With the recent issuance of the first-ever recreational marijuana retail permits in New York — and the launch of adult-use sales inching ever closer — a major question remains: Will the state’s thriving underground market undercut legal sales, as it has in California?
The answer is: nobody yet knows for sure.
New York authorities do appear to be launching a crackdown so that the upcoming legal market will flourish in place of unlicensed sales, but some industry insiders say it may already be too little, too late.
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“I do think that now that licenses are coming out and New Yorkers are going to have a legal supply of cannabis that they are going to start to crack down, but the job is too big for the workforce,” said Joe Lustberg, the founder of cannabis investment firm Upwise Capital in New York City.
Lustberg, who partnered with his brother on one of the 903 CAURD retail applications filed in New York, said he’s skeptical that the state will actually be able to get the gray market under control.
If it isn’t controlled, it could upend the entire new market, the same way unlicensed cannabis dealers have been the bane of Los Angeles for years. A common analogy used to describe the problem in L.A. is the whack-a-mole game, because the penalties for lawbreaking cannabis retailers is typically civil fines instead of serious jail time. That in turn leads to illicit shops getting busted and shut down, and then the same operators reopening in a different location.
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“(New York authorities) need to create a specific task force or police unit to shut down these operations, and if they don’t, they’re going to thrive like they do in California, and the whack-a-mole analogy is going to come to fruition,” Lustberg said, adding that it’s impossible to go more than two city blocks in Manhattan without encountering a smoke shop selling marijuana.
“If it’s a slap on the wrist, these guys are making huge profits,” Lustberg said. “You’re talking about hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars a month, in revenue. A small fine is not going to affect these guys. It has to be some sort of jail time and a criminal offense.”
It’s also unclear, Lustberg said, whether many that are already selling in the gray market will eventually be able to make the transition to the fully regulated and licensed retail game. Many are relying on legal advice that relies on an interpretation of state law under which “gifting” cannabis is perfectly legal, Lustberg said, and added he knows operators that are likely willing to take that argument to court if necessary.
The takeaway for entrepreneurs looking at the New York landscape, Lustberg said, is essentially there’s intense competition from all corners, particularly gray market dealers who are connected to and supplied by California cannabis sources, since West coast weed is still in very high demand in the Big Apple.
Researchers at Southern Illinois University (SIU) may be on the way to determining how cannabis can help cure ovarian cancer, reported the Daily Egyptian, the student-run news organization for the SIU community.
Conducted by the Cannabis Science Center, the research was led by Dr. Dale “Buck” Buchanan, a researcher and professor of physiology at SIU, whose effort is directed mainly toward prevention of the disease.
“The vast majority of ovarian cancer research is focused toward extending what we call ‘progression-free survival,'” he said. “So it seems misguided to me that the focus of the research is on this incremental increase in life, […] so we’re really interested in prevention.”
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What Is Ovarian Cancer?
Sadly, ovarian cancer remains the most common cause of cancer death from gynecologic tumors in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Buchanan explained that as a result of the process of ovulation, scar tissue that develops after the egg erupts through the surface of the ovary can go awry, resulting in the development of cancerous tissue.
Do Omega-3 Acids Help With Cancer?
His research proved that Omega-three acids created when flaxseed was introduced into a diet, can prevent the development of ovarian cancer and also minimize its severity. By reducing inflammation and allowing the healing of tissue, Omega-three acids compete with the naturally produced inflammatory proteins within the human body.
“The consequence of this is that it has a 70% reduction in the severity of cancer and a 30% reduction in the incidence, and all we did was introduce flax into their diet,” Buchanan said. “But we know nothing about how it works, so that’s our work.”
What Is The Role Of The Endocannabinoid System?
While examining the effects of introducing flax into the diet, the researchers took a closer look at the system of protein receptors throughout the body that react to internally produced and external cannabinoids, also known as the endocannabinoid system.
According to Didas Roy, a graduate student assisting in the research, the endocannabinoid system has, although still unclear, a role in the production of ovarian cancer.
“So in the endocannabinoid system, there are cannabinoids produced inside our bodies, and they’re binding to specific receptors, one and two,” Roy said. “So two is not that much expressed in the ovary, but receptor one is there in high abundance, and it seems like the expression of those receptors increases in cancer.”
Roy’s focus is currently directed toward a protein called TGF-ß, which is present both in the ovaries and the broader endocannabinoid system.
“We know TGF-ß is also implicated in cancer, so we are trying to see how the both of them are related to each other, who is controlling whom and how they’re contributing to ovarian cancer,” Roy said. “TGF-ß is a family of many, many receptors and ligands, so I’m trying to look at all of them.”
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Marijuana & Cancer
Meanwhile, there is a growing body of evidence by scientists proving that cannabis can either slow the growth of or cause death in certain types of cancer cells.
