What Are Cannabis Strains Phenotypes And Cultivars?

Cannabis

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August 9, 2023

What Are Cannabis Strains Phenotypes And Cultivars?

Ready to start experimenting with growing cannabis and maybe trying a new cannabis cultivar.

When shopping for cannabis strains, you will notice that there are many other terms that are used to describe them. These include phenotypes, chemotypes, genotypes, and cultivars. These are also important terms to know if you want to grow your own cannabis. Here’s insight into what are cannabis strains phenotypes and cultivars.

Cannabis Strains and Cultivars

Cannabis strains are the variation names formed by cultivars, and any offspring that has resulted from these modified plants. They can be produced through regular breeding or other more modern methods, sometimes they can also occur through genetic mutations.

A cannabis strain name, such as Blue Dream, Afghan Kush, or Sour Diesel refers to the characteristics retained by the strain. There are almost 1,000 cannabis strains known today, which are further classified into one of three categories: sativa, indica, or hybrid. Generally speaking, sativa cannabis strains are known for their energizing and uplifting qualities when consumed, while indica strains are more sedating and relaxing – suitable for nighttime use. Meanwhile, hybrid strains combine effects of both.

With cannabis use becoming more widespread around the world, there is always a new strain to try and look forward to as breeders explore making their own.

Botanically speaking, strains and cultivars refer to plants that were sexually breeded by seed propagation. Selected plant seeds, such as those chosen because they express certain characteristics, are used to create another generation. During sexual reproduction of cannabis plants, mutations can occur though they usually affect just one plant which the breeder can usually remove from the rest of the population.

At the end of the day, both cannabis strains and cultivars are exactly the same thing. Scientists tend to use the term cultivars, while strains are a more popular mainstream term.

When shopping around for cultivars, here are some things to think about or ask the breeder:

Genetic lineage: Understanding the genetic lineage of a cultivar will help you identify any that are familiar. There are also numerous phenotypes possible for a cultivar, so it isn’t enough to know them by name.

Laboratory testing: If you are interested in learning about a strain’s effects in detail, a laboratory test will be able to tell you more specifically about its THC and CBD content as well as its cannabinoids and terpenes.

Effects: The way to know the effect of a cultivar is to research what consumers say. This will help you understand if you have specific needs that the strain can or can’t meet, and if other consumers are able to satisfy their needs with that strain. It’s a good place to start though people will have varying effects because there are other factors that impact how we feel when we consume a strain such as our own endocannabinoid system which is different from other people’s endocannabinoid systems.

Leaf variety: In some cases you can easily tell the leaf variety by looking at the plant, other times it won’t be as obvious so you would have to ask. If it has big fat buds, they are likely to possess the same genotypes and phenotypes as broad leaf cultivars (BLV) while those with long, thin buds and leaves will have the characteristics of a narrow leaf cultivar (NLV).

Cultivar Shapes and Sizes

Aside from the psychoactive characteristics, cultivars and strains are also identified by their physical characteristics. As mentioned, there are broad leaf (BLV) cultivars which are fat and bushy plants with wide leaves, while the narrow leaf (NLV) are skinny and lanky plants with thin leaves. Broad leaf plants are known to have sedating and calming effects while narrow leaf plants are uplifting and energizing.

Keep in mind that while these are the common effects that are associated with said cultivars, it’s not limited to these. They do guide the phenotypes and varietals that breeders want to grow, though. For this reason, breeders now can create strains or cultivars that are uplifting and energizing, while being mildly sedating. This has led to the growth of the hybrid cultivar market where you can now buy many backcrosses and mixes for a uniquely enjoyable experience.

marijuana cannabis joint — Photo by Cavan Images/Getty Images

Phenotypes, Genotypes, Chemotypes

Earlier, we mentioned that cultivars or strains are classified based on their observable effects: uplifting, sedating, etc.

These phenotypes are essentially the obvious traits of a plant, which are associated with the effects they have on the consumer. On the other hand, a genotype is the genetic makeup of the plant and its internal blueprint which was passed down from its ancestors. A genotype indicates the list of possible characteristics that a plant may have and pass on to its offspring though a cannabis genotype will be influenced by the environment in which it is grown. The overall smell, shape, and color of a plant will all be impacted by the environment in which cannabis has been grown.

A chemotype refers to the chemical makeup of the plant, or what chemical components and cannabinoids are found as well as its quantity. Specifically, this would tell you how much CBD or THC a plant has, as well as its cannabinoids and terpenes. There are around 85 known cannabinoids all of which have various health benefits and effects while terpenes contribute to the unique smells of the strain as well as influence its therapeutic and psychoactive effects.

