Cannabis for Beginners

If you’re new to cannabis, this guide is for you. We’ve put together this important information to elevate your experience from freshman to graduate in just a few minutes. Dank you for breaking the stigma on cannabis by educating yourselves and your loved ones about ganja.

Throughout time, this amazing annual flower has been shared, cultivated, eaten, drank, smoked, and worn. Marijuana seeds have been found in burial tombs and caskets, revealing it’s value to man both living and dead. It’s nothing new to us. Weed has hidden potential that is just being discovered after many years of prohibition. California started the movement in 1996 and new states are legalizing medical marijuana across the United States and around the world. When Colorado legalized recreational weed in 2014 it allowed cannabis dispensaries like DANK to welcome smokers from around the world. As we share what we know, we pass on canna-knowledge gained from years in the shadows and more in the legal market. Whether it’s cultivating cannabis, or smoking etiquette, there are many things to be learned. At DANK, we’ve graduated from the illicit “legacy” market with straight A’s in the legalized market. Now, we’re here to instruct you on Cannabis 101.

In this blog, you’ll find:

• What is Cannabis
• History of Cannabis
• Benefits of Cannabis
• Key Laws Impacting Cannabis
• Cultivating Cannabis
• Consumption of Cannabis
• Adverse Reactions to Cannabis
• Cannabis Etiquette
• Responsible Cannabis

What is Cannabis

Cannabis is a annual flower that grows like a weed! In favorable growing conditions, the Plant develops flowers rich in terpenes and potent with cannabinoids that when dried, cured and ingested result in euphoric yet medicinal affects.

The word Cannabis is a taxonomic term used to describe flowering plants that are members of the family Cannabaceae. The genus is divided into three species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. They are all species of the same plant that developed special characteristics that allowed them to survive a variety of climates.

• Cannabis sativa. Growing taller and thinner that the other genus, sativa originates from warm hot climates like Africa. Sativa plants are known for producing elevated, energetic and euphoric effects after consumption due to the combination of terpenes and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  • Hemp. The Hemp plant is Cannabis sativa void of the THC cannabinoid and predominately cannabidiol (CBD).
• Cannabis indica. Growing short and stout in cooler, wetter climates, Indica originates from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Often high in THC but absent of other cannabinoids, the effects can cause extreme body relaxation.
• Cannabis ruderalis. The shortest and bushiest of the three types, ruderalis is adapted to grow in many conditions around the world. Unlike sativa and indica, ruderalis will enter flowering cycle after only 3-4 weeks and does not depend on water, nutrient and light for reproductive development. Usually low in THC and CBD, ruderalis is commonly cross-bred with sativa and indica to create more hardy genetics.

Cannabis is dioecious, meaning that the plant creates male and female flowers on separate plants. When cultivated professionally, we use the female plant that produces large flower buds, absent of seeds (sinsemilla) and sticky with resin. The gift the plant provides are the cannabinoids and terpenes that make each plant unique. Upon completion of the growing cycle, molecules saturate the plant and can be preserved by curing the flower buds. Major cannabinoids include:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cannabidiol (CBD)

Upon consumption, many users report a feeling of well-being, increased appetite, reduced pain, reduced nausea, and reduced spasticity. Sometimes euphoric, time slows down, resulting in a state of relaxation, appreciation, and honor. It’s non-toxic and has never resulted in a single death around the world. Before we get too deep, get up-to-speed by reviewing common Cannabis Terms.

History of Cannabis

There is evidence of cannabis as far back as 2727 BC in ancient China. We believe cinnamon, myrrh and cannabis was the Holy Anointing Oil used by ancient Hebrews to anoint the priesthood and tabernacles since 1490 BC. Further, it is possible that Jesus himself used cannabis oil to stop seizures in their tracks…a miracle to observed in epileptic seizures today. In ancient India, Shiva, the God of Creation, was said to drink a cannabis elixir bhang that helped cure himself of poison and stop the churning of the worlds oceans. Ancient Greeks used cannabis smoke to induce a trance that revealed many truths to pilgrims seeking answers. Jamaican Rastafarians use ganja in religious ceremonies, creating a bond between man and plant. There are many examples of people and cannabis in a synergistic relationship. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s that humans began questioning this gift. It is now evident that they acted with bias. They used this plant as a way to paint an anti-immigrant picture that was so well disseminated that many hold the same stigmas today.

Benefits of Cannabis

Smoking cannabis is self-care with plant medicine. Used for a millennium for ritualistic and medical purposes, cannabis has reached new levels of acceptance around the world thanks to ongoing efforts to reveal the true medicinal benefits of this amazing plant. In Colorado, there are eight medical conditions approved for medical marijuana registry.

