How Big Is the Opioid Epidemic?

 

 

Opioid overdose deaths have quadrupled since 1999 and we’ve seen the same increase in prescription drug sales. In 2016 alone, 64,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. A high-end forecast done by STAT estimates that 650,000 more people will die over the next ten years if this current epidemic isn’t properly and promptly addressed.

 

The opioid epidemic has affected certain parts of the country much harder than others. Ironically, some of the worst cases exist in states that voted for Trump in the 2016 election: West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. So far, the current administration and Congress have not addressed the problem as forcefully as necessary to see results.

 

Since appointing Chris Christie to run a task force on the issue early in his first term, Trump has taken a slow approach in dealing directly with the epidemic. If passed, the recent health care bills pushed by the Republican majority in Congress would have exacerbated the crisis by stripping medicaid, a federal program that currently funds half the cost of addiction treatment in states hit the hardest.

 

What’s Causing This Epidemic?

 

 

Drug addiction is a complex health issue. Understanding the cause of the current crisis is equally complex.

 

In this country’s recent history, drug addiction appears to be a moral issue rather than a health issue. This view has led to the incarceration of drug users and addicts instead of putting them in addiction treatment programs that would more effectively solve the issue.

 

Doctors prescribe Americans more pharmaceutical drugs than ever before. In fact, we consume almost all of the world’s opioid supply. Doctors are not only prescribing more pharmaceuticals than ever, but 99% of doctors are also exceeding the recommended three-day dosage period, according to a 2016 National Safety Council survey.

 

What’s Trump’s Plan to Address It?

 

 

Properly addressing the opioid epidemic will be costly. Unfortunately, the President’s announcement fell short of his previous statement promising to declare the opioid epidemic a national disaster. In a move that goes against his own Opioid Task Force’s recommendation, Trump instead declared it a “health crisis.”

 

The terminology is important: declaring it a national disaster would have allotted billions of dollars in FEMA disaster relief funding to combat the crisis head on. Instead, President Trump’s “health crisis” designation means no guarantee of additional federal funding.

 

The President said his plan to address a quickly growing crisis would include “really tough, really big, really great advertising.”

 

Sound familiar? The tactics Trump outlined during his announcement sound an awful lot like the tactics used during Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” era. This past anti-drug campaign did not yield any results and Trump’s remixed version is likely to fail as well.

 

President Trump’s announcement was loudly lacking any of the solutions experts have proposed, including increased regulations on drug manufacturers and increased access and affordability to addiction treatment.

 

What Does This Mean for Legal Cannabis?

 

 

Jeff Sessions, U.S. Attorney General and head of the Justice Department, made loosely veiled threats against legal and medical cannabis states last week.

 

At a Republican event hosted by the Heritage Foundation, Jeff Sessions reignited a myth that cannabis is a gateway drug, saying, “When you talk to police chiefs, consistently they say much of the addiction starts with marijuana. It’s not a harmless drug.” This claim has been proven time and time again to be erroneous, a classic example that correlation does not always mean causation.

 

If the federal government enacts Sessions’ anti-cannabis rhetoric and doubles down on the War On Drugs, it’s likely cannabis states will remain in the crossfire. Fortunately for thousands of MMJ patients, going after marijuana legalization in states is no longer a tenable political position.

 

Cracking down on cannabis-friendly states will not only fly in the face of the traditional conservative value placed on state’s rights, but also in the face of the most Americans; the vast majority supports legalizing medical cannabis use and a larger majority support full legalization. For the first time, most Republicans support federal cannabis legalization.

 

When it comes to the opioid crisis, doubling down on federal anti-marijuana policies would also be shortsighted. A University of California San Diego study shows states with medical cannabis programs saw a 23% decrease in hospitalization for opioid abuse and addiction. Another review shows that 93% of patients prefer cannabis over opioids for pain management.

 

At best, anti-marijuana policies show a serious lack of proper prioritization of problem drugs. According to the 2017 World Drug Report by the United Nations, there was not a single recorded instance of cannabis-related overdose throughout the globe, despite cannabis being the most consumed and trafficked drug worldwide.

 

Will Anything Really Change?

 

In these chaotic political times, it’s impossible to know what will happen next. But cannabis patients and users should feel better knowing that the majority of the country supports them, including many members of Congress. As Representative Blumenauer of Oregon told Time Magazine, “This is not a fight this Administration wants to take, the legalization train has left the station.”

 

History of Accessing Cannabis in California

 

 

Legal access to cannabis has come in many forms (and steps) since medical marijuana was first legalized over twenty years ago. These three historic laws helped lead up to recreational legalization.

 

Prop 215

Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, was the country’s first successful state initiative to legalize medical marijuana for qualifying patients.

 

Under the proposition, California residents with a valid medical condition can get a marijuana recommendation from a certified doctor, allowing them to use, possess and grow cannabis for medical use. Because the wording is deliberately vague, the proposition allows almost anyone to use medical cannabis for almost any painful condition.

 

The law also allows medical patients’ primary caregivers to possess and cultivate cannabis on their behalf.

 

SB 420

While Prop 215 was revolutionary, it lacked much of the specificity that a true regulated system needs. In 2004, Senate Bill 420, better known as the Medical Marijuana Program Act, was passed in an attempt to clarify gaps in Prop 215 and act as a compromise between patient advocates and law enforcement.

 

SB 420 included state guidelines for possession limits, allowing MMJ patients to grow up to six mature or 12 immature plants and have up to a half-pound of dried, processed cannabis. Severely or deathly ill patients can exceed this amount if they have a doctor’s written permission.

 

Arguably the most important aspect of SB 420 was that it established a voluntary identification card system for medical cannabis patients and their caregivers. It protects privacy by assigning each patient a unique ID number that law enforcement can verify without needing more specific info, helping to avoid trouble.

 

Prop 64

The most recent change to accessing cannabis in California came in November of 2016. Golden State voters passed Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use Marijuana Act, legalizing recreational cannabis use and possession for adults 21 and older. It doesn’t conflict with Prop 215 so MMJ patients still retain all of their rights and privileges granted under the act.

 

Adults can legally purchase weed from recreational cannabis stores, plus possess and transport up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and eight grams of concentrated marijuana.

 

They’re able to smoke, vape or ingest any cannabis form in private homes and businesses licensed for on-site consumption. Finally it allows licensed businesses that sell recreational marijuana to be taxed and regulated by the state government.

 

How to Find Recreational Cannabis Dispensaries

 

 

While Prop 64 passed almost a year ago, the state government must go through a long and arduous rulemaking process before recreational dispensary licenses are granted.

 

No licenses will be granted before January 2018, though some lawmakers think it may be as long as 2019 before rules are set in place and businesses can officially begin selling recreational weed. Until then, medical dispensaries are your only option.

 

It’s important to understand that any California dispensary currently claiming to sell recreational cannabis under Prop 64 is acting illegally (careful, they’re out there). While it might be tempting, you’re better off playing it safe and getting access to medical dispensaries; it’s worth it in the long run.

 

If you’re looking for a medical marijuana dispensary today or the closest recreational dispensary in the future, the following tools can help find them near you.

