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Top 7 Ways Cannabis Can Strengthen National Public Health

Nicole Skrobin
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Top 7 Ways Cannabis Can Strengthen National Public Health

For decades, cannabis has been stigmatized as a dangerous drug that’s bad for your health. Years ago, different forms of propaganda were released regarding the supposed risks of cannabis. However, these so-called claims/risks weren’t supported with any credible scientific evidence or proof. What does have scientific evidence is cannabis’s variety of medicinal properties and benefits. As time goes on, more studies are revealing additional medical benefits of the cannabis plant. Currently, not only is cannabis used for medical reasons, but it also has the ability to strengthen national public health.

In the past, cannabis was viewed as a public health enemy, and in some areas, it’s still viewed this way. However, in recent years, epidemiological research has discovered that the plant contains numerous benefits, which can significantly help improve the lives of the general public. Based on the latest research that has been released thus far, there are seven ways in which the transformation of cannabis can benefit public health.

Cannabis Consumers Aren’t Major Binge-Drinkers

Over the past few decades, in the U.S., binge-drinking rates have increased. What is binge drinking exactly? In simplest terms, it’s when an individual consumes at least four glasses of alcohol within two hours. According to research published in the American Journal of Public Health, it was discovered that from 2005-2012, the rate of binge drinking increased by 8.9 percent. Binge drinking is risky, and it can cause increased violent behavior and even sexual assault, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

What linkage does cannabis consumption have with binge drinking though? Recent research indicates that cannabis could combat the behaviors caused by binge drinking. One research report found that U.S. states that have adult-use cannabis laws in place noticed a reduction regarding binge drinking rates. Specifically, these states witnessed a binge drinking rate reduction of 9 percent below the national average. It’s believed that cannabis acts as both a social lubricant and alcohol substitute. Thus far, cannabis hasn’t been associated or linked to any debilitating chronic effects, which is very different than alcohol.

Substituting Alcohol for Cannabis Could Reduce Risks of Developing Dementia

According to a 2018 study conducted by the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, it was found that heavy alcohol consumption is one of the top risk factors for dementia, especially early-onset dementia. The study’s co-author, Jürgen Rehm mentioned that brain damage and dementia caused by alcohol are completely preventable.

In addition, cell line research and preliminary rodent research indicate that cannabis contains strong neuroprotective properties. These properties can work to reduce inflammation in the brain, which could possibly protect against brain cell death in those who neurological diseases. Fortunately, cannabis reform could act as a significant policy contender regarding the event of alcohol-induced brain damage.

It’s Impossible to Experience a Fatal Cannabis Overdose

Moreover, alcohol, cocaine, opioids, and other recreational drugs can lead to fatal overdoses. However, cannabis is one drug that can be used medically or recreationally, which doesn’t result in fatal overdoses. Throughout history and to this day, nobody has died from a cannabis overdose. In general, it’s impossible to experience a fatal overdose from cannabis consumption.

Furthermore, different cannabinoids actively impact cells throughout the body including the brain. The receptor sites that are responsible for cannabis’s psycho-active effects aren’t present in the body’s brainstem. This is important because the brainstem contains the gear that controls respiration. Although cannabis is often referred to as a ‘drug’ because of its psycho-active effects, it’s impossible for it to slow the body’s breathing down to the point of death.

U.S. States with Medical Cannabis Laws Experience Less Opioid Overdose Deaths

So far, cannabis legalization has had a significant impact on the opioid epidemic. In particular, a 2014 study revealed that accessibility to cannabis resulted in reduced opioid overdose deaths by 25 percent. Then, a follow-up study discovered that when individuals have easy access to cannabis through licensed dispensaries, overdose rates decreased even more.

Cannabis Users Aren’t as Likely to Develop Diabetes

In the past, epidemiological research published in 2011 discovered that cannabis usage was associated with reduced obesity rates. Then, in 2012, additional research revealed that cannabis users aren’t as likely to develop diabetes as compared to non-cannabis users. From here, it was discovered that cannabis consumers showed lower levels of fasting insulin in addition to improved glucose metabolism. Fortunately, cannabis can help diabetics while also working to reduce the number of annual deaths due to diabetes.

In U.S. States with Medically Legal Cannabis, Medicare Costs on Prescription Drugs Have Decreased

In recent years, more cannabis users are substituting their prescription drugs for cannabis. A 2016 study found that Medicare Part D prescriptions for anti-depressants and pain-killers declined not long after different U.S. states put medical cannabis laws into place.

