Monthly Archives: April 2020

Our reality has felt like a dystopian sci-fi movie for a while now, but at least now there’s a positive plot twist. First, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson both survived a bout with COVID-19. Now Hanks tells Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! that he and his wife both have coronavirus antibodies in their systems, and have donated their blood to science in case the plasma can be used for good:

We have not only been approached, we have said, ‘Do you want our blood? Can we give plasma?’ And, in fact, we will be giving it now to the places that hope to work on what I would like to call the Hank-ccine.

HANK-CCINE.  In all of the stress and awfulness around us, at least we have that happy thought to carry us through.

Rita Wilson had previously mentioned this on CBS:

Well, that’s what they told us and that’s what the belief is. We recently have been part of a study where we’ve donated our blood, and we’re waiting to hear back if our antibodies will be helpful in developing a vaccine, but also if we are able to donate plasma that can be used as donation to other people who are suffering from the virus because we are immune.

George Stephanopoulous has also donated plasma but that’s not nearly as exciting.

Tom Hanks on Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me! [NPR]

Tom Hanks’ Blood Will be Used To Develop COVID-19 Vaccine [Today Online]

Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson to donate blood for COVID-19 vaccine [Katie Scott / Global News CA]

Image: e-ole4 / Flickr (CC 2.0)

Image: Tetra images RF / getty images

If you feel like eating some weed right now, you’re not alone. In the 33 states where people are legally allowed to buy marijuana, dispensaries have largely been considered “essential” and stayed open during the Coronavirus pandemic — and consumers have taken that opportunity to stock up. States like Colorado, California and Oregon have seen double-digit spikes in sales.

A viral pandemic isn’t the right time to puff-puff pass, of course. But getting a little stoned (try an edible, skip the joint for your lungs’ sake) can be a great way for some people — say, a magazine writer — to manage their anxiety and maybe giggle a little.

If you’re new to buying weed, calling the delivery guy can be intimidating. Hell, even if you’ve been smoking weed for ages, you might still have a few questions you’d like to ask your budtender. But, for the sake of social distancing, we asked Nishant Reddy, CEO of A Golden State, one of the oldest continuously operating marijuana cultivators in California, what you need to know before stocking up yourself. From terpenes to freshness, here’s your cheat sheet.

What the hell is a terpene?

Terpenes are organic compounds that are naturally occurring in plants. They are the essential oils that give these plants their distinct aromas and flavors. Around 20,00 terpenes have been categorized in plants and about 100 have been identified in cannabis. In other words, that robust citrus smell a consumer may get from A Golden State’s Sunbeam strain, those are the specific terpenes of this varietal producing that aroma. Likewise, similar to essential oils, these same terpenes may also play a role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis, for example, feeling relaxed, or uplifted.

A lot of products these days include both THC and CBD. How do CBD and THC interact?

CBD and THC are two of the most popular and studied phytocannabinoids within cannabis — in total there are more than 120. Our body has a natural endocannabinoid system designed to interact with cannabis, including CBD and THC. The two can be taken independently, together, or as recent research shows, they can be most beneficial when part of the “entourage effect” alongside cannabis terpenes. Various studies show that CBD and THC may be beneficial for inflammation, stress, insomnia and pain but more research is needed to conclusively say in what combination, dosage and the true nature of the entourage effect.

Again, it’s important to note that cannabis effects people differently and it’s best to start with small, measured dosages. I would suggest people use a CBD isolate and no THC during the day to prevent any adverse effect of THC, but at night, consumers can start with a low ratio of CBD:THC and see how it affects them.

What should a beginner know about indicas, sativas and hybrids?

It’s important to distinguish that these terms are very loose groupings and over the years through breeding and cross-breeding most cannabis varietals exhibit properties of each and the effects are very personal. However, a strain that is a sativa should lend itself to be more high energy, uplifting, social, creative, etc. Whereas, a strong indica should in general be the opposite end of the spectrum. I like to remember it by Indica, “in the couch.” A hybrid is somewhere in between but they tend to lean more in one direction or the other. For example, a sativa dominant hybrid will exhibit properties of an indica such as body high, relaxing, mildly sedative, pain-relief, but still be slightly uplifting and euphoric. This could be a great option to unwind with.

