Grow Life 420

CBD chocolate is a great (and tasty!) way to dip your toes into hemp-based products. However, how do you know if a CBD product is safe?

Fortunately, lab testing can help users ensure that the CBD chocolate bar they are consuming is safe. However, not all lab tests are created equal. Here’s what you need to know.

Do You Know What’s In CBD Chocolate?

On the onset, this seems like a simple question. Isn’t a CBD chocolate bar simply a combination of both CBD and chocolate? Well, yes… and no.

Chocolate is uniquely difficult to test for both THC and CBD potency. But why is this? According to chemist and lead researcher Dr. David Dawson of CW Analytical in Oakland, California, cannabis-laced chocolate is a “veritable organic soup of compounds”, which makes it a difficult food to test.

In other words, chocolate’s high fat content can camouflage both THC and CBD. This means that even if something is “lab tested,” the label might not accurately represent the THC or CBD content in the chocolate bar. Such mislabeling, even if unintentional, results in mis-dosing.

How can this be allowed to happen?

It’s important to remember that we’re still in the “wild west” of CBD products. The industry is still not as well established and safeguarded as, say, the alcohol industry.

When it comes to purchasing beer, wine, or liqueur, chances are that you don’t worry about the stated alcohol content. You probably also don’t worry much about whether the beverage has any biological toxins that may be dangerous.

This is because the alcohol industry is so regulated and highly inspected that no matter the store or brand, a safe and homogenous product is virtually guaranteed.

Until these safeguards come to the CBD industry, consumers need to know about lab tests and how to interpret the results.

Why CBD Lab Testing is Important

Just because a CBD chocolate bar is sold in a store, it doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily high quality. Furthermore, the nutritional facts listed on a product label won’t tell you the whole story.

For this reason, it’s highly advisable to read the fine print of the Certificates of Analysis (COAs), before purchasing any CBD product.

Reputable brands that care about their customers will submit their CBD chocolate to 3rd party labs for testing. These independent labs then release a COA report, which details accurate measurements of cannabinoids. The COA will also detail whether the chocolate bar also contains vitamins, heavy metals, and/or pesticides.

Some manufacturers will test their products internally. However, this is not always a reliable metric. These companies can be biased towards their own products, spinning the numbers for their products to look more attractive than they actually are.

True transparency comes from the brands that send their products to reputable, third-party labs for testing. Reliable CBD brands will often reference third-party lab results on their website. If a CBD brand makes no such reference on their website otherwise, then they probably should not be trusted.

How to Interpret Lab Results for CBD Chocolate

Lab results are often filled with scientific-jargon, but consumers should still be able to easily analyze them. There’s just a few elements to look out for when choosing CBD chocolate.

Evaluate the THC and CBD levels.

COAs are generally divided into two columns. The left side will include the THC and CBD levels. Many CBD products will also include some level of THC, so you’ll want to make sure that the THC content is under the 0.3% that is permitted by law.

Next, double-check whether the CBD levels match the potency (%) and the amount (mg) that the manufacturer has listed on the label. If these numbers don’t line up, then it’s probably a good idea to look for another CBD company and chocolate bar.

Take a look at the terpene readout.

On the right hand column of the COA, you can find the terpene profile. For new users, this probably won’t mean much. For CBD connoisseurs or those looking for more sophisticated benefits, then terpene profiles can tell you exactly what benefits you can expect.

Limonene, for example, can result in mood-lifting benefits whereas myrcene helps with insomnia relief. The terpene readout provides more nuance to the specific experience that can be expected.

Look out for heavy metals and pesticides.

While this is important for everyone, this is especially true for those with serious medical conditions. Heavy metals and pesticides can be very harmful to those with weakened immune systems. Though these elements can be harmful to everyone, those with more serious health conditions should be more cautious.

Heavy metals and pesticides could potentially be in the chocolate bar, depending on how the cannabis plant was grown. With a less-trustworthy CBD company, chemicals may be sprayed on the plants, and the quality of the land the hemp was grown on also plays a role.

Quality hemp growers ensure that they are growing their plants on clean land and with clean practices, to produce healthy flowers and safe CBD.

