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Cannabis Is Medicine to Many

 

Depending on the cannabis consumer, some may be taken aback by even comparing the two. Outside of the marijuana community, some may still view pot as merely a recreational thing. To them, it is likely on the level with alcohol.

 

That is not the case for the scores of patients using cannabis to treat their medical conditions and symptoms. People of all ages and backgrounds use marijuana to live a better life. They include children with epilepsy, returning veterans with PTSD, grandparents with joint conditions and parents who just need some help sleeping.

 

In short, cannabis is used as a medicine by far more people than detractors expect. They likely aren’t even aware of how hot a topic this argument can become.

 

Young People’s Changing Preferences

 

The way young people prefer to drink has changed over the years. Shifts in recent years indicate their increased preference for craft beer and wine over the cheap stuff. More so, when cannabis is introduced, legalized counties see a 15% drop in alcohol sales on average.

 

While this may not work as a rebuttal in every scenario, these shifts represent a changing culture. Whether you are part of the demographic or not, young adult consumption shows where cannabis is heading.

 

The reasons below will explain why many are choosing to follow this route.

 

It’s Often Cheaper Than a Night Out

 

Depending on your usage levels, this argument may not hold as much water. However, for the casual cannabis consumer, the costs compared to a night out drinking tend to be lower.

 

Let’s say you buy an eighth for $50. While the upfront cost certainly is felt, most consumers will be able to use this flower over a brief but extended period. While the same could be said of a bottle of wine or alcohol, it can just as easily be consumed in a single night between a few friends.

 

Again, the scenario can be flipped depending on your consumption levels of the two. Rely on a keen sense of self-awareness before making this claim.

 

Little-to-No Hangover with Marijuana

 

Mike Terry, SEO Manager for Herb, told Nugg that a lack of hangovers is one reason he is a cannabis consumer.

 

“You can easily smoke all night and feel nothing short of amazing the next morning whereas a heavy night of drinking has the opposite effect where you feel like complete garbage with a bad hangover.”

 

Life Insurance 420’s Zack Taylor echoed similar sentiments to Terry’s while highlighting particular benefits for specific consumer demographics.

 

“From a practical standpoint, consuming a few alcoholic beverages can reduce your quality of sleep, and make you feel hungover in the morning, which can be a terrible feeling.”

 

Taylor added, “Using cannabis instead is a much better alternative when it comes to the next morning, and that is especially important for people who have kids and/or a job to go to.”

 

Overall Productivity 

 

Thanks to the expansive world of cannabis strains, compounds, cannabinoids, terpenes and more, the varying effects of strains allow for each to suit the needs of numerous consumers.

 

For many, this means needing relief during the day without losing track of their daily tasks. Often, these people reach for a sativa or a strain with a higher CBD to THC ratio.

 

This cannot be said about beer. Mike Terry explained that “even a beer or two during the day will seriously inhibit my productivity,” adding that “smoking a bit will typically boost my drive and help me to get shit done, depending on the task.”

 

The same can be applied at home.

 

Terry explains “For example, if I started drinking at home while using my computer or playing video games, after several drinks I am starting to get drunk, have trouble focusing, and am utterly useless on a computer.” He adds, “Smoking cannabis, however, I never would hit a point where I couldn’t use a PC anymore no matter how much I consumed.”

 

A Different Intoxication

 

People love booze and pot because they make you feel good. That does not mean that they provide similar types of intoxication, however.

 

Consuming too much alcohol leads to decreased motor skills, lowered reasoning, weakened balance and a loss of consciousness among other noticeable effects.

 

While cannabis can lead to adverse effects at times, including poorer coordination and delayed reaction times, strain specificity can help consumers steer clear of certain effects – providing a tailored experience alcohol can’t.

 

Alcohol Tolerance Changes as You Age

 

Our body’s ability to tolerate alcohol changes as we age. What once wouldn’t affect us as much does as we age thanks to several factors, including a decrease in water in our bodies as we age.

 

Heidi Minx runs the branding and PR firm MinxLive. After reaching 45 years old, Minx began developing adverse reactions to her evening glass of wine. They included sweating at night, vivid dreams, waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep.

 

Now, Minx reaches for a 4 to 5mg THC edible. She told Nugg “I’m resting soundly through the night now. And frankly, with the new testing regulations being so stringent, I trust what is in my cannabis to be cleaner than wine.”

 

Much Less Addictive to Most

 

In most cases, cannabis consumption does not lead to addiction as is the case with alcohol and hard drugs. While some studies suggest that there is some degree of dependency on cannabis, this only affects a small portion of cannabis consumers.

 

Meanwhile, 2015 data found that 15.1 million adults over 18 in the U.S. suffered from alcohol use disorder (AUD). An additional 623,000 minors aged 12-17 also suffer from AUD. This contributes to the estimated 88,000 that die in America from alcohol-related causes each year.

 

That said, cannabis should still be consumed responsibly. This is especially true in younger consumers, as debates and studies around brain development and marijuana use disorder continue.

