District Edibles 1:1 CBD:THC Tropical Punch Gummies (2019 Review)
1 CommentCan you imagine if astronauts were also sent to space with edibles? I’m picturing floating in a zero-gravity environment, happily stoned, and exclaiming in wonder as I took in the sweeping expanse of the Milky Way. District Edibles wants to help you set sail and touch the stars of your consciousness with its space trippy gummies. They promise “fully activated” premium cannabis oil and each gummy allegedly is low sugar – less than 3 grams of sugar per serving and under 10 calories. After feeling pretty low on a higher pain day, I was ready to go somewhere, anywhere. I sampled these gummies before a meal with friends and below is the full scoop on my experience.
In this District Edibles 1:1 CBD:THC Tropical Punch Gummies review, you'll learn about this product's:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
Packaging, Labeling & Product Design
Sturdy. Attractive. Multi-purpose. What more could you want in packaging? Often, edibles’ packaging seems like an afterthought and is too flimsy for my taste. I love that District invests in its presentation, because as a consumer, that shows me that they stand behind their product. For instance, I love the effects of Sensi Chews formulation for insomnia but their medicine comes in a small plastic “tub” that resembles extra condiments. It honestly turns me off because once opened, it’s impossible to secure the remaining chewable tabs.
I’m happy to report this is so not the case with District’s edible gummies. They are extremely secure in a hard-plastic casing that’s both tamperproof and child-resistant. And, drumroll please, they’re both recyclable and reusable as a joint holder! When I tried slipping a spliff rolled with classic 1 ¼ sized paper, it fit like a glove. I love that. It makes me feel “seen” as someone who does consume cannabis in multiple ways.
While the graphics on the outside are fairly refined with gold and white lettering, the inside of the packaging holds a surprise, which again, makes me like this product. The gummies themselves are contained in a foil blister pack which are covered in rocket ships and phrases like “Booster,” “Gravity Check,” and “Accelerator.” It creates a mood of exploration and adventure, and with gummies in particular, I feel like this added layer of personality enhances the overall experience. Unlike the indica, sativa, and hybrid options, this CBD:THC package uses a label at the bottom that outlines dosage info, but it looks like it was printed on a home computer. I would have liked to have seen a nicer label on here as the other District gummies have, so I knocked 0.5 off the rating.
While on the topic of labeling, the information covers the basic requirements but doesn’t go into much detail. It’s great that they have the ratio of CBD to THC per gummy and per box, opening instructions, government warnings, ingredients, best by date and batch number. After scanning the ingredients, I noticed these are full of artificial ingredients and also have corn syrup, so they’re definitely not what you would call “healthy” edibles.
“Cannabis oil (purified using CO2 and/or ethanol)” is also mentioned in the ingredients list, but by including that, District actually raised more questions for me. When they say “purified using CO2 and/or ethanol,” what exactly do they mean? I wonder which strains were used? It would also have been beneficial to see a QR code or another way to double check testing results. A full profile of all of the cannabinoids would also be nice to see.
Quality & Ease of Use
If you’re comfortable with 5.45 mg THC and 4.54 mg CBD per dose, it’s relatively simple to dose in these increments. If you know you need 10 mg of THC, eat two to start. However, if you’re looking for a smaller dose, you can try cutting the gummy in half or biting off a “knob.” However, given this product is a gummy, it’s going to be difficult to cut these down further for precise dosing.
Given the packaging’s slip-into-your-pocket-and-go nature, it’s easy to keep hidden when dosing throughout the day. If you take the blister pack out of the external package, there is nothing cannabis related printed on it, making it easy to use. Just pop out of the foil and into your mouth! Chewing is all that’s required. And speaking of chewability, District has got its formula down. It’s a clean experience as the gummy bits don’t get stuck in your teeth like Swedish fish. It feels like Jell-O with a bit more density, which I found very pleasurable and broke down easily in my mouth.
That said, flavor is one of the most important aspects of gummies to me. Billed as tropical punch, I expect fruitiness, with notes of mango, pineapple, etc. As soon as I broke the seal on my first gummy, I could immediately smell the classic fruit punch fragrance waft toward my nose. I assumed these would taste as deliciously sweet and fruity as they smelled, but ultimately, the initial waft set me up for disappointment. The gummies tasted like heavily watered down Hawaiian Punch with a spicy and herbaceous cannabis flavor mixed in. It was almost medicinal tasting with a weedy aftertaste. This aspect makes District Edible’s gummies not beginner-friendly. I’m quite accustomed to the taste of rich, skunky cannabis but even for me, these were formidable. It was also overwhelmingly sugary tasting which had me questioning that 3 grams of sugar gummy marketing.
The upshot is, when I taste strong cannabis flavors like this, I can safely assume District used more of a full spectrum extract as opposed to a distillate, which I know has more of a medicinal benefit for me.
Potency, Effectiveness and Affordability
Medicinal, indeed! District Edibles is always precise in their formulations, making this an edible that will give you a consistent experience every time you buy it. Sure enough, I can testify that each gummy I tried had the same potency. Despite the fact that it’s essentially a 1:1 ratio of CBD:THC, I still found these fairly psychoactive. So for the canna-curious reading this review, don’t be fooled! This maker makes sure to create edibles which are heavy hitters.
About 50 minutes from the time I ate the first gummy in the pack, I felt it kicking in. Ten minutes later, my hunger started to kick in. This is extremely helpful for me, as due to some health issues caused by Crohn’s disease, I often don’t have an appetite all day and by evening, still haven’t eaten a thing. Now I can happily nourish myself!
As my experience continued, after grabbing a bite to eat with friends, I found myself getting a bit anxious. While CBD generally tends to ease my anxieties, this combination of cannabinoids didn’t seem to help in that regard. The anxiety I was experiencing may have had little to do with the edible and more to do with my state of mind and body chemistry at the time, but it also might have been the edible. If you have regular issues with anxiety, like I do, you may want to take caution. Three hours after I had my first gummy, the high started dying down and at about the 5-hour mark I felt like I had sobered up. Aside from the minor bout of anxiety, I felt like this edible allowed me to be pretty energetic and productive. If I hadn’t been socializing with friends and playing strategic board games (which is exactly what I did), I could see myself happily cleaning my apartment or scouring thrift store shelves for deals.
For around $15-$18, this is a good price for a gummy that provides potent, consistent results, and is easy to eat and easy to dose.
Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product
Packaging: 5/5
- Well-protected in a hard-plastic, child-resistant container.
- Reusable, recyclable, and doubles as a joint holder? Sold.
- Fun rocket ship theme; classy graphics with gold, white and bluish purple.
Labeling: 3.5/5
- Bare minimum for adult-use compliance.
- Leaves many questions: does “purified” mean the same as “extracted using?” What strains were used, how can we verify lab results?
