Green Eugene | Summer 2023

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Green Eugene would like to formally welcome you to Pride Month!

This particular edition is one I heavily fought for from the beginning of my editorship ––not as the publication’s first queer editor, but as its first nonbinary editor. With funding for independent journalism threatening the existence of an essential edition, the state of print journalism never felt so on the brink of preservation. Small publications, like the one in your hands today, cannot exist without you. The support of our readership, sponsors and believers keeps Green Eugene alive. Thank you for making our Pride Edition happen –– we refuse to accept the death of our June edition, which helps make up for the lack of representation of queer voices, especially in our local cannabis spaces.

The importance of this theme stems from the devastating effects of the War on Drugs, disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ individuals, as exemplified during the AIDS epidemic. We must recognize our queer elders, particularly Black trans women like Marsha P. Johnson, for cannabis and queer activism. Although these vibrant pages celebrate queer entrepreneurs, performers, artists and everyday gays, we must also remind ourselves that Pride started from a riot and continues to be a riot that demands action –– and recognition that LGBTQ+ lives are in danger.

I must also give thanks to everyone at Emerald Media Group who strives to affirm queer people within our staff. I joined Green Eugene when expressing myself in feminine, patriarchal acceptance (as seen on the cover I’m holding) and returned after last summer break with a new name and new set of pronouns to reflect my fluid, nonbinary existence –– I was welcomed with nothing but love. Without your unwavering support, I would not be smiling as big as I do. You definitely don’t find this in all newsrooms.

Regardless of how you identify, I hope you take something away from this edition. And hopefully there will be a time

STAFF

Editor

Kayl Wohl

Managing Copy Editor

Amanda Lurey

Megan McEntee

Cover Photo

Courstesy of Saucy Saturdays

Cover Model

Yvette Stone

Lead Designer

Dani DeGraw Writers

Dominic Adams

Sydney Johnson

Amanda Lurey

Nina Mathieu

Megan McEntee

Hannarose McGuinness

Elijah Newman

Armando Ramirez

Kayl Wohl

Designers and Illustrators

Ryan Ehrhart

Julia Faria

Miles Imai

Abigail Raike

Lindsay Rogers

Spencer So

Kaity VanHoose

Photographers

Gustavo Del Real Figueroa

Megan McEntee

Spencer So

Student Sales Manager

Amy Menendez

Account Executives

Josh Delapena

Max Goldenberg

Keaton Roberts

Riley Valle

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+.

Culture Shifting with Tiara Darnell

Written by Sydney Johnson

Designed by Spencer So and Kaity VanHoose

From budtender, to audio maverick, to restaurant entrepreneur –– the eclectic career of University of Oregon alumna Tiara Darnell is one with many turns. Tiara was the first student to complete a masters in journalism and audio design simultaneously at UO Portland. Her drive to break new ground has not fallen since then. Life has taken her from Portland to Morocco to Mexico City. She’s worked for Spotify, NPR and has just fulfilled her dream of opening her own soul food restaurant as the only Black-owned, Black American, woman-owned restaurant in Mexico City. Tiara’s work as a journalist has uplifted entrepreneurs of color and LGBTQ+ representation in the media. Her 2019 article for Willamette Week shares the story of Portland’s transgender justice leader, Kieran Chase. Whether she’s sharing stories through audio, writing or soul food, the core of her work remains constant. Her passion for building community and drive to push boundaries constantly adapts to a changing world.

How do you tend to pitch yourself at this point in your career?

Most of my time since I left Portland has been spent working in the audio field for Spotify from Aug. 2020 through Jan. 2022. Then I just kind of pivoted. I stopped working in the audio field and started doing Spanish language, which is part of the reason I moved to Mexico City. I started doing these pop-up soul food and Mexican fusion events… which eventually grew out of my house. I started doing a lot of restaurants around town and noticed how things are going with the tech and audio industries, with lots of layoffs and cutbacks for programming. It became very clear to me that things are not going to get better any time soon. So I needed to do my own thing. I really felt tired of being somebody else’s collateral damage; I wanted to be my own boss. This restaurant endeavor is one that I had kind of resisted doing for a long time. I’ve done a lot of different things in the food industry, working in the Oregon

wine industry and working in the cannabis industry. Through my travels, having been to over 40 different countries and lived for two years in Morocco when I was in the Peace Corps, the food, ingredients and geography of different cultures and cuisines have always been something that excited me. This restaurant opening is sort of the culmination of more than 10 years. A lifetime of exploring food and developing my hobby as a home turned into something that is a community space that brings people together through food. The restaurant has been open for a little over a month now… I’ve done it without any investors. It’s been my own life savings I’ve put into this… With any small business, the first months are always really hard.

It was a very smooth transition because I was already writing blog posts for Pharma, which was the name of this dispensary where I was working at. The posts explained the different scientific terms behind cannabis. Especially in the new age of legalization, there’s a lot of vocabulary and jargon that people maybe don’t understand.

I was writing those posts and at the same time working my way through graduate school, already doing multimedia journalism and strategic communications. I was already thinking about content, audience and different styles of content. It became clear to me toward the end of my time in graduate school that audio was an area of multimedia journalism that I would really love to pursue because I enjoyed the craft of putting togethering an audio story. I wanted to do something that would possibly benefit the dispensary where I was working. But also, it was an opportunity for me to have this podcast hire good people and use it as a portfolio piece to be able to get a job working in audio. The podcast itself was short-lived, maybe three or four episodes, but I feel happy about what I accomplished with it. The goal was to produce complete end-to-end audio stories. I did every step along the way: finding the idea, reporting the story, creating the story art, writing and voicing the narration, sound design, the final edit and mix.

