joints better

8 Reasons Blunts > Joints

Alright, people, let’s talk blunts vs joints. We all have our own personal opinions here, but only 1 is right: mine and those that agree with me. So for anyone wondering, the answer is blunts. Blunts are better than joints and there are multiple reasons why:

1. Blunts Burn Longer

Blunts burn way longer than joints, and you never have to relight them. One spark up and that thang’s riding until the very end. That doesn’t happen with blunts. You smoke half of it, and then the other half is just ashtray decoration because it becomes a light-the-joint-every-time-you-hit-it kind of situation. If I wanted to do that I’d just get a pipe/bong.

2. Blunts Are Easier To Roll

I’m at the point where I can twist a J no problem, but in my early days, boy were they an impossible feat. Zig zags twisting all over the place, weed fall out on the floor, it’s a real task to roll a joint when you’ve never done it before. Or even when you have done it before. Blunts though? Little saliva and a properly rolled mouthpiece can take you a long way.

3. Blunts Don’t Get Wet Often/As Much

There’s nothing worse than someone getting the mouth of the blunt wet. It’s like “Dog…Are you serious with this right now?” You have to throw the lighter on there then monitor every hit they take for the rest of the session. It’s annoying. But that doesn’t happen as often with blunts as it does with joints. Pass a J to someone with the moist mouth and it immediately becomes a Pixy Stix. No one wants that.

4. Blunts Are Better For Sharing

Blunts are way better for sharing than joints because reason #1 above. The factor of burning longer enables you have a blunt session without worrying about where the blunt is, how long someone’s had it, and how long someone’s talking while the ganja burns into the air frivolously. Sure, you don’t want anyone to do these things, but I’m just saying, they’re less of a problem when you know the blunt is going to burn for a minute. Joints though? It’s like “Hey, pass, smoke, pass, smoke, ahhhh man, it’s already done.”

5. The High Lasts Longer

I haven’t researched the science on this, but I feel like blunts get me way higher and for way longer than joints. It could be that small bit of tobacco in the wrap, but whenever I smoke a blunt, I’m high for hours upon hours. When I smoke a joint, however, I feel like I’m stoned, but not on a level that makes me feel stuck. Again, haven’t researched this, but I have field tested it. Same thing, right?

6. You Can Find Blunts At Any Gas Station

There’s nothing more annoying than needing some rolling materials that aren’t readily available at your nearest gas station. Have you seen the rolling papers selection at most 7-Elevens? Garbage, son. They always have some trash ass JOBs or some little ass zig zags that won’t do the trick for Big Smokers like us. They never have Raw papers, or King Size anything. Blunt wraps though? You can find some Swisher Sweets or some White Owls at any gas station you come across. That’s a guarantee.

7. You Can Fit More Weed In A Blunt

Sometimes you want to roll a Grammer Jammer and that doesn’t always fit in a joint. For those wondering, a Grammer Jammer is a blunt that requires an entire gram or it ain’t bout shit. You can’t roll one of those in papers though. I mean, you can, but it’s not going to hold up like a blunt. And what if you want to get extra and excessive with it by throwing even more in there? Which rolling device offers you more breathing room? Huh? Which? Exactly.

8. Rihanna Smokes Blunts

End of discussion.

The Founding Fathers US All Grew Weed

The Founding Fathers All Grew Weed

The Founding Fathers grew hemp before America was a nation.

Early colonists needed to grow hemp and the Founding Fathers helped make it easier. Hemp was used to make a multitude of essential gear for early Americans so importing it was impossibly expensive. Presidents like Washington, Jefferson and even Lincoln are well documented hemp farmers but their personal consumption remains a historical mystery.
While hemp and weed are both cannabis, there’s a big difference between the 16-1800’s and now. Similar to how humans grow larger when more specialized nutrition and scientific knowledge advances, so too does cannabis. Most Founding Fathers grew hemp specifically for fiber and seed instead of high THC seedless flowers.
They planted in dense patches and prioritized harvesting long, thin stalks. The Fathers allowed their plants to go to seed but removed the males after they pollinated the females. Any female cannabis plants that produce seeds have very little THC, just like modern day ones.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin all grew hemp on their plantations. Hemp was essential to naval vessels and travel in general, so every Founding Father needed more. In previous centuries, all ships navigating the western seas were rigged with hempen rope and sails.

