Wake and Bake Waffle Cakes

Recipe: Wake and Bake Waffle Cakes

Wake and bake with these waffle cakes! This batter recipe can be used for pancakes, too! With a little more sugar and some cinnamon and nutmeg, these would also work fantastically as donuts. If you have a fancy donut pan, or even just a mini-muffin tin, go ahead and try it!

Recipe makes roughly six 4″ x 4 1/2″ waffles. I do not have a round waffle maker! So bake according to manufacturer’s instructions, if you have one. Two waffles per person ought to give a sweet buzz.

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cup millet flour (or GF flour blend)
1/2 cup rolled oats
2 or 3 tbs ground flax seed
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbs of sugar (if you want them sweeter)

1 cup almond or soy milk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
3 tbs maple syrup
1/3 cup melted cannabutter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

optional: cinnamon, nutmeg, bananas, blueberries, walnuts, peanut butter

waffle iron
frying pan (for pancakes)
non-stick cooking spray
two bowls
whisk

DIRECTIONS

1. Measure out the almond milk, then add the tsp of ACV. Let it sit and curdle for a few minutes–this creates “butter”milk! Which makes the waffles nice and fluffy.

2. In one of the mixing bowls, combine all dry ingredients. When I first tried these waffles, I didn’t use any extra/added sugar (though technically, I guess maple syrup counts as sugar). For breakfast, I go with hearty, but not heavy! Whatever floats your boat, though. Try coconut sugar, or brown sugar for a richer flavor.

3. To the dry mixture, add all of the wet ingredients. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Now’s the time to throw in any other spices, nuts, or fruit. If you decide to turn the batter into pancakes, then I highly recommend tossing in some fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped bananas, or mini chocolate chips. Set that bowl aside to let the flaxseed thicken up the batter.

4. Preheat your waffle iron according to the machine’s instructions (I’m guessing most come with a dial for time/crispiness, and a red and green light to indicate completion. Try setting it to a 3 or 4, for golden brown waffles), and coat both sides with non-stick cooking spray. Or, before it’s hot, grease the waffle iron with a paper towel dabbed in melted canna butter.

5. When it’s ready, start spooning batter onto the iron. I used about 1/2 of a cup of batter per waffle, but go by your own device and measure. Basically, the batter should fill the entire waffle indent without spilling over,  and you should be able to close the iron with little overflow. While your first batch cooks, do some clean up, or prep toppings by chopping nuts or fruit.

6. Let waffles bake to the desired level of doneness. I like them golden and crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, but I always struggle to keep them that way while the second batch bakes.  Preheat your oven to 200F and lay the first batch of waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Slide that sucker into the oven to fix any issues of lukewarm waffles (just don’t forget they’re in there!), then get started on the second batch. Keep going until all batter is used.

7. Serve waffles warm and immediately, with fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, and loads and loads of vegan butter. When they’re hot, I suggest melting even more canna butter on top, just to be sure you’re getting the most out of this wake-and-bake breakfast.

IF YOU DECIDE PANCAKES or DONUTS:

Perform steps 1-3. For pancakes, grease a griddle or frying pan and keep on medium-high heat. Non-stick pans and spatulas will work best for this. Spoon a reasonable amount of batter per pancake onto the griddle, then flip when edges pull towards the middle and the batter on top bubbles evenly. I am terrible at making uniform pancakes, so forget being fancy. Make whatever you’re happy with!

For donuts, grease a donut pan or mini-muffin pan (or a regular muffin pan, whatever you want, man), fill each indent about half-way, then slide in an oven set to 350F. Bake until donuts or muffins rise and turn golden brown. Top with canna butter, vegan cream cheese, cinnamon & sugar, or sprinkles.

image credit: eatyourcannabis

Best Video Games To Play While Stoned aircrewmanmurphy deviantart

Top 5 Video Games to Play while Stoned

The best games to play while high should be visually appealing and fun to play. Games that provide more creativity and freedom are perfect for a stoned audience. Depending on the strain you’re smoking and your mood, you might want a more casual game to play or a challenging adventure. We’ve compiled a list of recent games that would be perfectly paired with cannabis.

