How to Roll a Joint (When You Can't Roll a Joint): A Step by Step Guide to Rolling Perfect Joints

Having troubles rolling a joint? Try the Chopstick method.

Do you know so many people that make it look effortless to roll up a joint?

Their fingers glide over the paper, twisting the green grounded nuggets into submission in a matter of seconds and tucking the paper so quickly it almost looks like magic before presenting a J so beautiful it shouldn’t even be smoked, just preserved in the World’s Most Picturesque Joint Museum.

And when you smoke it? It burns evenly and survives many a pass; managing to retain its luster even to the last inhale.

This is not me! My joints are downright terrible. And I have been taught by the best; my talented friends have sat over coffee tables and counters patiently schooling me in their rolling methods, tucking tricks and grinding tips.

Despite their best efforts, my fingers get all stupid around the tucking phase and everything goes to hell. The paper gets all bendy and the weed starts coming out, inciting panic, and then I have this loose little creation that is smokable in an embarrassing kinda way.

How to Roll a Joint: A Step-by-Step Guide

Rolling a joint can be a fun and satisfying way to enjoy cannabis. It may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and the right tools, you'll be able to roll a perfect joint like a pro. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary supplies:

- Quality rolling papers

- Cannabis strain of your choice

- Cannabis grinder (optional)

- Joint tips, store-bought or homemade

2. Grind the Cannabis

If you're using a grinder, grind the cannabis until it's a consistent, fine texture. If you don't have a grinder, you can use your fingers or a spoon to break up the cannabis into smaller pieces.

3. Prepare the Rolling Paper

Hold the rolling paper between your thumb and index finger, and scoop some ground cannabis into it using a spoon or your fingers.

4. Shape the Joint

Press the paper into a crease that is slightly curved but not too tight. This will help ensure an even roll. If you're using a crutch (a wooden or plastic stick that helps you roll the joint evenly), insert it into the end of the rolling paper without the glue strip.

5. Roll the Joint

Roll the joint back and forth, tucking the paper into the cannabis as you go. Make sure not to overload the joint, as this can result in an uneven burn and weak flavor.

6. Seal the Joint

Once you've rolled the joint, moisten the glue on the rolling paper with your tongue and seal it by folding the sticky end tightly around the remainder of the joint.

Optional: Use a Filter Tip

If you're using a filter tip, fold it in half and insert it into the end of the rolling paper with the glue strip. Roll the filter tip downwards and press it down with your fingers to secure it in place.

7.Enjoy Your Joint

Once your joint is rolled and sealed, you can enjoy it with friends or on your own. Remember to always consume cannabis responsibly and be mindful of your surroundings.

If you're still struggling with rolling your own joints, there are tools available that can make the process easier, such as manual joint rollers or curved rolling papers. With practice and the right tools, you'll be able to roll a perfect joint like a pre-roll.

If you still can’t roll a joint or you just want to try an easier method, you need the chopstick method in your life.

You’ll need:

1 rolling paper (preferably natural papers)

1 round* chopstick

*very important that this chopstick not be a square!

Here’s the method (and keep scrolling for a video of this tutorial in action).

1. Wrap your paper around the chopstick, glue-side facing up.

2. Lick the glue, keeping the paper stabilized.

3. Roll the chopstick away from you, wrapping the paper around it.

4. When it’s all the way around (but not too tight) lick the edge and press your hand around the chopstick, wiggle the rolled paper out of the chopstick

5. Stick a filter in the larger end and use the chopstick to press it in

6. Fill the joint with weed, again using the chopstick and roll the ends and voila! You have yourself a chopstick-joint.

Video Tutorial

You can watch the full video below!

Still Having Trouble Rolling a Joint?

You might want to try this grinder + cone filler. This two-in-one tool features a grinder with a magnetically sealed lid and sharp teeth for an effortless grinding action. The grinder is triple polished and scratch resistant. It's also transparent, so you can see the process as it happens. 

The grinder has built-in storage with an air-tight seal to trap odors and keep your herbs fresh.

But the best part? The CONE FILLER. That’s right, instead of having to roll your own, you can fill up beautifully pre-rolled cones with your green. The included cone filler and packer allow you to quickly and neatly load your cones.

Available in multiple colors, this set is a perfect pick for every dry herb enthusiast. 

Now that you know how to roll a joint, what are you going to smoke?

Try this Low-THC, High CBD weed that you can have delivered to your door and read more about how to have a perfect first time experience with cannabis.

