Allow us to introduce the age-old method known as shaking your ass. Or your legs. Your arms. Just wiggling around to some music that your neuropathways find enjoyable. Movement is the single most effective way to tap into your body on a somatic level and shake those feelings loose so they can move about, and out, freely.

We understand that when we’re feeling anxious, stressed, or blue, dancing isn’t at the top of the list. It’s hard to feel motivated to engage in a joyful activity when we are less than joyful. However, that may be the best time to do it. At first, it won’t feel right. Our advice? Straight up fake it.

Get a handful—three to five—of your favorite tunes to wiggle around to and practice dancing and freely moving until it feels less faux and more fun. Give yourself a little time and space and allow the transformation to take hold. If you’re open to it and have the resources and access, sign up for a dance class and absorb the positive energy of a community while learning a new cultural rhythm. Or just simply hop, jiggle, and shake. It’s not a performance, it’s a practice, and a powerful tool.
Studies show that because dance is such an embodied activity, it has profound effects on our brains and mental health, both in the short term and the long term. It’s been shown to decrease depression and anxiety while improving quality of life, intrapersonal and cognitive skills, and in some trials, even psychomotor skills such as writing, driving a car, drawing, etc. In this particular trial, the follow-up data showed that these effects remained the same or even increased 22 weeks after the study.
Another study compared Argentine tango dance to mindfulness meditation. While both methods decreased depression, stress levels were only reduced in the tango group. Also worth mentioning is that the dance group showed improvement in mindfulness, meaning that it’s a great way to help yourself improve in mindfulness meditation if that’s something you struggle with.
Dancing is also a way to build confidence and ease within our physical body. While we loosen up those calcified bits of harbored, sticky emotional stress and pressure, we also find ease in the shape and fluidity of our physical form while we move it through space. Dancing is free and takes no skill to reap the benefits. We prescribe at least one bust-a-move per day.

The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Bloom is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Bloom shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.


Why You Should Take DANCE BREAKS DURING THE DAY

We too easily get caught up in the everyday hustle and can forget that we need to pause and take time to be good to ourselves. This can be anything from giving longer hugs to waking up 20 minutes earlier, whatever floats your self-care boat and helps to boost your mood for the better. Below, we’re sharing 15 ways you can prioritize your self-care without spending a fortune. Let the good vibes roll, and let us know which resonated with you the most and how you carve out time for self-care in the comments on Instagram.
Simple steps to prioritize self-care:
-Take an Epsom salt bath with lavender essential oil.
-Say no to things you genuinely don’t want to do.
-Wake up 20 minutes earlier and cook yourself breakfast.
-Do something for someone else (a simple “hey, how are you” text can go a long way).
-Take a mental health day.
-Set boundaries with family and coworkers. (Need a refresher? Read this.)
-Do a face mask or an at-home facial massage.
-Connect with friends—all it takes is a call or text with a close friend to kick off a solid conversation full of laughs, which is an instant way to release endorphins.
-Give yourself an at-home manicure and pedicure.
-Take a walk or go on a run and be in nature (even if it’s just around the block).
-If you belong to a gym or pay for ClassPass, don’t let your membership go to waste. Book your favorite class.
-Try 20 minutes of yoga at home.
-Explore self-pleasure (this vibrator will do wonders).
-Unplug and turn off all notifications while you read a chapter or two from your favorite book or catch up on a show you’ve had on your list to watch.
-Give longer hugs. (Did you know: the average hug lasts three seconds, but to really reap the benefits of the hug, 15 to 20 seconds is what releases that feel-good “love hormone” we all crave, oxytocin.)

Simple Ways to  PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE

Old bong water is a special kind of gross. It’s the type of thing you’d have to drink as part of a stoner frat initiation. Perhaps we won’t take it that far, but getting a whiff of old bong water while you’re going for a hit isn’t exactly pleasant. When you leave a bong dirty for long, you risk letting bacteria and mold take root in all the build-up, and even inhaling something you’re really not intending to.Keeping your bong clean is a lot more important than you might think. Here’s the best method to use to get things right.

How Often Should You Clean Your Bong

You should clean your bong after a few days to a week of use, depending on how much you’re using it. It’s also best to replace the water after every use, but at least after a few bowl-fulls. If a little ring starts forming around the usual level of your water, or if you get some floating bits when it’s freshly-filled, this is a sure sign you need to clean your bong. You can also generally tell by the color of fresh water in the bong – if it looks a little murky, it’s picking stuff up from the inside of the bong and it’s time to clean.
Here’s What You’ll Need

You need to gather a few things before cleaning your bong:
Isopropyl alcohol: Really, the higher the percentage the better, but anywhere above 90% is ideal.
Coarse salt: Whether it’s table salt, Epsom salt or Himalayan salt, you need some rocky salt to help scrub the bong clean.
A big zip-lock bag: It needs to fit your whole bong in it, but it makes the process much easier.
Dish soap
Bottle brush/pipe cleaner: To get down into the harder-to-reach places.
A sponge
Paper towels

How to Clean Your Bong

The method involving isopropyl alcohol and salt is considered the best way to clean a bong, but if you have an acrylic or plastic bong, you can just clean it with a bottle brush, warm water and dish soap (see below for more information).

Step 1: Disassemble it
Take the bowl, stem and any other removable components (e.g. mouthpiece) off the bong, separating it into individual pieces. If there’s any water left in there, empty it out and quickly rinse it off.
You should ideally avoid pouring bong water down the drain, so if possible you can put it in a sealed bag and leave it in the trash.

Step 2: Half-Fill it With Alcohol
Open up your zip-lock bag and put the bong in there, standing it up so you can fill it up to around half way up with isopropyl alcohol.

Step 3: Add Your Salt
Add a few tablespoons of coarse salt to the inside of the bong. The alcohol does the disinfecting work, but the salt gives some roughness to the mixture and helps get up more stubborn residue.

Step 4: Seal and Shake
Now close up your zip-lock bag. You’re going to shake the salt and alcohol mixture inside the bong, so it’s best to cover the open top with your hand first. Also try to cover the spots for the mouthpiece and stem if possible. Shake it vigorously, making sure to get the mixture all the way up and down the bong.
If you don’t have a zip-lock bag, you can either do it over your sink or potentially just use a regular trash bag with some extra care.

Step 5: Leave it to Sit
Leave the alcohol and salt mixture in the bong to sit for around 30 minutes. You might not really need to do this but if you have the time it’s definitely worthwhile.

Step 6: Take Your Bong Out
Remove your bong from the zip-lock bag, keeping the old alcohol and salt in there. You shouldn’t really just throw this down the drain, but luckily you can just zip up the bag and throw it away directly.

Step 7: Clean it with Warm Water and Soap
Rinse your bong in warm water and soap to remove any of the residual alcohol and to give it an extra clean. Make sure to thoroughly cover the whole inner and outer surface of the bong. This is where a bottle-brush or pipe-cleaner and a sponge come in handy: you can physically scrub any of the rest of the bong to make sure you get everything. Paper towels are also really useful at this stage to both clean and dry the bong.

Step 8: Soak the Bowl and Stem in Alcohol
For the bowl and stem, you can just soak them in isopropyl alcohol to clean off any build-up. A zip-lock bag is perfect for this too: just put them in there, cover it over with alcohol, zip it up and leave them to sit for around 10 minutes. You can also add salt and shake at this stage (as with the bong) but you don’t really have to do this in most cases.

Step 9: Rinse the Bowl and Stem
As before, you can just remove the pieces, zip up the bag and throw it away when you’re done. Once you’ve gotten the pieces out, rinse them with warm water and use a pipe-cleaner if necessary to scrub off any lasting residue.

Step 10: Leave Everything to Dry
Once you’ve done this, you can just leave the stem and bowl to dry and do the same with the bong if needed. When they’re dry, re-assemble and you’re good to go.


Cleaning Your Bong Is Important - This is How It’s Done

You’ve probably heard people reference 4:20 or 4/20 and giggle.  420 is known as the national holiday for cannabis culture, but few actually know how the date got chosen.

Some say 420 is the code law enforcement uses to cite marijuane use. Others say 4/20 was Adolf Hitlers birthday. But to put it bluntly those theories are all false. 

420 actually originated from a group of high school kids. The friends would gather together at 4:20 pm at a statue on their school grounds. They would of course meet up and toke up. They chose that specific time because extracurricular activities had usually ended by then. These kids were tired of the typical Friday night shenanigans so they created a new ritual. They would use 420 as their code word. 

Nowadays it is quite the commercialized event. You can find all kinds of 420 swag shirts, phone cases, binders, socks, you name it. So there you have it folks, this fun, funny, and well loved holiday has nothing to do with law enforcement codes or Hitler. It all came from a group of rad kids breaking away from the same old same old. For more fun cannabis history follow our blog and follow our social media. We share fun content regularly to keep our Bloom peeps in the loop.


The 420 Origin

Here in Montana people come from all necks of the wood to participate in our outdoor sports. Our beautiful state is full of incredible biking trails. Some might tell you that toking up before participating in extreme sports isn’t a good idea. But believe it or not, there are quite a few “extreme athletes” who use cannabis before their adrenaline-pumping endeavors. We are going to share one of our favorite strains for mountain biking. But before you do, we'd like to mention that everyone’s bodies are different, what might work for us might not work for you. So know your body, know your limits, and exercise safety and caution above all else. If you are not a seasoned marijuana user, and you aren’t skilled in the sports department, perhaps don’t partake in both activities at once.  

Downhill biking is fast, furious and can be a lot of fun. But it does require attention to terrain and your surroundings. This is why we’ve chosen Lemon Walker as the perfect strain to complement this two-wheeled sport. Lemon Walker is a beautiful and complicated hybrid cross. This stimulating strain offers a potent cerebral buzz that transplants itself in the body with continued use.

For helping find the right product and strain for you, come check out one of our Bloom locations located around the state.

For more information and tips visit our Bloom blog or sign up for our monthly newsletter at [www.bloommt.com](https://bloommt.com). We continue to put out new content to keep our Bloom family in the know! 


Mountain Biking

Stress is one of those things that we inevitably all deal with. It’s part of the human experience. But prolonged exposure to stress can become toxic in the sense it can cause harm to your physical well-being. Fortunately, certain cannabis strains can help promote relaxation and calmness to relieve feelings of stress. We have compiled a list of some of the best cannabis strains recommended to assist in alleviating stress that you can find right here at Bloom.

L.A. Cheese offers a spicy, cheesy, and overall dank flavor that may take you into a heavy, full-bodied high. L.A. Cheese is a great option for winding down at the end of the day with good company.
Blue Gelato has a sweet, citrusy, fruity blueberry flavor that has a slight sour exhale. The aroma has an earthy berry and herb scent, along with citrus. The blue Gelato is very uplifting and delightful. It provides a clear-headed effect that is perfect for a lazy afternoon at home. You’ll feel a cerebral onset a few minutes after your first toke.

Sour Dosidos Get ready to enjoy a high that melts down over the body. This strain has sweet, earthy, and floral aromas. Sour Dosidos has incredible trichomes and bright pistils with vibrant lemon green and purple leaves. The classic scents help aid relaxation. Enjoy a major chill session at home with this lovely strain. 


Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff 

An Indica cross between Purple Headband x Crazy Glue, it’s a good seller for a reason. Loaded with Limonene, Caryophyllene, and b-Pinene it’s commonly used to help with conditions such as: nausea, chronic pain, appetite stimulant, depression, stress headaches, inflammation and tend to give a sense of euphoria. One of our staffers noted, “ Purple Crazy head is one of my favorite strains. I think it is the perfect indica for a Saturday when you have nothing going on and you want to just relax and enjoy your weekend. It’s a great functional indica, you can still get important chores done while being totally relaxed at the same time. I also use it to treat mild headaches and pains. It’s a great mood leveler also!”

Stop in your local Bloom to give Purple Crazy Head a try!

Strain of the Month - Purple Crazy Head

An Indica cross between Purple Headband x Crazy Glue, it’s a good seller for a reason. Stop in your local Bloom to give Purple Crazy Head a try!

__Out of the many ideas of the origins of 420, one even including Hitler’s birthday, there’s only one true story.__

The most credible story traces 4/20 to Marin County, Calif. In 1971, five students at San Rafael High School would meet at 4:20 p.m. by the campus’ statue of chemist Louis Pasteur to partake. They chose that specific time because extracurricular activities had usually ended by then. This group — Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich — became known as the “Waldos” because they met at a wall. They would say “420” to each other as code for marijuana.

As Reddix told TIME in 2017, “We got tired of the Friday-night football scene with all of the jocks. We were the guys sitting under the stands smoking a doobie, wondering what we were doing there.”

Later, Reddix’s brother helped him get work with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh as a roadie, so the band is said to have helped popularize the term “420.”

The term “420” was widely in use by the end of the 1970s. Deadheads spread it outward like a virus from their San Rafael ground zero. Within a decade, pot smokers were using it across the country and around the world. High Times started using the term “420” as early as 1990, and later bought the website [420.com](https://420.com), which includes videos, news, horticulture tips, and activism.

Pop culture is filled with references to 420. The clocks and timepieces in Pulp Fiction and later in Lost in Translation are all set to 420. And is it an accident that the score on the football scoreboard in stoner classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High reads 42-0?

While many other illicit tales of the origins of 420 have wafted into the half-baked history books, the Waldos have proof they used the word back in the 70s. Kept safely tucked away in a vault in a San Francisco bank is their original 420 tie-dyed flag, a newspaper clipping where one of the members discusses wanting to just say “420” for his high school graduation speech and postmarked letters between the group filled with 420 references.

What are you going to do to celebrate the holiday this year?

Sources:

[https://www.history.com/news/the-hazy-history-of-420](https://www.history.com/news/the-hazy-history-of-420)

[https://time.com/4292844/420-april-20-marijuana-pot-holiday-history](https://time.com/4292844/420-april-20-marijuana-pot-holiday-history)

[https://www.laweekly.com/mythbusting-420-its-one-true-origin-and-a-whole-lot-of-false-ones/](https://www.laweekly.com/mythbusting-420-its-one-true-origin-and-a-whole-lot-of-false-ones)


Origin of 420

Out of the many ideas of the origins of 420, one even including Hitler’s birthday, there’s only one true story. The most credible story traces 4/20 to Marin County, Calif. In 1971, five students at San Rafael High School would meet at 4:20 p.m. by the campus’ statue of chemist Louis Pasteur to partake. They chose that specific time because extracurricular activities had usually ended by then. This group — Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich — became known as the “Waldos” because they met at a wall. They would say “420” to each other as code for marijuana.

Among the Bloom staff it’s pretty divided on which of us are readers, and which of us aren’t. I fall into the former category and this is an article I’ve wanted to write for some time. Some of the greatest books of all time seem to fall into this ‘stoner lit’ category and I have to admit, I’m not surprised. Most are classics and for a good reason, and if you see one that you think belongs on this list- email us and it might just get added!

1.  [Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S, Thompson](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780679785897)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;_Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas_ is the best chronicle of drug-soaked, addle-brained, rollicking good times ever committed to the printed page. It is also the tale of a long weekend road trip that has gone down in the annals of American pop culture as one of the strangest journeys ever undertaken. 

_&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(My favorite quote: “Too weird to live, too rare to die”)_

2.  [The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams ](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780345391803)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of _The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy_ who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the pinnacles in Science Fiction! A must read, at least once in a lifetime.

3.  [The Gunslinger, by Stephen King](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780451160522)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the first book of this brilliant series, Stephen King introduces readers to one of his most enigmatic heroes, Roland of Gilead, The Last Gunslinger. He is a haunting figure, a loner on a spellbinding journey into good and evil. In his desolate world, which frighteningly mirrors our own, Roland pursues The Man in Black, encounters an alluring woman named Alice, and begins a friendship with the Kid from Earth called Jake. Both grippingly realistic and eerily dreamlike, The Gunslinger leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.   

4.  [Rico Slade Will F\*cking Kill You, by Bradley N. Sands](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781936383474)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A book of utter mayhem, this one had to be added to the list. Here are my two favorite reviews to sum up the entirety of this book:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\"Rico Slade can grab Chuck Norris by a wrist and an ankle and use him as a jump rope. If you're looking for some well-crafted literary mayhem that entertains and pleases in equal degrees, this is the book for you.\" - THE AUSTIN POST

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\"If you like violence. If you have a decent sense of humor. If you have ever wondered what would happen if Richard Brautigan wrote a 90's action film instead of killing himself in the winter of 1984...These are all great reasons to read Rico Slade Will F\*cking Kill You.\" - HOUSEFIRE

5.  [The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, by Tom Wolfe](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780553380644)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Wolfe's much-discussed kaleidoscopic non-fiction novel chronicles the tale of novelist Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters. In the 1960s, Kesey led a group of psychedelic sympathizers around the country in a painted bus, presiding over LSD-induced \\"acid tests\\" all along the way. Long considered one of the greatest books about the history of the hippies, Wolfe's ability to research like a reporter and simultaneously evoke the hallucinogenic indulgence of the era ensures that this book, written in 1967, will live long in the counter-culture canon of American literature.

6. [The Final Empire, by Brandon Sanderson](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780765311788)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With mostly favorable reviews among a great many fantasy forums, this book is a step into a different sort of magical world. ‘For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the \"Sliver of Infinity,\" reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler's most hellish prison. Kelsier \\"snapped\\" and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.’

Just read this. There’s plenty of books in the series to keep you entertained for days-_at least_.

7.  [1984, by George Orwell](https://www.indiebound.org/search/book?keys=1984)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Among the seminal texts of the 20th century, _Nineteen Eighty-Four_ is a rare work that grows more haunting as its futuristic purgatory becomes more real. Published in 1949, the book offers political satirist George Orwell's nightmarish vision of a totalitarian, bureaucratic world and one poor stiff's attempt to find individuality. The brilliance of the novel is Orwell's prescience of modern life—the ubiquity of television, the distortion of the language—and his ability to construct such a thorough version of hell. Required reading for students since it was published, it ranks among the most terrifying novels ever written.

8.  [Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West, by Dee Brown](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780805066692)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remarkably heart-wrenching, but if you love history this is a great read. _Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee_ is Dee Brown's eloquent, fully documented account of the systematic destruction of the American Indian during the second half of the nineteenth century. Using council records, autobiographies, and firsthand descriptions, Brown allows the great chiefs and warriors of the Dakota, Ute, Sioux, Cheyenne, and other tribes to tell us in their own words of the battles, massacres, and broken treaties that finally left them demoralized and defeated. A unique and disturbing narrative told with force and clarity, _Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee_ changed forever our vision of how the West was really won.\\t

9.  [The Essential Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury, by Bill Watterson](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780836218053)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A staple of my childhood, and I’d be remiss to not add it to this list, a compilation of one of the best comic strips of all time. Bill Watterson's _Calvin and Hobbes_ has been a worldwide favorite since its introduction in 1985. The strip follows the richly imaginative adventures of Calvin and his trusty tiger, Hobbes. Whether a poignant look at serious family issues or a round of time-travel (with the aid of a well-labeled cardboard box), _Calvin and Hobbes_ will astound and delight you. 

If you think another book should be added to this list, email us! We’d love to do another edition of this article. 

Happy reading and Happy 420 Bloom fam!

The Ultimate Stoner Book List for 4/20 and Everyday High Reading

Among the Bloom staff it’s pretty divided on which of us are readers, and which of us aren’t. I fall into the former category and this is an article I’ve wanted to write for some time. Some of the greatest books of all time seem to fall into this ‘stoner lit’ category and I have to admit, I’m not surprised. Most are classics and for a good reason, and if you see one that you think belongs on this list- email us and it might just get added!

Did you know that cannabis terpenes work together with CBD and THC to fight inflammation? Let’s dive into what anti-inflammatory cannabis terpenes are, what they do, and how they can help you.
In cannabis, terpenes are secreted by the same gland responsible for producing pain-relieving cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Unsurprisingly, several terpenes found in cannabis are also believed to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Similarly to cannabinoids, terpenes are thought to communicate with certain protein cell receptors in the body’s inner endocannabinoid system (ECS) in order to produce therapeutic effects. The ECS is a natural physiological system existing in both humans and animals and is responsible for maintaining balance in the body by regulating things such as mood, pain, appetite, sleep, stress, and more.

### The Best Terpenes For Pain
There are several different terpenes that are believed to help alleviate pain by producing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

### Linalool
Linalool is a floral terpene commonly found in perfumes and naturally found in mint, citrus, and lavender. It’s commonly touted for its anti-anxiety properties, however, it has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, potentially capable of treating inflammatory pain.

### Myrcene
Myrcene, or beta-myrcene, is the most commonly found terpene in marijuana and is believed to be the dominant terpene in over 40% of known cannabis strains. This spicy, earthy terpene can be found in everything from lemongrass to mangoes. A 1990 study found that myrcene may be able to relieve pain in mice, while several other animal studies have found it to be useful in the treatment of anxiety. Myrcene has even shown potential as a muscle relaxant.

### Alpha-Pinene
Pinene is the most commonly found terpene in the natural world. It can be found in rosemary, conifer trees, orange peels, and of course, pine needles. Pinene is believed to have a range of therapeutic effects that may help with anxiety, inflammation, and pain.

### Limonene
Limonene is a bitter and citrusy terpene that can be found in orange, juniper, and lemon. This terpene is believed to stimulate the immune system while also fighting against inflammation, depression, stress, and anxiety.

### Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a terpene found in rosemary, cloves, hops, and more. It’s believed to be responsible for giving black pepper the spicy kick it’s known for and is one of the best terpenes for pain.

Caryophyllene was found to directly activate cell receptors in the human body’s inner endocannabinoid system. Researchers believe that by activating CB2 receptors found in the system, caryophyllene is able to reduce inflammation to lessen pain and lessen the risk of several serious diseases caused by inflammation. Furthermore, a __[2013 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23138934)__ found that the administration of caryophyllene was able to reduce pain in mice. Researchers also found that the terpene was able to enhance the pain-reducing abilities of low-strength morphine, making it more effective.

#### Sources and Research:
[https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/beyond-thc-asserting-benefits-effects-terpenes](https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/beyond-thc-asserting-benefits-effects-terpenes)

https://www.thehigherpath.com/best-terpenes-for-pain

https://www.projectcbd.org/hub/inflammation

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21238581/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=The+endocannabinoid+system%3A+an+emerging+key+player+in+inflammation

Anti-Inflammatory Cannabis Terpenes: What they are, why you need them

Did you know that cannabis terpenes work together with CBD and THC to fight inflammation? Let’s dive into what anti-inflammatory cannabis terpenes are, what they do, and how they can help you.

