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About Upside Edibles

 

Upside Edibles saw a hole in the cannabis market, bored (and frightened) by the overly sweetened brownie bites, cookies, gummies and crispy treats lining dispensary shelves. With so many cannabis consumers looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, why weren’t there more organic, non-GMO edibles available?

 

Since then Upside has been making the world feel better bite by delicious bite as the brand is “laser-focused on bringing the greatest relief to our customers with the greatest culinary experience.” Now we can get behind that.

 

How Upside Edibles Are Made

 

Every Upside product is made with three pillars in mind: effectiveness, consistency, and deliciousness. Expect only grade-A cannabis, organic ingredients and real fruit; no GMOs, trans fats, sulfites, additives or preservatives.  

 

All Upside products start with whole plant cannabis extract derived from California grown flower. All their edibles are hand dipped in infused Belgian chocolate and made in a licensed kitchen with wholesome ingredients then lab tested for potency and consistency.

 

This company really does go above and beyond to make sure their chocolate covered fruits and toffee are healthy and safe for their customers.

 

Products

 

Fruit Bites

Upside Edibles makes three fruit bites: blood orange, cherry (both dipped in dark chocolate), and strawberry (dipped in milk chocolate). With a combo of real fruit and a distinct choco taste, it’s no surprise these bite-size treats are a fan favorite and one of the healthier edible options out there.

 

Every morsel, about the size of a nickel, has an irregular shape and texture so you know it’s been hand dipped, not mass produced by a machine.

 

And because each bite only has 5mg THC, they’re excellent if you’re new to edibles and looking to discover your perfect dosage. Though if you’re an edibles veteran you won’t be afraid to eat the whole bag.

 

Each 100mg THC bag ($10-$15) comes with 20 pieces containing 5mg each.

 

Apricots

Looking for a bigger and softer infused chocolate fruit? Try these imported, hand-picked Turkish apricots available in both dark and milk chocolate. They’re gluten-free, vegan, and contain no preservatives; only fresh, soft and healthy fruit with an infused chocolate shell. 

 

A 100mg THC pack ($14-$16) has 10 pieces at 10mg each.

 

Toffee

The toffee recipe that makes the base for these firmer sweets isn’t only award-winning, but has been featured in Oscars swag bags for the biggest names in Hollywood. Now with Upside’s touch it’s crunchy, salty, buttery, chocolatey and infused–a complex, delectable and effective flavor combo.

 

All packs contain 70mg THC ($14-$16) with seven 10mg pieces in each.

 

Peace + Relief Cream

Upside Edibles isn’t just about cannabis chocolate; the company also makes a 10:1 THC:CBD topical cream. Made with whole plant extracts, this non-psychoactive topical relieves pain, muscle soreness, inflammation, bites, bruises and more. 

 

While some topicals can be sticky, oily, look and smell too much like cannabis, this cream has a soothing menthol scent and a light, non-greasy texture for everyday wear.

 

Find these topicals in 600mg:60mg ($40-$50) 4 oz. or 150mg:50mg ($15-$25) 1 oz. jars.

 

Where to Buy Upside Edibles

 

Upside has an interactive map on their website to help find dispensaries stocked with their products. But if you don’t want to do the digging, get cannabis products delivered straight to your door! Nugg has hundreds of dispensaries available on their online cannabis delivery platform that can deliver Upside edibles and topicals right to you.

 

Nugg Score: How We Rate Their Strawberry, Cherry and Blood Orange Fruit Bites

 

Packaging: 4/5

The quality is synonymous with high-end chocolates you’d find on the shelves of Whole foods, Bristol Farms or Trader Joe’s. The bag is also resealable, so you can enjoy these bites  product’s freshness multiple times. Just make sure to leave them in a cool, dark place so they don’t melt together.

 

Labeling: 4/5

It clearly lists all the ingredients, THC content, dosage breakdown, nutrition facts, best by and manufacture dates. Sufficient information, though it would be nice if they’d included a full cannabinoid profile, where there cannabis was sourced, and strain info.

