Organic: An Outlawed Word in the Cannabis Industry

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A Brief History of Organic in the Cannabis Industry

The cannabis industry uses “organic” in the same way as other agricultural industries. “Organic” refers to a system of farming that relies on natural inputs. Compost and cover crops instead of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Organic agriculture values sustainability, conservation, and ecological diversity. The goal is to reduce the use of synthetic inputs and maximize the use of natural resources.
 
The organic farming movement emerged around 1940-1950. Many had concerns about the negative environmental and health impacts of industrial agriculture. In 1972, the USDA established the National Organic Program (NOP). Their task was to develop national standards for organic agriculture. These standards updated in 2000. Today the NOP handles certifying organic farms and products and enforcing organic standards.
 
In the cannabis industry, the use of the term “organic” has become more important. As legalization has spread and demand for high-quality, sustainable products has grown. The legality of cannabis at the federal level has complicated the issue of organic certification. Some states have created their own certifications, but have not been accepted nation-wide. The USDA has not yet established federal organic standards for the crops.
 
As a result, the term “organic” is often used in the cannabis industry in a more informal sense, to refer to products that are produced using sustainable, environmentally friendly, and pesticide-free practices. To ensure the quality and safety of cannabis products, many states require testing for potency and contaminants, regardless of whether the product is labeled as organic or not. Overall, the use of the term “organic” in the cannabis industry reflects a growing consumer demand for sustainably produced, environmentally friendly products.
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Why Can’t the Word Organic Be Used in Legal Cannabis?

The word “organic” cannot be used to describe cannabis products in the United States because cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This classification makes it illegal to grow, sell, or possess cannabis in any form, including for medical or recreational purposes.

As a result, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not have the authority to regulate or certify cannabis as organic. The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) sets the standards for what can be labeled as organic, and only products that are grown and processed in accordance with these standards are eligible to bear the USDA organic seal.

In order for cannabis to be considered organic, it would need to be legalized at the federal level, which would allow the USDA to establish standards for the organic production of cannabis and certify products as organic. Until this happens, the term “organic” cannot legally be used to describe cannabis in the United States.

While the absence of a federal organic standard for cannabis has led some growers and producers to use alternative labels and certification programs, it is important to be aware that these labels may not be recognized by the USDA or have the same level of credibility as the USDA organic seal.

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Organic Cannabis & Legalization

The word “organic” is tied to cannabis legalization in a few ways:

Organic cannabis cultivation is becoming more popular as legalization expands: With the legalization of cannabis in many states, there is a growing demand for organic cannabis products. Many cannabis growers are choosing to cultivate their plants using organic methods in order to meet this demand and appeal to consumers who prioritize organic products.

Organic cannabis products are subject to regulation: In some states, cannabis products that are labeled as “organic” are subject to regulation by state organic certification programs. These programs ensure that organic cannabis products meet specific standards for organic production, such as the use of natural inputs and the avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Organic cannabis cultivation can be seen as aligned with the goals of cannabis legalization: The legalization of cannabis is often framed as a way to promote a more natural, plant-based approach to medicine and recreation. Organic cultivation methods align with this goal by prioritizing the use of natural inputs and promoting soil health and biodiversity.

Overall, the word “organic” is becoming increasingly tied to cannabis legalization as consumers seek out natural, sustainable products and growers respond to this demand by using organic cultivation methods.

How to Find Weed Grown With Organic Practices in Oregon

In Oregon, there are several certifications for cannabis that signify healthy and organic growing practices. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

Clean Green Certified 

This certification is based on the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards and is specifically designed for the cannabis industry. It verifies that the product has been grown using sustainable, natural and organic practices.

Certified Kind

This is a soil-to-oil certification program that verifies that the product is grown using organic and sustainable methods. The certification is based on a set of rigorous standards that cover every aspect of the cultivation process, from seed to harvest.

Dragonfly Earth Medicine

This certification is based on regenerative farming practices that focus on building healthy soil, reducing waste, and conserving water. It verifies that the product is grown using only natural inputs and no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

This is a USDA-accredited certification that verifies that the product has been grown using organic methods. It covers all aspects of the cultivation process, from seed to harvest.

