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How To Ensure A Safe Cannabis Vaping Experience

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How can consumers who enjoy vaping cannabis be sure they are purchasing pure cannabis? Two pros weigh in.  

In light of last year’s deadly vaping outbreak, including vapes that were purchased legally at a licensed dispensary, the question remains if vaping cannabis is safe. In a nutshell, yes. Pure cannabis is regarded as safe compared to alcohol and other drugs that enable intoxication for adult-use. 

Emphasis here is on the word “pure” as vape cartridges that do not contain pure cannabis are often sold even in legal markets like Washington, Colorado, and Oregon. These products are cut with substances other than cannabis such as Vitamin E, propylene glycol (PG), PEG 400, vegetable glycerin (VG), and medium chain triglycerides (MCT), as well as using cannabis which is grown using pesticides.

So, how can consumers who enjoy vaping cannabis be sure they are purchasing pure cannabis? To help answer this question, I connected with two of the top processors in the Pacific Northwest, who are well known for processing pure cannabis.

RELATED: Was The Marijuana Vaping Illness Around Longer Than We Thought?

According to Lo Friesen, Founder and CEO of Seattle based Heylo Cannabis, “Producing cannabis vapes that only contain cannabis is absolutely possible.” She places the onus on the processor to ensure that consumers are purchasing a safe extract. This is why they are very transparent about their extraction process and make their product testing certificates readily available on their website. 

Heylo only processes full spectrum cannabis, which is cannabis oil that contains the entire plant. In this process nothing is added such as flavorings, additional THC, and other additives. While some may enjoy flavored vape pens or cannabis oil with enhanced THC, switching to full spectrum cannabis oil is one way to ensure that one is having a safe vaping experience.

Photo by HighGradeRoots/Getty Images

Katie Stem, CEO of Peak Extracts, has been be a vocal opponent against the use of additives and flavors in vapes and e-cigarettes for years as a result of her training in chemistry and pharmacology. ”We just don’t know what these chemicals might do to human lungs when heated, and it’s a totally unnecessary risk.”  

RELATED: How To Tell If Your Vape Pen May Be Harmful

She notes how most of the flavors and additives are approved as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) for dilute cosmetic or internal use but are not designed to be combusted and inhaled as a gas. “Because of this, we made the decision (and went through the years of R&D) as a company to not use any additives whatsoever, and to use our proprietary Terp-lock process. It’s slow, cold, and we don’t even add cannabis derived terpenes.” 

Even though Washington State and Oregon ban the use of pesticides when growing cannabis, these laws are not always enforced. Responsible processors, like Heylo and Peak Extracts, will vet their growers very carefully so they are confident they are purchasing cannabis that is pesticide free and grown using organic and sustainable means. Also, both companies use a CO2 as the solvent in their extraction process, as CO2 has been proven not to be harmful as a solvent and is safe to consume.

Top 5 Fresh Toast Stories Of The Week: Sept. 11, 2020

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ICYMI: Here are the headlines making news this week on The Fresh Toast.

Marijuana use among men among ages 65 to 69 nearly doubled between 2016-2018 and researchers are concerned about a few things; cannabis reform appears to be an influential factor in the upcoming presidential election based on recent comments by both campaigns; and did you know cannabis has been used as a healing agent since around 2737 BCE?

Let’s dive into those stories and more as we round up the top five headlines on The Fresh Toast this week:

3 Things Older Adults Using Marijuana Should Be Cautious Of

3 Things Older Adults Using Marijuana Should Be Careful Of
Photo by Katarzyna Grabowska via Unsplash

Now that marijuana has earned legal status across different states, it has gone through a process of reevaluation. People of all ages are now more open to trying the plant, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes. One of the fastest growing demographics are baby boomers.

A survey conducted on adults over the age of 55 between 2016 and 2018 found that men are increasing the amount of marijuana they consume, particularly those between the ages of 60-64. According to NBC News:

“Men ages 60 to 64 reported the highest rates of marijuana use, with 12.6 percent of those surveyed saying they used the drug in the past 30 days in 2018, up from 8.9 percent in 2016. Over the same time period, use also nearly doubled among men ages 65 to 69 (rising from 4.3 percent in 2016 to 8.2 percent in 2018) and among men ages 70 to 74 (from 3.2 percent to 6 percent). There was less change in the use among women.”

