“You know what’s funny? People still ask me, ‘What’s the best thing you’ve found since getting into cannabis?’ They expect me to say a strain… a rosin… maybe some ridiculously terp-loaded flower. They’re always shocked when I answer… ‘The people.’”

When I first started Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis), I thought I was reviewing cannabis.

Turns out… I was reviewing humanity.

Now before anybody starts passing me tissues instead of joints, hear me out.

I have a background in sales and earned a degree in Psychology—the study of human behavior. Between that education and years of working with people, I’ve developed a pretty decent instinct for reading character. No, it’s not foolproof. Sometimes I miss. Sometimes people surprise me. But I’ve learned one thing that holds true in every industry…

Some people have huge hearts.

Some people just have huge wallets.

The cannabis industry is no different.

I’ve met people chasing dollars, and I’ve met people chasing purpose.

Guess which ones I keep around?

Exactly.

From Dispensaries to Dinner Tables

My journey started by walking into local dispensaries with nothing more than curiosity, a camera, and enough enthusiasm to make a budtender slightly nervous.

One of the first people who welcomed me was Joe Rosen from Electric City Cannabis Company, along with his superstar budtender, Sheena. They treated me like I belonged before I ever had a reason to think I did.

Then came Don Andrews and the incredible crew at Upstate Canna, another place where I never felt like just another customer.

Along the way I met amazing budtenders like Kevin at The People’s Joint, Connor and Amy at Cannabis City, and Mirk and his outstanding team at Stage One, including my buddy Scotty Knox.

These aren’t just people handing over eighths across a counter.

They’re educators.

They’re guides.

They’re ambassadors for this plant.

The Event Family

Eventually I started attending Cannabis Cups and community events.

That’s where the family tree really started growing.

I met Damn Sam—better known as Rob Robinson—along with Emily Harper, whose events have brought together some of the best people I’ve met.

I also met Robert Tambasco, the man behind the Empire State Cannabis Cup, who’s helped create another place where this community comes together to celebrate the culture instead of compete against each other.

The Growers Who Grow More Than Cannabis

Then came the growers.

And wow…

Growers are a different breed.

They’re patient.

They’re passionate.

They’re perfectionists.

Sometimes they’ll spend twenty minutes explaining one terpene profile while you’re standing there wondering if you accidentally enrolled in Cannabis University.

My journey started with Tokalotapot Seeds, followed by Cannafaded, and then I met Kiley and the incredible crew at Lazy Day Farm. Kiley welcomed me in, and I also became close with Anne MacPherson, who keeps the administrative side of the farm running while somehow managing to keep everyone else organized too.

I met Johnny Federighi and his life partner Kat, and was lucky enough to enjoy some of Johnny’s homegrown creations.

Another cultivator I’ve grown close with is John Gilboy of Gilly’s Greens, a grower whose passion for quality shows in every harvest.

Then there are the small-batch legends I proudly call friends today—Jason Longhi, Melissa Dopp, and Andy and Bill from No Mountain Higher.

These aren’t just growers.

They’re artists.

Their canvas just happens to smell amazing.

The CrisXotics Crew

One of the biggest blessings has been getting to know the family surrounding CrisXotics.

Of course there’s Cris, but that’s only the beginning.

There’s JMO from The Gas Station.

Key from Keepin’ Edibles Yummy.

Frank and Noelle from Blissful Confections.

Mullet from Adekrondack.

The always-awesome Amy and Bernie from Buddah Brothers.

Choice from Herb and Soul, bringing infused meals that somehow make you hungry while you’re already hungry.

The Candy Cartel.

Bud Master.

And honestly… I’m probably forgetting somebody, and if I am, forgive me. My memory occasionally gets higher than I do.

Friends That Became Family

I’ve known Danni Burns from Hudson Valley Green and Kevin from Higher Beings for a couple of years now.

Those guys have become family.

Especially Will Roman.

I’m convinced Will could roll a joint using a phone charger, a receipt, and positive thinking.

Cross joints?

Easy.

Art?

Absolutely.

Magic?

Possibly.

Then there’s Woodz Treez, who recently teamed up with me and Sammy for one of my favorite blind rosin tasting videos I’ve ever filmed.

