A look at popular and soon-to-arrive products in the cannabis market.
17 Bangers and MASS
West Coast infused pre-roll line launches in MA.
20 Cannabis Use
Golden years, greener solutions.
C
Canna Provisions shares their top 11 products to check out.
22 Transdermal Patches
They almost sound mysterious, exotic in name.
24 Tar Tubes
A new functional mushroom product by Nature’s Heritage.
Flavors
What to bring to your holiday party.
The newest cannabis accessory from Springfield, MA.
Gift Giving
Give the gift of cannabis this holiday season.
Publisher and CEO
George Arwady garwady@repub.com
Chief Revenue Officer Mark A. French mfrench@repub.com
Creative Design and Content Curation
Michelle Johnson mjohnson@repub.com
Content Review Tiera Wright
Cannabis Review Magazine (CRM) is published by The Republican. Our offices are at 1860 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103. All advertising is subject to the terms and conditions of the CRM rate card, and all advertising submitted is subject to the approval of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to cancel an advertising order or reject or edit any advertising copy or images. The Republican Co. shall not be liable for incorrect ad placement. Liability for failure to publish an ad shall not exceed a refund of or credit for the original price of the ad. Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of space for the section the error occupies. Credit will be allowed for the first insertion only. Advertisers should check ads upon publication. The contents of this publication are copyrighted 2025. The Republican Co. All rights reserved. No portion of CRM may be reproduced in any form without the consent of the Publisher.
Cover Photo: Bangers founders Andrew Berman and Jeff Allenstein at Smash Hits outdoor cultivation in front of
(ENERGY) BERRY BOOST COURTESY OF COAST
Product
STORY BY LAUREN LeBEL PHOTOS SUBMITTED
BOSTON BUD FACTORY
Location in Holyoke Visit bostonbudfactory.com for more info
THE OLLARI
Frank Dailey of Boston Bud Factory shared that the store has recently introduced Ollari Infused Pre-Rolls. The prerolls are an exclusive new line created by Mike Ollari and supported through Boston Bud Factory’s commitment to the Massachusetts Social Equity Program and small, locally owned businesses. “As a locally owned business, we’re passionate about uplifting fellow equity applicants and small, community-based brands,” said Dailey.
Each Ollari Infused Pre-Roll contains 1.2g of premium cannabis flowers, mixed with solventless rosin extracted in-house by Ollari himself. “This is one of the few solventless-infused pre-rolls available in Massachusetts, offering a truly high-end, potent, and flavorful smoking experience,” shared Dailey.
The Ollari is available in a variety of flavors including grape, sweet melon, strawberry, and even a flavorless option. Dailey noted that the pre-rolls are a “must-try for both connoisseurs and casual consumers seeking elevated quality.” The pre-rolls retail for $20 plus tax for 1.2g of “solventless-infused excellence.”
DIABLO MAN
Diablo Man Pre-Rolls are back on the shelves of Boston Bud Factory! The prerolls were crafted through a collaboration between Gerardo Ramos and Boston Bud Factory, representing the spirit of the Massachusetts Social Equity Program, explained Dailey. “Both Gerardo and Boston Bud Factory are proud participants, committed to empowering fellow equity applicants and supporting community-based cannabis brands,” he added.
CANNABIS CO.
Locations across Massachusetts
Visit coastcannabisco.com for more info
(THRIVE)
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
10MG CBG: 5MG CBC: 5MG THC
Made with high-quality cannabis flower and available in a variety of strains, Diablo Man retails for $8 per 1g pre-roll. “A portion of every Diablo Man sale goes directly to Marine Reef Habits, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring coral reefs in Puerto Rico,” shared Dailey. “Come by our Holyoke location and experience a pre-roll that not only delivers quality, but gives back to the planet. Support local. Smoke responsibly. Make an impact.”
BOSTON BUD FACTORY TINCTURES
As Boston Bud Factory continues to expand its high-quality tincture product line, it now offers a 300mg Tincture, a 1,000mg Tincture and a Night Time Tincture. “All tinctures are crafted with unflavored, vegan palm oil and contain no additives – only pure cannabis oil with a variety of cannabinoids,” said Dailey. “We use full-spectrum, solvent-free CO₂ oil, recognized as one of the cleanest formulations available in Massachusetts.”
He went on to say that the tinctures can be taken “sublingually – under the tongue – or used to infuse foods, drinks, condi ments, salad dressings, and more, of fering versatility for both wellness and culinary use.” Tinctures are
COAST Cannabis Co. has a couple new offerings including its Strawberry Lemonade gummy, used for balance and relaxation. “From morning light to evening unwind, our Strawberry Lemonade gummy is your all-day companion,” said Angela Brown, co-founder of COAST Cannabis. “With a sweet, tangy kick and double the CBG, it’s designed to keep you centered, clear and thriving!” The gummies range in price from $25-$27.
(ENERGY) BERRY BOOST 5MG
THCV: 5MG CBC: 5MG THC
“The energizing combo of THCV and CBC delivers an enhanced boost of energy and focus,” Brown shared. “Formulated to refresh your mind and body so you can power through your day with clarity and ease.” The gummies range in price from $25-$27.
COOKIES & SCREAM WHITE CHOCOLATE BAR
For a limited time only, COAST is offering its Cookies & Scream bar. This Halloween release mixes “crunchy organic chocolate wafer cookies with smooth organic white chocolate,” Brown said. “Finished with a striking splatter of organic red cocoa, this hauntingly elegant bar is made only with premium organic ingredients for a treat that’s as elevated as it is spooky.” The chocolate bar ranges from $23-$25. condiofpriced between $20-$40.
CO2 EXTRACT AND PRODUCTS
COURTESY OF BOSTON BUD FACTORY
PIONEER CANNABIS CO.
Location in Brimfield Visit pioneercannabiscompany.com for more info
FOG CUTTERS
Fog Cutters, which are two packs of infused half gram pre-rolls, are a customer favorite at Pioneer, said Pioneer Cannabis Co. CEO Maura Doyle. She explained that the popularity stems from the “THC levels starting at 40%, a centrifugal rolling process for perfect burns, and flavors inspired by our beloved New England – think Fenway Funk, Maine Blueberry or Cape Cod Cranberry!” Fog Cutters can always be found on Pioneer’s shelves for $12 each, or a bundle of three for $30.
TRIFECTA FARMS
With Trifecta Farms being owned and operated right in Brimfield, it allows Pioneer to offer flower that has been locally grown and sold, all within the small town, Doyle shared. “Trifecta’s mission is to redefine excellence in the industry with their innovative cold-curing method,” she said. “Trifecta cures their flower at 50 degrees,” ensuring that every strain embodies incomparable taste, potency and quality. Pioneer offers the complete
Trifecta product line of nearly 20 strains in various categories including full ounc es of flower going for $110, half ounces of pre-ground flower for $42; eighths of hand-trimmed flower, $30; and 7g pre-roll packs, $35.