Weed Terminology 101: Strains, Weight Measurements, and More Cannabis Terms and Definitions

If you're new to the world of cannabis, whether you're planning on visiting a dispensary for the first time, or you just want to learn more about the plant, it can be overwhelming to navigate all the different terms and jargon used to describe the products. Here is a guide to some of the basic cannabis terminology:

Why Do They Call it Cannabis?

The word "cannabis" is the scientific name for the plant species that includes both marijuana and hemp. The name "cannabis" comes from the Latin word "cannabis" which is thought to have originated from the Greek word "kánnabis", which referred to the hemp plant. The word was then adopted by Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy when he was naming the species in 1753. The use of the word "cannabis" to refer to marijuana is thought to have originated in the early 20th century as a way to distinguish the psychoactive form of the plant from the non-psychoactive form (hemp).

Where Did the Term Weed Come From?

The term "weed" as slang for cannabis is thought to have originated in the early 20th century as a way to refer to marijuana in a discreet manner. Since the use and possession of marijuana was illegal during that time, people used the term "weed" as a way to talk about the drug without drawing attention to themselves. The term "weed" was also used because marijuana can grow wild and be found in many different locations, much like a common weed. Additionally, the term "weed" might have been used to describe marijuana due to the negative connotation that the word has, which could have been used to stigmatize marijuana usage and users.

What is a Cannabinoid?

A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that acts on the body's cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in the brain and throughout the body, and play a role in regulating various physiological processes such as pain, mood, appetite, and memory.

The cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, with the two most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana and is responsible for the drug's characteristic "high." It acts on the CB1 receptors in the brain and can cause changes in perception, mood, and cognitive function.

CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has been found to have a range of potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation. CBD acts on both CB1 and CB2 receptors and can modulate the effects of THC.

Other cannabinoids found in cannabis include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Each of these compounds have their own unique properties and effects that are being studied for their therapeutic potential.

What is THC?

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound (yes, a cannabinoid!) found in cannabis that is responsible for the "high" feeling. It is the most well-known cannabinoid and it is present in varying amounts in different strains.

What is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol), also a cannabinoid, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that can help to counteract some of the negative effects of THC, it is known for its medicinal properties.

What is Sativa?

A subspecies of the cannabis plant that is known for its uplifting and energizing effects. Sativa strains typically have higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD.

What is Indica?

Indica: A subspecies of the cannabis plant that is known for its relaxing and sedating effects. Indica strains typically have higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC.

What a Hybrid Strain?

A strain that is a combination of sativa and indica strains, hybrids can offer a more balanced and moderate high.

What is a Bud?

The flowering top of the cannabis plant, where the majority of the THC is found.

What is Trim?

The leaves and small buds of the cannabis plant that are removed during the harvesting process.

What is Dank?

A term used to describe high-quality, potent cannabis. When it comes to cannabis, you may have heard the term "dank" being used to describe high-quality marijuana. But what exactly does it mean?

Dank is a slang term used to describe cannabis that is potent, high-quality and has a strong aroma. It is often used to describe buds that have a high concentration of trichomes, which are the small, hair-like structures on the surface of the buds that contain the majority of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes.

Trichomes give cannabis its characteristic aroma and flavor, and they also play a major role in the plant's psychoactive effects. So, the more trichomes a bud has, the stronger its aroma, flavor, and potential effects will be.

Dank buds typically have a strong, pungent aroma, and they may have a range of colors, including green, purple, and orange. They also tend to be dense and sticky to the touch, which is a sign of high trichome content.

It's important to note that dankness can be subjective, as different people may have different preferences when it comes to aroma, flavor, and effects. So, while one person may consider a certain strain to be dank, another person may not.

In summary, dank is a slang term used to describe high-quality cannabis that is potent, has a strong aroma, and a high concentration of trichomes. It is a subjective term, and what one person considers dank may differ from another person's perspective.

How many grams are in an ounce of cannabis?

When it comes to purchasing cannabis, you may have heard people talking about buying it by the ounce. But how much does an ounce of cannabis actually weigh? The answer is 28 grams.

An ounce is a unit of measurement commonly used in the United States and a few other countries, and it is equivalent to approximately 28 grams. This makes it easy to understand how much cannabis you are purchasing when buying by the ounce.

It's important to note that when buying cannabis, the weight may vary depending on the type of product you are buying. For example, cannabis buds will weigh more than cannabis oil. But in general, an ounce of cannabis is equal to 28 grams.

Knowing how much cannabis is in an ounce can help you make more informed purchasing decisions and ensure that you are getting the amount you want. Additionally, it's good to know that you can buy smaller amounts like 1/8th, 1/4th, 1/2 and 1 ounce, which are 3.5, 7, 14, and 28 grams respectively.

