Know What You’re Buying

Marijuana (Flower)

Dried and cured flowers from the ladies of the cannabis world – yes, the female plants – reign supreme in the realm of prepared cannabis. These blooming beauties pack a punch with high concentrations of terpenes and cannabinoids, making them the all-stars for both medical mavens and recreational enthusiasts seeking the plant's most coveted compounds.

Kief

Kief: that's the sparkly, sticky stuff you see on the tip of cannabis trichomes. It's like a tiny crystal ball that tells you, "This is going to smell amazing." Trichomes are the little factories where all the magic happens, churning out terpenes that give each strain its unique scent and flavor. They're also cannabinoid powerhouses, which means they're the reason your snack drawer empties so fast after indulging. It's chemistry meets botany, and it's what makes marijuana do its thing. When you get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing cannabis, the grinding process can be a real buzzkill for those tiny resin glands. Just like a clumsy bee in a flower bed, grinding can cause the tips of these delicate structures to snap right off, leaving the precious kief to play hide and seek at the bottom of your storage container. Kief packs a powerful punch, being almost purely made up of terpenes and cannabinoids – the dynamic duo of the cannabis world. It's like the espresso of cannabis products; small but mighty! Indeed, it's the perfect candidate for crafting waxes and various concentrates. Though this requires large quantities of kief

Hashish

Hashish, also known as hash, is a classic concentrate of marijuana, crafted by pressing the plant's cannabinoid-packed resin. It's like nature's way of saying, "Let's make this plant's power portable!”

Tinctures

Tinctures are potent liquid extracts created by an alcohol extraction method that wrangles all the good stuff from the cannabis plant. Believe it or not, before the early 20th-century buzzkill of cannabis prohibition, tinctures were actually the go-to cannabis concoction in the U.S. of A!

Hash Oil

Hash oil can be created using a variety of solvents like butane that extract the resinous material from the marijuana plant’s flowers. This process produces the concentrate BHO (butane hash oil), one of the strongest concentrates. Butane extraction can result in a range of consistencies for the final product. It can produce a translucent, glass-like substance, often referred to as “shatter,” or soft waxes called “honeycomb” or “crumble.” There are other extraction methods that do not use toxic solvents, such as pressure and CO2 gasses to remove terpenes and cannabinoids from marijuana flowers.

• Concentrate Varieties

The consistency of the final product can vary, with some appearing as a translucent, glass-like substance known as "shatter", while others take the form of soft waxes labeled "honeycomb" or "crumble."

• CO2 Oils for Vape Pens

CO2 oils are popular for use in vape pens because they offer users greater safety and control than dabbing BHO concentrates.

Infusions

Cannabis topicals are shaking up the world of weed without a puff or a munch in sight! These nifty products are all about skin-deep relief, and they're sliding into health and wellness routines smoother than a lotion on a sunbath. Gone are the days when marijuana was just a smoky treat; now, it's all about lotions, bath bombs, sprays, shampoos, and soaps that pack a punch with THC and CBD. They're a breeze to use—no smoke clouds or snack attacks required. These topical wonders are like secret agents for pain relief, delivering all the benefits of cannabinoids straight to your sore spots without any of the buzz. That's right, you can slather, rub, or soak in cannabis goodness and still not get high—unless you're talking about the heights of relaxation!

Consuming

The recreational marijuana scene is booming, and with it, a whole smorgasbord of ways to enjoy the green goodness are coming into the spotlight – talk about a growth industry! Smoking it old-school style is still the go-to for many, thanks to the easy-peasy availability of the bud. But hold onto your bongs, folks, because legal weed is shaking things up! Newbies and seasoned tokers alike are getting a taste of the high life with fancy concentrates and munchie-inducing edibles. Let's dive into a quick rundown of the top ways to get your THC fix!

Smoking

Marijuana smoking reigns supreme as the top method for cannabis consumption. It's the classic choice: just grab some rolling paper, sprinkle in the dried flower, and you're set. Sure, there are fancy gadgets and gizmos out there for a high-tech puff, but nothing beats the old-school charm of sharing a joint in good company. It's the camaraderie, the shared laughs, and the passed-around stories that truly embody the cannabis culture. Through the sands of time, humans have been quite crafty in elevating the humble art of puffing on burnt cannabis. Today, there's a smorgasbord of methods to enjoy the green muse. Rolling skills are the backbone of crafting joints, blunts, and spliffs. Meanwhile, the glass connoisseurs and gadget lovers have their own arsenal with pipes, bongs, and bubblers.

