What is THC?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the substance that is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis on a person’s mental and physical state.  It is said that THC was first isolated and elucidated by Israeli chemists Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel in 1964. (Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R (1964). “Isolation, structure and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish”. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 86 (8): 1646–47).

Some cannabis plants contain very little THC and some contain a lot.  Higher levels of THC cause heightened effects on the body and the mind. THC binds with receptors that are mostly in your brain that control mood, pain, feelings of happiness or sadness. It was found that, when smoked, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, attaching itself to endocannabinoid receptors located in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. These are the parts of the brain responsible for pleasure, thinking, memory, movement and coordination.

What is THCA and how does it differ from THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the most abundant, naturally occurring, non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw, unprocessed cannabis buds/flower. Cannabis plants produce THCa rather than THC in their natural state. While THC is by far the most famous and well researched cannabinoid due to its psychoactive properties, it wouldn’t exist without its progenitor THCA.
Unlike THC, THCA doesn’t induce any intoxicating effects – you can even eat a cannabis flower fresh off the plant and not feel high.

When cannabis is growing, it makes cannabinoids as carboxylic acids that most often convert into non-acidic compounds through a process called decarboxylation. Almost all cannabinoids start off in their acidic form which have differing structures and effects than that of their non-acidic versions. THCa undergoes a chemical change and turns into THC when cannabis is heated or decarboxylated. Decarboxylation of THCa also occurs over time on its own and is inevitable, even in optimal cannabis storage conditions. When cannabinoid acids undergo the decarboxylation process, they lose a carboxyl group (COOH) and becomes the intoxicating compound consumers know and love, THC. THCa is converted into a psychoactive THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) when heated, smoked, or vaped.
When THC is inhaled or smoked, it is quickly absorbed through the lungs, and travels to the brain and other regions of the body where it binds to cannabinoid receptors. THC’s unique shape allows it to bind well with CB1 and CB2 receptors located primarily throughout the brain, central nervous system, and immune system. THC affects mental perception, resulting in feelings of euphoria, cerebral creativity, and body-buzzing effects. Effects differ from person to person and are impacted by factors such as dose, individual sensitivity, and strain potency.

THCA is said to relieve inflammation, pain, and is thought to be an ideal cannabinoid for treating symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, seizures. THCA is also said to be effective neuroprotectant, so it is beneficial in the treatment of such conditions as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It can also help to stimulate the appetite in patients suffering from cachexia and anorexia nervosa. Most impressively, research shows that THCA helps to slow the proliferation of cancerous cells.
THCA is also federally legal so long as the THC or Delta 9 levels of that plant are lower than 0.3%.

What is THCA and How is it Different from THC?

https://www.crescolabs.com/cannabinoids/thca/ https://www.acslab.com/cannabinoids/thca-flower-effects-benefits
https://www.hanleycenter.org/what-is-thca/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/
https://www.papaandbarkley.com/learn/what-is-thca.

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid or a compound found in hemp and cannabis plants.  There are more that 100 cannabinoids or chemicals in a weed plant.  They cause drug-like reactions in your body. CBD, however does not cause a “high,” rather it is believed to work with receptors in the body linked to the feeling of well-being.  People often use CBD products to aid with diabetes, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and even multiple sclerosis.

THC and CBD are both the most common cannabinoids found in marijuana plants.  They both have the same chemical formula: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.  The difference is how those atoms are arranges.  That gives CBD and THC different chemical properties that affect the body in different ways. They both work with the receptors in your body that release signals or neurotransmitters in your brain.  They affect things like mood, sleep, memory and pain.  Although they are structurally similar, THC will cause a person to experience a psychoactive “high” while CBD will not.

What Is THCV?

THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin or C19H26O2) is a psychoactive cannabinoid found most often in Sative cannabis strains. It produces a more alert, energizing and motivated feeling of euphoria. Cannabis strains with higher percentage of THCV are most often recommended for daytime or any time when function and alertness is important. The main advantage of THCV over THC is the lack of psychoactive effect. In studies of rodents, THCV caused a decrease of appetite, increase in energy and metabolism, increased feeling of fullness; suggesting that it is a clinically useful remedy for weight loss and may potentially aid with type 2 diabetes.

