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7 Scary Movies to Hotbox, I mean Netflix & Chill With!

Written By: Kevin Woolery
Edited By: Monica Werkheiser

It’s that time of year again! Grab some popcorn, candy, drinks, and your favorite strain. Get ready to be glued to your seat for the next few hours because we’ve got 7 scary movie suggestions that are a must watch this Halloween season. Not sure what strain will get you ready for this fright fest, no worries, we’ve added some suggestions to elevate your horror experience.

1. Cabin in The Woods (2011)

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of horror comedies (slightly more on the horror) to watch while high then look no further. This clever and fun take on the classic horror movie tropes follows a group of college students who retreat to a remote cabin in the woods blissfully unaware of all the sinister signs that something terrible is about to happen. It takes typical horror cliches and puts a unique twist on things, all while giving some laughs that’ll make you glad you sparked that pre-roll beforehand! 

I’d recommend a sativa-leaning hybrid pre-roll to push that cerebral focus with some traditional sativa-hybrid giggles.  

2. Evil Dead (2013) 

This remake is a quintessential watch for any horror fan. It takes the classic horror comedy from the early 80s and flips it on its head with a new grittier, gothic, and ghastly approach. When five friends head to a remote cabin in the woods, discover the Book of the Dead, and summon up demons; there WILL be gore. This one is NOT for the faint of heart. To truly settle in for “the most terrifying film you’ll ever experience”, you’ll want to smoke an indica dominant flower strain to give you that cement like body-high and be so you can be velcroed to the couch for this wild ride. 

3. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

It’s been two decades, and this movie still holds up as one of the premier Zom-Coms of our time. It’s actually very difficult to combine horror and comedy on the big screen but Edgar Wright does it with ease.  This romantic zombie comedy about the uneventful, aimless lives of a London electronics salesman and his layabout roommate being disrupted by the zombie apocalypse has really paved the way for the Zombie satire genre.  How’s that for a “slice of fried gold?! “

Be sure to smoke a nice hybrid flower strain with high amount of limonene for that mood boost to truly enjoy the laughs you’re in for.  

4. The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)

As a dark yet clever found footage supernatural horror film, The Taking of Deborah Logan, tells the story of a documentary crew making a film about Alzheimer’s patients who uncover something sinister while documenting a woman who has the disease. You’ll find yourself unnerved and saddened by the state of Deborah, but you won’t stay there too long as the filmmakers made sure to put in some of the most intense and effective jump scare moments that I’ve seen in years.

Make sure you settle in with a sativa vape that’ll give some good focus for this thriller because you want to make it to the end of the movie, TRUST me.  

5. Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

Would you ever work at a morgue? Yeah, me neither but this movie takes all those disturbing and creepy scenarios we think would happen at a morgue and brings them to life, only thing is, is it the morgue or the body making these things happen? 

You’ll want a relaxing edible because you’re not going to want to settle in for a deliciously horrid journey. 

6. The Mist (2007)

Stop me if you’ve lived, I mean heard this one before: from out of nowhere, a vague threat spreads across America. This movie is a terrifying example of what would happen if the scary grotesque fantasy creatures you imagine came to life. The creatures in this movie will genuinely make your skin crawl and keep harping on the lingering question, what truly is the mist? 

I’d recommend taking a sativa-hybrid edibles for this one. It’s a 2-hour movie so you don’t want the high to wear off or the doom and gloom to take over. And you especially DON’T want to miss this ending!

7. The Shining (1980)

I’m sure if you’re a horror fan you’ve already seen this classic, but now ask yourself have you seen while elevated? If not, let’s change that and spark up a good sativa hybrid because it will definitely enhance the experience of this adaptation to one of Stephen King’s greatest novels. If you haven’t seen this, you’re in for a treat, just imagine being stuck with your family at a hotel during a blizzard… just you and your family, I’m sure that would be a horror movie too. 

Hopefully you found a movie on here for your Halloween horror & munchie fest. Let the lights dim and the cannabis kick in but make sure not to get so high that the horror on the screen starts to feel like real life. Just loosen up and ease your nerves. Don’t worry, that noise you just heard was totally not an immortal embodiment of evil.

