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Can You Use Cannabis To Boost Athletic Performance and Recovery? 

In the world of professional sports, many athletes turn to weed as a natural way to boost athletic performance and recover after a hard workout. After all, weed has anti-inflammatory and mind-boosting compounds, making it an ideal substance for getting into an athletic mindset or recovering from an intense training session.

However, cannabis has yet to be considered or even accepted in the athletic world, despite the many benefits that some professional athletes claim it has. In this article, we’ll talk about weed as an athletic booster and recovery aid, and how some professional athletes use it in their training and rest sessions.

Can Weed Boost Athletic Performance?

To date, there is no research available to show that weed can enhance athletic performance. However, some studies have shown that marijuana has other benefits that may be useful for athletes, such as relieving pain and enhancing the recovery process.

According to a 2020 study, there are no ergogenic or ergolytic associated with weed consumption. In other words, it does not improve athletic performance. 

However, the study authors noted that marijuana may be conveyed as a psychotropic enhancement or pain reduction remedy for athletes, and may provide benefits when taken as a supplement. 

Here are some important key findings from the above-mentioned study on chronic cannabis use and athletic performance:

• To determine if weed can be used as a potential doping agent, researchers who conducted a 2018 analysis found three studies on the topic that were published between 1975 and 1986, indicating a small ergogenic effect on bronchodilation and an opposing ergolytic effect on anaerobic performance 

• Past studies on VO2 max showed that there were no significant effects on physiological measures or VO2 max, except for heart rate, which was higher during rest, recovery phases, and during exercise in the cannabis condition 

• Athletes ranging from recreational to elite stated that they used cannabis due to its calming, pain reduction, and sleep aid effects – some reported that cannabis use was similar to a “runners high”

Another 2020 study indicated that unlike THC, which has intoxicating effects, CBD is no longer banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and may have several various physiological and psychological effects that can benefit athletes, such as improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep.

Additional research shows that marijuana may also be used to help improve concussion-related symptoms, especially in regards to pain management. It’s believed to be popular among athletes involved in sliding sports (skeleton and bobsledding) and ice hockey, as well as within injuries associated with Paralympics athletes. 

What Do Athletes Say About Weed?

Despite any controversies, an article published in Men’s Health indicated that many professional athletes use marijuana for various reasons, including getting into a training mindset.  

According to Jim Alpine, founder of the 420 Games, cannabis helps get your mind into a flow state as an athlete. He stated that cannabis can unlock your mind’s focus on the sport you’re partaking in – whether you’re running, lifting weight in the gym, or skiing. 

Alpine went on to state that marijuana has always been a huge part of the bodybuilding culture. He stated that most athletes hid their marijuana use due to negative stigmas, but not that the health benefits of weed are starting to come out and the plant is becoming legal in many places, it’s nothing to hide anymore. 

Endurance athletes also use weed for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with intense exercise sessions. According to professional ultra marathoner Avery Collins, using transdermal patches can help you bounce back from sports-related wear and tear. He stated that after a 30 or 40 mile run, he will use CBD compounds to help calm down his legs and stop the throbbing and pounding, allowing his legs to recover faster.

Doctors Agree Weed Should Be Considered As Possible Recovery Treatment

According to Suzanne Sisley, M.D., an Arizona-based psychiatrist and physician linked to the group Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, many athletes – including those in the NFL or NBA – are learning about the potential therapeutic effect of marijuana, and they are teaching each other how to use it. 

Other health experts have noted the safety of marijuana when compared to other pain-relieving drugs, such as Vicodin and opioids, which are commonly used when an athlete gets injured or in a serious accident. 

Although CBD is not legal in the UFC, it’s becoming an increasingly popular way for fighters to avoid prescription pain pills. UFC fighter Nate Diaz even uses it to treat symptoms of concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is a progressive disease that may occur due to several repeated blows to the head. 

Diaz noted that CBD helps him with the healing and inflammation process. He stated that smoking a CBD-loaded vape pen helps make his life a better place before and after fights and training. The bottom line is that more research needs to be done on the impact of using weed if you’re an athlete, and how professional organizations might regulate the plant in the future. Fortunately, it looks like research initiatives are already getting underway. In 2019, Aurora Cannabis teamed up with UFC to develop clinical research on CBD, athlete wellness and recovery, and other research is sure to come. Expect to see more studies unfolding in this space soon. 

