Cannabis

When wrestling legend Ric Flair came to Phoenix in 2022 to pitch his eponymous cannabis brand, he and his entourage set up shop at The Clarendon. The boutique hotel was little more than a year removed from rebranding into the first cannabis-friendly hotel in Arizona, complete with a weed wing of 16 rooms where pot consumption is encouraged. Flair's appearance scored yet another win for the hotel, which also offers a consumption lounge, regularly hosts weed events and boasts of a rooftop bar with beautiful views. Reinvention has kept The Clarendon competitive in a world of corporate behemoths, and this latest incarnation of the 50-year-old hotel demonstrates again why it's such a jewel tucked into Central Phoenix.

Nature's Medicine began as a medicinal dispensary in 2014 under the watchful eye of former pharmacist Jigar Patel. With a keen focus on providing patients with the best of the best cannabis, the brand rose to prominence in Arizona. But just because Nature's Medicine is no longer strictly medicinal, that doesn't mean it has slacked off when it comes to lining its shelves with great products. In fact, with over 400 products to choose from, Nature's Medicines has everything to cater to both the medicinal and recreational toker. Pick up prerolls, flower, concentrates and edibles of every type, from beverages and chocolates to gummies and syrups.

For businesses selling products often associated with chill, happy vibes, dispensary waiting rooms can be a major drag. Of course, waiting rooms make sense from a security standpoint, but as a customer, having to play a game of musical chairs while waiting for your name to be called can be a buzzkill. That's why The Flower Shop in Ahwatukee took a different approach to designing its dispensary. The moment you walk into The Flower Shop, you're met with a visual feast of weed-themed dioramas everywhere you look. From the hyper-girly display cases for the brand's female-centric line Ladylike, to the wanderlust-inducing cases featuring High Variety products, it's impossible not to be entertained. The dispensary's open-concept design means you can freely explore the products without being confined — or pressured — to order from a paper menu without seeing the actual product.

For Phoenix's stoners, June 24 was a historic day, because it was the day Berner and his iconic brand, Cookies, came to town. Known internationally for its top-shelf flower, Cookies has been a pioneer in the cannabis industry. So, having a dispensary location in the Valley is a huge deal. Like Cookies' other locations across the country, Tempe is well stocked with over 200 options for deli flower. The store is even equipped with clever orbs that house samples of each strain so customers can view the nugs and even get a whiff of their delicious scent. If concentrates are more your gig, you'll also find a hearty selection of rosin, resin, sauce, diamonds and vape pens. But if you just want to pop by and snag some dope swag, we won't judge you — the branded merch is what's up.

Every dispensary has offers for new customers — often a discount or a free product sample — but TruMed takes the deals to a whole new level. First-time patients can snag a free ounce for making four purchases over $25 in 90 days, and veterans always receive 10% off their purchases. Once you fall in love with TruMed like we did, the loyalty program will help you save money and get, you guessed it, free product. Earn 4% store credit on every purchase, and for every $25 (pre-tax) you spend, you'll get a $1 credit. Of course, all of this is in addition to weekly specials and promotions — both of which TruMed does a lot of.

The original Durban Poison strain can trace its roots all the way back to 1970s South Africa. Once American cultivator Ed Rosenthal brought it stateside, it took off like wildfire, quickly becoming a favorite of both medical and recreational tokers. Although Durban Poison's earthy — and frankly somewhat skunky — aroma isn't everyone's cup of tea, this is a flower everyone should try at least once. Often reaching as much as 24% THC, Durban Poison is a strong sativa that induces a happy and creative head high. And with the state of the world right now, we could all use a little more happiness in our lives.

Finding a heavy-hitting indica that falls outside the usual suspects of Granddaddy Purple or Bubba Kush can be tough. That's why Nightshade is such a gem. A cross between two indica strains — Kashmir and Nepali landrace — Nightshade is everything you've ever wanted in a highly potent indica. From the first tokes, Nightshade overtakes your brain with a creeping head high that quickly eliminates all negative thoughts swirling around between your ears. Just make sure you're near a couch when you spark up, because it won't be long before the sedative effects kick and you find yourself drooling on your pillow.

GG4, also known as Gorilla Glue, or Original Glue, is an oldie-but-goodie strain. A cross between Chem's Sister, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel, GG4 is an indica-leaning hybrid that features caryophyllene as its dominant terpene. Research has shown caryophyllene helps relieve stress, anxiety and inflammation, so this is the perfect flower for winding down after an active day. And we're not the only ones who love this pungent, earth strain. GG4 has taken first place in both the Michigan and Los Angeles 2014 Cannabis Cups, as well as the High Times Jamaican World Cup in 2015.