In summary, an ounce of cannabis is equal to 28 grams, making it a convenient and standard unit of measurement when buying cannabis. Understanding this measurement can help you make more informed purchasing decisions and ensure you are getting the amount of cannabis you want.

What are the Weight Measurement Guidelines of Cannabis?

It can be measured in grams, ounces, and pounds. An ounce is roughly 28 grams and a pound is roughly 453 grams.

What is a Cannabis Dose?

The amount of cannabis you consume at a time, it can vary from person to person and the effects can vary depending on the individual tolerance and the strain consumed.

What is a Terpene?

Terpenes are a group of organic compounds that are produced by many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of different cannabis strains. Terpenes are found in the essential oils of the cannabis plant and are produced in the trichomes, which are the small, hair-like structures that cover the surface of the plant. Terpenes are not only responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of cannabis, but they also have potential therapeutic benefits. They have been known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and pain relieving properties. Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis include myrcene, limonene, and linalool.

Are Cannabinoids Terpenes?

No, cannabinoids and terpenes are different chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds that act on the body's cannabinoid receptors, which are found in the brain and throughout the body. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Other cannabinoids include cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have psychoactive effects and is being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Terpenes, on the other hand, are a group of organic compounds that are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of different cannabis strains. They are found in the essential oils of the cannabis plant and are produced in the trichomes.

Both terpenes and cannabinoids can have therapeutic benefits and work together to create the "Entourage Effect" which is the phenomenon where all the compounds in the plant work together to create a greater effect than any one of them in isolation.

What Is The Entourage Effect?

No, we are not referring to the TV series about Hollywood Brahs. The entourage effect is the phenomenon where all the compounds in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids and terpenes, work together to create a greater effect than any one of them in isolation. The idea behind the entourage effect is that the different compounds in the plant interact with each other in a way that enhances the plant's therapeutic properties.

For example, some terpenes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When these terpenes are combined with cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, they can work together to provide greater relief from pain and inflammation than either one alone.

Additionally, some terpenes can also interact with the endocannabinoid system and modulate the effects of the cannabinoids. Myrcene, for example, increases the blood-brain barrier permeability allowing a greater amount of THC to enter the brain. This makes the effects of THC more potent and longer lasting.

The concept of the entourage effect highlights the importance of studying the whole plant and its compounds, rather than just individual ones, in order to fully understand the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

What are trichomes?

When it comes to cannabis, you may have heard the term "trichomes" being used to describe the small, hair-like structures on the surface of the buds. But what exactly are they, and why are they important?

Trichomes are small, crystal-like structures found on the surface of the cannabis plant, particularly on the buds, leaves, and stems. They are responsible for producing the majority of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes, which give cannabis its characteristic aroma and flavor, as well as its medicinal and psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that are responsible for its medicinal and psychoactive effects. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. Another important cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-psychoactive and has been found to have medicinal properties.

Terpenes, on the other hand, are the compounds responsible for the plant's aroma and flavor. They are also found in many other plants and play an important role in the plant's defense mechanism. Each strain of cannabis has its unique profile of terpenes, which is responsible for its unique aroma and flavor.

Trichomes are also responsible for the sticky feeling of the buds and that is one of the reasons why buds with more trichomes are considered to be of higher quality.

In summary, trichomes are the small, crystal-like structures found on the surface of the cannabis plant that are responsible for producing the majority of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds give cannabis its characteristic aroma, flavor, and medicinal and psychoactive effects, making trichomes an important aspect to consider when evaluating the quality of cannabis.

It's important to keep in mind that cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction and it's essential to be aware of the laws in your area.

How to Use A Dab Pen: Why You’ll Love Using a Wax Pen for Weed.

Dabbing is considered a potent way to consume cannabis and can be a great option for achieving a stronger and longer-lasting effect from your weed. A dab pen, also known as a wax pen or concentrate pen, is a device used to vaporize concentrates such as wax and oil. Dab pens are portable, easy to use and emit less odor than traditional dabbing, making them a more discreet option for consuming concentrates on-the-go. They are also less expensive and safer than traditional dabbing equipment, as they don't require a torch and have customizable temperature settings. They are a great option for those who want a convenient and customizable way to consume concentrates.

What’s the difference between a dab pen and wax pen?

A dab pen and a wax pen are the same thing. They are both devices used to vaporize concentrates such as wax and oil. They are portable, easy to use and are sort of similar to electronic cigarettes.

