Guides
Guides
Why you need a nectar collector
Nectar collectors are increasing in popularity among concentrate and wax enthusiasts. This is for a good reason, because nectar collectors provide a couple of great benefits when it comes to dabbing. Of course, you can always decide to stick to the good old dab rig for your dab session.
CBD and Antibiotics
As more research is able to be conducted on CBD, more potential uses and benefits come to light. One of CBD’s listed properties is antibacterial. In this guide, we’ll dive into what CBD’s antibacterial properties mean for additional applications and uses. What does Antibacterial Mean? An item displaying antibacterial properties is one that is able to suppress the growth of bacteria. It also prohibits bacteria’s ability to reproduce. Essentially, antibacterials destroy bacteria. Some forms of antibacterial products are used to treat topical cuts and abrasions to prevent infection. Others are used to treat viral diseases. There are also antibacterial cleaning products and health and beauty items to prevent the spread of bacteria. Antibiotics It’s likely that you’ve been prescribed an antibiotic at least once in your life. If you’ve ever had surgery or a dental procedure done, an antibiotic was likely prescribed to protect your body against infection. Use of antibiotics is typically short-term, but more severe illnesses may require use for a longer period of time. Antibiotics fall into several different categories. Each category is formulated to fight specific ranges of bacteria. Some medications combine more than one antibiotic agent. Penicillin and amoxicillin are two commonly-prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics don’t always work as some infections are antibiotic-resistant. The human body may also resist an antibiotic, making an illness or infection harder to treat. MRSA is one of the hardest to treat infections. It may take months, or longer, to successfully treat this type of infection. Allergic reactions to antibiotics can be quite severe. The difference with CBD is that there aren’t any reported allergic reactions. It is considered to be safe and is all-natural. The body’s endocannabinoid system is already designed to work with the natural cannabinoids, which often prevents adverse reactions. CBD as an Antibacterial Agent Some scientific data exists to prove that CBD has some antibacterial properties. Specific research has indicated that CBD, as well as CBG and CBN, may work to fight MRSA effectively. The data demonstrates that six strains of MRSA were effectively treated with CBD and the accompanying phytocannabinoids CBG and CBN. In this research, it was found that CBD and several other cannabinoids stopped the growth of bacteria at the same rate of the antibiotic vancomycin when treating MRSA. Many cannabis industry professionals tout FECO oil as being a good topical option for helping to heal cuts, burns and other minor injuries topically. FECO oil is full extract cannabis oil. This can also be achieved with CBD when it is a full spectrum hemp CBD extracted product. Additional research also shows that varying doses of CBD applied topically have been effective in treating microbial topical infections and reducing topical inflammation. This information demonstrates that CBD topical products may be an ideal option for helping reduce the irritation of skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. Those skin disorders can also become infected from scratching and opening the inflamed skin. Combining CBD with Other Cannabinoids or Terpenes for Increased Efficacy While CBD on its own may work just fine for some, a more significant infection or bacterial disease may require the combination of several cannabinoids and/or terpenes. CBD is often combined with plant-based terpenes in order to effectively target specific symptoms. Terpenes such as alpha pinene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, terpineol, and myrcene also have /antibacterial properties. The terpenes alpha pinene, nerolidol and myrcene have antimicrobial properties. Speaking solely of alpha pinene, it is suggested that when combined with CBD, may be quite effective in treating antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA. When combined with CBD, the above mentioned terpenes may help the body naturally fight infections involving microbes and bacteria more effectively. When it comes to cannabis-derived cannabinoids there are several that also display antibacterial properties. These cannabinoids are non-psychoactive, so when combined with CBD, will not produce a “high”. Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabichromene (CBC) and Cannabinol (CBN) have also shown to have these properties. These cannabinoids are not often heavily concentrated in cannabis strains but can be isolated via careful extraction process to be included in a CBD oil blend. It is important not to combine every item mentioned here as the cannabinoids and terpenes may cancel each other out. It is important to select just a few to combine for a specific purpose. For example, combining CBD with myrcene and/or alpha pinene would be ideal for those with topical infections involving pain and inflammation as both terpenes also have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Using CBD to Fight Infections CBD may help the body in several ways when it comes to infections. If your body tolerates manuka oil or manuka honey, you may be able to blend these successfully with a high-quality CBD oil to make your own topical solution. Both manuka oil and manuka honey possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. For topical applications, only an amount the size of an eraser would be needed for an entire forearm. A daily dose of CBD may be helpful in fighting viral infections and other infections. It can be taken with prescribed antibiotics. For those with a more severe ailment, two or more doses may be needed, but this should be discussed with your physician first. From the author: A personal trial of CBD oil vape juice from https://hotjuice.com , plus olive oil was successful in eliminating a minor tooth infection. Three doses in 36 hours seemed to do the trick. I held the CBD oil blend in my mouth on the affected tooth for 2 minutes and swallowed the oil. By the next day, there was no more pain and no more infection. This opinion is my own and is not stating that it will work for everyone nor is it a medical claim of any kind, it is merely a personal observation. If you have access to FECO, apply a small amount directly to a minor cut or abrasion. It may help to prevent infection and heal the wound faster. Full spectrum CBD oil can be applied the same way if it is not cut with another agent such as olive oil, MCT oil or coconut oil. Closing Thoughts Are you as impressed with the increasing benefits of CBD as we are? As more research is able to be conducted the potential of CBD continues to grow and strengthen. Is there anything CBD oil can’t help? From what research has shown us, there really isn’t much that CBD isn’t capable of helping with. When purchasing CBD, make sure it is a full-spectrum product or cleanly extracted CBD oil that has been tested for purity and potency. To help make sure you only get the best CBD we've set up an online store called CBDcity. Find your favourite CBD now.
5 Weed Friendly Countries Every Cannatourist Should Visit
Traveling the world is something that everyone should get to experience at least once, as is trying all the weed each of the different areas of the world have to offer. With cannatourism quickly on the rise, I would recommend traveling to the following countries, each of which are known for their relaxed (or completely nonexistent) laws on cannabis. Uruguay Smoking cannabis has been legal in Uruguay since 1974. They were also the first country to completely legalize the sale of cannabis back in 2013. Now, growers in Uruguay are able to obtain growing licenses. Their product is then distributed to pharmacies, which are then purchased by members of a registry. Residents are also allowed to possess six plants. Non residents cannot buy weed, but they are allowed to smoke it. It should be noted here that Uruguayans are known to be very friendly about sharing their cannabis. Portugal At the beginning of the 21st century the Portuguese government decided that it was in their country’s best interest to approach drug use a public health issue, rather than a criminal one. This was why they decided to decriminalize the use of all drugs back in 2001. As a result continuous drug use in Portugal has declined from 45% to about 28% from 2001 to 2012. Though technically not legal, possession is not considered a criminal offense and cannabis is widely available throughout the country. Peru In Peru possession of drugs, including cannabis is okay as long as it’s for personal use. According to Peruvian law, you are allowed to possess up to 8 grams of cannabis for personal use. However, carrying more than one type of drug is a crime, so if I were you I would stick with weed. Smoking in public is fairly common, but I would not advertise it as it can be up to local cops’ discretion whether to mess with you or not. Freetown Christiania in the middle of beautiful Copenhagen, Denmark. Image Source: ourwaytours.com Czech Republic The Czech Republic has rather vaguely worded laws where possession of a “small” amount of cannabis is legal. Since there is no specific amount stated in the law this makes their possession laws quite lenient. In Prague, the Czech Republic’s largest city, it is common to see people smoking in bars and cafes. Headshops can be found every few city blocks. Despite all this, it is not recommended that you flaunt your smoking. A good one hitter would certainly work out to your advantage here! Denmark The Danish are well known for their relaxed attitudes about smoking weed, but the common misconception is that it is acceptable everywhere in the country. You can only buy cannabis in the hippie district known as Christiania, which is located within the capital of Copenhagen. Christiania is the place to visit for the cannabis connoisseur. Their head shops are open at all hours of the day and they sell every kind of hash that you can think of, including some you probably didn’t even know existed. Christiania is considered out of jurisdiction of Danish law. They even have their own flag! Featured Image Source: YouTube Do you have any cannabis related stories from traveling the world, or any advice to give other travelers? Tell your stories in the comments!
