New Federal Bill Would Help Small Weed Farmers Compete With Big MSOs

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September 14, 2022

New Federal Bill Would Help Small Weed Farmers Compete With Big MSOs

One of the objectives of the legislation is to allow small growers to consolidate themselves in the market, just as the multi-state operators do.

Rep. Jared Huffman and Rep. Earl Blumenauer filed a bill that would help small cannabis growers compete against multi-state operators when (and if) marijuana is federally legalized.

With this legislation, titled the “Small and Homestead Independent Producers (SHIP) Act,” the two congressmen are proposing to give growers the ability to ship and sell products directly to consumers within and across state lines, reported Marijuana Moment.

Congress continues to work toward ending the marijuana federal ban, and the ideal would be that after legalization, markets become available for everyone who wants to build their own cannabis businesses.

In July, the long-awaited U.S. Senate legislation that would decriminalize and deschedule cannabis on the federal level, while also promoting social equity, was unveiled. Known as the Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act (CAOA) the bill (sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Ron Wyden and Cory Booker) proposes a comprehensive marijuana reform.

growing cannabis — Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash

What Is In SHIP Act?

The SHIP Act addresses concerns that smaller businesses will find it difficult to compete with large corporations, which have the resources and infrastructure to expand rapidly when marijuana becomes federally legal. For this reason, one of the objectives of the legislation is to allow small growers to consolidate themselves in the market, just as the multi-state operators do.

The legislation is designed to minimize that risk and maximize opportunities for those smaller farmers and producers.

“It is a daunting business environment that they’re facing. Markets are consolidating,” Rep. Huffman told Marijuana Moment ahead of the bill’s introduction. “The huge multinational corporations are certainly going to do very well, but we want to make sure that the smaller operations have a chance to compete and succeed.”

Small Marijuana Producers, First on the Value Chain

Historically, direct-to-consumer models have benefited small farmers in traditional agriculture farms, allowing them to bring their produce to market without going through third-party distributors or retailers requiring additional expenses.

“A small cultivator of marijuana and a small manufacturer of a marijuana product may ship and sell marijuana or a marijuana product to an individual located in that State or another State in which possession of marijuana or the marijuana product is lawful by that individual, using the Postal Service or any private or commercial interstate carrier,” reads the text of the legislation.

Huffman, who represents a large swath of California long associated with the marijuana trade, said that he does not think folks are going to see “a lot of the mega-farms in my district” when marijuana is federally legalized. “You’re going to see a lot of mom-and-pop operations trying to keep the lights on,” he added.

hemp cannabis crop — Photo by Remedy Pics via Unsplash

Cannabis Means Social Equity

Moreover, Shaleen Title, co-founder of the Parabola Center and a former Massachusetts cannabis regulator who has advocated for equity-based solutions in the cannabis industry, said that her organization is “proud to endorse the SHIP Act—the first federal marijuana bill we have ever endorsed.”

“This is the only legislation so far that takes cannabis policy beyond the Big Tobacco model of industry domination and toward the craft cannabis model that benefits both small businesses and consumers,” Shaleen Title added.

In addition, Genine Coleman, executive director of Origins Council said in a press release that “the direct-to-consumer model is a necessary resource for any small-scale craft-producing community that is deeply tied to the land on which it creates—whether it produces wine, whiskey, cheese, beer, cannabis, or honey.”

Among trade organizations that have already endorsed the SHIP Act are Origins Council, Humboldt Country Growers Alliance, F.A.R.M.S. Inc, Washington Sun & Craft Growers Association, Vermont Growers Association, Maine Craft Cannabis Association, Farm Bug Co-Op, Big Sur Farmers Association, Nevada County Cannabis Alliance, Mendocino Cannabis Alliance, Trinity County Agricultural Alliance and the Sonoma County Growers Alliance.

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

GOP Lawmakers Urge Dems To Consider Environmental Impact Of Cannabis Legislation

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 14, 2022

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GOP Lawmakers Urge Dems To Consider Environmental Impact Of Cannabis Legislation

The letter claims that indoor cannabis cultivation accounts for 10% of overall energy consumption in Massachusetts and cannabis grow emissions in Colorado are on par with trash collection and coal mining.

By Joana Scopel

Republican Reps. Earl Carter of Georgia and Doug Lamborn of Colorado urged Senate Democrats to conduct research into the environmental impact of their proposed cannabis legalization bill.

