DGO Magazine May 2023

SO CAN YOU.

Editor

Angelica Leicht

aleicht@bcimedia.com

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Ryan Brown rbrown@bcimedia.com

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Megan Bianco

Amanda Push

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Carrie Cass

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Jamie Opalenik

4 A new perspective

A groundbreaking study published in the Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences journal is shaking up the narrative, revealing no increased risk of developing psychosis due to cannabis use, even among those predisposed to the disorder.

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5 Worm your way in Science has apparently proven that nematodes, which are also known as worms for you non-sciency folks, can also get insatiable hunger from weed, but nobody’s sure why... or why this was studied in the first place. Go figure.

Tell

everything to editor@dgomag.com

18 Supreme Oreoz reined supreme

Prohibition’s new strain worked magic on our crummy disposition and made us a little less hateful toward our day jobs. If it can do that for the saltiest of stoners, just imagine how it can change your crappy mood, eh?

4 New perspective on the cannabispsychosis connection

5 A wormy case of the munchies

6 Craft cannabis for a cause

7 Get (cannabis) money

8 A surprising turn for CO cannabis industry

11 Psyched on psychedelics

12 Checking in on NM’s weed industry

14-17 Cover story

18-19 Weed reviews

20-25 Ask a couple of potheads

26 Dispensary listings

@dg /dgomag

dg @dgo_mag /dgomag

Cover design: Ryan Brown for DGO Mag

The connection between cannabis and psychosis has long been a hotly debated topic, with some studies suggesting an increased risk of psychosis and addiction linked to high-potency cannabis. However, a groundbreaking study published in the Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences journal is shaking up the narrative, revealing no increased risk of developing psychosis due to cannabis use, even among those predisposed to the disorder.

This international research endeavor, involving experts from Australia, Europe, and the United Kingdom, sought to expand our understanding of the link between cannabis and psychosis.

The cannabispsychosis debate

The authors acknowledged the historical controversy surrounding this issue, citing “limited prospective studies” and a persisting lack of consensus on the direction of the association. They set out to explore the relationship between cannabis use and the incidence of psychotic disorders in individuals at high risk for developing psychosis, as well as assessing associations between cannabis use and symptom persistence and functional outcomes.

The study analyzed 334 high-risk individuals and 67 healthy control subjects. Over a two-year follow-up period, 16.2% of the high-risk group developed psychosis, but researchers found no significant association between cannabis use and the development of psychosis, symptom persistence, or functional outcomes. This contradicts previous epidemiological data suggesting that cannabis use increases the risk of psychotic disorders.

Shining light on a misunderstood subject

These findings challenge several recent studies on the cannabis-psychosis link, but they also highlight the complexity of the issue. A 2016 review by The Lancet showed that, while cannabis use might not have a causal relationship with psychosis, reducing or eliminating use can improve outcomes for those already experiencing the disorder.

Although individuals with psychotic illnesses may be more likely to use cannabis and other substances, lifetime incidences of acute cannabisinduced psychosis in the general population remain rare.

This study emphasizes that even among those predisposed to psychosis, a history of cannabis use is not associated with an increased risk of developing the illness. The authors call for further research to better understand the relationship between cannabis use and mental health outcomes, potentially reshaping policy and healthcare perspectives.

Reinforcing the Argument

The study is not alone in its conclusions. A 2022 Canadian Journal of Psychiatry study found no significant changes in cannabis-induced psychosis or schizophrenia emergency room presentations following Canada’s cannabis legalization. Similarly, a January 2023 Journal of the American Medical Association study found no association between state policies legalizing cannabis and psychosis-related outcomes in the United States.

This emerging body of research is adding nuance to the cannabispsychosis debate and reshaping our understanding of the relationship between the two, which is never a bad thing.

A fresh perspective on the cannabispsychosis connection

» New study reveals no increased risk of developing psychosis from smoking weed. Yay!

A wormy case of the munchies

We’ve all heard of … or more likely experienced … the “munchies” — the insatiable hunger triggered by cannabis consumption, driving you to devour your favorite high-calorie snacks with reckless abandon. No shame. It’s the payoff for getting to ingest the magical cannabis plant. Tis what it is, right?

Right. But in a surprising twist, it turns out that humans aren’t the only ones who get the munchies after a smoke sesh. A recent study published in the journal Current Biology has discovered that cannabinoids can also give nematodes (C. elegans), also known as worms, the munchies!

According to study co-author Shawn Lockery, cannabinoids boost nematodes’ appetite for their preferred foods, while simultaneously reducing interest in less appealing options. This intriguing finding mirrors the effects of marijuana on human appetites.

Despite the 500-million-year evolutionary gap between nematodes and mammals, the impact of cannabinoids on appetite has remained consistent. The study, initially inspired by Oregon’s 2015 cannabis legalization, aimed to investigate how cannabinoids might alter nematode food preferences in relation to the neuronal basis of economic decision-making.

Remarkably, nematodes share more molecular similarities with humans than many other species, prompting researchers to question whether the feeding effects of cannabinoids would extend across different organisms.

Cannabinoids interact with receptor proteins in the brain, nervous system, and other parts of the body. These receptors respond to endocannabinoids, molecules that are already present in the body and play a vital role in numerous functions, such as eating, learning, memory, and reproduction.

The study found that worms

exposed to anandamide, an endocannabinoid, increased their consumption of favorite foods. This effect relied on the presence of the worms’ cannabinoid receptors. When researchers genetically replaced the nematode cannabinoid receptor with the human equivalent, the animals still reacted normally to cannabinoids, highlighting the similarity of cannabinoid effects in both species.

According to Lockery, the sensitivity of nematodes’ food-detecting olfactory neurons changes dramatically upon exposure to cannabinoids. They become more sensitive to favored food odors and less sensitive to non-favored odors. He likens this effect to how THC makes tasty food even more irresistible for humans.

