sessions

CARERS Act Says No To Sessions

Congress uses CARERS Act to stop Jeff Sessions War on Drugs.

Congress recently introduced the CARERS Act in response to the Attorney General. AG Jeff Sessions recently petitioned congress for additional funds to pursue medical and recreational cannabis users. His deep ties to the prison-industrial-complex have raised concerns. That Session’s attempts to target law-abiding citizens is an attempt to enrich himself at any cost.
Sessions is drowning in the Russia scandal and desperate to impress the first president to demand senators grovel publicly. He also recognizes the current president will likely take no action to stop him from shooting every pothead in the nation. The only real thing stopping Sessions from rolling out the nonexistent FEMA coffins is the funding.
The Attorney General claims that his efforts are an attempt to slow the opioid epidemic that professionals prescribed the nation into. But that seems unlikely given how effective cannabis is at treating opioid addiction. Additional concerns about Sessions long history of racial bias and overt discriminatory behavior drastically weaken his position.

The AG wants to reinvigorate a racial war but congress won’t fund it.Youtube Bong

The long-running War on Drugs has produced drastically unequal outcomes across racial and social lines. One in three men of color between the age of 20 and 29 are currently in the criminal justice system. White populations use drugs as often as anyone else, they are 4 times less likely to be arrested for marijuana.
The effect of the war is targeted violence by the dominant group against smaller groups. Such acts are commonly known as racism. While individuals can claim they were “just following orders”, the denial rings as hollow and delusional. The Nuremburg Trials after WW2 established an international consensus about orders. They are not justification for committing acts of evil and terror.
Yet America is a country constantly at war with itself. It claims to be a free democracy and bastion of capitalism, it is anything but. The united states account for 5% of the global population yet account for over 25% of the world’s prisoners. But Sessions doesn’t believe that enough people are in overcrowded cages.
The Justice Department does a lot of good but there is also plenty of vile behavior that it protects. Black men are legally shot dead by police for following that officer’s orders. Homes get invaded and the residents are killed with surprising regularity. Generations of people grow up only knowing the inside of a cell.

Whole communities are ripped apart emotionally, physically and socially.

And it’s not just time behind bars that is the issue; arrests stay with a person, often for life. And the consequences of a criminal record are most dire for the poor. A conviction disqualifies anyone from many social safety nets. Public housing and student financial aid, employment opportunities, child custody determinations, and immigration status evaporate after a conviction.
These are systems overwhelmingly used by poor and minority populations. And it seems that the Justice Department willfully misunderstands basic facts. Sessions continues to refer to the “historic drug epidemic” in his letter but appears to conflate opioids with cannabis.

Despite his desperate pleas, congress told Sessions no.

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the bill. It allows state medical marijuana laws to supersede current federal prohibition of marijuana. The bill is called the CARERS Act, which stands for the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act.
Rep. Blumenauer said, “The people have been pretty clear that this is something they don’t want the federal government to interfere with.” The legislation allows the different laws legalizing medical marijuana in 30 states, and multiple territories including Washington D.C. to remain.
The CARERS bill submitted through congress but it failed. In 2015, it was the first medical marijuana bill ever introduced into the U.S. Senate. The latest version is better positioned to pass than the original which only had three sponsors. The newest version has six and includes names like Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski and Al Franken.

Trump is the randomizer on this subject.

While running for president, Trump claimed marijuana laws are a state level issue. He then appointed Jeff Sessions to be his attorney general. Presidential support gives Sessions the daring to ask congress for permission to blow up a functioning portion of the economy.
Sessions sounded like a Hipster Hater when he said, “I believe it would be unwise for Congress to restrict the discretion of the Department to fund particular prosecutions, particularly in the midst of an historic drug epidemic and potentially long-term uptick in violent crime.” Especially after calling the KKK “OK, till I found out they smoked pot”. Sessions continued “The Department must be in a position to use all laws available to combat the transnational drug organizations and dangerous drug traffickers who threaten American lives.”
But the new bill’s proponents argue Sessions’ thinking is flawed. Cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) have been clinically proven to reduce epilepsy and other seizures by up to 45%. Cannabis shows great promise in treating opioid addiction, cancer, mental disorders and many other conditions with minimal side effects.

The bipartisan commission understands the potential consequences.

“I dare him to sit down with families and listen to their stories and then pursue a policy like he’s advocating for now,” Booker says of Sessions’ letter. In addition, allowing states to set their own policies, the CARERS Act would take CBD off the controlled substances list.
The FDA and DEA only recently made CBD a controlled substance. If the decision were reversed, it would allow children to access life-saving medicine. It would be especially impactful in states where medical marijuana isn’t legal.
The bill’s sponsors know it will be difficult to correct the course of the Justice Department. They feel that their bill has the backing it needs to send a message to Sessions. That spending additional time and money pursuing medical marijuana is not OK.

The bill aims to remove current restrictions at Veterans Affairs hospitals.

The legislation removes penalties and procedures currently in place that silence doctors. It would essentially allow doctors to talk about and prescribe pot to their patients. The legislation also allows the nation’s veterans to access legal weed by removing the current restrictions. These policies bar doctors at Veterans Affairs hospitals from prescribing pot to their patients.
But it doesn’t approach the eight states that opted to legalize weed for recreational use. Many of the bill’s proponents promise that those efforts will come later. Washington State should keep an eye out for Sessions and his Hipster Haters. Sessions will eventually find a way around congressional roadblocks.

The full text of the petition can be found at:

https://rohrabacher.house.gov/sites/rohrabacher.house.gov/files/documents/Final%20MMJ%20Letter%20to%20CJS%20Subcommittee.pdf

stoys

Top 7 Sex Toys & Cannabis Accessories for Summer Fun

Summer is here and if you’re looking for some summer loving–solo or partnered–this list will help you out! I chose high quality, innovative items to showcase because I believe your pleasure is worth it! Mindfully combining sex and cannabis means being thoughtful about the products you’re using and the ways in which the materials and quality of the devices impacts your body and pleasure.
Fun Factory Cobra Libre II: For people with penises, this toy is a fantastic addition to the toy collection. According to my lover, it impressively mimics a blowjob with its silicone lips and vibrating core. Lube is a non-negotiable with the Cobra Libre II, it would likely cause discomfort if used without some kind of slippery substance. It’s definitely a toy that can be enjoyed solo or partnered, and is great for alternating with a BJ because it allows the giver a chance to rest their jaw while not having to pause the pleasure.

