 Photo by Esteban Lopez on Unsplash When we think of weed, we naturally think of the color green. However, buying weed is actually more like picking paint colors to put on a palette — cannabis flowers take on a whole spectrum of colors from red to blue and black to white. The natural instinct is to reach for whatever has the prettiest color and catches the eye most easily. You’ll buy the purple one not because it’s the most potent, but because it looks cool. Marijuana comes in a kaleidoscope of different hues, and the diversity among colors is due to a wide range of genetic and environmental factors. Cannabis breeders have noted this, and even strategically breed their strains to display more vibrant colors that will appeal to users.
All marijuana is green from the beginning. The green color remains with the plant through its infancy but then starts to change when the plant matures. The colors expressed in marijuana are all influenced by multiple factors: nutrients, environmental pH (soil alkalinity), sunlight, and temperature. For example, cooler temperatures tend to inhibit chlorophyll production, and chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. As a result, new hues have the chance to reveal themselves as seasons change and plants mature. All plants contain compounds called phytochemicals, which are responsible for the expression of these different colors. Anthocyanins belong to a class of phytochemicals called flavonoids that influence the colors of weed, and varying levels of anthocyanins color the plant in shades from red to black. An important note — weed with richer color is not necessarily more potent than weed with less pronounced color, nor does it have anything to do with the quality of your psychoactive high if you smoke it. Here are some brief explanations of the various hues found in marijuana and why they appear. Red and Pink Red and pink strains of marijuana usually get their colors from anthocyanins, which also contain antioxidant qualities. These shades rarely occur naturally in weed buds, which makes them more desirable among certain cannabis users. It is more common to see red hairs (pistils) than it is to see red buds. Occasionally, the plant will take on a red or pink hue as a result of a phosphorous deficiency in the soil. Examples of red and pink strains: Red Poison, Red Dragon, Pink Panther, Pink Flower Shaman, Predator Pink, Pink Flamingo Orange and Yellow Carotenoids are another family of pigments that plays a role in coloring marijuana. They are responsible for yellow and orange colors found in plants. In the human body, they help facilitate vitamin A production. Marijuana strains with gold, yellow, and champagne hues usually grow in alkaline soils or environments where the pH is higher. Another factor that can cause yellow to orange tingeing in weed is nitrogen deficiency. In nitrogen-poor environments, chlorophyll production is stifled, resulting in yellowed leaves and buds. Examples of yellow and orange strains: Orange Bud, Lemon Kush, Grapefruit, Nectarine, Olive Oyl, Kandy Skunk, Wicked OG Green While all immature marijuana plants start out green, only some retain their green hue through maturity. Chlorophyll, which causes the expression of green hues in plants, typically masks other pigments unless other environmental factors disrupt its function. In many cases, a true green color indicates that a marijuana plant was exposed to plenty of sunlight. Examples of green strains: Green Crack, Green Haze, Green Goblin Blue and Purple Various shades of blue and purple found in marijuana contain large amounts of anthocyanins. This trend is expressed in other plants as well — berries, eggplant, and purple cabbage are all incredibly rich in anthocyanins. The cannabis plant remains green while it is still young, but with maturity changes color as anthocyanin production increases. If the buds and leaves of weed are purple in hue, it was probably grown in a more neutral pH environment. If they’re blue, they were likely grown in a higher pH environment (alkaline soil). In the cannabis industry, purple is one of the most common hues available. Purple and blue colors are also good indicators of the “fruitiness” of a particular marijuana strain. Examples of blue and purple strains: Blueberry, Blue Dream, Blue Cheese, Purple Urkle, Granddaddy Purple, Purple Orangutan, Purple Haze White When buds on a cannabis plant have been cultivated to their absolute maximum potential, they are covered in white, frosty-looking trichomes. These trichomes are rich in cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, which cause the flower to be especially potent. If you smoke a strain with white-looking buds, your psychoactive high is guaranteed to be much more powerful. Another factor that can cause white pigmentation in marijuana is a class of flavonoids called anthoxanthins, which possess colors ranging from cream to yellow. Examples of white strains: White Widow, White Rhino Black There are a few rare strains of marijuana with black buds. This unusual coloring is due to an exceptional abundance of anthocyanins that turn the plant so dark it appears black. Something interesting to note about black strains is that they can induce very intense psychedelic highs. They are an ideal option for anyone looking for an extra kick during a session. Examples of black strains: Vietnamese Black, Black Willy, Black Tuna What color can tell you about environmental factors While color won’t always tell you the exact science behind a strain, it often serves as a good indicator of the environment in which the marijuana was harvested, as well as the general quality of the product. For example, vibrant colors suggest that the strain is still fresh, while faded colors of the same hue are a sign of diminished taste and potency. The presence of white trichomes points to extra potency in a strain. Buds rich in anthocyanins — namely, blue and purple flowers — may contain fruitier flavors. Red or yellow hues that appear unexpectedly may indicate imperfections in the weed, such as a phosphorus or nitrogen deficiency in the environment. And, finally, the growing temperature can be gauged from the color of marijuana as well. Green variations probably had exposure to the most sunlight, while the presence of other colors suggests an inhibition of chlorophyll’s function, and therefore lower temperatures or a seasonal change.