Let's face it, a lot of cartridges don't taste like their name indicates they should. Then again, we're grateful that the MPX Melting Point Extracts' Gas Pedal cart doesn't taste like it sounds. But all jokes aside, TRU Infusion Kitchen's Watermelon Bubble Gum cart is literally bursting with so much sweet watermelon goodness that you might think you're tasting the real thing — and that has us hooked. The pleasure of taking a hit from this cart doesn't stop with the flavor, either. The smoke was some of the smoothest we've seen and the high was quick and had us walking on sunshine as the THC washed our brains in bliss.

Drip's concentrate line is locally made with the highest-quality cannabis directly from the company's cultivation of boutique cannabis flower. It's sold in four different tiers for patients; they can choose from affordable (gold and silver) to connoisseur smoke (platinum and diamond), with the latter being a top-shelf concentrate. The tiers are dictated by the material quality used to make the high-THC concentrates. The silver and gold tiers are made from cured cannabis material, while platinum and diamond tiers are reserved for the company's nug runs and live resin extracts. THCA, batter, sauce, rosin, honeycomb, wax, shatter and caviar are the various types of concentrates Drip has to offer. Its vast line of top-shelf concentrates is what makes Drip a Phoenix favorite.

Space Rocks flower begins with top-quality, hand-picked cannabis. Next, the flower is covered in liquid THC diamonds and a unique "Space Dust," a mix of THCA and natural cannabis terpenes. The out-of-this-world fusion makes Space Rocks "the strongest cannabis flower ever made," the company touts. Some Space Rocks batches have as much as 70% THC potency. It's not just the super high potency that Space Rocks is gaining notoriety from in the Valley — it's the integration of premium top-shelf cannabis and carefully selected cannabis terpenes in the company's production process that guarantees both far-out flavors and scents when smoked.

STIIIZY 40's are prerolls infused with flower and top-shelf live resin packed in a kief-dusted cone. The company calls them 40's because they're hella potent, testing at over 40% total cannabinoid content. But it's not just about the potency. Smooth and slow-burning, yet flavorful, STIIIZY 40's are a totally different experience for preroll smokers. The 40's come in multipacks of 1-gram and 0.5-gram prerolls in indica, sativa or hybrid strains. Some strains STIIIZY packs into glass jars are Biscotti, King Louis XIII, Purple Punch, Skywalker OG, Blue Burst, Gelato and Pineapple Express, just to name a few.

A lot of edibles tend toward the sweet side of the flavor spectrum. We love gummies and syrups and drinks and cookies as much as the next stoner, but sometimes, we just want a different edible experience. Diablo Cannabis Co. makes our new favorite snacks — treats that taste like Cheetos and Takis but get you high. Our pick is the Infernos, which pretty much taste exactly like Hot Cheetos, except each stick of cheesy goodness contains 5 mg of THC. The challenge is to not eat the whole bag when the munchies kick in.

Catri, a local cannabis-infused edible company, honors La Catrina, the Dia de los Muertos queen. The brand is inspired by the founders' upbringing in Mexico and the nostalgic flavors they recall from their homeland. Roberto Laposse, the co-founder of the infused candy brand, said the gummies are packed with 100 mg of THC, and the flavor formulas are derived from his family's 100-year candy-making legacy in Mexico City. Catri features the following flavors: horchata, tamarindo, dulce de leche, piña colada, chamoy, fresas con crema, mango, tamarindo, platanito and manzanita. While inspired by Mexico, the soft and chewy gummies are made here in metro Phoenix and are vegan, gluten-free, pectin-based and made with natural preservatives and ingredients. The Catri gummies are a great alternative to mainstream fruity flavors.

Let's face it, in the age of online dating, you never know who is showing up to dinner — your date is just as likely to be your Prince Charming as they are to be a blobfish. So how do you prep for the uncertainy? Well, you could down some liquid courage and run the risk of showing off your hidden talent for speaking fluent Drunkenese. Or you could light a spliff and show up smelling danker than Snoop Dogg on 4/20. But, if you want a more subtle option with buildability depending on how badly the date is going, JAMS Tarts are the way to go. Each of these conveniently sized hard candies contains microdoses of cannabis — just 2.5 mg — making them ideal for building your perfect high. Plus, they're fast-acting, so you don't have to worry about waiting the typical hour before the effects kick in. Bottom line, if the blind date your mom set you up on with her co-worker's son is leaving a bad taste in your mouth, pop a deliciously fruity JAMS Tart in your mouth and see where the night takes you. JAMS Tarts are found exclusively at Curaleaf locations around the Valley.