Differences in the Same Cannabis Strain

It’s not uncommon for you to discover that upon buying another batch of Lemon Kush, it tastes, looks, and feels different from the last batch you bought, which you absolutely loved. This can happen because environment and genetics will affect the strain, thus the end result is a plant expressing different phenotypes.

Now that you are armed with information, you’re ready to start experimenting with growing your own or perhaps trying a new cannabis cultivar.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Is It Legal To Send Marijuana Or Edibles Through The Mail?

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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August 8, 2023

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Individuals who are caught shipping marijuana, even from one legal state to another, can be prosecuted by the federal government.

Is it legal to send marijuana or edibles through the mail? The legalities of traveling and shipping cannabis or products made from it can be overwhelmingly confusing. There are many things to consider, and these are important to know especially for medical patients who rely on cannabis for managing diseases, have trouble getting to a dispensary near you, or need to dispose of marijuana after traveling to a cannabis-friendly state.

The short answer is: no, it’s illegal to ship marijuana products and edibles within the United States. At the time of writing, marijuana is still a federally illegal substance which means that it is illegal in the eyes of the federal government. The United States Postal Service (USPS), as well as other private postage companies, are managed and controlled by the government. If there is any criminal activity that has been discovered, coursed through the mail, it can lead to federal criminal offenses, which are discussed in the United States Code 1716.

USPS — Photo by Joel Moysuh via Unsplash

Individuals who are caught shipping marijuana even from one legal state to another can be prosecuted by the federal government. This can also lead to state charges based on the quantity of illegal drugs. However, if you are caught mailing cannabis within a state where cannabis is already legal, the best course of action would be to seek the help of a drug defense attorney.

The current law states that shipping 50 kilos of marijuana through the UPS can lead to as much as 5 years in prison with a fine of up to $250,000. Both FedEx and UPS don’t allow shipping products that are not federally legal, though the USPS has to get a search warrant while FedEx, UPS, and other private couriers don’t. That means that they can open your package if they think that it’s necessary to do so. Keep in mind that postage workers are also given a reward, sometimes to the tune of $50,000, if they are able to identify packages that contain marijuana and report the people behind it.

Edibles

Since many people have been able to get away with traveling internationally with edibles in their suitcase, you may think that it’s okay to mail it. However, the answer is still no.

Edibles with THC is still federally illegal, and since the US postal service is an agency of the federal government, anyone caught can be subject to hefty fines and may even risk jail time. Both the recipient and the shipper can be punished.

Hemp and CBD

Mailing raw hemp plants can only be done legally for pre-approved individuals or companies within the United States. The UPS can already accept any product made from hemp as well as CBD, based on state and federal laws. However, the responsibility of ensuring compliance is all in the hands of the shipper, so it’s best to research the current Food, Drugs, & Cosmetics Act.

According to the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, CBD is legally considered as any product made from hemp which contains under 0.3% THC. Even though CBD can be produced from other plants that have a higher THC content, only a few places can legally sell CBD made from marijuana as opposed to hemp. But CBD products aren’t as tightly regulated in areas where recreational or medical marijuana has already been legalized.

One also has to keep in mind that CBD must be legal in the place of origin as well as its destination. There are still some states that unfortunately prohibit the sales of CBD products while complex restrictions in various locations can make shipping more confusing than it should be.

UPS — Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel via Unsplash

Currently, the USPS requires businesses that ship CBD to make sure that all state, federal, and local laws have been complied with though this isn’t limited to the THC content in each product. The proper documentation is also critical for compliance. This is why it’s become easy for online cannabis businesses to ship out raw hemp or other hemp-based products.

It’s also important to note that marijuana businesses are treated differently compared to individuals who may want to ship marijuana, hemp, or edibles for personal reasons. Again, while many people have gotten away with doing so in the past, remember that this could be a matter of luck. You would have to ask if getting caught would be worth it. After all, if you are traveling to a destination where it’s legal for recreational use, you’re better off just buying it there.

Since the laws regarding the transportation of marijuana is constantly changing, the best thing to do would be to consult a lawyer before you try to do so yourself. This can save you the headaches and legal trouble that could arise out of doing it incorrectly or illegally.

Legal States

Buying marijuana and THC products online is easy to do so in states where it’s legal. Heck, you could even have it delivered straight to your door with no questions asked except that you do have to prove you are at least 21 years of age to do so. Additionally, city and state laws may vary especially when it comes to the amount that you can buy, own at home, and where you can smoke cannabis.

Many licensed dispensaries provide safe and secure options for purchasing marijuana online and having it delivered. Just be sure that you are buying from a company that is reputable. As always, research the current laws in your area.

Steps To Help You Avoid Sugary Foods

Maria Loreto

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August 8, 2023

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Sweet foods are the best. People dream of a doughnut with a side of ice cream and cookies and whipped cream. Sadly though, this isn’t possible if you want your body to remain sort of healthy and to function properly. Studies have shown strong relationships between sugar and myriad of conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and tooth health. We all know this information yet we still find it really hard to quit. Here are some steps to help you avoid sugary foods.

