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Before shoving off on your journey, make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge you need to be both safe and considerate with your cannabis use. We surveyed a large group of hikers with an affinity for cannabis to determine what tips to keep top-of-mind while outside, so let this be your map to positive experiences in nature.

Safety and etiquette for smoking weed outside

Safety is paramount to having a good experience, and etiquette is paramount to others having a good experience, so be sure to practice both when you hit the trail.

• Be respectful of other hikers. This piece of etiquette was offered by nearly every hiker interviewed—not because cannabis is something that should be kept secret, but because, as one hiker put it, “Just like cigarettes, not everyone likes it, and everyone should be able to enjoy the trail.” This is especially important around crowds and children.
• Leave no trace. This is the golden rule for all hikers— no one is an exception. When it comes to enjoying cannabis on the trail, it may seem like no big deal to toss an extinguished roach. (“It’s okay, the crutch is hemp paper!”) No. No one wants to see cannabis or cigarette butts on the trailside, and even if it seems too small to make any big impact, get in the habit of packing out all trash no matter how small.
• Be conscientious of your use of heat and fire. This is particularly true in dry areas and seasons. Tossing a roach you thought was out could have devastating effects on a dry ecosystem and ruin areas that were once near and dear to many other hikers. And, as always, be smart with your use of campfires (in other words, don’t be a stoned idiot), and adhere to the conditional fire laws in your area.
• Bring extra water. You should always bring more water than you think you’ll need in the event of an emergency, but this is especially true for those of us who like to pair our adventures with cannabis. As you may have noticed with the dry mouth phenomenon, cannabis dehydrates you, so be sure to pack and drink a lot of water. I always bring a water filtration pump with me, because unexpected things can happen.
• Know your route. Some trails are obvious and easy to locate. Other are not. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed a switchback or had to retrace steps looking for familiar signs – it can happen to anyone, and being high while trying to navigate can make it even more challenging if you’re not an accustomed user. It may sound dorky, but bring a topography map or a GPS system, pay close attention to natural landmarks, and track your mileage.

Best cannabis pieces to bring hiking and camping

What’s your favorite piece to bring while hiking? We asked our local hikers what they preferred, and here’s what we learned.

• Joints. My personal favorite method for the great outdoors is the classic joint. Roll several before hitting the trail, and you’re good to go. Shop for “dogwalkers”—which are mini-sized joints that are lower-profile and usually less potent. The upsides to joints: they stay lit even in windy weather, they’re easy to share with friends, they’re lightweight, and they pack a big punch. The downsides: they can be hard to light in the wind, you have to pack out roaches (bring an extra baggie, otherwise they make your backpack smell bad), they require a lot of bud, and a strong breeze makes them burn faster.

• Vape pens. A lot of hikers love vape pens on the trail. The easiest oil and rosin pens offer strain-specific cartridges, so you can bring your favorite variety of cannabis with you on the trail. They’re inconspicuous offer the perfect lift. Just make sure to charge your vape battery. And store your pen upright so it doesn’t leak.

• Pipes. The tried and true method of consumption favored by many hikers. As one Washington hiker said, “On busier trails I prefer to use a pipe. They’re easier to put out when other people are passing by.” Almost all hikers surveyed cited pipes and one-hitters as their go-to pieces, so there’s something to be said about this classic companion. The downsides: they’re breakable, they can be difficult to light with a breeze, and it’s hard to hit them while walking.

• Travel water pipes. We love a good bubbler when camping. The water cools and filters the smoke, which makes it easier on the parched throat of a camper. Buy a cheap, small glass travel bubbler. Skip the plastic bong.

• Edibles. There’s nothing wrong with eating some edibles and staring at the fire for a few hours. The body high can soothe tired muscles and promote sleep. The downside: edibles can cause an overly intense high with sedating effects. Dose responsibly!

Legal considerations of enjoying cannabis outdoors

There are differences in marijuana policy and tolerances depending on which area of wilderness you’re visiting.

Federal land like national parks can cite you for using marijuana, and technically you can still be fined for public consumption outside national parks even in legal states.

State fines tend to be significantly lower than federal ones, but it’s still something to consider. Fees vary from state to state, so be sure to research your relevant laws if this is a concern.

Private campsites are different than state or federal land, and nowadays some spots advertise their 420 friendliness. Google ‘420 camping’ in your state to see what’s around. There’s Camp Laughing Grass in Maine, or Tree House Joint in Washington.

According to federal agencies: Possession or use of marijuana inside a National Park Service unit (parks, preserves, rivers and monuments) is prohibited.

And:

Possession or use of any amount of cannabis is still prohibited on all National Forest lands and at all National Forest campgrounds and facilities. Penalties include seeing a judge, a minimum $1000 fine and up to one year in prison. Thinking of smoking in Yosemite or Yellowstone? Keep it low-profile. According to one commenter on Reddit’s camping discussion board:

The top camping states in the US are: California, Washington, Texas, Florida, and New York. The legalization states ban smoking in public, and the prohibition states ban simple possession. For example, in California, smoking or vaping on a beach can yield a $25 fine. Oddly enough, smoking in the parking lot might be OK, though.“PRC Section 5008 includes exemptions that allow smoking and vaping tobacco and marijuana in State parks and beaches in the following areas or under the following circumstances: paved roadways or parking facilities, …”

According to Washington State parks officials: “Cannabis use is not permitted in public spaces.”

In closing, living in a society means conforming to behaviors that don’t hurt anyone, or generally bother them too much. That includes how you act on public lands like state and federal parks and campgrounds. Smoking weed has the potential to make a cool hike even cooler. We have some great memories of joints with friends around a campfire. But just cus it’s cool and fun does not immunize you from the law or basic manners. Do your thing in nature—just leave no trace and don’t be a jerk about it. And if you get caught, be prepared to pay the fine.

This post originally appeared in Leafly.

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It’s the start of a new festival season, as music lovers far and wide prepare for a summer full of multi-day events featuring some of their favorite artists and DJs, along with plenty of dancing. For many, the festival experience also involves consuming a variety of drugs to amp up the experience.

This year’s Drug Safety at Music Festivals study, conducted by research firm Innerbody, sheds additional light on the habits and plans of festival goers this year while also addressing some of the best ways for folks to stay safe should they decide to consume substances at these events.

The study uses survey data from 900 people and suggests that about 87% of festival attendees plan to take drugs, a 10% increase from last year’s figure.

Examining Most Popular Festival Drugs, Genres and Events With Most Drug Use

The study focuses on a variety of topics surrounding drug use at music festivals, beginning with the most popular substances that festival goers plan to use during the upcoming season.

Alcohol is always the top substance consumed at festivals, but the study did not include it and focused solely on drug usage. That said, cannabis takes the top slot by far, with 65.3% of festival goers who plan to use drugs saying they will consume cannabis. Authors note that the widespread legalization of recreational cannabis across the U.S. may make cannabis a less risky option for attendees.

Cocaine was the second most popular choice (46.5%), followed by psychedelics (26.1%), MDMA (19.4%), ketamine (19.3%), amphetamines (13.7%), opioids (12.1%), benzodiazepines (10.1%), synthetic drugs like bath salts or spice (9.7%), hallucinogens like salvia or peyote (6.1%) and inhalants (6%).

Plans to use cocaine are up from last year’s numbers, though there was a 2% drop in the number of people who plan to use opioids — which authors noted as surprising given the continued opioid overdose epidemic though still “encouraging.”

The study found that rock, hip-hop and EDM are the genres most likely to have audience members under the influence of drugs, with Wisconsin’s Rock Fest claiming the top slot as the festival with the most anticipated drug use, according to survey participants. The weeklong Burning Man festival held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert took the second slot, while Coachella was third place for most anticipated drug use.

Festival Drug Concealment, Consumption and Drug Testing Behaviors

The study also looked at drug concealment, consumption and testing behaviors among those planning to consume for festivals, finding that just 32.6% bring their own drugs with them to the event while the remaining 67.4% buy them at the festival. Last year’s results found that 46% planned to bring their own drugs to the events. Millennials were the most likely generation to buy drugs at the venue rather than purchasing them beforehand.

In regard to drug testing, a majority (80.3%) test their drugs before the event or festival, an increase from last year’s approximately 67% figure.

“This increase in testing could be due to more awareness surrounding the U.S. opioid crisis and the public education efforts that have taken place,” authors note. “But while the data is encouraging, it still reflects the reality that 20% of festival goers could be taking potentially dangerous drugs at concerts.”

Concealing drugs in backpacks and pockets are the most common choices, and researchers also found that attendees tend to take drugs in one of three places with a fairly balanced distribution: the restroom (29%), within the crowd (31%) or outside the festival gates (33%).

