 Photo by Kym MacKinnon on Unsplash While cannabis has been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years, the evolution of marijuana has been rapidly accelerating, especially with an increase in crossbreeding and a consistent introduction of new and improved strains each year. However, the potency of weed wasn’t always what it is today, partially due to the limitations and restrictions that persisted all the way through the first decade of the 21st century.
How strong was weed in the past? The height of marijuana made its mark in the ’60s and ’70s, a period when psychedelic rock also hit its stride. Although the spirit of weed was at its true peak, the potency of the marijuana was undoubtedly lower than today’s standards. This is because the quality of the weed was relatively poor all-around — countries like Colombia controlled the weed market and exported product heavy in leaves, stems, and seeds rather than the dense, resin-packed buds that most consumers have grown accustomed to today. Since cannabis was outlawed in the US, there was little freedom to experiment with genetics that could produce a superior hybrid. In 1972, the Potency Monitoring Program started measuring THC potency levels in samples that US law enforcement had seized. However, there were many limiting factors that affected the accuracy of the recorded data — low sample size (averaging at roughly 18 samples per year), age and storage conditions, and inefficient methods of measurement. Average THC content was reported to be 3-4%, but the numbers were likely much higher in reality. In the ’80s and ’90s, cannabis importation hit a decline with the rise of hydroponically grown weed. The products of this technique were fresher, domestic, and of higher quality. It is estimated that the potency was still much lower than today’s standards, although the data is not truly accurate, again, due to improper storage of samples and the aging of THC over several months (or even years). How strong is weed today? In recent decades, THC potency has increased significantly. By 2014, the potency average — according to a study published in Biological Psychiatry — had risen to around 12%. THC contents over 20% are also becoming more common, with some strains boasting numbers above 30%. While today’s strains are, by all appearances, more potent than the strains of past generations, this is probably due to a difference in quality and resources available in the US — not just time itself. The legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in various regions has also greatly contributed to the rise in potency, as growers have started racing to develop superior strains at a faster rate than ever before. The strains available to the public today are almost a luxury when it comes to THC content. If you’re looking for something especially potent from our menu, check out Bento Delivery’s top-shelf Sin Mint Cookies [THC 33.55%] and Sonoma Cake [THC 30.52%].
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Based in San Francisco, Miss Mirum's is a female-owned company, something more rarely seen in the cannabis manufacturing industry. In addition, their edibles are created by real chefs to ensure maximum quality in the gummies themselves. They claim to use all-natural ingredients, including premium cannabis grown on northern California farms. While the company offers a limited number of products, quality is their main emphasis. Gummies are available in indica, sativa, and CBD variations to accommodate a diverse range of customers. Furthermore, their website promises that their "decadent culinary creations are made with the utmost care to elevate your mind and mood." Each flavor has a unique description detailing the type of mind or mood elevation offered. For example, the Maui Pineapple Sativa gummies are designed "to energize and inspire," the Wild Mango Indica gummies aim to "create a deep state of rest and relaxation," and the Passion Fruit Punch CBD gummies are targeted "to help soothe pain and reduce inflammation." In addition to the physical moods that the gummies provide, Miss Mirum's also puts careful deliberation into marketing the mental moods associated with each flavor. The Passion Fruit Punch CBD gummies advertise "reminding you of palm trees and sandy beaches," while the Wild Mango Indica gummies encourage you to "unleash your wild side." Miss Mirum's products are only available at licensed dispensaries in California. The following Miss Mirum's products are available for sale throughout the state: Maui Pineapple (sativa), Wowie Watermelon (sativa), Passion Fruit Punch (CBD:THC 20:1), Berry Bomb (indica), Wild Mango (indica), and Groovy Guava (CBD:THC 20:1).  Lately, the health and wellness industry has witnessed a rise in products containing cannabidiol (CBD). These products take a wide range of forms — lotions, sodas, oils, supplements, and, of course, edibles. Much of the general public mistakenly believes that using CBD products is the same thing as taking marijuana. The majority of people don’t actually know how CBD interacts with the body. What is CBD, and why is it so beneficial?