Research shows that consuming foods rich in terpenes, cannabinoids, and omega-3 fatty acids help increase THC absorption for an enhanced experience.

Here are the best foods to increase THC absorption and help enhance your high.

**Mango**

The myrcene terpenes bind with the THC brain receptors, allowing your high to come on faster, stronger, and last longer. Fans of mango and cannabis use have reported that the absorption time of THC was cut from seven seconds to just four. For maximum results, it is suggested eating a ripe mango 45 minutes prior to smoking. The fruit is chock full of Vitamin C and antioxidants – and may make your high better. It’s definitely a win-win for wellness.

**Chocolate**

When consumed together, the chocolate helps the weed activate the brain receptors that produce feelings of euphoria. This works by eating chocolate prior to smoking, and also for edibles, which is why a lot of people report better effects from weed-infused chocolate bars than from other special treats.

**Broccoli**

If you are using cannabis to fight depression or inflammation, you can try using broccoli to intensify your high. Broccoli is one of the best things to eat when high. The terpene will help the cannabinoids fighting your depression and reducing the pain you may be in. Broccoli contains high levels of the terpene, Beta–caryophyllene, which binds to CB2 receptors in the body much like other cannabinoids. It can work synergistically with cannabinoids by helping to reduce pain, inflammation and depression.

**Nuts**

Nuts are good for you in general, but they can also help the marijuana effects. That’s because nuts contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids which bind to cannabinoids in cannabis and with those healthy fats in the system, a person can therefore become high quicker and stay high much longer.

The high concentration of healthy fats in nuts can also protect the heart which is especially beneficial for those suffering from cardiovascular problems. Because cannabis has been shown to slow the heart rate in certain individuals, healthy fats such as those found in nuts and many oils are strongly recommended.

**Sweet Potatoes**

Some people find themselves getting into negative thought patterns when they are high, and if you do this, sweet potatoes might be the food for you. The vitamins inside can help the brain to produce serotonin and this can help you to stay in a better mood for longer while you are high. Sweet potatoes contain carbohydrates and B vitamins, both of which have been shown to increase serotonin production in the brain. And because they are low-fat and relatively low in protein, the mood-boosting serotonin can work relatively quickly to turn those blues around.  

**Tea**

Black and green teas contain catechin, an antioxidant that can bind with CB1 receptors in the brain to cause feelings of peace and relaxation. When consumed in conjunction with cannabis, tea can improve mood, decrease stress and increase feelings of euphoria.

Sources and Research:  

[Eat These Foods to Take Your THC High Even Higher](https://weedmaps.com/news/2018/06/eat-these-foods-to-take-your-thc-high-even-higher)

[How to Increase Your High](https://www.drgreenrelief.com/blog/how-to-increase-your-high)


Foods can enhance your cannabis experience?

Research shows that consuming foods rich in terpenes, cannabinoids, and omega-3 fatty acids help increase THC absorption for an enhanced experience.Here are the best foods to increase THC absorption and help enhance your high.

If you are familiar with \"essential oils\" you already have some experience with terpenes. Terpenes are found in high quantities in various essential oils. For example, limonene is in the essential oil of lemons and limes, alpha and beta-pinene are found in the essential oil of pine needles. The terpenes in these essential oils contribute to the uplifting effects you experience if you smell the rind of a lemon or walk through a pine forest. All of these terpenes, and thousands more, are found in high concentrations in the bud of cannabis.

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Terpenes are organic compounds that provide aroma and flavor in cannabis and a variety of other organisms, including plants. Terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavors of cannabis, and influence its effects by interacting with cannabinoids. Terpenes also play an incredibly important role by providing the plant with natural protection from bacteria and fungus, insects and other environmental stresses.Thanks to the wide variety of factors, over 200 terpenes have been noted to date.  

_The nose knows._

Aroma and flavor are subjective, and different aromas will appeal to different palates. A distinct, pungent, and unmistakable aroma — regardless of its particular flavor — is evidence of terpenes hard at work within the cannabis plant. So what does this mean for cannabis users? Basically, it gives merit to the idea that “the nose knows.” Our bodies and brains subconsciously have a preference for a particular terpene profile.  

**So why should I care about terpenes?**

1.  Terpenes directly affect your high and contribute to [The Entourage Effect of cannabis](https://www.projectcbd.org/science/terpenes/terpenes-and-entourage-effect)
2.  Terpenes have medical benefits, like cannabinoids, and work synergistically with other compounds in cannabis on the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).
3.  Terpenes give cannabis and vape oil its natural flavor

**What are the most common terpenes?**

**Myrcene**

Effects: Sedating, calming

Also found in: Thyme, mango, lemongrass, and hops

Smells like: Earthy, musky, cloves

Potential therapeutic value: Antioxidant; treatment of insomnia, pain, and inflammation

**Limonene**

Effects: Elevated mood, stress relief

Also found in: Fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint

Smells like: Citrus

Potential therapeutic value: Elevated mood, stress relief, anti fungal properties, antibacterial properties, heartburn and gastric reflux. Improves absorption of other terpenes and chemicals by way of the skin, mucous membranes, and digestive tract.

**Caryophyllene**

Effects: Stress relief

Also found in: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon

Smells like: Pepper, spicy, woody, cloves

Potential therapeutic value: Treatment of pain, anxiety/depression, ulcers

**Terpinolene**

Effects: Uplifting

Also found in: Nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs

Smells like: Piney, floral, and herbal

Potential therapeutic value: Antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer

**Pinene**

Effects: Alertness, memory retention, counteracts some THC effects

Also found in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil, parsley, dill

Smells like: Pine

Potential therapeutic value: Treatment of asthma, pain, Inflammation, ulcers, anxiety, cancer

**Humulene**

Effects: Anti-Inflammatory

Also found in: Hops, coriander, cloves, basil

Smells like: Hops, woody, earthy

Potential therapeutic value: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and appetite suppressant

**Ocimene**

Effects: anti-oxidative, uplifting

Also found in: Mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, and kumquats

Smells like: Sweet, herbal, and woody

Potential therapeutic value: Antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, decongestant, antibacterial

**Linalool**

Effects: Mood-enhancement and sedation

Also found in: Lavender

Smells like: Floral

Potential therapeutic value: Treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease

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Sources and Research:  

[https://www.heylocannabis.com/post/what-are-terpenes](https://www.heylocannabis.com/post/what-are-terpenes)

[https://www.projectcbd.org/science/terpenes-entourage-effect](https://www.projectcbd.org/science/terpenes-entourage-effect)

[https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy](https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy)

[https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/terpenes](https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/terpenes)

[https://www.medicaljane.com/category/cannabis-classroom/terpenes/#introduction-to-terpenes](https://www.medicaljane.com/category/cannabis-classroom/terpenes/#introduction-to-terpenes)

[https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/articles/the-difference-between-cannabinoids-and-terpenes-311502](https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/articles/the-difference-between-cannabinoids-and-terpenes-311502)

[https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained](https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained)

What are terpenes?

If you are familiar with \"essential oils\" you already have some experience with terpenes. Terpenes are found in high quantities in various essential oils. For example, limonene is in the essential oil of lemons and limes, alpha and beta-pinene are found in the essential oil of pine needles. The terpenes in these essential oils contribute to the uplifting effects you experience if you smell the rind of a lemon or walk through a pine forest. All of these terpenes, and thousands more, are found in high concentrations in the bud of cannabis.

Legendary since the 1990’s this strain is popular for good reason. Sour Diesel is a sativa strain made by crossing Original Diesel x DNL. For most, you can count on this strain as a stand in for a morning cup of coffee. It’s uplifting, creative, and produces an all around strong high that won’t trip you up. In fact, most people find that Sour Diesel renders a purely cerebral experience.This strain is commonly used amongst medical patients to relieve anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, and chronic fatigue. it's not recommended for treatment of insomnia and other similar ailments because of the stimulating and lively head high that it delivers. The smoke from this strain is famously harsh itself, causing even some more experienced marijuana consumers to cough. Unless you prefer heavy diesel strains, it’s not known as the most pleasant tasting strain, the diesel and ammonia flavors really take hold on the exhale and last quite a while on the palate but the mood-elevating buzz you’ll get will be well worth it.

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Strain of the month - Sour Diesel

Legendary since the 1990’s this strain is popular for good reason.

*   **Overgrinding the plant material when making butter or oil.**

When I’m looking around the internet for infusion recipes the number one issue I see is the recommendation of finely ground cannabis. The problem that arises when you use overly ground plant matter is that you get a green herbal product with no benefits from the finer grind. The trichomes ON the plant are not inside the plant themselves so the grind is unnecessary and increases the bitter and grassy flavor of your finished product.

The best solution is cutting or tearing your cannabis into pieces before your decarboxylation process and then not crumbling it any further before you start your infusion process. This allows you to let the herby green flavor stay behind in the cannabis while still getting the infusion results you want and keeping everything from getting too green.

*   **Cooking your cannabis at too high of a temperature.**

Generally, lower temperatures are better. THC is completely degraded at a temperature of 392°F however it starts to break down long before that. One tip would be to add the infusion at the very end of the cooking process, for example: roast your vegetables then toss in butter or oils after the cooking process. Another tip is choosing an oven baked recipe that cooks at a temperature of around 350°F or lower and using an oven thermometer to correctly monitor heat.

*   **Limiting your cannabis cooking to sweet treats.**

When you mention cannabis edibles, most people immediately think of brownies, cookies or gummies. While all of those are simple and great things to make, there’s a whole world of opportunities outside of sweets. The herbal flavor profiles of cannabis lend themselves more naturally with anything else you would normally season with herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage. Think about chili, roasted broccoli or curries… delicious!

*   **Using too much.**

While using too much may not kill you, it definitely will ruin the experience. When making your own oils and infusions, test out your dosing and then label that batch with your ideal dose since every batch will be different.

Try 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon and add it to food or drink. Wait an hour and see how you feel. This will help you determine your single dose. Once you have a good grasp on your ideal dose, it opens up your cannabis culinary adventures entirely! From there you have a good idea of how much you need based on how many servings if cooking something larger- like a cake, a pizza, or a pitcher. Or you could just use that as a guideline for infusing an individual dish- a plate of pasta, a cup of coffee, or a piece of toast.

*   **Spending too much on flower for cannabis edibles**

The general rule of thumb is a 1:1 ratio- 1 cup of oil to 1 cup of decarbed cannabis (about 7-10 grams). The lipids in the oil can only bind to so many cannabinoids so adding too much cannabis won’t make it any stronger, it’s mostly just wasteful.

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5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking with Cannabis

5 common mistakes that can make or break your next infused creation.

**What are cannabinoids?**  

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the _Cannabis sativa_ plant. Cannabinoids imitate compounds human bodies naturally produce already, called endocannabinoids. These are produced by the human body and used to promote homeostasis, which regulates internal health and immune system functions. The endocannabinoids are involved in many functions in our body, including appetite, feeling pain and mood. Because this system passes chemicals - acting like messages - between the brain and different part of the body, they are critical for our health, both mental and physical.They're the reason you may feel a psychoactive high or therapeutic pain relief after consuming cannabis.

