CANNABIS STRAIN OF THE DAY 05/01/2016: GREEN DREAM (HYBRID)
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by Potbox, Inc.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
What is Decarboxylation, and Why Does Your Cannabis Need It?
Here's a scenario we have all seen in film before: Somebody consumes an entire bag of raw cannabis in order to avoid getting caught with it. Eyes pop wide open and gasps ensue. “You just ate that whole bag!” somebody shouts. However, the aftermath of this scene usually involves a very different representation of what actually happens when you consume raw cannabis. Spoiler alert: The effects will be lackluster at best. Why is this the case?
The answer to this mystery lies in a process called decarboxylation, one that is necessary for us to enjoy the psychoactive effects of the cannabinoids we consume.
Decarboxylation Explained
All cannabinoids contained within the trichomes of raw cannabis flowers have an extra carboxyl ring or group (COOH) attached to their chain. For example, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is synthesized in prevalence within the trichome heads of freshly harvested cannabis flowers. In most regulated markets, cannabis distributed in dispensaries contains labels detailing the product’s cannabinoid contents. THCA, in many cases, prevails as the highest cannabinoid present in items that have not been decarboxylated (e.g., cannabis flowers and concentrates).
THCA has a number of known benefits when consumed, including having anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities. But THCA is not psychoactive, and must be converted into THC through decarboxylation before any effects can be felt.
What Causes Decarboxylation?
The two main catalysts for decarboxylation to occur are heat and time. Drying and curing cannabis over time will cause a partial decarboxylation to occur. This is why some cannabis flowers also test for a presence of small amounts of THC along with THCA. Smoking and vaporizing will instantaneously decarboxylate cannabinoids due to the extremely high temperatures present, making them instantly available for absorption through inhalation.
While decarboxylated cannabinoids in vapor form can be easily absorbed in our lungs, edibles require these cannabinoids present in what we consume in order for our bodies to absorb them throughout digestion. Heating cannabinoids at a lower temperature over time allows us to decarboxylate the cannabinoids while preserving the integrity of the material we use so that we may infuse it into what we consume.
At What Temperature Does Decarboxylation Occur?
The THCA in cannabis begins to decarboxylate at approximately 220 degrees Fahrenheit after around 30-45 minutes of exposure. Full decarboxylation may require more time to occur. Many people choose to decarboxylate their cannabis at slightly lower temperatures for a much longer period of time in attempts to preserve terpenes. Many mono and sesquiterpenes are volatile and will evaporate at higher temperatures, leaving potentially undesirable flavors and aromas behind. The integrity of both cannabinoids and terpenoids are compromised by using temperatures that exceed 300 degrees F, which is why temperatures in the 200’s are recommended.
Heat and time can also cause other forms of cannabinoid degradation to occur. For example, CBN (cannabinol) is formed through the degradation and oxidization of THC, a process that can occur alongside decarboxylation. CBN accounts for a much more sedative and less directly psychoactive experience.
How to Decarboxylate Cannabis at Home
In order to decarboxylate cannabis at home, all you need is some starting material, an oven set to 220-235 degrees F (depending on your location and oven model), some parchment paper, and a baking tray. Finely grind your cannabis until the material can be spread thin over parchment and placed on your baking sheet. Allow the cannabis to bake for 30-45 minutes, or longer if desired.
Cannabis can also be decarboxylated in a slow cooker by introducing solvents such as cooking oils or lecithin.These methods create infusions that can be used in a variety of cooking recipes, topicals, and even cannabis capsules. Since they contain decarboxylated cannabinoids, they will be effective any way you choose to consume them.
Now that you know how decarboxylation works, the next time you see somebody on television falling over onto the ground after eating an entire bag of shake, you’ll be able to laugh it off over a batch of your very own freshly baked and infused, fully decarboxylated cannabis cookies. Bon appetit!
Image Source: Patrick Bennett
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by Patrick Bennett at Leafly News & Culture
Dispensary Showcase: Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, D.C.
