@madgoose
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Oh Yeah! Looking good double ess!
THE CANNABIS THREAD 101!!
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Oh Yeah! Looking good double ess!
Something to think about???
Weed could swing Florida’s governor race — Will the winner finally do right by Black farmers?
Calvin StovallOctober 20, 2021
Despite promises of inclusion, Florida’s only minority license holder is from out of state.
Florida is home to the highest number of medical cardholders on the East Coast (roughly 600,000). The state has a similar population to New York, but far more registered medical patients than the Empire State’s 150,000.
New York’s medical laws passed three years before Florida’s, so we’re not comparing apples to oranges here. The Sunshine State is second only to California when it comes to medicinal growth nationwide.
Florida is home to the largest medical cannabis market on the East Coast. (via Leafly)
Even with Florida’s overwhelming patient numbers, recreational sales and use remain illegal statewide. That means just 22 licensed medicinal operators are serving over half a million patients at over 200 retail locations.
And of Florida’s 22 legal licenses, just one is held by a Black or Brown owner. The state’s sole minority-controlled license belongs to multi-state operator Cookies, which originated on the West Coast.
The lack of access for Florida’s Black farmers, in particular, shows direct negligence of Amendment 2, which first brought medical cannabis to the state. Part of the law requires that health officials grant a license to at least one applicant involved in the state’s ongoing Pigford cases.
After legalizing medical cannabis in 2017, Florida still has been slow to act on adult use and social equity plans. (blankstock/AdobeStock)Florida’s ugly past with Black farmers
The Pigford vs. Glickman case started as a 1999 class-action lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The case was on behalf of Black farmers who claimed racial discrimination by the government.
A judge ordered the federal agency to pay almost $1 billion to 13,300 farmers. Payment went to farmers who were denied access to farm loans and assistance between 1981 and 1996. An additional $1.2 billion was allocated to 70,000 farmers in the 2008 Pigford II settlement.
The state has had four years and almost 85,000 potential Pigford farmers to choose from. So what’s stopping Florida health officials from finding one eligible farmer to satisfy their already underwhelming social justice measures?
It’s yet another chapter in the state’s centuries-long neglect for Black farmers.
Black sharecroppers faced exploitation and exclusion long after slavery ended. (B.W. Kilburn/Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images)
Enslaved people and sharecroppers built Florida’s economy on sugar, tobacco, and cotton. But practices like those outlined in the Pigford cases have blocked them out of the state’s fruitful economy for generations.
In the cannabis industry, Black and Brown legacy providers who ran the state’s illicit markets are also waiting for a chance to participate in the industry they helped build. While they wait on the sidelines, corporate cartels and potential monopolies are forming under the governor’s nose.
Pot politics in the Sunshine State
The old and new Florida State Capitol buildings in downtown Tallahassee, Florida.
It took the urgency of an upcoming election for sitting Governor Ron DeSantis to stand up in support of the long-awaited Pigford applicants.
Last week, the governor’s administration finally rolled out plans for Black cannabis farmers to apply for a license to grow, process, and dispense medicinal cannabis.
The rollout did not specify a timeline for applications. Nor did it address the four-year gap in action.
DeSantis is holding onto a modest lead over a pair of 420-friendly challengers in next November’s race. That may be why he’s aligning with one of the only bi-partisan issues left in America.
Democrats still favor legalization more strongly than Republicans. (Gallup Organization)
According to a real estate survey by Redfin, almost half of Americans (46%) prefer to live or will only live in a state with legal cannabis. And the green vote extends across blue and red states, according to data.
Pew Research Center found that 72% of Democrats and 47% of Republicans support legalization for medical and recreational use. Gallup reported similar figures by party (83% and 48%) as well as a five-point jump from last year’s percent of U.S. adults who now consider “marijuana to be morally acceptable.”
With the Florida governor race coming to a boil, this is DeSantis’ last chance for genuine action. A top priority should be doing right by the legacy farmers he’s left out of the state’s booming bud economy for far too long.
Can Democratic challengers pull the dank vote?
DeSantis’ latest smokescreen could help create distance between pot positive challengers Charlie Crist and Nikki Fried.
Crist served as Florida’s governor from 2007 to 2009 and left without seeking re-election. In 2012, the former Republican changed parties to support Barack Obama’s campaign. In 2014, he became a public advocate of cannabis legalization.
He’s also close with prominent Florida businessman John Morgan, who helped bankroll the fight to legalize medical in 2014 with his group United for Care.
A cancer patient waters a marijuana plant that is being grown in a private backyard garden. Florida residents, with the help of a group called United for Care, and prominent Florida attorney John Morgan, petitioned to get the medical legalization on the ballot in 2014 (AP Photo/Alex Menendez)
Last week, Crist made headlines by announcing his “Crist Contract With Florida.”
The contract includes ideas on expungement, home grow of up to six plants for personal use, criminal justice reform, expanded re-entry programs, and tax revenue for police, nonprofits, and teachers.
Still, Crist contract’s does not address how an adult-use market would look under his leadership, including licensing for minority applicants.
Related
New ‘Seeds of Change’ report rates states on cannabis equity, finds most lacking
Fried rhymes with weed for a reason
Crist’s competition on the left is Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a popular advocate for the plant across the state.
Last week, Fried pulled rank on Crist and DeSantis via Twitter. She wrote, “Imitation is flattery, but records are records. People went to jail because Republicans like @CharlieCrist supported and enforced racist marijuana crime bills. Glad he’s changed his mind, but none of those people get those years back.”
Fried’s Twitter account also called out a $146,000 non-refundable application fee included in DeSantis’ latest plan for Pigford case applicants.
She tweeted, “Let’s not let a former governor’s flip flopping press conference on marijuana distract from our current governor doubling fees on Black farmers applying for a medical marijuana treatment center licenses. The fee hike by @GovRonDeSantis is discriminatory and should be repealed.”
Whoever wins has dues to pay
Florida agriculture’s past exploitation and exclusion can’t be fixed by a court settlement or special class of licenses. And the lack of action on small gestures of inclusion like the Pigford cases doesn’t inspire confidence in more substantial action.
The impact of slavery and sharecropping did immeasurable harm to Black farmers in America’s south for centuries. As the state rides its new cash crop to untold riches, the winner of Florida’s race for governor will be on the clock from day one to responsibly handle the power that comes from our favorite magical plant.
Budding Mary Jane monopolies
(Conor Buckley for Leafly)
Almost five years after Amendment 2 made medical use possible, state cannabis agency OMMU requested nearly $13 million of additional funds. The money will be used to double workforce, publicize medical use, add transportation vehicles, and open regional offices, according to CBS Miami.
Florida recently became home to the nation’s largest cannabis retailer with the $2.1 billion Truelieve deal struck by former competitor Harvest Health & Recreation Inc.
But as many legal states have already learned, sound economies do not include monopolies. And it is much easier to bake fair social equity measures into laws from inception than to retrofit new rules onto active markets.
Another 2017 addition to Amendment 2 called for Florida to add 19 more treatment centers to meet increased demand across the state.
The move was aimed at preventing monopolies from forming after medical laws were first passed. Five years later, much like the Pigford licenses, those 19 new joints haven’t come to pass either.
Weed could swing Florida’s governor race — Will the winner finally do right by Black farmers?
Calvin StovallOctober 20, 2021
Despite promises of inclusion, Florida’s only minority license holder is from out of state.
Florida is home to the highest number of medical cardholders on the East Coast (roughly 600,000). The state has a similar population to New York, but far more registered medical patients than the Empire State’s 150,000.
New York’s medical laws passed three years before Florida’s, so we’re not comparing apples to oranges here. The Sunshine State is second only to California when it comes to medicinal growth nationwide.
Florida is home to the largest medical cannabis market on the East Coast. (via Leafly)
Even with Florida’s overwhelming patient numbers, recreational sales and use remain illegal statewide. That means just 22 licensed medicinal operators are serving over half a million patients at over 200 retail locations.
And of Florida’s 22 legal licenses, just one is held by a Black or Brown owner. The state’s sole minority-controlled license belongs to multi-state operator Cookies, which originated on the West Coast.
The lack of access for Florida’s Black farmers, in particular, shows direct negligence of Amendment 2, which first brought medical cannabis to the state. Part of the law requires that health officials grant a license to at least one applicant involved in the state’s ongoing Pigford cases.
After legalizing medical cannabis in 2017, Florida still has been slow to act on adult use and social equity plans. (blankstock/AdobeStock)Florida’s ugly past with Black farmers
The Pigford vs. Glickman case started as a 1999 class-action lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The case was on behalf of Black farmers who claimed racial discrimination by the government.
A judge ordered the federal agency to pay almost $1 billion to 13,300 farmers. Payment went to farmers who were denied access to farm loans and assistance between 1981 and 1996. An additional $1.2 billion was allocated to 70,000 farmers in the 2008 Pigford II settlement.
The state has had four years and almost 85,000 potential Pigford farmers to choose from. So what’s stopping Florida health officials from finding one eligible farmer to satisfy their already underwhelming social justice measures?
It’s yet another chapter in the state’s centuries-long neglect for Black farmers.
Black sharecroppers faced exploitation and exclusion long after slavery ended. (B.W. Kilburn/Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images)
Enslaved people and sharecroppers built Florida’s economy on sugar, tobacco, and cotton. But practices like those outlined in the Pigford cases have blocked them out of the state’s fruitful economy for generations.
In the cannabis industry, Black and Brown legacy providers who ran the state’s illicit markets are also waiting for a chance to participate in the industry they helped build. While they wait on the sidelines, corporate cartels and potential monopolies are forming under the governor’s nose.
Pot politics in the Sunshine State
The old and new Florida State Capitol buildings in downtown Tallahassee, Florida.
It took the urgency of an upcoming election for sitting Governor Ron DeSantis to stand up in support of the long-awaited Pigford applicants.
Last week, the governor’s administration finally rolled out plans for Black cannabis farmers to apply for a license to grow, process, and dispense medicinal cannabis.
The rollout did not specify a timeline for applications. Nor did it address the four-year gap in action.
DeSantis is holding onto a modest lead over a pair of 420-friendly challengers in next November’s race. That may be why he’s aligning with one of the only bi-partisan issues left in America.
Democrats still favor legalization more strongly than Republicans. (Gallup Organization)
According to a real estate survey by Redfin, almost half of Americans (46%) prefer to live or will only live in a state with legal cannabis. And the green vote extends across blue and red states, according to data.
Pew Research Center found that 72% of Democrats and 47% of Republicans support legalization for medical and recreational use. Gallup reported similar figures by party (83% and 48%) as well as a five-point jump from last year’s percent of U.S. adults who now consider “marijuana to be morally acceptable.”
With the Florida governor race coming to a boil, this is DeSantis’ last chance for genuine action. A top priority should be doing right by the legacy farmers he’s left out of the state’s booming bud economy for far too long.
Can Democratic challengers pull the dank vote?
DeSantis’ latest smokescreen could help create distance between pot positive challengers Charlie Crist and Nikki Fried.
Crist served as Florida’s governor from 2007 to 2009 and left without seeking re-election. In 2012, the former Republican changed parties to support Barack Obama’s campaign. In 2014, he became a public advocate of cannabis legalization.
He’s also close with prominent Florida businessman John Morgan, who helped bankroll the fight to legalize medical in 2014 with his group United for Care.
A cancer patient waters a marijuana plant that is being grown in a private backyard garden. Florida residents, with the help of a group called United for Care, and prominent Florida attorney John Morgan, petitioned to get the medical legalization on the ballot in 2014 (AP Photo/Alex Menendez)
Last week, Crist made headlines by announcing his “Crist Contract With Florida.”
The contract includes ideas on expungement, home grow of up to six plants for personal use, criminal justice reform, expanded re-entry programs, and tax revenue for police, nonprofits, and teachers.
Still, Crist contract’s does not address how an adult-use market would look under his leadership, including licensing for minority applicants.
Related
New ‘Seeds of Change’ report rates states on cannabis equity, finds most lacking
Fried rhymes with weed for a reason
Crist’s competition on the left is Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a popular advocate for the plant across the state.
Last week, Fried pulled rank on Crist and DeSantis via Twitter. She wrote, “Imitation is flattery, but records are records. People went to jail because Republicans like @CharlieCrist supported and enforced racist marijuana crime bills. Glad he’s changed his mind, but none of those people get those years back.”
Fried’s Twitter account also called out a $146,000 non-refundable application fee included in DeSantis’ latest plan for Pigford case applicants.
She tweeted, “Let’s not let a former governor’s flip flopping press conference on marijuana distract from our current governor doubling fees on Black farmers applying for a medical marijuana treatment center licenses. The fee hike by @GovRonDeSantis is discriminatory and should be repealed.”
Whoever wins has dues to pay
Florida agriculture’s past exploitation and exclusion can’t be fixed by a court settlement or special class of licenses. And the lack of action on small gestures of inclusion like the Pigford cases doesn’t inspire confidence in more substantial action.
The impact of slavery and sharecropping did immeasurable harm to Black farmers in America’s south for centuries. As the state rides its new cash crop to untold riches, the winner of Florida’s race for governor will be on the clock from day one to responsibly handle the power that comes from our favorite magical plant.
Budding Mary Jane monopolies
(Conor Buckley for Leafly)
Almost five years after Amendment 2 made medical use possible, state cannabis agency OMMU requested nearly $13 million of additional funds. The money will be used to double workforce, publicize medical use, add transportation vehicles, and open regional offices, according to CBS Miami.
Florida recently became home to the nation’s largest cannabis retailer with the $2.1 billion Truelieve deal struck by former competitor Harvest Health & Recreation Inc.
But as many legal states have already learned, sound economies do not include monopolies. And it is much easier to bake fair social equity measures into laws from inception than to retrofit new rules onto active markets.
Another 2017 addition to Amendment 2 called for Florida to add 19 more treatment centers to meet increased demand across the state.
The move was aimed at preventing monopolies from forming after medical laws were first passed. Five years later, much like the Pigford licenses, those 19 new joints haven’t come to pass either.
Keep it organic. Cherry Pie x Suge Pure Kush
Cherry Pie Kush aka CPK Weed Strain Information | Leafly
Cherry Pie Kush (not to be confused with Cherry Pie) is essentially a Cherry Pie cross of Durban Poison and Granddaddy Purple, infused with California native San Fernando Valley OG. Some folks claim this strain came before Cherry Pie and others say it’s a product of Cookie Fam’s famous lineage...
www.leafly.com
My mans was a on a pay phone once in Times Square back in 96 and his 4’7 ass walked by and shoulder checked my left hip. I was gon wipe up 42nd and Broadway with his but his man’s held him back talkin bout, “nah that’s light work B.” Been wanting to smack his short ass around ever since.
Fuck Keith Murray.
Carry on
yeah mah, i hit the plant you see with some cherry og (Cherry Pie x Scott's OG) pollen. i havent smoked the plant picture above yet, but judging by the smell, its should be fire. smells dank as fuck. and that Cherry Pie x Scotts OG is fire bud. great taste, smell, everything. i hit four seperate strains with that pollen last run.
i'm doing a Banana OG run now. pollenated my mother plants this past saturday. i hit a Pineapple Kush and a Chocolate Diesel w the Banana OG pollen.
i'm doing a Banana OG run now. pollenated my mother plants this past saturday. i hit a Pineapple Kush and a Chocolate Diesel w the Banana OG pollen.
Cherry Pie Kush aka CPK Weed Strain Information | Leafly
Cherry Pie Kush (not to be confused with Cherry Pie) is essentially a Cherry Pie cross of Durban Poison and Granddaddy Purple, infused with California native San Fernando Valley OG. Some folks claim this strain came before Cherry Pie and others say it’s a product of Cookie Fam’s famous lineage...
@fourthstbully you must of liked the Choc Diesel but how did you find the diesel dirivitive?
I just done a couple of runs with Orange Diesel V3.0. Couple of fifferentt phenos, one lot ran for about 11 and the 13.5 weeks, al ot of work for soemthing that was not spectacular. It was alright to good, but nothing exceptional. One batch I cured with vanilla pods and dried orange peel, It made it smell more citrusy but the smoke is very sativa cerebral.
I just done a couple of runs with Orange Diesel V3.0. Couple of fifferentt phenos, one lot ran for about 11 and the 13.5 weeks, al ot of work for soemthing that was not spectacular. It was alright to good, but nothing exceptional. One batch I cured with vanilla pods and dried orange peel, It made it smell more citrusy but the smoke is very sativa cerebral.
did you grow from seeds or clone? if seeds, you know, some are better than others. but as for the chcocolate diesel, its fire. i ran it back to back because i am making seeds for my last few runs and i thought the chocolate would go good with the cherry og male i used last run and the banana og male that i used this run.
the smell of the chocolate diesel is lemony fuel. smell and taste are top notch. good daytime high, good for music and watching tv. wont put you to sleep.
the smell of the chocolate diesel is lemony fuel. smell and taste are top notch. good daytime high, good for music and watching tv. wont put you to sleep.
