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Strain ReviewsMarch 6, 2016 by Anthony

Mad Dream Strain Review

There’s a new cannabis strain called Mad Dream, a mix between the popular hybrids Blue Dream and Mad Dawg.
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominate hybrid. It has become one of the most widely consumed and critically acclaimed strains available, and for good reason. The mix of Blueberry and Haze is the perfect combination of full body relaxation without the overwhelming kick of certain indica strains.
Mad Dawg is an impressive hybrid in it’s own right. Another sativa dominant strain, Mad Dawg is a mix of Starfighter and Lemon Alien Dawg.
Mix the two together, and the result is glorious!
I was able to pick this strain up from Green Leaf Therapy, located in the Northwest Cannabis Market in White Center, Washington. Immediately noticeable is the strain’s beautiful exterior, brimming with crystals.
The smell was less sweet than I expected, but was still entirely pleasant, with a great earthy note that reminded me a little of standing in a heavily wooded forest. When you break the bud apart, however, you can smell a subtle hint of the Blueberry passed along from the Blue Dream.
The taste is almost identical to the smell; earthy, with a perfectly sweet backdrop.
The strain immediately brings forth a nice, heady high, and sends a warm feeling of relaxation through your whole body. Few strains are as well suited as this one for taking a few tokes, and sitting back and watching some movies, reading a book or even getting some work done. Although the strain perfectly relaxes you, it doesn’t make you drowsy.
I did find that the strain gave me the munchies more than most. Which could make it perfect for those wanting to stimulate their appetite.
Overall, Mad Dream is a wonderful combination of two great strains, and one that comes highly recommended.

Marijuana RecipesJanuary 13, 2016 by GGG

Wake & Bake Tater Cakes

A nutritional breakfast and an intoxicating treat rolled into one, these Wake & Bake Tater Cakes are the perfect way to start your day!

Recipe yields 12 cakes (or stones 6 people).

What You Need

4 potatoes
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
2 carrots
2-3 tbs non dairy milk
2 tbs cannabutter
1 tsp baking powder
1 or 1 1/2 cups chickpea or rice flour
seasonings (paprika, sage, dill, thyme, salt & pepper, nutritional yeast) to taste
coconut oil
muffin or cupcake pans
metal pot
knife & cutting board

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Chop potatoes into small pieces and boil in salted water until soft. (Cutting the potatoes smaller reduces cooking time!)
While waiting on potatoes, finely chop onion and garlic, and chop or grate carrot.
Drain and mash taters with a masher or fork, and add a splash of milk. Avoid using so much liquid that the potatoes turn soupy, or too creamy. It’s best to leave in some lumps and thickness.
Mix in veggies, spices, butter, baking powder, flour & yeast, and cheese if you’re using it, until gently doughy. If you’re using wheat-based flour, be careful of over-mixing, as the dough will become too tough to work.
Grease muffin/cupcake tins with coconut oil. Spoon dough into the tins and bake until golden brown and crispy.

Although best served hot and fresh, these tater cakes are still absolutely delicious when eaten cold the next morning!

As a topper, you could melt more cheese, or use chopped green onions, salsa, or a dollop of barbecue sauce. My favorite way to eat these potato cakes is with a generous heap of hot sauce and a few slices of salted avocado. It’s really good fats, and a fantastic way to do a wake-and-bake breakfast, or to rejuvenate from a nasty hangover!

Marijuana RecipesDecember 17, 2015 by GGG

Jammed Thumbprint Cookies

These Jammed Thumbprint cookies are a delicious way to get your buzz on, and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time! Makes about 16 cookies, depending on size.

What You’ll Need

1 cup coconut flour
1 1/2 cups coconut flakes
2 tbs nut butter (don’t use peanut butter– much too crumbly)
2 tbs canna-butter, melted (check out our easy canna-butter recipe here!)
2 tbs maple syrup
1 tsp salt
1 tbs guar gum or 2 flax eggs (2 tbs flax + 6 tbs water)
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted but not hot
vegan milk
toppings of your choice (jam/jelly of any flavor, nuts, chocolate chips or melted chocolate for drizzle)
AVB (already vaped bud)
cookie sheet
parchment paper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you have it, to help the bottoms of the cookies from burning and to make for an easier clean-up.
In a medium sized bowl, mix together dry ingredients. If you want to really send these cookies to space, dump in at least two spoonfuls of AVB. It also enhances the cannabis taste, but if you don’t grind it up first be prepared for a much crunchier, and more bitter cookie.
Depending on which leavening agent you choose, add the guar gum into the dry mix. (With the guar gum, it’s meant to be a 2:1 ratio of flour to gum, but since coconut flour is super dry and crumbly, we’ll use a 1:1.)
If you don’t have guar gum or it’s hard to find, two flax eggs will substitute a leavening just fine and will keep the cookies together. To prepare flax eggs, mix 2 tbs ground flax or flax seed + 6 tbs water in a small bowl. Let set until jellied, then add to the cookie mixture.
Pour in the rest of the wet ingredients. The milk should be added gradually in small sips. After mixing thoroughly with a fork or with a stand mixer, the resulting dough should be sticky, but not wet.
Form balls with the dough and place onto cookie sheet. Because these cookies won’t spread out or really change shape while baking, feel free to crowd the pan. Press thumbprints into each cookie.
Spoon jam, chocolate, or other toppings into the divots, then shove the pan into the oven and cook until the butts are golden brown. I’d suggest moving your oven rack to the middle shelf, so that the tops and bottoms of the cookies bake evenly.

