Culture

Best Weed Grinders for 2022

January 6, 2022 by Staff Writer

The time rolls on and another year begins to come along around the corner. When this happens, over the course of years there comes advancements, changes, and growth in society. One such growth is in the Marijuana industry. From the attitudes towards toking up, to the market of specialized and high-quality products, the world is readdressing its position on weed. King Palm offers many such premium market-changing items and is leading the industry! These products include top-quality dry herb grinders, rolling trays, carrying tubes, wraps and rolls, lighters, scales, and so much more.

Whether shopping for tactful and discreet grinding cards or looking for epically trippy and cute grinders, then look no further than King Palm. Here, there are grinders for the smoke-hard professionals, the girly-girl, the trippy hippy smoker, the casual user, the discreet toker, and everyone in between.

Look Out for These Cool Weed Grinders

Unique, exciting, beautiful, pleasing are just some of the words to describe the Mars Grinder – 6 color collection by King Palm. Giving the greatest sensation of the ultimate outer space vibe, each grinder has a different space-tastic image on the lid. The sleek design leaves the user’s hands feeling out of the world, almost as if touching some rare outer space element. These are made from the highest quality aluminum and are 63mm in size (almost 2.5 inches).

It continues like this in the varying fashion of ideological and fascinating space situations. This Mars grinder is a place the mind will surely roam after rolling up well-grounded weed from one of these out-of-this-world grinders. Each one is unique making it hard to not want to collect them all.

King Palm also has a very slick 2 piece extra large grinder. The King Palm XL = Extra Large Grinder will take things to the next level coming in at a nice and handy size bigger than the average palm. At 4 inches wide and 2 inches tall, no weed around will go ungrounded with this sleek beauty. It offers a chunky grind and is made from extremely durable anodized aluminum and coated in ceramic.

For the discreet grinder user, there is the Grinder Card from King Palm. It offers an elegant design and practical use, being the most sturdy and luxurious grinder card on the market. Unlike its cheaper competitors, this card is built to last. It has a variety of functionality options including the ability to slide in a pocket without notice, slicing, grinding, dividing, and scooping weed. It comes with a decorative protective sleeve for safe storing and keeping.

How to Use a 4 Piece Kief Weed Grinder and a 2 Piece Weed Grinder

A kief weed grinder is any 4 pieces of a container that when combined together has 3 chambers made for grinding and harvesting herbs. To begin, put the 4 pieces of the grinder together. Open the lid and place broken nugget pieces inside between the teeth, and close the lid. Hold the grinder securely and begin to twist the top lid in one direction and the whole bottom segment in the opposite direction. Ground weed will then fall into the middle chamber and the build-up of kief over time will deposit itself in the bottom chamber.

How to use a 2 piece weed grinder is rather simple, especially with the deluxe XL size sold from King Palm. This item offers a smooth and chunky grind. It is used by removing the lid and placing fat little nugs inside and between the grinding pegs. After filling the gaps between these teeth, simply place the lid back on. King Palm XL offers a unique design by adding grooves on the sides of the grinder to make the twisting rotations even easier and smoother. After grinding, merely open it back up and enjoy freshly grounded bud on a King Palm wrap.

How to Clean Any Weed Grinder

The King Palm Mars Grinder and the metal cannabis grinder both come with a small cleaning brush and scraper utensil. These items can make upkeep and cleaning easier, but cleaning up over the long term may be a bit more complicated. The King Palm non-stick aluminum grinder will help prevent residue build-up but blockages can still occur. This is not too detrimental but using a clean grinder can still be a good thing for ultimate weed saving and usage.

Having a few handy items like a toothpick, a small unused make-up brush, and a new bristle toothbrush will be all that is needed to start the cleaning process. After taking apart the grinder, clean each piece with the toothpick and dust through with the makeup brush. Once all plant matter that can be salvaged is removed, it will be time to take some mildly warm water and the toothbrush and gently scrub it all over the inside. Once all residue is removed, thoroughly let the grinder dry. After it is done drying completely you can get to twisting those teeth on fresh green herb!

Where to Buy a Weed Grinder in 2022

When looking for where or how to buy a good weed grinder, look no further than King Palm! Many orders will qualify for free shipping, with the option to pay for upgraded shipping to have the item arrive quicker. Getting a metal weed grinder has never been easier with prices for the smaller grinders averaging around $30 and the XL grinder going for $45. The King Palm grinder card is an inexpensive addition to any purchase, coming in at just $5. Why not elevate into higher plains with a new grinder? There is just no reason not to enjoy these premium quality goods by King Palm especially with the inclusion of international shipping. Get yours today!

