Do you use topicals? Are you interested in the use of topicals? Look no further!

Topicals are a cannabis product that not a lot of people know about or aware of the benefits that are provided. Since they are applied to the skin toicals should not have a psychoactive effect but instead provide relief. Topicals are great for many ailments from eczema, psoriasis dry skin, arthritis, and inflammation, to bruises, cuts, and pain. Relieving all of this while not getting the user high makes topicals a great option for relief throughout the day or for someone who does not want to consume traditional forms of cannabis.

Some topicals are higher in THC, which can help with bruises, cuts, abrasions, inflammation, and muscle tension. Others are higher in CBD, which can help reduce dry itchy skin, psoriasis, wrinkles, wind and sunburns, scars, and stretch marks. Then there are some topicals that combine the two and can also include other healing elements like arnica and tea tree oil. The thing I love about topicals is their versatility and the ability to use them almost anywhere at anytime.

One topical I currently use daily and am in love with is a high CBD product from Molly Ren aka 0bjesctsinspace. She makes her own CBD lotion with a blend of essential oils that provides incredible relief and smells amazing! I use this topical almost daily and love the way it rubs into my skin and helps with all my aches and pains throughout the day. I have been using it at night as well and I have been waking up with significantly less pain and stiffness in my neck and shoulders than ever before. I reached out to Molly to find out a little bit more about her, her decision to make lotion and of course the lotion itself…here’s what I learned!

K: Where are you from?

M: Born in Colorado but raised in North Carolina, I came back out West

K: What prompted your decision to use Cannabis, CBD, and natural products?

M: I had some medical issues that doctors just threw pain pills at. After moving back home to CO, I wanted to dedicate myself to finding a more natural cure for my muscle/joint aches and pelvic congestion syndrome. My first job in the industry was at a Medical Dispensary where I learned more about cannabinoids and how they interact with the system. Putting most of my medications on the back burner, I started using CBD and other THC products on a daily basis to help manage my flare-ups.

K: When and why did you start making your lotion?

M: In the middle of getting my Massage License, I started making my own CBD lotion. Using other essential oils, I like to make a healing concoction with lots of anti-inflammatory and calming properties to provide others with the tools to seek holistic healing from their home. Also, I was tired of over-priced lotions being sold with the companies’ pockets in mind, instead of the patients. So I wanted to provide a high quality CBD product at a fair price!

K: Where do you get your CBD for the lotion? What else is in it?

M: I source my CBD from Extracts Lab out of Boulder, CO. The essential oils I use most of the time are a blend of Lavender, Rosemary, Chamomile, Clary Sage, or Frankincense. Avocado oil and Jojoba oil along with Mango and Shea butter help with the foundation of the lotion. I hope to expand my line in the future by offering oils and other body products.

K: Do you use your products in your massage or yoga practices?

M: I do! I offer the lotion to my massage clients and it’s available for sale to anyone, so I of course mention the benefits during yoga classes.

K: Where do you see us as a community and industry going?

M: I hope that the community can continue to grow in a direction that helps the patients and others heal themselves. I think that the spread of knowledge is definitely reaching new lengths and I’m excited to see where it will bring us in the near future. Just keep living by example!

K: What do you think we can do to keep pushing legalization forward?

M: By holding a good image and continuing to show positive healing and change, we can provide research and examples to help show the medical effects of cannabis.

K: What are your goals moving forward? What doe the future hold?

M: The goal is to officially own a company where we can produce CBD topical products for people ranging from Eczema to Arthritis, available in all 50 states and Canada. Until then, I will continue to promote my passion for CBD and it’s healing properties by using the products in massage as well as trying to sell them online and at surrounding markets.

K: Any big adventures planned coming up?

M: Honestly, I just graduated school and I have a new job lined up, and I’ll be moving into a new place, so there is lots of adventure that is about to take place. Embracing the change is going to be a wave in itself. I’m thrilled to be moving forward in my goals and can’t wait to continue to share my passion and knowledge for holistic healing in hopes of creating more self-awareness in others.

K: Anything else you want people to know about you!?

M: I’ve been practicing yoga for going on 8 years and if I had never found the practice, I would’ve never learned how to heal myself from the inside out. Cannabis and other holistic practices truly saved my life. I use CBD lotion on the daily myself for my neck and shoulders, as well as my arms and hands. Making sure I have it with me at all times is vital. When I’m not working, I love camping and hiking with lots of hot springs in between.

This wonderful lady truly cares about the people that use her products and the relief that is provided. I can’t wait to see where she grows her business and all the amazing things she does along the way. Truly living by example and showing the world that cannabis consumption is not dirty or shameful but part of a healthy holistic lifestyle. For more information on her topicals, massage, yoga or story you can contact Molly on Instagram, her username is 0bjectsinspace or email molly.ren@yahoo.com

This smoothie is one of my favorites for busy days, fuel for adventure or the gym, or for an extra boost of energy.  It’s like a hug for your insides with a kick of extra energy. This delicious protein packed smoothie is perfect for days when you need a healthy boost or are too busy to eat as much or as healthy as you want. Try mixing it up with raspberries or by adding spinach to get tons of nutrients and energy from this delicious smoothie! Can be made un-infused as well, just skip the infused coconut oil, you can substitute for plain coconut oil or leave out entirely.

My measurements are more like estimates, you may have to play around with ingredients to find your desired consistency and serving size!

