Category: Hemp Blog

I recently came across Tang Walker in its concentrate form at LiveGreen Edgewater in the metro-Denver area. I’d never heard of the strain before, but I was excited to try it.

THE HERB

Honestly, Tang Walker is such a new hybrid that we do not know a whole lot about it.

What we do know is that the strain takes on a deep, marigold tone. The concentrate is a blonde and it seems to have more sativa-like properties.

TASTE & SMELL

Tang Walker has a citrusy flavor with light, earthy aromatic notes. The concentrate takes on more lemony notes than the flower.

PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES

Anti-Anxiety

Tang Walker is just the right amount of sativa to indica to wake you up as it takes the edge off. It is an uplifting strain, giving it anti-anxiety properties.

Euphoria

Although Tang Walker makes you feel quite awake and alert, it does not subtract from that “happy, floaty” feeling either. The euphoria is quite strong, so beware of the giggles if you tend to get a little too well-humored while under the influence.

Creativity

The relaxing, yet awake and thoughtful high is enough to stimulate the mind without stepping into anxious territory. This promotes the most creative element for an artist, a writer, or a musician.

Pain Relief

I am a sufferer of chronic back pain, and I found that in its concentrate form, Tang Walker was the perfect fix for daytime use.

WHAT IT TREATS

Anxiety/Depression/PTSD

A lot of strains that have anti-anxiety and antidepressant-like properties tend to put you to sleep, but Tang Walker won’t do that. Instead, it’ll give you a bit of a pick-me-up while it calms you down, putting you in the perfect state of tranquility to face your day.

Pain

Perfect for managing daytime pain, Walker Tang keeps you awake, yet pain-free all day. I suffer from chronic back pain and do not struggle with it when I use this strain.

Fatigue

If you tend to fall asleep on yourself during the day, give this strain a shot. It will keep you alert without stressing you out like a lot of stimulants.

Lack of Appetite

If you struggle eating for any reason, physical or psychological, this strain may help you eat, as it makes you quite hungry.

THE CONS

Dry Mouth

Like most strains, Tang Walker is likely to make your mouth a little dry.

Dry Eye

Your eyes will feel like the Mojave with this hybrid. Eye drops are your friend!

Paranoia

Some sativa-dominant strains can lead to paranoia, especially if you’re susceptible to that kind of thing. If you experience this side effect, cease use of this strain.

Appetite

Prepare some carrot sticks if you’re trying to watch your weight. This strain gives your stomach that “bottomless pit” feeling.

WOULD I SMOKE IT AGAIN?

Though I would certainly smoke Tang Walker again, I’m not sure I would specifically seek it out. While it was nice, it was a little too sativa-dominant for me. However, if you are a sativa fan, I would recommend this hybrid for you.

Overall, I would give it a 4.2/5.

Every cannabis enthusiast needs some cool apps to make sure they have the latest marijuana news. That is why we have put together this guide to show you some of our faves.

7. BEST BUDS

Best Buds is a downloadable app available on both iOS and Android. The app lists pictures of your favorite ganja, information on a number of strains, dispensaries near you, and even cannabis rewards programs.

It’s a simple, clean-and-green interface that’s pretty easy to navigate, making it the perfect app if tech isn’t your thing.

What We Like: Easy-to-use, rewards programs, updated regularly.

What We Don’t Like: Limited dispensaries listed.

6. MEADOW

While Meadow is currently limited to the San Francisco area, the app is available for Californian medical patients. The company will even help you set up an in-home doctor’s appointment to help you get medicinal cannabis.

What We Like: High-quality pictures, good service, wide variety.

What We Don’t Like: Limited to the San Francisco area.

5. FRWEED+

Frweed+ is one of the best resources for information on strains and the location of strains. The company recently released the “new-and-improved” Every Strain, but we prefer the old school Frweed+. It seems to work much better.

What We Like: Variety of strains, high-quality pictures, good information.

What We Don’t Like: The interface could be more user-friendly.

4. MARIJUANA HANDBOOK LITE

Marijuana Handbook Lite is the perfect resource for medicinal (and recreational) cannabis users to learn about the many different strains that are out there. There are maps, a strain library, and even a cookbook!

What We Like: The variety of features (especially the cookbook), good information.

What We Don’t Like: The interface could be more user-friendly.

3. WEEDMAPS

Weedmaps is a fantastic resource for both Android and iOS. This is one of many apps that finds dispensaries near you, but Weedmaps is one of the few apps that can brag a worldwide selection of dispensaries.

What We Like: Wide variety, dispensary details, updated often.

What We Don’t Like: Has some unfixed bugs, crashes often.

2. DUBY

If you’ve been looking for the Facebook of marijuana apps, look no further! Duby is a social networking app that anonymously connects you with other cannabis enthusiasts. Share your rolling skills and make everyone jealous!

What We Like: Simple interface, good connections.

