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budtenderslife-blog · 7 years

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Hanging out with Kushy Punch

Welcome Kushy Punch to Budtenders Life! Kushy Punch has been on another level in the California cannabis industry for quite sometime. We talk how Kushy Punch was started, the positive things they are doing, and where they are going.

Q: Hey! How’s it going over at the Kushy Punch office today?

A: Just another day in paradise, busy at work, currently working on some new product updates to roll out for the patients!

Q: A quick look at your website shows you guys know what you are doing. What was the inspiration behind Kushy and how did it become what it is today?

A: Kushy Punch was born and bred from the need to have a healthier option to medicate with rather than super sweet dessert confections that are out on the market. Many people would love to try cannabis but are not down with Smoking or Vaping, the gummy became an easier entry point for patients to try for the first time as well as experienced users looking for more portable and potent ways to medicate.

"“Prior to Kushy Punch, I was heavily invested in creating a few online dating platforms that were highly successful.”" -- Kushy Punch

Q: What were you doing before you got into the cannabis industry?

A: Prior to Kushy Punch, I was heavily invested in creating a few online dating platforms that were highly successful. Once they were sold, I was on the hunt for a new worthwhile project.

Q: So, you have won 7 awards and in 600+ dispensaries? Impressive! What do you attribute to your success so far?

A: I think now we’re closer to 1,000+ now actually. Consistency is always key, the fact of the matter is, we’re patients too, we’ve medicated with other products and have had good and bad experiences. If we want people to trust Kushy Punch as medicine, we have to put in the effort to make sure its the same product every time. That also means we constantly innovate and have our ears to the ground, we love hearing from our patients and caregivers. This helps us be proactive and ready to change/adjust when necessary.

Q: Kushy Punch does a lot of charity work huh? Can you explain how you give back to people and the world?

A: We’re living in confusing times right now, for lack of a better term. In our industry we’ve seen people who are in it for profits as well as people who know the weight of their caregiving responsibilities. But it doesn’t just stop at the products, we’ve personally become invested with “doing the right thing” wherever and whenever that makes sense. We champion various causes concerning Hunger, Wildlife Conservation, and the Environment, but above all, we want to make sure that we can make a real impact on someone’s life, rather than just writing a check.

Q: What makes Kushy Punch stand out from other edible companies on the market?

A: Constant innovation and moving forward to the best end product we can create. That means perfecting a custom machine to help ramp up our production, to keep up with increasing demand. Our pure oil, extraction, and infusion process is what makes this different from just sprayed bulk candy. What you’re left with is 99% of the cannabinoids and terps; the stuff that actually matters. Presentation is crucial. The silver reflective material is eye catching. Whether or not you’re interested in edibles, if you see this in a store counter, you’ll want to know what Kushy Punch is. Advertising is also another thing; memorable, fun images that always stick with you. We want to be on your mind, we’ve been able to achieve that in a short amount of time.

Q: Are you ready for recreational cannabis in California? What changes do expect to make in the way you operate?

A: We’re getting ready, its only a matter of time before we know the exact rules and regulations we need to adhere to. We can anticipate some changes based on the other recreational states, Colorado has been the biggest example and we continue to monitor the state to see trends and prepare ourselves for the potential future.

Q: How important are terpenes when it comes to cannabis edibles and extracts and why?

A: Incredibly. When it comes to creating medicines or products that can target certain ailments and conditions, terpenoids will amplify that. Why have just the power of cannabinoids when you can synergize the effects with Terps?

Q: How did the Kushy Vape come to be? Any inspiration behind it?

A: To continue the theme of potent and portable medicine, we wanted to do something for the vapers out there. Vaping is an awesome way to take advantage of most of the THC content the plant has to offer. When you smoke, you’re burning a nice percentage of it before its absorbed. Since the vape is utilizing the oil from our Pure Oil THC Syringe, we are confident we have one of the MOST potent THC vapes on the market.

Q: When it comes to Edible education, what does Kushy provide the user? How important is it to inform users on how to use edibles?

A: Through our website, we share articles and blog pieces surrounding the world of cannabis as well as our own product. We also have an open communication channel through Social media or email, our responsive customer service team will walk you through any question or concern. We ensure that patients can also talk to their local budtenders about the products, as they have been educated and briefed on all info. A good amount of the budtenders already know the candy since they’re already our customers!

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is looking to get into the edibles business?

A: Think about something that people need, find a way to provide that realistically at a good price point, neat package, take care of consistency, 3rd party lab test, there's no reason why you can’t start your own. In a legal state of course!

Q: Last question! What are you most grateful for at this very moment?

A: We’re grateful for having the opportunity to better anyone’s life. I think what makes us smile the most is seeing the perceptions of Cannabis change over time, we’re apart of the stigma shift and will continue to shine a positive light. We’ve come across thousands of people from all walks of life and somehow they all found us, its a humbling moment to reflect on. This is our motivation everyday. The motivation that allows us the strength to get out of bed and help patients and caregivers alike.

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Talking Cannabis Edibles With The Goodship Company.

Q: Hey Jody! It's an honor to have you on! How are you?

A: Great, it's a big honor to be here, I love your site!

Q: So, you not only founded The Goodship Company, but also run a bakery called Cupcake Royale?

A: Yes, I opened Cupcake Royale, the nation's first cupcake bakery outside of NYC in 2003, and we now have 6 locations including Pike Place Market and Capitol Hill and are featured on Alaska Airlines. We feature local, sustainable and extra-delicious ingredients to make epic cupcakes. Our history of creating some really delectable baked goods, backed by a PNW culture that's iconic and representative of our community, is what lead me to start The Goodship after I502 passed.

Q: What made you get into the cannabis industry and start The Goodship Company?

A: t was actually a sudden decision for me, and I submitted on the last day of the application window. It wasn't until I received my license that I realized (as well as half the city that read about it in the media) that I had to do something with it! And I'm so glad I did. I think that The Goodship now stands for a future of cannabis and culture that is really exciting and important.

Q: We've never seen an edibles company hand make everything from scratch! This is so great. What made you take this route vs buying ingredients from the store?

A: I think it's my history at Cupcake Royale to bringing all-natural, fresh-baked goods made with real ingredients from local farmers and purveyors to customers every day that stays with me and carries over into Goodship, even though cannabis is a packaged goods industry. We are committed to creating the most simple ingredient list possible. If you look at the back of one of our cookies, you'll find only clean ingredients that are all natural, and feature things like organic sugar and fair trade chocolate. We think that the cookie itself is just as important as the high, and that both should come from sources that are good for your body and mind. And it should be DELICIOUS!

