Vol. 5 Issue 1 by Salt Baked City

In This Issue

At Salt Baked City, we take pride in our inde pendence as a local publication operated by a small team of medical cannabis patients. Our motto, ‘For Patients, by Patients,’ guides everything we do. We want our readers to know that our content is driven solely by news, not paid advertising. We do not accept any form of compensation from companies, including licensed Utah medical cannabis companies, for the content featured in our publication or on our website. Our stories and coverage remain independent, unbiased, and dedicated to serving the needs of the Utah cannabis community. However, if you’re interested in promoting your business, product, or event, our team offers marketing and design services, advertising opportunities, and valuable insights. Reach out to us at info@ saltbakedcity.com to discuss advertising in the next issue.

In everlasting tribute, Salt Baked City reveres the profound influence of Jay Childers, Brent Fullmer, John Gentry, and Kenneth Kappes, whose mentorship and friendship have deeply influenced its creation. Their enduring imprint has empowered me to follow my dreams and craft this publication for Utah’s cannabis community. Though they have passed, their spirit lives on, guiding every aspect of this endeavor.

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief colefullmer@saltbakedcity.com

Art Director Caitlin McNeill

Editorial Director Benjamin Adams

Contributors

Photographer Kat Jorgensen

Photographer & Web Design Chris Lott

Writer JD Lauritzen

Writer Mindy Madeo

Writer Paul Kemp

Photographer & Writer Bryan Ly

Photographer Amelia Hannah

Copy

THE RIGHT TO GROW

While building this issue, I spent the afternoon with a Utah family whose story reminded me why I fell in love with this plant in the first place. It’s easy to get lost in the politics, the pushback, and the price tags—but at its core, cannabis is surrounded by love. It’s medicine. It’s community. It’s connection. And every now and then, I get a clear reminder that we’re on the right path, even when the gears of the War on Drugs are still grinding in the background. Let’s get one thing straight: I love that I can legally walk into a pot shop and buy cannabis in Utah. It shouldn’t be radical—but here, it still is. This plant helps me live a healthier, more productive life. If you’re still clinging to the “lazy stoner” stereotype, it’s time to let it go. Some strains help me sleep. Others sharpen my focus. A few let me tune out the noise and breathe. Over time, I’ve learned to tune my mind like an instrument— THC is the strumming hand, terpenes guide the rhythm. Harmony doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen when we stop judging and start listening. In this issue, we highlight a mother and son who’ve been finding their own rhythm with cannabis. Maks is starting first grade this year—and he’s thriving. Cannabis didn’t make him high. It gave him a chance to grow, to learn, to become who he’s meant to be. That’s the story we should be shouting from the rooftops.

Most Utah media is still stuck chasing tired headlines: blackmarket busts, fearmongering over recreational laws, and anything else that gets clicks. Meanwhile, real families are quietly healing—and real stories are being ignored. We lose more good Utahns every year to addiction, untreated pain, and systemic failures that cannabis could help mend. It’s time to grow up and move forward.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for supporting Salt Baked City. And thank you to our team of writers, photographers, and partners who help us stay focused on what matters: the people, the plant, and the path ahead.

Cole Fullmer

Publisher, Salt Baked City

Quick Hits from the HILL

What Passed in the 2025 Utah General Session

Two New Rural Pharmacies Licenses

must be issued by Jan. 1, 2026 & Jan. 1, 2027

Locations must be outside the Wasatch Front

Lower Patient Fees (SB 8)

Renewal fee drops from $15 to $8

Transaction fee cut to $1.50

Effective July 1, 2025

Provider Simplification (HB 357)

QMPs & LMPs merged into RMPs

No DHHS registration required

Effective July 1, 2025

Event Restrictions (SB 64)

No recs within 500 feet of a pharmacy

Labels must show side effects, dosage

Effective May 7, 2025

Delta-8 & Hemp

Oversight (HB 54)

Stronger UDAF enforcement

Age verification now required

Effective May 7, 2025

Odor Control Rules (HB 343)

Grow sites must mitigate odor

Effective May 7, 2025

Session Recap:

Utah’s Medical Cannabis Shakeup

Fee cuts, rural expansion, and tighter oversight on the way

By Benjamin M. Adams

Utah lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 General Session in March, passing several bills aimed at improving the state’s medical cannabis program. While the updates may feel like small steps, they mark meaningful progress for patients— especially those in rural communities and those affected by high costs and confusing regulations.

Rural Expansion

Access remains a challenge for patients outside the Wasatch Front.

To help, the state will license two new medical cannabis pharmacies—one by Jan. 1, 2026, and another by Jan. 1, 2027—in third- to sixth-class counties, keeping them out of Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, and Weber.

The move follows debate over HB 203, introduced by Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost, which originally called for expanding the total number of pharmacies to 25. While that bill stalled, key provisions were folded into HB 54, moving rural access forward—just not as far as advocates hoped.

“A lot of this is up in the air and unfortunately caught up in some significant political maneuvering. The landscape may change dramatically.”

Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost, Sponsor of HB 203

Simplifying Providers

House Bill 357 streamlines how medical cannabis providers are defined by combining Qualified Medical Providers (QMPs) and Limited Medical Providers (LMPs) into a single category: Recommending Medical Providers (RMPs). Doctors will no longer need to register with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to recommend cannabis. The bill also requires cannabis packaging to include a pregnancy warning beginning January 1, 2026. These changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Cutting Costs for Patients

Senate Bill 8 cuts the patient renewal fee in half— from $15 to $8—and reduces the mandatory transaction fee from $3 to $1.50. Fees for caregivers and legal guardians were also reduced. These changes go into effect on July 1, 2025.

Clarifying Event Boundaries and Labeling

Senate Bill 64 includes new rules that prohibit RMPs from issuing cannabis recommendations at events held within 500 feet of a pharmacy. It also requires updated labeling on medical cannabis products, including side effects, dosage, and contraindications. The Cannabis Research Review Board was also repealed. The bill goes into effect May 7, 2025.

Crackdown on Unregulated THC

House Bill 54 gives the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) expanded authority to regulate hemp-derived THC products sold outside the medical system. It requires cannabis processors to implement age verification systems and aims to reduce access to delta-8 and other unregulated cannabinoids. This bill also takes effect May 7, 2025.

Addressing Odor Complaints

House Bill 343 introduces odor mitigation requirements for cannabis production facilities following complaints from neighboring businesses. The bill also goes into effect May 7, 2025.

Springville’s relocated pharmacy brings more options to Salt Lake Valley patients

Murray The Forest Sets Roots in

Benjamin M. Adams

After months of preparation, The Forest is finally on the move. Standard Wellness, a multi-state operator with deep ties to Utah’s medical cannabis program, is relocating its pharmacy from Springville to Murray, bringing much-needed access a little closer to home for Salt Lake Valley patients.

The pharmacy, formerly operated as The Cannabist, was one of only a few options serving Utah County, alongside Curaleaf locations in Provo, Payson, and Lehi. Soon, The Forest will reopen under its new banner in Murray, adding another option for patients who have watched the valley’s limited pharmacy roster slowly grow over the past four years.

Standard Wellness secured approval for the move last August after clearing regulatory hurdles with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), which oversees the state’s cannabis program. Company officials successfully argued that Utah law allows licensed pharmacies to relocate, opening the door for construction to begin. Once operational, The Forest will join Beehive Farmacy and Dragonfly Wellness in Salt Lake City, and BLOC Pharmacy in South Jordan, rounding out the short list of dispensaries serving the region.

“We got approval last August from the state to be able to move from Springville to Murray,” said Standard Wellness COO Scott Ericson. “We’re under construction now, and we anticipate being able to move in sometime around the middle of May.” The new location at 6041 State Street will offer more room for flower, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and extracts. Standard Wellness runs vertically in Utah, managing cultivation and processing out of its Corinne facility. After acquiring The Cannabist last March, the company locked in the licenses needed to cultivate, process, and sell cannabis products directly to patients.

“I’ve been with Standard Wellness for about five years,” Ericson said. “I’ve done operations in Utah, Missouri, and Ohio. We are a multi-state operator, but we’re a small one. We’re active in three states, and we have a Maryland license as well.”

Founded in Ohio in 2017, Standard Wellness has since expanded into Missouri, Utah, and Maryland. It first delivered product to Utah patients during 2020, when the state’s medical cannabis program was still finding its footing.

With the addition of The Forest, Utah now counts 17 licensed medical cannabis pharmacies, up from 15 after the Legislature approved two new rural locations during the 2024 general session. “I think it’s important that we have patient access all over

the state,” Ericson said. “There are locations in rural Utah where patients have to drive multiple hours to get to a pharmacy.”

For more on how the latest general session shaped Utah’s medical cannabis program, flip back a few pages for our full recap.

Ericson noted that The Forest aims to give patients variety, not just another outlet for house brands. “Our goal is to have the widest variety of products in the state,” he said. “Typically, about 30 to 35 percent of our inventory is our own product. The rest is everybody else. We don’t want to be the kind of location where you can only buy a Ford truck because it’s a Ford dealership.”

