cannabrand-blog

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Spotlight On The Cannabis World Congress &  Business Expo

Cannabrand is passionate about defining exactly what it means to be a cannabis user. This was apparent at the first Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo last month in New York City as co-founders Jennifer DeFalco and Olivia Mannix took the stage. From June 17-19, The Javits Center hosted the inaugural CWCBE, which promised to be the East Coast’s biggest cannabis expo, and Cannabrand was more than honored to be a speaker.

As a leading branding agency in the cannabis industry, DeFalco and Mannix have to tread confidently. The theme of their presentation, Changing Minds: Rebranding Cannabis for the Mainstream, is a solid concept in dire need of circulation. Co-founder Jennifer DeFalco explains:

“We wanted to educate people who were looking to get into the industry, or who were interested in cannabis in general, on the importance of changing perceptions surrounding cannabis in order to change policies, and to broaden the demographics of ‘cannabis consumers.’ ”

The discussion covered a range of topics, including the media’s current outlook and perception of marijuana users as “hedonistic,” how cannabis companies can and should responsibly advertise in a way that doesn’t dumb down or over sexualize their products, and marketing compliance tips for the Tri-State area (courtesy of iComply). Also included were proprietary consumer insights and data supplied by cannabis market research firm, Brightfield Group.

In addition to sponsoring lanyards for the CWCBE, Cannabrand also co-sponsored an after party. DeFalco describes the guests as having been “a really great mix of industry veterans, and people looking to get into the cannabis space. Everyone from activists, marketers, investors, and even a few doctors were mingling, learning from each other.”

So, what were Cannabrand’s takeaways from the Cannabis World Congress & Business Expo? According to DeFalco and Mannix:

1) There are layers of industries within the industry. The cannabis space is evolving so rapidly; Just walking around the expo, we saw innovative products being developed that service both the medicinal and recreational sectors, and everything in between.

2) Everyone wants to get involved, somehow. We met lawyers, doctors, scientists, marketing professionals, who are all interested in cannabis and who want to break into the industry while it’s still in its (relative) infancy.

3) Activists, growers, and industry veterans are leading the way. It was great to see people who have been working in the industry for so long, excited to share their experience and knowledge with newcomers. There was a general understanding that in order for policies to change and advance, we all need to work together. After all, rising tides raise all ships.

Bookmark the Cannabrand blog, The CannaBuzz, and visit often for even more elevated conversation. “Like” Cannabrand on Facebook and head over to Cannabrand.us to contact Jennifer and Olivia.

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Top 6 Reasons to Hire a Cannabis Marketing Agency for Your Business in 2015

The cannabis industry has grossed a whopping $35 Million dollars in revenue this year alone. And even though some may say cannabis sells itself, it is actually turning into quite a competitive marketplace. Here are our top 5 reasons as to why you should hire a cannabis-centric marketing agency in 2015:

1. Dedicated to the Cannabis Industry The cannabis-specific marketing agency has a keen understanding of this unique marketplace, versus a traditional marketing agency whose attention is divided amongst many different sectors. An agency with a cannabis focus is also highly aware of what is going on in the industry in terms of news and events, so they will be able to promote your brand on another level.

Since they, too, are a member of the cannabis industry, the marijuana-focused marketing agency cares tremendously about the well-being and image of the industry as a whole, and will portray your brand in the best light possible. They may even fund campaigns and public service announcements to destigmatize the industry and to progress laws. Simply put: They live, breathe, and market cannabis.

2. Experts of Marijuana Marketing Laws and Regulations Cannabis marketing agencies are fluent in the latest laws and regulations of marketing, advertising, and packaging. It is important to work with an agency that stays on top of laws and regulations because they are constantly changing, especially with marijuana edible packaging. A truly dedicated cannabis marketing agency works with individuals who help influence policy makers to facilitate laws surrounding marketing cannabis. They believe that cannabis should adhere to standards and set regulations like any other industry.  

3. Cost Efficient and Time Effective Rather than hiring staff that you have to oversee and manage, you can hire an agency to communicate with a single member of your team, so that all advertising and marketing is completed in a swift and streamlined manner. The turn-around time from a top cannabis marketing agency is much faster than having a single marketing person work for your company (because of more horsepower). If you have a marketing director at your company, he or she may work directly with an outside agency to provide supplementary services including email marketing, event marketing or custom design work.

