Politicians Against Marijuana (and Why You Should Be Against Them)

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July 31, 2018

- Marijuana Laws

If you’ve been keeping up with Medical Edibles, you know how much we care about the legal issues of medical – and also recreational – cannabis in the United States. Some states are totally liberated at this point, while others are not. As such, we want to make sure you know where current state laws stand, and also that change is still needed in many places.

 

We’ve previously discussed some of the best politicians to support, if you want positive legal changes, in regards to cannabis. Now, however, we’re going to cover some of the politicians against marijuana (who need to be left out of the equation). These are nine of the worst politicians when it comes to marijuana. In other words, these are the people whose bills you should keep an eye on, so that they don’t ruin the legality of cannabis in your area, or worse, the country at large.

 

Jeff Sessions

 

We’ll just get the worst one out of the way first – Jeff Sessions. He declared in the past that, “good people don’t smoke marijuana,” and he truly believes that cannabis use is an issue of public safety. As the attorney general, he is trying to enforce the federal prohibition on cannabis in the current legal states. Despite the Republican ideal of states rights and smaller federal government, this one slips under the radar for Sessions, who doesn’t think states have this right. (Seems just a bit unfair.)

 


Jeff Sessions, the man behind taking away state cannabis rights

 

Mike Pence

 

Our very own vice president, Mike Pence, is not only an advocate for gay conversion therapy but also loves to hate cannabis. In response to a House bill that would lower marijuana charges, Pence wanted to raise them. If you know the Indiana drug laws, you’ll know it’s not the most cannabis-friendly state in the union, and Mike Pence has done the most he can to keep things that way.

 


Mike Pence, the reason that cannabis is illegal for everyone in Indiana

 

Mitch McConnell

 

The current house majority leader hates weed. As our third person with huge influence in American politics, marijuana definitely has a bleak future in the United States, if we don’t vote these people out. McConnell has cryptically said that legalizing marijuana is a mistake not only for his state of Kentucky but also for the country at large.

 

Pete Sessions

 

This Texas Republican is someone who definitely doesn’t want to allow marijuana use in this country, let alone his state. He’s previously made the (debunked) claim that marijuana is a gateway drug. He has used his power to push off any pro-marijuana legislation he could, so it’s up to the voters to get this guy out of office, in order to save our laws.

 

Steve Alford

 

Earlier this year, this Kansas lawmaker made an interesting claim that African Americans were “more susceptible” to marijuana addiction. The reasons why marijuana is illegal are largely to do with this according, to him, dating that claim that goes back to the 1930s. This claim is not only outrageous and racist but also a major piece of his whole attitude that marijuana affects people in a way that is evil for the state.

 

John Boozman

 

No weed for the Boozman. This Arkansas Republican has an F rating on NORML. He has expressed the belief that doctors prescribe medical marijuana for any little ailment, which, as we all know, is simply not true. He has been voting no on all marijuana legislation, despite the real health benefits (often with scientific backing). As a voter, make sure you’re not giving this guy attention on the ballot if you want to see any marijuana legalization. If you’re wondering “why is marijuana illegal in Arkansas?” – it’s probably this guy.

 

Mark Kirk

 

This Illinois Republican had previously stated that young marijuana users are lower performers in life and in their jobs. He also introduced legislation to increase prison sentences for people trafficking marijuana that contained a level of THC over 15%.

 

Deb Fischer

 

This Debbie Downer really hates the fun that states with recreational marijuana are having. She was bold enough to introduce a bill that would cut money from the Department of Justice if they didn’t begin more closely monitoring what’s going on in the legal states. Her argument is the safety of kids, but, as we’ve discussed many times just on this website, marijuana packaging is putting in overtime, when it comes to keeping kids safe.

 

Patrick Kennedy

 

This member of the Kennedy family – who is, of course, still a Democrat – sadly opposes the effort to legalize cannabis. He has put a lot of money toward keeping the drug illegal, and Rhode Island has definitely been held back, compared to Massachusetts, in terms of legislation.

 

What can the average American do to take down these politicians against marijuana though? Vote. Make sure you’re there for every election, and keep your ears to the ground on cannabis policy, with every candidate, so you make the best decision for your community and your country.

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Pro Marijuana Politicians: Who to Endorse in the 420 Fight

By on

July 27, 2018

- Marijuana Laws

If you’ve been keeping up with the legal discourse around cannabis in the country, you’ll know that there’s a wide range of positions that politicians have taken on the subject and a wide range of acceptances state-by-state. In the effort to get marijuana legalized, it’s important to know the stances of the politicians in your state, so that you can show your support to the pro-marijuana politicians.

 

Here are some of the pro marijuana politicians that have lead reform in their own states, or at the Federal level, who are still fighting to increase the freedoms they’ve gained for cannabis thus far.