Dabs vs Bong Hits: Which is Superior?
If you’re new to the world of cannabis you might think that dab hits and bong hits are the same thing. While there are similarities, such as the manner of delivery (inhaling smoke/vapor into the lungs), there are some key differences. Here are some of your most common questions about bong hits versus dab hits answered! Which One Gets You Higher? Dab hits will get you significantly higher than bong hits because dabs are concentrates whereas bong hits are from smoking dry flower. Concentrates are, simply put, the most potent parts of the cannabis plant, whereas flower retains the properties that will not get you high. The potency of the average cannabis strain is around 15 percent. The average potency of concentrates such as waxes and oils are closer to around 75 or 80 percent. There should be no question which one will get you higher! Are Dabs Safer Than Bong Rips? You can’t make the claim that any one form of cannabis consumption is safer or healthier than the other, but vaping is certainly less harmful on your lungs than the combustion method aka smoking it the old fashioned way. Taking dabs does come with the risk of burning yourself with a butane torch, which obviously causes more physical damage than your standard annoying lighter burn. Indeed the most dangerous aspect of dabs is the extraction process, which also involves the use of a blowtorch and exposure to dangerous chemicals. It is not recommended that you attempt DIY extraction unless you really really know what you’re doing. I Hate the Way Bong Rips Make Me Cough, Do Dabs Do the Same? One of the downfalls of taking bong hits is the coughing. One ever presiding stoner myth is that “the more you cough, the more you get off.” While it might be true for some people, there is no evidence to suggest that coughing enhances the effects of cannabis. You might be wondering if doing dabs would result in coughing since you’re inhaling vapor rather than smoke. The answer is yes, you will still cough, though I find coughs from using a dab rig to be far less abrasive than coughs from bongs. If you like to use an even cleaner way of smoking we suggest trying a vaporizer such as a dab pen or a vape pen. I Know You Can’t OD From Smoking Weed. Can I OD on Concentrates? No one has ever died from smoking cannabis, but a natural misconception that first time dabbers might have is thinking that since concentrates are more potent it might be possible to OD on them. You will not die from doing dabs, but you could end up getting a lot higher than you initially intended! Before you try dabs make sure you have a pretty good idea of what your tolerance is. If you smoke blunts day in and day out, a dab or two will get you pretty stoned, but I’m sure it’s nothing that you can’t handle. If on the other hand you’re more of a “one hit wonder,” you will want to be extra cautious! Do Dabs Taste Better? Though concentrates can lose their flavor during the extraction process, dabs are more flavorful than flower. When taking bong hits you taste a lot of the chemicals that come with combustion (such as the butane from your lighter), even if you’re smoking some tasty bud. When doing dabs, you are only tasting the dab, and nothing else. Image Source: prohbtd.com
Will Hemp Oil Show Up on a Drug Test?
Many people nowadays use vaporizers to vape hemp oil. A common question is does hemp oil show up on a drug test? The simple answer is, it can, but it depends on the type of hemp oil you’re using. We’ll get into that in the sections below. We’ll also discuss the various factors that could play a role in a positive drug test from using hemp oil products. What do Drug Tests Look For? Drug tests aren’t designed to detect cannabidiol (CBD), the main cannabinoid found in hemp. They can, however detect amounts of THC, including trace amounts and metabolites of THC. These tests are also designed to detect the presence of opioids, alcohol, heroin, cocaine and other dangerous substances. If you are a cannabis user, the time in which THC will remain present in your body depends on multiple factors. Your metabolism is a single factor. Those with higher metabolisms may be able to metabolize THC out of their bodies a little faster. Other factors include: Length of use Frequency of use Dosage/quantity Overall body mass Here’s something you might not know – if your weight has fluctuated at all, and you’ve used a product containing any amount of THC, it could return a positive drug test. This is because your body stores THC in its fat cells. Most employers and agencies are not testing for cannabinoids other than THC, but some companies do run full cannabinoid profiles – even if those cannabinoids are not intoxicating or impairing in any way. Knowing your company’s policies is always ideal. How Drug Tests Work Employers and other agencies often conduct pre-employment drug screenings. Different types of drug tests look for different