaiian Dutch
Budtender Spotlight:
11 Kid Cudi’s Entergalactic High Recommendation:
12 Cannabis and Personal Identity 14 Cluckin’ Dog
Munchies Spotlight:
BUSINESS Publisher & President Eric Henry
ehenry@dailyemerald.com
VP Operations Kathy Carbone
kcarbone@dailyemerald.com
Green Eugene is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit media company at the University of Oregon. Formerly the Oregon Daily Emerald; the new organization was founded in 1900.
High Recommendation:
Budtender Spotlight:
Strain of the Month:
*We acknowledge that Green Eugene reports, publishes and distributes on the traditional homelands known as Kalapuya Ilihi. Following treaties between 1851 and 1855, the Kalapuya people were dispossessed of their indigenous homeland by the United States government and forcibly removed to the Coast Reservation in Western Oregon. Through this acknowledgment, we resist the erasure of Indigenous people, their culture and their histories.
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srondestvedt@dailyemerald.com Emerald Media Group, Inc. 395 University St., #302 Eugene, OR, 97403
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THE STATE OF THE UNION EUGENE DISPENSARIES DROP TIES WITH MULTINATIONAL UNION
WRITTEN BY DOMINIC ADAMS | DESIGNED BY RYAN EHRHART
To many, labor unions evoke an image of blue-collar workers on the East Coast: UNION rough-and-tumble teamsters POWE R who hang out at their union clubhouse and may or may not have mob affiliations. This image has been fed to all of us through popular media, but it is not indicative of anything more than a small swatch of union representation in the U.S. The manufacturing jobs that made up the bulk of unionized labor have largely disappeared, and the power of bluecollar unions has greatly diminished. The employment that replaced things like steel mill and auto plant jobs wasn’t heavily unionized, and many were not conducive to unionization. Because of this, union representation in the U.S. has been on a steady decline since the early 1980s, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In 2022, the BLS reported that union jobs had declined to 10.1% of total jobs in America. Essentially, union membership rates have been cut in half since 1983. However, Oregon has not followed this trend. In fact, Oregon’s union membership rates skyrocketed in 2020 and have only started to decline. But, Oregon rates remain well above the national average at 15.5% in 2022, according to the BLS. One reason for this increase was a push by national unions to represent workers in the local cannabis industry. Agricultural cannabis workers are eligible for coverage by national agricultural unions, but dispensary workers have long been in a gray area when it comes to union representation.
Both sets of staff voted to join a union and subsequently left around the same time. However, the same national union represented both dispensaries: the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). The UFCW is a massive organization that, according to its website, represents 1.3 million workers in the U.S. and Canada. The branch of the UFCW that oversees Oregon, Washington and Idaho is called the “Local 555.” On Dec.12, 2023, the UFCW accused the Flowr of Lyfe dispensary of “union busting,” and shortly after on Jan. 23, 2024, it accused SpaceBuds of the same transgression. Union busting is the illegal and unfair practice of an employer that punishes union employees or uses other coercive methods to dissuade their employees from joining a union. Employees have legal recourse if they are subjected to these practices.
UNION POWER
However, UFCW webpages, one per dispensary, were created to accuse the dispensaries of union busting, and do not provide any information. This developing story requires an in-depth investigation of the UFCW 555’s practices as a whole to be complete; we have reached out for comments and will update the online version with any details.
The UFCW, despite its claims, has been unable to prove that any union-busting activities took place at either dispensary. The NLRB certified both elections that voted to de-certify as legitimate despite protests and appeals from the UFCW. ON Both of these de-certification elections had unanimous I N U ER outcomes to leave the UFCW 555. An employee at one POW of these locations, who wishes to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation, confirms what the NLRB stated: the election was legitimate and held in good faith.
Dispensary jobs, like budtending, are considered, “entrylevel,” as they hire at, or barely above, minimum wage and do not require specific education or certifications. Although jobs historically considered “entry-level” are not typically unionized, any group of workers who want to collectively bargain have the right to a fair election to decide their union status. In Eugene, Ore., staff from two different dispensaries voted to unionize and won. The National Labor Relations Board reports that Flowr of Lyfe employees successfully voted UNIO to unionize their workplace in March 2022. Soon after, POW N ER SpaceBuds employees also voted to unionize and won by a narrow margin. As of January 2024, the staff of both dispensaries have voted to de-certify and leave the union.
The only people who can answer the question of why they decided to de-certify are the employees who participated in the vote. For now, union representation is nonexistent for local dispensary workers. In time, more dispensary workers will likely attempt to unionize in pursuit of fair wages and working conditions, which will benefit the cannabis industry as a whole. All laborers deserve fair compensation, and unions are the most concrete footing to negotiate for that right. Multinational union representation has thus far been rejected; perhaps it is time to consider grassroots campaigns organized by and for the workers of the cannabis industry as a viable alternative.
