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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.

A New Era: Healthy Over High

Once you adopt a healthy lifestyle and it becomes a part of your regular routine, you work really hard to stick with it. Because, having a healthy, balanced diet and leading an active life has countless benefits for one’s physical and mental well-being. It reduces stress, boosts our immune system, allows for more restful sleep, and makes us happier in general. We know that the food we eat should make us feel energized, not sluggish; and we know that we should be spending less time sitting and staring at a screen, and more time being active.

 

All common sense, right? What may be news to some is that cannabis can play a significant role in improving one’s well-being. Now that it’s becoming part of the mainstream, people utilizing cannabis to feel healthy rather than high is trending upward.

 

“I think of cannabis as a medicine.”

– Laura Benack, Canna Curious Club

 

 

 

 

As you can see in the video above, cannabis products can be tailored to fit your lifestyle and meet your personal health needs. 3Leaf was created under this premise. Our edibles are made with the highest quality natural ingredients, and they are consistently low-dosed to ensure that you experience a controlled and effective cannabis experience. Every time you eat one of our Quinoa Granola Bites, Coconut Oatmeal Cookies, or Strawberry or Blood Orange Fruit Jellies you can enjoy a delicious edible that tastes like real food, not cannabis. And the fact that we use healthy, often local ingredients and no artificial flavors or sweeteners means that you can feel great about enjoying 3Leaf products.

 

We created 3Leaf because we want an edible that adds to the things we love. Our team is made up of runners, hikers, gym rats, and yogis who often incorporate cannabis into our fitness routines, much like our friend and fellow fitness buff, Dexter Holman:

 

 

“I love to use cannabis for pain management. I do a lot of heavy weight lifting and it causes much pain when I am recovering. I love to consume both before and after [a workout]. Before, to get my mind in a peak flow state – I feel that I am more focused and tunnel visioned when I take a low dose edible. After, I like to take a higher dose edible and CBD to help with the recovery process. Rest is essential and higher doses edibles can help with going to sleep during times of greater muscle pain!”

– Dexter Holman

 

 

 

When taking an edible before a hike or after leg day, it’s important to understand the difference between a micro-, low-, and high-dose edible. A micro-dose, 2.5 mg of THC, is a good starting point for novice consumers. A micro-dose allows you to reap the medicinal benefits of cannabis while experiencing minimal psychoactive effects. The standard for low-dose edibles is around 5 mg of THC. A product that contains 10 mg of THC is now considered a strong dose for those with little to moderate experience with cannabis products. To complement the psychoactive effects of THC, incorporate CBD into your consumption method. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It produces effects that relax the body and calm the mind without any feelings of euphoria. When CBD is taken in unison with THC the psychoactive effects of THC become milder, and the healing effects of CBD are elevated. You can ingest a few drops of CBD oil before or after consuming a product with THC, or consume a ratio product that contains both CBD and THC.

 

It’s important to recognize that dosage is very personal – what works for one may not apply to all. That’s why it’s best to start with a micro- or low-dose and incorporate more, slowly. Consume the same amount a few days in a row before incorporating more. One of our favorite sayings is “start low and go slow”.

 

The health benefits of cannabis are not limited to your workout routine. Its anti-inflammatory properties have proven to be highly effective. Inflammation can be beneficial for your body, as in acute inflammation, which is your body’s initial response to fight off harmful stimuli. But prolonged inflammation can lead to ailments such as arthritis, gastrointestinal issues, and heart disease. People like Jazmin Hupp of Women Grow would not be able to enjoy a full, nutritious diet without cannabis.

 

“Personally, for me, I have digestive sensitivities, and without cannabis I would have to eat a very limited diet.”

– Jazmin Hupp, Women Grow

 

Cannabis has such a positive impact on our health because it works in harmony with our own endocannabinoid system. This component of our physiological makeup plays a large role in ensuring that our body is running optimally.

 

You work hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle; you take time out of your busy schedule to break a sweat; you consume more vegetables than french fries; and, you do your best to keep a balance between your mind, body, and soul. Isn’t it nice to know that cannabis is proven to significantly impact your health for the better?

 

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.

Your First Time? What to Know Before Talking to Your Budtender

What are you looking for?

 

When you visit a licensed cannabis retailer, this is typically what your budtender will ask you. Budtenders not only connect you with products, they are also a great source of knowledge. They can help you gain a better understanding of cannabis and its effects so that you leave with products that give you the experience you’re looking for.

