Cancer Again?! A Cannabinoid Researcher Speaks Out: Heartbreak & The Return to Oncology
Written By Casey Renteria
“I recently had the privilege of sitting down with the Man… Mike Robinson, whose story hits close to home for me. When I was too young to understand, my own grandfather started his battle with cancer. Like many so often do, he chose standard treatments and procedures. I watched, ignorant of what was going on as he became a shell of a human, and I’d be lying to say it didn’t affect me. The changes were permanent and stayed with him until his death.
With the chance to not only talk with Mike about his first-hand experience in an interview, but also to learn how cannabis came along for the ride, I knew it was a chance worth taking.”
The Flower Mill Grinder: A Ganjier Review
Written By Rob Sanchez
“As we all know, the grinder is an essential piece of the cannabis consumer’s toolkit. From plastic to wood to steel with varying designs and complexity, a grinder does what it has always done, breaking down delicious trichome covered buds for consumption. As the cannabis industry has evolved, every aspect of the toolkit has as well, but what about the grinder? The only real innovation over the years has been the kief-catching screen and different shaped teeth or materials.
This is where the Flower Mill comes in. I've been using the Premium Stainless Steel Flower Mill along with the milling plate kit since Emerald Cup last year, and it has found a way into my regular kit these days. Aptly named with a cool flower/mandala logo and crispy clean packaging it “mills” instead of “grinds”, creating a very even product ready for rolling up. “
Smells like Skunk: The Science Behind Our Favorite Weed Aromas
Written By Bart Dluhy
“You know it when you smell it, but then again, you can’t just describe one cultivar and have it accurately represent all buds. Some are sweet, some are pungent, there are even unpleasant smelling cultivars with horrific sounding names like “Halitosis.” But what determines the aromas of cannabis buds?
Most cannabis consumers in medical or adult-use legal states have heard of terpenes by now. They are the fragrant, essential oils found in the same resinous material that contains THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids we value so much. But what about Thiols, Esters, Aldehydes, and other chemicals found in your weed that contribute to the complex smells?
Currently, science has identified approximately 550 chemical compounds that may be present in cannabis. Over 100 of those are cannabinoids (many are currently undefined) and more than 200 are terpenes. But what about the other 250 plus chemicals? What are they and how do they contribute to the smell and effects?”
Spannabis 2023: Through the Eyes of Captain Hooter
Written By Captain Hooter
This year was the most successful ever with attendance figures over the 3 day event, hosting 25,000 people from 50 different nationalities, over 500 companies, 5000 accredited professionals and 2400 workers, to mostly make it all work!
This year is no different. Spannabis is now the equivalent of… the World Series of Weed,… the best of the Concentrates, and the Cannabis TOP CHEF of Edibles. There can be no doubt that this was the most successful Spannabis ever, and I bet they could have added a whole another day and another 100 exhibitors if they wanted.
The actual Spannabis event is now just the entree to a multi-course, Barcelona Cannabis Buffet of Bad Ass.
This year it opened on Monday with The Dab-a-Doo, followed by The Spanish Champions Cup, The Squash Off, The Masters of Rosin, The Organic Cup, The Crunch N Roll Cup and of course ending the week Friday, Sat and Sunday with Spannabis.
High at Any Cost: Weed Needs Ethical Laboratories and Official Testing Standards
Written By Daniel Crawford
State laws differ drastically when it comes to the variance of cannabis’ active ingredient, THC, as well as product sampling and testing methods. I know because I have worked in the Quality and Compliance realm for most of my professional career including Nevada, Virginia and Arizona’s Adult Use Cannabis markets. I have been the person responsible for compliance in each of those states.
Your purchase could be 20 percent higher or lower than the label claim in Arizona, 15 percent in Michigan and 10 percent in California. You don’t need a vivid imagination to be able to draw the line between inaccurate testing claims and the unpredictable-ness when it comes to dosing of patients. This is especially important for infrequent or new cannabis consumers who rely on accurate label claims for a consistent experience with their cannabis.
Editor’s Sample Hot Box: 420 Edition
Written By Melanie Rizzo & Lindsey Gunter
One of the many perks of being editors here at FNM is that we regularly receive samples. Samples, you say? Yes, LOTS of them. From candles, to prerolls, edibles, and flower, these samples provide us with first-hand knowledge of the latest products on the market, and by staying on top of the trends, we can share the scoop with our readers.
By receiving samples in a myriad of ways, we possess a lens into the product landscape, and as a publication, we are the voices here to spread the word!
But as you know, we at FNM are pretty discerning when it comes to what we smoke and what we support. So, for this 420 guide, we welcome you to the first of our Editor’s Sample Hotbox. An on-going series where we’ll gush about our favorite inhalable, edible and accessory products!
