first time dispensary visit

Going to a Dispensary for The First Time: How to Make the Most

If you’ve never visited a dispensary before, it can be quite intimidating going to a dispensary for the first time. You may not know the dispensary rules and what sort of behavior is expected. You might feel like you’re doing something wrong even though what you are doing is totally legal.

For instance, if you visit a Los Angeles marijuana dispensary, you may be wondering “How do dispensaries work in California?” or “is there a certain way I am supposed to act here?”

How do dispensaries work in California? Even if you know the Cannabis Law Regulations in California, it is a good idea to follow the steps below to make sure that you fit in and don’t make a fool of yourself.

Come Prepared With ID

You will need to provide an ID to prove that you are allowed to buy marijuana. Though cannabis is legal in Los Angeles and the whole of California, you will still need to show that you are of legal age. This is one of the dispensary requirements that will be in place no matter where you go.

Respect the Store’s Security Measures

In recent years, stores have become more conscious about security measures involving health, and also just making sure that people don’t steal their cannabis products. Marijuana, and the derived and related products, tend to be pretty expensive, and there is a market to shift them even if they are stolen, so stores need certain security measures. For instance, a store may not want you to wear a helmet while you are visiting. Dispensary rules are totally fair, especially when you consider some of the events of recent years.

Understand How Much Cannabis You Can Legally Purchase

dispensary rulesThe cannabis laws in the state explain that you can “possess, transport, process, purchase, obtain, or give away, without any compensation whatsoever, no more than one ounce of dry cannabis or eight grams concentrated cannabis”

Remember this applies to people 21 and over. It’s good etiquette to know how much marijuana you’re allowed to have so you don’t have the awkward problem of asking for more than the dispenser is legally allowed to sell you.

Come Prepared With Cash

One of the issues with marijuana dispensaries and the fact that there are so many different rules and cannabis regulations depending on where you live in the US is the fact that federally regulated banks often refuse to deal with cannabis businesses. This means that even though dispensaries operate completely legally, they may be forced to deal in cash. Make sure you’ve got enough to cover anything you want to buy.

Be Ready to Talk About Cannabis

If you want to know the best things to get at a dispensary then it is vital that you’re prepared to have a chat. Dispensary employees tend to be really good at having these discussions and recommending cannabis products based on your own needs and what sort of marijuana effects you’re looking for. Even if it is your first time going to a dispensary, don’t be afraid to chat and ask for help.

A lot of dispensaries have really good communities, and people are passionate about the products that are sold, so being able to chat about it is a great thing to ensure you enjoy your marijuana experience to the maximum.

Don’t Take a Photo Without Asking

Dispensaries are competitive businesses, and they might not want you to take a picture of the things that are on display. They would often rather you didn’t take pictures. Often, rival dispensaries will want to see displays and marketing materials to see what is working, and even if you can sneak a photo, they might not appreciate you doing so.

Look But Don’t Touch

There are a lot of reasons why cannabis dispensaries don’t want you to touch the products, including hygiene. Would you want to buy marijuana that has been touched by someone else beforehand? There is a reason why dispensaries have such strong hygiene practices and are not willing to let you touch the product, you simply don’t need to.

Dispensaries understand that you might want to look at the products before you buy. They usually won’t take this as criticism, and if you ask, they will usually be happy to show you. Looking at marijuana could be as simple as wanting to see what the buds look like. Is the Purple Haze strain really as purple as the pictures you’ve seen?

Conclusion

If you’ve been wanting to visit a Los Angeles marijuana dispensary, but you’ve been putting it off because you simply don’t know the dispensary etiquette, following the steps above will help you to make those early steps. It’s likely that the employees will be more than happy to help out, and are happy to chat about marijuana, and your experiences.

As long as you have the relevant ID and you are willing to stick to dispensary rules and regulations then you don’t have too much to worry about. Cannabis is totally legal in California and adults can enjoy dispensaries as long as they stick to the state’s laws, such as only smoking in designated public areas and in the privacy of your home. Marijuana is not unregulated, but it is flexible and totally allowed under the law of the state.

how do dispensaries work in California

Are There Recreational Dispensaries in California and How Do They Work?

The use, sale, and cultivation of marijuana for recreational purposes was legalized in California in November 2016. Since then, adults have been able to possess and grow marijuana for recreational use with some restrictions. Here is what you need to know about smoking cannabis in California.

Is Marijuana Legal in California?

  • If you are 21 or over, you can buy, possess and share up to an ounce of cannabis, and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis.
  • It is only legal to use marijuana in private and out of the public view. This means you cannot consume cannabis on the street, in your car, or in a public building like a bar.
  • You can also grow cannabis if you have the permission of the property owner. You are allowed to grow up to 6 plants. It is illegal to grow cannabis in an area that is viewable to the public.

Where Can I Buy Marijuana in California?

You can buy marijuana from a recreational or medical marijuana dispensary, although you need to have a medical marijuana card to shop at a medical marijuana dispensary. Anyone can shop at a recreational marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles if they are over 21. You will need to show an ID proving your age in order to buy cannabis.
You can search for dispensaries on sites like Leafly or Weedmaps. Stores will usually state whether they sell to medical cardholders only or not, but you can also call ahead to save a wasted trip.

Are There Recreational Dispensaries in California?

There are both recreational and medical dispensaries in California. Most dispensaries that sell cannabis for recreational use also sell higher THC content strains and products that are only available for purchase by medical marijuana cardholders. There are also medical marijuana dispensaries, which only sell to people who have medical marijuana cards.

