Can you consume too much cannabis? Yes. Will it harm you? No.

Overindulgence isn’t limited to ice cream, potato chips, candy, or cocktails. Like most things in life, you can consume too much cannabis. You might know the feeling:

Anxious, weak, pallid, shaky and paranoid, with a killer case of cottonmouth— tell-tale signs you’ve crossed into the realm of overindulgence. Should you be alarmed? No, it’s all good. 

Unlike alcohol or opioids, cannabinoids aren’t a central nervous system depressant and can’t cause a lethal overdose—-no matter the quality, strength, or quantity. The DEA’s own administrative law judge famously proclaimed, “Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.”

Don’t panic.

Don’t worry; cannabis is non-toxic. But it’s easy to overindulge. And while the effects are unpleasant to the point of worrisome, it won’t harm you in the long term. Amid a weed-induced panic attack, however, it’s easy to convince yourself fatality is a threat. 

Your first experience of cannabis overconsumption is alarming. Friendly reassurances don’t help, and your internal conversation— fixating and bouncing from thought to thought— isn’t useful. Take a deep breath; it’s going to be okay. 

What happens when you overconsume cannabis?

Cannabis has at least 60 kinds of cannabinoids—chemical compounds that interact with our brain’s receptors. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), is responsible for much of cannabis’s effects, including the blissful high. THC closely resembles anandamide, the cannabinoid responsible for mood, sleep, memory, and appetite regulation. 

Cannabinoids keep us fixed on magnified thoughts and perceptions. They also inflate dopamine levels (this is why you feel relaxed and euphoric). 

The effects of cannabis vary by individual, and this is why not every consumer has an enjoyable or relaxing time. Consuming too much cannabis further amplifies the results, explaining why people in the throes of overconsumption fixate on the negativity of their experience.

What are the symptoms of overconsumption?

Paranoia

Anxiety and paranoia are common outcomes of cannabis overconsumption. We know that cannabis is non-toxic and not lethal, but try telling that to yourself when you’ve had too much. 

Amid the panic, consumers think they are experiencing a heart attack, or worse, that they are dying. If you find yourself having this experience, breathe and stay calm. You’ll be okay. 

Exhaustion

Cannabis overconsumption makes you sleepy. It’s that simple. Of all the potential side effects, however, fatigue is positive. Sleeping off the effects of cannabis can keep you from experiencing the more uncomfortable aspects of overindulgence. 

Decreased blood pressure 

THC reduces blood pressure. This explains why your eyes dilate and turn red after consumption (Visine, anyone?). As your tolerance builds, the effect cannabis has on blood pressure is minimized, but new consumers who overindulge experience an exaggerated (and alarming) blood pressure drop. 

Impaired movement

Cannabis compounds impact motor control, and that can leave you feeling wonky. 

We work with CDOT to keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel for this reason (among others). More on that here. 

Rapid heartbeat

New cannabis consumers often experience a quickening of the heart. Similar to decreased blood pressure, this effect lessens as your body develops tolerance. For some consumers, a quickened heartbeat exacerbates their feelings of panic or anxiety, adding to the negative experience. 

Your heart rate might speed-up after consumption, but don’t worry, it will return to normal within a few hours.

What you can do to counteract the experience.

Take a deep breath. 

If anxiety and panic are ruining your experience, close your eyes and take ten deep, meditative breaths. Slowly inhale through your nose (four counts), hold your breath for at least three seconds, and exhale deeply (four counts). Repeat until blissful feelings return. 

CBD helps.

CBD reduces anxiety and relaxes an overactive brain. It’s nature’s antidote to THC. CBD blocks THC from binding to your brain’s cannabinoid receptors and dampens its psychoactive effects. 

Hydrate and eat.

If you’ve had an edible and are having a negative experience hydrate and eat (non-medicated food). Water aids digestion and food gives you something else to focus on (it’s also comforting). 

Terpenes are therapeutic.

