Category: Cannabis

Previously, we have reviewed how to get the smoke smell out of your car, and how to get the smoke smell out of your house. Here we will discuss how to get the smell out of your clothes and other fabrics.

When trying to eliminate an odor, there’s a difference between rendering it invisible to the nose and actually eliminating the cause. Scent occurs in the mind, while the sensation is caused by matter – actual particles in the air around your nose. So when eliminating a scent, you can either hide it from your olfactory sensors or remove the odor-causing particles from the area.

This article reviews methods for getting the smoke smell out of your clothes including the science behind odor-eliminating cleaners, and general tips for how to not smell like weed after smoking.

Laundry Detergent

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to know how detergent cleans cloth to know how other options might work as well. Laundry detergents clean clothes by the use of “surface-active agents,” or surfactants. Simply put, the surfactants thin the water so it can reach deeper into clothing, while also bonding with oils from skin, hair, food, etc., before it’s all rinsed away. In a perfect world, this would be enough, but when it’s not, what more can we do?

Baking Soda

Formally known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is commonly used to fight food odors from the back of the fridge. When you were young, you may have also poured vinegar into it to make a fizzy volcano. That’s because baking soda reacts strongly with acids to neutralize the PH difference between them. This principle can be used to neutralize odors caused by acids as well, such as those in smoke.

For most effective use, soak your clothes in warm water with a cup of baking soda for an hour before washing. Once the baking soda is washed away, it will carry the odorous molecules down the drain with it. If the garment in question is “dry clean only,” you can also sprinkle the baking soda across the garment and leave it in a sealed bag, checking every hour or so for improvement.

Vinegar

If you exercise, you may already be familiar with adding vinegar to your wash. This common household acid can be used in an array of cleaning solutions, and your laundry is no different. Either soak your clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water before you wash, or add it during the washing machine’s rinse cycle and let it sit for an hour.

Febreze and Odor-Absorbing Sprays

The active ingredient in Febreze is a chemical compound called cyclodextrin. Avid chemistry enthusiasts may want to learn more, but the rest of us only need to know that this compound binds with the molecules you’re smelling and prevents them from being detected by the olfactory receptors – from being smelled. While this is a great short-term solution, remember that cyclodextrins “trap” the scent, they do not remove it. The source of the odor will remain, however masked, until you wash your clothes.

Activated Carbon

Activated carbon works by “adsorption,” which is the process by which a solid retains a gas or liquid by holding it to the surface, as opposed to soaking it up entirely by the more common absorption. While activated carbon often appears as an unremarkable black powder, it actually has a staggering surface area thanks to its microporosity – that is, it’s full of microscopic holes.

Gasses and liquids may pass through the carbon, but along the way, the carbon is binding and retaining many stray compounds, including those that cause odors. The water filter in your fridge uses activated carbon to clean your water much the same way.

This black powder is already used in some hunting gear to trap the wearer’s scent from escaping, and it can be used to clean laundry much the same way baking soda can. Toss some carbon in a plastic bag to absorb the scent without getting the clothes wet, or soak clothes in a mixture with water. Be advised, this stuff can look like black dye before it all washes away. Try to contain it in a sink or tub.

Fresh Air and Sunshine

High heat can actually bond certain chemicals to fabrics. Have you ever accidentally tossed a stained shirt into the dryer and now it’s permanent? Odor-producing molecules are no different. If odor-producing molecules are dried at a high heat, they may bond too strongly with the molecules of the fabric and never come completely clean.

The solution, then, is to dry the cloth at a lower temperature. Most dryers offer this option, but the best choice is still to hang the clothes outside. The comparatively low heat will prevent any odorous molecules from bonding to the fabric, at least allowing you to wash it again for improved results.

Sunlight can also cook smells out of clothes by virtue of ultraviolet radiation. UV light from the sun contains trace amounts of ionized radiation which damages organic matter. When this happens to our skin, we call it sunburn, but the same principle may be applied to organic acids or microorganisms like odor-causing bacteria.

Hanging a shirt out in the sun for a few hours may be enough to eradicate any organic source of bad odor. The fresh air will also wash several other natural scents through the cloth, covering any remaining smells. Be careful though with your favorite clothes because UV light will also fade dyes and pigments.

Conclusion

There’s an old stoner tradition to simply shed one’s shirt and set it aside while smoking. While this might work to some degree, it’s usually not a practical option, nor a comfortable one. To at least mitigate the odor absorbed by your clothes, try to smoke outdoors whenever possible to maximize dispersion of the odor-causing molecules.

Failing that, at least blow it out a window or through a fan to get the smoke away from you. Someday odorless marijuana may be available, but until then, if your clothes (or any nosy neighbors) continue to pick up the scent, you’ll be prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Febreze Get Rid of Smoke Smell on Clothes?

Yes, sort of. Febreze and similar products use chemical compounds called “cyclodextrins” which bind with odor causing molecules to mask them from olfactory senses – from being smelled – but they do not eliminate the odor-causing compound. So Febreze is a fine short-term solution, but smelly clothes should be thoroughly washed with baking soda or vinegar.

How Long Does it Take for Smoke Smell to Leave Clothes?

The smell of smoke will linger in clothing until it is washed, though it may be masked by a cyclodextrin solution like Febreze.

How Do You Get Smoke Smell Out of Fabric Without Washing It?

Sunlight is one option, Febreze or similar products are another. Febreze will not eliminate the odor, but will mask it temporarily from being smelled (smelled as smoke, anyway. The nose will still detect Febreze). Sunlight offers UV radiation which will eliminate, or severely mitigate, smells by killing any odor-causing bacteria or organic acids.

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How do you manage cannabis smoke odor on your clothes? Share your tips in the comments!

Photo Credit: Samuel Borges Photography (license)

Lawmakers are about to weed out a law that’s overgrown its usefulness.

A seldom used and apparently unconstitutional part of the General Laws may soon be stricken, if an outside section of the state Senate’s fiscal 2023 budgets makes it past muster during Tuesday’s debate.

“This court concluded that the assessment of the tax on essentially the same activity for which a dealer had received criminal sanctions was punishment prohibited by principles of double jeopardy,” the Supreme Judicial Court wrote in 1998, upholding a tax board’s decision to abate a dealer’s tax liability for their illegal drugs.

Read the rest of this story on BostonHerald.com.

For most stoners, there’s nothing better than digging into your favorite snacks after smoking some weed. It’s all fun and games until you try on your favorite pair of pants and realize… these don’t fit like they used to.

Maybe you could blame it on weed, after all, it’s a well-known fact that cannabis can give you the munchies. But did you know there is a cannabinoid that may do the opposite of stimulating appetite and actually may suppress it instead? Please meet THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), aka diet weed.

What is THCV?

As you might guess from its initials, THCV is molecularly similar to THC, yet dissimilar enough to produce different effects. In low to moderate doses, THCV has little to no psychoactive properties and may in fact mitigate the high from THC. In higher doses, it is thought that THCV produces a more psychedelic, clear-headed high with a quick onset.

Both THC and THCV interact with the same cannabinoid receptor, CB1. However, THC fits perfectly into the receptor which may cause the surge in appetite. THCV, with its propyl side chain molecular structure, fits into the CB1 receptor differently and may act to block the reward centers in the brain associated with the pleasures of eating food.

It’s been theorized that the presence of THCV in some cannabis strains may be one of the reasons that cannabis consumers, on average, are thinner than non consumers, but that theory has yet to be thoroughly studied. Nonetheless, it is theorized that this cannabinoid may contribute to weight loss or weight maintenance in cannabis consumers.

Thus far, substantive research on THCV lags far behind THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, but early research has found that THCV may be useful for much more than suppressing appetite. It may act as an analgesic, antipsychotic, anti-epileptic, anti-diabetic, anti-cholesterol, anti-anxiety, and neuroprotective, meaning it may help protect the nervous system. It may also reduce nausea and vomiting, promote sleep, and help with bone formation and growth.

