After soaking in the terpene-rich atmosphere of The Madrones—a weed and wine resort in Mendocino County known for its curated landrace varietals from The Bohemian Chemist—I was inspired to bring that rare, heritage vibe back with me to Los Angeles.

Why landrace strains matter

Landrace cannabis strains are the untamed ancestors of today’s hybrid-dominated market. Native to regions like South Africa, Afghanistan, Thailand, and Colombia, they’ve evolved unique characteristics shaped by their environments. These original genetics are prized for their purity, resilience, and unadulterated highs—but are increasingly rare in dispensaries today.

The hunt for heritage in LA

Fueled by curiosity (and a lingering afterglow from the Bohemian Chemist’s offerings), I turned to the Leafly app to track down a landrace icon: Durban Poison, a South African sativa beloved for its energetic buzz and sweet, earthy aroma.

Bingo. I found it at The Artist Tree Lounge in West Hollywood, right in the heart of the city’s budding Emerald Village—a dynamic new consumption zone where legacy and luxury intertwine.

Sampling vintage vibes at The Artist Tree

The lounge offered a standout from Heirbloom, a specialty line by Cannabiotix focused on rare and vintage genetics. I picked up:

• Durban Poison (Heirbloom) – A zippy, clear-headed sativa true to its African roots, with hints of anise and citrus.

• Master Kush (Heirbloom) – A nostalgic indica made by backcrossing two Hindu Kush landrace strains, delivering relaxing, body-heavy vibes and a spicy, earthy aroma.

Both cultivars offered a clean, powerful experience—a reminder of what cannabis once was, and what it can still be.

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While there, I got some intel on popular current-gen strains from the Artist Tree team:

• Connected Cannabis Co. – Known for designer strains and exotic flavor profiles.
• A Golden State – Crisp and potent California-grown flower.
• Miss Grass – Feminist-forward and terpene-focused, offering thoughtful highs for modern consumers.

Cannabis consumers have discovered a new favorite: mini joints, also known as micro joints or dogwalkers. These smaller, precisely dosed pre-rolls are taking dispensaries by storm, offering convenience, control, and just the right amount of cannabis for any occasion. Whether you’re a first-timer, a casual consumer, or an experienced cannabis enthusiast looking for moderation, mini joints are becoming the go-to choice for quick, satisfying sessions.

What exactly are mini joints?

Mini joints, sometimes called micro joints or dogwalkers, are compact cannabis pre-rolls typically containing between 0.25 and 0.5 grams of flower, significantly less than the standard one-gram joint. Their size makes them ideal for single-session use, ensuring consumers can enjoy their entire joint without the need to relight or waste any leftover cannabis.

Many dispensaries offer these convenient pre-rolls in multipacks of five to ten, packaged in portable cases perfect for slipping into your pocket or bag.

Why everyone loves mini joints

Precise dosing and portion control

One of the biggest draws of mini joints is their controlled dosage. They’re perfect for consumers mindful of their THC tolerance, providing just enough for an enjoyable experience without overwhelming effects. Mini joints eliminate guesswork, allowing you to confidently enjoy your session from start to finish.

Convenience and discretion

Their size makes them ideal for single-session use, ensuring consumers can enjoy their entire joint without the need to relight or waste any leftover cannabis.

Mini joints burn faster and produce less odor than their full-sized counterparts, making them an excellent choice for on-the-go use. Whether heading out for a walk, attending a concert, or enjoying a quick break at home, dogwalkers offer a portable cannabis solution that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles.

Personal use, hygienic sharing

Gone are the days of passing a larger joint around a group. Mini joints allow everyone to have their own, a particularly appealing option in a post-pandemic world where hygiene and personal comfort are top priorities. They ensure each consumer can smoke at their own pace without pressure to match others.

Sampling made easy

Curious about a new strain but hesitant to commit to larger quantities? Mini joints let you explore different cannabis strains affordably and conveniently. Brands often use mini joints to introduce seasonal strains, limited editions, or unique collaborations, giving consumers an accessible way to experiment.

Who’s embracing mini joints?

Leafly insights suggest mini joints are particularly appealing to several consumer groups:

• New users: Those easing into cannabis consumption without committing to a large joint or high doses.
• Wellness-focused consumers: Individuals looking for balanced, mild effects rather than intense highs.
• Women shoppers: Data indicates women often prefer smaller, microdose-friendly formats.
• Older adults: Many mature cannabis consumers appreciate smaller doses that match their lower THC tolerance.

But it’s not just beginners and occasional consumers. Seasoned cannabis enthusiasts also appreciate the convenience of mini joints, enjoying quick hits throughout their day without interrupting their routine.

Popular brands

Several cannabis brands have capitalized on this growing trend, creating product lines specifically designed around mini joints.

• Dogwalkers: Named for their convenient use during short strolls, Dogwalkers consistently deliver compact, high-quality joints.
• Lowell Herb Co. minis: Renowned for organic practices and elegant packaging, Lowell’s multi-pack minis offer a variety of strains.
• Island minis: California-based brand Island provides sun-grown, strain-specific mini joints that appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

This 5-pack of 0.5g mini joints from The Hemp Doctor offers a little bit of “me time” in a slick black tin. Pick your favorite from a selection of six rare strains, and get hemp THCA relaxation shipped straight to your door.