Right on, write on, bruh!! Thanks for sharing the info. You and brotha @madgoose keep up the good work!!
Haven't dropped any pics in a minute! My latest..white widow auto.that's just the top.she outgrew the tent and the light.Had to configure the sf1000 in a slanted position and I rotate my girl every few hours.switched from plastic pots to fabric bags and I can definitely tell the difference.much more top growth going on and it's only in a one gallon.im sold on them,the roots are definitely doing better in fabric.
Yes @Mr.Mojo !!!
My first ever successful grow was W/W! Nirvana seed bank. Had to sex the beans found the girls, burnt the boys and used the ladies for clones. Had 3 good runs with W/W. How long from seed to what we see in the picture? Did you change the lighting pattern? That yellow leaf can come off, it not doing any work now, hold it at the end of the stem where it joins the leaf matter and pull it downwards and it should come away with no resistance, any more like that and do the same thing. You don't want to encourge moulds or funguses especially if you have high humidity. Keep your eye on your humidity during the dark period, if you are using lights that do not emulate sunrise/sunset then you can get very high humidity spikes when the room transitions from light to immiediate darkness, make sure you have your oscillating fans on thier highest settings, you want all the air in your tent moving. If you were foliar feeding, STOP! Again you don't want to encourage moulds or fungi.
I reckon that is about 5-6 weeks into flower.
Looking good, baby baby!
My first ever successful grow was W/W! Nirvana seed bank. Had to sex the beans found the girls, burnt the boys and used the ladies for clones. Had 3 good runs with W/W. How long from seed to what we see in the picture? Did you change the lighting pattern? That yellow leaf can come off, it not doing any work now, hold it at the end of the stem where it joins the leaf matter and pull it downwards and it should come away with no resistance, any more like that and do the same thing. You don't want to encourge moulds or funguses especially if you have high humidity. Keep your eye on your humidity during the dark period, if you are using lights that do not emulate sunrise/sunset then you can get very high humidity spikes when the room transitions from light to immiediate darkness, make sure you have your oscillating fans on thier highest settings, you want all the air in your tent moving. If you were foliar feeding, STOP! Again you don't want to encourage moulds or fungi.
I reckon that is about 5-6 weeks into flower.
Looking good, baby baby!
what yall smokin on???
I got me some of this blackberry diesel.... its aiiight,
wasnt hittin like that Guava kush tho!!!
I got me some of this blackberry diesel.... its aiiight,
wasnt hittin like that Guava kush tho!!!
wassup @madgoose! Thanks man! She's almost ten weeks old..My tenth successful grow so far.i run the lights on her 24/0.the others were 20/4.had real good luck in all my grows wit the humidity.no mold ever.i don't close the tent door ever and my ac runs 24/7 so that helps.no foliar feeding ever.i keep a small clip fan On to keep the air moving.
all I've been puffing for close to a year is my own cause my connect disappeared on me.me and my girl only smoke a few bowls a day tho so it pretty much lasts until the next is ready or ready to dry.think I'll go with northern lights auto next.ww has been good to me but it's time for a changeup.
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The only thing that turns me off of AUTOs is the trade off in potency where the Ruderalis ha been bred into the strain. Don't get me wrong AUTOs have their place and appea to be great for growing in Northern Europe outside. We don't get 12 hours of darkness until the 22nd October and the oftemn freeze outside before they fully mature. Guys I have spoken withwho do outside guerilla grows are able to get 2-3 crops in each season with some fully maturing in less than 7 weeks ???
SO this thread has been dormant for nigh on 5 months, so a quick update from me.
Not been having a good time with it this year. I had a run of Ice Cream Cake on the go and a third of them just gave up just as I was about to reduce the light pattern to 12/12, so I let them veg for another 6 weeks to make up for the lost plants only to have pythium (a water bourne pathogen) wipe out half of what was remaining, which was a surpirise because not only do I religiously change the contents of my reservoir every 7-10 also have a chiller running 24/7 at 19C. Then to top of the Ice Cream Cake, I got spider mites, my third infestation in as many years. It also carried over (probably on my clothes) to my veg tent, where I was preparing a run of Peach OZ and another Runtz Mac although they did not take hold quite how they did in the Ice Cream Cake grow they still managed to dessimate the 4 Peach OZs and I have probably lost 2 thirds of the Runtz Mac. I did not feel so bad about these because I had not put as much time, effort, nutrients, lights etc into the veg tents and to 2 Runts Mac and the I Peach OZ I was bringing through to be Mums came through it OK and are now ready to produce about 40 cuttings each.
I have now completed my first ever 2 soil grows using random seeds given to me by a frinds who had a plant hermaphrodite and pollinated numerous strains that he had in flower. Strawberry Banana, Blueberry Kush, Ocean Grown Cookies, Girl Scout Cookies, Purple Afghan, to name a few. The results were a bit hit and miss being that the phenotypes were not bred and stabilised. Of 20 plants probably 4 were excellent, 6 were good, 4 were Ok and the remaining left a lot to be desired. You definetly see a difference in the results of seeds/plant sthat had had a lot of time out into them to stabilise the different characcteristics of the strains. I used Bio Bizz All mix soil with about 30% perlite and the full Bio Bizz range. I WILL be doing more soil grows. Soil is a lot mor forgiving, basically feed//water 2- time a weeks and let it do what it does.
Not been having a good time with it this year. I had a run of Ice Cream Cake on the go and a third of them just gave up just as I was about to reduce the light pattern to 12/12, so I let them veg for another 6 weeks to make up for the lost plants only to have pythium (a water bourne pathogen) wipe out half of what was remaining, which was a surpirise because not only do I religiously change the contents of my reservoir every 7-10 also have a chiller running 24/7 at 19C. Then to top of the Ice Cream Cake, I got spider mites, my third infestation in as many years. It also carried over (probably on my clothes) to my veg tent, where I was preparing a run of Peach OZ and another Runtz Mac although they did not take hold quite how they did in the Ice Cream Cake grow they still managed to dessimate the 4 Peach OZs and I have probably lost 2 thirds of the Runtz Mac. I did not feel so bad about these because I had not put as much time, effort, nutrients, lights etc into the veg tents and to 2 Runts Mac and the I Peach OZ I was bringing through to be Mums came through it OK and are now ready to produce about 40 cuttings each.
I have now completed my first ever 2 soil grows using random seeds given to me by a frinds who had a plant hermaphrodite and pollinated numerous strains that he had in flower. Strawberry Banana, Blueberry Kush, Ocean Grown Cookies, Girl Scout Cookies, Purple Afghan, to name a few. The results were a bit hit and miss being that the phenotypes were not bred and stabilised. Of 20 plants probably 4 were excellent, 6 were good, 4 were Ok and the remaining left a lot to be desired. You definetly see a difference in the results of seeds/plant sthat had had a lot of time out into them to stabilise the different characcteristics of the strains. I used Bio Bizz All mix soil with about 30% perlite and the full Bio Bizz range. I WILL be doing more soil grows. Soil is a lot mor forgiving, basically feed//water 2- time a weeks and let it do what it does.
Bruh, you think we should move it back to the main thread.. Maybe kats will catch onto it??
I'm not trying to say "I told you so" but I asked you that a while back when I noticed that the thread had slowed down since it got moved into this forum. But to answer your question, "Yes" I think it will get more traffic if it was out on the mian board.
If you feel the same way send a message to "TEN" telling him that you are that original, poster and include a quote to this message and I'm sure @TEN will be more than happy to accomodate us.
Done
Right on, write on bruh..
Is weed or alcohol more addictive?
Emma StonePublished on July 27, 2022
(Sasha Beck/Leafly)
There’s a common perception that cannabis is safer and less addictive than alcohol. For example, in a recent survey of more than 1,000 Americans, respondents ranked alcohol as “somewhat and moderately addictive” compared to “not very or somewhat addictive” for marijuana.
Additionally, survey participants who didn’t consume cannabis generally believed alcohol was “moderately dangerous,” while cannabis was ranked as “not very dangerous to somewhat dangerous.”
But aside from general opinions, is there evidence that one substance is more addictive or harmful than the other?
What are the similarities between weed and alcohol?
Alcohol and cannabis share a bunch of features in common. Both can be used to help people mellow out, calm nerves, and relax muscles. These effects occur because both alcohol and weed belong to the depressant class of drugs (though weed falls into several other drug categories too).
Depressants increase the activity of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain. When GABA activity ramps up, activity in the central nervous system slows down, and the speed at which messages are passed between the body and brain also decreases. Imagine GABA as a brake pedal for the brain: When that brake is pressed, a calming effect ensues.
However, there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. Too much depressant equals too much GABA activity, which in turn can result in drowsiness, slow reactions, poor coordination, and impaired concentration. Anyone who’s had a little too much weed or alcohol can likely attest to slurred speech, passing out early, maybe stumbling over, and the like.
How are weed and alcohol different?
Cannabis differs from alcohol in several critical ways for Dr. Jordan Tishler, President of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists, and CEO/CMO at inhaleMD.
“Alcohol is a very simple, single molecule that is a product of yeast fermentation,” said Tishler. “Essentially, it’s yeast poop. Poop is generally a poison and humans have figured out that in small doses they like the effect this poison has on their brain. It really isn’t that good for you and has no medical use at present.”
Cannabis, on the other hand, is a plant that contains hundreds of diverse compounds, many of which are therapeutically beneficial.
“We have just scratched the surface of knowing what they are and what these compounds do,” explained Tishler. “However, it is well proven that THC, and cannabis in general, have use in the treatment of pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, and other illnesses.”
In simple terms, cannabis has medicinal applications, and alcohol does not.
Is weed addictive?
Tishler emphasizes that understanding addiction is nuanced, and it can be helpful to distinguish addiction from dependence.
“Addictive is a complicated word,” said Tishler. “Addiction is a set of maladaptive behaviors, whereas dependence is a physiological condition leading to withdrawal and often continued use of a substance.”
Tishler believes that dependence on cannabis is far more common than addiction, which is formally diagnosed as cannabis use disorder. “Cannabis can lead to a dependence rate of about 7%—less than half the alcohol rate—and an addiction rate that is very low but undefined,” explained Tishler.
Research tells us that THC appears to be responsible for cannabis’ addictive potential due to its effects on the brain’s dopamine system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced by the brain that influences the experience of pleasure and rewards.
THC increases dopamine release, and when dopamine is released, the resulting feelings of pleasure can reinforce the potentially addictive effects of the cannabinoid. Long-term heavy cannabis use, however, can blunt the body’s dopamine system. If your dopamine levels stay elevated for too long—due to constant cannabis use, for example—the dopamine system becomes dysfunctional.
The reward circuitry in the brain can become impaired, and it’s more difficult to derive pleasure from things you would normally enjoy, such as delicious food, a sense of achievement, or physical touch. This lack of enjoyment can lead to even more chronic use to seek the high that once came so easily.
CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t appear to be addictive. Instead, there’s evidence that this non-intoxicating cannabinoid may be able to treat addiction. A 2015 study, for example, found that CBD may be beneficial in treating opioid, cocaine, tobacco, and even cannabis addiction.
It’s important to remember that the “addictiveness” of cannabis is more than a chemical reaction in the brain—social and environmental factors also play a part. For example, certain populations appear more likely to become addicted to weed than others, potentially teenagers, and those with another substance use disorder, or a mood or mental disorder, such as schizophrenia.
Beyond this, other factors such as lifestyle, home and work environment, and socio-economic status may all additionally impact whether a person finds weed addictive or not.
How addictive is alcohol?
Similar to cannabis, dependence on alcohol is more common than addiction, according to Tishler.
“With alcohol we see both addiction and dependence. The dependence rate is about 15%, and the addiction rate is significantly lower,” he said. “In higher doses, alcohol can be addictive, and has harmful effects on the brain, heart, liver, blood, and bone marrow.”
Recent studies similarly point to the different ways in which individuals can develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. For example, about 29.7% of men and 22.2% percent of women aged 18 and over engaged in binge drinking in 2019. While binge drinking isn’t the same as alcohol addiction, it represents a form of misuse that contributes to the risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
These statistics certainly suggest that alcohol is more addictive, or prone to misuse than cannabis, but why?
While there’s no clear cut answer, there are several contributing factors worth exploring. Like cannabis, alcohol also stimulates dopamine release. However, alcohol has another neurochemical avenue through which it can create addiction—endorphins.
In a 2012 study, researchers at the University of California found that alcohol triggers the release of endorphins in two areas of the brain that are associated with reward processing. Endorphins are naturally-occurring opioids produced by the body that alleviate pain, help you to feel good, and give you a buzz. The study also discovered that heavy drinkers experienced a higher release of these feel-good chemicals, thus further reinforcing alcohol’s addictive properties.
Similar to cannabis, a number of variables means some individuals may be more likely to become addicted to alcohol than others. Factors such as genetics, a family history of alcoholism, mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, and traumatic experiences elevate the likelihood of developing an addiction.
So which is more addictive?
Some have speculated that alcohol may be more addictive than cannabis because, quite simply, it’s more widely legal and readily available. Recent research suggests that increasing cannabis legalization has been linked to rising rates of dependence.
Several other studies have compared cannabis and alcohol, providing us with useful insights into how they stack up against each other in terms of safety and other measures.
One groundbreaking 2015 study compared the risk of overdose associated with different addictive substances. Alcohol consumption fell into the high-risk category, while cannabis, on the other hand, was the only substance to qualify as low risk. In other words, it’s impossible to die from a cannabis overdose, but comparatively easier to die from alcohol poisoning.
There’s evidence that cannabis is safer than alcohol with respect to a number of other health-related harms too. A New Zealand Medical Journal study compared THC and alcohol in terms of 13 commonly discussed issues related to substance use and health.
THC was found to have less risk than alcohol for these nine issues:
- Death from overdose
- Death from severe withdrawal
- Aggressiveness during intoxication
- Brain damage from chronic heavy use
- Liver and other organ damage
- Contributing to a psychotic condition
- Causing major depression
- Causing cancer
- Fetal brain damage
- Irritability following withdrawal
- Harm while driving intoxicated
- Addiction
The degree to which weed or alcohol is addictive–or harmful–cannot be reduced to a single factor. While there’s evidence that weed is comparatively less addictive and less harmful than alcohol, that doesn’t mean it can be used recklessly.
Tishler believes a better question is not which substance is more addictive, but how we use them.
“It’s important to remember that the risk associated with either substance is tied to how much you use—less is safer,” he said. “While most people have a handle on how much is too much alcohol, many cannabis users use far too much, often without even realizing how much they’re taking and what a safe range would be.”
Tishler points out that tolerance is often touted as a badge of honor in cannabis circles. In reality, however, tolerance can lead to dependence and possibly addiction, so it may be beneficial to avoid developing a significant tolerance to cannabis.
Diverse factors, such as age, mental health, and personal circumstances, also interlock together to influence the relationship we develop with these two substances. It’s vital to be aware of the risk factors that can inflate the likelihood of addiction or harm occurring for you, and take precautions to prevent unwanted outcomes.
arkansas let us down big time..
I'm presuming that there were talks for Arkansas to legalise/decriminalise weed in the state and it fell through?
Just remember, "It is only illegal, not immoral!"
yep the recreational vote failed by a slim margin...
WAX
SHATTER
LIVE RESIN
PURE THCA DIAMONDS
SAUCE
CANNABIS CONCENTRATE GUIDE
This is only one of many articles on concentrates.. Enjoy and happy searching...
Introduction
Welcome to the rapidly expanding world of cannabis concentrates! Simply put, concentrates are cannabis-derived extracts that contain concentrated amounts of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and a multiplicity of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Despite the fact that most concentrates today are produced using modern technologies and extraction methods, they have a very extensive and established history. The first known uses of concentrated cannabis can be dated back to 10,000 B.C. in the Steppe Mountains of China.
Popularity and demand for concentrates have increased dramatically with the legalization of marijuana in several states. This exponential growth in consumer interest has refined concentrate extraction methods to innovative heights, which is why so many new and exciting forms of concentrates are emerging. Concentrates are a great option for seasoned cannabis consumers looking to increase the intensity of their high, as well as flavor connoisseurs seeking to taste the most exquisite terpene profiles. Medical marijuana patients in need of relief also turn to concentrates for a direct, economical and fast-acting solution to their ailments.
History of Concentrates
Hashish/Kief
Some of the earliest concentrate processes originated in Eastern Asia. The oldest method of creating concentrates simply involves rubbing cannabis flowers between hands, scraping the collected trichomes and compressing them to form a moldable and dark amalgamation, known as Charas (the Hindi word for Hashish).
