Category: Education

When you think of cannabis, what do you think of? Do you think of its ability to help treat pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more, or does your mind stray to negative connotations associated with the plant? Odds are your perception of cannabis has been jaded by the stigmas that have plagued the cannabis-using community for decades. Keep reading and learning as we debunk some of the most common cannabis myths.

Myth-Cannabis Is a Gateway Drug

Fact: It’s also crucial to point out that there is no scientific proof that cannabis leads to other drug use. Instead, scientists believe that drug use, precisely that of harder drugs, is linked to environmental factors, like access to drugs and the age at which one is exposed to drugs, as well as a genetic predisposition to doing drugs.

Myth-Cannabis Kills Brain Cells

Fact: No evidence suggests that cannabis use causes memory loss or adverse effects on brain cells. This legend derives from an old study where scientists studied cannabis use in primates. Scientists observed changes in the primates’ brain cells, but actual cell death did not occur. Multiple scientific studies have also concluded that regular cannabis consumers’ IQ scores did not drop over time as they consumed more cannabis. Furthermore, other researchers have even used MRI scans to prove no difference between users and non-users.

Myth-Cannabis Makes You Lazy

Fact: Cannabis affects everyone differently. There are also different strains of cannabis (Sativa, Indica, and hybrid) that provide differing experiences. Some strains, mainly those high in Indica, are considered better suited for a relaxed environment. However, those high in Sativa have been known to provide a creative and euphoric experience that helps people battle things like depression and chronic pain. With barriers like those out of the way, it can be argued that cannabis can actually help people get out of bed and take on the day. Overall, cannabis doesn’t make you lazy. If anything, laziness is an inherent personality trait that you have to work to overcome regardless of if you use cannabis or not.

Myth-Legalizing Cannabis Increases Crime

Fact: Of course, if you’re caught with cannabis in a state that has not legalized it, then yes, you’re increasing crime, but are you not increasing violent crime. There is a belief that the existence of cannabis in a community will somehow increase violent crime. Some people find it easy to associate cannabis with things like robberies and violence, particularly if they consider it a gateway drug. However, calling cannabis a gateway drug automatically places it in the same category as other hard drugs, which is simply unfair. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, the legalization of cannabis actually reduces crime rates, whereas 25-30% of violent crimes are related to alcohol. Also, you should remember what cannabis does to the human body. It often calms us down. Individuals are much less likely to commit a violent crime when they’re chilled out.

Myth-Cannabis Causes Cancer

Fact: It’s true that when you smoke anything, you’re inhaling carcinogens. However, compared to cigarette smokers, cannabis smokers smoke much less cannabis to reach their desired effects, meaning they consume a much smaller amount of carcinogens. A 2006 study from UCLA even concluded that heavy cannabis use does not lead to lung cancer. They found no correlation and suggested that heavy cannabis use offered some protective effect. This and other studies indicate that cannabis can inhibit the growth of cancer cells rather than promote growth. You also should keep in mind that there are different ways of consuming cannabis than by smoking it. So, if you’re worried about carcinogens, there are several alternative consumption methods you can try!

Head North Today!

At North Dispensaries, we care about educating our community about the benefits of cannabis. From helping cancer patients to easing mental health conditions, it’s essential to spread awareness on how cannabis can help you and combat the negative stigmas society has placed on it. As cannabis becomes legalized around the country, more people are becoming open to its medical benefits. If you’re interested in learning more about medical cannabis, visit one of our locations in Pevely or Hillsboro to talk to one of our highly knowledgeable staff members. Take your health into your own hands; visit North Dispensaries today!

Dabbing has been around since 1970. However, the dabbing we are familiar with today did not come into existence until the mid-2000s. The term “dab” can be used to refer to any type of cannabis concentrate, like wax, budder, sauce, shatter, and crumble. Concentrates are created by extracting cannabinoids (e.g., THC) and terpenes from plant matter. The final product is incredibly potent. “Dab” can also refer to an actual dose of concentrate.

In contrast, dabbing is the act of inhaling the vapors of cannabis concentrate that you vaporize at high temperatures. Dabbing has quickly become a favorite for cannabis connoisseurs as it offers a powerful “high” and a flavorful experience. It’s perfect for those who may have developed a tolerance level to THC. If you’re interested in dabbing, keep reading to learn what tools you’ll need and how to properly consume dabs without going overboard.

How is Smoking Dabs Different from Smoking Flower?

