YES, The Simpsons predicted Covid, Barbie mania and this country being the first to legalizing marijuana – what’s next?

If you want any accurate representation of what’s to come, skip the fortune teller. One show has a spooky way of predicting things which come true. Maybe it is because the writers have a pulse on what’s going on, maybe they have just been around a long time…but it is true. And yes, “the Simpsons” predicted legal weed, so what’s next?

By now it’s a long-standing meme the show has predicted multiple historical events of our time. What was once flippant jokes from the show’s writers have come to pass, including a Donald Trump Presidency, Farmville, the Higgs-Boson particle, Guitar Hero, a submersible disaster, and the Disney-Fox merger.

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In the cannabis world, the show foresaw Canada legalizing recreational marijuana. Back in the 2005 episode “Midnight Rx,” Homer, Ned Flanders, Apu, and Grandpa Simpson travel north of the border to acquire cheaper drug prescriptions. At one point, the Ned runs into his Canadian doppleganger, similar in every way except one: Canadian Ned hits the “reeferino.”



“It’s legal here,” the Canadian says, while offering Ned a hit. Flabbergasted by such a suggestion, Ned says to Homer, “They warned me Satan would be attractive. Let’s go!”

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As the US waits for a potentially rescheduling of marijuana, the industry is hanging out at Moe’s Tavern to see if their are any hints. Unlike the Canada episode, there’s isn’t any clear predictions, but an episode from 2000 predicted details of what could soon be real-life events. In “Bart to the Future”, Lisa Simpson becomes president and wears a purple suit and pearls that are uncannily similar to what Kamala Harris. Harris has been the champion of rescheduling, while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-KY) is not.

With accurate guesses on both Covid and the Ebola outbreak, they also predicted a dark winter of 2025. The episode from Season 33 in January 2023 apparently foreshadowed something called a dark winter. Let’s hope this one is off the mark.

When I first landed in Vancouver, British Columbia, as a college undergrad, one of my biggest questions, beyond how I would make friends in a new country, pick my major, and currency conversion rates, was where was I going to find weed?

Thankfully, Vancouver has been a big weed city for a long time, and British Columbia has a reputation not unlike Norcal’s Emerald Triangle—they don’t call it B.C. bud for nothing! Over 5 years into federal legalization of adult-use cannabis, Vancouver and (most of) Canada have built on the infrastructure of the medical/legacy days to offer consumers a wide variety of products and strains from both national, government-owned brands to family-run micro-growers serving their local communities. 

Next time you’re in Vancity, you’ll know where the dank is. Let’s go!

What are Van’s weed rules?

If you aren’t quite old enough to patronize a dispensary in the States, rejoice! Adults 19+ can legally frequent adult-use cannabis dispensaries, and possess up to 30 grams (or the equivalent in edibles, vapes, etc) while out and about. At home, you can grow up to 4 plants and possess no more than 1,000 grams of cannabis and derived products. 

Best of all, Vancouver, like the Big Apple, allows public cannabis consumption wherever tobacco smoking and vaping are allowed, with exceptions for parks (there are designated areas), playgrounds, public buildings, and near bus, train, and ferry stops. If your hotel allows it, you can also smoke in your room. 

Where are Van’s legal weed stores?

Excellent question! Vancouver is a big city with upwards of 80 dispensaries within the greater metro area. In the city proper, most walk-in stores are concentrated downtown; you can take a ferry to North Vancouver for a few more options. Most stores offer delivery services, and you can order cannabis on UberEats the same way you would a breakfast burrito.

Because Canada’s cannabis legislation is federal, dispensaries have two tiers. There are BC Cannabis stores run by the government under the province’s British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch, and there are privately-owned stores. The BC Cannabis stores offer better prices and wider selections from brands based all over the country; privately-owned stores may have more store ambiance and local options from craft growers.

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you:

Delivery

A number of dispensaries across Vancouver offer pick up and delivery options to adults 19+. You can also order weed for delivery and pickup on UberEats from select dispensaries. Start a Vancouver delivery.

What’s the closest legal weed store to YVR airport?

If you’re fresh out of YVR, you can head to Dutch Love on 8602 Granville Street, or  La Canapa up the street on 8002 Granville Street.

What is some good weed to buy in Van?

Shopping in a Canadian dispensary is a little different than the States—your weed can be from Ontario or Quebec or Newfoundland. I opted to stick to local BC cultivators with one Ontario exception. Here are six of the best buds I sampled. 

I am high, what do I do now in Van?

