’Tis the season again! If you’re scrambling for last-minute presents or totally blanking on what to get your cannabis-loving crew, don’t stress — we’ve got you. The Cannabis Now team rounded up our favorite finds across the full spectrum of cannabis goodies. Think stylish smoking gear, elevated fashion pieces, tasty edibles, must-have seeds and grower essentials. There’s truly something for everyone on this list. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in exclusive holiday discount codes just for you. Time to spark some joy with the coolest cannabis gifts of 2025.

Mellow Fellow’s Live Resin Blends Edibles

Give the gift of good vibes this holiday season. Mellow Fellow’s Live Resin Blends combine cannabinoids and terpenes for elevated, experience-based effects—crafted for every mood. Euphoria keeps spirits bright with an uplifting, creative boost, while Dream helps you unwind and find calm after the chaos. Each gummy is made with live resin for authentic strain flavor and consistent potency, wrapped in a sweet, shareable treat. $29.99

Clean Torch Complete Set

Clean Torch is a revolutionary breath-activated, flameless electric lighter that doubles as a vaporizer. This electric lighter is a no-brainer for cannabis enthusiasts and travel—windproof, rechargeable and totally flame-free, it works wherever you go. No butane either, just a quick inhale and you’re good to go. Plus, it’s compact, stylish and built to handle the elements, making it as smart as it is sleek. Whether you’re lighting up at a campsite or traveling across the country, Clean Torch is a must-have, long-life gadget perfect for every trip or keeping at home. It’s that surprisingly perfect little gadget you never knew you needed—until you realize it makes every smoke easier, cleaner, and way more fun. $125 (Use the code “Canna” for 15% off sitewide.)

The All-Paper Smokebuddy

The All-Paper Smokebuddy—the first in a new generation of sustainably sourced, eco-friendly smoke filters! Crafted entirely from paper, including the packaging, this Smokebuddy is a greener alternative to traditional filters. It effectively reduces odor and filters smoke while keeping secondhand smoke away from friends, family, and neighbors. Compact, convenient, and responsibly made, it’s designed with both performance and the planet in mind. $19.95 (Use Holiday Promo code: HOLIDAYBUDDY25 for 25% off).

TEMPEST | Designer Cooling Pipe by Artifact

Meet Tempest, the designer magnetic pipe from Artifact, engineered to elevate your ritual. It delivers ultra-smooth hits and feels like art in your hand, with two symmetrical halves that snap together with powerful magnets and pull apart in a second for easy cleaning. Inside, a cooling Labyrinth stretches the smoke, strips out heat, and collects resin so every bowl lands smooth and cool. Drop in the optional titanium filter for effortless sessions with hash and other extracts. It looks like a sculpture, hits like a bong, and cleans back to brand new whenever you want. It is the upgrade every weed lover secretly wants in their stocking. $78 (Use Holiday Promo Code CANNABISNOW10 for extra savings).

The Veazy Dry Herb Vaporizer From Storz & Bickel

The new Storz & Bickel VEAZY Vaporizer delivers consistent, flavorful vapor in just 40 seconds using the company’s patented hybrid heating technology. It’s also the brand’s smallest and most affordable device, priced at just $249 and weighing 0.3 lbs. Users can fine-tune settings and easily personalize sessions from their phone or laptop via Bluetooth to the S&B web app.  Plus, the quick USB-C charging system means you can easily recharge the device when you’re on the move. The VEAZY dry herb vape is the perfect blend of style and substance: It fits nicely in the palm of your hand but still packs a punch with S&B’s patented mini hybrid heater blending conduction and convection. $249

Royal Queen Seeds

With over ten years of experience breeding exceptional cultivars and delivering world-class customer service, Royal Queen Seeds (RQS) is a leader in the cannabis genetics space. They have a huge selection of premium cannabis seeds for your homegrowing friend. Whether you’re an experienced cultivator, or simply curious about trying to grow cannabis at home for the first, Royal Queen Seeds has seed varietals for every person, and every situation. Check out their Grow Guide and Strain Finder Tool to determine the best seeds to give this holiday season. These truly make for the perfect stocking stuffers! Starting at $12.50

IGrowCan Homegrow Kit From Royal Queen Seeds

If you choose to send cannabis seeds to a first-time grower, then consider bundling it with Royal Queen Seeds’ homegrow kit, which makes growing weed easier and stealthier than ever before. You don’t even need to go to the stores to buy soil or pots. With this convenient kit, you can grow fast autoflowering strains that reach a maximum height of 23.4 inches, and harvest after just 10 weeks. Each can contain 2 seeds, a germination plug, and all of the growing media and nutrients you’ll need. Just follow the instruction manual! $36

Calming Beef Dog Chews

Back in stock and better than ever! Our new formula is 3X BIGGER than before and easier to chew for older dogs and easier to break for smaller doses. At Vlasic Labs, dogs are part of the family. This Broad Spectrum chew contains ZERO THC and 5mg of CBD per chew, so you can easily find the right dose for your pup. $34.99

8000 Kicks Chelsea Boot

Introducing the first waterproof hemp Chelsea boots. The classic design, now more stylish than ever, this time with a premium hemp upper. 8000 Kicks’ new boot is totally vegan, and it uses the same waterproofing technology as their backpacks and shoes. The Chelsea Boots include a rugged sole for the most demanding terrains while keeping a minimalist design for daily wear. $199 (Use 20% Promo Code: CANNABISNOW20 for extra savings.)   

Sunday Scaries THC Sleep Gummies

Tired of sleep supplements or teas that don’t actually work? Find that prescription meds do work, but you don’t want the negative side effects that come with them? Then Sunday Scaries THC Sleep Gummies are for you! The brand custom-formulated these gummies so that they actually work to help induce sleep, but without compromising your health. If you have any loved ones struggling with restless nights, consider these all-natural, full-spectrum gummies from Sunday Scaries. They are designed to prevent next-day grogginess, and the brand promises to refund you if you can’t fall asleep within 20-30 minutes. $31 (Use Promo Code: CNM20 for extra savings).

Mama Dose – Mama’s Mindful Truffles

Each of these chocolate truffles from Mama Dose is a gentle guide on your journey towards presence and inner harmony, infused with 250mg of the potent Penis Envy strain. Mama’s Mindful Truffles offer a luxurious ritual of self-connection, designed to sharpen your senses and awaken your spirit. Handcrafted with premium vegan ingredients, these truffles combine rich, velvety cocoa with organic sweeteners to create a decadent, ethically sourced experience. $60 (Use Promo Code: CannabisNow2025 for extra savings).

The post 2025 Cannabis Holiday Gift Guide: This Year’s Standout Picks appeared first on Cannabis Now.

When planting outdoors, it’s highly probable that there will be problems that may leave plants in a less than perfect state. Even the best cocktail of nutrient and trace chemicals can still allow a nutrient deficiency. Grasshoppers may rear their ugly green heads or the nutrient will attract unsavory company, leading to an infestation that must be dealt with.

There are many variables to growing outdoors, but the most common of nutrient deficiencies will be encountered during the green foliage growth period. Lack of nitrogen is the most common deficiency. A large green leafy plant requires a very high level of nitrogen to achieve its full glory. The first sign is a gradual creep of yellow among the lowest and therefore leaves of the plant. If this happens, be sure to add a full ration of nitrogen to the next watering session. The yellow creep can be cured in only a few days if it hasn’t progressed to a point at which the tips of the leaves are curling and black or brown. At that point, it’s a permanent situation that can’t be remedied. It will be necessary to increase the amount of nitrogen so it doesn’t damage any newer leaves that would be higher on the plant. Some other symptoms of a nitrogen deficiency include red stems, smaller new leaves and slow growth.

A phosphorus deficiency rears its head by slow and stunted growth. The newer leaves of the plant will be smaller and a darker green than usual. As with nitrogen deficiency, a red color appears on the stems. The leaves may also develop a nasty red or purple color in the veins on the underside of the leaf. If phosphorous isn’t added, the older leaves will start to die. The affected leaves won’t be healed, but the progression of the damage will be stopped. The leaves will lighten in color to the beautiful green and the growth rate will pick up.

A potassium deficiency is often a tricky one to diagnose. Most of the time a potassium deficient plant will be tall and healthy looking, though they may be slightly phototropic in appearance. The indicators are the phototropic appearance and browning of the ends of the oldest leaves. A phototropic plant is one who expends all of its energy to reach a feeble light source, thus the tall spindly look they have. Recovery from a potassium deficiency is usually slow and is measured in weeks. The leaves that have been browned already usually die off. The leaves will have brown spots on them, particularly along the prominent center vein. As with most deficiencies of a serious nature, the stems and underside veins have a reddish or purple hue to them. The most common source of potassium is wood ash; so if last year the crop had a potassium deficiency, add a cup of wood ash this year to the nutrient or growing medium.

There are also deficiencies to be had with the elements iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, zinc and copper. Because most outdoor growing mediums tend to be natural in source, nature has already included the other trace elements required for most of their life. However, adding trace elements two or three times in the life of the plant is always a good idea. If the plants don’t require them, they simply won’t take them up.

For those of growers in the country and planting in the backyard, the easiest way to keep pests and animals away from the plants is to plant geraniums around them. The common geranium secretes a substance that acts as an all-around pest repellent. This is its natural way to combat predators and has been working great for a lot longer than humans have been growing grass, so take note. Both animals and pests will shy away from your crop.

Whatever growing medium that will be used will eventually attract a pest, then many pests. This infestation of the growing medium can be tricky to get rid of. If the little critters are in the topmost inch or so of the growing medium, that medium will have to be replaced. Be gentle with the root system and deluge the area with a good garden-safe insecticide after removal of the top inch. It’s important to replace the growing medium with a chemically-inert medium. Test and alter the pH of the medium as required to hit a neutral value of seven. The growing medium will eventually adjust itself to the pH levels the plant is accustomed to over a space of about a week.

Growing outdoors is an easy and productive means to reduce or even replace the costs incurred by our green friend over the winter. With the right knowledge this year’s crop should thrive.

What are some of your outdoor growing tips? Share with our community on Facebook.

The post Re-Coup Winter Costs: Grow Outdoor appeared first on Cannabis Now.