Can you tell us about your transition from a budtender to a content creator in the media world? What have you discovered about the relationship between the two?

That podcast allowed me to get selected out of 10,000 applications for one of 10 spots at Spotify’s first-ever sound-up boot camp for emerging women of color in the podcast space. It’s taken me from that boot camp to being able to work with a bunch of different podcast production houses, like Spotify in addition to Slate Magazine. I’ve done work for NPR, Comedy Central and Roy’s Job Fair.

You can learn more about Tiara’s endeavors by visiting www.tiaramdarnell. com and by heading to greeneugene. com to read the full interview.

LGBTQ+ Community Mental Health Resource Guide

Six resources for the queer community during Pride Month

Written by Hannarose McGuinness Designed by Abigail Raike

Gender, orientation and presentation play large roles in how our Western society interprets individuals. 20 million adult Americans identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community as of 2021, according to the Human Rights Campaign Report ‘We Are Here: Understanding the Size of the LGBTQ+ Community.’ This vast and widespread community works hard to provide accessible support and resources, despite the efforts often being an uphill battle.

In an effort to make necessary resources easily accessible for community members this Pride Month, Green Eugene compiled a brief list of resources centered around mental health, wellness and educational support specifically for folks at the University of Oregon and in the greater Eugene area.

By no means is this list all-encompassing or exhaustive, but our publication would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the incredible challenges people often face while living life as their truest selves; we work to provide support and resources beyond our reporting.

University of Oregon-based Resources

University Health Services Counseling Services Mental Health Support -

The UHS Counseling Services strive to be inclusive for all Ducks, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or other aspects of personal identity. Hybrid services for mental health allow members of the UO community to connect with necessary services from the comfort of their own space. Connect with UHS resources online at counseling.uoregon.edu or via phone at 541-346-3227.

Wellness Support -

LGBT Education and Support Services (LGBTESS)

The LGBT Education and Support Services acts as a hub for queer-identifying students on campus to access safe spaces and resources such as gender-inclusive housing leads, gender-affirming support, mental health resources, and more. Find more information about LGBTESS digitally at dos.uoregon.edu/lgbt or drop by the campus office located in room 022 in the EMU.

Community Support -

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Asexual, Aromantic, and Allied Alliance (LGBTQA3)

The LGBTQA3 office, located in room 022 in the Erb Memorial Union, aims to provide a safe space for students of all identities to enjoy a calm, relaxing space where library and homework resources are also provided. More information about campus organizations specifically supporting the LGBTQ+ community can be found online at dos.uoregon.edu/lgbt-orgs.

Community-based Resources

Trans Lifeline Mental Health -

This national organization is trans-led and aims to connect trans folks to their local communities. With over 119,000 phone calls answered, Trans Lifeline focuses its work through the lens of harm reduction, community support, equity and autonomy. Their call line is available 24/7, and they’re ready to provide resources for health care, public assistance, mental health, community wellness, and more. Further information can be found online at translifeline.org, and their lifeline is available at (877) 565-8860.

Basic Rights Oregon Wellness Support -

Basic Rights Oregon (BRO) has worked since 1996 to provide an equitable experience for all Oregonians through political action leading to policy changes that make care for those in queer communities more accessible. It focuses on educating community members on their rights in the state of Oregon and also hosts workshops and seminars across the state in an effort to spread awareness and educate the public on resources for the LGBTQ+ community. BRO also leads a Transgender Justice program, focusing policy work and community outreach specifically for trans individuals in Oregon.

Community Support -

Oregon Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

The Oregon chapter of GLSEN works in communities around the U.S. to ensure that schools are equitable and safe environments for members of the LGBTQ+ community across the state and country.

PHRESH START

Written by Megan McEntee

Designed by Ryan Ehrhart

FEATURED BUSINESS FROM COUNTRY TO CANNABIS

Upon walking into Phresh Start dispensary on Bailey Hill Road, you’ll be greeted with a lush atrium of plants and rustic decor. If you look closely at the galaxy-like epoxy flooring, specks of hand-poured glitter catch your eye. At the counter, you’ll be greeted with friendly faces, inclusive pricing and the freshest flower. You’ll leave knowing that your next toke was grown with love.

It doesn’t get more grassroots than this. Racheal and Brad Pond, co-owners of Phresh Start, grew their business from the ground up –– literally and figuratively. The couple is local to Lane County, as they were both born at McKenzie Willamette Hospital. Racheal is a direct descendent of Elijah Elliot, who led a wagon train over the Willamette Pass in 1853. Before breaking into the cannabis industry, Brad worked in construction for 30+ years. Racheal worked her whole life as a horse trainer and riding instructor on her farm in Eugene. She also started a caregiving business with her friend to make some extra money on the side.

After moving on from her caregiving business, Racheal was in need of a fresh start. Brad tossed around the idea of growing medical cannabis in order to make ends meet. Racheal, a lifelong cannabis advocate, agreed to give it a shot. Together, they began a fruitful and fulfilling career in the medical cannabis industry, flipping the narrative while continuing Racheal’s passion for caretaking.

Photographed by Megan McEntee

“I needed a fresh start to put my energy into, hence the name,” Racheal said. “Marijuana, to me, was a whole different game.”

Racheal and Brad converted half of their barn into a grow room. One side housed 22 horses, and the other side was dedicated to their plants. Before long, business was booming, and the Pond family had officially found another calling –– one that allowed them to keep engaging in their farm lifestyle. They tried to obtain a recreational grow license, but zoning restrictions blocked them from doing so on their property. So, they went the dispo route.