What is the endocannabinoid system? The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast network of neurotransmitters and receptors that are compatible with a system of compounds (called cannabinoids) found in marijuana. The ECS naturally helps control functions such as pain response, emotions, and appetite. The brain produces its own cannabinoids that fit into special receptors associated with each of these processes. While CBD doesn’t have any high-inducing effects on the brain, it works on a therapeutic level with receptors all across the body. What is CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two most major cannabinoids found in marijuana, the second being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is known for being psychoactive and inducing the feelings associated with being high, while CBD is non-psychoactive and most commonly used for its calming effects. In addition, CBD possesses qualities that counteract the negative side effects associated with THC, such as anxiety or paranoia. Are CBD and marijuana the same thing? Many people attach a negative association to CBD because they think that it is the same thing as marijuana. This is not true. While CBD is found in marijuana, it is an active chemical compound that can be extracted from the plant and used for its own medicinal qualities. It is simply one of many pieces that make up marijuana. Cannabis vs hemp CBD? A term likely to be associated with CBD products at the store is hemp. Any CBD products sold in convenience stores derive their CBD from hemp sources. One common misconception about hemp is that it is a different species of cannabis. Another misconception is that hemp is “weed.” Hemp is cannabis — more specifically, cannabis sativa — that is bred to have lower THC percentages than the established legal limits (which is less than 0.3% in the United States). Hemp is non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive due to its insignificant THC levels but does contain high levels of CBD, which is extracted for medicinal and therapeutic use. What are the effects of CBD? CBD is most commonly used for its medicinal properties — to relieve physical or mental ailments such as inflammation, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. It is a popular alternative to prescription medications. It should be noted that CBD is used to treat, but not cure, medical conditions. Additionally, it is not associated with any negative health effects in the scientific community. In a nutshell: CBD is an active chemical compound with healing qualities derived from the marijuana plant, but using it is not the same thing as using marijuana or smoking weed. CBD will not get you high, either. Whether it is extracted from cannabis or hemp sources, CBD provides safe and reliable relief to a vast number of chronic medical conditions by interacting with specialized receptors across the human body.  Old cannabis seems like a bit of a bummer. Once it’s aged, it loses both potency and color vibrancy, meaning it wouldn’t be the highlight of a smoking sesh with your friends. However, not many people know that old cannabis is useful in other ways — particularly medicinal ways. It contains a higher ratio of a special ingredient called CBN.
Most people know about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the two primary cannabinoids in marijuana. However, the cannabis plant contains over 100 different types of cannabinoids, including cannabinol (CBN). Put simply, CBN is aged THC, and is therefore abundant in old weed. As a result, it is non-intoxicating — not the best for getting high at a party — but useful for its range of medicinal benefits. What exactly are those benefits, though? 1. CBN contains antibacterial properties In a study published in the Journal of Natural Products, five major cannabinoids were tested on strains of MRSA bacteria that had developed a resistance to normal antibiotics. All five cannabinoids, including CBN, exhibited antibacterial qualities against the evolved bacteria strain. This finding offers promise for the use of cannabinoids in a wider range of medicinal applications, including future antibiotics. 2. CBN contains neuroprotective qualities In a study published in a neurological disorders journal, CBN was tested on rats with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The results showed that CBN was able to delay the onset of the disorder’s effects by a significant amount of time. This finding suggests that CBN and other cannabinoids may be useful in neuroprotective applications, meaning that they would help slow the progression of conditions that erode the brain’s functions. 3. CBN helps increase appetite A study in the journal Psychopharmacology tested the effects of three cannabinoids, including CBN, on appetite change in rats. CBN was the only cannabinoid out of the three to drastically increase appetite, while the other two either reduced food consumption or had no effect. These results show hope for CBN as a key ingredient in medications that could help increase appetite in affected patients. 4. CBN may be useful for those with glaucoma The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published a study examining the effect of several cannabinoids on intraocular pressure in healthy rabbits’ eyes. Most of the cannabinoids used, including CBN, were successful in reducing the pressure. This result may lead to future uses of CBN in glaucoma treatments. 5. CBN works for anti-inflammatory purposes A study in the FASEB Journal found that CBN acts as a reliable anti-inflammatory agent, among other cannabinoids. This offers promise for the use of CBN in treatment for conditions such as arthritis and localized pain relief. While cannabis is already used for these purposes, further research could be conducted on the use of cannabinoids other than THC and CBD in anti-inflammatory medications.  As cannabis legislation gradually increases the accessibility of marijuana throughout the nation, more attention is being drawn to the benefits of medical marijuana — and under that umbrella, the effects of medical marijuana on patients suffering from PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a brutal condition that affects millions of lives. Trauma can include (but is not limited to) traumatic events while serving in the military, sexual assault, physical assault, catastrophic events, and other forms of abuse. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, 7-8% of people will experience PTSD in their lifetime, and roughly 8 million people will develop PTSD at some point in a given year. The effects of PTSD are diverse, ranging from symptoms like nightmares and anxiety to suicide or violence. In recent decades, PTSD patients have reported that cannabis helps relieve many of their symptoms. A handful of studies have been conducted on these claims — notably, one that examines the link between marijuana and a part of the brain called the amygdala, and one that investigates the hypothesis that cannabis can help “overwrite” traumatic memories. Researchers from Wayne State published a study in the journal Psychopharmacology on the link between cannabis use and changes in threat-processing in the amygdala, a region of the brain linked to emotional responses. An overactive amygdala, which is a feature found in PTSD patients, triggers side effects such as excessive fear, anxiety, and panic attacks. Previous studies have shown that low doses of THC, a cannabinoid found in marijuana, can help reduce the frequency of threat-related amygdala activation. In this experiment, the researchers found that THC reduced the level of amygdala activity during threat processing in adult patients with PTSD. This finding could help expand the medical marijuana market for war veterans and others who have experienced overwhelming trauma. In addition, it could be a useful ally in convincing non-legal states to pass new legislation allowing medical cannabis consumption. In another study published in BMC Psychology by Brazil’s Federal University at Parana, researchers explored the link between THC and distressing memories. They hypothesized that cannabis could help decrease the level of intensity attached to particularly traumatic events in patients with PTSD. One interesting side effect of PTSD is that it impairs extinction learning, a term used to define gradual detachment of fear with traumatic associations — for example, associating masked people with guns. Additionally, people with PTSD often have impaired endocannabinoid systems. This study found that THC has the unique ability to kickstart the extinction learning process in PTSD patients. In other words, it allows them to slowly decrease memory-related anxiety responses. This finding establishes cannabis as a valuable tool in helping to suppress aversive memories in the medical marijuana field. Further studies need to be conducted on the relationship between cannabis and PTSD since the field is relatively recent. However, current research is incredibly promising, and marijuana is slowly growing its reputation as a beneficial part of the medical field rather than a threat to be outlawed.  Have you ever noticed that certain things interact differently on their own versus in the presence of others? For example, coffee by itself is bitter, but in the presence of cream and sugar it becomes a latte and takes on a completely new taste. The same concept applies to the various compounds found in marijuana — you get a full spectrum of medicinal benefits from all of the compounds working together, and they react differently in your body than they would as isolates. This effect, the “entourage effect,” is most prevalent in live resin cannabis products.
When it comes to cannabis, there are many forms of concentrates, and they are all unique in the way they look and the effects they produce. For example, live resin is made from material that is flash-frozen almost immediately after it is cut from the plant, and while cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted, it remains consistently frozen. This technique preserves the living cultures in the plant until they are ready for extraction, which is where the name “live” resin comes from. When other types of cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved, it provides a boost in additional medicinal benefits, a well-known component of the entourage effect. The extra cannabinoids and terpenes are most heavily concentrated in the sticky resin found in the buds of marijuana. Compared to other cartridges, live resin doesn't have the highest THC potency. However, numbers aren't everything when it comes to getting the best experience for your money. THC distillate tends to have some of the highest potency on the market, but the distillation process filters out a large number of chemical impurities, including flavorful terpenes. It’s like drinking lower-quality coffee with higher caffeine levels. While live resin doesn't have the highest THC potency, it does have a higher terpene content, stronger aroma, and ability to induce extra-heightened psychoactive effects. Furthermore, THC distillate is more easily available because it can be cheaply manufactured from any unused parts of the plant that might otherwise be considered "throwaway." How to consume live resin? There are a few ways to take live resin. The simplest method is to buy a live resin cartridge and use it with a vape pen. Another method is called "dabbing" — a special water pipe called a rig is used with another component called a nail (a flat bowl) that is preheated to somewhere between 315-400 degrees Fahrenheit with a gas-powered torch. Live resin is then dropped onto the nail, where it evaporates, and the vapor can be inhaled through the other end of the rig. One other method uses nectar collectors, which consolidate this process into just one device. All three methods involve vaporizing the live resin and inhaling the resulting vapors loaded with terpenes and cannabinoids. What is the entourage effect? When cannabis is smoked or vaped, hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes present in the buds (or extract) — each possessing their own beneficial qualities — all interact with each other. The grouping of so many compounds creates an unusual synergy that changes each element’s effect, causing it to react differently in the presence of others. For example, when THC and CBD are both present in significant amounts, CBD will counteract the negative effects of anxiety or paranoia that accompany THC alone. What are cannabinoids? Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in marijuana that each carry distinct medicinal qualities and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. While the cannabis plant contains over 100 types of cannabinoids, the two primary ones that the weed industry prioritizes are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive properties and CBD is known to soothe pain and anxiety, but the other cannabinoids play a huge role in the entourage effect as well, as they each possess unique healing characteristics that are amplified when combined with the full spectrum of compounds that the marijuana plant has to offer. What are terpenes? Terpenes are aromatic oils responsible for the distinct smells that accompany various strains of cannabis. If a certain strain smells fruity and another smells savory, it's because of the difference in terpene types. Different variations may also promote different mental states, such as relaxation or heightened focus. In flower preparation, many of the terpenes are lost during the drying and curing processes. With higher terpene profiles in live resin, the extra-heightened psychoactive effects are delivered as a result of the terpenes interacting with THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, making live resin a glimmering pinnacle among other cartridges and concentrates. Here are a few terms to remember when shopping for cannabis products. Each term refers to the extraction process in which the cannabinoid is separated from the plant.
