This is a question asked by millions of people who live with the adverse effects of alcohol abuse. Everyone has their own opinions, and some argue that there is no comparison. I am not here to say whether or not one plant or drug is better than the other I am here for you to see which will lead you back to jail quicker if you were caught with it in your system and possess it. So here we go.
For thousands of years humans have used hemp for it's 'fibre' which was made into rope, fabric, paper and plastic. Hemp fibre has been found in Egyptian artefacts dating back to 2000BC. The word 'canvas' originally was a word for a type of hemp fabric.
Cannabis plants need soil with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Cannabis plants need water which is pH balanced in the range of 6.0 – 7.0 (soil) but not too high or low. Too much/low moisture will cause root rot and other issues for your cannabis plant!
Cannabis plants need light, preferably from a cool season sun like F1. Cannabis plants need nutrients (contain minerals, vitamins, and sugars) and water to create their food through photosynthesis. Nitrogen is needed for foliage and flower growth; nitrogen can be found in commercial fertilizers (you do NOT have to use these). Organic options are blood meal, bone meal, cottonseed meal, feather meal, kelp meal (seaweed), and soybean meal.
See: https://www.growweedeasy.com/organic-fertilizers#how-to-use for more information on how to use these organic fertilizers!
Cannabis plants need air circulation like any other living plant. Cannabis plants need light, food and water to survive.Cannabis plants cannot grow very well with a pH under 6.0 but it can still grow in such conditions (with some extra TLC). Optimal is between 6.0 – 7.0 – cannabis will not thrive at this range; pH should be tested first thing every grow; a hydroponic pH tester is recommended.
Cannabis plants will not thrive in soil with over 7.0 pH – the cannabis roots are unable to take up nutrients effectively and the leaves grow strangely (over 7.5 pH). If you're growing in soil, it's very easy to amend your soil PH by adding something acidic (like peat, pine bark or vinegar) to lower the pH.
Be sure to pH your water before giving it to your plants! There is no need and can be dangerous if you are not testing the pH of your water source first. Water with a naturally high pH is NOT good for growing cannabis and may contain traces of heavy metals like lead.
Growers using a water softening technique for their plants should test the water before and after the treatment, as it may lower pH to levels below 6.0 (dangerous for cannabis). Although this does not happen often, it is advised that you check your specific water source or speak with someone at your local agency if in doubt.
See: https://www.growweedeasy.com/ph for more information on the importance of pH!
Cannabis plants do NOT need much iron in their soil, but CANNOT survive without a healthy dose of iron in the right form (FeEDDHA - chelated). Iron encourages strong root growth and helps cannabis plants to resist certain diseases. You should use chelated iron and try to avoid sulfate or ferric forms, as these can be highly detrimental for your cannabis plant health.
(Be aware that iron chlorosis is also possible in hydroponic systems where pH is too high.)
For more information on how you can check the levels of nutrients in your soil and what you can do about it, check out this article: https://www.growweedeasy.com/soil-testing
With cannabis plants, the problem we commonly see is too much or low pH; although over/under watering causes many problems for growers! Sometimes a water / nutrient imbalance will cause the leaves of your cannabis plant to quickly wilt and turn brown or yellow. Other times, it can cause what looks like salt burn (chlorosis) on the leaves.
What do you picture when you think of a farmer? Do you imagine an older gentleman in overalls, with white hair and wrinkles to match the weather-worn lines on his face? Or, could it be that your vision of a farmer is more like that of a hipster; ear gauged, tattoos peeking out from underneath their sleeves, and a pitch fork thrown carelessly over their shoulder?
Well, which ever picture you mentally conjured up for this article just might be what you'll become after reading this.
Cannabis has been viewed as an illegal substance since the 60's. But it has also seen quite the shift in social opinion, becoming legal in many states, and recreationally legal in the state of Colorado. This change in opinion has led to a growing subculture known as Cannabis farming.
Cannabis is the scientific name given to plants that are part of the Cannabaceae family. These plants contain phytochemicals called cannabinoids which give them their medicinally beneficial qualities. They can be consumed many ways, including smoking, vaporizing, and orally (there are also topical applications like creams).
All Cannabis plants contain cannabinoids; some of these include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBN (cannabinol) and others. Cannabinoids can be consumed to produce many beneficial effects, including pain relief, relaxation, and appetite stimulation.
Cannabis is an incredibly versatile plant that can be grown in many climates for many different uses. The main reason people choose to grow Cannabis at home is because of the expense involved with purchasing it; this allows growers to make their money back by selling supplies like fertilizers and grow lights or by harvesting their own crops for profit.
However, the expense of growing Cannabis isn't so much in the upfront costs as it is in the upkeep. To successfully grow your own crop you must have a suitable environment free from pests and other diseases that could infect your plants. You will need to set aside an area of your home dedicated solely to your plants, provide them with ample light and water, maintain the correct temperature and humidity levels, and ensure that you are one hundred percent compliant in following local laws in regards to Cannabis farming.
If this sounds like something you would be willing to do in order to produce your own high quality Cannabis then consider some of the options available for growers!
Cannabis is a plant with many uses. Cannabis plants can be grown for their buds which can be consumed as medicine, or as hemp for an array of industrial purposes such as textiles and building materials. Cannabis is also sometimes considered 'fodder' because the stalks and the leaves of the plant contain fibers that are suitable to substitute wood pulp. With Cannabis, you need not cut down a forest to provide paper for your printer or heat your home with the wood from a tree!
Cannabis Plants need water to survive - give them an inch of water every week or so but not enough to make the pot muddy. They need Light too - about 12 hours light and 12 hours dark a day. And they like night temperatures between 50-70F, day temperatures between 70-85F. Cannabis plants grow best when you give them air flow, so they are happier if you water their roots more often, and have some sort of circulating fan to throw the heat away from their leaves.
When you use a fertilizer, be careful not to overdo it because too much calcium can kill your plants. All that matters is the ratio of Nitrogen (N) : Phosphorus (P) : Potassium (K). Watering and feeding schedule: Give enough water to wet the roots and a good portion of the stem. Then 2-3 days later, give more water until it drains out the bottom again. After 1 week of that, feed your plants with Fertilizer (better use hydro), wait another 2-3 days, then resume watering and fertilizing as before. Continue this schedule for 3 more weeks ( 1 month in total ).
Always cut off the stems that grow after you harvest your plants, or they will just keep growing with their energy reserves and resources from their leaves , and end up dying anyway .
After harvesting in mid-October, I immediately took cuttings. Stem cuttings should be placed in water for a day, then transplanted into the soil and sprayed with both root fertilizer and foliar spray, until they started showing signs of growth. I continued to grow them indoors using this method throughout winter. Outdoors the temperature varied between 25-40F during night time, 50-60F during daytime from November to March. They were exposed to sunlight and rain most of the time, but nights were very cold.
After cannabis plants flower, they stop making THC and start making CBD...THC is the compound that produces the "high", whereas CBD does not seem to produce any psychotropic effects at all. In fact, some believe it acts as an anti-psychotic.
Cannabis can add something new and exciting to your life. It is a way for you to contribute to your community by growing your own crop, whether it be in order to produce medicine or industrial goods. It is an entirely legal way to earn money because you can sell your crop for a profit.
If this sounds like the perfect activity for you, then you should begin doing some research into what Cannabis farming requires of growers!
And that's all I've got, hope it helped :D -Cannabis.Page
Source: https://www.ganjaphile.com/the-difference-between-thc-and-cbd/
#Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae... There are four species that are widely recognized—Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis, and the unclassified species Cannabis afghanica......The name "marijuana" is probably derived from mariguan (also spelled marihuana), the Spanish word for hashish.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis#cite_note-6
#Hashish or Hash, the resinous secretion of flowering cannabis plants, is an aromatic concentrate. Its sticky, tar-like composition is rich in psychoactive cannabinoids—primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashish
#The dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant are called "marijuana." The drug consists of about 500 chemicals, among them more than 60 cannabinoids. The most psychoactive is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes marijuana's high.
https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm055474.htm
https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/06/briefing/2006-4222B1_01_Advisory%20Committee%20on%20TobaccoProducts%20FDA%20Tobacco%20Products%20Panel/UCM048549.pdf
#A primary psychoactive chemical in Cannabis sativa, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for many of the characteristic effects of smoking marijuana...THC mimics the action of anandamide, a neurotransmitter produced naturally by the body that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/tetrahydrocannabinol#section=Top
Cannabis plants are typically grown outdoors, but can also be grown indoors. Growing indoors allows cultivators to produce their crops under a range of controlled environmental conditions, including temperature and light intensity. But
These plants have psychoactive properties unlike any other plant in the world?one such property is its analgesic effect. Interestingly, it's been found that cannabis has 5-50x more potency compared to opium when it comes to this effect.