Sun+Earth Certified

This certification verifies that the product has been grown using regenerative and sustainable practices. It focuses on the use of renewable energy, conservation of water and soil, and fair labor practices.

By seeking out cannabis products that carry these certifications, you can be confident that the product was grown using healthy and sustainable methods.

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What Are Oregon’s Cannabis Testing Requirements?

Oregon has strict testing requirements for cannabis products sold in the state. Here are some of the key requirements:

Pesticide Testing 

All cannabis products sold in Oregon must be tested for pesticides. This includes both inhalable and ingestible products.

Potency Testing 

Cannabis products must be tested for THC and CBD levels to ensure that they meet state requirements.

Microbial Testing

Cannabis products must be tested for certain types of bacteria and fungi that can be harmful to human health.

Moisture Content Testing

Cannabis flower and other plant material must be tested for moisture content to ensure that it is safe for consumption and does not contain harmful levels of mold or other contaminants.

Water Activity Testing 

Water activity testing is required for edible and other cannabis-infused products to ensure that they are shelf-stable and safe for consumption.

Residual Solvent Testing 

Concentrates and other cannabis products that are made using solvents must be tested for residual solvents to ensure that they do not contain harmful levels of these substances.

Terpene Testing

Optional terpene testing is also available, which can provide additional information about the flavor and aroma of cannabis products.

All testing must be performed by a licensed laboratory that has been accredited by the Oregon Health Authority. Products that fail to meet testing requirements may not be sold in Oregon dispensaries.

Overall, these testing requirements are designed to ensure that cannabis products sold in Oregon are safe and free from harmful contaminants.

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Do Testing Requirements Protect Consumers From Non-Organic Material?

In Oregon, cannabis testing requirements are designed to ensure that all products that reach the market are safe for consumption and meet certain quality standards. These requirements include testing for potency, pesticides, microbial contaminants, and residual solvents.

However, while testing requirements can help to identify and prevent the sale of products that contain harmful chemicals or contaminants, they do not specifically prevent non-organic cannabis from going to market. For example, a product that has been grown using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers may still pass testing requirements if the levels of these chemicals fall below the allowable limits.

To ensure that you are purchasing cannabis that has been grown using organic practices, it is best to look for products that carry one of the certifications mentioned earlier, such as Clean Green Certified or Certified Kind. These certifications provide an additional level of assurance that the product has been grown using sustainable and natural methods.

Not Everyone Agrees On Testing Accuracy

There is disagreement in the cannabis community about the accuracy of testing for several reasons. First, cannabis is a complex plant with numerous chemical compounds that can affect the results of testing. For example, THC and CBD levels can vary widely depending on the strain, growing conditions, and harvesting techniques.

Second, there is a lack of standardized testing protocols and quality control measures across the industry. Different labs may use different methods and equipment, which can lead to variations in results. In addition, there is currently no federal oversight or regulation of cannabis testing, which can contribute to inconsistencies and inaccuracies.

Third, some members of the cannabis community have expressed concerns that testing may be biased or inaccurate due to financial incentives. For example, some labs may be incentivized to report higher THC levels in order to command higher prices for their testing services, or to boost sales of certain strains. Check out our blog on other reasons why THC percentage doesn’t show the whole picture here.

Finally, there is a general lack of education and awareness among consumers about how to interpret and understand lab test results. This can lead to confusion and skepticism about the accuracy of testing, particularly when results differ from consumers’ expectations or previous experiences.

Overall, the accuracy of cannabis testing is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires ongoing research, standardization, and education to ensure that consumers have access to reliable and trustworthy information about the products they are consuming.

Legal cannabis products are generally considered safe, but there are some potential risks and concerns that consumers should be aware of. While regulatory frameworks for cannabis production, distribution, and sale vary by state, most legal cannabis products undergo some form of testing for potency, contaminants, and other quality control measures. However, as noted earlier, the accuracy and consistency of testing can be an issue in some cases.