One of the lesser-known applications of CBD is in dentistry. Several properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial achieved through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, can benefit the users.

A wide assortment of CBD edibles like candies, gummies, chewing gums, and chocolates is growing popular worldwide. One of the reasons for this increasing interest is that these edibles are delicious and easy to dose. But did you know some of them can also benefit your teeth and gum health?

So, what are the benefits of CBD-infused treats to dental hygiene? Given that sugar-filled treats may not be the right choice for your gums, which CBD treats are most appropriate to achieve good oral health? Here are four amazing CBD treats that are flavor-filled and good for your gums.

1.  Cannabis Chewing Gums

Chewing gums are useful for washing away food debris, reducing decay-causing acid levels in the mouth, removing harmful sugars from corrupting the enamel, and even helping with ear-wax build-up. They help protect the mouth against decay, cavities and induce a refreshing smell and after-feel. 

The addition of CBD in your regular chewing gums introduces several powerful benefits to this treat. It is one of the quickest ways of experiencing the effects of cannabidiol. Hemp oil contains a compound called Lecithin that doubles as an emulsifier to enable CBD to travel down to the gut and float on the stomach acid. On reaching the gut, the compound goes through rapid oxidation to finally enter the bloodstream. The complete process provides various benefits, including stress and anxiety relief, enhanced appetite, and pain relief.

 Chewing CBD-infused gum also has potential benefits to the gums. The process releases a spectrum of cannabinoids into the mouth. These phytocannabinoids can reduce inflammation in the gums effectively due to potent anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD is also a powerful antibiotic that can reduce bacteria-induced infections in the gums. The compound can thus protect the teeth and gums and promote dental hygiene. Chewing a CBD gum post-meal can be quite beneficial to eliminate food deposits that can breed harmful bacteria.

2.  CBD Fudge

Typically fudge recipes have too much sugar that can affect the gums and teeth. This CBD-infused fudge recipe, like most red horn kratom, leverages the dental benefits of cannabidiol. Using peanut butter with no sugar or additives can be beneficial to your gums. Research suggests that it can fight gum disease and help repair damaged cells as it is a rich protein source.

What You Need:

½ cup coconut oil

2 cups creamy peanut butter

One tablespoon vanilla extract

Two tablespoons CBD oil

2 cups shredded coconut(unsweetened)

Five tablespoons honey

Salt

How To Prepare

1. Add the shredded coconut to a food processor and beat till it turns creamy and smooth.
2. Add the peanut butter, coconut oil, and CBD oil and blend again.
3. Add the maple syrup and blend thoroughly. Make sure the mixture is not too thick. You can add some coconut oil to balance the texture.
4. Include the vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt, and blend thoroughly.
5. Place parchment paper on a baking dish and spread the fudge mixture evenly.
6. Top it with coconut shavings and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
7. Remove and cut into small pieces and serve.

3. Berries Frozen Yogurt

Creating treats that can satisfy your cravings while maintaining your dental health can be challenging. This delicious mixed berries frozen yogurt recipe is enriched with antioxidants and several powerful nutrients that can strengthen your gums and fight against harmful bacteria that induce dental problems. Yogurt can additionally aid in boosting your gums and protecting tooth enamel by reducing the effect of acids. 

What You Need

2 cups strawberry

1 cup raspberry

1 cup blueberry

1 cup nonfat plain yogurt

½ cup honey or any sugar-free sweetener of your choice

One tablespoon lemon juice

How To Prepare

1. Combine the berries and sweetener in a food processor and blend until it forms a thick paste.
2. Gradually add the lemon juice and yogurt to the processor and blend again.
3. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
4. Remove and beat the yogurt using a hand beater till creamy and serve.

4. CBD Avocado Chocolate Mousse

This extraordinary union of avocado, dark chocolate, and CBD creates a dessert with the perfect texture and impeccable flavors is a fantastic choice for your gums.

Avocados are rich in antioxidants and probiotic bacteria. They aid in fighting harmful bacterias affecting the gums and teeth. CBD and the goodness of magnesium from avocados work together to reduce inflammation in the gums and alleviate the risk of cavities and tooth decay. The dark chocolate not only adds impeccable flavors but also protects your gum.