• Cancer
• HIV / Aids
• ALS
• Seizures
• Nausia
• Chronic Pain
• Muscle Spasticity (MS)
• Cachexia

While these medical conditions approved by the State of Colorado, we feel there are other health benefits. The fact that there are no deaths should tell us something. The amazing success stories like those on Cannabis Health Radio tells us even more.

Key Laws Impacting Cannabis

The cannabis plant is not free. It is regulated, prohibited, persecuted and demonized. People around the globe have been affected by the War on Drugs, keeping the Plant from achieving the notoriety it deserves. The unfair treatment of cannabis in the United States began in the early 20th century as industrial giants like Dupont made efforts to replace hemp in industrial products with nylon. This scorn was only the beginning of years of persecution of cannabis and their users as marijuana lovers were demonized, users put in jail, ruining the lives of many around the world. Looking back, let’s read about some legislation that had a huge impact on the cannabis industry. A more complete History of Legalization can be found on Leafly.

• Marijuana Tax Act of 1937
  • Prior to 1935, American’s were encouraged to cultivate hemp, making industrial products for shipping, military and industry. After the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1935, American’s who wished to cultivate hemp were required to obtain a stamp from the US Government, which they were not likely to receive. Thusly, hemp was eliminated in the marketplace as nylon and other industrial textiles took hold of the new market opportunities left in the void of hemp.
• Controlled Substances Act of 1970
  • In 1969, President of the United States Richard Nixon (R) commissioned a study to determine whether or not marijuana had medicinal value. The results were clear, his people found there was medical value. They recommended further research into the possibilities. Instead of heading their advice, he instead continued forward with his plan by placing marijuana on the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. The list categorized substances into classes from most severe to least severe. Cannabis was listed right there at the top, Class 1, right next to heroin, cocaine and meth…the worlds most addictive substances with no medical value and an increased chance of abuse. Inclusion on this list allowed for government abuse, locking up users of a plant for non-violent crimes, increasing racial disparity and privatizing for-profit industrial prisons.
• Colorado Medical Marijuana 2002
  • In 2002, Colorado voters followed the lead of California who approved medical marijuana in 1996 and Oregon and Washington who approved medical marijuana in 1998. This was the start of it all as Coloradan’s suddenly recognized just how sick they were…everyone wanted a “red card” back then! Interestingly, the most common ailment of Colorado medical marijuana card holders is “chronic pain.” Get your card to support the medical marijuana industry and save cash on taxes while increasing your purchasing limits.
• Ogden Memorandum 2009
  • Interestingly, medical cultivation and dispensary licenses were not issued until 2009 after the fed’s released the Ogden Memorandum directing US Attorneys “not to focus federal resources in your State on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana.” This memo opened the doors to state-run cannabis operations like DANK who sold our first gram of medical marijuana in January of 2010.
• Cole Memorandum 2013
  • Similar to what the Ogden Memo did for medical marijuana, the Cole Memorandum opened the doors for recreational cannabis licenses. It provides for less interference from the federal government to states have laws that are:
    • Preventing distribution to minors;
    • Preventing revenue from going to organized crime, cartels and gangs;
    • Preventing the diversion of marijuana from legal states to illegal states;
    • Preventing the use of the program as a cover for the sale of other illegal substances;
    • Preventing violence and the use of firearms;
    • Preventing drugged driving and exacerbation of other adverse public health consequences associate with marijuana use;
    • Preventing the growth of marijuana on public lands; and
    • Preventing the possession or use of marijuana on federal property.
• Colorado Recreational Cannabis 2012
  • The last major change in Colorado cannabis laws was the passaage of House Bill 2024 which legalized marijuana for adult-use in Colorado. It provided State issued Rules and Regulations that manage the industry according to the terms of the Cole Memo and state objectives. Coinciding with the legal framework for business, residents 21 and up can cultivate up to 6 plants and possess up to 1 ounces at any time. “Dank You” to all the Colorado voters who saw hypocrisy of marijuana prohibition by voting YES to legalization. This was a monumental shift in thinking about the War On Drugs and opened many eyes to the lies about ganja. Below are the things you need to know about legal weed in Colorado, or take a deep dive into Retail cannabis on our blog.
    • Must be 21. It is illegal for people under 21 to buy, have or use retail marijuana. It is a felony for adults to give, sell or share marijuana with anyone under 21.
    • Limits to buying. Only buy retail marijuana from licensed retail stores. Adults over age 21 can buy and possess up to one ounce of marijuana at a time.
    • Limits to selling. Only licensed retailers can sell their product. Adults over age 21 may give up to one ounce of marijuana to another adult 21 or older, but may not sell marijuana. This includes homegrown product.
    • Follow grow rules. Coloradans may grow up to six marijuana plants per person in an enclosed, locked area. Check with your local laws before you grow — they may have stricter rules on growing.
    • No more than 1 ounce. Adults age 21 and older may have up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Having more may result in legal charges and fines.
    • Illegal to use in public. Marijuana use in any way — smoked, eaten, or vaped — is not allowed in public places. This includes outdoor areas like sidewalks, national and local parks, ski resorts and concert venues. Indoor use in workplaces, restaurants, bars and common areas of apartment buildings is also illegal.
    • Keep it in Colorado. It is illegal to take marijuana out of the state. You cannot bring marijuana to the Denver International Airport. Leaving Colorado with any marijuana product is against the law.
    • Do not drive high. It doesn’t take much to be “over the limit” and just a little bit stays in our system for along time. Don’t mess with driving hot, it’s not worth it.

