Niki McDonald

Cannabis Wedding Giveaway Contest - Chris and Shea

2016 Cannabis Wedding Giveaway Contest

Second Place Winner


DIY Craft Beer, Aromatherapy and CANNABIS extractions?

DIY is going Digital!

ExtractCraft just announced a new product called the Source that is revolutionizing what it means to be a local artisan. The Source is a simple and chic kitchen appliance that will allow you to extract essential oils from any botanical in your home in two hours or less!  Best of all, you can monitor the progress of your extraction via a Bluetooth phone app.

DIY FOOD & CRAFT IDEAS:

If you're looking to create mass personalized goods, revolutionize your Etsy business, add a personal touch to an event you're hosting or just enjoy the art of experimentation, the Source intends on giving you the tools you need to safely and easily prepare the following in your own home:

● Craft Cocktails and Beer

● Gourmet Foods

● Homeopathic & Medicinal Recipes

● Aromatherapy Oils

Lee Sutherland, who invented the Source and is the co-founder of ExtractCraft, says aside from the medicinal value, 'foodies' can produce aromatic flavors for cooking gourmet dishes.

So, create your own rosemary soaps, sage candles and lavender lemonades!

SOURCE lavander lemonade

According to the press release, "The Source is a convenient and safe way to make herbal extractions easily, reliably, and efficiently in your own kitchen at the touch of a button.  Pick an herb from your garden and explore new culinary creations and aromas."  While the idea of homemade herbal oils and artisan craft brews is enough to get excited about, so long as you you are compliant with your state and local laws, it seems as if technology of the Source will also allow for you to create your own herbal cannabis extractions!

Craft Brewers Source Home Extraction

SHOULD SOURCE BE USED FOR CANNABIS?

While data has yet to be released on in-home cannabis extraction via the Source, we can't make a recommendation based on practice, but we can conceptualize.  By concept, it does seem like a much safer alternative to in home butane extractions.  While letting certified professionals extract cannabis from the safety of their state-regulated facilities is the safest possible extraction method, if you're going to be exercising your legal right to extract from home, the Source does appear to be a much safer way to conduct in-home extractions over butane and looks poised to be the safest in-home extraction method on the market.  While there are many warnings that come with in-home cannabis extractions on the recreational front, the medicinal upside of what the Source can potentially offer to patients seems groundbreaking!

For those that are legally able to try in home cannabis extractions, we stress that safety and responsibility are paramount.  Even if your local laws allow for in home cannabis extraction, families with small children should not extract cannabis with children present and should absolutely take the same safety precautions as they would with in-home alcohol extractions.  It's imperative to understand the science of how much CBD, THC and other cannabinoids have been extracted into the oil you've created and the proper dosing size to give yourself when consuming.  Unlike knowing when you've had too much alcohol, the psychoactive effects of cannabis can take up to two hours to kick in, making it very easy for inexperienced uses to over-consume.  Knowing your serving size is essential to being able to enjoy your cannabis experience and in most instances, less is more!

THE SCIENCE:

The process is simple:

1. Choose your botanical and prepare it for the Source (chopping, stripping, etc).

2. The botanical is mixed with the alcohol.

3. The mix is strained into the Source.

4. The Source is activated and the extracted essential oil, free of solvents, is collected in a center container, while the alcohol is accumulated for reuse.

Extractions typically take 1 to 2 hours and there's no to low odor due to the fully ­enclosed system.  A bluetooth connection allows iOS or Android mobile users to access the appliance and monitor and adjust the extraction process via the Source mobile app.

ExtractCraft was started by Lee Sutherland, a former aerospace and science engineer at the National Center for Atmospheric Research and Scott Converse, the founder and past president of Longmont's TinkerMill, Colorado's largest maker-space.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaAh78yIVEQ?wmode=opaque]

No matter the reason you may be interested in the Source, ExtractCraft is rewarding it's early believers with a pre-sale, beginning today!  For those that believe in the product's potential, they are offering a special price of $349. (50% off the retail price of $700.)  The Source will become available for shipping in March 2016.  Check out photos, video and more at ExtractCraft.com.


Marley Natural Launch Party

On February 6th, 2016 in the State of California; celebs, musicians and cannabis supporters from around the world gathered to enjoy good music, good herb and good company in celebration of what would have been Bob Marley’s 71st birthday!

The celebration was held at an insanely beautiful private residence in the Hollywood Hills.  The price of admission?  FREE. Hosting the event? Marley Natural, the Marley family’s new cannabis line.  Three years in the making, the vision of Marley Natural has been to create a sustainable cannabis line that not only enables consumers to enjoy the medicinal, spiritual and holistic properties of cannabis that Bob dedicated a large portion of his life to preaching about, but also gives back to the community and the world.

Saturday’s celebration was exactly that.  From hiring PrestoDoctor (a company specializing in offering medical cannabis recommendations 100% online and at special events) to register private guests, to sharing free samples of Marley Natural’s locally grown cannabis line for all patients in attendance to enjoy, to hiring world renowned musical artists to create a magical island ambiance, love and good vibes were undeniably in the air.  Here is a photo recap of the Love and Marij filled evening!

THE PARTY:

The event was held in a private Hollywood Hills estate plush with all types of trees!  The venue was painted with colored lights to help journey the mind to a different world that defies what you know is possible.

To accommodate the high demand of eager guests  from around the globe that had waited years to sample the new product line, PrestoDoctor was hired to organize a smooth and painless cannabis evaluation and party registration process.

California state law mandates that all guests at cannabis related functions be over the age of 21 and a registered medical card holder.  To help guests mellow the vibe of the check in process, new patients were encouraged to register online via secure video chat before the event; helping to lessen the doctors on-site evaluations.

For the last minute guests that wanted to see how Marley Natural could help aid their aches and pains, the registration process required filing out a quick survey and short visit to one of two beautiful white cabanas where doctors privately evaluated patients for medical cannabis recommendations.

Doctors stood by all night to help guide new users on how to properly enjoy their cannabis experience.

Once registered, new patients were treated to a modern day tribute of all of Marley’s favorite things.   Outdoors, the sounds of live reggae filled the air as friends of the Marleys flew in from around the world to perform.

Grammy award winning artist Stephen Marley, (pictured below sharing a whiff of indica) paid tribute to his father by breaking out his acoustic guitar to play his father’s most loved hits.

Source: Marley Natural

Grammy award winning artist Stephen Marley, (pictured below sharing a whiff of indica) paid tribute to his father by breaking out his acoustic guitar to play his father’s most loved hits.

Repost:: @StephenMarley OH JAH I'M GONNA TAKE A LIFT' 💨 @MarleyNatural #MarleyNatural #LIONORDER

A video posted by Rohan Marley (@romarley) on

Stephen Marley at Marley naturals launch party #marleynatural

A video posted by Sublime Co2 (@sublimeco2) on

Indoors, a well rounded mix of DJs and live musicians took turns on stage keeping the vibe alive.

Photo via PrestoDoctor

Jhene Aiko, captured singing below, was one of the many talented performers to dazzle the crowd along with Yaadcore, Jillionaire,  Protoje, Shinehead & DJ Papaloti.

@Kemmikal up in the mansion in Holly-poompoom vibing to @jheneaiko live... #Redsquare ##MarleyNatural.