According to the same study, it was estimated that medical cannabis laws have saved taxpayers significant money—$165.2 million to be exact due to ditched pharma meds and cannabis usage instead.

Cannabis Users Experience Lower Domestic Violence Rates

One 2014 study focused on 634 couples during their first nine years of marriage and the impact cannabis consumption had on rates of intimate partner violence. It was found that couples who consumed cannabis together during year one of marriage weren’t as likely to experience violence during their first nine years of marriage. Although cannabis cannot stop domestic violence, it could act as an alternative to other harmful and violence-inducing substances.

Overall, it’s safe to say that cannabis reform is progressing, and there’s significant potential for the future. Stay tuned to see what impact cannabis reform has moving forward and how it can positively affect people’s lives and well-being even further.

Meghan Markle’s Signature Is Much Fancier Now That She’s A Duchess

Maria Loreto
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Meghan Markle’s Signature Is Much Fancier Now That She’s A Duchess

A lot of things change once you marry a British prince. For starters, you become a Duchess. You might also adopt a lovely accent, and you get to develop a much fancier and better looking signature.

According to Hello Giggles, the royal house is extremely strict when it comes to its members, demanding that women wear pantyhose, neutral colored nail polish, and to never ever take selfies.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are currently on their royal tour, most recently swinging through Ireland. The couple met President Michael Higgins, signing their names on the official guest book and taking tons of pictures to memorialize the event.

Photo: Pool/Pool/Getty Images

In the image above, you can see Markle’s old signature. You can easily make out the capital “M” and then, if you squint, you can sort of make out the rest of her name.

Photo: WPA Pool/Pool/Getty Images

On the second image, Meghan’s signature is much easier to read. There’s also the beautiful calligraphy, which looks like the one used on wedding invitations or a really fancy birthday party.

Harper’s Bazaar consulted a handwriting expert who pointed out that the royal newlyweds have very similar handwriting. “It’s as if they’re singing from the same hymn sheets or reflecting each other in the same mirror,” said Tracey Trussell. “There are matching features that reveal a desire for synchronicity and stability. They are also both instinctively in tune with the soul.”

Trussel mused that Harry and Meghan’s signature style hint at two people who have a need for each other.  “Harry’s need for Meghan is seen in the long ‘y’ stem that opens to the left. Meghan’s need for Harry is seen in the dramatic left sweep of letter ‘n’, to the left, combined with the protective ‘umbrella’ style of superfluous loops above the letters.”

We know what you’re thinking. It’s just handwriting. But it’s a field of study for a reason, right? In any case, Trussell should try writing romance novels.

Mexico Pushing To Make CBD A Supplement

Mike Adams
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Mexico Pushing To Make CBD A Supplement

Mexico, a country that has been associated with the illegal drug trade for decades, is on a path to treating certain marijuana derivatives as a health supplement. According to a recent article from Forbes, now that the nation, sometimes referred to as “South of Freedom,” has legalized the cultivation and sale of medicinal cannabis containing no more than 1 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), products rich is cannabidiol (CBD) are could soon be treated in a manner similar to vitamins and minerals.

It was just last year that President Enrique Peña Nieto signed a piece of legislation legalizing the production and use of low-THC medical marijuana products. The new law, according to Raul Elizalde, President of HempMeds Latin America, will allow cannabis producers to incorporate CBD in a variety of health products. It could also allow patients to gain access to higher strength cannabis through the healthcare system.

“A good point about this regulation in Mexico is that any product with a THC concentration higher than 1 percent can still be registered with the government, and sold as a prescription,” Elizalde said. “But the best part is that [cannabinoids] with below 1 percent THC content can be in medicine, supplements, lotions, food, anything. This is very, very good for our country, and I think we’re one of the very first in the world to take that path.”

Although there is potential for great innovation in the world of therapeutic cannabis south of the border, it presently remains difficult to for patients to gain access to CBD and other cannabis products, the report claims. As it stands, Medical Marijuana, Inc is the only source for cannabis products. But a physician must prescribe them. There are not available over the counter.

HempMeds, which is a subsidiary of the company, was created two years ago to begin pressuring lawmakers to pass “broader medical marijuana regulations in the country.”

In the meantime, some Mexican residents are simply crossing over into California to reap the benefits of the state’s new recreational marijuana market. It is there that adults 21 and older can bypass all of the red tape associated with gaining access to pot products in their country by simply flashing a little cash in a retail dispensary. It is a system that Elizalde thinks Mexico may need to get onboard with in the not so distant future.