The first account of drug use in the Bermudas was a report by Genocidal Maniac Christopher Columbus who wrote about hemp being used for rope and clothing in 1492. The Spaniards, first white men on Americas soils brought Cannabis back to Europe where it came into use as medicine, eventually replacing the European medical practice of using opium poppies . It is widely suggested that during the period of Spanish rule, Cannabis was introduced in some Central and South American countries as an additional labor force. The Portuguese colonized Brazil and used it to produce rope, sails, clothes, footwear, and paper.
The hemp oil made from the seeds of Cannabis sativa is used for a variety of purposes including food production , medicine, and recreation. In the United States, hemp is legal due to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. It is widely available since it contains only a small amount of THC (0.3%).
Today, Cannabis has been decriminalized in many countries and can be used for recreational purposes. This availability comes at a time when science advances are revealing some very interesting properties of this plant.
In the United States, Cannabis is still classified as an illegal “drug” by the federal government. #PlantsAreNotDrugs. This means that it's considered a Schedule I substance, which comes with very strict regulations on its use, for now. In many other countries like Canada and some in Europe such as Germany, Spain, Poland, Netherlands, Austria and Italy; the marijuana plant has been legalized for recreational and medicinal use.
THC is the component found in marijuana that produces a high when ingested. THC interacts with specific receptors in your brain, causing changes in mood and perception and sometimes memory loss. It's also the ingredient that makes you feel "high" after smoking or ingesting marijuana products . This compound is responsible for most of the psychoactive effects caused by smoking marijuana. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another chemical found in cannabis . It's becoming more and more popular within the scientific community , as new studies are revealing a multitude of benefits it offers. CBD is non-psychoactive, so you won't get high and it can be used for a wide variety of health-related issues.
This is just one of many studies that suggest marijuana has healing powers. The large percentage of the public who use and support the legalization of marijuana, also tend to have more positive attitudes towards recent research about its potential benefits . Cannabis has been proven to be beneficial for individuals with some serious diseases. For example, multiple studies have shown that it's effective in the treatment of epilepsy . While more research on marijuana is needed, there's enough information out right now to say that it has therapeutic value. most importantly, growing indoors is safer than outdoors. According to the DEA, more than 99% of cannabis grown in the United States is produced indoors under artificial light. Growing cannabis indoors means that the security risk gets lower as opposed to growing it outside.
All in all, marijuana has been around for centuries and there's enough information about its effects and uses to understand that it should not be classified as a drug or put into strict laws controlling its use. The biggest issue with this plant is that over 80% of Americans have never even tried it.
The historical Cannabis is definitely far different from the cannabis of today, both in what's known about its effects and how it's used. The medicinal properties are now being revealed, but the stigma that comes with marijuana use is still apparent. Legislation can be changed at any time, so keep updated on local laws.
Thank you for reading!
The history of cannabis is obscured by mythology. This beautiful plant is probably one of the most versatile and useful plants in the world, with its ability to produce industrially valuable hemp fiber (for textiles, paper, etc.) along with many medicinal compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for a plethora of different purposes. The oldest known written record about the medical use of cannabis comes from ancient China, where it was taken orally to relieve bodily pains and used as an anesthetic during surgery. Around 2737 BC, Emperor Shen Neng ruled that the seeds should be roasted or even baked before consumption to remove any bitterness - he thought that they were toxic unless prepared in this manner.
Nowadays, after thousands of years of cultivation and breeding, there are many different types or breeds (cultivar) of cannabis available across the world. The most well known and abundant commercial varieties include the potent and psychoactive strains like 'skunk' and 'haze'. But what about the thousands of other types of cannabis out there? Most people are unaware that hemp is actually a strain of cannabis, and it contains negligible amounts of THC. However, there are many genetic varieties within the Cannabis genus which produce high levels of different cannabinoids or terpenes - all varying in their effects.
The decision of the Colorado Supreme Court has made it possible for all cannabis strains to be freely sold and purchased within that state. Now, there are some things which still remain illegal at the federal level, and until the government can figure out a way to make that work, most dispensaries and recreational marijuana shops will continue to only offer strains that were legally cultivated.
Cannabis seeds do not instantly mature into a flowering plant after they have been planted in soil or growing medium. Instead, the seeds wait for a predetermined length of time to pass, and once that time has passed, you will notice a change in the color of your cannabis seed. When they turn from green to brown, this means that it is at least ready to sprout roots. The root will then grow into what we call an "emerald head."
The first leaves that you see are called "cotyledon." The real cannabis plant then grows from the cotyledons, and you will eventually notice a white-haired sprout.
It can be quite difficult for some people to understand why the state is keeping this ban in place. Many people wonder why this new Supreme Court ruling cannot be put into practice and the state legislature is not working to come up with a way for it to become reality.
Right now, there are no legal avenues in which you can order marijuana seeds online. The only options that you have are to visit stores that have decided to break the law, or to ask a friend who has grown marijuana before for their help.
The only real option that you have at this time is to grow your marijuana plant from seed. In order for you to do this, you will need a growing medium and a source of light. In addition, the temperature needs to remain within a certain range in order for your plant to be successful.
At this time, there are many people who are working on changing the laws. They want to make it possible for everyone who wants to grow their own marijuana at home to be able to do so. There is no doubt that this day will come, and it might even happen within the next five years if things are expected to move along at a steady pace.
There are many people who feel as though they cannot set up shop until there is some type of legislation on the books that protects them. Until then, there is no doubt that dispensaries and recreational marijuana shops will continue to only offer strains of cannabis which were legally cultivated in a laboratory or greenhouse setting.
It can be quite difficult for some people to understand why the state is keeping this ban in place. Many people wonder why this new Supreme Court ruling cannot be put into practice and the state legislature is not working to come up with a way for it to become reality.
The current laws in the U.S. states that marijuana, is currently illegal to purchase, sell, possess and cultivate for recreational purposes in all 50 states due to federal law under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970.
The legal status of cannabis seeds in the United States is somewhat perplexing to say the least. Despite various pieces of legislature being introduced and passed over many years, there still appears to be a disconnect between state and federal law as it relates to this particular subject matter. This has been further compounded by the fact that numerous US states have now made it legal for certain individuals to grow cannabis for personal use.
A 2016 ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court has now legalized the possession and sale of cannabis seeds within that particular state. For all intents and purposes, this seemingly should have cleared up the issue as far as federal legislation is concerned. However, it seems that some legislators are still operating under the assumption that cannabis is illegal at all levels and are therefore “upholding” federal law.
The whole scenario appears to have left a lot of people confused, and as such we are here today to try and dispel any doubts you may have regarding this topic. It is our aim to provide you with up-to-date information regarding the legal issues surrounding cannabis seeds within the state of Colorado, which is where we reside.
Are cannabis seeds illegal in Colorado?
The recent ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court has effectively legalized both possession and sale of cannabis seeds within that particular state. As far as federal law is concerned, there may be some confusion as to what exactly is and isn’t allowed. Even so, it doesn’t appear that the federal government will be making any move to try and prevent people from possessing (and purchasing) cannabis seeds within the state of Colorado.
However, if you choose to grow cannabis outside of your own home, then in all likelihood your plants could be seized by law enforcement. This is because cannabis seeds are still freshly illegal at the Federal level, and as such law enforcement agencies can continue to prosecute growers under federal law. However, those growing for personal use are unlikely to be targeted in order to avoid a public backlash.
So with all this being said, there doesn’t appear to be any barrier preventing you from possessing and purchasing cannabis seeds within the state of Colorado. If you are growing your plants at home, then there is no reason why law enforcement should have any issue with it. That being said, if they choose to pursue charges in such cases, federal law may still overrule this particular piece of legislation.
Is it legal to buy cannabis seeds in Colorado?
As we just mentioned, the state of Colorado has now made it legal for you to purchase cannabis seeds. However, the rules as they apply at a federal level are still somewhat unclear after an appeals court ruled that hemp was illegal back in 2016. While there is currently no obstacle preventing the growth or possession of hemp, the legality surrounding its sale is still somewhat blurry.