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With over 480 different compounds present in the plant, only around 66-113 are termed cannabinoids, but estimates still vary wildly. Since there are so many, learning the interactions between cannabinoids is very useful. The fascinating part is that different cannabinoids produce different effects according to the type and location of receptor they interact with.

Although your body contains several other receptors capable of interacting with cannabinoids there are two that are most widely known: CB-1 receptors which are most commonly found in brain cells and the central nervous system, and CB-2 receptors which are usually found in the body and the immune system.

For example, the cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binds with the CB-1 receptors in the which are found in abundance in the brain which gives you the psychoactive high you associate with THC.

**Classes of Cannabinoids**

The cannabinoids are separated into these subclasses:

*   Cannabigerols (CBG)
*   Cannabichromenes (CBC)
*   Cannabidiol (CBD)
*   Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
*   Cannabinol (CBN)
*   Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
*   Other cannabinoids including cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE) and cannabitriol (CBT)

**What do I even do with this information?**

Different cannabinoids have different effects. Certain ones provide anxiety relief while others can induce hunger (the munchies) for cancer patients or people struggling with lack of appetite. Knowing which cannabinoid has your desired effects can help you choose medicine that best fits your needs.

**_Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid_** (THC-A) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. THC-A is the most abundant cannabinoid in raw cannabis. When THC-A is heated to a high enough temperature, it immediately converts to THC. This process, called decarboxylation, also occurs naturally as fresh cannabis dries and cures.

THC-A has illustrated significant [anti-inflammatory](https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/34/5/34_5_774/_pdf), [antiemetic](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792001) and [neuroprotective](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28853159) properties, and a [study was done in 2018](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/can.2018.0010) that suggested possible therapeutic value as an anti-tumor agent.

**_Tetrahydrocannabivarin_** (THC-V) is a potentially potent psychoactive cannabinoid. Research studies are examining its effects on certain psychological conditions such as PTSD. It may have [anxiolytic](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881115615104) properties and has also shown promise as a potentially effective treatment for certain types of [psychosis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4337703). Limited rodent studies have indicated that THC-V can [decrease appetite](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671751).

**_Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol_** (THC) is the most well-known cannabinoid and the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC has significant [antiemetic](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951) effects. Many cancer patients use it to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments. It can also be used to stimulate appetite, making it a useful medical agent for wasting syndrome and anorexia.

THC may be especially beneficial for [pain management](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660). The analgesic properties may be useful for treating chronic pain stemming from multiple conditions. Patients struggling with sleep-related issues may also benefit from THC. Studies have found that the compound can [reduce rapid eye movement](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/178475) during sleep which could help limit PTSD-related nightmares, providing more restful sleep. Many patients also claim that it helps them fall asleep easily. Other common uses may include protecting the nervous system, reducing muscle spasms and providing a sense of relaxation and stress relief.

**_Cannabidiol_** (CBD) is another versatile cannabinoid with multiple therapeutic effects. The non-intoxicating properties make it more applicable to those who need and want to stay clear-minded. One of the most appealing aspects is how CBD can actually mitigate the unwanted [side effects of THC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946), like intoxication and increased heartbeat. CBD has powerful [anti-inflammatory](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896) properties. The compound may also be useful for treating certain mental health conditions. Evidence shows that CBD can be an anxiolytic and [antipsychotic](https://www.nature.com/articles/tp201215) agent. Some of CBD’s most studied attributes are its [antiseizure](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2819831) properties.

**_Cannabigerol_** (CBG)  is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is found in minimal amounts (less than 1%) in medical marijuana. CBG is the chemical precursor to THC and CBD. CBG has indicated potential in [chronic pain management](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/#b42). One study found that CBG may have potential as an [anti-cancer](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25269802) agent. Along with THC-A, the compound was able to [inhibit the growth](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25269802) of colorectal cancer cells in mice which slowed the colon cancer growth. It was also able to block receptors that cause cancer cell growth. This is very preliminary research that warrants further research, but medical studies are still a long way from proving CBG’s efficacy as an anticancer agent in humans.

**_Cannabidivarin_** (CBD-V) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has exhibited anticonvulsant effects in certain rodent studies. It is being researched for its potential in treating epilepsy.

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Cannabinoids 101

What are cannabinoids and what do they do for me?

Every other guide shows you the basics for cooking with cannabis but what are the items that are more for fun and not a $200-$300 gadget? How do you make sure that you don’t mix up the special brownies with the regular brownies? Here are some fun products to add to your kitchen lineup next time you venture into a new cannabis recipe.

1.  Cannabis infusions need a ton of special attention to temperature throughout the process. Having an [instant-read thermometer](https://www.amazon.com/ThermoPro-Digital-Instant-Thermometer-Kitchen/dp/B01IHHLB3W/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=digital+thermometer+for+cooking&qid=1612136931&sr=8-5) is definitely the gift that keeps on getting you high.
2.  You’ll definitely need to strain your cannabis from finished infusions, and [cheesecloth](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FYOB3H0?pd_rd_i=B01FYOB3H0&pd_rd_w=60INZ&pf_rd_p=51cf0d17-50cf-4c89-b1a7-606703cfac11&pd_rd_wg=I9p7Y&pf_rd_r=BBG017JM2D5KGYZAA5HS&pd_rd_r=1944ea81-6a55-4324-9702-d091e92c085d) and [mesh strainers](https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CTG-00-3MS-Stainless-Steel-Strainers/dp/B007TUQF9O) are a great way to go.
3.  Want to make your cookies stand out? An [embossed rolling pin like this](https://www.etsy.com/listing/384434686/rolling-pin-engraved-marijuana-leaf?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=marijuana%20rolling%20pin&ref=sr_gallery_1) will help you set your fancy cookies apart from the rest.
4.  This [flexible silicone pan](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000U7ZEDG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000U7ZEDG&linkCode=as2&tag=cannabischeri-20&linkId=0799213b1c45f8bf966ad27fa90ec50b) turns any type of batter into a cannabis leaf. You could also use this as a gelatin or ice cream mold. Oven, freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe, each pan yields six groovy ganja shaped goodies.
5.  Take away the guesswork over which foods are medicated by storing homemade edibles in these [etched glass containers](https://www.etsy.com/listing/226758606/cannabis-edibles-stash-jars-medicated?ref=shop_home_active_6&pro=1). Made of food grade glass, the beautiful and functional kitchen canisters seal airtight and are refrigerator and dishwasher safe. When not storing edibles, they also make great stash jars!
6.  These [cupcake liners](https://www.etsy.com/listing/899810241/foil-cupcake-liner-green-leaf?ref=shop_home_active_4&frs=1&crt=1) would be a perfect way to make sure your individual brownies, cupcakes, muffins or peanut butter cups don’t turn into a guessing game in the refrigerator.
7.  This [silicone butter mold](https://www.etsy.com/listing/887178841/silicone-butter-mold-tray-with-lid?ref=shop_home_active_11&frs=1&crt=1) has easy indentations to help you dose your edibles faster and simpler.

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Best Accessories for Cannabis Cooking

Every other guide shows you the basics for cooking with cannabis, this one is a little different.

Like the name suggests, Velvet Bud will produce a smoke that is smooth like velvet. A mostly sativa that crosses Dutch Treat and Blueberry, this fruity strain is a great choice for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, and stress. Reviewed to be a great morning, get-things-done strain with focused, giggly, and uplifting effects. The profile tends to lean on hops, cinnamon, and orange as its main flavors and aromas.

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February Strain of the Month - Velvet Bud

The strain of the month for February is a peppy sativa - Velvet Bud.

<p>Finding consistent information on the origins of cannabis in North Finding consistent information on the origins of cannabis in North America is not as easy as it looks. Depending on what you read, you might find that some are downright assuming what ‘they really meant’ in these historical documents. Namely, the concept that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew _cannabis_ on the properties at Mount Vernon and Monticello- while all historical documents read it as _hemp_. (Hemp was ordered to be grown on plantations everywhere in the early colonies because we hadn’t yet discovered cotton as an industry quite yet, and it was our main cash crop as a country.) Some say it first came over with Columbus in 1492, while others say that it was spread here from Brazil and Chile in the 16th Century. 

What we do know for sure is that the drug in it’s two-fold use (both recreationally and medicinally) was most commonly documented in the early 19th century. In the U.S., cannabis was widely utilized as a non-prescription medicine and was first described in the _United States Pharmacopoeia_ in 1850. [Xenophobia](http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/07/14/201981025/the-mysterious-history-of-marijuana) was next to grip the nation as a flood of Mexican immigrants fleeing the Mexican Revolution of 1910 introduced marijuana's recreational use. Interestingly, it was only referred to as marijuana \"because anti-cannabis factions wanted to underscore the drug's \"Mexican-ness,\" according to [NPR.](http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/07/14/201981025/the-mysterious-history-of-marijuana)  It was meant to play off of anti-immigrant sentiment. The \"marijuana menace\" then became the battleground with a specifically delineated \"us\" and \"them\" — later to expand to \"African-Americans, jazz musicians, prostitutes and underworld whites,\" Eric Schlosser wrote for the [Atlantic](http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1994/08/reefer-madness/303476) in 1994. The Volstead Act of 1920, which raised the price of alcohol in the United States, positioned marijuana as an attractive alternative and led to an increase in use of the drug. “Tea pads,” where a person could purchase marijuana for 25 cents or less, began appearing in cities across the United States, particularly as part of the black “hepster” jazz culture.

By 1930 it was reported that there were at least 500 of these “tea pads” in New York City alone. During the Great Depression as unemployment increased, resentment and fear of the Mexican immigrants became connected to marijuana use. Numerous research studies linked marijuana use by lower class communities with crime and violence. In 1937, Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act which criminalized the drug. By the time the Marijuana Tax Act was passed, the well-known anti-cannabis propaganda film _Reefer Madness_ had debuted. Federal and state governments, as well as scientific sources, began a campaign of misinformation on the use of cannabis. The Federal Narcotics Bureau’s propaganda allowed for the difference between cannabis & hemp (the amount of THC content) to be lost in fear as the “Marihuana Act of 1937\\" finally made the cannabis plant federally illegal. The value of industrial hemp would not be revitalized until World War 2 when a shortage of hemp imports caused the U.S Department of Agriculture to create its “Hemp For Victory” initiative. Farmers growing hemp were excused from war as they provided the raw materials to support the military’s needs. Yet, as soon as WWII ended, both cannabis and hemp remained illegal.

From 1951 to 1956 stricter sentencing laws set mandatory minimum sentences for drug-related offenses. In the 1950s the beatniks appropriated the use of marijuana from the black hepsters and the drug moved into middle-class white America in the 1960s and this explosion of usage made it a target for the embryonic Drug Enforcement Agency. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) was founded the same year.

Under President Nixon’s administration in 1970, US Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. This act led to the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I substance, meaning the government recognized no legitimate use for its production, sale, possession, or use. This put marijuana on par with substances such as cocaine and heroin. 