Find the new location at 6041 State St, Murray UT See the Pharmacy Map on pg 52

Green Collar Revolution: Utah Weed Workers Ink First Union Deal

Workers at WholesomeCo just made history, becoming the first in Utah’s medical cannabis industry to ratify a union contract. On March 6, employees voted overwhelmingly to approve the agreement with UFCW Local 99, securing better wages, benefits, and protections. The contract locks in:

• Guaranteed wage increases over three years

• Company-provided medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid bereavement and parental leave

• PTO and paid holidays

• Paid meal breaks

• A ratification bonus

This covers Delivery Fulfillment Agents, Inventory Compliance Agents, Pharmacy Agents, and others working at WholesomeCo’s West Bountiful facility.

“This is a major win for WholesomeCo employees and Utah’s cannabis workers as a whole,” said UFCW Local 99 President Jim McLaughlin. “With this contract, WholesomeCo continues to be a great place to work while raising industry standards across the state.”

It’s been a long road to get here. Employees first voted 21-1 to unionize in November 2023. Since then, they’ve fought to secure protections that reflect their value in Utah’s growing cannabis space.

“The industry wouldn’t exist without the pharmacy workers who serve patients every day,” said Shaylee Robinson, a Delivery Fulfillment Agent. “This contract makes all the effort worth it.”

WholesomeCo’s move could be a catalyst for other cannabis businesses in Utah to follow suit.

“I’d like to thank WholesomeCo for stepping up,” said Brett Mattice, an Inventory Compliance Agent. “This will benefit employees, patients, and the company long-term.”

UFCW Local 99 represents 25,000 workers across multiple industries, including cannabis. With WholesomeCo leading the charge, unionization could become a bigger part of Utah’s cannabis landscape in the future.

What if Cannabis was the answer?

How one Utah mother turned to medical cannabis as a last resort— and found hope, healing, and a new future for her autistic son.

Nanette Berezhnyy says her 7-year-old son, Maks, is a case study in the efficacy of medical cannabis for children with autism after the improvements she has witnessed firsthand. She enrolled him in Utah’s medical cannabis system as soon as it launched. At just 26 months old, Maks was diagnosed with autism, global developmental delay, sensory processing disorder, and nonverbal status by the Utah Developmental Assessment Center. Like many others with various conditions, medical cannabis was her last resort for her son.

At first, Utah doctors were leery of recommending medical cannabis. “When we started, we found a pediatrician that had registered with the state medical cannabis program—one of the only ones in the state,” Nanette Berezhnyy told Salt Baked City. “It was an incredibly thorough, detailed appointment.”

“He’s not high. He’s regulated. He’s himself.”

Berezhnyy explained every intervention that she had done with her child previously to her pediatrician, documenting them down to the last detail. Cannabis was her last hope. Her pediatrician submitted her case to the Compassionate Use Board to review her son’s case, as required by state law. Patients under 18 can register as a qualifying patient if they receive the board’s approval—but it’s no easy feat. The board requested additional information, leading to about six months of back-and-forth before Maks was approved for a 90-day temporary medical cannabis card.

“It was a process,” she said. “It felt really overwhelming and very frustrating because there was nobody before me or to leave me or tell me how the process worked or to even understand it. You’re kind of left in the dark and it dragged out quite a bit, especially for people who are in desperate places. That felt like a really long time to have to go through that when it was kind of a last option for us already.”

By Benjamin M. Adams

Berezhnyy explained that parent groups for medical cannabis patients with autism like Whole Plant Access for Autism provided invaluable information and support. She emphasized the importance of whole-plant access and the entourage effect—the idea that combining multiple cannabinoids and terpenes enhances therapeutic benefits—especially for autistic children. People take cannabis for many reasons, but like other advocates have said, it’s all medicinal at its core.

“My belief is that no matter how you use cannabis, it will always be medicinal,” Berezhnyy said. “There are ways that you can make it more effective and lessen some of the undesired effects as well if you understand the plant.” She’s not interested in recent efforts to run cannabis-based drugs for autism spectrum disorder through the FDA, because it’s something that is unlike pharmaceutical drugs.

“We buy a whole flower and I make my own tinctures for him at home,” she said, explaining that pharmaceutical drugs would take away from that.” I base all of my purchases off of terpenes. I don’t look at, you know, Indica or Sativa or the THC potency. I do watch out for what I’m making those and consider them. But that’s not my main focus when I’m buying products.”

She mentioned that you noticed terpinolene was especially effective. Jack Herer strains, including crosses like J1, and other strains are high in terpinolene. This includes Durban Poison, Super Lemon Haze, and Amnesia. But you can’t rely on what strain cannabis is labeled as—studies have shown many strains are mislabeled. She said you’ve got to rely on COAs and make sure that actually what’s in the plant because of where it’s grown, how it’s grown, and what plants it’s grown next to, which can change the plants’ terpene makeup.

Photos by Amelia Hannah

She mentioned that you noticed terpinolene was especially effective. Jack Herer strains, including crosses like

J1, and other strains are high in terpinolene. This includes Durban Poison, Super Lemon Haze, and Amnesia. But you can’t rely on what strain cannabis is labeled as—studies have shown many strains are mislabeled. She said you’ve got to rely on COAs and make sure that actually what’s in the plant because of where it’s grown, how it’s grown, and what plants it’s grown next to, which can change the plants’ terpene makeup.

How Cannabis Helps Children With Autism

Berezhnyy explained that learning how to use medical cannabis for Maks involved a lot of trial and error to take it all on at once. She found some edibles that worked really well for him, focusing on helping him sleep at the beginning. A big factor of his autism is compulsive behaviors at nighttime—over half of parents of autistic children say they have significant sleep issues.

“Before we started Maks on medical cannabis, he woke up about 40 to 60 times a night—and that is not an exaggeration,” Berezhnyy said. “We had a nanny cam that tracked everything for us because we couldn’t even sleep safely and we needed to be notified sometimes if he was up and walking around the house. So within days to weeks, he started sleeping through the night and after about a year and a half—two years into his cannabis journey—we were able to remove his nighttime dose. He still sleeps through the night. He sleeps well. He sleeps great.”

She tried edibles at first. Getting a child to eat something new is always difficult, especially one on the spectrum with rigid eating habits. Some children with autism have problems with certain textures and flavors. But edibles are expensive. “Cannabis is so expensive—and this isn’t a criticism. It’s just incredibly pricey,” Berezhnyy said.

But as Berezhnyy figured out what worked for him, she started making tinctures and that’s his only delivery method currently. “He takes it willingly,” she said. “There was a point sometimes when I would forget to give it to him and he would come and ask me for his medication. That was about a year and a half into it and he noticed it. He takes it willingly every single day. He’s happy about it. There’s no force and I just mix a tincture with a little bit of juice and he takes it every morning.”

“Since we started cannabis, he no longer self-harms.”

everybody that he’s interacted with, from speech therapists to teachers. She hasn’t had a lot of pushback, at least to her face, she says. The stigma that surrounds cannabis continues to decline as more states launch medical cannabis systems. But it’s not as much of a problem with neighbors as you’d think in Utah. That’s because her son is fully alert and behaves more normally when he has access to his medicine.

“They see how he behaves. He’s not intoxicated,” she said. “Probably no one would have known if I wouldn’t have disclosed his cannabis use. But I’ve been really intentional and I think it’s been really important for everybody that interacts with him to know and understand how important this plant is to us and our family.

The first sign that they noticed medical cannabis was working was when he needed to sleep. In the beginning, Maks was incredibly rigid with his eating habits. He was nonverbal at the time and had some behavioral meltdowns, most through due to his inability to be understood or communicate.

Berezhnyy is now a member of the state’s Cannabis Advisory Board, with representatives from universities, pharmacies, and manufacturers. The board has mental health and physical health representatives. She has done a lot of recent work up at the Capitol with legislation this past session. She says her hope is to take her son Maks with her next year to actually show them—face-to-face— what cannabis can do.

Berezhnyy doesn’t hide that her son is a medical cannabis patient. Sometimes he’d burp and people could smell it. So she’s always been very forthright with

Cannabis is changing much of that: “He eats. He has a much more broad diet. He’s still rigid, but it is much more varied. And he is complete. He still struggles with his language sometimes, but he is verbal. He is speaking. He is able to communicate his needs. He understands emotions. He is a completely different kid. Since we started cannabis he no longer self harms. He doesn’t. He doesn’t hurt himself. It’s incredible what changes cannabis has created for all of us.”

in Brigham Big Bud Energy

Inside True North Organics’ frosty grow, where craft cultivation, killer genetics, and terp-rich concentrates are putting northern Utah on the cannabis map.

Benjamin M. Adams

“We push for 100% uniformity from strain to strain. In veg, we top our plants early to give them a low, wide structure right out of the gate.”