Easy to Dose?: 4.5/5
- Simple to dose if you’re comfortable with the amount of THC and CBD in a single gummy.
- Harder to cut and achieve a precise micro-dose.
Discretion: 5/5
- Packaging travels well in jackets or pockets and the foil itself has no reference to cannabis.
- While someone might see the spaceship spangled pack and be curious what’s inside, they won’t know off the bat these are medicated gummies.
Taste: 2.5/5
- Cannabis-forward is an understatement.
- These have the “weedy” taste that turn many people off edibles. But if your top priority is effectiveness, then flavor is secondary.
Texture: 4.5/5
- Great texture for a gummy: not chewy, but more wiggly, like Jell-O with density.
- Didn’t get stuck in my teeth, left with a slight oily residue on my hands.
Effectiveness: 5/5
- Strong stuff, definitely helped me feel elevated, helped me manage pain, and sparked my appetite right up.
- May have caused a bit more anxiety than I typically enjoy.
Versatility: 1.5/5
- Other than eating it as a gummy, there’s not a whole lot else you can do with these.
- Potential to be used as a garnish for a cocktail or suspended in squares of Jell-O, but given the flavor issue, I’d recommend eating them as is.
Consistency: 5/5
- Overall experience was consistent as it could be.
- Each gummy is a true 10 milligrams and that makes it a good buy in my book.
Price: 4/5
- At $15-18 per 10-pack of gummies, this is a fair price for consistently strong medicine… which definitely tastes like medicine.
Overall Rating: 3.9
District gummies’ taste could be a little better, but I also get that serious medicine doesn’t always taste great. The other thing I didn’t love was the spike in anxiety I felt, which might be explained by which strain was used (information which was not provided by the labeling). For many, I think the “hit every time” potency is worth the price, but if I buy it again, I would be cautious about it affecting my anxiety.
If you live in the L.A. area, you may qualify for cannabis delivery from Nugg Club! Get District Edibles’ gummies and more delivered to your doorstep – click here and enter your address today!
Cheeba Chews 1:1 CBD:THC Chocolate Taffy (2019 Review)
Leave a CommentWhen I have an unbearably jam-packed day, I look for an edible I can trust to deliver a focused, long-lasting high that provides relaxation without the drowsiness. Time and time again I turn to a trusted brand like Cheeba Chews and their 100mg 1:1 THC:CBD Chocolate Taffy (around $20) to get me through a long day.
How to describe Cheeba Chews? Classic. Iconic even. For nearly 10 years, the brand has worked to cement its status as a familiar and trusted favorite. Their time-tested experience produces consistently tasty and beneficial products you can trust to deliver a familiar high every time. Find their products in most legal cannabis dispensaries in California, Colorado and Nevada.
Cheeba Chews Chocolate Taffy comes in a rectangular, baby blue package. Inside are 10 individual blister-packed 10mg square pieces, each dosed with 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD. This even ratio provides a perfectly balanced high, relaxing the mind and spirit while providing enough energy and focus to face a busy day head-on.
This cannabis-infused taffy isn’t the most unique edible available, but what it lacks in creativity it makes up for in nostalgia and consistency. Each chewy, sticky bite reminds me of the saltwater chocolate taffy I bought as a kid on family vacations by the beach, enjoying them on the sand as the waves glided in and out – only with a slight cannabis flavor. These days I’m typically not relaxing by the Pacific when I eat Cheeba Chews (I’m sorry to say), but their texture, chocolatey flavor and consistent high leave me similarly relaxed for 2-6 hours.
In this Cheeba Chews Chocolate Taffy review, you'll learn about this product's:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
Packaging, Labeling & Product Design
The new compliant packaging is a bit bulkier and tougher than the old medical chews. I had some trouble getting the taffies out of their plastic pouches so they’re truly child-proof. If you suffer from arthritis or other hand pain, you’ll need someone to open them.
While Cheeba Chews enjoys the trust of the cannabis community, they tend to lack transparency when it comes to lab testing. Their website says their products are lab tested, yet the lab results, strain breakdown and cannabis source isn’t readily available on the packaging. The brand would benefit from offering more transparency on their lab test results, sourcing of plant material, and manufacturing technique. Until then, I’ll rely on the consistent results I get from this balanced 100mg taffy to form an opinion.
Quality, Ease of Use
The classic logo ensures an effective cannabis candy experience. One bite into the sticky, slightly chewy 1:1 square and you know what to expect: Tootsie Roll taste and a relaxed-but-functional experience.
The new packaging required excessive effort to unwrap each individual child-proof packet, making it a hassle to dose in larger amounts. But if you’re into microdosing, this isn’t an issue.
Potency, Effectiveness & Affordability
At 10 milligrams of balanced THC and CBD per piece, I ate the whole pack as a post-dinner treat, which was tough. It was a nice cap-off to my chicken stir-fry and helped digest that broccoli and bok choy without bloating.
The taffy’s potency and effectiveness were exactly as I expected from Cheeba Chews – enjoyably chill-but-focused for body and mind. I felt comfortable and content getting work done without feeling lethargic; I didn’t fidget and wasn’t distracted by the noise outside my window on this surprisingly cool summer evening.
With a $22 price tag, this is more than I’d like to spend on an edible – especially since Korova cookies are almost double the CBD and THC, only two dollars more and just as effective. Still, I know Cheeba Chews is a trustworthy brand backed by consistency and effectiveness, so I’ll continue to fork over 22 bones for more chews. You win, Cheeba Chews. Touché.
Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product
Packaging: 2.5/5
- While the box protects your chews well and has pleasing graphics, it’s far too big and bulky for the product inside.
- New compliant packaging is about six inches long and an inch deep, too bulky to stuff in your pocket.
- Child-resistant cardboard that covers the blister pack allows you to break down into longer segments, but it’s still awkward.
Labeling: 3.5/5
- Iconic logo and polka dot background make me know it’s a brand I can trust.
- Label includes net weight, amount of servings, THC: CBD content and cannabinoid content.
- List of ingredients along with nutrition information, yet no lab results.
- Includes a tip: pop these in the freezer for 2 minutes if the taffy is too soft to help get them out of the package.
- If the packaging included where this product was sourced, how it was sourced and the strains it came from, I’d give this a 5.
Easy to dose: 4/5
- Easier than it used to be to dose (for someone who doses in 5 mg increments).
- Childproofing makes it tough to open and requires more energy and finger strength.
- Consuming the entire Cheeba Chew out of the package at once is tricky and frustrating.
Discretion: 3/5
- Inner packaging is nondescript.
- Draws unwanted attention when you’re struggling to open the package.
Taste: 3/5
- “Chocolate Taffy” chews taste like tootsie rolls.
- Has hints of cannabis flavor.
- Ideal if you’re a Tootsie Roll fan (I am not).