For Van’s best weed attractions, go to:

• Stanley Park
• The downtown Art Gallery complex
• The Amsterdam Cafe
• Bloedel Conservatory (North Vancouver)
• Vancouver Aquarium 
• Pacific National Exhibition, aka The PNE, Playland amusement park (May–August)
• A ride on the Seabus ferry
• A Skyride gondola ride to the top of Grouse Mountain (North Vancouver)
• Skiing and snowboarding at Grouse Mountain (North Vancouver)

Spotlight: Amsterdam Cafe

While smoking in public is now allowed, not everyone wants to light up in a smoking section, and Vancouver winters can be brutal. As of writing, dispensaries cannot host consumption spaces. But one of the most iconic North American smoking lounges is still kicking in Downtown Vancouver: the Amsterdam Cafe.

This is a one-stop shop for a comfortable, discreet sesh–the main floor hosts a full-service cafe with food and beverages. A $10 membership fee gets guests access to the lower-level lounge during the day, and the main floor in the evening. Bongs and rolling kits are available for rental. 

For Van’s best stoner munchie food, get:

• Tim Horton’s, the (better) Dunkin Donuts of Canada.
• White Spot
• A&W, which is not only a root beer brand but an entire burger chain that rivals the American juggernauts McDonalds and Burger King.
• Mello Donuts
• La Belle Patate, for a wide variety of Canada’s best munchie food, poutine. 
• Cactus Club Cafe

Vancouver weed visitors frequently asked questions

What’s up with the weed lounges?

Unfortunately, dispensaries can’t yet get permitted for consumption lounges—yet. But the Amsterdam Cafe at 301 W Hastings Street, and Cannabis Culture next door both have discreet and stylish smoking spaces for locals and visitors. 

What does federal legalization mean for me and my shopping experience?

It means lots of options, mostly. You aren’t beholden to just your province’s selection of flower, vapes, edibles, or concentrates. I recommend chatting with your budtender, and doing research ahead of time; sometimes out-of-province products are older, or your local store won’t have the full selection. 

Can I bring weed into or out of Canada?

This is a BIG no no. Just because weed is legal at the federal level, it is illegal to cross the Canadian border with it or fly with it. So smoke it while you can, or leave it with a friend before you head home. 

St. Patrick’s Day is fun and all, but you can hold the hangovers and regret, thank you very much. We’re gonna stay Cali Sober, super-green, and deliciously rainbow-esque with legal ganja across North America.

With 24 legalization states, 40 medical ones, and fully legal Canada, it’s never been breezier to tap the Leafly app, put the buds in the basket, and order the more healthful alternative for pickup or delivery. 

Here’s some seasonal, new, and charming buds from California to New York, and Florida to Ontario, courtesy of our cadre of experts.

Gold Ca$h Gold

Everybody wants a little taste of gold on St. Patty’s day and for cannabis, there’s nothing that fits the bill closer than this strain from 3rd Coast Genetics, the breeder that brought us Oreoz (now called Oooze to avoid the lawyers). Gold Ca$h Gold—a cross of Oreoz #1 x Pure Michigan—has the thick, sparkly coat of resin glands we usually see on Oooze buds and the deep purple interior that’s indicative of Pure Michigan, a popular strain in Oregon and Maine that 3rd Coast created with Thug Pug. The result is a grape jelly crustable that has a gassy smell locked inside of buds so dense, you’ll weigh the eighth just to make sure it’s 3.5 grams.—Matt Jackson

Pot Roast

What would St. Patrick’s Day be without sitting down to some corned beef & cabbage or a good bowl of Pot Roast? A hit with fans in Colorado and California over the last couple years, Pot Roast—GMO x Meat Breath—is another savory strain from well-known Michigan breeder Thug Pug who’s also responsible for the Meat Breath used in its creation. Even the smaller buds on this strain come out with a thick armored-looking surface that shows off flecks of purple and army green. While looking at the lineage you’d expect something super pungent and corpse flower-esque, the aroma on this more of a rich savory feeling with an exhale that’s almost peppery. —Matt Jackson

Acapulco Gold

Jonny Chronic, Canada

If you’re in search of real treasure, skip the pub and follow the rainbow to a pot of Acapulco

Gold. Originating from Central America, this legendary landrace strain has a classic flavorprofile: it’s fresh and floral with skunky base notes of dark molasses. Practically dripping in trichomes, these glittering nuggets from Johnny Chronic are worth their weight in gold! Grown in small batches, slow-cured for maximum flavor and hand-trimmed to perfection, finding this sativa is only for the luckiest leprechauns. Who needs a pot of gold when you can find this stash at the end of the rainbow? —Amanda Breeze