INSA
Locations in Easthampton, Salem and Springfield Visit myinsa.com for more info
CARAMEL APPLE DROPS
Insa has released a new line of limit ed-edition products just in time for the fall season. One of those offerings is Caramel Apple Drops. “Crisp green apple meets rich, buttery caramel in this fall-ready twist on our classic drops,” said Insa’s Head Chef and Director of R&D Julian Rose. “Made with real fruit puree, smooth caramel flavor, and sugar-dusted finish, each bite hits that perfect sweetand-tart balance, like a caramel apple you can take anywhere.” The drops retail for $20.
MAPLE CHEESECAKE BAR
“Sweet meets savory” in Insa’s Maple
PUMPKIN SPICED LATTE BAR
“Savor the flavors of fall with Insa’s lim
of white and milk chocolate, then gets wrapped in pumpkin pie richness and warm spice.” He went on to describe it as a “true autumn pick-me-up” in each square. The chocolate bar retails for $20.
CRANBERRY ORCHARD VAPORIZERS
Inspired by everything people love about fall are the Cranberry Orchard Vaporizers. “Juicy green apple leads the flavor, followed by a tart cranberry snap that’s bright, crisp and perfectly tangy,” exCheesecake Bar, said Rose. “Creamy white and golden caramel chocolates layer together with velvety cheesecake and maple flavor, creating a perfectly balanced bar that’s rich, smooth and unmistakably seasonal.”
plained Rose. Its balanced hybrid effects lift the consumer’s mood with subtle energy before bringing them into a “cozy, sweater-weather calm,” he added. The vaporizer retails for $45.
TRIFECTA COURTESY OF PIONEER CANNABIS CO.
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STORY BY DAN MCCARTHY
Discover something new
When it comes to procuring a choice selection of the best products available on the legal cannabis market in Massachusetts, you’d be hard pressed to find a better landscape of the best stuff around than Western Massachusetts, at Canna Provisions stores in Holyoke in the Pioneer Valley and Lee in the Berkshires right off the Mass Pike.
Keep this rundown of the choice products for the fall and winter of 2025-2026. Don’t see what you want, check out www.cannaprovisons.com and get a look at the menu with the newest drops!
1. Eleven Cannabis
Eleven Cannabis flower brings clean, terpene-forward genetics at an everyday price. Expect dense, well-cured buds with true-to-strain flavor and steady potency across rotating lineups. Standout strains often include Pineapple Funk (tropical gas and uplift), Dolce OG (earthy-kush calm), French 75 (citrus-herbal sparkle), and GMO (garlic-diesel depth). Grown in Massachusetts, each batch is trimmed for a smooth burn and consistent experience—ideal for people who want reliable effects and rich aroma without the luxury markup.
2. Smash Hits Smash Stash, Official Chemdog Genetics
Seeds and Smash Hits Blueberry Muffin
Smash Hits cannabis, overseen by iconic Massachusetts native and legacy cultivation legend Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski, continues to rack up fans and awards in Massachusetts. The Smash Stash line of preroll packs offer mini joints, half-ounce, and full ounce 1-gram prerolls with themed collections of strains. Strains like their famed Blueberry Muffin cut that continues to be a customer favorite. However if looking for something special, Canna Provisions is the only place to land authentic Chemdog genetics in seed packs like this Banana Dog D (Banana Z x Chem 91 x Chem D). They go quick so check the menus for what’s available and preorder fast.
3. Wana
Wana—one of the top gummy brands in the U.S.— offers targeted, great-tasting edibles. Cherry Cola Quick Relief Gummies use fast-acting technology for a swift, uplifting effect with nostalgic soda flavor. Fast Asleep Gummies combine sleep-supporting cannabinoids (CBN, CBD, THC) with calming botanicals for a smooth wind-down. The 20:1 Blood Orange Gummies deliver a CBD-dominant ratio for gentle, anytime ease with bright citrus notes. Consistently dosed, vegan, and crafted for clean flavor, Wana’s lineup balances taste with purpose-driven cannabinoid profiles.
4. Farmers Cut, Holiday Vapes
Farmer’s Cut (by Vangarden) delivers small-batch, terpene-forward flower across sativa, hybrid, and indica lines—aroma-rich buds selected for flavor and potency. Holiday Vapes brings portable, flavor-first cannabis vapes using key technology design engineered for smooth, consistent draws, with playful profiles like Watermelon Strawberry
Coconut and Caramel Cream Espresso. Both lines offer reliable quality and rotating genetics/flavors across Massachusetts, making it easy to match taste and vibe without sacrificing craft.
5. Havn + Stingers
HÅVN and Stingers prerolls deliver potent, convenient smokes. HÅVN’s hash rosin–infused joints pair hand-selected Massachusetts flower with solventless rosin in all-natural, unbleached papers for smooth, terpene-rich pulls. Stingers go bold: quality bud infused with high-testing extracts (including solventless rosin) for a slow-burning pre-roll that hits harder without the premium price. Expect consistent potency, clean burns, and rotating strains across both lines.
6. Mycro Dose
Mycro Dose functional mushroom + full-spectrum cannabis tablets come in various lines: Remedy is, a CBD-forward 1:4:1 (5 mg THC / 20 mg CBD / 5 mg CBC) with oyster mushroom, ginger, turmeric, and piperine; and Chill is a balanced 1:1:2 (5 mg THC / 5 mg CBG / 10 mg CBD) featuring cordyceps, lion’s mane, and ashwagandha. Discreet, sugar-free, neutral-flavor swallowables made in Massachusetts, they pair targeted cannabinoid ratios with adaptogenic botanicals for calm, clear-headed ease.
7. Nature’s Heritage Prerolls
Nature’s Heritage 1g prerolls deliver single-strain, hand-trimmed flower in ready-to-spark joints. Standouts include Double Krush (Chemdog 91 x Chem Krush) with heavy gas, rubber, and diesel; Star 91 with classic Chem funk and potent hybrid effects; Lemon OG Kush for bright citrus-pine; and The Big Smooth offering creamy berry sweetness. Expect consistent potency, clean burns, and terpene-forward flavor across rotating Massachusetts genetics—ideal for convenient sessions without sacrificing craft quality.
8. Natural Selections Flower
Natural Selections is Ethos Cannabis’s premium flower line, available across Massachusetts—including at Canna Provisions in Lee and Holyoke. Expect indoor-grown buds that are slow-dried at low temperatures to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, then hand-trimmed for a clean finish. With a seed bank of ~2,600 seeds spanning 60+ breeders and 225+ strains, the lineup rotates classic and new genetics with solid aroma, flavor, and potency—offering reliable options for every preference.
9. Bubby’s Baked Birthday Cake Bites
Bubby’s Baked Birthday Cake Bites are soft-baked vanilla “birthday cake” treats with sprinkles, infused with full-spectrum cannabis. Grab a tube of these packs that commonly contain 5 bites at 5 mg THC each (25 mg total). Ingredients typically include sugar, flour, butter, eggs, natural/artificial flavors, sprinkles, sunflower lecithin, baking powder, and preservatives; (note: they contain allergens: dairy, wheat, eggs, soy). Expect classic cake flavor with a chewy crumb and precise, low-dose THC for shareable, social vibes. Expect fun too. Cake is fun.
