Gummy Review: Joy Organics Budder Cherry Lime Delta 9 THC Gummies
Categories
Edibles, Delivery, Delta 9 THC, Gummies, Joy Organics, Reviews

These are great, and the new Cherry Lime flavor variety is nice if you want to skip the slight cannabis taste in your gummies. But in the quest for ‘juicy’ Joy Organics may have gone too soft here – these tended to fall apart a little on me, in the jar! I love the effect and flavor of the Cherry Lime…but if I have to choose I’m going with Joy Organics Beach Buzz Delta 9 THC gummies as my favorite Joy Organics choice (and probably fave overall gummy on the market!) With Joy Organics Budder CBD + THC gummies though, the nice thing is you can’t really go wrong!

How Long Do Delta-9 Gummies Stay in Your System?
Categories
Delta 9 THC, Cannabis, Gummies, Legalization

Ahhhh, one of the most asked questions for all Delta-9 users- how long will Delta-9 gummies stay in my system? Whether you’ve got a drug test coming up or are just curious about the science, you’ve come to the right place. As an avid Delta-9 gummy user myself, I’ve gone through a rabbit hole of research, so you don’t have to. Buckle up! There’s no “clear cut” scientific answer to how long Delta-9 THC stays in your system, as there are a lot of complicating factors, such as your metabolism, dose, usage, etc., as to whether or not Delta-9 will be picked up. But, lucky for you, we’re going through all Delta-9 detection scenarios so that you can take your gummies in peace. What Is Delta-9 THC Anyway? Delta-9 is short for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, one of the many active compounds found in cannabis plants. This particular compound is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. So, in other words, when people talk about feeling “high” after consuming cannabis, […]

Gummy Review: CBDistillery Unwind Synergy+ THC & CBD Gummies
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Edibles, CBDistillery, Delivery, Delta 9 THC, Gummies, Reviews

CBDistillery finally sent me these gummies to try. I have been waiting for them a long time! I was like a kid on Christmas when these showed up. Why so excited? Let me tell you why… Because these hemp-derived CBD + THC gummies have an awesome little icon on the side, as you can see in the image below – which means only *Non-Synthetic THC* is in these yummy gummies! This is a HUGE deal to me! All-Natural CBDistillery Unwind Synergy+ THC & CBD Gummies It’s huge that CBDistillery’s gummies are 100% non-synthetic. It might surprise you to know that in the hemp-derived world of Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, most of this THC is actually created in the lab, by chemically altering the CBD molecule extracted from hemp. This chemical manipulation typically involves harsh solvent chemical processes which may leave behind unknown, potentially dangerous byproducts. Very few products on the market are using non-synthetic THC. But CBDistillery is! I love the fact that they have printed this fact […]

Gummy Review: Galaxy Treats Moon Babies Delta 8 THC 25mg Gummies
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Galaxy Treats, Delivery, Delta 8 THC, Edibles, Gummies, Reviews

A week ago I posted a review of Galaxy Treats 10mg Delta 9 THC “Moon Babies” gummies. I enjoyed those. Now I’ve spent the last week testing their 25mg Delta 8 THC gummy variety. Another review, another great result! Galaxy Treats Delta 8 Gummies – First Impressions Delta 8. I have a somewhat conflicted relationship with it. On one hand … I think I’d rather have Delta 9. On the other hand … D8 is pretty good! There was a lot to intrigue me with these Galaxy Treats Delta 8 gummies. I really enjoyed their D9 variety, so these were worth a try too. I noticed the current price point on the Galaxy Treats website – beyond value priced at $19.99 for 20 gummies, nice! The “starberry” flavor sounded good to me too, as Starberry is one of my favorite Indica flower strains. And sure enough, not long after I popped the starberry-flavored Moon Baby into my mouth, I felt pretty starry indeed. The Galaxy Treats Delta 8 THC Effect […]

A Galentine’s Day with Green Roads Extra Strength Relax Bears CBD Gummies
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CBD, CBD Industry, Gummies, Reviews

Ah, Valentine’s Day. You know, I don’t usually dread the holiday. But this year, it seems like everyone in my life is suddenly in a very happy relationship. So after seeing my hundredth “love of my life” post, I needed some relaxation stat. My roommate was in a similar boat to me (and thank goodness for that, us single ladies have to stick together). We decided that instead of going through a rabbit hole of Instagramed romantic dinners and flowers, we were going to have a very CBD Galentine’s Day with Green Roads Relax Bears CBD Gummies. The Taste – Wow! Green Roads Relax Bears CBD Gummies are really good. In the past, I’ve tried some CBD gummies that taste more like gummy vitamins than gummy candy. Don’t get me wrong, those gummies are alright; it’s just the treat is coming from the experience rather than the taste. These gummies tasted like something I’d buy at the movie theatre for $7 a box. They had just the right amount of […]

Gummy Review: Galaxy Treats Moon Babies Lifter Delta 9 THC 10mg Gummies
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Galaxy Treats, Delivery, Delta 9 THC, Edibles, Gummies, Reviews