4:20 to 4/20
Written By OG Razor
The legends and myths of cannabis are still being unraveled as we speak, but the origin of what was a daily meeting time to smoke eventually led to an almost sacred day of recognition for the benefits of using cannabis. It all began with the Waldos in Marin County, Northern California during the start of the 1970s.
Whether celebrated to invite new consumers to experience the plant’s benefits, or to simply partake in a yearly tradition, this day has evolved into a grand advocacy and marketing platform which often eschews the cannabis culture itself.
The Legend of Rusty: Part 2
Written By Jonothon I. Wild
Now it was time to select music to weed by; head for Three Tree Bed and The Battle of Extraction. Appearing in concert today would be ZMayor & Z5GallonBuckets, Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks, with special guests Creeping Charlie and ZDandyLions.
As ZMayor approached, he noticed debris scattered at the base of the Hickory. No problem, HizBucketNess would make short work of it while weeding and gathering. He did not notice however the newly minted dreyless kid on the block, clinging to a branch and staring down at him.
Florida’s Proposed Hemp Bill Impacts Us All
Written By Jenny Ball
The last several weeks we’ve seen Senate bill 1676 and House bill 1475 panic the hemp industry. These bills as written would effectively put tens of thousands of small business owners out of business.
We believe we can work with legislators to upgrade these bills to protect children and keep small businesses open. Most Hemp companies in the state of Florida are start-ups.The federal passing of the 2018 Farm Bill Act enabled small businesses, farmers, and companies like our own Siesta G to make a livelihood serving the community with this plant.
Simply Put - The Legend of Rusty: Part 1
Written By Jonothon I. Wild / ZMayor
If Rusty were telling this story, he would swear he could fly.
Could he fly? No.
Did he fly through the air moments earlier? Yes - approximately eight feet.
It was a Grey flight with accents of brown and white and a fly-by-night operator--The Barred Owl Express. Rusty had been wingtip-flipped by the Owl, who only had room for two on this twilight hunt. As runts go, Rusty was lucky to be one at that moment. Mom and his big brother, not so much.
Hash Helped Me Heal
Written By Shelley Peebles
I remember the day I was sitting in my therapist’s office when I said, “I feel like he’s emotionally abusive. I don’t know if that’s a thing, but that’s what it feels like.” My therapist stopped and looked at me, eyes wide open. The next words out of her mouth hit me in the gut. “That’s because he is. And he will never change.”
I was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of a domestic violence incident. I knew I had to make a decision. Something needed to change. I needed my children to know that this was not a normal or healthy relationship, and I also needed to be in a better place. Mentally, I was not prepared for what unfolded.
Hasta Luego: From Barcelona With Love -Snowbirdstoner in España for Spannabis 2023
Written By Grant Mitchell
Barcelona as a city, functions as Europe’s beacon for trade shows. Despite weed being completely illegal in Spain, Spannabis shines as the largest European cannabis fair - now running 20 years strong.
Conglomerating 4 events, The International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC), Spannabis Fair, a symposium titled The World Cannabis Conference: International Cannabis Forum, and The Professional Growers Cup aka “Spannabis Champions Cup” all make up the juggernaut known collectively as SPANNABIS. Events are held in Fira de Cornellà from March 9-12th, with a plethora of afterparties, mixers, and networking gatherings usually in El Centro.
If you are thinking of visiting next year, it is definitely worth the trip. An article such as this, can never fully capture the magnitude of the breadth of the experience. Still, Spain should be on everyone's bucket list! Beyond just the convention, the culture in this part of the old world is magnificent.
What Can Cannabis Do For Your Dog?
Written by Andrea Harris
"You're gonna put cannabis in dog treats? How on earth is that going to work?" Dr. Rodgers asked me.
"Yeah, I mean obviously it won't be high in THC, but I know there has to be medicinal properties for dogs as well." I retorted as I pulled back on the plunger and the 3ml syringe began to fill with blood.
I never thought that I would go from those conversations to stopping by clinics that carry my full-spectrum hemp dog treats. I can't help but think back as I hear story after story about cannabis helping canines.
Much like our own system, your dog's endocannabinoid system produces its own endocannabinoids. In fact, it's more than just dogs. We all have a system that interacts with the compounds found in cannabis, now it's all about narrowing down what cannabinoids are beneficial to which ailments so we can tailor-make cannabis profiles for our furry, and not-so-furry friends.
NECANN Boston: The Best of Cannabis in the Northeast
Written By Jessica Reilly-Chevalier
For years, the west coast has been the domestic mecca of cannabis, a shining paradise of legalization in a sea of prohibition. But it’s not 2012 anymore – over half of Americans now live where cannabis is legal, and the biggest wave of legalization reform has been on the East coast in recent years.