10. Betty’s Eddies Ache Away Betty’s
Betty’s Eddies Ache Away Eddies PM are orange crème fruit chews formulated for sleep and pain relief. Each 10-pack features a 1:1:1 blend of THC:CBC:CBN—5 mg of each per chew (50 mg of each cannabinoid per pack). Made with full-spectrum cannabis plus chamomile, organic turmeric, and piperine, these chews pair a creamy citrus flavor with a balanced cannabinoid profile intended to help you wind down and wake up refreshed. Your body may just thank you.
11. Treeworks Rocket Drops Tincture, Hummies Sleep + Canna Cream Sport
What to know: Treeworks’ Rocket Drops Energy Tincture blends THCV and natural caffeine from organic yerba mate green tea with guarana for a bright, fruity lift. Sleep Hummies pair solventless hash rosin with melatonin and valerian root to support deep rest; they’re Vegan, Gluten-Free, Solventless, Full-Spectrum, and made with real fruit. Canna Cream topicals deliver targeted, non-intoxicating topical care; the Sport formula offers a cold/hot sensation crafted for overworked muscles and joints, combining full-spectrum cannabis extracts with supportive botanicals.
12. Vibations
Another offering from Vibations, the “Advanced Hydration” are cannabis and electrolyte balanced easy drink powders to add to beverages and get the fast acting boost with some focus and energy with it. Add to the mix that its a delicious strawberry lemonade flavor, and you have a portable pocket ready packet to drop into the drink of your choice when you need 5mgs of THC and a whole lot of flavor.
Finding the right
Dose for you
Are two brownies one too many?
Is gobbling down a bag of squishy gummies in one sitting a good idea?
And how many glasses of that beverage you are drinking should be consumed?
The answer to those questions lies in whether you are asking because you are on a health kick or want to lose weight, or if you are indulging in edibles.
You know what edibles are – cannabis infused food and beverages purchased at a dispensary or homemade from your own kitchen, including gummies, chocolates,
baked goods such as cookies and brownies, lozenges, candies and more. When made at home, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which provide the “high,” is commonly extracted into oil or butter that can be used in cooking or spread directly on food.
A preferred option for recreational and medicinal purposes, cannabis edibles are discreet and perfect for consumers who don’t like to smoke or vape and offer long-lasting effect.
Colorado and Washington became the first two states to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in 2012 with 24 states now allowing cannabis for recreational use and 40 states legalizing the medical use of cannabis products.
When it comes to edibles, it pays to know the laws in your state. While the recreational use of cannabis by adults 21 and older is legal in Massachusetts, according to the state’s Cannabis Control Commission it
is illegal to consume marijuana in public and you cannot use cannabis in any form – smoking, drinking, or eating - in public places or on federal land. That means you better leave the edibles behind if you are planning a picnic in a local park.
Dosing is important for cannabis edibles both for safety and experience so that you obtain the desired effect for pleasure or reducing pain and not experience overdosing which can be life-threatening. On average, the effects of edible cannabis last anywhere from 4-8 hours to even 12 hours or more, so you want to get your dosing correct if you don’t want to be out of commission for an extended period of time.
To help with dosing, many websites offer THC Edible Dosage Charts including: leafly. com, stiiizy.com, elevate-holistics.com. cheechandchong.com as well as many others.
The following guide by milligrams of THC
STORY BY KEITH O’CONNOR PHOTOS ISTOCK/ADOBESTOCK
is an amalgam of several dosing charts taken from the Internet, many of which caution their listings are educational and only a “guide,” since people process cannabis differently affecting their ultimate experience; and they should not be used as advice for medicinal purposes without first checking with a licensed healthcare provider.
1 to 2.5 mg (micro): Good for first-time users. Provides mild relief from pain, stress, anxiety and other symptoms with only minimal psychoactive effects. Try mints, beverages, chocolate squares. Weight consideration – under 100 lbs.
3 to 5 mg (low): Often cited for beginners, this dosage will result in light euphoria and may help with sleep issues, pain, inflammation, and nausea. Try gummies, infused seltzers, honey sticks. Weight consideration – 100-150 lbs.
10 to 15 mg (moderate): A more pronounced euphoria perfect for intermediate and experienced consumers looking to treat pain, anxiety, nausea, and sleep issues. Try gummies, chocolates, baked goods, candies and some beverages. Weight consideration – 150-200 lbs.
20 to 30 mg (high): Best for experienced users with a high THC tolerance looking for strong psychoactive effects and symptom relief for chronic illness, insomnia or severe pain. Be prepared to handle strong impairment and coordination lapses. Try chocolate bars, condiments and high-dose gummies. Weight consideration – 200 -250 lbs.
30 to 100 mg (acute): For high tolerance individuals only, with very strong effects such as heavy sedation and the risk of paranoia in inexperienced users. For those looking for an intense high and severe health issues such as pain, PMS, MS, cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, and sleep disorders. Try infused baked goods, gummies, chocolate, capsules, drinkables and more. Weight consideration – 250+ lbs.
100 to 500 mg (macro): Beware, use with caution. Not for beginners and only for highly experienced users. Deliver intense psychoactive effects and may result in impaired coordination and/or perception, along with unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, nausea and rapid heart-
beat. Extremely high doses, particularly 500 mg, are often relegated for those with severe medical conditions such as cancer and other conditions that require a marijuana medical card Try gummies, infused shots and sodas.
While taking 10-15 mg of edibles, for example, may be fine for you and your body, someone else may respond entirely differently to the dosage. It all depends on the following factors:
Tolerance – For newbies, a smaller amount may be sufficient to reach their desired effect, while those with a higher tolerance for THC may need to dial up the milligrams.
Type of edible – Whether brownie or infused beverage can make a difference with liquids acting faster because of their quicker absorption into the body.
Body weight/composition – Overweight or thin? That may make a difference on how THC is processed in your body.
Metabolism – Slow or fast depends on how soon you may feel the effects, with a faster metabolism giving you the high you may be looking for sooner.
Accuracy means everything.
Dosing accuracy is critical for both medical and recreational users, with an extra milligram or two in your homemade products or not enough, resulting in an overly potent edible or one that lacks any punch.
Online calculators – which consider body weight, tolerance levels and product potency - are another tool to determining how much cannabis to put in your infusion or to estimate how much THC is in each serving, resulting in safe and appropriate consumption levels.
While a worthwhile tool in helping to take the uncertainty out of dosing, these digital online tools may not be 100% accurate and should be considered for only general guidance. Some additional tips to consider include:
More is not better. Experts recommend beginning with a low dose, 1-2.5 milligrams and working your way up after determining how you respond to that initial dose.
Be patient. Don’t overeat or drink, more is not always better. Compared to smoking, there is a delayed onset – 1-3 hours possibly - with edibles. Potential overdoses, leading to unwanted side effects and possible emergency room visits, can often occur when you think you are not feeling the effects quick enough and grab for another bite too soon.
Keep track of your dosing and response as you go along to determine future levels to meet your desired needs.
Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially for medicinal purposes.
Read the label. Just as when you are shopping in a grocery store and looking at the product label for information, read the label on the edibles you choose to learn their CBD:THC ratio, with a lower ratio providing fewer intoxicating effects. Marijuana edibles are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so manufacturers are not required to provide consumers with ingredients, nutritional information or product warnings with states determining their own labeling regulations. Also, keep in mind that the amount of THC in edibles is often unknown or inaccurately labeled.