“We started this without any backing. We got most of our furniture from Goodwill. We painted everything ourselves. We never had any kind of help from outside. So we’ve been able to grow this business on our own,” Racheal said.

They established the first Phresh Start location in Springfield in 2017, a year after cannabis commerce legalization. Their goal was to hop on the green rush early, and after a year of searching for a building they opened the first store for their community. All of the Phresh Start locations are handcrafted by the whole family. They have sowed their seeds and rooted their business on Bailey Hill Road and Barger Drive in Eugene, as well as 21st Street in Springfield.

“Brad and I worked together on everything from remodeling

every store to budtending, bookkeeping, personnel, marketing and everything in between,” Racheal said. “We have supported each other through this exciting –– and sometimes scary –– endeavor.”

Brad used his experience as a contractor to renovate the stores. They hired his daughter, Bailee, to budtend, as well as Racheal’s daughter, Hannah, to weigh the product. Hannah worked her way up the ladder, and went from weighing to budtending to purchasing. She has been purchasing for all three locations for the past five years. Brad’s son, Wyatt, has been working at their grow, Tedigry Farms, for the past year.

“My youngest boy, Zane, says that he wants to be a part of the business when he is old enough,” Racheal said. “He has already helped in renovations of stores and grows, so we plan to leave this legacy we’re building for our children.”

Born from her passion to care for others, each of her various business ventures primarily focuses on giving back to her community. She now feels extremely fulfilled by the way Phresh Start has carried on this legacy,

15% OFF EDIBLES, LIQUIDS, & TINCTURES

establishing itself as a uniquely personable and customer-focused pillar of Eugene and Springfield’s cannabis industry.

In the wake of cannabis conglomerates dominating the Oregon market, it’s essential to support the small, local businesses fighting tooth and nail to serve their community.

“This whole industry has laws changing every day, so we’re just trying to hold out and not go under,” Racheal said. “We see a lot of the people that we’ve been doing business with going under. We just keep moving forward and navigating the storm.”

However, Phresh Start is excited about the future as they continue to make strides in local markets. They plan on expanding further and are partnering with another local company, High Tech Farms, to produce high-quality, affordable flower and extracts with innovative technology.

“There’ll be a new way of harvesting, a new way of producing and a new way of drying,” Racheal said. “Our goal with our partners is keeping our prices low so it’s affordable for all of our customers. That’s why I partnered with these guys… they have really good quality [product] and can keep the prices low.”

At Phresh Start, you can count on finding accessible cannabis for all price ranges, alongside top-shelf strains to splurge on. While the smoke leaves your lips, your exhale of relief will come from knowing you’re supporting a local family’s grassroots endeavor, with quality and fair prices.

40% OFF FLOWER

*EXCLUDES SHAKE OR SPECIALS

15% OFF CARTRIDGES

20% OFF FOR VETS & THE WISE (55+)

15% OFF DABABLES AND INFUSED PREROLLS AM & PM 8:30 - 9:30

20% OFF OF ALL PRODUCTS

*PURCHASE MUST BE OVER $20

HAPPY HOURS – 10% OFF

15% OFF CARTRIDGES

*5% OFF FOR WEARING PHRESH START MERCH (STACKABLE)

*10% OFF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

*10% OFF FOR THE WISE (55+)

*15% OFF FOR 3 CANS OF FOOD

*PURCHASE MUST BE OVER $20

*15% OFF FOR VETERANS

Kirsten Hewes, budtender at Snugz Dispensary on 1235 Railroad Blvd, advocates for zippy cannabis, following your passion and having meaningful conversations as a member of the queer community. Unbothered by labels, their trans-masc identity can equate to “some fruity bastard,” as they self-describe.

What drew you to the cannabis industry, and how long have you been a budtender?

I’ve been doing this for a little less than a year now. I started budtending because I came into Snugz Dispensary all the time to buy weed, talked to everyone about cannabis and really enjoyed spending time here — especially having in-depth conversations about different types of strains and cannabis products. Because I was looking for work, one day I asked, ‘Can I work here?’ They responded with, ‘Well you smoked all the weed already so it seems appropriate.’ I love my job so much — and everyone who works here — and look forward to coming in every day.

Has your perception and relationship with cannabis changed since you started working in the industry?

I first had the perception of cannabis being a little bit illicit, and since I was raised by helicopter parents, I didn’t start smoking until about five to six years ago. When I realized how many people came into the store with medical issues, how they use weed to self-medicate or control certain symptoms, and then seeing how much of a community there is, my perception of cannabis changed immensely. There’s a lot of cool discussions we have in here, and I’m all about the smells and flavors. I love how in-depth I can get with people about cannabis — it’s like food or alcohol. It’s my favorite when someone comes in here and smells a bunch of different strains, and we can just talk.

How has cannabis intersected with queer lives and spaces?

I think there is a non-conformist attitude with the weed industry, which makes sense because it’s still federally illegal. I think the sensation of being ‘other’ in the queer community is resonant within the cannabis industry. I came from a background where people were afraid of weed — that’s what

my parents and community in Oklahoma believed — and that reminds me of some of the misfit feelings you get within the LGBTQ space. Whenever people come into the store who haven’t been exposed to the queer community all that much, we have some great conversations about being open to new ideas and what it means to be in an outcast group.

What does “pride” mean to you?