The first thing to note is that the high will be more intense. Dabs can contain anywhere between 50 to 90% THC. To put things into perspective, even the most potent flower usually only contains about 25% THC. Even the most experienced cannabis consumers can be caught off guard when dabbing for the first time.

The potency of dabs also changes how you consume the product. When you could typically smoke an entire joint, you may take one to two hits of a dab and be done, which makes dabbing the most effective way to experience a “high” typical with THC consumption.

Safety

First, always select a high-quality, medical-grade concentrate for dabbing from a trusted dispensary. This is not the time to be skimping on your product. You’re inhaling the cannabinoids, but also any residual pesticides and chemicals that may be leftover from the concentration process. Always buy top shelf when dabbing, so you know you’re getting the safest product.

Second, always start small. You can’t change the fact that you’ve consumed too much cannabis, but you can always smoke more if you want. A typical good starter size is about the size of the head of a pin. If you do find yourself getting uncomfortably inebriated, try using CBD products to counteract the THC in the dab.

Finally, dab somewhere you feel safe and comfortable, preferably in your own home. Make sure you’re sitting down, as your first dab can hit you harder than expected. Also, have a glass of water at the ready. It will help you clear your throat after you dab.

Dab Sizes

To explain how you should measure the size of your dabs, we’ll use an example. Say you purchase one gram of hash with 80% total THC (any medical-grade cannabis will tell you about this information on the container), and you want your dabs to contain 25mg of THC. That means this one gram of hash contains 800mg of THC. If you split that gram into eight equal parts, each part will contain 100mg of THC.

Remember, you want your dabs to contain 25mg of THC. To achieve this, you’ll have to break each of the eight parts into fourths (you should have 32 equal parts at this point). To put this in perspective, a whole gram is about the size of a thumbnail. So, one 25mg dab of 80% THC hash is about the size of a few grains of rice. Portions will depend on the potency of your dab. If it’s 90%, you’ll need even less than a few grains worth of rice.

What You’ll Need

For dabbing, you’ll need to compile several pieces of equipment. People commonly refer to all this collectively as a dab rig. A dab rig includes a:

• Rig – a glass water pipe (much like a bong) that connects to a nail
• Nail – the attachment where you place your dabs to be vaporized when heated (typically made from glass, quartz, titanium, or ceramics)
• Carb cap – also made from glass, ceramics, titanium, or quartz; it is a cap with a small hole that covers the top of the nail (controls airflow)
• Dabber – a tool used to place the dab in the nail (the dab will be sticky, and the nail will be hot, so you can’t handle the dab with your hands)
• Torch – you’ll need a hand torch that runs on butane (propane creates a hotter flame that could damage your nail)
• E-nail (optional) – allows you to set a precise temperature and then electronically heats the nail to the temperature you set; eliminates the need for a torch
• Quartz insert (optional) – an insert you place through the hole in your nail; adds additional surface area inside your nail; best for cold-start dabbing

Traditional Dabbing Steps

1. Turn on your torch and heat the bottom of your nail until the nail becomes red hot.
2. Turn off your torch. For quartz nails, we recommend you let them cool for about 45 to 60 seconds before placing your dab in the nail. Wait about ten seconds for titanium nails. You may want to use a timer.
3. Apply your dab to the nail using a dabber and begin inhaling slowly. Dabs require a long, slow inhale because most of the concentrate will not vaporize instantly.
4. Using a carb cap, cover and uncover the nail while inhaling. This will regulate airflow. ALWAYS use a carb cap!
5. Do not hold your breath. Once you are done inhaling, exhale immediately.

Cold-Start Dabbing Steps

In cold-start dabbing, the dab is placed in the nail and then heated. This means the dab will melt at a much lower temperature. Vaporizing the dab at a lower temperature creates a more terpene-rich, or flavorful, hit. Cold-start dabbing will also preserve your equipment better than traditional dabbing, as the lower temperatures will reduce the risk of breakage and reclaim buildup.

The only downside to this method is that it doesn’t tend to completely vaporize that dab, which leaves char, oil, and residue. You should remove and dispose of all those byproducts before your next dab. Overall, cold-start dabbing is an excellent option for someone who’s just figuring out dabbing, as it’s a bit easier to safely handle.

