WeedLife News Network

The high barrier of entry into the wine world is one of the biggest reasons for the lack of diversity within the industry. Being a budtender or managing a dispensary doesn’t require as much training. 

As the cannabis industry develops, it’s hard not to make comparisons to other industries that had gone legit after years in the shadows. Among the first that comes to mind is wine.

Given the fact that the wine industry predates recreational cannabis by decades, it seems that it should come as no surprise that there’s a level of racism present within the industry, just as there are throughout other industries. Unfortunately, much of the racism that existed during the inception of the wine industry persists today. 

Naturally, this leads many people to wonder about the ways in which cannabis is any different from the wine industry in that regard. Even though the cannabis industry is still young, all indications show that the cannabis industry will provide more opportunities to People of Color than wine has. Here’s how cannabis is different from recreational cannabis from a social equity perspective.

The high barrier of entry into the wine world is one of the biggest reasons for the lack of diversity within the industry. The process of earning the certification necessary for becoming a wine sommelier can cost hundreds of dollars, which inherently excludes people without that kind of disposable income — which happens to be People of Color in most situations. In the cannabis industry, being a budtender or managing a dispensary doesn’t require as much training. 

According to the Deputy Director of the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institution, John Hudak, the ability of cannabis businesses to stay true to its beginnings will be essential in helping to ensure that the industry remains diverse. “Higher end wines tend to be disproportionately white compared to other parts of the economy,” he explains. “Because cannabis, the consumer base is inherently more diverse than wine, it benefits it to stay to its roots.”

The City of Grover Beach might be the first city in San Luis Obispo County to permit cannabis lounges, but what exactly would a lounge look like?

“With tables and perhaps a bar where people can sit and socialize and use cannabis like you would sip a martini or a beer at a bar," said Ed Schmults, CEO of Urbn Leaf.

The four retailers in the city, including Urbn Leaf, have expressed interest in adding a cannabis lounge to their existing location.

“Is it just like a bar or is it more like a wine tasting? Or are there elements of like a health and wellness seminar where you can learn about applications for pain or inflammation or anxiety or sleep? Or maybe a combination of all those things," said Schmults.

City officials say the additional tax revenue can be used for city initiatives and projects. Over the last year, the cannabis industry in the city has generated more than $2 million in cannabis tax revenue.  

Vaping sweet spots differ from one user to another. Achieving this phenomenon involves making a raft of adjustments on your vaporizer as well as choosing suitable e-juice.

There is plenty of vaping lingo to learn for any new or aspiring vaper. Some of these terms are relatively basic and not necessarily key to the success of your vaping sessions. However, others must be understood fully before joining in on the vaping craze.

“Sweet spot” is a common vaping-related phrase that you’ll frequently stumble upon in numerous vape-related publications. But what exactly does this term denote, and how central is it to your success as a vaper? That question shall be the focus of this post.

Your sweet spot refers to the point during vaping when you can enjoy an optimal vaping experience. It’s a combination of factors, including implementing specific settings on your vaporizer and choosing the right vape juice. The quality of your vaporizer also plays a crucial role in determining your sweet spot.

Another thing worth noting is that sweet spot varies from one vaper to another. Plus, it depends on your vaping level. Seasoned vapers more commonly experience the phenomenon compared to beginners.

Sweet Spot and Vape Quality

As we’ve just highlighted, the quality of your vaporizer plays an instrumental role in determining how efficiently you can achieve your sweet spot. With low-quality e-cigs, it’s almost impossible to experience your vaping sweet spot.

Marijuana breathalyzers have long been in development, producing no fruitful results. A new study shows a different path.

Researchers have found a non-invasive way of determining whether or not a person has been impaired by THC. This discovery, achieved thanks to a study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital and published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, could provide an answer for DUIs related to cannabis consumption, providing a pathway in treating these types of situations.

According to The Harvard Gazette, the technique used in the study is called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which measures brain patterns, which researchers then correlated to THC impairment. The device in question would be designed to be portable and noninvasive, allowing people to use it on the go, measuring THC impairment in subjects.

The study had 169 cannabis users consume THC or a placebo and then submit themselves to fNIRS scans. Those who’d consumed cannabis showed higher levels of neural activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain when compared to those who’d consumed a placebo.

“Our research represents a novel direction for impairment testing in the field,” said lead author Jodi Gilman, associate professor at Harvard and investigator in the Center for Addiction Medicine.

