Letter from the Editor
It’s Black History Month, I am the first Black woman editor of Green Eugene AND this is the BIPOC edition. *Turns on “Cowboy Carter”* It may not seem like much, but I promise you it means a lot to me. So, thank you for picking up this magazine. I am so proud of the work the team and I put into this issue and the stories that have been told.
At first glimpse, the cannabis industry is not a BIPOC-dominated industry; instead, it seems that there are few BIPOC voices and faces in this space. That isn’t necessarily the case, though. BIPOC communities have long histories and connections to cannabis and I feel that is important information to share. That was the goal of this issue — spotlight the folks who aren’t regularly at the forefront of cannabis.
I hope reading this issue provides you with new information, encourages some exploration, and reaffirms your appreciation of cannabis.
Yours in Blazed Solidarity,
Javay Frye-Nekrasova Editor-in-Chief
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+.
Publisher & President
Eric Henry ehenry@dailyemerald.com VP Operations Kathy Carbone kcarbone@dailyemerald.com Director of Sales Shelly Rondestvedt srondestvedt@dailyemerald.com
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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.
Editor-in-Chief
Javay Frye-Nekrasova
Lead Designer
Abigail Raike
Cover Photo
Javay Frye-Nekrasova
Writers
Andres Baisch
Savannah Brown
Jackson Buckley
Daphne Patrick
Zohar Wacks
Designers and Illustrators
Eva Andrews
Gabriela Martinez-Contreras
Ryan Ehrhart
Ava Klooster
Bella Lyon
Dewni Mirihana
Photographers
Javay Frye-Nekrasova
Student Sales Manager
Lola Tagwerker
Account Executives
Elliot Byrne
Cooper Gast
Nate Ghilarducci
Ysai Hong
Drug abuse is a repudiation of everything America is. The destructiveness and human wreckage mock our heritage,”
-Ronald Reagan, 1986 Public Address
with the Carter administration (who actually aimed to decriminalize cannabis), Ronald Reagan was elected in 1981 and was ready to come in full swing.
“Drug abuse is a repudiation of everything America is. The destructiveness and human wreckage mock our heritage,” Reagan said in a 1986 public address.
But before we get to him, let’s talk about
DARE and “Just Say No” also had funding for PSAs and they partnered with children’s television shows at the time to have anti-drug and alcohol messaging (this is why every 90s sitcom has the “peer pressure” episode with 13-year-olds drinking booze and smoking cigarettes in the middle school bathroom). This is where Pee Wee comes in. Again, in the
property seizure. He established criminal penalties for any amount of possession of a controlled substance, and he established that anyone under the age of 18 selling drugs will be tried and charged as an adult.
The most significant part of this act was that it created the 1-100 minimum sentencing policy for crack, which meant that anyone who was caught with, say, five grams of crack would serve five years in prison. Consequently, anyone with 500 grams of cocaine would serve five years in prison. To reiterate, cocaine was very expensive and associated with the rich, while crack was very cheap and associated with the Black and impoverished. The War on Drugs targeted small-time drug dealers in impoverished black communities. By the end of the 1980s, 1 in 4 Black males in their 20s was serving time or on parole. In 1995, that number increased to 1 in 3.
There is study after study that proves that DARE and Just Say No didn’t work, but this one from 2004 says it all: “Objectives. We provide an updated meta-analysis on the effectiveness of Project D.A.R.E. in preventing alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use among school-aged youths…Results. The overall weighted effect size for the included D.A.R.E. studies was extremely small… and nonsignificant.”
The crack epidemic died down by the end of the 1990s, and in 2001 — when DARE was implemented in 75% of US school districts — the surgeon general declared DARE ineffective. Who knew that a cartoon lion telling eight-year-olds all day what drugs are, how they make you feel, and that everybody thinks they’re cool wouldn’t stop kids from trying them later? Anyways, crack is whack.
Flower Frenzy:
By Ryan Ehrhart
Written by Daphne Patrick | Designed by Ryan Ehrhart
and creates a sparkly disco party on the walls, the way the sun pushes through the trees during the first few weeks of spring. Someone you see at the farmers market with a little skip in their step, a glimmer in their eye, making conversation and slinging flirty jokes to everyone they meet. You watch them and think, damn, I want whatever they’re having. No? Just me?