What’s the ideal freshness?

Three months from harvest date. Consumers should look to store their product in air-tight jars, out of direct light, a mid-60-degree temperature (definitely not over 70) and an ideal humidity range is around 60%.

What should buyers know about total THC percentage?

The higher the THC percentage the more intense the psychoactive effects will be. However, THC percentage is not the only variable impacting cannabis strength, cannabinoids and terpenes also play an effect and together this is commonly referred to as the entourage effect. One shouldn’t be fixated on THC percentage. In other words, we don’t buy alcohol solely based on alcohol percentage. Newcomers should definitely focus on lower THC percentages. I personally like 17%-24% as a nice entry point.

Do hydroponic plants produce better marijuana?

This comes down to the preference and skillset of individual growers and their preferred growing mediums. The short answer is no. We grow using organic coco, hydroponically, as well as using methods not mentioned here. Cultivation is a science that is constantly evolving and technologies within are improving faster than ever. We notice differences in yield and quality between the three and have our preferences, but what we produce in each is arguably still the best cannabis in California. However, this is a result of the diversity and mastery of our cultivation team; we have team members with experience in growing using each of the mediums, our superior genetics and commitment to innovation.

What are some good questions to ask a budtender on your first time inside a dispensary?

View the budtender as your cannabis sommelier, ask them what types of product they use: flower, oils, edibles, etc.See if their personal tastes align with your own, if not, maybe find a different budtender who knows more about the specific products you’re interested in. Once you find that person, I would focus on what they are using, what they consider the best and why. Tell them how you want to feel and what you plan to use the cannabis for. Lastly, an important distinguishing factor is whether those brands produce their own cannabis or do they source. This is really important to me, because in the nascent world of cannabis there is a lack of accountability and consistency, so I would only want product from a brand that produces their own product and can stand behind it.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

If you feel like eating some weed right now, you’re not alone. In the 33 states where people are legally allowed to buy marijuana, dispensaries have largely been considered “essential” and stayed open during the Coronavirus pandemic — and consumers have taken that opportunity to stock up. States like Colorado, California and Oregon have seen double-digit spikes in sales.

A viral pandemic isn’t the right time to puff-puff pass, of course. But getting a little stoned (try an edible, skip the joint for your lungs’ sake) can be a great way for some people — say, a magazine writer — to manage their anxiety and maybe giggle a little.

If you’re new to buying weed, calling the delivery guy can be intimidating. Hell, even if you’ve been smoking weed for ages, you might still have a few questions you’d like to ask your budtender. But, for the sake of social distancing, we asked Nishant Reddy, CEO of A Golden State, one of the oldest continuously operating marijuana cultivators in California, what you need to know before stocking up yourself. From terpenes to freshness, here’s your cheat sheet.

What the hell is a terpene?

Terpenes are organic compounds that are naturally occurring in plants. They are the essential oils that give these plants their distinct aromas and flavors. Around 20,00 terpenes have been categorized in plants and about 100 have been identified in cannabis. In other words, that robust citrus smell a consumer may get from A Golden State’s Sunbeam strain, those are the specific terpenes of this varietal producing that aroma. Likewise, similar to essential oils, these same terpenes may also play a role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis, for example, feeling relaxed, or uplifted.

A lot of products these days include both THC and CBD. How do CBD and THC interact?

CBD and THC are two of the most popular and studied phytocannabinoids within cannabis — in total there are more than 120. Our body has a natural endocannabinoid system designed to interact with cannabis, including CBD and THC. The two can be taken independently, together, or as recent research shows, they can be most beneficial when part of the “entourage effect” alongside cannabis terpenes. Various studies show that CBD and THC may be beneficial for inflammation, stress, insomnia and pain but more research is needed to conclusively say in what combination, dosage and the true nature of the entourage effect.