This was not the last strike against marijuana use. Despite interest from President Jimmy Carter to decriminalize the casual use of marijuana in the late 70s, its vilification continued into the 1980s. The Reagan administration took a hard stance against drugs, including marijuana. Initiatives such as the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and First Lady Nancy Reagan’s Just Say No programs flooded the airwaves and became commonplace in America’s schools. Under Reagan, penalties continued to stiffen for drug-related offenses. The advent of controversial “three strikes” laws and mandatory sentencing regimes meant that anyone convicted of nonviolent offenses like marijuana possession could be sentenced to life without parole.

Since then, lawmakers have been doing a do-si-do with the drug. Over the decades, stricter enforcement and the passing of mandatory sentencing laws have traded off with repeals of those laws and efforts at legalization. Today, fifteen states have legalized marijuana (with many more allowing medical marijuana), but, as far as the federal government is concerned, there is still more work to be done.

   History of Cannabis Part 3: Early America to the Reagan Administration

Finding consistent information on the origins of cannabis in North America is not as easy as it looks. Depending on what you read, you might find that some are downright assuming what ‘they really meant’ in these historical documents. Namely, the concept that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew cannabis on the properties at Mount Vernon and Monticello- while all historical documents read it as hemp.

Head Wander is a cross between Purple Headband X Wonder Lotion that's a dynamite hybrid rich in Limonene, Pinene, Myrcene and Caryophyllene. If the holidays have stressed you out, Head Wander is the strain for you. Doing exactly what the name says, your mind will wander with a euphoric haze that is sure to distract you from your responsibilities. Noted to help with depression, chronic pain and chronic stress this strain boasts a myriad of relaxing and euphoric properties without the couch-lock. It’s most prominent cannabinoids feature THC, CGB, and CBD.

January Strain of the Month - Head Wander

Head Wander is a cross between Purple Headband X Wonder Lotion that's a dynamite hybrid rich in Limonene, Pinene, Myrcene and Caryophyllene.

Any cannabis consumer can tell you that if there’s one feeling no one enjoys, it’s the moment when you realize, “I’m too high.” For those of us who use marijuana regularly, it’s almost inevitable… one day you’ll take a bigger dose than you’d like or you'll take a break and your dosing requirements will change. You might have just tried concentrates for the first time and were caught off guard by their potency. Eventually, most cannabis users do experience a few negative side effects from smoking weed, eating edibles or taking one too many teaspoons of cannabis infused coconut oil.  Or maybe you are just a low-tolerance consumer. There are a thousand ways it can happen, but once it does, the resulting experience can be uncomfortable and enough to turn off even the most seasoned cannabis lover.

The most common reported negative side effects from taking too much cannabis are:

*   Anxiety and Paranoia
*   Dry Mouth/ Cottonmouth
*   Munchies
*   Sleepiness/ Lethargy

**Anxiety and Paranoia**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the worst side effects of THC is anxiety and paranoia. Though small amounts of THC are likely to only induce mild paranoia or social anxiety, edibles and large doses can cause exaggerated side effects (just ask [the guy who ate an edible and called 911](https://www.leafly.com/news/headlines/weekend-weirdness-help-me-911-im-waaaaaay-too-high) because he thought he was dying). THC is known to relieve anxiety in smaller doses and increase it in larger; this is due to its [biphasic effects](https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/why-does-cannabis-cause-paranoia-and-anxiety), meaning it can have two opposite effects in high doses. While there are some people are genetically predisposed to experience anxiety with cannabis as a result of brain chemistry. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are more prone to experiencing cannabis’ anxious effects, CBD is an excellent anxiety-fighting compound, and for many people it can be used to counteract too much THC- even after the fact! Another helpful trick if you’re combating paranoia and anxiety, is a simple household ingredient found in kitchens and restaurants everywhere can come to your rescue: black pepper. Just sniff or chew on a few black peppercorns and it should provide almost instantaneous relief. It also helps to only consume when you’re in a comfortable place, such as at home or with friends.

**Dry Mouth**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Better known as the dreaded “cottonmouth,” high-THC cannabis can also make your mouth drier than the Sahara Desert. Believe it or not, there are cannabinoid receptors in our saliva glands. THC mirrors a naturally occurring chemical called _anandamide_, which binds to these receptors to decrease saliva production. THC, with its high affinity toward these receptors, exaggerates that effect much to our dismay. Remember to dose low and keep plenty of water (and maybe some chewing gum) on-hand in the event that cottonmouth strikes.

**Munchies**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless you have an under-active appetite, you might consider the munchies a nuisance and side effect of THC. Because it stimulates areas of the brain associated with appetite, THC can jumpstart a fierce hunger that may or may not motivate you to order the entire left side of the Taco Bell menu. You can curb this side effect with high-CBD or high-THCV strains.

**Lethargy**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once again, this “side effect” is seen by some as a therapeutic benefit since THC fights insomnia and promotes rest. However, if you’re looking to stay active while using cannabis, bear in mind that some strains can induce naps, lethargy, or an early night’s sleep. It’s entirely up to individual body chemistry, since the more commonly touted labels of Sativa vs. Indica are proving to be irrelevant when talking about a strains effects. (But more on that another time…)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You may experience a number of other side effects with cannabis such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory difficulties, although these are less common. It’s always a good idea to communicate your cannabis consumption with your doctor in case it interacts with another medication you are taking. Because its side effects tend to be mild, many patients prefer it to other medications, but familiarizing yourself with any and all risks is the best way to ensure a good experience for yourself and the loved ones you’re enjoying it with.

Too High? 4 Common Side Effects and What To Do About Them.

Have you ever taken a reasonable dose of an edible, waited and then taken another only for them to both kick in with a vengeance? Or maybe you tried concentrates for the first time and dabbed way too much? Or maybe you just have a low tolerance? Either way, it happens to all of us. Here's how to kick those unwanted side effects to the curb.

From the Netherlands- DNA Genetics crossed Exodus Cheese (a.k.a. UK Cheese) with OG Kush to create Exodus Kush. Plants grow wide and dense with the structure of Exodus Cheese but pack the heavy-hitting high of OG Kush that tends to put people to bed. The taste profile starts off with a cheesy funk and finishes with a thick OG gas flavor. Exodus Cheese fits the bill for any Kush or Cheese lover looking for a new favorite. Exodus Kush weed shows a myriad of colors, even after its buds have been cured. You’ll see vivid greens and yellow-orange pistils along with light blue and purple hues scattered throughout its flowers. What’s more notable about Exodus Kush is its scent. It’s quite cheesy and has a pungent diesel undertone when you take in a deep breath of its aroma. The strain effects have been described by reviewers as being lethargic for mind and body. Those that enjoy this strain have indulged in light contemplation or simply relaxing outside. Some have noted it helped alleviate pain in the body while others liked how it improved their mood.

December Strain of the Month- Exodus Kush

The December strain of the month is as cheesy as an ugly Christmas sweater on Christmas Eve.

In our last article, we reached the years around 450 BC in the Siberian and German regions of Europe where it seems that cannabis was found in burial grounds and tombs but not entirely any evidence of it’s medical usage in that area. In this article, we will continue through the rise of Cannabis’ popularity and medical history in India and the spread to the Middle East and Africa all the way up to the Americas.

Here the timeline is put very simply:

**1000 AD: Treats Epilepsy**  
Arabic scholars al-Mayusi and al-Badri regard cannabis as an effective treatment for epilepsy.

**1025 AD: Avicenna**  
The medieval Persian medical writer publishes “Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine”, stating that cannabis is an effective treatment for gout, edema, infectious wounds, and severe headaches. His work was widely studied from the 13th to 19th centuries, having a lasting impact on Western medicine.

**1300 AD: Arab traders**  
Arab traders bring cannabis from India to Eastern Africa, where it spreads inland. It is used to treat malaria, asthma, fever, and dysentery.

**1500 AD: Spanish Conquest**  
The Spanish brought cannabis to the Americas, where it was used for more practical purposes like rope or clothes. However, years later, it would be used as a psychoactive and medicinal drug.

**1798: Napoleon**  
Napoleon brought cannabis back to France from Egypt, and it was investigated for its pain relieving and sedative qualities. At this time, cannabis would be used to treat tumors, cough, and jaundice.

If you’re interested in learning more- keep reading.

In the year 1000 A.D. Muslim texts mention the use of _cannabis_ as a diuretic, digestive, anti-flatulent, 'to clean the brain', and to soothe pain of the ears. Around the turn of the millennium, the use of hashish (cannabis resin) began to spill over from the Persian world into the Arab world. Cannabis was allegedly introduced to Iraq in 1230 AD, during the reign of Caliph Al-Mustansir Bi'llah, by the entourage of Bahraini rulers visiting Iraq. Hashish was introduced to Egypt by \"mystic Islamic travelers\" from Syria sometime during the Ayyubid dynasty in the 12th century AD. Hashish consumption by Egyptian Sufis has been documented in the thirteenth century AD, and a unique type of cannabis referred to as Indian hemp was also documented during this time. Smoking did not become common in the Old World until after the introduction of tobacco, so up until the 1500s hashish in the Muslim world was consumed as an edible.

Cannabis is thought to have been introduced to Africa by early Arab or Indian Hindu travelers, which Bantu settlers subsequently introduced to southern Africa when they migrated southward. Linguistic studies provide evidence to prove the theory. _Bhang_, the traditional word for cannabis on Africa’s East coast, comes from Hindi. In Africa, the plant was used for snake bite, to facilitate childbirth, malaria, fever, blood poisoning, anthrax, asthma, and dysentery. 

It was already in popular use in South Africa by the indigenous Khoisan and Bantu peoples prior to European settlement in the Cape in 1652. By the 1850s, Swahili traders had carried cannabis from the east coast of Africa, to the Congo Basin in the west. Cannabis has been south of the Congo River for only a few hundred years before the Europeans arrived. 

In the Americas, the use of cannabis probably began in South America. In the 16th century, the plant's seeds reached Brazil; brought by African slaves, especially those from Angola, and its use was considerably common among those in the Northeastern rural area. Most synonyms for cannabis in Brazil (_maconha_, _diamba_, _liamba_, and others) have their origin in the Angolan language. There are reports of the use of cannabis in that region's popular religious rituals, especially the 'Catimbó', which includes cult to African deities and presumes the value of the plant for magical practice and treatment of diseases. In the rural environment, there are reports of the use of cannabis for toothache and menstrual cramps.

Starting about 1545, the Spaniards brought industrial hemp to the Western Hemisphere and cultivated it in Chile. In 1607, hemp was among the crops Gabriel Archer observed being cultivated by the natives at the main Powhatan village, where Richmond, Virginia is now situated; and in 1613, Samuell Argall reported wild hemp \"better than that in England\" growing along the shores of the upper Potomac. As early as 1619, the first Virginia House of Burgesses passed an Act requiring all planters in Virginia to sow \"both English and Indian\" hemp on their plantations.

During Napoléon Bonaparte's invasion of Egypt in 1798, alcohol was not available per Egypt being an Islamic country. In lieu of alcohol, Bonaparte's troops resorted to trying hashish, which they found to their liking. Following an 1836–1840 travel in North Africa and the Middle East, French physician Jacques-Joseph Moreau wrote on the psychological effects of cannabis use; Moreau was a member of Paris' Club des Hashischins (founded in 1844). 

In 1842, Irish physician William Brooke O'Shaughnessy, who had studied the drug while working as a medical officer in Bengal with the East India company, brought a quantity of cannabis with him on his return to Britain, provoking renewed interest in the West. Examples of classic literature of the period featuring cannabis include Les paradis artificiels (1860) by Charles Baudelaire and The Hasheesh Eater (1857) by Fitz Hugh Ludlow.