A video posted by Spragga Benz (@spraggabenz3) on

When we JAH WE see a way' @Protoje inna acoustic for the @MarleyNatural launch #LA #BobMarley #MarleyNatural 🌿💨

A video posted by Dubwise Jamaica (@dubwisejamaica) on

Outside, members of the Marley Natural team budtended the cannabar, proudly serving up their high class herb…

Image Source: Rolling Stone Photograph by: Steve Appleford
Image Source: Rolling Stone Photography by: Stephen Applegate

…leaving the cocktail bar significantly less crowded.

Glowing kiosks stood lit around the outdoor patio, showcasing the glorious new products available to try.

@marleynatural launch party in the hills #bobmarley #marleynatural @deuce_thevenow @jzavvy @viktomar

A photo posted by Zach Weinberg (@weinbleezy) on

@kittycash_ #marleynatural #la

A photo posted by pakomaciaso (@pakomaciaso) on

The night was a huge success!

Upon exiting the party, patients were happy to report that Marley Natural’s cannabis was able to relieve and ease their symptoms without the side effects of prescription drugs.

According to Dr. R. Knox, “The most common ailments I encountered were Migraine headaches, Anxiety, Insomnia, PMS and musculoskeletal pain.  Most patients reported that cannabis helps improve symptom intensity, decrease symptom frequency, or completely control or eliminates symptoms altogether.  The most common methods of administration were smoking and edibles.”

Dr. J. Knox saw “…primarily chronic musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, and insomnia.  Cannabis provided resolution or at least significant improvement of symptoms.  Smoking was the most common method of use that patients reported to me.”

As can be seen and read from social media, guests from all around the world were able to join together together in peace, love and harmony, vibing on great music, great company and cannabis!

Marely Natural is now officially available California looks to expand into Colorado, Oregon and Washington later in the year. Continuing in the ideals of having their herb give back to the world, Marley Natural has created a program called Rise Up which will use sales to help fund projects committed to environmental sustainability, positive social change and helping communities harmed by the social injustices of cannabis prohibition.

Bob’s ethos and ideals live on!


Mad High Tea Party

Have you ever wished you could be like Alice and take a trip to Wonderland?  Last July, two San Francisco based cannabis collectives teamed up to bring a whimsical cannabis infused afternoon in Wonderland to life!  We interviewed Stephany from Flour Child Collective, a craft creator of local and organic edible jams and topicals, on the details and inspiration behind San Francisco’s first Mad High Tea Party!

LOVE AND MARIJ:  WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR EVENT?

STEPAHNY:  It was a few weeks after we had initially launched Flour Child and we had recently partnered up with our first collective, The Hepburns- a small, SF-based producer of solvent-less ice water hash-infused, pre-rolled joints. We wanted to put on a few gatherings for the community that focused on celebrating cannabis and incorporating it into safe, positive social settings.

Allie Butler, the founder of Hepburns, was very inspired by Alice in Wonderland when designing her packaging, and it has always been one of my favorites, too. So, we decided that the first event we did together would have to be an Alice in Wonderland-inspired “Mad Tea Party”. Thus, the Mad High Tea Party was born.

LOVE AND MARIJ:  Take us through all of the details of what you put together and why!  (Any particular pairings you were excited about?)

STEPHANY:  My partner Akhil Khadse and I met while working in NYC restaurants; I was a pastry cook and he had been cooking in some of NYC’s best restaurants for 15 years.  We had always dreamed about doing a high-end cannabis tasting, so initially, we had talked about doing a tasting menu, with a series of infused, plated courses and terpene-paired joints and cannabis cocktails to pair with. However, even in San Francisco, it was challenging to find an affordable place where we could hold something like this.  A friend generously lent us her family’s backyard garden and home in Potrero Hill, so we decided to make it more of a casual-yet-fantastical elevated garden tea party affair.

For our research, we read some of Lewis Carroll’s poems and of course, watched the Disney version of “Alice in Wonderland.”  Alice in Wonderland is full of food references and Pinterest is full of Alice in Wonderland-inspired parties.  Culturally, Alice has become a reference to psychedelics and things being not quite what they seem.  We wanted to make a menu that was whimsical, playful, trippy and a bit surprising.

Rather than add cannabis to all of the food, we decided to offer a few medicated elements that guests could add to their plates, if desired, and easily control their own dosage.  Allie rolled a flight of Hepburns deluxe, complete with custom-blown glass tips, to pass around.  She chose flowers and hashes to pair with each dish, based on terpenes & flavors, much like a sommelier would pair wine.

To start, we had “Bread and Butterflies”- a platter of our favorite local breads, Vella butter from Sonoma, and a selection of our organic, hashish-infused Seasonal Jams.  This way, guests could taste all of our Jams while remaining in control of how much cannabis they were eating, as well as have the option to choose from different strains and combinations, depending on their tolerance.  We turned our hashish-infused Granola into a spicy, savory topping by sautéing it with black garlic, spices, and chilies, which we served with a farmer’s market crudité platter and green goddess dressing.  Guests were encouraged to add infused Jam or spicy Granola to their sweet and savory dishes as needed.

Our third snack was pulled straight from an Alice in Wonderland Pinterest search- little hard-boiled egg “toadstools” filled with egg salad and topped with tomato “caps” and feta dots. We picked up some farm eggs from the market, and made an herby deviled egg filling from the yolks instead of egg salad. Petite dry-farmed early girl tomatoes were the perfect size for mushroom caps, and the tastiest, too!  Salty feta completed the woodland look and made the delicious tomatoes really pop. These snacks were paired with Hepburns Deluxes rolled from ‘Red Dragon’ flowers and ‘Shiva Skunk’ solvent-less hash from French Laundry Fine Concentrates, which had just enough funky earthiness to pair with the savory bites.

“The Walrus and the Carpenter” has been a favorite poem of mine since childhood, so of course, we had to include oysters. The Walrus made do with pepper and vinegar, which is really enough with delicious oysters, and in San Francisco we are lucky to have access to Hog Island Oysters just across the Bay.  A mignonette is very traditional to serve with oysters, which is normally a mixture of vinegar, pepper and shallots. Since it was summertime, we added diced Frog Hollow Farm “Flavor King” pluots (possibly the single best piece of stone fruit in California, definitely my favorite pluot varietal! With a royal name to boot) and a touch of lemon verbena, to bring out the fruitiness of the oysters.  They seemed like things that could all grow in Wonderland, down to the farm names!  Hog Island ‘Sweetwater’ oysters with Frog Hollow Farm ‘Flavor King’ pluot & verbena mignonette really does sound like something Alice might have eaten on her adventures, and it made for a luxurious little starter.

Photo Credit: Monica Lo

For the main course, we wanted something savory and substantial, yet light enough for a garden tea party.  Tea sandwiches are traditional, but predictable. Enter smorgastarta.  Smorgastarta is a Swedish sandwich “cake”- essentially an inside-out sandwich, layers of bread with various fillings, usually “frosted” with soft cheese and decorated with meats, herbs and vegetables. They can be made individual-sized or large and then cut into slices.  A sandwich cake is most definitely a dish that can go horribly wrong and depends entirely on the quality of your ingredients.  We have a large network of local farmers that we work with, and wanted to highlight their peak summer produce in the “cakes.”

