June 2022
HIGH PRIDE greeneugene.com
Green Eugene | June 2022 1
Letter
from the
When we first started Green Eugene, the founding team had no idea what would come in the long run—if it survived that long in the first place. What does Green Eugene mean? Creating space for cannabis content in a student-run organization was a sensitive, if not entirely crazy, endeavor that many raised their eyebrows about. What would come out of this new project? Now, five years later since The Beginnings Edition hit the streets and Green Eugene was unleashed upon the world, we know exactly what this magazine stands for. Green Eugene stands for community. Acceptance. Connectivity. Innovation. The radical breaking of barriers and expectations. Friendship. Empathy. Curiosity. Celebrating and investigating the unconventional and the unorthodox. Green Eugene is about love. With the High Pride Edition, we are closing out the year with a celebration of the unique and vibrant personalities and presences that help shape not only the cannabis community, but that of all of the spaces we interact with every day. The intersections of cannabis and queerness create intricate paths throughout the industries and communities of both— some more visible than others—and what better time to focus on the LGBTQ+ crowd than during our very own Pride Month. We’re highlighting the people and places that are paving the way in Eugene and surrounding areas for safe, welcoming spaces that champion everyone and their identity. This issue is about emphasizing the relationships, acceptance and love that has bloomed out of the spaces we worked so hard to create. Working on Green Eugene with such an incredibly talented group of people over the last five years has been the absolute highlight of my college experience. I have never been so singularly proud, amazed and honored to be associated with a publication and the individuals who work on it, both behind the scenes and in the limelight. Thank you to my team of journalists, designers and professionals who help bring life into each edition. Green Eugene would not exist today without your passion, commitment and love for what we do. It goes without saying, but I could not have done any of it without you. You truly are the magic behind the magazine. Thank you to the individuals who have supported me in this journey, even when the road was rough. Thank you for holding each magazine we create with the same sense of awe and appreciation that I do. Thank you for believing in this venture with me. My time with Green Eugene has been an honor. Thank you so much for having me. Stay safe out there, and for my final sign off — stay happy, and stay groovy. I love you all.
2 Green Eugene | June 2022
Editor
STAFF
President And Publisher Bill Kunerth
Director of Sales & Digital Marketing Shelly Rondestvedt
Editor In Chief
Photographers
Skyla Patton
Alice Yeager
VP of Operations
Creative Director
Gustavo Del Real Figueroa
Kathy Carbone
Sam Rudkin
Writers
Megan McEntee
Mackenzie Larsen
Designers
Annie McVay
Alexa Brown
Emily Fox
Student Sales Manager
Lily Brennan
Patrick McCumber
Lauren Leone
Ben Jensen
Gino Savaria
Giullian Galindo
Account Executives
Maya Merrill
Riley Valle
Makenna Lloyd
Amy Menendez
Alice Yeager Kaylynn Wohl
Cover photo taken by
Lily Brennan
Gustavo Del Real Figueroa
Keaton Roberts
Annie McVay
Kevin Sullivan
Megan McEntee
Melanie Lopez
published by Emerald Media Group | 1395 University St. Suite 302 | Eugene, OR 97403 Thank you for reading Green Eugene. Please note that our publication and site spotlights content about substances that are illegal under federal law and under state law as well 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.