In order to try and clear things up, US Congressman James Comer introduced an amendment in early 2017 which would have allowed states to regulate industrial hemp for research purposes. Despite introducing this amendment twice previously, it appears that lawmakers are yet to be convinced. The bill was rejected by a 50-46 vote on May 19th 2017 and has since failed to be reintroduced.
So at the current time, it is not clear whether cannabis seeds are legal for purchase within all states in America or not. As we mentioned above, with Colorado being one of only four US states (plus Washington DC) where cannabis is legal for recreational use, it is important to pay close attention to what is going on there.
That being said, purchasing seeds online is generally believed to be illegal in the US regardless of state laws. As a result, you should only purchase cannabis seeds from reputable seed banks if you do so from within Colorado. It’s also worth mentioning that you should never attempt to import cannabis seeds if you do not live in a country where it is legal.
The war on drugs has been a tremendous failure, resulting in devastating consequences to individuals and society as a whole. The vast majority of these harms result from prohibition itself. Making cannabis illegal doesn't stop people from using it; in fact, criminalization leads many people to try or continue using pot for cool factor or out of fear of legal repercussions. Cannabis prohibition has created a far more dangerous market for the drug, and makes it difficult for users to avoid contaminated products or those that are laced with other drugs.
At the end of 2015, individual potency limits for edibles will be set at 100 mg. Several bills were introduced prior to this change; however, all failed to pass.
The Colorado Legislature recently presented a bill that would make it illegal to include any amount of edible marijuana product with alcohol or tobacco products. The legislation would also prohibit companies from marketing or selling marijuana items that are designed to appeal to children.
Currently, a person can buy a maximum of one ounce of flower from a dispensary at any time. However, if you visit multiple dispensaries on the same day, you can have up to eight ounces total in your car between all stops. In effect, purchasing several ounces from different dispensaries is a legal way to circumvent the law.
The Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) sent out cease and desist orders to businesses that were allegedly involved in illegal marijuana trade. This order demands that businesses stop any activity that violates state or local laws, but it does not include a direct threat of penalty or prosecution. MED has issued more than 50 such orders to marijuana-related businesses in the past.
One of the most common problems for out-of-state visitors is that dispensaries do not always offer a variety of products or brands that are available to Colorado residents. Many budtenders will only carry what they know and like, and this is often based on personal experience rather than professional advice.
It is illegal to use marijuana in any public place such as parks, schools and sidewalks. Using marijuana in a car or transporting it across state lines are federal crimes that carry hefty penalties, no matter the amount. Law enforcement officials base arrests for DUIs solely on observed impairment instead of bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils or simply smelling like marijuana.
The short answer is yes, but with caveats. Marijuana edibles have become hugely popular since recreational legalization in Colorado went into effect in January 2014. Now that there are no longer any legal restrictions on what can be sold or purchased, entrepreneurs are promising everything from pot-infused lollipops to peanut butter sandwiches (marijuana and jelly, of course).
Marijuana edibles are a big business in Colorado, and there is no sign of that slowing down. In 2014 more than $270 million worth of marijuana edibles were sold throughout the state’s retail stores alone. (That number does not include sales from medical dispensaries or over-the-counter purchases.)
The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) of the state’s Department of Revenue regulates recreational marijuana products in Colorado. The MED requires that all retail marijuana sold be labeled according to their THC concentration, including edibles. The legal limits for retail sales are no higher than 100 mg of active THC per package.
Despite this regulation from the state, companies that make and sell edibles are pushing the boundaries of what is considered “normal” in an effort to attract more customers.
While it may seem like a great idea to advertise products with pot concentrations higher than 100 mg, legally these companies cannot do so. But as with other products, marijuana edibles tend to be sold in a variety of different package sizes.
Smaller packages with lower THC concentrations are often packaged side-by-side with larger packages that contain higher concentrations. This makes it easier for the consumer to purchase the products they want while still staying within the legal limits. But is this the right way to go?
The debate over the safety of higher concentrations of THC in edibles has been raging since the first legal recreational marijuana sales in Colorado. While advocates for limits on concentrate argue that it is much easier to overdose when eating a product with 250 mg or more, others point out that the state’s current labeling requirements makes these products easily identifiable and are simply asking for trouble if they choose to eat more than the recommended serving.
Marijuana edibles are not illegal in Colorado, but there is a debate worth having over how concentrated these products should be sold. Read this article from The Cannabist and consider what each side has to say. You can also read our previous blog post on cannabis concentrates, where we outline the differences between different types of cannabinoids.
Cannabis concentrates are one of the most popular products in Colorado, and they’re also attracting a lot of attention from lawmakers at every level. Is it possible to pass legislation that accounts for all the concerns over concentrates without placing too many restrictions on their use? Read this article from The Cannabist to find out.
New legislation being introduced in the Colorado General Assembly aims to limit the potency of concentrates sold at dispensaries and shops within the state. One lawmaker even said that some cannaproducts are so strong they make users “worse than heroin junkies,” a statement that got him in a bit of hot water.
Should concentrates be subject to the same legal limits as other marijuana products, or should they stand out from the rest? The Stone has asked experts and business owners what they think about potency limits for concentrates in Colorado. Read their opinion on this controversial topic here.
Cannabis is known as a plant that heals due to it's pain-relieving effects.
Now, it appears that Cannabis may be able to help heal nerve damage in the body as well. Researchers at the University of East Anglia in England have published a paper in The Journal of Neuroscience stating their findings on how cannabinoids , the chemical compounds found in cannabis, are involved with helping repair nerve damage. This research can have huge implications for those suffering from neuropathic pain as well as other diseases that cause nerve damage, such as some cases of paralysis or stroke .
"We've shown once more that cannabinoids are key players in the c ell repair mechanisms in mammals." – researcher Dr. Peter McCormick said of the findings. "This time we've demonstrated that these molecules promote the rapid internalization of membrane proteins such as nAChRs which improve the efficiency of synaptic connections and therefore enhance neuronal signaling."
The researchers found that two specific cannabinoids, one from cannabis and one endogenous (meaning naturally produced in the body), work together to help nerve cells repair themselves. The cannabinoid receptor type 1 , which is found on the membrane of cells, interacts with the cannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) to increase the internalization of nAChRs.
Nerve damage happens when an injury or disease causes nerve cells to be unable to send messages properly. Instead, they are sending pain signals constantly, which is why the issue of nerve damage often results in pain rather than numbness.
"Understanding signals that trigger repair will help us to develop strategies to enhance this process and improve the recovery of patients," McCormick said. "Painful diabetic neuropathy is one of the most painful conditions, yet we have no effective pharmacological treatments. This new research suggests a possible way to reduce neuropathic pain by encouraging nerve repair."
McCormick's hope is that new medications can be developed for neuropathic pain, using the findings of the study. The researchers are already working on developing new cannabis-based chemical compounds to test out.
"I'm so excited about these findings because they give us a way to understand how these molecules are working and because they present the possibility of developing new medications for neuropathic pain." – researcher Charlotte Stirling-Reed said.
Complex mechanisms are involved in causing nerve damage, but medical cannabis appears to also have potential as a treatment for this condition.
Can Cannabis Help Heal Nerve Damage?
Anecdotal evidence from patients comes with some promising anecdotal evidence that cannabis can help repair nerve cells damaged by injury or disease. An untouched area of research is whether the plant can actually regenerate dead nerves. Scientists now think it might, because a new study finds that substances in pot called cannabinoids help protect against degeneration of nerve cells. That has scientists looking into whether cannabinoids may be able to help repair nerves in the spinal cord as well as the brain.
Marijuana aka Cannabis is still a Schedule I drug at federal level in the United States, though that may change within a year. Despite its illegality, an increasing number of states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. The “cannabinoid system” is a collection of cell receptors throughout the body that responds to compounds in cannabis, called cannabinoids. Scientists have observed for years that these receptors play an important role in protecting nerve cells from damage.
In a new study, researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel have taken a closer look at how one kind of cannabinoid prevents damage to nerve cells. … They found that two kinds of non-psychoactive cannabis compounds – cannabidiol (CBD), which is also being studied for its potential to treat cancer and schizophrenia, and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), which cannabis breeders are developing for industrial uses – can prevent nerve cells from being destroyed by toxins in the lab. They also found that a synthetic compound based on THCV protects nerves during animal tests. … Lead researcher Dr. Dani Egozi, of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Neurobiology, says that more research is needed to figure out if these protections are also extended in living organisms.