forms of a substance. Urinalysis tests, for example, screen for metabolites. Other types of tests, such as blood tests, will look for actual cannabinoids – like THC. Urinalysis Tests This is the most popular type of drug test. It’s the most affordable option and returns the fastest results. Test strips are inserted into the urine sample and the liquid soaks in. If the THC-COOH metabolite is present, this will return a positive drug screen result for THC. THC-COOH is capable of being detected in urine samples for up to 3 weeks for frequent and heavy users – including those that use higher doses of full spectrum hemp oil. Here’s another important note: Urinalysis tests only detect metabolites, not actual drugs. What this means is – the results can’t indicate impairment. Hair Follicle Tests These are more uncommon types of drug tests because the sample requires more time to process. It is also a more expensive test. Does hemp oil show up on hair follicle tests? No, because – again, this type of test only detects THC metabolites. Hair follicles of 1.5-inches or less in length are capable of holding THC metabolites for as long as 90 days. It’s more likely for a regular cannabis user to have a positive hair follicle test than someone who is an occasional user or has just been around someone that was using cannabis. The metabolite binds itself to the hair shaft, which allows the metabolite to remain present for a period of time. Hair follicle tests aren’t designed to look for the cannabinoid found in hemp oil. Saliva Tests Saliva tests do not check for cannabinoids other than THC. Since THC metabolites are not active, a positive saliva test would not be returned if only metabolites are present. Hemp oil will not show up on a drug test if it is a saliva test, unless the product contains THC and has been used within the previous 2 hours before the test. Blood Tests Blood tests are able to go more in-depth. So, if your employer tests for all cannabinoids, the hemp oil you use could return a positive cannabinoid presence. For those that only use cannabis on rare occasions, the presence of THC is likely only going to remain in your blood for about 24 hours. Heavier users may show the presence of THC for as long as 7 days or longer. This is a very expensive drug test and most employers do not use it. This type of test is typically requested by law enforcement agencies to prove impairment. False Positive Drug Test Results Yes, false positive drug test results can happen. In cases of people using 1,000 mg or more daily of hemp oil that does contain 0.3% THC or less, a positive test can occur. This can also return a false positive result. Hemp oil itself should not return a positive drug screening result. Do Hemp Oil Products Contain THC? Yes, some hemp oil products do contain THC. These products can legally contain up to 0.3% THC, although some states do allow a little more depending on their individual laws. If a hemp oil product says it’s THC-free, ask for proof to ensure that it is THC-free. Type of Hemp Oil Matters Why does the type of hemp oil matter when wondering if hemp oil shows up on a drug test? Here’s the thing, only 2 types of hemp oil are absolutely THC-free – hemp oil isolate and broad spectrum hemp oil from isolate. Both of these forms have had the THC completely removed via extraction and filtration processes. Full spectrum hemp oil does contain up to 0.3% THC and can return a positive drug test. No, the cannabinoid in hemp oil CBD will not show up, but the THC could. Now, if you’re a microdosing hemp oil user with an active lifestyle and faster metabolism, you might be in the clear. When it comes to broad spectrum hemp oil derived from full spectrum hemp oil, it will also contain some THC. It can contain as much as 0.3%, as with full spectrum. If a product is advertised as broad spectrum hemp oil, it is best to ask the manufacturer if it is full spectrum or isolate derived. Reading Lab Results If your hemp oil manufacturer posts lab results on its website, it is important to read them thoroughly. Different labs test for different amounts of cannabinoids. For example, you’ll see limit or level of quantification noted on a lab test result sheet. This may also be abbreviated to LOQ. Next, you’ll want to see what that particular lab’s level of quantification is. If it is 0.3% and the result is Closing Thoughts Does hemp oil show up on a drug test? Yes, it can. Diligence in researching the products you’re purchasing is ideal. Ask questions, and when in doubt – give yourself a home drug test. Making informed purchases and knowing what drug tests look for can help you if or when the issue comes into play. It’s also best to keep your proof of purchase with the product, should it come into question too. This will allow the employer to read about the product themselves and determine that it is a non-intoxicating product.
What is a Diffuser Downstem and Why Use One?