Beyond the amusing notion that worms can experience munchies similar to humans, these findings hold significant practical implications. Lockery explains that cannabinoid signaling is present in most human tissues and could be involved in the cause and treatment of various diseases. This study sets the stage for rapid and cost-effective drug screening targeting cannabinoid signaling and metabolism proteins, with farreaching consequences for human health.

Future research will explore how cannabinoids alter the sensitivity of nematodes’ olfactory neurons, which lack cannabinoid receptors, as well as potential interactions between psychedelics and nematodes.

» Science proves that nematodes also get insatiable hunger from weed, but nobody’s sure why

Craft cannabis for a cause

» BEN’S BEST BLNZ does the unexpected: It puts social justice center stage

Turns out ice cream is no longer just associated with a serious case of the munchies these days when it comes to weed.

Ben Cohen, the legendary co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, is taking the cannabis industry by storm with the launch of BEN’S BEST BLNZ (B3), a non-profit cannabis company with a groundbreaking mission: Donating 100% of its profits to Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis space and groups advocating for criminal justice reform.

With a lineup of blended pre-rolls, full-spectrum live resin vapes, and potent flower, B3 is set to make an impact.

Justice takes center stage as B3 directs 80% of its profits towards Black cannabis entrepreneurs, while also establishing a low-interest loan fund for Black, Indig-

enous, and people of color in the cannabis industry. Partnering with the Oregonbased NuLeaf Project, a Black-led nonprofit organization, B3 aims to empower and uplift marginalized communities. The remaining 20% of profits will be split between the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and the Last Prisoner Project.

B3 is all about quality and style, emphasizing terps and premium craftsmanship. To achieve this, they joined forces with designer Eddie Opara of Pentagram, who collaborated with Cohen to create a striking brand identity for BEN’S BEST BLNZ. Featuring bold typography inspired by protest graphics, the packaging showcases the work of Black artists and designers, reflecting the company’s activist spirit.

Cohen’s entrepreneurial journey start-

ed with a simple observation: “Today’s pot is just way too strong.” By tapping into the market for milder cannabis products, Cohen aims to use B3 to help right the wrongs of the War on Drugs. As he puts it, “Some of us are motivated by justice.”

From its inception in 1978, Ben & Jerry’s has been synonymous with activism, featuring ice cream flavors inspired by Jerry Garcia, Colin Kaepernick, and Phish. Now, Cohen focuses on addressing the racial disparities in cannabis-related arrests through BEN’S BEST BLNZ, using art and typography to raise awareness.

B3’s products are crafted from blended strains, offering a rich terpene profile and moderate THC levels. Sourced from independent craft growers in Vermont, like GMG Farms in Champlain Valley, B3

prioritizes quality over sheer potency.

B3’s Board of Trustees boasts an impressive roster, including Killer Mike, Phil Agnew, and Nina Turner, working alongside Cohen and Operations Manager Irene Kim. Advocating for decarceration and marijuana descheduling, B3 also seeks to collaborate with Black-owned vendors and partners as much as possible.

With a blend of art, quality, and activism, BEN’S BEST BLNZ is set to disrupt the cannabis market while championing social justice. Offering blended SloSmokes in various packs and effects, you can find them at participating retailers – and be part of the movement to right the wrongs of the War on Drugs.

Get money, get money

» Colorado unveils pioneering loan program for social equity weed businesses

In a groundbreaking move, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced on Monday the launch of a state-run loan program designed to support social equity marijuana businesses. In collaboration with lending company NuProject, the Cannabis Business Office (CBO) will provide funding through the innovative Cannabis Business Loan Program, filling the gap left by the ineligibility of marijuana businesses for traditional loan programs.

Gov. Polis highlighted the significance of the loan program, stating that it will “create and retain 239 good-paying jobs and promote equity in the cannabis industry by providing growing businesses access to funding.” The governor’s commitment to supporting small businesses in every industry is evident in this initiative, which will help Colorado maintain its reputation as an ideal location for starting and running a business.

NuProject CEO Jeannette Ward Horton expressed the company’s dedication to redirecting the flow of financing, ensuring that small business owners in the cannabis industry, particularly those historically excluded from capital access, can obtain the necessary resources to grow their businesses. She emphasized that access to financial support and expertise can lead to better businesses and the opportunity for building generational wealth through the cannabis industry.

The loans, ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, will finance renovations, expansions, equipment costs, real estate, and working capital. The program will offer favorable and manageable terms based on borrower needs. An initial $1 million investment will support the revolving loan fund, with interest collected from loan repayments being reinvested into the program. Over the next 10 years, the state expects the $1 million infusion to result in $2.9 million in lending.

Eve Liberman, executive director of the state Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), praised the Cannabis Business Loan Program as a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, setting a new standard for helping small business owners access essential resources. In partnership with NuProject, the Cannabis Business Office is poised to enable cannabis businesses to expand, create new jobs, and contribute to a thriving Colorado economy.

DGO Staff

A surprising turn for Colorado’s cannabis industry

In an unprecedented twist, Colorado’s booming marijuana industry is now experiencing a sharp downturn, with job opportunities becoming scarce and sales plummeting. Headlines have been warning about the decrease in the state’s cannabis sales, and a recent report reveals that the workforce has also dropped by a staggering 28%.

This marks a first for the Centennial State, which legalized adultuse cannabis sales in 2014. While similar trends are emerging nationwide, Colorado seems to be bearing the brunt of the impact.

From February 2022 to the same month this year, nearly 10,500 jobs were slashed within the state’s cannabis sector, reducing the total workforce to 27,856. This decline is striking when compared to the industry employment rates in other states:

California: 85,593

Florida: 29,011

Illinois: 29,925

Massachusetts: 28,370

Michigan: 35,405

It’s unsurprising that a vast state like California has surpassed Colorado, but the contrast with Florida, which only permits medical marijuana, is truly eyeopening.

The downward trend in Colorado’s employment is mirrored by a staggering 61% drop in wholesale cannabis prices compared to 2021.

