Whether you’re an old-school flower smoker or dabble in the vast world of concentrates, these items will make any session a grand event. 

Gold Everything

What better way to indulge in the finer things than adding gold to your collection? Grinders are essential for proper flower smoking, and a gold shell grinder provides an upscale look while getting your grind on. Gold rolling papers and wraps will turn any joint or blunt into the fanciest thing you’ve ever smoked. And before you burn your fingertips, bust out a 14-karat gold roach clip to bring some flash to the end of your smoke. Try adding gold dab tools to your stash kit if you’re into concentrates. These tools will add a little flair to your concentrate prep.

Stash Boxes

Specialized containers for storing your Cannabis have become elaborate over recent years and are a must-own for any marijuana enthusiast. Cannador has taken the classic cigar humidor and made the best stash box for keeping your flower fresh. They offer smaller containers to fit two strains or splurge and get a nine-strain monster. With built-in drawers and options for pre-rolls, every flower user should invest in one of these.

If you like more variety and a personal touch, Edie Parker offers designer stash boxes and jars with customization options. These boxes aren’t to be hidden in the closet, however. With sleek designs and beautiful engraving, you’ll want to display these pieces all over your home.

High-End Smoking

Luxury smoking pieces have flooded the market, and there’s a perfect option for any taste. From pipes and bongs to dab rigs and e-nails, if you’re willing to pay the price, you can make your next session an extravagant affair.

Summerland in San Francisco creates designer bongs and pipes that are sure to be the talk of the toke. Their ceramic bongs look more like expensive flower vases and with a quarter turn, might even pass for one on your shelf. Their apple-shaped Fruit Fantasy pipes add a fun element while maintaining a classy, elegant aesthetic. Each item is hand-crafted and easily doubles as an art piece when you’re not using it.

As vaping has grown in popularity, an old classic has reemerged as one of the best ways to enjoy your weed. A high-quality vaporizer will set you back a bit but remains one of the best ways to vape and cleanly inhale your flower. 

Possibly the fastest-growing segment in smoking is e-nails for vaping concentrates. E-nails heat the nail on dabbing rigs and many versions offer technology that allows you to set a certain temperature.

With so many incredible options available, budgets of any size can upgrade their cannabis experience and enjoy a life of luxury while they’re at it. From gold-plated possibilities to the latest technology in vaping, adding an upscale piece will give you a high-end experience every time you light up.

And because some of those medical states have only authorized the prescription of low-THC cannabis oil, we haven’t reached the point that would allow for a coast-to-coast road trip with cannabis flower or concentrates in the trunk of your car—yet.

With that in mind, we chose three cannabis road trip ideas that, if performed responsibly, will be totally legal (and fun). Our only criteria were that these destinations:

1. Are adult-use states (with one exception)
2. Are states that neighbor other weed-friendly states
3. Have interesting attractions that go beyond cannabis tourism

Here we go:

Destination 1: Four Corners

The Four Corners Monument once had only one real claim to fame: It was the only location in the U.S. where a traveler could go and stand in four states—and two Indigenous tribal territories—at the same time. 

Today, the Colorado-based monument can also boast that all four of those states are legal weed states. That’s right: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah have regulated cannabis programs. Here’s where that exception kicks in: Utah is technically a medical-only state, while the other three states have thriving adult-use programs. 

Tip: Be respectful. Because the Navajo Nation, which technically operates the monument, is strongly opposed to cannabis legalization, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is on the fence about the whole thing, don’t go to the monument expecting to spark up a joint. 

Instead, take a 40-minute drive northeast to Cortez, Colorado, and visit The Doobie Sisters Recreational Dispensary, which boasts that it’s “Montezuma County’s high-end recreational cannabis store,” and is owned and operated by three sisters.

Destination 2: The East Coast and New England

It’s been a long slog, but the states that many think of when they think “East Coast” have finally opened up their adult-use programs and are either fully operational or likely will be in 2023. 

New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have transitioned from medical-only to adult-use sales. And the entirety of New England — with the sole exception of New Hampshire, the Live Free or Die state — has adult-use programs.

Eat an edible and visit Lady Liberty; satisfy your munchies at Boston’s oldest (and most famous) restaurant, Union Oyster House (but make a reservation for both). Or try the “ethical dog sledding” experience in Eden Mills, Vermont, blazed. 

There is no shortage of things to do up and down the weed-friendly Atlantic coastline — it will be a road trip you’ll likely never forget.