Texture: 4.5/5
- Soft, chewy consistency.
Eventually melts in your mouth.
It might get stuck in your teeth, but not irritating.
Stays true to taffy texture.
Effectiveness: 5/5
- Makes me relaxed yet functional with equal parts CBD to THC.
- I ate the whole package (50mg THC and 50mg CBD), which was the perfect post-dinner treat.
- Chill but focused, I got stuff done without feeling restless or uneasy.
Versatility: 1.5
- Mimicking a tootsie roll, there aren’t many ways you can incorporate these into a meal.
- Try serving them on a toothpick as a post-dinner treat.
Consistency: 5/5
- Over the years, Cheeba Chews have been consistent in their flavor, consistency and effectiveness.
Price: 3/5
- Higher-than-average price at $22.
- Other brands like Korova have more cannabis content for almost the same price.
- Can charge more due to their trusted name backed by quality.
Overall: 3.5
If you need a reliable, balanced edible from a reputable brand to stay focused and active, this 1:1 THC:CBD taffy does it. You might find the childproof blister packaging a pain to open, especially if you have a higher tolerance and need the full 50mg THC and 50mg CBD for relief. While you can’t go wrong with its mix of Tootsie Roll flavor and slight cannabis taste, other brands provide more complex flavor and a bit more THC and CBD content for almost the identical cost.
Ready to try Cheeba Chews’ 1:1 CBD: THC chocolate taffy? Click here and enter your address to find out if Nugg Club can deliver to your doorstep!
5 Cannabis Topicals That Actually Work
Leave a CommentAs cannabis use has entered the national conversation about pain management and holistic care, non-smokable forms of cannabis have increasingly grown in popularity – including many cannabis products that do not produce “high” (psychotropic) effects. This shift in cannabis use may have helped destigmatize cannabis for some individuals, and the increased market for alternative consumption methods has redefined the ways that cannabis can be used to help treat certain ailments.
Part of this may be due to rising consumption rates among Baby Boomers, many of whom use cannabis to treat pain while minimizing the use of pharmaceutical medications. One study from New York University’s School of Medicine reports that cannabis use has increased by 71% among adults over the age of 50. And that increase in cannabis consumption is not just for Rolling Stones reunion shows; many Baby Boomers are using cannabis to supplement their prescription drug needs. A University of Georgia report estimates that Medicare has so far seen savings of over $165 million in prescription costs in states where medical cannabis has been legalized. There’s a clear trend which shows that consumers across all demographics increasingly want options that don’t involve smoking. But what’s so special about topicals?
First, let’s start with the basics.
Her'es Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Topicals:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
What Are Topicals?
Cannabis topicals include any skincare product that contains cannabis extracts. When skincare brands make products that contain cannabis, they’re typically infusing an existing lotion, salve, or balm with cannabinoids that have been extracted from the cannabis plant. The most common cannabinoids found in topicals include:
- THC: the main psychotropic ingredient in cannabis. It’s also the thing in cannabis that makes you feel stoned.
- CBD: a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that may offer certain health and wellness benefits without causing intoxication.
Some topicals contain both THC and CBD, while others contain just one or the other. CBD-only products can be sold in any state, but any product containing THC can only be sold through a licensed dispensary or delivery service in states with legal cannabis.
Will Cannabis Topicals Get Me Stoned?
No, using topicals – including those made with THC – will not cause intoxication. That’s because cannabis topicals interact with the endocannabinoid system in your skin without actually entering the bloodstream and altering your brain chemistry.
The one exception to cannabis topicals not getting you stoned is cannabis transdermal patches. These products are similar to a nicotine patch, and some patches can bypass the skin barrier, causing intoxication.
Because cannabis topicals (other than transdermals) do not cause intoxication, it’s generally safe to assume that using topicals alone – without smoking, vaping, eating edibles, or using transdermals – will not cause you to fail a drug test.
What Are The Best Cannabis Topicals To Use For My Needs?
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs. However, we here at Nugg have our fingers on the pulse of emerging cannabis brands and their medicinal and wellness products. Here are a few of our favorites, available for delivery in the LA area through Nugg Club.
- Papa & Barkley 1:3 Balm – This product contains a one-to-three ratio of CBD to THC. It comes in two sizes: 15 ml and 50 ml. Our experts recommend that you start by applying a nickel-sized portion of balm to a problem area, then gently rub the balm into that area until it’s completely absorbed. Ingredients: Cannabis, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Essential Oil Blend (Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lavender), Vitamin E Oil, Natural Terpenes
- Apothecanna Extra Strength Creme – Expect a healing experience with Apothecanna’s blend of organic compounds designed to relieve pain and inflammation. The Extra Strength Creme comes in eight-ounce bottles and contains 100 mg of CBD, along with arnica, peppermint, vitamins, and essential oils. There’s a long list of ingredients, from cannabis oil and organic sunflower oil to glyceryl stearate, arnica extract, organic juniper oil and phenoxyethanol.
- High Gorgeous “In Your Dreams” Body Lotion – It’s hard not to love a product that smells good and feels good. That’s exactly what you can expect from this High Gorgeous product. The “In Your Dreams” body lotion is infused with lavender and chamomile, and each four-ounce jar contains a 2:1 ratio, offering 100 mg of THC and 50 mg of CBD. It’s ideal for all-over external use and it’s made without allergens like soy.
- Kush Queen Awaken Bomb – This medicated bath bomb contains a one-to-one ratio of THC and CBD, serving up 25 mg of each for your therapeutic bathing pleasure. It’s recommended that you soak for approximately 30 minutes to enjoy the full relaxing effects that this product offers. Ingredients: 100% Organic Peppermint Oil, Cannabidiol, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium sulfate, Citric Acid, Cornstarch, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Natural Colors.
- Honey Pot Body Lotion – Take comfort knowing that Honey Pot has won a prestigious Cannabis Cup award for their cannabis-infused body lotion. It’s available in a two-ounce bottle (which contains 250 mg THC) or in an eight-ounce bottle (which has 1,000 mg THC). Both versions also contain lavender, aloe vera, and wildflower honey, along with a unique blend of essential oils.
How Do I Use Cannabis Topicals?
Using cannabis topicals couldn’t be easier. First, determine what part of your body is currently achy, uncomfortable, or otherwise in need of relief. Make sure that part of your body is clean; if you haven’t showered, you can use a wet towel or washcloth to remove any dirt and sweat that may have accumulated there. Apply a generous amount of topical to that body part, then gently massage the area until the topical is completely absorbed. Wash your hands when you’re finished and reapply as needed.
What Should I Expect When Using Cannabis Topicals?
Expect gentle relaxation and some minor pain relief. Remember that with severe and/or chronic injuries, you probably won’t get total instant relief of your symptoms. It’s more like using a heating pad or soaking sore muscles in a hot bath: you’ll definitely notice a difference, and ideally, your discomfort should be a little more tolerable.