Health Issues, Risky Behavior Harm Reduction and Festival Drug Use

Though authors indicate that the broader prevalence of drug testing is encouraging, the study notes that more than half of survey participants said they had experienced health-related issues that warranted medical attention while under the influence of drugs at festivals. The most common complications attendees experienced were heat stroke, a bad trip and dehydration.

The survey also found that drug use tended to lead festival goers to engage in riskier behavior at the events, with 66% of both Gen Z and millennial respondents reporting they had done so while attending festivals under the influence. Engaging in sex with a stranger was one of the most prevalent examples, most prominent among millennials, while one in every four millennials also reported “driving dangerously” after a festival ended.

Authors note that abstaining and testing drugs before using them are some of the best harm reduction methods, though surveyed festival goers largely reported self-education about the drugs they were using, the risks and potential side effects as their go-to safety measure. The second-most common strategy was starting with a low dosage, followed by drug testing.

“Being aware of your surroundings, remaining close to your friends, keeping hydrated, and familiarizing yourself with the location of medical tents are also easy and practical ways to help stay safe at music festivals,” authors close.

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So this year, Leafly triangulated data from more than 6,000 strains, 4,000 store menus, hundreds of thousands of user reviews, and first-hand anecdotes from our network of cannabis experts to determine the best strains for sex. Tough work, if you can get it. But dry? Never.

The following 11 strains appear highly statistically likely to rev your engine, though your mileage may vary. Terms and restrictions may apply. Void where prohibited.

Bacio Gelato

Bacio Gelato (Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint GSC) grown by the regenerative First Cut Farms is a wave of pleasure that drowns out any feeling that isn’t good. Gassy, sweet, and potent in the best way, physical euphoria accompanies a playful state of mental calm, making this buzzy and beloved strain perfect for a romantic evening at home.

Grown in the deep, chocolate soil of Covelo in Mendocino, this cross was grown in balance with nature, under the sun, moon and the stars. This balance is reflected in its high, too, which is hyper potent without edging into the negative. Smoke it with your partner and have the best Valentine’s day ever, whether you go out, or not.  — Lindsay MaHarry

Peach Crescendo

I got a bag of Peach Crescendo, a sativa-dominant cross of Chem D, I-95, Mandarin Cookies, and Peach Rings grown in a greenhouse by Paradiso Gardens for the Dovetail brand, called a friend, and proceeded to experiment. The first whiff smells like peaches with a hint of grapefruit, while a long pull tastes almost like a Snapple Peach tea.

Because it’s cottonmouth factor is so low, this is a great option for making out…or other things where you want some saliva, if you get my drift.
Great for a “vigorous” session, maybe not so much if you are a slow and languorous lover. As one Leafly user wrote, “Be careful who you smoke this around bc this was very arousing.” —Ngaio Bealum

Melonade

I love Lemon Tree, and I enjoy Watermelon Zkittlez a great deal. They are both delicious in their own right, and unite in Melonade for a tropical, citrus-soaked consumption experience that evokes the tantalization of skimpy, beachside sunbathing and the freedom that comes with being on vacation.

I have always preferred strains that lean towards the cerebral, and research indicates that arousal and gratification depend a lot on healthy, uninhibited brain function, particularly for women. Melonade helps declutter the mind while tuning in to your body’s cues—the vote of confidence you need to vocalize what you like and get it. —Amelia Williams

Cereal Milk

Called a friend over for “bong hits and chill”. We smoked the consistent crowdpleaser, Cereal Milk(this particular batch was grown by Lowell Herb Co.) and got our chill on. Cereal Milk, coming from a cross of Y Life x Snowman is a sweeter, perhaps creamier variation of the Cookies phenotype with less sedation—great for the ol’ smokey-pokey.

This well-balanced hybrid came in clutch at helping when it was time to honing focus on important tasks, and active enough to enhance finding creative ways to accomplish said tasks. I would rate it a 420/69. One reviewer said it best: “You need that extra oomph on the bedroom, don’t grab the blue pill…grab Cereal Milk.” —Ngaio Bealum

Candy Rain

Candy Rain by Moon Valley Cannabis is a lush and languid sensory experience. Everything about this flower is turned all the way up, from its crystalline bud structure and other worldly high, to a complex terpene profile that’s heavy on the gas with notes of lilac, pine, and wet earth.

Moon Valley Cannabis grows fire cultivars like this popular London Pound Cake x Gelato cross indoors in “living soil,” meaning large troughs of soil alive with mycelium, beneficial insects and companion plants. They also implement Korean natural farming techniques like fermenting all their inputs in-house.