4. Liaison to Cannabis Publications and Media Buying Your cannabis-dedicated marketing agency has built relationships to last with cannabis (and in some cases traditional) trade publications. They have the means to call their sales representatives at various publications and negotiate your media advertising buys. Your cannabis marketing agency also has all of the latest publications’ media kits and can forecast for editorial and advertising trends in the upcoming months.

5. Industry Connections A marketing agency dedicated to the cannabis space is connected to journalists who may write about your cannabis brand, and has already made the connections and spent tons of time building lists of journalists with the types of topics that interest them. Thus, when your brand is being pitched, the proper messaging will be relayed. Your cannabis marketing agency is also highly connected in the industry and spends time networking and understanding the industry’s consumer trends.

6. Talent and the Resources At a full-service cannabis-focused marketing agency, a team of people with diverse skillsets will assist you with market research, strategy, design, SEO, social media, and more. Instead of shopping around for different services and managing multiple contacts, you are able to choose the right services that meet your business’s needs from a one-stop-shop cannabis agency. Whether it’s a print advertisement for Culture Magazine, a re-branding overhaul, or product line expansions in new markets, the talent will ultimately help you with your marketing ROI and bottom-line investment. 

Cannabrand is a full service marketing agency dedicated to the cannabis space. For more information on how Cannabrand can help your business to thrive, visit www.cannabrand.us or email info@cannabrand.us.

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An open-letter to the pothead mother in Boulder: What it's like to be a mother in the cannabis industry

To the pothead mother in Boulder, I get you: On my custom organic latex sofa in the upscale Colorado suburbia that is Highlands Ranch, I sit down after a long day of being at home alone with my two children and smoke my vape pen.

My days are full of complete and utter chaos, and no, I am not exaggerating. My energetic two year old daughter tears through my home like a rabid baboon, while my son, still far too young to effectively communicate his needs, wails at the turmoil. I manage to fit in a bit of research here and there, then I go about writing an article or editing one of my husband's writing projects. If it is a weekend, chances are, I will be attending a cannabis-friendly event.

Let me explain.

We moved to Colorado this past December for my husband's job. I would have laughed if someone were to tell me that by the end of January, my world would be consumed by cannabis, and that I would be quite knowledgeable about the benefits of various strains. I would have laughed because I was a stay-at-home mom that very much enjoyed her evening glass of wine, and never really gave a second thought about pot. But hey, life is all about the thrill of change, right? When Olivia Mannix and Jennifer DeFalco founded Cannabrand, a cannabis industry marketing agency, I was chosen to be their creative writer. This meant that I had to learn all aspects of the cannabis industry, attend cannabis events such as Edible Events, and research the crap out of both medical and recreational marijuana. I was quickly swept into the whirlwind of these industry leaders and the media frenzy (which I carefully tried to avoid, as did the few other mothers associated with the cannabis industry) that came with it.

When people in other parts of the country hear the term 'cannabis-friendly event,' many automatically assume it is a 'stoner' party, or some kind of immoral congregation of deviants. Darn those deviants.

But this could not possibly be further from the truth; in reality, these events are social gatherings usually held in a classy venue such as an art gallery, where a diverse group of attendees sip on champagne and smoke their vape pens. And when I say a 'diverse group of attendees,' I mean you just might find yourself engaging in conversation with someone that reminds you of your grandmother. Yes, that actually did happen to me once.

There is an amazing, vibrant energy in the room that only excited entrepreneurs, ready to meet others in the business, can bring. When I attend these events I must be prepared to take notes, and possibly try a product. Last Friday, for example, I left the kids with my husband and went to a party that featuredKarmaceuticals' gravity bong. All I can say about that is... wondrous. Simply, wondrous. Needless to say, I had a designated driver that night!

I go out and have fun, it's my job; but I do so responsibly. Just as I would not drive home after spending a night out with friends at the bar, I am fully prepared before attending cannabis events. I have to be; I'm a mom.