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to reflect the specific views of the publication.

The post Best Weed Grinders for 2022 first appeared on The Marijuana Times.

Best Weed Grinders for 2022
Source: Marijuana Times

The Ultimate THC-Free Cannabis Gift Guide

December 15, 2020 by Staff Writer

cvault cannabis storage containers in 3 sizes

EVault/CVault

Constructed from food-grade stainless steel and available in a variety of sizes, the CVault is a sleek yet affordable gift for anyone on your list. A longtime favorite of cannabis consumers and cultivators alike, the CVault is impenetrable to light — meaning its precious contents stay fresh no matter how long they’re stored. The interlocking lids contain a space to hold humidity control packs for an additional layer of preservation. The CVault’s new sister product, the EVault, offers the same level of protection for larger volumes of oil and extracts that are perfect for long-term storage solutions or wholesale settings.

Re:Stash

Mason jars have maintained an important place in the cannabis community for decades, but Re:stash brings these classic containers into the 21st century. Made of BPA-free eco-friendly materials, the Re:stash system consists of a sturdy jar, a silicon koozie, and a child-resistant lid made in the USA. These sleek components offer smell-proof sun damage prevention sure to put a smile on any recipient’s face. The corresponding Re:vider separates your jar into two compartments, perfect for keeping multiple strains from commingling. There’s even a clip to place humidity-control packets within! With Re:stash and Re:vider, your bud stays safe, secure, and smelling farm-fresh.

Smokus Focus

Changing the way the world views cannabis, Smokus Focus containers are beyond cool. Featuring LED lighting and a magnifier built into the lid, these jars truly elevate the storage and display game as they allow you to really get up close and personal with your stash. Available in several sizes, many with child-resistant lids, the Smokus Focus line meets the needs of cannasseurs and retailers alike.

Piecemaker

With a great selection of dry and water pipes, Piecemaker has developed a cult-like following over the years thanks to their sturdy yet stylish silicone smoking devices and accessories. Offering spoons, steamrollers, bubblers, and everything in between, the iconic brand’s catalog has something for everyone. Piecemaker has even upped their holiday game by introducing fun items such as the super slick Kommuter lid, which discreetly turns any to-go cup into a functional bong.

Boveda

The category king when it comes to maintaining proper moisture levels, Boveda has been keeping cannabis flower fresh for years. The technology first developed to simplify the high maintenance of humidors for cigars can now be found in many of the top-shelf cannabis producers’ packaging around the world. In addition to preserving terpenes, Boveda also helps maintain the perfect texture of bubble hash and kief. Product-wise, they have solutions to maintain a perfect relative humidity for everything from a nickel bag to five pounds.

RAW Hands-Free Smoker

The Hands-Free Smoker from RAW was created to take the labor out of smoking. This newly-released gadget is equipped with a flexible rubberized loop, designed to be worn around the neck. The fully adjustable joint holder doubles as an ashtray too! It can be positioned to easily align with the wearer’s mouth, much like a harmonica holder. This is just one of many innovative items RAW has to offer beyond their excellent assortment of rolling papers.

Tribe Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Tribe’s award-winning Broad Spectrum CBD oil is available in a range of strengths and ﬂavors. These proprietary blends of hemp-derived cannabinoid extracts offer fast-acting relief and high bioavailability, allowing your body to absorb the CBD efficiently and put it to work quickly. Tribe also offers a full assortment of CBD products including gummies, topical creams, and even a CBD-based energy shot.

Blue Forest Farms

Blue Forest Farms is a minority-owned hemp company with a sustainable focus. They’re registered with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and all of their industrial hemp products are grown using safe, organic farming practices. This attention to compliance and safety separates them from the sea of hemp companies today. They offer a wonderful array of hemp-based products, including face serum, soothing lotion, gummies, and even dog treats!

Perennial

Perennial is a California-based lifestyle brand that’s been harnessing the therapeutic and healing effects of cannabis to create and provide beneficial products for people’s everyday lives since 2006. This nature-focused company has received high praise throughout the community, having been featured in publications like High Times, Sensi Magazine, and MJ Venture. They offer a wide assortment of products, all with homeopathic wellness in mind. The Perennial ‘starter kit’ includes one Balm, one Cream, one Pain Spray, and two Bath Soaks.

Eossi

This female-owned and operated business helps you to bring out your ‘inner goddess’ with their plant-based beauty products. Eossi’s Facial Glow Oil carries the restorative effects of CBD and Moroccan argan oils along with other all-natural ingredients including grapeseed oil, vitamin E, and rosehips. They believe in full transparency when it comes to their offerings, listing complete ingredient and product test sheets on their website for all to see.