In the 12th Century, smoking hashish was highly popular in the Middle East. Arabic for grass, "Hashish," or "Hash," is the product created when marijuana flowers are sieved through a screen, also known as "dry sifting," and processed with heat and pressure. Dry Sifting is a process used to separate the resin glands, called trichomes, from other plant matter. The extracted trichomes, with a powdery appearance, are commonly known as kief. Most take the process a step further and add heat and compression to the kief to form blocks of hashish.
Kief
Hashish is the oldest form of concentrate known to man and despite the illegality of cannabis in some of the Middle East, countries like Lebanon and India still produce black market hash for export.
There are many ways to collect the resin glands from cannabis flowers, but arguably the most common method of trichome collection over the years is facilitated through the use of a three-chamber grinder. During the grinding process, trichomes are sieved through a mesh screen and broken off of the cannabis flower through what is known as agitation. The collected trichomes can then be used for a variety of concentrate production methods, or simply smoked as kief.
Traditional Hashish
How Processes Have Evolved
Since hand-rolling Charas, extraction processes have come a long way. Through developments in technology and further scientific and chemical discovery, concentrate extraction has become a highly sophisticated and modernized practice. Lab-grade equipment is utilized for both solvent-based and solventless extraction methods, capable of producing a wide variety of different concentrate types and consistencies.
Most concentrates are named after their appearance. For example, the names shatter, wax, and budder all refer to the consistency of the concentrate, although it is the method in which they were created that determines the difference in melting points, and price. While many concentrate products are similar in THC percentage, they all have different melting points, cannabinoid profiles and appearances.
Modern Day Techniques
Today, there are two main methods of creating cannabis concentrates, solvent-based and solventless extraction.
Let's go back to high school chemistry for a bit. A solvent is just a liquid in which something is dissolved to form a solution. In extraction, a solvent is just a liquid used to separate the psychoactive compound THC (as other cannabinoids and terpenes), from the cannabis flower.
The most popular solvents used today are butane, carbon dioxide (CO2), propane and alcohol. Even though water is technically a solvent, in the marijuana industry it's considered a solventless extraction method. These processes are similar to creating essential oils and vitamin capsules.
Remember that although most concentrates are known by their appearance, the real difference between most products is how it's made, not its final form.
Dabbing as a Concentrate Consumption Method
Dabbing is the most popular way to consume marijuana concentrates. Often called "doing a dab" or "taking a dab hit," dabbing simply refers to the vaporization and consumption of a marijuana concentrate. On average, the concentrate a consumer might dab has between 60-80% THC, compared to smoking cannabis flower which averages 10-25% THC. For this reason, dabbing is much more economical for most users, as far less product needs to be consumed to reach optimal or desired effects. The effects of a dab usually come on stronger and quicker than smoking flower. Because of this, dabbing is often recommended for experienced or frequent smokers due to the high potency of the product.
While it is possible to use concentrates as a "bowl-topper" over flower, most consistencies other than bubble hash do not vaporize effectively with this method. The most effective way to consume cannabis concentrates is dabbing with what is known as an "oil rig" or "dab rig." Rigs are essentially water pipes made for dabbing that are designed specifically to bring out the complete flavor profile and potency of the concentrate being consumed. In combination with a titanium or quartz nail, a dab rig is the most optimal and efficient way to vaporize and consume concentrates.
The method of dabbing is also more complicated than smoking flower. While flower can be relatively simple to pack into a pipe, bong, blunt or joint, a few more tools are necessary for dabs. In order to effectively consume concentrates, a torch, a rig with a titanium or quartz nail and dabbing tool are needed. The titanium or quartz nail is inserted in place of a traditional sliding bowl, and is heated by the torch. Optimal dabbing temperatures are regularly debated within the cannabis community, and "low-temp" dabs have taken the concentrate scene by storm in recent history for those seeking the purest of flavors.
For novice users, just be sure to wait until the nail is not red hot to ensure vaporization of the product and not combustion. To take a dab, consumers apply the desired amount of concentrate to the dabbing tool, heat the nail, wait until the nail reaches the perfect temperature, gently touch the concentrate to the nail and inhale. To achieve even vaporization and convection within the dish of the nail, most experienced dabbers will use what is called a "carb cap" to cover the nail and evenly distribute heat. Using a carb cap allows for better flavor and more economical and even vaporization of the concentrate.
Some consumers use electronic nails, or e-nails, which are heated to a specific temperature by a small machine. E-nails are often high in price and not very portable, so be sure to research if they are right for you before making an investment. Another dabbing apparatus is a honey straw. A honey straw, or nectar collector, is essentially a portable nail that allows concentrate consumers to travel without lugging their rigs around. Some honey straws have a middle chamber where water can be filled to induce percolation, similar to traditional rigs and water pipes.
Remember, portions aren't just for food. Novice dabbers should only try a very small amount of concentrate initially until they fully understand how it will affect them. A good tip for starters is to take a dab of concentrate about 1/2 the size of a grain of rice or smaller.
Terpenes
Terpenes are chemical compounds found in cannabis that produce the distinct flavor and smell of the flower. That means the tangy, citrus scent of Lemon Haze or the blueberry, sour smell of Blue Cheese is created by different terpenes. In a more general sense, a terpene is any group of hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of a plant. In cannabis, terpenes are produced by secretory cells found within glandular trichomes. Terpenes are produced similarly in fruits as well. For example, the same tangy, citrus terpene found in Lemon Haze, called limonene, can be found within the oil glands in the skin of oranges as well.
There are over 100 different terpenes that have been identified in cannabis plants. Terpenes not only influence the smell and taste of a plant, but also influence the effects of each strain of cannabis.
In recent years, strains have been grown to produce the highest THC levels possible. Regardless of the goofy strain names, it is the combination of terpenes and THC that impact the psychoactive effects. Many experienced cannabis consumers even claim they can determine "good bud" by relying on smell alone.
Some of the most common terpenes include Limonene, Alpha-pinene, and Myrcene. Limonene, found in most citrus fruits, can promote weight loss and improve mood. Alpha-pinene is the terpene that gives pine trees their scent and has anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for those with asthma. Myrcene smells musky with a hint of berry; it is great for pain-relief and has sedative properties as well.
Click to enlarge
Trichomes
Trichomes are the small hair-like structures found on cannabis flowers that contain terpenes. Biologists hypothesize that trichomes evolved to protect the plant from environmental dangers such as animals looking for food, insects and bacteria or fungus.
Trichomes under magnification
The word trichome comes from the Greek word meaning "hair." There are three main types of trichomes: bulbous, capitate-sessile, and capitate-stalked. Right now we can think of them as small, medium and large respectively. Most bulbous trichomes are hard to see, even magnified, and protrude similarly to goosebumps on skin. Capitate-sessile trichomes are much more numerous and have a rounded head. It's often difficult to see the stem and they appear to lie flat against leaves. Capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant and are raised from the leaves with elongated stalks. Capitate-stalked trichomes usually contain the most cannabinoids due to their larger size and are the main focal point of cannabis macro-photography.
In their unprocessed form, the stalk-like trichomes, when collected, are often referred to as kief, which is smoked frequently by cannabis consumers. While kief is technically considered a concentrated form of THC, it is important to note that it is an unprocessed concentrate. As discussed earlier, the final form of kief is comprised of many individual trichomes, meaning that it has not undergone an extraction process amalgamating it into a cohesive and unified final product. In order to process trichomes into a stable and concentrated product, a variety of processes may be used.
Kief
Despite the slightly technical nature of trichomes, they're vital in the creation of concentrates. Because of the recent rise of concentrate popularity, most extraction methods are catered to preserving the healing powers and flavors developed within trichomes. Flavor, medicinal effects and strength of the effects continue to be the staples of concentrate efficacy. With all three aspects getting stronger every day, as well as technological advancements in scientific equipment, it's not far-fetched to believe extraction artists will continue to innovate and progress concentrates to greater heights.
Why Consume Concentrates?
Let's take a moment to recap and ask, why consume concentrates? Concentrates are rapidly growing in popularity for a plethora of reasons. They are much more potent than flower, providing a more economical way to consume cannabis. Because of the high potency, they also allow medical patients to achieve faster relief than flower or edibles. Concentrates are also more efficient than flower, allowing patients to remedy medical ailments efficiently with a quick, large dose of cannabinoids.
The difference in flavor between concentrates and flower is also pretty dramatic. Cannabis extracts not only concentrate cannabinoids, but also the tasty and beneficial terpenes. The flavor resulting from concentrate vaporization allows consumers to taste terpenes more clearly, instead of having the terpene flavor mixed with combustible plant matter (this occurs while smoking flower).
Dabbing also allows cannabis users to consume in a more discreet manner. Concentrate vapor does not stick on clothes or residually hang in the air like combusted cannabis flower might. In places like Colorado, where many residential properties might ban the use of marijuana inside, concentrates make it possible to consume cannabis tactfully.
The last thing any new dabber should do is smoke too much at once. Infrequent smokers can experience adverse reactions to concentrate consumption such as rapid heartbeat, paranoia or even hallucinations. For novice cannabis consumers seeking less intense concentrate highs, or those who still aren't sure if concentrates are for them, vape pens are the perfect introduction. Most of the concentrated marijuana in vape pens are oils created with CO2 that can be smoked slowly, decreasing the chance of taking too large of a hit and feeling an intense or uncomfortable high.
Solvent vs. Solventless Extraction
As previously mentioned, there are two main methods of creating cannabis concentrates, solvent-based extraction and solventless extraction. In solvent-based extraction, chemical solvents such as butane, propane, carbon dioxide (CO2) and alcohol are used to separate resin glands containing the psychoactive compound THC from the cannabis flower. In solventless extractions, water, temperature and pressure are the predominant factors.
Again, it is important to note that even though most concentrates are known by their appearance, the real difference between products is how they are made. Different extraction methods alter the chemical and biological makeup of the final product form in ways that are not forthright to the naked eye, which is why it is always important as a consumer to understand the process behind the product.
While many side in favor of solventless concentrates, the argument for solvent-based extractions is strong too and has many devout supporters. Now that the perceived dangers of producing solvent-based extractions have been alleviated by certified extraction lab requirements, there is minimal risk for explosion or safety hazards. Many people believe solvent-based extractions to be more potent, containing what is called a "full-spectrum" of cannabinoids and terpenes that greatly influence the flavor, aroma, and effects of the concentrate. Because the flower is not physically agitated (like bubble hash or rosin) and cannabinoids are pulled from the plant by passing solvent, the structure of the bud is kept intact throughout the process. Not only does this reduce plant matter from being accidentally extracted, but also preserves terpenes remarkably well.
Both solvent-based and solventless concentrates are superb methods of consuming cannabis, and by knowing the key differences consumers are able to make educated decisions based on their personal preferences. One thing is certain however, no matter which extraction method you choose, there are no shortages of effective, high-quality options to select from in either variety.
Solvent-Based Extractions
Solvent-based extractions utilize chemical solvents to strip cannabis flowers of their highly potent resin glands. Because chemical solvents are often highly flammable, professional extractors use what are called "closed-loop" systems to ensure that there is no airborne chemical exposure during the process, therefore eliminating any risk for fire, over-pressurization or explosion. This is why concentrate production should only be conducted by licensed professionals. It is extremely dangerous and illegal to perform solvent-based extractions at home, so leave the process to the professionals!
After a solvent has passed through the flower and collected its cannabinoids, the resulting product is referred to as slurry. Slurry is the mixture of cannabinoids and unpurged solvent, and can look a variety of ways depending on the solvent used. Mainly, slurry looks like either a runny liquid form, or an airy patty/loaf. Slurry contains high amounts of residual solvent and is not considered safe to consume. In order to turn slurry into a finished and compliant product, purging must be implemented.
In any solvent-based extraction, whether butane, CO2, propane, or alcohol, extensive purging is required in the post-extraction phase to rid the product of residual solvent. Purging is a broad term in the world of concentrates, as it can be achieved through evaporation, vacuuming or hand-whipping. Each method of purging has different variations and produces a different end product and consistency. While there are many different options for solvent purging, vacuuming is predominantly considered the most popular.
When a solvent is purged by vacuum oven, it is being deliberately pulled from the slurry and the air within the vacuum, leaving behind a low parts per million (ppm) of residual solvent. Vacuum purging duration varies depending on many different factors and can last up to 72 hours in some instances.
Solvent-based concentrates are considered less healthy than solventless concentrates by some. One of the biggest concerns is that inhaling residual solvents may be unhealthy, however no scientific data backs this claim universally, as residual solvents are present in many Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated consumer products like cooking sprays, air fresheners, and canned shaving creams.
Little research has been done on the health effects of residual solvents contained within solvent-based concentrates, and ultimately it is up to the consumer to choose which concentrate is best for them.
BHO
Butane hash oil (or BHO for short) is a solvent-based extraction that utilizes n-butane as a solvent. N-butane has a higher purity than commercially available butane and is the cannabis industry standard for butane-based extractions. BHO offers a variety of end products with high potency including budder, shatter, wax, sap and more. Typically speaking, flower or trim is placed in a receptacle tube while butane is forced through, essentially stripping the plant matter of its cannabinoids. The material is contained while the gas is released, hence the term "blasting," which is commonly used when referencing the process. Butane was one of the first solvents used in concentrate extraction and is the common culprit of open-blasting induced explosions. Because of its low burning point butane is extremely volatile, which is why it is unsafe to use outside of a closed-loop system.
CO2
CO2 extractions use temperature and pressure to effectively extract elements of the flower or trim. Facilities with advanced technology and machinery can experiment with supercritical carbon dioxide methods, which keeps CO2 at high pressures. In other words, extractors can finely control the rate at which cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted. Many advancements have been made recently in the equipment used for CO2 extraction, with high-end models nearing one million dollars to own and operate. These machines use computer interfaces to calibrate diagnostics and fine tune the desired extraction parameters. Depending on the equipment used, CO2 extractions can have multiple receptacles for slurry, resulting in tiered grade products that can easily be separated and used for different purposes.
PHO
Similar to BHO, cannabis extractions using propane are called propane hash oil (or PHO). Although this method usually demands higher pressure, it also requires a lower boiling point, which means better terpene preservation and faster/more effective purging. PHO offers end products similar to BHO, such as wax, budder, shatter, live resin and more. Propane has risen in popularity for solvent-based extraction in recent years and is generally considered a cleaner final product than BHO. Propane is slightly more expensive than butane, but is worth the additional cost for extraction artists seeking to boost their concentrate flavor, consistency and overall value.
Alcohol
Typically speaking, cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flower, trim or hash dissolve fairly easily in alcohol (specifically isopropyl alcohol or ethanol). This method of extraction is also considered one of the safer options, but requires exact temperature control for optimal results. Extraction using isopropyl alcohol is also known as "QWISO," or quick-wash isopropyl alcohol. Conducive to its name, this process can be completed rather quickly and easily using minimal equipment. However, not many licensed facilities use isopropyl alcohol, as the more popular alcohol solvent is ethanol. Ethanol is a fairly expensive solvent to use for extractions, but it has an extremely high recovery rate. That means it can be used for extraction, and be recovered afterwards through rotary evaporation or another form of solvent reclamation.
Liquid Nitrogen
Novel techniques are emerging that use liquid nitrogen as a solvent. This technique was first commercialized by California brand, The Clear, in their ultra-refined "extra-virgin" rosin product, Baroni. While this method is similar to dry-ice hash collection techniques, the lower temperature created by the liquid nitrogen offers an even quicker turnaround and higher overall yield. Liquid nitrogen is regarded as an effective solvent for its ability to help turn freshly harvested cannabis into high-terpene rosin with relative ease. Because liquid nitrogen is typically only used for agitation and mechanical separation, many believe it should fall into the solventless section. However, after careful consideration we felt the makeup of liquid nitrogen justified its classification as a chemical solvent.
Limonene
Some pioneering extractors have used terpenes as a solvent, though widespread use of the method has yet to take hold (most likely due to lower yields). Prized for their lack of chemicals, widespread availability, sustainability, and safety for human consumption, terpenes like limonene could prove to be an interesting option for future concentrate production. Limonene is an ideal solvent for closed-loop extraction and could be a low-cost alternative to other more expensive solvents like butane and propane. While limonene has proven to be successful in the extraction of cannabinoids, methods have not yet been scaled for commercial production.
Hexane
Hexane is similar to butane and propane (though more expensive) and has a higher boiling point than butane, allowing it to capture more cannabinoids during the extraction process in less time. However, hexane's higher cost and volatility have made it a less popular option for professional extractors despite the high-quality product it can yield.