Next month we will go into the early American history of Cannabis all the way up to it’s prohibition- stay tuned to read more.

[https://books.google.com/books?id=Pk-xCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA72#v=onepage&q&f=false](https://books.google.com/books?id=Pk-xCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA72#v=onepage&q&f=false)

[https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/historical-timeline/](https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/historical-timeline)

[https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci\_arttext&pid=S1516-44462006000200015](https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-44462006000200015)

[https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1516-44462006000200015&script=sci\_arttext](https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1516-44462006000200015&script=sci_arttext)

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History\_of\_cannabis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_cannabis)

History of Cannabis Part 2: Are We There Yet?

Cannabis made quite the trek before it even arrived in the Americas- here's our second installment in our History of Cannabis series.

What’s the difference between solvent, non-solvent, solventless, and solvent-free? These terms are increasingly common to see on the menu in dispensaries, but they can cause some confusion, so let’s examine the real meaning behind them within the context of the cannabis world. **_Solvent extracts_** are those that are carried out using a (usually a hydrocarbon like [purified butane gas](https://www.alchimiaweb.com/en/hummingbird-gas-without-impurities-product-3236.php) solvent to dissolve the active ingredients and separate them from the plant material. **_Solventless or non-solvent_** is a label applied to products that have been extracted mechanically, without the use of solvents. Now, here’s where it can get a bit confusing? **_Solvent-free_** is a term used to describe products that were originally extracted with a solvent but later distilled in a laboratory to remove any trace of solvent residue. So they started as solvent extracts but now are 100% free of any residual solvents, as opposed to a well-purged **BHO** which will always contain a certain, however minuscule, amount of solvent.

Non-solvent extraction processes usually involve using ice to chill cannabis flowers to sub-zero temperatures, agitating the resin glands to detach from the epidermis of the flowers. Heat and pressure extraction methods are sometimes implemented to make non-solvent concentrates as well. Typically speaking, they're smooth-hitting concentrates that highlight the product's aroma, flavor and overall effects better as compared to other extraction methods.

Recently, non-solvent concentrates like rosin and full-melt bubble hash have risen to popularity since they are extracted without the use of chemical solvents, comparing similarly to the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of solvent-based extracts. Non-solvent concentrates are arguably considered a healthier form of concentrate due to the absence of any residual solvent on a parts per million (PPM) scale, although all medical and legal solvent-based concentrates produced are purged and tested extensively to ensure residual solvent ppm levels are in adherence with FDA regulations. 

**_Rosin_** is extracted directly from the flowers – traditionally made from the heating and pressing of hand extracted compounds. As the industry has grown there are now industrial size presses that can obtain rosin on a large scale. This concentrate is totally solvent-free so can give patients peace of mind if they are concerned about what is in their medicine. Rosin also retains terpenes so is just as flavorful as other kinds of cannabis concentrates.

**_Kief_** is the simplest and most traditional type of concentrate available. The process used to extract it typically involves cannabis flower and specialized, fine filtering screens or tumblers. By rubbing the flower against the screen, trichomes are agitated and isolated, effectively producing product comprising of collected trichomes. Anyone can extract their own kief through a three-chamber grinder, which features a screen in the bottom level to help collect the trichomes. Depending on how coated with trichomes the flowers being used are, it may take a few weeks to get a decent amount to consume.

Kief is very fine in texture and often takes on a light brown or tan coloring and mimics the flavor of the flower it came from. It can be used on top of a bowl or consumed on its own. As mentioned earlier, this form of cannabis is more potent because the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes are found in trichomes.

**_Bubble hash_** (also known as water hash or ice water hash) is a non-solvent product made using ice, water, and fine micron bags (often referred to as \"bubble bags\") to filter out plant material and other waste. Bubble hash is a popular concentrate (especially for those new to the concentrate space) that originally gained momentum around 10-12 years ago. Producing bubble hash is debatably the safest extraction technique known to man.

Ice water is used throughout the process to freeze the trichome glands, making it easier for them to become agitated, snap off and sink to the bottom (as trichomes are heavier than water), while unnecessary plant matter separates and rises to the surface. The resulting product is extremely rich with trichome heads and stalks, although additional sieving and drying is necessary to remove any residual plant matter and evaporate any additional water.

Resources:

[https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/guide-solventless-non-solvent-cannabis-concentrates/](https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/guide-solventless-non-solvent-cannabis-concentrates)

[https://www.masterorganicchemistry.com/2012/04/27/polar-protic-polar-aprotic-nonpolar-all-about-solvents/](https://www.masterorganicchemistry.com/2012/04/27/polar-protic-polar-aprotic-nonpolar-all-about-solvents)

[https://merryjane.com/culture/the-difference-between-solvent-and-solventless](https://merryjane.com/culture/the-difference-between-solvent-and-solventless)

Your Guide to Solventless Concentrates

Have you ever wanted to know what the difference is between solvent-less and solvent concentrates? Here's your guide to the basics behind concentrate types and what the differences are in the solvent-less space in the industry.

Do you know that beautiful purple bud that you sometimes see on your Instagram feed or in the magazines? Want to know what is the explanation for this magical phenomenon? Read on, and we’ll explain in this post.

##### What makes it purple?

  It’s an interesting substance called _anthocyanin_. Anthocyanin is a pigment, and is part of the famous group of flavonoids that give red wine, blueberries and dark chocolate it’s cardiovascular health benefits (although there is no clinical evidence yet to support these claims). Flavonoids are widely distributed in plants, fulfilling many functions. Flavonoids are the most important plant pigments for flower coloration, producing yellow or red/blue pigmentation in petals designed to attract pollinator animals. In higher plants, flavonoids are involved in UV filtration, symbiotic nitrogen fixation and floral pigmentation. 

  Many strains contain a genetic predisposition for high anthocyanin levels, and you’ll often find them under monikers that begin with colors like purple, red, blue, or pink. However, this doesn’t mean these strains will always show off fancy hues, but they have a higher potential of doing so if conditions are right. Plants with low anthocyanin may produce a different array of colors in the final weeks of flowering, due to another family of molecules called _carotenoids_. These are responsible for the earthy gold and yellow hues buds can take on before harvest as chlorophyll shuts off.

##### How does it change from green to purple?

  As you might remember from your elementary biology classes, chlorophyll is what gives plants its green color. Chlorophyll is vitally important to the photosynthesis process by which plants absorb sunlight for energy. As cannabis plants mature, they produce less of the dominant pigment chlorophyll and we begin to see those anthocyanins emerge in a show of purples, reds, and blues. Although not all cannabis strains will express purple, blue, or red hues in their lifetime, those equipped with the right genetics may do so under certain environmental conditions with more color in the buds and green leaves. The reason why cannabis produces flavonoids and anthocyanin, [researchers have observed,](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hakimeh_Mansuori/publication/269415949_Effect_of_Induced_Polyploidy_on_Some_Biochemical_Parameters_in_Cannabis_sativa_L/links/54e437860cf2dbf60695761e.pdf) is for protection. “Flavonoid accumulation \[is\] involved in many aspects of plant growth,” the study authors wrote, “including pathogen resistance, pigment production, and protection against ultraviolet radiation, which contributes to the growth of pollen and seed coat development.”  

  Information on anthocyanin production in cannabis is limited. What we do know comes largely from cannabis cultivation experience and studies measuring patterns of anthocyanin production in other vegetation. First, there’s temperature. Purple, red, and blue hues may appear in response to drops in temperature, since chlorophyll production takes its natural pause in autumn as the days become colder. Research on other fruits and flowers noted that higher temperatures destroy anthocyanin production. That same study also found that higher pH levels lead to the destruction of anthocyanin pigments, meaning they tend to thrive in more acidic environments.

  The pH level determines which pigment the plant takes on:

*   Acidic environments tend to induce red and pink coloration
*   Purple coloration occurs in neutral pH environments
*   Blues become present with higher pH levels
*   Yellow is developed in alkaline conditions

##### Are purple strains better?

  Visual appeal aside, is there reason to believe that these royal-toned flowers are better than the green hues more common to the plant? The science leans towards no.  

  The various ways cannabis plants are bred, with different pH levels, temperatures, and pigmentation, may also influence their effects. However, when the crop is harvested, what nutrients it was fed, how much water and light it ingested, all contribute to a cocktail of qualities and effects unique to each plant, no matter what its main color may be.  

  According to the European Food Safety Authority, there is no substantive evidence anthocyanins have any effect on human biology or diseases – though they contain a higher concentration of anti-oxidants, which would theoretically only be beneficial if one were eating buds. There is some minor proven correlation to anthocyanins as an anti-inflammatory, but again, would probably be more active if ingested. Seeking a strain with higher CBD content would be a better source for anti-inflammatory effects than purple hue.  

‍

Sources:

[https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/why-are-marijuana-strains-purple](https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/why-are-marijuana-strains-purple)

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid#Functions\_of\_flavonoids\_in\_plants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid#Functions_of_flavonoids_in_plants)

[http://www.docsdrive.com/pdfs/ansinet/pjn/2006/90-92.pdf](http://www.docsdrive.com/pdfs/ansinet/pjn/2006/90-92.pdf)

[https://www.jbc.org/content/116/2/587.full.pdf+html](https://www.jbc.org/content/116/2/587.full.pdf+html)

[https://www.vice.com/en/article/53dw33/why-purple-kush-is-purple-and-other-reasons-behind-cannabis-colors](https://www.vice.com/en/article/53dw33/why-purple-kush-is-purple-and-other-reasons-behind-cannabis-colors)

Why are Some Strains Purple?

Why are some strains more purple than others? Is cannabis that is purple better? Read on and find out.

##### History of Cannabis part 1: The Ancient Roots

“You have to know the past to understand the present.” Carl Sagan

If we want to understand and change the game in cannabis, we have to first learn where it comes from. This is the first installment in a series of broken up history lessons to learn about something that we all have in common- cannabis.  

Cannabis sativa L. is possibly one of the oldest plants cultivated by man, but has remained a source of controversy throughout its history. Mind-altering plants can produce various altered states of consciousness and have thus played important roles in ritual and/or religious activities in various areas of the world. In prehistoric and early historic Central Eurasia, many plants were used for their secondary compounds. Plants in the _Cannabis_ genus represent a hybrid complex, with ongoing controversy relating to taxonomy (the classification);  and the lack of taxonomic clarity combined with continual gene flow between wild and domesticated populations has hampered attempts to study the origins and dispersal of this plant. Wild cannabis grows across many of the cooler mountain foothills from the Caucasus to western China, especially in the well-watered habitats of Central Asia.

The earliest known origin of the hemp plant is likely Central Asia. The plant is remarkable in its genetic variation and polymorphic capacities (wide genetic variations) and versatility as a foodstuff and fuel (􏰀seeds􏰁), fiber (stalks), and pharmaceutical (unfertilized flowering tops). Its biochemical diversity, while possibly exceeded in sheer numbers by other herbs and common food plants, is likely unrivaled with respect to its extensive complement of bioactive compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) and their potential medical applications. 

It’s not possible to say exactly where and when cannabis came into existence as a medical plant, but fragments of report occur centuries before the birth of Christ in China and Egypt. The well-known Chinese doctor Hua T’uo reportedly made use of a hemp and wine recipe called “Ma-yo” as an anesthetic for surgical operations. 

Approximately 800 years B.C., the plant appeared to have reached India. Due to its narcotic effect, cannabis was used in certain rituals and soon became established among Indian medicinals and narcotics. Even centuries later, cannabis retained its place in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Hemp has also been mentioned previously in a medicinal context in the Vedas, the oldest Indian religious texts. 

Persian and Tibetan traditions of cannabis use also stem from before the birth of Christ. Even in the time of Buddha (500 B.C), cannabis was allegedly used as an anesthetic to perform extraordinary surgery. Assyrian fragments of herbal literature suggest that they knew about the psychoactive effects of cannabis and used it as incense since the 9th century B.C. It’s also possible that, before the Christian Era, Assyrians used the plant externally for swellings and bruises; and internally for depression, impotence, arthritis, kidney stones, ‘female ailment’, and for the ‘annulment of witchcraft’.

In Europe, historical and archeological evidence suggests the presence of cannabis before the Christian Era. It seems the plant was brought by Scythian invaders, who originated from Central Asian and reached close to the Mediterranean. In the year 450 B.C., Herodotus described a Scythian funeral ceremony, and stated that they inhaled the vapors obtained from burning cannabis seeds with ritualistic and euphoric purposes. That description was later confirmed by archeologists who found charred cannabis seeds in Scythian tombs in Siberia and Germany. Other artifacts in these tombs suggest ritual practices—for example, the presence of an angular harp, an important musical instrument in ancient funerals and sacrificial ceremonies. In addition, many of the artifacts from these tombs have clear burn marks on them. We can start to piece together an image of funerary rites that included flames, rhythmic music, and hallucinogen smoke, all intended to guide people into an altered state of mind.  

Resources: 

[https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1516-44462006000200015&script=sci\_arttext](https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1516-44462006000200015&script=sci_arttext)

[https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=XfW3AAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA37&dq=history+of+cannabis&ots=hH6haz3bSI&sig=HsxlE_TMHrlsKFQJjcdCHW29Wzw#v=onepage&q=history%20of%20cannabis&f=false](https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=XfW3AAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA37&dq=history+of+cannabis&ots=hH6haz3bSI&sig=HsxlE_TMHrlsKFQJjcdCHW29Wzw#v=onepage&q=history%20of%20cannabis&f=false)

[http://letfreedomgrow.org/cmu/Russo2007.pdf](http://letfreedomgrow.org/cmu/Russo2007.pdf)

[https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/6/eaaw1391](https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/6/eaaw1391)

The History of Cannabis - Part 1: The Ancient Roots

The history of cannabis from the earliest recorded texts to the birth of Christ. This is part 1 of a series.

Lemon Walker is a Sativa strain with award-winning parents- Lemon Skunk and Skywalker OG. Most consumers have liked Lemon Walker, because it has offered an energetic and creative state of mind that allowed them to stay focused and left their body pain-free. Users have suggested to use Lemon Walker to help ease symptoms of ADD, ADHD, PTSD, depression, stress, chronic fatigue, chronic pain and migraines.

The buds are lemon and citrus-scented, but the flavor is all the way Kush, with slightly fruity undertones. Lemon Walker is great for stimulating appetites and helps with concentration. She delivers a potent, cerebral buzz that has an uplifting, mood-enhancing effect.

‍

October Strain of the Month- Lemon Walker

Lemon Walker is a Sativa strain with award-winning parents- Lemon Skunk and Skywalker OG.

Every person has a unique internal physiologic environment and can therefore experience different results with various medications. One person’s response to a dose of edible cannabis can vary significantly from the next, even more so than other medications or herbs. Why?

Several factors are involved, including previous history of cannabis use, gastrointestinal factors, and the function/sensitivity of one’s endocannabinoid system. 

Once you go above 100 mg and into extremely high dosages such as 150 mg, 200 mg, or even 500 mg marijuana edibles, the risk of negative effects associated with the idea of overconsuming cannabis—such as nausea and paranoia—increase, even for consumers who may have very high tolerances.

**_There are a few things to consider that may alter your cannabis experience:_**

*   THC has biphasic properties, which means at one dose it might have one effect (relieves stress) but one larger can cause the opposite (increased feelings of stress). 
*   Taking THC edibles on an empty stomach can cause your dose to be absorbed faster with a more intense onset. A meal rich in fat can cause you to absorb more THC than usual. 
*   If you take your regular dose outside of your normal routine, it can cause a completely different experience. 
*   If you ever become uncomfortable from overconsumption try laying down, closing your eyes, and take deep slow breaths. You can also try watching a funny or comforting movie.
*   If you feel like you are experiencing trouble breathing or heart-related problems, you should seek medical attention.

**_How many mg of edibles should you eat?_**

The ideal edibles dose depends on a lot of things, including tolerance, individual body chemistry, and the experience you’re looking for. But there are some basic guidelines that can help you find the right dose of marijuana edibles, which are measured in milligrams (mg).

**1 – 2.5 mg THC edibles**

Effects include: Mild relief of symptoms like pain, stress, and anxiety; increased focus and creativity.

Good for: First-time consumers or regular consumers looking to microdose.

**2.5 – 15 mg THC edibles**

Effects include: Stronger relief of pain and anxiety symptoms; euphoria; impaired coordination and perception.

Good for: Standard recreational use; persistent symptoms not addressed by smaller doses; people looking for a good night’s sleep.

**30 – 50 mg THC edibles**

Effects include: Strong euphoric effects; significantly impaired coordination and perception.

Good for: High tolerance THC consumers; consumers whose GI systems don’t absorb cannabinoids well.

**50 – 100 mg THC edibles**

Effects include: Seriously impaired coordination and perception; possible unpleasant side effects including nausea, pain, and increased heart rate.

Good for: Experienced, high-tolerance THC consumers; patients living with inflammatory disorders, cancer, and other serious conditions.

**_How long does it take to feel an effect from edibles?_**

The most common mistake in cannabis dosing occurs when a person doesn’t feel any effect from an edible after one hour and decides to take another dose; two hours later, both doses come through and the individual experiences the unpleasant effects of a cannabis overconsumption.

Adding CBD to THC can enhance the medical benefits of marijuana edibles, such as pain or anxiety relief, while decreasing the adverse effects, such as impairment and elevated heart rate. CBD partially blocks the intoxicating effects of THC, so consumers who wish to experience the medical benefits of cannabis without as much impairment can best achieve this with products that contain both CBD and THC. It’s important for consumers to know the contents of each of these components and the ratio of CBD to THC.

Products with a CBD:THC ratio of 1:1 are powerfully therapeutic and produce less impairment than a THC-dominant product. Excessive doses of these products can still produce classic cannabis overconsumption symptoms.

**_Tips for relieving overconsumption of edibles_**

*   Be in a calm, safe environment and have gentle reassurance that everything will be OK is the primary treatment.
*   Stay hydrated.
*   A large 50-200mg dose of CBD (without significant amounts of THC) can act as a partial antidote. Lemon oil, found predominantly in the rind and in lower amounts in the juice, has also been used historically for this purpose. Grate a tablespoon of lemon zest and chew it up before swallowing.
*   Most people do not need emergency medical care unless they have pre-existing heart disease or another serious medical condition. For ongoing vomiting and diarrhea, intravenous rehydration may be necessary.

References:

[_https://healer.com/cannabis-edibles-dosing-chart-find-the-right-dose/_](https://healer.com/cannabis-edibles-dosing-chart-find-the-right-dose)

The Do's and Dont's of Edible Dosing

Every person has a unique internal physiologic environment and can therefore experience different results with various medications. One person’s response to a dose of edible cannabis can vary significantly from the next, even more so than other medications or herbs. Why? Several factors are involved, including a previous history of cannabis use, gastrointestinal factors, and the function/sensitivity of one’s endocannabinoid system.

Hash Plant Haze, what a beauty. A sativa dominant strain bred by crossing Super Silver Haze and Hash Plant together to create an interesting end product. High in terpinolene - the lurker terpene - this strain is piney, floral, herbaceous, and even a little citrusy.

Hash Plant Haze buds have flat oversized piecey bright neon green nugs with light amber hairs,  and a coating of tiny frosty white crystal trichomes. As you break apart each glittery little nugget, aromas of spicy woods and orchids are released with a light earthy overtone. Known for its euphoric and mood-lifting properties, it's excellent for a wake-and-bake session or when you need to get out of a bad weather funk. The Hash Plant Haze high is just as delicious as the flavor, with long-lasting effects that will have you feeling up and motivated in the mind while down and relaxed in the body.

November Strain of the Month - Hash Plant Haze

November's strain of the month is a beauty- Hash Plant Haze. Read on to learn more about the strain.

A few weeks ago I was searching on Google: _What is_— and the first question that came up was \"_What is CBD and does it really work?\"_

So here we are, I figured with stress and tension a constant in most people’s lives, CBD is going to be one of the options people are turning to. And I, like everyone else, need answers.

**What is CBD?** 

  CBD (cannabidiol) is a therapeutic compound produced by cannabis. It is commonly extracted and processed into oils, gummies, topicals, and other products that have no doubt sparked your curiosity. And with curiosity comes a load of questions.

  Cannabinoids are a class of compounds that interact with receptors throughout your body. CBD is just one of dozens of cannabinoids found in cannabis, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the one responsible for marijuana’s famous high. Medical cannabis is technically any cannabis product used for medicinal purposes, and these can contain THC or CBD or both, said Nick Jikomes, a neuroscientist at Leafly, a website that provides information about legal cannabis. “A common mistake people make is to think that CBD is ‘the medical cannabinoid’ and THC is ‘the recreational cannabinoid.’” That’s inaccurate, he said, because THC is a potent anti-inflammatory and can be helpful for pain.

**How does it actually work?**

  Each of our bodies has a set of receptors that interacts with cannabis compounds called cannabinoids, like CBD. These receptors, found throughout the body, comprise the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex signaling system that ensures our bodies maintain homeostasis. 

  Put another way, the endocannabinoid system keeps us in balance by directing the communication traffic in our bodies. Cannabinoids such as CBD interact with this system, mimicking natural compounds (called endocannabinoids) produced by the body.

In the human body, CBD influences cannabinoid receptor activity and encourages production of the body’s natural endocannabinoids. Interestingly, CBD also affects activity beyond the endocannabinoid system and can also interact with opioid, dopamine, and serotonin receptors. The ability of CBD to interact with so many different systems throughout the body suggests it has the potential to open new frontiers in psychiatry and medicine.

  Last year, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released a nearly 500-page report on the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. A committee of 16 experts from a variety of scientific and medical fields analyzed the available evidence — more than 10,000 scientific abstracts in all. Because so few studies examine the effects of CBD on its own, the panel did not issue any findings about CBD specifically, but it did reach some conclusions about cannabis and cannabinoids more generally. The researchers determined that there is “conclusive or substantial evidence” supporting the use of cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pain in adults, multiple sclerosis-related spasticity (a kind of stiffness and muscle spasms), and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The committee also found “moderate” evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids can reduce sleep disturbances in people with obstructive sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis, as well as “limited” evidence that these substances can improve symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome, increase appetite and stem weight loss in people with HIV/AIDs, and improve symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.