 

Easy to Dose: 4/5

Accurate dosing is wonderfully simple! Because each bite is equally dosed at 5mg of THC, you can eat as many or as few as you want without having to break out a knife. It’d be better if there rated at a 5 if there was a “+” marking on each bite so a more sensitive user can easily cut each bite into quarters for dosing in 1.25 mg increments.

 

Discretion: 5/5

They’re perfectly portable and every piece comes low dosed, allowing for discreet public and communal use. You could eat them throughout the day (office, dinner, outing), control your dose, and nobody would notice unless he/she really read the label.

 

Taste: 5/5

These chocolatey fruit bites taste exactly as described. All three flavors have a unique flavor combo and mouth feel to please even the most sophisticated palate. I only wish the brand made all three of these fruit bites available in both milk and dark chocolate. You can’t even taste the cannabis, allowing the fruit flavor and quality Belgian chocolate to really shine. You’d be happy to eat these even if they weren’t cannabis infused!

 

Texture: 5/5

They’re wonderfully soft all the way through. First, the chocolate shell gives just enough bite, then you’re immediately hit with the fruity, gummy center. Naturally they’re a little chewy, but the middle won’t work your jaw too hard.

 

Effectiveness: 5/5

Like any edibles, these take time to set in. Expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours before feeling their relaxing indica-like effects. Properly dosed, these are extremely effective every time.

 

Versatility: 4/5

Even though it’s hard to resist, eating them right out of the bag isn’t your only option! Get creative and add these low-dose bites to cookie, muffin, and cupcake recipes, or top them on ice cream and yogurt (don’t be afraid to chop them up). Now your friends can have their personal dosage options in the same baking tin since they’re easy to control!

 

Consistency: 5/5

Upside Edibles keeps it very professional. The company uses certified kitchens and these fruit bites undergo batched lab testing to ensure uniform potency. Expect the same taste, texture and effects every time you consume their products. After all, the upside is what’s inside.

 

Price: 5/5

Amazing pleasure, taste and relief for such a moderate cost. While Kiva’s equally dosed chocolate covered blueberry Terra Bites sell for $18-$30, Upside only charges $10-$15 for their organic, all-natural fruit bites–a fantastic bang for your buck!

 

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

This selection of fruit bites are an awesome alternative to typical edibles, not to mention a great entry point if you’re looking for a more familiar and controllable product. With such a decent price point, options, effectiveness, and AMAZING taste, these and the rest of their line is worth trying. If one of their edibles doesn’t suit you, try another one. Once you try them you’ll come back for more.

 

Customer Testimonials

 

“I have never been an edible user as I have heard it’s too hard to control. I tried Upside Edibles because a friend told me how delicious they are…WOW they really work for sleep aid, headaches, and back pain. The toffee is the most incredible you’ve ever tasted. The fruit bites are a sophisticated answer to ‘gummy bears’…AND no weed flavor!  The best!” — Carol, Beverly Hills, CA

 

“I am now a huge fan of Upside Edibles and recommend them to everyone I meet. All the products are high quality, delicious, and the dosing is superb! I can’t say enough good things about this product and encourage everyone to give them a try.” — Laura, San Mateo, CA

 

“It was a really relaxed, indica type high. I found myself fully appreciating the nature and architecture around me. It did a great job at reducing my anxiety and made my body feel warm and fuzzy, resulting in a wonderful sense of overall comfort.” — Matt, West Hollywood, CA

 

Upside Edibles Official Links

 

Learn about new edible and topical additions to the line on their home site and Instagram (look out for Twitter coming soon).

 

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

 

MICRODOSING

Take the edge off social anxiety and other mood-related issues with a low-dose edible, discreet vaporizer or your favorite indica flower, like Flav’s Asian OG. If you’re new to cannabis and the idea of suddenly being impossibly high next to your dad wigs you out, don’t fret.