ON UNI ER W PO
Pre-Employment Cannabis Drug Testing in the State of Oregon
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Written by Armando Ramirez | Designed by Maryclaire Lane
With cannabis consumption becoming more common and accepted across the United States, many states have begun loosening restrictions regarding pre-employment drug testing for cannabis. For example, starting Jan. 1, 2024, CA AB 2188 and ESSB 5123 went into effect in California and Washington, eliminating preemployment drug testing for cannabis. While employers in Wash. and California still hold the right to test employees if they have reason to believe that an employee may be consuming cannabis while at work, they can no longer discriminate for cannabis consumption off the clock. While this is a major step for cannabis legalization, Oregon, which is the second-largest producer of cannabis in the country, does not have any similar laws in place. As a result, Oregon employers still hold the right to not only test employees for cannabis use, but also not hire, and even fire employees for off-duty cannabis consumption. In 2017, three years after the recreational legalization of cannabis in Oregon, Sen. Floyd Prozanski introduced Senate Bill 301, which would have provided some leniency for medical cannabis consumers. The bill states, “It is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to refuse to employ an individual or to discharge or otherwise penalize an individual because: The individual is a registry identification cardholder (cannabis medical card), as defined in ORS 475B.410, and the individual tested positive for cannabis.” However, the bill proved unsuccessful after being proposed in 2017. In 2019, Legislative Concept 2152, was also introduced by Sen. Prozanski, stating, “It is an unlawful employment practice for any employer to require, as
a condition of employment, that an employee or prospective employee refrain from using a substance that is lawful to use under the laws of this state during non-working hours except when the restriction relates to a bona fide occupational qualification or the performance of work while impaired.” However, like HB 301, Legislative Concept 2152 also failed to be passed, and little information can be found regarding the concept. More recently, HB 3428 was introduced in Oregon, on Feb. 27, 2023, sponsored by Rep. Rob Nosse. This bill would eliminate preemployment drug testing or discrimination against off-duty cannabis consumption specifically for healthcare workers. The bill states, “A public health care employer may not deny employment to a prospective employee or take an adverse employment action against an existing employee solely on the basis that the prospective employee or the existing employee has tested positive for cannabinoid metabolites in connection with any employment-related drug test required by the employer.” However, before this bill is passed, a required collaborative study must be conducted, by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Bureau of Labor and Industries and Oregon Health Authority, “regarding best models for use by public healthcare employers in addressing workplace issues related to marijuana use and detection of impairment.” While this study could change how cannabis consumption is observed both in and out of the workplace, the study could take up to Jan. 1, 2025 to complete. While Oregon has no laws currently preventing pre-employment cannabis drug testing, there have been multiple attempts toward eliminating it in the past. However, with both Washington and California eliminating pre-employment cannabis testing, many states are expected to follow suit, including Oregon.
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BUDTENDER SPOTLIGHT: Q&A with
TERRENCE QUARLES Written by Javay Frye-Nekrasova | Designed by Liz Blodgett My first time walking into Peach Cannabis I was a little confused. When you walk in the front door there is a vestibule with signage detailing the current sales and two rooms to the left, but you don’t immediately see a person or weed. I started to worry that I was in the wrong place, but as I rounded the corner and entered the actual shop, I was greeted by a welcoming smile from budtender, Terrence Quarles. Terrence has repeatedly made my experiences at Peach Cannabis exceptional and sent me on my merry way with some fire weed choices.
What has the experience been like as a Black person in the cannabis industry?
How long have you been working at Peach Cannabis and how do you like it?
What differences do you see in the community aspect of cannabis in Oregon compared to other places?
I’m digging it, honestly. It’s different from the last dispensary I worked at where the customer base was really varied in age. At Peach, because of where we’re located, it’s like a super young customer base, like a lot of college students. So, it’s a lot of energy that comes through that place. It’s a fun environment most of the time.
Did you have cannabis knowledge before getting into the industry or did you learn as you went? I had somewhat of a knowledge base since I’ve been using cannabis [already]. I started using it medicinally because I’ve had insomnia since I was a young teenager. Once I got into the industry, I realized there was so much more to learn, and since I already loved cannabis, I just dove into it and learned as much as I could because it’s fascinating. Like I did not know what a terpene was until two years ago, and now I got like a catalog of them in my brain and all the effects they have. It’s awesome, honestly. Like it’s dope.
How do you approach the education side of cannabis with customers? I am very open with my knowledge, and I’m always willing to share information, but being open with it to customers is similar to being pushy. As a salesman, you got to know who really wants to hear it, like the people who show an interest that you can get nerdy about the stuff with. People start asking questions about the posters we have on the walls, like, “Oh, what’s this?” and “What’s terpene?” It’s like, “Oh, dope, I can spend 20 minutes with this person. Like, yes!” But other people, it’s like, “I don’t care. Give me my high-THC joint and get me out of here.”
It’s basically been like anything else I would say as a Black person. I’m from LA originally and I lived in Hawaii for a few years, so it’s different getting the Eugene, OR experience of a Black person. What I mean is microaggressions and stuff like that exist everywhere. That’s always going to happen. I do have to say living here though. I have felt more accepted and welcomed than anywhere else I’ve ever lived. So that’s also true of this place.
From what I remember of being in LA, it’s a different world entirely. They treat getting into a dispensary in LA like getting into a private club. Why do I need to pass like three bouncers? And why do they need to have guns? It’s just weed, chill. Here? Every dispensary I’ve worked in, we do what’s called deli style where we’re just right over the countertop. We let you smell and interact with the flower and the product. It’s amazing. It helps us connect with the customers better, and it helps them connect with the product better. Here, there’s so much good weed. It’s like, no, we want to show it off.