Earlier this year, Cannabotech (CNTC.TA) reported that in experiments conducted on a cell model, the fungus extract eliminated 100% of pancreatic cancer cells relatively selectively and without damaging normal cells. Cannabotech is involved in the development of a botanical drug based on an extract of the Cyathus striatus fungus and a cannabinoid extract from the cannabis plant.
The same Israeli biotech company is behind another cell model study, which showed that its “Integrative-Colon” products killed over 90% of colon cancer cells. The Integrative-Colon products are based on a combination of several cannabinoids from the cannabis plant and various mushroom extracts.
A study conducted by Hadassah Medical Center physicians last year provided a ray of hope to those with breast cancer. The research revealed a sixfold improvement in killing breast cancer cells when using specific Cannabotech’s medical cannabis products in combination with standard oncology treatments and drug protocols, such as chemotherapy, biological and hormonal, over the existing treatment.
Cannabis is increasingly becoming an integral part of Americans’ holiday celebrations, with the average consumer anticipating they’ll spend $100 or more on products to enjoy, gift or share with others.
Ever since cannabis legalization has swept across the United States, it has changed how millions of consumers around the country think about cannabis. It’s now part of the very fabric of our culture and society, present during social activities, traditional holidays, even weddings.
The end of the year holidays are no different, as people have decided to use this as another opportunity gift loved ones with marijuana — the gift that keeps on giving. After all, who wouldn’t want to receive a marijuana product as a gift?
However, there’s a lot to understand about consumer cannabis buying behavior around the holidays. This information is valuable for cannabis businesses.
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A recent report from Weedmaps has just shared some new data that businesses can benefit from. The online cannabis marketplace sourced the data from over a million transactions that occurred from October 2021 to January 2022, providing a deeper look into marijuana shopping trends during the busiest time of year for retail, reports Yahoo Finance.
They found that in 2021, there was a 167% jump in orders made with promo codes, boosting the overall increase in total orders made. Weedmaps also found that Black Friday is the most lucrative day as consumers use these discounts as an opportunity to stockpile marijuana for the holidays. There were 300% more people shopping around and claiming deals around Weedmaps sites, followed by large increases during Green Wednesday and Thanksgiving too.
Sixty-one percent more claimed deals on Thanksgiving, followed by 93% and 170% on Green Wednesday and Black Friday, respectively. But when it came to the quantity of orders made per day, Green Wednesday deals saw the biggest increase.
Cannabis Is No Longer a Novelty Item
Ayr Wellness, an integrated marijuana operator together with real-time marketing solutions business Suzy, recently conducted a survey of around 1,600 Americans this past October. The purpose was to better understand the buying and consumer habits as well as beliefs of people about cannabis and Thanksgiving as well as holiday season.
According to Forbes, the survey revealed that 90% of marijuana consumers intended to purchase as much bud for the 2022 holidays as they did last year. Even if inflation had an impact on consumers’ budgets, overall. Seven in 10 consumers reported they would be buying cannabis to share with their loved ones. It was also interesting to find that consumers reflect the mentality that cannabis is no longer a novelty item, but instead an integral part of holiday shopping and gatherings with family.
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Additionally, two-thirds of poll respondents said that they’d buy the same amount of marijuana as they typically do around the holidays. Meanwhile, 24% acknowledged they will be spending more on marijuana this year compared to last year.
The average cost to consumers is $112 during the holidays, and almost a quarter reported they will spend a minimum of $100 on marijuana for the holidays.
“This survey is reaffirming to Ayr, and the industry, that cannabis isn’t a luxury purchase for consumers but an essential good they’re incorporating into their holiday rituals,” said Jonathan Sandelman, Ayr’s CEO, in an email to Forbes. “Whether you’re sharing cannabis with friends and family or coping with family drama, data shows that ‘Danksgiving’ is going mainstream,” he says.
“Cannabis is increasingly becoming an integral part of Americans’ holiday celebrations, with the average consumer anticipating they’ll spend $100 or more on products to enjoy, gift or share with others,” Sandelman disclosed in a statement. “As stigmas continue to break down, we look forward to the day when cannabis will be as synonymous as pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving,” he said.
More Data Shows Increase In Sales During the Weeks Before Christmas & New Year’s Day
Headset, a leading real-time cannabis and market intelligence firm, has also shared similar buying patterns.
They shared in January that US and Canadian marijuana markets saw a jump in sales from December 18-24 2021 compared to the weed prior. The biggest increase was seen in the Canadian marijuana market, where they saw a 26% boost in sales while the US saw 17%. Markets in both countries saw the biggest increase in the topicals category right before Christmas, followed by beverages and edibles.
New Year’s Eve saw additional discount increases among both markets, adds Headset. The average discount was 21.1% in the US, and 4% in Canada. Drinks, flower, and concentrate led the category sales during New Year’s Eve in the US while sublinguals and tinctures were ahead in Canada.