Well, if we are in the same boat, let me do you the favor of introducing you to that person in the form of a cannabis strain. Meet: Grand Master Sexy – smooth, relaxed, and full of that warm and bubbly confidence. Grand Master Sexy wants you to be your best self, outgoing and sociable and keyed into all the little moments happening around you.
Grand Master Sexy is an Indica Dominant Hybrid - 60% Indica/40% Sativa, created by crossing Oreoz and Scotty 2 Hotty, producing a flavorful pull that leaves you feeling lifted, giggly, and dare I say it… a little bit sexy! This strain is sweet and creamy and acts somewhat like a dessert. Perfect for evenings with company, this is not a “sit on the couch and zone out” kind of high but rather a chance to get into some delicious conversation and
find a new favorite, the unmistakable sweetness of Oreo Cookies punctuated by the aroma of diesel is surely to rise in your ranks. Not to mention, she’s gorgeous! Grand Master Sexy boasts a beautiful, bright green color and dense trichome coverage.
The effects of Grand Master Sexy have the power to shift the tones of the room into warm oranges and pinks, and my roommate even said that it made water taste absolutely delicious, “like drinking from the purest of springs in the world.” And folks, if that doesn't give you an idea of what this strain can do for you, I don't know what will!
Smoking this strain, you’ll feel a little more at ease, a little more connected, like you’ve finally found your groove. Your background music as you dance through the farmers market. Your beam of light that casts your shimmering mirrorball reflections onto the walls. It’s not about getting high; it’s about getting in the moment.
So, this month, we invite you to light up some Grand Master Sexy and let your inner sparkle radiate. We encourage you to try a little of what they're having, and who knows? You might just find yourself feeling as good as you look!
Strain of the Month
For those looking to find something new and get active during their high, here are four recommendations for Eugene residents.
Written by Jackson Buckley | Designed by Gabriela Martinez-Contreras
For a lot of people, getting high on some of that beautiful leaf is the perfect way to relax on a nice Sunday afternoon or a chill Thursday night with some friends. That is what the amazing thing about cannabis is: it's versatile. There is always an occasion to enjoy some tree no matter what the time or activity might be. Smoking is a perfect way to destress and relax without having to do much or go anywhere, but for those who like to get active with their high, here are a few ideas for your next high endeavor to try something new.
located near the Willamette River and the Washington Jefferson Street Bridge lies this oasis of a flower garden with a variety of 400 types of roses to see. The 8.5-acre park has been a part of the city since 1951 and has gradually accumulated more than 4,500 roses in total. It offers an easy looped trail on a gravel road, perfect for a nice stroll after you spark up. Or, if you would rather find a spot to sit, picnic tables are scattered around, along with a turf area and the nationally recognized Oregon Heritage Cherry Tree, which is believed to be the country’s oldest and largest breed. For a more hands-on experience for your high, the Owen Rose Garden has volunteer opportunities on Wednesdays and Fridays for locals to help out and learn some plant care.
Just
(Carson Colville/Emerald)
For those who are looking for a more challenging outdoor activity with a view that rewards your hard work, Spencer Butte is it. Just 12 minutes south of the UO campus, Spencer Butte has been a wellknown regional landmark for decades, and the butte attracts up to 300 visitors daily who climb to its 2,058-foot summit. The main trail offers a gradual 1.6-mile ascent, typically taking about an hour to complete, while the more challenging West Trail caters to experienced hikers. Both routes offer a great hike through the forest, with trees creating a canopy above you and surrounding you in nature. At the top, breathtaking views stretch across the Cascade Mountain Range, the Coast Range, the Willamette Valley, and even Autzen Stadium. If there's one hike everyone should experience, it's this one.