What You Need

2 cups coconut milk

2 cups unsweetened dark chocolate melted

Three tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Two tablespoons vanilla extract

Four ripe avocados

Three tablespoons honey

Two tablespoons CBD oil

How To Prepare

1. Scoop out the avocado and blend it into a smooth paste in a food processor.
2. Add coconut milk, cacao powder, dark chocolate, vanilla extract, CBD oil, and honey.
3. Blend till they form a creamy mixture.
4. In a small bowl, whip some coconut milk to create coconut cream.
5. Layer the avocado mixture and coconut cream in a dessert bowl and refrigerate.
6. Serve with a garnish of chocolate shavings.

Conclusion

These are some delicious CBD-infused treats that can also bring ample benefits to your gums. The presence of CBD oil along with carefully chosen ingredients makes it the perfect treats to ease your sweet tooth while striving for healthy teeth and gums.

If you are one of the millions of people globally that experiences chronic pain then marijuana might be just the thing to soothe your pain. Cannabis is becoming more popular as an alternative to traditional pain killers. This natural green medication can ease chronic pain created by nerve damage or inflammation as well as everyday muscle pain. Certain strains can effectively combat the type of pain you are suffering from to help make life more manageable. Luckily there are plenty of strains to choose from!

Many people living with pain will say that the most effective strain will have an even amount of CBD and THC. If you prefer a stronger Indica or Sativa, don’t worry! There are strains available for every need making it easy to incorporate them into your lifestyle.

CBD vs. THC

Both of these cannabinoids come from the cannabis plant but they have very different effects on the body. THC is what gives you that feeling of being “high” while CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects. CBD is often referred to as the “bliss molecule” but only because it leaves you feeling relaxed and stress-free. This dynamic duo works well as a team and together may help new users ease into this medicine. The CBD blocks some of the psychoactive effects of THC and can help users feel less anxious while reaping the many benefits.

High-CBD Strain To Treat Pain: CBD is one of the best anti-inflammatories out there! Strains that are high in CBD will work best for pain caused by inflammation like arthritis. It can do this so well by blocking inflammatory mediators in the body.

High-THC Strain to Treat Pain: THC has been used to cure pain for centuries. In clinical studies, it showed its effectiveness to reduce pain in cancer, AIDS, and fibromyalgia patients. Many of these patients have illnesses that are resistant to other pain medications making cannabis the perfect option.

Does It Work?

There have been countless studies on marijuana as a pain reliever and they are promising! In one study they polled around 3,000 medical marijuana patients, many who had been on opioids in the last 6 months. 97% of people said they were able to lower their opioid intake while soaking marijuana and 81% said that it was even more effective alone than when paired with opioids.

Other studies have led researchers to believe it is the best option for helping nerve pain and muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis. It has started to seem that this natural medication can replace opioids altogether. In recent studies with the legalization of marijuana opioid prescriptions have been on the decline.

It isn’t only the studies that make this natural option look promising, it’s the countless personal stories from people that have been positively affected. Alexandra Callner, 58, shares how when she had tried recreational marijuana in her teen years, she had not been a fan. In her 20’s she could not see herself trying it again. Later in life, she would change her mind after her knee pain became debilitating. She was on pain pills that were hard on her stomach but still could not sleep through the extricating pain. Her neighbour suggested she get some medical marijuana and it worked its magic right away. She was able to sleep through the night for the first time in a year. Now, she has included it into her nightly ritual and she hasn’t looked back.

“Every night, I get into bed, read about an hour, take one or two puffs, and then I am off  to sleep,” she says. “The pain is much lighter.”