 

Often Better for Social Situations

 

When discussing social lubricants, most think of alcohol. In our younger days, we may call it pre-gaming. As we get older, it may be a cocktail. Whatever the name, it tends to represent a substance that helps us relax.

 

But for some, this can have the opposite effects. Sure, it is prone to make us more social, but remember how quick thoughts can turn from jovial to regret, sadness and even violence for some. Or, you just get sick and throw up. All bad outcomes.

 

On the other hand, cannabis is often great for deep, probing chats. In fact, many strains are used to promote increased social attributes. Some effects include easing social anxieties and increasing conversations. Just don’t follow a path as comedian Jason Mantzoukas did and you should see positive social gains from your cannabis use.

 

Much Fewer Trips to the Bathroom

 

There are several incredible rebuttals for why cannabis use bests alcohol. While many are rooted in science and emotion and changing lives, let’s not forget the basics.

 

You are going to pee a lot more drinking than smoking. This means more trips off the couch when relaxing at home. It also means standing in heinously long lines at clubs, concerts, bars and other events where the last place you want to be is in the toilet or, worse, its line.

 

While cannabis might have you getting up to find snacks, you won’t be, as the iconic band Chumbawamba would say, pissing the night away.

 

Use these talking points at next time you need to rebuke a detractor. Have another talking point? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

 

A New Kind of Dispensary 

 

What will patients see when they enter Napa’s first legal dispensary? It’s not tie-dye and seedy green carpet, that’s for sure! Their 1,600 sq ft showroom looks more like an upscale art gallery than a pot shop.

 

Brands like Canndescent and CRU Cannabis are artfully arranged in neat rows under stylish recessed lighting and beautiful back-lit display cases.

 

Choose from products based on THC content, brand and price clearly displayed on the electronic menu screens; or you can see available products ahead of time online.

 

Oak tables are arranged throughout the showroom with pamphlets and other fliers if you want to learn more about available products.

 

Harvest offers tinctures, lotions, edibles, vape cartridges, flower and pre-rolls, so there are plenty of products to choose from, including CBDs!

 

How Do I Qualify to Shop at Harvest?

 

Patients still need an up-to-date doctor’s recommendation or county-issued medical marijuana identification card to buy medical cannabis at Harvest. Thankfully, getting a doctor’s recommendation in California is a piece of cake.

 

According to state law, any condition that the doctor feels could benefit from cannabis use will qualify you, a state resident, for a doctor’s recommendation.

 

Patients 18 or older can get their rec completely online with NuggMD. Simply head over to harvest.nuggmd.com to register online in a matter of minutes.

 

New NuggMD patients will receive an electronic copy of their recommendation that they can print and use the very same day until their permanent rec arrives by mail. 

 

About Harvest of Napa 

 

Harvest of Napa is a branch of Harvest Health & Recreation Inc., based in Tempe, Arizona.

 

A patient-oriented dispensary, Harvest believes each individual is unique. Their main focus is finding the right product to fit each customer’s distinct needs. This will remain their focus even after Napa finally embraces recreational sales.

 

About NuggMD

 

NuggMD is the nation’s leading telemedicine platform, serving patients in New York, Nevada and California.

 

The online service connects licensed doctors with prospective medical cannabis patients via their state-of-the-art online platform for only $49. They serve patients 18 and over who have any condition that can potentially benefit from cannabis treatment.

 

NuggMD has helped more than half a million patients improve their quality of life with medical marijuana.

 

“It’s our mission to end those gaps in medical cannabis access throughout the state,” says NuggMD CEO Collin Mann.

 

“Patients who need help the most, who can’t easily travel to the doctor and wait for hours or who simply don’t have the time, can use our platform to get the help they need.”

 

Harvest and NuggMD want to thank the city of Napa for finally putting the patients first. Now they have options for medical cannabis access right here at home.

 

 

Vaping

 

Meyers explained that the combination of the two significant factors is why vaping is so widespread today. He added, “In practice, vaporizing heats up cannabis close to its combustion point which effectively skyrockets its bioavailability and circumvents many of the harmful consequences of smoking.”

 

Dr. Jordan Tishler, a Harvard College and Harvard Medical graduate, now runs InhaleMD Health and Wellness. Dr. Tishler also noted that vaporizing can be a safer alternative to others.

 

Nevertheless, not every consumable is the same. She said that flower heated to 350°F allows for little to no combustion.

 

With oil cartridges, however, vaporization could be harmful. Dr. Tishler pointed towards additives from polyethylene glycol to terpenes to MCT oil that all could pose health risks.

 

In addition to additives, the lack of accurate heating temperatures was also a potential concern.

 

As such, Dr. Tishler considers flower the healthiest option.

 

“Clearly vaporizing flower is the safest alternative…Between vaping oil and smoking, it’s unclear which is safer, but why would you do either when you can vape flower?”

 

Edibles 

 

Edibles are a popular choice among medical and recreational users.

