Cannabis inspires fashion, art and media in the Northwest

Whether it’s clothes, glass art, photography or paraphernalia, ‘stoner culture’ has inspired all sorts of artists. In Eastern Washington, Riley Schultz and Nick Michaels started Evergreen State of Consciousness two years ago. Their products are now carried at12 locations in the Spokane area, including representation at a holiday pop-up store at the Spokane Valley Mall. The pair is giving life to up-cycled, or very gently used, clothing. Schultz said they used sacred geometry patterns from nature, represented in their Sacred Washington design, with the goal “keeping the state sacred.” Portions of all proceeds from Sacred Washington gear goes toward planting trees throughout the state. They also use the flower of life design, which the refurbished Pavilion in Riverfront Park borrowed from as well, on some of their products. It represents connectedness and is also used on cannabis industry packaging, Schultz said. Schultz and Michaels also design and make jewelry and cannabis paraphernalia with crystals sourced from local collectors and dealers. Some products, everything from crystal roach clips to bowl pokers to dab tools, are carried at Apex Cannagear on North Division in Spokane, which is next door to cannabis retailer Apex Cannabis. Unlike cannabis retailers, non-502 stores can sells branded apparel, as well as non-psychoactive CBD products and bath products. Cannagear also carries a selection of dazzling glass products, many by local artists who have spent untold hours creating these works of art. Spokane-area artists Special K, Knuckles Glass, Fillajohn, and Kerby Glass are represented, as are licensed national brands. One unique brand Cannagear carries is My Bud Vase, a line of pipes and bongs that look like elaborate flower vases or stylish decanters that you won’t need to hide if your grandmother pops in for a visit … she might even compliment your good taste! On the West Side, Seattle-based videographer, photographer and social media influencer Alex Alexander, who goes by LexScope, has turned his creativity and appreciation for cannabis into a business. Alexander works full-time at branding and works with a vast network of contractors and artists, directing commercials and music videos, and photographing people, products and plants. He also creates content marketing for individual dispensaries to bring awareness to their brands. Alexander said it helps a brand to have a familiar face of an actual cannabis consumer in its advertising, adding that his logo is quite distinct in Seattle. In October 2019, his short cannabis film, “PLZ DONT DIE,” had its world premiere at the Tacoma Film Festival at an event featuring a variety of shorts created by Pacific Northwest filmmakers. A true Renaissance man of this millennium, Alexander has modeled for companies like Zig-Zag papers, Reebok, and Pac-Sun, and is a competitive skateboarder as well.