Brandon Alonzo, Head Grower at True North Organics, stands inside the massive flowering room, surrounded by rows of carefully trained plants—his “babies”—on their way to becoming some of Utah’s finest flower.

Tucked away in Brigham City, in Box Elder County, thousands of frosty plants are in bloom—showcased by one of Utah’s medical cannabis juggernauts. As we tour the immaculately clean facilities at True North Organics, with a seemingly endless panorama of green, it’s hard to believe this cannabis wonderland exists in such a small town.

True North’s vegetation building is 3,000 square feet, and its greenhouse spans 25,000—totaling roughly 28,000 square feet. They grow around 6,000 plants at any given time. During our visit, staff provided sterile personal protective equipment, including shoe booties, bouffant caps, and beard restraints, to guard the plants against biological and chemical contaminants.

“True North of Utah is a fully vertical operation, and with that being said, we have our cultivation and processing facility here in Brigham City,” said True North Head Grower Brandon Alonzo. “We do everything from growing to packaging, creating SKUs, and shipping those units out the door to all the pharmacies here in the state.” Alonzo also serves as The Flower Shop’s director of operations.

True North Organics was among the first to obtain all three cultivation, processing, and pharmacy licenses in Utah—a three-peat also achieved by brands like Dragonfly Wellness, WholesomeCo, Standard Wellness, and Curaleaf. The company expanded from The Flower Shop in Arizona and, in 2020, opened two Utah pharmacies, originally named Perfect Earth Apothecary before being rebranded as The Flower Shop.

Years of tried-and-true cultivation methods have paid off. The key is quality and uniform strains that deliver the same effects every time a patient visits the pharmacy.

“We like to look at our operation as a craft grow, meaning we do things that not all

growers do—not just in our state but in the industry as a whole,”

Alonzo said. “First off, we take ex treme pride in our mother rooms, and we push for 100% uniformity from strain to strain. In veg, we top our plants early on to train them. This encourages a low, wide structure right out of the gate.”

The Sea of Green (SOG) method was developed by Dutch growers as early as the 1970s and in the U.S. in the 1980s. It is one of the many established growing methods True North implements in its operations.

“When we get into flower, we use a technique called lowstress training—also known as the Sea of Green method— where we spread our plants to increase light penetration, which helps lower bud development,”

Alonzo said. “We also defoli ate our plants at a specific time during the flowering stage to boost airflow, improve light expo sure, and reduce bud pressure. This ensures high yields without sacrificing quality.”

Meet the mother of all Donnie B nugs – this robust, carefully maintained mama plant at True North Organics is the genetic backbone behind one of Utah’s standout strains.

Techniques at True North

To trim, the team uses a large automated machine called Mobius, but every bud is still manicured by hand for the final touch, enhancing bag appeal. A stem is “bucked” when buds and trim are removed from the main stalk. True North recently invested in an auto-bucker, eliminating the need to hand-buck each bud.

True North’s processing team produces various consistencies of concentrate loaded with terpenes, such as strain-specific live rosin. These are designed to retain the flavor and effects of the original strains. The team uses a modern system that evolved from bubble bags and ice water. Workers pack biomass into filter socks, equivalent to 160-micron filter bags. They typically run about five socks per day, placing them in a deep freezer overnight.

“There’s very little room for error in Utah. You can tell all the cultivators take the craft very seriously.”

Brandon

Alonzo, Head Grower

“Our deep freezer is set to -180 degrees Celsius, which is -112 Fahrenheit—super cold—and that’s just to reduce any heat transfer from the solvent in the biomass,” True North Extraction Lead Hunter Bruderer said. “That way, it keeps the solvent cold. The colder you have it, the better the product.” They then take the filter socks and drop them into a reactor vessel, managing various settings to develop different forms of concentrate.

A few strains tend to stand out, but one remains king: “I do always have to hype up my favorite strain, which is the Sherb Crasher No. 6. This has been a staple strain for us here in Utah,” Alonzo said. Many patients say that Sherb Crasher No. 6 smells identical to Cap’n Crunch’s Crunch Berries cereal.

“As for new strains, I’m very excited about the Chem 91—that’s Chemdawg crossed with Skunk. The Kush Mints— that’s Bubba Kush crossed with Animal Cookies. And the Lemon Sponge Cake— that’s Lemon Skunk crossed with Cheese,” Alonzo said.

Utah’s flower is superior to medical cannabis in other states for specific reasons: “This is a very small market, which in turn creates a really competitive market,” Alonzo said. “There’s very little room for error when it comes to the cultivation and processing processes. You can tell all the Utah cultivators take the craft very seriously.”

Top 5 Strains

Brandon Alonzo’s Top 5 Strains at True North Organics

The Soap

Bright, fresh, and unmistakably unique

Grape Cakes

Sweet, smooth, and deeply relaxing

Kush Mints

A powerful cross of Bubba Kush and Animal Cookies

Chem 91

Classic fuel-forward genetics with old-school punch

Sherb Crasher #6

A fruity favorite with legendary Crunch Berries aroma

Behind the Green Curtain

Frank D’Anna of Moxie

A lot of Utah patients have gotten familiar with brands like Moxie and Valley Lows over the past five years, but rarely do they get to meet the people behind the concentrates, carts, and edibles they trust.

Enter Frank D’Anna — Moxie’s Territory Sales Manager and a transplant from Las Vegas who came to Utah to help grow the brand’s footprint while staying true to the craft.

Whether you’ve dabbed some Moxie live resin or stumbled across a Valley Lows disposable, there’s a good chance Frank had a hand in it. In this installment of Behind the Green Curtain, we pull back the layers to introduce Frank, one of the key people helping to shape Utah’s concentrate scene.

SBC: You came from the Las Vegas scene to help build Moxie’s presence in Utah. What was the biggest culture

I have lived in five states and multiple cities in my lifetime, so it’s easy for me to adjust to any setting. That being said, the biggest culture shock was the snow. Other than that, it has been easy sailing.

concentrates. What’s the secret to dialing in the perfect consistency, and do Utah patients have a favorite texture—badder, sugar, diamonds?

means a lot, as it’s really an art form. Picking the right genetics is also a major part of the process. I am seeing a big desire for crumble and hash rosin here in Utah. Also,

SBC: Utah’s medical program has some of the strictest regulations in the country. How do you keep the brand’s signature quality while working within these constraints?

Frank: We use the same processes to meet quality expectations that we have used in other markets. It was tough navigating the different rules and regulations here, as they change frequently, but like everything in life, you learn and adapt.

SBC: The Vegas market is flooded with exotic genetics and cultivars. How do you approach strain selection in Utah, and are there any cultivars you’re hyped to work with?

Frank: When we first entered the Utah market, it was a little difficult to find the right strains for us, but we are really dialing it in as growers here have been stepping it up in a major way. I have personally been seeing excellent results working with Buzz, Wholesome, Dragonfly, and Standard Wellness.

SBC: Terps are everything. What strains in your Utah lineup are testing with the loudest, most unique terp profiles right now?

Frank: Right now, I’ve been really enjoying some Pink Zaza and Bling Bloaw by Buzz. Hawaiian Rain x Permanent Marker by Ritual and Super Boof by Dragonfly are fire! The flower game has come a long way — there are a lot of solid strains in rotation now.

SBC: Solvent vs. solventless—it’s a debate among hash lovers. Where does Moxie stand, and how do you see the Utah scene evolving in terms of patient preference?

Frank: They both have a place in any market, but if you ask 9 out of 10 people, they will prefer solventless — including myself. Price point is really the deciding factor when it comes to solvent vs. solventless

SBC: A lot of patients still get caught up on indica vs. sativa, but we know the experience is way deeper than that. How do you help educate Utah patients on the full spectrum of effects?

Frank: I say, try a bunch of different products and strains until you find something that works. The whole indica and sativa talk is a good starting point for newcomers, but the fact is there are not too many true sativa or indica strains like there used to be. Cannabinoids like CBN, CBD, CBG, etc., are far more beneficial for a full-spectrum effect than an indica or sativa label.

SBC: Moxie has been in the game for a minute. What’s something most people don’t know about the brand’s history or approach to the craft?

Frank: I have been working under the Moxie brand for about six years now, but I knew the original crew and owners from their start. All great people, and I have the pleasure of working with two of the original founders here in Utah. Moxie had the first cannabis license in California and has won over 100 global industry awards. Now, Moxie exists as a brand in Utah under the Pure UT Processing license, alongside other brands such as Valley Lows, Relief Society, Proper, and Out of State.

SBC: If you had to pick one Moxie product to drop in a time capsule for future cannabis connoisseurs, what would it be and why?

Frank: There are way too many to choose from. If I had to choose three, I would say our Unicorn Tears Hash Rosin gummies

are something special. Also, our Grape Voodoo Live Hash Rosin was probably the best-tasting concentrate I have had in a very long time. My third pick would have to be the Valley Lows Honeydew 2-gram disposable.

SBC: Outside of the cannabis grind, what keeps you grounded? Any passions or hobbies that help you recharge?

