CHOOSE LOOSE LEAF VS. KRATOM POWDER

Kratom (scientific name: Mitragyna speciosa) is an ethnobotanical herb native to Southeast Asia. The plant shares a rich, sometimes controversial history in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Civilizations here have used the plant as a therapeutic medicine for thousands of years. Even where legislation bans the use of kratom products like crushed leaf kratom powder, you can find casual users consuming kratom tea or chewing leaves right from the kratom tree.

It only makes sense: recent studies have corroborated anecdotal reports that kratom can offer a variety of positive effects. For example, in a recent research study involving kratom and canines, clinicians administered mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—the active compounds in kratom products—to dogs. Humans share about 85% of their DNA with canines, making them a solid factor of comparison for human-kratom efficacy. What we learned from this study:

• Kratom can reduce stress-related behavioral signs; in canines, this appears as “pacing, barking, jumping, and spinning,” to name a few.
• Kratom induces “no clinically significant changes in vital signs,” a sign that the herb is well-tolerated in dogs.
• Kratom does not induce any side effects that would otherwise detract from its potential as a botanical supplement.

John Hopkins also released a report indicating the demographics of kratom users. These metrics signified a shift towards kratom acceptance for ailments like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid use disorders.

But as science continues to catch up to demand, kratom products like loose kratom leaf or powdered kratom continue to change lives around the globe. However, with so many noteworthy formulations out there, how can you know which form of kratom is right for you? Specifically, do you fall into the category of:

• Kratom Powder Fanatics: those who embrace the simplicity of the toss-and-wash method, the convenience of kratom capsules, or the variety of geographical kratom strains!
• Kratom Tea Heads: those who delight in an earthy, delicious cup of steaming kratom tea, brewed from kratom leaves sourced directly from small, family farms in Southeast Asia!

A lot of Kratom for sale online but each has its pros and cons. However, learning more about loose leaf vs. kratom powder may change how you approach your kratom regimen for the better!

WHAT IS SHATTER MADE OF?

If you're bored of buying the same cannabis products all the time, and you're looking for a change, there are a huge variety of alternative smoking methods and forms of cannabis, outside of the traditional flower form.

Oils, extracts, edibles and tinctures; it can be overwhelming just trying to wrap your head around all the different forms of cannabis products available on the market these days.

WHAT IS SHATTER MADE OF?

If you’ve been wondering ‘what is shatter made of?’, we’ve got answers for you.

Shatter is sometimes called 'shatter wax', but the truth is that true shatter has more of the consistency of glass that has been laid out in thin sheets. It's often compared to glass, because of its texture and semi-transparency, as well as how brittle the amber-colored substance becomes when it’s made properly.

While it may not look much like the flower from which it's made, shatter is actually just a combination of the extracted cannabinoids and terpenes from the trichomes found in the cannabis plant matter.

To put this extracts strength into perspective, on average even the most potent, best weed strains available will typically have a THC potency ranging from around 15% to almost 30% in very strong strains.

Shatter, however, boasts strength as high as 80% THC in some cases. Even for veteran smokers, this extract has the potential to knock them for a loop; especially if they overindulge, or if they aren't prepared for the intensity of their high.

HOW IS SHATTER MADE?

Making shatter is a relatively straightforward process. With that said, and we cannot stress this enough, you SHOULD NOT try to make shatter at home. Many injuries, explosions and home fires have occurred because of users trying to make their own shatter at home, without the proper experience and equipment.

There are very specific, expensive pieces of equipment used to make this extract safely. The professionals who are making shatter have years of experience. Experience that even the more veteran cannabis users won’t have. You can buy shatter online canada anywhere.

With that said, to make shatter cannabis flowers are added to liquid butane; in order to separate the trichomes, cannabinoids and terpenes from the flower.

The resulting mix is then collected and heated, to remove as much as the butane as possible from the extract.

After it's been heated, the result is left to settle and cool; where it becomes the brittle, glass-like substance we know as shatter.

HOW IS CBD WAX MADE?