Since cannabis shares terpene profiles with many fruits and vegetables, you can counteract a negative experience with terpenes that minimize cannabis effects. Black pepper, lavender, lemon juice (limonene), and others, offset unpleasant cannabis side-effects. 

Relax. 

Since 90% of what you are feeling is psychological, and nothing terrible is going to happen, you can relax. Step outside for fresh air, take a warm shower, and remember, this too shall pass.

Don’t worry; you’re going to be okay.

While you can consume too much cannabis, it’s not fatal. In a few hours, the negative side-effects of overconsumption dissipate, and you’re left wondering why you panicked, or worse, why you called the paramedics. The adage, start low and go slow applies to every consumer and every cannabis consumption method. We don’t’ want to see you (or anyone else) in the E.R. 

Be mindful, chill out, and enjoy. 

If you have questions about cannabis and how it might impact you, or you’ve consumed too much and need someone to speak with, Leaf411 is here to help. Leaf411 is Colorado’s first free cannabis nurse hotline! Leaf411 is a free resource for people to call and speak directly to a medical professional that can point them in the right direction.

Being a good neighbor is a lot of work, but we’re up for the challenge.

What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Not in the State Farm “Like a good neighbor,” or Mr. Rogers, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” sense, but as a business, we want to know what it means to be an excellent corporate neighbor – a great community partner? 

Good neighbors support the community. They step-in when others won’t – or can’t – and lend a hand. It’s strangers distributing food to other strangers, or a good samaritan who stops to change your flat tire. It’s everyday people performing small actions that hold a broader significance. 

And, more importantly, it’s time. Time is the ultimate luxury, and time is always in short supply. An investment of time shows a genuine commitment to the community, and in many ways, time is worth more than dollars (of course, money is helpful, too). 

But most people don’t have time to volunteer. That’s where we come in. 

Giving back to the community sits at the top of our list of company priorities. It’s up there with providing an excellent customer experience, and showing Coloradoans the benefits of cannabis. As part of our Cannabis Social Responsibility initiative, we are an active participant in the community. 

To us, being a good neighbor means acting less like a business and more like an individual, but on a grand scale. Instead of providing one, or even a handful of meals, we can feed hundreds by sending teams of volunteering budtenders (along with front desk staff, inventory control, vendors, and back-office teams) and providing financial support. 

Or we can help grow the vegetables that wind up on a needy family’s plate.

[no_blockquote text=”“As a Colorado company, Lightshade is committed to providing support to the community in which we live. Through intentional and engaged community investments, volunteer days, and fundraising efforts, we aim to increase the vitality of Colorado’s diverse neighborhoods and expand our industry’s capacity to do good.

We don’t just give back, we give forward.”” title_tag=”h3″ show_border=”yes” show_quote_icon=”yes” width=”80″ line_height=”30″]

With the help of KindColorado, we’ve engaged our corporate resources and local retailers to support community projects and non-profits. Lightshade employees have logged more than 200 volunteer hours since 2016. Our focus today is on those experiencing homelessness, hunger relief, and working with seniors and veterans. Also, each of our eight Colorado retail dispensary locations is partnered with community agencies and non-profits to support food-insecure populations.

Colorado is where we live and work, and it’s our responsibility to give back. 

Our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. This month we became the proud recipient of the “Good Neighbor Award” presented by Cannabis Doing Good.

While it’s vital that our CSR work receives recognition, the real value of this award is the light it shines on cannabis’ potential to do good. Our industry has a big heart and deep pockets, and we’re ready to put both to work. 

Still, too many people see corporate social responsibility (CSR) as nothing more than business owners signing checks, or a clever marketing gimmick. That happens, but not in our cannabis community, at least not if we have a say in the matter.

About the Good Neighbor Award (from Cannabis Doing Good):

Community Engagement and social responsibility are the founding values of CDG. We believe cannabis has the opportunity to create political, social and economic benefits for communities, showcasing this industry as an authentic community asset. We want to recognize those companies implementing community engagement programs, encouraging volunteer hours, and meeting community needs in new and thoughtful ways. Are you a cannabis company Mr. Rogers would be proud of?