Freedom to not be anything in particular. To just exist. The whole issue of pride is we’re trying to be seen, because if we don’t make an effort to be seen, then we’re just pushed under and forgotten. I just want to live my life, and part of that is wearing fun outfits, being kind of fruity and talking openly about my experiences. It’s important to talk to people and let people who might be ignorant or have misunderstandings about the queer community know that I’m not so different.

What’s your favorite strain?

I have five or six different sativas and indicas I like to hang out with. I like a dreamy sativa and also a zippy one. I really like Pineapple Aloha, which is my favorite zippy sativa. Blue Dream is for the dreamier side of things. For indica, I like Gelato and Ice Cream Cake. But I love having a range of different strains, then picking and choosing based on how I feel.

How long do you see yourself being a budtender?

As long as I can. I’m having a great time. I learned as early as I could that you can’t force a career that isn’t working for you. I was that kid who was really annoying — that knew what they wanted to do very early on: to be a saxophonist, an academic saxophonist. I wanted to teach people at the college level. I was looking for stability at that time. I went hard on that and had five years of college until I realized it just wasn’t me.

I quit academic music, and it was a burden lifted off my shoulders because I didn’t want to be in an office talking to academic musicians all day. I asked myself, ‘What do I want to do? I want to do something where I can chill out, have a good life and enjoy the day-to-day.’ The rule for myself was to not do anything I don’t enjoy, even if it’ll be harder to make ends meet. I enjoy talking to people, especially talking to people about cannabis.

B u d t e n d e r S p o t l i g h t

• 10% off Oz prices with a student ID

• Located on 12th and Alder next door to Sy’s

Drag Yourself to Saucy Saturdays

“

Love yourself a little bit more, and smoke maybe just a little more weed “

Carmela La Madrina, Elusive Haus of Indica mother

Written by Kayl Wohl, Amanda Lurey

It’s the second Saturday of April, and Tina Turner’s “Rolling On The River” cues after anticipation. Stage lights shine to frame a frantic queen, rowing as fast as she can with a super-sized, inflatable joint as her paddle.

Carmela La Madrina is the Mother of it all; she works an adult day job, pays taxes and loves her children like anyone else. Her children, of course, are her chosen family living and thriving under her roof of The Elusive Haus of Indica.

“Drag house is like a gay street gang,” Lavender Haze, a Eugene-based drag performer, said. “We kind of band together through having something in common, and we have each other’s back… Carmela is our mother who we look up to, and we want to make her proud of us.”

Saucy Saturdays lit up a lively 4/20-themed show on April 8 with goodies of free joints, weed-themed decor, noise makers and candy –– all paid for out-of-pocket by Carmela out of her love for entertaining her community and her love for her drag children.

Hosted every second Saturday in Corvallis at Max’s Food and More, guests 21+ can indulge in affordable alcoholic beverages and delicious Mexican food. Everyone, whether on stage or in the crowd, leaves hate at the door, allowing any and all bodies to be immersed in a night of transformative performances.

“I don’t think drag and politics should mix,” Carmela said. “I want to leave that all outside… I just want people to have fun, eat good food, drink and smoke on break.”

In a time when our federal legislature attacks drag performers and transgender youth as a diversion of greater issues, Saucy Saturdays provide warm welcomes to all identities. Folks who don’t personally identify as LGBTQ+ are highly encouraged to attend. Saucy Saturdays performs for a largely nonqueer audience. The girls agree that cisgendered, straight folks are some of their favorite guests since everyone “deserves to experience the joy of drag,” according to Pluto, even if it’s their first event.

“I fell in love with the stage. I have cried so many times from people yelling and clapping. It’s an unconditional feeling. It’s just you in that moment and the crowd,” Carmela said. “I try to connect with every single person in the audience.”

Pluto, a Portland trans girl from Kansas, said drag is a very accepting community that embraces and challenges performers to bring originality and elevated creativity. She commented on how drag can be literally anything.

“You could literally come wearing trash, and people would cheer for you and accept you and be excited to watch you perform,” Pluto said.

Saucy Saturdays showcase diversity and provoke what drag “should” look like. Candy Whorehalla, for example, mesmerizes with her over-the-top, mess-of-a-woman persona that features an occasional silicone nip-slip and exaggerated motions. She wears her beard, merging nonconformist energy with somehow a hyperbolized hyper-femininity.

Designed by Ryan Ehrhart

Photos by Violet Turner

Wanda Anne Cosmos, officially with Eugene’s Haus of Blunt, followed shortly after Carmela’s intro with a powerful entrance –– so powerful and balletic that her death drop made the audience roar as her heel tore down the “LET’S GET LIT” banner.

While some drag queens opt for comedy in their performances, some opt for a more serious tone to be portrayed.

Lavender’s performance displays a stunning evolution of a worm to a butterfly –– a story where the audience can find pieces of deep resonation. Regardless of the viewer’s identity, Lavender hypnotizes with her artistic metamorphosis on stage. In Eugene, she can be found at Spectrum with her new, one-ofa-kind show, Lavender’s Bizarre Bazaar.

Evolution and development are key concepts for any performer invested in their art and talent –– and the art of drag requires practice, devotion, passion and confidence –– especially when it’s a source of income. There’s no coincidence that cannabis finds its way to queer spaces like these. Cannabis is a

flower that’s known to bring smiles to friends’ faces, draw in connections and community while weaving joy into LGBTQ+ spaces. The cannabis industry’s success is completely intertwined with LGBTQ+ activism and continued perseverance.

As a bilingual, Mexican American, Carmela further proves that people of color will remain at the forefront of this polarizing work. Carmela said she has two jobs which balance each other rather well: drag and cannabis.

“I am a cannabis queen through and through, every day in my life,” Carmela said.

