Black Diamond–based medical-marijuana farmers market MMJ Universe has some of the most in-demand booth spaces around. You don’t just rent a booth at this market; you get on a waiting list. Vendors offer a wide selection of cannabis flowers, concentrates, medibles, topicals, and smoking accessories.
Now the market is experimenting with a great new innovation—the MMJ Universe Express, a $10 shuttle bus that takes patients from Seattle to Black Diamond, with pick-up points at the Greenlake Park & Ride and the Seattle Central Library downtown. The inaugural ride was on Saturday, June 22, with more planned, according to owner Deidre Finley.
Deidre tells me that patients can register their interest in riding the MMJ Universe Express by e-mailing MMJUniverse@gmail.com. When enough patients sign on (the bus’s capacity is 45), another shuttle will be scheduled and those who have signed on will be notified.
Saturday’s bus left the Library just before 11 a.m.; the drive to the market was relaxing. It was nice to leave the driving to someone else and just take in the gorgeous scenery down Green Valley Road.
Once we arrived at MMJ Universe (formerly the location of a greenhouse) after a drive of less than an hour, there was plenty to keep me occupied for the roughly two-hour stay. There are so many great-looking cannabis flowers and concentrates, the only limiting factor to your shopping spree will be the weight of your wallet.
First to attract my eye was the table of market regulars Emerald Lotus, run by an engaging mother/son team, Ruth and Brett. Every flower on their table looked alluring; all had obviously been treated gently and respectfully, and all went for $10 a gram. I selected the strain WMD, a beautiful and tasty hybrid of Sour Diesel x Afghani Kush.
Make no mistake, this blend of a very sativa strain (Sour D) with a very indica one (Kush) yields spectacular results. These sticky flowers carry more of a Kush scent than a Diesel one, and are absolutely encrusted with trichomes. The abundant sugar leaves are just fuzzy with them. I found a lone seed in one WMD flower—likely the result of an isolated self-pollination, making it a sure bet to be a female plant—and put it aside for future use.
Next to catch my eye was some of the ever-popular Blue Dream on the Advanced Healing Collective table. Also $10 a gram, this sativa-dominant strain is a favorite among many patients for combining effective pain and stress relief with an upbeat, daytime-appropriate high that lends itself to creative tasks and, well, housework. Advanced Healing operates out of Puyallup (17512 66th Ave., Court E., 253-507-4652), and is open 10 a.m. to midnight daily.
Whether you decide to book a seat on the MMJ Universe Express or make the drive yourself, make sure to check out the available authentic Southern cooking. Barbecue and catfish plates are recommended.
Steve Elliott edits Toke Signals, tokesignals.com, an irreverent, independent blog of cannabis news, views, and information.
tokesignals@seattleweekly.com
MMJ UNIVERSE 26130 S.E. Green Valley Rd., Black Diamond, 253-315-2673, mmjuniverse.com, MMJUniverse@gmail.com. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.w
