Jenn Keeler, WikiLeaf.com, Author at TheJointBlog

How to Properly Dose with Marijuana Edibles

May 8, 2017May 8, 2017 by Jenn Keeler, WikiLeaf.com

Edibles are among the most popular cannabis products around and for good reason: they offer higher highs for longer periods of time.

While this is wonderful news for the marijuana lover, edibles do come with a metaphorical warning label (and a real one as well). This is because they are different than what some people are used to in regards to pot and dose plays a huge role.

For years, smoking was the most popular form of cannabis ingestion and those who lit up joints or packed bowls were rewarded immediately: inhale, feel awesome, repeat. There was virtually no waiting time before the effects set in.

Edibles are a different game: you keep waiting – waiting for your high, waiting for relaxation, maybe even waiting for Godot. So, exactly what do you do? Or, more accurately, how much do you take?

The 10 MG Dose Rule

There are several things that impact how you’ll react to edibles. If you’re inexperienced with marijuana, you’ll likely find edibles much more powerful than someone whose bong has their own Instagram page. But your metabolism plays a major role too: bigger people tend to have faster metabolisms – a 300 pound offensive lineman burns much more calories each day than the average Joe – and thus they feel the effects of edibles faster. Small people feel them as well, naturally, but the time between ingestion and awesome is longer; it may be thirty minutes longer or over an hour longer.

Whether or not you’ve eaten is also a factor. Edibles should always be consumed when you have something in your stomach. You don’t need to have a four course meal, but make sure your system isn’t running on empty. Not only will this help reign in your high, but it’ll help keep the munchies at bay. Consuming pot via any route when you’re hungry is never a good idea. It’s how pet goldfish become California rolls.

Yet, even with all the variation shown above, the one thing that really impacts the influence of edibles is how much you take

Most people are instructed to begin with 10 mg and go from there. However, if you’re anxious about it or if you’ve had less-than-stellar experiences with pot in the past, starting at 5 mg may be more suitable. You can always take more but you can’t do the opposite.

The rules may change if your edibles only contain CBD. Cheeba Chews, for example, are CBD edibles. Taking more than 10 mg won’t affect you the same way taking an extra dose of THC edibles would, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel anything. Many CBD edibles have some THC, two percent or so. In a dose, the THC level is too low to do much (but it’s included because THC enhances the effects of CBD). Take a couple more CBD edibles and the THC adds up; you risk getting high when that wasn’t your intention.

What all of this means is that 10 mg is a good starting point, not matter what type of edible you have. If you feel as though it’s too low – and it very well may be – at least give it a chance to prove itself. Take 10 mg and wait. Give yourself at least an hour, but you might need more. Women, especially, may have to wait two hours before they understand why Mary Jane is indeed merry.

If you do decide to ingest another dose, consider going lower than you initially did: don’t take another 10 mg, take 5. Then wait some more

You don’t want to reach the point of no return: popping edible after edible will get you there. And, while you won’t overdose the way people do on harder drugs (or alcohol), you’ll regret your decision. Plus, you might find yourself turned off from edibles for a very long time.

Other Edible Tips

Upon buying edibles, pay very close attention to the dosage instructions on the bottle or package. If you buy a chocolate bar with 80 mg of THC, that bar isn’t meant to be ingested in one sitting (though it’s the same size of a normal candy bar); it’s meant to be eaten in segments. It’s the same thing if you buy something like sour gummies – don’t eat gummy after gummy the way you would Sour Patch Kids inside the local movie theater. Eat one gummy. One usually contains 10 mg of THC.

Cannabis edibles are never designed to be eaten as if they’re regular food; you can’t mindlessly snack on pot brownies or suck on lollipop after lollipop. You can, of course, but not without a high that – more than likely – will soar to unintentional altitudes.

Ideally, your first time trying edibles should be somewhere safe: your own home with some friends is much better than at a crowded concert or in your work cubicle. Because everyone’s body chemistry is different, there is no one-size-fits-all experience. Having someone well-versed in edibles by your side is also a good move; they’ll help make sure you don’t take too much and they’ll know how to help in the event you grow paranoid. Or at least they’ll pretend to know.

