One of the most interesting things about cannabis is that it’s very versatile, and there are many different ways to consume it and experience its effects, ranging from smoking to consuming cannabis edibles, like gummies and brownies.

Marijuana edibles are becoming more and more popular, with lots of people around the world eager to give them a try or use infused edibles regularly. In this Edibles 101 guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about cannabis edibles, including the effects of edibles and various types.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

First off, let’s begin with a definition: what exactly are marijuana edibles? In simple terms, cannabis edibles are food products that have been infused, baked, or prepared with cannabis or cannabis extracts like THC and CBD.

These cannabis products can be eaten in order for the user to experience some of the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. They’re an alternative to the traditional forms of consuming cannabis.

There are various different types of marijuana edibles, including gummies, brownies, cookies, and more, and they can vary in terms of their effects and the amount of THC or CBD they contain. Users can even make their own THC-edible products at home.

What Are the Benefits of Edibles?

So, why might you like to consider using infused edibles? Well, there are many benefits and advantages associated with these products, including:

• Easy to Use – One of the main reasons why people are drawn to edibles is because they’re so simple! With edibles, all you have to do is eat. You don’t need any special equipment, so edibles for beginners are a great option.
• Healthier Than Smoking – When you smoke cannabis, the combustion process can cause certain carcinogenic or dangerous compounds to be released into the air. Edibles offer a safer, healthier, smoke-free alternative.
• Long-Lasting Effects – Many users of edibles say that the effects of a typical THC edible last for much longer than they would after smoking it.
• Stronger Effects – Some users also say that the effects of edibles are more potent and noticeable when compared to other cannabis products or other ways of consuming cannabis.
• Lots of Variety – If you go to a typical Torrance marijuana dispensary, you’ll find a huge range of edibles, with lots of different options to try and enjoy.
• Fun to Share – A lot of people like edibles because they’re more socially fun and enjoyable to share with a group of friends, which isn’t always the case with smoking or vaping.

How Do Edibles Work?

Next up in our Edibles 101 guide, let’s take a look at how these products actually work. The main functionality of edibles is down to the cannabinoids they contain. Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, are natural compounds that are present in the cannabis plant alongside terpenes (terpenes are aromatic compounds that are less important than cannabinoids in terms of effects). The cannabinoids can interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body to trigger certain effects.

What Are the Effects of Edibles?

The effects of edibles may include:

• Pain relief – Edibles can help people feel relief from aches and pains throughout the body
• Anxiety relief – People may consume edibles to experience relief from feelings of anxiety or stress
• Sleep aid – Edibles may also help people relax and get to sleep more easily
• Confidence – Edibles can also help people feel more confident and sociable for conversations and events
• Relaxation – People who consume edibles may feel more chilled out and relaxed as a result
• Managing inflammation – Edibles can also help to calm or ease inflammation around the body
• Neuroprotection – Studies have shown that cannabis edibles may also help to defend the brain against health issues like Alzheimer’s

What Are the Most Common Types of Marijuana Edibles?

As mentioned earlier on, edibles come in a range of forms. Here are some of the most common varieties:

• Brownies – Brownies are one of the classic edible options that a lot of cannabis enthusiasts have at least some experience with. They can have various flavors and taste mostly just like regular chocolate brownies.
• Cookies – Cookies are another kind of baked good that you can make with marijuana as an ingredient. They can have chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, and other ingredients mixed in as well.
• Candy – Most edibles tend to be sweet treats, so it’s no surprise that candy and gummies are also very popular cannabis-based edibles. They often have fruit flavors and usually, you only need to take a couple of gummies to start feeling some effects.
• Chocolate – Chocolate is another relatively common form of edible. Like the other entries on our list, CBD chocolate mostly tastes just like regular chocolate but contains precise amounts of cannabis to produce certain effects.

How to Take Cannabis-Infused Edibles?

So, how do you actually take edibles? Well, the best thing about edibles is that they’re so easy to take. All you have to do is either buy them from a store or bake them yourself and then eat them. The only important thing to remember is to get the dosage right and avoid eating too many edibles, as this could make your effects more severe and increase the risk of side effects, too.