And voila—jammed thumbprint cookies!

A big reason I love this recipe is that basically anything can go into the mixture—oats, nuts, chocolate, coconut—and anything can go into the thumbprint. It’s really whatever you have on-hand in the kitchen. These particular cookies were made with sour cherry jelly, and a few with pecans and chocolate drizzle.

For a sweet buzz (that’s low on sugar), eat two cookies!

Strain ReviewsDecember 3, 2015September 12, 2020 by WeedReader

Review: Mary's Medicinals Transdermal Patch

There’s a brand new product that has taken off the last couple years in the cannabis market: Mary’s Medicinals transdermal patch.
Available throughout Colorado dispensaries and now being introduced into the state of Oregon, these award-winning patches administer specific doses through the skin and straight into the bloodstream—which is the most efficient way to medicate.
They’re offered in doses of 10/20 mg and retail for around $10-15 each. So far they offer CBD, CBN, THC (indica/sativa), THCa, as well as blends of CBD:THC (whatever suits your liking). Each one has a recommendation for a specific application and/or symptoms.
We’ll focus on the THC (sativa) 10mg patch, suggested for the following; for relief from pain & anxiety, reduction of muscle spasms & nausea, promotion of sleep, & appetite stimulation.

Here are my findings:
The size of the patch is 2 in x 2 in, so fairly petite in size — a definite plus for the discreet user. I applied the patch to my wrist, which felt surprisingly comfortable and light on my skin. The adhesive didn’t feel heavy or sticky and my skin was still able to breathe.
There is a warning in the instructions stating that “burning or itching” may occur upon application, but I felt no such effects. It seems Mary’s went above and beyond with using high quality materials to manufacture their patches — Very nice!

30 min later — I felt a very subtle ‘sativa’ high, but nothing extravagant. I must admit, I was skeptical of the dosages and delivery system because I couldn’t imagine feeling a “high” from something that resembled a Band-Aid®. After slowly transitioning into the first “peak”, the patch seemed to have plateaued to a moderate type high. Perfect for the casual user, with little to no paranoia.
60 min later — At this moment, I felt another ‘wave’ of dosing enter into my body, another “peak”, if you will. This was a HUGE surprise for me. These “peaks” would last about 10 minutes, then the plateauing would follow. And for the next 6 hours the waves were like clockwork, releasing doses every 30 min.
6 hours later — Removing the patch from my skin was surprisingly easy and comfortable. Once the patch was removed, there was a bit of redness that lasted a few minutes, but I experienced no itching or irritation. The residuals from the adhesive was easily removed with little to moderate effort using soap and water.

Afterthoughts:
Overall, an excellent pharmaceutical grade, cannabis product! Strongly recommended for the traveling consumer and/or those suffering from chronic illness or long-term debilitating symptoms; especially pain, inflammation, insomnia, and cachexia.
Pros: The ease of use, discreet application, long-lasting effects and a relatively stable delivery system make for an incredibly efficacious product.
Cons: You don’t get the instantaneous “slap in the face” high you do from smoking or vaping. It just depends on what your preferences are.

A HUGE “Thank You!” to Mary’s Medicinals for their ingenuity in creating and distributing such a wonderful and viable product. These are exactly the kind of cannabis novelties we crave!
image credit: wikipedia.

Analysis/OpinionNovember 21, 2015September 12, 2020 by Ben Neal

My Love Affair with Mary Jane

I was just a teenager when we first met. Too young for the start of a life-long romance, I know… but sometimes love blossoms in the most unlikely places.
Like many teenagers, I was shy and socially awkward. My parents were recently divorced, and I was bouncing back and forth between two houses and living out of a duffel bag. And, like many teenagers, I was more than a little bit bitter about it.
I was depressed. I was a pessimist, a cynic, a jaded youth; and being unable to find any meaning, purpose, or joy in life, I had withdrawn into my own private darkness.
And then along came Mary Jane…
Okay, so it may be a stretch to say that cannabis cured me of depression and turned my life around, just like that. But honestly, in retrospect, it kinda seems like it. Getting high was an epiphany for me, a defining moment. I can divide my life neatly into B.C. (before cannabis) and A.W. (after weed).
In the years since that first toke, marijuana has been a constant companion, a friend and lover, teacher and guide who has unveiled to me the depth and beauty and mystery of the world… and myself.

I think it all started with music.

