As marijuana buds grow close to full maturity a visible layer trichomes will begin to cover the flowers and leaves. These are very small resin glands you can see on the surface of the plant. You have probably heard these referred to as crystals. Some cannabis strains will have pronounced trichome development. Heavy trichome production does not necessarily mean higher potency, because the resins inside the trichome may or may not contain high levels of THC and other active ingredients. This is a one gram bud called ‘Blue Alien’ which cost $20 and is one of the more potent strains available. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

On July 1, Deep Roots Harvest opened its doors to the “recreational pot seeking public,”0 but it wasn’t the local residents who graced the long lines, waiting to get into the dispensary. Many people who patiently waited to enter the doors of the Mesquite facility were from California, Las Vegas, Arizona and Utah.

Whether the visitors came from near or from far, each one of them got the VIP treatment from start to finish.

There was nothing anybody could do about the 106 degree temperatures that day but personnel at Deep Roots Harvest provided cold water, free of charge, to the crowds of people who stood in line for two hours or more to purchase some of the product that was, for the first time in Nevada, legal to sell to the recreational enthusiasts.

Mesquite visitor, Aaron Howe and Mesquite resident Patrick Balough have waited a long time for July 1, the day when marijuana is legal for both consumption and sales. Howe says he’s waited about 25 years while Balough has waited since 1967. The extra 45 minutes the two men waited in line to finally enter Deep Roots Harvest’s dispensary was the last leg of a long journey and both men agreed, “Today is a good day!” Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Mesquite visitor Aaron Howe and Mesquite resident Patrick Balough have waited a long time for July 1, the day when marijuana is legal for both consumption and sales. Howe says he’s waited about 25 years while Balough has waited since 1967. They came early and didn’t mind waiting in a long line to finally enter Deep Roots Harvest’s dispensary. It was the last leg of a long journey and both men agreed, “Today is a good day!”

Ryan Breedan, COO and Keith Capurro, CEO of Deep Roots Harvest were not leaving the wellbeing of their patrons to chance, both were out and about seeing that everyone was as comfortable as they could possibly be in the stifling heat. A tent was set up outside that provided shade once you got that far in line. Under the tent plenty of chairs and sofas were on hand for as much rest and heat relief they could provide. Cones were also set up in the parking lot to guide the lines away from traffic to ensure everyone’s safety.

Through the door into the reception area security was tight but staff was hospitable and efficient. The reception room was cool and spa-like in appearance with plenty of reading material to peruse while waiting for your shopping experience to begin.

Once inside the reception area, it wasn’t long before one was greeted by a perky young woman sporting a warm welcome and a bright smile who was happy to take you on the last leg of the experience and into the dispensary.

In the dispensary, you are introduced to your personal “Budtender.” There were several inside who were knowledgeable about all products from oils to edibles. They are willing and able to answer all questions regarding what DRH has available, potency of the product and what product might be best for the shoppers’ desired effect.

Some were a little astonished at the prices and mentioned that they were a bit higher than the advertised prices on the website. Some even commented that the black-market prices would entice buyers more than the dispensary prices. While the website does list prices, there is a disclaimer stating that the prices do not reflect sales and excise taxes. It has been no secret that across the state, recreational prices would exceed the medical prices as there is no state tax charged on the medicinal end.

What you get for the money in your purchase of cannabis through DRH as opposed to the black-market marijuana is bud that has passed some of the most stringent testing for potency, terpenes (aroma), moisture, foreign matter, microbial screening, mycotoxin (fungus) screening and more. DRH wants their customers to know exactly what is and isn’t in their product. Your purchase through DRH also directly helps your community.

All their cannabis products are packaged in scent, moisture and UV resistant bags. Each package is flushed and vacuum sealed with nitrogen to remove all traces of oxygen.

The city of Mesquite has yet to set the local regulations for sale of recreational marijuana. According to Bob Sweetin, city attorney, the state allows for the city to collect fees but did not pass the fees for the city. On June 26, the state published its regulations which allows the city to collect a three percent fee on sales. Considering the quarterly fees just recently paid to the city, more than $56,000, on medical sales alone, this should be a considerable financial gain to Mesquite.

For more information on DRH, it’s products or the company, visit their web site at www.deeprootsharvest.com.