What’s the Right Dosage of Cannabis Edibles?

The right dosage of edibles will depend on what kind of edible you’re eating, how concentrated it is, and what kinds of effects you want to experience, as well as your own history with cannabis and how tolerant you are to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. In general, doses anywhere from 1mg to 100mg can be used, and beginners should start off small and build up to bigger doses.

How Do Edibles Differ From Smoking?

Edibles are considered safer than smoking, as smoking involves combustion, which can cause dangerous particles to enter your lungs. With edibles, there’s no combustion to worry about, and it’s possible to use your own safe, natural ingredients or buy safely-prepared edibles from a store. Edibles are also said to produce stronger and longer-lasting effects than smoking.

How to Make Cannabis Edibles

There are many ways to make cannabis edibles, including cookies and brownies. Usually, the process of making edibles is similar to making any other kind of food product. For example, when baking marijuana brownies, you can follow a typical brownie recipe, but mix an appropriate amount of cannabis into the mixture.

The best tip is to look for recipes online that have good ratings and make sure to calculate your dosage accordingly to make your edibles safe to consume.

We hope that this edibles for beginners guide has helped you learn more about what edibles are and how they work. Be sure to contact us with any questions if you’d like to learn more.

 

 

If you’ve been consuming cannabis products for quite a while, you may find that the effects gradually seem less strong over time. If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, it’s because your body naturally builds up THC tolerance over time.

This happens with medications and other substances, too, and the body’s cannabis tolerance levels will naturally rise over time, especially in someone who is a regular consumer or someone who uses quite high amounts of cannabis products.

If this happens to you, a T break, or tolerance break, might be the best course of action. As the name suggests, a tolerance break is a period in which you give your body a break from cannabis in order to effectively “reset” your THC tolerance levels.

Read on through our guide to learn what a T break is, how it works, and how you can do your own tolerance break, too.

What Is a Tolerance Break?

Tolerance is quite a confusing issue, and even scientists aren’t sure exactly how it works. What we do know that is the body builds up certain tolerance levels, like marijuana tolerance or CBD tolerance, over time.

This may lead to changes in the endocannabinoid system, which is what triggers the effects of cannabis consumption, like pain relief. So, when you have a high tolerance, your body’s endocannabinoid system may not trigger those same effects you’re used to as strongly.

This is where the concept of the tolerance break comes into play. Since tolerance builds up with regular use, a marijuana tolerance break time basically gives your body some time away from cannabis to reset and reduce your cannabis tolerance back to lower levels.

How T Breaks Work?

It is believed that as the body builds up a tolerance, receptors in the endocannabinoid system become less reactive or even decrease in number. But when you take a break, those receptors reactivate and return, bringing your marijuana tolerance levels back down.

According to research, this can happen in as little as two days. So, cannabis users wanting to take a break simply have to stop using cannabis for a couple of days. During that time, the endocannabinoid system has a chance to rest and reset.

Then, when you use cannabis again after your T break, you should feel like the effects are more noticeable, stronger, and longer lasting. This applies to all forms of cannabis, too, so your edible tolerance levels and smoking tolerance levels should both reset after a break.

After that, if you continue consuming, your body will develop a tolerance all over again, but another break can be used to reset your system.

How Do I Know if I Should Take a Tolerance Break?

The main sign that should let you know that the time is right for a break is if you feel like cannabis products simply aren’t producing the same effects anymore. This is a sure sign that your tolerance levels are high and need resetting. You should also consider a break if you’ve been taking cannabis in higher and higher amounts in order to feel the effects.

How Long of a T Break Is Needed for Cannabis?

In terms of length, as explained earlier on, a break of just two days can suffice for some people in terms of resetting their tolerance levels. You may, therefore, wish to consider taking a 2-day break every month or so, just to give your body a chance to rest and reset.

However, for heavier users, this may not suffice. You might need an even longer break of several days or even weeks. Some users may even need a full month-long marijuana tolerance break time to build their tolerance back.

How to Reset Your Tolerance?