Six Risks of Purchasing Unregulated and Untested Cannabis

What are some of the risks of purchasing untested, unregulated, black or grey market cannabis?
1. Inconsistent Potency: Products that are not state regulated are not subjected to standardized testing for THC potency and quality control. Because there is no government oversight or real lab testing, the THC potency is often made up, making it difficult to establish the right dosage and can result in unexpected and unwanted results after consumption. You may find yourself couch locked counting your heart beats in a panic, after eating one gummy, because the gummy wasn’t 10 milligrams, but was in fact a 100.
2. Contamination: Due to lack of regulations, oversight, and testing, there is an elevated danger of contamination in uncontrolled cannabis products. Things like pesticides, heavy metals, yeasts, molds, and other potentially dangerous chemicals may be present, posing potentially serious health risks.
3. Lack of Labeling and Information: Unregulated cannabis sold on the black or grey market do not have any State rules or standers. The labels may not reflect what’s in the bag. The labels are often made up, incorrect, and lack sufficient information on dose, potency, ingredients, and potential side effects. Labeling deficiencies often make it hard to make correct and informed purchasing decisions.
4. Safety Concerns: This lack of quality control in manufacturing raises the possibility of dangerous production practices, contamination, incorrect handling, and poor product quality, which may threaten your safety.
5.Lack of Consumer Protection: Unregulated products do not come with the same level of consumer protection as regulated marketplaces. There is no way to report adverse reactions, seek compensation for losses, and ensure product recalls when safety concerns emerge.
6.Legal Ramifications: Unregulated cannabis products may be banned in your jurisdiction. Purchasing or possessing them may result in legal consequences, such as fines, arrests or criminal charges.
https://www.hanleycenter.org/what-is-thca/

What Are Topical Cannabis Products?

Studies have found that a mixture of THC and CBD can help with inflammation, stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. When you apply a CBD topical, it bypasses the CB1 and CB2 receptors and heads straight for your body’s neurotransmitters to block signals for pain and itch. These receptors on your skin cells are in charge of decreasing unpleasant feelings like pain or itching. In other words, by avoiding the CB1 and CB2 receptors, topical CBD may effectively mute pain. Topical CBD and THC products may help manage pain and get you back to doing what you love to do. From soothing bath salts to CBD gel, there are many different products for all kinds of pain situations.

The use of cannabis is typically associated with getting high, but will the use of topicals also make you feel high? The answer is NO: THC, CBD, and ratio topicals can be used to help ease muscle, joint, and neuropathic pain. At Stage One Dispensary, we carry many topical THC and CBD products that may help relieve pain without the high.

What makes a quality preroll?

Here at Stage One Dispensary, we have certain standards for determining the best pre-rolls.
We consider the entire smoking experience: Smokability, terpene and flavor profile of the flower, consistency, and lastly, is the weed exceptional?
Smokability: When the joint burns and is harsh on your throat and makes you cough while smoking it, it’s not a good pre-roll. In fact, it’s not good weed. Many people consider white ash to be ideal while smoking a joint.

Flavor/Terpene Profile: Flower can look and smell great in its package, but when you hit the joint, those terpenes can deliver a grassy, burnt hair, or even cardboard taste that makes you ask yourself, “Why did I just drop $20 on a joint?” The best quality preroll should give both distinct and subtle flavors that are unique and dynamic to that particular strain.

Consistency: If you purchase a strain from a particular brand today and then again months later, will the quality, smokability and terpene flavor profile be as good as you remember?
If you buy different strains from a particular brand, will there be great experiences when it comes to liking the flower and pre-rolls?
If a particular brand only uses trim and shake for its pre-rolls, the answer is an automatic “No.” Only full-flower joints will do!

Lastly, is the weed exceptional? When the combination of the smoking, terpenes, flavor, and effects come together, are you impressed? That’s all that really matters when deciding if you’re going to go back to that brand and buy that preroll or flower strain again.

What Is Curing Of Cannabis and Why Is It Important?

It doesn’t matter how well cannabis is grown if it isn’t properly dried and cured. An improper cure of the plant can lead to low-quality flower that is unpleasant to smoke, harsh on the throat, and might even contain potentially harmful contaminants like mold.

For the best flower, it is vital that the cultivator has the right equipment to finish the flower in the correct manner for your consumption.

Curing cannabis is the after-harvest process of storing flower as it releases excess moisture, breaks down chlorophyll, and locks in its final chemical or terpene profiles. This is the pivotal moment that can make or break the quality of the final buds. A farmer can cultivate the best cannabis in the world but if it isn’t property dried or cured, it will affect the smokability, taste and terpenes and will ultimately be undesirable.

Typical curing takes at least two weeks (longer if possible). The longer flower is cured, the more time it gets to hit its maximum potential quality. Two weeks is considered the minimum time for curing but as cannabis cures over time, some of the flavors will change and may get stronger. It is possible to smoke a particular strain of flower then smoke it again a few months later and get a different high or experience.