 

Nugg

California’s largest online cannabis marketplace, Nugg finds dispensaries near you that’ll deliver straight to your door. All you have to do is enter your location (address or zip code) and Nugg will instantly produce live menus from all medical dispensaries (and eventually the nearest recreational dispensaries) open near you, along with dispensary reviews from other Nugg users.

 

Is there anything better and more convenient than getting your medical marijuana delivered right to your door?

 

Weedmaps

Weedmaps, the world’s first marijuana tech and media brand, is a way to find cannabis doctors, storefront dispensaries, products, prices and delivery services operating in your area. Yet unlike Nugg, the giant doesn’t offer direct telehealth services and you can’t directly order from these listed places, only see prices and reviews.

 

Leafly

Leafly makes it easy to find a marijuana dispensary near you as well. Just type in your zip code to see a map of several in your immediate area, or you can search by product to see what cannabis clinic near you has it in stock.

 

They don’t offer delivery, but it’s a good tool to see dispensary menus and discover new products. Their in-depth list of strains can help you discover which flower works best for specific conditions, moods and activities.

 

Requirements for Accessing a Dispensary Today

 

 

Until licenses are granted for recreational cannabis sales, medical dispensaries are your only (and actually best) choice. But before you walk into a MMJ storefront or order cannabis online, you must have a valid MMJ recommendation or ID card. If you need one, there are a few options to choose from, though not all are created equal.

 

First, ask your primary care physician if he or she’s willing to recommend medical cannabis based on your symptoms/condition. Unfortunately, even in today’s age, most won’t officially be on board with it–though they might suggest trying one of the two following methods.

 

Second, you could visit a local medical marijuana doctor who specializes in helping recommend medical marijuana to qualifying patients. But this means searching for local cannabis docs, comparing fees, driving, and waiting before you see a doctor, only to pay a huge fee for little service.  

 

Lastly, you can and should use patient-favorite NuggMD, by far the fastest and most affordable way to get certified by a cannabis doctor ONLINE! Their telemedicine service allows you to skip the red tape, saving you time and money.

 

It’s easy. All you need is an internet connection and a webcam to have your consultation anywhere, even from bed! Just fill out some basic info about yourself and your condition(s), upload a photo, then consult the doc for a live, face-to-face chat.

 

NuggMD doctors are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, so no need to be intimidated or afraid. While the evaluation just lasts around ten minutes, you can take as long as necessary for the doc to answer all of your MMJ related questions and concerns.

 

The whole process only costs $49. Need a renewal? It’s also only $49. And if you aren’t approved, you pay nothing.

 

Once certified, you’ll immediately be emailed a temporary copy of your rec until the hard copy comes in the mail a few days later. If you plan on visiting a storefront dispensary, check online or call ahead to find out if they accept this temporary rec. Otherwise, get your weed straight from Nugg’s several dispensary partners across California.

 

Remember to visit the Nugg Blog for info on all things cannabis and sign up for Nugg’s cannabis delivery using the promo code BLOG20 to get $20 off! You won’t find a better deal in California.

 

Requirements for Accessing Recreational Dispensaries Near You

 

 

Once the recreational market is up and running, any adult age 21 and up with a valid photo ID will have to access recreational marijuana dispensaries. Recreational users will be able to buy several products like flower, edibles, tinctures, beverages, and topicals.

 

While visiting a nearby recreational dispensary may seem like a no-brainer, users will be taxed at a higher rate than medical cannabis patients and there’ll be potency limits on edibles, requiring all infused foods to be dosed in 10mg pieces. Potency limits for edibles will be higher for medical marijuana patients, as well as possession and home grow limits.

 

It’s important to remember that there are currently no legal recreational weed stores in California and, mostly likely, won’t be any for a while. Lawmakers are hopeful that recreational licenses will be distributed in 2018, but until then you’ll need a MMJ recommendation or ID card to access any dispensary’s weed products.

 

NuggMD and Nugg are well worth the money for easy access to hundreds of dispensaries and the security of being a MMJ patient. Plus, no more seemingly endless searches for “recreational weed near me,” “where is the closest dispensary,” and “recreational marijuana shops near me”!

 

Don’t wait for recreational marijuana stores to sprout up; become a cannabis patient today!

 

The Original Pantry Cafe

 

 

Located at 9th and Figueroa, this downtown LA institution is always open and pretty much always busy since it opened in 1924. Touting the motto “Never closed, never without a customer,” The Pantry (owned by former mayor Richard Riordan) doesn’t even have locks on its doors.

 

Regardless of the time of day, you can bet there’ll be a line. Just remember to have money in your pocket or hit the ATM beforehand as this is a cash-only establishment.

 

The Pantry’s menu spans from traditional breakfast choices (pancakes, ham steak, omelets) to dinners that remind me of my country-boy days back in Ohio (Southern fried steak, roast beef, pork chops). A slice of pie and a coffee would cost you less than $7 so you won’t break the bank, although some of their platters cost as much as $25. Too bad they don’t cook their food with cannabis. 

 

If you’re unsure of what to get, I suggest the french toast because at $5.65 it’s the most affordably delectable all-day breakfast anywhere; and if you don’t like it, you only lost six bucks.

 

Hot Dog Lady Outside of the Golden Gopher

 

 

For some of you east coast transplants, the allure of a street hot dog vendor can be nostalgic. On 8th, between Hill and Olive, you’ll find your fix right outside a cool lounge/bar called The Golden Gopher. On Friday and Saturday nights there’s a woman selling hot dogs right outside on the sidewalk, mainly to drunk young people, until about 3am. Just follow the smell of grilled onions.

 

I actually don’t even like hot dogs and I tried one. I was leaving the Gopher one night and the smell of the fresh peppers was noticeable, though nothing irresistible. But when I realized I’d have to walk past her to get home, I caved in and bought one. It was juicy, flavorful and cooked in dirty water, the way a real street dog should be made!

 

LA Café

 

 

Located on the burgeoning Spring Street between 6th and 7th, LA Cafe serves food 24 hours a day, plus offers delivery. Deploying smart cars and bicyclists throughout downtown LA, LA Cafe is my default spot when I can’t make up my mind.

 

All of the cafe’s seating is outdoors, making for a genuine DTLA experience as you observe the distinct people from the area. Being outdoors, it’s also dog friendly so you can get your food and walk your dog in one trip.

 

Serving everything from a grilled cheese to a steak dinner, this eatery always has an option for what you crave. They have something for everyone, meat-eater or vegetarian, and their online ordering system makes it perfect for the food-craving cannabis patient, no matter the time of day.

 

Personally, I like their breakfast combos; their burgers are good, but my favorite is the fish and chips: three pieces of golden fried cod with the most delicious aioli. Don’t want fries with that? Order Saratoga chips instead.

 

Springtime in New York Cafe

 

 

Although it’s currently autumn in LA, we’re talking about Springtime in NY. Conveniently located at the corner of 6th and Spring, just a block from popular spots like Association, The Exchange and Clifton’s, Springtime is open until 3am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

 

With indoor and outdoor seating, you can choose your dining experience, although that corner on a weekend night is prime people-watching real estate. In a hurry or don’t want to deal with the crowd? Use their online ordering and delivery to enjoy your late night snack at home in between episodes of Bob’s Burgers.

