Functional Tonics for Mood, Relaxation, and Clarity.
The Revolution is Being Noticed.
The Best THC Drinks That Taste As Good As They Make You Feel
Bon Appetit Magazine
Created by mixologist and writer Warren Bobrow, Klaus cans are infused with 10mg of THC for a mind-opening sense of euphoria. A fan of Moscow mules? Try the Mezzrole, a piquant blend of French limes, Pickett’s spicy-sweet ginger syrup, and tart rice vinegar that finishes with notes of sea salt. — C.J.
Snoop Dogg and Warren Bobrow are business partners who collaborate on Iconic Tonics, a line of functional and cannabis-infused beverages. Bobrow, a critically acclaimed mixologist, created the Klaus brand of THC and non-alcoholic drinks for the company.
Snoop Dogg formed Iconic Tonics in partnership with Harmony Craft Beverages in March 2025. The company aims to disrupt the functional beverage space with a portfolio of innovative brands.
Warren Bobrow, known as the “Cocktail Whisperer” and a six-time published author, is a master mixologist and co-founder of the Klaus brand within the Iconic Tonics portfolio. He developed Klaus as a premium line of THC-infused and non-alcoholic (NEIN by Klaus) libations, focusing on terpene-forward, layered, and sophisticated flavors.
The collaboration features several beverage lines available in various markets, including New York and New Jersey, and nationwide for the hemp-derived versions.
Klaus: A collection of ready-to-drink, THC-infused libations with 10mg of THC per can, made with premium ingredients like live rosin.
NEIN by Klaus: A non-alcoholic line featuring botanical terpene infusions, offering a premium adult beverage experience without the alcohol.
Other Iconic Tonics Brands: The broader portfolio includes Snoop Dogg’s other brands like “Do It Fluid” (hemp-infused) and “Doggy Spritz,” as well as “Love Yer Brain” with Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.
The drinks are available through online retailers like DoorDash in select areas, and in stores such as Total Wine & More.
Hemp-infused drinks provide an accessible entry point for drinkers who want to try Dry January, at least for now. Despite causing three million preventable deaths annually, alcohol remains the world’s most legal and accessible drug. Meanwhile cannabis, which has caused zero deaths by itself, is often prohibited.
This dichotomy in drug policy is fueling a cultural shift, especially among younger generations adopting “Cali Sober” lifestyles by choosing safer alternatives. The data clearly shows that global drug laws are a failed system based on a dangerous double standard rather than public health evidence. People are starting to take matters into their own hands with Dry January and Cali Sober lifestyles.
Dry January And The Looming Ban On Hemp-Infused Drinks
This Dry January I’m focusing on non-alcoholic beverages (NA) and those that are infused with hemp or cannabis. This is an opportunity to get educated on these products and experiment with them while you still can. You may not be able to access them next Dry January.
The U.S. Congress recently passed a ban on intoxicating hemp products that goes into effect on November 12, 2026. Unless that legislation is changed, all of the hemp-infused drinks mentioned in this column will be banned. I encourage readers to experiment with these products between now and November.
While I do mention specific brands, these are not “recommendations” but “introductions.” I don’t review brands or products, but I do educate folks on certain companies my experience informs me can be trusted.
The world of NA and hemp-infused drinks is vast and readers should do their own research and engage in the fun process of trial and error. Get some friends together, purchase a few different brands, and have a tasting session. That’s the best way to learn about hemp-infused and NA drinks.
Please note that some states have already banned hemp-infused drinks and consumers may not be able to order directly from the websites listed here in those areas.
How Entrepreneurs Are Building The Hemp-Infused Drink Market
The NA and hemp-infused drinks fall into a few different categories. Some are savory, some are sweet. Some try to imitate beer or other alcoholic formats enticing consumers with familiar flavors. Others go the sweet route and make soda formulations. Still others are differentiating themselves with no-calorie seltzers or hop waters.
Then there are those that are making spirit-type drinks consumers mix with their favorite tonic water or other mixer. These are more interactive and allow end users to adjust the flavor profile and dosage to their liking. If mixing things up is your thing, this may be the ticket for you.
Non-Alcoholic Beer And Hemp-Infused Hop Waters Explained
For those readers who prefer no hemp in their NA drinks, the brand FLVR! may be a good place to start. They brew real beer, too, so they have expertise with the taste profile. Their NA brews had a frothy head and went down smooth. They offer multiple hop levels in a variety of flavors for every palette.
High Bridge is another well-made brew and tea brand, they also make a cucumber seltzer water. These are infused with less than 10mg of Delta-9 THC in each can but potency varies by SKU so read the label carefully. Nano emulsion technology ensures rapid onset and all their products are 5-25 calories per can. They do interesting collaborations with folks like actor Jim Belushi and Realm Of Caring, an educational nonprofit the brand supports.
Fabric is a B Corporation drink brand that makes low-dose hemp-infusion hop waters. They range from zero THC to 10mg per can, depending on the flavor. The brand was born in Australia but made in the USA. As a B Corporation, they donate a portion of their revenue to nonprofit organizations.
Why Hemp-Based Spirits Appeal To Dry January Drinkers
Musician Willie Nelson is paving the way in the hemp spirits category. His brand Willie’s Remedy is a spirit product that has a subtle blend of lemon, lime, passionfruit and cannabis flavor. Mix it up with your favorite mixer over ice this Dry January. This is a low dose (5mg) per serving spirit that you sip rather than gulp. The brand also makes shots and seltzers for those that prefer finished formats.
NA spirit brand The Pathfinder uses hemp in their proprietary fermentation process but the final product contains zero intoxicants. A number of other botanicals are used like angelica root, wormwood, and saffron. This gives it a complexity that is perfect for home mixologists to experiment with. The brand also has a negroni flavor and espresso tonic for those who don’t want to mix their own. Their website will show you where you can get The Pathfinder at a traditional bar so you can imbibe with friends who may stay wet this January.
Why Hemp-Infused Seltzers Are Surging During Dry January
Cycling Frog is one of the leading brands in the hemp-infused seltzer space. They sell other infused formats like capsules, gummies, mints, and even a chocolate chip cookie mix. This brand has a large range of potency in their product line so be mindful and read the labels.
One of the early movers in infused seltzers is Calexo. Calexo is an art and design collective of BIPOC, LGBTQ, women and allies coming together to delight customers. If supporting these entrepreneurs aligns with your values, this brand checks those boxes.
Cantrip is another infused soda brand that also has an elixir for those who like to mix up their own. One of the leading brands in this vertical, they have a Dry January special on their website that allows folks to mix and match their products at a discount.
In fact, most brands have some kind of Dry January special happening making this month a perfect time to experiment and save a few bucks.
The Rise Of Adaptogen-Infused NA And Hemp Drinks
Adaptogen-infused NA drinks are increasingly popular. Often infused with healing mushrooms like Lions Mane or Reishi, these drinks emphasize wellness not intoxication. Each brand has unique formulations that include different adoptogens and botanical ingredients like kava, ginseng, or maca. Brez is one leading brand in this space—they also make hemp-infused versions of their offerings. Their products drink easily and activate the immune and nervous system in the body.