A "dab" is a slang term for a small amount of concentrate, and a "dab pen" is a type of vaporizer that is specifically designed to vaporize these small amounts of concentrates. A "wax pen" is another term for a dab pen, as it is commonly used to vaporize wax concentrates, but can also be used to vaporize other types of concentrates as well.

Why Dab?

There are several reasons why someone might prefer using a dab pen for cannabis concentrates over other methods of consumption:

1. Discreetness: Dab pens are small and portable, making them easy to use discreetly in public or at home. They emit less odor than smoking and vaporize the concentrate instead of combusting it, which is less noticeable.

2. Stronger effects: Concentrates, such as wax and oil, are more potent than the traditional flower form of cannabis. They can provide a stronger and more immediate effect for those looking for a more intense experience.

3. Variety of options: Dab pens can be used with a variety of concentrates, including wax, oil, and shatter, allowing users to experiment with different textures and potencies.

4. Convenience: Dab pens are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. They can be quickly loaded and used on-the-go, making them a convenient option for people with busy lifestyles.

5. Health benefits: Vaporizing concentrates can be less harmful than smoking since it doesn't produce the same number of harmful toxins and carcinogens as smoking.

6. Flavor: Vaporizing can preserve the terpene profile of the concentrate, providing a more flavorful experience than smoking.

A dab pen can be a great option for those who want a discreet, potent, convenient, and flavorful way to consume cannabis concentrates. However, it's important to note that the use of cannabis and its concentrates is still illegal in some states, so make sure to check the laws of your state before using it.

How to Use a Dab Pen:

If you're new to using a dab pen, the process may seem intimidating at first, but it's actually quite simple. We'll walk you through the steps of using a dab pen so you can enjoy your concentrates with ease.

Step 1: Charge the Battery

The first step in using a dab pen is to charge the battery. Most dab pens come with a USB charging cable that can be plugged into a computer or wall adapter. Make sure the battery is fully charged before using the pen for the first time.

Step 2: Load the Concentrate

Once the battery is charged, it's time to load the concentrate. The process of loading the concentrate will vary depending on the type of pen you have. Most pens have a chamber or atomizer where the concentrate is placed. Some pens require a special tool to load the concentrate, while others have a simple twist-off cap. Refer to the instructions that came with your pen for specific loading instructions.

Step 3: Turn on the Pen

Once the concentrate is loaded, turn on the pen by clicking the power button five times quickly. This is usually the case for most of the devices, but you can also check the instructions that came with your pen to see how to turn it on.

Step 4: Adjust the Temperature

Some dab pens come with adjustable temperature settings, while others have a fixed temperature. If your pen has adjustable temperature settings, use the power button to select the desired temperature. Start with a low temperature and work your way up until you find the sweet spot for your concentrate.

Step 5: Take a Dab

With the pen fully charged, the concentrate loaded, and the temperature set, it's time to take a dab. Press the power button and inhale through the mouthpiece. Hold the vapor in for a few seconds before exhaling. Repeat as desired.

Step 6: Turn off and Clean the Pen

When you're finished using the pen, be sure to turn it off by clicking the power button five times quickly. This is also usually the case for most of the devices, but you can also check the instructions that came with your pen to see how to turn it off. Clean the pen regularly to ensure it performs properly and lasts for a long time.

Make sure to always refer to the instruction manual that came with your device and stay safe while using it. Don’t forget dabbing can be more intense than smoking or vaporizing flower and should be used with caution! Start low and slow.

The Best Dab Pens

Puffco Plus V2 Vision Edition Dab Pen
from: Cannabox

Puffco Plus V2 Portable Vaporizer Dab Pen - $89.99
from: Cannabox

How Do I Pick a Weed Strain That Won’t Get Me Too High?

First of all, if you’ve gotten too high, you might want to check out our article on What To Do When You Get Toooo High.

However, if you have already gotten over being too high, you might want to improve your experience. The right strain is definitely going to be a part of that. Picking a cannabis strain that won't get you too high can be a tricky process, but there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you find the right one. Here are a few tips:

1. Look for strains with low THC levels.

   THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for the "high" feeling. Strains with low THC levels (around 5-10%) will be less likely to cause overwhelming or anxiety-inducing effects.

2. Choose strains with higher CBD levels.

   CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound that can help to counteract some of the negative effects of THC. Strains with higher CBD levels (around 10-20%) can help to reduce anxiety and paranoia, making for a more pleasant and manageable high.

   Or just, pick a CBD rich strain that won’t get you high at all if you prefer but still give you the other benefits of cannabinoids.