With its mind-quieting and physically titillating high, Candy Rain is a perfect pick for a sexy night like Valentine’s Day. Roll up. A sumptuous evening awaits. — Lindsay MaHarry

Mint Chocolate Chip

If you’re looking for an indulgent dessert strain, Mint Chocolate Chip from Sweetgrass Organics is as irresistible as raw cookie dough. Grown in organic living soil, the velvety allure of these sugar-dusted nugs is undeniable. But don’t be fooled by this sweet bakery batter strain.

It leaves a surprisingly flirtatious kiss of cool mint that lingers on your lips after every satisfying puff. A sensual combo of mint and chocolate, it’s a cross of Mystery Cookies and Green Ribbon BX from Exotic Genetix. Serving a full-bodied experience and uplifting high, Mint Chocolate Chip is perfect for any after-dinner affair.  —Amanda Breeze

Love Affair

Love Affair, the cross of Alien Rock Candy and GG4 eschews lovey-dovey florals for heart-pounding, animalistic scents. The crew at Pacific Grove coaxed plenty of nuance out of this clone-only offering from Western Solventless Technology. Halitosis and body odor compete against diesel fuel and black peppercorn in a bouquet that wrinkles the nose while it raises an eyebrow.

The scent is a perfect match for the effect, less suited for rose petals on the bed and geared more toward the center of a crowded dance floor at the after-after party. Rich in caryophyllene, this arousing strain offers relaxation without tipping into sedative territory. —Ryan Herron

Biskante

Your sweet tooth will thank you for rolling up Biskante—you and your significant other will be drooling over each other, high on the heat.

Made from Melonade x Biscotti #6, the Biskante offers up the sugary-sweet diesel flavor signature to Biscotti coupled with the luminous lemon of Melonade, thanks to its dominant terpenes limonene and beta-caryophyllene. Biskante takes these pleasant dessert flavors and turns it up to 11, coating the mouth with sugary sweetness. This batch tested high at 32.65% THC and 0.07% CBD, a knock-out cultivar to gift your knock-out partner. —Lindsey Bartlett

Apples and Bananas

It may not be the naughtiest name compared to other exotic fruit strains, but when it comes to temptation, apple is the original sin– and we all know what a banana looks like. An Indica-leaning hybrid from Castle Rock Farms, Apples and Bananas is a genetic fruit cup of [(Platinum Cookies x GDP) x Blue Power] x Gelatti.

These dense buds have deep purple undertones with a sweet but not overpowering aroma featuring subtle notes of honeyed banana. It has a playful flavor profile that slowly ripens to a satisfying sour apple taste for a sinful night-in.  —Amanda Breeze

Cheetah Piss

I’m personally not into water sports, but I’ve always had a taste for strains with a touch of lewdness and the possibilities they contain. Cheetah Piss, a collaboration between Cookies and Growing Passion that puts Lemonnade, Gelato and London Pound Cake in cannabis cahoots, feels as funky as it smells, and it smells pretty rank.

If you don’t want a straight Cookies or Haze but like the effects (euphoria, tingles, mind piqued) of both—voila! From that first ammonia-laden toke, Cheetah Piss veils your senses in, well, sensuality; mentally I’m calm, but perky, and all my nerve endings stand at attention.

The orgasm gap between men and women is very real, but the Piss never fails to rise to the occasion. — Amelia Williams

Donut Shop

Donut underestimate the potency of this strain. Donut Shop is unlike any bud you’ve ever seen. Donut Shop is bred by Fig Farms and picked from their 2023 pheno hunt, with a genetic lineage of Holy Moly! x Gelato 41. You can taste the love that Oakland-based Fig puts into its craft. The flavor is as decadent and creamy as a heart-shaped Krispy Kreme.

Its lime green and white trichome-packed peaks and valleys offer a refreshing flavor profile to the California marketplace. A true indulgence, the dry hit is reminiscent of powdered sugar donuts mixed with something funky and floral.

Donut Shop’s effects are titillating as they sneak up on you. The high takes its time with a comforting and mellow unraveling, perfect for the most sensual of holidays. Euphoria, creativity, relaxation, and potent pain-killing effects all made an appearance while smoking this cultivar. —Lindsey Bartlett

And that’s 11 strains that bang to get you started on V-Day, 2024. Good luck in love! It’s worth it!

This posted originally appeared on Leafly.

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A healthy connection between someone’s mind, body, and soul is important for Rateb Nesari, who uses cannabis to help soothe those in pain. Nesari, who works for SLO CAL Roots Dispensary, said he started running a compassionate care program through the dispensary after his wife began suffering from mental illness, and Western medicine didn’t seem to help. By experimenting with different recipes, marijuana strains, and products, Nesari said his wife’s mental health started to improve.

Inspired by the impact cannabis had on his wife, he decided to see whether marijuana could play a role in helping those with terminal illnesses mitigate the impacts that medications such as chemotherapy can have.

“Twenty years ago, my friend’s grandma had cancer and she got down to about 80 pounds, so I decided to make Rick Simpson Oil, and that actually made her better,” he said. “After about three days, she actually was able to eat and within the first week she gained 10 pounds.” SLO CAL Roots’ compassionate care program helps those who truly need cannabis as a medicine and can’t afford it due to high taxes that the retail marijuana industry pays in California, Nesari said. Most of his patients are those who have cancer, are in hospice, or have other terminal illnesses. They receive products for free.

About Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is an oil made from the flowers of the Cannabis plant, according to WebMD. “Before cannabis was leagalized, we had Prop. 215, which allowed us to trade and barter medical cannabis. It seemed to have been forgotten about when recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, which basically left the medical patients out.” Rateb said. “So those who donated products basically stopped donations because people didn’t want to pay taxes on the donated products. This seemed to cause the whole medicinal market of cannabis go into the black market.

Over the years, Nesari said, he met the owner of Emerald Bay Extracts, a Stanford trained oncology and ICU nurse who donated their full-spectrum cannabis oil and tablets weekly. “I wasn’t really getting a lot of products donated to me when I first started out. I only had about 10 patients there, but then I met Emerald Bay Extracts, and they helped me out with the formalities of getting the program going,” he said. “We actually had to cancel the program three or four times during the first six months because I was just running out of items.”

Nesari said that SLO CAL Roots has a separate rack in the San Luis Obispo-based dispensary that displays the companies that donate to the compassionate care program. He added that SLO residents who visit the dispensary are the ones who helped the program grow. “The community started buying those products, and that allowed us to bring in more products and get more donations,” he said. “This allows me to make regular deliveries to my patients in need.”

About Enrollment

The program is currently maxed out at 30 people with a pretty long waitlist, Nesari said. Although product donations have increased, it’s not enough to raise the number of patients the program can serve. “When a patient comes into my program, I don’t just give them free weed. We sit down and go over their diagnosis, what their symptoms are, and then we find a profile that works for the patient,” he said. “This comes with food recipes, aroma therapies, and instructions. This isn’t just a free program; I try to actually help them use the medication in a way that works for them best medicinally.”

Nesari said program sign-ups are usually by word of mouth from those who visit SLO CAL Roots Dispensary. “Most of the time it’s a family member like mom or dad who comes in and sees what I’m doing and tells me what the situation is with their loved one, and I tell them if they have a medical card to come see me,” he said. “We also keep flyers around telling the public what this program does.” We are Looking to grow this program to help everyone in need, Nesari said he’s just hoping more companies will donate. “If businesses are willing to jump on board and help my program then they are able to get a tax exempt form from me, and I accept products that are close to expiring so the dispensary doesn’t have to pay to destroy them, and I’m able to offer larger packages to patients,” he said. “My goal for this program is to get as many people off the waitlist as I can and expand it.”

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Below, learn everything you need to know about live resin.

What is live resin?

Live resin is a form of cannabis concentrate produced using fresh frozen material as opposed to dried and cured buds. This extraction method releases cannabinoids while retaining the terpenes and allows the extractor to capture the flavor of the live plant over the characteristics of dried and cured buds. Since these flavorful terpenes remain intact, live resin is considered a high-quality, connoisseur-level product.

The history of live resin is short yet bountiful:

• 2010: William “Kind Bill” Fenger started the first legal grow operation dedicated exclusively to producing concentrates in Colorado. He considered the idea of producing extracts from freshly harvested cannabis plants with richer aromas and flavors, rather than extracts made with cured nugs.
• Initial attempt: Fenger created live resin with the Original Diesel cultivar using flash-frozen plant material to produce BHO. The resulting extract is flavorful and aromatic but has a low yield, is dangerous to make, and is aesthetically unappealing.
• 2013: Jason “Giddy Up” Emo installed an EmoTek Labs OBE-Dos extraction unit at A Cut Above, a medical dispensary in Colorado Springs. Fenger is hired as a consultant for technical support, leading to a collaboration.
• The collaboration: Fenger and Emo worked together for over a month, experimenting with various strains and extraction techniques using the OBE-Dos unit.
• First successful batch: Fenger and Emo produced a successful live resin batch using whole cannabis plants that had been flash-frozen, which achieved the desired aromatic and flavor characteristics. They name both the extraction process and the resulting concentrate live resin.

