To Vape or Not to Vape?

Determining Which Method of Extract Consumption is Right for You

 

By: Jamie Solis

For anyone with an established tolerance to flower or a medical need for high potency cannabis compounds, look no further than concentrates. These cannabis extracts are popular for containing extremely high doses of the plant’s valuable cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Oil, shatter, budder, hash, wax—no matter what you call it, these products bear similar qualities, making “concentrate” an all-encompassing term.

Whether someone is curious about the most effective way to consume extracts while battling epilepsy or cancer, or they are just looking to ingest concentrates recreationally, there’s something for everyone. We will weigh the benefits of both vaporizing and orally ingesting cannabis extracts, and we will share which types of concentrates are best for each need.

Vape It

There are countless benefits of vaporizing. First, inhaling the healing vapors of cannabinoids provides fast relief for various ailments. Vaporizers are also chosen by patients, because it is less harsh on the lungs than smoking flower, especially when you choose a clean wax that is free from plant matter and other undesirable materials. Out of the many types of vaporizers currently available, the most prominent on the market are vape pens and dab rigs.

Discretion and Convenience

A vape pen is a small handheld device that vaporizes cannabis for the operator at the push of a button. These pens have become one of the trendiest and most convienent ways to consume concentrates. Not only are they easy to use on the go, but pens are also discreet, allowing you to medicate almost anywhere. Vape pens are such a growing phenomenon that ordinances have passed to ban their use in many cities. However, partake somewhere well-ventilated (typically outside), and you should be able to enjoy your medication without being hassled.

The growing trend of the vape pen is responsible for the virtually unlimited selection of pens available. This means there is a device compatible with almost every type of concentrate, from CO2 oils in its raw form to waxes, shatters and more. There are even some pens available for purchase at local collectives that are pre-filled with rich cannabinoid extracts. What’s more convenient than that?

Dab On

There are several dabbing techniques, but taking a dab usually resembles using a metal wand to drop a portion of concentrate onto a heated nail, where it is then sucked through a glass chamber filled with water and exits into the lungs of the operator. While it does sound like an exciting endeavor, dabs are serious medicine, and aren’t recommended for anyone intimidated by their prompt and intense effects. Dabbers are not afraid to travel far outside of their bodies to reach an effect never previously attained. Instead, that is often the goal with dabbing. The swift and strong onset of a dab is especially useful for patients hoping to alleviate chronic pain or nausea, among many other ailments.

Those with the confidence that it takes to give dabbing a shot will benefit from starting with a concentrate that is easy to manipulate on the wand. For this purpose, waxes, budders and shatters are easiest to maneuver and much more manageable to work with when compared to oils. Also, trendy dabbing techniques like dunking (where you drop a ball of concentrate onto the hot nail—slam dunk!) are near impossible to execute with oil because of its sticky consistency. So, if you plan on showing off, a clean wax will serve you right.

Oral Ingestion for Ailments

Adults and children with a multitude of diseases tend to favor the benefits of consuming cannabis orally. Typically, extracts are swallowed after they are encapsulated into pill forms, or the proper dosage is squeezed out of a syringe or dropper. Consuming hash this way has gained in popularity, especially to patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Bedtime is a popular time to orally ingest concentrates, because it allows a patient to take heavy and accurately consistent dosages, all the while the patient is fast asleep before the effects set in.

This technique is also less harsh on patients’ lungs than the alternatives that involve inhaling vapor. Unlike with edibles, swallowing a concentrate is free from extra calories and high amounts of sugar. This is ideal for patients with diabetes who require the long lasting effects of edibles but can’t handle the other aspects of medible treats. Typically, the encapsulated concentrates highlighted in the news are oils like Rick Simpson Oil, Charlotte’s Web Hemp Oil and others. However, different types of concentrates like waxes and shatters are also taken orally by patients everywhere.

There is a plethora of options when it comes to consuming concentrates. The choice a patient makes really comes down to their personal preference. Needs and wants will differ from person to person, so be sure to make the decision that will improve your overall quality of life.

 

Originally published by Culture Magazine on July 3, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3978-to-vape-or-not-to-vape.html

Rules of Extraction

Where Do Concentrates Come From?

 

By: Jamie Solis

Seven-ten is celebrated by connoisseurs devoted to OIL (710 backwards and upside-down), which is a term used synonymously with wax, shatter, tincture, concentrates, dabs, budder, hash, etc. Although they are often grouped together, not all concentrates are created equally. In fact, there are many ways to strip the trichomes off the cannabis sativa plant, and it all starts with the extraction process. CULTURE is prepared to answer the unknowns by describing some basic extraction processes that use solvents like butane and isopropyl alcohol, as well as solvent-less ice water. We will also highlight which steps account for the end products differing between oil, wax and shatter.

SOLVENTS

Although popular, using flammable solvents like butane, hexane, ethanol, naphtha or isopropyl alcohol to extract cannabinoid, terpene and terpenoid rich resin can be downright dangerous, especially when it is done by amateurs in makeshift laboratories. There is a risk of explosion even if manufacturers take the necessary safety precautions, the product heeds a serious health risk of toxicity if any residual chemicals are inhaled, ingested or come into contact with skin. Basically put, leave the hash making to the professionals who use Class 3 edible solvents and properly purge the product from contaminants.

Butane and isopropyl alcohol are both solvents that are commonly used. Extraction of resin using butane starts by the manufacturer forcing butane through the cannabis material, stripping the plant matter of rich and essential cannabis oil.

Using isopropyl alcohol to separate extract from the plant typically starts by freezing the plant matter and alcohol. If the producer’s goal is simple honey oil, then one option is to pour the alcohol into the cannabis material and let it sit for a long period of time. (If the oil is going to be worked into wax or shatter later on, then they would probably rinse the cannabis with alcohol for about 30 seconds.) Following this, the maker will strain the plant matter from the alcohol mixture and evaporate the alcohol out from the concentrate. Whether the solvent used is butane, isopropyl alcohol or many other options, the end result should be honey oil, also known as BHO or hash oil. From here, the next step can be purging the oil, but there are additional steps to follow for a more refined wax or shatter.

Whipping the oil using various processes that typically involve heat will transform it into wax, also known as budder. This process adds some air into the substance, allowing for a more user friendly concentrate. Still high in terpenes, budder is flavorful and has about 70 percent THC.

If properly executed, a second extraction process of the oil will remove any unwanted substances like water and fats, and the result will be shatter, which is also called glass. With a smooth texture and clarity, shatter has over 80 percent THC.

SOLVENT-LESS

Ice water extractions have one of the best reputations for purity and safety. Unlike with solvents, water and ice cause a mechanical separation of the cannabinoids and essential oils. The resulting ice wax will have the appetizing flavor of the crystals you’re extracting instead of plant materials like chlorophyll. On top of an amazing taste, the cannabinoids in any batch of properly executed ice wax consistently test in the high 70s- low 80s.

While the process of extraction is key, it is also essential to start with high quality product, especially when it comes to making hash using ice water. This is because you can run low quality cannabis product using solvents and still get a decent product. However, in order to make the top of the line ice wax, it is necessary to start with top of the line, organically grown material that is free from molds, pests, mildews, fungicides, pesticides, etc.

Often we’re so quick to get our hands on whatever concentrate is out there, we’re not paying attention to the class of waxes, oils and shatters going into our bodies. Be sure to demand only the best, because there are people working to perfect extracting only the best from the adored cannabis sativa plant.

 

Originally published by Culture Magazine on July 3, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3979-rules-of-extraction.html

Mainstream Momma 

By: Jamie Solis
 

Given the nickname of “The Martha Stewart of Marijuana,” Cheryl Shuman is an extremely successful business woman who is becoming more and more well-known in the cannabis industry every day. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2006, this mother of two turned to MMJ after she ran out of hope. Using cannabis not only improved her quality of life, Cheryl believes it may have also led to her recovery.

This experience sparked Cheryl’s realization that the prohibition of this plant is a lot more dangerous than allowing its proper regulation. She has made it her goal to aid in its legalization stating, “I want to change the world, and I want to see cannabis and hemp legalized by 2016.”

With an impressive background in lifestyle, entertainment and consumer marketing, Cheryl is on the path to changing the image of the cannabis world. Appointed as the Executive Director for Beverly Hills NORML, and as the founder of The Beverly Hills Cannabis Club, she is opening doors to the mainstream media in print, news, radio and television that have otherwise been closed to even the biggest players in the cannabis industry. She is spreading the good word about medical cannabis through concise television interviews and by securing cannabis product placement with Marlon Wayans Company’s entire portfolio of film and TV projects, as well as shows like Wilfred, The New Ricki Lake Show and more.  
Equipped with knowledge that’s changing the minds of the most skeptical and uninformed, Cheryl is bringing awareness to the extreme healing properties of non-psychoactive, highly concentrated cannabidiol (CBD) products. When she first mentioned that she used CBDs on the Katie Couric’s daytime talk show Katie, the vast audience was absolutely shocked that there is a healing form of cannabis that doesn’t get the patient high. From there, Cheryl shared her groundbreaking information with The View, 20/20 and more—the information was brand-new in mainstream society. Not only did she reach over 100 million viewers in one day of spreading this awareness, the ratings for ABC on the day she appeared were up by 870 percent—proving that these life-saving facts are well received by the masses.

One of Cheryl’s idols is Pauline Sabin, the woman who is recognized as a leader in overturning alcohol prohibition after forming the Women’s Organization for National Prohibition Reform. Cheryl resembles a modern day Pauline Sabin for the cannabis and industrial hemp industry, as she strategically involves women and mothers who are MMJ patients in her revolutionary process. She knows that by bringing upon positive change in the minds of the masses is by first changing the minds of these two specific groups. Her perseverance couldn’t have better timing, she explained how our industry is at a tipping point right now, “The latest study just came out that we’re at an overall wide stream acceptance of 58 percent overall for full legalization.”

Not only will realizing her goal help improve the quality of life of patients through healing, legalizing and regulating cannabis will also heal our desperate economy. By building legitimacy and recognition in every American household, Cheryl Shuman is the brave woman who is blazing a trail towards legalization and international acceptance of cannabis.

Great Allies

Considering these great happenings, Cheryl’s formed an alliance with Medical Marijuana Inc. and HempMedsPX in hopes of taking over the CBD market. HempMedsPX is the producer of oil that was recognized by the High Times Cannabis Cup for having the highest CBD concentration ever tested, 98.3 percent. Cheryl and Medical Marijuana Inc.’s goal is to increase the quality of life for medical cannabis patients everywhere, and CBD is exactly how they’re going to be successful. Cheryl’s optimism towards this matter is captivating, “Imagine never having to hear another story about a child being sick and dying because of a lack of CBD, we can fix all that.”

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on December 5, 2013: http://ireadculture.com/article-3138-mainstream-momma.html

Brave and Flourishing

Brave and Flourishing

Cannabis Aids in the Battle Against Young Mykayla’s Struggle to Live

By: Jamie Solis

Memories of childhood should be of playing games in the neighborhood and living an overall carefree life. However, when young Mykayla from Pendleton, Oregon was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on July 14, 2012, doctors were sure that her little life would face more hardships than happy moments. Thankfully, her parents Erin Purchase and Brandon Krenzler have turned to medical cannabis to ensure Mykayla enjoys a healthy and lighthearted life.

After the discovery that Mykayla had this extremely rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, it was apparent that an equally aggressive medical treatment of chemotherapy and steroid induction therapy would be necessary. Mykayla immediately faced horrible side effects after starting her regimen, which included deep tissue and muscle pain, intense nausea, alopecia, immune deficiency, lack of appetite, peripheral neuropathy, depression and more. Mykayla’s parents did not hesitate in obtaining her recommendation to use medical cannabis, which resulted in alleviating virtually all of Mykayla’s symptoms. This success has given them the upmost confidence in their decision; “We made the choice to use cannabis with our daughter, and we feel it has been the best choice in her treatment that has ever been made,” Krenzler said.

Erin and Brandon are very upfront and honest about the multitude of cannabis forms that their now eight-year-old daughter ingests on a daily basis. They juice cannabis flowers and leaves off plants from their garden, which yields an abundance of high cannabidiol (CBD) juice. Every day she uses full extract cannabis oil and liberal amounts of topical creams for pain relief and anti-inflammation. Mykayla enjoys an array of sweet edibles—what child wouldn’t like a cereal treat or brownie? Her parents also prepare her meals using cannabis infused olive oil, butter or honey.

With psychoactive and non-psychoactive forms of cannabis dominating the market, there is stronger opposition against providing children with psychoactive forms of cannabis. However, considering the fact that cannabis is being utilized by children who have been recommended the plant by their physician for medicinal purposes, the psychoactive properties should be embraced. The only alternatives children have to cannabis are pharmaceutical drugs that also bear psychoactive properties. These drugs, such as oxycontin, hydrocodone, morphine, etc. are also known for their harmful and negative side effects, as well as having a risk of overdose. While some forms of medical cannabis have psychoactive properties, they are without life-threatening side effects.

Brandon and Erin encourage parents to trust their instincts in treating their sick children, and to be unafraid in advocating for what is right to treat their child’s ailments. “We recommend to all parents with children suffering from debilitating conditions that they should consider cannabis as a treatment option, and we feel that it should be offered as a first line treatment for many conditions that children suffer today. We proactively advocate for the parents’ right to choose cannabis as a medicine for their child,” Krenzler said. After all, it is a common notion that mother knows best—maybe it’s time to listen.
To learn more about Brave Mykayla visit her website: www.bravemykayla.com or follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bravemykayla.

THC vs. CBD

The full extract cannabis oil Mykayla uses is high in THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis. Brandon explains why they are confident in giving their daughter this specific form of cannabis, “We are unafraid of the psycho-activity inherent in the cannabis plant, because we believe that a positive state of mind is essential during cancer treatments. The psychoactive properties deliver a ‘high’ that is very euphoric. This euphoria creates a sense of general well-being that promotes an overall positive state of mind.” This allows Mykayla to lead a happier life, and because she has built up a tolerance to the THC, it does not debilitate her, but rather compliments her lifestyle as a healthy and active child.

Originally Published by Culture Magazine on Jan. 2, 2014: http://ireadculture.com/article-3273-brave-and-flourishing.html

Fall Beauty Guide

 

Fall Beauty Guide

Our Fave Picks for Healthy, Natural Beauty

By: Jamie Solis 

The marvelous hemp plant—a true gift from Mother Nature for countless reasons. For over ten thousand years this amazing plant has been utilized for a variety of purposes from making strong ropes to being a key composite in biodiesel fuel. Hemp oil is also a long kept beauty secret, because of its healing power and anti-aging properties. It is known for promoting new cell growth once it penetrates deep into the skin because it is packed with essential fatty acids. For these reasons and more, hemp is an ingredient that is used in a variety of beauty products. With fall approaching, we’re going to share with you some of our favorite hemp-based products you can use to make your season all the more beautiful.

SKIN:

The Body Shop offers an entire line of hemp skin care products that serve as hydration for the driest of skin. The Hemp Hand Protector paired with the Hemp Face Protector will keep overexposed sun-kissed skin from becoming more damaged. These hemp based products have soothing, hydrating and skin protecting properties. Composed of all natural ingredients, the skin on your hands and face will feel more flexible and firm than ever before after just a couple uses. This all-natural product is known to reverse any harm caused by synthetic chemicals found in most beauty products, causing you to glow with radiance. www.thebodyshop-usa.com

Our friends at Earthly Body have exactly what you’re looking for with all types of Hemp-based cruelty free products to keep your skin smooth, hair shiny and tattoos healed. One product that we recommend is their Miracle Oil, which truly holds up to its name. This Miracle Oil has the ability to treat even the most uncomfortable skin conditions, known to heal cuts, insect bites, sunburn, scars and more. The ingredients in this miracle oil cause it to be a natural antiseptic, as well as an anti-inflammatory for most types of skin-related ailments. www.earthlybody.com

Our friends at United Patients Group recommend Hemp Hemp Hooray, an Award Winning Skin Care Line that is made with Hemp Seed Oil, which uses only pure and organic hemp. In their diverse line of products, there are two that you cannot live without. Their Daily Moisturizer and Night Cream will together give your face the nourishment it needs 24 hours around the clock. They assure you that, “If you have shingles, psoriasis, eczema or if your skin is acne prone, dry, cracked, damaged or any other problem skin condition you need help with, you've landed in the right place.“ Be sure to check out this line, as they have something for every part of your body. www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/hemp-hemp-hooray

There is nothing more uncomfortable and obnoxious than dealing with razor burn—for men or for women! You don’t have to worry any longer, because Bottega della Canapa’s Hemp and Almond Oil After Shave Oil is ideal for bringing a little relief to your skin following a shave. Utilizing the natural healing power of hemp oil, this after shave serum will moisturize the most sensitive of skin. Not to mention, it will leave your skin not only un-irritated, but deeply moisturized and silky smooth. Once again, we love this product because it is not tested on animals. hempology.co.uk

LIPS:

Hemp Organics brings us the latest and greatest in lip color. They have a line of Lipstick, Lip Liners, Lip Tints and Lip Gloss that use mineral pigments that are natural and reflect colors you’d find in Mother Nature herself. These USDA Certified Organic beauty products each come in a large assortment of vibrant and subtle colors, matching the skin tone of each individual. Not only known for enhancing natural beauty, this line of lip care will also deeply moisturize your lips and keep them from cracking. www.colorganics.net

Dr. Bronner’s is known for their hemp skin care products. Our personal favorite is their collection of Organic Lip Balms. They use USDA Certified Organic Ingredients, because as they say, “ . . . what you put on your lips goes in your body.” They have four flavors to choose from: Organic Ginger, Peppermint, Lemon Lime and Naked. We recommend the Peppermint, because like their soap, not only does it smell delicious, but it leaves your skin feeling tingly, as if you just sucked on a candy cane. If you love the lip balm, feel free to try one of their other amazing products. www.drbronner.com

HAIR:

Whether you’re looking to tame your mane or sculpt a style that stays, Alterna Haircare delivers a line of Hemp Hair products that will shine, style and even thicken your hair. The Hemp NATURAL Strength Shine Shampoo and Conditioner will leave your hair with a healthy shine, as well as moisturize your hair with antioxidants and vitamins that can over time give your hair more strength and length. Paired with the Hemp NATURAL STRENGTH Firm Hold Gel, you can lock your locks into a permanent style, eliminating any chance of flakiness or frizz, even after a long day. Check out this fantastic line, as this is only a sneak preview into their wide variety of hair care. www.alternahaircare.com

Originally Published by Culture Magazine September 5, 2013: http://ireadculture.com/article-2929-fall-beauty-guide.html