2012 High Times Medical Cannabis Cup

What's so cool that its ready for the history books after only one year?

Seattle's very own HIGH TIMES Medical Cannabis Cup!  This epic event left nothing to the wayside. This cannabis cup is what it's all about. It's the true pinnacle of medical marijauna and where the future will take us with newer technologies and a standard of pure quality that says "this isn't some stoner hippy shit..." It's not pot at this cup. It's legitimate medication and it was in every kind and medium you could imagine. 

Hi, my name is Tmo. I have been a medical patient for a hand full of years.  I live with a

neuroligical disease that leaves me in great medical need. So if the meds aren't phenominal, they aren't very effective. That being said, even Reggie is better than a pill.

 

High Times kicked off the Medical Cannabis Cup with a party for all VIP ticket holders, AKA .. ME!  Thank you Smokin Js!! It was a Friday night concert that started late evening and went through the night. There were a great variety of musical guests, and all were enjoyable.  Conspirator headlined the evening and blew the doors off.  Since the "official ceremonies" haden't started yet, a wide variety of personal stashes being blown to the medicinal Gods made the "atmosphere" just right. Any smoker, medical or not, this was just the best way to break ice and get into the idea of what was to come throughout the weekend. Dorothy, it was obvious we weren't in Kansas.  This was a Cannabis Cup Evergreen Sate style!  On the monitors (where sports usually play) were all the Medical Cannabis Cup entries, in high definition photos of buds, concentrates, medibles, and more. Eye candy everywhere.

 

Does it look smoky?  HT Med Can Cup 2012 Kick Off Concert

 

From Saturday on, there were true pro's that gave seminars on extraction, bringing the typical home body grower, up to dispensary quality and reducing vital waste loss. Trash to stash.  There was glass blowing, new products, and activism seminars. Everywhere you could see "the movement" happening. Dread locks and white collars doing the same thing. Together even! The weekend's activities were very well organized, clean, and professional. I haven't been to a HIGH TIMES event before, but I was a VIP for this one.  VIPs with current medical papers were treated like Gods! Tshirts, gift bags, easy access to everything, no security hang ups. They rolled the carpet out.

 

Have you ever wondered, who judges what, who's the lucky people that get to say "this is better than that other one", the judging, taste testing and use of new products? That was me! And every other VIP! So yes it was very hard work for me to try everything and get my votes in. Am I bragging right now? Hell yes! I said it was epic. No lie. So it's not one person's vote on winners of the competitions. It's us, the people, and we are heard.

 

I hope I get to go next year too, but I have to thank Smokin Js for sending me to this event. It lets us see what's out there and who's out there on a much more personal level than just business as usual. We want you to know and see us in the forefront of what's new and best in quality. Not only that, but I just had a ton of fun.

    
 

We hit the triple nickel. Thank you for 15 years!

Smokin Js is 15 years old!!  I (Jay Fratt) established my company in August of 1997.  I wanted to take the time to write a blog article thanking all of you for the support and inspiration throughout the years.

Established 1997

After 15 Years

I have met some amazing people over the years.  From customers to vendors, and competitors to employees, my business has brought innovative, interesting, unique, and brilliant people to my door.  I started my business to be more than a headshop or a glass shop.  I wanted to innovate a new retail concept that had unique gifts and products for every member of the family.  Currently my store concept contains over 2000 products (even online;).  At Smokin Js we strive to bring you a HIGHer level of service, and a HIGHer level of quality.  I incorporate valuable customer feedback with years of experience.  If it wasn't for you, Smokin Js wouldn't exist.  Keep coming, and I promise to keep working hard to serve you.

In celebration of our 15 year anniversary we are offering some of our most popular products at 15% off in August.  The sale products are in the "special offers" section of our web site, and available at our physical retail locations.

The most common question people ask me is how I got started in business?