greeneugene.com
Green Eugene | June 2022 3
4 Green Eugene | June 2022
STRAIN OF THE MONTH
LGBT WRITTEN BY MAC LARSEN
I
n this issue, I’m recommending the aptly named strain LGBT for our strain of the month. LGBT is about as hybrid as a strain can get with a four-way combination making up the L-G-B-T name: Lemon Grape Bubba Temple. LGBT crosses Lemon OG Haze with Temple Kush leading to a particularly energizing hybrid. Highly potent with a cannabinoid average of 28% THC, LGBT is great for casual and seasoned smokers alike. Last issue, I was able to use this column to write about my love of the Grateful Dead and the spirit of 420. In this issue, I’ll take a moment to highlight how fellow cannabis-consumers can work as allies for the Queer and Trans community. As I’m sure you may know, legislation like Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” bill can cause very real harm to the LGBTQIA community. The bill, which is better known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, is an attack not only on literal rights but also all Americans who believe in social justice and civil rights. The cannabis industry would not thrive and exist without the LGBTQIA community, especially in Oregon, and as allies we should all stand firmly by these communities. While the strain LGBT may hit the nail right on the head when it comes to the June SOTM, this issue is an opportunity to invite smokers to think about who is included and excluded from the cannabis industry—and how, like many industries, cannabis is rife with inequity. I implore every reader to make their voices heard with the dispensaries and brands they participate with to take stand against hateful legislation like Florida’s “Dont Say Gay” bill.
HYBRID THC - 28% avg.
Now back to the strain LGBT which, for the record, is a perfect strain to consume while thinking about actionable ways to make a difference. The strain’s dominant terpene Myrcene is the common source of the familiar hoppy, dank scent we all know and love. The combination of strains, however, leads LGBT to be a far tastier and fragrant strain than most. Recalling the L of LGBT, there is a distinctly lemony and citrus-forward flavor. Judging the effects of a hybrid is dubious at best, with each person bringing their own particular preferences and chemistry to the table. Leafly reports the top effects of LGBT as “tingly” and “uplifting” while I found the strain to be highly productive; if consumed conservatively, it can leave the smoker with plenty of energy to tick a few items off of a weekend to-do list.
TOP EFFECT - Tingly & uplifting FLAVOR - Lemon & citrus
greeneugene.com
Green Eugene | June 2022 5
PRIDE OF THE
PARTY WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNIE MCVAY
I
was lucky enough to check out The 13 Club event Stra-Den productions held at the Hippie Museum, Eugene’s own cannabisfriendly club. I had the pleasure of interviewing Sapphire Strange, one of the founders, as well as Sad Boi Bae and DJ Padfuqq, DJs who played that night and are part of the LGBTQ community.
Q: How do your cannabis and LGBTQ experiences intersect?
Sapphire Strange: Usually, there are
drinks, cannabis, all of it. It kind of rolls together. I’m very much in my core group of friends, and it’s pretty easygoing and diverse. Even though one of my best friends is a gay man and I’m bisexual, it has never dawned on me that it is a cannabis and LGBTQ experience!
Sad Boi Bae: When I think about where
those things intersect for me, being queer has been a part of my culture for my whole life. But cannabis, not very much. My mom’s a drug and alcohol counselor. So there was a lot of separation between cannabis and LGBTQ cultures. It’s almost like a coming-of-age story. I choose to have that as part of my identity. I kind of hold it in the same regard as to how I feel about my sexuality. It’s okay to feel good by having certain things, and I feel that my sexuality goes hand in hand with cannabis.
DJ Padfuqq: It’s a social aspect for me.
I love to go out and meet new people. Cannabis is a good icebreaker for me. It helps relax me because I’m a very socially anxious person. It’s a way for me to calm down and get out of that mindset and meet new people. You know, especially growing up in a place where it’s illegal. It’s refreshing to move to a place where
6 Green Eugene | June 2022
you could just go outside and smoke a joint. No one’s gonna look at you funny. If anything, it’s a conversation starter.
Q: What is your experience with the LGBTQ entertainment scene in Eugene?
Sapphire Strange: As a female DJ, it’s a
little bit different. The people I personally work with are a little bit different. I run into females who are non-binary, pansexual, bisexual, or lesbian. The DJ scene still has a lot of cisgender, straight men. I love the burlesque we have at John Henry’s. The performers there are every shape, size, background, gender identity. It’s really great. I find gender and sexuality often not talked about in the DJ world as much.