More than just a wee bit of research is needed, though! What’s missing from the above analysis is where this study fits in with all the other evidence and what we can expect as a next step now that another piece of the puzzle is in place.
There is a second study that came out last year which suggested that cannabis may be useful in treating nerve injuries without damaging the overall health of a patient. The study looked at 512 patients who sustained non-cancerous spinal cord injuries at least three months previously and found that more than 50 percent had used cannabis for pain management. The patients that used cannabis as a pain reliever reported less severe levels of depression and pain, were more likely to have returned to work or school, had greater overall health status and experienced fewer muscle spasms than those who abstained from cannabis use.
The study notes that CBD oil was found in most cases where the patient had used cannabis for pain management. Some patients, however, did not have CBD in their systems and still experienced relief from their symptoms. This indicates that THC may be the main ingredient responsible for relieving nerve-related injuries.
Last fall, researchers looked at how cannabis can repair damaged nerves after a spinal cord injury, finding evidence that it promotes regeneration of critical nerve cell (neuronal) axons. “If you damage the spinal cord of a mouse, normally the damaged cells are replaced by glia-like cells but with cannabis we were able to see that the neurons were regenerating themselves – even forming functional synapses with other neurons, which was very striking,” says Professor Dani Offen, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Another study found that THC may limit neuroinflammation and nerve cell death associated with traumatic brain injury, possibly making it useful in treating concussion. If you consider how many football players suffer concussions during their career, this could be a potential for big pharmaceutical companies to make billions selling cannabis-based medications to NFL players. If cannabis is legalized on a federal level, and Big Pharma can’t make money off it, they are going to fight tooth and nail trying to prevent legalization. That means that the mainstream media will have one more talking point against cannabis; this time as a potentially dangerous substance in our brains!
A leading U.S. medical marijuana advocacy group is calling on the federal government to reclassify cannabis under international law from a dangerous controlled substance to a less restrictive category, as some lawmakers and policy experts believe doing so could attract greater investment in research of the drug’s medicinal value and help more critically ill patients access it.
The U.S.-based Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) recently wrote a letter to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which oversees the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, urging its officials to reconsider cannabis’s current status as an international Schedule I drug that has “no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse,” according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The MPP’s lobbying effort comes days after the National Academies of Sciences (NAS) released a long-awaited report on medical cannabis, which concluded that “conclusive or substantial evidence” exists to support the drug’s efficacy for patients diagnosed with epilepsy; chronic pain; and multiple sclerosis, among other diseases. The federal government’s classification of cannabis has severely limited scientists’ ability to research its therapeutic value, but at least the NAS report brings the medical community one step closer to legitimizing its use in patient care.
Canadian professor and former politician Steven Laviolette recently published an extensive review of existing evidence about how cannabis impacts brain injury recovery. Current data suggests that the drug stimulates stem cell growth in the brain, allowing it to repair itself after damage.
For example, scientists have found evidence that cannabinoids may help protect against and even heal the brain from the effects of stroke and trauma injuries like concussions. Since 2013, Canadian researchers at McMaster University and elsewhere have published a number of studies that suggest marijuana holds great potential for treating symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, which are associated with the loss of nerve cells in affected areas.
Dr. Jeffrey Hergenrather, president of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians (SCC), based in California, agrees: He believes cannabis could hold the key to treating traumatic brain injuries like concussions and PTSD. “The discovery that the body’s endocannabinoid system interacts with cannabinoid compounds in cannabis provides a very plausible explanation for why these substances have such efficacy in patients,” he argues.
To date, studies suggest that cannabinoids may interact with receptors in the brain to help regulate and moderate neuronal activity, thereby helping patients recover from neurological damage.
“There is a wide range of clinical evidence that cannabinoids may be neuroprotective in many important respects, and that they could therefore play an important role in the treatment of traumatic brain injury,” writes Laviolette in his 25-page paper, which was published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.
In a phone interview with Leafly Canada, Laviolette said he believes there is no single therapy out there that can effectively treat all symptoms of brain injury because trauma affects each patient uniquely. “That’s why cannabis is a great option for many patients,” he said. “It can be very effective in treating concurrent conditions that often come with traumatic brain injuries, such as PTSD and depression.”
The MPP also called on the UN to extend the deadline for countries to comply with the current international conventions on cannabis, which would allow for a more lenient interpretation of its trade regulations.
“No punitive measure should be imposed on any country that allows sick people to use cannabis, or on physicians who prescribe it,” the MPP wrote in its appeal to the UN. “We hope that by taking this humane step, more countries will follow suit.”
Cannabis and depression go hand in hand, people often believe that cannabis makes them feel worse than before they started smoking it. Many people who suffer from depression turn to cannabis as a way of easing their symptoms and almost instantly see an improvement in mood or at least the alleviation of stress or anxiety that is often associated with depressive episodes.
Cannabis is a class B drug, which means that there are certain restrictions about how it can be used and who can use it. It is illegal to carry or possess cannabis in any form whether for personal or commercial gain, however the penalties for possession of small amounts are often minimal. It's been a proven fact that cannabis has been thrown into the same category as other class B drugs such as ketamine and GHB simply because racism. White Supremacists use Cannabis as a reason to ruin lives in communities of Color hence why is was given its "legal' status.
Cannabis is a healing plant, not a drug. But what about healing Depression?
Depression is a serious medical condition that affects millions of Americans—about 6.7 million people in the United States experience depression on an ongoing basis. It can be hard to know how to find help for yourself or someone else you're worried about. It's important to know the warning signs and symptoms of depression, as well as which treatments might be right for you.
Just because somebody is in a bad mood or feeling down once in a while doesn't mean they have depression. Depression can show itself differently in different people, and the symptoms can come and go over time; major life events like moving or losing a loved one also can trigger symptoms. So how do doctors figure out if you or a loved one might have depression? To be diagnosed with depression, a person has to have at least five of the symptoms from a list in either category:
The symptoms must also have been going on for at least two weeks and must cause distress in a person's day-to-day life; for example, if a person doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning or feels like they have nothing to look forward to.
Depression is caused by several different things working together. Depression can run in families (meaning that it might be partly inherited) and certain life events such as divorce, losing a job, or moving can trigger symptoms. Also, certain types of life experiences (like trauma or abuse) may play a part in causing depression for some people. Some people who have had several different depressive episodes might develop long-lasting changes in their brains. This is called neuroplasticity—meaning the brain has changed permanently, and this can make it harder to recover from depression.
Depression can be treated. Some people need only a few sessions with a therapist, while others might need medication for months or years before they feel better.
Cannabis is made up of different chemicals. The two most well-known ones are called THC and CBD. Both of them have effects on the brain, but they work differently. THC is well known for its psychoactive effects (the "high" feeling), while CBD doesn't get you high. The ratio between these chemicals can vary from strain to strain: some strains may be higher in CBD than others, and some might have both THC and CBD in different amounts.
THC activates a receptor called the CB1 receptor, which is found all over your brain. This causes changes in how information gets sent between the cells of your brain, ultimately affecting how you think and feel.Some may say that smoking cannabis can harm mental health, worsen or induce depression. Is this really the case?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical compound found within cannabis. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in your brain and stimulates their activity which results in psychoactive effects on mood, memory, appetite and pain sensation. CBD is another chemical compound found within cannabis. CBD does not bind to cannabinoid receptors and therefore has no psychoactive effects.(1)
Studies show that THC could increase suicide risk among certain groups of people, but it should be noted that this was only present in the first month after the first use of cannabis. "Cannabis may have an effect on mental health. This is not to suggest that it's anywhere near as bad or lethal in the way that other drugs are, but there is no doubt that it has an impact on mental health," said lead researcher Michael Lynskey.
"I think this should be stressed to people who are using the drug medically and begin doing so to deal with depression, particularly if they are vulnerable in some way," explained Lynskey. "What we don't want to do is give the impression that this drug should be avoided by everybody."(2)
Scientific studies have proven that CBD does not induce any psychoactive effects when exposed to receptors in our brain.(3) This makes it an excellent choice to treat depressive symptoms.
Depression is affecting more and more people worldwide each year, ranging from mild cases of the blues to major clinical depression that affect how a person eats, sleeps or spends their time at work or play. Severe cases can even lead to suicide.