Drying and curing cannabis are packaged together as a process, but they are two different stages: Drying is when all of the cannabis is hung upside down, or laid across drying racks, to let excess moisture drain from inside the plant. Once plants are dry enough, they’re transferred to jars, bags, totes or other packaging for curing. When curing, plants lock in their cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

To know if the plant is properly dry, cultivators bend the stems. When the stems break, they are dry enough for curing. The optimal moisture levels is deemed by cannabis testing labs to be somewhere between 12 and 15 percent before flower gets packaged.

Do Edibles Expire?

Edibles are food products, and as such, they do eventually expire or lose their optimal freshness. Some edibles last longer than others; depending on how they were made, the type of edible, and weather the edibles contain preservatives.
Certain baked edibles last much longer than others. However, they eventually loose their original colors and get stale (eg. chocolate bar or a gummy). If the edible is past its “best eaten by date” and tastes, smells, or looks odd; it is best to throw it away rather than risk food poisoning.
You should also follow the “best eaten by dates” on items that contain highly perishable ingredients. Products containing more sugar (like lollipops and gummies) won’t expire as quickly because sugar acts as a preservative, but will become less visually appealing over time. The “best eaten by date” also has nothing to do with the potency of the edible but rather the shelf life of the ingredients used to make that product.

Active molecular cannabinoids like THC and CBD do not go bad but rather break down into different molecules, which may have a lessened or different effect on you from the original molecules. For instance, THC degrades into the molecule called Cannabinol (CBN), which is known to have an effect that puts the user to sleep and is usually much less intoxicating than THC. Ergo, an edible that’s been sitting around for a long time may give you more sleepy than high feeling. All cannabinoids degrade over time, loosing their potency.

Edibles should also be stored in cool, dark, dry place because moisture, temperature, air and sunlight all affect the longevity of the edible. It is advised to store edibles in an airtight container, even in the fridge. If the label advises the edible to be refrigerated, then you should do so to preserve or even extend its shelf life. If not kept in an airtight container, the edibles may absorb moisture and flavors from inside the fridge.
Remember to store edibles in safe containers in hard to reach places so that they don’t fall in the wrong hands (anyone under 21 years of age). If the edibles are improperly stored, they may loose as much as 10 to 20 percent per year in potency.
So make sure your edibles are stored in airtight, secured containers; free of moisture, light and heat.

What is Resin?

Typically, resin is the substance that is left behind after using a pipe or bong a few times without cleaning. It has very little THC and cannabinoids, and is generally only smoked out of pure desperation.

Resin is also the light to dark brown sticky substance found on the trichomes of a cannabis plant. Trichomes appear on flowers and sugar leaves of mature female plants. These trichomes produce all of the medical efficacy and psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Resin is considered the most valuable part of the plant and delivers the majority of the psychoactive compound THC.
Live resin is a concentrate which is high in terpenes and other cannabis material. Terpenes are what give cannabis its full-bodied aroma. Cannabis users who enjoy strong aroma and the medical efficacy of terpenes tend to prefer live resin. Smoking simple resin, those leftovers from a dirty bong or pipe, will be a much harsher, less palatable smoke than live resin or resin produced by any other means. The quality of the plant that the resin is extracted from will determine the quality of the resulting resin and the smoke. The best way to ensure that you get the best smoke is to invest in high-quality cannabis plants to extract from, or to purchase high-quality cannabis resin concentrate.
How resin is created varies from simple application of pressure and heat to complex processes requiring expensive lab equipment and trained technicians. Live resin is made by flash-freezing the cannabis plant immediately after harvest, ensuring that all of the compounds don’t have any chance to deteriorate. The extraction process is meant to remove as many of the impurities, namely fats and lipids, as possible from the product.
Resin can also be created using various solvents such as ethanol or butane being poured over flash-frozen plant matter. After the solvent is removed, you are left with a robustly flavorful product due to the high amount of terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids.
Concentrates like resin or live resin are mostly consumed vaporizing or dabbing. Dabbing is a process where the concentrate is heated up in a quartz chamber called a nail or banger and then is inhaled as a vapor. This method of consumption is rather new and has the benefit of having safer vapor with less carcinogens.
If you have never tried dabbing or vaping, please ask our fully trained expert bud tenders and they will be happy to teach you and explain the process to you.

What is Rosin?

Rosin is a concentrate in which the dried and cured flowers of the plant are pressed under a combination of heat and pressure to release THC-rich resin. Rosin is oftentimes regarded as the superior concentrate due to its solvent-less means (no butane or ethanol) of creation and higher quality. The process to make rosin starts by collecting plant matter and transferring it into micron bags which are put in an ice bath where they sit filtering and isolating the THC. Afterwards the remaining material is dried turning it into bubble hash. Then the bubble hash is put in a machine which applies heat and pressure to create rosin. However it comes with the downside of being more costly than resin.
Concentrates like resin, rosin, live resin or rosin are mostly consumed vaporizing or dabbing. Dabbing is a process where the concentrate is heated up in a quartz chamber called a nail or banger and then is inhaled as a vapor. This method of consumption is rather new and has the benefit of having safer vapor with less carcinogens.
If you have never tried dabbing or vaping, please ask our fully trained expert bud tenders and they will be happy to teach you and explain the process to you.

