Know Your Herbs

Month: April 2020

Thousands of Constituents Urge Governors To Deprioritize Marijuana Enforcement Amid Coronavirus

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The marijuana reform group NORML is leading an effort to encourage states to deprioritize the enforcement of cannabis criminalization amid the coronavirus pandemic.

So far, more than 4,000 constituents across the country have participated in the organization’s action campaign launched on Wednesday by sending messages to their governors, urging them to take steps to minimize the spread of the virus by avoiding unnecessary marijuana arrests.

NORML created customized email blasts to supporters in all 39 states that have yet to legalize marijuana for adult use. Each one contains a link to a suggested prewritten letter asking the governor to abide by the group’s public health recommendations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Beyond deprioritizing marijuana enforcement, the organization said states should also drop existing charges for nonviolent cannabis violations “in order to reduce non-essential interactions,” review and release those currently incarcerated for marijuana convictions and waive pending probation requirements for cannabis-related cases.

“Enforcing marijuana prohibition is in itself unfair and unnecessary. Enforcing marijuana prohibition during a global public health crisis, even more so,” Carly Wolf, state policies coordinator at NORML, told Marijuana Moment. “At a time when stress, anxiety, and uncertainty is at an all time high, no one should have the added fear of arrest or expensive fines as a result of low-level possession of a plant during a time when many are experiencing extreme economic hardship.”

“Law enforcement and other correctional personnel are being forced to make physical contact with members of the public solely to enforce an ineffective policy, requiring them to violate social distancing guidelines and in turn detrimentally affect the health and wellbeing of many vulnerable communities. Instead, more common sense, evidence based policies should be put in place to protect the health of everyone, not just some. It’s absolutely essential that state officials deprioritize marijuana enforcement, release those currently serving time for minor possession, and waive and withdraw all pending charges and probation requirements for those solely convicted of nonviolent marijuana offenses.”

A memo that the group put out in late March made similar points, and it also made recommendations for legal states on how cannabis businesses can safely operate. It also stressed the need to provide the industry with access to federal coronavirus relief funds and banking services. That memo came after NORML issued advice to consumers about best practices amid the pandemic.

In terms of deprioritization, so far no states where cannabis remains illegal or where only medical cannabis is allowed have taken the measure of formally instructing law enforcement to avoid pursuing marijuana offenses.

“I strongly encourage governors and other state officials to work alongside law enforcement agencies to ensure that these emergency actions are taken immediately to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” Wolf said.

NORML’s online action page has links to the state-based opportunities to contact governors about reduced cannabis enforcement.

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This article has been republished from Marijuana Moment under a content-sharing agreement. Read the original article here.

The post Thousands of Constituents Urge Governors To Deprioritize Marijuana Enforcement Amid Coronavirus appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm

Scientists Create New Method to Store Marijuana Pollen on a Long-Term Basis

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Researchers have developed a way to determine the viability of pollen germination in marijuana plants, as well as a simple method of storing cannabis pollen for long periods of time, according to a new study.

For marijuana cultivators, the results could prove useful, helping them avoid potentially costly mistakes in the process and ensuring consistency and quality in their crops across growing cycles.

Ensuring long-term storage of pollen is important for cultivators because of the central role it plays in generating seeds. Taking pollen from a male plant and rubbing it on the hairs of a female plant—typically about halfway through the flowering cycle—will enable the female plant to produce buds that contains seeds, which along with cloning is one way to propagate and maintain strains.

The study, which was partly funded by the Canadian government, has “several implications,” co-author Igor Kovalchuk told Marijuana Moment.

First, the team created an “assay to test viability of such pollen before the use for pollination.”

They accomplished that by modifying an existing method of assessing germination viability, using a liquid media instead of a solid medium, which “resulted in better image acquisition and quantification of germination,” according to the study.

Perhaps even more consequential for growers, however, is the development of a long-term storage system for cannabis pollen.

“We have provided an easy protocol for cryopreservation using desiccation combined with baked wheat flour and subsequent long-term storage of cannabis pollen in liquid nitrogen.”

“This one is big,” Kovalchuk said. “Our protocol allows nearly indefinite storage,” which is “valuable for maintaining large collection of genetics.”

To preserve the pollen, the researchers removed any moisture, added the result to baked whole wheat flour and preserving agents and then froze it in liquid nitrogen. When they removed the mixture from the liquid nitrogen and applied it to flowering female plants, it resulted in successful seed formation in all of the subjects.

