Month: December 2019

From tinctures to edibles to capsules, oils, vape cartridges, and even flower, cannabidiol (CBD) products come in a dizzying array of forms, each with individual consumption methods. So you’d be forgiven for thinking CBD patches are just another item on the list. But they’re unique. Below, we’ll explain why CBD patches offer benefits other CBD products can’t touch. 

Easy, accurate and effective, CBD patches are as simple as it gets, even if the technology behind them is complex. In this guide, we take a close look at different types of CBD patches, how they work and how best to use them. We’ll wrap up with a list of three CBD patches worth trying. 

What Are CBD Patches?

Transdermal patches may be relatively new in the cannabis realm, but the technology has been around for decades. The concept is very similar to nicotine or birth control patches, with a few innovative twists that ensure the patch can effectively deliver CBD to your bloodstream. 

So what exactly are CBD patches? They’re patches that contain a measured dose of cannabidiol molecules, typically infused in an isolated solution, gel, or oil. Combined with carriers and permeation enhancers, the patch’s high concentration of CBD and your skin’s low concentration of CBD helps move the cannabinoids out of the patch and into your body. 

How Are CBD Patches Made?

Not all CBD patches are the same, and their differences come down to the way they’re made. Currently, you’ll find two different types of CBD patches on the market: matrix patches and reservoir patches. It’s important to know the difference between matrix and reservoir patches because one is more effective at delivering CBD than the other. 

• Matrix patches usually contain five layers: a peel-off layer that protects the CBD, a “matrix” layer infused with CBD, a separating layer, an adhesive layer, and a protective backing layer. The adhesive layer holds the matrix layer to your skin, and the CBD molecules move from the patch into your skin’s capillaries and from there, your bloodstream. 
• Reservoir patches are different in important ways. They still have a peel-off layer, an adhesive, and a protective backing, but the key element is the CBD reservoir’s permeable release membrane. Manufacturers can fine-tune that membrane to control the CBD delivery rate. This helps ensure that the patch releases CBD at a steadier, more controlled pace, rather than the tapered release of a matrix patch. 

If you have to pick, you should go with a reservoir patch: they’re more effective at releasing CBD at a controlled rate. 

How Do CBD Patches Work?

CBD patches pass CBD directly into our skin cells cannabinoids. Because our cells are made of lipids, and cannabinoids are also lipids, CBD readily diffuses through our cells, eventually making the way to our blood vessels. In other words, they deliver cannabinoids into your bloodstream through the skin, which allows the CBD to reach your endocannabinoid system, where it binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors to produce a variety of therapeutic effects. 

But transdermal delivery is still somewhat slow and inefficient. Our skin is very good at keeping out contaminants, toxins, and other compounds, so CBD patches need to be able to bypass the skin’s natural protective layers. That’s why some CBD patches use “permeation enhancers” that give CBD the extra push it needs to enter the bloodstream.

Permeation enhancers can take a variety of forms, from chemical solutions to physical enhancers like microneedles. But there are also natural permeation enhancers that are right at home in a cannabis product, such as terpenes and essential oils. 

The Benefits of CBD Patches

CBD patches have the benefit of being an extremely efficient cannabinoid delivery method: about 50% of what is applied to the skin gets into the bloodstream, even without permeation enhancers. When you inhale or ingest CBD, there is less of a guarantee that the molecules will eventually reach the bloodstream. The lungs are relatively good at absorbing CBD (about 50% of what you inhale), but this varies from person-to-person and puff-to-puff. When ingested, a lot of CBD simply passes through the body without being absorbed at all, and the liver breaks it down as well. Ultimately, only about 5% of the CBD you swallow ends up connecting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) — which is the goal. 

CBD patches skirt those limitations by allowing you to deliver cannabinoids directly to your bloodstream and ECS with minimal loss along the way. As a bonus, CBD also activates the skin cells directly (without needing to travel through the blood), which could be very beneficial for people with skin disorders.