Before cannabis, music for me had been more of a social statement than anything else; a declaration of how angry and rebellious I was, a sign of what clique I belonged to. But after a few hits, every preconceived notion I had about music — what I liked, what I didn’t like, and why — all flew out the window.
For the first time, I was really listening, with rapt attention, and what I heard was a revelation. For the first time, I was really hearing every note, every silence, every movement. For the first time, I could really feel the emotions behind the song; I could feel the soul of the artist.
I embarked on an epic exploration of music, from cool jazz and doo-wop, to fusion and funk and psychedelic rock, to disco and electronica, country and pop. I wanted to hear it all, to swim through those vast universes of sound and soak up whatever secrets lie within.
And music was only the beginning…
Movies became a whole new phenomenon. Smoking a joint helped me to tune into the finer and more subtle elements of comedy, drama and storytelling; to really let go, and forget myself, and be transported to other worlds; to laugh with joyous abandon, and to be moved by emotions and longings so powerful they brought tears to my eyes.
Under the mind-expanding influence of cannabis, and the wise tutelage of my high school English teacher (thanks, Mrs. Negaard), I developed an appreciation and love of literature and poetry that is still one of my greatest joys in life. Shakespeare, Whitman, Emerson, Frost, Yeats, Thoreau, Melville and Hemingway, Steinbeck and Dostoevsky, Kerouac and Vonnegut, all suddenly came alive for me — in large part because of the curiosity, openness and insight of cannabis intoxication.
My first clumsy poems and essays were were written while stoned out of my mind, and so were many of my best since then. Marijuana helped me find my purpose, my path, the art that has become my career and livelihood.
If it weren’t for cannabis, I wouldn’t be writing today.
Getting high revealed to me what it means to be a writer, to be an artist. It showed me the power of words. It showed me what art is, what beauty is, and how art and creativity is one of the only things capable of fulfilling the deepest longings of the human spirit.
For the first time, I didn’t care about fitting in, being cool. My eyes had been opened to new possibilities, new frontiers. The world that had seemed so cruel and hopeless now shimmered with promise. There was beauty, and humor, and meaning, and joy to be found everywhere, if you knew how to look for it.
Cannabis showed me how to look for it.
It also showed me how to stop looking, stop worrying, stop trying so hard to get somewhere else, to be someone I’m not. It showed me how to relax, and be still, and just breathe, and enjoy the moment, and be myself. Cannabis helped me to realize who I am, deep down; beneath all the roles I play, and the masks I wear.

Like Marley said, “When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”

Before cannabis, I was lost. Mary Jane opened my eyes, awakened my passions, inspired my creativity, and gave my life purpose and meaning and direction.
It’s been more than fifteen years since that first toke, and our love affair is still going strong. My longest relationship, by far.
She still brings out the best in me, my child-like playfulness and curiosity. I still turn to her for inspiration, guidance and relaxation; when I’m reading, or writing, or meditating.
And sometimes we just curl up on the couch and watch a movie together. I want nothing more than to grow old together, and live happily ever after.
That is, if I don’t get arrested. The love we share is still illegal in most places, so there’s always that risk…
But you know what?
She’s worth it.

Analysis/OpinionNovember 7, 2015September 12, 2020 by Ben Neal

15 Best Things To Do While Stoned

A bag of your favorite sweet, sticky herb… check. Lighter… check. Pipe, bong, rolling papers… Check, check and check. You’re ready to kick back, smoke up, and…
And then what?
That might seem like a silly question, but it’s not. Sometimes it’s hard to think of something fun to do when you’re baked, and if you’re not careful you could end up zoned out on the sofa, watching infomercials (been there, done that), or whatever mindless show might be playing on the TV.
And that, my friends, is a waste of time — and a waste of perfectly good weed.
I know that cannabis makes everything better (well, almost everything), even infomercials and dumb ass sitcoms. But if you really want to get the most out of your high, you’ll need to get a bit more creative than that.
I also know that once you light up, and the buzz sets in, it can be hard to get motivated. Some of us need some inspiration, and little bit of a kick in the ass, in order to get off the couch and get active.
So here’s some inspiration for you — a list of activities that perfectly complement and accentuate the effects of cannabis, and make getting high a magical, sensual, and unforgettable experience. Here are my 15 favorite things to do while stoned.

1. Listen To Music In The Dark

Okay, so this one is completely obvious and unoriginal. Guilty as charged.
But come on, I can’t put together a list like this without including the #1 way to spend your “high time.” Being stoned, alone in the dark, listening to music with your headphones on or your stereo turned up obscenely loud, is nothing less than a spiritual experience.
You can feel the bass vibrating in your cells, and see colorful patterns conjured up on the back of your closed eyelids, shifting and dancing in time with the song. You can leave the whole world behind and lose yourself in lush and vivid inner dimensions; you can be moved to tears and laughter, and have life-changing epiphanies, as the music ebbs and flows and unveils deeper layers, and hidden meanings.
It’s some good shit.
Bonus: check out our kick ass list of 20 great songs to smoke to. You’re welcome.