Meanwhile, LeafLink also shared post-holiday insights. They found a 6.8% jump in platform sales last December 2021 compared to three months prior. For them, flower was the most popular purchase, accounting for over a third of sales. Customers spend the most on packaged bud, though flower in bulk followed next. The second most popular category was cartridges, taking over 24% of sales.
Conclusion
Cannabis retailers can use these valuable insights for designing holiday promotions and offers both in-store and online. Knowing what products are most popular among customers for gifts during the season of gifting can help strategically create offers and let you know where to place discounts if necessary. With the holiday rush already here, hopefully this guide has helped you!
If you’ve been trying to buy cannabis but don’t know how, this easy guide will turn you into a confident cannabis consumer in no time.
The first time entering a dispensary, it can be intimidating. With so many product types, insider jargon like dabs and sauce, and obscure cannabis measurements like quarter of weed or dub of weed or zip of weed, it is normal to feel a bit timid. But lots of people visit their first dispensary and find a welcoming, wellness-oriented community waiting with open arms. So, how to buy weed? Here are tips.
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How to buy weed from a dispensary
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind if you or someone you know is planning to visit their first dispensary. If you are planning to buy weed from a dispensary, don’t forget to bring your government ID and medical marijuana card, if you have one.
Have an ID card and cash ready
You need a government-issued ID (verifying you’re over 21 years old) to get into a cannabis dispensary. While some dispensaries have ATMs, everyone uses it, so you might find it out of order. It is best to bring cash to avoid any issues. Some dispensaries accept credit or debit card payments as well.
Think about what you want
How do you want to feel? Do you want a cannabis product that makes you feel energized or relaxed? Do you want to smoke cannabis flower, or would you prefer something easy and discreet like a tincture? Different cannabis ingestion methods can have different effects.
Ask questions
Ask questions whenever you need assistance. The budtenders there to help you. You can also ask your budtender to explain how to use the products.
Buy your products
Once you have found a product, all you need to do is buy it. Just resist the desire to vape or smoke a joint near the dispensary, as it generally illegal to consume cannabis in public—although you should check your local laws and regulations. Now you know how to buy weed from a dispensary.
How to buy weed online
Buying weed online is very convenient. Of course, you can only buy cannabis online if you live in a state where you can legally purchase cannabis from a dispensary through an online point-of-sale system.
To avoid purchasing through an illegal internet operation, visit your dispensary’s website and navigate to online purchases. If online purchases are not available in your area, you cannot buy cannabis online. Some dispensaries have paired with delivery services, while others require you to come in in-person to pick up your cannabis products. Watch out for websites that request cryptocurrency payments or e-transfer.
Find top-rated products for your goals
Jointly is a cannabis discovery app that makes it easy to find and match with the best cannabis and CBD products for your goals. Your matches are calculated from the real product ratings and experiences of hundreds of thousands of people using the Jointly app.
If you’re ready to discover new products and reach your goals, download the Jointly app today on theApp Store or Google Play, or explore your matches on the Jointly website.
With Jointly, match with top-rated products, and build lists of your favorites to save, share, and bring to your local dispensary to help guide your shopping experience.
Jointly also helps you track your cannabis experiences through reflections that help you understand what’s working, and what’s not. In fact, the quality of your diet,how much you slept,who you’re with, and thetime of day are just some of the factors that can impact your experiences.
So if you’re ready to enjoy your perfect cannabis experience, download the Jointly app today on theApp Store or Google Play, or explore your matches on the Jointly website. Discovery awaits.
Sam Anderson is the Content Director at Jointly, a cannabis wellness company powered by a proprietary data platform to help people reach their full potential. The company was created on the premise that purposeful cannabis consumption is the key to unlocking a better you. This article originally appeared on Jointly and has been reposted with permission.
There are some universal red flags that you can look out for to see if it might be time for you to put down the bong and give weed a break.
With winter and the holidays fast approaching, elastic waisted sweat pants and mid-afternoon sunsets have also reemerged. The dawn of the holiday season not only brings cheer, but also tends to bring some lethargy and increased consumption. You may have already noticed a bit of cold weather weight gain as your activity has decreased. Maybe your weed consumption has increased as more hours are spent indoors. Is it time for a cannabis detox?
Perhaps your cannabis consumption has even increased a little too much. But determining when your cannabis habit has become a bit more than a habit can be a bit tricky.
Knowing when it’s time to take a break from cannabis is an individual decision with many variables at play. Still, there are some universal red flags that you can look out for to see if it might be time for you to put down the bong and give weed a break. Here are five clear signs that it is time for you to take a cannabis detox.
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Your Cannabis Budget Keeps Expanding
One of the easiest signs to notice that maybe it’s time to cool it on cannabis is purely financial. This warning sign is relatively easy to track – just check your bank account. If you notice you are spending a lot more money on weed than normal, it usually means two things. For one, you are definitely getting high more often than you used to. It also means that your tolerance has gone up.
