I’ve mentioned many instances earlier than that Puffcon is certainly one of my favourite occasions on this scene – it’s like a household reunion – and fortunately this 12 months’s occasion was no completely different. If something, it was higher.
Opening to the general public for the primary time – that’s, to individuals who don’t already personal a Puffco product, it was the heaviest hitting lineup but, and admittedly the busiest of the occasions they’ve had to date. Collectively it felt like they lastly maximized the potential of the downtown footprint they’ve referred to as dwelling the previous three years – even including a brand new space for meals distributors, and extra precise hash manufacturers on the ground. There was little left to be desired.
Personally, I didn’t see something however folks having enjoyable with their mates, having fun with nice music and hash, at an incredible occasion.
Talking of which, lemme throw out some shoutouts actual fast to these not talked about under. As at all times, it was glorious to see the homies All My Hats Are Dead, Trapis Designs, and Earth Trade Center down in LA. The homies Trichadelics, Guru, Kalya, Wooksauce, and the Terp Hogz all had cubicles merchandising their newest and best, and each Liquid Death and Jones Soda had been giving product away adjoining to chill autos. It was a enjoyable time. Lastly, I can’t neglect the Puffco crew – thanks Roger, Kevin, and your complete squad as soon as once more for all you probably did to make the occasion particular.
Beneath are my event-specific highlights, however be at liberty to let me know yours – or what must be on the subsequent certainly one of these – over on (what is going to perpetually be often known as) Twitter.
All the time the belle of the ball, this 12 months TT switched up this system, shifting from the Terp Cottage they’d constructed out the previous two years right into a full-fledged head store within the higher indoor space. Introducing a slew of latest merchandise from lighter sleeves to branded Flower Mills and Rip Tips, they even had customized glass proxy holders, bowls and chillums for followers to additional decorate. It appears like there’s lastly one thing for everyone over there now. Even additional, in maybe their first official THC collaboration, the Terps crew debuted 3 collab rosin jars with Pioneer Farms. Each the Zazul and the Tropical Z had been value writing dwelling about, however you’re not going unsuitable with any of those.
Super Chill is understood for making killer THC edibles, however do you know they’re dabbling within the fungi world now too? Maybe essentially the most thrilling new product I noticed at Puffcon this 12 months was Tremendous Chill’s new Tremendous Fung! Packaged in a paper produce container such as you’d discover blueberries in on the grocery store, their new mushroom product comes with 1.5 grams and appears like contemporary mushrooms, with an virtually meringue like dry marshmallow to form the cap and stem, and a little bit of infused chocolate hiding in between. These items not solely look cute, they smack too! I do know folks get mad after I discuss packaging right here, however these items are the total package deal – that’s only a enjoyable element!
I’m unsure if I’ve talked about him in a Cop Record but, however I’ve lengthy been a fan of the creativity sprouting from the homie Truly Red Panda. The ideator behind the ‘I’m sporting Carhartt as a result of I’m engaged on myself’ and ‘…as a result of there’s work in right here’ luggage, for his newest drop he’s launched a sack that’s enjoyable for the entire household. Basically a Pink Panda stuffed animal with arm loops and two storage areas (contained in the plush’s again & tail), this backpack is nice not only for folks of all ages, however they’re extremely fashionable with our 4 legged mates as nicely.
Talking of Panda, I must also point out his extra collab with Astraluxe, however first let me offer you a correct introduction. In the event you haven’t heard about Astraluxe but, put together to be amazed. Launched to me by Action Matt Jackson a couple of weeks in the past, Astraluxe’s ‘House Ice Cream’ has instantly change into my favourite edible within the sport. Dosed at 30 mg per serving and in 150 mg tubes, consuming certainly one of these is an oral expertise. It begins onerous and dry, however virtually instantly upon getting moist begins to embody all your style buds, offering the very best mouthfeel I’ve skilled in an edible. Their Pina Colada and OJ varieties are particularly pleasing. They style precisely as described, however with the enjoyable impact that also sort of surprises me each time. That mentioned, the brand new drop with Panda, their Hashpresso line, is much less heavy on the THC facet, however packs an energizing punch, with 10 mg of THC and 50 mg of caffeine in every bit. In the event you’re apprehensive concerning the power of the massive boys, that’s an incredible place to start out.
Waves has been producing some unbelievable flower the previous few months, however at present I’ve acquired to offer him props for the insane merch he dropped for the occasion this 12 months. I’ve seen him crushing the branding sport on his jars for so long as I’ve identified him, however I used to be not anticipating the flood of warmth he introduced out for all of us to put on. From a novel graphic that included each of Puffco’s premier merchandise, in addition to a Jolly Roger tribute that includes Puffco’s CEO with rosin eyes, each merchandise within the assortment was not solely one thing you’d LIKE to put on, however doubles as an announcement piece.