 

Cory Booker

 

This New Jersey senator is currently one of the cannabis reform powerhouses. He introduced a bill to the house for the “Marijuana Justice Act,” and he’s gaining a lot of support amongst like-minded Democrats. The bill would take marijuana off the controlled substances list, which would then leave it up to states to legalize.

 

The bill also carries a penalty for states that continue to criminalize the substance, along with consequences for uneven minority punishment from that criminalization, which would result in a withholding of federal funding. Additionally, the bill aims to create a fund that would support lower-income minority communities that have been directly affected by punishments from marijuana criminalization.

 

The argument that marijuana policies are made to directly oppress minorities and lower-income communities is an important piece of the discourse on why marijuana should be legal, and this idea has been a major force in getting Democrats on board. Call your state representatives and tell them how much you support Cory Booker’s bill, and explain that you want to see your representatives get behind it, too.

 

Phil Murphy

 

If you’re in New Jersey, then it’s already clear that you’ve got politicians fighting the good fight – first Cory Booker, and now, the new governor, Phil Murphy. Murphy’s first budget proposal included 60 million dollars in revenue from legal recreational marijuana. He has been very public about his feelings on this subject and has said that he wants to get marijuana legalized in the state by the end of the year.

 


Phil Murphy shaking hands with President Obama

 

The state Senate is a bit at odds though. It seems there are a lot of politicians who don’t agree with the idea of a bill for legalization. On the other hand, there are those like Senate president, Stephen Sweeney, who responded to the idea with a standing ovation.

 

Make sure you call your local representatives and tell them that you want this bill to pass through, in order to get the full support necessary for action.

 

Bernie Sanders

 

If you were “feeling the Bern” during the 2016 election, then you’re probably aware that the senator was very much in favor of cannabis legalization. You can still check his website and his stances clearly: he fully believes in medicinal properties of marijuana and wants them to be utilized; he believes that we should be legalizing recreational marijuana Federally, so that states can legalize it; he openly says that the “War on Drugs” has failed and thinks all non-violent offenders do not deserve incarceration.

 

Bernie has also shown his full support of Cory Booker’s federal move to legalize marijuana, joining many other pro-marijuana politicians who need your continued support in getting their colleagues on board.

 

Cory Gardner and Elizabeth Warren

 

These two senators, from Colorado and Massachusetts, respectively, have released a bipartisan bill that would stop the Federal government from meddling in states’ rights to legalize marijuana. This comes after Jeff Sessions said he would enforce Federal policies if states have legalized it.

 

On her own, Warren has said that she believes legalizing cannabis would be helpful for the country at large, and Warren has been a big help in the fight to legalize cannabis in her own state of Massachusetts. Gardner, on the other hand, wasn’t originally one of the best politicians for this list. He actually opposed legalization, in the beginning.

 


Elizabeth Warren, who has been a vocal supporter of cannabis legalization

 

However, since the beginning of this year, the Republican politician has been growing in his vocal support of marijuana legalization, breaking from the party line. For that, Gardner has earned himself a chance to be one of the more important cannabis politicians of the time.

 

If you’re not sure what the exact laws are in your state, use our comprehensive guide, so you can figure out how far along your state is in the fight. No matter how far your state has come, you can always show support for pro marijuana politicians, to keep pushing for better policies in your area and nationally. Don’t forget to also search for a NORML chapter in your area that you can support, to continue reform efforts.

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The Environmental Impact of Medical Marijuana Packaging

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July 24, 2018

- The Couch

There are two types of green legislation out there. One is the stuff we’ve already been covering: medical and recreational marijuana laws across the country. The other legislation is something that is often cared about by the same people who are pushing for legal use of cannabis: environmental protections.

 

Both of these efforts are supported more often by leaders from the Democratic party, and you can usually go to any cannabis legalization festival and find tons of literature about the environment.

 

With that said, there’s still an odd conflict that arises: much of the packaging for medical and recreational use conflicts with the idea of environmental protection. Generally, customers and patients alike receive cannabis products in bulky packaging that uses a lot of plastics (and sometimes, these plastics aren’t even recyclable).

 

The Impact of Marijuana Packaging

 

On top of these materials just sitting around forever and causing harm to the environment, there’s also an overuse of them. When you walk out of many dispensaries, not only do you have the recreational or medical marijuana plastic containers around your herb as you buy it but then that must go into a plastic sealable bag around it. A lot of these seals are made of materials that are even harder for the environment to break down than a regular plastic bag would be.

Landfill that plastic packaging could end up in

 

Why Are These Materials Used?

 

Using these types of materials is never eco-friendly, which is why many cannabis companies aim not to use them. But, that’s not always possible. Due to existing state marijuana laws, regarding recreational and medical use, a lot of that extra plastic and energy is going into making these products inaccessible to children, like extra seals.