It takes a lot of hemp to make ships, so everyone grew hemp.

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A 44-gun frigate like the USS Constitution took over 60 tons of hemp for rigging. This included sails, ropes and an anchor cable 25 inches in circumference. The Conestoga wagons of the pioneer days were covered with hemp canvas as well. In fact, the very word canvas comes from the Arabic word for hemp.
The founding fathers were well acquainted with the industrial version of cannabis but how they consume it. Many doubt that Washington and Jefferson grew hemp for recreational enjoyment but John Adams has a mysterious quote of his in several Boston newspapers.
In 1763, under the pen name Humphrey Ploughjogger, Adams wrote in the Boston Evening-Post about the advantages of growing hemp. Adams claimed that “… if grate Men dont leeve off writing Pollyticks, breaking Heads, boxing Ears, ringing Noses and kicking Breeches, we shall by and by want a world of Hemp more for our own consumshon,”. This is likely a reference to the hemp rope a hangman used and not a sweet bowl of some Purple Urkle.

The Digital Age has made a liar of Honest Abe.

The internet is overrun with people claiming that Honest Abe claimed to enjoy “a pipe of sweet hemp, and playing my Hohner harmonica.”  There are only a few issues with the timing of quote though. Hohner didn’t make harmonicas until years later and didn’t even start exporting them to America from Germany until 1868. That’s four years after Abe’s assassination, meaning the whole thing is made up.
But that isn’t the only popular Lincoln quote that was entirely false. The oft-cited “Prohibition… goes beyond the bound of reason…”? Claimed to be from an 1840 speech to the Illinois House of Representatives. In fact, it was written by a former mayor of Atlanta in 1922. The fake quote was used to court black voters into opposing alcohol prohibition. That doesn’t prove Lincoln didn’t partake, just that there is no proof he did.

Washington was into the Sticky Icky.

George Washington did make concerted attempts to cultivate high THC cannabis. He kept meticulous diaries throughout his life. Within his notes he wrote “Sowed hemp at muddy hole by swamp” This was far removed from the area he would have normally cultivated cannabis. This remote location improved the likelihood that the cannabis flowers would remain seedless or ‘sensimilla’.
Washington further reinforces the idea that he was growing for some sweet smoke by writing “Began to separate the male from female plants” and he specifically references the desire for flower by dismaying that he “Was too late for the blossom hemp by three weeks or a month” One theory for Washington’s interest in potent cannabis flower was to treat his toothaches.

Thomas Jefferson was known to farm hemp just as all the other Founding Fathers.

He has the unique distinction of being an international and intercontinental strain hound. During his time as Ambassador to France, hashish was a big deal. During his encounters with the court, it would have been disastrously unfashionable for him to refuse consuming.
The time with the French court must have left a lasting impression on him. Jefferson later sought out high potency cannabis seeds from China while he was searching for better versions of rice. At great risk of imprisonment, Jefferson smuggled many types of seeds back to the colonies for American production.
The president employed many hirelings to do the brunt of the work. He specifically employed Turkish smugglers to bring seeds back from China. No records prove that Jefferson himself transported the seeds, only that he arranged for and ensured the delivery of many restricted cultivars from across the globe to American farmers.

People have taken the stoner Founding Fathers idea and run with it.


Even without direct evidence of the Founding Fathers smoking weed, modern stoners have embraced the idea. Artists like Trevor Moore and groups like The Whitest Kids You Know have brought the mythology of the Founding Fathers into the modern day.
The historical accuracy of these interpretations remains hazy at best. Yet the performances are likely closer to reality than the stories and legends that people have grown up with. Regardless, they add a bit of spice and real world flavor to stories about wealthy young rebels.

This 4th of July, light up a joint, load a bong and hit a pipe for the Founding Fathers.

