We’re lower than midway by October however boy has it been a banger already, so we’re stacking this one additional fats to atone for all of the motion. I really feel like I’m consistently saying to myself ‘that was solely final week’ after speaking about issues that appeared to have occurred months in the past, and I don’t wish to let any flame slip by the gaps. Though I’m nonetheless going to do our regular assortment on the finish of the month, there was a TON of warmth throughout Puffcon and Hall of Flowers, and a particular version was warranted, so let’s get into it.
First off, Puffcon was a blast. I actually imagine that is the perfect occasion doing it proper now. Whereas I attempted to go incognito to this one and journey out off the radar, this occasion is so full of homies that I couldn’t stroll 5 toes with out operating into one of many gang. To not point out all of the distributors and entertainers that come out for Puffco’s flagship celebration are unbelievable, so the entire occasion seems like the perfect type of household reunion. The truth is, given how shortly every little thing is occurring proper now it feels bizarre to suppose that that was solely the second – it may’ve been a ten yr reunion. I hear rumblings they’re going to go even larger for the subsequent one, so when you’ve been sleeping to date please hear me: not all occasions are made the identical, and you’ll seemingly be far much less stoked on the half-assed happenings round city when you see what’s potential. As soon as once more, shouts to Puffco for making all of it occur.
Returning to Santa Rosa, Corridor of Flowers was as soon as once more the large model show-out you’d count on. The ComplexCon for weed, the entire trade’s hypebeasters had been on the scene to see the most recent and biggest, and the OG’s had been on the bottom figuring out of backpacks as a substitute of paying hundreds for tables. Whereas attendance did really feel a bit lighter this yr than normal, I might really argue that counter-programming gained the day for this one. Though not one of the formally un-official afterparties had been something to jot down residence about, two personal affairs occurred at Sazon (which is SO good – when you’re in Santa Rosa it’s a should cease) the primary two nights. Extra on that later, however as at all times, don’t miss a Doja sesh when you hear it’s occurring. That one was LEGENDARY.
As at all times, let me know what you’re enthusiastic about, what I missed, what you’ve bought coming, or what simply usually sucks on Twitter.
I already instructed you Puffcon was concerning the homies, and similar to final yr I’m so stoked on Speaking Terps activation on web site. As soon as once more bringing the cottage to the plenty, this yr the gang debuted a particular commemorative occasion shirt (that includes Crawford & his Proxy), towels, some toys & foam fingers. On high of a killer activation, with a brand new mural by Sunflower Form & his girlfriend, the craziest half to me is how the Terps are at all times seen earlier than you even enter the occasion. Many of the line was lined of their numerous drops and whereas everybody had a Puffco product, I might undoubtedly say the subsequent hottest model of the outing was the squad. The boys had a line ALL DAY!
One other model I speak about lots, the Aliens. After all. However bro – the Kalya collab that dropped at Puffcon is kind of presumably the perfect rosin I’ve ever smoked in my life. Full cease. After all I used to be an fool and forgot to scoop a jar on the occasion as a result of I used to be dropping my thoughts, and there have been solely 100 to start with, however fortunately my buddy Frank Castillo did and glob’d me out at The Comedy Store. All I can say is regardless of being insanely excessive already, that Xeno reduce proper by. Not solely was I elevated to a brand new degree, however that taste stayed on my tongue by the subsequent three joints.
This was, with out query, essentially the most ridiculous pre-party I’ve ever been to. Moreover the truth that there was in all probability a half one million in glass scattered all through the home, and essentially the most premium hashish merchandise accessible in the marketplace right this moment, these guys flew our Custy Chef from New York to make the perfect pizza I’ve had in my life – for eight hours. Even crazier, dude didn’t are available for the day. They introduced him in for the week, and he spent at the very least 3 days prepping for the meal. It was as unbelievable because it sounds. I do not know how this got here collectively. I used to be invited by my man BK the God who assured me ‘Custy Life’ was not a model, however a vibe, and that completely no enterprise would go down there. Homies like Kapow, Dan’s Roll Ups, Alkemist Organics and even the elusive Bobby Trill confirmed up. I’ve since discovered from Dan that the entire objective of this factor is basically to recruit new White Corn Pizza missionaries – which, mission achieved: I’ve transformed. In all seriousness although, this was in all probability essentially the most extravagant outing I’ve seen thus far.
Sure, Jon likes Zkittles. We all know this, inform us one thing new. Okay, properly how about this? After all the one time I miss Doja’s sesh FieldZ exhibits up with all his new Z phenos and ya boy wasn’t there to see! Appears my luck currently. Thankfully, my man Jesse the Chef couldn’t let him depart city with out pulling some new hearth for the group. Chosen by Jesse and affectionately named Z5 (a play on the A5 wagyu he’s turn out to be recognized for), I’ve seen numerous good Zkittles currently, however this one’s significantly pleasant. On condition that it’s nonetheless a bit early for the premieres of the brand new phenos, that is your shot to get laced up proper now.
