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Cannabis Vaporizers

Though precursors to modern day e-cigarettes have existed since the 1960s, vaping as we know it grew to prominence around 2010, after the “cartomizer” was invented in 2006. Today, this futuristic method of nicotine intake has become popular enough to justify thousands of businesses dedicated solely to a growing number of e-cigarette devotees.

 

But what about the marijuana-mans and cannabis fans? Have we been left in the dust? Absolutely not.

 

As most medical marijuana patients know, vaporizers are a popular method of cannabis consumption. But traditionally, cannabis vaporizers differ in appearance from the long and slender e-cigarette design.

 

For example, one of the most popular vaporizers is the Magic Flight Launch Box. It sports an unconventional wooden design aimed at providing a portable and discreet way to vaporize marijuana. On the other end of the vaporizer spectrum is the Volcano Vaporizer, which is as large and costly as a kitchen appliance, but unparalleled in heat control and efficiency.

 

It wasn’t until recently, however, that a middle ground between e-cigarettes and cannabis vaporizers was achieved, dawning a new age of cannabis e-liquids.

 

Beyond the Vape Pen: The Birth of Liquid THC

 

Somewhat similar to how Kleenex has become synonymous with tissue, or Coca-Cola with soda, the Grenco Science G Pen set the standard for vaporizer pens. Similar in design to sleeker and thinner e-cigarettes, the G Pen—no longer the industry standard, but now merely one amongst many capable vape pen products—was initially created to be used solely with marijuana concentrates. In fact, the official Snoop Dogg model G Pen is designed to be used for vaporizing ground herb.

 

However, demand eventually called for vape cartridges to be optimized for other forms of marijuana intake, which leads us to…

 

Liquid THC, a.k.a cannabis e-liquid. It’s designed to mimic the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes, except for consumption by cannabis users. Though a relatively new way to consume cannabis, it’s already been quick to fire up support in the public sphere: in 2014, comedian Sarah Silverman was spotted carrying a vape pen filled with liquid THC on the Emmy’s red carpet.

 

Liquid THC is generally sold in either pre-filled vape cartridges designed to screw onto a variety of vaporizer pens, or in more cost effective dropper bottles, allowing users to refill vape pen cartridges themselves. In either case, many of the benefits sought by e-cigarette users—namely portability, less harsh smoke, and discreteness—are also at play.

 

 

What Is Liquid THC?

 

What makes liquid THC different from other concentrates is, as its name would suggest, its high THC content. Traditional concentrates, like butane oil or shatter, generally contain somewhere in the range of 50-70% THC. Liquid THC, on the other hand, has tested up to 90% in THC content.

 

For those who prefer the effects of THC over the other active ingredients in marijuana—amongst which are cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol, cannabaverin, cannabigerol, and other compounds—liquid THC is quite possibly the purest and most efficient form of THC intake.

 

These additional compounds offer their own physiological or pharmaceutical benefits, and though THC still acts as the primary active ingredient in most strains of medical marijuana, some may prefer the amounts of these additional compounds found in standard bud. However, for users who have determined the effects of THC to be most to their benefit, consuming its liquid form is a great way to experience its isolated effects.

 

Effects of THC

 

Most savvy smokers are familiar with THC (which is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, in case anyone was wondering) as the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. THC gets users “high” by binding to protein receptors in the brain. As long as the chemical remains active, the classic symptoms of a cannabis high are experienced by its users, amongst which are distortion of time, euphoria, and greater receptiveness to stimuli like food and laughter.

 

Furthermore, THC is thought to be the compound that helps most with sleep. CBD on the other hand, while generally contributing more of the medicinal effects associated with cannabis, can otherwise promote wakefulness.

 

Cannabis users prone to anxiety should take caution when considering liquid THC. While CBD is thought to calm users and reduce anxiety, THC can sometimes worsen anxiety or paranoia. For anyone who has experienced debilitating anxiety or paranoia as a side-effect of consuming marijuana, liquid THC is best taken cautiously, or avoided outright.

 

How to Make Liquid THC

 

 

Anyone who would rather bypass unregulated products altogether, or otherwise has DIY inclinations, making liquid THC at home is possible with a few, mostly standard household items and ingredients.

 

Ingredients

• Propylene Glycol (available online and at some pharmacies)
• Good quality cannabis, around 6 grams
• High proof grain alcohol—everclear, for example. DO NOT use isopropyl alcohol
• Two mason jars
• 5ml dropper bottles
• A cheese cloth
• A baking sheet lined with aluminum foil
• A kitchen pot
• An oven

 

STEP 1:

Start by decarboxylating the marijuana. This essentially “activates” it, which normally occurs via combustion or vaporization. This can be done by baking ground or broken up cannabis on a foil-lined baking sheet in an oven heated to 240 °F for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring it periodically so it heats evenly. The cannabis can then be ground in a food processor for more efficient extraction. By the end, it should be brown in color.

 

STEP 2:

Add the bud to one of the mason jars, and fill it with the high proof grain alcohol until the liquid is a little more than covering the plant material. Make sure the opening of the jar remains uncovered.