Sad Boi Bae: I think we need our own
club. I really do. To be honest, I think Spectrum and Wayward Lamb are more niche towards transgender folks and not necessarily gender identifying. At least that’s what I perceived as an outside perspective patron of the nightclub scene downtown. So I just wish we had a spot for all of us. COVID kind of changed everything. Eugene just needs a little bit of a facelift and a fresh idea.
DJ Padfuqq: Playing shows in this scene is the most organized, coordinated, beautiful mess I’ve ever been into. Because it’s planned out, but then you
get there, and nothing goes to plan. You have to make sure you’re good at working on super last-minute things on the fly. I just love all the creative people that show up. I love all the light toys, the art form. It’s like an art form all on its own. You have to definitely practice a lot for them to go well.
Q: What advice do you have for readers who want to be a better ally?
Sapphire Strange: Because of my
experience of being bisexual and having a hetero-typical relationship, I feel very rejected in some places. People see me with my spouse, and they say, “you’re just experimenting” or “you’re just having fun.” People do not feel that I’m valid. If somebody says they are LGBTQ, just give them support, no matter where somebody is. It’s not your job to tell them where they are.
Sad Boi Bae: Don’t be afraid to ask
us questions if you’re confused about who you think we are. Be comfortable answering questions with each other. There’s not really a lot that you can’t resolve or work through with somebody if you’re willing to just ask questions and be open about what they’re going to say.
DJ Padfuqq: Just be yourself. You know, don’t judge people. Hear them out and be yourself and accept people for who
they are. That’s really all you have to do. It’s not hard to impress us. It’s not hard to be our friend. Be good to other people. That’s all we really ask for.
Q: Where do you identify in the LGBTQ community?
Sapphire Strange: I would find myself to be bisexual.
Sad Boi Bae: I was raised by a lesbian,
so I went to pride growing up. I definitely had drag queens as for uncles. It has definitely been a part of my culture, lifestyle, and family forever. I’m the friend that everybody comes out to because I’m comfortable. As a grown-up and professional, and as somebody who strives to be an icon, it’s really important that my DJ work also shows that. That’s why my DJ name is kind of androgynous. Fits both sides of the spectrum and makes you question, “is that a boy? Is that a girl?” It’s something that is a part of my everyday life.
DJ Padfuqq: I am a pansexual polyamorous person.
Q: What was your experience in finding out your sexuality?
Sapphire Strange: I’ve always found
ladies to be pretty, and I am married to a
man. We got married young, at 17. I have a very supportive partner because I’ve expressed feelings as we went on through our marriage. And for him, he was very okay with letting me experiment with that kind of thing. And it only grew our trust and love for each other, but it also helped me figure out where I’m at. I’m very grateful for the experience.
Sad Boi Bae: Growing up, everyone
called me he because I had really short hair. I didn’t want to have long hair growing up. People assumed I was a boy, and I just stuck with it. And then I kind of grew into what my body was just like, you know, hormones. It feels different to act like a woman sometimes. It all just feels like drag anyways.
DJ Padfuqq: When I was younger,
I’d always found myself attracted to women. I thought I was a lesbian for a long time, and even my mom was like, “Honey, from the moment you had gotten hormones, I knew you weren’t going to be straight.” She was like, you always gave more attention to the female waitresses than you did the men—that’s what gave it away. Then for a while, I thought I was bisexual. Then I discovered pansexual, which includes non-binary and trans. And that one has just been a perfect fit for me because I really don’t care about what your gender is. I care about the person.
Sapphire Strange greeneugene.com
Do you know someone who’s an entertainer in the LGBTQ scene you’d like to celebrate? Feel free to post on our socials!