Goodekind

As a minority and woman-owned business, Goodekind strives to source from minority and women-owned farms and manufacturing facilities. In addition to being committed to sourcing high-quality products, they’ve also pledged to donate an eighth of all profits to human rights organizations serving the U.S. Their CBG topical is crafted for its healing potential and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s infused with organic shea butter, organic beeswax, organic coconut oil, and essential oils to create a power-packed solution for sore muscles and joints or adverse skin conditions. Organic eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils add to the salve’s relieving properties as well as to its calming scent.

HOLISTIK Wellness

Holistik Wellness wants to help everyone benefit from the healing power of CBD Wellness. That’s why they make sure every ‘STIK’ is packed with natural goodness from their greenhouse-grown hemp. Everything your body experiences, like mood, digestion, and sleep, is regulated by your internal endocannabinoid system. STIKs combine functional ingredients with CBD to activate your natural potential.

The Ultimate THC-Free Cannabis Gift Guide
Source: Future Cannabis Project

6 Important Ways CBD Is Helping Our Pets

January 31, 2019 by Staff Writer

At one time, when you heard people talk about pets and cannabis, it would usually go something like “OH NO, my dog just ate my pot – what do I do?” But in 2019, you’re more likely to hear people talk about giving their pets cannabis to help with their medical issues.

The cannabis of which I speak of is CBD oil derived from the hemp plant. CBD is everywhere now – you can find it in gum, ice cream, soda, and more. And now, we’re giving it to our feline friends, our pups, and even to horses to help with a long list of medical conditions. Here are just six ways CBD is helping our pets stay happy and healthy.

CBD Can Reduce Inflammation

Unlike THC that attaches to CB1 receptors triggering psychoactive effects, CBD merely activates CB2 receptors by giving anandamide – which is a self-produced cannabinoid – a boost. Unlike CB1 receptors that reside heavily in the brain, CB2 receptors are found more in the immune system, where their activation promotes proper regulation.

Inflammation is a natural – and often times, beneficial – process, but when poorly regulated it turns on the body and causes issues out the wazoo.

CBD Provides Anxiety Relief

CBD oil for cat anxiety is one of God’s gifts to man. It can help calm them down when they are in their crate for more pleasant vacation trips – and even for less bloody scratches down your arm after vet visits.

And don’t even get us started on how you can use CBD oil for dogs’ anxiety. You may never have to come home to a destroyed house again. Research is showing that it really doesn’t matter where the source of anxiety is coming from, CBD can help.

In fact, CBD is a natural anti-anxiety mediator of THC. So if you find your current marijuana strain is making you nervous or paranoid, try taking some CBD.

CBD Has An Important Role in Cancer and Cancer Treatment

There are a number of studies out there highlighting the potential for cannabinoids like CBD and THC to become common drugs we use to fight pet cancer. However, there isn’t any reason to wait for that as many are already using CBD to help fight cancer.

One of the most difficult aspects of cancer treatment isn’t the disease, but the side effects from the drugs used for treatment: nausea, inflammation, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc.

Not only does this make the whole process more strenuous, but it can also make the body’s fight against cancer more difficult, which can ultimately slow down recovery. CBD has somewhat similar benefits to medical marijuana, which has long been an incredible help in reducing the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. All without causing a high, that is!

CBD has helped pets going through cancer treatment regain their appetite, sleep better, experience less discomfort, fight back against inflammation, and possibly even protect/repair cells.

CBD Benefits Working Animals

Many of our pets dedicate themselves to giving humans a helping hand and work hard for our benefit. When we talk about CBD for pets, we usually think of our cats or dogs, but CBD oil for horses has taken off recently.

CBD can help our working horses with everything from recovery to performance to keeping them calmer during training and work, which can prevent injuries to both you and the horse. The last thing you want on your hands is an anxious 1000+ pound horse… because it really never goes well.

CBD Targets All Forms of Epilepsy

There are a number of dog breeds susceptible to epilepsy, and if you know anything about medical marijuana, you’re likely aware of the role it has played in reducing seizures.

Cannabis – including CBD – is indebted to how it’s helped people with drug-resistant forms of epilepsy. In fact, a few states first legalized CBD for the treatment of epilepsy and nothing else. That alone tells you how much it can help.

The thing that separates cannabis from conventional antiepileptic drugs on the market is its ability to help reduce seizures in all forms of epilepsy. When it comes to using CBD for epilepsy, this is one place it may be just as potent as marijuana. This is because CBD – not THC – has the most antiepileptic properties of any cannabinoid.