How to Get Marijuana in California?

where can I buy marijuana in CaliforniaIn California, you will need to check-in with a valid form of ID to enter the dispensary. Most dispensaries serve both recreational and medical customers, although some only serve medical customers.
Due to the complications of federal law surrounding the sale of cannabis, especially for recreational use, medical dispensaries in California do not accept credit card transactions, and most also do not accept debit cards or electronic payments. As a result, most dispensaries have an automated teller machine on the premises for you to withdraw cash to purchase. Since marijuana dispensaries handle a lot of cash, they also have more security than other stores, and you cannot enter the dispensary without checking in.
Once you have checked in, you will wait for your name to be called by a member of staff. There can be long waits for an attendant, especially at weekends, so plan ahead or aim to visit at off-peak hours.
The store attendant will talk to you about what kind of experience you are looking for, and help you pick out the right product. This is an important part of the process as the experience you get from different varieties of cannabis and cannabis products varies a lot. Take as much time as you need to find what you want. If you are visiting the US from another country, be aware that some strains of cannabis sold at dispensaries can have significantly higher THC content than is common in regions outside the US.
It is also legal in California to get marijuana delivered to you from a licensed dispensary by a delivery driver. You can only get cannabis delivered to a valid street address and must show ID. Many dispensaries offer a delivery service, and there are also weed delivery apps like Eaze that work similarly to delivery apps like DoorDash, but for cannabis.
Dispensaries must have a license to sell marijuana, although many do not. Shopping or working at an unlicensed dispensary is still considered illegal and you can be arrested for doing so, although it is often only the staff or owners who are charged.

Do I Need A Medical Marijuana Card To Buy Cannabis In California?

You don’t need a medical marijuana card to use cannabis recreationally. However, if you have a qualifying condition, a medical marijuana card enables you to buy and grow more cannabis at a time, and buy cannabis products with higher THC content than are available to recreational customers.

Places where cannabis is legal

What Places in California Legalized Cannabis?

The following cities/countries have legalized the growing, manufacture, and sale of cannabis and cannabis products under California cannabis laws:

what places in California have legalized cannabis

Some Counties Have Partially Legalized Marijuana

Trinity – You can grow marijuana here and it is produced commercially but is not available for commercial sale
Lassen – Cannabis is available for sale, but you cannot grow it or produce it commercially
Colusa – You can grow marijuana here and it is produced commercially but is not available for commercial sale
Nevada – It is legal to grow cannabis plants
Yolo – You can grow marijuana here and it is produced commercially but is not available for commercial sale
Marin – Cannabis is available for sale, but you cannot grow it or produce it commercially
Calaveras – Cannabis can be grown and sold commercially
San Mateo – It is legal to grow cannabis plants
San Benito – It is legal to manufacture cannabis products
San Diego – It is legal to grow cannabis plants

Marijuana is Still Banned in Some Counties

  • Siskiyou
  • Modoc
  • Shasta
  • Plumas
  • Butte
  • Glenn
  • Sutter
  • Yuba
  • Placer
  • Sacramento
  • Napa
  • Solano
  • Amador
  • Alpine
  • Tuolumne
  • Santa Clara
  • Merced
  • Mariposa
  • Madera
  • Fresno
  • Kings
  • Tulare
  • Kern
  • San Bernardino
  • Orange

Conclusion

Buying and using cannabis legally if you follow a few rules, and do not require any registration for recreational use. If you have any more questions about how dispensaries work in California or need help with the buying process, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to assist you.

types of marijuana

Sativa vs Indica | What is the Difference

What is the difference between Sativa and Indica? As time has gone by, scientists have learned more about cannabis, different kinds of marijuana, and what provides the effects on the body and mind. It’s important to know the differences between the two, to ensure that you know which products to use at which times. Some will make you sleepy and relaxed, others will have more of an energizing effect. In this guide, we explore the Indica vs Sativa differences.

Sativa in Depth

What is Sativa? This term was originally coined to refer to hemp types of cannabis, and the sort of plants growing in Europe and across Asia, where the seeds and leaves were used. The term has shifted a little in the description. It now really refers to all of the types of marijuana that have narrow- leaves and usually energetic effects. Sativa plants tend to be tall.

  • Origin: Europe and western Eurasia
  • Plant description: Tall with narrow leaves, usually providing more of an energetic high.
  • Typical CBD to THC ratio: Higher THC
  • Daytime or nighttime use: Daytime (either possible)

Sativa Effects

Sativa is known for being uplifting, and for providing more of a head high. Although there are many different strains of Sativa, they are often stimulating in nature. They are helpful for those experiencing anxiety, and you are able to stay more alert. When considering Indica vs Sativa, a lot of people will choose Sativa for daytime use.

Popular Sativa Strains

The marijuana plant types come in a variety of different strains. Some of the most popular Sativa strains include Durban Poison, Tangie, Super Silver Haze, Jack Herer, and Sour Diesel. Many of the best marijuana store options will be able to advise you on which is most suitable for your needs.

Indica in Depth

What is Indica? To fully understand the differences between Sativa and Indica, we need to know a little about each. Indica varieties are those first discovered in India, where it was used for fiber but also as an intoxicant.
Nowadays, it means stout and broad plants that tend to give us more sedative effects. “Broadleaf” has become a term that goes hand-in-hand with indica.

  • Origin: India
  • Plant description: Broad leaves and shorter, more stout plants.
  • Typical CBD to THC ratio: Usually higher in CBD
  • Daytime or nighttime use: Nighttime (daytime possible)

Indica Effects

Naturally, indica strains are more of a sedating variety, with higher levels of CBD. They often make people feel sleepy, but this does depend on the terpenes and compounds found within the marijuana. Not every indica variety makes you sleepy, and as we’ve learned more about indica and some of the other types of cannabis, and marijuana plant types, scientists have started to understand much more about what makes us high. Indica strains may be used as painkillers or to help people get to sleep.

Popular Indica Strains

Popular indica strains include Bubble Kush, Northern Light, Sherbert Queen, and Sweet ZZ. To obtain cannabis strains you can visit your local marijuana dispensary.

What are Hybrid Strains?