DJ Padfuqq Sad Boi Bae
Green Eugene | June 2022 7
Queer
Stoner
STARTER PACK Written By Lily Brennan Artwork
L
et me bring you back to 2014. You’re to log in toYou’re Tumblrabout or Let me bringabout you back to 2014. Pinterest to visually consume to log in to Tumblr or Pinterest tomedia visually of a niche only you consume mediasubculture of a niche that subculture that seem to know about. Well, except forexcept the only you seem to know about. Well, other 357 people that you follow for that for the other 357 people that you follow for specific content. These corners of the web that specific content. might have been where you first stumbled on topics your parents may have been too These corners of the web might have been scared to talk about. Or maybe they were where you first stumbled on topics your conversations that were just never brought parents may have been too scared to talk about. Or maybe they were conversations that were just never brought up in school.
The Beanie Queer Stoner Our great protector! We love a femme with sharp and teeth, ready to This stoner is anails down-to-earth baddie. defend their besties their death While always dressed foron comfort, readybed. Youa hike probably arewoods always for into the at running any givenlate to moment, you know the plugs canrush the smoke sesh all because youand can’t get a smokebut circle going any all dayforgive any you perfection, your friends time. You probably get the giggles a little because they know you’re loyal before more hot. oftenOh, than most, butget don’t you’re and don’t me started it’sstoner charming. on your worry cute AF gear.
8 Green Eugene | June 2022
By
Lily
Brennan
up in school. Or maybe they were people a commemoration for where we all learned that gave you a type representation being queer orfor a stoner meant – Or maybe they wereofpeople that gaveyou you a what commemoration whereeven we all learned didn’t know you even needed to see thebeing internet. type of representation you didn’t knowforyou from what queer or a stoner even meant – your own growth. nointernet. surprise that there’s an intersection even needed to see for your own growth. It’s the But all this exposure to different kinds of between queer folk and stoner aesthetics, people! It’s overwhelming! It’s scary! But and what’s a better way to highlight these But all this exposure to different kinds of It’s no surprise that there’s an intersection it’s also a little bit thrilling. Maybe I can be similarities than through visual images people! It’s overwhelming! It’s scary! But between queer folk and stoner aesthetics, like these people I’m seeing online? that’ll maybe make you chuckle and go, it’s also a little bit thrilling. Maybe I can be and what’s a better way to highlight these Nothing screams “I’m quirky but want “Hey, that’s me!” All in good fun, here’s a like these people I’m seeing online? similarities than through visual images to fit into something” more than starter few starter packs that I’ve seen in my own that’ll maybe make you chuckle and go, pack memes, and I’m bringing it back as circles or even in myself. Nothing screams “I’m quirky but want “Hey, that’s me!” All in good fun, here’s a to fit into something” more than starter few starter packs that I’ve seen in my own pack memes, and I’m bringing it back as a circles or even in myself.
The Fiery Femme We all have that one friend who’s pretty Our greatwhen protector! We love a femme incognito it comes to their identity. withyou sharp nailsblend and teeth, to While might in withready the normies defend besties on that. their death bed.the you’re their anything but Usually You probably are alwaysunhinged running late one who’s absolutely andtocan thethe smoke because can’tthe rush be lifesesh of the party,you you’re kind perfection, but your all forgive of stoner that can friends out-smoke anyone you because they know you’re loyal without it becoming a personality trait. before you’re hot.
The One You Never Expect This stoner is a down-to-earth baddie. While always comfort, We all have dressed that onefor friend who’sready prettyfor aincognito hike at any given moment, youidentity. know all when it comes to their the plugs getblend a smoke circle Whileand youcan might in with thegoing normies anything but that. Usually any day you’re any time. You probably get the the one absolutely andbut giggles a who’s little more often unhinged than most, canworry be theit’s lifecharming. of the party, you’re the don’t I also bet money stoner that knows how toDead. get youkind own of something that’s Grateful down without it becoming a personality trait.
