* In my experience, people who own head shops are skittish. Once, my boyfriend and I stopped into one that shall remain nameless (but conveniently located near a Dairy Queen and a Fuel Pizza in Plaza Midwood) to purchase some synthetic weed. Hey, it's legal! The sales associate practically cowered behind the counter when I said the W word.
* Running into skittish clerks shouldn't stop you from checking out what locally owned smoke shops have to offer, though, whether you have a taste for tobacco or something else (wink). One brand of hand-blown glassware you definitely need to see is opinicus9 try saying that when you re-cloudy available at another Charlotte head shop that also shall remain nameless (cue the famous Bob Marley tune here). Described as a fusion of art and practicality, opinicus9 sells one-of-a-kind pieces made from American glass that often resemble intricate science experiments. The piece above, a Stemless Sprocket Dome with a special dabber encased with Gilson Opals, retails for $800. You'd better make sure whatever you re-putting in it is high-quality stuff.
* Family-owned and operated since 1969, Infinity's End head shop recently opened another location, near UNCC. Perfect for the college student looking for accessories to help fill his or her lungs with inspiration. Interestingly enough, one of the store clerks resembles James Franco's character in Pineapple Express, complete with greasy, shoulder-length hair and a dopey grin. Perhaps he is higher than Saul Silver, because on a recent visit, it took him at least five minutes to acknowledge a new customer. He stood in front of a wall display of bongs, water pipes and bubblers, which were sure he only sells to chemistry majors, you know, for homework and stuff. (Allison Campbell)
* Smelling like the good ol green is generally frowned upon in high society. When was the last time you were at a $1,000-a-plate gala and heard someone bragging about this awesome new cologne that smells like pot? Surprise, surprise, there is such a product. Cosmetics line Fresh offers a fragrance for men dubbed Cannabis Santal Eau de Parfum, and describes it as a forbidden blend of patchouli, cannabis and rose [that] captures the raw energy of a man and the desire for him.
Hey, if it's good enough for Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus (both sell Cannabis Santal on their websites for $80), then it's good enough for the Queen City.
* Have you ever paid a visit to your local salon for a quick trim, only to leave with a drastic pixie hairstyle resembling Anne Hathaway's recent chop? (Her gorgeous tresses were axed for her role in the remake of. Sad face.) Never fear, Indian hemp is here. In addition to being included in home remedies for stomach problems, a head cold or even nervousness, the crushed root of the Indian hemp plant is said to stimulate hair growth. Dear Anne: After filming is over, do a Google search for Blue Magic Indian Hemp Herbal Hair & Scalp Conditioner. It's only $2 for a 12-ounce container. Much less than those little baggies of the leafy stuff.