Difference between Rosin and Resin?

There are many different ways to consume and enjoy cannabis. There are the traditional method of smoking using pipes, bongs, blunts or joints; consuming edibles and smoking rosin or resin. Products containing resin or rosin are called concentrates or extracts.

Because of the high THC potency, over the last decade, cannabis concentrates or extracts have become extremely popular.
Concentrates are mostly consumed vaporizing or dabbing.
Dabbing is a process where the concentrate is heated up in a quartz chamber called a nail or banger and then is inhaled as a vapor. This method of consumption is rather new and has the benefit of having safer vapor with less carcinogens.
Two of the most popular concentrates or extracts are rosin and resin.
Rosin is oftentimes regarded as the superior concentrate due to its solvent-less means of creation and higher quality. The process to make rosin starts by collecting plant matter and transferring it into micron bags which are put in an ice bath where they sit filtering and isolating the THC. Afterwards the remaining material is dried turning it into bubble hash. Then the bubble hash is put in a machine which applies heat and pressure to create rosin. However it comes with the downside of being more costly than resin.

Resin is a light to dark brown, sticky substance found on the trichomes of a cannabis plant. Trichomes appear on flowers and sugar leaves of mature female plants. These trichomes produce all of the medical efficacy and psychoactive effects of marijuana. Resin is considered the most valuable part of the plant and delivers the majority of the psychoactive compound THC.
Resin is cheaper than rosin and is still of higher caliber than other cannabis products. How resin is created varies from simple application of pressure and heat to complex processes requiring expensive lab equipment and trained technicians. Live resin is made by flash-freezing the cannabis plant immediately after harvest, ensuring that all of the compounds don’t have any chance to deteriorate. The extraction process is meant to remove as many of the impurities, namely fats and lipids, as possible from the product. Resin can also be created using various solvents such as ethanol or butane being poured over flash-frozen plant matter. After the solvent is removed, you are left with a robustly flavorful product due to the high amount of terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids.
If you have never tried dabbing or vaping, please ask our fully trained expert bud tenders and they will be happy to teach you and explain the process to you.

What is Hashish or Hash?

Hashish or hash is a cannabis concentrate with origins traced back to the Middle East. It has been used for medicinal and religious purposes for thousands of years. Hash is known and used throughout the world, including but not limited to China, India and Europe.
Sift Hash is made from frozen cannabis trim and put into a tumbler which acts like a sieve. The leaf material is spun until the THC trichomes fall though the micron filter to the bottom of a container. The first spin produces a byproduct called Dry Sieve which is then pressed using pressure and heat to make different products like sift rosin and pressed sift hash.
Bubble Hash is made from cannabis trim in a large sealed micron bag and submerged into cold water and ice, then agitated until the THC trichomes collect in the water. Water is then drained through micron side bags and the trichomes are dried and collected. Then heat and pressure are added to mold the product until final form of rosin or hash.
“Charas” from the Himalayan foothill is the oldest example of hand rubbed hashish, while Afghani hashish is the oldest example of sieved hashish.

What are Diamonds?

THCA diamonds (sometimes called “THC diamonds”) are one of the many types of concentrates and extracts in the cannabis market named for its crystal-like form. But unlike other concentrates, diamonds are a nearly-pure form of the minor cannabinoid that offers potential therapeutic benefits of its own. THCA diamonds refer to crystalline formations of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) that have a high THC potency and are commonly used for dabbing.

What is Crystalline?

THCA crystalline is cannabis which has been refined until it is in the form of crystals. It resembles coarse sugar in its appearance. It’s widely regarded as the most potent form of marijuana, as it contains 99% THCA. Crystalline delivers large quantifiable doses of THCA and is known as the purest isolate. The pure THCA converts to THC when vaped and creates a clear and highly cerebral effects or remains non-psychoactive when unheated and ingested orally.

What is Batter?

Budder, or batter, is formed by pouring extract into a Pyrex vessel and whipping it while applying heat. It evaporate some of the terpenes, but it also kind of integrates them into this creamy, frosting like-consistency. This smooth, rich texture makes it easy to dab or use in a vaporizer.
Even though cannabis budder and wax are both made using a whipping process, the main difference is how long they’re whipped for. If you whip the extract for long enough, you’ll come away with a drier, crumblier wax, but if you cut the whipping time in half, you’ll get a smooth and creamy budder or batter.