Frank: I am a lifelong musician — it keeps me busy when I am not working in cannabis. I produce more than a few genres of music, including lofi, chillhop, synthwave, and multiple sub-genres within EDM.

SBC: Patients can find your products in Utah’s pharmacies, but where can they find your music?

Frank: You can find me on every major streaming and social media platform under the artist name Shook Nasty Beats. IG: @shooknastybeats

Spotify: Shook Nasty Beats

YouTube: @shooknastybeats

Meet the Makers:

Wasatch Extraction

You’ve probably heard of Fruit of Life or Snowbird carts, but chances are you haven’t met the team behind them. That’s what Behind the Green Curtain is all about — showing love to the people making it happen behind the scenes. Right in the middle of this crew is Steve Gosdis, the guy who built Wasatch Extraction from the ground up and brought his whole heart into Utah’s medical cannabis space. But this isn’t just Steve’s story — it’s a team effort. These are the people making sure Utah patients get clean, consistent, high-quality products every time.

SBD: Tell us a little about yourself — how did you first fall in love with cannabis, and what led you to start Wasatch Extraction?

Steve: Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Youngest of three children. One brother shares the love of cannabis with me and is my business partner; the other is an Ivy League attorney. I graduated from Granite High School and am the proud father of a 16-year-old daughter who is a state and national drill team champion.

We were in California, working in cultivation and extraction, when we first found out that Utah was starting a medical cannabis program. We wanted to bring our skills and love for cannabis back to our hometown, which led to the start of Wasatch Extraction.

SBD: Wasatch Extraction is one of just 17 licensed tier-one processors in Utah, quietly playing a major role behind the scenes. What keeps you motivated to perfect the craft, even when most patients don’t realize who’s behind the products they rely on?

From left to right: Keven Eby, Angelo Gonzalez, Steve Gosdis (owner), Mia Morrison, and Venessa Toral — the crew behind Wasatch Extraction, Fruit of Life, and Snowbird. This tight-knit team handles everything from formulation to production, keeping Utah’s cannabis scene moving behind the scenes.

Salt Baked City Staff

Steve: At Wasatch Extraction, our motivation runs deeper than recognition. What drives us each day is the profound responsibility we feel toward patients who rely on our products for relief, comfort, and quality of life. Even though our efforts often remain behind the scenes, knowing that we’re directly improving lives inspires us to continuously refine and perfect our extraction methods. We take pride in mastering our craft, innovating, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cannabis extraction because we understand the trust patients place in us. It’s that quiet yet powerful connection to their wellness journey that keeps us motivated, dedicated, and always striving for excellence.

SBD: Utah has a complicated relationship with cannabis, but it also has a strong patient community. What has surprised you the most about working in this market?

Steve: What has surprised us most is the incredible resilience and strength of the patient community. Despite navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape, patients here have shown remarkable determination, advocacy, and openness. Witnessing their commitment to education and community support has inspired us deeply, reinforcing our dedication to transparency, quality, and compassionate care in every product we create.

SBD: Extraction is a mix of art and science. What part of the process do you geek out on the most?

Steve: We do multiple extraction processes at Wasatch, including large-scale ethanol extraction, CO 2 extraction, hydrocarbon extraction, and all forms of solventless extraction. With that being said, I learn new things daily about each process. What I enjoy the most is making concentrates and formulation.

SBD: What keeps you grounded outside of the lab? Any hobbies or passions that balance out the grind?

Steve: A work/life balance is a definite must in this industry. I love spending my free time taking my boat out on the lake with family and friends wakesurfing. I’m a diehard Utah Jazz fan and have been a season ticket holder for 12 years. I have a soft spot for animals and love spending my nights at home with my pets.

sustainability of Utah’s medical cannabis industry.

SBD: Are there any Fruit of Life or Snowbird products patients should have on their radar as we head into summer?

Steve: Being a master formulator, I’ve learned that the people of Utah have a love for dirty sodas — which is why The Fruit of Life is coming out with a variety of dirty soda-flavored vapes. We also specialize in making crumble, diamonds, and rosin vape carts. With the Snowbird line, we’ve created an HTE vape cart. HTE (High Terpene Extraction) is a process that pulls true cannabis terpenes off the flower and reintroduces them to the oil, giving you a true cannabis terpene cartridge.

LOCOWEED LOCOWEED to LEGITIMACY : to LEGITIMACY : FROM FROM

FAITH AND FLOWER FIND COMMON GROUND IN MODERN UTAH

Benjamin M. Adams

Right: This 1915 front page from The Ogden Standard is a textbook example of Yellow Journalism—sensationalized reporting designed to provoke fear and sell papers. At the time, cannabis was largely unknown to the public, making it an easy target for racist and xenophobic narratives. Headlines like “Is the Mexican Nation ‘Locoed’ by a Peculiar Weed?” stoked moral panic, linking cannabis to violence, insanity, and foreign

influence. These early stories—often based on little more than rumor or agenda—laid the foundation for decades of prohibition, shaping public opinion and influencing federal drug policy. Utah, like many states, adopted that fear wholesale. Over a century later, the state is still working to untangle truth from propaganda and rebuild cannabis’s place in public health.

“For Utah medical cannabis patients who are LDS, these changes have been significant. They now have the ability to openly discuss cannabis with their bishops without risking their standing in the church.”

The hot and cold relationship between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and medical cannabis patients in Utah is improving — and in some cases, drawing the two nearer than many thought possible. Members who regularly attend sacrament meetings and are considered in good standing are called “active.” Today, many active members are more open than ever about their use of medical cannabis, balancing their membership duties with a medicine that was once considered taboo — and still is in some circles.

Before Utah became one of the first states to criminalize cannabis in 1915, medical tinctures containing cannabis were readily available in Salt Lake City pharmacies. Some scholars even suggest that Mormon missionaries returning from Mexico after the country’s 1910 revolution may have reintroduced cannabis to Utah around 1914, following exposure to its medicinal and cultural uses south of the border. While cannabis’s role in early Mormon life is debated, what’s clear is that its medical properties were not entirely foreign to Utahns at the time.

Then came the crackdown. In August 1915, the LDS Church officially banned cannabis use among its members, and just two months later, the state of Utah became one of the first in the nation to outlaw the plant altogether. What sparked such swift action? It was driven largely by what we’d now call yellow journalism. A sensational and now-in-

famous article published in the Ogden Standard on Sept. 25, 1915, called for the eradication of the “deadly Mexican locoweed.” It was an early form of Reefer Madness — this time with strong anti-immigrant undertones — and it caught on quickly in Utah, California, and a few other states that adopted similar bans.

Despite the ban, cannabis tinctures likely continued to appear quietly behind pharmacy counters across Utah until the federal Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 added licensing and taxation hurdles. After that, cannabis, even for medical use, faded from public view.

Over time, the Word of Wisdom — a revelation given in 1833 and canonized within the LDS Church’s sacred texts — became the framework for the church’s position on mind-altering substances. What began as a set of dietary and health recommendations evolved into mandatory health codes, eventually encompassing alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and other substances deemed intoxicating. The text, which was originally more focused on the poor sanitation and risky alcohol practices of the 19th century, became the justification for abstaining from all recreational drugs, cannabis included.

Recently, the church even renamed the policy to The Word of Wisdom and Healthy Practices, giving members leeway to exercise discernment regarding substances not specifically mentioned. However, cannabis remained off-limits — that is, until the 21st century brought new challenges and a growing body of medical research.

Fast forward to 2018, when Utah voters prepared to decide on Proposition 2, a citizen-led ballot initiative that would

Image: Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum

legalize medical cannabis statewide. Predictably, the LDS Church took a formal position against the initiative, but what surprised some observers was the nuance in its opposition. The church made it clear it wasn’t opposed to medical cannabis itself, but rather to the framework of Prop 2. Elder Jack N. Gerard, a general authority Seventy, clarified at the time that “The Church does not object to medical cannabis when doctor prescribed.”

It was a subtle but significant shift. Behind the scenes, church representatives even participated in negotiations that led to a legislative replacement for Prop 2 after it passed — the Utah Medical Cannabis Act — signaling a willingness to collaborate on crafting a more tightly regulated system.

These developments paved the way for formal updates to the church’s internal policies. In July 2020, two years after voters approved medical cannabis at the ballot box, the LDS Church updated its General Handbook, adding section 38.7.9, which explicitly addressed medical cannabis for the first time:

“The Church opposes the use of marijuana for non-medical purposes. However, marijuana may be used for medicinal purposes when the following conditions are met: The use is determined to be medically necessary by a licensed physician or another legally approved medical provider. The person follows the dosage and mode of administration from the physician or other authorized medical provider. The Church does not approve of vaping marijuana unless the medical provider has authorized it based on medical necessity.”

“In August 1915, the LDS Church officially banned cannabis, and two months later, Utah became one of the first states to outlaw it — fueled by yellow journalism and anti-immigrant sentiment.”

The handbook’s inclusion of cannabis was groundbreaking on its own, but it also contained a major caveat: “The Church does not approve of smoking marijuana, including for medical purposes.”