Truman Bradley, executive director of the Marijuana Industry Group, told Westword, “I’m not surprised. The industry has gone through a 20-month downturn with no end in sight. Sales are down over 20%

on the recreational side and over 45% on the medical side this year.”

The Colorado Department of Revenue reported a 15% drop in sales, with $129.4 million recorded in the first month of this year compared to $151.1 million in January 2022. The figure represents a decline of over 30% since January 2021.

This slump is rippling through the entire industry, affecting accountants, software providers, and other business services, all of which are cutting staff. State and tax revenues are also dwindling.

Bradley observed, “The economic im-

pact of the Colorado cannabis industry is real, and unfortunately, we’re seeing that a contraction also has ripple effects.”

A glimmer of hope amid the challenges

While Colorado’s cannabis industry faces difficult times, some economic projections offer a ray of hope. The Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting anticipates a 16% growth in marijuana tax revenue by 2024. However, the current employment cuts serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges stemming from the 2020 public health crisis.

“COVID changed a lot of things in cannabis and other industries,” Bradley remarked. “After a big shock like that, it’s hard to know what the world would’ve been like without that shock. We went through the best year we’ve ever had, immediately followed by a downturn. It’s not just that other states have legalized. We’re also dealing with high inflation that we haven’t seen since cannabis has been legal.”

Considering these factors, it’s unclear what direction Colorado’s industry should take. Bradley expresses “longterm concerns” about the current 15% excise tax on wholesale marijuana.

Colorado is one of only three states that impose an excise tax on wholesale cannabis transfers, a decision approved by voters during the initial legalization in 2012.

Bradley said, “When Colorado voted for the various tax plans in place now, in some cases, we were the only legal marketplace to buy cannabis for almost one thousand miles. That’s not the case anymore, so decade number two needs to look different than decade number one if the Colorado cannabis industry is going to stick around.”

» After massive sales during the pandemic, weed-related jobs and sales are on the decline

The Colorado Senate recently gave its nod to a groundbreaking bill, aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for legal psychedelics, following the voterapproved initiative. Spearheaded by Senate President Steve Fenberg (D), the legislation received amendments approval in a voice vote on second reading and was cleared on third reading with a 25-10 vote. The bill now progresses to the House of Representatives.

Fenberg remarked earlier this month, “This is a unique proposition that was approved by the voters. We are now in the place where we are implementing this. Whether you supported it or not, it’s on us to make sure it’s successful.”

Before hitting the floor, the Senate Finance Committee and the Appropriations Committee endorsed the measure.

The bill aims to establish regulations in line with the psychedelics legalization law passed by voters last year. The focus is on creating rules for consuming these substances in licensed healing centers under the supervision of facilitators. However, the proposal has garnered a mixed response from advocates and stakeholders.

Despite the potential pushback, the ballot measure has set the stage for the creation of an advisory board, tasked with developing regulatory recommendations for more comprehensive legislation regarding access to psychedelics. As this process unfolds, the Senate president has introduced a separate bill to lay down the rules.

This innovative legislation aims to establish policies for “healing centers,” where adults aged 21 and over could undergo psychedelic treatment. It also seeks to tighten rules on cultivation and facilitators, set licensing requirements, define regulatory responsibilities for state agencies, and impose penalties for unauthorized activities.

During the recent floor session, senators endorsed three amendments proposed by the sponsor. The first amendment addresses financial interest in psychedelics businesses, payment for harm reduction or support services, and juvenile court jurisdiction in cases involving children aged 10 and above accused of violating drug laws related to psychedelics. The second adopted amendment clarifies certain aspects related to transferring

psychedelics to minors, growing more than the allowed amount, and determining reasonable suspicion by police. Lastly, members approved a proposed change to grant legal protections to individuals involved in testing psychedelics.

However, the Senate rejected two amendments that would have enabled local jurisdictions to ban psychedelics businesses and personal cultivation of psychedelics.

Emphasizing the importance of getting the legislation right, Fenberg stated, “This is something that most states have not ventured to do. It’s important that we get it right.” He added that while the topic may seem light-hearted, it is indeed a serious issue. Many people have found immense value in using these medicines for mental health disorders and other issues. Fenberg expressed excitement that Colorado is at the forefront of providing a safe and responsible way for people to access these medicines in a regulated manner, and he acknowledged the value in decriminalizing these substances.

The amended bill features several key components that aim to revolutionize the psychedelic landscape:

- Adults aged 21 and older will be allowed to possess unlimited amounts of psilocybin, ibogaine, mescaline (not derived from peyote), DMT, and psilocyn, in accordance with the voter-approved ballot measure.

- Public consumption of psychedelics and underage use will incur a $100 fine.

- Adults can cultivate natural psychedelics at a private residence within a 12x12 feet enclosed space, unless the locality allows larger grows. - Cultivating beyond the prescribed limits will result in a $1,000 fine.

- The bill proposes a record sealing pathway for those with prior convictions for psychedelic-related activities that are now legal.

- A new Division of Natural Medicine under the Department of Revenue (DOR) will be responsible for regulating the

therapeutic program and issuing licenses for cultivators, manufacturers, testing facilities, and healing centers. This is a departure from the initiative, which assigned primary responsibilities to the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

- The legislation proposes the creation of a federally recognized American tribes and Indigenous community working group within DORA to address any unintended consequences of the reform, especially concerning the potential commercialization of psychedelics and the religious or spiritual exploitation of native people.

- Synthetic psychedelics are not permitted, and possessing psychedelics with hazardous materials like solvents would be considered a Class 2 felony.

- Initially, only psilocybin and psilocyn could be administered at healing centers. However, regulators may add additional psychedelics over time. The bill also allows regulators to authorize supervised

use of ibogaine at facilities at any time, rather than waiting until at least June 1, 2026, as is the case for mescaline and DMT.

- Four categories of licenses will be available: healing centers, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing facilities.

- Localities cannot ban healing centers, but they can enact rules governing their time, place, and manner of operations.

- The deadline for regulators to begin accepting and reviewing license applications will be extended from September 30, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

- Licensed psychedelic businesses can deduct expenses from their state taxes, providing a partial workaround to the federal 280E provision.

