Fall is in the air, but you want might want a better, different, chill….we got you
Some people use falls a chance to relax, chill and reflect on the world. For causal or new cannabis users, it can be a fun time to consume – watching classic horror movies, taking a stroll and seeing the panoply of colors on trees or having a long discussion on pumpkin spice. To help you, here are hacks to make the most of your marijuana experience.
When the munchies strike, there’s very little you can do except indulge. Seasoned cannabis users usually learn to curb their urges, but for newcomers, mints are a good option. Mints can help you focus on something else, distracting you from the urge of eating food. Just like people who stop smoking tend to chew gum, mints can help keep your mind off blowing your diet.
A Penny
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While you should always invest in a grinder, there are ways of cutting your marijuana neatly and evenly when in a bind. Take a penny and clean it thoroughly, then put your marijuana in a pillbox, drop the penny inside, close it up, and shake. Keep on shaking. After a vigorous workout, you’ll be left with some evenly cut marijuana.
Honey is a great companion for marijuana. After you’ve finished rolling up a joint or a blunt, be sure to coat it with a small amount of honey. This will ensure your joint/blunt burns more slowly and evenly while also adding some sweetness.
Compact and Floppy Discs
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If you’re visiting your parents’ house, you’ll probably run into some floppy discs. These can be used to neatly pack bowls by using the middle hole of the discs. Easy, fast, and you’ll give use to something which is otherwise trash.
The vasodilating effects of cannabis are one of the physiological responses of the body that have been investigated. Here’s why it happens.
At some point, you must have experienced a bloated face, red and puffy eyes, as well as dehydrated skin after smoking. Have you ever stopped to think and ask yourself why this happens whenever you smoke? Does using weed cause vasodilation. The answer is maybe.
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What is Vasodilation?
Vasodilation is a mechanism to enhance blood flow to areas of the body that are lacking oxygen and/or nutrients. The vasodilation causes a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and an increase in blood flow, resulting in a reduction of blood pressure.
The word “vasodilation” is used to describe the opening up of the body’s blood vessels.
It is the opposite of “vasoconstriction” where the blood vessels close up within the body. It is a temporary situation. It occurs naturally in your body in response to triggers such as low oxygen levels, a decrease in available nutrients, and increases in temperature. It causes the widening of your blood vessels, which in turn increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
Consuming marijuana could bring about vasodilation. When using cannabis, blood flow to some parts of the body is restricted or reduced. Oxygen transportation is also slowed down and not quickly delivered as promptly. While not dangerous, vasodilation can occur.
The easiest way to know this is happening is by the obvious reddening of the eyes, as well as the puffy/bloated face of the user. Unfortunately, many are not aware of this physiological mechanism, so they pin it on smoke irritation.
Some medical practitioners prescribe cannabis-based medications to patients suffering from glaucoma, high blood pressure, etc. This is because of the vasodilating response that would be induced by these drugs to help lower the blood pressure.
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Vasodilation and Cannabis
While researchers have been able to find useful medical applications for cannabis in the human body, they have still not discovered the full extent of the effects of cannabis consumption on other organs in the body. And the risks involved are most times underestimated. The vasodilating effects of cannabis are one of the physiological responses of the body that have been investigated.
What Makes Cannabis a Vasodilator?
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive element present in cannabis. It is the agent that causes a noticeable increase in the heart rate, as well as a lowered blood pressure.
Another vasodilating effect is dizziness. This is because THC reacts with cannabinoid receptors present around the body, most especially the eyes to induce these effects.
Although THC is not the only cannabinoid responsible for all these, it is responsible for the bulk of these reactions. The amount of THC present in the cannabis strain ingested determines the extent of vasodilation in the user’s body.
For example, consuming a cannabis strain with less than 15% THC might result in little or no noticeable reddening of the eyes, compared to consuming over 30% THC cannabis strain. It also depends on the user’s tolerance, because everyone’s body anatomy is unique.
What Causes Reddening Of the Eyes?
