Cannabis

Full disclosure: The mysterious bewigged man known as HotRock SupaJoint does draw the occasional comic strip for Phoenix New Times. But we're not giving him an award because he's a contributor. He's a contributor because he's a local legend. Besides the artwork, SupaJoint is a musician, video creator and podcaster, and most of time, it's all about weed. His podcast, "SupaShow," seems to be on a bit of a hiatus at the moment, but you can listen to years of back episodes in which SupaJoint and his co-host, Poppa Color, view and discuss listener-submitted content while "totally high af." It's plenty entertaining when you're sober, but you may want to indulge in a bit of weed yourself as you dive in. HotRock SupaJoint would approve.

We already loved the vape pens and cartridges produced by Scottsdale-based Timeless Vapes. Then, the company went above and beyond with its Timeless Artist Legacy Program, which slaps original artwork on some of its products. The most recent collab was with Phoenix's Nyla Lee. For her Timeless collab, Lee created the image of a woman in a pinup style but with subversive touches such as teal-colored skin, horns and red Xs over her eyes. The cool and sinister design graced a flip case, cycling jersey, stickers and other merch. The collab puts Lee in the company of other Phoenix artists who have worked with Timeless before, including Tato Caraveo and Ashley Macias.

It was enough of a win when marijuana was legalized statewide in January 2021. Because for a state that's sometimes behind the curve on big happenings, keeping pace with the legalization boon nationwide was a shimmering sign of the ongoing "purple-fication" of the Copper State. So, when several local workers from national dispensary chain Curaleaf attempted to unionize in late 2023, it felt like that sense of progressiveness had reached its next big moment of cultural significance. Arizona's got a solid-enough track record of protecting workers, albeit with a focus on better-than-federally-mandated wages and paid sick leave. Seeing the workers not only demanding more rights, but doing so in a burgeoning industry with ample growth opportunity, was an encouraging move not just for progressive grandstanding but also for actually empowering and supporting everyday folks in this state. Marijuana continues to be a cash-generating cow, and sometimes workers' rights are bypassed when so much money is involved. But if the industry surrounding pot is going to mean anything long term to the culture and economy of Arizona, unionization is just the first step of many toward true sustainability.

In the heart of Tempe, there's a hidden nugget that has quickly become the go-to spot for cannabis enthusiasts: Exhale Society. More than just a lounge, it's a dope sanctuary where everyone is welcome, from seasoned smokers to the one-hit wonders. The spot's safe; everybody must check in in the lobby with an ID. It's also super clean and comfortable, with LCD screens, stand-up video games and spacious tables where you can prepare your cannabis with ease. Fear not, folks with the munchies: They sell local snacks and nonalcoholic drinks. Here, you bring your own cannabis, and the lounge provides the perfect setting. With monthly and yearly memberships available, plus special discounts for veterans and select cannabis cardholders, Exhale Society is more than a hangout — it's a community.

Even with the availability of recreational marijuana, the benefits of having a medical card (such as higher purchase limits and 8% less tax) are worth it. And the easiest and most cost-effective way to get a medical card is through The Marijuana Doctor. They do in-person and online appointments, and if you don't have forms from your physician, you can see the doctors at Marijuana Doctor for an exam and recommendation. All your paperwork is filed on-site, and if approved, your digital medical marijuana card (a physical card costs extra money) will be available usually within one week.

Available only for medical marijuana patients, Supurb delivery service makes it easy for patients to get their goods. They simply register with their medical card information, enter their delivery address, and the Supurb website will show them about six of the closest participating dispensaries. Patients can see each dispensary's menus and specials before ordering. Delivery can take several hours, especially on weekends, and drivers only accept cash for purchases and can rarely make change, but it's worth using the Supurb service if you're not mobile and not in a hurry. Purchases are delivered in discreet black bags.

We remember the olden days when the only information we could get about marijuana was which one of our cousin's friends was holding. Fast-forward to today, and cannabis is a billion-dollar industry in Arizona, with a culture around it to match. Now, the best place to find out the latest weed news is Cannabis Cactus, a magazine and website devoted to our favorite plant. The Phoenix-based publication is packed full of helpful and interesting information, from reviews and recipes to industry news and even articles on the history of cannabis use. You can find the magazine on select free publication racks around town, or you can do what we do: Settle in with a joint and check out back issues online.

If you're in metro Phoenix and enjoy cannabis, then you've probably heard of DJ Benz. With 18 years of experience on the turntables, mixers, CDJs and DJ controllers, DJ Benz has been a fixture in the local scene, serving as the resident DJ at Mint Cannabis and spinning at Cookies and various cannabis parties for the past two years. He's known for playing all the green hits, from Snoop Dogg and Cypress Hill to Afroman. (Fun fact: His favorite song is "Smoothies in 1991" by Larry June.) DJ Benz once even had the honor of spinning on set with the Luniz during their performance of the iconic "I Got 5 On It." Beyond his skills on the decks, Benz uses cannabis medicinally to support his demanding lifestyle. It helps him calm his nerves and provides relief from cubital tunnel syndrome in his arm — a crucial aid when he's spinning. After long nights of DJing, cannabis also helps him manage insomnia, allowing him to rest and recharge. DJ Benz isn't just a DJ — he's a cannabis culture icon in Phoenix.

Ladies and gentlemen, stepping into the octagon with a record of 9-1 and a knockout punch that's taken down nine opponents, here's the unstoppable bantamweight powerhouse, Marcus "Maniac" McGhee. Known for his dynamic in-ring skills and relentless pursuit of victory, McGhee combines his passion for fighting with a love for skateboarding, showcasing his versatility both inside and outside the octagon. But beyond his athletic achievements, McGhee is a vocal cannabis advocate. While he doesn't rely on cannabis for health reasons, he openly enjoys it for pleasure, as he has shared in various interviews. His dedication to the cannabis community extends beyond personal use — he's worked in the metro Phoenix cannabis industry for over five years, contributing his expertise and support to the field. McGhee is not just a fighter, he's a multifaceted individual whose interests and career intersect in exciting ways, making him a unique figure in both the UFC and the cannabis world.

Molly O'Malia isn't just a cannabis influencer. She's also a talented singer and musician with over 350,000 followers on Instagram and 165,000 on TikTok. She consumes cannabis to enhance her creativity when she faces creative blocks while writing and performing music or creating skits for her cannabis sponsors. O'Malia is involved with local dispensaries, making spontaneous visits and conducting interviews to promote high-quality cannabis products, including dab pens, edibles, flower and prerolls. She's an integral part of the local cannabis lifestyle and is even photographed inside grow operations to show how green she is. Her dedication to both her music and the cannabis community exemplifies how grassroots influencers can authentically bridge their passions and professions, inspiring their audience with creativity and credibility.

Lots of people got creative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mesa artist Sladjana Ahmetovic, laid up with a foot injury, invited a few friends over to smoke some pot and make some art. People loved the idea, so after the worst of the quarantine was over, Ahmetovic started Pretty Dope Paintings. The puff-and-paint classes are open to people ages 21 and older. The classes are BYOC (bring your own cannabis), and for about three hours attendees are guided through the art project of the night while smoking pot. Past classes have created Halloween- and Valentine's Day-themed paintings as well as canvases of cactuses, aliens and other fun imagery. Pretty Dope Paintings is a unique way to socialize and smoke at the same time.

With locations nationwide and 12 in Arizona, Curaleaf is a chain with a community feel. All the budtenders are friendly, and each dispensary's selection is vast. Several other virtues elevate Curaleaf above the competition, primarily that it accepts debit as a form of payment, whereas most other dispensaries only take cash have ATMs that usually come with fees and/or charge fees as high as $5 for folks to use debit at the registers. Curaleaf also delivers to medical marijuana patients for no fee (but tipping is always appreciated) and has great deals every day of the week. And, as a bonus: cheap munchies by the register.

Like the people who prefer to make their own bread rather than buying it from the grocery store, there are plenty of folks who get their marijuana the old-fashioned way: by growing it themselves. If you're on the home grow train, or if you're preparing to board, you should check out West Valley operation GrowersHouse. No matter how big or small your endeavor, GrowersHouse has the supplies you'll need, from air filters and grow lights to humidifiers and insecticides. And when it's time to harvest the fruits of your labor, it has dryers, containers and other equipment for processing. And besides the huge inventory, GrowersHouse has something money can't buy: a knowledgable and helpful staff who want to help you succeed in your endeavors.

