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If you’ve been following MERRY JANE’s series on the health and wellness benefits of weed, you’ll know there’s a lot of scientific research on this exact topic. In Volume 1, we explored some of the evidence behind the effects marijuana can have on pain, mental health, cognition, bones and joints, and internal and digestive health. Volume 2 covered pot's sweet effects on cardiovascular health, neurodegenerative diseases, migraines, and fibromyalgia. The third installment discussed the plant as a potential treatment for cancer, asthma, liver disease, sexual difficulties, and other health issues including epilepsy, glaucoma, and asthma.

And now, it is time for Volume 4, where we’ll look at the impact cannabis can have on sleeping disorders, skin health, and autism spectrum disorder.

Does Weed Actually Treat Sleeping Disorders?

If you’ve had much experience with some loud-ass indica, you’re probably aware of the anecdotal evidence (your experiences included) showing that cannabis supports deep, restful sleep. But there’s research to back up that notion, too. A 2007 study of 2,000 subjects, 1,000 of whom were suffering from various pain conditions, showed a significant improvement in sleep parameters with the use of the cannabis-derived pharmaceutical Sativex. Among all subjects, 40 to 50 percent “attained good or very good sleep quality, a key source of disability in chronic pain syndromes that may contribute to patients' quality of life” without the development of tolerance or a need for dosage increases.

Cannabis can also be an effective treatment for those who struggle with interrupted sleep due to nightmares, including patients with PTSD. A study in 2008 found that using marijuana can reduce the amount of REM sleep, the period in which dreaming is most active. The same study found that high doses of THC can facilitate falling asleep and increase dreamless, deep sleep. And in 2009, researchers determined that a synthetic cannabinoid known as nabilone could help manage treatment-resistant nightmares in patients with PTSD.

How Does Cannabis Effect Skin Health? 

Studies show that the health benefits of weed may include relief for those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Cannabis topicals provide an easy and effective way to apply cannabinoids directly to the skin. 

Research published in 2003 found that when applied topically, the synthetic cannabinoid HU-210 significantly reduced experimentally induced itch. A 2016 review of prior research determined that cannabis shows potential as a treatment for psoriasis, an itchy and painful condition characterized by patchy buildups of excess skin cells. Another study in 2007 found the THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG may be effective treatments for psoriasis by slowing the growth of skin cells, known as keratinocytes, on the outer layer of skin.

The authors of a 2009 study found that marijuana had the potential to treat other skin conditions, writing that the “therapeutic possibilities of cannabinoid usage in skin diseases seem to be unquestionable.” A study published in 2013 even supports cannabis’s topical power in cancer treatment. The study found that anandamide, the endogenous cannabinoid that is an analog to THC, inhibited the growth of tumors in patients with melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer.

How Does Cannabis Impact Spectrum Disorders?

Research has also been conducted on the effect cannabis can have on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurological and developmental disability that begins early in life and manifests with symptoms including epilepsy, hyperactivity, sleep disorders, self-injury, anxiety, behavioral problems, and communication difficulties, among others. 

In one study, researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Soroka University Medical Center investigated a potential link between cannabis and behavioral improvements in patients with ASD. Reviewing the data of 188 children with ASD who were treated with cannabis, the research team determined that marijuana was safe and well-tolerated and was effective at reducing symptoms including seizures, tics, depression, restlessness, and rage episodes. 

Most of the patients in the study received a cannabis extract containing 30 percent CBD and 1.5 percent THC. After six months of treatment, 30 percent of the subjects in the study reported a significant improvement in symptoms; more than 54 percent reported moderate improvement; and just 15 percent showed no change, or slight improvement. 

The researchers also looked at improvements in patients’ quality of life, mood, and ability to perform daily activities before treatment and again six months after beginning cannabis therapy. Prior to treatment, 31.3 percent of those in the study reported good quality of life, a figure that more than doubled to 66.8 percent after treatment. Patients that reported a positive mood increased from 42 percent before cannabis treatment began to 63.5 percent after six months.

It’s clear that cannabis can have beneficial effects on patients with a host of medical conditions. As time goes on and more research into the benefits of weed continues, we’re sure to find more health and wellness applications for cannabis. Check back in with MERRY JANE to learn more about the science behind the benefits of marijuana. 

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Grocery shopping can be a long, detail-oriented journey if you’re someone who scans every ingredient label in an effort to avoid consuming pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Thankfully, the ‘USDA Organic’ label signals safety from these toxic additives. That same assurance doesn’t exist in cannabis, however, an issue our cultivation columnists have lamented in the past.

In fact, weed’s continued Schedule I status excludes pot growers from achieving "organic" certification, which is controlled by the federally-run USDA. But now, new standards are finally being developed by the Cannabis Certification Council (CCC), which will soon allow cannabis cultivators and manufacturers to add an “Organically Grown” sticker to their products.

The CCC is a nonprofit organization that’s focused on providing cannabis consumers and businesses with education, and helping foster transparency and choice within the industry. The group formed in 2018 when the Portland-based Ethical Cannabis Alliance and the Organic Cannabis Association from Denver, Colorado, joined forces as a result of their shared goals: To create ethical, organic cannabis options within the space. 

Leslie McAhren, who’s worked as the director of research and an executive director at CG Corrigan (a cultivation group in New Mexico) for nearly a decade, told Forbes that a set of standards for growing cannabis as carefully and responsibly as organic foods will help advance the industry’s growth.

“Growing clean cannabis has been something we’ve [CG Corrigan] been practicing for years, but converting this knowledge into a policy standard is the best way to protect the public’s health and to inform consumers nationwide,” said McAhren. CG Corrigan, she explained, is also a sponsor of this new certification. “Honestly, an organic standard is a natural progression for the cannabis industry and sustainable production."

To earn the CCC’s Organically Grown certification, applicants will be required to pass several site inspections that are conducted over a period of months. Expected to take up to half-a-year to develop, the new standards will have different colored labels to identify products made with cannabis grown indoors, in greenhouses, or outdoors. 

The CCC says that as a nonprofit without conflicts of interest inherent with industry players, its clean cannabis certification program, and others like it, will carry weight with cannabis businesses and consumers. Amy Andrle, a founding board member of the CCC and the co-owner of vertically integrated cannabis firm L’Eagle in Denver, said that such verified certification standards will give consumers confidence in their purchases.

“The bulk of the problem the industry has been lies in false organic claims,” said Andrle. “Certification will help to clarify the market and inform consumers about what they are buying. And as the first cannabis label that everyone — growers, consumers, [and] owners — can clearly understand, a premium can be applied to certified products in the legal marketplace.”

To promote clean cannabis and sustainable production, the CCC has launched a ‘What’s In My Weed’ campaign on social media to highlight the connection between organic fine foods and quality cannabis. The group also hosts a Cannabis Sustainability Symposium series, with events in four cities across the US this year.