“In a country where we have suffered so much from drug violence, we know that drug policy is wrong,” he said. “Last year, our president said that drug policy has failed. I think we need to do something different, and maybe that difference is to make marijuana recreational, make it legal, so that states could regulate it, and promote regulation over prohibition.”

President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a man that U.S. President Donald Trump has nicknamed “Juan Trump,” reportedly has a plan to change the country’s drug laws. He plans to take a “transitional justice” approach to non-violent drug offenders, reducing jail time and putting more emphasis on rehabilitation. He is set to take office in December.

3 Tricks That’ll Help You Fix The Most Common Smartphone Problems

Maria Loreto
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3 Tricks That’ll Help You Fix The Most Common Smartphone Problems

Bugs, crashes, and poor battery life are issues we have to deal with regularly when it comes to our cellphones, especially if these devices are over a year old. Sometimes these problems start popping up even earlier, depending on your phone usage, downloaded apps, and specs.

While you won’t be able to fix every problem yourself, there are several things anyone can learn to do to improve the performance and life span of their devices. Popular Science compiled a list of tricks that are simple and that target the most basic bugs that affect most phones. Here are 4 of our favorites:

Faulty apps

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When it comes to crashes and bugs, it’s important to know the source of the problem. If an app crashes regularly then it’s probably faulty, slowing down your entire system. If this problem is localized, it’s pretty easy to fix. On Android, go to Settings, tap on App & Notifications, then select App Info. Tap the app that’s causing problems and select Storage. Here, you can do two things: Clear Cache and Clear Data. The Clear Cache option will delete temporary files that won’t mess with the app’s settings, but it may not solve the underlying issue. Clearing the data may solve the problem but you’ll have to re-enter all you information afterwards.

On iOS there’s no option to clear cache or data, so you must uninstall and reinstall the app, To do this, tap and hold the app that’s causing problems and then tap the X icon that pops up.

Bugs

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Bugs are random problems that affect your phone no matter what app you’re using, and they can be hard to pinpoint and correct. To fix the problem, shut down the device and turn it back on. While this is a very simple solution, it works because it clears out your phone’s temporary data.  If your phone is frozen and you’re not able to turn it off, try to manually reset it. These resets vary from model to model, so look them up.

If turning your device on and off doesn’t work then you need to check other parts of your phone that might be causing problems, like hardware. If your device overheats, monitor it closely. Does it happen while it’s charging? If this is the case the issue might lie with the charger, the cord or the battery.

Lack of storage space can also cause problems that affect your entire device, so make sure your phone has sufficient storage to function on a day to day basis. To check your storage on Android tap on Settings and then on Storage. On iOS tap on Settings, then on General, and finally on iPhone Storage.

Poor battery life

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Poor battery life affects most people who own smartphones and is mostly due to degrading batteries. Buy a new one and be sure to maximize its life by taking care of it. Always close out apps that drain battery life, use airplane mode sporadically, and use chargers that are approved by the phone makers. If you have an Android device, use their different battery saver modes and dim your display.

You don’t need to do this every day, but these tips work on special occasions where you can’t charge your phone.

Vets Say They’re Seeing More Dogs Being Poisoned By Marijuana

Amy Hansen
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Vets Say They’re Seeing More Dogs Being Poisoned By Marijuana

More and more dogs are getting hauled into the emergency room because of marijuana. Vets say cases of weed poisoning are skyrocketing among man’s best friend.

The issue is so far out of control that calls to the Veterinary Services Poison Helpline for marijuana ingestion by pets has jumped 448 percent over the past six years, according to a statement provided by the American Veterinarian Medical Association.

CBD Oil For Dogs: As Popularity Grows, So Do The Scams
Photo by Alvan Nee via Unsplash

If you’re a dog owner and you didn’t already realize, dogs will eat just about anything. They’re curious creatures who have no discerning taste when it comes to edibles, whether they come in the form of poop or cannabis.

Laura Stern, a veterinarian with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, told NBC News: “We have seen a significant increase in the number of calls we have received about pets and marijuana.”

RELATED: Pets In Pain? Here’s How Marijuana Can Help

While cats can also be victims of marijuana overdose, about 90 percent of the marijuana-related calls to the Animal Poison Control are about dogs, Stern told NBC News.