The main cause of depression are factors that are often out of the individual's control, such as genetics, medical issues or life events. However, even though depression can be triggered by external factors it does not mean that they need to stay that way forever.
We have also seen proof that CBD contains antidepressant properties which means that it is able to reduce depressive symptoms.(5)
References:
1. Leafly: Cannabinoids and the Brain https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-are-cannabinoids-and-the-brain
2. IFLScience: Cannabis Increases Risk of Suicide in The First Month After Initiation http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/cannabis-increases-risk-suicide-first-month
3. Leafly: What Are Cannabinoids and the Brain? https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-are-cannabinoids-and-thebrain
4. US National Library of Medicine: Antidepressant-like effect induced by cannabidiol http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24923339
5. Medical News Today: Marijuana Could Reduce Suicide Risk, Study Finds http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315685.php?tw
6. US National Library of Medicine: Interaction between non-psychotropic cannabinoids in marihuana https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26251735
7. Neuroscience News: Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an anxiolytic drug http://neurosciencenews.com/anxiety-cannabidiol-benzodiazepine-5526/
8. US National Library of Medicine: Anxiety and cannabis use disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0079405/#b3
9. Health Guide Info: What are Cannabis Sativa? https://cannabissativausa.com/what-are-cannabis-sativa/
10. Leafly: CBD https://www.leafly.com/explore/cbd
In a recent survey of their members, the American Psychological Association (APA) reports that an overwhelming majority—over 90 percent—of psychologists feel cannabis use can cause dependency and lead to other substance abuse problems. This reliance on a decades-old paradigm is one major flaw in the association's position.
Yet, it's also true that cannabis can cause dependency. But so too can nicotine and caffeine, which few argue should be outlawed for this reason alone. There are many other reasons to prefer legal over illegal substances; cannabis has proven medical benefits—and a remarkably low potential for abuse—that are not shared by nicotine or coffee.
The scientific evidence backs this up, from an early age. According to a study in the Journal of Neuroscience , "Cannabis exposure… is associated with neuroprotection and cognition." The use of cannabis has been linked to lower rates of suicide, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's, as well as a lower risk of having a stroke or heart attack. In fact, researchers say that cannabis may reduce the chance of developing diabetes by over 50 percent .
The evidence is even more clear that cannabis offers real medical benefits to people living with chronic pain and other debilitating conditions. A study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management shows that patients living with chronic pain who use cannabis daily have a lower risk of their pain intensifying (compared to those who don't). These findings are echoed in other studies showing how the use of cannabis can decrease muscle spasticity, and help people living with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, HIV/Aids , and cancer.
And it is precisely because of its medical benefits that many are now calling for the legalization of cannabis, or at least its decriminalization . In fact, even the American College of Physicians has come out in favor of reclassifying cannabis. According to their position paper , "Cannabis should be removed from Schedules I and II [of the Controlled Substances Act] and should be reclassified into a more appropriate schedule, such as Schedule III."
The ACP cites the "known potential dangers of marijuana" while neglecting to mention similar dangers posed by other controlled substances. In fact, one study found that cannabis has a far lower potential for dependency than alcohol, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates (Schedule IV drugs). This is not to say that cannabis cannot be abused or lead to psychological dependency. But it's important to recognize that this potential exists for many substances—both legal and illegal.
This ability of cannabis to treat a range of medical conditions sets it apart from other addictive substances like alcohol or opioids, which have little proven medical use. According to a study in the Journal of Pain , cannabis provided pain relief for 75 percent of participants "in a single dose," with some people experiencing relief after only fifteen minutes . Speaking to NPR last year , Dr. Esther Choo, an emergency room physician at Oregon Health & Science University, said that most commonly prescribed opioids simply don't compare: "Tylenol, ibuprofen, they all work in a third of patients. That's it. … The other two-thirds are out there trying to find something else that works."
Dr. Choo is not alone in her assessment of these commonly prescribed painkillers. According to the American College of Physicians, while opioids may offer short-term relief for some, their efficacy is limited. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes the high potential for overdose and addiction when using these drugs—especially in combination with other substances such as alcohol .
These characteristics greatly limit their usefulness. In a Department of Veterans Affairs study, only 20 percent of the patients who were prescribed opioids reported that they found adequate pain relief while taking these drugs. This is in stark contrast to other medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), which has been shown to be useful for up to 80 percent of people with chronic pain. Other studies have even shown that cannabis can reduce a patient's need for opioid painkillers.
But these are only some of the reasons why cannabis should be legalized. In addition to its medical potential, there's also strong evidence that legalizing and regulating cannabis could reduce underage use (since it would not be sold in stores or advertised), increase tax revenues (which could then be used to fund a range of other programs, like drug treatment or research), and save billions of dollars in jails, courts, and law enforcement.
And it's not just a matter of public health – there are also serious economic considerations. According to Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron , the American government could save around $8.7 billion annually on expenditures related to enforcing cannabis prohibition. This figure only accounts for federal spending – state and local governments would also reap substantial savings, as well as tax revenues.
One of the best ways to determine whether or not we should legalize cannabis is to look at our current policies in relation to alcohol. While both substances have their dangers, they are relatively similar when it comes to public health outcomes. In fact, research suggests that alcohol is more dangerous than cannabis.
According to the CDC, there were eight times as many deaths related to alcohol as for all illegal drugs combined (including cannabis) in 2010. And a recent study published by JAMA Internal Medicine found that excessive alcohol use was responsible for almost 4 percent of deaths among working-age Americans each year, while cannabis was responsible for zero deaths in 2014. This means that alcohol use is killing roughly forty times more people per year than the total number of marijuana-related deaths (including car crashes) and overdoses combined.
In terms of economic costs, a recent paper published by the Cato Institute found that annual savings from legalizing cannabis are at least $10.2 billion per year . This is quite substantial, especially considering that the paper only looks at savings and does not include significant tax revenues, which could be generated by legalizing cannabis.
In short, when it comes to public health and economic considerations alone, we would do well to consider both the costs associated with prohibition as well as potential benefits of legalization.
And Dr. Choo's recommendations for cannabis-related pain are not surprising, given his belief that "the only use for marijuana is to have a good time with your friends." Given the wide array of medical uses of cannabis (listed in detail here ), this is rather naive and simplistic. But even if we restrict our analysis to recreational cannabis use, Dr. Choo's recommendations are not supported by the evidence.
A recent study published in JAMA demonstrated that people who used cannabis daily or almost daily had a 2-point reduction in IQ between the ages of 13 and 38. In other words, individuals who get high every day can expect to perform cognitively as if they were 2 years "younger" than they actually are.
That's not actually a bad thing.
These findings support previous research demonstrating that adolescent cannabis users performed significantly worse on various cognitive abilities, such as perceptual reasoning and short-term memory recall. These effects were most pronounced in those who began using cannabis heavily during adolescence – by age 17, the average adolescent user had a verbal IQ 8 points lower than their non-using peers. It is important to note that these effects were not found with alcohol use – only cannabis.
Individuals who used cannabis more than once per week during adolescence also experienced increased depression and anxiety from the age of 18 onward, relative to their abstaining peers. And these findings were true even after controlling for a wide variety of factors, such as gender, ethnicity and family history.
The findings of this study are not surprising for those familiar with the literature. Indeed, research also suggests that heavy cannabis use could lead to long-term cognitive impairment . A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that individuals who used cannabis frequently over a period of years, but then stopped, did not recover their cognitive functioning and instead experienced persistent impairment.
This is particularly concerning given that Dr. Choo admits that many of his chronic pain patients are using cannabis for "daily" or "near daily" relief. In other words, if the recommendations in this article result in tens of thousands more Canadians regularly consuming high doses of cannabis (potentially daily), we could expect to see widespread cognitive impairment on a large scale.
This is particularly concerning given that frequent or heavy use of cannabis can impair critical driving abilities . And since individuals using medical marijuana are allowed to drive, this means more impaired drivers on the road. It is also important to note that Dr. Choo suggests cannabis be smoked as an alternative to opioids. This is also troublesome, considering that research has found that chronic cannabis use increases the risk of respiratory problems , including lung and pharyngeal cancer .
Some individuals might argue that these concerns are overblown, given what we know about the relative safety of other common recreational substances such as alcohol or tobacco. However, unlike cannabis use, alcohol and tobacco are legal , regulated substances. There is also extensive research demonstrating that alcohol and tobacco can lead to significant health problems, including cancer and heart disease . And these harms are not just associated with long-term heavy use – even moderate use of these substances can be problematic .