Top 6 Cannabis Themed Halloween Costumes

Written By: Kevin Woolery & Monica Werkheiser

Spooky season is here! And if you’re like me, you probably waited until the last minute to think of a good costume idea. Don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need to get you into the spooky spirit.

Here’s 6 cannabis inspired Halloween costumes that are guaranteed to get some giggles and maybe even earn you a #1 costume. 

1. The “Baked” Potato  
Totally baked and ready to party! This one is guaranteed to get some laughs and it’s easy to create. You’ll need to make a felt or foam pull-over tunic in the shape of a baked potato. Add felt bloodshot eyes and melting butter in the middle and top it off with felt marijuana leaves. You can kick it up a notch with a fake jumbo joint.

2. Michael Highers
Who says you can’t tame Michael Myers? Transform your favorite frightening character into a mellow giant. For this one, find yourself a dark blue, black, gray or spruce green mechanic jumpsuit, black work boots, and a Michael Myers mask (white paint also works). Replace the large kitchen knife with a blunt or bong and you have yourself Michael Highers.  Looking to add a bit of flare, add some cannabis leaves to the jump suit. 

3. Zig Zag guy
Simple yet brilliant. The only difficulty you may have is if you don’t have facial hair. If you do, then channel your inner hipster, grow that beard and twist the ends of your moustache for that ultimate handlebar look. Add an orange beanie with some orange attire and you’re good to go.

4. Blazy Susan
For those without facial hair but still looking for a simple yet elegant look. Wrap yourself up in a blue waitress uniform and go as Blazy Susan! Put your hair up in a ponytail, add a blue waitress cap,  and a tray of rolling supplies and you are all set for a fun Halloween sesh. 

5. Weed Paraphernalia
I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been high and wondered what it was like to BE cannabis. So why not try this Halloween. Dust off those thinking caps and get creative! First you’ll need crafting supplies – cardboard, paint, foam, fake moss.  Then grab your friends and together, craft yourselves into a figurative (or literal) smoke sesh with all the necessary accessories – grinder, papers, lighter, and a bag of weed.

6. Cheech & Chong
Last but certainly not least, you can never go wrong with the classic Cheech & Chong. I mean what Halloween list would be complete without them. So grab your partner because everyone knows you can’t have Cheech without Chong. And then head to the thrift store. You’ll need the full get up; everything from the bandana & beanie to the iconic denim fit & yellow tank with khaki work pants and red suspenders. If you really want to look the part, then make sure you spark up some of that special strain you’ve been hoarding for a good time, not too much though or you’ll be asking “Am I driving okay?” and your partner will be saying “I think we’re parked, man”. Always blaze responsibly.  

I hope these DIY costumes sparked some joy and end up being the hit of your Halloween party. 

The Benefits of Consuming Cannabis & Working Out

Written By: Kevin Woolery
Edited By: Monica Werkheiser

Feeling tired after a long day at work and lacking motivation to go to the gym? Okay, now this might sound crazy, but cannabis can help! I know what you’re thinking—“But how? Doesn’t cannabis make you sluggish and unmotivated?” I’m here to dispel those myths with some facts on how cannabis can not only enhance your workout but also help with the recovery after. Now, don’t get me wrong, cannabis is in no way a performance enhancing drug. So no, unfortunately you will not turn into Steve Rodgers (Captain America) after one joint, but you can however increase enjoyment, boost recovery and spark motivation.

A first-of-its-kind study out of the University of Colorado looked at the role cannabis consumption has in one’s exercise routine. 

“The bottom-line finding is that cannabis before exercise seems to increase positive mood and enjoyment during exercise, whether you use THC or CBD,” says first author Laurel Gibson, a research fellow with CU’s Center for Health and Addiction: Neuroscience, Genes and Environment.  

Interestingly, this study showed differences between those consuming products that were predominantly THC vs mostly CBD. The heightened mood was even greater in the CBD group, suggesting athletes may be able to get some of the benefits to mood without fear of impairment by THC. 