Finding the right product for your needs may require some trial and error. If a product that only contains CBD doesn’t work for you, try something that combines CBD and THC. Because of a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, a blend of cannabinoids is often more effective than just a single isolated cannabinoid. You can also try experimenting with different ratios and concentrations of CBD and THC.
No matter what your needs may be, there’s a Nugg Club product to help you find relief!
5 Canna-Commitments to Jump-Start Your New Year
Leave a Comment
If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking: Oh no, not another “New Year, New You” list of resolutions. So often the start of a new year is a thinly veiled ploy to get you to buy into a product, a membership or a whole new lifestyle.
At Nugg we believe people can grow, just like our favorite plant, but they’re unlikely to make radical shifts all at once.
Similarly to how cannabinoids work to soothe your body’s nervous system over time, the “new you” will likely also take time to be nurtured and developed into the biggest, most dank nug – I mean person – you can be.
With this “slow down to speed up” philosophy in mind, here are five New Year’s canna-commitments to consider.
What would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!
Canna-commitments you'll learn about:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
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.
Stay High on the Sly: Tips for Cannabis Discretion This Holiday
1 Comment
‘Tis the season to be around people…whether you like it or not. Regardless of where you stand on interacting with humanity, it’s gonna happen. That is, unless you’ve mastered the shut-in thing. (If so, kudos.)
But for those of us not about that hermit life, we’re going to eat, drink, and be merry (and usually embarrass ourselves) with friends and family at several holiday parties and other festive gatherings.
In some cases, it’ll be the first of many parties that integrates children into the evening. With numerous people and kids who could be impacted by our cannabis consumption, it’s wise to exercise discretion this time of year.
What you'll learn in this article:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
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!
The Ultimate CBD Recovery Guide
Leave a Comment
From professional athletes to children dealing with debilitating illnesses, people from all walks of life are ditching prescriptions and turning to more natural plant medicine. But it’s not just any plant; they’re seeking relief from one particular cannabis compound: cannabidiol, or CBD.
Even if you don’t use cannabis, you’ve probably heard of CBD. This cannabis compound took the nation by storm in 2013 when CNN reported on a six-year-old girl named Charlotte Figi. Four years prior, she was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a myoclonic form of epilepsy, that prompts as many as 300 seizures a week.
After her parents administered an oral dose of CBD oil twice a day, that number dropped to just two or three seizures each month!
Since Charlotte’ story became public CBD has continued to rise in popularity. Most dispensaries carry CBD flower, vape cartridges, edibles, and topicals. Many health food stores now sell hemp-based CBD extracts, even in states that prohibit medical cannabis.
Because CBD is non-psychoactive (it doesn’t get you high), many who don’t smoke cannabis are able to enjoy the reported health benefits of this miraculous cannabinoid.
Aside from children finding epileptic relief, CBD is also gaining traction among pro athletes. Former NFL player Leonard Marshall, a former defensive end for the New York Giants, suffered a traumatic brain injury stemming from concussions, better known as CTE.
Rather than consuming a daily pharmaceutical cocktail, Marshall turned to hemp-based CBD oil to deal with CTE side effects like persistent headaches, mood swings and depression. Now he experiences relief within minutes after taking CBD, and his migraines are gone.
But what exactly is CBD and what can it actually do? We’ve separated fact from fiction to help you understand the latest research, how CBD can be used to aid recovery, and a handful of products that the Nugg Team has quality tested and approved.
What you'll learn in this article:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
What Is CBD?
CBD is one of many chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The most popular and most widely known is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which makes you feel stoned. But CBD is different. The World Health Organization concluded that CBD alone doesn’t appear to cause intoxication.
In addition to seizure disorders, CBD is also frequently used to treat anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain. In fact, pain is the number one reason why pro athletes are putting away the pills and turning to cannabis.
When professional cyclist Andrew Talansky strained his hip flexor muscle, he turned CBD oil and found instant relief. Aside from that, he also tells Outside Magazine that the benefits didn’t stop there; he also felt less anxious and his sleep improved dramatically.
While CBD is generally considered safe to use, it does have the potential to affect certain medications, including blood thinners, so consult your physician before taking CBD.
Not all cannabis has high CBD levels; in fact, many strains available at your local recreational dispensary typically have little-to-no CBD. That’s because these commercially available strains were historically bred for their high THC content. This is changing.
Cannabis breeders increasingly recognize the demand for potent CBD strains. Some are beginning to select strains based on their ability to yield a high CBD and low THC: Sour Tsunami, Charlotte’s Web (named after Charlotte Figi), Ringo’s Gift and AC/DC, for example, typically test high in CBD.
What Do Researchers Say About CBD?
Many studies suggest that CBD may have positive health benefits. Researchers have found that orally-administered CBD may contain significant anti-inflammatory properties, offering the potential for pain reduction and reduced swelling. Another study reported that topically-administered CBD can help reduce pain and arthritic inflammation.
Neuroscientists have also studied CBD for its potential to manage symptoms of certain neurological disorders and its potential immunosuppressive properties. Another neurological study even suggested CBD might help reduce brain damage from neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease.
One patient study reported that CBD use in conjunction with pharmaceutical medication helped slow the progression of some ALS symptoms, giving the patient almost complete use of two affected limbs and slowing the pace of muscular degradation.
Like other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates endocrine function (glands that secrete hormones) and controls our energy balance. In fact, our ECS plays a key role in regulating a wide range of body processes, from brain function and immune tissues to our endocrine glands and digestive system.
Researches have also found that CBD may interact with receptor sites outside the ECS, illustrating the potential to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
How Can I Use CBD to Help My Body Recover?
Cannabis patients and recreational users in legal states can purchase high-CBD flower, concentrates (including vape cartridges), topicals, edibles and tinctures.
If you don’t have this access, you might find CBD oil for sale online, but it’s most likely hemp derived and doesn’t offer the same benefits that MMJ patients report. This is due to the “entourage effect,” which means all of the cannabinoids and terpenes may offer greater benefits when combined as a whole plant or a whole-plant extract.
Because CBD shows promise treating inflammation, you may be wondering how to incorporate CBD into your recovery plan. First, talk to your doctor about your using CBD. Your doctor will need to review your health history as well as your medication list to make sure there is no risk of adverse side effects.
If your doctor recommends the use of CBD, then Nugg’s Cannabis Concierge service can help you find the right cannabis products for your needs, including products that are high in CBD. Here are a few of our favorites!
Smokable Flower High in CBD
Smoking and vaping cannabis flower remain one of the most popular methods of consumption. But smoking a bowl or a joint doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get stoned! Try these Nugg favorites, which are high in CBD and low in THC to give you greater relief without causing intoxication the way most high-THC cannabis strains do.