“The American people must have a better understanding of the environmental costs of this rapidly growing industry,” wrote the lawmakers, which was obtained by the Washington Examiner.

“As Congress debates whether to advance marijuana legalization, the American people must have a better understanding of the environmental costs of this rapidly growing industry. If the Administration seeks to reduce emissions and protect our environment as aggressively as it has previously committed, we must have a comprehensive view of where emissions and other pollution occurs, as they will likely only grow,” wrote Carter and Lamborn.

legal marijuana — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

Citing studies of the energy usage of the industry, the letter claims that indoor cannabis cultivation accounts for 10% of overall energy consumption in Massachusetts and cannabis grow emissions in Colorado are on par with trash collection and coal mining.

Carter and Lamborn asked the four agencies for “detailed responses” to these questions by Nov. 30:

How does current marijuana legalization impact state energy consumption and emission levels?
How would federal legalization of marijuana affect national energy consumption and emission levels?
What is the anticipated growth of energy usage and emissions from the marijuana industry?
How will growing energy demands from the marijuana industry affect the reliability of our electric grid?
What impact do illegal marijuana growing operations have on the country’s water supply?
What harms do illegal marijuana growers’ use of various fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides pose to wildlife, habitats, and humans in the United States?

The letter was addressed to the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Departments of Energy, Interior, and Power in response to the bill released by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), entitled Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act (CAOA) and presented in the Senate in July.

The bill includes plans to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, expunge prior convictions and allow people who are serving time for applicable crimes to petition for resentencing, which also promotes social equity.

Schumer said that the proposal will “ensure restorative justice, public health and implement responsible taxes and regulations.” “The overwhelming evidence from the states that have legalized cannabis is there has not been an increase in crime and has not been an increase in drug use,” Schumer recently told reporters. “I think it makes a great deal of sense to legalize it.”

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

Using Marijuana While Pregnant Might Cause This Disorder

Maria Loreto

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September 14, 2022

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Using Marijuana While Pregnant Might Cause This Disorder

A new study found a link between marijuana use during pregnancy and a variety of mental health disorders in young children.

A new study suggests that children born from mothers who consumed cannabis during pregnancy have higher odds of experiencing a variety of mental health issues.

Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study found that children whose mothers used marijuana in their fifth or sixth week of pregnancy were at higher risk of developing mental health problems.

Marijuana Effects On Pregnancy and Breastfeeding — Photo by Wes Hicks via Unsplash

The study has data from 10,000 students who were exposed to cannabis while in the womb, all between the ages of 11 and 12. Results showed that these kids were more likely to have ADHD and to exhibit aggressive behaviors, conduct disorders, and were more likely to break rules.

While researchers believe that these results should be kept in mind, especially in the case of pregnant women, they make it clear that the study doesn’t suggest that marijuana produces mental health disorders.

Like any other type of substance use during pregnancy, marijuana use has long been considered a risk. While cannabis can provide relief for pregnancies, particularly for those that are dealing with nausea, there’s not a lot of research on the matter.

Over the years, researchers have found links between marijuana and behavioral problems in children and higher rates of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

The evidence that’s available is confusing and needs more research in order to draw definitive conclusions and to allow people to be educated on the substances they consume and the impact these can have on their bodies.

Now that marijuana is becoming legalized across the U.S. and in different parts of the world, it’s vital for responsible parties to equip people with all the information they can, especially when discussing children’s health.

When Exactly Should I Pop My Edible?

Tom Gaffey

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September 14, 2022

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Timing edibles can be tricky. There’s no exact science, but there are some tips that can help you get the most out of heightening experiences.

Edibles are growing significantly in popularity, and are finding their way into all sorts of activities. From exercise, travel, sleep and everything in between, someone is popping an edible and seeing if it enhances the experience. Edibles do, in fact, enhance all sorts of activities (when practiced safely, of course). But they also take time to work their magic.

When it comes to edibles, it’s all about timing. Too soon and you’re high before you want to be. Too late and you’re staring at your watch wishing you ate your gummy sooner and wondering how much longer it will take to feel the effects. While there’s no definitive answer, here are some helpful tricks to enhance your edibles experience.

When You Have a Long Journey Ahead

Best Time: During Pre-Boarding Announcements

Edibles are becoming a companion of the avid traveler. For those who take frequent long flights (five hours or more), or are frequent riders of long buses and trains, edibles can really take the edge off. Even if you aren’t able to sleep, the anxiety and restlessness decreases. Suddenly, looking out your window is interesting, and just like that – you’re at your destination. But timing your edible for a long journey is critical.