  1. No Man’s Sky
    No Man’s Sky has gone beyond the open-world game genre. It should be considered an open-universe RPG because you are free to explore the planets of the games various galaxies. Who doesn’t wish they could explore the depths of the universe when they’re high? No Man’s Sky provides this experience with stunning graphics and vibrant colors. The stoned eyes will surely appreciate the aesthetics and level of freedom they will have in their gaming experience. In NMS you can mine for items that can be used to repair spaceships. You can then use your spaceship to explore other planets and solar systems. Every player’s experience is different, you may find several uninhabited planets before you find one full of life. You may also find yourself being attacked by the inhabitants of other planets. Either way you’ll be in for a surprise when playing NMS. The game isn’t too challenging for heavily stoned players and the combat system is simple so you can just focus on exploring and upgrading your ship/gear.
  2. Minecraft
    Minecraft is a modern classic game that has captured the interests in children and adults alike. For the stoners craving a creative and adventurous outlet, this game definitely one to check out. Minecraft is a 3-dimensional block construction game with an added element of a virtual world. Everything in the Minecraft universe is made of blocks, but don’t be fooled by that description. Upon spawning in the game, the player will find him or herself immersed in a vast and stunning landscape that is completely made of blocks. Not to mention, the background music is ambient and calm. There are a variety of modes to play, but the top two especially for stoners would be the classic survival mode and the creative mode. Stoners looking for an adventurous challenge should choose survival mode. In this mode, players must manage their health and hunger to survive. To do this, they have to mine and collect resources, build structures, and battle various creatures such as zombies and skeleton archers. There are many possibilities on what a player can do, from taming animals to exploring the endless and various landscapes. Creative mode takes out the survival aspects and is perfect for the stoner who just wants to be creative without the pressure of surviving. The player’s inventory has unlimited materials to work with so mining is not necessary. Here the stoner can zone out and create anything, whether it is their dream abode or a pixel art structure of a video game character like Sonic the Hedgehog. Last but not least, the creative mode is a stoner favorite because it allows the player to fly, which makes building tall structures and travelling and exploring far distances easier.
  3. Don’t Starve Together
    Don’t starve together is a fun survival game that you can play with a friend after a sesh. Unfortunately, you’ll need two computers but it doesn’t take much to run this game. The game has overwhelmingly positive reviews and it can get quite scary. If you’ve ever watched a horror flick while high you’ll understand the appeal of this game. The goal of the game is to gather resources to craft items and structures that will help you survive various dangers, creatures and surprises. If no one is available you can still play the game alone. However, it’s much more fun to have someone just as stoned and into the game as you are to play with. This game is a little challenging because you die of starvation or worse if you don’t take the proper actions, so try not to get too high before playing.
  4. Witcher III
    Witcher 3 has to be one of the best and largest open-world RPG’s ever made. Open-world RPG’s like Skyrim give stoners the freedom to explore. In recent open-world RPGs you can also tailor the way the story unfolds. Witchers take paid contracts to exterminate monsters so if you feel like extending the games duration or just exploring what else the game has to offer you can go on monster hunts. You’re forced to play as the old white-haired witcher named “Geralt” but this gives you a character with a rich history. Most RPG’s let players create their own unique character but this leads to a lackluster story. Throughout the game’s story you’ll see glimpses of Geralt’s past. He develops a father-daughter relationship with a young girl he is mentoring named Ciri. These glimpses hint at why Geralt’s character is so passionate about saving Ciri during the games story.  There’s also tons of side quests you can go on for various rewards. It’s hard to get tired of this game there’s always something to do and you’re free to choose how to handle certain situations. For example, if you see someone being bullied or robbed you can mind your own business or violently intervene. They say smoking reveals your real self so smoke up and see what kind of decisions the real you will make. Consider it a form of self-reflection.
  5. Far Cry 4
    According to leafly, first-person shooters are a favorite among pot lovers. Far Cry 4 combines the first-person shooter experience with an open world. You’ll find yourself on an action-packed adventure on a fictional island. Even though it’s only one island there is a lot to be seen in Far Cry 4 and even more to be done. You can follow the main story line or you can help rebel forces liberate clocktowers, and outposts filled with armed enemies. How you choose to do this is up to the individual. You can liberate an outpost without alarming or killing anyone if you play stealthily enough. However, if you’re feeling impatient and particularly belligerent you can hover in from above with a rocket launcher and wipe all your enemies clean off the map. The choice is yours in Far Cry 4.