 

STEP 3:

Fill the kitchen pot with a few inches of water and add the jar from the previous step. Bring the water to a boil on the stove, reducing the temperature once it’s boiling. This evaporates some of the alcohol, and makes sure that THC is absorbed into the alcohol remaining in the jar. Once the alcohol has turned a darker color, and is just barely covering the cannabis, remove the jar from the stove, and add more alcohol, returning it to its original level or a little higher.

 

STEP 4:

Filter the bud out the alcohol, now containing the extracted THC. This can be done by placing the cheese cloth over the second mason jar, and pouring the contents of the full jar into it, so the bud is caught on the cheese cloth. Then squeeze the bud to make sure the maximum amount of liquid is filtered.

 

STEP 5:

Repeat Step 3 with the jar now containing just the liquid. However, make sure to use water that isn’t already boiling so as not to crack the glass from a difference in temperature. Evaporate enough of the liquid so that just 5ml is remaining. You can use the dropper to determine the volume left in the jar.

 

STEP 6:

Use the dropper to add 20ml of propylene glycol to the jar and shake or stir the mixture to add some extra potency. Your liquid THC is now usable!

 

TIP: Make sure your kitchen is ventilated, and as with any process involving open flames and alcohol, be sure to exercise caution.

 

Where to Buy Liquid THC

 

Before buying liquid THC, it’s worth noting that currently there are no regulations on its production. This means that hypothetically, other compounds could be added to liquid THC products by disreputable vendors looking to turn a greater profit. So, before buying a liquid THC product, it would be prudent to find feedback from other users who can vouch for the brand’s credibility.

 

Another option is to turn to a trusted brand like Nugg for your cannabis-related purchase decisions. We curate a list of the best cannabis providers across California, make their menus easily accessible online, and let medical marijuana patients like you place orders for delivery from any device.

 

Our site offers easy-navigation as well, with a search function that allows you to see which marijuana dispensaries in your area carry the products you’re looking for. You can even compare prices for all products found in your area.

 

In Conclusion

 

Like any medical marijuana product, liquid THC isn’t without a few risks of which any user should be aware. However, if the effects of THC are to your liking and you have either determined a brand to be reputable, or opted instead to make it yourself, liquid THC is a modern and specialized way to add variety to cannabis consumption.

 

When & Why Did You Start the Green Coyote Cannabis Delivery Service?

 

Green Coyote Collective was established in 2015 to provide an alternative to the traditional dispensary model, allowing our patients to obtain their medicine in the most safe and comfortable environment possible. Green Coyote Collective is committed to patient advocacy, following the best legal practices and exploring industry innovations to provide the best experience for our members. Our founders have decades of combined experience in the medical cannabis industry and only provide the top-quality medical cannabis for our patients.

 

What Makes Green Coyote Stand Out from Other Cannabis Collectives?  

 

Green Coyote Collective makes the process of choosing medical cannabis easy for our patients – we curate only the best, top-quality medication so our patients can trust what they are choosing. From top-quality flower, to the best edibles, concentrates and more, Green Coyote Collective delivers quality-tested products straight to our patient’s doors. 

 

 

What Are Some of Your Staff’s & Patients’ Favorite Products?  

 

The Oaktown Crippler (hybrid) Strain is a staff and patient favorite because of it’s high THC content, amazing flavor and euphoric effect. This super-star strain is known for offering relaxation, happiness and euphoria, and is used to treat everything from pain to stress to insomnia. This sweet and earthy Hybrid never disappoints.

 

 

Our Bumblebee Vape Pen is a new way to discreetly vaporize with a disposable pen that you throw away after 400 hits.Each pen is packed with 1000mg of its specified strain, there’s no charging necessary, and no hassle in dealing with cartridges that sometimes leak! Bumblebee provides a better, safer and healthier medical cannabis vaporizer experience. Discreet style with potency that most discerning palette will enjoy for a lifetime. Bumblebee is an instant classic.

 

Hint: Read Nugg’s post on the best vape cartridges before you make a purchase decision!

On the edible side, we have two favorites. First is our KIVA Terra Bites, which come in two flavors – Espresso and Blueberry. Each bite is exactly 5mg of medicine, making it easy to utilize the correct dose every time. In fact, Blueberry Terra Bites are the newest innovation in our line of best-selling Terra Bites. Using a traditional 24-hour panning process, dried US-grown blueberries are dusted with cocoa powder, coated in white chocolate, then dusted with raspberry and blueberry powder. Finished with a generous coating of Kiva milk chocolate, each 5MG bite is polished to sweet, tart, irresistible, perfection. 

 

 

Next is the Trokie Lozenge — a unique way to medicate with a 25mg lozenge that dissolves in your mouth for a rapid delivery of medicine through your oral tissue. Each lozenge is able to be cut into four pieces for easy dosing. The Trokie is designed to slowly dissolve between the cheek and gum, utilizing the Buccal Absorption delivery method. Buccal absorption is similar to sublingual in that the goal is maximize oral absorption, bypassing the First Pass Effect of metabolism (metabolized by the liver) that occurs during digestion. By Avoiding the GI Tract and the liver, the Trokie delivers a Quick onset of medicinal effects.

 

 

Do You Offer Any Patient Deals?

