The legal situation for cannabis in the US is crazy confusing. On the one hand, the US government says marijuana has zero therapeutic value. However, the FDA has approved many THC and CBD-containing drugs. In some states, you could find dispensaries everywhere, but neighboring territories may not allow hemp flower shops.

While some DC lawmakers have introduced cannabis reforms, it doesn’t appear the federal government will move to address this issue anytime soon. Until the US government introduces a legal cannabis policy, the answer to the question “Where is weed legal?” is “It depends!” Customers always have to check their local legislature’s policies for the most up-to-date guidance on legal weed.

How Can Americans Figure Out Where Weed Is Legal?

If you want to get super technical, weed remains illegal in the USA. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has yet to change its stance on THC-containing products. Even if you’re in a state with relaxed cannabis possession laws, the federal government considers cannabis a “Schedule I” drug.

However, as public opinion sways in pot’s favor, more states have introduced policies that oppose the federal mandate against marijuana. Also, federal prosecutors aren’t spending as much time and resources targeting petty cannabis offenses, especially in states that have “gone green.”

Just remember that weed remains a federally illegal substance. Even if your state has special cannabis laws, you must be aware the federal government could take legal action against you.

So, how could Americans determine if their state has legal weed policies? It’s not too challenging to Google your hometown’s stance on recreational and medical cannabis. Reputable organizations like the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) keep detailed tabs on the latest changes to these policies.

Please be sure you carefully read through the age restrictions and possession limits associated with your state. It’s also crucial that customers never bring THC cannabis products across state lines. Until DC creates a national standard for legal recreational cannabis, bringing weed outside of one state could be viewed as “drug trafficking.”

Don’t Forget The Numerous “Nug Nuances” When Searching “Where Is Weed Legal?”

Even if your state has a reputation for legal weed, that doesn’t mean there are zero restrictions on reefer. As hinted above, each state has unique cannabis purchasing and possession limits. Also, many “weed-friendly” territories don’t allow at-home cannabis cultivation.

Customers must remember that federal zones like National Parks hold firm to the DEA’s standard. So, even though California is pot-friendly, territories like Yosemite and Death Valley treat cannabis as an illegal substance. Please also note that private businesses and public parks in cannabis-friendly states aren’t accepting of marijuana.

FYI: All of the above laws apply to cannabis products with over 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. In 2018, the federal government OKed hemp products like CBD oils, tinctures, and topicals. Although some states still have issues with select hemp products, technically any hemp-derived substance with ≤ 0.3 percent delta-9 THC is OK per the federal law.

Kief remains the crowning jewel of cannabis. Over the centuries, cannasseurs have developed countless ways to extract these cannabinoid-rich particles from the tops of delicate trichomes. As we enter a more relaxed age for cannabis legalization, it’s likely extractors will discover even more hi-tech ways to filter kief off of buds.

While advanced machines may be more “efficient” at extracting kief, these are only good for people who have access to lab settings. What if you’re just a humble cannabis fan that wants to collect kief at home?

Well, the most obvious way to start collecting kief is to look for a “kief grinder.” These herb grinders have special screens that help users gather kief without even knowing it. Upgrading to a kief grinder could add some crazy potency to your smoking sessions.

What Makes A “Kief Grinder” Different From Regular Grinders?

Honestly, the term “kief grinder” is a bit misleading. When you grind cannabis with these products, you’re not actually tearing the plant’s precious kief. Instead, these special devices have multiple screens that help filter kief into the bottom chamber.

So, as you’re grinding your primary herb in the top chamber, any small particles from the tips of your trichomes should fall through narrow mesh screens. After multiple rounds of grinding marijuana, you should start to see kief powder forming in the kief catcher.

Please never assume that a marijuana grinder always has kief filters. While kief catchers are “catching on” in standard grinder design, this feature usually isn’t in cheaper units. Always read through a grinder’s specifications to see if it has a way to catch kief.

While you don’t have to use the kief in your grinder right away, you should inspect the mesh screens after every few sessions. Since trichomes are naturally sticky, they will clog these filters after repeated use. It’s a good idea to give these screens a quick brush after each use. You may also want to wash these screens in a mix of water and isopropyl alcohol about once per month.

Interestingly, some cannabis fans recommend popping your grinder in the freezer for about 20 minutes after each use. Since cannabinoids are fat-soluble compounds, this tip should make it easier for any trapped trichomes to fall through nitty-gritty mesh screens. After the 20 minutes are up, give your grinder a few taps on the side, and you should be good to go.

Please refer to your marijuana grinder’s handbook for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions.

What Do You Do With All The Kief You’ve Caught?

Once you have a decent dusting of kief, you may be wondering what to do with it.

Well, the good news is that kief is a highly versatile way to get, well, “high.” You can add a sprinkling of kief to pretty much anything for extra flavor and potency.

Of course, you could add kief directly to bongs, joints, or spliffs for a supercharged experience. A sprinkling of kief is also an essential feature on hot new products like twax joints and moon rocks. For those who are more industrious, it’s also possible to make DIY hash or edibles with kief powder.

Just be careful about adding too much kief to your favorite cannabis products. While kief may look like harmless dust, it doesn’t take much to send you to Mars.

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For centuries, people have consumed honey as both food and medicine. The sticky amber syrup adds a delicious, floral sweetness to a cup of warm tea, toast, granola, and a whole host of recipes. In addition to being tasty, it also offers several significant health benefits. Did you know that you can infuse it with cannabis, too? Cannabis-infused honey offers numerous benefits, offering you some sweet relief from a variety of ailments. 

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Health Benefits of Honey

Cultures around the world have used honey for hundreds of years. They use the bee-produced product for numerous reasons. Some of the most common benefits of the sticky sweetener include:

• It’s rich in antioxidants. Honey contains phenolic compounds linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain types of cancers. 
• It may help lower blood pressure. The antioxidant compounds may also help reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. 
• It improves cholesterol. Honey can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. 
• It can promote the healing of burns and wounds. Honey has antibacterial properties. Many cultures continue to use it as a topical treatment for skin wounds. 
• It can help suppress coughs. Some studies have shown honey to be more effective than OTC cough medications. Another study found that it reduced coughing and improved sleep more than cough medicine. 

Benefits of Infusing Honey with Cannabis

Honey has some pretty amazing benefits. Cannabis offers some significant benefits, too. The plant can help to alleviate pain, promote sleep, and so much more. The addition of other herbs, including cannabis, to honey can create a very powerful combination for preventing or fighting illnesses or diseases within the body. 

How to Infuse Honey at Home

You can purchase pre-made cannabis-infused honey at most dispensaries. Check out the menus of the shops in your local area. You may find your new favorite obsession.

Another option you have is to make cannabis-infused honey at home. At first blush, you might think it to be a difficult project, but it’s actually fairly simple. All you need are a few household ingredients, low heat, and some time. 

Before you start infusing honey, your first step is to decarboxylate your cannabis. Do not skip this step. Decarboxylation activates the cannabinoids, which will allow you to reap the maximum benefits of your infusion. 

After decarboxylating your buds, combine them with your favorite honey in a bowl over a double boiler. Maintain a low heat and allow the mixture to infuse for about 40 minutes. Next, strain the honey through a cheesecloth into a glass jar. Resist the urge to squeeze so that you avoid pushing plant matter through the cloth. Once cooled, store your honey in a cool, dark place. If you’re unsure of how much to use, start with a small amount first. Over time, you should find the dose that provides you with the sweet relief you seek. 

Enjoy Sweet Relief with Cannabis-Infused Honey

With cannabis-infused honey, you get the benefits of both honey and your chosen cannabis strain. You can add a teaspoon to your favorite tea blend to relieve pain and relax at the end of the day. Drizzle some over your cream cheese bagel or mix it into a bowl of yogurt. A little sweetness and a little relief? What could be better? 

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Bubbler vs bong, is one better than the other? As the cannabis community grows, so do the methods in which you can enjoy your bud. With bubblers growing in popularity, you might wonder if they’re going to replace bongs. Or you might be shocked to learn that a bubbler isn’t a bong. 

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‌What is a Bong?

Bongs have been around for centuries and were originally made from bamboo. Today’s bongs became popular in the 60s and are usually made from glass. Bongs can come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. However, they all usually have the same basic parts including:

• Mouthpiece: The very top of the tube where you inhale the smoke
• Tube: The main part of the bong where the smoke collects.
• Ice catch: Part of the tube that holds the ice.
• Percolator: Helps filter and cool the smoke. Not all bongs have one built-in and can be bought separately.
• Bowl: This is where you pack the bud. They’re usually made from glass or quartz. 
• Slide: This is what the downstem fits into and “slides” out of.
• Joint: What attaches the bowl to the slide. 
• Downstem: Attaches the joint and fits in the slide. 
• Base: The bottom of the bong that sits on the table.

‌What is a Bubbler?

Bubblers are often mistaken as small bong or large pipe by people unfamiliar with them. A bubbler is kind of a hybrid device that combines bong and spoon pipe design. Bubblers usually have a spoon pipe design with a water chamber. Parts of a bubbler include:

• Mouthpiece: Same as the bong. 
• Bowl: Fixed to the stem and doesn’t slide. 
• Stem: A fixed part of the bowl that sends the smoke to the water.
• Water chamber: A small area at the bottom of the bubbler for the water.

How are Bubblers and Bongs Similar?

Bubblers and bongs have a few similarities.

• Water: They both use water to filter smoke to create a smooth hit. Where they differ is in size. 
• Materials: Both are usually made out of glass. 
• Slides: The bowl of a bong is attached to a “slide” that you pull when you’re ready to inhale the smoke. Many bubblers also have this feature.

‌How Do They Differ?

Bubblers and bongs have just a few differences. 

• Size: The biggest difference between bubblers and bongs is size. Bubblers are much smaller than bongs. The average small bong is about 12 inches, whereas a bubbler is usually around 6 inches. 
• Portability: Since the bubbler is much smaller, it’s much more portable and easy to handle. 
• Bowl slider: Most bubblers don’t have a slider and the bowl is fixed in place.
• Fewer parts: Bubblers have fewer parts than a bong. 

Is the Bubbler or Bong Better?

Determining which one is better will depend on your preference and circumstances. If you prefer a portable device with a smaller hit, then the bubbler is better. If you prefer a big hit with a quick high, then you might prefer a bong. Just keep in mind the potency of your bud. You may not need large hits to get high quickly. Enjoy!

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We’ve all spent a night or two trying to catch our much-needed beauty rest to no avail. If this happens to you more often than you’d like to admit, we have three magic words for you: weed for sleep. Nowadays, it’s more and more common to use cannabis products to fight insomnia. But how do they work?

‌When Does Weed for Sleep Come in Handy?

Many cannabis enthusiasts are the biggest weed for sleep advocates. Why? Because taking cannabinoids has little to no side effects when compared to traditional sleeping meds. The right cannabis product can help you unwind and shake your day off so that you can focus on the crucial body function that sleeping is.

CBD or TCH: Which One Is the Ultimate Sandman?

The cannabis plant has over 100 cannabinoids. The most researched to date are:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – This is the psychoactive chemical compound that makes you feel high.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) – This is a non-psychoactive substance that helps the body fight pain and inflammation. 

While, depending on your ailments, both compounds can help you stop your restless nights, THC is the one that will ultimately put you to sleep. If you can’t remember your dreams, that’s a great sign the treatment’s working. THC is famous for reducing your REM cycles  — which are where your dreams take place.

So no dreams mean your sleeping more profoundly, and deeper sleep means more rest and extra recuperation. Before you know it, you’ll be waking up fresher than ever and improving your daily performance at work and all your other daily tasks. However — and this is a highly relevant “however” — you still want some REM sleep here and there. Alternate your strains and only use high THC concentration a couple of nights a week for better results. 

Additional Sleeping Aid Agents in Weed

Cannabinoids are not the only substances in weed that will help you get a good night’s sleep. The cannabis plant also has terpenes, which are the compounds that provide the buds with their distinctive flavor and scent. The most popular to fight insomnia are:

• ‌Caryophyllene
• Terpinolene
• Linalool
• Myrcene‌

A strain that contains one or a combination of these chemicals might be even more beneficial for you in the long run. 

Do You Really Need Sleep?

Absolutely! Catching some Zs every night is crucial for our bodies to stay healthy and thriving. However, the stress caused by our daily routines sometimes robs us of our precious hours of deep rest and self-reparation. 

Without the recommended hours of sleep, your brain ceases to function correctly. Much like your PC gets laggy after being on for days on end, your brain might start getting glitchy as well. Rest is vital to maintaining optimal concentration, processing new memories, and thinking straight. In fact, the average adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep every night. 

If you cannot moderate the stress that you handle each day, complement a healthy diet and positive lifestyle habits with a cannabis-based sleeping aid regime. If smoking feels ineffective or impractical to you, you can always ask your local budtender for other cannabis products like tinctures, oils, sublingual strips, or edibles.