For a lot of cannabis fans, the often-unpredictable nature of edibles is something of a turnoff. With Sofa King gummies, though, there's an awesome balance of buzz and relaxation that makes it one of the best products you can nibble on if you want to get a good night's sleep. With four flavors of goofy goodness — including watermelon, cherry, grape and orange (which is the best, by the way) — there's a little something for everyone in these terrifically consistent 10-mg indica beauties. Just grab one out of the easy access package, pop it in your mouth and in about 20 or 25 minutes you'll be ready for some top notch zzzz's. And if you're not looking for sleep, Sofa King's sativa 10-mg gummies are also excellent fun, as well — basically a chewable bong hit. You can't go wrong with Sofa King.

Just when we think there aren't any additional ways to get high, we find out about THC sprays. Fazed THC spray can freshen your breath and enlighten your body and mind. It's possible thanks to Fazed infusing THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, within its mini spray bottles. The mouth spray THC experience is discreet and an alternative to traditional infused edibles since it bypasses the digestive system. Also, it's a dope alternative for people who are not the type to smoke or vape. The 100 mg THC spray Fazed bottles come in citrus vanilla or peppermint vanilla flavors; each spray is equivalent to 2 mg of weed in mist form.

iLAVA Touch is a special THC- and CBD-infused gel — better known as a topical — that you apply on your skin. The THC and CBD are absorbed through the skin's pores and bloodstream. The balance of dilution ratios and active ingredients in the oil blend was created by "a clinical aromatherapist experienced in botanical therapy product development with an emphasis on patient safety," according to the iLAVA folks. This ensures the topical provides the benefits of the infused cannabis. The Touch cream comes in two different types of containers: a 3.75-ounce bamboo container with 320 mg of CBD and 380 mg of THC and a glass jar that holds 2.85 ounces with 250 mg of CBD and 300 mg of THC.

If it's pot paraphernalia you need, Bud's has you covered. From glass and vapes to jewelry and clothing, the two smoke shops offer cannabis (and hookah) connoisseurs an endless supply of accessories to better their consumption. Don't know what to get that weedhead that's got everything? Bud's has a gift for that. They also offer natural oils, teas, tinctures and vapes. Each April, Bud's delivers 4/20 bliss with its outdoor festival Buds-A-Palooza. Vendors dish out their products, glass artists do live demonstrations, bands provide the beats and a munchies mall keeps those hunger pangs at bay. Keep an eye out for special events, too. Bud's hosts them regularly, including First Friday at its store just off Roosevelt Row.

Anyone with a chronic illness can attest that when you're having a flare, driving to a dispensary and waiting in a long queue to get your medicine is the absolute worst. So delivery services like Supurb are a game changer. Registration on the website takes just a few minutes, and once your valid Arizona medical cannabis card is verified online, you can start ordering. Currently, customers can choose from five metro dispensaries, including JARS, The Flower Shop and Sunday Goods. While there are delivery fees, some dispensaries waive the fees depending on the amount of product purchased. Just make sure to tip your driver for a job well done.

The Errl Cup is a quest for the best of the best in Arizona weed, and as spectators, we get to reap the benefits. It happens twice a year in Phoenix (and once up in Camp Verde); for an entry price of free (and $20 for parking), you can spend the day competing to roll a joint the fastest or try your hand at the bong wars. Either way, everyone who walks into the Errl Cup festival will walk away thoroughly stoned and with some free product. If you're lucky, you can score up to an ounce of free weed. Twenty years ago, it would have been unfathomable that stoners from across Arizona would legally convene in Mesa to celebrate the plant. But here we are and it's glorious.

The Gridiron Greats Celebrity Golf Classic during Super Bowl 2023 week was an eventful and unique experience, with former NFL players and sports celebrities enjoying a combination of golf and cannabis. Kyle Turley and Super Bowl Champ Jim McMahon hosted the event at the Anthem Golf & Country Club; their Revenant cannabis brand was prominently featured around the venue. Mint Cannabis added to the experience by offering dab hits at the third hole. It was the first time dabbing for some of the players, and a few of the golfers lost their balls mid-play or couldn't stop laughing. The sold-out event was another example of the evolving attitudes and legal landscape surrounding cannabis use and its trend toward public acceptance.