For the first, we did a riff on the most classic of all tea sandwiches- the cucumber sandwich.  We layered Acme Bread’s herb focaccia with herbed crème fraîche, sliced Armenian, Japanese and Lemon cucumbers, julienned watermelon radish, and herbs.  We “frosted” it with whipped mascarpone cheese and garnished with nasturtiums and wild fennel flowers that we foraged in Russian Hill.  The garden where the party was held also happened to have a gorgeous flowering cilantro plant with green coriander seeds that we picked and sprinkled on at the last second because cucumber and green coriander are a flavor match made in heaven.

The second sandwich cake was all about tomatoes- how could we not in mid-July?!  We made a three-basil pesto (Genovese, lemon and bush basils) and spread it onto Acme herb slabs, layered with heirloom tomatoes and wild fennel pollen that we foraged in Berkeley.  The little cakes were covered with whipped Laura Chenel goat cheese and decorated with Sungold and Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes, purple basil blossoms and more wild fennel pollen.

For the third sandwich cake we took inspiration from one of our favorite New York sandwiches- the bagel with lox. We sliced everything bagels super thin and layered them with dill cream cheese, wild salmon lox and scallions. The sandwich cakes were really fun to make and decorate, and definitely brought the element of whimsy and surprise we were looking for!  They looked like sweet little confections, but we anchored them with familiar savory flavors.

We wanted to take dessert as an opportunity to showcase our Jams again, in a sweet that is both classically served with tea and made with jam- the Victoria sponge.  We had just gotten a lovely batch of ‘Alpha Blue’ ice water hash made by French Laundry Fine Concentrates in Mendocino, so we gently dosed the Victoria sponge cake with that.  We punched out little cakes and layered them with our Cherry and Peach Jams, clouds of whipped Straus cream and fresh mint.

To finish out the tea party, we of course had to make an Unbirthday Cake of sorts.  While we were gathering the nasturtiums and wild fennel we came across a patch of wild blackberries, so of course I wanted to highlight those. Inspired by the stripes of the Cheshire Cat, I decided to make a wild blackberry mousse and a raspberry mousse to layer between dozens of crêpes for a very psychedelic mille-crêpe cake.  We topped it all off with some ‘Alpha Blue’ hash-infused sponge cake crumbs.

For the grand finale, Allie rolled a few CBD-rich Hepburns Deluxes, made with Mendobreath Flowers & ACDC Solventless, Redwood Herbal, Sonoma County, which provided a perfect balancing at the end of the festivities.  The floral, heady Mendobreath flowers paired beautifully with the berry mousses in the crêpe cake and the CBD helped bring everyone back to reality after a trip down the rabbit hole.

LOVE AND MARIJ:  WHAT WAS THE OVERALL RESPONSE AND TAKEAWAY?

STEPHANY:  We put weeks of work into the event, and are so happy to have had the opportunity to put on a gathering like this.  We sold out of tickets and had a full house and every one of the guests had a fantastic time- a few people even told us it was the best party they had ever been to!  Everyone loved the food, our products and of course, the cannabis.  What really resonated with us is how beautiful it was to have a safe space for patients to medicate and interact socially, and how necessary it is to create these types of environments.  Since it’s prohibition, cannabis has very much been behind closed doors. Even with medical and recreational legalization in many states now, there are few social spaces that encourage- or even allow- cannabis use. Another thing that really struck me is how different the entire feel and flow of the party was in contrast to fêtes that revolve around alcohol. The whole time the energy was lively yet serene, full of connection, community and positivity.

We were very lucky to have legendary hash maker Frenchy Cannoli attend the party as our guest of honor, and everyone had a great time listening to his tales of travels and trichomes.  We have so much to learn from each other in the cannabis world, and it’s high time to create situations where this can happen.  It is a really amazing opportunity to pull together like-minded producers and patients and really support each other.  We hope to host many more events like this, in California and beyond.  The Mad High Tea Party was such a hit that we are going to have to make it an annual gathering- I would love to take it to other cities one day!  Currently, I’m working on fleshing out a few ideas for events in the spring and summer with a few other local producers…a brunch, a picnic and a barbecue are in the works.


Aphrodisiac Snacks: THC Munchkins

Majoon Love Balls (THC Munchkins)

Recipe by: Chris Kilham

Chris Kilham discovered majoon, an Arabic word for cannabis candy, when he read Richard Burton’s translation of The Arabian Nights in the 1980s.  He found a footnote describing an aphrodisiacal confection made from “ganja or young leaves, buds, capsules, and florets of poppy seed and flowers of the thorn-apple (datura) with milk and sugar-candy, nutmegs, cloves, mace, and saffron, all boiled to the consistency of treacle, which hardens when cold.”  The Indians used highly intoxicating “gum of hemp,” collected by hand or by passing a blanket over cannabis plants early in the morning. Intrigued, Chris tinkered with the recipe for decades, and he’s perfected these beauties. Made from dried fruits, nuts, and a cup of Chris’s cannabis-honey butter, but without poppies or delirium-inducing datura, Chris’s Majoon Love Balls are perfect little cannabis snacks.  You can temper their dosage by rolling them larger or smaller, and they’ll keep in the freezer for weeks or even months. The first time you make them, roll them small.

Photo by: Povy Kendal Atchison Majoon Love Balls - Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook

Recipe makes about 20 Love Balls

Aprox 5mg THC per serving

INGREDIENTS:

10–12 dried dates (preferably medjools)

10 dried apricots, organic and sulfur-free

1 ⁄ 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 ⁄ 2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 ⁄ 2 teaspoon cardamom powder

1 ⁄ 2 cup almonds

1 ⁄ 2 cup shelled pistachios

1 cup Bonzo Butter, softened

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Fine-chop all ingredients, except Bonzo Butter and coconut, by hand on a wooden cutting board.
  2. Put all ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add Bonzo Butter and knead with hands. Roll into balls about 1″ in diameter (larger or smaller will make them more or less potent).
  4. Roll balls carefully in crushed coconut until coated.
  5. Store in a labeled, airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.


Courtney & Shayan - Oct 10, 2015

A beautiful fall day in Steamboat Springs, CO, Courtney contemplated her vows…

…as Shayan, COO of BudandBreakfast.com, “the Air B&B of cannabis friendly lodging,” set up the Cigar & Herb bar.  Due to his line of work, choosing a venue was the most difficult part of getting married, but after having a magical experience while staying at the Bella Vista Estate  with Courtney last May to film a promo video, the two of them fell in love with the venue and were ready to set the date!

Palo Santo, a sacred wood with the same cleansing properties as sacred sage was burned to cleanse and purify the next chapter of Courtney’s life and the rose petals were lovingly placed on the newlywed’s beds.  It was officially time to try on her dress…

…and she was stunning!

The lovebirds were blindfolded and lead to one another for their first look.

Loved ones gathered outdoors…

…while two guitarists ushered guests in.

According to Sal Albert, Property Manager at Bella Vista, “Courtney and Shayan chose to stand at the fire pit with a simple alter and intimate bridal party.  Mother nature did the rest.  After some laughs, tears, memories and mostly cheering, this Colorado wedding in October could not have turned out more beautiful.”

Courtney & Shayan were pronounced man and wife…

…and it was time to get the party started!

A tent was set up for the reception with fine food and a traditional alcohol bar…

…but it was the Cigar and Herb bar that stole the show!