However, while studies show that CBD is the most potent antiepileptic cannabinoid, it’s about half as effective if it’s isolated and not full spectrum. Scientists believe the legal traces of THC allowed in full spectrum CBD (0.3%) helps – even though there isn’t enough to produce a high.

CBD Promotes Homeostasis for Preventive Health

Whenever you hear about how CBD works in the body, you’ll see the word “homeostasis” somewhere in its vicinity. So what is homeostasis and what does CBD have to do with it?

Homeostasis is any process that cells use to regulate, repair, and optimize both their performance and defense against their host’s environment. Everything from extreme temperatures to germs to stress can wear down our cells.

When this happens, the system they’re involved in – like the immune or nervous system – perform poorly, resulting in diseases. The cannabinoids in cannabis mimic select neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) that trigger receptors that send signals to help cells undergo homeostasis.

Lots of science, but what this tells us is giving CBD to our pets may help them stay healthier, stronger, and live longer.

Final Thoughts

Remember, this is just six ways CBD can help improve the health of our pets. It’s fantastic to see the stigma surrounding cannabis go away and have the plant become more involved not only in our lives, but in our pets’ lives, too.

It’s important to only give your pet CBD oil with low (less than 1%) to no THC, as dogs and some other animals are sensitive to THC and they can overdose on large amounts.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to reflect the views of the publication.

6 Important Ways CBD Is Helping Our Pets
Source: Marijuana Times

How to Pass a Marijuana Drug Test

January 28, 2019 by Staff Writer

If you smoke marijuana, as many people do, you may find that you are tested for its presence on occasions. This is generally done by companies who want to ensure the workforce is free from any drug usage. How can you pass a marijuana drug test? First, let us explain what it is the test is looking for.

What is THC?

THC is an abbreviation for the compound in marijuana that is responsible for getting you high. It is this substance that the test will be looking for. The problem is that the level of THC absorbed and remaining in the body can be influenced by many factors, such as:

Regular use means you will retain more THC
Stronger strains of weed may infuse more THC into the body
You diet and general physical activity

These are just a few of the factors that influence the THC level after you have been smoking marijuana. For how long will THC remain in your blood, urine or saliva? This also depends upon the above factors, and rough guidelines says that for occasional use, THC may remain in your system for as long as four weeks. For regular users, this can extend to far longer.

So, you can clearly see the problem when it comes to passing the test!

Types of Test

Companies – and other people who wish to test you for marijuana consumption – use a variety of methods to test for THC in your system. These are:

Urine test – the most frequently used and easiest of all the tests. Be aware that THC will remain in the urine for up to 8 days after usage for an occasional user, longer for regular users.
Hair follicle test – not often used as it is expensive and not so easy, you are unlikely to be subjected to this type of test.
Blood test – THC will remain in the blood for several hours for occasional or one off usage, several days for regular users
Saliva test – used occasionally, THC will remain in the saliva for as long as 24 hours.

If you know the type of test you are to be subjected to it can help you pass the test, and how to pass is our next subject.

How To Pass the Marijuana Test

You may be subjected to a drug test before you join a company, or your employer may run random tests every now and then. This is becoming far more commonplace, so it’s worth being prepared. Bear in mind that you don’t need to be completely free of THC in the system; what you do need to do is make sure it is below 50ng/mL. This is the level at which you are considered clear.

How can you pass the test? Let’s make it clear there is no 100% sure fire way to do so, but the following can help. If you want more information, check out the420times.com as they are an authority source on the subject:

Drink 2 to 3 litres of water 24 hours before the test, and a further litre or 2 a few hours before.
Relax before the test, do not exercise as this will cause the THC to ‘spike’
Vitamins b12, b2 and b complex taken in 100mg doses may help
Use products such as Toxin Rid or Mega Clean, which help rid the body of THC.

For an occasional user there is a good chance of passing a test if you follow the above tips, so make sure you read through and check out all the information at the link we have provided.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to reflect the views of the publication.

How to Pass a Marijuana Drug Test
Source: Marijuana Times

NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana’s Big Marijuana Investment

January 28, 2019 by Staff Writer

I usually don’t relate personal stories in this space, but today I’m making an exception.

January 22nd, 1989, almost 30 years ago to the day that I’m writing this. I don’t remember what the weather was like around my home in a suburb of Cincinnati, but I’m sure it was cold. In fact, thirty years has clouded most of my memories of the mundane aspects of that day, but there are a few things about that night that I will not forget any time soon.