HIGH RECOMMENDATIONS
Written by Lauren Leone, photographed by Gustavo Del Real Figueroa
T
here are so many different cannabis products out there ranging from CBD infused drinks, tinctures, and even pet products. If you’re like me and love to treat yourself with lotions, body oils and a relaxing soak with bath salts, I have the perfect brand for you. Empower BodyCare, founded by queer entrepreneur Trista Okel, is a homepathic and plant-based line of CBD infused lotions, soaking salts, topicals and tinctures. Okel started Empower BodyCare in an effort to ease her mother’s chronic pain using natural remedies.
that supported the use of medical marijuana. Okel and the others were arrested for “incommoding” and placed in a cell. It was in that jail cell that Okel came up with the name of her company, and the acronym that it stood for: End Marijuana Prohibition Organize Women Enact Reform.
“Back in 2004, my mom was suffering from three forms of arthritis, she was dealing with a lot of pain everyday, and doctors immediately prescribed her opiates,” said Okel. “I said absolutely not and started making topical products for her that were not intoxicating but still helped her with pain Women receive less management.” than 2.7% of venture
Over the years, Okel has built up a large list of clientele, including her friends, family, and elders in her community that use and rely on her products for capital funding, and pain relief. “I kept hearing the same story over and From the first few uses, Okel’s mother was able to go LGBTQ+ owned companies over again that they’d never experienced pain relief from an 8 to a 3 on the pain scale, and she knew she receive less than 0.7%.” from a topical product before and that it was life was onto something. After tweaking the formulation, changing for them,” said Okel. Okel perfected her formula for her products. Okel says that one of the things she’s learned over the years while “Every single ingredient in our products work towards the same end, I running her business is how hard it is for LGBTQ+ women to garner like to call them synergistic,” said Okel. “I think that our products are investors while in the field of cannabis. definitely more effective than a lot of other products out there. There’s a lot more care and love included in our formulas.” “Women receive less than 2.7% of venture capital funding, and LGBTQ+ owned companies One thing I love about this Portland based company is that the receive less than 0.7%,” said packaging is so approachable and fresh looking. On top of that, Okel. “When you think about Empower also offers a line of luxury products with more CBD that acts the opportunity for a gay as extra strength, which is packaged with rose gold accents that just woman to bring in investment, heighten the feel of the products and reminds me of something you the opportunity is very small might see at a spa. and the chances are very slim.”
“
In addition to Empower BodyCare, Okel also has another company called Empower CannaCare, which offers identical products that are infused with both THC and CBD. The packaging is all black and offers a sleek and clean feel to it. Okel is a huge activist for cannabis and lobbied against Congress in 2004 with MPP (Marijuana Policy Project) and volunteered with ASA (Americans for Safety Access), a group advocating for medical cannabis. Okel, along with 14 others sat on the steps of Congress building, holding a banner with the names of thousands of doctors greeneugene.com
Okel and her partner are currently working on expanding their two businesses, Empower BodyCare and Empower CannaCare to different states, and are working towards selling gummy edibles in the near future, a product I am eagerly awaiting.
Green Eugene | June 2022 9
S ’ Y T W A H S ALL E M O C WEL How the Sad Devils Club is cultivating a safe space for queer tattoo lovers Written by Megan McEntee Photographed by Gustavo Del Real Figueroa and Megan McEntee
“Tattooing
is one of the most intimate things you could possibly do for somebody,” said Lexi Frazier, owner of Sad Devils Club Tattoo in downtown Eugene. They’re right after all – nobody wants a piece of art on their skin that was done by someone they don’t align with. Tattooing is not only an intimate act, but it’s also a responsibility that requires the artist to truly understand the client; where they came from, where they’re going and most importantly, who they are now. With flashy neon signs, vibrant decor and a comfortable atmosphere, Sad Devils Club has nothing short of incredible curb appeal. But the true allure of the shop can be credited to the Sad Devils themselves. As a staff of entirely queer and femme-presenting artists, SDC provides a new approach to the traditional tattoo shop. “The industry itself is a huge boys club,” said Frazier while reflecting on the previous experiences of her staff. “There are not a lot of women tattooing in general.” According to Frazier, the tokenization of women and femmes in tattooing has always been the status quo. Often, old-school shops only have
one or two women employed, which makes the industry incredibly competitive. This only contributes to the struggle, both internal and external, that women face every day in our society; that they have to fight tooth and nail to be seen as equal. Over time Frazier has recruited five femme-presenting artists from
“We try to stand tall in our community, and if you have an issue with that, what's wrong with you?”