“Toast, the head budtender was an incredible source for the guests” said Sal.  “He invited anyone to ask questions and present the normalcy, dare we say, luxury, of the situation.  I watched him grinning all night, calling out to eager guests, “Yes, the Bud Bar is open!”

No one was lurking there during speeches or anything (like you usually see at alcoholic bars).  There was a sense of respect for the guests who didn’t partake at all times, and it worked perfectly.  Not one staff or family member felt offended throughout the night.

From rolling up “I Doobies” to setting up lasers after sunset, the Herb and Cigar Bar was the highlight of the party at just the right times!

Folks were happy to try something they hadn’t since the ’60’s, and Toast was making sure people knew the difference between dabs and edibles.”

A beautiful day morphed into a beautiful night where the marriage of cannabis and alcohol were gleefully celebrated alongside the beautiful bride and handsome groom.  Courtney & Shayan cut their cake…

and two could not be happier to be joined as one!


PHOTOGRAPHY:  Letitia Smith, White Light Exposure |  VENUE: Bella Vista Estate | GROOM: BudandBreakfast.com

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Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook - Sweet Bonzo Butter

Sweet Bonzo Butter

Recipe by: Chris Kilham

In 1983, Chris Kilham made his first cannabis-infused butter as a way to get extremely high. Over the years, as he came to understand the plant’s healing qualities, his intentions and techniques have evolved. His butter has become more delicious and nutritious, boosting cannabis’s health benefits with the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey. To make his butter, Chris simmers a third of an ounce of cannabis with a stick of butter over low heat for about twenty minutes, strains it, whisks in honey, and lets it solidify. Chris prefers to use a sativa for this staple, which he shares with many friends. It’s lovely as a dab on toast or a dollop in a smoothie, and it works well in many!

Makes about 1 cup

THC per cup: 93.6 milligrams

1 ⁄ 3 ounce cannabis flowers

1 stick butter (1 cup)

1 ⁄ 2 cup organic honey

1 dash vanilla extract

- Place cannabis into a coffee grinder and grind until powdered.

- The cannabis will stick to the insides of the grinder.

- Scrape it out thoroughly; you don’t want to waste that.

- Place butter in a 6", shallow frying pan or saucepan.

- Melt butter slowly.Slowly add ground cannabis to butter.

- Stir constantly with a wooden spoon while butter simmers at very low heat for 10–20 minutes.

- Pour butter and cannabis mixture into a small bowl.

- Let cool until butter starts to solidify, about 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

- Let cool for about an hour and whisk again, ensuring butter and honey are

- Transfer to a jar, label, and store in refrigerator for up to 2 months or freezer for up to 6 months.



A COLORADO DANKSGIVING TO REMEMBER

This year, Colorado has a lot to be Dankful for.  Just ask Leona St. Louis.

Through the biting cold of a November day in Colorado, Leona and her boyfriend started up their car and drove five hours to their destination, a friendly-looking Victorian home.  Not really knowing what to expect when she walked in, Leona took a deep breath, turned the handle, and stepped through the doorway with her boyfriend.  The toasty air inside instantly warmed her bones and melted away any anxiety she may have had.  A few steps further in and she was hit with the intoxicating aroma of dank weed and the familiar, warm smell of a well-loved and cooked-in kitchen.

In the main gathering room, they were greeted by a grand piano and a beautiful display of buds, bongs, pipes and papers.  Just down the hall was an elegantly set table, ready for a night of smiling, conversing, laughing and cannabis consumption.  This was Danksgiving.

What is Danksgiving?  Well, it’s a holiday typically celebrated the weekend after Thanksgiving, and honestly, the two holidays have a lot in common.  Both have food, drink, loved ones and merry times all around. Pretty standard, except on Danksgiving, as you may have guessed, there is one major difference.  You may want to leave Grandma home for this holiday (unless you have an exceptionally chill Grandma) because Danksgiving is the day when you get together with friends, light up the Mary Jane, and sit down for a THC-infused feast.

If this is your Grandma, bring her for sure.

Photo Via Viral Thread

Last Tuesday, Whaxy, the cannabis news resource and creators of the app that can tell you what strains are currently in stock at what legal dispensaries…

teamed up with Seattle based Cannabis Chef Ricky Flickenger, The Bud+Breakfast at The Adagio in Denver and Cannabis Dispensary Denver Relief to hold an exclusive Danksgiving dinner, the likes of which Colorado has never seen before.

Marie Veksler, General Manager at Whaxy said she wanted to gather fellow marijuana enthusiasts to “celebrate the natural pairing of weed and food” and what better way than by hosting a world-class cannabis-infused Danksgiving dinner!  The feast was open only to Whaxy’s contest winners.  Leona St. Louis, photographer, artist and author of a new blog; 101onWeed, was just one of the sixteen lucky winners.  For all of those who couldn’t be there, here’s a recap of the night.

THE CANNABIS:  The evening began with some flower and concentrates purchased from Denver Relief.  Guests were invited to smoke before and during the infused meal.  An on-site budtender served as a sommelier.

Denver Relief Budtender Photo via Whaxy.com

The strains offered for smoking included: Outer Space, Bio Jesus, Ultimate 91 Chemdawg and Bio Diesel.  The DRx concentrates used to cook the meal were: Outer Space, Bio Diesel and Lemon Durban.

THE VENUE:  The Bud + Breakfast at The Adagio is housed in a cozy Victorian home in Denver, Colorado.  A premiere cannabis-friendly lodging and hospitality company, they feature a “wake and bake breakfast,” “4:20 Happy Hour” and cannabis-infused massage therapy.  While they are in the business of hosting bridal showers and rehearsal dinners, last Tuesday they proved to also be the perfect venue to host a Danksgiving feast.

THE HOSTESS: A fun and creative departure from breaking cannabis news and creating apps that revolutionize the way cannabis consumers connect with dispensaries (see more info on Whaxy at the bottom of the article), Marie, with full support of the Whaxy team, flew in renowned Cannabis Chef Ricky Flickenger from Seattle to execute the epic meal.  “I got a phone call from Marie asking if I’d be willing to travel to Denver to prepare a Danksgiving feast.” said Ricky.  “Minutes later there were in flight tickets in my inbox and the event was on!”

THE CHEF: Chef Ricky was formerly the head pasty chef for Seattle’s Trophy Cupcakes.  Six years ago, Ricky created Bourgeoisie Brunches to share his passion for cooking with the community around him.  A long time user of cannabis to manage his anxiety, when Washington legalized recreational marijuana, Ricky saw an opportunity.  Now, every Saturday Chef Ricky teaches small groups how to cook their own cannabis-infused food.  Bored with marijuana sweet treats, he teaches people how to use cannabis oil to cook everything from tapas to entrees to desserts.  His unique expertise made him the unequivocal best choice to prepare the unprecedented Danksgiving.

All that, plus he has a dope beard!

If you’re already a bit sad that you missed out on this glorious event, you may not want to read further because the food lineup for this dinner was absolutely amazing.  The menu included:

Savory Butternut Squash Soup with Smoked Salt and Homemade Sour Cream

Shrimp, Jalapeño, Bacon and Cornbread Stuffing

Slow Cooked Turkey and Vegetables in Puff Pastry Flowers

Maple & Pecan Sweet Potatoes

Warm Green Bean & Red Bell Pepper Salad with Garlic Dressing

Bacon Apple Handpies

YUM!!

Chef Ricky infused the meal in its entirety with 10mg of cannabis, thus allowing people to eat their fill without getting absurdly high.  The meal he was most proud of?  The Puff Pastry Flowers filled with all the great things about Danksgiving; Tender Slow Roasted Turkey and Veggies in THC Infused Cream Sauce.

The highlight for Marie was watching sixteen strangers become friends bonding over their common love of cannabis.  Like a proper Danksgiving celebration, the pipe was passed around the table throughout the night.

Photo via Chef Ricky

Leona’s favorite course?  The Sweet Potatoes.  “They were to die for!  The sweetness of the maple in conjunction with the texture of the pecan created a delightfully intriguing flavor.”

After a wholly wonderful time, Leona and her boyfriend left happy, full, and pretty damn high.  On the drive home the next day, they reflected on the magnificent meal and the fantastic friends they had made.  Leona’s boyfriend turned to her. “You know,” he said, “it’s not about Danksgiving, it’s what Danksgiving is all about.”

Happy Holidays everyone!


Whimsical Washington Wedding - Chandra & Sam

A Washington Weed Wedding!

Before the big day…

Sam and Chandra took a little photographic engagement stroll down memory lane, revisiting all of key moments of their relationship; starting with the dispensary where they met, Trees Collective in North Seattle.

When Chandra walked in in search of recommendations to aid with some medical issues she was having,  Sam was quick to jump up and help the cute girl!  By the end of their ten minute conversation, he invited her to go see his band perform.  She couldn’t make to the concert, but made up for it and they’ve been inseparable ever since!

Sam proposed on New Years Eve date at Kerry Park in Seattle.  Truth be told, Chandra was not feeling well that night and had to be lured out by a string of lies and the promise of pizza!  When the fireworks starting going off over the Space Needle, he popped the question and Chandra said YES!

To celebrate, the two heading off to a NYE party at the home of their future groomsman, Matt, the co-anchor of the canna-news podcast, Cannasaurus Rex.

Since their venue would not allow for cannabis on site, the couple got creative with how to incorporate their cannabis by including it in their florals.  A local grower friend cropped their signature strain - Mothers Tongue.  According to Matt, the flavor profile was absolutely mind-blowing!  “Within the first ten seconds the flavor profile changes from kushy, to diesel, to sweet, to pine and so on!”

The father of the bride created custom ring boxes for the couple which they filled with beds of cannabis to provide padding for their rings!  Chandra, whose name means “moon light” in Navajao and “moon” in Sanskrit was gifted the moon box which Sam filled with a bed Blue Dream.  Sam was gifted the tree box for his love of plants and was gifted his favorite strain, Grapefruit Diesel, by his bride.

All groomsmen proudly wore cannabis boutonnieres made of Mothers Tounuge to show their support for the budding industry that joined Sam and Chandra together in the first place!

The blushing bride gathered her bud bouquet as she prepared herself to walk down the aisle!

After much anticipation, the couple finally said “I do!”  Coincidentally, they also both vowed to “always save you greens!”

Cannabis flowers were even incorporated into the whimsical woodsy reception theme!

Instead of a traditional toasting glass, the couple personalized a  “toking glass” to commemorate the day!  Sam purchased a bong from Big D Industries in Vancouver and customized it at a local mall!

As cannabis consumption was not allowed on site, the couple had to keep discreet and employ a few workarounds in the secret gardens of the venue!

All in all, it was a beautiful day for a beautiful couple!  Sam will continue to pursue the passion that brought him to his wife, working as a highly skilled 502 farmer in Washington - happily sharing his green thumb with all those in need!


Photography by:  Island Jenn |  Reach Sam for your 502 Farming Needs:  [email protected]

Colorado Cannabis Wedding - Lauren & Brad

High class cannabis wedding sported bud bouquets, ganja giftbags, clones as seating cards and countless other surprises!

Ganjasana, A Cannabis Yoga & Culinary Event

An afternoon of Cannabis Yoga, Cooking and Education in Boulder, CO

Kelly & Chris - July 4, 2015

A cannabis bouquet, ceremonial smoke and "I doobie" dabs with glass pipes made by the groom made for the ultimate celebration of freedom on this July 4th wedding in Colorado.

How to Prepare for Danksgiving

The ultimate guide to celebrating Danksgiving with your loved ones


Whitney & John - August 8, 2015

On a sunny Saturday morning on the grounds of her childhood home in the woods of West Linn Oregon, a beautiful bride waited patiently for her big day to begin.

Tables were adorned with stunning florals and greens under an enchanting tent…

…as the outdoor ceremony took place,

joining one lucky man and one lovely woman as husband and wife!

Across the way at a Christmas Tree Farm, the reception area with a bar and dance floor was set up on one side of woods…

…but just across the way…

…the groom had prepared a special surprise for his wife and their guests;

Oregon’s FIRST LEGAL CANNABAR!

John, a master grower out in California chose to serve thirteen strains along with handmade glass bowls and hired Nectar Cannabis to budtend.

Whitney and John cut their cake and danced their first dance as the sun set on the main entertaining area.

As night fell in the woods, the cannabar across the way welcomed all guests who chose to celebrate their union with cannabis!

Contrary to “lazy stoner” stereotypes, the party raged into the night with a fun and active dance floor!

This beautiful and historic night will forever have its place in Oregon history!


Photography by: Jessica Hill Photography | Event Planner: Bridal Bliss | Cannabar by: Nectar Cannabis | Florist: Zest | Live Band:Pressure Point



Kelly & Chris - July 4, 2015

A home grown cannabis bouquet, designed by the bride and groom was the first sign of freedom on Independence Day, 2015.

The wedding took place on the couple’s outdoor cannabis grow; a property deep in the mountains of Colorado.  Having played in the same land growing up, it was a truly a nostalgic and momentous day for the bride.

The groom faced the intimate group of wedding guests…

…with the bouquet of cannabis flowers as his bride was escorted to him for their “first look.”

Chris turned around to see Kelly and the magic began!

Deep in the woods…

…the ceremony took place.

When Chris read his vows to Kelly, he recanted their personal journey that they’ve shared to come to this very day.  “By the time he got to the end, there was not a dry eye in the crowd.”

In addition to poetic words, a crystal was incorporated as a powerful energy cleanser and amplifier.  “They are claimed to balance your chakras resulting in an elevated mood, memory boosting, de-stresser, more confident demeanor while calming the mind. The spiritual stone is linked to a higher conscience, aiding spiritual development.”

The two were finally joined as one…

…and celebrated with a ceremonial smoke; with glass pipes made by the groom.

Entertainment included drumming in the enchanted forrest setting, digging for gold and big block Jenga with personalized blocks that celebrated the occasion at hand.

Entertainment included drumming in the enchanted forrest setting, digging for gold and big block Jenga with personalized blocks that celebrated the occasion at hand.

…was topped with Independence Day fireworks at night.  The fireworks lit up the couple as they blossomed in the background sky.


PHOTOGRAPHY BY:  Pasiflora Photography


Combining Cannabis & Sex

According to cannabis relationship expert Molly Peckler, whose Highly Devoted dating services were recently featured in Vice, “Everyone deserves some good lovin’!  Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a stoner, there are some tremendous upsides to combining sex and cannabis that might be worth giving the plant a try!

Photo via @ganjayoga

You may have read about Foria, the all-natural THC and coconut based sex oil that can heighten female arousal and intensify natural euphoric pleasure in women in California and Colorado (the only two states where it’s legally distributed for the time being.)

Photo via Foria

For the rest of the world, regular old fashioned cannabis can still do a lot for enhancing pleasure!  According to Molly, one of the top benefits of using cannabis is heightened sensitivity throughout the entire body. “As long as you’ve got some experience between the sheets, that sensitivity boost can turn into a major advantage.”

For first timers, she recommends starting slow with a small dosage. Familiarize yourself with your chosen strain and method of consumption.  Molly suggests finding a strain that peps you up and makes you feel euphoric.

Sexxpot, sold in California only, is a low-THC strain that distributor Karyn Wagner, founder of Paradigm Medical Marijuana, started selling after reportedly having “perfect” sex with her partner while high on this strain (a derivative of Mr. Nice.)  According to Wagner, the 14% THC - as opposed to the 18-20% that’s typically desired - was the perfect amount to put her in a “sensual” headspace without feeling too high to perform.

Photo via Karyn Wagner

According to Molly, the right strain of cannabis can have the effect of quieting your mind and reducing anxiety. If a lack of focus or confidence is hampering your sexual enjoyment, marijuana could be the aphrodisiac you’ve been searching for.

When couples use cannabis together, they’re sharing a whole new thread of warmth and affinity. Marijuana has the tendency to connect people, so combining that with physical intimacy can allow for a deeper bond to form.

For more reasons why trying sex on cannabis could be a worthwhile adventure, check out Molly’s video below:

Follow @MollyPeckler on Twitter and sign up for a free relationship advice consultation!


Is there a strain you recommend for getting busy?  Share your advice in the comments!


Colorado Cannabis Wedding - Lauren & Brad

If you can figure out how to build and run a High Times award-winning marijuana concentrates laboratory in Colorado, you can figure out how throw an epic weeding!

Lauren & Brad’s trail blazing weed wedding was talked about in The New York TimesHuffington Post, & People Magazine!  Here is a look into what made their special day so innovative and historic:

Upon arrival at the hotel, guests received a welcome goody bag with some of Brad & Lauren’s favorite marijuana based gifts:  Apothecanna Calming Creme and Lip Buzz Chapstick, a hand rolled joint of Cherry Diesel, a lighter, munchies and a bottle of water to keep guests hydrated while toking at elevation.

Lauren and Brad chose green and white as their wedding colors and kept that theme throughout all decorative pieces of the wedding.  For her bouquet, Lauren wanted a clean look of all white flowers with a pop of green, which was achieved by using cannabis flowers.

The bride and groom sported fresh buds right off the plant, from their home garden, in their boutonniere and bouquet, arranged by Plum Sage Flowers.

Even the groomsmen sported fresh homegrown bud boutonnieres!

In addition to the beverage bar, the cocktail hour offered a hookah lounge in the beautiful outdoor setting.

A cigar roller rolled both tobacco & cannabis cigars.

Wedding guests from The Faulty Pelican, another one of Brad’s businesses that buys and sells high-end functional glass art, took it upon themselves to set up a mobile dab station!

Lauren & Brad may have been married by their life coach, but they did have a glass Rabbi pipe you could smoke out of!

Upon entering the reception, the guest retrieved their place settings, which were individually potted cannabis plant clones in little terra cotta pots with their name and table.

Every table was named after one of their favorite strains: Tangerine Haze, Cherry Diesel, Maui Wowie, Skywalker OG and Blue Dream.

Marijuana flowers were also incorporated into the table arrangements.

Selected guests also received Sweet Grass cannabutter baked cookies at their table!

People who hadn’t smoked in 30 years rediscovered their love for cannabis and had a great time!

Despite the lazy stoner stereotype, there was no trouble brining the party to the dance floor!

While Lauren and Brad enjoy wine in addition to weed, they are really just flavor connoisseurs at heart.  Brad is a sommelier of cannabis extracts, pairing cannabis flavors to menus in his spare time.  Their company, 710 Labs, was founded on the principle of figuring out how to extract the most flavor possible from the cannabis plant, concluding terpenes are best extracted using butane as a solvent.

Skywalker OG by 710 Labs Photo via 710labs.org

While 710 Labs is only in CO at the moment, they plan on expanding out of state in the near future!

In the spirit of finding happiness in doing what you love, Brad and his business partner recently launched Green Life Consulting to help interested entrepreneurs enter the cannabis industry.  One small piece of the business is cannabis-related party planning!

Given the thorough level of detail to the cannabis arrangements displayed at their weeding, we’d say that Green Life Consulting seems HIGHLY qualified!


Florist: Plum Sage Flowers | Professional Photographer: Ali. V Photography  | Her Dress:  Donald Deal ( custom ) | His Suit: Klein Epstein & Parker | Makeup:  Alchemy Mineral Blends | Hair: Treehouse Hair Spa | Ceremony, Cocktail Hour and Reception Music: Gold Coast All Stars | Decor: TDA Design | Desserts:Momofuku Milk Bars | Invitations: The Envelope Please | Wedding Planner: Calluna Events


Maria & Eric - May 30, 2015

Bec Koop of Cannabis Concierge Events along with Denise & Andrea of Lollylah Wedding Photography, orchestrated a refined and sophisticated weeding photo shoot that blew away the common perceptions associated with cannabis use. The photos tell a visual story of subtle elegance, using cannabis as the beautiful flower it is. Here are some specific examples of how they incorporated it stylistically:

Eco Hemp & Silk Wedding Dress Courtesy of Janay A Eco Bridal:

Subtle placement of cannabis in hair pieces:

Custom made hemp jewelry:

Cannabis flowers in the bouquet:

Bud Boutonniere:

Vape pen used by the groom:

Hemp used for decorative elements in the Aspen Grove vignette:

Subtle placement of cannabis in floral arrangements & other design elements carefully laced throughout the set:

Cannabis leaf design in the pizzelles used on the place settings:

Hemp Berry Smoothies with decorative cannabis leaves:

Clock on the “munchies” table set to 4:20 😉

They opted not to include cannabis infused food because Colorado regulations for edibles are extremely strict.  Commercial edible shops cannot sell a cannabis infused wedding cake or any food that is not clearly marked and portion controlled but these treats look plenty good on their own!  

The venue is a cannabis friendly bed and breakfast located on private property. By Colorado law, cannabis use can only be on private property.

A beautiful day for a beautiful bride and groom.


Creative Design and Planning: Cannabis Concierge EventsPhotography: Lollylah Wedding PhotographyVenue: Meadow Creek B&B  | Florals: Buds and BlossomsWedding Dress: Janay A Eco BrideHair and Makeup: Brytanie DotsonFood & Catering: Chef Tiffany Tomaso-Kelly | Invitations and Stationary: Avec La Vie Creations


SERVING UP SPARKLING WATERMELON WITH WEED!

Dixie Elixirs has a low dose watermelon infused THC Soda that’s a perfect alternative to champagne!  According to Health Ambition, some benefits of juicing this wonderfood can help your heart and skin by helping increase weightloss and manage cellulite.  In celebration of summer, here are some watermelon inspired food & drink pairing ideas for your next summer soiree!