Cultivating Cannabis

Marijuana grows like a weed, indeed. But, to grow quality cannabis, it takes more than luck. It takes good genetics, years of experience, knowledge in growing and control over your procedures. We encourage everyone to grow at least a plant every year because it’s fun and rewarding. If you’re wondering how we do it at DANK, check out our blog posts on cultivation.

For this general discussion, let’s assume you are growing a few plants in a secured outdoor greenhouse where you will only have one harvest per year. Those of you growing indoors have a lot more decisions to make…more than we can discuss here. Each plant should yield 3-5 ounces of dried flower upon completion. Start to finish, it will take at least 5 months.

• Propagation
  • Whether you start by seed or by a cutting, propagation is the start of a long process where you have to be committed to your plants for 5 months. You are their care-taker and no one other than you cares so deeply for them. Either plant directly into the ground or in a pot around June 1.
• Vegetative
  • The vegetative growth phase is where the cannabis plant puts on height and mass while producing no flower buds. Feed the plants during veg growth for strong and tall plants, watering about every third day while ensuring the plant doesn’t dry out completely. Watch for pests so you can quickly react with treatments before problems get out of control. Prune the plant to thin out the branches so that future flower buds are developed on strong and primary branching limbs.
• Flowering
  • Sometime after the summer equinox, cannabis plants cease vegetative growth and switch to flower growth. Coincide this change with a change in your nutrient mix for maximum results. Continue watering and monitoring for pests, but avoid pesticides and herbicides in the flowering phase. As flower buds grow, they become heavy with water, resin, and plant matter. Be prepared to support massive buds with bamboo plant stakes or grow “yo-yos” that suspend from the ceiling.
• Harvest
  • After 8-10 weeks in flowering, the buds develop sticky resin that covers the flower and the nearby stems and leaves. When the resin turns from milky white to amber, it is ready to harvest. There are many methods, one of which is to simply chop the plant off at the base and hang it upside down to dry. At this stage, remove moisture from the plant slowly and completely, otherwise mold may develop. Keep in a safe, dry and cool place for drying perhaps about one week, depending on humidity levels.
• Trim
  • Trimming is the process of removing unwanted leaves and stems after drying in preparation for curing. Remove “crows feet”, “fan-leaves” and “larf” from the flower buds, keeping only the sticky nugs that contain the cannabinoids we seek.
• Cure
  • Transfer individual flower buds into a sealable mason jar for curing. Methods vary, but the cure process takes some skill as we examine the flowers daily, opening and releasing gas from the jars and closely monitoring the moisture level of buds. When cured properly, the resulting flower nugs will be sticky with resin, strong with scented terpenes and as dense as a piece of popcorn. Pat yourself on the back, you made it through another grow season.

Consumption of Cannabis

Now that we have perfectly cured buds, let’s get down! The most popular method of consumption at DANK is flower. Pick it, pack it, fire it up, come along and take hits from the bong. Nowaday, we don’t have to settle with just one method. There are so many delightful ways to get baked, why not try a dab of live resin, a blunt of chronic, or a baked brownie? They’re all available at DANK, keeping kind since 2009.

• Flower
  • Also known as: cannabis, marijuana, ganja, weed, motta, pot, grass, sticky-icky, devil’s lettuce
  • Intake methods: pipe, water-pipe, water-bong, steam-roller, rolling papers (joints, blunts), and vaporizers
• Concentrate
  • Common products: wax, shatter, resin, rosin, badder, budder, sauce, diamonds and cannabis oil (droppers and vaporizer pens (oil cartridges, disposable all-in-one vape pens))
  • Intake methods: vape-pen, personal vaporizer, dab-rig, electric dab-rig
• Edibles
  • Common infused edibles: gummies, chocolates, lozenges, powder, capsules, tinctures, taffy, and drinks (seltzer water, water, juice, soda-pop, beer)
• Topicals
  • Common products: lotions, salves, compounds, oils, patches and bath soaks
• Smoking accessories
  • Rolling papers, pre-roll cones, flower-grinders, blunt-wraps, rolling-treys, doob-tubs, pokers and ash-treys

Adverse Reactions to Cannabis

If this post got you curious about THC, there are a few things we want you to remember. First of all, high THC amounts are illegal in most parts of the world and many of the US States. However, most states allow its use for medical purposes, but only for selected diseases approved by each state.