For your safety, don’t be afraid to ask anyone serving you edibles what the dosage is.
The interest in and popularity of cannabis edibles continues to grow. The global market for cannabis edibles is estimated at over $15 billion and is expected to reach $48.7 billion by 2030.
As for the future, the burgeoning market for edibles will see new trends and innovations in the years ahead. Expect to see greater variety in product offerings and higher-end foods, healthier options, more precise dosing thanks to nanotechnology and microencapsulation that offer better consistency and faster onset times. And there are challenges, too, such as addressing regulation, consumer safety and more accurate product labeling.
Nature’s Heritage brand launches MycroDose
This summer, Nature’s Heritage brand entered the functional mushroom market with its launch of MycroDose.
“MycroDose is an all-natural product that combines the power of full spectrum cannabis with the added benefit of functional mushrooms in a convenient pill,” said Nature’s Heritage Brand Director Tami Kirlis. “It’s a fresh take on wellness that blends cannabinoids, like THC, THCV, CBD, and CBG, functional mushrooms, and other plant-based ingredients, to support a holistic approach to good health.”
Four different versions of MycroDose were created, each with its own exclusive blend and benefits, intended for relaxation, better sleep, focus and easing discomfort.
“If you love THC and know it works for you, you’re going to love MycroDose,” Kirlis said. “Or if you’re ‘canna curious,’ with just 5mg of THC in each product, MycroDose could be a great way to try THC for the first time with the added benefits of other natural ingredients.”
While Nature’s Heritage encourages consumers to try all four products: Chill, G’Night, Remedy and Spark, Kirlis suggested starting with Chill and Spark. “Chill combines a MycroDose of THC, CBD, CBG, cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and ashwagandha,” she said. “These ingredients were carefully curated to reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation, which promotes body relaxation.”
With Spark, a combination of THC, THCV, shiitake, Lion’s Mane, and ginseng, all work together to help with focus, mental clarity and boost energy levels. Kirlis said they’ve heard some consumers call it “nature’s Adderall,” and for anyone with ADD or ADHD, MycroDose could be a “great alternative to pharmaceuticals,” she added.
Remedy features THC, CBD and CBC, and is mixed with the functional mushroom oyster, ginger root, turmeric and piperine. The product focuses on reducing inflammation and creating a calm state of mind.
Last but not least, G’Night is designed to improve sleep and deep relaxation, combining THC, CBN and CBD with functional mushrooms organic reishi and organic Lion’s Mane, along with chamomile and magnesium.
Since its release, Kirlis said, “Consumers are loving it!” She continued, “MycroDose is quite literally one of the only products on the market that combines cannabis and mushrooms, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
both functional mushrooms and cannabis and notice the benefit of using one holistic product instead of two.
“And then there’s people who have heard of psychedelic mushrooms but not functional ones. They’re very interested in trying it but need a bit more education on the benefits. The key is getting both groups to try MycroDose and they’re in. The results are real and speak for themselves,” she added.
Kirlis said they have found “two camps of people – those who are super into alternative medicine and already understand the benefits of functional mushrooms like stress and anxiety reduction, improving focus and mental clarity, and supporting better sleep.”
The launch of MycroDose comes from the “growing consumer demand for natural wellness solutions, and a rising awareness of the many ways mushrooms can play a role in your daily holistic health routine,” Kirlis said. “Across the health and wellness world, brands like MUD/WTR, renowned Mycologist Paul Stamets’ Host Defense, and Kourtney Kardashian’s LemmeLive are tapping into the ancient power of mushrooms. This space has massive potential, and it got our attention.”
She noted that Nature’s Heritage is proud of how unique and effective each product is.
The new line became available in Massachusetts this summer. Kirlis said the plan is to introduce MycroDose in Delaware and Illinois before the end of the year, with the possible addition of other markets as well.
She noted that these people often use magne alterna
The product retails for approximately $25 for 20 tablets and are now available in Thrive dispensaries throughout Massachusetts — Beverly, Middleborough, Quincy — along with other licensed retailers.
To learn more about MycroDose, visit naturesheritagecannabis.com.
STORY BY LAUREN LeBEL IMAGES SUBMITTED
Festive flavors
MASHED SWEET POTATOES WITH A MAPLE CANNABUTTER DRIZZLE
INGREDIENTS:
For the mashed sweet potatoes:
3 large sweet potatoes 1/2 cup milk 1/2 stick butter
Salt and pepper
For the maple cannabutter drizzle: 4 tbsp cannabutter 2 tbsp maple syrup
Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS: Peel and cube your sweet potatoes and add to a large saucepan filled with water and boil until tender. Remove and add to a bowl, mash your sweet potatoes, add your milk, butter, salt and pepper and set aside. Add your cannabutter to a smaller saucepan over medium-low heat, add in your maple syrup and salt and bring to a low simmer. Remove from heat, drizzle some of the mixture over your mashed sweet potatoes. Broil your potatoes on high for 5 minutes. This is the perfect addition to your dosed Thanksgiving dinner table, but… that’s not all! It’s also great for a yummy topping for your French toast or pancakes, spread it on an English muffin, or even drizzle it over the top of some vanilla ice cream. It’s versatile and DELICIOUS!
PHOTOS AND RECIPES BY NATE BLAIS
DOSED MARSHMALLOW CRISPY RICE TREES
INGREDIENTS:
Makes 8 Trees
3 tbsp cannabutter
1 package of marshmallows
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1/2 package of white chocolate chips
Red and green sprinkles, garnish
Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS:
Melt your cannabutter over medium low heat and add in your marshmallows and pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is completely melted and remove from the heat. In a large mixing bowl, add in your Rice Krispies and pour the mixture over top and mix with a rubber spatula coated in cooking spray. Spray a baking tray that’s at least 2in. tall with cooking spray and add your mixture. Let cool in the fridge for an hour. You can use a cookie cutter to cut out the tree shapes, if you’d like. Melt your white chocolate in 30 second intervals in the microwave. Drizzle over the top of your crispy rice trees and add your sprinkles. They’re ready to enjoy at your holiday party this year!
INGREDIENTS:
Makes 20 meatballs
2 pounds ground turkey
1 box stove top stuffing
2 eggs
2 tbsp cannabutter
1 package of fresh herbs, poultry mix
1 cup of water
1 can of whole cranberries cranberry sauce
1 orange
Zest from one orange
2 tbsp cornstarch slurry
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, add your ground turkey, dried stuffing mix, eggs, and some fresh thyme from the poultry mix. Preheat your over to 350F. Mix together and form your meatballs. Add a pan to the stovetop over medium-high heat and add your meatballs, you may have to do this in batches. Brown on each side but, don’t cook through. Remove meatballs and add juice from your orange to the pan, scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan and add in your water. Add cranberry sauce, orange zest, cannabutter and salt and pepper. Place your meatballs back in the pan and add the rest of your fresh herbs to the top and cover your pan. Place in the oven and cook for 25 minutes. Remove your meatballs and bring your orange cranberry sauce mixture to a low boil and add in your cornstarch slurry, mix until thickened. Pour mixture over your meatballs and they’re ready to serve. Enjoy as a delicious appetizer for your New Years Eve festivities!
