WeedLife News Network

This winter, expect to spend more time than usual indoors. Here are 5 weed hacks that can help you make the most of this time.

Winter is fast approaching and it’s gonna be one to remember, for better or worse. With less incentive and options to go out and have fun, it looks like the majority of our time will be spent indoors. Smoking weed probably.

While you’ll hopefully spend your time doing a healthy mix of different activities, don’t beat yourself up if you end up smoking more weed than usual. It’s the holidays and it’s been a wild year. Here are 5 weed hacks you should use this winter:

Buy enough to keep you stocked up

While we should never hoard anything, having a sufficient stock of weed during the holiday season s a good investment. Buying anything during this time of the year is a pain and a hassle, made worse by the pandemic. Next time you visit your dispensary, buy enough to keep you stocked for a couple of weeks, that way you limit your level of exposure and can focus on other aspects of the holidays that are fun and also stressful.

Store it correctly

Photo by Zummolo/Getty Images

Licensed cannabis retailers in Maine sold more than $1.4 million worth of marijuana products during the first month of legal recreational pot sales, according to data released by state regulators on Monday. Legal sales of adult-use cannabis began on October 9, nearly four years after voters approved recreational marijuana sales for adults in 2016.

On Monday, the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy (OMP) released sales data collected by Metrc, the state’s cannabis track-and-trace system, for October 9 through November 8. The figures for the first 31 days of legal sales showed that smokable forms of cannabis were the most popular products, making up 76% of revenue. Cannabis concentrates accounted for 14% of sales, while infused foods and drinks made up the remaining 10%. A total of 21,194 transactions were logged by cannabis retailers during the first month in business. Sales figures released by the state are preliminary in nature and have not yet been audited by state regulators.

“In comparison, Maine’s medical marijuana program—which includes eight licensed dispensaries, more than 200 stores run by medical marijuana caregivers and individual caregivers that operate out of their homes or embrace the delivery model—sold on average $9.4 million in medical marijuana on a typical 31-day month in 2019,” reported the Portland Press Herald. 

As legal sales of recreational marijuana launched on October 9, eight retailers had been licensed by the state to begin operations, although only six shops were ready to open for business on the first day, in part due to reported product shortages. By the first week in November, a total of nine adult-use cannabis retailers were open for business in the state.

Erik Gundersen, the director of the OMP, congratulated licensed cannabis retailers on the successful launch of licensed sales while facing the ongoing challenges of a global pandemic.

The cannabis industry is abuzz over terpenes. Everyone in the know is claiming it’s “all about them terps brah,” but do you truly understand these magnificent compounds? Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about the intoxicating aromas of cannabis.

1. Terpenes are everywhere. These wildly diverse organic compounds are produced by an array of plants and insects, and exist abundantly in nature. From orange peels to pine resin their powerful scents play a major role in our lives that we hardly ever consider. Their distinctive scents shine brightly in cannabis, from fruitiness to skunky, it’s all in the terpenes.

2. Terpenes interact with cannabinoids and are understood to have vital roll in the effects of the plant on the brain. They can increase and decrease dopamine and serotonin production, speed up THC absorption, and alter our moods. Whichever dominant terpenes are produced in a particular plant make a huge difference in the resulting “high” when consumed. The differences between myrcene and limonene are not only the scent, but also in the psychological and physical effects of the plant and the human body.

3. There is in fact a ‘terp wheel.’  Similar to the color wheel, which at its core is composed of sweet, sour, bitter and spicy. Many cannabis strains will exhibit a multitude of these flavors, before and after smoked, or ingested.  As you move farther out the wheel flavors get more specific.

There are more than 1,200 nicknames for cannabis, some more familiar than others. Ganga, weed, reefer and bud are some of the most-used and familiar, while alfalfa, Green Goddess and muggle —a 1920's term for a pot smoker and not a non-magical person — are less well-known. 

According to slang scholar Jonathon Green, drugs like cannabis are slang's “best sellers” because slang consists of words and phrases, think codewords or inside jokes, intended to stand in for an actual thing or topic considered too taboo for conversations in polite society. 

Of course, one of cannabis' best-known nicknames is pot, but of all of the dozens and dozens of nicknames, the word “pot” standing in for cannabis seems a bit odd. Marijuana doesn't remotely resemble the shape of a cooking pot, nor is it the color of one. So where did this odd-ish term come from? 

Can you believe December is already just around the corner?

While some may argue that it’s too early to start stringing up the lights, I think we all deserve a longer holiday season this year.

What better way to end 2020 than enjoying some high-quality cannabis treats and gifts?

We’ve picked some of our favorite products that will be sure to put your favorite cannabis enthusiast into a proper holi-daze.

Different ways to be legal

Not only does every country have its own laws regarding the use, possession, sale, cultivation, and import/export of cannabis, but often these categories too can be broken down further into medical legalizations, recreational legalizations, and even religious legalizations, each with its own set of laws concerning use, possession, sale, cultivation, and import/export.

