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.
Black Hempstory Month: Origins of Western Prohibition
Written by Dan Isenstein
There seems to be no end to shameless conspiracy theories about the origins of cannabis prohibition. Among the most disseminated are that William Randolph Hearst wanted to ban hemp to protect his vast timber holdings and that the DuPont corporation wanted to eliminate competition to their newly patented thermoplastic - nylon. The evidence supporting both sounds better when you’re high.
No, racism is inarguably at the root of reefer madness and ultimately cannabis prohibition. And, if racism was not the motivation for the making of cannabis illegal initially, then the execution of the law, which saw blacks and people of color arrested and incarcerated at more than double that of whites and sentenced to much longer jail terms, certainly provided the law with plenty of racist cred.
This Black History Month open your eyes, and your mind, to the reality that the easiest explanation is often the truth. Was cannabis prohibited because DuPont and Hearst conspired to protect their own self-interest or did the United States, which has been racist AF since its inception, pass a law to preserve the dominant social order?
The Sexiest Cannabis Topicals for Valentine’s Day
Written by Jessica Reilly-Chevalier
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day and it’s time to get handsy. Cannabis topicals are usually applied by hand, which makes them a useful and erotic addition to your bedroom.
Topicals are absorbed into the skin, but not through the skin barrier. Perfect for relieving pain or soreness, reducing tension and inflammation, and helping you disconnect from the craziness of the world… so you can reconnect with your (or your partner’s) body.
V-day invites us to slow down, relax, and make ourselves feel good. How good? That’s up to you! The following topicals are sure to spice up your love life and become go-to products.
Last tolerance break in Paris
Written by Matthew Dean
Ahhhhh…. The T-Break, AKA the tolerance break. No matter what your thoughts - whether you are a cheerleader or chastiser, a willing participant, or in my case, had the T-break foisted upon you, this is not a diatribe on the pros and cons of taking a tolerance break. It is a journey into the unwanted absence of my love, cannabis, in the city of love itself.
I figured, once free of the family, the wedding, and France, I would treat myself to a week in Amsterdam while the family flew to Rome to see the Pope or something. The major issue was making sure Nina had weed: Period, point blank. And she PROMISED that she would. A rare thing for my lovable but sometimes not all that dependable cousin.
To be clear, traveling with my family wasn't going to be a nightmare, it just wasn't the ideal option to be traveling with Mom and Nana. Despite this, I knew that some weed would be just what I needed to ease into the trip, and Nina had a friend in Amsterdam supplying decent weed and hashish.
Herban Bud Review
Product Review by Varsha Hyland
When the editors at Fat Nugs Magazine asked for a review of Herban Bud’s products, I was intrigued. I’ve tried THC and CBD, but this review was my first foray into hydrogenated and derivative cannabinoid products.
The products I received from Herban Bud included THCa flower and concentrate, as well as a disposable vape containing an oil blend consisting of an HHC base. The “Euphoria” vape contained THCp, followed by some THC-O, just enough THCjd, and "a dash of Delta-8."
Having only used CBD flower or oils as an alternative to THC when I was worried about getting drug tested for work, the Herban Bud haul was my first time experiencing a high from these alternative cannabinoids.
Uncovering the “Invisible Shopper”: Re-examining How We Look at Data to Give Brands a New Edge
Co-written by Lara Fordis, M.A. and Tymofey Wowk, Ph.D.
Data, data, data. It’s all around us, we all know about it, but why is it important, especially for the burgeoning cannabis industry? And, who are the “invisible shoppers™” in cannabis?
The cannabis industry is no different than other vertical markets in terms of a need for contextual, accurate, actionable consumer data, perhaps even more so given how new the industry is and what an opportunity this presents.
Ethereal Adventures of Dr. Merl The Astonishing Metaphysician: Metascapades - Diving for Quantum Arcadia
Written By Grant Mitchell
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! You Are Hereby Cordially Invited to Join Us on Our Metascapades in Ethereal Realms: Diving, Hunting, Searching, and Exploring the Mythical Quantum Arcadia.