As the mainstream acceptance of cannabis use rumbles ever forward across the globe, the time when families and friends can gather around the Christmas tree vaporizing top-shelf cannabis may not be as far off as it once seemed. Those who choose to honor their health and turn away from the mulled wines and spiked egg nog this year should not have to hide their enjoyment of our favorite flower.

That signature scent of most flowers and plants, including the pine tree propped in the living room, originates from terpenes. As master horticulturalist Ed Rosenthal explains in his Big Book of Buds series, terpenes are also the components of cannabis responsible for the different effects and odors of the many varieties of marijuana.

“Pinene is the familiar odor associated with pine trees and their resin,” Rosenthal writes in the Big Book of Buds, volume 4. “Pinene probably gives true skunk varieties, the ones that stink like an animal, much of their odor… The smoke seems to expand in your lungs and the high comes on very quickly since a high percentage of the substance will pass to the bloodstream and brain.”

Pinene, which is most dominantly found in cannabis as the compound alpha-pinene, is the terpene that has established a solid reputation for tasting and smelling like a pine tree. The following three strains are sure to bring on this unique flavor so often associated with the holiday season.

Jack Herer –  This world-renowned strain was named after and bred in honor of the legendary author and cannabis activist, Jack Herer. “Upon the first draw, you immediately begin to identify its complex flavors,” West says. “It’s almost as if you can roll the smoke over the different parts of your tongue and taste each one individually. After exhaling, you will enjoy the lingering taste of the haze and lemon cleaner. A single experience smoking this strain is all it takes to be able to confidently identify it in the future as well as recognize strains with which it has been bred.”

Super Silver Haze – This selection comes compliments of Strainhunter Franco Loja. Loja is the manager of Green House Seed Co. and says Super Sliver Haze offers the highest levels of alpha-pinene. This strain is an uplifting sativa and bursts with skunk-like notes alongside the sweet floral of its Haze parentage. Super Silver Haze is a great choice for keeping your energy going today.

Bubba Kush – This Green House Seed Co. offering is known for causing powerful sedative effects. Enjoy this strain after the company has left for the day. It’s a great solution towards ensuring the new year begins in a state of complete relaxation and reflection.

What are your favorite strains? Tell us in the comments below. 

The post Cannabis for Christmas: Strains to Celebrate the Season appeared first on Cannabis Now.

The inaugural Las Vegas Vlasic Classic kicked off on November 8 at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, in collaboration with the Paiute Tribe and NuWu Cannabis. This event marked the first golf tournament in Nevada designed to fully comply with cannabis regulations. The concept was simple yet effective, taking place on a course known for hosting major events, and the turnout demonstrated a clear interest in the initiative.

This Las Vegas stop marked a significant development for the growing tournament series, which began in the Midwest and has steadily expanded. Founder Willy Vlasic noted that the move westward was intentional, linking the Classic to a major cannabis market at a time when the industry seeks more open and well-organized events.

“Las Vegas represents the next chapter in our mission to blend sport, advocacy and cannabis culture positively,” Vlasic said. “Partnering with the Paiute Tribe and NuWu Cannabis to create Nevada’s first compliant golf tournament showcases how collaboration can advance national reform efforts.”

The charity golf tournament attracted golfers, industry operators, brand representatives, advocates and supporters from the cannabis community. 

While golfers competed for trophies and hole-in-one prizes, the day prioritized dialogue as much as competition. Sponsor tents provided a mixture of product showcases and casual hangouts. Participants varied in their pace of play; some rushed through, while others savored the experience, with no one seeming eager to finish quickly.

Because the event was held at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, owned and operated by the Paiute Tribe, on-site consumption was permitted. This was a unique twist for a cannabis industry event, which are typically limited by state and local restrictions on public use. It added a practical ease to the day and meant attendees could sample products, join activations, and move through the course without the usual workarounds that define most cannabis gatherings.

This relaxed pace suited the attendees well, allowing them to seamlessly transition between golfing, networking, advocacy and casual conversation without interruptions. The event felt like an educational field trip, filled with familiar faces, as well as new introductions and ample opportunities for discussion—all without the constraints of a hectic conference schedule.

A Fundraiser With Clear Outcomes

The Las Vegas Vlasic Classic raised over $17,500, which was distributed among three national organizations dedicated to cannabis justice. Freedom Grow Forever and the Last Prisoner Project each received $6,250, while The Weldon Project received $5,000. These funds support various initiatives, including commissary accounts, re-entry assistance, legal advocacy and clemency efforts for individuals affected by cannabis-related incarceration.

Each partner organization plays a unique role within the reform landscape. Freedom Grow Forever, led by Bill and Jeff Levers, directs funds to support individuals still incarcerated for cannabis offenses. The Last Prisoner Project focuses on providing resources for re-entry microgrants and support systems for those returning to society. The Weldon Project, founded by Weldon Angelos, is dedicated to federal clemency, sentencing policy, and high-level advocacy.

Bill Levers, CEO of Freedom Grow, expressed gratitude to the Vlasic brand and their family for their advocacy work for cannabis prisoners. “The Vlasic family has been incredible partners and true advocates for Freedom Grow’s mission. The Las Vegas Vlasic Classic has played a crucial role in helping us share prisoners’ stories with the public. More importantly, it has allowed us to directly support those on our outreach list thanks to their generous donations. We are deeply thankful to the Vlasic family and every sponsor who made this event possible.”

With Las Vegas now added to the series, the Vlasic Classic, which took place earlier this year in Michigan and Missouri, has raised over $140,000 for second-chance and reform efforts.

Strong Support From Across the Industry

A diverse array of brands supported the Las Vegas Classic, including Cannabis Now, Mama J’s, Matrix, Verano, Curaleaf, STIIIZY, and Good Day Farm. Their participation helped anchor the event and attract attention from the broader region. The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) also returned as the official trade association sponsor, offering discounted first-year memberships to attendees.

The next event in the series is the 2026 Missouri Vlasic Classic, scheduled for May 1–3 at Old Kinderhook Resort. Previous Missouri events experienced strong attendance and media coverage, and early indications for 2026 suggest continued momentum.

The post Las Vegas Vlasic Classic Marks First-Ever Legal Consumption Golf Tournament in the U.S. appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Another year is drawing to a close AKA the holiday season is upon us. As the usual holiday hustle and bustle settles upon us like a layer of fresh snow, our thoughts have turned to all things Christmas. This includes thoughtful gifts, delicious feasts and family visits. While Everclear may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Christmas, the creative uses of this versatile and high-proof spirit will have it become your secret ingredient for making this holiday season extra special for the cannabis lover in your life (yes, that includes you!)

With an odorless, flavorless and colorless composition, Everclear offers a blank canvas with which you can let your imagination run wild. The clean palette of this American-made, 190-proof grain alcohol encourages you to unleash your creativity and concoct a range of creations in the kitchen—and beyond. Everclear can also be used for many other purposes in your home, from making your own perfume to cleaning and more.

In this article, we’ll unwrap the magic of Everclear and explore five creative uses that will transform your Christmas celebrations.

Maximize Your Recipes

Christmas is often synonymous with indulgent feasts—and Everclear can be your culinary ally in the kitchen. With its high alcohol content, Everclear is an excellent choice for extracting flavors from herbs, spices and fruits, creating vibrant extracts that elevate your recipes. Whether you’re infusing holiday cookies with a burst of citrus zest or crafting a homemade vanilla extract for your cakes and desserts, Everclear’s neutral flavor profile and exceptional extracting power make it a valuable addition to your holiday baking arsenal.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Ditch the canned berries for delicious, homemade cranberry sauce. In this recipe by acclaimed cannabis chef Vanessa Dora Lavorato, Everclear softens berries and captures their sweet/tart taste in this fresh take on the seasonal sauce.

Ingredients:

• 24 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 tbsp Everclear
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 orange peels, pith removed
• Juice of an orange
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, Everclear, sugar and orange peel in a bowl. Let macerate overnight.
2. In a saucepan, add macerated cranberries with orange juice and salt. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens and cranberries pop.
3. Remove from heat and mix in pomegranate seeds.

Clean Your House for Guests

Preparing your home for holiday guests can be daunting, but Everclear is here to help. Its potent disinfectant properties can be harnessed for creating DIY cleaning solutions that leave your home sparkling and fresh. From sanitizing countertops to reviving dingy glassware, Everclear-based cleaning solutions are effective and eco-friendly, ensuring your home is a welcoming and pristine haven for your loved ones. It also helps to eliminate the smell of cannabis, too.

Create Thoughtful Gifts

The creative uses of Everclear can bring a delightful and personal touch to your Christmas presents. Consider gifting homemade liqueurs, flavored extracts or even handcrafted cocktail kits featuring your favorite Everclear-based concoctions. The pinch of effort and a sprinkling of love you’ll put into creating these thoughtful gifts will surely warm the hearts of your recipients, making the holidays feel even more special. Get some inspiration here.

Everclear Odor-Fighting Spray

One of the most straightforward and efficient ways to neutralize cannabis odors is by making an Everclear spray. You’ll need a spray bottle, Everclear (preferably 190 proof) and water. Mix equal parts of Everclear and water in the spray bottle, shake it well and you have a powerful, odor-fighting solution at your disposal. Everclear will eliminate persistent cannabis scents from your home thanks to its high alcohol content, which acts as a potent deodorizing agent. 

Create Thoughtful Gifts

Everclear can bring a delightful and personal touch to your Christmas presents. Consider gifting homemade liqueurs, flavored extracts or even handcrafted cocktail kits featuring your favorite Everclear-based concoctions. The pinch of effort and a sprinkling of love you’ll put into creating these thoughtful gifts will surely warm the hearts of your recipients, making the holidays feel even more special. Get some inspiration here.

Produce Effective Tinctures

Tinctures have been used for centuries to extract the beneficial properties of herbs and spices—and Everclear makes the ideal base. Cannabis tinctures are traditionally made with food-grade, high-proof grain alcohol to remove terpenes and cannabinoids from the plant’s foliage. With a concentration of 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof) and 75.5% (151 proof), Everclear is one of the best choices for making tinctures. That’s because the higher the alcohol percentage, the more effectively it dissolves the plant’s compounds—resulting in a more efficacious end product. Ed Rosenthal has an easy-to-follow technique for making tinctures you can read here.

Elevate Your Cocktails

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a proper old-fashioned toast to good times. Everclear can be your secret weapon for crafting signature cocktails to impress your guests. From vibrant fruit punches to festive flavors, the high proof of this grain alcohol allows you to create bold libations that will add joy to your celebrations. And of course, you can always add a drop or two of your cannabis tincture if you prefer.

Holiday Highball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. Fall Flavors Infusion
• Club soda
• Slice of Red Delicious apple
• Slice of Granny Smith apple

Instructions:

1. Combine Fall Flavors Infusion and club soda in a highball glass full of ice
2. Stir briefly
3. Garnish with both apple slices

This Christmas, let Everclear be your versatile holiday helper. The creative uses are endless!

PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Everclear® Grain Alcohol is 75.5%-95% Alc./Vol. (120-190 Proof), ©2023 Luxco®, Inc., St. Louis, MO.

The post 5 Creative Uses for Everclear This Holiday Season appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Several jurisdictions around the world now permit some level of legal cannabis activity by consumers, patients and, in some cases, entrepreneurs. In places where cannabis is legal for medical or adult use, there has never been a better time to be a cannabis patient or consumer since the dawn of cannabis prohibition. Those freedoms did not come about randomly. They were only achieved thanks to the tireless efforts of local cannabis activists, and it is important that, as the global cannabis industry continues to spread, activism efforts continue.

While it is hard to pinpoint the first official cannabis activism effort, it is a safe bet that many such efforts began immediately and simultaneously after jurisdictions around the world enacted prohibition. Cannabis prohibition has been a harmful public policy since the very beginning, and sensible people with compassion and empathy have pushed back against it in various ways.

The First Major Cannabis Reform Victory

The first major cannabis reform victory occurred in 1973 in the State of Oregon when lawmakers approved a cannabis decriminalization measure. For the first time in nearly four decades in the United States, consumers no longer faced jail time for possessing a personal amount of cannabis (one ounce) in Oregon. Instead, they were fined and faced no criminal charges.

Another major cannabis reform victory occurred in 1996 in California when the state’s voters approved Proposition 215, making California the first state in the U.S. to legalize medical cannabis. Suffering patients in California were finally able to gain safe access to their medicine without fear of any penalty. The Proposition 215 victory ushered in a new era for state-level medical cannabis legalization in the U.S., and by extension, inspired countries around the world to enact medical cannabis policy modernizations of their own.

The next frontier for cannabis policy modernization came in 2012, when Colorado and Washington State both adopted adult-use cannabis legalization measures on Election Day. The following year, Uruguay made history by becoming the first country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure.

Cannabis Wins of Today

Zoom forward to today, and several countries have adopted national recreational cannabis legalization measures. Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, South Africa, and the Czech Republic have all joined Uruguay in adopting such measures, with Czechia’s law scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. All of the victories that have piled up came about as a result of the work of passionate cannabis advocates.

The collective cannabis community mustn’t get complacent and make the mistake of taking newly afforded freedoms for granted. Just because medical and adult-use policy modernization victories have been achieved does not mean that there is no chance of policy regressions. One needs to look no further than Thailand to find a real-world example of this phenomenon occurring.

Lawmakers in Thailand approved a historic cannabis measure in 2022 that yielded exponential growth for the nation’s emerging cannabis industry. Thailand’s Narcotics Law was amended in 2022, resulting in cannabis being removed from the nation’s list of controlled drugs. That led to the country becoming one of the top cannabis tourism destinations on the planet.

Some Cannabis Laws Regressing

Unfortunately, the Pheu Thai party eventually won control of the nation’s government and tightened regulations earlier this year. The policy change banned retailers from selling cannabis to customers without a prescription and reclassified cannabis as a controlled substance. Ongoing efforts are underway to take cannabis laws and regulations backwards in other jurisdictions as well.

One of the most noteworthy examples is in Germany, where the Federal Cabinet recently approved a measure that would amend the Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG). The measure was drafted by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), and if approved, would require personal contact between the patient and doctor before a cannabis prescription can be approved. Restrictions on mail-order medical cannabis are also part of the proposal. Both changes would negatively impact suffering patients, particularly patients who live in rural areas or have mobility limitations. The proposal is sure to be a top focus at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin on April on April 13-15, 2026.

Even in the United States, where two dozen states have adopted adult-use cannabis legalization measures, efforts are in full swing to reverse state-level legalization provisions. For example, in Ohio, the House of Representatives recently approved a measure that, while not a full legalization reversal, would revise the state’s legalization law to remove certain protections of adult-use cannabis activity. Cannabis opponents are waging a citizen initiative in Massachusetts that seeks to drastically roll back that state’s legalization model as well.

The Battle Presses On

These are just a few examples of efforts by cannabis opponents to reverse the progress that cannabis advocates have made in recent years. All such efforts serve as reminders that the battle is never over when it comes to cannabis reform, and cannabis patients, consumers, and advocates need to refrain from getting too comfortable. Always keep fighting for sensible cannabis policies. The future of cannabis depends on it.

The post Continued Activism Is Vital for the Future of Global Cannabis appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Infused pre-rolls are shaping today’s cannabis retail market as consumers gravitate toward stronger, more flavorful options. In California, it’s reported that from December 2024 through February 2025, cannabis sales reached about $1.1 billion, with infused prerolls accounting for 66.3% of all pre-roll sales totaling $178.1 million.

This surge in demand has also exposed a major production gap. Many manufacturers still finish infused pre-rolls by hand, brushing on oil and applying kief in labor-intensive batches that slow output and introduce quality issues. AV2, a California-based engineering company, set out to solve that problem.

The company’s flagship innovation, the AV2 Roller, is the first automation system built specifically for coating and infusion in cannabis production. The AV2 Roller replaces manual finishing work with precise, repeatable automation, helping brands produce faster, cleaner and more uniform products.

Engineering Built for Cannabis

AV2 was founded with a clear purpose: to solve the operational headaches holding cannabis producers back. The founders saw manufacturers working with repurposed machinery that couldn’t keep pace with demand or compliance standards. Drawing on industrial engineering expertise, they began designing purpose-built systems that deliver the precision, reliability and scalability modern cannabis manufacturing requires.

Unlike many systems that borrow from food or pharmaceutical machinery, AV2’s equipment is designed from the ground up for cannabis. Built from industrial-grade components, the AV2 Roller handles sticky, resin-rich materials without clogging or downtime. Every function, from temperature control to coating thickness, is calibrated to how cannabis actually behaves. This is cannabis machinery in the truest sense: professional-grade, purpose-built and engineered to meet the industry’s evolving demands for consistency and scalability.

Elevating Cannabis Production

At its core, the AV2 Roller automates one of the most labor-intensive steps in the production of infused pre-roll. The system applies cannabis oil or food-safe adhesive evenly across cones, straights, or blunts, creating a perfectly uniform surface for kief or other coatings.

The entire process takes about 2.5 seconds per pre-roll, producing 4,500 – 7,000 units per hour, depending on operator and speed. By comparison, a manual finishing team might produce one-tenth of that volume. The difference is more than speed: it’s accuracy. The AV2 Roller eliminates uneven application, wasted material and batch-to-batch variability.

Key Benefits for Cannabis Manufacturers

• Labor Cost Reduction: Each AV2 Roller replaces large manual finishing crews. With just two employees per system, manufacturers can reallocate skilled staff to product development or packaging, reducing overhead and streamlining operations.

• Increased Output and Capacity: Running at high speed, the machine completes 4500 – 7,000 pre-rolls an hour (again, depending on the operator and speed), keeping production ahead of sales growth. That efficiency gives brands room to scale without expanding facilities or staff.

• Reduced Variability: Precision coating ensures each pre-roll receives the same amount of oil or adhesive. The result is improved product quality, better burn performance and fewer rejected units—key advantages in a market built on reliability.

• Infinite Scalability: With a compact footprint and accessible pricing, the AV2 Roller allows operators to expand at their own pace. Adding additional systems multiplies capacity without requiring major capital investment or facility redesign.

The machine was designed to meet the strict regulatory environment unique to cannabis manufacturing. AV2 engineered the AV2 Roller to help producers stay compliant while maintaining speed and accuracy.

AV2 approaches its work as an engineering partner, not a vendor. Each installation begins with a consultation to understand the client’s specific workflow and product mix. The company provides complete training, on-site setup and ongoing service to ensure each system continues to perform as intended.

That partnership approach reflects AV2’s philosophy: long-term collaboration over one-time sales. The goal is to build equipment that scales with a customer’s growth, whether that’s a boutique producer with a single facility or a multi-state operator managing a network of sites.

AV2 positions itself as the connection point between industrial-grade engineering and cannabis culture. The company combines the precision of advanced manufacturing with a deep respect for the craft and community that built the industry. Its machines bring global production standards to cannabis without sacrificing the creativity that defines the space.

Setting the New Standard for a Rapidly Evolving Market

The cannabis landscape is changing faster than ever. New products, new regulations and new consumer expectations are reshaping how companies produce and compete. The AV2 Roller helps manufacturers meet that change head-on. It provides the precision, reliability and throughput necessary to succeed in an increasingly professionalized market.

AV2’s message is simple: innovation is no longer optional. Brands that invest in automation built for cannabis, not just adapted from other industries, are the ones that will thrive.

The AV2 Roller proves that automation can align perfectly with cannabis culture while delivering measurable business results. For producers seeking real efficiency, scalability and a strong ROI, it’s a solution built for today and ready for what comes next.

The post The AV2 Roller Brings Industrial Precision to Infused Pre-Rolls appeared first on Cannabis Now.

It’s that time of the year when everyone is coming together to celebrate everything they are grateful for with the people they love and a lot of food. Whether you’re going to be chilling at home with your loved ones, heading to an extended family member’s house for a big Thanksgiving feast or putting together a special Friendsgiving, you definitely want to know how to handle your edibles to ensure you can enjoy the day your way without making anyone else feel uncomfortable.

If you plan on partaking in edibles to enhance your Thanksgiving experience, there are a few things to consider before you commit to your plan. Do you want to arrive before or after the edibles kick in? Should you eat enough of your edible to make it last a while or consume it in a few smaller doses to keep you nice and evenly lit throughout the celebration? The details are really up to you, although there are some basics to follow that will ensure that you not only make it through the meal but through the entire day with a little grace.