 

The restaurant boasts several foods to choose from. Whether you want bacon and eggs (breakfast served all day), a sandwich (hot or cold), pasta or salad, Springtime has great choices. However, it’s their creative take on fries that every MMJ patient must try.

 

The owners recently opened another restaurant right next door named after what’s quite possibly the most interesting part of their menu.

 

FryMadness

 

 

The culinary scientists behind this place decided to take what most see as a side item and made it the focus, like Canada’s national dish, poutine. What began as a few items on the Springtime in New York menu has blossomed into its own restaurant in America’s fastest growing metropolis.

 

FryMadness is a specialty french fry bar, combining fries with the best flavors you’d normally not think to mix. This is the perfect place to satisfy your hunger, no matter what you’re craving. Want seafood? Order the Jerk Shrimp fries. Want something hearty? Order the pastrami fries. High and wanted to try fries on pizza? These guys have that too.

 

This more unique eatery is open until 3am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and until 1am all other days; they also deliver but only via PostMates for now.

 

D-Town Burger Bar

 

 

Located on 6th Street between Spring and Broadway, D-Town Burger Bar has a ‘50s Johnny Rockets feel to it, providing a nostalgic escape from downtown LA’s hustle and bustle until midnight on Thursdays and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. You might recognize the neon sign of the roller waitress hanging outside.

 

I prefer to sit at the bar and watch them make my burger–it’s something about the traditional diner experience for me–but there’s plenty of table seating available if you’re with a group of friends.

 

D-Town has recently expanded its menu from burgers to different types of sandwiches and even breakfast. Little known off-menu secret: if you ask for garlic fries, they’ll toss them in garlic and olive oil for you. Bomb! If you haven’t experienced D-Town Burger, do yourself a favor and try it. You won’t regret it.  

 

There you have it; awesome downtown LA places to chow down late night while enjoying your preferred cannabis method. Do you have a favorite all-night Los Angeles spot that’s not on this list? Let us know!

 

Dr. Mechoulam Opens the Door

 

 

As early as 1964, Israel has been researching cannabis’ potential. It all began with Dr. Raphael Mechoulam who, at the time, was a young chemist with the approval of the Ministry of Health. Thanks to this government partnership, Mechoulam discovered two of the most well-known cannabinoids, THC and CBD.

 

His game-changing discoveries led to further research and the synthesis of these two cannabinoids, opening the door for the medical cannabis industry and helping unlock the plant’s full potential. Even the pharmaceutical industry still uses his research, as it’s the focal point of many clinical trials.

 

Israel Applies His Groundbreaking Discoveries

 

 

Israel’s support of Dr. Mechoulam’s research didn’t end in the lab. Not surprising, the country has developed an impressive medical cannabis program since the 1990s. In addition to having dedicated cannabis research facilities, many sponsored by the government, several Israeli hospitals are treating patients with marijuana. But it doesn’t stop there.

 

In 2004, the Israeli military approved the use of THC as an experimental treatment for soldiers suffering with PTSD after seeing it lessen the stresses of combat. Since the country has been involved in almost perpetual warfare for decades, medical marijuana seemed like the ideal post-war treatment.

 

Recent laws have even relaxed the military’s outlook on cannabis use while off the clock. Now off-duty soldiers who smoke it won’t be severely punished; being caught once came with a court-martial or up to two months in prison.

 

As medical cannabis use expands even the Health Ministry, the nation’s national health insurance, covers medical cannabis prescriptions. Israel’s medical cannabis program has been a success, giving over 20,000 patients access to pain relief.  

 

Tikun Olam Sets the Country’s Medical Cannabis Standard

 

 

Tikun Olam is arguably one the most successful medical cannabis organization in Israel, dedicated to providing patients with relief through the plant’s natural healing properties. It’s also the country’s number one medical cannabis supplier. From creating strains, determining dosages, and even founding the first cannabis nursing clinic, it’s clear that medical marijuana is taken seriously, both in the medical field and as a business model.

 

Since the organization began in 2007, Tikun Olam has expanded internationally, even establishing a subsidiary here called Tikun Olam USA. In addition to being successful and adopting an integrative model, the company provides learning materials, access to their research, and info on medical professionals. This organization, and many others in Israel, have become successful because of their genuine desire to help others.

 

Cannabis R&D Companies Flock There to Flourish

 

 

When the United States was classifying cannabis as a Schedule I narcotic in 1970, Israel was funding its research.

 

While there are currently 29 U.S. states with MMJ programs, government agencies continue to doubt, discredit and deny the impact that cannabis could have on the medical community. But the U.S. has missed out on more than the plant’s pain-relieving benefits.

 

Harnessing cannabis’ medical potential has created an economic boom in Israel, with millions funding research and development start-ups in the country. Saul Kaye, founder of R&D firm Israel Cannabis (iCAN), believes these investments will only grow; he also predicts they’ll reach $1 billions dollars by 2018.

 

While U.S. companies are unable to research cannabis because of its current legal status, that hasn’t stopped them from taking their business, and large sums of money that could help our national economy, elsewhere.

 

To no one’s surprise, dozens of American cannabis and drug companies have established firms in Israel.  

 

Israel and the United States’ Tricky Relationship

 

Israel and the United States are two nations explicitly intertwined. Economically, the U.S. reportedly provided Israel with about $4 billion in foreign aid last year alone. Strategically, partnering with Israel gives the U.S. a stronghold in the Middle East, a position we can’t afford to lose.

 

Despite our strong connection with the country, the U.S. government conveniently ignores Israel’s cannabis research leadership, medical breakthroughs, and the industry’s booming economic potential. Under this current administration, it’s hard to imagine our nation will be receptive to their breakthroughs anytime soon.

 

The Cannabis Champion

 

 

With the backing of the government, medical community, and investors, Israel has developed into a country at the forefront of cannabis research and usage. More businesses (and money) are flocking to establish research and development firms, continuing to boost their economy and their often negative outlook. 

 

Israeli’s can benefit from medical cannabis in ways American’s only wished they could. Hopefully the next president understands this and follows the country’s example, putting people before profit.

 

We’ll go from worst to best so, even if you don’t have time to read this whole thing, you can click on a brand above and find out which one(s) to try and which to stay away from. When you do find one you’re interested in, check out the last section of this post to learn how you can get it delivered to your home (if you’re in California, that is).

 

O.pen

 

Don’t be fooled by the sleek packaging! You might be tempted to buy an O.pen pre-filled hash oil vape cartridge or O.Pen refill because they’re nice, colorful, and have a variety of vape cartridge strains in 250mg ($30-45) and 500mg ($50-65) sizes, but this is the least favorite brand we’ve tried.

 

And believe us, we wanted to think the first experience was a fluke, but then the second AND third marijuana oil cartridges ended in leakage too.

 

SEE ALSO: Full O-pen Vape Pen & Cartridges Review

 

Even when we followed the O.pen vape instructions and managed to get these things puffing, the burnt plastic taste was simply off-putting and unnatural. We imagine this product comes from a production line with little quality control and a company with little interest in the cannabis user. Still looking for O-pen vape cartridges for sale? Scroll or jump to the end of this article. 

 

O-Pen vape cartridges = avoid, not worth the problems when better ones available.