Destination 3: California Wine Country

Go where the legalization movement began — and enjoy plenty of wine tastings along the way. California was the first state to legalize medical cannabis when voters approved the Compassionate Use Act nearly 30 years ago.

But before legal weed, the Spanish Franciscan Missionaries began planting vineyards in the 18th century (for communion, of course).

Now, as we all know, California is famous the world over for both its fine cannabis and its fine wines.

The number of wineries in Napa Valley alone beats 450, and there is no shortage of adult-use dispensaries in the region.

But be careful: It’s believed that mixing cannabis and alcohol can amplify the effects of one or both substances, and you absolutely do not want to drive once you’ve begun imbibing. Take advantage of one of the many guided tasting tours—or cruise over Napa Valley and Sonoma high (both literally and figuratively) in a hot-air balloon. 

Whether you’re in middle America or one of the coasts, there is no shortage of great cannabis-themed road trip ideas you can pitch to your friends. We think this is a good start. As always, be responsible: Don’t drive high, and keep your stash in the vehicle’s trunk, out of the driver’s and passengers’ reach.

A church group produced the 1936 American propaganda film to warn people about the purported dangers of cannabis. It was just one part of a concerted effort in the 1930s to criminalize cannabis and other narcotics. 

But despite its original intent, the film has since become known for its campy, false, and over-the-top portrayal of the plant’s supposed effects on young people. 

It’s become a prominent and influential piece of American media, though not for the reasons its producers hoped. In fact, “reefer madness” is often used today as a sort of shorthand for any messaging or actions against drug use seen as hysterical, unnecessary, or false.

Here are five interesting facts about “Reefer Madness” that you may not know:

The original title of the film was “Tell Your Children.” 

Would “Reefer Madness” be the cannabis cultural touchstone it is today without its sensational name? We’ll never know. You have to admit, though, that it’s a much catchier title than the original one French-American film director Louis J. Gasnier gave it. 

“Tell Your Children” was the name of the small church group that financed the film—and the inspiration for its title.

That quickly changed when husband-and-wife exploitation filmmakers and distributors Dwain and Hildagarde Esper bought the film (though Dwain was the face of the operation). They recut the film, adding more bawdy scenes, and renamed it “Reefer Madness” for a more salacious vibe.

“Reefer Madness” was a flop—and the founder of NORML rediscovered it decades later.

The Espers distributed the new cut on the exploitation film circuit under different names, like “The Burning Question,” where it performed pretty poorly and was quickly shelved.

Around 1970, the film was rediscovered by the founder of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws — an advocacy group still influential today. In 1973, founder Keith Stroup told The New York Times that NORML had attained the rights to distribute the film, which by then was seen as humorous and ironic. The film grossed about $100,000 through showings in about 20 cities on college campuses and traditional theaters, Stroup said.

Today, the film is in the public domain.

True crimes likely inspired the “Reefer Madness” sensationalism.

There was a strong pro-prohibitionist movement in the 1930s, primarily led by anti-pot crusader Harry Anslinger, the first head of the newly created Federal Bureau of Narcotics, in 1930. The FBN enlisted self-proclaimed cannabis experts to convince the public (and juries) that marijuana use led to violent crime.

But it was an actual ax murder of five in Tampa, Florida, that supposedly served as the true inspiration for “Reefer Madness.” 

Florida man Victor Licata killed both of his parents and all three of his siblings with the crude weapon in 1933, purportedly while in a cannabis-created delirium. That latter false belief gave him the nickname “Dream Slayer” and provided leaders like Anslinger the ammunition they needed to criminalize cannabis.

A film called “Madness,” based on more than a decade of research into these killings and their impact on American drug policy, is being produced by Florida native Devin Muller, who wrote and is directing it. The COVID-19 pandemic held up the film’s production.

“Reefer Madness” has established itself as a pop-culture staple.

From references in stoner-buddy flicks like “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” to made-for-TV musical remakes starring Kristen Bell, there is no doubt that this small-budget exploitation flick has had a big impact on American culture—for better or worse.

Scientific research has widely debunked the film’s portrayal of cannabis as a dangerous and deadly substance.

Despite decades of prohibition on federally funded research, scientists and researchers are finding that weed is the safest of all drugs used recreationally. Experts and regular citizens are regularly discovering its medical benefits as legalization sweeps the nation. Two more states adopted adult-use cannabis programs in the November 2022 elections, and the movement shows no signs of slowing down. 