She calls herself a “dude” and a “simple girl” working on a weed farm in Salem. Her work with Avitas Cannabis (cleverly spelt as “sativa” backwards) allows her to provide samples at her drag shows, like gummies and joints.

“I’m the lead trimmer at Avitas Cannabis,” Carmela said. “I have grown before, and I love it. It’s like my favorite thing to do: to be out in the garden.”

By day, Carmela’s co-host Yvette Stone is a business student passionate about the economy, ready to hold political debates. By night, takes the stage as a glammed up “Desi queen.” Spending a lot of time in India as a queer person, Yvette’s freedom to express as a queer Indian performer comes to life in her sets and her fits. As a child, Yvette remembers secretly trying on her mother’s beautiful sarees.

“The way I stay in touch with my culture is going to India every year,” Yvette said, a week after her recent visit. “When I was younger, I would wrap myself in a dupattā all the damn time. In drag, I had a cultural awakening. I was pulling James Charles with my skin tone. People were saying I was white or just really tan… also giving Persian or Latin. I was like ‘I need to figure this out.’ I was working on my POV as a performer and realized I’m literally one of the few Desi queens out here so I really need to be repping it.”

Yvette said she started smoking weed “because it was on her bucket list.” She said cannabis helped her to “casually stop giving a fuck” –– which is an important lesson for a drag performer to have. However, Lavender, who is Turkish and Dutch, always said she would “never, ever smoke weed.” Oh, how the rolling trays have turned as she embraces her cannabis lifestyle in her performance. She agrees that thick skin is important when you’re queer and in the entertainment industry –– weed can help with that.

Carmela shares words of wisdom regarding self love and cannabis: “Love yourself a little bit more, and smoke maybe just a little more weed.”

EMBASSY FOR YOUR MIND DISPENSARY FOR THE PEOPLE

MANIC MONDAY 20% OFF ALL CBD FLOWER AND PRODUCTS & 25% OFF TOP SHELF OUNCES.

TROPICAL TUESDAY $40 EIGHTHS ARE 40% OFF 25% OFF ALL TOPICALS AND TINCTURES.

WTF WEDNESDAY 50% OFF SELECT 8THS & 15% OFF MID AND ECONOMY SHELVES.

THUG LIFE THURSDAYS 15% OFF TOP SHELF FLOWER AND ALL EDIBLES 15% OFF.

BLACK FRIDAY 25% OFF ALL BLACK TILE FLOWER & 15% OFF FOR UO/LCC STAFF/STUDENTS.

SHATTERDAY SATURDAY 15% OFF ALL EXTRACTS, CARTRIDGE, & CONCENTRATES.

GREATFUL SUNDAY 20% OFF FOR SENIORS AND VETERANS.

Geekin’ Out Over Fr ui�y Geekz

When I first took a sniff of the Fruity Geekz flower sitting on the counter at Hive Cannabis Connect, my immediate reaction was, “Damn, that’s fruity.”

The hit off of a Benji-wrapped rolling paper, which was printed to look like a $100 bill, instantly brought up memories of chowing down on Fruity Pebbles before school. The strong, thick exhale was reminiscent of (non-dairy) milk. On my second hit, I felt like Remy from “Ratatouille” when he first tried cheese with a strawberry: I was seriously noting the flavor profiles. On the inhale, it was sweet and sugary. On the exhale, it was creamy and fluffy.

Hive, the brand new dispensary by Echo Electuary, carries Fruity Geekz at an affordable $8/gram. Hive budtender Desean Archuleta said he has been smoking Fruity Geekz for at least six months now.

“It’s delicious,” Archuleta said. “Honestly, I kind of get a little addicted to the taste itself.”

This flower is what Archuleta calls a “fundica” –– meaning it’s a great strain for people who want to be sociable and giggly but still mellow and ready to vibe. Indica strains can often bring on a couch-locked experience, but Archuleta said this indica-dominant hybrid doesn’t necessarily knock people out unless they want to go to sleep.

According to Archuleta, Fruity Geekz delivers a euphoric, cerebral high. Indica-dominant strains and I don’t usually gel well, but I have to give credit where credit is due: Fruity Geekz

Written by Amanda Lurey

Designed by Lindsay Rogers

Photographed by Kayl Wohl

is yummy. Rather than smoking it in a group setting, I highly recommend using it before bed or before turning on the TV in the comfort of your home.

There is no denying that this strain is delicious and fruity, a word that queer people have recently taken back. Even Snugz Dispensary budtender Kirsten Hewes calls themself “some fruity bastard.”

According to Ireland’s Gay Community News, the term “fruity” was originally a slur used against gay men to ridicule femininity expressed by gay men. Queer people have constantly been ostracized and ridiculed, so it’s not shocking that there were subvert slurs ingrained in homophobes’ vocabulary. The concept of queer people being “fruity” also goes back to a time when queer people were medically tortured because their sexual orientation was deemed a mental illness. Although “fruity” may be indicative of the phrase “you’re as nutty as a fruitcake,” queer people began seeing being called “fruity” as endearing –– so long as it’s by other queer people or friends.

SugarTop Buddery’s Fruity Geekz is the next best way a cereal’s flavor can remind people of queer visibility, obviously in relation to Kellogg’s allyship back in 2021 with its controversial Together With Pride cereal. The LGBTQ+ community and its elders have been pioneers of cannabis progress for decades. It's only fitting that SugarTop Buddery’s Co-Founders Jarrod Kaplan and Anna Kaplan, siblings, have used their business to bring revenue to activism and promote social justice.