 

American Flower

 

This one will get you high, but not very quickly. We had to power-hit it rapidly for ten minutes and only then did the cerebral lift-up kick in. There’s not that much vapor produced, so you feel like every hit comes up short. For some reason this one is priced at $40 for 500mg of vape pen hash oil, but we have no idea what reason justifies that price.

 

Their packaging isn’t even aesthetically pleasing. See for yourself; it’s freaking atrocious. Looks like it’s straight out of the Kirkland Swiss army knife handbook.

 

American Flower cartridges = don’t bother, unless the O-pen is your only other option. Then prep the lungs, suck down the entire cart and hope for the best.

 

Pure Vape

 

Pure Vape has the potential to be an amazing product. They kill it when it comes to taste, potency, and availability, but they’re not fooling anybody with their price point.

 

If you’re light on cash $40 for the 500mg cartridge and $50 for the 1200mg cartridge (a better deal) might not be worth it; you’re better off buying some wax or shatter to get more bang for your buck, unless you insist on vaping.

 

An average Pure Vape cartridge might last about four days, if you have the discipline of a Shaolin monk, but if you’re a regular toker this thing will give you two days of great tasting vapor, and two days of burnt hits.  Instead, save those 40 or 50 bucks for one of the bad boys below.

 

Pure Vape cartridges = quality but short-lasting; not worth the price.

 

TetraLabs

 

TetraLabs does not mess around when it comes to quality. These cannabis oil cartridges contain pure liquid THC will get you really high, make your mouth water, and will last longer than most others on the market.

 

While more expensive than the previous cartridges, their strength, smoothness and effectiveness makes them worth the heftier $70 (1000mg) and $40 (500mg) price tags.

 

While they come in a variety of flavors, Classic, Crème Brûlée, Earl Grey, Pineapple and Spearmint, unfortunately they don’t come in a variety of strains because you only have one option…Mystery Hybrid.

 

Although labeled a hybrid strain, we wouldn’t recommend this cartridge if you’re trying to get stuff done. They definitely lean more towards the indica-dominant side of the spectrum, so if you’re looking for that deep body couch-lock then this is the vape cartridge for you.

 

Tetra Labs Gold cartridges = pricey but dank, almost too dank if you’re tryna function.

 

Eureka Vapor

 

Unlike the others on this list, Eureka oil vapor cartridges come in almost 20 popular indica, sativa and hybrid strains like Girl Scout Cookie, Super Silver Haze, and White Window for practically every condition or mood.

 

Not only is there something for everybody, each Eureka vapor cartridge tastes like what it’s supposed to as their extraction process produces only the purest and healthiest vapor.

 

SEE ALSO: Eureka Vape Cartridge Review

 

They’re fairly priced at $35 for 0.5g/500mg and $65 for 1g/1000mg, plus works like any standard 510-thread cartridge. Currently they’re only available in California and Colorado, so if you can legally buy medical marijuana and are lucky enough to find them, take advantage and enjoy! You won’t be sorry.

 

Eureka vape cartridges = great selection, effective, and affordable; a more balanced cartridge.

 

Honey Vape

 

Super potent, super high-quality with a bunch of great tasting strains like Skywalker OG, Blackberry, and Tangerine Dream to choose from.

 

In our eyes, Honey Vape could’ve taken the cake, but we like to medicate on-the-go and this cartridge slowed us down. Why?

 

When we first tried the Honey Vape cartridge we were ready to put it at the top of this list (meaning the absolute worst) marijuana cartridge available. We could barely get this thing to hit at all. We were sucking on it like a baby on a pacifier, our lips hurt and we were doing way too much of the work.

 

But we found the trick—you have to heat this stuff up beforehand until the liquid THC starts to flow and then, believe us, it runs like gold. After giving up on the concentrate and accidentally leaving it to fry in the sun, we discovered that the THC vape juice was swimming around more freely.

 

We then plugged it into our vape pen, took one huge drag and, would you look at that, the thing absolutely RIPPED.

 

With up to 80% THC oil in each, we proceeded to get a mind-blowing creative high that lasted well over two hours (impressive for any THC cartridges our book).

 

SEE ALSO: In-Depth Honey Vape Cartridges Review

 

So if you don’t mind doing a little prep-work (like putting a blowdryer or flame to this thing) and paying $40 (0.5g), $75 (1g), or $110 (1.8g) for a CO2 oil cartridge, then Honey Vape is totally worth it. You won’t find this kind of quality and potency anywhere else.

 

Honey Vape cartridges = looks like honey, tastes like it too, and gets you very medicated so go try one of these cartridges now.

 

Kurvana (formerly Kure Botanicals)

 

There’s nothing more satisfying than a perfect tasting vapor hit. We’d probably buy these cannabis vape juices even if they didn’t contain active cannabinoids; they’re that good.

 

However, even though these cartridges taste better than any others we’ve tried, taste isn’t the determining factor for why we put Kurvana at numero uno.

 

They’re also extremely potent (67-70% THC), come in 11 delicious strains like Pineapple Express, Citron OG and Grapefruit Kush, and the presentation is pristine. Where other companies use fancy packaging to place a premium on price (a.k.a. rip you off), Kurvana uses its stylish packaging as the “wow factor.”

 

The only downside is they’re one of the most expensive 1g cartridges available, $75 each, but their .5g cartridges are a reasonable $40 a piece, putting them on-par with the Honey vape cartridge.

 

These embody everything you want in your weed oil cartridges: the intensely flavored strains taste awesome and hit smoothly while getting you high as a kite, and the beautifully crafted vial containers look attractive. Way to go Kurvana, you’ve done us right.

 

Kurvana vape cartridges = currently one of the best vape cartridge on the market, hands down.

 

Pax Era

 

Mostly known for their dried flower vapes, Pax has become a leading vape cartridge producer in 2017 due in part to their super sleek and stylish concentrates pen, the Pax Era. The pen’s thin, rectangular shape is unlike any other, making their cartridges, called “pods,” a high quality specialty item. 

 

Surprisingly, Pax doesn’t make their own vape oil but partners with high quality cannabis companies, licensing their pod’s to different ones in each MMJ state.

 

Here in California, Bloom Farms produces the pods in a ton of organic strains, including ACDC, Silver Haze, Sour Diesel, White Kush and many more. Bloom Farm’s Pax Era Pods are on the expensive end, with 500mg (the only size available) cartridges costing around $60 a piece.

 

In addition to the pods’ lasting unexpectedly long, the pen itself heats to a perfect temperature so you’ll never have another harsh hit filled with burnt flavor.  It not only looks futuristic, it also comes equipped with an app, allowing you to track your consumption and alter the temperature as needed.

 

Pax Era Pods = What these pods lack in affordability and diversity they make up for in quality, flavor and lasting ability. Worth the splurge.

 

FlavRX

 

The FlavRx takes pride in emphasizing the science behind the perfect dose, so it’s no surprise the company won “Best Vape Pen” at the 2016 HempCon in San Francisco. Now in 2017 they’ve become even popular. Every cartridge provides a quality high that’s full of natural flavor, tasting more like smoking flower than vaping concentrate.

 

Another amazing aspect of FlavRx cartridges? There are currently 24 strain-specific options to choose from, including favorites like Girl Scout Cookies, Green Crack, Blue Dream, Jack Herer and OG Kush, along with several more so you’ll never get bored.