2. Watch A Movie

Just like cannabis can help you lose yourself in music, it can also help you to immerse yourself in a movie. So much so that you forget who your are, and where you are, and are just completely carried away by the story, the characters, the drama…
But not all movies are created equal.
I know that when you’re stoned, even Troll 2 can be entertaining. I once got high and laughed my ass off watching the Spongebob Squarepants movie (Omg, their facial expressions!), so I get it.
But being high is good for so much more than a few cheap laughs. It’s a chance to go deeper, and explore the more creative/indie/experimental side of film making. It’s a chance to be moved, to expand your mind, maybe even have it blown wide open.
And yeah, a good laugh doesn’t hurt either.
Guess what? We’ve got a list of movies too. If you need some ideas, it’s a pretty good place to start.

3. Take A Walk Outside

Pretty simple, right?
Get stoned, go outside, and look around you. You will notice, and really appreciate, the beauty and immensity of the world. It gives eyes to see all the amazing thing that we usually just pass by without noticing. It helps you to get your mind out of it’s usual rut, and look at your life from a higher perspective. (Pun intended.)
Bonus points if you go to a park, or take a hike through the woods. Get away from the city, the crowds, the traffic, etc. and surround yourself with Nature. Double bonus points if it’s raining or snowing.
Seriously, if you haven’t played in the rain, or made snow angels in a while… it’s about time.

4. Go Swimming

Get high and go to the beach, or a water park, or even an indoor pool. (If you can afford to smoke weed, you can afford a membership to the YMCA.) This is always a good time, but when you’re high, it’s a sensual delight. The feel of the water on your skin, the sensation of floating, being weightless… simply awesome.
Plus, it’s a pretty good workout, so it’s good for you too.

5. Ride A Roller Coaster

And speaking of parks… you’ve got to ride a roller coaster high at least once in your life.
As you know, marijuana makes everything more vivid and intense. And it just doesn’t get much more intense than plummeting down the first steep drop of a massive roller coaster at 70+ mph, wind whipping you in the face, screaming at the top of your lungs…
Really let’s you know you’re alive.
Pro Tip: instead of smoking, try some cannabis edibles, like these Ooey-Gooey Chewy Pot Cookies. The high will last much longer that way.

6. Make Some Art

Weed is to art what steroids are to weightlifting. Only, you know, without the side effects.
The point is, there are few things better than getting high and getting creative. Get out your paints and brushes, and make a colorful mess. Get out some crayons and color (I like mandalas). Or just make some sketches or doodles (ever heard of Zentangle?).
Not into visual art? That’s alright. Try some creative writing. Get a pencil and a spiral notebook and just write — poetry, journaling, spinning fantastic tales, whatever comes into your mind.
Don’t consider yourself an artist? Maybe you just haven’t found your medium. Keep trying new things. Don’t expect perfection — that comes with practice. Forget about how “good” it is, and just have fun with it.

7. Jam Out

Making music is one of the most fun and rewarding things to do, anytime. Period.
But being high takes it beyond the stratosphere. You feel the vibration, the music pouring through you, shaped and formed by your hands, like making sculptures out of sound… there’s nothing like it. It’s magical. It feels like you are literally making magic…
Like you’re a fuckin’ wizard.
Don’t know how to play an instrument? Hey, no better time to learn than right now. Seriously, it’s not as hard as you might think. Practice every day and you’ll be amazed at how far you can get in six months.
It develops focus, discipline, coordination, confidence, and so much more. Plus it’s so good to look back a year from now and see how much you’ve learned, and what you’ve accomplished. Makes you feel like you can do anything.
And of course, it’s really fun too. What are you waiting for?

8. Exercise

Working out while you’re high is amazing. It can be anything: yoga, push ups, jumping jacks, tai chi, jogging, bike riding, mountain climbing, whatever. It just feels so good to move, and be active.
Being stoned makes you so much more attuned to your body. You are super aware of your breathing, your heartbeat, the burn in your muscles. The rush you get from a good work out can really complete your high, and make you feel like a million bucks.
Caution: don’t push yourself too hard, too fast. You can get a major head rush that might knock you on your ass. Also be sure and stay hydrated.

9. Meditate

When you’re high, it’s so easy to just close your eyes, and drift away. That can be a good thing — if you know how to do it right.
Meditation is proven to be good for you in countless ways: it lowers stress and boosts your immune system; it helps relieve anxiety and depression; it boosts your confidence, creativity and productivity, improves your relationships, and it just makes you an all around better, kinder, happier human being.
It can also be boring as hell.
But not when you’re high.
Smoke a little green, then sit down, relax, and close your eyes. Just watch the thoughts as they drift through your awareness. Don’t judge them as good or bad, don’t get caught up in them, don’t even identify them as “your” thoughts. Just watch them like you would a movie — a bizarre, interactive, virtual reality movie.
Relax, deeper and deeper, and just let go of every bit of stress, tension, judgment, and attachment. Eventually your thoughts quiet down, and you become aware of the vast, deep, silent awareness that lies behind them…
And that’s you.
That’s what you are — not your mind, not your thoughts, not the anxious, insecure, constantly-gibbering voice in your head. You are the peaceful, silent, consciousness beneath it all.
Liberating, isn’t it?