Further updates to the General Handbook came on Dec. 18, 2020, softening the position on vaping slightly. While the church still discourages vaping nicotine outright, it acknowledges that fast delivery of THC through vaporization may be medically necessary if prescribed.

For LDS patients in Utah, these changes represented a kind of quiet miracle. The door was now open for faithful members to approach their bishops about their medical cannabis use without risking their standing in the church. Temple recommends — the passes indicating worthiness to enter sacred LDS temples — remained attainable for those following the guidelines.

Today, church members quietly share their medical cannabis experiences within LDS communities. For some, it’s still a sensitive topic, but the stigma has loosened considerably.

Former bishops, stake leaders, and lifelong active members are now patients, advocates, and in some cases, even cannabis entrepreneurs.

Despite the policy changes, the LDS Church’s cautious stance toward cannabis still shapes Utah’s political climate. Generations of LDS leaders continue to fill the seats of Utah’s state legislature. In 2019, roughly 91% of Utah legislators identified as LDS. However, the church’s influence in this area is not unique; similar trends are seen in states like Nebraska, where dominant faith traditions impact legislation. At the same time, Utah’s religious landscape is slowly shifting. A paper published in December 2023 in the Journal of Religion and Demography estimated that the percentage of Utahns who identify as LDS has fallen to around 42%, down from approximately 60% reported in 2020. Still,

“The relationship between the LDS Church and cannabis remains delicate, but clearly, the ground is shifting.”

the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business reported in May 2024 that Utah remains the most religious state in the nation, with 76.1% of its population identifying as religious — topping Alabama by more than 12 percentage points.

Interestingly, Utah isn’t the only predominantly LDS region adapting to the realities of the cannabis industry. In Snowflake, Arizona, a majority-Mormon town, roughly 200 people now work at Copperstate Farms, the state’s largest cannabis greenhouse.

In Utah, it’s not uncommon for Latter-day Saints who once held high-ranking positions in the church to be quietly investing in or working within the cannabis industry. Some have embraced the plant out of necessity as patients, while others recognize it as an evolving and viable market.

The relationship between the LDS Church and cannabis remains delicate, but clearly, the ground is shifting. As the state, its people, and the church itself adapt to the realities of medical cannabis, the once-immovable line between faith and flower is beginning to blur.

Ask a Budtender:

What Utah cannabis product have you been loving lately?

We caught up with budtenders from around Utah to find out what’s been filling their stash boxes lately. From standout state-grown flower and potent concentrates to trusted go-to edibles, these are the products catching the attention of the people who know Utah’s medical cannabis scene best.

Nate

Renfro, The Flower Shop

“I’ve really been enjoying Citrus Cookies Kush. It brings that classic Kush relaxation, but with a more engaging head effect that makes it great for social settings. I also love Purple Punch — it’s always been one of the strongest strains for pain relief for me. It has a much more sedating, almost sleep-inducing effect, and if you’ve got a weekend with nothing to do, it’s one of the most helpful, restful strains out there.”

John Vu, Beehive Farmacy

Juan Fragozo,

Beehive Farmacy

“Right now, I’ve really been enjoying Bling Blaow and Zoap flower from Buzz. One’s earthy, the other sweeter, but both help me relax and stay present. I have arthritis, and Bling Blaow eases that pain. The Mint Chocolate tincture from Fruit of Life helps even more— just a quarter dropper gives me relief and helps me sleep.

Hash rosin is my favorite for how pure and calming it is. Ice Cream Cakez from Pure Plan and Papaya Huasca from Moxie are my go-tos. Pure Plan’s vapes and Moxie’s live resins are both next level— shout out to my boy Frank at Moxie for always listening to the patients.”

“Recently, I’ve been loving flower strains like Santa Cruz Blues, Nimbus Snacks, and Lemon Sherb x ChemD from Buzz. They’re Sativa-leaning and help me stay productive while boosting my mood. I also really love edibles since they help most with my pain. My go-tos have been Moxie’s Blue Magic Gummies, Moxie’s Unicorn Tears Gummies, and the Cucumber Mojito Gummies from Pure Plan.”

Emily Doran, Beehive Farmacy

Sam Dollen, Dragonfly Wellness

“Santa Cruz Blues is my new go-to flower. It’s a fresh Sativa-leaning drop from Buzz — uplifting, smooth, and perfect any time of day. Citrus, gas, and floral notes make it a standout. I’m loving the 10mg RSO Unicorn Tears from Moxie. Cotton candy lime flavor with hash rosin for faster, longer-lasting effects. I’m not usually into vapes, but the Solventless Rosin disposables from Pure Plan changed that. Each batch is a new strain, and the quality speaks for itself.”

“My favorite right now is Apples & Bananas from Dragonfly. It’s a pretty sedating indica, but I use it any time of day because it calms my anxiety and really helps my body relax — it feels like it tells my nervous system to chill out. I think it’s the myrcene doing its magic. For edibles, I love the Lychee Lemonade gummies from Moxie. They have less than 1% THC, so I can dose other edibles alongside them if needed, but I still get the benefits of cannabinoids and a good night’s sleep.”

Sharon Leonard, Dragonfly Wellness

Trevor Hundley, The Flower Shop

Andy Jaramillo, The Flower Shop

Ben Zimmer, Dragonfly Wellness

“When it comes to flower, my favorite right now is Mother’s Milk from Hi-Variety. I also love DoggFather from Standard Wellness — it really surprised me. It doesn’t give me a heavy body high but offers full-body relaxation while quieting my mind, which helps with my ADHD.

As for topicals, I can’t go without the Pure Plan Pain Cream. It’s essential for dealing with deep nerve pain. And I have to mention the Unicorn Tears gummies from Moxie — they’re awesome. They even have glitter in them (laughs). They’re really fun, and with just 10mg of THC, they hit just right.”

“As someone who uses medical cannabis for chronic pain and anxiety, I’ve found a few products that make a real difference. Snooze edibles are a favorite — they help me unwind, provide great pain relief, and, most importantly, help me stay asleep through the night. For daytime use, I love Banana Kush. Whether I’m getting ready for a long run or just relaxing at home, it gives me the perfect balance of relaxation and focus. It’s smooth, uplifting, and always reliable.”

“Lately, I’ve been vaping on some Cosmic Fusion Sauce & Diamonds extract by WholesomeCo. It’s versatile — great for sleep or daytime use depending on how I’m feeling. It’s a hybrid that leans either Sativa or Indica depending on the situation. Another one I’m really liking is the Banana Kush cured resin from Hi-Variety. It’s an Indica-leaning hybrid that’s perfect when I’m spending time with family and friends. It helps me relax and makes those moments more memorable.”

“Lately, I’ve been using the Nova battery and pods from Dragonfly. There’s something about cannabis-derived terpenes in vape products that makes a huge difference. The effects last longer and feel more distinct for each strain. The pre-heat mode clears clogs better than any other vape I’ve tried, so it won’t break or leak.

I’ve also been using flower regularly. My favorite strains right now are Blackberry Spice, Super Boof, and White Runtz — anything high in limonene is my favorite.”

Chloe Larsen, Beehive Farmacy

“My brain moves really fast, so I like products that help slow it down and bring me some calm. Lately, my favorites have been Gold Standard flower from Buzz, the Tie Dye Mountain rosin disposable from Pure Plan, and Zoap flow er from Buzz. If you need to slow things down and take time to breathe, these will serve you well.”

Mia Hicken, Dragonfly Wellness

“We just got the cured resin Dragonfly pods, and Blue Dream has been awesome for pain. It also gives me a creative boost, thanks to the pinene — great for songwriting, keeping me focused and relaxed. Lately, I’ve been getting into concentrates with my Carta. I love rosin because it’s solventless — the purest form of the plant. Pure Plan and Moxie both make incredible hash rosin. I recently tried the Grape Cakes concentrate from Hi-Variety with 16% myrcene — that definitely stood out.

The Standard Wellness RSO gummies have been my go-to. The 20-count bottles with 50mg each are a great deal, and RSO works better for my pain than anything else.”

Got a question for Utah’s budtenders?

Send it our way at info@saltbakedcity.com

Salt Baked City Horoscope

Spring 2025 Edition

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Taurus, spring unfolds in a way that resonates with your steady heart. Growth is never rushed—it’s patient, purposeful, and powerful, just like you. Soak in the season’s abundance, and trust that the seeds you’ve planted are already stretching toward the sun.

Celestial Terpene: Myrcene Grounding and deeply relaxing, myrcene keeps you steady as the world speeds up.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Aries, spring ignites your fire. The world is waking, and so are you. Charge forward with the confidence that your passions deserve space to grow. Just remember: even the strongest flames need fuel.

Celestial Terpene: Guaiol Cooling and steadying, guaiol keeps your fire burning bright without burning out.

PISCES

February 19 - March 20

Pisces, the season’s flowing energy aligns with your natural rhythm. You are both dreamer and navigator, feeling your way through unseen currents. Follow your intuition—it’s guiding you somewhere meaningful.