While young adults are still the largest consumers of cannabis in the U.S., the rise in older adult use and seniors concerns some researchers; there are a few factors that could influence the effect marijuana has on them. Here are three of the most pressing.

Continue reading >>>

How Introverts Can Use Cannabis To Cope With Social Anxiety

How Introverts Can Use Cannabis To Cope With Social Anxiety
Photo by Eunice Stahl via Unsplash

For those with social anxiety who prefer to be alone or in the company of a small group of close friends, social situations involving a large group of people can be quite stressful.

Some of Collen King’s introverted qualities stem from her over sensitivity where she can get overwhelmed by any stimulus. King, who does strategic sourcing for cannabis and specialty coffee, finds that taking cannabis before a social event can help reduce her anxiety and make it easier for her to connect with people. “With cannabis,” says King, “I’m more patient and less analytical. Some times it makes me feel like I have a superpower because I can do things that I honestly would never try without the help of cannabis.”

Her favorite strains are Peanut Butter Breath, Harletsu, and Kosher Kush. Except for family events, she will smoke a 1/2 gram joint throughout the evening. When she’s around family during the holidays, she’ll take a 10mg edible for a very chill evening though increase the dosage to 20mg if people are drinking.

Continue reading >>>

What We Can Learn About Cannabis From Chinese Medicine

What We Can Learn About Cannabis From Chinese Medicine
Photo by Danny JIA/Getty Images

What roles do herbal and classic natural medicines have in common with modern medical research when it comes using cannabis for medicinal purposes? During the 2019 Cannabis Collaborative Conference in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Heather George, Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine (DSOM), c-IAYT , TheLotusWay.org and AOMScholarshipFund.org, sought to address this question.

George offered a brief history of cannabis as a healing agent dating back to around 2737 BCE. During this era, Emperor Shen Nung, the father of Chinese medicine, was said to have used cannabis for medical purposes. During this reign form 2698-2598, Emperor Huangdi was said to have written the Nei Jing (Chinese Canon of Medicine).

Quoting from the Nei Jing, George pointed to how, throughout history, Chinese medicine sought to return the body to a state of equilibrium.

Continue reading >>>

Marijuana Decriminalization, Record Expungement Now Top Priority For Biden-Harris

Marijuana Decriminalization and Record Expungment Top Priority for Biden-Harris Now
Photos: Drew Angerer/Staff/Getty Images; Pool/Pool/Getty Images

Comments from a top Biden-Harris aide show how the Democratic presidential ticket has prioritized cannabis reform ahead of the 2020 election. Symone Sanders, a senior advisor to Biden, stated in a recent interview the potential administration wants to establish preemptive criminal justice reform and that includes cannabis records.

“We’re really reforming the criminal justice system so we’re preventing things on the front end,” Sanders said, as Marijuana Moment first reported.

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris don’t believe anyone should be in jail for drug offenses only,” she continued. “They believe that marijuana should be decriminalized and folks with marijuana convictions should have those automatically expunged.”

Continue reading >>>

5 Life Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner

fart-tracking pill
Photo by George Morgan via Unsplash

If we were ever in need of some simple tricks to make our lives easier, it’s now. While life hacks may sound like they take some effort, they’re actually creative solutions to simplify everyday tasks. Here are just a few clever and effective shortcuts that you’ll wish you had in your arsenal sooner.

Continue reading >>>

The Oregon Fires And Cannabis

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission states that moving product to an unlicensed area, even in evacuation scenarios, is not allowed.

Wildfires are ravaging Oregon, Washington and California. They are truly terrible. Here in Oregon, a full 500,000 residents have been evacuated as I write this blog post on the evening of September 9. Portland smells like burning ash and the suburbs are in evacuation protocols. It’s awful even here.

For the cannabis industry, things look scary too. According to the Oregonian, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) reported that one in every five licensed marijuana businesses (or 408 businesses) are in evacuation protocols from the 35 uncontained wildfires. A total of 73 outdoor producers have been forced off site entirely. As to hemp grows, which are heavily concentrated in some of the afflicted areas, things may be even worse.