Right now, in terms of full recreational legalizations, there are only a few places that apply. Uruguay; Canada; the US states that have independently legalized; Mexico, although until legislation comes out in December, it’s technically only a judicial legalization, with no regulated system for sale of products; and Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Then there’re places like Washington DC, and Georgia (the country, not the state), which have wonkier recreational legalizations. In DC, a person can possess and use, but can’t buy or sell, although cultivation is legal. In Georgia, it’s the same, but without the cultivation part, making for a strange system where using a product is actually legal, but there is no legal way to obtain it.

When it comes to medical legalizations, these have become ubiquitous in the world. From South American countries like Argentina and Uruguay; to the majority of European countries; to Australia & New Zealand; to African countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, though these countries don’t always guarantee the use of cannabis for their own people, and are more geared toward the business end, and exportation to other markets. Nearly every US state has medical legalization; even some Asian countries like Thailand; and Middle Eastern countries like Lebanon, which just became the first of the region (apart from Israel) to allow this.

And then there are the more elusive religious legalizations, which have been coming into play more recently. The most well-known religion to use cannabis sacramentally is Rastafarianism, although others do exist. Due to the Rastafarian religion, countries like Jamaica and Barbados have specific laws that allow the use of cannabis for religious purposes. And though there isn’t an actual written law attached to it, Nepal allows cannabis to be smoked without harassment by law enforcement, for one day a year to celebrate the Mahashivrati festival.

Where can you fly with cannabis

To be clear, there are no legalized locations – recreational, medical, or religious – that have laws allowing the transport of cannabis across country borders. What this means is, whatever the legalization policy, and whatever might be allowed within a country’s borders, this has no bearing on anything, anywhere else. No country will allow you to legally cross its border with cannabis. To make it even more clear, even if a person is attempting to fly with cannabis from one recreational legalized location to another – let’s say Toronto to California, this too is not possible.

CBD products have become incredibly popular thanks to new legislation legalizing hemp-derived products with minimal THC content. The popularity of CBD is also attributable to the number of people experiencing benefits from it; CBD is being used to alleviate anxiety, help people sleep, and give people a deeper sense of wellness and relaxation.

But what does the future hold for this industry? Is CBD just a fad, or will it continue growing in popularity? And how will innovators direct the development of this market?

Product Innovation

First, let’s take a look at the area of product innovation. Already, there is a wide range of different CBD products available for consumers to try. You can buy and smoke CBD flower, just as you can buy and smoke weed, but most people prefer a different delivery system due to concerns about smoke and lung health. 

Instead, many people are turning to full spectrum CBD oil, an extract designed to provide you with a full spectrum of different cannabinoids (except THC, of course), in a much cleaner, more efficient delivery system. We’re also seeing the development and circulation of topical forms of CBD, including creams, and CBD cartridges for vaporizers.

Nearly seven in 10 Americans now support legalizing marijuana nationwide, according to a Gallup poll released on Monday.

Overall, 68 percent of respondents said they favor legalizing cannabis for adult use, which is “Gallup's highest reading” since the firm started polling voters on the issue, it said. Last year, the survey found 66 percent support for legalization.

In 1969, only 12 percent of Americans favored legalizing marijuana. Today's level of support is double what it was in 2000.

The new poll shows majority backing for the policy change across all age demographics for the first time. However, support among Republicans dipped slightly compared to last year, from 51 to 48 percent.

Meanwhile, 83 percent of Democrats and 72 percent of independents said they back legalization, which Gallup says is the highest level of support it has ever recorded for those political groups.

New research published in the peer-reviewed journal Addictionsuggests that contemporary cannabis may be up to 25 per cent stronger than cannabis from the ’70s.

The systematic review examined THC and CBD concentrations in cannabis from studies spanning nearly 50 years and multiple countries, including the US, U.K., France, Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Using a meta-regression analysis, researchers found that THC concentrations in “herbal cannabis”  increased, on average, by 0.29 per cent each year from 1970 to 2017. While THC concentrations in “cannabis resin” increased 0.57 per cent every year from 1975 t0 2017.

The study suggests that the amount of THC in herbal cannabis increased by 2.9 milligrams each year and 5.7 milligrams for cannabis resin, adding that five milligrams of THC is a “standard dose.”

In the case of CBD, concentrations remained stable in both herbal cannabis and cannabis resin.

Don’t worry. The absence of THC combined with the presence of rich cannabidiol compounds won’t make your dogs high.

Cannabidiol is one of the most active compounds found in hemp plants. You can learn more about this on here. Many studies have found out that it can balance the bodily functions of many mammals. When CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system present in both humans and animals, it can help the body regain homeostasis.

Many pet owners administer cannabidiol to their furry friends because they find that the extract can help with many ailments. Some of the medical conditions in animals that CBD can provide relief for are anxiety, joint pains, backaches, cancer symptoms, seizures, digestive disorders, social withdrawal, stress, insomnia, irritability, mood disorders, and more.