Religious clergy are known for offering guidance through life’s struggles, but have you ever had a rabbi recommend cannabis? At Takoma Wellness Center in Washington, D.C., Rabbi Jeffery Kahn and his family are dedicated to forwarding the idea of cannabis as medicine. After seeing a family member struggle with multiple sclerosis for years with cannabis being the only form of relief, Rabbi Kahn and his family felt compelled to share the the power of medical marijuana with their community.
Where to Find Them
Takoma Wellness Center sits just north of the heart of the District of Columbia along the Maryland border. Its convenient location is less than a block from the Takoma Metro Stop, easily accessed by the Red Line.
Their Philosophy
Takoma Wellness Center has established itself as a neighborhood business and an active member of the local community.
“We’ve seen a lot of dispensaries, and a lot of them wouldn’t be the kind of places that people in their 70s, one of them in a wheelchair, would necessarily feel comfortable coming [to]. We wanted to have a place [where] people like them would feel very comfortable. [They] would know that they are coming to a place where we took seriously the issue of cannabis being medicine and that we could help find the way that it could help them.” – Rabbi Jeffery Kahn, Owner
Why We Love Them
Aside from its family and community values, Takoma Wellness Center is pushing forward the constructs of legal cannabis throughout the Washington, D.C. area. The location offers friendly, comfortable access to medicinal cannabis and looks to educate all of its patient and arm them with the ability to make informed decisions about the ways to incorporate cannabis into their wellness routine.
Learn More About Cannabis Dispensaries Near You
Looking to find out more about the dispensaries near you? Check out the Leafly List to find some of the best places to access medical and recreational cannabis.
Image Source: Takoma Wellness Center via Facebook
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by William Hyde at Leafly News & Culture
Friday, April 29, 2016
Women’s Health and Medical Marijuana in New Jersey
New Jersey might add menstrual cramps to the list of approved conditions to receive medical marijuana.
With help from assemblyman Tim Eustace, new legislation would allow women to medicate using medical marijuana as prescribed by their doctor. Eustace has stated that his inspiration for the new legislation came from Whoopi Goldberg and Maya Elisabeth’s new products specifically created to address female menstrual pain. With New Jersy’s very strict medical marijuana laws this might be an uphill battle for the porposed legislation.
More from Forbes
New Jersey has one of the most restrictive medical marijuana programs in the country. Governor Chris Christie has been very vocal that he’s against the program that was initiated under Governor Jon Corzine. It has only authorized 6,527 patients since the registry was opened in August 2012. Only 10 conditions are approved as a qualifying illness. Severe or chronic pain is one condition but only if it is the result of cancer or AIDS. Menstrual cramps wouldn’t be approved.
The post Women’s Health and Medical Marijuana in New Jersey appeared first on Potbox.
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by Evrett Kramer at Potbox
Colorado Pot Profiteers Draft Bill to Hijack the Industry
A new bill in Colorado could change the legal marijuana market as we know it.
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by Steve Panovich at High Times
Amsterdam-Style Pot Cafes? What Consumption Rooms in Alaska Could Look Like
Alaska drafted rules to regulate cannabis consumption rooms not unlike Amsterdam's coffee shops.
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by Mona Zhang at High Times
Want to Try Cannabis Juicing? Check Out These Recipes and Guidelines
Spring is in the air, which means it's time to shed our winter skin, get out into the sunshine, and burst forth with a clean, healthy body. If you want to give your body a spring cleaning, I recommend trying a 7-day “green” cannabis juice supplement.
In many different cultures, juicing has been used for centuries as a holistic method for supporting overall health and wellness. It's only in recent years that the idea of juice “cleansing” or “detoxing” has been considered somewhat controversial in the medical community. Our body has five major organ systems in place that are naturally “detoxifying” all the time (skin, liver, kidneys, colon, and lungs). Over time, several factors can overload these systems (such as poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and environmental pollutants), leaving them working at less-than-optimal capacity.