 

The effects aren’t felt until the body has digested and metabolized the food, often taking 30 to 90 minutes. Those seeking a prolonged, higher potent relief benefit from these effects.

 

However, they can also lead to overdosing if a consumer is impatient and consumes additional doses.

 

Amanda Winn Lee, the creator and host of A Mom’s Guide to Cannabis, tells Nugg that all kinds of cannabis consumption is safe.

 

After years of using herself, as well as eight collective years in cancer research, Winn Lee recognizes the benefits of edibles while acknowledging the risks.

 

“Sometimes [edibles] take up to 2 hours to kick in, and people get tired of waiting and ingest more.”

 

She adds, “It’s physically impossible to overdose on cannabis to a point of death, but it can make you really sick if you ingest too much.”

 

Tinctures

 

Tinctures are the strained end result of cannabis flower being soaked in strong alcohol. These alcohol-based cannabis extracts are some of the more popular choices among users seeking smoke-free alternatives.

 

They can be ingested on their own or be paired with a number of foods and beverages.

 

Aside from the standard adverse side effects of using cannabis, tinctures have no large-scale health concerns to date.

 

Pills

 

Decarboxylized pills have seen a sharp rise in popularity in recent years. Consumers choose pills for their discretion as well as their accurate dosing. Doctors also appreciate accuracy when it comes to prescribing cannabis.

 

“Capsules offer an element of simplicity, allowing healthcare practitioners to prescribe an exact milligram amount to a patient,” Dr. Kishan Mahabir told The Growth Op last year.

 

Pills provide accurate dosages and similar effects as edibles. Unlike edibles, though, a pill ensures that the consumer knows what dose they are taking.

 

Smoking

 

Cannabis smoke and cigarettes may appear the same. However, they seem to be quite the opposite when in our bodies.

 

Dr. Tishler explained that “We know that cannabis smoke, like tobacco smoke, contains enormous numbers of carcinogenic chemicals that would seem best avoided. However, empirical evidence seems to point to cannabis smoke being somehow different from tobacco smoke.”

 

She cited Donald P. Taskin’s decades-long study of recreational users which found that “habitual use of marijuana alone does not appear to lead to significant abnormalities in lung function when assessed either cross-sectionally or longitudinally.”

 

While most studies appear to agree that cannabis smoke presents little or no harm, its side effects can still present issues one would want to avoid.

 

In their 2015 article, Mallory Loflin, MA and Mitch Earleywine, PhD noted:

 

“Smoking marijuana does not harm lung function as dramatically as smoking tobacco does. Links between smoking marijuana and actual lung cancer are weak and difficult to replicate. Nevertheless, the habit clearly increases symptoms of respiratory irritation such as tightness in the chest, wheezing and coughing.”

 

They went on to explain that stronger cannabis extracts, often used in dabs, may cause more problems, but additional studies would be needed to find a definitive answer.

 

Solvent or Solvent-Free?

 

To create concentrates for dabbing, smoking, eating and other applications, a producer must extract the oil from the plant. This is done using a variety of methods. Some methods involve solvents like butane, alcohol and several others.

 

However, DIY heat plate technology and bubble hash extraction allow for products to be consumed without any chemicals involved.

 

Solvent extractors often rely on the removal of the solvents in their final products. Meanwhile, detractors point to chemicals being used in the process at all. At this time, while concern still abounds, solvents have not been found to be dangerous to a person’s health.

 

What Do I Choose?

 

We can’t definitively say which consumption method is the healthiest. While there are possible health risks to any method, nothing is certain.

 

Some may love vaping while others fear it could give them popcorn lung. Smoking flower is fine to most, but the effects of combustion are a concern to others.

 

Meanwhile edibles and pills provide time-released relief, both can be overdosed by impatient consumers.

 

Regardless of the negatives, each of the methods above has myriads of positives. For that reason, the choice has to come down to you, the user.

 

You have to determine which is the optimal way to consume and feel your best. If you want to avoid mildly questionable methods, pills or tinctures may be best. In other cases, the unconfirmed notions surrounding smoking and vaping aren’t enough to change your preferences.

 

It’s always best to stay informed and use the most recent and reputable findings to understand the evidence. Consider your own preferences and feelings as well.

 

While the industry builds itself up into the informed powerhouse it will become, all consumers can do is make the best decisions based on the knowledge they have.

 

Packaging, Labeling & Product Design

 

 

The packaging was nothing fancy; just a bare bones black plastic bag that reads, “Know Your Flavor” with pictures of colorful fruit, trees, a wooden stump and a shovel–presumably symbols representing the different terpene profiles NUG offers in all their cartridges.

 

The labeling meets the minimum legal requirements listing THC (68%) and CBD (about 1%) percentages with their lab test results, the derived strain and quantity contained inside.

 

Beyond those standards, the labeling wasn’t very descriptive or helpful. A maroon sticker in the top right corner of the initial black bag says “Banana Strawberry Smoothie” with corresponding pictures of a banana and strawberry.

