​You may have seen the label “shake” attached to certain kinds of weed. How is shake weed different from standard weed at the dispensary, and what are the different uses for it?

“Shake,” simply put, is a word that implies leftover weed, or whatever describes the marijuana equivalent of table scraps. It’s the bits of bud that aren’t good enough for display or weren’t properly cured. For this reason, shake is incredibly inexpensive at the dispensary and can even be found for under $50 per ounce in some lucky cases. If shake is much lower quality weed — literally the bottom of the barrel — compared to the average flower on the market, what’s the use? Here are a few practical solutions for your everyday shake.

1. Edibles
Bud quality is not going to be as important in edibles as it would be in a joint. This makes shake the perfect ingredient to throw into some brownies or a batch of cannabis-infused cooking oil. Shake is already ground up finer than standard buds, which makes the preparation process significantly easier. One detail to be aware of, however, is that shake often comes from a medley of strains, making the THC content both unknown and impossible to measure.

2. Blunt stuffer
If you’re looking for a little extra stuffing to round out an under-packed blunt, shake is the best option. Padding a high-quality blunt with a few table scraps will give it both a nicer shape and extra punch. The good news is that filling in the gaps with shake probably won’t change the quality of your smoke. 

3. Tinctures or extracts
Similar to edibles, shake is a great, budget-friendly ingredient for tinctures or extracts. It allows you to save the maximum potential of your top-shelf weed for smoking while allowing you to consume marijuana in other forms. To boost the potency of your tincture, you can also throw in a pinch of kief.

4. A more functional high
Many smokers have testified that smoking shake gives them a slightly lighter buzz than normal. This is perfect for smoking more joints in one session or getting high without losing total functionality. Of course, the quality won’t be the same, but it still serves a useful purpose.

5. Gravity bong
Gravity bongs, while great for large parties or groups, are terrible for capturing the full essence and flavors of a great strain of weed. If you want to get super high without wasting your best weed, toss some shake in the gravity bong for the same amount of fun.

If you want to try some of these ideas, check out Platinum Bubba Kush Shake at Bento Delivery! 

One label you might have seen repeatedly at your local dispensary is probably “live resin.” Maybe you’re not sure how it differs from a standard vape cartridge, or maybe you’ve heard that the effects are “stronger” or “mind-blowing.” What exactly is going on inside of a live resin cartridge, and how is the substance inside different from other distillates on the vape shelf?

Why is live resin so distinct compared to other cartridges?
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 it endures filters out a large amount of chemical impurities, including flavorful terpenes. Live resin is a concentrate in which recently harvested cannabis flower has been immediately flash-frozen and kept frozen throughout the extraction process, preserving the live cultures in the plant before extraction. While it 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 more cheaply manufactured from any unused parts of the plant that might otherwise be considered "throwaway." On the other hand, live resin focuses on incorporating the best qualities of the original plant through a very extensive preservation process.

What are terpenes?
​On a basic level, 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 — "the entourage effect" — making live resin a glimmering pinnacle among other cartridges and concentrates. 

How to consume live resin?
There are a few ways to take live resin. The simplest method is to simply 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. 

If you're looking for a reason to love live resin, do it for the terpenes — the richer aromas and preserved flavors that are less abundant in other forms of weed. Anything described as "pretty terpy" is sure to be a wild experience, both for your senses and for the resulting high. Here at Bento, we recommend trying the SFV OG and Wedding Crasher live resin cartridges.

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%]. 

Holiday stress means something different for everyone — tight work deadlines, preparing for family gatherings, booking travel plans, or even dealing with crowds and traffic in public places. When the holidays hit, you’ve probably found yourself more stressed by just the little things and how they seem to add up at the end of the year. You might even be sleeping less or finding yourself with less free time than before.

While there are plenty of ways to unwind, cannabis is a trusted method that tackles both mind and body relaxation. If you find yourself in need of temporary relief, both mentally and physically, carve out a small window of time and space to smoke a joint or vape. The best way to tackle stress is to find activities that make you feel refreshed and calm.

