Grassroots Cannabis: A Deep Dive Into Elite Flower and Fresh Drops | Maryland Connoisseur Studio
- Maryland Connoisseur
- Jun 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 17
When the team at Grassroots Cannabis invited me behind the scenes at their Taneytown MD facility, I knew I was in for something special. As the lead photographer for Maryland Leaf and the creative mind behind Maryland Connoisseur Studio, I've been inside more than a few grow rooms—but this one always stands out.
The vibe? Professional. The flower? Exceptional. The mission? Simple: capture the beauty and power of Grassroots’ latest strain & concentrate lineup in full macro detail.

From classic cultivars like Kush Mints to fresh flavor drops like Pomme Jelly and Moonbeam Gelato, this shoot was a terpene-packed tour through some of the state’s finest genetics. Here's a breakdown of the session, the strains, and why Grassroots continues to raise the bar for Maryland cannabis.

Who Is Grassroots Cannabis?
Grassroots started as a Midwestern cannabis company and quickly became known for its craft cultivation ethos and top-shelf genetics.
In Maryland, they’ve brought that same level of quality and consistency, carving out a reputation among both patients and connoisseurs alike.
Now part of the Curaleaf family, Grassroots maintains a commitment to hand-trimmed flower, terpene-rich profiles, and small-batch precision, even as it scales up. The Taneytown facility is where that magic happens—clean, climate-controlled, and run by people who clearly care.

Their core values? Authenticity, accessibility, and cultivation craftsmanship. You can see it in the plants—and through my lens, you’ll see why.

Strain Spotlights: What I Shot and Why You Should Try Them
1. Foreign Kush Mints
Lineage: Bubba Kush x Animal Mints Type: Hybrid Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene
Kush Mints is the strain you pull out when you want to impress your friends—and maybe knock them out a little. The structure is classic indica-leaning hybrid: dense buds, deep forest green with frost so thick it looks like it was rolled in sugar.
The effects? Heavy relaxation meets mental uplift, perfect for winding down or zoning into a movie. On camera, this one’s a superstar—every shot showed off layer upon layer of trichome architecture. At 2x magnification, it looked like a frosted alien planet.
2. Pomme Jelly
Lineage: Apple Fritter x Runtz Type: Balanced Hybrid Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Linalool, Humulene
This was one of the most visually unique flowers of the day. With a mix of lime green and lavender hues, Pomme Jelly balances fruity aromatics with smooth, sweet undertones. It smells like walking into a boutique candy store that stocks terpene treats instead of taffy.
Effects hit with a euphoric lift and full-body calm, making it ideal for daytime creativity or post-work decompression. Shooting this strain felt like shooting candy-coated sculpture—tight calyxes and bold pistils made it pop under the macro lens.
3. Titan Express
Lineage: Citradelic Sunset RV06 x Modified Muffins #10 Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid Dominant Terpenes: Pinene, Terpinolene, Myrcene
Titan Express doesn’t just sound like a rocket—it smokes like one. The aroma is pine-heavy with a zesty fuel bite, and the effects are fast, uplifting, and cerebral. If you’ve got a to-do list or a brainstorming session ahead, this is your rocket fuel.
Visually, it was a standout: glittering buds with narrow, clustered trichomes that shimmered under directional light. The structure was open enough to let the camera dive deep, showing off every glistening detail. I could’ve shot this one all day.
4. Moonbeam Gelato
Lineage: 4n Half Moon Gelato x Strawberry Banana Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid Dominant Terpenes: Linalool, Myrcene, Caryophyllene
Here’s the sleeper hit of the shoot. Moonbeam Gelato brought deep purples, midnight blues, and flashes of silver to the table—like a galaxy trapped in a nug. The aroma leaned creamy and sweet with a hint of fresh herbs.
It’s the kind of strain you want to sink into. Full-body relaxation meets a gentle, sedating euphoria, making it ideal for evenings or after tough workouts. Under the lens, the contrast between the dark leaves and sparkling trichomes made every shot feel like a cosmic close-up.
5. Dab Concentrates
Types: Full-spectrum BHO Form: Resin / Sugar / Sauce
Last but not least, I got a chance to photograph some of Grassroots’ dab concentrates, which brought a totally different texture and vibe to the shoot. From glassy shatter to juicy terp sugar, each form reflected light in its own way—sticky, glistening, and impossible to shoot without getting hungry.
These concentrates pack a powerful punch—a few grains on the banger and you’re elevated into orbit. Clean extraction, high potency, and flavor profiles that mirror the flower beautifully. This is connoisseur-grade oil with medical-grade results.
Behind the Lens: Shooting Cannabis Under Pressure
This shoot was four hours of precision, patience, and perspiration. Using the Sony a7R V paired with a Laowa 25mm 2.5–5x macro and Sony G-Master 90mm Macro, I captured trichome-level detail while lighting everything with Godox AD200 Pro flashes through portable softboxes.
We approached each product differently and photographed two ways:
Strains: Clean macro close-ups for educational and B2B usage.
Concentrates: Staged lifestyle-style product shots that highlight the character of each flower and concentrate.
I also shot two bonus video clips—slow macro pans that bring the flower to life in motion. These are perfect for social media reels, digital menu loops, or as teaser content for dispensary campaigns.
Final Thoughts: Grassroots Is Doing It Right
Some grows are loud with hype but quiet in results. Grassroots Cannabis is the opposite—a quiet storm of quality, consistency, and connoisseur-friendly strains. Every cultivar I shot was healthy, frosty, and photogenic. And beyond the visual appeal, these strains deliver real effects that serve both medical patients and seasoned rec users.

If you’re in Maryland and haven’t tried Grassroots flower or concentrates yet, you’re missing out. Look for their jars at your local dispensary—and keep your eye out for these new drops hitting menus soon.

And if you're a brand looking to elevate your visuals with macro photography, product shoots, or motion clips, hit me up. This is what I do.

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