Idon’t know about you, but even with newfound rules on smoking weed in public, I still look over my shoulder when smoking a joint around others. It’s just the smell that sets stigmatized folks off, and rightfully so with a forty-eight or so hours out of circulation that I experienced once in New York City. I learned how important it is not to antagonize others with weed smoke. Everyone should know this. The terminology in play here is called common sense. My correlation to this would be smoking a joint in the street in NYC. It still makes me nervous.
Imagine my appreciation when I received a brand spanking new Dr. Greenthumb x Gpen smoking device at my doorstep. This vaguely pickle-sized (and colored) cannabis smoking device was certainly an easy study. It came fully charged (a big plus), and it holds that first and subsequent charges through many sessions. The learning curve for this device was not outlandish. All I did was go to their YouTube and watch any number of videos with instructions that even a person of my age and intellectual capacity could appreciate under the influence of certain substances. This learning by watching methodology is definitely appreciated!
Photo credit: Gpen
But back to the Gpen Dash. I’ve owned several of these over the years, and none have been as intuitive and smooth on my lungs as the new Dr. Greenthumb version. Filling with just about ¼ of a gram of nicely chopped flowers from my Gemini grinder is the start. Then I gently heat my secret blend in the Gpen to the lowest temperature. I’m catapulted into a realm of easy and nice, all at the same time. And that’s what the experience of smoking cannabis should be, at least for me. I want the experience to be simple and forthright. It’s important for this device to work silently and easily, just as it is important to be easy to clean and keep charged, ready for the next sesh.
What I like about this device:
It doesn’t get hot in my hand. That is a plus, so I’m not worried about setting my pocket on fire.
It does not shout the vapor as those “vape” cartridges do. The mist dissipates quickly and without much fanfare. A real plus when walking down the street when you don’t want to shout, look at me, I’m smoking weed. This device is especially easy to clean and keep clean. It doesn’t get mucked up with resin, nor does it change the flavor of your strain. The experience is pure and comfortable from start to finish. I love mine. Fun to use and easy.
Today seemed like a fantastic day to crawl out of my comfort zone smoking low THC medical cannabis, even for just a moment. That opportunity finally presented itself to me with a couple of grams of G-Putt’s newest gourmet cannabis effort named, Tapped In.
This opportunity is for something I don’t usually get the chance to smoke or even review. Because of the kindness of others, I’m able to offer my thoughts on the salubrious strain named Tapped In.
Photo Credit: Zaul Zamora of Complete
Rolling in over 27% THC, Tapped In is a potent reminder of why I love smoking cannabis that is clearly out of my normal wheelhouse. Not that I’m a “lightweight” on smoking cannabis. It’s something that I’ve enjoyed for nearly fifty years. I travel extensively for gourmet cannabis and enjoy indoor and outdoor-grown with my bias towards sun grown in natural soil, which dates back to having grown up on a Biodynamic farm in the 1960s and ’70s. I love the premise of terroir, a sense of place in both the cannabis field and the vineyard when I’m writing about wine. Much can be said for the taste of the place. That’s why my bias moves towards sun-grown cannabis.
The medical staff I usually have from the NJMMJ (med system) is decent enough, but they have a long way to go to catch up to California. In my somewhat biased opinion, this is because I was born and raised— and live — in NJ! They’ve come a long way, but not far enough yet. Not like the Tapped In varietal. This stuff really is the sprawl.
It’s refreshing to know that the fine cannabis that is woven into Tapped In is indoor grown with passion. You can taste it in every puff. The flowers ooze with what I call red fruits. I could be in Spain or the South of France with the exotic quality of the aromatics, shown in each generous pull. Gourmet, groomed, tended, cured. All done with love, this is obvious. I dig what I tried and will try to seek it out. This is the good stuff.
One suggestion would be to take a couple of dry hits through your pipe or joint before lighting the cannabis. Why? Well, to gain an appreciation for the terpenes. You’ll know my intent here when you smell the terps. It’s purifying.
Cannabis as good as Tapped In offers an entirely different experience, one with which I felt immediately comfortable. I wanted to share my thoughts as Tapped In is really my new and best cannabis friend.
Photo Credit: Zaul Zamora of Complete
Tapped In opened up my intellectual and considerate thoughts (what few that I have left!) and allowed me the honor of sharing my passion by writing the “WB” tasting notes of Tapped In; this is really high-quality cannabis and deserves even more compliments (In my opinion of course!)
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Early Spring rake-turned black loam in the nose spinning your inner dreams with opulent dollops of brown butter-soaked bread pudding. Each generous slice of this confection is covered with a smoky bourbon hard sauce.
This modern-day indoor-grown cannabis is philosophically different from the cannabis of the 1960s and 1970s that I grew up smoking. Possessing potent scents of candy sugar-dusted sizzling hot cream-filled donuts, each whiff of the perfectly cured and trimmed bud offers the unique experience of smelling the cannabis. This moment in time, just before it is ground in my Gemini grinder, then smoked. Jutting my nose into a small scenting jar that I use to gain an appreciation for the terroir, I immediately savored the earthy aromatics that wafted deeply into and up my nose. This precise moment in time led to a dollop of corn pudding covered in a tangle of cozy brown butter with a touch of petrol and a flurry of freshly grated nutmeg at the finish.
Ok, so it finishes sweet out of your nose if you exhale that way. With a touch of sizzled lemongrass and shallot, please.
Palate: The smoke itself is soft across the tongue, plunging down into the lungs. The art of curing is spot on; no coughing here, impressive indeed. Notes of Saturday night butterscotch sundaes and further sprinkles of bartender’s sugar (very, very fine sugar) predominate the path down the throat to neither region of the mind.
This groovy cannabis is elegant and potent, with splashes of my favorite, hot and spicy Pickett’s Ginger Syrup on the finish across my tongue. Impressive indeed.
Photo Credit: Zaul Zamora of Complete
Finish: Upon reaching the body, the effects take place very quickly with a richly warming sensation that creeps up from the base of my spine up to the places where time has been remembered and then forgotten again, like most of my memory, not really, but you get this concept. Tapped In is very analytical cannabis with the importance of deep tête-à-tête and the metaphysical unearthing of the inner self.
