Lifestyle

How to celebrate 420 in New York City this year

David BienenstockPublished on April 19, 2022 • Last updated August 11, 2022

Ain't no 420 like a New York City 420. (Richard Vogel / AP)

Heading to the Baked Apple to celebrate this year’s high holiday? Or just wondering if making the trek to New York City for 4/20 will be worth it?

We did the legwork to help you find the best cannabis parties in NYC, so you can stay stoned all day—and long into the night—in the city that never sleeps (but might squeeze in a weed nap).

First thing you need to know: Pretty much all of New York City is now a consumption area, with the exception of schools (legit), workplaces (understandable), and public parks (sigh).

The rule of thumb is that it’s legal for adults 21-or-older to blaze a joint (or a blunt, or a bowl, or I suppose a 6-foot bong rip) anywhere that it’s legal to smoke tobacco. Such has been the case since New York State’s notably progressive cannabis legalization law went into effect in April 2021.

Find medical marijuana in NYC

Did we mention that possession of up to three ounces of flower (and up to 24 grams of concentrates) is legal for personal use? It’s also legal to share some of your canna-bounty with any other 21+ adult?

Technically, all of the above was true last 4/20, but this will be the first ever legal 4/20 in NYC with widespread vaccination and the city “open for business.” Even if Mayor Swagger remains quarantined with COVID.

Washington Square Park

(Frank Franklin II / AP)

Okay, we just told you it’s not legal to smoke in city parks. But it’s not technically a crime, either. It’s now a civil infraction. Which means penalties for lighting up in a park range from a $25 fine up to 20 hours of community service. And you can avoid even that risk by unobtrusively puffing on the sidewalk before actually entering the park.

More importantly, ever since the NYPD stopped cracking down on cannabis, the venerable Washington Square Park—first opened in 1871—has reportedly become an open-air, unregulated cannabis autonomous zone. Naturally, the New York Post and other establishment/reactionary media decry the grey market sale of cannabis across New York City as a sign of the impending apocalypse:

Manhattan’s troubled Washington Square Park has reached a new low — with brazen drug dealers illegally selling weed from tables laden with pre-rolled joints and jars of pot conveniently labeled so choosy customers can select their favorite strains.

You’ll have to forgive this reporter (and former New Yorker) for thinking it all sounds, well, pretty fucking cool.

Phish at Madison Square Garden

The jam band kings will be performing four nights in a row at “the world’s most famous arena”—starting on 4/20.

Whether you’re a dedicated Phish-head or a total newbie, it’s always a wild time when the Fab Four play live at MSG. Add in 4/20 and the legality of getting lit on any city sidewalk, and this promises to be a Shakedown Street pre-concert vending scene for the ages, man.

There are also at least two un-official Phish afterparties happening, in case you’re looking to spend the waning hours of 4/20 chasing that ultimate live music high. The Cutting Room—a short walk from MSG—will host a DAB session of improvisational music headed by Phish lyricist Tom Marshall. Or head to the beautiful Gramercy Theater for a post-Phish fiesta featuring Pink Talking Phish, a top-tier tribute band.

Although, if I’m being honest, you still need more noodling after Phish at MSG, I’d sooner recommend visiting one of NYC’s many incredible ramen restaurants.

Massive NYC 4/20 celebration

From the team behind New York’s legendary Harvest Festival events, comes what promises to be the city’s biggest 4/20 celebration of the year at Club Amazura—a 3000+ capacity mega club in Queens.

From DJ Keoki spinning Grateful Dead tracks to sets from the Original Wailers and Immortal Technique, plus vendors, an art gallery, a weed brownie bake-off, workshops, speakers and more—this party will surely get lit early and blaze till late.

WeedFeast: A Weed Feed Supper Club Event

No munchies needed. (Courtesy of Weed Feed)

What’s a high holiday without a weed feast?

And while a slice (or three) of real NYC pizza will certainly hit the spot, you can also go big with your munchies. Because the cannabis culture mavens behind WeedFeed have got your covered with a 6-course sit-down 4/20 dinner featuring “live drag and burlesque performances, highly crafted beverages, and gifts from epic brands.”

All at the upscale Toro Loco restaurant, with a menu featuring “suckling tacos, fresh empanadas, sweet and salty churros and so much more, and every course is paired with an infused sauce so you can control your dosage.”

Hip Hop Legends 4/20 Launch Party

Looking to spend 4/20 among like-minded hip-hop heads?

The place to be is the legendary NYC dance club SOB’s, which will present an evening of old-school weed-friendly MCs hosted by none other than the legend Rakim. Plus performances from Havoc, Styles P, Big Twins, Big Noyd, The Hoodies, & DJ LES.

Roof Party!

Astor Club and Buddy’s Bodega host a VIP rooftop 420 celebration at the McKittrick Hotel. Advanced tickets only. 9:30PM – 1:30AM.

4/20 Unity Day w/ Yoga, Panels and Latin Dance Music

Join Cannademix for Unity Day at the iconic Webster Hall! With performances by from legendary Wu Tang Clan members Inspectah Deck and Cappadonna and more.

The evening will also feature a yoga session led by SannaOhana and panels on NY legalization and a late-night dance party.

50th Anniversary Celebration of “The Pope Smokes Dope”

Courtesy of the event

The tradition of musical odes to Mary Jane has a long and illustrious history dating back to at least to jazz age songs like Cab Calloway’s Reeferman. But nobody deserves the title “marijuana minstrel” more than the dearly departed David Peel.

In 1971, Peel was busking in Washington Square Park to make ends meet when (a likely very stoned) John Lennon and Yoko Ono caught his act by chance and decided to sign him to the Beatles’ own Apple Records.

Lennon produced Peel’s cannabis cult classic album The Pope Smokes Dope, which was subsequently banned in a bunch of countries, solidifying its status as a weedy middle finger to the man.