Photo credit: Fun Factory

Hot Octopuss Queen Bee: I have been waiting patiently for this toy to hit the market and now that June has arrived–the time is upon us! Hot Octopuss revolutionized the sex toy industry when they debuted their oscillating penis toy, the Hot Octopuss Pulse (also known as “the world’s first guybrator,”) in 2014. The oscillation creates a different vibration sensation than other toys I’ve tried, and it was a game changer for penis owners with erectile struggles. Hot Octopuss CEO Adam Lewis decided that this would translate well into a clitoral-focused toy and began developing the Queen Bee. This rechargeable wand features the same oscillation through a plate on one side that made its predecessor so unique. It’s also waterproof, so you can take it in the pool or bath with you!

WARM by Warm Inc.: Why would you want a sex toy warmer in the summer? Because exploring with temperature play is a fun way to bring a sensual experience into your lovemaking! This luxury device is made of vegan leather and a silky warming sleeve that wraps around your toys and warms it to a pleasant temperature in 15-20 minutes–plenty of time for foreplay or a hot bath first! This is especially useful if you own glass, metal, or ceramic toys, but any toy material can be used with WARM. If you’ve never had the experience of using a toy that has been warmed up, give yourself this gift. It’s magical.
credit: Warm, Inc.

VapeXhale Evo: I cannot say enough good things about this desktop vaporizer. I love being able to choose the temperature settings and that the convection heating element works equally well for flower and concentrates. I especially love how lightweight it is. My Evo lives on a nightstand at the foot of my bed, and the long cord makes it easy to bring into bed with me. My partners have been loving it, and especially enjoy the taste of flower when vaping at lower settings. This is fantastic for summer fun because it lets you stay inside where it’s cool rather than having to go outside to smoke. It also keeps your indoor space from getting smoky, which is great if you live in a shared housing situation with roommates or in an apartment complex.
We-Vibe Wish: One of the newest toys in the We-Vibe lineup, the Wish has double the power of Tango–We-Vibe’s lipstick sized external vibrator. It also feature bluetooth capabilities, so you can control the vibe with your own phone through the We-Connect app, or offer control to your partner! There’s also an in-app photo and text messaging feature, allowing you to stealth sext. The outside is a soft matte silicone that has a bit of squish at the tapered tip (it feels a bit like a tongue!) and offers deep, rumbly vibrations.

CBD Ganja Gum by The Good Gum Company: Produced in Oregon as a THC-infused chewing gum, this gum is also available in CBD-only form in all 50 states This 5mg CBD Ganja Gum is great for consuming on the go, and since CBD doesn’t cause psychoactive effects, you can enjoy this gum no matter where life takes you. I love CBD for sexy times because it helps alleviate any physical discomfort you may be feeling while also helping to quiet your mind–not to mention freshening your breath to make you extra kissable!
LEVO Oil Infuser: I only recently became aware of this infuser and I have to say–it’s pretty high on my summer shopping list. The possibilities are endless! LEVO allows you to choose time and temperature and decarboxylates your flower in the process.The resulting infused oil can be used for such benign purposes as a salad dressing or topping for popcorn, or you could infuse a body friendly oil like coconut oil and use it for sexy fun times by using it as a massage oil or applying it to the vulva in your life. The best part of infusing your own oil is that–assuming you’re using lab-tested flower–you have complete quality control and can take comfort knowing that your oil is free of molds, pesticides, and anything else you don’t want to be putting in your body.
What’s on your summer must-have list, either for cannabis accessories or sexy fun times? I’d love to hear about it!

weedpar

5 Ways To Tell Your Parents That You Smoke Weed

So you want to tell you parents you smoke weed, but you don’t know how to? That’s fair. Been there. No matter what age you are, unless it’s just blatantly obvious that you parents are cool with it, it’s still kind of awkward to be like “Yo parents, I know as a kid you told me not to, but man…ya boy be blowing big kush. Like it’s really not a game. I gets high.”

Me personally, that’s kiiinda how it happened for me. Only, ummm..not as subtle. I was headed to my parents from The Grocery Store™ with a fresh sack of Dat Loudium in my pocket. I’m high as fuck, but the whole time I’m thinking “Yo remember to take that out of your pocket. Remember to take that out of your pocket.” What happens?

You: “You forgot to take it out of your pocket.”

Yup, you guessed right. I walked into my parents house with an eighth of skunkington in my right pocket. Gave my mom a hug with the right side, and then she goes “Aaaanddd you smell like smoke.” Up until this point, I’m fairly certain she knew that I smoked, but this was the first time it was just blatantly out there so I told her. Yeah, I smoke and I also get paid to write about it.

Chances are you’d prefer to not have a pocket full of goodies at your confession. For that reason, here are a few other ways to tell you parents that you enjoy a nice dose of THC every once in awhile:

1. Text

This is the most practical way. Just toss it out in a text and wait for the three dots to pop up. Just outta nowhere on a window hope into the family group chat with a “Hey, what are y’all doing?” Then when you get courtesy You?, hit them with a “Not shit, just smoking a blunt and chillin.” This gives you the power of disappearing if they start coming at you with crazy phone calls. But it’s already out there so next time you see them, the conversation is already warming up. Think of it as the appetizer before the entree.

2. Email a Dear John Letter

This is for everyone who wants to be taken seriously. Come at them with an email like a professional. Hit them with the To Whom It May Concern greeting, complete with a fire Thanks For Your Consideration signature. This right here says “Hey, i get high, but I’m still on top of my business.” Maybe even attach a resume of your cannabis career thus far: major in college; time in the industry; relevant experience, references; all of that.

3. Walk into Sunday Dinner with the red eye

This is for my people that want to say “Look, I smoke weed and you can’t do shit about it. This is me. This is who I am.” If you’re the type of person who likes to attack issues head-on, but you haven’t been able to do so with a parental cannabis confession for some reason, this is the method for you. Just walk into the crib/restaurant like a young Dank Lucas on your boss shit, and let it all out there. The message will be loud and clear: “Ya boy is high, are we thinking the calamari for starters or what?”

