Marijuana news and updates

I have developed issues with arthritis in my hands.

The fingers of my right hand often feel tight, stiff and sore.

They swelled up to the point where I needed to cut my rings off. I know there are medications available, but I’m unwilling to take pharmaceuticals. Instead, I looked into more natural remedies and came across cannabis. I ended up paying a visit to a local recreational dispensary and consulting with a budtender. I was not aware that it’s possible and beneficial to apply cannabis products directly to the skin. There is a whole line of cannabis-infused creams, balms and salves available at the dispensary that provide potent treatments. They can be used for skincare, cosmetics, first aid and all sorts of topical applications. Cannabis topicals don’t cause a high sensation. They work because of unique cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These active compounds engage specific receptors on the surface of the skin that regulate inflammation and the production of sebum. Plus, the terpenes that provide the smell of cannabis also offer therapeutic benefits. I typically look for pinene terpenes that smell a lot like pine needles and are an expectorant much like an all-natural Vapor Rub. Another common terpene is linalool, which provides cooling properties. While cannabinoids are bigger molecules that don’t necessarily soak deep into the skin, terpenes tend to penetrate. I look for cannabis topicals that contain both cannabinoids and terpenes. I’ve found that certain topicals are especially anti-inflammatory. I’m able to apply the topical to a specific area for localized relief multiple times per day. The addition of essential oils such as lavender offers a really lovely smell. The topicals absorb quickly and have made it possible for me to enjoy my normal and favorite activities.

Purple haze

While I’ve always been a fan of smoking traditional cannabis flower, I’m no expert at rolling a joint. I either pack too much or too little bud, roll the joint too tight or too loose and usually end up with a great deal of mess and waste. Just attempting to create a joint requires a number of accessories, including the loose flower, rolling papers, a grinder, a tray, filters and more. Because of this, I now purchase pre-rolls from the dispensary. There is a wide variety of pre-rolls on the market, and they tend to be quite affordable. They are sold in singles and packs, with low or high levels of THC and CBD, and make it easy and economical to experiment with different strains. A joint provides a fast-acting and flavorful delivery method and ready-made pre-rolls are super convenient. I’ve realized that while most pre-rolls look about the same, there are differences in strains, moisture content, size, shape and packaging. Some pre-rolls are made from shake or trim, which is the leftover from trimming dried flowers and not the best bud. I prefer those that offer ground-up whole bud for better potency and flavor. A good quality pre-roll is packed tightly and burns evenly. Moisture content is also a concern. If the bud is too dry, the smoke is hot and harsh. Too much moisture can result in mold and bacteria growing within a sealed package. My local dispensary is careful about the brands they sell. All the products have gone through third-party testing, avoid harmful pesticides and are clearly labeled. I’ve figured out the manufacturers, strains and terpenes I like best.

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I’ve been shopping for cannabis at the local dispensary for several years.

• Initially, I was excited to try out all of the different consumption methods.

I sampled a variety of edibles, purchased tinctures and topicals and had some fun with vape carts. Eventually, I went right back to smoking flower. I like rolling up a joint, lighting it up and inhaling the terpenes and cannabinoids. I appreciate the actual method and the quick onset of effects. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day, socialize with friends or boost my energy levels. There is such a vast selection of strains of flower, I can always find something new and exciting. By visiting the dispensary, consulting with budtenders and doing my research, I’ve learned how to distinguish good quality bud. Smell is one of the biggest indications of freshness and whether or not I’m going to enjoy the flavor. Because of its terpene profile, each strain smells different. If I like the scent, I’ll most likely enjoy the strain. Decent flower has a strong odor that can be fruity, flower, piney or even diesel-like. Low quality flower can have a very stale odor that is similar to old hay. The color is also important. Premium cannabis is available in hues from bright green and orange to reds and deep purple. If a jar of flower catches my eyes, I usually ask to smell it. Looking closer, I should find an abundance of what looks like crystals. They are the trichomes that are responsible for the terpenes and effects. Before buying a new strain, I always ask about the effects. Certain flower helps to reduce anxiety while others can have a stimulating effect that can make it worse. Some are better for helping with a good night’s sleep while others have an uplifting and energizing effect.

Cannabis products

Ever since turning 50, I’ve had difficulty sleeping.

I struggle to fall asleep at night and wake up every couple of hours.

I then feel exhausted all day. I was unwilling to rely on prescription sleeping pills and suffer the harmful and long-term side-effects of pharmaceuticals. When a friend recommended cannabis, I wasn’t all that interested. I had no desire to smoke a joint. I wasn’t aware of how many options there are for consumption methods until I finally visited the dispensary. The selection of products was a bit overwhelming. However, when I explained my goals and preferences to a budtender, she suggested tinctures. A solvent is used to separate the essential oils of the cannabis plant from the extra plant material and create a highly concentrated, cannabinoid-filled product. Because of this, tinctures provide an especially high dose of cannabis. They are much lower in fat and calories than edibles and avoid the combustion process of smoking. There’s no tell-tale smell, smoke, vapor, ash, mess or waste. When stored properly, tinctures offer an especially long shelf-life. The compact bottle makes them easy to tuck into a pocket or purse for portability and discretion. The dropper allows for micro-dosing. I place a few drops under my tongue for sublingual absorption and quick onset of effects. I swallow any remaining liquid for a delayed onset of effects. This combination is perfect for getting me to sleep quickly and helping me to stay asleep. I can also add a little bit of a cannabis tincture into all different types of foods and beverages.

 

Hybrid strain for sale

When I have some extra time available on a Friday evening or Saturday morning, I like making the trip to the dispensary.

I look forward to their daily deals, weekly specials and ever-changing selection of products.

While I enjoy checking out the colors and fragrances of the flower, various concentrates and topicals, my favorite is the edibles. Cannabis-infused edibles are one of the easiest consumption methods. I don’t need a lighter, ashtray, grinder, pipe, papers or any extra gear. There’s no smoke, odor, ash or any mess. Edibles are not only convenient and tasty but also one of the most potent delivery methods. Because the cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive tract and metabolized by the liver, more THC is converted to usable forms by the body. The effects tend to be more intense than with other consumption options. It takes anywhere from twenty minutes to three hours for the effects to be fully realized. It’s important to start with a very small dose and wait a while before eating more, especially because the effects can last for up to six hours. I appreciate the wide variety of edibles available. My local dispensary includes an on-site bakery where they make cannabis-infused cookies, brownies and all sorts of baked treats fresh every day. I can also purchase gummies, hard candies, mints, chocolates and granola. I also enjoy cannabis-infused beverages. I sometimes buy cannabis-infused cooking oils or tinctures to make my own edibles at home. Tinctures can be added to just about anything. Because of the dropper applicator, I’m able to be very precise in dosing.

Cannabis edibles