Consumers (and perhaps marketers) tend to think about THCV as the cannabinoid that could help them lose weight, and there’s some science to support that theory. A 2013 study found that THCV administered to obese mice did not help them lose weight, but instead increased their energy expenditure, or calorie burn.

THCV also shows promise for those who have Type 2 diabetes, a condition affecting around 37 million Americans.

How and Where Can I Get THCV?

Finding THCV in meaningful amounts could be a long road. Unlike CBD and THC, strains high in THCV are few and far between. Most strains found in your local dispensary contain zero to little THCV and definitely not enough of the cannabinoid to make a difference for any of the conditions one might hope to address.

Durban Poison is one of the few strains that does have THCV, and may have upwards of 0.5% — which still isn’t very much. Another strain, Doug’s Varin, is said to contain up to 23% THCV, though the company credited with the strain’s creation, Dougie’s Farm, is mum on its origins since it is believed it was discovered by accident.

However, most strains do not have this cannabinoid at all, which makes bringing the strain to the marketplace impractical for businesses looking to turn a profit. Though, that’s not stopping some companies from dipping their toe in the THCV pool.

In 2019, California-based Flow Kana introduced a limited edition THCV-rich cultivar called Pink Boost Goddess that contains 4.24% THCV. Coming in with a much higher percentage of THCV are two vape pens from company California Cannabinoids, Inc., makers of Doug’s Varin Original and Doug’s Varin Relief, containing approximately 25-30% THCV by weight. The company has also debuted a flower pre-roll with 3% THCV. Then there’s the Stimulate Tablingual from Level, which comes in with four milligrams THCV and one milligram CBD per tablet.

But — buyer beware. If someone tells you their strain is high in THCV and could help you lose weight, proceed with caution.

Strains High in THCV

Though none of these strains could be said to be replete with THCV, if you’d like to give the cannabinoid a try, here are some strains that have more THCV than others.

Though THCV has yet to find a niche in the cannabis marketplace, as the industry continues to grow and legalization expands, it’s only a matter of time until there are more THCV-rich products on dispensary shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does THCV Get You High?

On its own, not very. But remember, you may consume THCV in a strain that could get you very high indeed.

What are the Effects of THCV?

THCV may reduce appetite, act as an analgesic, and help those with type 2 diabetes, among other effects. It bears repeating, research on THCV is in its early stages and there is much more to learn.

How Strong is THCV?

THCV is not thought to be very potent in low to moderate doses. It may have more psychedelic effects in higher doses, but there are very few strains that have a notable amount of THCV.

Is THCV the Same as Delta 8?

Nope. While both may be found at small levels in cannabis, Delta-8 THC is always made by chemically converting CBD or Delta-9 through isomerization. THCV is not created through an isomerization process.

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Have you tried any THCV products? What did you think of them? Share in the comments below!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The process of growing cannabis can be intimidating for new or prospective growers because it typically involves precise administrations of the right fertilizers at the right intervals, not to mention the nuances of pest control and healthy grow medium management. With so many elements to juggle, the process can quickly become more clinical than cathartic.

There’s a growing trend of organic gardening that instead focuses on curating the conditions for success, and lets Mother Nature manage the rest. It’s called living soil or “no-till” gardening, and the goal is to utilize microbes and other organisms to create a sustainable soil that produces healthy cannabis year after year, without the regular addition of fertilizers or changing out the soil.

This article reviews the practice of using living soil for cannabis, examines some pros and cons of no-till gardening, and describes how to make living soil at home.

What is Living Soil?

Living soil is soil that is rich with microbial life like fungi and bacteria, and typically includes larger lifeforms like nematodes, worms, and even insects. Living soil is meant to more closely simulate the wild soil of forests, prairies, and wetlands where natural processes perpetuate the health of the soil, including nutrient synthesis, aeration, water retention, and pest control.

Natural soils don’t get their nutrients from fertilizers, but rather via the decomposition of organic material such as fallen plant matter, decaying bugs and animals, and castings — poop. Once in the ground, this matter is eaten by bacteria which break down complex molecular compounds into nutrients available for plants. When the soil is left undisturbed (not tilled), beneficial mycorrhizal fungi grow on plant roots and act as extensions of the root system, reaching farther for nutrients and protecting the roots against pathogens.

Meanwhile, larger lifeforms like worms consume organic material in the soil and pass out castings which are rich in nutrients and offer excellent water retention. Worms also aerate the soil as they move through, loosening it for roots, and providing continuous oxygenation. Many living soils for cannabis also contain predatory nematodes which eat the larvae of other pests like fungus gnats.

In the wild, this system perpetuates itself as organic material regularly falls to the ground and feeds the process beneath. In a home grow, organic material may need to be added in the form of compost, trimmings, or yard waste.

The alternative to living soil is something like potting soil, which is usually designed for a single use, or requires fertilizer to replenish nutrients. Some may include a time-release fertilizer, but these are usually all-purpose fertilizers which are a little helpful for everything, but not perfect for anything in particular.

How to Make Living Soil

Ideally, living soil will be used for several years, as opposed to being thrown out and replaced after each use. To achieve this, growers will create a small ecosystem which will continually renew itself. Cultivating living soil is not an exact science like following a recipe, but there are fundamental elements that need to be included or addressed.

Here is a closer look at the elements required to constitute a “living soil” and how to achieve them.

Mineral

What we call dirt is a combination of minerals and humus, or organic material. The mineral structure of soil is generally categorized into three categories: clay, sand, and silt. A combination of all three is preferable, and results in a loose, fluffy loam that is good for roots and fungi.

Organic Material

In living soil, organic material is the stuff living organisms eat and break down into nutrients. Examples include leaf and yard waste, manure, kitchen scraps, or compost.

Microorganisms will eat away at this complex organic material, reducing the molecular composition into nutritious compounds available for plant absorption.

Microorganisms

Microorganisms are the life in living soil. They break down organic matter into viable nutrients. The easiest way to add a host of beneficial microorganisms is with compost. Even flushing compost tea through otherwise dead soil will introduce millions of bacteria and protozoa to the growing medium. Packs of microbial material are also available for purchase, as well as prepared soils that include microbial presence, but even a fistful of your neighbor’s compost will introduce enough life to get you started.

Water

Water is essential for any growing process, but in living soil the water sustains not only the plant, but the ecosystem in the soil as well. Many of these microorganisms and other small critters will dry out faster than the roots, so living soil should be kept comfortably moist at all times. The good news is that the humus in living soil, including worm castings and half-decayed material, retains moisture very well.

Because of this, the soil shouldn’t require more watering than usual and over the whole process may even require less. For added assurance, porous vermiculite can be mixed into the soil to improve water retention.

Air

Plants and the microorganisms that support them all need air to survive, same as humans. Plants take in oxygen through their roots, which is why hydroponics systems usually use bubblers to oxygenate the water. In soil, plants can breathe fine as long as their soil is loose enough. Thankfully, earthworms turn over soil and carve breathing corridors simply by virtue of crawling around. If you decide against using worms, at least make sure the soil is not bogged down with heavy clay.

Conclusion

Despite the attention paid to microorganisms, no-till growing and living soil are methods of not micromanaging the growing process. The hands-off approach only hands off control to mother nature, and creates the conditions that more closely simulate how cannabis would grow in the wild.

However, while living soil increases the organic integrity of the plants, it will not always increase yields. Growers trying to maximize every gram may still find more success with precise nutrient control in a more sterile environment like hydroponics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Living Soil Good for Cannabis?

Yes. Living soil contains beneficial microbial life which supports sustainable nutrient synthesis, and often includes natural forms of pest control that are good for most plants, including cannabis.

How Do You Grow Organic Living Soil?

The magic ingredient in living soil is the microbial life that is not present in options like potting soil. This microbial life can be introduced with compost or compost tea. Alternatively, organic material like yard waste or kitchen scraps can be added to soil to begin introducing microbial life, but this is essentially the first stage in composting, so compost remains the best answer.