0 Comments
 What exactly is the relationship between cannabis and anxiety or stress? Many users seek out cannabis to deal with anxiety and stress in a variety of forms, including sleeplessness and appetite loss. These five mood-boosting strains all tackle anxiety with different methods; some are meant to assist with peaceful sleeping and feeling refreshed in the morning, while others are more energizing and uplifting.
Jack Herer (Sativa-dominant hybrid) Jack Herer is a popular option for morning blues because of its ability to induce energized focus and happiness. Good for people with anxiety and depression, this strain also is linked to feelings of creativity and motivation. Jack Herer is THC-dominant, and its flavor profile includes aromas of freshly cut wood and pine. Granddaddy Purple (Indica-dominant hybrid) With aromas of sweet berries and purple flowers, Granddaddy Purple is a full-body relaxing strain that works well with insomnia and chronic pain. It delivers a soothing sense of calm to the mind, providing relief to any mental or physical tension before sleeping. This THC-dominant strain will not only clear the user's head but also activate the appetite, making it a competent remedy to appetite loss. Northern Lights (Indica) Northern Lights has been described as a perfect strain for people with bipolar disorder, anxiety, insomnia, or poor appetite. It delivers a sweet and earthy aroma and induces a peacefully euphoric feeling. While creating sensations of mellow laziness, it also works during sleep to help the user feel less groggy and more refreshed in the morning. Harlequin (Sativa-dominant hybrid) Harlequin contains a chill balance of THC and CBD, delivering the positives of both cannabinoids in healthy doses alongside flavors of mango and earthiness. The CBD helps counteract any negative anxiety-inducing effects of THC, making this strain perfect for anyone with heavy anxiety or stress by clearing the mind. It also works well with pain-relief. The high CBD profile in Harlequin may also create a sense of happiness without as much psychoactive high (which would be common in a THC-dominant strain). Girl Scout Cookies (Indica-dominant hybrid) Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) has a sweet yet earthy flavor profile and is associated with boosting positivity, a clear headspace, and euphoric feelings. With large concentrations of THC, GSC is also commonly used as relief for pain, nausea, and appetite loss. It is a highly recommended strain for those with heavy stress, anxiety, and depression. 
Photo by Michelle Tsang on Unsplash
It is the last weekend of summer but it’s not too late to enjoy a cool dessert! This step-by-step recipe will take only 15 minutes to make.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Tips:
 Photo by Mpho Mojapelo on Unsplash A lot of people with sleep issues and insomnia have tried melatonin as a solution, but not all of them were satisfied with the results. One issue, they reported, is that if melatonin works at all, it doesn’t leave them with a good feeling — instead, they feel lucid while sleeping and groggy or unrefreshed in the morning.
Is there a better solution to sleeping soundly at night and feeling sharper in the morning? Those who found melatonin to be unsatisfactory found surprising relief in cannabis. Bento Delivery interviewed several employees to find out how cannabis helps them sleep at night, and what kinds of routines they follow. If you’re looking to find an alternative sleeping aid with fewer negative impacts, try some of these suggestions. As always with cannabis, be mindful of dosage and THC:CBD ratios in whatever products you use. Below are some reports from various employees at Bento who vouch for cannabis as their most reliable sleeping aid:
 Photo by Elice Moore on Unsplash Music sounds phenomenal when you're high. Maybe on a night when you and your friends got crazy lit and turned on some tunes, the first song was an instant hit. It just sounded so good. Then the next song started playing, and it was a bit mind-blowing how great this new song sounded after listening to the last song, which was just as great. The same thing happened with all the music you listened to that night. Even the smallest details in the music were super noticeable. What's going on here?
Here's what's going on in a nutshell: weed enhances the sound of music. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana known to stimulate feelings of euphoria and heightened sensitivity. The addition of music, which contains many complex layers such as instruments, mood, and pitch, appeals to those euphoric feelings and heightened senses. Daniel J. Levitin, a psychology professor at McGill University, suggested that music enhancement may also stem from marijuana's disruption of short-term memory in the brain. As short-term memory is moved to a back burner, it feels as if the past, present, and future are all blended together in a strange sensation of deepened self-awareness. As a result, people will take note of the smallest details in a song while "in the moment," and time will seem to pass much more slowly. What was originally a "good" song becomes a mind-blowing ride while high. In his book On Being Stoned: A Psychological Study of Marijuana Intoxication (1971), psychology Professor Charles Tart wrote a few findings on his research on being stoned while listening to music. One of his subjects reported, "I can hear more subtle changes in sounds; e.g., the notes of music are purer and more distinct, the rhythm stands out more." A few other side effects associated with listening to music while high include enhanced visual imagery and temporarily-induced synesthesia, or a blending of the senses that gives the music a visual and spatial aspect. Many great musical artists through the decades have been avid users of marijuana. Among them — Louis Armstrong, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Snoop Dogg, and even Madonna, who admitted that smoking weed had a positive influence on her creative process. It seems that weed is not only a gateway to hearing music from a new perspective, but also creating music from a new perspective.  Photo by Xavier crook on Unsplash Whether it's the weekend and you're high with the munchies, or it's a weekday and your appetite is screaming louder than your urge to sleep after taking some pre-bedtime cannabis, finding food is always going to be a challenge at such a late hour. In addition, a lot of restaurants may have changed their hours or now close earlier because of Covid-19.