 

Their cartridges come in two sizes: 500mg (0.5ml) and 1,000mg (1.0ml). The smaller will cost around $35 while the large will cost around $65, making these some of the more expensive options available.

 

If you’re more concerned with price than quality, these vape oil cartridges probably aren’t for you. But if you are willing to pay a bit more for better quality flavor and high, FlavRx might be your new favorite.

 

FlavRX = Rich, natural flavor of smoking flower with the potent high of concentrates.

 

Read on to learn how to order cannabis delivery online from top dispensaries in your area. We guarantee you they carry some (if not all) of these products.

 

 

How to Get Vape Products Delivered in Under an Hour

 

 

Where can you find THC vape oil for sale online? While you can’t buy it or other vape pen cartridges wholesale directly from the companies that make them, or buy them outside of your designated state, you can find a variety of vape refills, dab cartridges, wax cartridges, BHO cartridges, CBD vape pen cartridges, hash oil cartridges and more for sale just by using any device with an internet connection!

 

Keep in mind though, this service is only available in California for now.

 

Visit Nugg, the leading online cannabis marketplace, to find a competitive list of the vape cartridges you want, and have them delivered to your door! Put in your address or zip code and/or use the search bar to hunt for brands and vape products using key search words like “vaporizer” and “cartridges.”

 

See which medical marijuana dispensaries near you carry these awesome (or not so awesome) products, compare pricing, and order hassle-free without ever talking to a live person. Instant gratification here you come!

 

So there you have it. The best and worst vape cartridges of 2015 & 2016, and much more to come in 2017.

 

We’ll update this page regularly with new cartridge additions, so visit us again to learn about new cartridge brands & products.

 

About Disjointed

 

 

Before diving in, it’s important to note a few things. While marijuana has played a key role in successful TV comedies (Entourage, That ‘70s Show, Silicon Valley), no one has dared to make it the focus of a live thirty-minute sitcom. Cannabis, even medical, as the driving force is a bold choice that could limit viewership.

 

Co-created by series hit maker Chuck Lorre (The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Dharma & Greg), the show centers around a veteran cannabis advocate named Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, played by Academy Award winner Kathy Bates, who opens her own L.A. medical marijuana dispensary.

 

Ruth hires her biracial son Travis, who just earned his MBA and is eager to manage the shop like a tight business, though mom wants to it to be “a place where the sick are healed.” It’s run by budtenders Olivia (redhead who’s romantically involved with Travis), Jenny (cute Asian med school dropout), young in-house grower Pete, and Carter, the physically imposing security guard with PTSD.

 

Starts as a Slow Burn

 

 

Disjointed begins sluggish. The first two episodes are saturated with surface level one-liners, most of which involved weed. I imagine writing these two was hard since there’s lots of cannabis education that must be setup for the audience to understand the story.

 

But anyone who’s visited a dispensary knows the culture, and these episodes seem basic, repetitive and sometimes just unfunny (I acknowledge that my experience probably weighs heavily into that). Cannabis patients will recognize the dispensary’s stocked with familiar, carefully placed brand name products—Kiva bars, VCC Cannabis Quencher, Honey Pot honey—though so far only flower has been mentioned.

 

The live laughter seems unnecessary and over-the-top, making the comedy feel forced, though probably not to a cannabis newbie. That said, if you can make it through the first three episodes, the show does take a much deeper dive into the world and benefits of marijuana.

 

However, the third episode takes a more serious turn. Semi spoiler: Carter the security guard doesn’t smoke. Yet when his PTSD reemerges, the team very appropriately insists he try smoking medical marijuana. Whether or not he does you’ll have to watch and see, but the way they approach this sensitive subject is well done and a lot of the slow setup makes sense as you see a deeper side of the characters.

 

The Characters Are Who You’d Expect

 

 

Not surprising, Disjointed plays on lots of marijuana stereotypes, with each character representing a different cannabis user.

 

Ruth is the older hippie who also claims to be a shaman; Travis is a millennial eager to make it big in the industry; Jenny is the token Asian (and introduces herself as such); Olivia is the small town girl afraid to get too comfortable with weed for fear it’ll lead to harder drugs; Carter is the war vet dealing with mental issues but resistant to cannabis; and Pete is the young hippie who treats his  plants like kids.

 

My favorite characters don’t work in the shop, they’re customers. Dank and Dabby are an interracial couple who buys from Ruth with over 100,000 subscribers to their weed-friendly YouTube page. The two represent marijuana in the new age and their wacky personalities and cluelessness make for some well built jokes.

 

Other recurring characters are TaeKwon-Doug, the combative Tae Kwon Do instructor who shares a studio in the same plaza, and Marie, the middle-aged white suburban mom using weed for the first time in years.

 

Is It Worth the Watch?

 

Overall, Disjointed isn’t the worst sitcom. It just feels that way for the first three episodes with all that setup; but as soon as the more humanistic plot lines begin to play out, it isn’t a bad watch. The laugh track feels a bit juvenile, some of the jokes are layups and every marijuana stereotype is played out, but the acting, particularly by Kathy Bates, has its moments.

 

The show provides a fair but incomplete depiction of the weed smoker spectrum. At times it’s actually educational, although it won’t last if the material is only based on dated cliches and low brow humor. Let’s hope creator Chuck Lorre knows what he’s doing. 

 

What Exactly Is a Grower’s Recommendation?

 

First things first. You aren’t going to get a cultivation license from a doctor. They don’t exist. What you can get is a note from your physician stating that you need an exemption from the state-established maximum amount of plants you can grow as a patient. 

 

Health and Safety Code 11362.77 says:

(a) A qualified patient or primary caregiver may possess no more than eight ounces of dried cannabis per qualified patient. In addition, a qualified patient or primary caregiver may also maintain no more than six mature or 12 immature cannabis plants per qualified patient.

(b) If a qualified patient or primary caregiver has a physician’s recommendation that this quantity does not meet the qualified patient’s medical needs, the qualified patient or primary caregiver may possess an amount of cannabis consistent with the patient’s needs.

 

What the grower’s recommendation is really saying is that you need more than the state-established limits listed in Health & Safety Code 11362.77(a). But this isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free-card if you decide to start your own cannabis farm with 99 plants. It doesn’t even stop the police from arresting you if they really want to. It simply provides you with an affirmative defense for cultivating and possessing an amount of cannabis in excess of the state’s established guidelines–up to your needs. 

 

Where Does This Affirmative Defense Come From? Why Doesn’t It Protect from Arrest?

 

This affirmative defense comes partly from case law. The People v. Trippent (1997) found that qualified patients and caregivers have an implied defense to the transportation of medical marijuana when the “quantity transported and the method, timing and distance of the transportation are reasonably related to the patient’s current medical needs.” (People v. Trippet (1997) 56 Cal.App.4th 1532, 1551.)

 

But it’s actually SB420, not Prop 215 that provided you with protection from arrest. SB420 was a bill passed by the legislature in 2004 which provided that anyone who participates in the state’s voluntary MMIC program can be protected from legal retribution so long as they stay within the boundaries established by the program.

