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About Paradise Candy Co.

 

Started in San Diego in 2007, Paradise Candy Company now makes a line of cannabis energy bars, gummies, and tinctures; but it was their powerful hard candies that put them on the map.

 

During this time many SoCal dispensaries were in their formative years, and few had a decent edibles selection. THC candies were relegated to the display case, usually lumped into a glass bowl, and rarely contained more than a few milligrams of THC.

 

That was the norm for marijuana candy and no one took it seriously. Until the summer of 2009, when Paradise Candy received a request to make their lollipops half as strong. Finally, there was a THC sucker that was putting people in the zone and beyond.

 

 

Hard Candies

 

 

These candies have kick! Each translucent cannabis infused hard candyare the same size and shape as Jolly Ranchers, making them great for newbies easing into cannabis. They’re available in five different four-packs: fruit (watermelon, raspberry, tangerine, apple), sugar-free fruit, tropical (pineapple, mango, guava, key lime), fruit CBD, and sugar-free fruit CBD. Each has 10mg. 

 

 

The 40mg four-pack not strong enough? Try their 50mg high dose singles. They come in conveniently color-coded packaging according to flavor and strain: apple (sativa), watermelon (indica), and lemon (CBD). Find these THC and CBD singles for about $5 each.

 

Each candy lasts about 10 minutes in your mouth and about two hours on your mind and body. You can double down on the dosage by popping two simultaneously or sucking them consecutively. Also available in sugar-free doses.

 

Caramels

 

 

These caramels will test your willpower. They’re soft, sinfully creamy, and melt in your mouth. Don’t be surprised if you consume the whole pack in minutes, leading to a case of the munchies and more caramels in a sweet cycle of excess. 

 

Like the hard candies, these are low dosed: 40mg THC and CBD four-packs (both about $10 each), containing 10mg a piece. They also come in higher dose 50mg THC & CBD singles if you need more relief.

 

 

We believe Paradise’s caramels are better-tasting, faster-acting and deliver superior medication than most; what you get in the 4-pack is a better bet than a Cheeba Chew. 

 

Gummies

 

 

Want Paradise Candy’s signature fruitiness and effectiveness with a softer, sugary texture? These cannabis infused gummies are the medicine for you.

 

Choose from 100mg THC ($15) or 100mg ($15) and 250mg ($25) CBD bottles, each with 10 colorful pieces at 10mg each. Perfect for new and older patients who want simpler, more familiar products to ease into cannabis. 

 

Other Paradise Products

 

Due to their superior extraction process, Paradise Candy Company is often asked to partner with other medical marijuana companies. Check out these fine products.

 

Tinctures

The latest offering are there Alpha Extracts tinctures, which are administered sublingually  (under the tongue) with a dropper and come with 30 doses per bottle. Don’t like the taste? Just added them to your favorite drink or use them in cannabis cooking and get more creative while medicated.

 

There are four varieties to choose from: THC (180mg), CBD (120mg), THC/CBD (50mg THC:50mg CBD), and CBD Pet (50mg) for your faithful canine companion! All retail for around $40, except for the (human) CBD, which goes for $50.

 

Topicals

Produced under the Sacred Biology banner, this line of hemp CBD infused topicals are made with organic, cruelty-free ingredients that contain no artificial dyes or fragrances. Perfect for helping alleviate cuts, bruises and other skin irritations.

 

Products include: 150mg muscle rub ($50), 50mg ($20) and 100mg ($40) healing balms, 50mg “relax” and “energize” body lotions ($15), 25mg peppermint lip balm ($10), and a 50mg deodorant stick ($20).

 

Remember, because they’re hemp based you can buy them directly from the company itself.

 

Last Thoughts

 

If the edibles we tried are any indication and the testimonials we found are truthful, then Paradise Candies are keepers. You must try all of their scrumptious, power-packed hard candies, pops, caramels and health bars. They taste great and rejuvenate so they’re definitely worth your money and time.

 

Also, don’t save half of a hard candy, caramel or a lollipop for “later,” unless you live alone (and always plan to). It’s uncouth, unhygienic and uncool.

 

There’s one obvious drawback to tasty, colorful cannabis candies—they appeal to children and unsuspecting adults. So never leave them out or within reach of anyone but qualified adult cannabis patients.

 

They have the potential to corner the market on THC and CBD candies if they can be found in more dispensaries, so in the meantime you’ll have to find them yourself, or just rely on Nugg, the GrubHub of cannabis delivery, to get the whole Paradise line of infused goodies delivered right to your door. It’s as easy as ordering pizza!

 

Customer Testimonials

 

“The candies at Paradise Candy Company are top notch edibles that provide great taste and thorough labeling, as well as a huge variety of flavors.” —Ruffhouse Studios

 

“I have used these candies to help relieve pain I have from Muscular Dystrophy. I also have COPD, so I can’t smoke. I take one sometimes two candies with my meds, and it really helps with my back pain and hip pain. These are only 10 mg apiece, but that is just fine for what pain I am looking to relieve.“  —Paul Q.

 

”These candies are great for my pain relief. I can’t smoke so I go to edibles. A friend of mine turned me on to this product, and they work so well that I will continue to buy them. Thank you so much for the great quality. For 40 mg it is fantastic. I think 100 mg would be too much for me.”  —Sarah W.

 

Introduction

 

Recently a group of scientists led by Andreas Zimmer from the University of Bonn in Germany found that low doses of cannabis seem to aid memory in mice. Their findings, coupled with other studies showing marijuana’s neuroprotective qualities, has many investigators intrigued by the possibility that THC and other cannabinoids could prove effective in preventing cognitive decline.

 

Marijuana & Memory

 

 

In the public’s mind, marijuana has long been linked to absent-mindedness and mental fogginess. 

 

This potential impact on short-term memory concerns both educators and scientists who fear chronic use, especially during key developmental years, could interfere with the learning process, which involves the transfer of information from working memory to long-term memory.

 

Fortunately, most studies have debunked the notion that moderate cannabis use has any lasting negative impact on intelligence or cognitive functioning.

 

Even heavy marijuana use has not been linked to severe memory problems or neurological damage, so it doesn’t appear to hurt the brain like alcohol and other drugs do, nor does it permanently impair structures like the hippocampus, critical to memory formation.

 

One exception is some studies suggest that heavy marijuana use could impair short-term memory in chronic cannabis users, but that effect appears to wear off soon after the person stops smoking. In fact, more recent studies have focused on cannabis’ neuroprotective effects, indicating that low doses may actually enhance memory and some aspects of cognitive performance.

 

Still, there’s a lot that scientists don’t know about marijuana and memory, but they’re optimistic that it may prove helpful in treating memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s, PTSD, and cognitive decline.

 

Marijuana & Alzheimer’s Disease

 

 

Anti-marijuana crusaders frequently attempted to link cannabis to neurological impairment. Ironically, the latest and most credible research paints an entirely different picture. As it turns out, cannabis contains numerous substances that appear to have a neuroprotective effect on the brain.

 

Alzheimer’s disease is one condition that really intrigues cannabis researchers, who’ve discovered that THC can help reduce inflammation and the formation of beta-amyloid proteins, two distinguishing characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. In fact, a number of landmark studies indicate that THC inhibits beta-amyloid buildup.

 

Cannabis-based compounds and therapies offer a promising avenue to study and, perhaps even prevent, the onset of Alzheimer’s. Antonio Currais, a neuroscientist at the Salk Institute, sums up some of the recent findings:

 

“Inflammation within the brain is a major component of the damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but it has always been assumed that this response was coming from immune-like cells in the brain, not the nerve cells themselves. When we were able to identify the molecular basis of the inflammatory response to amyloid beta, it became clear that THC-like compounds that the nerve cells make themselves may be involved in protecting the cells from dying.”

 

Also observational studies have found that cannabis oil is effective in alleviating some of Alzheimer’s behavioral and psychological symptoms. A group of Israeli researchers concluded that “Adding medical cannabis oil to Alzheimer’s patients’ pharmacotherapy is a safe and promising treatment option.”

 

Marijuana & PTSD

 

 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is  another memory-related condition that cannabis might help treat. Over the past decade there’s been a dramatic increase in PTSD due to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; many vets returning home experience violent, traumatic memories as a result of living through horrific events.