 

Microdosing, the act of going “low and slow” with edibles or tinctures, is a great way to start small. For more, see Nugg’s handy guide to micro-dosing with CBD.

Many cannabis companies make it easy to take a single dose through intentional product design. For instance, Kiva’s Petra Mints (2.5 mg THC) and their best-selling Terra-Bites (5mg THC) offer smooth and seamless experiences.

 

If you’re curious about edibles but haven’t had much experience with them, remember to wait 60 to 180 minutes before consuming more. Because they’re metabolized rather than inhaled, edibles have a delayed effect – and you don’t want to find yourself barricaded in Grandma’s bathroom decorated with elf figurines. At that point there’s not enough eggnog in the world to save you.

 

Without further ado, here’s a list of mouth-watering cannabis concoctions that can help you “get through” the holidays but possibly even enjoy them!

 

EDIBLES

Made for the holidays, edibles often take the form of baked goods. Crumbly cookies, frosted cupcakes, classic brownies, decadent dark chocolate bars: there’s an edible for every palate.

 

You could even construct a potent adults-only gingerbread house – just warn anyone who goes to pick a gummy off the roof that they’ll be feeling extra jolly!

 

However, there are also some savory options out there if you’ve had it with the sweets or deal with health-related conditions that make sugar somewhat intolerable.

Budget-Conscious: Pop-Up Potcorn

Make way for a savory cannabis-infused treat that gives the sweet tooth a run for its money! With just four ingredients, palm oil, sea salt, organic popcorn and cannabis extract, Pop-Up Potcorn is a terrific option for people seeking an alternative to sugary and additive-laden edibles. It’s also popcorn, the perfect companion for the family-friendly holiday movie you’ve seen 287 times.

 

At $8 per bag, what’s not to love? You can choose your preferred strength in 10mg THC, 10mg CBD, or a balanced 1:1 ratio (5mg THC:5mg CBD) so it’s particularly good for those new to cannabis or who just want to go “low and slow.”

 

Top-Shelf: KIVA Blackberry Dark Chocolate Bar

If I’m going to recommend an edible for your holiday season blues, it’s KIVA’s Blackberry Dark Chocolate Bar. These luscious flavors melt in your mouth and offer reliable, consistent effects. Because of its easy-to-break squares, this infused choco bar is easy to dose for any occasion.

 

Take 25mg for a functional high, and more if you have a higher tolerance or are looking for sweet sugarplum dreams. Kiva’s high-quality extract and chocolate justify the $22.

 

CARTRIDGES

 

Budget-Conscious: Alpine Vapor and Guild

Alpine’s Live Resin Granddaddy Purple .5g cartridge (about $25) will have you so relaxed you may fall fast asleep after five puffs. This heavy, indica-leaning cart offers sedative, calming effects and is ideal if you have trouble sleeping or suffer from incessant pain. Just be prepared to stay put once you consume this strain.

 

Meanwhile, Guild’s Lemon Larry is a rip-roarin’ good ol’ strain to have in your back pocket. It’s great for an in-the-moment S.O.S. like when Uncle Lance starts going off about politics, something the family vowed wouldn’t be discussed until after dinner.

 

When the dam of restraint breaks, don’t be shy in reaching for this affordably priced $30 0.5g pen. You’ll have an “oh my, that’s tasty!” smile on your face in two puffs. It is indica-forward, so if you’re new to cannabis, go easy on this pen at first.

 

Top-Shelf: Level Blends and TreeBase Klear

Level is another good brand if you’re seeking one or two solid companions to keep close by this holiday season. The brand has a range of cartridge options that produce different effects such as Dissolve to maximize chill, Elevate, a hybrid balance of head and heart, and Spark, a sativa for socializing.

 

Level takes the time to provide a full breakdown of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, important details that are good to know for targeting specific conditions. If all the rich holiday food is bugging your belly, try Level’s Remedy 3:1 CBD 510-threaded cart to ease tummy trouble.

