Only The Good Stuff: The Wide World Of Cannabis Concentrates
July was concentrate month here at Lightshade and in honor of it we’ve been exploring the often-misunderstood world of oils and concentrates, not to mention running some great specials as well. In our last blog, we took a deep dive into oil cartridges, but now let’s take a look at the other side of the cannabis extraction equation, concentrates.
Let’s Talk About Marijuana Concentrates
How It’s Made: Solvent-based and Solventless Extraction
Marijuana concentrates can come in many different forms. Ultimately, your end product will depend on the extraction method used to create your concentrate. It wasn’t long ago when there were not many options on the market for these products, but in recent years new developments in technology and advancements in extraction processes has made this genre one of the most varied and exciting forms of consumption.
The two most common types of extraction are solvent-based and solventless extraction. In layman’s terms, solvent-based involves using chemical and organic solvents to dissolve the trichomes of the marijuana plant to separate the plant material from the cannabinoids and terpenes, leaving you with highly concentrated product. Some of the most popular solvent-based methods include butane, propane, ethanol, and CO2. CO2 is particularly popular as it doesn’t require any addition of chemicals throughout the process, which typically results in the purest and safest products. However, it is also by far the most expensive and complex method, so only the most cutting-edge manufacturers are able to utilize CO2 extraction.
Solventless extraction methods do not utilize any chemical or organic solvents, except water, in the extraction process and are strictly mechanical in nature. Many consumers prefer solventless concentrates for this reason as there is no chance of intaking any undesired residual solvents, although this isn’t a huge concern if you’re purchasing concentrates from trusted and reliable manufacturers. Solventless extraction implements different combinations of applying water, heat, and pressure to achieve the final products, the specific methods of which depend on the concentrate you are looking to achieve. Common forms of solventless extracts include kief, hash, and rosin.
The Many Faces Of THC Concentrates
Some of the most popular concentrate products include wax, shatter, budder, live resin, sauce, and diamond. Each of these have their own unique characteristics and effects, allowing consumers to find the perfect product for their individual needs. It’s important to note that concentrates typically have extremely high THC concentrations (hence the name), sometimes achieving levels upwards of 99%. This makes them better suited for more experienced consumers and are not recommended for beginners, without instruction. Just like with any new form of cannabis consumption, start low and go slow, if you are new to a product or a consumption method.
So let’s take a look at some of these forms and what makes them unique:
Wax
Wax is a solvent-based concentrate that is typically created through Butane extraction. Wax gets its name from its physical appearance, which is often compared to ear-wax. We know, not the most appetizing of images, but wax is an incredibly popular form of concentrate. Wax is fairly versatile as you can consume the product with a bong, vaporizer or dab rig. Wax is highly potent and can be felt almost immediately when consumed, so make sure to plan ahead when enjoying this product.
Shatter
Shatter is created in a very similar manner to wax, most often utilizing solvent-based Butane extraction. Shatter is considered one of the more visually appealing concentrates available with its honey-like, translucent coloring. When cooled, shatter has a glass-like consistency, giving it the ability to break apart, which is where it gets its namesake. Like it’s cousin wax, shatter can be consumed through dabs and vaporizers, or even placed in a joint hit for an extra intense hit. Dabbing shatter also produces very potent effects, so start off small and go from there, even if you’re a more experienced consumer.
Budder
Also a part of the wax/shatter family, budder is created through either CO2 or butane extraction. Consumers prefer budder mainly for its user-friendly consistency. Not quite a solid and not quite a liquid, budder is a creamy, pliable concentrate that can be scooped and dosed with great accuracy for a consistent and reliable consumption experience. This consistency is achieved by utilizing different temperatures and purging processes during extraction. Like shatter and wax, dabbing and vaporizers are the most common ways to consume budder.
Live Resin
Live resin also utilizes the same solvent-based extraction methods that wax, shatter, and budder use, but instead of extracting from dried or cured buds like these aforementioned concentrates, live resin uses cryogenically frozen plants. Freezing live plants preserves the oils, cannabinoids, and terpenes that are typically lost with other extraction methods. As a result, the aromas and flavors of live resins are much more noticeable and intense, which is the biggest reason live resin fans choose this product. Live resin is typically on the higher end of the price spectrum for concentrates as the extraction process is more expensive, however, many users consider the rich flavor profiles well worth the cost.
Terp Sauce
Like live resin, terp sauce is all about the flavor and effect spectrum. Terp sauces utilize THC distillates, which are essentially concentrates that are distilled further to achieve even higher concentration levels of THC. Distillates do not contain any odor, flavor, or strain-specific attributes as the distillation process removes every compound other than THC. Enter terp sauce. Terp sauce is created with terpenes that have been extracted from flower and reintroduced into distillates, allowing for highly customized flavor and effects that span the entire cannabis line up. Unfortunately, terp sauce tends to be similar to live resin in the higher cost category, due to the extra steps involved in its creation.