 

PTSD can be caused by a variety of stressful, disturbing experiences like war, rape, and car accidents—any exposure to extreme violence can lead to debilitating psychological symptoms including:

 

• Recurrent nightmares
• Panic attacks
• Extreme anxiety
• Hypervigilance
• Perpetual fight or flight response
• Chronic depression

 

Scientists aren’t entirely sure why marijuana is proving so effective in treating PTSD. Explanations have centered on several mechanisms. First, a compound known as CBD tends to have a sedative and calming effect. Second, both CBD and THC appear to interfere with the “learned fear response.” As one researcher notes:

 

“Post-traumatic stress is primarily about learned fear. When you have more learned fear, that’s going to induce a state of hypervigilance and that can also cause nightmares and terrors at night. We have evidence that CBD, for example, can reduce, by three different mechanisms of action, can reduce learned fear. So, anytime you’re helping to reduce learned fear, you’re helping to get to the root of that particular problem, so that’s why it can be so effective.”

 

In other words, cannabis compounds interfering with short-term memory may help alleviate painful memories. As Martin Lee, affiliate director of Project CBD notes, “Scientists have determined that normal CB-1 receptor signaling deactivates traumatic memories and endows it with the gift of forgetting.”

 

Basically, cannabinoids appear to short-circuit or deactivate the processes whereby traumatic memories are consolidated.

 

Low Doses Improve Memory?

 

The notion that marijuana could help improve memory, particularly in older people, sounds counter-intuitive. After all, some studies have shown that heavy cannabis use among youths can result in mild disruptions when it comes to short-term memory.

 

But, once again, Andreas Zimmer’s research has produced some amazing findings. His team gave groups of mice low doses of THC to see how it affected cognitive performance measured by maze running and other tasks. As expected, Zimmer found that while THC slightly impaired cognitive performance in young mice, it actually improved neurological functioning in older mice!

 

Plus, tissue analysis of older mice brains clearly showed that THC ingestion led to neurogenesis, the process whereby healthy new nerve cell are created, in the region of the brain critical to memory, the hippocampus.

 

Zimmer noted “that is something we absolutely did not expect: the old animals [that received] THC looked most similar to the young, untreated control mice.”

 

So why might marijuana hinder short-term memory formation in youths, but improve recollection and cognitive performance in older people?

 

Ryan Mclaughlin, a cannabis researcher at Washington State University, speculates that levels of endocannabinoids—which the body produces naturally—decline with age, but that low-doses of the cannabinoids found in medical marijuana may help compensate for any age-related diminishment.

 

Andreas Zimmer very much has a similar idea in mind. “The idea is that as animals grow old, similar to in humans, the activity of the endogenous cannabinoid system goes down—and that coincides with signs of aging in the brain. So we thought, what if we stimulate the system by supplying [externally produced] cannabinoids?”

 

Zimmer adds:

 

“Cannabis preparations and THC are used for medicinal purposes. They have an excellent safety record and do not produce adverse side-effects when administered at a low dose to older individuals. Thus, chronic, low-dose treatment with THC or cannabis extracts could be a potential strategy to slow down or even to reverse cognitive decline in the elderly.”

 

Despite this confidence, scientists caution that a lot more research must be done before cannabis compounds are turned into a memory-boosting pill. They also note that low-doses may be key to achieving these desirable results in the same way modest amounts of wine appear to help the heart, whereas excess consumption can damage it.

 

As Mark Ware, a clinical researcher at McGill University, observes, ingesting too much pot can cause temporary paranoia while small amounts tend to lessen anxiety. Similarly, he implies that low doses may enhance memory while higher doses might disrupt it.

 

Hardly a surprising outlook given that a finely-tuned endocannabinoid system is central to maintaining the body’s physical, mental and psychological balance.

 

Conclusion

 

Memory is core to human identity and functioning. Without a doubt, marijuana’s psychoactive properties can impact many aspects of awareness including perception, cognition, and recollection.

 

Scientific speculation has centered on marijuana’s potential to boost memory and cognitive performance, particularly among older populations.

 

While the research is still in its infancy, it appears that THC, CBD and other cannabinoids can compensate for age-related declines in the body’s endocannabinoid system while effectively reversing the aging process at the cellular level.

 

Interested in trying THC and CBD products, but don’t have a recommendation? You can get a medical marijuana evaluation quickly and cheaply using NuggMD, California’s leading telemedicine platform, from home. Once approved, take advantage of Nugg’s cannabis delivery service and have your order brought to you.

 

Marijuana may not be the sought-after fountain of youth, but emerging concrete evidence proves it contains compounds that may slow down and, in some cases, reverse many processes associated with aging, including memory loss.

 

About Om Edibles

 

Nearly all of Om’s products have won awards, from the High Times San Francisco Cup to the Jamaica High Times World Cannabis Cup, where, in 2015, their biblical anointing oil was awarded first place in the “Best Topical” category.

 

Though some of the concepts behind their products might sound gimmicky, at the core these awards are a reflection of the world-class cannabis strains grown and cultivated by this dedicated female collective.

 

For a comprehensive guide to getting the most out of Om’s line or products, check out company owner Maya’s guide to relaxation. You’d be hard pressed to find a more compassionate and caring caregiver than Maya, who, along with running Om Edibles, acts as the company spokesperson.

 

Topicals

 

Now that you know a bit about the ladies behind the company, let’s meet Om Edibles unique and all-natural products, beginning with their topicals.

 

Holy Anointing Oil

For the few who’ve been asking for a medicated holy anointing oil, we’ve got good news: Om has you covered. Their recipe even comes straight out of the Bible and contains 200mg THC in each ($20) bottle. Though use of this ancient product is pretty limited, it’s a testament to Om’s inspiration and creativity.

 

Body Oil

Om Edibles also makes infused body oils derived from argan oil (beneficial to hair and skin) that can be applied directly to your body or added to your bath. Available in Lavender, Rose Geranium, Musk and Fragrance-Free with 100mg THC in every ($35) bottle.

 

Epsom Bath Salts

Though cannabis hydrotherapy is seldom explored, Om’s medicated Epsom salts add another layer of soothing relief to an already naturally healing product. Add them to a hot bath or soak individual limbs to get relief from aches, pains, insomnia, depression and skin irritations.

 

These salts contain 25mg THC per ($12) jar in five aromas: Lavender, Lemon Ginger & Eucalyptus, Rose Geranium, Athletic and Sensitive Skin.

 

Lion Balm

Want cannabis’ medical effects without the high? Based on Tiger Balm, a popular topical pain reliever, this alternative contains beeswax, shea, cocoa butter and, of course, medical marijuana. Simply rub it on aches, bruises, skin irritations (but avoid open wounds)—practically anywhere you feel pain—for fast, effective results.

 

You can find the balm in 25mg (2oz) or 50mg (4oz) THC jars ($20 and $40) and in a 10mg (1oz) THC roll-on stick ($10).

 

Edibles

 

Olive Oil

Ready to make your own infused meal or just experiment in the kitchen? This versatile, infused extra virgin olive oil has a whopping 360mg THC in each ($30) small bottle, with 15mg per teaspoon. Drizzle on pastas, make salad dressings, use as a marinade—the cooking possibilities are almost limitless. Store in a cool, dry place and the oil should last up to a year, but we know it’ll be gone way before that! 

 

CBD Raw Sipping Cacao

The idea behind this edible is that the CBD’s medicinal benefits will be enhanced by and work together with the raw cacao’s superfood properties. Cacao contains a chemical called anandamide, a cannabinoid thought to be responsible for the “runner’s high” that occurs after intensive exercise.

 

The 80mg ($35) jar can be enjoyed on its own, used a topping or spread or heated and mixed with milk (it shouldn’t be heated over 115℉ to preserve all its health benefits).

 

Peanut Butter & Puffed Rice Truffle

This is Om’s heaviest hitter, containing 175mg THC in each truffle ($10). Medicated, organic peanut butter and puffed rice filling is enrobed by fine Belgian chocolate, getting medicinal and gastronomic bliss all at once!

 

Cinnamon Maple Treehugger

A gluten-free, paleo, vegan snack for the diet-conscious, a “treehugger” consists of a cluster of pecans, almonds and hemp seeds coated with sea salt, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla; available in three strengths: 50mg CBD ($30) and 100mg ($20) or 300mg ($30) THC. A great pick-me-up, especially for those daytime outdoor adventures.

 

Tinctures

 

Om’s solvent-free tinctures contain raw, organic herbs that improve flavor and work in conjunction with cannabis. Their Elderberry 100mg THC is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while the Day Time (ginger, echinacea, sativa hybrid) and Night Time (chamomile, lavender, indica hybrid) formulas contain 60mg THC and are ideal for their respective times/moods.

 

There’s also a pure 50mg CBD version for those who don’t enjoy the psychoactive THC. Take them alone or add them to your favorite drink! All four sell for about $30.