- Ritual CBD 20:1 1/8th (Henry’s Original): Offers a clean-burning flower that boasts a 20:1 ratio of CBD: THC. Our reviewers gave this strain high marks for its delicious aroma and superior smoke quality. This Henry’s Original strain also performed well in our ash test, and it delivered consistently exceptional effects.
- Harmony Rose CBD 1/8th (Flow Kana): This prepackaged eighth of is pleasing to the senses and sure to meet your needs. The appearance, aroma, taste and effects of this high-CBD strain earned high praise from our reviewers, who also appreciated Flow Kana’s above average packaging and labeling.
- JellyFish CBD (Glass House Farms): Nugg’s reviewers ranked this strain’s aroma and taste average among the pool, but Glass House Farms stood out in terms of its effects, consistency and clean-burning ash test. For the price, JellyFish offers a decent option for patients interested in trying CBD flower for the first time.
Vape Cartridges High in CBD
Many patients looking for quick relief appreciate the convenience that cannabis vape pens and cartridges offer. Vaping gives you rapid onset of effects, no lingering smoke or smell, and the ability to easily dose out your medication. You can take a couple of hits then put it away, whereas a joint requires you to keep smoking or stub it out.
And the best thing about vaping? No harsh smoke on your lungs, which is especially beneficial for professional and endurance athletes.
World-renowned mixed-martial-arts fighter Nate Diaz vapes CBD oil to help recover from the physical torment of the ring. Despite the match’s outcome, Diaz takes a beating. Vaping CBD oil helps his body heal and reduces inflammation so that he can prepare for the next fight.
These vape cartridges/pens received high marks from our Nugg reviewers and can offer the relief you need:
- Calm 10:1 CBD disposable pen (dosist): Our reviewers loved the packaging, labeling, and overall quality that dosist delivers. This disposable pen makes it easy to microdose, giving you precisely measured vape hits with a consistent 10:1 ratio of CBD:THC. No buttons or knobs, just a mouthpiece to inhale. The vapor tastes very flavorful, the oil is of high quality, and the effects come on quickly.
- ACDC 3:1 CBD, 0.5 g Pax Era Pod (Bloom Farms): Our reviewers praised the taste, vapor quality, oil quality and effects. You’ll need to purchase a proprietary Pax battery that’s a bit costly but won’t regret it. You can swap out pods as easily as you insert a USB drive–and it pairs with an app that lets you adjust to the exact temperature you want. A quality pod in a pleasing package.
- Marley Red CBD Rich, 0.5 g (Marley Natural): This vape cartridge offers a great tasting product with quality oil, decent vape quality and pleasant effects. The packaging left our reviewers a bit dissatisfied, but it’s a great product at a reasonable price – what’s not to love?
Edibles High in CBD
While edibles offer long-lasting effects, they take longer to kick in than smokable or vapable cannabis. All of the CBD edibles listed below contain some degree of THC in addition to CBD, meaning you may feel more intoxicating effects than you would with a pure CBD treat.
So we recommend caution if you’re new to cannabis or edibles. Infused treats affect patients differently than smoking or vaping, so don’t overdo it. Remember to start with a low dose and be sure to wait at least an hour before increasing.
- 1:1 THC to CBD Dark Chocolate (Chill): This delivers a balanced ratio of THC:CBD with 50mg of each per piece. Our reviewers found it well packaged, easy to dose, flavorful, consistent and effective. It’s a great product for a reasonable price.
- 1:1 THC to CBD Cinnamon Mints (Breez): Also balanced with an equal THC:CBD ratio, the bottle has 20 mints containing 5mg of each in every one. Nugg reviewers appreciated the taste, discretion and ease of dosing.
- 1:5 CBD to THC Indica Milk Chocolate Bar (Garden Society): If you’re new to edibles, this may not be the best place to start. It’s got a decent dose of CBD, 16mg, but also comes with a relatively high THC content, 80mg total! The effects hit hard so use caution; although veteran edibles eaters will appreciate the taste, texture and effectiveness.
Topicals High in CBD
Topical products are applied externally to the skin. You can use topical balms or transdermal patches to target specific areas where you’re experiencing localized pain or inflammation. Lotions and soaking agents are also great options, and they easily offer widespread or whole body relief.
The best part is that you can easily use these products and, with the exception of transdermal patches, most CBD topicals don’t get you stoned!
Post-workout recovery, alleviating chronic pain, other recent injuries – topicals offer the symptom relief you need to rest up, sleep well, and feel better.
We understand that the number of cannabis options may be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to cannabis. Have questions? Our Cannabis Concierge service is here to help! Contact Nugg today to get the information you need and the medicated cannabis products you want!
New Research Shows How CBD May Kill Breast Cancer Cells
1 Comment
We’ve heard that cannabidiol (CBD) benefits cancer patients in many ways. The second-most prominent cannabinoid in cannabis sativa has been shown to reduce pain, shrink tumors, and relieve symptoms of chemotherapy. While previous research suggests that CBD prevents the growth of cancerous tumors by promoting apoptosis, or programmed cell death, we’re only just beginning to understand how that occurs.
A recent research paper, “Novel mechanism of cannabidiol-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines” by Sultan et al. from the Alexandria University in Egypt, not only proposes CBD as a useful treatment for certain types of breast cancer, it explores the molecular mechanism of antitumor activity in this formerly overshadowed cannabinoid.
What you'll learn in this article:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
Three Subtypes of Breast Cancer
Before we discuss this study’s significance, let’s briefly cover some breast cancer basics. There are three main subtypes:
- Hormone receptor-positive
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor two (HER2) positive
- Triple-negative
Hormone receptor-positive means the breast cancer tumor contains receptors for either of the female sex hormones, estrogen or progesterone. The most common form of breast cancer, hormone receptor-positive, accounts for about 65% of all cases.
Then we have HER2 positive cases, which involve a genetic mutation in the HER2 receptor. This receptor is in charge of cell division and growth in the breast. The mutation causes the body to make too many HER2 proteins, resulting in uncontrolled growth of breast cells. About 20% of breast cancer patients have the HER2 positive type, which can also be hormone receptor-negative or hormone receptor-positive. Typically, HER2 positive cases of breast cancer test negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors.
Lastly, triple-negative breast cancer is the least common and most aggressive form among these three subtypes. Triple-negative breast cancer gets its name from the fact that it lacks receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. Only about 15% of breast cancer patients have this type.
Why is the lack of these receptors distressing? When it comes to breast cancer treatment, hormone receptor-positive and HER2 positive types currently have more options. When scientists can identify receptors that lead to tumor growth, they can develop prescription drugs to target those receptors.
Treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer may include medications that block hormone communication or reduce estrogen production. Similarly, drugs that specifically target HER2 receptors, such as trastuzumab, are an option for women with HER2 positive breast cancer.