Your alcohol consumption is another thing that warrants recognition. Some people can and do take edibles with alcohol and find the experience enjoyable.

But if you’re new to edibles, bringing a beer along for the ride has a few downsides

Firstly, alcohol can potentiate the effects of THC, making you feel higher than pot alone. You may love this or you may hate it. Secondly, when you mix alcohol with cannabis, it can be difficult to figure out where your drunk ends and your high begins. This takes away from your experience with edibles by preventing you from discovering what they truly feel like. So, try edibles alone the first few times before you throw alcohol into the ring. You’ll avoid a hangover, as an added bonus.

A final thought about edibles: they’re not for everyone. Some people don’t like their amplified effects and others don’t like how long they last. If a quick, short buzz is more your style, just say no to noshing. Your bong will welcome you back with open arms.

Best Marijuana Strains for Treating Depression

January 17, 2017January 17, 2017 by Jenn Keeler, WikiLeaf.com

Depression is more than a fleeting sadness that comes about when bad things happen; instead, it’s a mood disorder that manifests as a feeling of hopelessness and doom – there’s no light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. It’s not something that goes away easily either; in order to be diagnosed, the symptoms of depression must linger for two weeks or longer.

The Different Forms of Depression

Depression isn’t really one disease but a term used to describe a variety of diseases, all with similar characteristics. According to the Nation Institute of Mental Health, some of the different forms of depression include:

Dysthymia (or Persistent Depressive Disorder): This is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. The severity of the symptoms come and go – the sufferer may experience major depression with episodes of ease.

Psychotic depression

This type of depression is marked by severe depression plus some type of psychosis (such as hallucinations or delusions). There’s often a theme to this psychosis, things like guilt or illness.

Perinatal depression

Women suffering from this type of depression see their illness flair up during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The symptoms are severe and marked by extreme feelings of exhaustion, sadness, and anxiousness. It usually interferes with a mother’s ability to care for her newborn.

Seasonal affective disorder

This type of depression is dictated by the change of the seasons and arises when the days grow shorter (and natural sunlight decreases). It tends to get better in the spring and summer but winter is difficult. People who suffer from SAD gain weight, increase sleep, and withdraw socially during the colder months.

The Signs of Depression

Depression is much more than having the “blues.” While everyone experiences sadness from time to time, depression is an overt hopelessness that doesn’t go away and often occurs without reason (the person is sad, but can’t always explain why).

Some of the most common symptoms include: an empty mood that persists for a period of time; feelings of pessimism; irritability; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; decreased energy; talking slowly with a lack of animation; trouble sitting still; difficulty concentrating or sleeping; changes in appetite and weight; and thoughts of suicide or actual attempts.

Depression can have physical symptoms as well.

It might cause changes in blood pressure, heart palpitations, unexplained pain, headaches, cramps, and digestive issues

No one knows why one person gets depression and another doesn’t, but risk factors make people prone. It’s much more common in adulthood but the foundation is often built in childhood: anxious children become anxious grownups. It’s also more common in people with co-existing physical illness.

Of course, genetics play a role – a family history makes it more likely. So do major life changes, like moving or going through a divorce.

Treatment of Depression

The good news about depression is that it’s treatable, even in its most severe forms. This often involves medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (a form of treatment that stimulates the brain) may be used as an alternative.

Cannabis is also an option; its reputation is growing as an effective way of sedating the sadness.

Per the Huffington Post, recent research found that endocannabinoids may treat depression that results from chronic stress

Chronic stress reduces the production of endocannabinoids, but marijuana helps restore the levels of the brain. This ultimately stabilizes mood.

Still, some strains are better for the depressed than others. Strains that leave the user panicked aren’t ideal: you’re depressed and now you’re paranoid about it. Instead, try one of the following:

Sugar Klingon

Sugar Klingon was specifically bred to weed out the undesirable genetics of Klingonberry (the mother strain). It carries a cerebral high that’s great for elevating moods without making the user feel tired of sluggish.

The high is very potent and extremely euphoric, making it a good choice for socializing. It leaves the user motivated and active with a “laugh at everything” attitude. It’s effective in those who’ve built up tolerance to other strains too.

