Are you over 21 or a registered medical marijuana patient?

Monthly Archives: November 2018

Ratio Products: The Balance You’ve Been Looking For

Balance. It’s something we all strive for, and we make choices every day that tip the scales one way or the other. Things like deciding whether to stay late at the office, or leave early to make it home for dinner with the family; to sit at your desk to get through emails or take 30 minutes to get a workout in; to choose the buttery scone or bowl of oats to go with your latte order. It’s all a part of the human experience, something we’re all trying to navigate.

 

If you are suffering from decision fatigue, one less thing you have to worry about is choosing between THC and CBD. Ratio products offer a combination of the two, and have become increasingly popular with those who want to experience the benefits of both cannabinoids for  what many call a balanced cannabis experience. If you’re curious about the effects of ratio products, read on to gain a basic understanding of the two most popular cannabinoids and what you can expect when consuming them together.

 

 

Wait, you keep using the word cannabinoid. What is that?

 

 

Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that produce a diverse range of healing and therapeutic effects. There are two types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids are naturally produced within the human body and phytocannabinoids are found within the trichomes of the cannabis plant.

 

                                

 

 

A cannabis bud covered in trichomes.                                                                                                   A close-up of a trichome.

 

Images by Cornerstone Collective.

 

 

Both phyto- and endocannabinoids work with receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS). which plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis within our body.

 

The ECS works to balance the effects of both internal and external stressors, and it would not be able to do so without the help of cannabinoids.

The two most commonly recognized receptors in the ECS are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, and CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system.

 

Now let’s take a look at two of the most commonly recognized cannabinoids and the effects they produce before we learn how they work together.

 

 

Tetrahydrocannabinol – more than a means to an elevated state of being.

 

 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for its elevating and uplifting effects, commonly referred to as a high. THC is typically associated with recreational cannabis use because of the feelings of euphoria that it’s able to produce. But its medicinal properties should not be overlooked.

 

Research shows that THC can act as an effective antidepressant. A low-dose can elevate mood and calm anxiety, and is proven to be useful in treating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as severe depression and anxiety. In one particular study, THC showed significant antidepressant like effects when the participants consumed a dose of 2.5 mg – a micro-dose by community standards.

 

Not only can THC improve our mental-state, it’s also known to treat various physical ailments and issues. It offers relief from chronic pain, acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory – helpful for those with arthritis – and is proven to alleviate nausea and vomiting – often a side-effect of chemotherapy treatment.

 

It’s important to note that THC is a powerful psychoactive stimulant that can produce intoxicating effects, which can be disorienting and sometimes unpleasant. To avoid any adverse effects, start with a micro- or low-dose of THC, and if you choose to increase the dose, do it slowly. Wait at least two hours before consuming more, especially with edibles as it takes longer to feel the effects.

 

Another way to mitigate the chance of feeling over-stimulated from THC is to incorporate CBD into your consumption method.

 

 

Cannabidiol – healing, therapeutic, and so much more.

 

 

 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is appealing to many because it produces a myriad of healing and medicinal effects, but is non-intoxicating. If you want to avoid feeling high, CBD is a great option for you.

After consuming CBD, you will typically feel more relaxed and less tense.

 

In a study from HelloMD, 80 percent of respondents said that they found CBD to be an effective form of treatment. Those who participated in the study used CBD most commonly for insomnia, depression, anxiety, and joint pain. CBD is also proven to effectively treat such issues as: epileptic seizures, muscle convulsions and spasms, psoriasis and eczema, and inflammation.

 

CBD has become increasingly popular amongst those who are physically active. After a workout, a dose of CBD will help relieve aches and pains and keep your muscles from tensing up. And, since CBD is non-intoxicating, you can feel great about consuming after your early-morning workout before you head into the office. The CBD will allow your body to feel relaxed while allowing your mind to feel clear- the perfect combination for tackling the day ahead.

 

 

Better together: when THC and CBD are combined.

 

 

 

The harmonious combination of THC and CBD produces a unique set of benefits that cannot be achieved when consumed on their own.

 

Because of the way in which CBD interacts with our ECS receptors, CBD tends to elevate the positive effects of THC while minimizing the negative. By inhibiting THC’s ability to bind with our receptors, you are able to avoid any overstimulation, and instead achieve a more relaxed state-of-being. And, CBD actually slows down the breakdown of THC in the liver, therefore prolonging the medicinal effects of THC. It isn’t all one sided though. THC enhances the effects of CBD, because it binds more effectively with our CB1 receptors.