Flying During Holidays — Photo by Flickr user Jaysin Trevino

If you have a coast to coast flight or something similar, around 6 hours, then a standard dose edible (between 5 and 10 mg — depending on your tolerance) is perfect.

Since an edible should last for almost the entirety of your flight, you should want it to kick in just after departure. In order to have that timing, you would need to pop your edible before you prepare to board your train, bus or airplane. This, of course, would involve bringing it through TSA if you are flying. As we reported before, TSA might not be looking for your edibles, but they are under obligation to report them if they find them – so consider yourself warned.

Before the Concert

Best Time: After the Opening Act Plays Their First Song

As we have previously reported, marijuana and music are a wonderful pairing. But you want to make sure your edible is peaking when your favorite songs are playing, not when the opening act takes the stage. While concert security is less concerned with edibles than weapons and hard drugs, you might not want to risk having your edibles confiscated.

concert — Photo by Sebastian Ervi from Pexels

Try and get a detailed schedule, or call the venue to find out when the headliner is scheduled to perform. According to Music Getaway, most opening acts play around 30 minutes, and sometimes a big longer. Figure about 30 minutes of a break between the opening act and the headliner, and you are looking at a little over an hour after you hear the first song by the opening act before you hear the main event. For this reason, try to wait until the opening act has played at least one song before you pop your edible. If edibles take a while to kick in for you, then pop it before you go through security.

Before Bed

Best Time: Before You Start Your Nightly Routine

More and more people are turning to cannabis in the form of CBD and THC to help with sleeping issues. Edibles are definitely the way to go, as they are long lasting and kick in gradually. Also, no one wants to smell like weed and smoke right after they finish a nightly routine and brushing their teeth.

Instead, consider popping your edible before you start your evening routine. This way once you are fully winded down your edible will slowly start to reveal its effects. Keep in mind, however, that what you ate for dinner can impact how your edible kicks in. According to Shape.com, “If you have a carb-heavy meal with little fat, expect the edible to take longer to sink in and have a shorter effect. With a fat- and oil-rich meal, the edible will likely kick in sooner and you’ll have a longer-lasting effect in the body.” So make sure you factor in your dinner and dessert into your timing.

A Day In Nature

Best Time: After You Lay Out a Picnic Blanket and Apply Sunscreen

Marijuana is a great way to help you reconnect with nature, and edibles are a great way to unlock this magic. The slow onset, and the long lasting experience can turn a day in the park into a truly mood altering activity. Edibles are ideal not only because they come on slower and last longer, but also because smoking may not be an option.

Many parks are smoke free (this usually includes tobacco and cannabis). In fact, according to American Non-Smokers Rights Foundation literature, there are close to 2,000 parks (and all National Parks) that ban smoking. So edibles are definitely the safe way to go. But when is the best time?

picnic — Photo by Jennie Clavel via Unsplash

When it comes to marijuana and a day outdoors, it is important you have everything you need for the day before you get stoned. This means checking you have water, food, sunscreen applied and everything else you need to enjoy your day before you throw caution to the wind. So it is safe to say that once you have unpacked your materials, confirmed you have the necessities, you can officially pop your edible and apply some sunscreen.

What Is Kief And How To Use It

Sam Anderson

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September 14, 2022

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Kief is the trichome-rich powder you’ll find at the bottom of your grinder. It’s loaded with THC, and is traditionally used as the basis of hashish.

Kief is term that refers to trichomes that have been separated from the cannabis plant. Cannabis kief contains significantly less plant matter than whole cannabis flower, and it is rich in cannabinoids, making it a highly potent cannabis product.

Commonly referred to as “keef,” “cannabis crystals,” “chief,” or simply “dust” due to its particulate nature. It can be harvested from marijuana leaves, flower, and plants by dry sifting cannabis with a kief box.

Another common way people extract it is by grinding marijuana with a 3-chamber grinder; the powdery substance beneath the mesh screen is kief.

quick & easy primer on hash — Photo by Jonathan Kantor/Getty Images

How to Smoke Kief

Kief is a powdery substance, so it is best to combine it with cannabis flower when smoking. A popular way to smoke is to roll a joint, which is where you mix your flower with kief and then roll a joint. If you want to smoke it without cannabis flower, you can use a pipe, bong, or dry herb vaporizer. Many kief aficionados prefer vaping.

