California has one of the toughest cannabis markets. Stringent rules and high consumer expectations outlasted any of the initial growing pains from the market's inception.
The majority of the west coast is turning toward legalized cannabis in 2020, and anyone living in Nevada, Oregon, or Arizona wondering whether California's products are as good as they say they are, we tried some of their artisinal cannabis products to find out.
Fruit Slabs Cannabis Infused Fruit Strips
Learn more here: http://fruitslabs.com/
One of my biggest problems with the mmj edibles market is that most of it is junk food. That's not true with these fruit slabs. They're all-natural fruit leathers with no added sugar. In fact, the only additive is 10 mg of THC per one-inch slab. Not only is it fruit leather - it's amazing fruit leather. We tried the Mango Maui Wowie, which had organic mango puree concentrate, organic coconut flakes, and organic coconut flavor concentrate. It's a taste of tropical heaven that gave me a heady buzz that was truly appreciated.
Platinum Vape Carts and Cannabis-Infused Chocolate
Learn more about Platinum Vape: https://houseofplatinum.com/
Platinum Vape is a premium California cannabis company with a variety of products, so we tried two: a Green Crack pre-filled vape cart and Raspberry Lemon Crunch THC-infused chocolate. The pre-filled cart uses standard c-cell technology and includes refined, solvent-free cannabis distillate and cannabis-derived terpenes. It provides a clean hit with an uplifting feeling. Meanwhile the gluten-free white-chocolate bar with crackling rainbow fruity pebbles inside and a lemon glaze is a refreshing summer treat.
22Red Cannabis and Clothing
Learn more about 22Red here: https://22red.com/
This lifestyle brand created by System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian is sold in both California and Arizona after a February 2020 launch. It includes both recreational and medical marijuana flower, CBD, and accessories. We tried four strains from the brand: Ghost Cookies, 22 Inferno, GT 22, and Crazy Glue OG. They're available at Botanica in Tucson, along with select dispensaries across AZ and CA.
Tinley THC-infused Tonics
Find Tinley's THC-infused tonics here: https://drinktinley.com/
Tinley Beverages has a variety of THC-infused drinks that replicate the experience of cocktails without the alcohol. This includes cannabis-infused and non-medicated elixer and tonics in a variety of flavors, like Coconut Cask, Almond Cask, and High Horse. We tried Stone Daisy, which is a marijuana margarita mocktail that tastes amazing. Blue agave, lime, and Pineapple Jack sativa infusion create a sweet and tangy mix that makes sitting by the pool a must.
If you have a chance to check out any of these products, take it. While Arizona will always be my home state, I respect the quality I've seen in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Nevada, and California markets. It'll be interesting to see how Arizona's recreational legalization goes this year, and there's still a long road ahead.