Cost Factors

As you can probably imagine, it costs money to run lab tests. Some companies may choose to test internally, which can produce biased results. Shady actors in the industry may even attempt to “spin” their numbers.

If the CBD company you are interested in does publicize lab results, it is a sign of legitimacy in the CBD industry. This also means that the company has the funds available to ensure their products are safe.

This is why it’s so important to turn to reputable companies who invest in third-party lab testing. Companies that prioritize transparency and safety should be rewarded with business to send a clear signal to the industry that these traits matter to consumers.

Where Can I Find A CBD Chocolate Bar?

Of course, you’ll want to choose a CBD chocolate bar that has the CBD content it advertises. You should also make sure that it tests negative or has extremely low quantities (LoQ) of heavy metals and pesticides.

Once you find a chocolate bar that meets these specifications, consider checking out the company’s other products. If they were honest and transparent with their chocolate bar, then chances are that their other CBD products are also high quality.

Gataka is a trusted CBD company that continues to grow in popularity. Lab results from 3rd party testing are easily accessed on the homepage of their website. Best of all, Gataka has a wide range of CBD products ranging from CBD chocolate bars to CBD peanut butter cups.

Stay safe, and enjoy!

CBD chocolate is a great (and tasty!) way to dip your toes into hemp-based products. However, how do you know if a CBD product is safe?

Fortunately, lab testing can help users ensure that the CBD chocolate bar they are consuming is safe. However, not all lab tests are created equal. Here’s what you need to know.

Do You Know What’s In CBD Chocolate?

On the onset, this seems like a simple question. Isn’t a CBD chocolate bar simply a combination of both CBD and chocolate? Well, yes… and no.

Chocolate is uniquely difficult to test for both THC and CBD potency. But why is this? According to chemist and lead researcher Dr. David Dawson of CW Analytical in Oakland, California, cannabis-laced chocolate is a “veritable organic soup of compounds”, which makes it a difficult food to test.

In other words, chocolate’s high fat content can camouflage both THC and CBD. This means that even if something is “lab tested,” the label might not accurately represent the THC or CBD content in the chocolate bar. Such mislabeling, even if unintentional, results in mis-dosing.

How can this be allowed to happen?

It’s important to remember that we’re still in the “wild west” of CBD products. The industry is still not as well established and safeguarded as, say, the alcohol industry.

When it comes to purchasing beer, wine, or liqueur, chances are that you don’t worry about the stated alcohol content. You probably also don’t worry much about whether the beverage has any biological toxins that may be dangerous.

This is because the alcohol industry is so regulated and highly inspected that no matter the store or brand, a safe and homogenous product is virtually guaranteed.

Until these safeguards come to the CBD industry, consumers need to know about lab tests and how to interpret the results.

Why CBD Lab Testing is Important

Just because a CBD chocolate bar is sold in a store, it doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily high quality. Furthermore, the nutritional facts listed on a product label won’t tell you the whole story.

For this reason, it’s highly advisable to read the fine print of the Certificates of Analysis (COAs), before purchasing any CBD product.

Reputable brands that care about their customers will submit their CBD chocolate to 3rd party labs for testing. These independent labs then release a COA report, which details accurate measurements of cannabinoids. The COA will also detail whether the chocolate bar also contains vitamins, heavy metals, and/or pesticides.

Some manufacturers will test their products internally. However, this is not always a reliable metric. These companies can be biased towards their own products, spinning the numbers for their products to look more attractive than they actually are.

True transparency comes from the brands that send their products to reputable, third-party labs for testing. Reliable CBD brands will often reference third-party lab results on their website. If a CBD brand makes no such reference on their website otherwise, then they probably should not be trusted.

How to Interpret Lab Results for CBD Chocolate

Lab results are often filled with scientific-jargon, but consumers should still be able to easily analyze them. There’s just a few elements to look out for when choosing CBD chocolate.

Evaluate the THC and CBD levels.

COAs are generally divided into two columns. The left side will include the THC and CBD levels. Many CBD products will also include some level of THC, so you’ll want to make sure that the THC content is under the 0.3% that is permitted by law.