 

Remember, budtenders understand that it can be intimidating the first time you visit a dispensary. But they are there to help you, not to judge you. And they will appreciate your honesty because it allows them to better provide you with a product that meets your needs.

 

To help your budtender help you, let’s run through some basics about cannabis.

 

 

CONSUMPTION METHODS

 

 

Flower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What was once known as pot is now referred to as flower. Retailers offer a much wider variety of products today, and pot became too vague a term. When you purchase flower you are purchasing the cannabis bud. Flower is most commonly consumed by smoking it in a joint, pipe, or bong. You can also purchase ready-to-consume joints, called pre-rolls. The effects of smoking flower can be felt within 10 to 20 minutes, and typically last one to three hours.

 

Vaporization

 

 

Also known as “vaping.” This is another inhalant consumption method, where consumers inhale a cannabis vapor or aerosol using a vape pen or vaporizer. These devices heat cannabis, either dry flower or cannabis extract, at a lower boiling point than a joint. Instead of producing smoke, vapes dispel water vapor. The effects can be felt within 15 minutes to half-an-hour, and last slightly longer than traditional smoking.

 

Edibles

 

 

Edibles are consumed orally and are offered in a variety of products: baked goods, candies, chocolate, gummies or fruit jellies, and beverages. You can even find cannabis infused granola and popcorn now. Some manufacturers infuse their products with flower, but the majority of edibles are made with cannabis concentrate. The effects of an edible takes longer to feel because it is metabolized through the liver and then processed through the blood-brain barrier, rather than directly through the brain as with smoking. For this reason, edibles are considered more effective and they last longer – up to eight hours. Remember, it can take between 40 and 60 minutes for you to feel the cannabis effects from an edible.  So, start low and go slow.

 

Tinctures

 

 

Tinctures combine cannabis extract with a high-proof plant- or animal-based alcoholic extract. They are consumed sublingually – beneath the tongue. Some brands offer tinctures infused with ingestible essential oils. The effects of tinctures can be felt within 15 to 45 minutes, and they typically last longer than smoking but less than edibles.

 

Topicals

 

 

Lotions, balms, and oils infused with cannabis extract are a fairly new way to enjoy the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Topicals provide a non-psychoactive experience, and are effective in treating localized pain. The strength of their effects and how long they last varies between products.

 

Cannabinoids

 

It’s helpful to have a basic understanding of cannabinoids because they play a large role in producing the medicinal and therapeutic effects of cannabis. When you meet your budtender, they will show you various products, most of which contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD). These are the two most widely recognized cannabinoids.

 

Products with THC will provide a psychoactive effect. One of its main benefits is its ability to increase dopamine levels, which allows us to feel pleasure. But it’s medicinal properties should not be overlooked. A low dose of THC can help you manage anxiety – it provides what many recognize as the ability to “get out of your head.”

 

CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating. It’s touted as a highly effective method for treating various complex ailments, such as epilepsy and arthritis. And many women are turning to CBD as an effective way to manage the symptoms of PMS.

 

You can also find products that contain both THC and CBD. These are referred to as ratio products. When THC and CBD are consumed together they produce an entirely different cannabis experience. THC elevates the medicinal effects of CBD, and CBD balances the cerebral effects of THC.

 

REASONS FOR CONSUMING

 

Knowing your reason for consuming cannabis will help your budtender recommend the optimal consumption method and dosage for you. You may partake in cannabis for medical reasons, i.e., to treat chronic pain, help you get a full night’s sleep, or manage symptoms of anxiety or depression. Or perhaps you’re interested in enjoying cannabis recreationally. Many are switching their after-work glass of wine for an edible because they have found that it is easier on their wallet and healthier for both their mind and body.

 

As mentioned above, THC produces psychoactive effects which are commonly known as a high. It’s helpful to know how high you want to feel before speaking with your budtender, or whether you want to feel high at all. If you’d like to avoid a psychoactive cannabis experiences, choose a CBD product. There are also micro- and low-dose options that allow you to reap the medicinal benefits of cannabis while providing mildly uplifting and elevating effects. The more open and honest you are with your budtender about the effects you’re seeking, the more likely you’ll be to achieve them.