Again, it’s important to note that cannabis effects people differently and it’s best to start with small, measured dosages. I would suggest people use a CBD isolate and no THC during the day to prevent any adverse effect of THC, but at night, consumers can start with a low ratio of CBD:THC and see how it affects them.

What should a beginner know about indicas, sativas and hybrids?

It’s important to distinguish that these terms are very loose groupings and over the years through breeding and cross-breeding most cannabis varietals exhibit properties of each and the effects are very personal. However, a strain that is a sativa should lend itself to be more high energy, uplifting, social, creative, etc. Whereas, a strong indica should in general be the opposite end of the spectrum. I like to remember it by Indica, “in the couch.” A hybrid is somewhere in between but they tend to lean more in one direction or the other. For example, a sativa dominant hybrid will exhibit properties of an indica such as body high, relaxing, mildly sedative, pain-relief, but still be slightly uplifting and euphoric. This could be a great option to unwind with.

What’s the ideal freshness?

Three months from harvest date. Consumers should look to store their product in air-tight jars, out of direct light, a mid-60-degree temperature (definitely not over 70) and an ideal humidity range is around 60%.

What should buyers know about total THC percentage?

The higher the THC percentage the more intense the psychoactive effects will be. However, THC percentage is not the only variable impacting cannabis strength, cannabinoids and terpenes also play an effect and together this is commonly referred to as the entourage effect. One shouldn’t be fixated on THC percentage. In other words, we don’t buy alcohol solely based on alcohol percentage. Newcomers should definitely focus on lower THC percentages. I personally like 17%-24% as a nice entry point.

Do hydroponic plants produce better marijuana?

This comes down to the preference and skillset of individual growers and their preferred growing mediums. The short answer is no. We grow using organic coco, hydroponically, as well as using methods not mentioned here. Cultivation is a science that is constantly evolving and technologies within are improving faster than ever. We notice differences in yield and quality between the three and have our preferences, but what we produce in each is arguably still the best cannabis in California. However, this is a result of the diversity and mastery of our cultivation team; we have team members with experience in growing using each of the mediums, our superior genetics and commitment to innovation.

What are some good questions to ask a budtender on your first time inside a dispensary?

View the budtender as your cannabis sommelier, ask them what types of product they use: flower, oils, edibles, etc.See if their personal tastes align with your own, if not, maybe find a different budtender who knows more about the specific products you’re interested in. Once you find that person, I would focus on what they are using, what they consider the best and why. Tell them how you want to feel and what you plan to use the cannabis for. Lastly, an important distinguishing factor is whether those brands produce their own cannabis or do they source. This is really important to me, because in the nascent world of cannabis there is a lack of accountability and consistency, so I would only want product from a brand that produces their own product and can stand behind it.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

While all the gloom and doom of our COVID-19 quarantine realities can definitely put a damper on life as we know it, all this time spent at home doesn’t have to go to waste.

As the world tries to slow the spread of the virus, this would also be a good time to slow down a bit yourself and take a little personal stock. Odds are, there’s some area, or possible, multiple areas of your pre-lockdown life that could use addressing — and you’ll find no better roadmap to getting all those deficiencies on track than the training in The Ultimate Life Hacker Master Class Bundle.

This collection features 11 courses featuring 44 hours of instruction all aimed at striking the work-life-productivity-efficiency balance that we all seek.

If your career could use some work, four courses here will help you bolster those professional aspirations.  Create Your Dream Job: Hack the Job Search and Skip the Ladder teaches some of the most powerful, simple techniques used by some of the world’s most successful people, while The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking Course covers how to give great speeches for both business and personal presentations.

Branding You: How to Build Your Multimedia Internet Empire examines the Branding You™ Strategy, a paradigm for creating and managing media that drives traffic; and The Complete Job Interviewing Skills Master Class Course prepares you to walk into the job interview of your dreams and absolutely crush it.