Next, double-check whether the CBD levels match the potency (%) and the amount (mg) that the manufacturer has listed on the label. If these numbers don’t line up, then it’s probably a good idea to look for another CBD company and chocolate bar.

Take a look at the terpene readout.

On the right hand column of the COA, you can find the terpene profile. For new users, this probably won’t mean much. For CBD connoisseurs or those looking for more sophisticated benefits, then terpene profiles can tell you exactly what benefits you can expect.

Limonene, for example, can result in mood-lifting benefits whereas myrcene helps with insomnia relief. The terpene readout provides more nuance to the specific experience that can be expected.

Look out for heavy metals and pesticides.

While this is important for everyone, this is especially true for those with serious medical conditions. Heavy metals and pesticides can be very harmful to those with weakened immune systems. Though these elements can be harmful to everyone, those with more serious health conditions should be more cautious.

Heavy metals and pesticides could potentially be in the chocolate bar, depending on how the cannabis plant was grown. With a less-trustworthy CBD company, chemicals may be sprayed on the plants, and the quality of the land the hemp was grown on also plays a role.

Quality hemp growers ensure that they are growing their plants on clean land and with clean practices, to produce healthy flowers and safe CBD.

Cost Factors

As you can probably imagine, it costs money to run lab tests. Some companies may choose to test internally, which can produce biased results. Shady actors in the industry may even attempt to “spin” their numbers.

If the CBD company you are interested in does publicize lab results, it is a sign of legitimacy in the CBD industry. This also means that the company has the funds available to ensure their products are safe.

This is why it’s so important to turn to reputable companies who invest in third-party lab testing. Companies that prioritize transparency and safety should be rewarded with business to send a clear signal to the industry that these traits matter to consumers.

Where Can I Find A CBD Chocolate Bar?

Of course, you’ll want to choose a CBD chocolate bar that has the CBD content it advertises. You should also make sure that it tests negative or has extremely low quantities (LoQ) of heavy metals and pesticides.

Once you find a chocolate bar that meets these specifications, consider checking out the company’s other products. If they were honest and transparent with their chocolate bar, then chances are that their other CBD products are also high quality.

Gataka is a trusted CBD company that continues to grow in popularity. Lab results from 3rd party testing are easily accessed on the homepage of their website. Best of all, Gataka has a wide range of CBD products ranging from CBD chocolate bars to CBD peanut butter cups.

Stay safe, and enjoy!

The best way to describe the Pax 3 vaporizer is simple yet stylish. A device that measures a little less than 4 inches in length, holding it in the palm of the hand feels pleasant because of the rounded edges. For those who prefer keeping it hidden, the Pax 3 easily slips into a purse, pocket, and backpack. Most of those who buy the Pax 3 prefer it for its minimalist design – the absence of buttons on its surface. The most iconic aspects of the vaporizer are the sleek appearance, petal lights, and back panel magnetic connections. You can get Pax 3 vaporizer from Haze Smoke Shop with a free gift at this URL:

https://hazesmokeshop.ca/product/pax-3-vaporizer/

Notable design features

The build – crafted from anodized aluminum, the Pax 3 has a dense and solid feel. Users get to choose between the Matte and Glossy styles. If you are concerned about leaving your fingerprints all over the surface of the device, skip the glossy and stick with matte.

Lip-sensing technology – installed with a smart technology application, the Pax 3 is able to detect a user’s individual vaping style. Are you the type to take draws back-to-back? Do you prefer taking pauses in between draws? This vaporizer profiles you then make adjustments to align your experience with what you like.

Haptic feedback – when do you know when the vaporizer is ready for use? One either stay alert to catch it vibrating or monitor the petal lights for the right signal.