America wouldn’t be here without cannabis, so roast a bowl this Independence Day to honor our complex history. Greats like Andrew Jackson grew it for seed and fiber while Jefferson smuggled it out of China and likely France. And just think about how Ben Franklin would feel about a great summertime strain.
Be like Ben and grow a female plant or two, or take a page from Lincolns book and get some sweet hemp to enjoy. Don’t smuggle genetics from China like Jefferson though. Better to get a clone or seed from a reputable source like SeedsHereNow.com or a local dispensary.
 

Four Amazing American Made Products for Cannabis Consumption

Four for the Fourth: Four Amazing American Made Products for Cannabis Consumption

Four for the Fourth: Four Amazing American Made Products for Cannabis Consumption
The Fourth of July holiday is upon us. That means parties, road trips, hiking, and cannabis! Here are four great American Made products that are excellent for cannabis consumption. Nothing says patriotic like buying products made in the USA and nothing says holiday weekend like exploring new ways to enjoy our favorite plant.

  1. Mendo Mulchers Grinders: If your preferred method of consumption is flower than you know how important a quality grinder is. These grinders are not only high quality but are made here in the USA. With prices that range from just over $15.00 to just over $70.00, based on the size and whether or not it includes a screen, there is a grinder here for every budget. So if you are blazing up a bowl on the fourth and want an American made grinder this is an excellent option.
  2. Jane West Collection by Grav: If glass pipes are your thing then the Jane West Collection by Grav might be just what you are looking for. Designed with both form and function in mind these glass pipes for “the mainstream cannabis consumer” are made from borosilicate glass colored with pure cobalt ore giving them a distinctive deep blue coloring. Jane West’s goal is to make cannabis accessible to “everyday women” and these five glass pieces are designed with that in mind. The pieces look and feel luxurious and would be an excellent addition to any savvy consumer’s collection.
  3. The Galaxy E-Nail by Smoke Cartel: If you are looking for something a little pricey but definitely unique the Galaxy E-nail fits the bill. It is the only e-nail with an all ceramic air pathway, which is vastly preferable to titanium. Additionally these e-nails are handcrafted in Santa Cruz, CA with materials sourced from around the United States. At a price point of $349.00 this is for the serious cannabis enthusiast, but it is covered by a three year manufacturer’s warranty so you can purchase with confidence.
  4. Firefly 2 Vaporizer: I saved what I might consider to be the best for last with the Firefly 2 vaporizer. This is one of my favorite products for personal use. Gizmodo calls it “the best overall vaporizer,” Newsweek called it “the iPhone of vaporizers.” I call it an excellent travel companion. It’s a handheld vape that’s small enough to fit in your pocket, can vape both flower and concentrates, and has a bluetooth app featuring six preset temperature settings. It is high-end item, but totally worth it if you like to have options when you are on the go.

Bonus
Eucalyptus/Spearmint Earth Elements Tranquil Bath Soak from Ganja Chica: If you’re a California resident and are looking for something that is therapeutic, relaxing, and different for this 4th of July look no further than this bath soak from Ganja Chica. Sometimes we need to get away from the party for a little bit of self care and rejuvenation. This soak combines epsom salts, ground cannabis, and Eucalyptus and Spearmint for a relaxing, soothing, bath that will help you recover from your holiday adventures no matter what they were.
There you have it, not four but five products that could help you further enjoy cannabis this Fourth of July weekend!

summerstra

10 Best Summer Time Strains to Smoke

Summer is the best season for weed.

Summer is the only season that encourages people to be outside. Maybe it is because summer brings about long days, short nights and plenty of heat. BBQs, fireworks, festivals and parades happen frequently during the summer.
Being outside and active requires a special kind of cannabis to improve the experience. Nobody wants couch-lock when you plan to go on a hike (unless you are trying to get out of it). But having a nice indica with some CBD will go a long way in reducing recovery time after getting home.
Adventures don’t happen alone either. Journeys can go from Harold and Kumar to Rubber real quick with the wrong kind of smoke. People need to converse and follow directions which can be hard with some strains. This list focuses on strains that won’t leave you saying “Dude, Where’s My Car?

Here is a list of strains that are sure to provide a great summer high!