During the recovery phase from surgery, a lot of pet owners have found that CBD seems to stimulate healing, and it has therapeutic benefits for many of our furry friends. At the end of your pet’s life, cannabidiol can also lessen the suffering, anxiety, and pain that your beloved canine or feline may be experiencing. You can learn more about CBD oil’s other benefits at HolistaPet where you can get more information about CBD oil’s potential uses. Some products are exclusively made for pets, so you may want to look for those as well.

About the Endocannabinoid System

A network of receptors is present in the endocannabinoid system, and it is found in the human and animal body.

Illinois saw more than $100 million in marijuana sales in October, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reported Monday.

There was a record $75 million in recreational pot sales last month, up nearly $8 million from the previous month. Sales of medical marijuana totaled another $33 million, according to officials. The first 10 months of legal cannabis sales total more than $500 million, with about $300 million in medical marijuana sales.

Marijuana sales to adults is legal in 11 states and Washington D.C. Four more states approved recreational marijuana use in Tuesday’s election, while six Chicago suburbs joined a growing list of Illinois municipalities allowing cannabis dispensaries for adults.

“There is mass acceptance of the U.S. cannabis industry by the consumer and the voter,” said Ben Kovler, founder and CEO of Chicago-based Green Thumb, a cannabis manufacturer and retailer. “In this divided country, there are very few issues that have that kind of universal acceptance.”

Cannabis industry analyst Andy Seeger said October’s sale figures do not rise to the market’s potential. He says Illinois should be on pace to sell around $1.2 billion in weed this year.

Young Europeans are drinking less alcohol and also smoking less—but are increasingly dabbling with cannabis, a continent-wide study showed Thursday.

"Smoking and drinking among 15-16-year-old school students are showing signs of decline, but there are concerns over potentially risky cannabis use and the challenges posed by new addictive behaviour," according to the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD).

ESPAD interviewed close on 100,000 15- and 16-year-olds across 2019 in 35 countries on teen attitudes towards addictive forms of behaviour in its seventh study since 1995.

The study, in conjunction with EU drugs agency EMCDDA, showed a decline in drinking in the wake of recent toughening of legislation on alcohol sales to minors.

The study found more than three-quarters of those questioned had used alcohol and 47 percent had consumed in the past month—but the trend is down on 91 percent and 63 percent in 2003.

Cannabis users in Arizona will only have to wait a couple weeks to smoke out legally under a new law passed Nov. 3, but they shouldn’t hold their breath for shops.

Those are several months away.

Proposition 207, the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, which passed by a 60%–40% margin in last week’s election, will allow adults to travel with up to an ounce and grow six plants at home. It will create a recreational market managed by the state Department of Health Services, revamp penalties for illegal possession, reduce penalties for minors, and channel an estimated $166 million annually into public health, safety and education.

Although possession and home cultivation will be legal the day the election is certified — no later than Nov. 30 by state law — retail shops are still months away.

“I’m not putting too much time into the application process yet,” said Mohit Asnani, co-owner of Tucson’s Downtown Dispensary, where medical patients have been buying cannabis products for seven years.

CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis plants and the second most abundant active ingredient. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects but is instead used to promote physical relaxation, provide relief from stress and anxiety, and treat several conditions including epilepsy, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and more.

As a daily supplement, CBD can help promote overall health, acting as a powerful antioxidant and pain reliever in addition to supplementing cardiac, brain, metabolic, and digestive health. CBD can provide benefits to users when used topically, orally, or when inhaled, and can easily be incorporated into everyday wellness routines. Here, we’re sharing five easy ways to incorporate CBD into your daily routine to support your wellness journey. Try one, or use all five to support your mind and body throughout the day!

Add CBD to Your Morning Coffee or Tea

If you love a morning cup of tea or coffee, a super-easy way to add CBD to your morning is by adding a few drops of turmeric CBD oil to your morning beverage. This oil from Mana Botanics is infused with both CBD and turmeric, a root with natural anti-inflammatory properties that pair perfectly with the soothing effects of CBD. A few drops of oil can be added to any beverage to infuse it with CBD, so feel free to try this delicious supplement in all your favorite drinks.

Because you have full control over your dosing when you use a CBD oil or tincture, you are able to choose just how strong you want your morning CBD coffee or tea. Mana Botanics recommends using 5-15 mg of their turmeric CBD oil for general wellness and prevention, 15-30 mg for relief of moderate discomfort, and 30-60 mg for long-term relief of intense discomfort.

Use CBD Pain Relief Cream after Your Workout

A natural pain reliever, CBD can be used both orally and topically to address aches and pains. After a good workout in the gym, you need something to help yourself relax and soothe your muscles. Adding a CBD pain relief cream to your post-workout routine can help you to recover more quickly and reduce discomfort, helping you to get back to the gym without the strain of tight and sore muscles. Rub CBD pain relief cream thoroughly into muscles, targeting painful areas 3-4 times daily using 1-3 pumps for each application.