To minimize risks and ensure that you are consuming legal cannabis products safely, it is important to educate yourself about the products you are using, read product labels and lab test results, and follow dosage and usage guidelines carefully. You should also purchase cannabis products from reputable and licensed dispensaries or retailers, and be wary of products that make unsubstantiated health or therapeutic claims.

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What is Biomagnification & What Does It Have To Do With Cannabis?

Biomagnification refers to the process by which certain toxins or chemicals become increasingly concentrated as they move up the food chain. In the context of cannabis products, biomagnification can occur as the plant material is refined into concentrates or extracts.

When cannabis is grown using pesticides or other chemicals, these compounds can become concentrated in the plant material. When this material is processed into concentrates, the levels of these chemicals can become even more concentrated, resulting in potentially harmful levels of exposure.

In addition, cannabis plants can also absorb heavy metals and other toxins from the soil or water in which they are grown. As with pesticides, these compounds can become concentrated in the plant material during the refining process.

To minimize the risk of biomagnification in cannabis products, it is important to use organic and sustainable growing practices and to carefully monitor the levels of toxins and contaminants throughout the cultivation and refining process. Additionally, third-party testing and certification can help to ensure that cannabis products are safe and free from harmful levels of contaminants.

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Read Up On Organic Cannabis Growing Practices

Here are some books that cover organic cannabis growing practices:

“The Organic Grow Book“ by Karel Schelfhout and Michiel Panhuysen

This book covers organic growing practices for a wide range of crops, including cannabis.

“Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web“ by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the soil food web and how to create a healthy soil ecosystem for optimal plant growth.

“The Cannabis Grow Bible“ by Greg Green

This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of cannabis cultivation, including organic growing practices and techniques.

“True Living Organics: The Ultimate Guide to Growing All-Natural Marijuana Indoors“ by The Rev

This book provides detailed instructions for growing cannabis using organic methods and materials.

“Organic Marijuana, Soma Style: The Pleasures of Cultivating Connoisseur Cannabis” by Soma

This book covers organic cannabis growing practices from a personal perspective, with a focus on cultivating high-quality, connoisseur-grade cannabis.

These books can provide a wealth of information and guidance for growers interested in organic cannabis cultivation practices. It’s important to note, however, that regulations and best practices for growing cannabis can vary by region, so it’s important to do additional research and consult local experts to ensure compliance and success in your particular area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the word “organic” cannot be used in the cannabis market in the United States due to the conflicting regulations and legal framework surrounding the term. While the USDA has established a national standard for organic certification, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. As a result, the use of the term “organic” in the cannabis industry is not regulated or recognized by federal agencies, leaving the door open to misrepresentation and fraudulent claims. As the legal landscape surrounding cannabis continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether federal agencies will establish clear guidelines for the use of the term “organic” in the cannabis market.

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We got you!

The world of legal cannabis is a constantly changing environment. Fortunately our staff is highly educated and our marketplace specifically strives to buy products grown with organic and sustainable practices. Stop in at any of our shops to learn about some of Oregon’s local cannabis brands that use these techniques. Shop any of our store’s menus and see what we have in store!

Substance offers online ordering and curbside pickup for dabs and other fine products at all dispensary locations throughout Bend, OR and now at our newest location in Cottage Grove, OR.

Dab Rig Essential Guide

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Getting into the world of extracts and concentrates can be an intimidating process. Fortunately, it’s actually a pretty simple! This guide is designed to cover everything you need to know to use a dab rig with confidence. Get ready… to get dabbed out!

Setup: Absolute Essentials

 

Dab Rig

What is a dab rig? The term “dab rig” is typically used for a bong that is specifically designed for smoking dabs. This means that it has a different shape than most of the bongs you’ve used before. Many rigs incorporate something called a “recycler” that collects resin in the water that can later be reclaimed. Most bongs can be converted into a dab rig. Although some purists might scoff at the idea, you could replace the bowl of any bong with a nail.

Dab Nail

A dab nail, otherwise known as a bucket or banger, is what sets a dab rig apart from regular bongs. A nail is usually shaped like a small bucket, with a curved or angled stem that fits into the down stem of the rig. This piece can sustain high temperatures, and is heated to over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows instant vaporization of the dab as it hits the nail. Much like the bowl to a bong, your nail must fit into whatever type of bong or rig you’d like to use. 