Beyond efficiency and efficacy, CBD patches offer one of the most discreet delivery options. With patches, you don’t have to carry around a bottle of capsules or tincture while finding time and space to dose them throughout the day. Instead, you just wear the patch under your clothes, in the shower, at the gym, wherever. 

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And unlike inhaling or ingesting, where effects peak rapidly and taper off, CBD patches offer consistent dosing, steadily releasing cannabinoids into your body over time. And manufacturers can formulate patches with different doses and timeframes to fit a variety of clinical and therapeutic needs. 

In short, CBD patches could be more effective than other delivery methods. They last longer, are very efficient, and take much of the guesswork out of dosing. Plus, if you’ve ever been turned off by the taste of CBD oils or other edibles, or want to avoid the effects of smoke or vapor on your lungs and throat, patches are an attractive alternative. 

How Do You Use CBD Patches?

The way CBD patches are made and how they work may sound complicated, but using them couldn’t be easier — ease-of-use is one of the major advantages of CBD patches. 

To use a CBD patch, all you need to do is remove the protective film, apply the patch to your skin and wear it for the timeframe listed on the packaging. Timeframes refer to how long the patch is actively releasing CBD into your skin, and they can range from 6-12 hours and up to 96 hours.

There are, however, a few tricks to help get the most out of your CBD patch. Most patches work best on venous parts of your body where blood vessels and capillaries are close to the surface, underneath a thin layer of skin. Your wrists, ankles, upper arms, shoulders and the back of your neck are ideal locations. 

In some cases, CBD patches work best when applied directly to the area you’re treating for pain and inflammation. Wherever you put it, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your skin right before applying the patch. It’s important to remove any dirt and oils that can come between you and your CBD. 

The great thing about CBD patches is that you can simply apply more if you require a higher dose, or take them off if you need to stop the flow of CBD into your body. 

3 CBD Patches Worth Checking Out

Pure Ratios — 96 Hour Transdermal CBD Patch (40 milligrams CBD)

There is no stronger, longer-lasting CBD patch worth your time than Pure Ratios. Their transdermal reservoir patches are infused with hemp oil containing 40 milligrams of CBD. Fast-acting and constant, Pure Ratios offers long-term relief with a patch that lasts up to 96 hours. 

Pure Ratios uses natural permeation enhancers in the form of several essential oils: virgin avocado oil, EVOO, sweet almond oil and shea olein in a formula that’s all-natural, hypoallergenic and additive-free. Completely waterproof, Pure Ratios’ transdermal CBD patches are set-and-forget. Just apply the patch and wear it for up to 4 days for a steady dose of CBD. 

Availability: United States

Price: $18.00 per patch — Find it and other Pure Ratios products on Weedmaps

Mary’s Medicinals — Transdermal CBD Patch (10 milligrams CBD)

While some patches target pain and inflammation-related symptoms, Mary’s Medicinals transdermal CBD patches are formulated to help reduce stress and anxiety. They are enriched with terpenes, specifically limonene, b-pinene, and b-caryophyllene. Limonene and b-caryophyllene are terpenes found in cannabis strains that reduce anxiety. 

Mary’s Medicinals say their transdermal CBD patches provide relief for up to 12 hours. For consumers who do not live near a licensed cannabis dispensary or retail store, there’s a similar product offered under Mary’s Nutritionals line. Mary’s Nutritionals CBD patches are formulated with full-spectrum CBD oil and eucalyptus. 

Availability: United States

Price: $10.00 per patch — Find it and other Mary’s Medicinals products on Weedmaps

MÜV — 72-Hour Transdermal CBD Patch (20 milligrams CBD)

Müv’s extended-release transdermal patch is all about precision dosing and maximum cannabinoid permeability. Using the company’s proprietary “Evolve Encapsulated Technology,” this patch delivers a steady, controlled dose of 0.24mg CBD per hour. 