Celestial Terpene: Bisabolol

Calming and restorative, bisabolol enhances intuition and emotional connection.

AQUARIUS

January 20 - February 18

Aquarius, spring awakens your most inspired ideas. Your unconventional mind thrives in this season of renewal—dare to dream bigger, but remember that even the wildest visions need roots.

Celestial Terpene: Valencene Bright and uplifting, valencene sparks creativity and expansive thinking.

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 19

Capricorn, while others rush headlong into spring, you remain steady, calculating your next move with precision. Trust that slow growth is still growth, and success is built on well-laid foundations.

Celestial Terpene: Nerolidol Relaxing yet steady, nerolidol encourages patience and long-term vision.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21

Sagittarius, your restless spirit stirs as the days lengthen. Adventure calls, but don’t rush past the lessons this season offers. Every step, no matter how small, is part of the grander journey.

Celestial Terpene: Ocimene

Energizing and uplifting, ocimene fuels exploration and a free-spirited outlook.

May these celestial insights guide you through the season’s renewal and transformation. As the earth bursts into bloom,

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Gemini, curiosity blooms with the new season. Conversations spark, ideas flourish, and your mind races with inspiration. Allow spring’s playful energy to guide you but remember: the most profound insights often arise in stillness.

Celestial Terpene: Limonene

Elevating and mood-boosting, limonene fuels your natural wit and adaptability.

Spring’s here, and the Wasatch is finally waking up—stretching, yawning, and shaking off the last of the frost. The days are warmer, the energy’s lighter, and the universe is back on its subtle hustle.

We’re tuning into the season’s softer frequencies—those cosmic nudges and quiet reminders that it’s time to grow, reset, and maybe even reinvent. Whether you’re finding balance, planting new intentions, or just vibing with the longer days, we’ve paired each sign with a terpene to match your endocannabinoid essence.

Let the stars speak, let the terps guide, and take a deep breath (you know what we mean)—because your spring forecast is infused with intention.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

Cancer, as the world reawakens, you find comfort in both the new and the familiar. Nostalgia and fresh possibilities intertwine, reminding you that every beginning carries echoes of the past. Embrace the warmth of connection as you navigate this season’s shift.

Celestial Terpene: Linalool

Soothing and heart-opening, linalool nurtures your emotional depth and intuition.

LEO

July 23 - August 22

Leo, the golden glow of spring mirrors your own radiance. You’ve spent the winter reflecting—now it’s time to step forward and let the world see you anew. Don’t hold back; the stage is yours.

Celestial Terpene: Beta-Caryophyllene

Bold and balancing, beta-caryophyllene fuels your fire while keeping you centered.

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22

Virgo, the season’s fresh energy aligns with your natural instinct to refine, perfect, and grow. Use this time to clear both physical and mental clutter. In making space, you’ll find clarity waiting to bloom.

Celestial Terpene: Pinene

Refreshing and sharpening, pinene enhances focus and mental clarity.

LIBRA

September 23 - October 22

Libra, spring’s soft winds carry whispers of change. You seek harmony in all things, and this season invites you to create balance within yourself first. Let go of what no longer serves you, and lean into what truly feels aligned.

Celestial Terpene: Humulene

Grounding and centering, humulene fosters balance and mindful decision-making.

SCORPIO

October 23 - November 21

Scorpio, the thawing earth mirrors your own emergence from introspection. The truths you’ve uncovered in winter now fuel your next transformation. Move with intention; your power is strongest when wielded wisely.

Celestial Terpene: Terpinolene

Mysterious and expansive, terpinolene fuels deep contemplation and new perspectives.

let each inhale carry the wisdom of the cosmos, grounding you in the present while propelling you toward all that awaits.

CROSSWORD

Complete the crossword and drop it off at The Plug (Southtown Mall) or Grow Kratom (79 W 900 S, near Dragonfly Wellness) to score FREE Salt Baked City swag. Yep—free. You might just be a terpene sommelier in the making. One shirt per person.

ACROSS

3 This citrusy terpene doesn’t just smell like sunshine—it lifts your mood and might even help with stress.

6 Woodsy and slightly rose-scented, this terpene is found in cannabis and tropical hardwoods.

8 A deep breath of this terpene is like stepping into a pine forest—it sharpens focus and may help with memory.

9 Think peppermint and citrus had a baby—this terpene brings both chill and zest to the table.

11 Straight out of a cedarwood forest, this terpene is rich, earthy, and full of grounding energy.

12 The most common terpene in cannabis, this one’s known for its chill-inducing, couchlocking vibes.

13 If oranges had a terpene mascot, this would be it. It’s bright, fresh, and buzzing with citrus zest.

17 The wildcard terpene—found in everything from apples to lilacs, it delivers fresh, uplifting energy.

18 –Caryophyllene is a spicy, peppery terpene that pulls double duty by interacting directly with your body’s CB2 receptors.

19 Floral, calming, and found in lavender—this terpene is basically aromatherapy in a bud.

DOWN

Sweet, citrusy, and sometimes a little minty—this terpene helps give some strains their bright, energetic buzz.

2 Known for its menthol-like coolness, this terpene has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

4 A lesser-known terpene with a damp, earthy aroma—like walking through a forest after the rain.

5 If your cannabis smells like fresh-cut wood and wildflowers, this terpene is likely leading the charge.

7 Earthy, woody, and known for its potential appetite-suppressing effects—this one keeps the munchies in check.

10 This terpene is fresh, minty, and straight out of a eucalyptus spa day.

14 Ever wonder what gives green apples their crisp, sweet smell? This terpene is the secret.

15 This one’s got soft floral notes and is found in chamomile—perfect for unwinding after a long day.

16 Floral, fruity, and found in roses—this terpene adds a soft, perfume-like note to some strains.

Terpenes: The Hidden Architects of Your High

Think you know what makes your favorite flower tick? It’s not just about THC. Terpenes—those aromatic little compounds— are the real MVPs shaping your experience, from flavor and aroma to mood and effect. Whether it’s the calming lull of linalool or the laser focus of pinene, each terp tells a story. This puzzle is your chance to test your terpene IQ and flex that endocannabinoid brainpower. No pressure—just good vibes and a little education baked in.

Answers on page 38

Tried It. Liked It. Telling You.

Disposables

Lemon Pound Cake Disposable Vape Valley Lows

Salt Baked City is made by Utah medical cannabis patients—for Utah medical cannabis patients. When we find something worth talking about at our neighborhood pot shop, we pass it along. No scoring system, no corporate fluff—just real products we’ve tried and liked. Whether you’re looking for your next go-to or just skimming for fun, here’s what stood out.

Tie-Dye Mountain Hash Rosin Disposable

Pure Plan

From Valley Lows, a Moxie sister brand, the Lemon Pound Cake Disposable offers a surprisingly smooth draw and a punchy, citrus-heavy profile. Testing at 90.49% THC with terps like terpinolene, d-limonene, and β-caryophyllene, it leans bright and slightly sweet without tasting artificial. The hardware pulls clean, making it easy to rip flavorful clouds without that burnt disty aftertaste. It’s discreet, portable, and strong enough to shift your mood, whether you’re easing into the day or winding it down.

If you’re a consumer of the craft like us, Pure Plan’s hash rosin disposable is one to check out. We went with Tie-Dye Mountain—on the recommendation of one of our favorite Beehive budtenders, Chloe—and it held up. Hash rosin disposables can be hit or miss, but this one delivers: smooth pull, clean flavor, and solid, reliable hardware that doesn’t clog or burn out. Made by JC Beck, it feels like a product built by someone who actually cares about the plant and the people using it. You can catch more of Chloe’s picks in this issue’s Ask a Budtender.

From our friends at Wasatch Extraction, Snowbird’s Runtz HTE cart is proof that disty doesn’t have to be dead inside. Clocking in over 90% THC, it delivers a heavy hit, but it’s the sweet, floral flavor that caught us off guard— surprisingly smooth for a cart. The high terpene extract (HTE) helps preserve some of that plant character. It’s not live resin, but it gets closer than most.

DGT Cannabis Flower True North Organics

DGT is a new flower brand we’ve recently discovered. If you’re looking for craft flower at a price that competes with black market rates, DGT delivers. Every strain, no matter the tier, comes from Brandon Alonzo’s True North Organic indoor grows, so you know you’re getting solid quality. Whether you’re after premium or something more affordable, DGT keeps it consistent. Look out for strains like Double Chem, Grape Cakes, and Sour Kushberry—they showcase exactly what DGT is all about. Craft cannabis shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg for patients, and DGT is proving that.

The Doggfather Standard Wellness

We kept hearing great things about Standard Wellness’ The Doggfather from budtenders at Dragonfly Wellness, so we had to give it a try. Named after the legendary Snoop Dogg, this OG hybrid is a cross of SFV OG Kush and Afghani, delivering that classic, potent punch. With a THC content of 23% and a terpene profile rich in b-Caryophyllene, Humulene, and Linalool, this strain strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and clarity. Known for their consistent craft quality, Standard Wellness is a Utah grower you can trust, and The Doggfather is a prime example of why. “Laid back... with my mind on my medicine and my medicine on my mind.”