4. Hot Box Your Car then pick them up for lunch

This is for my passive-aggressive people. Hotboxing the whip then scooping up the rents for a club sandwich at McCalisters is a nice way of confessing. Cause if you don’t address the issue, they won’t. So you just wait for a comment about that smell then say “Well, I’ve been meaning to ask you…ya boy gets eights for $50, but if y’all wanna split something…” And if they don’t say anything, they’ll still talk about it amongst themselves which still gets the job done for you.

5. Start dressing like a stereotype

When you think pothead, the first image in your head is a person rocking Bob Marley tie-dye shirts, weed socks, and drug rug hoodies. I know I’m right because as soon as you see a stranger dressed as such, you automatically assume they’re high or know where to find that fire. Your parents are definitely no different. If you can’t bring yourself to straight jump out the window with I Smoke Weed tatted on your forehead, then try this silent approach. Grow your hair out, toss on a Rastafari wristband, and start talking about how y’all should take a family trip to Amsterdam. If that doesn’t work, then shit, you’ve got 4 other options listed above. Good luck, my friends.

joints blunts

The Lowdown on Joints, Blunts, and Spliffs

There is a lot of slang in the cannabis industry.

Joints, blunts and spliffs are terms carried over from the black market to describe variants of the same experience. In an effort to avoid detection by authorities, the community adopted codes and slang. Breeders, dealers and users all have slightly different vocabularies when it comes to weed.
The constantly expanding code names and insider lingo makes it difficult for new or returning users to understand what they are asking for. A person may ask for a doobie, get passed a joint and after a few hits, put out a roach. In other words, ask for a marijuana cigarette, get passed one and put it out after people are done smoking.
As the legal market grows, more people are coming into contact with these code words. One example of slang being institutionalized is the term joint. Instead of calling it a marijuana cigarette, pre-roll or cone, many dispensaries call weed rolled in paper a joint. Even within a single dispensary, marketing can refer to joints as doobies, jays, J’s, pre-rolls, cones, and expect clients to understand that they all mean the same thing.

Even the simplest method to smoke weed is full of complexities.

What could be simpler than rolling weed up in some paper and setting fire to it? Instead of buying expensive glass pipes or vaporizers, go all Lone Ranger and roll weed up by hand to enjoy. I talked about how to roll the perfect joint in a previous article so check it out HERE if you want to learn the secret.
To help clear up the confusion, lets discuss the differences and similarities between joints, blunts, and spliffs. Essentially, they are all weed rolled in a type of paper. But there are some specifics that can make a major difference in how enjoyable the experience is.
But after we cover the differences between joints, blunts, and spliffs, lets touch on some of the elements that contribute to a good smoke. I specifically want to highlight the importance of grind quality, air-flow, and structural integrity.

Joints:joints in progress

The marijuana equivalent to cigarettes, joints contain up to (or a little over) 1 gram of cannabis. Joints can have less than a gram of weed as well. An especially thin joint is called a ‘penner’ as it resembles a pen. Joints are normally rolled on hemp papers but empty cigarette tubes can be used as well.

Blunts:

The marijuana of cigars are called blunts. They contain at least 2 grams of cannabis and have no upper limit on size. Because of how heavy they get, blunts often use cigar paper or ‘blunt wraps’. Many blunt wraps come in specialized flavors like grape, sour apple, and chocolate to name a few.

Spliffs:

Marijuana cigarettes that contain tobacco are called spliffs. They can be any size but must contain tobacco to be considered a spliff. This can be in the form of leaf sprinkled in with the marijuana or a tobacco based paper.

The grind is real.

Grinding up marijuana is one of the absolute best ways to ensure consistency while rolling. It also takes less weed to make a joint if the marijuana is ground first. There are a few methods for grinding but some are better than others. Just remember to pick out as many seeds and stems as possible before grinding up the weed.
Mechanical grinders like the Cali Crusher and the Mendo Mulcher are designed to do a great job. Three piece grinders push the weed through blades before storing it in a small chamber below. Because of how they work, everything comes out evenly. Two piece grinders need more attention or the weed gets too finely ground.
Tearing weed apart by hand is slower than a grinder. Hand grinding also tends to crush the weed which results in uneven airflow. Plus the pieces tend to be too large to provide optimal surface area for smoking. While still a valid method, people generally prefer the tighter, cleaner and overall better results of grinders.
Coffee grinders have the opposite problem from hand grinding. Using a coffee grinder will quickly over-pulverize the product. Grinding for more than 2 or 3 one-second pulses will produce powder. The high speeds of coffee grinders are great for beans but they can damage gooey trichomes.
Mortar and pestles are terrible for grinding up weed to roll. Not only do mortars and pestles smash the weed, they make extracting wet plant matter almost impossible. Stone models can easily grind pebbles and sand into the weed as well.

Pack joints, blunts, and spliffs snugly.

Smoking requires a balance of surface area and air flow to work. While grinding can provide better surface area, airflow can stop when a joint or blunt gets packed too tightly. Before lighting the joint, always try to draw air through it to ensure it has good airflow.
Pre-rolls, cones and joints need air going through their interiors to burn ganja. Too much air causes the paper to burn before the weed has had a chance to combust. Too little air makes getting smoke to pull through the paper tube impossible. Luckily, there are some steps people can take to fix airflow issues.
If a joint is difficult to suck through, roll it between the thumb and first or middle finger gently. Continue gently rolling up and down the full length of the joint. This will coerce the weed to rearrange slightly without crushing it. The goal is to open small airways through the interior of the joint (like cracks in the earth) without losing structural integrity.

Maintaining structural integrity means many things.

If a joint is packed too loosely, it will bend and weed could fall out. Passing such a joint is awkward and smoking it is difficult. But if a user packs a blunt too tightly, the paper will rip.
Joints, blunts, and spliffs with ripped paper are almost impossible to smoke. Dampening the paper slightly can help repair a small tear but increases the risk of additional tears happening. For these reasons, it is advised to discard any ripped, torn or punctured papers.
Filters or ‘crutches’ serve several structural purposes. They ensure everything stays in the joint until smoked and prevents saliva from making the tip soggy. Filters can be added during or after the rolling process but are worth the extra time and effort for most users.

fbgr

Most Popular Facebook Groups for Stoners

Facebook groups are the best part of the social media site.