Vaping

The green rush has brought with it a high-tech twist: vaping cannabis. It's like the e-cigarette's cooler cousin, using batteries and heating elements to turn concentrates, usually in wax or oil form, into inhalable vapor. Sure, you can go old-school and vaporize the actual plant, but that's so last season compared to the sleekness of hand-held devices. Vaping's become the ninja of marijuana consumption methods – it's stealthy, doesn't leave a scent trail, and fits in your pocket. It's a lung-friendly option too, ditching the harsher elements found in traditional plant combustion. Plus, let's not forget the ever-evolving menu of vape cartridges, offering a buffet of cannabinoids and flavors that would make even the most discerning connoisseur's mouth water.

Cannabis Infused Edibles

The cannabis cuisine scene is a smorgasbord of creativity, where the humble "magic brownie" meets the sophistication of high-end gastropub fare. This culinary corner has become a playground for both budding and seasoned "cannachefs." When it comes to consuming cannabis, it's not as simple as munching on the raw flowers. The art lies in the alchemy of activating and then infusing THC and its cannabinoid cousins into fatty carriers like oils or butter. The magic happens during decarboxylation, a fancy term for heating cannabinoids to make them fat-friendly. This is why the classic "pot brownie" never goes out of style—the fats in the chocolate and butter are like magnets for the plant's cannabinoids. But why stop at eating when you can sip your cannabis, too? Whether it's a dash of oil in your tea or a drop of tincture in your smoothie, liquid cannabis concoctions offer a discreet and lung-friendly way to enjoy your greens. Just remember, when you eat your weed, the journey to the brain takes a scenic route through the liver, transforming THC into a supercharged version known as THC-COOH, which packs a longer and stronger punch than its inhaled counterpart.

Dabbing

Dabbing: it's like giving your brain a high-five with vapor! This method zaps cannabis concentrates into a vapor faster than you can say "sublimation," and with THC levels that can soar up to 90%, it's the express elevator to the penthouse suite of highs. Unlike other cannabis consumption methods, dabbing is all about the fast track to cloud nine.

Anatomy Of a Cannabis Plant

In the world of cannabis cultivation, it's all about the ladies! Yes, cannabis plants can strut their stuff as male, female, or even hermaphrodite. But when it comes to the dried flowers we all know and love, it's the females that steal the show. They're the divas of the cannabis world, flaunting their seedless, cannabinoid-packed blooms. Growers give them the spotlight, while the males? Well, they're just there to keep the party going with a little pollination magic. The female cannabis plant is quite the show-off, flaunting her flowers in big, flashy clusters known as colas, with the main event perched right at the top. These botanical bouquets are more than just pretty faces; they're the reproductive hotspots of the plant. Sure, they bring a splash of color to the party, but when it comes to the strength and flavor department, they're not exactly the life of the bash. The bract is the plant's fashionista, sporting green, tear-shaped leafy accessories. These bracts are not just for show; they're slathered in resin-producing glands that are the VIPs of the cannabinoid party and let's not forget the trichomes, the plant's own glitter, dusting the flower with sparkly crystals. These tiny, translucent mushroom look-alikes are the life of the party, secreting the essential oils that give cannabis its signature scent and taste. They're like the plant's personal perfume factory, also moonlighting as a cannabinoid warehouse.

Terpenes

Terpenes, affectionately dubbed "terps," are the aromatic VIPs of the cannabis world, and they're not exclusive to the green goddess—they're in a bunch of other plants too! These little guys are the flavor factory of cannabis, dishing out aromas that can swing from sugary sweet to "who-cut-the-cheese?" The cannabis community is buzzing with theories about terps—do they alter your high? How do you keep them kicking in cultivation? It's a hot topic, for sure, but hey, we're getting smarter! The know-how on terps playing nice with cannabinoids is on the rise, and it’s pretty exciting stuff.

Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant is like a mini chemical lab, churning out over 400 compounds with a flair for the dramatic. Among this extensive lineup, over 100 compounds are exclusive VIP members of the Cannabis sativa fan club. These are the cannabinoids, the plant's own entourage of unique chemicals. Cannabinoids are the life of the party in the human central nervous system, mingling with cell receptors like social butterflies. This network, known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), loves to interact with cannabinoids, resulting in a range of effects from a happy dance to a therapeutic chill. The study of these plant-based partygoers is at the forefront of research, as scientists explore the medical potential of cannabis. It's like botanical science meets a rave, and everyone's invited to the research party.