 

But according to the inner bag sticker and NUG website, that’s not even the right name! It’s “Strawberry Banana Smoothie!” Or is it? The brand needs to clarify.

 

As for design, the cartridge is glass and metal. Unlike most, this one has a short, thick, and round metal mouthpiece with black plastic cap to keep yours protected. The NUG logo is printed right below the tank along with its size (0.5ml) along with some cherries, presumably repping the terpenes.

 

Quality, Ease of Use

 

At first, I couldn’t draw too much vapor. I double checked the standard 510-thread and reconnected it to my pen battery. Then I realized this NUG cartridge has a plastic adjustable mouthpiece to customize air flow through each hit.

 

This feature was a bit confusing; I still can’t figure out why you’d want less airflow but I’m sure there’s a practical reason. I just couldn’t find much info online or on the package (more on that in a bit).

 

After using the ideal settings, I could more easily pull larger rips from the glass and metal cartridge. (Don’t be surprised if this cartridges breaks down on occasion due to all these bells and whistles.)

 

Still, this cartridge was harsh and left my throat feeling scorched. It could be from the unpleasant flavors or it could have something to do with the adjustable airflow valve. Whatever the issue, it was hard to vape after three slow pulls.

 

Potency, Effectiveness & Affordability

 

 

The bold strawberry and banana flavors hit hard and lingered on my tongue. I laid on the floor stretching in pigeon pose, occasionally bringing the metal mouthpiece up to my mouth.

 

Although I did feel a high come over my head and body, it didn’t last long. After four hits I felt too nauseated to consume any more. I’d give this another try if NUG improves the oil quality and flavor.

 

It tasted more like artificial flavoring than a terpene-heavy oil, making the experience a little disappointing.

 

And while I know different vape manufacturers use different extraction techniques, the flavor made me feel a little queasy and failed to deliver the muscle relief I desperately needed after my workout. Did I mention I go to the gym? I go to the gym. I’m great fun.

 

Luckily, you won’t pay much for this .5g cartridge, around $33. Some of you might really enjoy the flavor and have a more positive experience with this strawberry banana vape cart. (If you like sitting in a small closet consistently spraying Febreze you’ll love this). But it just wasn’t right for me.

 

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 3/5  

• Came in a plastic bag with a resealable opening.
• Inside that plastic bag was another, smaller resealable bag just to get to the plastic tube that housed the actual vape cartridge.
• While layered packaging is appreciated, it doesn’t seem necessary.
• Innermost bag containing the plastic tube had some minor graphics printed on it, but I had to go through several layers of plastic before I got to any significant visual packaging.  

 

Labeling: 1/5

• Strain name was printed on a sticker affixed to the external package, which could easily fall off or get switched by someone. NUG should invest in better labels that includes the strain name directly on the package itself.
• The strain name listed on the external label (banana strawberry smoothie) is different from the strain name listed on the inner bag and on the NUG website (strawberry banana smoothie). It seems inconsistent and not very well reviewed.
• The label also had different terpene profiles depicted as various types of fruit, candy, and a shovel (earthy flavors?).
• While it did include a picture of a strawberry, it also included images of a cherry, a pineapple, and what appears to be a lollipop (because why not). Customizing the imagery for each individual strain would go a long way.

 

Cartridge Quality: 3/5

• Cartridge uses metal and glass in lieu of plastic.
• Includes a plastic airflow valve, which seems unnecessary and introduces plastic into an otherwise well-constructed cartridge.

 

Taste: 1.5/5

• Fruit “smoothie” flavor tasted nothing like the terpenes you’d find in cannabis.
• Tasted more the artificial flavoring added to nicotine e-cigarettes.
• A more complex flavor profile would really improve this cart’s quality.
• NUG should use actual cannabis terpenes instead of trying to produce these extreme smoothie flavors.

 

Vapor Quality: 2.5/5

• Harsh and left my throat feeling scorched.
• Quality could be improved by developing this oil to produce smoother vapor that tastes more like real cannabis.

 

Oil Quality: 3/5

• The color and consistency was adequate, not exceptional.
• My issues with the taste and my subsequent bout of nausea left me unimpressed.
• The lack of lab testing results doesn’t help.

 

Effectiveness: 2.5/5

• I experienced a brief high blanket my head and body.
• After taking four hits off this vape cartridge I felt too nauseated to consume any more.

 

Ease of Use: 3/5

• Lost some points for the adjustable airflow valve on the mouthpiece, which isn’t very user-friendly.
• It might occasionally break down due to all these bells and whistles.

 

Consistency: 3/5

• Worked most of the time, but results may differ from cartridge to cartridge.

 

Price: 3/5

• At about $33, it’s affordably priced compared to other .5g cartridges on the market.
• Still, it was also a lot less enjoyable than other vapes I’ve used in the past. Try a fruity and effective Absolute Xtracts Pineapple Afghani .5g cartridge for about the same price.

