Pot Thots: A stoner’s guide to an Edmonton winter

Winter has always been a stoner’s worst nightmare, and this year’s cold snap puts us all over the edge. It’s hard enough making it through a long week of heavy classes and seasonal depression without a little pot, but the risk of frostbite and slipping on black ice makes the need for weed even stronger. Therefore, I brainstormed a guide to help us determined stoners have a little more fun and make it to summer all in one piece. 

PART I: Bundlin’ Up

With the windchill close to minus 30 most nights, a session on your balcony is even more treacherous. So here are some cozy suggestions to keep you safe and warm.

1. Cozy, Fleece Blankets 

A staple of my mother’s and something I always took for granted, the cozy blanket is a wondrous haven that can protect your toes and cocoons your entire body. They can be a bit pricey, but the $20 ones at Walmart will be an investment you won’t regret. 

2. Reading Socks

We are not talking about long socks from the back of your drawer, or the fuzzy socks you got from your aunt four years ago with a hole in the toe. We’re talking about glorious sock-like slippers that provide your foot and calf with a warm embrace. The grips on the bottom prevent slippage on the way to the backyard and the pompoms are just plain cute. 

3. American Eagle Hoodie (of your dreams)

I doubted this hoodie upon first viewing, but it has now become my prized possession. This lamb-like, soft sweater wraps you in a warm hug and never lets go. The hood can hide your head to 95 per cent of wind and the pocket is big enough for all of your supplies. 10/10 would recommend for that late night sesh. It’s a bit pricey, but you can wait until it’s on sale. 

PART II: Stockin’ Up

Another issue with the cold is the ability to get your weed. It’s hard dragging yourself out of the house when the thermometer is lower than you thought it could go. So here are my top three dispensaries that have a focus on efficiency and cost. 

1. BMWO 

A gift from some kind of god, buymyweedonline.ca is a haven with good quality weed for reasonable prices, as well as two-day shipping that is free over $100. The most recent sale got me 19 grams of weed for $100. The selection ranges from A – AAAA in flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and some vegan ones too! It won’t break the bank and it’s an option that is reliable and a saviour when your dealer stops answering you. 

2. Spiritleaf on Whyte Ave

One of the best dispensaries in Edmonton, Spiritleaf on Whyte is full of friendly faces and sale prices that always make my week. The staff is welcoming and not pushy, and help is there if you need it. They have new sales every week and have started a points system for you to grab some pretty cool merch. I would recommend Spiritleaf, especially for first time buyers. 

3. Nova Cannabis

Nova Cannabis located off Whyte is my backup stop. If the deals at Spiritleaf are not too great, you can always pop over to the friendly people at Nova. I have found the sales are not worth it most of the time, yet the prices of their pre-rolls are decent enough that I can justify grabbing one to go. It is a convenient location if you’re on campus, especially if weed is on your grocery list. They have some pretty great staff as well. I got a flower vape here, which was recommended by a staff member, and it has been an easy and nice way to smoke. I suggest looking into flower vapes for escaping the cold because they make it possible to smoke indoors: a highlight for any renter. 

PART III: Lightin’ Up

To combat winter this year, my roommates and I set up a two-person tent on our small balcony. We laid an old comforter, put in old pillows, and placed a small crate as a table; we’ve also added dollar-store fairy lights. It became our own retreat, from both the cold and everything else. I highly recommend doing this at some point, it is a small place for enjoying weed and other people’s company. 

That’s all folks, I hope some of these tips help and provide some useful information for the future, from one stoner to another. Although winter may never be really easy, finding small ways to make it better is all we can do.