Patients and industry professionals alike let out a collective sigh of relief as the Arizona Supreme Court officially ruled cannabis concentrates legal Tuesday, May 28. Judges ruled unanimously in a 7-0 decision that the 2010 Arizona Medical Marijuana Act clearly allows cannabis extracts.

The opinion closes a tumultuous chapter in Arizona cannabis legality that Downtown Dispensary owner Moe Asnani described as “an emotional rollercoaster.”

“The weight of the world is off my shoulders,” Asnani said. “We fought it and prevailed.”

Justices made a straight-forward call, said Alex Lane, criminal defense attorney and owner of Cave Creek Dispensary.

“We start with the statutory language,” the opinion reads. “Because AMMA specifically defines ‘marijuana,’ we apply the statutory definition and look to neither the criminal code nor common understanding.”

Much of the prosecution’s case rested on the idea that “cannabis” is defined as a narcotic in the Arizona Revised Statutes, and that voters did not realize they were voting for concentrates in the AMMA. The Supreme Court shot down that argument.

Harvest of Arizona owner and Arizona Dispensaries Association president Steve White said he feels a combination of relief and vindication.

“Patients in Arizona are going to continue to have options beyond just smoking the flower,” he said. “So we can continue to serve people who don’t want to smoke cannabis flower.”

The saga of questioning cannabis concentrates began with the 2014 conviction of Rodney Jones who was already on probation. Jones had been found guilty of legally possessing cannabis concentrates, but Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk saw it as an opportunity.

Polk, a long-time cannabis opponent prosecuted the case and Jones spent two-and-a-half years in prison without committing a crime.

On Saturday, May 25, 2019, Jellywink Boutique made its return to Tucson and celebrated with their "Grand Opening" event. 

Previously owned by Ally Booker, new-owner Erin Voss stepped in and has brought back the welcoming, inclusive vibe of this unique sex toy shop.

Those 18 and up can walk in and find educational books, attire and of course, sex toys!

Shop-owner Voss offers uplifting words and knowledge.

The store can be found on 416 E. 7th Street.

Details are sketchy, but the ink was barely dry on last week's print edition (in which we introduced you to newly hired District 1 employees Tyler Mott and Bill Beard) that we heard a rumor that Mott was no longer working for Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller.

Since Miller fancies herself a champion of transparency, we called her office to find out whether Mott, who had been serving as chief of staff, still had a job there. However, Beard would only tell us: "Any issues regarding HR have to go through HR."

That sounds like a non-confirmation confirmation to us, but we've gone ahead with the public-records request and we'll fill you in on what we find out.

In the meantime, if you see Tyler up on the 11th floor, let us know! Maybe he's just taking a long Memorial Day vacation and Miller hasn't fired yet another employee.

After witnessing the dramatic 35-day government shutdown that ended in January, now is as good a time as ever to learn more about how the federal government prioritizes  its money.

Representative Tom O'Halleran of Arizona's 1st Congressional District will be hosting a budget workshop and town hall at the Oro Valley Community Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Drive, today from 5:15 to 7 p.m.

O'Halleran, who lives in Sedona, served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006 and the Arizona Senate from 2007 to 2009 as a Republican. In 2014, he changed his party affiliation to Independent, and ran for U.S. Congress in 2016 as a Democrat and won. He currently serves as a co-chairman of the Blue Dog Coalition, which represents centrist Democrats within the U.S. House of Representatives.

Participants will be able to meet the Congressman, ask him about important issues and go through budget exercises with other civically-engaged citizens. According to a press release, O'Halleran will explain the full process and decisions that elected officials make. Then, those who attend will break off into small groups to go through a simulation to create mock budgets.

Afterwards, you'll be able to share your newfound budget knowledge with friends and family, creating a more educated and informed society! The workshop is a free event in partnership with the Concord Coalition, a nonpartisan organization that hosts "hands-on budget workshops."

An oasis in our busy city, Tucson Village Farm (TVF), "built by and for the youth of our community," offers U-Pick every Tuesday afternoon and is now on summer hours from 5 to 7 p.m.

The farm is open and welcomes the community to the garden east of Campbell Avenue to pick their own produce, support the local food network and get the freshest possible vegetables. For produce purchases, bring cash or check.

TVF also has "farm work" days every Monday and Wednesday on the west side garden from 7 a.m. to noon, when the public can get their hands dirty, help on the farm and learn about planting seeds and harvesting.

If you have never been to the Tucson Village Farm, check it out and you'll find it has a way of drawing visitors back again and again. Located at 4210 North Campbell Avenue. Details here.

