“This treat tastes like an island vacation.”

Before the event, I looked through my shelf of weed products until Papa’s Select Gummies caught my eye. Made in small batches by the lovely folks over at Papa & Barkley, this exclusive line of gummies felt like an appropriate way to make my night special. Even the sleek black packaging felt luxe, chic, and just a tad spooky—perfect for an evening filled with Halloween fun.

Infused with Gargoyle Melon Berry live ice water hash (courtesy of Tar Hill Cannabis), I was hoping to enjoy a calming, even-keeled high that would last throughout the movie. Typically, this strain is known for producing a mellow body high alongside a calming mental euphoria, making it ideal for chilling in front of the silver screen.

I had high hopes for this sweet treat, so I excitedly lifted one out of the jar before I called my ride. The sugar coating glimmered in the light like it was dotted with tiny stars, luring me in. The sweet smell of candied guava drifted up to my nostrils as I tossed the pink-colored gummy in my mouth.

This treat tastes like an island vacation at first before it quickly fades into a deeply funky flavor. Unlike many edibles on the market, Papa’s Select Gummies really embrace the natural terpene profile of the hash rather than cover it up with sugar and strong flavorings. Gargoyle Melon Berry usually has a naturally topical yet earthy flavor, making it the perfect match for the fruity yet floral guava fruit. I really appreciate that this delicately sweet gummy embraces the plant and lets nature do its thing.

Finishing with a velvety texture and mouthfeel, Papa’s Select clearly knows how to expertly craft a batch of gummies. Each piece of candy has just the right amount of bite to it that melts away in a moment, leaving you ready for another. I had to resist the temptation to grab one more before my night on the town.

With the countdown to my high underway, I made the roughly 30-minute trek to the outdoor movie theater. Once I got there, I was greeted by an array of spooky sights. A giant projector played scenes from scary movies that danced over a big blank wall, striped canvas chairs lined the faux grass creating a Jack Skellington-inspired look, the pleasant aroma of weed and popcorn mingled in the air, and a fog of weed smoke eerily floated over the crowd. I felt right at home.

I noticed different booths and vendors along the outskirts of the venue, so I decided to do a lap before claiming a striped chair on the lawn. As I circled the grounds, I felt a calm confidence begin to well up inside me. I socialized with strangers, got some freebies from the vendors, and shared a few laughs with familiar faces in the crowd. I felt light, giggly, and ever-so-mellow. I wasn’t overthinking anything I said or did, just simply embracing the present moment with open arms.

“My muscles thanked me as they completely melted off of my bones.”

As my mind relaxed, my muscles began to unwind as well. My steps felt heavy as I made my way to the concession stand to grab a bag of sea salt popcorn. Even though my mood was bright and happy, my body was ready to find a chair and make myself comfortable.

I settled into one of the cozy canvas chairs just before the movie was about to begin. My muscles thanked me as they completely melted off of my bones, and I was left feeling stoned yet euphoric. When Beetlejuice’s opening credits began to play on the projector, a hushed excitement fell over the crowd. With a smile on my face, I ripped open my bag of popcorn and readied myself for a fun ride.

It had been a long time since I had seen this cult classic film, so it almost felt new. All of the jokes still hit and the iconic scene where the entire dinner party dances around the table made my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard. In between exciting moments on the screen, I calmly watched the smoke clouds rise into the night sky as groups continued to spark up joint after joint.

When the movie came to a close, the venue erupted with applause and laughter. Just as the night was winding down, so was my high. The euphoric relaxation gradually transformed into a carefree calm that was perfect for bedtime. Listening to my body, I grabbed my purse and a car home.

As I sat in the backseat with a zen-like attitude, watching the outlines of palm trees in the distance, I couldn’t help but feel like it was something straight out of a movie. And I had Papa’s Select Gummy to thank for giving me exactly what I needed to find my own fairytale ending.