On the other hand, women with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer have fewer treatment options and usually need chemotherapy. This makes the triple-negative type particularly interesting to scientists in search of novel treatments and medications.
Now that we understand the foundations of breast cancer types and treatments, let’s examine the exciting discoveries this study reveals!
Shattering the Cellular DNA of Cancer Cells
Previous studies suggest that CBD induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells through the human body’s naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors, as well as through our vanilloid receptors – the molecular gateway to our pain pathway. Expanding on this knowledge, Sultan and colleagues focused on how CBD affects two populations of breast cancer cells: estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) subtype, T-47D, and another triple negative subtype, MDA-MB-231.
You’d think scientists could come up with better names, right?
But Sultan et al. didn’t choose these populations based on snazzy names. Known as “immortalized cell lines,” these two populations grow indefinitely in culture dishes, providing researchers with a continuously dividing supply of cancerous cells to work on.
The researchers found that adding CBD in a dose-dependent manner causes both cell lines to undergo significant structural changes that inhibit cell survival and activate apoptosis.
In English, that means the more CBD you add to these two populations of breast cancer cells, the more the cells shrivel up and die. But the cancer cells don’t simply die; their cellular DNA shatters into fragments. Their mitochondria, or energy powerhouses, cease to function. Eventually, your body recognizes these broken shreds of cancer as cellular garbage and promptly disposes of them. Basically, CBD is like Godzilla, totally crushing the most common and most difficult-to-treat cancer cells.
Now that you have the visual of a giant reptilian monster squashing cancer cells like buildings in a single stomp, the non-fiction piece of this story gets even better.
Cancer Cell Destruction and Tumor Shrinkage
In this 2018 study, Sultan et al. go on to describe the underlying mechanisms behind this cancer-killing monster. To do this, they examine three key players in cancer development:
- Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR): involved in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and survival
- Cyclin D1: a protein that causes a cell to start copying its DNA in preparation to divide
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ): a ligand-binding transcription factor that plays a role in cellular proliferation and apoptosis
Before I lose you, let’s break this down.
Overstimulation of the mTOR pathway can cause cells to grow and divide out of control. This may then initiate tumor development in many parts of the body, including the breast.
Additionally, overstimulation of the mTOR pathway leads to overexpression of cyclin D1, which ultimately causes uncontrolled cell division.
Lastly, PPARγ is a transcription factor, meaning it’s a protein that can bind to DNA and regulate gene expression. PPARγ has been found to reduce the growth rate and malignancy of breast cancer cells, making it the sole factor we want to see more of out of these three.
So how does CBD affect mTOR, cyclin D1, and PPARγ in these two breast cancer cell lines?
Remember, PPARγ is a ligand-binding transcription factor. CBD is the ligand it binds to. This CBD-PPARγ complex suppresses mTOR expression along with the downstream production of cyclin D1. When cyclin D1 activity declines, PPARγ activity increases even more, leading to the destruction of cancer cells and shrinkage of tumors.
Importance of Scientific Research
Not only does this study at the Egyptian university propose CBD as a beneficial treatment for two subtypes of breast cancer – one that accounts for about 65% of cases and the other particularly difficult to treat – it demonstrates the importance of scientific research on the medical applications of cannabis.
But cannabis research is no easy feat; major regulatory roadblocks must be overcome. For example, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, where it’s listed as a Schedule 1 drug. In order for an organization to conduct research, it must submit an application to the DEA, requesting a special license to work with Schedule 1 substances – a process that can take a year or longer (filled with intimidating hurdles).
Even with the DEA’s permission, researchers can only study cannabis from one authorized provider known as “the farm” at the University of Mississippi. This provider grows specific strains under contract with the National Institute on Drug About – not quite the caliber of cannabis we see in the marketplace.
Despite these challenges, scientists are moving forward with new cannabis research projects at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), to name a few. When there’s a will, there’s a way.
If you have any questions about this article or want to learn more about cannabis as a cancer treatment, head over to Nugg’s Cannabis Concierge. Our expert team is happy to answer any cannabis-related questions you have.
Politics, Pot and Perk with Dr. Craig Leivent
Leave a Comment
Nugg talks politics, pot and perk with Flower Power Coffee Company’s Dr. Craig Leivent. He whips up a pretty mean cup o’ CBD coffee, and some food for thought too.
It’s a rare treat to talk to someone who’s as passionate about cannabis as we are. Botanist and pharmacist Dr. Craig Leivent believes that everyone should be able to benefit from the perks this plant has to offer and does everything he can to share them. So if you’re in love with coffee and cannabis, you’ll find you have a lot in common with the doctor.
Find out how Flower Power Coffee Company hopes to make the world a better place with the potent power of CBDs.
What you'll learn in this article:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
Dr. Leivent’s Background and How Cannabis Became a Part of His Life
Nugg: “When did you first start learning about the potential health benefits of cannabis?”
Dr. Leivent: “So I grew up around cannabis. I lost my dad when I was eight, and my mom worked three jobs. She needed the right path. So, she took cannabis and that helped her. I grew up seeing this. I also grew up being ridiculed and criticized by my friends and by their parents who were mostly heavily medicated and/or alcoholics. And meanwhile she came home from work after a long day, or maybe she was on her way to her next job, she was medicating herself in a way that she was able to go about her daily life. That’s what I saw.”
“It was hard sometimes. It was something we had to deal with because, a lot of my friends, their parents wouldn’t let them come over. But then I began to realize, even when I was in high school, that this was her way of coping instead of being on Xanax and Zoloft or Prozac or multiple other things, she was utilizing cannabis. And this got me to thinking of cannabis as more of an exit drug, and not an entrance drug, and as a tool that can be used for health.”
Nugg: “So how did cannabis become a part of your adult life too?”
Dr. Leivent: “I’ve always loved plants, so I went into botany thinking I was also going to be a doctor. But then the accident happened and I broke my jaw and my orbital, and I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do that. I was doing therapy over the next 6 to 8 months, after my accident, and the doctors wanted to put me on barbiturates, benzos and anti-depression meds. I was almost like a guinea pig at one point. I was almost comatose. I was like a zombie and I couldn’t even live my life.”
“So, I tried some cannabis too, and I realized, wow! I didn’t need the benzos or the barbiturates or the anti-depressants that they had me on – the pills that made me a zombie. I was able to consume a little cannabis and get on with my daily living. My reading and writing came back. I wasn’t as proficient as I was before the accident, but I noticed that the cannabis had a healing property on me. I mean, I had 186 stitches on my face. My lips were ripped off. My jaw was broken. My orbital was crushed in. My eyelash was ripped off over my right eye. It wasn’t pretty.”