The Best Strains for Your Pain

1. Sour Diesel: This zingy strain is Sativa- dominant with high THC levels. It not only relieves pain but is perfect at keeping you happy and energized throughout the day. Pure Green Express has this strain as a flower but also has a huge selection of edible options that can help with pain conditions. (Try the Forbidden Forbidden Fruit – Sour Cream Soda Floats).
2. Pink Kush: This Indica-dominant Hybrid has powerful body-focused effects that even small doses, helps to eliminate pain, insomnia, and appetite loss. Relaxation runs in Pink Kush’s Indica genes, promoting rest and stress relief without total sedation.
3. ACDC: This is the most popular medical marijuana strain. It’s a strong Sativa that is also high in CBD. It’s low THC so has all of the medicinal benefits without the strong psychoactive effects. It’s pungent and earthy tasting with a hint of citrus. It helps with social anxiety, chronic pain, seizures, nausea, tremors, and can help treat multiple sclerosis. This strain is perfect night or day as it relaxes the body while leaving you with the energy to face the day. Pure Green Express has this strain available in vape cartridges that are an easy convenient way to consume your medication.
4. Cannatonic: This strain has low levels of THC while very high levels of CBD making it perfect for daytime use. It’s popular for its healing properties and id an ideal choice for medicating conditions such as Chronic Pain, Migraines, Muscle Spasms, and Anxiety. Pure Green Express has this strain available in vape cartridges that are an easy convenient way to consume your medication.
5. Greasy Pink: Greasy Pink is a potent Indica-dominant strain known best for its heavy body buzz. A product of East Coast Collective, this strain is a super-pheno of Pink Kush and is an excellent medicinal treatment for people with chronic pain and insomnia. This strain is ideal to help relax the body and mind. Restful sleep will surely follow.
6. Miracle Alien Cookies: Miracle Alien Cookies, a.k.a. MAC is an evenly balanced ideal for any Hybrid lover who appreciates a super heavy flavour and high. MAC brings on hard-hitting effects that will have you feeling content with the world around you in no time at all. This strain is known to help with Appetite Loss, Chronic Pain, Depression, Insomnia and Stress.
7. Bubba Kush: Last, but not least, one of the most well-known strains. It’s near purebred Indica strain with a history that can be traced back to the Hindu Kush landrace strains.  Bubba Kush offers a sweet and aromatic earthiness that is certainly hard to top. Reserved for those quieter at-home nights, or at least more restful occasions, this strain will help you sleep while boosting mood, and creativity. 

No matter what kind of pain you are suffering from Pure Green Express has the strain you need to relax. If you have tried any of these strains or others for chronic pain let us know!

Since legalization, cannabis has been exponentially growing in popularity and people are really starting to get creative! It’s no surprise that as more is becoming known about the many benefits of this natural medication more people are experimenting with infusing just about everything with marijuana. In a previous article, I shared how to create and enjoy “green” cocktails but now I am coming to you with something new and inventive in the world of cannabis drinks – cannabis wine. Also cleverly referred to as canna-vin, it’s popping up in every wine region that has legalized this magical, green herb.

What Is Weed Wine?

Weed wine is exactly what it sounds like – wine infused with a THC, or/and CBD emulsion. If it sold commercially it is almost 100% guaranteed to have had the alcohol removed. It looks like a normal bottle of wine but of course, the taste does not stand up to the real thing. After the de-alcoholization process, they have to reintroduce flavour and texture with additives to help create something that resembles a tasty glass of vino. Something that helps with this is the thought that goes into pairing the grapes with the terpenes in cannabis. Lighter, white wines will usually have citrusy sativa while heavier reds will have more skunky indicas. This canna-vin may seem like a new fad but humans have historically been known to have started making and drinking it since ancient Rome.

“Cannabis-infused wine has been around for thousands of years, it’s one of the original marijuana products … [It’s] less of a trend and more of a resurgence [now that the] regulations and industry have matured enough for people to bother doing it again.”

-Cynthia Salarizadeh, founder and president of House of Saka

How Is It Made?

As with most things, there is more than one right way to infuse wine with cannabis. You can make it as easily as a “special” tea at home but wineries have found some new technologies to help with the wine’s integrity.

Infusion: This is the easiest method and is known to be more traditional or homestyle. This method is pretty basic, just dump a bunch of marijuana into the wine vat while it’s fermenting and, voila! While it is fermenting the alcohol pulls the THC into the wine.

Emulsion: This is a new process that is quickly taking the forefront in canna-vin production. These are oil-based water-soluble solutions that mix well into other liquids and extracts without losing all of the natural terpenes. This has been perfected by removing the unwanted flavours and off-putting aromas with an aroma-less and colourless emulsion. This process has been so revolutionary because it captures “the pure essence” of the wine leaving it with a taste closer to the original product. 

Nano-Emulsion: Similar to an emulsion but perfected in labs in tiny droplets so that the cannabis-rich substances don’t separate. They are created by breaking the oil droplets into billions of tinier droplets using energy. Nanogen’s CEO, Ben Larson, claims that they have essentially redefined the relationship between oil and water.

“The [cannabis] formulation really matters because if producers get it wrong, the wine becomes unstable” and—poof—you have a lava lamp sitting on the shelf.”