Ultrasonic (Sonication)
Sonication allows for cannabinoids and terpenes to be harvested from plant matter using sound pulses in a lipid medium (such as coconut or olive oil). As opposed to other methods which must destroy the cell walls within a trichome in order to harvest cannabinoids and terpenes, sonication is able to dissolve the cell well, keeping more of the desired compounds more intact. Read more about this method of extraction here.
Solvent-Based Products
CO2 Oil
CO2-extracted concentrates in the form of an oil have become increasingly popular over the years. This supercritical fluid extraction is created with large amounts of pressure and carbon dioxide and is seen as an incredibly effective method to separate plant material to produce an amber oil. CO2 extraction is gaining popularity in commercial extraction operations due to the fact that the equipment used is able to finely tune desired results and end products.
CO2 Oil
CO2 is often preferred to other extracted oils because it's incredibly efficient and yields purer, cleaner product with limited processing and low residual solvent. Because CO2 is a naturally occurring substance and is produced by the human body, it is widely considered as a natural solvent with less health concerns than butane, propane or other hydrocarbons. The opportunity to tune the process is key, while its sterilizing component allows end products to last longer than most. Typically, CO2 oil is found most often in pre-filled oil cartridges (alongside a medical grade solvent, polypropylene glycol) for vaporizers as well as edibles.
Wax and Budder
Arguably the most well-known type of dabbable concentrate, wax is made by blasting plant material with a solvent using a closed-loop extraction system. The resulting slurry is heated at low temperatures and whipped vigorously to remove all residual solvent. Because the product is whipped by hand, it gains airy peaks that are similar to whipped topping. Wax is generally drier and more crumbly than its counterpart budder.
As stated above, the finished product resembles a "whipped" consistency and ranges from a variety of amber shades complete with a milder aroma and flavor profile. Budder is essentially wax with higher moisture content. The consistency of budder is oily and malleable, while wax is crumbly and more solid. Budder contains a higher moisture content because it is whipped less than wax. Remember, many hydrocarbon extractions are similar in nature, but it is the finishing techniques that determine the appearance and consistency of the final product.
Sour Diesel Wax
Live Resin
Live resin is made the same way as wax, however the starting product is fresh frozen plant material. By using cryogenically preserved plant material, the finished product has robust, exceptional terpene and cannabinoid profiles that resemble the qualities of the live plant.
Live resin is known for its excellent flavor and resemblance to the aroma and taste of the live plant. It ranges in color from light amber to yellow-gold and has a moist, shiny looking exterior with a strong, rich smell.
Recently, live resin has broadened its horizons, with many different consistencies and naming conventions. There are currently many "live" products on the market that exhibit high terpene and cannabinoid content and are extracted from fresh-frozen starting material. For example, live sugar is a form of live resin that looks like an amber sugar patty, while live budder is a smoother, more malleable consistency. No matter what the name is, live resin and its many variations offer the best flavor profiles and are frequently enjoyed by connoisseurs and novice cannabis consumers alike.
Live Resin
Full Spectrum Extracts and Sauce
Full spectrum extracts, commonly referred to as sauce, are a concentrate preparation comprising of THCA crystalline and high terpene extracts. Full spectrum extracts and sauce offer consumers a mixture of high cannabinoid content and terpenes, resulting in a flavorful and potent experience. Sauce is considered one of the most sought-after concentrates on the market and many companies have created products to appeal to this demand. Full spectrum extracts are considered some of the most potent concentrates on the market and many consumers find them to provide a full-bodied high similar to that of the starting material.
High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract (HTFSE)
High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract is a pure, potent and stable hydrocarbon extract that is ultra-refined and free from any chemical imbalances. HTFSE is regarded as one of the purest "full spectrum" products and contains high terpene levels and an almost identical chemical composition to that of the starting material. Containing upwards of 15 percent terpenes and 50 percent cannabinoids by weight, the remaining material is solely comprised of biomolecules present in the trichomes of the starting material. Due to its superior quality, HTFSE will not "sugar" up or show signs of degradation, making it one of the most spohisticated cannabis concentrates on the market.
High Cannabinoid Full Spectrum Extract (HCFSE)
High Cannabinoid Full Spectrum Extract is, at its core, crystalline THCA that has been separated from a HTFSE mixture. Because full spectrum extract contains a high concentration of both cannabinoids and terpenes, the mixture is often separated to form HCFSE and HTFSE. Like HTFSE, HCFSE is also highly refined and stablized so it won't dry out or change its overall composition. For enhanced smell and flavor, HCFSE is often mixed with a small amount of HTFSE, giving it a "sugary" look.
THCA Crystalline A.K.A Diamonds
Known as "diamonds" for its distinct similarity to the precious minerals its named after, THCA crystalline is a pure, refined product that is created by isolating the cannabinoid THCA through solvent-based extraction. THCA crystalline can look like a fine dust or powder, but when left to properly form, crystals can take on large formations that look very similar to diamonds. Consuming pure THCA crystalline offers a differeny high than some other THC preparations, as it usually contains little to no terpene content (this is why THCA diamonds are usually combined with high-terpene concentrates to form "sauce"). Despite the lack of flavor when consuming THCA crystalline, it is an extremely potent product that should be consumed carefully.
Shatter
Shatter is made by blasting plant material with a solvent using a closed-loop system. The resulting slurry is collected onto parchment paper and placed in a vacuum oven for solvent purging. After "burping" the slurry (this helps release as much solvent as possible) a few times the shatter starts to take shape and slowly spreads across the paper. Times in the oven can vary anywhere from 45 mins to a full day to achieve optimal consistency.
Sometimes during the process (depending on the starting product), the shatter might not purge correctly resulting in a very "taffy-like" concentrate, reminiscent of salt-water taffy in texture. While shatter is typically stable and easy to handle and snap, taffy is closer to budder in its consistency and stability.
Shatter ranges in color from light to dark amber and is high with terpene content, resulting in superior aroma and flavor. Taffy exhibits similar attributes to shatter in regard to appearance, aroma and flavor.
Shatter
Distillate
Distillates are newer concentrate products and utilize highly scientific equipment to heat and vaporize the THC and CBD within the flower, bringing the vapor into a cooling system for consolidation and eventual collection into beakers. This process is repeated over and over again to create pure cannabinoids without residual solvents or plant matter.
A method called “short path distillation” is used to separate and collect cannabinoids from contaminants to create a clean, clear final product. The process of short path distillation leaves little terpene content. They are generally lost in the extraction process due to the amount of heat used. However, extraction artists and companies are introducing terpenes into the post-extraction process to create specialized and sought after flavors.
Vape Cartridges
Some of the most popular products on the market today, vape cartridges are pre-filled containers that can contain a variety of different cannabis oil preparations, including CO2 oil, distillate or sauce. There arevarying degrees of vape cartridge quality, with live sauce carts representing the most cutting edge, and source-specific cartridges. Cartridges with a distillate/sauce combo offer the best of both worlds while providing real plant terpenes with distillate potency.
Pie Crust/Honeycomb
Pie crust is made by blasting plant material with a solvent using a closed-loop extraction system. The resulting slurry is collected onto parchment paper and placed into a vacuum oven for solvent purging. After the purging interval, the concentrate patty is pressed to promote faster nucleation, turning it from a shiny shatter looking substance to more of a cookie crumble, honeycomb look. The final product delivers an amber color with a strong aroma and overall flavor.
Pie Crust/Honeycomb
Caviar & Jelly Hash
Cannabis caviar sells for nearly four times the normal price of top shelf strains and is made by soaking cannabis flower in powerful hash oil. Afterwards, the soaked flower is coated in kief and dried until ready for consumption. When dry, then final product will have a very pungent aroma with exceptional flavor. It looks similar to regular flower, however the kief-coating hash oil gives off a vibe similar to that of a cocoon. Naturally, it's extremely potent and lasts much longer than normal flower when burned.
Jelly hash is a very potent mix of kief and hash oil. Although it's fairly uncommon to find, it has proven to be extremely effective for patients undergoing chemotherapy or individuals suffering from chronic pain, nausea and other illnesses. With its jelly-like consistency, jelly hash has a mild aroma with an earthy flavor.
Caviar
Rick Simpson Oil
Rick Simpson Oil (or RSO) is a very popular and highly potent decarboxylated concentrate extract that is consumed orally. It utilizes pure light aliphatic naphtha to remove resin containing the cannabinoids, resulting in dark, viscous products with THC levels up to 90% and an earthy flavor. This particular form is often used for medicinal purposes, as made famous by Rick Simpson who cured (or at least controlled) his cancer thanks to RSO. RSO is considered an early example of solvent-based concentrates, and its lack of availability in commercial dispensaries is indicative of its replacement by cleaner solvents and more efficient extraction methods. You can learn more about RSO from Rick's official website, phoenixtears.ca
Rick Simpson Oil - PhoenixTears.ca
Solventless Extractions
Solventless Extractions
Solventless extraction processes typically involve using ice to chill cannabis flowers to sub-zero temperatures, agitating the resin glands to detach from the epidermis of the flowers. Heat and pressure extraction methods are sometimes implemented to make solventless concentrates as well.
Typically speaking, they're smooth-hitting concentrates that highlight the product's aroma, flavor and overall effects better as compared to other extraction methods.
Recently, solventless concentrates like rosin and full-melt bubble hash have risen to popularity since they are extracted without the use of chemical solvents, comparing similarly to the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of solvent-based extracts. Solventless concentrates are arguably considered a healthier form of concentrate due to the absence of any residual solvent on a parts per million (PPM) scale, although all medical and legal solvent-based concentrates produced are purged and tested extensively to ensure residual solvent ppm levels are in adherence with FDA regulations.
Contrary to belief, solventless extraction processes result in products that have equal to higher potency than those created with solvents. As a result, these traditional extractions remain popular with purists and new consumers who care about what chemicals they're inhaling (or technically not inhaling) as well.
Attention to detail is critical in solventless extraction processes, as there are many factors that need to be considered to make a high-quality end product. The most important aspect of the entire process is understanding that the quality of the finished product is a direct result of the quality of the starting material. In other words, you get out what you put in, so using the best quality starting material is key to creating superior solventless extracts. For example, if the starting material does not have a high trichome content, the yield of the extraction and end product will be lesser quality than an extraction using product that is heavily frosted with trichomes.
Arguably the best solventless concentrates are created with fresh-frozen, high-quality cannabis flowers. Because there are no chemicals introduced to the process, the chemical structure of the plant remains unaltered, resulting in rich and complete terpene and cannabinoid profiles.
Solventless Products
Kief & Live Kief
Kief is the simplest and most traditional type of concentrate available. The process used to extract it typically involves cannabis flower and specialized, fine filtering screens or tumblers. By rubbing the flower against the screen, trichomes are agitated and isolated, effectively producing product comprising of collected trichomes. Anyone can extract their own kief through a three-chamber grinder, which features a screen in the bottom level to help collect the trichomes. Depending on how coated with trichomes the flowers being used are, it may take a few weeks to get a decent amount to consume.
Kief is very fine in texture and often takes on a light brown or tan coloring and mimics the flavor of the flower it came from. It can be used on top of a bowl or consumed on its own. As mentioned earlier, this form of cannabis is more potent because the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes are found in trichomes.
Jar of Kief
Live kief is made from fresh-frozen flower, meaning the plant was cut at harvest and immediately frozen to keep all of the cannabinoids and terpenes of the live plant intact. After a quick liquid nitrogen bath, live kief is extracted similarly to regular kief through agitation. Live kief is often preferred because it yields more potent, flavorful, and aromatic product.
Live kief has similar aroma and texture properties as normal kief with a slightly lighter appearance. In particular, the aroma resembles the smell of the live plant and flavors are naturally stronger.
Bubble Hash
Bubble hash (also known as water hash or ice water hash) is a solventless product made using ice, water, and fine micron bags (often referred to as "bubble bags") to filter out plant material and other waste. Bubble hash is a popular concentrate (especially for those new to the concentrate space) that originally gained momentum around 10-12 years ago. Producing bubble hash is debatably the safest extraction technique known to man.
Ice water is used throughout the process to freeze the trichome glands, making it easier for them to become agitated, snap off and sink to the bottom (as trichomes are heavier than water), while unnecessary plant matter separates and rises to the surface. The resulting product is extremely rich with trichome heads and stalks, although additional sieving and drying is necessary to remove any residual plant matter and evaporate any additional water.
The process is rather simple. First, you must decide on how many bubble bags to incorporate in the extraction. A six or seven bag operation is considered typical, and provides a good striation of micron sizes. Generally speaking, most bubble bag sets include 25, 45, 73, 90, 120, 190, and 220 micron bags. The bags are sequentially placed inside an appropriate-sized bucket, with the 220 micron bag placed last in the bucket. In a traditional bubble hash extraction, the 220 micron bag is considered the "work bag" and houses the starting flower material during the extraction process. Another method is sometimes used however (most commonly in commercial operations), which usually omits the work bag from the process.
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When washing large quantities of flower, a piece of machinery known as a washing machine is often implemented. This handy equipment works in similar fashion to a traditional washing machine and gently agitates the product at set intervals (think automated spin cycle for flower). When using a washing machine to make bubble hash, the micron bags are still used, but not within the washing machine. Instead, water, ice and the starting flower material are mixed within the basin of the washing machine. Once the washing segment is complete. The resulting water containing the extracted trichomes is drained from the washing machine into the bucket containing the sequenced bubble bags. From there the process is the same as a hand-washed extraction.
Bubble Hash
The bubble bags holding the trichome-rich water are carefully lifted up and shaken to drain the water back into the bucket. What's left in the bag is a patty of trichomes. This process is repeated for each bag throughout the process and the hash collected from each bag is separated, dried, and cured. In some instances, the patties are frozen and grated onto parchment paper to create a fine, sifted product that can be gently pressed into a single form, or pressed more firmly in a rosin extraction.
Bubble hash comes in a variety of qualities and consistencies and is commonly graded based upon the micron level of the screens used and a "star" scale, with 1* being the lowest grade and 6*, or full-melt, being the highest. Quality bubble hash will look tan or golden in color with a sand-like consistency, lacking any visible plant matter.
Additionally, quality bubble hash should technically bubble and, depending on star grade, melt when heat is applied. Full-melt (see below) can be dabbed and vaporized completely without leaving behind residual combusted plant matter, half-melt (3*-5*) contains traces of plant matter and will not vaporize fully (ideally used as a bowl-topper or inside of a joint), and cooking grade hash (1*-2*) is even more contaminated and will not melt efficiently. Having said this, full-melt bubble hash is more difficult to create without having the proper equipment and quality plant material. Consumers should always ask about the product before they buy. What specific plant was used, is it a full-melt product and how it was processed are great questions to ask in order to find the best bubble hash possible.
Full-Melt Bubble Hash
Full-melt bubble hash is produced similarly to bubble hash but generally is more refined in nature and intended for dabbing or vaporization purposes. The starting material used for this process is fresh-frozen flower or trim, which means it was cryogenically frozen directly after being cut down. By using fresh-frozen starting material, the final product yields a more robust terpene and cannabinoid profile. Typically speaking, full-melt bubble hash is much more pungent and slightly more potent than traditional bubble hash. Again, the quality of the final product is highly dependent upon the starting material. For the best results, high quality flower should be used for the production of full-melt bubble hash.
In terms of processes, the material is run more gently in comparison to the bubble hash process. This is because only trichome heads are desired in this method. In traditional bubble hash extraction, both the stalks and heads are agitated from the plant and collected, but with full-melt, only trichome heads are extracted, rather than a mix of heads and stalks. Trichome heads, or the bulbous tips connected to the stalks, contain and produce more terpenes, resulting in a superior flavor profile. It is critical that the washing process is very gentle, as more trichome stalks in the process will produce a less-refined final product.
Full-Melt Bubble Hash
Photo Credit: Jared Rojo
As stated earlier, the extraction process is quite similar to bubble hash, as ice, water and micron bags are utilized to collect the trichome heads from the plant. This process can either be hand-washed or gently washed within a washing machine. After extraction, the product is collected and freeze-dried into patties. Once the patties complete the freeze-drying cycle, they are sifted over parchment paper with a fine mesh screen. The sifted, dried, and separated final product looks similar to kief, but contains no plant matter and is light brown to white in color. Full-melt bubble hash can be dabbed, used as a bowl-topper or gently pressed into a solid state. The pressing process is not the same as rosin pressing however. Ice wax pressing refers to the process of gently forming the individual trichome heads together through gentle pressure. The pressure breaks the epidermis of the trichome heads, forcing them to combine together into a unified product. Breaking open the trichome heads also reveals the full flavor of the terpenes contained within, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful product.
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Like bubble hash, there are several ways to grade the quality of full-melt bubble hash, although most should be 6*. Full melt is the highest grade and usually contains around 90% trichome resin heads, meaning it will vaporize fully when dabbed without leaving traces of combusted plant matter on the nail. This form of concentrate has an earthy aroma and is more potent because the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes are found in the trichomes.