Now, fifties years later—in a city that’s finally stopped busting pot smokers, and on a day where cannabis smoke will surely fill the air—NYC’s remaining hippies and Yippies will gather at the Lower East Side’s Parkside Lounge to celebrate the Acapulco Golden anniversary of Peel’s magnum opus of marijuana music. Be there or be square.

Bob Marley Tribute

Just a stoned throw away from the weedy autonomous zone of Washington Square Park, you can check out a musical tribute to perhaps the greatest cannabis icon of all time. Head to Groove for an irie evening featuring Amadou Gaye and members of the Cafe Wha? House Band.

Easy Star All-Stars: The Return of 4/20

If your idea of rolling one on 4/20 includes bowling, then reserve a lane in advance, head to Brooklyn Bowl to engage your inner Lebowski, and stick around for an night of reggae-fied covers of popular stoner songs from the long-burning Easy Star All-Stars band.

Bonus points: Brooklyn Bowl also has great food!

Laff Ya Face Off Comedy Fest 4/20 Edition

Need a laugh? Check out this weed-inspired stand-up hosted by comedians Smokey Suarez and a.g white  at Casa de iwu in Queens.

America’s best cannabis events of 420 2022

Amelia WilliamsPublished on April 11, 2022 • Last updated April 15, 2022

The week of 4/20 is shaping up as the best in recent memory.

As a weed journalist who’s curated 4/20 events for Leafly through some dark years now—holy crap, I am so happy to report that 2022 is ON. And I mean ON like never before.

Adding New York, Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New Mexico to the recreational roster brings the tally to 18 states with legal adult-use access to cannabis, and they’ve been waiting for months to blow you away. Even medical states and totally illegal states are showing out and making their cases for ending prohibition. Seriously, I never thought Nebraska would be on my list, and yet there it is!

Coast to coast, industry OGs and bright-eyed rookies are hosting highly curated and (highly safe) homages to the best plant on the planet. The week of 4/20 is shaping up as the best in recent memory.

Learn to 4/20. Read Leafly’s Guide to 420

Jump to a state

 

Best weed events for 4/20 in California

Smoker’s Club Festival

It’s like the Olympics of stoners! Every single rapper who’s espoused their love of weed will be there, so why wouldn’t you? If you can’t make it out to the 4/20 festivities on the day of, you can join Kid Cudi, A$ap Rocky, Berner, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Chief Keef, Rico Nasty and (literally dozens) more at this all-day pot party in SoCal. (April 30, 2022; Glen Helen Amphitheater, 2575 Glen Helen Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407; Tickets: $253+)

 

Hippie Hill

Hippie Hill is BACK, babyyyy. If you’re in the Bay for 4/20, you’d be remiss not to head to Golden Gate Park and light one on the Robin Williams Meadow in one of San Francisco’s most notorious holidaze. It’s always free, and this year, there will even be legal cannabis sales on-site. Expect the same dank opacity, with performances by Berner himself, Mike Tyson and Hannibal Burress. (April 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco: Free!)

Evergreen San Francisco

The city by the bay, the birthplace of America’s cannabis legalization movement, finally decided to sanction an entire week of activities for one of its most prominent legacies. Over a dozen dispensaries, with and without lounges are coordinating deals, and there will be panels, workshops, movie screenings, guided city tours, musical performances, scavenger hunts and a special kind of farmers’ market all week long to commemorate where cannabis has been, and where it’s going. (April 16 – April 24, all day; All over the city; pick a ‘hood, and there’s something going on; Tickets: Depends, but many events are free.)

Glass House Fest

Leading greenhouse brand Glass House Farms and mobile studio Jam in a Van follow up their 2021 music festival with a new venue and louder lineup. Duckwrth, Reggie Watts, Guapdad 4000 and Blackillac lead this SoCal social housed in a bunch of dope domes, with food, arts, vendors and lounges included. (April 20, 4:20 p.m.; Wisdome LA, 1147 Palmetto Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013; Tickets: Free, but please RSVP)

420 Weed & Wine Emerald Triangle Bus Tour

Circumvent the dispensary lines and festival crowds with a tour of Mendocino county and its abundance of both buds and bubbly. An all-day excursion to some of the Emerald Triangle’s dankest farms and bougiest vineyards will be a 4/20 for the books, if you remember it. (April 20, 8:30 a.m., Bus departs from Fisherman’s Wharf, 2801 Leavenworth Street San Francisco, CA 94133; Tickets: $239)

Best weed events for 4/20 in New York

Damn Sam & NY Harvest Fest

For 25 years now, Rob Robinson has been working towards his magnum opus of cannabis events and competitions. This year, he’s pulling an all-nighter in Queens with the likes of EDM godfather DJ Keoki, Immortal Technique, Bob Marley’s Wailers and you, hopefully. There will be laser shows, an art gallery, some educational fares, comedy and a full bar. And of course, a sanctioned outdoor smoking section. (April 20, 4:30 pm until late; Amazura Concert Hall 91-12 144th Place, Jamaica, NY 11435; Tickets $25, $10 after 11 p.m.)

Phish at Madison Square Garden

What could I say that hasn’t already been said before about one of the best bands in history to smoke weed to? It’s fucking Phish, you know the deal! (April 20 – 23; MSG; Tickets $230+)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Colorado

420 on the Rocks

Pepper, Method Man, Redman headline this stoney baloney outdoor concert.(April 20, 4:15 p.m.; Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO; Tickets $50+)

Mile High 420 Fest

The highest major city in the U.S. in the first state to legalize recreational cannabis is stepping it up yet again. Downtown Denver will be packed with an adult playground of food trucks, live music, comedy, and very high vendors. (April 20; Civic Center Park, Denver, CO; Tickets: free, $200 for the VIP experience)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Massachusetts

CARNIROLL

Frankly, you’d be a Masshole to miss this Earth Day weekend carnival festival hybrid that reeks of zaza. Join stoners-turned moguls Wiz Khalifa, Method Man, Redman, Waka Flocka Flame and literally dozens more artists at Carniroll’s The Roll Up. There will be plenty of unbeatable carnie games, rides, and even wrestling matches to bring out your inner child while you smoke on some adult medicine. (April 15 – 17 all day; Northampton, MA; Tickets $55 for one day, $135 for all three)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Georgia