 

In addition to establishing the identification card program, the SB420, a.k.a. the Medical Marijuana Program, also set possession guidelines for cardholders and recognized a qualified right to collective and cooperative cultivation of medical marijuana. This right can and will be challenged, and it will likely be challenged in the coming year or two due to the Jan. 9, 2019 “sunset clause” that effectively attempts to end cannabis collectives in the state.

 

Why Will Collectives Be Challenged?

 

First, this is a moot point when it comes to a grower’s recommendation. That exemption only applies to you or your qualified patient–whoever it was issued for. But because collective cultivation and a grower’s recommendation tend to get muddled up by those who don’t completely understand the law, it’s worthy of further explanation.

 

To start this explanation, you need to understand that there’s a sort of hierarchy to our set of laws in California. First, you have the state Constitution. The Constitution is the top level. You can’t contradict this law. If any law was made by the legislature or by a regular ballot initiative that contradicted the Constitution, it would be ruled by the courts to be unconstitutional and thus, invalid.

 

The next level of legislation is the initiative process. Our state is very democratic in recognizing the right of the People to write their own laws. Any law written and passed directly by the people through the initiative process cannot be tampered with by the legislature.

 

Below the Constitution and the initiative process are the laws written by our legislature. This is why the state lawmakers, county and city governments hate the initiative process so much. Initiatives can’t be changed by anything but another vote of the people. (Article II Sec. 10(c) of the State Constitution.)

 

Proposition 215, a.k.a. the Compassionate Use Act, is the initiative that legalized medical cannabis in the state. It was written by and passed by the People of California, so it’s THE basic law that must be respected when the legislature writes laws pertaining to medical cannabis. They have to obey it because it has not yet been overturned by a vote of the people.

 

Some think that Prop 64 (California’s legalization initiative) repealed parts of Prop 215, but it didn’t. Prop 215 still stands. Prop 64 even reinforces Prop 215 in several different areas of the language. So, if the legislature writes something that contradicts Prop 215, it won’t be valid. A court would be forced to overturn such a new law or regulation based on the fact that Prop 215 carries more weight than anything the legislature could pass.

 

The People v. Kelley

 

This actually happened in a well-known challenge to the state’s attempt to limit cultivation amounts. SB420 originally imposed a patient cultivation limit of 6 plants mature, and 12 plants immature (sound familiar?) In the People v. Kelly, the defense argued that this limit was unconstitutional because it would violate Prop 215.

 

They won, and this is why the state can’t limit the number of plants you can grow if your doctor says you need more and you can show that you really do. But Prop 64 is probably going to allow cause prosecutors to revisit this case.

 

For now, the point is this–Prop 215 is solid law, but it never actually said you can grow 99 plants without being questioned, arrested or prosecuted by authorities. What it says is that “(d) Section 11357, relating to the possession of marijuana, and Section 11358, relating to the cultivation of marijuana, shall not apply to a patient, or to a patient’s primary caregiver, who possesses or cultivates marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the patient upon the written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician.”

 

The sections referred to here are 11357 and 11358 of the Health and Safety Code. There’s a lot of other sections of this code pertaining to marijuana, including 11359 which still carries harsh penalties, and one of those is possessing cannabis with the intent to sell. This section existed decades before Prop 215 was passed, and was only amended by Prop 64 to slightly lessen the sting. These penalties still include jail time and fines.

 

The State Giveth, SB94 Taketh Away

 

So, SB420 was written by the legislature in 2004 to clarify exactly how Prop 215 patients were going to obtain the cannabis that they have the right to use. To do so, it added Sec. 11362.775 to the Health and Safety Code. This section recognizes the rights of patients and primary caregivers to “associate within the State of California in order collectively or cooperatively to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes.” Prop 64 changed all this.

 

Prop 64 paved the way for SB94, aka the MAUCRSA, which is a marriage between the state’s 2014 attempt to establish a commercial medical marijuana distribution program (the MMRSA or MCRSA) and Prop 64, our legalization initiative. Once the state has fully established its commercial cannabis system, SB94 provides that Section 11362.775 of the Health and Safety Code is to be repealed. This repeal date is Jan. 9, 2019.

 

To be clear, Section 11362.775 of the Health and Safety Code can be repealed because this section of the code was never established by initiative in the first place. It was established by the state legislature in an attempt to control the distribution of cannabis by patients claiming the protection of Prop 215.

 

Not a License to Sell (It Never Has Been)

 

Just to be clear, Prop 215 says nothing about collective cultivation or allowing you to sell the cannabis you grow. It allows for cultivation by a primary caregiver for their direct qualified patients. If you’re looking to collectively cultivate that’s an entirely different section of the law that repeals on Jan. 9, 2019. So, if you’re searching for how to get a 99 plant rec so you can grow and sell your cannabis or provide it to patients in need, you’re barking up the wrong tree. A grower’s recommendation (what some call the 99 plant rec) simply says that you need more than the state established limits for your own personal use.

 

Say that you (or your qualified patient) do actually need 99 plants for personal medical uses. The People v. Kelley (and other case law) confirms that you only have an affirmative defense, which means that you can argue that the cultivation limits established by law should not apply to your circumstances, for lack of simpler words. An affirmative defense is only going to be asserted after you’ve been arrested for suspicion of violating one of the states now numerous cannabis laws.

 

So, imagine yourself and your doctor in court arguing the following: For demonstration sake, we will say you can squeeze 1 pound of cannabis out of your outdoor plant. Some can’t get that much and some can get much (way) more because it really depends on the lighting and season, etc., but we’ll do this for easy math. You would have to be able to justify, medically, that you need 99 pounds of cannabis per harvest. Even if you make edibles, this is a lot of THC.

 

Consider that a pound has 16 ounces in it. An ounce has 28.5 grams. Under the pound per plant scenario, that’s roughly 45,144 grams of cannabis (28.5 x 16 x 99). A gram of cannabis flower generally has between 100 and 300 mg (10% to 30%) of THC. So even if you only harvested one crop of cannabis per year (most do at least two, if not three or four), on the low-quality side, at 100mg THC per gram (10%), you’re talking about 4,514,400  mg of THC.

 

Divide that by 365 days for only one harvest of what most would consider bunk weed, and you’re talking about consuming roughly 12,368 mg of THC per day minimum. You can see why this doesn’t convert–not even for edibles. However, there are plenty of serious cannabis patients out there who’ve built up a tolerance to THC and can reasonably argue that they need thousands of milligrams of THC per day.

 

There are also people that juice cannabis for THCA and use the leaves in their cooking, which is probably the healthiest way to use cannabis anyway. But the point here is that 99 plants is excessive for a single person under most circumstances. Furthermore, there’s nothing to stop the police from continuing to investigate you to see if you are selling, and anything they find to support this theory can an will be used against you. (Think dime bags, excessive cash, scales, etc.)

 

Many patients, really do need more than six mature plants though, because if there is a pest problem or disease they could lose an entire medical crop that they depend on for their health or maybe even their lives. It’s good to have an exemption from limits in these circumstances.

 

Why are most exemptions written for “up to 99”? Because federal criminal sanctions are harsher with a hundred plants. But in truth, your rec isn’t saying you can grow 99 plants. It’s saying that you can grow as many plants as you need up to this limit. It’s a subtle, but very important difference–and you’ll have to be able to prove that you really do need what you choose to grow.

