High Country: Cookies comes to Colorado

Written by: Katie Shapiro

The California-based lifestyle and cannabis brand with a cult following has landed on local dispensary shelves

Cookies is the co-creation of Bay Area-based cannabis visionary, rapper and entrepreneur Berner (pictured) and Jai, a longtime growing expert.
Photography by Farid

Jai and Berner created arguably the most coveted marijuana strains in the world (and are both famous enough in the cannabis community to warrant one name). Now, they have expanded their Cookies empire from California to Colorado. 

Formerly known as Cookie Fam Genetics, the Bay Area-based cannabis company was first founded with the strain โ€œGirl Scout Cookies.โ€ With Jai as the growing and genetics expert and Berner as the rapper and entrepreneur, โ€œGirl Scout Cookiesโ€ launched in medical dispensaries in California in 2010. Following a cease-and-desist order from the Girl Scouts of America, โ€œGirl Scoutโ€ was dropped and Cookies was born.

That same year, the then up-and-ย coming Wiz Khalifa was performingย in San Francisco and tappedย Bernerย to find him the best weed in town.

According to a 2016 SFWeekly profile, โ€œBerner somehow smuggled in a five-foot-tall plant of Cherry Pie, one of the Cookie Famโ€™s exclusive high-end strains. โ€˜We brought it on stage, and I gave it to (Wiz) as a gift on the bus,โ€™ he says. โ€˜It went from there.โ€™โ€

Khalifa started name droppingย Cookies in his songs and appearedย in aย Bernerย music video, whichย tookย the company from its earliest daysย in a San Francisco garage to globalย growth. Today, Cookiesย is renownedย for its in-house cultivation, rareย strain varietals and eponymousย clothing line (thinkย Supreme, butย for cannabis connoisseurs). It alsoย operates five Cookies cannabisย retail stores inย California.

Through a licensing deal with Veritas Fine Cannabis, one of Coloradoโ€™s first wholesale cannabis producers, Cookies hit more than 50 dispensary shelves in May (available locally at Silverpeak and Roots Rx in Aspen, Roots Rx in Basalt and Tumbleweed in Carbondale).

โ€œColorado has a population of sophisticated and discerning consumers and we think they will respond well to the Cookies brand,โ€ said Berner, founder and CEO of Cookies.

In just one month, the response has exceeded expectations with 12 total strains in rotation (a total of 20 will be released this year) that drop in dispensaries every Friday. Veritas Fine Cannabis confirmed that Cookies products have been selling out statewide daily, so itโ€™s working on increasing its grow amounts in the coming months. 

Based in Denver, Veritas Fine Cannabis utilizes a proprietary style of cultivation โ€” painstakingly planting, watering, staking, pruning, harvesting, trimming and packaging everything by hand.

The result is cannabis flower with one of the highest concentrations of terpenes on the market.

โ€œWe are very proud to be one of the only dispensaries in the area carrying the Cookies brand, which fits perfectly into our product offering,โ€ said Silverpeak general manager Chase Corte. โ€œWeโ€™ve had customers come from as far as Eagle to be a part of the Cookies movement.โ€ 

Veritas Fine Cannabis director of sales and marketing Jonathan Spadafora added, โ€œWe have heard about people from Denver taking road trips to some of the further locations just to shop for different strains. It honestly blows my mind how quickly this has been adopted by Colorado.โ€

Just in time for summer celebrations, here are High Countryโ€™s top three Cookies strains to try and buy.