SweetWater 420 Fest

What: The devil’s lettuce has gone down to Georgia! Local brewery Sweetwater will be hosting a weekend of music, food, libations and ecological consciousness the last weekend in April. Headliners include The String Cheese Incident, Trey Anastasio Band and Oysterhead, but the lineups last all day. In between sets, guests are encouraged to check out the vendors, particularly the Planet 420 Eco-Village. (April 29 – May 1; Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313; $70+)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Michigan

LIV 420 Music Fest

What: Life is indeed too short to spend another global holiday smoking alone in silence (unless you prefer it that way). So why not join two famous stoners who like to put dollar signs in their names for a Midwestern Saturdayze? Too$hort and roll-up king Curren$y headline this consumption-friendly music festival with vendors and designated smoking spaces. (April 23, 12 p.m.; Adado Riverfront Park 201 East Shiawassee Street Lansing, MI; $40+)

Reggae by the Riverside with Ky-Mani Marley

What: Pull up a hammock on the waterfront for a day of reggae music and sanctioned consumption. Bob Marley’s son Ky-Mani headlines this chilled-out Saturday to close out April, with additional performances by Indika Reggae Band Ft. Nerry, Yard Squad with Christo DC, and The Flex Crew. (April 30, 10 a.m.; Riverside Park 2 East Cross Street Ypsilanti, MI; $40+)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Arizona

Buds-A-Palooza

What: What started as a local gathering at a popular headshop has flourished into an all day block party. Bud, of the eponymous Bud’s Glass Joint, told me he’s been itching to scale his event up ever since Arizona got the green light for recreational cannabis events. Expect a downtown full of food, live comedy, grade A glass-blowing, live music by the likes of Passafire, Tomorrows Bad Seeds, The Stakes, and even booze! (April 15, 4:20 p.m.; 5th Street & Garfield 901 North 5th Street Phoenix, AZ; $5+)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Oregon and Washington

Spliff Film Festival

Dan Savage’s Sundance for stoners is back again in multiple locations, including your living room. There are in-person screenings in Portland and Seattle in addition to streaming options if you’d prefer to create at home. Enjoy a melange of short films by and for stoners that celebrate everything this plant allows us to create and enjoy with titles like “Dog Baths and “How to Sex Your Cannabis.” (April 16 in Portland at 8 p.m., April 30 in Seattle at 7:30, Streaming April 20–24; Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., Portland, OR; and The Egyptian Theatre, 805 E. Pine St. Seattle, WA; Tickets $20 in Seattle$20 in Portland)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Illinois

Waldos Forever Fest

Waldos Forever 2021 got heady.(Courtesy Waldos Forever)

Named for the group of California kids who coined “420” as a weed wink-wink code, this festival is what weed is all about: good music, good friends and good herb. Performers include Junglepussy and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Shea Couleé. (April 23; W. Argyle St. at N. Clark St. Andersonville, Chicago; Free, but please RSVP)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Virginia

FlyHigh420 Festival 2022

Sure, you’ve smoked weed on a camping trip before, but never like this. The cannabis farm 2nd 40 to 420 has curated a long weekend of activities with the land to pull up in an RV (or just a tent) and make the most of your time away from crowds and hot boxes. There will be yoga, there will be music, there will be yurts, there will be the winners of the Virginia Kush Cup, and there will be silent discos. (April 21–24; The 2nd 40 to 420 Farm, 451 Hawk Lane Pamplin, VA; $65+)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Nebraska (?!)

Snoop Dogg and Koe Wetzel—The 420 Special

Honestly, I didn’t think I’d ever hear or read Snoop Dogg and Nebraska in the same sentence, but he continues to surprise me. Snoop and Wetzel lead this party that has both pre- and after parties with hefty munchie bags, DJ sets and the chance to meet the legend himself. (April 20, 8 p.m.; Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE; $116+)

Best weed events for 4/20 in Pennsylvania

Weeding Out The Stoned

What: How do I put this…if you’re a weed narc, this is the event for you! Now in its seventh year, comedian Alex Grubard hosts this night of collective scrutiny to determine who’s high and who isn’t, but should be. (April 20, 8 p.m.; Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom Street, Philadelphia PA; $15+)

Look out for more last-minute event additions. We always get a few.

Where’s the party at near you? Shout out 4/20 events in the comments below. And 

Pot culture ground-up March 2022: Mainstream highlights and memes

Calvin StovallPublished on March 8, 2022 • Last updated September 30, 2022

There have been some huge stories in weed and pop culture so far in 2022, and we’re not even into spring! Check out these pop culture moments and stay up to date on what’s trending with our Pot Culture Ground-up.


Legal weed helped Wiz Khalifa make $45 million last year

Rap superstar Wiz Khalifa is using his cultural influence to cash in on legal cannabis, to the tune of $45 million.

Here’s what the Forbes Cash Kings list creator had to say about Wiz’s 2021:

“Wiz Khalifa cashed in on the cannabis revolution with products including his Khalifa Kush (and got a big boost from quietly selling a chunk of his publishing in April).”

Here’s why it’s important for the weed industry:

Many legal weed brands leverage the cultural influence of music, sports, and entertainment to leave a mark with consumers.

 

MUSIC AND CANNABIS

2020 Leafly Strain of the Year, Runtz, and multi-state empire Cookies were built by independent rappers who can fluently navigate the web, the streets, and balance sheets.

Like cannabis, music’s value to consumers is intangible. Without influencers like Khalifa, Berner, and Yung LB, corporations would not be able to traffic these massively-valuable commodities. As the industry grows, it’s important for everyone involved to honor and protect the legacy grower and seller cultures that made the legal industry possible. And to never forget that many pioneers are still paying for the unfair criminalization of the plant while we reap the legal benefits.

