Want to celebrate 4/20 with friends out and about – what about toasting with a THC infused mocktail?
It is the high holiday of marijuana use. You want to go out and have some fun, so why not toast 4/20 with a THC infused mocktail? Friday and Saturday are the busiest night at bars and sometimes you want something other than a vape or a gummy – so why not have a “cannabis mocktail”? This way you can indulge with your friends, have a little sugar in your system and chill out.
Non alcoholic cocktails – called the mocktail have been around since the 1860s with the temperance movement. The craft cocktail movement has spurred the cocktail renaissance, characterized by a revival and re-prioritization of traditional recipes and methods in the bar industry. So why not do what you love and be part of the movement also?
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The easiest way is to add a THC tincture to the mocktails while the staff aren’t looking. Simply stop at your local dispensary and pick one up. Find something with a bland flavor so it will go with whatever you order. When looking for a mocktail, consider drinks with strong flavors and a little extra ice. Remember, it will take 15-30 minutes at least for it to kick in (like a real cocktail), so don’t drink too quickly.
You can also make your own marijuana simple syrup. It is bit involved but it’s still nothing too crazy if you love creating. You’ll need issome combination of water, fine granulated sugar, vegetable glycerine, marijuana, a bottle or jar, and cheesecloth. If the marijuana is baked before hand in order to encourage decarboxylation if can make a different. There is a bit of trial and error based on the strength of the plant used.
In 1971, 4/20 was born as a code word when five Californian high school students used to to connect. They had a a treasure map to help them find an abandoned cannabis crop. Since them it has become a universal term used for weed and the date is biggest cannabis day of year.
Nothing like kicking back on the weekend – but there is a fine line between chilling and couchlock
Many a Saturday has been spoiled by too much fun on a Friday night. Hangovers have been a weekend curse for generations. While it is fun to let loose, if you go to far it can spoil part of the weekend. With marijuana mainstreaming, it is easy to enjoy Friday night after a busy work work and totally relax, but too sometimes you can have too much of a good thing and boom – couchlock!
Couchlock is a term used to describe a particular state of intense physical relaxation, a stoned feeling, and impaired movement control. This occurs as a result of using certain cannabis strains. It is an experience in which someone feels so overwhelmingly relaxed they literally feel glued to the couch or chair where they are sitting. It becomes mentally difficult to get up or move freely. Here are tips on how to avoid couchlock.
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Know yourself You know your tolerance so dose correctly to get to where you want. Be careful about going bit. Remember it takes a little while for the full effects to kick in so stay patient during the process. It’s easy to over consume if you don’t wait until the peak of your high. If you are prone to couchlock, dial back your indica use and go with a blend or a sativa.
Drink your juice – Drink your juice Shelby has been a meme for yearsIf you are finding yourself nodding off on the couch, consider grabbing a sugary soft drink, energy drink or sweet snack. Sugar-loaded treats are brimming with glucose, which will give you a boost of insulin and energy. Juice, sugar sodas, a milkshake are all good.
Eat – Like drinking, it is always better to start with something on your stomach. Food will help stave off some of the most ardent impacts of weed. Food helps the body as it processes and absorbs the chemicals that you’ve ingested. And it might keep from the munchies if you are already full.
Move – Couchlock sneaks up on you as you are relaxed and not moving. Don’t let your body get too comfortable avoid succumbing to the sedative qualities of weed. A quick walk, dance to great music or just change locations – living room, kitchen, dining table can make a bigger impact than you might think. Fresh air can make a difference allowing you stay a bit more alert.
Talk – Making your brain engaging in a little conversation, especially something you enjoy can make a big difference. Find a friend and enjoy a nice convo while letting your mind open up! Just don’t overpromise while excited.
The marijuana industry is still driven by men – but these 5 woman are changing 4/20 and upending the industry by focusing on the future.
Since it started becoming legal, the marijuana industry has been filled with bros trying to run everything. Some smart, some shysters – they have had an oversized say in the direction of where legal marijuana is going. But woman are having a moment, and a huge impact in the millions of newly legal consumers. Be it in imagine, politics, or products, woman are making game changing changes on how cannabis is mainstreaming. When 4/20 started in, the landscape was way different, the 5 woman are changing 4/20 today to a bigger, more mainstream celebration.
Nancy co-founded Wana Brands in 2010, elevating it from her kitchen to an international cannabis edible powerhouse. With North America’s largest distribution footprint, it is a top international brand available in 17 U.S. states, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico and nine Canadian provinces and territories, generating close to $300 million in retail sales annually across more than 3,000 dispensaries.