10. Have A Deep Conversation

When you’re done transcending your ego and tuning into the One Cosmic Consciousness, you might want to find someone to talk to about it.
Having deep talks while stoned out of your mind is just the best. Assuming, of course, that you have friends that you can have deep talks with.
Friends with whom you can sit and ponder the meaning of life and the mysteries of the universe. Friends that like to get really high and talk about God, and aliens, and how everything is energy, and all that jazz.
If you don’t, you need to get some new friends.

11. Read A Book

Yep, I’m one of those nerds. I actually read books. The kind made out of paper.
And you know what? There is nothing better than smoking a joint and then curling up on the couch with a really good book. You can lose yourself in the story, leave “reality” behind for awhile and go inhabit other worlds.
You can learn a lot, increase your vocabulary, expand your mind, and have a good time doing it.
I’m a big fan of poetry (Walt Whitman, Mary Oliver, e.e. cummings, David Whyte, Rumi and Hafiz) and fiction (J.R.R. Tolkien, Orson Scott Card, Kurt Vonnegut, David Mitchell, Greg Egan, Phillip K. Dick; even classics like Les Miserables, The Grapes of Wrath and Moby Dick). There’s also some non-fiction authors I really like, such as Alan Watts, Steven Pressfield, Ram Dass, Thoreau and Emerson…
Next time you get high, head down to the library and check out anything from that list. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out our List of 20 great books to read while high.

12. Try New Food

Yeah, everyone likes to eat when they’re high. But don’t settle for fast food, or a gas station burrito. How lame can you get? Plus, it’ll make you fat. And give you diarrhea.
Seriously, it’s just a bad idea.
When the munchies set in, try something new and different. Never eaten at a Korean restaurant? Well, tonight’s the night! Or you could sample some Bosnian, or Indonesian cuisine… the weirder the better. Or go to the grocery store and buy the most exotic fruit you can find, like a dragon fruit or an African cucumber.
Bonus points if you can track down a rambutan — just because they’re awesome. Even the name is fun to say. “Rambutan.” Rolls off the tongue.
The point is to be adventurous. Broaden your horizons. Explore the culinary possibilities…

13. Take A Shower

A nice hot shower is the perfect way to unwind and release your tension and stress. And also the perfect cure for any pot induced paranoia.
The heat, the steam, the feel of the water running over your skin… it’s delightful at anytime. But when you’re stoned, your nerve-endings are buzzing and your senses are sharpened, and the warmth and moisture of the water are intensified into a tidal-wave of relaxation and bliss.
And it’s the perfect precursor to #14…

14. Give And/Or Get A Massage

Speaking of relaxation and bliss, have you ever gotten a massage while stoned? Mmmm… it’s delicious.
Being high helps you to relax and loosen up, of course. So when a skilled pair of hands goes to work on your muscles, the stiffness and tension just melts away, and you basically become a big, fleshy puddle. In a good way.
And giving someone else a rub down is almost as good as getting one yourself. Best of all, do both. Call up the one you love, and tell them you’ve got a surprise in store. Set the mood with some incense and candles and music. Get high together and give each other slow, deep, thorough massages…
And before you know it, you’re on to #15.

15. Have Sex

Getting high and gettin’ it on — the ultimate sensual experience.
Sex is pretty great anytime, high or not. You can lose yourself in the throes of passion, the heat and sweat and friction and pleasure, even when you’re stone cold sober. But when you’re high, it’s a holy communion.
Remember what I said about buzzing nerve endings and hyper-sensitivity? Yeah. Exactly.
Every little kiss and lick and nibble, every squeeze and thrust and grind is intensified, sanctified, electrified. Lovers merge and blend together, no longer two separate people, they become one motion, one dance, one body — tingling, wet and throbbing.
And when the big moment arrives, hold on for dear life.
When you’re high, an orgasm is a full body explosion, a volcanic eruption of pleasure so powerful it’s almost painful. Your mind is obliterated by the sheer force of it, and all that’s left is the white hot brilliance of pure bliss, like you’ve come face to face with God, if only for a moment.
Sigh…
Sorry for going off the poetic deep end on you there. That’s just what weed does to me. Besides, if I’m exaggerating, it’s not by much.
And if you are a single person, don’t be discouraged. You can always take matters into your hands. It might take two to tango, but you can get high and get your rocks off all by yourself 😉
Well, there you have it; my favorite things to do while stoned. What are your favorites? Did I miss anything? Tell me in the comments below!
Too long to read? Watch all these point in this video: Best Things To Do While Stoned.

Check out 8 Things NOT to Do When Smoking Weed With Your Friends

Marijuana RecipesOctober 27, 2015September 12, 2020 by GGG

Ooey-Gooey Chewy Pot Cookies

What You Need

1/2 cup canna butter, softened (click here for our canna-butter recipe!)
1 cup coconut palm sugar (or 1 1/2 cup brown sugar)
3 tbs milk of choice (nut, dairy, plant)
2 tsp molasses
2 tsp maple syrup
3 tbs unsweetened apple sauce
1 tbs corn starch
2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean pod
2 cups flour (wheat, rice, coconut)
1 tbs baking soda
dash of salt
baking sheet
large mixing bowl or food processor
whisk
rubber spatula
metal spatula
optional: chocolate chips, carob chips, chopped nuts, flaked coconut, dried fruit, heaped spoonful of cocoa, cacao powder, or milled flaxseed

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. In a bowl or food processor, combine the first 8 ingredients until it resembles a brown, syrupy goo. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking powder. If you choose to, add in any other dry ingredients now.
Add the dry mixture to the syrup and blend until thoroughly combined. The resulting dough should be thick, and slightly sticky. Add in small amounts of flour or cornstarch as needed if it’s too sticky, and dashes of milk if it’s too stiff.
Fold in any remaining ingredients such as chocolate chips or nuts. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easier clean-up, otherwise leave it ungreased & drop spoonful-sized amounts of dough in even rows. (Or, vary the size of the cookie. A few bite-sized ones may be handy for on-the-go, or if you don’t want a massive dose.)
Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes. The oil may bubble and sizzle through the dough as it cooks, but don’t be alarmed–as long as you keep an eye on them, they shouldn’t burn. Remove from the oven when the edges are golden brown and hold together when poked. Let cool a few minutes before removing cookies from the pan.

Warm and at room temperature, these will be some ooey-gooey, chewy pot cookies! When I made them the canna butter was coconut-oil based, so when they cooled the edges were perfectly crispy and the middles remained soft and chewy. The flavor of cannabis isn’t overwhelming, but definitely detectable, and I find it’s balanced well with immense amounts of chocolate.

Pro tip: Freeze half of the dough, and try making the cookies a little smaller. You might be surprised at the strength/potency, so start small and see how your edibles effect you. If you discover you could handle a bigger cookie, or decide you want to go all-out and bake a giant space rock, you’ll be glad to have the dough saved!

Photo by Veganbaking.net

Marijuana RecipesOctober 10, 2015 by GGG

Edibles 101: How to Make Canna-Butter

Edibles (food containing psychoactive cannabinoids) are a delicious, easy, and portable method of consuming cannabis, and beg to be shared with many. The best party favor, incredibly effective for those bothered by smoking, the greatest afternoon nap you’ve ever had — edibles have the potential to satisfy anyone’s weed needs.

The ~*secret ingredient*~ in edibles is what’s generally referred to as ‘canna-butter.’ It’s made by heating cannabis together with any vegetable oil, nut butter, or dairy/non-dairy butter — anything with a high fat content for THC molecules to bond with. I choose the animal-friendly option of coconut oil, or a dairy-free alternative like Earth Balance™.

How you intend to use your ‘canna-butter’ should influence which fat you use. For baking, go for a fat with neutral flavor (like coconut). If you like more savory, I’d suggest olive oil or peanut butter, something you could add a spoonful of to pasta or a smoothie when you’re feeling frisky.

What You Need

butter or oil (peanut butter, cacao butter, canola, etc.)
1/8 or 1/4 oz of cannabis (you don’t need to sacrifice an entire ounce, honestly, even when using low/mid-grade quality! The trick is making sure the THC has been activated enough through gentle heat. I often use saved-up ‘already vaped bud,’ or ‘AVB’, to cut time and use every last bit.)
sauce pan
whisk or rubber spatula
jar or tupperware for storage

Directions

Grind or finely chop your cannabis. If you’re using fresh, it would be wise to toast it first. Set your oven or toaster oven to its lowest temperature and toast the weed in a little tinfoil packet until it’s dry/crumbly. (side note: Your place is going to smell HEAVENLY, but dank — if that’s a concern, turn on an extractor fan or open a window.)
In the saucepan over medium heat, melt your oil or butter. Once melted, add the cannabis. The ratio of fat-to-pot should be about 2:1. You’ll want to keep the mixture simmering throughout, as boiling may burn the weed. Stirring occasionally, you should be able to see your butter turn a rich hemp green.
Many will say to simmer for at least an hour, but I’ve found 20-25 minutes to be plenty of time, and plenty effective. Ultimately, it’s up to you. So, whether it’s after 20 mins or 3 hours, remove the mixture from heat and set aside to cool for a bit.
Strain the mixture through a nut/cheesecloth into your chosen container. (Save the detritus to use in edibles if you don’t mind grittiness.) You can freeze your canna-butter, which I’d especially recommend if you’ve used dairy, and it should last a few months. Oils will do fine in or out of the fridge, just store it air-tight and in a dark place.

Use canna-butter in your favorite recipes as the butter/oil substitute, usually in a 1:1 ratio. If you’re not fussed with making a whole batch of cookies, spread some on toast! Either way, enjoy, be safe, and know that when ingesting edibles the effects may be stronger and last longer than what you’d find with smoking or vaping, so plan accordingly!

Image credit: nwcana.

