Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2021 i High Times

So far, nothing could be as chaotic as 2020 proved to be. Looking back on 2021, it actually wasn’t half-bad—and if we’re just talking about cannabis, it was pretty great! From more states in the US moving toward cannabis reform, to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs looking into the therapeutic possibilities of cannabis—hell, even our federal government is considering access to cannabis banking (again) and maybe, quite possibly, taking steps toward federal reform. We’re going to count 2021 as a win for cannabis in our books. Not to mention, after being quarantined at home for all of 2020 and into a portion of this past year, it was great to finally return to some in-person events. Our High Times Cannabis Cup: People’s Choice awards continued going strong, showcasing…

@WORLDWIDEWEBLA1 @ALittlejohnEsq @MinCannBusAssoc and 6 others If the @DEAHQ didn’t use scientific research, how are they getting away with classifying cannabis as a SCHEDULE 1 drug? So millions of African Americans and Latinos are behind bars for a racist and nonviolent crime for what purpose then? @HIGH_TIMES_Mag @VP @WandaLJames @TheView @ShredCool @HIGH_TIMES_Mag Can you imagine doing hard time for selling weed, then after your release, the state pays you…to sell weed? @awesomesound1 @HIGH_TIMES_Mag Here is what safe banking has given Canadian Cannabis, only a couple of banks are institutional investors, and Canadian stockmarket weed corporations are losing billions while Corporate weed executives are pocketing millions. Don’t be Canada, America. @PaulGuarino1980 @HIGH_TIMES_Mag In New York state if you’re dying and need medical marijuana the only flower you can get is pre-ground…

Another year of THMQ is in the books! For 2021, the average ounce in America cost $308, up from $300 in 2020. The South, at $324 a zip for the second straight year, finished $1 lower than the East ($325), while once again the West was home to the cheapest weed in the nation at $275 per ounce. Fitting for the holiday season, candy and cake strains were dominant, with three of them ranking among December’s “Top 5.” WINNERS LOSERS TOP 5 1 GG3 3 @ $221 2 LA Kush Cake 2 @ $438 3 Runtz 2 @ $417 4 OG Kush 2 @ $267 5 Gelato 2 @ $239 HIGHEST 10 S TATES PENNSYLVANIA Wilson! #2 $480 OHIO L.A. Kush Cake $475 KENTUCKY Runtz $420 NEVADA Runtz $413…

High Times couldn’t recognize the top brands in the cannabis space without giving accolades to the leading designer of craft cannabis—Connected Cannabis Co. First created in 2010, it’s easy to recognize the expertly branded shots of Connected’s best-in-class nugs… if only our eyes could smell, taste and fully experience these genetics. Although based in California, this brand is also available in Arizona and will be expanding to more states soon. Highlighting the accomplishments this brand has had in the past year could fill a novel, so we’ll break it down for you in some CliffsNotes. When it comes to celeb partnerships, Connected broke the news this past July that the company joined forces with acclaimed rapper and record producer, Travis Scott. Although the announcement garnered headlines, it wasn’t something that…

If there’s one thing that big-box, corporate cannabis cultivators can learn from LocalGrove, it’s that you can’t compete without attention to detail. This award-winning, licensed cultivation powerhouse in Michigan is showing local pride, while not cutting any corners in an effort to save a dime. Instead, LocalGrove remains committed to an approach of creating the most excellent craft cannabis, no exceptions. Producing large amounts of weed pales in comparison to offering consumers the highest caliber cannabis. However, at LocalGrove, this brand manages to do both. Like all leading cannabis brands, LocalGrove’s biggest focus is honing in on the choice genetics. Working with various breeders from across the world, this brand finds phenotypes of weed that have all the qualities that consumers desire—a unique flavor and captivating scent. The ability to…

Cresco Labs is one of the largest multi-state, vertically integrated cannabis companies around, having control over cultivation, manufacturing, extraction and packaging practices—at every point in the seed-to-sale process. The Illinois-based company is currently operating in 10 states, with 20 large production facilities, 47 licenses and 37 dispensaries. Its footprint can be found practically anywhere in the industry. You can find Cresco Labs products at over 1,000 dispensaries across the US. You’ll find around 350 products across numerous brands. Cresco Labs’ CPG and wholesale strategy enables the company to maximize its points of distribution and drive revenue growth—independent of the expansion of its retail presence. Cresco Labs also launched the Social Equity & Education Development (SEED) initiative designed to ensure that all members of our society have the skills, knowledge and…