On Tuesday, May 22, a handful of local Tucson artists shook up the upper deck stage of Illegal Pete’s. This eclectic group of young talent came together for a night entitled ALL VIBEZ, a music show that invited the community to come and “vibe with us”.

The performance list consisted of neo-soul singer Stevie Rose, and rappers ZCO, Ray the Dude, Benny loc, Jae, Trippboi, lil Skank and Emic. Emic is the mind behind RECORDEDVIBEZ, the collective group that hosted the show. Emic says the motive behind the show was to create a platform to present some of Tucson’s talent, in which it truly did in an intimate, college setting.

First to take the stage in the dimly lit, neon-sign surrounded upper deck was Rose, who gave the audience a selection of soulful songs and even a hint of acoustic sounds thanks to help from guest guitarist JT.

Following was ZCO, who shouted out members of the crowd by name in the midst of rapping uplifting, vulnerable lyrics. The show’s organizer, Emic, brought edgy, old school sounds with him onstage during his set.

The remainder of the night continued with rap, with acts such as Jae and Ray the Dude teaming up onstage and Yung Davon’s guest appearance during Trippboi's set. The show displayed what the Tucson music scene has to offer, energy and diversity. ALL VIBES served its purpose. Vibing was no challenge at all.

Part Western, part martial arts, part experimental hippie freak-out film, The Loft Cinema is screening the 1971 cult classic Billy Jack. Its titular character is Navajo, Green Beret and Hapkido master all at the same time – fun for everyone!

This event is a rental of The Loft by The Prime Leaf, and benefits In the Arms of Angels dog and cat rescue. A pre-show reception will feature live music from local artists Van Christian and Declan Fine.

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Partially shot in Prescott, Billy Jack was an unexpected box office hit, earning a combined $32.5 million on a $800,000 budget. But more importantly, the film captures "a unique moment in the end days of hippiedom in the Southwest" and went on to influence underground filmmaking in the U.S.

How can you dislike a movie with quotes like: “I'm gonna take this right foot, and I'm gonna whop you on that side of your face, and you want to know something? There's not a damn thing you're gonna be able to do about it."

Sunday, May 26. Reception at 1 p.m., film at 2 p.m. $10.

Find more Claytoonz here.

Downtowns Around The Globe at The Carriage House. Ever wanted to experience the cuisine of Tsuruoka, Japan? Janos Wilder’s Carriage House is hosting a cooking demonstration and dinner featuring: shiitake mushroom soup, ankake pork, shrimp donburi, ramen salad and edamame ice cream to top it off. Plus, the meal features wine to really bring the flavors out. Learn to cook just like Janos! 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 24. 125 S. Arizona Avenue. $70. Details here.

Fortnight of the Monsters at Tap & Bottle North. Tap & Bottle’s Northside location is celebrating San Diego’s Modern Times beer with four variants on tap: Vanilla, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Blackberry Cobbler and Chaos Grid. But these are no regular beers—brewed with cocoa, cinnamon, blackberries, Madagascar vanilla beans, and some even aged in brandy barrels, this selection of brews is for the adventurous palette. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 24. 7254 North Oracle Road. Details here.

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Courtesy Barrio Brewing

Monkey Burger Tap Takeover. Barrio Brewing Co. is taking over Monkey Burger, meaning you get to try some great local burgers paired with great local beers. The “takeover” includes Ciao Charlie Ciao, Hipsterville Hazy IPA and Grapefruit IPA. Beer and burgers go together as nicely as, well, Barrio Brewing and Monkey Burger. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 24. 5350 E. Broadway Blvd. Details here.

Friends of the Pima County Public Library Community Book Sale. Looking to add to the pile of books you have at home that you’re really looking forward to reading someday? Look no farther than this book sale, with not only 70 categories of books, but records, videos and audiobooks galore. The Best of Friends room is your best bet if you’re looking for something collectible, gift-quality and unusual. What are you waiting for? Book it on over to the library’s book barn. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25. Friends of the Pima County Public Library Book Barn, 2230 N. Country Club. Free. Details here.

Arizona Highways and Ted DeGrazia Opening Reception. In these parts, we’re all Ted DeGrazia fans. And we’re also all fans of Arizona Highways magazine, which has been around for a whopping 98 years! So we’d be hard-pressed to find something more locally lovable than this exhibit, featuring selections of DeGrazia’s art that have appeared in the magazine. The exhibit, along with a special June issue of the mag, highlight DeGrazia’s relationship with Arizona Highways and its former editor, Raymond Carlson. Runs through January 29, 2020. 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 24. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, 6300 N. Swan Road. Free admission during the reception. Details here.

