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Now You can Micro-Dose with 3Leaf

The idea that less-is-more has taken to both novices and experienced cannabis consumers as of late. As cannabis makes its way into the mainstream, many are beginning to recognize that consuming a higher dose does not equate to a better experience. Both researchers and consumers have discovered that cannabis can be more beneficial when consumed in lower doses. Moreover, micro- and low-dose cannabis consumption methods allow you to enjoy all of the medicinal benefits without the psychoactive high.

Both long time enthusiasts and novices have found that a micro-dose of cannabis fits perfectly into their routine and lifestyle as it allows one to enjoy the benefits without the worry of becoming “too high” to get through the day. Often, we hear of people who swore off cannabis because it made them feel paranoid and anxious for hours on end. These adverse effects are typically associated with an over-consumption of THC – the cannabinoid that produces a psychoactive effect. It’s understandable why you would want to avoid such a negative experience. But, where too much THC can increase anxiety levels, research shows that a micro- to low-dose of THC can actually alleviate stress and anxiety, and allow you to feel calm and capable of focusing.

3Leaf's new micro- and low-dosed natural Fruit Jellies. — 3Leaf’s new micro- and low-dosed natural Fruit Jellies.

Finding the right cannabis dose that meets your personal preference takes time and patience. Start with a low dose and increase it slowly; this is commonly referred to as the low and slow method. The low and slow method allows you to tune in to how you feel after consuming rather than elevating you to a high that you are not comfortable with. It’s helpful when introducing cannabis into your routine to keep a consumption journal. You can write down the type of product you consumed, the dosage, and a few notes on how it made you feel. This allows you to track which methods and dosage work best for you to help guide you in finding the cannabis experience that meets your needs.

Recommended starting dose for edibles

When experimenting with THC, the recommended starting dose is 2.5 milligrams. This is considered a micro-dose, and it’s a great way to incorporate cannabis into your life while mitigating the risk of adverse effects. 3Leaf recently introduced a new line of all-natural Fruit Jellies. They’re made with real fruit purée and contain no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. Moreover, we infuse each edible with pure distillate, so you’ll taste the refreshing fruity flavors rather than cannabis. These micro-dosed Strawberry Fruit Jelly have 2.5 mg of THC per piece with a total of 10mg pf THC per package. With four jellies per package you can easily build on your dose to meet your needs.

How to Safely Build on Your Dose

Increasing from 2.5 mg to 5 mg may not seem significant, but it is certainly noticeable. A low-dose of 5mg is also unlikely to produce any adverse effects, but it is important to know that when doubling your dose you’re likely to experience an entirely different type of cannabis experience. It’s best to consume an edible that is compliant under California’s cannabis legislation.

In addition to 3Leaf’s Strawberry Fruit Jellies, we introduced a Blood Orange Fruit Jelly, dosed with 5 mg of pure THC distillate per piece. Like the Strawberry Fruit Jellies, these Blood Orange Fruit Jellies are made with natural fruit purée and contain zero artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. They also have four jellies per package for a total of 20mg THC per package. Each jelly is meticulously dosed to ensure that you enjoy a consistent cannabis experience.

These jellies allow you to micro- or low-dose with cannabis in a controlled manner. As we mentioned earlier, micro- and low-doses of cannabis, between 2.5mg THC and 5mg THC, allow you to reap the medicinal and therapeutic effects of cannabis and avoid any adverse effects.

One of the most important things to note about cannabis is that its effects are entirely personal, which is why the low and slow method is recommended so highly. Starting with a micro- or low-dose allows you to incorporate cannabis in to your life in a safe way, so that you can find an experience that fits your lifestyle and meets your needs. Cannabis was previously associated with consuming more in order to achieve a euphoric high, where there will always be a time and place for. But it’s interesting to see the shift towards consuming lower doses for the purpose of slightly elevating the day-to-day so you can be be sharp, calm, and focused instead. Because of the wide variety of medicinal, therapeutic, and recreational benefits of cannabis, there is something to meet the needs of just about everyone.

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.

An Introduction to THC and CBD

Cannabis is by far one of the most fascinating plants. Its diverse system contains over one hundred distinct cannabinoids, which provide consumers with a myriad of medicinal and therapeutic effects. The two most common are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A cannabis strain higher in THC will have more psychoactive effects, while a strain higher in CBD is associated with what many call a “body high”. While THC has been the long sought-after cannabis compound, CBD is certainly having its own moment – some may say it’s surpassing THC in popularity. It’s worthwhile comparing the effects of each so we can better understand how they can both benefit us.