Don’t Overdo It

Although you might have a usual amount of THC that hits the spot when you’re eating edibles, you should plan to have a little less than normal on days when you might need to have more of your wits about you. Even if you have a long car ride ahead of you or know that you will be sitting around for a few hours until the food is finished, don’t go overboard or you most likely end up sleeping through the festivities.

Give Yourself a Minute

Depending on when you eat your edibles, it may take a little longer than usual for you to feel the effects of them — particularly if you choose to eat them during (like with these recipes) or after you get nice and full. If that happens, then you will be a little more patient and wait to feel the way you’re typically used to. Just resist the urge to have more of your edible and you will be fine.

One Thing At a Time

If you have decided you want to enjoy edibles for the day, then just stick with edibles until you’re home or the party has ended. It may be tempting to go take a puff or dab with your favorite cousin or sneak your vape with you, but for your own sake, just take it easy. The same goes for wine and spirits, so make sure you have made your choice so that you won’t regret overindulging later.

Have a Back-up Plan

Getting higher than planned after eating an edible can happen to the best of us. If that happens, there are a couple of things you can do to make sure you are able to keep your cool and come back down to earth. First things first, have some CBD help calm things down. If things don’t settle, you can follow some of these tips for what to do if you get too high, which include finding an entertaining distraction, going for a stroll or just taking a nap.

Stick With What You Know

Yes, special days do call for special treats, but it’s probably best to stick to an infused snack that you have tried before just to be on the safe side. Even if you are pretty confident about how 10 mg or 50 mg of THC makes you feel on a normal day, there’s no use taking any risks with an unfamiliar brand that may be using an oil or strain you aren’t used to. So, you will have to wait to try that new soda or spicy nut mix until you’re in an environment where you can relax and see how it affects you.

The post How to Handle Edibles In Front of the Family on Thanksgiving appeared first on Cannabis Now.

According to the tabloids, celebrities are just like us. They run errands, they wait in lines and they also know which strains of cannabis they love best. In the past few years, many of the world’s most iconic stoners have embraced the legalized industry by launching branded pot products. Willie Nelson has Willie’s Reserve, Snoop Dogg has Leafs By Snoop, and more famous faces are getting in on the action every day. But what is Nelson smoking when he hangs up his guitar after a long day? What’s in the blunts that Snoop allegedly smokes up to 80 of a day? With so many different strains now available — bred to highlight various terpenes and capable of inducing a wide array of physical and mental sensations — what are celebrities reaching for when it’s time to toke up?

Willie Nelson

In the case of the most famous pothead on the planet, country legend Willie Nelson claims he has no preference. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Nelson suggested that cannabis was like sex — “It’s all good, some is great.” Later in the same article, Nelson’s wife, Annie D’Angelo, did note that Nelson prefers sativas (“He’s already funny, so it just makes him funnier.”) For the “On the Road Again” musician, a practice of smoking what you’ve got does feel rather fitting. Nelson recently made news for admitting he’s no longer smoking, but hasn’t stopped enjoying cannabis.

Miley Cyrus

The superstar pop singer has made no secret of her love affair with weed — a stance that likely shocked some fans who best knew her as a squeaky-clean Disney star. Yes, even Hannah Montana is riding the green rush. During a 2013 trip to Amsterdam, a member of Cyrus’s entourage revealed that Miley’s strain of choice was Super Lemon Haze, a sativa-dominant hybrid known for sparking energy and joy. Given the sunny vibes of her most 2017 album, ‘Younger Now,’ it appears to have done the trick.

Doug Benson

For some of us, the challenge of performing live comedy may seem daunting, but seasoned comic and podcaster Doug Benson is always at ease when he hits the stage. His secret? Being really, really high, of course. Like Nelson, Benson isn’t too picky when it comes to strains, but in a 2013 interview with Cannabis Now, he did express a fondness for the delightfully named Chocolope. A cross of Chocolate Thai and Cannalope Haze, this strain has notes of coffee and is recognized for its ability to induce a happier mindset.

Snoop Dogg

The legendary West Coast rapper has been hyping cannabis since the day he first hit the studio. One could make the argument that Snoop has done more to bring weed to the mainstream than any other celebrity out there. When it comes to what he likes to burn, he’s given a number of different answers over the years. One that Snoop’s mentioned several times is Herijuana. According to Leafly, this hybrid of Petrolia Headstash (a variety of Humboldt County Afghan) and Killer New Haven “was worked by breeders for 15 generations.” The result is a powerful high that is likely best enjoyed by heavyweight consumers like the D-O-double-G.

Seth Rogen

While Seth Rogen has not officially confirmed his favorite strain, there’s reason to believe it might just be Pineapple Express. After all, the strain didn’t actually exist before he and co-writer Evan Goldberg invented the name for their 2008 stoner comedy. Borrowing the name from a weather phenomenon (an atmospheric river that begins in the islands of Hawaii and moves up towards the West Coast), Pineapple Express is now a bona fide strain the combines Trainwreck and Hawaiian for a sativa-forward blend that will get you up and moving if the afternoon starts to drag.

TELL US, what’s your favorite strain?

Originally published in Issue 39 of Cannabis Now. LEARN MORE

The post Hollyweed: What Strains Do Celebrities Smoke? appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude… and the annual tradition of keeping your cool when Uncle Arthur brings up politics before dessert. Between dodging Aunt Linda’s “helpful” remarks about your life choices and enduring your cousin’s 17-minute explanation of their job, it’s no wonder so many people approach the holiday with a mix of excitement and existential dread. But there is another way: discreet cannabis products.

Whether it’s a low-dose gummy to keep you zen while Grandma critiques your mashed potatoes or a discreet dab to make your third helping of pumpkin pie even more delicious, we could all use a little extra holiday support. And after the last election cycle, we might all need the calming effects of weed to help us deal with our families. And let’s not forget about how anxiety-inducing holiday travel can be: flight delays, big crowds and lots of people in a hurry. Even if you’re not a stoner or regular cannabis user, you may be popping some edibles when the stress of traveling during the holidays hits. And then there are the folks out there meeting new people for the first time—like your boyfriend’s extended family. It’s exciting and dreadful all at the same time. With the help of the right discreet cannabis products, your holidays can be less stressful and more fun. Yes, please.

So, with that said, let’s explore how discreet dosing with these cannabis products can help you keep your sanity, unwind and enjoy the holidays with the whole family.

Under-The-Radar Cannabis Picks

KANHA Minis

KANHA Minis are shareable, pocket-sized chocolates that utilize minor cannabinoids and terpenes to deliver fast, targeted effects. Whether you need energy for carving the turkey, a social boost for mingling with relatives, or a chill moment to survive your crazy uncle’s usual political rant, these are sure to help. Compact, delicious and easy to share, KANHA Minis make navigating the holiday chaos a little sweeter.

High-Not

Thanksgiving is a time for indulgence—and sometimes that means overdoing it, even with cannabis. Enter High-Not, the first “THC Recovery Shot,” designed to help you quickly curb the effects of cannabis and eliminate the groggy “hangover” feeling that can linger after edibles. Developed with a licensed compounding pharmacist, High-Not combines terpenes, L-theanine, black pepper extract, limonene and electrolytes to safely and effectively ease your high.

Tyson 2.0 Modül Dok Deluxe Travel Set

If you need an extra one-two hit this holiday season, Mike Tyson’s latest partnership with Stündenglass might help you win the fight. This sleek, all-in-one handheld device can be used with dry flower and concentrates thanks to its advanced digital heating system that reaches the desired temperature in just 15 seconds. Housed in a rugged, drop-resistant case in Tyson’s signature red, the device features bold tiger graphics and connects seamlessly to the Stündenglass Gravity Hookah for ultimate versatility. With a 2.4″ color display, intuitive controls, and customizable sessions, this cutting-edge smoking tech delivers a knockout experience for cannabis lovers.

Cranberry OG by Timeless

If you need a deliciously discreet vape option for your cousin walk, grab your penjamin that’s loaded with the Cranberry OG cart by Timeless Vapes. Flavors of fresh citrus, spice and tart cranberry come from terpenes like limonene, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-pinene and deliver an uplifting and euphoric high.

Code Red Eye Drops

Thanksgiving may bring plenty of joy, but between early-morning cooking marathons, late-night family games and the annual cousin walk, your eyes can end up looking as tired as you feel. That’s where Code Red Eye Drops come in. Designed to tackle both redness and dryness fast, these eye drops are formulated specifically for the cannabis user. Get quick relief before family photos or while catching up with that aunt who insists on intense eye contact.

A Modern Twist on Traditional Cheer

If some of the crowd is 420-friendly or perhaps curious about cannabis now that it’s becoming more mainstream, these discreet products could make for good conversation starters, too. Whether you’re looking to spark creativity in the kitchen, mellow out during family gatherings, or enjoy a stress-free Black Friday, these discreet cannabis products will help you enjoy a modern twist on traditional holiday cheer this Thanksgiving.

The post The Discreet Stoner’s Guide to Thanksgiving appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Every grower hates this moment. You’ve done the work in the grow, everything’s dialed, and then somewhere between the curing process and the jar being opened by the customer, the nose softens, color fades, and the scale trends the wrong way. Post-harvest is where great flower can quietly lose its edge – and with it, valuable weight and terpenes that drive aroma, potency, and price integrity.

For cannabis cultivators, this phase represents a critical and costly challenge. Without proper atmosphere control during the cure, moisture escapes, leading to overall weight loss. At the same time, volatile terpene compounds degrade quickly without the right barriers and anti-absorption technology, diminishing the final product’s flavor and entourage profile.

Drying and curing are critical and costly for cannabis cultivators. Lack of atmospheric control causes weight loss, while inadequate barriers lead to rapid terpene degradation, harming flavor and entourage.

Innovation Driven by Industry Needs

Calyx Containers, long known for its packaging innovations, built Calyx Cure to solve these problems at the source. The flat-bottom curing pouch stabilizes humidity and oxygen, resists terpene absorption, limits UV rays, and reduces static so trichomes stay on the bud instead of the bag.