The OLCC moved quickly on Wednesday to issue Guidance for OLCC Marijuana Licensees Impacted by Natural Disasters. The Guidance is straightforward. If emergency officials issue a level 1 or level 2 evacuation notice (as has happened in many locales), licensees may transfer endangered product while notifying OLCC. The product must go to another licensee, although it can be any licensee: the prohibition on producers transferring to producers, for example, does not apply. The 24-hour notice requirement for bulk product transfers is also waived temporarily.

RELATED: After The Smoke Clears: What The California Fires Mean For Marijuana

The Guidance is very clear that moving product to an unlicensed area, even in evacuation scenarios, is not allowed. Everything must be manifested and tracked in CTS, like always. Licensees are also prohibited from transferring products back to an evacuated premises prior to confirmation that buildings and cameras are fully operational. All in all, it seems the OLCC is trying to help vulnerable businesses while guarding against diversion.

Forest Fires Ruin Wine
Photo by Ylvers via Pixabay

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), which largely oversees hemp, has not issued any advisement to date on wildfire protocol. Hemp does not have similar diversion issues to marijuana, and Oregon hemp crops are still in the ground (at least for another few weeks). For those reasons, it’s likely that we won’t be seeing much from ODA on this issue.

RELATED: California Carr Fire: When Cannabis Crops Go Up In Smoke

Here at the law firm, our thoughts are with our clients and the industry at large. Many Oregon cannabis businesses are un- or underinsured and others were struggling even before the fires. Looking ahead, it is hard to predict what effects the wildfires will have on the industry at large– especially because we do not know when the fires will be done with Oregon. For now, the best approach is probably to remain alert, listen to local authorities and keep an eye out for further regulatory advisement. And pray for rain.

Vince Sliwoski is an attorney at Harris Bricken, a law firm with lawyers in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Barcelona, and Beijing. This story was originally published on the Canna Law Blog and has been reposted with permission.

This Texas Law Unintentionally Caused Cannabis Arrests To Drop In The State

Hemp legalization caused confusion among police and prosecutors, who have instead adopted a ‘Smart on Crime’ approach.

The Austin Police Department will no longer cite or arrest people for small possessions of cannabis, Police Chief Brian Manley wrote in a July memo. The announcement essentially decriminalized marijuana possession in the city, but data shows cannabis arrests were already trending downward statewide before the announcement.

Cannabis possession arrests declined 30% between 2018 and 2019, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Around 63,000 cannabis arrests were prosecuted by the state in 2018. That figure dropped to 45,000 possession arrests in 2019 while actual prosecutions declined by over half.

These decline is associated with hemp legalization in Texas. THC-rich marijuana remains illegal in the state, but the similarity between the plants have caused confusion among state police. That’s because Texas law technically defines marijuana as any cannabis plant above 0.3% THC.

RELATED: Kamala Harris Questions Discriminatory Marijuana Prosecutions, But Ignores Her Past

That caused a stack of dominoes to fall that lawmakers did not intend. Back in February, Texas crime labs announced they would stop testing suspected cannabis in low-level possession cases. Accordingly, state prosecutors began dismissing possession cases without lab reports that proved THC was present in the cannabis.

Since hemp legalization, cannabis manufacturing arrests also dropped from around 2,700 in 2018 to 1,900 in 2019.

Pennsylvania
Photo by Caspar Benson/Getty Images

Austin isn’t the only city to enact major policy changes around cannabis possession. Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso have some version of a cite-and-release program. Cannabis is still illegal, but offenders will receive a citation ticket instead of an arrest if caught in possession.

RELATED: Are Democrats Making A Mistake Pushing Cannabis Reform?

“Local law enforcement, led by district and county attorneys, have made a big (and long overdue) shift away from the traditional ‘Tough on Crime’ mentality,” Heather Fazio, director of Texans for Responsible Marijuana Policy, told Marijuana Moment. “Instead, we’re adopting a ‘Smart on Crime’ approach, focusing on real threats rather than arresting and prosecuting those who use marijuana.

“Now it’s time to change state law and stop all arrests for marijuana possession in Texas.”

5 Tips To Help You Work Out With A Mask On

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Face masks are necessary whenever you’re spending time near others, and this includes working out. Sweating with a face covering isn’t easy, but here are some tips that can help.

We hat to break it to you, but face masks may be here to stay. Even if they’ve sparked clashes of ideologies and a new genre of memes and videos, most people have embraced them, following the advice of medical experts. Still, one of the main aspects of daily life that face masks have disrupted are outdoor workouts.

Unless you’re comfortable working out from home or live in a state where there are functioning gyms, most people are now utilizing outdoor spaces for fitness. While many choose to tie their face masks to their wrists, only wearing them when in close contact with others, consistently using your face mask is the safest thing you can do for yourself and others. Still, this knowledge doesn’t make it any easier to sweat with some cloth over your nose and mouth.

While it takes some getting used to, it’s possible to work out and wear face masks efficiently. Here are 5 tips that can help you:

Buy the right mask

First things first; you won’t get too far along in your workout if you’re wearing a surgical mask and it’s 90 degrees outside. You’ll sweat through the material and will have a bad time and an unproductive workout. Do your research and compare options. Many sports brands have designed face masks that are breathable and comfortable for workouts, minimizing the degree of moisture that they absorb. This prevents the fabric from getting heavy and soggy.

Hydrate

power plant the first cannabis gym
Photo by Dom J via Pexels

RELATED: The Basics Of Wearing A Face Mask In A Restaurant

Once you have the right mask, prepare yourself ahead of time by drinking more water and having some available as you workout. It’s important to hydrate since the face mask and the heat can increase your heart rate, making it feel as if you’re dehydrated and overheated. Cool water will help you feel relaxed and like you can continue on sweating and working out.

Set realistic goals

Try to take it slow the first few times you work out with your mask, understanding that this is a new challenge for your body. Set some realistic goals and expectations for your first couple of workouts. The most important thing you can do here is to acclimate and later increase the intensity when you feel like you can handle it.

Keep an eye on the weather

Photo by Jira via rawpixel.com

RELATED: What Exactly Is A COVID Super Spreader?

Even if you’re not wearing a mask, it’s important to account for the weather when working out outdoors. If you live in a place that’s very hot, find hours where the heat is at its lowest, like  later in the evening. Your face mask will pose fewer obstacles, plus, you’re way less likely to run into others who may or may not be practicing COVID safety .

Try other workouts

If running with a face mask is too much for you to handle, try  other workouts . Lift weights, practice yoga or anything else that appeals to you. In the long run, this might develop other muscles and skill sets that you normally don’t exercise, leaving you with better fitness levels.

Nebraska Supreme Court Removes Medical Marijuana From Ballot

Justices ruled that a medical marijuana measure up for vote in November violated state law regarding single-subject initiatives.

Nebraska voters will not see a medical marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot, following Thursday’s decision by the state’s Supreme Court. Opponents filed a lawsuit arguing the measure violated Nebraska’s Constitution and judges ultimately sided with their point of view.

“This is an outrageous and deeply flawed decision by a group of activist judges,” Matthew Schweich, deputy director of the Marijuana Policy Project, told The Fresh Toast. “This ruling means that sick and suffering medical marijuana patients, including veterans, will continue to be criminals in Nebraska when they try to live healthier lives.”

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana submitted more than 190,000 signatures to qualify legalization for the 2020 election. State law requires at least 122,275 signatures to register a constitutional amendment on the ballot and Secretary of State Bob Evnen ruled last month activists had met that threshold.

RELATED: How Likely Is Mississippi To Legalize Medical Marijuana This Election?

Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner challenged Evnen’s ruling in court, stating it violated Nebraska’s single-subject ballot initiative rule. The measure posed two separate questions to voters: 1) Should medical cannabis be legal in the state and 2) should private companies be responsible for selling it. The state dismissed Wagner’s argument but the Supreme Court did not.

“If voters are to intelligently adopt a State policy with regard to medicinal cannabis use, they must first be allowed to decide that issue alone, unencumbered by other subjects,” the judges’ opinion states. “As proposed, the [Nebraska Medical Cannabis Constitutional Amendment] contains more than one subject—by our count, it contains at least eight subjects.”

The judges conclude that, “We reverse the Secretary of State’s decision and issue a writ of mandamus directing him to withhold the initiative from the November 2020 general election ballot.”

Kettle Falls Five
Photo by Daniel_B_photos via Pixabay

Two justices added dissenting opinions to the ruling, writing that they are “concerned that today’s decision has squeezed the concept of single subject…such that the people’s right to initiative has been diminished.”