Here are Bento Delivery’s top 5 strain recommendations for dealing with stress and anxiety:    
 
1. GSC (aka Girl Scout Cookies)
Brand: Bento
THC: 22.69% (flower)
Effects: relaxed, euphoric, creativity
Description: GSC, which has won multiple Cannabis Cup awards, is best described as a nightcap strain. It is a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison, and can be identified by its purple buds sewn through with slim orange hairs. As the name suggests, it has a dessert-like flavor that sucks you into a dreamlike void of euphoria and couchlock. 

2. Blue Dream
Brand: Stiizy
THC: 82.62% (cartridge)
Effects: relaxed, energized, creativity
Description: At first appearance, Blue Dream is appropriately named — its long blue nugs are dotted with blue and amber hairs, as well as an abundance of trichomes. A cross between Blueberry and Haze, it boasts high THC levels and a pinch of CBD. The high that it builds starts with a wash of motivation and focus, followed by a sense of calm and relaxation.

3. Mack Diesel
Brand: BOB Stash
THC: 13% (flower)
Effects: focused, relaxed, social
Description: Mack Diesel is a cross between Sour Diesel and AK-47, two strains praised for their ability to soothe anxiety and nerves. Its flavors are simultaneously sweet and herbal, accompanied by an extraordinarily smooth smoke. The high created by this strain is mellow, with side effects similar to those of other indica-dominant hybrids.

4. Gasolina x Jilly Bean
Brand: King Roll
THC: 40.89% (infused preroll)
Effects: uplifted, euphoric, energetic
Description: This preroll is a unique cross between two strains that are not easily found. Gasolina is known for its relaxing effects, while Jilly Bean adds bursts of citrus flavoring that uplift its user and boost creativity when high. 

5. Wedding Cake
Brand: Cali Select
THC: 27.99% (flower)
Effects: pain relief, relaxed, happy
Description: Wedding Cake, created by crossing Cherry Pie and GSC, is slightly deceiving with its name. It tastes sour with a hint of creaminess, and its buds are round with large concentrations of trichomes, resin, and orange hairs. The high that follows starts with mind-racing effects and giddy euphoria before settling down into a gentle heaviness.

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.

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.

• Full-spectrum: In this extraction process, all cannabinoids are extracted and included, as well as any terpenes that are present.
• Broad-spectrum: In this extraction process, THC and other impurities are removed, but other non-THC cannabinoids and terpenes are included.
• Isolate: In this extraction process, only one cannabinoid is extracted and isolated.

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.

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

A lot of unorthodox workout trends have risen to popularity in the recent past. For example, goat yoga — yoga in which participants mingle with cute goats who use them like climbing playgrounds as they flow through various poses. Or paddleboat yoga, in which people practice yoga atop paddle boards in the water. On the more controversial side are activities such as ganja yoga and going to weed gyms.

Ganja Yoga
Ganja yoga is the practice of using cannabis before a yoga session to heighten one's experience. Marijuana and yoga go hand-in-hand for a lot of reasons. Yoga places heavy emphasis on mindfulness, mental connections, conscious breath, music, and being in the present moment. Smoking weed before yoga could help enhance all of these individual aspects. The relaxed state and clear-headedness that weed induces helps the user focus on mind-body connections and perform a mental inventory of their subtlest sensations and breathing rhythm. Furthermore, when time starts to slow down after taking cannabis, users can really immerse themselves in the music and savor each present moment. People who have participated in ganja yoga often reported feeling ultra-connected to their surroundings, as well as appreciative of everything their heightened senses picked up — including silence.

Weed Gym
When Power Plant Fitness opened, it was the first of its kind — a gym that blended cannabis with working out. Its motivation? To "integrate cannabis into one's daily routine of wellness," both before and after a workout, and dispel any negative stereotypes about the "evils" of marijuana. It even helps its members create weed-assisted fitness plans and offers a line of athletic edibles "for pre-workout focus and post-workout recovery." Given that a large percentage of cannabis users like to get high before working out for the sense of relaxation and focus that is induced, Power Plant Fitness targeted exactly that clientele with the intent of promoting more motivated, weed-friendly workouts.

However, you don't have to do ganja yoga or go to a weed gym to have a great weed workout. If you're looking for a different vibe while you exercise — a mood booster, less mental tension, or greater mind-body connection — try adding some cannabis to your routine! As always, stay mindful of dosage and the effects that weed has on your body if trying this for the first time.