Q: Can you break down how much work goes into making a single batch of Snickerdoodle cookies?

A: Now we've got it down to a science, but just like in any food manufacturing, it takes a lot to get a product onto a shelf, plus the added aspect of cannabis regulation, compliance and tracking. We start with our raw ingredients that we mix, make cookie "pucks," and bake in our facility in the SODO neighborhood of Seattle. Then they cool and get packaged. After packaging, the cookies move to a finished goods area, and after orders are placed, they are picked, stickered according to order, case-packed, and placed into a mandatory quarantine for at least 24 hours before than can be released. They are then manifested to the destination store and loaded onto the truck for delivery. All of these steps are logged in a system utilized by the state to track cannabis products from "seed to sale." While it's a lot of work, we respect the in-depth compliance required to safely get products to customers, and the level of transparency it brings to the industry. Washington has done a great job, given we were such an early state to legalize, setting up a system that works and therefore creates a foundation from which other states can build.

Q: With your product's ingredients all from scratch, does this affect your shelflife? How do you combat that?

A: We spent almost 1 full year working on the recipe before we released our first cookie to the market. Even though our ingredients are all natural and have no preservatives, we are able to guarantee a 6-month shelf life on our cookies, and an even longer shelf for products like chocolate and candies. It's just about having the right proportions and quality of ingredients, prepared properly, and packaged really well. We nitro-flush all our packages in really high quality aluminum-lined film that protects our products and keeps them fresh for as long as possible.

Q: What is the "Goodship Higher Education" and how would one attend an event?

A: Goodship Higher Education is what we call a heady lecture series under heady influence. It's about taking big, heady conversations out of, say, your basement with just a couple friends, and into a shared community experience. We invite everyone to "pre-board" on the Goodship before arriving (the legal way to have a cannabis event), and be guided by an industry-leading expert on an exciting, mind-bending, topic. We just kicked off our 2017 series on February 9 with a talk titled Where are the Extraterrestrials? and lead by Seth Shostak, the senior astronomer of SETI, and one of the world's most distinguished scientists on alien life. It's a really fun experience to be high with 200 other people in a room together talking about some existential topic, or for this one, the existence of aliens in our universe right now. And if you haven't been to one yet, you have to check it out - the energy in the room alone is worth experiencing! Tickets are always available to the public (21+ only). The best thing to do is sign up for our mailing list on our website and you'll get all the email notifications about events.

Q: Your branding is amazing and fits perfectly into the Seattle cannabis scene. Where does the inspiration come from?

A: It's a combination of things, and it took a while before I landed on the name "Goodship." A little fanciful, a little fun, a little sophisticated, and an all-around good time. Goodship is about celebrating all the good in life, about taking time to enjoy the little things and to connect with people and the world around you in new and profound ways. We love the word "good." "Be good.", "Do Good", "Good times." It's endless, and there's something so satisfying about that word. That's what we hope people feel when they experience the Goodship.

Q: We took a look at The Goodship Guide to Edible Cannabis. It's great! How important is it to inform customers/patients on how to treat edibles?

A: You guys really did your homework! We appreciate that more than you know. Informing customers is hugely important to us, and also can be difficult to do. The industry is so new, and people are confused about what to buy or what to do, and have difficulty accessing solid information, which is admittedly minimal. The Guide to Edibles hopefully gives readers a baseline of knowledge that they can apply to all edible consumption, not just Goodship products. We cited our sources and tried to offer the most up-to-date, validated information, but the industry is also changing rapidly with more technology and advancements happening every day. We're currently working on edition 2 of the Guide that offers some of that new information.

Q: Are there any misconceptions portrayed by the media that you would like to see changed?

A: I think there are many misconceptions around normalization of cannabis, and the big part of that that Goodship is trying to help change is around the portrayed culture of cannabis use. We're used to stereotypes like it makes you lazy or stupid, and we think that cannabis offers a lot more than that. Not only does it have strong medicinal value, but we like it's ability to connect us to the world around us in unique and profound ways. It allows us to "disconnect to connect" - to let all the fluff and clutter in our lives fall away so that we can reconnect and focus on something in a more meaningful way. I think we're all starving for meaningful human connection, and cannabis can be a tool for that.

Q: What changes have you seen in the Washington cannabis industry since legalization?

A: In terms of the industry itself, it's amazing to see the incredible things that growers and processors are doing and the huge array of products being offered. There are really cool things happening with cannabinoid and terpene profiles for flower strains, and especially as they relate to extraction technologies which allow manipulation and reintroduction of cannabinoids and terpenes to make super customized extracts, and potentially their associated experiences. In terms of the market, we've seen it continue to grow since legalization and culturally-speaking, we're seeing cannabis moving closer to normalization and away from taboo. But we still have a long ways to go. We really enjoy partnering with other cannabis companies to help make it all happen, and in that regard, we believe that a rising tide lifts all ships.

Q: Anything you would like to see change in Washington's cannabis laws?

A: Being amongst the first of 2 states to legalize cannabis, and given it's federal status, 502, in all it's glory, can also be strict and especially it certain areas, it can be cumbersome to deal with. We're looking forward to revisions to some of the regulations that will hopefully lighten up on some of the intensity of rigor that will allow producers and retailers alike to create better efficiencies and scalability in their businesses. What we're really looking forward to, though, is the expansion of legalization to things like places of enjoyment. It's just a matter of time I think!

Q: Where do you see The Goodship Company in 5 years? Plans on expanding outside of Washington or keeping it local?

A: We are definitely looking at opportunities outside of WA, but we want to be strategic about how we expand. Instead of opening quickly in each new market, we want to really win in WA and take an experienced, proven brand to new states, and select those that align best with our brand and goals. However we do it, we want to maintain a strong PNW vibe and bring a Seattle spirit to new regions.

Q: Are there any dispensaries in Washington that don't carry your product?! Seems like you can find your products all over the state!

A: We can be found in about 100 cannabis stores across WA state. We've been very lucky, and are really so thankful for our really incredible retailers who do a great job getting Goodship to customers.

Q: Final Question! What are you most grateful for today? :)

A: That's a profound question. Honestly, I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've had along the way to allow me to be in this place at this time to create Goodship. We have a beautiful future ahead of us and we hope to carry the torch as the protagonist for edible marijuana in a way not dissimilar than how Starbucks took the commodity of coffee into a world class and revered lifestyle brand.

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Exploring Music with Prism House’s Samantha Montanaro and Yoganja’s Kristen Mico

Sam Montanaro and Kristen Mico share five songs with cannabis in mind.