Wine a Little, Laugh a Lot. There is a little bit of wine and a lot of laughing at this event, but it’s a little more structured than you might think. Sadhna Bokhiria, professor of education and CEO for the Kapoor Foundations, is leading this free workshop for nonprofit professionals on using laughter to build relationships. In her words, “This workshop utilizes tools to increase authenticity in the workplace through genuine kindness and compassion. It focuses on how you can use humor to lighten the stress of our day-to-day hustles.” We’ll take 12! 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 24. Community Foundation Campus, 5049 E. Broadway. Free. Details here.

Super Gay Party Machine. The only people that aren’t welcome at Tucson’s premiere LGBTQA dance party and show are people who don’t like to have a good time. So get your dancing shoes on—heck, get your dancing pants, hat and T-shirt on if you have one—and head downtown for a night full of fun. DJ Shorty is spinning beats, and Elena Sanchez, Bianca Difonsi and Häus of K are performing. Party on, LGBTQA community and allies! 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, May 24. Hotel Congress, 311 Congress St.  Details here.

5 Minute Film Fest. The Tucson Museum of Contemporary Art is screening their second annual 5 Minute Film Festival, including over two dozen locally made short films spanning the documentary, animation and experimental genres. Three cash prizes will be awarded to the top films. Come out to support (and award) local art! 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 24. 265 S. Church Ave. Details here.

Jurassic Park (Free Outdoor Screening). The Palo Verde Park Neighborhood and Loft Cinema are teaming up to make our public parks a little more thrilling. This free outdoor screening at Palo Verde Park shows the original Jurassic Park, plus plenty of local food trucks! Don’t miss your chance to see Jeff Goldblum and Samuel L. Jackson on the big screen on your local streets. 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Friday, May 24. Palo Verde Park. Free. Details here.

The Goonies. If you want to see a bit of greenery in the desert, check out The Loft Cinema’s screening of this adventure through the forests of the Pacific Northwest. This totally awesome ’80s movie is getting a new digital restoration, and you’re invited. See every hair on Corey Feldman’s head, every bone in the pirate’s lair, every menacing booby trap. 10 to 11:55 p.m. Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27. Plus 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. screenings on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27. 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. $8. Details here.

Saturday:

Farmers’ Market at Steam Pump Ranch. Now operating on their summer hours, the Saturday farmers market at Steam Pump Ranch includes over 30 vendors every week. Whether you’re looking to get some local baked goods or stock up on high quality farm-to-table produce, this is a great way to start your weekend. Support local markets and eat healthy at the same time! 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 25. 10901 N. Oracle Road. Free admission.  Details here.

Summer Safari Saturday Nights. The zoo is a great way to spend a Saturday. But it’s an even better way to spend a Saturday evening, when it’s less hot than during the day. Our local one is kicking off their summer series with this “Meet Your Zoo Night,” where you can meet zoo keepers and educators, learn more about their jobs, and hear about what animals and features are on their way. Highlighted animals include the flamingo, rhino, lion, crowned crane, grizzly bear and Aldabra tortoise. Plus live music, games, and food and drink specials. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. $10.50 adults, $8.50 seniors, $6.50 kids ages 2 to 14 and free for zoo members. Details here.

Black Renaissance Concert. Can you believe we’re already at the last weekend in May? That means we’ve reached the final installment of Hotel McCoy’s Black Renaissance event, created by local musician seanloui to spotlight black creativity and educate the community about black artists’ influence on mainstream culture. And they’re going out with a bang—or at least with some sounds, in a night full of live music by Street Blues Family, Black Caesar and seanloui. This is your last chance to check out this event! 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road. Free. Details here.

Masters of War. On December 1, 1969, John Vornholt was sitting in a roomful of men watching television to see if they’d be drawn for the Vietnam War draft. He wasn’t 19 yet, so he was safe, but the show and the night were so dramatic that he started writing a play about it that very night. He’s been working on it every 10 years or so since, so it’s got pieces of him at 18, 30, 40 and 50. Come see this show, which captures the emotions felt by the young men in America that night from a perspective both contemporary and reflective. It’s part of Live Theatre Workshop’s Etcetera Late-Night series! 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 26. Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd. $10. Details here.

Memorial Day Weekend at the International Wildlife Museum. This museum is always a treat. But this weekend, museum admission really is their treat: Free for active, retired and veteran military with ID. Spend your day—or your weekend—checking out the more than 400 species of insects, mammals and birds from all over the world on display in the museum. And don’t miss the temporary “Conservation Piece by Piece” exhibit, which, at 33,600 pieces and 19 ft by 6.5 feet, is one of the world’s largest puzzles! 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 27. Last admission given 45 minutes prior to closing time. International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road. Admission for non-military is $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 kids 4 to 12 and free for kids 3 and under. Details here.