Do You Fertilize Living Soil?

No. Ideally, living soil does not need fertilizing because it produces its own nutrients, though it may need to be “fed” additional organic material. Furthermore, concentrated fertilizers are often harmful for microbial life in soil, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, so they should never be used in living soil.

Can You Use Living Soil Outside?

Yes. In fact, most soil outside is living soil. Even strictly manicured garden beds will inevitably host an ecosystem soil and insect life.

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Do you use living soil in your cannabis grow? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Photo Credit: pxhere (license)

Was it George Harrison who sang, “Here Comes the Sun?” After a long, cold lonely winter, states across the country are easing COVID restrictions and flowers are popping out to greet Spring. Cannabis enthusiasts are likewise ready to commune for cannabis festivals, cannabis bashes, and cannabis-friendly concerts to enjoy a joint with like-minded folks.

There is a rich history of cannabis festivals in the U.S., most of which started out in the era of cannabis prohibition (which many states and our country as a whole still live in) as Protestivals. Seattle’s HEMPFEST is one of the longest running and more famous gatherings that began as a smoke-in in 1991, but it is just one among many, including the Boston Freedom Rally and Denver’s Mile High 420 Festival.

As more states legalize, decriminalize and the weed stigma fades, public cannabis consumption has expanded beyond the boundaries of a smoke-in. Let’s take a look at some upcoming cannabis fests and other sweet spots to enjoy your legal weed.

Cannabis Festivals on 4/20

To get my finger on the pulse of cannabis happenings, I turned to Celebstoner.com, created by former High Times editor Steve Bloom, a website dedicated to all things canna-culture, specifically music, movies, sports, and happenings. His list of cannabis-oriented events is comprehensive, with dozens and dozens compiled for the stoner holiday 4/20 alone.

Other Cannabis Friendly Festivals

Of course, the other 364 days of the year aren’t 4/20, and there are plenty of festivals and events that, if not specifically cannabis-oriented, are at least cannabis-friendly. Outdoor concerts, in particular, can be a great match for weed lovers.

Here are some other events happening all over the country to keep an eye on:

National Cannabis Festival in Washington, D.C.

This D.C. festival started in 2015 and celebrates the legalization of marijuana in D.C., as well as the progress in marijuana legalization throughout the United States. Featuring a “munchie zone” with food and drink vendors, concerts, group yoga and educational panels on growing, this is a must-see event if you’re in the DMV area.

Hash Bash in Ann Arbor, MI

This Ann Arbor, MI event started in 1972 after cannabis activist John Sinclair was released from jail after being detained for 2 joints. The law that sent him to jail was deemed unconstitutional, and this move resulted in there being no law banning marijuana use until after that weekend. Hash Bash now occurs every first Saturday in April at the University of Michigan Diag and features speakers, vendors and lots of weed smoking.

The Governor’s Ball in NYC

New York City’s top music festival is a hot-spot for stoners and non-stoners alike. With past headliners including Billie Eilish, Drake and Kanye West, this is the place to be. There’s tons of food and beverage vendors, immersive art and fun surprises waiting for event-goers.

Dazed on the Green in Turlock, CA

This 2022 event promises to be Central California’s largest music festival and cannabis expo. Kicking off on September 17th, this 2 day festival will have cannabis vendors, as well as three music stages including a main stage, reggae stage and metal stage.

Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, PA

Created by hip-hip group The Roots, this music festival has been around since 2008 and features some of the best names in hip-hop including Mary J Blige, Jazmine Sullivan and Summer Walker for the 2022 festival.

Sweetwater 420 Fest in Atlanta, GA

This annual event is hosted by Sweetwater Brewing Company and takes place on whatever weekend is closest to Earth Day. Founded as an environmental celebration, this festival has donated over $100,000 to local environmental charities and features a “420 eco-village” focusing on all things sustainability. The festival has featured artists like The Avett Brothers, Snoop Dogg, Cage the Elephant and Sturgill Simpson in the past.

Sound on Sound Festival in Bridgeport, CT

From the organizers of The Governor’s Ball comes the inaugural Sound on Sound festival from September 24th to 25th. This two day event boasts performances by Stevie Nicks, The Lumineers, Dave Matthews and more. Taking place at the beautiful Seaside Park in Bridgeport, definitely check this one out if you’re in New England!

Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL

This Chicago festival has been around since the 90s and is still one of the most popular music festivals around. Listen to music at one of 9 stages, grab some local grub from Chicago vendors and toke up with your friends.

Reggae Rise Up Music Festival

What better way to celebrate cannabis than with a reggae festival?!

This festival started in St. Petersburg and has made its way to Baltimore and Las Vegas. Check out the art installations, multiple concert stages and enjoy the vibes.

Northlands Music and Arts Festival in Swanzey, New Hampshire

This summer event’s music lineup includes genres from jam to rock to blues, and even features a band called The Trichomes. We’d say that’s worth checking out!

While this list is not exhaustive, it is a mere sampling of all the events coming up soon. Where will the rest of this year take you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Biggest 420 Celebration?

Tough call. There are a few historic 420 celebrations that bring massive crowds, including 420 Hippie Hill in San Francisco and the Mile High 420 Festival.

What is a 420 Friendly Trade Show?

There are many 420-friendly trade shows, including the Cannabis Wedding Expo, NoCo Hemp Expo, the Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition in NYC, MJBizCon, Hall of Flowers, and many more.

Is 420 Celebrated Worldwide?

While not an official holiday, cannabis lovers across the world celebrate the day, with large gatherings happening in the U.S., Australia, London, Amsterdam, and Stockholm, among others.

Where is the 420 Festival in Denver?

420 Fest was held at Denver’s Civic Center Park in 2022.

What’s your favorite festival? Is it on the list? Let us know in the comments!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

If you’re at all into vapes, you’re probably already familiar with PAX. Serving as one of the most popular, well-respected cannabis brands in the industry, PAX has one mission: to enhance your life by providing unforgettable, exceptional cannabis experiences. Exploding onto the scene one decade ago, PAX prides themselves in creating next level products that make cannabis consumption easy, safe, and affordable.

With the continued evolution of their devices, pushing the boundaries when it comes to design and technology, PAX has reeled in millions of consumers from all over the globe. PAX translates to “peace,” and they are committed to not only pushing the myriad benefits of cannabis, but also advancing causes of social justice, access and equity.

And now, they return with their first-ever fresh-pressed live rosin product with natural diamonds, compatible with all their Era devices in the state of California. With the rising popularity of live rosin carts, PAX delivers a “pure, chemical-free experience with no harmful solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, or combustion byproducts.” While the flavors are immaculate and the diamonds add potency, the purity of the live rosin and the nuanced flavor profiles of the terpenes leaves consumers in a frenzy.

PAX’s Fresh Pressed Live Rosin is available in 11 seasonal strains with Blue Dream, Pineapple Express, and Tahoe Rose being fan-favorites. Beginning with the highest grade flower sourced directly from local California farms, these new carts are crafted to preserve all the natural cannabinoids and terpenes in order to bring the best out of the flower. Their natural diamonds come in a purified liquid form of THCA, yielding amplified potency and the ultimate full flower experience.

Interview with Steven Jung, CEO, of PAX

PotGuide spoke with Steven Jung, Chief Operating Officer of PAX, at their intimate “Fresh Pressed” tasting experience event in Santa Monica where they paired three PAX pods with various dishes.

Read below as we discuss their new launch, the rise in rosin carts, the inclusion of diamonds, the process, the popularity in vape pens, and more!

[Shirely Ju]: What does it mean to host this Fresh Pressed tasting experience?

[Steven Jung]: It’s incredible. It’s the realization of a lot of work that we put in since we started this project, since we had the idea. Combining what Chef Chris Sayegh does with what we do, then bringing together all these people in one place — especially coming out of the pandemic, it’s inspiring and presents an opportunity for us all to celebrate something really cool.