Wagner was not alone in his opposition to the measure. Earlier this month, Nebraska Gov. Pete Rickets claimed “there is no such thing as medical marijuana.” He argued this is not something a doctor would prescribe and worried medical marijuana would cause workers to “show up to work stoned.”

RELATED: Nebraska Gov. Claims There’s ‘No Such Thing As Medical Marijuana’

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana wrote in a Facebook post that they were “devastated” by the ruling.

“But this fight is not over. Nothing changes the fact that an overwhelming majority of Nebraskans stand with the patients and families who deserve compassion and safe access to medical cannabis. We will be regrouping and updating you all soon with plans for our next steps.”

https://www.facebook.com/NebraskaMJ/posts/807619063376064

3 Cautions For Older Cannabis Users

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A new survey found that marijuana use nearly doubled among men ages 65 to 69 between 2016 and 2018.

Now that marijuana has earned legal status across different states, it has gone through a process of reevaluation. People of all ages are now more open to trying the plant, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes. One of the fastest growing demographics are baby boomers. But there are 3 cautions for older cannabis users.

A survey conducted on adults over the age of 55 between 2016 and 2018 found that men are increasing the amount of marijuana they consume, particularly those between the ages of 60-64. According to NBC News:

Men ages 60 to 64 reported the highest rates of marijuana use, with 12.6 percent of those surveyed saying they used the drug in the past 30 days in 2018, up from 8.9 percent in 2016. Over the same time period, use also nearly doubled among men ages 65 to 69 (rising from 4.3 percent in 2016 to 8.2 percent in 2018) and among men ages 70 to 74 (from 3.2 percent to 6 percent). There was less change in the use among women.

Study co-author Bill Jesdale told NBC News he has some theories as to why more older adults are using weed, such as a greater willingness to admit to use because of lower stigma, increased availability of the drug, and lowered inhibitions against use.

There’s also other contributing factors, including a global leaning towards more natural medicines, and older adults specifically seeking pain relief and sleep aids, preferably those that don’t come with significant side effects.

While young adults are still the largest consumers of cannabis in the U.S., the rise in older adult use and seniors concerns some researchers; there are a few factors that could influence the effect marijuana has on them. Here are three of the most pressing:

Reactions with medication

Study: Older Adults Are Using Cannabis At Higher Rates
Photo by rawpixel.com

RELATED: Educating Older Adults About CBD — What You Need To Know

The most pressing issue medical experts are concerned with is the possible effect marijuana can have with common medications taken by older adults. A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology says that marijuana can interact with common heart medications, such as statin and blood thinners. Marijuana use can alter the time in which these medications have an effect and could also result in excessive bleeding.

People should also avoid pairing marijuana with anti-seizure medications or any other substance that produces strong effects. If having surgery, it’s important for older adults to disclose marijuana use to doctors, even including the use of CBD. The compound has also been linked with altering the way in which the liver processes dosages in medications.

Higher risk of falls and accident

How CBD Helps Seniors Exercise
Photo by Caiaimage/Trevor Adeline/Getty Images

While this should concern mostly seniors, the use of marijuana could result in dizziness and in feeling out of control of your body. This in turn could increase the risk of falling and getting involved in all sorts of accidents. Falls pose serious risks for seniors, with 1 out of 5 resulting in a head injury or in broken bones.

Confusion

Photo by Vlad Sargu via Unsplash

RELATED: 6 Ways Cannabis Can Improve The Life Of Seniors

Seniors and adults with higher risk for dementia and confusion should be careful with their marijuana intake, especially when consuming products with high THC content. THC and its psychoactive effects can result in unexpected side effects for people who’ve experienced psychiatric conditions or have a predisposition for them.

What I Learned Attending A Cannabis And Sex Workshop

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A 50/50 hybrid of THC and CBD can work as a great combination to help put one in a sexy space without going to sleep.

In Seattle, Babeland, a woman-founded adult entertainment store, educates people about how cannabis can enhance their sex life. Following are some pointers I gleaned from a cannabis and sex workshop I attended last year at the store about how to include cannabis in your sexual and sensual experiences.

Preparation for Using Cannabis During Sex

Before adding cannabis to your sex life, have a conversation outside of the bedroom. Go on a casual date for a chat regarding the expectations of sex and cannabis when all parties are sober. Try any cannabis products you’d like to use in the bedroom by yourself so you can see how you react before you enjoy cannabis with a partner.