 

What’s the Takeaway?

 

1. There’s no such thing as a doctor-provided license to grow 99 plants. If you want a commercial license to grow and sell marijuana, you should start with your local government and then apply with the Bureau of Cannabis Control. 
2. A grower’s recommendation only allows you to grow as much cannabis as you medically need–just you (or the qualified patient holding the rec).
3. A grower’s recommendation does not allow you to grow cannabis for sale–it never did, and it never will.
4. A grower’s recommendation does not allow you to start a collective. This is a different area of law, and is affected by the “sunset clause” of Jan. 9, 2019.
5. Most importantly, a grower’s recommendation does not protect you from arrest or prosecution. It only provides for a defense if you’re arrested or prosecuted, and this defense is not guaranteed to work.

 

If you need to cultivate more than the limits established by Health and Safety Code 11362.77, you need to contact and retain a qualified attorney–especially now as the laws change and the state and counties prepare to step up enforcement and further tighten cultivation laws. There is no substitute for advice from a qualified attorney when it comes to protecting your freedom.

 

Sources & Further Reading

 

• Health and Safety Code Section ARTICLE 2.5. Medical Marijuana Program
• People v. Trippet (1997) 56 Cal.App.4th 1532, 1551
• Guidelines For The Security And Non-diversion Of Marijuana Grown For Medical Use-August 2008 (outdated advisory from the state) 
• California State Constitution, Article II
• Prop 64 Original Language
• The People v. Kelly 
• The MAUCRSA (full text)

 

Clean Healing

 

Pizza Sauce

• Cannabis infused marinara sauce
• Perfect amount for a 10”-12” pizza
• Available in 3 dosage levels: 60mg, 150mg & 500mg THC
• 5.8oz jar
• N/A

 

GFarmaLabs

 

Liquid Gold Honey

• Raw, unfiltered honey
• 200mg THC per jar
• Hybrid
• Available in Cinnamon, Lemon, and Original
• $18-$25

 

Honey Pot

 

THC Honey

• A mix of California Wildflower Honey and infused virgin coconut oil
• Indica
• 5mg, 50mg & 250mg THC
• $4-$6 (5mg), $15-$25 (50mg), $55-$65 (250mg)

 

CBD Honey

• A mix of California Wildflower Honey and infused virgin coconut oil
• 20:1 CBD:THC ratio
• 5mg, 50mg & 250mg CBD
• $6-$10 (5mg), $20-$25 (50mg), $65-$80 (250mg)

 

La Vida Verde

 

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Cannabis infused EVOO perfect for salads, pastas, and almost anything
• 200mg THC
• Indica or sativa
• Available in Lemon Balsamic and Rosemary Garlic
• $18-$20

 

Om Edibles

 

Medicated Cannabis Olive Oil

• 360mg THC in each 4oz bottle
• 15mg per teaspoon
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Low glycemic
• $24-$30

 

TKO Edibles

 

Cocanna Nut Oil

• Use for baking and spreading on foods or for pain and skin conditions (when applied topically)
• 200mg THC
• 3.5 ounces
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• $15-$20

 

Venice Cookie Company Brands

 

Humble Farms Honey Sticks

• Locally sourced, infused honey with coconut oil in a suckable straw
• 60mg THC
• Indica kief
• Gluten-free
• All-natural
• $7-$10

 

Me So Honey Straws

• Locally sourced, infused honey in a suckable straw
• 18-20mg THC
• Indica kief
• Gluten-free
• $6-$8

 

Not So Virgin Coconut Oil

• All-natural, cold-pressed infused coconut oil in a suckable straw
• 200mg THC & 11mg CBD (2.5 gram jar)
• Organic
• Vegan
• Sugar-free
• Gluten-free
• $20-$25

 

Not So Virgin Coconut Oil Straw

• All-natural, cold-pressed infused coconut oil in a suckable straw
• 18-20mg THC
• Organic
• Vegan
• Sugar-free
• Gluten-free
• $6-$7

 

Not So Virgin Honey Jar

• Locally sourced honey in a petite jar
• 200mg THC (4 gram jar)
• $20-$25

 

Not So Virgin Olive Oil

• Local, artisanal first-press olive oil infused with whole plant cannabis extract
• 500mg THC & 25mg CBD
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Sugar-free
• $35-$45

 

Zendo Edibles

 

Infused Coconut Oil

• Sweet, delicious oil that can be eaten or applied to skin
• 60mg THC (1.43oz) per pouch
• Hybrid
• All-natural
• Gluten-free
• $7-$10

 

Infused Peanut Butter

• A balance of smooth and crunchy, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
• 50mg THC (1oz) per pouch
• Hybrid
• All-natural
• Gluten-free
• $6-$10

 

Los Angeles

 

Swim for Cannabis

Where: West Hollywood
When: October 7, 2:00-10:00pm
Cost: $4.20

 

Is there a better way to spend a Saturday than having a good time for a good cause? Come swim to raise awareness for the medical benefits of cannabis at this private location. Not into swimming? Join the Scrabble tournament, eat, and listen to guest speakers, music, live comedy, along with a little bit of cannabis.

 

Cannabis Enhanced Yoga Workshop

Where: Evoke Yoga, Downtown L.A.
When: October 21, 7:00-9:00pm
Cost: $25

 

Come to Spring and 7th Street and be guided through a 90 minute yoga workshop infused with a bit of weed. You’ll enjoy a day of yoga, cannabis, meditation, intentional breathing and a gentle vinyasa flow led by Jessy Chang, a 200 hour certified yoga instructor. The best part: you’ll wind down with a hands-on adjustment and CBD essential oil massage. You must be 21 or older to attend and bring a valid ID.

 

Cannabis Career Fair

Where: Hitman Coffeeshop
When: October 8, 12:00-4:00pm
Cost: FREE!

 

There’s no better time be in the high growth cannabis industry. Whether you’re looking for a new career in a new industry, or you’re already involved in cannabis but looking for a transition, this career fair is made for you. Come network with other cannabis industry professionals and find part-time or full-time work with several marijuana companies.

 

Blunted Halloweed Harvest 3

Where: Downtown L.A.
When: October 28th, 2:00-10:00pm
Cost: $0-$100 (admission), $125-$500 (sponsored booths)

 

It’s sad that summer is over—until you remember that fall means Halloween! Head to travaganja-Ganja’s third annual Blunted Halloweed, a private cannabis Halloween fest that grows bigger each year. Make your way through a haunted maze and other attractions, enjoy giveaways, costume contests, a battle of the bands and a B-Boy dance competition.

 

Terp Market Hollywood

Where: Hollywood
When: October 5, 6:00-11:30pm
Cost: $0-$100

 

The Terp Market is part farmer’s market, part cannabis fair. Come shop hash, cannabis flower and edibles while shopping for fresh produce, art and other handmade products. You’ll also have the chance to hear speakers and live music. The Terp Market is located at the Hollywood Hemp Museum every Thursday.

 

The Smoke Out

Where: Hollywood
When: October 21, 2:00-7:30pm
Cost: $15

 

Want to take a break from the average night out at a bar? Come to The Smoke Out in Hollywood at one of the city’s coolest cannalounges. Bring your own cannabis or receive a donation upon arrival and enjoy all you can eat barbecue and vegan food options. This is a 21+ event and a valid ID is required.