Indica vs SativaWe have more choices than ever when it comes to cannabis product types. Some people prefer vaping marijuana Indica strains, some people prefer smoking Sativa strains. There’s plenty of room for personal preference.
We don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. Over the years, there have been many different hybrid strains cultivated. This means that there is virtually a strain of cannabis for every use. Hybrid strains combine the compounds and terpenes in both, so you can make the choice, there are even strains where you don’t get the infamous “munchies”.

Popular Hybrid Strains

Some of the hybrid strains are actually the most popular out of any type of marijuana. These include Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, Chemdog, and OG Kush.

How to Choose the Right Strain for You

All the choices we have among marijuana varieties mean that it is tough to make the right decision and decide which weed is for you.
We’ve listed some of the most popular strains below, and what people find the most helpful for. Indica vs hybrid types of cannabis can both be helpful for similar issues.

different kinds of marijuana

  • Bubba Kush – Insomnia and pain relief
  • Purple Kush – Good for muscle pain and spasms as well as sleeping
  • Blue Dream – A hybrid strain good for inflammation and helping people get to sleep, plus pain relief.
  • Maui Waui – This is a good strain for fatigue and it can be energizing as well as treating depression.
  • Afghan Kush – Powerful pain relief.

Indica vs. Sativa FAQs

Which is Better, Indica or Sativa?

There is no definitive “better” option. It’s all about choosing the ideal types of cannabis for your own specific needs. That’s why there are so many hybrid strains, too. There are many different options all with their own unique characteristics.

Do All Indica Varieties Make You Sleepy?

This is something of a myth about some of the types of cannabis plants. Though the type of marijuana plays a big part and gives a strong indication of what type of effects you are going to experience, the terpenes and compounds within are what actually make up the benefits and advantages of different types of weed.

Conclusion

The three main categories of marijuana, Sativa, Indica, and hybrid, have a huge number of varieties within. This is where the value in doing your research lies. You can talk to a dispenser and get a good idea of which types of marijuana will suit your needs, whether you want to stay alert or you are looking for something that can help you get to sleep, and target your anxiety. Some of the most popular strains are hybrids, grown from the seeds of both Indica and Sativa.

what are cannabis concentrates

What are the Types of Cannabis Concentrates? Methods to Use Them

The cannabis industry is evolving all the time, with more and more different types of cannabis products arriving in stores and an ever-expanding range of methods for people who want to use cannabis and enjoy its benefits in their own lives.
Marijuana concentrates, for example, can be found in many forms and used in a lot of ways, but those who are inexperienced with cannabis or new to the cannabis world can struggle to understand what marijuana concentrates are and how they should be consumed.
This guide will aim to answer all of the most common questions regarding concentrates, including “What are cannabis concentrates?” and “What are the types of cannabis concentrate?” as well as looking at how to use the concentrate you buy in order to get the effects you desire.

What Are Cannabis Concentrates and Extracts?

types of cannabis concentrateLet’s begin with a simple definition of what is marijuana concentrate and what makes it different from other marijuana-based products. In simple terms, concentrates contain all the most important parts of the cannabis plant, concentrated together in one simple substance, without any excess material.
They contain all of the cannabinoids (like CBD and THC), along with the terpenes from the cannabis flowers, without any of the extra, unnecessary parts of the plant itself. This means that pound for pound, concentrates have the highest proportion of cannabinoids of any cannabis product.
But what exactly are terpenes and cannabinoids? Well, these are the parts of the cannabis plant that are actually able to interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system in order to produce different effects, as well as being responsible for the unique flavors and smells associated with cannabis products.
If you were to look at a cannabis plant under an extremely high-powered microscope on a molecular level, you would find these cannabinoids and terpenes bound together in structures known as trichomes. Concentrates are basically just collections of trichomes.
Because they’re so highly concentrated, with all the best bits of the cannabis plant together as one, pot concentrates can allow users to experience a wide range of effects, and they can be consumed in a lot of different ways. You can dab them, mix them in with edible recipes, or even add them to a regular cannabis joint, for instance.

What is the Difference Between a Concentrate and an Extract?

what is marijuana concentrate As well as wondering what are cannabis concentrates, you might also have heard the term “cannabis extracts” and asked yourself what it means and if concentrates and extracts are the same things or separate products.
Well, it’s a little complicated. Extracts are basically one of the types of cannabis concentrate. So extracts are classed in the “concentrate” category, but concentrates aren’t all necessarily extracts.
Extracts are made in a specific way, with the aid of a solvent, like alcohol. The solvent helps to extract the desired element from the cannabis plant, but there are other ways in which marijuana concentrates can be made, such as using mechanical or manual methods, without the need for any solvents at all.
At first glance, it can be hard to tell extracts apart from other types of cannabis concentrate, which is why it’s important to carry out your research, read labels, and inspect product descriptions to always be sure of what you’re buying from your nearest marijuana shop.

How To Consume Marijuana Concentrates

We’ve seen what is marijuana concentrate and how extracts and concentrates may differ, but how do you actually consume these substances? Well, when it comes to how to use the concentrate you buy, there are actually quite a few different methods to choose between:

Sprinkle Over Flower for a Quick and Easy Boost

One of the simplest ways in which you can use cannabis concentrates is to roll up a regular joint or prepare a pipe with some flower, just like normal, and then simply sprinkle over a little bit of concentrate on the top.
You can add the concentrate to the bowl of your pipe or the wrapped wax of a joint, and this quick and easy process can massively enhance the effectiveness, aroma, and flavor of your smoking experiences. Plus, another benefit is that you don’t need to invest in any extra materials, tools, or accessories.

Make Use of a Dab Rig for an Intense Effect

how to use the concentrate One of the most common ways of smoking concentrates is with the aid of a dab rig. Dabbing is becoming increasingly popular with cannabis users and enthusiasts, and it can lead to very intense, fast-acting effects when done correctly, but you’ll need to invest in a rig to get started and learn the technique to carry it out correctly.
Basically, to dab, you need to heat a nail to a very high temperature. On a typical rig, this is usually done with a butane torch. Once the nail is hot, you apply the concentrate. The heat turns the concentrate into vapor on contact, and this vapor can then be inhaled.