PANCAKES

 Cookies Pancakes
Courtesy Cookies

Original breeder: Cookies x Seed Junky Genetics 
Genetics: Kush Mints 11 x London Pound Cake 75 
Aroma: Blueberry pancakes
Flavor: Buttery, sweet berries

LEMON PEPPER

Cookies Lemon Pepper
Courtesy Cookies

Original breeder: Lemonade
Genetics: Lemon Cooler x Sirius Lemon Pebbles 
Aroma: Sharp, peppery lemon
Flavor: Sweet lemon inhale with a spicy exhale 
Experience: An energetic and uplifting high

GEORGIA PIE

Cookies Georgia Pie
Courtesy Cookies

Original breeder: Seed Junky Genetics 
Genetics: Gelatti x Kush Mint 11 
Aroma: Peach cobbler
Flavor: Savory baked fruit
Experience: A strong full body and head high

Source: https://www.aspentimes.com/news/high-country-cookies-comes-to-colorado/

Keeping Your Favorite Glass Piece Clean in 7 Simple Steps

You just got off from a long, hard day at work and want nothing more than to sit at home, relax and smoke some of your favorite Veritas flower. The setting is perfect, with your favorite movie or show on along with a plethora of snacks by your side. You load your first bowl of the night and prepare to drift off to your own personal utopia. You take a nice toke only to get…nothing but a clogged piece and a strange taste. You take a look at your favorite glass piece, only to realize it is completely black from the residue. The last time it was even remotely clean was on the day you got it. Donโ€™t toss it just yet; this doesnโ€™t mean it has reached the end…lucky for you, the Veritas team has a solution!

The Process:

Our first suggestion is to make sure your piece is cleaned weekly (or more frequently) depending on your personal cannabis usage and quantity smoked. We always suggest starting with a relatively new or clean glass piece BUT these simple 7 steps will work to clean an existing dirty bong or bowl to clean out that residue.

Step 1. In a clean kitchen sink, run hot water until it reaches the highest temperature possible. We do not recommend cleaning your glass in a bathroom sink or in a dirty kitchen sink because of the residue and cannabis ash that will get on other items in and around the cleaning station during the cleaning process.

Step 2. Rinse your dirty smoking apparatus with the hot water to remove any loose residue. This will start to loosen up any caked-on residue in the piece.

Step 3. While the piece of glass is still warm (warmer temperatures help the process of cleaning out residue) from the first rinse, use paper towels to clean out the inside of your bowl or pipe. This will remove more of the initial residue stuck on the inside of your piece.

Step 4. The next step is to fill the piece with Isopropyl Alcohol while plugging all of the openings. Give it a gentle shake and rinse with hot water for a second time.

Step 5. Let your glass piece soak in 91% (or preferably 99%) Isopropyl Alcohol (available at your local grocery store). If possible, depending on the size of the piece being cleaned, fully submerge the piece and allow to soak for 30-45 mins (Tip: If you are short on time, you can also use the microwave to heat up your Isopropyl Alcohol and then fill your piece and continue the rinse and shake process to speed up the cleaning time period).

Step 6. After the piece has soaked in Isopropyl Alcohol for 30-45 minutes, give the piece a new full rinse with hot water and watch as the remaining loose particles and residue rinse out of your smoking utensil.

If your piece is still dirty, processes 3 and 4 can be repeated 2-3 times to ensure the best possible cleaning. If you are cleaning a bong, kosher salt can be added to help with the cleaning process as well. After a full hot water rinse, make sure any remaining salt particles are cleaned out. Use paper towels again to dry out and clean out the rest of the piece.

Step 7. Enjoy your fresh piece of glass! If you use a water pipe or bong, we suggest using distilled water (especially if the piece of glass is clear) to help reduce the chance of water streaks or other stains in your glass piece. The more frequently you can clean your smoking utensils, the better and the easier it will be to keep them clean in the long run.

Photos: @thc_samuel

Context: Samuel Farley, MHPC Media

The Holidaze

As legalization of cannabis has continued to sweep the country for both medical and recreational use, the plant has become more and more accepted. The holidays can be a great time of year but they can also mean a lot of additional stressors from the holiday season, one being cannabis use and your family. Some of the questions many deal with include: Do I smoke around my family? Do they know I consume cannabis? Whatโ€™s the best way to medicate and elevate for the holidays while also spending time with family? There are a lot of questions when it comes to cannabis and the holidays.

Even if cannabis is legal in your state or even if you are a medical patient, the questions of how to medicate during the holidays and how to bring up the conversation of your consumption with your friends and family can be a challenging discussion for many. Donโ€™t worry, we are here to help!!