If you want to reset your tolerance levels, the best option is to take a break. You can start off with a small break and then see how you feel, or opt for a longer one. During break time, avoid consuming any cannabis products. Using an online tolerance break chart or creating your own tolerance break chart may help you get through the days more easily.

How to Lower THC Tolerance

If you’re looking to lower your THC tolerance levels, a break is usually the best option. You should take at least a couple of days to stop consuming any products that are high in THC, which includes most cannabis products. If you still wish to feel some of the same effects, you could switch to CBD-based products like CBD gummies and oils. When it comes to CBD vs THC, CBD products may be able to meet your needs without the same risks.

How to Lower CBD Tolerance

If you want to lower your tolerance to CBD, you’ll need to take a break from CBD products like CBD gummies and CBD oil. You can also try looking for products that contain other cannabinoids instead at your local marijuana dispensary, but make sure to check that they aren’t high in CBD, as this will defeat the purpose. In general, you should also check that you’re taking the correct CBD dosage.

We hope that this guide has helped you understand more about tolerance. Be sure to contact us with any inquiries or additional questions you might have on this matter.

Are you looking to get the full effects of your cannabis? Whether you are eager to bake a batch of cannabis edibles or want to formulate your own cannabutter for other purposes, you need to first familiarize yourself with the process of decarboxylation.

What is Decarboxylation?

Decarboxylation refers to heating cannabis and hemp material to activate the cannabinoids within the plant’s buds, stems, leaves, or kief. In essence, decarboxylating, or simply “decarbing,” ensures users experience cannabis’ psychoactive effects by focusing on its active components through what is known as a decarboxylation reaction.

Decarboxylation reaction primarily refers to a chemical reaction of carboxylic acids erasing a single carbon atom from a chain of carbons. It is the first chemical step in photosynthesis, where Carbon Dioxide is added to the compound and, therefore, is the only way to achieve the full effects of marijuana ingestion.

 

How to Decarb Cannabis?

There are various methods of decarboxylation to choose from, and which one you decide to use may vary based on the degree of difficulty and why you are decarbing cannabis. Here are some of the most effective methods of cannabis decarboxylation.

Natural Method

The decarboxylation reaction can occur naturally over time, provided your plant is exposed to high enough temperatures and sufficient light and oxygen.

However, this method is not optimal if you want to implement the process as effectively as possible and in a shorter time frame, as it can take up to 12 months.

Baking Sheet Method

Decarboxylation is super easy if you have access to an oven to pop your cannabis into.

Set the oven temperature to around 215ºF, with the rack in the middle slot of the oven. This is necessary because the top oven rack is too hot and will burn the cannabis, whereas the bottom shelf will take far longer as it is the coolest place in the oven.

Make sure to line your baking tray with aluminum foil and place the ground cannabis on the tray, then leave your cannabis to bake for approximately 35 minutes.

Oven Bag Method

Another easy decarboxylation method you can try using an oven is the oven bag method. In fact, most people would agree that this method is even more straightforward than the baking sheet method to decarb cannabis.

This time, preheat the oven to a slightly higher temperature of around 240-250°F. Place your cannabis plant material in an oven bag and tie the bag closed as tightly as possible; then simply place the bag on a baking sheet and put it into the preheated oven for roughly half an hour until you see the cannabis turn to a crisp golden-brown color.

Mason Jar Method

The mason jar method is arguably the best option of all, as it is super easy to do in the oven, and the jar storage system is the perfect way to keep the aroma of the cannabis intact.

Once again, an oven is needed for this method, and you will need to preheat it to about 250°F. Then, place your broken-up cannabis into the jar, and stick it onto the middle rack of the oven, ensuring that the glass sides of the jar do not touch the stove directly.

Leave the jar of cannabis to bake for about half an hour, and once it turns to brownish color, carefully remove the jar from the oven. This method is effective and requires very low effort, making it a favorite among cannabis connoisseurs.

Microwave Oven Method

The microwave oven method is the quickest by far and can be executed with ease in under five minutes.