Good people make good content.

It’s really that simple.

The Syracuse Brothers

Years ago I met Jus from The Basement Chronicles when they opened for Afroman.

I’ll be honest…

They stole the show.

I’ve been a fan ever since.

The more I’ve gotten to know those Syracuse brothers, the more I’ve realized they’re exactly the same off stage as they are on it—genuine, humble, and full of heart.

The People Making a Difference

I’ve also had the privilege of getting to know Jon Dow, and I look forward to honoring his late brother and celebrating the impact he made on this community.

I’ve become better friends with Ivan from Central Oddities, whose elite cold-cure rosin and ever-present RSO have made quite an impression on me.

Then there’s Adam Hagadone, known online as the Bipolar Grower.

Adam doesn’t just grow cannabis.

He grows hope.

He makes RSO to help people who need it—especially those who can’t afford it.

That’s the kind of heart you don’t forget.

Speaking of giant hearts…

How could I leave out Big Willey Will, who’s constantly sharing infused recipes with the community simply because he loves helping people enjoy cannabis in new ways?

Beyond New York

This journey hasn’t stopped at state lines.

I’ve met incredible growers across the country like Geoff Feff, whose garden photographs make cannabis lovers stop scrolling every single time.

I’ve built friendships online with people I still can’t wait to meet in person, including the crew at TorKd Farms, especially Josh Cooper.

One collaboration I’ll never forget was working with OG Granny, proving once again that passion for cannabis has no age limit.

And yes…

Getting endorsed by Afroman?

That was one of those “Is this real life?” moments.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Nancy and Deanna, the brilliant women behind Tartubes—proof that innovation in cannabis comes from all kinds of creative minds.

This Community Changed Me

If I forgot someone, please know it wasn’t intentional.

That’s the downside of meeting so many incredible people.

You worry about leaving someone out who made a real impact on your life.

The truth is…

Every handshake…

Every interview…

Every collaboration…

Every shared joint…

Every conversation over a dab rig…

Has strengthened my commitment to this community.

People reach out asking me to review products.

Some want honest feedback.

Some hope for the famous OG Strain Approved stamp.

Some even ask for endorsements.

Here’s the thing…

I’ve never accepted money to endorse cannabis.

Never.

And I never will.

If I recommend something, it’s because I actually use it.

Because I actually love it.

Because I’d tell my own friends to buy it.

Trust is worth more than sponsorship money.

That’s a hill I’ll happily smoke on.

I’m Not Chasing Clout—I’m Chasing Community

I’ve never wanted to be the loudest voice in cannabis.

I just wanted to be an honest one.

I carved out my own lane.

I’m not trying to be somebody else.

I’m not chasing clout.

I’m chasing conversations.

I’m chasing friendships.

I’m chasing laughter.

I’m chasing authenticity.

Looking back, I realize I didn’t just build a YouTube channel.

I didn’t just become a cannabis reviewer.

Somewhere along the way…

I found a second family.

And if you’ve ever shared a laugh, a story, a collaboration, a harvest, a dab, a meal, or even just a few minutes of your time with me…

Thank you.

Because the greatest thing I’ve discovered in cannabis wasn’t hidden inside a jar.

It was standing right beside it.

Stay lifted… stay genuine… and never underestimate the power of good people.

There are two kinds of people at a cannabis event.

The first kind walks around saying, “I’m just gonna look.”

The second kind walks past Key’s table… stops dead in their tracks… stares at an infused peach cobbler like they’ve just seen Bigfoot riding a unicorn… and quietly says,

“Well… there goes my paycheck.”

If you’ve been to a Crisxotics event recently, chances are you’ve already met Key—also known as Keoka, the woman behind Keepin Edibles Yummy. And if you haven’t… don’t worry. Your stomach will eventually lead you there.

I had the chance to spend some time talking with Key after she completely surprised me with one of the most generous gift bags I’ve ever received. I’m talking infused Milky Way bars, Doritos, Nerds, Sweet Tarts, gummies, peach cobbler pie… honestly, the bag looked like Willy Wonka opened a dispensary.