What advice would you give to a newcomer to smoking? First, I always ask them how much they want to know. Because if they want to know everything, then I will go, not necessarily product by product, but category by category. I’ll go over edibles and give a general breakdown of how edibles work. Then I’ll go over a flower and the differences between types of flower and how they work. Then I’ll go over dabs and ask them what they’re looking for. From there, I think that’s where my skill as a budtender comes in. That’s where I ask them what they’re looking to get out of their weed because they don’t know anything about it. They’re like, “Oh, an indica makes me sleepy. Sativa, it makes me happy.” So I ask them “Okay, are you about to go to a party or something? You’re going to go hang out with friends? Go see a movie? Try to just go home, watch TV and chill?” You have to find ways to make the best suggestions for people.
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Societal Perspective of Cannabis in the U.S. 1936-Today Written by Armando Ramirez | Designed by Spencer So | Illustrated by Abigail Raike
The Era of Demonization First released in 1936, the film “Reefer Madness” paints a picture of how cannabis was perceived by society in the United States during the earlier half of the 20th century. Initially released under the title “Tell Your Children,” “Reefer Madness” was directed by Louis J. Gasnier and funded by a Los Angeles-based church group with strong opinions toward cannabis. The film follows multiple high school-aged teens through their experiences with “public enemy number one:” marijuana. Throughout the film, these teens commit several crimes while under the influence of cannabis ranging from rape, a fatal hit-andrun car accident and even murder. While the events of “Reefer Madness” and the effects of cannabis are very exaggerated, the film intended to warn the public of the “dangers” of marijuana, specifically the parents of teenagers at the time. While the film itself may not have propelled how society perceived cannabis, it reinforced the negative perception of cannabis held by many at this time. While the societal perspective of cannabis during this era was overwhelmingly negative, it is important to understand where this perspective stems from. Following the Mexican Revolution of 1910, the U.S. saw a large number of Mexicans immigrating from Mexico. As Mexicans immigrated to the U.S., they introduced recreational cannabis consumption to many communities that had never experienced it before. As a result, many anti-drug campaigners linked recreational cannabis use to Mexicans, which was largely successful in a society that embraced the xenophobia of the era. Cannabis was further demonized during the Great Depression when cannabisconsuming Mexicans were accused of “stealing jobs.”
The year after the release of “Reefer Madness,” the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted, establishing the first act of government intervention relating to cannabis in the U.S. on the federal level. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 imposed a tax on all sales of cannabis and cannabis-related products, including cannabis prescribed by doctors and physicians. For this purpose, the American Medical Association opposed the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. While this act did not make cannabis illegal, it was the first regulation of many that would lead to cannabis becoming entirely illegal in the U.S. by 1970. “I remember stories from my mother, who said back in 1929, during the depression that my grandpa would do some bootlegging, growing marijuana to try to keep them alive,” said Julian Galapia, 79. Galapia, who was born in 1944, grew up in the decades following the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 and claims that cannabis use in the U.S. was not as prevalent at that time as we may think. Other than stories from his mother, Galapia claims to have never experienced cannabis consumption while growing up. “I didn’t even know what marijuana was, never saw it, and if I did I wouldn’t know what it was,” Galapia said. According to Galapia, the first time he saw cannabis was in 1967, while he was overseas in Korea serving in the military. However, while he was away, the societal perception of cannabis in the U.S. would begin to shift. “I got back home in ’69 and everybody was smoking that stuff,” said Galapia.
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The Era of Outlaws Released in 1978, “Cheech and Chong’s Up In Smoke”, is a comedic portrayal of how cannabis was perceived in the U.S. from the mid-1960s through the early 2000s. Often revered as one of the greatest “stoner” movies of all time, the portrayal of in “Up in Smoke,” signifies a drastic shift from the demonization of cannabis experienced in the U.S. during the earlier half of the 20th century. The film, which follows the comedy duo Cheech and Chong on a journey in search of a “lid” (ounce) of cannabis, portrays the consumption of various narcotics. However, cannabis remains at the forefront and is the driving force of this film. Cannabis is portrayed in various forms and methods of consumption throughout the film, most notably in the form of a giant joint and a truck made entirely out of cannabis. In the years leading up to the release of “Up In Smoke,” changing political and social climates within the U.S. resulted in people developing a different perspective on cannabis, most notably in younger generations. In 1970, cannabis became entirly illegal in the U.S., following the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This act subsequently resulted in cannabis being labeled as a Schedule I substance, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and no medical benefits. Cannabis still retains this title today. Despite being completely illegal by 1970, cannabis use had become very common in younger generations during this era, as reflected by films like “Up In Smoke.” This period of time would also see cannabis use in the media becoming more common, with popular artists of the day, like Bob Marley, regularly portrayed smoking cannabis, as well as the “hippies,” of this era regularly consuming cannabis and challenging its legal status. The “counterculture” movements of this era would also support
cannabis consumption in defiance of prior generations as well as the government or law enforcement. This is also supported by the portrayal of law enforcement in “Up In Smoke,” which portrays the police as clueless and goofy in their pursuits to crack down on cannabis use. During this era, reports conducted by the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations would prove that cannabis neither induced violence nor led to abuse of other substances. While these reports did little regarding the reform of cannabis laws during this era, they were the first steps to be taken by the federal government toward reform that would ultimately lead to California becoming the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. “It seemed to me like it was more readily available,” said Stephanie Ramirez*, who was born in 1973. “I wouldn’t quite say that it was accepted, but it was more prevalent.” Like many in her generation, Ramirez’s perception would shift following medical legalization. “I’d have to say my perception has changed greatly. I realized that the uses for marijuana, especially the medical uses, are very beneficial. Federal legalization is a human rights issue. This is something we know that can make people feel more comfortable, make people not feel sick, make people stay alive, and be able to cope with the side effects of cancer and the chemotherapy and the radiation and the surgery and make them a little bit more comfortable.” *Note: Stephanie Ramirez is the author’s mother, she is a colorectal cancer survivor whose opinion on cannabis changed after using it to aid post-cancer related issues and pains.
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The Era of Reform Released in 2018, “Weed the People” is a documentary that focuses on the effects of cannabis on child cancer patients. As many know, cancer treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy, can be painful and harmful to the body, especially when it comes to children going through these treatments. To help alleviate some of the issues that come with cancer treatment, as well as combatting cancer itself, the families in “Weed the People” turned to cannabis for its medicinal purposes. With the main focus of the documentary being on the medicinal benefits of cannabis, it also signifies a shift in the perspective of cannabis in the U.S., moving away from the negative–as well as comedic–perceptions established throughout the twentieth century. The years leading up to the release of “Weed the People” saw major changes regarding the legal status of cannabis in the U.S. With Calif. legalizing medicinal cannabis in 1996, many states would follow suit throughout the early 2000s, leading to Colorado legalizing recreational cannabis use in 2012. By the time “Weed the People” was released in 2018, 33 states had legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes, and 10 states had legalized cannabis for both medicinal and recreational use. “I remember dispensaries popping up in Bend, and realizing that you can actually buy weed now,” said Nathan Hughes, who was 14 when recreational cannabis was legalized in his home state of Oregon in 2015. Hughes’ father, who was born in 1954, making him 61 at the time of the recreational legalization of cannabis in Oregon, held a perspective similar to the perception still held by many of the people from his generation. “My dad had a negative perspective of weed at the time,” said Hughes. “I didn’t talk to him much about it when it got legalized, but I remember when I did try to bring it up the conversation would get shut down pretty quickly.” However, unlike his father, Hughes’ perspective of cannabis is similar to how many people from his generation perceive cannabis. “For the most part, it’s very accepted. It’s just like alcohol, it’s just another thing that we partake in. But it’s also a medicine and has its benefits.” While the perception of cannabis in the U.S. has evolved significantly since
the 1930s, the taboos and stigmas developed throughout the twentieth century still plague the cannabis industry. However, in the years since the release of “Weed the People”, federal legalization of cannabis has never been closer. Should cannabis be legalized on the federal level, it could result in the cannabis industry being changed entirely. On Oct. 6, 2022, the Biden Administration announced a pardon for those facing federal convictions for simple possession of cannabis, establishing the first step, on the federal level, towards relief for those facing non-violent cannabis convictions. However, while this could have affected over 6,500 people, it did not affect any of those facing state-level cannabis-related convictions. Meaning, it did not affect over 30,000 people currently serving time in prison for state-level cannabis-related convictions, nor did it have any effect on over 200,000 people arrested in the U.S. on charges related to cannabis in 2022 alone. On Aug. 29, 2023, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended that the DEA reschedule cannabis as a Schedule III substance. Retaining its Schedule I title, cannabis remains in the same class as opiates and psychedelics. Schedule I substances are also classified as being highly addictive and having no medical benefits, however as we have seen, cannabis does not fit this criteria. Should cannabis be rescheduled as a Schedule III substance, it would prove to be the next major step toward federal legalization of cannabis, as well as reform for the cannabis industry as a whole. Subsequently, a Schedule III title would allow for more medical research, accessibility for both medical and recreational purposes, and hopefully further relief for those currently incarcerated for non-violent cannabis convictions. While there is still much work to do regarding the legalization of cannabis in the U.S., we as a society have come a long way since the days of “Reefer Madness.” From being perceived as evil, to being, comedic and finally becoming a highly debated topic both medically and politically, cannabis has proven to be much more than just a drug.
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A vibrant and calming movie that delves into themes of love Written by Lizzy Solorzano | Designed by Ryan Ehrhart
“Entergalactic,” is a relaxing film accompanied by the mellow vibes of soothing music, making it perfect to unwind and enjoy a smoke. “Entergalactic” is an animated romantic comedy created by Scott Mescudi, otherwise known as Kid Cudi, to pair with his album of the same title and cover. The album doubles as the soundtrack of the film. What was originally announced to be a series turned into a Netflix special that simultaneously premiered with the album at the end of September 2022. The story follows a young man named Jabari, voiced by Kid Cudi, who moves to New York City as a newly hired artist at a comic book company to produce a comic with his character, Mr. Rager. At the same time, Jabari struggles to navigate his love life. The story focuses on two women, Jabari’s ex, Carmen (Laura Harrier), and Jabari’s neighbor, Meadow (Jessica Williams). Jabari is accompanied by his two best friends in the film, Jimmy (Timothée Chalamet) and Ky (Ty Dolla $ign). The cast is packed with other stars like Jaden Smith, Vanessa Hudgens and Macaulay Culkin. Throughout the film, Jabari always keeps a joint and lighter on him. Similarly, Meadow keeps one tucked behind her ear. The animation plays with the smoke in a way that is calming throughout the film, and sometimes it feels like you’re right there, lighting one up with him. The chaotic animation style keeps a form of tranquility, especially paired with the album as the soundtrack, which immediately draws viewers into their immersive world.