If your high is speaking to you more as an indoor night instead of an outdoor excursion, you should definitely check out Round1 for some arcade fun. At Round1, there is no shortage of games and attractions for you to try with something for everyone of all ages. Friends and family can enjoy their bowling lanes, numerous arcade games, karaoke, ping pong, and even billiards. Among their arcade games, you can find some classic older games along with newer games that are solely just from Japan, where Round1 originated from and expanded to the United States in 2008. For a little bit of friendly competition and some good food and drinks with some friends, this is a perfect choice for a group night out. To end the night, you can always pop right next door to the Regal Valley River Center to catch a movie.
For this last pick, you can’t go wrong with a handson experience, cool things to look at, and the ability to learn something new. Visiting a museum is an underrated experience that everyone should try at some point in their stoner lives. In Eugene, there are two great options. First, there is the Oregon Air and Space Museum, which opened in 1991 and has amazing aircraft and artifacts of aviation, showcasing the history and technology of air and space. Second is the Eugene Science Center, which focuses on topics like physics, astronomy, engineering and environmental science. The museum offers interactive exhibits, STEM programs, live demonstrations, and a planetarium, which is often the highlight of the visit. Whether you're fascinated by aviation history or eager to learn the natural sciences while baked, these museums offer the perfect blend of entertainment and education for your high.
The Power of Cannabis:
Medicine, Music, and Community Within Simply Sol Farm
Written and Photographed by Javay Frye-Nekrasova | Designed by Abigail Raike
The main reason we started Simply Sol was we wanted to be growing quality herbs and medicine.”
-Travis Bond, Simply Sol Farms
Cannabis is a powerful plant. It has a multitude of uses: it inspires, it connects, and it heals. The power of cannabis and all its potential is at the heart of BIPOCowned farm Simply Sol. Simply Sol is a farm owned by Logan Brown and Travis Bond that focuses on hemp farming, focusing on CBD rather than THC. Logan and Travis both value and understand the versatile power of cannabis as a medicine, as a source of inspiration, and as a way of connecting and building community, which are all major components of their story as a couple and as the owners of Simply Sol.
Brown and Bond met at a concert through mutual friends years ago and quickly saw that music was a huge interest they shared. “We sort of fell in love over our love of music,” Brown shared as they told their love story. It was quickly discovered that music wasn’t the only thing they had in common. As they continued getting to know each other, they learned that they loved plants. Brown was working on a herbalism apprenticeship, while Bond had been working and living on a farm for a while. As their relationship developed they began working on different farms together while having the dream of having their own farm one day. The journey wasn’t easy, but they eventually turned that dream into reality when they purchased the property that is now home to Simply Sol in Molalla, Oregon.
Bond offered more detail on their why, saying, “The main reason we started Simply Sol was we wanted to be growing quality herbs and medicine.” This focus on medicine is what sets Simply Sol apart from other farms in the cannabis
industry — the focus on CBD for its medicinal properties and uses. Brown detailed how “for us, we wanted to grow real medicine,” which is why Simply Sol specializes in CBD and has diverse product offerings, including smokeable flower, topical salves, tinctures, and gummies. This choice to focus on CBD came about by seeing that the cannabis industry was lacking in the CBD realm, with most of the industry being about THC. Brown and Bond intentionally grow and cultivate medicine, a cannabinoid medicine that is more accessible to people.
This prioritization of helping and caring for people through cannabis is deeply woven into Simply Sol in so many other ways than just the CBD. Brown and Bond pride themselves on the community they have built and continue to build, which is especially important as BIPOC cannabis farmers. At first glance, the cannabis industry can seem like a very white industry which impacts the experience for BIPOC consumers and growers, but Brown and Bond shared that if you dig a little deeper, there is a large BIPOC presence, but more specifically Black presence in the cannabis industry here in Oregon.
Very early into starting their farm the two researched and looked for farms and businesses run by other BIPOC folks and quickly discovered there was a network of Black folks in the industry to build community with. Bond expressed that reaching out to different Black owned farms “was a really big benefit for us, just feeling like supported and held.”
The support they have found being in community with other Black farmers is something that they want to continue with Simply Sol by growing what the farm offers not just to be CBD but also opportunities for the community to come and learn how to farm, to provide a space for art and joy, and so much more. “I want to be farming like, community connectiveness,” Bond exclaimed when discussing his hopes and dreams for Simply Sol’s future. The pair would love to open the farm to provide workshops to the community around farming, and cannabis as a medicine and to support music.