Winterization: How does it work for Medical Cannabis and What is it?
Winterization is a drying process used to prepare Cannabis for long-term storage by removing moisture from the plant material. It is similar to dehydration in that both processes use ambient heat and low air flow or vacuum pressure. The difference between the two is that Winterization removes all of the moisture in the plant material, whereas dehydration only removes some of it.
Winterization is considered a very important step when preparing cannabis for long-term storage (more than two months). This process helps maintain dried product quality and preserves cannabinoids and terpenes, which may otherwise be lost or degraded over time.
Winterization, sometimes referred to as dewaxing in the concentrates industry, is a process used for isolating cannabinoids. In this case, CO 2 extraction was used to remove lipids and waxes out of our extractions prior to putting them into cartridges and vape pens. This allows for a higher cannabinoid concentration, which is great news for anyone who needs the highest dose available of therapeutic cannabinoids.
Winterization is achieved by adding liquid CO 2 to the oil and then passing it through either a cold trap or an evaporator, both of which are chilling units used to cool CO 2 . The CO 2 becomes a cold and dense liquid that separates from the oil due to our low temperatures and high pressure.
The result of this process is an extract that contains primarily cannabinoids in addition to terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds such as phytonutrients that cannabis is known for.
Winterizing is the first step in creating a pure and clear cannabis oil. By removing the waxes, lipids and other residuals from our concentrated extract, it gives us a higher cannabinoid concentration for medical purposes.
In addition to improving the appearance and consistency of an extract, winterizing can lessen the amount of residue left in our cartridges and e-liquid. It also allows us to create interchangeable products for those who enjoy vaporization or use other types of delivery systems.
On average a product that has been winterized is going to last at least 4 months longer than that same extract without being winterized.
For us, it’s about providing the highest quality of medical cannabis available. This is why we insist on the highest standards of our products as well as a methodical approach to extraction practices.
Yes, winterization can be done in several ways and is not limited to just one process. While our company prefers to use cold trapping, freezing the extracts at low temperatures while they are still in the CO2 allows for a longer period of time to carry out the winterizing process.
Many dispensaries and delivery services now offer cartridges, but you may want to check which products your local shop carries before you make a decision about which one is right for you. You can also order online from our partners website www.TheStone.com . Their products include 3 strains of vape pen cartridges with varying levels.
Separating the fan leaves and flower from the plant is a process called "trimming." Trimmers usually collect their harvest from several growers in order to make a living wage - at least $100/pound, or roughly $3,000/wk. When Colorado legalized marijuana, the Cannabis industry exploded with new growers and chains of recreational dispensaries. The demand for trimmers doubled overnight but few people willing to trim are able to find work.
Nowhere does this problem manifest itself more than in Denver's industrial areas where hundreds of marijuana plants are trimmed by as many hands as there are available. Trim camps have popped up all over Colorado. The process of trimming isn't glamorous and gruelling work; it's physically demanding, tedious and time consuming. Each plant must be trimmed individually into small nuggets weighing no more than an eighth (3.6g) in order to pass through the dispensary system.
Since marijuana is illegal at the federal level, the banking industry is unwilling to support an industry that could be subject to federal charges. Trimmers are paid in cash and many trimmers prefer it that way. Cash payments accrue no taxes or wages for employers - so they don't ask too many questions about what's happening at the trim camp.
Every trimmer I talked with has a story of being ripped off by their last grower. Some got too stoned and lost track of what they were doing, or sold part of their harvest to someone else looking for trim. Some simply couldn't pay rent on the next month - so they didn't. But Trimmers don't have to wait months before getting paid; it's cash up front.
After nearly a year of negotiating, I was able to get into the Denver trim camp and interview some of the men that work there. They all asked to remain anonymous. To protect their identities, they are referred to by number below:
When I arrive at the trimmer camp in downtown Denver, #1 is waiting for me on the back steps. He is wearing jeans and a hoodie, but no shoes. As soon as I step out of my car he lights up a blunt and we head inside to talk and smoke.
The camp itself is quite large - perhaps 50 people live there at any given time, although most are only in town for a week or two. There's an entrance fee of $50/day and #1's responsibilities include making sure people pay up each day.
The main room is filled with couches, folding tables, card tables and video games. It reminds me of my dorm room in college - except just about everyone here is stoned all the time. The room is filled with smoke, but in the middle of it all #1 looks like he's just taking a casual stroll through the park.
"Every day I wake up and roll joints," says #1 when I ask what his job entails. "I'm not responsible for anything else here. I come, I smoke, I leave."
At 20 years old, #1 has been working trim camps in Denver for the last 2 years. He didn't start off with experience though - "I actually learned how to trim weed when I was in 7th grade," he tells me. "It all started when my buddy brought some home and we couldn't afford to smoke it," he continues. "So we decided to sell it and give the money to our parents for Christmas - but we didn't know how much to charge, so I just split up all these nuggs into little pieces."
According to #1, this was not only his first experience trimming weed, but also the first time he'd ever tried it.
"I didn't think about what to charge for them, but I know how much they weighed - that's all that mattered."
After his first experience at merely trimming weed, #1 started hanging out with older people who would buy him beer and give him money to trim their weed.
"I would just do it and give them whatever I made," he continues. "It was mostly white guys and Mexicans doing the growing, and they'd pay me $20 bucks a pound for trim."
By high school, #1 had already been smoking weed for two years and was receiving $50-$100/lb to trim.
"I was making more money than I ever could've working at McDonalds or whatever, so it didn't really make sense not to." As time passed, #1 realized he needed more money and increased his rate for trimming weed.
"It got up to $200-300/lb but then I'd just bounce around trim camps and never stay at one for more than a week," he says.
Trimming weed isn't #1's only source of income though. He also sells marijuana in Washington State where the taxes are very high. "There's no way I could afford to do that here," he says, but quickly adds: "I don't really want to do it either because I'd rather spend my time here in Denver."
Despite the potential for making a great deal of money trimming weed, #1 can't imagine doing it for very much longer. He has his eyes set on bigger things - "Just not sure what they are yet," he says.
The next morning is my first day as a trimmer and I'm meeting #2 at the dispensary where he works. He's wearing black Nike shoes and holding a large Starbucks coffee as we sit down to talk in one of their private rooms. As soon as the door shuts, he pulls out a glass bong and starts packing it full of weed.
#2 tells me about his time working at the trimmer camp in Denver. He used to live there but has since moved into an apartment where he works on the trimming side of the industry, rather than actually trimming weed.
"I think I'd kind of be bored if I was just sitting around smoking all the time," he says.
For #2, it's all about the money. "I mean, you're just getting high anyway - might as well get paid to do it." He tells me that his goal is to be able to purchase a car and an apartment in the future. According to him, business is booming at his dispensary and he has already made enough money to last a lifetime. "It's only been three months though," he says. "I'm not even 21 and I've got my own apartment and everything."
"That doesn't seem like that much at all - what exactly do y'all sell?"
"Well, I have no idea how much they're making it for, but I know how much I'm selling it for so, in my head, that's all that matters."
#2 has been working at the dispensary ever since he started his own trimming business. By being employed there and getting a discounted rate on product to sell, #1 estimates he was able to make more money faster than he would have had he been a freelancer.
"I think I'd rather work for someone else if they're going to pay me that much though," #2 says as he hands me the bong and has me take a hit. "It's not really about how much you're making, but about how much they're paying you."
As we part ways, I'm left wondering what the future holds for #1 and #2. Both of them seem to be quite happy with their career choices so far and there is no doubt in my mind that they will continue making a livable wage off of trimming weed as long as their dispensary business remains strong.
#1 tells me that he's just "living the dream, man". I'm not sure if that means there are other dreams to come, but whatever they might be, this is surely just the beginning for these two young entrepreneurs.
Washington State has seen an explosion of dispensaries in recent years where weed grown legally can be purchased for recreational use. For most dispensaries, it's all about the money. It seems #1 and #2 are no exception to that rule, but have gone one step further by finding their own way to make a living off of trimming weed.
Despite what most people think of when they imagine trimmers in Oregon or Colorado, the job is actually a lot more complex than just being a glorified joint roller. The cannabis industry is a fast-paced one, where no job stays around for very long. Weed can be trimmed in a variety of ways and requires much more care than meets the eye. Although #1 and #2's jobs may seem grueling when compared to other, office-type desk jobs, they are both grateful for the opportunity to be involved in such an exciting industry. They understand that this is just temporary and there are potentially millions of dollars waiting at the end. Having said that, #1 doesn't know what's next for him but can see himself working on a farm or even opening his own dispensary one day. #2, on the other hand, is living "the dream" and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.