Try a Vape Pen for Concentrate Usage On-The-Go

Portable devices like vape pens and e-cigarettes are becoming more and more popular in the modern era, beloved by many for their discrete nature and ease of use, and while vape pens are usually associated with e-liquids, some models can be used with concentrates like waxes and oils as well.
You can find pre-filled cartridges with concentrates that are compatible with your vape pen or insert the concentrates directly into a chamber, depending on the model of pen you have. This can produce a more mild effect than a dab rig and is great for using concentrates wherever you go.

Eat Edibles

Cooking with marijuana is becoming an increasingly popular pastime among cannabis enthusiasts, and we’re seeing all kinds of exciting edible recipes arriving online and in books that people can try out at home.
Well, concentrates can be used in many of those recipes to prepare tasty edibles like gummies, brownies, cookies, and more. The advantage of edibles is that they can produce very long-lasting effects, but they do take a little longer to start working in the first place.

Consider Topicals

You may have noticed cannabis topicals appearing more frequently on lists of skincare tips and guides for how to get flawless skin. These products, including cannabis creams, lotions, sunscreens, serums, oils, balms, and salves, can be applied straight to the skin, and many are made with concentrates.
Topicals don’t penetrate beyond the dermal layer, so they won’t usually enter the bloodstream or produce any kind of high. Instead, they can provide targeted relief to areas of your skin, alleviating pain, moisturizing dry areas, and soothing symptoms of skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.

How to Read Labels

Knowing what is marijuana concentrate isn’t always enough to help you find the product you’re looking for, as cannabis concentrate labels and product names can be really confusing for beginners, so here are some simple tips to help you decode those labels and understand what product names really mean when shopping for concentrates to make your own edibles, test out a CBD bath bomb recipe, or sprinkle over your joints:

  • Material – Many cannabis concentrate names will contain a reference to the starting material used to make them, with common terms including nug run, trim run, whole plant, and live resin. Nug run is a dried and cured flower. Trim run is dried leaves. Whole plant is dried. Live resin refers to fresh, rather than dried, cannabis.
  • Method – Different methods can be used to make concentrates and the product name may mention either “solvent” or “solvent-free”. This refers to whether or not a solvent was used in the production process.
  • Texture – Concentrates can have lots of different textures, from sticky, soft materials to crumble, dry materials. Different terms can be used to describe these textures. Shatter has a very brittle texture. Badder and badder are softer and oilier. Crumble is very crumbly, breaking into little pieces with ease. Sugar is wet and syrupy, while sauce is thick and sticky. Finally, there’s crystalline, which looks like a single piece of crystal.
What are vape pens

Vaping Marijuana: What are Cannabis Vapes and How to Use Them?

You probably see more people vaping than you see smoking these days. Technology has truly taken over, and even the world of consuming weed has upgraded to a more high-tech product. They’re different from other smoking methods like rolling a joint or using a bong. They actually turn the weed into vapor and you can inhale this into your human body system. The feeling will hit within about 20 minutes and then can last for hours. In this guide, we’re looking at the best ways to use vaporizers and even exploring what they actually are. How do vape pens work? Are they better than traditional methods? When you vape marijuana, you probably want to get all the facts before you start to put anything in your body.

What are Vaporizers?

Vaporizers are simply a product that heats cannabis to the point where it turns terpenes and major cannabinoids into vapor which can then be inhaled. The temperature is just under 200 degrees Celcius in most of the vape devices, which actually does a better job of preserving and activating the compounds that are present and that give you the feelings of being high, or other benefits such as the impact of CBD cannabidiol.
Vapes give you control over how the weed is being turned into vapor ready to go through your system.

Types of Vaporizers

There are a few different types of vaporizers. You might have noticed if you’ve got friends or family who vape, that the products all have slightly different looks to them, so what are the main types of vaporizers. This informs how to vape marijuana as the products have different parts.

Tabletop Vaporizers

A tabletop vaporizer stands on a surface and features a temperature dial, a way to heat the vape, somewhere to put the flower, and then a mouthpiece which is where you actually inhale. These are big and bulky methods to vape marijuana. A lot of them have a long tube, a bit like a shisha pipe.

Portable Vaporizers

If you ask someone how to vape cannabis and which are the best products for vaping marijuana, they may well point you to a portable vaporizer. They’re small enough to come with you wherever you decide to go, and do the same job as the tabletop alternatives.
Portable vapes do have some downsides and they might not give the same level of temperature control that you get when vaping marijuana using a tabletop vape.

Vape Pens

What are vape pens? You might have heard this term used a lot without fully understanding it. They can be disposable or reusable, it depends on what type you buy.
So, what is a vaporizer pen? Vape pens are a specific type of vaporizer with a focus on oils and distilled products rather than allowing you to vape flower-based marijuana. They’re called vape pens because they are similar in shape and size to a pen. Think of a fountain pen, for example.
Many vape pens have a standardized 510-size vape cartridge so you can replace it when you need to, and when you run out of cannabis oil.

How to Buy Vapes Safely

vaping marijuana When you decide you want to vape marijuana then you need to make sure you are buying the best products and staying safe throughout. Luckily, in the modern age, we have the luxury of dispensaries in locations where cannabis is legal. For instance, if you’re in LA, you can head to the best marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles to get vapes, and you will even be able to see the lab tests to see information such as the level of CBD and THC within.
There are many health benefits to CBD and cannabis vapes, but there are also studies that should be concerning if you don’t buy quality, regulated products. Counterfeit and low-quality vapes, or vape oils and cartridges with poor cutting agents and additives, can lead to lung injuries or long-term illness. The lesson to learn is that you need to stay away from unregulated, poor-quality vapes, and stick to the very best products that you can buy. Some people research how to make THC vape juice themselves so that they can know exactly what is contained within.