I used to hide the fact that I was a mother when I attended these events; now I just come right out and say it. On my blog, "The CannaBuzz", I include a picture of my son and me. I guess I just got tired of having to hide my kids when there was more important work to be done; I mean let's face it, re-branding cannabis' image to be more inclusive to a broader demographic is tough work!

What I have learned is that, being a mother in the cannabis industry, you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. You will put your children's needs first and continually shield them from the negative comments and opinions that others will assert; however, despite how hard you may try to do what you believe is right, there will always be someone there to pass judgment.

From the moment I awaken, up until that glorious moment that both children are in bed, my sole mission is to appease my kids' needs. And write a blog. And help the husband edit his creative writing projects. And clean up the mess that the rabid baboon made.

Oh, that hopeless mess.

But being that there is nothing that I am more passionate about than these things, all of which fuse to make up my life, I have discovered that sometimes it is OK that others are judging. What matters most is that you are doing what you love, and making a change in the world that you truly believe in.

I hope that other mothers in the cannabis industry will also come to realize that it is not uniformity in the industry that will make it thrive; it's the diversity. It's the ability to reach out to more people from all walks of life, and share your knowledge and products with the world. This will not only ensure the expansion and longevity of this budding industry, but also help to create an environment where all feel welcome. To the pothead mother in Boulder, I get you, and I applaud you. You have set the precedent for others like us to let go of their shame and normalize the responsible recreational use of cannabis.

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Dad's Pipe Dream

As the familiar aroma of neighborhood barbeques begins to fill the air, one thing is certain--Summer has just about begun! Family time spent outdoors, warm weather...hm, wasn't there something else? Oh yes! Father's Day on the 15th is quickly approaching! 

Still need to do some last minute shopping for that special man? Check out these unique 22k gold plated Celebration pipes fit for a king! Sleek with an elegant, bold design, these handcrafted Hawaiian beauties are sure to delight the pipe-lover in your life. Durable Lavastoneware(tm) ensures that your one-of-a kind father gets something special that he will cherish for years to come. 

So go ahead and spoil him - it's only one day a year and he deserves it! 

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How Cannabis Treated A Family Member's Psoriasis

I had an awful week. When I say awful, I mean in and out of doctors' offices and the ER, odd people showing up at my door, and getting very little sleep. My husband had to go to the East Coast for a few weeks, and about a week after he left, everything went to hell.  

First, both kids got sick with fevers; then my daughter was bitten by a dog and had to go the hospital, and finally, after countless sleepless nights, I fainted one morning on my way to the coffee maker and needed stitches in my chin.  

Lucky for me, I have an amazing family that came to my rescue to give me a much-needed break! One family member, who wishes to remain anonymous (we'll call her Alice) flew out from the East Coast with an adventure planned for us. After seeing a Grand Lake hotel featured on HGTV, she told me we absolutely had to go there and she made reservations for the weekend. Alice lives for this stuff! 

So, after packing up the kids, (and me with a huge bandage on my chin, still unable to talk much) we began our two-hour trip to the lake. We had driven about a half hour and had just gotten off of Route 70 and onto Route 40, the road that takes you through the mountains, when we saw a sign adorned with a large green cross and “21+”. The shop, located in an adorable little village, was called Serene Wellness. Knowing that this would be the last opportunity before we entered the mountain towns, I jokingly asked Alice if she would like to stop and pick up some weed for the weekend. I got a surprisingly excited "yes!" 

I sent Alice into the shop to choose what she wanted, and she came back with edible lemon drops and cannabis oil for her skin. Alice suffers from psoriasis, which flares up frequently and is hard to treat. When the shop owner told Alice cannabis oil does wonders for the arthritis in his hands, she decided it was worth a shot. 

Alice began a cannabis oil skincare regimen that she kept up during the rest of her stay in Colorado. She had four days to use the oil before her return to a state that does not allow cannabis use for ailments such as psoriasis. I decided to do a brief interview on her thoughts regarding the entire process, and what kind of results she saw after use of the product. 

Were you at all hesitant to use cannabis oil? Why?

"No, I was not at all hesitant to try cannabis oil. Because of my skin condition, which leaves me really uncomfortable, I was willing to try anything.” 