First-time medical marijuana patients can get 40% off their first purchase at one of Trulieve's (formerly Harvest) 15 metro Phoenix dispensaries. On their second visit, patients get a BOGO (buy one, get one) special. The offers exclude accessories, but if you're at a dispensary, you're probably looking for cannabis anyway, and many Trulieve dispensaries are near head shops if you really need a cheap bong. And if you bring a new medical marijuana patient in with you, you'll both get 50% off your next order. Patients (and recreational buyers) can join the Trulieve rewards program for even more discounts.

Some people just want to get high. But if you're looking for a strain of cannabis that's best for a particular ailment — anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, lack of appetite, etc. — the budtenders at Organix have got you covered. This west-side dispensary is warehouse-like and huge, so it's good to have a knowledgeable guide help you navigate the inventory. Organix budtenders can tell you all about where a product was made, its THC percentage and effects, and whether or not it's a good value for the money. Or if you just want to get high, they can tell you the best cannabis products for that, too. Don't forget to tip.

Cannabist Tempe feels a little like a weed wonderland, thanks to its massive retail space and indoor-outdoor atmosphere. The check-in/waiting area outside the dispensary is roof-shaded, with a giant tree as its centerpiece. The walls are covered in synthetic vining plants, and there's a giant window with a view of the dispensary's grow room. Festive strings of lights add to the chill environment. Inside the dispensary, displays are arranged smartly behind the counter and in several standalone displays that include information about the products contained therein. And there's another, even larger, window with a view into the grow room. With an atmosphere like this, it's easy to see why there are often lines to get in.

Since 2012, Bud's Glass Joint has been the go-to place for the best bongs, pipes and chitchat with fellow 420-friendly enthusiasts. The first spot, located just off Roosevelt Row, was so popular that Bud's expanded to open a second location on Grand Avenue. The Fifth Street location is hard to miss — it's the big green house all lit up with Christmas lights — and smokers will find everything they need inside. Bud's selection of bongs/water pipes, steamrollers and bubblers are all Arizona-blown glass. Accessories like rolling papers, lighters, tapestries, incense, dab rings and more are available, too. Like the classic "Saturday Night Live" skit says, Bud's is definitely the kind of place where you can walk around saying, "You could put your weed in that."

Consuming cannabis via suppositories is one of the rarest methods to access its health benefits, yet it's super-fast and effective. According to THC Living, its suppositories deliver tiny cannabinoids straight to where the pain is and also get absorbed by the whole body. Suppositories are a great option for treating pain from irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, sexual discomfort and menstrual cramps. THC Living suppositories contain 30 milligrams each of CBD and THC, which work together to create better results. They are made with a pharmaceutical-quality base for a safe and comfortable product. They can be found in select dispensaries throughout metro Phoenix.

Every last Wednesday of every month, about 1,000 weed smokers attend MITA at The Monarch hotel in Old Town Scottsdale. The cannabis networking event has about 30 dealers who provide insight into various cannabis products and give out free canna samples. This event is open to the public for those 21 and older, and it's especially helpful for people in the cannabis industry, as well as people interested in getting involved with it. Even celebrities have popped up at MITA, including NFL star quarterback Jake Plummer, All-Pro NFL player Ricky Williams and two-time Super Bowl champ Jim McMahon. If indica makes you drowsy, switch up to sativa, and don't sleep on the chance to expand your canna network and be a part of the thriving cannabis community at MITA.

With headliners like B-Real of Cypress Hill, Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound, Luniz and Mike Jones, the Arizona Cannabis Awards Music Festival brings both the smoke and cannabis-infused music rolled into one event. The canna contest portion of the event starts via online nominations and votes. The multistate-operation promoters select the winners and announce them at the event's ceremony, where the dopest music acts and cannabis companies in the Valley walk away with trophies. There are hundreds of canna brands and vendors on display, and the intermission between each act and award announcement greenlights folks to puff, puff and pass the Js. Some get low-key lit, and others grab free samples to save for later, but there's no argument that this cannabis concert is a one-of-a-kind experience. The next one will be at the Stratus Event Center on Nov. 2, 2024.

Thanks to the legalization of recreational marijuana, the number of dispensaries in metro Phoenix has exploded in recent years. Far less ubiquitous, though, are places you get can cannabis-infused food — real food, not just snacks or gummies. The menu at Mint Cafe, located inside Mint Cannabis's Guadalupe location, leans heavily on what you'll want when you have the munchies: burgers, pizza, fries, tater tots, tacos and wings. The food is priced according to the dosage, and while it's not the finest cuisine we've ever had, it's tasty and comes hot and fresh out of the oven or fryer. And it gets us high. Consider us satisfied customers.

The budtenders at Jars dispensaries are plenty knowledgeable about cannabis products and effects, but Jars takes the education even higher with its Quick Hits blog ("Inspired words for lifted minds"). Learn how cannabis can purportedly boost your fitness routines, how to get the most of a pot smoking sesh, tips for finding your best budtender, the chemistry of cannabinoids and terpines, the comeback of pre-rolled joints and more. Sort and search articles by category (Higher Self; Education; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Culture), and enrich your knowledge of all things marijuana. Got questions? Bring 'em to the budtenders at Jars. They'll have answers.

The Flower Shop's "Fine Cannabis" pre-rolled joints cost $4 to $6 depending on the strain, and they are worth every penny. Each preroll is a full gram, and they burn beautifully and evenly, so there's no need to slobber on it to stop a run or "canoe." The Flower Shop's prerolls are available in a variety of strains and include prerolls infused with cannabis concentrates to amplify the high. Recommended strains for Flower Shop prerolls include White Cheddar (a balanced hybrid), Blue Tint #1 (indica-dominant hybrid) and Potato RTZ (another balanced hybrid). Whatever preroll you drop your $5 on, it will satisfy.

The flower at Sunday Goods is grown in a Dutch greenhouse using sustainable practices, so you can feel good about the Earth while getting high as a kite — which you will on this flower, because it is all high-potency (20% to 32% THC). Popular strains include Ghost Train Haze (a more calming sativa strain), a balanced and tasty indica strain dubbed Royal Cherry Diesel and the hybrid Chemistry #1, which has a nice lemony pine flavor. Sunday Goods' "Daily Greens" deal features 20 grams of flower for $49 (strains vary). Wanna try the flower before you pay for it? Get a free eighth of flower with a minimum $65 purchase.

If you're passionate about locally made cannabis products, Pure is a homegrown winner. Its gummies are handcrafted in small batches in Phoenix, using flower from Noble Herb up in Flagstaff. Pure also makes hard candy and candy chews, but the gummies are the rock stars of the product line: vegan, gluten-free, delicious and potent. Available in a variety of strains and flavors, Pure gummies are formulated for various needs. Looking to get a good night's sleep? Try the cannabinol-infused indica gummies Berry Sleepy. Wanna get an energy boost before a hike or workout? Chew on some Starfruit of the Show. Want a balance of body-and-mind stoniness? Magical Mango or Kickin' Fruit Punch should do the trick.

In 2024, the field of cannabis products is enormous and can be overwhelming. Sometimes, we like to return to the old ways, which in this case means a nice pot brownie. Sun City-based Amy & Al's has years of experience making infused cookies in chocolate chip, snickerdoodle and peanut butter varieties, as well as brownies. And they're not just good by pot brownie or cookie standards. Amy & Al's desserts are seriously good — sweet, soft and rich. (Try the peanut butter cookie: It's out of this world.) The goods are sold in dispensaries all over metro Phoenix, so you won't have travel very far to stock up.

Are you ready to lock into your couch again? When it comes to choosing the ultimate indica, look no further than Blue Blitz by Abundant Organics. Descended from a wild, three-way love affair between Blue Cookies, Rugburn and Granddaddy Purp, these orange-haired, deep purple nugs just snagged the coveted title of Best Indoor Indica Flower from the connoisseurs at Errl Club this past spring. Packing a potent one-two punch of 25.2% THC and 31.9% total cannabinoids, it's the perfect pick for your relaxed evenings. But what seals the "Best Of" deal? Massive 4.5g super-eighths and half-ounce baggies regularly grace the BOGO list at the local dispensary. Premium buds, blueberry and citrus flavors with funky skunky aromas, and all at half price? Time to "blitz" the dispensary, buds.