The social media colossus started out as an ivy league idea that grew into an international marketplace. The key to that growth has been how the site connects users to each other through their Facebook groups. Anyone with a Facebook account can request to be a member of these growing communities.
Facebook groups are collections of users who have similar views or hobbies. Cannabis is common on Facebook, with thousands of active groups at any given moment. The best groups have more than just a lot of users. They are able fun, engaging and growing.
It takes some good moderators, admins and plenty of engagement for a Facebook group to take off. Even then, trolls can ruin a great thing. Remember to not feed the trolls and enjoy meeting new people, seeing new things and enjoying some great marijuana.

Here are some of the most popular weed groups on Facebook. growing weed facebook groups

This list is in no particular order but each of these groups are top notch. Some focus on growing, some on medical, and others are more general. All are growing and provide their members with something special. Check them out, you might just like it.

1. Cannabis Oil Success Stories

Current Members: 125,527

If you are looking for information on Rick Simpson, Phoenix Tears, “RSO” you will find this Group useful. This group is growing quickly and hones in on educating members on sensible Cannabis Oil. They also highlight members with success stories of their own.

2. Growing Cannabis Outdoors

Current Members: 23,166

Facebook groups like this specialized for outdoor growers. They cover tips and tricks for better outdoor growing. The content revolves around soil preparations, fertilizers, and mold prevention. Basically all that stuff that’s useful to know about growing outdoors. This is not the group to post random stuff and memes because they are ALL about growing cannabis outdoors.

3. Cannabis Oil Success Stories CBD

Current Members: 16,943

CBD Oil Success Stories is similar to the group above but specializes in high quality CBD. This group is making a name for itself and highlights CBD Cannabis Oil. They also highlight the struggles and triumphs of members with success stories of their own.

4. My MD Cannabis™

Current Members: 14,644

My MD Cannabis grants its members free access to a continuous stream of informative medical cannabis related news and articles. These articles have been professionally produced and vetted. Facebook groups like this promote/facilitate interaction with other likeminded group members in a professional and supportive environment. They even allow group members to post additional cannabis/hemp news and articles to the group for members to review and comment.

5. Cannabis Growers Helping Growers

Current Members: 31,491

This is a group for legal marijuana growers around the world to share knowledge and opinions respectfully. They also promote/facilitate interaction with other like-minded group members in a professional and supportive environment.

6. Cannabis

Current Members: 224,876

The official group of cannabis! This is the perfect place for sweet memes or some smoke trick videos. They regularly post additional cannabis/hemp news and articles for this Facebook groups members to review and comment.

What Facebook groups do you like?

There are a lot of amazing Facebook groups. Let us know in the comments below what groups you think should be on this list. Thanks for reading.
Updated: 17th July 2017

dabrig

Dab Rig: The Ultimate Buyers Guide

What’s the deal about getting a Dab Rig?

To those who haven’t heard about them before, using a dab rig sound confusing. Unlike bongs, pipes or joints, a dab rig shouldn’t be catching anything on fire. Instead, it uses a heated surface called a “nail” and a tool to apply or “dab” concentrates. The nail is heated with a torch or electric heating element until it can vaporize the concentrate. The key is that the platter is cool enough to prevent the THC and other cannabinoids from combusting.
One the platter is heated and the concentrate applied, the vapor is cooled with water before the user inhales the cloud. Because of how potent concentrates are (they can be up to 99.9%), users normally only take one or two hits instead of multiple like is done with flower. Many medical patients need large doses of cannabinoids to treat their diseases and dabbing offers a more efficient way to medicate than smoking flower.

Where did Dab Rigs come from?

Concentrates like oil and wax became big in the 1960s, but hash is a concentrate that has been around for centuries. Even so, dabbing didn’t become popular until around 2010. This is partly due to marijuana law reform. One cannot ignore the impact of the health movement on cannabis though and many choose to switch to reduce wear and tear on their lungs.
As more and more people discover dabbing, demand has continued to grow. When Colorado and other states started permitting recreational sales, things kicked into high gear and dabbing now dominates the industry. As more states reform their draconian marijuana laws, new artists are taking a stab at producing the perfect dab rig.

Careful, that’s hot! BK dab rig

Dabbing has a few safety issues that need to be addressed in order to have a good experience. The main tip to using a dab rig is be careful when heating the nail with a torch. It is easy to accidentally burn pretty much anything on the other side of the torch. Try to keep several feet away from combustibles, an eye on angles (so you don’t heat other parts of the dab rig), and use the smallest flame you can.
A few other safety tips include:

  • Don’t overheat the Nail. Overheating a nail can cause it to fail. Nail failure normally includes a bunch of red hot nail parts burning holes in everything (including you).
  • Clean your rig regularly. The residue (called reburn) accumulates and clogs things up. It can also catch on fire.
  • Don’t dab solvents. You can avoid the worry of residual solvents by only using high quality concentrates from legal and reputable sources.
  • Using a nail with a dome can reduce the risk of burning yourself but electronic coils are best.

RisksSpined Dab Rig

The most notable risk involved in using a dab rig is getting burned. Rigs with a domeless nails leave the heating element exposed. As long as you remain aware of where the hot parts are, the chance of getting burned is relatively low.
Using a torch to heat up the nail holds inherent risk. If that risk is especially worrying, an electronic nail may be the right solution. It eliminates open flames and is normally easy to use but doesn’t run the risk of breaking like crystal or ceramic nails.
A good dab rig can last for years but even the best maintained piece will eventually break. Using metal tools, being rough or not paying attention to how you heat the rig will all wear it more than normal. Using silicone tools and cleaning the piece regularly can extend the expected operating life of a dab rig significantly.

Nail StylesBig Dab Rig

Debate rages about which type of dab rig nail works best. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like a big deal. However, the nail is where you heat the concentrate into a vapor. Ideally, the nail should heat up quickly and be able to retain heat for enough time to take a hit. Some materials are more durable than others which is why nails made of glass are going to wear out faster than ceramic or titanium ones.

Glass:

Borosilicate glass is so strong it is used in the highest quality bongs and pipes around the world. Although as a nail, it misses the mark. While glass nails are pretty ubiquitous, it is due to how cheap they are, not their quality.
Glass is sensitive to heat fracturing and glass nails don’t tend to last very long. In addition to being brittle, glass doesn’t retain heat very well which leads to a lot of wasted concentrate. In the long run, you’ll end up paying more with glass than other options.

Ceramic:

Like glass, ceramic is easy to break. It holds heat better than glass but takes a long time to warm up. It can also be difficult to accurately judge the temperature of ceramic pieces which can lead to wasted product or inferior experiences.