What We Don’t Like: We like everything!

1. LEAFLY

Leafly is the most popular and best app for all marijuana enthusiasts. This is because it features news, a comprehensive strain library, and amazing deals.

What We Like: User-friendly, simple interface, wide variety of strains listed, great deals.

What We Don’t Like: We love everything about Leafly!

Marijuana legalization is on the rise. After first being fully legalized in Colorado and Washington, other states like Alaska and Oregon were quick to follow. So what does the average American think about legalization? Well, the answer may not be what you thought.

SOME TIGHT NUMBERS

Though the majority of Americans support pot legalization, it is a narrow win. 52% of Americans believe that the plant should not be illegal, which is just barely over the halfway mark.

However, in this case, that does not mean that the remaining 48% are against it, either. According to YouGov.com, only 34% oppose it.

WHO SUPPORTS IT?

The majority of those under the age of 65 support the legalization of cannabis. Astoundingly, the majority of everyone in three different major age gaps were for marijuana legalization: those from the ages of 18-29, 30-44, and 45-64.

Middle-aged man vaporizing marijuana.
Middle-aged man vaporizing marijuana.
The support was across the board in all three age groups.

Democrats are the most supportive political party with an approval rating of 66%. With a 51% approval rating, those that identify as Independent also support legalization.

WHO OPPOSES IT?

Sadly, the majority of those over the age of 65 are not for marijuana legalization. In fact, 49% of those within the age bracket oppose it, while only 39% support it.

Republicans strongly oppose marijuana legalization, with only a 36% approval rating.

THE COST OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

Although not everyone is for fully legalizing cannabis, most people do not think that we handle marijuana-related arrests correctly. Locking up our fellow Americans for pot cost an astounding estimate of $3.6 billion in the year 2010 alone. Some estimate the cost may be as high as $6 billion.

82% of those supporting marijuana legalization believe that the efforts cost too much, while 42% of those that are opposed agree with them.

BREAKING A STEREOTYPE

It is often believed that most Americans are against the legalization of cannabis, but recent numbers have proven that to be untrue. History is being made in the mountains, from Alaska to Colorado, as they have fully legalized recreational cannabis with positive results. The numbers are changing, and America is too. We can only hope we will see the end of prohibition in the foreseeable future.

Synthetic marijuana, commonly referred to as “spice” or “K2” was especially popular when it was legal in the early 2000s. It is likely that you’ve seen one of the many videos featuring people that have run into some serious problems after using synthetic marijuana, but why did synthetic marijuana even come onto the market? What was the need for this drug and why was it so easy to obtain for so long? Well, it all boils down to one thing: the War on Drugs.

WHAT IS SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA?

Synthetic marijuana is exactly what it sounds like in one way, though the name is misleading, overall. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists are spritzed all over a plant material, which the user will then smoke, as thought it were marijuana. Sadly, the effects can be much worse than cannabis, as it can be potentially dangerous to the user, and by potentially dangerous, I mean dangerous beyond the possibility of eating everything in the pantry.

Like one may find different marijuana strains, synthetic marijuana also comes in a number of forms, but not for the same harmless reason as marijuana does. Instead of being genetically enhanced to better the plant, synthetic marijuana is found in a number of forms because the DEA keeps finding dangerous formulas that they illegalize. A few include, but are not limited to: JWH-018, HU-210, and cannabicyclohexanol.

WHY DOES IT EXIST?

The demand for synthetic marijuana is in direct correlation to the War on Drugs. Considering cannabis is illegal on the federal level and all over the world, there was an increased demand for a legal cannabis alternative. That is how K2 came to fruition.

In the early 2000s, synthetic marijuana was legal, mostly because it was still in the early stages of its creation. You could find it at your local gas station or head shop, and it would often be labeled as “incense” with the stipulation that it was not meant for human consumption. The fact of the matter is, K2 tends to actually smell quite putrid, so it makes little sense than it would ever be used as incense. That is because it was not meant to be. Despite the label, manufacturers were well-aware of its intended use, and they were quick to cash in on its sale.

Naturally, cannabis users that were subject to drug tests were overjoyed to have a new alternative, especially since many baggies of K2 claimed to be made of organic ingredients like dwarf skullcap, lion’s tail, and honeyweed. Unfortunately, upon testing, it was discovered that many bags of K2 did not even contain the herbs on the ingredients list. In fact, German laboratories oftentimes could not even determine what the plants actually were.

Despite the bizarre chemicals, the legality was enough to entice new users, both cannabis-smokers and non-smokers. The drug was often said to be more potent than cannabis, which only contributed to curious minds.

Legal marijuana alternative? More potent than weed too? What could go wrong?

Well, the answer is: a lot.

THE DANGERS OF SPICE

After K2 was introduced to the market, it seemed that a growing number of health problems were being found in users. Said health problems were not prevalent in cannabis users before them. Some of the more mild side effects included: nausea, vomiting, irritation, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and hallucinations. More severe symptoms were: seizures, psychosis, heart attack, and convulsions.