How to Use Kief

There are plenty of ways to use, even if you don’t want to smoke it. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Bake it into edibles

Kief makes it easy to infuse your kitchen creations with cannabis. Use it like cannabis flower, but be cautious as it is more potent than flower. Another good reason to make edibles it contains less plant material. As a result, the taste of cannabis won’t overpower the flavors of the main baking ingredients.

Add it to your tea

Whip decarbed kief with milk or cream, blend the mixture with your coffee or tea, and enjoy a delicious kief-y concoction.

Use it to make weed oil

Infuse olive oil or coconut oil with decarb kief to make cannabis oil. Read this if you don’t know how to decarb weed. Follow our recipe (replacing cannabis with kief) to make weed oil at home and store your infused oil away from direct sunlight for two to three weeks.

Press it into hash

Hash is often made with kief. Non-solvent hash is easy to make, and you can easily make it with a kief press and a heat source. Here are the steps to make a non-solvent hash:

Scoop it into a mold with a kief scraper.
Heat your mold using an indirect flame.
Pour the heated kief into a kief press.
Squeeze or apply pressure to the press. Sustain the pressure until it turns into bricks, blocks, or spheres.

Here’s how to make hash at home.

What Is Kief And How Can Marijuana Patients Use It? — Photo by James Kaliwae/Wikimedia

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.

Cannabis To Remain Prohibited By The World Anti-Doping Agency — Here’s Why

Maria Loreto

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September 13, 2022

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Cannabis To Remain Prohibited By The World Anti-Doping Agency — Here’s Why

The World Anti-Doping Agency appears to want to leave cannabis on its list of banned drugs.

Despite the many controversies that surround the banning of marijuana for professional athletes, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is set in its ways. The organization has chosen to keep marijuana on its list of prohibited substances for 2023.

The Wall Street Journal reports that insiders had a look at the agency’s list and a decision will likely be finalized at the end of the month.

This decision comes months after the suspension of Sha’Carri Richardson, who was banned from participating in the Tokyo Olympics after she tested positive for marijuana. She was one of the U.S. favorites for the women’s 100-meter race and argued that she’d used marijuana to treat anxiety following the death of a family member.

Following Richardson’s suspension, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and a variety of U.S. politicians urged WADA to reconsider its stance on marijuana. The agency agreed to initiate a scientific review of its banned substances list. While the decision to keep cannabis on the list is yet to be announced, WADA’s Prohibited List Expert Advisory Group claims that keeping or removing marijuana from their list is based on the scientific evidence that’s available. According to these criteria, marijuana should be banned from sports.

“The draft 2023 Prohibited List is still under consideration,” said a WADA spokesperson. “WADA’s Executive Committee will be asked to approve the final version of the List during its 23 September meeting, with the List itself being published on or before 1 October and coming into force on 1 January.”

Politicians in the U.S. have praised Richardson, although President Biden refused to comment on the suspension itself. A WADA spokesperson said that “to date neither the United States authorities nor the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has requested the removal of cannabis from the Prohibited List.”

Still, countries like the Netherlands have made their stance clear and have called for WADA to reconsider their stance, worrying over the use of common CBD products which could affect athletes. “Cannabinoids most likely have a negative impact on athletic performance,” said the Dutch agency.

WADA’s prohibited list was published in 2004, and it includes drugs that can enhance sports performance, present a health risk to the athlete and violate the spirit of the sport. It puts marijuana alongside cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy.

New Jersey Issues New Guidance For Protecting Workers Who Consume Cannabis

Benzinga Staff Writer

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September 13, 2022

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New Jersey Issues New Guidance For Protecting Workers Who Consume Cannabis

“A scientifically reliable objective testing method that indicates the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the employee’s bodily fluid alone is insufficient to support an adverse employment action,” according to new workplace guidance.

By Joana Scopel

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) approved new guidance for “employers stating that they cannot be penalized based solely on positive drug tests for cannabis metabolites.”

These are interim policies that will be in effect as the commission “formulates and approves standards” for “Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert” (WIRE) certifications, reported Marijuana Moment.

“Although tests are improving in accuracy, there is no perfect test for detecting present cannabis impairment,” Jeff Brown, NJ-CRC Executive Director, wrote in the new guidance document.

“Therefore, best practice has been for employers to establish evidence-based protocols for documenting observed behavior and physical signs of impairment to develop reasonable suspicion, and then to utilize a drug test to verify whether or not an individual has used an impairing substance in recent history.”