Contemplating it was a hash occasion, I anticipated to see some strong Honey Bananas rosin floating across the lot, however I’ll be sincere, discovering Honey Banana flower was in all probability the very last thing I anticipated to see. In actual fact, I’d by no means seen it earlier than, simply the rosin. Properly that each one modified after I glided by Professor Sift’s sales space, and he confirmed me a few of the flower that Ted from Alien Labs had grown out… it’s otherworldly. Not the prettiest looker, however boy does she scent stunning – and with a taste that transfers completely. I do know it’s a bit early to name, but when this hits the market I feel it’s secure to say that whereas HB’s had a strong hash run the previous few years, 2024 goes to be the 12 months of the HB flower.
One other inventive I’ve been stoked on currently has been the insanely proficient Blazzy. I used to be initially placed on by my late homie Jesse when the unique anime ashtrays dropped, however Nothing Personal, Blazzy’s model, has not stopped making noise since. Having now launched a 3rd model of the cult basic ashtray, Bend Over Becky, what I’m really essentially the most enthusiastic about from these guys proper now’s the collab they’re dropping with Don Merfo’s, the duffle bag tray. Coming to you in a sealed proof field – true to kind for the Nothing Private squad, their packaging stays subsequent stage – this one’s a lot deeper than your typical tray, and is good for when it’s windy and also you don’t need your mess getting all over. In the event you haven’t tapped in with Nothing Private but, it’s time.
One other Weed & Wagyu particular, I do know Jesse and Fidel had been engaged on this collaboration earlier than he handed, and I’m so proud to see it lastly come to fruition regardless of Jesse’s early departure. Really taking the W&W way of life to the subsequent stage, collectively they dropped a cooler full of every little thing you could dwell this life – from hash holes, rosin, and flower, to an precise reduce of the extremely coveted meat, straight from Japan. Jesse didn’t play about that. After all there’s some meatwads & banana pudding in there too, which, when you didn’t know, stays promoting out in any respect obtainable retailers. In the event you haven’t gotten an opportunity to seize a style but, there could also be a couple of extra coolers floating round…
Metro Bloomin’s been boomin’ within the streets for ages now, however his newest play is lifting the model up previous simply hashish, and into tobacco. A ton of manufacturers have launched their very own leaves up to now few months, however out of all those I’ve gotten to attempt so far, these are my favorites. Sourced from the Dominican Republic, and pre-cut into rectangles so that you don’t must trim the leaves down your self, the Jungo’s come 5 to a pack like your conventional backwood, however with out all of the filler. In the case of blunts up to now I’ve solely actually favored two sorts of wraps: the massive Dutch Masters, and Brothers Broadleaf. Now we are able to add a 3rd to that record.
Sam launched a Cookie Membership final 12 months, and whereas this conventional mailer enterprise was good, at Puffcon this 12 months she introduced the membership to the social gathering, and was rolling round together with her newest creations contemporary for attendees to attempt. Whereas she’s at all times been adventurous, concocting loopy recipes that will make any mouth water, her newest Flan cookie could also be the very best cookie I’ve ever had, interval. The mix of chewy crunch on the skin, after which pudding within the center… It was like a thriller ball cookie. I had no thought what I used to be moving into, but when attainable I’d eat these cookies solely going ahead. It’s true, I used to be extremely excessive on the time, however belief, it was subsequent stage. You’re going to need to attempt one for your self.
I feel the award for essentially the most inventive arrange of the occasion goes to West Coast Cure, who recreated the home Jerett lived in when he began the model for followers to stroll via. Full with butane working gear, dehydrators full of slabs, and rigs arrange within the yard, it was like strolling via a time warp for these of us that may keep in mind these days, and a good way to introduce the younger bucks to how issues was once. The entrance of the home was adorned with a basic low rider, in addition to a ping pong desk in case you wanted an exercise to maintain you from freaking out. General nice show.
Whereas WCC wins most inventive, 710 Labs undoubtedly wins funniest. Their total arrange was a soundproofed room full of a lie-detector check and polygraph examiner, and so they supplied the prospect to win a 12 months’s provide of weed when you might simply reply their 21 questions actually. This was simpler mentioned than carried out. In the event you’ve seen the present ‘Second of Reality’ earlier than, that is what they had been recreating, and you’ve got a good suggestion the place that is headed. Nevertheless, when you’re like me and had NOT heard of the present, the gist is that they ask a few of the most humiliating questions attainable, in entrance of your family members, and when you inform the reality you can win some huge cash. Let’s simply say I’m fairly sure the questions on the present weren’t as graphic as these. I can’t wait to see the footage…
So far as afterparties go, that is the primary time I’ve been to 1 at a deli, however the vibes had been the very best I’ve skilled, particularly contemplating we mainly took over a sidewalk in North Hollywood in the midst of the night time. Bumping from 11-2, and that includes the Kebab Senpai grilling up out entrance, Archie’s is commonly a late night time jaunt, however with all the chums on the town, and everybody able to devour some good eats after an extended day, this one hit the spot. In case you’re unfamiliar, Archies has every little thing from fireplace sandwiches to unique snacks and sodas from all over the world – and in contrast to a few of these exo retailers, nothing in there’s TOO loopy costly.