The Science of a Better Cure

In partnership with the Cannabis Research Coalition, Calyx Cure was tested in a 60/60 environment without active humidification. The results were striking: Calyx Cure maintained a tighter, higher water-activity band than commodity bags, leading to better weight outcomes while retaining a higher amount of key monoterpenes like limonene compared to competitive products as well as the standard turkey bags.

That environment stability translated into practical advantages: more repeatable cures, less dry-down, and a nose that holds longer on the shelf. The study also showed a consistent, predictable relationship between moisture content and water activity under Calyx conditions – simplifying QC workflows and reducing variability.

The Nine Layers of Innovation

Each layer of the Calyx Cure pouch performs a precise role in protecting product integrity:

• Layer 9: A rugged outer shell that resists punctures and warehouse abrasion.
  
• Layer 8: UV filtration that shields cannabinoids and color like sunglasses for your flower.
  
• Layer 7: Reinforced micro-strands for puncture resistance against stems and corners.
  
• Layer 6: A dense oxygen barrier that slows oxidation and preserves potency.
  
• Layer 5: A modified-atmosphere membrane that self-balances CO₂ and O₂ for ideal cure conditions.
  
• Layer 4: Moisture-control tech that keeps humidity in the sweet spot – no extra packs required.
  
• Layer 3: Terpene-lock barrier that prevents aromatic oils from escaping during storage or transit.
  
• Layer 2: Anti-static discharge protection that keeps trichomes on the flower, not stuck to the film.
  
• Layer 1: Food-safe contact layer that’s non-leaching, neutral, and taste-free.
  

Together, these layers form a self-regulating microclimate that protects your crop through every stage of post-harvest handling.

Results That Show Up Where It Matters

Operators notice the benefits immediately. Weight stays closer to target, aroma carries from seal to sale, maintaining terp-forward character and supporting premium pricing for the maximum amount of product. The pouch stands open for quick loading, resists pallet rub, and locks out odor and light – built for real cultivation environments, not just lab conditions.

Economics That Add Up

The math is simple: retain more weight in cure, have more weight to sell. Even a 2–3% improvement in retained moisture multiplied by your wholesale dollars per gram can translate into significant annual gains. Add the value of terpene retention and longer shelf life, and Calyx Cure often pays for itself within just a few turns.

Your Partner in Cultivation

As markets tighten and regulations shift, the clearest lever for success remains the flower itself – and how it finishes. The last container a bud touches can protect that finish or erode it. Calyx Cure is built to protect it – turning a vulnerable post-harvest phase into a controlled, repeatable advantage.

The post Calyx Cure Solves Critical Post-Harvest Problems and Helps Growers Finish Strong appeared first on Cannabis Now.

The Business of Cannabis: New York Summit took place earlier this month on November 6 at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, New York. The crowd was composed of dispensary owners, growers, legal experts, marketing professionals, educators and brand leaders. The historic brick-walled space overlooking the East River was filled with conversation, cautious optimism, and shared curiosity about what the next chapter of New York’s legal cannabis market might bring.

The energy in the room was shaped by the industry’s complex moment. New York’s cannabis market has expanded rapidly since legalization, but the state’s industry has also been confronted with major challenges, including delayed licensing and confusion within the Office of Cannabis Management. For many entrepreneurs and advocates who gathered at the summit, the recent election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was viewed as the biggest variable in what might come next.

The Cannabis-Friendly Mayor

During a candidate debate, Mamdani was asked, “Have you ever purchased anything in a cannabis shop, and what did you buy?”

“I have, I have purchased marijuana at a legal cannabis shop,” Mamdani replied with a chuckle.

Laughter was heard from the audience at the debate, but the comment was received differently within the cannabis industry. Mamdani’s admission was regarded as more than a humorous moment; it was seen as a rare display of candor by an elected official when addressing cannabis. His words were quickly circulated across industry circles and social media feeds, prompting discussions about the type of administration he might lead and how open he might be to engaging with those who have built the city’s legal market from the ground up.

In the days following the election, curiosity was replaced by a mix of excitement and anxiety. Operators, brand founders and policy advocates questioned whether the new mayor might signal a more collaborative approach to regulation and enforcement.

The Mamdani Effect

When Mamdani’s potential impact on the New York market was discussed, CuraLeaf’s executive vice president and regional leader Robert Sciarrone offered his view. “It’s too early to tell in New York, to see what the new mayor is going to do here,” Sciarrone said. “I’m just happy to hear that he visited a shop in New York during the debates.”

Sciarrone’s remarks were met with nods and agreement from attendees. For many, the comment served as a reminder that even small signs of understanding from elected officials carry importance. A mayor who has stepped inside a licensed cannabis store, observed its operations, and spoken with its staff may have developed a deeper appreciation for the work behind compliance and community impact.

Rather than focusing on uncertainty, Sciarrone encouraged the community to take initiative and advocate whenever possible. “Like any regime change, everybody is on a menu for a hot topic for them to bite down on. It’s our responsibility as operators in the state to get out in front of it and have conversations with Mamdani and make sure he understands that we are fighting for our business. All we can do is hope he listens. I can’t predict what’s going to happen, but all I know is we have to talk about it or else…we’re on a menu. We’ve to get out there with urgency and have a good conversation.”

Taking Action

His call to action was echoed throughout the event. In smaller breakout sessions and hallway discussions, strategies were developed. Some participants concentrated on job creation, SKU analysis and tax revenue, while others discussed strategies for engagement with the Office of Cannabis Management. Many operators spoke about the need to humanize their stories so that the mayor and his team could better understand that behind every dispensary counter and cultivation license are individuals building legitimate businesses after years of prohibition. Above all, concern was expressed about the hemp market and the impact of illegal markets on cannabis. The event took place just days ahead of President Trump’s signing of the new federal budget bill, which bans hemp-derived THC and will surely bring additional challenges for those working in the hemp consumables space.

The Wythe’s atmosphere was described as a crossroads between celebration and vigilance. Attendees congratulated one another for surviving the turbulence of recent years but repeatedly returned to a shared theme: the urgent need for city and state cannabis operators in New York to form a cohesive coalition. The absence of such a coalition within the state was described as one of the most harmful issues facing the market today, hindering collaboration and collective political negotiation. A sense prevailed that New York’s cannabis market might either fragment or flourish depending on its engagement with new political leadership.

Collaboration Between Competitors

As the day concluded, sunlight streamed through the tall industrial windows, and attention shifted toward next steps. Contact information was exchanged, working groups were organized, and commitments were made to attend future events such as the upcoming MJBizCon in Las Vegas.

For those in attendance of the Business of Cannabis event, the takeaway was clear: New York’s cannabis industry cannot wait for clarity from above. Messaging must be created that both challenges and educates. The future of the market will depend not only on new regulations, but also on relationships, persistence and the willingness to continue discussions even when outcomes remain uncertain.

The post Event Recap: Business of Cannabis NY 2025 appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Even though the American cannabis industry became a multi-billion-dollar industry years ago, a decent number of insurance companies are still hesitant to work with cannabis businesses. Whether it’s due to the federally prohibited status surrounding cannabis or certain internal policies among the larger insurance providers that dictate which risks will be insured, the process of finding a quality and reliable insurance provider for licensed cannabis businesses can be quite arduous.   

Especially with the multimillion-dollar cultivation and manufacturing operation setups and subsequent wholesale transactions that are equally lucrative and costly, having dedicated and thorough insurance policies in place is now beyond necessity.       

Luckily for those cannabis businesses, Guardians of Ganja is a top-tier insurance agency with a memorable name whose operations and robust policies are created and tailored specifically to the very necessary and precise requirements of those cannabis businesses.   

“One of the best things about cannabis is its ability to free your mind from the constraints of life,” says Jason Ascheman, co-owner of the agency solely focused on the cannabis industry. “After some research, we found the industry was grossly underserved. Guardians of Ganja started with the desire to find something no one else was doing, something that was equally unique, challenging and something that we wholeheartedly believe in.” 

The agency’s primary location of Billings, Montana, is certainly a preferable one from both a cannabis and agricultural standpoint. The state legalized adult-use cannabis back in 2020 (for a second time) and has had a vibrant adult-use market for well over 3 years, surpassing $1 billion in total sales at the end of 2024. Similarly, the state’s agricultural industry is nothing short of massive, being a major producer of cattle and several varieties of wheat.   

A Specialty Cannabis Insurance Company 

Prior to entering the insurance industry, Guardians of Ganja’s second co-owner, Dalton Knutson, held a variety of interesting and honorable positions, including everything from selling solar panels to bravely serving as a firefighter. Unfortunately, his diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease from his childhood worsened, and after major surgery, he had to resign from his role as a firefighter.    

“But it was after this that my belief in cannabis became stronger, the more I experimented with different treatment methods,” Knutson says. “It became something I wholeheartedly believed in and supported.” 

Knutson soon teamed up with Ascheman, who has over 8 years of experience in the insurance industry. While they both share a passion for the plant, Ascheman’s hands-on insurance experience combined with Knutson’s entrepreneurial and service-oriented nature gave them an edge. “We both realized the market was underserved,” Knutson explains, expressing how they truly have a desire to help cannabis-related companies protect what they have built.  

With the clever tagline of “Covering Your Grass for a Greener Tomorrow”, the services offered by Guardians of Ganja include policies that have been uniquely designed for every different plant-touching sector of the cannabis industry, along with ancillary businesses—everything from cultivation to manufacturing to retail to vital testing labs, even Lessors Risk policies for landlords with cannabis exposures. From the intricacies and detailed coverage options provided by their policies, it’s clear that the team at Guardians of Ganja has several years of experience working directly in this nascent yet heavily regulated industry. 

With liability coverages alone, so many common circumstances and situations that arise in compliant cannabis operations would be insured. A full spectrum of services is offered, from general liability to product liability and the very crucial professional liability.  

What’s Covered by Guardians of Ganja 

Some other very worthwhile sectors of successful cannabis operations covered through Guardian of Ganja’s policies are product deliveries of all varieties, as well as the transportation vehicles themselves. All types of deliveries, from individual home deliveries to large-scale deliveries, from cultivation facilities to dispensaries. Given how heavily monitored and documented every single cannabis delivery is via platforms like METRC by state regulators, regardless of size, the Guardians of Ganja team ensures that every element of the delivery process is diligently insured is of utmost importance.     

