Hello from The Emerald Cup awards show, marketplace and festival in Oakland this weekend. In addition to being an edibles judge this year, I spoke on an all-women panel alongside a sungrown farmer, stoner scientist, supply chain expert, and plant journalist about “The Art & Science of Sungrown Organic C*nn*bis.
The Emerald Cup started 20 years ago as an underground event and competition at a hidden location in Mendocino County. Read more about the storied history and legacy of The Emerald Cup and its impact on c*nn*bis culture – via HyphaeLeaks.
As I take in and reflect on the heartfelt stories and spectacular views from our 10-day sun-grown road trip, there was one common thread connecting each destination and person on the journey: the joy of food. We conversed and connected over plates of fresh meats and produce grown locally on the farms. Each dish was composed using ingredients that were harvested or gifted from the previous destination. We all shared the same joys and challenges of farming and homesteading in the pursuit of self-sufficiency – despite our very opposite urban and rural environments. Tomatoes, squash, chickens, corn, bread, pies, cats, and lots of w**d. A summer abundance.
The difference is here in L.A. I have easy, convenient access to a grocery store, utilities, and services. Out in the rural Humboldt mountains, they have something that will never cease to amaze me. A galaxy full of stars.
Vol. 38 // In this Issue:
Turning Rage Into Joy
The Spicy 🔥 List
Gardening Club: Flowering Stage
HIGH-ly Recommended Events
Shoutout to Lost Farm! Kiva, one of the biggest edible brands in the U.S., just launched a portfolio of live rosin gummies and chews this year. Kudos to the team for leading edible innovation.
Inside look and tour of the Kiva factory coming up in the next post for paid subscribers.
Live Rosin flavors and strains may vary by state: Cherry Lime X GMO chews | Pomberry X Kush Mints Punch chews | Dragonfruit X Trop. Cherry chews | Yuzu Fizz X Sour dream gummies | Watermelon X Ice Cream Cake gummies | Dark Cherry X Illuminati OG gummies
What’s the difference between live rosin vs. live resin? (Video courtesy of Kiva)
Turning Rage Into Joy
3 years ago, I was in an anxiety-ridden, rage-fueled, panic attack on my kitchen floor heaving with physical pain in my heart and difficulty breathing, because my ex walked by. It was a nasty breakup. I shared the story in my Rage Cake podcast episode, which inspired the RAGE earring collaboration with High On Plants.
I was invited to co-host a Rage Brunch for a group of women cannabis creators and influencers with Canna Boss Babe Events in Long Beach. Each person got their own cake to decorate while channeling their inner rage. It felt like a live podcast cake demo as I retold the story, showed my creative techniques, and made a mess splatter painting cake with frosting.
Caroline and Alice from High On Plants set up a blacklight photo station where guests could have their own portraits taken while wearing the RAGE earrings in the purple neon glow, and looking like fierce goddess warriors in glowing blacklight responsive makeup.
The irony is that while the theme was rage, we were all smiling so hard that the rage I felt from that memory are now gone. Now a distant memory, rage has been replaced with JOY.
Thank you Ishqa Hillman for inviting me to co-host this; THC Design for generously providing XJ-13, the strain that inspired this cake and lifted me up and off the floor in my dark moment; Sharoz Makarechi for sharing Skewville mini pre-roll packs to inspire creating art for healing; Caroline and Alice for creating a memorable photo moment for everyone, and helping me turn rage into joy. Look forward to the next collaboration!
The Spicy 🔥 List
Chef Nikki launched Night Market, a gateway to a world of high-end, gourmet *infused* international snacks, pantry items, and artisanal beverages inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Asian night markets. I’ll take the Black Sesame Almond Granola, Tom Yum Nuts, Kohakutou Crystal Gummy Candies, and Blue Spirulina Lemonade, please. | Password: 8phuket88
Preorder Vanessa Lavorato’s new cookbook “How to Eat Weed & Have a Good Time.” The author and host of Vice’s Bong Appetit helps you cook like a pro at home with lab-tested infusion processes and techniques that are mind-blowing. Did you know that you can microwave to decarboxylate?
Mine & Farm Inn, a c*nn*bis-friendly bed and breakfast in the Russian River Valley was named one of Time’s “World Greatest Places of 2024.” This place is a real-life Weedlandia dream with chickens, organic garden, sustainable design, and a hot tub. Book yourself a weekend getaway!
Must Read! “Greenwashing in C*nn*bis: Terms to Look Out For.” An eye-opening and revealing hot toke from plant journalist
about greenwashing offenders and the pitfalls of shopping for earth-friendly w**d.
Gardening Club
It’s August, which means the sunlight has shifted and your c*nn*bis plants should be starting to flower. Spiky fluffs will start to grow from the tips of the branches. If yours has handing balls, that’s a male. Do a round of BT spray on your w••d plants now for natural caterpillar control. Otherwise those f*ckers will ruin the flowers.
The crickets and grasshoppers are gnarly this year! Even farmers I visited in Humboldt were having an overload of the pesky leaf-gobbling insects. Any advice for grasshopper control?
There’s a new vine house in my back garden where the chicken coop used to be. LA Homegrow is filling it with tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers. They’ll grow up and hang down from the top of the garden coop.
HIGH-ly Recommended Events
9/1 - PuffDao Farm to Table, a fun-filled day with vibrant brand activations, small business vendors, delicious food, captivating art, and oyster shucking. Vanessa Marigold of Vice’s Bong Appetit will be serving VIP appetizers, and it's highly possible I’m doing a live cake demo. | Hollywood/Los Angeles
9/21 - Hall of Flowers Festival, the first open to the public market and festival with live music, immersive activations, glassblowing, and a culinary c*nn*b*s experience hosted by Sonoma Hills Farm with James Beard, Michelin star winners, and Top Chef contestants. Book a fried chicken family meal. | Santa Rosa
9/28 - PuffCon Block Party, the best party of the year for Puffco owners and dab connoisseurs. Must own a Puffco Peak, Proxy or Peak Pro with valid serial number, or know a friend with one. | Downtown Los Angeles
10/19 - Flower Rave, a sunset dance party in collaboration with THCnTechno – SAVE THE DATE. Music by Ma’am Sir. Gourmet hot dogs by Chef Ria Barbosa. | Northeast Los Angeles
10/31 - Halloqveen, a haunted speakeasy and concert extravaganza by Qveen Herby. My favorite Space Crystals by Sonder will be part of the experience. Costumes encouraged. | Los Angeles
10/18-11/17 - Los Angeles Lantern Art Expo, a Chang’an Lantern Festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Chinese lanterns. (Not c*nn*bis friendly, but this seems like a great activity to explore.) | Los Angeles
This is Kiki, a hairless Sphyx cat who woke me up to cuddle at Sonoma Hills Farm.
XOXO, Christina W.
It was lovely watching you express joy at the RAGE photoshoot 🤭🤭🤭
this event looks amazing! Joy is the best. Rage and grief's constant companion.