Needless to say, she didn’t have to do that.

But that’s exactly the kind of person she is.

She’s genuine.

She’s passionate.

And she really enjoys making people smile.

That same attitude is exactly what built Keepin Edibles Yummy into what it is today.

Ten Years of Turning Munchies Into Masterpieces

While many vendors only recently entered New York’s cannabis scene, Key has been perfecting her craft for nearly a decade.

She originally started doing product development and manufacturing for another company about ten years ago. As someone who already loved both cannabis and baking, combining the two wasn’t exactly a difficult career decision.

For most people, baking brownies sounds like a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

For Key…

It’s product research.

Over the years she’s helped develop products across New York and even into Massachusetts and Vermont before eventually stepping out on her own.

Ironically, she only started vending events in late 2025.

So while she may seem like “the new girl” behind the table…

She’s actually one of the veterans behind the recipes.

If It Exists… She’ll Probably Infuse It

When I asked what kinds of products she specializes in, Key didn’t hesitate.

Pretty much anything.

Honestly… I believe her.

Looking at her table feels like someone challenged her to walk through a grocery store and answer every item with,

“Yep… I can infuse that.”

Cookies?

Absolutely.

Brownies?

Of course.

Cakes?

Easy.

Candy?

Why not?

Peach cobbler?

Now we’re talking.

In fact, her infused cobblers have become one of her signature creations, and for good reason.

You don’t see infused peach cobblers everywhere.

Actually…

I’ve never seen anyone else doing them.

That’s exactly what makes Keepin Edibles Yummy memorable.

She’s not chasing everyone else’s ideas.

She’s creating her own lane.

More Than Just Getting High

One answer during our interview really stood out to me.

When I asked about memorable customer experiences, she didn’t talk about selling out.

She didn’t brag about potency.

She didn’t tell me how many products she moves.

Instead…

She talked about people finally getting relief.

Customers telling her they got the best sleep they’ve had in weeks.

People saying their bodies finally relaxed.

Those moments matter.

Cannabis isn’t always about getting blasted into another galaxy.

Sometimes it’s simply about finally getting a good night’s sleep.

Helping people feel better is what keeps Key excited about what she does.

And honestly…

That’s probably why customers keep coming back.

Crisxotics Feels Like Family

Ask Key why she enjoys vending at Crisxotics and her answer is simple.

The vibe.

Everyone is relaxed.

Everyone has fun.

Everyone leaves happy.

If you’ve ever attended one of Crisxotics’ events, you already know exactly what she’s talking about.

It feels less like walking into a business expo…

…and more like showing up at the world’s friendliest family reunion where everyone just happens to really appreciate good flower and ridiculously creative edibles.

Looking Ahead

Even after ten years in the cannabis industry, Key isn’t slowing down.

Her dream?

Growing Keepin Edibles Yummy to an even larger scale.

She’s hoping to eventually sell her recipes while continuing to oversee their production and development.

She even joked that she’s looking for investors.

So…

If you’re reading this while sitting on a pile of money wondering what to do with it…

I know somebody who makes a peach cobbler capable of changing your entire afternoon.

Just saying.

Advice Worth Listening To

When asked what advice she’d give someone wanting to enter the cannabis industry, her answer reflected exactly how she’s built her own success.

Start small.

Experiment.

Keep learning.

Find something nobody else is doing…

…then make it your signature.

That advice explains Keepin Edibles Yummy better than anything I could ever write.

She didn’t become memorable by copying everyone else.

She became memorable by becoming impossible to compare.

Final Hit

The cannabis community is filled with incredible growers.

Amazing extract artists.

Talented cultivators.

But every now and then you meet someone who reminds you that cannabis culture isn’t only about what’s in the jar…

Sometimes it’s about what’s coming out of the oven.

Key has spent the last decade combining creativity, experience, and a genuine love for making people happy into a brand that’s become one of the most unique stops at every event she attends.

If you happen to see Keepin Edibles Yummy at an upcoming Crisxotics event, do yourself a favor.

Stop by.

Say hello.

Check out the menu.

And whatever you do…

Don’t convince yourself you’re “just looking.”