STORY BY DAN MCCARTHY PHOTOS SUBMITTED
BANGERS AND MASS
West Coast infused preroll line Bangers was founded in 2022, but they will be available for the first time on the East Coast later in 2025, and are launching right here in Massachusetts.
This fall marks the Massachusetts arrival of Bangers.
The West Coast single source, diamond-infused, and kief dusted prerolls favored by budtenders in California since 2022 has planned to launch in the East Coast for a while. How it happened is the result of how many moments in cannabis have over the decades: a shared experience at a Grateful Dead show.
One of the company’s founders, Andrew Berman, was introduced to Canna Provisions co-founders Meg Sanders and Erik Williams at a Dead & Co. concert (Berman has been following the Grateful Dead for 40 years) a couple of years ago by Massachusetts native and cannabis icon Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski. Chemdog is director of cultivation for Canna Provision and its Smash Hits cannabis flower line. Instantly, there was a sense of shared val-
ues and love of good cannabis. Meg and Erik tried their first Bangers products, and a new partnership began to take root.
The Bangers team also includes CEO Jeff Allenstein, who helped create the infused preroll category in California when he ran sales for Ganjagold, and COO Armando Cervantes, a veteran of West Coast cannabis culture with deep experience as a consumer and veteran of the Emerald Triangle of Northern California (the renowned cannabis-producing region in the United States). Together, the three are fully primed for their debut at legal cannabis retailers across the Commonwealth. But their East Coast entrance is more than a collaboration with an award-winning, woman-led, employee-owned cannabis brand and its iconic grower. It continues the Bangers ethos of working with artisanal craft cannabis, in this case led by the legendary Krzanowski. “You don’t get better weed in the US than the stuff Chemdog grows,” says Cervantes.
Together, the Bangers and Canna Provisions team plan to drop the infused cannabis flower that is coated with fresh kief products (e.g. either a single 1.2g or a 2-pack of two 0.6g prerolls) with a range of flavors in the fall of 2025, following the Bangers mantra of “For cannabis people, by cannabis people”.
Let’s start with the decision to pick Massachusetts as your first foray into the East Coast cannabis market. Why now, and why Smash Hits cannabis and Canna Provisions as the launch team?
Andrew Berman: If there’s one thing we’ve learned in life, especially in cannabis, it’s pick your partners and markets properly. We have a great partner in Canna Provisions. Meg and Erik are well known in the industry, good business people and they know the market, their products, and their customers really well. Massachusetts has a good cannabis culture and
Bangers co-founder Andrew Berman enjoying some Smash Hits terpenes while touring the Berkshires cultivation with Canna Provisions CEO Meg Sanders.
has shown good growth since the inception of adult use in 2018 too. This is what excites us about the partnership with them and Chemdog in this market. Specifically, the cannabis Chemdog is producing with Smash Hits is absolutely fire, and we are excited to have his inputs for our infused prerolls.
Armando Cervantes: If a cannabis consumer would ask me, “Hey, how’d you partner up with these people?” My response would be that they grow the best cannabis in Massachusetts because you have Chemdog, and we are very confident that we roll the best infused prerolls. When you combine people who are craftsmen of their trade and have a passion for it, then the product is going to shine.
Talk a little about how you will ensure Bangers are just as good on the east coast? Is there a secret to the manufacturing sauce?
Jeff Allenstein: We’ve come up with a proprietary process for making joints, and the key to our business is consistency and experience. We
We have great partners in Massachusetts who are going to help bring us to market there. And I mean, Chemdog is as good as they get as far as growers and icons of the old-school cultivation culture go.
How will Bangers approach the spectrum of consumers here in Massachusetts? Or moreover, how should MA consumers approach Bangers products once they are available?
AB: Go low, go slow. (laughs). This product is for the serious cannabis consumer (and not the “canna curious”).
AC: For seasoned consumers, they will really find Bangers to be in their lane. However if grandma comes into a store and is canna-curious, maybe send her over to the low dose products or CBD gummies (laughs). But, if grandma comes in and she’s been smoking blunts her whole life, she’s going to absolutely love Bangers. They pack a punch and are heavy hitting. There’s a broad variety that we offer, and each is flower-forward. It’s essentially a moon rock in a pre-roll format.
make sure the joints burn correctly every time. prod
JA: I think that the difference between us and other similar products is the consistency in our product style and the fact that it’s going to smoke right. It’s going to be a good experience for the consumer, particularly regular smokers that are known to be wary of prerolls because of bad experiences with lesser quality products. This is why we focus on our inputs being great in the prerolls, so they’re going to burn consistently and provide a good experience. We have something for the folks that like the terpene-forward stuff that’s super high potency, and we have the folks that just care about smoking really high quality weed covered as well with the Smash Hits partnership.
What inspired you to launch Bangers back in 2022 in California?
AB: There was clearly a market emerging for these kinds of products [in 2022], and we saw that evolving at the same time we were making good joints for other people, and watched their businesses take off. So we thought: “why shouldn’t we do it ourselves?” We wanted to do something unique. Often folks in various industries doing contract manufacturing for third parties realize their customers have found something, and we did too. We wanted to have our own brand with a unique twist. And that’s what it’s all about. People really want quality products at a fair fair price - which was our North Star.
[Middle photos] Top: Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski and Bangers co-founder Jeff Allenstein. Middle: Chemdog showing off a recent batch of Smash Hits MAC1 buds heading to Canna Provisions stores. Bottom: Chemdog and Andrew Berman all smiles standing over a crop of Smash Hits.
JA: I’m a long time consumer, and for a long time I thought of prerolls (in CA) as garbage, and in many cases over the years were often the kind of products they gave away for free when you went to a dispensary. I don’t feel that way anymore when I go to dispensaries most of the time. I mean, markets change, consumers get wise, and product quality responds in kind. So we went into creating Bangers because we saw that quality prerolls were a growing segment of the market, and we knew we could do it even better, have more consistency and offer a better overall infused preroll experience and build a better offering, so to speak.
AC: We also knew that the segment of infused prerolls was one where everyone followed other people’s recipes. So we knew that we could easily create a better product by utilizing better inputs. Where other brands utilize pectin (a food grade glue to adhere the kief to the exterior of the infused preroll), we use quality cannabis oil. So that became just one thing that separated us and won us fans from the culture. When you look into the terpenes and flavors of these kinds of products, some brands
were adding synthetic sweeteners to their terpenes too - which we don’t do either. We stuck to our guns and went product first instead of the strategy of marketing and cost-savings first. That’s why ours just stand out.
What do the Bangers values of “staying true to the culture” mean for this partnership and the brand launch in Massachusetts?
AB: Beyond offering a quality product at a fair price, one of our core values is to stay involved as owners and weed people in every launch - because nobody knows our business and customer better and it’s important to us to stay connected to our customers. We’re being very disciplined in our roll outs too - it’s not putting dots on a map but rather, as noted, selecting good partners in good markets. Being involved in the business as it rolls out and having real skin in the game buys trust with customers and puts our own names and words on the line.