I was 23, and unhappy working as a program engineer at a local plastic manufacturing plant in Vancouver, Wa.  My first business that I owned and operated on the side, The Informed Investor, a stock market investment newsletter was struggling, but I knew working for myself was the way I wanted to go.  I often say that starting your own business as your primary source of income is like jumping off a cliff, and you have to find out if you have a parachute.  I gave my two weeks notice at the plastic plant and started preparing Northwest HEMP Bizarre, a hemp clothing retail store.  Yes, 23 year olds think spelling words wrong is cheeky;)
I had no experience with retailing, but I knew how to listen.  Four out of five customers would come into my store and look around, ask if I sold pipes, and leave.  After six months of business, I could not afford the gas to heat my rental home.  The writing was on the wall, I needed to change gears and offer a product that wasn't readily available at that time.  Vancouver Pipe & Tobacco was born, the oldest alternative pipe & tobacco store in Southwest Washington.  Oldest at birth because there were no alternative pipe & tobacco stores in Southwest Washington at that time.  Immediately my business met pressures from the police who tried to shut my business down siting local laws on the sale of paraphernalia.  I vigorously defended my business model, business practices, products, and myself to the mayor of Vancouver and the commander of the local police force.  Every business owner and market pioneer faces adversity and moments of trepidation, I was no different.  People often wonder why we are so conservative with the way we sell our products at Smokin Js.  These beginnings showed me that you can stand firm against political pressure if you are responsible and do things the right way.  We follow all the strictest laws in the sale of our alternative pipes and products so that we can ensure our survival no matter which way the political winds blow.  This business practice can clearly be seen today with our web store, where we only ship alternative pipes and products via adult signature (21 years of age).  We have no desire to sell alternative pipes and products to minors, and we prove it every day, month, and year with our business practices and policies.

Another question I am often asked is what my favorite piece is?

That's easy.  I love my original Jah Creations hand blown glass water pipe purchased in 1997.  Just like Smokin Js, my piece has been owned and operated by me for 15 years!

  This pipe and I are becoming antiques in the glass industry;)

Thank you thank you thank you.  I love my customers!

The Dragon Shooter Steamroller

In my 14 years experience there has been one hand blown glass pipe that has epitomized my goals as a retailer: innovation, quality, and price. The Dragon Shooter Steamroller is an invention, an affordable heady, and one kick ass steamroller all in one functional hand blown glass pipe. Smokin Js has been selling the dragon shooter steamroller for over 10 years!

This Dragon Steamroller has Shooter in the name for a reason.  Our pipe has a secondary carb hole!  On the side of each Dragon Shooter Steamroller is a tiny carb hole specifically engineered and designed to cool the smoke and shoot it into your lungs.  Think about a regular pipe that fills with smoke until you release the carb and then the smoke goes into your lungs.  Our "Choker Hole" on the Dragon Shooter allows a little bit of air into the cylinder while you are smoking that shoots the smoke into your lungs.  This tiny stream of air also helps cool the smoke before it gets to you.

The Choker Hole adds a cool secondary effect to the smoking experience.  When smoking with the Dragon Shooter Steamroller you can plug and unplug the secondary carb to create cool smoke effects inside the shooter.  We have been able to create smoke swirls, waves, rings, and other effects.


Check out this video of Jeff showing off the Dragon Shooter Steamrollers by Gus Glass Studios

This super cool pipe could fetch outrageous prices, but not when you are buying from Smokin Js!  We have two glass blowers that make our dragon steamrollers:  Gus Glass Studios and Garrett Cooksey.  Garrett makes our smaller mini version that comes with the very affordable price tag of $44.99.  For a pocket Dragon Shooter Steamroller, that is a great price.  He also makes a large bubbler for ONLY $129.99.  Gus Glass Studios makes several different sizes and models starting at $59.99.  Our most popular Dragon Shooter Steamroller is the Gus Glass Studios Double Dragon which is made from beefy tubing and has two dragon heads.