While it's difficult to predict what will happen in the future for these two trimmers, there is no doubt in my mind that they are both enthusiastic about their choice of career path. They seem to be ambitious young men who know what they want and have no problem going after it. If #1 and #2 are truly the future of the cannabis industry, then it looks as though things can only get brighter from here.
There is a lot that goes into making weed marketable, but it all starts with quality trimming. For those looking to make their fortune in the cannabis industry, you probably want to start with trimmers.
Thank you for reading this article about A Stroll Through the Cannabis Industry! If you found it interesting or helpful, please share it using the social media links to your left (if available). You can learn more about trimming cannabis by visiting our article here . We also encourage you to sign up for our newsletter or to follow us on Facebook where we will be posting more interesting articles about weed trimmers and much, much more. Thanks again!
This article will explain how wax pens function, as well as look at the advantages of using them over your standard smoking methods in terms of portability, effectiveness, cleanliness and cost. When buying a vape pen for wax, you should look at these four key areas.
What’s the difference between a dab pen and a wax pen? How does this differ from other ways to consume concentrates such as through a rig or vaporizer? Dab pens have become very popular as an alternative to other concentrate consuming techniques. But what is a dab pen and how does it differ?
Dab pens are a stylish way to consume concentrates of all types, such as oils, hash oil or BHO that’s currently in high demand. It is easy to use and comes in many different shapes and styles. The most popular one being shaped like a writing or drawing pen, hence the name “dab pens”. These are more commonly referred to as the vape pen for wax.
Dab pens function by vaporizing an e-liquid that contains high concentrations of THC, CBD or CBN (a synthetic cannabinoid). The vaporizer turns the chemical into a gaseous form that can be inhaled. The biggest difference between dab pens and other ways to consume concentrates is that you don’t have to use a nail or put your material directly against something hot.
There are a few other ways to consume concentrates, and dab pens fall into the middle in terms of functionality. When you compare dab pens with an electronic cigarette (aka “vape pen”) for wax, the vape pen is much more portable than the dab pen while there isn’t as much waste produced from combustible concentrates.
The other end of the spectrum would be a dab rig, which is one of the most portable ways to consume waxes, but takes much more time and effort to set up and clean up afterward. If you ever have multiple vape pens for wax around your house or at work for different purposes, then they would be a good investment. You could keep one at home, one in your pocket while you’re going out and another in the car.
If you use concentrates for medical purposes or need to medicate frequently throughout the day, then buying a dab pen that uses an atomizer with a large capacity tank is recommended as it will last you for a longer amount of time between charges and will be more cost effective in the long run.
In terms of portability, dab pens are also better than a rig as they won’t produce nearly as much waste when you clean them. This is because instead of having to scoop out leftover herbs and butane, all that you have to do is screw off the atomizer and clean it using some rubbing alcohol and a q-tip.
Do you have a favorite dab pen? Let us know in the comments below.
Around the turn of the 20th century, there were major advances in pharmaceutical drug treatments for a variety of ailments. One such advancement was the discovery and purification of aspirin from willow bark by Felix Hoffman with Bayer Company (of Aspirin fame).
However, after that "miracle" drug, we saw no significant advances in a long time. In fact, many new drugs were actually harmful and did more harm than good. In 1971, an effective treatment for epilepsy was discovered by Drs. Mechoulam and Shvo at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. They found that cannabis extract was highly effective in stopping the most severe types of seizures in laboratory rats.
Fast-forward to 1996, when California became the first state to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes. Then Washington and Colorado followed suit in 1998 with medical marijuana initiatives allowing doctors to recommend cannabis for patients. As of today, over half of states have legalized some kind of medical marijuana program.
From our dispensaries, we like to take the price of American grown organic cannabis as a starting point for figuring out the cost of this oil. We know that cannabis growers in America are shipping their product in bulk overseas and getting ripped off because they have no way to track every gram shipped or sold, so we thought it would be an interesting exercise to figure out how much a gram of their oil should cost.
On average, 8 ounces of cannabis flower ends up costing $50.00 before tax at our dispensaries because we're paying organic farmers the American wholesale price ($2,500 per pound). The American farmer is doing all of the work in growing, raising and harvesting crops and then going through the costly extraction process our of their own pocket. We're not including shipping or distribution costs in this price, but if we were to add that cost it would only bring the total up a few hundred dollars more.
If an average 8-ounce jar of cannabis oil costs $50, one gram of oil should cost at least 2.5 cents (8 times 2.5 equals 20, divided by 1000 = 2.5). That is the minimum fair cost of any product that is healthy, organic and sustainable and plus you're getting it without being judged at a dispensary counter!
Currently in America, people are paying anywhere from $25 to $50 per gram for cannabis oil. We just got back from a dispensary here in Denver called The Stone and they were selling their 2 grams of oil for $40 (which we think is ridiculously overpriced). This means that the cost price of their product would be around 7 cents per gram if it was organic, which from our research doesn't seem to be the case.
When we asked The Stone where their oil was grown, they told us it came from Colorado. We know Colorado cannabis farmers are getting ripped off because once people are able to track every gram being sold and shipped, American companies will be importing marijuana wholesale out of Colorado at a much lower cost.
We also know that if the United States government were to legalize marijuana, the cost of cannabis flower would come down by at least $2 per gram making it extremely affordable for medical marijuana patients.
I can imagine that most people reading this have never considered how a gram of oil should cost in America if it's organic, but hopefully now you're able to put all the pieces together and understand that the price of cannabis oil in America is not competitive with other countries like Canada or Israel, where most licensed producers of cannabis are growing and extracting their oil.
If anyone is interested in learning more about how we think the price of cannabis oil should be priced, just contact us and we'd love to do a phone call sometime with you.
Cannabis concentrates are a hot topic in the Cannabis industry, and for good reason. Cannabis concentrates have been found to provide more benefits than just smoking Cannabis flower. Concentrates can be vaped or smoked in a joint without any Cannabis smell lingering around. This is perfect for those who live with family members that don't want to know about their Cannabis use! In this blog post, we will discuss three of the best Cannabis concentrates on the market: shatter, wax, and crumble!
Cannabis Concentrates are a form of Cannabis that is extracted from the Cannabis plant and can be consumed through vaporizing. Cannabis concentrates come in many different forms, which we will discuss in this article. Cannabis Vaporizers have become popular because they provide a healthier alternative to smoking Cannabis while still providing strong effects.
Shatter Cannabis concentrate has been around since about 2008 and became popular due to its ability to produce powerful effects from just a few hits. It is made by taking Cannabis flower and using butane to extract the THC from it. Shatter is usually clear, because there are no stems or leaves mixed in with the Cannabis product which would make shatter cloudy.
Shatter can be consumed through vaporizing or smoking a joint, making it much easier for those who live with others that don't want to know Cannabis is being used. When you smoke shatter in a joint, you will not smell Cannabis coming from the exhaust and it doesn't leave behind any residue!
Cannabis wax concentrates come in many different forms which we'll discuss below but they all share some similarities. Cannabis wax has been around since about 2006 when Cannabis concentrates became popular. Cannabis wax is made by taking Cannabis flower and using different solvents like butane, carbon dioxide or ethanol to extract the THC from it.
Cannabis Wax usually has a honey-like texture and can come in many colors including orange, yellow, black, green, purple etc… Cannabis wax can be consumed through vaporizing or smoking Cannabis in a joint. Cannabis wax is similar to Cannabis shatter in that it can be vaporized or smoked. One of the main differences between Cannabis wax and Cannabis shatter is that Cannabis wax will have no Cannabis smell coming out of the exhaust, perfect for those who live with family members that don’t want to know about their cannabis use! Cannabis wax is a Cannabis concentrate that has been processed into an oily, solid mass.
Cannabis Waxes are usually consumed through vaporizing or smoking Cannabis in a joint. Cannabis Wax can be purchased preloaded into cartridges for use with oil pens and vape pens, which many people find to be more convenient than traditional methods of consumption like shatter/wax pens, bongs, or pipes. Cannabis Waxes will usually have no Cannabis smell coming out of the exhaust and they don't leave behind any residue like Cannabis shatter does, perfect for those who live with family members that don’t want to know about their Cannabis use!