Hiyo is another pure NA brand (no hemp) that has various botanicals to try. Their flavors lean towards the tropical and the sweet. Perfect for warm weather or lifting you out of the winter blues. Their informative website does a nice job of educating consumers on their formulations and botanicals.
Opportunities And Risks For Hemp Drink Entrepreneurs
If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to get into the NA, adaptogen, or hemp-infused space, there are a few producers worth looking into. Master mixologist Warren Bobrow has been doing it longer than most. He has his own cannabis-infused drink brand called Klaus that’s available in select dispensaries in New York and New Jersey, but he also formulates as a freelancer. Bobrow has numerous connections with white label manufacturers.
Douglas Fulton and his The Brand Accelerator group offer entrepreneurs a full suite of drink services from formulating to branding to distribution. Fulton has brought dozens of brands to market out of his facility in Long Beach, California. He has a relatively low cost way for owners to get into the game.
Earl Giles out of Minneapolis has an impressive mixology laboratory within their large distillery and restaurant. Just about every flavor and legal botanical extract on the planet is represented in their facility. They have deep experience as formulators and chefs helping entrepreneurs through every step of the process—they also offer concept-to-market services. Their cost barrier to entry is also modest.
What’s Next For Hemp-Infused Drinks After Dry January
Dry January is a perfect time to explore NA and hemp-infused drinks. Readers should poke around, experiment, and have fun discovering what works for them. Entrepreneurs should always do due diligence as there are a large number of mixologists and white label producers to choose from.
This month is about making safer choices, moderating or eliminating alcohol intake, and ensuring no one gets behind the wheel of a vehicle when impaired. NA and hemp drinks can help folks stay dry this month and give everyone the opportunity to learn about these products all year long, or, while they still can.
When I look back into the past and my path to becoming the person I have finally become, it’s important to remember the people who I’ve bonded with along the way. Two of these people knew me when I worked for that business-centric magazine because I wrote about them. Now, more than a few years later, I had a dream. And in the dream, I was smoking a perfect .25 gram Selfies: The Lime. The next day, I was going through my cabinet, and what I thought was an empty box of The Lime/Selfies dropped out onto the floor. I thought it was empty because it’s been a year since I’ve been out west and had the opportunity to procure a few packs. But getting back to the box, which I thought was empty, I found a perfect little preroll for selfies inside. It was calling me as if to say, please savor me. Smoke me. Enjoy me. And the back story is, lately, the cannabis I’ve been enjoying has not been from California. It’s someplace different. And when I lit up that perfectly stuffed, delicious “the lime,” it brought me back to the place where I bought it in Los Angeles when I developed the liquor and non-alc program at Love, Life, Nourish in LaLa… This brought me back to square one professionally and gave me the ability to pivot right back to the people who still influence me.
The people behind Selfies, that is.
I’m the lucky one to be able to be influenced by their passion for the finest California-grown cannabis, stuffed into a .25 space with a paper filter and the marvelous box around. They have succeeded and found their niche amongst many. I wish they were available in New York or New Jersey. Or anywhere near me. I’m a massive fan of the brand, yes. But more importantly, the people behind the brand resonate with a very special place in my experience, and their interview is from the heart. Glad to have done this interview with you, my friends.
Cheers! WB
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourselves. Where are you from? Where are you now? How did you choose to open your business in California?
Kristen and Chad Heschong: We are the co-founders of SELFiES. We’re both from California: Chad is from the Bay Area, and Kristen is from Orange County, CA. We’ve both lived in California our whole lives, and our families are here. California has our hearts, so deciding to start our business here was easy and natural.
WB: Please tell me about your business. What do you do? What are your strengths? Please tell me about Selfies. What’s in the name?
KH: Heshies is our parent company, specializing in contract manufacturing and white-label services. We collaborate with some of the most respected brands in California, building our business on a foundation of strong relationships and exceptional product quality. Our commitment is to consistently exceed client expectations, ensuring the success of every partner we work with. Rather than focusing solely on financial gain, our priority is to deliver premium, clean products that California consumers can trust and enjoy.
CH: I oversee all aspects of the business, with a primary focus on manufacturing, inventory management, and sales. In addition to my day-to-day responsibilities, I dedicate significant effort to identifying and cultivating new partnerships to drive the continued growth of our company. Given the dynamic nature of our industry, we all wear multiple hats to ensure success. While we launched over seven years ago, the challenges of operating within California’s evolving market make it feel as though we are still navigating the early stages of a startup.
KH: I oversee the creative and marketing divisions of our business, while also stepping into various roles as needed. With a background in public relations and marketing for consumer brands, I was eager to merge my professional experience with my passion for the plant. This has allowed me to create a product offering that I am truly proud of.
SELFiES started due to Chad constantly bringing home new products to try and me not wanting half-smoked joints on our coffee table. I wanted to try everything, but in a smaller format, so Chad started rolling and bringing home smaller and smaller joints. When he got to the .25g minis, we both knew we were on to something- there wasn’t anything in the market like this, this size, this quality – it was unmatched. My biggest issue at the time with the cannabis market was the creative/ marketing; it was either super stoner-like or apothecary-like. I wasn’t drawn to the super-stoner branding, and as appealing as the apothecary-like branding was, I saw it as a disservice to our biggest goal in the industry, which was the destigmatization of the plant. Masking cannabis in packaging that is fit for a pricey candle at a high-end store felt insincere to me. I wanted to shine a light (this is where holographic came into play) on this amazing product we have, and on destigmatizing this wonderful, magical plant we have on our beloved earth. We have a great quality product, and we’re fun and approachable. It was so important to articulate that in our branding.
WB: What about the name?
KH: Chad came up with the name SELFiES, but to be honest, at the time, I wasn’t completely sold on it. Having spent so much time in fashion and being so excited for a meaningful career change, it was hard for me to detach my conceptions at the time of being self-absorbed and the term selfies. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I vividly remember a long conversation Chad and I had about the need for small joints in a pack you could share. We chatted about all the times we shared a joint with strangers and realized, wow, how awesome would it be to be able to share a joint without sharing YOUR joint? Everyone keeps their germs to themselves, but everyone gets to smoke and share the experience together. We also loved the idea of treating yourself whenever that made sense! The size makes it so non-committal I would never feel bad about lighting and enjoying one solo.
WB: What are your six and twelve-month goals? What obstacles do you face? How do you anticipate removing them? Do you have a mentor? When did you first discover cannabis?
KH/CH: 6 Months: Continue to expand and capture market share in California. 12 Months: Expand into other states with the right partners that share a similar vision.