Those of you who are old enough to remember Super Bowl XXIII (see video below) probably know where I’m going with this. With about 3 minutes to go in the game, my beloved Cincinnati Bengals led the San Francisco 49ers 16 to 13. The 49ers offense, led by already legendary quarterback Joe Montana, had the ball at their own 8-yard line, meaning they had to drive 92 yards to score the game-winning touchdown.

And, of course, they did. Joe Montana marched his team down the field and hit wide receiver John Taylor in the back of the end zone with 34 seconds left in the game. I was nine years old and I was crushed. Tears streamed down my face.

What’s the point of all this? Well, besides being kind of cathartic for me, this story is my long way of leading into Joe Montana’s recent monetary investment in the legal cannabis industry. While I applaud investments in the legal marijuana industry that will help grow the industry in the years to come, Joe Montana’s name and face give rise to a visceral reaction in me, like my nine-year-old self trying to fight his way out and exact his revenge.

Well, maybe not something as dramatic as all that, but you get my point. It’s like seeing the bully who beat you up in grade school reading to blind children thirty years later. It creates mixed emotions.

Yet one thing fans and haters of Joe Montana alike know very well is that he is a winner. And the marijuana industry needs winners now more than ever as it fights its way through a myriad of rules, regulations and tax rates to take its place as the mainstream multi-billion dollar industry it should always have been.

As for the nuts-and-bolts of the investment itself, Montana is part of a $75 million stake in Caliva, a San Jose, California-based group that said it’s using the money to grow a company that includes a farm, a retail store, distribution center and a delivery service. He’s part of a growing group of NFL veterans that are publicly questioning the way players are treated for their ailments, saying cannabis “can provide relief to many people and can make a serious impact on opioid use or addiction.”

Despite my feelings, when it’s time to get something done, I would put my money on Joe Montana to get it done.

NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana’s Big Marijuana Investment
Source: Marijuana Times

The LA Women of Weed: Laurie Cardenas

January 27, 2019 by Staff Writer

Women have been one of the most powerful groups championing the fledgling cannabis industry, but according to a report by Marijuana Business Daily entitled Women & Minorities in the Marijuana Industry, the percentage of women holding executive positions in cannabis businesses has fallen deeply over the past two years. In 2015, women held 36% of executive positions, which fell to 26.9% in 2017. While women still hold more executive positions in the cannabis industry than the 2016 U.S. national average of 23%, their stronghold on the cannabis industry is slowly slipping.

Part of it has to do with cannabis becoming more popular and profitable. More male executives are coming over from other industries and recreating the traditional American corporate culture, where men hold more than 75% of senior positions. As conservative money men see more potential dollar signs in weed, they’re pushing women out of the boardrooms and bringing in their bros.

This series will shine some light on some of the the bold, strong, pioneering women that keep the cannabis industry running in Los Angeles.

California Caregivers Alliance (CCA) in Silverlake is a dispensary run entirely by women. The shop is well-known and loved by locals who appreciate the unique art and atmosphere, the popular deal wheel, and the educated budtenders who are always enthusiastic to listen and help you find just the right product for your needs.

Laurie Cardenas has been at the shop for about a year and a half and has a no-nonsense attitude when budtending behind the counter at CCA. With her small stature she looks even younger than her twenty-six years, but she’s no naive newbie to the industry. She’s been working in the cannabis industry for over six years and has worked at several dispensaries around Los Angeles. She says that she loves the unique sense of community she feels in the women-only shop. “There’s no sexual harassment on the workforce, which used to happen a lot at old shops.”

Aside from direct harassment, she explained that even having even some men around can disrupt the working environment for women. Women can be pressured into acting or dressing certain ways by male bosses. Some may also get preferential treatment for sexual acts or dating supervisors, and the whole environment can become competitive and catty.

“I feel a lot more comfortable here. It’s more like a family than a job. We understand one another because we are all women, so there’s no misconceptions or judgements, like if we’re in a bad mood if we’re on our period or something like that. It’s just much more enjoyable and comfortable to be in a workplace where you can be yourself.”

Cardenas is currently in school for sociology. She has aspirations for law school, and she’s considering cannabis law. She is always trying to learn more about cannabis and wants to show people that, “there’s more to weed than just getting high.”

“I love the knowledge behind it, like all of the cannabinoids in weed; there’s more than THC there’s CBD, CBG, CBN, etc.. so it’s cool to know all that. I love how I’m educating people and broadening their horizons on weed. I know a bunch of people who’ve had one bad experience on weed and hate it, and I think my purpose is to really educate them on why they probably felt that way, and it’s probably because they didn’t dose themselves properly or they smoked something that was too potent for them.”

