Dec 29th, 2022–Jan 4th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times State Licensed Dispensaries & Doctor Cer tifications 43 some 7,500 flocked to the Phoenix Cannabis Awards Music Festival, which awarded trophies and plaudits across 56 categories. And Cannaval brought some music and a cannabis vendor expo to the west Valley. Brittney Griner’s Arrest When seven-time WNBA All-Star and Phoenix Mercury legend Brittney Griner was arrested in a Russian airport in February, the reaction here was swift. After all, the Mercury selected the 6-foot-9 center with the No. 1 overall pick in 2013. She was red-hot entering the draft after leading the Baylor University Lady Bears in 2012 to the first 40-0 campaign in women’s college hoops, capped by an NCAA women’s title. Griner later won two Olympic gold medals on the U.S. team, and a WNBA championship with Phoenix in 2014, her second season in the league. Fans rallied and called for release, which didn’t come for months after her arrest on charges of carrying vape cartridges with cannabis oil. But she was freed on December 8 and returned to the U.S. She’s since said she’ll return to the WNBA when its new season opens on May 19. Social Equity License Bonanza In April — after months of lawsuits, heated debate, and anticipation — 26 applicants hit the jackpot and were awarded social equity cannabis dispensary licenses in Arizona. It was a historic moment for the cannabis industry in the state, even if the majority of winners were applications backed by major cannabis companies or investors. The program, which was meant to give back to communities harmed by the drug war, was open to people who fit a series of requirements, including income level, past pot charges, and ZIP code. Each entity that applied had to be majority- owned by someone who met the state’s social equity requirements. Doja Cab Step aside, Kombucha. Cannabis-infused beverages are bubbling over and it’s got to be one of tastiest innovations in Arizona’s young recreational cannabis scene. Wellness cannabrands boast of low-sugar content and antimicrobial properties as they expand their market share while pot- infused, alcohol-free wine and margaritas are making their mark, too. The surge in cannabis-infused beverage sales is fueled by growing consumer demand for wellness drinks, alternative ways to consume cannabis, and an influx of investment from beverage manufacturers looking to capi- talize on the greater accessibility of cannabis. “It’s something more and more people are coming in asking for,” Sarah Mahoney, store manager at The Hemp and CBD Co. in Gilbert, told us in March. Giving Back There’s no arguing that cannabis is big business in Arizona. Yet marijuana companies spend considerable time and money to puff, puff, pass not just blunts but love for those who rely on charity for survival. Non-profit Tom’s Palms, with help from Nature’s Medicines Dispensary and other cannabis companies and dispen- saries, provides thousands of meals, clothing, toiletries, and help getting IDs to people in need. Curaleaf’s Feed the Block program picked Nourish Phoenix and United Food Bank as its beneficiaries this year. And ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, Mint Cannabis surprises families in need with cash. “This [cannabis] community is open to every type of human and every type of love,” Sheena Williams, vice president of Tom’s Palms, told us in January. The Errl Cup included vendors and competitions, such as Bong Wars, during the two-day festival in October. Mike Madriaga