Everyone here is connected to the industry. It’s really meaningful to take a moment to be together, and experience what we’re really proud of and get people’s feedback.

[S. Ju]: Rosin carts have been buzzing on the market as of recently, where do you see them fit in the cannabis industry?

[S. Jung]: Rosin is an indicator of consumers starting to ask the question:

“What is it that I’m putting in my body?”

When you look at rosin as a product, it’s a premium alternative to most of the products that people have experienced. They like that it’s solventless and that it preserves more of the natural properties of the plant, especially flavor.

Looking into the future, consumers are seeking products that are high quality, better, safer, and cleaner. That’s what the industry’s going to see more of going forward. If you look at the data, it indicates that that’s true, too.

[S. Ju]: How are they progressing?

[S. Jung]: The fact that live rosin is even available in a cartridge, or a pod (in PAX’s case) is a sign of progress, as it’s typically been available in a more traditional concentrate format. In California, they’ve come pretty far, pretty quickly given demand amongst cannabis connoisseurs.

But honestly, it’s still very early. In other markets, rosin carts are much newer. Rosin is rarer, but you’re starting to see it come up in different markets too. It’s not surprising California is going to be a trendsetter when it comes to products in the industry. It’ll continue to grow here in California, then you’ll start to see it spread throughout the country.

[S. Ju]: When did you guys start including diamonds in the actual cart and how has that journey been?

[S. Jung]: The inclusion of natural diamonds was something we considered as part of the formulation process right from the beginning. PAX is known for innovation, doing something really different on top of bringing cleaner and purer options to consumers — it’s a part of our brand ethos.

This is our first consumable product and we knew we wanted to deliver something different than everything else on the market. No one else has actually created the formulation that we have here. We also really wanted to create a full-flower experience, with the potency to match, and that’s why the natural diamonds were so important to us.

[S. Ju]: What is the process like and how is that achieved?

[S. Jung]: The process for us always starts from the consumer. “What is it that people are actually looking for?” And then, we solve that need. On top of that we layer our mission, which is to create an exceptional cannabis experience. Within that too, as a brand, we’ve always been known for creating the cleanest and safest options that are available.

[S. Ju]: Talk a little bit about your pod system and how it’s performing against 510 threads. Does it lend itself to rosin easier at all?

[S. Jung]:We’re really proud of our proprietary devices. We’ve worked really hard to innovate and create the cleanest, safest system. Of course, we’ve designed it with patented temperature control for the most consistent flavor and aroma experience, but this heat, never burn approach is also so important to prevent the harmful byproducts of combustion. We know that 510s don’t have this level of temperature control, often reaching combustion points — we’ve actually published peer-reviewed research on that.

We take safety very seriously and when it comes to technology, when you look at what we’ve made, we’ve spent years thinking about this. If you look at our company, we have PhDs, chemists, toxicologists, biocompatibility specialists, a Health Advisory Board, and more, and our sole mission is to figure out how to create the absolute best, safest, cleanest product. That’s a part of our company, our brand and our DNA. In those ways, we’re different from the rest of the market generally.

[S. Ju]: Do you feel vape pens are becoming more popular than joints or bongs?

[S Jung]: If you look at the data, vaporization as a category is absolutely becoming more popular. Year over year, it’s continued to grow, and it makes a lot of sense. For consumers, what they’re finding is the portability, the convenience, the ability to use it on demand, these are all things that make a lot of sense for people. And as people embrace cannabis for reasons around wellbeing, they’re more conscientious about what they’re putting in their lungs and avoiding combustion byproducts that we know are harmful.

[S Ju]: Anything else you want to let us know?

[S Jung]: We’re so excited to be launching our first cannabis product, but we’re really focused on where we go from here. This is really just the first step.

[S Ju]: What’s next then?

[S Jung]: I can’t tell ya. [laughs] But it’s coming and it’s gonna come quickly.

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Are you a live rosin fan? Have you had the pleasure of smoking a live rosin cartridge yet? Let us know what you thought about the high, safety of the product, and the flavors in a comment below!

Photo Credit: Kaitlin Parry

Blunts are cannabis cigars wrapped in tobacco which were popularized as subversive symbols of wealth by hip hop artists in the 1980s and ‘90s, when blunt smoking was at its peak. However, consumption methods have evolved, driven in part by the growing medicinal market, and many consumers now view the tobacco leaf as an unnecessary health risk due to the nicotine content.

This article offers a brief history of the blunt, reviews studies of the nicotine content in blunts and tobacco wraps, and offers tips for safer alternatives to tobacco smoke.

What is a Blunt?

A blunt is a cigar or cigarillo that has been emptied of tobacco and refilled with cannabis. The practice can be traced back to the Caribbean where cannabis was introduced by migrant workers from India, and became commonly used among laborers. People at that time were probably not smoking blunts as we know them, but the combination of cannabis and tobacco was inevitable. Tobacco was a chief export from the region, so tobacco leaves and cigar rolls were commonplace and easy to acquire.

In the 1980s, an influx of migrants from the Caribbean settled in New York City, bringing Caribbean cannabis culture with them, though at the time, no one would have used the word “blunt.” The name “blunt” is derived from a name brand of Phillies blunt cigars, so named for their blunt end as opposed to the tapered tips of other cigars. These blunts were also pretty cheap, meaning it was easy to justify the cost of buying them just to empty them. The popularity of blunts led to similar products entering the market including Dutch Masters and El Producto. In fact, other slang terms for a blunt include a “dutch” and an “el P.”

Fun fact: The first reference to blunts in a hip hop song is credited to Big Daddy Kane for his 1988 song “Raw.”

Blunts differ from joints in the same way cigars differ from cigarettes. Blunts are bigger in every dimension, wrapped in tobacco leaves, and hold much more cannabis than a joint — about 1-2 grams total. Conversely, joints are wrapped in thin rolling papers and typically hold between .5 and 1g of cannabis total. Blunts may burn for up to 30 minutes while joints are finished in about 10 minutes.

What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is the infamous chemical that makes cigarettes addictive, but its rap sheet doesn’t end there. Nicotine is a toxic alkaloid produced by plants in the nightshade family. In small doses it serves as a stimulant, raising heart rate and blood pressure, while also releasing dopamine. But in large doses or with prolonged use, nicotine disrupts REM sleep, damages the genetics of respiratory tissue, and degrades blood vessels.

How Much Nicotine is in a Blunt?

In 2016, researchers measured the nicotine content of five various blunt wraps, finding between 1.2mg and 6mg of nicotine in each. For comparison, a typical cigarette has about or at least 10mg of nicotine. After accounting for nicotine lost in side stream smoke and physiological factors affecting bioavailability, consumers typically absorb 1-2 milligrams of nicotine per cigarette.

Researchers concluded that the nicotine levels in blunt wraps were probably not high enough to lead to nicotine addiction, but they did not address how it may affect consumers suffering from, or in recovery from, nicotine addiction.

Still, undeniably, blunt wraps with nicotine represent an unnecessary health risk. To be clear, any smoke is bad for your lungs, and both cigarette and cannabis smoke contain toxic chemicals inherent to burning plant material.

But if you want to make your smoke a little safer, peeling the poisonous leaf from around your blunt is a good place to start. Thankfully, several alternatives are available.

Tobacco-Free Blunt Wraps

Perhaps the most sensible alternative to a tobacco wrap around a hemp product is…hemp. And there is no shortage of options from Hemp Zone to Juicy Jay’s to Kong Naturals. But there are more interesting options too, like palm leaves or mint. King Palm is the first name in palm leaf blunts, only criticized for their slightly faster burn time. Minty’s are a fun way to add menthol to the experience, but they don’t hold as much flower as other options. Finally, Jungle Blunts offer several choices from banana leaf to sunflower.

Conclusion

The amount of nicotine or tobacco in a blunt wrap is probably not enough to lead to addiction or acute nicotine poisoning, and this risk is further reduced as blunts are typically smoked less frequently than cigarettes. However, nicotine remains poisonous, and undeniably damages respiratory health, heart function, and the central nervous system.

Smoking anything can never be called healthy, but there are easy steps to eliminate the unnecessary risk of nicotine in your blunt, like choosing tobacco-free alternatives like palm leaf, cocoa leaf, or hemp.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Tobacco is in a Swisher Wrap?

Swisher Sweet wraps contain about 3.1mg of nicotine.

What Percentage of Nicotine is in a Blunt Wrap?

Researchers in 2016 tested 5 various blunt wraps and found between 8-18% of the weight was nicotine, or 1.2-6mg.

How Many Milligrams of Nicotine is in a Cigarette?

A cigarette typically contains about 10mg of nicotine. Accounting for nicotine lost in side stream smoke and physiological factors within the body, consumers typically absorb 1-2mg of nicotine per cigarette.

What’s your preferred blunt wrap and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has dropped his lawsuit against a Massachusetts cannabis dispensary that used an image of his character Borat on a billboard without his permission.

A document filed in Boston federal court Tuesday said the two sides have agreed to dismiss the case brought last year by the “Borat” star.

The legal filing did not mention any settlement in the case. Emails seeking comment were sent Wednesday to lawyers for Baron Cohen and the dispensary, Somerset-based Solar Therapeutics Inc.

Read the rest of this story on BostonHerald.com.

If you have been interested in breeding cannabis and making your own strains you might have asked yourself this: How do I create something that will stand out? It seems like every week some hot new strain is hitting the dispensary shelf. Some are good, some not so much. This can be a little daunting for the cannabis breeder that is just getting started.

Fortunately, there are a few tricks out there to make the best selections for cross breeding.

Hybrid Vigor

Let’s back up for a minute and look at where we’re at with cannabis genetics today versus where it began. Starting in the 1960s, cannabis breeders started to develop true cannabis hybrids. They would take a landrace Thai sativa and cross it with a landrace Afghan indica and end up with something like Blueberry.

The offspring would outperform the parents in terms of aroma, flavor and yield. This is because of a phenomenon in genetics called hybrid vigor. When two genetically distinct varieties are crossed, dominant genes from both parents are passed to the offspring. In most cases, the offspring show the best traits of both the parents and end up being more robust and overall better performing plants.

As the years passed, cannabis breeders continued to cross more and more hybrids together. When crossing hybrids that share similar parents, the effect of hybrid vigor is decreased in their offspring. Fast forward to today and we’re crossing hybrids of hybrids of hybrids. The chances that any two strains share a common relative are pretty high. If you’ve ever crossed two strains, and the result was worse than the parents, it’s most likely that the parents were not very genetically distinct to begin with.

Genetic Dominance

One way cannabis breeders can combat this situation is by doing test crosses to determine genetic dominance. When you cross two strains, more often than not, one of the parents passes on more traits than the other. A good example is Durban Poison. Most crosses with it end up tasting, smelling and smoking just like Durban Poison. This is because it has more dominant genes.

Determining what strains you have that are genetically dominant in your seed collection is a great place to start as a beginning cannabis breeder. Do test crosses and see which parent passes on more of their genes. Once you have found a couple of genetically dominant strains, cross those together. In most cases you’ll end up with offspring that carry lots of dominant and beneficial genes that result in stronger and more robust plants.

Landrace Genetics

Back to our Durban Poison example, you may ask why it has more dominant genes. The answer lies in its origins as a landrace genetic. Landrace genetics are loosely defined as strains that have been grown in certain areas for long periods of time and have adapted to the climate there.

This is what makes Colombian Gold different from Acapulco Gold, they developed in different regions and adapted to different environments resulting in unique aromas, flavors and effects. Durban Poison originates from South Africa and has been growing there for quite some time.

Because landrace genetics develop in one area over time without crossing with any other strains, the population is left to interbreed on its own. Due to selective pressure either from humans or the local environment, genes that help the plant successfully reproduce are passed to their offspring.

An example of environmental pressure would be temperature, humidity, pests and mold. Humans put pressure on the plant for aroma, flavor and THC potency. Over time this interbreeding reinforces those gene traits and they become dominant.

IBLs and Backcrossing

One way breeders can simulate this on a smaller scale is by creating IBLs (In-Bred Line) and backcross lines.

An IBL is when you interbreed the two plants from the same seed batch that both carry a desirable trait, like THC potency or aroma. Once selected, those plants are interbred with each other and the process is repeated over and over to reinforce that trait.

Backcrossing involves repeated interbreeding with one or more of the parents used to create it. This also reinforces the genes and helps to stabilize the desired traits.

Conclusion

Knowing what we know now about hybrid vigor and genetic dominance, it makes sense to use landrace, IBLs and Backcrosses to create stronger hybrids. If you are just getting into cannabis breeding, a good place to start is by using strains created by diligent breeders that take the time to work their seed lines. This will get you started on the right path to creating the next big hype strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Find Good Cannabis Breeders for Seeds?

Read reviews about the breeder and how growers’ harvests turned out. Some breeders will explain how they reinforced the genetics.

Can You Still Find Landrace Strains?

It is rare to find landrace strains, but they are still available. Be sure to check if the source is credible.

Why Does Backcrossing Create Better Strains?

It allows the traits that a breeder is trying to acquire to pass from the parent plant to the offspring.

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Have you created any amazing hybrids? We’d love to hear about your crosses in the comments and if you created an IBL strain or a Backcrossed Line Strain.

Photo Credit: Carter Casad

Since legal recreational marijuana sales began in 2014, Coloradans have had a plethora of places to buy weed — but not a ton of places to actually consume it.

For many years, consumption spaces like Tetra Lounge and the Coffee Joint in Denver invited tokers to come and bring their own substances for use, but locals’ options were limited to just that — until recently.

JAD’s Mile High Smoke opened in late April as the state’s first recreational sales and hospitality business in the state, a formal title meaning a lounge where consumers can both buy weed and smoke, eat or drink it onsite. That means you can literally belly up to a bar and order a non-alcoholic, THC-infused beer and a gram of marijuana served with a side of rolling papers.

Read the rest of this story on DenverPost.com.

Legalization for medicinal marijuana may be passed in 38 states, and in 18 states for recreational use, but a new type of prohibition could be on the horizon – THC potency limits. It’s becoming a popular topic among lawmakers, scientists, and those in the cannabis industry overall.

At what potency do these lawmakers want to cap THC levels at and why? What does science tell us about how THC percentages affect us? What new problems could potency limits lead to? First, let’s take a look at what is considered a high amount of THC to begin with.

THC Potency Levels

How is THC percentage established? To understand what affects THC levels, first it’s helpful to understand where cannabinoids come from. The marijuana plant’s compounds are broken down into different cannabinoids that you probably have seen on the labels that come on your cannabis products, such as THC-A, CBD-A, THCV-A, CBN, CBCA, etc. These many constituent parts create the “high” experience and shape its nuances. However, all of these compounds come from the same precursor cannabinoid, CBG. As the plant grows, enzymes within it convert CBG into the other cannabinoids, and this doesn’t happen this in a uniform way.

A combination of genetics and growing conditions will determine how this precursor cannabinoid is allotted. Thus, when THC percentage is higher, other cannabinoid levels will be lower. Conversely, if you have a high CBN strain, then the THC percentage will be quite lower. To understand cannabinoid production better, dig in here. Whether you’re talking about cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, oils, or topicals, most cannabis products have some level of THC in them, and the modern cannabis market tends to offer THC concentrations in a wide array. In general, many daily consumers consider anything over 25% to contain a high amount of THC.

On the contrary, those who do not partake in cannabis, have a lower tolerance, or are not involved with the cannabis industry tend to regard anything over 25% as far too high of a percentage to even consider. Despite this, budtenders at dispensaries claim that the best-selling flower normally contains 25% THC or more.

The Rise of THC Percentages

Many studies note that THC percentages in cannabis have had a significant increase in the past 60 years. A study by The Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association found that between 1960 and 1980, the average THC content in cannabis flower was 2%. It then increased to 4% in the early 1990s. But by 2015, the average THC content saw a 212% increase. A separate study published on PLOSjournal.org noted that average THC content in recreational products was higher (21.5-23.9%) than medical products (16.8-19.3%). The study also found that the average CBD percentage has gone down from .41% in 2008 to .15% in 2017.

The study went on to state that lawmakers have merit to discuss potency limit laws because state-run medical cannabis programs are not using scientific evidence to develop a plan for safely consuming cannabis, all while advertising high THC products to the public.

Author of the study, Dr. Elizabeth Stuyt, found that increased potency started to result in withdrawal symptoms among users such as irritability, restlessness, appetite loss, headache, insomnia, and cravings for cannabis.

Over decades of advancements in growing techniques, genetic cannabis breeding, cannabinoid testing, and curing products correctly, THC levels are now at an all time high in 2022. Potent cannabis flower is hitting from 30-38%. Concentrates are sky-rocketing to levels at 70-80% and can even max in the 90 percentiles for THC when testing distillate products or pure THCA crystals.

While there is no doubt an increase in THC has occurred in products across the board, a Missouri State Medical Association study pointed out that we should be more concerned with concentrates and edibles over flower because these products have such high levels.

However, Morgan Fox, spokesperson for the National Cannabis Industry Association said, “High potency products like concentrates — there’s significant demand for them among cannabis consumers. If you make it so that regulated producers are no longer able to produce these, that market is going to go completely underground.”

Laws in Place Addressing THC Potency

So, what do American lawmakers think of all this? Many of them agree with the studies, particularly when it comes to the potential of negative impact on mental health.

Bills proposing potency laws have been introduced in Florida, Massachusetts, Montana and Washington state, with one bill already adopted in Vermont. A bill was also drafted in Colorado but immediately faced backlash after it was leaked to the public, which resulted in the bill not being officially introduced in the house.

Let’s take a look at the following bills that propose THC limits:

THC Limits Potential Risk to Cannabis Industry

We now know that the argument and concern surrounding THC potency, potential addiction and its side effects that lawmakers see and are taking action. But ultimately, what many are thinking is, “how will this affect the cannabis industry”?

If THC potency caps become a reality, it could have a negative impact on the industry and the states that have legalized cannabis. From a revenue standpoint, varying potency limits could drive customers across state lines to buy products with higher THC potency and thus generate less tax revenue from state residents.

Medically speaking, THC is known to specifically help with chronic nausea and vomiting, side effects of chemotherapy, mood disorders, eating disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, wasting syndrome and glaucoma. Therefore, it’s possible that the effectiveness of the cannabis that medical patients receive could go down as a result of potency capping.

Lawmakers could make the argument that some states have only proposed restrictions on recreational products, therefore medical patients would not see a change in the medicine they need. However, some patients may not have access to see a cannabis physician or the means to pay the state fees that are normally associated with obtaining a medical marijuana card, so they have to buy recreationally.

But the most important thing to note would be that potency caps could create a new type of black market, made up of high potency cannabis products. Thereby decreasing the value of licensed provisioning centers, fueling a new kind of crime, and adding a new element to the war on drugs – making things worse than they already are.

Conclusion

It’s clear that there is some benefit to having this discussion, but until scientists have more funding to do in-depth research and lawmakers have a better understanding of cannabis, passing potency limit laws could demolish the progress that the cannabis industry has made in recent years.

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We would love to hear how readers are responding to these encroaching laws that would cap THC potency at very low levels. How would this affect the way you obtain or consume cannabis? Please comment and let your voice be heard!

When people think of solventless hash, the name Nick Tanem, otherwise known as Nikka T, might come to mind. He fore-fronted the solventless bubble hash game in Colorado after noticing the residual heavy metals and solvents like Butane were still ending up in companies’ final product. He wanted to take hash to another level that he, himself, could enjoy as well as selling a safe extract to the cannabis market.

Founder of Essential Extracts, the first licensed non solvent extraction facility in the US, Nikka T and his team have personally won over 15 Cannabis Cups, with over 100 more being won by clients using the solventless hash equipment and processes they pioneered. Nikka T told us all of this in the first part of our interview, part 2 follows below.

PotGuide Interviews Nikka T Part 2: Business Talk

In the second part of this interview, Nikka T discusses the early days of legalization, starting his own hash business empire, and shares some tips about starting your own cannabis business.

[Paul Barach]: How did Essential Extracts end up in Colorado?

[Nikka T]:So I came from the Wild Wild West days in California, in the 215 and pre-215 days [early laws to protect medical cannabis users]. I was growing, I was selling, I was processing water hash mainly….and I had some federal attention on me… Basically, they told me “We know what you’re doing in Colorado, why don’t you go back out there and continue operating out there.” California was not quite ready yet back in 2009 and 2010.

Colorado was one of the first places to provide a regulatory system and framework that provided more protection than California’s 215. I was really excited about this new protection. I wanted to sleep at night. I was tired of being robbed and being arrested. It was the first place I could really operate legally…but it was not easy.

[PB]: What was it like for Essential Extracts to be one of the first companies in Colorado doing non-solvent extraction? Did you have to build everything from scratch?

[NT]: Back in 2010 there wasn’t a lot of equipment or machinery that was even geared towards BHO hash making. Essential Extracts had a huge need for equipment specifically built for non solvent extraction rather than us modifying the equipment that was out there. We were getting hit up from companies that came from the cold brew world and the brewing and distillation world. Because we were one of the first with a license, we were blessed to be able to do research and development with some of these large scale companies and work on creating products for our space.

I worked with (and still work with) Pure Pressure. I helped design equipment for them over the years and I still do sales for them. I also do sales for Lowtemp Industries as well as Rosin Tech. All 3 are the leading manufacturers of scale-able solventless equipment in our space.

[PB]: How did you grow Essential Extracts into the multi-state company it is today?

[NT]: Essential Extracts is still very much a grassroots company. I started Essential Extracts with my own personal pocket money. I had zero investors. I did everything very organically. I reinvested every little penny that I was making at Essential Extracts back into the company. We started small in Colorado…working with just a few shops.

Eventually we moved into about 75 locations carrying our product and big money was coming in heavily. So for the very first time since I started the company, in 2015 I brought on some partners. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out and I took back 100% of my company, but in that process of bringing on partners, we went from 75 locations to 250 locations and really saturated the Colorado market with solventless hash at the same time.

I was not afraid to teach my “competitors” about this process. I wanted to create a higher echelon for the entire industry, not just for me and my company. So I started teaching other people that were out there, and when I would see other solventless brands on the shelf, it was never a concern of mine. Most of the brands were brands that I taught and a lot of their marketing plan was “Hey, Essential Extracts taught us.” So that’s kind of how I built the company organically.

[PB]: And now you’ve moved into California?

[NT]: I have two operational licensing deals in California, where we come in with consultation for our licensing partners, as well as, you know, sharing SOPs and even equipment. We do some collab branding and some of our own Essential Extracts packaging for the shelves in California. I’ve pivoted more to a teaching role rather than operations. So I’m not in the lab every single day.

[PB]: Where is Essential Extracts moving into next?

[NT]: We signed a licensing deal in the state of Missouri, which is a big one for us because Missouri’s a limited licensing state. And there are very few companies operating in Missouri at this time. Missouri is medical only, but it’s about to roll into recreational use most likely this next year. We’re also working on one in Canada.

At this point I’ve now owned dispensaries, cultivations and processing facilities in the regulated market. So I’ve been really just focused on my consulting and that’s also part of Essential Extracts’ role as an overhead company.

[PB]: Final question for you. What’s been Essential Extract’s biggest lesson when it comes to the weed industry?

[NT]: Trust your gut and pay attention to who you’re working with. I only want to work with people in the space that are here for the right reasons, not just to take advantage of a medical need. Also, this is still a new industry, so take initiative.

[PB]: That’s some good advice for anyone hoping to start their own cannabis business. Thank you for speaking with PotGuide

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Let us know any thoughts you have on the evolving world of solventless hash and if you have had the pleasure of trying Essential Extracts in the comments below!

Photo Credit: The Ganjier

I often take walks around my neighborhood in the Washington Heights area of New York City. There are beautiful, hilly parks that provide a bit of elbow room in an otherwise crowded place, and along the way, I pass plenty of hookah-friendly restaurants and bars.

In the COVID-era, restaurant seating has spilled onto the sidewalks and closed-off sections of the streets so it’s easy to get a clear view of people gathered around the hookah to laugh, eat, socialize, and reconnect. As it turns out, they’re just participating in a tradition that has been going on for more than 500 years.

Today, the hookah is most often associated with the consumption of shisha (flavored tobacco), ornate water pipes and long hoses, and those full white clouds of exhalation. Hookahs are definitely a niche part of today’s weed culture, showing up on college campuses, private homes, and in my neighborhood (and maybe yours) at restaurants and bars.

The hookah has a long and deep history, and the act of consuming weed from a hookah is not remotely new. Let’s dig in.

Origins of Hookah

It is believed that the hookah originated in Rajasthan and Gujarat along the border of India and Pakistan. These hookahs were simply designed, typically made of a coconut shell base from which Indian noblemen would consume cannabis as hash.

In this scenario, the name “hookah” is the derivation of an ancient word, hukka, meaning coconut. The hookahs that are more familiar to us, with the decorative bowls and hoses, are believed to have originated in Persia (modern day Iran), though the originals were likely made of wood.

Though you would never guess from its long history, in the Middle East and North Africa, smoking hash from a hookah remains a forbidden but communal activity (Islamic law forbids the use of any intoxicant). As hookah smoking gained popularity and moved across the world — from India to the Middle East, to Africa, Southeast Asia, and later to North America — the aesthetics of hookahs changed and the local names for it varied. Narghile, argileh, shisha, hubble-bubble, and goza to mention a few — but the construct was much the same as it is today: bowl, smoke chamber, hookah hose, and pipe.

Modern hookahs come in a variety of sizes and are often made of stainless steel and aluminum, with silicone rubber as hoses and sometimes, changeable mouthpieces.

Smoking Weed From a Hookah

Tobacco was first discovered in the Americas thousands of years ago, but the introduction of tobacco into world markets in the 15th and 16th centuries may be the point where someone, somewhere along the line first thought of smoking shisha and cannabis together. However, who did it first is impossible to know.

Those who do combine shisha and cannabis may experience a different high from what they are used to. It could be buzzier, more sedated, or even one that gives a rapid heartbeat and induces lightheadedness.

If you are new to smoking weed from a hookah, it’s typically suggested to follow the cannabis golden rule — start low and go slow. Assess how you feel before taking another long inhale. Additionally, if you are a consumer who prefers to avoid tobacco and its health risks altogether, hookah may not be your jam at all, unless you go with an herbal shisha.

Just like sharing a joint, smoking weed from a hookah is better with friends. There’s the act of preparing the hookah bowl, maintaining the coals, the pleasure of sharing, the white clouds of exhalations, and the company of people you like hanging out with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do You Smoke Out of a Hookah?

You can smoke shisha (flavored tobacco), cannabis, and hash.

Does Hookah Show Up on a Drug test?

If cannabis is in your hookah, then yes.

Do You Inhale Hookah?

You bet. It’s suggested to take a long inhalation until the flavor from shisha diminishes.

Is Hookah Worse Than Cigarettes?

Perhaps not worse, but definitely not better. Smoking hookah carries many of the same risks of cigarette smoking, including the inhalation of nicotine, tar, and heavy metals.

Have you ever tried smoking cannabis out of a hookah? Share your experience in the comments!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Established in 2005, Crop King Seeds has been perfecting the genetics of the cannabis plant for medical and commercial grower seeking maximum results in THC levels and harvest size.

From classic strains to new age hybrids, our seeds are ideal for beginners and advanced growers wanting the best from the crop. Read more about us here.

Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin is seeking to re-criminalize certain activities specific to the possession of marijuana in Virginia. 

The Governor has proposed an amendment in the nature of a substitute to SB 591 which would create two new misdemeanors for personal marijuana possession. 

Currently, the personal possession of more than one ounce of marijuana by adults 21 and older is subject to no more than a $25 civil penalty. The governor’s amendment would codify two new marijuana misdemeanors — a Class 2 misdemeanor for the personal possession of over two  ounces of cannabis, making it punishable by up to six months in jail and/or $1,000 fine, and a Class 1 misdemeanor for the personal possession of over​ six  ounces. The latter activity would be punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or $2,500 fine. 

“Instead of creating new ways to criminalize Virginians for personal possession of cannabis, Governor Youngkin’s administration would better serve his constituents by establishing a legal adult-use marijuana market and ensuring that all cannabis products sold in the Commonwealth are accurately labeled and regulated for consumer safety,” said JM Pedini, NORML’s Development Director and the Executive Director of Virginia NORML.

The Governor’s amendment would also prohibit the retail sale of “synthetic delta 8” as well as the sale of any hemp product containing THC to those under 21. Included from the original version of SB 591 is the addition of THC-O and THC-P to Virginia’s Drug Control Act, making possession and sale of such products illegal.

“The proposed amendments not only undermine the original consumer safety objectives of SB 591, but codify loopholes for synthetic marijuana and high-THC products to be sold at retail and wholesale outside of the strict regulatory oversight currently required for legal cannabis products produced in Virginia,” added Pedini.

Earlier this week, Gov. Youngkin signed HB 933 and SB 671, to provide numerous operational improvements to the state’s medical cannabis program, including eliminating the requirement that patients register with the Board of Pharmacy after receiving their written certification from a registered practitioner. Beginning on July 1, 2022, patients will only need their written certification to visit a dispensary in Virginia. Patients must still see a registered practitioner to obtain this certification.

“These legislative improvements will bring great relief to the thousands of Virginians waiting to access the medical cannabis program,” said Pedini. “We hear from dozens of Virginians each week who are struggling with the registration process and frustrated by the 60-day wait to receive their approval from the Board of Pharmacy,” Pedini added.

There are currently over 47,000 program registrants, with an estimated 8,000 applicants still awaiting approval. 

The new laws will take effect July 1, 2022. Until that time, patients will still be required to register with the Board of Pharmacy in order to shop at one of the state’s ten operational dispensaries. After July 1, patients who would like to receive a physical card will still have the option to request one by registering with the Board of Pharmacy. 

During the 2022 Virginia General Assembly, Republican members of the House General Laws Subcommittee halted any further advancement of Senate-backed legislation, SB 391, that sought to initiate retail marijuana sales to adults beginning this September. 

Personal possession and the cultivation of small quantities of cannabis by adults 21 and older is already permitted in Virginia under the 2021 legalization law approved by former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.

Related

Republican Gov. Kristi Noem has signed legislation (SB 24) into law preserving the ability of qualified patients to home cultivate limited quantities of cannabis.

Voters in November 2020 overwhelmingly decided in favor of a ballot Measure (Measure 26) permitting qualified patients to possess, grow, and purchase medical cannabis — a measure which Gov. Noem opposed. Since that time, on two occasions, House lawmakers voted in favor of legislation to eliminate patients’ home cultivation rights.

“Permitting limited home cultivation provides patients with the ability to have reliable, affordable, and consistent access to their medicine,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Seventy percent of voters approved this right at the ballot box and it is reassuring to see that a majority of lawmakers, and the Governor, ultimately decided to respect the voters’ decision.”

Senate Bill 24, as amended in conference committee, permits registered patients to cultivate a total of four marijuana plants (two mature, two immature) and to legally possess the harvest from those plants.