Obstacles: Ever changing regulations, TAXES & AR collections. One of the most significant challenges for brands in California is collecting payments according to the agreed-upon terms. This unpredictability makes it incredibly difficult to maintain an accurate financial forecast, as we’re never certain when—or if—we will be paid. It’s the primary source of stress for us. We are fortunate to have an exceptional, dedicated team, and ensuring we can retain and compensate them fairly and on time is a non-negotiable priority. To mitigate financial uncertainty, we rely on our personal savings to continuously bootstrap the company, taking on the larger financial sacrifices ourselves, along with Tyler, the other co-founder of Heshies. Additionally, we are constantly navigating the complexities of an oversaturated California market (both legal and illegal).
Removing Obstacles – The majority of the obstacles we face are unfortunately beyond our control. Addressing these challenges will require significant policy changes, such as the de-scheduling of cannabis, the passing of the Banking Act, the removal of Section 280E, and improvements in funding—though we are determined to avoid external funding for as long as possible. What we can control, however, is our response to these challenges. Adapting and overcoming the numerous hurdles thrown our way has become our greatest strength. One area where we do have control is in how we navigate the saturated market, continually setting ourselves apart by offering unique, high-quality products.
WB: When did you first discover cannabis?
CH: In high school, I injured my back while lifting weights, and the only relief I found from the pain was through cannabis—rather than the prescription medications my doctor recommended. The day I turned 18, I took my medical records to a physician, obtained my medical cannabis license, and have since been dedicated to creating a product that can provide the same kind of relief for others dealing with pain, anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
KH: My parents may read this, so let’s say I first discovered cannabis at 18 in college in San Francisco (shoutout to Hippie Hill!). I had always struggled with anxiety, although at the time, I didn’t know that was what it was. I just knew that cannabis made me feel better, more at ease, able to process hard things better, and overall just live a better life. And I enjoyed it! Much more than drinking or anything else people were doing.
WB: Circling around to a more personal question, What kind of food do you enjoy when imbibing your products? Do you have a favorite restaurant or meal you like to enjoy when imbibing?
KH: We’re both trying to be healthier currently (it’s the beginning of the year, right?!). After COVID-19, the stresses of the industry, and a heartbreaking 3-year fertility journey, we’re trying to make a concerted effort to prioritize what we’re giving our bodies. Recently, we’ve been devouring The Good Soup by Caroline Chambers. It’s full of veggies and the best thing I’ve made in a while. Maybe it’s ever? I have a huge sweet tooth, so I am constantly trying to find healthier sweet alternatives- currently, lots of dates and chocolate recipes, and we both love popcorn to satisfy any late-night cravings.
More than food after smoking SELFiES, we LOVE experiences. THRIFT SHOPPING- flea markets all over California are one of my favorite things to do and have become one of Chad’s favorite things as well (Long Beach Flea and Alameda are our top picks). So much of our furniture, decor, and clothing comes from thrift shopping; we love the hunt, and we love buying preloved items to help our beloved earth. We also love getting out in nature after enjoying our products; they make us both stop and really appreciate all the beauty around us and focus on gratitude no matter what we are dealing with in life at that time.
WB: What is your passion?
KH: To destigmatize the cannabis plant and provide exceptional products so that many more can experience the incredible healing properties it has to offer because that will make the world a better place.
Ihad the pleasure of meeting Corrina through a mutual friend and the honor of visiting her one of a kind, art gallery/dispensary/performance space in Las Cruces, New Mexico was one of the highpoints of my journeys through this land of enchantment. The time we were afforded was ever too short- as all great conversations are but I’m encouraged at the opportunity to revisit- and discuss the myriad of fine flowers that seem to be ethereal and effervescent- all at the same time.
Her space, redolent with art and gorgeous luxuriant planks of old wood floors, encapsulated in a historical adobe shell, mid-century modern before anyone coined the name. The energy of her space is palatable, and you can feel the spirits of this historic place dance around you. Her building? Spiritual for certain- filled with the energy from the healers who lived here, I sensed it the second I came in. Made the hairs on my arms rise up, as if to say, rest awhile, learn. experience. Share. Good people this Corrina Miramontes… My family of cannabis luminaries has expanded deeply. What an honor to learn from her! She is truly a cannabist.
Her massive, Great Pyrenees puppy with many tasks to complete met me at the door and ran with me around the back yard. Fun! Great personality. Tons of energy! Good dog!
Now, please enjoy my interview with Corrina. And if you make your way through Las Cruces, stop in to her dispensary/art gallery and introduce yourself. Have a glass of alkaline water, meet the spirits… Relax and learn what you don’t know… Plenty as I found out.
And now? What’s next? Please enjoy.
Photo credit: Rebecca Munoz
Waren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Live now? Where did you get your start in the hospitality business? You are evidently extremely talented in fine wine and how do you use this knowledge in what you are doing now.
Corrina Miramontes: My name is Corrina Miramontes Strauss, I was born in southern California raised in Northern California & New Mexico. I am currently spending my time between Las Cruces and Albuquerque. My family owned a restaurant in Northern California for 25 years, but I will say my ex-husband’s family had a Mexican employee that taught me so much about serving and hospitality. Arora was her name, and she just passed this year. She taught me so much about being of service truly.
Yes, I learned about terpenes in wine! I defiantly analyze cannabis and cannabis products like wine and smell is everything! Smell, sight, taste! Next to smoking. I suppose a lot of what I learned as a Sommelier helps me in the Cannabis industry.
WB: Please tell me about your business in Las Cruces? How did you decide to put in a dispensary? You have amazing strains that I’ve seen nowhere else… Do you source your own plants? How do you choose what you sell? Terroir? Sungrown? Landraces?
CM: Royal Road Cannabis Company dispensary, art gallery, apothecary, community space.
My father’s family was from Chihuahua and settled in the area, Ahaa the Borderlands and it’s trauma. I came here, to care for my grandmother the winter of 2021, rec just passed. I felt drawn like “It was meant to be “for me to share the knowledge gained in Northern California, not only in Cannabis but as an example for young, underserved Latinas in the community.
Thank you for the strain (or cultivar) compliment, I research growers, strains, style of growing and intention of the human growing the medicine. I cannot source my own plants YET but in the future!
Photo credit: Madeleine Strauss
WB: What are your six and twelve month goals? What obstacles do you face? How do you anticipate removing those obstacles? Tell me about your historic building that your dispensary is in… What makes it so special….
CM: My six month goals are to get the word out! WE are here, open and have incredible products for you!
My goal for twelve months is to launch a few products under The Royal Buzz brand.
The biggest obstacle is my place is not on a major street, so its challenging to find. We had a huge Mural painted on the building to bring attention to the building.
The building was built in 1915, and you can most certainly feel that when you are in it. One of my favorite stories of the space is that during WW2 a woman whose husband was at war, was living here. She prayed every day for strangers. The main wall in the dispensary was filled with photos of strangers, this women, who lived in this building was a “Prayer warrior”. She would pray for hours every day. What an angel.
Also, it is on the Camino Real hence the name Royal Road, it’s on the original road that went from Mexico City to Santa Fe. Pat Garett, the man that shot Billy the kid lived on my street. I could go on with the history of my house, street and neighborhood. I am actually the Historian for the neighborhood Historic Preservation group.
WB: What are your favorite foods? Do you cook? If so, what is your go/to when imbibing fine wine- I mean the plant! And fine wine too… Do you have a favorite restaurant? Where? What do you enjoy eating when you go out?
Photo credit: Adrain Medina
CM: Favorite food? Well, that is a hard one for me, I worked with French Chefs most of my Beverage Career. Chef Cammile Swartrz was from Alsace and Chef Roland Passot from Lyon, their food is so incredible!
These days I don’t eat much rich food. Mexican food feeds my tummy and my soul.
Yes! I love to cook, and I don’t have a particular favorite style, I do have years of question to Chefs and family members. I adore fine ingredients. I’ll focus a whole meal on an ingredient I’ve found. When I do drink, I love finely executed mocktails, Champagne, Burgundy (red or white) and agave spirits like Tequila, Mescal, Sotol and Bacanora. As far as plant medicine I LOVE Hash Holes, I love a broad range of cultivars, I think there is a place for it all. Narrow leaves for me during the day although they can be cerebral, but they do stimulate my creativity and productivity. I love a wide leaf in the evenings, during my moon, and after a long day snowboarding. I love 1:1. I grew 1:1 last year and it was such a lovely smoke.
Lavender Trainwreck was my favorite plant ever! To grow and smoke!
Rosin is a special treat for me, the layers of taste reminds me of wine. And that is why I LOVE Hash Holes.
Favorite restaurants, in Las Cruces I have to say Café Paisano has the best flavors and ingredients. Saenz Gorditas is the best fast food! My grandpa would take me there. When I am in Albuquerque, I like to eat at Annapurna clean and intentional. I have to say my favorite meal ever was at Quintonil in Mexico City. It was like tasting through my childhood and culture but with the execution that was second to none. I am pretty adventurous when it comes to eating. I did say no to Llama!
WB: What is your passion?
CM: Passion well…. I love being a mother! I can’t wait until my children have children.
I love community and I am hopeful there is a community focus shift in consciousness. I am very passionate about sharing knowledge of any kind with those in need. I have come from an underserved community of brown and indigenous women, and it is my greatest passion to serve them as our future.
Gardening is my heaven (is that different than passions?) Snowboarding is my exhilaration. Learning is my drive. I didn’t realize how much I’d love advocating, but it makes sense, and I am so thankful for my cannabis crew and historic preservation crew. Music is my church and snowboarding is my self care.
Thank you, my friend, for affording me the time in your world in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I learned something I didn’t know about myself in the process. Cheers! WB
Let’s talk about luck for a moment. Having just returned from Las Cruces, New Mexico, where I tasted for the first time an outdoor grown in the high desert (with love and abundant sunshine) cannabis from this magical place. The location was the most marvelous dispensary named Royal Road, filled with spirits. Some known, and others hovering outside, waiting patiently to be dispersed in the small packages of outdoor-grown cannabis. Had I had more time, I would have dug deeper into this mysterious plant that arrives in dispensaries in many formats, from edibles that take time to assimilate to beverages and flowers. Hash is in there too, I’m sure of it; everything was so thoughtfully chosen. I just didn’t ask the right questions. Next time, I’ll try to do better.
This conversation about terroir and the classics leads me to a trip to an island off the coast of Massachusetts. In this cast-away place, surrounded by the churning seas, the dream of creating temple ball hash made its way to my inland empire, and what delicious hash this is. The artisan crafts enlighten the traditionalist, something that I consider myself. Mostly because I wasn’t just born, and the first time I tried “temple ball” hash in the form of a small brick was in the Ivory Coast in Africa in 1976. Hey, you asked; I was about twelve. The guards of the place we were staying smoked this tobacco and hashish stew in large chalices. Was it ceremonial? I probably was because the sharp stone-tipped spears they carried weren’t for show. They got pretty high on hash, as did my young self. Something wild that remains with me in spirit to this day.
When I investigated Fourteen Counties @fourteencounties on Instagram, they had the usual dabbing stuff. The bubble hash and some truly gorgeous live rosin, but no offense to them; I’m not a dabber. The scents of the plant certainly are beguiling in this format, but I don’t understand the ritual. I need to learn someday, but for all intents and purposes, I love the classic temple ball hash. And that’s what I love to describe. Although I believe hash should be aged, this had all the stuffing. I felt like having a dream from many years gone.
There was something that caught my admiring gaze. That was the Fourteen Counties Hash, real temple ball hash, inspired by Frenchy. Need I say more? Probably not if you know, and if you don’t, I implore you to set aside your dab rig. Search for a hash cloche. Made of glass with a little glass tip that comes out. Inside, you’ll find a small chunk of wood with a thin nail protruding into the glass bell-shaped contraption. Remove with your fingers a nice chunk of the temple ball hash. Roll it around in your palm, smell the aromatics, and tap into the soul of the flower, the plant in all her glory. Form a little ball in your palm and pierce it on the nail. Light it until it glows, blow out any flame, and replace the glass lid. When it fills up with smoke, pull open the top opening and inhale the delicious aromatics.
What you experience is very personal. Hash feels like the embrace of an Angora wool blanket to me. I love the sleep it offers at the end of the day. I’m charmed to know that Fourteen Counties is making the stuff of my dreams. Thank you for being patient. I’ve been traveling, mostly in my mind.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. What was your path to the plant? Where are you from? Where do you live now? When I met you, we were at Martha’s Vineyard. Your roots are deep there- want to tell us about it? When did you first try cannabis? How old? With whom? (A lot to cover, I know, but I like to get a feeling to the readers about who YOU are….)
Ian Mattson: Taking a debate class in high school where I had to debate being pro-medical marijuana. The research and effort behind that experience fueled a lot of interest and background I was unaware of beforehand. I was born in Santa Cruz, CA, and lived in Oakham MA, as well as Martha’s Vineyard. I currently live in Oakham/Barre, in Central MA. I spent summers on the Vineyard throughout my childhood. My grandfather, Alvin Seymour Lane, was stationed there in the Navy as a lieutenant and ended up building a home. Because of this, my family has deep ties to the Vineyard through my grandfather. He has a hospital wing named after him there. The Vineyard did and still does play a big role in my life since my family still lives there, and I visit often. I was only 13 years old with friends at the time and ended up doing it because everyone else was. Overall, it was a negative first experience, but the outlook improved later with the debate and research at school.
WB: What are you working on right now? Why hash? Who is your inspiration? Why? What style of hash is your favorite? Do you smoke flower too? Any particular strains? Growers you want to give props to.
IM: Right now, I am focusing on expanding the 14 Counties’ solventless concentrates to bring clean, high-quality hand-washed hash and live rosin to the Massachusetts market. After being unimpressed and uninspired by rosin on the market, I used my inspiration from Frenchy Cannoli and my passion for hash to focus on creating top-quality solventless concentrates for consumers in Massachusetts. The holistic benefits of hash as a medicine, with its’ terpene content and powerful expression of the entourage effect, make it a stand-out in terms of concentrates. It really focuses on being clean and high-quality throughout the process. Yes, but mostly smoke live rosin and consume full-spectrum edibles because of the holistic benefits associated with them.
Fresh Connection is a highly respected indoor cultivator fueled by passion and a deep background in cannabis. Fresh Connection has continued to provide us with top-tier flower ground-break collaborations (like our traditional hash) and a solid friend in the community.
Picnic is an exceptional small-batch indoor/outdoor cultivator focused on growing intended for hash production. Our continued partnership with Picnic has allowed us not only to bring in amazing flower but collaborate back and forth on results from seed to jar.
Live rosin. It is the best expression of quality from input-output & overall process.
WB: What are your six and twelve-month goals? What obstacles do you face? How do you anticipate removing them? Do you have a mentor? If so, who?
IM: Frenchy Cannoli. His ethos is inspirational. His passion for hash, from the genetics of the plant to growing it to the best processing methods possible, his dedication to every part of the process, and the education he has provided have been inspiring and motivating forces.
To bring exceptional rosin to the MA that is not only high-quality but also explores more strains grown locally to better fit the MA market.
Sticking with Fourteen Counties in creating the best non-solvent concentrates I can while consistently improving and introducing new products to the community.
Start pressing hash in personal amounts for my own endeavors and research and development of new techniques.
Cannabis regulations are a huge obstacle. Our regulations do not operate the same way other retail markets do. Heavy restrictions on packaging and in-store rules make finding product details difficult before purchase. During purchase, daily limits (unseen in alcohol) and high tax rates make the experience price-focused instead of product-focused. Then, after purchase, there are almost zero return protections if there are issues.
I am mostly self-taught through YouTube and online sources. However, some people in the traditional market have provided help in the past.
Currently, Good Will Hunting at Blue River Terps is an excellent collaborator/mentor type, pointing me in the right direction for refining my process.
WB: What does hash do that smoking (plain) cannabis doesn’t do? Is it more spiritual for you? Does it unlock your brain differently?
IM: Hash has more of a medicinal benefit for me due to how it plays into the entourage effect. The higher potency (terpenes and THC%) brings a more intense experience.
Because of the more intense combined effects and the potency of hash, it can be influential spiritually. However, the focus for me is medicinal. It provides a strong version of the intended effects, so better pain management, focus, etc.
WB: What is your passion?
IM: Hash is truly my passion! I live, breathe, and literally eat hash. I don’t have a direct place where I can say where my passion comes from, but I’d like to think my Lebanese background has a heavy influence.
While attending the Revelry Buyers Club Event in Hudson a couple months ago, I stumbled upon a very interesting pipe. Inside the carefully polished aluminum shell there appeared to be a thimble shaped insert containing ceramic balls. These balls as it turn out form the basis of the pipe… A very unique one that has a “limited” life span. What does that mean? It means that you change out the bowl every fifteen or do uses to remove all the tar. Again, what does it do? The interior of the bowl, shielded by a screen, contains tiny ceramic balls. They trap the tar and let the terpenes draw through. Would you drink wine out of a dirty glass, or rum? Or anything for that matter? And what about your usual pipe or joint? What filters out that gunk that collects on the front of your teeth? Nothing!
Until this pipe found a path to my hands. And my teeth.. and my lungs.
What an invention! The Clean Buzz Pipe has my vote!
And if you reorder, there is a nice discount. After a couple times, the pipe is virtually free!
I love it!
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Now?
Mark McWilliams: I grew up in New Hampshire skiing on “boiler plate”, and after high school, went to Northeastern University and MIT to study Mechanical Engineering and entrepreneurship. I worked in aerospace for a decade in San Diego and worked on some very cool defense technologies that became mainstream in the late ‘90’s and early 2000’s. Then I found an opportunity to co/found a medical device design firm, followed by three more medical device companies pursuing different products and technologies. Two doubles, a base hit and a strike-out.
WB: What brought you to the cannabis industry?
MM: Knee pain. I began with the treatments available in the ‘90’s and then started taking Vioxx until the COX2 inhibitors were implicated in organ complications and had to stop taking them. What was the remaining option? Opioid’s?? No way.
Those were the early days of medical marijuana, and I thought it was a regulatory gimmick at first, but after I tried it and my pain became much more manageable, I became a believer. That said, I could feel the tar in my lungs and did not like it at all. I tried a bong but that did nothing to remove the tar. The last straw for me was cleaning the pipe which clogged quickly and required frequent cleaning. What a nasty mess! Then vaping came along and I got very excited about that development but soon was disappointed because it lacked the potency I needed for my pain.
Those experiences got me thinking about the problem/opportunity of removing tar from the flower smoke but allowing the desirable terpenes, where flavor and medicinal components are, to pass through to the user without potency degradation.
Filters using various media present an obvious option for tar removal, but they also remove terpenes from the smoke stream, so that technology as a class would not work well in a medicinal use-case were it is desired to selectively trap tars and pass terpenes. Moreover, filters are placed after the combustion chamber and so do not prevent the pipe from getting covered with tar up to the filter, so you’re still cleaning a nasty pipe.
A new technology approach was required and frankly, that took some time to figure out. When the solution came into mind after a couple years of noodling, it seemed obvious, so I had a hunch I was onto something. A few prototypes later, the concept was proven, and an entirely new smoking technology was invented where tar is trapped in a small disposable liner and terpenes pass right through, and pipe cleaning became as simple as popping out a used bowl liner and putting a new liner in place.
WB: Tell me about your company? What do you do that makes you better than your competition?
MM: CleanBuzz is the only flower smoking technology I’m aware of that removes tar from flower smoke and passes desirable terpenes, while also keeping your pipe or bong clean. Clean lungs and clean pipe or bong. Once I had a viable solution, I formed the company to begin test marketing the product and prove the technology met user needs as it had mine.
WB: Why Cannabis? Is this your first foray with the plant? Who designed your marvelous pipe? What about the bowl makes it special? How did you think of this?
MM: I think my long-winded answer above, answers these questions? What makes it special (actually work to remove tar but pass terpenes) is the configuration of the liner in the bowl, the chamber under the screen and the small beads in that chamber. The beads are well separated from each other, so do not act as a filter of the smoke. Instead, the hot smoke passes over the beads which have lots of pores that create an enormous surface area and the tar condenses on the surface but the terpenes remain in the smoke and pass through to the user. Very simple but very effective. It is the differential condensation of the smoke constituents on the beads that does the separation, not a filtration process. This is why you get full potency of the flower, but no tar.
WB: Does your disposable bowl work with temple ball hash?
MM: I don’t know why it would not work for any smoke producing material that has not been rendered in some way.
WB: Do you recommend grinding the flower first before using the bowl?
MM: Yes. I put one gram of ground flower through each liner and collect 200-250mg of tar in each one. Too small of a grind will clog the screen though.
WB: What are your six and twelve month goals?
MM: Break even?
WB: What is your passion?
MM: OMG: passions Skiing. I skied every season for 55 years until my knees got so bad I couldn’t. One knee replacement done and one to go, then I’ll get out again.
Entrepreneurship: I’ve co-founded 4 companies and invested in and helped over a dozen entrepreneurs advance their technology or product to market. It’s very rewarding to see these products impact lives in positive ways.
Trail Riding: I love the outdoors in SoCal and now that ebikes have become prevalent I can get out to most of the places I want. I’ve done 60 miles of single track this weekend ????
Years ago, in the late 1980’s when I lived in Charleston, South Carolina, I was gifted a very special tool from my old friend, Jean-Jacques, used for smoking cheeba. He named it the chalice. It was a very simple device, a piece of timber bamboo with a hole in it, where a sandblasting tip had been inserted and sealed with wire and clay for airtightness. You would fill the sandblasting tip with ouid and light it up. Your mouth would rest on one end, the other acted as a carburetor. The hits that the chalice put out were exemplary and potent. I’d never smoked anything like it until a car-ride with Chris Louie on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, when he passed me a glass, curiously filled with concentrated cannabis smoke.
Chris instructed me to drink the smoke, just like you would drink a glass of fine Burgundy, sip gently and deeply. Not too much at a time…. Something I failed to hear, because Chris’ chalice was filled with diamonds. No, not the kind that go on your finger, but concentrated cannabis that had formed these gorgeous little gems. Once heated these gems melted and filled my inexperienced lungs with their secrets.
I coughed and then again. Whatever was going through my head was twisted up, form shifting… Manhattan? Park Avenue? This is a serious piece of equipment, Chris’s Chalice.
My piece of bamboo was lost to history, yet it remains vibrant in my mind… Chris’s Chalice on the other hand will be in my mind forever, primarily because it’s just limitless what you can do with it. Starting with that car ride… In Chris’s dad’s car.
A priceless experience of a lifetime.
Chris sent me a Chalice and it can be used one of two ways, the first with a 710 cartridge, it screws right in. Or you can use a concentrate. The learning curve is very short, and the quality of the device is sturdily built and very elegant. The gold lip is pure luxury.
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me what you’re working on in regard to luxury. How do you define a luxury cannabis experience?
Chris Louie: At Made In Xiaolin, we focus on luxury to craft exceptional cannabis journeys. We believe luxury means uncompromised excellence, elegance in presentation, and a superior sensory experience. We’re developing products that appeal to those who seek the finest in cannabis—not just for its effects—but for the complete experience it offers. For example, our 6 gram Capo combines 5 grams of premium flower with 1 gram of rosin, providing a rich, flavorful, and enduring session that’s perfect for aficionados who appreciate the nuances of high-quality cannabis. Additionally, our commitment to personalized customer service, innovation, exclusivity, and sustainability enhances the overall luxury experience. We believe in building strong relationships with our customers by offering personalized service, exclusive events, and educational resources. This approach ensures that our customers not only enjoy our products, but also feel valued and part of a larger community of like-minded individuals.
WB: Why the chalice name? What is the inspiration?
CL: It’s inspired by ideas of celebration and reverence. Historically, chalices are used in ceremonies to signify something precious and communal. For us, it symbolizes an elevated cannabis experience meant to be savored and shared. Our products are designed to capture those senses of specialness and unity that make every session a luxurious ritual.
Our Chalice represents a vessel of enjoyment that elevates the act of consuming cannabis into something more ceremonial and sophisticated. We want our customers to feel that each use is an occasion—a moment to be appreciated and enjoyed to the fullest. This inspiration drives us to create products that not only deliver high quality but also offer a unique and memorable experience.
WB: Tell me about the product. What is it? How is it used?
CL: The Chalice is our innovative vaporizer device that we crafted to provide a unique yet familiar experience for consuming cannabis concentrates. Unlike typical vaporizers, the Chalice features an atomizer with a quartz coil that heats the concentrates into vapor. The vapor is collected in a glass cup—or chalice—which can be removed and “sipped” or “drunk,” much like you would enjoy a fine drink. To enhance the luxurious experience, we’ve added our signature gold detailing that includes a gold rim around the mouth of the glass and adds an extra touch of elegance and sophistication.
Additionally, the Chalice is designed with versatility in mind. The atomizer can be replaced with a pre-filled 510-thread vape cartridge, allowing it to function in the same manner. The vapor from the cartridge fills the glass cup, which can then be consumed in the same sipping or drinking fashion. This dual functionality ensures that the Chalice provides a sophisticated and practical cannabis experience, whether you’re using concentrates or cartridges.
Our focus on creating a user-friendly, yet luxurious device means that the Chalice stands out not only in its functionality, but also in its ability to provide a ritualistic and refined cannabis experience. This innovative design bridges the gap between traditional cannabis consumption and modern vaping technology to make each session special and memorable.
WB: What makes your chalice different from others in this market?
CL: What sets our Chalice apart is that we’re a dedicated cannabis company with deep roots in the industry. We’ve been crafting exceptional cannabis products that deliver unique experiences since 2018, and other companies that offer devices with similar functions aren’t primarily cannabis companies. Our expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that every Chalice stands out and provides a luxurious and unparalleled cannabis experience.
Moreover, our deep understanding of cannabis and our commitment to quality set us apart when we combine our expertise in cannabis with innovative design to create products that truly enhance the enjoyment of cannabis concentrates. The Chalice is not just a vaporizer; it’s a product born from our extensive experience and passion for cannabis, so consumers can be confident that it meets the highest standards of quality, excellence and performance.
WB: What’s next?
CL: We’re going to expand our product line and continue to maintain our commitment to excellence and luxury. We’re developing new and innovative products to elevate the cannabis experience, and we’re increasing our presence in upscale dispensaries with exclusive events to connect with our consumers.
We are also expanding our brand into different states, including New York. We’re also looking to enter the upscale cannabis hospitality sector and create environments where our luxury products can be enjoyed in premium settings. Our goal is to keep setting new standards in the luxury cannabis market by offering products and experiences that captivate and inspire. By constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the cannabis industry, we aim to offer our customers something truly extraordinary while continuing to lead the market in luxury cannabis products.
Do you remember the genre of motion pictures named the Spaghetti Westerns? Do I see a glint of recognition over there? Perhaps you’ve heard of The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly? Well, you may be a bit young for Westerns, but these fantastically authentic, Westerns were filmed, not in the United States, but in Spain! It’s probably a reach to imagine the actors- those faces were not American ones, but very, very European- look at their teeth for clues. At any rate, Spain is the topic of this piece, and the way that the Gin and Tonic is made in Spain, brings me back to the Spaghetti Western genre. You’re always looking for a way to bring sales forward. New ideas are hard to come by when you’re slogging through that 1000th Vodka Soda with Lemon. How boring!
As a bartender/mixologist, it is your responsibility to make intelligent responses when your boss, owner, investor, friend, guest- whatever, and whoever asks for a Gin and Tonic. And how will you do this?
By watching the Spaghetti Westerns of course. To fully appreciate the flavor of a Spanish Style Gin and Tonic, you must first understand, deeply- the principal of Terroir. Quite simply, Terroir is the taste of the place. You must have this understanding to expand your mind, and that of your guests. Who will teach this to my guest? You, of course will now want to teach your guest about Terroir and fun. But how will I do this? Well, again it comes back to the Spaghetti Westerns. The territory that is Spain is not all Barcelona or Madrid. There are miles of canyons, deserts and open ranges that, for a film-maker is the perfect background for a Western movie. Especially one that has Clint Eastwood shooting up less fortunate foes. I’m a massive fan of Lee Van Cleef, the late-New Jersey native who also fit in to the overall scenery in a more or less- authentic fashion. Eli Wallach, the late actor who played Tuco, in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, lived his years out, not in balmy Beverly Hills, but in New York City.
I bring you at least from a flavor perspective to a place where Gin and Tonics get a much-needed lift. Spain is the precipice from which the Gin and Tonic takes its path. The flavors are grounded in fresh herbs. Think about the landscape in the picture that I painted in your mind from the Spaghetti Westerns. The unforgiving earth, rock and dust, no rain except for floods. A harsh existence where roaming cattle eat every last leaf of anything that grows out of the ground. Flavors like the herbs that grow in the chaparral have to be pretty tough ones to survive. Let’s take those flavors and apply them to the principal of the Spanish Style Gin and Tonic. This is an entire art form that probably hasn’t hit your local watering hole yet. It may never, unless you help. You can start by renting a Spaghetti Western to get into the spirit of creating some delicious drinks. Put yourself in the mindset of the 1800’s and use herbs that come from arid environments, like Spain! Where, coincidently they are having a Gin and Tonic Renaissance.
Please pay attention to the world outside our fast-food driven country. You might make a couple more bucks along the way, by showing your excitement for flavor!
Tuco and Tonic– Really a Gin and Tonic- but you get the gist…
(author’s note: my drinks err on the strong side…)
Ingredients:
2 oz. Tanqueray 0.0 – I like this drink to speak of the herbs, not of the Gin-which is bone dry
.25 oz. Very Dry Fino Sherry (always chilled, do I need to tell you?)
.10 Dry Spanish Vermouth (Opens the appetite, Spanish Vermouth is very herbal)
4-6 oz. Fever Tree or Q-Tonic
Freshly cut lime and the zest expressed over the top
Peppercorns, fresh thyme and the wood
Prep:
Prepare your Collins Glass by filling it with Ice and water to chill (set aside)
To a mixing glass, fill ¾ with ice
Add the Gin
Add the Vermouth
Add the Sherry
Mix well, rest for a minute while you prepare the glasses
Add the peppercorns and the thyme to the chilled Collins glass
Add ice
Strain the chilled Sherry, Gin and Vermouth over the ice
Top with Tonic Water
Express the lime over the top and notch a piece over the edge of the glass
Serve with a smile
Angel Eyes- Named for Lee Van Cleef
Ingredients:
2 oz. Fluère Gin (Angel Eyes was the consummate gentleman, with a gun)
1 oz. Spanish Vermouth
1 oz. PX Sherry (float)
1 oz. Campari
4-6 oz. Fever Tree Tonic, or Q-Tonic
A few, no more than this- needles of Rosemary- you don’t need the whole branch!
Fresh Lime
Prep:
Chill the Fluère Gin with the Vermouth and the Campari
Pour over fresh ice in a Collins Glass
Top with the tonic
Float the PX Sherry over the top
Express with the lime
Serve
The Good, The BAD and the Ugly
Ingredients:
2 oz. Ritual Gin- definitely available in the NYC/CT/NJ area…
1 oz. Spanish Vermouth
1 Spanish Anchovy on a bamboo stick with an orange slice, don’t mock it, it’s delicious!
4-6 oz. Fever Tree, or Q-Tonic Water
Dehydrated Orange round
Prep:
Chill your Ritual Gin with the Vermouth
Strain into a Collins Glass with the Anchovy and the Orange slice inside with the ice
Klaus was awarded a Gold Medal in the first ever High Spirits Awards competition.
High Spirits Awards is a new beverage competition by L.A. Spirits Awards, launched in 2023 and open to all cannabis-derived beverage products legally sold in California and all hemp-derived (CBD/alternative cannabinoid) beverages from anywhere in the U.S.
When I eMet Patty on the interwebs, we were discussing trees, specifically ancient oak trees. We started talking about the plant—not the oak tree—and the way that it heals many ills. As ironic as it may sound, the lives of creative people find themselves in the company of other creatives because of the social lubricant known as cannabis. I was immediately taken by the passion and compassion that Patty has for the plant, and I wanted to get a read on what creative things she and her husband, Mark, are working on. And how I could help them get the word out on their documentary film, Nectarball: The Story of Cannabis.
Ah… Here goes!
Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Now? What do you do?
Patty Mooney: Mark Schulze and I are originally from the Midwest but have lived in San Diego since 1970 (Mark) and 1977 (Patty). We met on Valentine’s Day in 1982 and have been sharing adventures together ever since. We own and operate San Diego’s longest-serving video production company, Crystal Pyramid Productions (est. 1981 by Mark). Another company of ours is New & Unique Videos (est. 1985), a producer and distributor of educational special-interest titles. Our latest project is a documentary called “NECTARBALL: The Story of Cannabis.”
Photo credit: Mark Schulze and Patty Mooney
Warren Bobrow: You mentioned filmmaking. Documentary filmmaking. A soft spot for me with a film degree from Emerson. Please tell me about what you have been working on. What is it about documentary film that evokes such emotion?
Patty Mooney: Mark and I produced the first educational videos of their genre back in the 1980s. As video production gear was super expensive, only a few brave souls – like us – invested in themselves and their ideas. we pioneered videos like “Massage for Relaxation” (1985), “The Great Mountain Biking Video” (1987), “The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans” (2008), and several others. One of our earliest titles, “California Big Hunks” (1985), mystifyingly enough (to us) has earned cult status via appearances on Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Whose Line is it Anyway? And RedLetterMedia’s “Best of the Worst: Black Spine Edition #3,” which has now been seen by over 3.1 million viewers.
Our titles were successful because they were new and unique (thus, the name “New & Unique Videos”), and people were beginning to establish their personal VHS video libraries. In the late 1990s, as VHS sales began to wane, Mark and I returned to our earlier business model, shooting and producing video for corporate and broadcast clients.
All these decades of producing videos for Fortune 500 companies and shows like Inside Edition, Extra, Oprah, etc., have led us to now; the production of our latest documentary, “NECTARBALL: The Story of Cannabis,” featuring 52 cannabis luminaries (out of 165 interviewees). We traveled around the world to meet and interview them over a seven-year period. We went to North and South America, Europe, and South Africa. We asked all the questions we could think of regarding cannabis as medicine, building materials, food, and more. We received some important answers from people like Tommy Chong, Steve DeAngelo, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, Nurse Heather Sobel, RN, and so many more. The documentary is structured so that the interviewees tell the story of cannabis from its history, through prohibition, to now and the future, as we focus on the medicinal capabilities, usages, and effects of the plant on the human body. What is it about documentaries that evoke such emotion? People telling the truth from their perspective, reflecting the reality of the moment without embellishment.
Warren Bobrow: What is the topic? How long does it run? What is the premise?
Patty Mooney: The topic is Cannabis. “NECTARBALL: The Story of Cannabis” is 82 minutes long. It’s jam-packed with the wisdom of many. You can imagine that the state of Cannabis legalization varies from country to country and city to city. It has been interesting to check in on places where the plant has been freed and what some of the results are. For instance, in states where cannabis has been legalized for “Adult Use,” both opioid use and alcohol use have gone DOWN. Nobody wants to be comatose from opioids. The option of a gentle plant medicine to maintain and possibly arrest diseases such as arthritis, seizures, and cancer is a welcome idea, especially for seniors like us. It’s just a bit scary for older folks to let go of the stigma that has been pounded into their heads for most, if not all, their lives since the 1930s.
While in South Africa, we visited several social clubs where cannabis is the social lubricant that attracts a “mixed salad” of people with varied skin tones. Cannabis was decriminalized there in 2018 for personal use. You must be a member to enter these social clubs. Some of the most potent weed we have ever imbibed was at The Pottery in Port Elizabeth (now renamed Gqeberha), South Africa.
It was amazing to visit the Montevideo Cannabis Museum in Uruguay. It was the first country to legalize cannabis, abortion, and gay marriage. Ergo, Uruguay is far more progressive than the USA.
Warren Bobrow: Do you have a mentor? Who? And who taught you the craft of filmmaking? What about cannabis? What does outdoor cannabis represent to you?
Patty Mooney: Mark gained his video production education at UCSD, majoring in Communications and Sociology. Both Tommy Chong and Rich “Cheech” Marin were mentors to him during the 1970s when the comedy duo frequently appeared at The Comedy Club in La Jolla. Mark would hang out with them at the age of 20, bringing them “offerings” of Nectarball (what he named the sativa cultivar he grew back then). One time Mark shared a photo of a tall, girthy bud. Cheech quipped, “The plant that ate Chicago!” The cannabis plants appearing in Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie were modeled after Mark’s Nectarball plants.
When Mark and I first met at La Paloma Theater on Valentine’s Day 1982, I was about to appear as a singer in the chorus in a play entitled “Pandora or If Transformation is Supposed to be So Much Fun, Why Am I Gritting My Teeth?” There was only one performance to benefit The Hunger Project. Mark was setting up a video camera to videotape the show from the balcony. I was curious about his camera and walked over to meet him. I’d only seen one other VHS camera before. But with a mother who filmed every milestone moment of our family of eight on a Hi8 camera my dad had won from his sales prowess as a Chrysler Midwest district sales manager, I already knew I loved the medium. And what an entrée to “the business.” Beginning there and then, Mark began mentoring me in the video realm. And when I look back on that moment, I realize that our desire to perform philanthropic deeds throughout our life together began to bud then.
Several beloved and wise people have mentored us. Gina Powell has been a mother to us for decades. Her husband was Robert Powell (also a mentor), author of inspirational philosophical books including “The Blissful Life.” Recently, Keiko Beatie and John Salley, both of whom appear in the video sharing their wisdom, have been mentoring us.
Filmmaking was in its infancy when we first began producing, shooting, and editing video. There were a few manuals we consumed, including The Television Production Handbook by Herbert Zettl (now in its 12th edition). The first edition was printed in 1976, and that’s the one we used. Many we learned by doing. I am a proud graduate of the “Get Thrown to the Wolves” school of video production. On my very first gig as an audio mixer at the San Diego Comic Con, I bopped Lucy Liu on the top of her head with the boom pole. My life flashed in front of my eyes; my career ended before it began! “Oh, I am so sorry, Ms. Liu!” “Don’t worry about it!” she said. What a sweetie. Outdoor cannabis represents many things. Back in the 1970s, when Mark grew cannabis in various locations, there was always a chance that he could get busted by police, taken away in cuffs, and possibly losing home and livelihood. It was bad. Our Green Closet confinement continued into the 1980s. A thief with designs to steal Mark’s Nectarball Collection of buds he had collected since 1972 held us at gunpoint. (He did not get away with the collection.) I was once arrested by two roving cops on bicycles at the beach while I was sitting on the beach wall having a puff. They rifled through my butt pouch and found – gasp!!! – a bud in a film can. For that horrific crime, I was fined $100 (a lot of money back then.) Now, outdoor cannabis represents the freedom to grow a plant in your own backyard and use it for medicine AND as a social lubricant. Why not both? The scent of lolling, crystal-embedded buds near harvest time is so amazing. It’s all about the terpenes, man!
Photo credit: Mark Schulze and Patty Mooney
Warren Bobrow: What is your passion?
Patty Mooney: It’s nice that we share various passions since they aid in the enjoyment of life. Of course, cannabis is a big one. It’s the cornerstone of good health for us. Next comes mountain biking. We have been mountain biking together since 1986. Less than a year later, we got married with our mountain bikes in the local mountains of San Diego and even began racing for a while. We still ride together. Patty won first place in the Sagebrush Safari 20-mile race this past year in the women’s category at the age of 68. Mark came in second in his category. It’s a sport that takes us out deep into nature, where we can reach places of beauty. As often as possible, we ride to the “Wedding Spot,” lay out a blanket next to a spring-fed stream, share a bottle of wine and have a puff, watch the dragonflies and the butterflies, and enjoy the shade of an ancient old oak and a 120-foot pine tree. Travel adventures are so much fun. We don’t have children or pets, so we can fly away at a moment’s notice.
We have a passion for video production, aka filmmaking. A filmmaker can create a movie that touches, educates, and moves people you may never meet. And that is exactly what we hope to do with our film, “NECTARBALL: The Story of Cannabis.” We want people to understand the kinds of tools for the improvement of their health that are available to them. We want to eradicate the stigma about the plant. We want to help the world be a better place for all of us to live a “high-quality life.”
The film will enjoy its live virtual World Premiere on October 20, 2023, beginning at 6:30 PM (PT), when people can gather, enjoy a beverage, and smoke a bowl in the comfort of their homes. The 82-minute show begins at 7:30 PM, and then we’ll have a Q&A with special guests, including John Salley, Nurse Heather, and Keiko Beatie. Tickets for this exclusive showing are limited to the first 500 people who sign up and are going fast. So, purchase your tickets before it’s too late!
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