Click here to learn more about the Lightshade Cannabis Social Responsibility initiative, and please get in touch if you’d like to help us make a difference in Colorado.

The indica vs. sativa debate rages on despite new (and better) strain selection methods.

Many budtenders (and consumers) still rely on indica vs. sativa when helping customers find the ideal strain. For years this worked, but as our overall cannabis knowledge expands, we’ve learned there are better ways to help customers predict their high. 

Terpenes, for example, are a better indicator of the impact a particular strain has on the consumer.

But old habits die hard, and the majority of budtenders and cannabis consumers haven’t gotten the terpenes memo. Indica and sativa prevail because that’s how customers are trained to think about cannabis. 

Still, terpenes are slowly entering the cannabis consumer’s vocabulary, and this is where we’ve found confusion in Lightshade’s dispensaries. Our goal is to provide overall cannabis education to consumers (and budtenders). This includes guiding them to the perfect strain for their needs or mood. 

Our “balance” categorization system is designed to help customers break out of the indica vs. sativa debate. We use four categories to simplify the strain selection process for customers: Enliven, Inspire, Calm, and Rest. Our budtenders are trained to guide consumers to the right strain based on the way they want to feel, or their daily plans. 

It seems simple, right? It’s not.

Consumers, accustomed to selecting cannabis based on indica, sativa, or hybrid, aren’t always interested in deviating from the tried and true. Our eager-to-please budtenders often bend to the will of customers and abandon the balance spectrum to avoid confusion. 

As terpenes force their way into the cannabis lexicon, however, the conversation grows difficult. A slightly educated customer, or a new cannabis consumer who has spent hours googling ahead of their first dispensary visit, walk into our stores perplexed after absorbing content with conflicting philosophies. 

Still, we (and you) must stay the course. It’s easy to forget that the legal cannabis industry is in its infancy, and it’s going to take time to change the conversation.

Budtenders are the key to consumer education. 

Every industry professional knows that budtenders are always the first line in a cannabis dispensary. Your brand’s reputation is in their hands. Budtenders are responsible for providing the kind of outstanding service that has customers shouting your dispensary name from rooftops. 

You’d be remiss, however, to think that the budtender’s responsibility ends at giving excellent customer service. Arguably, the most critical role your budtenders play is providing customers with the knowledge to help them make an informed purchase. Legal cannabis is still a fresh idea for consumers, and many never touched it because of its prohibition. 

Your budtenders must embrace their role as teachers and provide at least a basic level of education. Slowing the process down might be difficult, but the result is a well-informed customer who walks out of the dispensary with precisely what they are looking for. 

And helping customers understand terpenes is a crucial aspect of cannabis education.

What’s the deal with terpenes? 

Terpenes are the fragrant oils that give a strain its signature aroma and serve as a blueprint for the way cannabis impacts the consumer. And terpenes are all around us – not just in cannabis. They are found in a variety of plants and even a handful of insects. In the world of plants, terpenes offer protection by emanating pungent flavors and aromas to repel herbivores and attract predators.  

Consumers are used to selecting strains based on potency levels of CBD and THC, and that’s okay. But, as we now know, there’s more to cannabis than these two compounds. With terpenes as a guide, budtenders can provide a more accurate representation of how a strain will affect its consumer. 

It’s also important to understand that indica and sativa are descriptors of cannabis plant species, distinguished by appearance. The terms aren’t reflective of the therapeutic qualities inherent to a strain. Consumers also need to understand that there are few true sativa’s and indica’s. Most of today’s strains are hybrids that lean one way or the other. 

Terpenes interact with cannabis compounds in a way that produces the unique characteristic of each strain. Understanding terpenes and their associated therapeutic properties enable budtenders (and consumers) to gain insight into specific cannabis compounds that create the desired effects. If a customer identifies a strain that meets their needs, we can look closely at its terpene profile and find strains that share similar characteristics.

Stay the course. 