Wonder Woman

Comic book nerds will appreciate the name; everyone else will appreciate the high – it’s very cerebral and excellent at elevating the mood. It’s usually recommended not only for depression, but also for people suffering from anxiety and those who need stress relief.

It’s well-liked for its high yields as well as its length: the buzz lasts for several hours, making Wonder Woman a lady many want to take home.

Casey Jones

This Sativa-dominant strains is named after the train conductor who famously saved the lives of his passengers. While not a super uplifting story, as Jones perished, the strain itself doesn’t disappoint: it’s filled with a euphoria that comes on quickly.

It tends to stimulate creativity and make users introspective of themselves and other things (seriously, why didn’t Donald Duck ever wear pants?). It’s energizing with a lot of get up and go. This makes it good for depression, but not ideal for night use.

Cantaloupe Haze

This strains feels like a hybrid with its ability to activate the mind but sedate the body. It evokes a lot of energy but an underlying body buzz to boot. Some people respond to the Indica and find themselves falling into sleep. Others find it helps them get things done.

First time users should beware of these differences: take it at night, at least initially, in case it has a more sedating effect on you. Either way, it’s a great strain for anxiety, stress, and chronic pain. Even if it does leave you sitting on the couch, you’ll be happy about it.

Bubblegum

You know a strain called Bubblegum just has to be effective for depression. It’s often used by those who suffer from mood disorders (as well as those experiencing stress and anxiety) and provides them with the ability to relax.

It does induce some laziness: if depression also causes insomnia, this is the strain for you. But, because of this, it’s not recommended for use during daytime or before any activities that require concentration: driving, testing taking, or that competitive “Memory” tournament you signed up for months ago.

Marijuana Strains that are Best for Insomnia

January 9, 2017January 8, 2017 by Jenn Keeler, WikiLeaf.com

Marijuana is known to help with insomnia; but what are the best strains for treating the ailment?

Most of us have been there from time to time – the tossing and turning, the staring at the ceiling, the listening to our spouse loudly snore and subsequently wondering how hard it would be to smother them with a pillow (they have life insurance, right?). Sleep is one of those things that’s never an issue until it proves elusive. While some inability to sleep is normal on occasion, the problem grows in severity when it’s frank insomnia – habitual sleeplessness. Insomnia not only messes up our nights, but our days to a major degree.

The Causes of Insomnia

According to the National Sleep Foundation, insomnia has several causes. It can be caused by underlying psychiatric or medical conditions, unhealthy sleep habits, ingesting certain substances (like coffee right before bed), and genetic factors.

Medications play a role as well. Those taken for high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, depression, and the common cold can all leave a person wide awake at two a.m. There are a few reports of birth control pills during the same.

Of course, an underlying sleep condition may be the root of the problem. Restless leg syndrome, a neurological condition where a person feels uncomfortable sensations that compel them to move their legs, and sleep apnea, a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely obstructed during sleep (ultimately leading to a drop in oxygen and a pause in breath), are often implicated.

Some people with insomnia have no overt cause – they simply have brains unable to turn off and enter the sleep cycle

How Common is Insomnia?

Per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, insomnia is common among adults: 30 to 35 percent have brief symptoms of insomnia; 15 to 20 percent have a temporary disorder, manifesting as a condition that lasts less than three months; and 10 percent have chronic insomnia. The latter is diagnosed when it occurs at least three times each week for a period of at least three months.

While some insomnia isn’t likely to affect you all that much, the real danger lies when it’s recurring

Chronic insomnia not only increases your risk of hypertension and depression, but it interferes with your quality of life by disturbing mood, leaving you unmotivated, reducing memory and an ability to focus, and leaving you tired during the day. It makes you more prone to auto accidents (or workplace accidents) too.

Insomnia costs the US workforce about $63 million in impaired performances each year.

The Treatments of Insomnia

Depending on its severity, treatment for insomnia can be minor or a major life overhaul. It might be as easy as turning off the TV before bedtime or (yes) counting sheep. It might involve popping a sleeping pill or taking a bath. Or it might involve cognitive behavior therapy, a type of treatment that involves changing attitudes and behaviors that negatively impact your quality of sleep.

Or it might involve cannabis.