-Jamie Evans, Founder of The Herb Somm

How To Make Your Own Cannabis-Infused Wine At Home

Buying wine, especially infused with this special green ingredient, can get very expensive. Some companies feel confident selling their creations at 100$ a bottle. Don’t stress though, it’s possible to make it at home. The main difference is that without a way to dealcoholize your concoction like they would when sold commercially so don’t go overboard. I can never state enough “start low and go slow”.

To Start: Have everything you need to start making your very own cannabis wine. You will

need:

1. Cheesecloth
2. Grinder
3. Large bowl or pot
4. Pan
5. Foil
6. Wine of your choice
7. Cannabis of choice

This is the easiest way of infusing as I’m assuming not everyone has enough time to make their own wine from the grape. Make sure you choose your strain of cannabis depending on what wine you will be infusing the marijuana into. Look into the terpenes and the flavour profile they will lend to the existing wine. Choose a nice, bold indica to go with your heavy reds or something bright and citrusy for a lighter white.

Activating the THC: If you just dump an un-altered bag of marijuana into your wine it will be rather disappointing. It won’t taste great and you will not get any of the effects that you’re searching for. To activate you need to heat them up and get the THC flowing.  You will start by lining your pan with the tinfoil and pre-heating your oven to 230 degrees. Crush the buds up and toss them in the oven for 10-20 minutes. When it is done it should look less green and drier. Keep in mind that the smell of the roasting buds will definitely make your home “aromatic”.

Steep: Let the weed cool completely before adding it to your wine. Now that it has cooled down we are going to grind up the dried herb either with a grinder or a mortar and pestle. Place this ground-up weed into your cheesecloth and make what are essentially tea bags to add to the wine. Cover everything with plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge for 1-2 days.

 Enjoy! Now that it is chilled and infused just take the tea bags out and toss them away. If there is extra residue strain with more cheesecloth. Enjoy your cannabis creation! Whether you decide to try and make your own weed wine or treat yourself to something more curated, relax and enjoy! 

Everyone knows about 420, also known as “weed day”, but do you know where this tradition started? There’s a lot of misinformation flying around but the real story was verified when the actual creators came out 5 years after this term became mainstream. You may also not be aware that this is the 50th anniversary of the term 420!

The Myths

There are a lot of different stories going around about the origin of 420. Depending on who you ask you might get any of these popular answers.

1. Bob Marley would seem like the obvious answer. Some people think it commemorates his death when in fact he died on 5/11/81.
2. Another theory is that it comes from Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 because 12 multiplied by 35 is 420.
3. For some strange reason people think that because Adolf Hitler’s birthday is 4/20/1889 he is the source of the term. As he has no connection with cannabis this seems highly unlikely.
4. This myth comes from the magazine that is known for making 420 global. When they first coined this term in an article they claimed it came from the police department. 420 is not the police radio code for marijuana smoking in progress (It’s the radio code for homicide).
5. 420 doesn’t refer to the number of chemical compounds in cannabis either. There are only 315 that we know about.

So, Where Did 420 Start? The legend

It all began with 5 Californian teens referred to as “the Waldos” because of their long-term meeting place at a wall outside of their San Rafael high school. In 1971 they got news that a Coast Guard member had planted a large crop of cannabis and was unable to take care of it anymore. He abandoned the crop and gave the students a treasure map to find this hidden field of plants.

They began the search, meeting every day after sports practice at 4:20pm. “We would remind each other in the hallways we were supposed to meet up at 4:20. It originally started out 4:20 – Louis and we eventually dropped the Louis,” Waldo Steve says in an interview with the Huffington Post. The Waldos would smoke some weed and then hop in Steve’s ’66 Chevy Impala to go search the Point Reyes Forest. They spent weeks searching but they never ended up finding this elusive crop.

Although their search was unsuccessful, the term 420 stuck. They began to use it as a code word so that their teachers and parents would not know what they were talking about. “I could say to one of my friends, I’d go, 420, and it was telepathic. He would know if I was saying, ‘Hey, do you wanna go smoke some?’ Or, ‘Do you have any?’ Or, ‘Are you stoned right now?’ It was kind of telepathic just from the way you said it,” Steve says. “Our teachers didn’t know what we were talking about. Our parents didn’t know what we were talking about.”