- Jocelynn Stewart
these kinds of situations, and given them an opportunity to tattoo alongside friends they align with. Before coming to Sad Devils Club, artist Jocelynn Stewart worked at a shop where she was treated very poorly. “We're really setting a different standard because we're open minded and kind to everyone,” she said while reflecting on SDC. “There’s no sense of competition here.” The Sad Devils are all about creating an environment rooted in positivity, acceptance and genuine connection. Although colleagues on paper, at the end of the day their friendship is what matters most. “When it comes to the people here, they're all amazing and have such different personalities,”
10 Green Eugene Lexi Frazier pictured with| June bullet2022 holes from the October 2021 attack.
said Frazier. “We all mesh together, and it's a really unique thing that I haven't witnessed at any other shop.” Between the vibrant decor, smiling faces and inside jokes hidden in plain sight, the collaboration is apparent as soon as you step through the doors. They even find themselves sharing clients, which further tears
down that competitive status quo. Their loyalty extends past their colleagues as well, as they’ve committed to be a beacon of strength and acceptance in the community. Sad Devils Club welcomes individuals from all walks of life, especially queer folks and people of color. The phrase All Shawty’s Welcome is highlighted on both their Instagram page as well as in their conversations with each other. This is a testament to how they don’t necessarily market off their own queerness as a selling point, a common theme in rainbow capitalism, but rather they attract clients of similar backgrounds by simply existing in their own identities. Rather than plastering rainbows to their portfolio as an outreach marketing strategy, their pride exists with casual intimacy as tattoo artists who happen to be queer. “As far as identifying as a queer artist, the first place I've really been open about that is here,” said Stewart. Frazier deeply appreciates the client connections that arise from being a safe space,
Josephine Pascoe-Long @josephinetattoos
Madeline Bourgault @madeline.tattoo
Jocelynn Stewart @butterflytattooz
Sophia Kinaya Haug @beautybykinaya
Lexi Frazier @lecszi
and doesn’t go out of her way to unauthentically force a sense of inclusivity. “People who just came out as queer or trans feel safe enough to be here and share those experiences with us,” they said. Working at the shop also provides the Sad Devils a space to be vocal about important issues. They are avid advocates for the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBTQ+ rights and body autonomy to name a few. They even house the first Black femme-presenting tattoo artist in Eugene, Josephine Pascoe-Long, and at 23-years-old they’re paving the way for other Black women who want to break into the industry. Many working class citizens, especially queer people and people of color, unfortunately don’t have the luxury to be able to publicly stand up for what they believe in. Although it shouldn’t have to be a luxury, there are still countless workplaces that don’t like their employees to take strong stances in the public eye. Moving beyond workplaces, many queer and POC individuals need to walk on eggshells to protect their most basic safety. Sad Devils Club is able to be a voice for those people – and stomp on those eggshells – because the nature of their work allows them this kind of freedom.