As we havereported in the past, the more you use cannabis, in turn the more you need to consume to achieve the same effect. If your tolerance and weed budget has more than doubled going into the holidays, perhaps a tolerance break is in order. At the very least, it will help get your weed budget back to a manageable number.
You’re Getting High When You Shouldn’t
Another sign that you are in need of a weed detox is if you find yourself getting high in situations where it is not socially acceptable, or downright illegal. If, for example, you are driving around aimlessly while high, this is a big red flag. If you are showing up high to work and hoping the boss doesn’t notice, then you should probably take a sober look in the mirror and see how you can change this behavior.
Worse, if you have lost your job, sacrificed relationships or had other negative impacts due to getting high when you shouldn’t, you should really think about taking a break. These impacts are often caused by cannabis dependance, which can happen when we rely on cannabis (or any substance) as a crutch.
You Feel Like You “Need” It For Certain Activities
There is truth to the saying “too much of a good thing.” While cannabis can be deeply therapeutic, if abused, just like pretty much any substance, it can have harmful effects. While marijuana is not very physically addictive, at least not in the way that nicotine, opioids, or alcohol are, it can lead to dependence in some. Cannabis use disorder, as defined by the CDC, is “are unable to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and social problems in their lives.” It mentions some symptoms to include using more marijuana than intended, and “using marijuana even though it causes problems at home, school or work.”
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You’re Cannabis Use Is Weighing on You
Another big red flag that it is time for a detox is if your cannabis use is affecting your wellbeing. If you are dwelling on how often you get high and it makes you guilty, or even depressed, then maybe it is time to regroup. Sure, as we havereported before, some studies have suggested cannabis can help with some symptoms of depression.
But other studies, like a 2017 study on this subject, found that, “cannabis reduces perceived symptoms of negative affect in the short-term, but continued use may exacerbate baseline symptoms of depression over time.” So it is too soon to tell whether weed is helping or hurting your own unique mental state.
Taking a break, and accompanying that break with productive and healthy activities is a great way to get your mind right. You can always get high again down the road, but your happiness and mental health is paramount, and if you think cannabis is getting in its way, give it a rest.
Your Routine Has Become Lethargic (And Is Mostly Indoors)
It can happen to the best of us, but sometimes we hibernate more than any human being is meant to. This lethargy can be heightened by cannabis use, as it can be incredibly easy to get high and do nothing but snack all day when it’s below freezing outside. Sure, lazy days are part of winter, but every day? That might be pushing it.
Consider your health. If, for example, you find that your clothes don’t fit, or if you are winded walking up a flight of stairs that normally causes you no issue, then maybe consider a pivot in your lifestyle. A cannabis detox is often a great place to start.
Cases brought against cannabis companies have seemingly been on the rise as of late. The legal actions vary in form and could create a sense of unease within the industry. With the headline-grabbing cases, are bad actors in cannabis on the decline?
RICO Charges Target Cannabis
One of the most common legal tactics used in recent years has seen the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Enacted by the Nixon administration as part of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, RICO charges were designed to keep proceeds from illicit operations out of legal entities, primarily targeting organized crime and triple damages for winning plaintiffs.
But more civil plaintiffs have turned to RICO charges for issues unrelated to organized crime.
Unlike federal RICO action, civil cases have not focused on illegal funds. A Colorado case in 2017, Safe Streets Alliance v. Hickenlooper, saw the anti-cannabis organization alleging that nearby cannabis operations drove down property values. The claim was ultimately dismissed.
Cannabis operators have filed RICO charges as well. In June 2022, the Cayuga Nation claimed a RICO violation and conspiracy allegations against Pipekeepers Tobacco & Gas, saying the shop operated illegally and was taking money from the Nation. The case is ongoing, but two of the RICO claims were dismissed in September. The only issue remaining is the claim that the store building was bought with racketeering funds.
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In Arkansas, four cannabis operators face RICO charges over alleged inflated THC numbers. The class action case brought by three patients alleges that lab Steep Hill Arkansas and three grow operations, Bold Team, Natural State Medicinals, and Osage Creek Cultivation, took part in deceiving customers via inflated THC figures.
Rather than being representative of bad actors in the industry, some insiders say that the cases are driven by outsiders looking to stifle the industry.
Steve DeAngelo, a Steep Hill co-founder who left the company in 2019, doesn’t consider the allegations against that company significant. Instead, he called the charges “shady,” alleging the plaintiffs in the case “are folks who are basically trying to invalidate a state medical cannabis law using a federal preemption clause.”
Despite the lack of worry over the Arkansas RICO charges, DeAngelo expressed concern over the legal tactic. “There’s a real danger that if you set a precedent, federal law can preempt the state medical cannabis law,” he said.
