276 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 rides spun in the background, their lights adding to the vibrant ambiance. Lowriders and motorcycles were scat- tered around, showcasing the unique and diverse culture the event aimed to celebrate. While the alcohol and cannabis areas were reserved for those over 21, the music festival remained open to all ages, fostering a sense of inclusivity and family-friendly fun under the desert sky. Best Cannabis Athlete AMY VAN DYKEN instagram.com/amyvandyken Amy Van Dyken, who now resides in metro Phoenix, was the first American woman to win four gold medals in a single Olympics at the 1996 games in Atlanta. In 2014, Van Dyken was involved in a UTV accident, injuring her spinal cord and paralyzing her from the waist down. Following the accident, she faced a complicated rehabilitation process, part of which enabled her to consume marijuana. In recent years, Van Dyken has openly spoken of her use of medical marijuana to manage pain brought about by the accident; she consumes the flower, wax and edible variations of cannabis to improve her quality of life. While marijuana use is banned in the Olympics, the former swimmer’s advocacy for the miracle plants’ medical benefits has led to discussions between her and other Olympic champs and pro athletes about revisiting the regulations surrounding the use of cannabis by of-age athletes. Best Cannabis Glassmaker CHRIS DRURY instagram.com/shuhbuh Prepare to be mesmerized by the inno- vative yet dope artistry of Chris Drury, the visionary behind Shuhbuh Glass in Phoenix. Drury is no ordinary glass artist; he’s a master at creating exquisite glass bongs and rigs designed explicitly for cannabis- heads worldwide. His creations aren’t just functional pieces, they’re smokin’ works of art, with a lot of swirl patterns, dichroic treatments and milli accents that push the bound- aries of glass craftsmanship. One glance at Drury’s techno-color glass pieces, and you’ll be transported to a realm of fantasy and imagi- nation — likely induced by THC. His distinctive style incorporates lit dragon motifs, and his signature tusk-like and spike accents add a unique touch, show- casing his attention to detail and commitment to delivering museum-quality canna glass. Drury’s designs have recently taken the cannabis industry by storm, Best Late-Night Weed MINT CANNABIS 5210 S. Priest Drive, Guadalupe 480-749-6468 mintdeals.com/tempe-menu In Arizona’s young recreational cannabis market, Mint Cannabis is no stranger to blazing trails. In March 2022, the company’s flagship retail outlet — with an address in Guadalupe but referred to as its Tempe store — became the first in Arizona to open until midnight. Seven months later, in October, the dispensary shifted to 24-hour operations, the first one in Arizona — and just one of a handful across the U.S. — to offer around-the-clock weed. It’s the kind of cannabis convenience that just a few years ago was a pipe dream for weed enthusiasts. Offering late-night weed is just the latest innovation for this Mint store, which was the largest in the state when it opened, offered a first-of-its- kind cannabis kitchen in 2018, cut the ribbon on a drive-thru in 2020 and launched a shuttle service in 2022. If you get a late-night itch for a marijuana hit, Mint makes it so easy to scratch.
