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

The 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.

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?

We 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.

• 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.

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

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

Knowing 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.

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

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

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?

As 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.

Growing 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

If 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!