The High or the Stone: As we discussed above, the overall THC level is just north of 27 %, making it quite intriguing for the person who is chasing THC, in other words, looking only for high THC varietals. I think that Tapped In is world-class, exactly what they say it is. And yes, I get really blissful on just a couple of hits. This cannabis truly is Premium Indoor Cannabis Flower. They can also say expertly cured and perfectly trimmed, Premium Indoor Cannabis Flower. This cannabis really opens my mind, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Tapped In will do exactly as you expect it to do. And that is to really get you intellectually charged, and yes, you will be masterfully stoned and have a really nice afternoon. Find some crispy Vietnamese/Thai style wings, make ‘em spicy, and then feast yourself to a memorable experience for yourself.
Thank you. WB
Founder Gaurav Walia, better known as “G-Putt” to his peers and friends, has been a pioneer in the streetwear, music, and cannabis scenes for the past 20 years. Acting as a liaison between brands, celebrities, and tastemakers, he has connected and cultivated a close-knit community between these spaces and has used his passion as the “connector” of people to start his new endeavor. As one of the original founders of iconic brand Sherbinskis, G-Putt forged his connections to facilitate partnerships with Nike, Modernica, and COMPLEXION, establishing the elevated taste level and cool factor that drove the Los Angeles cannabis brand to global recognition.
His most recent collaboration is one with Carrots x Crocs (see him flexing in Hypebeast), which explores the concept of soil and how it serves as a foundation of life. Expect a full calendar of exclusive strain releases, fashion, and collaborations in the pipeline, including partnerships with minority artists on exclusive apparel and accessories art built around his iconic “G”.
Ilove PARA. They’ve got really cool cannabis-centric stuff that is as at home in Brooklyn as it would be in Barcelona, Palm Springs, or Venice, California. Anyplace that mid-century modern design is held dear, this esoteric world of cannabis design tools fits very easily within.
What kind of stuff am I speaking of? Certainly, if you are reading this, you’ll know that it’s cannabis paraphernalia that appeals to the intellectual and somewhat well-heeled stoner. What is that, you ask? Well, first of all, I would surmise that this person has great style, and they live somewhat frugally within that stratum of design. They hope to possess a lifestyle of architecture and authentic bougie design. I love all the products that PARA carries. I immediately thought that my book, Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails and Tonics, would be right at home alongside their erudite bongs, pipes, papers, and other “high-styled” ancillary tools of the trade. For those in the know, it’s like that veritable, hint, hint … It’s that secret handshake that I have found, without leaving my desk here in New Jersey. Like that carrier pigeon that finds its way to your door, carrying something unknowable. Now, where’s my confounded lighter?
PARA – a female-founded, BIPOC owned online shop housing a curated assortment of premium paraphernalia for the aesthetically high-minded consumer-based out of NYC. Partnering with numerous established designers from around the world, Para has curated an unparalleled assortment of modern pipes, bongs, papers, trays, scents, and much more.
Para also donates a portion of revenues to the ‘Last Prisoner Project, utilizes only eco-friendly shipping methods, and continues to source from only ethical small businesses.
Para was founded by Mariam Saïd, the OG Functional Stoner, who decided to utilize her knowledge of luxury fashion to propel a product category that she was personally more passionate about. In 2020, Mariam, along with a large portion of humanity, turned to cannabis for anxiety management. She specifically started utilizing cannabis as a de-stressor and a sleep-aid but soon found additional positive side effects; a decrease in physical pain, an increase in creativity, and focus (negating her expectations that she would simply be lethargic).
Perhaps it was the intimidating atmosphere of the corner bodega (her source for rolling papers) or the fact that she burned her hand every time she used her pipe- that led her down the cannabis accessories path, but Mariam could not stop formulating questions and needed answers
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. Why cannabis? What brought you to the plant? When was the first time that you became aware of the plant?
Mariam Saïd: I am the Founder & CEO of PARA, an online shop that offers modern paraphernalia & home goods for aesthetically high-minded consumers with a focus on affordability. I was born in Egypt, grew up in Massachusetts, and currently live in Brooklyn, NY.
Prior to starting PARA, I worked in the luxury fashion space for over a decade- working for Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, and Frame Denim, to name a few.
2020 was what brought me to the plant. I, like a lot of people, was very overwhelmed by the pandemic and subsequent happenings that followed. I found it harder and harder to justify myself continuing to work in the fashion industry, given the world’s circumstances. I am very appreciative of the professional and personal growth I’ve experienced during my tenure in fashion, but there was a stark contrast between how I was spending my time and how I wanted to spend my time. I started to feel like I had more to contribute.
At that time in 2020, I wasn’t much of a cannabis consumer. I had occasionally smoked socially, but it was never with any intention other than to “party.” It was also in 2020 that I started to develop very heightened levels of anxiety and depression. I was prescribed medications, but it took about two years for my doctor & me to configure the right medicine that works for me. It was during those two years that I started to develop a conscious, more purposeful relationship with weed. My boyfriend at the time instigated my interest in the plant because he would have a joint or a packed bowl ready for me to help alleviate my anxiety. Smoking gradually became part of my evening routine to unwind and cure my anxiety.
I am a very inquisitive person and wanted to know more about what it was that I was actually consuming. I had so many questions about the plant as a starter, and I assumed others did too. So, thus began my re-introduction to cannabis. I wanted to learn it ALL! I did copious amounts of research and consumed so much information. It became a very informative hobby for me, in a way, to learn how I could cure anxiety and depression with plant medicine instead of prescription drugs.
It was my newfound hobby, coupled with the gradual disliking of my career that I found comfort in learning about cannabis, refining my relationship with the plant, and seeing results in the form of genuinely feeling better after consumption. I learned about strains, types of consumption, measurement, historical roadblocks, and future possibilities. And finally, the accessories!
With my background in fashion and love for a good aesthetic, I was immediately drawn to the accessories end of cannabis. Not only is the type of weed important, but how you prepare and consume it is just as important, so I started the quest of learning about optimal ways of doing so. Being the shopper that I am, I decided to really honor my ritual and get my own setup: a sleek grinder, a non-phallic-looking pipe, a cute rolling tray, and maybe a storage box. I was SHOCKED to find that such a place did not exist near me. But how? I live in New York City! We have everything!