Peter Bowie, a veterinarian at Pet Emergency & Special Center of Marin, California, tells NBC News he treats about five dogs a week who’ve ingested marijuana, saying:  “Treatment is supportive. If signs are moderately good, we do home nursing care. For more serious cases, we give IV fluids and do a respiratory watch.”

Dogs are actually more susceptible to the effects of cannabis than people, according to Gary Richter, a veterinarian at Holistic Veterinary Care in Oakland, California, who tells NBC News that dog have larger concentrations of cannabinoid receptors — which are involved in memory, appetite and the sensation of pain — than humans.

He says if you think your dog has eaten some marijuana, get on the phone immediately and call your vet, because the situation is no joke. It’s not uncommon for dogs to have seizures or slip into a coma.

Photo by Isabela Kronemberger via Unsplash

“The best way to compare it is to the idea of a really bad trip,” Bowie tells NBC News. “They are disoriented, hyper-reactive and they can also be somnolent. They stumble around and they pee on themselves.”

RELATED: Pet Raccoon Gets High On Weed And Confuses Firefighters

And THC can definitely have a major impact on our four-legged friends. Says Stern, “The more THC a pet ingests, the more severe the signs generally are, so it takes a smaller amount of concentrated material — like edibles — to cause an issue than it would with plant material.”

Kevin Smith Reveals New ‘Hollyweed’ TV Show, Which You Can Watch Right Now

Brendan Bures
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Kevin Smith Reveals New ‘Hollyweed’ TV Show, Which You Can Watch Right Now

While Kevin Smith was premiering his 2016 film Yoga Hosers at the Sundance Film Festival, news broke that the director/screenwriter had secretly begun filming a comedy series called “Hollyweed”. Reports stated that Smith was working on spec — meaning he wasn’t being paid for the project — and would be acting in the comedy series as well.

Enter Rivit TV, which bills itself as the “first audience powered, commercial-free television platform that gives fans the ability to greenlight all-new original TV series.” The company announced its launch Wednesday with the pilot of Smith’s “Hollyweed”.

Here’s where things get interesting: Fans can watch the “Hollyweed” pilot for free then decide if they’re willing fork over the cash for a full season. In essence, fans will determine whether the show goes into production, allowing fans to receive the exact content they want, instead of being at the mercy of what networks give them.

“Two years ago we shot a pilot for a show called ‘Hollyweed’ and tried to take it out the traditional way but had no luck. Cut to now, and we get to bring it back to life. Thanks to the good folks at Rivit TV, we raised it from the dead, it’s crazy. Rivit TV was smart enough to take this show and leave it up to my fans,” Smith said in a release.


Photo courtesy of HOLLYWEED/Rivit TV

So what’s “Hollyweed” about? It’s a stoner workplace comedy starring Smith in his first major speaking role and will follow two ganjapreneurs as they navigate the small-business world of the cannabis industry. The show also stars Donnell Rawlings, Adam Brody, Jason Mewes and Ralph Garman. Additionally, Smith will act as showrunner.

According to Marcus Wiley, Chief Content Officer at Rivit TV, “This platform allows our industry’s top creators like Kevin Smith to focus on passion projects that resonate with their fans without worrying about a committee of executives or advertisers. Our goal is to directly connect creators with their fans, liberate the creative process and invite the audience to greenlight shows from their favorite storytellers.”

Here’s a quick explanation of how pricing works, according to Rivit TV:

Rivit TV pilots are always free…There is a 45-day period when fans select the per-episode price (from $1.99 to $5.99) they would be willing to pay to get the season made. The higher the price point chosen, the fewer the amount of people who are needed to greenlight the season. More people participating lowers the price and everyone is charged the same lowest price. The season is greenlit at the end of the 45-day timeframe, or when the price-per-episode reaches $1.99. Only then are credit cards charged. There is no charge if the season is not greenlit. Episodes of the new season will begin releasing weekly, approximately 75-90 days after the end of the pricing period

You can watch the “Hollyweed” pilot right now on Rivit TV’s website, or click here.

Sangria Juice Boxes Are The Best Thing To Happen To Summer

Maria Loreto
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Sangria Juice Boxes Are The Best Thing To Happen To Summer

Any beverage that comes packaged in a small box is ten times more delicious than average. It’s science. Knowing this information, Beso Del Sol Sangria decided to release red, white, and rose sangrias that come packaged in small juice boxes, so you can drink your juice on the go and pretend that you’re drinking Capri-Suns. You’ll just have more fun.