Related

Wiz Khalifa’s ‘Khalifa Kush’ cannabis cultivar unboxing and review 2022

Rihanna’s baby-induced weed break

Rihanna’s friends allegedly knew she was pregnant before she said anything. How? Because she stopped smoking.

This clip of the pop princess brushing off a paparazzo who blurted, “you’re late,” as she arrived at a fashion show suggests she might be wishing she could spark one. “No shit,” she shot back instantly. Seems like the world’s sexiest stoner has even less time for the BS than usual.

Highsman founder Ricky Williams’ wild weed stories

Scientists are finally studying how weed impacts professional and amateur athletes. But anecdotal data from athletes who had to consume in the shadows because of rules and stigmas are also valuable to our understanding.

Related

Brittney Griner is not alone: Here’s why pro athletes are using cannabis

NFL and NCAA record-breaker Ricky Williams got blunt about his experience using the plant as an elite athlete.

He revealed he smoked before some of his most historic games in college, and that he got caught in the NFL’s substance abuse program because of a misunderstanding about testing schedules when he changed teams.

On the stigmas athletes face about weed:

“Being an athlete growing up, it was two parts. One, you gotta be good at your sport. But two, you gotta be good. You gotta stay outta trouble. And that means stay away from drugs. I was trying to make it in the sports path so I stayed away from drugs.”

He continued, “When I went to college, the guys were just hanging out, the upperclassmen in the room playing cards, shooting dice, and they were passing the blunt around… I’m hitting it, and I just noticed that it was cool. We just were all having a good time.”

He used cannabis moderately until his senior year at Texas. Williams could have left school and been a top NFL pick, but he put all his eggs on winning college’s prestigious Heisman Trophy, for the nation’s most outstanding player.

His senior season started rough on the field, and his girlfriend broke up with him and got with the team’s quarterback. He was feeling down. Then his roommate pulled a bong out and set him on a historic path.

“I went up to my room and I laid on the bed. And I noticed that I wasn’t obsessing about the bad game. I wasn’t obsessing about my girl. I just was feeling good. And then my mind started to think about positive things… True story, next two weeks of that season, (I ran for) back-to-back 300-yard games.”

Ricky Williams on how cannabis impacted his mental and physical performance as an athlete

Keep an eye on Williams’ Highsman brand, which is aiming to bring cannabis products for sports fans to use while viewing. The products come endorsed by the biggest names across the world of sports, and could help put bud on the same level as beer across athletics.

Styles P talks NYC weed history and future

Styles P (right) being interviewed by Jacobi Holland in February. (Steve Bloom / CelebStoner)

In a mind-elevating interview with On the Revel captured by CelebStoner‘s Steve Bloom, the man who gave us weed anthems like “Good Times (I Get High)” spoke candidly about the current state of the plant.

Styles P on when and why he started smoking:

“I’m a fidgety person by nature, I’m really anxious, I’m always moving, so cannabis sort of levels me out.”

On the need for social equity in cannabis industry:

“Everybody I know in my neighborhood – we don’t grow fucking pot. We’ve all got (too) many arrests on our sheets for pot. It’s the white people that grow the most awesome pot. I fucking love that.

I’m just going to be honest: You guys grow the pot, you never go to jail for it, make tons of fucking money for it. We buy the pot that you grow, it fucks up our future, we get arrested for it, now you got a felony and a bunch of misdemeanors, now you can’t get a job.

How the fuck do we fix the problem? By addressing the problem. Let’s figure out how to get some of these Black kids some money over this fucking pot.”

More OGs get their flowers

Archival documentary footage of a Branson shoutout

NYC weed pioneer Branson got a shoutout in some of the archival footage used in Netflix’s new Kanye West documentary. In ’90s footage with a young Kanye, Harlem rapper Ma$e and his friends give a quick shout-out to cannabis pioneer Branson.

Click here to learn more about Branson’s influence on Pot Culture.

Actor Malik Yoba joins new multi-state cannabis operation

NY Undercover and Cool Runnings star Malik Yoba joined Black Buddha Cannabis, a lifestyle and wellness company that will be operating in California, Michigan, Nevada, and Oregon, according to CashColorCannabis.

Pam & Tommy series reveals the seedy history of a NorCal grower

According to FX’s Pam & Tommy and the Rolling Stone article the show was based on, the man who stole Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s private sextape in 1995, Rand Gauthier, is currently a cannabis grower in Northern California.

Revenge porn is unacceptable (Rand understands that now), and the show depicts the many bad decisions that led to the sextape becoming public.

In 2010, Gauthier survived a fire that led to his arrest for plant possession. Officers found between 50-60 plants in his home when they arrived, according the Mercury News. He now says people don’t believe him when he tells them he leaked Pam and Tommy’s infamous tape.

Related

The NYC legend behind Redman’s 20-year-old stash of Branson buds

Weed memes that show the stoner’s struggle to score

Ever had a grown adult bite the blunt right out of your mouth? Dealer’s phone ever went straight to voicemail right as you pulled up? Or maybe your plug’s mom won’t let them make a drop because it’s raining outside. Hopefully that kind of stuff just happens in the memes below, but you never know. And that’s why you have Leafly.

These viral posts will make you thankful for Leafly Pickup and Delivery services, now serving 36 states, and Washington D.C.

Click here to learn about how to use Leafly Pickup and Delivery in your area.

https://twitter.com/noahdonotcare/status/1499218923258105860?s=21

lifestylepop cultureRicky WilliamsRihannasportswiz khalifa

 

These women grow the dankest cannabis in Canada

Yara El-SoueidiPublished on March 8, 2022

Don't you wish your growers were as dank as these female cultivators in Canadian cannabis? (Leafly)

The world of female weed growers is budding with talent and expertise. These ambitious women are not only leaders in their work-life but also beacons for aspiring cultivators across Canada.

Long before the legalization, women have been building a space of their own in cannabis. Still, female growers are the minority in the field of cannabis cultivation. A job that carries a significant stigma, despite years of legalization.