 

For a bit more dough get one of their Pax Era pods; it’s fun to use, discreet, and has customizable heat settings. The only catch is these pods only work with a Pax Era battery so don’t forget to ask Santa for both.

 

TreeBase Klear is another brand known for its “ace in the hole” quality offerings. The Agent Orange half-grammer is a true gift to yourself, which will boost your mood and explode your palate with a delightful sweet and sour combination that pleasantly lingers.

 

It’s an ideal “wake-and-bake” vape for just-right elevation that feels consistent and even. At $40 per cartridge, I felt this option was top-shelf quality at a price point that’s a bit more but won’t break the bank. Maybe get one for you, and one for grandma!

 

FLOWER

For many, flower is the only way to go. While it’s highly individual, some consumers find that they get more of the “full body” effects smoking flower due to the full spectrum of natural cannabinoids and their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. I personally love smoking flower because:

 

1. Clouds from flower =  timeless satisfaction
2. Rolling a joint is a tactile ritual I just can’t do without
3. The terpy flavors are more pronounced

 

But that’s just me! Here are my top two flower recommendations that’ll soothe your anxiety and offer a great pick-me-up just in the (saint) nick of time.

 

Budget-Conscious: Jungle Boys’ Strawnana

Jungle Boys does a wonderful job developing potent and delicious strains. Strawnana was no exception. It tastes like a strawberry-banana milkshake; sweet on the nose followed by a creamy-with-fruity-overtones mouthfeel. Yum!

 

For around $35 per eighth, this is a great deal. The only thing to watch out for is that Jungle Boys doesn’t use exceptionally strong packaging for optimal protection of its buds, so you’ll want to make sure to pick out a bag that hasn’t been squashed.

 

Top Shelf: Utopia Chiquita Banana Sativa-Leaning Hybrid

For those looking for “Gold Label” flower, you needn’t look any further than Utopia’s Chiquita Banana strain with its unrivaled taste, clean-burning ash, and buds dripping in trichomes.

 

For around $55 per eighth, this top-shelf flower is so worth it. You’ll want to return to this strain over and over again for its well-balanced, elevating effects.

 

Chiquita Banana is uplifting for the spirit and relaxing for the body and the mind. Limonene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene are the predominant terpenes, which lend this strain its sweet and musky orange flavors. Every detail on the packaging speaks to the seriousness Utopia takes in its pristine flowers.

 

So, there you have it, folks! A list of marijuana options to make the holiday season smooth sailing. Whether you’re consuming cannabis solo or sharing with friends and family, Nugg is here for you. We’ve got your back and wish you a very happy holidaze!

 

Check out Nugg’s Marketplace to see what products are available for delivery from your local dispensary – and enjoy a relaxing and joyful holiday.  

 

Laying Low While Getting High

 

Discreetly getting high used to be difficult. At home, it often involved going out into the backyard or garage for total privacy or making a filter from a toilet paper roll and a dryer sheet, which might not always work. Parties involved sneaking off somewhere uncertain–a random room, alley, parked car–to get your hits in.

 

Today that has dramatically changed thanks to vape pens and increasingly inconspicuous edibles.

 

Cannabis vape pens are often confused for e-cigarettes to the laymen, making them rather simple to skate by at any event. Because it’s vapor, not smoke, the smell stays minimal and the cloud dissolves quickly.

 

The only way you can tip off the room is, possibly, going into a coughing fit. Maintain your jolly demeanor and stay incognito by taking modest hits. If it’s a modest mood boost you’re looking for, try a 1:1 THC:CBD cartridge. With this balanced cart you can enjoy a joyful pick-me-up, without nodding off as you watch A Christmas Story for the 46th time (more on CBD-rich vapes below).  