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Photos courtesy of NUG

Compared to the overall scope of the cannabis industry, there aren’t many opportunities for people from marginalized communities to enter the verdant space. This is due to a variety of factors, such as the high barriers-to-entry, the regulatory hurdles, and an ongoing War on Drugs that still overwhelmingly targets disenfranchised populations. 

Many people are critical of the cannabis industry as a result, especially in California. Regulations require some $250,000-$750,000 to cover start-up costs. Unless you are flushed with cash, having a business in the weed world is unattainable for a majority of people. This week, however, social equity in weed took a major step forward with the opening of four new greenhouses in Oakland, California. 

The new facility, which formed thanks to a symbiotic collaboration between city leaders and licensed cannabis company NUG, will be home to four new cultivation start-ups. These firms are entering the industry with the support of Oakland’s cannabis equity program, which is designed to create opportunities in legal weed for local residents who have been targeted or adversely affected by prohibition and the War on Drugs. Dr. John Oram, the president and CEO of NUG, says that it was important for his company to create a meaningful equity plan so these communities have a place in lucrative adult-use market. 

“We made sure to not just meet the city standards but to create a unique program to support a strong infrastructure that will yield lasting results,” he wrote in an email to MERRY JANE. “These business owners have a tremendous amount of talent, and with the right resources, are poised for success.”

The four automated greenhouses, totaling 6,000 square feet, feature augmented lighting, motorized curtains, and an irrigation system. They will serve as a rent-free base of business-operations for four new cannabis cultivation brands: Dakota West Coast, Nine Mile Tribe, Medicinal Organic, and OCMG. These companies were developed through NUG’s social equity incubator program, which went live in 2017 in collaboration with members of the Oakland City Council. 

In order to qualify for the city’s cannabis equity program, applicants must be citizens of Oakland earning less than 80 percent of the local average income and live (or lived) in a designated high-crime zone for 10 of the past 20 years. Or, they must have been convicted of a cannabis-related crime in Oakland after November 5, 1996.

While the greenhouses were under construction, NUG — a vertically-integrated brand with cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations — employed two of its equity partners, Dakoka West Coast and Nine Mile Tribe, to give the entrepreneurs on-the-job training and experience in the field. NUG also supplied them with cannabis flower to package under their respective labels. These products are now being sold in NUG retail locations in Sacramento and San Leandro. The company’s sales reps are even helping the fledgling companies get into other dispensaries in California. 

Iowa Robinson, an East Oakland native and the owner of equity partner Dakota West Coast, began leading the start-up after her brother and company founder Careem Robinson died last year. With the support of NUG and the city’s cannabis equity program, she hopes to build a better future for her family and her company’s workers.

“Teamwork makes the dream work, and we’ve been very fortunate to have the support of NUG in the process of developing our cultivation business,” Robinson said in a press release. “We’re a family business and our goal is to establish a sustainable company that can be passed on from generation to generation and employ others within our Oakland community.”

Oram agrees, adding that new companies like Robinson’s are needed to help expand California’s legal cannabis business infrastructure. Because, ultimately, if more equity brands form throughout the industry, people from marginalized communities or victims of the War on Drugs will have an improved chance at making a living in a legitimate industry in which many privileged people are experiencing success.

“Establishing sustainable companies is not only essential to building a strong Oakland business community, but [it’s] also essential to moving the adult-use cannabis industry forward,” he said. “We’re thrilled to see these groups grow, learn, and become profitable.”

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If you’ve decided that it’s time to stop spending top-dollar for your stash and want to start growing your own herb instead, the first question to answer is where you’ll put your garden. 

Not everyone has access to a suitable and secure plot of outdoor land. That's why many gardeners will opt to grow their plants indoors, instead. But top-quality cannabis can’t be grown like an ordinary houseplant. The flowering time for most cannabis plants is dependent on a long period of darkness, so you’ll want to give them their own dedicated area. Many home gardeners use an extra room or closet, but if you can’t spare that kind of space, a grow box may be the answer.

What Is a Grow Box?

A grow box is a small enclosed space that provides an ideal environment for the plants growing inside. It's similar to a grow tent, which is kind of like a grow box's less sturdy cousin. A grow box can fit in a cabinet, container, or any similar item or space with an open interior and at least one side that opens for easy access. 

A DIY grow box can be custom-built from scratch. But it's a lot easier to get a build-it-yourself cabinet kit from a general retailer, like Ikea or whatnot. Another possibility is to convert an ordinary item into a grow box that can hide your plants in plain sight. The options are only limited by your imagination — I’ve seen wardrobes, refrigerators, and even steamer trunks inconspicuously conceal a thriving ganja garden.

Building Your Own Grow Box

Once you’ve decided on an area or item to convert into a grow box, you’ll have to make some modifications to ensure your plants have a healthy environment. Cut some ventilation ports in the box to cool the space and so the plants can have fresh air. You'll also want to make sure there's an extra, smaller hole to funnel in electrical cords, because you'll definitely need a light fixture and ventilation fan — both of which need to be plugged in. 

Note that the lights and fan should be fastened to the top of the box to ensure that all wires are safely kept away from water. To suspend the lighting and ventilation equipment inside, hooks can be screwed securely into the ceiling of the grow box. Be sure to put a large, shallow tray on the floor of the cabinet so it's water-safe. For added security and to discourage prying eyes, a lock can be installed on the door, if deemed necessary.

Lighting: The Best Plant Food

Because your grow box will be enclosed, you’ll have to provide enough light for your plants to thrive. LED lights are becoming more efficient, popular, and affordable all the time, and their lower heat output makes them a good choice for the confines of a grow box. Many newer LED lights also let you tailor the light spectrum for vegetative growth and flowering, allowing you to provide the best light for your plants at all stages of life.

Other light sources, including compact fluorescent lights and high-intensity discharge (HID) options such as high-pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide lamps, can also be used. However, the higher heat output of HID lights, and their need for an external ballast, make these options less practical for a grow box. Whatever lighting you choose, be sure that it is hung securely. Feed the power cord for your light outside the box through the port. Plug the cord into the power source with a timer to give your plants the appropriate light cycle.

Ventilation: Plants Need to Breathe, Too

To give your plants the fresh air they need for photosynthesis, and to keep the cultivation environment from overheating, you’ll also want to make a ventilation system. 

At the top of the cabinet, install a fan to push warm air out of the grow box through a ventilation port. Near the bottom of the box, install another ventilation port, which should be about twice the size of your fan to ensure a good flow of air through the plant canopy and out the exhaust port. 

The cord for the fan should also be fed out of the grow box. But instead of connecting it to the timer, plug the fan cord into a separate outlet so the fan provides ventilation at all times — you don't want it to go off. Also, note that a carbon filter may be attached to the fan for odor control.

Grow for It!

Once you’ve built your grow box, it’s time to put some plants in it! Besides the light and fresh air being provided by the cabinet, you’ll also have to give your plants the water and nutrients they need to flourish and flower. This can be accomplished through appropriate hand watering of conventional or organic fertilizers, or an automated hydroponic system that can be set up at the bottom of the grow box if desired.

If a lack of suitable garden space is the only thing holding you back from growing your own bud, consider trying your hand at cultivation in a grow box. With a little work and ingenuity, you’ll be able to grow healthy and productive plants in any room of the house.

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As 2019 draws to a close, there are now a total of 10 states that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Just this week, Michigan, which legalized adult-use pot last year, began legal sales for recreational weed. With the number of states with legal pot increasing all the time, we thought it was high time for a recap on what’s legal where. Because, at the end of the day, you have to know where it's legal to get flower and where you're going to get in trouble for having it. Plus, traveling to legal weed states offers a whole new world of tourism — one that offers a high glimpse into the future.

Alaska's Been Ahead of the Curve for Awhile

Thanks to a decision by the Alaska Supreme Court, possesing marijuana in your home for personal use has been legal since 1975. In 2014, however, voters approved a ballot measure that legalized recreational cannabis. Under the law, adults may possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis flower and gift up to 1 ounce to other adults. Home cultivation of up to six plants is also permitted. The best part? Alaska not only allows recreational weed sales, but on-site consumption is also permitted at certain licensed dispensaries. In that sense, they're way ahead of the game.

California, the Golden Child of Weed

California voters approved the legalization of cannabis for adult-use in 2016, allowing adults to possess up to 1 ounce of flower and 8 grams of cannabis extract. Like Alaska, up to 1 ounce of cannabis may be gifted to another adult. Recreational pot became available in 2018, allowing consumers to purchase from retail shops and home delivery services. Adults are also permitted to grow up to six plants, although many local jurisdictions only allow cultivation indoors. California is also the home of the nation’s first licensed cannabis cafe and restaurant for public consumption. 

Colorado, the First to Legalize Adult-Use Consumption

With the passage of a constitutional amendment by voters in 2012, Colorado became one of the first states (with Washington) to codify the legalization of recreational weed. Adults are permitted to possess up to 1 ounce of pot and to grow up to six cannabis plants at a time, with a "plant" defined as one that has sprouted flowers. Cannabis sales are permitted at licensed retailers and through home delivery services. In 2019, a new law authorized the public consumption of cannabis at licensed cafes and lounges statewide, although Denver has had a couple of city-licensed consumption lounges for the past couple of years.

Maine: Still Working Out the Kinks

Although Maine became a recreational weed state with the passage of a voter initiative in 2016, regulations are still being formulated and legal retail sales have not yet begun. In the meantime, adults may possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis including up to 5 grams of concentrate. Home cultivation of up to three mature and 12 immature cannabis plants is also permitted.

Massachusetts Has a 12-Plant Maximum for Homegrows

Adults in the Bay State may possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis, up to 5 grams may be concentrate, under a law passed by voters in 2016. Up to 10 ounces of cannabis can be kept at home. Home grows of up to 12 plants including six immature plants are also allowed in a secure location. Recreational weed sales began at dispensaries in Massachusetts last year.

Michigan, Home of the Provisioning Centers

With “provisioning centers” (aka dispensaries) beginning to serve adult-use consumers on December 1 of this year, Michigan is the most recent recreational weed state to permit retail pot sales. Adults may possess or gift to another adult up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of cannabis concentrates. Home gardens of up to 12 cannabis plants are also allowed.

Nevada: Sin Sensimilla City

With the passage of a voter initiative in 2016, adults in Nevada may possess up to an ounce of pot including 3.5 grams of concentrate. Retail sales of cannabis products began at licensed dispensaries in 2017. Personal cultivation of up to six plants in a secure location is also allowed.

Oregon: Home of Majestic PNW Flower

Oregon was one of the earliest recreational weed states, legalizing pot for adult use in 2014. Possession of up to 1 ounce by adults is permitted, as are retail sales at licensed cannabis dispensaries. Adults may cultivate marijuana at home, but only up to four plants in a secure location. Gifts of up to 1 ounce of cannabis from one adult to another are also allowed.

Vermont: The First State to Legalize Through the Legislature

Vermont became the first state to legalize recreational pot by action of the legislature (rather than a ballot measure) in 2018. Lawmakers legalized the possession of up to 1 ounce of cannabis including 5 grams of concentrate and home cultivation of up to two mature and four immature plants, but commercial cannabis activity was not included in the legislation. A bill to permit cannabis commerce faltered in May and will be taken up again next year.

Washington: The First State to Technically Pass Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation

Like Colorado, recreational weed was legalized in Washington in 2012. But, technically, the Evergreen State was first to pass adult-use legislation. Colorado was just the first to make a legal, recreational cannabis transaction, which is why the Centennial State is considered the leader of adult-use cannabis. (Know your history!) That said, adults may possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis and 7 grams of concentrates. Home cultivation is not allowed allowed for non-medical consumers, although sales of cannabis products are permitted at licensed dispensaries. Only medical patients may grow their own at home.

Washington, DC: The State Still Struggling to Implement Commercial Framework

Although it’s not a state, the District of Columbia also has legal recreational weed. Up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower may be possessed by adults in the home, but concentrates are prohibited. Home grows of up to six plants are also allowed. Commercial cannabis production and retail sales are still illegal, however, making the black market the only option to procure cannabis. In other words: if you're caught buying weed, you're going to get in trouble. So, DC still has some kinks to work out. People shouldn't get fined or put in jail for buying weed when it's technically legal, yet there are no places to legally buy it. It makes no sense!

The Ground Rules

In all recreational weed states, the non-medical use of cannabis is restricted to adults 21 and over. Driving while under the influence of marijuana is prohibited. Public consumption is not allowed except in states with licensed cannabis cafes or lounges. The transportation of cannabis across state lines is illegal. In states that permit home cultivation, gardens must generally be located in a secure location out of public view.

Check back next year for an updated listing of recreational weed states. On January 1, Illinois will become the eleventh state in the union to legalize the adult use of cannabis.

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Ah, Black Friday. The traditional start to shopping season that signifies the point in which retailers move out of the red and into the green. And with the advent of legal retail cannabis shops, Thanksgiving week has also become an important sales time for dispensaries. Interestingly, cannabis retailers are seeing the day before Thanksgiving as the biggest jump in sales for the week, leading them to designate it as the new retail holiday Green Wednesday.

Sales figures from dispensaries show that it’s an apt nickname for the day. According to data collected by Headset from cannabis retailers in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington, last year’s sales on Green Wednesday at dispensaries increased by 63 percent over an average of the previous four Wednesdays. In contrast, sales on Black Friday were up 21 percent over the previous four Fridays.

Online shopping for pot also spikes on Green Wednesday, which is also being referred to by some in the industry as Weed Wednesday. Data from pot web portal Jane shows that the number of visitors to the site jumped more than 18 percent compared to the average number of visitors over the previous four Wednesdays. But what’s behind the spike in sales on Green Wednesday? To find out, we checked in with some leaders in the industry to get their take on the emerging retail holiday.

What’s Behind the Jump in Sales?

Pedro Fonseca, the general manager of Harborside in dispensary Oakland, California, attributes the jump in sales on Green Wednesday to several factors.

"We get a combination of things,” Fonseca said. “We get people who are just in town visiting family and they need to be able to get some things so that they can deal with their family. And we get people who are stocking up because they know we're closed the next day."

Paul Hartje, the director of customer experience at Seed & Smith in Denver, agrees, noting that "in Denver, a lot of the dispensaries are closed on Thanksgiving. So on that Wednesday before, a lot of people are stocking up.” 

Both Harborside and Seed & Smith are near major metropolitan airports and the fact that the day before Thanksgiving is also traditionally the busiest travel day of the year means that the retailers also see plenty of folks from out of town, many of them visiting from states without legal recreational pot.

“A lot of people are coming in town to see family members, so they're not usually in our state and able to partake,” says Hartje. 

And once the customers are in the store, he adds, many grab enough to get them through the hustle and bustle of the long holiday weekend and the potential for wintry weather in Colorado.

"With bad weather, people don't want to get out, so they typically want to buy a lot of things on Wednesday, stock up, and that way they can to stay home and be safe during the holiday," said Hartje.

The increase in sales on Green Wednesday isn’t restricted to adult-use cannabis retailers, however. Last year, medical marijuana provider Harmony Dispensary in Secaucus, New Jersey, saw an increase in sales of more than 50 percent the day before Thanksgiving, compared to the average Wednesday.

“We believe the increase in sales is due to pre-purposes given the dispensary being closed on Thanksgiving,” says Niko Galina, the dispensary manager at Harmony. “Our patients indicate that cannabis helps make holiday preparations easier to manage and family time more enjoyable by minimizing the symptoms for which they are being treated.”

The products that customers are buying at dispensaries hint at another factor that’s behind the growing popularity of Green Wednesday. With all of the visiting with friends and family going on for the holiday, many in the cannabis fam are looking for ways to keep their consumption on the down-low. 

"We see a huge uptick in things that don't smell, the more concealable things,” Hartje said. “The vapes are one thing, edibles are another."

The numbers from Headset back up his observation. Cannabis-infused beverages saw the biggest spike in sales on Green Wednesday last year, with an increase of 101 percent over the previous four Wednesdays. Edibles weren’t far behind, showing a jump of 85 percent. 

Dispensaries Embrace New Retail Holiday

Dispensaries are taking Green Wednesday seriously, upping their promotions for the holiday weekend and bringing in extra help to handle the uptick in traffic. At Harborside, for example, special deals for Green Wednesday are incorporated into the dispensaries weekly promotions. Last year, the average discount applied across all product types was 9.8 percent, an increase of 5 percent over the usual average of 9.3 percent, according to Headset.

"There are some more promotions,” Cy Scott, the CEO of Headset explained. “It's not on the level of something like a 4/20 promotion, where we're seeing some significant increases in the number of discounts, but there is a slight increase in the discounts that happen on a Green Wednesday versus a typical Wednesday. But it's not really at the level of what you see on maybe a more traditional holiday."

To deal with all the extra shoppers eager to get their hands on Green Wednesday deals, dispensaries also prepare for the busy day by scheduling extra employees to deal with the additional traffic. At Harmony, Galina says the staff of 10 that's scheduled for an average Wednesday will be upped to around 17. And at Harborside, it will be “all hands on deck,” according to Fonseca, who has nearly three decades in the grocery industry, where the day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year.

To fill the extra shifts for Thanksgiving week, many businesses in the retail marijuana supply chain need to hire additional staff. Karson Humiston, the CEO and founder of Vangst, a cannabis industry recruiting and staffing firm, says that the days before and after the holiday “are two of the most profitable cannabis retail days aside from 4/20. As these are retail-focused events, we typically see the largest increase in budtender hiring. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, we’ve also seen an increase in trimmers, packagers, harvesters and other roles by cannabis companies prepping for the upcoming increase in demand.”

Another factor behind the increase in sales on Green Wednesday over a typical Wednesday is the fact that it’s the last day of a short work week, explained Scott of Headset. Historically, Fridays have been the busiest day of the week at cannabis dispensaries.

"The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is very much like a Friday for a lot of people that don't work on Thursday and Friday,” Scott said. “And the difference between an average Wednesday versus a Friday is about a 30 percent increase in sales. I think it's a little bit of that combined with the holiday."

With all the preparation necessary for a successful Green Wednesday, including staffing, ordering extra product, and managing promotions, dispensary managers and their teams are busy gearing up for a successful retail holiday. Then they’ll have a day to refuel and recharge before Black Friday, which will still be the busiest day of Thanksgiving week. Although Green Wednesday shows the biggest jump in sales, total sales at dispensaries on the day after Thanksgiving last year surpassed the day before the holiday by $1.3 million, according to Headset’s data. Let the holiday shopping season begin!

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As we learned in the first article of this series, cannabis can have a major impact on mental health, digestive health, pain, and bone and joint health. But that's not all! Research continues to reveal lots of benefits of weed. 

This time around, we’ll look at some of the studies researching how marijuana and medications made from cannabis can affect neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac health, migraine headaches, and fibromyalgia.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

One benefit of weed that's receiving the attention of research scientists is the potential of cannabis to treat neurogenerative diseases. These debilitating conditions cause the progressive death or degeneration of nerve cells and can cause dementia and problems with movement known as ataxia. For years, patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease have used cannabis to relieve the symptoms caused by their conditions. And now, anecdotal evidence that weed benefits patients with neurogenerative diseases is being backed up with scientific research. 

A study in 2006 found that activation of the CB2 receptor in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), using a compound known as AM1241, showed an increase in motor unit survival and motor neuron survival. Researchers found that when AM1241 was administered at the onset of tremors, it slowed the progression of the disease and delayed the loss of motor function. 

One of the key pathological markers of the neurogenerative disorder Alzheimer’s disease amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) aggregation, which is a protein plaque on brain tissue important for memory and cognition. In a 2008 study, researchers found that THC prevented (Aβ) aggregation and inhibited the production of an enzyme that leads to it.  

There is strong anecdotal evidence that weed may benefit those with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor system, as well. Research published in 2001 showed that cannabinoids can reduce the tremors associated with movement disorders induced by levodopa, a dopamine precursor used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

An inherited and usually fatal neurogenerative disorder known as Huntington’s disease causes a progressive loss of brain cells, triggering deterioration of physical and mental abilities. Research in 2011 showed that a loss of CB2 receptors in the basal ganglia region of the brain is a key pathogenic factor of Huntington’s disease. Since cannabinoids activate the CB2 receptor, the benefits of weed may include a potential treatment for this incurable disease.

Cannabis also shows promise as a potential treatment for brain injuries. A Brazilian study of mice in 2013 showed that CBD could aid neurogenesis, particularly in an area of the brain known as the hippocampus. Another study of work-related injuries published in the International Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2014 found that people with THC in their system had an 80 percent higher chance of surviving a head injury than those who did not. Other research has shown a potential benefit of weed in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

Cardiovascular Health

Cannabis may help with cardiovascular health, as well. An early study found that patients with hypertension saw a decrease in blood pressure after inhaling marijuana. Research in mice in 2013 determined that activation of the CB1 receptor could offer protection from chronic heart failure. And while a study in 2012 found that inhaling cannabis might exacerbate some cardiovascular symptoms, marijuana consumed in other ways reduced the progression of atherosclerosis in mice.

Migraines and Fibromyalgia

The endocannabinoid system may hold the key to treating migraines and other headaches. Research published in the journal Experimental Neurology in 2010 found that activation of the endocannabinoid system “could represent a promising therapeutical tool for reducing both the physiological and inflammatory components of pain that are likely involved in migraine attacks.”

Other research has shown that weed may benefit those with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain that is often accompanied by fatigue and sleep, memory, or mood issues. A 2011 study found that fibromyalgia patients who used cannabis showed a reduction in symptoms including stiffness and pain and had an improved health-related quality of life.

With all of the benefits of weed we’ve discussed in the first two installments of this series, would you believe that there are still even more? In Volume 3, we’ll look into research that has studied the benefits of cannabis for other conditions including cancer, epilepsy, asthma, and more.

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Edibles are truly a perfect way to enjoy cannabis. They don't irritate the lungs, you get to enjoy the magic of infused food, and (today's regulated treats) allow for easy and accurate dosing. The one drawback of edibles is the amount of time it takes for them to take effect, which can lead impatient users to inadvertently take (way) too much. But thanks to new fast-acting cannabinoid delivery technology, traditional edibles’ two-hour onset is about to become a thing of the past. 

Kiva, one of the first companies to adopt this new fast-acting technology, is renowned for its innovation in the cannabis industry. Since its founding in California back in 2010, Kiva has gained loyal fans with its line of premium infused chocolates, gummies, and other exquisite confections. Now, with the new fast-acting technology, the company is poised to help edibles become even more mainstream.

"At our core, Kiva wants to change how the world views and uses cannabis,” said Kiva’s co-founder and CEO Scott Palmer. “We want to elevate cannabis so it sits on a level playing field with the likes of wine or craft beer. Fast-acting technology is an exciting innovation for the industry because it has the potential to break down the barriers to entry and change the way that people use edibles." 

This new technology triggers the euphoric effects of THC in two to 15 minutes. That’s roughly an hour-and-a-half faster than traditional edibles take to kick in. THC is usually soaked-in and broken down in the liver. But this new tech actually encourages THC to absorb into the soft tissues and stomach. The technology’s individually encapsulated molecules are soaked-up even quicker than nanotechnology alternatives, making it a far more efficient and bio-available product that’s superior to normal edibles. Precisely dosed for a consistent experience, Kiva’s fast-acting edibles are equally effective as they are delicious. And in an industry where consistency continues to lack, Kiva provides the same, dependable product — every single time. 

Savory Sesh

To celebrate the launch of this new fast-acting edible technology, Kiva has incorporated it into a brand new product just in time for Thanksgiving: a limited edition THC-infused gravy. Each packet of the gravy mix contains 10 milligrams of THC and is the perfect complement to turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.

As a way to introduce the gravy to the cannabis community, Kiva invited Mary Jane Gibson and Michael Glazer, the hosts of the Weed+Grub podcast, and stand-up comedians Kalea McNeill and Sara Weinshank to a Friendsgiving celebration in Los Angeles, California, where they had the chance to put the new product to the test. At first, McNeill was a little hesitant to join the party.

"I'm not a huge edibles person because edibles can take forever to kick in and then you end up eating too much because it tastes good," explained McNeill, who was only convinced once she heard about the fast-acting technology.

Glazer agreed that the effects of the medicated gravy — which he said was as simple to prepare as a box of macaroni and cheese — became apparent more rapidly than traditional infused foods.

“The effects were much quicker than I'm used to, which made for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. I don't want it to kick in during my nap AFTER dinner  — what a waste,” Glazer quipped.

Gibson also said the gravy was delicious, noting that “they've gotten the consistency and flavor profile absolutely perfect." She applauds Kiva for their new product and technology, as gravy is a great way to add an infused element to a meal.

"I think it's such a neat idea to have it as a low dose edible in the form of a sauce on the table,” she explained. “The best part is that it's the best way to go: low and slow. And you can add as much or as little as you want."

Glazer agreed, saying: “I think infused gravy is a brilliant option to have at your Thanksgiving meal, or any occasion. You could even have a container of it labeled ‘In Case Of Emergency.’ Just make sure the gravy is labeled as infused.”

Kiva’s fast-acting gravy is good enough for the holiday table, noted Weinshenk. “I would definitely serve infused gravy to my guests, I think it would make Thanksgiving more pleasant for everyone!”

But, she said she wouldn’t reserve the infused gravy for special occasions. “I wish that I could use the gravy on everything, including pancakes.”

While the gravy is a creative and fun way to launch an innovative new technology, Kiva isn’t stopping there. The company has also announced other new fast-acting infused treats just in time for the holidays, including Peppermint Bark Kiva Bar, Holiday Punch Camino Gummies, and premium hot cocoa mix — a product that McNeill is already excited to try.

“I said call me ASAP because I'm a hot chocolate girl," she said.

Kiva’s fast-acting infused gravy will be available for $5 per packet only at Grass Roots in San Francisco and Sweet Flower locations around Los Angeles, and only while supplies last. 

This article was made in partnership with the one and only Kiva Confections. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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For millennia, humankind has turned to cannabis to improve their quality of life, both physically and spiritually. Evidence from tombs in China suggests that people were burning cannabis high in THC as early as 2,500 years ago as a part of religious rituals. It has also been used to treat a myriad of health problems for centuries, if not longer. 

Today, as the legalization of marijuana takes hold, research into the possible benefits of the plant is ramping up at a feverish pace. And while many more studies need to be done, clinical trials and other research is beginning to reveal the benefits of weed on our body and mind. 

That’s why we decided to write a few articles about the plethora of ways in which the plant impacts our health and wellness. This edition will discuss the benefits of cannabis on mental health, digestive health, pain, and bone and joint health. 

Cognition and Mental Health

For many cannabis users, the herb’s attraction lies in its effect on the mind. Whether a relaxing buzz or a euphoric high, the psychoactive properties of marijuana can induce a pleasant state of wellbeing. This effect on the psyche has inspired research into the other potential benefits of weed on the brain and mental health. 

A 2011 study found that CBD could help reduce anxiety and cognitive impairment in patients with generalized social anxiety disorder. The double-blind randomized study looked at 24 patients with untreated social anxiety disorder and divided them into two groups of 12: one that was dosed with 600mg of CBD, and another that was given a placebo. They were given their samples an hour and a half before analysis began and were then asked to give a four-minute speech — with only 2 minutes to prepare — on the public transportation systems in their cities. It’s no surprise that the 12 who took CBD demonstrated significantly less anxiety and discomfort, and no cognitive impairment compared to those who were given the placebo.