Music has been integral for the two, and they want that to be a part of the Simply Sol farm. “[Music] shaped our life a lot, like, where we met, and so, being able to, like, provide a space for people to do that [create and enjoy music],” expressed Bond. As folks who create music through their project Living Roots, the two would love to open the farm for a small music festival one day. They value the role that cannabis plays in music very much. “I get a lot of inspiration just from being out and working with plants. Cannabis, specifically, is like, super reactive to music, too, like singing to a cannabis plant, or making music with a cannabis plant…there's something about cannabis and music that just, they are made for each other,” shared Bond. Bond’s sentiments were reaffirmed by Brown who said, “music is medicine, and we're medicine people, yeah? So we've got to do it all.”
Through Simply Sol, Brown and Bond are intentionally using cannabis to heal, inspire, and connect people in ways that aren’t regularly prioritized or celebrated within the larger cannabis industry. The pair are actively working to educate and celebrate the power of cannabis outside of just its high-producing effects. Simply Sol is more than just cannabis, and Brown best described the pair and the farm when she said, “medicine is medicine, music is medicine, cannabis is medicine.”
Medicine is medicine, music is medicine, cannabis is medicine."
-Logan Brown, Simply Sol Farms
Daquon Buckhannon
Written and Photographed by Javay Frye-Nekrasova | Designed by Eva Andrews
Do you ever just interact with someone and then think about how cool they would be to be friends with? That is how I felt when I first met Daquon Buckhannon of Holy Grail. We met back in October of 2024 when I came in to get some flower. I went with Daquon’s recommendation of Melted Strawberries, and it did not disappoint.
I knew after the interaction in the dispensary with him and his excellent recommendation that I needed to be friends with him.
just anything, it’s just gonna be, man, this Martin Luther King, and he gonna, that’s that I have a dream voice crazy in here right now. So I would say MLK for sure. And Bernie Mac.
What’s your go-to show to watch when you’re high?
Daquon is originally from Texas and has been using cannabis for years and had the goal of being in the cannabis industry and portraying Black men in a good light with cannabis by doing it legally. “So for me, it was just like, how do we get into this door, into this room where I can just open the door for everybody else who wants to get in,” he shared. His goal of wanting to show Black men in cannabis in a good light, his personality, and his love for cannabis absolutely solidified my guess of him being someone I needed to get
If you need proof that Daquon passes the vibe check as someone you want to be friends with, enjoy this Q&A.
I really like Atlanta. I like putting that show on when I’m high because it gives me different perspectives. Every episode I watch. It’s kind of like, damn. I didn’t even look at it like that. And then years past, I’ll go back and watch like, “Oh, that’s what they was trying to get across.” And I watched it again, like, “Oh, damn, this is crazy.”
Are you more of an Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?
Budtender Spotlight
Snoop, Wiz, and Curren$y. I seen the way Snoop smokes, I want to smoke like that. Wiz smokes like Snoop, and Curren$y smokes like both of them.
Okay, since it’s Black History Month, who would be your Black historical figures blunt
I definitely want to smoke with Martin, for sure. That’s, uh, I’m gonna call him my boy, Martin, Martin, yo, because listen, because you know that voice high I know, talking about anything,
I used to be a heavy indica smoker, but smoking indica for so long I’m starting to think my body is starting to get used to it. So now I’m all over the board. I’ll smoke sativas. I’ll smoke hybrids because I think at the end of the day, they cross everything. So, most all of it is about finding your right terpenes. So I’m just trying to find my right terpene.
As a budtender, Daquon is an incredible guide for folks, whether they are new to cannabis or are experienced users looking to expand their world. He can lead people where they want to go on their journey. He passes the vibe check, having you feel like you’re just kicking it with a friend, making the cannabis shopping experience one of the most enjoyable things you can do. If you are looking to explore more cannabis and want someone to help you on that journey, I highly recommend visiting Holy Grail Pharms to have Daquon help you out.