 

In California, as this article from Emerald Report points out, every product must be sealed before it hits a shelf, and then, all of those sealed products must go into the resealable bag. In other states, as long as there is one sealed portion, that’s enough. You can walk out of dispensaries in states like Nevada with the brand’s sealed (and still not totally eco-friendly) packaging. California, however, requires was a lot of people are calling an unnecessary double sealing, amidst a range of cannabis complications.

How a dispensary would look without individual packaging

 

A big issue with California’s packaging, as the Emerald Report article pointed out, is this type of double seal – which is made of plastic that cannot be recycled – will take forever to break down, thus filling up landfills. This same seal can be found in states like Nevada, on exit bags, and in tons of other sealed products.

 

Beyond packaging, the labels – legally mandatory on all marijuana packaging – take additional energy to create, as well as adding additional plastic to the product.

 

What Can Be Done

 

In terms of the laws, requiring less of these seals would be a big help, when it comes to making marijuana more green. Child protection is key, but requiring two seals to make sure a child doesn’t get to the product may not be the most sensible solution; if a child can get through one seal, they can get through two. If you’re in California, that’s something to call your local representative about.

 

Another important effort would be the use of biodegradable packing. This would mean that recreational or medical marijuana plastic containers would simply dissolve in the environment, instead of sticking around in landfills and taking up space. This isn’t always easy, however. As the laws change, new alternatives have to be tested by companies, which costs money and energy.

 

Thankfully, companies like Zoots and Humboldt Cut have already made changes to fight this. They’ve pioneered packagings that can be childproof, but which actually contain no plastic. As these regulations continue to grow, however, the efforts companies like these have already made may start to fall behind growing consumer demands, making that eco-friendly factor a bit harder for the cannabis industry to achieve.

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The Five Best CBD Strains Available Today

By on

July 20, 2018

- The Couch

At this point, it’s pretty much common knowledge, when it comes to how beneficial CBD can be. However, we’ve been largely focusing on the oil. There are a ton of high CBD strains of flower out there that can be just as beneficial as using CBD oil to treat a wide variety of symptoms. This article will break down our selections for the five best CBD strains out there.

1. CBD Critical Cure 

 

This strain offers a low amount of both CBD and THC, but with an overwhelming dominance of CBD. When we say low, we mean around 5% THC and 11% CBD, which is pretty low, compared to some of the stuff you’ll read about just later in this article. It is slightly psychoactive, but it’s not going to rock your world in that sense, by any means.

 

As the name suggests, CBD Critical Cure is a strain that was created specifically for medicinal purposes. It was purposefully grown to be a high CBD strain that would provide pain relief and relax your body at the same time.


A medical dispensary, where you can find many of these strains

2. ACDC 


This strain is also specifically very good for migraines because all of the CBD is a very effective reliever of pain and inflammation. In fact, many people would consider it to be one of the best CBD strains for migraines, and studies have shown medical marijuana to have very promising results in treating severe headaches.


3. Stephen Hawking Kush

Stephen Hawking Kush is a one-to-one strain that’s specifically meant to relax you since it’s also an indica. The CBD completely eliminates the anxiety that could manifest from the THC, meaning this is a complete chill-out strain and good for those that can have severe anxiety disorders.

 

Since it is equal in its THC and CBD components, there will be some psychoactive effects, but the indica style is meant to ease any of the uppity anxious feelings you might get from THC (and that CBD will obviously help). This is one for people who do want to get a little stoney but are also looking for a big relief. Of course, THC can have its health benefits, too, so not everyone takes this strain simply for a good time.

4. Remedy 

This is one of the very high CBD strains that is used specifically for pain relief situations and for anti-inflammation. It’s definitely one of the best CBD strains for migraines because it was made just for those types of ailments. It comes with almost no psychoactive effects, which means you can use this on the day-to-day.


5. Harlequin 

This is considered to be one of the best CBD strains, specifically because it has such a nice ratio of CBD to THC. Pretty much every grow yields flower that has a 5:2 CBD to THC ratio, meaning that you’ve got an overwhelming amount of CBD soothing your ailments, whether they be anxiety or pain. There is still enough THC in this option for that recreational psychoactive effect, but it’s possible to use little enough that you can feel none of that, while still getting relief.

 

Harlequin is ideal for someone who may need it strictly for relief as they go about their day, but who can use a little bit more in their free time to experience that THC if they want.


The Harlequin Strain

 

Depending on your state’s legal status, it may harder or easier to find some of these. For example, if your state is more medicinally focused, you might find more Remedy or CBD Critical Cure, but if you’re in a recreational state, Harlequin will definitely be available.

 

Just like with any medicine, it’s definitely good to shop around and see which one works best for the ailments that you have. Giving all or most of these a try may show you the different benefits that each one can have.

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Featured on Home, The Couch

Is it Time to Start Treating your Dog with CBD?

By on

July 11, 2018

- Featured on Home, The Couch

In the past, we’ve covered a lot of the benefits of CBD, which have been life changing for ailments that chronic sufferers experience daily. Now, not only can human patients experience these benefits in states where it is legal, but dogs can too!


There are a wide range of common ailments in dogs that can be treated by CBD, and some people believe this treatment works better than the standard medications on the market. Here are just a few reasons why it’s time to start filling up the cart with CBD for your pet.


Pain Relief


One big reason that humans use CBD oil is for chronic pain relief, and dogs see this same benefit from this amazing substance. As our dogs get older, their joints can start to ache, and simple tasks can become harder for them to complete. CBD oil can provide the pain relief necessary to get them active due to its anti-inflammatory benefits.

If you start throwing your dog some hemp extract CBD dog treats, then you’ll be helping to ease the pain that’s affecting your furry friend’s livelihood. You could see this change instantly, or it could take a few days or an increase in their CBD dosage before your dog sees relief.



Active dogs that aren’t experiencing joint pain lead happier, healthier lives!


Seizures


Another of the common ailments we’ve seen CBD used for is seizures, both in humans and man’s best friend. In fact, that’s been the primary reason for CBD legalization in many states; the dramatic seizure relief that has been witnessed in children who experience serious epilepsy.

Now, you have the chance to provide your fur baby with a pet-safe CBD hemp oil extract that can lessen the occurrence and severity of their seizures, and even has the potential to eliminate them altogether. Because of this, CBD oil has been used as a life-changing solution for many families, not only for their kids, but their pets as well.


Anxiety Treatment


After the recent firework-heavy holiday that is the Fourth of July, we’ve all seen posts on social media about unusual pet behavior during these explosive events. A lot of animals tend to experience symptoms of anxiety during fireworks, and thunderstorms too.

No one wants their pets to go through that, but anxiety can also cause some rambunctious behavior that isn’t the best for a clean house. The people over at Innovet, a natural pet remedies company, said that they receive a ton of questions during the fireworks season about what can be done to treat a dog’s anxiety. Innovet always points compassionate clients to their CBD hemp products as a way to relieve anxiety in dogs, so that they’re both happy and less destructive to your house.


Replace pharmaceutical anxiety medication with CBD!


Treatment of Cancer Symptoms


Sadly, dogs can also get cancer just like humans. Fortunate, CBD can ease a lot of the symptoms that dogs may experience during this time.

Innovet first started studying the effects of CBD oil when one of the company dogs, Gordo, had a bad reaction to chemotherapy. Unfortunately, due to how hard it was at the time to get their hands on hemp oil, they weren’t able to get it in time.

One of the worker’s dogs, Maximus, also happened to be going through nasal cancer at the same time they were trying to get hemp oil for Gordo. Maximus had stopped walking and eating because of the severity of his symptoms. Luckily, the Innovet team was able to obtain enough hemp oil in time to help Maximus, and saw him happily walking around, exploring the warehouse, and eating again, only 30 minutes after the first dose!


Beyond symptom relief, there is research being done to suggest that CBD helps with cancer prevention, weakening cancer cells, and with fighting tumors. For this same reason, there is significant research on CBD and other cannabinoids for cancer prevention in humans – many pet owners have seen this as a life changing medicine for their dogs as well.


An Easy Choice

There are many types of symptoms that hemp oil can alleviate in dogs, beyond what we’ve discussed here. It can also help with your dog’s appetite, their digestive system, and even keep their heart healthy. After the experience Innovet had with their dogs and CBD, they dove right in and are now offering these products to pet owners everywhere.


Treating your dogs with CBD oil means that not only will you be alleviating some known ailments, but you will also be preventing other illnesses from occurring, making for a happier pet all around. Give Innovet’s CBD products a try!

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The Couch

Do You Know This Hidden Benefit of CBD for Dogs?

By on

June 15, 2018

- The Couch

When your dog is in pain, it’s a terrible feeling, isn’t it? You want to do whatever it takes, to help him or her feel better.

That’s exactly how I felt, when my American Eskimo, Baggins, suffered from arthritis. I took him for acupuncture and fed him anti-inflammatory herbs to ease the pain. But if he were still alive today, I’d give him CBD products.

That’s because a growing body of research shows that, in addition to the fact that CBD oil is beneficial for humans, there are dozens of benefits of CBD for dogs. It’s completely natural and a safe alternative to traditional medications.

In this article, you’ll discover the science behind why CBD is so powerful and how it can help your dog. But first, allow me to explain what it is.

What is CBD?

Let’s make one thing clear: CBD, or cannabinoid, will not get anyone “high.” It can’t. It’s a different part of the hemp plant than marijuana, and it doesn’t have the same characteristics (high levels of THC).

Instead, the hemp plant was used for thousands of years to make rope, clothing, paper, and even fuel. Hemp was perfectly mainstream and it’s even said the original Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.


Unfortunately, hemp underwent a smear campaign in the 1930’s (which is a story for another post). The short version is, hemp was reclassified as marijuana, an anti-drug campaign was launched by the Federal Government, and hemp was declared illegal.

As you know, those laws are being repealed, and a growing body of research shows that CBD has dozens of benefits for dogs and humans.

One of those benefits is effective and natural pain relief.

CBD: Nature’s Pain Relief

It turns out that your dog has a built-in system created to work with the active ingredients in CBD for natural pain relief.

This system, called the endocabbinoid system, has an essential role to play when it comes to stress and pain relief. You’re probably familiar with the central nervous system. That’s the internal network of nerves and receptors that process messages from the brain all day long. Imagine special receptors that, if activated, can reduce pain in your dog, but there’s a catch – they require a special ingredient.

That’s the essence of the endocabbionoid system, and CBD is the special ingredient. For too long, these receptors have been ignored. However, thanks to continuing advances in science, we now know they exist, and we also know that CBD acts as a key to unlock the healing powers of these receptors.

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Imagine that your dog is stressed and in pain, then you give him a CBD-infused dog treat, or a few drops of a tincture, and he’s able to relax. That’s the power of CBD. It reminds those receptors to release serotonin – nature’s stress reliever.

It also increases the naturally occurring pain compound, anandamide, in the body, so it can flow through the bloodstream.

But all CBD products aren’t created equal.

What Do You Need to Know, Before You Buy CBD?

CBD pet products come in a wide range of tinctures, topicals, treats, and more. However, they aren’t all created equal, and some can even be toxic. In this wild west world of CBD, there are few regulations, which means it’s up to the manufacturer to create and abide by their guidelines.

Look for a company that uses a high-quality processing method, like using pharmaceutical grade ethanol, to safely remove toxins. Look for independent testing and low THC. Quality CBD pet products have less than .03% THC. Any more could be dangerous to animals.

You’ll also want to know how much to dose your pet. A large breed like a Newfoundland will take more than a teacup-sized dog. It’s a good idea to start with the lowest dosage, of a drop or less a day – especially if you have a small dog – and to then work your way up. Your veterinarian may be able to give you more customized guidelines, and most recommend .05 mg/pound.


How Long Will It Take to Reduce Your Dog’s Pain?

Some dogs will show immediate relief, whereas some may need a few days before it takes effect. If your dog shows no relief after a few days at the lowest dosage, you may want to add a little more (which is why it’s good to make notes, so you can keep track of any changes in behavior or dosage).

The research is just beginning on the endocabbinoid system and how it affects pain relief, but I think you’ll agree that, if your dog is suffering in pain, it’s a worth trying. Now that you know natural pain relief is a primary benefit of CBD for dogs, you can find quality CBD pet products to help your pet feel his or her best.

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3 DIY No-Bake Marijuana Treats: How to Make Edibles Without Cooking

By on

May 29, 2018

- The Kitchen - Recipes

With the marijuana edible craze sweeping the United States like the best thing since sliced bread, you may feel a bit left in the weeds. If you can’t get edibles from your local supplier, or if you just want to save some coin and whip up your own, you don’t even need a stove! Cooking edibles has never been easier, uplifting and delicious all in one. It’s easy to learn how to make edibles without cooking, by following these 3 DIY no-bake marijuana edible recipes. So put on your stoner chef hat and fancy baker’s apron, to get the most out of your marijuana edible experience.

Don your ganja chef duds


Canna-Oil First


Although these marijuana edibles recipes do not require baking, they do use canna-oil. Canna-oil is a prepared concoction you will need, and it requires heat to be made. This is the simplest recipe for canna-oil, as it only requires boiling water.


You will need a medium saucepan, 2 sticks of butter or 2 cups of coconut oil, a cheesecloth (easily found in any supermarket), a rubber band, and a glass container with a lid (like a small casserole dish).


Once you’ve collected those items, follow these easy steps:


  1. Boil water in medium saucepan.
  2. Add a cup of butter (2 sticks) or coconut oil to the boiling water.
  3. Sprinkle in marijuana (the amount here is up to you – the more you use, the stronger the result).
  4. Let simmer on low for 30-60 minutes (this allows time for the THC to absorb into the fat of the butter or coconut oil).
  5. Let cool down, and then pour into cheesecloth, which should be spread over your glass container (pushed down slightly in the middle, to avoid runoff, and rubber-banded around the edge, to prevent it from sliding off).
  6. Throw away cheesecloth and spent herb, then cover glass container and put in fridge overnight.
  7. In the morning, the fat and water will have separated, leaving a solid, waxy block, loaded with THC. Pop out the wax block (gently use a butter knife to wedge), discard liquid, rinse block, and when you need canna-oil for cooking edibles, simply break off a wax piece and heat or microwave into a liquid.

Stoner Chocolate Balls


Mix ’em up, roll’em up, and enjoy these, courtesy of The Cannabist, any time of the day!


Ingredients:


  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • ¼ cup sweetened dried coconut
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 tablespoons canna-oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa


Directions:


  1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, with the exception of the powdered sugar and remaining cocoa. Stir to blend well, and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl combine the powdered sugar and the cocoa.
  3. Divide the chilled mixture into 12 portions, form into balls by hand, and roll each in the sugar/cocoa mixture. Place on a sheet of parchment or waxed paper as you go.
  4. Store in refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
  5. Makes 12 1-inch balls.

Gourmet items – like delectable Marijuana Cheesecake – can all be made without baking.


No-Bake Marijuana Cheesecake


If you, like most people, have a sweet spot for cheesecake, you have to try out this no-bake marijuana take, courtesy of Infused Eats.


Ingredients:


  • 1 large pre-made graham cracker pie crust
  • 1/3 cup cannabis-infused coconut oil or canna-oil, room temperature
  • 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese (vegan or non-vegan), room temperature
  • 1 14-ounce can (1 ¼ cups) sweetened condensed milk (can substitute with vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:


  1. Beat together the infused coconut oil and cream cheese in a large bowl, until smooth.
  2. Beat in the condensed milk a little at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
  3. Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla.
  4. Pour the filling into the crust, and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, roughly 2.5-3 hours.
  6. Add toppings (optional), slice, and serve.

Cannabis Training University - Master Certification

 


Cannabis Cookie Bars


Say the words “cannabis cookie bars” to just about anyone, and eyebrows will certainly raise when cooking edibles that taste heavenly happens without any cooking at all. This yummy recipe comes from the folks over at Cannadish and makes 6-8 beautiful bars.


Ingredients:


  • 1/2 cup melted canna-oil
  • 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3- 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 1⁄2 cups peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted (vegan works here as well)
  • 1 (12-ounce) bag milk or dark chocolate chips

Directions:


  1. Combine graham crumbs, sugar, and peanut butter, and mix well.
  2. Blend in cannabis oil and melted butter, until well combined.
  3. Press mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan.
  4. Crush chocolate chips, spread over mixture, and gently press in.
  5. Chill 2-3 hours, then cut into bars.

These three DIY no-bake marijuana edible recipes combine easy ingredients, a minimal time commitment, and lots of green love to your kitchen. Now that you know how to make edibles without cooking, you can share the simple, fun, and worth-the-effort love with your friends, as you embark on making some new homemade delights.

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The Kitchen - Recipes

3 Major Tips for Creating Killer Cannabutter Brownies

By on

February 27, 2018

- The Kitchen - Recipes

If you’re an edibles fan, you know that there’s one go-to cannabis treat that everyone craves: marijuana brownies!



Most people shovel out the money for a great cannabutter brownie, but little do many people know, they are pretty simple to make at home, in your very own kitchen!

If you’re a regular smoker or would like to try your hand at homemade marijuana edible snacks, this article is for you!

We’re here to discuss the best tips and tricks to baking your best marijuana brownies yet.

The Secret is in the Butter!



If you’re thinking that making a bomb brownie that will have you baked is as simple as sprinkling a few nugs into your batter, you’re sadly mistaken.

The secret to making marijuana brownies that really deliver is extracting the cannabutter from your bud.

Not only will this help to reserve the yummy, chocolatey taste of the brownie mix, but you won’t have to chew on your cannabis to get that warm, fuzzy effect.

Where Can I Get Cannabutter for My Brownies?



There are many ways to craft your own cannabutter, but since this is a beginner’s guide, we’re going to make it simple for you to understand and execute.

You can cut out the hassle of separating the canna oil from your actual weed, by purchasing a batch of either the oil or the cannabutter from your local dispensary.

Either way, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get your hands on this important ingredient for your marijuana brownies.

Get Your Ratios Right!



One thing that can really mess up your cannabutter brownies is your ratios and percentages being incorrect.

This can throw off the strength of your brownies, by either making them way too strong, or disappointingly weak.

For example, let’s say you’re using your grandma’s tried-and-true brownie recipe that calls for a third of a cup of oil. You might assume that it’s easy enough to swap that out with a third of a cup of canna oil.

However, if you do that without understanding the potency of canna oil, you won’t be able to measure how much THC is in each brownie.

  • Is it Easy to Understand THC Potency and Ratios?

When you’ve taken the time to throw on your chef hat and apron, you expect brownies fresh out the oven that are going to give you the results that you really want.

You can ensure your brownies are a hit – and that they hit you the right way – by following a simple dosage guideline.

If you’re neither a baker nor a cannabis connoisseur, this part of making your marijuana brownies may scare you off. There’s no need to be frightened, when you have the internet on your side!

You can easily calculate the potency of your potential recipe with an online calculator.

  • Don’t Cook Your Brownies Over 350⁰F


If you’re reading a recipe online that suggests preheating your oven to 420⁰F (as ironic as that might be), you should bypass that advice.

Any recipe that calls for 350⁰F or more will throw off the potency of your brownies. Temperatures over 340⁰F begin to degrade the properties of THC.

After you’ve taken the time to measure your canna oil and its potency, the last thing you want to do is completely destroy its THC properties.

How Long Should I Bake My Brownies?


As with any other recipe that calls for basic baking and cooking skills, crafting the perfect cannabutter brownies takes a certain level of skill and science.

Depending on the size of your batch, your cooking times could vary.

Just remember, keep your temperature below 350⁰F; slow and steady wins the race!

Once your cannabutter brownies are finished, be sure to share the love (but only with those who want the effects of a marijuana brownie).

Learn more about how you can label your edibles here, to let everyone know how great of a baker you are!

 

Author Byline:

Maxine Samone, also known as The Curly Copywriter, spends her free time curating awesome articles, branding businesses, and documenting her journey on Instagram. Get daily news on everything hip and urban—including the best business practices for up and coming brands—by visiting www.maxinesamone.com.

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The Kitchen - Recipes

Gourmet Edibles Recipes You Never Knew You Could Make

By on

February 23, 2018

- The Kitchen - Recipes

Edible cannabis recipes have significantly stepped up into valid gustatory delights. Many packaged creations are already at the forefront, from gummy candies to infused smoothies, offering multiple levels of effects. However, going beyond sweet treats and into delectable entrées is an easy addition to your elevated menu.

Now, you can create gourmet edibles recipes you never knew you could make. Read on for some simple formulas you can prepare at home that will certainly impress.

Make the Oil First

Many gourmet edibles recipes require some type of olive or vegetable oil. These oils have fat molecules that readily absorb the marijuana THC. This is why some edible recipes with coconut oil have become popular, as this oil is higher in fat (good fat that is).

So, before you get up to your elbows in Rachel Ray or Bobby Flay creations, start by making your cannabis oil.

First, grind your herb down (the amount is up to you), spread it on a cookie sheet, and bake at 240°F for 30-40 minutes, before grinding it down in a food processor. Next, select olive, coconut, or canola oil, as your base. Once these first two steps are completed, combine the oil and herb (2 cups of oil: 1-1.5 ounces of ground herb). Carefully pour the mix into a slow cooker, making sure nothing sticks to the sides, and heat on low for 3 hours. Then, let the mix then cool for 5-8 hours. Place a cheesecloth over a glass bowl, and push an indent into the middle, while securing with a rubber band around the bowl edge. After the mix has cooled, slowly pour the cooking oil into the cheesecloth, to strain it. Squeeze the excess oil out of the cheesecloth and discard the cloth.

Your canna oil is now ready to cook with. Here are some delectable base recipes, beyond the realm of ganja brownies, to get you started:

Spaghetti Squash and Veggie Meatballs w/Cannabis Infused Marinara

This delightful take on Italian fare is easy on the digestive system while soothing the mind at the same time.

Squash Prep:

  1. Cut the squash into 4 or 5 thick rings, massage the insides with cannabis oil, and roast at 400°F for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove from the oven, let cool, remove the skins, and extract the spaghetti-like strands from each ring into a bowl.

Sauce and Veggie Balls Prep:

  1. Combine 1/4 of a cup of cannabis oil with vegetarian meatballs (found at supermarkets or health food stores), diced garlic, basil, and salt and pepper (to taste) into a sauce pot/
  2. Sauté for 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add two cans of tomato paste and one can of tomato sauce.
  4. Cook on low for 45 minutes.
  5. Add additional spices to taste.

Pour the sauce and veggie balls over your spaghetti squash, and serve with grated cheese.

Cheddar Burgers with Sautéed Bacon and Shallots

This recipe is fast, simple, and gourmet (and can also be adapted for vegetarians). It is one of many savory edibles recipes that work quite well with coconut oil.

  1. Mix beef or vegetarian chop meat with 1 egg, ½ cup cheddar cheese, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and two tablespoons of cannabis oil.
  2. Form the mixture into palm-sized patties and bake on a greased cookie sheet at 400°F for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Add to your favorite gourmet bread roll, then top with sautéed bacon or vegetarian bacon, shallots, and any other condiments you enjoy.

Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup

Whether in the thick of winter or the start of spring, Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup is one of those hearty, gourmet edibles dishes that will transport you to another realm.