For most people, a very high THC strain tends to make them too sleepy to be sexy, while a high CBD strain doesn’t elevate their mood. A 50/50 hybrid can work as a great combination to help put one in a sexy space without going to sleep.

Also, have some flavored lube at your disposal. Cotton mouth after consuming cannabis is a real real sensation, and dry mouth can interfere with any stimulation involving the mouth. A flavored lube allows you to salivate and also keep your mouth well lubricated without the bad aftertaste sometimes associated with non-flavored lube.

how to practice post sex hygiene
Photo by South_agency/Getty Images

Heighten Sexual Sensations with Cannabis

The body’s natural response to sexual arousal consists of a hormone flush, blood rush, ejaculation, and orgasm, while cannabinoids will bring blood flow to a specific area. When the blood flow is triggered, it increases hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. (Also, cannabinoids can help with cramps, low libido, and vaginal dryness.)

RELATED: What Does Marijuana Do To A Boner?

After taking cannabis, slowly build arousal by using a massage candle. When lit, this candle produces a warm oil that’s the temperature of bath water. Giving and receiving a massage with this oil will push blood flow around the body, thus increasing arousal. Consider adding a blindfold as it cuts off one’s sense of sight, which will then heighten other sensations. Also, a stainless steel massage wand can provide a fun heat and weight sensation while a feather tickler offers a more lighter touch.

Enjoying Cannabis Edibles, Wine, and Sex

Try a cannabis infused edible if you want more of a body high. Combining a cannabis edible with wine is one way to get an extra boost. Then begin to engage in foreplay and you’ll be ready for game time by the time the edible kicks in.

marijuana tampons
Photo courtesy of ForiaPleasure

Using Cannabis Sensual Oil

When a cannabis sensual oil is applied to the mucus membrane, this balm serves as a non-psychoactive means of bringing a lot of blood to the area. After application, wait about twenty minutes to an hour for the cannabis to kick in. Sometimes people report they don’t feel anything when using cannabis sensual oil for the first time. But after a few times applying this balm, most people report they experience sensual sensations.

Also, these balms work well for solo play when one wishes to increase their sensations especially when using a vibrator.

RELATED: Marijuana As A Sexual Aid? Here’s What The Experts Say

Bear in mind that as most cannabis sensual oils are oil based, they are not compatible with latex condoms. However, one can use oil based cannabis sensual oils with polyurethane condoms. Also, because cannabis enters the mucus membrane, there’s a slight possibility that one may test positive for cannabis on a drug test.

Parting Disclaimer

Babeland offers this disclaimer: “While mixing cannabis and sex can lead to an amazing time, we want to remind everyone that if you are going to be drinking, smoking, taking edibles, or participating in anything else that could affect your thought processes, you want to make sure that consent is explicit and ongoing. Discuss a safe-word, and make sure to communicate needs before, during, and after play. Remember, if someone is in too altered a state of mind to make a definitive, free-willed, and fully informed decision, they are not able to consent.”

Introverts Can Use Cannabis To Cope With Social Anxiety

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Consuming weed allows those who experience social anxiety to actually enjoy themselves, instead of allowing their anxieties to keep them on high-alert.

For those with social anxiety who prefer to be alone or in the company of a small group of close friends, social situations involving a large group of people can be quite stressful. 

Whenever Cyn Marts, a cannabis writer and editor in Portland, has to spend more than a few minutes at a party, group activity, or public event, smoking beforehand allows her to actually experience and enjoy herself, instead of allowing her social anxieties and panic disorder to keep all her senses on high-alert. Cannabis can dull out the background noise her senses can pick up all around her. 

While she likes flower for the immediate effects, as well as the ritual of rolling, lighting, and smoking a joint, when discretion is important, she’ll use a vape or 10-30mg of an edible. She looks for soothing strains that aren’t too heavy, like Strawberry Cough and Purple Hindu Kush. But if she needs to remain energized, she prefers Cinex, which she describes as “having a cinnamon like taste and feels like I’m having a cup of coffee.”