Strains for Insomnia

More and more people are turning towards cannabis as a way to fall asleep. With many strains producing relaxing effects, it makes sense that it’d be successful in calming the mind as your head hits the pillow.

Some of the best strains for this issue include:

Maple Leaf Indica

This strain is pure Indica (that’s a big “duh” given its name). It provides a powerful body high and is known for its knockout power, even in people who have tolerance.

It offers some creativity and cerebral stimulation, making it something you want to smoke an hour or so before bed. After the stimulation wears off, it leaves you lazy and tired. This makes it ideal for nighttime use, but a lousy choice before heading to work in the morning.

As an added bonus, it’s sometimes used as an aphrodisiac. So if you still can’t sleep, at least you’ll have something else to “do.”

Sandstorm

An offspring of Indica strains, Sandman Sandstorm is described as potent. It’s very relaxing and will make you want to lie down. A common choice for insomniacs, true to its title, it elicits a visit from the Sandman.

It’s also useful for relieving chronic pain, nausea, anxiety, and stress. Some people use it to induce appetite as well.

Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Glue is Sativa-dominant, which may make it seem like an odd choice for insomnia. But it offers an Indica-like calm. It’s very popular among recreational and medical users and offers what is described as a “body melt.”

It’s uplifting and offers some cerebral effects, but it’s not something good for morning use: wait until nightfall or at least dusk.

Afgooey

Another Indica-dominant strain, Afgooey is well known for its euphorial if you’re happy and you know it, fall asleep! This uplifting sense that everything is great and wonderful is followed by laziness, the reason it’s recommended only for end of the day use.

It’s sedating, certainly, but it makes people very hungry too: consider having a midnight snack ready to go if you’re likely to imbibe. It’s also used by people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, stress and anxiety, and chronic migraine headaches.

Kryptonite

Kryptonite is very potent; you don’t have to be Superman for it to knock you on your butt! The THC is reportedly very high, as high as 30 percent (most Indica strains offer THC levels half that).

The effects last for a while and provide a body buzz that makes you feel sedated and content to lie on your sofa. Some people report feelings of floating and an inclination to engage in creative endeavors, like writing, painting, or meditation and yoga.

Many insomniacs point to Kryptonite as their strain of choice. It’s calm enough to bring about sleep, but enduring enough to keep the effect going. No one wants to fall asleep at eleven p.m. only to wake up at three a.m. unable to fall back into their slumber.

Moldy Marijuana: What to do

December 29, 2016December 28, 2016 by Jenn Keeler, WikiLeaf.com

Moldy marijuana: A look at what causes it and what to do about it.

You’ve probably encountered mold at some point in your life; and if you’re a cannabis consumer, you may have encountered mold on marijuana.

Under good circumstances, mold is little more than an inconvenience or a waste of food. But it’s not always benign. From acute allergies to chronic health conditions, mold is mean. And, when it meets marijuana, it’s just downright rotten.

Mold Defined

In scientific terms and nerdy definitions, mold is a type of fungus, eukaryotic microorganisms that fester on dead organic material including wood, plants, and leaves. It’s not always visible to the naked eye, but when it is, it’s seen in a variety of different shades. The color is dictated by its nutrient sources, the surface it rests upon, and its age.

The Causes of Moldy Marijuana

The number one thing conducive to mold is moisture: this is why you’re more likely to find it in your shower than in your wine cellar. A lack of air circulation also helps it thrive, as spores multiply under tight conditions. In grow rooms, fans mitigate this type of welcoming environment, leaving mold less likely to move in and get comfortable. But that doesn’t make your plants immune entirely.

Temperature is important too, as mold can’t flourish in cold conditions (under 40 degrees) or those that are extremely hot (over 100 degrees)

Pot shops in dry climates are typically less effected than those located in areas wet and humid: you might be Sleepless in Seattle because you’ve been up all night drying off your herb.

Like us, mold needs food and oxygen in order to survive. It decomposes things such as gypsum board and oak and feeds on those nutrients. While it can’t grow on inorganic material – concrete, for example – it feeds on the dirt and dust concrete harbors. And, of course, it feeds on your marijuana plants. Belly up to the bar, weed is among its favorite meals.