In all probability my favourite a part of Puffcon is the lot, which brings out so many unbelievable artists to introduce and promote their wares to the group. Whereas the standard suspects like All My Hats Are Dead, Trove SF, and Elbo had been again exhibiting out, I used to be lucky sufficient to satisfy the brand new homie Trevy Metal for the primary time, and boy was I stoked to see his unfold. I picked up this loopy half smiley with a skeleton peeking out pillow that’s method cooler than it sounds now reciting it again. However from his prints to the 1/1 merch gadgets he had on show, it was tremendous dope to see the breadth of this artistic’s work in principally the right headspace for it.
And talking of lot homies, I’ve bought to name consideration to how my man MycoOakland has been rising – and never simply on the fungi facet. The pinky pioneer has already been quietly producing a number of the finest branded merch within the recreation – from reduce & sew shorts to jackets – however what he’s bought coming… Let me simply say there are numerous manufacturers who’re making an attempt to do seasonal type choices to mobilize billboards within the wild, however few have manufacturers that might stand on their very own if the normal biz didn’t exist. Myco’s bought that. That is the kind of gear that, whereas undoubtedly mentioning the place it got here from, may slot in nearly wherever, whereas nonetheless subtly nodding to the tradition in every bit.
Pelli’s a legend so I doubt that is going to be the primary time anybody’s listening to this identify (particularly when you’ve spent just about any time within the Bay), however the man’s been popping up everywhere in the scene currently and I wish to have a good time how loud the work’s been. The at all times humble icon is the kind to often preface opening his bag with one thing like ‘this isn’t even something that spectacular’, and it ALWAYS has one thing THAT spectacular. Not solely that, however Joe’s an actual artist – he’s thought by each element of the expertise so whereas the weed’s higher than nearly all of the market to start with, he’s additionally bought mylars that will stoke out even essentially the most choosy avenue hustlers. It’s exhausting to beat the Champ.
Additionally everywhere in the scene currently has been the notorious meme legend Sourwavez. Whereas I’ll admit I knew concerning the jokes earlier than the work, one factor is evident: his crops aren’t any laughing matter. Properly, perhaps that excited giggle when you’re like me, however you get it. Y’all know I’ve smoked a LOT of RS-11 in my day, however Waves’ tackle the pressure that has propelled a number of manufacturers into the limelight already is worthy of the decision out. Even higher, the donuts he’s transferring proper now are KILLER. Branded a la The Simpsons, Smokin’ Donuts are undoubtedly value a snag when you come throughout them – a number of the cleanest hash j’s I’ve smoked!
If it seems like the primary half of that is all gang, it’s. You’re getting 20 right this moment and I already instructed you what Puffcon is about, so don’t be stunned. That stated, how the Sacred Fruits infiltrated this yr’s occasion is value writing residence about. Debuting collabs with all of the legends – from a Trapis Designs dyed Alien Labs collab, to an extended sleeve with the Good Trip guys, to the first-ever Sacred Fruits hats created by All My Hats Are Useless, who additionally they cut up a sales space with, the gang didn’t let the truth that they’re primarily dealing within the less-than-legal cease them from making a splash at one of many actual head’s favourite days. Properly performed, and thanks for the medication!
This one’s laced with counter-programming already, however I can’t neglect to say Puffcon’s OTHER pre-celebration, this time thrown by Trichadelics and Astor Club. Going down on the 91 Membership downtown and that includes a efficiency by the Alchemist, this one introduced out all of the legends and was a transparent signal that the subsequent day was about to rule. From Squints to the First Smoke of the Day gang, everybody pulled as much as catch the set, seize a few of Trich’s new press, and rating one of many hyper restricted oz jars Alchemist x Life is Not Grape launched of 11 Grapes. Coming off Custy Life, this was the right solution to finish the day and lean into the celebrations of the weekend.
One other glorious pre-party I had the fortune of attending was Surefire Choices’ new pheno tasting in Santa Rosa the evening earlier than HOF started. Now, I might’ve gone to this factor both method as I respect what Surefire’s doing, however homie had it at Sazon – presumably the perfect restaurant in Santa Rosa (struggle me, I’ll stand on it) – so I knew I used to be in for a deal with. Even with all that going for it, as anticipated, the flower was as soon as once more the star of the present. My two selections of the evening had been Sweet Fumez, a cross of Zkittles and Sherbanger (bred by Boston Roots), two constant fan favorites, and a Cherry Pie x OZK reduce (bred by Mendoja Farms) I’m unsure has a reputation but. Whereas I’m certain it’ll be a bit earlier than these can be found to the final customers, please preserve an eye fixed out. These batches are so standout after I bought again to New York my household instructed me “That is essentially the most spectacular stuff you’ve ever introduced residence.”
That is one other one y’all actually know we’re massive followers of over right here, however contemplating it was Fig Farms‘ first exhibiting at Corridor of Flowers I might be remiss if I didn’t point out my choose of the present, even though they’re a constant favourite. You may have already heard me clarify that the flower these guys produce is really in a league of its personal, however they’ve at all times bought some new particular undertaking to indicate me that flooring me. Each. Single. Time. This present’s shock was Z’clair, a brand new cross of Zonuts & Chilly Warmth that tastes even higher than it seems to be. As at all times, this excessive’s stoney, particularly for informal customers, however I discovered a brilliant and giggly excessive, regardless of bodily feeling sluggish.