 

Untitled Prodigies

Where: Hitman Coffee Shop
When: October 13, 8:00pm-2:00am
Cost: $10-$15

 

A cannabis-friendly coffee shop and a night with L.A.’s upcoming artists performing live Hip-Hop and R&B, games, dancing and poetry reading? No dress code or judging, just good vibes so wear what your want—even a Halloween costume. Sounds like the coolest event in town. Bring your own cannabis and come grub on a variety of food truck options. This is a 21 and up event, so bring your ID.

 

Shatter Cup California

Where: San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Victorville
When: October 7th-8th, 12:00pm-12:00am
Cost: $30-$350

 

Spend your weekend at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds just outside of Los Angeles for two days of live music, drinks, food and cannabis. Some performers include hit rappers like The Game, Rick Ross, Juicy Jay, Nipsey Hussle, OT Genasis and Lil Pump. Concerts are 18 and up and you must have a valid medical marijuana recommendation to consume onsite. A great weekend to spend if you’re a hip-hop head.

 

San Francisco

 

Self-Love Saturdays

Where: Harvest on Geary
When: October 7, 12:00-2:00pm
Cost: $20

 

Indulge in a well-deserved afternoon of self-care, mindfulness and relaxation. Hosted at the Harvest on Geary, you’ll receive a premium cannabis-infused massage with skin care products from Ojodelasol and Flower Power, samples of Hmbldt’s award-winning dose pen, and sip on some fresh pressed CBD infused juices from California Juice Company. Don’t forget your medical marijuana recommendation and to RSVP immediately as space is limited.

 

Dee Dussault’s Ganja Yoga

Where: Private Loft (details sent upon ticket purchase)
When: Every Wednesday (October 11, 18 & 25) 7:30-9:00pm
Cost: $30 per class

 

This weekly co-ed cannabis yoga class will have you feeling elevated and calm. Dee Dussault teaches an all- levels upbeat hatha yoga practice, enhanced with a bit of complimentary cannabis. Every class is sponsored by at least five cannabis brands, offering free products ranging like joints, vape pens, edibles, topicals and tinctures, concentrates and more. This class  is 21+ with a valid ID and, because space is limited, you’re only allowed one ticket per person. If you’re a first timer and a woman in the cannabis industry, your first class is free!

 

Dabs N’ Donuts

Where: Private Venue (location sent upon ticket purchase)
When: October 21, 2:00-6:00pm
Cost: $25-$80

 

Taste a variety of NorCal’s finest artisanal concentrates from Beezle Extracts, Terp Preservation Society, and Utopia complimented with doughnuts from Bay Area favorite, Bob’s Donuts. Your ticket includes mimosas, a CBD mocktail, doughnuts, coffee and tastings of eight different strains; it could include more depending on the type of ticket. Need to be 21 and older with a valid ID and medical marijuana recommendation/card.

 

Vegan Cannabis Cooking Class

Where: Location sent upon ticket purchase
When: Every Sunday (October 8, 15, 22 & 29), 1:00-3:30pm
Cost: $79

 

Tired of eating pre-made edibles? Want to learn how to make infused vegan meals at home? Come take this weekly two-and-a-half hour cannabis cooking class hosted by Bay Area Cannabis Chefs and Happy Hippy Company. Here you’ll learn different methods of vegan-friendly infusions, proper dosage, and how make some tasty treats—all while enjoying in infused treats. It’s 21+ and BYOB (bud).

 

Oakland

 

Warriors Cannabis Watch Party

Where: Gallery EVB
When: October 17th, 6:30-11:00pm
Cost: $15-$20

 

The NBA is back and California’s champions are gearing up for another epic season. Head over to Gallery EVB for a cannabis-friendly watch party sponsored by A+ Collective and see the Golden State Warriors battle against the Houston Rockets. Bring your medical recommendation to try free samples from vendors, experience the cannabis dab bar, eat medicated and non-medicated foods, and win prizes all while watching B-ball. What’s a better way to spend your Tuesday night? 

 

Puff, Pass & POTery

Where: Oakland Cannabis Creative
When: Every Wednesday (11, 18 & 25), 7:00-9:00pm
Cost: $39-$54

 

Have you ever wanted to make your own personal ashtray? Or maybe your own ceramic pipe? Puff, Pass & Pottery is the perfect place to hone your craft. Learn to make your own pieces from local potter and cannabis enthusiast Austra Obringer. You’ll be able to create your own pieces, select a glaze color, and pick your piece up (or have it mailed to you) after firing. This event is 21+ and BYOB.  

New West Summit 3.0

Where: Oakland Marriott City Center
When: October 13th-15th
Cost: $50-$599

 

Come learn about the intersection of cannabis, business, technology and media at the third annual New West Summit. If you’re looking to get into the cannabis industry, this is one of the best business conferences you can attend. You’ll hear from prolific speakers, network with top cannabis companies, find investors for your business idea and have a ton of fun at the after parties.

 

Virtual Reality Elevated

Where: Location sent upon ticket purchase
When: October 14, 8:00pm-12:00am
Cost: $35-$95

 

Spend an evening escaping reality as we know it under the influence of a little cannabis. Get fully immersed in virtual reality using HTC Vive headsets while indulging in the unlimited cannabis flower and concentrates sample bar. Flower will be provided by Flow Kana and Snow Till; concentrates from Firefly and Davinci; and edibles by To Whom It May and Baceae. If you’d rather watch than participate in VR, you can see a Google Tilt Brush artist create 3D projected art live.

 

San Diego

 

Cannabis Cooking Experience

Where: Exact location sent upon ticket purchase
When: Every Sunday (October 8, 15 & 22), 1:00-2:30pm
Cost: $79

 

Sponsored by Cannabis Chefs and Happy Hippy Co., you’ll learn to cook with weed from celebrated culinary cannabis pros. You’ll learn different methods of infusion, how to properly dose your food, and discover new cannabis recipes to liven up your edible routine. The class is cannabis-friendly, though BYOB, and you must be 21+ to attend.

 

Exclusive Fall Cannabis Pop-Up Dinner

Where: Chula Vista (exact location sent upon ticket purchase)
When: October 14, 6:00-11:00pm
Cost: $95-$135

 

Want to spend an evening enjoying a culinary experience infused with high quality cannabis? Indulge in dishes made with Elevated Cooking Oil, a THC infused oil that comes in popular flavors like garlic, lemon and habanero. You’ll enjoy flat iron strip with stone fruit compote on grilled crostini with micro greens and lemon infused oil, poached pear and fig salad with an infused oil vinaigrette and a flat iron strip with butternut squash puree. Each course is dosed with 5-10mg of THC and spaced 30-40 minutes apart. This is a 21+ event.

 

There are plenty of cannabis events happening all over the state in October. Submerge yourself in the cannabis community and take a break from going to the same bars every weekend.

 

Don’t forget, most of these October cannabis events require a valid medical cannabis recommendation or ID card. Don’t get turned away at the door and remember to get your recommendation from NuggMD for a quick and easy access to the medical cannabis world. Have fun!