We’re so psyched

» Colorado’s lawmakers propel the state forward in a move to legal psychedelics

Checking in on New Mexico’s weed industry

Well, it looks like New Mexico may be on its way to the cannabis throne in the Southwest region. As Colorado’s industry struggles, New Mexico’s recreational marijuana market has exploded in its first year, with sales surpassing a staggering $300 million, according to an announcement by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The state’s move toward legal cannabis started in April 2021 with the signing of the Cannabis Regulation Act, which legalized marijuana for adults in the state and laid the groundwork for regulated sales.

Fast forward a year to April 2022, and licensed recreational marijuana sales were booming in regulated dispensaries across the state. New Mexico regulators have now issued approximately 2,000 cannabis licenses, including 633 retailers, 351 producers, 415 micro-producers, and 507 manufacturers, as reported by the governor’s office.

“In just one year, hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity has been generated in communities across the state, the number of businesses continues to increase, and thousands of New Mexicans are employed by this new industry,” said Lujan Grisham in an April 3rd statement. “I’m excited to see what the future holds as we continue to develop an innovative and safe adult-use cannabis industry.”

Cannabis sales have remained consistent in the first year of legalization, with March hitting a record high of $32.3 million. Over 10 million recreational cannabis transactions have contributed more than $27 million in excise taxes to the state general fund and local communities.

Major cities like Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe have experienced the most robust cannabis sales — which is not terribly surprising, given the tourism and sheer volume of residents in those areas — while smaller communities like Clovis, Farmington, and Ruidoso saw over $7 million in adult-use sales. Border towns that touch on Texas, where recreational marijuana remains illegal, also had strong sales.

“I’m beyond thrilled that the industry has gotten off to such a strong start,” said

Javier Martínez, a Democratic legislator and longtime legalization advocate, to the Albuquerque Journal. “We [legalized] it the right way.”

New Mexico’s adult-use cannabis industry has flourished in its first year, and Superintendent Linda M. Trujillo of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department noted that regulatory enforcement will soon expand.

“With over 2,500 individuals holding a controlling share in a cannabis business, we recognize that our next step is compliance,” said Trujillo, who is currently overseeing the Cannabis Control Division (CCD) following the acting director’s departure. “We’ve been building the compliance aspect over the course of the last year.”

Reilly White, an associate professor of finance at the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management, attributed the industry’s impressive first year to several factors, such as strong consumer spending, historically low unemployment, and additional state and municipal revenue sources from cannabis taxes.

Despite market analysts predicting some correction in New Mexico’s cannabis industry during its second year, which may cause some dispensaries to shut down, many remain optimistic about the industry’s long-term growth potential.

“Cannabis in New Mexico has a clear pathway to grow to more than half a billion dollars per year, particularly when compared to sales in states that legalized years ago,” said White. “However, the road ahead will be challenging. Market saturation may limit growth, causing many businesses to find their operations unsustainable. Economic uncertainty also plays a role, as it’s unclear how much consumers would cut back on recreational sales during times of economic stress. As the market matures, the industry will consolidate around the most successful companies, which will ultimately define New Mexico’s success.”

» One year in, the state’s cannabis industry is thriving — and raking in the dough

The epic stoner coloring book

Grab your markers, blunt, and color to your heart’s content to win some cool weedy prizes

We want you to do something that adults never really have a chance to do: Get creative. And we’re going to do that right. the heck. now.

So how are we doing that? Well, throughout this issue, you’ll find weed-themed coloring pages that are just ripe for the picking.

They’re here for you. They want you to color them. They’re just begging for it.

Need more instruction? Sigh. OK. Being an adult really has zapped all the fun out of your life, huh?

Let us break it down for you. Here’s what you should do: Grab some pens, markers, or colored pencils (we know your kid has some laying around somewhere, right?), get stoned, and then color to your heart’s content.

Get a little wild, get a little crazy.

And after you do, take a pic and post it to the ‘Gram. Tag us in it and we’ll choose our favorite entries to win some seriously dope prizes. It’s that simple.

I have been really stressed out with work. Like, really, really, REALLY stressed out.

To be clear, I’m not stressed out with weed reviewing. That is the best part of my life. I love it. Weed reviewing does not stress me out. (PLEASE DON’T FIRE ME.)

I am stressed out with my day job, because, well, day jobs are trash. I really wish I could sit around and just smoke weed all day, e’ry day. It’s all I’d do.

But alas, this weed reviewer needs to make the big kid bucks to live in an expensive mountain town (not naming names, but like…we all know what I’m talking about). So that requires a day job.

And, as being a stellar employee at

a day job tends to go, I am constantly getting everyone else’s freaking work dumped on me on a regular basis. I know it needs to be done, but like…how is this complete and total pothead the only adult in the room?

Rant over. Well, sort of. I guess I’m telling you this for a reason. And that reason is that because I’m wound up like a freaking rubber band ball right now, some strains have been making me incredibly anxious. It sucks. I hate it. I love weed, and this normally wouldn’t happen.

As such, I was really nervous about reviewing anything for this issue of DGO. What would happen if I lost my cool after a few puffs? How would I handle it?

WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO WRITE?

Well, the good news is that the anxious purge did not occur, so I’m not struggling with any of that. In fact, the opposite happened, and it’s all thanks to a little strain called Supreme Oreoz.

I picked up this strain, which is one of the newer additions to Prohibition Herb’s lineup, and the first thing the budtender told me was that I was going to like this one.

“It’s a super stoney buzz,” he said.

Oh great. A super stoney buzz. The kind that makes you get all up in your dang brain, right? The kind that makes you think and think and think some more as your limbs go numb and your anxiety levels rise?

I did everything I could in that moment not to run out the door.

But because I’m a trooper, I did not. I simply paid for my weed and walked out post-haste.

And, knowing I’d have to bite the bullet, I immediately rolled a joint of this beautiful, purple-tinged flower when I got home. Might as well bite the bullet early, I thought.

I sparked that sucker up and braced myself for the worst.

A few puffs in, no anxiety.

A few more and there wasn’t just no anxiety; there was relief. Sweet, sweet relief.

Halfway through the joint of Supreme Oreoz, it was like my mood went from 60

to 0 in one second flat. I was no longer hauling ass through life; I was cruising. Everything was fine.

My mouth, dry as the Sahara, twisted from a grimace to a grin as I let the frustration of the day drip off of me. The weed took over, calming my nerves from the inside out. Letting my brain be free of its hate-shackles. Stoned as hell, I no longer hated my coworkers.

In fact, I loved them. Well, OK, I did not love them, but I felt a little empathy in my stoney haze. At that moment, I felt I could understand why they were so quick to dump their work on me. They hate their jobs too, I thought! I get it! We’re all the same.

Three-quarters in, it wasn’t just relief that I felt. It was pure elation.

I went from a ball of hardened wax to a laughing, joking real human of a person. I called friends on FaceTime. I googled nonsensical junk. And I let myself breathe.

It. Was. So. Rad.

And, while that alone was awesome, what was even better was that I felt like the physical weight had been lifted off of my shoulders too. The weed was bearing the load. My neck no longer ached and my head no longer pounded. I had nothing holding me down.

That hazy, happy feeling lasted for a couple of hours, so just long enough for me to get my junk together to face another day. Not too shabby if you ask me.

I love it when a strain surprises me, and that’s exactly what this one did. While I can’t promise you that Supreme Oreoz will make you a little less blood-lusty after a long day at work, what I can tell you is that it worked miracles for my disposition, and I’m a crotchety ass most of the time. In fact, it worked so well that I can’t wait to light up another bowl or six when this day is over. Cause these coworkers? Yeah, they’re already back to working my last nerve. Luckily, I have Supreme Oreoz to get me through that pain.

Supreme Oreoz was a dose of the weed medicine we desperately needed » Prohibition’s new strain worked magic on our naughty disposition after a long day of nonsense

Mandarin Space Cookies sent us on a journey to outerspace

And what that was was fat-as-hell nugs that stunk to high hell of weed. No mandarin oranges to be found in this container. It was all good ol’ weed stench.

When I lit up a bowl, it was clear that I was duped. Oranges are MIA from this strain. BUT WAIT. That’s OK with me!

Know why?

Cause the strain’s effects were awesome. And very, very obvious.

the moment she picked up, she laughed hysterically and asked me what exactly I’d gotten myself into this time.

And, stupid me? I tried to lie. I reverted to that high school kid who was busted for smoking a blunt in the backyard and said, “What? Nothing mom. I’m sober.”

This, in turn, elicited even more laughter as she called bullshit on my antics.

Between the snacks and the eyes, my mom knew. She clearly knew. WHY DID I LIE.

buzz to outer space status.

I guess that’s why they have the astronaut on the packaging?

Have you ever tried to hide the fact that you are super freaking stoned from a friend, or a coworker, or your parents or something? Don’t lie. We’ve all done it.

And we’ve all done it very, very badly. Get blazed enough and it’s literally written all over your face. Your eyes are red and dry, your mouth doesn’t contort the way it should, you have a dopey ass grin plastered on your face, and everything just screams, “Hey, yep. I’m stoned. Just over here living my best life.”

But yet, we try. We still freaking try.

And that’s exactly what I tried after smoking a bowl of Mandarin Space Cookies from Artsy, which is a newer line of strains on the shelves at the Green House Durango. I grabbed this little doozy from the dispensary and chose it based solely on the packaging of the weed, which features an astronaut doing, well, astronauty things. How that pertains to Mandarin Space Cookies is beyond me, but who am I to question it? I just work here. Sort of.

Anyway, like I said, I blind-purchased this based off of the packaging cause that’s how I roll. Let me live. I like throwing caution to the wind.

And, when I opened it, thereby destroying that beautiful packaging, what I learned was that this strain isn’t just a fancy little badass on the exterior. What was in the package also counted.

All it took was a couple of bowls of this strain to get me so high that I couldn’t see straight. I promise you. I was that high.

But before I get to that part, I need to tell you what I looked like because it matters. My eyes, which felt like I had sand in them, were so red that I looked borderline comedic. Like a caricature of a stoner.

And, my mouth was parched, and I could not wait to pour myself a huge glass of Topo Chico. My mind could think of nothing else.

So, I did what I always do: I dragged myself inside and got some snacks.

Not just any snacks, mind you. ALL the snacks.

I dug out stuff from the recesses of the cabinet that I had no recollection of buying. Chips, cookies, gummy bears, some really ancient saltwater taffy. It was strewn around me like my treasures as I shoved my goodies in my mouth.

And then, in my stoney haze, I decided to FaceTime my mom.

Yeah.

I can’t remember what I thought I needed to tell her, but whatever it was, it was SUPER important at that moment. So I picked up the phone and proceeded to video call the poor woman, who answered the phone to an image of her child looking and sounding like a damn DARE commercial.

Luckily, my mom is pretty chill, so

Well, seeing my mom laugh like a donkey then set me off, my eyes the size of tiny slits and my mouth as large as an anime character in shock. I’m lucky I could barely see the screen. I would have been horrified at the image.

Anyway, this went on for entirely too long before I made up some excuse to hang up.

But I didn’t stop there. High and hazy, I lit up another bowl, elevating my stoney

I don’t know. But what I do know is that I have the perfect strain for anyone who’s looking to make a complete and total ass out of themselves by getting way too high and calling their mom. It’s called Mandarin Space Cookies, and it’s available at the Green House. You’ll know it by the packaging and the giant warning label that says: “MAY MAKE YOU A COMPLETE FOOL.”

In other words, it’s a great strain and I highly suggest you snag some before I buy it all. But before I do, I’ll be hiding my phone from my stoned self just in case. Ain’t nobody need a repeat of that experience.