Culture, Marijuana Legalization, Marijuana Quotes and SayingsSeptember 26, 2015September 12, 2020 by Ben Neal

20 Greatest Cannabis Quotes

It’s no secret that some of the most brilliant and successful people in the world smoke cannabis, and speak out in support of marijuana legalization. And I’m not just talking about actors and rock stars, either — but doctors and scientists, philosophers and presidents, and leaders from many different fields of human endeavor.
I could have easily stretched this list out to 100 more, but I wanted to share with you the best of the best, my personal favorites. Here are (IMHO) the 20 greatest cannabis quotes of all time:

1. Willie Nelson, country musician and cannabis activist:

“I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?”

2. Bob Marley, reggae musician and Rastafarian:

“When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.”

3. Sebastian Marincolo, philosopher and author of High: Insights on Marijuana:

“The legalization of marijuana is not a dangerous experiment – prohibition is the experiment, and it has failed dramatically, with millions of victims all around the world.”

4. Carl Sagan, scientist, astronomer and author of Cosmos:

“The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.”

5. Terence McKenna, philosopher, psychonaut and author of True Hallucinations:

“If the words “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” don’t include the right to experiment with your own consciousness, then the Declaration of Independence isn’t worth the hemp it was written on.”

6. Joe Rogan, actor, comedian, MMA fighter:

“People say you can abuse marijuana. Well shit, you can abuse cheeseburgers too, you know? You don’t go around closing Burger King because you can abuse something.”

7. Bill Hicks, comedian and cultural commentator:

“Why is marijuana against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit . . . unnatural?”

8. Hunter S. Thompson, gonzo-journalist, author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:

“I have always loved marijuana. It has been a source of joy and comfort to me for many years. And I still think of it as a basic staple of life, along with beer and ice and grapefruits -and millions of Americans agree with me.”

9. Jack Herer, cannabis activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes:

“If you substitute marijuana for tobacco and alcohol, you’ll add eight to 24 years to your life.”

10. Thomas Jefferson, founding father and 3rd President of the United States:

“Some of my finest hours have been spent on my back veranda, smoking hemp and observing as far as my eye can see.”

11. Sebastian Marincolo:

“Marijuana enhances our mind in a way that enables us to take a different perspective from ‘high up’, to see and evaluate our own lives and the lives of others in a privileged way. Maybe this euphoric and elevating feeling of the ability to step outside the box and to look at life’s patterns from this high perspective is the inspiration behind the slang term ‘high’ itself.”

12. Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States:

“Prohibition… goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control mans’ appetite through legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not even crimes… A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our Government was founded.”

13. Thomas Jefferson:

“If people let government decide which foods they eat and medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.”

14. William F. Buckley Jr, author and conservative commentator:

“The anti-marijuana campaign is a cancerous tissue of lies, undermining law enforcement, aggravating the drug problem, depriving the sick of needed help and suckering well-intentioned conservatives and countless frightened parents.”

15. Bill Hicks:

“They lie about marijuana. Tell you pot-smoking makes you unmotivated. Lie! When you’re high, you can do everything you normally do just as well — you just realize that it’s not worth the fucking effort. There is a difference.”

16. Mark Haskell Smith, author of Heart of Dankness:

“The fact that, in the United States, there are people serving ten-year prison terms for growing marijuana plants in their backyards while Wall Street racketeers, who have defrauded millions of people and destroyed the global economy, walk free is a kind of bizarre hypocrisy that boggles my mind.”

17. Francis Young, former DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge:

“Estimates suggest that from 20 to 50 million Americans routinely, albeit illegally, smoke marijuana without the benefit of direct medical supervision. Yet, despite this long history of use and the extraordinarily high numbers of social smokers, there are simply no credible reports to suggest that consuming marijuana has caused a single death. By contrast, aspirin, a commonly used, over-the-counter medicine, causes hundreds of deaths each year.”

18. Jack Herer:

“The only dead bodies from marijuana are in the prisons and at the hands of the police.”

19. Willie Nelson:

“The biggest killer on the planet is stress, and I still think the best medicine is and always has been cannabis.”

20. Steve Martin, actor and comedian:

“I used to smoke marijuana. But I’ll tell you something: I would only smoke it in the late evening. Oh, occasionally the early evening, but usually the late evening – or the mid-evening. Just the early evening, mid-evening and late evening. Occasionally, early afternoon, early mid-afternoon, or perhaps the late-mid-afternoon. Oh, sometimes the early-mid-late-early morning… But never at dusk.”

There you have it, hope you enjoyed! What are your favorite cannabis quotes? If you’ve got some good ones that aren’t on this list, leave ’em in the comments below.