Moreover, NJ-CRC provided a sample form that employers can reference or adopt when they suspect an employee of being intoxicated on duty. It lists a number of “physical signs” and “behavioral indicators” of impairment and prompts them to fill out the relevant information if they intend to submit a reasonable suspicion report.

“A scientifically reliable objective testing method that indicates the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the employee’s bodily fluid alone is insufficient to support an adverse employment action,” continues the workplace guidance. “However, such a test combined with evidence-based documentation of physical signs or other evidence of impairment during an employee’s prescribed work hours may be sufficient to support an adverse employment action.”

“When incorporating this guidance, employers should ensure compliance with all state and federal employment laws,” New Jersey marijuana regulators said.

Additionally, Brown said that “striking a balance between workplace safety and work performance and adult employees’ right to privacy and to consume cannabis during their off hours is possible. We have been doing that with alcohol without thought.”

Cannabis Regulations At Workplace In Other States

Recently, the D.C. Office of Employee Appeals (OEA) ruled in favor of a government employee and medical marijuana (MMJ) patient who was fired after being suspected of intoxication in the workplace and who subsequently tested positive for marijuana in late 2020.

In July, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a bill protecting employees from discrimination in the workplace based on their recreational or medical marijuana use.

In California, a proposed bill passed through both houses of the legislature would prohibit people from losing their jobs for smoking marijuana outside of work. Specifically, it would prohibit companies from punishing those who fail a certain type of drug test. Among other marijuana measures awaiting Gov. Newsom’s signature is this legislation that would provide job protections for people who smoke marijuana off the clock.

Recently, the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced it will stop randomly testing police officers or job applicants for cannabis. What’s more, at the same time, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) announced it is considering a change to its cannabis testing policy.

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

Why Sex Results In Better Sleep, According To Science

Maria Loreto

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September 13, 2022

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Why Sex Results In Better Sleep, According To Science

Sex and sleep have a solid relationship, one that’s supported by hormones, physical tiredness, and emotional vulnerability.

Sex and sleep make a great combo, something that’s incredibly convenient and maybe the reason why it’s so common to have sex before bedtime. But why does sex result in better sleep? Is it a real thing that can be explained by science or is it a statement that we believe in due to anecdotal evidence?

The link between sex and sleep is very real, with scientists explaining that the drowsy post-sex feeling is due to the hormones that the body releases. Still, whether or not someone feels sleepy after they have sex is up to the person and depends on a variety of factors.

“Sex and other forms of physical intimacy at bedtime have been shown to increase drowsiness, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and improve overall sleep quality,” Dr. Shanon Makekau told Everyday Health.

Study Shows Women Will Initiate Sex If Their Partners Do This — Photo by Pablo Heimplatz via Unsplash

The moment sex is over, two hormones are released: oxytocin and prolactin. The first is the love hormone, known for promoting bonding, affection, and for providing people with better sleep. The latter is known to increase while people sleep, and it peaks after orgasm, which explains why some might feel like nodding off immediately after.

Other reasons why you might find yourself feeling sleepy after sex include physical exertion and emotionally feeling tired. Even if you’re not doing any crazy positions while having sex, it’s still a cardio workout and thus an activity that releases endorphins, improves your blood flow, and is tiring.

In the case of your emotions, when people have sex with someone they trust, they lower their guard and might find themselves feeling very relaxed because of it. This can translate to sleep or a feeling of emotional exhaustion, which is also something that likely results in sleep.

Sex and sleep have a solid relationship, one that’s supported by hormones, physical tiredness, and emotional vulnerability. Still, you shouldn’t stress out if that isn’t the case for you. Sex feels different from person to person and can be impacted by a variety of factors.

While someone might feel sleepy after an orgasm, someone else might feel wired and energized. This can change depending on the occasion, your mental state, the person you’re having sex with, and more.

Essential Tips To Ensure A Perfect Wake & Bake

Tom Gaffey

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September 13, 2022

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Essential Tips To Ensure A Perfect Wake & Bake

From choosing between indica and sativa to deciding if an edible or vape pen is right for you, all sorts of decisions can — and will — alter your wake and bake journey.

People have been waking and baking long before dispensaries opened up across the country. Some people wake and bake every day. Others enjoy it on special occasions. Perhaps you have a long rainy weekend ahead of you and are looking to try it out for the first time.