  1. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel has a distinctly pungent fuel aroma and provides a motivating burst of energy. Sired by an unknown Skunk strain, Northern Lights and Chemdawg, the sativa dominant high reflects its strong lineage. The high is mentally dominant, leaving the body free to enjoy the hot weather. Just be sure not to get lost following festival music because getting distracted is easy on this strain

  1. Strawberry Cough

Coming in at about 80% sativa, this strain provides enough pep to keep any step light. Kyle Kushman developed this strain for Buds and Roses in Los Angeles, California. This is a clone-only cross of Strawberry Fields and Haze. The skunky, berry tones capture the olfactory senses while the cerebral high uplifts in a euphoric way. Users can feel social anxiety melt away as this strain courses through the body.

  1. Amnesia Haze

This is the quintessential strain for a long-lasting, uplifting, energetic high that courses though the body. This number is also known to improve creativity and may result in spontaneous outbreaks of the giggles. Amnesia Haze also has an impressive pedigree which includes two Cannabis Cup wins. The first win was in 2004 and the second was in 2012. It’s easy to see why it is so popular in the Amsterdam coffee shops.

  1. Blue Dream

Blue Dream is available almost anywhere. But due to genetic instability within the strain, it can come out several different ways. Ranging from sativa-dominant to indica-dominant and anywhere in between, this one can be tricky. The sativa dominant variety is the most common and provides the best high. This strain is mainly known for its ability to boost mood, inspire creativity and relaxes the body. All without the couch-lock feeling.

  1. Pineapple Express

This was named after the legendarily rare flower from the movie with the same name. Available across the world, this strain provides a hard-hitting, long-lasting, hybrid high. The energetic buzz is perfect for productive afternoons doing yard work, weekend projects or reaching the next prestige level on a game. The increased focus and awareness provided by this high can be calming or stimulating.

  1. Summertime Squeeze

This sativa-dominant strain has a fresh citrus and tropical fruit smell. Properly cured flower produces a bouquet fit for a tropical paradise. Even low THC cuts provide an intense high though. The energetic high comes on quickly and makes muscles crave getting out and doing something fun. Perfect to pair with a mojito or a hike, this high-energy strain is perfect for people looking to get moving.

  1. Cheeseburger

Who doesn’t love cheeseburgers in the summer? Cannasol Farms of Omak Washington created this amazing strain. This indica-dominant hybrid is sumptuous and heavy like a real burger. While the genetic history of this strain has been lost, it provides everything a summertime smoker could want. Plus, the insane yields it produces makes it a great option for commercial cultivators.

  1. Strawberry Banana

DNA Genetics collaborated with Serious Seeds to produce this 70% indica-dominant hybrid. The companies started with Banana Kush and the ‘strawberry’ phenotype of Bubble Gum. After stabilizing the genetics, the sweet and fruity flavor of the Bubble Gum carried over with the heavy indica effects of the Banana Kush. The high feeling is extremely happy and peaceful but heavy enough to induce a food coma if smoked right after BBQ.

  1. Pineapple Kush

Not to be confused with Pineapple Express above, this is a heavy indica. The breeders name has been lost to history but the strain was cultivated from Pineapple and Master Kush. This provides it with a fruity, almost minty flavor.
Capable of producing high THC and CBD, this strain is great for treating seizures, inflammation and fatigue. The high is heavy, but not overwhelmingly so. It leaves users able to be creative, social or simply active without a lot of headaches.

  1. Sunset Haze

A combination of Tangerine Haze and Rocky Mountain Blueberry, this is a true hybrid. With one parent on each end of the sativa-indica divide, this plant provides a great balance of effects. The flower also bursts with summer colors. The flowers are full of pink, purple, and red hues, in addition to inheriting a medley of flavors.
Ripe berry, and sweet fruit flavors compete for dominance of the aroma. Strong citrus notes play olfactory support which add an invigorating element to the scent. The smell highlights and exemplifies the high as well. It can provide and active and uplifting high that is highly creative and intensely focused. Overindulging feels like getting a heavy blanket pulled over your head. Yet it never seems to result in falling asleep.

Honorable Mentions:

The world of weed is vast but this list is not. There are lots of strains that could have made it on this list. Strawberry Fields, Arjans Ultra Haze, Blueberry, Tangie, and Orange Creamsicle are just a few of the amazing strains that didn’t make this list but could have.