What were your thoughts on the shop? Was it intimidating in any way? Was everything neat and organized? 

"It wasn't intimidating at all. The man was very pleasant and informative. He really wanted to help and let me know how the oil was helping his arthritis. He knew what he was talking about. [The shop] was very organized, and it really made me feel comfortable." 

When did you begin to notice relief of the symptoms of psoriasis? 

"I felt a difference the very next day. When I had to stop using it, it got worse again."

What are your final thoughts on the product? Would you use it again? 

"I'd definitely use it again. I was really upset that I couldn't take it outside of Colorado. It really did help my skin."

 I did a bit of research and found that Alice's experience was not unusual among those suffering from psoriasis that also tried cannabis oil, and there is science to back it up.

"Cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, and therefore support a potential role for cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis. Cannabis might treat psoriasis, due to the anti-inflammatory properties of its cannabinoids, and the regulatory effects of THC on the immune system." Furthermore, "cannabinoids are readily absorbed through the skin. This is the ideal method of treating psoriasis, as it avoids some of the toxicity associated with systemic therapies."

How awesome is that? If you have psoriasis and you are looking for a new treatment, it just might be worth it to try a product containing cannabis oil. 

As for those lemon drops… well, let's just say we had one relaxing weekend! 

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Cannabis & Yoga

For centuries, cannabis has been closely associated with spirituality and wellness across the globe. This herb was even mentioned in the ancient Vedic texts of India, indicating that it was being used by Rishis and Yogis at that time to gain deepened perceptions. It has traditionally been praised for its healing and relaxation properties, as well as for its success as a medicinal herb. What is it about cannabis that blends seamlessly with meditation and yoga?

One reason may be that ‘Cannabis stimulates an area of the brain called the pineal gland, which in meditation is called the 3rd eye chakra’. This ostensibly allows the yogi to reach a higher level of consciousness and self, resulting in an out-of-this-world yoga session and a long-lasting state of fulfillment. Another reason many suggest to consume cannabis before a class is that it helps to relax the muscles and alleviate pain. Students have claimed that this has aided them in perfecting their poses by increasing their flexibility and eradicating any previous inhibitions.    

Not every yogi is into the idea of cannabis and yoga, however; many purists are against the use of cannabis to enhance a yoga session and claim ‘that smoking pot could cause an unwieldy imbalance’. Those teaching classes that incorporate cannabis use tend to disagree with this sentiment, and brush the purist teachers off as being ‘too uptight’.  "I think marijuana creates an inquisitiveness, a stillness, something that allows you to concentrate on one thing at a time," said one ganja yoga student. "And tactile sensations feel better, so as you're stretching everything basically feels good." Absolutely mind-blowing!

Shall we be expecting to see more ganja-infused yoga classes popping up in the Denver area over the next year? I know I’d like to try it! What’s your take? 

Read more here.

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Juicing Cannabis: The Next Big Health Craze?

With the legalization of cannabis (and hemp) kicking off 2014, cannabis aficionados are discovering new and creative ways to reap the benefits of this plant. We can eat it, smoke it, vaporize it, so hey... why not juice it?!

One California physician, Dr. William L. Courtney, happens to be a strong proponent of raw cannabis and is working to shed light on the many health benefits that raw cannabis has to offer.  According to Dr. Courtney, the plant in its raw form provides healthy perks that the heated version does not, and ‘when you cook or smoke cannabis you are actually walking away from 99% of the benefits cannabis provides.’ While cooked cannabis has excellent medicinal properties, raw cannabis acts as a powerful preventative medicine in which Dr. Courtney believes has the ability to combat certain chronic illnesses. Dr. Courtney’s wife, Kristen, was suffering from systemic lupus when she began juicing raw cannabis regularly and claims she saw a massive improvement within a few weeks. 

The science behind it is simple; the raw form of cannabis is loaded with CBD, which is a potent nutrient compound full of antioxidants.  This compound possesses anti-inflammatory properties that fight and prevent cancer as well as a myriad of other illnesses, making cannabis a true super-food. Eating raw cannabis will not get you high; THC is only produced when cannabis is heated, so juicing before work in the morning is perfectly fine. Even more interesting? Since the human body already contains a built-in endogenous cannabinoid system, complete with cannabinoid receptors, inputting CBD from marijuana can help normalize the body's functional systems, including cell communication and proper immune function, according to Natural News.