DIXIE:  THE CHAMPAGNE OF CANNABIS

Dixie Elixirs is famous for their sparkling THC infused sodas ranging from 90mg sparkling Peach Iced Tea, Blueberry, Pomegranate, Wild Berry Lemonade & Old Fashioned Sarsaparilla to their low dose Dixie One 10mg Watermelon Cream soda.  According to Lindsay Topping, Dixie’s Director of Marketing:  “Dixie One’s are great- especially for guests who may be cautiously curious about cannabis.  This allows them to try something delicious without the anxiety of dosing!”

According to Dixie’s website: 

dixie-elixir-watermeloncream_1000x1000

  • Carbonation enhances your body’s THC uptake
  • Dixie Elixirs are triple lab tested for consistency and quality
  • Elixirs have no artificial coloring, brighter flavors and less sugar than traditional soda
  • Packaged in Dixie’s exclusive CR bottle, which is designed to hold carbonation

Whether you want to serve it straight up or mix it with some homemade watermelon juice, here are some ideas for presenting your sparkling elixir in style!

Mini Mason Jars

watermelon-mason-jar

  • Try a a mini mason jar with a salt rim & a squeeze of lime!
  • If you’re daring, try a slice or jalepeno on the rim to pair with the salt!
  • If you want to cut the potency of your Dixie One Watermelon Cream soda, try mixing it with a splash of lemonade and adorn your mason jar with a sugar rim!

Over Ice with Raspberries

minimasonjar

Photo via: themessybaker.com

Mint, Lime, Mason Jar & Straw

watermelon-mint-cooler-3

Photo via: TheMessyBaker.com

Serve it like Champagne!

familyfeastwtmln

Photo via: AFamilyFeast.com

Add some mint leaves and berries for an added burst of flavor!

Some helpful tips from Lindsay:

  • Do – Keep the original packaging on hand so people know exactly what they’re consuming.
  • Don’t – Have Dixie One be the ONLY beverage served. Give people the option to have more un-infused goodies if their sweet tooth isn’t quite satisfied.

As for a sweet treat to eat…

Once you have the taste of watermelon in mind, serve up some non-infused snacks to let your guests get their taste without needing to drink more than they’re comfortable with!

Love & Marij suggests non-infused everyday farm grown watermelon; straight from mother nature,  packed with vitamins & nutrients that not only aid in hydration, but promote healthy looking skin & hair so you can eat away and look great for your wedding day!  (Research also suggests that consumption of watermelon can possibly aid in alleviating the following chronic symptoms:  athsma, blood pressure, digestion, inflammation, muscle soreness)

NON-INFUSED watermelon snack ideas:

 

Savory Watermelon Salad

savoury-watermelon-salad-4102

Photo via:  BSinthekitchen.com

“This salad really transforms the watermelon into a savory dish that felt surprisingly hearty! Marinating the watermelon adds subtle hints of lemon, honey and balsamic to the freshness of the watermelon, and pairing it with the feta, mint, bacon and red onion makes it much more savory. Topping it all off with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar gives it a bit of needed acidity and a nice tang!” For the recipe, click here.

 

Watermelon Pizza

wtrmlnpizza

Photo via: Sandirha.com

A melange (or melon-ge!) of your favorite fruits, this recipe combines kiwi, strawberries, bananas, grapes, blueberries and coconut shavings; all held together by some fruit jam.  Change up the toppings or follow the original recipe here!

Feta, Mint & Watermelon Sticks

watermelon-feta-mint-skewers-3-bites-of-bri

Photo via: bitesofbri.com

Watermelon, Mint, Feta & Balsamic.  Simple, easy, tasty & savory! While the mint is great for aesthetics, a little bit goes a long way. We recommend doing a taste test before you serve! We also suggest adding a blackberry on top to round out the flavor, or substituting the feta for fresh mozzarella.  Check out the original recipe here.

 

Avacado Watermelon Summer Salad

summersalad

Photo via: ilanafreddye.com

If it’s the creamy essence of Dixie’s Watermelon Cream soda you’re looking to chase, try some ripe avocado! One tasteful toothpick combining watermelon, feta and ripe avocado has the makings of the perfect chaser.  Suggestions from the original chef here.

Watermelon Cupcakes

watermelon-cupcake-044-570x380

Photo Via: Bakerette.com

For any guest that prefers oven baked sweetness to celebrate your soiree, cupcakes and cannabis are copacetic companions!  Check out the recipe here.

Cheers & remember to consume responsibly! :o)



Finding Your Stoner Someone: 420 Dating Apps

Whether you’re new to dating apps or proficient in digital dating, here are some hemp friendly & helpful ways to bud your relationships!

NEW TO DATING APPS?

Dating is hard.  Meeting somebody the “old-fashioned way” while crossing the street or posting up on a barstool – like in the movies – sounds ideal, but how often does it actually happen?  Thankfully, dating apps and online services came along to help alleviate that stress and bridge the gap between like-minded wannabe lovers.  Traditional dating apps factor in preferences, likes, dislikes, age, past, favorites and myriad other qualities to help match daters.  That’s all fine and good for those who don’t have an existing relationship with marijuana, but for the rest of us, we all understand that finding a fellow 420 lover is key.  Must love dogs….and bongs.  Well, marijuana dating apps are here!  Just signing up gets the awkward weed “confession” out of the way.  If they’re registered on one of these apps, you already know they’re “one of us.” These dank dating apps could be the first chapter of a story that leads to a weed wedding!  You never know!

Our first app’s CEO founded his app after coming out as being a cannabis user was a date ender:

CANNABIS DATING CATALYSTS :

High There

On the surface, it may just seem like the Tinder of weed, but High There CEO Todd Mitchem will tell you it’s so much more than that.  This app really zeros in on the type of marijuana consumption and experience its users prefer!  For example, if you prefer edibles and are prone to a couch potato level of energy when high, you’ll be more likely presented with people near you that share the same preferences.  Swipe right my friends!

Photo via HighThereApp.com

420 Singles

Featured on shows like Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, 420 Singles provides a non-judgmental alternative to traditional dating sites. Helping take the awkwardness out of online dating,  it allows users to message, flirt, Skype and get high with other single stoners.  As their website suggests, “Cannabis is slowly becoming legal all over the world, jump on the fun train and start dating other singles who share the same love for the magical cannabis plant.”   Launched in 2011, 420 Singles can boast growth of 60,000 sign-ups and counting.  Easy to use and obviously popular, this site is a great way to meet like-minded and single fans of cannabis.  Built by stoners, for stoners, this dating site and app is growing quickly.

Photo via 420Singles.com

My 420 Mate

Bringing with them the tagline “The Cupids of Cannabis,” My 420 Mate has a lot to offer.  Featured in publications from The New York Times and High Times, this dating site has created a warm environment for recreational smokers and medical patients alike.  Laborers, doctors, lawyers and students can be found on My 420 Mate and communication is set up with chat, messaging and an anonymous email system.  A great place to grow your relationships and enjoy a shared love of cannabis.

Photo via My420Mate.com

Highly Devoted

If dating sites and apps just aren’t your thing, check out Highly Devoted right now.  Whether you’re searching for your soulmate or seeking advice on your current relationship, Molly Peckler is Highly Devoted to helping cannabis enthusiasts find love.  Ask Molly Questions about Love, Dating, Sex and Cannabis!  Her unique background as both a cannabis consultant and an executive matchmaker positions Molly uniquely to help sativa singles and indica individuals looking for love.  Check out her blog for tips or make an appointment for personalized assistance – you won’t regret it.