“Our goal was to determine if cannabis impairment could be detected from activity of the brain on an individual level. This is a critical issue because a ‘breathalyzer’ type of approach will not work for detecting cannabis impairment, which makes it very difficult to objectively assess impairment from THC during a traffic stop.”

Ever since the popularity of vaping cannabis began to rise, the debate over which method is more effective has raged on amongst cannabis enthusiasts everywhere.

For cannabis enthusiasts, pulling out a vape pen has become preferable to rolling up a joint or a blunt for numerous reasons. Vaping is generally more convenient and discreet than smoking. There’s also research displaying evidence that vaping gets people higher than traditional methods of smoking.

Regardless, there are still many cannabis enthusiasts who aren’t fans of vaping due to the simple fact that it provides a different high than smoking. There are numerous reasons why that’s the case. Here are just a few. 

Combustion Kills Terpenes 

There are a variety of terpenes in cannabis that have a profound impact on the way cannabis enthusiasts feel when consuming marijuana. When people choose to vape cannabis it’s easier for them to enjoy the flavor of specific strains because the terpenes aren’t being burned.

Vaping Provides A Cleaner High  

Another reason the vaping experience differs from that of traditional smoking is because it doesn’t come with the harmful chemicals that come with smoking. This could be part of the reason why a vaping high can make cannabis enthusiasts seem more energetic. When smoking a joint or blunt it’s not unusual for people to spend the rest of the day on the couch. The cleaner high that vaping provides is both healthier and more conducive to having a productive day, while still being able to enjoy marijuana from time to time as it progresses.

More THC Enters The Bloodstream  

One of the biggest reasons vaping provides a different high than smoking is due to the amount of THC that enters the bloodstream from vaping. Both vaping and smoking both allow THC to enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs. Even so, recent research reveals that vaping results in higher levels of THC in the bloodstream when compared to smoking.

Ultimately, there may be no single resource on the market more effective at helping people save money on cannabis than a dry-herb vaporizer.

The end of the holidays and the beginning of a new year brings about the urge to make improvements, which is where New Year’s resolutions come into play — and saving money is typically among the most common.

Refrain from rolling up

Rolling up a thick, satisfying blunt or joint before lighting it is a truly satisfying experience for any cannabis enthusiast. Even though that’s the case, doing so too often is a great way to burn through funds.

Try vaping  

Recycling is always a phenomenal way to save money. Making an investment in a dry-herb vaporizer is a great way to reduce the amount of money spent on cannabis because it allows users to repurpose their buds.

Vaping is also said to get users higher than combustion-based consumption methods such as joints or bowls.

After your glass accessories have been properly cleaned with these items, don’t be surprised when they feel like entirely new devices!

One of the most effective ways to consume cannabis from both an economic and an enjoyment standpoint is with a nice bowl or bong. The problem is that when they aren’t cleaned properly, it can lead to toxins like mold and bacteria being inhaled.

Fortunately, there are numerous products available on the market that can help cannabis consumers keep their glass accessories looking and functioning as good as new. It’s likely that you’ll already have some of these items lying around the house already.  

Coarse Salt

Rock salt or epsom salt is essential in helping to make sure a bong is clean. The best practice for using coarse salt in the process of cleaning a bong is to ensure that the surface of the glass piece is submerged in the salt prior to soaking it in alcohol.

Cotton swabs are imperative for keeping glass accessories clean because they make it easy to reach the more restrictive areas of glass devices. Cotton swabs are especially important when cleaning glass bongs due to the many crevices present on devices with multiple components like honeycombs and downstems.

The recent discovery of a new cannabinoid—located deep in the hemp plant’s trichomes—could have huge implications for the future of cannabis. It’s called Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol or THCP and it’s a psychoactive molecule that’s shown to be up to 30 times more potent than tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

Fresh Bros™ now offers this incredible cannabinoid compound in the form of THC syrup—what was once commonly known as distillate. But not all THC syrups are made exclusively from cannabis. At Fresh Bros™, all THC products originate from hemp, including THC syrups, like Delta-8 and full spectrum CBD distillate, which contains no more than 0.3% THC. THCp syrup can be used in a wide variety of ways, including on its own, in prepared foods and drinks, or to create treats from scratch. 

Scientists have been discovering new wonders buried deep inside hemp and cannabis plants since the 1940s. As technology has developed, researchers eventually located as many as 150 cannabinoids across many varieties of these plants. While most people have heard of THC or CBD, THCp is lesser known but has stirred up great interest over the past year. 

THCp was first identified and revealed to the public in December 2019. It immediately drew worldwide attention for its intense intoxicating properties that some say are stronger than Delta-9 THC. The cannabinoid compound was discovered during a decarboxylation process where cannabis compounds are isolated and activated. 