The psychoactive effects of THC have appealed to cannabis enthusiasts for centuries. It can put consumers in an uplifted, creative state of mind, and it can also alleviate stress and anxiety. In some cases, it can help minimize depression. However, THC will work best as a stress reliever and anti-depressant when it is consumed in low doses. Too much THC has the opposite effect, and actually increases anxiety. Whether you’re consuming cannabis for the first time or have been enjoying it for years, it is recommended that you start with a micro-dose of THC, between 2 and 5 mgs and work your way up to a larger dose; and, before consuming more make sure to wait a while. It’s also a good idea to stick to the same micro-dose for a few days to see how you react before you decide to incorporate more into your daily routine. A half portion of a 3Leaf edible equates to 5 mgs of THC, which is considered a micro-dose. One full Quinoa Granola Bite or Coconut Oatmeal Cookie is considered a low-dose.

Our brain naturally produces cannabinoids through the endo-cannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating brain function. An article from VICE illustrates how THC and CBD work in harmony with our own endo-cannabinoid system. Both THC and CBD bind with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, or CB1 and CB2 receptors to provide us with a range of benefits. The greatest concentrations of cannabinoid receptors are in the hippocampus (which regulates memory), the cerebral cortex (cognition), the cerebellum (motor coordination), the basal ganglia (movement), the hypothalamus (appetite), and the amygdala (emotions). Our endo-cannabinoid system naturally produces our own cannabinoids, however humans typically do not produce enough for our system to operate at full capacity. THC and CBD compensate for our system’s deficiency by binding with our cannabinoid receptors to produce a variety of effects, such as increased appetite, reduced inflammation, regulated blood pressure, and decreased sensations of pain.

Where THC is touted for providing consumers with a “high” from cannabis, CBD does not induce a psychoactive effect. Moreover, it can actually counteract that feeling of being “too high” if you’ve consumed too much THC. CBD provides a variety of benefits that impact consumers both physically and mentally. It has been credited with helping those who suffer from epilepsy and seizure disorders, pain and inflammation, post-traumatic stress disorder, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and opioid withdrawal.

The benefits of CBD are apparent in the story of Charlotte, a young girl from Colorado whose epileptic seizures are treated with CBD oil. At two-and-a-half-years-old, Charlotte was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, which is a severe form of epilepsy. At one point, she was taking seven prescription medications at a time; and at its worst, Charlotte was experiencing 500 grand mal seizures a week. By age five, her parents had exhausted nearly all options for treatment. But, Charlotte’s father, Matt, found a video online of a young boy in California whose Dravet syndrome was being successfully treated with CBD. Matt and his wife, Paige, decided to try treating Charlotte with CBD oil. And it worked! A few drops of CBD oil reduced the frequency of Charlotte’s seizures from 500 per week to only one. A strain of cannabis developed by the Stanley Brothers to help manage seizures has helped save Charlotte’s life, and primarily consists of CBD. It’s been named Charlotte’s Web, after it’s inspiration. Charlotte’s experience is proof that cannabis can have many therapeutic benefits that go beyond achieving a psychoactive experience.

The medicinal properties of the cannabis plant were federally recognized last month when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex. This is the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified substance derived from cannabis. Epidiolex is a CBD oral solution that treats the seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and another rare form of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This is a significant milestone for the cannabis community, as advocates have worked for years to provide consumers with access to safe, effective medicine as an alternative to prescription pills. This is another step forward in destigmatizing cannabis.

The fact that cannabis has such a wide variety of natural benefits never ceases to amaze us. While THC and CBD can provide consumers with a variety of effects when consumed separately, the two are also highly effective and provide a completely different experience when consumed together. A cannabis product – typically edibles, oils, and tinctures – with a combination of THC and CBD is known as a ratio product. For example, a 1:1 ratio means there is 50% THC and 50% CBD in that particular product. A good mixture to start would be an edible with 5mgs of THC and 5 mgs of CBD. Ratio products are increasing in popularity as they provide a balanced cannabis experience.

People who are looking for the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects should consider introducing CBD in to their lifestyle. While THC undoubtedly provides many medicinal and therapeutic benefits, it is commonly enjoyed recreationally. CBD allows consumers to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without feeling “high.” Try products with one or the other, or a ratio of both, starting with a micro-dose and working your way up slowly. Mainstream society is beginning to recognize cannabis for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits, and we hope that this means cannabis will continue to become more accessible.

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.

Big News for the Cannabis Community

The July 4th is almost here! But, before we get to the lakes, bbqs, and fireworks, there are two major milestones that we need to address.