 

First time patients making an order with Green Coyote Collective receive a free gift! To obtain your free gift, simply let the staff member know that you are a first-time patient when you make your first order. OR you can get $20 off their first order when you use Nugg. All you have to do is signup with the code “FIRST20”.

 

Hint: Patient’s can also become a brand ambassador for Nugg & earn $10 cash for each person they refer that signs up and places an order.

 

Where Does Green Coyote Deliver?

 

Green Coyote Collective offers delivery to the following cities: Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Indio, Coachella Valley and Desert Hot Springs.

 

Hours of Operation? 

 

Our hours of operation are 11am – 11pm, 7 days a week.

 

How Can New Patients Become Members & Order Delivery? 

 

If patients are approaching us online, I’d recommend just signing up with Nugg. It’s quick and easy, and your documentation becomes available to us once you place your first order.

 

If any patient does not have a doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis, or needs to get theirs renewed, by-far the most convenient option is to video-chat with a doctor through NuggMD. You just visit their website, click a button to begin your evaluation, and you’re face-to-face with a licensed CA doctor in minutes. Once you’re approved (which usually only takes 5-10 minutes), you receive an instant electronic version of your doctor’s recommendation, which can be used to order instantly from our menu on Nugg! Plus, you’ll get a physical copy of your recommendation in the mail 2-3 days later which you can use to get access to our storefront dispensary.

 

Can We Find You at Upcoming Events & Any Final Thoughts? 

 

We make announcements on our Twitter page about events & meetups we’ll be attending!

 

Does Green Coyote Offer Online Ordering? 

 

Yes, one can order online through Nugg or at our own website at Greencoyote.org. You can also follow Green Coyote on Facebook & Twitter.

 

 

 

Therapeutic Benefits of Marijuana Tea

 

Another reason for marijuana-infused teas’ increasing popularity is that they contain more therapeutic benefits than traditional smoking. And, unlike smoking’s quick reaction time, cannabis-infused teas have a longer build due to the digestive tract’s absorption of the liquid’s active ingredients.

 

Tea made from brewing the leaves of the plant, not the bud, produces milder effects and doesn’t generate the traditional “heavy” or “stoned” sensations associated with other ingestion methods. Because of this, many say they feel “renewed” by the overall mild euphoria that often accompanies drinking cannabis tea, providing a great choice for those wishing to avoid becoming overly intoxicated.

 

If you’re going to brew your tea from flowers or leaves, you should make sure that you have a verified and tested organic source. Your best way to do this is to purchase your marijuana from a state-licensed medical marijuana dispensary. Be sure to check with your state to make sure that they allow flower.   If you live in Oklahoma, you can purchase up to 8 ounces of flower at a time, which is more than enough to make tea for a month, but you’ll have to get your Oklahoma medical marijuana card first.

 

SEE ALSO: In-Depth Review of Spring THC Soda

 

Dosages

 

As with all these cannabis ingestion methods, finding the correct dose for you will take a little trial-and-error, so it’s wiser to start small. If you’ve never tried marijuana before, in any form, begin with a very small dose to familiarize yourself with its associated sensations and side-effects. We recommend trying ½ a cup (125 ml) per day.

 

Otherwise, if you’re a regular or semi-regular user, a standard starting dose is one cup (250 ml) every 24-hours. If you find that the medicinal effect isn’t quite enough for your situation, you can increase to two cups (500 ml) every 24-hours, taken at 12-hour intervals (once in the morning, once before bed).

 

THC Per Cup

 

The amount of THC per tea cup will vary depending on the strain(s) you use to create your home-brew. For example, if you’re using a single gram of cannabis (1,000 mg dry weight) that has an approximate 10% THC content, your tea would contain roughly 100 mg of THC. As with all teas, strength depends on how long you allow it to steep; longer equals stronger tea.

 

Effects of Marijuana Tea

 

Cannabis-infused teas typically take somewhere between 30-90 minutes for the full impact to be felt. Some people with a higher metabolism or lower body mass may feel the effects more rapidly, while those with a slower metabolism or denser body mass may not feel the impact until almost 2 hours later.

 

So the first time you try this tea, plan to be in a familiar, safe environment for a few hours until you know how your body reacts. Drinkers typically experience effects lasting 4-8 hours. And it’s because of these long-lasting results that many find it particularly beneficial treating chronic conditions like MS, nausea, and rheumatoid pain.

 

How to Make Marijuana Tea

 

Want to make your own marijuana tea? The easiest way to brew a cup is to simmer the marijuana buds, leaves or stems for 30 minutes with an added fat (like butter or coconut oil), depending on the medicinal strength you want.

 

Marijuana-infused teas made from cannabis buds produce the strongest effect; teas made from leaves are milder; and stem-made teas have the weakest effect of all three.

 

Here are three different marijuana tea recipes utilizing each of these plant parts that you can easily make at home! 