AC: Everything with us comes down to a product-first focus. We’ll never put anything in
these pre rolls we wouldn’t smoke ourselves. But more importantly, we take care of the industry people, especially budtenders. Brands often focus on the customer and then forget about the little guy, but to us the budtender and retail workers are on the front line pushing our product. It goes back to staying true to the culture and the culture is the people in the industry. Taking care of them comes back tenfold.
JA: I would say for me when I go to dispensaries that carry our product, it brings me great joy that I hear budtenders are buying and smoking our joints on their own. That’s how I know we’re winning and staying true to the culture. It’s the fact they have decided that we make a good joint, not just we have decided we make a good joint. They burn right, they don’t canoe, and they relight well for the same experience. I’m so proud of that. And every time I hear it from budtenders that Bangers really did burn and smoke correctly, that’s our passion and our whole ethos. Quality value, quality product.
Golden years, GREENER SOLUTIONS
Seniors seeking legal cannabis products and options continue in the Northeast
In the last two years, cannabis use among older adults has accelerated. A June 2025 analysis from NYU’s Center for Drug Use found that current cannabis use among adults 65+ rose 46% from 2021-2023. Those new adopters skewed more college-educated, married, and higher-income than before, in a portrait that challenges the “curious dabblers” cliché around senior use and suggests a deliberate, research-minded consumer is emerging in seniors seeking alternatives for common ailments (as well as just enjoying cannabis as a whole).
In Massachusetts, where that evolution is especially visible, the modern senior cannabis consumer has varied interests. Some seek the next frontier like increased product education (see: dispensary-led workshops that retailers like Canna Provisions have conducted with assisted living facilities in Western Massachusetts) to regional initiatives integrating cannabis into mainstream senior wellness options.
Data Reveals a More Sophisticated Senior Consumer Is Rising
A September 2024 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging offers the clearest snapshot of this maturing market: 21% of adults ages 50–80 used cannabis in that past year. Anxiety and relaxation (81%), sleep (68%), pain relief (63%), and mental health (53%) were the main drives. Their product choices show a diversification beyond stereotypes, with edibles and beverag es (74%) and flower (58%) leading the way, reflecting comfort with measured dosing are the preferred styles.
menters. It’s a consumer segment looking for predictable experiences and repeatable results. Which is exactly why a consumer experience built around guidance and safe, tested products become pivotal for seniors and cannabis use.
From General Relief to Precision Wellness
The UMich poll’s top motivations—sleep
beverag- and pain—are now backed by a growing (if still cautious) evidence base. Longer term signals are
So it’s more and more clear that Massachusetts seniors seem to be following the national trend of a markedly deliberative cohort seeking cannabis products for personal use. And it aligns with what Northeast retailers report: seniors are asking nuanced questions about onset, ratios, and interactions, and they’re increasingly choosing formulations that match specific needs.
This is not a movement of casual experi-
STORY BY DAN MCCARTHY PHOTOS SUBMITTED & ADOBESTOCK
emerging, too. Recent 2024 survey data provided by AARP reports that more than one in five older adults have consumed cannabis in the last couple of years, with some two-thirds of older consumers acknowledging having used it “to improve or manage a physical health condition,” such as chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.
Beyond
THC: CBD, CBN, CBG, and Minor Cannabinoid Ratios in Real Products on Northeast
Shelves
The most important evolution is the move beyond a THC-only mindset by both consumers and the product manufacturers with options in Massachusetts retail dispensaries. Several datasets are regularly showing older adults gravitating toward products like tinctures and thoughtful THC:CBD ratios found in edibles, especially for chronic conditions. That preference profile (and lower-dose starts) recurs across recent reviews.
How that maps to products in Massachusetts:
WANA’S 5:1 CBD/THC offers pomegranate blueberry acai flavor and a high CBD dosed gummy. Wana’s Quick Relief line has also become a favorite. Wana Optimals “Fast Asleep” line fast-acting gummy designed for sleep that combines CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, melatonin, and a sleep-focused terpene blend; the Wana “Quick” line is formu
lated for 5–15 minute onset—useful for dose-finding before bedtime.
BETTY’S EDDIES “BEDTIME BETTY’S” AND “TAKE IT EASY EDDIES.” Sleep chews that blend THC + CBN + CBD (Bedtime), and stress-relief pineapple orange full spectrum chews with CBG, CBDV, and THC plus botanicals like chamomile and organic passionflower (Take It Easy). These SKUs reflect the “ratio plus botanicals” approach many seniors seek.
TREEWORKS TINCTURES & EDIBLES (MA). Effects-based formulations—e.g., Dream Drops (CBN + THC, chamomile/valerian), Relief Drops (CBD + CBN + CBG + CBC + THC), and Relax/Sleep Hummies—aimed at precision use cases (nighttime, pain, stress), with clear cannabinoid tables. Their Canna Cream line of topicals continue to be a best seller and consumer favorite of every age group due to ease of use and non-psychoactive effects.
BUBBY’S BAKED. Soft-baked, full-spectrum brownies and cookies in familiar, portionable formats—an approachable on-ramp for those preferring classic (and tasty!) THC dosed edibles.
COAST CANNABIS GUMMIES. Family owned, women-led local Massachusetts customer favorites with full organic edibles in formulations high in CBG and CBC and THC formulations.
HEALING ROSE TINCTURES.
Hemp-derived cannabinoid rich tinctures from a woman-owned Massachusetts company with no THC promoting rest combining CBN, CBD, and CBD for reliable experiences for those seeking alternatives featuring no THC but interested in options for rest and sleep.
1906. Flavorless, odorless swallowable tablets using plant-based compounds and special formulations for relaxations with reliable onset times and easy portability in a familiar delivery method.
ERVA CBD HONEY. Hemp-derived CBD dosed organic honey in small glass jars meant for long shelf life and easy, convienent dosing.
Whether being the adult-age children of seniors or seniors themselves, both groups can feel good knowing all these brands are carried in Massachusetts - including retail stores like Canna Provisions in Holyoke and Lee - giving consumers a tangible path from need to new alternatives in wellness and quality of life.
They almost sound mysterious,
STORY BY KEITH O’CONNOR
Transdermal patches
Millions of people use them every day, some not realizing the technical name for the drug delivery system – transdermal – which offer an alternative to oral or injectable routes. The first prescription transdermal patch, utilizing scopolamine to address motion sickness, was approved for use in 1979 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and was later approved in the mid-1990s for over-the-counter (OTC) sales.
Today nicotine patches, including the brand name NicoDerm, help people to stop smoking, and a myriad of pain patches with lidocaine such as the number one selling Salonpas, typically used for muscle soreness and mild joint pain, have a corner on the market. Still other transdermal patches, both prescription and OTC, are used to treat a wide variety of ailments, among them hormonal replacement therapy, high blood pressure, angina, major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and especially cancer pain, to mention just a few.
According to scientific literature on the National Library of Medicine website, the authors of “Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review of Current
and Future Application,” note cannabinoids have shown great promise in alleviating symptoms of chronic pain from osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, seizures and convulsions, peripheral neuropathy, glaucoma, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia and anxiety/PTSD.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that cannabis is the most commonly used federally illegal during in the United States with some 20% of Americans using it at least once, as of February 2024, 47 states, the District of Columbia and three territories allow for the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hasn’t approved the use of the cannabis plant as medicine.