 

Edibles provide a delayed, discreet high that continues to diversify. However, they can do a number on the body depending on the dosage and amount consumed. Start small (think 5mg and 10mg doses) with products like Venice Cookie Company’s Savory Pretzels and Flav’s Cocoa Nibs.

 

The last thing anyone wants is a house full of kids, grandparents and straight-edged cousins getting unintentionally high thanks to snacks of the cannabis variety. That’s terrible news for everyone in attendance, even if getting high with granny is on your bucket list.

 

Bottom line: use common sense. Even modest consumers understand the basic best practices for public consumption and being high in public. Stick to less-dank methods like vaping and edibles and carefully watch your dosage. If you’re smoking flower, don’t do it indoors or near the festivities. The same goes for vaping in most situations.

 

Because most holiday events involve alcohol, smart decision making might not be as strong. If you find yourself in this situation, remember the Dwight Schrute mantra: “Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘Would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do not do that thing.” Consume responsibly!

 

Must-Haves to Stay Discreet This Holiday Season

 

There are several ways to tip off a room. From the buzz on our faces to smelling up the place, it’s easy to blow your cover. To avoid such an outcome it’s best to use a mix of classic and new reliable products.

 

At this point, Visine is as linked with pot consumption as one can be. This red-eye reliever has saved plenty of consumers throughout the years–it really is a Christmas miracle.

 

The development of Visine Advanced is keeping pace with the increased potency of cannabis. The same goes for other crowd favorites like Opcon-A and Rohto. Tip: add your drops before vaping or consuming edibles to ensure clear eyes and less questions/paranoia. 

 

Smell-proof packaging ensures that dank aromas stay in their containers. In legal states, this is included in most, if not all, packaging. However, there’s a need to change packaging if state laws allow it. In these cases, many consumers reach for a name like Stashlogix, makers of stash bags that offer a range of styles from purses to pencil cases.

 

While the size makes it infeasible for many occasions, a smoke filter helps reduce odor and keeps smoke relatively contained. Though small and lightweight, having one of these on hand could be rather noticeable in your pocket or hand.

 

If you’re planning to use one, keep it stored in your coat pocket and retrieve it when the time is right. Otherwise, prepare to have a plausible fake use for it when Uncle Terry or your friend’s wife ask questions.

 

There are more compact solutions to eliminating cannabis odor. Instead of reaching for that bulky can of Febreeze, carry a small container of air sanitizer like Ozium. It’s used in a myriad of professions and by marijuana and tobacco smokers alike. The spray almost instantly neutralizes harsh aromas with a variety of pleasant scents.

 

It’s one of the best, if not the best, fresheners on the market. In fact, Ozium is so popular that its website looks like it was made in 2000 and nobody seems to mind.

 

Pro Tip: Bring CBD with You

 

Always have CBD on-hand. This amazing cannabinoid that binds to our body’s (but not head) receptors has improved the lives of veterans, children and others in need. With such substantially positive effects, some of its other claims to fame tend to go overlooked. One of these may even help you this holiday season.

 

If you take one or ten hits too many or your edible becomes excessively potent, reach for CBD. Consuming it helps lessen certain effects of THC when the two interact. This is why opting for an equal 1:1 CBD:THC vape cart is a wise choice for any holiday occasion.

 

Other CBD options like edibles are also viable; just remember it’ll take about an hour to start remedying your discomfort.

 

Instead, keep a faster-acting CBD tincture bottle like one of Papa & Barkley’s CBD-rich tinctures, which discreetly fits into most pockets and purses.

 

Have a happy and healthy holiday season! From the office party to catching up with cousins to meeting your friend’s newborn boy, know your surroundings. Consume in moderation and respect the room. Stick to discreet options and have some aides nearby to lay low. It’s never been easy to go undetected so be sure to do so.

 

If you want the ultimate discretion when purchasing cannabis products and you live in California, check out Nugg’s Marketplace and see if delivery is available in your area. Our Cannabis Concierge is also available via live chat to help you find the product(s) best for you!