“Okay but HOW does cannabis make exercise more enjoyable?”  

We know that endorphins are hormones that your body produces to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Studies are now showing that cannabinoids, like THC & CBD, are binding to receptors in the brain and producing the same effect. Some would say it’s a different kind of runner’s high, if you know what I mean. 

Not only can cannabis make you feel good mentally, but it also does wonders for your body in recovery, after an intense workout. THC dominant and CBD dominant products alike are linked to easing pain, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep. All of which are hallmarks for an excellent workout recovery!  

“Are people REALLY using cannabis to enhance their workout?” 

The short answer, YES! A 2022 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found the top 5 most common types of exercise while using cannabis were hiking (60%), yoga (58%), aerobic machines (51%), weightlifting (44%), and walking (43%). 

Ready to add some cannabis to your workout regimen?

Here’s some suggestions on how to enhance your workout. 

Going for a run? Sativa‘s are packed with energizing terpenes that will turn that morning jog from a chore into a more attractive task. Some great strains to puff before a run would be some of the following strains: 

• Super Lemon Haze: With this strain, you will feel your mood elevate as stress and fatigue melt away, replaced by a wave of euphoria and pep that will have you feeling like Usain Bolt during that run! 

• White Durban: This strain offers consumers a rushing euphoria with a light cerebral energy and physical tingle. Try this strain before going for a run on a beautiful sunny day and you’ll feel like running for hours! 

• Sour Diesel: Couch lock and a “heavy feeling” aren’t a factor with sour diesel. Instead, it’s stimulating and lively head high takes you out of that quicksand-like body feeling and catapults you into action, bringing more amusement to that run. 

Pumping some iron? You can consume cannabis before working out to relax the body before the stress it’s about to endure or you can help bolster your post workout recovery. The most ideal strain types to target these specific effects are hybrids or indica dominant hybrids. While indica strains are great for pain, they can have you falling asleep at the bench press, and no one needs that! Some great strains to try before lifting are the following: 

• Pluto 85:  This indica leaner’s terpenes mesh perfectly by giving you those Anti-inflammatory properties with it leading in the Beta Caryophyllene terpene, along with an elevated mood.  

• G13: This Hybrid does wonders for your mood, uplifting you into feeling like you can lift the whole gym! It also comes with some Myrcene and Beta Caryophyllene terpenes to give you those relaxed and anti-inflammatory properties so you can keep pushing and not reach fatigue so quickly. 

• Mac n Jack: If you want an elated and electrifying lifting experience this is the strain for you! This strain packs a bit of a punch with energy and comes with those same Beta Caryophyllene and Myrcene terpenes like the previous two strains so you’re getting those same relaxing and anti-inflammatory qualities to fight off that tired feeling.  

So, if you avoid working out because you don’t like it, it’s boring, it feels bad, or you just don’t want to, then it may be time to consider if working out with cannabis is for you. Just remember cannabis is NOT a sports enhancing drug but hopefully it will help make it more fun and easier on the body. Oh and please consume responsibly. Reduced coordination = bigger chance of injury. Also no one wants to be the person sitting there, giggling and thinking about how strange it felt to sweat. Just trust me on that one. 

Written By: Kevin Woolery & Monica Werkheiser

Greetings fellow bookworms! Curious about cannabis? Here are 7 excellent reads that are essential for your home library. Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or new to the cannabis culture, these books cover everything from the history behind the plant, how to consume it, how it grows or even how to cook with it.

For the Newly Canna Curious

Weed: A Connoisseur’s Guide to Cannabis
by Ellen Holland

New to cannabis? This book will take you on a journey into the heart of how cannabis is farmed, produced, and appreciated the way it is today. Ellen Holland,  former senior editor of Cannabis Now Magazine, discusses cannabis cultivars, their flavors, their effects, and how you can use cannabis in unexpected ways (food, floral displays, cocktails, wellness, and more). She provides the knowledge and tools to heighten and refine your enjoyment of cannabis in a detailed yet easy to understand manner.

For the Sophisticated Pot Smoker

Green: A Field Guide to Marijuana
By Dan Michaels 

If you’ve been consuming cannabis for years and think it’s about time you get a more in-depth education on cannabis, this is the book for you! Dan Michaels, founder of Sinsemedia, does an amazing job of exploring the complexity of the cannabis plant, as well as explaining the botany that makes each varietal unique.  This essential guide is smart, practical, and exceedingly beautiful with page after page of simplistic yet jaw-droppingly beautiful well-trimmed nugs. Michael’s descriptions of lineage, flavor, and type of high along with Erik Christiansen’s extensive visual catalog of all kinds of strains will leave any cannabis connoisseur drooling!

If this book has you wanting more, As a follow-up to this  work, check out their second and equally exquisite book, Higher: The Lore, Legends, and Legacy of Cannabis.

For the Cannabis Activist

Cannabis Wars: The Incredible True Story of The Medical Cannabis Underground
by Tom Wegner  

If you truly consider yourself a part of the cannabis movement, then this is a must read! A winner of the 2022 Global Book Awards, Tom Wegner tells the story of an entire movement that fought for patients’ rights while facing bloody red tape and stone-faced bureaucracy. From an underground movement of selfless angels to world-renowned doctors and researchers who sacrificed their names and livelihood for the good of others, the stories of these pioneers prove that cannabis is MORE than just a plant and without them, cannabis would not be as widely accepted in the mainstream as it is today.

For the Martha Stewart in You:

Bong Appetit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed
By The Editors of Munchies  

Based on the popular Munchies and Viceland television series, Bong Appétit is for the culinary enthusiast who is looking to recreate a combination of luxury cuisine and comfort food at home. Along the way, the book hits on marijuana politics, dosage, pairing strains and flavors, and breaks down the science behind infusing oils, butters, milks, honey, alcohol, and more with cannabis. With over 65 “high”-end recipes for sweet and savory dishes as well as cocktails, this cookbook is sure to have something for every taste. 

For the Medical & Wellness Minded

Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana
By Michael Backes, Andrew Weil MD 

Meticulously researched and written in an easy and accessible style, this book is geared towards patients seeking relief, caregivers supporting a loved one, and healthcare professionals looking to integrate cannabis into treatment plans. Michael Backes provides the clearest, most complete and practical information on the use and benefits of medical marijuana covering more than 50 ailments and conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, menopause, migraine, pain, PTSD, and more. Throughout the book, he provides a wealth of information on the science behind cannabis, its potential therapeutic uses, and practical guidance on selecting and using cannabis products responsibly.

For the Green Thumb

Cannabis Grower’s Handbook: The Complete Guide to Marijuana and Hemp Cultivation
By Ed Rosenthal

Whether you are a first-time home grower or an experienced large-scale commercial cannabis operator, the Cannabis Grower’s Handbook is the definitive guide to growing great cannabis. First-time home growers will learn how to get started and enjoy a successful first harvest. Experienced growers will find new information about lighting, flowering, outdoor CO2, stimulating growth, and harvesting. Ed Rosenthal lends a green hand and truly encapsulates the beautiful process of what it takes to grow bigger more potent resinous buds!

Looking to try your hand at manufacturing, check out Ed Rosenthal’s guide to manufacturing, Beyond Buds, Next Generation: Marijuana Concentrates and Cannabis Infusions.

For the Entrepreneur

The Cannabis Business Book: How to Succeed in Weed According to 50 Industry Insiders
By Michael Zaytsev

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur looking to pivot into the cannabis sector or a newcomer with a passion for cannabis, this book provides the tools and knowledge you’ll need to navigate the intricacies of the cannabis industry. With advice from prominent cannabis figures such as Danny Danko, Steven DeAngelo, Emily Paxhia, and Shanel Linsday and information on the proper mindsets for entrepreneurs, why the cannabis industry is unique, ways to build money in the cannabis game, and the most common mistakes made in this niche, Michael Zaytsev offers readers a roadmap to success. 

Hopefully some of these books may have caught your eye and even end up on your bookshelf. Or better yet, visit your local library! Find these titles and many more at your local branch of the Mercer County Library. Check out their selection here.