From Muggles to Reefer Man
When Marijuana First Appeared in Music
Written by Savannah Brown | Designed by Abigail Raike
In today’s music world, cannabis easily tops the charts. We all know that drug references appear frequently in popular music, but through just a quick skim of studies done on the subject or scrolling through lyrics in contemporary hits, it becomes so apparent that cannabis is the most name-dropped of all the uplifting substances (save for alcohol). Whether we’re talking about the ‘90s, where Sublime’s Bradley Nowell proudly proclaimed, “I don’t get angry when my mom smokes pot,” or the 2000s, when Afroman told us about all of the things he would have done if he didn’t get high, or even the 2010s when Snoop Dogg and
Wiz Khalifa declared that smoking weed and going out is fun — making music about cannabis is timeless. Heck, even at the time of writing this, the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 is “4x4” by Travis Scott. It’s a song that mentions many other drugs, but Scott still takes time to talk about his top-tier reefer, “Got plenty of zaza, we takin' 'em high/He wanna just smoke with La Flame/but don't wanna hotbox (It's lit).”
One 2017 study determined that country music has claimed weed more than any other genre, and the mainstream use of the term fired up through 1960s
Louis Armstrong Muggles (1928)
Louis Armstrong, the famous jazz trumpeter and singer of “What a Wonderful World,” was well known to be a cannabis smoker. “We always looked at pot as a sort of medicine, a cheap drunk and with much better thoughts than one that's full of liquor,” Armstrong said to a biographer in 1970. In 1931, he was one of the first celebrities ever to get arrested for cannabis possession when, during the intermission of one of his shows, he and another musician (Vic Berton, a top Hollywood drummer) were caught smoking joints outside of the famous New York jazz hangout, the Cotton Club. Though he was sentenced to 30 days, he only served nine in the Los Angeles County Downtown Jail before being released and making friends with his arresting officers, who were huge fans of his. In 1954, after his wife was arrested for possession (that has been speculated to be his stash), Armstrong wrote a letter to his
psychedelia, cannabis undeniably has a huge home in Black music. In terms of the history of drug references in music, cannabis is a staple of lyrics and themes in Blues, Jazz, Reggae, and Hip Hop. All of those genres started discussions about and acknowledged the substance long before any other genre hopped on.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that some of the first mentions of cannabis in music were from some of the most legendary Black musicians of all time, almost 100 years ago.
manager, requesting that he “must see to it that I get special permission to smoke all the reefers that I want to, when I want to, or I will just have to put this horn down, that’s all. It can be done. Nothing’s impossible, man.” After years of dealing with the hassles of it all, he eventually had to retire the “gage," as he called it. “With the penalties that came, I, for one, had to put it down, though the respect for it will stay with me forever. I have every reason to say these words and am proud to say them. From experience.”
He released his song “Muggles” a couple of years before he served time. It’s an instrumental jazz tune named for a 1920s slang term for cannabis. Not only was Armstrong the first famous musical artist to get put arrested for cannabis, but he was also the first one to allude to it in his music.
Cab Calloway
Have You Ever Met That Funny Reefer Man (1932)
Unlike Armstrong’s avid, rampant, and even endearing love for the plant, the first spoken (sung) allusion to cannabis was performed by an artist who was not as kind. Cab Calloway was a very famous jazz and swing musician of the 1920s and 1930s. He was known for his wild dance moves, distinctive scatting, and being the first Black person to have a syndicated radio show. His top music is in the Library of Congress and the Grammy Hall of Fame, but one of his lessknown classic songs is “Have You Ever Met That Funny Reefer Man,” a rather bizarre number that describes — well — a man who smokes reefer, and all of the funny things the wacky tobacky makes him do. Information on whether Calloway ever partook or always abstained is contradictory.
Still, cannabis journalist Steve Bloom alleges that Calloway told him in 1988 that he would fire any of his bandmates that he ever found high. “The Reefer Man” song begins with a conversation between Calloway and another that goes like this:
"Man, what's the matter with that cat there?"