Even crop insurance—a vital safeguard that protects farmers’ investments from unexpected disasters—is available through Guardians of Ganja. Every single stage in the cultivation process is covered, from vegetation and harvest to the pivotal drying and curing stages.     

“We pride ourselves in creating personal connections and relationships with our clients to not only be their agent, but a trusted confidant and partner that has their best interest at heart,” Knutson says with pride.  

As the American cannabis industry evolves and expands at a more rapid pace than just about any other industry, the experienced team at Guardians of Ganja is committed to staying up to date on all those constant changes.   

“Along with this, we are continuously educating ourselves on the intricacies of the industry to ensure our recommendations are well-informed and knowledge-based. It’s our belief that putting the needs of the clients over anything else is always a win in the end,” Knutson explains. “To sum things up, GOG means so much more than just insurance. It’s real people with real experiences with cannabis that want to genuinely make a difference both personally and business-wise.” 

The post Guardians of Ganja: The Cannabis Insurance Company Covering Your Grass  appeared first on Cannabis Now.

There’s one thing that thousands of folks look forward to every Autumn season. It’s not the changing trees or brisk breeze. It’s pumpkin. Pumpkin coffee, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin scents and decorations and now, one more way to celebrate everyone’s favorite gourd before the winter rolls in.

Making your own hash oil rig out of a pumpkin is easy, and you likely have most of the pieces at home already. Danksgiving is the perfect day to get started.

The Pumpkin Rig

MATERIALS NEEDED

1 medium-sized pumpkin

1 metal spoon

1 paring knife

1 glass downstem with flat bottom

1 dab nail that fits into the downstem

1 glass piece to act as mouthpiece (extra glass bowl, adapter, etc.)

paper towels

bowl for collection of pumpkin guts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. First step is choosing the pumpkin. Choose a pumpkin that is not a challenge to hold, but is big enough to accommodate the length of the downstem when it is inserted.

2. Next, hollow out your pumpkin by cutting a hole around the stem at the top, effectively creating a lid for the rest of the pumpkin. Clean out the inside of the gourd by scraping out the seeds and squishy pumpkin insides with the metal spoon. If you want to make delicious treats with the seeds later, put the pumpkin guts in a bowl and place it to the side.

3. After the pumpkin is hollowed out, make a hole for the downstem an inch or two away from the pumpkin lid. Make the hole by using the paring knife and gently twisting it while cutting into the pumpkin so you create a hole for the downstem to be inserted through. Once the hole is large enough, gently twist the downstem into the hole. If you encounter too much resistance, try hollowing it out more with the knife — glass is fragile! It also helps to have a downstem with a flat bottom over a curved or closed off bottom, as those are harder to insert into the pumpkin. Once inserted, put the nail into the downstem.

4. Repeat the hole process on the opposite side of the pumpkin as well, for the mouthpiece. You can use anything, like a spare glass bowl for a pipe or an adapter piece from a rig. Make sure both downstem and the mouthpiece are fully flush with the surface of the pumpkin, inserted as far as possible.

5. Check for extra stray bits of pumpkin, as those can come through the mouthpiece on the very first pull. Put the lid back on and take an inhale to check for air-tightness. If you can feel the pull on the nail go ahead and heat it up — you’re ready to go!

6. It can be helpful to have a friend to assist with the dabbing, as balancing the pumpkin and seeing to the other side can make aiming your concentrates a bit more difficult. Also, it’s fun to lift the lid and finish off the hit by submerging your face into the vapor. Perfect for any holiday occasion!

Got the munchies after hitting a few globs out of the pumpkin rig? The pumpkin is the stoner tool that keeps on giving — you can make some dank munchies from the pumpkin seeds you removed during the hollowing process described above with the easy steps below.

Oven-Roasted PumpkinSeeds with BHO-Infused Olive Oil

INGREDIENTS

2-3 tablespoons olive oil
pumpkin guts from freshly-carved pumpkin
salt
decarboxylated hash oil

DIRECTIONS

1. To decarboxylate hash oil, put the concentrate in a heat-resistant container and then into the oven at 200°F for approximately 20 minutes. This activates the THC-A into THC, which makes for a potent edible experience. It can be beneficial to store decarbed oil in the freezer, which makes it brittle and easier to work with when using it.

2. While constructing the pumpkin rig, preheat an oven to 350°F.

3. Save the pumpkin guts from the carving of the pumpkin, placing them to the side in a bowl.

4. Melt the decarbed concentrate into 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, using a small saucepan on the stove on low temperature. Amount of hash will vary depending on user tolerance, for a small dose try 0.20 grams, for a stronger effect try a half-gram. Gently whisk the oil until the hash is dissolved in the liquid, taking care not to overheat the mixture.

5. Separate the pumpkin seeds from the rest of the pumpkin material as much as possible and place them into a strainer. Rinse the seeds under cold water and then pour on to a paper towel. Pat dry.

6. Pour seeds onto a cookie sheet and pour the medicated oil on the seeds, adding a pinch of salt and stirring the seeds until they are well coated.

7. Pop the seeds into the oven, and take a few dabs out the pumpkin rig while you wait.

8. After 10 minutes, take the seeds out of the oven and stir.

9. After another 10 minutes (20 minutes total) remove from oven and let cool. Enjoy the crunchy hash-infused treats at your leisure. Sprinkle on ice cream, top a salad, or just eat by the handful.

How are you celebrating Danksgiving?

The post Danksgiving Fun: Pumpkin Rig With BHO-Infused Seeds appeared first on Cannabis Now.

President Donald Trump signed a spending measure Nov. 12, funding federal operations through January and ending the longest government shutdown in US history after 43 days. The Senate had approved the measure the previous day, with seven Democrats crossing party lines to reach the needed 60-vote majority. They were won over by a Republican pledge to revisit the question of subsidies for Obamacare in December.

However, a sideshow to the fight over the Affordable Care Act is causing outrage in the hemp industry—and among farmers in hemp-producing states like Kentucky. A last-minute provision added to the spending bill will effectively ban all hemp-derived THC products.  

The Dreaded ‘Loophole’

This concerns what has been derided as a “loophole” in the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized the production of industrial hemp in the United States. The Farm Bill kept the federal ban on cannabis and cannabis products with more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC—and on Delta-9 THC itself, whether derived from hemp or “marijuana.” However, in a measure intended to legalize the CBD market, it allowed extraction and sale of cannabinoids other than Delta-9 THC, if derived from hemp. 

This had an unanticipated effect. In the wake of the 2018 law, an industry suddenly boomed around hemp-derived cannabinoid products—and not just CBD but psychoactive THC. Particularly at issue was Delta-8 THC, an isomer of Delta-9, which behaves much the same way in the human organism. Products containing Delta-8 were suddenly available in convenience stores, gas stations and truck stops coast to coast.  

A backlash also quickly emerged. Critics argued that because the industry was essentially using a subterfuge to skirt the law, these new products were basically unregulated. 

The new law contains a provision added to Agriculture Department funding that restricts hemp and hemp-derived products to those containing low concentrations of all THC—not just Delta-9 THC. It is to take effect on Nov. 12, 2026, one year from the date of signing. 

The new provision “prevents the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products, including Delta-8, from being sold online, in gas stations, and corner stores, while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products,” reads a Senate Appropriations Committee summary.  

Media reports warn of an “extinction-level event” for the hemp industry when the provision kicks in. 

Bluegrass Senators at Odds

Kentucky’s Republican Sen. Rand Paul pushed an amendment to strip the provision from the bill, but this failed in a 76-24 vote. And his principal opponent was fellow Bluegrass State GOP senator, Mitch McConnell—who had championed the 2018 Farm Bill as then-majority leader of the Senate. 

The Louisville Courier-Journal quoted Kentucky farmers fearing that the new law could be a “death sentence.” 

The move is also meeting with pushback in Texas, where the GOP-dominated political establishment is divided over an effort to ban Delta-8 at the state level. Officials with the Texas chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars told Waco’s KWTX that many vets use hemp-derived THC products to treat PTSD and other ailments related to their service. 

“What in the world just happened last night?” Thus responded Mitch Fuller, legislative chair for Texas VFW, after the Congressional logjam broke. Fuller had successfully lobbied Gov. Greg Abbott to veto the Delta-8 ban in the statehouse earlier this year.  

Abbott’s big rival on the question in his own administration was Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who had pushed for the state ban and enthused in a tweet about the federal one after it passed: “As part of the resolution, consumable, highly intoxicating hemp-derived THC is essentially banned in America. Farmers are protected to produce industrial products. CBD and CBG are still legal. However, Delta-8, Delta-10, and candies, snacks, and gummies with high dosages of intoxicating THC are all banned. Hemp-derived Delta-9 will only be allowed to be sold in very low, non-intoxicating dosages.” (This is a reference to the 0.3% cap, well below the threshold for any psychoactive effect.)

Mitch Fuller retorted: “Of course, safety is important, of course children not having access to this is important. But let’s not use a chain-saw approach to this, let’s use a scalpel approach to it, and regulate it.”

The VFW chapter said they will use the year before the ban takes effect to organize pressure to have it reversed.

Industry Voices Sound Alarm 

The hemp and cannabis industries are, predictably, distressed over the new measure. Adam Stettner, CEO of financial lender FundCanna, said in a statement: “Banning intoxicating hemp through a government funding bill isn’t policymaking; it’s panic disguised as progress. You can’t erase a $28 billion market or the millions of consumers who already exist. You can only decide whether those dollars flow through legal, regulated channels or into the shadows. You’re kidding yourself if you think consumers will stop buying hemp beverages, gummies or wellness products because Congress flipped a switch.” 

Stettner raised the specter of backsliding toward prohibition: “Dismantling compliant supply chains won’t make these products disappear; it will make them untraceable, untaxed and unsafe. What we need isn’t a ban, it’s balance and logic. If lawmakers want safer products and clearer rules, they need to regulate, not eradicate. The responsible path forward is to regulate hemp like we do alcohol or caffeine at the federal level, with age limits, testing and labeling. Inserting a blanket prohibition by sneaking it into a budget deal won’t work; prohibition never works.”