As a pioneer in the legal cannabis market, she has shown again and again commitment to research and crafting safe, innovative products. She understands the millions of canna-newbies who is looking for something to pair perfectly with the their non-stoner lifestyle. Under her leadership, Wana was acquired by Canopy Grow, which is owned in part by alcohol behemoth Constellation.
Nancy’s inclusive vision led to an executive team that is 70% female, a rarity in the industry and reflective of her dedication to diversity. Her unique insights have given Wana an advantage as she understand the average consumer, which makes up the bulk of the market.
Senator Patty Murray
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In the old boys club of Congress, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has risen in the ranks thanks to a willingness to focus on a solving problems, thinking of the average citizen and wielding her knowledge and strength. As the third most powerful person in the Senate, she is working with Senate Leader Schumer (D-NY) and a bipartisian group to make significant inroads into federal marijuana policy. Long a champion of veterans, this will benefits those who have served who suffer from PSTD.
Shawna Seldon McGregor
In a sometimes rough and tumble industry with some wacky players, it is good to have a public relations firm you can trust. Mirroring the mainstream industry, Maverick PR, has helped the industry move past the old stoner, bro imagine and move into today. Founded by Shawna Seldon McGregor, she has become the consul to industry executives and a media whisper to keep the good players growing. Shawna’s ability to make marijuana messaging mainstream has been a hallmark of her career. Since the inception of adult use in Colorado, she has led effective publicity campaigns for top brands including Wana, Native Roots, Deep Roots Harvest and Botani. Trusted by leaders, she has been able to understand and guide companies into changes like California sober. Her understand of consumers and media has been invaluable to leaders.
Debra Borchardt
Debra Brochardt was a respected media voice on Wall Street when she jumped in the marijuana world founding Green Market Report. Premiering at time when the industry was still shady and, as one executive said, people would come to meetings and put a gun down, she brought reason and truth to the table. Known for her straight reporting, she has taken on corruption, crazy leaders, and complicated financial deals. Venerable media company, Crains, recognizing the growth of market, acquired the asset and has only helped Brochardt reach her vision. Highlighting legit good companies, Green Market Report has become a must read for investors, politicians, and executives.
With a talent for organization and building infrastructures, Hart jumped into the industry in 2015. Seeing an opportunity to be build infrastructures and platforms she brought her management skills to a variety of companies. As COO of Keneh Ventures She has helped review, fund and partial advisement for some of the investments including GoFire and AI startup WeDream World. Understanding the mainstream appeal, she has been a champion of Cannabition, a state of the art cannabis immersive experience opening next to Planet 13 in Las Vegas. She now has added Managing partner and operations manager of the exhibition alongside her other duties. She shared over the last 8 years the priorities of entrepreneurs and investors have matured as the market for cannabis has grown and become accepted by the general population.
4/20 is also National Record Store Day – can there be a better combination?
What is old is new again, records stores are making a comeback. Record Store Day shares a celebration day with cannabis community. Like 4/20, it involved by a bunch of afficandios lifting up independent retailers and raising awareness and celebrating the multi-faceted art. Taking a page of Free Comic Book Day, it started in 2007 and is celebrated at retailers around the world. Hundreds of artists participate iby making special appearances, performances, fan meet ups and the issuing of special vinyls. It makes sense they share a day, vinyls and marijuana go together.
Music and marijuana are a perfect match. Marijuana makes music almost come alive in a 3-D fashion. Marijuana’s properties improves current attention, prevents memory seeking, and helps the mind concentrate on music making it appear more fresh and intriguing. It helps the body concentrate on the current moment. Both marijuana and vinyl are going strong. The legal cannabis industry just hit $29.5 billion for 2023 and the vinyl industry revenues grew 17% to $1.2 billion in 2022. This is the sixteenth consecutive year of growth and accounted for 71% of physical format revenues in physical stores.
Of course, what vinyl pairs best with marijuana? Here are some suggestions.
Pink Floyd – Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd’s classic allows the consumer to wallow in philosophy and explore the corners of the mind. While enjoying the plant, thought and preconceived ideas can be taken apart and reconstructed. The song’s rhythm will make feel as if every bone and muscle vibrant and independent.
De La Soul – Three Feet High And Rising
De La’s beat is great for a happy high. Fully perfected its alchemical balance of fun and wisdom, with a heavy dash of silliness, it lets your soul escape into a colorful playground.