The whole team at Veritas Fine Cannabis values the cannabis plant and quality from the very beginning in the veg, grow and trim stages and that continues when it comes to consuming during the holidays. Whether you are using the plant as a medicine or just looking to relax after a long day, the variety of strains we grow at Veritas are all meant to provide positive experiences and feelings for the consumer. Our joint packs offer a quick and simple solution to a variety of holiday experiences including the pre-holiday meal walk / smoke break with your second cousin who also wants to get a little baked before dinner. Our joint packs can also help you show your grandma what a pre-roll cannabis joint looks like without it being an intimidating experience. Cannabis use is becoming normal, so why not alleviate some holiday stress and bring some Veritas joints to the dinner party?

Alcohol has become a widely accepted form of recreational relaxation among our society and culture and itโ€™s only a matter of time before sparking a Veritas joint at the Christmas dinner table is just as common as your dad cracking open that cold brew. We hope everyone has a safe, elevated and fully medicated holiday season with friends and family.

#VeritasFineCannabis #Elevate #Veritas #HappyHolidays #MerryChristmas

By: @THC_Samuel

Veritas: Discover the Perfect Strain to Elevate Your Experience

Written by: Melissa Joy

Veritas Fine Cannabis - Denver, CO

Veritas Fine Cannabis โ€“ Denver, CO

Veritas Fine Cannabis is the oldest recreational cannabis wholesaler in the country, and has been busy perfecting its craft since the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2014. At Veritas, they know that widespread cultivation has left some consumers a little overwhelmed with the amount of options available on the market, so they try their hardest to cultivate specific strains with reliable, consistent effects which help their customers find the exact results theyโ€™re looking for. The Veritas team has turned its focus toward terpene production and various cannabinoids that push the classifications of the standard sativa, indica and hybrid strain groups.

Veritas Fine Cannabis - Denver, CO

The Place

There is zero machinery involved in the growing process at Veritas โ€” absolutely everything is done by hand. From potency development to root health and maturity, each component is cared for with meticulous, handcrafted care. Bamboo stakes assist plant structure in the garden, and regular pruning of the top leaves helps with overall light and airflow to the middle and bottom of the plants. These kinds of details are taken into account day by day, plant by plant, with the team constantly learning and developing new ways to bring about as much trichome presence, flavor and aroma as possible.

Veritas Fine Cannabis - Denver, CO

The Product

Veritas breaks the mold of standardized sativa, indica and hybrid strains, opting to categorize products by desired mood. โ€œInvigorateโ€ strains are recommended to provide energy, focus and a potently psychoactive high. Looking to enhance your mood and creativity? Try an โ€œInviteโ€ sativa-dominant hybrid strain โ€” these uplifting strains include options such as Sueno, Super Sour Lemon and Cherry Diesel. If youโ€™re looking for something more relaxing, try an โ€œAlleviateโ€ indica strain, sure to relax both the body and mind after a long day. The โ€œRejuvenateโ€ (indica-dominant hybrid) options are sure to relieve pain, aid in sleep and help stimulate your appetite. Their 50/50 hybrid options make up the โ€œInnovateโ€ strains, which simultaneously help to uplift and relax your mood, and include some house favorites like Cookies โ€˜N Cream, Birthday Cake and Veritas Cookies (formerly known as Girl Scout Cookies).

โ€œThere is zero machinery involved in the growing process at Veritas โ€” absolutely everything is done by hand.โ€

Source: https://dopemagazine.com/veritas-fine-cannabis/

The Standard is Excellence

Updated: Jan 31, 2019

So Why Choose Veritas? | Weed Words

The differentiating factor that places Veritas above the rest stems from the significant time and effort put into each plant. Our hands-on approach is carefully executed to ensure the highest quality product from the seed to you, the customer. Here at Veritas, we pride ourselves on being one of the very few wholesalers in Denver to take the time to complete everything by hand. Giving our plants the maximum attention from beginning to end is shown in the results. This includes everything from hand-watering to hand-picking and individually harvesting plants to begin their journey as Veritas.