Dry Sift
Dry sift at its core is refined kief, which is often manually or mechanically extracted using several micron screens (over and over again) to keep the trichomes intact.
Like bubble hash, there are several ways to grade the quality of dry sift. Full-melt is the highest grade and will usually contain around 90% trichome resin heads which means it can be dabbed, while half-melt will contain both trichome heads and stalks (and other plant matter). Kief is the lowest grade, which will contain the most plant contaminants and is not recommended for dabbing due to the high plant matter concentration.
Similar to live kief, live sift is made from fresh-frozen flower (meaning the plant was cut at harvest and immediately frozen) to keep all of the cannabinoids intact. This method produces more potent and highly flavorful, aromatic end products.
Dry sift is also very fine and often looks beige or tan in coloring. It can be used on top of a bowl or consumed on its own. This form of cannabis is more potent because the majority of cannabinoids (THC or CBD) and terpenes are found in the trichomes.
Rosin
Rosin has gained popularity in recent memory, however, extraction through heat and pressure has been around for quite some time. Producing rosin involves the use of high heat and high pressure to isolate the resinous essential oils from trichome heads to create a solid form of resin.
Rosin is debatably the easiest and safest way to make dabbable concentrates. Additionally, it is also legal to produce at home since it does not require solvents. This is why it has been deemed the "everyman's" concentrate. That doesn't mean rosin is a lower grade or average by any means though. In fact, rosin is one of the only types of concentrate that is a direct reflection of the starting material used to make it. That means without exceptional starting material, it is impossible to make high-quality rosin.
In the early stages, many people used hair straighteners, repurposed t-shirt presses and even tortilla presses to make rosin. While these machines do get the job done to a certain extent, they are far from efficient, sparking consumer interest in industrial-grade options. This yearning for more powerful and efficient rosin presses instilled a do it yourself movement amongst cannabis enthusiasts who were eager to build their own extraction units. These units are definitely more effective than hair straighteners or t-shirt presses, but have proven to be dangerous and imprecise (and certainly not recommended to try at home).
Recently, many new equipment and products have hit the market to help create safe, quality rosin extractions. Small, semi-portable hydraulic presses have become favorites for home-extractors, and have opened the possibility for cannabis concentrate enthusiasts to make legal and effortless extracts from the comfort of their living rooms.
On a commercial level, companies like PurePressure have created purpose-built machines for the sole purpose of extracting rosin efficiently and effectively (they even have an at-home model coming soon). Their rosin presses are made in the USA with reliable parts, which is why some of the country's top extraction companies are using their Pikes Peak presses. With countless features and exact parameter control, it's a no-brainer that serious rosin extractors are turning to PurePressure for quality presses.
Example of pressing some bubble hash into rosin.
Photo Credit: PurePressure
Rosin allows more people to experiment with making concentrates. And because solvents are not introduced in the process, the chemical structure of terpenes and cannabinoids within the flower are unaltered, which is why rosin is often considered one of the purest and most flavorful forms of concentrate.
Rosin
Photo Credit: Jared Rojo
Aroma, flavor and taste of rosin vary greatly depending on factors such as the starting product used (flower, kief, bubble hash) plus the actual extraction method (as rosin demands high temperatures around 220-350 degrees Fahrenheit). If the starting product has low-resin, the end-yield will resemble poor resin production as well. A common industry saying that holds true for solventless extraction is "Quality In, Quality Out," as the finished product is a direct reflection of the grade of the starting material. It is important to note that specific strains are known to produce better rosin than others, although most appear to be a yellow-amber hue and can take on consistencies of sap, budder and shatter. It's important to note that a little research is necessary to make sure the best product is created.
Live Rosin
Similar in production to standard rosin where bubble hash is pressed with heat, the key difference with live rosin is that the starting plant material is not cured before the trichomes are harvested. Live, fresh frozen plant material is used to make the bubble hash starting material. While live rosin is not technically as “live” as live resin (the bubble hash is allowed to dry before being pressed), terpene retention is still higher than regular rosin methods. This creates a final product that exudes flavor and mimics the original terpene profile of the live plant it was extracted from.
Rosin Jam
Rosin jam is able to make “diamonds” out of rosin using a method similar to the BHO live resin “jar tech.” First, live rosin is made and then pressed at high heat. The resulting mixture is immediately contained in an air-tight container. Heat is then applied to slowly evaporate off the excess terpenes and lipids, forcing the THC to nucleate into crystals. When this method is used for BHO, some producers worry that contaminants can become stuck in the resulting crystals. With Rosin Jam, there is no original solvent present, offering the best of both worlds and a product that is free from any residual solvents.
Rosin Sauce
Similar to rosin jam, rosin sauce takes the process one step further to completely replicate the solvent-based live resin product using solventless methods. Rosin sauce is more difficult to make than other methods of sauce due to not being able to dewax the slurry prior to inducing crystallization, thus requiring uniquely pure starting material and tools in order to get the crystals to form.
How to Consume Concentrates
Like flower, there are many ways to consume concentrates. Some are more effective than others, but ultimately it's a simple matter of personal preference at the end of the day. The most popular method of consuming concentrates involves using a dab rig in combination with a small butane torch to heat a nail for the concentrate to evaporate on (discussed earlier), however more discrete and safer ways are becoming increasingly popular, like the portable vaporizer pen or e-rig. No matter which method you choose, be sure to research which way will be most enjoyable and convenient for you to ensure a positive and pleasant experience.
With Cannabis (Bowl/Bong/Pipe)
One of the easiest ways to smoke concentrate is to add it to flower (also known as bowl-topping). By doing so, you'll be able to get some of the potent effects of concentrates without getting too high or increasing your tolerance much. This is a great way for beginners to start on concentrates. Simply pack your bowl with flower, and then add a small piece of wax, shatter or budder on top. You can also try layering it between flower in the middle of the bowl. If you like joints or blunts you can sprinkle concentrates inside before rolling or try twaxing, which involves stretching shatter into a thin rope and wrapping it around the outside of the rolled joint. Only certain consistencies of concentrate work well for twaxing, so be sure you fully understand the consistency of your product before handling it. An unstable consistency will end up sticking to your hands and wasting precious concentrate!
Bubble hash is arguably the most effective concentrate bowl-topper, as it has similar combustion properties to flower. However, bubble hash tends to stay lit like a match if it gets too much heat, so be sure to put out the flame or smoke quickly. The best way to smoke bubble hash on a bowl is to let the flame get close enough to the hash that it starts to bubble and melt, without actually setting it on fire. Once the bubble hash is melted into the bowl, it should be easier to smoke and burn much more consistently.
Vaporizer
Using a vaporizer - whether desktop or portable - is one of the most efficient ways to consume any concentrate. Not only are vapes discreet, but the user typically has more control over how they're consuming the product. For instance, depending on the kind of vaporizer you have, you'll find several heat options to utilize. This functionality is great for allowing the consumer the ability to change the temperature to match the kind of concentrate they're smoking and their various melting points.
Vaporizers with variable heat are extremely useful to help gauge the amount of concentrate you are consuming, as well as the intensity of the hit. Generally speaking, it is always advisable to start on a lower temperature and slowly increase until the desired temperature is received. Starting off too hot may produce a hit that is overwhelmingly large, which might lead to an uncomfortable or unpleasant experience.
With most handheld vaporizers or pens, consumers just need to load the chamber and push a button. They're relatively easy to use and truly help preserve the flavor of the concentrate without inducing any combustion. As many avid concentrate consumers will tell you, vaping is often better for your lungs and reduces the total number of carcinogens and tar consumed in general. When selecting a vaporizer, it's always wise to compare several models against each other to determine which one is right for you. There are many helpful reviews and videos online that help make the selection process less daunting.
In terms of vape pens, typically you will find options to load-your-own cartridge or to simply load-your-own chamber. And, of course, you can find pre-filled vape cartridges at pretty much every medical or recreational dispensary. Since the proliferation of distillate availability in recent years though, the viability of refilling your own cartridges has greatly risen and many people are choosing to use this method to save on costs of pre-filled cartridges. The safest way to load your own vaporizer cartridges is using distillate purchased from a dispensary. Simply remove any caps or stoppers from both the cartridge and the delivery device, aim the distillate into the chamber and fill. While simple in idea, the small size of cartridge chambers can sometimes make this task difficult for those without fine motor skills, and the sticky nature of cannabis oils and distillate can make spills a chore. Be sure to go slow and use care when loading your own cartridges. For load-your-own vape pens without a cartridge that feature atomizer chambers, the process is a bit easier. Simply take your concentrate and drop it into the chamber! Many load-your-own vaporizer pens are designed exclusively for use with concentrates nowadays. Concentrate pens can be ideal for consumers on the go, and offer an easy and flameless way to consume concentrates. However, their portability comes at the expense of fine temperature control and the need for constant refilling. Good models can offer puffs similar to those achieved with glass rigs, which is why some advanced consumers prefer them over cartridge vape pens. Ultimately, the difference comes down to preference, with each offering unique pros and cons.
There are two main types of vaporizers for concentrates. Some use conduction and allow consumers to directly apply concentrates to the heating element. Other devices use convection and have a chamber to place the concentrate. Most convection vaporizers are more expensive, however tend to be more durable and don't have to be replaced as often as atomizers (the heating element) in conduction vaporizers.
Many choose to invest in desktop vaporizers because of durability. Vaporizers like the Volcano are great because of their balloon-style bags that are easy to use with a group. Consumers just load the vaporizer, press a button, and once the bag fills it's ready to consume. On the other hand, portable vaporizers have risen in popularity thanks to the convenience factor of consuming on the go. Typically, these vaporizer pens are charged by USB and are designed to tackle a variety of concentrate end products. People prefer different options, so do your research and try out a few different products before settling.
Dabbing
Dabbing is the method that's enjoyed by the majority of concentrate lovers. One of the reasons dabbing is so popular is because there are several options to customize your rig and attachments. Concentrate enthusiasts often use this avenue to express themselves and customize their ideal dabbing experience.
The first step in dabbing depends on what you'll dabbing from, however, you'll want to grab your concentrate, torch or e-nail and dab tool regardless.
Butane Torch heats up a Banger
Dabbing with Rigs
Before we dive into this section, be aware that higher grade rigs made with German or American borosilicate glass provide the best dabbing experience, and the smaller the rig, the better the flavor. To set up your dab rig, the first step is to fill it up with water. The necessary water level varies depending on the rig being used. A general rule of thumb is to fill the water about an inch or two above the downstem or diffuser. Making sure the diffuser is immersed underwater is crucial to establishing proper percolation when inhaling.
To check and see if you have a good water level, simply inhale through the mouthpiece. If you get water in your mouth, pour a little out. Ideally, you want to hear a slight chugging sound and feel a little resistance when inhaling. There should be enough empty room in the chamber for the water to bubble without getting in your mouth or spilling out of the downstem hole.
The next step in setting up your rig is placing your nail or banger into the joint. Joint sizes are measured in millimeter, and are commonly seen in 10mm, 14mm and 18mm sizes. You'll want to make sure your nail matches the millimeter of the joint connecting to the downstem of the rig, otherwise it won't be able to fit properly. If you'll using a brand new nail, be sure to season it before doing a dab.
Seasoning a Nail
Using a new nail can leave you with an unsavory, metallic or chemical taste during your hit. To prevent this, we recommend seasoning new nails to remove leftover polishes from the manufacturing process. Seasoning not only helps avoid a period of gross hits, but also is more beneficial to the health of the consumer.
To properly season a nail or banger, first heat it evenly until it's glowing red-hot. Then, add some concentrate to the nail and paint it over the whole nail. Once the nail cools, repeat the previous steps 2-4 more times. It is important to note that the quality of concentrate used during seasoning does not have to be great.
You can even use reclaim if you prefer to save your more potent concentrates for personal consumption. The more you season, the better the flavor will be in the long run.
There are currently many methods to take a dab, and many products on the market that allow for effective vaporization. However, concentrate connoisseurs have recently adopted one method into their daily routine that has taken the cannabis community by storm. It's called "low-temp" dabbing and utilizes minimal heat levels to evenly vaporize the desired concentrate. "Low-temp" dabbing allows for optimal flavor and consumption of cannabinoid profiles, which is why it is highly regarded as one of the best ways to take a dab.
To initiate the process, heat the nail until it is red hot. The amount of time to wait after heating the nail is dependent upon the type of nail being used, but generally ranges from 15-40 seconds. Once the correct amount of time has passed, collect the desired amount of concentrate on the dabber, gently place the concentrate onto the nail and inhale gently. There is no need to scrape or slide the dabber, as the heat will melt the concentrate evenly onto the nail. When all of the concentrate has transferred from the dabber to the nail, place the carb cap over the nail to allow an even convection. After the concentrate has been effectively vaporized, all that's left to do is finish inhaling the dab. If completed properly, the dab should be quite flavorful and leave a yellow-gold puddle in the nail (black residue means the dab was too hot and potentially combusted). The final step is wiping out the cup of the nail with a Q-tip.
Melting concentrate on a quartz banger
There are two main types of nails, domeless and domed (hooded). The main difference between the two is airflow. With a domeless nail, there are ventilation rings underneath the nail, which allows air to flow into the rig directly, and therefore no dome is needed. Quartz bangers are another domeless option, utilizing a deep-chambered dish to draw vapor into the rig. Air doesn't flow directly into the chamber with a domed or hooded nail, therefore the dome is used to catch the vapor, allowing you to inhale it into the rig.
The carb cap can be used with a domeless nail to help you take a low-temperature dab. Most carb caps, like nails, are made of titanium, quartz or glass. When a carb cap is placed over a nail, it changes the pressure in the small distance between the nail and carb cap and creates what is known as convection. A small hole at the top of the carb cap allows a minimal amount of air in, which swirls like a vortex and cools the nail, oil and vapor for a smoother dab. Carb caps also let you pause a dab. If your lungs are full of air, you can apply the carb cap to your nail and exhale without losing vapors off the top. They're great especially for those new to concentrates since they allow you to take a break mid-dab and preserve the precious oils on your nail at the same time.
Using a carb cap to induce convection
Why the torch?
Using a butane torch can be intimidating and looks a little similar to using other drugs, however, heed a few precautions and you'll find it's not as scary as it seems.
Consider what dabbing is; heating a small piece of metal, quartz or glass to 300-400 degrees with just a lighter would be impossible. Torches heat metals quickly, as the average flame temperature of a torch is 2600 degrees F and a lighter is around 800 degrees F.
Alternatively, you could use an electric nail (or e-nail) which allows consumers to take dabs without having to use a torch. Instead, the nail is connected to a metal box by a coil that heats the nail. They often have a display with temperature options which makes dabbing easier, notably for even heat distribution and the ability to take a dab at a moment's notice.
Another option for those intimidated by torches is using an electronic rig (or e-rig). E-rigs allow consumers the convenience of a discreet, portable dab rig that is battery-powered and easy to use. E-rigs are compact and come equipped with all the essentials needed for dabbing. With no torch required, e-rigs only need the push of a button to properly heat the nail to optimal dabbing temperature.
Butane Torch
Rig Upkeep/Maintenance
There are several methods of maintenance and upkeep that you should abide by on a daily basis to ensure your rigs are functioning 100% effectively at all times. The first tip is to always use purified or distilled water when filling. This ensures the highest quality filtration when vaporizing and guarantees your concentrate will not pick-up any unwanted tastes or flavor during sublimation. Additionally, using purified or distilled water prevents those pesky hard water stains from appearing on the glass.
The next tip on rig etiquette is using a dab mat or pad. Dab mats safeguard your rig from unclean surfaces and prevent scratches. Dab mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of any rig. Unless you'll totally sure there's no risk of a scratch, it's strongly encouraged to set a pad down at all times.
Moving on to the nail or banger, to keep it as fresh and long-lasting as possible, it is recommended that you employ "Q-tip tech" after every dab taken. Using a Q-tip to clean out the nail or banger after every dab keeps residue from compiling on the surface, translating into more flavorful hits and extended longevity of the nail.
Another way to improve the longevity of a nail or banger is to avoid sliding or scraping the dabber across the surface. This can result in abrasions of the surface and make cleaning more difficult. It is best to gently touch the dabber to the nail and allow the concentrate to melt off onto the surface. Your nail or banger will thank you! The final tip for rig maintenance is frequent and effective cleaning. Allowing reclaim to build up is not only unsightly, but can create issues, such as the nail or banger fusing to the glass. To ensure the safety of your rig, always be sure to properly maintain cleaning and upkeep.
