Guides - Weed Reader

GuidesJune 17, 2017 by Doctor Frank

Best Way to Get a Medical Cannabis Card for 2017

One of the most common questions I get is, “Is it difficult to get a medical cannabis card?” I always respond, “Not as difficult as you might think.” There are all sorts of ways of getting one, but we shall mention the obvious (and perhaps easiest) one first …
Telehealth
Getting to a doctor that specializes in medical marijuana can be tough. Not everyone lives near one, and even if they do, a patient might go there and find out it’s too busy or they’re unable to book an appointment at a time they’d like. Plus, some of these doctors aren’t necessarily in the safest neighborhoods, which is sad but unfortunately true in some instances.
Telehealth saves a person from all this hassle. You can literally:

Sign up
Fill out the medical marijuana evaluation form, attaching any relevant medical records you may already have proving your condition/s.
Talk to the doctor.
If you qualify, you will be given a signed recommendation letter.
This recommendation letter can be emailed to you, so you can start using your recommendation letter straight away.
A medical marijuana card can be sent to you via post – not necessary, but highly recommended.

Telehealth is a massive plus for sick and disabled patients who might have difficulty getting around, as well as those living out in the boondocks.
Should you be worried about privacy and security, don’t worry. Any decent, reputable doctor will have a safe and secure website, with all of your personal information kept private in accordance to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Law Enforcement can access these records, but only by court order. This information cannot be given out to police departments willy-nilly.
The Direct Way
You can call me, Doctor Frank, on +1 888-351-7807 and set up an appointment over the phone. My practice address is 4110 1/2 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065, USA, which you can come to once you’ve booked your appointment (no stalking, please!). I can help walk you through the process. However, whilst I do try and make time for all my patients, many find seeing me online to be just as quick and efficient, and you needn’t leave the comfort of your living room.
Of course there are other Doctors out there and speaking to a friend or family member who uses MMJ might be able to advise you. Regardless of what route you take please make sure they are HIPPA compliant!
What Conditions Usually Get Medical Cannabis Recommendations?
Usually cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, AIDS/HIV, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease and any chronic condition that may impact a person’s life over the long-term.
I Want One Now! What Do I Need to Get a MMJ Card?
Now that you know you want a medical cannabis card, all you need are the following things:

Any form of valid, state-issued U.S. identification (e.g. ID card, driver’s license, passport).
Proof of residency in the state of California (e.g. rent or mortgage agreement)
Personal health records proving your condition – not necessary, but helpful

Will My Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana?
Whilst there are often vast differences in policy from one insurance company to the next, it is unlikely that most insurance companies will cover medical marijuana, especially as it’s a Schedule I drug. Unfortunately, using medical marijuana may put your insurance at jeopardy in some instances (especially if it’s health insurance paid for by an employer), so be careful and read all your terms and conditions on your health policy properly.
As you can see, getting a medical marijuana card is a lot simpler than you might think. There’s no secret club. No special handshake. No magic words. It’s just a matter of is getting on the phone or computer and booking your appointment. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Culture, GuidesJune 13, 2017 by Adam Rhodes

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:

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.

Culture, Guides, ListJune 13, 2017 by Adam Rhodes

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.

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

Culture, GuidesJune 12, 2017 by Adam Rhodes

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!

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.

Risks

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 Styles

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?

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?

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?

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.

GuidesJune 9, 2017 by Doctor Frank

Will I Still Need a Medical Card When Cannabis is Legal?

In a word, “No”. You no longer need a medical marijuana card in order to possess cannabis, as long as you’re not breaking the law in terms of amounts you’re allowed to carry. On November 8, 2016, Proposition 64 – also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act – was voted through. Of course, as there are no recreational dispensaries open yet, recreational users don’t have a place they can buy marijuana from as of yet.
From then on, adults over the age of 21 can possess, process, purchase, transport, obtain or give away up to one ounce of dried cannabis bud or flower and up to eight grams of cannabis concentrate. Should you be over 21, you can also grow up to six live plants for your own personal use, as long as you’re in a private residence and keep the cannabis in a locked area out of public view.
Now, you may be asking, “Why do I need a medical marijuana card?” Well, here’s five good, simple reasons why:
1. Tax