So, when NECANN descended on Boston for 3 days, it was the kind of good time you can only expect in the cannabis industry. This was the first time in 9 years that a majority of states in the NE were legal, and people were ready to celebrate.
I spent two days on the show floor, attending sessions, and afterparties, and talking to people. You don’t need to have visited the city to get the highlights - here’s the best of the best.
ZMayor & Diana: A Love Story
As Told by Jonothon I. Wild
Sadly, softly they parted. The phone flirting slowly faded into each other's new life. HizSingleness broke the heartbreaking news to the Budsburg ladies. HizLoneliness spent the rest of that growing season at ZBend, spending his weekends caring for his cannabis plants also referred to as “The Ladies of Bburg.” When he needed a fan leaf to cry on, they were only a Stoner's-throw away.
ZMayor had a good habit of not playing favorites because he believed each and every lady was unique in her own Phenoness. Though he would never mention it to the others, this season and this season only, he had a favorite. She was alone just south of the barn. He would take time to gently guide her limbs each visit. He would compliment her on her pistils and terpene perfume. He would take time to gather Forget-Me-Nots on the way. The Dragonfly loved the white ones. They reminded her of the snow, and her winter walks at ZBend.
Rolling it up without RAW
Written by Melanie Rizzo
The news of RAW’s recent court case left us all feeling a bit bamboozled. As a joint aficionado, I frequently try new papers in an attempt to find the smoothest smoke that doesn’t burn too quickly or cover up the taste of my delicious and intentionally selected flower.
In my experience, paper preferences are personal, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt (or a puff of smoke) as my criteria may be different from your own.
No More Monkeying Around: That Manila Hemp Is Bananas!
Written by Shannon Flaherty and Austin Roberson
As the industry learns of the bad corporate behavior coming from prominent suppliers of rolling papers (and other smoking accessories) one might wonder: “I know the product I have is safe, I have a lab report for that, but what about the paper I’m about to roll it up with?”
Some have already been asking these questions, from growers to testing labs, to even TikTokers. You know, people. People who have a relationship with cannabis that is central to their daily lives.
As two people who refuse to harm the patients that are about to walk through our dispensary doors, our loved ones, and our personal health; we are now intent on finding the cleanest and most ethically produced rolling papers out there. Manila hemp is not the way.
Don’t know where to turn to now? We got you!
LaWann’s Famous Infused Sweet Potato Pie: A Butter Brewer Review
Review by LaWann Stribling
“As a baker, I wanted to test the limits of this machine to see if it could handle a Strib’ble Treats bestseller: Infused Sweet Potato Pie…”
No-No Berries at The Nearby Nowhere Private Dragon School
Written by Randy Gunter
Introduction by Lindsey Gunter
The piece you are about to read originates from a small group of rebellious teenagers in 1972 while attending the American school in Sao Paulo, Brazil called “Graded” or “Escola Graduada.” These kids had a small, independent publication small enough to be slid into the lockers of their peers called “Ergo,” in which they voiced frustrations with the school administration in all manners fantastical and allegorical.
The creator of this paper was a young William “Randy” Gunter, my father. This particular issue is labeled “Another Fable (From the Chronicles of Nowhere)” the second passage in the first volume, and the topic? “No-no berries in the berry lounge,” or in other words; “no marijuana in the smoking section."
This is why I wanted to share this piece of my family's history with cannabis with the Fat Nugs community as well as the cannabis community at large. To remind us that this de-stigmatization mission is not new, that it is generational, widespread with roots everywhere older than most civilizations.
To remind us that this cause has already been long fought, to rally us forward in wasting no more time uplifting the voices who have been part of the fabric of usage, the agents of the evolution of this glorious plant and the unique culture it inspires, past and present. Please Enjoy.”
Authentic Stoners in Love Talk How Cannabis Impacts Their Romance
Written by Hannah (Izer) Vysoky
Cannabis brings on euphoria. This is a pretty well-known fact amongst cannabis lovers. Being an adult cannabis consumer can add a hint of flare when you enter the world of dating and coming together as partners in a relationship.
On the other hand, sometimes dating as a cannabis consumer can be a bummer. Sometimes non-consumers might not understand the plant. Maybe they don’t enjoy smoking at all. Others may worry about judgment from others when playing the dating field as a stoner.
We wanted to talk to authentic stoners in genuine loving relationships or those in the throes of the dating world themselves, so we spoke to some fantastic content creators on social media and other outstanding personalities working in the cannabis industry to shine light on real-world perspectives.
Let’s take a look at some certified pot smokers who can share how cannabis impacts romance in their relationships.