“Extensive anecdotal evidence shows that medical cannabis can bring dramatic relief to a wide range of adults. Used judiciously, patients show a return to activity, relief of overwhelming anxiety, and sleep free from the nightmares and terrors of PTSD. The cannabinoid THC can promote appetite otherwise disrupted by chemotherapy while CBD seems to diminish the intensity
of inflammatory states of fibromyalgia and related conditions, said Dr. Neil Kudler. A general internist with over 30 years of experience caring for adults, Dr. Kudler began his career in San Francisco at the peak of the AIDS crisis and quickly discovered the powerful effects of cannabis in providing ease to his patients. In 2015, he became certified to prescribe medical marijuana for the purpose of alleviating suffering. No longer seeing patients in the office setting, he now offers medical marijuana re-certification to Massachusetts residents via a telehealth visit.
Medical marijuana, also referred to as medical cannabis, is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa whose buds contain substances called cannabinoids with THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the main chemicals used in cannabis patches. THC provides psychoactive effects (the high associated from using marijuana) along with potential relief for various medical conditions. CBD also has various health benefits, including for pain, anxiety, spasticity, insomnia, epilepsy and other debilitating medical conditions, but without the “high.” There are also
PHOTO ADOBESTOCK
combination patches that deliver a blend of THC and CBD.
It was no surprise that along with the increasing legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes by states (including all six New England states who have state-regulated medical marijuana programs) would come the introduction of cannabis patches – discreet and easy to use - into the marketplace.
Mary’s Medicinals in Colorado created the first cannabis transdermal THC and CBD patches in 2013, resulting in the company receiving the 2014 Invention of the Year for the cannabis patch by the Cannabis Business Awards. Today the growing industry has seen numerous manufacturers in the United States and abroad entering the market. Like any medicine, cannabis patches have both advantages and disadvantages.
“One of the major advantages of cannabis transdermal patches is that they offer an alternative to smoking or vaping and avoiding lung exposure. Because they are applied to the skin, cannabinoid patches deliver THC and/or CBD directly into your bloodstream in a steady and predictable dose. And unlike edibles, the medicine from a patch bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and liver allowing it to enter the circulation more reliably. More effective for whole body symptoms than a salve or cream, the patch provides systemic effect with greater ease,” Dr. Kudler said.
“What that means is that the patch brings relief relatively quickly, in as little as 15 minutes. They provide consistent, long-lasting targeted or whole-body relief from the gradual diffusion of cannabis into the bloodstream. That also means avoiding fewer spikes throughout the day. There is also no worry about dosing since patches offer a pre-measured dose without the need to continuously reapply a new patch,” he added.
Generally safe and effective when used as directed, cannabis patches have some disadvantages, mainly causing skin irritations and possible allergic reactions.
But Dr. Kudler worries that there could be real disadvantages for some users of transdermal cannabis patches.
“THC-containing patches can produce unwanted psychoactive effects such as diz-
ziness, drowsiness, or feeling ‘high,’ especially in people with limited experience with cannabis. These effects can interfere with work and other daily responsibilities. I am also concerned with accelerating tolerance, particularly in patients who choose to use cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes,” Dr. Kudler said.
“As with the use of marijuana, they can be habit forming and impairing, especially THC. Cannabis, like tobacco and alcohol, has the real potential of dependency. The risks of tobacco and alcohol are widely known. Because of hurdles to credible research, it may be years before we understand the risks, not only of the byproducts of smoking cannabis, but of the potential toxicities of THC, CBD and other lesser-known cannabinoids. For chronic pain, cannabis transdermal patches can offer welcome and well-controlled relief.
THC patches,” said Jaci Olson, vault supervisor at Local Roots.
“Many of them come in looking for relief from arthritis to carpel tunnel to help for sleeping,” she added, noting the patches are relatively affordable.
Weedmaps, a community connecting cannabis consumers, patients, retailers, doctors, and brands since 2008, noted cannabis patches typically cost $10–50+ each, with higher-potency or specialized formulations commanding premium prices. When comparing costs, they recommend considering the extended duration — a single patch providing 8–12 hours of effects may offer better value than multiple doses of shorter-acting cannabis products. THC patches usually cost more than CBD-dominant versions, and patches with complex cannabinoid profiles may carry higher prices.
“Our customer base in Sturbridge tends toward an older demographic. We see many customers who come in for medicinal purposes but not wanting the psychoactive effects from cannabis.”
- Jaci Olson, vault supervisor at Local Roots
With professional guidance and a disciplined approach, the optimal dose can be safely identified and used routinely. Other formats, such as gummies or oil-based tinctures, can be used for breakthrough symptoms much like opioid-based pain management, but without the addictive and deadly risks of opioid agents,” he added.
Local Roots, whose website distinguishes themselves as a “farm to table” cannabis company with craft cannabis products grown in Massachusetts, has a comprehensive story on its website at https://www. localroots.cc/the-ultimate-guide-to-thctransdermal-patches# .
“Our customer base in Sturbridge tends toward an older demographic. We see many customers who come in for medicinal purposes but not wanting the psychoactive effects from cannabis. So, it is nice to be able to offer CBD patches that can be just as effective without the high provided by
An NIH published paper in 2022, “The Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutic Cannabinoids,” concluded transdermal delivery products continue to be of real therapeutic benefit to patients worldwide, with a positive trend that is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. The authors noted, however, in terms of the transdermal cannabinoid delivery system, a broader scope of knowledge is needed due to the limited published studies on the topic.
“Medical cannabis has made a tremendous difference in the lives of patients who, in the past, were treated with addictive and life-threatening agents, from benzodiazepines to opioids. With the advent of its availability in Massachusetts, I have treated thousands of people with cannabis who would otherwise be leading lives of much greater risk of dependency, addiction, and harm,” Dr. Kudler said.
BY DEBBIE GARDNER PHOTOS SUBMITTED
THE NEWEST CANNABIS ACCESSORY TarTubes
Hand pipes. Dab rings. Bongs. Vaporizers.
There’s always been accessories associated with smoking cannabis.
But nothing in the past has been quite like TarTubes.
Invented by two cannabis connoisseurs from Springfield, the diminutive device helps filter out the tar in a classic 2 oz. pre-roll, reducing an element in the inhaled smoke that the American Lung Association says is four times higher in weed than in traditional cigarettes.
“TarTubes does not affect the taste or the high – you still get the THC content – the intensity or the taste of your cannabis,” said Nancy Domenichelli, co-founder, president and CEO of TarTubes LLC. “Nothing changes except the tar is removed.”
The most remarkable aspect of this innovation is its accidental invention.
Domenichelli and her friend, Diana Langle, were enjoying an afternoon smoke in February at Langle’s home. Langle, Domenichelli explained, smokes both cannabis and regular cigarettes, and with the latter, she has always used a filter to help reduce the tar she inhaled.
“She went to reach for her filter, and I reached for a joint; we looked at each oth-
er… why doesn’t it fit on a joint?” Domenichelli said.