“Roman Guitar” by Tony Mottola

Oh Tony, take me away with your uplifting, silly and sweet stringed sounds. Life’s in 24 mm. Ease on in and picture yourself wherever you would like to be. Don’t worry about a thing. Weed is legal now (YES!) and this song captures that bright green light in my heart and parades it around on a desert dusted pony. Time to pack up that bowl.

“Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel

“Clowns to the left of me jokers to the right.” Ain’t that the truth. It’s a timeless sentiment and this song’s nostalgic effect on us brings a momentary peace. This song reminds you that jam circles are actual medicine and that you really do love folk music. It makes us happy every time and is paired with fond adolescent memories of smoking many-a-bowl with that crazy uncle behind the shed at awkward family gatherings.

“Coconut” by Harry Nilsson

Coconut evokes giggles, back up vocal temptations and really light finger dancing with the occasional snap, tap or clap. Add a shimmy that reeks of being tiki-drunk on the dance floor. It feels great, doesn't it?! Ya know, sometimes it’s nice just to know the words to a simple song. Let loose, yell for your doctor! You are guaranteed to feel better.

“Harlem River” by Kevin Morby

Make sure the candles are lit and get the lights down low for this epic groove. At nine minutes and 15 seconds, this song is perfect to maintain that sweet elevated state. Kevin Morby’s voice is sexy, haunting and enchanting. The dainty cymbal work makes us feel light and a little dancey, but mostly super chill and really, really good.

“Down By The Seaside” by Led Zeppelin

Alright everyone, throw your arm around the living thing next to ya, give a fond smile to your neighbor and ask, “are ya hungry?” Grab a snack and end your sesh with an all time fav. Get the Led out with your Bonham air-drumming, Jimmy-jamming and Plant pelvic-thrusting. Maybe cut some weird John Paul Jones bangs. Whatever. Get on with your bad self and enjoy that perfect cannabis comedown to one of the sweetest jams ever. I still wanna get a zoso tattoo.

Connect on Instagram

Samantha Montanaro

Prism House is owned and run by Samantha (Sam) Montanaro, a multi-media artist, graphic designer, party-thrower, gardener, musician and mom. Prism House offers a variety of services including the rental of Sam’s community space and home for intentional gatherings, full spectrum graphic design, event coordination and urban farming. She is known for Yoganja, Puff, Pass and Paint Portland, industry meet ups and infused dinner parties. Sam’s cannabis catalog is expanding in 2017 to include Tokeativity, consumption events for women, by women, cannabis cooking classes in collaboration with noted chef Leather Storrs and an exciting budding partnership with Jesce Horton and Saints Cloud.

Kristen Mico

Kristen Mico is a videographer, producer and creative director at Brave Alice Productions. Her current project is a environmental documentary in partnership with Connor DeVane of Hike The Divide, highlighting the progress in the climate movement happening through collaboration of many peoples. Occasionally, she moonlights as a Yoganja instructor at Prism House to combine her knowledge of movement as medicine with plant medicine. Follow her at @brave.alice.productions and @kristenalicemico.

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Talking Colorado Cannabis with Groundswell's Operations Manager - Danielle

We sit down to talk with Danielle from Groundswell Dispensary in Denver, COlorado. She fills us in on what it's like at Groundswell as well as some changes in the INDUSTRY since recreational was set in place in 2014.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING IN THE Cannabis INDUSTRY?

A: I started working in the industry in May of 2010 as a budtender. So 6 amazing years!

Q: SO, WHAT'S IT LIKE WORKING AT GROUNDSWELL?

A: Working at GroundSwell is like working at your favorite neighborhood coffee shop except we sell cannabis not coffee. We serve a lot locals and repeat customers, a lot of the patients know each other from other parts of the community. We are truly a family and we really try to breed that culture in all aspects of the company.

Q: BEING ON COLFAX, WE ASSUME YOU SEE MANY OUT OF STATE CUSTOMERS DAILY. WHAT ARE FIRST TIME SHOPPERS USUALLY SAYING ABOUT THE PLACE?

A: Due to our location, we see a ton of first time shoppers and out of state customers. We get a very wide variety of people and experience levels as well. Almost everyone who leaves here is always talking about the superior level of customer service. We strive to treat every single customer like a VIP. From the Colfax Grit to the Colfax Class every person that walks into the store gets the red carpet treatment. We also strive to make sure that everyone gets a proper cannabis education during their shop. People are also often caught raving about our organic flower and our high quality extracts.

Q: GROUNDSWELL IS AN EXPERIENCE BASED DISPENSARY. CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH ON WHAT IT'S LIKE TO PURCHASE FROM THE RECREATIONAL SIDE?

A: After you check in at the window, customers are asked to take a seat in the waiting area until we can pair them up with a specialist to assists them with their visit. Once it’s time the customers are brought back onto the sales floor and given a rundown on how GroundSwell operates. They are presented the available strains shown prices and then asked if they are looking for anything specific. The specialist works with 1 group at a time to ensure that every customer in that group is able get the proper product education and that no question goes unanswered. Once all of the need products are identified, the customer is taken to the fulfillment window. All customers are encouraged to join the GroundSwell Cannabis Society at this time and the transaction is finalized with a second ID check and the cash transfer takes place.

Q: IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, HOW HAS RECREATIONAL SALES EFFECTED THE MEDICAL SIDE?

A: Some people would argue that business on the Medical side is declining but I think that Medical is undergoing a transformation. At this point in the Medical Industry you have two kinds of shoppers; serious medical users which includes the medical refugee families and the bulk product shoppers. Because of the progression of the industry over the years, if you don’t have a medical card you probably aren’t going to get one because shopping without it is so easy. I think a lot of people are turning to the recreational side because it's more convenient. I really think that 2017 is going to be the year that we really expose the real group of medical patients and we will see less and less medical customers with recreational shopping habits. Some people see this a downfall for the industry but I really think that it’s time that we created this division and get the real medical patients the attention and help they deserve.

Q: BESIDES LOOKS, HOW DOES GROUNDSWELL STAND OUT FROM THE OVER SATURATED CANNABIS MARKET?

A: Besides our aesthetic the quality of our flower is what sets us apart from everyone else in the industry. We are truly organic in everything that we do!

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STRAIN THAT YOU CARRY AND WHY?

A: I am really a person who smokes with purpose so it’s hard for me to choose 1 strain as my favorite! My favorite GroundSwell strains are the Golden Goat for all my daytime sativa needs and the Cherry Lime is my indica preference. Both strains have stellar flavor profiles and their effects are exceptional. The Golden Goat is extremely energetic and focusing. While the Cherry Lime is relaxing without being a total knockout.

Q: EVERY REVIEW WEBSITE WE CAN FIND HAS A LOT OF POSITIVE REVIEWS ABOUT YOUR LOCATION, MANY OF THEM IN REGARDS TO AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING A NEW BUDTENDER?

A: GroundSwell doesn’t hire very often but when we do we only look for absolute rockstars! All of our budtenders all have multiple years of experience in an Industry of Service, whether that’s nursing, serving, bartending, or baristas we find employees with similar work histories do well in the cannabis industry, being able to speak to the needs of patients, show exemplary customer service and thrive in a high energy, fast paced environment. We also only hire passionate people. People who strive to change the world one smile at a time. But most importantly we hire people who want work for us for a long time, we don’t hire people who think of this as just a job we hire people who know cannabis is a career!

Q: WHAT IS IN THE WORKS FOR 2017? ANYTHING YOU CAN FILL US IN ON?

A: We have a lot in the works for 2017! Most of it at this point in the year is pretty Top Secret. We have a few more big things planned for our exclusive Artist Strains Logic Diesel and Oteil's Egyptian Kush. But I can tell you that we are planning on entering the Rooster Classic with several flower entries and even more concentrate entries. Just keep your ear out for GroundSwell big things are going to be happening around here and you will want to be apart of it!

Q: FINAL AND MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR TODAY?

A: I am grateful for the opportunity to meet new people everyday and teach them about the benefits of cannabis. I am grateful I found a company like GroundSwell who genuinely cares about the community they are creating and servicing. But I am most grateful for the fact that I am able to make a career out my passion for cannabis. This is truly a blessing and I couldn’t be more happy about my life and the direction that it’s going!

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Exploring Music with Kushkards Founder Lauren Miele

"OOOUU" by Young M.A

Favorite Line of the Song: " The loud got me movin slo-mo.” Young M.A, a female rapper from Brooklyn, recently released this song in 2016. Although this sounds like a male rapper, it in fact is a woman representing the push towards "female boss ladies" especially in the LGBT community. This song skyrocketed her career and put her "0-100 real quick.”It inspires me as an entrepreneur to keep pushing and let no one get in the way. This song has a mellow bop to it everyone can bump to. When in a smoking sesh and someone says "OOOUU" everyone who knows the song can relate back and most likely turn it on. My favorite line makes me feel on the same page as Young M.A. because when I am smoking a strain that is so intense, I am defiantly in a slower pace...a slower state of mind. I have smoked to this song with people in NYC, Seattle, Portland and Denver -- all of whom are familiar with the "OOOUU.”

“Young, Wild & Free” by Wiz Khalifa & Snoop Dogg feat. Bruno Mars

Favorite Line of the Song: "So what we get drunk? So what we smoke weed? We’re just having fun We don’t care who sees So what we go out? That’s how it's supposed to be. Living young and wild and free." This song is a song to live by, creating our happiness -- drama free and good vibes is the only world we all want to live in. It’s a tune sung by two cannabis icons simply stating “What's wrong with smoking a little weed?” We all do it anyway, let's be social about it. "Roll one, smoke one, and we all just having fun." It can be as easy as that! As cannabis is becoming more socially accepted in society, this song seems more and more appropriate. Smoking or not smoking, when this song comes on we all feel a little free and in the moment. It would be one of my top songs to start the sesh with: " When I step right up, get my lighter so I can light up.”

“Pop That” by French Montana ft. Rick Ross, Drake, Lil Wayne

Favorite Line of the Song: "Smoke a spliff and then I vanish.” This is my FAVORITE song, smoking or not smoking! This song comes to mind as we spark, start the sesh and twerk our way until it’s out. Kind of like a can't stop won't stop type of song especially with their anthem: “Don't stop, pop that, don't stop.” Although slightly vulgar, I like to smoke sativas to it. I love to dance, so when this song comes on I feel like I smoke and vanish into dance mode with many memories of doing exactly that. This is on my playlist when I smoke and design. The beat travels way beyond the surface and lifts my mood for the day. Being from New York City, there is something about having a tune like this in your headphones when walking through thousands of people and getting lost in your own world.

Gotta Say High by “Three 6 Mafia”

Favorite Line of the Song: "I gotta stay high, until I die.” This song is the definition of a hype song. The anthem of the song, to stay high all the time, is every stoner's dream. When this song comes on in a sesh, everyone with a blunt throws their hands up to make sure everyone’s on the same page. We all know "green gonna get lit up.” The name and chorus had to be changed to "Gotta Stay Fly" for the radio to prevent saying "High.” When this song comes on, it will always be “Gotta Stay High” for me. It gives you specific instructions when they say: "Roll that shit, light that shit, hit that shit, hold that shit, blow that shit out slow, then pass it to me bro.” Sounds like the ultimate sesh to me.

“Want To Get High” by Cypress Hill

Favorite Line of the Song: "Forward motion, Make you sway like the ocean, the herb is more than just a powerful potion, what's the commotion.” The first 45 seconds of this song says it all - lets get very high. This is a classic to listen to as people of multiple generations can sing along. It’s mellow tone has me wanting to light up an indica strain and enter a slo-mo mode. It's the type of song that sets the atmosphere in a room. Sometimes all I hear in this song is "I want to get high… so high" everything else is a blur and that's exactly what I do. The people I smoke with most of the time are in chill mode so this is a must to add to the mix.

Keep up with Kushkards

Snapchat: Kushkards

About Kushkards

Kushkards is a brand that designs and produces colorful, clever, fun and unique greeting cards. The tradition of giving greeting cards as a meaningful expression of personal affection for another person is still still being deeply ingrained in today's society, which is why Kushkards is the perfect card. Different from your everyday store bought card, you will always have what you need. With a unique spot on each card to insert your pre-rolled item of choice and a match striker located on the bottom of each card that can be repeatedly used, NEVER LOOK FOR YOUR LIGHTER AGAIN!! It is the definition for a special treat for a special person, so look through and order the perfect card and gift today.

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Exploring Music with Hifi Farms Community Officer Lee Henderson

Exploring Music with Hifi Farms’ Community Officer Lee Henderson

“Entertain” by Sleater-Kinney

One of my favorite things to do while high is to play drums along to records using high end headphones. This song is especially cathartic to play along with (not that I am anywhere near the level of skill Janet Weiss is).

“It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” by Bob Dylan

Probably my single favorite song of all time. Its lyrics have guided me as a human being since I first heard it when I was 15.

“California Stars” by Wilco

For my wife, Sarah. This was our wedding song.

“Idiot’s Rule” by Jane’s Addiction

Another song whose lyrics have help guide me through life. I even have a couplet from this song tattooed on my arm:

“You know the man you hate? You look more like him everyday!

Hi-di-hoa! Two good shoes won’t save your soul!”

A little reminder to myself.

“Passing Afternoon” by Iron & Wine

Easily another one of my all-time favorite songs. It’s imagery is evocative to me of my childhood, growing up in Roswell, GA in the early 1980s. Sam Beam’s songwriting just kills me.

Connect with Hifi Farms online:

About Hifi Farms

Based in Oregon, Hifi Farms is a Clean Green Certified craft cannabis cultivation company. It was founded by four friends who combined their passions for music, sustainability and organics, and set about designing a conscious cultivation model that produces high quality, clean cannabis while lessening its impact on the environment. Lee Henderson is the Community Officer, combining his love of connecting with people with his twin passions for music and progressive ideas to help shape Hifi’s vision and execution.

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Top Cannabis Packaging Designs

Cannabis Packaging is becoming more and more essential to cannabis brands. Here is a list of the top cannabis packaging designs we have found.

Each state as separate laws and regulations on cannabis packaging. However, this hasn't stopped some innovative designs from coming out. Most states require a childproof, opaque container or bag. As you can imagine, this causes some hurdles to overcome. Below you will find our favorite packaging designs.

1. Défoncé

Defonce is a California based cannabis chocolate company. With each bar containing 180mg of THC, their bars are split into 10mg slices. The packaging brings an elegant and classy feel to the former black market. Premium flavors like vanilla, matcha, milk, coffee, mint, dark, hazelnut, and dark+ are guaranteed to leave your mouth watering for more.

2. Varavo

Varavo is the first cannabis company to include braille on their packaging. Too often the blind get overlooked, but Varavo took a step out of the box to help the sightless. Also, they were one of the first California companies to apply Colorado like regulatory stamps to their packaging. Hear the CEO speak about Varavo on our podcast!

3. Kiva Confections

Since their release, Kiva has been making some major headway with their packaging. From their chocolates to their mints, they really hit the nail on the head. The packaging used brings a more familiar feeling to a not so familiar product.

4. Moonman's Mistress

Moonman's Mistress is another California cannabis company. However, they do things a bit differently. All of their award winning cannabis edibles are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and paleo driven. As a secondary, they have always focused on their design work. Their new box packaging keeps the moonman theme, while providing that WOW factor to their already awesome packaging!

5. Leafs By Snoop

More and more cannabis celebrities are producing their own line of cannabis products. Let's face it, you can't be a new cannabis company without some great packaging to go along with your products. Leafs By Snoop came into multiple states with great branding and packaging. They didn't just stop at cannabis edible packaging but took it to their concentrates, edibles, and flower

6. Top Shelf THC

Top Shelf THC is known for providing the world's most expensive cannabis. You might have seen them on an episode of "Most Expensivest Shit" with 2 Chainz. Or maybe you've seen them in your local Hollywood collective? Wherever you may have seen them, you can't deny their canned cannabis method works. Although there isn't much information on why it's so expensive, we are eager to find out.

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budtenderslife-blog · 7 years

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Talking Cannabis with Happy Tokes. (@Happytokes)

Chatting Cannabis with @HappyTokes

BL: What's up Happy Tokes? Is it ok if we call you that?

HT: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about myself and my community. It’s so exciting to have the opportunity to answer your questions! If we were shaking hands, I would introduce myself as Madison. Though, you and others are more than welcome to call me HappyTokes, anytime. When I created @HappyTokes I didn’t fully process that people would start calling me that. HappyTokes was meant to speak to the way of life I saw that existed amongst of a community of existing ‘Happy-Tokers' and wished to speak on behalf of, as my struggles and strengths mirrored many of their own. HappyTokes soon became my brand and synonymously become a nickname or ‘alter-ego’ of sorts. I’m simply grateful that my brand identity is memorable to my audience. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling often this past year for promotional purposes, and exploration. It’s humbling how often I get approached with love and hugs upon recognition. “HappyTokes!” perks my ears no matter where we may be; my heart races and I can’t stop smiling. It blows me away every time. The tribe is filled with real people and they are EVERYWHERE. It’s really amazing to have the opportunity to formally shake a hand, make eye contact and introduce myself as Madison to these friends who may have only known me by HappyTokes prior.

….

BL: If you had to choose two words that describe you the most, what would they be?

HT: These kinds of questions always feel so tricky. It is so hard to pick just a few words to describe one’s self. Instead of boycotting the question entirely, I’ll offer two vocabulary words that I enjoy, which I feel describe me, though maybe not “the most”.

1. Heuristic. Simple Definition by Merriam-Webster :using experience to learn and improve

2. Catalyst. Simple Definition by Merriam-Webster :a person or event that quickly causes change or action

….

BL: What all do you do within the cannabis industry?

HT: The cannabis industry has welcomed me with open arms, I’m grateful to have professional experience in many realms within the industry: I work for a publication called Culture Magazine where I’m responsible for regionally focused, strain, concentrate and edible reviews, published monthly. I’m delivered samples to photograph and write about according to provided notes from growers, or dispensaries. Additionally, I contribute to the publication with nationally distributed cannabis news articles, advocate highlights, artist highlights and patient highlights. I appreciate the opportunity to professionally interview many, regarding incredibly inspiring, informative, instrumental stories revolving around what is taking place in our community.

Culture is distributed nationally, by region, via print, and is available in lots of dispensaries and smoke shops across the country. Though individual articles and digital Flipbook of print is also easily accessible online at ireadculture.com. If rather, you’re mainly interested in viewing the content that I’ve contributed to Culture Magazine directly, you can view this Pinterest board > < where I regularly update links to content as it is published.

@HappyTokes has acted as a platform for Social Media Promotion for hundreds of brands and artists over the years. I’m thrilled to document products that I discover and genuinely love, alongside art from people I adore to share with my followers. I try to really put something extra into my promotional services by requesting thoughtful engagement and action in response to the provided content. Many leaders amongst this community have recognized that my posts are an opportunity to engage with and be heard by brands they love. Not only do I reward my followers, but the brands and artists I work with reward the natural leaders within this community too.

Though maintaining accounts for others is outside my realm of interest with all that I have going on, I still am beyond excited to assist friends in and outside of this industry by offering consultations regarding Social Media Strategy. After an assessment of current platforms being utilized and desired goals to be achieved, I recommend insightful strategy and provide tools to implement said strategy. It’s amazing how fresh insight and perspective can help existing successful brands maintain a forward momentum with the ways they engage with their audiences. // Contact via [email protected]

Cannasmack co-branded with me, adding @HappyTokes to the label of the Peach flavor that I selected to be included in their line of Hemp Infused Lip Balms. I feel really connected to this brand and the incredible women behind it, so I offered myself in pretty much any way that seemed fit. Whether it be attending exciting events to vend product and spread brand awareness, pitching product to wholesale and distributor accounts, interviews with press and beyond.

I offer my copywriting services to brands and artists within the cannabis community; writing content for blog posts or press releases. It’s such an honor to have the privilege to assist others in telling their stories.

With @HappyTokes and the @HappyTokesTribe, I’ve created a community that acts as a safe-place for cannabis consumers, their friends and family. We have positive and productive conversations about cannabis, varying forms of consumption methods and benefits; providing motivation to conquer physical and invisible ailments. These conversations are igniting action and change within the lives of so many. Talking about cannabis with your loved ones shouldn’t be a scary thing. This plant has legitimate medicinal benefits for so many humans who are overcoming such a wide variety of symptoms associated to their individual diagnosis.

….

BL: You have a great way of spreading positivity. :) A simple search on Google of "Happy Tokes Tribe" will show just that. However, can YOU tell us about the #HappyTokesTribe and why it was started?

HT: The HappyTokesTribe might sound like some sort of self-absorbed fan-club, but I assure you it is far from that. My ultimate goal with HappyTokes is to help other people tell their stories in positive and inspirational light. The @HappyTokesTribe page was created just over a year ago, when I realized that the platform @HappyTokes couldn’t possibly share all of the content that spoke for the incredible interactions that were happening within the community. It’s important to me that the real people who make this community what it is, not only get acknowledged, but have a place to easily connect with others who have had similar positive experiences with the community. I’ve been sending out snail mail “#HappyMail” since the first days of @HappyTokes -- Hand written letters of thanks, stickers, handmade treats and such. Before long, branded items were regularly contributed to me for promotional purposes. Instead of keeping everything I chose early on to give it away to the people who go above and beyond with their interactions within the community. People re-posting photos of their mail for me to see they got it, and I use @HappyTokesTribe to #Repost their content; I wanted to make sure everyone else could soak up the good vibes that are being spread.

As it’s developed rapidly over this past year, the natural concept behind the #HappyTokesTribe is to have an ever-growing support system filled with talented and wise individuals setting positive examples of how to talk about cannabis and interact on social media; with kind gestures of varying magnitudes, a chain reaction has surely begun and good vibes are spreading like wildfire. There are often incredible opportunities that I am unable to fulfill myself, and I’m proud to say that my community has stepped in on countless occasions, filling roles that were both volunteered and compensated.

When asked what I wanted to be when I was growing up, I knew I wanted to ‘help people’ and I had specific interests, but there were always so many that I couldn't choose just one thing. With the @HappyTokesTribe by my side, I feel like we can collaboratively accomplish everything I’ve ever dreamed… and then some!

….

BL: How does someone get involved in the Tribe?

HT: Getting involved in this community is easy!

Many start interactions by liking posts on @HappyTokes or @HappyTokesTribe, leaving extra emoji love, and responding thoughtfully to captions that engage discussion.

I often encourage my followers to interact with one another by responding to other people’s comments. Making friends is as easy as saying “Hi there! I like this about you / what you said. We have these things in common. Want to be friends? I’d love to keep in touch.” The @HappyTokes & @HappyTokesTribe community has so much positive energy with like minded souls looking to conquer their battles alongside friends.

I love to repost content on @HappyTokesTribe that shows off tribe members who are interacting with artists and brands they found through the community. Creative product shots and well lit selfies including art, apparel or products from someone in the community is a great way to be featured. A single tube of @Cannasmack Hemp Infused Lip Balm (I recommend @HappyTokes limited edition Peach, Mango Kush or Blue Dream to start!) is only going to set you back $2.99, and it will truly be your new favorite. Stickers are available in my BigCartel shop starting at $1 each. Though many of these sets sell out rather quickly so it's important to catch the drops when they’re hot! - The list of brands that are involved with the tribe runs deep.

Natural leaders amongst the tribe often show their warm and welcoming colors by reaching out to others to engage in the HappyMail trend I’ve strongly encouraged, by setting example after example in hopes that others would follow. New friends in the tribe show off that they’ve connected further by sending letters to one another on their own. They typically include treats or stickers from @HappyTokes and tag the #HappyTokesTribe in their posts declaring they’ve received their mail.

If you live in a medically or recreationally legal state, join in on our never-ending #HappyTokesSesh, in aim to normalize the visual of our medication rituals. Please try to educate others about your relationship with cannabis when sharing these posts.

Lightweight donations to my HappyMail program are always welcomed and a great way to get involved in the tribe. One of the most common contributions is branded stickers! (Highly recommend the quality and customer service from @BongStickers; Gloss Vinyls - Code: HappyTokes for 10% off.)

….

BL: You hosted a scavenger hunt? What was it like? Hosting any more?!

HT: Ha! Yes. So happy you bring this up, such great timing too! At the end of the year last year, I organized a scavenger hunt on Instagram that navigated hundreds of participants through 25+ Instagram accounts over the course of a weekend. Users were given verbal and visual clues which directed them to dig and engage with old posts on pages of brands and artists featured, where they would eventually discover the answer to their clue. In the end, @LynSweetArt was the first person to send a completed list with all the correct answers won a prize package worth over $2200 retail. A plethora of runner up prizes were also given away. The purpose of the scavenger hunt was to go beyond rewarding followers for their engagement; the structure of the game set examples for proper navigation and interaction techniques. I received many thank-you’s post hunt, from participants who “learned how to use Instagram properly” because of the structure of my “game”.

ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US FOR THE FUN THIS YEAR! You do not have to be active within the community already… this is a great introduction point! Starting December 30th, carrying through until January 2nd 2017! Players will be navigating through some of my favorite content on Instagram to win a grand prize or runner up prizes such as:

- 24k gold rolling papers from @shinepapers

- Accessories from @missmaryjaneco

- Rolling papers and accessories by @futurolausa

- Hemp Infused Lip Balm by @cannasmack

- Natural jewelry from friends at @thirdeyepinecones

- Handmade cannabis clutch by @snapdragonstyle

- @MachtaNow from our friends at @buddhateas

- Accessories from @moodmats

- Custom portrait by @planetcree

- @magicalbutter machine

- Grinder scale technology by @thegrale

- Rolling Kit by @str8brand

- The Nuggy Smoke’s Tool by @nugtools

- Borosilicate Glass Jewelry @gibbonsglass

- Borosilicate Glass accessories by @friskelglass

- Jewelry from @highsocietycollection

- Freezable glitter-filled bowls by @glitterpipes

- Vape Kit from @stagvaporco

- Borosilicate creation from @jasongordon315

- Stickers and goodies from @medicalpandas

- Apparel designed and printed by the lovely @braincandyink

- Aromatic wonders from @goodmedicinebeautylab

- Borosilicate glass creation from @xlbglass

- Art and stickers from @spo0kygirlart

- Borosilicate glass creation from @senoih

- Print from one of my favorite street artists @atomiko

…and even more!