This psychedelic rock band sets the mood perfectly. The main band member, Kevin Parker, shared he has no recollection of creating this song and it was as if someone else wrote it. What more can be said and it is also a great reminder we are always changing and healing from our past.
The Beatles
From Yellow Submarine to All You Need Is Love, the bands songs intertwines with a high and brings you essence to the forefront allowing you to feel, love, thing and be.
The world has changed since the first 4/20 – now you can be out, proud and high! Here are some cool ways to celebrate
The cannabis world has changed since 1971 when five students in California coined the phrase 4/20. They used a treasure map to hunt for an abandoned marijuana crop, but today Canada, 24 states, DC and more have legal dispensaries peppering the big and small towns. Since then, the movement and public opinion has done a 180 with 85% of the public believing marijuana should be legal in some form. Fox covers the cannabis industry in their business news and even the President mentioned it in his State of the Union Address.
From sneaking around and trying to keep cool, to the new trend of California sober, cannabis has had a make over worthy of any streaming service. DIY Queen Martha Stewart helped move marijuana to the mainstream. Aside from a few politicians who want nanny states, the public is more curious the concerned. According to BDSA, a leading analytical firm which covers cannabis, 49% of people who consume cannabis have done it with a gummy. Dispensary bought goods are a thing. Healthier than alcohol, Gen Z has drifted away from booze and are settling into weed. To mark the acceptance here are 7 suggestions to celebrate 4/20.
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Coffee wake and bake
Kick off the day with a little something special in your coffee. This combination of the energizing effects of caffeine and the relaxing effects of cannabis can provide a unique and enjoyable experience which starts your day in a good mood. Excellent for the canna-newbie or the seasoned consumer – start with a low dose of 2.5mg.
Share the joy
With all of Canada and over 50% of the country having access to legal weed – now is the time to maybe do a mini treat bag, a simple gift or an edible exchange. You can take some cute tiny bags and drop one or two edibles in and share it with friends who may be curious. Most edibles and gummies come in packs of 10 – why not grab a couple of extra and share them people who may have asked about it or who really need to chill.
Do something meaningful
The stigma has faded so why not embrace the spirit of the stoner and do something for your fellow man. Donating blood is a great way to make an impact, get a free cookie and help out. Another way is to mix up your dispensary choice to see who is doing something for the community on 4/20.
Learn how to roll the perfect joints
Something interesting and fun you can try out is learning how to roll joints. While there are hundreds of tutorials out there (and this helpful guide), here is one which will help you hone your craft.
Watch some stoner movies
If you want to chill and maybe have some self care, snacks, me time, why not snuggle in for a movie night. Here’s a list of recommendations.
Have a dance party
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A dance party can be for 1, 2, 10 or 100…your choice! Take time to let your body move – be it alone in the kitchen, a tango for two leading to the bedroom (wink wink) or invite a few friends or go to a club, meet up or head something where your feet, body, mind and music meld into motion.
Take advantage of the 4/20
Some dispensaries have great sales, merchandise, music and more. Maybe take a retail tour so see what is up for the holiday – you could save a few bucks!
The presidential campaign is in full swing – but why should it interrupt friend and family gathers…here are the best tips to managing different politicalperspectives.
With the presidential race heating up and the country seemingly divided, how can you hang with the people you have known who might have a different political perspectives. Patience, grace and planning can make it a bit easier. Here are some tips on to manage warring political conversations at events.
First, think and understand people are different than you and rarely do people all have the exact same opinions. Also think why you are gathering, what is the purpose and is it more about
When it comes to your boundaries, don’t mince words. If you know yourself and feel you won’t be able to engage in a discussion regarding politics without become heated, let other people know that you won’t be talking politics. If you want to have a discussion with someone, try to be the person you’d like to have a discussion with, taking turns to listen and talking while measuring your words and not being insulting.
Plan ahead
If you are organizing an event, think about why you are pulling people together. If it a birthday, to celebrate a happy occasion or a good catch up, think of the guests and how they will interact. Taking the time beforehand and sharing behavior no-nos like yelling, dominating a conversion, snide comments or bullying tactics will not be accepted. Recognize people are being invited to something enjoyable, not a cage match.
If you’re having a conversation and it starts to get heated, state your discomfort. Try to avoid awkwardness and instead push for being as sincere as you can. Your response will vary depending on the person you’re talking to; if speaking to a coworker, try to change the subject or state that you’re not in the mood for politics. When speaking to friends and family, you can try a more honest approach.