We have segregated our Dragon Shooter Steamrollers in our Special Offers section on the Smokin Js web site.  When ordering you can always request colors in the comments box at checkout.  We will always email or text the current pictures of models available to ship immediately.  Your satisfaction is the most important thing to us.  Customers are always blown away by our customer service.  Give us a try and find out why :)

Featured Artist - Scott Sherrell

Smokin Js has been in business for 14 years.  In that time I have always tried to feature and promote local artists that not only offer quality products, but also are quality individuals.  I believe very much in the karma of a hand blown glass pipe.  I think that customers want the very best glass from the very best people.  At Smokin Js we don't buy hand blown glass pipes off anybody who passes through town.  I try to develope relationships with the artists to make sure we get a consistent quality product, and the artist receives ample compensation for their work.  My goal is to offer HIGH quality hand blown glass pipes at a LOW price; all made and sold by HIGH quality individuals.  By making this extra effort and having higher standards our customers can be assured when they hold their new pipe in their hands they know it comes from a good place.


We are going to start a new feature at Smokin Js.  Periodically we are going to feature one of our glass blowers and share more information about them.  Each featured artist will have a special section in our stores, a blog article written about them, and their products featured on SmokinJs.com.

Scott Sherrell at his Studio in Portland, Or

Scott Sherrell

Scott Sherrell has been blowing glass for fifteen years, fourteen of which for Smokin Js.   He is based in Portland, Oregon.  He lives with his girlfriend Christina, who is an important part of his business and life. 

Scott grew up in SW Portland.  As a youth he developed a love for motocross.  He credits his interest and love of motocross for helping him avoid the bad elements that SE Portland is known for.  Scott rode competitive motocross for 25 years, starting when he was 15 years old.  Scott didn't just ride, he became a part of the motocross community in the Northwest.  For eleven years he volunteered and worked at the Washougal Motocross Park.

Scott managed an automotive wrecking yard when he was bitten by the glass blowing bug.  He was interested in art glass and the beauty of glass figurines.  Scott's interest in glass blowing took him to a blower that made pipes, and his form of artistry was born.  For a year Scott would work during the day and blow glass at nights.  It was after this year he decided to take the leap of faith and make lampwork a full time occupation.

Today Scott enjoys the freedom of owning his own business.  He and Christina are a family operation.  He likes to blow glass when he is in a good mood, with good music, and a good atmosphere.  "The pieces I create are a part of my life," said Scott.  He may not make the fanciest and most expensive pieces, but each one of Scott's glass pieces is a testament to his skill at creating affordable color changing glass pipes with character and goodness at heart.  Smokin Js is the only place where you will find Scott's glass.  He is excited about some new white glass tubing he just received, and we should have some brand new Scott Sherrell creations soon.  You can find him on Facebook.

Scott Sherrell produces the best fume and raked pipes available.  I have been astonished throughout the years at the consistency and beauty of his pipes.  Each one always has a perfect bowl and carb hole.  His fume work is amazing in that the quality and consistency of the fume remains the same from one pipe to another.  I don't think there is another store out there that can claim their cheapest glass pipe is made by an artist of fifteen years, but at Smokin Js our $9.99 simple silver fumed pipe is made by Scott.  His dry hammer, side-car, and sherlock pipes are some of my favorites.  Each pipe he creates has amazing color changing qualities.  He uses a special technique where he encases his wrap and rake work with a layer of clear.  This technique gives each pipe increased durability and amazing clarity.  You can truly see his experience and skill in each pipe he makes. 

Two great examples of Scott's Raked and Fumed Beaded Pipe.  Both are amazing color changers.

Amazing consistency.  Scott's pipes are a picture of perfection and yet unique to themselves.

Pictured here is Scott's Side Car Hand Pipe.

Every one of Scott's pipes has a perfect bowl and perfect holes.

4/20 Grand Prize Winner

King George

WHAT'S UP!?!

There was a time... When I first started at Smokin Js, it was like Christmas every day that I came to work! After learning several of the methods and styles of glass blowing, eventually like all good things you have in abundance the magical "newness" began to wear off. HOWEVER....There's Never a dull moment Here @ SMOKIN J'S!!

Twice a year we get to do our BI-ANUAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION RAFFLE!!! Something we like to do here @ Smokin Js to say THANK YOU to all our happy Customers!! There's nothing more gratifying than when the happy Raffle winner comes back in and tells me about the trials and tribulations I had to endure to get them to actually buy a Ticket! lolol 

I had the GREAT PLEASURE of handing out the Grand Prize to the recent 4/20 winner, who was one of the dudes that I wrangled into playing!! For some weird reason, he was glowing like a bank of stadium lights!!!