 

Ratio products are offered in different combinations, so you can choose from a variety of ratios to meet your specific needs:

 

  • Lower in THC and higher in CBD, i.e. 2.5 mg THC to 25 mg of CBD. This combination will allow you to enjoy the medicinal benefits of CBD with a mild psychoactive experience from the THC.
  • Equal parts THC and CBD, i.e. 5 mg of THC to 5 mg of CBD. Remember, the THC will elevate the healing effects of CBD, while the CBD will calm the elevating effects of THC. This allows for a relaxing, therapeutic experience.

 

We still have a long way to go in understanding the effects of both cannabinoids individually and collectively, but there is enough evidence to prove that the combination of the two are certainly effective. Both offer the benefits of alleviating chronic pain, minimizing anxiety, treating depression, and acting as an anti-inflammatory and sleep-aid. But when combined, the two are all the more powerful.

 

 

We are excited to share with you that 3Leaf will be releasing our line of Ratio Treats soon! Our Double Chocolate Cookie and Peanut Butter Cookie combine 5 mg of THC with 5 mg of CBD for a perfectly balanced cannabis experience. The various benefits of each cannabinoid listed above are contained in a delicious treat with zero cannabis taste. And yes, while these products are an indulgence on the decadent side, you can rest assured that we still use only the highest quality ingredients when crafting each premium edible. The big announcement of their release date is coming soon, so be sure to stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our newsletter.

3Leaf’s Guide to a Perfect Thanksgiving Weekend

We still can’t believe that it’s almost Thanksgiving. It feels like it was January 1st only a moment ago, and the legalization of adult-use of cannabis in California had just begun. But months have passed and so much has happened. And now, as we begin to look back and take stock of this year, we realize there is so much for us to be thankful for. To name a few: we added 3Leaf Fruit Jellies to our lineup of healthy, natural edibles – and we have two more additions on the way; we’ve partnered with over 80 retailers across California, and we’re steadily adding to that list; we were a part of some amazing events; and, we’ve been able to connect with so many inspiring people who continue to motivate us in our pursuit to craft delicious, effective, and safe edibles.

 

While it’s important to look back and reflect on what we are thankful for, we also have a long weekend to prepare for! There are turkeys to cook, guest bedrooms to make-up, trails to hike, and football games to watch. 3Leaf can add to each element of your long weekend; moreover, we can help make them even more enjoyable.

 

Cook an Epic Turkey Dinner

 

Everybody has their own way to cook a turkey dinner. Your grandma still cooks the turkey until it’s dry, and your vegan brother finally perfected his mashed potato recipe – who needs real butter? Not us! But this year, it’s your turn to impress. Don’t panic! There’s still time to prepare before the big day. Once it arrives and your guests start to show up, keep 3Leaf close by. You can discreetly enjoy a delicious tasting snack that doesn’t taste or smell like cannabis whatsoever. And, the effects of the THC distillate infused in each edible will help you stay uplifted and energized all day. Edibles take between 30 and 60 minutes to take effect, but they can last for up to 8 hours.

 

The key to maintaining the balancing act of cooking and entertaining is a micro- or low-dose of THC. Micro-dosing with cannabis has been linked to an increase in the ability to focus and a decrease in anxiety. Start with a small amount and be sure to wait before consuming more. The effects you experience depend on many factors, from how much water you’ve had to how much you weigh, so low and slow is the best approach, especially for novice consumers. Enjoy one 3Leaf Quinoa Granola Bite or Coconut Oatmeal Cookie in the morning as you’re prepping the food, and as dinner gets underway, you can always have another. Our edibles will not only add to the delicious flavors of the meal you cooked, but they also make a great alternative to a glass of wine. They’ll allow you to slip into relaxed conversations and truly enjoy your time with your family, and you don’t have to worry about a hangover in the morning.

 

Conquer a Hike

 

Being in nature is good for our health and well-being. It reduces the production of stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, increases feelings of positivity, and gives us a sense of peace and balance. Cannabis is the perfect complement to the benefits of nature. Its healing and medicinal compounds are naturally produced within the cannabis plant. So, don’t stay stuck inside all weekend. Grab a friend and a package of 3Leaf and check out some of our favorite trails:

 

NorCal Trails

 

 

SoCal Trails

 

 

Sit Back, Relax, and Watch Some Football

 

Picture this: your aunts, uncles, in-laws, siblings, nieces, and nephews have all left, you’re on the couch in your sweat pants and your team’s jersey, you have control of the remote, and your favorite snacks are less than an arm’s reach away. But, you’re still wound up from hosting. You need something to relax you and help your muscles recover after that hike. 3Leaf’s new Fruit Jellies are the perfect solution. Our Strawberry jellies contain a micro-dose of THC, and our Blood Orange jellies contain a low-dose of THC. They’ll provide you with the medicinal benefits of cannabis without an overwhelming psychoactive high. You’ll be absolutely relaxed and perfectly capable of focusing on the game. Moreover, our Fruit Jellies are non-filling and contain less than 10 calories per piece, so you can save more room for your favorite snacks. They’ll make the perfect addition to your NFL Sunday.