 

LEVEL OF DISCRETION

 

Cannabis is certainly becoming more widely accepted as legalization propels it into mainstream culture. However, cannabis still has a few negative stigmas to overcome. Many still associate cannabis with the lazy stoner stereotype, despite the movers and shakers who defy that myth daily.

 

If you’re interested in trying cannabis but are apprehensive because there may be some lingering stigma associated with it, edibles make a great choice. For one, you don’t have to worry about highly visible smoke fumes. And, you don’t have to worry about smelling like cannabis. 3Leaf edibles are infused with THC distillate, which is void of terpenes. The terpenes are what give cannabis its smell and taste. Without them our edibles simply smell and taste like regular food. Each of our edibles are sealed in child-proof and tamper-proof packaging. It’s both easy and safe to take an entire jar or bag of 3Leaf with you to get you through a weekend with your parents, or to enjoy on a hike with friends. Because our edibles are individually wrapped, you can easily grab one or two before heading out the door to conquer your day.

 

                                         

 

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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.

 

 

3 Reasons Why Edibles Are the Perfect Choice for New Consumers

Humans are hardwired to care about what others think – we are predisposed to seek validation so that we can feel good about ourselves. We can say over and over that we do not care about the opinions of others, and some of us might not care what most people think, but we all have at least one person that we want to impress or make proud, one person that we do not want to disappoint.

 

Cannabis has been a source of disappointment for many parents, friends, teachers, employers, and coaches throughout history. This sense of disappointment upon discovering that a person you care about is consuming cannabis stems from a deep-rooted misunderstanding of the plant and the people who partake in its benefits. In the early 20th century, Reefer Madness and other federal propaganda painted cannabis as a mind-numbing gateway drug. Still to this day, cannabis in the United States is categorized as a Schedule 1 substance, which puts it in the same classification as heroin. This narrative gave way to the stoner stigma, which says that cannabis consumers are lazy and unmotivated. But, as people from all walks of life – parents, professional athletes, and senior executives of multi-million dollar companies alike – begin to speak up about cannabis and how they enjoy its various benefits, we see that the gateway drug and stoner moniker do not ring true.

As the veil lifts, more consumers are finding that they can enjoy cannabis without having to worry about being subjected to any judgement from others.

The legalization of adult-use in California on January 1 of this year increased accessibility to cannabis, and piqued the interest of those who want to discover cannabis and its various medicinal properties for themselves. Many would like to introduce cannabis into their life, but remain unsure of where to start. Some are curious about how it will affect them, while others are still worried about judgement from family, friends, or colleagues. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to introduce cannabis into your life, edibles from licensed manufacturers make a great choice. Here’s why:

 

 

A CONTROLLED CANNABIS EXPERIENCE

 

 

Under California law, edibles must contain no more than 10 milligrams of THC per serving. When you purchase an edible with a label that says it contains 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg of THC per serving, you can rest assured that your edible will contain that amount.

 

Edibles that are not compliant with California’s dosage regulations cannot be sold in licensed retail locations.

 

The strict regulations that accompanied the legalization of adult-use on January 1, and the further regulations introduced on July 1 have allowed edibles to become the ideal option for consistent dosing. It’s easier to eat the same size edible that contains a reliable and trusted dosage than it is to roll the same size joint containing the same amount of flower from the same strain of cannabis, and consume the same amount by taking the same size pull. We’ll stick to unwrapping an edible and continuing about our day.

 

 

DISCREET CONSUMPTION

 

 

Edibles provide a discreet way to partake in cannabis. 3Leaf edibles in particular contain cleanly extracted THC or CBD distillate that is void of terpenes, the compound that gives cannabis its taste and smell. When you eat one of our Strawberry or Blood Orange Fruit Jellies, or our Quinoa Granola Bites or Coconut Oatmeal Cookies, all you’ll taste is the delicious ingredients. You’ll have no need to worry about smelling like cannabis when you arrive at wherever you need to be.

 

Another benefit to edibles is the fact that they are sealed in compact packaging. It’s easy to put a container of 3Leaf in your gym bag, or fit a bag of our Fruit Jellies in your purse. If you prefer to take one or two edibles for your day, 3Leaf edibles comes individually wrapped, making it easy to grab and go!