Diamond
Fairly new to the concentrate universe, many experienced consumers consider weed diamonds, or THCa diamonds, to be the holy grail of concentrates. These diamonds pack a punch and are the strongest form of concentrate available, often reaching between 99%-100% potency. On it’s simplest level, these diamonds are made by extracting the non-psychoactive THCa compound from the cannabis plant, then isolating and concentrating it to create the “diamond” crystal. Because TCHa is not psychoactive in nature, combustion is required to turn the THCa into THC, most frequently by dabbing the crystals. THCa diamonds also contain no terpenes, which is the reason many manufactures choose to add terp sauce drizzles or coating to the diamonds. The result is a high flavored, super intense dabbing experience that is not for the inexperienced consumer, or the faint of heart.
At Lightshade, we carry the full range of concentrate options, so no matter what your preferred product is, we’ll have you covered. Our knowledgeable budtenders are well versed in all aspects of cannabis concentrates and are happy to guide you toward the right purchase. Stop by today to see why the Lightshade difference is night and day.
Locked & Loaded: A Deeper Look Into Oil Cartridges
In honor of oil month at Lightshade (don’t forget to check out our awesome specials) we thought it would be great to explore one of the most popular forms of cannabis consumption: oil cartridge vape pens.
A Deeper Look Into Oil Cartridges
The use of oil cartridges is on the rise. While flower still remains the consumption method of choice for the majority of consumers, every year the market share of oil cartridges is increasing as oil extraction methods continue to create purer products and consumers look towards cartridges for their ease of use, discreetness, portability, and style.
What Are Oil Cartridges and What’s Inside Them?
Oil cartridges are essentially the “product” part of a vape pen. These pre-filled cartridges are filled with THC and/or CBD oils and distillates and then attached to the ‘pen’ which is actually a battery that powers the heating element. Cannabis-derived or food-derived terpenes can also be added, not only for flavor, but also because ‘terps’ can affect the type of experience vaping the product will provide. The vape pen, or battery, uses a hot coil system to heat the oil at low temperature to produce vapor, which is consumed by the user when inhaled. In modern pens, this is most commonly done simply by pulling through the mouthpiece to activate the coil, however, some pens are fitted with custom temperature settings and activation buttons.
The oil within the cartridge is where the main event takes place. There are many ways of extracting the active ingredients from marijuana plants, namely THC and cannabinoids, to convert them into an oil form. Oil cartridges utilize what is known as solvent-based extraction. Without going too much into the science behind extraction, which can be highly complex and even dangerous, essentially the solvent will dissolve the solid form of the plant, leaving a highly concentrated oil. Some of the most common solvent extraction methods include CO2, BHO (Butane), and EHO (ethanol) based processes. Since all the plant material has been removed, what you are left with is a compound that can be upwards of 90-100% THC, compared to the original flower that usually falls between 15%-25%.
Additives: The Good and the Bad
Depending on the type of extraction method used, some manufacturers choose to use ‘cutting’ agent additives in their oils. Controlling viscosity is essential in creating cannabis oil. If the oil extract is too thick, it will not be able to burn within the pen and turn into vapor. These agents are used to thin out oils to achieve proper viscosity for smoother burning. Some common cutting agents include coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, and polyethylene glycol. As advancements in extraction technology continue to make leaps and bounds, manufacturers and oil producers are beginning to steer further away from the use of such additives as they have come under a great deal of scrutiny for potential health concerns. A good rule of thumb: the purer, the better.
However, not all additives are created equal. Take terpenes for example. Extracts from cannabis plants are raw, stripped oils, meaning in their purest form they no longer have unique strain specific effects and flavors. Enter terpenes. Strain specific cannabis terpenes can be added to oil cartridge extracts to achieve desired effects, whether it’s the energy of a sativa strain or the mellow of an indica, and everything in between making oil extracts highly customizable. It doesn’t stop with effects either. Natural terpenes from fruits and other plants can be added for flavor, such as blueberries. While some manufactures may choose to add synthetic terpenes for flavor and effect enhancements, its best to always choose a cartridge with natural additives and fewer cutting agents.
If you’re unsure about what ingredients are in any oil cartridge, just chat with one of Lightshade’s experienced budtenders. We’re always happy to explain our product line and we strive to provide a consistently excellent shopping experience.
Oil Cartridges Are Taking Over. But Why?
As for why cannabis consumers are turning to oil cartridges over other methods, there are plenty of reasons why vape pens are a great alternative to traditional flower, edibles, or dabs.
For one thing, oil cartridge vape pens offer easy functionality. As mentioned before, many pens only require the user to pull, or breath in, on the mouthpiece or simply press a button to activate the coil. And since the pen heats the oil at lower temperatures, you’re inhaling vapor and not smoke, unlike the combustion process of smoking flower in joints or bowls. This results in a less harsh inhalation experience for the user, often making oil cartridges the perfect choice for more novice users or beginners. Variable voltage batteries, or pens, are becoming the standard for many popular cartridge brands and usually provide 3 levels of heat, which can vary the ‘robustness’ of the hit.