Not only were the symptoms increasingly negative, but unlike marijuana, the drug led to at least one confirmed death.

Also unlike cannabis, users were struggling with addiction. While it is often argued that marijuana may be psychologically addictive, physical addiction has never been confirmed. With spice, however, users went through withdrawals as soon as they stopped using the drug after three or four months. Synthetic marijuana was officially worse than the real deal, even by the DEA’s standards.

THE MONSTER THE DRUG WAR CREATED

While the DEA and hospitals all over the world are struggling to control the negative aftermath from the synthetic marijuana craze, they fail to understand one thing. With no demand, there is no need for a supply, and there would have never been a demand for spice if traditional cannabis was not a Schedule I drug. The War on Drugs created synthetic marijuana, but that does not mean we can’t put a stop to its popularity.

Cannabis legalization would end the demand for synthetic marijuana, other than among established K2 users. Hopefully, we will see a much brighter, spice-free future.

With recreational marijuana stores legal in only 4 out of 50 states, residents from all over those other 46 states have been dipping into their vacation time to travel to Washington and Colorado. They’re starting to flock to Oregon and Alaska as well, with those states opening up their first recreational shops in late 2015.

But if you happen to be one of these tourists, what do you do when you finally arrive at your weed destination? Where’s the best place to go to grab some good ganja?

Well, if Seattle happens to be your destination and you don’t know anything about the city other than it’s the home of Starbucks and the Seahawks, allow me to be your guide.

If you read my earlier piece on legalizing recreational marijuana, you know that I’m a bona fide Seattle resident. As such, I have a good bit of experience buying weed in the city, so for your reference I’ll be ranking all the local stores I’ve previously patronized (from my most favorite to least):

Note: You must be 21 or older to buy cannabis in Washington, and you cannot buy or possess more than 1 ounce at a time

1. Stash Pot Shop

Where: 4912 17th Ave NW
Neighborhood: Ballard
Rating: 5/5

Stash Pot Shop provides the absolute opposite experience of your average illegal deal i.e. meeting someone you barely know in their car at the Walmart parking lot, meeting someone you barely know at their apartment and having to exchange a few minutes of awkward conversation and bong rips before you can pick up your bud, etc.

It’s professional, in other words. There’s a wide selection, a friendly and helpful staff, and the storefront (as well as the interior) gives off the polished vibe of a high-end café, or maybe a Swedish furniture store. In my humble opinion, this is the best place to buy weed in Seattle.

2. American Mary

Where: 321 NE 45th St
Neighborhood: Wallingford
Rating: 4/5

Just east of Stash Pot Shop and Ballard you’ll find American Mary in Wallingford, also a fine establishment. Like Stash Pot Shop, American Mary has the atmosphere of a hip boutique, with modern floor-to-ceiling windows juxtaposed with rustic exposed rafters.

One important thing to remember about this place is that the hours are a little wonky, with the store closing at 9PM Monday – Wednesday, at 10PM Thursday – Saturday, and at 8PM on Sunday.

3. Herbs House

Where: 716 NW 65th St
Neighborhood: Ballard
Rating: 3/5

Herbs House is a stark contrast to Stash and American Mary, as it’s nothing like a normal store. As the name implies, it looks and feels more like someone’s house.
But what Herbs House lacks in professionalism it makes up for with some charming features like its outdoor lounge area, which is covered by a thick screen of grape vines.

I’ve given Herbs House an average rating though, because I believe most tourists enjoy the novelty of buying weed like it’s soup or a sweater or anything else you can get in a normal store in the other 46 states, rather than going to someone’s house. And frankly, the staff can be a little rude.

4. Uncle Ike’s

Where: 2310 E Union St
Neighborhood: Central District
Rating: 3/5

Uncle Ike’s is more like Stash than Herbs House in that it feels more like a traditional business (it’s not as pretty as Stash, though). One positive is that there’s usually a food truck in the parking lot, so you can conveniently grab some snacks to enjoy later when you sample your purchase. A negative is that the prices at Uncle Ike’s tend to run a little higher than the rest of the stores in town.

5. Ponder

Where: 2413 E Union St
Neighborhood: Central District
Rating: 3/5

Ponder is just across the street from Uncle Ike’s, with a smaller store and a smaller selection to match. The prices are pretty good, though.

6. Cannabis City

Where: 2733 4th Ave S
Neighborhood: Industrial District
Rating: 1/5

Cannabis City was the first recreational marijuana store to open in Seattle. Maybe having 100% control of the market for a little while spoiled Cannabis City since they could pretty much get away with anything before other shops opened up, because you won’t find a worse weed store in Seattle. The prices are stupid high, the staff is not helpful, and it’s in a shitty neighborhood. Steer clear of this place.