But Dr. Leivent didn’t let the accident stop him. He finished college and applied to pharmacy school. Dr. Leivent wanted to make cannabis available to help others the way it helped him. He then opened a medical dispensary in Oregon, Lincoln City Collective. Now he’s also on the East Coast, trying to get cannabis into people’s lives through his CBD-infused yummies.
The Story Behind Flower Power Coffee
Dr. Leivent: “I needed a way to get cannabinoids into everyday life. I was thinking and thinking, ‘could we put CBD into something that more than 80% of the population uses?’ And I looked in my hand and saw my coffee and thought, there it is!
“That’s when I reached out to Chef Leighton Knowles who was doing some amazing things in the cannabis sector on the East Coast. We went over some products that were available and were not happy with what we found at the time. So we started going over different formulations, a scientist and a chef another perfect match, but the one thing we knew is we didn’t want an oily brew.”
“I’m not poo-pooing other companies who make CBD coffee. I just don’t see how you can put CBD oil, on a bean, and then grind that bean, and then percolate that bean, and have a consistent measurement of CBD. Because each bean is not getting the same amount of CBD if it’s not being ground right away to get your measurements. So if they’re just leaving it as a whole bean and saying that its 350 mg per bag, that’s great, but how much is it per a serving? Because, if its an oil based thing, is that oil going to come through my water? Am I actually going to be able to get that in my coffee cup? Water and oil don’t like each other. They’d separate.”
“So we searched out a custom-formulated CBD isolate, which is pure CBD – completely THC free. Then we went a little further and we thought, let’s get the best possible coffee that we can get and let’s put it with the best possible isolate that we can get. So we have this amazing CBD isolate with this fantastic coffee that’s been roasting in Brooklyn for the last 70 years. It’s been on Oprah and Seinfeld.”
“We have the best coffee, with the best CBD, and the slight bitterness that the CBD might have is completely masked by the coffee. It’s like a match made in heaven. And it has its own entourage effect, because you’re going to get your energy through your coffee – you’re going to get your focus – but you’re not going to get those jitters and you’re not going to get the anxiety that caffeine usually brings. At least not in moderation.”
“There were studies recently with CBD and coffee that didn’t show that, but these people were drinking eight to 10 cups of the stuff. You’re going to be jittery and have anxiety if you consume that much coffee. So moderation is important. But when people take our coffee and drink it, and they come back and tell us how they feel, it’s undeniable. That’s how the coffee came around. A lot of people describe drinking the coffee as being similar to the sensation they get when they put their hand on an air hockey table. They feel that light buzz going through their body and on their skin. That’s a great feeling.”
“A lot of people don’t realize that their everyday life is stressful. You wake up, and suddenly you’re bombarded with stuff. Our brain doesn’t even let us realize all the stuff that’s going on around us all day or we’d go crazy. I serve this coffee at large events, and I tell people, ‘you’re going to drink this coffee and you’re going to feel great and be able to walk around all day.’ And they come back later and say ‘yeah! I feel great! I walked around all day. I usually can’t do that.’ Or they might have some anxiety with crowds, but they’ll come back to me three hours later and say, ‘you know, the crowds didn’t bother me.'”
Feelings About Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Nugg: “What are your feelings about high THC products with no CBD?
Dr. Leivant: “Well now THC is amazing by itself. I also think it depends on the time of day for particular products. I think a balanced product – especially because of the synergistic effects between THC and CBD – is usually the best option. But the cannabis patients in New York don’t have access to the specific strains and varieties that you do in California.”
Nugg: “It’s so strange to see a state that doesn’t allow flower.”
Dr. Leivant: (laughs) “Yeah, it’s because New York is a smoke-free state, so vaping is considered non-smoking. You can consume your capsules or have a vape pen, but no smoking of flower.”
Nugg: “Do you feel like they are missing out on the other benefits that you would find in natural flower like the CBNs and the terpenes?”
Dr. Leivant: “Oh yes! They definitely might be missing out. CBN, CBG, you know, the other tiny cannabinoids that get pushed out with high THC breeding too. I mean, a plant can only contain so much THC before it can’t grow anymore. So it happens to the flower too. A lot of those natural cannabinoids that cause the entourage effect are being bred out. It’s extreme. I’ve seen 31% THC, so, when you think about it, 30% of that plant is just THC (the buds). So you’re losing a lot of those other finite cannabinoids that have those other wonderful synergistic effects that might give you a better effect from that THC. So, I don’t like THC with no CBD in it. But I also do like higher THC strains too. I’m a hyperactive guy and I have a lot of energy, almost too much energy.”
“This is something I feel very passionate about. I realized everyone needs to consume some type of cannabinoid in some type of way. Like THCA, it won’t get you high, it has more antioxidants and Omega 3,6 and 9, than almost any other plant and most fish. Cannabis is a superfood! If we were to consume cannabis itself as a food, I don’t know how many diseases or conditions we’d improve or even eliminate. You’re in California! You should be consuming raw cannabis every day. Juice it, any way you can get it in there. You can’t deny the benefits. But we’re giving out opium. We’re giving out synthetic fentanyl. I would take my patients down the herb aisles and I would have to say you have to be careful taking this because your kidneys might fail, if you take too much of this your liver will fail, if you take too much of this you’ll get an ulcer. But you can consume your body weight in cannabis and feel great. It’s crazy. The only way you can get hurt from cannabis is if you drop 2,000 pounds on your head.”
Nugg: “It seems so backward.”
Dr. Leivent: “Yeah. We’re not even being taught about the endocannabinoid system. My friends that went through medical school weren’t taught about it. My students in pharmacy school aren’t taught about it. They do have an elective course at LIU, but at St. John’s, a Catholic school, there’s no mention of it. Before, what was it, 1938? There were some 2,000 pharmaceutical products with medical cannabis in them. It was just a great medicine! Now we don’t even feed hemp to our livestock. We’ve taken so many of these cannabinoids out of our daily life. Who knows how many of our current diseases or mental health problems could be attributed to this? I personally believe that. When you see someone who is cannabinoid naive, and you give them CBDs or low dose THCs and you see the effects, it’s undeniable. The reports that we get from people saying they’ve stopped shaking from their Tourette syndrome or they slept all the way through the night for the first time in years – it’s just undeniable. It’s just great to hear these things. We should be utilizing it as much as possible, and instead, we are being handcuffed.”
The Importance of Taking Legal Action to Help Enable Legalization in New York
Of course, with the tenuous ground that CBDs stand upon, the conversation took a natural turn toward the politics of pot. Dr. Leivent isn’t just passionate about his coffee. He knows that his company’s and his customers’ futures depend on the direction of current legislation.
Now that Epidiolex is America’s first FDA-approved CBD-based medication, it’s impossible for the DEA to continue to deny that cannabis has no medical benefit. The DEA must make a decision to reschedule Epidiolex, and it’s still being debated whether this rescheduling will include all CBDs. Some activists are very worried about this decision because if all CBDs are rescheduled to Schedule 2 or Schedule 3, production could become more complicated, not less.