greeneugene.com
“It was nice to be able to come and share my experience freely because that's never happened,” said Sophia Kinaya Haug, a SDC nail tech and BLM activist. “This is the first inclusive space I've ever worked in.” Haug and Frazier avidly protested together in 2020 – another testament to how they organize in both a tangible and collaborative way. Their activism is multifaceted, intolerant of hate and apparent through the signage on their storefront, internet presence and grassroots organizing. Each artist takes these issues very seriously, because palpable injustices are still happening in their community – and to them directly. In October of 2021, at their previous location near Washington Jefferson Bridge, Sad Devils Club was targeted in an active shooting incident. “He rolled out of a car and loaded off a whole clip into the shop,” said Frazier while recounting what she saw on the Ring footage. “It was obviously personal.” Luckily nobody was in the shop during the attack, but it was a sobering reminder that there’s still hate and intolerance in an increasingly progressive city. The expected – and completely
Lily DeBellis @pembrlily
valid – reaction to this could have included quieting down and making themselves smaller. But the Sad Devils decided to do the opposite. They didn’t back down from their values and continued to stand up for themselves and other members of their community. Soon after the shooting, Frazier began looking for a new location. They eventually landed on the flashier storefront downtown, with more space and more bystanders. “We don't bother nobody,” said Stewart. “We try to stand tall in our community, and if you have an issue with that, what's wrong with you?” The new and improved Sad Devils Club, located next to Cowfish Dance Club, is surrounded by heavier security and more supportive neighbors. The storefront still displays messages of inclusivity, and each artist is louder and prouder than ever before. Members of any marginalized community can walk through the doors and know that they are cared for – know that they are seen. At the end of the day, the Sad Devils are making sure that the needle isn’t the only thing leaving an impression.
Green Eugene | June 2022 11
MAC LONGWORT FROM NECTAR WRITTEN BY ALEXA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHED BY GINO SAVARIA
How long have you been working as a budtender? I’ve been working as a budtender at Nectar for about a year and two months.
What did you do before you started working in the cannabis industry? I’ve done a lot of things. I previously was a package handler at FedEx. I did that for most of Covid. And then before that, I worked at a sandwich shop, and mostly just food service and retail. I also worked at Target for six years as well.
Are you originally from the Eugene area? I’m actually from San Diego, California. I originally moved to Portland and lived in the Portland area for about five years, and then I just moved down here about two years ago.
How has your experience been working at Nectar so far? I love it. It’s super fun. I’ve learned a lot about cannabis in the time I’ve been working there. I didn’t know much about it before. I was one of those kids, you know; I got high to relax and calm down because I’m very much a go-getter. But yeah, I learned that there are farms that are organic, the different properties of CBG and CBN. I had no knowledge of that at all before working in the industry. And luckily, I work with a lot of people who have worked in the industry for years, so I get to learn a lot from them.
12 Green Eugene | June 2022
In your experience so far, have you noticed if there’s an intersection between the queer community and the cannabis industry? Yeah, I would say there definitely is. I see a lot of queer people come in. Also, myself as one who uses cannabis. But I think that we’re just more open people, honestly. We talk about it a lot more, you know, like cannabis use and how we deal with our anxieties and depression.
What’s your favorite part about being a budtender? Honestly, probably learning about weed and interacting with people. I’m very much a people person. I like to chat, so I’ve met some interesting people. Sometimes there’s just people who come in, and I’m just like ‘do you need a hug?’ Some people say yes, and I’ll give them a hug. But yeah, also just learning different things about weed, like the differences between indica and sativa, how it looks, how it smells, how it feels to smoke it, etc. There’s a lot to learn and I like learning so it’s fun for me.
BUDTENDER SPOTLIGHT
TH Do you feel like the cannabis industry is a kind of safe space for your community since it is so open? I do. I think a lot of people who smoke or use cannabis are very open as well as queer people. So I think it’s something that we can all talk about.