» One in which we inexplicably called our mom and made a dang fool of ourselves, so yeah. Good times.

Ask a couple of potheads

methods

Hello out there! This is Blaze and Puf, your two friendly neighborhood potheads. We’re here to be your safe place for answers on all things pot. While we don’t necessarily love getting texts at 2 a.m. asking if it’s possible to overdose on weed (ahem, mom, ahem), we do like being the idiots who answer your deepest, darkest questions on things like, “How much THC is too much THC?” or “What is this that I’m vaping?”

So, in order to get you guys to stop texting us photos of some blurry lump of bright yellow wax at ungodly hours, we’re offering up this Q&A instead. You can ask us ANYTHING YOU WANT TO in here. There are no rules. You can even email us at 4 a.m. on a Tuesday if you want to. The world is your freaking pothead oyster!

So come one, come all with your silly, embarrassing, or just plain weird questions about weed, weed-related issues, and whatever else you can dream up. We’ll do our best to answer them in the best way possible. And here we go.

I’m old and creaky, and I recently injured myself while skiing. It’s not the worst injury, but the doctor prescribed some low-dose pain meds for the pain. Only problem is that I hate taking them. I’d rather take something natural or smoke weed to control the aching in my body, but can cannabis really be a substitute for pain meds?

Blaze: Well, well, well, if it isn’t the burning question we’ve all had at some point or another. I knew this would come up one day and I am here. for. it.

So, let’s get down to business. In my humble opinion, pain meds can be a real pain in the ass (pun intended), especially when you’re dealing with chronic pain. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to pop pills like they’re candy for the rest of their lives.

Now, enter cannabis. This plant is so magical. It can make you laugh, make you hungry, and apparently, it can make you pain-free too. While swapping weed for pain meds is not exactly a new idea, cannabis as a painkiller has become pretty darn popular with those who are looking for natural alternatives.

Some people swear by it, and I’m one of them. I use it for all of my aches and pains, and have even swapped it out for pharmaceuticals when I’ve had major injuries. It’s that good.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. You can also take science’s word! There is some evidence to suggest that cannabis can be an effective painkiller for certain types of pain, and it’s all thanks to the cannabinoids, which can interact with your body’s own pain pathways to help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.

Of course, there is one downside to using cannabis for pain relief. Any strain that’s going to be effective at curbing pain is probably going to also make you pretty dang high, which can be a hindrance if you’re planning to ingest the ol’ weed and then be productive. But then again, pain meds can do the same dang thing, and with some much nastier side effects to boot. So, you know…it’s all about perspective, I guess.

Anyway, I’m not a doctor, obviously. I’m just a pothead on the internet, but if you’re not opposed to using cannabis, it’s worth exploring whether weed can knock out your pain. Just be sure to do your research on the right strains, talk to your doctor, and maybe keep a bag of chips on hand, just in case.

Puf: Can cannabis be substituted for pain meds? Hmm, let me think. Yes, absolutely. And how do I know this? Well, I am an idiot and broke my ankle while riding around

» From the best storage

to where to smoke in public, here are the answers to all of your burning weed questions

Denver like a jerk on an e-scooter. All it took was one crack in the sidewalk for my ankle to swell like I ate a mountain of salt in the summer. A few X-rays later and I was in pain and a boot.

After a few hours, I knew I had to do something about the pain or I would lowkey murder someone. Only problem?

I hate painkillers. I love weed, though. So off to the dispensary I went, hobbling all the way. I picked up an indica strain with a very high percentage of THC and proceeded to get high as a … well, you know.

And what happened from there? Well, nothing. I was high and pain-free. I ordered a bunch of donuts on DoorDash, watched hours of trash TV, and spammed anyone and everyone with pictures of my disgusting blue ankle.

It was great.

Like Blaze, I am not a doctor, though. I am also just a slightly less idiotic person on the internet. Cannabis may have some pain-relieving properties, but it’s important to note that it’s not a cure-all for everyone, so it’s important to do your own digging and assess your own pain levels first. But if you come away from that with a good feeling about cannabis as a painkiller, and you substitute that pill

with some good old Mary Jane, you’ll be feeling no pain, and you’ll have a smile on your face — probably while full of donuts. Plus, you might even get a new hobby, like staring at a wall for three hours straight or laughing at the most random things ever. That’s what I call a win-win.

I like to play amateur scientists with my plant babies, and I’m just getting into the wild world of growing cannabis. And that’s got me thinking. If I create a new strain of cannabis, can I name it and market it the way I want to?

Puf: Oh boy. So, you’re looking to become the Willy Wonka of the cannabis world, huh? Well, you certainly aren’t the only one. New strains are rolling out all the time, thanks to innovative growers who want to elevate your high and the options on the shelves at the dispensary. I can think of at least three new strains I’ve seen recently. But when it comes to whether YOU can create a new strain of cannabis and name it whatever you want, the short answer is yes, you can technically do that

— and you can technically name your cannabis strain whatever your heart desires, but only if it’s for personal use. Yes, this answer is going to get real technical, real quick. Deal with it.

So you can name your weird plant hybrid whatever you feel like if you’re just doing it for funsies.

But can you sell and market it the way you want to? And that’s where things get a bit tricky.

You’re almost certainly well aware that the cannabis industry is highly regulated, and there are strict rules and regulations you need to follow if you want

to sell your new Frankenstrain legally. You would need a license to grow and sell cannabis if it’s not for personal use, and you would also need to comply with labeling and packaging requirements.

But let’s say you’ve got all that sorted out, and you’re ready to launch your new strain into the world. How do you make it stand out? Well, you need a catchy name, but you have to be careful. You don’t want to get sued by another company for trademark infringement, which has happened a few times before. Just see the Gorilla Glue, i.e. GG#4 debacle, for reference. Turns out some companies get

a little salty about their products being used to name weed, although it seems pretty dumb to me. Weed is great. Roll with it.