Tucson Sugar Skulls vs. Arizona Rattlers. In a game against, say, the Iowa Barnstormers, or the San Diego Strike Force, the Tucson Sugar Skulls have not only their skills on their side, but the hometown advantage. This week, they’re facing off against the Arizona Rattlers, from Phoenix, who are just as acclimated to the desert’s charms as our home team is. But hey! The Sugar Skulls broke a four-game losing streak earlier this month, and you’d better believe they’re going to fight to keep that momentum going. See you at the Tucson Arena! 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Ave. $17.  Details here.

Rally Point: A Veterans Reunion. 1912 Brewing Company is owned by veterans, so they’re honored to be hosting this reunion of men and women who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. They’re expecting vets from all across the United States to be at this day full of live music, food trucks and special beer releases. Fill up on goods from Green Feet Brewing, Caps and Corks, Hamilton Distillers, Cider Corps and Daniela’s Cooking Food Truck, and let it fuel you through the intensity of a cornhole tournament. All veterans and active military get 10 percent off their entire purchases. Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 25. 1912 Brewing Company, 2045 N. Forbes Blvd. Free. Details here.
Cool Summer Nights. Astronomy is taking center stage at this week’s Desert Museum event. (We guess you could say the stars are the stars.) The National Optical Astronomy Observatory Kitt Peak is leading educational solar system activities for families, docents will be around to answer questions about everything from desert wildlife to desert skies and there will be high-powered telescopes set up throughout the grounds. UA Astronomer Kevin Hainline will be leading a talk called “I Thought I Knew That: 20 (Very!) Common Astronomy Fallacies,” that will leave you feeling like your whole life before this talk was one big lie (but will also give you lots of fun facts to share at parties). Saturday, May 25. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road. $21.95 GA, $19.95 seniors 65+, $8.95 for kids 3 to 12, free for kids under 3, $17.95 for active or retired military, $16.95 for Arizona/Sonora residents. Details here.


Academy of Ballet–Snow White. The Academy of Ballet, Tap and Jazz has been here in town for nearly 40 years, and is one of Arizona’s leading classical dance training schools. This year’s annual recital is the ballet Snow White, along with a tap dance and jazz showcase. Every student at the school is invited to perform in the event in one way or another, so you get a chance to support both expert pointe ballerinas and the cutest, clumsiest little 3-year-olds. Grand jeté your way on over! 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. $17. Details here.

Multiculturalism in effect: Their rich sound is a mezcla of rockabilly, cumbia, jazz and Gypsy sung, in both English y Español. Their odyssey began when a 20-year-old, trumpet-wielding firebrand of an English singer moved to Spain to form a band with a rockabilly double bassist and the “best flamenco/punk guitarist” that the two of them knew. Clear away any buffelgrass when Jenny & The Mexicats blaze a trail towards the Rialto Theatre. With slamming Oakland quartet Bang Data. “It’s enough to drive a motherfucker loco.”

Armed with replica chromed LED helmets and retro costumes, One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk promises to take the uninitiated and well-seasoned time travelers alike on a sojourn through Daft Punk’s Discovery (2001) album. At 191 Toole.

UG Desert Artists presents Live! From the Underground a showcase of Arizona hip hoppers. At Solar Culture.

Blacklidge Community Collective is the site of an all-ages punk/metal event. Featuring the Nintendo grind of Cybearg, BYOM, Muddle of Pud and The FIST.

The B-Sides play “the songs you forgot that you loved,” while Breaking Glass fill in the low end blissfully. At Irene’s Holy Donuts.

Out on the Mutation Tour, Midnight Tyrannosaurus’s heavy dubstep beats create “Brain Sludge” at Gentle Ben’s. DJs Ramrod, Sirenz and Cursor trade off behind the decks.

Natty & The Sunset set smiles straight. At Crooked Tooth Brewing.

The Unday and Shooda Shook It fill the existential void with melody and groove. At the Surly Wench Pub.

Experimental jazz with Dark Maps happens off-the-cuff at Westbound.

Nitecall: Women of Wave sees DJ Mijito and RedaDax spinning darkwave/post-punk/new wave/synth/coldwave in honor of the women who undulated. At R Bar.