While quitting sugar completely is practically impossible, there are ways of reducing your intake without making you hate life and not indulge on delicious things. While we shouldn’t eat ice cream every day, there’s nothing wrong for you to create an ice cream space in your life, which will make you enjoy it more without any of the guilt.

Avoid sugary drinks

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Sugary drinks make up a large percentage of our sugar intake. To be exact, sodas are the third largest provider of calories to Americans. They’re super bad for you. Try swapping sodas and sweet drinks with teas and water infusions. This is a tough change to make but it’s one of the most effective ways of controlling your sugar intake.

Don’t shop when you’re hungry

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If you go to the supermarket when you’re hungry you’re just going to go for the most delicious looking items and put them in your cart. Try shopping with a full stomach and purchasing lots of fruits, veggies and proteins, all with the purpose of constructing a healthy and filling menu for your week.

Trick your tastebuds

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Sugar cravings are inescapable, so it’s important to trick your body into believing it’s satisfying it’s craving without actually doing it. Have some tea and try out different flavors so you avoid getting bored. For a sweet flavor, add a spoonful of honey or the sweetener of your choice.

Have a savory breakfast

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If you start off the day by eating delicious pancakes, you’re gonna have a tough time finding anything better and more fulfilling. When you eat a sweet breakfast you’re setting your standard for the day, giving your body license for hundreds of sugar cravings. try out savory dishes like omelettes or eggs with a side of veggies which are very filling and delicious.

Sleep

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Weirdly enough, studies have found a relationship between lack of sleep and sugar cravings, making these cravings more powerful if you’re not well rested. Sleeping late and getting little amounts of sleep has also been related to a larger appetite. Outsmart your body by being conscious of the amount of sugar you’re consuming and by ensuring that you’re sleeping seven to eight hours.

Marijuana Hot Sauce For Taco Tuesday!

Sarah Johns

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August 8, 2023

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Hot sauce is one of the best things on the planet. It is so popular 74% of people like to put hot sauce on their food — and 45 percent of those said they do so once a week or more Hot sauce be put on almost anything to give it some heat, flavor, and zing! And it is just in time for marijuana hot sauce for Taco Tuesday!

While most people prefer to put hot sauce on expected foods, like tacos (66 percent), burritos (60 percent) and meat (57 percent), some people do the unexpected and dash it on chips (30 percent), popcorn (17 percent) and even ice cream (8 percent)!

But back to Taco Tuesday, here are two receipts to make your own hot sauce, you can customize it to exactly how you want in terms of both flavor and heat.

Basic Tomato-Based Cannabis Infused Hot Sauce Recipe

A basic tomato-based hot sauce recipe is a staple in every kitchen. It’s simple, easy to make, and has the best flavor that you can put on anything.

Ingredients:

3 large tomatoes
3-5 garlic cloves, depending on how much garlic flavor you want
1 small white onion
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 hot chilis of your choice (remove the seeds for a milder heat, and keep them for more spice)
Cannabis-infused oil

Process:

Rinse the fresh ingredients well. These include the tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
Chop the tomatoes and onions into small quarters.
Peel the garlic and leave them whole.
Cut the chilis up into tiny pieces.
Put the tomatoes, peppers, garlic cloves, and onions into the medium pot. Place just enough water to cover the ingredients.
Boil the pot in medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat then allow the mixture to simmer for around 15 minutes. The tomatoes should be softened by then.
Once the tomatoes are soft, scoop out the ingredients and put them into a food processor. Add the sugar, white vinegar, and a teaspoon of salt to taste.
Add around a tablespoon of cannabis-infused oil.
Blend everything together until the texture is homogenous and smooth. Add a few drops of water each time if it’s too thick.
Use a clean teaspoon to taste the sauce, and see if it comes out to your desired taste. Season, add salt, sugar, or chopped up chilis if needed.
Pour the hot sauce into an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour before using.

Experiment with Marijuana and Mangoes Under Quarantine — Photo by Fedor via Unsplash

Mango Hot Sauce

If you like flavors of the tropics, then mango hot sauce is for you. This hot sauce will transport you to the Caribbean, and it’s just as versatile as a basic tomato hot sauce. Use weed-infused mango hot sauce on pizzas, tacos, or buffalo wings to infuse a fruity punch to your food.

Best of all, this recipe contains mango: a fruit that’s high in myrcene, a terpene that is famous for its ability to enhance your high.

Ingredients:

3 ripe mangoes, sliced and peeled
4 habanero peppers, de-stemmed (you can keep some seeds if you want stronger heat, but you can remove them to make it less spicy)
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 inch ginger thumb, grated (you can use a larger ginger if you enjoy its flavor)
6-8 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
3 cups white vinegar
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons of cannabis-infused coconut oil
Vegetable oil

Process:

Heat some vegetable oil on the skillet over medium heat.
Toss in the garlic, onions, ginger, and carrots. Sautee until fragrant and slightly brown.
Add the coconut oil, vinegar, 1.5 cups of water, and habanero peppers. Gently mix with a spatula and allow the mixture to simmer until all the vegetables have softened, around 10 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool.
Place the mixture and the mangoes in the food processor, and blend until smooth. You may need to use a strainer to remove mango fibers if necessary.
Allow the sauce to cool. Add salt and season if needed.

Taco Tuesday, marijuana and a good hot sauce – can the day get any better?

This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net

Is Vacuum-Sealing Your Cannabis Worth It?

Terry Hacienda

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August 7, 2023

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Is Vacuum-Sealing Your Cannabis Worth It?

Correctly storing your cannabis is critical for ensuring its freshness and quality. Proper storage is also crucial for helping your weed last much longer, whether you are looking to store it for a few days or for the long-term. How you store your weed has a tremendous impact in its potency and flavor. But is vacuum-sealing your cannabis worth it? Or it is an urban legend? Some season cannabis users swear by it, but is it just hype?

The general thought is vacuum-sealing vegetable is considered generally a safe and effective way to preserve food, reduce waste, save money, and help you make healthier food choices. This goes all the way back to simple canning. And many people resort to the good old-fashioned and reliable method of storing their weed in an air-tight jar.

Difference Between A Marijuana Dispensary And A Liquor Store — Photo by mikroman6/Getty Images

The rules surrounding cannabis storage aren’t complicated. One, you simply have to keep it in a cool place because hot and high temperatures will degrade the terpenes and dry out the cannabis. Keep the pot away from a water system, heater, or under the sun. Similarly, you want to avoid keeping your cannabis in freezing temperatures too since they can cause the trichomes to burst and significantly reduce the potency of cannabis. This is why many opt to keep it in a drawer or dark closet.

Two, keep the cannabis in a dark place. Ultraviolet light exposure can break down the valuable terpenes and cannabinoids in your pot. Containers should always be placed in a dark but clean place.

Last but not least, keep moisture away. Moisture is the quickest way to make your buds moldy because trapped moisture makes it the perfect breeding grounds for mold. The ideal humidity ranges from just 59 to 63%; if it’s less humid than this, it can cause the weed to become too dry.

When it comes to other products such as oils, tinctures, and edibles, they may have their own guidelines provided by the manufacturer. For example, edibles may need to be refrigerated. Be sure to check before storing them your own way.

What About Vacuum-Sealing Your Weed?

Many seasoned cannabis enthusiasts have turned to vacuum sealing in order to keep their bud fresh for a long time.

Vacuum sealing is already widely used for keeping goods fresh including meat and other types of food. It can be a beneficial way to store weed especially if you purchase it in bulk, which can save you money. The process of vacuum sealing any product is effective for ensuring freshness and crispness, since it keeps the item airtight. It will prevent mold from growing while also preventing it from drying out, all while improving its longevity.

Vacuum sealers range in price from $50 up depending on the brand and size. Before you make a purchase, be sure to choose a vacuum sealing model that is made specifically for food since other makes are intended for non-perishable or non-edible items. Despite its high price tag, avid cannabis consumers can greatly benefit from regularly vacuum sealing your cannabis flower as well as certain types of concentrates.

There are also vacuum sealers that are designed to seal jars. This is another great way to keep buds in optimum shape and condition for up to a year. One reason why cannabis users prefer not to use plastic or other pouches when vacuum sealing them is because the process may end up crushing and compressing some of the bud, but in reality, that’s not such a big problem when you are going to end up smoking or burning them anyway.

Typically, people use plastics when vacuum sealing goods but when it comes to cannabis, it’s recommended to avoid using plastic because it can damage the trichomes. There are other packaging options such as compostable and recyclable pouches that are food-grade too.

marijuana joint — Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Long-Term Storage

Vacuum-sealing your cannabis can help guarantee that flower can be kept for as long as a year without losing its potency.

However, if you intend to be getting from your sealed stash occasionally, you are better off sealing several smaller jars or pouches instead of just one large one. Keep in mind that every time you open the vacuum-sealed container, continual air exposure can lead to lost freshness, flavor, and potency.

Vacuum sealing is also a wonderful way to keep a big batch of edibles fresh and tasty for long periods of time. This also applies to cannabis butter, so if you’ve just made a huge batch, just wrap the butter in parchment paper and seal it in a pouch which you can then place in the freezer until your next use.

Prevents Loud Odor

Aside from that, another benefit to vacuum sealing your weed is that it prevents the odor from getting out. It’s essentially odor-proof once it’s in the bag or jar because the molecules have no way of escaping and letting people know that there is weed around.

Once you do open the container, the fragrance and aroma remains intact, so there’s no need to worry about losing its terpenes. It’s hard to keep the smell down if you buy weed by the ounce or in bulk, and sometimes you just want to stay discreet, right? Vacuum-sealing is the way to go.

Conclusion

So, is vacuum sealing your weed worth it?

If you frequently buy by the ounce or in bulk, or simply want to always ensure your personal stash stays fresh for a long period of time, then the answer is yes. The initial investment for a vacuum sealer is small compared to the benefits you will get knowing that you can smoke weed whose terpenes and cannabinoids are intact even as much as a year later — all without having to worry about the smell leaking.

This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net

Pros And Cons Of Moderately Good Cannabis

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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August 7, 2023

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Pros And Cons Of Moderately Good Cannabis

Mids can be regarded as the mid-point between low-quality and high-quality cannabis. This classification has brought on different names for this class of marijuana flowers over the years.

Legal weed has become mainstream, but it hasn’t been around long enough for the masses for people to understand the full workings. The public understands levels of chocolate bars, beer, and canned vegetables, but legal marijuana is still confusing. The consumer hasn’t fully figured out the pros and cons of moderately good cannabis. You might have heard the word “mid” being used repeatedly while trying to buy weed. Mids can be regarded as the mid-point between low-quality and high-quality cannabis. This classification has brought on different names for this class of marijuana flowers over the years.

marijuana grinder — Photo by Printexstar via Pexels

First you need to understand what is known as the cannabis quality spectrum. This is simply the classification of cannabis based on its quality and many cannaseurs are known to use the classification that recognizes mids. There are four categories, listed in order of low quality to high quality: regs, mids, beasters, and headies. This means that regs are the least in terms of quality and headies are the best.

Another explanation of the cannabis quality spectrum has the marijuana flowers divided into three categories: low quality, medium quality, and high quality. The high-quality cannabis can further be divided into the low-high quality and high-high quality.

What are mids?

Mids can be regarded as the mid-point between low-quality and high-quality cannabis. This classification has brought on different names for this class of marijuana flowers over the years, including: middle, middle shelf, the thirties, middies, and B+. All these names point to the same thing, but what identifies mids are the flower variables. This includes appearance, flavor, cannabinoid content, effects, and price.

Appearance

You can easily identify mids from its appearance as many U.S. cannabis readily falls into this category. The buds are usually separated and contain few seeds and stems. It is also possible for the buds not to contain seeds at all. Mids have very few trichomes and are very bright with colored pistils and orange hairs.

Flavor

Mids have a normal flavor depending on the characteristic of the strain. They are not as harsh as regs but they aren’t without their deleterious effects. Mids are likely to make you cough and hack repeatedly.

Cannabinoid content

You guessed right by thinking that mids will have a higher cannabinoid content than regs. This means they are more likely to give better recreational and medicinal effects compared to regs. That’s just about where it ends though as beasters and headies have better cannabinoid content than mids.

Price

The cost of mids has been more regulated now that there are legal markets in different states. Nonetheless, prices vary depending on existing conditions in different states. However, mids are less expensive when compared to beasters and headies.

cannabis — Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash

Pros and Cons of Moderately Good Weed

Price

One of the good things about mids which has caught the fancy of many is that it is very cheap. This means that you won’t necessarily have to break the bank whenever you want to procure your weed. This is probably why it is still a fan favorite of many, especially at such a time of increased inflation.

Color

As explained earlier, mids are properly endowed with colored pistils and orange hairs. This makes them very attractive and pleasing to the eye which then stimulates purchase. Though mids are not nearly as bright as headies, they are also so as dull as regs.

High

The type of high experienced from smoking mid-quality weed depends on the smoking experience. Veteran tokers love mids because they are bound to get their desired high easily. Others, with a reduced level of experience, range from feeling blasted to blazed before experiencing the desired high.

Cons

Appearance

While the color of mids gives it a big edge over regs, its appearance is still a major issue. The majority of the bud still appears brown and green despite the orange hairs and many be compressed. Mids can also contain seeds that have unpleasant harsh effects on the smoking experience.

If not procured from the right source, some mids are known to be moldy. While the whole plant matter might not be engulfed in fungus, breaking it apart can show signs of fungus. If you see signs of mold in your cannabis, it’s best not to consume it for health reasons.

marijuana saless — Photo by Ivan-balvan/Getty Images

Comparison with other qualities of weed

Regs are at the bottom of the scale so you know what to expect to a certain degree. They are usually packaged in bricks with visible stems and seeds. They are mostly brown in color and harsh in terms of flavor which causes throat burn. They give a mellow high and promote sleep though stomach upset and respiratory issues are common side effects.

Beasters are very attractive with orange and purple hairs, trichome crystals, and an absence of stems. It has a smooth and delicious flavor depending on strain which aids the smoking experience. Beaters give a good high depending on the THC concentration of the strain. They are however more expensive than mids so get ready to spend the dollars.

Headies are what you call top-shelf material. It has no stems and seeds with a full covering of orange, purple, and green hairs as well as trichome crystals. It has a perfect flavor with no hint of harshness and high cannabinoid concentration. This makes it quite expensive but you will get your money’s worth.

Bottom Line

Mids are not the perfect class of cannabis flowers but it has its perks. Depending on what you have and what you want, you can go for the best category that applies to you, but mids are fairly alright.

How CBD Can Help Dogs With Osteoarthritis

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News

Brendan Bures

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August 7, 2023

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How CBD Can Help Dogs With Osteoarthritis

A new study found dogs with osteoarthritis had improved mobility and higher quality of life after taking specific CBD formulations.

Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna published discoveries exploring the relationship between dogs and their owners. They recognized the deep and complex bond that exists between many humans and their dogs. They also understood owners often described this connection in terms of “parent” and “child.” A dog’s life with a good pet parent has turned out great with the average life expectancy of dogs jumping from 10.5 years to 11.8 years between 2002 and 2016, partly because dogs are receiving better care from their humans.

But as dogs live longer, they become more susceptible to health problems. A common condition is osteoarthritis, which causes pain and inflammation in dogs. Your canine may have it if they struggle getting up and down stairs or generally moving around. Previous research has shown that 20% of North American dogs at least one-year old suffer from osteoarthritis, with older dogs being at higher risk. Pet parents want to help. Here is how CBD can dogs with osteoarthritis.

A new study, however, found that CBD could provide relief for dogs who suffer from osteoarthritis. The research, published in the Journal of Immunology and done in partnership with hemp retailer Medterra, discovered that CBD lowered pain symptoms and increased mobility in dogs. These therapeutic effects lasted after the dogs stopped taking CBD as well.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study recruited 20 large dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. These dogs were randomly divided into four testing groups. Every day for four weeks they were given one of four treatment options: a placebo, 20mg of pure CBD, 50mg of pure CBD, or 20mg of liposomal CBD. A liposome is a common vehicle to administer medicines. It wraps medications in tiny lipid bubbles and allows for more targeted integration into the body.

What To Know Before Using CBD To Treat Pet Travel Anxiety — Photo by R+R Medicinals via Unsplash

Throughout the study, owners and veterinarians — neither of whom knew how much CBD the dogs were taking — would evaluate the dogs’ pain and mobility levels.

Dogs who received a low pure CBD dosage or placebo were “just as miserable as they were before,” according to Matthew Halpert PhD, a faculty member at the Department of Pathology and Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine. (He also serves as Senior Scientific Advisor for Medterra.) But dogs taking higher CBD or liposomal CBD doses saw significant improvement to their pain and mobility. “The dogs seemed happier and were able to do more,” Halpert told Forbes.

“I openly admit that I was surprised at how quickly we saw such large results,” Halpert added. “I would not have expected to see too much of anything in just one month.”

Two weeks following the CBD administration, the dogs who had better mobility and quality of life didn’t see osteoarthritic symptoms return. Halpert believes this demonstrates that CBD wasn’t just masking the pain, but was actually treating the underlying inflammation.

CBD for pets is an emerging industry, as estimates expect CBD pet products to cross $563 million in sales at the end of this year. But anecdotal evidence is far more prevalent than research like this one. Dog owners should consult with veterinarians before pursuing CBD medicine.

Data Suggests The Perfect CBD To THC Ratio

Terry Hacienda

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August 7, 2023

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Data Suggests The Perfect CBD To THC Ratio

When the two are combined in varying ratios, they enhance each other’s beneficial properties synergistically. Here’s what researchers believe to be the best ratio for therapeutic effects.

Researchers from the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus analyzed the impact of cannabis flowers with almost equal ratios of THC and CBD, and its effects on subjects. The data suggests the perfect CBD to THC ratio

The study, published in the journal Addiction Biology, examined subjects who were tasked to smoke cannabis flower with various ratios, which were randomly assigned. These included 24% THC and 1% CBD, 23% CBD and 1% THC, as well as flowers that had almost equal ratios of each, 10% THC and 9% CBD. After an hour, the researchers measured their effects.

Will Congress Boost Hemp Total THC Limit To 1%? — Photo by anankkml/Getty Images

They found that the patients who smoked the THC dominant cannabis and those who smoked nearly equal ratios and those who smoked the flowers with almost equal ratios experienced similar positive benefits. The difference was that the participants who consumed samples with nearly equal ratios reported less negative side effects including paranoia and anxiety.

“This is one of the first studies to examine the differential effects of various THC and CBD ratios using cannabis flower chemovars that are widely available in state-regulated markets. The present findings suggest that CBD may be associated with an overall reduction of THC exposure and may mitigate the negative psychotomimetic effects of THC without diminishing the effects of THC that individuals report liking,” they write.

“The results of the present study suggest that participants using the THC+CBD chemovar had significantly lower plasma THC levels and reported less paranoia and anxiety as compared to participants using the THC dominant chemovar. Importantly, despite these differences, participants in both the THC+CBD and THC conditions reported similar positive subjective effects… The harm reduction implication of these findings is that cannabis chemovars containing CBD may result in less overall exposure to THC and subsequently less potential for harm, particularly with respect to the psychotomimetic effects of THC,” they concluded.

Why Ratio Matters

CBD and THC are the two primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. They each have their own properties; THC is the psychoactive compound that is responsible for making you feel high. The more THC a flower or product contains, the higher you will feel. But aside from just getting you high, THC is widely used for its medicinal properties such as its ability to induce appetite, treat insomnia, stop nausea, and provide relief from pain. However, the right dose is essential because too much THC can make people feel paranoid and anxious. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and is used for relaxation, insomnia, anxiety, pain, and much more.

When the two are combined in varying ratios, they enhance each other’s beneficial properties synergistically in what is known as the “entourage effect”. Aside from that, all of us have a different biological makeup which is why how you react to CBD may be different from how your friend reacts to CBD, even if you both took exactly the same dose.

It has been recognized by scientists that the ideal dose for most people who want to achieve the most therapeutic benefits is an equal ratio of each, or 1:1 THC CBD. This ratio can help you stay productive without feeling too high since CBD counteracts the highs of THC, while also offering a wide range of health benefits including pain management, anxiety reduction, and better sleep among others.

Common Ratios

When shopping around for cannabis products, those that use a combination of both cannabinoids present various ratios. Here are the most common ratios:

0:1 CBD THC: With no CBD in the product, you will be able to feel the highs of THC which many find to be uplifting and euphoric, while reducing stress. If you are one of those people who are sensitive to THC or have a low tolerance, you may be prone to anxiety and paranoia. However, many people prefer it because it provides relief from pain and inflammation while improving energy and mood.

Delta-10 THC: Is It The Future Of Cannabis? — Photo by GRAS GRÜN via Unsplash

1:0 CBD THC: A product that has no THC will not make you feel any kind of high. People who enjoy the relaxation brought about by CBD will appreciate these types of products as they can mildly sedate while still improving your mood and helping to reduce anxiety and panic attacks.

1:1 CBD THC: For people who aren’t familiar with CBD and THC, this is the recommended ratio to start with. You will be able to experience the best of both worlds, but also the presence of CBD will negate getting too high from the THC. In addition, you will be able to stay functional and productive.

1:9 or more: These are usually high-THC products, which means that you will likely experience the characteristics that are typically associated with THC. These may be beneficial for people who are suffering from severe pain, nausea, migraines, lack of appetite due to chemotherapy or radiation, and more. Just keep in mind that it also means you will get a high.

Aside from these, you will also encounter other ratios in the market such as 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 as well as 25: 1 and others. If you aren’t sure where to start, remember that the more CBD it contains, the less THC psychoactivity you will experience. If you don’t want to get high, always opt for a product that has a higher CBD content or an equal ratio.

Talk to a budtender at your nearest dispensary to learn more about recommendations based on your personal needs. These ratios are available in many cannabis products from oils to tinctures, edibles, and so much more.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

3 Tricks To Help Understand Your Sleep

Maria Loreto

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August 5, 2023

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Understanding your sleep is key for maintaining a longterm healthy sleep routine. Here are some tips on how to do it.

You don’t need to read how important sleep is. It’s one of those pivotal things which makes everything better or worse. Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, irritability, poor work performance, and result in more problematic issues, like increasing the odds of heart attacks and diabetes. Here are 3 tricks to help understand your sleep and improve the quality and your rest.

Sleep issues are very common and very difficult to treat. There’s not a one size fits all solution; what may work for some, may not work for others, which is why it’s important to understand how your sleep works.

Build a sleep schedule and adapt as you go

Tip to understand sleep — Photo by Gregory Pappas via Unsplash

Morning people are not a myth. There are genetic predispositions that make people prefer to wake up early in the mornings, and others who need a later alarm clock and some coffee in order to utter their first words. But while it is true that some people have easier mornings than others, the majority of us have to work in the mornings, which is why going to bed a little early can do wonders.