Gallery — Cannabis Increases Happiness, Mobility, Connection, and Enhances Meditation

Another study published in 2007 determined that low doses of THC could serve as an effective antidepressant by increasing serotonin production. Onbe again, we need more research ASAP because not only was this study conducted on lab rats (which are vastly different than humans, if you didn’t know), the study also found that high doses of THC could potentially “worsen depression and induce psychosis.” But before you go all Reefer Madness on us, keep in mind that there have been a number of counter reports showing that there’s a lack of evidence around the claim that cannabis causes psychosis. So, what does all this mean? We need federal legalization so scientists are free to high-dive into cannabis research. Duh.

There’s also some evidence showing that cannabinoids could also help combat the negative effects of stress on the brain, according to a 2013 study. This is particularly important because there’s a stress epidemic happening in the US (and around the world) right now. Not only is stress the root of most minor and major health issues, but it’s also the foundation on which anxiety and depression are built. The main finding of this particular study on stress is that chronic cannabinoid administration can “prevent the impairing effects of chronic stress on memory and plasticity.” This is obviously great. But, like the depression study, this particular research on cannabinoids and stress was done on lab rats, which are not humans (if that wasn’t already clear, ahem).

Digestive and Internal Health

Marijuana also shows promise as a potential treatment for digestive issues and other internal conditions. Research published in 2011 found that a cannabinoid pharmaceutical drug known as dronabinol could benefit patients with irritable bowel syndrome by helping make bowel movements an easier process and generally improving the whole digestive process before having to go number 2.

Another study from 2011 showed that 21 out of 30 patients who used cannabis saw an improvement in symptoms of Crohn’s disease. In this particular observational study the researchers examined disease activity, use of medication, need for surgery, and hospitalization before and after cannabis use in 30 patients — 26 men and four women — with Crohn’s disease. Of the 30 patients, 21 improved significantly after being treated with cannabis. Also, the need for other medications was drastically reduced. Finally, 15 of the patients had 19 surgeries during an average period of 9 years prior to starting cannabis treatment. Only two required surgery during an average period of 3 years after starting a cannabis treatment regimen.

Cannabis has shown the ability to increase appetite, which could offer help to patients with AIDS, cancer, and anorexia nervosa. Two studies, one in 1988 and another in 1994, showed that study participants who used cannabis showed a significant increase in caloric intake. Interestingly, another study in 2012 determined that a cannabinoid cocktail of THC, CBN, and CBD had the opposite effect and could actually reduce the weight of obese rats. Researchers have also found an association with cannabis use and a lower incidence of diabetes.

Pain, Bones, and Joints

Numerous studies have shown that the benefits of weed include a reduction in pain and inflammation. A 2011 study found that vaporized cannabis resulted in a significant reduction in perceived pain in patients with neuropathic chronic pain. In fact, only a single inhalation of 9.4 percent THC flower three times daily for five days not only reduced the intensity of pain, but it also improved sleep and was well tolerated in patients.

Weed may also benefit patients with osteoarthritis by controlling pain and preventing the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Rheumatoid arthritis patients also saw a reduction in pain and suppression of disease activity with the cannabis-derived pharmaceutical Sativex. Other research has shown that cannabis therapies could aid patients with osteoporosis and degenerative disc disease.

So, what's the take away from all this? Cannabis helps a lot of people. But, federal legalization needs to happen so scientists have the freedom to high dive into cannabis research. So, be sure to vote! And, you should also talk with your city officials about getting a regulatory framework in place so access to quality, legal cannabis is available. Why? Because it benefits a lot of people — that we know for sure. 

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As the number of people with vaping-induced lung illnesses continues to rise, many consumers are beginning to question the safety of their cannabis products. So far, nearly 1,500 people have fallen ill and at least 33 have died from what’s being called vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI), or more recently, e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). 

But beyond the link to vaping, health officials are still struggling to find a definitive cause of the illness outbreak. Theories have included cannabis oil additives such as vitamin E acetate or contaminants including harsh chemical pesticides or heavy metals. But the true cause has yet to be pinned down.

Scott Benson, the CEO of Apex Extractions in California, believes that when the cause is eventually determined, the findings will be consistent with the thousands of years of safe cannabis use experienced by humankind.

"My thought is that it's a combination of factors that aren't in the natural cannabis product itself, such as pesticides, potentially vitamin E,” he told MERRY JANE. “And when you combine all of those elements together and put heat to them, I don't think we know what happens."

Benson notes that the vast majority of EVALI cases have occurred in states that don’t have legal cannabis frameworks in place. In other words, the products were sourced from illicit or unregulated sources. The best way for consumers to ensure their safety, he says, is to buy from a licensed retailer. At Apex, flower is tested before extraction, then the cannabis oil is tested during production, and once again for state-mandated compliance testing.

"By the time the final product gets to the consumer, it's been tested at a minimum three times," he said. "We feel confident that the product is safe at that point."

With the news of the rash of illnesses, however, it’s clear that many cannabis users are changing their habits. David Alport, the owner of Bridge City Collective in Portland, told USA Today that he saw a drop in vape cartridge sales of more than 30 percent after news of the health crisis broke.

"It's having an impact on how consumers are behaving," he said. "People are concerned, and we're concerned."

Flower and Edibles Also Have Risks

But consumers who switch from vaping to other methods of consumption need to realize that other cannabis products — including flower and edibles — can carry health risks of their own. These products can be contaminated with mold, yeasts, and several types of bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli. 

Jill Ellsworth, the founder and CEO of Denver-based Willow Industries, says that products with microbial contamination can be particularly dangerous for medical marijuana patients with compromised immune systems. 

"You do not want to inhale dangerous mold spores into your lungs,” she said, “specifically a mold called aspergillus.”

To protect consumers from the dangers of microbial pathogens, Ellsworth’s company offers Willow Pure, a system that uses ozone to eliminate mold, yeasts, and bacteria from cannabis flower. The process can be used as remediation for flower that’s failed lab testing for microbial contamination and is used by some cultivators for all harvests to ensure safety — a practice she would like to see adopted by the entire industry.

Gallery — This Is What Fake Vapes Actually Look Like:

"The goal was to implement very standard processes like you see in food and beverage,” said Ellsworth. “Your food is pasteurized. Your beverages go through a pasteurization process, so we wanted to implement that in cannabis."

The Willow Pure process degrades microbial contaminants with ozone without affecting the quality of the flower, she explained. Tests have shown that the color, structure, and cannabinoid and terpene profiles of the buds are all preserved.

The equipment to complete the decontamination can be leased from Willow by cultivators in 13 states, with machines capable of handling five, 20, or 40 pounds of cannabis at a time. Ozone gas used in the process is converted to oxygen, and safety features ensure that no ozone is released to the atmosphere.

Ellsworth says the cost of using the system should have a “negligible” effect on retail prices of cannabis products, costing $20 per pound or less, depending on the amount of product being treated and other factors.