High-quality and consistent, Müv offers transdermal patches in a variety of formulations, including a potent 50 milligrams CBD patch with a 12-hour timeframe. Müv CBD patches are a great choice for a mix of applications, from time-released CBD micro-dosing to fast-acting pain relief and spot treatment.

Availability: Arizona and Florida

Price: $15.00 per patch — Find it and other Müv products on Weedmaps

Featured image from Shutterstock

The post CBD Patches — a Guaranteed Method of Cannabinoid Delivery — Explained appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm

Tech has CES and fashion has Magic, but the biggest trade show of the year for the cannabis industry is MJBizCon. The four-day event ran December 11-14 in Las Vegas, featuring conferences, panels, parties, and an expo at the Convention Center with about 35,000 attendees and more than 1,300 exhibitors. 

The annual gathering was the perfect place to gauge where things currently stand while pinpointing the latest trends. Top takeaways reveal that the industry is stronger than ever and moving in a promising direction — even if some issues need to be addressed along the way. 

Microdosing: less is more

Consumption is often a guessing game. How many puffs should I take? How much of that brownie should I eat? As the consumer base continues to grow, microdosing is becoming an attractive alternative to those who want to ease into the enjoyment of THC or simply manage their intake without an overwhelming high. 

“It’s really about finding the right cannabis product that suits your tolerance,” said David Elias, co-founder and CEO of Lowell Herb Co. “Some people are doing super-low 2.5 milligrams edibles, where they’re feeling a light buzz, but they’re not very high.”

Elias believes the retail market underestimated the demand for low-dose products. It’s one of the reasons his company is now marketing mints with small, precise doses of THC. 

“The market is far bigger than just intoxication,” said dosist CEO Gunner Winston. “That’s one of the evolving parts of the industry.”

Microdosing and, more specifically, precision dosing was front-and-center when dosist launched its first pen in 2016. Each product contains THC targeted toward a specific purpose — like “sleep,” “calm,” “bliss,” or “passion” — making it a compelling choice for health-conscious consumers, first-timers, or those who prefer a more specific understanding of their dose. The company also produced the first certified child-resistant dial that dispenses 3.7 milligrams dissolvable tablets. 

Winston said it’s all about responsible consumption, comparing reckless cannabis intake to chugging a bottle of Tylenol for back pain. It’s important to know exactly what you’re taking. “Most people want control,” he said. “We want to create predictable outcomes.” 

The struggle for representation continues 

“There is not enough diversity in this space. Blacks only represent four to five percent of the industry,” said Al Harrington, former NBA star and founder of Viola, a rare example of an entirely black-owned and operated cannabis business.

It was a common topic of discussion at MJBizCon — how to ensure there’s equal and diverse representation among those who make the most money on legal cannabis. 

Harrington had one idea for improving the situation: “Some form of a carve-out. There should be a certain amount of licenses set aside for capable (members of minority communities). I’m not saying just give them to anybody. Prove yourself and have the acumen to run and operate these businesses. You just need to figure out a financial source, and one that’s not going to be predatory.” 

Photo by Robert Kacherlriess

For Hope Wiseman, raising capital wasn’t an issue. She partnered with her mother and a family friend, using money from a dentistry business and real estate investments to open Mary & Main in Capitol Heights, Maryland. In the process, the entrepreneur became the youngest black dispensary owner in the United States. “It was a little bit of luck, but a lot of planning and resources,” she said. “We just got in a little bit early.”

Wiseman said her biggest obstacle was not having connections already in place when she started the application process. “Money is green,” she pointed out. “However, even when you have enough capital, you’re competing with people who have access to so much more.”

The honeymoon period is over

There are plenty of promising markets for cannabis in 2020. Massachusetts opened its recreational market and sales are soaring. Illinois and Michigan are introducing adult-use sales and could see $3-4 billion in combined revenue. The biggest surprise is Oklahoma, which took a business-friendly free-market approach and saw $350 million in sales on medicinal marijuana alone. 

