— by Margie Doyle —

James Wolf and Sean O'Brien, employees of Token Herb marijuana retail outlet

James Wolf and Sean O’Brien, employees of Token Herb marijuana retail outlet with display of new NW Connoisseurs products.

Heinz Brand announced this weekend that the cannabis-growing operation on Orcas Island, NW Connoisseurs,  has delivered “some of our finest locally-grown marijuana to Token Herb located at the Country Corner.”

A visit to Token Herb on Saturday afternoon found employees James Wolf and Sean O’Brien ready to help customers.

Behind the glass showcases are a variety of the cannabis herb, processed as bud, compacted hash, wax and edibles.

O’Brien says of the product from the NW Connoisseur’s growing operation:. “It’s an amazing product, all-round gorgeous weed, smooth smoke, with a nice natural good high. The growers know their stuff, they take their time.”  Some of the packaged products from NW Connoisseur’s are labelled  Dutch Treat, Blackberry Kush, Harlequin, Cherry Pie, Fire Alien Kush, Super Lemon Pie and Girl Scout Cookies.

The packages from both NW Connoisseurs and W.O.W. (from Klickitat County) list the ratio of the pyscho-active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD).

Though the afternoon was slow, the morning had been steadily busy, O’Brien and Wolf said. Notice of the product has spread by word-of-mouth and Facebook. The average customer is over 50 years of age and O’Brien is more than willing to educate those whose last toke may have been decades ago.

Geographic origin, hybridization, growth media, processing and aging can all affect the marijuana products. .The balance of their chemical components also affect reaction, as does the dosage.The THC content of marijuana is significantly higher now, O’Brien says. .

The effects of the marijuana products can have different results for every person, much like alcohol or pharmaceutical pills. It can be used as a pain reliever or a relaxant, though O’Brien says sometimes it spurs activity. Users say it gives them more perspective or creativity.

O’Brien has conducted extensive research into cannabis products, growers and retail outlets up and down the West Coast. His knowledge has enabled him to pass on cost decreases to Token Herb customers: for example, two grams from W.O.W. now cost $38 as opposed to $42 two months ago.

O’Brien is committed to educating his customers so that they have a good experience. “We want you to come back,” he says.

So far business at Token Herb has been steady, O’Brien and Wolf report. “The community is supportive, and appreciative of the jobs and revenue added to the local economy stream.”

NW Connoisseur’s website is www.nw-connoisseurs.