If you are somewhat new to the wonderful world of weed, or are picking the habit back up after many years off, you’ve probably heard of a diffuser downstem. If not this is something that you should familiarize yourself with because a good portion of bongs that you will find today come with one. If you’re not familiar with a one, consider this your quick guide! What is a Diffuser? Simply put, a diffuser performs the same function as a percolator in that it cools and filters the smoke as you inhale. A diffuser is a simpler type of percolator, typically on the downstem of the bong, bubbler or dab rig. There are quite a few different varieties of diffuser downstems that you can find right here on Grasscity. While they all perform the same function, you may find you prefer some over others What are the Different Types of Diffuser Downstems? One of the most common types of diffuser downstems is the slitted diffuser. This diffuser consists of a series of slits along the bottom of the downstem. Why is the slitted diffuser one of the most popular types of downstem? Simple. It does the job and does not clog as easily as other types of diffusers. If you’re not familiar with diffuser downstems, or despise maintaining your bong, this is probably your best bet. Another you should be familiar with, especially if you’re a fan of ROOR glass, is the pearl diffuser. A pearl diffuser consists of small holes dotting the bottom of the downstem. They make your hit extra bubbly, like the jets in a hot tub, but for your lungs! The only downside is that the small holes can get clogged, hence why you should consider using a precooler with your water pipe! Next up we have the showerhead diffuser downstem, which consists of a tapered end covered in small slits, as opposed to an open ended tube as most downstems are. While I normally love showerhead percs, I find that these particular types of downstems tend to have less airflow and get clogged almost as soon as the bong gets even a little bit resonated. If you are planning on using a showerhead diffuser, I would highly recommend that you use screens or an ash catcher to keep that glass as clean as possible. Lastly, we have the 4 arm diffuser, similar to a tree perc consisting of 4 separate arms or tubes, with little slits at the end (think a slitted diffuser, but with 4 times the diffusion!). While these are great for providing a bit of an extra kick, they are more likely to break on you when cleaning them, so be careful! Why Use a Diffuser Downstem? The main reason to use a diffuser downstem? It makes your hits so much smoother than hitting from an open ended downstem. No one wants to feel like they’re coughing up a lung when taking a hit. A diffuser downstem makes the bong hit taste so much better too. You can actually taste the flavors of your strain and just a little bit less of the butane. Indeed one of the more annoying things about smoking from a bong is having to clear the stale smoke. Diffuser downstems make clearing the bong not nearly the chore it once was. Image Source: YouTube Why do you use a diffuser downstem? Which is your favorite type? Tell us in the comments!
What is Weed Trim and What Can You Do With it?
Unless you grow your own cannabis, you might not be familiar with weed trim. You might not think that it’s terribly important to know about trim because it’s not the part of the plant that you smoke. A lot of people just throw their trim away, right? Wrong. If you’re throwing away your trim, you’re wasting a pretty good resource because trim is actually quite useful. What is Trim? There is a lot more to the cannabis plant than the buds that we love to smoke. Throughout the growing cycle the plant will be trimmed of excess leaves. These trimmings are commonly referred to as “trim”. Often times growers will hold onto trim because though it does not contain nearly the amount of THC that the dried and cured buds do, it has a number of different uses. Weed Trim is not the Same as Shake Note that when I say trim, I am not referring to shake, which is made up of loose leaves, stems, kief and broken up bits of buds that fall off the larger nugs in your stash. Unlike trim, shake is high in THC and can be smoked (it’s been a lifesaver when I’ve been running low for sure). Trim only contains trace amounts of THC and you’re not likely to throw it in a blunt wrap. So, what can you use trim for? Make Some Hash! One of the most common uses for weed trim is making it into hash. Using trim to make hash is one of the oldest methods for making hash. The extraction process is similar to the decarboxylation process you go through before cooking with cannabis. Take a silk screen and place a sheet of wax paper underneath it. Rub your trim on the screen over the wax paper, collecting all the kief crystals as you go. Scrape them all together and use your pollen press to press your kief into hash! You Can Also Make Cannabutter! Edibles anyone? Another very common use for weed trim is to use it to make cannabutter. If your trim has a lot of trichomes on it, you may end up with some pretty potent edibles! First you have to make sure that you decarboxylate your trimmings to obtain the maximum psychoactive effect. Eat it Raw! Eating your weed trim is not going to get you high, but there are a number of health benefits to consuming raw cannabis. Cannabis is a leafy green after all. If you’re looking to experience some of the benefits of CBD, this would be quite effective for you! Try throwing some of your trim in a cup of tea. You may be surprised at how good it makes you feel! If you don’t want to bother with making your own concentrates to use in your vaporizer or turn it into edibles, look no further than Leafbuyer.com for the best deals in your area!
What is a Stoner?
I’d like to get on a different level with y’all if I may, a little philosophical if you will. I would like to talk about what it means to be a stoner. We’ve probably all been called one more than once (or 100) times in our lives. Many of us have also referred to ourselves as stoners. What does that word even mean anymore? Is our concept of what makes a person a stoner even the same as it was 10 or 20 years ago? Does one only need to smoke from a bong? Or is there more to it than that? What Does it Mean to be a Stoner? When you think of the archetypal stoner, what, or rather who do you think of? Do you think of the stereotypical hippie lookin dude with dirty white boy dreadlocks, Birkenstocks and a tie dye Grateful Dead t-shirt? Do you think of a guy on a skateboard who talks with a slow California surfer drawl? Do you even picture a man? Over the years the demographic of the typical cannabis user has changed quite a bit. Thanks legalization, more “regular people” are trying and regularly using cannabis than in previous decades. The average stoner now wears a suit and tie or blouse and goes into the office each day. The average stoner is a mom who loads her bubbler after work in lieu of a glass of wine. What does it mean to be a stoner then? Is it someone who just merely enjoys smoking weed, or is there more to it? Hardcore cannabis enthusiasts like to claim that smoking weed is more than just a lifestyle: it’s a way of life, whatever that means. I’m not one of those people. I love smoking weed, and I love smoking a lot of it, but the fact that I do it, does not define who I am as a person. It may define some of you, but certainly there are those of you out there who really just think of cannabis as a plant that you smoke for enjoyment, or use medicinally to accomplish what cannot be done by regular medicine alone. Are We All Stoners? Are we all stoners then by virtue of our proximity to pot? I suppose that you could say that, though I doubt the mom who heard about cannabis while at brunch with her gal pals would like to be referred to as such. With so many people from different backgrounds now trying (and loving) cannabis, is it really fair to say that the archetype of the stoner still exists? Hard to say, really. Of course the guy that I described above is still around; he happens to be one of my neighbors. You cannot say that he is the stereotypical cannabis user anymore, especially not when more women than ever before are trying cannabis. Are none of us stoners anymore? I don’t remember the last time I referred to myself as one. I feel like self identifying as a stoner is something that you probably should have grown out of when you reach your mid twenties at the very least. Okay, that’s enough philosophy for today. Let’s spark one! Image Source: nextavenue.org Got anything to add? What is a stoner to you? Tell us in the comments!
How Do I Measure My Joint Size?
Picture this scenario: one afternoon you’re cleaning your favorite piece, then the unthinkable happens: you’ve broken your downstem right in two. Now you need a replacement. We’ve got you covered there. There is only one issue, you don’t know what size you need. Never fear, I’m here to show you how to measure your joint size. What are the Different Joint Sizes? First, when we say "joint size" what are we referring to? We're not talking about a really large J, though that would be nice right now. When people talk about joint size they are referring to the size of the hole the downstem goes into. There are four industry standards when it comes to joint size: 10mm, 14.5mm, 18.8mm and 29.2mm. Of those four, the two most common are 14.5 and 18.8mm. Sometimes you might see sizes indicated as 14 and 18mm. When other shops do this, they really mean 14.5 and 18.8mm. Glad we could clear that up. 10mm and 29.2 are less common, but you should know about them of course! How do I Figure Out My Joint Size? The easiest way to figure out your bong’s joint size is to compare your bong’s joint to the size of a standard American dime. 18.8mm is just about the size of a standard dime. If your bong is smaller, then it’s either 10mm or 14.5mm. If it’s larger than the dime, then your bong’s joint size is 29.2. So what do you do if your bong’s joint size is smaller than 18.8mm? Try next measuring with your pinky finger. If your pinky snugly fits into the joint, then you’ve got a 14.5mm. If smaller, then you’ve got a 10mm piece. Easy enough right? One thing that you would do well to keep in mind is that not everyone’s pinky is a uniform size; if you’re a person with large hands, your pinky might be a bit larger than 14.5. This is why you should start with the dime! Another thing that people do not consider at times is whether or not the original downstem that came with your bong is tapered, that is whether one end is 18.8 and the other is 14.5mm. This is why it is a good idea to look at the size of your slide bowl as well. You can figure out the size you need by using the same methods described above. Once you have mastered this, you know how to match any bowl and downstem to your piece! Now, you’re ready to shop for a replacement! Image Source: Instagram/grasscityheadshop Got any other tips for measuring joint size? Tell us in the comments!
3 Biggest Differences Between CBD and THC
You’ve probably been hearing a lot about cannabidiol, aka CBD lately. As well you should, it’s one of the most popular health trends of the past couple years. Most know that CBD is the non psychoactive cannabinoid that unlike THC does not get you high. There are several other differences between CBD and THC as well. Atoms in CBD Molecules are Arranged Differently CBD and THC molecules are made of the exact same chemical composition, but the molecules are arranged in a slightly different pattern. This different arrangement is what makes CBD non psychoactive and THC psychoactive. This is also believed to give CBD some of its healing properties. Amazing how just one minuscule difference can make! CBD Does Not Attach to CB1 Receptors When you ingest THC the THC molecules attach themselves to the cannabinoid aka CB1 receptors in the brain. This is what causes the psychoactive “high” effect, thus making the body and mind both feel impaired. CBD on the other hand, does not attach itself to the CB1 receptors and instead blocks them, preventing you from getting high. A common method for mitigating some of the negative effects of THC is to use CBD gummies & edibles, which counteracts the negative effects of THC such as anxiety and paranoia. CBD Has Almost no Negative Side Effects One of the biggest differences between CBD and THC is that unlike THC, CBD does not exhibit many negative side effects. There have been few reports of CBD causing things such as dry mouth and low blood pressure, but these are few and far between. CBD has far more positive side effects than negative, hence why so many use it medicinally. Other than these big differences, CBD and THC remain fairly similar to one another. However, there is still a lot that we have not learned about CBD. Image Source: culturemapaustin.com Got anything to add? Tell us in the comments!
One Perc to Rule Them All: Which is the Superior Perc?
To perc, or not to perc? That is the question. Well, I know the answer to that question! Everyone should own at least one good percolator bong. That is unless you want to cough up all of your hit and make your lungs cry. So, you already know that you want a bong with a percolator. The question you should be asking yourself is what type of perc do you want? One of them, all of them? Tree percs, dome percs, honeycomb percs, UFO percs, with so many different percs to choose from how do you know which one is the best? Is there a superior perc? What Does a Perc Do? If you’re new to the whole thing and don’t know what the purpose of a percolator is, then sit back and listen because this is your quick crash course! Percolators serve to cool and filter your bong hit as you inhale, thus improving the taste and overall experience of smoking from a bong. This also helps to mitigate some of the damage smoking does to your lungs. Some percs also look really cool in action. There are a ton of different types of percs out there. All of them perform the same function, but each has a different way of achieving that function. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of the various percolator types. Perhaps we can determine which is the superior perc. First Up: Tree Percs Tree percs were some of the first percolators to evolve from the bong, so it would make sense that they would be first on this list. A tree perc consists of a tube that extends through the middle of the chamber, which then branches out into separate smaller tubes, which act as the arms. Water comes out through the ends of the arms and pushes back into the bong. Each arm has usually 1-3 slits for extra diffusion. Tree percs hit pretty smoothly, look pretty cool and they certainly get the job done. Tree percs are not without their issues. For one, they clog much easier than other perc types. Those long skinny arms that provide so much diffusion tend to get bits of weed stuck in them, among other things. The best way to prevent this is to A) rinse out the bong after every bowl, taking extra care to clean out the tree perc, and B) get an ash catcher or precooler to prevent sucking unsmoked herb and ash into the bong. I am of the opinion that every bong with a tree perc should come with an ash catcher, because you know you’re not going to want to rinse that out after each use. Not after smoking a fat bowl of Gorilla Glue or equally chill indica. The other issue with tree percs is that they are quite easy to break. Sometimes all it takes is setting the bong down the wrong way at just the wrong time, or