A few days ago the State of California issued updated guidelines for cannabis products including, among other things, that as of July 1st only products that have passed lab tests may be sold in dispensaries. Licensed retailers will ensure that their suppliers provide them with documentation confirming these lab-testing standards have been met. Consumers should feel comfortable knowing that products that are compliant with the State’s regulations shall be free of pesticides, residual solvents and microbes, and that the dosage of THC or CBD will be as claimed by the manufacturer.

These laws are in place to keep consumers safe. 3Leaf wants to help ensure retailers can offer trusted products so that consumers can enjoy an elevated cannabis experience without any worry. These updated guidelines now enforce a requirement that has been in place by the State of California for some time; all adult-use edibles must be dosed with no more than 10 mgs of THC per serving and that must not have more than 100 mgs of THC in a container. These products must also come in child-proof packaging.

Speaking of cannabis laws and regulations, we must address a major win for the cannabis community. On June 19, 2018, Canada passed a “historic” bill to legalize cannabis! They are the first G7 nation to implement nationwide cannabis legalization. Canada’s Cannabis Act will come in to effect on October 17, 2018. 3Leaf would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to our Canadian n’eh-bors! We hope you enjoyed a great Canada Day long weekend. We can’t wait to partake in Canada Day festivities with you in the future.

Now, we have our own holiday to enjoy! The 4th of July is a perfect time to check out of the day-to-day and check in to fun with family and friends, and to elevate those good times with a few delicious, high quality cannabis treats.

In our opinion, a perfect way to spend this holiday is out in nature with good company, and Lake Tahoe provides the space for just that. Winding waterways and tree covered mountains make it easy to escape the city life. Spending July 4th leisurely floating on the lake in Emerald Bay with some good friends and a jar of 3Leaf is the ideal way to celebrate this beautiful country.

While tall trees and soothing rivers have their benefits, we can’t deny the fun of fireworks on the 4th of July. San Francisco’s Pier 39 has one of the most stunning fireworks displays. This year, they are scheduled to go off at 9:30 p.m. We recommend grabbing a blanket and finding a spot to watch the fireworks from Hawk Hill where you’ll have stunning panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bright lights of beautiful San Francisco.

Independence Day would not be complete without a good backyard barbecue. These cannabis infused Rainbow Summer Rolls from Sous Weed make for an amazing appetizer. And, 3Leaf’s Quinoa Granola Bites and Coconut Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect party favor to thank your friend for hosting.

No matter how you choose to celebrate America this 4th of July, we hope you have a safe, fun, and elevated long-weekend!

Talking to Your Parent About Cannabis

Parents: our number one supporters and our biggest critics. Deep down, we all want to please our parents and make them proud, but with a generation or two between us, it can be hard to agree on certain issues. Cannabis use is often a contentious issue between parents and their children, but it doesn’t have to be.

Society continues to bring cannabis into the mainstream. Nearly 35 million Americans consume cannabis regularly, at least once or twice a month. An increasing number of states legalized medical and recreational cannabis use, and the industry is evolving through what some have labeled as this generations dot-com boom. The market now offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy cannabis. Tinctures, pre-rolls, topicals, vaporizers, ingestible oils, and edibles are a few options to choose from, and they are now available for purchase in licensed California dispensaries.

The same creativity and innovation that inspires cannabis brands to provide a safe, consistent, and enjoyable cannabis experience carries directly to cannabis retailers and how they operate their stores or delivery services. BASA in San Francisco, People’s OC in Santa Ana, Apothekare in San Diego and Dutchman’s Flat, also in San Francisco, are just some of California’s reputable licensed retailers, who provide expert service in a comfortable environment to ensure that your medical or recreational needs are met. If you prefer to have your cannabis delivered, California Wellness and Kind Courier offer cannabis enthusiasts discreet and direct delivery right to your door.

With an industry and community that advocates the availability of safe and effective products to consumers, and more research about the effects and benefits of cannabis emerging regularly, you can confidently tell your parents about your cannabis use. However, if the generational divide persists, you can convince them with one or all of the reasons listed below:

I stopped smoking

Cannabis use is no longer limited to smoking a joint, pipe, or bong, and the products available today offer a similar, if not better cannabis experience. Tinctures, ingestible oils, and edibles are all consumed orally, meaning there is no smoke inhalation whatsoever. Each method provides a different cannabis experience that can be precisely dosed so that you can reach a personal desired effect.