NORML has long supported home grow rights for patients, opining that “the inclusion of legislative provisions protecting the non-commercial home cultivation of cannabis serves as leverage to assure that the product available at retail outlets is high quality, safe, and affordable.” Allowing patients the ability to grow cannabis at home further ensures that they “will have an uninterrupted and cost-effective supply of the medicine that is best suited to their own particular therapeutic needs.”

Other cannabis-related bills signed by Governor Noem this session include Senate Bill 6, which protects medical cardholders from discrimination by either school administrators or by landlords, SB 7, which mandates that “no person may be denied custody of, visitation rights with, or parenting time with a minor solely because the person is a cardholder,” and SB 15, which protects cardholders from the loss of any professional licensure due solely to their medical cannabis patient status.

Separate legislation, SB 151, facilitating the automatic expungement of certain marijuana-related criminal records awaits action from the Governor.

Related

Ice Cream Breath Feminized Strain Specifications

Type: Hybrid, Feminized
Genetics Parents: Ice Cream Cake x Grateful Breath
Flowering Period: 8 – 9 weeks
Climate: Warm
Yield: 450 – 550 gr/m2 – indoor | 500+ gr/plant – outdoor
Flavours: sweet, vanilla, floral, earthy
THC Level: ~ 20%
CBD Level: Minimal
Height: 100 – 150 cm
Harvest Period: October
Growing Difficulty: Moderate

What are the Flavor and Effects of Ice Cream Breath Feminized?

Very much like its parent strain, Ice Cream Breath Feminized has sweet vanilla, floral, and earthy smoke when you smoke the buds of this strain.
As for its effects, you will be glad to experience the best of both worlds since this is a hybrid strain. While this marijuana boosts your moods up, making you feel totally uplifted, you will also sense a relaxed feeling. You will likely have a good time while you chill on your couch as your mind gets filled with happy thoughts.

What are the Medical Benefits of Ice Cream Breath Feminized?

Although Ice Cream Breath Feminized marijuana has a minimal CBD level, its THC content is relatively high, recorded at around 20%. Therefore, medicinal smokers can trust that the THC-based effects can also aid their medical conditions, like loss of appetite.

Also, with its capacity to turn your frown upside down, you can expect that this strain will be effective against mood disorders like depression. Moreover, since you will feel relaxed when you smoke this variant, this can take away body pain and deliver a sedating buzz, which is a big help against insomnia.

Negative Effects You Can Expect from Ice Cream Breath Feminized

When you smoke Ice Cream Breath Feminized weed, expect to experience the uncomfortable feeling of being dehydrated. You will feel that your mouth is parched, so make sure to have a bottle of water by your side so you can easily manage this condition. You will also feel discomfort in the eyes due to dryness. Thankfully, you can also quickly alleviate this by using an eye drop.

Furthermore, you will not feel like moving around with its relaxing high. Since you will be feeling lazy, make sure to clear your schedule when you smoke this.

How to Grow Ice Cream Breath Feminized

Growing Ice Cream Breath Feminized plant is not exactly like a walk in the park. However, with a moderate level of difficulty in cultivating, growers with some growing experience will be able to bring out the best of this plant.

Since these are feminized seeds, you won’t have to worry about unwanted pollination since no male plants will develop. Also, this means a higher harvest since all the parts produced are female, which is the smokable buds.

You can grow this indoors and outdoors, but beware since this can grow up to 150 centimetres. It will have a flowering period of about 8 to 9 weeks when cultivated indoors. You will be able to collect up to 550 grams per square meter once it completes its flowering cycle. On the other hand, around 500 grams of buds per plant can be collected by October when planted outdoors.

Strain Profile Info
Type:	Sativa-dominant, Autoflowering
Parents:	Kryptonite x Ruderalis
Flowering Time:	12-13 weeks
Climate:	Mild, Cold, Mountain Climates
Yield:	40-200 G/M² indoors / 450 G per plant outdoors
Flavor:	Fresh, Citrus, Pine
THC Level:	15%
CBD Level:	0.5%
Height:	Short-Medium
Harvest Period:	September
Growing Difficulty:	Easy

Utilize Crop King Seeds‘ premium fast-flowering seeds for several harvests each season. For more information about Kryptonite Strain Autoflowering Marijuana Seeds and the buds they generate, continue reading. Find out what makes them a useful addition to your weed garden.

What is Kryptonite Strain?

The original Kryptonite strain was developed into the fast-flowering Kryptonite strain. It was created by mating a Kryptonite plant with a Ruderalis, giving it amazing genetics and autoflowering properties. The potent genes in this Sativa produce potent and narcotic effects. And this cannabis develops into a medium-sized plant that yields a respectable quantity of lengthy, dense, and compact buds. The energy and mood boost will help you feel more driven to complete your assignment and work throughout the day, making it the ideal strain with which to begin your day. Kryptonite strain is easy to grow because it requires little upkeep in addition to being very durable. Since it flowers automatically, there is no need to use a light cycle, which leads to a shorter flowering period. With a 15% THC and 0.5% CBD concentration, this superior strain will provide you with a pleasant cerebral and physical high.

Strain Effects

With a stimulating and soothing euphoric high, this Sativa-dominant strain provides its users with excellent recreational advantages. Being really late for work is no problem thanks to this because it promotes creativity and improves focus. In addition to these advantages, the flavor and aroma of pine fresh and citrus, which are likely to keep smokers coming back for more, further improve the experience.

Strain’s Flavor, Aroma & Appearance

Every stoner deserves to have a pleasant smoking session with mouthwatering flavors. Any connoisseur of smoking will love the earthy, pungent, skunky, spicy, sweet aroma of Kryptonite Strain. The tastes are amazing, and the smoke is pleasant. The flavor is still extremely delicious even though it is not as complex as the smells. You’ll detect notes of sweetness, grape, and berry flavors. Smooth flavoring lingers in the mouth, leaving you wanting more. They typically have short, bushy stems with dense blossoms that are covered in icy trichomes. These plants have dark green foliage, and the pistils are usually orange or brown in color. You may be sure that the feminized flowers you buy from us will be of the finest caliber and will not contain any male plants or hermaphrodites.

Growing Information of Kryptonite Strain

Kryptonite Marijuana Strain will typically stay at a reasonable size for the majority of the time when grown to an average height of 60-160 cm. Its size might not be intimidating at first, but once harvested, it will yield some enormous and compact buds that will please the gardener. You won’t need to be concerned about Kryptonite Autoflower blossoming after you’ve planted your seedlings because it is an autoflower. When grown indoors, it will reward you with an outstanding yield of up to 200-450 grams/sq meter if you give it 20 hours of light and some nutrients. When cultivated outdoors under the right circumstances, it can yield as much as 200–450 grams of high-quality Sativa buds per square meter. One of the quickest Sativa strains you can grow, it has a short flowering period of 9 to 10 weeks.

Medical Benefits of Kryptonite Strain

Another medical marijuana strain is the Kryptonite strain. It is well known for its sedative properties, which are useful for treating chronic pain conditions like fatigue, arthritis, and migraines. This cannabis is a favorite among medical marijuana practitioners because of its numbing qualities. Cannabis is beneficial for assisting people with anxiety, stress, and depression. It filters out the user’s negative ideas and replaces them with positive, energizing ones. It eliminates all concerns while promoting a cheerful attitude and demeanor in the user.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kryptonite Strain look like?

An instant Sativa for stimulating daytime enjoyment. The Sativa-dominant Kryptonite autoflowering strain develops swiftly and fiercely with vivid green leaves. Although less elongated, buds have a structure that is more compact and dense.

Is kryptonite a strong strain?

It can generate extremely potent, long-lasting caviar that is both intellectually stimulating and soothing, as one would anticipate from a top-shelf Sativa, with a THC concentration of 15%.

What is the average height of Kryptonite Autoflower?

When grown indoors, Auto Kryptonite reaches a height of 0.6 m and yields 40 g per square meter with 600W of quality cannabis with a 15% THC and 0.5% CBD content. Seventy days after germination, the plant is ready for harvesting.