If you’re feeling fatigued, sluggish, or backed up, incorporating seven days of green juice into your diet can be a simple way to nourish, cleanse, and reset your systems. And if you have access to fresh cannabis leaves, you can implement them in your recipes as well!
What is Green Juice?
Fresh green juice is the extracts of fluid and nutrients from the solid flesh of (primarily) vegetables and some fruits. True green juice does not contain any added sugar, chemicals, or preservatives. The nutrients provided from fresh green juice are quickly digested and readily absorbed by the body. Depending on the variety of the ingredients, green juices will be loaded with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.
What are the Health Benefits of Green Juice?
In addition to helping cleanse your body, the vitamins and minerals in green juice provide natural energy, boost your immune system, and have anti-inflammatory effects. Fresh green juice is also an easy way to meet the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables.
The Benefits of Cannabis Juicing
There's no debate that more is better when it comes to eating your veggies (especially leafy greens!), so why not add fresh cannabis leaves into the nutrient-rich mix? While the exact nutrient profile of fresh cannabis will vary from plant to plant, organically grown fresh cannabis, like other leafy greens, is sure to be full of health-boosting goodness, delivering vitamins and minerals as well as anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cannabis Juicing Tips
If you’re planning on throwing some cannabis leaves into the mix, here are a few recommendations:
- Keep It Raw! The same amount of raw cannabis that provides 500-1000 milligrams of THC-A will only provide about 10mg of THC if heated.
- Choose Organic! Always choose organically grown plants that are well flushed. Any nutrients in the plant will also be in your juice extract!
- Fresh is Best! Use a combination of 15-20 large fresh fan leaves, 30-40 fresh small sugar leaves, or 2 large fresh buds.
- Blend It Together! For best results and taste, blend your cannabis with other fresh juiced greens and vegetables.
Recipe Suggestions for 7 Days of Green Cannabis Juices
You'll need a juicer for the following cannabis green juice recipes. Try to purchase organic produce if you can, and wash your produce thoroughly before juicing. Make sure you clean your juicer as soon as possible after using it (before the pulp starts to dry and stick to the insides of your juicer). Lastly, cold-pressed juice is the best method to maintain the integrity of the plant and retain the most nutritional benefits.
1. Basic Green Juice
- 5 handfuls of spinach
- 3 kale leaves
- 7 large cannabis fan leaves
- ½ cucumber
- ½ lemon
- 1 Fuji apple
2. Spicy & Sweet Greens
- 3 handfuls of spinach 5 kale leaves
- 10 large cannabis fan leaves
- 20 small sugar leaves
- 1 large cannabis bud
- 1 cup pineapple
- ½ jalapeño
- 1 cucumber
3. Super Greens
- ½ head Romaine lettuce
- 1 handful spinach leaves
- 10 sprigs cilantro
- 1 green apple
- ½ lime
- 1-inch fresh ginger root
- 1-inch fresh turmeric root
- 2 large fresh cannabis buds
4. Green Goddess
- 6 Swiss or rainbow chard leaves
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 1 cup green grapes
- 1 cucumber
- ½ green apple
- 1-inch fresh ginger root
- 20 fresh cannabis fan leaves
5. Unbeetable Green Goodness
- 1 large red or golden beet
- 1 bunch beet greens
- 1 cucumber
- 1 green apple
- 3 Swiss chard leaves
- 10 sprigs parsley
- 2 large fresh cannabis buds
6. Minty Green Juice
- 1 cucumber
- 1 green apple
- 15 large fresh cannabis fan leaves
- 15 sprigs of fresh mint
- ½ head Romaine lettuce
7. Green Green Grass
- 2 cups dinosaur kale
- 1 cup curly kale
- 5 sprigs parsley
- 2 handfuls spinach
- ½ cup wheat grass
- ½ cucumber
- ½ green apple
- 30 fresh cannabis sugar leaves
Image Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr Creative Commons
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by Jessica Aragona at Leafly News & Culture
What Amsterdam-Style 'Coffee Shops' Could Look Like in Alaska
Alaska drafted rules to regulate cannabis consumption rooms not unlike Amsterdam's coffee shops.