Recreational marijuana will have a 15% excise tax – something that those with a valid medical marijuana card will not have to pay. This means lots of money saved.
2. Access to More Dispensaries and a Better Choice of Products
With a medical card, you can go to any dispensary of your choice. Do you prefer one that’s a bit more lively and full of activities, or perhaps somewhere a bit more sedate and relaxed, where polite conversation and board games are more the norm? With a valid MMJ card, you can have that.
Moreover, not only do you get access to medical dispensaries, you get access to all their great products. Lab-tested cannabis flowers, high-quality concentrates made using safe methods, transdermal patches, a better choice of edibles, topical creams, all sorts of oils and the like … The list is endless. Also, you are less likely to have arbitrary restrictions on the amount of cannabis or cannabis-infused products you can buy. Recreational users are very likely to have far more restrictions placed on what and how much they can buy. Having a MMJ card gives you better choice.
3. It Gets Cheaper Still …
Dispensaries often have special deals for medical marijuana patients. Happy hours, specials on holiday periods, giveaway packs, different daily promotions, cheaper wholesale prices (ounces are often cheaper for medical marijuana patients). This means you will likely save a lot more money than just the 15% tax.
4. You Can Grow Lots More
Recreational patients can grow a maximum of six plants. Medical marijuana patients can grow up to ninety-nine, although your doctor may recommend an amount to grow. Those using marijuana for medical purposes may need more than what six plants provide in terms of weight, or may need more than six different strains for different problems to do with their condition/s. Plus, being able to grow only six plants potentially means time and energy lost should one or more plants die.
5. Better Protection from the Law?
States with a medical marijuana programme have a lot more precedence in the law with regards to legal protection, e.g.The Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act of 2008 and Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008.
Frankly (pun semi-intended), I don’t see why people – especially sick people who may benefit from medical marijuana – don’t get a medical marijuana card, especially if it could potentially save them from much harsher, highly addictive prescribed medications. If that’s got you thinking get in touch with me today and apply for your MMJ card online.

Analysis/Opinion, Culture, GuidesJune 8, 2017 by Adam Rhodes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apps, Culture, GuidesJune 7, 2017 by Adam Rhodes

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.

Culture, Guides, ListJune 6, 2017 by Adam Rhodes

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) 373-2525

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) 869-9821
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.

Guides, Marijuana NewsJune 6, 2017 by Alley Rhodes

Top 10 Cannabis Hiking Trails in California

Have you ever been on a hike, on weed?

California has a lot to offer to the average consumer. Whether it be climbing a mountain or hiking down a deep valley, there’s a cannabis hiking adventure for everyone. California offers a variety of scenic views and landscapes that will take your breath away.

1: Lassen Peak Trail

Have you ever wanted to get stoned and stand on top of an active volcano? Well, Lassen Peak Trail offers a moderate to hard hike that ends on top of a beautiful and safe volcano. The view is breathtaking and worth the 5-mile hike.

2: Eagle Lake

If a volcano hike seems too much, try an easier walk on Eagle Lake. Smoke-a-bowl and enjoy the beautiful waterfall views and magical woods. The 2-mile trail leads to a mirror-like lake within South Lake Tahoe.

3: Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout

The Sierra Butte Fire Lookout is another great place to get stoned at and enjoy the open fields filled with wildflowers. This trail is easy to moderate because travelers can continue their cannabis hiking through rocky terrain that leads to a 600-foot drop lookout.

4: Cataract Falls

This 2.7 mile trail is moderately difficult to hike, but the trail is filled with the sounds of bubbling streams. Smoke a joint and enjoy natures cooling streams and breathtaking waterfalls.

5: Fern Valley Trail

Looking for the Jurassic Park experience? Well you won’t find dino’s here, but it was the backdrop for Jurassic Park II. This easy to walk 1-mile park is filled with wildlife such as salamanders and centipedes.

6: Salt Point Trail

Salt Point Trail delivers a true Northern California coastal experience. There are wildflowers, colorful sandstone formations and the big beautiful deep blue ocean. Don’t get too blazed, the trail can be a little confusing so it’s best to bring an updated map.

7: Feather Falls

The best time to visit Feather Falls is during mid-spring to early summer. Just after the winter snow has melted the wildflowers are in full bloom. Get blazed and enjoy the shining waterfall and sparkling waters within the 8-mile long hike.

8: Mishe Mokwa Trail

In Malibu, California there are a variety of peaks, but Sandstone is the crown jewel of the area. You’ll also see vibrant green landscapes and a gorgeous ocean backdrop. This moderate difficulty, 6-mile long hike is perfect for couples who want to smoke-a-bowl and enjoy the views together.

9: Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio)

A difficult path for sure, this 10-mile long path is not recommended for beginners. The views are filled with beautiful natural scenery. And for those who want to omit 4-miles from their hike, there is a ski lift available during the summer months.

10: Torrey Pines State Reserve

This amazing trail offers three different points: Red Butte, Yuca Point and Razor Point. These points on the hike provide an incredible view of colorful wildflowers, natural seaside wonders and a few rattlesnakes. Yes, rattlesnakes are also a part of the hike so be careful stoners and don’t pet the snakes.
Featured image: notez_rachapong / Instagram

Analysis/Opinion, Guides, Science, Strain ReviewsJune 4, 2017 by Adam Rhodes

ECS: Hacking the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis users often wonder how cannabinoids work.