Just as some cannabis strains have a reputation for “locking” you to your couch, there are a variety of strains that can give you subtle energy, a confidence boost, and relaxation to heighten your romantic experience and culminate in an incredibly sensual encounter.

When choosing which strain to use on date night, you may initially rely on the two overarching cannabis categories to decide how you want to feel; indica for relaxation and sativa for energy. However, the nuances of each strain and how it will affect you are also influenced by terpenes, the compounds that create those distinct strain aromas.

With these nuances in mind, we’re outlining 10 cannabis strains of both indica and sativa varieties that could be your perfect aphrodisiac for an erotic night with your special someone.

Atomic Northern Lights

This indica-dominant hybrid helps you relax and heightens arousal, making it a great choice for unwinding with your partner after a long day at work.

Blue Dream 

Potent but balanced, this strain gives a tasty blueberry buzz with all the great energy of its high sativa content. Then you’ll drop into a serious calm or even numb state, so make sure you take your hits right before the action starts.

Bubblegum Kush

This indica-dominant strain comes on slowly, but its long-lasting effects leave your senses heightened to every touch, and your mind and body relaxed.

Dark Milk Loves Chocolate

These chocolate edibles were explicitly designed for romantic arousal. They combine five herbal aphrodisiacs with sensory-heightening cannabis. Although we don’t generally recommend edibles for romance since they take longer to kick in, this is one tantalizing exception! Just make sure to enjoy your chocolates about 2 hours before you want the action to start.

Flo 

Flo is a sativa-dominant hybrid that gives you that classic hit of energy while still offering relaxation. It’s balanced and mild and lets you really get into the moment without getting lost in the high.

Granddaddy Purple

This strain is very indica-heavy, so don’t take too much. But it’s incredibly popular for leaving you feeling relaxed, creative, and euphoric. Granddaddy Purple is the king of getting into the flow and mellowing any potential inhibitions for a relaxed night with your sweetheart.

Green Crack 

Aromatic and refreshing, Green Crack gives you a burst of energy while soothing away stress and worry. This is the strain to take for your all-nighters, if you catch our drift.

Sour Dream

A hybrid of Blue Dream and Sour Diesel, this sativa-dominant hybrid builds your energy and inspires giddiness, so be prepared for a fit of giggles in bed.

Super Sour Diesel

Sativa-dominant and sensory-enhancing, Sour D is popular for good reason. You’ll have both the confident relaxation and the exciting headrush that can prepare you for romantic action.

Ultimate Trainwreck

A sativa-dominant hybrid with high THC content, Ultimate Trainwreck heightens arousal and euphoria. What more do we need to say? But really, this strain will give you an initial burst of energy and clarity, followed by a more profound relaxation. If you time it right, Ultimate Trainwreck could fit nicely with the rhythm of your evening.

Other great cannabis products for romance include a wide variety of THC and CBD-infused lubes & massage oils. Why not make it a complete cannabis-inspired night?

Before you start, ensure your romantic evening goes off without a hitch by trying a new strain to ensure it makes you feel the way you want it to. It’s also best to start with only a couple of hits the night of your rendezvous. 

It can be a little bit overwhelming to navigate the vast world of cannabis-infused products, but with a few basics and general advice, you can find a product that works for you and use it safely.

Choosing the Right Cannabis-Infused Product

First, you should decide what kind of effect you’re seeking from cannabis products. Different types of cannabinoids impact the body differently, so you might want to try out a few different products and see which one you prefer. The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD. In general, choose a product with THC if you’re looking to experience the psychoactive effects that people usually have in mind when they think of marijuana. A CBD product is the better choice if you want to experience the anxiety or pain-reducing effects without affecting your mental state. Both of these cannabinoids can be found in an assortment of edibles, infusions, and other products.

Chocolates

Perfect for chocoholics, cannabis-infused chocolates typically kick in relatively quickly, in about 30 minutes to two hours after consumption. Producers make them by combining chocolate with THC or CBD extracts for an even dosing experience that remains predictable.

Gummies

Similar in process and effectiveness to cannabis chocolates but great for those who prefer a fruity sweet treat to a chocolatey one, gummies are an excellent alternative for those seeking an easy way to dose THC or CBD.