Our bodies are equipped with an endocannabinoid system that naturally processes cannabinoid compounds through the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. Each cannabinoid molecule reacts differently with those receptors based on their alkyl side chains—and three of these carbon atoms are needed to impact the CB1 receptors. THC contains five alkyl side chains, while THCp contains seven, leading scientists to begin studying this compound’s actual impact on the brain. 

Medical and cannabis professionals wouldn’t confirm that teen use was in the downturn, however, 2021 offered substantial studies  to suggest that may be the case.

The possible effects of cannabis on young people will continue to be of the utmost concern as the legal marketplace takes shape. Throughout 2021, several studies helped further comprehension of an area that still suffers from a significant education gap.

While nothing became definitive in 2021, research helped advance understanding for several critical areas.

Legalization Seemingly Not Increasing Teen Use

Minors don’t appear to be using cannabis more as states legalize — or at all in some cases.

Medical and cannabis professionals wouldn’t confirm that teen use was in the downturn, however, 2021 offered substantial studies and additional comments to suggest that may be the case.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released its annual health and drug use survey from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The October 2021 report saw usage among minors aged 12-17 drop from 13% to 10% in 2020–however, the decline could be associated with research methodology changes due to the pandemic. Nearly 50 million (49.6 million) Americans in the age group reported using cannabis during the analysis period.

YouTuber stopped consuming the substance on Christmas Eve

YouTube star Logan Paul has revealed his Christmas Day ordeal, after he decided to quit smoking marijuana.

"I got food poisoning (which was odd because all I had was a tiny croissant & a latte in the morning)," he wrote.

"I threw up 40+ times and spent the evening sweating in bed.

"I was so dehydrated that I begged the only emergency ambulance in the city to hook me up to an IV so I could replenish and go out with my friends. They said it wasn't possible unless they took me to the hospital. Obviously f**k that."

"I managed to put on my suit and go to the party for 10 minutes before I realised my fate was sealed.

For Adam and Julia Weets, hemp is a business opportunity that allows them to contribute to their community and support their family.

The Alpha residents have been growing hemp for a couple years as part of their business, Alpha’s Alternatives.

The Weets grow hemp for CBD, which is a non-psychoactive agent used to help with pain, insomnia and a host of other health issues.

“CBD is something your body has natural receptors for,” Adam Weets said.

“When you take it, it doesn’t mask things, but instead helps your body get to where it should be.”

Though there’s nothing stopping people from consuming marijuana the same way they always have, it wouldn’t hurt to try something fresh with the onset of a new year.

There are numerous ways cannabis consumption has changed over the course of the past several years. Widespread marijuana legalization throughout the nation has led to an influx of innovation when it comes to the options people have for consuming it.

Making matters more intriguing is the fact that attitudes across much of the world are changing when it comes to cannabis. This may lead to many cannabis enthusiasts expanding their horizons when it comes to the accessories they consider their essentials, which should be a welcome idea. This is especially the case if you’re still stuck in the days of rolling doobies in the basement.

2022 presents the perfect opportunity to change up both scenery and marijuana consumption methods. Here’s what it’ll take.

Even though marijuana isn’t as frowned upon as it once was, it can still be enough to cause trouble in some locations. By having a smell-proof stash can handy, no one in public will be able to tell what you have when taking cannabis on the go.

There are lots of smell proof stash cans with designs that mirror regular household items like bug spray and tea cans. They serve the purpose of being both effective at hiding the smell and looking inconspicuous to strangers. This allows people to carry their goods with peace of mind and safety no matter where they’re located.

The most amazing aspect of this product is the fact that it gives the user the control to determine just how high they want to get.

Cannabis powder is not a new product; it has been around for more than five years. It’s only just getting its due recognition due to the new legislation here and there. Entrepreneurs along the West Coast have included powdered cannabis edibles in their stocks, and at the rate it’s been gobbled up, we could be in for a game-changer

Many people seem to believe cannabis powder is simply cannabis flowers that have been ground into fine dust. Instead, cannabis oils are used.

This is a product made from cannabis oil. In any production process, the oil extract is mixed in the form of starch that is soluble in edibles and drinks. Cannabis powder is mixed into water, where it dissolves. Many people expect these products to sit on the surface of the liquid because it was made from oil extract, however, it doesn’t. When consumed, the user feels the effects of the powder in less than 30 minutes after use. The product is fast gaining popularity among medical marijuana patients due to its quick-acting effect.