The main reason your eyes get red — or bloodshot and bloated — when you use marijuana is due to vasodilation being set off by THC and other cannabinoids present in cannabis. When your eyes redden and get puffy, it indicates that there is an increased blood flow to your eyeball due to the dilation of blood vessels and capillaries around the eye area.
After the effects of the drugs begin to wear off, the capillaries and blood vessels gradually begin to close off and constrict. Till everything is back to normal.
Can Vasodilation Be Halted?
Vasodilation is a subconscious response, hence it cannot be prevented from occurring. Neither can it be halted when it has started. It only stops when the last effects of cannabis wear off in the body. You have zero control over the workings of vasodilation, nor vasoconstriction.
However, you can put in the effort to mask/cover up the effects of using cannabis by hiding your bloated face and puffy eyes.
Masking Vasodilation
Like I mentioned above vasodilation can’t be stopped, however with a few techniques you can effectively mask the signs. Here are some ways you can hide your puffy reds eyes effectively.
Eye drops—Allergy and Artificial: Allergy drops help with bloodshot eyes. It effectively reduces discomfort and redness. If it is itchy, it also helps soothe the eyes. Artificial teardrops can also help, although it is not as efficient as allergy eye drops, which is not surprising.
Both drops contain Tetryzoline, which acts as a constricting agent for the blood vessels. And both drops are easy to get at the nearest pharmacy over the counter.
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Using Sunglasses: This is a perfect way to hide the use of marijuana, especially when in a public gathering with people you do not stare at your bloodshot eyes.
For example, you can use it for a lecture in college. It’s simple, less expensive, and fast to just pick your glasses, put them on and go about basking in your high. The only downside to this is that you cannot wear sunglasses at night, so as not to damage your eyesight.
Doing away with caffeinated drink: Coffee is also like cannabis, they are both vasodilators. Stay hydrated. Take a very cold bath if you can or put ice bags over your eyes.
Calmly wait for symptoms to subside: The redness will even be reduced and everything will go back to normal. The duration may vary from 1-12 hours depending on your body’s tolerance, weight, metabolism. And the strain and dose of cannabis ingested. Choose strains of cannabis with low THC.
Vasodilation is a temporary issue which can be partially mitigated with some simple steps. There isn’t a long term danger.
Like death and taxes, menopause is something women can not avoid. “The Change.” is the phrase which makes women of all ages shudder. A majority will experience the effects of menopause, from hot flashes to anxiety and depression to night sweats and more. Can marijuana’s CBD help with menopause symptoms. Anecdotal evidence is pouring in, however, cannabis, and specifically CBD, can alleviate many of the symptoms and provide much needed comfort.
Let’s start with what is menopause. There are three stages: perimenopause, when the female body’s production of estrogen slows, can last for one to two years. Menopause officially begins when a woman has not menstruated in over a year; and post menopause is the time after menopause has officially ended, but hot flashes and night sweats can still occur for up to a couple years later.
So what is a woman to do with a potential collection of years of menopausal symptoms? Reports are on the rise smoking high CBD cannabis or even using straight CBD products does wonders for a woman in any stage of the menopause. It helps to ease anxiety and depression, which is not surprising, as many have turned to CBD to combat these disorders on their own.
But the lessening of hot flashes and night sweats are the really exciting bits. A hot flash is one of the most unpleasant collection of moments a woman has to bear in her natural life. Thankfully, a hot flash doesn’t last long, but it does push a heat wave through the upper body and face and often comes with a flash of hot rage on the side.
Having a CBD vape pen on you during menopause is definitely a good idea. When a hot flash seems to be taking over your being, step away from what you’re doing or who you’re talking to and have a few good draws. Women across the globe are reporting the miraculous relief they’re experiencing using CBD.
Another option is to ingest CBD in the form of gummies or other edibles for an effect which lasts for hours. Though you’ll likely need to take a slightly higher dose than you normally would for day to day mellowness and aches and pains, CBD and cannabis itself are both nontoxic, meaning you just can’t overdo it. You can waste product by eating more CBD than is needed, easily, but you can’t overdose on it.