Important Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids start off as wallflowers (acidic forms) at the chemical dance party. Heat them up, and they shed their acidic coats to become the life of the party (neutral forms) through a groovy move called decarboxylation. Once they've transformed, they're ready to mingle with the endocannabinoid system's receptors, influencing the brain's neurotransmitter shindig. While over 100 cannabinoids have been spotted at the plant party in marijuana, only a handful are the true social butterflies, creating the effects that users find most enjoyable and beneficial.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for those who don't fancy a tongue-twister, has been the star of the cannabis show for nearly a hundred years, casting marijuana as the plant world's most infamous outlaw. Why? Because THC waltzes into the human body and throws a party, producing a "high" that's in a league of its own. THC is the head honcho of the psychoactive scene in cannabis land. It's like a key that fits perfectly into the body's lock—specifically, the nerve receptors in the brain and all over the body. Humans have been RSVPing to THC's shindig for ages, using it for a good time and a bit of wellness. THC is like the Swiss Army knife for those with chronic pain, sleep woes, and inflamed... well, everything. But let's be real, its claim to fame is the recreational buzz that's been a hit at parties since, well, forever.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the non-psychoactive superhero of the marijuana world, offering a plethora of medicinal and therapeutic effects without the buzz. It's like the Clark Kent of cannabinoids, powerful yet unassuming, and it's found in such generous amounts in cannabis plants that extracting it is a breeze. In the legal landscape, CBD is the mysterious wanderer that mostly stays on the right side of the law, making it widely accessible. The medical world is all abuzz with CBD's potential, prompting a green rush to cultivate strains rich in this wonder compound. You can find CBD showing off its versatility in various forms, from munchable edibles to dab-worthy concentrates and slather-on topicals. For those with a medical card, CBD is like a Swiss army knife, tackling inflammation, mood swings, tumors, pain, and even seizures. And for the weekend warriors of weed, CBD is the perfect sidekick to THC, keeping the high's highs and lows in check. It's the yin to THC's yang, ensuring the party never gets out of hand.

CBG (Cannabigerolic Acid)

CBG may not get you high, but it's the mastermind behind the scenes, playing a pivotal role in the creation of its more famous cousins, THC and CBD. It's like the wizard of the cannabinoid world, mysteriously transforming into either CBD or THC faster than you can say "abracadabra." Plant scientists have cracked the code on directing CBG's magical metamorphosis, leading to specialized strains of marijuana that can either mellow you out or not, depending on your preference and here's the kicker: CBG's got a resume that's starting to outshine its relatives, with research hinting it could be the next big thing in treating not just a bad day, but serious stuff like cancer and various unmentionable diseases. Who knew this undercover compound could be such a medical superhero?

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

THCV may sound like a distant cousin of THC, but it's really the milder, more disciplined sibling. It borrows the chill vibes from CBD, playing the role of THC's chaperone by keeping the high from getting too rowdy. But don't be fooled, crank up the dose and THCV transforms into a party animal, giving its own spin to the psychoactive shindig. It's like the Clark Kent of cannabinoids, unassuming until it steps into a phone booth. Sadly, it's a rare guest in the cannabis family reunion, but don't worry, THCV vape parties might just be the next big hit!

CBDV (Cannabidivarin)

CBDV, CBD's lesser-known cousin, is the non-psychoactive sidekick in the cannabis family. It's like the Robin to CBD's Batman, showing up in higher amounts in strains that are already rich in CBD. They're quite the dynamic duo! Researchers, donning their lab coats and wielding test tubes, are excited about CBDV's potential as a medical marvel. It's been flexing its muscles as an anti-convulsant, potentially turning down the volume on seizures for those with epilepsy. Plus, it might just be the next big thing in the fight against the dreaded queasies. Stay tuned as science unravels more of CBDV's superpowers!

CBC (Cannabichromene)

Cannabichromene (CBC), the unsung hero of cannabinoids, is making waves in the medical marijuana scene. Lacking the fame of THC's high, CBC is like the quiet nerd of the cannabinoid family, slowly gaining a fanbase for its chill vibes as an anxiety buster. Research on CBC might be playing catch-up, but it's showing promise as a potential medical marvel. Back in 1981, researchers discovered that CBC was playing second fiddle to THC in the cannabis orchestra. But don't let its supporting role fool you; CBC could be the secret sauce in the symphony of effects that whole-plant aficionados rave about. So, while it might not steal the spotlight with a solo performance, CBC's contribution to the ensemble could be music to our ears—and our health.