Most cannabis consumers are in the habit of identifying strains by indica and sativa, but people can adapt. With consistency, education, patience, and, most importantly, time, consumers, and the industry as a whole will move past indica vs. sativa debate.

We must protect our favorite plant (and consumers) from the scourge of black market cannabis.

Cannabis industry veterans are hardened. We’ve forged a path to success in a field plagued by regulations and barriers (both legal and philosophical). And the battle to legitimize (and legalize) our favorite plant rages on. 

We’ve got a bone to pick with the media – but recent stories are true. 

National and regional media outlets tend to portray cannabis in a negative light. Since news coverage influences public perception, every person must understand the often-flawed journalistic approach to cannabis reporting. 

American media frames the cannabis conversation in such a way that it’s difficult for people to get the truth. And the value of truth is immeasurable. 

We can’t blame consumers outside of states where recreational and medical cannabis is legal for not having a clear picture of the advantages – and potential drawbacks – of cannabis. Decades of prohibition and misinformation collide with a continuing stigma; it’s the perfect storm of falsehoods and insufficient reporting. 

It’s easy to understand why many Americans are wary of cannabis. It is also impossible to ignore what’s happened in recent months.

Black market cannabis is a problem.

Lawmakers, parents, cannabis consumers, and industry vets are deeply concerned after the rash of vape-pen related illnesses and death. We get it – we are too. 

E-cigarettes and cannabis vapes have been available for more than a decade, but reports of vaping-related illnesses only emerged this year. Investigations conducted by state health departments in Wisconsin and Illinois first revealed illness among tracked patients in April. The first vaping-related death was reported on August 23rd, and reports of a cannabis vape influenced death emerged in September. 

The CDC, as of Tuesday, September 10, reports as many as 450 cases in 33 states of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by vaping black market THC products. As many as 6 patients have died as a result of the condition. 

We should note: there are two suspected cases in Colorado. 

Purchasing black market THC or nicotine-infused vape cartridges puts you at immediate risk of developing a devastating and potentially deadly lung condition. With access to the nation’s best cannabis, in Colorado, there is no reason to purchase illicit products. Don’t do it. 

What’s causing the illness?

Symptoms – and treatment –  in most documented cases parallel a condition known as lipoid pneumonia. While the exact cause of the condition is as yet undetermined, New York health authorities confirm synthetic Vitamin E oil is found in nearly all of the seized vape cartridges in that state. 

Black market manufacturers use synthetic Vitamin E oil as a cheap alternative to safer thickening agents. NY authorities subpoenaed three thickener manufacturers: Honey Cut, Floraplex, and Pure Diluent; tests show the products of all three manufacturers contain synthetic Vitamin E oil. 

Consumers should be wary of products from these brands: Chronic Carts, Dank Vapes, and West Coast Carts. 

Illicit cannabis vape manufacturers use synthetic Vitamin E to dilute THC oil without thinning its viscosity. It’s primarily an issue on the black market, but some products containing the synthetic oil have made their way into unregulated pop-up shop style dispensaries in Oregon and California. 

The latest generation of thickening agents is misused in black-market cartridges. Legal thickener manufacturers strongly disapprove of next-generation cutting agents in cannabis vape cartridges. We don’t know the precise ramifications of inhaling thickener aerosol when burned or heated, but if the recent rash of hospitalizations and death is any indication, it’s a practice with deadly consequences. 

Federal Cannabis prohibition is a big part of the problem.

The Federal prohibition of cannabis creates a market for unregulated, untested, and poor-quality products that are also deadly. Much like alcohol prohibition created a demand for bath-tub gin, opportunists are willing to sell dangerous products when cannabis is illegal and unregulated. 

You can trust us.

We are committed to the safety of consumers in our state. It’s for this reason that every product carried at each of our eight Colorado dispensaries is studied, regulated, grown, and manufactured to the highest standards (no pun intended, seriously). If you have questions or concerns regarding the safety and quality of the products we carry, please contact our vendors directly.  

We know that in Colorado you have many retail dispensary options. If you do not choose to shop at Lightshade, please make sure you select a legal and reputable retail store.

Cannabis consumption might help you maintain a healthy weight

New research finds that cannabis has the potential to help consumers maintain a healthy weight. Are you surprised?

People associate many things with cannabis – weight loss isn’t one of them. And while scientific evidence supports the Doritos-ravaging stoner stereotype, new research shows that cannabis consumption might help you maintain a healthy weight. 

The International Journal of Epidemiology studied more than 30,000 participants to learn if they are less likely to gain weight through cannabis consumption. Their findings are a surprise, even to those of us steeped in cannabis education. In short, people who regularly consume cannabis are less likely to become obese or overweight when compared to those who don’t. 

The study, conducted over three years found that while all participants put on weight, those who consumed cannabis experienced a lower volume of weight gain than those who abstained. The researchers think that cannabis might create cellular changes that influence weight gain. Other studies offer similar findings. 2011 research conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology found that while cannabis is shown to stimulate a person’s appetite, cannabis consumers are less likely to be obese than non-consumers. Similar studies have also found that, in contrast to popular belief, cannabis lovers have smaller waistlines than those who abstain, and they have lower cholesterol levels.

Scientists think THC, the compound responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects, is also responsible for the belly-busting attributes of our favorite plant. Researchers at the University of Calgary put this theory to the test by giving fat mice – and trim mice – a daily dose of THC, and  compared the results. They discovered that while THC had no impact on the size of the mice who started the study at a healthy weight, it caused the fat mice to slim down. Researchers hypothesize that THC changes the gut microbiome in such a way that it helps to regulate weight loss and digestion.

Additional studies backup the University of Calgary findings, leading many scientists to conclude that there is indeed a correlation between cannabis consumption and a reduction in body weight. The results hold across genders, age groups, and reasons for use (recreational or medical). 

Researchers are quick to point out, however, that we are in the early phases of understanding how marijuana impacts weight. Evidence suggests the effects of cannabis on weight fluctuations are, like everything else surrounding this historically misunderstood plant, complicated. Every cannabis consumer knows consumption often leads to the munchies, and if you eat a bag of Doritos or a pint of ice cream, you will gain weight. Still, this new research suggests that consumers who avoid post-smoke munchies might enjoy a reduction in overall body fat.

Of course, other habits are essential for maintaining a healthy weight, and consumers shouldn’t assume they can smoke-off their extra baggage. If you don’t exercise regularly and have less-than-ideal eating habits, consuming cannabis won’t help you lose weight. It will probably have the opposite effect. 

It’s also essential every person pays attention to the quality of their food sources. Fast food, processed food, and foods with hidden fat and sugar are the enemy of healthy weight. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to avoid these kinds of foods, and when you factor-in stressful lifestyles and anxiety, you’ve got the perfect recipe for weight gain. 

We should mention cannabis is helpful for general stress and anxiety relief. Emotions influence how our bodies metabolize calories. Controlling your stress levels with cannabis is a positive way to reduce the metabolic impact of daily stressors. 

It’s also worth noting that CBD is known as an appetite suppressant, making it an excellent option for consumers battling a compulsive desire to eat. CBD alone does not get you high, meaning it can be consumed during the day without hindering your ability to work or run errands. 

Cannabis is no substitute for an excellent diet, but it helps maintain a healthy weight, and even more-so when included as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Relieve your body and mind with an ancient natural remedy. 

Drop by one of our medical dispensaries or recreational dispensaries to pick up your favorite cannabis products and start to explore new ways to incorporate cannabis into your lifestyle.

There’s nothing wrong with consuming cannabis just for the high, but with a world of new products and consumption methods, it’s not your only option.

If all you do is smoke and watch sitcoms that’s cool, you do you. But know that you’re missing out on the full breadth of cannabis possibilities in the modern era. 

Consider trying these new and accessible ways to enhance your cannabis consumption experience.