"Must be full of reefer"
"Full of reefer?!"
"Yeah, man."
"You mean that cat’s high?!"
"Sailing"
Calloway then sings about how the Reefer Man “trades you dimes for nickels/and calls watermelons pickles,” and “If he takes a sudden mania/he'll want to give you Pennsylvania.”
Stuff Smith
You’se a Viper (The Reefer Song) (1936)
Stuff Smith was a preeminent violinist of the swing era, who is most known for his song “You’se a Viper.” Back in the day, “Viper” was a Harlem slang word for a stoner. Louis Armstrong said in 1970, “We did call ourselves Vipers, which could have been anybody from all walks of life that smoked and respected gage. That was our cute little name for marijuana, and it was a misdemeanor in those days. Much different from
Ella Fitzgerald
When I Get Low, I Get High (1937)
By this time, weed had been talked about in American jazz and big band a relative amount, with both big bops and the occasional sleeper hit. Ella Fitzgerald was a prominent jazz singer known as “The First Lady of Song” for her golden voice and angelic image. However, early on in her career, she wrote two songs that flirted with the drug world. “Wacky Dust,” which was released a year after “When I Get Low, I Get High,” was a warning song about the dangers of cocaine and was released as a B-Side, slipping into oblivion as her song “A Tisket-A Tasket” grew in popularity. She had a girl next door reputation that did not involve drugs, alcohol, or smoking, so it appears unlikely that she used any of those. While the song “When I Get Low, I Get High” does not explicitly name marijuana as the drug of choice here, it is widely speculated in the drug-music world that this song is about just that. If it is,
the pressure and charges the law lays on a guy who smokes pot.” You’se a Viper is a fun song that Smith sings in a goofy, shrill voice about being a stoner. “I dreamed about a reefer 5 feet long/ Mighty miff and not too strong/You'll be high but not for long/If you a viper.” Originally released as a B-Side, it is one of the most covered songs about marijuana to date.
Fitzgerald would be one of the first women to sing about marijuana. Each verse of the song outlines life struggles and the subsequent nonchalant remedy of “getting high.” The Addiction Technology Transfer describes the song as one that “eloquently summarizes the medicinal role alcohol and other drugs have played for African Americans experiencing oppression, isolation, and depression.” Whether the three-verse song with simple lyrics truly tackles that many subjects and metaphors is unconfirmed. However, with lyrics such as “All this hard luck in this town has found me/Nobody knows 'bout troubles all 'round and 'round me/Oh, I'm all alone, with no one to pet me/That old rocking chair ain't never gonna get me/'Cause when I get low/Oh, I get high,” it’s easy to see why this ended up being such a staple in the early world of reefer songs.’”
Spot the Difference
Illustrated by Ava Klooster
N ative Growers and Federal Strong-Arming
Written by Zohar Wacks
Designed and Illustrated by Dew Mirihana
Indigenous law is complicated; various reservations and nations are all recognized differently, at different times, by different laws. They don’t all have the same rights, and there are plenty of cases of multiple independent nations living on the same reservation. Generally, they are considered independent from state governments but subject to federal law. They operate like states with their own courts and legislators but don’t have the privileges of statehood. What does this mean for cannabis regulation?
In 2013, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a memo outlining how the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other parts of the DOJ should enforce federal cannabis laws; it came to be known as “The Cole Memorandum.” The memo highlights that cannabis enforcement has traditionally been the purview of individual states and announces that cannabis enforcement is not going to be a priority for the DOJ. While this isn’t a concrete law or policy of non-enforcement, most took this to mean that the DOJ won’t prosecute possession of marijuana, with exceptions like minors in possession and violent crimes involving cannabis.
The Cole Memorandum focused on the relationships between the federal government and individual states, leaving open questions about legal bodies like Indigenous nations, territories, and Washington D.C. 15 months after the Cole Memorandum, the DOJ released a memo titled “Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country,” essentially stating that federal cannabis laws aren’t worth enforcing in Indigenous nations. The Statement raised concern amongst some Indigenous law experts, seeing as there was no formal promise, only a statement of enforcement prioritization.