Grind up or break your cannabis using a cannabis grinder or carefully by hand and spread it evenly onto a microwave-proof glass dish. Microwave the bud on the medium setting for around 90 seconds, then stir the ground-up cannabis and proceed to microwave it for a further 90 seconds. Once your cannabis turns to the desired golden-brown color, it is ready for use!

When Should You Decarboxylate Marijuana?

Now that we have briefly run through a few easy methods of cannabis decarboxylation, it is important to clarify when decarboxylation is required.

If you are looking to extract decarboxylated THC or CBD oil, then decarboxylation is absolutely essential. In order to access the full psychoactive effects of cannabinoids and terpenes, you need to ensure that your marijuana is properly decarboxylated.

Cannabis oils and cannabis edibles will only be useful for consumption when proper decarboxylation occurs. Luckily for you, using the correct decarboxylation mechanisms, you can quickly achieve whatever your desired level is on the decarb chart.

Just make sure to follow the strict time parameters of each method because if you decarboxylate marijuana for too long, it will burn and no longer serve its purpose effectively.

Chemistry of Decarboxylation: THC and CBD

The age-old THC vs CBD debate is well documented and has been debated among cannabis users for decades.

Essentially THC provides users with the euphoric high that marijuana is most widely recognized for. In contrast, CBD does not; instead, providing a considerable number of other benefits such as reduced anxiety levels and pain relief.

While both compounds have their pros and cons, decarboxylation is essential for extraction in both cases.

Why Decarboxylation Is Important?

If you are looking to ingest cannabis in any way other than smoking it directly, decarboxylation has to occur, or the intended effects will not be achieved.

Whether you are eager to make some homemade edibles or cannabutter, you need to decarb your cannabis, or it’ll provide absolutely no psychoactive effects whatsoever.

The needed equipment and temperature for the decarboxylation process vary significantly from method to method, but the one constant is that without decarboxylation, your cannabis creations will not provide any benefit other than making your food taste slightly like marijuana.

To get the best out of cannabis, the cannabinoids need to be activated through heat. Therefore decarboxylation is genuinely the only option when it comes to yielding the best results when it comes to preparing your marijuana for consumption.

Battling to get a good night’s sleep is more common than you think, with over 70 million adult Americans suffering from chronic sleep issues. While several therapies and medications help combat insomnia and poor sleep quality, many are expensive or have side effects. As a result, physicians and researchers are turning to CBD oil for sleep as an alternative. Read on to learn more about CBD oil and how it can help with sleep disorders.

Does CBD Oil Help With Sleep?

CBD is one of the two primary compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. In addition to offering many health benefits and helping alleviate chronic pain, researchers have found that taking CBD before bed can improve sleep quality. So, let’s take a look:

How Can CBD Help With Sleep Disorders?

Our bodies have a unique and complex neurochemical network called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which uses receptors to regulate various bodily functions, like pain, emotions, hunger, memory, temperature, and sleep. Forming part of this system are natural endocannabinoid molecules that the body releases to stimulate these receptors, which have a similar structure to the CBD molecule produced by the Cannabis plant. As a result, researchers suggest stimulating the natural ECS receptors in our bodies by taking cannabinoids for sleep, pain, or anxiety.

For example, the Hypothalamus, a small pea-sized structure within the brain, is packed with cannabinoid receptors and forms part of the ECS System that impacts sleep regulation and maintains the Circadian Rhythm of our sleep-wake cycle. A Circadian Rhythm is a 24-hour cycle that predominantly helps our bodies to fall asleep at night and wake up each morning.

However, those who struggle with sleep quality may find that the receptors on their Hypothalamus are not adequately stimulated as the body may not produce enough of its own endocannabinoid molecules. In this case, experts recommend supplementing these with CBD oil for sleep, which contains Cannabinoids that stimulate the hypothalamus’ receptors, improving the Circadian Rhythm and preventing poor sleep.

Besides helping to regulate the Circadian Rhythm, marijuana for sleep may also assist with other sleep disorders. For instance, experts may recommend taking THC for sleep. THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive found in Cannabis and has sedative properties, which makes it easier to fall asleep. Further, THC minimizes the time spent in the REM sleep phase, diminishing dreaming. As a result, those looking to reduce anxiety or those with PTSD who suffer from night terrors often use THC for sleep.