Speaking of vapor, oil cartridges make consuming cannabis discreet and easy when you’re on the go. The vapor produced typically has little or no odor, dissipates quickly and doesn’t require major rigs or flame to be able to consume.Cartridge vape pens are becoming quite sleek and stylish. Companies like PAX are taking pen design to the next level, making carrying a vape no more noticeable than holding an actual pen or USB drive.
Oil cartridges also make dosing very simple–another plus for those new to cannabis consumption. With quick onset times and mid-level duration, oil cartridges allow users to gauge their intake to match their desired effect, much the same as smoking or vaping flower.
Top Brands
At Lightshade, we carry a full array of your favorite cartridge brands. We expertly curate to make sure only top manufacturers make their way to our shelves, including brands such as PAX, O.PenVape, Willies, LucidMood, The Lab, Craft, and Spherex. So whether you’ve never tried oil cartridge vaping and are looking for a discreet consumption method – or you want to learn the latest and greatest battery/cartridge combination, we’ll have you covered. Stop by one of our eight Denver-metro locations and see why the Lightshade difference really is like night and day.
Soak Up the Sunshine: Find the Perfect Flower to Compliment Your Summer Activities
Elevate your summer fun with the perfect strains from Lightshade.
There’s no shortage of things to do outdoors in Colorado. From amazing hikes to open-air concerts, hot pool days to cool mountain evenings, there is an activity for everyone to enjoy during the long and meandering summer months, here in the Centennial State.
Each Lightshade dispensary stocks a selection of medical and recreational cannabis strains that will enhance your favorite summer adventure. And while choosing between mountain biking or rock climbing can be difficult, thanks to our Balance categorization system, selecting the right strain to match your plans isn’t. The proprietary system breaks all of our strains into four categories: Enliven for energy and focus, Inspire for creativity and concentration, Calm to help you wind down, and Rest for general stress relief and deep relaxation.
To celebrate the season, we’ve put together a list of our favorite activities and paired them with strains from the Lightshade balance categorization system to help you elevate your summer adventures.
Enliven
Our Enliven strains are perfect for getting you motivated and ready for outdoor adventure. Lightshade customers look to this strain category to get the focus and energy they need to make the most of each sun-soaked day. When you lace up your hiking boots and hit the hills, consider bringing along Green Crack or Durban Poison. Green Crack is a seasonal favorite, known for its energizing characteristics that will keep you invigorated regardless of how steep your hike is, while Durban Poison gives most consumers a motivated and positive feeling that is sure to make your trail a happy one. As always, please use cannabis products with caution when embarking on any outdoor adventure—safety always comes first.
Inspire
There’s nothing quite like a summer outdoor concert, and in Denver, we are lucky enough to have the holy grail of venues in our backyard. The next time you’re heading up to Red Rocks consider adding one of our Inspire strains to your pre-show ritual. Blissful and creativity-inducing effects are a highlight of our Inspire strains. Orange Herijuana, for example, gives users an uplifting feeling that takes any concert to the next level. Or maybe give White 99 a try. This hybrid strain, known for its almost tropical aroma, delivers the perfect balance of relaxation and happiness that will keep you dancing all night.
Calm
As we all know, it’s been a hot start to summer in Denver, making pool days an essential part of the weekend routine. If you find yourself poolside, make the most of your day by adding one of our Calm strains to the mix. Blueberry Headband helps you settle into a state of sublime relaxation. GG#4, on the other hand, is known for its strong head high, so even if you don’t have access to a pool, you’ll still find yourself floating.
Rest
As Coloradans, we love being in nature, and no summer in our state is complete without at least one camping trip. Nothing beats sitting around the campfire with friends, but trying to fall asleep in a tent while thinking about bears… isn’t exactly pleasant. If you need a little extra help relaxing before bedtime, try one of our Rest strains. Fruity Pebbles and Bubba Fett are two of our most popular strains within this category, and both are known to give cannabis lovers full body, relaxing effects that will warm up the coldest of sleeping bags and help to put you on the fast track to sweet slumber.
Colorado summers are legendary. Enhance your time spent outside with the perfect strain to fit your activity.
*Lightshade is not able to guarantee the availability of strains mentioned above, but fear not, we have plenty of alternatives to make your summer unforgettable. And while we love outdoor adventures in Colorado, be sure to respect local and state laws regarding the public consumption of cannabis and as always, make safety your first priority.
Strains may affect individuals differently and this article is not meant to provide medical advice for treatment of any ailment or medical condition.
Elevate The Season with Lightshade’s 7 Essential Cannabis Products for Summer
Celebrate summer in Colorado with a handful of our favorite sun-soaked cannabis products.
It’s finally summer in Colorado, and that means it’s time to put away the skis and bust out the grills and camping gear. Whether you’re planning the perfect 4th of July BBQ, prepping to conquer your next ‘fourteener’, or packing up for a few nights in the Rockies, Lightshade has the goods to elevate your summer activities. To make your planning easier, we’ve gone ahead and put together a list of our top 7 essential cannabis products for summer 2018.