This is why for International Women’s Day, Leafly asked female-identifying cultivators in weed to share their voices and highlight their achievements. Here are five of the many women in cannabis that are paving the way, and growing some of the dankest weed in Canadian cannabis.

Natasha Smith, lead grower at Alberta Bud

Natasha Smith (Courtesy of Alberta Bud)

Under Natasha Smith’s contagious smile and energy hides one of Canada’s most respected weed cultivators. Smith has always been around cannabis for as long as she can remember.

 

“My mom has consumed marijuana daily since I can remember,” muses Natasha. “And my dad? Well, he was the green thumb growing a few plants ‘here and there’ out in our backyard shed,” she says reminiscing about her childhood in the late 80s and early 90s.

When she started suffering from anxiety and insomnia in her early twenties, she turned to weed instead of pharmaceuticals in order to manage her health. She quickly saw an improvement in her life so she officially got her medical marijuana authorization and a licence to grow her own. 

“Male cannabis cultivators don’t get asked about what it’s like to be a male grower.”

Natasha Smith, lead grower at Alberta Bud, on gender in cannabis.

“It was my personal passion that led me to my professional career in the cannabis industry.  While learning and perfecting my cultivation skills in my ACMPR garden, I was also helping run a local cannabis-specific grow store.”

Today, Natasha is an expert on weed, showcasing her grow on Instagram and is the lead grower at Alberta Bud, a micro cultivator known for its unique offer of small-batch cannabis.

Like her male counterparts, Natasha’s goals for her work are all focused on quality and consistency. She doesn’t like the reference to her gender.

“Male cannabis cultivators don’t get asked about what it’s like to be a male grower,” she says while mentioning that she finds the industry incredibly balanced compared to others.

She states that more women are entering the space than ever before, bringing expertise and transferable skills from other fields. She can see cannabis being led and dominated by women.

Currently, her main goal is to grow good-quality legal weed. What keeps her going? The excitement of chasing this objective, knowing that her next batch will be better than the one before it.

Her advice to women who want to enter the field?

“Believe in yourself! If you want to do it, believe that you can. Being confident in what you know and consistent in carrying yourself well, people are more likely to notice you.

Find a mentor! The cannabis industry is growing at a fast pace and there are plenty of opportunities for women.”

Kieley Beaudry, CEO at Parkland Flower

Kieley Beaudry (Courtesy of Parkland Flower)

When Kieley Beaudry started in the cannabis industry in 2012, she would have never thought that haters would be an issue in her work.

“Getting attacked online on social media, attacking my credibility and knowledge is something I deal with almost daily. Often it feels like the attacks are targeted simply because I am a woman. I rarely see men in a similar role attacked online in the same way.”

And yet, with her experience, knowledge and success, Kieley is at the head of one of the most promising micro-cultures in Canada, Parkland Flowers, a career that started with her making cannabis products for a family member that had brain cancer.

Kieley rarely sees her male counterparts being harrassed on social media the way she is dragged as a woman in weed.

Her love of cooking and creating is what fuels her through her job. For Kieley, working with cannabis is not so different from cooking or baking.

“There’s a lot of science with a healthy dash of creativity and art. Seeing a finished product after putting hours and hours into formulating a product is very satisfying, especially when I am making a product for a patient that needs my help.”

Today, Kieley knows that women are underserved in the cannabis industry.

While she sees more women in management and ownership roles in small operations, she wishes that they would be more present in managerial roles, especially in higher management. 

Her advice to women who want to enter the field?

Research, network, and take notes.

“Research, research, and more research. Work in the industry, either at a licensed producer (LP) or even in a retail store.

Attend cannabis conferences and events and bring a notebook. I have 5 notebooks of research from the over 30 conferences I have attended since 2017.

Networking is huge in this space. It is not all about what you know, it’s often about who you know.  Build a community that you can lean on when you need questions answered.”

Genevieve Newton, director of cultivation at Stewart Farms

Genevieve Newton (Courtesy of Stewart Farms)

Genevieve Newton was always driven and passionate, she wants to be the best at whatever she does—and working with weed is no exception. Her passion and drive make what she calls “the perfect storm for success” in the cannabis industry.

Genevieve also had a dad with a green thumb. First, he showed her how to garden as a child. Then, as an adult, he taught her how to grow her own cannabis.

“Once I started, I fell madly in love with the living plants and I soon became obsessed with learning everything I could about weed and how to grow the prettiest, healthiest flowers.

I love flowers and have always felt connected to them, weed is just another flower and one of the most complex on the planet.”

Being a female head grower provides me with the constant rush of adrenaline to keep me chasing my dreams.

Genevieve Newton, director of cultivation at Steward Farms.

As the director of cultivation at Stewart Farms, she feels grateful for aligning her passion with her work.

“I’ve usually got bored or felt unchallenged. Growing weed keeps me making mistakes, keeps me succeeding, keeps me humble, challenges me daily, and keeps me on my toes.

Being a female head grower provides me with the constant rush of adrenaline to keep me chasing my dreams.”

While she is thriving in this space, Genevieve feels like there’s a lack of strong, fierce women in leadership roles.

In her work through the legal cannabis industry, she has seen women mostly in entry-level positions rather than in senior leadership roles. She wants to see more of her fellow peers represented in cultivation and decision-making positions.

“I’d love to see more women given the same chances as men to show up and perform. As women, we have a natural connection to this female plant. If we decide to align and connect to this flower, we can and we should.”

Her advice to women who want to enter the field?

Just do it (even if it isn’t easy).

For Genevieve, the work is worth it. The competition is fierce, and staying on top of mental health is extremely important in such a fast-paced space.

“5 years ago, I was a 39-year-old wife, mother, and social worker, living in Edmonton. I just wished I had the guts to change my life. I was growing my medicine illegally in my craft room, living with the stigma.

If I can do it, any woman can. It’s literally blood, sweat, and tears, and how badly you want it.”