Y’all know I’m at all times on the hunt for daytime strains, and I’m happy to report a brand new identify producing some really spectacular work. I had the pleasure of assembly the Decibel Gardens staff at this yr’s Corridor of Flowers and whereas I say new as a result of they’re new to me, the work exhibits the experience is there. With three brilliant & citrus-y expressions that I’ve been having fun with the previous few days (Golden Kiwi, Citric Acid & Cali-O), the model has set a transparent deal with a facet of the market typically neglected in favor of the sweet fuel the market is at all times asking for. Whereas I’m certain it looks as if simple riches catering to what the market is asking for proper now, I’m much more concerned about these honing of their particular cuts, so I’m excited to observe these guys evolve.
Huge Chief’s Fizzlezz
I hardly ever embody edibles on this record anymore as a result of there’s a lot flower crushing the sport proper now, however you understand I can’t assist myself after I discover one thing really distinctive and thrilling. Properly gang, weed pop rocks are right here, and so they’re insanely scrumptious! Launched by Huge Chief, the Fizzlezz are flavored popping sweet you possibly can add to something or simply pound from the pack (guess which I did). And even higher, the flavors aren’t simply your normal Cherry or Grape – they’ve frickin Pina Colada, Mocha and even Cola! And that’s what they style like! What a time to be alive!
I’ve been listening to good issues about Sturt’s for awhile now, and whereas we’ve been pals on-line for a minute I simply bought to strive certainly one of his coveted hand rolls just lately, and let me inform you, the hype is actual. Whereas I’m not going to lie, this factor was a gauntlet to smoke, it was extremely flavorful and manageable regardless of the dimensions – 3.5g of flower & a full gram of rosin. The primary I smoked was a double down on Sherbanger, and was actually one of many tastiest joints of my life, bar none.
One factor that appears to have gotten misplaced from numerous manufacturers currently, particularly in advertising collateral and shows, is an actual sense of enjoyable. Whereas certain everybody seems to be polished currently, and fancy mylars are in every single place, nobody else had near the kind of vibe Real Deal Resin was offering at this yr’s HOF. Emblazoned with flips of a number of the most iconic wrestlers of all time, RDR’s much more than simply good packaging, however it would undoubtedly draw you in. When you really faucet into the merchandise although? You’re in for a deal with. I used to be lucky sufficient to see their work each pre and submit rec, and I’ve bought to say, they’re certainly one of few that have gotten it down on each ends of the spectrum.
Do y’all notice how fortunate you’re that I’m offering you with TWO separate Z mentions in the identical article? I stated earlier this yr that Z season was again, however even I couldn’t have anticipated what the OGs had been about to end up. And I haven’t even seen all the brand new phenos but! However I used to be lucky sufficient to run into Jondo a number of occasions all through the week in Santa Rosa, and he broke me off with one of many Authentic Z x West Coast Alchemy buckets he had on him. All I can say is that whereas this taste is commonly imitated, merely nothing beats the unique. If you may get your arms on certainly one of these tremendous restricted jars I might transfer fast – that is one I’m going to cherish for some time.
I just lately heard Joey CoCo Diaz speaking about this model and the way he needed the satan to be entrance and middle as a result of it’s weed and never well being meals. I like this mentality, however I’ll be sincere, I like the weed much more. That is admittedly not the primary time I’ve tried Laughing Gas, however having had the chance now to smell & smoke by their entire portfolio I’d be remiss if I didn’t level out the dank right here too. Whereas once more, that is one other one with a horny eye-catching mylar, that is additionally one filling their luggage with the true deal. The Zashimi was my favourite of the choice (go determine), however the Truffle & Rainbow Runtz had been additionally value scooping!
As simply talked about above, I’m solely sharing edibles that actually excite me now, and these guys are thrilling. These guys appear to infuse EVERYTHING. And after I say every little thing, I imply every little thing. They’re coming to market with 150 SKUs and embody gadgets like medicated ketchup, mashed potatoes, drink mixes, and many others. It’s actually by no means ending. Not solely that, however the recipes are formulated from scratch by Casey Shea, a pastry chef previously at Milk Bar, in order that they’re all really simply as scrumptious as they’re medicated. What an important mixture. For these of you that don’t wish to style any plant materials, or change your weight loss program or routine by any means to Runtz your life up, your ticket is on its method.
These guys aren’t a brand new identify to me, however I’m fairly certain they’ve by no means graced the record earlier than. This one’s my choose for essentially the most standout nostril of the present. Whereas it’s a Runtz reduce, which is after all not essentially the most distinctive, Panacea’s Yves St. LaRuntz is actually not simply extra of the identical. Though the pattern I noticed admittedly appeared a bit early, there’s this traditional musk to the buds that interprets by to the flavour, and it stays with you. Virtually like rotten vanilla, you’ll end up craving it earlier than lengthy. Not solely was the style there, however the excessive from this one was surprisingly impactful, staying with me far longer than most of its relations had prior to now.