Baked Goods

Made by infusing butter or oil with cannabis, baked goods come in a wide variety, including brownies, cookies, cakes, granola bars, and more. These products come in varying sizes, which means that their total cannabis content differs as well. It’s critical to pay attention to the milligrams of THC present in each product and eat an appropriate amount for your tolerance. Baked goods can take a little longer to take effect, which can fool people into ingesting more than they should. Be patient and take it slow to safely enjoy the best of these decadent products.

Beverage Additives

If you’re not a big snacker, you might prefer a THC or CBD beverage or beverage additives. These products offer precise dosing with minimal calories and sugar, but as with edibles, you should carefully inspect the product’s labels to determine how much you should consume at once. Because cannabis is insoluble in water, it is made through new emulsification technologies that allows cannabis to be effectively mixed with liquid. Beverage additives are more concentrated versions, allowing you to add them to whatever drink you like (in measured amounts) and make your own cannabis beverage!

Dabs

Dabs go by many names, including shatter, resin, honeycomb, and more. Simply put, they are a highly concentrated form of cannabis that is made from leftover pieces of the cannabis plant that remain after the larger flowers are used. Producers extract a concentrate using butane, creating a product known as butane hash oil. Users can then smoke or vaporize it. These products typically result in a more intense experience than other cannabis-infused products, and you should use them with caution. Do your research before experimenting with dabs to make sure you’re taking them correctly and in the right amounts for you.

Cannabis-infused products are easily accessible in many states and come in a wide variety that allows just about anyone to find something that works for them. With some research and sampling, you can determine which type of cannabinoid you’re looking for and what the best delivery method is for you. If you’re new to cannabis, take it slow and figure out the best dosages in the products that interest you.

Sponsored Content

You can eat your edibles and drink them too! Although weed gummies have long dominated the edibles market, a new cannabis-derived product is surging in popularity: THC drinks. 

From 2019 to 2022, sales of cannabis beverages increased by 40%, making beverages one of the fastest-growing segments of the cannabis market. 

Grand View Research estimates that by 2025, the global cannabis beverage market will be worth $2.8 billion. This still represents only a small fraction of the total cannabis market; however, the impressive rate of growth represents a huge opportunity for expansion. 

What’s all the buzz about? Why do people love drinking cannabis? Learn more about the benefits of THC drinks below. 

What are THC edibles? 

Edibles are cannabis products that you consume to gain the benefits of THC, the natural compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Being both convenient and discrete, edibles are one of the most popular ways to enjoy THC.

There are all kinds of edibles: gummies, lollipops, chocolates, brownies, cookies, cakes, potato chips, crackers, trail mix. You can even get cannabis-infused beef jerky, salsa, and pizza sauce.

There are numerous legal THC edibles available online. For a product to contain legal THC it must be hemp-derived and have no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Despite this strict limit, the product can still contain a sizable and effective amount of Delta-9 THC, especially a weighty product like a cannabis beverage.

Seltzers and juices are the most popular THC drinks, but cannabis water, coffee, tea, and soda are also in demand.

Benefits of THC Drinks

THC drinks provide fast-acting effects that you’ll feel within 15 to 30 minutes, which gives you greater control over your psychoactive experience than if you eat gummies, which take longer to take effect. 

If you’re sipping a THC drink, and feel like you’re coasting at an enjoyable level, you can stop drinking. Alternatively, if you’re not feeling much, you have the option to drink more to elevate your experience.

Because you can sip THC drinks all night long, they provide a more enduring experience, functioning as a social beverage. In fact, many people use THC drinks as an alternative to alcohol.

Benefits of THC Gummies

It’s undeniable that THC drinks have a ton of benefits, but so do THC gummies. For starters, gummies are more portable; they’re easier to travel with and to consume on the go.

Their psychoactive effects also last longer. While it takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects of THC gummies, they last between 6 to 8 hours. This means you don’t have to take additional THC gummies to maintain a long high. 

Because THC gummies have been around longer than THC drinks, more THC gummy options are available. You can buy both Delta-8 gummies and Delta-9 gummies online from countless companies. But be careful: not all of these companies offer high-quality products.

Are THC gummies or THC drinks better? 

There’s no definitive answer to whether THC gummies or THC drinks are better. Both have their own unique benefits, so it really comes down to the experience you’re looking for. 

THC gummies are great for unwinding at home while enjoying snacks and a movie marathon. THC drinks are perfect for socializing while you’re at a party with friends.

If you can’t decide on one or the other, why not try both? Order lab-tested, federally legal THC gummies and THC seltzer from CrescentCanna.Com.

Article placed by Crescent Canna, info@crescentcanna.com.
The news and editorial staff of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.

To help navigate, here are several cannabis words, their meanings, and their origins.

Marijuana

Marijuana is one of the most commonly recognized terms for cannabis. The term comes from the Spanish “marihuana” and generally refers to the cannabis plant when used as a drug.

Some activists are pushing for updated terminology in laws and discourse after a history of government officials using the term “marijuana” to pin drug abuse issues on people of color. For example, in the 1930s, Federal Bureau of Narcotics director Harry Anslinger said that most marijuana smokers were people of color and that “their Satanic music, jazz and swing, results from marijuana use,” according to Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Mary Jane

Mary Jane is a slang term for marijuana, and, like the word marijuana, its use in different languages is widespread.

“Some Spanish smokers refer to the herb simply as ‘Maria,’ while the French sometimes call it ‘Marie Jeanne,’” according to lifestyle company Merry Jane.

The term was celebrated with a different spelling in a 2007 song, “Merry Jane,” by Redman, Snoop Dogg, and Nate Dogg.

Weed

While most people know a weed is an unwanted plant in gardens, it may have accidentally become a synonym for cannabis after being associated with a Mexican plant called “locoweed.”

“This word was sometimes used interchangeably with marijuana in late 19th century Mexico, so when stories about marijuana started to make their way to the U.S. the two plants got conflated,” according to NPR.

In recent years, “weed” has gained popularity as the go-to term for casually referring to cannabis, according to Google Trends.

Dank

While dank refers to somewhere musty and damp, it also is a word for good cannabis. Dank first appeared in Urban Dictionary in 2003, according to Weedmaps. Its meaning has evolved from “sticky, hairy, stinky, and highly potent marijuana” to quality cannabis.

“Consumers today ask for dank weed when they want a strain with an unmistakable, pungent, gassy aroma and a high-potency experience,” according to Weedmaps.

Hemp

Hemp is a cannabis plant used for its fibers, edible seeds, and oil, according to Merriam-Webster. Some scholars believe the term “hemp” has been used since ancient times, when people in ancient Egypt, China, Greece, and the Roman Empire used cannabis as medicine, according to the National Library of Medicine. 

As a fiber, hemp is considered an eco-friendly alternative to cotton because cultivating it requires less water, land, and pesticide use, according to the Hemp Foundation. 

Bud

The bud of the cannabis plant is the flower. Female cannabis plants produce the flower used for psychotropic and medicinal uses, according to Weedhub. Male cannabis plants don’t create a consumable flower and are useful only for reproduction.

Stoned

A possible side effect of cannabis use is a heavy body sensation that leaves a person sitting without moving. This intoxicated feeling is called being stoned, which means “not behaving or thinking normally because of the effects of a drug,” according to Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries.

High

The term “getting high” has roots in the 1620s, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. Many use the word “high” to mean euphoric or exhilarating. Similar to the term “stoned,” it was initially used in reference to alcohol consumption. Many experts have their own theories about how and when the term began to reference the effects of cannabis consumption. 

420

The origins of cannabis’ symbolic number can be traced to 1971, according to Snopes. A group of friends found a map leading to a cannabis crop in San Francisco, where they would meet after school at 4:20. They smoked weed and searched for the mystery crop. The friends referred to their meetup with the code 420. Eventually, The Grateful Dead band members started using the term, which then spread to fans. 

With so many people using cannabis in various forms, references and terms are constantly changing and expanding. However, these terms should help with navigating how people use and discuss cannabis.

While large amounts of flower might require high-tolerance users to catch a buzz, it’s easy for anyone to overindulge in edibles or extracts. Below, we’ve created the ultimate guide to finding your ideal Cannabis high. Regardless of your THC tolerance level or preferred ingestion method, you can dial in your experience with these helpful tips.

Tips for Flower Users

Although THC content in flower has grown, there are ways to pace yourself and specific strains to pick to achieve the desired feelings. Small pipes like spoons and chillums are the best way to start smoking flower. Hits are more manageable for beginners, and they won’t be as concentrated as bong or bubbler tokes.