If maybe your productivity and organizational skills need some attention, the Productivity Master Class: How to Powerfully Get Things Done can help you dig in on a 4-step framework for immediately getting more done towards your goals. Meanwhile, 30-Day Challenge: Boost Your Productivity & Happiness features 30 life-improving exercises; and Become a Speed Demon: Productivity Tricks to Have More Time teaches cutting-edge tips and tricks to blaze through the day’s most time-intensive activities, freeing up time for doing what you want to do.

Of course, you can’t neglect self-improvement as part of the bettering yourself equation. Health and Nutrition Master Class offers three steps toward a 30-day health transformation; and Active Listening: A Practical Guide to Being an Active Listener teaches how to greatly improve your communication skills and set you apart from your peers.

Finally, both Become a SuperLearner 2: Learn Speed Reading & Boost Memory and 5 Day Memory Mastery: Learn to Memorize Anything with Ease will have your brain processing and retaining more information.

The whole collection is a $2,000 learning package, but it’s available now for only $35, just over $3 per course.

CBD gummies have become the franchise piece for the industry.

As popular as CBD has become, gummies have proven to be consumers #1 choice, providing an alternative to smoking or vaping that people who otherwise haven’t consumed cannabis would be willing to use. Loved among the old and young, CBD gummies are easily the premiere choice of the industry, but where should people go to get the best quality?

With so many different people trying to take advantage of the ‘green rush’ coming from CBD’s nationwide legalization, it can be tough to know who to trust. Especially with edibles, the chances of coming across some snake oil or something of underwhelming quality is not worth the risk. And if you’ve found yourself wondering who out there you can trust for gummies, then luckily for you, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite sources. Check them out below:

Verma Farms

One of the best choices on the market when it comes to CBD, Verma Farms has consistently been a winner since its launch last year. Delivering upon products that not only set the standard for what natural CBD should be like; but how to continuously deliver on market trends time-and-time again is a special feat. However, it’s one that Verma Farms gets right every time, with the latest upgrades they’ve made to their CBD gummy lineup as a no exception. They have the widest selection of products on the market, so there’s something for everyone.

For their gummies, Verma Farms has designed a solid blend between flavor and quality that’s unmatched, with its most popular product being its CBD Gummy Pack. Although it sounds particular, the hardest part of designing CBD gummies comes down to the balance between bite texture and the first flavor that hits your palette; and as many CBD companies aim for their gummies to mask the flavor of the cannabis, Verma doesn’t worry about that, and instead focuses on creating something you can eat guilt-free. Regardless of how experienced someone is with CBD, having a product you can take day-in and day-out is what’s important, which Verma Farms gets right across the board.

Penguin

Another popular name in CBD, Penguin has a stellar selection of CBD gummies as well. Coming in with a multipack, the variety of flavors within are outstanding on their own. The right blend between sweet and sour, each 30 pack contains 10mg of CBD, coming in at a solid value for $45 per pack. And with a solid process to their creation, Penguin actually puts together a solid amount of value for what you’re getting in return.

Sourced from Oregon, Penguin utilizes CBD grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, harvested into the purest concoction they can yield. Distilling into an isolate, Penguin makes a great product for anyone first getting into CBD or even has been at it for a while. By creating rich, flavorful gummies that hit the sour notes without being too bitter, a lot of detail went into these – that’s clear from start to finish. All-in-all, this is a knockout choice for someone looking for a straightforward CBD gummy made by a trusted brand.

Not Pot

Another favorite brand to pop over the years is Not Pot. Often considered a case study in how CBD branding should look, Not Pot is the perfect blend of not taking themselves too seriously while investing quite a bit into the details of their product and brand. They are one of the more clever and fun CBD companies on the market, with their main product of gummies becoming a runaway hit.

Beyond the fun and playful feel, Not Pot is serious about the quality of their CBD. Not only do they offer five top-tier fruit flavors (Green Apple, Pineapple, Watermelon, Grape, and Blue Raspberry), but they put a lot of details into each jar, with each snack providing a more refreshing bite than the last.

The best part? Not Pot keeps up the inclusive attitude with their pricing as well, coming in with an entry at $39.99 for some high-strength, low-intervention CBD, becoming a favorite CBD company this year.

Lord Jones

Offering a premium for gummies, Lord Jones is the Rolls Royce of the CBD world. Unapologetic in their pricing, the quality is certainly in with them. Offering nine 20mg gummies per box at $45, what you’re buying is still competitive. However, it’s the detail, texture, and flavor that went into these that justify them as a ‘treat’.

When a brand makes its tagline ‘The World’s Finest CBD Infused Products’, that’s a steep title to live up to, and one that can often come off as corny or gimmicky; however, Lord Jones really delivers on the hype.

Although not quite offering bargains, their pricing is honest for what you’re getting, as Lord Jones develops some of the more high-quality candies on the market. It’s clear that you’re paying for an experience with them, which if you want a treat in CBD gummies, then this is an excellent company to indulge in.

Joy Organics

Another great company that lives up to their name; Joy Organics does indeed, bring you joy. Coming with two flavors of Strawberry Lemonade and Green Apple, their 30 pack of 10mg gummies is one of the best values on our list. Made with premium quality ingredients, Joy Organics also lives true to the organic part of their name as well, keeping practically everything they can in their products as organic as possible. For a broad spectrum product, this is easily a favorite among CBD fans.

The biggest thing about Joy Organics is how much pride they have in consistency. Their mission of delivering on quality CBD that’s sourced and made organically is met with every product they produce, which is a hard feat to match. This is why Joy Organics’ reputation among CBD is growing to be one of the best, proving that a lot of the mission-based products have become early frontrunners among the industry.

CBDfx

An excellent company when it comes to offering a balanced lineup, CBDfx is a smart choice. Offering a broad spectrum variety, their flavorings are based more on your CBD experience, complete with traditional Gummy Bears, Tumeric and Spirulina, Melatonin, Apple Cider Vinegar, Biotin, and gummy multivitamins. Obviously, their variety is great for using CBD and something else in tandem, and with 300mg for $49.99 across the board, they’ve ironed out a smart formula for what gummies should look like.

Granted, just because CBDfx offers a wide range of intent for their CBD, that’s not to say they skimp on ingredients. The sourcing for CBDfx is really what sets the standard for a lot of what mixtures like this should look like; providing premium ingredients for an exceptional experience. Considerably delicious for the flavor too, CBDfx is an underrated selection, hitting every single standard with flying colors.

Balance

One of the most popular names out for their pricing and variety of gummies; Balance is a brand you should get familiar with. Starting at $19.95, the highest pricing they offer is $34.95, making them an incredibly accessible brand. Offering the flavors Strawberry, Orange, Raspberry, Cotton Candy, Granny Smith, and Wildberry, as well as a Variety Pack, Balance lives up to their name for the variety of tastes. The eating experience doesn’t intrude very much, providing a simple, straightforward gummy that gets the job done. However, don’t sleep on their quality, as Balance definitely comes through with the strength of their team.

Founded by primarily those in the medical field, Balance has a team that has been evangelists of CBD for some time now. A smart group that really has honed in on the details of how to offer a quality product, Balance is out to set levels of how CBD should be done among the mix that others aren’t reaching yet. Don’t be surprised if you hear about them in the coming years when it comes to CBD advancements and research.

CBDistillery

There are certain brands that put almost all their resources into the product, which CBDistillery is a case study of. Regarded as a top CBD company among critics, CBDistillery offers an outstanding line of products, with gummies holding up to the competition just as well as any of the rest. Offering two simple selections between a regular and melatonin infused variety, CBDistillery puts everything into enabling a top-tier experience among them, putting a decently high dosage of 30mg at a 25 count for $55 each as the base (with a double pack on sale for $90). Beyond just their products, CBDistillery also is an active advocate for the CBD community, looking to lead what they consider is the #CBDMOVEMENT.