The team also discovered that pollen can be more or less viable at different stages of the flowering period. The optimal time to extract pollen seems to be during the mid-flowering stage. At that point, it retained “viability the longest with 22 percent of pollen grains successfully germinating after 21 days” of storage in a low-temperature environment.

“In conclusion, we have standardized a simple assay for quickly assessing pollen germination in Cannabis sativa,” the study states. “By using our [modified assay], we have demonstrated the loss of pollen viability over time when stored at 4 degrees Celsius, and suggested an optimal time during flower development for pollen collection to maximize longevity during storage.”

“Finally, we have provided an easy protocol for cryopreservation using desiccation combined with baked wheat flour and subsequent long-term storage of cannabis pollen in liquid nitrogen,” it concludes.

Featured image by Eric Limon/Shutterstock

This article has been republished from Marijuana Moment under a content-sharing agreement. Read the original article here.

The post Scientists Create New Method to Store Marijuana Pollen on a Long-Term Basis appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm

Where to get a Star Wars Bong

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When it dropped in 1977, Star Wars: A New Hope might have seemed like any other attempt at sci-fi, but the extreme attention to detail and potent storyline about legends, heroes and villains made it the cultural pillar that it remains today. 

People of all ages identify with the age-old story of good versus evil, in this case, Sith versus Jedi, but Star Wars is a hit with the cannabis community, and fans of both like to show it with merch.

There are even dozens of strains named after Star Wars or its beloved characters, like Darth Vader OG, Skywalker OG, and the brand new Mandalorian inspired Baby Yoda strain popular on the West coast. 

Über fans can buy Star Wars-inspired strains, but the truly devoted can plug their nugs into one of the literally thousands of Star Wars-themed smoking accessories that exist on the web. 

Where to find Star Wars gear

While there is no official merchandise for this purpose, and despite all rights reserved by Disney, you can type in the name of any of the major characters into a search engine and you’ll be treated to their likeness in melty, psychedelic glassware, printed on stock basic bongs, shaped into artful and interpretative pipes and even etched on vape batteries. Most of these online marketplaces allow you to review customer reviews, place items in your shopping cart, provide shipping everywhere in the United States and have customer service email contacts for questions related to shipping and glass products.

If you’re on the side of the dark, or you prefer to hang with the light of the Jedi, some models that represent many of the themes and classic moments in the movie. More into the supporting villains of the SWU? Try going for a Darth Vader bong or Boba Fett bong or a Stormtrooper pipe, or maybe one fashioned to look like the hundreds of detailed space weapons that appear in the series: Lightsabers, blasters and even ships are turned into innovative smokeware.

The connection between Star Wars and cannabis won’t be dissipating anytime soon — people who like to expand their minds via science fiction might also enjoy doing the same with a little weed. Though when Star Wars first dropped, both it and cannabis were firmly in the counterculture. In today’s legal cannabis (and blockbuster packed) climate, they’re both iconoclasts. 

Some Star Wars gear to consider:

Empire Glassworks Illuminati Death Star Mini Dab Rig

A beautiful work of art by Empire Glassworks. Any Star Wars fan who dabs should be honored to have this in their collection. 

Price $310

Star Wars Darth Vader Bong

Those who choose the dark side of the force will want to reach for this bong designed after the dark one himself. 

Price: $89.99

Death Star Grinder

This stylish and sturdy grinder is a masterful ode to the Death Star. And unlike the space station that was blow up (twice), this grinder was built to last and includes a lifetime warranty. 

Price: $14.99

Yoda Stash Box 

This Yoda-approved stash box comes with a stash jar, metal grinder, rolling papers, and the box itself. Perfect for gifting to the Star Wars stoner in your life. 

Price: $38.50

5-piece Star Wars Set

A travel-size stash box that comes with a Darth Vader grinder, Stormtrooper water pipe, and two stash jars for when you’re trying to be one with the force while on the go. 

Price: $39.99 

Featured image by betto rodrigues/Shutterstock

The post Where to get a Star Wars Bong appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm

What are Hemp Rolling Papers?

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In today’s tech-heavy world, cannabis is not the put-it-in-your-pipe-and-smoke-it substance we were all used to for so long. Now, there is technology for nearly everything, and weed is no different. 