Anyway, yeah. Short answer is that creating a new strain of cannabis and naming it whatever you want is possible, but it’s not as simple as it seems. So, if you’re serious about starting your own cannabis business, make sure to do your research and follow the rules. You need to have all your proverbial weed ducks in order before you try that, or it could result in some serious trouble down the road.

Blaze: Oh, you’re thinking about creating a new strain of cannabis? Well, join the club. There are a lot of people doing the same exact thing. But most of them aren’t home growers, dude — which I’m assuming you are. And that’s where things get a little (or a lot) sticky.

Puf already covered most of this, but it’s fine. I’ll reiterate.

First things first, let’s talk about naming your new strain. You can’t just name it anything you want, unfortunately. Some names may already be trademarked or copyrighted, and you don’t want to get into any legal trouble. It happens, and unless you’re rolling in the dough, you probably can’t afford to get into that mess. Pick a name that WON’T cause that type of headache. And get all your licensing and whatever in order first, too.

Now, let’s talk about marketing. If you can pull this all off, you still need to make sure you follow all the laws and regulations when it comes to marketing cannabis. For example, you can’t make any health claims about your strain, and you can’t market it to children. It’s also important to be honest and transparent about your product, so people know what they’re getting.

I know, I know. What a buzzkill, right? Too bad. Yes, creating a new strain of cannabis can be fun and exciting, but it’s important to be responsible and make sure you’re not breaking any laws.

something?

Puf: OK, so please don’t light up on the streets of Colorado — and I do mean like, anywhere on the street in Colorado. It’s pretty illegal, and even if you find a chill spot that you may not get a ton of foot traffic near, smoking in public is not as easy as it sounds. If you get caught smoking cannabis on the street in Colorado, you might find yourself in a bit of a sticky situation.

What many newcomers don’t understand is that while cannabis is legal in Colorado, that doesn’t mean you can just light up wherever you want. You can only smoke cannabis on private property with the owner’s permission. So, if you’re smoking on the street, you’re breaking the law, my friend.

Now, let’s talk about what happens if you get caught. Well, you might get a ticket or a fine, or you might have to go to court. And let me tell you, court is not a fun place to be. You’ll have to explain to a judge why you were smoking on the street, and they’ve heard it all before. Being from out of town isn’t a pass to get off without penalties.

But, and this is a big but, if you’re lucky, you might just get a warning. Maybe the police officer will be feeling generous that day, or maybe they’ll just think you’re too much of a noob to be punished. Who knows?

The reality is that you don’t know who’s going to come upon your nonsense on any given day, and it’s best not to risk it. There are still narcs out there ready to tattle on your public imbibing, and honestly, even as a weed smoker, I can tell you that it’s a little obnoxious to walk through someone’s cloud of weed smoke at 8 a.m. on a Monday while walking my dog. There are etiquette rules, man!

Anyway, if you want to smoke cannabis in Colorado, my suggestion is that you do it on private property. Don’t light up on the street and then claim ignorance, or you might find yourself in a bit of a stoney pickle.

I don’t live in Colorado, but I’ll be visiting soon, and I want to smoke some good old Colorado weed. The only problem is that my Airbnb is nonsmoking and they mean nonsmoking of ANYTHING. So, can I just smoke somewhere else instead? Like a local park or

Blaze: Well, let me tell you, my friend, while you may technically be able to pull it off, smoking in public in Colorado may not be the best idea.

So, what happens if you get caught smoking cannabis on the street in Colorado? Well, first of all, you might get some strange looks from the people around you while you act like you’re auditioning for Cheech and Chong’s next movie.

And if a cop catches you, you could be in some serious trouble. While cannabis is legal in Colorado, there are still some rules you need to follow. For example, you can’t smoke in public places, like on the street or in a park. You need to smoke in a private residence or a licensed cannabis club — and options for those are pretty limited in this state.

If you do get caught smoking on the street, you could be fined or face other penalties, which isn’t super stellar. But even if you aren’t caught, you’re definitely going to annoy some people with your antics. It’s just not the way.

I’m not trying to turn you away from the good old weed, mind you. I’m all for you toking up to your heart’s content. Just make sure you’re doing it in the right place. And, if you’re not sure where that is, ask a local or do some research.

I’m pretty new to growing flower and I think I overdid it on the home grow. Like, I have way too much cannabis flower to smoke in the next few weeks. So tell me: What’s the best way to store your cannabis flower in a dryass Colorado town (you know, like the one we live in)?

Blaze: Ah, the age-old question of how to store your precious cannabis flower. If you’re living in a dry Colorado town, this is a very important question, so pay attention. Dry cannabis is not happy cannabis. Don’t disrespect the plant with that nonsense. Get the right container to keep your weed happy instead.

So how do you pick the right one? Well, for starters, you’ll want to make sure you’re storing your flower in an airtight container. This will help prevent your flower from drying out.

But you don’t want to use just any old container, really. While it’s an extra investment, you will want to use something that’s specifically designed for storing cannabis, like a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will also help to preserve the terpenes and flavors of your flower, and prevent any contamination from plastic or other materials.

And, if you really want to go the extra mile, you can add a humidity pack to your container. These packs will help regulate the humidity levels and keep your flower fresh and tasty.

HOWEVER, there’s one rule with that:

Don’t overdo it with the moisture. Overhumidifying your flower leads to too much moisture, which can then lead to mold and other nasty stuff, and nobody wants that.

So, short answer? The best way to store your cannabis flower if you live in a dry climate is in an airtight container, preferably made of glass, with a humidity pack if needed. And, of course, make sure you’re storing it in a cool, dark place, away from any heat or light sources. Happy storing, and happy toking, friend.

Puf: Aight, so. If you want your cannabis to last longer than that stale bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos laying open by your bed, you need to store it properly. And if you live in a dry area, the humidity levels can be as low as Snoop Dogg’s interest in a weak strain, so it’s important to take extra care.

The good news is that the storage method isn’t difficult in these climates. Typically, the best way to store your cannabis flower is in an airtight container, like a mason jar or a Tupperware container. Not only will it keep your stash fresh, but it will also prevent any strong odors from escaping and causing your house to smell like a skunk’s hind quarters. I like that smell, but I know that not many people do, so maybe try to limit it if you have frequent visitors.