These revelations should come as a relief to women of all ages. Whether passing down the knowledge to the next generation or educating a parent or even learning for oneself, having a method of strong relief of the symptoms literally keep one up at night is beyond a blessing.
For millennia, marijuana has been used as an aphrodisiac, but does the herb really work to make you horny or is it all hype?
The stories swirl around marijuana about it being an aphrodisiac. For most consumers, cannabis heightens senses, puts you in a relaxed state and gives a feeling of connectedness to your partner. A relaxed evening makes can make for fun, but does marijuana really make you frisky?
Cannabis is strongly linked to Hindu culture in many ways—it’s been a traditional folk medicine in India since the fourth century BCE, and it’s still widely known as an aphrodisiac in that country. The plant was used in tantric sex and yoga practices associated with the goddess Kali as early as 700 AD.
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In a Journal of Sexual Medicine study, women were having sex 7.1 times per month on average when using marijuana, while men clocked in at 6.9 times per month. Those who abstained completely? For women it was 6 times per month versus 5.6 times a month for men.
What’s happening? THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, releases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine acts as a neurotransmitter and it mimics anandamide, the naturally occurring neurochemical. And in intimacy, and is a buffet of feel goods.
Increased Stamina
Marijuana appears to delay ejaculation for most men. Their isn’t enough data, but but it suggests cannabis eliminates stress and allows your brain to “just go with the flow.” Marijuana also creates a sensation of time slowing down, allowing the user to be more in the moment.
About one third of American women report difficulty achieving orgasm with a male partner. When cannabis is consumed, it activates a receptor in your endocannabinoid system, creating physical and mental stimulation. According to Dr. Mitch Earleywine, professor of psychology at the State University of New York: “The CB1 receptor seems to be involved in improved tactile sensations and general euphoria.”
Intensify Orgasms
Once again, there hasn’t been much research, so the data is unclear. But the intensity of the sexual activity is heightened under the influence of cannabis, especially among women. Dr. Earleywine attributes this sensation to the CB1 receptor’s ability to convert the THC into a more tactile experience. The euphoric feeling lasts longer, or at least the perception is the orgasm is longer. And whether it is perception or reality, the smile is the same.
Anxiety and stress are sex killers. For most people, marijuana is a stress reliever and calms down your active brain. There is nothing worse than trying to enjoy an intimate moment when you’re stressing out about your job or your bank account.
A Word Of Warning
Chronic, long-term cannabis consumption in some people can cause low motivation. And, unfortunately, this includes sexual activity.
Coffee sensitivities are common. Here are a few symptoms that you might be experiencing.
Caffeine is everywhere, from coffee to soda. So many of us need it to function in the morning to make us feel productive and awake. But there’s a lot of people who have a propensity for feeling very intense reactions when consuming caffeine, which can cause them jitters, sleep issues, headaches, and more.
Caffeine sensitivity tends to be pretty easy to notice, but sometimes, the symptoms aren’t all that clear. When experienced, it may be uncomfortable to a manageable degree, or it might simply make you feel terrible. If the latter is the case, coffee might not be the drink for you.
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In order to know whether you experience caffeine sensitivity or not, Healthline recommends keeping a food and drink log to help you realize how much caffeine you are consuming and whether or not it produces some side effects. So you have an understanding of what caffeine sensitivity looks like, here are some of the most common symptoms that people who are sensitive to caffeine experience:
A lot of people with caffeine sensitivity experience a hot or flushed face right after consuming a good serving of caffeine. This experience can result in people feeling flushed and even sweaty.
You have to use the bathroom often
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Caffeine has an effect on the GI tract, meaning it can result in a lot of unwelcome visits to the bathroom. It’s not know how or why this happens, whether it’s a shift in hormones or some elements that are present in coffee, people just know that this occurs with surprising frequency. Another symptom is experiencing the urge to pee more often; since caffeine is a natural diuretic, people with a sensitivity to coffee may find themselves in the bathroom for a whole bunch of reasons.
Some people need to cut off their coffee intake earlier on in the day since it messes with their sleep patterns. A sip of coffee can leave them jittery and wired for hours after they consumed it. While annoying, this symptom is manageable if people cut off their coffee intake early, having their last sip of coffee no later than around 4 p.m.
You feel uneasy or anxious
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Some of us feel more anxious after consuming our coffee, something that might go unnoticed since it’s usually early and we have to deal with a variety of stressors, like getting to work on time and completing our commute. There’s a reason for this — caffeine increases your stress hormones. Like stress itself, caffeine results in an increased heart rate and in higher blood pressure.
As science delves deeper into the cannabis plant more medical properties are revealed. Historical, the plant has been used for medicine in a variety of cultural, but through research has only started in the past generation. Currently, focus has been on the “fun” side of THC, not the difference in can make in long term wellness.
THC, cannabis’ most popular cannabinoid. It is the reason we feel elevated, lifted, high, however you classify it, it’s what gets us in a different headspace. THC stimulates neurons in the reward system to release the signaling chemical dopamine at levels higher than typically observed in response to natural rewarding stimuli. Simply put, cannabinoids regulate how cells communicate—how they send, receive, or process messages.
Evidence suggests medications with THC can be effective treatments for chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage), nociceptive pain (pain caused by ongoing inflammation and related damage) and nociplastic pain (pain arising from the altered function of pain-related sensory pathways).
Currently around 50% of research has focused on the harmful effects of THC and cannabis, but more research is starting to be done on the potential of medical marijuana and TCH. The imited research completed suggests cannabinoids might:
Anxiety disorders are common, affecting millions of people worldwide. Over 7 million Canadian and U.S. adults have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, but the number of people experiencing anxiety likely is significantly higher. Research data show with all things being equal, THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses and CBD helps in all doses.
For veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and looking for alternative ways to treat it, the first FDA-regulated study on the benefits of smoked cannabis yielded favorable results in 2021 showing THC can help veterans.
Once you strain the weed through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the cannabutter from the marijuana, what do you do with the leftover “pulp”?
If you’ve ever made cannabutter, chances are you’ve pondered this question. Once you strain the weed through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the cannabutter from the marijuana, what do you do with the leftover “pulp”? Here are the best uses for leftover marijuana pulp from cannabutter.
While you’ve strained quite a bit of the THC out of the little nubbly leftover buds, there is a little bit of THC left (more or less, depending on how thoroughly you’ve strained it). Personally, I not only despise waste but want to get the most bang for my buck from the marijuana, so I always try to find ways to use the leftovers.
A note on dosage / potency: Because there are so many factors that will be unique to you (the strain of weed you’re using, how thoroughly you strain it, etc) it is not possible to predict how potent your weed pulp will be. Best to keep the pulp in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and use a tablespoon or so per recipe.
1. Put It In Pesto
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This one’s a natural, the weed pulp already looks kind of pesto-ish, so why not toss it in your next batch? It’s guaranteed to make your next pasta dinner extra mellow. If making your own pesto, grind the pulp right in with the other ingredients. If incorporating the pulp into store-bought or pre-made pesto, grind it first and stir well to ensure it is evenly dispersed in the mixture.
2. Garnish Your Goodies
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A little nugget of the weed pulp can actually be a cute garnish on top of your canna-baked goods or confections. It is also helpful in differentiating which baked goods have pot and which ones don’t, if you’re serving a mixed batch to mixed company.
3. Slip It In A Smoothie
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Make marijuana part of your New Year’s Resolution to eat and sip healthy! It’s organic, after all. Method-wise, this is easy: just put a few morsels of the marijuana pulp in your blender along with your other smoothie or green juice ingredients, and it will be ground along with everything else.
4. Simmer In Soups & Sauces
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Soups, sauces, stews, or mixtures which are simmered “low and slow” for long periods are a great place to use pulp. It imparts a nice, earthy flavor and continues the warming effects of the food. For best results, grind the pulp first, so you don’t have unpleasant lumps of texture in your sauce or soup.