SugarTop Buddery’s strong mission for the business, coupled with the strain’s quirky and fun name, allows for all people ––especially queer people –– to enjoy this indica-dominant hybrid that tastes like a cavity-inducing breakfast. And I can only imagine that the queer people interested in coding, gaming and other nerdly customs must be reveling in the visibility of being Fruity Geekz.

S t r a i n o f t h e m o n t h

Sad Clown, Happy Customers

Written by Dominic Adams Designed by Dani DeGraw

fun and inclusive spaces that provide a good experience for attendees and financial support for the hosts, artists and bands. Sad Clown Studios perfectly fits into this symbiotic environment. The local scene has hit a bit of a downturn this year due to an increase in police response to such events stemming from the implementation of a “Party Patrol” by the Eugene Police Department in the fall of 2022. So, now is the best time to come to events such as this to help financially support these local creatives and house venues so they can continue to provide the scene with an outlet for dancing and socializing – but, most importantly, building community.

Sad Clown Studios just recently celebrated its 1st anniversary of producing high-end, ethicallysourced products. According to Sad Clown Studio’s founder, Sage Hansel, “It’s very eclectic. I have a couple different niches that I work into, but I haven’t found one that I really corner. I have so many different things that I love working on.”

A couple of different niches are quite an understatement. Hansel makes chain mail and reclaimed bone jewelry, crocheted garments and a host of other items – all for sale, as with most small businesses these days, on Instagram @sadclownstudios and a linked website.

Hansel is a sophomore at the University of Oregon studying anthropology. They started Sad Clown Studios during their freshman year, and it quickly went from a place for them to document their art to a thriving business all based on word of mouth.

A major component of their jewelry utilizes reclaimed animal bones, usually coming from rodents or other small animals. Hansel assures that the bones are sourced ethically: “I go out and source all of my own bones. Typically what I find is roadkill. A lot of it is being able to repurpose animals who often have died in pretty horrific ways and being able to turn them beautiful again. I have a really big focus on sustainability,” Hansel said.

Their dedication to sustainability and ethical practices for their small business is incredibly admirable and sets a standard for their products that is hard to match. In order to process these bones, Hansel leaves them to soak in a maceration pit, essentially a tub of water, to strip the bones of any soft tissue. Then they degrease and clean

the bones and finish it off with a coat of resin to stabilize the bone piece protecting it from taking on moisture and becoming fragile. This fascinating and necessary process for preparing the bones to be made into jewelry is a return to a state of beauty even after death.

Sad Clown Studios also prolifically produces crocheted garments typically made out of mohair sourced from the local business “Cozy.” Mohair is a very unique textile that comes from Angora Goats as opposed to the more commonly known Angora wool from sheep. This results in naturally soft and warm wool without any scratchiness. Most of the crocheted garments are gloves or headgear, but they also do tops, scarves and all manner of other crocheted goods. Particularly in the headgear department, they have a wide range of beanies, bonnets and balaclavas (which is even more fun the faster you say it). Some of these designs feature bunny ears or other bits of frill and fringe.

Hansel is a familiar face in the Eugene DIY scene. They have been vending at shows and pop-ups all across Eugene this year most recently appearing at “The Green House,” which hosted its debut show on April 1. This is a great example of small communities in Eugene supporting each other by collaborating to create

Sad Clown Studios is here to stay. Hansel envisions themself as a full-time artist in the future and hopes to turn Sad Clown Studios into an avenue for a liveable wage. Based on how quickly Hansel has built their business from the ground up, it seems like they are certainly on the right track to achieve this goal. For now, though, they have to balance their business with schoolwork.

“It’s hard. I definitely would rather be making art all the time, so I tend to focus on that more,” Hansel said. “It’s been a big practice of learning how to slow down and really balance my time, especially as someone who has ADHD. I am someone who will hyper-focus on a craft and I’m like, ‘This is it. There’s nothing else going on.’”

It’s this single-minded focus on crafting that allows them to make such beautiful pieces of art, but at least for now, school will continue to interrupt their true passion. Hansel works incredibly hard, and their beautiful handmade art is the existing proof of that labor of love.

Photographs Courtesy of Danny Infante

HIGH REC

ENTERTAINMENT THAT SPARKS DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS AND MINDING THE GENERATIONAL GAP

WRITTEN BY NINA MATHIEU, DESIGNED BY JULIA FARIA

A stoner’s most dreaded question post-smoke sesh: “So… what should we watch?” The agony of endlessly scrolling through your personalized recommendations until you finally give up and settle on rewatching your favorite show for the fifth time. At this rate, your high has slowly faded away and you’re about ready for a nap. We’re here to save you from the neverending search while adding some positive, educational and satirical entertainment to your life –– all while centering LGBTQ+ representation.

“EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE”

For a trippy, nonsensical comedy that will leave you tear-stained and questioning your human existence, check out the film “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.” Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert change the future of LGBTQ+ storytelling with a profound representation of life for queer Asian Americans. The narrative follows Evelyn Wang as she attempts to navigate a multitude of troubled relationships including an especially complex one with her daughter, Joy. The relationship between mother and daughter in this film narrows in on the queer experience through the eyes of a Chinese American immigrant with such intensity that the narrative quite literally cannot be contained to one universe. The

For light-heartedness and guaranteed giggles, the sitcom “Broad City” created by and starring Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobsen embodies contemporary cultural significance as it follows the story of two twenty-somethings living in New York City. Abbi and Ilana curate an exaggerated silliness in the show as two absolute stoners which encourages a unique tone. Different episodes explore various creative themes of adolescence, some centering Abbi and Ilana’s sex lives. Ilana is openly queer as her character normalizes open relationships and sex with varying partners; Abbi explores her sexuality as she experiments with adult toys and a newfound lesbian relationship. As Abbi and Ilana avoid the tropes of a heteronormative world, they remind viewers of the joy that stems from queerness.