Cardenas loves helping people find the right path on their journey into cannabis. “It’s great when really old people come in and they’re just starting to smoke and I can lead them to a petra mint, which is 2.5mg of THC, or something light like that, and they love it because they had a proper dose, versus eating a 1000mg korova, and then of course they’re gonna hate weed.”

It’s those human connections that keep her drawn to budtending. “It’s a fulfilling feeling when I have someone who’s really sick with cancer or something and they come to me looking for advice and when I give them something that really helps them. And they come back three weeks or a month later and they’re like, ‘what you gave me really helped me.’ That’s really why I’m in the industry, because it’s super dope to help others and heal them with cannabis.”

For Laurie, the drive to help others heal with cannabis is personal. “My mom had vertigo and she couldn’t walk or drive. None of the medicine that was prescribed to her helped her. Then I gave her Prana 1:1, which is a product we carry. She’s a Catholic, conservative, old-school Latina mom who was so against weed. She knew I worked here, but never partook in it, and then she finally trusted me. The next day she was walking and driving and she called me because she couldn’t believe it. She was like ‘I’ve been bed-ridden for a month and I’ve been taking pills for a month and nothing helped’ and I had her moving the next day. That was really awesome.” She also loves the fact that it’s a healthier alternative to most prescription medicines, “I would rather my mom takes this than an opiate or something like that.”

Cardenas is passionate about the plant’s possible use as an alternative to traditional pharmacology. “It helps people with anxiety and PTSD, so we have a lot of veterans that come in. It’s good to see them smoking weed, because I would rather have them smoke weed than taking hydrocodone for their pain. It’s dope when people come in and say, ‘You helped me get off opiates.’ So the fact that people call it a gateway drug, I think that’s bs, because in fact it’s been proven that weed can help you get off of harder drugs. That’s my passion, helping people with the medicinal aspect. But of course it’s still cool to help others find a product that gonna make them have fun with their friends at a party.”

Like many women in the industry, the medicinal, healing properties of cannabis is a big reason why Cardenas is so enthusiastic about working in the industry. However, the biggest thing Cardenas wants to accomplish is to break stigmas surrounding cannabis use. “Like [the stigma] that a person who smokes weed is just a lazy person who doesn’t do anything. I’m a full-time student, I work my ass off, I work full-time, I live on my own, I have my own car, and I just love the whole hustle aspect about it. I want people to know that you can be a stoner and be successful as fuck and get shit done. You can be a pothead and still have your shit together.”

The LA Women of Weed: Laurie Cardenas
Source: Marijuana Times

The Faces in NYC Cannabis: Degelis Tufts

January 20, 2019 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

States close to legalizing recreational marijuana consumption are seeing pushes for inclusive ownership. One of the main pillars of the inclusive industry effort is women-owned businesses. The fruits of the movement’s labor are starting to show. The emergence of women-owned ventures is on the rise across the country – including a growing number of entities owned by women of color.

In the Northeastern United States, New Jersey and New York are both poised to legalize adult use cannabis in the coming months. In New Jersey, its medical program expanded to six additional dispensary licenses – one of which went to a women-owned entity. Additionally, the Garden State’s proposed legalization bill has a minimum 25% mandate for businesses owned by women, minorities or veterans.

In New York State, one of five of its initial medical cannabis dispensary licenses went to a women-led business. That result has not been lost on those in the state. Numerous groups and individuals alike have pushed on lawmakers to prioritize ownership access to women, among others underrepresented in all other industries.

An Opportunity Born Out of the 2016 Election Cycle

For Degelis Tufts, the last election cycle showed her the potential for cannabis. The product creator, executive and former investment banking analyst knew it was a movement she wanted to become involved in. Tufts explained to The Marijuana Times, “I believed it was un-American to not have the right to choose to consume. For me, it is a freedom issue and representative of our core values as a country.”

Using her temporary metallic tattoo manufacturing company, TribeTats, Tufts began by producing funny cannabis-themed Christmas cards. Tufts explained that the cards served as an entry into the market by having a product to sell at events. Or, as her business partner Kym Byrnes (aka Kym B) says, “If you want to be in cannabis, you gotta show up.”

Together Tufts and Kym B launched a CBD lifestyle brand, TribeTokes, which offers full-spectrum CBD vape cartridges, beauty products and other items. In addition to selling their own products, TribeTokes runs a CBD marketplace on its website, CBDizzle, which offers CBD products from other brands as well. “The website supports smaller companies that deserve to have their amazing products showcased,” Tufts said.