Do you agree with this list?

What strains do you think should have made it on the list? Which would you have cut? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image: Medical Jane

GMO Weed Coming to Stores Soon

People have been genetically modifying weed since the beginning.

Ancient farmers grew cannabis plants with specific goals in mind. The different goals produced two distinctly new variations or phenotypes of cannabis. The two GMO variants are known as cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. Our ancestors used selective breeding to modify the genetics of cannabis ruderalis to create what we currently recognize as weed.
Selective breeding is a great example of the basic concept of genetically modified organisms. By only breeding plants with the best traits, later generations display more desired traits. Both still have the same level of development, one is just more useful.
South African plants need to be tall enough to reach above the scrub brush to get enough light. Sativas like Durban Poison grow incredibly tall because of having South African genetics. But cannabis from the Hindu Kush mountains grow short and dense enough to resist the high winds. Breeding them together may pass on the cold resistance of the Hindu Kush, and/or the height of the Durban Poison.

The race is on to find a better way.

Researchers at Phylos Bioscience launched the Cannabis Evolution Project last year to map the genome of marijuana. By documenting the specific genetic markers of cannabis, the team adds real data to the collective body of knowledge. Phylos also provides producers with a time-stamped certificate of authenticity that helps establish and defend intellectual property rights.
Phylos also shares the sequence data in the Open Cannabis Project’s database. Although they don’t share data without permission. The process prevents companies like Monsanto from capitalizing on weed by securing exclusive patents to specific strains.

Advancements in genetic engineering are coming fast.gmo

Genetic engineering is defined as manipulation of the genetic code or DNA. Plants and animals can be genetically manipulated because both have DNA. Each strand of DNA contains instructions for how, where and when cells should grow. The whole sequence is called the genome. We are quickly learning about the complex code that makes up the genome of cannabis.
Mice were the first creatures to have their DNA manipulated. Scientists managed this feat back in the 1970s. Plants weren’t modified until the 1990s. Through intense study and experimentation, we can predictably enhance certain qualities in a wide range of organisms.
Using modern genetic tools like CRISPR, we can cut and paste different genetic sequences. Researchers can use CRISPR to create indicas that grow tall like sativas, hybrids that produce trichomes in veg or instill UV light responsiveness.

GMO crops are becoming increasingly common.GMO Weed

Just over 20 years ago, the first genetically modified crops entered the market. After only two decades, GMO crops have flooded food and agricultural markets. GMO’s are adopted by industry after industry and change the very face of agriculture in the process.
Most soybean, corn and canola crops produced today are genetically modified. These crops fight off pests, resist disease and produce more stable products. Commercial farmers have adopted these GMO crops in part because of increased consistency.
Marijuana farmers are always looking to increase the consistency and potency of their crops. A GMO crop that promises to fight off pests, diseases, and resist cold would be mighty tempting. Especially if that crop produced commercial quantities of flower.

hightimes 1

10 Best Times To Get High

A wise man once said “Everything’s better when you’re high. If you don’t smoke, I don’t know why.” That wise man was Cameron Thomaz, otherwise known as the Wizard of House Khalifa, in his song Up, released in 2010. 7 years later, I’ve still yet to find an argument against that statement. I literally cannot think of 1 single activity that isn’t more enjoyable when stoned, which raises the question: when are the best times to get high? I mean, we all love to get high before running Saturday errands, or while kicking it with the homies, but when are the tried-and-true best times to get high? For answers, we check in with our expert, ya boy (me, I, Dante Jordan). In no particular order, here are 10 of the best times to get high:

1. Before the gym (weight-lifting)/after the gym (cardio)


This depends on the workout you’re doing. If it’s weightlifting, then smoking a little cannabis before can take your workout to new heights. My experience is that it can be used as a preworkout. For some reason when I get high, I can focus better on all tasks at hand. So if I smoke before the gym, by the time I get there, I’m more than ready to make Chest Day my bitch. I can just feel the THC activate like “Oh yeah, I’m about to get it the fuck in.” But on the flip side of things, if I smoke before cardio, my heart rate will be all over the place, which means I’m not lasting more than 9 minutes and 18 seconds on the Stairmaster. So for cardio, it’s best to smoke after.