Four creative ideas to enhance your cannabis consumption experience

1. Cooking with Cannabis

In Colorado, cooking with cannabis has moved beyond dried-out brownies that taste like sub-par weed. Today, cannabis cuisine is a legitimate culinary specialty, and if you enjoy time in the kitchen, you should give it a try!

There’s a variety of cannabis cookbooks to help get you started. We love Bong Apetit from the editors of Munchies, and Wake and Bake by Corinne Tobias, where you’ll find recipes for every diet, including meals that are vegan and gluten-free. 

If sweet treats are your guilty pleasure, check out Stephanie Hua’s Edibles: Small Bites for the Cannabis Kitchen. This tasty collection contains over 25 bite-sized, starter-dosed recipes for canna-bakers of every skill level.

Not into cooking? We get it. But that shouldn’t keep you from enjoying edibles. We keep a full stock of cannabis-infused culinary delights at each of our eight Colorado dispensary locations.

Additional reading: we polled Lightshade team members to discover their favorite edibles. Click here to find out what they said.

2. Canna-centric Journals

The variety of strains available today is astounding, and new strains are showing up all the time. Modern cannabis strains are grown to highlight specific terpenes or profiles, offering a broad range of diversity in taste, effects, and aroma. 

Keeping a written record of your experience with each new strain is a great way to refine your tastes, keep track of what you’ve tried, and bring focus to your consumption experience. 

Not everyone wants to write a complete journal, but some type of scoring system gets the job done. Need some inspiration to get started? Look no further than the Cannabis Taster Notebook, from Goldleaf. This pocket-sized journal is designed for cannabis enthusiasts. It’s guided entry pages, graphics, tips, and tricks help you document the effects, flavors, aromas, and experiences of your favorite cannabis strains.

3. Self Care

New cannabis product categories continue to emerge as people discover unique applications for our favorite plant. Because of this, cannabis is now a popular ingredient in spa and skincare products. 

We keep a full-stock of Mary’s Medicinals products at Lightshade, including tinctures and patches that contain THC. Mary’s recently developed a skincare line, Mary’s Methods. The product line includes bath bombs, body scrubs, moisturizers, and more. Each product is infused with hemp-derived CBD and is the perfect way to treat yourself after a rough day (or any day). We also carry some amazing products from Coda Signature, including bath bombs and massage oils.

If you enjoy DIY projects, why not craft your own cannabis skincare products? Sandra Hinchliffe’s The Cannabis Spa at Home includes easy-to-follow instructions to help you create more than 70 canna-spa products, including bath salts, emulsions, and lotions. Each recipe is designed for the cannabis enthusiast to craft in the comfort of their own kitchen.

4. Fitness

Fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes recognize the therapeutic attributes of cannabis. And today, there are infused products for smoothies (like Stillwater’s Ripple) and cannabis supplements designed to help with recovery after hard workouts. 

In a recent study, researchers from the University of Colorado found that eight out of ten cannabis consumers say they dose just before, or after exercise. Of those who participated in the study, most reported extra motivation, enhanced enjoyment, and improved recovery. As always, experimentation with dosage is critical, and we recommend that you start low and go slow. Don’t ruin your motivation to sweat by getting too high.

Legalization has kicked open the doors to new and innovative ways of enjoying cannabis. Drop by your favorite Lightshade location to learn more.

So, you’ve got 3 days at Red Rocks coming up. What makes performing at Red Rocks different from other venues?

“Red Rocks is simply the most incredible place for music in our country, for both the musicians and the fans. It’s awe-inspiring, just the coolest place to stand on a stage and let the music flow.“

Cannabis has been legal here in Colorado for a long time. Does that make your shows feel different when compared to other states that haven’t legalized adult-use, for example compared to when you perform in Indiana?

“They definitely smell different!“

“I think the fans can relax and enjoy themselves a little more when they know security is not trying to bust them. So, in a way it just makes the shows a little more fun for everyone.“

What role does cannabis play in your music, in all aspects from songwriting to performing?

“It’s always been a source of inspiration; it can help you to lock yourself into a zone and be focused or get lost in the woods.“

“It’s definitely a boon in both creativity and focus. There aren’t many things in life that can simultaneously allow you to relax and focus. So, it’s nice to have as an option for those who want to get on the path.“

When did cannabis first become a part of your lives, and how were you introduced to it? What were your initial reactions?

“I was in a forest in South Bend in what is now the Eddy Street Commons. I didn’t think it was working so I took a bunch of hits. I was suddenly 50 yards to the left in a bush. I also thought the traffic helicopters knew what we were up to. So I went into a Notre Dame football game and promptly burned the roof of my mouth on some hot chocolate. It was kind of intense. But I grew to love it.“

“I went to see Bob Dylan at The Chicago Theatre as a sophomore in high school. I and my band mates at the time had a dugout with a metal bat that we fired up in a car in a parking garage. I got a couple good hits but didn’t really understand what I was doing and blew the cherry out on the third try.“

You’re doing something new with the Day Nurse and Night Nurse pens. What made you decide to take a step beyond being cannabis fans to creating and promoting an actual cannabis product?

“It’s a very natural concept for us to do something with cannabis. We’ve made a Nothing Too Fancy Pale Ale and a couple other short run beer projects in the past, and we know many of our fans enjoy cannabis as well as beer. Day Nurse & Night Nurse are of course two much-loved Umphrey’s McGee songs, the naming process made lots of sense to us.“

“The stigma that has long surrounded cannabis in the U.S. has finally, and sensibly, began to lift. We’ve discussed it for years and feel like the conditions are finally right, there is no putting this genie back in the bottle. American lawmakers seem to have finally realized that maybe having access to taxed and regulated marijuana won’t result society crashing down up us.“

And what can fans expect from the new, limited-edition Day Nurse and Night Nurse vapes?

“With the Day Nurse vape you have the energizing, uplifting experience of a sativa blend and the Night Nurse indica oil will be more of a deep, relaxing buzz. You’ve got two great options depending on which direction you’d like to go.“

“Everything you need and nothing you don’t. We feel great about the two profiles we’ve put together with “the nurses,” one for your daytime go get ‘em needs and another for your dial it down desires.“

Why did you decide to partner with MedPharm/Batch?

“Tim has been an acquaintance of ours for many years and has always been someone who wanted to reach out and help, whether it was needing backline keyboards or an entirely new venue for a show. So, when he approached us with this idea, we were of course intrigued.“

“My father has forever instilled in me that when you do something, do it right the first time. We’ve passed on a handful partnerships when we didn’t feel the confident about the operation from soup to nuts. With MedPharm/Batch, we saw a partner as detail oriented and self-contained as UM. From an in-house chemist to ensure the highest possible quality to a killer design team and everything in between, this felt like the fit we’d been waiting for.“

Why did you partner with Lightshade?

“Lightshade was a natural extension of the MedPharm/Batch partnership. Their quality reputation as one of Colorado’s most trusted dispensaries mirrored our desire to keep the expectations high. Killer service, knowledgeable staff and an eye towards community and philanthropic support feels like a good for The Nurses.“

Do you have a favorite strain?

“My personal favorites include Cali Star, Chocolope, Strawberry Cough & Green Crack. They’re all very similar in that they are motivational, uplifting and delightfully tasty strains as well as being consistent.“

How about a favorite way to consume?

“Pax 2 or 3 with flower because you can specific with your flavor profile and it’s a healthier option than combustion for a singer. The different settings vary from pure vape to smoke and in between.“

“I still prefer flower when possible. The taste and the buzz are unparalleled, especially with all of the industry advancements over the years.“

Any additional comments you’d like to make to the Umphree’s fans out there?