How to consume live resin

Live resin is a flexible cannabis concentrate that you can consume in various ways.

• Vaporizing: You can use vaporizers or dab pens designed for cannabis concentrates. These devices heat the live resin to a specific temperature, turning it into a vapor that you inhale. You can also dab the concentrate with a rig or e-nail.
• Flower: Some drizzle live resin on top of a packed bowl or incorporate it into a joint or blunt. This method enhances the potency and flavor of the cannabis flower, but may not provide the same level of terpene preservation as dabbing or vaporizing.
• Infused into edibles: You can add live resin to food to make edibles, but note that infusing live resin into brownies, gummies, or chocolates requires decarboxylation to activate the THC and other cannabinoids. Some brands, like Kiva, make live-resin-infused gummies if you prefer to go the store-bought route.
• Infused into tinctures or topicals: You can infuse decarboxylated live resin into a carrier oil or alcohol to create tinctures or topicals. Consume tinctures sublingually or orally via food and beverages. Apply topicals directly to your skin for potential localized relief.

Benefits of live resin

The ease of the live resin process is a benefit to growers. Since live resin is first fresh frozen from buds that don’t need dried or cured, they can skip the time-consuming steps needed to create other forms of concentrate.

Live resin is one of the most flavorful forms of concentrate since the result is flush with cannabinoids, trichomes, and terpenes. These elements remain intact, and closely resemble the taste of the starting fresh bud material. The extraction process also makes for a higher potency end product suitable for recreational and therapeutic consumers alike.

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To fully understand CBG and its effects, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex system plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body and is responsible for regulating many essential bodily functions. Let’s dive deeper into what CBG is and how it interacts with the ECS to produce potential medicinal benefits.

CBG was first discovered in 1964 by Israeli scientists. It is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” or “parent cannabinoid because it is the precursor to other major cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. CBG is produced in both cannabis and hemp plants through a process called biosynthesis. To get a little technical, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is the acidic form of CBG. It’s the chemical precursor for THCA and CBDA, which are the acids that evolve into THC and CBD. These compounds evolve into a usable form when heated by fire (when smoking a bowl or joint, for example) or when turned into vapor.

The main receptors in the brain and body’s endocannabinoid system (i.e., the components of our brain and body which respond to cannabis) are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBG has been shown to partially interact, or agonize, weakly with both receptors. THC also partially agonizes the CB1 receptor, and this is what gets you high. CBG’s effects on CB1 are WAY too weak, and it’s possible that it could also neutralize the effects of THC as well on the same receptor.

The Medicinal Potential of CBG

CBG is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not produce a “high” like THC does. This makes it a desirable option for those seeking medicinal benefits without the psychoactive effects. Research has shown that CBG can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, similar to how CBD works. This interaction can have potential medicinal benefits, such as reducing inflammation and pain, promoting relaxation and sleep, and even potentially inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, CBG has been found to counteract the effects of THC, potentially helping to reduce anxiety and paranoia that can be caused by high levels of THC.

Methods of Consumption for CBG

There are a variety of methods for consuming both CBG. To experience the effects of CBG, smoking dried flowers or resin are not the only options. CBG can also be consumed through edibles, tinctures, capsules, powder, and topical creams.

Here are several methods of consuming CBG, including:

1. Smoking: The traditional way of consuming CBG is by smoking dried flowers or resin. This method produces a fast onset of effects but can be harsh on the lungs and throat.
2. Edibles: CBG can also be consumed through edibles, such as brownies, cookies, and gummies.
3. Tinctures: CBG tinctures are liquid extracts placed under the tongue or mixed into food or drinks. This method produces a fast onset of effects and allows for more precise dosing.
4. Topicals: CBG topicals are creams, balms, and salves applied directly to the skin. This method is helpful for localized pain and inflammation.
5. Vaping: CBG can also be consumed by vaping, which involves inhaling a vaporized oil or liquid. This method produces a fast onset of effects but can harm the lungs.
6. Suppositories: CBG can be used in a suppository. A suppository is another way to deliver a drug. It’s a small, round or cone-shaped object that you put in your body, often into your bottom. Once it’s inside, it melts or dissolves and releases its medication.

