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The Artist Tree
Cannabis Blog

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Cannabis is, at its core, a plant. It comes from the earth, it has traditionally been grown organically, and it carries an inherent connection to nature. But as our industry has scaled and commercialized, I’ve watched that connection erode, replaced by mountains of single-use packaging, non-recyclable vape products, and manufacturing processes that prioritize speed over sustainability. That disconnect has always bothered me. Getting Green Certified by the state of California was our way of doing something positive and impactful. The Artist Tree is now one of the few cannabis companies in California to have achieved Green Business Certification from the California Green Business Network (CGBN). Our Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Koreatown locations are all certified, with more on the way. The West Hollywood location holds the distinction of being the first dispensary in that community to achieve Tier 2 Certification — a milestone the city noted in its formal announcement to us. Lauren Fontein, Co-Founder & Chief Compliance Officer But what does this certification actually mean, and why did it matter enough for us to pursue it? Becoming officially certified was important on two levels. First, it confirmed that the sustainable practices we had already put in place were […]

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420 is one of the most well-recognized symbols of marijuana use, but not many people are familiar with its interesting history and meaning. Here’s the story behind 420 and how it became an icon of cannabis culture. The Number 420 When talking about the number 420, most people would associate it with April 20 or 4/20, which is recognized as an unofficial weed holiday. But there are other notable connotations, such as ”420 friendly”, referring to certain places, events or even people who accept the use of marijuana. 4:20 is used as a time to smoke weed, which is also connected to the origin of the term itself. At the end of the day, the term 420 is globally recognized as a general symbol of cannabis and cannabis consumption. How 420 Came to Be The term 420 was around even before the widespread cannabis legalization in the U.S. According to a report by High Times Magazine, five high school students, also known as ”Waldos” began their quest in the early 1970s to find an abandoned cannabis crop, planted by the U.S Coast Guard on Point Reyes Peninsula. Waldos picked 4:20 as a meeting time, before going to search for the...

Cannabinoids are a common term within the cannabis industry, but THC or CBD are what most people associate with cannabis, without knowing what they really mean. Here’s everything you need to know about cannabinoids and how to choose the right blend for you. Cannabinoids Cannababinoids are natural chemical compounds produced by trichomes within the cannabis plants. Every cannabis plant has a unique cannabinoid profile, depending on the strain and genetics of the flower, with THC and CBD being the most prominent ones. Cannabis products containing THC or CBD are consumed for either recreational or medical uses due to their potential therapeutic effects. Endocannabinoids Endocannabinoids are lipid-based neurotransmitters that can be found in the human body. They interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for maintaining various bodily functions. Acidic Cannabinoids Acidic cannabinoids are natural forms of cannabinoids that are later converted by the process of decarboxylation into the non-acidic forms. These types of chemicals, such as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), turn into their neutral, active forms THC and CBD. Decarboxylation can happen through heat, by smoking, vaping, or cooking. Synthetic Cannabinoids Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made cannabinoids, synthesized to mimic the natural cannabinoids found in cannabis...

The Artist Tree, California’s cannabis + art destination, is expanding north with the addition of two locations in Davis and Dixon, previously operated by respected local operator, CLUB420. These new additions bring The Artist Tree’s store count to 12 statewide and mark a major step in growing the brand’s presence across Northern California. CLUB420 has built a trusted reputation serving its communities with care and consistency. Now, as the newest members of The Artist Tree family, both locations will be transformed into vibrant retail spaces where art, cannabis, and education intersect — offering a fresh take on the traditional dispensary model. “Davis and Dixon are lively locations, with creativity running through their core — we love that energy,” said Philip Del Rio, VP of Operations at The Artist Tree. “Between the students, artists, and longtime locals, it’s a perfect match for what we do. We’re excited to plant deeper roots in Northern California and bring our experiential approach to new audiences.” In Dixon, CLUB420 succeeded by being straightforward, approachable, and community-oriented — qualities that align seamlessly with The Artist Tree’s mission to make cannabis welcoming and inspiring. Sitting just off I-80, the Dixon shop has long served as a go-to...

At The Artist Tree, we believe in the power of community — and 2025 was a year of turning that belief into action. From wildfire recovery efforts to blood drives, art supply donations, and fundraisers for meaningful causes, we’re grateful to everyone who joined us in giving back. Here’s a look at what we accomplished together: January — Painting a Path to Recovery: Wildfire Relief Fund Together, we came together to support those affected by the 2025 California Wildfires through Painting a Path to Recovery: The Artist Tree Wildfire Fund, benefiting the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to donate over $40,000 to help provide housing, mental health care, medical assistance, and essential supplies to wildfire victims — with a focus on underserved communities across LA County, including low-income families, seniors, single parents, immigrants, and unhoused residents. Your support made a real difference in helping families rebuild, heal, and find hope after unimaginable loss. From everyone at The Artist Tree, thank you for being part of this effort and showing what community care truly looks like. February — Supporting the California Black Freedom Fund During the month of February the Artist Tree participated...

In the home stretch of summer, the sun’s still shining, but the countdown to shorter days is creeping in. It’s the perfect moment to savor what’s left: late afternoon hangs, rooftop laughs, backyard playlists, and a cold something in your hand that doesn’t leave you dragging the next day. At The Artist Tree, we’re all about helping you discover cannabis products that fit your lifestyle, so here’s your guide to sipping smarter while summer lasts. Let’s kick things off with St. Ides, coming in hot for those who like their beverages bold. It punches with 100mg of THC in both the 4oz bottle or 12oz can—so yeah, not the best choice for first-timers if you’re planning to drink the entire thing. Their 12oz High Teas come in nostalgic flavors like Wild Raspberry and feature a rapid onset formula. This one’s built for seasoned consumers who want a heavy-hitter in a discreet package. St. Ides is 30% off every Saturday, as part of The Artist Tree’s August Daily Deals for Summer 2025. Uncle Arnie’s brings tropical energy and also offers 100mg options in the form of 2oz shots and 12oz soda pops but with beachy flavors such as Magic Mango and...