As the legend goes, in the year 2070, Professor Saxemillian Merlinius von Vaporblaster: Doctor of Science in Dematerialization, or “Dr. Merl,” for simplicity’s sake… is alleged to have achieved the unimaginable.
At 11:11 AM, in the flash of a moment altering the very fabric of the spacetime continuum itself: Dr. Merl exhaled a spark and was granted temporary powers, although unaware of them at first. Gifts like ultra-intelligence, clairvoyance, telepathy, psychokinesis, supernatural deduction, hyperluminal dematerialization, metaphysical chakra harmonization, lucid dreaming, and transmutation were harnessed through the Fluxflower.
Combined these fantastical concepts are dwarfed in comparison to the underlying mystery: Where is the Protostone Flowerflux phenomena drawing its magical energy from?
Weedish Meatballs: A Recipe By Renae Blackhall
Written By Renae Blackhall
Tis’ the season! Fresh outdoor is abundant and we are all looking for that perfect “POT-luck” dish!
I am very fortunate to come from a little mountain community known for over 50 years of guerilla gardening. Since it’s no longer necessary to hide in the hills, most of the community enjoys their six-plant allowance in their backyards amongst their vegetable gardens and fresh flowers.
On a recent trip back home, my neighbor gifted me some of his organic outdoor. This plant has never been sprayed or treated with anything other than natural soil amendments. It was grown from seed in the clean mountain air, making it a perfect product for my culinary delights.
The strain I used for this recipe is called Seaweed. Well known for its earthy undertones and musky flavor, this outdoor strain is perfect for savory cooking. Hitting around 12 to 15 percent THC also makes this plant very desirable for edibles.
Stoned for the Holidays: Fat Nug Magazine’s 2022 Gift Guide
Written By Melanie Rizzo
Here at Fat Nugs Magazine, we created a cannabis gift guide for the stoners on your holiday shopping list. Our readers hail from all over the United States and abroad, so we’ve stuck to tried-and-true accessories that can add value to any sesh, anywhere.
We’ve scoured the internet, social media, and our contributor Slack channel to uncover some of the latest and greatest gift items for weed lovers – from lockable stash boxes to cannabis art, mugs, and more.
We hope to highlight industry artisans and makers that move to the beat of their own drums, create quality, unique merchandise, and embrace the cannabis community with arms wide open. On our list, you’ll find products from small businesses, side hustles, and one-woman shows, but what they all have in common is this: they love weed and the culture that grows along with it.
“seasons greenings!” ivan moody announces launch of new cannabis line ’greenings’
Press Release for “Greenings” By Moody’s Medicinals
“For years, I've had a very public struggle with alcohol addiction, and being prescribed an excessive amount of medication for my imbalances felt overwhelming and completely non-conducive to recovery," said Moody.
"I wanted something natural that wouldn't leave me poisoned with sluggish side effects that countered my life on the road. Greenings was born as a result of the emotional and physical relief I found through cannabis”
From Red to Pink - Part VIII: Hot Pink mess
Written By Lindsey Gunter
Listen up people: You can be a big, bad whatever, but if you put two types of weed in the bag, you’re doing bad business. Period. It’s unacceptable. I could not believe the blatant illegality of this, outside of the poor planning and product development. Such shamefully low regard for the consumer. There is only one C.O.A. for good reason, and besides, people have eyes and can clearly see a difference.
'Red would never have done something like that' I remembered thinking to myself. What a shame it felt like at times, everyone from the teams I worked with running dispensaries were scattered all over the place by now, and couldn't likely come in to see what all that I learned from them could make.
For some, after the amount of drama that had so far unfolded, they were starting to feel embarrassed about even being associated with the place. I wondered what my own late business owning mother would say about Pink as I watched ownership and the owner's assistant show family around the dispensary around holiday time.
Schedule 1 Status Hurts Patients Like My Dad
Written By Melanie Rizzo
At first, my dad was wholly against trying any cannabis products. However, his pain continued, as did his refusal to take any narcotic pain relievers. He started low and slow and worked his way up to a full 10mg. His mood lifted, and best of all, he was eating and sleeping soundly.
This progress came to a screeching halt when he was hospitalized for the treatment of his leukemia. A broken, overregulated system prevents patients from receiving their medical cannabis as part of their treatment regimen at most hospitals. Doctors can be prosecuted for prescribing cannabis to their patients because of the plant’s Schedule 1 status.
The possibility for cannabis to aid those suffering from a multitude of ills is still not fully understood, but when our loved ones are benefiting from the use of a harmless, natural herb like cannabis, it’s nearly unfathomable to believe that this plant has been cursed by our government for nearly 100 years.
How on earth is it possible that we regularly ingest toxic substances in our food, in our water, and in our pharmaceuticals, but a friendly green plant is vilified? It makes you wonder – how many nefarious things are going on behind the scenes, unbeknownst to the majority of us?
My Journey Into Cannabis -Part 4: Get Your Grow On
Written By Jason Bird
After getting arrested twice in 2 years over my fondness for The Herb, I was forced to take a timeout and regroup. I spent a year and a half on probation and then got permission to move to Oregon, so I packed up and left the East Coast in the summer of 1996 and headed west.
Best road trip ever!
I witnessed some epic music events that summer on my journey. At the tail end of the adventure and concert psychedelia, I picked up 2 friends and moved almost 3,000 miles to Oregon to begin my adventures in cultivation. I enrolled in a 2 year Horticulture Degree program and began taking classes in the campus greenhouse. After transferring my probation, I was released from active supervision after 3 months.
Not long after that I started growing my first cannabis plants indoors. It was a strain called “The Cough.” It was the original Northern Lights #5 x Haze. What. A. Strain.
From Red to Pink - Part VII: Pink & Red Flags
Written By Lindsey Gunter
Unsurprisingly, there were a few hurdles up front. Aren’t there always? Namely, construction ran behind and, oh yeah, a pandemic was beginning to unfold, followed by one of the greatest movements for civil rights in recent U.S. history. Then there was the racism - yes, I used that word, and it won’t be the last time I mention it, either.
We still set a goal for a soft opening to culminate into a hard opening day celebration on 4/20/2020. And once I got my team together operationally, the store seemed closer to opening than ever. But it also seemed more and more clear that no one would be having a 4/20/2020.
It is my sincere hope April 20th someday becomes a nationally recognized holiday for the USA, marking cannabis’ debutante moment of acceptance, to at least make up for this sacred moment, snatched away by fate.
From Red to Pink - Part VI: The Pink Era Begins
Written By Lindsey Gunter
My layoff date approached, red jackets began to appear in thrift store windows around town (ouch), and I found myself sitting in a dark, shabby room covered in concrete dust - clearly the only habitable place in the general sea of construction going on inside. I was interviewing for a new dispensary’s ownership that got my resume from The Blacklist. “Gold” someone had called it. We knew some of the same people, shared some brand-building opinions and a desire for an open, feminine, inclusive ideal for the dispensary. I shook hands and agreed to an hourly rate until opening, upon which time a salary for myself and the people I brought into other key positions would go into effect. I walked out and just about danced all the way home.
Do you ever wish you could just go back in time, not to prevent anything from happening necessarily, but to warn yourself? I probably would’ve just tapped myself on the shoulder and simply said, “Don’t dance yet.”
But alas, as I danced down the street, “Finally,” I thought, “this is my chance to put a real dent in the binary!”
My Journey into Cannabis - Part III : More Fun Than The Law Allows
Written By Jason Bird
Most of New England was a fairly conservative place back then. Seeing that my love for weed and the desire to have access to the best of it was growing inside me, I knew that I would eventually have to leave the East Coast in search of places that were more relaxed in their attitude toward The Herb. I was seeking knowledge and understanding of the cannabis plant itself, and hoping to find people who shared that interest and could help me find the knowledge that I was seeking.
The West Coast was a totally different weed scene compared to the East Coast. Night and day. The relaxed setting made it a different type of experience. Like there was nothing to get in the way of it.
I had decided that I would be moving to the West Coast to pursue my desire for knowledge about cannabis and how to grow “The Kind Bud.” I had been planning to leave in the summer of 1995, anticipating that I would just follow the Grateful Dead tour out to the West Coast and find a place to live once I got out there.
It didn’t quite go as planned…