1. Place a dab in a clean nail.
2. Cover the nail with a carb cap.
3. Light your torch and slowly heat the underside of the nail (keep the flame several inches away from the bottom of the nail). The dab will begin to bubble in about ten seconds, turning into vapor.
4. Turn off your torch and start to inhale while rotating the carb cap to create convection.
5. Exhale immediately and enjoy.

How to Clean a Dab Nail

Many dabbers prefer to clean their nail after every hit. You should aim to do this too, or at least at the end of every session.

• Use Q-tips to soak up any residual oil while it’s still wet. You can even soak one end of the Q-tip in isopropyl alcohol to remove tiny bits of char.
• Heat your nail using your torch without adding concentrate to it. This will burn off any residual carbon or reclaim. Once the residue dissipates, let the nail cool completely before finishing the process with a scrape.
• Use a scrape (a sharp dabber) to remove minor buildup. Be careful not to chip any of the glass.
• You can wash your nail by soaking it in 91% isopropyl alcohol for ten minutes. Follow that up by wiping it down or scraping it.

Can You Take Dabs Without a Rig?

Yes, you can. It might not be as effective, but if you find yourself without a dab rig to use, there are several alternative ways you can consume dabs and achieve the desired effects. Many users opt for these dabbing methods when looking for quicker and more convenient consumption options.

• If you have a bowl and some flower, you can top that off with concentrate.
• You can twax a joint (roll dabs into a joint).
• Use a dab pen or e-rig.
• Use a nectar collector (a portable dab rig).
• Make some edibles with the concentrate.

Is Dabbing Right for You?

Only you can answer that question. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Your experience with it can differ based on how much sleep you had the night before to what you ate before a consuming. If you feel it’s something you want to explore, make sure you’re somewhere safe and comfortable and have all the proper tools to ensure you have the best experience possible.

If you’re still new to cannabis, perhaps it’s best to experiment with higher THC levels by smoking flower or trying edibles before jumping headfirst into dabbing. It’s all about knowing your limits and respecting them.

Go North for All Your Concentrate Needs!

If you are a medical cannabis cardholder looking for a reliable source of high-end cannabis products, North Dispensaries is the company for you. If you have questions about dabbing, give us a call or stop into one of our locations to discuss with our trained patient consultants. We’re dedicated to our clientele and do everything we can to ensure that their medical cannabis experience is not only enjoyable but also healthy. We offer top-of-the-line products for everyone’s interests. We have everything from concentrates to edibles, flower, and CBD products. Check out our menus for our Hillsboro and Pevely menus today!

Whether you’re a fan of concentrates or flower, there are vaporizers out there for you. The idea of vaping is relatively new, but the popularity of vaporizers in recent years has skyrocketed for a reason. There are multiple factors that set vaporizers apart from more traditional consumption methods. From their portability to a cleaner hit, vaporizers have many pros that will have you asking, “should I try this?” Read our beginner’s guide to vapes to learn more about what these devices entail, so you can make an informed decision that’s perfect for you.

What Does a Vaporizer Do?

A vaporizer heats a liquid just enough to turn it into vapor. This process is different from smoking a blunt or bowl because, in the latter instances, a flame heats the cannabis and other materials to the point of combustion. For this reason, cannabis professionals consider vaping to be safer than smoking. You see, the act of flame combustion releases carcinogens or cancerous particles. Long-term smoking is also associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

When you vape cannabis, you consume propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and CBD and THC. A battery within the vape heats the air to achieve the desirable vapor that you ultimately inhale. This heated air releases the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids into the vapor.

It’s essential to know that a standard vape pen, typically used for nicotine consumption, cannot be used for cannabis. You’ll need to invest in a device specifically developed for cannabis. You will also need dedicated THC or CBD vape juice (unless you use a dry-herb vaporizer). With that in mind, there are several different categories of vaporizers you can choose from.

Different Types of Vapes

Disposable vape pens are the best option for vaporizing beginners. The best thing about these is that they’re intuitive, making them easy to use. They’re prefilled pens that come ready to use, require no prep, and need little clean-up; simply throw the disposable pen away once you’ve smoked through all of it. These also come with both THC and CBD vape juice.

Vape pods are also very user-friendly. However, most reusable pods are suitable for only THC. While there are CBD options, you may find them to be limited.

These devices are rechargeable and designed for longevity. The main housing of the vape contains battery housing, controls, and a mouthpiece. A separate “pod” contains the cannabis oils. Once the pod is empty, it’s easy to pop it out and replace it with a full one.

