1. Support Black and Brown-Owned Cannabusinesses

 

In what’s hailed as perhaps the biggest year for cannabis ever, people often forget to read the fine print of history playing out today.

 

Did you know that in the mid-1930s, joints were called “jazz cigarettes?” It’s true. And cannabis was linked to ground-breaking musicians like Louie Armstrong, whose music was deemed “satanic” by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics.

 

Ever since cannabis was outlawed in 1937, people of color have been targeted by racially-biased drug laws. This is still the case in the criminal justice system. It’s why we consumers need to continually push lawmakers to expunge records and roll back sentences, especially in states where recreational cannabis has been legalized.

 

We also need to pay attention to the fact 81% percent of new cannabis businesses are owned and operated by whites, while just 4% are black-owned.

 

There are city-level equity programs which allegedly help people of color obtain priority business licenses. And yet, even in places covered in a cloud of lemon haze like Oakland, obtaining a license doesn’t always translate into production and revenue due to faulty implementation structures.

 

In light of the “Permit Patty” episode of 2018, consumers can do their part to look into a company’s background before purchasing. Here are a few ways to learn more about and support leaders in the equity in cannabis movement:

• Follow cannabis influencers on social media like Women Grow’s founder Jazmin Hupp and writer and cannabis entrepreneur Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey
• Listen to the “potcast,” “High, Good People”
• Read Broccoli Magazine
• Subscribe to Maria & Jane’s weekly newsletter for cannabis round-ups for and by women (of color!)

 

Power Ballad: Can You Get To That by Funkadelic
Edibles for Equity: Whoopi & Maya

 

2. Cultivate Beginner’s Mind

 

Some of you are old hands at cannabis. You can roll a joint with your eyes closed, know the optimal vaping temperature, and make homemade edible treats and tincture drinks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go back to square one.

 

Beginner’s Mind is a useful idea that comes from traditional Zen Buddhism. This philosophy encourages “an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner would.” (According to Google, so consider this a very rudimentary definition.)

 

How can you approach your cannabis consumption with a “don’t know” mind in 2019, regardless of expertise? What can you experiment with, as the wise ones say, to deepen your practice? If you’re new to cannabis, where do you start and, more importantly, how can you do so with no preconceptions? Jump in and find out!

 

Power Ballad: Light It Up by Major Lazer, Nyla, Fuse ODG
Contemplative Flower Strains: Blue Dream, Granddaddy Purple, and Northern Lights

 

3. Look Out for “Minor” Cannabinoids

 

Never heard of THCa, CBN or CBG? These dudes are VIPs and will make some power moves in 2019.

 

Ask budtenders if they know which products are labeled with the full cannabinoid breakdown. Companies worth their salt are providing it, along with other detailed info, on their offerings.

 

Don’t worry about sounding picky; more research shows that even small percentages of these compounds can have a profound impact on conditions like insomnia, inflammation and neurological disorders. Minor is a bit of a misnomer; these cannabinoids are essential in creating the “entourage effect” that washes your system with plant-based healing.

 

Power Ballad: Girl Blunt by Leikeli47
Full Spectrum Cartridges: Level, TreeBase Klear

 

4. Not So Scary Edibles

 

Edibles actually took a bit of a hit in 2018 for several reasons. Most notably, safety was an issue due to pesticides and mold.

 

At Nugg, we make sure to review our products based on rigorous quality standards. If a product doesn’t deliver after repeated use, you’ll know. Even if you don’t order from us, find a budtender you trust for recommendations and/or a reputable company with stringent, triple-testing standards.

 

Power Ballad: Échame La Culpa by Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato
Safety First, Then Teamwork Microdose: The Venice Cookie Company’s Savory Pretzels (3mg THC per pretzel!)

 

5. Get Active with Cannabis

 

Remember, sativa isn’t just good for socializing – it’ll also get your butt up and in gear. As we start the new year, it can mean committing to being more active, even if that’s just breathing deeply. Then, as always, indica and/or CBD will help soothe exercise-induced aches and pains, and also help you fall asleep so you can do it over again.

 

Power Ballad: Where Them $@ by Dreezy
Step To This Triple Threat: Cartridge: Jetty Extracts Super Lemon Haze 0.5g; Flower: Durban Poison; Edible: The Farmaceuticals Do Drops.

 

These are just a few ideas to help you make the most of 2019 and feel good about your purchase decisions while nurturing your body.

 

If you’re looking for specific product recommendations, chat live with Nugg’s Cannabis Concierge. Our experts are standing by to help you find exactly what you need – make this year the best one yet.