 

1. Marijuana Bud Tea

Ingredients:

For each cup of tea you’ll need:

• 1/2 gram marijuana buds (for leaves or stems check out the second recipe below!)
• 1/2 teaspoon softened butter (unsalted)
• 1.5 cups water (400 ml)
• Optional: Tea bag (any flavor, mint works very well)
• Optional: Milk, sugar or honey to taste.
• Utensils: tea strainer, stainless steel pot, spoon

 

Instructions:

1. 1. Grind the buds. Remove any stems and put them aside to make a separate cup of stem-infused tea.
   2. Place the ground buds into a bowl and add the butter, mixing carefully; the back of a spoon works very well for this. Try to get every piece coated with a little butter.
   3. Carefully add the water to a stovetop pot on medium heat, slowly bringing it to a simmer, then gently spoon in the marijuana butter mixture (be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl). Keep the water simmering and “brew” your tea for 30 minutes, stirring often.
   4. Remove your pot from the stove and allow to rest for a moment, or until the bubbles to stop breaking the surface; once cooler slowly pour it through a strainer and voila—tea!

 

If you find the taste too strong, you can always add a tea bag of your choosing to the pot during the last 3-5 minutes of brewing.

 

2. Marijuana Leaf/Steam Tea

To make a mild-tasting tea with even lesser “intoxicating” effects, simmer 1-2 grams of stems, leaves, or a combination of both in 1.5 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink! That’s it! It’s a perfect drink before bedtime.

 

3. Ready-Made Teas

If you’re not feeling up to the challenge of making your own cup of marijuana tea, you can always enjoy these pre-packaged ready-made teas anytime, hot or cold!

 

1. Sarah’s Medicated Teas, based in Colorado Springs, CO, are available for purchase online. They’re currently branching out into Northern California and will soon be available at Dank Valley Farm, Indigo, Humble Root, and From the Earth.
2. The Venice Cookie Co. offers four different flavors of their “Subtle Tea”: PM, a non-caffeinated chamomile, spearmint and valerian combo, Chai, Green, and Black (Ceylon). Each bag contains 40mg of THC.
3. Have a discerning palate? House of Jane offers “Jane’s Brew Gourmet Cannabis-Infused Teas,” available in both C-Cups (for Keurig style machines) and traditional bags available in three doses: 20mg, 80mg or 200mg THC.
4. Pot-o-Coffee also has a 10mg K-Cup option of their “Hemp-Derived CBD-Infused Tea.”

 

You can also find cannabis-infused tea by searching for the keyword “tea” on Nugg, which will search the inventories of nearby cannabis dispensaries and let you order delivery online if any are available!

 

Consumer Reactions

 

“[Marijuana tea is] the absolute best for medical use…[I] drink one cup of tea and have it relieve my symptoms for at least 6 hours. Not a really strong tea either…[its] effects took between 1-1.5 hours and it sneaks up on you…you may not notice anything ‘happen’ rather you may notice a few hours later, hey I’m not in pain.” —Kelly of Cowichan Bay, BC

 

“I prefer teas to smoking because I don’t feel sluggish, just relaxed and alert.” —Ember Rose of Denver, CO.

 

“Drinking marijuana tea can give you all the medicinal effects you’re after, and you don’t get the smoke in your lungs—or the smell on your breath. It’s great if you happen to have a sore throat or something like that. When I’m down, a steaming hot cup of this tea drops my pain level down to where I can actually function like a human being! I think it would be perfect, too, for people who are non-smokers but still need pain relief!!” —Janet M. of Ann Arbor, MI,

 

When & Why Did You Start the Drop Off Cannabis Collective & Delivery Service? 

 

August 2015. I am very passionate about owning my own business and giving people access to medicine they might not be able or willing to get elsewhere. I get true pleasure in educating and interacting with patients. Each and every person has a different story, preference, and need for medical marijuana.

 

We chose the delivery service route out of necessity and demand. Unfortunately, San Diego has put a bit of a nix of storefronts unless licensed, or else we’d love to provide our patients a safe place to visit. There has always been and will always be a need for delivery services. Not only is it convenient for the patients, but you are able to get a scope into your patients home/life that you may not have otherwise – you really get to know your regulars.

 

What Makes Drop Off Stand Out from Other Cannabis Collectives? 

 

We guarantee delivery promptness, discretion, and professionalism. If anyone is unhappy we go out of our way to make it right. Our medicine is always quality and priced at a point where everyone is happy. We also have a large portion of our products lab-tested to ensure potency. 

 

What Are Some of Your Staff’s & Patients’ Favorite Products? 

1. Edipure Gummy Worms (Edible)

EdiPure makes all the novelty candies medicated. From gummy worms to jelly beans to cherry bombs. They pride themselves on having laboratory tested THC, precise THC dosing, and minimal THC taste. The gummy worms are a favorite with our patients because of their dangerously delicious taste and appeal as a traditional candy that has been medicated.

 

 

2. Miss B’s Peanut Butter Cup (Edible)

Miss B takes the taste of edible concentrates and makes them delicious! She does not try to completely mask the taste, but incorporate into her line of baked goods. Her Peanut Butter Cups are a real crowd pleasure because of their separate dosing, peanut butter taste, and POTENCY. These bad boys have over 100mg of concentrate in each package and are sure to have even the heaviest of users feeling very medicated.

 

 

3. Hippie Life Extracts (Concentrate)

This is our totally in house line of extracts. We produce some of the finest quality shatter, crumble, and wax through a closed loop vacuum chamber. All our concentrates are very stable, easy to work with, and come lab tested using a local San Diego laboratory called Pharmlabs.