"It's not adding much to your bottom line, but it's an insurance policy,” she said. “It's insuring that the product going out to the consumers is safe and clean."

Buying Safe Cannabis

To help protect consumers from the health risks that can be present in some cannabis products, licensed testing laboratory CannaSafe in Van Nuys, California, has developed a list of tips to keep in mind. Aaron Riley, the president of CannaSafe, gave MERRY JANE a rundown on the safety checklist and explained the importance of each item on it.

Buy From a Licensed Shop 

"Buying from a licensed shop ensures that you're buying a product that's been subjected to the state regulations," Riley said. He recommends that consumers get comfortable asking shops for their license number to verify online through state regulators.

On the flip side, it’s important for dispensaries to have this information handy for employees to access. Licensed shops (and manufacturers, for that matter) should be ready and open to discussing this information with any inquiring patient or customer because, ultimately, it will prove their business is fully legit. 

Buy From Reputable Brands 

Do your research! Check out a product brand’s website, social media presence, and press to be sure you’re buying from a company that has a good reputation in the industry — and with other consumers. "When people have a brand at stake, they're gonna do the extra things like make sure that their product is up to quality, make sure it's consistent, make sure it's been tested," said Riley.

It’s also important to note that legitimate brands will always state that they’re legal. Their license information won’t be hidden. If for some reason you’re unsure about a brand’s legality, you should reach out to them via email and ask. If they give you attitude or don’t respond, you can assume they aren’t licensed. Any brand that’s licensed usually flaunts this stamp of approval, or they’ll be happy to answer your question with proper verification. 

Check the Packaging for Testing Information

Look for the potency of THC and CBD, as well as terpene content. Labels should also have strain names and dates of cultivation and analysis. If you’re still unsure, you can fact-check the results online via the lab’s website. 

But if lab testing information is missing on any product, you know it’s from the illicit market. Be aware that some black market vendors have learned how to fake lab testing results. So, once again, the only way to truly know if your product is legit is if it comes from a licensed dispensary.

Check the Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Many product packages will include a QR code that links to the COA. If not, ask the retailer if they have a copy on hand. Check that all required tests were passed and verify that the product photo is consistent with what you’re buying.

Check the Testing Lab’s Credentials

The lab used by cannabis manufacturers should also be licensed by the state. If the lab is also accredited by a third party, you can be more confident that high industry standards are being followed.

Following these simple tips can help consumers keep themselves safe from the dangers of contaminated cannabis products in jurisdictions with legal pot. But many areas of the United States (and around the world) haven’t hopped on the legalization train yet. With dozens of deaths (allegedly) attributed to black market operators, perhaps more lawmakers will come to the realization that a regulated market of safe cannabis products benefits all of society — not just consumers.

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The parlance of pot is chock-full of terms that are used to describe the various aromas created by cannabis. Marijuana can be piney, earthy, gassy, spicey, or exude a veritable fruit basket of odors including: banana, melon, orange, lemon, tangerine, and more.

And while most of these fragrances are considered pleasing by most, one scent in particular, skunk, has a decidedly unpleasant connotation. But what exactly is skunk weed? And why does it smell that way?

Terpenes Are the Key

The variety of smells found in cannabis are largely produced by terpenes, a class of aromatic chemicals found in many plants and even some insects. More than 20,000 different terpenes have been identified, making them the largest category of plant compounds discovered. At least 200 different terps have been found in cannabis, although only a handful are the most dominant. 

Pinene can give pot a pine-like fragrance, while caryophyllene is peppery. Limonene has a citrusy scent and terpinolene is fruity. Myrcene, the most prevalent cannabis terpene, is earthy or musky, a trait that is partly responsible for the skunky funk of some strains. 

Some less common terpenes, however, give off the odor of a different class of chemicals known as thiols. These compounds have a sulfurous smell that can be reminiscent of rotten eggs, fuel, or even farts. Thiols are also responsible for the unique and very recognizable stench of skunk spray, a defense mechanism that can help keep the animal safe from predators. Strains of cannabis with terpenes that have an aroma similar to these thiols are often referred to as skunky or skunk weed.

Strains of Skunk Weed

There are many strains of cannabis that express the skunky smell of these terpenes. Skunk weed varietals got their start in the 1970s with the introduction of Skunk #1 by Sacred Seeds, a group of breeders in Northern California led by David Watson, also known as Sam the Skunkman. Skunk #1 is a cross of short, bushy Pakistani and Afghani varietals cultivated for hash, and tropical strains from Asia and South and Central America.

Watson was one of the first breeders who recognized that, while THC was the component of cannabis mainly responsible for the high it imparts, terpenes were also important and could intensify and modify the plant's psychoactive effects through the entourage effect. As a result, when evaluating breeding stock for his next cross, Sam the Skunkman often let the aroma of these potential parents be his guide.

Gallery — Cannabis Up-Close and Personal:

Besides their inherent skunkiness, the flowers of Skunk #1 also impart musky and earthy aromas with subtle floral and fruity notes, while the flavor of the strain is generally woodsy, sweet, and fruity. The clear-headed high of this original skunk weed can be somewhat euphoric, heighten creativity, and relieve stress. Medical marijuana patients have reported success using the strain to treat pain, asthma, glaucoma, stress, nausea, vomiting, and as an appetite stimulant.

The success of Skunk #1 made it an ideal strain to breed with other plants in order to create different varieties of skunk weed. After serving a stint in prison and being released in 1982, Watson moved to the Netherlands, taking several kilos of seeds with him. He then resumed his breeding career, and started the seed company Cultivator’s Choice in Amsterdam. 

Soon, other Dutch breeders were also offering their own strains of skunk weed, with varieties such as Super Skunk, Jack Herer, Northern Lights, and Early Girl making their debut on the cannabis scene. Today, these varieties have become popular genetics for breeders who have produced literally hundreds of strains with skunk in their name or terpene profile, including Skunk Dawg, Lemon Skunk, Skunky Diesel, Skunk Haze, and (my personal favorite) Thelonious Skunk.

Other Meanings of Skunk Weed

The word "skunk" can refer to more than just genetic terms for cannabis, too. For people who don’t use cannabis (and even some who do partake), all varieties of cannabis smell skunky. To a certain extent this is true, although more experienced cannaphiles will appreciate the other aromas and notes present in a particular strain’s bouquet.

In the United Kingdom, the term "skunk weed" has taken on a more generic meaning. There, skunk doesn’t refer to the aroma of particular strains of marijuana. Rather, it is a moniker that designates highly potent pot. Just about any kind of super-stony sensimilla flower that is cultivated for smoking will qualify as skunk weed across the pond.

Despite the nuances of meaning that the term skunk weed can have from one person to the next, one thing is a given: When you smell that sweet stank, you’re sure to be in for a good time.

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No matter how dynamic, culture can also be stubborn. And the world of cannabis is no exception. The words “sativa,” “indica," and "hybrid" are deeply ingrained in the pot vernacular, despite the fact that the familiar system has notable shortcomings and doesn’t fully capture the marijuana experience. As a refresher, cannabis varietals are commonly described as belonging to one of two genetic lines with distinct traits, including leaf shape, plant structure, and psychoactive effects. 