Galaxy Treats – next-level branding and packaging. High Times Hemp Cup Winner. I admit, I was intrigued and geeked out to try these Galaxy Treats Moon Babies Lifter Delta 9 THC 10mg gummies. I gotta say, I was impressed! Great gummies for ‘blast off’ time! Get to Know Galaxy Treats Delta 9 Gummies Galaxy Treats are a unique force in the hemp-derived cannabis market. First, let me state it again – these are a 100% Delta 9 THC gummy. While there’s also 10mg CBD in these, the packaging/marketing is NOT doing the “plus” – CBD+THC, CBD+CBN, etc. I find that differentiated marketing approach…adventurous. It’s clear Galaxy Treats are doing their own thing and I like it. Their branding and logo, featuring a spaceman in his helmet, speak to the experience of “blasting off” on a journey to the outer reaches with the product. And while I know the packaging is not as important as the product inside … I really do appreciate that these jars aren’t the same ol’ big, […]

The Entourage Effect: Why It Matters for CBD and THC Users
Categories
Cannabinoids, Cannabis, CBD, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, Joy Organics

Cannabis never fails to amaze me. Really, just when I think I know all there is about the amazing natural benefits, I hear another thing that wows me. Today, we’re talking about the entourage effect. I’ve always known CBD and THC to enhance the benefits of things mixed with (coffee/caffeine, honey, lip balm, the list goes on and on), but I had never really dove into the benefits of mixing THC and CBD. In doing some more research, I discovered the entourage effect, which shows the synergistic effect CBD and THC have resulted in even more wellness than straight CBD or THC. Color me intrigued! The Science of the Entourage Effect To be honest, I rarely understand the science behind all these things. If they work, they work! But the entourage effect is pretty simple to understand. More generally speaking, the entourage effect is the basic idea that two or more substances can mutually benefit and enhance each other’s effects. In our case, CBD and THC are both cannabinoids and […]

Gummy Review: Joy Organics CBD Sleep Gummies
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Reviews, CBD, Gummies, Joy Organics, Sleep

My CBD/THC journey started with the quest to fall asleep and stay asleep. I’ve been struggling with insomnia for as long as I can remember and throwing every product at the problem. Chamomile? Check! Melatonin? Check! Taking a quick cold shower, meditating, reading in the dark, and praying to the sleep gods to finally get some rest? Uh-huh. You get the idea. It wasn’t until I started mixing CBD oil into my routine that I finally kicked a bad cycle. I’ve always used CBD oil to help me fall asleep, putting under my tongue for about a minute and swallowing it. I’ve tried out a few different products, but even with the highest quality CBD oil, I always feel a little scratch in my throat after. It never bothers me that much, but in this new year, I want to try new methods to get a sound night of sleep. That’s why I’m trying CBD Sleep Gummies to find my new go-to CBD products—starting with Joy Organics CBD Sleep Gummies. […]

Gummy Review: Fresh Delta-9 THC Gummies
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Edibles, Delivery, Delta 9 THC, Gummies, Reviews

Fresh. That’s something we all aspire to be and feel, isn’t it? So of course I was tempted to try Fresh-brand 10mg THC gummies. These gummies became my Delta 9 THC go-to while I was testing them. The 10mg serving of THC is a pretty large one as far as hemp-derived gummies go – what can I say, that level of Delta 9 just spoke to me! Tasty Temptations: Fresh Delta 9 THC Gummies I tested these gummies by consuming one each morning for seven days. I also supplemented that dose on an “as needed” basis throughout the testing period, adding an extra gummy to my afternoon routine on days where that THC uplift was required. As I said, these really became my go-to gummy during that testing week, so those extra uplifts became something to look forward to. To fit 10mg of THC into each serving and stay legally below 0.3% THC by weight, these gummies are a little bigger than some. But the chew here is pretty nice, […]

Gummy Review: Joy Organics Budder Delta 9 THC Beach Chill 2.5mg Gummies
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Edibles, Delivery, Delta 9 THC, Gummies, Joy Organics, Reviews

When you read about cannabis gummies and other edibles, the recommendation is often to start with a dose of 5mg THC for beginners, or maybe 10mg THC if you’re an experienced user. Joy Organics’ new Budder Beach Chill gummies, though, take that dose down – way down – to 2.5mg THC per gummy. And I’ll tell you, I think it’s fantastic! It’s called microdosing, folks! And Soulful Cannabis is here for it! Cannabis is so much more than who can take the biggest bong rip. Get to Know Beach Chill THC Gummies Joy Organics recently launched their Budder sub-brand – and the brand, so far, is comprised of two products: Beach Chill 2.5mg THC gummies and their ‘big brother’, Beach Buzz 5mg THC gummies. (Check out our Beach Buzz review here if you like.) Like Beach Buzz, these Beach Chill gummies have 25mg CBD (29mg “Hemp Extract” on the label, so you’re getting a few other miscellaneous cannabinoids and terpenes as well). Beach Chill and Beach Buzz gummies are totally […]

