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Fear not—Maryland still has plenty of weed to go around

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Maryland is looking pretty hazy, Leafly nation, and we don’t mean the weather. Over a month into adult-use sales, the Old Line state has seen a huge increase in demand for cannabis flower, prerolls, edibles and vapes. Between July 1 and July 30, data from Maryland’s Cannabis Administration shows sales totaled just under $85 million, double what the medical-only market raked in throughout June—on July 1 alone, total sales exceeded $4.5 million. 

While medical patients appear to have stocked up in advance, Maryland was uniquely positioned for a bud boom. Surrounded by medical-only states or states with no form of legal cannabis, a holiday weekend, and a low 9% cannabis sales tax, Maryland has to contend with not only local demand, but an influx of out-of-towners and tourists who want to join in on the action. On Day 1, Leafly met a number of consumers who’d crossed multiple state borders, or just walked in from down the street. The common denominator is they wanted an accessible way to acquire quality cannabis and cannabis products. 

… we’re selling out of our strains every week, and we have inventory rolling in for the next week right behind it.

Rebecca Bronfein Raphael, Chief Revenue Officer, Curio

“We steadily see more consumers coming through the door and the continued growth of cross-border purchasing and overarching curiosity in the different dosage forms. Flower, vapes, prerolls, and edibles continue to be the most popular product category,” says Curio’s Chief Revenue Officer, Rebecca Bronfein Raphael. “With respect to our flower supply, we’re selling out of our strains every week, and we have inventory rolling in for the next week right behind it. Our thesis about opening up our additional canopy and making sure that it was ready for the back half of 2023 was correct.”

Kip Cannabis dispensary on Day 1 of Maryland’s adult-use sales. (Leafly)

No surprise, flower still reigns supreme for sales—the Washington Post reported that Maryland dispensaries sold over 19,500 pounds of cannabis in July, versus 8,000 in June. According to data from cannabis market data platform Headset, flower was about 50% of Maryland’s July dispensary sales, followed by vape pens. Prerolls saw the greatest increase in sales throughout the month relative to medical-only data, with a 172% jump. Some operators believe this has to do with new consumers, many of whom may have never visited a dispensary before, who want to sample strains and purchase smaller amounts before committing to an eighth. 

Edibles and flower also saw big sales increases (138% and 145% respectively), while sales for concentrates, tinctures, and topicals appeared to drop. Part of this is consumer taste, and part is due to the fact that certain products, namely concentrates and infused prerolls, are still exclusive to medical patients. 

Maryland currently has only 18 licensed cultivators to serve what is predicted to reach a billion-dollar state cannabis industry by 2025, but no need to fret. For months now, cultivators and manufacturers have been anticipating this increased demand, and scaling their supply accordingly. Operators told Leafly back in June that they had been setting aside additional inventory for months and ramping up operations, which has proved prudent.

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3 charming 85+ point Maryland flowers for summer 2023

Justin Garcia, compliance and public relations manager for SunMed Growers, the largest cultivator in Maryland, says their team have planned for adult-use as far back as 2015, when they received their license. They’ve increased their cultivation space multiple times over the years (now measuring nearly 300,000 square-feet), and launched their processing arm, SunMed Labs, to produce a range of concentrates, and most recently, edibles. Garcia estimates they have products in around 70 of Maryland’s dispensaries at any given time. 

“All of our partners are telling us it’s anywhere between two to three times their business before adult use. That means more volume on their shelves and more volume that has to come out of our facility. In the future, we’d be positioned to be able to keep up with what is going to be anywhere from two, three, four times the demand, he says. “Our big limiting factor at this point is ‘how quickly can we package it?’’

Buds on Flowering Cannabis Indica Plant Growing Indoors. (Adobe Stock)

Given the maturity of Maryland’s medical market, supply hasn’t been a major concern with operators that spoke with Leafly. Nearly 100 medical dispensaries in Maryland were able to convert their license type to adult-use in time for Day 1, which accounts for the huge jump in sales versus states like New Jersey, which opened with 12 dispensaries, or New York, with only one. Multistate operators like Curaleaf and TerrAscend with experience opening markets in other states said they scaled operations accordingly.

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“To compare it to a typical Saturday, we had over a fivefold increase in sales for the day. And in the first month so far, we’ve doubled our sales; we’ve almost tripled the amount of customers that we continue to welcome into the Maryland market,” says Dinesh Penugonda, Curaleaf’s VIP of retail operations. “We invested ahead of the launch both from a capacity product supply standpoint, as well as in our facilities, to make sure that we were ready for the increased demand.”

Maryland as a state has some funky borders, and geography has proved to play a part in where consumers flock. Curio’s Baltimore County store, for example, has seen huge demand for gummies, whereas flower tops the list at their Elkton, MD, sister store. Chantelle Elsner, TerrAscend’s SVP of Commercial Operations, tells Leafly that their Cumberland store, which sits close to the border of West Virginia, saw significant growth in flower sales July with both adult-use consumers and medical patients, and an uptick in medical-only concentrates.

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The best rated weed dispensaries in Maryland for 2023

“Our strategic approach when we enter new states is to set up our cultivation to support the market demand. Maryland is a more mature market; the consumers understand the product. From my time spent on the ground with the teams when we launched on July 1, everyone was very well-educated about the products, about the form factors, and pretty in tune with pricing and assortment. Overall, we’ve been matching our supply with our demand and focusing on new products, such as concentrates or different types of prerolls, to drive further penetration into the greater wholesale market.”

endocannabinoid system
(HQUALITY/AdobeStock)

The biggest challenges, many sources repeated to us, are the current emergency regulations’ constraints on cannabis marketing and demarcation of products and services that are still exclusive to medical patients. Curbside pickup, for example, is still exclusive to medical patients, as are dabbable products, high-potency edibles, and infused prerolls. Marketing regulations are more conservative than before, and updated SOPs have created additional steps in processing and packaging; if you’re seeing a dip in supply, it’s more likely due to supply chain compliance rather than a lack of inventory. 

The Maryland Cannabis Administration will open applications for hundreds more licenses across the supply chain in September 2023, with specific criteria for social equity applicants, and Maryland’s current emergency regulations for cannabis expire June 30, 2024, leaving under a year for regulators to make changes. Elsner told Leafly that TerrAscend has been compiling data to present to regulators alongside other operators in favor of expanding access to concentrates to adult-use consumers based on their successful efforts in New Jersey

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Operators agree that Maryland’s transition has been swift, and the numbers are promising for continued industry growth and consistent access for customers and patients to their favorite products and strains. But many also point out that a bustling first month can’t reliably predict the rest of the year, nor how the influx of new dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and microbusinesses will impact the market in the coming years. 

“What we don’t want to do is use one month of data as the crystal ball for the rest of time, said Raphael of Curio.



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America’s yummiest gummies of summer 2024

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The definitive US solventless gummy guide 2024

I’ve been on the gummy beat a long time, Leafly Nation, and I’ve had my fair share of flops and fabulous treats—from cup winners that send me to the moon to oily, gelatin-based trips that barely registered. I’ve found that no matter the consistency, the nano-techonology, or the flavor, the single greatest indicator of your gummy experience is how they get the weed in it. And the best extraction process, by far, is rosin

In dab communities, rosin (call it hash, call it hash rosin, call it whatever—you know what I’m talking about.) Solventless cannabis extraction isn’t the most efficient, but it keeps all the terps, ‘noids, and entourage compounds intact to elevate you well beyond distillate oil. I’ve scoured coast to coast for the best iterations of rosin and hash-based gummies for you all to make the most of these last weeks of summer.

California

Lost Farm THCv Mango Amerelo rosin gummies 

(Courtesy Kiva)

How to make a product stand out amongst crowded dispensary shelves has long plagued cannabis brands. How to make a new product stand out when nearly all your bags are bangers appears to be no issue for Kiva. They have awards, word of mouth, and sales in multiple states to prove that people will pick up what they put down, from espresso beans to mints to their ever-growing line of gummies and chews. I have tried dozens of Kiva products at this point, and I always come back to these, particularly with the high-THCv strain here that will keep you uplifted and away from too many munchies. 

See also: Jetty rosin gummies, CLSICS rosin gummies

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Nevada

Camp rosin gummies

(Courtesy CAMP)

You think Simone Biles won Olympic Gold in Paris by coasting on her laurels? No, she worked even harder to be better than before. Edible brand Camp have done the same, working on their popular resin-based gummies to make them more potent, more flavorful, and with a more multifaceted experience. So now, they’re made with rosin! Consumers get three flavors to choose from—orange, blackberry, and peach—to enhance the mirages they may see in the Nevada desert. 

Massachussetts

Suncrafted live rosin gummies

(Courtesy Suncrafted)

Even across multiple states, the Massachusetts-based Suncrafted Cannabis Co beat out all licensed gummy manufacturers and took gold with their Blue Raspberry rosin gummies at the 2024 NECANN cannabis awards in Boston earlier this year. They also took multiple awards for their solventless concentrates, proving that the proof really is in the solventless pudding. 

Maine

Landrace Hash Co rosin jewels

(Courtesy Landrace Hash Co)

Maine admittedly isn’t the most conveniently located hash Mecca, but it’s worth the trip. The Pine Tree State has an abundance of trees, and they know how to press them. Landrace Hash Co makes strain-specific rosin “jewels” because the edible experience is so valuable. And the strains they choose are elite, including Pineapple GMO and Waterlemon Road Dawg.  

Michigan

Bursts rosin gummies by Sauce

(Courtesy Sauce)

Michigan has led the Midwest in product innovation and, Sauce’s rosin gummies are a testament to continuing to push the envelope. Think of it as pulling a piece off the ol’ slab, as these come packaged as one giant, 200 mg THC gummy ready to be divided into as much or as little as you can handle. 

Maryland

SunMed + Airo Oria live rosin gummies

(Courtesy Oria)

SunMed is one of the biggest cultivators in Maryland, and one of the few committed to exclusively sungrown cannabis. Their relatively “crunchy” approach translates to flavorful flower that doesn’t sacrifice potency—and by extension, edibles that take consumers above and beyond. This collaboration with the vaporizer brand Airo brings consumers a citrus and blackberry gummy dubbed “Black Mamba” for an edible experience that stuns on impact. 

Oregon

Happy Cabbage BLOX rosin gummies

(Courtesy Happy Cabbage)

Sometimes a single gummy is all you need—one enormous, potent gummy. Happy Cabbage make regular-dosed gummies, but they are known for their BLOX, 100mg of rosin-based THC in tasty, fruity flavors like Passion Orange Guava (sativa) and Midnight Melon (indica). Plus they’re vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar to accomodate different dietary needs. 

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See also: Nelson and Co hash rosin jellies

Washington

Constellation Cannabis Gravity rosin gummies

(Courtesy Constellation)

When Washingtonians want to shoot for the moon and land among the stars, they find a constellation. Constellation’s Gravity gummies use solventless hash oil in a broad range of flavors and formulas, including high-CBG and CBD options for those who’d rather stay below under cruising altitude. 

Colorado

Canyon Cultivation rosin gummies

(Courtesy Canyon)

It’s hard to stand out in one of the country’s oldest cannabis markets, but Canyon Cultivation has done it. Their expanded roster of “chew-its” include three new flavors, Paradise Punch, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Blue Raspberry, all with a live rosin formulation. Each gummy clocks in at 5 mg THC, and contain no gluten and minimal amounts of sugar. 

See also: Northern Standard live rosin gummies

Arizona

Baked Bros hash rosin gummies

(Courtesy Baked Bros)

Get in the ‘zona with Baked Bros’ growing line of rosin-based gummies. Each flavor is meant to pair with the single-strain extraction, i.e., Frozen Guava rosin goes with the blood orange gummies. They’re also adding an Arizona punch flavor with Prickly Pear OG flower later this year, so stay tuned. 

See also: Copperstate rosin gummies

New Mexico

Verdes live rosin gummies 

(Courtesy Verdes)

New Mexico has proven its cannabis industry is all about the new. Verdes brand gummies pair their rosin formula with contemporary, cutting-edge flavor combinations, like blackberry gummies with a lavender-infused sugar coating, or watermelon gummies with a dusting of Tajin chile. 

Missouri

Honeybee solventless gumdrops

(Courtesy Honeybee)

The Show Me State continues to show out in the infancy of its adult-use cannabis industry. The edible brand Honeybee makes many succulent flavors of their vegan gumdrops, and now add two solventless SKUs to the roster. Available in Tangerine Dream and Strawberry Basil Mojito, these rosin-fueled drops have just 5 mg of THC each, allowing you to munch on as many or as few of them as you can handle. 

New York/New Jersey

MFNY rosin gummies

(Courtesy MFNY)

The more cannabis knowledge crosses state lines, the better all cannabis lovers and medical patients will be. Marijuana Farms of New York, or MFNY, have taken some cues from California for their artisanal, small-batch approach to flower, prerolls, concentrates, and edibles. Their line of vegan gummies pair strains to the flavanoids in their fruit-based flavors—i.e., the cherry gummies pair best with Poddy Mouth’s savory terps. 

See also: Rezinators by Jaunty 

Oklahoma

Mindful Indulgence Lodoz rosin gummies 

(Courtesy Lodoz)

Don’t let the name fool you—these rosin gummies feel anything but “low dose.” Mindful Indulgence partnered with local cultivator Tribe to concoct these rosin-based, nano-powered gummies in flavors like Peach Hibiscus and Strawberry Rhubarb to deliver a more vibrant experience without the dreaded edible wait time. They also produce a higher, 25 mg THC per gummy dose for those needing more efficient medicine. 

Montana

Cannabis Counter rosin gummies

(Courtesy Cannabis Counter)

The Big Sky State wants to be known as the Big High State. Their adult-use industry rolls out more and more beguiling products and formulas. Cannabis Counter have amped up their gummy line to a two-pronged approach, both made with live rosin and enhanced absorption. Consumers can choose between strain specific gummies like Papaya Bars, or a more effect-based approach with options like sleep and focus. 

Illinois

On the Rocks rosin gummies

(Courtesy Verano)

Verano gets my nod for their new brand of solventless products including vapes, concentrated, and gummies, dubbed On the Rocks for its straight-up approach. Their rosin gummies deliver full-spectrum effects in tasteful flavors like Peach Mango and Sour Apricot Apple, the latter of which won third place at the 2023 Illinois High Times Cup. 


This story must end, but your gummy journey is just beginning, Leafly.

Hit the Gummies Near You page on Leafly to see what’s chewy, gooey, and lit near you. (Just be sure to select your location in the top right corner.)

Enjoy the rest of your summer!



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Best Dispensaries in Kansas City for 2024

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Missouri hit the ground running when the state legalized adult-use cannabis is TK, building off their medical marijuana program. Kansas City is home to over 40 dispensary options for consumers, highlighting the Show Me State’s penchant for craft and pizzazz.

Whether you’re new to cannabis, or an experienced connoisseur looking for a new dispensary experience, Leafly did the math to find out what reviewers say are the very best dispensaries in Kansas City. Our newly updated Leafly List features the top dispensaries in Connecticut for 2024 based on dispensary reviews and ratings on Leafly.com.

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Highest-rated adult use and medical dispensaries in Kansas City

Locals in Kansas City value dispensaries that put an emphasis on customer education, comfortable environments, and friendly staff.

13531 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO — undefined

“The best spot around if you’re out south. You’ll see a wide range of folks in there, customers and staff. The staff knows the products and can steer you to your needs. Do you need something a little lighter than “stuck on stupid” during the day? They got exactly what you need. However, on the other hand, if it’s a holiday or whatever the occasion, Tuesday, you are ready to get blazed. They got what you’re looking for. Whatever budder, badder, rosin, resin, live, greatful dead, flower, edibles, carts, pre rolls and on and on….they got it…”

706 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO — recreational/medical

“Best local shop in town!”

1222 McGee St, Kansas City, MO — recreational/medical

“It was great customer service and easy to locate.”

4900 East Bannister Rd., Kansas City, MO — undefined

“It was great . I got in and out even though they were busy ,busy! Ordered on line and was there with it ready in 5min. Couldn’t ask for better service.”

2918 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO — recreational/medical

“A very chill spot with great customer service. Celeste D was awesome and her recommendation was fire. Definitely will be returning.”

6200 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO — recreational/medical

“Knowledgable staff; very friendly. Nice selection and great location.”

1421 Wabash Ave , Kansas City, MO — recreational/medical

“This place is to be loved all over the world.”

7130 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO — undefined

“Love coming here always had good deals and rewards. Kierra always has a smile and willing to help. Every one there is great. Awesome products and good service.”

4716 NE Vivion Rd Kansas City, MO 64119, Kansas City, MO — undefined

“I have never had a bad experience here. Everyone is always knowledgeable, friendly and willing to help.”

10420 Blue Ridge BLVD, Kansas City, MO — undefined

“I’m new to the area, and this store has been so amazing! Such a friendly group of employees who are extremely helpful and very informational. I love this store!”

9010 E State Rte 350, Raytown, MO — recreational/medical

“Bruce Banner was exactly what I needed. online order ready in and out!!”

5408 Prospect , Kansas City, MO — undefined

“I love it here. Everyone has always been so friendly and helpful, from the minute you walk in, even the security guards are delightful. I can ask a million questions, they do their best to answer all of them and I never feel weird or bad about asking. This is my favorite spot.”

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Selection criteria for Leafly List Kansas City

To calculate the highest-rated dispensaries in Kansas City, our Leafly List team uses a methodology based on quantitative and qualitative review data of dispensaries listed on Leafly in Kansas City. This list also uses quality indicators, like customer reorder rates and deals availability (in markets where discounts are legal). Our teams are dedicated to showcasing a wide variety of highly-rated medical and recreational dispensaries.

Remember, if you don’t see your favorite dispensary on the list, make sure you follow, rate, and review your favorite cannabis locations to let the world know where you find your favorite cannabis.



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Vancouver weed visitor’s guide 2024

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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. 

Vancouver, like the Big Apple, allows public cannabis consumption …

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. 

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Canada Cannabis 101

Vancouver B.C. has many dope spots. An excerpt of the Leafly map. (Leafly)

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.

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. 

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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

Related

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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. 

Related

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