Rebecca Thomson and Olivia Penner, co-presidents at Prairie Grass Farms

Rebecca Thomson and Olivia Penner (Courtesy of Prairie Grass)

For Rebecca and Olivia, coming back to the family farm was something they knew they would do. As the fourth generation behind Prairie Grass Farms, these sisters wanted to put their own unique footprint on their family heritage.

And they did.

As a registered nurse (Olivia) and a pharmacist (Rebecca), they had both witnessed the positive difference cannabis brought to people’s lives. They decided to incorporate their knowledge of medicine and farming for a holistic approach to cannabis cultivation.

“Our commitment to building Prairie Grass and championing wellness in the cannabis industry is centred on our bond as sisters, our family, and our farm.” Rebecca shares.

I would advise that you start building a network of people that you can trust and look for an area where you can let your talents shine.

advises Rebecca Thomson for women looking to work in weed.

The sisters are passionate about cannabis’ versatility. Rebecca believes that the quality of the medicine they get in the end is attributed to the care and attention they put into growing their product. 

“The work that we put into a growth cycle is reflected in the end product and for us, this is no different than the attention that we have given to cultivation on our farm for four generations.”

Even with their knowledge and their strong farming background, they still find it hard to find capital for their venture, an obstacle no less different than the one other women face in other industries.

But they are still very positive about women in the industry. With more weed-based products being normalized, more women are starting to enter the field.

Her advice to women who want to enter the field?

Build a network, learn from others, and mostly, learn from your experiences!

“I would encourage women to speak up and reach out to female-owned and operated LPs and dispensaries to let them know the types of products that they would like to see and the educational support that they need,” Rebecca adds.

“Some of our greatest lessons have been learned through the many bumps that we have experienced along the way. I would suggest that before you begin looking into starting your own grow that you would reach out to female leaders in the industry and learn from their experiences and seek their advice.

The cannabis industry is changing and growing so quickly, so I would advise that you start building a network of people that you can trust and look for an area where you can let your talents shine!”

 

Yara El-Soueidi

Yara is a writer and a culture journalist based in Tiohtiá:ke/Montréal. Her work has appeared in CultMTL, Exclaim.ca, MTVnews, Montreal Review of Books, Restless Media, Eater MTL, and elsewhere. When not writing, she listens to music, spends time with her cat, reads books, and complains about a whole lot on her Twitter account.

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Star signs and cannabis strains: March 2022 horoscopes

Maeva ConsidinePublished on March 1, 2022

(Savina Monet)

Happy March, Stargazers! Finally, the first hints of spring have arrived. Time to thaw out, roll up a joint, and see what the month of March has in store for you. There is a new moon in Pisces on March 2. Feelings! Communication! It’s all there for the first week of the month.

On March 5, Mars enters Aquarius. Mercurial energy will likely bring some of that good Pisces communication to a stand-still. Don’t sweat it though, because empathy and open conversation will be back in style when Mercury enters Pisces on March 9. There’s a full moon in Virgo on March 18, and finally — the big event — the Spring Equinox (and Aries season) rolls into town on March 20.

So, strap on your rain boots on the way to the dispensary and get ready for a flood of new feelings this spring.

Toolkit: How to talk to kids about cannabis

Caitlin McCormackPublished on February 23, 2022

Parents should feel comfortable talking to kids about cannabis. These resources might help. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

When it comes to talking to kids about cannabis, many parents don’t know where to start. From what’s age-appropriate to what language to use, the stress around opening up the conversation can leave many to put off having the conversation altogether. 

Open communication is important and cannabis is no different. Just as having a dialogue about sexual health results in improved outcomes, many parents say that having open conversations about cannabis with their kids helps reduce the stigma and appeal. 

Moms who work in weed know the value of open communication

Jess Moran, the founder of Known Group, says that she started speaking to her kids about pot from a very young age because she works in the industry, as well as a medical cannabis advocate. Her daughter takes medical cannabis (CBD) to help with her acute insomnia as part of her autism and mental health issues.

“I came by it honestly, and it seems since they were little it’s always been a part of their lives,” she says. “I largely work from home, and run a cannabis agency, so from a young age they heard me talking about cannabis a fair amount.”

She says that because of her daughter’s journey, all her kids got to know about the plant first as a medicine, and as they grew older (11 and 12), they understand medical use vs recreational, as well as the difference between the regulated and unregulated market.

 

“My son, in Grade 1, even raised his hand in health class when they were talking about treatments and spoke about how medical cannabis can help patients,” she says. 

“One time I was eating a chocolate bar [that I] didn’t want to share. He asked, ‘Oh, because it has cannabis in it?’ It didn’t, but I said ‘yes’ and kept it to myself!”

Devon Scoble

For Gill Polard, her work in the industry naturally led to conversations about cannabis with her children. 

“My kids have grown up with us talking about it at home a lot. I think it’s not very interesting or exciting to them. It’s just the plant that mom is always talking about.”

She says her children are familiar with the plant as she grows it in her yard. They understand that there are many different ways that adults can use cannabis and that it’s not just about getting high. 

 

“They see me make balms or tinctures with it to use therapeutically, so they get that. In general, I treat it like any other thing in the home that they can’t have yet: alcohol, certain medications, lit candles in their rooms. We’re very open about it being something they may use when they’re older, but not until they’re older.”

Polard says it’s important to talk to kids about cannabis because knowledge is power, and the best way to reduce harm is with education. 

“My hope is that they can make better decisions when the time comes if I have armed them with information.”

Parent toolkit: Resources on cannabis and children

The Get Sensible Youth Toolkit is a great resource for parents wanting to talk to their kids about cannabis. It helps to support non-judgmental conversations and is available as a free download. 

The Cannabis Talk Kit from Drug-Free Kids Canada is another excellent resource for parents who want to have judgment-free discussions rooted in evidence. They also have resources for talking about other drugs, including alcohol. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a helpful pamphlet for talking to your child about cannabis. It includes advice about talking with your children about having an “exit plan” if they are offered cannabis. 