 

Overall Rating: 2.55

 

After my first pull, the NUG Strawberry Banana Smoothie cartridge gave me a slight headache, the same way a strong perfume or air freshener in an enclosed space might cause. Nothing like the hybrid strawberry banana flower I prefer.

 

I felt a buzzy head high, but didn’t get the prominent indica relaxation I was hoping for. Although it was affordable, there are superior cartridges available for around the same cost. I’d hesitate to recommend this product. Plus it didn’t provide the required physical relaxation I was looking for after my workout. Did I mention I frequent the gym? I go the gym. I’m great fun.

 

Packaging, Labeling & Product Design

 

 

I first noticed the minimal packaging, brief labeling, and green apple/neon green color.

 

The disposable vape comes in a generic, thin plastic tube with a rubber stopper at the top–which it fell off and didn’t offer great protection, making me feel uneasy. “Pure” is labeled in white on the pen along with graphic of a drop of cannabis oil at the bottom.

 

The lack of detailed information doesn’t help. There’s more space for a picture of an apple with a cinnamon stick than the key info like cannabinoid percentages, derived hybrid strain(s) and verifiable testing results, leaving me to question this product’s quality and safety.

 

While the back of the sticker provides some info like THC content in milligrams, warnings, compliance and ingredients, its small print and cramped space make it a bit difficult to read.

 

The brand could’ve been more creative and added more, or at least placed a link to confirm these details. This is no time for secrecy and doubt, Pure Vape!

 

Quality, Ease of Use

 

Like some disposables, you can’t see the oil within so I don’t know what I’m about to consume. This isn’t uncommon, but I’d like more transparency.

 

This apple cinnamon fizz vape does have a big benefit: it’s incredibly easy to use. No button, no hassle; just whip it out (get your head out of the gutter) and inhale. The bottom light at the bottom lets you know it’s working.

 

The top and bottom have the same round shape that initially made them hard to distinguish, even with the bottom’s Pure Vape drop symbol (I thought maybe of unscrewing it). When I inhaled, the wider mouth felt bulky and uncomfortable compared to a thin, flat mouth like L.A. Kush’s Bertberry Cheesecake disposable.

 

Potency, Effectiveness & Affordability

 

 

After three solid puffs I noticed the flavor was obviously not cannabis-derived; it tasted like a tobacco vape because of the added flavoring. Disappointing, since I was expecting more of a sweet apple pie taste.

 

The non-cannabis flavors made me a little queasy so I couldn’t use it for long. Even though the brand makes eleven other disposable flavors, I don’t feel compelled to try them.

 

In spite of Pure Vape’s claim, it’s impossible to gauge the quality of their “triple-distilled, solvent-free cannabis oil.” As mentioned, there’s no window to see the oil’s color and viscosity. There are also no lab test results included, leaving me to question this product from the start.

 

This disposable vape pen is definitely an effective hybrid high; more head than body. Based on my gentle giggly feelings, it seems to lean on the sativa side.

 

Pure Vape says this pen is good for about 120 uses at 300mg of cannabis oil, which is slightly less than most disposables. Given that three pulls had me “feeling it,” I’d say this sounds about right.

 

For about $25, you do get a certain “bang for your buck.” I personally wouldn’t buy it again as neither the packaging nor the oil met my expectations.

 

Nonetheless, this price it’s worth trying if you like easily and quickly vaping non-cannabis flavors. At that price it could be sweet to offer as an adult “party favor” for your cannabis curious friends.

 

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 1/5

• Simply a generic, thin plastic tube with a rubber stopper in the top.
• The stopper fell off in the bag from the dispensary, so it doesn’t provide the best protection.

 

Labeling: 1/5

• Product name, health and government warnings, brief ingredients, THC content in milligrams; hardly any information.
• Small print and limited space made info tough to read.
• More space given to a picture of an apple with a cinnamon stick than pertinent info.
• Left me with more questions than answers.

 

Cartridge Quality: 3/5

• An all-in-one, oil-filled, disposable vape pen that seems to be made from plastic and metal.
• Has a light on the bottom to let you know it’s working.
• The mouthpiece’s round shape isn’t very comfortable in your mouth and can be hard to distinguish from the bottom of the vape.

 

Taste: 2/5

• Tastes as advertised without being super sweet.
• Cannabis is completely masked by added flavors.
• Tastes like a tobacco vape instead.

 

Vapor Quality: 3/5

• Some coughing and throat irritation after three pulls.

 

Oil Quality: 1/5

• Absence of a window prevents seeing the oil.
• Lab testing info is not available.
• I can only assume the worst.

 

Effectiveness: 3/5

• Definitely an effective hybrid head-high that seems to be sativa-dominant.  
• After a few hits, I felt a little nauseous from the “flavors” that definitely were not cannabis-derived.

 

Ease of Use: 4.5/5

• Incredibly easy to use; no button. Just inhale and watch the light activate. 
• Little light shines to tell you that you’re doing it right.
• The flashy neon/apple green color makes it noticeable, which can make vaping difficult. There’s no hiding it!