Black Cherry Buffs Ritual

Grown by Ryan Turner—who’s quietly built a reputation for some of Utah’s most exotic strains—Black Cherry Buffs is a hybrid that walks the line between beauty and effect. A cross of Super Buff Cherry and Lemon Cherry Fire, it puts out dense, trichome-heavy buds with deep purple streaks and vibrant green hues. The flavor leans earthy with a tart berry finish that sticks around, and the high stays mellow but alert—enough to relax without slipping into autopilot.

Slurty3 Flower Buzz

With 19.71% THC and a terp profile pushing 31.98mg/g, Slurty3 from Buzz is more than just a good-looking nug. It’s a reminder that THC might fire up the engine, but terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and β-caryophyllene are what actually drive the experience. The high is mellow and alert—clear without being flat, relaxed without being couchlocked. If you care about how your weed tastes and how it makes you feel, Slurty3 is worth a look. Other Buzz strains to keep on your radar: Santa Cruz Blues, Gelato 33, and Rainbow Beltz.

Cedar City

301 S Main Street, Cedar City, UT 84720

Mon - Fri 10 am - 7 pm

10 am - 5 pm zionmed.com

Lake City 711 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

20 East Main Street, Price UT, 84501

- Sat 11 am - 6 pm

Brigham City 870 W 1150 South, Ste C, Brigham City, UT 84302 Mon - Sat, 10 am - 7 pm

11 am - 4 pm

Lake City

S 3600 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 Mon - Sat 10 am - 8 pm

11 am - 8 pm beehivefarmacy.com

Main St, Ste 1, North Logan, UT 84341

- Sat 10 am - 7 pm

S Wall Ave,

Ogden, UT 84405

Days a Week 8 am - 8 pm

- Sat 10 am - 9 pm

City 1351 Kearns Blvd, Ste 110B, Park City, UT 84060

- Sat 11 am - 7 pm | Sun 12 am - 5 pm

N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043

- Sat 10 am - 8 pm | Sun 10 am - 7 pm

N Draper Ln, Provo, UT 84601

757 S 1040 West St, Payson, UT 84651

- Sat 11 am - 7 pm

Salt Lake City 10392 S Jordan Gateway, South Jordan UT 84095

- Sat 7 am - 8:30 pm | Sun 8 am - 6:30 pm

St. George 1624 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George, UT 84790

- Sat 9 am - 9 pm | Sun 9 am - 7 pm store-south-jordan.blocpharmacy.com

7 days a week 11 am - 7 pm

Concentrates

Rainbow Belts

Diamonds with Bacio Terp Sauce

Moxie

Motor Breath Badder

Valley Lows

This one’s a heavy-hitter with real depth. Moxie starts with Rainbow Belts from Buzz— already a solid strain—and builds it into something bigger with pure THC diamonds and a rich Bacio terp sauce. The raw diamonds hit 100% THC, but once blended, you’re getting 61.79% THC and a lot more character. Terps like β-caryophyllene, d-limonene, and linalool bring a layered mix of earth, sweetness, and just enough funk to round out the edge. It’s not just strong— it’s nuanced, and it stays with you.

Valley Lows’ Motor Breath Badder, made by Moxie, doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. At 74.11% THC, it hits hard, but the real story is in the terps. Dominated by β-Caryophyllene and Limonene, it opens with that unmistakable OG funk—earthy, gassy, and loud. The texture is smooth and creamy, easy to work with, and the exhale softens things up with just enough sweetness from Myrcene and Humulene to keep it interesting. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—just delivering a clean, bold dab that lets the terpenes speak for themselves.

Papaya Live Hash Rosin Budder

Mother Liquor

If you were around in 2020, you remember the buzz—Mother Liquor dropped Utah’s first hash rosin and then disappeared like a myth. Now she’s back, and we watched (and drooled) as this batch was whipped like taffy at Boojum’s Wasatch Back lab. Glossy gold with a doughy-silk texture, it hits the nose with tropical funk and peppery gas. On the exhale, papaya cuts through a terp stack of limonene and β-caryophyllene (35.75mg/g), rounding out the 71.79% THCa with a high that’s clean, mellow, and just melty enough to take the edge off.

Day & Night: Boojum’s Wakey + Dreamy Gummies

Some days need a little nudge, and some nights just won’t quit. Boojum’s Wakey and Dreamy gummies cover both ends. Wakey leans on THC and CBG to get you out the door with a clear head, while Dreamy mixes THC and CBN to help shut it all off when the day’s over. Flavors are vegan friendly, effects are clean, and both do what they say without overdoing it.

Unicorn Tears Edibles Moxie

When every budtender you meet not only recommends a product but ad mits they’re using it themselves, you pay attention. Moxie’s Unicorn Tears live up to the hype. Made with hash rosin, these are full-spectrum edibles that actually feel full-spectrum—balanced, potent, and therapeutic with out being overwhelming. Each pack gives you 100mg of THC split into ten clean doses. Whether you’re managing pain or just chasing a deeper experience, these are the real deal.

editor’s Choice

Healing Outside the Medical Market

You don’t need a med card for these—but as someone recovering from a ski accident, I can tell you firsthand, they’ve earned a spot in my daily routine. No card. No fuss. Just two natural options that are helping me heal.

After taking a hard hit to the head, I turned to Wholesun Wellness’ Deep Brain Health mushroom supplement to help cut through the fog. It’s a full-spectrum blend of Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Tremella, and other organic mushrooms designed to support neurogenesis, cognitive clarity, and longterm brain health.

Whether you’re recovering from a knock or just tired of forgetting why you walked into a room, this blend has real potential. Let’s be honest—shortterm memory lapses are something a lot of cannabis consumers deal with. This helps fight back. Available at wholesunwellness.com.

Boojum’s Deep Blue Cooling Hemp Gel has been my go-to for sore muscles and post-injury aches. With 600mg of CBD per bottle and ingredients like eucalyptus, chamomile, and rosemary, it cools, soothes, and actually helps. I use it at night— the scent alone is calming, and the relief sinks in deep. You can find it at BoojumLife.com.

Ember Up

A Smarter Way to Sesh in Utah

Utah’s no-combustion rule means joints and bong rips are technically off the table. Vaporizers are the workaround— but most are overpriced, underpowered, or just not worth the hassle. That’s why Dragonfly made the Ember—a compact dry herb vape that actually works for Utah patients who want to taste their flower and feel it too.

It’s simple: pop the cap, pack about 0.25g of ground flower, and press the power button five times. Use the arrows to set your temp (298°F–446°F). It heats in under 20 seconds and vibrates when it’s ready. Hold the arrows to adjust temps—otherwise, you’ll end up shutting it off like me.

To see what the Ember could really do, we tested two standout strains from Dragonfly: MAC and Pavé.

MAC (Miracle Alien Cookies) came in at 24.81% THC. This batch had a citrus-forward, earthy nose, so we started at 349°F—a sweet spot for pulling Limonene and Caryophyllene. The result? A smooth, euphoric lift with daytime clarity—no in-da-couch vibes here. We bumped it up to 365–375°F to bring in a bit more body relief without dulling the effects. Clean vapor, true flavor—nothing wasted.

Pavé, a Paris OG x The Menthol cross, clocked in at 27.21% THC. Loud, gassy, minty, and sour—this one called for a heavier hand. We started at 365°F to catch the Linalool and Humulene, then pushed it to 388°F to bring on the full-body melt. At high temp, the diesel, cleaner, and citrus flavors came through in waves. Not subtle. Definitely not daytime.

Each strain hit differently at each temp—and that’s the point. Flower isn’t one-size-fits-all. The Ember lets you dial in your experience instead of setting everything on fire.

A doobie might smack on the first puff, but after that, you’re just torching terps and wasting weed. Vaporizing stretches your stash and actually lets you taste what you’re working with. Want to get smarter about it? Crack open our terpene crossword and level up your sesh.

For under $100, the Ember gets it done—and looks sharp doing it. Sleek, smaller than a cellphone, and built to pocket, it’s ready for wherever the day (or night) takes you.

Still miss your wizard-shaped bong? Leave it on the shelf. You’re in the future now.

Want to share your own take? Scan the QR code to hit our Reader’s Poll. Your review could land in the next issue.

Pavé, a Paris OG x The Menthol cross

MAC (Miracle Alien Cookies)

Dear Dabney

A trusted voice for patients looking for clarity, not clichés

Dabney has spent years on the frontlines of cannabis reform—advocating for patients, challenging bad policy, and helping Utahns make sense of a complicated plant and an even more complicated system. She’s not here to peddle hype or push trends. She believes in cannabis as medicine, guided by science, lived experience, and a deep commitment to patient rights.