Below is a list of places to get food that are still open late near San Jose. For anyone with a designated driver, the drive-through and takeout options are a reliable choice, and for anyone without a designated driver, there are a few restaurants that offer late-night delivery. All options listed below are both affordable and open after 10pm. 1. Ramen Osaka Location: 4035 Evergreen Village Square #40, San Jose, CA 95135 Closing time: 12am, Monday - Sunday Style of food: Japanese Services: takeout 2. La Victoria Taqueria Location: 140 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112 Closing time: 3am, Monday - Sunday Style of food: Mexican Services: takeout 3. Pocha KLocation: 2340 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 Closing time: 1am, Sun - Tues; 2am, Thurs - Sat; closed Wednesday Style of food: Korean Services: takeout, no-contact delivery 4. Tacos Los Tres ReyesLocations: 1) Old Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111; 2) 2520 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122 Closing time: Old Tully Rd: 12am, Tues - Sun, closed Monday; Story Rd: 12am, Mon - Sun Style of food: Mexican Services: takeout 5. Dae Bak Location: 3284 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Closing time: 2am, Mon - Sun Style of food: Korean Services: takeout, no-contact delivery 6. Spartan Taco Truck Location: 447 E William St, San Jose, CA 95112 Closing time: 3am, Monday - Saturday, closed Sunday Style of food: Mexican Services: walk-up food truck 7. Coffee Lovers Location: 1855 Aborn Rd, San Jose, CA 95121 Closing time: 12am, Monday - Sunday Style of food: Vietnamese, Coffee & Sweet Drinks Services: takeout, drive-thru 8. Danawa Location: 2776 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Closing time: 2am, Monday - Saturday, 1am on Sunday Style of food: Korean Services: takeout 9. Chef Liu RestaurantLocation: 1198 N Capitol Ave, San Jose, CA 95132 Closing time: 1am, Monday - Saturday, 12am on Sunday Style of food: Chinese Services: takeout 10. In n Out Burger Locations:
Style of food: Burgers Services: drive-thru 
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
If you are a first-time or fairly new cannabis user, rolling a joint can be an intimidating process. Even for the most experienced users, it can be difficult. The more you practice, the more enjoyable the process becomes. After mastering the skills, rolling a joint will quickly transition from being a tedious step to an effortless part of the fun!
Step 1: Grind your cannabis What is one of the best ways to start getting lit? Getting a weed or herb grinder. Grinders are very affordable and do the job faster with better results. Using finely ground weed instead of roughly ground weed makes the joint smoother and easier to roll. If you don’t have a grinder, you can grind the flower with your fingers, or with scissors. Just be aware that sticky residue from the buds may linger, and that these methods are slightly messier. You may notice some powdery bits that have collected in the bottom chamber of your grinder. This part is called kief and it is packed with THC. To increase the potency of your joint, sprinkle the kief into the roll with your ground flower. This is a great way to take your high to the next level. Step 2: Make and place your filter Your filter (also called a crutch or tip) is usually made from some kind of paper with just the right amount of stiffness. Some commonly used options include index cards or business cards that aren't too thick. You can also use pre-cut crutches (the ones used in the video are RAW standard tips). Start by folding the material in an accordion fashion, making sure that the folds are as wide as you want the diameter of the rolled tip to be. Make just enough folds to create a "V" or "M" within the rolled tube, and then start rolling the paper into a cylindrical shape around the several accordion folds you just made. Place the filter at the end of your rolling paper. Step 3: Fill rolling paper with freshly ground cannabis Add about a half-gram of weed to the rolling paper. For reference, a half-gram of unground flower is about the size of a bottle cap on a beer. If a half gram is too chill for you, you can whip out a King-sized rolling paper and load it with a full gram instead. Step 4: Shape and roll with ends of paper Roll your joint up like a late-night munchies Taco Bell burrito! Pinch the ends of the paper between your fingertips to help shape the joint. The final product should look slightly cone-like. The filter should be at the smaller end of the cone. Step 5: Make sure to tuck firmly Smoking a loose, flimsy joint is such an unsavory way to get high, so tuck extra firmly to avoid such a dilemma. As you roll the paper, make sure to tuck the inner end of the paper into the roll as tightly as possible, ensuring all the contents are condensed together to help keep the joint firm and well-packed. Use all of your fingers to help maintain the shape during this process. Step 6: Lick to seal Lick the paper to seal the rolled joint, making sure to keep all the contents tightly packed in the roll as you do so. Step 7: Pack and finish Using a pen or other pointed object, pack the end of the joint into the roll. Step 8: Twist end After packing the end into the roll, twist firmly to close it up well. Step 9: Enjoy Enjoy your joint. Light it up! Once both your joint and yourself are lit, everything should be smooth sailing now that the tedious part is over. |
RSS Feed