How to use the Pax 3

Those who describe the Pax 3 as simple must be referring to how it is used;

• Step 1: prepare the herbs by grinding them and adding filling the chamber. This step determines the quality of the vaping experience. Pax 3 can hold between .2g and .4g. For the best experience, make a fine/medium grind and pack evenly.
• Step 2: switch on the device. This is as simple as pressing the center of the mouthpiece down once. The same action is also used to switch it off.
• Step 3: choose your preferred temperature by holding down the switch button for a few seconds. The device has 4 temperature points. To know which temperature setting has been selected, watch the changes on the little clover LEDs.
• Step 4: wait for the vaporizer to heat up to the desired temperature. You will know it because of the distinct vibration and LED light points.
• Step 5: take time to inhale as you hold your mouth over the mouthpiece.

Overall performance and quality of vapor

The Pax 3 vaporizer works best if the herb is changed regularly. The best time to completely empty the device is after use. Optimally, expect the device to heat in around 15 to seconds. The good quality vapor will however only start coming after 30 seconds.  As a session draws to a close, the Pax 3 will feel warm to the touch – this is normal in small-sized vapes.

The Pax 3 lives up to its reputation of being an industry standard setter. The initial hits in every session are super in and even temperature. The quality of vapor then slowly begins to degrade becoming warmer as the session ends.

Battery performance

For sessions that last an average of 10 minutes, expect to use the Pax 3 for up to 9 times before it requires recharging. Considering that this vaporizer falls under the small size category, 80 – 90 minutes between charging is quite impressive.

The Pax 3 App

By itself, the Pax 3 vaporizer is easy to use and even beginners are able to gain access to the main features. The Pax 3 app gives you the power to customize your vaping experience. Whether you want to give it a special name, alter the interface to suit your liking, or lock it for security, the app gives you total control over the vape. To make the user experience even better, the app offers tutorials, a temperature display interface, and direct control over various aspects of the vaporizer. The following are some of the vaping modes unlocked only through the smartphone app;

• Boost Mode – the rate of temperature change is faster. This is ideal when quickie sessions are preferred.
• Flavor Mode – this mode preserves the quality of flavor by altering the rate at which the device heats up and cools down. To get a strong flavor, the device set in this mode only heat up when taking a draw.
• Stealth Mode – this mode makes the cooldown time shorter which produces low odor and low vapor; an ideal pick for those who want to vape while maintaining a low profile.
• Efficiency Mode – the temperature in the oven chamber rises by 1° over an entire session. Those who are interested in preserving battery life will find this mode quite useful.

Does the Pax 3 suit you?

This is a good vape choice for vaping on the go. It is not only easy for first-timers who are learning the habit but also preferred by those who love sharing. The 10-year warranty of the Pax 3 is an indication of its quality – users get 10 years of stress-free vaping experience. Depending on your individual style and lifestyle, users get to choose from a range of 6 colors/finishes.

Are you looking for a vape that fits into your regular lifestyle? A techie can go for one that looks like a USB pack while a make-up artist can use a lipstick look-alike.

Conclusion

Pax 3 review on Haze Smoke Shop suggests that, for best results every time you use the Pax 3, ensure that you clean it after every 10^th session of use. If you stay for too long with cleaning it, the device will begin to stink and the draws to produces will be of low quality. The nature of concentrate used also determines how quickly the vaporizer accumulates dirt. Generally, the device should be cleaned often if inserts are used as opposed to dry herbs. The good news is that wax and oil residues are easier to clean compared to dry herbs and concentrates. This is a device that was specifically designed for those who buy quality (which other product did you ever buy that offers 10 years of warranty?)

If you’ve been wondering how to solve your sleeping problems without having to resort to conventional medicine or anything too time-consuming and difficult to get hold of, then you’ve come to the right article. I’ll be going through a selection of the best natural sleep remedies that you can use to solve your sleeping trouble and get back to living a normal life, instead of being tired all the time.

Honey and Salt

One of the easiest ways to prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep is to use a combination of honey and salt. The sugars can increase your insulin levels slightly, which can reduce the level of cortisol in your system. This is a hormone that’s associated with alertness, so having too much of it can make you feel uneasy and on edge. You can combine half a teaspoon of honey, along with a sprinkle of salt, and take it 15-20 minutes before bedtime, or you can mix it into some tea and drink it.

Deep Breathing

How we breathe can have enormous consequences on the way our body feels. This is because it controls the amount of oxygen we have in our blood, and this can influence how relaxed we are. It works by breathing in a 4-7-8 pattern. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and breathe out for eight seconds. And then repeat it 3-4 times.

Cherry Juice

Another suggestion is to consume cherry juice. A lot of people recommend it and it has some science to back it up too. It can help to increase the amount of sleep that you’re able to get if consumed over a two week period twice a day. But you only need a tablespoon, so there’s no need to buy lots of it or drink multiple glasses. This is also another remedy you can mix into tea.

Hormones, Herbs, and Minerals

There are also plenty of different natural chemicals out there which can help with sleep. These include melatonin, lavender, magnesium, passionflower, and valerian root. Each one can have a different positive effect on you that can prepare you for sleep.

Natural Drugs

Lastly, if you visit any Google-approved review site you’ll be able to find descriptions and reviews of a selection of kratom products,  and CBD oil products that can assist with relaxation and calmness. These are often an underrated solution because people are sometimes put off by misconceptions of these being dangerous drugs with no other benefits. But they are worth giving a try if you’d like something a little stronger that’s still natural.

Conclusion

You now have a selection of natural remedies that you can put into practice to ease any problems that you’re suffering from related to your sleep. These should be able to help you regulate your sleep cycle in a natural way without having to spend lots of money on therapy or hospital treatments.

Experts are reviewing how the cannabis industry could fare during the pandemic and what could global recession mean for the industry. The public response could shift towards cannabis as the pandemic continues to affect several lives. The government, for its part, has assembled protective measures so that the entire country can put a brave front against the novel coronavirus. However, when reality hits hard, it is difficult to ignore the devastating impact this virus can have on the economy.

Most businesses face temporary shutdowns, while others have been deemed essential by the government. The medical marijuana industry falls in the same category because millions of Americans consume cannabis to manage a large variety of medical conditions. It is now easier than ever to visit to see a medical card doctor virtually using telemedicine, now available in states like Oklahoma, Ohio, Missouri, and New York.

Let’s look at how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the cannabis industry.

COVID-19 Impact on the Medical Cannabis Industry

Soon after the state authorities deemed marijuana businesses as essential, there was a sudden surge in the purchase of medical cannabis. People started stocking up on cannabis and some dispensaries witnessed an increase in cannabis sales. However, the effect of the pandemic is so strong that these numbers will not cover up for the losses that the medical cannabis industry will face until the situation simmers down. So, stocking up looks like the only option right now. And it might come as a blessing for those who require medical marijuana for their treatment.

In addition, you might have also come across news articles explaining how the marijuana industry has shown imperative improvement in cannabis sales. Particularly major US states that have deemed marijuana businesses as essential. The reason behind this surge in sales is clearly because people are stocking up on months of cannabis. On the contrary, the fear of coronavirus has caused most people to stay indoors.

Legalized states with stricter laws report a decline in cannabis sales and some dispensaries are rolling out offers in order to attract more customers. For example, in California, where cannabis laws are not sterner, people can still purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries that have experienced significant growth in their sales.

Impact on the CBD Market

This turbulent economy is affecting the feel-good CBD market just as well. Theoretically, in times like this, we look for ways to alleviate stress and anxiety caused by the pandemonium of the coronavirus. CBD helps to reduce anxiety and provide relief from stress in a natural way. So, the sales during the pandemic must increase. Although you will be surprised to know that even though cannabis sales in some places are at an all-time high, sales are hurting in the CBD and hemp sectors.

It is believed to be due to the economic slowdown as people are hesitant to spend on CBD when their employment is uncertain. COVID-19 related lay-offs have spiked in the past few weeks including places like Philadelphia and California. The only silver lining to this is that major CBD products that were not available online are now. Visit an online CBD store and purchase your favorite CBD products and manage your condition effectively.

Insurance Policies

Another aspect where COVID-19 has affected the CBD industry is in the sector of insurance policies. Although several canna ventures have their insurance packages in place, most of these policies and packages have no provisions in place for the disruptions in business due to a pandemic like the one we are experiencing today.