Beso Del Sol’s sangria contains different types of grapes and ingredients. Their white sangria is made from Spanish Airen grapes and a blend of lemon, peach and mango, while their red and pink sangrias are made with Spanish Tempranillo grapes and a blend of other fresh ingredients that include lemon, peach, cinnamon, and orange.

The sangria juice boxes contain 500ML of drink (which, according to Pop Sugar, equals three generous glasses) and are resealable. They also don’t need to be refrigerated, which is great for the beach and the summer. The containers are fully recyclable and the drink’s ingredients are natural and vegan, so not even your annoying picky-drinker friend will be able to criticize you.

Beso Del Sol is also adaptable, offering different versions of sangria that fit with other situations, coming in 750ML and 1 liter glass bottles. They also have a great option for those of us who want to stock up on sangria for long periods of time, offering a 3 liter box that can last up to two years unopened and can stay fresh for six weeks after your first drink. This box also comes with its own pour sprout. Need we say more?

The First Church Of Cannabis Wants Marijuana To Be Recognized As A Sacrament

Sara Somerset
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The First Church Of Cannabis Wants Marijuana To Be Recognized As A Sacrament

A judge in Indiana has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a pot-smoking Indianapolis church that wants marijuana to be recognized as a sacrament. The three-year-old case in Marion Circuit Court was vaporized on Friday, July 6.

The First Church of Cannabis filed the lawsuit three year ago, on grounds that pot was considered a sacrament under Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, according to The Indianapolis Star.

The church members refer to themselves as Cannatarians and their beliefs are not uncommon. Rastafarians, who take their name from the former Emperor of Ethiopia Ras Tafari Makonnen, also believe that “the herb,” as recognizable Rastafari Julian Marley puts it, is a sacrament.

In her dismissal, Judge Sheryl Lynch said the church’s love for marijuana does not count as practicing a religion. She also said allowing exemptions for illegal marijuana use and possession would negatively impact society, according to the Associated Press.

Judge Lynch also stated, “In addition, if the Religious Freedom Restoration Act affords an exception to the prohibition against marijuana possession, it would be unclear whether state law enforcement officers would be permitted to use the scent of marijuana, or plants and paraphernalia in plain view, as probable cause for a search warrant. Such indicators traditionally have been ‘obvious sources of probable cause’. However,  a religious exception to the marijuana laws could render them ‘questionable.’”

“In other words, law enforcement would actually have to do a proper investigation rather than grabbing the ‘Low hanging fruit.’” countered co-plaintiff Neal Smith, who goes by @SkyWolfNealSmith on the church’s Facebook page.

He went on to say that, “Cannabis arrests bring in money to the system. Fines, probation fees, government grants, civil asset forfeiture and state kickbacks and contributions from private prison groups. Who needs civil liberties when there is money to be made?”

Judge Lynch, however, said the pot-smoking parishioners failed to declare how they would obtain the marijuana used in their sacrament, where it would be kept, and how it would be secured. “Or even,” she added, “where the dividing line between ‘sacramental’ and recreational use might lie (if one exists).”

“We weren’t allowed to have the herb, so we weren’t in a position to say what our security system would entail,” says Bill Levin, Grand Poobah and Minister of Love of the First Church of Cannabis. “We can’t, for example, say it’s in a locked safe, behind a locked door, behind a steel gate — the whole Get Smart setup.”

The church group didn’t have plan to disclose their security details during the deposition. They offer that when they are allowed to have the product, “We will be happy to provide our plan to safely secure our herb. We have so many members around the country who cultivate. Getting it won’t be a problem,” says Levin, who added:

There is an upside to the court’s decision. We are an official religion. Out of this hearing, we got halfway there. The state has recognized us as a functioning religion.

The members of the church argue that the government has no right to decide which religious beliefs should be protected. “We are going to appeal the judge’s decision, without a doubt,” said Levin.

In the meantime, the upbeat, humorous churchgoers plan to take their show on the road. The church plans to host what Levin describes as a cross between a good old-fashioned tent-revival movement and Neil Diamond’s Brother Love Traveling Salvation Show.  “We’re tentatively calling it, The Prayer for Legalization tour,” he said.

Uber Drivers May Squeal On You If You Smell Like Marijuana

Brendan Bures
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Uber Drivers May Squeal On You If You Smell Like Marijuana

Uber may seem like your friend, what with all those late-night rides home after the bar, but this story emphasizes that you’re a customer, not a friend. Because if you indulge in some weed-related fun before using Uber, you might get squealed on without even realizing it.