image credit: aircrewmanmurphy deviantart

Spray Away Arthritis, Depression, and Anxiety with the MediPen

Do you suffer from depression, anxiety, or even arthritis? If so then you know that the medications used to treat these conditions come with many dangerous side effects. These side effects are different for everyone and some can be rather severe. When it comes to treating these conditions, what would you say if I told you they’re working on a way to spray away these problems? Well, this is just what’s happening at an NHS facility in Cardiff.

Studies that have focused on CBD research have become more common over the past few years. Thanks to the information being learned by doctors and scientists, people are starting to finally see the benefits that cannabis has to offer beyond recreational smoking. This cannabis-based spray which does not contain THC is in the works to help treat conditions including anxiety, arthritis, and depression. In an essence, you would be able to spray away these problems. It may sound like a magical potion, but this is very much a reality. Patients around the world are finding a multitude of benefits from consuming CBD.

Approximately 2 years ago a cannabis-based drug was approved in Wales, making them the first UK Nation to legalize access to this cannabis-based drug, but only to those with multiple sclerosis. The new drug does not contain THC and has no psychoactive effects associated with it. Instead, it contains CBD or cannabidiol. It is vaporized in an electronic pen device that looks much like an e-cigarette called MediPen. The MediPen will be available for sales online for as little as £50 and is available in 17 different flavors total. All cannabis plants utilized in the CBD product within the MediPen are grown in the Netherlands to the highest of quality, and bred specifically for a maximum CBD content.

When it comes to cannabis and cannabis-based drug research in the United Kingdom, it is not an area that is taken lightly. Both Cardiff and Vale University Health Board are intensely studying the effects of cannabidiol but have very strict guidelines and stringent processes in surrounding how these studies are conducted. MediPen aims to help change the perception the public has towards cannabis by working hand-in-hand conducting tests with the assistance of the NHS. By focusing on CBD and the amazing amount of health attributes associated with it, companies in the UK just may have a way one day for you to spray away arthritis, anxiety or depression.

Strain Review: Stardawg

On a trip to Denver last year, one of the first dispensaries I went to was Herban Underground on Broadway. Easy entry, clean and well-organized shop front, and friendly faces in store and around the counter made it clear I’d find something good there. In amongst strains I’d heard of before and ones with fantastic names (Death Star, Chiesel), I spied ‘STARDAWG’ and promptly asked to see the jar.
I recall the jar being full of purple, almost blue-looking nuggets, dense and fragrant like Chemdawg. Hybrid strains like Stardawg come in incredible variety, as each strain expresses different parts of its parent genes. The batch I sampled was both sour and woodsy. Like others’ have reviewed, I felt a clarity from the sativa that normally can hang heavy in hybrid blends. Clear mind, no racing heart. Absolutely great feeling after just a hit or two, and I was ready blaze trails through the streets of Denver.
The nuggets were positively saturated in sparkling trichomes, so I can see where Stardawg gets its name. The main flavors tend to be listed as earthy, or the strong diesel of both Chemdawg 4 and Tres Dawg, but I found a fruitiness in the first hit of a fresh bowl. I could feel how extended use of Stardawg would bring on deeper anxiety and tension relief. I felt no restlessness, rather a clear energy that smoothed out aches that normally drag things down. Top notch smoke if you need energy for the activity, then want time and space for a nap.
Other folks have said Stardawg enhances their appetite. It also kills nausea, though the initial smell could make you a little faint–especially if your body is low on cannabinoids. The best way to take care of that deficiency? Make some potent cannabis oil (weed needs to be decarboxylated, or activated, so that the THCA turns to psychoactive THC– toast your weed between 220 and 240 degrees F to be sure it’s activated), and make a batch of edibles. As great as smoking is, one of the best ways for your body to process and get benefit from cannabis is to orally consume it. Munch that cookie, eat a brownie, or try something more savory. Just get that weed in your belly!
image credit: TheCCC420 / youtube