Dr. Leivent: “I don’t think enough people realize what the big issues are. They think any step toward legalization is great. They don’t realize the intricacies of the situation. If we deschedule, we’ll be able to utilize this as a superfood, and as the plant-based medicine it is. If we reschedule, we will be putting cannabis completely in the hands of the pharmaceutical industry. Call your congressman, call your representatives. Everyone, everyone should be calling. Every dispensary should display their congressperson’s phone number.”
The nation got a glimpse of what such a Schedule 2 or 3 world would look like in mid-August when it was discovered that Epidiolex, which is being produced by GW Pharma, could cost as much as $32,000 per year.
That pill may be a little hard to swallow since current compassionate care providers in legal states can make similar CBD tinctures and concoctions for just a couple hundred dollars a month. They often even provide these CBD tinctures for low or no-cost, utilizing the profits from legal cannabis sales to cover the relatively minimal production costs.
Nugg: “Do you think there’s enough public interest now to stop this from happening?”
Dr. Leivent: “Absolutely! Just look at the demographics that this crosses. You have every walk of life – every creed, every color, every age group. There are so many people who have seen benefits. Look at all the people who want to relax or treat pain, so they drink or pop a Xanax – but then they poo-poo cannabis. So they go home and they have a drink or get drunk and then they look terrible the next day. Or they take their Xanax and they’re totally out of it. Why would you want to do that when you can come home and smoke a joint or eat an edible and feel a lot better and be a better person to everyone else? There are no ill-effects…well, maybe a pizza or two.”
Find Flower Power Coffee Company’s coffee at these locations, and learn more about coffee and cannabis from Nugg’s Cannabis Concierge team. We’re always here to help.
Cannabis Can Help Your Arthritic Canine
Leave a Comment
Dogs are more than pets. They’re beloved four-legged family members who depend on you for everything from breakfast to belly rubs just like your kids. That’s why it’s so devastating to watch yours suffer from a painful condition like osteoarthritis (OA).
But with the June 2018 approval of the first pharmaceutical grade cannabidiol (CBD), dog owners are looking to this wonder cannabinoid to help their canine companions.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory pain relief is well-documented for people with arthritis, so why not try the same medicine for your dog? Until recently, there wasn’t much research to back it up. But a new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science shows promise for CBD as a safe and effective OA treatment.
What you'll learn in this article:
[Click any of the section titles below to jump there]
What Is Osteoarthritis?
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. Sometimes called degenerative joint disease, OA is a chronic condition that involves wear-and-tear to the cartilage that cushions the joints. Cartilage is a soft, slippery tissue that covers the bone ends where they meet at a joint. When broken down, it can cause bones to grind together.
Signs that your dog may have OA include:
- Altered gait or limping
- Stiffness and swelling in joints
- Decreased activity
- Difficulty getting up or lying down
- Inability or reluctance to climb stairs
- Whining, whimpering, and other signs of pain
Risk of developing OA increases with age, but certain dogs may be more susceptible to this disease earlier in life. If your canine counterpart is particularly active or large, he or she might be more prone to OA.
How Do You Treat Osteoarthritis in Dogs?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common treatment for OA but they’re far from ideal. NSAIDs can cause unwanted side effects, especially stomach issues.
A systematic review published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that OA treatment with NSAIDs causes adverse side effects in 55% of studies. To make matters worse, NSAIDs may not even offer adequate pain relief for your pooch.
These issues have led many pet owners to seek alternative therapies, like CBD oil, to reduce OA symptoms without side effects.
How Does CBD Reduce Osteoarthritis Symptoms in Dogs?
Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid receptor system that plays a key role in managing pain and inflammation. In addition to being widely dispersed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, cannabinoid receptors are present in the lining of the joints.
CBD is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant that binds to these receptors, offering therapeutic benefits such as:
- Decreased sensitivity to pain
- Reduced inflammation
- Regulation of the immune system
These medical benefits make CBD an appealing option for treating dogs suffering from OA. Until recently, there wasn’t a lot of scientific evidence to back it up. The July 2018 study, “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs” by Gamble et al. provides the proof.
To investigate the effects of oral CBD supplementation, Gamble and colleagues performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, dog owner and veterinarian double-blind crossover trial. They gave 16 dogs with moderate-to-severe OA each two treatments in random order: CBD oil dosed at 2 mg/kg or a placebo. They administered treatment every 12 hours for 4 weeks with a 2-week period in between phases.
Gamble and colleagues measured OA symptoms with an owner assessment using the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) and Hudson activity scale, as well as a veterinary evaluation every two weeks. Since the study was double-blind, neither owner nor veterinarian knew which treatment the dog was receiving during any phase of the study.
Results showed significant improvements with CBD supplementation at weeks 2 and 4 across 16 dogs of various breeds and sizes. While taking CBD oil, the dogs showed fewer signs of pain and increased their activity level both at home and during their veterinary evaluation.
More importantly, there were no observed side effects throughout the study. While a longer-term trial including a larger sample of dogs would reveal more information, the study by Gamble et al. suggests CBD is a safe and effective treatment for OA.
What Other Conditions Can CBD Help My Dog Cope With?
CBD isn’t only beneficial for dogs with OA. Even without double-blind, placebo-controlled trials to support it, many pet owners hail CBD as a cure-all for a vast array of veterinary health problems.
A report published in the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association found that owners use CBD to treat several conditions in their dogs and cats, including:
- Seizures
- Cancer
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Digestive issues
- Skin conditions like pruritus
In addition to reducing pain and inflammation, CBD also has anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects on dogs, making it a top choice for seizure treatment.
Even if your dog doesn’t have a serious medical condition like arthritis or cancer, he or she may exhibit anxiety in situations like a thunderstorm or among other dogs. Since they can’t talk to release trauma, the best you can do is make your puppy pal feel safe and comfortable. Following pain relief, help sleeping and reducing anxiety are the two most common benefits owners report when giving their fur baby CBD.
How Do I Know If CBD Is Right for My Dog?
First, discuss your dog’s symptoms and any concerns you may have with your veterinarian. If the doggy doc diagnoses yours with OA or another issue, ask if CBD can help.
Remember: CBD is non-psychoactive, so your dog won’t get high as long as there’s no THC in the product. While both hemp and marijuana contain CBD, a product that contains only CBD typically comes from the hemp plant. Many CBD products come in oils you can easily mix in with your dog’s food, or simply drop it in their mouth.
If you have more questions about how CBD can improve your dog (or cat’s) life, one of Nugg’s friendly and professional Cannabis Concierge’s will gladly answer them. And while medical questions are best left for your vet, a Cannabis Concierge is always happy to chat with you about the best cannabis products for your fur baby’s condition(s).