Less than a year later, in 2015, the DOJ raided a growing facility on reservation land in northern California called XL Ranch. Officials listed the probable cause as enough cannabis was being grown and processed on the property to suggest it was being sold outside of the reservation. This set a precedent that led to the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe burning their cannabis crop after discussions with the DOJ, where they were informed of a possible raid. DOJ representative Tim Purdon reported that the department did not say a raid was “imminent,” stating a threat was not made to the Sioux growers. The Sioux’s cannabis project was estimated to bring in a $2 million monthly profit.
The first Trump administration was marked by a high turnover in the federal administration, including seven Attorneys General. Only one of the Trump appointees lasted more than a year, so the ones that wanted to crack down on cannabis didn’t have the time to before they were replaced. The Biden administration appointed Merrick Garland with a generally hands-off approach that was in line with the Cole Memorandum. This eight-year administrative period is marked by the formation of a status quo of non-enforcement of cannabis laws by the DOJ, but the new Attorney General might put an end to that.
On February 6 this year, Pam Bondi was appointed Attorney General of the United States by President Trump, and she has a long anti-cannabis policy record. Over multiple years serving as Florida’s Attorney General, she publicly opposed cannabis legalization, including for medical use. With six Indigenous nations having legalized cannabis, they would serve as a perfect testing ground should Bondi decide to go after legal cannabis. Indigenous nations are not states and are vulnerable to federal strongarming because of this, as well as their
relatively small populations. Cannabis has been established as a legitimate source of wealth in these nations, and they do not have adequate defenses should the DOJ decide to go after them.
Indigenous Nations have historically been the DOJ’s punching bag whenever they want to test a new set of policies. It is a fair prediction that Natives will be Pam Bondi’s first target. Typically, when you want to support a community, you support them financially, but seeing as no Oregon reservations have legalized cannabis and selling across state lines is illegal, an alternative way to support Indigenous nations within the cannabis industry is by making a public comment by calling the DOJ comment line at 202-353-1555 and tell them to respect Indigenous sovereignty.
to Diversify Your Palate
Written by Andres Baisch | Designed by Bella Lyon
Photos by Javay Frye-Nekrasova
From the islands of Japan to the beaches of the Mediterranean, cultural flair is embedded in some awesome Eugene fast-casual restaurants. These four Eugene restaurants are perfect for grabbing a bite with friends to relax and get through the darkness that is winter term.
SuBo Sushi Burritos
I swung into SuBo after running a few errands. Conveniently, I was the only one in the restaurant, given that it was just after 2 p.m. on a Tuesday. SuBo is operated by owners Toby Helms and Abigail Kasel, who aim to serve a quality, healthy alternative to typical fast-casual food joints. I had never had a sushi burrito before, so I was a little worried about getting a roll that would fall apart quickly.
What I got was a pleasant meeting of my expectations, which was wanting a wrap that didn’t make me feel like taking a nap afterward. I wouldn’t have the full experience of eating at a Sushi restaurant without getting some sides and appetizers.
To start, I had some edamame and pork gyoza, which were wonderful vessels to try out each dipping sauce SuBo offers. The sweet and sour sauce, spicy mayo, and sweet soy sauce each added a unique flavor to the gyoza. Because of that, each bite of my classic #2 burrito (with shrimp tempura and surimi crab) was doused with each one of the dipping sauces. What surprised me the most was the sweet soy sauce, which has that thicker consistency of teriyaki sauce but with the tanginess of soy sauce.
The gyoza isn’t just a meager appetizer, either. The crust had a balanced level of crispiness with a soft inside. The Philly Roll, which comes with fresh salmon, cream cheese, and shrimp tempura, was tightly packed and held together surprisingly well. A healthy dosage of sweet soy sauce complemented the Philly Roll best.
So, if you’re running errands around South Eugene, you must try SuBo. It’s great for all levels of sushi enthusiasts, and its menu includes classics like California roll wraps and the uniquely SuBo Black Widow and Lucky Cat burritos.