New Study Shows Women May Not Receive The Same Analgesic Effects From Cannabis As Men

New Study Shows Women May Not Receive the Same Analgesic Effects from Cannabis as Men

A new study performed by the Columbia University Medical Center shows that cannabis may be more effective at relieving pain for males than females. Most cannabis-based studies so far have been performed on animals rather than humans thus the information that we have can only be taken with a grain of salt until more studies are done including human-based trials.
The recent study performed by researchers at the Columbia University Medical Canter was conducted on 42 human subjects who classified as regular consumers of cannabis. The study was focused on observing the difference in potential pain-relieving effects of cannabis on male vs female patients. 21 men and 21 women participated in the study. The placebo-based trial required the participants to smoke marijuana (some smoked marijuana with THC while others were given a placebo form without THC) and then they immediately participated in a pain response test. The study showed that the pain felt by males was significantly lower than the pain felt by females despite the fact that women have a much higher overall tolerance to pain.
According to the researchers who performed the study, “These results indicate that in cannabis smokers, men exhibit greater cannabis induced analgesia relative to women.” They also feel that this study warrants the need for more in-depth research regarding gender-specific benefits that cannabis may offer. Luckily a recent decision by the federal government is going to allow for more research to be performed. Hopefully, over the course of the next few months and years, we will start to see a seen an influx in the amount of human based cannabis trials being performed.
While the study performed by researchers at the Columbia University Medical Center may have been human based it can also only be taken with a grain of salt as there are several different factors that could have influenced the results on this very small group of participants. Some of the factors that play a big part in the results of a study such as this include the participant’s tolerance to cannabis, the potency of the cannabis being utilized, the balance of cannabinoids within the cannabis being consumed and even factors such as the consumption method itself can all have effects on the outcome. What we can take from the results of this study is there is definitely a significant need for further research to be performed to allow us to truly understand the best ways to utilize cannabis for the medical benefits that it provides.
image: BigStock

Responsible Use Denver Submits Signatures to Put Initiative on Novembers Ballot

Responsible Use Denver Submits Signatures to Put Initiative on November's Ballot

You can go into just about any town in America and locate a bar. Every day around 5 o’clock you can watch as people flock to these taverns to go in and enjoy a few cocktails to unwind from their day. You can also open up the news almost every day and find a story about how a drunk driver caused an accident which ended up taking the life of an innocent person. In states such as Colorado, Washington, and Oregon where cannabis consumers can purchase marijuana you will not find cannabis clubs where people can partake in a toke from a joint with friends to unwind from their day and that is a sad fact.
Science has shown that alcohol is significantly more dangerous than cannabis and it has also proven that alcohol drastically impairs your ability to drive whereas cannabis has little to no effect on an individual’s driving capabilities. One group in Denver Colorado is looking to change this and recently submitted over 8,000 signatures to be approved in hopes of putting their initiative on this November’s ballot.
Responsible Use Denver had the language of their initiative approved earlier this year and the team of 20 activists have been tirelessly working to obtain enough qualifying signatures to allow the residents in the city to vote on their initiative this fall. The initiative introduced by Responsible Use Denver aims to legalize the inception of private cannabis clubs where adults over the age of 21 can become a member and have a place to socialize with like-minded people while enjoying a toke.
The initiative put forth by Responsible Use Denver would allow for individuals over the age of 21 to apply for licensing to open a Private Cannabis Club. The stipulations include but are not limited to the following;

  • Applicants must be over the age of 21.
  • Private Cannabis Clubs can’t exist on the same premises as a bar or restaurant.
  • Private Cannabis Clubs can only be accessed by members that are 21 years of age or older.
  • Private Cannabis Clubs will not sell, distribute, or manufacture cannabis or marijuana-based products on their premises.
  • All consumption must take place in an enclosed area that is ventilated separately from any other existing areas.
  • Premises must be clearly marked with signage that notes the area can only be accessed by adults over the age of 21 and that the business is a Private Cannabis Club where cannabis may be consumed.

image credit: facebook.com/responsibleusedenver

Great Interest Is Being Shown In Oregon Retail Marijuana Market

Great Interest is Being Shown in Oregon's Retail Marijuana Market

In 2014 voters in the state of Oregon voted yes on measure 91 to legalize recreational marijuana for individuals over the age of 21. With an existing medical marijuana program already in place, medical marijuana dispensaries were able to open their doors for retail sales on on October 1st, 2015. The move to allow medical marijuana dispensaries to cater to retail consumers was taken to allow time for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which oversees the recreational market in the state, to properly implement a retail industry. Retail marijuana dispensaries are set to open their doors on October 1st of 2016.
Over the last few months, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission has received over 1,300 recreational cannabis related business applications. At this time Oregon has not implemented a cap on how many recreational facilities can be implemented in the state. So far they have approved almost 200 licenses with the majority of them being granted to cultivators. Many applications have been delayed as they have either been incomplete or there has been questionable logistics surrounding applications for outdoor cultivation.
With the process of approval taking between 45 and 60 days any medical marijuana dispensaries that are hoping to transition into the recreational market are urged to get their applications submitted immediately as they only have until the end of the year. On October 1st of 2015 when medical marijuana dispensaries were allowed to open their doors for retail consumers no taxes were being applied to recreational sales. This did, however, change on January 1st when Oregon implemented a 25% sales tax on all retail cannabis sells. This retail cannabis tax is expected to decrease to 17% once the Oregon Liquor Control Commission takes control over retail sales this fall.
Oregon offers many benefits for retail cannabis consumers. Unlike many other states where cannabis is legal for recreational purposes, Oregon offers cannabis social clubs where cannabis consumers can socialize with like-minded individuals. This is not something you currently see in states such as Colorado, which pioneered recreational cannabis legalization in the United States. If you are a resident of the state you are allowed to cultivate a small number of cannabis plants for personal use which is something that is not legal next door in Washington state. Oregon also offers many spectacular natural landscapes including mountains and oceans which are loved by individuals throughout the cannabis community.
If you are looking to move to a state where you can blaze and not worry about going to jail or if you are looking to open a retail cannabis business, Oregon would be a great place to check out as the market is set to grow expeditiously in the state in the coming years.
image credit: BigStock

Second Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opened This Week In FL

Second Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opened This Week in FL

The Sunshine State AKA Florida has experienced a considerable loss in their tourism dollars and is also seeing a decrease in the number of snowbirds that are flocking to the state. The loss of tourism and number of residents who live in the Sunshine State during the winter months is in large part contributed to cannabis legalization in states such as Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. Many tourists are choosing to go to one of these states to spend their vacation time as well as their hard-earned dollars.

Elderly who retire to Florida are changing their tune and heading to rec pot states. They are finding that cannabis is cheaper than their prescription drugs and offers them a healthier lifestyle. Florida has faced issues with trying to legalize cannabis for many years now. With corrupt politicians and special private interest groups controlling the outcome along the way, there has been one blockade after another when it comes to having safe legal access to medical cannabis in the state of Florida. Luckily there is somewhat of a system in place, but it is only benefiting a small handful of individuals.

In April of 2016, Governor Scott signed HB 307 allowing entities to be implemented that are licensed to dispense medical cannabis to patients who qualify based on terminal status. In July of 2016, the doors to the first dispensary opened in Tallahassee and has been providing medicinal marijuana to qualifying patients since. Trulieve which is a part of George Hackney, Inc. was thrilled to be the first entity in the state to supply medicinal marijuana and were even more thrilled when they opened the doors to their second dispensary on Thursday.

The newest location can be found at 24761 US Highway 19N #630 in Clearwater, Florida. Trulieve offers both low THC and high THC cannabis products at their locations and they provide delivery services statewide to qualifying patients. Trulieve is expected to open more locations before the end of the year.

Now that Trulieve has opened its doors in Clearwater, qualifying patients in the area can finally start getting some relief by utilizing a safe all natural plant. Pharmaceutical drugs and prescription drugs alone account for more deaths than cocaine and heroin combined in the United States. Both intentional overdoses and accidental overdoses have been on the rise continually with no sign of relief in sight.
That was until cannabis became legal in the state of Colorado. Statistics have shown that overdose rates from prescription drugs have dropped by 25% or more since cannabis was made legal on a recreationally or retail basis. Other states are starting to see similar results and Florida could stand to use some of these results themselves. The Sunshine State also has considerable problems with heroin, cocaine, and pills.
Being that they are right on the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean it makes them a major port for drug trafficking. By allowing safe access to medical cannabis in the state of Florida many people could see a higher quality of life. We can only hope that this November, residents will be able to vote for a more comprehensive and helpful medical marijuana program that includes all the patients that could benefit from cannabis, not just those who are terminally ill.
image credit: wikimedia

Snoop Dogg and NFL

Snoop Dogg Isn't Playing Around When it Comes to the NFL

Snoop Dogg is one who is always known for speaking his mind when it’s needed most. There has been an ongoing debate over the last several years regarding whether or not NFL players should be able to utilize marijuana. Despite the NFL’s lack of policy change for players regarding cannabis, one of their recent decisions has Snoop blazingly pissed off. After hearing that the NFL made a decision to allow NFL players to own guns and even went as far as to add gun responsibility to their player conduct training, he went to Instagram to let the NFL know just what he thought about it. 
Anyone who has common knowledge regarding cannabis knows that NFL players could benefit substantially from being able to utilize marijuana for medicinal purposes. For some reason, the NFL thinks that players owning guns is more important than them being able to utilize a natural plant for medical applications. Snoop Dogg was also quick to point out that NFL players are already a little wired up and how cannabis can help ease their agitation.
In the past few years, there have been several NFL players including  Eugene Monroe and Ricky Williams that have come out of the cannabis closet and started to speak up for the players in the league regarding just how beneficial marijuana can be.
Eugene Monroe is reportedly the first active NFL player to have ever openly campaigned for legalizing the consumption of medical marijuana. Unfortunately after spending an off-season advocating for medical marijuana and spreading knowledge about how NFL players could benefit from cannabis, he was released from his position as an offensive tackle with The Ravens. Despite being released from the team, Eugene has no plans of stopping and has vowed to continue advocating until the league accepts “medical cannabis as a viable option for pain management.”
Leonard Marshall is former NFL player that is also speaking up about the benefits that players both in the league and retired can gain from cannabis. Being a former linesman for the NY Giants, Leonard knows firsthand the injuries that can come along with being a part of the league. Unfortunately, he also knows about just how quick an injury can turn into an addiction to opiates. This is why the former linesman is now advocating for the NFL to remove cannabis from their list of banned substances. He is also urging the league to invest money into research surrounding how cannabis can help combat traumatic brain injuries which are suffered by many players throughout the NFL.
If you would like to check out the original NSFW video posted on Instagram by Snoop, you can find it here.