Not just that, the CBD industry has experienced a drop in productivity as thousands of workers can no longer work due to the lockdown placed by the government. Owners have been forced to shut their CBD businesses till further notice and they have no insurance policies to back it up. The losses that they suffer are negatively impacting the industry on quite a large scale. All we can hope is that the situation improves, and life goes back to normal.

Effect on Supply Chain Distribution

Despite people stocking up on cannabis, there is one thing that still disrupts the peace and economy of the marijuana industry. You see, when we think of cannabis, aspects such as marijuana cultivation and processing come to our mind. But there are a lot of moving parts of the supply chain and not all of them belong to the USA. For instance, China originates most of the moving parts of the supply chain.

That is because China produces a lot of material at low cost and it is perfect for the still-nascent pot industry. Take vaporizers, for instance, most companies rely on the production of vaporizers from China. This means that it can be an issue for cannabis companies that generate profit by selling vaporizers.

KushCo is a major supplier of vaporizers and packaging material and most of it originates from China. So, given the situation, we face currently it is safe to say that KushCo may not see healthy sales. Not only this, the supply chain distribution is slammed in the CBD market as well. With several countries under lockdown and travel restrictions under place, the CBD industry like any other business is under an axe.

Even though experts are advising canna-users to grow their own marijuana in order to curb the spread of the virus. Here is what some of them are missing. Companies selling these items are not essential and most canna-users will have to depend on natural light in order to grow marijuana.

This also means that companies that sell LED bulbs that are considerably cheaper are facing disruption and temporary halts. So, growing marijuana is also not an easier way out.

Impact on the Consumption Patterns

With the rise in continuous advisories published by health care experts in order to reduce the risks of coronavirus, people are becoming more cautious. Consumption patterns are shifting. Smoking cannabis joints or vaping the bud are the most preferred forms of consumption by the American people. A valid reason behind this is that by smoking the herb one can derive the benefits immediately.

But with COVID-19 being a respiratory disease, people are looking for substitute consumption methods like edibles and CBD oils. There are several ways to consume CBD oils, and during the pandemic, even health professionals are recommending people to switch these consumption methods.

From smoking to eating edibles, people are being advised to use other cannabis consumption methods. The reason being that smoking marijuana can cause the respiratory tract to deteriorate with time. Experts through research studies are advising canna-users to stay away from smoking. This will help them strengthen their first line of defense against the coronavirus.

Travel Restrictions & Drop in Tourism

We have to consider all the aspects of COVID-19 while measuring the total effect and cause ratio. And this brings us to our next point, which is travel restrictions and lockdowns. Now, we all know that the travel restrictions have led to complete shutdowns. The tourism industry faces the same fate and it has led to weaker sales or no sales at all.

Whether you agree or not, every industry is interconnected to each other. One loose end can lead to the downfall of the other. Take the cannabis industry, for instance, you might think that marijuana businesses are deemed essential by the government. So, the cannabis industry will see a surge in sales and revenue. Indeed, some dispensaries have seen a rise in sales, but the cannabis industry is vast.

It has roots in cultivation, processing, manufacturing, and even tourism. Due to a drop in tourism, cannabis dispensary complexes that used to have event centers, bistros, and consumer-facing processing centers have been hit hard.

A cannabis dispensary complex in Las Vegas, Planet 13 holdings with immense stores for cannabis activities will not see any major sales as tourist footfall declines. In other words, most dispensary complexes will now face huge losses until lockdowns and shutdowns continue.

Final Thoughts

The Covid-19 coronavirus has affected the cannabis industry in a multiple of ways. In addition to the serious implications on people’s health, the pandemic has significantly affected millions of businesses across the world connected to cannabis. This means that most businesses despite being deemed essential are suffering losses in some form or another.

More vitally, accommodating telemedicine applications to minimize the risk of the virus touts the sustainable nature of the cannabis industry. It is indeed very safe to see a doctor online from the comfort of your home and get a medical cannabis recommendation in just a few minutes. These practices can significantly help medical professionals flatten the COVID-19 curve. All in all, these protective measures will help us form a strong line of defense against the COVID-19 impact.