The Desert Blaze Tacos & Tequila Music Festival was unlike any event metro Phoenix had ever seen. As the sun set on April 15, the Phoenix Events Complex became a vibrant wonderland of music, food, tequila and cannabis. This was the first of its kind in the metro Phoenix area, and excitement was in the air — literally. In the designated cannabis area, a delightful aroma hung in the air as people freely enjoyed complimentary prerolls, bong and rig hits, and edibles. The Arizona Cannabis Awards Music Festival was a highlight of the event, as was a performance by rapper B-Real of Cypress Hill (other artists on the bill included DJ Quik, MC Eiht, Suga Free, Mr. Capone-E, Kurupt and Spice 1). At a distance, carnival rides spun in the background, their lights adding to the vibrant ambiance. Lowriders and motorcycles were scattered around, showcasing the unique and diverse culture the event aimed to celebrate. While the alcohol and cannabis areas were reserved for those over 21, the music festival remained open to all ages, fostering a sense of inclusivity and family-friendly fun under the desert sky.

Amy Van Dyken, who now resides in metro Phoenix, was the first American woman to win four gold medals in a single Olympics at the 1996 games in Atlanta. In 2014, Van Dyken was involved in a UTV accident, injuring her spinal cord and paralyzing her from the waist down. Following the accident, she faced a complicated rehabilitation process, part of which enabled her to consume marijuana. In recent years, Van Dyken has openly spoken of her use of medical marijuana to manage pain brought about by the accident; she consumes the flower, wax and edible variations of cannabis to improve her quality of life. While marijuana use is banned in the Olympics, the former swimmer's advocacy for the miracle plants' medical benefits has led to discussions between her and other Olympic champs and pro athletes about revisiting the regulations surrounding the use of cannabis by of-age athletes.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the innovative yet dope artistry of Chris Drury, the visionary behind Shuhbuh Glass in Phoenix. Drury is no ordinary glass artist; he's a master at creating exquisite glass bongs and rigs designed explicitly for cannabisheads worldwide. His creations aren't just functional pieces, they're smokin' works of art, with a lot of swirl patterns, dichroic treatments and milli accents that push the boundaries of glass craftsmanship. One glance at Drury's techno-color glass pieces, and you'll be transported to a realm of fantasy and imagination — likely induced by THC. His distinctive style incorporates lit dragon motifs, and his signature tusk-like and spike accents add a unique touch, showcasing his attention to detail and commitment to delivering museum-quality canna glass. Drury's designs have recently taken the cannabis industry by storm, earning him a prestigious award at the renowned Champs Trade Show, a prominent gathering for cannabis professionals and enthusiasts in Las Vegas.

DJ KP is a Mesa-based artist who can be found at dispensaries and weed parties around town, spinning hip-hop on the Serato DJ software platform and even old-school turntables occasionally. KP, an acronym for "keep positive," is an old-school disc jockey who smokes weed to keep his creativity flowing when spinning at cannabis-friendly events and hone his hand-eye-ear coordination when blending and scratching the jams. When KP jams out at dispensaries, he brings weed-laced tracks from Cheech & Chong, Dr. Dre and Bob Marley and the Wailers. He's the best-known cannabis DJ in the Valley (and our personal favorite) because he always keeps the party going while pass-pass-puffing over his DJ equipment and sending out positive vibes on the mic.

Sharif "Reef the Comic" Faleh headlines and hosts the Jokes & Joints show at House of Comedy on High Street. At the "high-sterical" show, the 32-year-old Palestinian comedian, whom the cannabis-heads call Reef for short, smokes a joint with his fellow comedians and fans. Then, high as a kite, Reef tells unfiltered jokes on stage, inspired by the rugged streets of New Jersey and his Middle Eastern roots. The niche weed comedian is known for crowd immersions and snappy wit, a skill he honed through countless encounters with randoms on NYC subway cars. Reef took his quick comeback wit to Phoenix, and with or without weed, he's a guaranteed hoot. Another plus when folks come to Reef's Jokes & Joints is that they'll likely get free canna samples; don't turn down the free weed, or Reef will roast you.

In Arizona's young recreational cannabis market, Mint Cannabis is no stranger to blazing trails. In March 2022, the company's flagship retail outlet — with an address in Guadalupe but referred to as its Tempe store — became the first in Arizona to open until midnight. Seven months later, in October, the dispensary shifted to 24-hour operations, the first one in Arizona — and just one of a handful across the U.S. — to offer around-the-clock weed. It's the kind of cannabis convenience that just a few years ago was a pipe dream for weed enthusiasts. Offering late-night weed is just the latest innovation for this Mint store, which was the largest in the state when it opened, offered a first-of-its-kind cannabis kitchen in 2018, cut the ribbon on a drive-thru in 2020 and launched a shuttle service in 2022. If you get a late-night itch for a marijuana hit, Mint makes it so easy to scratch.