Strains will also play a large role in having mind and body effects. Newcomers should gravitate towards lower THC content strains like Blue Dream or Jack Herer, with THC percentages typically in the teens. If your tolerance is low, stick with pipes and take one or two hits every 10 to 15 minutes – this will allow plenty of time to feel the effects and moderate the experience.

Avid smokers pay close attention to THC content, and top-shelf options are now pushing 30%. Look for classics like Kosher Kush and GSC when in the market for potent plant material, and grab the bong for instant intoxication.

Sativa-dominant strains like Durban Poison will sub-in well for your morning cup of coffee, providing an uplifting, energetic high. Indica-dominant varieties are best suited for evening use. Kosher Kush, mentioned above, and Death Star are famous indicas that provide heavy sedation effects and relax body highs.

Finding the Perfect Edible High

The edible market is growing faster than any other industry segment, but proper consumption of these products remains extremely misunderstood by most of the public.

When Cannabis is consumed by smoking or vaping, the cannabinoids act directly with receptors in your brain to create instantaneous results. Edibles must be digested and processed by the liver, taking much longer to kick in and often lasting longer than other ingestion methods.

Newcomers to THC and edibles will want to take a cautious approach during the first couple of attempts. Start with a small dose, typically under 5mg, and wait a few hours before ingesting more. Eating fatty foods about an hour before can help speed up the digestive process and will provide cannabinoids more surfaces on which to bond.

Most pre-made edibles contain 10mg of THC per item, but stronger options exist for higher-tolerance users. It can often take 100mg, or more for heavy users to get their desired high, but lower dosing and adding on are still recommended in these cases. Taking edibles on an empty stomach will significantly delay results, so plan consumption around planned meals.

If common edibles aren’t enough, consider extract capsules for the market’s most potent and discrete option. These capsules are similar to gelcap pills and deliver enormous amounts of THC in a small package.

Tips on Coming Down from a Cannabis High

Almost every consumer of marijuana has a story of the time they used too much. Luckily, these stories typically end with long naps, and it’s important to remember that although you feel way too high, you’re not in any real danger.

There are also quick and easy ways to mellow out the experience if you’ve gone too far. CBD tinctures and vape products have essentially become the antidote to getting too high. With a couple of drops under your tongue or a quick hit, CBD will bond to your brain’s cannabinoid receptors and limit their interaction with the THC in your system. These products’ effects aren’t immediate, but many users feel better after just a few minutes.

Other ways to come down are a bit more traditional and are most effective when you’ve smoked or vaped THC. Eating a large meal will often dull the effects of THC and help users feel more like themselves. Taking a shower or swimming is popular with avid smokers. The water can intensify effects at times, but most users feel back to normal upon exit. Physical activity also takes your mind off the impact, and working up a sweat is almost guaranteed to bring you down.

With so many products to choose from, some experimentation and trial and error will be required. Thoroughly research strains and their effects before buying and keep doses low and slow when starting. With some practice, you’ll find the perfect high every time you toke.

With its rise in popularity, what comes next, and how will it impact each person in the country? Here is the cannabis outlook for 2023.

Legalization of Cannabis Throughout the Country

When discussing cannabis legalization, it’s essential to differentiate between the levels of legal use. Since cannabis use is illegal on the federal level, individual states have their own laws about whether and in which ways cannabis is legal.

One type of legalization is for medical use. This allows people to use cannabis products as a form of medication. State residents usually receive a medical card, similar to a prescription, allowing them to buy cannabis products.

Another type of legalization is for recreational use. This allows adults to use cannabis products without a medical card while following local laws and guidelines for smoking in public areas.

Five states had recreational legalization measures on their ballots in November: North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Arkansas, and Maryland. The push for legalized use is at an all-time high heading into 2023, with 68% of Americans saying they support legalizing marijuana, according to a poll conducted by Gallup.

In a sign of changing attitudes, President Joe Biden granted a federal pardon in October that restored full political, civil, and other rights to any person previously convicted of minor marijuana possession charges, according to the White House. This action may indicate that state-level pardons and federal decriminalization is around the corner.

The Cannabis Industry

The federal legal status and state-by-state patchwork regulations have left many investors wary of cannabis businesses and products. However, as public and legal acceptance grows, many expect the same for the industry. In fact, cannabis data company BDSA projects that cannabis sales will grow from $30 billion in 2021 to $57 billion in 2026, according to a news release.

“Over the next 12 months, I predict that every major institutional investor in the U.S. will make an investment in this industry,” equity company Privateer Holdings co-founder Brendan Kennedy told Yale Insights.

Social Equity

When legalizing cannabis, many states consider the need to reconcile the wrongs done by the War on Drugs, the name for U.S. efforts to combat illegal drug use with harsh penalties.

“Public opinion has shifted dramatically in favor of sensible reforms that expand health-based approaches while reducing the role of criminalization in drug policy,” according to Drug Policy Alliance.

Because the War on Drugs disproportionately affected minority groups, 13 states have created regulations that require some of the money from cannabis sales to benefit those groups, according to the Cannabis Industry Journal. For example, these regulations require assigning a set number of cannabis business licenses to people previously charged with marijuana possession, investing in community programs, offering financial aid, or funding educational efforts.

“The goal of social equity laws is to ensure that people from communities disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and discriminatory law enforcement are included in the new legal marijuana industry,” according to the National Association of Cannabis Businesses. “Policymakers are working to address criticisms that outsiders are setting up legal cannabis businesses and profiting by doing the same things their less fortunate neighbors were arrested and given jailtime for just a few years ago.”

Bank Access

One of the hurdles to growth in the cannabis industry is that federal laws prevent cannabis businesses from using the country’s banking system. However, if legislation passes, it would give legal cannabis businesses banking access.

“Proceeds from a transaction involving activities of a legitimate cannabis-related business are not considered proceeds from unlawful activity,” according to the bill summary.

With growing legal acceptance, expanding investment opportunities, and more changes on the horizon, 2023 is looking to be a positive year for the cannabis industry and the number of people who have access to marijuana products.

Growers generally create cannabis strains by breeding varieties based on their terpene profiles, which affect their psychoactive properties and drive consumer preference. Terpene profiles influence effects such as energy levels and mental clarity. 

Below are suggested strains to pair with some of your favorite activities. 

Head Out for a Night on the Town

Super Silver Haze is an excellent choice for a night out on the town.  Users report this strain will enhance your experiences by giving you an energy boost and a body buzz while reducing your weekday stress and social anxiety. 

Users say another benefit of Super Silver Haze is the enhancement of your senses. The club lights will be breathtaking, drinks taste better, and the music immerses you. This is the strain to use before starting an unforgettable night out.

Exercise

Mixing cannabis and exercise has been increasing in popularity. There are even gyms that promote the practice. pairing exercise with cannabis. The popular Durban Poison strain will likely give you bursts of energy, help you feel clearheaded, and may increase your productivity. This strain is also a popular exercise enhancer because users say it reduces fatigue and boosts motivation. 

“The majority of participants who endorsed using cannabis shortly before/after exercise reported that doing so enhances their enjoyment of and recovery from exercise, and approximately half reported that it increases their motivation to exercise,” according to a study published in Frontiers in Public Health.

Watch a Documentary

If you want a relaxing evening in front of the TV, Cereal Milk may be exactly what you are looking for. Users say this strain will calm your daily stresses while soothing your body and mind. This strain is also known to improve focus, allowing you to absorb information thoughtfully.

Laugh at a Comedy Show

One of the pronounced effects of the Tropicana Cookies strain is that it has been known to cause fits of giggles — which is why it’s an excellent option when seeing a comedian or attending an improv show. Users report this strain also increases your energy while letting you stay focused and level-headed. Because the strain is also a social enhancer, it can make a comedy show with friends even more enjoyable. 

Read a Book

There’s no better way to spend a moody evening than with a cozy blanket, a thrilling book, and some cannabis to immerse yourself in the story fully. Gelato may be just the strain for this scenario. Users say Gelato increases your focus, improves mood, relieves stress, and allows your imagination to jump into whatever adventure you are reading. 

Go on a Date

Something as special as blossoming love requires the Unicorn Poop strain. This hybrid strain is perfect for date night because many say it improves conversation, gives you a small bout of giggles, and gently puts your body and mind into a euphoric state.

Cheer on Your Team at a Sporting Event

Sporting events are known for their ice-cold beers, cheering fans, and high energy. The Lemon Cake OG is an excellent addition to your game day checklist. This strain will likely give you all the energy needed to cheer your team to a win. The stimulating buzz accompanying this strain will invigorate your body and mind, adding to the excitement of the competition. While it doesn’t guarantee a win for your team, it can offer fans an exciting experience.

Whatever your plans, consider using a special strain to get you in the right mood to experience each activity to the fullest!