Like Cyn, some of Collen King’s introverted qualities stem from her over sensitivity where she can get overwhelmed by any stimulus. King, who does strategic sourcing for cannabis and specialty coffee, finds that taking cannabis before a social event can help reduce her anxiety and make it easier for her to connect with people. “With cannabis,” says King, “I’m more patient and less analytical. Some times it makes me feel like I have a superpower because I can do things that I honestly would never try without the help of cannabis.” 

RELATED: Anxious About Seeing A Therapist? CBD Could Help

Her favorite strains are Peanut Butter Breath, Harletsu, and Kosher Kush. Except for family events, she will smoke a 1/2 gram joint throughout the evening. When she’s around family during the holidays, she’ll take a 10mg edible for a very chill evening though increase the dosage to 20mg if people are drinking. 

the average america hasnt made a new friend in 5 years
Photo by Felix via rawpixel.com

Tyler Hurst, a 40-year-old copywriter for Item 9 Labs and a facilitator for Arizona Yagé Assembly, can easily become inundated by information to the point of sensory overload. He cannabis and ceremonial psychedelics to help him deal with C-PTSD made worse by pretending to be an extrovert for most of his life.

His typical method of choice is to have a low-dose edible before an event (1:1 is best), then a heady dab or two on the sativa side when he arrives. He may take a shared joint which allows him to focus on the smoking, as well as being a bit more social. He may do another dab after 30-45 minutes. Among his preferred strains are Durban Poison, Jack Herer, and Candyland. Also, he likes Delta 8 as a soothing option. 

RELATED: Low-THC Strains Of Marijuana A Safer Substitute For Anti-Anxiety Medications

For him, cannabis works better than his previous options. “Unlike caffeine, it doesn’t give me hours of energy that I’ll have to deal with as a deficit later. It’s better than alcohol because it doesn’t change my personality, and immensely better than going sober because it allows me to tune in to what I want while tuning out to what I don’t, just like a good pair of noise cancellation headphones.”

3 Exciting Ways Technology Is Changing The Cannabis Industry

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Canna-business is evolving along with technology. Here are three of the most promising technological developments that the cannabis industry is making.

Technology affects just about everything, from the way in which we interact with others to how companies function. The cannabis industry isn’t exempt from technology’s reach. Thanks to marijuana’s legal developments over the last couple of years, the plant has been embraced by a myriad of people and businesses. The more time that passes and the more that technology develops, the more likely it is for cannabis to become involved in the medium, changing the way in which we buy and use products.

While it’s too soon to make any grandiose statements, technological developments in the weed industry are becoming more prominent. PC magazine compiled a few of the most interesting advancements that are affecting the cannabis industry. Here are 3 of our favorites:

Personalized products

Legalizing Marijuana Had No Prevalance Teen Cannabis Use
Photo by rawpixel/Getty Images

RELATED: The Cannabis Industry’s ‘Essential’ Upside From COVID-19

The use of marijuana varies widely from person to person, all due to genetics. Since we each have our own DNA, cannabis affects us in different ways, resulting in experiences that differ in key aspects. According to PCMagazine, some cannabis companies hope to address this by personalizing your highs. CannabisDNA is administering a $129 saliva based test swab that creates a profile of your responses to different cannabinoids. Afterwards, a report is produced, showing strains that function well with your system.

While this feature is not accessible for the majority of cannabis users, in the future, marijuana retailers could use this technology to provide customers with products that will do exactly what they want them to do.

Grow lights

Grow lights, which are used for growing marijuana indoors, aren’t a new invention. Still, these lights are expensive and consume large amounts of energy. LED technology, which has been embraced by NASA in order to successfully cultivate plants in space, could soon be used by cannabis growers. These bulbs produce a wide-band light spectrum that produces less heat, thus creating less issues for growers when it comes to temperature control.

DNA sequencing

Your Genes Have A Surprising Effect On How Marijuana Affects You
Photo by qimono via Pixabay

RELATED: Outdoor Vs. Indoor Grown Cannabis: Which To Choose?

One of the reasons that cannabis is so popular (and profitable) is because of its malleability. While this creates an endless amount of therapeutic and recreational opportunities, it also doesn’t allow for predictable products; you might buy the same product twice and get different variations of THC.

DNA sequencing aims to create cannabis plants that are more predictable, mapping out its genome and providing a blueprint for companies to work with. The use of this technology could result in cannabis plants that are THC or CBD exclusive, that have different colors and flavors, and more.

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