5. Beautiful Bread Crumbs
Photo by Jessie Moore
Put a few pieces of your leftover pulp together with stale bread and spices, and grind it into bread crumbs. Use your bread crumbs as a breading for fried items from chicken nuggets to eggplant parm, or use them in your next meatloaf. It’s bound to make your favorite comfort food extra-comforting.
As it reaches a tense 3 week mark to find a Speaker for the US House, perhaps everyone can chill and support marijuana
The US House of Representatives seems to be struggling to find a Speaker. Since Matt Gaetz (R-FL) lead a revolt against Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Congress has been a bit rudderless and business has come to a standstill. With two wars, an impending vote to maintain cash for the government and a long list of other actions, the country waits for a sign things will get better. It seems there is a favorite among the 9 candidates now. So what is the stance of Tom Emmer and marijuana?
Roughly 90% of the country support some form of legal marijuana and the Senate is waiting to vote on SAFER Banking to correct some issues with the cannabis industry. Currently 23 states have full recreational and 40 have medical marijuana. Tom Emmer’s (R-MN) home state of Minnesota has recreational marijuana..
Cannabis is now legal for adults 21 and older to use and possess in Minnesota, making it the 23rd state in the country to legalize cannabis for recreational use. The first dispensary selling marijuana for recreational use is now open opened in Red Lake Nation in north-central Minnesota.
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Emmer has been a a bit fuzzy on his stance. He has voted yes for the Medical Marijuana Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act but no for the Marijuana Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act which he blames as being a non bipartisian bill.
The good news he voted yes for SAFE Banking several times and has even been a House co-sponsor of the bill.
Emmer has publicly stated on WJON marijuana should be a state issue currently since the federal government isn’t taking a firm stand. As Speaker, Emmer would be able to move the federal government on marijuana.
As an example of his innovative thinking and ablility to work with non-traditional concepts, Open Secrets determined Emmer, a major crypto booster, received $95,466 from individuals and PACs with ties companies in his re-election campaign account in the last election cycle. That’s more money from the crypto industry than all other House members, except for House Financial Service Chairman Patrick McHenry, R-N.C. and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.
Based on his actions and votes, Emmer seems to be open to new ideas, understands popular sentiment, and isn’t dead set against marijuana like Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and others.
The fact that the Catholic Church is receptive to medical marijuana should instill hope that their stance on recreational cannabis use could change over time.
The Catholic Church’s Synod on Synodality assembly delved into two crucial themes recently: the accompaniment of LGBT individuals and the topic of a female diaconate. Additionally, the assembly discussed the structure of the Church, all with the aim of shaping a more updated future for the Church. As societal norms evolve, institutions like government and religion haven’t always been quick about catching up to the times. Often enough, traditional institutions like churches and government entities are among the very last to enact reforms based on societal changes.
Women involved in the church has caused global discussions for their millions of followers. Communion after divorce is also on the table. But is the Catholic Church adjusting its marijuana stance? The answer might just surprise you.
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Medical Marijuana Use Is Not Condemned By the Catholic Church
Before recreational use became widely accepted, there were first efforts to prove its medicinal effects. In fact, medical marijuana use in the United States can be traced back to as early as the mid 19th century. Since that’s the case, it’s understandable that the Catholic Church has a fairly lenient stance towards using marijuana for medicinal purposes. Over the course of the last few years, some prominent church leaders have come out in vocal support of medical marijuana use. While the Catholic Church has come out in support of medical marijuana, the main caveat is that the substance is used for therapeutic purposes exclusively.
Recreational Marijuana Use Is a Different Story
Although the Catholic Church supports the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, their stance is clear that using marijuana for fun still falls under the category of drug use, which is a sin. Pope Francis reiterated this stance in a 2014 speech where he railed against the increasing amount of efforts to legalize recreational drugs like marijuana.