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If cannabis forms a daily ritual, then changing your bong water should ideally be part of this routine. Refreshing the water daily not only provides a cleaner hit but also accentuates the nuanced flavors of different strains. As a precautionary step, running boiling water through your apparatus can further ensure the removal of residual ash and harmful pathogens.

For those who partake less frequently, changing water after every session might seem excessive. However, a post-session cleanse with boiled water can work wonders, eliminating residues and ensuring the bong is ready for its next use. Before storing, ensure the bong or water pipe is thoroughly dried.

Irrespective of the frequency of use, a good practice is to switch the bong water every 2-3 days. Although people residing in warm and dry areas might feel the temptation to extend this duration up to a week, it’s a risk that doesn’t pay off in terms of health.

Over time, stubborn resin accumulates that mere hot water can’t tackle. For such instances, a bi-weekly deep clean with a concoction of alcohol and salt comes highly recommended. This not only eradicates the sticky resin but also ensures the bong remains in pristine condition.

Once cleaned, the storage environment plays a pivotal role in the bong’s upkeep. Moist conditions can be a magnet for mold and mildew. Always ensure your apparatus is stored in a dry, clean, and preferably warm location.

Recognizing The Signs: When To Change Your Bong Water

The subtle indicators that your bong needs a fresh dose of water or a thorough cleaning are not always glaringly obvious. However, a keen eye (or nose) can spot the warning signs early on, ensuring you’re not compromising on the quality of your smoking experience.

The Smell Test

A foul, pungent odor emanating from your bong is an undeniable sign that it’s long overdue for a cleaning. Bong water naturally captures residues and contaminants, and over time, these can cultivate a rather unpleasant scent. If your bong emits a stale or musty smell, it’s a clarion call to replace the water and possibly even give your bong a thorough clean using alcohol and salt.

Water Discoloration

Fresh bong water is typically clear. If you observe a transition from transparent to a murky brown or if you spot suspended particles, it’s time to take action. While a slight tint might emerge after some usage, an excessively dark hue indicates the presence of contaminants that could be harmful when inhaled.

The Resin Dilemma

Resin is a byproduct of smoking cannabis and tends to accumulate on the walls of your bong. Though some might attempt to scrape and use this resin, it’s generally not recommended. Apart from providing a subpar smoking experience, the charred remains can harbor molds and mildew. These growths find the wet, resinous environment conducive, and their presence can be detrimental to your health.

Presence Of Mold And Mildew

Water is the crux of life, and where there’s water, there’s potential for lifeforms to thrive. Bongs, unfortunately, can sometimes become the breeding ground for molds and mildew. Look out for signs like pink discoloration, white or gray fuzzy growths, white speckled powders, or even black specks. These are red flags, and smoking from such a bong can introduce harmful pathogens to your lungs.

In conclusion, your bong is more than just a smoking apparatus; it’s an investment in your cannabis experience. Being vigilant about its cleanliness ensures that every session is smooth, flavorful, and, most importantly, safe. Always remember, a clean bong is a happy bong!

Maintaining Your Bong

Water and life have an intrinsic relationship. From the smallest microorganisms to the largest mammals, water is essential. However, when it comes to the intricate ecosystem of your bong, not all life forms are welcome. Introducing certain elements to this setting can upset the balance, leading to unwanted microbial guests.

Mold and mildew are forms of fungi that can thrive in moist environments, like the inside of a regularly used bong. While these fungi can be beneficial in certain contexts, the ones that find their way into your bong are not the friendly kind. They can be harmful when ingested or inhaled.

While these invaders can be sneaky, they often leave clues. Be on the lookout for:

Pink stains: Unusual pink discoloration is often a sign of bacterial growth rather than fungal, but is equally undesirable.

White or gray fuzz: This indicates the growth of molds, especially in damp conditions.

White speckles: These can be the early stages of mold formation.

Black marks: Dark spots or speckles can be a sign of black mold, a particularly harmful variant that should be dealt with immediately.

The key to preventing mold and mildew growth is regular maintenance and understanding that a moist environment, especially one with organic residues like in a bong, is a potential breeding ground.

Ensure your bong is dried properly after cleaning, and avoid leaving stagnant water in it for extended periods. Using fresh water every time and occasionally cleaning with recommended solutions can keep your bong in optimal condition.

To sum up, while the aesthetic and experiential pleasures of using a bong are many, they come with the responsibility of ensuring it remains a safe and hygienic tool. By paying close attention to its cleanliness and the water’s clarity and freshness, you can ensure every session remains as delightful as intended, without any unwanted surprises.