Their lifestyle presents itself as progressive, it is worth mentioning a critique of the show in which it caters to a white, Westernized lens. Despite the show's attention

cinematography takes viewers alongside Evelyn and Joy as they attempt to repair their relationship while being launched through varying time dimensions and realities. This storyline fosters a compassionate attitude that highlights the way intersecting identities touch on every aspect of life. The story is a beautiful juxtaposition of queerness, immigrant exhaustion, generational trauma and unconditional joy; evidently, the Daniels duo has meticulously constructed a film that can tackle these delicate concepts with a perfect touch of comedic relief. Between the multiverse ridiculousness and the omnipresence of queerness, this wildly ambitious and creative attempt demonstrates the power of love.

to detail in regard to gendered politics and race, the characters (and real-life actresses) have been called-out for cultural appropriation and failing to fully comprehend intersectionality. The show falls short to completely recognize levels of white privilege when seen using appropriate phrases including “yas queen” (derived from the Black ballroom scene) or wearing Latinx-style earrings. Fortunately, the real-world Ilana Glazer issued an apology on behalf of the show. Speaking to ZIWE late-night talk show, she acknowledges: “That was some white woman's ignorance… We didn't know what we were doing there. It was in the ether. That was appropriation. I'm sorry for it.” Although disappointing, this critique of “Broad City” for furthering white ignorance and white feminism created space for the characters, the real-life actresses and the diverse fanbase to engage in conversation about how to better navigate these fragile, imperative topics in the future.

Both “EEAAO” and “Broad City” refuse to conform to the social standard of what is expected in popular media and how diverse identities are represented on screen. Stoners can recognize that cannabis has the ability to deepen contemplation in the context of the complexities of these two stories; evidently, cannabis often offers users an immersive experience for viewers to reach further engagement with the storyline and reflect within themselves upon the cinematic nuances. I highly recommend these two titles for their witty humor, generationally relatable content and ability to foster space for hard conversations. May these save you some time on your next ambitious endeavor to select some high entertainment.

“BROAD CITY”

Written by Armando Ramirez, Designed by Abigail Raike

Being an attorney for 31 years, Paul Loney has been involved in cannabis legalization since the beginning. “I was the first attorney in the state to start representing legal marijuana businesses back when no other lawyers would touch it,” Loney said.

“I still represent folks who occasionally might get in trouble on the criminal side. I represent a lot of legal cannabis businesses and everything they do. For my clients, I am their outside general counsel. I deal with all kinds of questions they may have on employee issues, contracts, buying and selling licenses, and other things that a normal business would have with legal questions.”

However, Loney did not always want to be a cannabis attorney. Before becoming an attorney, Loney graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Environmental Studies. After graduating, Loney struggled to find a career pertaining to his major and spent some time working as part of the U.S. Forest Service.

During this time, Loney had multiple friends and acquaintances who were struggling with legal issues and could not find an attorney they could depend on. This inspired Loney to start pursuing a career in law. “They needed someone they could trust, and they always felt like they could trust me,” said Loney.

After seeing a lack of proper representation in Oregon when it came to cannabis-related issues, Loney decided to focus primarily on being a cannabis attorney. “When medical marijuana came along, and people started to be legit and wanted to start a real business, there were no other lawyers in the state that wanted to advise cannabis businesses,” said Loney. “A lot of lawyers were afraid because it was still illegal federally and basically didn’t want to get laughed at by other lawyers.” Loney, however, was not afraid of this.

“I did get laughed at by some lawyers and judges, and more than once I’ve been called ‘that pot attorney’ or that ‘pot lawyer.’”

Since then, Loney’s work as a cannabis attorney has had a significant influence on the cannabis industry in Oregon, including helping draft Measure 74, which helped legalize cannabis in Oregon. Loney also worked closely with the National Organization of Reform for Marijuana Laws (NORML) and helped the Oregon chapter establish the first “cannabis cafe” in the state of Oregon in 2009 to create a safe place for medical marijuana patients to consume cannabis.

Although Loney has been practicing law for over three decades, he still faces several issues related to being a part of the cannabis industry, including banking. “Overall, some banks won’t even allow cannabis attorneys to open a bank account,” Loney said. “You go to the bank, and the bank wants to know where you got the cash from. The stigma is still there somewhat, that folks must be doing something wrong, because you’re getting paid in cash or you just don’t look like a normal business person.”

Like many people who are involved in advocacy for the cannabis industry, Loney prefers smaller local cannabis businesses compared to larger corporations. “There’s a lot of big corporations lobbying in Washington D.C. these days to draft both the laws and the administrative rules for the FDA to basically tilt the table towards big businesses, making it so they’re the only ones that can afford to play the game,” said Loney. As we get closer and closer to federal legalization, larger corporations with more capital resources will have the ability to influence how cannabis is regulated federally, which in turn could negatively affect smaller cannabis businesses.

Despite the issues that may occur regarding legalization in the future, Loney, like many other advocates in the cannabis industry will continue work in favor of smaller, local cannabis businesses. “I’m a big believer in buying local and supporting small businesses,” Loney said. “If we aren’t careful, small businesses are gonna have a hard time competing if big business gets to write the rules.”

Photo courtesy of Paul Loney

“They needed someone they could trust, and they always felt like they could trust me,” said Loney.