What’s in a Vape Cartridge?

To know how vape pens work, it helps to know what’s in a vape cartridge. They are always based on cannabis oil, which is distilled and in the process might lose the flavor and smell. To reintroduce things like flavors and a better feel to the cartridge some manufacturers add other substances such as propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin. This makes it feel a lot smoother. Terpenes might be added back in afterward, because of the fact that distilling the oil actually gets rid of these.
Within restrictions and guidelines, there are similar ingredients to each and every type of vape cartridge. Some have added flavors, and though these should be lab-tested and safety should be ensured, it’s vital that you work out exactly what is in your cartridge before you make a purchase.

Conclusion

vape marijuanaKnowing how to vape cannabis and how to choose the right products to keep you safe, and to give you the high you are looking for, is vital.
Vaping marijuana is inherently better than smoking. For example, even consuming the residue from a match or lighter used on a joint or in a bong can damage your lungs. All the research and studies point to cannabis vapes being a far better option.
To vape marijuana safely, make sure you do your research on how to choose the correct vapes, and how vaping marijuana should be carried out. It helps if you know you have a trusted dispensary to work with, and this can ensure that you have access to lab tests and only the best vapes and vape cartridges, which will keep you safe while you enjoy the benefits of your weed.

what is delta 8 THC

What is Delta-8 THC: Everything You Need to Know

In recent years, scientific studies of the cannabis Sativa plant have unveiled countless new uses and benefits for people to enjoy. From helping to soothe the symptoms of cancer patients to deal with aggressive behavior in dogs, the range of potential applications for cannabis and its derivatives is extraordinarily vast, and it’s all thanks to little compounds called cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found inside cannabis plants, with examples including CBD, CBG (Cannabigerol), and one of the most famous examples of all: THC. These cannabinoids can interact with the human body to trigger a range of effects, and one of the more interesting cannabinoids being studied closely at the moment is Delta-8 THC.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

THC delta 8 Before we look at the uses of THC Delta-8 and cover some of its different effects, let’s first focus on the simplest question of all: What is Delta-8 THC? In simple terms, it is one of the many chemical constituents of the cannabis Sativa plant. It co-exists with other cannabinoids like Delta-9 THC and cannabidiol.
The full name of this compound is Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, and as the name implies, it’s a certain kind of THC. It can be found naturally in cannabis plants, or it can be produced and converted outside of the plants using CBD or Delta-9 THC, and it has a lot in common with Delta-9 THC, offering similar health benefits, but with a less severe ‘high’.
If you’re the sort of person who visits a Los Angeles cannabis dispensary for the best weed in California and wants to enjoy all the benefits of cannabis without the high, this cannabis could be the answer.

Delta-8 THC Effects

So what are some of the Delta-8 THC effects that are helping this cannabinoid become so popular all over the world? Well, this type of cannabis is actually capable of triggering a range of positive effects throughout the human body, including the following:

  • Pain – One of the best benefits of THC Delta-8 is the fact that it can actually help to alleviate feelings of pain and discomfort. It can be of great benefit, therefore, to people suffering from chronic pain conditions.
  • Anxiety – Like other cannabinoids, such as CBD, It has proven effective at reducing levels of stress and anxiety. It can promote feelings of relaxation, positivity, and general well-being in people who may have mental health problems.
  • Nausea – There are many reasons why someone might be experiencing feelings of nausea. It’s commonly associated with cancer treatments like radiotherapy, for example, and it can be very unpleasant to deal with, but this form of THC is able to ease the sensation greatly.
  • Appetite – Delta-8 THC has also proven effective at improving a person’s appetite. This can be useful in situations where people may have eating disorders or low appetite levels due to feelings of nausea, pain, and discomfort.
  • Brain – One study involving Delta-8 THC showed that it may offer neuroprotective properties, helping to increase levels of a chemical called acetylcholine in mice, which could reduce a person’s risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia in later life.
  • Tumors – Some studies have even shown that THC Delta-8 may be capable of slowing down or even stopping the growth and spread of tumors. This may mean that it could be a valuable weapon in the battle against cancer.

Reasons to Try Delta-8 THC

Many people are looking for the healthiest way to consume marijuana and might be tempted to give Delta-8 THC a try, but they still often have a lot of questions regarding this cannabinoid. We’ve already answered ‘What is Delta-8 THC?’ So now let’s look at some other key questions and reasons to try it out.

delta 8 thc effects

  • No High – If you’re wondering “Will it get you high?” then the answer is no. One of the main advantages of this form of THC is that it has far less psychoactive potency than Delta-9 THC, so it’s much easier to take without any high-like feelings.
  • Comfortable – People who have consumed this form of THC tend to agree that the general Delta-8 THC feeling is one of relaxation and positivity, without the same psychoactive issues associated with other cannabinoids like fear or paranoia.
  • Many Benefits – As explained above when we looked at what is this and what it could do, this cannabinoid is able to offer an extraordinary array of benefits, helping with everything from nausea to pain to stress and more.

What is the Difference Between Delta 8 & Delta 9?

If you’re wondering about ‘Will Delta-8 THC gets you high?’, you might also want to know what is the main difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9.
Well, on a chemical level, both of these forms of THC are quite similar, and they’re able to offer similar benefits too, like easing pain, increasing appetite, and soothing sensations of nausea.
However, the main difference between the two is that Delta-9 is heavily associated with a high sensation and can lead to excess anxiety and paranoia.
Delta-8 is much more gentle on the mind and won’t trigger those same psychoactive effects. This makes it one of the best options for people who want to relax.

cbd for athletes

CBD for Athletes | Marijuana & Athletic Performance

For most people, marijuana and athletic performance are two words you wouldn’t normally expect to see in the same sentence; however, growing research suggests there may be more of a link between the two than first suspected.
While it’s easy to conclude that CBD for athletes is detrimental to sporting performance, it’s important to point out that the World Anti-Doping Agency has listed the plant as a prohibited substance as “cannabis can be performance-enhancing for some athletes and sports disciplines.”
Not only that, but since the recent legalization of marijuana across multiple US states, several cannabis industries have emerged that solely focus on improving athletic performance and recovery. Let’s take a look at the details.