Turning my research to the internet, I noticed two things:
1. There are actually quite a few modern, ethical, innovative smoking accessories brands out there- from all over the world.
2. There aren’t enough centralized locations where you can buy your whole setup without having to stick to one brand or do extensive research on 20 different brands.
I was thinking, “Where is the Saks Fifth Avenue of weed accessories?” It wasn’t long before I bid my fashion career adieu and started the blueprint for PARA.
WB: Tell me about the ritual of well-being? Please tell me about your company and how well-being fits your ethos? How do you choose your products?
MS: I am naturally very driven and very goal-oriented, which sounds great, but because of it, I have a strong tendency to ignore my sense of well-being. I am a workaholic by trade, and I sometimes work so much that I could go an entire day without eating, moving, resting, going outside, you name it. And being that I am a small business owner with big dreams, I allowed the work of launching PARA to eliminate any ritual I once established.
My current ritual is super simple in that it consists of me walking my dog Marlo 3 times a day- no matter what. It anchors me and forces me to take a break from my work. It makes me bond with another little soul of love.
My main brand and personal ethos are 1) Trust in the quality of the product. To be a trusted resource among our customers and 2) Being known for being an ethical company with a positive contribution to the world. At the end of the day, I want to be there for people who are just starting their cannabis journey, similar to how I started mine.
PARA is a welcoming, honest, and caring company. There are certain big-box companies whose name became synonymous with evil, high CEO salaries, disregard for the community and planet. If and when PARA becomes a household name, I want it to be synonymous with philanthropy, kindness, trust, overall goodness.
Before starting PARA, I knew that my next career move, whether working for myself or somebody else, I had to be proud of my contribution beyond monetary success. And that feeling really stemmed from my experiences in 2020.
Products at Para are picked with design and functionality. I do a lot of research online. I did my initial buying round by literally googling variations of “weed accessories” and just went from there … websites, articles, social media presence, partnerships, the founding members… all with a few questions in mind: do they give back to the community? Are they original? Are they small? What it boils down to is are they a company I want to ethically support as well?
WB: What kind of obstacles do you face? How do you remove those obstacles? What are your six and twelve-month goals? Do you have a mentor?
MS: There are many obstacles that are presented when dealing with- even in an ancillary capacity- a plant that is not federally legal in the US. This includes everything from high banking fees, social media restrictions, fewer funding options, etc. Those types of obstacles can’t be removed in the short term. You just have to anticipate them financially and work around them creatively. Having said that, despite the obstacles, I do think it’s a very exciting time to enter the cannabis space because I feel like I’m experiencing history in the making.
I have BIG goals for PARA, so I want to make sure I establish a company with a strong foundation and set it up for longevity. Over the next year, the goal is:
· To continue to grow our audience and customer base
· Invest in the right categories, learn from customers’ feedback
· Increase our philanthropic endeavors
· Release our first in-house product
I was so fortunate to have had strong women who invested time in mentoring me during my early years in fashion. I am certain that their guidance contributed to my success in a difficult industry. As a solopreneur and a cannabis industry novice, I would love nothing more than to have an informed sounding board to help me navigate. I welcome any passionate advisors to reach out, as I would happily be a mentee!
In the meantime, I seek guidance from the small community that PARA has created. I’ve reached out to vendors for funding advice and banking options, to content creators with social media advice, etc. I am always met with a plethora of advice and tips. There is a collective sense of community and willingness to help, which is why I love the cannabis community.
WB: What kind of food do you enjoy? Do you cook? If so, who taught you? Do you have a go/to when you enjoy cannabis? Favorite food memory from childhood?
MS: I have become such a stereotypical New Yorker when it comes to food- living off dinner plans and takeout- a fact that I became painfully aware of during the pandemic.
Every food is my go-to when I smoke! But dessert in particular- I have such a sweet tooth.
Like I mentioned earlier, I “prepare” meals for myself- mostly to take mental breaks from work and add structure to my day. But real cooking, I wouldn’t say I know how to do that. My mom is actually an amazing Chef, and I’ve always had great meals growing up. I joked that we have to partner up and start a cannabis-infused restaurant when it’s fully legalized. Knowing her, she’s probably putting together a menu as we speak.
My favorite food memory from childhood is definitely of my mom’s early years as a cook experimenting with different menu items. My mother was actually a stay-at-home mom throughout my childhood and didn’t enter the workforce until her mid-thirties as a cook. She was an overachiever who concocted these unique dishes and desserts at home before introducing them to the Chef. My brother & I were her testers, and we were tough critics.
WB: What is your passion?
MS: I have different passions at different levels of importance to me. At the top of the list, I would say community. Over the past few years, I have really developed a passion and somewhat of an obligation to help. The biggest instigator of that is my transition into cannabis and learning about the injustices people face. I can’t operate a profitable business knowing that others are in jail for pioneering an industry that we are currently benefiting from.
My passion extends to more than just my immediate cannabis community. I want to bring awareness and make meaningful contributions to climate change and mental health advocates. I want to help others, which all ties into my ethos of doing GOOD!
Veritas Fine Cannabis in Colorado has kept itself ahead of the rest of the industry with quality products, innovative branding, and promotions.
No, the company is breaking away from the rest of the pack by appointing environmental health and safety manager, Elizabeth Lee, to spearhead their sustainability efforts. Along with her degree in environmental studies, Ms. Lee was recognized as the woman for the job after internal meetings revealed her deep interest in sustainable practices.
DENVER—Oct. 26, 2021 —Veritas Fine Cannabis, Colorado’s original craft cannabis, today announced the company’s new position of Environmental Health and Safety Manager, promoting packaging lead Elizabeth Lee into the key role. The position will oversee company initiatives to advance sustainability, including energy conservation and packaging, two notorious problem areas for the global cannabis industry.
“Veritas has championed sustainability since inception and we are very eager to leverage this new role and Elizabeth’s background to elevate this commitment to new proportions,” said Mike Leibowitz, CEO of Veritas Fine Cannabis. “We started ‘Veritas Talks’ last summer, where employees have a platform to spark conversations about how we can progress as a company. Through this, Elizabeth shared several ideas we implemented and immediately felt an impact, so much so that it flourished into this new position.”