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by Mona Zhang at High Times
The Shake: Gas Mask Bong Video Crashes All NFL Draft Boards
Laremy Tunsil gas mask bong video eats NFL draft, crashes internet. The former Ole Miss offensive tackle, projected to go as early as No. 3 in yesterday’s NFL draft, dropped to No. 13 after somebody hacked his Twitter account and posted a video of Tunsil smoking cannabis from a gas mask bong. The episode led to hours of uninterrupted finger-wagging from ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jon Gruden, and other morality cops, even as a nation of bored NFL fans googled “where to purchase gas mask bong.” Our sympathies go out to Mr. Tunsil, 21, whose late-night lark would have been completely legal in four of these United States (but not in Mississippi, of course). As it is, the leaked video probably cost him somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 million in signing bonus money. NFL commish Roger Goodell was “unaware of video until after pick,” says ESPN, which we’d expect from a leader who continues to be so steadfastly ignorant about the use and changing attitudes of NFL players and fans on the subject of cannabis.
Calling out Obama on MMJ prosecutions. That’s what lawyer Marc Zilversmit did yesterday on Slate: “The president is spending money [on federal cannabis prosecutions] that Congress has explicitly told him he can’t spend.”
John Hudak hips federal lawmakers to the racist roots of prohibition. Hudak, our favorite Brookings Institution policy analyst, pens a piece for the Washington Post about “How racism and bias criminalized marijuana.” Great stuff.
Medical marijuana demand surges in Massachusetts. In March, 2,680 new patients registered with the state, bringing Massachusetts’ total to more than 22,500.
California lawmaker wants to let landlords ban medical cannabis use. The bill would permit property owners to prohibit all cannabis smoking on their premises, regardless of medical necessity.
A Harvard psychobiology prof says "marijuana is not medicine." Bertha Madras, formerly a federal anti-drug propagandist, cites the American Medical Association in her Washington Post op-ed against rescheudling cannabis. The only problem? As advocate Tom Angell points out: the AMA actually supports rescheduling.
No happy hour for you, Alaskans! The state’s Marijuana Control Board agreed on draft regs that would allow cannabis clubs to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages but would ban happy hours. (Of course, in a cannabis club, every hour is happy.)
Whoops! Denver Public Schools forgot to apply for that state cannabis-tax school money. So the district put out a video telling voters it’s not as flush with money as they might think. (And please vote for our upcoming school bond!)
Texans want cannabis reform. And in San Antonio, they’ll be marching on May 7 to demand it. Fortunately, the Spurs aren’t playing that day.
Illinois considering expanded conditions for MMJ. This coming Monday’s meeting of the state’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Board will look over petitions for expanded coverage, including PTSD, Lyme disease, autism, and chronic low-level depression.
NJ Weedman’s joint raided in Trenton. The larger-than-life New Jersey character, who runs a “cannabis church” across from City Hall, faces ten charges of possession, distribution, and other things that are against the law in Chris Christie’s domain.
And finally, curious about gas mask bongs? Here's a fellow explaining the finer points of the product:
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by Bruce Barcott at Leafly News & Culture
New Strains Alert: Purple Panty Dropper, Sour Banana Sherbet, Panama Punch, and More
New varieties in the Leafly Explorer await you! For the lovers out there looking for an herbal aphrodisiac, allow us to suggest the ridiculously named Purple Panty Dropper. Or, for the refined palates looking for something more tasteful, let us point you toward the Sour Banana Sherbet or Blackberry Cream. If you've already tried one or more of these strains, be sure to leave a review and let the rest of us know what the experience was like!