Marijuana Strains & Breeding

In the grand tapestry of human culture, Cannabis sativa has been a bit of a botanical celebrity, but it seems the European taxonomists who named it might have been a little too chill. Carolus Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy, was under the impression that there was just one species of this leafy green starlet. Fast forward to today, and we've uncovered not one, not two, but three distinct species in the Cannabis sativa entourage, with sativa just being one of the trio. Now, let's stir the pot a bit more. In the current cannabis chatter, 'indica', 'sativa', and 'hybrid' are tossed around more to describe the vibe you'll get rather than the plant's family tree. And honestly, that's probably for the best. The cannabis strains hitting the shelves these days are like the smoothie blends of the plant world – a mix of everything. The pure, untouched "landrace" strains are like vintage vinyl records – rare, classic, and not so easy to come by. So next time you hear someone waxing poetic about their favorite strain, remember, it's less about the lineage and more about the experience. Tune in, turn on, and drop out of the taxonomy debate.

Indica Strains

The term "indica" in the cannabis world is like a nod to its Indian roots, but let's be real, it's less about geography and more about the chill vibes it brings. In the modern lingo, an "indica strain" is your ticket to Couchville, serving up a full-body relaxation that can knock out pain and send you to dreamland faster than counting sheep. Indicas are the yoga instructors of the cannabis strains, offering a deep stretch for the soul with their sedative powers. They're the go-to for those looking to unwind after a long day or for medical patients seeking relief without the pep of a morning coffee. For the green-thumbed enthusiasts, indicas are like the compact cars of the plant world: small, sturdy, and sporting a deep green hue. They're the perfect fit for growers who are short on space or living in the cooler, sweater-weather regions. Indicas are all about that snug life, both for growers and users alike.

Sativa Strains

In the world of cannabis, sativas are the life of the party, contrasting with their couch-loving indica cousins. For consumers, sativas are like a double espresso for your brain, sparking creativity and conversation, making them a hit for daytime use and social butterflies. Artists and thinkers give two thumbs up for the 'thinky' buzz.

Botanically speaking, sativas are the supermodels of the strain world: tall, slender, and slow to strut their stuff with longer flowering times. Give them some sunglasses (aka warm climate), and they'll grow like they're on a mission to touch the sky, outgrowing their indica relatives in every garden party.

Hybrid Strains

Hybrid strains of marijuana are like the smoothie of the cannabis world, mixing up a bit of indica and a dash of sativa. Consumers often find themselves riding the vibe somewhere between chill-town and energy-city.  Then there's the "pure hybrids," which sound like a contradiction but are actually the peanut butter and jelly sandwich of the pot world – a perfect mix of sativa's get-up-and-go and indica's mellow-yellow. But let's not forget their cousins, the "sativa-dominant" and "indica-dominant" strains, which lean more towards one side of the family tree, giving users either a case of the giggles or a serious case of couch-lock.

THC – Dominant Strains

Navigating the world of marijuana strains can be like finding your way through a lush, fragrant jungle. The classifications are not just for show; they're a handy guide to the cannabinoid concentration party happening in each variety. This is key for choosing the right guest for your personal soiree, be it the life-of-the-party recreational type or the chill, therapeutic guru. Some of the strongest THC – dominant strains are; Godfather OG – 34% THC, Super Glue – 32% THC, Strawberry Banana – 31% THC, Venom OG – 31% THC

CBD – Dominant Strains

The rise of cannabidiol as a wellness superhero has sparked a green rush of farmers breeding cannabis varieties that are stacked with CBD and just a pinch of THC. These aren't your party-time pot plants; they're more like the smoothie-loving, yoga-practicing cousins that won't buzz your brain. These chill cannabis strains are the go-to raw material for a smorgasbord of CBD goodies, from oils that slide into your morning coffee to gummies that make wellness taste like candy, and let's not mix up our plants here – while CBD-rich cannabis is the cool newcomer, hemp is the seasoned cousin, low in THC but brimming with CBD. It's the straight-laced relative that's been keeping it legal and doling out CBD treats.