 

From our team at 3Leaf, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thank you for taking the time to read our post. To find out more about our low-dose, high-quality edibles click here. Never miss out on 3Leaf news and exciting announcements, including the latest retailers carrying 3Leaf products. Be sure to join our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Providing Clarity on Cannabis Distillate

When it comes to cannabis there are many options to choose from today. There are different strains, various consumption methods, and products that come in a range of doses. But, for a clean and pure experience, nothing compares to cannabis distillate.

 

It all comes down to the extraction method. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of different compounds known as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that provide various medicinal and therapeutic effects. Through an extraction process called “short path distillation” or “fractional” these compounds are separated from the cannabis plant and isolated from one another. They are then further refined to create a cannabis concentrate that can reach up to 99% purity.

 

It’s possible that cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes can be separated from one another because each compound has a different boiling point. Once the compounds reach their boiling point they can be separated and then further refined using solvents such as butane, propane, high-proof alcohol, or carbon dioxide.

 

3Leaf uses distillate refined with carbon dioxide through a method called CO2 supercritical extraction. The cannabis is heated and pressurized with carbon dioxide, which is one of the safest solvents to use in the distillation process because it leaves behind no harmful residue. Instead, what’s left is a clean, consistent, and safe product.

 

Other solvent-based extraction methods, such as butane hash oil (BHO) and propane hash oil (PHO) produce cannabis concentrates that can also be used in edibles or consumed on their own. These concentrates vary in potency and consistency and come in various forms known as: shatter, budder, sap, and sugar. It takes an expert to ensure that no residual solvents are left during the refinement process because it is quite complex and dangerous, considering that butane and propane are extremely flammable. Another popular extraction method involves soaking cannabis in alcohol, either isopropyl or Everclear. The high-proof alcohol breaks down the cannabis compounds and eliminates much of the plant material. It is then purged through evaporation, which is a lengthy process that requires precise temperature control.

 

3Leaf uses distillate refined with carbon dioxide rather than butane, propane, or high-proof alcohol because it produces a pure final product with no residual solvents. Above all, we aim to provide consumers with a safe product that can be consumed without having to worry. Our approach also allows us to craft products where the food taste and experience is first and foremost.

 

We choose distillate comprised entirely of cannabinoids, either tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without any terpenes because we want a cannabis concentrate that provides the healing effects without the cannabis taste. When you enjoy a Quinoa Granola Bite you can taste the cranberries, walnuts, and dark chocolate; when you eat a Coconut Oatmeal Cookie you’ll taste coconut and a hint of white chocolate and agave; and when you eat a Strawberry or Blood Orange Fruit Jelly, you taste the refreshing flavors of real fruit.

 

The right food will keep you healthy and energized, and cannabis can provide a wide variety of healing effects that can make your day-to-day that much better. More consumers are seeking out micro- and low-dose edibles to promote their health and wellbeing, rather than for getting high. The key to effectively boosting your health and wellbeing with cannabis is proper dosage. Edibles infused with distillate are proven to be one of the most effective ways to achieve proper dosage. Both its level of purity and its ability to be evenly infused in products makes it ideal for achieving an effective and consistent cannabis experience.

 

The recommended starting dose for new consumers is between 2.5 and 5 mg per serving. This may not seem like alot but it’s important to remember that distillate can reach up to 99% potency, making it highly effective. 3Leaf spent months perfecting our dosing method to ensure that each of our edibles contain the amount of distillate specified on our labels. Moreover, all manufacturers are required to provide a Certificate of Analysis with every product order to prove that we adhere to the lab-testing and potency regulations required by the State of California.

 

It is our goal to provide you with a delicious edible that meets your exact needs and provides a consistently enjoyable and effective cannabis experience. Cannabis distillate allows us to craft tasty food products where you enjoy a food-first experience. Whether you’re enjoying one of our micro- or low-dose Fruit Jellies, or our healthy snacks dosed with 10 mg per piece, know that we choose each ingredient, cannabis included, with the intent of providing you with a premium cannabis experience.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read our post. To find out more about our low-dose, high-quality edibles click here. Never miss out on 3Leaf news and exciting announcements, including the latest retailers carrying 3Leaf products. Be sure to join our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.