You don’t even have to wait to finish a pod before switching to a different strain. Vape pods make it easy to switch back and forth between pods, so you change from THC to CBD or a more desired flavor. Just like disposable vape pens, these are simple and convenient.

There are dry herb vapes, which are also portable and cheaper than some vape pods. However, they can scorch your cannabis if you’re not careful, and it produces more of an odor than any other type of vaporizer. It may not be as noticeable as smoking a joint, but it will be more apparent than a vape pod or portable e-dap rig.

Speaking of portable e-dab rigs, we don’t recommend them for beginners. These typically cost more money and produce a much more intense experience since you’ll be using hard concentrates (e.g., shatter and wax). They are also more noticeable than a vape pod or disposable pen and are generally used for THC oils rather than CBD.

A quick reminder for anyone looking to purchase a vaporizer is to buy one that uses indirect heating to ensure you’ll receive the best results. Traditional quartz and wick-type vapes pens apply direct heat, which creates a burnt flavor and can release carcinogens. Instead, try to find a vaporizer with a ceramic core.

The Benefits of Vaping

We’ve already covered that vaping helps you avoid harmful carcinogens. However, the lower heat levels also mean that your hit won’t be as harsh, and fewer cannabinoids and terpenes are destroyed.

In fact, an open flame burns off about one-half of the valuable cannabinoids and enjoyable terpenes. And, with fewer terpenes destroyed, you’ll have a richer, more noticeable flavor profile. Even with all that flavor, you’ll be excreting less odor, and the temperature isn’t just lower but often customizable.

Many vaporizers’ heat settings and intake levels are customizable. These qualities give you more control over your high. Vaping also provides a more “stackable” high. You can take a hit and wait 20 minutes before taking another. Repeat this process until you’ve achieved your desired effects.

Vaping Might Be for You

If you are new to consuming cannabis, we highly recommend that you try vaping. Of course, there are other ways to enjoy your product, such as edibles. However, if you are looking for immediate relief, as many seeking pain management are, vaping may be the perfect fit for you. Like smoking a joint or bowl, the effects of vaping set in about 15-20 minutes after you take a hit.

Vaping is also portable and discrete. So, you can take it with you wherever you go. There are so many different options for vaping, too, especially if you use disposable pens or vape pods. Their ease and convenience really can’t be beaten.

Purchase Your New Vaporizer at North!

You can check out all of North’s vaping options on our website. We have menus for both our Hillsboro and Pevely locations. At North, we care about your health and will always ensure you receive the best service possible. So much so, we now deliver! No worries if you can’t make it to one of our locations; we’ll come to you! Here is a link to all the areas where delivery is available. We always put our patient’s health first, which means you should too. Take care of yourself and head North today!

It’s the holiday season, and you know what that means. It’s time for all your favorite holiday treats. From rich hot chocolate to savory challah bread, there’s something for everyone. The holidays are a time to indulge for many people, but that doesn’t mean you have to ignore your needs. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate your medical cannabis into the festivities, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to check out five delicious cannabis-infused holiday recipes. Please consume responsibly.

Cannabis-Infused Hot Chocolate

This recipe is perfect for our canna-chocolate lovers. Nothing warms you more than the nostalgic flavor of hot cocoa. Elevate your traditional hot chocolate with these ingredients:

• 1 ½ cup full-fat milk (or milk substitute)
• 50g cannabis chocolate
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 5 drops of vanilla essence
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• ¼ cup whipped cream
• 1 cup marshmallows

First, pour the milk into a saucepan and add the cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar. Second, let the mixture come to a light boil and then take it off the heat. Third, finely chop the cannabis chocolate and add it to the saucepan. Whisk milk and chocolate until all the cannabis chocolate melts. Fourth, in a bowl, add the whipping cream and mix it until it thickens. For the fifth and final step, sit back and enjoy your cannabis-infused hot chocolate!

Hot Canna-Apple Cider

It’s time to break out that crockpot! You’ll want to make a big batch of this showstopper. You’ll need these ingredients:

• 8 cups apple cider (64-ounce bottle)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon whole cloves
• Cheesecloth
• ¼ cub brown sugar
• 1/8 cup cannabis tincture
• Nutmeg (optional)

First, pour the apple cider into the crockpot, and add cinnamon sticks. Second, wrap the allspice and cloves in the sheet of the cheesecloth, and tie it to secure spices before adding that to the crockpot. Third, stir in brown sugar and cannabis tincture. Fourth, heat the mixture on high to bring it to a boil. Once it comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat the keep the cider warm. Keep heating for one hour. Fifth, remove the cheesecloth with tongs. Make sure to squeeze it to release any extra liquid. Discard the cheesecloth, stir apple cider, and leave on warm. For the sixth and final step, all you have to do is sprinkle on some nutmeg to the top of the mixture and enjoy!