Yep, you read that right. We are all just a bunch of human cannabinoids!

So now, assuming you would like to add a daily dose of raw cannabis to your diet to feed your inner cannabinoid, the next question you might have is how exactly one should prepare raw cannabis. Popular opinion suggests juicing it (both buds and leaves) along with fresh organic fruits to make it more palatable; and I, being a complete organic health nut, would have to concur. Of course there may be some of you brave enough to eat it in its natural state, and that’s fine too! By treating raw cannabis just like any other vegetable, incorporating it into your diet will be easy as pie. 

P.S. Check out this yummy raw cannabis smoothie recipe by EMarijuanaRecipes!

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Why Florida Needs to Pass the Medical Marijuana Bill

Florida's pristine beaches, eclectic nightlife and balmy weather make it an ideal place to reside in (or in my case, escape to). Upon returning from my vacation to this unique state, it got me thinking: Where exactly could medical marijuana fit in, and why might it be so beneficial, particularly to this state? Florida is set to vote on the measure to legalize cannabis for medical purposes in November, 2014. Currently, both sides are making their cases to the public to get them to vote on the issue.

Let’s start by examining Florida’s population; According to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, the state has "the third largest population of veterans in the nation after California and Texas with more than 1.6 million veterans – 12 percent of the Sunshine State’s population 18 and over.” On top of that, Florida also has one of the highest senior citizen populations in the United States. Together, these two groups make up an incredibly large portion of Florida’s population that undoubtedly suffers from physical and emotional ailments, whether from combat or illness in old age.  Currently, these two groups are being denied access to medical marijuana, forcing them to use prescription medications which often have adverse side effects. Some of these drugs include pain killers, benzos, and anti-depressants. 

Because of this widespread use of pain killers, Florida leads the nation with prescription drug abuse. Pill-mills are rampant in the state and the 'pain clinic' scheme that consists of physicians being illegally paid for prescription pain medications has made headlines nationally. “Years of weak regulation, a lack of legislation and no prescription-drug-monitoring program — combined with doctors who liberally prescribe narcotics — helped make Florida the poster child for the prescription-drug epidemic." Why should Florida continue to allow itself to bare this label?

Medical marijuana, a natural alternative to strong pain medications such as oxycodone, may be the key to combatting this problem in the state. According to this article published in 2011, “90 of the top 100 oxycodone-purchasing physicians in the nation last year were from Florida, according to federal records.” If medical marijuana is offered as an alternative to prescription drugs, physicians may begin prescribing it in place of pain killers; it is much safer and we would not see people overdosing like we do now. Of course the state also needs to increase its regulations regarding prescription pain killers; until that happens, we will continue to see abuse of the lax Florida laws.

If all of that was not reason enough, Florida would also see a boost in its economy. Every state that has legalized and appropriately taxed medical marijuana has done better financially. Thousands of new jobs would be created, and there is money that could be generated and applied back to the community, which would help relieve Florida’s notoriously ailing school system and social programs. And let’s not forget that there are currently people in Florida using medical marijuana, albeit illegally, that can (and do) get arrested, prosecuted, and incarcerated, all on the state’s dime. Think of all the government spending costs that could be cut on an issue like MMJ, and instead applied to the state’s hard-hit areas. I’m really curious to see what voting day will bring -- I sincerely hope we see the right choice made for the people of Florida. 

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The Skinny on Cannabis Consumption

Did you know that marijuana has weight loss properties? For many people, losing weight can be an uphill battle. So, how can weed help? The psychological implications that cause weight gain and obesity can be relieved from using cannabis in your diet. Yes, it can have the adverse effect if a person that consumes marijuana also overeats. However, people do not gain weight just from overeating, it’s  truly an emotional association that makes it even more prohibitive to drop the pounds.

In his book The Marijuana Diet, author Dr. Art Glass states, “Marijuana helps you get in touch with yourself, let go of the crap you don’t need, and when you let go of that psychological crap, you will let go of your weight.”