Torch

In order to heat your nail to the desired temperature, you’ll need a torch. Regular lighters or even small cigar torches typically will not be enough to adequately heat a banger to the ideal temperature. You need a small crème brulee torch, or something like a propane camping torch.

Dab Tool

Most dabs are consistencies that can be difficult to handle. Specific tools made for dabs help to get the small amount of dab safely into your banger. Dab tools can be made out of metal, ceramic, or glass. It is important to remember that whatever tool you use to dab off of, is exposed to the high temperatures of the nail. Never use anything that would be hazardous if heated.

Cotton Swabs

After taking your dab, you want to clean out your nail. Besides using cotton swabs to mop up the remaining dab, you can also use your torch to burn off leftover dab in your nail. This is useful when the dab has already cooled. A cooled dab will be extra sticky; cotton swabs should only be used right after taking a dab while the oil is still hot and liquid.

The Process of Using a Dab Rig

  1. Begin heating your nail with the torch, approximately 30-45 seconds
  2. Continue heating until your temperature gauge alerts you of the correct temperature, if you do not have a gauge wait until it is red hot. 
  3. Wait until the nail is no longer red, and checking to see if you can hold your hand 3-5” from your nail comfortably
  4. Prepare your dab by scooping it out with your dab tool if sugar or crumble, prepare your dab by scooping a rice grain sized amount with your tool. If using shatter it may be beneficial to warm up your tool first so the shatter will stick.. If shatter, it may be helpful to slightly warm your tool so that it will stick to the dab
  5. Carefully put your dab into the nail and set aside dab tool
  6. Cover your nail with carb cap as you begin to take inhale
  7. Spin the carb cap around to direct the airflow
  8. Once complete, take a cotton swab and mop up any remaining dab
Dab rig with various accessories

Setup: Nice to Have Extras

Temperature Gauge

The ideal temperature for most dabs is between 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, there are some handy gadgets that can digitally read the temperature of your nail, and alert you when it’s the right temperature. There’s also other products called e-nails that can be set to specific temperatures and will maintain those temperatures as long as you want. Perfect for your next sesh with your friends!

Carb Cap

A carb cap is typically made of glass or metal, and is designed to fit in or over the top of the dab nail. By putting the cap over the nail, it lowers the pressure, and thus lowers the boiling point of the oil. This also maximizes the convection and helps to control the airflow. Some carb caps can be spun to direct the oil around the nail for even vaporization. 

Terp Pearls

A terp pearl is a small glass ball designed to be spun around the nail with the use of a carb cap. This helps spread the oil around the nail evenly as it cools. 

Dab Containers

Storage containers for your dabs are not always necessary, since most of the time your dab will come packaged in some type of container. However, you may encounter products you want to put in a better container. Dab containers are usually made out of silicone or glass. Other dab products will be wrapped in wax paper, or a clear plastic. 

Other Ways To Smoke Dabs

There are many different ways to enjoy your favorite cannabis extracts!

Glass Straw

The most basic way to smoke dabs, a glass straw is exactly as it sounds. It looks like a glass tube with a mouthpiece and tapered tip resembling a straw. The tip is heated to temperatures using a torch and then pressed into the dab while simultaneously taking a hit from the mouthpiece. This option is usually the most cost efficient way to get into dabbing, but it’s also the hottest dabs you’ll take. 

Nectar Collector

A nectar collector is similar to a glass straw, but with a water upgrade. Along the middle of the straw, there would be an additional chamber that holds water. It is used the same way as a glass straw. The water helps to cool down the smoke, and produces a much smoother hit than a regular glass straw. 

Electronic Methods

There are many different types of electronic devices capable of vaporizing dabs on the market today. All of them are designed to accomplish the same thing, without the use of a torch. Most utilize a battery and electronic heating element to heat a container and vaporize the dab. This is a great option for those who feel uncomfortable using a torch. 

Bowls, Joints, Blunts

When it all comes down to it, you can also smoke your dab on top of your flower. You can also sprinkle it into joints or blunts. Crumble tends to be the most ideal consistency for this method. 

Cold Start Dabs

While usually the dab is put into the nail after it has been heated to temperature, a cold start dab is put into the nail then heated to temperature. This is an especially popular method for those using electronic dab rigs. 

Substance offers online ordering and curbside pickup for dabs and other fine products at all dispensary locations throughout Bend, OR and now at our newest location in Cottage Grove, OR.

Bud

Know Your Bud

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For those of you new to cannabis, what’s inside of any variety of ganja can be a bit overwhelming. To help you navigate the sometimes seemingly endless array of weed-related jargon, we’ve prepared an intro for you on the primary source of all your favorite cannabis products: bud, or flower.

What is it?

Bud is the literal flower of the cannabis plant, thus why you may hear it called both bud and flower. It contains weed’s active ingredients: cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabinoids and the ECS

Cannabinoids are the chemicals secreted by the cannabis plant. Most people are familiar with the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, as it plays a primary role in cannabis’ psychoactive effects (it gets you stoned). However, there are actually at least 85 cannabinoids, each with a variety of psychoactive effects and/or therapeutic benefits. Cannabinoids interact with your body via the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.

The ECS is endogenous to the human body. Your body produces its own version of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids. These help your body maintain homeostasis. How cannabinoids interact with your ECS and the endocannabinoids it produces will help determine both what kind of high you will get and what other therapeutic benefits the plant might yield.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the essential oil of the cannabis plant. They’re what give each variety of bud its own distinctive smell. Terpenes affect the way in which cannabinoids interact with your ECS. They can alter your high, or provide additional therapeutic effects.

Species

Cannabis intended for human consumption comes in two different species: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The third species, Cannabis ruderalis, contains too little cannabinoids and terpenes to be of much interest for cannabis consumers. These species refer to the plant’s phenotype — its easily observable traits, such as its appearance, smell, etc. Generally, sativas are known for their cerebral effects, and indicas for their soothing body effects.

However, since indica and sativa refer to the plant’s external, easily observable traits (and not its cannabinoid and terpene composition or its genetic makeup), it’s hard to say the exact effect of a cannabis plant of either species. Further, most cannabis today is some combination of the two, often referred to as a ‘hybrid’.

Strains

The strain of any cannabis plant refers to its genealogy (its parents, grandparents, etc.) A cannabis plant’s strain will tell you if it is an indica, sativa, or a combination of both. They are also generally indicative of its cannabinoid and terpene content, although this varies considerably from grower to grower.

We hope you’ve found this intro helpful. Keep an eye out for further introductory posts on different cannabis products and ingestion methods, and don’t forget to stop by Substance soon to put your weed knowledge to work!

How to Decarboxylate Cannabis

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Raw cannabis contains a lot of THCA which is not psychoactive. When you smoke weed, the THCA molecule loses its carboxylic group (COOH) in the form of water vapor and carbon dioxide and becomes THC. In short, THCA becomes THC and your cannabis becomes psychoactive. This process is called decarboxylation.

When you smoke or vaporize marijuana, you decarboxylate the cannabis by heating it. If you ingest cannabis and want the full psychoactive effect, you need to first decarb your cannabis before you cook with it.

 

Temperature

The lower the temperature, the longer it’s going to take to decarb your cannabis. Keep in mind that a lower temperature will allow you to lose less terpenes.

 

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the pungent oils that color your cannabis with distinctive flavors such as berry, mint, citrus and pine. There are many medicinal benefits to terpenes; some will successfully relieve your stress while others will promote focus and awareness.

 

Table – Decarboxylation Temperatures and Times
TemperatureHeating ModePlant Material TimeKief / Hash TimeCannabis Oil
310FOven10 – 18 minutes5 – 10 minutes
250FHot oil bathUntil bubbles taper off
240FOven50 – 60 minutes30 – 40 minutes
212FBoiling water bath90 minutes90 minutes

 

Decarboxylation Methods:

Tip: Grind your cannabis first! A course grind will allow your weed to evenly dry without losing potency from over grinding.

Flower

  1. Preheat your oven (see table above). Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature.
  2. Sprinkle your cannabis in a pie plate and then cover it well with silver foil by crimping the foil along the edge of the plate.
  3. Place in the oven (see table above) – less time for older drier material, more for fresher material.
  4. After required time, turn the oven off, and remove cannabis. Let it cool down slowly before you unseal the container to allow any cannabinoid/terpenes vapor to reabsorb into the cannabis.

Keif/Hash

  1. Preheat oven (see table)
  2. Sprinkle hash/keif on pie plate, cover with silver foil and crimp foil along edge of plate. Place sealed dish in oven for (see table).
  3. Remove plate and let it cool down slowly without removing cover to allow any vapors to reabsorb into cannabis.

Boiling Bag method:

  1. Place the cannabis flower/keif/hash into a boilable cooking pouch. Seal it.
  2. Place in boiling water for 90 minutes. Make sure water does not boil dry.
  3. Take bag out of water. Let it slowly cool before opening.

Cannabis Oil

  1. Place heat proof container of cannabis oil into a cooking oil bath (canola oil works well). Heat cooking oil to 121C/250F.
  2. Stir cannabis oil to break up bubbles.
  3. Remove cannabis oil from heat when bubble formation starts to slow down — or leave on heat until all bubbles stop for increased sedative effect.
Kief

What is Kief?

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Ever wonder what to call all those tiny, sticky crystals that cover cannabis flower?

Well, we’ve got an answer for you: kief.

Simply said, kief (also known as dry sift or pollen) refers to the resin glands which contain the terpenes and cannabinoids that make cannabis so unique. While marijuana sans kief still contains cannabinoids, the resin glands that develop on flower buds pack the biggest punch.

Trichomes: It’s All About Protection

While kief specifically refers to the bulbous, crystal formation on the tip of a gland, the substance itself is just one part of what is called a trichome, or a “hair.”

Many different plants and algae have external trichomes for specific evolutionary purposes. For example, some carnivorous plants rely on sticky trichomes to trap their prey. Other plants, like cannabis, use them as a deterrent to herbivores.

Trichomes on the marijuana plant keep away hungry herbivores by producing an intense psychoactive experience, theoretically disorienting the animal and preventing it from eating the rest of the plant. The resin’s strong, distinct odor also attracts pollinating insects and predators, which might keep herbivore populations at bay.

Extracting Kief

If you like the experience of concentrates but don’t want to break the bank buying expensive wax or extraction equipment, sifting kief might be a great alternative. Due to the high concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids in resin glands, separating kief crystals from plant matter is a great way to consume cannabis while reducing the amount of charred material you take into your body.

Extracting kief is simple. Using a three-chamber herb grinder will help you finely grind your cannabis while letting kief crystals fall through a screen and collect into a small compartment. While two chamber grinders are nice, they often let potent kief go to waste since crystals fall off of the dried herb and just stick to the inside of the grinder.

For extracting larger quantities of kief, using simple silk screening materials will allow you to separate kief from plant matter with the ease of sifting flower.

Many people create makeshift sifters using layered screens similar to the ones pictured above. Because kief tends to measure between 75 and 125 microns, it can be difficult to separate all of the resin from the plant materials. To make sure you’re collecting the cleanest kief without unwanted plant matter, stack three to four layers of fine mesh screen one on top of another.

For the best results, home extractors use consecutive sizes of screen and stack them in order from largest to smallest. When buying screens, the number of wires or threads per inch, or the LPI (lines per inch) number is an important thing to remember. The larger the screen, the smaller the LPI number. When it comes to sifting kief, mesh between 80 and 270 LPI tends to work best.

When buying extracted kief at a dispensary or retail store, keep in mind that the purer the kief, the lighter the color will be. Kief that still looks fairly green means that there is still quite a bit of plant matter mixed in, whereas kief that has been well cleaned tends to be more of an off-white color.

What’s the Deal with Hash?

Extracting kief is one of the first steps of making hash. To simply summarize, hash is basically just kief that has been heated and pressurized to form a soft, green ball. Applying heat and pressure to kief changes its composition by rupturing the resin glands. Once the kief ruptured, the overall taste and effects of the product are slightly different. Pressurizing kief also darkens its color; the more pressure you apply, the darker the hash becomes.

Kief may not be the most exciting cannabis product out there, but it still remains one of the most popular and easiest to access. For more information on kief and kief extraction, check out Ed Rosenthal’sBeyond Buds. In the meantime, be sure to pick up a three-chamber herb grinder if you’d like to get the most bang for your buck.

 

For more posts like this, visit Leafly’s knowledge center right here. 

jar of weed

Storing Cannabis

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Proper storage of cannabis is critical for keeping it as potent as possible

While storing cannabis is not difficult, there are four important factors that affect its freshness and potency:

•  Rule # 1: heat will dry it out and too much moisture can cause dangerous bacteria to grow,

•  Rule # 2: light is harmful to the trichomes (the sticky resin glands attached) ,

•  Rule # 3: air will dry it out and lessen its potency

•  Rule # 4: too much handling causes the trichomes to come off.

The best way to store your medical cannabis is in an airtight mason jar that has a good seal. One of the old time dark colored cheese jars with the wire swing top is ideal if you happen to have one. They are ideal for keeping out air, heat and light.

Store the jar in a cool dark place. You can store it in the fridge (not the freezer), but keep an eye out for mold. Fresh bud will actually “cure” better using this method, producing some sweet smellin’ buds!

When your medical cannabis was grown, our growers waited until the trichomes were just right before harvesting to create the best potency possible from those plants. You want to preserve those sticky resin glands and handle them gently as they fall off easily.

The two biggest myths about storing cannabis are that keeping it in clear plastic bags and freezing it helps preserve it, but these actions actually break most of the rules we mentioned earlier.

When you freeze cannabis buds, those potent little trichomes become like tiny icicles. This makes them stiff and brittle and actually makes them fall off and break off the buds. The more you handle the buds in and out of the freezer, the more you lose those active ingredients that help alleviate the symptoms you ‘re trying to address.

Also, all plastic bags have some static, and even this static attracts the resin glands that you are trying to protect and keep intact, which means you are reducing the potency slightly. If you must use plastic bags, use them seldom and for small quantities.

It’s also a good idea to keep the quantity of cannabis you wish to store separate from your daily supply

If you don’t have a jar, you can put it in brown bags (or any dark paper), and then place it in your plastic bags and remove any air that you can.

Refrigerate, or keep in a cool place (a basement works well) where there is no light and little activity – prevent any constant movement or handling. This will keep your medical cannabis both fresh and potent for a very long time.

We at Substance also carry lovely Boveda packs which regulate the amount of moisture present in your cannabis storage area. They’re very helpful in particularly arid or humid environments and are a viable option for anyone who wants to preserve more than a quarter ounce of cannabis flower.

These guidelines also apply to concentrates—just use a smaller jar!

To protect the potency and taste of your cannabis for long periods, smart storage is a must! Rough handling, heat, light and air exposure degrade trichomes!

For more useful information regarding cannabis, visit Harborside Health Center’s website.

afghan

Strain Review – Afghani Pakistani

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Recently we at Substance started carrying a new flower, known as Afghani Pakistani, or Afpak for short. A couple of the staff members here have gotten a chance to try this lovely flower, and we would be delighted to share our experiences and opinions on it with you all.

First things first…some basic Afghani Pakistani knowledge for your brains.

The Afpak…

  • is a heavy indica
  • comes from Aghani Landrace and Pakistani Landrace strains
  • is commonly used to help with insomnia, issues with appetite, and pain relief

My first impressions of the strain were very positive. It looks gorgeous, with beautiful purple coloration, prominent orange hairs and a decent bud structure. The Afghani Pakistani’s trichomes are abundant, making it look rather frosty and visually appealing. The smell is just as good, with a sweet candy-like aroma. In fact, I would best describe its appeal as being like “purple candy”.

The bud was clearly cured very well. The flowers are not dry, nor are they full of moisture which would suggest it was harvested too early. Rather, the process appears to have gone very well and provides the flower with a lovely consistency. The texture is sticky and balanced just right.