Edibles specifically must be dosed at no more than 10mgs of THC per serving under California regulations, which allows consumers to start with a low-dose of cannabis and incorporate more if they choose to. Moreover, ingesting cannabis provides a longer lasting cannabis effect. After eating an edible, it takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes for the effects to occur, but they last between five to eight hours; whereas the effects of smoking kick in immediately and last for one to three hours. Consumers who use cannabis to alleviate pain often enjoy edibles because of the longer lasting effects. Switching to oral ingestion of cannabis means that you maintain a steady cannabis experience for longer without having to engage in the harsh experience of smoking.

I’m drinking less

Research shows that cannabis consumption is less harmful and toxic than alcohol consumption, which is why younger generations are replacing alcohol with cannabis. In one particular study, millennials explained that their choice to consume cannabis over alcohol was based on perceptions of safety, cost, and health. Respondents were concerned with making poor decisions while under the influence of alcohol. And, they cited the lack of hangover as a key influence in their choice to consume cannabis instead, because they were able to lead a healthy active day after consuming cannabis the day before.

When you consume an edible, its THC is metabolized by the liver. Alcohol is also metabolized by the liver, but it is far more difficult for your body to process. Where consuming alcohol increases the risk of liver disease, cannabis and its anti-inflammatory properties are proven to actually benefit the liver. According to this article, heavy drinkers who consume moderate amounts of cannabis had an eight percent chance of developing liver disease, whereas heavy drinkers who did not consume cannabis had a 90-percent chance. Because the cannabis industry is still in its early stages of development, there is still much research to be done, but as the stigmas are alleviated, we hope to see more accurate and fair studies.

I’m exercising more

Cannabis is a known healer. Many use it for its psychoactive benefits which help to calm the mind and alleviate anxiety and stress, but recent trends show a major shift to cannabis as the perfect complement to physical health and wellbeing.

Cannabis use is commonly associated with mindful practices such as yoga and meditation. It allows you to sink in to your practice, as it helps to get out out of your head so that a deeper mind-muscle connection can be established. Lit Yoga Studio and Yoga With Minelli, both based in California, are some of the first to offer cannabis infused yoga classes. Their classes will make you sweat, help you relax, and you can also learn more about the benefits of cannabis.

Cannabis extends beyond the mindfulness practices of yoga all the way to the realm of professional sports. Many NFL athletes cite that cannabis is a great way to recover from sports related injuries, and it allows for more focus and concentration on the field. Whether you’re looking for a deeper mental awareness or the chance to relax and recover post-workout, cannabis can make a significant difference in your health and wellness routine.

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and it could be the perfect time to talk about cannabis with your family. Having an honest and open conversation is a great way to dispel anxieties about the unknown, and we hope that the points made above will help in guiding your conversation. If you are struggling to find the words to say, you could offer to share an edible with your parent. There is something to be said for showing rather than telling, and we think that this could be the perfect scenario for introducing a low-dose of cannabis in to your relationship to help develop a better understanding.

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 How to Guide: Buying and Consuming Edibles

Are you curious about edibles? With so many varieties to choose from and so much information to sift through, introducing cannabis into your life can be a daunting task. Edibles have come a long way since the pot brownies of days gone by. When it comes to finding the right edible for you, we understand that it can seem overwhelming as a first-time buyer, so we created a brief guide to help you!

Step 1: Do your research

Edibles come in various forms of confections, baked goods, and drinks. First, give some thought as to what type(s) of food products you’d like and where and when you’re planning to enjoy them. Each individual serving has no more than 10mg of cannabis, and some are micro-dosed with 5mgs or 2.5mgs of cannabis. So, the type of edible and its dosage will go a long way in helping you decide the type of cannabis experience you want to start with. If you’re looking for something sweet, there are plenty of candies and gummies on the markets; if you prefer a product that adds to your active lifestyle, you now have healthy options to choose from. The beauty of having so many varieties of edibles to choose from means that you can find a product that meets your specific needs. For a quick read on the basics of edibles, check out this blog post from 3Leaf before getting to the next step.

Step 2: Find a licensed cannabis retailer

The new regulations for adult-use of cannabis that were recently implemented by the State of California make consuming cannabis safer and more accepted as people recognize it for its many health and wellness benefits. It’s important to note that you must be 21 years of age and have valid identification to enter a licensed dispensary and purchase products. The next step is to find a licensed retailer near you; Weedmaps is a helpful tool to help you find licensed retailers and online delivery services in your area. 3Leaf also has an interactive list that shows where you can find our edibles.

Dispensaries are great for first-time buyers to learn more about cannabis products before making a purchase. The retail staff are there to help you find the right product for you. Do not hesitate to go in with questions, and remember, there is nothing wrong with visiting a few different stores to find the products that will give you the cannabis experience you are looking for. If you are looking for a more convenient and discreet way to purchase edibles, there are plenty of online retailers that will deliver products right to your door.

Step 3: ENJOY

You’ve done your research, consulted helpful resources, and made your purchase. Now, you’ve made it to the best part: enjoying your edible. How you decide to consume your edible once you’ve made your purchase is completely up to you. Dosage is extremely personal and the effects that you feel from an edible depend largely on factors such as metabolism, tolerance levels and body composition.

Starting slowly with a low dosed edible and building to meet your needs is the best way to ensure that you are not consuming beyond your comfort level. It can take 30 to 45 minutes to feel the effects from an edible, but those effects can last for anywhere between five and eight hours.

So, with all of this helpful knowledge, and your edible in hand, find a place where you feel most comfortable. Remember, start low, go slow, and enjoy your cannabis experience!

To learn more about the effects of 3Leaf edibles, watch this quick video:

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 where you can find 3Leaf products. Be sure to join our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Summer Adventures in California

California and Summer go together like wine and chocolate, oceans and sunsets, cannabis and…well, just about everything goes with cannabis in our opinion. Yes, we live in a State where Summer never really ends, but we can’t help but feel excited when the days heat up and the sun stays out long into the night. In honor of the approaching Summer months, we put together a few highlights and adventures that we are looking forward to enjoying and embarking on. Whether you live in California all year round, or are visiting for the first time, we highly recommend taking advantage of everything it has to offer!

Hit the great outdoors

One of our favorite things about California is the fact that there is incredible natural beauty all around us. There are so many options when it comes to connecting with the outdoors! You can take a hike without leaving the city: hit Hollywood’s Runyon Canyon Park for a short trek with beautiful views of Los Angeles. But, we recommend venturing away from the hustle of city life when you get a chance. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a must-see if you like ocean views and 24-mile high cascading waterfalls from granite cliffs onto untouched beaches. Located in Big Sur, you can take a short half-mile walk to the gorgeous view of McWay Falls, and after that you can hike along the Ewoldsen Trail through old-growth redwood forests.

For a full escape to the great outdoors, head to Yosemite National Park. You can choose to stay in a luxurious hotel or on a sprawling campground, but those are trivial decisions in comparison to the 800 miles of hiking trails that you can choose from! We recommend taking The Mist Trail for views of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall for a total of 6.6 miles of hiking. It’s enough to get your blood flowing and the sights at the end are well worth it. If you’re looking for something on the more strenuous side there’s the Half Dome Day Hike.

Immerse yourself in California culture

After all the fun at Coachella, we’ve retired our flower crowns until next year. Now we’re looking forward to these great festivals, parades, and events! We love celebrating art, culture, music, and food with great people, and these are the perfect places to do just that.

Oakland First Fridays

Recurring; next one is May 4th

Eat | See | Hear Outdoor Movie Festival – Los Angeles

Recurring; starts May 5th

San Diego Surf Film Festival

May 9-12

BottleRock Napa Valley

May 25-27

LA Pride

June 9 &10

San Francisco Pride

June 23 & 24

Wanderlust, Squaw Valley

July 19-22

San Francisco Marathon

July 29

Vans U.S. Open of Surfing

July 28-August 5

Outside Lands SF

August 10-12

Eat Drink SF

August 24-26

Take a drive

Start in San Francisco and cruise on down to Southern California. First, grab some treats for the road from the Sunday Marin Farmer’s Market before hitting the Pacific Coast Highway. Throw on your favorite music, take in the fresh air, and make sure to leave time for stops along the way. There is plenty to see as you make your way down to Los Angeles. We recommend a pitstop just outside of Santa Cruz at Shark Fin Cove.

Once you arrive in Los Angeles, head down to Manhattan Beach to watch the sunset. The view from the pier will take your breath away. On your way back, take a drive down Hollywood Boulevard. You can feel the energy radiating from Hollywood’s star-studded walkway and experience LA traffic at the same time!

Sometimes it’s hard to wrap your head around all the different activities and events going on across the State on a regular basis; we can’t imagine ever being bored in California. It’s also incredible to think about all the natural beauty and wonderful sites to see. Summer is fast approaching so grab your friends and loved ones, make some plans and enjoy all that California has to offer. Along the way stop by one of the many licensed dispensaries carrying our products and say Hi to a 3Leaf team member.

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 where you can find 3Leaf products. Be sure to join our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

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