Never a dull moment here @ Smokin Js!!!!

4/20 Drawing Details

It's that time of the year again.  Smokin Js does two raffles per year, once at 4/20 and New Years.  We are very excited about our grand prize for the 4/20 raffle.  It is a Blaze1 Heady custom water pipe.  The water pipe has layer upon layer of custom work blown into every square inch of it.  The piece includes a matching heady bowl, a sweet custom matching drum magnification bead, and an attached nug jug.  These custom pieces are hard to come by.  We charge $1,199.99 for your own custom piece, and there is a 4 month wait time for delivery.  Those facts alone make this grand prize a one-of-a-kind opportunity.

BUT WAIT !!!  THERE'S MORE !!!

We are giving away $2,500 worth of product in the raffle.  There are 9 consolation prizes, and we will be giving away door prizes all day at each store on 4/20.  Here are pictures of some of the consolation prizes.

Vapor Blunt Vaporizer.  Brand new on the market - $269.99

One of the best and coolest new portable vaporizers.

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

Convict Glass Mural Water Pipe with Pinch Bowl.

One of the most popular High Times covers ever.

Framed in a nice 24 x 18" Silver Frame.

Giant Kaos poster featuring their water pipe with

Cheech & Chong on the cover of High Times.

36" x 24" Black Frame

Red plasma light up Cyclones wall clock.

There will be many more consolation prizes including t-shirts, hand blown glass pipes, a subscription to Skunk Magazine, and complete roll-your-own sets.  Also, all prizes will come with extra goodies and Smokin Js brand products.

There will be $2,500 in prizes given away.  Tickets are $1.  Tickets are only available at our physical retail stores in Centralia, Longview, and Vancouver.  Must be 18 to enter.  Do not have to be present to win.  Only 1 prize per customer.  Drawing will be held at our Centralia store at 4:20 on 4/20 2012.  Door prizes will be given away at all three Smokin Js locations on 4/20.  Good luck.

Pure Steam Stone Review

Here at Smokin Js we get a lot of new products.  Some of them don't last at the store very long, but most of them become very popular with our customers and our employees.  I have a good feeling about this product I am about to share with you.  This one is for the hookah lovers, old and new.  Get ready for something that tastes wonderful, has no tobacco, no tar, and no nicotine what so ever!  Pure Steam Stones are the name of this new shisha.  They are these little white stones that have been infused with rich flavors and a wonderful aroma.  Instead of actually burning tobacco to get that thick smoke, you are vaporizing the stones.  You use these stones like regular shisha tobacco ... you mix up your product very well, then place it in your bowl with your coal on top of the product, and your coal heats the stones, which steams the flavoring and the glycerin into a vapor like smoke (steam).  Now when I heard the description of this before I got to try it, I was worried there wasn't going to be the thick clouds of smoke, which is what I enjoy the most out of smoking hookah.  But be surprised my friends!  This glycerin based product gives you plenty of smoke clouds to enjoy with your friends, with a burning time that I was more than satisfied with.  I experienced about an hour in a half to two wonderful hours per bowl of Pure Steam Stones.  Another thing that I really noticed and liked was that when I left my bowl for five minutes I didn't come back to a harsh smoke like I do with regular shisha tobacco, it was just as smooth as it was when I left it.  These steam stones are wonderful by themselves, but like any other person who experiments with their flavors, the Pure Steam Stones are also great mixers.  I tried mixing it with my regular shisha tobacco; I put the tobacco product on the bottom of the bowl where it was not touching the coal and I put the steam stones on the top.  I found this very pleasant to smoke.  I got to enjoy that head buzz I like, but with a smoother and thick smoke without burning my shisha at all.  The Pure Steam Stones just heated up the tobacco as if it were actually vaporizing it.  To all my hookah connoisseurs out there, next time you stop by any one of our Smokin Js locations, take home one of our many flavors of steam stones and enjoy them for yourself.

I hope this review helps and finds you in good spirits and health,

Kat