However, California is the most glaring example of a struggling market with a messy patchwork of inconsistent laws, restrictions, and regulations throughout the municipalities that make up the world’s fifth-largest economy. It’s an environment that’s proving to be tough for businesses large and small. 

“I think it’s a make-it or break-it year for a lot of companies,” said Al Harrington. “We’re going to see more consolidations as well — people trying to get under the umbrella of bigger companies.”  

Sales in the Golden State are strong, expected to be around $3 billion for the year. However, illegal sales are even higher and it doesn’t help that a new tax hike was approved. If endangered companies don’t consolidate, they may need to raise capital — or make cuts — to survive the turbulence. 

“We’ve had numerous companies announce layoffs,” said Marijuana Business Daily CEO Chris Walsh. “That’s a lot different from where we’ve been in this industry.”

Walsh believes the situation will get worse before it gets better. “For now, there will be pockets of pain and challenges as we continue to grow,” he added. “But eventually, it will normalize.”  

Consumption will further merge with everyday life

As cannabis continues to emerge from the shadows and gain acceptance, consumption will integrate more into everyday activities. Collette Patricia of Balancing Cannabis is well aware of this. She leads private meditation sessions in Southern California that incorporate marijuana. 

“If you meditate with cannabis in your system, you can connect deeply to yourself,” she said. “We’re the first generation of cannabis users since the beginning of time who have forgotten that cannabis is a spiritual ally. It’s a spiritual plant and has always been used that way. We want to remind people of that.”  

Her services range from a private session at home or in a yoga studio to four-day retreats for women. A certification program is in the works to expand the program with coaches throughout the country. 

“Businesses are looking for ways to combine cannabis with what people do in their everyday lives to relax or have fun,” observed Chris Walsh. “There’s a big trend in the spa world to incorporate CBD or THC massages. Instead of ‘sip and paint’ there’s ‘smoke and paint’ for a girls’ night out.”

Infused dinners are here … and you’re invited

One of the highlights of MJBizCon was an event that happened about six miles from the Convention Center. Lowell Herb Co. presented what the company claimed was the first THC-infused dinner in the country with tickets available to the general public. The four-course meal, presented under the Lowell Cafe brand, was prepared by Chef Marc Marrone of Graffiti Bao. It included short rib with infused mashed potatoes and a butterscotch budino with an infused snickerdoodle cookie.   

“I used to make brownies as a kid, so I know that any kind of fat or butter picks up THC well,” joked the chef. 

Photo courtesy of Lowell Herb Co.

However, Marrone focused on flavor profiles while the Lowell team handled the science behind the infusions. The dinner was intended to be more than a meal, but rather an entire experience. Held in a rustic outdoor setting with wood tables and hay bales underneath string lights, the dining area was between tents next to NuWu Cannabis Marketplace, the only dispensary legally able to allow public consumption in Las Vegas due to its location on Native American land. 

“There is an entire[ly] new group of consumers who wants that laid back, relaxed experience,” said David Elias. “It’s not smoke in your face. It’s not everyone on top of each other. It’s not packed with the most people possible in a small space. It’s really about embracing what we’ve created with the Lowell brand and making the next move.”

Elias is planning more Lowell Cafe pop-up dinners in 2020 but understands the limitations within different states and municipalities. Yet he’s already in talks with NuWu management for another Vegas event in the near future.   

Say “hello” to the digital budtender

You already see them at McDonald’s, and now digital-ordering kiosks may be coming to a dispensary near you. Just walk up and tap a screen to browse your selection, place your order and pay with cash, credit or debit — then collect your product at a nearby counter.   

“Our kiosks don’t call out sick, they work 24/7, they don’t have an attitude and they upsell about 30% on the first day,” said Carl Case, director of global sales for Paywana, a company that provides self-ordering technology to the cannabis industry. 