 

Consistency: 3/5

• Personally, these are consistently not pleasurable to vape; but if you like “flavored” vapes, you might consistently like this.

 

Price: 3/5

• I wouldn’t jump at the chance to buy this again. However, the $25 price makes it worth a try if you like vaping non-cannabis flavors.

 

Overall Rating: 2.45

 

When it comes to my two key factors, Pure Vape’s 300mg Apple Cinnamon Fizz disposable disappointed. The downsides outweighed its positives, which are ease-of-use, convenience and effectiveness (I felt elevated after three hits).

 

While I found this consistently displeasing, if you’re a fan of “flavored” vapes and don’t care much about what’s in yours, you might enjoy Pure Vape’s line of disposable vape pens. Maybe their more traditional vape cartridges rank higher in both my categories and beyond. 

 

Packaging, Labeling & Product Design

 

 

This eighth/3.5g of L.A. Kush indica flower comes housed in a glossy, cherry red cardboard box about the size of a Rubik’s Cube. Right away the large white logo, featured on the top and sides against the vibrant color, catches my attention. It reminds me of an L.A. sports team’s logo.

 

As I open the taped top marked “no seal no deal” I notice the L.A. Kush logo and website branded on the inner flaps. Then I see the top of a glass jar snug and safe thanks to a cardboard insert that looks like a cup holder.

 

I absolutely love this package design. I appreciate that the box is recyclable and the jar is made of glass instead of plastic! I’ll always give props to brands with environmentally-minded packaging. I do wish the jar had some UV-protection and a humidity pack to make for better long-term storage.

 

The labeling includes everything required for compliance plus a ton of branding. The box includes a government warning, net weight of 3.5 grams, a simple “indica” designation and a label from testing lab Cannalysis that includes Delta-9 THC (8.04 mg/g), THCa (250 mg/g) and CBD (0.0 mg/g) content, test ID number, batch ID number, manufacturer, manufacturing date and expiration date, which I’ve never seen on jar flower.

 

Despite these details, it’s surprising that the closest thing to strain info is simply “indica.”

 

But of course I couldn’t give you a thorough review without knowing its lineage; so I contacted L.A. Kush directly and discovered this Red Box indica is a cross between Hardcore OG and King Skywalker.

 

I wish this was clearly labeled somewhere, along with a QR code to check the lab report or at least the major cannabinoid and terpene percentages.

 

I’d also like to learn about their growing practices. There’s enough space on and inside the box that there’s no reason it shouldn’t be utilized to provide this background information instead of having the brand name repeated a dozen times.

 

Quality, Ease of Use

 

It takes me about one second after opening this sticker-sealed jar to know I’m in for a good time. Wow! The aroma is explosive, like a wind-up toy just waiting to take off. It’s exactly how I want a classic OG to smell: strong notes of pine, lemon and a woody sweetness that remind me of summer camp. I can’t know for sure since it isn’t on the labeling, but I have a hunch this strain has a strong terpene profile.

 

The entire 3.5g comes as one big, beautiful bud. As I pull it out of the jar, I feel like a magician pulling handkerchiefs from my sleeve. It just keeps coming!

 

This flower is absolutely pristine: glistening, frosty trichomes cover a beautiful ombré of green bud and dark orange hairs.

 

I already know it’s going to leave a hefty, sticky coating on my fingers as I pull it apart. The beautifully formed and perfectly dense bud easily breaks down in my grinder (the moisture content was right on the money) and its stickiness makes this flower perfect for rolling into a joint. I can’t help but admire everything about this bud.

 

As I take my first few puffs, I’m floored by the flavor. It’s just like the aroma: strong, enjoyable and entices me to continue. I coughed a couple times, but otherwise a smooth smoke. If you’re new to smoking cannabis, you may find this a bit harsh on the throat from the high cannabinoid concentration. And the ash is perfectly white and ashy – just what I’m looking for!

 

Before I know it, the joint is gone. I miss it already.

 

Potency, Effectiveness & Affordability

 

 

About three hits into the joint, the satisfying effects begin their journey from my head to a deep body high. I forget the stress of my day. And my back pain…what back pain? I can physically feel my mood lift, ending in a happy and relaxed state. It’s the perfect level, clear-headed high to carry a conversation or focus on a movie or book with a very relaxing sensation.

 

It won’t give you crazy couch-lock when you need to be productive. I couldn’t be happier with the effectiveness and potency of this flower.

 

For $50 an eighth (3.5g), this is a bargain in my book considering the detailed packaging, attractive flower, and effectiveness. I’ve spent more for way worse quality. I’d even pay a few dollars extra if that meant including a humidity pack in the jar. Red Box is simply a wonderful strain and a new addition to my flower rotation.

 

Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

 

Packaging: 4/5

• Bright red cardboard box and sturdy holder within secure the glass jar/cannabis.
• Packaging offers inner details and provides proper protection.
• No humidity pack included; you might need one if you need long-term storage.