Therapeutic chemical compounds known as cannabinoids interact with a system in our body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). These compounds provide medicinal relief for conditions involving pain, inflammation, and nausea to name just a few. Cannabinoids and terpenes are the chemicals in marijuana responsible for providing relief to patients. They work by fitting into special receptors in certain cells in the body. There are more than 480 natural components found within the cannabis plant and each works with the body to achieve homeostasis.
Cannabinoids were the first compounds in cannabis to be studied. Scientists learned that there are receptors throughout our bodies that help modulate many bodily functions. A few of the systems that are tied to and affected by cannabinoids include appetite, sleep, anxiety level, and cognition.
In fact, some cannabinoids target specific receptors located on the surface of cells in different areas of the body making studying them very important. Their pharmacological delivery possibilities open up whole new worlds of highly targeted treatments that don’t cause damage to nearby cells.

So what is the endocannabinoid system?

The endogenous cannabinoid system(ECS) was named after the plant that led to its discovery. The ECS is one of the most important physiologic system involved in human health. This is because endocannabinoids and their receptors permeate the body. The brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells of every human are laced with cannabinoid receptors. In each tissue uses the cannabinoid system a little differently. The main purpose of the ECS is to achieve homeostasis in the body.
Endocannabinoids and cannabinoids are found in the intersections of the body’s various systems. These intersections are vital to communication and coordination between different cell types. At the site of an injury, for example, cannabinoids decrease the release of activators and sensitizers. This stabilizes the nerve cell and prevents excessive firing.
The ECS has the added effect of calming nearby immune cells which prevents the release of pro-inflammatory substances. There are different mechanisms in different cells that work with cannabinoids to minimize the pain and damage caused by injury.
The endocannabinoid system is literally what bridges the mind and body as it regulates our immune system, nervous system, and all of the body’s organs. By understanding the depth and complexity of our genetic systems interactions with cannabinoids, we reveal how interconnected we are with the world around us.
In addition to regulating internal and cellular homeostasis, cannabinoids influence how a person perceives the external environment. Cannabinoids directly influence a person’s open-mindedness by mediating neurogenesis, neuronal plasticity, and learning. This is one reason cannabis is so exciting for Alzheimer’s researchers.

The CB1 receptor wasn’t discovered until 1990.

The CB2 remained hidden until 1993 when it was discovered by a research group at Cambridge University. The cannabinoid THC has a high binding affinity with CB1 receptors located in the brain, central nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands, and related organs. This is one reason that consumption of cannabis strains and plants containing a high amount of THC result in a relatively potent effect.
Heavy CB1 stimulation tends to give patients significant relief from pain, nausea, or depression. The same compounds deliver a strong euphoric feeling to lifestyle users. Those undergoing chemotherapy and patients suffering conditions involving inflammation, like arthritis and lupus also find significant relief from symptoms while administering cannabis.
CB2 receptors on the other hand are located throughout the immune system and related organs. The highest concentrations can be found in the tissues of the spleen, tonsils, and thymus gland. They are also common in the brain, although they are found on different types of cells and do not appear as densely as CB1 sites.CB2 sites are also found throughout the gastrointestinal system.

The ECS helps modulate intestinal inflammatory responses.

CB1 and CB2 stimulation helps many sufferers of Crohn’s disease and IBS gain relief. Cannabis has been shown to treat Crohn’s so effectively that many of the cases using it to treat the disease sent it into full remission. The efficacy of the treatment seems to be tied to the patients ECS expression.
The binding affinity, locations, density, and number of cannabinoid receptors are collectively labeled their expression. Researchers believe different patients, especially those with particular diseases, may have different expressions of CB1 and CB2 receptors than patients not afflicted by these conditions.
Think of the expression of cannabinoid receptors in a person like a fingerprint. It is a unique cell configuration that results in a range of responses to different cannabis medicines. This unique distribution of receptors through the body is one reason some patients prefer a sativa like Durban Poison or Kali Mist, while others gravitate toward an indica such as Kosher Kush or 9 Pound Hammer while others only want hybrids like Blue Dream or Sour Diesel.

Patients may have more than an average number of receptors.

People very sensitive to a cannabinoid like THC may have an over abundance of one of the two receptors. While it is easier for these users to experience negative side effects, heavy usage tends to decrease sensitivity to ECS stimulation. Heavy users tend to notice a decrease in sensitivity as their bodies adjust to artificially high cannabinoid levels.
Likewise, patients who under express a receptor may be less sensitive to the therapeutic effects of a cannabinoids. These users often don’t feel the effects of consuming like most people. CBD and other cannabinoids often need to be consumed it in greater quantities by individuals who express low ECS levels in order to receive the same effects.
More and more is being discovered about the ECS every day but evidence suggests that CB1 receptor activation may promote inflammation/cell death. This is big news for drug manufacturers looking for a way to deliver pharmaceuticals to specific cells without collateral damage (like chemo currently). Similarly, CB2 receptors play a key role in anti-inflammatory responses in the body, making them important in the treatment of many neurological disorders like Crohn’s and Parkinson’s.

How does your ECS stack up?

Do you over express? Under express? Neither? Do you know someone who is treating their pain with cannabis? Let us know in the comments below what you think about the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how it affects health. Thanks for reading.