What is shatter?

Shatter is a cannabis extract that looks like glass and is solid and translucent in appearance. It achieves its glass-like appearance through specific processing techniques involving solvents like butane or other hydrocarbons. Concentrating essential compounds like THC and CBD, shatter offers the benefits of cannabis in a highly concentrated, compact form that is popularly dabbed or vaporized.
It is typically gold or amber in color. Although shatter is believed to be more potent or pure than other types of extracts, this is not always true; its appearance instead has only to do with the extract’s molecules being less agitated during production.
Shatter is usually dabbed in a specialized water pipe called a dab rig. This glassy extract is known for being potent, though potency depends on the extraction method and equipment used, as well as the chemical composition of the source plant. While the high watermark for cannabis flower tends to sit around 30% THC, shatter extracts may test upward of 80% to 90% THC.

What is Diamond Sauce?

“diamonds” are simply crystallized THCa whereas “sauce” is all of the terpenes and flavonoids preserved during the extraction and purging processes.
Regular diamonds sauce can also be made from dried and cured flower but freshly frozen cannabis is preferred, as it still has the light volatile terpenes that would normally be lost during the drying and curing processes. Both concentrates are extracted exactly the same way, however the biggest difference is the post-extraction process and how long it takes to actually create the finished product.

Diamond sauce os among the most potent form of cannabis concentrate, with some batches even going above 97% total cannabinoids. Live resin diamonds and sauce may be the closest you can get to THC in its purest form. The flavors, aromas, and effects are out of this world.

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What is Delta 8?

Delta-8 is a chemical found in very small amounts in the cannabis plants. Because it occurs naturally in such small amounts, the delta-8 found in commercial products is usually synthetically made from CBD or delta-9 THC.
Delta-8 is a type of THC, which is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis sativa plant.
While CBD and hemp don’t have enough psychoactive compounds to get users “high,” they do contain trace amounts of delta-8 THC. The THC can be extracted from these legal sources and sold along with other legal cannabis products. While delta-8 THC is extracted from legal CBD and hemp, it has similar effects on the mind as the more common THC compound called “delta-9 THC.”

What is Delta 9

Delta-9 or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is a compound in the cannabis plant that causes users to experience a “high.”
Δ 9-THC acid is extracted from cannabis flowers using a first organic solvent, then separated using a second aqueous solvent. Δ 9-THC acid is converted to Δ 9-THC carboxylic salt before being extracted by a third organic solvent and converted back to Δ 9-THC carboxylic acid.

Delta 9 is significantly more potent than Delta 8. Some experts believe it to be about twice as powerful overall. Side effects are more severe with Delta 9, including paranoid delusions, mental cloudiness, motor impairment, and anxiety.

CAN I BUILD TOLERANCE TO THC?

If you are a habitual cannabis user, you may notice that over time, it takes a heavier dose to feel desired effects. This occurs when you developing tolerance to THC.
Tolerance occurs when your body gets used to constantly being exposed to something. This can happen with anything from alcohol to opiates, to even the environment you live in. THC is one of the only cannabinoids that people can develop a tolerance towards.
When your body is in distress, cells release endocannabinoids which bind to the cannabinoid receptors on/in your cells. When bound, the cell changes its signal and instead, starts working to minimize the stressor effects on your body. This system is crucial to maintaining homeostasis and many other bodily functions.
THC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. When THC is bound to a cannabinoid receptor in your body, it triggers the same reaction as the endocannabinoids released by your cells. If THC is consumed in a large enough dose, it binds to your brains cannabinoid receptors that control pain, anxiety, mood, and may cause feelings of euphoria.
The number of cannabinoid receptors fluctuates depending on what is happening around you. With the number going up in times of stress and going down when too many receptors are being activated via use of THC. A decreased amount of receptors causes a tolerance to THC, as there are fewer receptors to bind to.
THC tolerance however is reversible. One way to lose your tolerance to THC is to stop consumption of THC for a minimum of 48 hours. Another way to avoid THC tolerance is to start more regularly consuming CBD as it is shown to loosen THC’s bind on your cannabinoid receptors. Additionally trying new strains is shown to increase the amount of time it takes to develop a tolerance.

What Are Trichomes?