You're a high-functioning stoner with games to play, songs to write, birds to watch, Best Of articles to shitpost on ... whatever it is you do while toking up, you need to get it done. You need a hybrid. Not just any hybrid, you need Leafly's 2023 Strain of the Year: Permanent Marker by Connected. With THC testing near 26.9% and total cannabinoids at 31.5%, these buds have all the gas needed to take you where you want to go. Pop the cap on this marker, and you'll be drawing its signature hard candy soaked in diesel aroma all over your face, lungs and the entire room. Taking cues from its parent strains, Jealousy and Biscotti, expect a hint of tongue numbing followed by a gentle body buzz. Just remember: Small doses can keep you on task, but heavy hits will turn your masterpiece into a scribbled mess, so outline your designs before inking with this top-shelf choice.

Fuck that couch, let's do stuff! Energetic, outside body type stuff, and for that we'll need a special sativa. Luckily for us, Jenny Kush from Aeriz isn't just any sativa, it's the Mary Poppins of weed strains — practically perfect in every way. With a sweet earthy aroma and lemon/lime terpene profile, you'll be chasing dreams, creating memes and sliding up banisters in no time. Testing at over 33.7% THC and a mind-boggling 40.6% total cannabinoids, the daughter of Amnesia Haze & Rare Dankness #2 is a decorated champion with multiple awards under its Edwardian petticoat, including accolades from Cannabis Cup, 710 Awards and Errl Cup. Whether you chose to parachute with an umbrella or chat up woodland creatures, Jenny Kush is the spoonful of sugar to help any adventure go down, up ... or sideways.

We've spotted you at the supermarket and slyly scanning thrift store bins, sneaking stealthy puffs of sunshine off that pen up your sleeve. Cartridges today are synonymous with convenience, and this year's top pick is the 1000mg Grape Durbz AIO Live Resin Vape from Camino Concentrates. The "Grape" notes are tasty Popsicle-flavored terpenes, while "Durbz" delivers a smooth sativa kick that doesn't get cracky, courtesy of Durban Poison by Sonoran Roots. We could "wax" poetic over Ultra Ceramic Coil Technologies, 100% live resin extracts using no distillates, USB-C wizardry and breath-activated inhalation systems, but let's keep it real. Cartridges are meant to make life easier, and this all-in-one is the most user-friendly delivery system of yummy concentrates we have vaped yet.

Some days, it's not just about lightening the load, it's about launching it into orbit. When you crave that high-octane experience, ditch the bongs and joints, grab yourself a rig and blow your banger up with the gold standard: Mohave Gold Shatter High Octane X Gelato from Mohave Cannabis Co. This ain't your dad's dab session. Crafted with Mohave's cutting-edge extraction process, this top-tier shatter boasts an astronomical 91.25% THC and a staggering 99.7% cannabinoids. It's the Rolls-Royce of concentrates, with a hard candy consistency that glides across your lungs as effortlessly as your uncle's vintage 1970s land yacht on the I-17 northbound. It's the perfect excuse for a snooze in the cinema or any other laid-back escapade. Buckle up for a long-lasting, head-on-cruise-control high that also brings relief to whatever aches and pains you're carrying in the trunk.

Concentrates span a multitude of versions, all shaped by the plethora of processes used between cultivation and combustion. Blast it, freeze it, squish it with some heat ... what option should you choose? Our standout selection for this year is Aeriz's Lucid Blue Live Resin Sugar. A fantastic form of the stickiest of ickies, testing 76.6% THC and 85.5% total cannabinoids, this live resin sugar delivers a fruity-pepper-flavored terpene profile, and its consistency, sitting between shaved ice and kinetic sand, makes dab tool usage an absolute breeze compared with the other soupy sauces and drippy oil varieties. Heavy hits, tasty terps and ease of use make this the go-to choice for waxy wanderings along the waysides of Dabtown.

Who doesn't drool for solventless dabs? Our favorite this year is Summus's Chocolate and Cream Live Hash Rosin. Crafted with weed, water, ice, heat, pressure and perhaps a touch of love, this blend is pure essence alchemy. Formerly sold as Oreoz, this Tier 1 concentrate (their top shelf) doesn't fall far from its hybrid Cookies and Cream crossed with Secret Weapon genetics tree. Summus offers additional tiers for our budget-conscious buddies, but this live rosin earns its just desserts by not only smelling like chocolate but tasting and exhaling like chocolate, too. Perfect for relaxing happily while masticating magnificent munchies, this LHR packs a serious appetite boost. Pair it with a slice of Granny's chocolate cake? Absolutely. As far as best rosins go, this one takes the cake ... and eats it, too.