Culture
Mariah Hagenbach: Cannabis and the Art of Visual Storytelling
What does it take to have a fire Instagram? Oregon-based photographer, Mariah Hagenbach, shares the inspirations behind her cannabis journey.
Starting her photography journey capturing the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon-based Mariah Hagenbach transports her 50,000 Instagram followers to an atmospheric world of moody landscapes, confident women enjoying the pleasure of the herb, and, of course, stunning cannabis shots. Cannabis Aficionado spoke exclusively to Hagenbach about visual storytelling and cannabis in her home state.
Cannabis Aficionado: How did you get started as a photographer?
Mariah Hagenbach: I bought my first “big kid” camera when I was twenty to take on all my hikes and adventures. I was really interested in capturing long exposure waterfall shots when I first began shooting, just kind of as a hobby. That is really what started it all though.
What connected cannabis and photography for you?
I helped open a dispensary back in 2014 where I worked a bud tender, social media manager and photographer. It all kind of stemmed from taking nug photos for our Leafly menu and social media platforms. I was inspired to combine cannabis and humans a few years ago when I saw Jennifer Thomas doing it. I loved the way she was capturing the beauty of the plant and person without sexualizing either.
What do you look at for inspiration of your unique style?
I get inspired by everything; other photographers, nature, songs, memories. I try my best to make my audience feel something when they look at my images. Sometimes they tell a story, but other times they are just meant to make you feel.
Your Instagram account is beautiful. What’s the importance of social media for you?
We are living in a time of exponential growth and change and having the ability to reach tens of thousands of people is so incredible. I’ve been using my platform to not only post my art but to spread knowledge. I love being part of this cannabis prohibition movement.
I’m hoping what I do is helping normalize the cannabis industry while ending the stigma associated with cannabis and the people who consume it.
Do you have any favorite cannabis photographers?
So many! The list keeps growing as other states continue to legalize cannabis and the cannabis photography world grows. Morgan Leigh English is one of the main people who inspired me to go this direction with my photography. I’ve had the opportunity to shoot with Oleg Zharsky a few times now and I just love his style/uniqueness. I feel like Bess Byers kind of started it all. She paved the way for a lot of us.
What are your go-to strains and why?
I love all things kush! Sativa strains make me a little anxious/paranoid so I tend to stick with indicas and indica dominant strains. My preferred method of consumption will always be smoking out of my bong but if that’s not available, or I’m traveling, I love joints.
Do you have a favorite strain to photograph?
Anything colorful really. I love the purple strains.
Do you have favorite strains from specific growers?
Resin Ranchers flower is always incredible, I don’t think I could pick just one from them.
Do you have a favorite ever shot?
That’s so hard. Every time I try something new, I end up with a new all-time favorite. I think that’s my favorite thing about photography though, I’m constantly growing and changing my look. I love that there are no rules with art.
Nature plays a key role in your Instagram. Where are your favorite places to get away from it all?
I love hiking in the forests around Oregon. I’m absolutely obsessed with the moss and the fog we have here.
How do you rate Oregon cannabis to that of other states?
Since I live in Oregon I may be biased/haven’t tried every states cannabis. With that being said, Oregon has the strictest testing laws and a sincere commitment to craft and sustainable growing. I’m proud to support these farmers and their terpene-rich strains. Also, our laws allow us to choose the nugs we like! This promotes a more dedicated trim and cure which brings out the full potential of our varieties.
Any thoughts on the reported saturation of cannabis in the state?
It’s great for consumers who are looking for some of the best cannabis in the world for the lowest price, but it’s unfortunate for farmers who are barely able to make it by, especially the ones who have been in the industry since the beginning.
Any advice for budding photographers?
Photograph what you’re passionate about-. Find your own niche. Make sure you’re doing it for you and not a following on a social platform.
What do you never leave the house without?
My phone, my planner, and my weed.
See more of Hagenbach’s work in her curated gallery above. Want more? Follow her at @muh_riah.