Do you have a favorite strain or product, or preferred way of smoking? I’m definitely a flower person. I love smoking out of a bong. I have a really small one that I like to smoke out of all the time and carry around with me. I also like to smoke a lot of joints just because I like to go hiking and stuff so it’s fun to go out and smoke in nature. But my favorite would be a bong for sure.
greeneugene.com
After having worked in the industry, do you think there are any misconceptions that people have about the cannabis industry or cannabis in general? Yes, definitely. Actually, my mom is one of those people. She has always been very much like weed is a gateway drug, but I’ve actually gotten her to use some products. We have a product called rescue rub, it’s made by a Chinese herbalist and it has THC and CBD in it. My mom has really bad knees and had a knee replacement so I gave her some of the cream to help with the pain, and now she loves it. My sisters have also started using it, so they’re constantly asking me to send them stuff. It’s exciting coming from a family that was initially against it, and now having them open up and realizing that it’s not just something you can get high from, and it can be very medically helpful as well.
Green Eugene | June 2022 13
“My biggest piece of advice is to go at your own pace, I didn’t come out until I was 20 and I didn’t really know my identity until I was older. It’s okay to not be out yet, it’s okay to come out when you’re ready, it’s okay to only come out to certain people, be true to you and just do what you’re comfortable with.” - Erin Potter
Munchies Spotlight
Mezcal
Sour Diesel Written and photographed by Alice Yeager
A
uniquely mixed cocktail created by Erin Potter (they/she) will be available at 255 Madison in the Whiteaker during the month of June as special promotion with Green Eugene Magazine—while supplies last, so don’t miss out. The Sour Diesel cocktail contains Mezcal, Amaro Nonino, agave, lemon, lime, egg whites and topped off with angostura bitters cannabis leaf! Sour Diesel is one of the most recognizable old school Cannabis strains with the unmistakable diesel smell and bitter flavor. Mezcal has a similar profile known to be one of the more sour and bitter alcohols. Alongside the Sour Diesel cocktail, 255 Madison will also be running a LGBT Mimosa flight and a fundraiser with their Pink Pirate Punch cocktail. A dollar from each Pink Pirate Punch sold will be donated to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund through the month of June. These specials are all created by Erin, who has been bartending in the Eugene area since 2018 and started working in breweries before discovering a passion for craft cocktails.
14 Green Eugene | June 2022
They have been working in cocktail bars ever since and she is now a manager at 255 Madison. 255 Madison started as a wine tasting room but has now expanded to cocktails after bringing Erin on board to create an original menu. Recently opened, 255 hosts live music, trivia and comedy nights and is hoping to expand to other forms of entertainment such as drag and burlesque. The goal of 255 Madison is to be an inclusive and safe space in the Whitaker for all members of the community to express themselves. Erin, being a queer person themself and knowing the ups and down of the bar scene has made 255 a safe and warm place for all members and allies of the queer community. Unfortunately public cannabis consumption lounges are not legal in the state of Oregon, but Eugene has a lively 21+ scene even if you don’t partake in alcohol. You can always light up and head to your nearest 21+ safe space to enjoy good company or shows. Erin has experienced the 21+ scene extensively both as a bartender and as a queer person and will be outlining a few of her favorite spaces that are welcoming to all kinds of folks.
SAFE
SPACE
Erin’s Guide
to 21+ Queer Safe Spaces in the Eugene The Whiteaker: 255 Madison, Oakshire Brewery, Slice Pizzeria, Old Nick’s Pub, Izakaya Meiji
Downtown: Sizzle Pie, John Henry’s, First National Tap House Special shout out for Spectrum Queer Bar. “If you’re just turning 21 and want to be surrounded by other queer folks and allies, that’s one place you can do it that will be a guarantee!” Lastly Erin’s last words of wisdom for any person exploring the sexuality or identity: “My biggest piece of advice is to go at your own pace, I didn’t come out until I was 20 and I didn’t really know my identity until I was older. It’s okay to not be out yet, it’s okay to come out when you’re ready, it’s okay to only come out to certain people, be true to you and just do what you’re comfortable with.”
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Green Eugene | June 2022 15
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budtender!
Summer Smoke Out Blowout Sale All Verde flower is dropping to a $28 ounce 2 ounces for $50! This will last until the entire harvest is sold & includes both A and B buds
16 Green Eugene | June 2022