Budtenders won’t disappear altogether, although they could be repurposed to “go in the back of the house to fill the orders that are being placed” added Case, who estimates 1,600 deployments of his kiosks in 2020. It only takes a business about a week or two to get running with the new technology. Curaleaf, which operates dispensaries in 12 states, is Paywana’s largest client.   

Vault Logic is taking the concept a step further with a multi-use app-based digital kiosk that not only doubles as an ATM but can also potentially accept cryptocurrency for dispensary transactions. 

“Is crypto going to be adopted by the greater cannabis community? The answer is it should be,” said founder and director Doug Scribner. “Because banks hate cash and banks hate cannabis. Banks also hate crypto. So we’re all in this together.”

Edibles are evolving … slowly

Sick of the same old edibles? Pastry chefs and producers are getting more inventive with their creations. But as far as trends go, gummies and chocolates continue to dominate dispensary shelves.  

“I do think that market is a bit saturated and there’s an opportunity for more niche products and things that are a little more health-conscious,” said Rachel King, founder and culinary director of Kaneh Co. “Everybody makes a chocolate chip cookie — including us, they’re delicious — but I think things like our superfood granola or chocolate paleo bites are the way the market is going. Our gummies are made with real fruit, rather than (artificial) flavoring or gelatin.” 

King reflects a growing trend of culinary experts coming to the cannabis space, rather than the other way around. “I was a restaurant pastry chef for 10 years, so I’m transferring my skills to this industry,” she said. “We can do more creative things. Things are starting to taste better.”

Kristin Wood agrees. She represents Once Again Nut Butter, a company that markets gourmet peanut, almond, cashew, and sunflower butter to edible manufacturers. “Everybody is looking for that chocolate sweet treat,” she said. “You’re going to see more peanut butter cups and creamy fillings.”  

Guys are going glam with CBD

CBD is in pretty much anything and everything these days, although much of the cosmetics market is geared toward women. A new wave of products is keeping the fellas in mind. Oregon-based Sweet Earth has a CBD men’s line that includes a beard and mustache oil, moisturizer and styling balm. 

“They’re looking for something that’s not fussy and not overly fragrant,” said founder Farinaz Wadia. “Suave, but not foo-foo.”

Marijuana is for sale on a bus

The Real CannaBus bills itself as a mobile dispensary, and it’s definitely a first-of-its-kind concept. During MJBizCon, the weed store on wheels was parked outside Essence near the Strip, shuttling in guests from the Convention Center to check it out. It was also parked outside Wow Organics’ Dream networking event near Fremont Street and traveled to the Emerald Cup in Northern California the following weekend.

At the moment, the bus is mainly a promotional tool for the technology inside — but can it actually sell marijuana? Only in California, where the law allows limited licenses for off-premises transactions. That means you may be able to score some bud of your own when the Real CannaBus makes an appearance at several upcoming festivals and concerts throughout the state. 

Smoking is cool again

In reaction to the bad press surrounding vaping chemicals over the past year, there’s a renewed interest in smoking the old fashioned way — while keeping it as healthy and natural as possible. 

Caldwell’s Smoking Pipes is poised to capitalize on the trend with a new type of patented cigarette-sized pipe that’s more convenient, discreet, and supposedly better for your health than other one-hitters out there. 

“We made ours out of the safest materials,” said co-founder Christopher Davis. “We have a surgical-grade stainless steel bowl and there is a five-hole matrix in there as opposed to the single one you usually get. It’s really good for protecting from ash.” 

Photo by Robert Kacherlriess

If a traditional blunt is more your speed, Twisted Hemp makes all-natural wraps with hemp single-sourced from a Canadian farm — bypassing the nicotine in a tobacco leaf or the additives in rolling papers. The product is a single sheet of hemp, so there isn’t even any glue holding a seam together.   

“It’s a cleaner option versus the traditional way to smoke,” said sales manager Duane Latham. “We’re seeing a huge backlash on vape pens and cartridges. Consumers are more concerned now than they were a year ago.”