Why CBD Dissolvable Powder Is So Popular In 2023
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Cannabinoids, Cannabis, CBD, CBD Industry, Dissolvable Powder

It’s no secret that CBD has become wildly popular in recent years, with people of all ages and backgrounds turning to this natural supplement for a wide range of reasons – from pain relief to better sleep to relaxation. I’ve been to diners that offer CBD in coffee! While CBD oil, capsules, and gummies are often the go-to options for CBD users, a new form of CBD is quickly gaining popularity: CBD dissolvable powder. So, what is CBD dissolvable powder, and why are people using it? How does it differ from CBD oil or capsules? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind CBD dissolvable powder and what makes it an exciting new trend for 2023. CBD Dissolvable Powder – The Science Behind This New Form CBD helps regulate the body’s internal systems by working with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is made up of receptors and neurotransmitters that control things like mood, appetite, sleep, and pain sensation. When you take CBD, it works with the ECS to […]

Curious Cannabis Tales: My 4/20 Honeymoon in Maui
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Curious Cannabis Tales

Curious Cannabis Tales is a series of personal remembrances about my life’s experiences with cannabis. There have been highs (get it?), lows, and everything in between. Remember, they say that cannabis wrecks short term memory … but long-term memory may actually be enhanced…if only by a lifetime of tales like these! Cheers & enjoy. Ah, marriage. Sometimes you have to wonder how stoners do it. On the one hand, it’s all about peace and love in the community, so of course marriage is a natural component of that. On the other hand, though…sometimes stoners like to put that green ahead of everything, even love, family, marriage. Like any part of life, it can be tricky to find the right balance. I guess stoners just like balancing acts, and the trickier, the better…just smoke ’em if you got em and the rest will fall into place. If it doesn’t…you just get to smoke again anyways! So it was for me, the 15 years ago I met my wife. I had no […]

CBD Oil for Sleep – Is it Right for Me?
Categories
Cannabinoids, Cannabis, CBD, Sleep

Do you have trouble falling asleep? Staying asleep? All of the above? If you do, you’re definitely not alone. Millions of people (including myself) struggle with sleep issues, which can significantly affect your mental well-being. I know you’re thinking – what?? Staring at a wall for five hours and begging to fall asleep is BAD for me? (insert sarcastic laugh here). If you’re anything like me, you’ve researched all sleep-help approaches, from melatonin to tea to white noise. But another method that’s gained popularity in recent years, one that I’ve found extremely helpful, is CBD oil for sleep. What is CBD, and how does it work? How can I use it to help me sleep better? In this post, I’ll go through all the ins and outs of CBD oil for sleep. What is CBD?  CBD is a chemical compound found within the cannabis plant. Unlike its more well-known cousin, THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it won’t change your state of mind and induce a “high.” Instead, CBD interacts […]

Gummy Review: Cannabis Life Delta 8 THC 50mg Gummies
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Edibles, Delivery, Delta 8 THC, Gummies, Reviews

Like many cannabis users (I suspect), I’m bad at following orders. So when I read on the CannabisLife.com website that these gummies are “for experienced Delta 8 THC users only”, I didn’t follow instructions and tried out these green apple 50mg Delta 8 THC gummies anyway. My experience was … I should have listened. These are yummy gummies I came to love, but my first experience said take it very slow. Green Apple Delta 8 THC: First Impressions Let’s start with first impressions. On the packaging the first thing I notice is the “MAX” designation atop the green resealable bag – one indicator that the 50mg dose is not to be trifled with. The bag is inviting, green and graphic, with a photo of a cut apple there near the bottom hinting at the flavor. In the upper-left the bag tells us that Cannabis Life is “a Green Roads company.” Green Roads is a company I’ve personally put stock in for a while now – and I would say that […]

CBD Coffee – The Perfect Cup of Joe
Categories
Coffee, CBD, Edibles

Are you the type of person who needs your morning coffee to get through the day? Do you live for the jolt of caffeine and the rich, comforting flavor of a freshly brewed cup? Do you get excited to sleep at night because you know your oat milk latte is just around the corner? (Maybe that’s just me…) Regardless, you aren’t alone. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and besides being a literal godsend, millions of people turn to it for energy and focus.   You’ve seen your pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint mocha frappes, but have you ever thought of drinking CBD coffee? As you may or may not know, CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. CBD has been creating a buzz in the wellness industry for its potential to promote relaxation and balance, and recently, it’s been added to coffee to potentially enhance both benefits.  I know what you’re thinking – CBD coffee? What even is CBD? Is […]

Gummy Review: Joy Organics Budder Delta 9 THC Beach Buzz Gummies
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Edibles, Delivery, Delta 9 THC, Gummies, Joy Organics, Reviews

I have tried a lot of gummies. Lots of CBD gummies. Medical-only THC gummies. High potency recreational THC gummies. But Budder’s Beach Buzz CBD + THC gummies might be my favorite gummies ever! Like their Budder sister product, Beach Chill CBD + THC, these yummy gummies combine a perfect 25mg dose of CBD with a healthy hit of delta 9 THC. The “Beach Buzz” variety I’m reviewing here comes with a full 5mg serving of delta 9 THC per gummy, whereas the “Beach Chill” version chills out at 2.5mg THC per gummy. You can check out our Beach Chill review here. First of all, let me not bury the obvious question and answer. Will Beach Buzz gummies get you ‘high’? Answer: Yes, yes they will. If you’re interested in or open to that effect, read on – because there is even more to know and love about these Beach Buzz gummies. Budder Beach Buzz Gummies: What The Experience Feel Like I tried these CBD gummies over the course of seven […]

CBD Lip Plumper: What Is It and Why You Should Try It
Categories
CBD, Topicals, Uses of Cannabis

Do you want fuller, plumper lips? Are you looking for a natural way to achieve this look? If so, then you should try a CBD lip plumper. CBD Lip Plumper may be worth trying if you want a new way to enjoy CBD while plumping your lips.CBD lip plumpers are becoming increasingly popular because they offer many benefits that traditional lip plumpers do not. In this blog post, we will discuss what CBD lip plumpers are and why you should consider using them. We will also provide a list of some of the best CBD lip plumpers on the market! What Is CBD Lip Plumper? A CBD Lip Plumper is a new cosmetic product that contains cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant and has been shown to have several great health benefits.  Until now, CBD has mostly been used in oils and tinctures, but CBD lip plumper is designed to be applied directly to the lips. Lip plumpers typically contain other ingredients, such as […]

Hemp CBD Honey: Natural and Raw Relief from Mother Nature
Categories
Edibles, CBD, Honey

Honey and CBD are a great combination because they are both natural remedies with a long history of use. Hemp honey is especially good for treating anxiety and pain because it contains high levels of CBD. When taken together, these two substances can provide a natural way to calm the mind and body. Hemp honey is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, making it a great natural healing agent. CBD is known for its ability to reduce inflammation and pain, so combining it with honey can help to amplify these effects. Honey also has natural antibacterial properties, which can help to protect against infections. Overall, honey and CBD are a great natural combination that can offer a variety of health benefits. Overview: What Is Honey? Honey is a natural sweetener that has been around for centuries. It is made by bees from the nectar of flowers and contains natural sugars, enzymes, and antioxidants. Honey has a variety of health benefits and can be used in cooking and baking. It is also effective […]

CBD vs CBDA: Which cannabinoid is right for me?
Categories
Cannabis, Cannabinoids, CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiol acid (CBDA) are cannabinoids found in cannabis. Both CBD and CBDA have been shown to have therapeutic effects, but they do different things. CBD is more popular than CBDA because it is easier to produce, and there is more evidence of its benefits. However, CBDA may be more effective than CBD in some cases. Learn more about the differences between CBD and CBDA here. What Is CBDA? CBDA is the chemical precursor to CBD. Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), commonly known as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” precedes CBDA by a few milliseconds. At this point, plant enzymes specific to each cannabis strain transform CBGA into one of three different cannabinoid precursor compounds: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). After CBDA is produced, it undergoes thermal decarboxylation to become CBD, which is then converted into CBD by the action of heat on the molecule. If the plant material is left to sit at room temperature and allowed to degrade slowly, this decarboxylation method can […]

Delta 9 THC vs. Delta 8 THC: Which is better for you?
Categories
Cannabinoids, Cannabis, CBD, CBD Industry, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC

The CBD landscape has been changing so fast over the few years it has been around. Remember, CBD is in its infancy here, and infancy is a big time for change! One of the recent trends in CBD is the “plus”. You might see gummies advertised as: CBD + CBDN. Or how about these ones? “CBD + Delta 9 THC”. Or “CBD + Delta 8 THC”. The desire for THC added into CBD products is clear and understandable. But its important for us to know exactly what’s in the products we’re consuming. So what is Delta 9 THC? What is Delta 8 THC? Is one preferable to the other? Let’s take a look. What Is Delta 9 THC? Delta 9 THC is the naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant which is most responsible for the plant’s euphoric, psychoactive effects. Often in the past we have simply shortened this term to just THC, but as science digs further and further into the cannabis plant, we are cataloguing and redefining […]

Soulful Caregivers Program in 2021
Categories
Caregiving, Uses of Cannabis

For nearly two years, we have been providing volunteer caregiving services to the community. During this time we’ve helped numerous cancer and hospice patients, patients who are immuno-compromised and those with severe anxiety and PTSD. See our overview of PA Caregiving Past and Present from fall of 2020. The time has come to ask the dispensaries in our PA Medical Marijuana program to step up and support a broader rollout of caregiving services across the state. A few dispensaries have already taken this step and are providing caregiving services to their communities. This service from dispensaries is rare – and it should not be. We are providing a Conscious Cannabis Caregiving training for dispensaries ready to embrace caregiving. Any participating dispensaries will be recognized for their participation in the program – and will be guided on best practices for building their practice and will have the ability to train their employees to provide caregiving service to the public. We are also piloting a Managed Caregiver Service, whereby Soulful Cannabis Caregivers are provided […]