There are many ways to clean a rig, but the most effective is simply 91% isopropyl alcohol and warm water. Gently washing the rig first in warm water loosens the reclaimed concentrate from the glass, making only a small amount of effort necessary when using the isopropyl alcohol to bring out a squeaky clean finish. Always air on the gentler side when cleaning and allow the alcohol do most of the work. If the rig is routinely cleaned, all the residue should come off with minimal effort. Rig etiquette and maintenance is crucial in maximizing the potential of your set-up. If done correctly, the payoff is certainly worth the time.
Alternate Ways to Dab
One simple way to dab concentrates is to use a honey straw or nectar collector. These devices allow you to dab without a complicated or large rig setup. Although made of glass, these are far more portable than other complicated rig setups.
Use a torch to heat the end of your piece until it glows red and while inhaling, press the heated end into your concentrate. Honey straws are convenient since they don't have a chamber to fill for water and require the least amount of preparation. Nectar collectors have an advantage since the water chamber helps to make the vapor smoother to inhale.
How to Store Concentrates
There are several different ways to store concentrates to preserve them at their peak freshness and to prevent them from drying out. While the decision is a matter of personal preference, stick to airtight containers in cool, dark places, as concentrates tend to melt easily if exposed to warm environments. If this happens, they'll most likely lose cannabinoids, impact flavor, aroma, etc.
Do Concentrates Go Bad?
While concentrates generally have much longer shelf life than flower or edibles, they are subject to cannabinoid and terpene degradation the same as all cannabis preparations are. THC is not as stable as some other preserved compounds, and will change with exposure to light, heat and air. Any storage measures that reduce exposure to these factors will drastically increase the shelf life of any concentrate. Most concentrates will be fresh roughly 6 months from production, and typically hold up for nearly a year. Over a year, expect less terpenes and a higher concentration of CBN, however some amount of usable THC will remain in the concentrate for many years.
Silicone Containers
Many people prefer to store their concentrates in small, medical grade, silicone containers. What's great about silicone containers is that they're non-stick, easy to clean (just boil them in water) and act as a good insulator to keep your product from getting too warm. They're also reusable, won't break and you can take dabs directly from them. If you're using something like a honey straw or nectar collector, these products make it easy to smoke on the go, specifically when traveling.
Silicone Container
Parchment Paper
Another popular option is parchment paper. It's inexpensive, can be found in many kitchens and prevents anything from sticking to it thanks to a very thin layer of silicone. This is key, as you want your concentrates to be able to be easily lifted from the paper before consuming. Don't get it confused with wax paper, which is coated in actual wax and will stick to any product that's placed on it.
Parchment Paper
Plastic & Glass Containers
You'll find that some concentrates from dispensaries are sold in transparent plastic or glass containers. While these can be a strong option and allow you to see your concentrate at all times, they are not non-stick and as a result, some concentrate is at risk to be wasted. Glass containers are often created with heat-resistant, tempered glass however and are a great option for use with a nectar collector or honey straw.
Glass Container
Beginner Tips to Dab Successfully
As you now know, concentrates are just that, a concentrated product with THC levels between 60%-80%. You're probably used to smoking flower that averages 10%- 25% THC, so a little goes a long way when it comes to dabbing.
Tips for a Successful Dabbing Experience
- Start Small
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is consuming too much shatter, wax or budder, etc. Doing so will result in an uncomfortable high for anyone involved. As a result, the first tip for beginners would be to start small, as they don't call them "dabs" for nothing!
Starting with only a tiny piece of concentrate will also allow you to determine your personal tolerance for consuming concentrates. As with most things, you can always do more if necessary. - Torch Safety
If you're using a dab rig, the act of heating a nail to the appropriate temperature requires the use of a torch (often with butane). As a result, proper torch safety is key to making sure you don't hurt yourself or someone else. Try not to use any auto lock feature to ensure full control over the flame when you apply it to the nail, and always be sure to refill your torch outdoors or in an area with proper ventilation. - Use a Dab Mat
When using a dab rig, make sure you set it on a mat while consuming. These padded, soft mats (often seen in silicone) ensure that your rig won't slip off the table or get scratched up from a hard surface. - Use Low Temperature
When you're dabbing, temperature is key. You want the nail to be hot enough to vaporize the wax or shatter, but not so hot that your concentrate combusts and leaves you with a poor taste and a harsh hit.
One of the biggest learning curves for most beginning dabbers is understanding how to perfectly heat the nail for a good hit. If you're using anything other than glass, get the nail red hot until it's glowing. As it cools, put your hand over it and wait until it's just bearable to hover close to it. Note that for quartz and titanium, you'll want to wait a bit longer as these materials tend to retain heat better. It will most likely take a bit of trial and error, but you'll soon learn how to properly heat your nail to get the smoothest hit possible. - Heat the Nail, Not the Rig
When handling a torch, make sure to only heat the nail and not the rest of the rig to prevent discoloration and potential broken glass.
Heating the nail (banger) with a butane torch - Don't Touch the Nail
While it goes without saying, if you're heating an element with a torch at extremely high temperatures, it's in your best interest not to get too close. Remember that the nail will stay hot for a period after it's heated, so it's best to wait a bit before touching. - Go Small with Little Percolation
If you're looking for a dab rig, try to find smaller pieces of glass without large percolators, as any diffusion will dilute your hit. Glass pieces are favored to enjoy the taste of the concentrated terpenes. - Try an E-Nail
If you want to avoid using a torch to heat up the nail, explore an electric nail. Basically, it's a metal box with a port for a coil, a switch and a PID that gauges your coils current temperature. Consumers enjoy the ease that comes along with an e-nail as the device heats up to the perfect temperature each and every time and it will stay cleaner, longer. - Always Clean Your Dabber, Nail & Dab Rig
To keep your setup going strong for a long time, make sure to clean your tools often. After using a dabber, heat the end to easily remove residual product. As for the nail, use a Q-tip, a dabber or a torch (to burn off the extra concentrates) to ensure a clean set up for next time. In general, make sure your dab rig stays free of lingering concentrate to ensure the best, most flavorful hit every time.
Clean your banger with a q-tip
The Many Government Officials Lying About Cannabis
420 Culture
We have some troubling news that you definitely haven’t heard before: Lawmakers are spreading misinformation about cannabis! Okay, you’re probably well aware of the misconceptions, stereotypes and plain out lies perpetuated by ignorant government officials and media outlets. Tough pill to swallow, right? Give yourself a moment before scrolling further. Now that you’re prepared, let’s dive in and see just how terribly some of our elected officials are maligning pot now.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions
We don’t know if Jeff Sessions watched Reefer Madness one too many times while growing up in the Shire or what. Either way, the Attorney General’s cannabis misinformation is long and strong.
Pretty questionable thoughts there, Jeff.
Between claiming "good people don't smoke marijuana" to being ok with the Klan until he found out they smoked cannabis, it's clear the AG's views are beyond antiquated for the time. These less than fun facts are just a tiny bit of his history. For a look at more, head here and here where you can find his takes on Lady Gaga and cannabis being fashionable. With him, the misinformation never stops.
State Senator Dodie Horton
Someone might want to look into Horton's researching skills. photo credit
Remember, folks, always be fact checking. Louisiana state senator Rep. Dodie Horton definitely didn't do that when she recently cited an article covering the 37 deaths in Colorado on its inaugural cannabis legalization day in 2014. The problem was that Sen. Horton received her news from The Daily Currant, a satirical news site.
No deaths were reported on legalization day, or any other day in the history of cannabis usage for that matter.
Horton claims she received the information from a "so-called 'trusted' source" that she now knew was not to be trusted. The blunder would've been hilarious had Horton not been a State Senator using her time to derail Louisiana's medical marijuana program.
Former Governor Chris Christie
Even by New Jersey standards, former Governor Chris Christie was a bit of a bully. At one point, he was loved for shaking up the status quo. That, however, would erode over time after such fun decisions as Bridgegate and going to the beach with his family after shutting them down to the public.
It's a good thing that New Jersey has moved on from Chris Christie to current Governor, Phil Murphy. photo credit
Not to be lost in the shuffle is his misinformation on cannabis. That includes a 2017 quote where he called cannabis "...blood money. It’s disgraceful and it’s disgusting.” That same year he also accused Democrats of trying to poison children by legalizing pot. Gee, with such a disdain for facts and public demand, it’s a wonder why he ended his term with just a 13 percent approval rating.
State Senator Ronald Rice
Give credit to New Jersey State Senator Ronald Rice for reminding us that cannabis ignorance goes across the aisle. We're not sure if Senator Rice confused cannabis with K2 or spice when he recently said, "If you get too high you die from it. It kills you directly if it’s too potent.” Either way, we don’t know where he found this information.
We'd like to see your sources, Ron. photo credit
The gaffe flies in the face of the zero reported overdose deaths related to cannabis since the plant’s first appearance in written history back in 2727 B.C. With it being such a new topic, it’s easy to understand Sen. Rice’s ignorance – or is it?
Congressman Joe Kennedy
Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy may not be the next Presidential candidate in his family due to his out of touch pot policies. Admittedly, his opposition is less about spreading misinformation as being on the wrong side of history. Kennedy was just one of ten House Democrats to oppose measures that protected patients and providers from federal regulators. Additionally, in 2016 he attended a fundraiser to block adult use in Massachusetts.
Don't be fooled, Joe Kennedy is not as cool as former president JFK when it comes to cannabis. photo credit
The Congressman's opposition claims to be for more federal enforcement to deter special interests. However, plenty of public skepticism stems from his voting history and family connections to the anti-cannabis movement. If Kennedy and establishment Democrats believe they can win on an anti-pot policy in 2020 or beyond, they might as well go back to the drawing boards to try and come up with another strategy.
Representative Steve Alford
Kansas House of Representatives member Steve Alford doubled down on misinformation by adding false, race-based reporting to the mix. In early 2018, Alford cited black people's "character makeup" and "genetics" for having a lower tolerance to cannabis.
Alford's comments on cannabis are completely ignorant, baseless and down-right unacceptable. photo credit
At a town hall, Rep. Alford was discussing cannabis as a gateway drug while calling for older era bans to return. To support his claim for returning to 1930s drug prohibition, Alford explained, “One of the reasons why, I hate to say it, was that the African Americans, they were basically users and they basically responded the worst off to those drugs just because of their character makeup, their genetics and that.”
Alford did apologize but not for the misinformation. “There are certain groups of people, their genetics, the way their makeup is, the chemicals will affect them differently,” Alford told the Garden City Telegram. “That’s what I should have said was drugs affect people differently instead of being more specific.” What an asshole.
How to End Cannabis Misinformation
These politicians aren’t the only ones using misinformation to shape the cannabis conversation. Want to help end these negative misconceptions and lies? Be sure to check useful resources like NORML’s Governor’s scorecard, PotGuide and other reliable outlets to stay up to date on lawmakers and cannabis in your neck of the woods.
While we may already know the truth about cannabis, others certainly do not. From our misinformed loved ones to people starved for information by lagging Internet connections, the campaign against cannabis lives on. When you hear lies spread about cannabis, do your part and speak up. You never know how it could shape a person’s views on the issue.
What are your thoughts on the misinformation about cannabis being spread by politicians?
420 Culture
We have some troubling news that you definitely haven’t heard before: Lawmakers are spreading misinformation about cannabis! Okay, you’re probably well aware of the misconceptions, stereotypes and plain out lies perpetuated by ignorant government officials and media outlets. Tough pill to swallow, right? Give yourself a moment before scrolling further. Now that you’re prepared, let’s dive in and see just how terribly some of our elected officials are maligning pot now.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions
We don’t know if Jeff Sessions watched Reefer Madness one too many times while growing up in the Shire or what. Either way, the Attorney General’s cannabis misinformation is long and strong.
Pretty questionable thoughts there, Jeff.
Between claiming "good people don't smoke marijuana" to being ok with the Klan until he found out they smoked cannabis, it's clear the AG's views are beyond antiquated for the time. These less than fun facts are just a tiny bit of his history. For a look at more, head here and here where you can find his takes on Lady Gaga and cannabis being fashionable. With him, the misinformation never stops.
State Senator Dodie Horton
Someone might want to look into Horton's researching skills. photo credit
Remember, folks, always be fact checking. Louisiana state senator Rep. Dodie Horton definitely didn't do that when she recently cited an article covering the 37 deaths in Colorado on its inaugural cannabis legalization day in 2014. The problem was that Sen. Horton received her news from The Daily Currant, a satirical news site.
No deaths were reported on legalization day, or any other day in the history of cannabis usage for that matter.
Horton claims she received the information from a "so-called 'trusted' source" that she now knew was not to be trusted. The blunder would've been hilarious had Horton not been a State Senator using her time to derail Louisiana's medical marijuana program.
Former Governor Chris Christie
Even by New Jersey standards, former Governor Chris Christie was a bit of a bully. At one point, he was loved for shaking up the status quo. That, however, would erode over time after such fun decisions as Bridgegate and going to the beach with his family after shutting them down to the public.
It's a good thing that New Jersey has moved on from Chris Christie to current Governor, Phil Murphy. photo credit
Not to be lost in the shuffle is his misinformation on cannabis. That includes a 2017 quote where he called cannabis "...blood money. It’s disgraceful and it’s disgusting.” That same year he also accused Democrats of trying to poison children by legalizing pot. Gee, with such a disdain for facts and public demand, it’s a wonder why he ended his term with just a 13 percent approval rating.
State Senator Ronald Rice
Give credit to New Jersey State Senator Ronald Rice for reminding us that cannabis ignorance goes across the aisle. We're not sure if Senator Rice confused cannabis with K2 or spice when he recently said, "If you get too high you die from it. It kills you directly if it’s too potent.” Either way, we don’t know where he found this information.
We'd like to see your sources, Ron. photo credit
The gaffe flies in the face of the zero reported overdose deaths related to cannabis since the plant’s first appearance in written history back in 2727 B.C. With it being such a new topic, it’s easy to understand Sen. Rice’s ignorance – or is it?
Congressman Joe Kennedy
Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy may not be the next Presidential candidate in his family due to his out of touch pot policies. Admittedly, his opposition is less about spreading misinformation as being on the wrong side of history. Kennedy was just one of ten House Democrats to oppose measures that protected patients and providers from federal regulators. Additionally, in 2016 he attended a fundraiser to block adult use in Massachusetts.
Don't be fooled, Joe Kennedy is not as cool as former president JFK when it comes to cannabis. photo credit
The Congressman's opposition claims to be for more federal enforcement to deter special interests. However, plenty of public skepticism stems from his voting history and family connections to the anti-cannabis movement. If Kennedy and establishment Democrats believe they can win on an anti-pot policy in 2020 or beyond, they might as well go back to the drawing boards to try and come up with another strategy.
Representative Steve Alford
Kansas House of Representatives member Steve Alford doubled down on misinformation by adding false, race-based reporting to the mix. In early 2018, Alford cited black people's "character makeup" and "genetics" for having a lower tolerance to cannabis.
Alford's comments on cannabis are completely ignorant, baseless and down-right unacceptable. photo credit
At a town hall, Rep. Alford was discussing cannabis as a gateway drug while calling for older era bans to return. To support his claim for returning to 1930s drug prohibition, Alford explained, “One of the reasons why, I hate to say it, was that the African Americans, they were basically users and they basically responded the worst off to those drugs just because of their character makeup, their genetics and that.”
Alford did apologize but not for the misinformation. “There are certain groups of people, their genetics, the way their makeup is, the chemicals will affect them differently,” Alford told the Garden City Telegram. “That’s what I should have said was drugs affect people differently instead of being more specific.” What an asshole.
How to End Cannabis Misinformation
These politicians aren’t the only ones using misinformation to shape the cannabis conversation. Want to help end these negative misconceptions and lies? Be sure to check useful resources like NORML’s Governor’s scorecard, PotGuide and other reliable outlets to stay up to date on lawmakers and cannabis in your neck of the woods.
While we may already know the truth about cannabis, others certainly do not. From our misinformed loved ones to people starved for information by lagging Internet connections, the campaign against cannabis lives on. When you hear lies spread about cannabis, do your part and speak up. You never know how it could shape a person’s views on the issue.
What are your thoughts on the misinformation about cannabis being spread by politicians?
How to Get Rid of Cannabis Smell and Smoke Odor on Clothes
Education
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.
Table of Contents:
Laundry Detergent
Washing your clothes regularly can keep the cannabis smell off your clothes.
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.
Related Articles
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
Vinegar is a common solution for stinky clothes.
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
Febreze can quickly cover smoke odor.
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 adsorbs gasses, liquids and stray compounds including the ones that cause odors. photo credit
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
Nothing beats fresh air and sunshine to get the stink out of clothes. photo credit
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.
Education
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.
Table of Contents:
- Laundry Detergent
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Febreze and Odor-Absorbing Sprays
- Activated Carbon
- Fresh Air and Sunshine
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Laundry Detergent
Washing your clothes regularly can keep the cannabis smell off your clothes.
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.
Related Articles
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
Vinegar is a common solution for stinky clothes.
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
Febreze can quickly cover smoke odor.
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 adsorbs gasses, liquids and stray compounds including the ones that cause odors. photo credit
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
Nothing beats fresh air and sunshine to get the stink out of clothes. photo credit
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.
Private Prisons and Marijuana
It’s an open secret that the private prison industry is one of the big anti-cannabis lobbying groups in America. Contributions in the forms of dark money, lobbying, and campaign donations to state and federal officials have slowed the passage of cannabis legalization since the first bills were proposed. But what are private prisons? How have they affected cannabis legalization efforts? What can be done about it?
Come along with PotGuide as we take a look behind the scenes at one of cannabis’ biggest opponents and how they interact with the cannabis landscape.
What are Private Prisons?
Following the War on Drugs in the 1980s, state governments, as well as the federal government, began seeking cheaper ways to house the increasing number of citizens being convicted of crimes. Private firms arose, competing to submit the lowest bid to run the day-to-day operations of a prison that used to be handled by state and federal governments. This includes everything from hiring the guards to feeding to prisoner’s medical care.
Private Prisons Want People in Prison
Private prisons are paid by the government on a per-inmate, per-day basis. This creates an incentive to incarcerate as many people as possible. The more people in their jail, the more money the private prisons will make. (There are also incentives to cut costs that lead to horrible conditions, but you can let John Oliver fill you in on that.)
Currently, there are two private prison firms that dominate the market, Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) and The GEO Group. Since 1989, private prisons have spent over $25 million on lobbying, donated over $10 million dollars to candidate’s campaigns, and generated $3.3 billion dollars a year in revenue as of 2015.
According to the Washington Post, “Nearly two-thirds of private prison contracts mandate that state and local governments maintain a certain occupancy rate – usually 90 percent – or require taxpayers to pay for empty beds. In Arizona, three private prisons are operating with a 100 percent occupancy guarantee…”
Thanks to these contracts, state governments and taxpayers are on the hook if less people are in private prisons. Enforcing harsh drug laws is an easy way to ensure a steady supply of prisoners. The population of private prisons has risen nearly 40% since the year 2000, while the number of people in prison overall has only risen by about 8%. In both public and private prisons, drug offenses make up 46% of all inmates.
It should be noted that immigrants make up a large part of private prisoners since congress mandated that at least 34,000 immigrants every day should be kept in ICE facilities, and private prisons operate 9 out of 10 largest ICE detention centers.
Private Prisons and Anti-Cannabis Lobbying
A couple of years ago, a meme circulated which claimed that CCA spent over $1 million a year lobbying against marijuana legalization. A quick check on snopes.com finds that this is a half-truth. CCA did spend $17.4m over a decade on lobbying, but not even a ProPublica investigation could find direct evidence that private prisons are specifically lobbying against cannabis legalization.
However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t happening under the table. In their 2014 annual report, the CCA wrote to their stakeholders,
“The demand for our facilities and services could be adversely affected by the relaxation of enforcement efforts...or through the decriminalization of certain activities...For instance, any changes with respect to drugs and controlled substances or illegal immigration could affect the number of persons arrested, convicted, and sentenced, thereby potentially reducing demand for correctional facilities to house them…”
The legalization of cannabis would drastically affect the number of arrests for private prisons. photo credit
Private prisons like the CCA and GEO state in their federal lobbying reports that they do not lobby specifically for or against laws that would determine whether someone ends up in one of their prisons. However, private prison lobbyists do support legislation that leads to more prison time instead of less. They donate to politicians and attend meetings with officials who support tough sentencing laws like California’s Three-Strikes policy, and lobbied for more ICE funding that would put more immigrants in their prisons. It’s not hard to imagine that cannabis legalization came up in some of these meetings as well, since as of 2010 over half of all drug arrests were for marijuana. Though not specifically mentioning cannabis, it is documented that CCA’s third-highest lobbying expenditures for 2014 were “Law Enforcement & Crime.”
Plus, it’s hard to trust word of the type of business that would bribe judges to send children to prison.
GEO and Florida
When it comes to anti-cannabis lobbying, let’s take Florida for an example. The private prison population in Florida has doubled since 2000 and GEO and CCA have donated nearly $2.5 million to The Republican Party of Florida PAC since 1990. The founder of GEO has personally donated thousands of dollars to Marco Rubio’s campaign. While in the statehouse, Marco Rubio hired a GEO trustee as his economic consultant, and as a senator, hired GEO’s main lobbyist as his chief of staff, who kept receiving money from GEO.
For all this lobbying in Florida, the state’s officials remain far more anti-legalization than their citizens. Senator Marco Rubio said in 2015 that if elected president he would crackdown on legal cannabis and that any reduction in sentencing for drug crimes would be a mistake.
Many of Florida's state officials, like Senator Marco Rubio, have a strong anti-cannabis stance. photo credit
Former Governor and now senator Rick Scott, who received a six-figure donation from GEO, fought tooth and nail against medical legalization, and Governor Ron DeSantis says that he will never sign a legalization bill.
A recent poll by FloridaPolitics.com showed that 59% of Floridians support full legalization. However, a recent Florida supreme court decision struck down a voter-backed amendment to legalize recreational marijuana due to a wording issue, and the state legislature is passing laws making voter-backed amendments harder to pass into law.
Private Prisons Aren’t Alone
Private prisons are not the only lobbying groups actively fighting against cannabis legalization. Police unions have historically opposed legalization as it could cause them to lose their rights to civil asset forfeiture and federal funding. Starting in the Regan era, police departments have been encouraged to seize and sell property associated with any drug bust, which they use to supplement their operating budgets.
Between 2002 and 2012, law enforcement collected about $1 billion from marijuana arrests alone and received over $2.4 billion in grants for anti-drug activities as of 2014. Pharmaceutical companies, alcohol manufacturers, and other businesses have also lobbied heavily against legalization.
The Wrap Up
The good news is that private prison lobbyists can only fight progress for so long. High-turnout voting and activism has meant that even in states like Arizona, which is heavily lobbied by the private prison industry, cannabis legalization can still pass.
What are your thoughts on the impact of the private prison industry on cannabis? Tell all about it in the comments!
It’s an open secret that the private prison industry is one of the big anti-cannabis lobbying groups in America. Contributions in the forms of dark money, lobbying, and campaign donations to state and federal officials have slowed the passage of cannabis legalization since the first bills were proposed. But what are private prisons? How have they affected cannabis legalization efforts? What can be done about it?
Come along with PotGuide as we take a look behind the scenes at one of cannabis’ biggest opponents and how they interact with the cannabis landscape.
What are Private Prisons?
Following the War on Drugs in the 1980s, state governments, as well as the federal government, began seeking cheaper ways to house the increasing number of citizens being convicted of crimes. Private firms arose, competing to submit the lowest bid to run the day-to-day operations of a prison that used to be handled by state and federal governments. This includes everything from hiring the guards to feeding to prisoner’s medical care.
Private Prisons Want People in Prison
Private prisons are paid by the government on a per-inmate, per-day basis. This creates an incentive to incarcerate as many people as possible. The more people in their jail, the more money the private prisons will make. (There are also incentives to cut costs that lead to horrible conditions, but you can let John Oliver fill you in on that.)
Currently, there are two private prison firms that dominate the market, Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) and The GEO Group. Since 1989, private prisons have spent over $25 million on lobbying, donated over $10 million dollars to candidate’s campaigns, and generated $3.3 billion dollars a year in revenue as of 2015.
According to the Washington Post, “Nearly two-thirds of private prison contracts mandate that state and local governments maintain a certain occupancy rate – usually 90 percent – or require taxpayers to pay for empty beds. In Arizona, three private prisons are operating with a 100 percent occupancy guarantee…”
Thanks to these contracts, state governments and taxpayers are on the hook if less people are in private prisons. Enforcing harsh drug laws is an easy way to ensure a steady supply of prisoners. The population of private prisons has risen nearly 40% since the year 2000, while the number of people in prison overall has only risen by about 8%. In both public and private prisons, drug offenses make up 46% of all inmates.
It should be noted that immigrants make up a large part of private prisoners since congress mandated that at least 34,000 immigrants every day should be kept in ICE facilities, and private prisons operate 9 out of 10 largest ICE detention centers.
Private Prisons and Anti-Cannabis Lobbying
A couple of years ago, a meme circulated which claimed that CCA spent over $1 million a year lobbying against marijuana legalization. A quick check on snopes.com finds that this is a half-truth. CCA did spend $17.4m over a decade on lobbying, but not even a ProPublica investigation could find direct evidence that private prisons are specifically lobbying against cannabis legalization.
However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t happening under the table. In their 2014 annual report, the CCA wrote to their stakeholders,
“The demand for our facilities and services could be adversely affected by the relaxation of enforcement efforts...or through the decriminalization of certain activities...For instance, any changes with respect to drugs and controlled substances or illegal immigration could affect the number of persons arrested, convicted, and sentenced, thereby potentially reducing demand for correctional facilities to house them…”
The legalization of cannabis would drastically affect the number of arrests for private prisons. photo credit
Private prisons like the CCA and GEO state in their federal lobbying reports that they do not lobby specifically for or against laws that would determine whether someone ends up in one of their prisons. However, private prison lobbyists do support legislation that leads to more prison time instead of less. They donate to politicians and attend meetings with officials who support tough sentencing laws like California’s Three-Strikes policy, and lobbied for more ICE funding that would put more immigrants in their prisons. It’s not hard to imagine that cannabis legalization came up in some of these meetings as well, since as of 2010 over half of all drug arrests were for marijuana. Though not specifically mentioning cannabis, it is documented that CCA’s third-highest lobbying expenditures for 2014 were “Law Enforcement & Crime.”
Plus, it’s hard to trust word of the type of business that would bribe judges to send children to prison.
GEO and Florida
When it comes to anti-cannabis lobbying, let’s take Florida for an example. The private prison population in Florida has doubled since 2000 and GEO and CCA have donated nearly $2.5 million to The Republican Party of Florida PAC since 1990. The founder of GEO has personally donated thousands of dollars to Marco Rubio’s campaign. While in the statehouse, Marco Rubio hired a GEO trustee as his economic consultant, and as a senator, hired GEO’s main lobbyist as his chief of staff, who kept receiving money from GEO.
For all this lobbying in Florida, the state’s officials remain far more anti-legalization than their citizens. Senator Marco Rubio said in 2015 that if elected president he would crackdown on legal cannabis and that any reduction in sentencing for drug crimes would be a mistake.
Many of Florida's state officials, like Senator Marco Rubio, have a strong anti-cannabis stance. photo credit
Former Governor and now senator Rick Scott, who received a six-figure donation from GEO, fought tooth and nail against medical legalization, and Governor Ron DeSantis says that he will never sign a legalization bill.
A recent poll by FloridaPolitics.com showed that 59% of Floridians support full legalization. However, a recent Florida supreme court decision struck down a voter-backed amendment to legalize recreational marijuana due to a wording issue, and the state legislature is passing laws making voter-backed amendments harder to pass into law.
Private Prisons Aren’t Alone
Private prisons are not the only lobbying groups actively fighting against cannabis legalization. Police unions have historically opposed legalization as it could cause them to lose their rights to civil asset forfeiture and federal funding. Starting in the Regan era, police departments have been encouraged to seize and sell property associated with any drug bust, which they use to supplement their operating budgets.
Between 2002 and 2012, law enforcement collected about $1 billion from marijuana arrests alone and received over $2.4 billion in grants for anti-drug activities as of 2014. Pharmaceutical companies, alcohol manufacturers, and other businesses have also lobbied heavily against legalization.
The Wrap Up
The good news is that private prison lobbyists can only fight progress for so long. High-turnout voting and activism has meant that even in states like Arizona, which is heavily lobbied by the private prison industry, cannabis legalization can still pass.
What are your thoughts on the impact of the private prison industry on cannabis? Tell all about it in the comments!
How Much Money Do Dispensaries Make?
You might have heard this shouted before, “We should own a bar!” It’s a common refrain from folks who love their local watering hole. Similarly, many cannabis users have entertained the idea of opening their own dispensary. However, most people who own bars will tell you it’s not as profitable as one might hope after operating costs, insurance, licenses and more are accounted for. However, dispensaries appear to be taking in far more money.
In 2016, Marijuana Business Daily estimated the cannabis market would be worth as much as $11 billion by 2020. It turned out to be worth $12.8 billion. The CBD market alone is expected to reach $22 billion this year. Now Marijuana Business Daily estimates that the US cannabis industry will cash in over $49.5 billion by 2025. Given these staggering numbers and their meteoric rise, it’s no wonder people are asking how to get into the cannabis industry and what it takes to open up shop. The catch is that cannabis still remains federally prohibited, raising high hurdles for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In this article, we review how much money dispensaries make, the operating costs associated with it, and how much money dispensary owners get to keep.
How Much Money Do Dispensaries Make?
This is a very broad question, like asking how much a café makes. Cafes, of course, come in different sizes, specializing in different services (java, food, music, etc.) for different markets (professionals, students, tourists, etc.) So it’s impossible to say “Cafes make X dollars per year.” Similarly, it’s impossible to say exactly what a dispensary should be expected to make in a given year. All of that said, there are a few numbers we can use like stars to steer by.
Related Articles
The comparison to a café is an apt one, but the good news is that cafes generally make money, and so do dispensaries. In 2018, ArcView Market Research determined that dispensaries make an average profit margin of 12%, which is right in line with Starbucks.
These numbers don’t change much if the dispensary is medical or recreational, though combination retail stores generally score higher, closer to 15%. There’s no mystery there: combination dispensaries can serve two markets under one roof, with one staff, thus dividing operating costs over a larger market share.
On average, a dispensary could be generating 3-10 million in revenue per year. photo credit
If percentages aren’t your thing, Statista offered up some harder numbers in 2017, suggesting dispensaries averaged $3 million in annual revenue while spending about $1.2 million in operating costs. Again, the specter of “operating costs” casts a long shadow.
Returning to our café comparison: imagine that Starbucks had to operate under wholly different rules in each state, and some Starbucks served medical caffeine only. This is where dispensaries stop taking in money, and start hemorrhaging it.
How Much Does it Cost to Run a Dispensary?
Before a dispensary can even begin advertising, expensive (and limited) licenses must be obtained which alone can cost six figures. Then real estate will need to be acquired, buildings inspected, equipment purchased, wholesalers negotiated, usually a lawyer retained, staff hired and trained, and so on. Before the grand opening, dispensaries can spend nearly three quarters of a million dollars before a single dollar is earned in return. Oh, and you can’t get a bank loan.
Because cannabis remains federally prohibited, banks – who are insured by the US government – will not lend to any cannabis business as it may leave them vulnerable to money laundering claims. Cannabis money is, federally speaking, dirty money.
Taxes are one of the most challenging parts of owning a cannabis business due to Section 280E. photo credit
There are private lenders, including some credit unions, who will work with dispensaries (usually with exorbitant holding fees), but startup capital must come out of pocket or multiple pockets like those of ownership groups.
Dispensaries are also ineligible for certain tax deductions that would be a matter of course for other businesses. The infamous Section 280E of the US tax code prohibits any deduction or credit for any “trade or business [that] consists of trafficking in controlled substances.”
Because cannabis is still a Schedule I controlled substance, dispensaries, cultivators, processors, or any other “plant-touching” business must swallow every penny they spend on themselves, from insurance to equipment to the ink in the register.
How Much Does a Dispensary Owner Make?
Estimating how much a dispensary owner makes is even more fraught than estimating the income of a theoretical dispensary. It’s safe to say most of them are making a profit, because as we saw earlier, most dispensaries are known to make a profit.
Business owners tend to be tight-lipped about the details of their income because at the ownership level the personal income and company income begin to blend together.
It is hard to pin down an exact income that dispensary owners make, but it somewhere around 10% of what the company makes. photo credit
The public number that most sources reference is drawn from a 2018 article by Gary Cohen, the CEO of Cova Software, a point-of-sales and cannabis compliance company. In his report, Cohen suggests the owner of a dispensary making $5 million annually could pay themselves a salary of $500,000, or 10%, though it’s unclear if Cohen is estimating total revenue or profits.
The earlier numbers we saw from Statista suggested the average dispensary brings in $3M minus $1.2M in operating costs, resulting in $1.8M in profits. So by those numbers, combined with Cohen’s 10%, a dispensary owner could be expected to draw anywhere from $180,000 to $300,000 annually.
With that kind of paycheck, you could almost afford to open a dispensary.
Conclusion
Despite the soaring operating costs, dispensaries do make money. Marijuana Business Daily’s 2016 factbook reported 18% of dispensaries described themselves as “very profitable,” while the next 41% claimed “modest profits.” Nearly a third hovered even while only 12% reported losses.
In short, dispensaries make mountains of money, but it costs smaller mountains to remain operational and compliant. This doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea to own a dispensary. On the contrary, with the US government ordaining them “essential services” during the pandemic, they’ve enjoyed immunity from much of the economic crises that have plagued other businesses and will likely prove to be recession-proof over time. The highest hurdle limiting access for fledgling entrepreneurs is the near seven-figure startup cost.
On February 4, the US House of Representatives approved an amendment to the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act that included cannabis banking reforms, but Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel quickly denounced the amendment as a “poison pill”.
You might have heard this shouted before, “We should own a bar!” It’s a common refrain from folks who love their local watering hole. Similarly, many cannabis users have entertained the idea of opening their own dispensary. However, most people who own bars will tell you it’s not as profitable as one might hope after operating costs, insurance, licenses and more are accounted for. However, dispensaries appear to be taking in far more money.
In 2016, Marijuana Business Daily estimated the cannabis market would be worth as much as $11 billion by 2020. It turned out to be worth $12.8 billion. The CBD market alone is expected to reach $22 billion this year. Now Marijuana Business Daily estimates that the US cannabis industry will cash in over $49.5 billion by 2025. Given these staggering numbers and their meteoric rise, it’s no wonder people are asking how to get into the cannabis industry and what it takes to open up shop. The catch is that cannabis still remains federally prohibited, raising high hurdles for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In this article, we review how much money dispensaries make, the operating costs associated with it, and how much money dispensary owners get to keep.
How Much Money Do Dispensaries Make?
This is a very broad question, like asking how much a café makes. Cafes, of course, come in different sizes, specializing in different services (java, food, music, etc.) for different markets (professionals, students, tourists, etc.) So it’s impossible to say “Cafes make X dollars per year.” Similarly, it’s impossible to say exactly what a dispensary should be expected to make in a given year. All of that said, there are a few numbers we can use like stars to steer by.
Related Articles
The comparison to a café is an apt one, but the good news is that cafes generally make money, and so do dispensaries. In 2018, ArcView Market Research determined that dispensaries make an average profit margin of 12%, which is right in line with Starbucks.
These numbers don’t change much if the dispensary is medical or recreational, though combination retail stores generally score higher, closer to 15%. There’s no mystery there: combination dispensaries can serve two markets under one roof, with one staff, thus dividing operating costs over a larger market share.
On average, a dispensary could be generating 3-10 million in revenue per year. photo credit
If percentages aren’t your thing, Statista offered up some harder numbers in 2017, suggesting dispensaries averaged $3 million in annual revenue while spending about $1.2 million in operating costs. Again, the specter of “operating costs” casts a long shadow.
Returning to our café comparison: imagine that Starbucks had to operate under wholly different rules in each state, and some Starbucks served medical caffeine only. This is where dispensaries stop taking in money, and start hemorrhaging it.
How Much Does it Cost to Run a Dispensary?
Before a dispensary can even begin advertising, expensive (and limited) licenses must be obtained which alone can cost six figures. Then real estate will need to be acquired, buildings inspected, equipment purchased, wholesalers negotiated, usually a lawyer retained, staff hired and trained, and so on. Before the grand opening, dispensaries can spend nearly three quarters of a million dollars before a single dollar is earned in return. Oh, and you can’t get a bank loan.
Because cannabis remains federally prohibited, banks – who are insured by the US government – will not lend to any cannabis business as it may leave them vulnerable to money laundering claims. Cannabis money is, federally speaking, dirty money.
Taxes are one of the most challenging parts of owning a cannabis business due to Section 280E. photo credit
There are private lenders, including some credit unions, who will work with dispensaries (usually with exorbitant holding fees), but startup capital must come out of pocket or multiple pockets like those of ownership groups.
Dispensaries are also ineligible for certain tax deductions that would be a matter of course for other businesses. The infamous Section 280E of the US tax code prohibits any deduction or credit for any “trade or business [that] consists of trafficking in controlled substances.”
Because cannabis is still a Schedule I controlled substance, dispensaries, cultivators, processors, or any other “plant-touching” business must swallow every penny they spend on themselves, from insurance to equipment to the ink in the register.
How Much Does a Dispensary Owner Make?
Estimating how much a dispensary owner makes is even more fraught than estimating the income of a theoretical dispensary. It’s safe to say most of them are making a profit, because as we saw earlier, most dispensaries are known to make a profit.
Business owners tend to be tight-lipped about the details of their income because at the ownership level the personal income and company income begin to blend together.
It is hard to pin down an exact income that dispensary owners make, but it somewhere around 10% of what the company makes. photo credit
The public number that most sources reference is drawn from a 2018 article by Gary Cohen, the CEO of Cova Software, a point-of-sales and cannabis compliance company. In his report, Cohen suggests the owner of a dispensary making $5 million annually could pay themselves a salary of $500,000, or 10%, though it’s unclear if Cohen is estimating total revenue or profits.
The earlier numbers we saw from Statista suggested the average dispensary brings in $3M minus $1.2M in operating costs, resulting in $1.8M in profits. So by those numbers, combined with Cohen’s 10%, a dispensary owner could be expected to draw anywhere from $180,000 to $300,000 annually.
With that kind of paycheck, you could almost afford to open a dispensary.
Conclusion
Despite the soaring operating costs, dispensaries do make money. Marijuana Business Daily’s 2016 factbook reported 18% of dispensaries described themselves as “very profitable,” while the next 41% claimed “modest profits.” Nearly a third hovered even while only 12% reported losses.
In short, dispensaries make mountains of money, but it costs smaller mountains to remain operational and compliant. This doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea to own a dispensary. On the contrary, with the US government ordaining them “essential services” during the pandemic, they’ve enjoyed immunity from much of the economic crises that have plagued other businesses and will likely prove to be recession-proof over time. The highest hurdle limiting access for fledgling entrepreneurs is the near seven-figure startup cost.
On February 4, the US House of Representatives approved an amendment to the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act that included cannabis banking reforms, but Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel quickly denounced the amendment as a “poison pill”.
What is 11-Hydroxy-THC?
Education
Edibles just hit different. But we probably don’t need to tell you that. That consumed cannabis tends to be a far stronger and more psychoactive experience than inhaled cannabis is one of those marijuana facts of life. It’s right up there with “wait at least an hour before taking another edible.”
In some cities, edible sales at dispensaries surpass sales for all other cannabis products. There are many reasons for this. Some people are trying cannabis for the first time, and ingesting cannabis is a far more natural starting point than trying to smoke pot or vape. Physicians have an easier time convincing patients to use edibles for various medical problems over anything inhaled due to the stigma of smoking weed.
Other consumers enjoy the longevity of edibles. They get far more bang for their buck with a 4-6 hour experience rather than the 1-2 hour experience you get inhaling cannabis. Others just really enjoy the smooth ride that edibles provide, whether chilling through a weekend or winding down after work.
But why do edibles hit so differently? After all, THC is THC, right? Well, not exactly. Some THC is delta-9 THC. Some THC is 11-hydroxy THC (or 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC, on it’s birth certificate).
Understanding the difference between Delta-9 and 11-Hydroxy THC is important for any cannabis consumer. It helps to make a more informed decision on what they’re consuming and which method will give them the most satisfying effects.
With that in mind, PotGuide is here with a deep dive into one of the most popular forms of THC among cannabis consumers, 11-Hydroxy THC.
What Is Delta-9 THC?
Any discussion of 11-hydroxy THC begins with its precursor, delta-9 THC. This is the most common cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant and is the molecule most responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive experience (and historic, worldwide popularity). In the cannabis plant, delta-9 THC starts as a molecule of THCA. Once that molecule is heated, it loses its acid chain and becomes the active delta-9 THC that we all know and love.
When you smoke cannabis products you are consuming Delta-9 THC. photo credit
If you’re smoking a bowl or bong, hitting a vape, or taking a dab, delta-9 THC enters your body through your lungs. From there, delta-9 THC climbs aboard the bloodstream express. The final stop of the THC molecule’s commute is the brain receptors. That’s where they all go to work.
Once they reach the brain, the delta-9 THC molecules cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to your brain’s cannabinoid receptors. This activates the release of neurochemicals like dopamine, which is what gets you stoned. Blood from the lungs goes straight to your brain, so the effects of inhaled cannabis come on much faster. However, delta-9 THC is fat-soluble, which means that the molecule remains intact and does not get broken down in the watery bloodstream.
How is 11-Hydroxy THC Different?
When you ingest cannabis products, delta-9 THC takes a much longer route through the lower intestines into your liver before entering the bloodstream. In the liver, delta-9 THC molecules get broken down into smaller pieces. This creates the metabolite 11-hydroxy THC.
While delta-9 THC is the most common cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, 11-hydroxy THC does not exist anywhere outside your body. It is only created when your liver breaks down the precursor delta-9 THC molecules.
When you inhale cannabis, some delta-9 THC does get broken down by the liver. However, most of it travels unmetabolized through your bloodstream to your brain. When eaten, it passes through your small intestine and liver, your body takes more time to process THC. There is a lot more available delta-9 THC hanging around, the liver has far more time, and thus can create more molecules of 11-hydroxy THC.
This slow and steady breakdown of delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy THC is also why edibles take much longer to process out of your system than smoking cannabis. There are more molecules of 11-hydroxy THC entering your bloodstream, and they will continue entering it until your liver finishes breaking them down. That is why it’s important to be aware of dosages when ingesting edibles. Your liver is meticulous and once it starts breaking delta-9 THC down, it stays on the job until it’s done, whether you want it to or not.
Why is 11-Hydroxy THC so Much Stronger?
The reason that edibles can hit so much stronger, and create a more psychoactive effect, is that 11-hydroxy THC’s molecular shape allows it to pass through the blood-brain barrier much easier than delta-9 THC. The molecule also binds much stronger to the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. The stronger the bond to the CB1 receptor, the greater the activation of that receptor. Because there are so many more 11-hydroxy THC molecules in the blood, that means more receptors are activated. This releases more neurotransmitters in your brain.
Because there are so many more neurotransmitters being released when consuming an edible, this can sometimes lead to overconsumption, resulting in unpleasant effects. photo credit
Think of your brain’s cannabinoid (CB1) receptors as a keyhole and THC as the key. The delta-9 THC molecule is more of a lock-pick. It fits inside the receptor, and is able to push up enough tumblers to jimmy open the lock. While this opens some doors, it is far less efficient and thus a lot of doors remain closed. 11-hydroxy THC on the other hand is like a machine-cut key. Because it fits the keyhole, it slides right in, turns the tumblers, and opens the door with ease.
When your body has spent more time breaking down the larger delta-9 THC molecules into smaller 11-hydroxy THC molecules, that means a lot of keys opening a lot of doors all at once. Behind those doors are neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can now roam freely. If you take the right amount of edibles, those neurotransmitters can be welcome guests coming to your party. If you take too much, those can become unwelcome guests who are coming to party all night.
The Wrap Up
Some cannabis consumers enjoy the quick and easy experience of smoking a bowl or hitting a dab. Others enjoy the slow, steady, and potent effects of edibles. To debate whether delta-9 THC or 11-hydroxy THC is “better” defeats the purpose of consuming marijuana. If you’re looking for an enjoyable experience, a way to pass the time, or relief from a medical issue, being informed on the different types of THC and how they affect the body can help you to find the cannabis experience that you’re looking for.
Education
Edibles just hit different. But we probably don’t need to tell you that. That consumed cannabis tends to be a far stronger and more psychoactive experience than inhaled cannabis is one of those marijuana facts of life. It’s right up there with “wait at least an hour before taking another edible.”
In some cities, edible sales at dispensaries surpass sales for all other cannabis products. There are many reasons for this. Some people are trying cannabis for the first time, and ingesting cannabis is a far more natural starting point than trying to smoke pot or vape. Physicians have an easier time convincing patients to use edibles for various medical problems over anything inhaled due to the stigma of smoking weed.
Other consumers enjoy the longevity of edibles. They get far more bang for their buck with a 4-6 hour experience rather than the 1-2 hour experience you get inhaling cannabis. Others just really enjoy the smooth ride that edibles provide, whether chilling through a weekend or winding down after work.
But why do edibles hit so differently? After all, THC is THC, right? Well, not exactly. Some THC is delta-9 THC. Some THC is 11-hydroxy THC (or 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC, on it’s birth certificate).
Understanding the difference between Delta-9 and 11-Hydroxy THC is important for any cannabis consumer. It helps to make a more informed decision on what they’re consuming and which method will give them the most satisfying effects.
With that in mind, PotGuide is here with a deep dive into one of the most popular forms of THC among cannabis consumers, 11-Hydroxy THC.
What Is Delta-9 THC?
Any discussion of 11-hydroxy THC begins with its precursor, delta-9 THC. This is the most common cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant and is the molecule most responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive experience (and historic, worldwide popularity). In the cannabis plant, delta-9 THC starts as a molecule of THCA. Once that molecule is heated, it loses its acid chain and becomes the active delta-9 THC that we all know and love.
When you smoke cannabis products you are consuming Delta-9 THC. photo credit
If you’re smoking a bowl or bong, hitting a vape, or taking a dab, delta-9 THC enters your body through your lungs. From there, delta-9 THC climbs aboard the bloodstream express. The final stop of the THC molecule’s commute is the brain receptors. That’s where they all go to work.
Once they reach the brain, the delta-9 THC molecules cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to your brain’s cannabinoid receptors. This activates the release of neurochemicals like dopamine, which is what gets you stoned. Blood from the lungs goes straight to your brain, so the effects of inhaled cannabis come on much faster. However, delta-9 THC is fat-soluble, which means that the molecule remains intact and does not get broken down in the watery bloodstream.
How is 11-Hydroxy THC Different?
When you ingest cannabis products, delta-9 THC takes a much longer route through the lower intestines into your liver before entering the bloodstream. In the liver, delta-9 THC molecules get broken down into smaller pieces. This creates the metabolite 11-hydroxy THC.
While delta-9 THC is the most common cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, 11-hydroxy THC does not exist anywhere outside your body. It is only created when your liver breaks down the precursor delta-9 THC molecules.
When you inhale cannabis, some delta-9 THC does get broken down by the liver. However, most of it travels unmetabolized through your bloodstream to your brain. When eaten, it passes through your small intestine and liver, your body takes more time to process THC. There is a lot more available delta-9 THC hanging around, the liver has far more time, and thus can create more molecules of 11-hydroxy THC.
This slow and steady breakdown of delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy THC is also why edibles take much longer to process out of your system than smoking cannabis. There are more molecules of 11-hydroxy THC entering your bloodstream, and they will continue entering it until your liver finishes breaking them down. That is why it’s important to be aware of dosages when ingesting edibles. Your liver is meticulous and once it starts breaking delta-9 THC down, it stays on the job until it’s done, whether you want it to or not.
Why is 11-Hydroxy THC so Much Stronger?
The reason that edibles can hit so much stronger, and create a more psychoactive effect, is that 11-hydroxy THC’s molecular shape allows it to pass through the blood-brain barrier much easier than delta-9 THC. The molecule also binds much stronger to the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. The stronger the bond to the CB1 receptor, the greater the activation of that receptor. Because there are so many more 11-hydroxy THC molecules in the blood, that means more receptors are activated. This releases more neurotransmitters in your brain.
Because there are so many more neurotransmitters being released when consuming an edible, this can sometimes lead to overconsumption, resulting in unpleasant effects. photo credit
Think of your brain’s cannabinoid (CB1) receptors as a keyhole and THC as the key. The delta-9 THC molecule is more of a lock-pick. It fits inside the receptor, and is able to push up enough tumblers to jimmy open the lock. While this opens some doors, it is far less efficient and thus a lot of doors remain closed. 11-hydroxy THC on the other hand is like a machine-cut key. Because it fits the keyhole, it slides right in, turns the tumblers, and opens the door with ease.
When your body has spent more time breaking down the larger delta-9 THC molecules into smaller 11-hydroxy THC molecules, that means a lot of keys opening a lot of doors all at once. Behind those doors are neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can now roam freely. If you take the right amount of edibles, those neurotransmitters can be welcome guests coming to your party. If you take too much, those can become unwelcome guests who are coming to party all night.
The Wrap Up
Some cannabis consumers enjoy the quick and easy experience of smoking a bowl or hitting a dab. Others enjoy the slow, steady, and potent effects of edibles. To debate whether delta-9 THC or 11-hydroxy THC is “better” defeats the purpose of consuming marijuana. If you’re looking for an enjoyable experience, a way to pass the time, or relief from a medical issue, being informed on the different types of THC and how they affect the body can help you to find the cannabis experience that you’re looking for.
I really enjoyed growing. Sucks that I got in trouble for it. Occasionally my Google pictures will come up with some pictures of my plants
Bruh, those are sum nice looking flowers
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