David Feder, a business and litigation attorney and founding member of firm Weed Law, feels that the cannabis space continues to suffer from bad actors in the public and private sectors in part because they hide behind EBITDA numbers rather than bottom line results.
“If cannabis companies weren’t allowed to use adjusted EBITDA, we’d probably have a lot more truth and transparency,” he said.
Feder is involved in his own RICO case against Acreage Holdings, in which he alleges Acreage stole the New York license held by his company, EPMMNY, to sell to patients in the legal market.
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Additional Charges of Concern
While RICO cannabis charges have proved generally ineffective in court, other approaches might have more success.
In November, California brands Greenfield Organix and LPF JV Corporation were named in a class action customer lawsuit filed by firm Dovel & Luner. The charges allege THC potency inflation in Kingroll-brand pre-rolls.
The filing is the firm’s second class action against California THC brands. In October, they filed a customer class action against DreamFields Inc. and Med for America Inc., alleging that Jeeter-brand products contained lower THC percentages than stated.
THC often gets headline attention but is far from the only possible fraud charge in the sector. In October, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged Canadian cannabis brand Cronos and former Chief Commercial Officer William Hilson with fraud and aiding and abetting company violations. The action stems from a $2.3 million accounting oversight between 2019 and 2021, which Cronos self-reported after an internal audit.
Cronos settled with the SEC, paying no financial penalties and agreeing to hire independent compliance consultants. Hilson paid a five-figure fine to the Ontario Securities Commission and is prohibited from practicing before the SEC for three years.
Despite ongoing concerns and recent rises in reports, Lewis Koski, chief strategy officer for Metrc and former director of the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division, feels regulatory technology and market maturation are helping minimize intentionally improper companies and actors.
“My personal experience as a former regulator, the regulated framework and the businesses that operated within that framework shine a really bright light on the ones that are not,” he said.
Before you head out to meet your family this turkey day, read up on these five essential tips so you can have a successful thanksgiving celebration with cannabis.
Cannabis lends itself quite nicely to Thanksgiving celebrations. From mouthwatering food to reconnecting with loved ones, there are all sorts of reasons why a little weed can go a long way to enhance this holiday.
In fact, in a recentAyr Wellness survey of U.S. cannabis consumers, 65% of respondents said they will choose cannabis over alcohol for “Danksgiving,” and 34% plan to serve THC-infused food.
So if you are someone planning to add a little cannabis to the more traditional seasonings of nutmeg and clove that flavor this holiday, you aren’t alone. But just because you are not alone does not mean you should throw caution and common sense to the wind; there are plenty of ways your holiday can go off the rails.
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Don’t Show Up Looking or Smelling Stoned
This rule should always be followed. In fact, if you’re a seasoned cannabis user then you should know better by now. If you need to have some herbal therapy before embarking on a day with the extended family, make sure you brush your teeth, use mouthwash, cologne, eye drops – all the above if necessary.
Showing up smelling like bong water or with bright red eyes is only going to worry your grandparents. If you plan to take the elevated route with your family, do so incognito as much as possible. Consider bringing low-dosage edibles or a non-offensive smelling vape if you think you will require some assistance throughout the day. Reconsider bringing along dank smelling nugs.
Consider Microdosing to Reduce Family Stress
If you are thinking about how you will cope with the added stress that family holidays bring, consider sprinkling small doses of weed into your holiday plans. Microdosing, as we havereported, can have many benefits. One great benefit is helping you feel relaxed and calm.
Make sure you have the proper dosage down before Thanksgiving so you don’t overdo it on the actual holiday. Microdosing is a great way to incorporate the benefits of weed without being noticeably high, or too out of it to enjoy the day.
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Post-Meal Weed Walk and Talk (With the Right Audience)
Cannabis doesn’t always need to be something hiding in the shadows. So you may want to use weed as a chance to bring you and some of your family even closer.
Now, that doesn’t mean lighting up a joint at the dinner table and passing it to your uncle. But a pre-planned walk in a nearby park with your cousins, or somewhere you all used to play as kids might be a great way to reconnect and reminisce. Just make sure you aren’t breaking any laws in the process.
Save Weed for Post-Family Movies With Friends
Lots of people plan to celebrate Thanksgiving with weed. But that doesn’t mean that everyone (or even a large minority) of people want to get high around their families. In fact, according to the Ayr Wellness cannabissurvey, 54% of respondents said they will consume cannabis with friends on Thanksgiving. So maybe save the weed for later in the day.
You can get high and share heaps of leftover desserts with your friends or head to one of the many blockbuster movies that come out on the holiday. Either way, just know you can always wait until later on to infuse your Thanksgiving with weed.
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Don’t Get Too High, Seriously
Just like you shouldn’t show up looking or smelling high, also make sure you don’t use Thanksgiving as an excuse to get baked out of your mind – at least not around your family. Overeating is accepted on Thanksgiving, getting uncontrollably stoned is not.
Try to consume a conservative amount, leaving room for error. Thanksgiving should be a day for enjoying food and giving thanks, not struggling to stay awake and fight off paranoia.
When you feel the “Grim Reefer” approaching, isolate yourself from whatever is going on in your immediate environment, ASAP!
Like it or not, one of the potential negative side effects of cannabis can be paranoia and in some cases, panic. The latter is typically set off by the former, but throughout my years of smoking cannabis and engaging with the user base — I have personally witnessed a few people who “lost their bananas” on weed. The stress of holiday season can bring some strange reactions to your normal weed enjoyment, too.
A few times, I also found myself tip toeing the fine line of sanity as a direct result of weed. Once, because I over consumed on edibles which sparked a deep 18 hour trip I’ll never forget. Another time I smoked some dank weed in Santa Monica from a stranger who claimed to be a dispensary owner. It was certainly some of the more potent stuff I’ve smoked in my life and made “the way back” a lot more difficult than I had imagined. The public nature of the expedition was what added a level of difficulty. Some cannabis strains may induce the “paranoia” feeling more than other marijuana strains.
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Panic, anxiety, paranoia can happen if you’re in the wrong place, or with the wrong people. When you don’t feel safe or in an environment that you can relax in, one of two things can happen. Either you run down a rabbit hole of paranoia and fear, or you sober up and get the heck out of there.
In most cases, when my gut tells me to get out of a place, I listen! However, sometimes you can be smoking alone when panic sets in. I once had a friend of mine freak out at the realization that we’re on a rock floating in space. His mind was able to perceive the smallness of his being compared to the infinite expanse of the universe and as a result, he started to hyperventilate.
What this did was quickly expel all of the CO2 from his blood that induces hypocapnia, which in turn can begin to produce symptoms that exacerbate the narrative in your head.
According to Science Direct: “Hyperventilation causes acute hypocapnia resulting in cerebral vasoconstriction, hypocalcemia, a shift in the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve, and reduced oxygen delivery. Symptoms include lightheadedness, dizziness, faintness, paresthesias, and altered consciousness. Hypocalcemia with alkalosis may cause seizures and tetany.”
This is in relation to hyperventilation, which is surprisingly much easier to do than you’d expect. Couple this with some highly potent cannabis, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for potential havoc. Of course, the vast majority of people who smoke cannabis don’t experience these symptoms, but for those who have walked this line before, you know that it doesn’t take much to get you to the edge.
What do you do when you feel the “Grim Reefer” revealing yourself to yourself? The first thing you should do is isolate yourself from whatever is going on in your immediate environment. Whether you’re at a party or alone, a change of scenery and a breath of fresh air should already help alleviate a lot of your symptoms. The simple act of “getting away from the scene” can be enough to shift you back to a more resourceful state.
However, if you still find that you are not feeling optimal, anxiety clawing at your throat and a weird feeling in the pit of your stomach, the next step is to breathe slowly with controlled breath retentions. What you’re doing here is forcing your autonomic nervous system to switch form sympathetic (fight/flight/fear/fold) to parasympathetic (rest/digest/reproduce). You can do this by simply inhaling for a count of four seconds, holding it for a count of seven-seconds and then exhaling for eight seconds. Do this at least ten times and then simply release your breath and observe if you feel any better.
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Odds are by now you’d have a bit more control over your panic. If you want to elevate the feeling of detoxing yourself from stress and anxiety, simply visualize yourself breathing in peace and calmness and exhaling everything that is plaguing you.
If you need to breathe like this for a while, do so. If you follow this pattern of breathing you can even induce sleep. It’s a very powerful technique that has saved me from many “troubled trips”.
However, even when you do deep breathing it might not be enough for your level of anxiety or stress. In this case, all you have to do is close your eyes and simply exhale longer than you inhale. For example, inhale for a count of four, and exhale for the count of five or six. This is all you need to do, nothing too complicated.
Then, as you sit there with the paranoia and darkness covering you – begin to observe it as opposed to be affected by it. It’s a strange thing, however – typically when you stop reacting to these adverse side effects and simply become attentive to them, they quickly begin to change in intensity.
The way you observe them is simple. Just take a moment and focus on the breath — and only on the breath. This allows for a small disruption in the way you are reacting to the situation. Once you have focused on the breath for a few rounds return to whatever feeling is ailing you in the moment. Take a moment to see how it feels, describe it but don’t engage with it. Simply say things like “it feels like X or Y”. Then see where it sits in your body. Is it in your neck, chest or stomach. Do you have pain in your back or is your muscles having spasms? What’s the intensity — is there a rhythm to it?
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This exercise helps in several ways. Firstly, it keeps your mind busy “observing” and not “participating in the madness”. Secondly, it allows you to focus your attention to the specific areas. If you want to go deep, you can ask questions like, “When last did I feel something like this?” and then wait in silence for an answer to appear.
In all likeliness, a flash of a memory or a specific event will come to mind. Then ask yourself, when was the first time I ever felt like this…and wait again. You’ll be surprised at what you can uncover during moments like these.
However, if you’re not in the mood for internal discovery, you’ll simply observe these areas, and then, as you inhale deeply, imagine how you are filling those areas with calm light, and as you exhale, just release everything.
It might take a few tries to disrupt the mental chatter, but once you grab hold of some peace, it will guide you to safe waters.
In the vast majority of the cases that people end up in the ER for weed is because they don’t know how to calm themselves down when they are spiraling out of control. It’s not always easy, our internal illusions are strong. But with enough practice, you can walk on psychological razor blades unscathed.
Can the cannabinoid CBN help slow aging in brain cells, and protect the brain from age-related conditions?
It turns out that one of the ways your brain cells fresh over time is with a steady dose of CBD. The science team at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies revealed this discovery.. Their data shows CBN, a minor and relatively unknown cannabinoid, has the potential to protect brain cells from the adverse impact of aging. So, is CBD a key to keeping the brain sharp? Data says maybe.
Research on medical cannabis has been going on for many decades. For the most of this duration, scientists have focused more on the therapeutic properties of major cannabinoid compounds (i.e. THC and CBD). Minor cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), acid (CBNA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabigerol (CBG), and acid (THCA) have been given less attention. We’ve begun to observe an influx of research into these minor compounds.
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Scientists say that these minor cannabinoids have more to offer medically. New researchers are investigating how these compounds are broken down and their interactions with the endocannabinoid system, emphasizing their effects on the brain.
Cannabinol and the Human Brain
Cannabinol has a similar molecular structure to THC, the major difference being that it is not psychoactive. The non-psychoactive property of the compound has caused it to be less regulated by federal agencies. The Salk researchers were pleased to announce their latest influential studies, which have established that cannabinol (CBN) positively impacts the brain. In the last decade, scientists around the world have tried to investigate the medical potential of CBN. However, the federal prohibition of the cannabis plant has limited these studies.
The primary pathway to the death of cells is through oxidative injuries. This is usually followed by neurologic disorders in aged people. This new study describes how cannabinol can shield brain cells, also called nerve cells, from the damaging effects of this pathway. The findings of this trial have been published in the online Free Radical Biology and Medicine journal. The detailed report implies that cannabinol could be an effective drug to treat or manage age-induced neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Scientists suggest that CBN has a high potential for protecting nerve cells as a person ages.
Salk Study Research
Professor Pamela Maher, senior author and head of Salk’s Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, said her team had discovered the anti-neurodegenerative effects of cannabinol. She mentioned that her team studied how the cannabinoid shields nerve cells from oxidative stress and death, which are major contributors to the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases.
According to Neuroscience News, Maher and her team of brilliant researchers believe this discovery would lead to the development of new drugs and treatment plans to treat various neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Maher’s lab had studied the use of cannabinol in the past, and this recent investigation was done to build on the first discoveries. In the preliminary research, the team found out about the protective properties of CBN on the brain and how CBN could be used to derive drugs for neurological diseases.
This recent study focused more on how CBN functions in the body. During this study, Salk scientists took into account the oxytosis and ferroptosis processes, a major contributing factor to aging and diseased brain cells. The oxytosis, or ferroptosis process occurs in aging brains. The mechanism is induced by the gradual loss of glutathione, an antioxidant, as a person ages. It results in prominent damage or death to neural cells through lip oxidation. The trial began by administering CBN to nerve cells to observe how they limit oxidative action. The scientists then proceeded to propose a different mechanism to induce oxidative damage.
Study Observations
Following testing healthy and damaged brain cells with cannabinol, the following observations were made. The report stated that the administered cannabinol protected the nerve cells. They also observed that the mitochondria, a cell’s powerhouse, were protected from oxidative damage.
The mitochondria in healthy cells were compared with those in damaged cells. Maher and her team found that the mitochondria in the damaged cell appeared to be folded up in a round shape to shield it from more damage. These scrunched-up powerhouses are frequently noticed within the brain cells of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients.
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On the other hand, the healthy cells appropriately housed functioning mitochondria. The powerhouse in these cells remained in its regular, non-folded form.
Maher wrote that her team successfully showed that cannabinol could contribute to maintaining mitochondria in nerve cells. She added that the protective effects of CBN urged the proper functioning of the powerhouse.
More Information
Zhinin Liang, co-author and postdoctoral fellow, says that smoke evidence shows that cannabinol is safe for human and animal consumption. This can be linked to the absence of psychotropic effects after CBN is consumed. The researcher said that CBN works on specific cells in the body while delivering therapeutic effects.