Cannabis and Cancer: Is It The Right Choice For Caregivers?
Categories
Caregiving, Uses of Cannabis

Cancer will likely affect you or a loved one at some point in your lifetime.  You may find yourself as a patient or caregiver, wondering what treatments to pursue and what medications to take. Of course, this is a personal choice between you or the patient and your doctors.  There are many traditional as well as alternative treatments available.  A comprehensive treatment plan will likely include both.  So outside of the traditional treatments of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, what alternative therapies can help? Alternative therapies are often used as secondary treatments to help with the accompanying stress and anxiety of dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatments.  Alternative therapies can also help to relieve some of the side-effects caused by cancer drugs such as nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite and insomnia.  These therapies can include acupuncture, Tai-Chi, aromatherapy, yoga, exercise, massage, reiki, hypnosis, meditation & breathwork.   Many of these therapies can also help to reduce the level of pain experienced by patients living with cancer. Cannabis is also an alternative […]

Business Case for Corporate Social Responsibility in the Cannabis Industry
Categories
Cannabis, Legalization, Service

At Soulful Cannabis, we talk a lot about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).   Some business owners believe that investing in CSR is bad for the bottom line.   This is not the case.  One of the best examples of “doing well while doing good” is an investment in supporting our Soulful Caregivers Program. The Soulful Caregivers Program educates and supports registered caregivers in the PA Medical Marijuana industry.   Our caregivers go through an online training program, receive reimbursement for registration fees and can participate in a support community of other caregivers. A business benefits from participation in our Soulful Caregivers Program in three ways: Increased business revenue. Every caregiver represents the potential for $18,000 in dispensary revenue that would not otherwise be available. Just five, fully loaded caregivers can represent $90,000 in added income for dispensaries or $45,000 in added income for grower-processors. Brand Development. Being associated with sponsoring our Soulful Caregivers Program helps position your company as a compassionate member of the community.  In a 2018 brand study, PR Strategy firm […]

Soulful Cannabis goes to CBD School
Categories
CBD, Cannabis

The Soulful Cannabis team took a virtual trip to CBD School where we met with Vadim.   Vadim (founder of CBDSchool.com) lead us on a conversation about the origins of Soulful Cannabis, the state of the cannabis industry and the big challenges that we hope to address.   The conversation touches on how language forms our perspectives – and how we might reconsider language around cannabis.   The team also describes their first event (coming on Feb. 24, 2019). Listen to the Soulful Cannabis Podcast on Soundcloud Please take a listen to this podcast as Jason, Julie and Skip talk through this vision of where the cannabis industry could go as it works to “be the best version of itself”. The podcast was produced by CBD School.  You can find other podcasts from CBD School at:

Language Matters
Categories
Legalization

Cannabis or marijuana? Which one is right? In our introductory post we touched on some of the thinking behind this series and some of the terminology around medical cannabis, more commonly known as medical marijuana. It is… Language matters. In areas where there are deep-grooved stories of danger, mis-trust and trouble, our language often reflects that.   At Soulful Cannabis, we are seeking to promote a re-imagining of how the world thinks about cannabis.   How we think about something… Cannabis and marijuana are words that are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a difference between the two terms. Again – language really matters! WHAT IS CANNABIS? WHAT IS THC? The term ‘cannabis’ refers to the plant itself. It is an over-arching term that can refer to both the hemp plant and the marijuana plant. The key difference between these two types of cannabis is the THC content. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive component of cannabis. If we’re talking about hemp, we’re talking about a plant that has very little THC. […]

Cannabis Industry Accountability Workshop Results
Categories
Uncategorized

What does it mean for the cannabis industry to be the “best version” of itself? On Monday, June 24, 2019 a group of cannabis industry participants, patients, activists and ancillary business owners gathered to explore this question.   As people signed in, they identified their perspectives as “plant touching business experienced”, “ancillary business experience”, “activists” and “patients”. A brief introduction by Soulful Cannabis Co-founder & President Skip Shuda, acknowledged the “land grab” fever that is sweeping through the legal cannabis industry; the emergence and dominance of “multi-state operators (MSOs)” and the beginning of some cannabis companies creating equity and restorative justice programs.   Skip mentioned the Cresco SEED program and the TerraVida Victims of the War on Drugs (VOWD) program.  After the introduction, people wrote down some of their highest priorities for a more conscious and a “better” cannabis industry.   These priority messages were organized into six buckets including: 1) Social Justice 2) Community 3) Employees 4) Laws and Regulations 5) Patients and Caregiving 6) Education Four working groups tackled the buckets […]