BL: When did you become "Happy Tokes" and how has Instagram helped spread your message?

HT: The HappyTokes account was created just over three years ago. I have grown so much in front of and alongside my audience. I’m grateful for the platform that Instagram is as a tool. I have to gush because I truly adore the varied functionalities and regular updates that Instagram provides, allowing me to engage with my community in new and more efficient ways. I use hashtags to organize my content in albums, so followers can come back to older content to view again or share with family, friends, employers and teachers. For instance: #HappyTokesTribeTalks is used to organize my content where there is an incredible discussion taking place in the comment sections. Read these threads from top to bottom to get to know our community better. Feel free to respond to someone else’s comment, no matter how old it may be. I assure you they will appreciate your recognition. #WordsofHappy will lead you to posts with captions that have inspirational bits of Happy, typically written by me. #LiveFreeHappyTokes shows off lots of my medication sessions, mainly featuring @JasonGordon315’s rigs. #HappyTokesSesh features content from myself and a variety of friends in the tribe who much like myself, aim to normalize the visual of their medication rituals.

I’ve been able to successfully bring hundreds of people at a time over to another platform such as Spotify, WordPress, YouTube, or an outside affiliate link within 24 hours, to engage with me in a way other than what Instagram has to offer. Its awesome to see that people come back to Instagram to share their thoughts with me about content on other platforms, as they know it's most likely to be seen there.

I love the Instagram story function because it allows me to share adventures or updates with impermanence to my feed. It’s amazing to see the number of people watching jump from 300 to over 3000, within a few hours on any given day. I’m also quite looking forward to the LIVE story function to kick in for me. I’ve already been strategizing exciting ways to make positive examples of how to use that feature.

It would be super awesome to be verified officially by the platform. I know that both myself and my most engaged followers are using this platform incredibly responsibly, strategically engaging and connecting for the betterment of themselves and their communities.

Prime example scenario: Tribe members @Aurorahashhippie and her son Landon, 5 year old Epilepsy warrior reached out to share their story. Landon had an upcoming hospital stay and birthday, so mom asked if we could gather some notes filled with good vibes from the tribe to read to him while in the hospital. I used Instagram’s live story function to announce the opportunity to write a letter to Landon and the messages rolled in. I hand wrote the individual messages on colorful paper and delivered my love. While collecting messages I received a message from @ganjasmokinggypsysoul420 who is a mother of four. She sent me a DM and told me that she saw my post about Landon and decided to sit down with her four children (Alexis Lee 12, Aylissa Aylana 11, Athan Blaze 8, and Ayla Penelope 3) to talk about epilepsy and watch a few videos of children who have epilepsy, and also children being treated by cannabis. Her children were incredibly empathetic and wanted to help in any way they could. Three year old Ayla Penelope gifted her doggie “Max” to fellow young tribe member, Landon. Landon also received mail from several other leaders in the tribe.

….

BL: We see you like to dab. What advice do you have for novice dabbers out there? :)

HT: The temperature at which you take your tab is very important. Many think they need to touch their medicine to a red-hot nail; that’s just going to burn your throat and lungs. If you’re using a Quartz nail/banger, you’ll want to heat it with a butane torch until it’s red hot, but then WAIT for it to cool back down from anywhere between 0:30-1:30 depending on the thickness of the Quartz. If you’re using an E-nail, the desired temperature will vary based on the nail and the rig it is attached to but a range of 560 degrees to 650 degrees is probably a good place to start. Experiment dabbing with an even lower temperature; low temperature dabs are a great way to taste the terpene profile of your medication.

….

BL: We know you really like these two strains: Cannatonic & Trap Star Cookies, but if you could only choose one.. which is it and why?

HT: Wow! Cool that you pulled these strains that I’ve mentioned in my posts. Of Cannatonic and TrapStarCookies, I’d have to pick the TrapStarCookies. Though, I’m not sure if the original genetics of that strain still exist. I would choose it based on its ability to consistently stimulate an appetite. For that gift, I am so incredibly grateful.

Hands Down, my favorite strain for flavor and effect, would have to be Joplin. If you ever have the opportunity to experience this incredible @Loyalty_Extracts strain in concentrated form, whether it’s solo or combined in extraction with “White Widow”, stock up! You won’t be disappointed.

….

BL: Where can people keep up with you?

HT: @HappyTokes and @HappyTokesTribe on Instagram

Pinterest Board / updated monthly with links to cannabis related news; strain, concentrate and edible reviews - Published with Culture Magazine

Stickers and HappyTokes swag. Get them while they’re hot! Drops are typically limited and go quick!

….

BL: What are you most grateful for today?

HT: I am grateful for all of the incredible souls who make such effort to show they care about myself and see the pure intention behind the gathering of this community, for those who serve as inspiration from afar, and for every obstacle I have the opportunity to overcome.

Code “HappyTokes” will offer a range of generous discounts from the following:

@Cannasmack (10%), @FuturolaUSA (10%), @BongStickers (10%), @StagVaporCo (15%), @MagicalButter ($30 off), @GreenHouseHemp (10%), @SnapDragonStyle (20%), @BillowbyCo (15%), @ItalHempWick (15%)

If you'd like to see @HappyTokes visit and vend in a city near you, reach out to @Cannasmack and tell them which local annual events are most popular. Cannasmack is a family-friendly product; non-psychoactive.

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budtenderslife-blog · 8 years

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Types of Cannabis Extracts

There are many types of cannabis extracts. What's the difference between them? Let us explain.

WIth cannabis becoming more and more acceptable, people and companies have been creating some really great cannabis extracts. But what's the difference? There many differences. But in the end, you still get the same effect. Here are a few of the more popular types of cannabis extracts:

Wax

Shatter

Live Resin

Oil

Hash

Rosin

What is Wax?

Wax is a cannabis concentrate (extract) that has the consistency of ear wax. Hints the name: Wax. Wax is generally made from a butane extraction. The butane is pushed through the cannabis plant material, leaching out all of the essential oils. Those are collected, the butane is evaporated and then vacuum purged off, and you are left with your BHO in a wax form.

What is Live Resin?