2. Before a first date


Everyone gets nervous before a first date with a new prospect. You’re worried about making a great first impression; making sure you don’t say anything stupid; and simply not fucking up in any capacity. That can be extremely stressful, especially when dealing with one of those I Can’t Believe I Even Pulled type-prospects. Smoking beforehand is a good remedy for the pre-date jitters. But just make sure to not get too high, else you’ll be at dinner on some paranoid Oh My God, Am I Completely Blowing This weirdo shit, which will cause you to give off some strange vibes, ultimately guaranteeing that this first date is also the last.

3. First thing in the AM, with a cup of coffee


We all love a classic wake-n-bake, but have we acknowledged how much better it is when mixed with a little caffeine? My favorite time of the day to smoke is first thing in the morning because it’s the perfect time to reflect on your goals for the day. I sit on my back porch, blow an L, and think all the ways I can make the day my bitch. However, the potential of a mid-morning come-down crash tends to make wake-n-bakes a little dangerous. That’s when coffee comes running out of the bullpen like Mariano Rivera. That feeling of being too high and crashing around 10am is no match for a nice cup of Joseph. Adderrall could never.

4. After Sex


There’s no better stress reliever than getting a nut off. You just feel so much better about life. Absolutely nothing can bring you down, even if you’re truly living a dumpster fire. So when you have post-coitus smoke sesh, especially with your partner, it takes the feelings of relaxation and euphoria to totally different heights. You’re just laying there like “Yo…Life might be trash, but hey…had sex.”

5. During your lunch break


If your job is wack then your workdays are probably long and boring as a result. You get there at 8am and instantly feel like 5 o’clock might not arrive for the next 27 years. Even if the morning flies by, that post-lunch feeling of Dog, I Really Didn’t Want Come Back Here is inevitable. Smoking during your lunch break is a great way to break up the monotony of that. Time flies when you’re high, so if you need a temporary cure for the existential dread that comes from hating your job, maybe choose a smoke sesh instead of Jason’s Deli’s salad bar for lunch.

6. AFTER a big meal


Most people smoke before a meal because they think it intensifies taste, but I prefer to smoke AFTER a meal because it eases the feeling of being full. Boys be eating; boys be eating a lot. So when I get up from the dinner table feeling like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, I need a blunt ASAP to balance me out. You do too. Trust ya boy on this one.

7. Before a movie


If you don’t get high before movies then you aren’t really about this weed life. Literally nothing enhances the movie experience like 2 lungs full of smokey smoke. Movies are meant to distract you from reality, but when you’re high, that shit feels like an all-out vacation. Like there are times that I’ve been so high at the movies that I fucked around and thought I was IN the movie. Next time you’re bored (which is probably right now), twist something up, face it, then head to your local theater for a random movie. At some point during the viewing, I guarantee you’ll think to yourself “Wow, I’m fucking smacked. And I’m loving every minute of this.”

8. While listening to a new album


Much like movies, nothing enhances a music experience like a nice dose of THC. I don’t know why, but when I’m gone of the kushington, I can feel every little bit of music in my heart. Every note, every word, every element of the beat instantly becomes a part of my soul. That’s why getting high while listening to new music is such the perfect move. It turns a basic listening session into a full-on spiritual experience.

9. During a road trip


There are few better feelings than the feeling of freedom attributed to road trips. Just the thought of road trips forces you to envision a jeep with no roof, barreling down an empty highway, with the sun shining brighter than ever as your hair flows in the wind on some Living Your Best Life shit. Now picture yourself inside of that same scenario, but with a vape pen in hand, blowing the oils of Sour Diesel towards the heavens. Yeah, you like that idea, don’t you? Feels good, right? Make it happen, then.

10. After a funeral


I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t get dark on you out of nowhere. Funerals are sad as hell, that’s big facts. And when you’re sad as hell, is there any better distraction than getting high? The answer is no. It’s why as soon as we have a bad day of any capacity, the very first thought is “Man, I need to get high.” Hopefully you won’t attend any funerals in the near-future, but in the unfortunate case that you do, make sure you have something pre-rolled/pre-packed for the postgame occasion. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, those few minutes of feel-good high are enough to kick-start the healing process.