  • ¼ cup cannabis oil*
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 diced carrots
  • 1 diced potato
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cloves pressed garlic
  • 2 cans white cannellini beans
  • 2 bunches kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
  • 64 oz. good quality, low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
  • Kosher Salt
  • Ground black pepper

*As far as edible recipes with coconut oil, using coconut oil in this particular recipe will yield a slightly sweeter taste.

In a soup pot, sautéé cannabis oil, garlic, carrots, onion, potatoes, carrots, kale, bay leaves and beans for 10 minutes. Add chicken or vegetable stock, bring to a boil, and then let simmer for 45 minutes, before serving. Voila!

Gourmet edibles recipes using infused cannabis oil may sound complex at first, but you will soon find that, not only are they easy to prepare, but they can also take your edibles experience to a new, dare we say more sophisticated, level. Using these recipes and beyond, you will no doubt impress guests seeking a delicious meal full of healthy ingredients, while still enjoying the benefits of marijuana edibles. Afterward, be sure to continue the feast with sweet desserts, to round out the night in a place of joy and relaxation.

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Edible Reviews

Edibles Review: Kiva Confections Blackberry Dark Chocolate Bar

By on

February 19, 2018

- Edible Reviews

Of all the edibles review products I’ve trialled, the Kiva Confections Blackberry Dark Chocolate Bar was the hardest to resist going beyond the suggested serving size. Kiva Confections has won many awards for their edibles, and, from the first bite, the taste backs up the many accolades. It’s extremely high quality chocolate, and the cannabis flavor is placed so perfectly that it mixes well with every other taste sensation, leading me to wish I could get this exact flavor from something that wouldn’t affect my daily functioning from binging on it.


Just before liftoff


The Eating Experience

At first glance, it’s obvious that this a high-quality product. The exterior packaging is nicely designed, and you open up the box to a sturdy wrapper around the bar. Depending on where you buy, your packaging could say different things on it, and the bar itself could look different.

On their website, you’ll see a lot of the bars portioned into four squares. The bar I got was split into 20 little bricks. I enjoyed that, because it meant I could very easily choose the serving size I was going for. With each brick clocking in at 5mg, it’s up to the user and their respective, known tolerance to decide how much to take. Worth noting is that a normal serving is 10mg, but, if you’re truly cautious, one 5mg brick might be enough.


After I ate my serving (and resisted eating the whole bar), I plopped myself onto the couch, ready to begin taking notes for my edibles review. Within 45 minutes, I felt the effects kicking in. By 9 p.m., I felt a body high that was very much creeping up on me. I was cemented to the couch, talking to my roommates, when I first started to notice it. My arms and legs felt a little bit more relaxed, as well as cumbersome.



Once my roommates had left, I noticed that the feeling in my body was rapidly growing, evolving into a very cerebral effect. Everything slowed down bodywise, and I was becoming very easily distracted by my surroundings. The feeling was very comfortable though, especially since I wasn’t expecting it to come on with such strength, and at such an accelerated pace.


The Peak

About three hours after eating the chocolate was when that I finally hit the peak of the experience. Everything was hilarious. Whatever was on TV was too much to handle, every meme that came up in my Facebook feed was saved to my phone and redistributed; I was in that very euphoric state, where everything becomes so much more humorous and relevant, and it was fun, while it lasted. I’ve also been dealing with a slight jaw pain, which also subsided mostly, during this peak. I was coming at this very recreationally, but surprisingly, the benefits extended to physical pain relief, too. I was very relaxed, aches were gone, and all worries were out the door for the day.


Bedtime

Once the effects started to wear off, I was very exhausted, but it was also well past my bedtime, so this wasn’t a groggy burn-out feeling; it was just time to sleep. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I slept like a baby, until my alarm broke me out of my slumber. I definitely felt a little groggy upon waking up, but I was quickly able to get out of bed. While the Kiva chocolate had not fully worn off, it was not impeding my day, which can’t be said of most products on the market.


Kiva’s Other Products


Other than the Blackberry Dark Chocolate Bar, Kiva Confections offers a variety of flavors in milk chocolate and dark chocolate options. The company also have bars specifically made with the THC count as the primary objective, as well as bars which target the balance of THC and CBD amounts, for those of us seeking the added benefits of CBD oil. They also have mini bars that are the size of a single square, if you’re just looking for that tiny taste.



Not Kiva’s only product, but an excellent one!


Beyond chocolate bars, Kiva Confections also sell tins of their Petra Mints, which have low doses of THC, but are perfect for on-the-go and low-dose usage. Kiva’s other big product, Terra Bites, are chocolate-covered espresso beans, a snack people have fallen in love with in the last decade, but now with cannabis as an added bonus.


Based on this bar, the quality of chocolate Kiva Confections uses is unmatched by other brands. Given how seriously they take product taste, as well as effects, their other products are unlikely to disappoint. If you’re curious, find a dispensary or online store that sells their products, and take a crack at your own edibles review, for friends and family who may be curious.

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