Going against the sales grain, Tufts and TribeTokes aren’t exclusive to e-commerce. The company also boasts a showroom in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. “We view this as a way to create our own products as well as curate and support other brands we love,” Tufts told The Marijuana Times. In addition to product support, Tufts added how the location is close to organizations the company sponsors and participates in such as Revel, Women Grow and CannaGather.

The co-founders believe that they – and their customers – embody the company slogan, “Mindful, fit & lit”. However, that is not the extent of their goals. Instead, they aim to employ and support women in the cannabis community.

Navigating Consumer Education and Payment Processing

Informing the public about CBD and its benefits remains paramount across the industry. As such, educating people at industry events, online and in other capacities is a focal point for Tufts. She expanded on her position, “People are still learning what the uses of CBD are. On the recreational side, at least, there is not much confusion about what marijuana is used for.”

In addition to emphasizing the cannabinoid’s non-psychoactive properties, Tufts described how CBD should be viewed. “CBD should be incorporated into everyday life,” adding that “CBD should not be a supplement – it should be part of a lifestyle.”

Additionally, TirbeTokes struggles with banking like most businesses in the space. Thanks to section 280-E of the federal tax code, banking is all but impossible for cannabis businesses. Tufts calls the banking and payment processing woes “something on every entrepreneur’s list of pain points.”

Cannabis in New York City

Tufts noted her fondness for being in New York City’s cannabis community for a variety of reasons. “The community is educated, conscious and growing rapidly,” she stated. It doesn’t hurt that the city loves to consume cannabis. So much so that Tufts recalled a Seedo study which found New York City consumed more marijuana than any other city in the world.

That said, the entrepreneur called for more business in the state, noting the hurdles caused by federal and state regulations. Tufts offered up a solution: “We need more ancillary cannabis companies to be incentivized to open here in New York.” Tufts said the move would create additional jobs and revenue, creating a “win-win for all in New York City.”

Beyond business, Tufts makes it a point to go back to the community when stating her case for the city. Calling it “an exciting time”, she credits the numerous organizations and events that allow for education and networking to thrive.

Tufts made sure to give credit to the women in the space who are progressing the scene in New York City. She mentioned names like Lulu Tsui of Revel, Joann Bauer of Hidden Hemp and Estefania Valenica of Sanna CBD Yoga, just to name a few. “Each of these women is part of the ending of prohibition and will be part of history in New York City.”

Degelis Tufts saw an opportunity which aligned with her American values. In short order, she has been able to scale a business and become immersed in the cannabis community. With New York State poised to legalize recreational use in early 2019, Tufts’ call for additional ancillary companies could come to fruition. When it does, there is no doubt that she will be pushing for inclusive ownership.

The Faces in NYC Cannabis: Degelis Tufts
Source: Marijuana Times

What Netflix’s “Murder Mountain” Teaches Us About Prohibition

January 5, 2019 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

By now many of you have likely heard about the interest in a new docuseries from Netflix called Murder Mountain. The mountain in question is in Humboldt County, California, a hub of illegal cannabis growing for decades.

The series weaves together several different plotlines, including the story of a man from the San Diego area who went missing while working on Murder Mountain and the affect adult use legalization is having on growers in the area.

Over the course of the six-part series, several things become glaringly obvious. The most over-riding takeaway from the series is how cannabis prohibition created an area of lawlessness in the northern part of the largest state in the U.S.

Humboldt County’s rural nature and rough terrain were a natural lure for criminal elements looking to take advantage of the prohibition-inflated profits that came with marijuana growing. Over time these more violent elements drove out the hippie culture that northern CA was known for. Growers in the area, not wanting law enforcement anywhere near their operations, did their best to seal themselves off and deal with problems in their own way.

Under prohibition the area became a magnet for criminal gangs looking for a place to hide and grow lucrative cannabis. As mentioned in the series, some estimate that 60% of the black market marijuana grown in the U.S. at one point came from the Emerald Triangle – Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity counties in northern California.

Whether or not that number is true – or could ever even be accurately determined – is less important than the fact that its very plausibility speaks to the amount of cannabis coming out of the region.

Another big takeaway from the series is just how damaging the over-regulation of California’s new legal cannabis industry is to growers and would-be legal business owners in the state. Massive fees, high taxes and numerous regulations have caused many to have to make a choice between continuing in the black market or risking everything for the possibility of keeping their head above water in the legal market.