But how exactly can cannabis keep the weight off? Researchers are saying that cannabis has a healthy effect on the metabolic system of the body. In a study conducted by the  American Journal of Medicine, researchers determined that cannabis supports maintenance of lower insulin levels. Additionally, the waist circumference of the participants were significantly less than people who did not use cannabis.

Another new discovery published in the American Journal of Epidemiology concludes that rates of obesity are decreased by about 1/3 in people who smoke cannabis three times a week or more, versus those who do not partake. This is beneficial for those cannabis consumers because they are less susceptible to dangerous fat. From the “mind over matter” philosophy to scientific evidence, cannabis shows to be a multidimensional tool in health.

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Great News for Veterans and Their Families!

The federal government has agreed to allow a University of Arizona researcher, Suzanne A. Sisley, to study medical marijuana as a possible treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. As the spouse of a veteran, I know just how much of a struggle and incredibly debilitating PTSD can be, not only for those suffering from it, but also for their families. PTSD symptoms include anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, and anger, all of which contribute to a constant state of emotional distress and a feeling of hopelessness. 

By now, it has been made very clear that there is a tremendous need for the treatment of PTSD; between 2002 and 2009 one million troops left active duty and came home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, that number has only gone up and America has been at a loss on how to appropriately treat this large group, fresh out of combat. With high suicide rates among veterans along with copious prescription drug abuse, one thing is certain- veterans are not getting the care that they desperately need and something needs to be done to help them.

This study offers veterans and their families hope; what once seemed like an impossible illness to overcome with recurring insufferable symptoms, PTSD may now be surprisingly treatable through prescribed cannabis. The only way we can find out the true benefits of MMJ is through research, which has yet to be formally performed due to political obstacles. With Ms. Sisley officially given the OK to proceed with her study, new doors will be opened for other researchers to follow suit. It is a great day in America when we allow science to trump politics! Veterans across the nation and the people that love them are now looking forward to a brighter future. Happiness and the ability to live life with less anxiety might just happen to be one prescribed edible away! 

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Moms Pushing for Children's Access to MMJ

Moms around the nation are putting on their Super Woman capes and are pushing for more lenient laws regarding giving medical marijuana to minors. These unexpected marijuana advocates have come out in full force recently, banding together to make real political change after seeing that there is an undeniable possibility that certain marijuana strains can help children that experience reoccurring seizures.

  One strain in particular that has come to the nation's attention as a possible treatment for seizures is Charlotte's Web. Developed by Colorado's own Stanley brothers and aptly named, this special strain drastically reduced a six year-old girl named Charlotte Figi's epileptic seizures, KRDO reports. Little Charlotte was experiencing several hundred seizures a week and her parents, feeling helpless after having tried multiple treatments, decided to seek out medical marijuana. They were given the Stanley brothers' strain that was specially bred to minimize the THC content and amplify the CBD; According to the Huffington Post, what resulted was a treatment that reduced Charlotte's seizures to around 3 per week! Complete and utter awesomeness. Even more amazing? The Stanley brothers recently founded a non-profit organization called Strains of Hope, advocating the use of medical marijuana as a treatment for illness around the globe.

  With most marijuana-related studies being limited to adolescent abuse, along with outdated research, physicians have been reluctant to jump on the medical marijuana bandwagon, especially when it involves children. This has led to slow political change regarding marijuana laws. However, as the national opinion changes, activists have been making their voices heard; and none have been louder than mommies, lobbying for change. To these mothers, it is unacceptable to watch children suffer when there is an alternative that is being automatically denied or impeded by politics.

  As a parent to two healthy children, I could not even begin to imagine what it would be like to watch one of them suffer, and feel as though there was nothing I could do to help. The frustration of seeing a treatment in the distance that might alleviate my child's pain, but being unable to access it, would be overwhelming. Luckily, we have some very concerned mommas out there that are fighting for our children's rights to live a pleasant, comfortable, pain-free life. They are flying into Washington this month with their children to demand federal action that will allow kids, no matter what state they live in, to access MMJ treatments. These every-day heroes deserve an applause!