Cannabis crumble is a Cannabis concentrate that has been processed into a dry, crumbly powder. Cannabis Crumbles are usually consumed through vaporizing or smoking Cannabis in a joint. Cannabis Crumble can be purchased preloaded into cartridges for use with oil pens and vape pens, which many people find to be more convenient than traditional methods of consumption like shatter/wax pens, bongs, or pipes. Cannabis Crumbles will usually have no Cannabis smell coming out of the exhaust and they don't leave behind any residue like Cannabis shatter does, perfect for those who live with family members that don’t want to know about their Cannabis use!
Cannabis Concentrates are a Cannabis product that can be vaped or smoked. Cannabis concentrates come in many different forms, which we discussed in this blog post. Cannabis concentrates have been found to provide more benefits than just smoking Cannabis flower because they are processed into an oil form and the oils absorb faster since it goes directly into your bloodstream through your lungs. Check out our blog post about smoking vs vaping cannabis here.
Cannabis sauce is a condiment that can be oozed over, on and into just about any food(s) with huge benefits to you health. It has the most wonderful taste. If you are not already familiar with it, think of balsamic vinaigrette dressing, but stronger and even more flavorful. Cannabis sauce is an easy to make condiment that can be used on everything from toast for breakfast to spaghetti or your favorite dishes for dinner! It is also great over salad.
My partner makes hers with homegrown organic tomatoes and I use canned tomato sauce, so it is really up to your preference.
In fact, it's no exaggeration to say it's the new superfood! All thanks due to the many positive vitamins & minerals cannabis contains. For example:
No wonder cannabis sauce has many uses! A few of these include:
Grind up the fresh cannabis leaf and garlic cloves into a fine meal using a food processor. Then add 2 cups of hot water in a sauce pan with the ground up ingredients, mixing well until it is fully incorporated. Then cook on low heat for 30-45 minutes. After which you can enjoy the wonderful and tasty cannabis sauce by pouring it into a glass container. Allow the cannabis sauce to cool before covering with a lid for storage.
So far, our website has only created one recipe using the cannabis sauce because there's just so much that can be done with this unique condiment. We hope that you will have some time to try out the recipe we made for you. Please remember that these recipes are very potent and should be used in small doses to get the desired effects.
Please take note that your cannabis sauce can only stay fresh for so long before it expires, so we want you to make sure to consume your cannabis sauce within a few days to a week, depending on how long you let it cook and cool before storing. Keep in mind that the longer your cannabis sauce stays at room temperature the more the ingredients will deteriorate, so make sure to consume them as soon as possible after making.
Wax consists of glands that have been broken away from the main bud. Shatter is created by extracting these glands using a solvent, thus creating a glass-like product that can be smoked or vaporized. Wax and shatter vary greatly in viscosity, density and cannabinoid content depending on strain, flushing technique and curing techniques.
The difference between shatter and wax is a matter of consistency, with shatter being harder and more solid than wax. If you are simply looking for a substitute for shatter that is cheaper and easier to make, wax can be used instead. However, if you want the full sensory experience of shatter, which tends to be clearer and reflect light more than most forms of marijuana, skip this step.
Tends to be darker in color (ranging from clear to dark brown) as the terpene content is higher than wax. It has a glassier look and feel due to the high amount of butane hash oil used in its production. Shatter comes in hard chunks or small rock like pieces, some of which may be slightly powdery.
Shatter has a crumbly texture when ground up with fingers as you are breaking it up for smoking purposes. The texture doesn't have the same softness as wax, and is therefore harder to break apart into more manageable amounts. When you smoke it, the powdery texture tends to stick to your fingers more than the wax.
Because of its hardness, a lot of heat is necessary for it to be vaporized and smoked (only true for flower shatter, not concentrate or edible shatter). This makes dabbing with this material somewhat difficult at times because you need very hot temperatures for it to vaporize well. Because of this, it is important to use an atomizer that has the capacity to get hot enough and resist the buildup of tar that makes dabbing with shatter so hard. A quartz banger or titanium nail are good options when you need the heat capacity for dabbing with shatter.
Wax is typically softer than shatter, and therefore easier to handle in terms of grinding up and loading for smoking. It has a more translucent appearance because its consistency is less hard than shatter, so there isn't as much butane hash oil that was included in its making. Wax can come in many different colors ranging from clear to dark brown, with some being translucent and others opaque.
Because it is softer than shatter, you can break it apart in smaller pieces that are easier to handle when loading your dabbing materials for smoking purposes. You also have more control over the texture as there are no powdery chunks like what you see with shatter. The wax comes in a soft and pliable texture that you can mold and manipulate with your fingers with more ease.
Wax can be heated at low to medium temperatures so it is easier to work with when dabbing, which means less attention needs to be paid to the temperature setting on your vaporizer. You won't have as much tar buildup when dabbing with this material, because the butane hash oil isn't making your nails as hot as you see when dabbing with shatter.
It is easy to remove it from your dabbing tools and reuse the material for another session, because of its softer consistency. This makes wax ideal for multiple dabs and efficient use of materials.
Shatter tends to be used by more experienced consumers who are familiar with the process of dabbing. Wax is typically used by those who are just getting started in dabs as it is easier to manage and use for smoking purposes.
If you enjoyed this post and would like to be notified about future posts, feel free to subscribe to the blog for email updates. Thanks for reading! Also check out my Instagram @ .
It's important to note that these conversions are based on the amount of CBD found in cannabis extract. This is not derived from hemp, so there will be a different ratio of cannabidiol and THC. Cannabis contains THC, which alters your state of mind. This is why it's illegal in most countries. Cannabis oil rich in CBD can make children feel sick and might interfere with their development.
Hemp oil has only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the ingredient responsible for getting 'high'. Hemp oil and hemp seeds aren't legal in every country. They are however widely available online, even now in 2016. There are many websites selling industrial hemp seed for these oils.
This article will show you where to buy CBD oil legally, but first let's look at the history of hemp oil.
Cannabis has been a big part of human culture for thousands of year. It is believed that people living in African and Asia used cannabis as medicine many years ago. It's been proven that it was used to treat pain, inflammation, and even anxiety.
Hemp oil has also been used as medicine and for food since 2000 B.C. It's even mentioned in the Bible. The first paper, clothing, rope, and sails were made from hemp fibers! Plant-derived oils have also been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 3000 B.C., but the seeds were not yet used for food.
The Greeks are said to have used hemp seed oil, but mostly for the purpose of paint thinner. The Romans used it to clean their hair and clothes.
Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the cannabis plant through cold-pressing. This process is used to extract benefits from the most nutritious part of the cannabis plant. The seed has many uses, but it's mostly known for being a nutritional food and oil that you can use in your daily life.
Combined with other oils as well as minerals, hemp oil makes a powerful multivitamin that humans should consume daily.
It should be noted however that there is a big difference between the strains of cannabis plants and their CBD content (which we will explain later on). Also, hemp oil producers can isolate CBD in different ways, which will yield differing levels of purity (and potency). You want to look for high-quality hemp oil that's THC free.
The US government has recently allowed farmers to grow hemp again after many years of prohibition. This is a great thing for the health-conscious, because it makes it much easier to buy organic CBD oil products without breaking any laws.
Hemp oil is not only an excellent dietary supplement but also a good source of essential fatty acids. It has the right balance of Omega 3 and 6. This makes it healthier for you than other oils (like corn oil) that are overly rich in Omega-6 EFA.
It's important to note that hemp seeds make an excellent nutritional food as well, because it is rich in protein, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin E. These are all considered to be very good for your body. Hemp oil is much more nutritious than flax seed oil as well.
Hemp oil has a rich source of many antioxidants too. It also contains essential nutrients like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is helpful in treating skin conditions like eczema and can reduce inflammation, too.
Hemp oil is said to aid in lowering cholesterol levels and help with other cardiovascular problems by strengthening the heart. Some say it's even better than fish oils for this purpose. And as we've mentioned before, you need to be getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids at all times. And of course, hemp oil can be used as a topical treatment for skin conditions, eczema and psoriasis. It will soften your skin and leave it feeling fresh and moisturized.
By clicking 'Accept', you agree to our and our partners' use of cookies and other technologies to process your personal data to personalise your experience and deliver tailored advertising to you, on and off our sites. Click here for our Cookies Policy.