Effects of Marijuana on Athletes

Here are some of the known effects of CBD for athletes, both during and after exercise:

Reduces inflation

effects of marijuana on athletes

One of the key effects of CBD for athletes is their ability to reduce inflammation during and after exercise. In the cannabis plant, there are hundreds of different chemical compounds that interact with our endocannabinoid system when they enter the body. One of the most prevalent active compounds in the plant is cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD binds to the receptors known to mediate the inflammatory response, which is great for athletes looking to stay on top of their game. Reducing inflation drastically decreases recovery time and speeds up the recovery process after sustaining an injury.

Eases pain and soreness

CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two main active ingredients in the cannabis plant. THC is the compound responsible for creating the psychoactive experience that makes you feel “high.” However, both of these compounds are well known for their pain-relieving properties.
THC and CBD activate certain cannabinoid receptors in the nerve cells, which reduce the sensation of pain. This is one of the most beneficial effects of marijuana on athletes as it allows them to sustain intense levels of training for longer and makes it easier to deal with recovery.

Improves sleep

Improved sleep is another one of the major effects of weed on athletes. As most people are aware, sleep is a major factor in our overall mental and physical wellbeing, and it also plays a significant role in athletic recovery and protein synthesis.
Deeper, longer sleep is linked to improved strength and faster reaction times, which is why CBD for athletes has become a significant product in the last few years.

Generates more focus

Lastly, marijuana has been reported by many athletes to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and reach a state of increased concentration on game day. This is extremely useful in precision sports that require extra focus and control over fine motor skills.

How to Use Marijuana for Athletic Performance

CBD athletic performance

Did you know that 67% of American cannabis users consume cannabis for workouts? Whether it’s to help push through the pain barrier, reduce inflammation, or simply achieve a higher state of focus and concentration during workouts, there are many reasons why you should follow suit, but what is the best way to consume it?
Firstly, it all depends on your goals. Do you want to take CBD for athletic performance, or are you more interested in THC to help you achieve a deeper sleep? Keep in mind what you want to achieve so you can choose the right product for your needs. Here are a few of the most common methods athletes use:

  • Edibles before/after a workout
  • CBD/THC vapes for post-workout recovery
  • THC supplements for improves sleep
  • CBD tinctures and oils
  • Topical lotions to apply to injured/inflamed areas
  • Smoking pure bud (less common due to risk of lung damage)

However, while all of these methods are great options, you should be aware that some sporting bodies have placed marijuana on the doping list, which means you could face disqualification and penalties if you test positive for the drug. To avoid this, you should consider taking a marijuana detox to ensure the compounds are out of your system.
Marijuana stays in your blood and urine for around three days (depending on usage), and it can be detected in your hair for up to 90 days after consumption.

How Much CBD Do Athletes Need?

Recommended dosages of CBD for athletes vary a lot and it depends on which type of product is used, but to determine your sensitivity, it is smart to start with small doses. According to science, it is recommended for athletes to take approximately 300 milligrams orally. It is a common dose for athletes to take CBD.

Is CBD Allowed in Professional Sports?

effects of weed on athletesAs cannabis is still illegal on a federal level in the USA, the amount of scientific research on its effects remains relatively thin. With that said, there are still many studies that vouch for the benefits we have listed earlier, as well as many testimonials and anecdotal reports from high-profile sports stars.
One notable example is UFC star Nate Diaz after his record-breaking bout with Conor McGregor. After the fight, he arrived at the press conference vaping CBD in order to help ease his pain and reduce the inflammation from his heavy injuries. When quizzed about why he was vaping the substance, Diaz replied:
“You want to get this (CBD) before or after the fight, in training, to make your life a better place.”
In fact, Nate and his brother Nick have now launched their very own company selling CBD for athletes. They focus on high-quality products designed to help with athletic performance and recovery.

Recommended Marijuana Strains for Athletes

Head down to your local marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles to check out the vast amounts of strains available to you. Just keep in mind what your desired outcome is, as you may be better off opting for a strain that is higher in CBD than THC and vice versa.
In general, it’s advised to look for strains that are good for chronic pain, inflammation, sleep and reduce muscle spasms such as OG Kush, Durban Poison, Bubba Kush, and Sour Diesel.

CBD bath bomb recipe

How to Make CBD Oil Bath Bombs at Home?

CBD oil bath bombsIt seems that with every passing day, more and more exciting CBD products are hitting stores across the world and all kinds of fun use for CBD are being discovered.
Bath bombs have been popular for years, magically fizzing away upon contact with water and giving your bath water a whole array of beautiful colors and pleasant aromas.
Usually, essential oils are used in the creation of bath bombs, but you can add CBD into the mix to make CBD oil bath bombs of your own. Like other CBD products, they can help you relax, providing a perfect, soothing bath after a long and tiring day.
From oils and lotions to edibles and even pet treats from your local medical marijuana store, there are so many ways to enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol, and if you’re looking to use your own supply of CBD oil in a fun and original way, a CBD bath bomb recipe might be just what you need.