In this column, she tackles some of the most common questions about Utah’s medical cannabis program. Whether you’re navigating the system for the first time or just trying to better understand your options, this is a space for clarity—not noise.

Have a question for Dabney? Email it to info@saltbakedcity.com and your topic may be featured in a future issue.

What do all these labels mean—THC, CBD, terpenes?

Understanding your medicine starts with understanding your label.

• THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid. It can offer powerful relief for pain, nausea, and sleep—but it’s not the only compound that matters.

• CBD helps ease inflammation and anxiety, and can temper the effects of THC.

• Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the smell, flavor, and nuanced effects of each strain. They’re not just decoration—they matter.

When shopping, don’t just chase high THC percentages. Look at total cannabinoids, terpene content, and harvest date. Ask for a COA (Certificate of Analysis) if you want to dive deeper into what’s in your product.

Want to test your terp knowledge? Flip to this issue’s crossword puzzle—it’s all about terpenes and how they shape your experience.

Common terpenes include:

Myrcene

Sedating, relaxing, couch-lock potential.

Caryophyllene Spicy, grounding, antiinflammatory.

Uplifting, moodenhancing, citrusy.

Pinene Sharp, clear-headed, may help with alertness.

Limonene

How do you know how much to take when you’re new to cannabis?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dosing medical cannabis. Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different, so what works for your neighbor might be far too much—or too little—for you.

The golden rule: start low, go slow.

• Edibles: Begin with 2.5mg to 5mg of THC. Wait at least 2 hours before considering more.

• Inhalables (flower, vapes): Take one puff, then wait 10–15 minutes to gauge effects.

• Tinctures and tablets: These absorb differently. Sublingual methods can take 30–60 minutes to take effect.

Keeping a personal journal—tracking products, dosages, and how you feel—can help you find the balance that works best for your body. And if you ever take too much, don’t panic. Drink water, breathe, and maybe chew a few black peppercorns (yes, really—it can help).

Cannabis is a nuanced medicine. Give yourself the time to learn it.

How should parents talk to their children about cannabis use?

Openly and honestly. Medical cannabis still carries decades of stigma, so it’s important to model responsible, transparent use— especially as a parent.

Why is medical cannabis so expensive in Utah?

Utah’s cannabis market is small and tightly controlled. With limited licenses, vertical integration, and strict regulations, there’s little competition and high operating costs. That drives up prices—and patients pay the price.

Even though there isn’t a traditional cannabis tax at the register, patients are still charged a $1.50 fee per transaction—money that goes directly to the Center for Medical Cannabis, not the dispensaries. On top of that, cultivators and processors face heavy compliance burdens and are still subject to federal tax laws under 280E, which prevent them from deducting basic business expenses. Those costs stack up—and eventually land on the consumer.

But there’s help. The Utah Patients Coalition offers a Subsidy Program for low-income patients, providing a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of medicine. It’s not a solution for everyone, but it’s a lifeline for many.

If you’re struggling to afford your medicine, ask your pharmacy about available discounts—and keep speaking up. Cannabis is medicine, and patients deserve affordable access.

If your children are young, keep it simple: “This is medicine that helps me feel better.” For older kids, you can explain that your cannabis use is legal, doctor-recommended, and part of a treatment plan—just like any other prescribed medicine.

The goal isn’t to glamorize it, but to remove shame from the conversation. Let your children ask questions. Be honest in your answers. What you’re really teaching is self-care, accountability, and healthy boundaries.

Need proof it can be done? Look to this issue’s cover story: Nanette and her son are both legal cannabis patients. Her story is a powerful example of a Utah family navigating this space with grace, courage, and clarity.

What is a medical cannabis caregiver, and how does it work?

A caregiver is someone authorized to buy medical cannabis from a pharmacy on behalf of a patient who can’t go themselves—often due to age, disability, or serious illness.

Here’s how it works:

1. The patient logs into their EVS account and requests you as their caregiver (make sure they enter your email and birthdate correctly).

2. You’ll get an email from the EVS prompting you to create or log into your Utah ID and complete a caregiver application.

3. You’ll need to pay a registration fee and complete a fingerprint background check before your card is activated.

4. Once active, you can print or download your card from the EVS and start picking up medicine for your patient—just bring your card and a photo ID every time.

Fees vary depending on how many patients you’re helping and where you are in the renewal cycle. Most caregivers are approved within a couple of days after their background check clears.

First-time visits still require a consult with a medical cannabis pharmacist, whether it’s the patient, the caregiver, or both— so call ahead and ask if you’ll need an appointment.

Can your employer fire you for using medical cannabis in Utah?

Unfortunately, yes—depending on where you work. Utah law offers some employment protections for medical cannabis patients, but they’re limited. Certain public employers and government contractors may not penalize cardholders who use their medicine legally and off the clock. But most private employers still have the right to enforce zero-tolerance policies, especially if they’re subject to federal regulations like DOT or operate in fields like healthcare.

What does this mean for patients?

• Know your employer’s policy inside and out.

• Document your use and when you medicate—especially if you’re concerned about job risk.

• Approach HR cautiously and only if you feel safe disclosing your patient status.

• Stay informed. Laws can change, and advocacy from patients like you is how progress happens.

Utah has taken steps toward protecting medical patients, but the system still leaves too many in limbo. Until protections improve, being informed is your best defense.

Can I own or possess a firearm if I’m a medical cannabis patient in Utah?

This is one of the most complicated—and frustrating—questions patients ask. The short answer? Under federal law, cannabis is still considered a Schedule I controlled substance, and it is illegal for anyone who uses cannabis—medical or otherwise—to possess firearms or ammunition.

When you purchase a gun through a licensed dealer, you’re required to fill out ATF Form 4473, which asks if you’re an “unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana.” Even if you’re a legal medical cannabis patient in Utah, checking “no” could be considered a federal felony. Checking “yes” means you’ll be denied the purchase.

In Utah, state officials have mostly stayed quiet on enforcement—but that doesn’t mean patients are protected. Federal law still applies, and Utah hasn’t created any state-level protections for patients who want to own firearms.

Here’s what that means in real life:

• Having a medical cannabis card puts your gun rights at risk under federal law.

• You won’t pass a federal background check for a firearm if you disclose cannabis use.

• There is currently no carve-out in Utah law protecting medical cannabis patients who also own guns.

It’s a painful contradiction: You can be trusted to medicate legally under your doctor’s supervision—but not to own a firearm. Until federal cannabis laws change, this is the legal gray area patients are forced to live in.

If you’re in this situation, speak with a qualified attorney who understands both Utah state law and federal firearms regulations. And keep raising your voice. Patients shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their constitutional rights.

How to Get Your Utah Medical Cannabis Card

Applying for a medical cannabis card in Utah is easier than it used to be—and most patients can get approved and active the same day they see a provider.

Here’s how it works, step by step:

Step 1: Set up your Utah ID account

Go to id.utah.gov and create a Utah ID. This is your login for the state’s electronic system, so hang onto your username and password.

Step 2: Register in the EVS (Electronic Verification System)

Once your Utah ID is ready, head to evs.utah.gov and start your patient application. Enter your information, save the draft, and your status will show as “Awaiting Certification.” This just means you’re ready to meet with a medical provider.

Step 3: Meet with a medical provider

Schedule an appointment with a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP) or Limited Medical Provider (LMP). These are Utah-licensed professionals who are authorized to certify patients for medical cannabis. During your visit, they’ll evaluate your condition and—if you qualify—they’ll upload your certification directly to the EVS.

Step 4: Pay your card fee

Once your provider submits your certification, you’ll get an email prompting you to pay the $15 state card fee online. After your payment is processed, your card becomes active—usually the same day. Most clinics charge about $150 for the appointment. If you’re paying more, it might be worth finding a different provider—there are plenty of QMPs offering the same service for less. Also keep an eye out for medical cannabis card events across the state, where clinics sometimes offer signups for as low as $75. Salt Baked City shares those updates regularly on social media.

Step 5: Download or print your card

Log back into evs.utah.gov to download your digital card. You can print a copy or save it to your phone. You’ll need to show your card—and a valid photo ID—every time you visit a medical cannabis pharmacy.

Step 6: Visit a medical cannabis pharmacy

On your first visit, you’ll meet with a medical cannabis pharmacist who will review your conditions and help guide you toward the best products and delivery methods. Some pharmacies require a quick appointment for this consult, so it’s worth calling ahead before your first visit.

Additional Notes:

• If you’re under 21 years old, or your condition isn’t on the official list, your provider will submit your case to the Compassionate Use Board. They typically respond within a month, but it can take up to 90 days.

• Your card is valid for one year, unless your provider chooses a shorter renewal period.

Still have questions? Ask your provider, talk to your pharmacist, or email us at info@saltbakedcity.com. We’re here to help you navigate the system and stay informed.

Disclaimer: Ask Dabney is an educational column offering personal insight and general information based on lived experience and advocacy. This content is not intended as legal or medical advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney or healthcare provider regarding your specific circumstances.