How 420 Went Global

You might be wondering how this iconic phrase made it from California to just about everywhere in the world. The Waldos had close connections with The Grateful Dead and this is what eventually led to the widespread use of 420. Mark Waldo’s father managed the band’s real estate and Dave Waldo’s older brother was best friend with the bassist. They ended up going to all of The Grateful dead’s rehearsals and parties and used the phrase openly while blazing up together. “We’d go with [Mark’s] dad, who was a hip dad from the ‘60s,” says Steve. “There was a place called Winterland and we’d always be backstage running around or onstage and, of course, we’re using those phrases. When somebody passes a joint or something, ‘Hey, 420.’ So it started spreading through that community.”

This was just the beginning though. It was commonly used by The Grateful Dead’s following but still hadn’t become well known. In 1990 Steven Bloom, a reporter for the magazine High Times, went to a Grateful Dead concert in California. While milling through the crowd’s someone handed him a flier. “We are going to meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais,” is written on it. This would be the first time he had heard it and he shared the secret with the rest of the world in an article he published. At this point, they took the word and ran with it. They built everything around 420 and wisely bought the domain name 420.com in the ‘90s. “I started incorporating it into everything we were doing,” High Times editor Steve Hager shared. “I started doing all these big events – the World Hemp Expo Extravaganza and the Cannabis Cup – and we built everything around 420. The publicity that High Times gave it is what made it an international thing. Until then, it was relatively confined to the Grateful Dead subculture. But we blew it out into an international phenomenon.”

After Fame

High Times took this California teen slang and made it into a global event. All over the world, people gather for a short amount of time to get stoned together. These five teens had absolutely no idea that their secret code would lead to a global movement. With 420 coming up roll a joint of your favourite strain and keep a 50-year “not so secret” tradition going.

Even before you were a weed user, we bet you heard of the term “420” and knew that it referred to marijuana. Although 420 is recognized everywhere as “weed day,” not many people know the story behind why April 20th was picked as the chosen date. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how 420 became designated weed day, and what the history is behind the date. We’ll also show you the best way to celebrate 420, including the best weed products for honoring the day everyone loves!

What is the History of 420?

The number unit “420” is a code that refers to weed or the act of smoking weed. It can refer to both April 20th (the date) as well as 4:20 (the time). However, there is much confusion about how 420 first became linked to weed. 

While several stores are floating around the internet about the origin of 420, including one where “420” refers to the police code for weed, the most accurate story appears to state that the term 420 originated in 1971 at San Rafael High School located in California. 

There was a group of people who called themselves the Waldos that would meet up to smoke marijuana everyday at 4:20 pm. Instead of announcing that they were meeting to get high, they used the term “420” to describe their meet-ups.

Since then, the code spread and it was used by businesses and restaurants to let people know that they were “420” friendly. The origins were lost over the years, but the term 420 stuck and people everywhere began to celebrate 4/20 or April 20th as weed day. 

Facts About 420 Day

Because marijuana was illegal at the time, it’s hard to track down accurate details pertaining to where 420 came from. Some stories claim that 4/20 pertains to Adolph Hitler’s birthday – and while it’s true that this date is also Hitler’s birthday, it doesn’t have anything to do with smoking weed. Others state that 420 has ties to musical lyrics. 

However, the one story that has stood the test of time in regards to 420 is the one mentioned above of the group of California high school students. Here are some more interesting facts about the history of 420 and how it became known as national weed day:

• The “Waldos” referred to a group of five high school students who met by statue of chemist Louis Pasteur at 4:20 pm everyday to get high. They met at 4:20 pm because it was after most school activities had let out. The “Waldos” referred to Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich, and they called themselves Waldos because they met by a wall.
• The Waldos differentiated themselves from the jocks. They often entertained each other while smoking pot, calling their adventures “safaris,” and these activities lasted well past 4:20 pm. The Waldos are known as the “inventors” of 420. 
• The term 420 became popular when a group of hippies gathered in the parking lot of a Grateful Dead concert and handed out flyers stating that they were going to meet at 4:20 pm on 4/20 for “420-ing” at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot in Marin Country on Mt. Tamalpais. This group of people is credited with helping turn 420 into a national stoner’s holiday, where people all over the world gather at 4:20 pm on 4/20 to get high. 

How To Celebrate 420

There is no wrong way to celebrate 420! You may even choose to celebrate everyday by using medical marijuana or cannabis to help reduce anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. 