Quartz:

Quartz nails are the performance standard. It is significantly more durable than glass or ceramic and almost impossible to overheat. The downside is that quartz doesn’t hold onto heat very long.  This can be an issue if you take long, drawn out hits or consume in an area exposed to the elements.

Titanium:

Experienced dabbers prefer titanium nails for a few reasons. Titanium is almost immune to corrosion, retains heat incredibly well and is one of the strongest materials around. The only real problem with titanium is the risk of overheating it. It doesn’t normally change color when heated like the other materials so it can be hard to judge the actual temperature.

E-nails:

Few can afford them, but e-nails are great for consistency. Normally made of a titanium platter wrapped with an electric coil, E-nails normally come with a display to indicate the coils temperature. While even a basic unit is significantly more expensive than a high-end torch, they have the benefit of never needing to be refueled (if you don’t count plugging it into a wall) and offer better temperature control.

What size should a dab rig joint be?Skull Dab Rig

Anyone that has purchased a bong or dab rig before understands that glass joints come in different sizes. There are three common ones: 10, 14 and 18 millimeters and come in both male and female variants.
The joint size dictates the airflow through the chambers while the sex indicates which kind of nail to buy. For example, ten millimeter joints are better for small rigs because they restrict airflow which allows it to cool before hitting your lungs. If you are looking for a bigger hit, try something with a larger joint.

Are male or female nail joints better?Percolated Dab Rig

Each style of nail has its own benefits and drawbacks. While neither is inherently better, most people gravitate towards one or the other. Female nails drip reclaim on the outside of the joint which will quickly cause the dome to stick. Male nails are cleaner but should have dropdown nails inserted to prevent damage over time.
I prefer to use quartz buckets known as bangers to convert a standard bong into a dab rig. They come in both male and female varieties and are super cheap.  I like them because they don’t interfere with the terpene profile of the concentrates I use and work with my existing glass collection. The bucket can even handle large dabs without making a mess and maintenance is cake.

What else is needed to dab?Personal Dab Rig

In truth, there isn’t much needed to dab. That hasn’t stopped companies from making all kinds of gadgets and attachments. From heady carb caps to silicone containers and mats, merchandisers are coming up with new toys to try out every day. Some are actually useful (like dab mats) while others can be dangerous (big propane torches).
Getting the right torch will go a long way in making the overall dabbing experience better. Cheap propane torches are big, bulky and produce WAY more heat than is needed. It’s like using a missile to light a candle-overkill. Butane torches are cheap, available online, refillable and tend to go through less fuel.
Besides that, don’t be afraid to experiment a little and let us know what you think in the comments down below. Thanks for reading.

dwc

Deep Water Culture: Growing with the Flow

Who wants to grow Deep Water Culture cannabis?

From geriatrics treating depression or arthritis to college hippies in a dorm room, people everywhere want to try their hand at growing some dank herb. It can be tempting to grow your own when thinking about the cost of a dispensary or going through “my guy”. The hundreds to thousands of dollars spent on equipment is an investment in never having to pay for weed again. Except for the power… and the nutrients… and the lights…
With so many states voting to advance recreational regulations, there has been an explosion in the recreational farmer population. Many people come upon a seed in their flower while loading a bowl and keep it while others will scour the internet for weeks to find the perfect pairing of genetics. Since seeds remain viable for years under normal circumstances, it can be easy to amass a small collection of genetics.
Fresh Weed Smell
Once the decision is made to germinate the seed, preparations must be made for the growing process. Growing in soil has been the standard for centuries but advances in technology and scientific understanding of plants has changed the growing landscape. Advances in lighting tech over the last few decades introduced LED lighting while chemists have been playing with different forms and formulations of nutrient substitutes that are like natural and synthetic steroids for cannabis.

What Is Deep Water Culture (DWC)?

Before we get down to the details, let’s get an overview of this style of system. In a DWC system, the roots of a plant are kept in a well-oxygenated solution made up of water and nutrients. A net pot or grow cup is attached to the center of a lid while the roots are allowed to cascade into a nutrient solution in a reservoir below. Air is pumped into the reservoir with an air pump and an air stone.
This setup keeps the water supplied with enough oxygen for the roots to breath. The grow pot or net cup is filled with a grow media such a gravel, clay pellets, lava rock etc. and suspended in the solution. Most DWC systems use timers to pump water automatically by flooding the baskets. This feeds the roots dangling into the buckets below.
One great aspect of any DWC system is that they are easy to customize, meaning they can adapt to almost any size grow space. It allows new growers to start out with smaller gardens with anywhere from one to six-plant sites, while larger format grows can add on an unlimited number of plant sites to their gardens.

There are three critical parts to Deep Water Culture.

growing weed
Oxygen: Because the roots are in the water and not soil, the water needs to be well oxygenated so the plant doesn’t drown. This is usually done with an air pump and air stone.
Water: This system works as if you’re growing in soil but permanently watering your plants. Pumps, timers and monitors relieve a large amount of the work by automating the lighting, watering, aeration and even some feeding elements of the grow.
Nutrition: Quality soil contains all of the micro and macro nutrients that plants use to survive and thrive.  Because DWC doesn’t use soil, supplementing the oxygen-rich water with nutrients allows the plants to grow properly.
Popping a seed forces the cultivator to commit to caring for the plant. For those more inclined to the DIY genre of living, Deep Water Culture (DWC) is ideal. It requires a bit of micromanaging but offers many advantages to traditional growing at an approachable level to novice growers and obnoxiously handy-people alike.

It is called Deep Water Culture for two reasons.  

deep water culture 1
First, it typically uses a deep reservoir that can hold water.  More water means more stability in your nutrient solution but systems as small as 5 gallons are doable. Small systems are more difficult to keep balanced as well because of the reduced margin of error buffer zone. Some automation is required to ensure stability in the system while the cultivator sleeps but that just means less monitoring and maintenance!
The second reason is because of how the root mass is continuously submerged in water.  Other methods like ebb and flow systems expose the plant’s root zone to air and drench them in water periodically.  In DWC, the plant’s root system is mostly submerged around the clock. This makes oxygenating the water a necessity.
Because of how sensitive this style of cultivation is to temperature and nutrient levels, many growers invest in chillers and reverse-osmosis machines to ensure the water remains in optimal condition for the plants. Once again, the automation of water coolers streamlines the process and can be considered mandatory for commercial applications.