Recipe:

1-2 scoops frozen blueberries

½ a banana

1 scoop of yogurt

1 tbsp of Almond Butter

1 serving of protein powder (use your preferred powder)

A dollop of honey

A pinch of spinach or a few cucumbers (optional)

100mg Infused Coconut Oil (optional)

Almond Milk until blended well

Blend until the thickness/consistency is what you want

Let me know what you think!

Good Evening Stoner Fam! 

Happy almost 4/20! Consuming cannabis is what our holiday is all about and what better way to prepare than to go over all your options!? I have outlined the 5 most popular ways of consuming cannabis below. I will go into each in more detail in the coming weeks but here is a complete list to help you prepare for our biggest day of the year!

I have also included a short introduction to everyone’s favorite cannabinoid, THC, and the way each form of consumption activates it. Remember to always consume responsibly and safely, happy holidaze!

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the high you feel when consuming cannabis. This cannabinoid is derived from THCA and is converted over time or more commonly when heat and the process of decarboxylation is applied. THC will, also after a long period of time, breakdown into CBN a cannabinoid that is great for relaxation and sleep. Whether you feel euphoric, peaceful or anxious when consuming cannabis chances are THC is the culprit.

THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is non psychoactive and the cannabinoid that is present in living cannabis plants and plant material before heat is applied to consume it. THCA is converted in to THC through the application of heat or decarboxylation. The application of heat and the process through which the heat is applied determines what effect cannabis and the cannabinoids have on your body and what type of high you will experience.

Decarboxylation is the process in which THCA is converted to THC through the application of heat in one way or another.

1.     Smoking: By far the most well-known and popular form of cannabis consumption is applying heat and causing combustion.  This is also the least “clean” way of consuming cannabis since smoke is filled with carcinogens and tar. Unlike tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke is also filled with terpenes and beneficial cannabinoids, which are helpful in counteracting the negative effects of inhaling smoke.  Smoking cannabis comes in many forms, the classic joint or blunt, pipe, bubbler, or bong, the last two being the most beneficial since water helps filter out even more carcinogens and tar. When smoking, decarboxylation occurs through conductive heat applied to the plant matter.

2.     “Dabbing”: Concentrates are all the rage these days. Smaller amounts of product and a greater, instant high, what’s better!? Concentrates come in many forms from hash, rosin and wax to shatter, live resin and distillate. Dabbing and consuming concentrates is extremely popular because of it’s effectiveness, one small “dab”, and you are as high as if you smoked multiple hits of flower. Concentrates are also popular because, if purged of solvents and plant matter correctly, they are a cleaner, and healthier alternative to smoking traditional flower. With this method deacarboxylation occurs through conductional heat flow.

3.     Vaporizing: While vaporizing concentrates is by far more popular it is also possible to vaporize dry flower as well. Vaporizing cannabis instead of applying heat and combustion is easier on the lungs, limits the amount of tar and plant matter that is inhaled and the amount of toxins and carcinogens ingested. Another aspect that makes vaporizing concentrates extremely popular is the potency and effectiveness. It is often less time consuming and more effective, especially medically, to take a hit off a vaporizer and receive relief than light and smoke multiple hits off a bowl. Many people also find vaporizing herb and oil to be more discrete and able to use in more social situations. When vaporizing decarboxylation occurs through convection.

4.     Edibles: Eating or ingesting cannabis in anyway has different effects than inhaling vapor or smoke. Edibles include anything you can consume, cookies, brownies, gummies, drinks, coconut oil, or tinctures. While the effects of edibles will take longer, about 1-2 hours, they will last much longer as well. Edibles generally present a strong body high since they are processed through your liver but also always seem to have s nice, comforting stoney head high as well. Edibles are effective when looking for prolonged relief or an alternative to smoking. Always remember to start slow, know you limit and remember you won’t feel the peak effect for a while after consumption. When making edibles decarboxylation takes place and is present after the item is digested and enters a person’s blood stream

5.     Topicals: Want all the relief but none of the psycho activity? Look no further! Topicals are the perfect way to get relief from discomfort, burns, cuts, skin irritation, dryness and joint and muscle discomfort. Many topical options ranging from lotions, salves, massage oils and lubricants are made to provide relief without breaking the skin-cell barrier or providing any cerebral effects. All the benefits of cannabis without any of the “high”. Due to the nature of topicals they are chalk full of beneficial cannabinoids that work with your skins’ endocannabinoid receptors but does not create a stimulating high effect.

More information about whole plant medicine and the use of cannabis in all these different ways is being discovered every day. The cannabis industry is constantly growing and creating new avenues for use.  I am very excited to be able to share more information on all of these options in the coming weeks! Remember to always consume responsibly and use cannabis in the ways that best benefit you and your personal needs! Stay stoked and stoned!

Health and wellness has always been a passion of mine. Being an athlete for so much of my life taught me how to understand, and take care of my body and well being. Cannabis use in wellness is especially interesting, exciting and beneficial to me personally and is what has lead to my pursuit of a career in the legal cannabis industry. Through trial and error I have tweaked my cannabis consumption and found what works for me. With so many different kinds of cannabis and ways to consume them it can get confusing and overwhelming.  It is my hope that this section of the website will help explain the different forms of cannabis, various uses in wellness and healthy consumption methods, tricks and tips!