Caregivers
Categories
Uncategorized

Cannabis and Cancer Cancer will likely affect you or a loved one at some point in your lifetime.  You may find yourself as a patient or caregiver, wondering what treatments to pursue and what medications to take. Of course, this is a personal choice between you or the… Medical Cannabis as an Alternative in Hospice Many of us have had an encounter with hospice at some point in our life. Whether it be a loved one or a friend, the philosophy of hospice is dignity at the end of life, education regarding the dying process, spiritual… Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Caregiving Background Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program was born out of caregiving.  The “Mama Bears”, groups of mothers demanding cannabis options for their seriously ill children, had pressured and shamed… As the global pandemic spread in early spring of 2020, Skip Shuda sat down with Sonia Gomez of the Hemp Revolution Podcast to record this podcast.   Sonia and Skip covered a wide range of topics including starting a Soulful business in the […]

Industry Accountability
Categories
Uncategorized

  SOULFUL CANNABIS ANNOUNCES STANDARD FARMS AS SPONSOR  Media, PA (December, 2020): Soulful Cannabis is excited to announce Standard Farms as a sponsor of Soulful Cannabis.  Standard Farms LLC (“Standard Farms”), an approved Pennsylvania Grower-Processor in the… by Stasia DeMarcoPennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The number of companies dispensing medical cannabis is growing rapidly with multiple locations across the state. One thing for sure is that medical marijuana… Soulful Cannabis Announces Leafwell as Sponsor Media, PA (September, 2020): Soulful Cannabis is excited to announce Leafwell as a sponsor of Soulful Cannabis.  Leafwell has joined as a 2020 sponsor of Soulful Cannabis, allowing Soulful Cannabis to pursue its programs… Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Caregiving Background Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program was born out of caregiving.  The “Mama Bears”, groups of mothers demanding cannabis options for their seriously ill children, had pressured and shamed… Soulful Cannabis Announces Pennsylvania Institute of Technology as Sponsor MEDIA, PA (September, 2020): Soulful Cannabis is excited to announce Pennsylvania Institute of Technology […]

Why Soulful Cannabis?
Categories
Uncategorized

Legalization of marijuana (cannabis) across states in the US has led to a rollback of prohibition.   Cannabis prohibition was started in the 1930s as the result of racism, greed and bias.   So legalization of cannabis across states is a good thing, right? Not everyone thinks so. Ask Ed Forchion (aka NJ Weedman).  Ed Forchion recently wrote: The industry in being formed largely by politically connected rich Caucasians who aren’t even part of the marijuana culture.  I call them ‘cannabaggers’. These two politicians and the cannabaggers are making the new marijuana industry laws to cater to these cannabaggers exclusively.   Neither I nor most minorities who were victimized by the current marijuana laws can’t participate or even fill out a application for a job or to get ownership in the proposed industry. … Why must we be millionaires to sell it?” Ask Jessica Bartlett of the Boston Business Journal,  who writes: Medical marijuana advocates are concerned the state isn’t doing enough to make the medical program on par with the recreational one, differences […]

Cannabis as Medicine
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Uncategorized

Cannabis and Cancer Cancer will likely affect you or a loved one at some point in your lifetime.  You may find yourself as a patient or caregiver, wondering what treatments to pursue and what medications to take. Of course, this is a personal choice between you or the…   SOULFUL CANNABIS ANNOUNCES STANDARD FARMS AS SPONSOR  Media, PA (December, 2020): Soulful Cannabis is excited to announce Standard Farms as a sponsor of Soulful Cannabis.  Standard Farms LLC (“Standard Farms”), an approved Pennsylvania Grower-Processor in the… Many of us will be talking to family over the holidays.  If you’ve ever had difficulty explaining your cannabis use to a family member, then you’re reading the right post! First off, its good to clarify that you call it cannabis.  Why? That’s the name of the plant. … Medical Cannabis as an Alternative in Hospice Many of us have had an encounter with hospice at some point in our life. Whether it be a loved one or a friend, the philosophy of hospice is dignity […]

Cannabis and the Pandemic – Finding Soulful Business Paths (Podcast)
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Uncategorized

As the global pandemic spread in early spring of 2020, Skip Shuda sat down with Sonia Gomez of the Hemp Revolution Podcast to record this podcast.   Sonia and Skip covered a wide range of topics including starting a Soulful business in the cannabis industry and finding careers in cannabis.  They explore how the pandemic has affected the cannabis industry, the operations of cannabis companies and Soulful Cannabis as an organization.  Sonia’s team provided a chock-full of resources including the full transcript and recording, with bookmarks, of Sonia’s conversation with Skip.  