 

 

4. Jetty Gold Cartridges (Vape Cartridges)

Jetty recently came out with this line of cartridges in Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid flavors. They boast an insane amount of THC with lab test results varying from 74%-86% depending on which flavor you choose. These cartridges have been on our shelves a long time and we haven’t had a single returned to us. We have next to no issues with the cartridges themselves and they work with any brand of battery!

 

SEE ALSO: The Best and Worst Vape Cartridges of 2015

 

 

Do You Offer Any Patient Deals?

 

Absolutely. Just about everyday is a special deal (i.e. Munchie Monday, Wax Wednesday, and Freaky Friday). We also send out text message specials that only returning patients have access to. 

 

OR you can get $20 off their first order when you use Nugg. All you have to do is signup with the code “FIRST20.”

 

Hint: Patient’s can also become a brand ambassador for Nugg & earn $10 cash for each person they refer that signs up and places an order.

 

Where Does Drop Off Deliver? 

 

We deliver to a 20 mile radius surrounding downtown San Diego.

 

Hours of Operation? 

 

Our hours of operation are 8am – 10pm Monday through Wednesday, 8am – 12:00am Thursday through Saturday, and we’re closed on Sundays.

 

Can We Find You at Upcoming Events? 

 

Yes, we’ll be attending the Cannabis Only Farmers Market in San Diego on April 2nd.

 

Does Drop Off Offer Online Ordering? 

 

Yes, patients. can order online through Nugg, and we truly love interacting with patients. We are always showing love to our returning patients. It is our goal to make everyone in the process happy, from the person making our edibles, to the cultivators growing our flowers, to the patients enjoying our medicine.

 

 

When & Why Did You Start the Litt California Cannabis Brand? 

 

In 2015, Litt™ California began providing Californians with local, 100% natural medicine because we wanted to offer accessible, healthy cannabis solutions to patients who need it in a fast and professional manner.  We believe in getting the most out of life, and to be able to live life on our terms, and help others – it’s the California dream.

 

What Makes Litt California Stand Out from Other Collectives? 

 

Our cultivation process and medicine is what makes us stand apart from other collectives. Today, people are uber-concerned with what goes into anything they consume/ingest, and are looking for transparency in the growing and manufacturing process.

 

We cultivate high-quality cannabis using sophisticated hydroponics techniques, giving us meticulous control throughout the grow process. We use 100% food-grade nutrients and the result is a wonderful fragrance that really tastes good and is kinder to the respiratory system. Our cultivation process is focused on two factors that distinguish the brand as a healthy choice — reducing heavy metals and providing pesticide-free buds, which are the baseline to all Litt™ products. The result is a smoother, longer-lasting, and better tasting flower. All of our cannabis is tracked and tested from seed to sale. 

 

When you Get Litt™, you know you’re getting the best California has to offer.

 

What Are Some of Your Staff’s & Patients’ Favorite Products?

 

That’s a tough question because it depends on desired effect and taste; we have a wide range of products to suit every need. If you are looking for pain relief, our organic strain of Headband (an Indica dominant hybrid) is fantastic. For stress relief, help with depression, or chronic pain, OG Kush is a solid choice. Our 100% organic CO2 extracted Litt™ Oil is very popular, and people love the ease of using a vape. Currently, we are cultivating some CBD strains like Charlotte’s Web and old school classic strains such as Chocolate Thai and Northern Lights.

 

 

Litt is truly committed to the health-conscious cannabis consumer. Our flowers are grown through a biologically cultivated process, our edibles are made with 100% organic extraction, and our concentrates contain zero Petroleum Based Solvents or Polyethylene glycol. In fact, our concentrates are made with a 100% organic medicine and a safe, clean, CO2 closed-loop system that vacuums at low temperature to preserve the integrity of the oil and terpenes.

 

 

Do You Offer Any Patient Deals?

 

There’s a first time patient discount that may be applied the first time someone orders on littcalifornia.com, or one can get $20 off their first order when they use Nugg. All they have to do is signup with the code “FIRST20”. We also have a loyalty program — become a brand Ambassador and receive a code that when another patient uses it, the Ambassador receives 10% residual of the total purchased.

 

Hint: Patient’s can also become a brand ambassador for Nugg & earn $10 cash for each person they refer that signs up and places an order.

 

Where Does Litt California Deliver?

 

Litt™ offers free delivery, 7 days a week to Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Culver City and the San Fernando Valley. 

 

Hours of Operation?

 

Our hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

 

Can We Find You at Upcoming Events & Any Final Thoughts?

 

You can find us regularly participating in events like Elevate, which is focused on proper regulation and access of cannabis in the Los Angeles area. We also belong to California Norml and the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), to name a few. We are committed to changing the existing stigmas that surrounds cannabis use. Our products are all-natural, organic and designed to bring health, happiness and peace of mind to our patients.

 

Find our exclusive products at select dispensaries, online at littcalifornia.com, or order delivery through Litt California’s menu on Nugg.

 

 

Cannabis’ Medicinal Benefits

 

The cannabis plant contains a number of naturally occurring chemical compounds which effect the human body.  These compounds are called cannabinoids. Probably the most familiar is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly called THC. This is the main psychoactive ingredient  in cannabis.  The second most familiar is cannabidiol (CBD), which is of medical interest because it doesn’t have a significant effect on one’s thoughts or behavior. Together, these two ingredients are the main focus of medical research on the cannabis plant.

 

In his article in the Journal of Ethno-Pharmacology, Mohamed Ben Amar provides a review of a number of clinical trials that have been performed on cannabinoids. These trials measured the impact of cannabinoids on a variety of diseases. These include nausea, loss of appetite from cancer or AIDS, pain relief, and treatment of multiple sclerosis, Tourette’s syndrome, spinal cord injuries, epilepsy, and glaucoma.  In these clinical trials, cannabinoids were found to have a beneficial impact with minimal side effects compared to traditional treatments like pharmaceuticals and prescription painkillers. In trials focused on other diseases like Parkinson’s disease, cannabinoids were found to have limited impact or to be no better than current treatments.

 

The scientific studies on the medicinal benefits of cannabis have already shown that a number of benefits can be derived from the plant, and these studies continue. There is even some preliminary evidence that cannabinoids may be effective in fighting cancer. This goes along with historical and anecdotal evidence that cannabis has been a useful and revered plant since prehistoric times.  All in all, with scientifically proven benefits, and without some of the scary side effects of other medications, cannabis should be on every doctor’s list of choices when deciding how to treat patients.

 

The FDA’s Imitation Cannabis

 

What’s most surprising is that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has actually approved two medicines based on the THC-cannabinoid, for the treatment of nausea and loss of appetite. They are Marinol and Nabilone. This is despite the fact that the Federal government continues to maintain that cannabis is not medicine, as noted on the National Institute on Drug Abuse website. The position of the Federal government has created a vicious cycle in which federal limitations on cannabis for medical use can not be lifted without  extensive clinical trials, and those trials are very difficult to conduct due to the limitations on the use of cannabis.

 

States Putting Cannabis Rights in Their Own Hands

 

Despite the stance of the Federal government, voters in many states have taken power into their own hands and approved of cannabis for medical use.  This has allowed doctors to recommend cannabis-use for conditions that have not yet undergone the full clinical trial process. 

 

As noted on the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) website, since 1996 doctors in the state of California have been allowed to recommend cannabis to patients for anorexia, arthritis, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, cancer, migraine, nausea, muscle spasm, seizures, or any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been “deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician.” This gives the doctors great latitude in deciding which conditions they feel can be helped by cannabis.

 

The Beginning of Cannabis in Cinema

 

In 1936, a church group financed a film titled Tell Your Children, intended to depict use of marijuana (or “marihuana” in the terminology of the film) as a one way ticket to crime and debauchery. It was soon purchased by an exploitation film producer, who re-released it as Reefer Madness. The entirety of the film is rooted in baseless scare tactics, written not to educate viewers about potential risks of cannabis use, but to make marijuana look very bad.

 

A poster for Reefer Madness

 

In the 1970s, when cannabis counterculture was on the rise, the film became an ironic cult classic and is still screened to this day. Though public perception of marijuana is following an upward trend in terms of acceptance, some law and policy makers are still influenced by less extreme but nonetheless analogous rhetoric to the same, unsubstantiated propaganda found in the film.

 

But rather than focus on these modern day echoes of some of these unfounded allegations, today’s viewers opt instead to make light of what’s ultimately a ridiculous and poorly made film. Something about the idea that marijuana leads to murder is so funny that it’s remained a cult classic for the forty odd years since its rediscovery. 

 

The Rise of the Stoner Comedy

 

Around the same time that Reefer Madness got big, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong invented the stoner comedy. In my eyes, this dynamic duo is a quintessential example of why weed makes you laugh. Though they had been a popular comedic duo for years before the release of their debut film, it was Up in Smoke in 1978 that laid the foundation for the still thriving subgenre.

 

What, exactly, constitutes a stoner comedy is up for debate. Films like Half Baked or Pineapple Express, whose plots revolve entirely around weed, are unarguably stoner comedies that make you laugh. Other films, like The Big Lebowski or Clerks, feature plenty of marijuana use and are generally enjoyed by pro-cannabis audiences, but have enough fans within the filmgoing public to generally not be pigeonholed into the subgenre.

 

However, it’s a testament to the comedic viability of marijuana that critically acclaimed directors like Joel and Ethan Coen (of The Big Lebowski and many other great films) would make it a focal point of possibly their most beloved comedic film. Likewise, Pineapple Express was well received and earned more than double its high Hollywood budget.

 

Why Does Weed Make You Laugh? 

 

Marijuana is funny for two directly related reasons: weed makes you laugh, and it’s fun to laugh about weed.

 

This first reason is the more obvious one. Though Reefer Madness has probably been enjoyed by some sober viewers, it’s no coincidence its popularity spiked in an era when marijuana use was beginning to become far more widespread. The change in perspective that often accompanies cannabis-induced inebriation can be enough to make something totally normal—say, typical living room furniture or the way a friend says a certain word—seem inexplicably funny. To the minds of those under the influence, absurd stories about marijuana can seem like comedy gold.

