Today I’m diving into some Jenny Kush Live Resin Sauce by Redemption Botanicals. It’s one of the new strains they’ve dropped, and while Jenny Kush isn’t new to Illinois, I was very excited to see one of my favorite strains coming from one of my favorite craft cultivators. I picked this up at Stash inContinue reading “Jenny Kush Live Resin Sauce by Redemption Botanicals”
Author Archives: Patrick V. (Midwest Dazed)
HLVd in Cannabis: How Hop Latent Viroid Is Destroying Yields and Potency
In recent years, cannabis cultivators across North America have been hit by an invisible enemy that’s costing them billions in lost yield and reputation. Hop latent viroid (HLVd), once a quiet passenger in hop crops, has now emerged as one of the most destructive forces in commercial cannabis. It’s spreading rapidly through grow rooms, quietlyContinue reading “HLVd in Cannabis: How Hop Latent Viroid Is Destroying Yields and Potency”
A Review of Flora Arbor’s Miami Yayo “Biggies”
For anyone exploring the Illinois craft cannabis market, unique offerings always stand out. That’s why I was intrigued by the “Biggies” line from Flora Arbor, which comes in a 7-gram quantity with a compelling promise: one hand-trimmed bud guaranteed to be at least 3.5 grams. I recently picked up their Miami Yayo strain to see how theContinue reading “A Review of Flora Arbor’s Miami Yayo “Biggies””
The “Clean” Cannabis That Isn’t: How Remediation Is Cheating You Out of a Premium Experience
You see a sleek package on the dispensary shelf. The THC percentage is high, it passed all the safety tests, and the brand is a big one you’ve seen everywhere. You shell out your hard-earned cash expecting a top-tier experience, only to be met with a muted aroma, a harsh smoke, and a disappointingly blandContinue reading “The “Clean” Cannabis That Isn’t: How Remediation Is Cheating You Out of a Premium Experience”
Solventless vs. Solvent-Based Cannabis Concentrates: Understanding the Differences, CRC, and Common Consistencies
As cannabis concentrates continue to evolve and grow in popularity, so does the need for education. From the way they’re extracted to how they look, feel, and taste, not all concentrates are created equal. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between solventless and solvent-based concentrates, or why some extracts are suspiciously bright yellow, thisContinue reading “Solventless vs. Solvent-Based Cannabis Concentrates: Understanding the Differences, CRC, and Common Consistencies”
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your High: A Deep Dive into Terpenes and Cannabinoids
Ever wondered what gives your favorite cannabis strain its unique scent, flavor, and effects? The answer lies in a fascinating world beyond just THC and CBD. Welcome to the intricate symphony of compounds that work together to create the magic in your bud: terpenes and a whole family of cannabinoids. At Couch Lock’d, we’re allContinue reading “Unlocking the Full Potential of Your High: A Deep Dive into Terpenes and Cannabinoids”
D33 Andersonville Budtenders Seek a Voice, Unionize with Teamsters for Better Workplace Conditions
CHICAGO, IL – Budtenders at Dispensary 33 (D33) in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood are making a significant move towards improving their working lives, initiating efforts to unionize their location with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This organizing drive highlights a growing trend within the rapidly expanding cannabis industry, where workers are increasingly seeking fair treatment, improved benefits,Continue reading “D33 Andersonville Budtenders Seek a Voice, Unionize with Teamsters for Better Workplace Conditions”
Illinois Cannabis Market: A Decade of Growth, A Future of Challenges
It’s been over a decade since medical cannabis became legal in Illinois, and nearly five years since recreational cannabis followed suit. While overall sales figures boast significant growth, a closer look reveals a struggling landscape for new shops and brands, while multi-state operators (MSOs) continue to dominate. The state’s recent pause on the next roundContinue reading “Illinois Cannabis Market: A Decade of Growth, A Future of Challenges”
Gen Z’s Cannabis Wishlist: What They’re Really Asking For
Having spent five years navigating the cannabis retail landscape and crafting content for various brands, certain consumer patterns have become undeniably clear. It’s evident that Gen Z is rapidly shaping the future of cannabis consumption, and their preferences are a strong indicator of where the market is headed. Here’s a look at the products they consistentlyContinue reading “Gen Z’s Cannabis Wishlist: What They’re Really Asking For”
Chicago Police to Refine Cannabis Search Policy Amidst Shifting Legal Landscape
Chicago, IL – In a significant move signaling a more nuanced approach to cannabis enforcement, Chicago Police Department (CPD) officials are set to revise their guidance, discouraging officers from conducting vehicle searches based solely on the scent of raw, unburnt cannabis. This forthcoming policy update comes in direct response to evolving interpretations of Illinois law byContinue reading “Chicago Police to Refine Cannabis Search Policy Amidst Shifting Legal Landscape”
Sky Labs License Grounded: Michigan CRA Sends Clear Message to Industry
In a decisive move that underscores the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency’s (CRA) intensified efforts to uphold industry standards, Sky Labs LLC, a cannabis processor based in Mount Morris, has officially lost its license to operate. This permanent revocation comes after a prolonged history of serious regulatory violations, signaling a new era of strict enforcement inContinue reading “Sky Labs License Grounded: Michigan CRA Sends Clear Message to Industry”
TerrAscend Pulls Out of Michigan: A Symptom of a Struggling Market
On Monday, June 30th, the Michigan cannabis landscape received a seismic shock as TerrAscend, a prominent North American cannabis company, announced its strategic exit from the state. This move will see the closure of all 20 of their dispensaries, including well-known names like Gage, Pinnacle Emporium, and Cookies, along with their four cultivation and processing facilities.Continue reading “TerrAscend Pulls Out of Michigan: A Symptom of a Struggling Market”
Don’t Pause Progress, Fix Illinois Cannabis Taxes!
Illinois’ cannabis market is a powerhouse, boasting over $2 billion in sales and nearly half a billion in tax revenue in 2024. Yet, recent moves to pause new social equity dispensary licenses, intended to help these businesses get on their feet, might be missing the real issue. Instead of holding back progress, Illinois lawmakers shouldContinue reading “Don’t Pause Progress, Fix Illinois Cannabis Taxes!”
Tidewater Live Resin by IC Collective: A Winning Dab Experience
Today, I’m diving into a jar of Tidewater Live Resin by IC Collective. I snagged this on sale for a fantastic 40% off at a new dispensary I visited recently. Honestly, I couldn’t pass up such a great deal on a consistently high-quality brand like IC Collective, especially since I was in the area and definitelyContinue reading “Tidewater Live Resin by IC Collective: A Winning Dab Experience”
Violet Sky by Khalifa Kush x Flora Arbor
Today, we’re diving into another exceptional offering from Khalifa Kush, cultivated in Illinois through their partnership with Flora Arbor. Our focus today is on Violet Sky, a potent indica-dominant hybrid that promises a profound sense of relaxation. Violet Sky is the result of a masterful cross between Khalifa Mints and GastroPop. This strain was first introduced inContinue reading “Violet Sky by Khalifa Kush x Flora Arbor”