Doing it Right
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by Stasia DeMarcoPennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The number of companies dispensing medical cannabis is growing rapidly with multiple locations across the state. One thing for sure is that medical marijuana… Soulful Cannabis Announces Pennsylvania Institute of Technology as Sponsor MEDIA, PA (September, 2020): Soulful Cannabis is excited to announce Pennsylvania Institute of Technology as a sponsor of Soulful Cannabis.  The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (P.I.T.)… As the global pandemic spread in early spring of 2020, Skip Shuda sat down with Sonia Gomez of the Hemp Revolution Podcast to record this podcast.   Sonia and Skip covered a wide range of topics including starting a Soulful business in the cannabis industry and…  Soulful Cannabis endorses the following check-list for Adult Use cannabis legislation.  These high level principles can be addressed through numerous legislative paths and language.  We offer them as a guide for educating law-makers, activists and policy advocates…. At Soulful Cannabis, we feel the need to speak up at this time of extreme […]

Caregiving in PA's Medical Marijuana Program – Past and Present
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Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program was born out of caregiving.  The “Mama Bears”, groups of mothers demanding cannabis options for their seriously ill children, had pressured and shamed legislators into action.  Along with the help of some forward-thinking politicians, Act 16 legalized a medical marijuana program in PA. These mothers were now able to get medicine to ease the suffering of their children.  One of the original Mama Bears, Diana Briggs, started PA Compassionate Caregivers and began helping non-family patients with getting medicine from the dispensary.  People fighting cancer, people at end-of-life and, now, immuno-suppressed individuals, all need help getting their medicine without traveling to a dispensary. Our primary vision is to see the cannabis industry as being the best version of itself.   In that spirit, we are pleased to see dispensary caregiver programs springing up in response to the pandemic at Terra Vida Holistic Centers, Ethos Dispensary (although as of this writing, it appears that Ethos has discontinued the program) and others across PA.  As long as the services are free […]

The State of Caregiving in PA – A Call to Action
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Like the rest of businesses across America, the cannabis industry has also felt the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic.   For some patients, it is more difficult to make purchases and for others going into a dispensary at this time is simply not an option.   Some seniors, cancer patients and immuno-compromised patients are having difficulty obtaining medicine that helps relieve pain, helps with sleep, soothes their anxiety and calms their tremors. Fortunately, the PA caregivers provision provides a mechanism for doing exactly this.   So, why then, are some dispensaries and growers in the state perhaps slow to embrace this procedure as a means to bring medicine to people in need?  Caregiving for PA patients seems to be mostly an afterthought. That  needs to change, and the change is quite straightforward and easy. It makes good business sense for dispensaries and grower-processors to embrace and and support the caregivers program.   Dispensaries and Grower-Processors should be actively encouraging, recruiting and supporting caregivers in PA.  Its the right thing to do and makes sense […]

Catherine's Story – Cannabis and Gastrointestinal Disease
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(Thank you to Catherine for contributing her story to the Soulful Cannabis blog) For a dozen years I searched for relief from the unbearable pain of gastrointestinal diseases. During my frustrating quest, I took a variety of ineffective pharmaceuticals for my symptoms and was prescribed a dangerously addictive narcotic. But ultimately it was a bushy plant that offered me a real remedy. I found an alternative, natural answer to conventional therapies with medical marijuana (MMJ). I started having gastrointestinal issues in 2006 (at 42 years of age) and the pain was extreme. My healthcare journey included seeing my doctor and her associates, three trips to the ER and many uncomfortable tests. The diagnoses were gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and duodenitis – inflammation of the duodenum. The doctor prescribed omeprazole. It didn’t help. You know what did help? Oxycodone. Oxycodone! It killed the pain and/or made me so stupid and tired that I could ignore or sleep through the pain. But the controversial Oxycodone, which is associated with addiction and drug […]

Let's Create a Healing Cannabis Industry! 10 Principles
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 Soulful Cannabis endorses the following check-list for Adult Use cannabis legislation.  These high level principles can be addressed through numerous legislative paths and language.  We offer them as a guide for educating law-makers, activists and policy advocates. Affordable and Accessible Permits.   The number of permits for cultivation, manufacturing and retail sales should be large or unlimited.  The permit fee should be low enough that permits are available to any entrepreneur in the state.  Home Grow.   Residents should be able to grow their own.   This is the only way to truly have a program that is intended to benefit the residents of the state first. Clear and Helpful Taxing.  Taxes should be easy to understand.  Tax revenue should be shared with local municipalities and earmarked for the common good of the state.  Social Equity Support.  Include programs that will support disadvantaged communities with access to ownership in the program including business service support, education and discounted fees. Ensure equitable geographic distribution of the businesses.  Expungement and Prisoner Release.  […]