 

Is Om Edibles Right for You?

 

Though Om Edibles offers edibles, topicals and tinctures unlike those made by other mmj companies, their benefits vary. The Lion Balm, for example, will successfully reduce pain, but its effects are mild compared to other topical products that serve the same purpose.

 

So it appears that patients with an existing interest in homeopathic medicine will get the most out of Om’s products. While this can be a bridge between some—more homeopathic medicine practitioners trying cannabis, and vice versa—it may put off an equal amount of potential customers who’d opt for something simpler and more effective.

 

It should be noted that although it’s rooted in hundreds of years of history, few scientists comprehensively understand homeopathic medicine. The deciding factor may just be the compassion offered by the medical practitioner. Who knows?

 

What is known is that Om understands how to combine homeopathy with medical cannabis to produce personal products with effective results.

 

Customer Testimonials

 

“[The Lion Balm] worked well for muscle relaxation. Rubbed it on my shoulders and after the tingle, there was only numb heat. Pretty mild but definitely pleasant and good for joints and aches.” —Jbcrockett

 

“I had the night without my kid, and I bike and run. I needed to relax and ease my pain in my knees and shoulders. I bathed in these epsom salts (lavender), with warm water for a half hour…The salts immediately turned into an oil that made my skin absolutely luxuriously soft. My whole body was immediately relaxed…I slept great, and woke up still very soft, and relaxed.” —Castro126

 

“I travel with this [CBD Raw Sipping Cacao] jar of yumminess everywhere. If I have warm milk around then I’ll make a hot chocolate but I often just dig in and eat it plain out of the jar. Tastes just like a nice milk chocolate but is super charged with antioxidants. Gives me a great energy boost.” —Jazmin

 

Verdict

 

EFFECTIVENESS: 3.5/5

Though stronger alternatives exist, Om Edibles works. Considering that special care is put into making their products adhere to strict dietary restrictions using raw and organic ingredients, these may be the most effective options for patients who make these guidelines a priority.

 

STRENGTH: 3/5

Only a few of Om’s edibles are considerably potent. Everything else has a mild and relaxing effect, which could appeal to new and elderly patients. Many dispensaries limit their range of Om products to tinctures and creams, so their stronger edibles may be hard to find.

 

AROMA: 5/5

This is, of course, where Om Edibles shines. Their products are designed to smell great and soothe the body and soul thanks to high quality healing herbs and superfoods.

 

COST: 4.5/5

Topicals can get expensive fast, but fortunately Om’s are affordable. A two ounce Tiger Balm jar runs about $20, while one of their tinctures is about $30. It’s not an insignificant amount of money, but compared to similar products these are affordable, effective, and a great entry point for new patients.

 

Final Thoughts

 

You’ll find many reasons to use Om Edibles, some of which have nothing to do with the effectiveness of the actual products. If feminism is important to you, supporting an all-female collective may be enough reason to try one of their products.

 

Likewise, paleo vegans may find their Treehuggers to be one of the few edibles adhering to their dietary needs. For everyone else, Om Edibles creates fun, affordable, high quality products that work just as intended.

 

Whether you’re looking for an organic, superfood-based edible or just prefer your cannabis topicals derived from biblical recipes, Om delivers a higher level of quality. To them, each cannabis product is enhanced and medicinally more effective when combined with other ingredients and healing herbs. Practically no other cannabis company can make this claim.

 

The Cannabis Bureau’s Mission

 

The Cannabis Bureau has been tasked with establishing these regulations by January 2018, but at the moment the job is like hitting moving targets on horseback with one arrow. In a recent press release addressing their newly proposed testing regulations, the Bureau acknowledged:

 

“There is currently budget trailer bill language designed to align the Medical Cannabis Safety and Regulation Act with Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. If that bill passes, the bureau will withdraw these proposed regulations and propose a new set of regulations consistent with changes in the law.”

 

Alex Traverso, the Cannabis Bureau’s media relations rep, insists they’re up to the task:

 

“Regulating an industry that has been without regulation for more than 20 years is certainly a challenge, but we’re not in it alone. We’ve got great partners in our other licensing authorities—CDFA and CDPH—and we really view this as a collaborative process. Not just with the other state agencies, but with all of our stakeholders. We’ve been up and down the state and have met with many people and heard their feedback—and that’s the most important part of this. We want to hear from everyone, because at the end of the day, that’s only going to make our regulations better.”

 

To further drive this point home, the Cannabis Bureau is holding a series of public meetings starting June 1st to hear feedback on these proposed rules. The meetings’ locations and times are as follows:

 

June 1, 2017
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Adorni Center
1011 Waterfront Drive, Eureka, CA 95501

 

June 8, 2017
1:00 p.m. –  3:00 p.m.
Junipero Serra Building
320 W. Fourth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

 

June 13, 2017
4:00 p.m. –  6:00 p.m.
King Library, Second Floor
150 E. San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112

 

June 20, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Department of Consumer Affairs, Hearing Room, S-102
1625 North Market Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95834

 

If you wish to participate but can’t attend one of these upcoming meetings, follow these instructions to get involved.

 

 

Current Cannabis Bureau Proposed Draft Rules

 

Recent preliminary drafts of the Bureau’s proposed regulations are what we have to work with for now:

 

• Proposed Regulations From the Department of Food and Agriculture
• Proposed Regulations From the Department of Public Health
• Proposed Regulations From the Bureau for Testing Laboratory Regulations
• Proposed Regulations From the Bureau for General Regulations

 

The next update will contain an analysis of their proposed rules in relation to the legislature’s proposed bills.

 

Proposed Cannabis Bills in the House and Assembly

 

 

Meanwhile, here are the legislature’s proposed bills that’ll likely affect the development of these draft rules, if and when they pass.

 

AB-350 (Assembly Member Salas)

Clarifies that edible marijuana products will be considered appealing to kids if they’re made in familiar shapes (people, animals, fruits, etc.) or easily confused with regular candy. But it wouldn’t prohibit a company from making edibles in the shape of their logo. It’s passed the Assembly and is currently moving through the Senate.

 

AB-175 (Assembly Member Chau)

All edibles packaging will be reviewed by the Cannabis Bureau to ensure compliance with state law before the product can be released on the market.

 

SB-794 (Senator Stern)

Requires solid edible marijuana products to be divided into standard serving sizes if they contain more than one serving. Each single serving edible must be stamped, marked or imprinted with a symbol, designed by the Cannabis Bureau, directly on the edible. It also calls for edibles to be sold in tamper-proof, child-resistant packaging that, if containing more than one serving, must be resealable.

 

SB-162 (Senator Allen)

Prohibits all marketing of cannabis using branded merchandise. It states, “A licensee shall not advertise medical cannabis or medical cannabis products through the use of branded merchandise, including, but not limited to, clothing, hats, or other merchandise with the name or logo of the product.” Author’s note: this includes slinging schwag at trade shows.

 

AB-1244 (Assembly Member Voepel)

Requires odorant be added to butane gas, preventing it from being used to make butane hash oil. This has been stuck in the Committee on Business, Professions & Consumer Protection for over a month and a half now.

 

AB-1578 (Assembly Member Jones-Sawyer)

Intends to prevent California’s law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities attempting to prosecute people acting in compliance with California state law. It even prevents agencies from detaining individuals at the request of federal authorities for cannabis related conduct considered legal under state law.

 

But there’s a caveat: law enforcement could cooperate with federal authorities if they obtain a court order. It’s zipping through the Assembly right now, and has been referred for a third reading.

 

SJR 5 (Senator Weiner)

Encourages the federal government to remove cannabis’ Schedule 1 narcotics status. It’s passed through the state Senate and is now waiting to move through the Assembly.

 

SB 311 (Senator Pan)

Allows businesses to test their and other cannabis products on-site for quality assurance. Test results won’t be certified by the Bureau of Marijuana Control and such tests won’t exempt the licensee from quality assurance testing by a licensed lab. It’s passed through the Senate and is now moving through the Assembly.

 

AB 420 (Assembly Member Wood)

This simply reinforces the requirement that any advertisement for medical or recreational cannabis must include the state issued license number of the person responsible for the ad.

 

SB 175 (Senator McGuire)

Clarifies prohibitions on labeling cannabis products as from a certain county unless the cannabis itself was actually grown in that county. This would also expand prohibition to cannabis products’ advertising in order to prevent manufacturers from misleading consumers about a product’s origin. It’s passed the Senate and has now had its first reading in the Assembly.

 

SB 148 (Senator Weiner)

Allows payments (fees, fines, taxes, etc.) to be made by means other than electronic transfer, including cash payments of substantial amounts (tens of thousands). It’s been put in the suspense file by the Appropriations Committee.

 

AB 1527 (Assembly Member Cooley)

Prevents conflicts of interest when hiring cannabis industry employees. Anyone who serves the state in creating or administering cannabis licensing rules would be barred from employment by state licensed cannabis businesses for one year.

 

While violating this rule wouldn’t be deemed criminal, those who break it could permanently lose their state license. It’s passed through the Assembly and is now in the Senate pending referral.

 

AB 64 (Assembly Member Bonta)

This bill would:

• Allow licenses under the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA) to be for-profit or non-profit dispensaries and limits protections granted to for-profits only to those with a Board of Equalization (BOE) seller’s permit and a valid license or permit.
• Allow licensed dispensaries to be storefront or non-storefront locations.
• Clarify restrictions on micro-business licensing.
• Expand billboard ad restrictions to prevent advertising on interstate and state highways.
• Establish the state’s assessment that a license application be deemed compliant with local regulations, unless the jurisdiction provides a written or electronic notification stating otherwise.
• Establish separate parameters for those caught driving under the influence of cannabis than those for other drugs.
• Make carrying cannabis in a vehicle punishable by a $100 fine, unless properly stored.
• Allow unspecified sums for enforcement against any cannabis activity deemed to be in violation of state law.

 

It’s currently in the suspense file of the Appropriations committee.

 

AB 1159 (Assembly Member Chui)

Clarifies the lawyer-client privilege regarding the communication of cannabis business activities. It’s passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.

 

AB 1700 (Assembly Member Cooper)

Requires applicants for state licensing to employ, within one year, an employee who has successfully completed an OSHA 30 hour general industry course.

 

AB 259 (Assembly Member Gipson)

Would require a person to demonstrate three years of continuous California residency prior to the application date before being issued a license under either AUMA or MCRSA.

 

AB 6 (Assembly Member Lackey)

Requires the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol to appoint a drugged driving task force chairperson to develop recommendations for best practices addressing drugged driving.

 

The task force will also examine the use of technology and field testing to identify drivers under the influence of drugs. It’s passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.

 

AB 1002 (Assembly Member Cooley)

Renames the cannabis research provided for in Prop 64 as the Center for Cannabis Research and recommends that the Bureau of Marijuana Control consider selecting the University of California to be the public university funded to research and evaluate the program. It’s passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.

 

AB 1606 (Assembly Member Cooper)

Requires testing for uniform distribution of cannabis concentrates through edibles in addition to the other testing requirements already established by the MCRSA and AUMA.

 

AB 389 (Assembly Member Salas)

Requires the Cannabis Bureau to establish a web site educating the public about cannabis regulation. It’s passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate.

 

AB 963 (Assembly Member Gipson)

Establishes specific additional penalties, including fines and jail time, for violations of taxes and fees regarding cannabis commerce and issues a stamp tax for cannabis products.

 

AB 1627 (Assembly Member Cooley)

Simply transfers the regulation of testing laboratories under AUMA from the State Department to the Bureau of Marijuana Control.

 

AB 1090 (Assembly Member Cunningham)

Prohibits possessing, smoking and ingesting medical marijuana around schools, day care or youth centers as specified, regardless of whether children are present.

 

AB 948 (Assembly Member Bonta)

Allows exemption from the state’s mandate that tax payments over $20,000 be submitted via electronic funds transfer.

 

AB 1254 (Assembly Member Wood)

There are already stiff penalties for people who violate provisions protecting fish, wildlife, water and other natural resources while producing or cultivating a controlled substance.

 

If these protections are violated, the individual(s) could face civil penalty in addition to any penalties imposed by any other law. Each day a violation occurs or continues, on public or private land, while the person was trespassing is a separate violation. It’s also a misdemeanor to divert water for unlicensed cannabis cultivation.

 

AB 1420 (Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry)

Establishes the parameters for using small irrigation stream beds during high water flow and restrictions during low water flow.

 

AB 1120 (Assembly Members Cooper and Dahle)

Requires a person or entity selling any quantity of butane to record specific information about the transaction, including the purchaser’s identity, and to retain that information for two years.

 

The bill would also prohibit anyone, unless specifically exempted, from purchasing more than 600 milliliters of non-odorized butane within a 30-day period. Author’s note: for reference purposes, an eight ounce container of butane for your Zippo contains 237 milliliters.

 

 

About Kaneh Co.

 

Kaneh is named for the Hebrew word for cannabis, thought to have been used in producing holy oil. This family owned bakery makes a line of diverse, delicious treats with color coordinated dosages using natural, quality ingredients.  

 

The company makes all of their goodies in at least two and up to four different strengths—100, 250, 500 and 1,000 milligrams of THC.

 

The packaging is as professional as any product you’d see in the supermarket, with full color graphics, detailed ingredients, and color-coordinated dosage info to ensure the right amount of medicine. Inside the foil bag is vacuum-sealed and resealable so you can save some for later without it going stale! Put them in the fridge for maximum freshness.

 

If you’re new to Kaneh Co.’s products, or edibles in general, try getting your feet wet with one of their different, uncommonly delicious 100mg treats, then work your way up from there. Regardless of its strength, eat a little at a time, share a little, or just stick a candle in and call it a party!

 

Edibles’ Effects

 

Although experts suggest waiting up to two hours to determine how an edible will affect your mind and body, you’ll know about half an hour in that the these are keepers. The relaxing and analgesic effects kick in first, and as often happens with high-quality edibles, you kinda forget you ate them—until they creep up and you remember why you’re in such a good mood!

 

After you’ve consumed the appropriate dose, you should get comfortable in about 90 minutes so forget socializing and don’t even think about driving. The effects lasts three hours or more, and if you haven’t already melted into the couch, your THC receptors will certainly need a nap.

 

Now let’s take a look at their medical marijuana brownies, bars, blondes and cookies so you can find out which best meets your medical needs and flavor preferences.

 

Brownies

 

Do we recommend spending your hard-earned money on one of the most potent edibles on the market? That depends on you. If you like their different flavors, have a solid tolerance (30-60mg per dose), and use it sparingly, you’ll get your money’s worth. Let’s check them out.

 

With the exception of the 24 Karat, all Kaneh Co. brownies are available in 100mg ($10), 250mg ($20), 500mg ($30), and 1,000mg ($45) THC strengths.

 

24 Karat

With all these super potent brownies, where should you start? With the fanciest, of course! This opulent, visually stunning brownie is full of chunky chocolate chips baked in, topped with chocolate ganache and actual edible gold flakes. Only for the cannabis conditioned so use extreme caution by starting small. Available in 500mg ($30) and 1,000mg ($45) THC.

 

Best of Both Worlds

It didn’t take rocket science to marry two of their best-selling products, rich fudge brownie and perfect chocolate chip cookie, to create a fearsome hybrid that’ll satisfy everyone and give you a unique taste minus any noticeable cannabis, only a pleasing terpene aftertaste and kick ass effects. This might sound too rich or too sweet, but you’d be amazed how balanced it tastes.

 

Triple Chocolate

The Kaneh Co. Triple Chocolate Brownie looks as good as it tastes, and works as good as it looks. Rich fudge topped with dark chocolate ganache and sprinkled with white and dark chocolate flakes will please dark chocolate and white chocolate lovers alike. The taste is robust and sweet with no trace of cannabis extract.

Note that this isn’t a moist brownie; even when fresh it’s somewhat crumbly, though not in a bad way. The texture is light, and the layer of chocolate flakes gives you the sensation of melting in your mouth. It’s gourmet all the way!

 

Peanut Fudge

If you love peanut butter, chocolate and a balanced crunchy, creamy and complex texture, this brownie works for you. Swirled fudge, peanut butter and peanut butter chips are baked into the cake, finally topped with a layer of dark chocolate ganache and salty peanut candy sprinkles. As potent as it is delicious.

 

S’mores

This brownie combines maximum medicinal potency with childhood nostalgia as you’re transported to eating melted, charred s’mores around a warm campfire. It has a layer of graham cracker, followed by a another of fudge brownie, finally topped with dark chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallows. Definitely keep these away from non-patients because it will be scarfed down.

 

Bars

 

Kaneh’s bars are shorter and thinner than their brownies, but have a richer, more gooey center. They come in two healthy and two sweet, non-chocolate flavors, though only available in two strengths: 100mg ($10) & 250mg ($15) THC.

 

Caramel Cheesecake

This sugary treat is made from blondie batter and brittle graham cracker swirled with cheesecake, topped with caramel cream cheese frosting, which might be too sweet for some. The flavor combos compliment each other to create one of Kaneh’s more unique products. A personal favorite.

 

Chocolate Paleo

As the name suggests, the bar’s made completely from paleo ingredients (foods believed were eaten by early humans) to ensure the healthiest and most organic edible experience. These include chocolate, dates, cashews, almonds and vanilla, then it’s topped with shredded coconut and big chocolate chips. Health-conscious or not, everyone will love the taste.

 

Lemon

If you’re looking for a sweet and citrusy treat or just a fan of lemons then you need to try this. It has a tasty sugar cookie crust and sticky lemon filling, topped with a visually appealing design of thick vanilla icing and energizing lemon zest. While it’s a tad sweeter than other lemon bars, it’s just as powerful, delectable, and well worth the money.  

 

Superfood Granola

The vegan, gluten-free granola is also blended with several superfoods like goji berries, almonds, dates, and chia and sunflower seeds. Perfect to consume slowly outdoors by nibbling and noshing throughout the day. Take it on a walk, hike or run to replenish vital vitamins and help alleviate those aches and cramps.

 

Blondies

 

While they’re the same size as the bars, these three non-chocolate edibles aren’t as internally gooey but instead have more of a flaky brownie texture with smooth and crunchy toppings. All are made with their blonde batter and also come in two strengths: 100mg ($10) & 250mg ($15) THC.

 

Cinnamon Bun

Die-hard cinnamon lover? This one’s reminiscent of their snickerdoodle cookie, only not as rich and with more complex flavor and depth. Baked with cinnamon and walnuts then finished with cinnamon cream cheese frosting and walnut chunks, it’s the nice balance of healthy and indulgent.

 

PB&J

Another mmj edible that’ll take you back to your childhood, Kaneh Co.’s take on an American classic is made with their blonde batter mixed with peanut butter and raspberry jam and finally topped with thick peanut butter frosting and large chips. It’s naturally wholesome and not too complex.  

 

Salted Toffee

Looking for something brittle, soft and salty? This blondie mixes toffee chips and sea salt, then is finished with smooth dark chocolate ganache and toffee sprinkles. As expected, the texture’s flakey, though the peanuts and batter stick to the ganache to make for a very enjoyable combo.

 

Cookies

 

Kaneh Co.’s cookies come in a variety of five equally distinct, delicious, and complex flavors for everyone. They’re available in 100mg (about $10) and 250mg (around $15).

 

Chocolate Chip

A Kaneh Co. staple, this cookie is as close to homemade as any store-bought cookie gets. It’s large, chunky with chocolate chips and made from basic, all-natural ingredients you’d find in almost any kitchen. The result is an airy cookie with a fresh-baked crunch rather than a soft-baked doughy pull.

 

Peanut Butter Crunch

The chunky peanut butter cookie has a rough, crispy texture and its crushed peanut toppings add another layer of buttery crunchiness. And unlike some thick, gooey pb cookies, these taste light yet prominently peanut buttery. You might want to have a napkin handy when medicating so you can catch the crumbs and put them in your milk.  

 

Lemon Sugar

This not-too-sweet, soft and chewy chocolate alternative has a subtle cannabis flavor and a touch of fresh lemon zest that’ll surely brighten your day. It’s so delicious you’ll be tempted to eat it all, so start with half, regardless of the strength, and enjoy!

 

Red Velvet

Who doesn’t love red velvet cake condensed into a moist infused cookie? Topped with cream cheese frosting and red sugar sprinkles, this might be a bit too sweet for some, but if you love the visually pleasing color and unique taste this is for you. A personal favorite!

 

Snickerdoodle

Kaneh Co.’s take on yet another classic dessert, this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s made with butter, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon but the taste is surprisingly milder than expected considering its ingredients; just don’t be surprised if you end up buying two.

 

Testimonials

 

“Most powerful edible I’ve had yet. 1000mg for $50 here in California.” – Yazer25

 

“The gourmet flavors used take this brownie to a higher level than the competition on the market. We love the detailed packaging.”  —tastebuds.com

 

“The  Chocolate Paleo Bar, which is vegan, gluten-free and has no sugar added, perfect for those working to stay fit.”  —speedweed.com

 

“The highest quality and potency on the market! Kaneh Co. edibles are delicious and guaranteed to take the edge off!”  —chulavistameds.com

 

Auntie Dolores Background

 

Founded by Juliana Carella in 2008,  Auntie Dolores was named after Dolores Park, one of Frisco’s most popular public parks; plus in Latin and Spanish dolor means “pain,” so “anti dolores” (against pain) is a clever pun. Sorry if you thought these THC infused snacks were made by a sweet, little old lady.

 

The company is committed to making edibles that’ll help health-conscious patients improve their quality of life (check out their manifesto). Everything is made in-house, accurately labeled, and lab tested for a consistently delicious and safe experience.

 

All their edibles are infused with CO2 cannabis oil using a proprietary, supercritical extraction process, derived from blended and balanced hybrid strains. They also preserve the terpenes to enhance aroma and taste, providing a wider range of cannabinoids for a more balanced effect.

 

Healthier Edibles

 

Let’s take a look at what auntie Dolores has to offer, starting with her more unique and snackable medical marijuana treats.

 

Chili Lime Peanuts

These protein-rich peanuts are gluten and sugar-free and flavored with lime, chili, and garlic. If you like spicy-tart flavor combos, you’ll scarf these down quickly because they have an addicting hotness followed by a heavy lime aftertaste.

 

If not, you’ll probably eat them as recommended—five per dose (10mg) slowly over the course of the day. Either way, keep some cold liquids handy as you munch.

 

Chili Lime Peanuts cost about $15 per canister, so the price is right, and actually test a bit higher than the labeled 50mg THC.

 

Glazed Pecans

These 100mg THC ($20) glazed pecans are a three-pronged treat!

 

Firstly, they have a gourmet flavor you’ll flip for since their ingredients are as simple as they are flavorful: balsamic vinegar, organic coconut, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Add them to salads, desserts, or just eat them right out of the package.

 

Secondly, snacking on this delicacy will keep you medicated for a few solid hours, depending on your tolerance; auntie recommends starting with a single dose (about five), or just 10mg of THC, though that’s hardly enough to feel glazed over. Still, proceed with caution.

 

Lastly, this classy epicurean delight provides an excellent source of manganese, protein and unsaturated fats without compromising taste. And as a special bonus for you more health-conscious patients, they’re paleo, vegan, gluten-free and low glycemic.

 

Savory Pretzels

Auntie Dolores’ flagship product, these savory mini-twist pretzels are spicy, vegan, sugar-free, potent and downright delicious. Coated with cayenne, cinnamon, clove, paprika, onion, garlic, ginger, mustard and tamarind, there are 120mg of THC (about $23) in each container. We’re willing to bet you can’t eat just three of the recommended 10mg dose!

 

Want this great taste and medicinal benefits without the psychoactive fun? Try the 60mg CBD version (roughly $25).

 

Caramel Corn

Oh boy, sweet, savory and delicious! Auntie has outdone herself with these 120mg THC canisters of crunchy kernels (about $22). Movie night’s never felt so good.

 

Again, the labeling suggests trying 3 or 4 pieces (10mg), but you know caramel corn…the pieces tend to stick together and pretty soon one dose turns into five. Their ingredients are all-natural and gluten-free: cannabis oil, hand popped non-GMO project certified corn, brown sugar, butter, pure vanilla extract, and kosher salt.

 

We recommended consuming no more than half the canister, even for high-tolerance patients, or auntie may have you crying uncle!

 

Cheese Biscuits

What the heck are infused cheese biscuits? Actually, they’re cheese crackers gussied-up with 200mg of THC in every $20 container. These sugar-free snacks are made from sharp cheddar cheese, mustard powder and paprika, only with a milder flavor and heartier texture. Auntie Dolores claims you can freeze them in a Ziploc bag for up to six months without losing flavor or potency, but why save them for later when they’re so good?

 

Chocolate Edibles

 

Now that you know about the health conscious products, let’s take a close look at her more traditional, cannabis infused chocolate based sweets.  

 

Chocolate Brownie

Made from the same recipe as its stronger brother, this version only has 10mg THC (around $5), so it’s ideal for new patients and featherweights; and, unlike the others, it’s low enough to eat in one bite!

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bite

This 50mg THC incarnation combines soft, brownie texture with classic chocolate chip flavor in a small vegan treat. Cut it in half or into quarters if you have a low tolerance, but if you’re a more experienced patient it can be eaten in one sitting. Costs around $10.

 

Peanut Butter Brownie Bite

Moist, gooey fudge 50mg THC brownie is the perfect combination of light, fluffy chocolate cake with thick, sticky peanut butter. A fat dollop sits in the center, so when you bit into it you get more complex combo of flavor and texture. This’ll also set you back $10.

 

Chocolate Brownie Bite

Small but potent, this 100mg THC baked choco brownie-muffin is made with organic Dutch cocoa and chunks of mini-fudge; not to mention it’s vegan, low calorie and low glycemic. We recommend dividing it into quarters (25mg) or eighths (12.5mg); only eat the whole thing if you have an extremely high tolerance and/or in severe pain. About $15 each.

 

Toffee Brownie Bite

Another bite-sized 100mg THC brownie, only this one’s topped with pieces of satisfyingly salty, crunchy homemade toffee. The mix of soft and brittle texture makes for a very enjoyable medicating experience. Split it up or crumble over your favorite dessert. Around $15 a piece.

 

Cocoa Sparkle Cookies

One of auntie’s seasonal products, these mini-cocoa cookies are made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, organic Dutch cocoa, cacao nibs, and sweetened with turbinado and coconut sugars. They come in 200mg THC canisters (10mg per dose) that sell for about $30. Also vegan, low-glycemic, and sugar-free.

 

CBD Superfood Truffles

Hemp-derived CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids are packed into three (10mg each) scrumptious, nourishing truffles. They’re full of superfoods like cacao, coconut oil, açaí, blueberries and even a bit of coffee to give you an extra energy boost; and because there’s an extremely low amount of THC, you can savor these at the same time without getting high.

 

CBD Chocolate Brownie Bite

This non-psychoactive version of their scrumptious chocolate brownie boasts 50mg of hemp cannabinoids, like CBD, CBN and CBG. The hemp itself is grown specifically for medical purposes so it leaves you still able to function. Like most CBD products, at $15 these are slightly more expensive than their more fun THC counterparts.

 

Medical Marijuana Dog Treats?!

 

Yes, you read that correctly. All mammals, including dogs, have an endocannabinoid system, just like you! Auntie Dolores now makes infused dog treats under the Treatibles label to help man’s best friend deal with a broad spectrum of conditions.

 

Before you start writing letters to the ASPCA, note that these canine edibles are hemp derived CBD, CBN and CBG. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids only; no THC. They’re available in pumpkin and blueberry flavors, both in small ($24) or large ($35) bags, with one milligram of CBD in every treat.

 

Where to Find Auntie Dolores

 

You can do a Google search or check Weedmaps to find a local dispensaries that carry Auntie Dolores, but this can be a tedious and time consuming process, especially if you need to travel, use gas then wait to speak to a budtender who isn’t as helpful as you’d hoped.

 

Instead, use Nugg, California’s premiere online medical marijuana marketplace, to find all Auntie Dolores products closest to you then have them delivered in less than an hour!

 

Don’t have a recommendation? No problem. Just use NuggMD, the easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get your evaluation done online. The entire process takes about ten minutes. Once approved, you’ll immediately be able to order medical cannabis from Nugg, and get $20 towards your first order!

 

Customer Testimonials 

 

“The cannabis seemed to blend with the lightly-salted pretzels perfectly, creating a flavor profile that kept me coming back for more. They are a great option for patients in search of an infused edible that they can snack on throughout the day without feeling overly medicated.”  

 

“These are my go to to keep me going when my back pain puts a break in my stride. Plus they last and I love the flavor.”

 

“I must commend [Auntie Dolores] for creating a cheesy snack unlike any other that I’ve come across in the past…there was no pot taste to me. I find that incredible compared to other edibles…they would be a great snack on a day out and about in the city, or hiking in nature.”

 

Final Thoughts

 

While we highly recommend trying all of Auntie Dolores’ products, we suggest starting with their pretzels, pecans and popcorn for a more familiar and nutritional edible. Sure, they cost a little extra than most for the same amount of medication, but their homemade touch, gourmet taste and medical effectiveness make them well worth the price. Don’t sleep on these!

 

The Company Behind the Cartridge

 

 

Based in Oakland, Pure Cure is a relatively small non-profit committed to keeping its products safe and organic. As the wording of their mission statement suggests, the company’s rooted in liberal methodologies.

 

Their cannabis is grown outdoors and their concentrates are extracted with ethanol to ensure a pure and healthy product. But alcohol based extraction is no supercritical CO2 extraction, which produces an even more refined final product.

 

Alongside their vape cartridges, the company offers 500mg syringes of concentrated oil used for refilling empty cartridges, dabbing, or orally ingesting via foods and by itself; as well as medicated mouth strips in indica and sativa varieties that work like dissolvable Listerine strips. The Pure Cure line is limited, but each product serves a unique purpose.

 

They don’t list exactly where their products can be found, and even a Google search comes up almost empty, so finding them in your local Southern California dispensary might be tough, which is why we recommend using Nugg to find which delivery services in your area carry the product.

 

Pure Cure Carts Pack a Potent Punch

 

For a large number of prospective buyers, the amount of THC contained in one cartridge is a valid selling point (if not THE selling point), and you can’t argue with the numbers.

 

In an independent lab test conducted by SCLabs in Santa Cruz, Pure Cure cartridges’ THC content was found to boast 70% THC content, higher than nearly any competitor. If getting as much THC as possible is your personal mark of quality, these cartridges are a no-brainer.

 

That being said, it’s important to take any test done by SCLabs with a grain of salt. They’ve been known to produce unreliable and inconsistent numbers, and we’ve heard some nasty rumors about companies paying for artificially high test results. After all, the company is owned by Weedmaps…

 

 

Regardless, if the results are real, this amazing product potency is possible thanks to a proprietary process that utilizes the whole organic plant and contains no added glycerin or glycol, while a dewaxing step gives the extract a strong and viscous consistency, making the vapor smooth and easy to inhale.

 

Odor and taste are essentially non-existent compared to other, similar products, so getting a huge dose of THC is not only possible with Pure Cure cartridges, but discreet and easy on the senses.

 

Pure Cure Vape Oil Strains

 

 

Pure Cure cartridges are compatible with any universal 510 threading vape pens. Due to the liquid’s high viscosity, these cartridges may take longer to heat than most, so if this becomes troublesome or just annoying try pre-heating them in warm to hot water before use.

 

As far as value goes, Pure Cure cartridges are a solid investment; but if your wallet’s tight $45-$50 a 500mg (.5g) cart might seem bit pricey. 

 

Their indica, sativa and hybrid varieties are available in the following strains:

 

Indica:

• Black Label OG
• Blackberry Kush
• God’s Gift
• Skywalker
• Kryptonite

 

Sativa:

• Jack Herer
• Maui Waui
• NYC Diesel
• Strawberry Cough
• Super Blue Dream
• Super Lemon Haze

 

Hybrid:

• Chemdawg
• Girl Scout Cookies
• Pineapple Express

 

Where Can You Buy Pure Cure?

 

Unlike most cartridge companies, Pure Cure products are only available from a handful of dispensaries across California, mostly in NorCal, that you can find on their dispensary map.

 

If a location is close enough to you, call to be sure they’re in stock, then head over or wait for delivery. Or you could simplify everything by using California’s premiere MMJ marketplace, Nugg, to be sure you’ve found the lowest possible price and have the cartridge(s) brought to you. The whole process is as easy as ordering pizza!

 

Don’t forget that if you got your rec or renewal from NuggMD, you’ll receive $20 credit!

 

Pure Cure Nugg Rating 

 

EFFECTIVENESS: 4/5

Very few complaints here. Pure Cure cartridges get the job they claim to do done with no hassles or significant hiccups, minus the slightly thicker viscosity.

 

STRENGTH: 5/5

Clocking in at 70% THC, this is, of course, where Pure Cure has the edge on virtually every other competing vape cartridge brand. They’re one of the industry leaders in THC potency.

 

AROMA & TASTE: 4.5/5

These will go unnoticed by most users. Aroma and taste are hardly noticeable, and will make discreet vaping easy.

 

COST: 4/5

The average price point is justified by its unmatched THC content, some value is lost in the process. 

 

Last Note

 

When considering buying Pure Cure cartridges, it’s essential to ask yourself how much you’re willing to pay for quality. Buyers who put quality above all else (and maybe Lord of the Rings fans too) will more likely be willing to pay a little extra for the variety of cartridges.

 

For others, this may be more of a novelty as a lower price for a lower THC content could seem like the better purchase. But for most patients looking for a large, powerful cartridges in different strains, these are widely available and highly effective.

 

The Basics of Cooking with Cannabis

 

For patients seeking pain relief over extended periods, cooked marijuana products may be an ideal remedy. Medical marijuana is packed with beneficial compounds called cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The body, however, can’t properly absorb these substances in their raw form, so instead, active ingredients, most notably THCA, must be converted into a form the body can use.

 

This process is called decarboxylation, heating the plant material to helps transform compounds like THCA into molecules that can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

 

 

As a result, cooked cannabis delivers a fuller range of medical benefits to more of the body. Plus, when it’s digested rather than smoked the body absorbs it more slowly, producing longer lasting effects.

 

When cooking with cannabis the trick is to heat the plant material at a low temperature over an extended time. Experts refer to this as “low and slow.” This method is necessary since some heat is required to activate the decarboxylation process; too much will effectively destroy the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds.

 

THC and other cannabinoids also need to be infused in a fat-soluble solution, typically butter or oil, or they won’t bind to your body’s endocannabinoid receptors; so recipes for cannabutter or canna oil are central to cooking with cannabis.

 

The Benefits of Cooking with Cannabis

 

While taking a hit from a bong, pipe, joint or vaporizer is undoubtedly the fastest way to medicate, it has its drawbacks: lung and throat irritation (though research has found no link between smoking marijuana and lung cancer), dry “cotton” mouth and flavorful smoke, which can cause unwanted attention from law enforcement.

 

Patients, researchers, and physicians are beginning to appreciate the health advantages of mmj edibles, which offer a versatile and delicious way of getting mmj’s benefits without the potential risks associated with smoking.

 

Here are some advantages to using cannabis edibles you may not know about:

 

• They produce a holistic or “whole body” high.
• Cooking converts raw THCA into Delta-11 THC, which provides a mellower buzz or “head high” than the Delta-9 THC high that you get from smoking.
• You can add infused butter and oils to a huge range of foods, dishes and beverages.
• Their effects last considerably longer than smoking.
• With precise dosing, you can achieve effects at either end of the medicated spectrum; mild, perfect for maintaining your daily activities, or ridiculously “Superman high” for intense pain relief, restful sleep, or binge-watching House of Cards.
• The high typically produces less anxiety and paranoia that you might experience when smoking (again, totally dependent on your dose and how your body reacts)
• Cannabinoids pass through the digestive system where they’re processed by the liver into even more potent forms, so they could be especially well-suited for patients with stomach problems like Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome or colitis.

 

The merits for cooking with cannabis are so numerous that you’re really doing yourself a disservice by not, at least, experimenting with them. It’s so much easier to produce high-quality delectable edibles than you think.

 

We had a patient email us just a couple days ago, exclaiming that taking the dive into making her own edibles was the most fun she’s had all year, and that her first batch (she made brownies) turned out delicious! 

 

 

Like we said before, cooking with cannabis isn’t always straightforward.  Here are a few important things to consider when cooking with cannabis:

 

• Eating or cooking with raw marijuana won’t produce the desired medical or psychoactive effects (although it’s been shown that “juicing” cannabis can provide significant dietary benefits).
• Cannabinoids must first be infused into a fat-soluble medium—butter, oil or milk—in order to be effective.
• Proper dosing considerations apply. You want to add an appropriate amount of mmj to achieve your desired results.
• The cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds in cannabis are both activated and preserved by cooking them at low temperatures for an extended time, so the process can take several hours to complete.

 

How to Make Cannabutter

 

Cannabutter is the best place to start if you want to cook with cannabis. Again, dissolving cannabinoids in a fat-soluble liquid is essential because the body can’t absorb the THCA molecules, nor do they mix well with water. Infusing cannabinoids into butter creates a potent ingredient that can be the foundation for a virtually unlimited number of homemade medical marijuana edibles.

 

 

What you’ll need:

 

• ½ cup of butter (two sticks)
• ½ ounce of medical marijuana (dried, ground up flower)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 mesh strainer, coffee filter, or cheesecloth
• 1 medium saucepan or double boiler
• 1 mixing bowl

 

What you need to do:

 

1. Choose a saucepan or double boiler. In most cases, a double boiler will yield better results and require less supervision (either will work well with a little patience and experience).
2. Add the water and butter to the saucepan/boiler; set the stove to low-medium heat.
3. Once the butter has melted, add the ground cannabis to saucepan/boiler.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil (reduce heat if necessary).
5. After turning off the heat let it cool for 20 minutes.
6. Strain the mixture into large bowl using a cheesecloth, mesh strainer or coffee filter, separating all the plant material. Now all the THC and active ingredients will be in the cannabutter mixture, so you can discard the plant matter or use it as compost.
7. Put the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This will allow the remaining water to separate from the cannabutter, which will rise to the top.
8. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and separate the butter by pouring out any remaining water.
9. Store your cannabutter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last two months.

 

Remember, with many recipes you’ll still have to follow low-heating methods in order to best preserve the THC and other cannabinoids. Generally speaking, you’d bake brownies at 350°F, but 340°F for a little longer would be best for pot brownies. Likewise, if you normally bake muffins at 400°F, then 375°F would likely be best for pot muffins.

 

Here are some popular recipes you may want to try using cannabutter:

 

• Easy Pot Brownies
• Cannabis Tea
• Marijuana Banana Muffins
• Cannabutter Cookies
• Kitchen Kush Granola Bars
• Baked Mac ‘n’ Cheese

 

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Olive or Canola Oil

 

 

This cannabis-infused oil recipe is very similar to making cannabutter, and the potential recipes you can create with it are countless. Here’s a simple way to make your own:

 

What you’ll need:

 

• 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana
• 1 cup of olive oil (can also use coconut oil or canola oil)
• 1 coffee grinder, blender or food processor to powderize your cannabis (optional)
• 1 saucepan  or double boiler
• 1 cheesecloth, coffee filter or mesh strainer to strain your oil
• 1 bowl
• 1 glass bottle

 

What you’ll need to do:

 

1. Add the oil to a saucepan or double boiler then set the stove to low-medium heat.
2. Add the finely ground cannabis to saucepan/boiler.
3. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Don’t let it boil (reduce heat if necessary).
4. After turning off the heat let saucepan/boiler cool for 20 minutes.
5. Strain mixture into a large bowl using a cheesecloth, mesh strainer or coffee filter, separating all the plant material. Now all the THC and active ingredients will be in the oil, so you can discard the plant matter or use it as compost.
6. Pour your weed-infused oil into an airtight bottle and store it in the refrigerator.

 

Dosage Considerations

 

Your edible dosage is an important consideration that can vary due to a variety of factors like your pot’s potency, the temperature used to prepare your goodies, and the food the cannabis is infused with. The amount of THC your body absorbs—and consequently the intensity of your high—will depend on your weight, metabolism, and overall health.

 

It’s highly recommended (by experts, and basically anyone who’s ever eaten too much) to consume only small amounts at first so that you can gauge the effects on your mind and body. It’s also critical that you allow enough time for your stomach to fully process what you’ve ingested; it’s not uncommon for cannabis-laced foods to take more than an hour (sometimes even longer) to truly take effect.

 

BE PATIENT. Always remember — you can always eat more, but you can’t eat less.

 

It’s impossible to fatally overdose from cannabis in any form, but eating too much all at once, particularly for inexperienced users, can produce a very intense and unpleasant experience.

 

If you do find yourself freaking out (how most people would describe their reaction), the effects can be counteracted by consuming citrus fruits, juice products, pistachio nuts, pine nuts, and products rich in CBD (which naturally mitigate THC’s effects). Many patients also report that deep breathing and meditation can bring you back down.

 

None of these quick remedies will completely eliminate your high, but at the very least they’ll act as a nice placebo for calming your nerves. 

 

If it’s not already clear, it’s worth repeating—cannabis dosing can be as much of an art as it is a science (at least until the science is allowed to catch up). Start slow, observe how you react, and incrementally increase your dosage until you get the desired effects. Your edibles experience should be fun, dammit! The time to let out your inner Charlie Sheen was when you found out Trump won the presidency.

 

Nevertheless, a brief understanding of the fundamentals behind pot potency can go a long way in creating the right experience. Strength can vary considerably depending on the strain. Here’s a useful rule of thumb when it comes to weed strains’ THC concentrations: 

 

• Low potency pot: 5% THC
• Average potency pot: 10% to 15% THC
• Above average potency pot: 15% to 20% THC
• High potency pot: 21% or more THC

 

Many edibles on the market contain 100mg of THC, which is actually considered a high dosage as the following breakdown illustrates:

 

• Recommended newbie dosage: 5 mg
• Standard dosage: 10 mg
• Above average dosage: 20 to 90 mg (this range is not to be taken lightly, 20mg is VERY different from 90mg)
• High-dosage: 100+ mg (for experienced consumers only)

 

Anyone unfamiliar with edibles should start with a low-dosage recipe (5 mg to 10 mg) or adjust their portion sizes accordingly. For more advice on consuming edibles responsibly, go online and do some research to help you determine your limits. There are also a variety of cannabis calculators available online that can assist with dosage calculation.

 

Additional Links 

 

Further Resources on Dosing:

• A Beginner’s Guide to Ingesting Marijuana
• How to Dose Homemade Cannabis Edibles
• Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Edibles

 

Cannabis Recipe Resources:

• Healthy Cannabis Recipes From High Times
• How to Cook with Medical Marijuana
• 1001 Cannabis Recipes
• The Art of Cooking with Cannabis

 

Conclusion

 

Marijuana’s medical benefits have been well-known for thousands of years, but its culinary possibilities are only now being discovered.

 

Renowned cannabis chefs are sprouting up across the country as more states approve medical and recreational marijuana. Their interests often include ethnobiology and microbiology, as well as, of course, cooking. But perhaps their biggest interest is simply helping people.

 

Jeff the 420 Chef sums up this attitude; “strains that are high in CBD really help medical cannabis patients. It’s rewarding to see them doing better and knowing it’s because of something I made to help them feel better.”

 

Fellow cannabis cook Herb Seidel echoes this thought and points to the future; “I believe that the medical uses of cannabis have been barely touched upon at this point, and in the future, it should become a major component in the food as medicine and living food movements.”

 

No doubt, there’s quite a buzz about marijuana edibles these days. Indeed, both world-class cannabis chefs and budding homegrown cooks are taking weed’s culinary possibilities to an even higher level.

 

It’s not just your Cheech’s and Chong’s diving into the wonderful world of medicated edibles. It’s your mom, your grandparents, your neighbor, your neighbor’s mom…consuming cannabis is no longer reserved for “stoners.”

 

And rightfully so.

 

Cannabis has incredible healing properties that can improve your life starting today, you just have to get down and dirty and arm yourself with the knowledge, tools, and resources to make educated and responsible decisions about what this plant can do for you.

 

Need help finding the edible that’s right for you? Chat online with Nugg’s Cannabis Concierge to find the best products to meet your needs – they may even be available for delivery from your local dispensary. 

 

Who’s Guarding Our Privacy?

 

It’s not like privacy for marijuana consumers isn’t an issue. It is. So much so that Oregon Governor Kate Brown just signed a bill preventing marijuana retailers from keeping customer data for more than four days.

 

Senate Bill 863 requires that all retailers eliminate their consumer data within the month and, quite frankly, most retailers are relieved since record keeping requirements slow down business. It’s a complete 180 from California’s laws which require patient and sales records to be kept for years, at an enormous fine per record if they’re lost.

 

[See Prop. 64 full text, Sec. 26160(f): If a licensee, or an agent or employee of a licensee, fails to maintain or provide the records required pursuant to this section, the licensee shall be subject to a citation and fine of up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) per individual violation.]

 

But how much does it matter that sales information is private if the DEA can just go to your ISP, see what you Googled, and go straight to your retailer?

 

Okay, that’s an extreme example. It’s not like they’re going to come after all pot consumers based on their internet search histories. But there are certain websites that could tip the DEA’s eye toward you in a very unpleasant way. If you think it’s not a concern, think again.

 

Last year an article by Americans for Tax Reform, an advocacy group for taxpayers, shows how the DEA “consistently searches through American travel records to seize millions of dollars using civil asset forfeiture.” And now Congress has given that dog another bone.

 

S.J. Res. 34

 

This is old news at this point (a few weeks at least). Congress passed this little monster that lifts the FCC’s restrictions on internet service providers’ ability to tap and sell our private (so we thought) internet search data. This data doesn’t just include what we look for, it includes where we are.

 

Think the DEA might find that useful in certain situations?

 

Guess what? They could already do this, and they have been for years. Law enforcement can already access an uncomfortable amount of information with nothing more than a subpoena.

 

• Our IP address: via the Electronic Communications Privacy Act investigators can access the IP addresses we visit; a subpoena can be obtained without a judge’s approval.

 

• Our online activities: using a court order, law enforcement can access other online activities that don’t include emails, files or browser histories.

 

• The rest: once the police can convince a judge that your browser history may contain evidence of criminal activity, they can obtain a warrant that gives them the key to absolutely everything.

 

Stephanie Lacambra, a criminal defense attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, has pointed out that this data collection method is sometimes used for murder, domestic violence, and child pornography cases, “but there is nothing stopping police from applying for warrants in drug cases.”

 

With these search warrants, law enforcement can even go straight to providers like Google and request all of your user data. If you think that Google fights to protect the privacy of its users, think again. In 2015, they honored 85% of these requests for broad search history information.

 

Worse, police can just nab your phone and pull up the entire browsing history using software called Cellebrite. Literally EVERYTHING that’s left in the forgotten remains of your browser history is up for grabs. EVERYTHING. Now you have a good reason to delete it every single day.

 

This is enough to make Anthony Weiner sweat bullets.

 

So, What Changed?

 

If they couldn’t physically nab our cell phones or laptops, then the DEA would have had to convince a competent judge that our search history was worth having before the bill was passed.

 

How has this changed?

 

Not a whole lot, according to our interview with Karen Gullo at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

 

“Last year the FCC passed a set of rules for how ISPs deal with their customers’ data. The commonsense rules updated longstanding federal protections for Internet users. Under the rules, ISPs would be required to protect your data and wouldn’t be allowed to do a host of creepy things, including sell your Internet browsing records without your consent. The resolution repealed those FCC’s privacy rules, which opens the door for ISPs to do a host of things, which we explain here…As I understand it, based on what our experts said, DEA isn’t affected by the resolution. Whatever they had been doing they can continue to do.”

 

Yes, this includes all of the activities listed above. But we don’t have to necessarily worry about the DEA going on an outright fishing expedition based on purchased search histories…yet.

 

Still, it’s nice to know that most internet service providers are also governed by their own privacy policies. Basically, this is a contract with their customers. Most have strict provisions that prohibit selling individual identifying information, meaning that if Google were to sell President Trump’s private browsing data to a private citizen, it would most likely cause a lawsuit of epic proportions.

 

Of course, this means all of those who’ve started Kickstarter funds to buy Congressperson’s private browsing data (some of them are already in the six figures) are probably pissing in the wind; they can no longer approach Yahoo and buy the President’s history anymore than he can buy theirs.

 

But what does that matter when the police can already obtain everything we search for online with nothing more than a flimsy warrant that’s extremely easy to obtain according to Google’s own statistics?

 

Is There Any Hope?

 

The good news is that several states are already proposing their own legislation to keep ISPs from selling your user data/search history without consent. These include Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Washington and Wisconsin.

 

Unfortunately, California is not one of these states.

 

But it can be. Contact your local representatives and tell them you support internet privacy protections in your upcoming statewide legislation. In the meantime, there are more immediate concerns, considering that your information has been up for free for years now.

 

What Can I Do to Protect My Search History?

 

The immediate steps that we need to take to protect our search history and privacy involve a bit more technical know-how.

 

First, always force your browser to use HTTPS. Your ISPs can see where you go, but they really can’t see much of what you’re doing there. If you’re on Google Chrome (the devil we know) you can install this extension to make your browser use this extension whenever possible.

Second, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It may be less convenient, but it hides your IP. Don’t think that you can do anything you want behind it; believe me, if law enforcement really wants your browsing data, they can get past it. Worse, some VPN services have received warrants regarding individual browsing data and they’ve  honored it. The only thing that a VPN protects you from is random data mining.

 

 

Third, consider using a Tor browser. This masks your identity further by bouncing your searches all over the world before landing at your destination. It’ll definitely slow your browsing down, but will add an extra layer of privacy.

 

 

Despite these precautions, at the end of the day cookies and snooping software rule. Your computer probably already has spyware, some of it even from law enforcement. So, the old adage wins: “Just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.”

 

Assume everything you do online is being tracked, because it is. The only difference is that we’re one step closer to having our browsing data available to the highest bidder. We’re not quite there yet, but we might as well resign ourselves to the fact that we’re living in the Orwellian world of 1984. Ever so slowly we slip one step closer to the fabled Panopticon.