Maher also noted that her team’s findings reveal implications for other neurodegenerative diseases connected to glutathione loss. The dysfunction of a nerve cell’s powerhouse results in further damage to nearby tissues. The potential of CBN to heal and maintain functions in a powerhouse suggests that it could also be used to treat other parts of the body besides the brain. This opens the floor for further research beyond the context of neurodegenerative conditions. The next agenda item for the team is to reproduce the above study in a preclinical mouse model.
Other researchers that contributed to the success of this study include Brendan Duggan from the University of California, Antonio Currais, David Schubert, Devin Kepchiaz, and David Soriano-Castell Salk. The Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Salk, the Shikey Foundation, the University of California, The Bundy Foundation, and the National Health Institute provided funding.
Bottom Line
Salk’s CBN research points out the need for more investigations into lesser-studied cannabinoids. Most of these minor cannabinoids have shown little therapeutic potential in the limited levels of research done.
Some of the therapeutic benefits possessed by CBN, as suggested by anecdotal evidence, include pain relief, stress relief, and anti-inflammatory effects. This buttresses Maher’s point that further comprehensive research must be done.
Always take short and slow puffs from your vaporizer. Taking hard, long draws can introduce cold air into the heating section, reducing the temperature inside the device.
Smoking weed is the most common way to enjoy cannabis, but there is a better way to inhale — vaping. Vaping and heat-not-burn devices avoid some of the issues related to smoking, such as carcinogens created by combustion.
Additionally, vapes are more efficient. A California NORML study revealed that vaporizers could deliver 46% of the THC in a cannabis sample. A joint of cannabis delivers only around 25% of the THC. The rest is lost to destruction by heat and side-stream smoke.
To vape weed, you must heat the cannabis flower to release the terpenes and cannabinoids as vapor. But you’ll need a few things to get started.
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Quality herb: extremely dry or overly moist flower won’t give you a great vaping experience. Make sure your flower is properly cured and contains a normal moisture level.
Vaporizer: you will need a vaporizer to vape weed. Vaporizers range from small handheld devices to medical-grade devices that sit on your tabletop.
Grinder: some convection vaporizers let you use full buds, but vaping is best done with ground flower, particularly if you have a conduction vaporizer. Grinding your cannabis will help increase the surface area, allowing for even heating and a better vaping experience.
Accessories: some vaporizers come with cleaning accessories such as brushes, cotton swabs, alcohol, pipe cleaners, and stir tools.
Once you have gathered the required tools to load your vaporizer, follow these steps:
Charge or plug in your vaporizer
Place your weed in your vaporizer’s oven.
With your finger or a tool, remove excess weed from the top to make the surface relatively flat. Don’t stuff the vaporizer with too much weed. Allow airflow.
Turn on the device. A useful rule of thumb is to set the device around 356-410°F. But once you get used to using the device, select your preferred temperature.
As the cannabis begins to heat up, inhale.
Always take short and slow puffs from your vaporizer. Taking hard, long draws can introduce cold air into the heating section, reducing the temperature inside the device.
After vaping, check the device to examine the weed’s color. If what’s left looks brown with a touch of green, then it is an Already Vaped Bud (AVB). You can use the AVB for edibles and recipes like cannabutter and brownies.
Now you know how to vape weed. The first device most opt for is the vape pen, which is a vaporizer for cannabis concentrates.
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How to Use a Vape Pen
A vape pen is a cylindrical tool that is roughly the size of a standard ball-point pen. This device often comes with a battery attached to a cartridge, which contains between .3g – 1g of cannabis concentrate or rosin.
Although the parts of a vape pen depend on the model, most vape pens have similar core components. They include:
Vape battery – The battery makes vaping achievable. Some batteries come with a button that lets the user change heat settings or switch the pen on and off.
Vape cartridge – the cartridge is attached to the vape battery. You will also see your desired vaping substance and an atomizer in the vape cartridge.
Mouthpiece – You inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece.
Here’s how to use it:
First, turn on the vape pen by touching the power button 5 times. Once it lights up, you have powered it on successfully.
Click and hold the power button to transmit power to the atomizer.
The atomizer will heat up the oil nearly instantly, producing vapor. Inhale slowly and gently and take small puffs. Some vape pens can get too hot if you inhale hard.
Please note that vaporizers should not get hot enough to burn your oil or flower. However, some vape pens are more like portable smoking devices than true vaporizers. If the heating element in your vape pen gets hot enough to combust the oil, try to set your device to the low-heat setting to ensure you are vaporizing your oil and not combusting it.
Vape pens are easy and convenient. It is best to store your vape pen upright to avoid unexpected oil leaks from the cartridge.
Note: Skip any stage that involves a button if you’re using a draw-fire vape. Instead, just take a draw and the pen will produce vapor. Once you’ve finished, the vape pen will go off on its own.