Trust me.

That’s exactly how people accidentally leave carrying an infused peach cobbler… and somehow a bag full of snacks they never planned on buying.

Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…

Our social media link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18NoGdsAFa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/keykeyeddiequeen?utm_source=qr

There are only two kinds of people in New York during July…

People growing cannabis…

…and people getting tired of hearing about someone else’s cannabis plants.

Let’s be honest. If you’re growing this year, you’ve probably already shown your garden to at least ten people. Maybe twenty. Maybe the UPS driver. Maybe your neighbor who was just trying to check the mail.

“Hey… wanna see my girls?”

Every single grower says it with the same excitement you’d expect from someone showing off a newborn baby.

And you know what?

I absolutely love it.

I’ve had people proudly show me beautiful greenhouse monsters pushing through the roof, and I’ve had first-time growers proudly point at a three-foot plant with six leaves missing because a deer decided to sample the menu.

The funny part?

They’re both equally excited.

Sometimes I look at a beginner’s plant and think, “Well… it’s definitely a plant.” But I would never crush that excitement. Every one of us started somewhere, and that first successful outdoor grow is something you never forget.

That’s what makes July so special.

This is the month when hope is everywhere.

The hard work is mostly done. The plants are established. They’ve survived storms, bugs, hungry animals, curious neighbors, and hopefully a few overenthusiastic watering sessions.

Now everyone is waiting for the same thing.

The show.

Here in New York, most outdoor photoperiod plants begin revealing their first white pistils—the little hairs that appear at the nodes, right between the branches—during the first or second week of August. That’s Mother Nature flipping the switch from “grow bigger” to “let’s make flowers.”

Once that happens, the countdown begins.

Most strains need roughly 8 to 10 weeks to fully mature after flowering starts. For many New York growers, that usually puts harvest somewhere between October 15 and October 21, depending on the cultivar and the weather.

And here’s where patience separates good flower from unforgettable flower.

Every grower knows how tempting it is to chop early.

You walk outside every morning thinking…

“They look done.”

Then two days later…

“Okay… NOW they’re done.”

Then another week passes, and suddenly your buds have swollen, the aroma has intensified, and the trichomes seem to have multiplied overnight.

That’s why so many experienced growers pray for one thing every October…

A late frost.

That final week can make an incredible difference. Those extra days often allow the flowers to bulk up, the trichomes to mature, and the terpene profile to fully develop. Sometimes the difference between “pretty good” and “OH… MY… GOODNESS…” is simply giving the plant one more week when the weather cooperates.

Greenhouse growers get a little bonus here.

If temperatures only dip to around 31–32°F (-0.5 to 0°C) for a light overnight frost, a covered greenhouse can often protect plants well enough to squeeze out those extra precious days. It’s not a guarantee, but sometimes that little bit of protection is all you need to cross the finish line.

Of course, Mother Nature always has the final vote.

If a hard freeze is coming, don’t gamble your entire crop trying to squeeze out another couple of days. Harvesting around October 15 can still produce excellent cannabis. It’s when growers start chopping significantly earlier than that—before the flowers have had enough time to mature—that I’ve personally seen plants come out looking and smoking a little underdeveloped.

But let’s not rush ahead.

We’re still in July.

This is the fun part.

This is the month of backyard inspections, daily photo updates, endless conversations about nutrients, and that one friend who somehow measures his plants every afternoon like they’re children at the doctor’s office.

It’s the season where every grower becomes an amateur meteorologist, checking five different weather apps while somehow trusting none of them.

Sunny? Great.

Rain? We’ll manage.

Wind? Tie them down.

Frost in July? Okay… now somebody’s lying.

Whether this is your very first outdoor grow or your twentieth season chasing the perfect harvest, take a second to appreciate this part of the journey.

Because before you know it, you’ll be trimming until your fingers stick together, wondering why you ever thought growing one more plant was a good idea.

So enjoy the excitement.

Take pictures.

Show off your garden.

Celebrate every inch of growth.

And if Mother Nature is listening…

Let’s all say it together.

Dear Weather… please give New York one nice, late frost this year.

Our trichomes would sincerely appreciate it.