Cannabis powder is more preferable because it is easier to use, and there is less risk compared to other delivery methods. Cannabis powder falls under the category of edibles.

Edible cannabis companies have always produced edibles from oil tinctures and extracts. But, in the past, it was not done perfectly. The products usually failed to dissolve in the drinks fully. And because packaged products often had the wrong labels stating the number of cannabinoids within each bite, there was no exact way to know if one was taking too much or too little THC/CBD  than the labeling stated.

What do you do when you feel the “Grim Reefer” revealing yourself to yourself? The first thing you should do is isolate yourself from whatever is going on in your immediate environment.

Like it or not, one of the potential negative side effects of cannabis can be paranoia and in some cases, panic. The latter is typically set off by the former, but throughout my years of smoking cannabis and engaging with the user base – I have personally witnessed a few people who “lost their bananas” on weed. The stress of holiday season can bring some strange reactions to your normal weed enjoyment, too.

A few times, I also found myself tip toeing the fine line of sanity as a direct result of weed. Once, because I over consumed on edibles which sparked a deep 18 hour trip I’ll never forget. Another time I smoked some dank weed in Santa Monica from a stranger who claimed to be a dispensary owner. It was certainly some of the more potent stuff I’ve smoked in my life and made “the way back” a lot more difficult than I had imagined. The public nature of the expedition was what added a level of difficulty. Some cannabis strains may induce the “paranoia” feeling more than other marijuana strains.

Panic, anxiety, paranoia can happen if you’re in the wrong place, or with the wrong people. When you don’t feel safe or in an environment that you can relax in, one of two things can happen. Either you run down a rabbit hole of paranoia and fear, or you sober up and get the heck out of there.

In most cases, when my gut tells me to get out of a place, I listen! However, sometimes you can be smoking alone when panic sets in. I once had a friend of mine freak out at the realization that we’re on a rock floating in space. His mind was able to perceive the smallness of his being compared to the infinite expanse of the universe and as a result, he started to hyperventilate.

What this did was quickly expel all of the CO2 from his blood that induces hypocapnia, which in turn can begin to produce symptoms that exacerbate the narrative in your head.

The holidays present numerous opportunities for surprise situations that can make life awkward or stressful. Here’s how to cope.

Getting high is always enjoyable, but getting too high can present a myriad of problems. Even worse is the fact that nothing can blow a high faster than becoming the center of attention inadvertently.

Doing so during the holidays when there are numerous family and work functions to attend can be exceptionally embarrassing, too. Fortunately there are a few supplies that cannabis enthusiasts can keep nearby that can subtly offset the consequences of overindulgence.  

Lemonade

Most people who regularly use cannabis already know that having a drink handy is a good idea for multiple reasons. Lemonade is particularly useful because the citrus can be effective in helping to offset the effects of THC due to the presence of the limonene terpenes that promote alertness upon consumption.

Though it may seem unlikely, lemonade could be the best aid in helping to manage a seemingly uncontrollable high.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s character appears to covet the Genius Mini cannabis pipe that makes two appearances in the first couple episodes of the Sex and the City reboot.

The makers of high-end, sometimes bespoke Genius Pipe for cannabis must have been tickled pink when they noticed that it was on screen for all to see in the Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That, now airing on HBOMax.

Though the product was not named, the mystery about the origin of the unusual cannabis device has now been solved, according to a press release from Genius, whose pipe is said to offer great taste, fine herb, a unique cooling and filtering functionality and, in step with all things Sex and the City, plenty of style.

In the first episode, Parker’s character, Carrie, can be seen trying to ignore (but perhaps longingly recalling) the Genius Mini as Che, played by Sarah Ramirez, steals a few puffs as the two share an elevator ride.

After a night gone bust, following Berger’s break-up with her via a Post-it, Carrie is ready to pack things in and go home when Samantha, played by Kim Cattrall, casually slides a joint from inside her dress to save the night.

Can you use raw marijuana in your baked goods? Or trust the THC levels printed on packaged treats? Here are some “facts” about edibles that just aren’t true.

As legal marijuana has swept throughout communities across the nation, the popularity of edibles has risen dramatically. People that have access to legal marijuana have the option of either purchasing edibles from a dispensary, or making their own homemade versions.

Unfortunately, some people have held back from indulging in edibles due to myths that have been spread about consuming them. The widespread popularity of edibles over the course of the past several years has led to the development of numerous myths. And while some are harmless, others perpetuate inaccurate and harmful narratives about marijuana. Here are four of the most common ones.