Know when to end a conversation
The more you’re exposed to different kinds of people, the more you learn how to read their physical and verbal cues. Be aware of them, so when the conversation turns heated, change the course. Election eve might be too late to change someone’s mind, especially if they have strong political views. Save yourself the stress and try to preserve that relationship if it’s important to you.
Have an open mind
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It’s always important to have a discussion with an open mind; try to understand why this person thinks the way they do. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with them, but it can help you have a more civilized conversation, ensuring that the relationship won’t be lost due to the heat of the moment. Empathy can go a long way.
When it comes to your boundaries, don’t mince words. If you know yourself and feel that you won’t be able to engage in a discussion regarding politics without screaming, let other people know that you won’t be talking politics. If you want to have a discussion with someone, try to be the person that you’d like to have a discussion with, taking turns to listen and talking while measuring your words and not being insulting.
THC-P is not for beginners – it is for the consumer who is well versed in the journey – and managing a high.
The high holiday of 4/20 is right around the corner and marijuana aficionados are thinking about celebrating. Some will go all out, other will chill and relax. It is a major holiday for dispensaries and a great time to experiment or go with the old faithful. But for some weed veterans, they might want to consider expanding. But are you really ready to try THC-P.
In 2019, Italian scientists isolated Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol from a synthetic medical marijuana strain. Abbreviated as THC-P, THCP, and THCp, this minor cannabinoid appears to act on endocannabinoid receptors in the brain with incredible efficiency. This binding ability makes THC-P is the most potent psychoactive cannabinoid yet. Users report it feels even stronger than Delta-9 (standard THC).
The cannabinoid is also preferred by hemp lovers because of its rich collection of psychoactive derivatives. While obeying federal laws, THC-P offers consumers a perfect way to feel the intoxicating effects of weed. It has been observed to bind uniquely to the CB1 receptors. Potent psychoactive compounds like THC-P offer users a one-of-a-kind experience. However, it is imperative to dose the compound correctly as you could easily get overwhelmed by it. New users are always advised to start with the lowest amount possible.
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THC-P is certainly more potent than THC due to its 33X receptor-binding affinity. But it doesn’t mean this compound gets users 33 times higher, Most say it feels about five to 10 times stronger than Delta-9 THC. It is a powerful cannabinoid intoxicating even to the most tolerant user. You can use your regular marijuana tolerance to determine the appropriate dose. If you have never tried other existing forms of THC, this not the starter level.
THC-P products come in different strains. Each strain has its own unique cannabinoid and terpene profile. The adequate dose of THCP might range between 1 and 4mg. Consumers should begin with a 0.3mg dosage and work their way up. It’s easy to take too much THCP and get unwanted side effects, so it’s best to start with tiny dosages. It is always advisable to stick to one strain.
It can be consumed via joint, vape, sublingual or ingestible product. The method used will determines how fast the compounds will be broken down and absorbed into the body. Vapes offer the highest potency effects as the compounds are immediately bioavailable. And be sure you are are you really ready to try THC-P.
The House seems to be about ready to have speaker chaos again. Will it hurt the cannabis industry like last time?
It seems the US House of Representative might be thrown into turmoil again. Last fall, rejection of then House Speaker Kevin McCarthy lead to a bruising fight for a new leader. The winner of the fight is Rep. Mike Johnson, who is now again in danger of being ousted. The last fight ended with very little down in Congress and the only major bill to pass was a temporary funding of the government. Now it looks like it will start all over again. But will House speaker chaos hurt cannabis again?
After passing the House seven times, Safe Banking, which is key to help the industry, failed in the Senate. Then, like a miracle, last fall Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) put together an updated bill in the Senate with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Steve Daines (R-MT), and U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03). They introduced a bipartisan, bicameral Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFER) Banking Act of 2023. The bill would ensure that legal cannabis businesses would have access to critical banking and financial services. As they had big support in the Senate and a positive history with the House, things looked good – and then the House went sideways and McCarthy was ousted. But what about now?
Now Representative Marjorie Taylor Green(R-GA) is calling to vacate Speaker Johnson (R-LA) and has a new ally in her efforts. But, at the moment, cannabis can ride a short term House hiccup. Rescheduling seems to be moving forward after a slow start by the Biden administration. Now the President, Vice President and other leaders are pushing the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to follow the Health and Human Service (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggestions to reschedule cannabis and recognize it as a proven medical benefit.
Rescheduling is the most critical to the industry providing long and short term infrastructure to help the marijuana market. It also signals to the public marijuana can be a benefit. Congress does not have a role in the process, so no worry there.