Pumpkin-Spiced Canna-Pancakes

Nothing screams fall and winter like pumpkin spice. From coffee to donuts, there are so many ways to incorporate this holiday favorite. For this flavorful vegan treat, you’ll need:

• 1 cup vanilla soymilk (or another milk substitute)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup coconut canna-oil
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar
• 2-3 very ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white whole-wheat flour
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup walnut pieces
• ½ tablespoon earth balance butter

First, add the soy milk and lemon juice into a small bowl and whisk together until combined. Let that mixture sit for five minutes. Second, add the flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk these together to thoroughly combine and set it aside. Third, mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl. Make sure to leave a few lumps. Add the canna-oil, agave nectar, vanilla extract to the soymilk mixture until combined, and set it aside. Fourth, place a large skillet over medium heat. While the pan is heating up, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are just combined. Ensure that there are no dry ingredient lumps in the batter. Sixth, lightly butter the pan once the skillet is heated and test a bite-sized pancake to check for the correct heat level. The pancake should begin bubbling and cooking through on the sides without burning on the bottom. For the final step, drop ¼ cup of batter into the skillet and cook for about five minutes on each side. Hold the cooked pancakes in a warm oven until the entire platter is ready to eat. Top with agave nectar or maple syrup and enjoy!

Peanut Butter Canna-Kiss Cookies

What better way to bring in the holiday season than with the perfect holiday cookie? Keep it simple and delicious with peanut butter kiss cookies, but with a twist. For these comforting confections, you’ll need:

• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup canna-butter (softened)
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups flour (or canna-flour)
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup sugar (for coating)
• 24 Hershey kisses (unwrapped)

First, you need to whisk together your ¾ cup sugar, brown sugar, canna-butter, and peanut butter in a bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. Second, add your egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the mix and whisk until the mixture is well combined. Third, add your flour and baking soda to the mix and continue whisking until all the ingredients are properly mixed. Fourth, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes to firm, and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Fifth, shape the dough into inch-round balls and roll them into ¼ cup of sugar. Place the sugarcoated cookie dough on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sixth, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for eight minutes or until they are very lightly golden brown. Seventh, once you take the cookies out of the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the middle of each cookie (the cookie will crack around the edges). Transfer the cookies to cooling racks. For the eighth and final step, let the cookies cool for ten minutes before serving them!

Canna Challah

(Best when the dough is mixed, kneaded, and left to rise in a bread machine)

Celebrate Hannukah with your mom’s challah bread, but with a twist. This recipe is so good that it makes two loaves! For this unforgettable treat, you’ll need:

• 2 eggs (at room temperature and enough water to make 1 ½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ canna-olive oil
• 4 ½ cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 ¼ tablespoon sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoon yeast
• Toppings: sesame seeds or a mix of kosher salt, hemp seeds, dried crushed garlic, and onion flakes

First, put eggs and water in the bread machine, add the remaining ingredients (except the toppings), and set the machine on the “dough” setting. Allow mixture to knead and rise in the machine for one hour. Second, transfer the dough to a floured board and knead for five more minutes until the dough is compliant and not sticky. Third, divide the dough into two halves. Divide each half into three equal parts. Fourth, roll out each of the three parts into 12”-long ropes that are about as thick as a nickel. Fifth, braid the three strips to form the bottom of the challah. Repeat this process for the top of the challah. However, you must reverse the direction of the top layer before you place it on top of the bottom. Repeat the entirety of this step for the second loaf. For the sixth step, brush the tops and sides of both the challahs with egg yolk. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or kosher salt, hemp seeds, dried crushed garlic, and onion flakes. Seventh, place both the loaves on parchment paper on a baking pan, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for one hour. For the ninth and final step, you will bake the two challahs at 340 degrees Fahrenheit for 23 to 25 minutes or until the loaves are a deep golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for 30 minutes on a wire rack.

Be Merry and Bright with North this Holiday Season!