The word “trichome” comes from a Greek root meaning “cover with hair.” Physically, trichomes are small, hair-like growths on the cannabis plant’s surface. They are crystal like tiny parts of a cannabis plant. Cannabis flower produces many trichomes, which exist on the surface of its leaves and flowers. These crystalline, tightly packed, mushroom looking, amber and clear structures, produce the frosty coating that cannabis connoseurs have come to associate with high-quality flower. They can appear all over the plant but are most concentrated on the flowers and upper leaves.
Trichomes can be found on many plants and can be thought of as the plant’s “biological factories.”
The higher concentration of trichomes found on and around flowers may be the plant’s way of protecting its reproductive organs from sun damage. THC provides the plant with UV (ultraviolet) protection, and plants exposed to higher levels of UV tend to produce higher levels of THC. Cannabinoids and terpenes act as a complex defense system that’s important for plant health and its ongoing survival.
The chemical compounds produced by trichomes interface with our bodies endocannabinoid system to provide the experiences and therapeutic benefits we seek and associate with cannabis.
Trichomes can be broadly grouped into glandular and non-glandular. On cannabis plants, it’s the glandular trichomes that produce resin. The resin produced by trichomes, contains the active compounds that provide cannabis with its signature experiential and therapeutic benefits. These compound include cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, etc.), terpenes, and flavonoids, and many other pharmacologically active chemicals.https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/trichome?lid=8w328txynkhj&utm_medium=email&utm_source=braze&utm_campaign=marketingblast&utm_content=learn&utm_term=USA_CAN
Growers often use techniques to induce higher levels of trichome production from their plants. Techniques such as low and high-stress training are frequently used to increase overall bud production, while high-stress training techniques like super-cropping are specifically used to induce a stress response in the plant to boost trichome production.
Some growers will also expose plants to a period of complete darkness right before harvest, again to induce a stress response that is thought to increase trichome and resin production.
As the plant matures throughout its flowering cycle, so do the trichomes. Consequently, the chemical composition of the resin within them changes and is reflected by their color and appearance. This color change can be hard to see with the naked eye, so ensure you have a magnifying glass handy for inspection.
Young, immature trichomes are clear, whereas mature and peak trichomes are milky. When the plant is ready to harvest, the resin within trichomes turns from clear to milky white and finally appears amber. When trichomes reach the amber-hued stage, the concentrations of the most desirable cannabinoids and terpenes may decline. Milky trichomes are thought to contain peak THC levels, offering a more stimulating effect, while amber trichomes are thought to have more CBN, the degraded by-product of THC that offers more sedative (indica like) effects.
By examining the trichomes under a magnifying glass, growers can determine the optimal time for harvest.
Generally, optimal harvest time is when about half the trichomes are milky and half are amber. However, some growers may harvest when there are milkier and fewer amber trichomes, more amber and fewer milky trichomes, or anywhere in between. These personal preferences for harvest may depend on the strain they are growing or the effects they are looking for.

Why Does Smoking Make You Cough? How To Stop Coughing

When you light cannabis you create hot burnt plant smoke. That smoke contains tiny particles, hot gases, and chemical irritants. Your throat and airways are lined with sensitive nerves. When those nerves sense heat or foreign particles, they trigger a cough reflex to protect the lungs and expel foreign matter.

In short: hot smoke+ particulates + irritants = cough. This is the immediate reason people ask “Why does weed make me cough?” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK423845/ .

Lets examine this in more detail…
What exactly is inside of cannabis that makes you cough?
Cannabis smoke is a complicated mix. When flower burns it produces:
● Particulate matter and tar — tiny solids that rub against and coat airway
linings.
● Combustion gases — hot air, carbon monoxide and other gases that can dry
and inflame tissue.
● Reactive chemicals (PAHs and other byproducts) — these can irritate and inflame airway cells.
● Altered terpenes and volatiles — aromatic compounds that change under heat and can sting the throat.

If you want to read a comprehensive review, the National Academies’ report on cannabis summarizes respiratory evidence and health outcomes: The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (National Academies, 2017). For plain-language lung-health guidance see the American Lung Association’s page on cannabis and lung health. https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.ruhealth.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/Health%20Effects%20of%20Cannabis%20-%20National%20Academy%20Press.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

How your lungs and nerves react….
Your airway lining has sensory nerves and a thin mucus film. When smoke or heat touches this lining:
1. Nerve firing — airway sensory nerves trigger an automatic cough reflex.
2. Inflammation — repeated irritation brings swelling and more mucus that can cause chronic cough and phlegm.
3. Increased sensitivity — over time, airways can become hyper-responsive so even small irritants cause big coughs. Clinical reviews show regular cannabis smoking produces visible injury to large airways and is linked with chronic bronchitis symptoms that often improve after stopping. See the review by Tashkin for more on Cannabis’ Effects on the Lung. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23802821/