 

 

LOW COST, LOW COMMITMENT

 

 

3Leaf’s new all-natural Fruit Jellies in particular are a great introduction to cannabis. They are one of the only products available in California that cost less than $10 per package. And, each package contains four fruit jellies, so you don’t have to make a significant commitment the first time you decide to try cannabis.

 

 

 

Our Strawberry Fruit Jellies contain 2.5 mg of THC distillate per piece, and our Blood Orange Fruit Jellies contain 5 mg of THC distillate per piece. A micro- or low-dose is the best place to start when introducing cannabis into your life. In the Leafly article, Microdosing With Cannabis: The Benefits Without the Buzz, Dr. Michele Ross, founder of IMPACT Network says, “If you are given a product that is 2.5 milligrams, you are much less likely to have a bad experience. So I think micro-dosing is really the best way to introduce new people to cannabis.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It really is the perfect time to try cannabis. While certain people may still judge those who partake in cannabis, there is without-a-doubt a cultural shift taking place that is moving towards the acceptance and appreciation of cannabis. This is in part because of California’s strict regulations that give consumers access to safe cannabis products from licensed manufacturers and retailers. It’s much more likely to have a consistent and effective cannabis experience from the edibles offered today. And now there are so many more delicious and healthy options for edibles that contain a dosage that will meet your needs – you’re sure to find something that fits your lifestyle.

 

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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.

Cannabis Effects to Meet Your Needs

 

The healing properties of cannabis are derived from hundreds of different compounds, the majority of which we are only beginning to understand; many others remain to be discovered. It’s an exciting time to explore cannabis for both novice consumers and cannabis enthusiasts alike. As the stigmas and misconceptions begin to disappear, conclusive evidence continues to emerge which proves that cannabis provides so much more than just a euphoric state of mind. Not only is cannabis useful for recreational purposes, it provides a myriad of both medicinal and therapeutic benefits that can be tailored entirely to meet your needs. For an in-depth look at how cannabis can fit into your life, read on.

 

Currently, nine States have legalized both medical and recreational cannabis consumption. However, with legalization across Canada coming in to effect next month, and advocates across the U.S. fighting for cannabis access and decriminalization, more consumers will be able to enjoy the wide variety of benefits that cannabis has to offer.

 

 

Image source: Business Insider

 

One person’s experience with cannabis can widely differ from the next due to a variety of factors; the most notable factor being how the compounds in cannabis interact with our own endocannabinoid system, which is unique to each individual and ensures that our body is running optimally. Because cannabis is so personal, the responsibility of understanding the effects of cannabis falls largely on the individual. This may seem daunting, especially for novice cannabis consumers. So to help, we synthesized the three different ways in which cannabis can fit into your lifestyle: medically, therapeutically, and recreationally. We hope that this will help you better understand how cannabis can meet your needs.

 

But first, let’s go through a brief overview of cannabinoids, the compounds found in cannabis that bind with receptors in our endocannabinoid system to produce various healing and uplifting effects.

 

 

Cannabinoids

 

Cannabis produces a variety of cannabinoids that can be useful for medicinal, therapeutic, or recreational purposes. The two most common cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive properties which produce a range of effects, from calming and relaxing to energizing and uplifting. In contrast, CBD is non-intoxicating – you don’t experience the mental high that is associated with THC, but instead you may experience what many call a body high. CBD is known for its ability to relieve pain, and for its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. How you choose to benefit from and enjoy the effects of either THC or CBD, or perhaps a combination of the two, is entirely up to you.

 

 

Medicinal

 

Cannabis has a multitude of medicinal properties that we are beginning to understand. However, we know for certain that it can be an effective alternative to traditional medicine and therapy treatments. Where cannabis enthusiasts and advocates have known this for years, Western science and medicine are only starting to catch up. According to Dr. Ethan Russo and Dr. Caroline MacCallum, there is enough evidence to prove that cannabis is an effective tool in treating particular complex diseases and rare conditions, i.e., multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain (headaches and migraines), chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, and intractable seizures brought on by Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, two forms of epilepsy. It’s also found to be an effective treatment for central sensitivity syndromes, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel.

 

This doesn’t mean that you should throw out all of your pills and start self-medicating. We simply want to illuminate the fact that cannabis can be used as an alternative or complement to Western medicine. Where pharmaceuticals tend to have a long list of negative and harmful side effects, the adverse effects of cannabis can be mitigated by proper dosage and responsible consumption.  