Seed & Smith prides itself on two things: producing the highest quality cannabis possible, and showing off its passion for cannabis through education. On one hand, the brand produces cannabis products of the utmost quality by monitoring the growth of its plants meticulously. Seed & Smith also recognizes the necessity and responsibility of being transparent with its customers, often writing blog posts featuring different strains and a variety of useful information about them, such as their genetic history, terpene profile, general effects and pairing recommendations. Founded by native Colorado residents in 2014, Seed & Smith opened its first dispensary in Denver, Colorado in 2016. However, more recently, in August, Seed & Smith opened up its second dispensary location in Louisville, Colorado. Nestled in a small suburban town north of Denver,…

You’ve got to see it to believe the many accomplishments that Trulieve has earned in 2021. Although there may have been some not-so-positive reports about Trulieve recently, you can’t deny that this brand is having a massive year. CEO River Kim kicked things off by speaking at cannabis conferences (and continued to do so throughout the year) but the brand also kicked things up a notch with many dispensary locations throughout Florida, as well as expanding its footprint into West Virginia by obtaining four dispensary permits (which opened later in July) as well as its Pennsylvania company, Solevo Wellness, which acquired three permits (which was finalized in July). It continued to open Floridian locations in Jacksonville and Tamarac by February, marking the brand’s 75th dispensary location in Florida, and had…

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) transferred $6,843,310 from the state’s medical cannabis program to the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) in mid-September. This is the second transfer that has been made, but the first transfer occurred in September 2020 with a total of $2,135,510. Back in 2018, Missouri adopted Constitutional Amendment 2, which is now known as Article XIV. According to this amendment, medical cannabis funds collected in the state through a four percent tax can be transferred to the MVC to support veterans. Lyndall Fraker, director of the Section of Medical Marijuana Regulation with DHSS, said in a press release that she’s already beginning to see the results of the amendment in action. “Patients are being served by more than 140 dispensary facilities in Missouri now,…

Burb is an international cannabis brand with retail stores providing premium flower, a whole range of cannabis products and branded merchandise. The company is led by Paper Magazine Founder David Hershkovits, who is also host of the acclaimed podcast, “Light Culture.” The podcast features guests such as Fab 5 Freddy or Madison Margolin, covering the various facets of the cannabis industry. Hershkovits has been on the frontlines of the culture wars including cannabis since 1984. Headquartered out of Vancouver, British Columbia, the brand has been committed to supporting community, creatives, musicians and the arts and has gained the attention and affection of notable artists and influencers on both coasts, giving Burb a cult-like following. The brand has a simple mission, to honor the legacy and design the future of cannabis…

Across a majority of Michigan and as far north as Traverse City, you’ll find Gage—a bold brand that has made some huge waves in the cannabis industry. It began with a bang at the beginning of 2021, with the final closing of its regulation A, Tier 2, equity financing., raising $50 million in maximum gross proceeds. In March, the company announced that it would be serving customers through Michigan’s second Cookies provisioning center in Kalamazoo. But Gage began to look north for its next conquest, and started trading on the Canadian Stock Exchange in April. By the end of April, it had already opened up its eight-provisioning center, this time in Battle Creek. Only halfway through the year, and Gage announced an exclusive partnership with rapper Wiz Khalifa’s Khalifa Kush,…

710 Labs is made up of award-winning artists dedicated to producing the most flavorful, pesticide-free, organically fed, small batch, hand-trimmed cannabis on the planet. As single source craft producers, everything that comes out of 710 Labs’ facility—is grown by its own team. The team hand-selects and hunts exotic strains from the most renowned breeders, including landrace single origin seeds that took decades to find. The team members are considered as OGs in the cannabis space, given the renowned flower made with wholly organic inputs. 710 Labs was born in Boulder, Colorado in 2009, but is based in Los Angeles, California today. 710 Labs’ Persy Pods are here, ready to be seshed wherever the day or night takes you. The Persy Rosin Pod Line provides solventless vape pods filled with Persy…

On March 31, 2021, New York’s then-Governor Andrew Cuomo signed adult use cannabis into law. Since the bill’s passage, the state has seen the ouster of the governor, a lukewarm cannabis proponent on his best days. During her first weeks in office, newly inaugurated Governor Kathy Hochul has seemingly bumped cannabis reform up on the state’s list of priorities. Still, regulations remain to be determined. As the Empire State stares down the prospect of a $3.5 billion-per-year legal market and 60,000 jobs created, it must contend with a myriad of hurdles often centered on social and economic equity and a modicum of restorative justice for those most affected by the drug war. Sentiment among some of the tristate area’s leading cannabis legal and advocacy veterans appears optimistic early on. However,…

You know your illegal cannabis grow might be out of control when it’s so large that it can be seen from space. An illegal cannabis grow in Douglas County, Nevada, predicted to be one of the county’s largest illegal cannabis cultivation operations, was raided by authorities in September. The grow site, which covered 22 acres of tribal land, was revealed last year following the destructive “Numbers Fire” that tore through 18,342 acres in Nevada’s Pine Nut Mountains in July 2020. The Record-Courier stated that residents began reporting the site later after the fire was contained, and the publication suggested that some residents may have confirmed its presence by using Google Earth—hence the space jokes. Realistically though, it took authorities an entire year to get around to investigating the property, where…