“Sustainability is something I’ve always found passion in, along with working in cannabis,” said Elizabeth Lee, Environmental Health & Safety Manager at Veritas Fine Cannabis. “Having the opportunity to help Veritas be at the forefront of sustainability in the cannabis industry is a dream for me.”
Ms. Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from American University and is approaching the final year of her master’s degree in the Environmental Health & Safety program at the University of Denver. In addition to spearheading sustainability initiatives, Elizabeth will oversee Veritas’ environmental health and safety program.
About Veritas Fine Cannabis
Quality, consistency, honesty, and preserving the unique terpene profile of each strain—these are the guiding principles that set Veritas Fine Cannabis apart as one of America’s first premium cannabis wholesalers. Named after the Roman goddess of truth, Veritas is more than a cultivator; it is a curator of the cannabis experience. From first cuts through harvest and packaging, the Veritas team does everything by hand to optimize the full expression of a strain’s terpenes that yield singular effects. The company continually adds to its library of hundreds of proprietary genetics and catalogs each cultivar by terpene profile so consumers can find the perfect Veritas product to fit their individual needs. With buzzworthy strain drops each month, Veritas leads the market in connoisseur cannabis. For more information, visit veritascannabis.com.
I had the opportunity to dig a little bit deeper into Veritas Fine Cannabis and it made me appreciate their website even more. This is a brand that resonates with nerds like me!
Cheers! WB
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself? Why Cannabis? What brought you to the plant?
Elizabeth Lee: I am originally from Minnesota and lived there my whole life until I went to college. I took the big leap and moved out East to attend college at American University in Washington D.C. I have a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and a minor in sustainability. After graduating, I decided to move to Colorado without even visiting, and it was the best decision for me. I knew with my degree I could find a job I’m passionate about and decided to look into the cannabis industry. I saw that growing the plant was energy and water-intensive and required copious amounts of packaging. With no federal regulation and influence, I felt the cannabis industry had the opportunity to be at the forefront of environmental sustainability. And once I started working in a cultivation and packaging facility, I saw the hazards workers are exposed to, and it made me think a lot about the health and safety side of cannabis. In June of 2020, I decided to pursue my Masters at Denver University in Environmental Health and Safety. I am set to graduate in June 2022.
Warren Bobrow: Indoor or outdoor grown? Why? Organics? Biodynamics? Favorite strain? Grown by whom?
Elizabeth Lee: As a home grower, I prefer to grow outside. Why not take advantage of the Colorado sun! My favorite Veritas strain is Tropicana Cookies. I love the pungent citrus smell and taste that comes from it.
Warren Bobrow: What are your six and twelve-month goals?
Elizabeth Lee: A sixth-month goal of mine is to execute a company-wide safety policy. We want to implement new employee safety training and quarterly training thereafter to ensure every employee feels safe and confident doing their job. OSHA has not set standards specified to cannabis yet, but there will be a time when that happens, and Veritas wants to be at the forefront.
As a twelve-month goal, we want to reduce our reliance on new packaging and find a solution to sanitize and reuse our cannabis jars. Package waste is a serious issue, and we need to divert waste from landfills. Since we already use glass jars, the opportunity to sanitize and reuse them would divert many of these jars from even making it as far as the recycling bin.
Warren Bobrow: Favorite food when stoned? Favorite food memory from childhood? Do you cook? Who taught you?
Elizabeth Lee: I would say my favorite foods to eat when stoned are desserts. I really love watching “The Great British Baking Show” and have now taken a liking to gourmet desserts. Tarts, mousses, cakes. The show gives me a lot of inspiration to expand my baking skills, as well! I also really enjoy cooking. My great-grandma Kate used to cook and bake such amazing things when I was younger—so good that we had a recipe book created before she passed away. I still cook her recipes to this day. Some of my favorites are tater tot hotdish and her famous waffle cookies. I also love finding food accounts on Instagram and making their recipes.
Warren Bobrow: What is your passion?
Elizabeth Lee: I am passionate about living a life that considers the health of people and our planet. I’ve always enjoyed making changes that better my life and the overall environment. I think we forget that we all have an opportunity to ignite change and one person can have a great influence on others.
Cryo Cure is a quality-driven method to an end. In this case, the end connotates perfectly cured cannabis. What Cryo Cure has achieved is remarkable; it’s so light, so fluffy, and so very terpy!
Ok, so I made up that word, terpy- It means to me the scent of the perfectly cured cannabis flower. Those juicy aromatics that ooze out of your glass jar, immediately filling the room with her distinctive perfume.
Everyone has had that moment when you’ve just scored that perfect eighth from your weed dealer, and you want to open the jar in your car to see what you got. You do, and suddenly the spicy sweetness of the cannabis plant fills the air thickly surrounding you in the skunky, fuel-scented breeze. And looking over your shoulders, you notice not one but two police cars on either side of your leased car. That pungent scent of weed is everywhere! It envelops you in what I said is terpy air! You cannot get away from the aromatics. Wow, will they smell me?
Oh, that would never happen to you these days because the local police have much bigger fish to fry. At least here in New Jersey. And that eighth of Cryo Cure Cannabis is safe for the moment because you’ll be enjoying it deeply into your lungs very shortly thereafter.
To celebrate your good fortune that you didn’t get pulled over for weed this time. Whew, that was close! Stigmatized and ostracized, our plant.
However, later- after you’ve gotten over the shock of the hour, something truly unique and pleasurable will pass through your lips. Cryo Cure is what this disruptive brand is called. The methodology is created through sub-freezing temperatures, and this technique preserves the plant in a frozen state of suspended animation. The color of the final trimmed bud is vibrant, and the aromatics practically fill the room with the sweet scent of triumph. The texture of the flower is soft and moist, not dried out but perfectly cured in every way. Succulent against your lips and no coughing ever. There is not a bit of harshness in Cryo Cure Cannabis. I usually have a lot of difficulties smoking cannabis for the reason that most cannabis is poorly cured, leaving it harsh against my throat and lungs. What Cryo Cure has achieved is remarkable to me. Truly gourmet, luxury cannabis with a twist. The twist is succinctly apparent because you can utilize technology that is completely different than the norm.
In a world driven by bottom-line metrics, efficiency, speed, and ultra-quality flowers are everything.
I’m not sure what the strain was that I smoked, but it was translucent in overall effect; a certain clarity in the high that wasn’t overwhelming, yet it contained deeply pronounced creaminess to the burn as ultra-high-end cannabis sometimes offers me.
Again, I didn’t cough, even once. This is ultra-gourmet cannabis, to begin with, treated with kindness and love.
I wonder what it would be like to use Cryo Cure Cannabis in building a real craft cocktail infused with THC? Is that bad? Should I be experimenting with adding weed to liquor? Will I get that thing called a crossfade?
The answer is yes, no, maybe, and most absolutely.
David Balfour Punch
Named for the resourceful protagonist in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped, this refreshing tipple is just as enterprising, and yes, you will experience the much-anticipated crossfade. It’s both marvelous and absolutely unavoidable, so please do not underestimate the feeling you get. That’s why I suggest only using small amounts of cannabis to start.
My pro-tip? Start really slowly when infusing your cannabis in a craft (THC) cocktail. Don’t destroy your friends and family. It’s very easy to do with this friendly, Irish Whiskey Punch. Oh, you may have noticed that Irish Whiskey is similar to Bourbon. Most Irish Whiskey is aged in charred American Oak barrels, formerly used to age Bourbon Whiskey (again, with an e).
Scotch, on the other hand, is spelled Whisky, without the e. Don’t make that mistake and spell Scotch with an e. There is no “E” in Scotch Whisky. You may want to try making this punch with a decent blended Whisky or even a nice smoky Mezcal— but please, save your dad’s expensive single malt for a clean glass without ice, please. He won’t be happy if you use that twenty-five-year-old Islay Whisky for a punch mixed with your weed. I’ll hazard a guess that he’d be absolutely livid. Trust me on this one. I did it with an unfortunate ending for me.
But back to the Irish Whiskey. It’s slightly honeyed with aromatic snippets of hand-cut grass and slightly sweet bursts of wet minerals and sprinkles of saline, sea salt. Irish Whiskey lends itself perfectly to the combination of perfumed garden-fresh mint, tart freshly squeezed lemonade, and a most alluring simple syrup made from funky Demerara sugar and, of course, a good portion of cannabis.
Deliciousness!
David Balfour Punch. For at least ten persons.
Pre-work: infusing the THC into the Demerara Simple Syrup using the Levo2.
Prepare a batch of simple syrup- 1:1 ratio of boiling water to Demerara Sugar
Add to the infusion tank of the Levo2- 1 cup total liquid… Add desired amount of cannabis, I’d say start with a gram or two. My recipe has 1 ounce per liquid cup, it’s pretty potent.
Ingredients:
1-750 ml. bottle of good Irish Whiskey, expect to pay about thirty dollars for the pleasure
2 Quarts freshly made lemonade, sweetened to taste with your Demerara/THC Syrup
1 cup fresh mint, very well washed!
Large cube of Coconut Water Ice- I used a gallon-sized milk jug for my giant ice cube for the punch bowl
Orange Bitters
Angostura Bitters
Prep:
Place your large coconut water ice cube into a punch bowl
Cover with one bottle of Irish Whiskey
Add the Two Quarts of freshly made THC infused lemonade over the Whiskey
Scatter the mint over the top after you’ve slapped it. Place the mint in your hand and slap it…
Dot with at least twenty shakes of the orange bitters and equal that with Angostura
Mix and serve in teacups, pinkies up optional……
This stuff hits in a few minutes. Be sitting down.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me who you are. What you’re working on right now?
John Bayes/Mike Abramson: We are the Dharma Police. However, on an average day, we are known as John Bayes of Green Bodhi and Mike Abramson Of Brothers Grimm Seeds. We are working on bringing awareness and intention back to the industry. Intentional Horticulture, coined by John, is a way of life cultivating Dharma from within to apply to the plant, but more importantly, to apply to every aspect of what you do. Another one of our focuses is bringing back the Brotherhood/Sisterhood atmosphere to the culture. Pre 2005, there wasn’t the amount of hate and shade thrown towards any cultivator or breeder. We have decided to team up on a number of projects and invite those with true Dharma into what we are doing. With our current obsession with social media, there have been plenty of keyboard warrior trolls harassing people for literally anything and everything. We are here to stick up for those being bullied.
Photo: Gorilla Boost
WB: As far as philanthropy goes, what are your six and twelve-month plans? What are you working on right now?
JB/MA: This is our favorite thing outside of our families that we prioritize heavily. Currently, we have two main philanthropic endeavors, the first being the #WaterForLife. This is a purely intentional project, no 501c3, no tax-deductible letters. India has some of the worst living conditions with a lack of access to clean water. Most villages are drinking and bathing in the same water animals frequently relieve themselves in. Bodhgaya, which is in the state of Bihar, is the holiest of cities for Buddhists and where the Buddha attained His enlightenment. This area is one of the poorest regions in India, “3rd world” would be a compliment here. So, John decided to work with two friends over there and challenged them to come up with an idea that could help the locals and feed their families. In short, when telling Mike about it, he had to be in. We are currently at monies raised for over 50 wells, with an average of 3-5 a week being donated and the 29th being installed soon. For $700, a village gets access to clean water, thousands of lives are changed instantly.
Another big project we are working on is raising funds for “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Library and Learning Center,” which will be located at Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, NY. This is the only seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the western world, and currently His only seat outside of India. John has been a student of Namgyal monastery for 10years now and has been appointed as the “Outreach Coordinator” for the project. We both hold the highest regard and reverence for His Holiness and His compassionate commitment towards all beings of the world. Beyond just raising funds, we have ventured into a collaborative philanthropic breeding project where all proceeds will go to the center. We are currently working on a 3-way breeder collaboration, Brothers Grimm, Green Bodhi, and Bodhi Seeds. This will officially drop at the Harvest Cup in Worcester in November.
WB: Favorite cannabis strain right now? Developed by whom? What is it, sativa? Indica? Who developed the genetics?
JB: Purple Hindu Kush. I got the cut from @MrBobHemphill, a legendary strain collector and legacy breeder, the other half to the genetics company “Crickets and Cicada Seeds.”
MA: The Dumpster Diver a Cali Super Skunk x Hazmat OG bred by Covert Genetics. Which is a sativa leaning hybrid.
WB: Favorite food when on the road spreading the word?
JB/MA: Noodles. Spending a lot of time on the road and at the monastery, we have discovered that any composed noodle dish is the fuel we need. Ramen, Pho, Pad Thai, it’s literally a whole meal. Spice is a requirement; the hotter, the better.
WB: What is your passion?
JB/MA: Our families, friends, living a life of intention and compassion. We also love to “Send It” with everything we do, from surfing to hitting the mountains in the winter.
I was just out at the Hall of Flowers held yearly at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California. While there, I had a chance to taste the fine flowers offered by fumé, and without even being patient and getting some at the show, I bought some from a dispensary. I knew that there would be no shortage of fine flowers available to me, but if I wanted to capture any tasting notes, I was forced by necessity to do them early in my day’s work. Such is the life of a cannabis-tasting notes aficionado. At least it’s not like doing a rum tasting. The hangovers from the sugar were insurmountable sometimes. Cannabis offers no such experience, especially not cannabis, from companies such as fumé. They offer such an elevated show. It’s refreshing to smoke their offerings early in my tasting routine, which this year was no disappointment.
Please enjoy the following interview with Ian Hackett, Napa Valley Fumé CMO, and Head of Compliance. Did I say that their herbs are deliciously different?
They are.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about the new brand.
Ian Hackett: We created our new brand, fumé (pronounced foo-may), in an effort to showcase what we believe to be some of California’s best cannabis strains. We developed this premium line with the educated cannabis consumer in mind; those who seek out unique strains with complex terpene profiles and are grown by farmers who honor the plant and go the extra mile to grow responsibly in order to protect the planet. The fumé consumer understands that terpenes are key players in their experience, and they have a passion for sustainability and giving back to the cannabis community, two key components of our brand. We evaluated dozens of strains–held blind sensory panels for aroma, taste, and experience–and met with the growers in person to hand-pick the strains. To complete the experience, we coupled them with premium smoking accessories that allow people to experience the true flavor of these terpene-rich cultivars. We wanted to push the envelope in terms of cannabis packaging. I have an issue with the number of single-use plastics that, due to regulations, we can’t really avoid. So, I worked with an amazing packaging supplier, and my designer and I came up with a stunning, child-resistant certified, plastic-free solution for our king cones, pre-roll packs, and flower.
WB: Why cannabis?
IH: I want to help people. It’s simply part of who I am. I believe that the cannabis plant–with all of its healing properties–can help people fix themselves. The positive results have been demonstrated time and time again. From the medical perspective and how critical cannabis was in helping those suffering from HIV/AIDS and cancer starting in the 80s to how it’s used today to treat PTSD for our Veterans, and it is helping so many people who suffer from anxiety and depression with real results. We should try and heal ourselves, not mask or medicate with opioids that have been overprescribed and subsequently abused for many decades. That said, I also see the massive opportunity that the cannabis industry brings to the economy. I was lucky enough to be part of the e-commerce boom, and to me–aside from space–the cannabis industry is the next frontier.
WB: Indoor or outdoor grown? Why?
IH: I believe that outdoor is the ideal growing style for cannabis. It’s the most natural and cost-effective method. I just love the idea of the cannabis plants basking under the California sun and swaying under our big blue skies. That said, I am a big fan and love a good greenhouse grow. You can take advantage of the sun’s energy, maintain a hospitable environment when mother nature is having a bad day, and you can have multiple harvests per year. We have one sun-grown strain in the fumé lineup called Dank Fruit, and it recently took third place in High Times’ NorCal Cannabis Cup in the sun-grown category. It’s a cross between Purple Papaya Punch x Blue Dream. I dubbed it an introvert’s paradise, and it’s my current go-to weekday strain because it delivers such a well-balanced high, and it smokes super smooth. The other two strains in the fumé line are absolute stunners. Our Double Chem OG (Light Dep) is a heavy-hitter and delivers that body buzz before taking you into a calm, relaxed state. And, our Cherry AK (Mixed Light) has an incredible nose—I get goosebumps whenever I smell it. It’s sweet and piney, and it packs a burst of energy right out of the gate; it’s a cerebral banger, and you’ll want to move around.
WB: Favorite let’s get stoned food, where?
IH: Gimme the salt all day. Pretzels, pizza (duh), and olives. This is why I really love an overflowing Mezze platter when I smoke with friends. I like the freshness of a Mezze platter and how savory the items are—the olives, feta, eggplant, tzatziki, and the warm flatbreads just hit the spot for me. With a loaded Mezze platter, there is something for everyone so we can just settle in, listen to music, talk, and graze and blaze.
WB: What is your passion?
IH: I am honestly just in love with the cannabis community. I have never felt so protective, engaged with, and proud of a group of people. I want to help people find healing with the plant and bring joy to others through recreational use. So, to combine my passion for helping and healing through the plant with my professional desire to build things, I have found an industry and community that gets the best parts of me. I have used cannabis since high school recreationally and medically after my first panic attack about eight years ago. But, being able to work with the plant, develop products and brands, and collaborate with some amazing growers, marketers, retailer buyers, and my awesome team makes me very thankful for the opportunity I have been given to work in this industry.
*Unique, high-quality cannabis, grown responsibly
fumé strains are uncommon as they are small-batch cannabis with complex cannabinoid and terpene profiles that deliver a full-spectrum experience. The strains are visually appealing, have vibrant colors, and produce enticing aromas when squeezed. Each large bud was cured to perfection and hand-trimmed with care.
The flower is sourced based on the sustainability of the grower’s cultivation practices. The brand showcases the growers, many of whom are heritage growers who have honed their craft of growing small-batch cannabis sustainably and responsibly. That means no run-off from their grow, no chemicals or toxic chemicals are used, and they don’t import water.
*Elevated packaging and smoking accessories
fumé strains are offered in three formats–Flower (3.5g), King Cone (1g), and Pre-Roll Pack (3.5g). The flower is beautifully packaged in a premium UV-resistant, air-tight flower jar that preserves the flower five times longer than any other jar on the market. The King Cone and Pre-Roll Pack include custom cherry wood smoke tips created by a small wood accessory maker in the US and an organic beeswax hemp wicks to remove the taste of sulfur from a matchstick or butane from a lighter, allowing to taste the flower in its truest form. fumé packaging is totally sustainable, 100% recyclable, and child-resistant certified–to open the King Cone and Pre-Roll Packs, you simply insert a credit card to expose the snug-fit tray where each cone joint is housed in a glass tube with a cork for freshness.
*Giving back to the cannabis community
In 2020, Napa Valley Fumé partnered with Last Prisoner Project to free people who are currently incarcerated for a drug that is no longer illegal. The company continues to be an active partner with continued support in its ongoing efforts with recurring monthly donations. Napa Valley Fumé is proud to be long-standing supporters of Last Prisoner Project.
fumé is now available throughout California on Eaze.com, Sweet Flower in Los Angeles, and select High Times dispensaries.
Napa Valley Fumé is a vertically integrated cannabis company based in Napa, CA. The company’s mission–Planting Trees for Future Generations–comes from its vision to plant seeds to grow a brighter future for cannabis by bringing the most innovative products and experiences to market. Its first brand–LAKE GRADE–entered the market in July 2019, and its proprietary strains quickly became one of the most popular sun-grown cannabis on the market. In August 2021, Napa Valley Fumé launched its flagship brand–fumé–for those who seek an elevated cannabis experience.
Warren Bobrow has been a dishwasher, the owner of the first company to make fresh pasta in South Carolina , a television engineer and he even worked at Danceteria in NYC, then a trained chef which led to a twenty year career in private banking. A cannabis, wine and travel aficionado, Warren is a former rum judge and craft spirits national brand ambassador. He works full time in the cannabis business as an alchemist/journalist. Cocktailwhisperer.com Drinkklaus.com Instagram: warrenbobrow http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Bobrow
I’ve met Bryan Buckley a couple of times now for this article and another magazine a couple of years ago. I was struck by his forthright character, passion for the plant, and his deep reverence for his service in the military, not a small task as I’ve learned. He’s got a handshake that speaks volumes, even before he speaks. I felt very happy to have him doing what he obviously loves, and he needs to bond with his brothers in arms through his passion and compassion.
Warren Bobrow: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Photo: HVGC
Brian Buckley: I was born and raised in a town north of the Philadelphia area called Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Once I joined the Marine Corps, I spent time in Quantico, Virginia, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In 2011, I received orders to Camp Pendleton, California. I moved to an area called Carlsbad, California, and have been living here ever since.
Warren Bobrow: What do you do? Please tell me about your company and what makes you different.
Brian Buckley: Once I finished up my service in the Marine Corps, I worked for an Ed Tech firm, focusing on Higher Education. In 2016, I founded the Battle Brothers Foundation, a 501C3 Nonprofit organization that supports our veterans. It was around the same time that I discovered the medicinal benefits of cannabis. I wanted to move the dial with our nation’s legislators and began the process of being able to obtain an Institutional Review Board (IRB). Helmand Valley Growers Company (HVGC) was established to help achieve this goal. I have the honor of being the President and CEO of this adult/medical cannabis organization located in California. What separates us from other brands is that 100% of our profits go to fund veteran medical cannabis research. This research will include NiaMedic Healthcare and Research Services out of Israel and the University of California at Irvine Health. The first study is scheduled to take place in the fall/winter of 2021.
Photo: HVGC
Warren Bobrow: What was your inspiration? When did you discover the plant? What strains do you seek?
Brian Buckley: My inspiration has been veterans. I never could understand why we do not do everything in our power to ensure that they live a life of peace and the American dream that they fought so hard to defend. I discovered the plant in the 2016 timeframe. I was just having a terrible time trying to sleep and relax. It was Andy Miears who told me about the positive impact that the plant was having on his life. Once I tried it, I knew it was something special. No pill could have the positive impact that cannabis had on me. That is what inspired us to go forward with an Institutional Review Board-approved study. We wanted to prove the medicinal benefit of cannabis through data-driven results. I love hearing feedback from veterans in terms of what strains have worked best for them to help reduce their ailments. At Helmand Valley Growers Company, we want to produce what works best for our veterans to help combat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Warren Bobrow: Favorite childhood food memory? Current food passion?
Brian Buckley: My favorite childhood food memory would have to be watching high school football under the Friday night lights. For food? I love popcorn to a fault. I will take down a whole large bucket at the movies. When I make a bag of popcorn in the microwave, it is for me and me alone. Combined, I love watching football games while eating a bag of popcorn. Even when I go home, and I drive by the stadium on a game night, I can still smell that popcorn. My current food passion is cooking steak and chicken or whatever on a grill. Just find it to be relaxing. If you do it right, the food is incredible.
Warren Bobrow: What is your passion?
Brian Buckley: My passion is my family and the mission of proving the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis. I always try to keep a good work/life balance. Work hard all day, come home to the family, and spend quality time with the family. At night, prior to calling it a night, I think, “What have I done for a veteran today.” It is what drives me to keep going.
I’ve been a massive fan of Canndescent for several years now. Their rise to excellence creates a plateau for intellectual thought, and I’m positive that their flowers inspire others as they do for me. There is nothing that I know of that fills my mind as completely as Canndescent cannabis in regard to creativity. Sure, I have my favorite cannabis strains in every state, but that isn’t the whole story. Canndescent is consistently inspiring in my book. If only I could get Canndescent in New Jersey. Well, that’s another story for another day. I’m lucky to have been afforded the ability to taste excellence.
Of course, tasting excellence comes with a cost—the potency. Canndescent is not for the beginner cannabis aficionado. I am treading lightly here. Sure, you can afford it, but less is more in this respect. Canndescent.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about the Art of Flower. What are you trying to achieve?
Photo: Canndescent
Jeff Homolya: “The Art of Flower” means that we see cannabis cultivation as an art form. We produce each cultivar with its own individual needs in mind—ensuring it reaches its greatest potential and that we maintain genetic purity. The meticulous care we put into each strain helps us produce amazing flower and allows us to capture what makes cannabis so special. Our goal is to produce the cleanest, highest-quality flower possible so our consumers can experience everything cannabis has to offer.