shaking it a little bit too vigorously as you’re cleaning it. Suddenly you have a broken tree perc and your bong has been rendered pretty much useless. Tree percs are fun and bring back a lot of nostalgia for people, but a superior perc they are not. There’s Also Inline Percolators Inline percolators work very similar to diffused downstems, except they sit horizontally in the waterpipe and the slits go all the way up the side of the tube, to offer even percolation throughout. Inline percs are most common in bongs with a fixed downstem. Often times in order to accommodate the space of the inline perc the tube will be widened, giving the bong a “submarine” type appearance. What are some cons of inline percs? Like tree percs, they can clog fairly easily and are a bit difficult to clean if you let them get past that point. Ash and bowls that you have sucked through can get stuck in the perc, so again it’s recommended that you use an ash catcher. Conclusion: inline percs are great, but they’re not the superior perc. Don’t Forget about Showerhead Perc The showerhead perc, which is also referred to as tire perc or UFO perc, is basically a reverse tree perc, minus the arms. Water comes up through the tube and back down through a larger tube and through the bottom. They work similar to tree percs, but you don’t have to worry about keeping the arms clear or them breaking on you! That’s already a huge bonus there. It’s not enough to make showerheads the superior perc. Last, we Have Honeycomb Percs Honeycomb percs are among my favorite of the various percolator types. They don’t clog anywhere as easily as tree percs, and they take up far less room than inline percs. There’s also the durability. Think, when was the last time you saw a broken honeycomb perc versus a broken tree perc. The best news, they hit smooth as hell too! All of those tiny little holes make it so there is practically no drag. If you ask me, the honeycomb perc might just be the superior perc. This is all of course my own opinion. You may have a reason that you prefer the showerhead or the tree perc, and that’s ok! We haven’t even covered some of the newer styles of perc, like for instance the sprinkler perc, or the rocket perc. We’ll cover those in the Superior Perc: Advanced Edition coming soon! Stay tuned! Image Source: Instagram/grasscityheadshop Which perc is the superior perc? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Traveling With CBD Oil for the Holidays? Read This First!
The holidays are upon us and it’s time for family, fun, and tons of food! It’s also the busiest travel season of the year. If you’re planning on traveling with CBD, make absolutely sure that you read this first! If you’re planning on traveling this year, one of the biggest questions on your mind is whether or not you can fly with your CBD oil. The answer is yes and also no. It is perfectly legal for you to fly with CBD oil, as long as it is CBD oil that has been derived from hemp. If you can prove that yours is derived from hemp (you should be able to show them the label), then you’re good to go. What if it’s Not? If your CBD oil is not derived from hemp, then things get a little more complicated. While CBD oil derived from cannabis is not strictly prohibited, you could get a raised eyebrow from the TSA. Keep in mind though that they are not really looking to bust people for carrying CBD oil; they’re looking for people carrying bombs and weapons. It’s important to remember that the DEA will clear anything that is less than 0.3 percent THC. As long as you’re below that threshold, you should be just fine. It is always best to err on the side of caution and just not travel with it, especially if you’re traveling to another legal state and can just buy CBD oil as soon as you get off the plane. If you absolutely must, then make sure that you are following all FAA regulations as far as traveling with liquids. Also it should go without saying but: DO NOT CARRY IT IN AN UNMARKED BOTTLE! Unlike shampoo and lotion, carrying around unmarked CBD oil is asking for trouble and you know it. You have no way of proving what it is. This is why it’s a good idea to keep your old bottles around. Do Not Fly Internationally It is strongly recommended that you do not fly internationally with CBD. Some countries have very strict laws against all forms of cannabis, including non-psychoactive forms. You don’t want to end up in prison in another country. Are you planning on flying with your CBD oil? Have you flown with it before? Tell us in the comments!