How to avoid coughing…..
Below are practical, easy steps arranged as an acronym you’ll remember:
C.A.N.N.A.B.I.S.
Each letter is a harm-reduction move to reduce “weed coughing” and make sessions smoother.
C — Choose a Cooler Delivery Method
Heat is the main offender. Use a dry-herb vaporizer (set below combustion
temperature) so you inhale vapor instead of smoke. Research suggests
vaporization reduces many pyrolytic (burn) compounds compared with
smoking. If you want to skip lungs entirely, try edibles, tinctures, or
sublinguals — they avoid smoke entirely. For vapor studies see research on
vaporization and reduced pyrolytic compounds. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/245604517_Cannabis_vaporization_A_promising_strategy_for_smoke_harm_reduction.
A — Add water or filters
Water pipes (bongs, bubblers) cool smoke and trap some larger particles.
Filters, crutches, or glass tips keep ash and plant bits out of your mouth.
These things don’t necessarily decrease smoking cough, but they often cut down immediate throat burn and coughing. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5072387/ 

N — Notice your inhalation technique:
Take small, slow draws instead of huge lungfuls. Don’t hold smoke in your
lungs — most THC is absorbed quickly, and holding only increases exposure
to heat and irritants. Short, controlled puffs dramatically reduce coughing.
Practical guides for first-time smokers and harm reduction emphasize gentler
draws.
N — Nurture your throat and lungs
Hydrate before and during a session; dry throats cough more. Short steam
inhalation (not boiling) or drinking warm tea can soothe passages. Give your
lungs rest days to recover between sessions. Consumer harm-reduction
guides often recommend hydration and steam as immediate comfort
measures. https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/how-to-not-cough-when-smoking-weed

A — Avoid harsh or unknown products
Avoid untested flower or vape cartridges or black-market concentrates that may contain dangerous solvents, cutting agents, or contaminants that irritate the lungs. Use well-cured flower from licensed sources like Stage One Dispensary and don’t torch the flower, as extremely high temperatures produce more irritants. The American Lung Association advises caution about inhaling cannabis smoke or aerosols. https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health?utm_source=chatgpt.com

B — Breathe mindfully and relax
Tension makes coughs worse. Breathe slowly through the nose before inhaling and keep your body relaxed. Panicking or sharply inhaling can tighten the airway and trigger harder coughs. Mindful breathing reduces the shock to your lungs.

I — Invest in quality equipment and lab tested flower
– Buy from reputable dispensaries like Stage One Dispensary that only sell lab-test and clean cannabis products. Government approved labs, test for pesticides, yeast, mold, moisture content and dangerous solvents. You can see these lab test by scanning the QR  code on each and every NY legal cannabis product.
– Clean glassware and a quality vaporizer with temperature control (stay below ~200°C/400°F) make a big difference in smoothness and reduce irritating byproducts. The National Academies report and clinical reviews emphasize product testing and avoiding contaminants. https://www.ruhealth.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/Health%20Effects%20of%20Cannabis%20-%20National%20Academy%20Press.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
S — Seek professional medical advice when needed
If you are experiencing persistent cough, blood in mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, or recurring chest infections, stop inhaling smoke and see a medical professional. Studies show respiratory symptoms from smoking often improve after quitting or switching to non-smoked forms. Don’t ignore ongoing symptoms. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23802821/ .

In Summary
Why does weed make you cough? Because smoke is hot and full of particles
and chemicals that trigger airway nerves and inflammation. Coughing is your
body’s protective mechanism, not necessarily a sign you’re doing something
“wrong.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK423845/ .  NCBI
How to avoid coughing when smoking cannabis?: remember
C.A.N.N.A.B.I.S.
– Choose cooler delivery,
– Add water or filters,
– Notice inhalation,
– Nurture your throat,
– Avoid harsh products,
– Breathe mindfully,
– Invest in quality,
– Seek medical help if needed

Links
● National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and
Cannabinoids (full report, 2017). https://www.ruhealth.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/Health%20Effects%20of%20Cannabis%20-%20National%20Academy%20Press.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com  Riverside University Health System
● NCBI / National Academies summary: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK423845/ . NCBI
● American Lung Association — Marijuana and Lung Health.
https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health?utm_source=chatgpt.com . American Lung Association
● Tashkin DP — Effects of marijuana smoking on the lung (review).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23802821/ . PubMed
● Ribeiro et al. — Effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms (PMC article).https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5072387/ . PMC
● Gieringer — Cannabis vaporization, a promising strategy for smoke harm reduction. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/245604517_Cannabis_vaporization_A_promising_strategy_for_smoke_harm_reduction. ResearchGate
● Healthline — Why Does Weed Make You Cough? https://www.healthline.com/health/why-does-weed-make-you-cough.  Healthline
● NuggMD — practical tips like hydration and inhalation technique.
https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/how-to-not-cough-when-smoking-weed. NuggMD

Is Cannabis (Marijuana) Addictive?

