Tag Archives: California cannabis

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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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!

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