 

Labeling: 3/5

• Box contains brand information, government warnings, and a sticker with Cannaysis’ lab testing reports.
• No info on the indica strain genetics besides “Red Box.” After reaching out to LA Kush via Instagram, I found out it’s a mix of Hardcore OG x King Skywalker. I wish this was on the box.
• Would love to learn about LA Kush’s growing practices.
• QR code to see the lab report would be helpful; if not, a list of the major cannabinoid percentages and/or major terpenes.

 

Aroma: 5/5

• Fragrance bursts out of the jar with it’s piney and lemony aroma.
• A deeper, sweet, woody note makes the terpene profile incredible.
• Exactly what an OG strain should smell like!

 

Taste: 5/5

• WOW! A delicious OG tastes exactly how it smells.
• Piney and lemony flavor combined with a woody sweetness tasted as good on the first puff as it did on the last.
• I could smoke this all day.

 

Texture: 5/5

• Jar contained a single, long 3.5-gram nug glistening with trichomes; worth showing off.
• Beautifully formed and perfectly dense.
• Nice and sticky on my fingers as I broke it apart and I couldn’t help but admire everything about this bud.

 

Quality of Smoke: 4.5/5

• Slightly rough on the throat, but not very irritating.
• Cannabis newbies may find this troublesome.

 

Ash Test: 5/5

• White and soft; just what I was looking for.

 

Effectiveness: 5/5

• Highly effective cannabis that eased my stress, back pain, and put me in a happy and relaxed state.
• No flighty, anxiety-provoking effects that some OG strains can cause; offered a mellow mood with a clear head.
• Overall a wonderful strain that I’ll be going back to when I want KILLER weed that’s worth showing off.

 

Consistency: 5/5

• L.A. Kush always maintains consistent genetics, and well grown indoor cannabis.

 

Price: 4.5/5

• $50 an eighth is a fair price for such high-quality indoor cannabis. I’ll be buying this again!
• For greater value, I’d throw in a humidity pack or cut the price a few bucks.

 

Overall Rating: 4.6

 

This Los Angeles Kush “Red Box” is the perfect indica strain for relaxing without being glued to the couch. It’s aromatic, flavorful, attractive, and enjoyable all the way through. The hype is totally worth it and the brand lives up to their award-winning reputation.

 

I’d only want to see more detailed information included on the jar and box (terpene profile, genetic lineage, more background on the brand and growing technique) and a humidity pack. I’ll be trying this again. 

 

 

The Hurdles & Pitfalls to Talking Cannabis 

 

The professionals who talked to Nugg laid out a number of challenges when discussing pot. On a broad level, most of the significant pitfalls fell into four categories: Health, Society, Regulation and Culture.

 

Dana Leavy-Detrick, Director of Canna Career Partners, explained that the most significant challenges she faced were the physiological and societal roles of cannabis as well as the potential gains from legalization. As such, Leavy-Detrick suggests that first focuses on education.

 

She explained that this education should center on “building knowledge, trust, and curiosity around what cannabis is as a product, and how it can impact our society from a medical, economic, and cultural perspective.”

 

This is an experience Leavy-Detrick has faced herself. Like many at the dinner table, generations of families tend to disagree. In this case, her conservative father erroneously links cannabis and alcohol.

 

As such, she says that he “likens cannabis to alcohol, considering legalization as simply a liberal tactic that will ultimately result in drug-fueled violence and DUIs.” She attributes this error to his misunderstanding of the plant’s effects as well as its consumers and applications in a legal market.

 

Politics is far from the only conversation hurdle. Sometimes religion and cultural upbringings play a significant part.

 

Adriana Herrera, Founder, CEO and CTO of the automated cannabis training platform EpicHint, told Nugg how growing up in a Catholic Mexican-American household affected her family’s cannabis beliefs. Despite both her parents working in healthcare and relying on science for evidence, Herrera said they still view cannabis as bad. She chalks these beliefs up to an emotional decision.

 

“For decades, cannabis – alongside other drugs – was responsible for violence, kidnappings, deaths, and destruction in Mexico and Latin America,” adding, ”It was something to stay entirely away from.”

 

How to Successfully Talk Cannabis

 

These broad conversation potholes and hurdles make the subject particularly volatile. One wrong point and the conversation can quickly become misconstrued. Overall, the key to avoiding this outcome is by relying on facts. Share knowledge and educate your guests. While stats are telling, remember that some are more swayed by visuals. In those instances, books, documentaries and phone video clips are all useful tools to have around.

 

However, those points are just like the issues that can derail the talk. Meaning, they’re all broad. The nuances of the opposition are immense and difficult to tap into on a case by case basis.

 

So instead of tackling the opposition’s concerns head-on, cannabis proponents may want to think a bit more strategically. Forget leading with passion and instead lead with strategy. Tap into your inner politician or CEO, the ethical kind, and come out swinging with measured composure.

 

Cain Castor, co-founder of the L.A. marketing agency Good People, told Nugg how trips back home to New York with his conservative family cause friction. Castor explained how numerous family members weren’t fond of his profession.