Albee’s Authentic
NY Gyros
Albee’s has two locations in town — one on West 11th and the other on West 18th. Albee’s is a great place to pick up a quick bite at a reasonably affordable price. For just under $10, you can get a decently sized gyro pita.
The classic gyro pita contains Albee’s signature lamb and beef blend with lettuce, tomato, onions, olives, feta, and tzatziki, all wrapped in warm pita bread. One of my main gripes with gyros is how salty the lamb or beef tastes. Luckily, Albee’s lamb and beef blend is the perfect level of salty and tender. When I make gyros, I don’t load them up with all the fix-ins that Albee’s does, but the olives, onions, and tomatoes add a cool sensation to offset the beef and lamb. Even if you don’t like Feta Cheese like me, it gives the gyro the New York authenticity they’re going for.
Albee’s has the true spirit of a classic New York City hole-in-the-wall, fastcasual joint. There isn’t much room inside, but the gyros are prepared quickly to get you on your way. It doesn’t hurt that you’re given a punch card, so if you go enough times, you can get a free gyro. The menu also has only one variation of the classic gyro pita, which is a falafel substitute.
Albee’s also has a New York hot dog with ketchup, yellow mustard, brown mustard, mayo, cheese, jalapenos, sauerkraut, onions and bacon bits. For just $7.50, Albee’s has a gyllies cheesesteak, which is a Greek take on the Philly cheesesteak. The gyllies cheesesteak marinates the lamb and beef meat in Au-Jus sauce, served with green peppers, cheese, and onions on a warm bun. I was a bit skeptical at first, but the lamb from the classic gyro blend is complimented by the peppers and onions. Get the cheesesteak if you don’t mind a little bit of a mess.
Albee’s is the perfect hole-in-the-wall spot that won’t break the bank. I know
the punch card will definitely have me coming back in the next couple of weeks.
Za Cart Pizza
Za Cart Pizza is the spot I’d recommend if you have the most extreme case of the munchies. Huge portion sizes, lots of toppings, and generous servings of ranch make Za Cart the perfect munchie meal. If you’re craving something that will just zap your munchies, Za Cart is perfect for sharing among friends on a Sunday night to cap off the weekend.
I had the pleasure of sampling the classic pepperoni pizza and the meat lovers pizza. The meat lovers pie includes bacon bits and ham. If you get Za Cart, come prepped with a healthy serving of napkins. That said, Za Cart’s pies are worth the mess.
Tacos Mex
Out in the Whiteaker, Tacos Mex might seem hard to find, but in my opinion, this is one of Eugene’s best taquerias. Growing up in a Mexican family, my childhood was defined by the various dishes of tacos, sopes, and enchiladas my Mom and Grandma would make. Not only does Tacos Mex have killer street tacos and burritos, but they also specialize in having Eugene’s best options for all things Birria.
If you’re not familiar with Birria, it is a Mexican meat stew of either goat or beef cooked in broth and spices. The meat is often served in tacos or in various forms of tortilla. At Tacos Mex, you can order the classic Quesabirria, which comes with two tacos and a side of broth, or you can go for Tacos Mex’s most popular item, the Quesapizza. A Quesapizza is what it sounds like, a pizza-shaped, and sliced piece of Quesabirra.
The Quesapizza is a great meal to share with friends in really any social
setting. For $27, you get a pizza from our friends south of the border. The flour tortilla comes with cheese, onion, cilantro, and sour cream. The dish is so juicy that it comes with two sides of consommé, which is the broth that, when dipped, enhances the flavor of the birria.
I remember, during my freshmen year, seeing a Snapchat story about Quesapizza and wanting to know where it came from. The dish is so good my own friends gatekept it from me, saying that it was too good to be leaked.
Looking for something maybe a little less messy? Grab an order of the birria fries topped with cheese, sour cream, onion, and cilantro.
You really can’t go wrong with anything from Tacos Mex. If you grew up with really good Taquerias around, like in Southern California or the Bay Area, this taqueria nestled away in the shadows of Eugene will remind you of home.
So, if you’re looking for a new restaurant to try or maybe just a new dish, check out these Eugene fastcasual restaurants. They won’t break the bank and are best shared with friends and good company.