WB: How do you decide what strains to choose? Indoor or outdoor grown? Why?
JH: Through pheno-hunting, our team of experts selects strains from vetted nurseries. Each cultivar is test-grown in small batches to ensure it meets our rigorous potency, yield, and terpene standards.
Since Canndescent is an effects-based cannabis brand, we use the flower’s terpene profile, cannabinoids, and the results of inhouse sensory tests to place a strain into one of our five effect categories—CALM, CRUISE, CREATE, CONNECT, and CHARGE. Our goal is to simplify the selection process for consumers looking for a specific experience.
All Canndescent flower is grown in one of our four state-of-the-art indoor cultivation facilities in Desert Hot Springs, California. Growing indoors gives us more control, allowing us to curate the environment by stage and strain.
WB: What are your six- and twelve-month goals?
Photo: Canndescent
JH: In terms of short-term goals, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of our flower. At our R&D center, we are also working to produce proprietary genetics.
Our long-term goal is to expand our product offerings in the market. Sustainability is also very important to us. We were one of the first companies to create a solar-powered cultivation center. We want to continue expanding on our conservation efforts and find ways to reduce our carbon footprint and energy consumption even more.
WB: What is your favorite cannabis strain right now? Why?
JH: CRUISE 239 is a new favorite of mine. The plant itself has an excellent structure, and the flower has great coloring and a rich chocolatey sweet aroma and flavor. Also, this hybrid is high in the terpene limonene, promoting mental euphoria and relaxing the body without causing couch lock.
WB: What is your passion?
Photo: Canndescent
JH: Cannabis cultivation is my passion, and it’s an honor and privilege to work so closely with mother nature every day. The reward is knowing that my efforts positively impact the lives of people who turn to cannabis. It doesn’t get much better than working with this incredible plant and helping people.
Warren Bobrow has been a dishwasher, the owner of the first company to make fresh pasta in South Carolina , a television engineer and he even worked at Danceteria in NYC, then a trained chef which led to a twenty year career in private banking. A cannabis, wine and travel aficionado, Warren is a former rum judge and craft spirits national brand ambassador. He works full time in the cannabis business as an alchemist/journalist. Cocktailwhisperer.com Drinkklaus.com Instagram: warrenbobrow http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Bobrow
I spent some time recently at the Hall of Flowers in Santa Rosa, California, and had the extreme pleasure of trying the GRAV Glass Joints at the source. Filled with mystical varieties of cannabis, the Glass Joints charmed me immediately. Easy to smoke and prefilled, the Glass Joints are “good to go” when a grinder is impractical and a bowl impossible to maneuver given the on the move nature of life. GRAV has done what others failed to do, make a product that is easy to use and truly recyclable. The glass just goes out with your glass. Easy and simple. I love the overall design of the GRAV glassware, and they work for me. The glassware makes smoking cannabis even more fun! I was lucky to ask Dave Daily, the founder of GRAV, five questions about his company and what cannabis represents to him. Enjoy.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. Where are you from? When did you first smoke weed? Out of what?
Dave Daily: I’m proudly from Austin, Texas and part of the creative community keeping Austin (and the state) progressive.
Ha, honestly, that’s a hard one to pin down. My first cannabis experience was probably in my parent’s backyard on the deck, where we ran a little barbershop business for all the high school kids who wanted fades. Like everyone, I have some pretty incredible, memorable moments consuming cannabis. That’s how “the ritual of consumption” has become a key phrase said throughout the company. Coincidentally (or maybe not?), I made the first Gravitron on that deck nine years after that first time getting high. I’ll never forget testing it out with my folks, who continue to be GRAV’s (and my) biggest fans. That product was one I spent an enormous amount of time and energy bringing to life. That was a special moment back in ’04 that literally sparked something special: the beginning of GRAV.
WB: Please tell me about your company. What makes you different, therefore, better than your competitors.
DD: We don’t think about the industry in terms of competitors, GRAV recognizes creatives and artists in the glass blowing space. Our products have come to signify something special, which is how we’ve ended up with imaginative shapes, function, and features. There’s truly a product for everyone, and many of our pieces have been in production for over 15 years now. We currently sell over 300 products across all major categories of cannabis accessories, including bongs, rigs, dry pipes, vapes, grinders, and more.
WB: What are your six and twelve-month goals?
DD: Growth is huge for us at the moment, our business, and we’re currently available globally in 25 countries across six continents. From 2019 to 2020, GRAV sales grew over 30%, and we maintained an upward trajectory.
GRAV will always be rooted in Austin, and we’ve been expanding our team the past few months to keep up with projections. It’s a really cool time, and there’s great energy amongst our staff. We’ve had some incredible hires, including our VP of People and Impact, Madison Butler, and our VP of Marketing, Matt Rosenberg. We look forward to welcoming more into the GRAV family and expanding our circle.
WB: What is your favorite food to eat when stoned? Outdoor or indoor weed? From whom?
DD: I’m a burger guy, and I travel, so I can usually find a Shake Shack or In-N-Out.
Cure Company hybrids (indoor) smoked out of GRAV Glass Joints. No question.
WB’s Note on the GRAV Glass Joints: They remind me of Murano glass, that intrinsic quality- and they come pre-loaded (in California) with really amazing cannabis that got me really stoned on very little…
WB: What is your passion?
DD: This is it… I’m living it! Before GRAV, I was on a different career path, but instead of feeling excited, I wasn’t happy with my day-to-day work. I hit a point where I knew I needed to shake things up and go towards a creative path. While immersing myself within the Austin art community, I found this newfound sense of camaraderie and inspiration from my peers that was previously missing. It was this environment that birthed GRAV and this energy that we continue to keep alive in our Austin HQ today.
Warren Bobrow has been a dishwasher, the owner of the first company to make fresh pasta in South Carolina , a television engineer and he even worked at Danceteria in NYC, then a trained chef which led to a twenty year career in private banking. A cannabis, wine and travel aficionado, Warren is a former rum judge and craft spirits national brand ambassador. He works full time in the cannabis business as an alchemist/journalist. Cocktailwhisperer.com Drinkklaus.com Instagram: warrenbobrow http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Bobrow
