liveresin
CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion, Cannabis Concentrates by

Live Resin: The fastest growing Marijuana product of 2016

First of all, you may be asking yourself what is Live Resin? Well Live Resin is one of the newest ways of extracting concentrates from cannabis.
What sets live resin aside from other forms of dab extraction is that it utilizes fresh cannabis plants that were frozen almost immediately after being snipped. The purpose of this is to retain as many of the original terpenes as possible.
Terpenes are what contribute to the smell and taste of cannabis and the drier a plant becomes the more terpenes get lost so by freezing the plant instead of curing it leads to stronger aromas and flavor from your extracts.
Live Resin has been found to be on average 2% richer in monoterpenes than dabs made with regular non-frozen cannabis plants or trim. This makes sense of Live Resins place as the number one growing marijuana product of the year.
It’s worth noting that live resin is not more or less potent than any other form of BHO.
One feature that live resin lacks is the stability that BHO can obtain. The texture and consistency of live resin is different than your typical shatter or wax. Live resin tends to be yellow or light gold in color.
Massroots describes live resin as having “a very gooey and granular consistency.” This makes it harder to handle than shatter which can be broken off by hand even at room temperatures when made correctly.
Despite this, live resin transactions in Washington went from .3% in November 2015 to .82% by the end of May 2016.
The recent rise in the popularity of live resin has led to a mark-up of anywhere from $10 to 50 dollars more than the average gram of concentrate.
Concentrates already have a higher profit margin than flower and many other marijuana products and the fact that live resin eliminates the curing phase makes it an extremely appealing product to retailers. While the boost in flavor offers something better for concentrate connoisseurs.
image credit: coloradobudblog.com

marijuana use
CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion by

Can the frequency and intensity of headaches be reduced by daily marijuana usage?

Can the frequency and intensity of headaches be reduced by daily marijuana usage?
The use of cannabis as a treatment for a headache is nothing new. In fact, about a century ago, western doctors were prescribing cannabis to their patients suffering from various ailments including migraine headaches. The results of a new study may give reason for the return of these prescriptions in the 21st century.
History of marijuana as treatment for migraine headaches
Prior to marijuana’s widespread prohibition in the early 1900’s, British and American doctors were prescribing the plant to treat a variety of medical conditions including headaches. Dr. J.R. Reynolds, the court physician to Queen Victoria in 1890 wrote about using cannabis to treat migraine and other ailments. One year later, American doctor J.B. Mattison’s research concluded that marijuana was capable of both preventing pain from headaches along with their frequency. Several years later a Canadian physician by the name of William Osler published a book and agreed with J.B. Mattison claiming that for migraines, “cannabis indica is probably the most satisfactory remedy.”
This may soon become the discussion among physicians again since the first clinical trials of medical marijuana’s effect on migraine headaches, published earlier this year, illustrated medical benefits for patients suffering from migraine headaches.
Can cannabis use reduce the amount of headaches one suffers from?
According to the study published by Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus, the use of medical cannabis can indeed reduce the frequency of migraines headaches for some chronic sufferers.
The study reveals that 39.7% of the migraine sufferers given medical marijuana reported positive effects, the main one being a reduction in the frequency of migraine headaches. About a fifth of the patients reported a reduction in migraine frequency and more than a tenth of them reported the complete stop of their migraine headache. The only negative effects reported were experienced by users who ingested edible marijuana as opposed to other forms. It was found that inhalation provided the most immediate relief to an ongoing migraine. This may be due to something called the entourage effect: the combination of multiple cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) or THC for added medical benefits. Despite the evidence of better treatment from smoking over other methods, many states that allow medical marijuana still prohibit the selling and use of the raw plant for smoking.
“One of the superiorities of smoking or vaporizing cannabis is quick onset of relief. Because smoked or vaped marijuana is immediately absorbed into the blood stream by the lungs, where it enters the heart and is transported directly to the brain, cannabis can begin to help patients within a little as two-and-a-half minutes of consumption.” – Gooey Rabinski, Advocate for Cannabis Patients.
The inhalation of cannabis provides sufferers of migraines with faster relief and less negative side effects when compared to edibles and other methods of pain relief.
Alternative to painkillers
Other forms of medication for headache relief such as aspirins come with a multitude of harmful side effects. “Common side effects of Bayer Aspirin include rash, gastrointestinal ulcerations, abdominal pain, upset stomach, heartburn, drowsiness, headache, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and bleeding.” These side effects are much more harmful to patients than the ones associated with marijuana usage. With the first clinical trials of medical marijuana on migraine patients revealing positive results, we’re hopeful that patients will be able to access a safer alternative to painkillers sooner than later.

tokin pokin wr
CategoriesAnalysis/Opinion by

Tokin and Pokin – Cannabis Consumption in the Porn Industry

If you have ever had sex while high on the ganja you know it can be quite the experience! Cannabis has shown to be a sexual enhancer for many consumers and many attest that the pleasure is much more significant when they have taken a few tokes before engaging in sexual activities. But have you ever stopped to think about cannabis consumption within the legal adult porn industry? I hadn’t either until an article I ran across in my research sparked my curiosity so I looked into the subject further and was surprised with my findings.
I found that many movies and TV shows portrayed the adult film star industry as one big drug and sex-filled orgy party but what the stars are saying I found to be much different. In fact, the use of any substances that are not prescribed is actually highly frowned up by the suits of the industry. Before many filming sessions, stars must submit a video or written documentation attesting that they are in no way, shape, or form under the influence of non-prescribed drugs or substances. Unfortunately, this includes cannabis as well since it is still considered illegal at the federal level even in states with legal retail and medicinal marijuana markets.
This does not mean that no one goes on camera elevated from the herb, however. In my research I found that there is a small percentage of “cam stars” that will consume on camera, however, these are typically live performers over an internet web cam stream rather than film stars who perform for productions that will be sold on a commercial level.
So next time you’re tokin and pokin remember all those who do it for a living that can’t enjoy the two together and enjoy a toke for them too!

mma fighter
CategoriesMarijuana News by

MMA Fighters Fighting to Break Stigmas Surrounding Cannabis

Cannabis and the UFC are in the news again. This time, they are not suspending athletes for cannabis consumption. Instead, it is former UFC contender Jake Shields and World Champion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete Denny Prokopos. The UFC is not involved in this one as these two are operating privately on their own. They are hosting the first-ever Cannathlete Seminar in San Jose California. This event will be open to the public. During the course of this event, you can learn about cannabis and how it is utilized by athletes in day-to-day life.
Increasing their physical performance and mental performance through consuming cannabis is fascinating to many individuals. Typically cannabis is associated with making one feel lazy and sitting on the couch watching movies eating pizza. This, however, is a stereotype that is being destroyed, obliterated if you will even. For $125 you can purchase a ticket to this first of its kind event and a doctor’s recommendation is included with the cost of the ticket!  If you are already a holder of an in state doctor’s recommendation your ticket price drops by $25!
It is estimated that more than half of MMA fighters consume cannabis secretly so banning athletes and suspending them for cannabis consumption, is a touchy subject. The support of these two legendary individuals will hopefully lead to shaping reform amongst the athletic community when it comes to cannabis consumption. Cannabis is a medicine and the truth is out there. The lies cannot be supported any longer. Cannabis is a harmless plant that has 0 deaths associated with it ever and has dozens of benefits to offer athletes not just in the MMA but in every other sports imaginable. The fact these athletes train and condition their bodies and understand the importance of cannabinoids and the body’s natural endocannabinoid system shows they are more than just jocks.
Photo courtesy of VapeXhale

raw pie
CategoriesMarijuana Recipes by

Recipe: Raw Pie for the 4th of July

A bright and mouthwateringly delicious raw pie for the 4th of July! No oven or baking required. Dairy and soy-free, but this is not a recipe for those allergic to nuts!

One 2-inch slice will be enough to feel something fun, and ideally the tart will serve at least 8 people. As with any recipe, read the whole thing first. Then, perform the steps in the order they appear.

INGREDIENTS

Crust
4-6 large dates
1 1/2/ cups shredded coconut
a handful of almonds
1 cup walnuts
1/4 cup flaxseeds
1/2 cup pecans
(if you have a nut allergy, sub the nuts for 2 cups of oats and another 1/4 cup of flaxseeds)
lemon zest
1 tbs vanilla
2 pinches of salt
3 tbs of canna butter

Fruit Layer
1 cup + 1 1/2 cups blueberries
1 cup + 1 1/2 cups raspberries
1/4 cup chia seeds
maple syrup
lemon juice

‘Cream’ Layer
2 tbs cannabutter
2 cups coconut flakes
vanilla extract
maple syrup

DIRECTIONS

Crust
1. Pit and soak dates in hot water for 20 mins. Then, pulse all together till a somewhat crumbly, sticky ball forms, that holds when pressed together.

2. Grease a pie or tart pan (I used a cheesecake pan) with canna butter, then press crust into desired shape. Set in freezer to firm for fifteen minutes or longer.

Fruit Layer
1. While crust is firming, mash 1 cup blueberries and 1 cup raspberries together with some lemon juice. Feel free to use other berries; strawberries, blackberries, or even go the extra mile and pit some cherries to throw in. Just use whatever’s red and blue!

2. Add the chia seeds, some maple syrup, and stir together. When left in the fridge, the chia seeds will soften and form a consistency similar to jelly or jam. Add more maple syrup or lemon juice to taste, then leave the mix undisturbed in the fridge for at least ten minutes.

Cream Layer
1. Blend all ingredients at high speed with a hand mixer or in a food processor until a paste forms. Add in more canna butter (I suggest coconut oil-based) if mix remains crumbly.

ASSEMBLY

1. Remove crust from freezer. Dump in the remaining 3 cups of berries, then drizzle over or pour in the cream layer. You will need to work quickly if you want an even layer, as the cream will solidify due to the coldness of the crust. Save a small amount to drizzle over the fruit, if you wish.

2. Take the fruit ‘jelly’ you made out of the fridge, then spread it over the tart with a silicone or rubber spatula. Make sure the filling covers the loose fruit and reaches the line of crust; you want everything to surely hold together, as this won’t be baked (but it’ll get you baked).

3. Add the rest of the cream, if you kept it. Garnish with lemon zest or a sprinkling of coconut sugar.

4. Stick the whole thing back into the fridge until solid and ready to serve.

———-

You can top this tart with more berries, a dollop of coconut cream (just open a can of full-fat coconut milk and use a scoop of the separated cream), or your favorite ice cream. this dessert happens to pair fantastically with sherbet, or try a crack at the recipe for Avocado Lime ice cream and really knock your own socks off!

hot chocolate marijuana
CategoriesMarijuana Recipes by

Creamy Dreamy Hot Chocolate

Drink this rich, creamy hot cocoa, and in no time you’ll feel as toasted as a roasted chestnut.

Main recipe serves 2 or 3 people, roughly 8oz each, but can easily be doubled or tripled for larger batches.

INGREDIENTS:

1 can of coconut milk
water or soy/plant milk
maple syrup
cacao or cocoa powder, as much as desired
2-3 tbs  coconut or date sugar, more to taste (raw sugars are best, but whatever is on hand is fine)
1/8 tsp of cinnamon
pinch of salt
3 tbs cannabutter

optional:
chipotle or cayenne pepper, marshmallows, coconut oil, whipped cream, coffee

stovetop
whisk or spatula
double boiler

DIRECTIONS:

1. Shake up the can of coconut milk, and open with a can opener. Into the top portion of a double boiler, pour the coconut milk, a dash of soy milk, and the 3 tbs of canna butter. Turn the burner on slightly lower than medium and let the liquid heat.

2. As it heats, whisk in small amounts of cacao or cocoa powder. The difference between the two: cacao powder tends to be raw, made directly from crushed cacao beans, where as cocoa is usually processed with sugar or other additives. If you’re using cocoa powder, be careful you don’t end up with a drink that’s so sweet you feel sick– modify the added sugar as you wish. Cacao powder will be a richer and more pure chocolate flavor, but more bitter than cocoa. If using cacao powder, add small amounts of maple syrup to taste.

3. Throw in the cinnamon and salt, with a pinch of chipotle or cayenne pepper for a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate. Keep whisking the mixture, so that no clumps of powder form and the sugar dissolves. A helpful hint, dry ingredients are easier to dissolve in cold liquid than in hot. Try to have most of your dry ingredients incorporated before the milk is too hot, and it should never boil. If you can’t resist, or find you need to add more cacao/cocoa, make a little slurry to the side by stirring in 1 part cacao/cocoa to 2 parts water or soy milk, then add that to the heated mixture. Like with all cooking, I encourage you taste as you go! It doesn’t have to be a surprise at the end, of whether or not your dish came out well.

4. Stir frequently, allowing the canna butter to cook with the fat of the coconut milk. The oil does begin to cook the whole mixture, after a little while, so if you like a thick hot chocolate, leave it as is and take the mix off heat when you’re ready. If you want a drink less creamy, add small amounts of water or other milk until desired consistency is reached. Set aside to cool a little.

5. Pour carefully into mugs or ladle it out with a spoon, like it’s the olden days and you’re about to settle down in front of a fire during a raging snowstorm. If you’re not into that sort of imagery, just serve up your hot cocoa, top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or other delights, and enjoy.

—

While I know summer is fast approaching and not many people are into hot drinks, nothing hits the spot like a cup of hot cocoa. If you’d like a more refreshing treat, make the same brew as above (so that the THC molecules still bind to the fat properly), then let it cool completely and serve in a glass over ice cubes. Same principle as iced coffee, which I’m sure would also be a delicious substitute for cocoa, if you aren’t a fan of chocolate (but why wouldn’t you be).