1. Purple Panty Dropper
A three-way cross of Purple Haze, Oregon Grape, and Matanuskan Mist, Humboldt Seed Company’s Purple Panty Dropper is named for its deep purple hues and supposed aphrodisiac effects. These beautiful indica-dominant flowers produce a rich, sweet aroma and an energizing, euphoric high.
2. Full Moon
Nirvana Seeds found this beauty on the Thai island of Koh Phangan and named it after the famous Full Moon Party held monthly on Haad Rin beach. A classic tropical sativa, Full Moon is a tall, stretchy, long-flowering strain that will produce dense buds under HID lighting. Sweet-smelling with a spicy smoke typical of most Thai varieties, users can expect a trippy, visually stimulating high that can be uncomfortable to those unfamiliar with strong sativas.
3. Sour Banana Sherbet
This powerful hybrid from Crockett Family Farms is the result of crossing AJ’s Sour Diesel with Banana Sherbet. A THC content between 18% and 24% means Sour Banana Sherbet is a heavy hitter, and it reportedly makes excellent concentrates. The terpene profile is a mix of sour fruit and diesel fuel flavors. While it is very easy to grow, it will stretch a great deal, so height management techniques must be employed when growing indoors.
4. Blackberry Cream
Blackberry Cream from Exotic Genetix combines the sweet berry terpenes of Blackberry Kush with the smooth creamy notes of Cookies and Cream. This 70% indica hybrid produces THC levels up to 25%, above average yields, and is an excellent choice for hash making.
5. Panama Punch
Berry, apple, grape, mango, pineapple; if you love fruity flavors and terpenes, Panama Punch is the strain for you! A sativa-dominant hybrid, this cross of Panama Mean Green and Neville’s Haze possesses many of the characteristics associated with strong sativas: longer flowering times, high THC levels, and an intense, psychedelic buzz. In addition to the heavy fruit smells, Panama Punch has a spicy, Haze-like flavor when vaped or smoked.
6. Highwayman
Highwayman is a cross of William’s Wonder and Tang Tang created by Colorado breeder Tierra Rojo and supposedly named in honor of Willie Nelson and the rest of the famed outlaw country supergroup, the Highwaymen. An even mix of sativa and indica genetics, it produces an uplifting, creative head high along with a subtle body buzz and aromas of chocolate and coffee. This strain can be beneficial in treating pain, anxiety, and depression.
7. The OX
Rare Dankness created their own version of Bubba Kush by crossing it with their Stone Mountain, a Bubba Kush and Blue Moonshine hybrid. The OX has a delightful flavor of coffee and berries, and a high CBD content, making it a good choice for medical users. Many indica hybrids have been created using The OX, including Chem OX, Blue OX, and Harlox.
Browse through our other new strains that were recently added to the Leafly Explorer, or check out last week's newest additions!
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by Bailey Rahn at Leafly News & Culture
NJ Weedman: Officials 'Exaggerated Big-Time' in Pot Charges
A New Jersey marijuana advocate dubbed NJWeedmansays authorities "exaggerated big-time" in charging him with distributing pot from his restaurant and cannabis church.
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by High Times at High Times
Watch This: Conan O'Brien Hits the Vape and Plays Mario Kart with Seth Rogen and Zac Efron
To promote the upcoming release of Neighbors 2 on May 20th, patron saint of cannabis Seth Rogen teamed up with his costar Zac Efron to challenge Conan O'Brien to a rousing game of Mario Kart 8 with some frat boy stakes. Armed with a keg of green tea kombucha (because Conan is "wheat-free" right now) and a vape pen, Conan channels his inner frat boy and suffers the phallic consequences every time he loses.
Image Source: Team Coco via YouTube
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by Rebecca Kelley at Leafly News & Culture
Radical Rant: Legalizing the South
This week as a part of my ad hocLegalize America Tour (50 by 50)*,I had planned to join the UnityCypherTorch in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Torch is a project of the East Coast Cannabis Coalition, which began the passing of this meter-long, joint-...
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by Russ Belville at High Times
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