 

A classic sequence from Dave Chappelle’s Half-Baked introduces audiences to the Enhancement Smoker, played by Jon Stewart. He asks Guillermo Díaz’s character if he’s ever seen Scent of a Woman (he has). But more importantly, has he ever seen Scent of a Woman… on weed? This is absurd not because Stewart’s character is smoking pot and watching movies, but because he’s championing Scent of a Woman, of all possible films. In large part, the Enhancement Smokers of the world are to thank for the lasting popularity of films like Reefer Madness and Half-Baked.

 

Even audiences a little more hostile towards marijuana than the average person may still find material about weed funny. Take The Big Lebowski as an example: its central characters are not just dumb, but profoundly dumb; heroic, some might say, in their stupidity. But, like the archetypal cinematic stoner, they may not always be responsible human beings, but they will always come through with lots of laughter and positive vibes.

 

These character traits are far from indicative of all marijuana users, but are uniquely compelling due to the low-stakes fun implicit in marijuana use. “Low-stakes” is the key term here: the comedy of most stoner films relies on mining this low-stakes fun for any and all comedic potential. This is how a stolen rug in the beginning of The Big Lebowski results in multiple near-death experiences later on in the film.

 

Jeff Bridges as “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski

 

Exactly why marijuana tends to induce laughter is up for debate, though scientists have come up with a few significant theories. One study attributes increased blood flow to the right frontal and left temporal lobes of the brain, which are regions of the brain associated with laughter. Exactly how much these regions are stimulated has not been concluded, however, so this could be the sole contributing factor, or one of many. Another theory involves the capacity of cannabis to work as an antidepressant. Mood is thus improved, and most likely—though not conclusively proven—a good mood makes people more likely to laugh.

 

Stoner Comedy in 2016

 

Like most other art forms, stoner comedy is evolving alongside technology. Internet memes are one way acolytes of our current technological paradigm are sharing weed jokes with one another. Reddit’s hugely popular r/trees board is one notable source of cannabis-related memes.

 

A popular image posted to the r/trees board by user KittyChanelle5

 

On Facebook, the terminology for a high quality meme is taken directly from cannabis culture (the term is “dank meme.”) With currently more than 21,000 likes, a page called Bernie Sanders’ Dank Meme Stash is one of the top hubs of support for the presidential candidate outside of his official fan pages. The page is so popular, Vice recently published an article about it.

 

Or consider comedian Doug Benson, who’s championing a newer, purer kind of stoner comedy. Benson is the first comic to develop a successful podcast based on live consumption of medical marijuana. The show, titled Getting Doug with High, has featured Jack Black, Margaret Cho, David Cross and many other successful comics under the influence of cannabis alongside Benson.

 

It’s no surprise that jokes about marijuana follow new opportunities allowed by advancing public policies and technologies. Marijuana will always be funny to both those under its influence, as well as those who enjoy the laid-backness of stoner comedy.

 

As long as people are still creating online content, there will be new memes about weed—and fortunately, a lot of them are pretty funny.

 

Medical Marijuana Tax Might Become 15% Higher

 

California NORML, the state advocacy group for the reform of marijuana laws, has announced it’s opposition to  Senate Bill 987 introduced by Senator Mike McGuire.  This bill, otherwise known as The Marijuana Value Tax Act, if passed, would impose an additional 15% sales tax on the sale of medical marijuana in any retail setting, such as a dispensary or collective. Senator McGuire had this to say about the bill:

 

“We made a commitment last year as we were working through the huge undertaking of setting statewide regulations for medical marijuana that we would follow up on a statewide excise tax,” Senator McGuire said. “This needed revenue will make our communities stronger by focusing on the impacts of cultivation and use of marijuana, including funding local law enforcement and neighborhood improvement programs, state parks, drug and alcohol treatment and environmental rehabilitation.”

 

SB 643 & SB 987

 

Last year, Senator Mike McGuire passed SB 643 – The Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act – that was part of a historic three-bill package covering every aspect of the commercial medical marijuana industry which will be regulated and subject to licensure in California.

 

His latest bill, SB 987, creates a tax that would be the responsibility of the purchaser, and is based into the price of marijuana. It would amount to a 15% price increase across the board on any form of medical marijuana. Under SB 987, 30% of all revenue from the MVT will go to the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation to distribute via grant programs designed specifically for local agencies who oversee the regulation of cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distributing and sale of marijuana.

 

California NORML director Dale Gieringer is quoted on their website as saying “At this time when providers already face burdensome new costs under the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act it is unwise and unfair to impose any new state tax on medical marijuana.” Gieringer goes on to state that he believes further taxes will “only encourage marijuana suppliers to move to the illegal, untaxed, unregulated adult use market.”

 

Legitimate Patients in Trouble?

 

Suppliers moving out of the legitimate medical marijuana industry could have an impact on patients who rely on legitimate suppliers.  Limited choices, higher prices and supply shortages are the economic realities of fewer suppliers in a market like this one.  Coupled with the automatic 15% sales tax which is proposed, these concerns make Senate Bill 987 a non-starter for California NORML.