Regardless of whether it is your first time or if you did it yesterday, you should know that while waking and baking is not an exact science, there is certainly an art to it. From choosing between indica and sativa to deciding if an edible or vape pen is right for you, all sorts of decisions can — and will — alter your wake and bake journey. But fear not, because as long as you consider the following factors, you can have a successful and blissful wake and bake experience.

Smoke, Drink, Eat or Vape?

When you decide whether to eat, drink, vape or smoke your weed in the morning, you really just need to consider how much time you have and how you want to feel. If you want to enjoy most of the day high, edibles are the way to go. They kick in slowly and will fold into your entire morning and afternoon. Just be ready to be high for 6 hours (or longer).

If you want to feel normal later in the day, smoking or vaping are good ideas. If you don’t smoke often, a vape pen might be a good idea. Smoking in the morning can feel extra-harsh for those who don’t smoke regularly. Otherwise, smoking works just fine.

If you are a novice, consider a lower-dose cannabis beverage. They go down easy, often have vitamins, and hit your bloodstream fast. This way you will feel the effects quickly, allowing you to control your high better.

Indica or Sativa?

When it comes to waking and baking, most enthusiasts agree that sativa is the way to go.It has been said, “If you are waking and baking with anything other than a sativa, you’re doing it wrong.” This is because indica is known to calm and sedate you. In other words, it can put you back to sleep.

If, however, sativa makes you a bit anxious, consider a hybrid. Or if indica doesn’t make you feel lethargic and mellow, use the strain that works for you — just make sure you get a good night’s sleep and have your coffee in hand. But in general, creative and energy-producing sativa strains like sour diesel are the way to go for most wake and bake journeys.

Smoking Marijuana — Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Perfect Pairings for a Wake & Bake

Nitro Cold Brew: As we reported previously, cannabis and coffee are a trendy combination these days. This high-caffeine beverage is a great cold drink to sip throughout the morning. It pairs well with an edible as it is highly potent, but if ingested slowly, the caffeine will stay flowing through your system.

A Healthy Breakfast: Don’t skip breakfast. In fact, pre-planning a hearty and nutritious breakfast is a great way to enhance your high without weighing you down. Oil-based foods with an oil-based edible can help make the edible last longer. Avoid deep fried foods, and opt for natural fats like avocados.

Consider Snacks That Compliment Your High: In addition to your breakfast, consider food items that can help enhance your high. As we have previously reported, foods like mangoes, curries and even a beer can help further and intensify your wake and bake experience. This doesn’t mean you should get drunk on beer before noon, but maybe one with your curry for lunch.

Shower Right After You Smoke or Pop an Edible

Showering after you smoke, or as you prepare for your edible to kick in, is a great way to feel refreshed and also get your day rolling. It is all too easy to smoke and then be lazy. Showering gets the smell of smoke off you, and gets you ready to enjoy the benefits of THC rather than wallow in a stoned daze.

edible marijuana — Photo by Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images

Prepare a Playlist or Activities In Advance

According to a review of time estimation studies, “A distorted sense of time is one of the most common effects of cannabis reported by users.” The review continues by saying nearly 70% of studies suggest cannabis users over-estimate how much time has gone by. While more research needs to be done on this subject, it is clear that the day can easily slip away when you wake and bake. It is best to pre-plan and activity you want to get done, with some time parameters. Don’t let the day completely get away from you (unless that is your goal).

Go Grocery Shopping the Day Before

Don’t be that person who is high and staring into an empty fridge. Be prepared, and spoil yourself with high energy brain food, like healthy options that include fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid anything that involves much chopping or use of the stove – just to be safe.

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

One of the most important ingredients to a successful wake and bake is a good night’s sleep beforehand. If you wake up groggy or lethargic, while THC might take the edge off some of your discomfort, it can’t magically turn you into an energetic and excited person. Make sure you get a full 8 hours if possible. If you wake up feeling lousy, maybe save the wake and bake for another day.

Clear The Schedule

Don’t be overly ambitious. Sure, maybe your creative juices will be flowing after a wake and bake, but don’t plan on writing poems and doing several watercolor paintings before lunch. Clear your schedule and set realistic and well-intentioned goals.

Yes, CBD Is Psychoactive — Here’s Why

CBD

Lydia Kariuki

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September 13, 2022

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While all intoxicating and euphoric chemicals are psychoactive, not all psychoactive chemicals are intoxicating or euphoric.