The pair could easily see that the shape of the existing cigarette filtering device wasn’t a good match for the tapered end of a preroll.
“We started stuffing paper, like tissue, even cardboard into it,” Domenichelli said of their efforts to make the cigarette filter fit.
Langle’s husband, Allan, got involved in their efforts. He went into their cellar, found a plug for a transmission in his workshop, and experimented with drilling a hole in it to accommodate the plastic cigarette filter and pre-roll.
“That was how TarTubes was born,” said Langle, who is company co-founder and chief technology officer, and is credited as inventor of the new device.
Domenichelli and Langle quickly realized the potential of the mock-up device in their hands.
“I said, ‘If we want it, other smokers will want it as well’,” Domenichelli explained.
Already the owner of a company, Modern Day Scribe, which provides transcription services for the research industry, Domenichelli had a lot of contacts in the business world. She also had experience working with college and university labs.
Domenichelli and Langle took their idea to a local college, Western New England University, hoping that perhaps a student in the engineering lab could help them refine their design. Instead, Dan Hamell, professor in the engineering lab, helped the two budding entrepreneurs flesh out their product.
“He graciously saw what we were trying to do,” Domenichelli said. “He said, ‘I can do it in about 10 minutes.’
Hamell gave the pair both the design specs and a 3-D printed model of a prototype that afternoon.
The prototype and design specs kicked off a whirlwind ramp-up of their potential product. The pair applied for but ultimately weren’t accepted into the free 12- week entrepreneurship for all (EforAll) business accelerator program. Undaunted, the women consulted with other business leaders and fellow female entrepreneurs, produced more samples through a local commercial 3-D printer, elicited prototype feedback from fellow cannabis users, worked with a graphic designer for a logo and packaging and eventually, packaged samples of their TarTubes and 28 filters to take their product to the New England Flower Expo in Northampton in June.
Domenichelli explained she had a friend who was operating a booth at the event,
and that person was willing to allow her and Langle some space to distribute samples.
The response from the Flower Expo was overwhelmingly positive. Cannabis business owners offered advice, and attendees who tried the product samples provided valuable feedback, with Domenichelli noting TarTubes was even popular among younger cannabis users.
Buoyed by the success, Domenichelli and Langle proceeded with plans to begin packaging and distributing TarTubes to cannabis dispensaries wholesale.
Plans took another pivot in early September, when the Boston-based Small Business Strong, a non-profit business mentoring organization, accepted TarTubes application for help.
Domenichelli said she and Langle had a phone meeting with a mentor within days, who helped the pair secure a consult with a new graphic designer - their original designer ghosted them, Domenichelli said - who had a refined logo, packaging and a website for the product – TarTubes.com- completed and ready to launch with e-commerce by Sept. 30.
“The consultant told us we have to sell retail, we have to be on our website, something we never considered,” Domenichelli said.
TarTubes also launched a social media presence on both Instagram @tartubes, and on Facebook at TarTubes, garnering 200 followers within two weeks.
Langle said the pair decided to offer free shipping on all online orders and were waiting for the delivery of display boxes before launching retail sales of their product at select dispensaries in early October.
Domenichelli said she and Langle have also been
fielding offers to invest in TarTubes and were also advised to prepare to ramp up stage two of the business, including handling inventory and restocking.
The pair has also needed to quickly develop a shipping department, hire a coordinator and develop a shipping policy for their retail operation, “which we didn’t know you had to have, but now we have, and they are in place,” Domenichelli explained.
“It’s real, it’s really real,” Domenichelli said of the imminent launch of TarTubes.
“This was our dream, to reach as many people as possible and raise awareness,” Langle said of TarTubes’ ability to lessen
the impact of tar on smokers’ lungs. “It’s all about capturing the tar, and that’s one of the biggest irritants when we smoke weed. It irritates the throat and the lungs.”
Langle said TarTubes users should change the filters as often as needed to provide a clean smoke. The TarTubes adapter is reusable; the filters themselves are disposable.
“The filter will fill up and then people get tar in their mouth and that’s uncomfortable,” meaning it’s time to change the filter, Langle said.
For more information on TarTubes, visit their website at TarTubes.com, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
Give the gift of cannabis this holiday season
If you’re looking for the perfect gift to give a cannabis-lover this holiday season, look no further! From edibles to pre-rolls and much more, there are a variety of products out there that consumers would be happy to see hanging in their stockings this year.
For some, the holidays can be dreadful. To get through those uncomfortable or unwanted gatherings and conversations with little cousins and creepy uncles, consider gifting cannabis to up one’s social game.
For instance, a hybrid strain like Blue Dream.
“Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid marijuana strain made by crossing blueberry with haze,” stated an article by Leafly. “This strain produces a balanced high, along with effects such as cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation. Blue Dream can be more than 20% THC but has a low CBD percentage, making this potent strain a fan favorite of both novice and veteran cannabis consumers.”
And it’s perfect to share, so, light up that pre-roll and pass it around. Perhaps it will make the night more enjoyable for all!
Once the gatherings are done, it’s time to relax. To do so, consider purchasing an indica-dominant strain or a product with a
high-CBD tincture like Grandaddy Purple, which creates “cerebral euphoria and physical relaxation,” (Leafly).
“While your thoughts may float in a dreamy buzz, your body is more likely to find itself fixed in one spot for the duration of GDP’s effects,” (Leafly.)
This product is used for consumers who are looking to alleviate any pain, stress and insomnia, to name a few of its purposes, and it can be purchased at various dispensaries.
To coincide with the relaxation theme, throw in a CBD-infused balm and an infused bath bomb – there’s nothing better than a little self-care and rest during this busy time of year.
For those with a sweet tooth, consider gifting a pack of edibles. From gummies to chocolates and other baked goods, candies and more, cannabis can be enjoyed with one simple bite. Whether you purchase it at a dispensary or make it at home, you can add your own special touch by wrapping it in a festive tin, jar or box, and top it with a bow –presentation is key!
Fortunately, edibles are easy to find in dispensaries across the state, with price ranges that are friendly for all.
Additionally, add a recipe card for your relatives or friends to make their own edibles at
home! Recipes – available in many different treats – can be found online at foodandwine. com/recipes/cannabis-recipes or https:// food52.com/story/27937-best-cannabis-recipes, to name a few places.
Or rather than giving cannabis itself, consider one of its accessories! For instance, gifting a bong or bowl to smoke out of, a vape pen, grinders and more. This allows for another personalized touch as the glassware is typically created with different patterns and colors that the recipient might enjoy.
All in all, no matter what you decide to give a cannabis-lover this holiday season, make sure you are aware of the recipient and their comfortability level with the product you place under their tree. It is crucial to provide all the information as well – strain, dosage, its effects and so on – to make sure their experience with the gift is a safe and positive one.
So, what are you waiting for? Give the gift of cannabis this holiday season. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Works Cited https://stinkblossom.com/a-cannabis-lovers-guide-toholiday-gifting/ https://www.leafly.com/strains/granddaddy-purple https://www.leafly.com/strains/blue-dream
STORY BY LAUREN LeBEL IMAGE ADOBE STOCK