Back in 2020, the global LED grow lights industry was valued in the market at $1.28 billion. Now, according to a new report entitled “LED Grow Lights Market By Wattage, Spectrum, Installation Type and Application: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030,” the total wealth generated from grow light sales is expected to reach $12.32 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 28.2 percent increase over the next nine years. One of the main reasons that LED grow light sales have increased in popularity is due to a few reasons: LED Lights are highly reliable as a supplemental light source to aid plants in photosynthesizing, and as a result, they are more efficient, offer a variety of controllability, and work especially well with vertical indoor farming. The…

Recent issues in Oklahoma have upset the medical cannabis industry with the loss of 300 licensed cannabis businesses. A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD), Mark Woodward, met with legislators on August 31 to discuss the medical cannabis industry’s impact on agricultural operations within the state in an interim study. Woodward noted that there was one “ghost owner,” later identified as Kathleen Windler, who surrendered her interest and co-ownership of those dispensaries. “Ghost owners” of cannabis businesses attempt to bypass a segment of Oklahoma State Question 788, which requires that cannabis business applicants must be a resident in Oklahoma for at least two years, or a resident for at least five of the past 25 years. In a Facebook Live session held by attorney Rachel…

SOLID MARBLE shop-tetra.com There are ashtrays—and there are ashtrays made of solid marble. This one really catches the eye with its checkered design fit for a modern look. The Checkered Marble Ashtray by Tetra is designed to impress, and it’s so nice you might want to showcase it on a mantle instead of using it. It measures 4.7” x 4.7” x .8” and is made from fine nero marquina and stunning Carrera marble. It’s like having a piece of Italy inside your own house. It features a subtle dip in the middle and a satin-polished finish. Get an ashtray that will last longer and look good at the same time. It’s easy to clean—just hand wash the ashtray with soap and water. $70 ASHING FOR A CAUSE mygrasslands.com Feeling an…

Born from the desire to use cannabis products for symptom relief and skincare, topicals are another great way to enjoy the benefits of flower without first lighting it on fire. As our image of the substance continues to change, more topicals, salves and rubs are sure to be invented. At this moment, however, we still have a staggering number of products to choose from. Take, for instance, Pincanna’s Michigan Organic Rub. This all-organic cannabis oil infused balm was initially developed by Vince Volovlek after the lasting impact of an unfortunate car accident left him in need of homeopathic medicine. Volovlek’s rub, a vanilla mint variety of which received first place in the Michigan cup, provides soothing relief from nerve, muscle and joint pain. Armed with a whopping 625mg of THC,…

When the words “science” and “cannabis” appear together in the same sentence, even the most casual consumer is curious to know more. And you don’t need a microscope to understand that thorough scientific research and testing makes for a better product. Without further ado, let us introduce you to Phinest Cannabis. This California-based company has found a poetic balance of tradition and innovation. This is evident from seed-to-sale, and in every last detail of this brand’s ethos. Phinest Cannabis Co-founders Kristian Andreassen and Jai Malloy built upon the principles of cutting-edge science paired with superior genetics. The result? A huge portfolio of exotic strains that are consistently produced, harvest after harvest. As the first step toward achieving top-level cannabis, Phinest starts with seed selection. Cultivators here start fresh by propagating…

The legend of Detroit in its own right—Heavyweight Heads earned its title as a High Times top brand of 2021. This vertically integrated company is driven by culture, and it consistently sets the bar high as hell in terms of delivering supreme genetics and quality flower. Based in “The Great Lake State” of Michigan, the brand’s specialty is premium indoor cultivation. Hunting phenos and growing them to perfection, the brand focuses on breeding its genetics to achieve the perfect flavor and terpene profile—not just the highest THC content. But that doesn’t mean their strains don’t hit. Cannabis connoisseurs in Michigan and beyond should take note—Heavyweight Heads has over a decade of cannabis growing experience. The brilliant minds behind this brand have grown their business much like they grow their plants—and…

Tokyo Smoke is an award-winning, design-focused, Canada-based cannabis retailer, and the brand is growing fast. The stores are designed to make choosing cannabis easier, and you don’t have to be an expert. There are over 500 chemical components in cannabis and over 100 cannabinoids. On top of that, cannabis affects individuals differently. Based on color-coded intentions—use Tokyo Smoke’s Intent System. Choose from Go, Rise, Equalize, Ease and Pause to pinpoint a specific effect without having to sort through sativas, indicas and CBD strains. Tokyo Smoke believes that cannabis is good, and that “your shopping experience should be nothing short of great.” Alan and Lorne Gertner founded Tokyo Smoke in 2015, beginning with a location in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. That location was listed as one of the Top 4 designed “coffee…