 

“Whenever I travel back east to speak to my more conservative family members, I find myself having to sell a new family member on what I do.” He added that his response tends to sound like, “No, I’m not a glorified drug dealer or a junkie. I’m a cannabis marketer and an enthusiast.”

 

One key to navigating the often-tense chats is tone. Castor explains how tone can help sell cannabis to skeptics.

 

“Be as tactful as possible. You do not want to fuel their stereotypes with combative behavior.” He added that listening to their claims, no matter how ridiculous, helps make the conversation go smoothly.

 

Cannabis author Sandra Hinchliffe also spoke to dispelling stereotypes. She explained that “Sure, we all love a stoner teddy bear and our hippy friends–but now is not the time to introduce them, no matter how wonderful.”

 

Instead, Hinchliffe suggests sticking to mainstream, positive images that mirror the lifestyle of the opposition, except with cannabis involved.

 

Many respondents say that they lead their conversations with health. Under this umbrella, you can explore several issues at the dinner table.

 

Castor explained how his Reagan-era parents may not understand the health benefits of cannabis thanks to years of misinformation. He mentioned breaking down the benefits of THC and CBD and how they reduce the need for prescription medication.

 

In addition to replacing potentially addictive medications, Castor suggests discussing cannabis as an alternative to alcohol use as well.

 

Autumn Shelton, co-founder of the indoor cannabis cultivator Autumn Brands, also touched on addiction. In this case, Shelton suggests laying out that cannabis is just not the same as the other drugs it has been associated with.

 

“Cannabis can be psychologically addictive for certain personalities (like extreme sports, etc), but it’s not physiologically addictive like heroin, cocaine, etc that can have a withdrawal effect (also like caffeine). There is a huge difference.”

 

Both Shelton and Adriana Herrera also echoed relatively recent health discoveries cannabis detractors may not be aware of. Both cited the body’s endocannabinoid system, which was only discovered in the early 1990s, as a credible talking point.

 

Herrera explained how she linked this connection between body and religion to her family.

 

“The human body is literally built to make use of cannabis’ properties,” Herrera explained. She elaborated that “My family is Catholic, so, the idea that God is so thoughtful to create our bodies to make use of medicine he also created went pretty far.”

 

In addition to religion, Herrera was able to connect cannabis to the colon cancer treatment of her good friend whom the family loved like one of their own.

 

Herrera also noted the power of history in her efforts. Going back to its use in ancient China, she highlighted the journey cannabis has taken through the years before being used in the U.S.’s misinformation campaign. This includes American lawmakers using the term marijuana against Mexicans.

 

She went on to point out that, “the term’s origin is racially motivated and was created to antagonize Mexican immigrants as well as place distance between the plant, its biological genius, and its uses [such as] industrial, food, medical–which created economic competition.”

 

After demonizing cannabis and further demeaning people of color with this campaign, cannabis went into the prohibition we continue to push back on today. Despite it being the elephant in the room, our respondents were torn: is prohibition a worthwhile subject if you want a productive conversation?

 

Chris Rice, director of the documentary Cannabis: A Lost History, supports discussing prohibition. Rice noted how this point acknowledges the failures of other prohibition efforts. He added that “this is true of the prohibition of alcohol, which did not reduce the number of consumers but did increase the amount of crime associated with its clandestine nature.”

 

Meanwhile, Sandra Hinchliffe suggests avoiding politics altogether.

 

“Always remember that prohibitionists come from every part of the political spectrum, right, and yes, left.” She elaborated, “I’ve met quite a few ‘progressive’ prohibitionists, and just as many conservative ones. Avoiding the mention of any politics keeps the conversation on the right track.”

 

Each Outcome Varies 

 

The advice offered up today may or may not help keep your next dinner discussion productive. Each person involved is complex and layered. One person may be swayed by stats while another may be hung up on the plant and its connection to their god. In other cases, going headfirst into politics may be ideal, while others have seen the strategy blow up worse than a DIY backyard butane extraction lab.

 

According to Adriana Herrera, her approach did open her family’s mind quite a bit. Herrera revealed that “To my surprise, my Catholic, old school Mexican-American parents were like ‘okay’ and then had a bunch of questions about what cannabis can be used for.”

 

Her efforts and the cannabis experience of their close friend helped the family better understand the plant. She pointed out that “Learning about the history of cannabis, our endocannabinoid system, how taxes are used from the sale of cannabis, and the additional close to home human impact stories tied everything together.”

 

She added that “They now cutely refer to cannabis as ‘the ganja,’ support the legal sale and use of cannabis (preferably for medicinal purposes), share what they learn about cannabis with other family members, and support my choice to build my company.”

 

Her family may not consume cannabis after their talks, and your’s may not either. However, if you can convert one detractor into a listener, then they may just become a proponent sooner than later.

 

If you or your family member has a question about cannabis, chat live with Nugg’s Cannabis Concierge, and spread cannabis education at your next dinner table discussion.