Crumbled Lime

3Saints, Canada

Wearing green is supposed to bring good luck on St. Patty’s Day, but why settle for wearing it

when you can get four-leaf clovered with Crumbled Lime! A cross of Citron CKS and Biker Kush, these dense emerald buds are sun-grown, rain-watered, and expertly cured. Crack open a jar and experience the unbelievably bold punch of sour Tanaka lime with a blast of tropical guava fruit. This ain’t your granny’s lucky clover! High potency and maximum flavor, this sweet sativa from 3Saints is louder than a green beer-fueled frat party. So ditch the green hat! Crumbled Lime is the only luck you need. —Amanda Breeze

Koala Crack

Fig Farms, CA

Koala Crack is a buzzy new sativa from Fig Farms named for its eucalyptol-dominant profile and energizing effects. With a unique sensory experience that combines eucalyptus, candy and spice, and a high that radiates clarity and excitement, this flower is perfect for busy days on the grind.

Grown, bred, and hunted from seed by Fig Farms, Koala Crack is a cross between Moonana Wreck (Banana Fig x Moon Drops) x Zeclair #5 (Cold Heat x Zonuts).

Like all flower grown by the Bay-area indoor legends, this one is other-worldly. With light green nugs, long hairs, and a bud structure with the complexity of an Escher painting, it’s so sugar-dusted with trichomes that the nugs read silver.

In addition to the minty fresh euphoria of the eucalyptol, Koala Crack is high in terpinolene from the Moonana Wreck parent, another one of my favorite Fig Farm flowers. The combination leaves you with an energetic disposition and a quiet mind, perfect for getting it done and having fun while doing it. —Lindsay MaHarry

Sour Diesel

Sol Spirit Farm, CA

Sour Diesel by Sol Spirit Farm, an award-winning regenerative farm/glamping operation in Trinity County, is a hard-hitting rendition of a beloved classic.

A cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk, Sour Diesel was popularized in NYC throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s for an energizing, euphoric high suited for life in the fast lane. Despite its legendary status, it’s uncommon to see Sour Diesel on the dispensary shelves of today, which tend to be dominated by a handful of dessert strains.

My favorite thing about Sol Spirit’s cut of SD is that it skews on the heavy side, leaving you in a giggly plume of diesel-drenched euphoria. The nugs have a rust green hue and the looser bud structure of a true sativa, covered in visible, sparkling trichomes, with a tidal wave of diesel/pine terps that just about knock you over when you crack open the jar.

This version of SD is perfect for enjoying the vivacious and uplifting high of the famous strain in a more relaxed way, where a silly fun feeling of buoyancy balances out the anxious pitfalls of having too much energy. —Lindsay MaHarry

Rainbow Driver

Woody Nelson, Canada

Bred by Archive Seed Bank and cultivated in the Kootenays, this Sundae Driver x Zkittlez hybrid is a powerhouse. Woody Nelson’s three weeks of curing and hand-trimming results in generous nugs and a true-to-nose flavor, reminiscent of a pack of Citrus Delights cracked open in a gas station. It maintains an impressive, feathery consistency when ground, with smooth rolling and combustion. The high begins with a potent, cerebral hit before melting into relaxation, without full-on couchlock. This strain is in high demand, so gear up for the next 100-kilo batch to hit BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nunavut dispensaries around April 20th. —Grace Broadhead

Onion Ring

Nature’s Chemistry, NV

The latest indica from the renowned Vegas producer, affectionately known as Nature’s Chem by locals, is easily one of the dankest strains anywhere in Sin City. Onion Ring’s booming terp profile boasts an impressive 13.2 mg/g terpinolene, 3.8 mg/g ocimene, and 3.7 mg/g myrcene to complement a solid 24% THC count. Users can smell the powerful garlicky cross of GMO and OG Kush through the sealed jar, and all bets are off once that jar’s open—the aroma is next-level.

Onion Ring by Nature’s Chemistry hits as strong as any indica in the Vegas market and smokes smoother than most. But it’s not necessarily a bedtime strain; the elevated terpinolene levels help provide a high that’s euphoric and introspective, well worth staying awake for. Onion Ring is available in 43 Las Vegas dispensaries, including Planet 13, Nevada Wellness Center, The Source, Beyond Hello, GreenLight, Health For Life, Sahara Wellness, Curaleaf, Jade, and Zen Leaf. —Chris Kudialis

Bellini vape

Rove, NV

Hitting Rove’s hybrid Bellini pen is the weed aficionado’s equivalent of sipping on a fruit smoothie: easy, sweet, flavorful with bursts of peach and pineapple. At 89.1% THC and a terp profile spearheaded by caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool, Bellini produces a fast high that slaps after just a couple of draws. But after its initial punch, the indica-dominant high operates comfortably in the background, allowing users to enjoy themselves without feeling overly stoned. Rove’s Bellini pen is available in 47 Vegas dispensaries, including Euphoria Wellness, Reef, Las Vegas ReLeaf, Essence, Jardín, Cookies, NuWu, Pisos, Thrive, and Tree of Life. —Chris Kudialis