If you’re looking to experience the entourage effect firsthand, check out some of our live resin products! We recommend the Bento live resin cartridges, available in Pineapple Legend, Wedding Crasher, or SFV OG, the Gelonade live resin cartridges by Kingpen, or the LA Kush Cake pods by Stiizy.  With Halloween around the corner and social distancing keeping the trick-or-treaters indoors, there’s more than one way to celebrate the spooky season besides eating all the Kit Kats you tell yourself you would have given to the children. Drop the caloric candy bars and grab a bong, roll a joint, or bake some extra special Halloween brownies with these spooky weed strains! Whether you’re planning to be antisocial on the couch or dive into high-energy adventures, there’s something here for everyone.
Funfetti While monster movies and a plate of cookies are the ultimate couch potato activity for Halloween evening, smoking some Funfetti is the icing on top. This indica-dominant hybrid is a cross between Cherry Pie and Animal Cookies and has an intensely relaxing effect on the body that will keep the couch warm as you settle in for hours. Its flavor profiles are sweet and creamy, almost like a slice of birthday cake… or a Halloween cupcake. Candyland Candyland looks like Candyland with just a glance at the multi-colored, vibrant buds. This sativa-dominant strain boasts a gold medal from the 2012 KushCon and leaves the user with uplifting, energizing sensations that blend well with social events and boosting creativity. Its flavor profile is earthy with subtle sweet notes. Grab some Candyland concentrate to go along with an evening of socially distant Halloween festivities and games! Ghost Train Haze Taking a hit of Ghost Train Haze is just like jumping aboard a fast-paced ghost train, as its name suggests. This sativa-dominant strain is known to create a manic, intense energy that is great for social events but should be taken in moderation. It leaves the user with a sense of boosted creativity and radiant euphoria, along with flavor profiles of tropical fruit and herbal notes. Dream Walker With only 10% indica and 90% sativa in its genetics, Dream Walker creates a powerful, uplifting rush that is typical of sativa-dominant strains. With especially sweet berry flavors and hints of citrus, this strain drives the user on a fast-paced ascent into a powerful body high perfect for physical and creative activities. If you’re looking for a high experience that will rocket you to galaxies far, far away, this strain is the answer. Ghost OG Let the record state that Ghost OG is not suitable for beginners. With flavor profiles of citrus and pine, this indica-dominant strain is overwhelmingly tingly, numbing, and mood-lifting for anyone who needs a positive boost to celebrate all night on Halloween. It takes hours for the sensations of sedative, yet contagious joy to settle down, so plan your evening accordingly! Happy Halloween! Remember to take your trick-or-treating to Bento Delivery this Saturday, where everything on the menu is a treat.  In North America, most outdoor marijuana cultivation begins in the middle of spring. Mathematically, this means that October would be the month when most cannabis is ready to be harvested, processed, and then sold. In other words, October becomes Croptober for weed farmers. In its own right, Croptober is almost as impactful as 4/20 and 7/10, specifically for marijuana growers.