Why Moldy Marijuana is Bad

Mold isn’t exactly a houseguest you invite over with promises of home cooked meals and superfast Wi-Fi: while some is harmless, other types are dangerous. If left alone in a residence, it’s possible for the more troublesome types to cause a respiratory response in those who live there. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, and sore throat that persists even after a tumbler of Nyquil.

Mold is also dangerous for pot smokers who smoke infected plants.

Sometimes, people mistake rotten weed for weed that’s laced with other drugs, such as opium

They may experience headaches, vomiting, trouble breathing, diarrhea, and heart palpitations. A pneumonia is also a possibility.

What Moldy Marijuana Looks Like

You can’t always see mold without the help of a black light or a lens. But, when it’s visible, it often appears as dark spots or spores; white, grey, yellow, or brown fuzz; or a white, grey, or black web-like material.

Mold gives off an odor, this makes knowing what your herb is supposed to smell like vital

If the smell changes to one that’s musty, urine-like, or the odor of a sweat sock after a marathon, you might have a problem. A smell described as “intensely lavender” may also be an indication of infestation.

How to Keep Mold Away from Your Plants

The best way to keep mold away from your plants is to understand why it happens in the first place. Is the moisture too high during the drying process? Do you use fruit peels to add flavor to your buds, inadvertently introducing the fungus? Do you store wet plants in airtight containers? Are you trying out a new business model, hoping to gain a reputation as a fungi?

In most circumstances, there are five types of mold that are heavy marijuana proponents: aspergillus (these spores are extremely common – you’re probably inhaling some right now); penicillium (some types of this mold are used to create antibiotics); rhizopus (a mold found on fruit, breads, peanuts, and tobacco); mucor (a fast-growing type but not powerful against warm-blooded creatures); boytrytis (also known as “bud rot,” it fancies itself a wine connoisseur, infamous for its attacks on vineyards, but it goes after cannabis too).

One way to avoid moldy marijuana is to purchase plants with an increased resistance. Some of the most hardly strains include satori, pineapple express, hashberry and cannatonic.

Still, as many of us know, genetics aren’t the end all be all: just because your grandpa lived to be a hundred doesn’t mean you should replace Tae Bo with tacos. Care, environment, and sheer luck – for humans and plants – are other pieces of the puzzle.

A few recommendations on how to avoid mold include buying strains suitable for your region (for outdoor growth, climate is most important); learning the d
etails of the strain (both minor and major); refraining from planting strains that are risky (mold is very contagious); experimenting with new strains in small quantities; and saving cuttings to use as backups for future mother plants (just in case).

You should also grow in an area where your plants will feel a breeze through their leaves, but not so much that they become overwhelmed by wind. Rain is another concern: protect your pot from pours with an overhead tarp (not one placed directly on top of the flowers). If you live an area where dew is common each morning, give your plants a good shake.

When Mold Happens

Cannabis infected mold should be disposed of immediately, not only for human health but also to stop it from spreading to nearby plants. Some people have a harder time than others parting with their buds, mold be damned. But, particularly for those growing commercially, it’s not worth the risk. Plus, smoking moldy weed is sort of akin to Seinfeld’s George Costanza pulling that éclair out of the trash when he thinks no one is looking. Take a lesson from him in regards to fung-filled hemp: someone’s always bound to notice.

Marijuana Drug Test: Is the 30 Day Rule Fact or Fiction?

August 7, 2018December 27, 2016 by Jenn Keeler, WikiLeaf.com

Many believe if you abstain from cannabis for 30 days, you’ll pass a marijuana drug test. Here’s a look at whether or not that’s true.

So, you’re up for a new job! What other reason would you want to know how long THC stays in your system? A marijuana drug test of course! Congrats on the career change; here’s to hoping cannabis doesn’t ruin your chance at a new cubicle.

Marijuana drug test lore suggests that THC stays in your system for ten or so days,but the answer isn’t really that black and white. Rather, all sorts of variables play a role including your size, your metabolism, and your tolerance.

Thus, the answer to this question: it depends. There, you’re welcome.

Marijuana: The More You Smoke, The More You’re Screwed

Smoking lots of marijuana sets you up to fail a drug test: that much is clear. But heavy marijuana users are likely to fail even after a period of abstaining from the herb. According to a study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence;

THC is detectable in urine tests after two weeks of abstinence in people who smoke regularly (and two weeks is a conservative estimate)

Other studies draw a similar conclusion; in people who use marijuana routinely (every day or close to it), THC can stay in the system for months. This doesn’t mean the person remains high the entire time (sorry!); it merely means that the drug hasn’t been fully excreted from their system yet. Urine tests, similar to hair tests, don’t measure the amount of THC; they measure the level of THC metabolites.

The Variables that Play a Role

As mentioned above, several variables work together to either remove or hold onto THC; two people who share a joint one Friday night at a party can easily have drastically different drug test results come Monday.

Body fat plays an important role in this regard: plainly, the more body fat you have, the longer it’ll take THC to leave your system. This is due to the fact that THC metabolites are lipid-soluble and accumulate inside fat reserves. Ergo, a person with more fat offers more places for THC to make itself comfortable.

A fast metabolism is helpful to removal – the faster your metabolism, the faster THC metabolites decrease – as is drinking lots of water.

Dehydration causes the urine to concentrate, priming it to release THC and return a positive result

Naturally, the frequency of use plays, perhaps, the most important role (as the aforementioned study shows). If you smoke a joint socially every once in a while, you’re much less likely to fail a drug test than someone who smokes with any kind of regularity.

It’s believed that everyday factors like diet, exercise level, and stress also contribute, but to what degree isn’t certain. Exercise and spicy foods increase your metabolism, so it makes sense that they’d speed up the removal of THC from your body. The moral of the story? If you’re scheduled for a drug-screen think jalapenos and jazzercise.

Marijuana Drug Test: The 30-Day Rule

The 30-day Rule is often circulated in marijuana-loving circles as the gold-standard in which a person will test negative: if you don’t smoke for a month, you’re good to go. But, in reality, it’s rare for a readable amount of THC to stay in your system for that long; it can occur, but it’s an exception rather than a rule.

A study published back in 1989 by the National Institutes of Health found that the average length of time until THC was no longer traceable was 9.8 days. A study conducted five years prior showed similar results with 8 out of ten subjects testing cleanly in under two weeks.

A lot of this has to do with testing limits. For workplace testing, the usual cutoff is 50 ng/ml – most people test negative after around a week and a half of no marijuana exposure. If the limits were lowered, to 20 ng/ml for instance, the detection window widens to around three or so weeks.

What about CBD Consumption?

Standard drug testing tests for THC metabolites, not CBD. In other words, consuming CBD oil or wearing a CBD patch isn’t likely to result in a positive test.

Some CBD products contain small amounts of THC, but most of the limits are so low they aren’t likely to do anything

The exceptions of this are cannabis strains high in CBD as they’re often high in THC as well (and if not “high,” certainly much higher than what you’d find in CBD oil). This isn’t always the case, as some CBD strains are quite low in THC, but most have some measurable amounts of the cannabinoid.

Marijuana Drug Test: Beating the Screening

If you’re applying for a new job and you’re a frequent smoker, the best thing you can do to stop a positive result is to abstain from cannabis use (I’ll pause for your laughter). If that’s not a task you’re willing to do (or unable to do in regards to medicinal use); there are other tricks of the trade (or tricks of the charade).

Some people turn to synthetic cannabinoids as a way to alter the tests; these are risky (for your wellness and your result). And some testing labs are onto this scheme: if you take a synthetic cannabinoid, it’ll show up on the report and everyone will know you’re a cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater.

Other people swear by detox drinks and B vitamins, but water is a viable option too

Water flushes out your system (and the THC inside it). But don’t wait until the day of your test to suddenly go full on camel; start flushing it out a few days before. If your urine is too diluted and you’re overhydrated from drinking way too much H2O; it can invalidate the test (and it’s not great for your kidneys either).

And, of course, never smoke in the days right before a test. It’s a pain in the butt, sure, but it’s only a few days; put down the ganja and just have some vodka.

Click Here To Lean More About Drug Testing, and How to Pass a Drug Test with Detox Pills