3. Look for strains specifically bred for their low psychoactivity.

   There are some strains that are specifically bred for their low psychoactivity, such as "Harlequin" or "ACDC" and they are known for their high CBD content and low THC content.

4. Try a hybrid strain.

   Hybrid strains are a combination of sativa and indica strains, and they can offer a more balanced and moderate high.

5. Start low and go slow.

   When trying a new strain, it's important to start with a low dose and see how it affects you before consuming more. This will help you to gauge the effects of the strain and prevent you from getting too high.

6. Talk to a budtender.

   If you're still unsure about which strain to choose, talk to a budtender at a dispensary. They will have knowledge about the different strains and their effects, and can help you to find the right one for your needs.

It's important to remember that cannabis affects everyone differently, so what may work for one person may not work for another. Be open to trying different strains, and pay attention to how your body reacts to them. Keep in mind, that it's also important to consume responsibly and not to drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence.

The Science Behind Creativity and Cannabis: An Interview With Shawn Gold of Pilgrim Soul

Have you ever wondered if cannabis is actually helpful for the creative process or if it just feels like weed is giving you a creative boost?

We had the pleasure of interviewing cannabis creativity expert Shawn Gold of Pilgrim Soul, a mission-driven company focused on optimizing human creative performance to gain a competitive edge in business and life. Shawn lives his life with the notion that where there is an open mind, there is always a frontier - that everything we've learned is not necessarily an answer but precedence - a jumping-off point for new ideas. Professionally, he uses creative flow for empathetic understanding, hyper-focus, imagination, and idea generation. He developed advertising campaigns for some of America's best-known brands, wrote relationship advice columns for top women's magazines, and helped scale some of Americas' most popular news, entertainment, and social networking websites.

Shawn breaks down what strains of weed are the best for creativity, how you can use weed to get out of your own way and shares some tools for heightening your creativity!

Shawn also created this Pilgrim Soul Cannabis Creative Thinking Guided Journal, filled with over 50 creative thinking exercises that will provide hours of fun, increase your creativity, and build more productive habits.

High Herstory: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your own creative process? 

Shawn Gold: I’m a father, husband, former tech, and now cannabis entrepreneur who has used cannabis for personal fulfillment and to gain a competitive edge in my work. My 30-year career has been about imagining new businesses and creating new business models.  From Social networking with MySpace to Blogs with Engadget to storytelling with Wattpad to the subscription fashion business with Fabletics and SavageXFenty.

The four stages of the creative process are preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification.

For me, the preparation phase is about learning and consuming information to become as much of an expert as possible. The incubation phase is about playing with that information to find new patterns and opportunities. And the illumination phase is about those epiphanies that happen when you make nonlinear connections that others might not see. I am not great at consuming a lot of information while high, so I don’t use cannabis for preparation.

Where cannabis has offered a significant advantage in my career is in the incubation and illumination phases. I like to consume cannabis and write down all the ideas that flow through my mind around a given subject. This is known as divergent thinking. It is essential not to judge your ideas as they come out - that is 100% the enemy of creativity.  Cannabis helps me generate ideas without judgment. I will often use cannabis to factually meditate on the information. It helps me empathize with a target audience and make new connections that create illuminations. Of course, the evaluation phase is about convergent thinking, testing those ideas to see if they make sense - this is something I do without cannabis. However, I certainly use cannabis to build on ideas that come out of this process.

High Herstory: How would you define creativity?

Shawn Gold: Great question because people get caught up in the definition of creativity. And that is where the research on creativity is a bit unreliable. The classic definition of creativity is about “creating something new that has value.” But it is not that simple. Creativity is often a trigger and not a result. And what has value? Especially when it comes to art. 

Like happiness, creativity is a way of traveling more than a destination. Creativity is an individual thing; it is about opening up the aperture of understanding and seeing things in new ways. It is about empathizing with others, experiencing new feelings, expressing yourself, making non-linear connections, experimenting, reinventing, breaking the rules, making mistakes, and having fun. Cannabis can help with all these things.

I break creativity into four categories of thinking: 

Creative Imagination deals mostly with divergent thinking by removing barriers and judgment for more free-flowing and effective brainstorming. 

Creative Awareness, which sees an increase in pattern recognition, allows for a newfound sensitivity to the aesthetic of the world around you. 

Creative Reflection involves looking inwards for self-discovery or memory recollections, which can result in deeper connections of empathy. 

Creative Focus helps make ‘out of the box’ connections possible while rumination on a specific, complex problem. 