It’s not all smelly flowers and happy hippies.

processing room
There are some issues with this type of system that can cause headaches down the road. These are mostly avoidable if regular maintenance is performed. Like mentioned earlier, in small systems, pH, water level, and nutrient concentration may fluctuate wildly. This makes the margin for error on these systems extremely small and requires constant monitoring.
An electricity outage or a pump failure can be a disaster. The plants use up the oxygen available in the water quickly when everything is going well. A plant can easily drown if the power is not restored. Even if the power is restored quickly, your roots may still “drown” in the low-oxygen nutrient solution if it timers get reset from the outage.
If a grower is willing to overcome the challenges involved in Deep Water Culture growing, the results are amazing. People report as much as 20% increases in overall yield and only needing half the flowering time that soil provides. Side by side tests by everyone from seed banks to home growers repeatedly show that the extra effort it takes to keep a DWC setup in the green more than makes up for it in the bottom line. Thanks for reading.

rec mari

Recreational Marijuana Grow: Starting Out

There are a few fundamental steps to starting a new business.

Whether you are starting an investing firm or a marijuana grow, there are a few key steps to making a dream into a business reality. Read any business startup book or ask any successful entrepreneur and you will more or less get the same list.
The list goes a bit like this: write a business plan, find a location, work out the business structure, get licensed, establish infrastructure, contract with partners, and finally promote the hell out of it. Fail in any part of that list and the consequences are dire. But some of the risks and challenges in the marijuana industry are unique to recreational growers and those are what I want to focus on.

Barriers to success in the recreational marijuana market are growing. Wall of weed

Oregon recently did away with all residency requirements related to ownership and investment in recreational pot. This means that people don’t have to live in Oregon to start their application process (unlike other states). Outside investors can channel money into operations based in Oregon and never have to physically be at the property.
There are also no formal capital requirements like there are for fast food franchising or insurance underwriting. In essence, if you can pass a background check, have a spot, and pay the annual fees (starts around $5000 a year) you can get licensed to grow weed in Oregon. This is a big change from the previous rules that had strict rules for who could even apply.
On the surface, these kinds of changes seem like they are great for small business and to some extent they are. Yet competition and rising prices are forcing many long time producers to rethink how they do business. Costs for laboratory testing have skyrocketed as lawmakers impose new restrictions and tests be performed. Less than a year ago, the average price for testing was between $300 and $500. Today that number is closer to $3500.

Cannabis is moving away from Mom and Pop.marijuana grow

The rising cost of testing is only one area where weed growers are feeling pinched. The incredible level of regulation and reporting that recreational growers are faced with is enough to make anyone pullout their hair. Add to that the delays caused by having thousands of producers and only a handful of laboratories and regulators to sign off on permits. Yet some states can handle the influx better.
While it can take up to 18 months to get through the licensing process in Washington (who has merged their recreational and medical programs), it might only take 10 months to get permitted in California. The long delay is enough to derail many individuals who simply don’t have the time or money to push things along or adjust to changing regulations.

Compliance is a big and constantly changing part of a marijuana grow.Tracking Product

Washington State’s cannabis regulations change on a monthly basis and the same can be said about Oregon. The Oregon legislature even added four new marijuana bills recently which caused the two governing bodies to scramble to write rules around them. For the first time in the 17 year history of the Oregon medical program, growers are required to report online. At the same time, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is changing concentration limits for edible products.
If the idea of; constantly redesigning packaging, testing costs growing by orders of magnitude, waiting for close to a year before getting to start making money, and the extreme amount of reporting required doesn’t excite you then you might want to rethink getting in. No matter which state you try to start a recreational grow, a marijuana grow will have to deal with these challenges in addition to finding a good spot.

Remember that location is key.Location (Cosmic Depot)

The old adage “Location location location” holds true here. In states like Washington and Colorado, there is no difference between a medical and recreational grow since they merged their markets. In states like Oregon though, there is a patchwork of friendly and unfriendly marijuana jurisdictions. Yet even in states where the systems are merged, finding a good spot for a marijuana grow is tough.
Even where weed is welcomed, zoning rules and time, place and manner restrictions prevent growing weed in certain areas or neighborhoods. It is also important to remember that growers must submit Land Use Compatibility Statements (LUCS) during the permitting process. New York entrepreneurs must demonstrate they’re in control or possession of the buildings, land or premises to cultivate, process and dispense marijuana,or they will have to put up a $2 million bond.
Even after finding a suitable location, growers must remain vigilant. Many operations worry about getting shut down after a school moves into an area after the grow was established. Most states view the marijuana establishment as ‘grandfathered in” but normally come to a conclusion on a case by case basis. Yet schools and zoning work to limit a marijuana grow.

Marijuana grows are transitioning to the recreational market. marijuana grow

In states like Washington they don’t have much choice as the markets have officially merged. States like Oregon decided to keep their medical programs unchanged. So only medical producers are still subject to two-year residency restrictions. Medical producers (unlike recreational) officially can’t make profit so are limited on how much they can earn.
The increased profitability for farmers producing recreational product presents a real incentive for growers to switch to recreational. This further compounds the issues of increased competition, increasing testing costs and the difficulty in finding a decent location. Yet these challenges don’t seem to be slowing down or going away any time soon.
Even in states where medical and recreational systems are both in place, legislators and business owners are preparing for the merging of the systems. The increased taxes generated by licensing and fees has to be paid whether a business succeeds wonderfully or fails horribly. Don’t forget to factor in states perpetually looking for ways to generate additional revenue.

The recreational market is growing but not evenly.glass bull bong

NerdWallet recently conducted a study. They found that if all 50 states legalized cannabis today, it would generate a collective $3 billion a year in taxes. With those kinds of figures running around post recession, it is easy to understand why states would actually be considering legalizing marijuana. It is also easy to see why a mom and pop marijuana grow is at such a disadvantage in the recreational market. Even though they are the lifeblood of the medical market.
Corporations like Pfizer, Monsanto and Phillip Morris all have a vested interest in controlling cannabis production. With a collective fortune that would rival most nations, these corporations have leveled their might at taking control of production.

The deck is stacked against a small marijuana grow.growing weed

Take a small business owner growing in a barn and can only produce one pound each harvest. It may take that farmer $900 to produce a pound of weed and another $400 for packaging and delivery. Add the $3500 for testing and that farmer has to charge $4800 per pound to break even. Additionally, that farmer doesn’t get tax cuts like most businesses do. But we can ignore that for now since neither will the corporation.
An international corporation like Nike or Apple can produce that same pound of cannabis (due to economies of scale) at close to $600. They could spend about $200 on packaging and delivery (because they own factories that already make packaging). The corporation has to pay the same $3500 for testing but can test close to 20,000 pounds at once. Which adds about 17 cents to the cost of each pound. This makes their pound cost $800.17.
There is no reason Apple can’t play hard ball either. They could start a sister marijuana grow company to put most small farmers out of business.  Why not decide to take no profit and cut prices by 16% to stimulate demand for their product? A corporation can also file hundreds of lawsuits against small farmers like Monsanto is known to do. A company could also simply break the law and pay any fines they incurred in the process like BP does.

The game is designed for big players.Trichome Teaching

Now a dispensary can choose to pay $4800 or $800.17 per pound. If they choose the small farmer, they are limited on how much they can obtain. If they run out for any reason, there simply isn’t any more for the farmer to sell. The corporation on the other hand can produce more than a single dispensary can ever go through. They can simply send another pound if needed.
Dispensaries will choose the lower cost option or go out of business. Economic drivers and current US regulations work to force businesses to pursue the lowest cost option. If they don’t adjust (especially in a market that is overcrowded by competitors) they will go out of business.
It seems everyone is starting a marijuana grow. The low bar for entry and the extreme reporting requirements mixed with the challenges of a flooded market and international money make becoming a grower a risky business. Surely many will make millions of dollars before the large corporations squeeze out the little guys. Most will simply waste the little money they have trying to chase a dream that has been legislated and sold into oblivion.
Thanks for reading.
 

rollingjoint

Rolling Joints Made Simple for Beginners

Rolling a joint is a skill that anyone can develop.

Certain people make rolling a joint easy. But don’t let them fool you, it takes plenty of hand-eye coordination to do it well. But luckily for the average stoner, it only takes about 100 or so attempt before most people figure it out.
Even so, most of us will never develop the skill or technical expertise to roll artistic joints. No cross joints rolled with God Bud or AK-47’s out of AK-47. But that doesn’t mean our joints have to be crappy. In fact, the difference between a good joint and a crappy one is small.
Guide to a perfect joint:

Step 1: Grind weed and position paper.
Step 2: Add weed and filter. Form a cone shape by rolling weed with paper.
Step 3: Tuck the paper around and tighten the cone.
Step 4: Lick and seal the joint along the glue edge.
Step 5: Pack the joint tighter and add additional weed as desired.
Step 6: Fold paper over when done packing.
Step 7: Position crush-resistant filters and ensure a tight seal around paper.

Additional Steps:


Create Airway: Using a toothpick, create a hole that goes half way down the length of the joint. Make sure it is centered. This makes the joint smoke better and allows for tighter rolling.
Spit Bath: As gross as it sounds, you can use your spit to slow down the speed that the paper burns. Applying a THIN even coat of saliva can prevent uneven burning.

There are several important aspects to rolling a good joint.

Density, airflow and proportion are the key aspects of a joint. Fail to maintain any one of these and you’re going to have a bad time. Master them and people will throw weed at you to roll.
You don’t have to be an engineer to make amazing joints but being an artist may help you make incredible ones. Joint rolling artists can make an impressive living creating wild designs. There aren’t a lot of tools required but great artist can create masterpieces.
Like any skill, rolling a joint gets easier the longer you do it. But there is more to it than just technique. To get the best rolling done, you need to have the right kind of cannabis. We aren’t talking about strains here, we are talking about consistency.

You need to make sure that the joint is solid.


Nothing is as sad as a poorly rolled joint. Having large nugs or lots of stems will destroy any hope of getting a join burning nicely. The easiest way to ensure you have the right consistency is to grind the weed before rolling it.
You can tear nugs up with fingers but the result is less consistent than using a grinder. Hand shredding also tends to crush the product. Regardless how you grind the weed, a normal joint takes between .5 and 1 gram of cannabis to make. Using less is possible but using more often requires alternative or additional paper.
Packing the joint is also an important step that takes some practice to master. Pack the joint too tightly and it can be impossible to draw through. Pack it too loosely and the joint will burn up in moments instead of minutes.

You need the right amount of drag.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfP1IB62wBI
The reason grinders are so popular is that they create a uniform size of shredded bud. Not too big and not too small. If ground too finely, the weed effectively becomes a solid mass and no smoke gets through. Grind too course, and the air skips over the chunks of weed instead of through it.
You want to be able to suck through the joint and feel some resistance. If you get to the end of rolling and it’s too tight, you can gently roll the joint between your fingers to help loosen it. If it deforms in your hand while simply holding it, you can pack more weed into one end to help tighten it up.

It needs to have the right proportions.

Even with the variation to joint size and complexity that professional rollers deal with, proportions remain important. Cones need to taper evenly and tubes need to be straight. Having bends or uneven sections in a joint can negatively impact the joints performance.
Don’t get discouraged if yours aren’t coming out perfect yet. Having steady hands and practicing often will make getting the joint even a whole lot easier. But there are also devices to help those of us who just can’t seem to get it right.

Rolling Machines are great when starting out.


There are a lot of companies that offer rolling machines. These devices take a lot of the technique out of rolling a joint. They are perfect for new rollers who might not have the coordination to get everything going at once. But they do have some limits.
A rolling machine has strict limits on the size. If your roller is designed for standard papers, it won’t work with extra long ones. Extra wide papers pose less of a problem but may result in multiple layers of paper in the end product.
The machines also have limited capacities. You won’t be rolling any 7 gram blunts with one. Most machines produce joints similar to the size of a traditional cigarette. You can normally make then thinner, but rarely larger.

weedhotels

Top 10 Best Weed Friendly Hotels of 2017

When was the last time you enjoyed a weed friendly hotel?