Sativas are said to have narrow leaves on tall, conical plants that produce flowers offering an energizing or uplifting high, while indicas have broad leaves, short and bushy plants, and offer effects ranging from a relaxing buzz to couch-locked stoney vibes. Hybrids, purportedly, possess a varying blend of these traits.

But this system lacks scientific backing and acknowledgment of the fact that each person’s endocannabinoid system and physiology can produce differing effects from the same weed. And there's also the fact that there are many private labs engaging in a "space race," of sorts, to complete a genetic map of the cannabis plant. Until that's finished, we don't fully understand how the plant produces differing levels of chemicals and compounds that inspire its varying psychoactive effects. Plus, with up to two-thirds of today’s available strains designated as hybrids, those known as “sativa” and “indica” are beginning to lose their significance.

So, as the evolution of the cannabis industry unfolds before us, what should consumers look for in flower if “indica” and sativa” — our old faithfuls — are no longer considered accurate?

Slate contributor Shannon Palus asserts that the terms have devolved into marketing jargon, a view also shared by several cannabis scientists she interviewed. Ethan Russo, the director of research and development at the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute, believes that cannabis should be described by the presence and amount of cannabinoids and terpenes produced by each strain, which he says evolved as protection methods from insects and disease. 

“In Russo’s ideal world, dispensaries would categorize their offerings by these chemicals, along with subjective feedback from users — a kind of giant master binder on the origins of the various kinds of highs,” Palus wrote. “But for now, ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ are still the most widely understood classifications of all.”

All that could change, however, with the introduction of a new method to describe cannabis. Leafly, the digital pot media platform, is on a mission to make pot vernacular more accurate — and it’s about damn time. Dubbed the “Leafly Cannabis Guide,” the info is based on crowdsourced data from user strain reviews and test results from a network of seven analytic laboratories across North America, including Confidence Analytics in Washington, SC Labs of California, CannTest of Alaska, ChemHistory in Oregon, MCS in Florida, PSI Labs in Michigan, and Anandia in Canada.

“Cannabis has unique physiological effects for each of us. As our understanding of cannabis grows, so does our need for a more sophisticated, yet intuitive language to help people navigate the very personal effects cannabis has,” said Leafly CEO Tim Leslie in a Tuesday press release. “While indica, sativa, and hybrid are a starting point for understanding cannabis, this form of categorization doesn’t take advantage of our growing understanding of the effects of the various compounds found within the plant.”

Courtesy of Leafly

At the heart of the guide is a new visual language that uses shapes and colors to depict the major cannabinoids and terpenes produced by a particular strain. This information is expressed by different colored shapes aptly arranged into flower-like icons that now replace Leafly’s familiar strain tiles. The symbols are reminiscent of the periodic table of elements and was implemented throughout the platform’s updated site this week. That’s no small undertaking. 

Since launching in 2010, Leafly has become one of the best online resources for information about cannabis, including strain reviews from its 15 million monthly visitors. All strains from the old guide will still be listed, but some will not have a flower visualization if the necessary lab data is not available.

Richard Maloney, a program manager at Leafly who’s been developing the new cannabis guide for the last year and a half, explained to MERRY JANE that the goal is to educate consumers about what, specifically, makes strains different and alike. 

"We depict the cannabinoids with shapes and the terpenes with color,” Maloney said in a telephone interview. “And so now we're actually in a position where we can create a unique visual for a consumer with this language so they can better see the similarities and differences among the cannabis strains."

At the center of each visualization, an abbreviation of the strain name is displayed on a shape that indicates the primary cannabinoid as determined by aggregated test results, with a diamond signifying THC and a circle representing CBD. The color of this shape identifies the varietal’s dominant terpene: blue for myrcene, green for pinene, fuschia for caryophyllene, yellow for limonene, and orange for terpinolene. For instance, White Tahoe Cookies has a central fuschia diamond, indicating that it’s a THC-dominant strain with caryophyllene as its most prominent terpene.

The central shape is orbited by three tiers of the same shape, the size of which indicates the relative amounts of the primary cannabinoid, while their colors depict the strain's other prominent terpenes. The surrounding diamonds, which are elongated to indicate a strain relatively potent in THC, are colored fuschia, blue, and yellow to express that myrcene and limonene are also prominent.

"We can begin to create these unique visuals so consumers can, through the shape and color, see the differences and similarities among strains," Maloney reiterated. 

For example, if a cannabis user determines that many strains she gravitates to are depicted by long, yellow diamonds (indicating a THC-dominant strain with limonene as its primary terpene), she may find that she fancies other strains with long, yellow diamonds, too.

With that information, an online tool will then suggest different strains that are similar. Users can even create a visualization for their idealized strain, adding terpenes or potency at will. Results will often not reflect actual strains available in the marketplace, but Leafly’s software will be able to suggest strains that are similar, but different, to the idealized model.

In a dispensary, users can share the information gained from the cannabis guide with their budtenders for recommendations based on their preferences. Leafly is also developing plans that would allow growers and manufacturers to use the flower visualizations for their products on packaging and marketing, but those details have not yet been released.

Maloney notes that many consumers will find the information conveyed through the visualizations sufficient for their needs. However, the tech also includes more details, such as average cannabinoid percentages and other interesting tidbits.

"For consumers who really do want to geek out and learn more about the cannabis they're consuming, they'll be able to click in and learn about what terpinolene is, for example, and other places in nature where terpinolene is found," he said.

Maloney hopes that the new guide will help stimulate a better appreciation for cannabis, saying “the market today is heavily controlled by consumers or patients wanting to find the highest THC percentages for their dollar. What this system is emphasizing is that there's a lot more going on within this mystical plant."

The platform’s principal research scientist, Nick Jikomes, Ph.D., believes the resource gives everyone the opportunity to more fully research and understand the effects of cannabis and the chemicals that influence the experience for users.

“We developed the Leafly Cannabis Guide to give everyone the ability to visualize, learn, and apply information about the amazing diversity of this plant,” he said in Tuesday’s release. “We’re embracing complexity while providing simplicity — and have created the most comprehensive way to explore cannabis strains yet. We’re excited to see the ways consumers, retailers, doctors, scientists, and others will use it to evolve the conversation around cannabis.”

Gallery — This Is Why We Love Weed:

To support the rollout of the new guide, Leafly is sending information kits to its network of approximately 2,000 retail partners across North America and is providing budtenders with learning tools to educate themselves. At the recent B2B cannabis expo Hall of Flowers in Santa Rosa, California, brands that were given a confidential preview of the guide gave it a positive reception, according to Maloney.

Whether Leafly’s new cannabis guide is embraced by producers, dispensaries, and consumers remains to be seen. But the system, with its roots in both science and consumer feedback, may prove to be useful for many. With the visualizations now incorporated into the platform, Leafly is clearly betting on its success. Stay tuned.

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