Thomas Winstanley, executive vice president of infused products purveyor Edibles.com, emphasized the ironic role of the former Senate majority leader, who has announced that he will retire next year.

“Mitch McConnell has once again proven himself the architect of the law of unintended consequences,” Winstanley said. “When he introduced the 2018 Farm Bill, it was celebrated as a lifeline for America’s farmers—a rare bipartisan achievement that gave rural communities a new cash crop and built a thriving, homegrown industry. What no one expected was that it would also ignite a $28 billion consumer market, create over 300,000 American jobs, and form a domestic supply chain rooted in U.S. agriculture and innovation. That was the first unintended consequence, a positive one. Today, history repeats itself, but this time, the fallout will be devastating. By attaching a sweeping hemp restriction to the government spending bill, McConnell has chosen to end his career by crippling the very industry he created.”

He too pledged to use the one-year grace period to organize resistance: “Farmers, brands, and consumers, once fragmented, are now mobilizing together to defend what they’ve built and to finally push for the federal framework the hemp industry has long demanded.”

The post New Legislation Bans Hemp-Derived THC appeared first on Cannabis Now.

The moisture percentage of marijuana is an important figure to know, but the shift in that percentage when buds go from drying, to curing, to packaging for sale are — for the most part — mysterious and subjective.

In my book “Marijuana Harvest,” we provide various tests for determining moisture throughout the stages of post-harvest processing. None offers a truly objective measurement, but the community uses them all the time for want of a better system.

When I asked bud processors about this gap, some had theories about what the proper cannabis moisture content should be, but few were even willing to venture a guess when it came to quantifying a particular sample. Processors also had theories on the proper humidity (and temperature) of the drying, curing and storage areas and use automatic climate control to control those factors.

One way to measure the moisture percentage of a leaf or bud is to weigh a small amount and place it in an oven at 80 degrees until it’s crispy and dry. Then measure the difference between its pre and post-oven weight and divide that number by the original weight of the wet material — the resulting number is the percentage of moisture.

Example:

A hundred grams of dried, un-manicured buds were weighed out, then placed in a low-temperature oven until they were crispy. When they were weighed again, their weight came to 91.5 grams, a difference of 8.5 grams from their pre-treatment weight. Taking 8.5 divided by the weight of the original, results in the percentage of moisture (8.5 percent) in the un-treated bud.

If there was an objective tool that could help with this chore, processors would have a more accurate assessment — one that wouldn’t require the skill of an artisan to use, just the eye of a trained worker.

Recent experiments I’ve performed show that there is an objective way to measure moisture content using a wood moisture meter. I’ve been using one that has a touch pad and it’s been giving an accurate reading based on the subtractive test described above.

There are at least two styles of moisture meters. I prefer to use the sort that comes with two probes, about 1-1½ inches apart and sticking out less than half an inch, with a touch pad sensor.

I get the most accurate results when I set the meter on the “softwood” setting and hold the material firmly against the pad with a piece of hard plastic — the readout takes about a second.

And even if the actual number isn’t strictly accurate, as long as it’s consistent, it can be used as a standard. In the cannabis community there has been a widespread opinion that 12 percent moisture is a good content of water for smoking in a joint that won’t go out — it’s also the percentage at which small sticks audibly snap.

If you have tested the meter against these two subjective but accurate tests and the meter reads 12 percent, all is well. Should the meter have a different readout, but one that’s consistent, you will still always know the bud is ready when it hits that number, provided the other criteria are met.

Proposed moisture readings for various humidity levels of processing and smoking:

Drying ends: 14-15%

Curing ends: 11-12%

Pleasant smoke: 10-12%

Harsh dry smoke: 10% or less

Excerted from “Marijuana Harvest: Maximizing Quality and Yield in Your Cannabis Garden.”

The post How to Test the Moisture Content of Your Cannabis appeared first on Cannabis Now.

The versatility of soup can be such a beautiful thing. It can be made with four ingredients or 40, completed in 15 minutes or simmered over several hours. In summertime soups are served deliciously chilled, like a supremely refreshing gazpacho — but most of the time they are steaming hot and soul satisfying, like this twice-medicated vegetable soup.  With the addition of infused olive oil, this recipe is a keeper.

A hearty soup, a simple salad and some crusty bread make for a fabulous winter meal. Vegetable soup is as simple to make as it is delicious. Just fill a sauce pot with any combination of vegetables, some liquid to cover, a bunch of your favorite fresh herbs and spices, maybe a can of your favorite legume and simmer. Nine times out of 10, it’ll be tasty. And if it’s not, add some shredded cheese, some sour cream and maybe some sriracha.

To add some protein, consider adding firm tofu cubes, sliced cooked sausage, cooked chicken or bacon crisps.

Vegetable Soup / Serves 8-10

Ingredients 

2-3 tablespoons canna-olive oil
2 cups shredded cabbage
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, sliced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in pieces
1 cup grape tomatoes (cut in half if large)
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
5 ounces kale, rinsed, dried, stacked and sliced
1 cup corn, frozen
½ cup peas, frozen
2 quarts water
2 cans beans (1 can white northern, 1 can pinto) rinsed and drained

Medicated Garlic Croutons

Ingredients 

2 tablespoons canna-oil
1 cup bread cubes
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat the canna-olive oil in a large saucepan. Sauté the cabbage, carrots, onion, green beans, grape tomatoes, garlic and kale. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Add the corn and peas and stir. Add the water, followed by the rinsed beans. Allow to simmer for 35 to 40 minutes.

3. Heat the remaining canna-olive oil in a small sauté pan. Cook the bread cubes until golden brown.

4. Divide the soup into bowls, top with croutons and shave the Parmesan over the bowls of soup.

Originally published in issue 13 of Cannabis Now Magazine.

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Tired of feeling like getting a handle on your cannabis company’s finances is the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest? You’re not alone. Due to a complex array of factors, the challenges of keeping your books balanced, taxes filed and timely questions answered can often be quite substantial. That’s where InTrack CFO can make a mountain of difference with tailored solutions for all types of cannabis businesses.

Think of InTrack like a ski-lift you can safely ride instead of attempting to trek up any treacherous slopes on your own. Combining convenience and consistency with readily available expert advice, InTrack CFO is here to help turn your stress into peace of mind.

Meet The Experts

Operating a successful cannabis business comes with the challenge of trying to learn the ropes in what can feel like a thousand separate fields.

Depending on the focus of your company, that may include required expertise in everything from botany to security systems. Various businesses can also require a deep knowledge of chemistry, cutting-edge technologies, farming equipment, transportation systems and a host of other vital subjects.

That’s why InTrack is staffed by experts familiar with cannabis-specific accounting needs like 280E tax mitigation as well as matters of cannabis compliance, tax strategy and business scaling solutions. In contrast to general CPAs, InTrack’s deep focus on the cannabis industry means you’ll never be more than a phone call away from helpful answers your urgent, cannabis-specific accounting questions.

Rather than adding the headache of having to master the various elements of effective financial upkeep to your to-dos, scratch it off the list by signing up for InTrack CFO’s suite of services. Services include accurate tax calculations and up-to-date bookkeeping—all provided by responsive, reliable accountants who have your back. Plus, their clients’ books are always audit-ready, investor-ready, and lender-ready, meaning no scrambling and no surprises.

Take comfort knowing InTrackCFO’s boutique CPA and CFO advisory firm exclusively serves clients from the cannabis sector. This isn’t their side job or a bonus hustle—they’re proud to specialize exclusively in cannabis finance.

Cracking The Code

InTrackCFO knows critical elements of the IRS code such as 280E inside and out and is prepared to pursue legal reductions in tax burdens for their clients. Along the way, you’ll find that their friendly team is always fast to respond and eager to explain financial concepts to ensure you never feel lost or left behind. Have a question? Just call!

“There are a lot of firms out there that might advertise these services, yet they ultimately let folks down,” InTrack CPA Cameron McKenney acknowledges. “At InTrack, we have a proven track record of helping operators to save millions in taxes through smart structuring and planning.”

What does peace of mind look like? It starts with InTrack’s qualified team producing investor- and audit-ready books every month, giving operators the financial clarity needed for a thriving, sustainable future. It also includes their responsive staff of experts who understand urgent answers to crucial queries can’t wait. Much of InTrack’s model stems from their dedication to being perceived by clients as long-term partners—an outsourced CFO, so to speak—rather than just a service provider.

In fact, many of their current clients initially came to them after suffering through frustrating experiences with unresponsive or inexperienced accountants.

“Many people come to us with books that need to be cleaned and fixed—multiple years’ worth of stuff— taxes need to be refiled, it’s a mess,” McKenney added.

While it’s always an unfortunate situation to endure, InTrack CFO has a sterling track record of helping clients to tidy up messy books, fix past mistakes, and replace broken systems with streamlined, effective solutions.

“Thanks to our deep focus on the industry and experience working specifically with cannabis operators, we know how to help, whether it’s 280E tax mitigation, cannabis specific compliance stuff, tax strategy, or scaling the business,” McKenney confirmed.

InTrack’s goal is simple: to provide clients with frictionless financial upkeep that makes things feel manageable, not overwhelming.

Ready to see how easy it can be? Visit intrackcfo.com today and experience the bliss of knowing your businesses can go back to focusing on what it does best.

The post InTrack CFO Delivers Trusted Financial Services for Cannabis Businesses appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Steve, 51, remembers well the first time he got high.

“I was a freshman in high school and my friend Chovi from India found me on the handball court where I had been spray-painting images of Alfred E. Newman with a stencil I’d made,” says Steve. “Chovi must’ve been about 4’6” and had this massive afro shaped like a square helmet that was three sizes too big for his face. The guy was hilarious based on looks alone. I had low expectations, because I had tried pot twice before and had never felt anything. And I didn’t notice much from this at first, either, but it turned out to be a creeper.”

Heading home, Steve remembers “feeling like Albert Hofmann on his famous bike ride” after discovering the formula for LSD. Then, suddenly, he found himself overly high and met with a locked door at his parent’s house – meaning he’d have to confront his mom.

“Oh God, my mom was going to have to let me in,” he recalls. “I couldn’t face my mom like that. As soon as she opened the door, I pushed past her and dashed up the stairs. She shouted up to me all concerned, ‘Is everything okay?’ And I shouted back, ‘Yep! Everything’s great, Mom!’ And I locked myself in my room and played my KISS records.”