How CBD Bath Bombs Work

CBD oil bath bombsBefore we get into the details of how to make CBD bath bombs and go through the list of ingredients in our CBD bath bomb recipe, it’s important to take a look at how exactly these bombs work and what kinds of effects they can have.
The science behind CBD and CBD products like CBD oil bath bombs is still developing, with ongoing studies and research trying to find out more about how this naturally occurring chemical compound interacts with the human body.
While we can’t be entirely sure on the specifics of how CBD works, it’s believed to interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies, which is connected to all kinds of bodily processes and sensations. The ECS can affect our appetite, mood, tiredness levels, feelings of pain, inflammation, and much more.
Studies looking at CBD’s effects have found that it can alleviate pain, soothe inflammation, ease stress and anxiety, and help people relax. Since most people like to take a bath to relax, it’s logical that making use of a CBD bath bomb recipe can help to make the bath even more relaxing.
It’s also important to note that THC bath bombs are very different from CBD bath bombs. The former include THC as an ingredient, and THC is the cannabinoid in cannabis that gives people a sensation of being ‘high’. So a THC bath bomb might make you feel high, but a CBD one shouldn’t have the same effect.

How to Make Your Own CBD Bath Bombs

If you’ve ever wondered how to make CBD bath bombs, this simple guide will tell you all you need to know, covering ingredients and step by step instructions to put CBD oil bath bombs together.

Yields

The following CBD bath bomb recipe will produce one bath bomb.

How do you put CBD in a bath bomb?

Here are all the ingredients you need to get started:

  • Some molds for making the bath bombs
  • 4 oz of baking soda
  • 2 oz of corn starch
  • 2 oz of citric acid
  • 2 oz of Epsom salt1/4 teaspoon of CBD oil
  • A couple of drops of food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon of water
  • 1 teaspoon of your favorite essential oil

How to Make CBD Bath Bombs

CBD Bath BombsOnce you’ve assembled the ingredients, you’re ready to learn how to make CBD bath bombs. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

  • To begin, prepare a bowl and add in all the dry ingredients, whisking them together into a mixture. In a separate small bowl or glass, mix together your wet ingredients.
  • Next, slowly add the liquid mixture into the bowl of the dry mixture, whisking carefully. Be sure to do this very slowly, and if you see any kind of fizzing reaction, it means you’re going too quickly.
  • Once the ingredients have been combined, you should have a substance that feels like wet sand, and you can touch it with your fingers to see how it feels. If the consistency isn’t quite right, just add a little more water.
  • Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to place it into the mold. Fill each side of your mold to the top and then sprinkle a little more on top of each side; this will help the two sections stick together later on.
  • Next, you need to press the two halves of your mold together and hold them in place to let them set together. After that, carefully remove one side of the mold.
  • Place the bomb down, with the mold side on the ground, and let it dry for about 20-30 minutes.
  • Once the bath bomb is dry, you can gently remove the remaining section of mold and then let the bomb sit for a few hours longer to really solidify before using it.
  • That’s it! Your bath bombs are now ready to use. You can either enjoy them yourself, or they make great gift ideas for weed lovers in your life.
marijuana Christmas tree

Grow Your Own Marijuana Christmas Tree: Guide for Cannabis Lovers

Planting your own Christmas treeGrowing your very own marijuana Christmas tree may not be the most conventional of things to do in the holiday season, but boy is it fun!
If you haven’t got the time to grow your own weed Christmas tree, or if you’d rather go ahead and skip the hard work, most of the ready-made options will set you back somewhere in the region of $200-300.
Think about it. The plant fills your home with the delicious aromas of cannabis, you can stash your cannabis Christmas gifts beneath it, and once you’re done and the Christmas period is over, you get to smoke your tree instead of throwing it in the trash. It makes you wonder why this wasn’t the tradition in the first place.

Buying or Growing Marijuana Christmas Tree?

Buying versus growing is really not about money, although it is a factor. As mentioned, buying a ready-made tree will cost you a few hundred bucks, and that’s for a plant that’s not in the flowering stage. If you want one that’s ready to harvest and smoke pretty much right out the gate you will probably have to pay a little bit more, but this all depends on your marijuana store. However, growing your own tree isn’t exactly a free activity. You have to front the cost of the equipment and the utilities to keep it alive and thriving. But let’s face it, growing your own is way more fun. Just like brewing your own beer or making your own wine, it just tastes that little bit better when you finally get round to smoking it. Plus, you get to boast about it to your friends while sitting at home getting high off your own supply reeling off your best Christmas facts.

Why You Should Grow Your Own Marijuana Christmas Tree

First of all, it is not legal to grow marijuana in every state in the US, so you should check your state cannabis laws before starting.

Also, even if it is legal, there may be certain thresholds you have to abide by.

Of course, this depends on the purpose of growing it, whether for its medicinal or recreational purposes and stuff like that.

With that said, here are the main benefits of growing your own marijuana Christmas tree:

  • Complete autonomy and control over the process
  • You know where the bud is from and what you used to grow it
  • It’s cheaper in the long-run as the equipment can be used time and time again
  • You get to smoke your weed Christmas tree with a real sense of achievement

The web is filled with do-it-your-self weed recipes, beauty tips, health and wellness tricks, and other hacks. Also, if you are growing your own, you can take some of that plant and use it for a gingerbread house recipe or cookies for the holidays.

How to Grow Your Own Marijuana Christmas Tree?

Growing a cannabis plant can be a daunting experience if it’s your first time. Yet, it’s usually not as complicated or demanding as many people might believe.

Best Temperature

Most online sources agree on one thing; cannabis plants are similar to humans in terms of the preferred temperature. A mildly warm temp, around 70-85 °F or 20-30 °C is ideal, not too humid or too dry. This is probably easy enough to produce if you go for the indoor method.
Cannabis goes along great with all the other house plants and flowers you might have. But, for the outdoors, the convenience and accommodation costs might even be lower.

Marijuana Christmas Tree Growing Kit

weed Christmas treeIf you’re growing a cannabis plant as a decoration for Christmas, but you still want to cultivate it, growing indoors is probably the easiest way to go. And, to make this even easier, you can even purchase a kit designed to grow marijuana indoors.
Most kits come with feminized seeds, which means they will produce female plants 100% of the time.

Usually, the chance is 50-50% for males or females. But, this way, you can have multiple harvests, if that’s what you’re interested in.