The Government of Canada also has a resource for teens that educates them about the risk of using cannabis to a developing brain, as well as different cannabis terminology and slang. 

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction guide for Talking Pot With Youth contains a set of exercises to engage youth in meaningful discussions and conversations about cannabis. The updated edition also contains answers to frequently asked questions about cannabis.

Secure your weed and create a safe space for kids to ask questions

For Devon Scoble, safety was the top motivator for opening up the cannabis conversation. 

“I started the cannabis conversation with my son when he was around four years old,” she says. “I was working in the cannabis industry at the time, so that was one reason. But I also keep edibles in the house, so safety was another.”

 

She says her son knows what cannabis packaging and the cannabis symbol looks like, where she keeps her securely stored edibles and beverages, and that these products aren’t safe for him or for the family’s dog. 

“Those safeguards have served us well,” she says, “The side benefit of this is that one time I was eating a chocolate bar and didn’t want to share. He asked, ‘Oh, because it has cannabis?’ It didn’t, but I said ‘yes’ and kept it to myself!”

Now at nine years old, Scoble talks with her son about the different ways people use the cannabis plant, and their risks and benefits. 

“He knows that THC-containing products can be risky for kids while their brains are still developing. His peers haven’t started using it, but he knows that when the time comes, he can come to me for real talk on cannabis.”

 

 

The perks of living with a THC-free bae

Alyssa YeomanPublished on February 9, 2022

When you first meet someone new chances, are that it’s all about the things you have in common, whether it’s music, movies, or personal values.

But the world of dating can be so much more than black and white, and one gray area that many weed lovers find themselves in is how to introduce a THC-free partner into their lives long-term. And what about when you take the next steps in the relationship, like moving in together?

Cohabitating as a stoner with a non-stoner

I’ve been in a relationship with a non-stoner for close to 3 years. When we began to discuss and act on moving in together my anxiety soared. It wasn’t that he was unaware of my weed enthusiasm. That’s a pillar of my personality. But my fear was that the amount I smoke could make a living situation tense, or worse, unlivable.

I was sure that my power-smoking ways would be the death of us. But thanks to my partner’s judgment-free personality and the acknowledgment of the habits that he, too, brings into the equation – our living situation remains equitable and my love for ganja remains unstifled. 

This kind of domestic peace didn’t just happen by accident. It took big discussions and a mindset that sees the perks in a partner who’s not a cannabis consumer. 

What to talk about with your non-smoking partner

Starting the discussion of weed in the household is the hardest part, but you don’t have to go into it blindly. Here are two thoughts to get the conversation started. 

Be honest about the amount you smoke.

There is no sense in telling your boo thing you’re only smoking a joint a day if that joint is actually five joints. Start with that foundation of honesty.

Also, if you are also combining finances, the amount you smoke will impact the bank account. Surprising your partner with massive weed purchases can cause drama if they aren’t prepared for your stoner spending.

Prepare to discuss boundaries.

Sharing space with that loud can be, well, loud and a non-smoker might not find the smell as enticing as you do. Therefore, you both need to do some boundary setting.

For instance, do you have a smoking room? Is there a time of the day when smoking in the living room can negatively impact the vibe of the house?

Asking these questions of yourself and your partner can help set you up for success long after the U-haul pulls away.

find talkative strains

The light at the end of the joint tip

A conversation is all fine and dandy, but it’s okay if genuinely bummed about being the lonely stoner in the relationship. That’s a fair and valid feeling that we can help you shake.

You don’t have to ignore the feeling, but there are plenty of bright sides when you need a gut check that you’re relationship will be okay. Here are the best parts and the real perks to having a THC-free partner. 

1. All the weed is your weed.

If you’ve ever lived with another stoner you know all too well how fast you can smoke up all the weed in your house.

Being the sole cannabis enthusiast means when you go buy that eighth, you’re the only one smoking that eighth. And of course, financially, a weed budget for one will always be less than a weed budget for two. 

2. Built-in alone-time

Going from dating to moving in can be a shock to the system. Suddenly someone else is there all the time. And no matter how much you love someone you gotta take time to connect with yourself.

When you have the ganja all to yourself, that can be your moment to go take a deep inhale and be alone for a few moments. Plus absence makes the heart grow founder and my guess is, after a few tokes by yourself, you’ll be feeling light and ripe for some cozy time with your babe. 

Related

Weed rituals: a cross-cultural connection to calm

3. There’s always a sober driver.

With you being the only one smoking you can take that trip to the store, high af, at a moment’s notice cause you’ve got a partner who can drive. 

4. Always something to talk about.

Having a varying lifestyle from your partner means you will always have things to say to each other. You’re the cannabis expert in the relationship, so tell them about the weed you smoking, and your high thoughts. There’s nothing quite like your biggest sober fan weighing in on your great high idea. 

5. You still get to get high.

So what if you have a supportive partner who just so happens not to smoke weed. If a non-smoker is a dealbreaker for you, then recognize that and run for the smokey hills.

But let’s just say it’s not all gravy and it’s one of the few differences you have to work through. To be honest, if you are both committed to living together, it shouldn’t be the hardest hill your relationship will have to climb.

Just because your person is weed-free doesn’t mean you have to be. They knew you were a stoner when they came into this thing and being a stoner you can remain. 


Relationships are complicated enough, but the cannabis conversation and the combining of a stoner/non-stoner household doesn’t have to be complicated.

With an honest, open mind and some clear, intentional boundaries you can be living in dank, domestic bliss. So light one up and get your free ride to the dispensary – just make sure you play something for your boo on the way there.

datingmental healthrelationshipsTHC

 

Alyssa Yeoman's Bio Image

Alyssa Yeoman

 

 

The 5 biggest cannabis Instagram influencers

August 19,2019

It’s not easy being famous online — or, at least, it’s not easy getting famous online. Everyone and their grandmother is on social media these days (more on that later), so sticking out from the pack can be particularly challenging, especially in the THC-soaked world of Weedstagram. 