Live resin is still a form of BHO. The main differences between shatter/wax and live resin are the flavor profiles, terpene (the aromatic hydrocarbons found in cannabis) quality, texture, and consistency of the final products. Live resin uses fresh, frozen cannabis flowers that are taken from the grow before they have had the chance to cure and dry. Most extracts use dry plants.

What is Rosin?

Rosin is made by an extraction process that utilizes a combination of heat and pressure to nearly instantaneously squeeze resinous sap from your initial starting material. The result is a translucent, sappy, and sometimes shatter-like product. If executed correctly, rosin can rival the flavor, potency, and yield of other solvent-based extraction products. It can also be made in any household as there are no chemicals used in the process.

What is Shatter?

Wax can also be made into “shatter” through the same extraction method used to make Wax. However, the difference is in how it comes out of the purging process and the temperature you use. It behaves like glass in its stable form and can be easily broken apart when poked with a dabber. Shatter contains more terpenes on average and generally tastes better than wax.

What is Oil?

The Oil extraction process can be extracted with Butane or CO2. This allows compounds to be extracted with low toxicity; it utilizes a high pressure vessel containing cannabis. Supercritical CO2 is inserted into the vessel and pumped through a filter where it is separated from the plant matter once the pressure is released. Next, the supercritical CO2 evaporates and is dissolved into the oil.

What is Hash?

The oldest form of cannabis extracts is "Hash". There are many types of hash that can be found around the world. Ranging from Bubble Hash, ISO Hash, and Keif Bricks. Hash can have many looks. Usually it will come in a brown brick that can be crumbled down to more smokable amounts. Hash is more common in Europe and Middle East as it's easy to obtain. Any old stoner will have a story of smoke hash blocks!

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budtenderslife-blog · 8 years

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Jamie | Oregon Budtender | Interview #34

What state do you work in?: Oregon

Care to share which dispensary you work at?: Green Health Eugene

Do you work Retail, Medical or both?: Both!

How long have you been in the industry?: A little over two years.

How did you go about getting into the industry?: Trimming, and meeting people already working in the industry!

How is Budtending? What is the greatest part of your job?: Budtending is immensely hands on, and very fulfilling. People are so grateful to have access to safe, tested products and really love well the large variety of cannabis products they have to choose from. People from out of state are always so excited, and I love hearing about cannabis culture from other parts of the U.S.

What is the most random question somebody has asked you about cannabis?: “If it is too wet and squishy, should I microwave it?”

Ever have any awkward moments with a patient or customer?: Yes! We have coffee beans to clear the olfactory between strain sniffs, and we’ve had more than one customer eat the beans! Some people think they are infused with cannabis, which they are not. They are simply there to smell! It is slightly awkward but very amusing.

Is there a patient or customer that you have seen improve their health due to cannabis use? If so, explain.: Yes, very many patients! Some people have had their tumors shrink after continued cannabis use. The grower at our dispensary has used his RSO to cure multiple cases of skin cancer! Ironically enough, many recreational customers return to talk about how a topical has helped arthritis, or the edible has helped them sleep through the night, etc.! So many people have expressed improved health, both recreational and medical customers.

Cannabis Edibles seem to be a touchy subject in the news. Have you ever had a bad experience with them?: Yes, when I was a new user, I ate a cookie my friend got from a shop in Washington. A half hour later I had forgotten about it and drank one PBR at a friends going away party. It didn’t take long for the ‘bad trip’ to sort of hit me. Luckily my boyfriend was there to calm me down and take care of me, but it was too crazy for me at the time! Edibles take a while to kick in, and when they do you have to just buckle up! I always alert new edible users or users in general that mixing with alcohol can become dangerous quickly! And to always be patient.

Also, how many MG of THC do you recommend for a first time consumer?: Typically 5-10 depending on their desired experience. We have some 1:1 CBD THC edibles that are also a great low dose option.

Do you have an all time favorite strain? If so, why is it your favorite?: Super lemon haze, because when life gave cannabis lemons, it gave us one of the most uplifting euphoric and tasty strains ever! It also helps with my random heart burn or acid reflux spouts.

Do you have any advice for people looking to get into the industry?: Make friends with people in the industry! Familiarize yourself with the current market, and browse Weedmaps/other menu sites to get an idea of what strains and products are popular in your area. Doing research is a great place to start. Visit as many shops near to you as you can and drop a resume at all of them!

The cannabis industry is new and obviously has a lot of improving to do. Where would you like to see improvement in the industry?: Currently Oregon is going through some tough changes in the industry, many companies cannot afford to become compliant with the new regulations on licensing, testing and packaging. I would love to see a farmers market, or a safe place for cannabis to be traded, and shared with others more easily. I hope the connoisseur strains stick around, and I hope more people will start to grow their own, and cut back on the need for some of the crazy wasteful packaging requirements. I also hope public consumption will become more normalized and accepted in certain cafes/clubs etc.

How do you explain the difference in the effects of Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid strains?: We say Indica, in da couch, and Sativa Arriba! (Spanish for Up!) for most people. For the hybrids, they can lean either way towards uplifting, a body high, calm and collected or even a split of sativa/indica effects, usually it is strain specific. Some people can be reversed and it is great to send new users home with a sample of some polar opposite strains so they can figure out how their body reacts. Most sativas we have are euphoric, creative or even motivating! The Indicas can be a body high, munchie inducing or even make you pass out for a kush nap!

What’s the largest amount of flower you have smoked in one setting?: I would say on an event day such as the Dope Cup or a @420pinups shoot, easily over 5 grams. Possibly more on days like 4/20 or even a random day off during trimming season! Usually the joints keep flowing during croptober!

Where do you see the cannabis industry in 5 years?: Sadly I see it prepackaged, wasteful and commercialized, but I HOPE to see a continuously local market with a larger shift towards ecofriendly practices and incredibly less restricting. I cannot wait to see more information about the use of terpenes for specific medicines, as well as information on microdosing cannanbinoids.

Do you use cannabis more so Medically or Recreationally? Explain please.: At this point in my life, more recreationally, but also spiritually, ritually and for my creative mental health!

Have any hobbies? Any examples you would like to share?: I am currently working towards my PDC (Permaculture Design Certification) at Lost Valley Education center (Google it!). My boyfriend and me hope to homestead eventually and live off the land! I also work at a cat rescue/thrift store, I am obsessed with thrifting, and I only buy something new if I absolutely have to! (@sarastreasures) Reusing and re-purposing second hand goods in my life (and garden) has been a creative and fulfilling outlet.

Where can people connect with you? Instagram? Massroots?: @high_hippie_gypsy On IG!

What are you most grateful for today?: My boyfriend, family, pets and my home in Eugene! (Also, cannabis is legal to grow in Oregon, yay!)

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