Senator Schumer has also made it clear a revised banking bill is important, but most likely will not happen until later in the year. This gives the House time to sort the mess and evaluate the benefits of a banking bill. And its appeal to younger voters. Hopefully this will all be cleaned up no later than mid-May.
Blood donations are down, but the need is up. More people are needed to “open up” – but can you if you consume marijuana?
Every five seconds, at least two hospital residents need blood transfusions, Charles Richard Drew, an African-American surgeon and medical researcher helped create them, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge to developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. Tens of millions of lives have been saved thanks to him. But recently, donations have plunged and lives have been put in jeopardy. More need to give, but can marijuana consumes donate blood?
“In the last 20 years, we’ve seen about a 40% decrease in donors overall to the Red Cross,” shared Eric Gehrie, MD, the executive medical director of the American Red Cross. “The earlier that we can connect with someone, and they donate in high school, they typically will become lifelong donors.”
Eligibility to donate blood is regulated the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the same agency considering reclassifying marijuana and acknowledge the cannabis plant has medical benefits. The FDA is clear cannabis does not disqualify an individual from blood donation, but potential donors cannot give if their use of cannabis impairs their memory or comprehension. It is the same rule for alcohol. Some regional blood centers require you not to be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or prescription drugs. Most also require you don’t use aspirin for 2 days prior to giving.
Consumers of synthetic cannabis are placed on another pedestal. You can not donating blood if you regularly consume synthetic cannabinoids like Spice, also called K2. K2 is an artificial laboratory-discovered marijuana product that has been flagged as being unfit for human consumption.
Donating blood is good deed and worth considering.
Cannabis and sleep go together like pillows and blankets. Here’s a few things you should keep in mind when using the herb to help you rest.
The Fresh Toast – Medications have side effects, so what about something natural. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when using cannabis for sleep
Despite being used as a sleep aid, NyQuil is not one. It is a popular assistant, but even with a virus it shouldn’t be used more than 7 days. While roughly 50–70 million Canadians and Americans have ongoing sleep disorders, a little help is needed. Melatonin is also popular, if you are the someone where it works, you can take it nightly for one to two months. Melatonin can also take up to 1-2 hours to kick. Prescribed medications have a high potential for causing dependency. This not only can lead to addiction, but can stop working and leading to more insomnia. So what about something else natural.
Marijuana can be a great tool for sleep. While more research is being done, there is evidence people with varying degrees of insomnia shows how effective marijuana can be for sleep. But even for the occasionally sleepless night do to stress, minor pain, or other issues. It can work. And it doesn’t need to be built up into your system, it works and then fades away. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when using cannabis for sleep.
Dosage
Dosage, along with your level of experience with marijuana, matters when it comes to using the herb before bed. If you smoke too little, you might feel no effects. If you smoke too much, you might find yourself tossing and turning with weed-induced paranoia. If it’s your first time using marijuana for sleep, try your best to create a relaxing environment and avoid overstimulating yourself with too much screen time or alcohol. Pace yourself with your marijuana intake and be aware of your body and its cues; you’re better equipped to jump into bed once it feels right.
The way in which you consume marijuana will affect how fast or intense your reaction will be. If you consume an edible, be sure to give your body time to experience effects. If you’re vaping, smoking or using an oil, there’s more control and less planning necessary.
The type of cannabis matters
Whether you’re consuming a product THC or CBD based, or you’re consuming sativas or indicas, it’s important to know all the types of cannabis provide different effects. Indicas are the strains which tend to affect the body in relaxing and heavy ways, producing sleepy effects. Still, it doesn’t mean a sativa strain or a hybrid won’t make you feel sleepy. Marijuana is a trial and error type of substance; try different options and keep track of what works for you and what doesn’t.
Marijuana hangovers
If you’re not much of a night time marijuana consumer, the groggy feeling you might experience when you wake up can be puzzling. Although not as strong or common as regular hangovers, weed hangovers exist. Although not completely understood, these are more likely if you’ve been consuming low quality marijuana. To cope with them, be sure to drink lots of water, eat healthy goods and monitor your cannabis intake through the day.
One of the most noticeable effects cannabis has on sleep is the lack of dreams. This is due to cannabis limiting REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep where dreams are likely to occur. Scientific studies have found REM sleep is important for learning and resting. There’s much we don’t understand when it comes to the relationship between cannabis and sleep. It’s important to monitor your marijuana usage and your sleep habits, especially if you feel like the sleep you’re having is not restful or good for you.