Founded by Colorado natives, CBDistillery was inspired by the opportunists in the industry looking to make a quick buck off CBD rather than actually be interested in creating a solid process. Instead, CBDistillery has offered high-quality products at an affordable price that’s helped their name quickly among the CBD community on a national scale. Now looking to become a household name in CBD, CBDistillery has certainly cultivated quite the dedicated following.

Royal CBD

Trying to live up to a title like royalty sets a high barometer, but that’s exactly what Royal CBD is doing. Coming in with a simple, elegant lineup of two gummies at 10mg and 25mg, Royal CBD has straightforward pricing that actually is accessible to the masses ($54 and $79, respectively). Utilizing a high-quality process, Royal CBD is made from organic hemp that comes with a full dose per bite. Sourced from some of the best CBD in the business, Royal CBD definitely keeps it authentic.

Although Royal has a premium name, they aim to offer it to as many people as possible. Offering full transparency behind their products, their full spectrum offering is one that gives a plant-to-person experience that’s unmatched. Although we’d recommend them to someone who may have had CBD a time or two, they’re definitely delivering on a product that doesn’t hold back, which anyone looking to get into CBD should keep on their radar.

Premium Jane

To round out the list is Premium Jane, who although only offers one type of CBD gummy, is one of the better suppliers in the industry. This CBD company is known for delivering a top-quality product without skimping on the process. Also, they’re known for delivering an organic, pesticide-free CBD gummy that is 25mg per piece while also providing a lot of value for the price of $55 per 30 piece bottle. Packing premium value into a solid price is one of the great things about Premium Jane, with these gummies as an exceptional selection.

One thing that Premium Jane prides itself on is taste. Eliminating what they consider an ‘earthy, grassy taste’, they aim to make flavors that please the palette, however, don’t go for overly sweet or artificial flavors. Keeping it pure but expansive, Premium Jane doesn’t hold back on flavor or ingredients, making them worthy of any best CBD list. Keep an eye out for what they have coming up, as this is a brand you don’t want to sleep on.

A Final Note About CBD

CBD is a great substance, but it’s something you want to speak with your doctor about before consuming it. As CBD isn’t for everyone, it’s important to note what’s best for you based on your history. Even if it’s just a quick call, learning if there’s any remote danger (especially in older consumers or those with preexisting conditions) could help quite a bit in getting your CBD experience off on the right foot.

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Considering the human race’s utter dependence on coffee, it’s no surprise that more than 40 percent of American homes have a single-cup coffee brewing system. Unfortunately, most of those machines take pods made from various plastic and aluminum materials that aren’t easily recyclable. And while 39,000 of those pods are made every minute worldwide, about 29,000 of those pods will ultimately end up in landfills, where they’ll all sit for up to 500 years.

Those are not numbers that’ll make you feel good about your obsession with the perfect cup of coffee. Thankfully, manufacturers are taking note and we’re beginning to see more and more coffee makers start producing compostable pods to combat the ill effects on our environment.

For example, you can try out a collection of offerings from Australia’s tastiest sustainable and compostable coffee pod maker Pod and Parcel with a 60-pod sample pack.

Pod and Parcel use specialty-grade Arabica beans roasted in the coffee mecca of Melbourne to create six of their most satisfying flavors: Mbeya, Huehuetenango, Bezzera, Florentino, Munro, and Bancroft. Matching blends originating from around the world, each flavor producing intensities from rich and balanced up to bold and assertive.

The collection features 10 pods of each variety, with each ready to brew in its own biodegradable and compostable pod. The pod capsules engineered to work with all original style Nespresso coffee machines are made from plant-based materials that break down in just 90 days, shrinking your carbon footprint and assuring you’re part of the ecological solution, not the problem.

Made from a patented bio-based polymer derived from renewable and sustainable sources like corn and potato starch these pods also release up to 75 percent less C02 during production when compared to aluminum.

With this sampler, you can try some of the most original flavors from one of the world’s premier artisan coffee makers, all with the peace of mind that your addiction isn’t damaging the planet. On top of that, the 60-pod collection is also $7 off right now, available for only $39.99.