The world of legal cannabis is rapidly changing, and consumers in Lane County have more options than ever. With all the dispensaries available, it can be overwhelming deciding where to purchase cannabis products. It is little wonder that one of the best cannabis companies in Oregon operates a dispensary near The Shoppes at Gateway in Springfield, and many people are still learning about it.

If you haven’t tried a new dispensary recently, make the Redbarn store in Springfield your next visit. Redbarn Dispensary is an Oregon grown company, redefining expectations for how a cannabis dispensary should look and feel. When you step into a Redbarn store, you can see and feel the difference. Each store has a concept and an unmistakable aesthetic that echoes Oregon culture in a unique way. Redbarn offers recreational and medical cannabis consumers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that elevates the entire industry.

Shopping in the Springfield store feels like how legal cannabis buying should feel: safe, comfortable, and trustworthy. Redbarn prides itself on delivering this feeling at each of its locations. You will experience an inviting atmosphere suitable for cannabis users of all types of backgrounds. For many people, purchasing recreational or medical cannabis is a new experience, and like all new things, a good experience can help people develop a more positive relationship with cannabis and the benefits it provides.

Redbarn also succeeds with its ”seed to sale” company structure. The vertical organization of the company allows Redbarn to develop its own brands and products that meet the specific needs of its customers. As with everything else at Redbarn, quality is a constant goal. Growing and developing cannabis products entirely in Oregon utilizes the knowledge and expertise that has existed in this region for many years. This model also ensures their customers find the best products that will meet their personal needs through knowledgeable budtenders. If you have cannabis questions, Redbarn has answers.

As the legal cannabis industry continues to expand and more people are introduced to cannabis products, Redbarn is showing us what the future of dispensaries will look like. It is developing an experience that brings together the best elements of retail and marries them with cannabis culture in a unique, comfortable, and enjoyable way. It also captures the heart of what an Oregon brand should be, making it the perfect spot to visit next in Springfield!

IN THE WHIT NELSON’S

Nelson’s Taqueria, located in the famous Whiteaker neighborhood of Eugene on Blair Boulevard is undeniably a local gem. Nelson Lopez, owner/operator, started his business in a small food truck that has been parked in the same spot in the parking lot of his now brick-and-mortar restaurant for eight years. He watched several restaurants try and fail to succeed in the building on the property and eventually decided that it was time for him to step up and expand. A decision made at the height of the pandemic brought feelings of being “blessed by the community” for the continued support of his business and for keeping his doors open through tough times.

Nelson’s serves a large variety of regional Mexican cuisine ranging from Oaxaca to Chihuahua and just about everywhere in between. The first thing you’ll

WRITTEN BY DOMINIC ADAMS

DESIGNED BY JULIA FARIA PHOTOGRAPHED BY SPENCER SO

and the wet burrito. Hard to say no to a tailor-picked dinner by the man himself. The rich Birria tacos were jam packed with tender shredded beef and melted cheese. The shells had a slight crunch, perfectly complementing the unctuous Birria Dip. The carne asada fries were my personal favorite of the dishes we tried. They had the perfect sauce-to-meat-to-fry ratio, the ideal plate to demolish after facing a bowl and potentially the best possible use of french fries –– next to poutine, of course. Lastly, the wet burrito was a messy challenge and definitely a knife and fork affair. It was truly massive and bursting at the seams with flavor. Nelson’s own vegan enchilada sauce is famous among those in the know. On that note there are equally scrumptious versions of the tacos and burritos that are perfect for the vegan and veggie stoners of Eugene!

The diversity of Nelson’s cuisine is reflected in both the staff and Nelson himself. Nelson is an openly gay man who makes his restaurant a place that celebrates queer identities. From hosting drag nights to displaying subtle pride decor, it’s clear that Nelson’s is a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately, this haven is under threat.

“You know, I have to tell you that I’m really disappointed with the investigation,” Nelson said. “I have proof on my cellphone about the Eugene Police Department investigation and that they are not doing anything. When we called the news, they came so quickly. We gave them all of the information about whoever set the fire or how it started and at what time. We got everything on camera. So, the police didn’t do much.”

The April 16 alleged arson caused tens of thousands in damages to Nelson’s. The rumor circulating on social media is that this was some form of hate crime, and Nelson was quick to dismiss this.

“Yeah, people say it’s a gay crime,” Nelson said. “That’s 100% a lie.”

Nelson’s – although it has incredible food – is about Nelson. People all across Eugene recognize him as if he were a celebrity, even Kirsten Hewes featured in our “Budtender Spotlight” is excited to share space in the same edition. No matter where his business ends up, the community will flock to see him and eat his delicious food. His bubbly and larger-than-life personality shines through when he’s taking your order with trademark warmth, but the more you talk with him, the brighter and more animated he becomes. It’s hard not to reciprocate one of his cheeky grins

after a deadpan joke, and if you’re lucky he might show you how much space there is to dance in his kitchen by hitting a tight pirouette. Nelson is truly a man of the people, particularly us queer people, and undeniably a Eugene queer icon. There is no better example of this iconic behavior than when we asked if there were any last thoughts he wanted to share for our High Recommendation .

“Keep on smiling, that’s it,” Nelson said. “Be happy. No matter what. You need to love every day. Enjoy every day, every moment like there is no tomorrow. You are living today. Love and enjoy and laugh and smile and do whatever you want, to be happy. You like to smoke? Smoke! You know what I’m talking about? You like to drink? Drink! You like to eat? Welcome to Nelson’s. We have the best tacos in town.”

u n c h i e s S p o t l i g h t

Lorem ipsum