“I’m just pleased to see the evolution on the thinking of cannabis in our society. Legalization is an idea that overdue. The fact that you can pick up an AR-15 and a case of Bourbon on the way home but could land in jail for “having a little grass in your pocket” (as my mom would say), doesn’t strike me as particularly sensical. Like any cognitive or conscious altering substance, it needs to be treated with caution, respect & moderation but let’s make sure we’re talking apples to apples. Legalization is a criminal justice issue, a racial issue and a class issue and while so many problems in our society are exceedingly complex to solve, this doesn’t isn’t one of them. I’m pleased to see we’re making some progress in this country and approaching the issue with a little more common sense.“

Click here to find out more about the limited-run Umphree’s McGee Day Nurse and Night Nurse vape pens. Don’t hit snooze on this one- these will go fast, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good!

The Cannabis + Music Connection—A Legacy of Inspired Sounds

Consumers understand the connection between cannabis and music—but do you know how deep the relationship goes?

Cannabis has a deep relationship with sound. Looking back at the beatniks of the 1950s and hippies of the 60s, we can see that both groups found influence and inspiration from cannabis.  

Beat generation author and cultural icon Allen Ginsberg wrote, “Marijuana is a useful catalyst for specific optical and aural aesthetic perceptions.” Jack Kerouac, arguably the most recognizable of the “Beats” in 1969 (the year of Woodstock) wrote, “I smoked more grass than anyone you ever knew in your life.”

Beatniks and hippies consumed cannabis to enhance the experience of music and to inspire creativity. Whether they were rolling one joint (or many) to enjoy at Birdland during a Charlie Parker session, or at El Chapultepec, Denver’s legendary Jazz bar and Beat hangout (yes, Denver has always been cool), the Beats were the original supporters of cannabis culture.

The musicians themselves also consumed cannabis (#Duh). Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix (and many, many more), openly discussed their cannabis consumption. Citing the transcendental effect THC has on the creative mind, musicians, spanning genres and generations continue to find inspiration in cannabis.

HASH AND POT…THEY JUST BEND YOUR MIND A LITTLE. I THINK EVERYBODY’S MIND SHOULD BE BENT ONCE IN A WHILE.—BOB DYLAN

Our beloved 420, the officially unofficial cannabis holiday, exists because a few hippie high school students needed a place and time to consume, and that time/code, 4:20, made its way to the entourage surrounding the Grateful Dead (we wrote a blog about it that you can read here). The rest, as they say, is history.

Regardless of your preference in music— Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock, Goth/Industrial, Punk, Jam Bands, EDM, Noise, etc.—consuming cannabis before or during the act of enjoying (or playing) music can enhance each note and every rhythm.

YOU NEED MUSIC, I DON’T KNOW WHY. IT’S PROBABLY ONE OF THOSE JOSEPH CAMPBELL QUESTIONS, WHY WE NEED RITUAL. WE NEED MAGIC AND BLISS, AND POWER AND MYTH, AND CELEBRATION AND RELIGION IN OUR LIVES AND MUSIC IS A GOOD WAY TO ENCAPSULATE A LOT OF IT.—JERRY GARCIA

When it comes to seeing live music, there is almost no better way to pre-game than to consume cannabis (sorry, booze). A show at Red Rocks is one of the classic Colorado sound-centric activities. Take a rideshare to Red Rocks (or designate a sober companion), and before heading out the door, pregame with an edible, joint (shareable), or your preferred method of cannabis consumption. Of course, you can take this same approach to every show you see in Denver, at Red Rocks or any other live music venue.

Announcing Night Nurse and Day Nurse by MedPharm and Umphrey’s McGee—Available exclusively at Lightshade.

Colorado is obsessed with music and cannabis, and since the two are practically made to be enjoyed together, Lightshade is collaborating with Jam Band legends Umphrey’s McGee and MedPharm, on a limited-edition line of cannabis vape cartridges. Packaged in a two-pack of one sativa strain and one indica strain vape, Day Nurse and Night Nurse will be available exclusively through Lightshade. Hey, the band is even making an appearance, so stand by for more details!

Learn more about this exciting and exclusive new product release from Batch Extracts and Umphrey’s McGee.