Sixty Four & Hope is a wellness-focused cannabis store—rooted in culture, elevating rich, local voices through best-in-class products and immersive sensory events. The brand was named after California’s Proposition 64, and the hope for a more equitable future. “All vestiges of the old cannabis culture are absent,” the company states, replaced by a new, enlightened, informed, and interactive store experience that emphasizes a product-first mentality. By shedding the old, outdated “stoner” culture, the brand hopes to redefine the cannabis-buying experience. The brand carries all types of cannabis products including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, extracts, tinctures and topicals. Currently on the website, for instance, there are over 100 edible products to choose from. There is also a great variety of quality brands on display. You won’t find any brands that fall below…

Chances are, if you’ve stepped foot in a dispensary in California, Washington state, Nevada, Arizona or Michigan, you’ve seen a ton of STIIIZY products. This brand offers a wide variety of premium products, including its flagship STIIIZY vaporizer in an original size, as well as “BIIIG” and “LIIIL” sizes as well. Not to mention that its proprietary pod system has acquired a cult following by fans of concentrates, with eight indica, seven hybrid, five sativa and two CBD pods available to date—and STIIIZY also sells its premium indoor-grown flower directly, and in pre-roll form as well. That’s just the tip of the iceberg with what STIIIZY is known for. It’s a brand that is growing rapidly, with serious plans for expansion. In 2021, the brand opened retail stores in six…

Among the most well-known edibles brands in the country is Coda Signature, which produces delicate and beautifully crafted chocolates in California and Colorado. The company sources its cacao from República del Cacao in South America, and is committed to using only the best ingredients, which are ethically sourced, in the its chocolate-based edibles. One of the brand’s signature products are artfully crafted truffles with colorful exteriors that are colorful and inspired by music. In musical terms, a “coda” refers to “the culmination of the musical language that comprises a piece, delivered with a distinct expression all its own. Coda Signature is that moment in the evolution of cannabis.” Coda Signature’s full chocolate bars also contain cacao from South America, as well as a unique blend of flavor based on the…

This family-owned and operated dispensary known as The Originals Factory & Weed Shop has been operating out of a beautiful, almost 100-year-old building in the heart of Los Angeles, California since 2006. On its website, The Originals embraces the saying “if you want it done right, do it yourself”—and these proud Los Angelenos natives make it happen. The brand grows all its own product in the “pursuit of perfection,” with a focus on indica strains, all of which stem from classic west coast strains. The entire The Originals team combined has more than 100 years of experience in cannabis cultivation, which is imperative since the brand prides itself on growing its own product, with a strong emphasis on quality. The Originals grows its cannabis on-site to ensure that they can…

“NOW, I HAVE SOME EDIBLES AROUND THE HOUSE FOR HIJINKS EVERY NOW AND THEN, BUT NOTHING SERIOUS.” Paris was born and raised in San Francisco, California, the Bay Area’s big sister city to Oakland, home of the Black Panther Party (BPP). Founded by Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton in 1966, the BPP closely monitored the behavior of the Oakland Police Department and fought against police brutality. Paris organically stumbled upon the teachings of the Nation of Islam and the BPP, informing his music and ultimately placing his voice among Public Enemy and other revolutionary hip-hop groups at the time. “I never got into this to be an activist,” he explained. “I just wanted to make music that banged and wasn’t silly; the conscious angle happened organically. I came up…

ADVOCATES IN FLORIDA ARE GEARING UP AND COLLECTING signatures in an attempt to amend the state’s constitution to end prohibition of cannabis. Between tropical temperatures and a massive medical cannabis market, Florida is a prize worth winning. Regulate Florida announced it began gathering signatures for its latest petition on September 18, to allow adults in the state ages 21 and older to consume and possess cannabis. Adults would also be able to grow up to nine plants for personal use at home. The initiative would not provide for regulated retail sales, however—but for a specific reason. Florida, which was called America’s “largest medical cannabis market,” stands to rise as one of the top adult-use markets in the country, and advocates and petitioners have learned from the past to make it…

The University of Arizona Health Sciences announced in August that it was currently conducting a study to examine the use of cannabis and other substances for registered nurses. UArizona assistant professor Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN, received a $207,924 grant from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to fund the two-year study. The study began in July 2021, and is founded on previous research conducted by Rainbow, which suggests that nurses are relying on substances like cannabis to cope with the daily stresses of their jobs. “I hypothesize that nurses are using cannabis and other substances to cope with their work, and that these are often used to recover rather than prior to attending work,” Rainbow said in a press release. “Nurses in our pain study were going to…