Lorena Cupcake

I reviewed Shamir's new self-titled album for Chicago Reader.

This fall, VMP is partnering with the label imprint Jazz Dispensary to reissue a series of often-overlooked LPs from artists that have inspired generations of boom bap rappers, lofi beatmakers and acid jazz producers. I used my years of cannabis industry experience to explore how different phenotypes of the cannabis sativa plant can alter the listening experience.

A return to The Takeout — the last time I wrote here, it was still technically part of AV Club— and the most fun article I've written maybe ever. I wish ALL my assignments asked me to pair weed strains and Taco Bell menu items.

I shared my experiences managing Tourette Syndrome with cannabis with Weedmaps to help fill in the gaps in a field with little published research.

I did hours of research into chemistry and neuroscience for this article. I also wrote two recipes: Cardamom Cold Brew Coffee with Coconut Whipped Cream + Savory Black Pepper French Toast. [Available in print only]

I created this recipe for an infused mangonada inspired by the La Michoacan in my neighborhood. [Available in print only]

If Edge Slayer’s first EP was a conceptual study in self-discovery, the New Orleans-based musician, nightlife organizer, and visual artist’s new EP C00CHI3 is about inhabiting her full power.

I interviewed CupcakKe for the Fader.

My last Ask a Budtender for Chicago Mag. Look for a new home for my weed advice column soon!

I looked at the pivotal role the strain Charlotte's Web has played in the legalization movement, thanks to hemp farmers and families caring for children with treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy.

The debut of my terpene column for cannabis cooking magazine Kitchen Toke. [Available in print only]

In the second edition of my advice column, we discuss how to select and evaluate prerolled joints.

If you're thumbing through your phone's emoji keyboard looking for a pot leaf to text to your friend, keep swiping. You'll have to settle for a more abstract representation like a puff of smoke because the process behind adding a new emoji is more complicated than you think.

I chatted with Chef Joseph L. Paire about his African, Southern and DC-area culinary inspirations. [Available in print only]

Pick up the May 2020 issue of Chicago magazine for the debut of my brand-new advice column Ask a Budtender! Have a question? E-mail budtender@chicagomag.com.