HOW IS CBD WAX MADE?

CBD wax is made by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. There are several ways manufacturers extract CBD, but the two most common use a ‘closed loop extraction system’ and are often referred to as:

Butane Hash Oil extraction (BHO)

In this instance, butane, a highly explosive gas, is blasted over the plant material to extract its essential oils, including cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. As the butane evaporates, a potent, concentrated substance is left behind. Following this, the substance is tested to ensure the successful removal of the butane.

CO2 extraction

Believed to be a far safer way of extracting cannabinoids, CO2 extraction is also expensive. This process uses pressurised carbon dioxide to extract cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. Heat and pressure force the carbon dioxide to turn ‘super-critical’ (a state of liquid and gas), which then evaporates, leaving behind a pure, concentrated form of cannabis.

CAN YOU MAKE YOUR OWN CBD WAX?

The above methods are not exceptionally safe or cost-effective, so it’s recommended to leave these to the experts. That’s if you want to avoid burning down your kitchen. 

A method which has taken off in popularity recently is rosin press extraction. This simple tool can be used safely at home and uses solely heat and pressure to generate a solvent-free form of concentrated cannabis.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CBD WAX?

You may have heard various terms used to describe CBD wax, from budder to shatter, making it a little confusing. These terms refer to the consistency of the product, and they all fall under the umbrella of what we call CBD wax. Different types of CBD wax can include:

CBD Budder

CBD budder is produced by using air pressure and purging the CBD extract at an extremely high temperature. The substance is then whipped to extract solvents, creating a fluffy, creamy texture which resembles butter.

CBD Shatter

Unique in its appearance, CBD shatter has a translucent appearance which is often clear or amber in colour. As the name suggests, the substance is glass-like and can ‘shatter’ into many pieces. Upon heating, shatter melts to form a thick, gooey liquid resembling honey. Shatter is achieved by allowing the substance to cool down and harden after its extraction.

CBD Crumble

Likened to looking similar to honeycomb, CBD crumble has a brittle consistency. During the process of extraction, less moisture is removed from the product. This method enables a crumblier appearance, making it an easy CBD wax to handle.

Live Resin

To create live resin, hemp buds are immediately flash-frozen after harvest. This method helps to preserve a larger number of terpenes and cannabinoids, making a sought-after concentrate with maximum flavour and potency. Live resin has a runny consistency and is either white or pale yellow in colour.

Rosin

The most natural extract available, rosin is made by pressing the plant matter with heat and pressure. This method preserves the terpenes and cannabinoids, delivering a wax high in flavour and potency without the risk of any added solvents. Using a rosin press has become a popular method opted by those making CBD concentrate from home.

What Are the Benefits of Mushroom Extract Gummies?

Have you ever watched Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Well, we would love to say that our production of mushroom extract gummies is as colorful, exciting, and musical. However, we do feel all of our employees have that same sparkle in their eyes as Mr. Wonka himself. Not going to lie, working with mushrooms is far more exciting than working in a cubicle, so it’s not hard to have a sparkle in your eye! We make our gummies with extraordinary passion and attention to detail. Here's how it works:

• We ethically source our 100% USDA certified organic, non-GMO mushrooms from our partner mushroom farms 
• Then our team extracts the highest quality compounds through dual extraction and has these extractions 3rd party lab tested for quality and so that you know what the beneficial compounds are. We actually have these lab results transparent on our site on on a QR code on the products so you can see them yourself! 
• We blend the mushroom extracts with pectin and yummy flavors.
• The liquid mix gets poured into molds to set up.
•  After the gummies transform from liquid to gummies, we package the delicious gummies in super clean, third party audited, credited, and certified facilities and prepare them for shipping.
• You eat them, you say “Holy Sh!t these are amazing”, you have to force yourself not to eat the whole bag the first day...you revive your health!

Check out and buy shroom gummies online.

What Are the Benefits of Mushroom Extract Gummies?