Kits are ready for planting and come with detailed instructions.

The Maintenance of the Tree

While growing, cannabis goes through different stages. All of them require slightly different conditions. But, the main thing to know is that, if you go for the indoor method, venting is very important. You can’t just use a fan or an AC, because they just tumble the air around or bring down the temperature unnaturally.
Also, you need to pay attention to the light schedule, as cannabis requires around 18 hours of light daily, which is the primary thing when growing indoors, but easily solvable with a simple switch timer. Also, some shops recommend cannabis growing supplements, but these are usually recommended to experienced growers only.

Growing Christmas Tree Indoors

If your plan is to grow a single plant for Christmas, there won’t much need to invest a great deal into utilities and equipment. Although, you must ensure certain conditions are met, like the temperature, humidity, light, and others.
Just as with any other exotic plant, you need to pay close attention to its needs. If it looks like it’s not doing so well you need to step in and remedy the situation before it dies or the harvest is ruined.

Growing Christmas Tree Outdoors

Planting your own Christmas tree outdoors also has its perks. First of all, it is cheaper, environmentally friendly, and it can be a very relaxing thing for you to spend time outside taking care of your plant. Gardening is therapeutic!
Naturally, it is heavily dependent on the climate in your region. If the temperature is constantly above 85 °F or 30 °C, it will stop growing. If the temp is under 55 °F or 13 °C for prolonged periods, it can even damage and destroy the plant. Also, heavy rain or wind is not good. The plant may continue to grow, but mold may cause problems further down the line.

Whatever way you decide to go, growing your own marijuana Christmas tree is tremendous fun and you learn a whole lot along the way. Who knows, it could be the start of a new career in the new year as a cannabis connoisseur!

marijuana thanksgiving

Marijuana Thanksgiving: Recipes, Gifts & More for Party

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in North America. Americans love this day and they celebrate it every year. For this day, they make special dishes to come together with friends and family. It’s that time of year again! Yep, Thanksgiving in North America is here once more, and it’s time to celebrate in style. Whether that means taking a trip down to your local Marijuana Store to pick up some supplies, or if you’re treating your family and friends to your best attempt at some marijuana cooking, every cannabis smoker knows this time is a holiday to show your thanks to the leafy green plant.
With that said, let’s take a quick look at how you can turn your Thanksgiving into a cannabis thanksgiving. Let’s get into it.

Cannabis-Infused Dishes for Thanksgiving

cannabis thanksgiving

If you haven’t already tried your hand at cannabis-infused cooking, you’re missing out.

There are tons of delicious recipes to try your hand at, and they are a ton of fun to cook too. Here are three recipes you can try out for your marijuana thanksgiving party:

  • Cannabis turkey
  • Cannabis-infused turkey gravy
  • Creamy cannabis-infused mashed potatoes

Each one of these dishes will really turn your holidays into an extra special marijuana thanksgiving. What’s more, is they all genuinely taste amazing; they aren’t just for the novelty factor. Of course, this all depends on your culinary and cheffing skills in the kitchen!

Gift Ideas for Your Cannabis Lover Friends

Let’s say you have a friend who considers themselves to be somewhat of a cannabis connoisseur; why not treat them to a thanksgiving cannabis gift this year? There are plenty of amazing gift ideas to choose from, let’s take a look at a few of them:

Vape pens

If your friend doesn’t already own a vape pen, what better time to surprise them than at your cannabis thanksgiving party?

Vape pens are a type of vaporizer designed specifically to vaporize cannabis distillates and oils directly inside the pen. This makes the marijuana much easier to carry with you and doesn’t require rolling or grinding.

Edibles

Who doesn’t love edibles? After you’ve finished your cannabis Thanksgiving dinner, why not seal the deal with a nice edible for dessert? That’s when the fun really begins.

Cannabis Beauty products

The cannabis industry has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and these days you can pick up an amazing selection of products that most people didn’t even know existed such as, cannabis makeup, CBD skin oil, topical creams, cannabis hair care products, facemasks, perfumes, soaps, and so on.

Cannabis Spa gifts

Similar to beauty products, there are now plenty of spa gift ideas to choose from too. Take your pick from a wide range of candles, bath products, oils, and lotions. You can even decide on whether or not you want them to contain THC. So if you have a friend who doesn’t like getting high, you can always opt for something that is 100% CBD instead; that way, everybody can take part in the Thanksgiving cannabis party.

Smoking apparatus

If you’re an avid cannabis smoker, you will know that there is no such thing as having too much smoking equipment. Whether it’s a new bong, grinder, lighter, or something a bit fancier, giving someone a thoughtful gift like this will always go down well, especially if you supply the marijuana too!

Cannabis Decoration Ideas for the Party

weed turkeyBefore you get high at the dinner table and start telling everyone your best Thanksgiving turkey facts, you should put some effort in to set the mood around your home.

Bring a real ambiance of a marijuana thanksgiving party so you can help to get everyone else in the spirit, too.

Once again, there are many ways you could go with this. It all depends on how much effort you want to put into it.

 

With that said, here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Cannabis shaped wreaths on the door
  • Cannabis garlands
  • Cannabis candles
  • Marijuana shaped banners and signs
  • Marijuana balloons
  • Cutlery, plates, and glasses
  • Cannabis-infused drinks and snacks
  • Cannabis table covers

So, organizing Marijuana Thanksgiving is not hard, you just need to visit a marijuana dispensary to find cannabis products for your party organization.

In summary

Thanksgiving is a special time of year where friends and family can come together and give thanks for one another and the good things we have in our life. However, for all the cannabis smokers out there, it also presents a great opportunity to light up a joint with some of your closest friends and family so you can enjoy the relaxing holiday together.
If you really want to treat everyone, you can cook up a delicious cannabis-infused meal, or maybe you’d rather give out some cannabis-related gifts to mix things up a little bit this year.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the time with your loved ones, and have a happy Thanksgiving.