Essential Cannabis Products for Summer
1. Stillwater Coffee
The summer sun rises early, but don’t worry, we have just the thing to brighten your wake-up routine. Each pack of Stillwater’s Clockwork Coffee has 5 mg of THC to get the creative juices flowing and 5 mg of CBD to ward off that morning grogginess without the jitters of regular coffee. And since you add it to hot water, it’s perfect for your next camping trip, where espresso machines are few and far between.
Bonus – Stillwater Teas: The weekend has arrived and you’ve rented a cabin in the mountains. The weather is perfect. How could this get any better? Try adding a Stillwater blueberry-lime iced tea to the mix for relaxation? Check out this recipe; it’s sure to amp up your summer porch time.
2. Binske Chocolate
No Colorado summer is complete without at least one camping trip. And no camping trip is legit without s’mores. The next time you’re sitting around the fire roasting marshmallows, boost your stargazing experience by replacing your regular chocolate bar with the rarest chocolate in the world! Binske’s Peruvian Nacional Cacao 70% chocolate bar. Just remember, each piece contains 10mg THC, so keep that in mind before going back for seconds. To truly amplify your canna-smore experience, ditch the traditional graham cracker. Instead, sandwich your beautiful Binske chocolates and marshmallow between two Dutch Girl Stroopwafels. You can thank us later.
3. 1906 ‘High Love’ Beans
Beautiful sunsets, long evenings, and cool mountain breezes. Few things are more romantic than summer in Colorado. Fire up your summer passion with High Love Beans from 1906. Designed with romance in mind, these chocolates will take your next summer date night to an even more amorous place.
4. Stillwater Ripple
However you choose to enjoy summer, Stillwater’s Ripple, dissolvable 5mg packets of 1:1 CBD/THC, or 10mg packets of straight up THC, is the perfect addition to just about any food or drink. Add it to a potato salad to be the VIP of your next picnic or the ideal cool down smoothie after your evening run. Ripple is the perfect addition to help you unwind and enjoy each moment of the summer.
5. Binske Olio Nuvo Olive Oil
Farmers market season brings an abundance of fresh greens and beautiful heirloom vegetables. Binske’s Olio Nuvo Olive Oil is perfect to include in your summertime salad dressings or drizzled over beautifully seared Colorado lamb or freshly caught salmon. Binske uses only 100% estate produced and bottled extra virgin olive oil equating to a smooth texture on your tongue and a depth of flavor you and your guests will love. Read below for our favorite salad dressing recipe using Binske’s Olio Nuvo Olive Oil!
Summertime salad dressing featuring Binske ‘Olio Nuvo’ Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
Use equal parts olive oil and either lemon juice, balsamic or red wine vinegar, add a dash of salt and pepper, spices and garlic to taste, and you’re done!
Pro tip: Binske’s Olio Nuvo is equivalent to 10 minimum servings. Use the entire bottle to serve a group of ten or more people, or use regular (not cannabis-infused) olive oil in addition to one serving of Olio Nuvo to satisfy smaller parties or when dining alone.
6. Root Beer Float featuring Keef Cola Bubba Kush
Summer means vacation. And vacation means you get to treat yourself. So, for your next vacation dessert splurge, put a spin on a long-time summer classic by making an adult root beer float. The recipe couldn’t be more straightforward; Pick your favorite vanilla ice cream and pour in a bottle of 10mg Bubba Kush Root Beer. Simply delicious.
7. Dixie 1:1 Watermelon Dixie Tinctures:
Watermelon and summer go hand-in-hand. So, for your next summer hike, be sure to bring along your Dixie 1:1 Watermelon tincture. It’s an easy and convenient way to add refreshing summer vibes to your outdoor adventure. We carry Dixie’s 1:1 tinctures and their THC tinctures in both Vanilla and Watermelon. You’re guaranteed to find the flavor and dosage perfectly suited for your summertime mood. Check out the recipe below for a refreshing summertime smoothie from Dixie–perfect to help you recover after a hike in the hot Colorado sun.
Balanced Melon Berry Smoothie featuring Dixie Watermelon Dew Drops
- 1/4 Cup 1% low-fat milk
- 1/2 medium ripe banana
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
- Dixie Watermelon Dew Drops
Place milk, ice, blueberries, raspberries, and banana in a blender and whirl for at least 2 minutes or until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and add a dropper full of Watermelon Dew Drops. Enjoy!
Pro tip: 1 serving contains 2mg CBD and 2mg THC. Dose according to user and as is the case with this recipe and any others, always consume cannabis responsibly.
Stop by one of Lightshade’s nine locations to pick up these products and all of your other summer essentials. When it comes to making the most of your summer, the Lightshade difference is night and day.
Is Cannabis the Answer to America’s Growing PTSD Epidemic?
Cannabis is an all-natural treatment for an often-overlooked mental illness.
We believe in the power of cannabis to treat physical and mental ailments. From back pain to anxiety, depression to daily stress, the proven benefits of marijuana as a catalyst for improved health and wellness, are undeniable. In a recent blog, we explored the rising tide of mental health issues among Americans and discussed the ways cannabis is being used to treat these issues—with outstanding results.
Mental health issues among Americans, frequently go overlooked and undiagnosed. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, in particular, is all too often ignored. PTSD impacts an estimated 3.6% of adults in the U.S. and up to 20% of combat veterans. PTSD often appears in people who have experienced life-threatening or shocking events like military combat, natural disasters, physical assaults, or other traumatic situations. Those suffering from this debilitating condition often ‘re-live’ these traumatic experiences through flashbacks and extreme anxiety, even when there is no immediate threat. The most common treatment for PTSD is psychotherapy and prescription medications, but a growing body of research shows cannabis is an ideal method of treatment for this unfortunate condition.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychology, demonstrates the potential of cannabis to help people suffering from PTSD. Cannabis lowers the occurrence of nightmares and reduces stress and anxiety levels brought on by traumatic experiences.
“Medical cannabis is used in conjunction with other therapies. Peer support groups are highly supported therapy for patients suffering an Operational Stress Injury (this is another term for PTSD). Medical cannabis strains with the right CBD and THC levels are assisting veterans with chronic physical pain, as well as anxiety and insomnia issues. I believe that medical cannabis will continue to work in conjunction with many other therapies.” —Shelly Franklin, Veteran Program Coordinator, Canadian Cannabis Clinics
Other research shows people who have PTSD are especially likely to benefit from the implementation of a cannabinoid-based plan, as the stress of initial trauma may cause the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to become more receptive to treatment. As there is no medication explicitly manufactured to treat PTSD, these patients are typically prescribed antidepressants. That said, we will soon see cannabis treatments designed to address their exact symptoms, as a doctor-prescribed natural option.
“There’s a consensus among clinicians that existing pharmaceutical treatments such as antidepressants simply do not work. In fact, we know very well that people with PTSD who use marijuana—a potent cannabinoid—often experience more relief from their symptoms than they do from antidepressants and other psychiatric medications.”—Alexander Neumeister, MD, Director, Molecular Imaging Program, Department of Psychiatry and Radiology, NYU School of Medicine
Increased awareness creates better understanding.
Unfortunately, there is still a need to educate people on how cannabis consumption can be successfully used for the treatment of mental health issues. Federal regulations have made it difficult to adequately research and investigate cannabis, drastically impacting the ability of healthcare professionals to understand and recommend the plant to individuals affected by PTSD. Still, minds are beginning to shift—the societal views of cannabis have started to transform, and public pressure is beginning to produce results.
While growing numbers of individuals impacted by PTSD have begun to speak up and seek assistance, the prevalence of social stigmas and a lack of understanding, assures that thousands of men and women, many of whom have served our country—making the ultimate sacrifice—will tragically continue to go undiagnosed.
Education is an essential facet of our mission at Lightshade. Not only do we endeavor to teach customers about our products, but we also strive to educate people about the issues surrounding cannabis. We believe we have to shine a light on the ways marijuana can positively impact the lives of people, not only in the United States but globally.
The impact cannabis has on individuals who have PTSD is nothing short of amazing.
Are You Anxious and Stressed?
Drop the Wine and Pick Up the Cannabis
Research shows that cannabis is an ideal tool to help people battle issues related to mental health—from daily stressors to severe conditions.
Our world is changing. Technology, for better or worse, is transforming the physical and mental landscape of society. The ways we work, connect, find romantic partners, and communicate, have become increasingly digital. Today, we are a culture addicted to technology. Is it just a coincidence that anxiety, depression, and general dissatisfaction are on the rise?
“Interactions on social media can have a major impact on an individual’s well-being and satisfaction. Many studies have observed that more time spent on social media is associated with an increased risk of loneliness and depression, which poses the question: are unhappy people using social media or does social media use affect happiness?” —Medical News Today
A study published last year in the Journal of Psychiatric Services estimates that 3.4% of the U.S. population—more than 8 million people—suffer from serious psychological distress (SPD). SPD is a term used to describe feelings of sadness and despair that are threatening enough to impair physical well being.
These numbers come to us at a time when America is in the throes of a prescription medication nightmare. More Americans take prescription drugs to treat mental illness today than at any time before.
Cannabis: the all-natural antidote.
What does this have to do with cannabis? Everything.
Cannabis may be the all-natural remedy to the mental health issues plaguing us today.
As our knowledge around cannabis and the endocannabinoid system broadens, psychiatrists and behavioral health experts are looking to the plant as an antidote to the psychological issues impacting Americans. And, while the legal status of cannabis in the United States is a challenge for healthcare professionals seeking to study and prescribe medical marijuana on a larger scale, many patients with mental health disorders have taken it upon themselves to improve their lives through cannabis consumption.
PTSD, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, insomnia, ADHD, and addiction—cannabis is being used to treat each of these issues, and patients are sharing positive results when reporting back to their healthcare professionals. To us of course, this comes as no surprise. Our customers often share stories of triumph over mental and physical hardship as the result of cannabis consumption.
One customer recently shared with Jo Madrid, Lightshade’s manager of marketing, that she was able to wean herself off of sleeping pills, as well as anti-anxiolytic prescription medications, with the support and monitoring of her physician. By gradually replacing pills (and sometimes wine with the pills), over several months time, with a CBD/THC product, along with smoking flower in the evenings, and occasionally consuming an indica edible a few hours before bed, this customer was able to entirely discontinue daily use of both benzodiazepines and high dose sleeping pills. After 6 months, this customer is still ‘prescription free’ and reports feeling ‘balanced’, alert, and more in tune with herself, which has allowed better personal decision- making, and has resulted in a better job, improved relationships with family and friends, as well as ending an unhealthy relationship.
Trade your daily glass of wine for an edible.
Do you find yourself craving a glass of wine at the end of a workday? Anxiety shows itself in different ways, some more damaging than others. Mental health covers everything from daily stressors—work, childcare, family—to more severe issues diagnosed by healthcare professionals. While alcohol abuse rates continue to rise, especially among women, and we look at the opioid epidemic and general dissatisfaction among many Americans, cannabis has emerged as an unlikely hero. Marijuana is non-habit forming, non-toxic, and cannot kill you. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for alcohol.
Eliminate anxiety without the high.
You don’t have to get high to realize the positive effects of cannabis. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive chemical found within the plant and has properties that produce results akin to anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Furthermore, a study performed by researchers at Sao Paulo University in Brazil found CBD to have a significant impact on people suffering from social anxiety and fear. As medical researchers dive deeper into the science around CBD, we expect to see greater adoption among people who in the past may have been hesitant to introduce cannabis into their overall health and wellness routines.
Outside of providing a comfortable space for customers to shop and learn about cannabis, one of our goals is to remove the stigma surrounding this extraordinary plant so people can discover its life-changing potential. Marijuana, unlike alcohol, provides a healthy way to tackle life’s anxiety-inducing challenges. Instead of pouring that glass of wine at the end of a workday, stop into your nearest Lightshade and consider an edible, tincture, or infused beverage. Your mind and body will thank you.
The next time you feel stressed reach for one (or all) of the products listed below:
Anxiety- CBD products
- Mary’s Medicinals CBD Oil Remedy 500mg
- Wana Sour Strawberry CBD Gummies 10:1
- Evolab Chroma CBD 3:1 Cart 500mg
Depression – 1:1 or Sativa products
- Altus Sativa Pills
- Blue Kudu Sativa or 1:1 bonbons
- Lucid Mood Energy, 1:1 CBD THC disposable vape pen
Lightshade & Goldleaf Collaboration to Benefit Veterans
At Lightshade it’s our honor to serve those that serve our country. The men and women of the United States Armed Forces sacrifice so much for us and all too often are forgotten about upon their return home. While Lightshade is proud to offer special prices for our veterans on a daily basis and continues to support the campaign for medical marijuana’s use in the treatment of mental illness and physical pain, we know there is always more that can be done.
That’s why we’ve recently partnered with Goldleaf to create this line of beautiful custom illustrated flower prints. Lightshade commissioned the artist to create these illustrations from cannabis flower grown in our cultivations facilities. These prints were made with military families in mind with 100% of the profits going to Project Sanctuary. This non-profit group works to assess the needs of military personnel and veterans who are returning to civilian life, reconnect them with their family and communities, and helps them thrive moving forward through continued ongoing support. Having worked with over 1,000 military families since 2007, Project Sanctuary has a proven track record of bridging the gap between battle ready and family ready. It’s our privileged to support Project Sanctuary’s amazing work in this small way. Visit Goldleaf to purchase these prints today and help military families and veterans in our community.
Cannabis: The Secret to Enhanced Athletic Performance and Recovery
Amateur and professional athletes have started to embrace cannabis as a component of training. Are they on to something? We think they are.
It wasn’t long ago professional athletes were harshly criticized for openly discussing cannabis consumption. Careers were ruined, athletes stigmatized, and in the case of Michael Phelps who was chastised in the media after his infamous ‘bong photo’; athletes have been banned from competition after acknowledging (or being caught) consuming cannabis.
Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since the Phelps incident of 2009. Laws, policies, and attitudes toward cannabis are changing and a growing percentage of athletes now openly discuss cannabis consumption as a component of their training and recovery programs—and for good reason.
People, understandably, more often associate cannabis consumption with the munchies than they do strenuous physical activity. A growing body of research and real-life practical application, however, has shed new light on the possible uses of cannabis for enhanced athletic performance and recovery.
Brave athletes are standing up to support the breaking down of stigmas associated with cannabis consumption, and equally brave medical practitioners, are standing alongside them.
“We need to let athletes consume cannabis to heal from injuries and manage pain and inflammation.”—Eugene Moore, Baltimore Ravens
Men’s Journal recently profiled a Colorado triathlete who has integrated cannabis into a rigorous training program that includes pre-dawn runs, post-work swims, and long and lonely cycling adventures. The athlete, who asked to remain anonymous (there’s still a stigma), makes enhanced homemade energy bars that he consumes before early morning workouts. According to the article’s author, the triathlete considers cannabis a “genetically engineered workout supplement—a combined focusing agent for exercise, and a pain reliever that numbs his post-workout aches.”
The concept of working out after consuming cannabis, to some, may seem odd. That said, a growing body of evidence pointing to positive outcomes for athletes who incorporate marijuana into their fitness and training programs, and the endorsement of professionals and amateurs who swear by the plant’s medicinal properties—is altering public perception.
“When you’ve got as $10 million dollar player sitting on the sideline because of an injury, how do you justify that as a sports organization?”—Riley Cote, Philadelphia Flyers
Here are five reasons to work cannabis into your overall fitness and recovery program.
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Cannabis provides safe and effective way to manage pain.
As America struggles through the opioid epidemic, a growing percentage of people, athletes included, are looking toward cannabis as a healthy alternative for pain management. Cannabis is an excellent tool to help athletes recover from exercise-induced aches and pains and with CBD, you can manage discomfort without feeling high.
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Cannabis doesn’t harm lung function. In fact, it may actually improve it.
A study conducted over the course of twenty years found low to moderate cannabis consumers displayed increased lung capacity compared to non-smokers. For athletes, the ability to increase lung capacity leads to increased performance and speedy recovery after strenuous exercise. It’s also worth noting, THC has known anti-inflammatory properties and can strengthen the immune system, which may prevent lung irritation from turning into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a devastating lung disorder common to cigarette smokers. While most athletes choose alternative consumption methods, for those who opt to smoke cannabis, it shouldn’t hinder athletic performance.
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Cannabis aids in recovery and performance.
Cannabis enriched salves and topicals help athletes reduce muscle pain and the anti-inflammatory properties of both THC and CBD help to speed up muscle repair, drastically improving recovery time—a key to enhanced athletic performance.
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Cannabis helps athletes focus during intense training sessions.
Athletes who have worked cannabis into their training and fitness programs report an increased pain tolerance and enhanced focus, allowing them to push through the temporary pain of challenging workouts and intense endurance sessions. THC and CBD ease anxiety and increase the pain threshold, giving athletes the extra physical and mental push they need, to make it through the most intense moments of training.
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Cannabis promotes neuroprotection.
An alarming number of NFL players have come forward in recent years describing PTSD-like symptoms as the result of sports-related head injuries. The neuroprotective properties of cannabis make it an ideal tool for athletes experiencing head injuries. Put simply, cannabis helps with brain repair.
“I think all athletes—whether they’re NFL or NBA pros or just serious athletes wanting to better their fitness—are learning about the therapeutic potential of this plant.”—Susan Sisley, M.D., Doctors for Cannabis
The myriad of benefits offered by cannabis consumption, from enhanced recovery and performance, to brain protection and repair, make it an attractive option for athletes looking for a leg up on competition, or for people simply looking for a better way to help before, during, and after hard workouts.
At Lightshade, we are committed to educating consumers on the benefits of cannabis for all. Drop by any of our nine Colorado dispensaries to speak with a budtender to learn how you can work cannabis into your overall fitness and training program.
The Health and Wellness Benefits of Cannabis For All
Researchers continue to discover a deepening connection between cannabis consumption and positive health outcomes—for people of all ages and medical dispositions.
Cheech and Chong, ‘The Dude’, Jeff Spicoli, Harold and Kumar, Reefer Madness, and Pineapple Express—the portrayals of cannabis within Hollywood, have in a sense, contributed to longstanding stereotypes and stigmas—some are amusing and harmless, many are damaging. Still, notwithstanding the opinions of our current administration, nearly 64% of Americans support the wholesale legalization of cannabis.
Stigmas, however, are difficult to break. Despite the now well-documented benefits of adult cannabis consumption, among doctors, policymakers, researchers, and scientists, there are few subjects as polarizing as marijuana. Most often stigmas and stereotypes exist because of misunderstanding. It’s natural for people to dismiss what they don’t understand—for this reason, education is critical to breaking the stigma around cannabis.
We live in this world—it’s our industry, passion, and our livelihood—we believe in the benefits of this beautiful plant and we understand the potential of cannabis when consumed for health and wellness.
That said we realize there are a lot of misconceptions, inaccurate stereotypes, and a general lack of knowledge around the consumption of cannabis for health—from serious conditions to minor ailments and athletic recovery.
You don’t have to get ‘high’.
Marijuana, weed, cannabis—however you call it—getting high isn’t always the desired result, and it doesn’t have to be. Long-held beliefs about cannabis have been disrupted by scientific and medical research showing numerous applications for the treatment of medical conditions. Everything from anxiety and depression, to pain suppression and the management of complex health conditions, can be treated with cannabis—with or without feeling elevated.
Why cannabis works.
In the last decade researchers have more closely studied the impact of marijuana on the human body. Their research has led to significant discoveries surrounding the influence of cannabis on adults, specifically the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)—our bodies own biochemical structure designed to connect with cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids, the active compounds found within cannabis, help to create different characteristics inherent to each plant. Cannabinoids are the chemicals which give the plant its coveted medical and recreational properties. They hook onto receptors within your brain and act like chemical messengers to help the body maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis is a system designed to allow your body to balance different biological functions like pain management, appetite, and motor coordination. In the process of research, scientists discovered our bodies make their own cannabinoids—Anandamide and 2AG. This discovery led to the unearthing of the Endocannabinoid System, and while there’s still much to learn about the ECS, the discovery has revolutionized the ways healthcare professionals view cannabis.
Despite being one of the most significant receptor systems in the human body however, the majority of medical schools ignore teachings around the Endocannabinoid System—we’ve got a long road ahead before the stigma surrounding cannabis is broken.
Endocannabinoid System Facts:
- Animals have had an Endocannabinoid System within their bodies for over 600 million years
- The cannabis plant, containing Phytocannabinoids, dates back 25 million years
- Anandamide and 2AG, the two primary cannabinoids, were discovered in the early 1990’s
- Endocannabinoids provide us with balance and homeostasis
- Endocannabinoids moderate the flow of neurotransmitters, keeping the nervous system running smoothly
Cannabis for the treatment of age-related diseases and conditions.
Recent studies have revealed significant discoveries surrounding the consumption of cannabis to treat age-related illnesses and diseases. Cannabis has been found to have a positive impact on patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and spasticity associated with diseases like Parkinson’s.
We’ve seen an uptick in customers within our Colorado dispensaries looking for products to assist in the management of conditions like those listed above. It’s encouraging to witness a shift in the perception surrounding marijuana use for age-related medical conditions, especially among an aging population who grew to adulthood during the lengthy period of cannabis prohibition.
Cannabis is your all-natural ‘chill pill’ and a potential answer to America’s opioid crisis.
We are in the midst of an opioid crisis in America and have witnessed an increase in anxiety and depression, as well as a surge in medications prescribed as treatment. As one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States, anxiety disorders impact nearly 40 million adults (Anxiety & Depression Society of America)—roughly 18 percent of the entire population. Cannabis is an all-natural answer to the issues related to prescription drug abuse in this country, as well as an ideal treatment for symptoms related to anxiety and depression.
As researchers continue to gain deeper insights into cannabis, they are discovering more ways it can serve as an alternative to pharmaceutical medications. Increasing evidence shows the benefits of cannabis when used to treat disorders related to anxiety and depression, as well as for pain management—a common factor leading to opioid addiction.
States with medical cannabis laws have observed the following positive results:
Reduction in deaths as a result of opioid overdose
Fewer hospitalizations from opioid abuse
Reduction in hospitalizations from opioid overdose
Education and understanding are the keys to breaking the stigma surrounding cannabis.
We are committed to providing education around the myriad of benefits offered by responsible cannabis consumption and encourage you to learn how to can include this long-misunderstood plant in your overall health and wellness regimen.
Visit with an expert budtender at any Lightshade Colorado dispensary and learn how to incorporate marijuana into your life as a component of an overall health and wellness program.
What’s In a Name: Celebrating the Spring Equinox with Lightshade
March 20th represents a symbolic day for the planet, and for Lightshade—celebrate with us.
There are two equinoxes each year—in March and September—on these days, the sun’s rays shine directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal: 12 hours of day, 12 hours of night.
The spring equinox marks the moment our sun crosses the celestial equator—an illusory line-in-the-sky resting above the earth—from south to north. Since night and day are nearly the same length of time on this day, the world over, the event is referred to as the ‘equinox’, a Latin term which means literally, ‘equal night’.
“Spring has returned. The earth is like a child that knows poems.”—Rainer Maria Rilke
In Colorado, the equinox this year is scheduled to occur March 20th at 10:15 am MDT.
March 20 is a special day for Lightshade—not only is it the date of the Spring Equinox, on this day, the sun’s cycle mimics a critical stage in cannabis growth. During the cannabis growth process, a key point is when the light cycle is changed to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of shade—hence our name, Lightshade.
It is at this point, because of the change in light cycle, our plants begin to flower after vegetation. The degree of time each strain requires to flower can vary—in-general, this time frame typically falls between six and ten weeks.
After flowering, plants are harvested, dried and cured. The overall cannabis life-cycle takes roughly three months—from seed to harvest.
“Behold my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!”—Sitting Bull
The Lightshade grow team takes pride in the process we’ve developed that gives you, our customer’s, high-quality, consistent flower.
The spring equinox is a day of balance between light and dark. Join Lightshade on March 20th and celebrate this day of balance with us, because the difference really is night and day. Mark the arrival of spring and our namesake, and find balance with specials crafted specifically for this day, including 3 grams of Lightshade strains for $20 (mix & match) and 3 Mary’s Medicinals Transdermal Patches for $20. We will also have live DJ’s at our Sheridan and 6th Avenue dispensaries, from 4-6pm.
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’”—Robin Williams