By Lydia Kariuki

In the cannabis space, the words psychoactive, intoxicating, and euphoric are often used interchangeably. Going by that, it’s common to hear the statement that “unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive.” But is this really true? To answer this question, it is important to first understand what the word psychoactive means.

A psychoactive substance is a chemical that crosses the blood-brain barrier and hence gets into the brain and affects it in some way. Examples of psychoactive substances include caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, some analgesics, and marijuana among others. As you can see, caffeine is psychoactive even though it doesn’t give consumers that “high feeling.”

Is CBD Psychoactive?

Yes, CBD is psychoactive because it crosses the blood-brain barrier. The calming effects caused by CBD happen in the brain. If CBD was non-psychoactive, then it would not be able to offer anxiety relief and other higher-center benefits. In the same way, caffeine will increase alertness without causing intoxication.

Is CBD Intoxicating?

No, CBD is not intoxicating and neither does it cause euphoria. An intoxicating compound will cause changes in one’s mental state and cause one to lose control of their thought process or behavior. A good example is how alcohol affects mental ability and behavior.

CBD oil — Photo by Cristi Ursea via Unsplash

A euphoric chemical will alter one’s sense of reality, and spatial and sensorial perception, and trigger excessive emotional feelings. CBD is not a euphoric chemical.

While all intoxicating and euphoric chemicals are psychoactive, not all psychoactive chemicals are intoxicating or euphoric.

CBD Vs THC in the Brain

Both CBD and THC cause the blood-brain barrier, meaning that both are psychoactive. However, the two compounds interact with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain differently.

When THC is consumed it immediately floods the CB1 receptors in the brain and “turns up” the endocannabinoid tone. The presynaptic neurons are compelled to turn their volume and stop sending out “regulating” neurotransmitters. The overstimulation of CB1 receptors and downregulation of neurotransmitter release is responsible for the euphoric feeling, in a very simplistic explanation.

CBD on the other hand has a weak affinity for CB1 receptors. CBD binds weakly to these receptors and acts as a modulator. Some studies have shown that CBD is able to displace THC from CB1 receptors and therefore offset some of the intoxicating effects of THC. According to researchers from The University London College, the more CBD that’s present in a strain the lower the brain impairment that will be caused by consuming the strain.

So, CBD is psychoactive but not intoxicating. CBD will not cause euphoria. THC on the other hand is both psychoactive and intoxicating. THC will also cause euphoria. Next time you come across the all-too-familiar cannabis lingo, “CBD is non-psychoactive,” you will have the chutzpah to draft a factual letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis.com and has been reposted with permission.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

One of the objectives of the legislation is to allow small growers to consolidate themselves in the market, just as the multi-state operators do.

What Is In SHIP Act?

Small Marijuana Producers, First on the Value Chain

Cannabis Means Social Equity

The letter claims that indoor cannabis cultivation accounts for 10% of overall energy consumption in Massachusetts and cannabis grow emissions in Colorado are on par with trash collection and coal mining.

A new study found a link between marijuana use during pregnancy and a variety of mental health disorders in young children.

Timing edibles can be tricky. There’s no exact science, but there are some tips that can help you get the most out of heightening experiences.

When You Have a Long Journey Ahead

Before the Concert

Before Bed

A Day In Nature

Kief is the trichome-rich powder you’ll find at the bottom of your grinder. It’s loaded with THC, and is traditionally used as the basis of hashish.

How to Smoke Kief

How to Use Kief

The World Anti-Doping Agency appears to want to leave cannabis on its list of banned drugs.

“A scientifically reliable objective testing method that indicates the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the employee’s bodily fluid alone is insufficient to support an adverse employment action,” according to new workplace guidance.

Cannabis Regulations At Workplace In Other States

Sex and sleep have a solid relationship, one that’s supported by hormones, physical tiredness, and emotional vulnerability.

From choosing between indica and sativa to deciding if an edible or vape pen is right for you, all sorts of decisions can — and will — alter your wake and bake journey.

Smoke, Drink, Eat or Vape?

Indica or Sativa?

Perfect Pairings for a Wake & Bake

Shower Right After You Smoke or Pop an Edible

Prepare a Playlist or Activities In Advance

Go Grocery Shopping the Day Before

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Clear The Schedule

While all intoxicating and euphoric chemicals are psychoactive, not all psychoactive chemicals are intoxicating or euphoric.

Is CBD Psychoactive?

Is CBD Intoxicating?

CBD Vs THC in the Brain

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