Overconsumption Can Be Fatal

Since edibles often have a high concentration of THC, it’s not uncommon for people who eat one to become concerned that they’re feeling the effects of it a little too strongly. Even though that’s the case, there’s no need to worry that overindulging on an edible could lead to an accidental fatal overdose. While edibles contain a higher concentration of THC than your average joint, they still contain nowhere near the amount necessary to cause a fatal marijuana overdose. 

The concept of edibles working best when served as a dessert isn’t surprising given how “weed brownies” have become synonymous with the consumption of edibles. The popularity of cannabis-infused candies only perpetuates this falsehood. 

The root of the myth that edibles are best served as desserts is based on a story that one of the earliest recipes on record for edibles consisted of brownies (which actually weren’t brownies at all) made by one of the nation’s earliest pot pioneers, affectionately nicknamed “Brownie Marie”. Another reason why edibles are most commonly associated with desserts is because flavors like peanut butter and chocolate can do wonders as far as masking the taste of cannabis goes.

What do social consumption lounges look like in practice? What are the rules and regulations that social consumption lounges must adhere to? How and where are social consumption lounges currently legal in the United States? Here’s what you need to know.

Social consumption lounges are becoming increasingly popular in legal cannabis markets. Just what are social consumption lounges? They’re a safe, enclosed space where cannabis consumers of legal age can come together and enjoy cannabis products, much like a bar environment for consuming alcoholic beverages.

Social consumption lounges are particularly attractive for their potential to bring in cannabis tourists. Although adult use cannabis can help promote tourism, tourists typically can’t smoke in most places indoors (including their hotel accommodations) nor consume on the street or in public, due to strict public consumption rules set by state regulations. This leaves the perfect set-up for consumption lounges, which provide the appropriate and legal environment for tourists to consume cannabis.

What do social consumption lounges look like in practice? What are the rules and regulations that social consumption lounges must adhere to? How and where are social consumption lounges currently legal in the United States? Here’s what you need to know.

What are social consumption lounges?

Social consumption lounges—also known as consumption lounges, cannabis lounges, cannabis consumption area and cannabis consumption lounges—are retail lounges that permit on-site cannabis consumption, such as smoking and vaping cannabis flower as well as ingesting cannabis infused products like edibles and tinctures. Similar to a bar that serves alcoholic beverages, all consumers in a cannabis lounge must be at least 21 years of age. While smoking typically isn’t permitted in retail businesses, smoking is permitted in lounges.

While state-specific regulatory bodies are responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing the rules surrounding U.S. social consumption lounges, Dutch “coffee shops” may have served as the inspiration and model for U.S. industry. Contrary to the name “coffee shops”, patrons don’t go to Dutch coffee shops for coffee. Rather, they go because the sale and consumption (including smoking) of cannabis is permitted and socially accepted. According to travel resource Amsterdam.info, Dutch coffee shop culture emerged in the 1970s when the federal government made a clear legal distinction between “hard” and “soft” drugs. Soon after in 1972, the first coffee shop named Mellow Yellow opened. Although cannabis wasn’t clearly legal or illegal, Dutch law enforcement tolerated the growing number of cannabis coffee shops, focusing instead on prosecuting heroin and lethal illicit substances. Today, the Amsterdam City Council permits coffee shops to operate after they obtain a non-transferable license, which must be displayed in shop windows, thanks to an agreement with the coffee shop union Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten (BCD).

Dozens of Floridians have been hospitalized due to their use of a marijuana alternative.

More than 40 Florida residents in Hillsborough County have been hospitalized due to severe bleeding caused by the use of synthetic marijuana.

"We are closely monitoring this situation and working with public health agencies," said Florida Poison Control in a Monday statement. "Toxicologists and poison specialists are assisting hospitals in the treatment of these poisoned patients."

Synthetic marijuana refers to a multitude of illegal substances that "produce experiences similar to marijuana (cannabis) and that are marketed as 'safe,' legal alternatives to that drug," says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The product is often sold under various names, including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, and many others.

Synthetic marijuana was once sold in convenience stores and online but has been heavily restricted by the law, claims the NIDA.

Cannabis-infused beverages are gaining momentum

Inside a small garage near Golden is another potential budding American success story.

“Apple computer started in a garage. Microsoft also started in a garage,” Keith Villa said.

“This location is exactly 10 minutes to the front door of Coors. I drove it for 32 years.”

Villa’s name might sound familiar. He founded Blue Moon Brewing Company under the Coors brand in 1995.

“My claim to fame is that I started Blue Moon Brewing Company,” Villa said.