There are a wide array of reasons that people can use mushroom gummies for. Most often, they're seeking holistic health benefits.** Mushrooms have been used by Eastern herbalists for centuries to help support overall wellness.* 

Here are the most common uses of functional mushroom gummies:

Mental Clarity and Nootropic Support

Need help cutting through the fog to stay focused? People often describe mushrooms as "brain food." Why? Because they may support blood circulation, including that to the brain.** This leads to feeling brighter and experiencing greater focus. Often, Lion's Mane mushroom is a favorite for concentration, improved memory, and better mood.**

"Nootropics" is just a fancy way of saying it supports optimal brain function by the way.*  Many people believe nootropics can help promote creativity, energy, and clarity.*

Energy Levels and Vitality

Many of the micronutrients in mushrooms may promote healthy energy levels.** This is likely because cordyceps contain compounds such as cordycepin and adenosine which play a crucial role in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production - aka energy production on a cellular level.**

Adaptogens

Another fancy word, right? As with nootropic, "adaptogen" is just a new way of saying plants and fungi help in supporting homeostasis within the body.** All that being said, many mushrooms work to support defense against occasional agitation and mental tension. In the long run, this helps the body better adapt to occasional situations that can cause worry or nervousness like when your in-laws ask you about your salary. But seriously, adaptogenic mushrooms help you to function better with mind and body support--it's why they're called "functional" mushrooms.*

Turkey tail, Reishi, Lion's Mane and other functional mushrooms are often considered adaptogenic royalty.

Calming

The pace and pressures of modern life can be counterproductive to our moods, relationships, and work-life. Many mushrooms may promote greater calmness to help combat 21st-century demands. Reishi and Chaga are two top contenders in this category to support stress relief.

High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract (HTFSE)

What is HTFSE?

High-Terpene Full-Spectrum Extracts — or HTFSE — may not be terms that rolls off the tongue, but these innovative and aromatic new concentrate types are taking the dabbing market by storm. In order to understand what HTFSE are, you must first understand what full-spectrum extracts are. Full-spectrum extracts contain a complete range of the marijuana strain’s original and medically-applicable chemical compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

Full-spectrum extracts consist of two parts: HTFSE and high-cannabinoid full-spectrum extracts (HCFSE). HCFSE contain a high concentration of cannabinoids, but are lacking in terpene levels and aroma. Furthermore, HCFSE has a gritty and diamond-like consistency when extracted and separated alongside HTFSE. HTFSE contains higher-than-normal levels of terpenes and has a liquid and sauce-like consistency, which can be difficult to handle. HTFSE can contain about 50 percent cannabinoids and anywhere from 13 to 40 percent terpenes. Check out this full spectrum vape high voltage carts online.

It’s all about the trichomes

When extracting cannabis compounds from the plant, the main goal is to reap all of the available trichome glands without the undesirable plant matter that can taste harsh when dabbed. Concentrates that are darker in color may contain this unwanted plant material. Trichomes, however, are tiny botanical outgrowths that contain the strain’s unique cannabinoids, which include THC, CBD and other minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC and CBN. These minor cannabinoids also provide health benefits.

A full-spectrum extract takes out all of the cannabinoids including inactive compounds such as THCA and CBDA. These are the acidic precursors to their parent compounds, THC and CBD, respectively. THCA can be activated through decarboxylation, which can occur during cooking, dabbing, or smoking extracts. Capturing this diverse set of compounds is crucial to producing solid HTFSE.

How is HTFSE made?

HTFSE start off with high-quality cured, fresh or flash-frozen cannabis buds, which contain the highest levels of terpenes in the plant’s life cycle. Much of the HCFSE use harsh extraction processes that degrade terpenes in the plant. Because terpenes have lower boiling points than most cannabinoids, they are the first to degrade in high-temperature and pressure extraction equipment.

Modern-day manufacturers have perfected their solvent-based and closed-loop extraction processes to retain as much of the terpenes as possible. Extraction companies can use a variety of solvents such as butane, propane, or carbon dioxide to dissolve chemical compounds in the raw material. State-of-the-art extraction equipment utilizes low-temperatures to capture the fragile and aromatic compounds.

After extraction, the concentrate is left to naturally separate into its individual components, HTFSE and HCFSE. After the desired separation and cannabinoid crystal formation occurs, the solutions are purged to remove any leftover solvents. HTFSE may contain fewer cannabinoids than HCFSE, but users report a more complex and balanced experience compared to dabbing HCFSE.

HTFSE are flavorful and potent

Given that HTFSE contains fewer cannabinoids than HCFSE, why would anyone opt for terpene-rich extracts? Cannabis researchers believe that the entire range of cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes have a synergistic experience on the body’s endocannabinoid system. Extracts such as distillates tout high-cannabinoid levels, but lack the nuance of HTFSE.

Chemical compounds in cannabis have an “entourage effect” that can provide users with a new and possibly better experience. HTFSE retains the strain’s unique terpene composition, so that you can enjoy an unparalleled flavor and effect. Even with a lower cannabinoid potency, HTFSE may provide benefits to those who aren’t looking to experience intense psychoactive effects.

DELTA 8 CART LAST?

 The Elements Used

Delta-8 carts are manufactured using various elements to improve taste, effectiveness, and durability. However, these elements determine the Delta-8 cart’s durability. Consider vape carts with organic ingredients to avoid chemical reactions that would lessen their shelf-life. Confirming the elements before storing your Delta-8 cart for more than five months is always prudent.

Purity Levels

If you are concerned about the shelf-life of your delta-8 cart, its purity is an important factor to consider. It might not be wise to rely on the purity levels posted on the labels since they could be misleading. The most effective way of affirming the purity levels is by accessing the COA’s report. Avoid Delta-8 pens with chemical solvents and heavy metals since their reaction can make them go bad faster than you thought.

How To Store Your Delta-8 Cart Correctly

To make your delta 8 cart last long, store them in the following ways;

Away From Light

Most people store their Delta-8 carts near windows, which isn’t safe at all. Trofin et al. (2012) noted that too much light, especially from the sun, might heat your vape, degrading its quality, potency levels, and shelf-life. This also applies to artificial light. If you are storing your cart in the fridge, avoid keeping it near the door, especially if it is for frequent use. The safest place to store your Delta-8 vape cart is somewhere dark.

Keep It Away From Heat

Confirm that where you have stored, your Delta-8 cart is away from household electronics. As mentioned, exposing your cart to too much heat degrades its quality levels and shelf life. Heat shifts the chemical formulation of most elements. This also has an impact on the potency levels, as suggested by Weednews (2022).

Where To Keep Your Delta-8 Cart

Some of the safest places to store your carts are;

In Cool and Dry Places

Extreme temperatures affect the quality of your Delta-8 vape cart. Too much heat or extremely low temperatures leads to the deformation of chemical compounds. Keeping your Delta-8 cart in extremely cold and open conditions can attract mold. Besides, as noted easier, extremely hot conditions lead to chemical compound deformations, lowering effectiveness and potency levels or shelf-life.

Keep it Air Tight Containers

Ensure you close your vape cart after taking several hits. Benhaim (2003) concluded that leaving cannabis products open results in the interaction of the cart with oxygen. This results in oxidation which alters the chemical formulation lowering its shelf-life. Delta-8 carts have lids that should be tightly closed after each vaping lowering interaction with the air.

How Do I Determine The Best Delta-8 Cart?

If you wish to make Delta-8 effective for therapeutic or recreational use, there are various factors to consider while choosing the best. Some of the tips to use in the market are;

COA’s Report

Avoid Delta-8 vapes without COA’s report since they are likely to be contaminated. If you buy from the nearest store, always scan the QR codes on the packaging, ensuring you can access them. If the brand has made them accessible, check the following two things;

Potency Levels

Various hemp-based producers have been offering wrong potency levels on their labels. This puts their customers at a higher risk of overdosing on THC. The FDA has conflicted with such brands since they don’t consider customers’ safety. Avoid Delta-8 manufacturers that constantly receive warnings from the FDA since such brands are even likely to lie about the ingredients. As a result, you might abuse marijuana rather than take a hemp-based Delta-8 cart. If the potency variance exceeds 10%, avoid them.