Now, moving on to the effect…

I loaded my pipe with the Afghani Pakistani flower as my day was winding down to an end. I was tucking in for the night, ready to relax and listen to some music. I was hoping that the strain would be perfect for such a setting, given that it is a heavy indica – and it was. The taste of the smoke was just as sweet, if not more so, than the flower itself. The resulting effect was a pleasant heady buzz that made me feel very relaxed and helped to ease my muscle tension.

My coworker made an excellent observation about the strain. He stated that while the Afghani Pakistani is a heavy indica, it nevertheless produced a very functional high that didn’t have the “couch-lock” effect that many indica strains tend to induce. I experienced a similar effect – body and muscle relaxation, pain relief, while still being able to stay up and do creative things like drawing or making music.

All in all, the Afghani Pakistani gets a rating of 9/10 from me. It’s a well formed flower with excellent appeal and a very pleasant effect. I would definitely recommend picking it up while we have it in the store, because it’s going fast.

 

sativa

Sativa

Posted on by Substance
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Sativa strains of cannabis, similar to their Indica cousins, have a wide variety of health benefits. Some of the more notable benefits include

  • Relief from depression
  • Mind stimulation
  • Increasing focus, and
  • Treating PTSD

Examples: Cinex, Haze Wreck, Jack Herer

Sativa plants are found throughout the world. Potent varieties such as Colombian, Panamanian, Mexican, Nigerian, Congolese, Indian and Thai are found in equatorial and sub/equatorial zones. These plants require a long time to mature because they originated in areas that have a long season. They are usually very potent, containing large quantities of THC. The highs they produce are described in such terms as psychedelic, dreamy, spacey, and creative. The buds usually smell sweet or tangy and the smoke is smooth, sometimes deceptively so.

Sativa plants grow in a conical, Christmas-tree form. The leaves have long, narrow serrated blades, wide spacing between branches, and vigorous growth. They often grow very tall outdoors and are difficult to control indoors.

Sativas have long, medium-thick buds when grown in full equatorial sun; under artificial light with inadequate intensity, or even under the temperate sun, the buds run, or are thinner, longer and don’t fill out completely. In areas with short growing seasons, the buds often don’t mature before frost.

Sativa at a Glance

Height: 5′ to 25′ (1.5 to 7.5 m)

Shape: Tall, Christmas-tree shape

Branching: Moderate branching, wide at its base, single stem at top

Nodes: Long stem length between leaves

Leaves: Long leaves, thin long blades

Color: Pale to medium green

Flowers: Long sausage-shaped flowers

Odor: Sweet to spicy

High: Psychedelic

Flowering: 8 to 15 weeks

indica

Indica

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Indica strains of cannabis have a multitude of health benefits, which include but are not limited to:

  • Relief from body pain
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Reduction of seizures
  • Migraine relief, and
  • Appetite stimulation

Examples: Afghan Kush, Blue Cheese, Blackberry Kush

Indica plants developed in central Asia between the 25th and 35th latitudes, where the weather is changeable. Drought one year may be followed by cloudy, rainy or sunny weather. For the population to continue, the plant group needed different individuals that survive and even thrive under those specific conditions. Thus, in any season, no matter what the weather, some plants will do better than others.

Indicas, including Kush varieties, have broad general characteristics: they mature early, have compact short branches and wide, short leaves which are dark green, sometimes tinged purple. Their buds are usually tight, heavy, wide, and thick, rather than long. They smell “stinky,” “skunky,” or “pungent,” and their smoke is thick – a small toke can induce coughing.

Indica plants were developed for resin content, which was removed from the flowers to make hashish. It is only after these varieties were introduced to the West that their buds were consumed. The best indicas have a relaxing “social high,” which allow you to sense and feel the environment, without analyzing the experience.

Indica at a Glance

Height: 2′ to 6′ (0.6 to 1.8m)

Shape: Conical to bushy

Branching: Lots of side branching, usually wider than its height

Nodes: Short stem length between leaves

Leaves: Wide short leaves, short wide blades

Color: Dark green to purple

Flowers: Wide, dense, bulky

Odor: Pungent, sticky, or fruity

High: Inertia, desensitizing

Flowering: 6 to 9 weeks