Happy and safe smoking!

The post How often should you change your bong water? appeared first on SLO Cal Roots.

So, the time has come for a THC detox. Perhaps you need to pass a drug test for a new job, or maybe you’ve decided to take a T-break (tolerance break) and want to flush weed out of your system before beginning anew. Here’s how to effectively reset.

What is a THC detox?

A THC detox is the process of clearing any residual cannabis from the body and its systems that can accumulate with consistent use. By abstaining from cannabis for a period of time, the body flushes all cannabinoids and terpenes from its system. THC metabolites can linger for up to 30 days after inhalation or ingestion, so don’t expect everything to clear up in a day.

This weed detox process may be easy for some people and difficult for others. The duration of each THC detox often depends on how heavily and consistently you consume cannabis. Whether or not you do use cannabis for medical purposes and the symptoms it helps treat will also impact the detox. For heavy and/or medical consumers especially, the marijuana detox process may give rise to unpleasant symptoms, which include:

• Irritability
• Headaches
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia

How to get weed out of your system

There are many ways to detox from cannabis. Most involve wellness practices that not only help you detox, but improve your body’s overall health.

How to pass a drug test and detox weed naturally

The best weed detox method? A natural cleanse. Although it will take a long time—up to six weeks—it remains the most thorough and effective method for getting weed out of your system.

Most of these methods work in conjunction with each other, and all of them benefit the body. Consider the following strategies for an all-natural marijuana detox experience.

1. Abstain from THC

This is pretty obvious, but in order to detox from marijuana, halt all consumption of cannabis. Whether you choose to go cold turkey or ease into it, the process of THC detoxification cannot truly begin until cannabis is fully out of the picture.

2. Exercise

Get up and move! Our bodies store THC in fat cells—fewer cells mean fewer THC leftovers. Physical exercise such as cardio and weight training help burn fat and increase metabolism, thus speeding up the weed detox process.

A happy bonus to exercise will be an increase in the production of anandamide, the body’s natural “bliss” molecule. If you’ve ever experienced a “runner’s high,” you know the euphoric sensation this endocannabinoid provides.

Exercise will help decrease detectable cannabinoids in your body while simultaneously smoothing the transition for endocannabinoids, which our bodies naturally produce, to take over.

3. Drink water

Drink plenty of water during this period to assist with cleansing the body and expelling toxins. We need water to maintain all sorts of bodily functions, not just for detoxing, including organ function and immunity. But don’t overdo it—drinking excessive amounts will not speed up the process.

4. Practice a healthy diet

Avoid foods high in sodium, sugar, and fat to help detox from weed. These types of foods, such as red meat and junk food, increase water retention and slow your metabolism, which is in direct opposition to the body’s ability to shed THC metabolites. Instead, opt for a nutritious, healthy diet of vegetables, lean meats, fruits, and plenty of leafy greens.

Many greens increase metabolism because they contain iron and other essential vitamins. Incorporate more spinach, kale, and other vegetables into your diet to assist in the process of flushing out your system.

Healthy fibers will also be beneficial during this period: Beans, legumes, peanuts, unenriched whole wheat, and other good fibers give an added boost. These key detox foods will also assist in stabilizing your mood and sleep, helping ease possible negative symptoms.

5. Drink more tea

Opt for teas with high levels of antioxidants, or liver-cleansing teas such as dandelion or milk thistle. This is a simple, enjoyable way to help the body along with the marijuana detox process.

6. Take care of your mental health

A detox can exacerbate negative emotions. Remember to be gentle with yourself and take care of your mental health.

This may mean different things for different people. For some, exercise, yoga, and meditation may help stabilize mood. For others, it may mean putting less on your metaphorical plate and allowing the marijuana detox time to be a vacation from typical stresses and agitations. Consider taking advantage of resources such as therapy, if accessible. Whatever the reason, be kind to yourself during a THC detox.

7. Nurture yourself

Consider the cannabis detox experience an opportunity to check in and take care of yourself. Approach this time as a vacation and give yourself permission to worry less and pamper yourself more.

Buy a fancy bath bomb and take a relaxing soak, spend more time with close friends, visit your favorite parks or nature centers for picnics or light strolls, garden, read, dance, or pick up an instrument. Whatever healthy habits make you happy, give yourself permission now to enjoy them fully.

The post THC detox: Myths, facts, and tips to get weed out of your system appeared first on SLO Cal Roots.