“Entergalactic” has a color palette of purple, pink and yellow hues and tones that allow the animation to explode on the screen but never feel overwhelming. The best moments are the transitions guided by the music into a galaxy with the same color scheme. The soothing synth melodies consistently fade in at the best times, growing louder with every beat, making the viewer feel the passion and the heat between the characters. The moment Jabari sees Meadow, time slows, the pace slows, and the music fades in, with the lyrics repeating, “You’re such an angel, in your halo.” As if walking in the shoes of his world, the viewer transcends into this mesmerizing moment while the music drives the narrative forward in plot and character development. The animation also plays with different visual styles where it can. For example, lyrics on the screen are camouflaged as restaurant signs while Jabari pedals his bike through the city, smoking a joint. While he is slouched on his couch, the smoke spells a word out. Only through watching the film can one experience the many creative and breathtaking details that fuse the comic book style with vibrant street art influences. While the romantic storyline isn’t anything new, its integration with the artistic album and vivid color scheme guarantees an emotional resonance that feels innovative. It’s the ultimate film for an immersive and uplifting experience that leaves you pulsating with vibrant energy.
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Navigating the Intersection of Cannabis Culture and Personal Identity Written by Lizzy Solorzano | Designed by Julia Faria
As students come to Eugene, they’re immediately introduced to its culture: They witness the green that exists everywhere, the trees, the grass and the flower. It’s hard to miss the cannabis community when multiple dispensaries sit within a two-mile radius of each other. But what happens when the cannabis culture fuses with individual cultural backgrounds?
Navigating the Intersection of Cannabis Culture with Personal Identity
I spoke to a few individuals who shared their experiences with cannabis and how it influenced their relationships with their cultures. These experiences are nonexclusive to the heritages they are part of; no story expressed serves as a representative of the cultures as a whole. Individuals experience cannabis and the accompanying stigma differently, regardless of shared backgrounds and identities.
Hamza Khan, 22, Pakistani American Hamza Khan grew up in Portland, Ore. with Muslim parents. “In my household, drugs were perceived the same way as alcohol, but I think they knew eventually I was going to try to experiment,” Khan said. “I’m the youngest in my family so all my siblings already went through the process of getting caught drinking and smoking.” Khan was exposed to cannabis use through his friends and family. Even his grandfather smoked cannabis to increase his appetite when he was ill. “I think [my parents] already knew that I was familiar with it so I don’t think they felt the need to educate me on it, and I don’t think they were too educated on weed themselves,” Khan said. “I think if it’s a religious family, then they’ll be like, ‘If you smoke weed, you’re not going to get into college or get a good job. You’ll be unmotivated, a lazy person.’ Then there are some people who are less religious, but still Pakistani, and I know it’s popular for people to put weed in their hookahs. It really just depends, but most people from my background are religious, and it’s really frowned upon and looked at as a delinquent activity.”
Khan’s parents, who immigrated from Pakistan to the United States, were influenced by American culture to adopt a more relaxed approach to practicing their religion, which later extended to his siblings. “I’ve convinced my parents to smoke before,” Khan said. His mom was not too fond of the experience. Growing up, Khan did not smoke to avoid becoming a “stereotypical stoner” like the ones portrayed in media as lacking intelligence and ambition. Yet, real-life encounters with those around him revealed that cannabis consumption didn’t necessarily conform to those stereotypes. Kahn feels he found a healthy balance between productivity and smoking because it’s done in moderation. “What I realized from seeing people smoke weed is that everyone reacts to it differently,” Kahn said. “I realized it’s not necessarily the weed that’s making people behave a certain way, it’s more like how people react and build habits to the drug.”
13 Alberto Guardado Castañeda, 21, Mexican American Alberto Guardado Castañeda grew up in Portland, Oregon. Surrounded by Mexican culture in his family and community, he grew up in a strict Catholic household. “My mom always, always, always kept us away from drugs or even mentioning drugs in general,” Guardado Castañeda said. His first exposure to substances came from playing “Grand Theft Auto,” where he saw characters smoking cigarettes and consuming other substances. He was later exposed to cannabis use within Chicano culture in California, which inspired him to learn more about it. He faced the dilemma of wanting to educate himself about cannabis while wanting to avoid certain stereotypes. “In Chicano culture, tattoos are pretty important, but my mom always said ‘Don’t do that or you’ll look like them—a felon,’” Guardado Castañeda said. A fear of cannabis and other substances was instilled in Guardado Castañeda from a
young age due to his mother’s religious customs. Once he left for college, he realized he had the independence and autonomy he needed to safely explore cannabis use, especially for medicinal purposes. “Drinking seems to be more acceptable in Hispanic culture than smoking, for some reason. Being away from the house and feeling safe with my friends were pretty much all I needed to go forward with it,” Guardado Castañeda said. Over time, his parents had a change of perspective as they observed the medicinal benefits of cannabis consumption through his sister, who initially hid her usage from them at home. Now, his father buys cannabis from dispensaries for his sister, and his parents feel less strict and more neutral about it. “I don’t know when I’ll ever feel comfortable talking about smoking to my parents,” Castañeda shared, but he appreciates the effect that cannabis has had on him.
Abhijeet Joshi, 22, Indian American Abhijeet Joshi grew up in Portland, Ore. He quickly became fond of cannabis use after his friends asked him to give it a try. “The only bad opinions I had about it were stoners who were associated with weed culture and how they appear as deadbeats or not productive in society,” Joshi shared. He witnessed his closest friend face homelessness due to being so consumed by weed that he was evicted from his parents’ house for lacking the drive to contribute to society; Joshi did not want to follow the same path. “My parents are very religious, so anything you inhale or smoke, they associate it as something bad,” Joshi said. Joshi was raised by immigrant parents from India who practiced Hinduism. He acknowledges that the upbringing of his parents in India was a different experience to his growing up in the U.S., and this could potentially be a reason why they have different opinions of cannabis. He communicates in a separate
family group chat with a few cousins who also use cannabis so they can share their latest experiences. As a child of immigrants, Joshi feels obligated to excel in his career, driven by the desire to meet his parents’ expectations. “A lot of expectations from my parents made me look at myself in a way where I have to be productive [in order] to better myself,” he said. After he moved away for college, Joshi realized he possessed the freedom and autonomy he had been seeking to make his own decisions. To limit his cannabis use and reduce the fear of being unproductive, Joshi uses cannabis as his reward for completing all the items on his agenda. “When I know I have to grind, I put all smoking aside, and when I’m done, then I’m like ‘I deserve this, I’m going to smoke,” he said. Joshi chooses to further educate himself about cannabis to address the stigma that exists within his family.
Diving into the fusion of cannabis culture and personal identity, the stories of these individuals highlight the complex relationships between heritage, upbringing and perception. Each story reveals a unique journey of navigating familial expectations, cultural norms and personal experiences with cannabis. These personal reflections offer a glimpse into the diverse perspectives and developing attitudes surrounding cannabis in different cultural communities. As individuals explore their identities and experiences, their stories show how cultural perception and personal choice are ever-changing.
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Cluckin’ Dog, a formidable Korean force in the Eugene restaurant industry Written by Jess Coronado | Designed by Spencer So
A little over a month since being established in December 2023, Cluckin’ Dog is already making a mark on Eugene foodies. Sitting a block away from the University of Oregon campus, Cluckin’ Dog is a Korean restaurant you can visit after a long day of classes. The restaurant is run by siblings Sai Pituk and Veerakarn Suebsang. They welcome every customer with a smile and warmhearted greeting. Stepping inside will have you feeling like you have entered a long-lost family member’s domicile, the cool aunt who plays K-pop. The chilled-out energy is palpable with wooden floors and tables giving the room a rustic feel with contrasting bright pops of red and yellow on the walls and windows. “I don’t really see it as customer service,” Pituk said. “We honestly treat everybody that comes in here like they’re coming into our home, like family, like one of our kids.” Pituk does it all. She greets customers, takes orders, cooks meals with her brother and checks in on how the meal is going. The OG Korn Dog, a Korean style corndog made with a flour mochi base and stuffed with cheese or a beef hotdog, and the Korean fried chicken doused in angry garlic sauce sit high on the customer favorites list. Another customer favorite is the Bumpy, an all-beef hotdog wrapped in potato cubes with the signature panko-mochi base batter, with cheddar powder dusted on top The spicy garlic sauce on the Korean fried chicken creates the right amount of spicy, sweet and savory. If the heat is too much to handle, you will find some relief with the chicken-mu, a pickled Korean radish featured on the side. The OG and the Angry corndog covered in Flamin’ Hot Cheeto dust are some of the most ordered items on the menu. The presentation and cheese pulls will leave you with a satisfied belly and social-media-worthy pictures for your Instagram feed.
Pituk describes the taste and texture of her corndogs as crunchy, chewy and sweet. “The number one thing about the corndog is the batter and then the protein after,” said Pituk. Clients familiar with American corndogs will appreciate the Korean twist to the popular American meal. One of the best things about Cluckin’ Dog is that it offers a chance to try something new for customers who may stay within the confines of their routine palate. “The food is still Western in a sense, but it has a strong Asian slant,” said Pituk. “It’s very approachable for folks who have not had Asian food at all.” According to Pituk, she feels she has been welcomed by the more diverse clientele base of Eugene compared to other cities in the state of Oregon. “In terms of the restaurant and food industry, I feel like it is more minority centric, actually. There are more minorities of my group in the food scene,” Pituk said. “From that perspective, it’s welcoming and familiar because a lot of us are minorities.” Putik has opened other restaurants in Oregon, most notably her flagship location of the Albany Cluckin’ Dog. “The fun thing is this is like my sixth restaurant I’ve opened in various locations around the country,” Putik said. “What’s fun for me is seeing how the regional tastes change.”
“It makes my heart sing that people are recognizing Asian food. And to take it a step further, they are craving Asian food.” Pituk said. Pituk is hoping to make a bigger footprint in the restaurant industry by franchising or opening Cluckin’ Dog locations in southern Washington and Medford, Ore. “The American palate has definitely changed within the last 20-25 years: extremely diversified and open to other tastes,” Pituk said. “It’s almost like the American palate is looking for something other than American flavors. Which is great. Cluckin’ Dog would like to come up as a franchise and fill that void. We want to be the next Dave’s Hot Chicken or the next McDonald’s… but Asian.”
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*Must be 21 years of age or older to consume Marijuana.
*Do not operate vehicles or heavy machinery under the influence of Marijuana. Keep out of reach of children.
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Written by Javay Frye-Nekrasova | Designed by Abigail Raike Sometimes a creative outlet is the perfect topping for a good high. Coloring is a prime high activity. It can keep you mellow, make you laugh and even add to the trip. Coloring is a low-effort activity, making it ideal for smoking regardless of whether you are smoking a hybrid, indica or sativa. To really make it a fun experience you are going to want to choose coloring books that are fun for you; they can speak to your inner child, your high humor or just be visually stimulating.
Coloring Books for Your Inner Child Connecting to your inner child while using cannabis can be a very common experience, so why not take advantage of that? Using coloring books designed for children can bring you back to the innocence and enjoyment of your youth. You can color in your favorite childhood characters or just go back to the basics of ABCs and 123s with a children’s coloring book. Your local dollar or discount store is a great place to go to find coloring books designed for children without breaking the bank. You can really lean into your inner child and go back to coloring outside the lines because there are no rules with coloring books and not being beholden to “rules” of coloring can make it a more stress-free experience.
Coloring Books that Appreciate Weed If you want to celebrate the good times you have with weed, grab yourself a weedthemed coloring book. The brand Wood Rocket makes a few different cannabisthemed coloring books to choose from online. Some combine different themes such as weed and horror, like their “Killer Buds” coloring book, while others are more focused on different aspects of cannabis like their “A Visit to the Cannabis Farm”.
Coloring Books to Kickstart Something Hot and Steamy Getting aroused after using cannabis can be quite easy for some people, but if you need some additional stimulation to get your mind in the mood and not just your body, coloring can help with that. Coloring can relax the mind, so coloring sexual drawings can relax the mind and get it into a sexy and aroused space. You can grab some sexy time coloring books in Eugene at As You Like It. If you are similar to Tina Belcher from “Bob’s Burgers,” they have an “All About Butts” coloring that would meet your fancy. If you want something that is more focused on the sexual experience and activity, the “Sex Position” coloring book might be just what you need.
Grab your crayons, markers or colored pencils, and let the creative high take you on a journey. There is no “right” way to color, so you can go wherever your heart and mind take you. Color people in different shades of green. Make weed nugs orange. Do whatever. The beauty of coloring as a high activity is that there are no real rules, you can do whatever your heart desires and go wherever the high takes you.
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BUDTENDER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT: BUDTENDER RICHARDFLORES FLORES RICHARD
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It is not just the green from the trees that Oregon is known for, but rather the specific green that gets everyone highly excited. Oregon, home of the Trail Blazers, was one of the quicker states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2014, and the Eugene cannabis market has some of the lowest prices for high quality weed. “Weed will sell itself,” said Richard Flores, a budtender at Apothca dispensary. “There’s little work that I have to do to get it out, but I take that little window to tell people that there’s a better product that may be healthier to take… one that they might not know about.” In the ever-evolving landscape of the cannabis market, dispensary shelves are filled with an assortment of possibilities for safe and responsible experimentation with cannabis. According to Flores, delta-8 THC has become more popular, as it comes in vape cartridges and edibles. delta-8 shows benefits against nausea, anxiety and pain, according to the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. However, as Alexandra Arnett reported in an article for Green Eugene in 2021, the process of isomerization may be producing unsafe byproducts that could be harmful to someone’s health. The majority of delta-8 on the market is made using isomerization, which is the chemical process of converting cannabinoid compositions into new configurations. These types of complexities or misinformation are key components to why budtenders’ roles in the industry are crucial. Flores is working on a project to provide digestible and visually appealing information to consumers. Younger consumers are more likely to get their cannabis knowledge from their friends or through previous experiences with outdated drug prevention programs and zero-tolerance policies, such as D.A.R.E., rather than real awareness campaigns that teach safety. Dispensaries increase cannabis awareness through employees informing customers about what is healthiest for the consumer when purchasing cannabis products. “I
Written by Lizzy S olorzan o Design ed Liz Blod by gett
EDUCATES CONSUMERS CONSUMERS EDUCATES THROUGH HIS COLLECTIBLE THROUGH HIS COLLECTIBLE CANNABIS CARDS CANNABIS CARDS
think there’s a lot of fun around weed and everyone wants to get high with their friends and have a good time,” Flores said. “That’s all fine and dandy, but also there’s a huge aspect of cannabis that is medicinal and can be more than beneficial, even life-changing to some.” The cannabis market is still relatively new, with recreational legalization of cannabis in Oregon starting in 2014. Various forms of cannabis are not federally legal and thus lack approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two common compounds in cannabis, but according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “The products being sold in dispensaries currently are not subject to Food and Drug Administration standards and are not purely isolated cannabinoids; they are therefore not reliable in their potency/concentration of CBD or THC, or the inclusion of other ingredients.” Flores decided to fill an opportunity in the market with The Vinyl Trap which creates collectible holographic vinyl sticker cards with information on different strains sold at