Purity Levels

Delta-8 is likely to be contaminated at the extraction or processing stage. The most recommended method of obtaining THC crude oil from organic hemp is by CO2. Unlike ethanol exposing your extracts to chemical solvents, CO2 minimizes the chances of contamination of Delta-8 cart and the environment, as suggested by Todd Giuseppe (2022).

Although you might successfully extract THC without contamination, the processing stage is critical. Processing of Delta-8 vape juice involves chemicals and heavy metals that risk contamination. At this stage, chemical solvents and heavy metals can get into the products. You wouldn’t wish to consume either for your safety. To ensure you are avoiding them, always confirm the actual purity levels from the lab results.

Also check out other Delta 8 products like, delta 8 chocolates and hhc cartridge.

Wet Trimming Or Dry Trimming?

This basically refers to taking the time to remove all the fan leaves, smaller leaves, and cut each bud individually, before the flowers have had a chance to dry. Growers who enjoy being hands on early doors with trimming scissors and gloves will place the buds on a drying net to air out over a 10-14 day period.

This method is also an excellent way to obtain fresh frozen live resin plant material. As the buds have not dried, they will not have a chance to decarboxylate causing a much more unique terpene profile to reveal itself after being washed for bubble hash or pressed into rosin.

For those who hate the idea of cutting down each bud fresh and trimming straight after harvesting or simply have too many plants, dry trimming involves removing all the fan leaves and allowing the entire plant to hang for 10-14 days. Only once the buds are totally dry, then the removal of the sugar leaf surrounding the buds can begin.

When trimming dried plants, be sure to have a tray or sifting screen to collect the fallen trichomes. Unlike ice water hash, this pollen can be immediately smoked and not required to dry out.

Hand Trimming VS Machine Trimming

The traditional and best way to really clean up a flower to perfection. Of course not all commercial operations are able to hand trim their buds due to logistics and impracticality, in comparison to using machine trimmers, or other equipment such as trim bins.

Oftentimes frowned upon by true connoisseurs, using machine trimming can be a lifesaver when it comes to trimming large quantities in a short time. The buds may need a second clean up, however commercially they are extremely advantageous. Some may argue the buds lack that personal touch to a home grower can afford to do.

How Long Will The Buds Take To Dry?

If you are wet trimming and allowing the buds to air out, or have chosen to hang the entire plant, you will need to give a time frame of preferably 14 days. Smaller buds may be ready to be smoked, or cured after 10, however it is best to leave for 14 days in most cases.

The temperature of the dark drying room should be as close to 15 degrees Celsius as possible, with a humidity close to 50%. Grow tents are perfect for drying, or a makeshift drying room with air extraction will be fine.

What To Look For

• The flowers will have reduced in size, however will have a solid density to them.
• To touch they will be dry and have a loud aroma when handled.
• The twigs attached to the buds will be light colored and break easily.
• Any remaining smells of chlorophyll have completely gone.
• The buds are sticky but dry, and have not become lifeless and airy.

Curing Cannabis Flowers To Enhance Flavor, Aroma, And Effect

Curing cheese or ham adds value, flavor and brings out new levels, so the same is to be expected when curing Cannabis flowers. There is a misconception that curing is the same as storing, which is not true as curing is an oxidation process.

The principle behind keeping buds in an airtight glass jar or tub, and allowing the tub to be opened for 10 minutes each day is to cause buds to react with the air and as a result degrade from THC to CBD. The effects will be different and offer a much more physical effect bordering on narcotic and ultimate couch lock.

Conclusion

Learning about how each plant grows and finishes differently takes time and hours in the garden. Once you have a strain dialed in and know exactly when to flush, chop, and cure then you will be on your way to growing some of the best flavors possible. Like everything else, drying and curing is a learning process that can easily go wrong, so make sure you cover every angle before making the final chop. 

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