The short answer is yes, cannabis (also known as marijuana, weed, zaza, pot, Mary Jane, herb, ganja, marihuana, etc) can be addictive, especially to those individuals who start consuming early in life, those who tend to over-consume, or those who are pre-disposed to addiction. Habitual or heavy use of cannabis can result in the development of tolerance and dependence.  A person may need more and more cannabis to achieve the same effects.  However, many people who consume cannabis do not become addicted.  Because cannabis/marijuana is still federally illegal and research on the matter is lacking, major gaps remain in the scientific understanding of how cannabis affects our health and our bodies.  More studies are necessary to fully understand this question.

US Widespread Cannabis Use

In 1996, California became the first state in United States to legalize medical cannabis. Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2014.  Medical cannabis is now legal in 40 states and the District of Columbia; recreational marijuana is legal in 24 States and Washington D.C.   New York legalized recreational cannabis on March 31, 2021, when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) into law.  Licensed adult, recreational use did not begin until December 29, 2022.  In June 2023, Stage One was the 11th Adult-Use Recreational Cannabis Dispensary to open in the State of New York.

Historically, cannabis has been used recreationally for its mind-altering effects, which can include enhanced senses, body relaxation and changes in mood. In some states, doctors prescribe marijuana for medicinal uses such as reducing muscle spasms, pain, nausea, and vomiting.   Many older adults turn to cannabis for chronic pain, insomnia and anxiety.  Currently, approximately 13% of U.S. adults regularly use cannabis products.  People in mid-to-late adolescence are most likely to begin using cannabis.  

Cannabis is a plant that contains compounds called cannabinoids. Some cannabinoids are psychoactive, meaning they act on the brain to modify mood or consciousness. Cannabis is usually smoked or vaporized and inhaled. It can also be consumed via tea, baked goods, candies, or other edible means.  Long term, persistent cannabis use is associated with physiological changes in the brain. The main psychoactive ingredient, THC, appears to be responsible for cannabis’ reinforcing properties and a primary contributor to its addiction.  Results from empirical studies have shown that THC stimulates neurons in the reward system to release the signaling chemical (neurotransmitter) dopamine at levels higher than typically observed in response to natural rewarding stimuli. Alterations in dopamine signaling/levels of dopamine are generally associated with other drugs of addiction.

About 14.2 million people (approximately 5% of the US population), aged 12 or older, struggled with marijuana addiction in 2020.  An individual who regularly uses marijuana may develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), where cannabis use becomes uncontrollable and begins to impact normal daily functions, such as failure to fulfill role responsibilities at home or work, physical dependence, and health problems.  Most people who consume cannabis do not become addicted to it.  However, research shows that 1 in 10 adults who use marijuana will develop cannabis addiction or a CUD (with a bit higher risk for people who begin using marijuana before the age of 18).  In 2019, 11% of people who received substance use treatment reported marijuana as their primary substance of use.  

• American Addiction Centers. “Marijuana Addiction Facts: Is Marijuana Addictive?”  Dr. Autumn Rae Florimbio (April 2025). https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/is-it-addictive 
• Yale Medicine.  “Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder.” https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/marijuana-use-disorder
• Stanford Medicine.  “Cannabis and Older Adults: Five things medical experts want you to know.”  Rachel Tompa. (October 2025). https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/10/cannabis-marijuana-seniors-cautions.html.
• Cleveland Clinic. “Cannabis Use Disorder” (April 2024) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/cannabis-use-disorder.
• JAMA Psychiatry. “Cannabis Use Disorder and Subsequent Risk of Psychotic and Nonpsychotic Unipolar Depression and Bipolar Disorder.” Various Authors (May 2023). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2804862
• National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. Pub Med “High potency cannabis use, mental health symptoms and cannabis dependence: Triangulating the evidence.” Various Authors. (September 2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37121087/
• Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. “Global epidemiology of cannabis use disorders and its trend from 1990 to 2019: Benchmarking analysis of the global burden of disease study.” Various Authors. (March 2024).  https://journals.lww.com/jfmpc/fulltext/2024/13030/global_epidemiology_of_cannabis_use_disorders_and.14.aspx
• BMC Public Health. “Association of self-reported use of cannabis for the purpose of improving physical, mental, and sleep health with problematic cannabis use risk.”  (August 2023). https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-16324-0
• JAMA Network Open. “Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder and Reasons for Use Among Adults in a US State Where Recreational Cannabis Use Is Legal.”  Various Authors. (August 2023). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2808874