 

A medical marijuana tax in California could become very real. Concerned patients should contact their senator.

 

About Blackwater OG

 

The Cali Connection and its head breeder, Swerve, have accomplished something great with their Blackwater OG strain. The group is dedicated to bringing some of the most popular Southern and Northern California “clone-only” cannabis varieties to seed form for legal, medical marijuana growers.

 

Some of these other strains include Tahoe OG, San Fernando Valley OG, Larry OG, Chem 91’ Skunk VA, and one we’ll review in-depth today–Blackwater OG.  

 

In 2014, Swerve set out to breed one of the “darkest Purple OG Kushes,” and he’s marvelously achieved that feat with this purple indica strain.

 

Named after a popular Doobie Brother’s song, it’s a cross between the clone-only Mendo Purps and the Cali Connection’s flagship strain, San Fernando Valley OG. It’s won multiple awards including 3^rd place in the 2014 Los Angles Cannabis Cup.

 

These round crystal-coated buds take on the best traits from both parent strains and help medical cannabis patients with a wide-variety of physical and mental ailments.

 

Blackwater OG Growing Traits

 

For growers, Blackwater OG has potential to find a place in the most advanced or novice gardens. There are a few phenotypes of this strain, but the most desirable will have a dense OG Kush bud structure, with dark purple colors appearing late in flowering as nighttime temperatures slowly drop.

 

 

Blackwater OG has a tendency to poorly produce below a canopy so creating multiple “tops” or growing in a “Sea of Green” may be your best bet at maximizing its yield. The Cali Connection recommends harvesting in the 8 to 9-week window, but from personal experience, I find it best to go for a full 9 to 10-weeks, which allows this strain to reach its full potency and potential. 

 

Appearance, Taste & Smell

 

Visually, Blackwater OG buds appear dense and coated in cannabinoids, with a coloring of deep-purple and light-green that create an overall enticing appearance. Plus, this flower has a truly delightful scent that brings out the best of its parental lineage.

 

Up front, the strain has richly floral, grape notes, but an overpowering pine-like smell lingers as the nugs are broken apart. Upon smoking this strain, the grape scent transitions perfectly into a mouth-coating, sugary flavor, with an earthy, pine-like finish.

 

The vapor and smoke of this strain will linger in an enclosed space for quite some time and will leave a floral, incense smell that is oddly reminiscent of the ever so popular Nag-Champa fragrance. 

 

Medical Uses & Effects of Blackwater OG

 

Most cannabis users find that Blackwater OG is one of the few “night-time only” strains due to its narcotic, sleep-inducing buzz. It’s perfect for medicinal cannabis patients who need a strain that will promptly provide sleep-aide, appetite stimulation, and pain-relief.

 

After smoking a small dose of this strain (0.08-0.25 grams), patients can expect a slight cerebral buzz that a good sativa will deliver, but don’t be fooled, as it lasts for only a brief period of time.

 

The indica effects quickly creep in and a floating, warming, body buzz takes over, which will have most patients looking for the nearest couch and snack bowl. This strain has been reported by medical marijuana patients to be great for migraines, general headaches, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, anxiety, depression, and multiple sclerosis.

 

Proper Dosage for Consumption

 

The smoke from this heavy indica is expansive in the lungs, so a vaporizer may be a better choice over a glass piece when medicating with this strain.

 

For California cannabis patients, a recommended dose for flowers is anywhere from 0.08 grams to 0.25 grams, depending on the patient’s tolerance and the THC content of the strain. Bud Genius has consistently found that Blackwater OG tests around 18.5%-22% THC (which is fairly high), so a proper dose would likely be in the lower range of the above recommendation.

 

Depending on a patient’s medical needs, a patient should re-dose every 1.5-4 hours. For most, Blackwater OG’s effects last approximately 2-3 hours, with a sleep-inducing sensation coming on near the tail-end, so re-dosing will likely make you drift closer to a fully-medicated slumber.

 

 

Blackwater OG Results: 17% THC, 0.04% CBD, 0.04% CBN

 

Where to Find Blackwater OG 

 

While we love sharing awesome content on our blog to help cannabis patients better understand the plant they love, we’re also pioneering the way for easy, quick, and professional cannabis delivery.

 

Nugg lets you order medical marijuana delivery online from local cannabis dispensaries in more than 60 California cities. Think of it like GrubHub for cannabis. It’s free to use, every order is backed by 24/7 customer service, and you can choose from thousands of marijuana products across hundreds of dispensaries.

 

And if you’re interested in finding a specific strain near you, including Blackwater OG, visit our site (no signup necessary) and input your delivery address to get a list of dispensaries near you. From there, you can use the search bar to discover specific products and compare prices at nearby dispensaries!

 

Click the link below!

 

 

Conclusion 

 

Overall, Cali Connection’s Blackwater OG is deserving of its awards and reputation, and a treat to grow and use. This strain should be recommended for any indica-lover searching for a potent and easy-to-grow “purple” cannabis variety.

 

I guarantee it’ll add a connoisseur-grade strain to their cannabis garden, and cannabis patients will also be overwhelmed by its sensual appeal and effectiveness in treating countless ailments.