It doesn’t matter the time; just try to stick to a schedule that works and that allows you to sleep eight or seven hours a night. The more strict you are — yes, even on weekends — the better you’re results will be. Adapt your schedule until you find a time that works and help yourself get to bed by any natural means necessary, especially at first, since your body is adapting. Some suggestions include meditation apps, melatonin, or the always reliable weed.

Do your research on sleep cycles

Here Are The Reasons Why Cannabis Consumers Stocked Up — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Sleep is a thing we all do, but it’s surprisingly complicated, with a lot of moving pieces. Understanding how it works can help you get better at sleeping. Devices like smartwatches can help you track your sleep habits and how deeply you sleep. After wearing them for a while, they’ll start to get to know your body, providing you with bedtime recommendations, which can help you develop a schedule that works for you in results in you feeling rested and shiny in the morning.

Keep a sleep journal

Tips to understand sleep — Photo by Daria Shevtsova via Unsplash

Logs are annoying but extremely effective tools at tracking your behaviors and discovering patterns and things that are working and not working. A sleep journal should contain all of the relevant sleep information, whether you slept poorly or well, or you get sleepy every day after your lunch. Write down what snacks make you feel more awake or if an afternoon nap does the trick and makes you feel productive. While this all sounds like a crazy amount of unnecessary pages, over time, this journal can help you pinpoint what could be improved with your sleep schedule and your overall health.

What To Know About Marijuana Drinks

Maria Loreto

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August 4, 2023

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Cannabis seltzers and drinks are great options for people who want to have fun while steering clear of alcohol.

Weed drinks have been slowly earning more and more followers. Still, they’re nowhere near as popular as other cannabis products like vapes, edibles and flower. According to a Datassential report, consumer awareness of marijuana beverages grew 9% in 2021, and 51% of adults over 21 now profess familiarity with them. The company also found that THC beverages have the highest amount of interest and awareness with Gen Xers. Here is what to know about marijuana drinks before you drink your THC.

While there’s a growing interest in a “California sober” lifestyle, a lot of people don’t get why they should drink cannabis from a can when they could ingest it in other more traditional ways. Since they contain mTHC, cannabis-infused drinks can cause relaxation, euphoria, and maybe drowsiness and other symptoms of cannabis intoxication The weedy flavor is also a challenge for our flavor palates.

Why Cannabis-Infused Drinks Are Hit Or Miss — Photo by Elsa Olofsson via Unsplash

Replacing a cocktail or a joint with a cannabis drink isn’t an ideal solution. These drinks provide a different effect, something that’s much more light than what edibles are known.

Consumers who enjoy the use of cannabis or THC-infused products, as it provides a functional benefit without the hangover effect,” says Michelle Mendoza, head buyer of LA based Sweet Flower dispensary.

Marijuana drinks have varying amounts of THC and some produce a deeper high. Still, when comparing cannabis drinks to other forms of consuming cannabis, drinks are more consistent and less surprising than edibles. Drinks start to have an effect the minute they’re in your mouth, being absorbed through your bloodstream through your mouth, esophagus, and stomach.

If you have to compare it to any other cannabis substance, a cannabis drink provides an experience somewhat like smoking a joint. You can tell the high is kicking in soon after you ingest it so it helps with avoid over indulging.

It’s only recently that cannabis companies have started to successfully incorporate cannabis into drinks. Cannabis drinks had a tough time taking off, especially since cannabinoids like THC and CBD are difficult to infuse into substances that have no fat in them.

Now you know what to know about marijuana drinks, you might consider adding them to your mix.

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Individuals who are caught shipping marijuana, even from one legal state to another, can be prosecuted by the federal government.

Edibles

Hemp and CBD

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Avoid sugary drinks

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Have a savory breakfast

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Basic Tomato-Based Cannabis Infused Hot Sauce Recipe

Mango Hot Sauce

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Conclusion

Mids can be regarded as the mid-point between low-quality and high-quality cannabis. This classification has brought on different names for this class of marijuana flowers over the years.

What are mids?

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Pros and Cons of Moderately Good Weed

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Comparison with other qualities of weed

Bottom Line

A new study found dogs with osteoarthritis had improved mobility and higher quality of life after taking specific CBD formulations.

When the two are combined in varying ratios, they enhance each other’s beneficial properties synergistically. Here’s what researchers believe to be the best ratio for therapeutic effects.

Why Ratio Matters

Common Ratios

Understanding your sleep is key for maintaining a longterm healthy sleep routine. Here are some tips on how to do it.

Build a sleep schedule and adapt as you go

Do your research on sleep cycles

Keep a sleep journal

Cannabis seltzers and drinks are great options for people who want to have fun while steering clear of alcohol.

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