These holiday classics with a twist are sure to bring you joy and comfort in the season where we need them the most. Here at North, we know just how important it is for patients to access necessary medical cannabis during the holiday season. Visit our website today. to browse our variety of selections of concentrates, edibles, flowers, vapes, and more. We even offer online ordering for pickup or delivery! So, what are you waiting for? Order online now or stop in to talk with our patient consultants today!

Do you want to learn more about cannabis? Are you interested in consuming cannabis, but you just don’t know where to start? Here at North, our team of experts is here to guide you through the many different forms of cannabis to help find the best solution for you. From extracts to tinctures, there are countless cannabis products that you can use to achieve your desired therapeutic results. For now, let’s just keep things simple and begin with the most popular form of cannabis.

Flower, it’s been smoked for thousands of years for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational use. This blog will explain precisely what flower is, how to differentiate between different strains, and how to smoke it. So, sit back and relax because we’re here to help you learn, understand, and appreciate the things cannabis can do for you.   

What Is Flower?

Flower is the dried buds harvested directly from the cannabis plant. Depending on who you’re talking to, some people refer to flower as weed, pot, ganja, bud, or grass. It’s exceptionally versatile and comes in narrow and broad leaf varieties and a hybrid of the two. Typically, the flower is ground up and smoked by using pipes, bongs, and joints. Don’t worry. We’ll go into more detail later about the different methods of consuming flower. For now, let’s talk about the different cultivars.

Choosing The Right Cultivar

Cultivars are different varieties of cannabis within the plant family. There are three types of cultivars: Narrow-leaf, broad-leaf, and hybrid varieties. These three categories are further divided into specific strains. Its particular chemical make-up characterizes each strain. The balance of cannabinoids and terpenes will dictate flavor, aroma, and how potent the strain will be.

Narrow-leaf varieties, or Sativa, are often described as more stimulating, cerebral, active, and creative than BLV. NLV cultivars generally provide an upbeat, daytime consumption experience that inspires and stimulates. That’s why many users tend to use these strains in tandem with exercise.

Broad-leaf varieties, or Indica varieties, are said to be more physically sedating. Experts say it can promote relaxation and feelings of well-being. These products are exceptional for calming down, de-stressing, and promoting restful sleep. These strains can be popular with cancer patients as they can stimulate appetite and reduce pain.

Hybrids are a combination of both NLV and BLV. Hybrids are great options for finding a comfortable middle ground on the cannabis cultivar spectrum because it combines the euphoric, uplifting effects of NLV cultivar with the relaxing, calming aspects of a BLV cultivar.

When choosing the right flower, or strain, for yourself, make sure to look for the THC percentage. All products bought from a licensed, legal dispensary should have been lab-tested to know how much THC and CBD are in each strain. Experts like to separate THC levels into three groups:

1. 10% THC or less-the flower is mild; suitable for beginners
2. 10%-20% THC-strong for beginners and just right for casual users
3. 20% and above-some of the most potent flower you’ll find

Consuming Flower

The most popular way to consume flower is to smoke it. Smoked cannabis offers a fast onset. Meaning you’ll feel the effects of it within minutes. With that in mind, beginners should be careful with flower consumption. We recommend that you take one puff or hit, wait fifteen minutes, and then take another if you feel that is a good choice for yourself. It’s best to start slow. Keep in mind, you can always smoke more, but once you’ve smoked it, you can’t stop the effects.

Smoking Joints and Blunts

When smoking a joint or blunt, you’ll need a grinder, some rolling papers, or blunt wrap. If you are rolling a joint, all you need are rolling papers, a grinder, and a lighter. Use the grinder to deduce the flower to a smaller size. Place a small amount of ground flower in the rolling paper and roll the joint. Light one end, and you’re ready to go. Apply the same concept to blunts and the blunt wrap.  However, rolling a joint or blunt takes practice, and if you’re new to cannabis, there’s no shame in purchasing pre-rolls or pre-rolled joints and bunts.

Smoking Pipes and Bongs

A pipe is one of the most straightforward ways to smoke flower. They’re small and compact, and easy to use. This makes them ideal for traveling or discreet use. To use one, simply pack small pieces of flower into a bowl and gently light using a lighter.

Bongs are ideal for those who want to tone down the heat and harshness of the hit. Simply fill the bong chamber with just enough water to cover the end of the down stem. Pack the bowl with ground flower. Position your mouth over the mouthpiece and light the flower in the bowl. At this point, you’ll want to inhale through your mouth. This will pull the smoke through the water and into your mouth. When you finish, make sure to empty your bowl and clean your bong so it’s ready for the next time you use it.