Pac-Man

Cookies, New York

From the NYC Culture House’s new Cookies strain drop, this is how you start off a stoner’s paradise. This Pac-Man strain is pure class—a very special strain. As soon as I opened the package, a strong herbal aroma filled the air and the room in a magical way. On my first hit, a powerful, pungent, gassy, spicy, peppery flavor rushed me like I owed the Pac-Man money. Tiny hints of menthol and a zesty lemon flavor followed. The very clean refreshing aftertaste will leave a spicy, peppery taste on your tongue for a few seconds—so beautiful. The high is very relaxing with a nice, heavy feeling on the eyes, which is so wonderful. The body high is strong, with a soothing, spectacular feel, very calming on the body. If you are looking for a good strain to watch a movie, or play a video game, or just vibing with some friends, Pac-Man is it.—LordFigo

Afternoon Delight #44

Rythm, MD

Rythm delivers yet again for enthusiasts looking for a functional midday boost with Afternoon Delight #4. A hybrid of GMO x Trophy Wife (Wedding Cake F2), originally bred as Redneck Wedding by Surfr Seeds, the appearance presents as the bright green spear-shaped buds with golden pistils; a mighty stature caked in resin. For the top shelf of the market, Rythm delivers as expected with a hefty jar for freshness and a flashy label boasting 37.62% THCa and 3.78% terpenes.

As stinky as this sample is upon cracking the jar, the flavor also stains the mouth with chemical funk and herbal Bubba fuel, which come from the primary terpenes limonene, β-caryophyllene, and linalool. The potency is noticeable, and the refined, relaxing, and buzzy effect comes on rapidly and primarily stimulates the head, face, and chest. In a vape, the inhale is smooth and suitable for big rips. In the joint, the smoothness lacks behind a bit, and the flavor has a bit of background noise. Regionally, the DMV is a big fan of soothing “sativa-dominant hybrids” and this sample is fresh and fits the bill perfectly. —Max Blickstein

Zealousy

Strane, MD

If you like big nugs and you can’t lie, Zealousy might be your guy. Strane has been a mainstay for years bringing solid genetics to top shelves all around Maryland, and this is a prime example of why. Zealousy is reported to be from Nasha Genetics, blending Jealousy x Zoap, which very much rides the shoulders of giants, this time in the form of Seed Junky Genetics and Deep East. This hybrid is no joke—providing an immediate onset of “sit-your-butt-down” effect at eye-watering levels of potency, which tracks for the 30.41% THCa boasted on the label.

Another staggering label rating is the 4.14% terpenes, primarily limonene, α and β-pinene, and linalool, which results in a fairly standard “candy” flavor that is most comparable to allspice. This type of flavor and effect profile is more common from cheaper imported traditional market packs, but Strane provides a clean and accessible experience with Zealousy that hits that particular nail on the head. Strane is sure to impress enthusiasts looking for a punchy sweet flavor and this particular example shines as soon as the seal is broken. —Max Blickstein

Northern Fire

Ember Valley, CA

Ember Valley has impressed over the last few years—floating at the top tier of affordable heat right before you start getting into the top shelf above $50. One of the things they are famed for across their stable of strains is the variety of flavors. Their new Northern Fire is probably my second favorite thing I’ve ever seen from them. It’s absolutely soaked in the best terpinolene aroma I’ve found on the recreational market since the Trainwreck that came in 5th in the inaugural Emerald Cup indoor category a few years ago. The hash is the same level of special. I haven’t seen anyone washing this flavor and it’s worth investigating if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a jar. —Jimi Devine

Zeclair Breeding project

Fig Farms, CA

Fig Farms, CAThe back-to-back Emerald Cup winners were looking to spice things up in 2023 and a massive Z breeding project and round of selection proved to do just that. When hunting out a pack of Zeclair seeds the Fig Farms team identified a primo male. It represented the best male Z pollen they had ever worked with and they crossed it to everything. It’s no surprise—the pairings with the last two cup winners, Animal Face and Blue Face, proved to be absolutely heaters. I would argue the dark horse of the bunch is a fantastic Zeclair x OGKB. We’re excited to see which parts of the hunt make it to market. The “sister” to that all-star male is already out there on store shelves. It’s also a hitter, as is par for the course when you’re talking about Fig Farms. —Jimi Devine

And that’s 14 super-solid picks for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond this winter and spring. Make sure to download the Leafly app, and turn on notifications to stay glued into the goodness.