However, you can cash in on the fun tradition of smoking weed on 420 by gathering your favorite friends and weed products, and enjoying them promptly at 4:20 pm on April 20th. Here are some of the best weed products to help you celebrate 420 and channel your inner Waldo: 

• Roll a joint

There are plenty of ways to use cannabis nowadays, but this wasn’t always the case back in the 70’s when 420 first originated.

If you truly want to embrace the tradition of 420, then we recommend rolling a joint and smoking weed the good old fashioned way! You can save time and buy pre-rolled Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains by checking out some of the best pre-rolled joints here. 

• Vape

Find the perfect vape pen to bring in 420 here. 

•  Try CBD edibles

If you’re unable to smoke a joint at 4:20 on 420 because you’re at work or in a location 

where smoking is prohibited, then you can still celebrate by enjoying CBD edibles. This allows you discreetly enjoy a high without anyone else knowing. 

Check out some of the best CBD edibles here!

 As more becomes known about the many benefits of cannabis the more creative people are getting with this natural medication. Edibles have been popular for years but now that it is legal in a lot of places mixologists have been experimenting with different cannabis-infused cocktails. 

CBD, THC or Both

You may have heard the many stories of people that have had negative experiences mixing THC and alcohol. In moderation, it should only lead to benefits and a faster “high” than if ingested with food. The experts say to start low and go slow, have one drink, and wait to see how you feel. The real issue is when you keep drinking to try and feel effects that haven’t kicked in yet as it should take about 30 minutes to become noticeable. If you do happen to overdo it there is a tested trick from the experts to help you out. Start with a glass of fresh lemon juice and chew on 3-4 peppercorns or cloves. This should relieve the anxiety if you have become overwhelmed. 

CBD is another story completely. You get all of the same benefits without the feeling of “being high”. It can be used to enhance the flavour, increase the feel-good effect of the drink and even leave you without a hangover. Another huge benefit to only using CBD is that it can reduce your social anxiety making it easier to strike up a conversation. 

What Are the Benefits?

Besides the delicious flavours and creativity of crafting different cocktails with cannabis, there are a sweeping variety of benefits. Our bodies are hard-wired to crave cannabinoids as it’s a beneficial substance naturally created by our bodies that regulate just about everything. “We all have endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies already, and cannabinoids [a class of chemicals found in CBD and other cannabis products] also occur naturally in substances like breast milk,” said Cannabis guru and advocate Sailene Ossman. She believes the benefits are endless and helps to rerun balance to the body. 

• It’s an antioxidant. These delicious creations are full of antioxidants and offer a wide range of healing properties. Cannabis is known to treat body inflammation and helps relieve pain and even helps your skin glow! Reduces pain and acne? Count me in!

•  It helps protect and repair cell damage caused by alcohol consumption. Drinking in excess can lead to cell damage and increases your risk for illness. Not just a cold or hangover after a long night out, it can lead to certain types of cancer, liver damage, and pancreatitis. Cannabis, specifically CBD, protects against alcohol-induced fatty liver diseases and creates new cells which leads to tissue regeneration.
  

• It can help save you from a deadly hangover. THC may make you feel thirstier but CBD actually hydrates you. This helps you wake up feeling ready for the day, and possibly even the gym. -CBD-infused drinks can improve heart health It helps keep your heart healthy and also reduces the risk of diabetes. 

How To Use CBD in Cocktails?

This is where all the fun starts! There are so many ways to include cannabis into your cocktails that you can really start to get creative. The unique flavour of cannabis pairs well with any mixed drink and can add herbal undertones. Different strains have different flavour profiles and that can add an extra layer of excitement to the process. 

“If you are using a pure CBD oil, it will taste earthy and plant-like, but this can be a great addition to many cocktails—a lot of gin and amaro-based cocktails work very well with this mixture,” says Fleming. “It also can add a viscous mouthfeel that I find delightful in a nice stirred cocktail.” 

Cannabis-infused Liquors: There are a lot of ways to achieve these infusions at home. It is important to remember that it needs to be heated to get the full effects of the infusion. 

Infused Whiskey: This one is very easy to do at home but will take a couple of days to prepare. 

1. Pour your whiskey of choice into a sealable container (like a mason jar). 

2. Add a scoop of ground weed (this could take some playing around with). 

3. Shake, Shake, Shake. 

4. Leave the container in a sunny spot for at least 48 hours until it is the potency you are looking for. Don’t leave for longer than a month. 