Volcano vapes were once the peak of innovation, but now the hall of fame contains electronics for dabbing, decarboxylating, and even infusing oils and butters. It’s great that we have these options, though, for many, the satisfaction of consumption comes from the original roll-and-smoke methods: joints and blunts. The best ingredient for imbibing in these classic methods? Hemp.

A short history of hemp rolling papers

Rolling papers were once made primarily from corn husks, but fiber papers grew in popularity in Spain, where the history of paper production began and where the first bits of tobacco from the Americas started their 400+ year rise to ubiquity. Cannabis was certainly around back then, but cigarettes themselves were rare, so joints were highly unlikely before the 20th century when pipes were the primary way to smoke.

Eventually, brands looked to cannabis itself to provide the rolling medium, and hemp papers were born. Hemp paper was actually the first paper ever created in 150BC, according to MIT, and cannabis flower was in use centuries before that, making hemp papers a full-circle technology developed by ancient civilizations. 

Hemp papers are manufactured all over the world, with ‘premium’ offerings coming from the Spanish town, Alcoy, where papers were first popularized. 

Though made from a classically “healthy” ingredient, these papers are not more healthy than any other paper. Smoke is smoke, and hemp fibers in rolling papers are still being burnt and creating ash and carbon, which is irritating to the lungs. The American Lung Association says, “Inhaling smoke of any kind — whether it’s cannabinoid-containing weed or tobacco or another substance — is bad for lung health.” 

Do hemp rolling papers contain CBD?

Hemp rolling paper does not contain CBD. Rolling papers are made from hemp fiber, which grows on the outside of the plant’s stalk. The fibers are known as bast fibers and do not contain cannabinoids. Cannabinoids, such as CBD, are produced by the hemp leaves and flowers.

Do hemp rolling papers get you high?

No. Hemp rolling paper does not contain THC and does not provide the typical experience associated with smoking marijuana.

Where to find the best quality hemp rolling papers

No matter what rolling paper you like to roll up with for your smoking experience, make sure you don’t use anything that would be considered a bootleg product in your shopping cart. Counterfeit rolling papers are a growing issue as cannabis smoking becomes more common across the United States. 

Smoking is not the safest way to consume cannabis, so you should know all of the risks. Many see hemp papers as ‘safer’ than other brands and general tobacco use, but don’t let brown dye confuse you, these papers are not healthier than beige natural fiber papers or bleached white papers. 

Certain users report a better taste from hemp paper, but this is as subjective as strain preferences. Only you can choose your favorite way to roll a joint, and what hemp rolling papers to use.

Consider these hemp rolling papers

RAW Organic Hemp Papers

The ultimate classic papers, RAW has been a staple in the cannabis community for decades. Offered in a variety of sizes, the Organic Hemp Papers contain no dye or added chalks, so you can get the smoothest hit from your next roll. 

Price: Varies by vendor

Vibes Hemp Cones

Rolling made extra easy, Vibes Hemp Cones offer quick convenience in natural hemp paper. And coming in a box of 90 with each holding up to a full gram of flower, they’ll last you smoke session after smoke session.

Price: $105 for a box of 90

Hemp ZigZag Organic 1¼ Papers 

An all-around roll for the environmentally minded, ZigZag Organic papers are made unbleached, ultra-thin, and with 100% renewable hemp fibers. Light one up for mother nature. 

Price: $1.50 for a single booklet, $28.80 for a box of 24 booklets

Pure Hemp Unbleached Single Wide Papers

Unbleached and chlorine-free, Pure Hemp keeps your lungs in mind when crafting their pure hemp papers. Want to try a roll in every size? Consider the Unbleached Display Tower to last you all year long.

Price: $39.99 for a box of 50 single-wide booklets

Bambú Organic Hemp King Size Papers

Complete with a quality assurance starter sheet in every booklet, you know you’re getting a pure roll with Bambú.  

Price: $87.50 for a box of 50 king-size booklets

Bonus: Mellow Fellow Corn Husk Wraps

If the corn husk rolling “papers” sounded like an interesting idea further up in the article, then check out Mellow Fellow. Slow burning and smooth, they also offer Banana Leaf and Veggie wraps for the adventurers out there.

Price: $2.49 for a pack of 2

Featured image by Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

The post What are Hemp Rolling Papers? appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm