Learn Archives - Canna Remedies

December 14, 2023 BY amanda

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TOPICALS

Topicals are good for consumers who are looking for localized symptom relief and limited psychoactivity. Topicals can come with different potencies, CBD/THC ratios, and formulations to help soothe aches and pains and provide some dermatological relief.

Creams

- A cream is a blend of oil and water, but with a higher oil concentration making them thicker in consistency than lotions. Creams provide a barrier that keeps skin ultra-hydrated.
- Onset: 5-10 minutes
- Duration: 3-8 hours
- Generally works only on the site it is applied to and has limited circulation in the bloodstream.

Lotions

- Lotions are usually formulated with more water content than creams and are considered lightweight and easily absorbed by your skin.
- Onset: 5-10 minutes
- Duration: 3-8 hours
- Generally works only on the site it is applied to and has limited circulation in the bloodstream.

Salves

- A salve is an ointment-based moisturizer that stays on the top of the skin but also penetrates more deeply into the skin.
- Onset: 5-10 minutes
- Duration: 3-8 hours
- Generally works only on the site it is applied to and has limited circulation in the bloodstream.

Transdermal Patches

- A transdermal patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose through the skin and into the bloodstream. The patch provides a controlled release of cannabis over a predetermined time period.
- Onset: 15-40 minutes
- Duration: 12 hours – 2 days
- Longest lasting dosage form that provides relief at the site of application and extends through the body via the bloodstream

Suppositories

- Suppositories are intended for localized relief of the lower back or reproductive and gastrointestinal issues.
- Onset: 10-15 minutes
- Duration: up to 8 hours
- Localized effect providing relief at the site of application and extending through the gut, back, and lower extremities.

December 14, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis Products, Learn

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EDIBLES

Cannabis edibles are often associated with food items made with cannabis or cannabis oils; however, any orally ingested cannabis product is a cannabis edible product including tablets, lozenges, and gummies. Edible cannabis products require a lipid (fatty) oil base as a carrier of cannabinoids to ensure absorption. Edibles are slower acting (30 mins to 2 hour onset) and can last for longer periods of time (4 to 8 hours). While edibles are very popular, new users should be cautious when trying edibles for the first time. Taking edibles often results in a more intense high due to the liver’s conversion of delta 9-THC to 11-hydroxy-delta 9-THC which is a more potent psychoactive metabolite. So first-timers should pay close attention to how much they take starting with 1.5 to 5 mg of THC and waiting at least 2 hours before consuming more.

Edibles, when dosed correctly, can be used for more long-term effect and/or relief making them a more convenient way to dose throughout the day or night since you would not have to re-administer as often. Edibles come in many different ratios of THC/CBD strains ranging from all THC to equal ratios of THC/CBD to CBD.

New Jersey now allows for the production of pre-made chocolates, baked goods, butters, jams, and jellies. For those users who are worried about calorie intake, try flavored lozenges, gummies, or chews. If sugar intake is still a concern, try cannabis pills, tablets, or capsules.

December 14, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis Products, Learn

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TINCTURES

In the realm of cannabis, tinctures generally refer to any cannabis liquid form that can be effectively dosed and taken by mouth.

Scientifically, a true tincture is typically an alcohol-based solution that can be absorbed under the tongue. Alcohol based tinctures, taken under the tongue, onset in 10 to 30 mins and the with a duration of 4-6 hours. Since it is the second quickest onset it would be a good form for consumers who are looking for an alternative to inhalation.

Most tinctures in today’s cannabis market are made with MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) oils most commonly sourced from coconut, palm, olive, or safflower. When made with MCT, tinctures are less likely to be absorbed under the tongue. We often encourage consumers to place the tincture on the tongue and swallow in which case onset is slower (30 mins to 2 hour) and the duration can last for longer periods of time (4 to 8 hours).

Tinctures, drops, syrups, and suspension are good for beginners since it affords the user control over their dose and experience. When used with a metered dropper you can adjust the amount you consume to your liking. It is especially useful during a dose exploration phase when trying to find your cannabis ‘sweet spot’. Like other cannabis products, tinctures will express a terpene profile however due to digestion processes it is often not as pronounced as in a smoked or vaporized form. While tinctures may not seem as edgy as other consumption methods, tinctures are considered one of the healthiest ways to consume cannabis providing discretion and flexibility of dose and schedule.

December 14, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis Products, Learn

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VAPORIZED FORMS

Cannabis vapes typically refer to a cartridge or tank containing a concentrated form of cannabis oil, extracted using various methods, such as CO2 extraction or solvent-based extraction, attached to a vaporizer for inhalation purposes. The oil often contains a high concentration of cannabinoids (50-90%) and terpenes (3-10%).

Vapes allow for precise temperature control, providing users with the ability to control and customize their experience depending on the type and style. When inhaling cannabis you can expect a quick acting onset of effects (1 min-5 mins) with a moderate duration (2-4 hours). Making it great for those who need some quick relief from the daily grind.

Cannabis cartridges are the most prevalent and quickly becoming one of the more popular cannabis products. Cannabis cartridges come in a variety of strains, each with its unique cannabinoid and terpene profile. This allows consumers to choose products based on their desired effects or flavor preferences. Cartridges require a 510-thread or ego battery with a 2.8-3.6 voltage range. When activated, the heating element vaporizes the cannabis oil, allowing users to inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece. Vape pens are pre-filled and ready to use, making them a convenient option for on-the-go consumption. Pods are similar to cartridges in that they require a rechargeable battery, and are made up of a heating element, mouthpiece, and oil reservoir. However, pod-based vaporizers feature advanced airflow technology, a leak-proof design and premium materials for a smooth vaping experience. As well, pod batteries are proprietary to their pod system. They are typically rechargeable and intended for long-term use with many brands offering a manufacturer’s warranty to guarantee the longevity of the product.

December 14, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis Products, Learn

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CONCENTRATES (OILS)

RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), FECO (Full Spectrum Extract Cannabis Oil), HTE (High Terpene Extract) & Distillate Syringes are all examples of concentrated extracted cannabis oils. Concentrated oils are available in syringes, dablicators, capsules or infused into an edible product.

RSO is the form of concentrated cannabis oil that captures the most accurate plant profile. It is made most commonly using ethanol in an extended time extraction where the alcohol is leaching out not only cannabinoids and terpenes, but also flavonoids, cellulose and other parts of the plant. This is reported as one of the most effective ways to use cannabis and is typically extremely potent. It is used for a variety of treatments and uses, such as a THC flood where someone is trying to inundate their endocannabinoid system all the way to micro dosing oral doses. Due to the alcohol content, these extracted oils should not be vaporized and should be taken orally. A typical starting dose is about ½ a grain of rice size or 0.05g as these oils are extremely potent ranging in potency from 60% to 90%.

FECO refers to a highly concentrated, whole-plant cannabis extract. This type of cannabis oil is often sought after for its potential medicinal properties. FECO, similar to RSO, is typically produced using an ethanol-based extraction method. FECO is known for its high potency. The extraction process concentrates the cannabinoids, making it a powerful product. As a result, individuals using FECO should exercise caution and start with small doses, especially if they are not accustomed to highly concentrated cannabis products. FECO is often associated with medical cannabis use due to its potential therapeutic benefits for various physical ailments. Due to the alcohol content, these extracted oils should not be vaporized and should be taken orally. A typical starting dose is about ½ a grain of rice size or 0.05g as these oils are extremely potent ranging in potency from 60% to 90%.

HTE is specifically crafted to preserve and highlight the natural terpene profile of the cannabis plant. Various extraction methods, such as hydrocarbon extraction or CO2 extraction, are used to create this terpy (or “saucy”) product that mirrors the intricate range of compounds found in the live cannabis plant. HTE averages 50-60% cannabinoid potency (either THC or CBD) and a terpene profile that falls within the 15-30% terpene range. HTE is commonly used in vaporization, dabbing, or adding to other cannabis products to enhance their flavor, aroma, and potential effects. It is often favored by cannabis enthusiasts and connoisseurs who appreciate the nuanced and complex qualities of the cannabis plant. As with any cannabis concentrate, users should be mindful of potency and start with small doses, especially if they are not accustomed to highly concentrated products or the intense flavor profile.

Distillate syringes refer to a pre-filled syringe containing a highly refined and concentrated THC or CBD oil. Distillate is produced through a distillation process that separates and refines cannabinoids and terpenes resulting in a highly purified and potent oil often exceeding 90% cannabinoid content. During the distillation process, many of the plant’s natural flavors and aromas (including terpenes) are removed. As a result, THC distillate is often flavorless and odorless, providing a neutral base for consumption. The syringe format allows for precise dosing for a variety of uses including sublingual application (under the tongue), adding it to edibles or beverages, or incorporating it into cannabis concentrates. Due to its high potency, users should start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed. Proper dosing is essential to avoid overconsumption and potential adverse effects.

December 14, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis Products, Learn

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CONCENTRATES (DABS)

Dabbable concentrates are recommended for experienced users as these products are highly potent and take more practice to control how much you consume. They are often evaluated by how closely their taste and effect resemble the cannabis plant it was extracted from.

Dabbable concentrates such as waxes, shatters, badders, budders, sauces are made from dried flower material or from live fresh frozen material. The plant material is mixed with either hydrocarbon or liquid CO2 and the resin glands or trichomes of the plant are dissolved and stripped of plant materials, leaving behind nothing but cannabinoids and terpenes. The solvent is then purged out. [See “How is My Cannabis Produced”] This process leads to cannabinoids potency ranging from 60-99%, while flower usually contains around 7-30% cannabinoids.

Recently, extracting from fresh frozen material has become very popular and such forms are generally called Live Resins. Live Resins can come in crystals, shatter, sugars, badder or budders, and sauces among other names. These different forms range in potencies, consistencies, and terpene profiles. The presence of THCa crystals as well as the preservation of terpene and cannabinoid ratio is a good marker of a well-made final product. Solventless extractions such as Rosin, bubble hash or kief are popular concentrates as well. Rosin is made by applying a heated press to the cannabis bud and bubble hash can be made by using an ice water bath sift.

With so many different kinds of concentrates there are a few different ways concentrates can be used – dabbing and vaporizing are the most common. All of your standard BHO or CO2 concentrates as well as things like rosin and live resin can be consumed through the process of dabbing. To dab, you will need a dab rig, a quartz nail or banger, a torch, a dab tool, a carb cap, and a gram of concentrates. To dab a concentrate, you’ll scoop out a small amount of the concentrate (.05-.1g) with your dab tool. This amount may seem small but due to the potency of these products, a dab’ll do ya. Get it! Apply your dab to the bottom of your banger, and cap it with the carb cap. From there, you’ll apply heat using the torch until the concentrate vaporizes and inhale from the dab rig. You will inhale the vapor from the dab until the rig is clear, and then swab out the excess oil with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. People like this method since it’s effects hit hard and last a moderate amount of time (2-4 hours)

Vaping concentrates is the more discreet and convenient method for consuming concentrates since they require less equipment and prep, and can be taken on the go. We advise consumers to use an electronic battery powered vaporization device. These devices heat either a quartz, ceramic or titanium coil to 450 to 800 degrees, the coil sits beneath or within a chamber. The user would fill about .05-.1g of concentrate into the chamber. When the coil heats up it will vaporize the concentrate to an inhalable steam vapor which can then be inhaled through the mouthpiece. Like any other form of cannabis you can inhale, it is quick acting (1 min-5 mins) and has a moderate duration (2-4 hours).

December 14, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis Products, Learn

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FLOWER (AKA BUD)

When you talk about cannabis, flower is the first thought that comes to most people’s mind which is also why it is the most commonly used form. Flower can be used in numerous ways including smoking, vaping, and cooking and is the start for all cannabis products sold in the dispensary.

The most common way to use cannabis flower is by inhalation either smoking or vaporizing. Inhaling flower makes for a quick acting and potent effect. It is good for beginners all the way to experienced consumers. Smoking flower is the most familiar way to consume cannabis and pre-rolled joints are becoming the preferred method for those new to smoking or those who seek convenience. We encourage consumers from a wellness point of view to explore vaporizing flower as it is healthier than smoking it and gives a smoother taste. Vaporizing flower, since it does not burn the flower, allows for the flower’s terpene profile and strain identity to be preserved. There are different devices available for vaporizing cannabis from tabletop units like a Volcano to handheld devices such as PAX or DynaVap.

No matter if you’re smoking or vaping, flower needs to be ground and packed into a device like a bowl, bong, one hitter, or vaporizer or rolled into paper. See “Rolling the Perfect Joint” When inhaling cannabis you can expect a quick acting onset of effects (1 min-5 mins) with a moderate duration (2-4 hours). Making it great for those who need some quick relief from the daily grind.

Flower can range from 7% to 36% in total cannabinoid potency which is broken down into different ratios or chemotypes marked as “High THC, Low CBD,” “Moderate THC,” “Moderate CBD,” or “Low THC, High CBD”.

Flower can have a wide variety of effects from energetic to sedating. The most prevalent types of flower are THC dominant strains which are good for sleep, soothing the body, and mood modulation. Moderately ratioed products provide soothing effects on the body and mood. CBD dominant strains can be very good at calming the body and nerves while providing a clearer head space. Flower offers the most robust terpene profile out of any form and as such the user gets a full expression of the strain effects including promoting wakefulness, attention focusing, increase in sociability, thought quieting, restfulness, or even an uptick in libido.

Pre-rolls

Pre-roll refers to a ready-made joint/cannabis cigarette filled with ground cannabis flower. Whether new to cannabis, short on supplies, or don’t want to bother with learning the art of rolling, pre-rolls offer consumers of all skill levels a simple and effective solution. Pre-rolls are available in various strains and sizes, and can be infused with kief or extracted cannabis oil to achieve higher THC or CBD potency levels.

Pre-rolls also contain varying quality of cannabis including:

Trim – the clippings of a cannabis plant containing sugar leaves, tiny cannabis buds, and plant trichomes
Shake – tiny pieces of cannabis flower that fall off larger buds
Whole flower (bud) – the classic piece of harvested cannabis

Moon Rocks/Caviar

Moon rocks are a potent weed concoction made by coating cannabis buds with extracted cannabis oil and rolling them in kief. The term moon rocks is often interchangeably used with caviar as they both refer to cannabis infused with cannabis extracts and oil. The term Caviar was intended to represent a higher class moon rock created by infusing cannabis buds with THC-A crystals, then, with some terpene-rich oil, allowing it to dry for several days to create a sparkling crystalline appearance. These products boast unprecedented levels of THC, giving you a potent and unique experience.

December 13, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis and You, Learn

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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECREATIONAL AND MEDICAL CANNABIS USE?

Technically, nothing. The marijuana plant and products used to treat medical conditions or those used for recreational purposes are the same. The primary distinction between recreational and medical marijuana lies in the purpose for which they are used.

Here are the key differences:

Purpose:
- Recreational marijuana, also referred to as adult use, is used for personal enjoyment, relaxation, and social purposes.
- Medical marijuana is used to provide relief for specific medical conditions and alleviate symptoms like chronic pain, nausea, muscle spasms, and restlessness.
Legal Status:
- Recreational Marijuana: New Jersey allows for the legal sale and use of cannabis and cannabis products for residents 21 years and older at any of the New Jersey licensed adult use cannabis dispensaries.
- Medical Marijuana: New Jersey allows for New Jersey residents, diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a New Jersey health care practitioner registered with the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program and who also maintain a bona fide relationship with a health care provider who is registered with the program, to purchase cannabis and cannabis products at any of the New Jersey licensed Alternative Treatment Centers. There are no age limits for medical patients; however, patients under 18 years old must have their parents or legal guardians apply for the medical card on their behalf.
  
  Approved qualifying medical conditions include:
  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  - Anxiety
  - Cancer
  - Chronic pain
  - Dysmenorrhea
  - Glaucoma
  - Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
  - Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity
  - Migraine
  - Multiple sclerosis
  - Muscular dystrophy
  - Opioid Use Disorder
  - Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
  - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  - Seizure disorder, including epilepsy
  - Terminal illness with prognosis of less than 12 months to live
  - Tourette Syndrome
Taxation:
- Recreational Marijuana: All transactions are subject to New Jersey sales tax of 6.625% plus a local tax of up to 2%. Revenue generated from these taxes may be allocated to various public programs or services. A portion of the cannabis taxed collected in New Jersey are earmarked for disbursement to communities most impacted by the War on Drugs.
- Medical Marijuana: In New Jersey, medical cannabis is no longer subject to Sales Tax in New Jersey as of July 1, 2022.

December 13, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis and You, Learn

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WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL REASONS TO USE CANNABIS?

Cannabis provides therapeutic value for a wide array of conditions, symptoms, or illnesses.

Pain Management: Often used to soothe acute aches and pains and alleviate chronic pain, including pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, and cancer.

Dronabinol is a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (‘THC’) medication approved by the FDA, currently being studied as an adjunctive to reduce opioid consumption in patients with acute pain following traumatic injury.

Nausea and Vomiting: Helpful for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing nausea and vomiting associated with certain medical treatments.

Marinol (dronabinol) is synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (‘THC’), which obtained FDA approval in 1985 for the treatment of HIV/AIDs-induced anorexia and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Appetite Stimulation: Assists in stimulating appetite in patients with conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer, where appetite loss is a common symptom.

Syndros (dronabinol) is a liquid cannabinoid made from synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (‘THC’) that is approved by the FDA to treat nausea and vomiting caused by anti-cancer medicine (chemotherapy) and loss of appetite (anorexia) in people with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) who have lost weight.

Muscle Spasms and Spasticity: It has been found to be beneficial in reducing muscle spasms and spasticity in conditions like multiple sclerosis.

In the UK, Sativex (nabiximols) is the first cannabis-based medicine to be licensed and prescribed for the treatment of MS-related spasticity. It is composed of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Seizure Disorders: Cannabis strains particularly those high in CBD, have shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in certain epilepsy syndromes.

Epidolex is the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified CBD derived from marijuana.

Anxiety and PTSD: Cannabis use for PTSD symptomatology like sleep quality and duration along with intrusiveness, avoidance, and alertness have all shown improvement.

Currently, the NIH is studying an FDA approved synthetic analogue of THC, Nabilone, which similarly showed enhanced sleep, reduced nightmares and diminished other PTSD symptoms among patients.

Inflammation: Cannabinoids in marijuana have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in conditions characterized by inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Neurological Disorders: Some studies suggest that medical marijuana may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Glaucoma: Cannabis can help lower intraocular pressure, making it a potential aid for glaucoma, although other more specific medications are often preferred.

It can be hard for many to believe that one substance can be effective for so many indications ,but there is a scientific reason that cannabis has such a wide therapeutic benefit. All animals except for insects have an endogenous (made within the body) cannabinoid system, or endocannabinoid system (ECS). Humans produce the cannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl glycerol). Our endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body– in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells – and have a singular goal, to maintain homeostasis. Meaning the endocannabinoids job is to regulate several bodily functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, learning, memory, body temperature, pain, immune functions and fertility, to maintain internal stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.

The plethora of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and sterols in the cannabis plant working throughout the body on the numerous endocannabinoid receptors makes cannabis a versatile therapeutic agent.

November 17, 2023 BY amanda

IN Cannabis & The Community, Learn

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ROLLING THE PERFECT JOINT.

Gather Everything You Need

Before diving into the rolling process, ensure you have all the necessary supplies:

Rolling papers: Regular 1¼-inch papers will roll a joint the size of a typical cigarette. The most important factor in choosing a paper is getting the thinnest one, so you can taste the flower better. Hemp paper offers a cleaner taste while rice paper is good for starting out.

Cannabis flower: You will use about a half gram of bud for a 1¼-inch paper. Make sure it’s fresh. Old dry bud will crumble to dust when you grind it while fresh bud will sticks together, making it easier to form a joint.

Packer: You’ll need something to pack the weed down. Anything long and skinny will do, like a pen or pencil.

Grinder: Break up the weed beforehand to ensure an even burn. A grinder makes this fast and easy and gives a consistent texture.

Tip, Crutch or filter (optional): While you can roll a joint without a tip, a tip lends structure and shape to the smoking end of the joint. Beginners should stick to the classic cardboard ones because glass can be a bit heavy and hard to work with and cotton requires a stronger draw. You may also use a filter instead.

Rolling Tray (optional): You can use almost any flat surface object as a rolling tray (a plate, a cutting board, or an actual tray) just make sure you clean it before every use to prevent crumbs, dust, or gunk that could ruin the taste of your bud or worse yet, end up in your lungs. Beginners especially will want a tray to catch any weed that falls out while you roll.

Step 1: Grind the Cannabis

For a regular-size 1¼-inch paper, grind approximately a half gram of cannabis flower, removing any stems. Aim for a fine consistency but do not pulverize it. A grinder can expedite the process and ensure a consistent texture.

Pro tip: Carefully examine your cannabis buds and remove any stems you come across. These stems pose a risk to your joint as they could potentially puncture the paper or disrupt an even burn, and may damage your grinder over time. It’s good practice to inspect your cannabis after grinding as well to feel for seeds, stems, or plastic bits if using a plastic grinder.

Step 2: Create a Crutch or Filter (Optional)

If not using a pre-made tip, create a crutch by folding a tip from your booklet. For the classic S or W tip, start by making a tiny fold of around 1/8 of an inch on one of the short ends of the paper and then make an equal fold in the opposite direction. It should feel like you’re folding a very tiny accordion. (3 folds for S shape, 4 folds for W shape) Once that’s done, roll the rest of the cardboard around it. This provides structure and shape and prevents cannabis from falling out and into your mouth while you smoke.

Step 3: Set Up the Rolling Paper

When you tug your rolling paper out of its packaging, you’ll notice it has a crease. This is where you’ll place the cannabis. Position the paper with the glue line on the inside of the folded paper, facing you throughout the process. Hold the paper with both hands, using the tips of your index fingers on the inside of the crease and your middle fingers and thumbs on the outer sides. Your thumbs and index fingers maintain a tight grip on the paper, while your middle fingers provide support to keep the glue side upright.

Before adding any cannabis, assess the tension of the paper—it should be taut but not so tight that it feels like it might tear. If tearing occurs, don’t be disheartened; simply grab another paper and try again until you develop the muscle memory for the right tension.

Pro Tip: Take the folded paper between your thumbs and index fingers and roll it up and down to curl it along the crease, leaving a margin of around 1/8 of an inch on each side. This will give the paper more of a “U” shape that might help you roll the joint later. If the paper keeps slipping and you need more grip, lightly wet the tips of your index finger and thumb. If you lose any trace of the original crease, find it again by rolling the paper so that the front side facing you is only slightly below the glue line on the back side.

Step 4: Add the Tip

With the paper between your fingers, place the tip on one side and align the edges of the paper and tip. Preferably your dominant hand side as this will be the bottom of the joint. Use your index, middle finger, and thumb to secure the tip, preventing it from moving.

Pro tip: If you have a hard time keeping the tip in place, slightly lift the loose end of your tip and slide a half an inch of the paper into the roll. Finish by slightly rolling the tip upward. This will prevent the tip from moving around which will later make the rolling process easier. If you want to create a cone shape, insert the rolling paper into the tip at a slight angle.

Step 5: Fill the Rolling Paper with Cannabis

Using your opposite hand, place your ground cannabis into the crease of the rolling paper. Take breaks intermittently to ensure the weed is well-placed and pinch the joint to give it the desired shape. Eliminate any air pockets, especially around the junction of the cannabis and the tip. The presence of empty spaces may lead to an uneven burn, causing a phenomenon known as a “canoe”. This occurs when one side of the paper burns faster due to the absence of material to impede the heat, resulting in wasted cannabis and an altered taste experience from the burning paper smoke. Take your time in shaping the joint, aiming for a tight and even pack. This skill improves with practice.

Step 6: Roll the Joint

Now is the moment you’ve been waiting for: Rolling. Using your middle fingers as support, use your indexes and thumbs to roll the front side of the paper down so it can only cover the weed and tip. Reposition your index fingers to cover the insides of the joint with the front side of the paper and slightly roll it up upward. This is by far the hardest part: Your goal is to securely tuck the front side of the paper between the cannabis and the back of the paper as tightly as possible, so you can continue rolling up. While you try this, you’ll probably lose a lot of the tension you’ve been building up to this point, so don’t be afraid to go back and forth until you get the tucking right. This is all part of the process and it’ll become easier with practice. Once the front of the paper is tucked behind the cannabis as tightly as you can, release your index fingers and continue rolling your joint up to the glue line. Finish by licking the line to add a little bit of paper and securing the joint by rolling it until the end. It’s possible that your joint is still not nearly as tight as you’d like it to be, but that’s OK. First, it’s part of learning, and second, you can still make it a bit tighter if you want.

Pro tip: Start with the crutch side as it can help guide the paper as it rolls around itself.

Step 7: Pack the Joint

Pick up your joint by its tip and light tap it against a flat surface. Gravity will push the cannabis farther down. Add your extra ground cannabis and to achieve a consistent burn, gently pack the open end of the joint. A slender object, such as a pen or pencil will work for this.

Step 8: Close up the Joint:

Finally, use your index finger and thumb to gently twist the paper at the top of your joint and enjoy!

TOPICALS

EDIBLES

TINCTURES

VAPORIZED FORMS

CONCENTRATES (OILS)

CONCENTRATES (DABS)

FLOWER (AKA BUD)

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RECREATIONAL AND MEDICAL CANNABIS USE?

WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL REASONS TO USE CANNABIS?