Comedian Mike Mulloy learned this lesson recently when he consumed some marijuana prior to hopping into his Uber. The company’s Community Guidelines specifically states that riders could lose access for “Breaking the law while using Uber.” This band riders from “bringing open containers of alcohol or drugs into the car,” which may or may not include weed.

A helpful reminder here: Marijuana is medicinally legal in 30 states and recreationally legal in nine states plus D.C..

“We’re reaching out because we have received a claim that you may have been in possession of an illegal substance on a recent trip,” read the message from Uber tweeted by Mulloy. “We take these claims very seriously,” adding that Mulloy’s account could permanently deactivated.

https://twitter.com/fakemikemulloy/status/1015493170551902209

https://twitter.com/fakemikemulloy/status/1015493490984095746

Mulloy claimed that he had only “smoked a blunt” prior to getting into the car. But more interesting is that drivers can report passengers for even “suspecting” a rider has alcohol or illegal substances on them.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol for both riders and drivers,” an Uber spokesperson explained in an email to Mashable. “If a driver suspects a rider has drugs or alcohol, they can report it to us through in-app support.”

It appears that so much as smelling like weed could earn you a warning from Uber, but whether it could get you banned seems up for debate. As the company spokesperson explained to Mashable, “For a first-time offense, we send a warning to the rider. Multiple reports of problematic behavior may result in a review of their account status.”

To claim this incident as representative of Uber’s stance toward marijuana is a silly thought exercise. But it’s a worthy reminder for marijuana enthusiasts that lighting up a joint right before hopping into the Uber isn’t the smartest of ideas.

Can Marijuana Concentrates Go Bad? 

Mike Adams
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Can Marijuana Concentrates Go Bad? 

On July 10, otherwise referred to as 710, the cannabis community is supposed to flock to pot dispensaries in legal states to celebrate, stock up on and indulge in all things connected to the world of cannabis concentrates. It is a scam right out of the book of Hallmark. But the fabricated sentiment surrounding these kinds of hokey holidays hasn’t stopped pop culture from sucking up to similar concepts, such as Valentines Day, Friendship Day and even Boss’s Day. What kind of brown nosing imbecile celebrates that?

This article is not supposed to be about the great American lunatic and its willingness to latch on to commercially driven merriment designed to get the average consumer to spend more money. Nope. This one is for those members of high society who will participate in what the cannabis trade has so capitalistically deemed 710 – the customer destined to end up with a surplus of wax, live resin and other concentrated variations of THC by the end of the day. This article serves to answer the most common question for this new generation of dabbers: Will these products ever go bad?

The short answer is most properly stored concentrates have a long shelf life. In some cases, as long as they are not exposed to the elements, it is nothing for these items to stand the test of time. But the quality of the concentrate will inevitably deteriorate the longer they are kept. Some extraction experts say that the second the odor of the product is noticeable the product is in the process of degrading. But this doesn’t mean that the concentrate must be used up quickly. It takes some time for these things to expire – even in unfavorable conditions. But the key to maintaining freshness is proper storage.

“Shatter and oils, especially those that have been winterized, tend to be more shelf stable,” writes Matthew Mongelia for PotGuide.com. “Winterization does not affect THC content, but the reduced amount of lipids means less terpene retention overall. Some consumers report a preference of winterized products for smoothness, so in the end it might come down to personal preference.

“Though winterization can help fend off changes in concentrate, over time, many will become more sugar-like in appearance regardless, a process known as nucleation,” he added. “Simply put, nucleation is when homogenized particles within the hash (think contaminants, lipids and cannabinoids) begin to separate. Many factors can contribute to or hinder the nucleation process, such as time, temperature, contaminants and lipid content.”

Concentrates age in the same way as flower. Eventually, the product, regardless of whether it is bud or some other mad science preparation, will lose some of its potency. Some reports show that cannabis products left out at room tempature for up to 12 months are at risk of losing around 17 percent of their THC. But a “two-year-old concentrate could still retain 66% of its potency, and three-year old 51%, and so on,” according to Pot Guide.

So before you spend all of your hard earned cash stocking up on cannabis concentrates, it is important to consider a few things. If you have the resources to properly store these products, keeping their exposure to light, heat and air to a minimum, everything should be fine. However, Fresh is always best. These products are best when consumed within six months. So, unless you’re a tourist in a legal state, you can always buy more tomorrow – even if it is 711.

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