 

Emma Chasen, a cannabis industry consultant and expert, recommends that consumers try a ratio product to reap the full medicinal benefits of cannabis. THC actually elevates the effects of CBD because it binds more effectively with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. If you’d like to experience the benefits of cannabis with little-to-no psychoactive effects look for a ratio product that is higher in CBD to THC. Increasing the level of THC may be more effective for you in decreasing pain or reducing nausea, and the CBD will help to balance out the psychoactive stimulation. When consuming cannabis, start with a micro- or low-dose of 2.5 to 5 mg, and from there, monitor how you feel before introducing more or changing the ratio.

 

Therapeutic

 

You may not need cannabis to directly treat chronic pain or manage a disease or condition, nor are you interested in consuming cannabis solely for recreational purposes. Instead, you might seek to use cannabis as a therapeutic option, because, to put it simply, you’re looking for something that can make the reality of your day-to-day more enjoyable.

Sleep is an area where many consumers find cannabis to be highly beneficial. It’s often said that a good night’s sleep is the cure for just about anything, but a restful sleep is not always easy to achieve. Because of their long lasting effects, edibles make a great option for sleep aid. Where the effects of smoking cannabis usually last from one to three hours, the effects of edibles can last up to eight hours. Those who experience chronic pain or restless sleeps tend to enjoy edibles because it mitigates the pain and allows them to sleep peacefully. Products with higher THC content tend to be more effective when it comes to sleep, but a ratio product with 5 mg of CBD to 5 mg of THC is also highly effective.

 

If you’re new to consuming edibles, night-time is the best time to try them out. And, it’s best to start with a low-dose, such as half of a 3Leaf Coconut Oatmeal Cookie or Quinoa Granola Bite the first night, both dosed at 10 mg per edible. Slowly introduce more each night until you find that your needs are met.

Cannabis can also enable a healthy lifestyle.  Some combine it with yoga, like one of our favorite LA-based yogis, Minelli, who regularly consumes 3Leaf edibles before, during, or after her cannabis infused yoga classes. Many enjoy cannabis because it allows them to quiet the over-activity of their mind so that they can better settle in to the present moment. Moreover, cannabis and both its medicinal and therapeutic properties can be highly beneficial for post-workout recovery. While most of the evidence is anecdotal, numerous professional athletes, fitness buffs, and members of 3Leaf’s own team attest to the fact that cannabis is effective in muscle recovery. THC promotes blood flow, which oxygenates your muscles so that they can recover faster; and, it also helps to promote relaxation, which can alleviate muscle strain and tension.

 

 

Recreational

 

You know the days where you walk through your door absolutely exhausted and spent? You throw your keys on the counter, only for them to slide to the floor, and all you can say is, “I need a drink.” Well, there are certainly days that call for a glass of red wine or a crisp gin martini, but cannabis can be a highly effective alternative to alcohol, and it may pose less of a health risk. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis will actually benefit your liver. And, it’s next to impossible to feel a hangover from cannabis. There is a chance that you will feel drowsy after consuming a large dose, but a headache and nausea associated with overconsumption of alcohol are highly unlikely.

 

THC is typically associated with recreational consumption because of its psychoactive properties which provide the feelings of euphoria. However, CBD can be just as effective in providing the ideal type of cannabis experience for you. Both can promote a feeling of relaxation, but THC will also provide the psychoactive high.

 

High doses of cannabis are typically associated with recreational use; however, researchers and consumers alike have begun to realize that a low-dose can be just as, if not more effective when enjoying cannabis recreationally. A micro- to low-dose, between 2.5 and 5 mg, provides various effects that range from calming and relaxing to uplifting and energizing. And it is far less likely that you will experience adverse effects with a low dose of cannabis. Micro-dosing is a safe and effective way to incorporate cannabis into your lifestyle.

 

As cannabis moves into the mainstream there is no doubt that more research and conclusive evidence will begin to emerge to illuminate its effects and benefits and make understanding cannabis less of a guessing game for the individual. In the meantime, it is up to the individual to understand how cannabis meets their personal needs. As you educate yourself and experiment with different consumption methods and doses we cannot stress enough the importance of low and slow: start with a low dose and wait to see how you react before adding more. With the proper dosage and the right consumption method, you are sure to find a cannabis experience that meets your needs.  

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