Dispensaries nationwide are increasingly dedicating shelf space to these smaller pre-roll options as demand continues to rise.

Interested in trying mini joints? Here are quick tips:

• Check THC potency: Mini joints can still be potent, especially infused versions. Always review THC levels before purchase.
• Explore strains carefully: Different strains offer varied effects—choose accordingly based on your desired outcome (relaxation, energy, sleep).
• Verify freshness: Smaller joints can dry quickly, so purchase from reputable dispensaries and store appropriately.
• Select your preferred format: Single or multi-pack? Infused or flower-only? There are plenty of options to tailor your experience.

Final thoughts

Mini joints—dogwalkers, micro joints, or whatever you prefer to call them—are here to stay. Offering convenience, discretion, controlled dosing, and a flexible cannabis experience, it’s easy to see why they’ve become a consumer favorite. Next time you’re at your dispensary, consider picking up some mini joints for a perfectly portioned cannabis experience.

From your favorite vape pen to the sleek packaging that keeps cannabis fresh, many cannabis products rely heavily on imported supplies. Recent changes to U.S. import tariffs, particularly on goods from China and other key trade partners, have started to send ripples through the cannabis market.

If you’ve noticed prices creeping upward at your local dispensary, you’re not imagining things. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes—and what consumers can expect in the coming months.

Why tariffs matter to the cannabis industry

While cannabis itself is grown domestically due to federal laws, much of the hardware and packaging that supports the growing industry comes from overseas. Cartridges, batteries, vape hardware, and even child-resistant containers are primarily imported from China, Malaysia, and other Asian manufacturing hubs.

Tariffs—essentially taxes imposed on imported goods—are intended to encourage local manufacturing by making foreign goods pricier. Recently, tariffs on certain Chinese imports were as high as 145%, but they have now been significantly reduced to 30%. This is still affecting cannabis companies that rely on these components.

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Vape hardware takes the biggest hit

One cannabis sector feeling the tariffs more than others is vape hardware. Vape pens, batteries, cartridges, and heating elements are mostly produced in China. Despite the recent tariff reduction to 30%, many companies have inventory purchased at previously higher tariff rates, causing elevated prices to persist.

Cannabis brands now face a tough decision: absorb the increased costs or pass them to consumers. While some larger brands can temporarily absorb these additional expenses, many smaller companies don’t have the financial flexibility. Consumers will likely see continued higher prices for vape products until at least late summer.

Packaging pinch

It’s not just vape hardware feeling the tariff squeeze. Packaging supplies, from glass jars to pre-roll tubes, have also seen price hikes. Packaging is heavily regulated in the cannabis industry, requiring child-resistant features and precise labeling to ensure compliance and safety. These specialized packaging products have traditionally been sourced abroad due to lower costs and readily available options.

Even with reduced tariffs, shifting to U.S.-based production presents challenges. Currently, U.S. manufacturers often lack the scale, speed, and regulatory expertise needed to quickly replace overseas suppliers. Cannabis companies continue facing uncertainty and increasing costs while exploring new domestic partnerships.

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Impact on cultivation and seeds

Though cannabis seeds themselves are typically sourced domestically, growers aren’t immune to tariff impacts. Essential cultivation equipment like lighting, irrigation systems, and climate control technology are predominantly imported. Increased tariffs make these critical components more expensive, ultimately raising cultivation costs.

While the immediate impact on seed pricing is minimal, the broader rise in cultivation expenses could indirectly lead to slight price increases in seeds and cannabis flower over time.

Will consumers turn to illicit markets?

One unintended consequence of sustained higher prices due to tariff uncertainty could be consumers drifting toward illicit markets. Legal cannabis is already taxed heavily, and further price increases might push cost-conscious shoppers to unregulated suppliers.

Strategies cannabis businesses are using to adapt

Cannabis companies are actively diversifying their supply chains, shifting production from China to countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, or exploring domestic manufacturing. Businesses that successfully transitioned certain packaging products to domestic production are seeing shorter shipping times and improved responsiveness, despite initial higher costs. The recent tariff reduction to 30% provides some breathing room but uncertainty remains.

What consumers can do in response

As cannabis consumers, staying informed is essential. Monitor dispensary menus for price fluctuations. If vape products become pricier, consider alternative methods or products less impacted by tariffs, like flower or edibles. Dispensaries might offer promotions or bundle products to offset price hikes, so frequent buyers could benefit from loyalty programs or bulk purchases.

Long-term outlook

Though recent tariff reductions offer immediate relief, underlying uncertainty continues to challenge cannabis businesses. Over time, diversified sourcing strategies and increased domestic production will improve supply chain resilience, ultimately creating a stronger, more stable cannabis market less dependent on imports.

Adapting alongside industry shifts will help consumers maintain an enjoyable and affordable cannabis experience in an evolving market.