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.
 

mari brain

Marijuana and the Developing Brain

People are worried that THC might harm children.

Twenty three states have legalized recreational cannabis. States like Colorado and Washington led the charge in legalizing recreational sales and many states are following suit with California being the most notable new addition. As the sixth largest economy in the world, the economic might of California can move mountains.
In states where recreational sales have been legalized, the demand has been astronomical. Adults from across the globe are traveling or moving to these states because of legalization. These are hard working, intelligent and motivated people mostly. Many work full time, pay their taxes and take their kids to school. And they worry about how it could affect a child’s developing brain.

Children need to be protected from weed.On the Job

Regulated markets reduce unauthorized access and danger to the general population. That’s why we use them for our most important industries like health care, nuclear energy and banking. Every legalizing state has implemented strict laws to create regulated markets that prevent sales of cannabis to minors. It may not be enough to satisfy the wailing of concerned and/or uninformed parents but those measures make a difference to many lives.
In addition to preventing sales to minors, states have unanimously added a tax to every recreational transaction that goes directly to school funding and drug treatment programs. There are also strict regulations aimed at child-proofing packaging. Not to mention rules that prevent anything that “targets children” like; bright colors, cartoon mascots, fun names and even some packaging advertising fruit flavoring.

But are children really at risk from cannabis?

We all know that cannabis use doesn’t directly kill but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Critics of cannabis claim that we don’t have enough research about the effects of cannabis to make an informed decision. This inevitably leads to claims that legalization needs to be held back until we can “get more research”.
But the truth is that people have been researching cannabis for decades. Not just dudes growing in their basements either. We are talking top tier social scientists funded by corporations like Monsanto, Pfizer and Phillip Morris to name a few. Companies and governments have conducted study after study to try and prove or disprove that cannabis is dangerous, especially to children.

Science says cannabis messes with your head.developing brain

Nobody can deny that smoking cannabis affects cognition. That is one of the main reasons people begin using in the first place. And we all know that smoking more creates a more potent effect. So it stands to reason (and is backed up by research) that those who smoke large amounts of weed for long periods would see a real change in how their developing brain works.
But new advances in neuro-imaging have allowed doctors to see the physical changes that smoking weed causes in the developing brain over time.  And those images reveal that some of the reasons cannabis is able to treat autism are the same reasons normal children should not use it.

Smoking weed affects the cerebral cortex the most.

This is the part of the brain needed for higher functions like risk assessment and abstract reasoning and it isn’t done developing until the early twenties. Cannabis basically reduces the rate that neurons can respond and form connections to other neurons in this part of the brain.
The risk of stagnation is even higher in a developing brain that began using THC under 16 years old. During our childhood, our brains develop most of the neural connections we will ever have. Once we reach our early teens, our neurons prune off the unused connections and reinforce the most used pathways. Once we reach adulthood, our brains grow much slower so the effects are less pronounced.

It’s not like growing up can wait either.Happy Couple o' Stoners

Our bodies are designed to develop over a limited time. Once we hit the right age (about 21 for women and 27 for men), our bodies are done developing new parts and finish cleaning up our neural pathways. Our brains have developed all the tiny folds (known as gyration) that mark a healthy brain.
Once we cross the threshold of adulthood, there is no making up for lost time. But that isn’t to say you can’t counteract some of the negative effects. There are a variety of actions and measures that a developing brain can take to minimize the negative effects of cannabis.

The Developing Brain is all about getting more folds.

Our developing brains are unique in several ways. In addition to having the largest prefrontal cortex (compared to the rest of the brain)in the natural world, we also have one of, if not the crinkliest. The crinkles  are actually folds that increase surface area and are directly related to IQ.
High levels of THC consumption has been shown through fMRI to decrease the amount of white and grey matter that the brain develops and increases cortical thickness. This can be helpful if you suffer from schizophrenia or Autism which are caused by hyper gyration.