As part of the Friday Night Live Free Concert Series, virtuoso violinist Beth Daunis, nylon string master Mark Wilsey and steel string psychobilly slinger Phil Lipman may provide “the link between the Old Pueblo and galaxies far, far away.” Reno del Mar fill the evening air with something other. At Main Gate Square.

From Long Beach, the Laurie Morvan Band add their unique shade of color to Blues Fridays on the plaza at Hotel Congress.


Canadian psychedelic rockers Black Mountain’s latest, Destroyer (Dine Alone Records, 2019), named after the single-run 1985 Dodge muscle car of the same name, captures all of the wide-eyed freedom that comes along with scoring one’s first driver’s license, feeling invincible, and being fully in the driver’s seat. At 191 Toole. Birds & Arrows and La Cerca propel the evening forward.
Shout out to all the juggalos. Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope bring back the “Dark Carnival.” Hide your offspring. Insane Clown Posse storm the Fury Tour into the Rialto Theatre.

Juking? DJs Ruff Idyll, C10, LOMMOL, JunMei, Fluites, Wittheums and B3B kick off a night with freak dancing in mind. Phasing: A Night For Dancing in the Dark. At Owls Club. Body condoms optional.

Performing original compositions and adaptations rooted in various pan-African styles: African Folk, Afro-pop, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. The Key Ingredients of African Soul mesmerize and make bodies involuntarily sway at Monterey Court.

The heavy stoner rock of Manguera along with Kryge, Copper Magma and Jaeki will have Irene’s Holy Donuts rockin’ into the dawn.

Backed by some of Tucson’s finest, Emilie Marchand sings jazz standards, ’60s soul and vintage country. In the courtyard at Mercado San Agustin.

The Arizona Symphonic Winds serenades in the night air. At Udall Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

They topped the charts during the decade best known for Ally McBeal, Dolly the first cloned mammal, My So-Called Life and the public debut of the World Wide Web, The ’90s House Party, featuring Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Tone Loc and Coolio, keeps “The Last Great Decade” alive. At the AVA Amphitheater.

A metalcore/deathcore extravaganza unfolds at The Rock. On the bill: Decayer, With Crows, Serpents Tongue and Endings.

Roman Catholics are not the only denomination razzed about tipping the chalice If you like your folk music straight with no chaser, nationally acclaimed folk singer-songwriter Don Armstrong & the Whiskeypaliens perform on the plaza at Hotel Congress.

From Chicago, EDM artists Autograf believe in leaving a mark on the world. At Gentle Ben’s. Lephan, Corbin, Lance Fairchild and Mental spin.

Texas post-hardore/noise rockers Exhalants trample the cross underfoot at Ward6.

Miss Olivia and the Interlopers perform in the tasting room at Sand-Reckoner.

Singer-songwriter Leila Lopez performs at Exo Roast Co. John Keeney plays an opening set.

Celebrating 22 years of swing mania, Hipster Daddy-O and the Handgrenades detonate on the stage at Club Congress. The recently crowned winners of Battle for KFMADay, The Endless Pursuit, instigate the assault.

Soul Night: Hip hop, blues and soul are on the menu at Sky Bar. Shekinah, Chakara Blu and Just Najima will shine brightly.

Black Renaissance features performances by Seanloui, Street Blues Family and Black Caesar. At Hotel McCoy.


One Big Rock Show, a benefit for 99.1 FM Downtown Radio, features performances by Sugar Stains, Miss Olivia and the Interlopers, Texas Trash and the Trainwrecks, Dos Hombres, Little House of Funk, Quarter Royale, and Irish punks Katie’s Randy Cat. At Saint Charles Tavern. Making an ever increasing number of public appearances, DJ Satan hosts.

“A wall is a wall.” These gritty Rhode Island punk rockers have received props in Rolling Stone and Spin. Downtown Boys bringing their caustic political commentary and dynamic musical edge to the Club Congress stage. Feverfew, mudpuppy and Shitknife lend a (perhaps slightly contaminated) hand.

From Washington, Long Sought Rest, Mud of Pud, Sauced Up and Sally Roundhouse perform punk, doom and poetry at Blacklidge Community Collective.

Vocal chamber ensemble Camerata Sonora perform traditional/sacred music from Scotland, England and America. At Sea of Glass-Center for The Arts.

In what is becoming an annual tradition, Loveland play in honor of Memorial Day. On the patio at Che’s Lounge.

The Tucson Pops Orchestra performs Music Under the Stars. At Demeester Outdoor Performance Center.

And, closing the Spring Concert Series, “The Sandman” Howe Gelb refracts the light under the stars. At Hotel Congress. Birds & Arrows and David Huckfelt share the stage.