How does Croptober affect outdoor growers? Croptober is a period of both celebration and stress for anyone with an outdoor cannabis harvest. On one hand, half a year’s worth of hard labor is finally yielding results, and if successful, the harvest is abundant. Around this time, the air will be heavy with the scent of rich terpenes and ripe aromas. On the other hand, there are a few factors that could throw all of that hard work into jeopardy. October is a month when the weather becomes unpredictable — storms, droughts, heat, and cold are all wild cards as soon as the summer ends. A short bout of extreme weather could easily destroy your entire crop, so October is a crucial time to set up any necessary defense systems against the elements. In addition, plentiful harvests equate to increased competition — more weed means that growers will face competitive pricing and greater supply. According to Kevin Jodrey, the founder of Wonderland Nursery in Humboldt County, market prices for a pound of weed could drop by as much as $400 or $500. Croptober marks a time when financial planning is key. Croptober used to have a more significant impact on the cannabis market in past years, but that impact has slowly started to diminish with the rise of indoor growing operations. How does Croptober affect indoor growers? Indoor farmers face both negative and positive impacts of the Croptober rush. On the negative side, they’ll have to drop their prices heavily to keep up with lower market prices offered by outdoor growers in the fall. On the positive side, they have the advantages of consistent, controlled harvesting schedules and reduced risk of losing a harvest to unforeseen environmental factors. How does Croptober affect consumers? Although this particular month is most impactful for growers, Croptober is like Christmas for cannabis enthusiasts. After the bountiful October harvest, November and December will be prime months when all the dispensaries are stocking their shelves with new weed bursting with fresh, intense flavors. Happy Croptober, and may the season of bountiful harvest bring you a season of equally bountiful highs.  You may have found yourself in a wide range of situations that called for the instant removal of weed smell from your house. Maybe you secretly threw a party when your housemates were out of town. Or are expecting guests over and want to make a good impression. Maybe your family has no idea that you are anything remotely close to a cannabis enthusiast, and you’d like it to remain that way. Fear not — it will remain that way with these useful tricks.
Light some incense One of the most traditional ways to mask the scent of weed is by burning Nag Champa incense. Nag Champa is a sacred incense that originated in India and is said to purify an environment by dispelling any negative energy. It gets most of its scent from Champa flowers and sandalwood. The incense first made its mark at the end of the hippie generation, and since then has been a popular staple in meditation, yoga practice, and cannabis usage. Opt for scented candles If you’re not much of an incense person, scented candles will do the same job with a more western method. An additional perk of using them is that you have a wider variety of scents to choose from and no ashy residue. Try patchouli oil Another staple of the hippie generation, patchouli oil has been around for decades. It is made from patchouli flowers and possesses antidepressant and aphrodisiac properties. The patchouli scent is incredibly strong and can be described as sweet with notes of musky earthiness. The scent is also an effective combatant to lingering weed odor. Use Febreze or an air freshener plug-in If you’re looking for a standard convenience store method of eliminating odors, use an air freshener plug-in or Febreze. A plug-in eliminates odors and leaves the space smelling nice without having to burn anything (like incense or candles). Febreze is also a quick and convenient odor eliminator, though it may not mask the entire smell. Ozium air freshener is also an effective solution designed specifically for smoking-related odors. Install an air purifier Investing in an air purifier might be a worthwhile move if you’re a frequent smoker. Air purifiers are designed to eliminate neutralize odors from any space — not only will it purify the weed smells from your room, but also any other scents and odors you may have in that space. It leaves your air cleaner than any of the other methods listed above. The next time you smoke indoors and want to cover up the smell, try one of these methods! If you’ve tried everything and need additional last resort ideas, try masking the odors with burnt popcorn, or by stationing some fans next to open windows. Whether you’re a traditional incense person or a practical air freshener person, there’s probably something on this list that will work for you.  In a nutshell: Moneybagg Runtz is a unique Runtz strain specially developed by passionate rappers to produce the ultimate hybrid.
If you know your cannabis strains pretty well, you’ve probably heard of Runtz. Genetically, it’s a cross between the two popular strains Zkittlez and Gelato. A defining marker of Runtz is its fruity flavor profiles, similar to smelling a bag of candy when you first tear open the packaging. In general, it’s an even balance between indica and sativa, but a few variations may have more skewed ratios. The strain was created by an independent rapper named Yung LB. Born and raised in the east side of Long Beach, Yung LB moved to the Bay Area in the early 2000s. During this time, he had many influences, ideas, and guidance that led him to eventually create Runtz. The Moneybagg Runtz strain is a collaboration between Yung LB, the original creator of Runtz, and another rapper named Moneybagg Yo. Moneybagg Yo, born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, is a successful artist whose best works have reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200. He has been signed by the CMG record label (Collective Music Group, formerly Cocaine Muzik Group) and Interscope Records. Moneybagg Runtz is cultivated and managed extremely well. The form of the nugs is very inspiring, as it has a phenomenal texture — rich and soft to the touch, like a product made from the highest quality cotton. This flower has an intense flavor, as well as an extraordinary burn that leaves the user in a cloud of white smoke. Overall, this strain will leave you relaxed and ready to go, as if you're boarding a plane and taking off into a whirlwind of flavors. It paints a zenful sensation that leaves the entire body floating on Cloud Nine. If you’re a fan of Runtz or any of its variations, you’ll love Moneybagg Runtz. It’s both a rare and high-quality product. Currently, Bento Delivery is the only weed company in the Bay Area that carries this strain, so make sure to try it before it runs out! To check out Moneybagg Runtz, visit this link: www.bento.delivery/order.html |
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