With the most followers in the cannabis niche, these five people demonstrate five distinct ways of building a loyal audience online. 

The Millionaire

 

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Iron and soul

A post shared by Dan Bilzerian (@danbilzerian) on Oct 4, 2018 at 2:23am PDT

@DanBilzerian — 27.6 million followers

The most-followed man in the cannabis Instagram realm garnered his fame thanks to photos of scantily clad women, his lavish lifestyle and, more recently, photos relating to his new cannabis venture, Ignite.

The Industry Expert

 

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Puff, puff, pass… what are your #420 plans? @advancednutrientsofficial and @bigmikesblends will be in two places at once passing out good #vibes and celebrating the holiday with you. Join the fun: @kushstockfestival at @adelantostadium @hightimesmagazine Cannabis Cup Central Valley at Cal Expo Fairgrounds If you can’t make it, I still want to hear how you’re going to celebrate… Tell me your plans in the comments below and have a fun and safe #holidaze 😄💨

A post shared by BigMike (@bigmike) on Apr 17, 2019 at 4:55pm PDT

@BigMike — 2.8 million followers 

A cannabis OG who’s been involved in the industry since 1983, BigMike started his career as a grower before expanding into entrepreneurship and research. This experience is reflected in his feed, which is a mix of his business advice, pictures of female models consuming cannabis and photos of cannabis products under his Advanced Nutrients brand — a recipe for weed-fluencer success.

The Celebrity

 

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Wife appreciation day @funnyshelby

A post shared by Tommy Chong (@heytommychong) on Jul 16, 2019 at 11:00am PDT

@HeyTommyChong — 2.5 million followers

In the face of the green rush investors who say they want to be “different from Cheech & Chong,” comedian Tommy Chong is still relevant, baby! He’s got the memes, he’s got the clout and if you watch his stories, you might just see him smoking with his longtime buddy Cheech Marin.

The Novelty

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz4wbXbnLLe/ 

@Dabbing_Granny — 1.1 million followers

Kind of like if Baddie Winkle was about the cannabis lifestyle, Dabbing Granny is absolutely a real head who could smoke us under the table. She’s conversational, says “cheers” before every initial inhale and is a lovely voice rising up from the male-dominated Insta dabbing community.

The Babe

 

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I am thrilled to release my Luxury Cannabis Jewelry 💎 Design has always been a major part of my life and I’m excited to have the opportunity to offer a uniquely stunning collection unlike anything else available on the market. Pairing cannabis with fine-jewelry is cutting edge, while remaining classic. These are individual pieces of art and can be appreciated by all, not just the cannabis connoisseur and sophisticated stoner. The statement ring pictured above was inspired by a small 7 point cannabis leaf that I personally trimmed and pressed last harvest.🌱Link in bio to read more! #luxurycannabis #jewelry #jewelrydesign #cannabisjewelry #weedjewelry #luxury #mariavalentino #rooftop #rooftopnyc #fog #cityfog #weed #marijuana #newyorkcannabis

A post shared by MARIA VALENTINO 👑 (@mariavalentino) on Jun 3, 2018 at 10:42am PDT

@MariaValentino — 1 million followers

This model turned entrepreneur showcases her luxury travel adventures, designer outfits and active lifestyle through Instagram. She’s got bikini shots, solo pics of herself enjoying joints on rooftops and also promotes her own line of CBD beauty products. C’est classique!

TELL US, who’s your favorite Instagram celebrity? 

Originally published in Issue 37 of Cannabis Now. LEARN MORE

The post The 5 Biggest Cannabis Instagram Influencers appeared first on Cannabis Now.

 

Thailand’s Unlikely Embrace of Cannabis

 Despite a history of tough drug laws, it’s set to be a major supplier as the substance goes global.

Half Of Americans Think The Smell Of Weed In Public Is A Real Problem

Geoff Robins / AFP / Getty Images

Just over half of Americans think the smell of weed in public has become a problem, and nearly a quarter of the country say they sincerely “hate” the stench while they’re out, according to a major new survey conducted by PSB Research, Civilized, Burson Cohn & Wolfe, and BuzzFeed News.

Attitudes in Canada, which legalized cannabis nationwide last fall, are even more severe, where three in five people think the smell of weed in pubic is a problem and nearly half report disliking or even hating it.

Sponsored by Secret Deodorant

The survey conducted this spring reveals that even while most people in both countries support legalization, they don't necessarily want it in their face.

Eighty-four percent of Americans reported favoring legalization for medical or recreational purposes, and 60% of Americans support making it legal for tax and sales, like alcohol. But as marijuana use increases (27% of Americans say they imbibe) and now 10 states have legalized the drug, people say they don’t want to smell it.

When asked how big of a problem the smell is in public, such as when walking down the sidewalk, 23% of Americans said it was a major problem and 28% called it a minor problem. Twenty-eight percent also said it was “not really a problem” and another 21% said it was “not a problem at all.”

Among current cannabis consumers in the US, one-third of them said it is a problem — though only 10% called it a major problem. In contrast, 27% of nonconsumers called the smell a major problem and another 29% called it a minor problem. Conservatives and adults over 55 years old tended to be more put off than liberals and younger adults.

Twenty-three percent of Americans affirmed “I hate when I smell cannabis in public,” and another 18% said they don’t enjoy it — that contrasts with 18% who said they do like the smell in public. Forty-one percent said they don’t notice or don’t care.

In Canada, 57% said they dislike or hate the smell in public and a full 60% called it a major or minor problem.

Methodology: PSB, in partnership with Civilized, Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW), and BuzzFeed News, conducted online interviews with 1,000 US adults (age 21+) and 602 Canadian adults (age 19+) to explore views on cannabis and to determine general habits and behaviors of cannabis consumers and nonconsumers. Oversamples were conducted to reach a higher number of cannabis consumers (yielding 471 total consumers in the US and 371 total consumers in Canada). Interviews were conducted between March 12 and March 21, 2019.

 

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