The stance taken by the pope has been the common refrain used by the Catholic Church when it comes to the topic of recreational marijuana use ever since. Since many cannabis users see consuming marijuana in a similar light to alcohol consumption, the hardline stance against the substance doesn’t seem entirely fair.
Hypocrisy Of Allowing Alcohol Use While Condemning Marijuana
“Any merely emotionally motivated choice to use some substance, including cannabis, is an abuse.” In other words, Father Ryan said, if a person is doing it without some good in view, and is simply seeking the altered state of consciousness as an end in itself, then that itself is unreasonable use.
Even though marijuana is strictly prohibited by the Catholic Church, alcohol doesn’t face the same restrictions. That fact is ironic considering the damage alcohol can do to individuals, families and communities. Drunk driving alone is responsible for more than 10,000 deaths per year in the United States which is more than can be attributed to legal cannabis. If cannabis can be banned by the Catholic Church because of any danger it presents, it seems as though alcohol should be prohibited, too.
Will Their Stances Change Anytime Soon?
While their position is fairly hardline right now, the fact that the Catholic Church is receptive to medical marijuana should instill hope that their stance on recreational cannabis use could change over time.
The reality is that medical marijuana is still a relatively new concept to many people, including to the decision makers within the Catholic Church. It’s likely fair to assume that as those decision makers get younger and grow up in a world where medical cannabis is more commonplace, that this could be the factor that contributes to attitudes about cannabis changing in the Catholic Church for good.
With the boom in craft spirits of the last 15 years has come an avalanche of new-make spirits labeled “moonshine,” “white dog,” or “white lightning,” often flavored with everything from apple pie to jalapeño to pumpkin spice. But what exactly is the stuff? Is it just a gimmick?
Moonshine is high-proof liquor, traditionally made, or at least distributed, illegally. The name was derived from a tradition of creating the alcohol during the nighttime, thereby avoiding detection. In the first decades of the 21st century, commercial distilleries have adopted the term for its outlaw cachet and begun producing their own legally sanctioned, novelty “moonshine,” including many flavored varieties, that in some sense continue its tradition, generally having a similar method and/or location of production.
Especially in the South, traditional moonshine still “homemade” and distributed to friends and family. Is can be made from any fermentable substrate, from sugar to grain to stone fruit. Whatever distillers can get their hands on and want to work with is fair game.
Commercial liquor labeled as moonshine is typically one of two things: neutral grain spirits or unaged whiskey. But what’s the difference there?
In short, it’s a difference in proof at distillation. Neutral spirits—of which vodka is a subcategory—must be at least 95% alcohol coming off the still, whereas whiskey must be distilled to less than 95% ABV. American whiskeys like bourbon, rye, and corn whiskey can’t be distilled above 80% ABV. Those differences are important, because the lower the proof at distillation, the more flavorful congeners carry over from the grain to the final spirit. White whiskey, in other words, is different from vodka, but some of what gets sold as “moonshine” is legally vodka. Check the fine print—if the label says “neutral spirits,” it’s not whiskey.
So why are these spirits so trendy these days? You see brands like Ole Smoky on shelves in mason jars and people are buying them right and left.
In large part, it’s because whiskey, like other aged spirits, is expensive and time-consuming to produce. It can be years before newly-distilled bourbon or rye is ready to hit the shelves, and small start-ups usually can’t afford to sit around twiddling their thumbs while whiskey is maturing. That leaves them with two options: buy and bottle sourced whiskey, or make clear spirits that can be sold right away. Gin, vodka, and white rum are all options, but so-called moonshine has an outlaw mystique that fits well with the branding of a lot of small distilleries. Some large distilleries, like Buffalo Trace, have since jumped on the bandwagon with their own new-make bottlings.
The fact that white dog is usually either a marketing ploy or a financial stopgap doesn’t necessarily mean it’s to be avoided. For one thing, it can be a great mixer, serving as a more-flavorful substitute for vodka. It can also be interesting to taste various styles of whiskey in their new-make form, and even, if you have the space and patience, try aging it at home.