And, like Blaze said, if you really want to keep your cannabis fresh, you can also add a humidity pack to your container. It’s like a mini-spa for your weed, keeping it at the perfect humidity level and preventing it from drying out.

And, if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even store your cannabis in a cool, dark place, like a wine cellar or a safe. I know you have one or both on hand, obviously. We’re fancy stoners, right? Just make sure it’s not too cold or too hot or you’ll end up with an entirely new set of issues.

Ultimately, storing your cannabis flower properly is like taking care of a pet rock. It’s low maintenance, but it still needs some TLC.

So, invest in a good container, add a humidity pack, and store it in a cool, dark place. And, if all else fails, just smoke it all in one sitting. I kid, I kid! Sort of.

Dispensary listings

DURANGO

Border Buds, 1929 US-550, (970) 259-2639, borderbuds.com

Colorado Grow Co., 965 1/2 Main Ave., (970) 259-1647, coloradogrowcompany.com

Durango Organics, Bodo Park, 2 Suttle St., Suite F & G, (970) 259-3674, durangoorganics.com

Durango Organics, Grandview, 37 Co Rd. 232, (970) 426-4381, durangoorganics.com

Durango Rec Room, 145 E College Dr., (970) 764-4087, durangorecroom.com

The Greenery, 208 Parker Ave., Suite E, (970) 403-3710, durangogreenery.com

The Green House, 730 S Camino Del Rio, (970) 247-2420, thegreenhousecolorado.com

Kinfolk Farms, 83A Davidson Creek Rd., (970) 759-8683, kinfolk-farms.com

LOVA Canna Co –Durango, 1135 S Camino Del Rio, Suite 220, (970) 422-8029, lovaco.com

Mammoth Farms Dispensary, 927 CO-3, (970) 422-3282

Mountain Annie’s, 1644 CO Rd. 203, 970247-2190, mountainanniescannabis.com

Prohibition Herb, 1185 Camino Del Rio, (970) 385-8622, prohibitionherb.com

Rocky Mountain High, 120 E 36th St., (970) 259-4093, rockymountainhigh.co

Santé, 742 ½ Main Ave., (970) 375-2837, santecolorado.com

Telluride Bud Company, 3473 Main Ave., (970) 422-8311, telluridebc.com

CORTEZ

Chronic Therapy, 1020 S. Broadway, (970) 529-2045, chronictherapy.com

Doobie Sisters, 695 N Broadway, (970) 5652345, doobiesistersco.com

Durango Organics, 1013 E Main St., (970) 565-6500, durangoorganics.com

The Herbal Alternative, 1531 Lebanon Rd., (970) 529-7007, theherbalalternative.net

LivWell Cortez, 1819 E Main St., (970) 5659577, livwell.com

Mountain Annie’s, 310 E Main St., (970) 5645181, mountainanniescannabis.com

MANCOS

The Cultured Cannabis, 385 N Willow St., (970) 533-9931, theculturedco.com

LivWell Mancos, 101 Railroad Ave., (970) 5339848, livwell.com

PAGOSA SPRINGS

The Green House, 270 E Pagosa St., (970) 264-

4420, thegreenhousecolorado.co

Pagosa Therapeutics, 235 Bastille Dr., (970) 731-4420, pagosatherapeutics.com

San Juan Strains, 356 E Pagosa St., Unit B, (970) 264-5323, sanjuanstrains.com

Smoke Rings, 266 E Pagosa St., (970) 2640942, smokeringsco.com

Pagosa Craft Dispensary, 127 Goldmine Dr., (970) 264-0833,.pagosacraftcannabis.com

High Grade Specialists, 600 Cloman Blvd. #1, (970) 731-3202, highgradespecialists.com

FARMINGTON

The Alchemist, 115 W Main St., (505) 2584180, thealchemistllc.com

Distinguished Dispensary, 4601 English Rd., (505) 278-8524, distinguisheddispensary.com

Dreamz Dispensary, 3501 E Main St., SUITE i-2, (505) 258-4680, dreamzcannabis.com

The Grass Station, 928 E Main St., (505) 2788825, tgs505.com

The Green House, 1901 East 20th St., (505) 258-4752, TheGreenHouseColorado.com

Oasis Cannabis Dispensary, 428 E Main St., (888) 505-3947, oasiscannabisnm.com

Purlife Farmington, 3024 E Main St., STE A, (505) 695-2360, purlifenm.com

The Reef Joint, 3000 E 20th St., Suite D2, (505) 278-8963, thereefjoint.com

Toke Dispensary, 4339 E Main St., Ste A, (505) 278-8823, ziatoke.com

Ultra Health Dispensary Farmington, 4251 E Main St., Suite D, (505) 258-4634, ultrahealth.com/new-mexico-dispensaries/farmington-2/

Farmco, 534 E. Broadway Ave., (833) 777-3276, farmcousa.com

AZTEC

Grady’s Cannabis, 111 N. Main Ave., (505) 333-7456, gradyscannabis.com

Burnin’ Barrels, 2210 W Aztec Blvd., (505) 333-7583

Desert Flower, 111 W Chaco St., (505) 8010833, desertfloweraztec.com

The Green House, 1405 W. Aztec Blvd., TheGreenHouseColorado.com

BLOOMFIELD

Treez, 816 W Broadway Ave., (505) 333-5608

KIRTLAND

Kind Life, 4354 US-64., (505) 716-8774, kindlifenm.com

» Looking for some sweet, sweet weed in gthe Four Corners region? Look no further than these dispensaries

POTHEADS

IS HERE FOR YOU!

DGO’s Blaze and Puf answer your weed questions you are too embarrassed to ask anyone else.

Come one, come all with your silly, embarrassing, or just plain weird questions about weed, weed-related issues, and whatever else you can dream up. We’ll do our best to answer them in the best way possible