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Mountain Medicine Peanut Butter Cups

Mountain Medicine at first is appealing because of the packaging, I think it has to do with the fact that they were chocolatiers before they got into the mmj business. They have very potent treats that should be taken seriously, everything they make is really tasty, so it's easy to scarf their little servings of high THC content.  I mostly get the peanut butter cup, it's 350mg and rather than a traditional chocolate peanut butter cup, it's more like a chocolate cake patty with a layer of peanut butter, then a layer of chocolate to top it off. Judging by the taste all of the THC is baked into the cake patty, but it is still all together delicious.  The Mountain Medicine peanut butter cup is a perfect desert that triples as a recreational relaxant and an effective sleep-aid as well.

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Fifty Shades of Green

When most people think about smoking a joint, they rarely think about it being a precursor to sex. Marijuana typically makes the user relaxed, happy, and in straight-up chill mode. So why is it that others incessantly proclaim that pot is a sexually energizing aphrodisiac that makes the user lose all inhibitions, amplifies the sense of touch, and leads to a night of insanely passionate love-making?

  To start, it should be noted that marijuana has been used for thousands of years in India and other cultures as an aphrodisiac (Mathre, 1997). There has yet to be a formal large-scale study performed on the marijuana-smoking community; up until now there have been sporadic studies performed involving few participants, and their experiences ranged from cannabis diminishing their desire for sex to making them super-horny. One notable study performed in 1984 found that "over two thirds experienced increased sexual pleasure and satisfaction with marijuana" (Weller, RA and JA Halikas,1984). Let's face it, the elements are all there to fuse into one incredible night of passion: the illusion that time is going by much more slowly, the increased sense of touch, and all of those normally distracting insecurities have now gone out the window.

  After researching and gaining insight into different user experiences, I've come to one conclusion: it is both the strain AND the individual that determines whether that joint will have an aphrodisiac-like quality. The general consensus is to stick with sativa strains, as those will keep your energy up; however others swear by certain indica strains. So, who's going to go home tonight after A Threesome with Mary Jane, light up a joint with their Valentine, and get it on?

  Study cited:  Weller, RA and JA Halikas, "Marijuana Use and Sexual Behavior," Journal of Sex Research (1984)

  Mathre, Mary Lynn. Cannabis in Medical Practice: A Legal, Historical and Pharmacological Overview of the Therapeutic Use of Marijuana. McFarland & Co., 1997.

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Big News for a Budding Hemp Industry

It is expected that President Obama will soon sign into law a provision in the Farm Bill that will prevent federal authorities from targeting those growing industrial hemp in states that have legalized hemp cultivation. The states that have legalized hemp production are Oregon, California, Kentucky, Vermont, Montana, West Virginia, North Dakota, Maine, and of course our great home state of Colorado! Those that are expected to benefit from this provision are farmers, higher-education institutions, and those that research hemp that reside in the above mentioned states.

Currently, most hemp that is found in products here in the U.S. has been grown out of the country. Hemp is a versatile plant that is often found in "green" products, from natural lotions and lip balms, to organic textiles and clothing. It contains trace amounts of THC, which is why it is still considered a controlled substance in the United States; but with the nation changing its attitude towards cannabis, there is little doubt that industrial hemp will soon be following suit.

  So what does this mean for us? A growing hemp industry could mean job growth and even larger tax revenue from hemp cultivation. Think of all the ways we can use hemp, and how awesome it is for the environment! Instead of cutting down trees, we could be growing hemp to make paper. Not a fan of synthetic fabrics in your clothing? A more eco-friendly alternative would be buying a locally-grown hemp shirt. Here's to moving forward to an even greener Colorado!

[cannabrand-blog]

A Weekend of Canna Events

We kicked off the weekend at Space Gallery in Denver for the first of its kind Edible Event, hosted by Jane West of Edible Events Co. A large array of fine food, drinks, and dessert were served throughout the gallery as guests mingled and sipped cocktails amongst eclectic art and time-lapsed projections of Denver, New York City and LA. The aesthetic beauty of the gallery set the tone for a refined and cultured dining experience, and contributed to the overall joyous vibe of the occasion. Each dish served by Three Tomatoes Catering was a deliciously unique creation, and the variety of flavors was sure to please the diverse palates of the attendees. (Don't get me started on the rich chocolate truffles sprinkled with sea salt -- OMG!)

The highlight of the event was that it was "BYOC," so guests were able to consume canna in the form of edibles and vape pens inside the gallery. A "lounge bus" was parked in front of Space Gallery for those who wished to smoke flowers. And who could forget the photo booth that allowed guests to capture this historic event? The crowd was comprised of young professionals and older associates alike, but all shared a common enthusiasm for the end of prohibition.

  Next, we headed over to the after party at Interstate Kitchen & Bar on 10th Ave. & Santa Fe Dr. where the vivacious celebration continued. Cannabrand welcomed guests to the bar with a fabulous DJ and delicious dessert. As partygoers danced to the beat and took photographs with friends, one thing was clear: history had been made, and there was no turning back.

On Saturday morning, the Cannabrand crew and I headed up to Aspen in a packed Impreza. We took in the breathtaking scenery (even spotting a few mountain goats along the way) as the car winded deeper and deeper into the mountains. We met Jane West at 420 West Francis Street (I kid you not), and set our bags down in a quaint yet luxurious Victorian. 

We dined at the White House Tavern and sipped martinis before cabbing it over to the iRecreate -- formerly iMedicate -- house party. Upon entering the scene, we were greeted by smiling partygoers who quickly directed us to the coolest room in the house -- a smoke-filled garage where a budtender invited people to take "dabs" (a highly-concentrated form of THC). 

Guests enjoyed complimentary bottles of Dixie Elixir's new line of tasty THC-infused beverages, as well as alcoholic cocktails, as they danced to the eclectic mix played by DJ Congo Sanchez. As the night went on, the crowd grew more and more dense, as people started to spill out onto the chilly back patio which featured two fire pits, a hot tub and a steamy pool. 

The night ended when a shrill fire alarm buzzed throughout the smokey house, forcing partygoers to leave at around 3am. Despite this, it was still a fabulous and entertaining evening. 

[cannabrand-blog]

EdiPure Watermelon Tarts

Eat them all, or just few.

These yummy watermelon tarts are a great treat after a long day of work. At 10mg THC per piece (that’s 500mg per bag of 50), you can either eat a bunch or share with friends.

I personally only like to eat a few, so that I can relax alcohol-free (not a fan of hangovers). I love this product so much because it’s resealable and I can eat just one or two conveniently on my own time.

I first tried EdiPure Watermelon Tarts after I had my second knee surgery; I learned from the first time that I do not react well with painkillers -- Percocet, to be precise. It made me extremely nauseous and sick and it really did not help that much to ease the pain.

Thank goodness for Edipure! The tarts were just the right balance to help me with my pain and to keep me on a faster path to recovery. I highly recommend them for anyone of legal age, for either medical use.

[cannabrand-blog]

Multi-faceted Marijuana

Imagine strolling down the block, meeting up with friends and chatting over a scrumptious, organic edible in a quaint coffee shop. Or how about indulging in a freshly rolled joint after a day of treacherous mountain-biking. Heading out to an upscale venue, and looking to enjoy a delectable edible with your glass of champagne? It's coming, and it's coming fast!

  Leading the country in a holistic lifestyle, Coloradans know the definition of a well-balanced life. We work hard, we enjoy all of the wide range of outdoor activities that this great state has to offer, and Denver's night life isn't half bad either.

  So who says cannabis can't be chic and high-end, as well as holistic? As a state that has long promoted nature's effective and beautiful simplicity, we need to broaden our vision of this incredibly versatile plant. It soothes those in pain, and relaxes weary minds like a glass of wine after a long day of work. Recreationally, it provides an alternative to alcohol without the dreaded morning hangover.

  No matter what walk of life you have come from, marijuana can relax the mind and body while providing a positive and engaging social experience.  There is no reason that outdated stigmas and stereotypes surrounding this plant should prevail and discourage prospective users. Let's work together to break down (or should I say, vaporize?) these barriers and create an environment in which everyone feels comfortable to partake in. After all, what good is having an abundance of diverse marijuana strains with a limited and uniform clientele? It's a new year – let's bring a contemporary image to cannabis!