Our product is not only easy on the eyes, but tasty on the palate. When you consume Veritas, you know you are getting something that is properly grown, dried, cured, trimmed and ready to burn as it should. Along with great looks and fantastic taste, our terpene profiles are top notch providing an elevated cannabis experience.

Setting Us Apart | In Cannabis Veritas

Our drying and curing process is extra important to us. Drying and curing our flower properly dramatically alters the smoothness and harshness of the final product. Proper drying breaks down chlorophyl and proper curing breaks down any leftover minerals and undesirable sugars produced during the process. We do this to increase potency while providing a better flavor and aroma. It also reduces the chance of mold and bacteria providing an even higher quality product. With rooms modified specifically for different processes and factors such as humidity and dryness, we don’t lose potency or smell while maintaining the high quality appearance.

At the end of the day, we want to give you a reason for choosing Veritas. We want you to recognize the difference from the initial contact. Whatever it is you are searching for, we want to make sure you are consuming nothing less than the best. In cannabis Veritas.

-Yatska

A Strain for Everything…ING

A Strain for Everything…ING | Weed Words

Whether itโ€™s for running, gardening, cleaning, or doing anything else that ends in ING, I crave and desire cannabis. I adore โ€œterpeneโ€ rich strains, such as Cherry Diesel and Stardawg. Depending on what ING I am doing that will determine what type of terpene rich high I desire. Terpenes are the flavor surrounding the plant. I believe there are dozens of distinct terpenes throughout the various cannabis genetics, each creating different feelings that could be unique to each users.

The Magical Plant | Discovery to Contentment

The word โ€œstonerโ€ was given to Cannabis users for many years because weed at that time really only had one effect: couch lock. In the past ten years in Colorado with the advent of medical and then recreational cannabis use, much more was discovered about this incredible plant. The fact that one plant could create different emotions ranging from energy to stillness, discovery to contentment, desire to satisfaction proves that we are only just beginning to understand the possibilities of this magical plant. We have proven without doubt the vast array of medical benefits as well as recreational enjoyments.

At 38 years old I can say I have used Cannabis for more than half my life. And each day living in its Mecca here in Denver I continue to discover more and more wonderful aspects from this amazing plant. Itโ€™s an incredible time to be a Cannabis fan, and knowing that there is so much more to come is the best part!

Choosing Your Own Adventure

In Cannabis Veritas | Weed Words

Hello cannabis connoisseurs and welcome to Veritas Fine Cannabis’ “Weed Words.” With words straight from the Veritas team, you will find the latest insights on the brand that has introduced some of the highest quality cannabis Colorado has to offer. Since the legalization of medical marijuana in 2009, we have learned a great deal about the best growing methods and best strains for any use. To us, cannabis is a personal experience that can be used to accentuate the best parts of life. We truly believe that great cannabis makes the good times higher.

Choosing Your Own Adventure | The Five Categories

Veritas Fine Cannabis established itself in the Mile High City in 2014 as America’s first recreational cannabis wholesaler. With the widespread legalization of recreational and medical cannabis, one can easily be overwhelmed by the abundance of different strains so we took the pleasure of categorizing them into five unique feelings: Invigorate, Invite, Innovate, Rejuvenate and Alleviate. Though cannabis has typically been classified by the three traditional categories of Sativa, Hybrid and Indica, we learned that connoisseurs are focusing more on the terpenes and other cannabinoids found in these strains, accentuating the feelings they provide. Everyone has a unique reaction to a strain giving consumers full range to test the waters and choose the best fit. The advances in the cannabis culture have allowed more and more strains to surface each and every day making it easy to find something youโ€™ve never tried before.

Our line of Invigorate strains is commonly used as a daytime strain. It is typically recognized by consumers to provide energy and focus while producing a clear-headed mental, and often, psychoactive high. We love a nice Sativa-Dominant strain before hiking or heading to a Red Rocks concert. If you’re looking to relax your body while boosting your mind to enhance creativity and focus, you will LOVE our Invite strain category; a Sativa-Dominant Hybrid. Some of our favorite invigorating strains include: Sueno, Super Sour Lemon and Cherry Diesel.