3.  What kind of role does weed play when you’re trying to expand your creativity?

Shawn Gold: Cannabis can be a shortcut to unlocking your innate creative ability and increasing your creative output if you choose. 

Cannabis has been used by artists, scientists, and thinkers for thousands of years to help provide the proper mindset to express new ideas. It allows you to live in the moment and embrace new thoughts as they come to you. People tend to feel less inhibited on Cannabis because they can relax and connect more deeply with themselves and their surroundings.

We believe that everyone is born creative; we just repress it. Cannabis can be a great shortcut or 'hack' into one's creative flow state. It tends to stimulate the frontal lobe, which is the brain's area attributed to idea product, and it represses the dorsolateral cortex, which is an area of the brain associated with judgment.

High Herstory: How do empathy and judgment affect the creative process?

Shawn Gold: Cannabis is a creativity maximizer in how it helps you empathize, ideate, reduce judgment and make connections. Cannabis users often experience an enhancement of their empathic skills during a high. Writers may feel that they are better able to slip into another personality and write fiction involving various characters' feelings creatively. For many people, cannabis creates an enhanced ability to see the world through the eyes of others can help to come up with new perspectives and ideas.

Creative thinking exists in a balance between the familiar and the new. It requires exploring the range of possibilities and pushing boundaries everywhere to figure out what works. Creativity is about emotional risk, and judgment becomes a significant inhibitor.

We don't want to risk failing, so we avoid it. This is ironic because very often, success rises out of the ashes of our previous failures.

Here are some guidelines from my creative thinking Journal to avoid some pitfalls:

Limit Judgement. When focusing on creative thinking, it is essential to focus on output and let ideas flow without judgment. Just see what happens and push yourself to challenge your imagination.

Take More Risks. Creative thinking requires a willingness to fail and make mistakes. Very often, the mistake is the creativity.

 Challenge default thinking. We become so accustomed to doing things in a certain way that we lose the ability to break away and think differently. Creative ideas exist in a balance between the familiar and the new.

Minimize Negative Thinking. From an early age, we've learned to analyze and criticize anything new. As an adult, it becomes second nature. Don't let this hold you back.

 Go With your gut. If you feel whimsical, then be whimsical; if irreverent, then be irreverent...but don't pressure yourself to get it right or perfect the creative experiment.

High Herstory: What studies have been done on cannabis and creativity and what is your analysis of the results?

Shawn Gold: Well, when it comes to cannabis and creativity, the case studies are immense. If you think about it, half the songs on Spotify would be gone without cannabis.

However, the science behind cannabis and creativity is relatively light. Studies on cannabis have been limited because it is in a schedule one drug classification.

Another significant issue with studying cannabis and creativity is defining what creativity is and how to measure it. Creativity does not often happen in an isolated moment. Your creativity results from all of your experiences. Your relationship with your parents, the knowledge we have accumulated, your fear of judgment, and so many other things we bring to each moment. So, it isn't easy to have a control group in studying creativity, as we all approach creativity differently.

One study I read recently was trying to understand if cannabis could make entrepreneurs more creative.  They took twenty entrepreneurs and gave them a task. Ten of them consumed cannabis, and ten of them (the control group) did not.  They looked at the results in this restrictive time period. Maybe experiments work that way - but life certainly does not, and neither does the creative process.

High Herstory: Does focusing on creative thinking apply only to artists and writers?

 Shawn Gold: There is an excellent Twyla Tharp quote that answers your question.

"Creativity is not just for artists. It's for business people looking for a new way to close a sale; it's for engineers trying to solve a problem; it's for parents who want their children to see the world in more than one way. In the future of AI and outsourcing, creativity will be an essential skill that means job security."

We live in an explosion of creativity, and it's only accelerating. Each human has the capacity to drink in the world and produce something that has never existed before.

So, artists, writers, and designers are a very small subset of creative thinkers. Anyone who creates and innovates in their job or life is a creative thinker. They can be scientists, engineers, educators, computer programmers, doctors, shop clerks, or police officers.  People who solve problems are creative thinkers. Our economy is propelled forward by creativity and technology.

High Herstory: What kind of cannabis products would you suggest for heightened creativity?

Shawn Gold: While cannabis, and the million variations of strains, can affect everyone differently, there tend to be a variety of strains (based on survey data) the more consistently enhance imagination.

Together with the scientists at AbstraxLabs, we have analyzed hundreds of cannabis strains that index high for creativity, along with secondary and tertiary states of mind. After identifying the common cannabinoid and terpene profiles of each cannabis strain, we’ve built a matrix of strains that we blend together for specific creative impact. This ongoing research is supported by focus groups and feedback from iconic creative leaders.

Creativity is a competitive edge in both life and work. It defines us as individuals and gives us a sense of accomplishment in everything we do.

Keep in mind that before you rush into using cannabis to elevate your creative output, be mindful of your strain of choice, dosage and environment. Yes scientific and anecdotal evidence from cannabis users suggest that it enhances creativity.

Remember the Steve Jobs quote: “The best way I could describe the effect of the marijuana and hashish is that it would make me relaxed and creative.” Research agrees and suggests that aspects of creative performance can be improved with cannabis but…..

Start with a lower THC dose and build from there. Studies have shown that higher THC content can actually impair divergent thinking, promote anxiety or cause racing thoughts. Some creative experiences will call for an edible (long painting or sculpting sessions) while another vaporizing (brainstorming or writing).

Strains that contain a ratio of THC to CBD can be helpful, as CBD can stimulate a more focused and productive session. A sleepy strain will not motivate creative work nor will a strain that makes you feel couch-locked. You want to feel open and ready, with stamina and composure to get things done.

Finally, make sure your surroundings are conducive to creativity. For some, this might mean an organized, de-cluttered space brightly lit with music, while others may prefer to explore a messy desk, making connections between various items, and listen to ambient sounds.

While science suggests that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a crucial role in the cognitive functions necessary for creative thinking and cannabis can enhance that experience, the mind tools you choose will help determine how far you can push your creative boundaries. 

Check out Pilgrim Soul’s Cannabis Products:

You find a store that carries Pilgrim Soul’s products here.

RESEARCH: HOW CANNABIS WORKS ON THE BRAIN

Article https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4336648/

https://medmen.com/blog/lifestyle/how-weed-enhances-creativity

Divergent & convergent thinking study on cannabis

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound present in the Cannabis sativa plant, has been found to reduce inhibitory control (McDonald et al. 2003) and stimulate striatal dopamine (DA) release (Bossong et al. 2009; Kuepper et al. 2013). These features of THC intoxication, in turn, are expected to play a role in particular aspects of creative thinking (Akbari Chermahini and Hommel 2010; Hommel 2012).

How Long Does Weed Stay Good?

It's probably happened to you before: you're cleaning out your closet, and in the middle of it, you notice a baggie of flower stashed away in the back of a drawer. It's a pleasant surprise. But hold on: the bud is as crisp as a potato chip.

This leads you to ask yourself a bunch of questions. Will this ancient herb turn into dust if I try to grind it? How long does weed stay good for? Will it work? Is this even weed?

How Long Does Weed Stay Fresh?

The good news is that many weed varieties remain in full potency for up to 12 months. That is, if it's properly harvested, dried, cured, and stored under good conditions. Smoking it after that time won't do you any harm. However, your herb won't provide you with the same high as a fresh flower. Why?

Just like any other substance, the chemical components that make up cannabis break down over time. THC is the primary psychoactive weed component. It is responsible for getting you high. When it breaks down, your stash loses its spike. This explains why you can't seem to get high from an old baggie

According to research, marijuana loses about 16 percent of its THC each year, and it just keeps dropping after every year until there's none left.

• It loses 26 percent of THC after two years

• It loses 34 percent of THC after three years

• It loses 41 percent of THC after four years

How Do You Know if Your Weed Is Old?

Weed has a way of showing off its beauty when it's healthy. It also has a way of letting you know when you shouldn't touch it. It can only stand the test of time if the process of growth, harvest, and packaging are handled correctly.

Unfortunately, you don't always have the power to control the quality of weed before it reaches your hands. Therefore, having the ability to recognize old and bad weed is a vital defense mechanism that every stoner should master. After all, you wouldn't want to waste your money on a bag of dried-out or moldy ganja.

Here are some things that you should check to tell if your weed is old or bad.

Smell

Weed that has passed its shelf-life smells different. Its earthy, herbal scent fades away with time and if it's not been treated well. A vibrant aroma of terpenes is an indicator that your weed is worthy of smoking. Any unusual smell should prompt you to put down the herb and reconsider smoking it. It indicates a compromise in quality. If you pick up a damp smell, be careful. It could be a red flag for mold presence. Look out for chemical aromas as well. It's usually a sign of preservatives or improper pesticide use. No smell is also fishy.

Appearance

It's definitely old if you can't tell if it's cannabis. Two things could've happened to old weed- it either took in moisture or dried out. Old and dried-out weed breaks apart into fine powder. It contains fragments of stems and seeds: that's how you can tell if it's weed. You can try to make the best out of it by moistening it with a humidity control pack or a citrus fruit peel. However, dry weed doesn't make for a good smoking experience. It's harsh to the throat.