The evidence is less than concrete though.MS treatment

While the evidence is mounting that THC reduces cognitive abilities in normal people, that doesn’t mean it’s harmful. Everyone has some unique stress, trauma or gift that makes their brain unique. In all of the studies conducted so far, any changes that have been documented and attributed to THC have been tenuous.
One study claimed THC use reduces IQ by up to 8 points. But other researchers were unable to replicate the findings. Other studies have made less exaggerated claims. One fMRI study did show a change in the developing brains of adolescents. But the researchers were unable to rule out other causes like alcohol or social pressures.

Meditation may be enough to counteract the negatives of THC.

Our bodies are complex and our brains work like a muscle. Similar fMRI studies have shown that active meditation over years can increase brain gyration. This suggests that the negatives associated with cannabis consumption are less about the actual chemicals and more about how we are using our developing brain.
And I want to reiterate that no study has been able to produce verifiable, repeatable evidence that consuming cannabis Causes irreparable harm. Even the studies that found evidence of negative outcomes showed that the overall change was small. Even looking as hard as possible, there is nothing to show cannabis as dangerous and there is no reason to wait for more evidence to make a decision.

ecs

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?Trichome Closeup

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.Purple Trichomes

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. ecs

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.Shatter

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.
 

govt mari

Government Targeting Marijuana Next

How could you tell if the government was targeting marijuana users?

Weed smokers often complain the government is targeting marijuana users. Complaints of government tracking is almost as common.But could there be any truth to the claim that the government will begin targeting marijuana users soon? Would their actions even be legal?
There was a time when the claim “someone might be listening.” was evidence of a damaged mind. But modern technology has cameras, phones, drones,  GPS, Google, toaster armies massing for DDoS attacks and a whole world of connectivity. That connectivity has made that ancient feeling of being watched all too justified. But surely, the government isn’t targeting cannabis users is it?
International news stories (real and fake) abound of secret investigations, abused innocents and government executions. Many of these stories cannot be verified without extensive investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was tasked with finding truth behind allegations that now president Trump colluded with the Russian Government. When it seemed like the truth was close at hand, Trump sent his body guard to inform Director James Comey that he was fired and needed to find his own way home.
With revelations about how the F.B.I. (Federal Bureau of Investigation) conducts extended surveillance and the unbelievable size of N.S.A. (National Security Agency) Data centers, how can you not feel eyes upon you? But is the government putting together lists and planning to take out cannabis once and for all? When FBI Director Comey looked too deeply  into presidential corruption, he was fired before he knew it. The prospect of government surveillance of stoners is troubling but government is already tracking how much weed we each buy and from where. The only real question is what they plan to do with it.

Evidence is mounting that the Trump regime is targeting marijuana.targeting marijuana

The Trump administration is shaping up to have a willfully inaccurate view of everything from climate change to cannabis. The use of “alternative facts” (which is code for lies) and the inability to maintain a single thought across two sentences have been defining elements of recent American politics.
The Attorney General (Jeff Sessions) has made claims that support the idea he would begin targeting cannabis if ever allowed. Sessions recently told law-enforcement officials, “I reject the idea that we’re going to be better placed if we have more marijuana,” and “It’s not a healthy substance, particularly for young people.”
Sessions isn’t the only one to voice concerning rhetoric about targeting marijuana  that ignores logic. After signing a recent government funding bill, Trump issued a statement where he singled out the provisions that prevent him from blocking states implementing medical marijuana bills. Trump promised to “ treat this provision consistently with my constitutional responsibility to take care that the laws be faithfully executed,”.

It always hurts more when you see it coming.too hot to touch

Trumps public question piñata and press secretary John Spicer has also voiced concerning views about targeting marijuana.  He told reporters recently “I think that when you see something like the opioid addiction crisis blossoming in so many states around this country, the last thing we should be doing is encouraging people,” He couldn’t leave it there though. Sessions continued,” There is still a federal law that we need to abide by.”
So far, there have been no open moves by the federal government to interfere with states passing marijuana laws. Although they have set records for using the biggest bombs ever made and continue to expand drone pilot programs. Only time will tell if the Trump regime hates cannabis enough to risk public opinion backlash. Trump seems fine with the idea of targeting marijuana users deemed recreational. In states like Washington, medical marijuana has been replaced with recreational laws. The Trump regime has warned us that the military grade gloves are ready to come off.