CultureSeptember 14, 2015August 7, 2020 by Ben Neal

20 Great Songs to Smoke To

Music is one of those things that makes life worth living… and lighting up some sweet, skunky herb just makes it even better. A little weed can make even the worst song sound decent — and it can make a really good song sound downright amazing.
I know why you’re here. You’re in the mood to get high, kick back, and listen to some tunes… but you’ve listened to all your albums a hundred times. Radio is shit. And you’ve worn out all your favorite Pandora stations. You need some inspiration, fresh ideas, new material. You need some new songs to smoke to!
I got you.
I’ve put together this eclectic list of tracks, any of which would make the perfect soundtrack to your next smoke out. Unlike most other lists, these songs aren’t necessarily about smoking weed — they’re just excellent to listen to while you do. They’re pulled from all different genres, from jazz to country, hip-hip to stoner rock, so there should be a little something for everyone.
Some are classics, some are fairly obscure. Some are funky and upbeat, others mellow. Some are funny, some are heavy. Some feature brilliant, mind-blowing lyrics. Others are lush instrumental or electronic soundscapes; sonic oceans in which to immerse yourself, close your eyes, and drift away…
All of them are masterpieces in their own right. If you find even one song on this list that you haven’t heard — and really listened to — before, then do yourself a favor…
Get out your headphones and your best sticky-icky. Dim the lights, light up, breathe deep, and enjoy 🙂

1. Tame Impala — “Let It Happen”

Haunting vocals and a smooth beat. This is a great song to help get the bowls loaded. It even has just enough pep to keep things going after you surrender to the soundscape.
2. The Glitch Mob — “Starve the Ego, Feed the Soul”

Harkening back to the easy listening of the flower children, this is smooth electronic. Just enough variation to keep your mind right and has those floaty vibes that just make you want to dance.
3. Marian Hill – “Got It”

With a slow but strong baseline, Marian shows off her smoky and sultry voice. This track will wind its way into your brain like the THC coursing through your body. This is what I imagine a bong would say if it could talk.
4. Mos Def — “Sunshine”

This will hit you right in the feels. This song feels like a memorial of times past and will make any stoner look for the sunshine.
5. Jimi Hendrix — “May This Be Love?”

The perfect pairing with a bong and some good indica. Jimi is a music legend and this is one of his best works. You can just feel the pressures of life roll off your back as this tune plays.
6. Return to Forever — “Earth Juice”

Coming straight out of the 70’s and full of electronic and synth sounds. This instrumental is perfect to have playing in the background while smoking with a friend. Good for keeping the conversation flowing.
7. Herbie Hancock — “Bubbles”

Sometimes you just want to snuggle up with your lover and roast a bowl before getting down on some hot love making. This is the perfect song to set a romantic mood.
8. Outkast — “Elevators (Me & You)”

Does weed make you slow down? This song feels like some good indica rolling over you. Solid lyrics and an R&B feel celebrating smoking weed and overcoming difficulty with the family.
9. Kendrick Lamar (ft. Gunplay) — “Cartoons & Cereal”

Don’t let the name fool you, this is an adult song. Hard hitting and dark at times, this is solid and intelligent rap. Kendrick brings the fire and smokes the competition with this one.
10. Stephen Marley — “Inna Di Red”

We all know Bob but have you heard his son? The legend lives on with this Marley masterpiece. This is Rasta as it should be.
11. The Beatles — “It’s All Too Much”

What stoner playlist would be complete without at least one entry from the Fab Four? This lighthearted track is one of the best for lighting up to. Lighthearted and full of cannabis references, it shows why they have remained so popular.
12. Band of Horses — “Blue Beard”

Slow and dreamy, this is perfect for curling up with a bowl and watch the snow fall. Great for reminiscing with old friends. It swells over you like a tide, gentle but insistent.
13. Afroman — “Because I got High”

We have all had work we know needs done but decided to put it off for later. Most of the time, our inner conscience (or outer repercussions) gets the better of us and we make it happen. Afroman accurately describes the results of following our inner slacker.
14. Sturgill Simpson — “Turtles All the Way Down”

This country tune is just right for relaxing and enjoying a sweet smoke after a hard day or dealing with haters. Those times when our patience is tested, we need this song mixed with a fat sack and a fresh pipe. Sit back, light up and embrace the sweet release.
15. Chet Atkins & Mark Knopfler — “Cosmic Square Dance”

This mostly instrumental soundscape is great with the lights off. Sit back and enjoy the cosmic trip through your mind as this energetic country tune plays. The rhythm is great for timing hits as well.
16. TAUK — “Mindshift”

This is electronica mixed with lounge music. Has a touch of jazz, techno and lots of soul. Just let that haunting guitar roll over you as the synth massages your eardrums.
17. The Mars Volta — Roulette Dares (The Haunt of)

Sometimes you just want to rage with a splif in hand. This punk song is just the right thing when the world seems overwhelming. Sometimes the best things in life are messy.
18. Down — “Nothing In Return”

This song really nails the hard rock vibe. The slow vocals offset the heavy bass and screaming guitar nicely. Just slow enough to be haunting but fast enough to be threatening. This song broods itself to greatness.
19. KOAN Sound — “Lost in Thought”

Sometimes you need to simply center yourself. This cosmic soundscape takes you through the universe at light speed. The slow rolling tones and keyboard/piano element combine to deliver track to really let your mind soar to new places.
20. John Coltrane — “In A Sentimental Mood”

We are going to finish this off with a nice jazz song. This tune carries all the glamour and mystery of a 1920’s speak easy. The smoky sax and lilting piano pair perfectly with a dab rig and some live resin. Life is short my friends, enjoy the good things.