On the other hand, spongy weed is highly likely to contain molds. In most cases, it's easy to identify molds visually. They assume several appearances. You can differentiate them by looking at where the concentration is. Bud rot mainly grows in the core of a cannabis bud. It spreads like wildfire and shreds your weed into fragments. Don't smoke it if it smells like urine or has a black or white fuzz on it. Moldy weed has serious health repercussions such as lung infections, intense coughing, and sometimes, death.

How It Feels Like

You can always know if weed is old or bad by handling it. Check if it's over-compressed or has any moisture content. Does it break down when you touch it? Pick a bud and check the inside layers. If it feels like it has been squashed under an elephant's foot, it's a no-go. It has probably been stored for too long in tight bags without room to breathe. You can identify all these by making physical contact with your herb.

Taste

If you haven't had time to inspect your stuff, sniff it to decide if it's up to snuff. An avid weed smoker can recognize the smell of good weed, even among an array of other smells. However, it's not advisable to roll up a joint without checking if your marijuana is old or bad. That said, bad weed doesn't smoke well. If your stash is compromised, you'll notice a difference in smell and taste. Sometimes you may just have to dig in to know if your weed is all good.

What Conditions Determine Weed Freshness?

Proper storage is a must if you want your stash to stay longer and maintain its quality. Whether you are keeping it long-term or till the end of the week, where you store your buds plays a major role in preserving its potency and flavor.

Below are a few factors that may influence your weed's freshness at home.

Light

The cannabis flower hates light. While the plant thrives in light during different stages of its growth, UV rays can break down chemical components in the flower after harvesting. 

This is why you should never leave your buds out in the sun. You should also make sure that your containers are always kept in the dark. And if you're unable to store your containers in a dark environment, use opaque containers. Under the right conditions, the terpenes and cannabinoids in your buds will remain intact for up to two years.

Humidity

Keeping your marijuana at the proper humidity levels is important to keep it fresh and safe for consumption. High humidity breeds molds and mildew, while low humidity can dry out the herb and degrade its terpenes and cannabinoids.

It's hard to find the right balance when you're storing your stash in an ordinary polythene bag. So you might want to invest in a humidity pack that you can place inside your storage container. To maintain your cannabis's consistency, color, aroma, potency and flavor, the recommendation is to keep it at a relative humidity of 59 percent to 63 percent. Mold usually starts developing at a relative humidity (RH) of 65 percent and above. And your flowers begin to dry up at a relative humidity of below 55 percent.

Temperature

The same way heat can destroy chlorophyll pigments in your vegetables, it can break down the terpenes in your buds, making them dry out. You don't want the temperatures to get too low, either. Excessive cold can slow down decarboxylation (a process that activates cannabis compounds such as THC).

Ideally, you should store your marijuana at temperatures between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This strikes the right balance needed to keep it moist but not too moist and dry enough to retain its potency and springy texture.

Some people store their flowers in the fridge thinking that it's an optimal choice. But it's one of the worst places you could ever think of storing your marijuana in. Condensation can happen inside the refrigerator, creating excess moisture that reduces your plant's quality. Avoid the freezer too. It damages the flower's delicate surface and makes it lose potency and flavor.

Air

When you expose marijuana to too much oxygen, its cannabinoids and terpenes degrade at a higher rate than usual. And when you store it in too little air, it dramatically affects its relative humidity, especially if it hasn't dried up well. Cannabis requires just the right amount of air to stay fresh and in its original form.

What's the Best Way to Store Your Weed?

Keeping your stash in an airtight container protects it from too much air and other environmental factors that work against it. Use containers made out of glass. Glass is airtight and nonporous. It can keep your stash safe for a long time. Mason jars are popular with cannabis growers. They have been tested and approved as the best storage for weed.

You might want to avoid metal and plastic. While you can use them for short-term storage, they will affect the quality of your stash after a while. Plastic has a static charge, making the trichomes fall off the buds and stick to the container.

If you're using a wooden container, avoid tobacco humidors. Most of them are made out of cedarwood and can easily corrupt your weed's quality.

Bottom Line

At this point, we've probably answered all your questions. So the next time you discover a long-forgotten container of weed in your closet, you will be in a better position to tell if it's worth a spliff.

Your stash should stay good for as long as you keep it well. The only problem is that old weed might not give you the same high as fresh weed. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container away from moisture, sunlight, and heat.