Featured image from Shutterstock

The post What's New for 2020? MJBizCon Reveals the 10 Cannabis Trends to Watch appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm

Being a proud stoner doesn’t always mean being a loud stoner. Whether your workplace has strict rules against cannabis, you want to avoid family or colleagues who disapprove, or you don’t want to get pulled over with your car reeking of bud, smell-proof bags can help protect you and your weed. 

Plus, smell-proof bags have other benefits besides concealing odors, including controlling moisture loss, maintaining potency and preventing others (especially children) from tampering with your stash. 

Finding the right smell-proof bag can be a challenge, though, as there are tons of options on the market today. So we compiled a list of the best smell-proof bags on the market, and you can rest assured that your cannabis is stored safely and discreetly at all times.  

Smelly Proof

Since 2000, Smelly Proof has been creating durable, reusable bags made from medical grade plastic. Now, it is one of the most well-known smell-proof bag companies on the market, available everywhere from local smoke shops to Walmart. It’s bags come in clear or black, and in almost every size imaginable (depending on how big your stash is). You can also buy them in bulk for a super affordable price. 

Price: $3.15—$150

Skunk

Available in every size, design, and color, Skunk bags are extremely versatile. These bad boys are made using activated carbon technology which traps and neutralizes odors. They have a bag for every occasion, from smell-proof duffle bags to pocket-sized pouches — my personal favorite is the convenient 11-inch Mr. Slick bag. Next on my wishlist is the Hipster, a smell-proof fanny pack that comes in 10 different colors. 

Price: $15—$195.95

Stink Sack 

Known for their novelty, Stink Sack bags feature various clever designs and can hold one gram to one pound of weed. In addition to clear and black, you can find bags that look like credit cards, packs of bacon or even condoms. There’s even leopard, skull, and camo print designs, among many others. Stink Sack is the perfect gag gift for your favorite stoner friend with a sense of humor. 

Price: $0.40—$100

Level 1620

If you’re looking for an inconspicuous smell-proof bag, Level 1620 offers several clutches, crossbody bags, and fanny packs that look exactly like regular bags. Each carbon-lined bag features cool artistic designs and includes a combination lock to keep unwanted snoops out. These are ideal for holding your stash, smoking accessories and even your debit card and keys. 

Price: $25—$54

Funk Fighter 

Funk Fighter’s bags are an awesome option for people who want to stash their bud and supplies together. They make no-frills carbon-lined black bags including a duffle bag, backpack, travel bag, and pocket bag. Though the size options and colors might seem limited, don’t be fooled — these are very versatile and completely odorless. They’re ideal if you like simple, sleek smoking accessories without the fuss. 

Price: $9.95—$119.95

RYOT

For the stoner who is always on the move, RYOT has the perfect smell-proof bags and cases. The Roller Wallet, Hard Case, and PackRatz bags are some of their portable, weatherproof options that neutralize and trap odors. Though it doesn’t really qualify as a smell-proof bag, they also sell the Destroyer, a rugged steel box that is impervious to air, water, and rough jostling. This contraption is perfect for transporting your glass and other precious cargo. 

Price: $20—$149

Discreet Smoker

Discreet Smoker has four different options on their site, including a backpack, stash box, soft case, and the very popular 11×9-inch bag. All of them feature a child-resistant combination lock and discreet black or gray exterior. The pouch is more affordable than many other carbon-infused fabric bags and is available on Amazon. 

Price: $14.99—$59.99

Interplanetary Development

Interplanetary Development makes amazing products if you want a classic smell-proof bag for your dankest nugs. They’re made of heavy-duty black plastic and are sold individually or in quantities of 10 or 25 so you’ll always have one on hand. They also come in five sizes, perfect for carrying as little or as much as you need. If you want something discreet you can keep in your pocket or backpack, these are a no-brainer. 

Price: $12.50—$15

Featured image courtesy of Level 1620

The post The Best Smell-Proof Bags to Keep Your Weed appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm