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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!”

– D exter 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?

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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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.

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