However, keep in mind that not all medical marijuana for sleep contains the psychoactive THC. CBD oil is made from the plant’s non-psychoactive compound and won’t get you high. As a result, individuals with sleep disorders like Restless Leg Syndrome, pain, or anxiety that reduces their quality of sleep are often given CBD oil for sleep.

Can Cannabis Treat Insomnia?

One of the most common sleep disorders is Insomnia, which makes it difficult for people to fall asleep, stay asleep, or cause them to wake up too early. While acute Insomnia lasts only a few days or weeks, chronic Insomnia can be a continual ongoing problem with several causes like stress or hormone imbalance.

Since Cannabis for Insomnia targets the ECS receptors on the Hypothalamus, it helps to regulate sleep, ensuring that people with Insomnia stay asleep longer. Further, it reduces anxiety and suppresses the overproduction of stress hormones that can cause Insomnia.

How to Take CBD Oil to Aid Sleep?

Those with sleep disorders will find several ways to take CBD for Insomnia. For instance, edibles like CBD gummies, pills and capsules, concentrated vape juice, and tinctures are all available. However, researchers found that CBD oil for sleep may be the most effective since individuals can place a few drops under the tongue and have the Cannabinoids absorbed directly into the bloodstream for fast-acting relief.

How Much CBD to Take Before Bedtime?

Generally, the amount of CBD oil you take depends on several factors, including personal body chemistry, weight, and the severity of your sleeping disorder. For example, some clinical trials have given subjects between 25mg and 1,500mg daily.

However, you may need to take a moderate to the high dose of CBD oil for sleep to achieve a sedative effect. But, remember, a “high” dose depends on each individual – for some, 50 mg may be sufficient.

In contrast, those with chronic anxiety-induced insomnia may need up to 300 mg. Therefore, it is always best to start with a low dosage and work up to a slightly higher one if necessary. However, you can always contact us with any questions, and we will help you determine your correct CBD dosage.

When to Take CBD Oil for Sleep?

Like any other medication or supplements you may use, CBD takes a while to work its way through your system and take effect. As a result, we don’t recommend popping a few drops just before you’re about to shut your eyes.

Another factor to consider is the type of CBD you have taken, as a gummy will take longer to absorb into your bloodstream than vape concentrate or CBD oil placed under your tongue.
In most cases, CBD oil or vapes can take between 15 to 30 minutes to take effect. However, CBD oil in gummies can take up to 60 minutes to make an impact.

However, we recommend taking your CBD oil at least an hour before bed to ensure you fall asleep quickly and comfortably.

Does CBD Interact With Other Prescriptions?

Cannabinoids for sleep have the potential to interact with over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and other prescriptions you may be taking. While some medications can be reduced or modified to allow for CBD use, others should never be taken in conjunction with CBD.

The medications we take are broken down in the liver by specific enzymes. However, CBD affects these enzymes, preventing them from working correctly. As a result, you may end up with too much or too little medication in your body, which can cause increased side effects or prevent the medicine from working correctly. This can be dangerous for individuals taking blood thinners like Warfarin, anti-seizure medication, thyroid and heart rhythm medication, antibiotics, or anti-depressants. There are over 57 medications that have drug interactions with CBD that are extremely dangerous.

Since CBD oil for sleep can be potentially harmful if used in combination with certain medications, it is always best to advise your physician if you take cannabinoids for sleep. Additionally, suppose you are already taking prescriptions, other over-the-counter medications, or herbal remedies. In that case, it is always best to obtain medical advice or a diagnosis from a qualified physician instead of self-medicating. Further, a qualified doctor can put you up for recommendation which allows you to get a medical marijuana card in California.

Cannabinoids offer a more natural way to improve the quality of sleep without nasty side effects and help combat the effects of several sleep disorders.

So, if you would like to know more about the benefits of CBD oil for sleep or have questions about dosage, you are welcome to give us a call. Alternatively, visit us at our Torrance Medical & Recreational Marijuana Dispensary.