Apothca. “This is a family business. Me, my dad and uncle get together to smoke and see what we can bring together,” Flores said. Similar to trading cards with mini graphic images, the stickers explain the effects and benefits in a digestible manner for those new to cannabis. He also sells them to other dispensaries to be sold to customers. Flores began designing the cards in 2022 and started with only 3 cards, but he recently completed an entire deck of 52. “I feel like it’s only right that they are given the chance to learn,” Flores said. The cards include information about different strain lineages, flavors and effects. Flores hopes the details on the stickers might influence someone to make the best choice for their specific needs or desires. “And it just looks cool.” Utilizing his expertise in various cannabis strains as a budtender, and experience as an artist, Flores works his magic to transform his knowledge into a collectible card. Flores takes his own photos of cannabis and Photoshops them with a design specific to its attributes. Flores’ passion for art makes the cards standout. For example,
19 his “Thug Life” card pays homage to Tupac, who can be seen in the background of the card. The “Horchata” card has the colors of the Mexican flag to represent its identity. The “Wesley’s Wish” card holds special significance for Flores, as it pays tribute to Wesley Howard, the older brother of the East Fork Cultivars Co-Founders Aaron and Nathan Howard. “Wesley’s Wish” is a CBD heavy strain that was created to highlight the medicinal side of cannabis. Born with Neurofibromatosis, Wesley Howard managed his symptoms with CBD until his sudden passing from complications. “When I researched a strain of cannabis flower that was given to me as a sample, I found this page about a young man who was an inspiration to his friends and family. After reading about Wesley, I wanted to create a sticker design that would be beautiful and inspiring, like Wesley. I kept it simple; a smile on a bright star, with bright beautiful colors to represent his family and the love they shared,” Flores said. According to Flores, he receives ample positive feedback from customers saying they learned a lot. He is commonly referred to as “The Sticker Guy.”
“A lot of people come in asking for a strain, curious about the genealogy behind that strain, to which I’ll just open my book and it’s right there,” Flores said, revealing his galaxypatterned card book of shimmering cards with vibrant graphics that come to life with each flip of the page. “This feels a lot more personal. We make that connection because I have that knowledge right here in my hands.” According to Flores, the most rewarding part of the process is seeing his sticker cards pasted around Eugene, such as on red newspaper boxes or pasted onto someone’s boat. Collectible informative stickers serve as an example for dispensaries to educate their consumers, and while it serves as a business opportunity, it is an opportunity teach responsibility around cannabis consumption. Many new consumers are ready to contribute to the market, and local dispensaries have an opportunity to educate and inform them about the benefits of certain cannabis products. Consumers can receive a personalized experience when they educate themselves on what benefits they’re striving for, and Flores is a great budtender that is happy to help kickstart that adventure. “The Sticker Guy” awaits at Apothca, ready to showcase his art and educate cannabis consumers. Card images courtesy of Richard Flores
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People &
Avi Knolla,
a UO student, poses for a portrait with his bong on Feb. 17, 2024.
Jeremy Mitaux,
a UO student, poses for a portrait with his bong on Feb. 17, 2024.
Their Glass
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Photographed by Alex Hernandez | Designed by Griffin Forti
Emilia Kok,
a UO student, poses for a portrait with her girlfriend’s bong on Feb. 13, 2024.
Evan Furukawa,
a UO student, poses for a portrait with his bong on Feb. 17, 2024.
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Art by Toney Hooks
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Hawaiian Dutch Here’s One for the Doers: A Strain for Doing Calming, Relaxing Activities Written By Javay Frye-Nekrasova | Designed By Eva Andrews The “nose knows” is a phrase I recently heard but absolutely believe. Knowing that my nose is a powerful tool, it is typically how I make choices about the cannabis I choose, and my nose did not disappoint with choosing the strain of the month. The strain that has me all in a tizzy, a positive tizzy that is, is Hawaiian Dutch. It is a sativa strain, developed by crossing the Dutch Treat and Hawaiian strains. This particular batch was grown by woman-owned farm Karmic Elevation Cannabis. Located in the Willamette Valley within the Chehalem Mountains, the mother-daughter duo, Heather and Hailey Heath, and their team operate the farm indoors. Currently, Hawaiian Dutch can be found at Terpene Station in Eugene, Oregon. If you are looking for a strain that smells fruity and fun, you don’t need to look any further. With a terpene profile including caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene, the first whiff notes tropical scents, like lemon and something exotic, maybe papaya or guava. The tasty smells do not disappoint when it is time to smoke this flower. The inhale is smooth as a fresh, cool glass of lemonade, and packs potency for a cerebally stimulating experience. It is also a very calming strain, making it a great choice for after a long day. While researching this strain, I found some recommendations for activities that pair well with this strain, which are perfect for creatives and students. Per Hytiva, it pairs well with arts and crafts, studying and exploring nature. If you have been looking for a strain that will be compatible with exploring your creative side, Hawaiian Dutch is bound to fuel your flow.
After smoking Hawaiian Dutch, I was ready to have all the conversations. Want to deep dive into the artistic masterpiece that is “Avatar: The Last Airbender”? Want to understand why math is math? Need to retell this life-changing, core memory from your childhood? With this strain, I am ready to get into all the different conversation topics. Though, this is just my experience. Everyone has an individualized experience with all weed strains, but if you want to give curiosity a chance, I highly recommend it.
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