On the other side of the spectrum, our Alleviate strain category is great for relaxation as it produces a euphoric body high. This Indica is great for appetite stimulation, sleep enhancement and relief from pain and stress so grab your favorite snacks, plant yourself on the couch and binge watch your favorite show. Similar to this line is our Rejuvenate strain category which promotes feelings of an Indica-Dominant Hybrid. These rejuvenating strains provide consumers with a nice unwinding high sure to help calm the mind and body. Our favored Alleviate strains include: Scooby Snax, Banana Kush and Sky 600.

Our Innovate line consists of hybrids that provide the effects of both Sativa and Indica strains. It offers a mental, uplifting head-high to spark creativity while simultaneously relaxing and de-stressing the body. Hybrids lean more towards a specific dominance or a perfect 50-50 split. Some of our favorites are: Cookies Nโ€™ Cream, Birthday Cake and Veritas Cookies (formerly known as Girl Scout Cookies).

Whatever dominance you decide to indulge in, it is always best to be in an environment that inspires or relaxes you. Cannabis amplifies your state of mind, so mindset is key. Enjoy the beautiful nature Colorado has to offer, get creative with art supplies or cook yourself a nice meal and enjoy the moment. In Cannabis Veritas.

He grows ‘luxury, high-end cannabis’; She documents street art culture | The Cannabist Show

Featured guests:

Veritas Fine Cannabis founder Mike Leibowitz and Westword weed and street art journalist Lindsey Bartlett.

LOTS TO TALK ABOUT

โ€ข A no-automation marijuana grow. Watering, feeding and trimming all done only by hand.

โ€ข The street art scene in Denver, covering momentary art.

โ€ข Some parts of legal states see an inundation of industry sites (grows, shops, etc.) while others donโ€™t. How big of an issue is this?

(Originally aired September 16, 2016)

Business Q&A: Veritas Fine Cannabis

By:ย INTERVIEW WITH YOURHUBย 

Interview withย Toby Ripsom and Mike Leibowitz, founding partners

Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Toby: I moved to the Denver area in 2012 from Idaho where I had built a career in institutional finance and real estate. I quickly realized that there was a space for entrepreneurs to transition into the cannabis industry, as much of the risk was optical โ€” perceived risk versus actual risk. I knew that with the right partner we could mitigate any potential issues, and that the right business model could be very successful.
Mike: I worked in real estate through 2009 toward the end of the crash of the market and knew I needed to make a shift in my career. I have always been interested in the cannabis marketplace, and I began working with various cultivation warehouses and companies before settling into my current role with Veritas as a cannabis wholesale distributor.

Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A:ย We do not automate any part of our grow, whereas most commercial grow operations automate the majority of the process. Itโ€™s easy to grow weed โ€” but itโ€™s difficult, time-consuming and much more expensive to grow quality weed. From seedlings, we nourish our plants with premium plant food and attentive care, also using proprietary genetics in order to protect our product from being emulated. Our team of experienced master growers works tirelessly to care for the plants, a meticulous process completed without any automation, resulting in buds with high density, richer flavor and more vibrant colors. The cost of growing Veritas is about three times more than the average marijuana plant in Colorado, resulting in a superior product that offers consistent effects each time for the consumer.

Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Working in this industry is emotionally, physically and financially rewarding. Weโ€™re kicking open the doors of this emerging market and fighting the stigma of marijuana, which has been demonized throughout history. The industry is still very young and itโ€™s up to entrepreneurs like ourselves to shift that perception.

Q: What is your businessโ€™ biggest challenge?
A: Because this is an emerging industry, legislation regulations and taxation are constantly changing. With a highly saturated and competitive market in Colorado, itโ€™s also important for us to differentiate our products and distinguish them as the best. Weโ€™re constantly innovating new strains and grow techniques, focusing on separating ourselves from commodity weed. We like to make the comparison of weed to wine โ€” there are cheap options and the quality scales up to extremely gourmet and specialty products. With this diamond market mindset, we know that we have loyal customers based on the superior quality, all-encompassing nature of our products.

Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A:ย This line of work requires constant attention and focus, and weโ€™re obsessed with what we do. We donโ€™t view our positions as merely jobs, but as a way of life โ€” something more meaningful than clocking in and out each day. Everyone employed with us has a major sense of ownership and of pride in the knowledge that we are doing something different, something better, and we believe in it.

Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2017/05/09/veritas-fine-cannabis/

Veritas Fine Cannabis Releases Seven New Strains for 4/20

Written By: KATE MCKEE SIMMONS

Veritas' Citrus Sap
Veritas’ Citrus SapVeritas Fine Cannabis

In celebration of the upcoming cannabis holiday on 4/20, Veritas Fine Cannabis is launching seven new strains that will be available at dispensaries around the state. Here they are, with descriptions from Veritas:

Cookies N Cream: A hybrid of Starfighter and Girl Scout Cookies, Cookies N Cream is a sweet-tasting, CBD-dominant strain that alleviates long-lasting pain for patients throughout the day and can induce sleepiness in high doses.
Taste โ€” sweet, smooth
Smell โ€” sweet
Look โ€” crystal-covered buds
Feel โ€” relaxation, soothes pain, stress and anxiety relief
Intensity โ€” 3/5

Chem Berry: This new hybrid strain combines the fruity, mid-level sedation of DJ Short True Blueberry with the “overall subdued” Chemdawg. The strain has a tart, sweet, fruity aroma; the effects are moderate on the physical and mental front, showing up as a warm haze in the mind and lightness in the body.
Taste โ€” sweet, fruity
Smell โ€” sweet, blueberry
Look โ€” crystal-covered buds, some purple
Feel โ€” haze, soothes pain
Intensity โ€” 3/5

Bubba Banner: The sativa strain combines Pre-98 Bubba Kush with Bruce Banner for a blend of hidden strengths and dense nugs that pack a punch with an elevated THC content. Bubba Banner is a powerful strain with a quick intensity that settles into a euphoric and creative buzz.
Taste โ€” pungent
Smell โ€” pungent
Look โ€” crystal-covered buds, dense nugs
Feel โ€” euphoric, soothes pain, mind numbing
Intensity โ€” 4/5

Citrus Sap: Combining Gorilla Glue #4 and Tangie, Citrus Sap is a hybrid that provides high yields, heavy resin production and a sweet mandarin-orange aroma.
Taste โ€” fruity
Smell โ€” mandarin orange
Look โ€” crystal-covered buds
Feel โ€” euphoric, soothes pain, mind-numbing
Intensity โ€” 3/5

Cheesel: Named for its sharply sour aroma, Cheesel is an indica-dominant hybrid derived from Big Buddha Cheese and NYC Diesel CHS. It has a consistent potency and provides a blissful state of mind.
Taste โ€” sour, unique
Smell โ€” sour
Look โ€” crystal-covered buds
Feel โ€” relaxed, happy
Intensity โ€” 3/5

Grape Ape: Named for its grape-like smell, Grape Ape is a hybrid of three strains: Mendocino Purps, Skunk and Afghani GRA. It provides a carefree relaxation that can soothe pain, stress and anxiety.
Taste โ€” fruity, earthy
Smell โ€” grape
Look โ€” compact buds, purple leaves
Feel โ€” relaxation, soothes pain, stress and anxiety relief
Intensity โ€” 3/5

Larry OG: By combining OG Kush with SFB OG, Larry OG produces a potent, easy body buzz. It will relax you while still allowing you to accomplish tasks, and give you a happy feeling without becoming overwhelming.
Taste โ€” piney
Smell โ€” natural, forestry
Look โ€” dense, orange hairs
Feel โ€” relaxation, happy
Intensity โ€” 3/5

Source: https://www.westword.com/marijuana/veritas-fine-cannabis-releasesseven-new-strains-for-4-20-8950921

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