5. Strain out the marijuana and you have an amazing homemade infused whiskey to use in any of your favourite cocktails. 

Infused Vodka: This is a fast and delicious way to infuse vodka on the stovetop. 

1. Heat honey over low heat. 

2. Grind up your desired amount of weed and mix it into the honey. 

3. Add in ginger and orange zest (for a more complex flavour) and then pour the vodka in with your mixture. 

4. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes. It should still be a liquid when you are done. 

5. Pour it into a jar and let it cool.

Tincture: This is the option for you if you want that health kick without the taste. It integrates perfectly into liquid so you can make the most of every last drop. This is what a lot of cocktail bars will opt for. 

Oils: This is a cannabis-infused oil that will not integrate fully into a cocktail. It is used to give a nice mouthfeel or to float on top of a drink. This is great for people that would like to enjoy the earthy aroma the oil will give to the experience. The downside to this method is that there will always be some lingering oil in the glass. 

Get out there and get creative! Add some excitement to cocktail making by incorporating some new undertones and flavours while reaping all the benefits of this magical plant!

Living life with Autism

Living with autism can be difficult, especially with more severe behavioral issues. There is currently no cure but scientists have been hard at work trying to find a way to help to make the symptoms more manageable. Cannabis has become popular among the autistic community and their families as a way to treat conditions like insomnia, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Whether you or someone close to you is looking for a bit of relief cannabis might be the answer. How It Can Help There is no cure for autism which has sparked interest in finding a lasting way to make life more manageable. Because autistic behaviors usually include rejecting physical or eye contact it commonly leads to social isolation. Common treatments include behavioral and speech therapy combined with medications to ease anxiety and depression. Cannabis may not be a cure-all but it is a more natural, effective, and long-term solution than pharmaceuticals. Researchers were originally led to marijuana because of the similarities between epilepsy and autism. The best drug to treat epilepsy is something called Epidiolex (essentially medical CBD) and it has been so successful over the years that it is legal globally. Autism does not lead to seizures but there is still similar, unusual electrical activity in the brain. Research has shown that when someone with autism is given an anticonvulsant the electrical activity decreases and irritability and disruptive behaviors get better. This could be a breakthrough to improve aggression, self-injury, or temper tantrums.

Jeremy, 47, is a political writer in Washington who writes and directs screenplays- is also autistic. He has found a way to live life more fully by smoking marijuana. It not only helps him with his emotional issues but also physical symptoms which were causing chronic pain. With his anxiety, he clenches and holds his muscles and marijuana improves both of these things. Without the heavyweight of debilitating physical and mental pain, he can enjoy life more fully. Another benefit he has noticed is that he was able to escape from his negative thought patterns. 

“Marijuana is powerful because it restarts various synapses that stop firing,” he says. “This is super powerful for autism because part of the problem is that you get stuck in patterns and routines because your brain stops seeing the other pathways.” 

Studies

A study done by researchers from Ben-Gurion University gave 188 people with ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) medical cannabis over 2 years. After 6 months they were ecstatic to report that 80% of the participants had seen improvement. Most people involved in the study took a cannabis oil containing 30% CBD and 1.5% THC. The study looked at the benefits of using cannabis to improve quality of life. 

• Good Quality of life: Improved by 31.3% after 3 months. It jumps to 66.8% after 6 months. Independence: Before the study, 26.4% of participants could shower or dress alone. After 6 months that number grows to 42.9%. 

• Sleep and Concentration: At the beginning of the study 3.3% said they slept well and 0% had high levels of concentration. At the end of the study, these numbers were 24.7% and 14%. 

A second study observed 150 children with autism. They split the children into three different groups, one received a placebo, another was given a full-spectrum oil, and the last received a pure blend of CBD and THC at a 20-1 ratio. The study aimed to reduce disruptive behavior while improving their social responsiveness. The kids that took either cannabis extract showed massive improvement compared to the ones that had taken the placebo. The participants were treated for four weeks then took a four-week break and continued in the study for another 4 weeks. The groups that were not given the placebo improved by about 50% while those on the placebo only improved by 20%. 

Is Cannabis right for me?

Always talk with your doctor if you are already on medications. Certain medications may interact poorly with cannabis. Anything that is labeled with a grapefruit warning will probably poorly interact. If you are currently at a loss at how to improve your life or the life of someone you know it may be the key. Always make sure to research the product before you purchase and read reviews. Happy CB-Days!