And there is a reason for this caution. While early research suggests cannbis can be beneficial, it can also have very unpleasant side effects. While no one has ever died from THC overdose, THC consumed in excess can lead to adverse reactions such as:

• Paranoia
• Excessive Tiredness
• Lethargy
• Temporary Memory Loss
• Change of Perception
• Dizziness
• Slower Response Time

Cannabis Etiquette

Now that you’ve grown your crop and snagged the accessories, meet us for a smoke sesh. We too are proud cannabis smokers, but we are also respectable. In all locations, it is illegal to consume in public so please keep it discreet. Using a single hitting “dugout” is a great way to conserve your weed and smoke without notice. Vape pens and personal vaporizers are great at hiding the odor that is associated with flower smoke, if you need discretion. If not, wrap that fresh ground flower into a DANK paper as you delight in cannabis vibes. If you’re smoking your own harvest, you’ll love to share with your friends and family. Who doesn’t enjoy smoking the fruits of their labor? Here are some other things you need to know about becoming a well versed cannabis smoker.

Pass the Kutchie to the Left

Smoking has long been a social activity, sharing the herb with friends new and old. Keep kind by passing to the left…unless you are trying to start a war.

Don’t Bogart That Joint

There is always “that guy” who gets to smoking, gets to talking, and forgets proper smoking protocol. Pass the joint already, everyone is listening.

No Seeds Please

Unless you’re in Jamaica, smoking seeds is about as big an insult as they come. Not only do they taste bad, seeds can pop like corn when heated…a mistake you’ll only make once when you burn your car seat. Take the time to discard the seeds prior to twisting up that spliff least you want to start a fight.

Green Is King

No one wants a cashed bowl or skunky roach. If you want respect in the hood, cash that bowl and pack a freshy. It tastes better, feels better and you’ll be keeping kind to all your peeps.

Legalize It

Now that you are smoking like a Rasta, you’re probably familiar with this call to action from Jamaica, “Legalize It”. Smokers around the globe have united under reggae riddims thanks to Peter Tosh and Bob Marley. Be an informed stoner, it was in fact Peter Tosh who wrote this reggae gem.

Become a Medical Patient

Support your state medical marijuana programs by registering with the state. Medical patients pay less taxes while allowing for greater purchasing power. If you’re a heavy smoker, you’ll want to max-out your purchases with every visit. This song by Stephen Marley will go down in history as one of the greatest pro-ganja songs ever written. Enjoy it with a blunt and a brother.

Tip Your Bud-tender

Bud-tenders are a valuable resource to smokers everywhere. As canna-guides, they have the experience and the knowledge to elevate dope smokers everywhere. Day in and day out, budtenders have a tough job of selling weed. If you think you’d be a good bud-tender, reach out to us at info@dank-colorado.com.

Responsible Cannabis

“Making your way in the world today takes every thing you’ve got. Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away?” That’s cool, us too. But, before making your way to DANK, know how to be a responsible cannabis consumer. Colorado provides a lot more information on resonsponsible use right here.

• Do not mix marijuana and alcohol. Using alcohol and marijuana at the same time is more dangerous than using either alone. If you’ve heard the term “wasted”, this is you on booze and weed.
• Be careful if you take medication. There may be drug interactions between marijuana and your medication.
• Start slow. A single 10 mg serving of THC is likely enough to hurt your ability to drive, bike or do other activities, especially for occasional users.
  • While you quickly feel the effects from smoked or vaped marijuana, edibles can take up to 4 hours to take full effect. Start with just one serving or less and wait before using more.
• Driving while high may increase your risk of a crash. Marijuana makes driving more dangerous because it slows your reaction time and makes it harder to tell distances.
  • Wait at least 6 hours after smoking or at least 8 hours after eating/drinking marijuana before driving, biking, skiing or doing other activities.
• Store it safely. Marijuana products can be confused for regular food or candy. Store all marijuana products in a locked area. Make sure children cannot see or reach the locked area. Keep marijuana in the child-resistant packaging from the store.
• Look for the Universal Symbol. For your own safety, use only products overseen by the legal regulated market. All medical and retail marijuana packaging must have the new universal symbol on the package to show that a product contains marijuana and is regulated by the state.
• Look for laboratory testing. Another great way to verify your cannabis products are safeguarded by the regulated industry is to look for the lab test results. All legal retail and medical marijuana products must pass state laboratory testing before sale. Look for cannabinoid potency results, as well as contaminant testing which includes microbials, heavy metals, solvents, pesticides and mold.
• Some people should not use marijuana.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use marijuana since it can harm their baby.
  • Young people should protect their growing brain by not using marijuana.
• Consider long-term effects. Marijuana can hurt your memory, even a week after using.

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