 

What is CBD for Pets?

When you are considering using CBD for your pets, it is important to have all the facts. The first and most important is to distinguish between CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

CBD does not contain the psychedelic properties that are found in THC. This is important because you definitely want to avoid getting your pet high. With this in mind, let’s take a look at CBD products and how they can be helpful for your pets.

What Is CBD Oil for Pets?

Among the most common ways to provide CBD for your pets is through CBD oil. This is where CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant.

This can be done through different methods like:

• Solvents like butane or propane
• Steam distillation
• CO2
• Olive Oil

If an extraction method, other than oil, is used, the resulting extraction can be infused into the oil. In the case of an oil extraction method, the oil is infused with CBD. Carrier oils for the extraction can include coconut oil and others. This is different than the CBD oil used for vaporizers because it is intended to be ingested.

CBD Products on the Market

There are quite a few CBD products already on the market for your pets. Edibles are very popular with owners. It is a premeasured way to get your pets to enjoy eating CBD. The trick is to find edibles your pet is going to willingly consume.

CBD oil is another product on the market you can provide your pet with. This will allow you to simply add it to food for your pet to consume. This will provide you with less control over your pet consuming all of the oil.

There are also CBD topical products available on the market. While the absorption rate is lower than CBD that is ingested, it is easier to apply directly to the affected areas you are attempting to treat. Make sure when using these products you are able to prevent your pet from licking it off.

How Does CBD Affect Pets?

CBD can affect animals differently. The CB1 receptors are what it attaches to. This will cause your pet to feel certain results, such as decreased pain, inflammation, and a more relaxed state. There are still tests being conducted on how CBD reacts with pets to determine what happens on a chemical level throughout the body as well as in the brain.

What Animal Health Problems Can CBD Oil Help With?

Most pet owners are purchasing CBD to help with a specific health malady. Some of the most common health problems this can help with are pain, anxiety, and seizures. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

• Pain

Inflammation can be a cause of pain as well as a reaction to it. CBD is known to help with inflammation. This can alleviate inflammation-related pain, or lessen the discomfort caused by pain. Pain can also be affected directly through how CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

• Anxiety

CBD in general can help to relieve anxiety by relaxing your pet. This is especially true when using full-spectrum products. This will contain trace amounts of THC that will help to even further relax your pet. You will notice overly hyper pets becoming more docile over time as a result.

• Seizures

The only condition the FDA has authorized CBD to treat his seizures. While they have not authorized any product specifically for pets as of yet, it has been shown to have a dramatic effect on seizures. This is due to how it binds with the CB1 receptors.

Possible Side Effects

As with anything in life, there are going to be some side effects when using CBD oil. This is not to say every pet will experience side effects. Some will experience none while those that do will vary in severity. It is important to note larger doses of CBD carry a higher risk of suffering from any side effects.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea

If you notice any of these side effects, you may want to try reducing dosage levels as well as talking to your vet.

Risks of Using CBD Oil

The biggest risk of using CBD oil is purchasing from a disreputable producer. To avoid this, always look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is a public document that attests to the ingredients stated as used in the product is actually used in the product.

Another risk is that the product will use a full-spectrum CBD oil that contains trace amounts of THC. Last, you could potentially expose your pet to higher levels of THC if you purchase CBD intended for humans in dispensaries where THC is sold.

How to Pick the Right CBD Oil for Pet?

First and foremost do not be fooled into purchasing hemp oil instead of CBD oil. Hemp oil is made from hemp seed and does not contain any CBD. Always check for a COA as mentioned above. Seek products that use a solvent extraction method or oil infusion. Read through the ingredient list to make sure it contains little to no sweeteners. You should also be careful not to purchase products with chocolate or essential oils in the product.

CBD for your pet can be highly beneficial. Being choosy with the products you purchase will give your pet the best chance for enjoying the benefits therein. If you understand what you are buying and use it properly, it will help to get the best results for your pet.

Remember to always speak with your vet when you are choosing to offer your pet CBD to make sure it will not interfere with any other medication your pet is taking.