**What are some things to Consider when buying CBD?**

  Exactly where the CBD comes from is important, too. CBD products in the medical and adult-use cannabis markets come from plants bred for strong effects, aromas, and flavors. They often contain THC, cannabis’ main active ingredient, which causes euphoria. By contrast, hemp-derived CBD comes from industrial hemp plants consisting of less than 0.3% THC.

  When talking about hemp, we’re referring to the low-resin industrial crop commonly used to make clothing, textiles, food, and other materials. And in this context, we’re using the word cannabis to describe the high-resin plants that are grown specifically for medical consumption or enjoyment.

Is one source better than the other? Here’s a glance at the pros and cons of each.

_Hemp-derived CBD:_

*   Pro: Hemp is legal federally in the US (but check your local laws to ensure it’s legal in your state), and hemp-derived CBD products are widely available for purchase online and in grocery and drug stores.
*   Pro: Hemp produces only trace levels of THC, making it appealing for consumers wanting to avoid THC altogether.
*   Con: Hemp produces a limited spectrum of therapeutic compounds compared to high-resin cannabis. 
*   Con: Hemp products are currently unregulated, leaving unreliable potencies, dubious claims, and questionable ingredients unchecked.

_Cannabis-derived CBD:_

*   Pro: Cannabis produces a wider spectrum of therapeutic compounds (and in greater abundance) compared to hemp. 
*   Pro: Cannabis-derived CBD products are strictly regulated and tested per state laws.
*   Con: Cannabis-derived CBD is only available in states with legal cannabis, making it unavailable to consumers outside legal states.

Other important pieces of jargon include “full spectrum” and “broad spectrum,” versus “CBD isolate.”

*   Full spectrum CBD includes trace levels of other cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC.
*   Broad spectrum CBD includes trace levels of other cannabinoids and terpenes, but no THC.
*   CBD isolate consists of nearly pure CBD crystals with no other cannabinoids and terpenes.

No overarching federal authority polices the use of these terms, unlike, for example, the USDA with the designation “organic.”

One red flag for a label: vague CBD sourcing or no mention of CBD at all. Watch out for “hemp extract” or “hemp oil.” By using these phrases, the manufacturer is deflecting any claim to deliver actual CBD. Amazon.com is loaded with low-quality “hemp oil” products that make medical claims but contain no CBD.

Other Ingredients

*   Beyond raw CBD oil or CBD isolate, most CBD products are going to come with other ingredients. Gummies will commonly contain glycerin, colors, and flavors. Tinctures often come mixed with some other oil, spirits, or glycerin. Scrutinize other ingredients for quality, purity, and the presence of potential allergens.

Warning labels

*   CBD has drug interactions and is not for everyone. Read and heed common sense warnings and disclaimers. It’s important to remember that CBD, like other nutraceuticals, can interact with medications. CBD isn’t effective in treating all types of pain—for that reason, it’s important to understand your pain: does it worsen with the weather, cause swelling, or is it persistent and stabbing? If you feel that you experience inflammatory or neuropathic pain, talk to your doctor. CBD supplementation could be right for you. For more information on potential harmful or helpful drug interactions please go to this link: [https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabis-cannabinoids-drug-interactions](https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabis-cannabinoids-drug-interactions) 

Certification

*   A third-party certification attests to the accuracy of the manufacturer’s label claims. Testing for adult-use and medical cannabis is a legally mandated form of third-party certification. One popular type of third-party certification is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a cannabis testing lab. Lab quality varies, however. Beware of recycled, old COAs attached to current inventory.

**What**’**s the right dose of CBD?**

  Your perfect CBD dose depends on a few different factors, including your individual biology, the delivery method, and the specific nature of your symptoms. There is no ideal, one-size-fits-all dose with CBD. Your perfect CBD dose depends on a few different factors, including your individual biology, the delivery method, and the specific nature of your symptoms. For example, high doses of CBD (upward of 600mg daily) seem to be more effective for conditions like epilepsy, whereas low doses are potentially effective for anxiety.

  Research is beginning to show that there’s a sweet spot when it comes to dosing cannabinoids like CBD: Consume too much or too little, and you may feel limited relief or side effects. More research is needed to develop specific guidelines around CBD dosing for different medical conditions. Until then—if you’re using CBD oils, edibles, or other products to treat symptoms like anxiety, stress, pain, or insomnia—consider starting with a low dose of CBD (around 5mg) and slowly increasing until you’ve found the optimal dose for you.

**For more information and the resources I used please visit these links:**

[_https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/you-can-get-cannabis-in-your-coffee-but-does-is-it-really-do-anything/_](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/you-can-get-cannabis-in-your-coffee-but-does-is-it-really-do-anything)

[_https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-cbd_](https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-cbd)

[_https://www.nap.edu/catalog/24625/the-health-effects-of-cannabis-and-cannabinoids-the-current-state_](https://www.nap.edu/catalog/24625/the-health-effects-of-cannabis-and-cannabinoids-the-current-state)

[_https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=Cannabidiol&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=_](https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=Cannabidiol&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=)

[_https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22483680/_](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22483680)

Your Guide to CBD

A few weeks ago I was searching on Google: What is— and the first question that came up was "What is CBD and does it really work?" So here we are, I figured with stress and tension a constant in most people’s lives, CBD is going to be one of the options people are turning to. And I, like everyone else, need answers.

This strain is a smooth smoker with aromas of sweet, woody lavender. A fan favorite, Dem Apples is a frosty cross between Sour Apple and Sweeties. 

High in Myrcene, Pinene and Ocimene- this strain is perfect for full body relaxation without the couch lock. The heavy dose of Pinene and Ocimene in Dem Apples is what gives this strain the smoothness in your chest and may aid in the treatment of asthma, pain, and inflammation.

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Dem Apples- September's Strain of the Month

We are pleased to announce, September's strain of the Month!\nA fan favorite, Dem Apples is a frosty cross between Sour Apple and Sweeties.

Maybe you’ve heard: Cannabis is having a moment. But as with all things that reach a critical mass, there will also be a moment when the market is oversaturated. Too many options. Too many decisions. Discrepancies in quality. It becomes overwhelming. No one knows, is it legal? Is it not? In some places. But not others.

Here at Bloom we aren’t interested in creating just another brand. We are so dedicated to the quality of the product, our customer base, and making it accessible to our people. With so many upcoming changes to the industry here in Montana our team has been working overtime to make sure it’s a smooth transition. Our streamlined approach is more accessible and inclusive for a wider audience

We realize the world can be a very intense place—we see that there is more stress and there are more expectations than ever, and we see an opportunity to help. Our brand strives for excellence. What a brand is meant to do is create a promise of an experience, and we’re always looking for ways to exceed our customers experience, form our signatures boxes, our convenient locations, to our premium oils our cultivation team meticulously extracts, to the imagery we create on our social media to convey our brand ethos, to the way we great and assist our customers who come in.

We want to be one of the brands that help cannabis shed its negative stigma and, more importantly, make it more available to the people who need it the most. In doing that we focus on accessibility and approachability. We understand there's a lot of strains and information out there. We wanna help guide you through the process and find a product that will work for you.

We are always looking for feedback from our customers on what they like and where we can improve. Feel free to dm, call, or email us with your feedback. We’d love to hear from you and we hope to make the industry even better in 2022. Cheers to changes and what lies ahead. 


The Industry Is Changing 

What's to come with the cannabis industry in 2022.

Orangeade is a hybrid strain consisting of sweet citrus, floral, fruity aromas and flavor notes. Between its delicious flavor and the humulene in Orangeade’s terpene makeup, this strain may suppress (or even satisfy) your appetite. It has a lineage of Tangie and Purple Punch, and beta-caryophyllene and limonene round out its terpene profile to offer a mood boost and anxiety relief for a productive flow state any day. This strain is great for lifting your mood without taking over your emotions. Good for anxiety and depression, this strain will lift you up without the zippy heart race. Pair this strain with some lemonade and soak in the summer.

All About Orangeade

August strain of the month is perfect for the late summer sun.

**What is decarboxylation?**

Decarboxylation (also known as “decarbing”) is activating raw cannabis into an enhanced potent form. Cannabis is heated so that the chemical structure of the acid cannabinoids changes to a neutral (non-acid) form. THC and CBD are the neutral forms of THCA and CBDA. The vast majority of public interest and research is focused on the non-acid cannabinoids, there is still the potential for therapeutic benefits of the acid (or raw) cannabinoids such as:

_Therapeutic Potential of Acid Cannabinoids:_

*   **THCA:** Anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-convulsant, fat-storage reducing, metabolic regulator, stress reducing.
*   **CBDA:** Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, painkilling, anti-nausea, anti-convulsant.

_Therapeutic Potential of Neutral Cannabinoids:_

*   **THC:** Anti-nausea, weight gain in anorexia and AIDS, anti-inflammatory, painkilling, neuroprotective, muscle relaxing, and more.
*   **CBD:** Anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, anti-depressive, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, antispasmodic, reduces insulin resistance.

If you are interested in trying CBDA or THCA, try boiling some raw cannabis flower in water for about 15 minutes for maximum effect. Some doctors even suggest steeping a small amount of fresh cannabis bud in your morning tea.

**How to Decarboxylate cannabis?**

Various cannabinoids and terpenes respond to distinct temperature ranges- some beings activated, altered or even destroyed at different temperatures. The key takeaway is that the best way to decarb cannabis is low and slow. The 230-250 degree range is the sweet spot, you’re converting the THCA into THC while still preserving beneficial terpenes and other cannabinoids.

The good news? It’s a very simple process, especially if you do it the oven method. Since the basic idea behind decarboxylating cannabis is to heat it, there are definitely many ways you could decarb cannabis. Some people say to heat it on the stove, in a double boiler, or in a crock pot- however those methods do require more hands-on monitoring and could end up in over heating or unevenly heating your cannabis. The only easier and odorless options are an automatic decarboxylator like the Nova, LEVO or the Magical Butter device.  

*   Preheat oven to 250°F. Also, keep in mind that this is will make your house smell strongly of weed for a few hours. You’ve been warned.  

*   Line a baking sheet or glass baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easy to collect and package everything after baking.
*   Choose your cannabis of choice.
*   Rip the buds into small pieces. See the photos below for scale. Some people grind their cannabis for decarboxylation, but I don’t find it necessary.
*   Now, decarboxylate the cannabis on 250°F for 25-30 minutes. You could also use a lower temperature for slightly longer time to preserve more terpenes (e.g. 230°F for 45 minutes). Refer to the chart above.
*   Some people cover their baking pan of cannabis with foil or second baking sheet upside down on top, in order trap any cannabinoids or terpenes that may volatilize in the process.
*   When the time is up, remove the tray from the oven and allow the cannabis material to fully cool. It should have changed from green to light brown.
*   Transfer the decarboxylated cannabis into a glass air-tight container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a mason jar.
*   Finally, store the jar of decarbed cannabis in a cool dark place, like you would with other cannabis. Plan to use it within 3-6 months.  

Not too hard right? Hopefully this article gives you some peace of mind when you decide to venture into the world of making your own edibles!

Please remember to be careful the consuming homemade cannabis products, because without proper lab testing it can be difficult to determine potency so it is best to start with small amounts and go slow.

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