That was 1977. Three businesses and a home in the wealthiest zip code of the Bay Area later, Steve finds himself enjoying a new wave of Mary Jane’s alluring wiles. Only these days, instead of rolling a doobie, he puffs his vape pen.

Steve’s story isn’t particularly unique. Baby boomers across the nation are getting reacquainted with cannabis after a hiatus from pot through their middle years. According to a 2012 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration comparing trends with 2002, cannabis use among people between the ages 50-54 and 60-64 has almost doubled. Meanwhile, pot use among boomers age 55-59 has more than quadrupled. And they’re not merely dabbling. The National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that baby boomers are regularly consuming cannabis an average of once a week. And these numbers are expected to rise. By the end of 2015, nearly 111 million Americans over 50 were projected to be cannabis consumers, according to research by IBISWorld. That figure could jump another seven percent by 2020.

Baby boomers across the nation are getting reacquainted with cannabis after a hiatus from pot through their middle years.

Partly responsible for this reefer renaissance is the rapidly increasing social acceptance of cannabis as a medicine and recreational choice. 

“When medical marijuana became a thing and I realized I could get a pot prescription and get my anxiety issues under control at the same time, that’s when I got reacquainted with pot,” says Steve.

Indeed, studies suggest that boomers are using cannabis medicinally more than recreationally, often to deal with age-related issues such as chronic pain, depression and rheumatoid arthritis. Even Steve calls his vape pen “the most entertaining anti-anxiety medicine I’ve ever been prescribed.” In fact, the only time he labels his cannabis consumption recreational is in the context of a bad trip.

“When I first came back to it around 2009, I had just met a lady, so I asked the budtender to give me the very best they had. I didn’t ask for a strain that does a particular thing, or makes you feel any particular way – just the best.”

The budtender recommended OG Kush, a name that he says he’ll always remember just so that he can avoid its super strength. 

“It was unbelievably intense,” he says. “Way too advanced for my old-school roots. I brought it with me to my lady friend’s house, thinking I’d impress her with how hip I was. We had tickets to a show, but ended up just sitting on the couch for about four hours. Not talking, not moving; I wasn’t even sure she was still there most of the time. Every now and then, she would laugh, then I’d start laughing. Then it would be silent again for another hour. That was awkward. I will never smoke a strain that strong again, not unless I’m method-acting for the role of a corpse. There was nothing recreational about that experience at all.”

With potency five to 10 times greater than the Mexican swag smokers enjoyed in the ’70s, baby boomers are understandably trepidatious about coming back to cannabis.

“I miss the giggling,” continues Steve. “Pot back then used to be really light and giggly. Today’s pot is too heavy for me. It weighs me down.”

Despite the industry’s race to breed strains with the highest THC possible, options do exist for baby boomers who want to get pleasantly elevated without blasting off into the stratosphere. Cannabis with THC in the low double-digits – say, the 10-14 percent range – may provide a low-impact way to get a gentle buzz. And with the advent of the vape pen, boomers are strolling the path back to pot with more ease and grace than ever.

“Last year, I was bed-ridden after a skiing accident,” recalls Judith, a 60-year-old San Francisco travel agent. “All I could do was lay in bed taking pain killers and watching Netflix. The pain pills had me so groggy and out of it that I would suffer through [the pain] as long as I could before finally giving in and taking one. When my son came over and offered me a puff off his new vape pen – my first thought was, ‘My goodness, what kind of robot joint is this?’ But let me tell you, it literally changed my world.

“I mean, it [worked] faster than the pain pills, and it didn’t turn me into a zombie,” she says. “Pretty much one little puff every hour or two kept my pain at bay, and I have to admit, it was pretty fun, too! I mean, I was laughing at things that, on the pills, I couldn’t do more than stare at with my eyes glazed over. With that little pen, I felt like myself again. And bonding with my son, watching documentaries and laughing at movies together, was a brilliant, unexpected bonus. Now when I have friends over, we’ll have a little vape with our tea.”

Vape pens are becoming ubiquitous as a discreet way for cannabists, many of them boomers, to consume concentrated versions of the plant. Because it lends itself so easily to taking just one puff at a time, the vape pen provides users with an easier way to manage dosage. And because the oil contains such a high concentration of THC to begin with, one hit will often suffice.

“That’s just a classy way to get high, in my opinion,” says Steve about vape pens. “Mine even doubles as a stylus. It’s my new favorite way to get high.”

Originally published in the print edition of Cannabis Now.

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UFC heavyweight contender Curtis “Razor” Blaydes is a major player in the world of mixed martial arts. He’s what you get when you combine the raw strength of an athlete with the strategy of a chess player. Blaydes is recognized across the sport for his formidable wrestling and explosive takedowns. As he navigates the intense physical demands and injury risks inherent in elite MMA, Blaydes is finding that recovery isn’t just about taking a break, it’s also a secret weapon that combats the risk of injury, enhances performance, and increases the potential for overall athletic progress.

Strategic Approaches to Cannabis Recovery

In his quest for the Holy Grail of peak performance and career longevity, Blaydes is pioneering state-of-the-art recovery methods through continuous improvement and a disciplined post-training regimen. Blaydes is not alone. Performance-tuning the recovery process is now an essential component of wellness as athletes balance healing, pain management, and stress reduction. The cornerstone of Blaydes’ recovery program is the AirVape Legacy PRO 2, a bespoke combustion-free experience that transforms the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

“I’m always looking for ways to recover smarter,” Blaydes says. “The AirVape Legacy PRO 2 is clean, fast, and helps me wind down the right way.”

According to AirVape co-owner Gary Szilagyi, “what sealed the [partnership] was the shared philosophy: we both believe cannabis can be used intentionally for recovery, mental clarity, and focus, not just recreation. It felt like a natural fit: his discipline and story amplified our vision, and our technology elevated his routine.”

The Legacy PRO 2 is AirVape’s next evolution of their original award-winning Legacy PRO dry herb vaporizer. And the love for this device runs deep. As AirVape’s first user-centered upgrade, it reflects direct input from the brand’s dedicated following—a community that’s helped cement its place among the top names in vaporization. As the company website states, they’re “taking everything users loved about the original Legacy Pro and enhancing it with smarter design, refined aesthetics, and user-driven upgrades.”

If you, like Blaydes, are interested in joining the AirVape community and utilizing cannabis as part of your health and wellness routine, then you’ve found the right company. Their entire ethos is centered on promoting wellness through innovation. Founder Roland Szegi, a former athlete, envisioned transforming the portable vaporizer landscape. In the sequel to the original AirVape Legacy, he released a device that captured high performance, elegance, and mindfulness.

Setting a New Gold Standard

The AirVape Legacy PRO 2 is a sleek, ergonomic device that fits naturally in the palm of your hand. Designed for modern wellness seekers, it’s the cornerstone of a discreet ritual—an elegant piece of technology that hides in plain sight while subtly masking the aroma of the herbs within.

Wrapped in hand-applied cork fabric with 24k gold flakes over a gunmetal frame, the vape balances modern design with artisanal detail—no two devices are exactly alike. The gold freckles upon the cork detailing are an homage to AirVape’s dedication to quality materials that produce a session’s luxury experience. Engraved into the leather is its name, bordered with delicate stitching.

While the cork is aesthetically pleasing, it also functions to insulate the device’s heat and to maintain temperature precision. While the top vaporization devices on the market are quick to heat up within 30-40 seconds, the Legacy PRO 2 heats up in just 15 seconds. The hybrid heating methodology, gold-plated filters, detailing, and the glass airpath level up the original Legacy design. By integrating both conduction and convection, the device achieves true hybrid heating—a rare innovation that sets it apart from competitors.

Blaydes had already been using vaporizers as part of his recovery routine, but when he tried the Legacy Pro, he immediately appreciated the design, build quality, and clean vapor experience. The glass is also easy to maintain, with a replaceable battery to enhance the lifespan of the device. The user’s ability to precisely adjust the temperature puts control back into the user’s hands to achieve efficient and even heating of the chamber. You can modify the temperature per strain and terpene profile for the best flavor and extend session time through temperature modulation.

Unparalleled Functionality

AirVape stood out to Blaydes because of his open advocacy for innovative, cleaner recovery methods. That innovation, The Legacy PRO 2, arrives assembled and ready to charge with a universally compatible USB-C port. To turn the device on, click the button three times. The device either times down or shuts down with clicking the button three times. This Legacy PRO 2 provides a visual display that is used to turn the temperature up and down, adjust session length, gauge battery life, and to say goodbye with a “ciao ” and a smile when turned off.

This dual-use vape can hold flower or concentrate, adding convenience to a busy lifestyle. The gold-plated chamber isn’t just for looks— the chamber is interchangeable and easy to replace. It is an innovation on traditional heating devices with gold, a metal that’s traditionally been in medical devices, thanks to its stable characteristics. We’re impressed by how AirVape seamlessly blends form and function to create a device that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but effective at what it’s designed to do.

The Legacy PRO 2 also comes with two important accessories. First, there’s a loading tool that presses flower from the grinder into a compact puck that’s easy to take in and out of the device, making cleanup easy. Secondly, there’s a glass piece, reminiscent of the top of a water pipe, that helps with cooling the vapor further when playing with higher temperatures and wax. It’s easier to customize and pursue hybrid sessions by incorporating flower and sugar at the same time. The device’s innovations are born from real challenges compiled from AirVape’s dedicated fan base, making this the clean and innovative design Blaydes relies on.

Rethinking The Recovery Paradigm

Together, Blaydes and Air Vape are pushing cannabis and sports with their willingness to educate other athletes about alternatives to traditional painkillers. “What’s really striking is how authentic [Blades’] involvement is,” describes Szilagyi. “He’s not just endorsing a product; he’s sharing his own recovery journey.” Blaydes is championing the paradigm shift in athletic recovery. Acceptance of cannabis in sport is growing as regulations around flower use continue to vary.

Vaporization devices like the AirVape PRO 2 play a vital role in supporting athletic wellness and performance. They offer an opportunity for all of us to channel our inner Blaydes as we strive for peak potential.

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