Have experience with any cannabis dating apps?  We want to hear your reviews!  Share your experiences in the comments below to help inspire others!

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Serving Edibles at your Wedding

The idea of a THC infused wedding cake has many layers!  Serving edibles at your reception or bachelor or bachelorette party is a quick and easy way to provide a sweet, discreet, THC infused treat, but just like learning your tolerance for alcohol, to have a good time, it’s imperative that all guests consume the right amount.

The legal marijuana revolution has brought forth a new wave of unprecedented potent edibles; MUCH stronger than what you may have tried back home.

To ensure a good time, here are some tips on hosts can control the use of edibles at a party; maximize the enjoyment of their guests.

That’s where this guy comes in; Meet Bob Eschino, the President & Co-Founder of INCREDIBLES, Colorado’s largest infused edibles manufacturer.

Here’s what he had to say:

Love and Marij:  What advice would you give to people who want to try edibles for the first time at a party?

Incredibles:  Start low and go slow.  No one wants to be the “wasted” person at the party.  Unless you know your dosage, start with 3-5 mg of activated THC [or less] and wait for 2 full hours to feel the effects.  Please don’t mix with other substances!

Love and Marij: For brides and grooms choosing what edibles to serve, what would you recommend they look for in an edible?

Incredibles: Weddings are a special occasion, so look for something special!!  I would recommend taking an existing edible and incorporating it into a different dessert. We just saw a recipe for our 3mg Cookies and Cream square in a smores!!  Awesome idea and a great dosage for a party!

Love and MariJ: Is there a way to control the way you feel with the type of marijuana you buy? 

Incredibles: Yes, but when you put them into an edible there is a different effect. Cannabis is processed differently through the liver.  It becomes a little more intense and lasts longer.

Love& Marij: How would you recommend that the bride & groom or party thrower serve the edibles?  

Incredibles: I would recommend putting someone in charge of distributing them, similar to the budtender. They can keep it out of the hands of children and educate the users when they give them the edible on proper consumption and wait times.

Love and Marij: If you don't want the side effects of your guests to kick in until the after party, when should you consume the edible?

Incredibles: Most edibles will start to kick in in 30-60 minutes, but you will not feel the full effect until around 2 hours!!


Jenny & Ryan - July 12, 2014

The words “we’ll be having a weed bar with bud tenders” rattled out of their mouths just as naturally as they mentioned the florist they had chose.

Johnna Patton had never been asked to plan a weed wedding before, but when a San Francisco based couple hired Distinctive Mountain Events to plan their special day in Colorado, her first thought was “how fun!”

Medicinal marijuana was legalized in Colorado back in November of 2000, and so the taboo of marijuana has dissipated over time.  A few days into planning one of the most unique weddings Johnna’s had the pleasure of orchestrating, she finally had her first fear:  What if someone needs to lay down? The answer?  Prior to meeting Johnna, the couple had made arrangements with the venue to have a giant dome they called the “Shady Waffle” driven out from their home in San Francisco to their venue in Colorado.   The Shady Waffle would host some lounging beds, so that if anyone felt like dozing off, they could do so with comfort!

Whether or not recreational marijuana is Johnna’s personal speed, she believes that “everyone should have the choice to choose how they recreate! A hit off a volcano bag is about equivalent to a gin and tonic.” 

The event itself was truly “high end.”  It was a perfectly elegant day that went off without a hitch.  There were no negative reactions to the bud bar.  “If you didn’t want to smoke, you could drink, go to the oxygen bar or just enjoy the grounds of the beautiful private ranch and the bluegrass band”. 

For those living in states that have not yet legalized recreational marijuana and cringe at the thought of cannabis at an occasion of class, Johnna says “If you don’t believe it can happen, you just haven’t been to one.  There wasn’t anything low end, sneaky, dirty or ugly about the experience.  It just happened.  I don’t think anyone flinched.”

Distinctive Mountain Events is a full service wedding and event consulting firm specializing in the design, implementation and fulfillment of unique Colorado weddings.  While this particular wedding has been their only 420 event so far, they are certainly open to planning more canna-friendly events.  While Johnna admits, “it’s hard to find a venue as liberal as the public is” where there’s a will, there’s a way!


Event Planning: Distinctive Mountain Events  | Photography: JOE KUSUMOTO PHOTOGRAPHY


Candice & John - July 16th, 2015

Six years ago, Candice’s father hired John to join the kitchen staff at his restaurant in Buffalo, NY and Candice fell in love! After dating for six years, they were finally married on July 16, 2015 in their new home state of Colorado.

While the couple’s move was a complete leap of faith, they couldn’t have made a better decision.  They left their jobs in NY to build careers in the cannabis industry!  A subject of a  Bloomberg Business article on jobs in the legal marijuana space, John was hired as a trimmer by Medicine Man Denver in April of 2014 and within six months worked his way up to become lead trimmer!  Candice started as a budtender at MM Denver in Sept of 2015 and is now a manager at their newest flagship location; Medicine Man Aurora!

A year before moving to Colorado, Candice and John were in a serious car accident that took a hard, physical toll on John.  Smoking marijuana became the best form of pain relief. Indicas seemed to help, but he couldn’t be too picky about what he got back home in NY where even possessing marijuana paraphernalia at the time was an offense punishable by law. When John moved to Colorado, he was able to get his medical card and the caliber of cannabis he was able to medicate with was astonishing!  Candice, who uses cannabis to help manage her anxiety, was blown away by the difference in quality between legally regulated cannabis of Colorado and the black market marijuana back in Buffalo.  One of the cutest pre-wedding gifts Candice received to help her manage her anxiety about the big day was from a friend on the morning of her dress shopping day:

“Our wedding was truly the most perfect day.” said Candice.  “The sun stayed shining and every plan turned out perfectly!”

The morning was powered by Starbucks.

“We were married in a public park, so we were not allowed to serve marijuana on site,” but at the post reception afterparty, some of Candice & John’s co-workers managed to surprise them with their three favorite Medicine Man strains:  G6 #3, Ghost Train Haze, & Lemon Head!

Being able to recreate with cannabis as a couple was a true “exhale of relief!”  With so many nerves in the air, the recreational retreat was the exact thing that Candice needed to take the stress off the day and enable her to focus on the moment.

They couldn’t be more thankful for the family of co-workers they’ve acquired over the 18 months they’ve lived here.  Kala Williams, who runs the front desk at Medicine Man Denver, was their officiant, while Pete Vasquez, the GM of MM Denver stood in place for John’s best man who passed away earlier in the year.

Contrary to the lazy stoner stereotype, Candice and John were able to enjoy a marathon of a day!  Their post reception afterparty was in Manitou Springs where they continued the party into night!

The Williams family, who owns and operates both Medicine Man Dispensaries & Medicine Man Technologies have welcomed Candice & John into their family.  Not only do they now have a Colorado family to celebrate Thanksgiving with but John, (along with all tenured MM employees) was gifted stock in Medicine Man Technologies to help set up a nest egg for their future!

Candice and John plan to remain in Colorado and continue budding with the industry!