Everyone needs to get away sometime and the best places to stay are weed friendly ones. Most of my vacations are spent visiting family and friends both at home and abroad. I have several pieces in my glass collection that remind me of specific trips and family members.
Getting to visit family is cool and all, but not all family members are comfortable with cannabis on their property. If your family is anything like mine, showing up blazed will get comments but busting out a joint after dinner instead of a glass of wine is likely to start a riot.
Vacations should be enjoyable adventures, not pointless fights. Just because we have different points of view doesn’t mean I don’t love them or want to see them. So instead of causing a blow-up when they smell smoke coming from the bathroom, I stay at one of these weed friendly hotels. This list is in no specific order, it just depends on where you are.

1. La Quinta Inn & Suites in the Denver Gateway Park

4460 Peoria St

Denver, CO 80239

(303) 373-2525Weed Friendly Hotel

These spacious apartment-style suites offers 420 friendly & pet friendly lodging only minutes away from the airport, downtown Denver & various marijuana dispensaries. There are even full packages available for those seeking classes, tours, cannabis-infused massages and 420 friendly transport. Every suite is vaporizer and dab rig friendly but doesn’t allow open flames, only e-nails.
Studio rooms and one-bedroom suites as well as two-bedroom suites for larger parties are available. There is a restaurant and bar on-site to provide stoners with concierge-level room service to any room. The best part is that some rooms come with private balconies that are smoking friendly.

2. 1431 nw 53rd B&B

1431 NW 53rd Dr
Portland, Oregon
(503) 228-1036
This secluded B&B is perfect for a romantic getaway or quiet retreat. There is a large common room, nice deck and lots of birds. This little gem is nestled in the Portland rain-forest such that it feels miles from anywhere but close to everywhere. Use outdoors is allowed, vaporizers will be considered inside.
There is also the 5000 acre Forest Park just outside the door. The endless trails are perfect for when you want to wander after some edibles. Public transit and shops are close by along with easy access to Portland’s night-life. Also, 10% of the profits support ongoing maintenance and protection of Forest Park.

3. Rose Creek Retreat

1297 Altoona-Pillar Rock Rd
Rosburg, Washington 98643
(360) 869-9821weed friendly hotel
Rose Creek Retreat is the Lower Columbia’s 420-friendliest outdoor destination. It’s located just across the river from Astoria, Oregon and is nestled between two ghost towns. The natural oasis is old logging land repurposed into a private eco-retreat. Rose Creek is a unique blend of boutique camping, wildlife sanctuary, and edible agro-forestry restoration project.
You can watch eagles hunt while ships float by, enveloped by the scents of heirloom roses, after picking berries in the afternoon sun. All while roasting bowls or sharing a joint with your best bud. The main cannabis restriction is solely for fire safety reasons; the woodland camps may be vaping only during the dry season.

 4. Amber House B&B

1315 22nd St 
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 444-8085
Amber House is over 30 years old and continues to provide elegance, comfort and hospitality. Located in the heart of vibrant Midtown, it encompasses two historic homes; a 1895 Colonial Revival and a stylish 1905 Craftsman. The weed friendly hotel is walking distance to the city’s finest restaurants, shops, galleries, and entertainment.
Cannabis Consumption is allowed outside this weed friendly B&B, but not indoors. They have two rooms with balconies, a front porch, and a garden where guests can step out and enjoy a smoke or a dab.

 5. B-Love Guest House

1131 Center St
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 686-3351
B-Love’s Guest House is a cute and spacious flat on the street level of a victorian home. The property is centrally located in the Bay Area. It’s only minutes away from San Francisco, downtown Oakland, Emeryville and Berkeley.
The bedrooms are private while bathroom, kitchen, living room and garden are all shared spaces. There’s a beautiful backyard garden that has a stage for daring performers. This weed friendly hotel says outdoor consumption is permitted anywhere on the property.
 

6. The Jupiter Hotel

800 E. Burnside St.
Portland OR 97214
(503) 230-9200
This is a new boutique hotel in the heart of Portland. The hotel was stylish enough to earn a feature in Architectural Digest and is near dispensaries. Fitting right into the city’s bustling Central Eastside District, Jupiter Hotel provides 81 unique (and pet-friendly) guest rooms. The space doubles as a cultural center, with an on-site gallery space and underground music venue, the Doug Fir Lounge.
There are music acts seven days a week and art openings on the first Friday of every month, for guests to drink up and socialize with the area’s creative community. But that’s not all, some packages include a munchie kit, vape pen, swag, and coupons to the nearby dispensaries. No need to bring any along, there are tons of places to buy your own cannabis.
 

7. The Travel Joint (420 Condo)

109 Dunes Rd
 Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 858-6916
As The Travel Joint’s signature hometown property, this condo offers escape from the craziness of the Strip in a one-bedroom, 33rd-floor oasis. It’s adjacent to the Palms Casino Resort and guests have access to its Drift Spa. They complete the package with 24-hour room service, concierge, pool, hot tub, and more.
The best part is that smoking inside the room is OK. To facilitate the party, the condo is also stocked with curated cannabis products to try. If the products on hand don’t fit your fancy, dispensaries are within walking distance.
 

8. The Bud and Breakfast

5Bd Chalet at Snowmass
Snowmass, CO 81615
720-460-1283
What better way to enjoy the Colorado high than at an expansive western style lodge? This five bedroom property can accommodate up to 11 guests and offers the ultimate in mountain fun. Equipped with double-height fireplace, soaring great room, hot tub, chef’s kitchen and so much more.
Cannabis and vaporizer are provided to clients so there is no need to bring any. But shops and dispensaries are nearby if the slopes aren’t too tempting. Not only does this property provide the product, but cannabis can be consumed indoors or out.
 

9. The Winston House

North Beacon Hill,
Seattle, WA
Located on the edge of a green belt with large wooded backyard, this is the perfect place to relax. Complete with private bathroom and entry, king sized bed and desk for getting that last little bit of work done or having an intimate dinner.  This place feels like a home away from home.
Vaporizers are provided and allowed indoors. Dispensaries and shops are close by in case you get the desire to do some additional shopping. There is always something going on nearby and the host is top notch.
 

10. Las Vegas Suites at The Cosmopolitan

3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV, 89109
(866) 678-6350
This weed friendly hotel has large rooms filled with designer furnishings and access to everything that makes Las Vegas special. Shows, restaurants and performers of all styles hosted in-house makes this location stand out. Don’t forget the theater either.
Smoking and vaping is allowed on the private terraces but not in the rooms. Dispensaries are within walking distance. Perfect for getting lit before heading out for a night on the town. Just remember that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.