Inside Fleur Nouveau
At Woody Harrelson’s hidden Ganja Giggle Garden
Los Angeles is wild. It’s a place where anything is possible.
Let me tell you a true story. This guy moves to Los Angeles from Atlanta to pursue his dreams of becoming a comedian, filmmaker, and YouTube star. It’s his third day in L.A. and he impulsively bought a ticket to a w**d event. Had no idea what to expect, but he finds himself sitting next to me in a cabana overlooking a koi pond in West Hollywood.
“Join Budist, POET and The Woods for Fleur Nouveau, an elevated tasting experience celebrating the 2024 sungrown harvest! Inspired by Beaujolais Nouveau, the wine harvest tradition, Fleur Nouveau brings the fresh flower harvest from the Emerald Triangle and Sonoma down to the urban oasis at The Woods Ganja Garden in West Hollywood.
Guided by growers from each farm and our team of cannabis sommeliers, cultivars will be served alongside complementary elixirs, morsels and aromatic pairings, perfectly curated to bring out the nuanced flavors and aromatic complexity of sun-grown flower.”
A PHOTO ESSAY
“Would you like to try some Wakanda?” I asked and offered him a freshly packed, icy cold Chill bong.
We chatted a bit and his mind was blown as I introduced Blaire and Daniel from Radicle Herbs, explained the art of sun-grown, and invited him to examine the open jars on the coffee table.
“There’s nothing like this where I’m from.” he said as the Wakanda worked its magic.
“I know, wild right? Welcome to Los Angeles.” I encouraged him to go for it, chase his dream because you never f*cking know. 5 years ago, I could not imagine I’d be here doing what I do in this beautiful, legal w**d lounge.
“Did you know that Woody Harrelson is here?” I asked.
You can imagine his reaction. “Go! Get up and go right now. Go smoke with Woody.” I pressed a nug into his hand and sent him off into the night like a pushy auntie.
I got a message from him later that week telling me how grateful he was for the conversation and encouragement. He got to meet one of his heroes.
INSIDE THE CABANAS
C*nn*bis concierge and bong barista at your service. I made a Raspberry Rose Jam + Butter Board, served with slices of baguette, to pair with Radicle Herbs. Expanding on our recent Jam Sesh, Blaire made the jam using fruit from her farm. I even used butter made from cows in Sonoma County to match the terroir of the flower and jam. Ingredients matter.
Across the Koi Pond, Chef Wendy Zeng and Lexi of
served tea and mochi treats paired with Purple Lemons from Moon Made Farms.
In the cabana above her, my fellow Emerald Cup panelist Colleen King offered a chocolate and c*nn*bis pairing, and lesson on how to taste flavor by taking a dry hit with Chiah of Arcanna Flowers. Her Pineapple Cheesecake flower is worth seeking out.
Above me, Bong Appetit star and cookbook author Vanessa Lavorato made baked cherry and cheese crackers snacks rolled joints of Cherry Cheesecake with Joyce of Sonoma Hills Farm.
In the smoking lounge by the tiki bar, Woody Harrelson and guests enjoyed flower from POET, who was co-hosting this elevated soiree.
Scattered across other corners of the Giggle Garden, my fellow Budists rolled j’s, served infused mocktails, and dished out dabs and hash from Fire King.
If this sounds wildly decadent, it is. But it’s also very accessible if you know where to look.
“The Budist community is led by a diverse group of cannabis experts, also known as Budists, which includes certified Ganjiers, cup judges, journalists, tastemakers, and connoisseurs. Each brings unique perspectives and qualifications to the community, helping to ensure that people from all walks of life find the best cannabis products for their particular needs.
We also encourage consumers to participate by sharing their own experiences and reviews, and to help us collectively elevate the cannabis conversation for the betterment of all.”
Coming up next… Big Spicy, a four-course hash pairing dinner on March 1, and Blue Dream Tasting Party, a flavor-filled exploration of the legendary strain on March 22.
XOXO, Christina W.