Vaping

Besides using a pipe, vaping is considered one of the easiest methods of smoking weed without papers. It’s also good to know that vaporizing flower is potentially one of the healthiest consumption methods because you avoid inhaling smoke altogether. People also often choose to vape over other forms of consumption because it makes the dosage of THC easier to control and the effects, typically, feel less jolting than more traditional means of getting high. A vape works by heating your dried flower to the point that it activates the THC and CBD within the plant, but it won’t make it so hot as to combust the cannabis into smoke.

Cannabis Flower-A Review

To review, flower is the raw product of the cannabis plant. It comes in various forms, such as narrow-leaf, broad-leaf, and hybrid varieties. These varieties are broken down into different strains, which are characterized by their chemical profile.

When deciding which flower to choose, always look for the THC percentage on the package. This will give you an idea of what to expect from one puff or hit of joint, pipe, bong, or vape.

As mentioned, there are several different ways to consume flower. You can smoke it through more traditional methods like joints, blunts, pipes, and bogs. Or you can consume it through a vaporizer.

Head North!

Do you have a medical card? Are you looking for a reliable way to find the right products just for you? Well, North Dispensaries sounds like the place for you. We offer various products, including flower, concentrates, edibles, and vaporizers. We also offer various accessories that you could need for your medical cannabis. Stop by today, or order online, and we’ll deliver! Follow this link for information about our hours and delivery service. Go North today and feel better tomorrow. We promise to be here for all your medical cannabis needs.

Having difficulty sleeping at night? You’re not alone. According to the American Sleep Association, “50-70 million US adults have a sleep disorder,” with insomnia being the most common disorder (30% of adults). Everyone knows that 7 to 8 hours of sleep is optimal for their health, but they don’t all know how to stay asleep for that long. A lot of people consider themselves to be light sleepers and may wake up periodically throughout the night. Others simply can’t fall asleep to begin with. Luckily, medicinal cannabis can help either group if they qualify for a prescription.

Why Can’t I Sleep?

If you’re wondering why counting sheep and drinking warm milk doesn’t put you to bed like it once did, Harvard Medical School offers the top 4 reasons why you’re not sleeping through the night. Reason #4 states that you could have an underlying condition such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or neuropathy. Enter medicinal cannabis – a safe alternative to pills that treats more than just sleep deprivation. This is especially true for chronic pain.

Will Medicinal Cannabis Help Me Sleep?

First off, it’s important to understand that there are a variety of strains when it comes to cannabis. Some will help calm your mind and body and a few will have the reverse effect – energizing you. Finding the right strain is easy when you work with a local dispensary, like North, that will guide you through the process of selecting the right product. The amounts of THC and CBD prescribed will depend on that conversation. One study from the National Library of Medicine shows that 15mg of THC “would appear to be sedative, while 15mg of CBD appears to have alerting properties.”

How Should I Use Medicinal Cannabis?

There’s more than one way to use cannabis when you want to get ready for bed. The quickest way would be inhaling. Once inhaled, cannabis (broken down into cannabinoids) is able to enter the bloodstream through the lungs and is then circulated throughout the body. Opposed to smoking or vaping? Cannabis can also be ingested through either food or drink. Edibles, specifically, are a highly preferred option for those with sleeping disorders. Since your body will have to digest the cannabis, it may take up to two hours before you feel it to the full extent.

Does It Treat Sleep Apnea?

There have not yet been enough studies done to know for certain that medicinal cannabis can be used to treat sleep apnea. For those who don’t know, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person stops breathing multiple times while they are asleep. Common signs are loud snoring and feeling drowsy after a full night of sleep. If you’ve noticed this lately, or notice it in your partner, speak to a doctor about the best course of treatment.

How to Get Started with North

Ready to get back to sleep? North Dispensaries is looking forward to working with you in Jefferson County soon! For now, you can take an early look at one of our first locations on our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. There is one crucial step you should take before we open our doors, however. Sign up for your Missouri medical marijuana card.

The process is simple. Start by scheduling an appointment for physician certification with a Missouri-licensed physician, like Dr. Judd, and then register for an account on the Missouri Marijuana Portal. Here you can create your application for your card. Only patients with qualifying medical conditions will be approved, so make sure to check out the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services online for more information.