What would Humboldt County have been without marijuana prohibition? Would “Murder Mountain” have that name in a world where cannabis was never made illegal in the first place? One thing is for sure: without marijuana prohibition, there is no reason for the Emerald Triangle to be flooded with criminal gangs and those who are more likely to settle their disputes with firearms than they are to settle them in a court. The vast mountainous wilderness would always draw in people who are looking to hide or get away or start over their life in a quiet place, but there is little reason to think that swarms of violent elements would have populated the area without the lure of prohibition-driven cannabis profits.

Of course, hostility and a lack of trust between citizens and law enforcement is not new – and certainly not exclusive to the Emerald Triangle. Much of that distrust can be traced to the War on Drugs however, no matter what the locale.

It’s also true that bad things happen all across the United States and the world every day, things that have nothing to do with prohibition. But creating an artificial incentive for violent people to settle in one geographic region can never end well.

As for the series itself, Murder Mountain is well done overall, and does a fair job of juggling disparate story threads. It keeps you guessing if you don’t already know the stories of the people involved and does a good job of showing a region through the eyes of the people who live there.

What Netflix’s “Murder Mountain” Teaches Us About Prohibition
Source: Marijuana Times

Cannabis Industry Comes Together for Woolsey Fire Fundraiser

January 4, 2019 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

As we return from holiday celebrations with friends and family and kick off 2019, let’s take a moment to help families and communities affected by the recent fires.

The Malibu Foundation, Future Cannabis Project, Emerald Exchange, California Cannabis Manufacturers Association, UCLA Canna Club, and AWA OASIA are organizing a fundraiser on Friday, January 18th in downtown LA, from 2pm to 1am. Proceeds from the event will go directly to The Malibu Foundation, which is working to assist in recovery for victims of the Woolsey Fire.

Doors open at 2pm for general admission ticket holders. Afternoon activities include Yoga classes, massage therapists, musical performances and panel discussions. Evening activities include a chef dinner for those who purchase dinner tickets followed by a party with DJs for all ticket holders.

The Chef Dinner begins at 7. Throughout the dinner, a few people who have lost their homes will share their stories with attendees and update us on how we can continue to help, with time, money or support. There will also be a silent auction, with products and services donated by our partners.

TICKETS

This is a BYOBud event.

This is the beginning of a series of fundraisers for various causes to show the public, elected officials, and media that the cannabis industry is a positive participant in local communities throughout California. Cannabis Cares.

Some pictures of the 14,000 square foot venue:

<—-TICKETS—->

The post Cannabis Industry Comes Together for Woolsey Fire Fundraiser appeared first on Future Cannabis Project.

Cannabis Industry Comes Together for Woolsey Fire Fundraiser
Source: Future Cannabis Project

Psychedelics – Pathway to Legalization

October 29, 2018 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

Join a group of lawyers, drug policy experts, scientist and doctors researching and prescribing psychedelics for a discussion on psychedelics.

Psychedelics, Pathway to Legalization – Video 01

Omar Figueroa kicks off our Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) / Future Cannabis Project psychedelics event with a history lesson on psychedelics, their use in society, the drug war and its effect on psychedelics, and current federal and state laws related to psychedelics.

Psychedelics, Pathway to Legalization – Video 02

Omar Figueroa, Cannabis activist and attorney, and Natalie Ginsberg, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) talk about psychedelic policy and law.

Psychedelics, Pathway to Legalization – Video 03

Dr. Cole Marta and Ashley Booth are working on a Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) funded MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy study.

They talk about their research with Omar Figueroa, Law Offices of Omar Figueroa and Natalie Lyla Ginsberg, Policy & Advocacy Director, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)

Phase 3 Trials: FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD, Agrees on Special Protocol Assessment Preliminary studies have shown that MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy can help people overcome PTSD, and possibly other disorders as well. MDMA is known for increasing feelings of trust and compassion towards others, which could make an ideal adjunct to psychotherapy for PTSD.

MAPS is studying whether MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can help heal the psychological and emotional damage caused by sexual assault, war, violent crime, and other traumas. MAPS also sponsored completed studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for autistic adults with social anxiety, and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety related to life-threatening illnesses.

This event took place on November 26, 6-9pm, Los Angeles

Speakers
Omar Figueroa, Cannabis Attorney
Natalie Ginsberg, Director of Policy, MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)
Dr. Cole Marta, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Clinic, principal investigator at the Los Angeles site in the phase 3 trial of MDMA as a treatment for PTSD
Ashley Booth, Founder, Aware Project: Rethinking Psychedelics, InnerSpace Integration

Thanks to our partners, friends and supporters

MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies)

The post Psychedelics – Pathway to Legalization appeared first on Future Cannabis Project.

Psychedelics – Pathway to Legalization
Source: Future Cannabis Project