Culture
Papa’s Herb to Light Up Great Outdoor Comedy Festival
Cannabis and comedy have long been recognized as one of the all-time great combinations. The plant’s powers enhance the enjoyment of both activities, thanks to their intertwined relaxing and mood-enhancing effects. This synergy is set to take center stage at Edmonton’s Great Outdoor Comedy Festival, which runs July 12-14. Papa’s Herb will collaborate with Plantlife Cannabis to exclusively launch its disposable vape products at the event. This is the first time festival-goers will have the unique opportunity to purchase cannabis in a festival setting in Canada.
This announcement highlights the integration of cannabis into mainstream entertainment. It also underscores Edmonton’s progressive approach to event regulation and economic development. Props to Canadian politician Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, who helped shift regulations in the territory.
Cannabis & Comedy in Canada
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Great Outdoor Comedy Festival is a highlight in Edmonton’s entertainment calendar. Renowned for its lively atmosphere and stellar comedic performances against scenic outdoor backdrops, the festival attracts comedy enthusiasts and top-tier performers from across Canada.
The collaboration between Papa’s Herb, a prominent cannabis brand born in Miami and made in California, and Plantlife Cannabis, Alberta’s largest independently owned and operated dispensary, promises to elevate the overall experience, setting a precedent for future cannabis-infused events in the region.
Ian Scott, owner of Plantlife Cannabis in Edmonton, underscores this synergy. “Great comedy is made even better with the addition of cannabis,” he says. “The relaxed and euphoric effects enhance the audience’s enjoyment, making Papa’s Herb an ideal partner to enrich this special event.”
Festival Experience: Where to Find Papa’s Herb
During the festival, attendees can purchase Papa’s Herb disposable vapes at “The Garden by Plantlife,” conveniently located next to the main stage, along with the company’s other premium cannabis products.
“The Great Outdoor Comedy Festival provides an ideal platform for our offerings,” says Aaron Nathaniel, CEO of Papa’s Herb. “Our RNTZ and Lemon Cherry Gelato disposable vapes are crafted to complement the festival ambiance, offering a blend of relaxation and enjoyment that pairs perfectly with laughter.”
Papa’s Herb stands for family lineage, quality, and sustainability, sourcing premium cannabis from dedicated local growers to ensure top-tier quality and affordability. As a brand “by the people, for the people,” it supports small farmers and prioritizes sustainability.
Culture
Tyson 2.0 Launches New Mike Bites Cannabis Gummies
Culture
Wiz Khalifa Debuts New Taylor Gang x Stündenglass Collab
Wiz Khalifa and his entertainment company Taylor Gang Ent. have collaborated with Stündenglass, the world’s first gravity-powered infuser, to introduce the iconic gold and black Taylor Gang x Stündenglass.
“I’m honored to have collaborated with long time friend Wiz Khalifa, who is as passionate about this product as I am. Our mutual admiration for Stündenglass made it a natural collaboration,” Stündenglass CEO Chris Folkerts said via a press release.
Taylor Gang x Stündenglass is an authentic collaboration developed after the multi-platinum-selling, Grammy-winning, Golden Globe-nominated Khalifa discovered Stündenglass and began enjoying it regularly as seen on his Instagram.
“I love my Stündenglass, and I’m pumped everyone gets to experience this with me now,” Khalifa.
The infuser features a patented 360-degree gravity system that elicits a powerful and immersive experience. It generates kinetic motion activation via cascading water, opposing airflow technology and the natural force of gravity.
The Taylor Gang gravity bing comes in an exclusive black and gold colorway and features two glass globes on a metal base made of aircraft-grade aluminum, surgical grade stainless steel, and high-quality Teflon seals.
Taylor Gang includes artists Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, and Berner among others — the former of which has his own line Stündenglass collab with his Cookies brand.
“We’re very excited to launch the official Taylor Gang x Stündenglass. We use glass in our everyday lives, so it only made sense to team up and create an exclusive Taylor Gang collaboration for the fans,” Taylor Gang said.