Leafwell Joins Soulful Cannabis as 2020 Sponsor
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Soulful Cannabis Announces Leafwell as Sponsor Media, PA (September, 2020): Soulful Cannabis is excited to announce Leafwell as a sponsor of Soulful Cannabis.  Leafwell has joined as a 2020 sponsor of Soulful Cannabis, allowing Soulful Cannabis to pursue its programs of cannabis education, access, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Leafwell is a telehealth platform focusing on getting people their medical marijuana cards and physician’s medical cannabis certificates/recommendations as simply and easily as possible.  Leafwell’s CEO Emily Fisher says “At Leafwell, we believe in providing accessible care to every patient and in the medicinal value for cannabis to help treat a wide range of conditions and symptoms. Through research and education, we are committed to helping patients navigate the landscape and furthering our understanding of cannabis as a medicine.”    “We are thrilled to have Leafwell as a sponsor and partner,” said co-Founder Skip Shuda.  “We are collaborating on providing easy access to physician recommendations and creating an education series around Cannabis and Hospice.  Because many hospice agencies receive federal dollars, there […]

Soulful Cannabis Statement of Solidarity with Protesters and Calls for Reform
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At Soulful Cannabis, we feel the need to speak up at this time of extreme social unrest. Sparked by a series of recent, devastating attacks against African Americans (Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Christian Cooper, George Floyd) and countless others captured on video, the current social unrest is  a magnification of repeated crimes and injustices against marginalized people. Born out of the original sin of racism, it has shifted from slavery to the Jim Crow era to the militarization of law enforcement and the Mass Incarceration era that we live in today, denigrating and sucking the soul out of communities of color and enriching (mostly white) communities of privilege. Soulful Cannabis was largely formed as a response to injustice and inequity, and we actively work to counteract this paradigm and offer solutions based on corporate social responsibility because we believe that a healing plant deserves a healing industry. Social Justice reform lies at the heart of our work. We seek to: expose the bias implicit in our language (Language Matters Series) […]

Soulful Cannabis during the age of Corona Virus
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April 5th.  “It’s good to be alive.” Think about that saying.  It takes on a new meaning these days, don’t you think? Family, friends and/or celebrities are contracting the Corona Virus.  I actually find myself wondering if this could be my last day where I can easily fill my lungs with fresh air and let a soft song wash over me on a spring day, free of fever, cough or body aches.   I consciously try not to spend time amplifying this concern, while also recognizing that more than any time in our lives, our neighbors and friends may be suffering, anxiety may be sky high and tempers may be short.   A little compassion and empathy can go a long way right now.   So let’s talk about the things we can change for the better.   Opportunities are showing up all around us to choose new paths… productive paths… healing paths… soulful paths. I’m grateful to say that yesterday my path was soulful. As a caregiver in the Soulful Caregivers Program, I […]

Soulful Cannabis Attends a Kundalini Yoga and Sound Journey
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Village Wellness, owned by Lance Isakov in Berwyn, PA recently took a giant stride towards breaking down the stigmas surrounding cannabis by hosting an event that was the first of its kind for Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana cardholders. The event was a Kundalini Yoga and Sound Journey hosted by Lance himself.  Attendees were able to use medical cannabis in vaporizers throughout the 2-hour event. The only prerequisite for attending was having obtained a medical card. The medical community and healthcare systems have begun to widely embrace and tout the numerous health benefits and alleviation of symptoms available with cannabis use. However, the landscape in Pennsylvania has been devoid of a conversation discussing the spiritual capabilities of the plant. Soulful Cannabis aims to start this conversation by explaining how cannabis can be used with intention and within a community setting. Village Wellness created an incredibly welcoming atmosphere for our group of spiritual pioneers. As the evening began we formed a circle with our yoga mats, pillows and blankets. We were invited to […]

Introducing the Soulful Cannabis Language Matters Series
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Language matters.   In areas where there are deep-grooved stories of danger, mis-trust and trouble, our language often reflects that.   At Soulful Cannabis, we are seeking to promote a re-imagining of how the world thinks about cannabis.   How we think about something follows from how we talk about something.  Pot, weed, dope, ganja and marijuana are all slang terms for cannabis.   Cannabis is the botanical name of the plant.   All of the other names were assigned by street culture and then mis-assigned by law enforcement authorities and government officials seeking to prohibit access to the plant.  Today, the language used around cannabis has been used to perpetuate a propaganda campaign to continue prohibition of the plant. This plant seems to provide numerous health and wellness benefits to a wide range of people.   Its time that our language changes to properly reflect the truth behind the plant.  Follow this thread for our Soulful Cannabis Language Matter series.  We’ll be tagging our “Language Matters” blog posts in the category section. 

What is the “best version” of the cannabis industry?
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Just what does it mean to “help the cannabis industry be the best version of itself”? Soulful Cannabis is meant to be a resource to anyone working in or around the cannabis industry.   Although we are “thinking globally”,  we are “acting locally” and since our roots are in PA, just outside of Philadelphia, that’s where we’re starting.  At Soulful Cannabis, we believe that the most important stakeholder is the patient. After the patient, other key stakeholders include those who serve the patient’s needs: the prescribing physicians, caregivers, the dispensaries that stock the medical cannabis, and the grower-processors who grow and distribute medical cannabis products. The State of Pennsylvania and the Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Office also play a huge role. Additionally, local towns and boroughs across the state are wrestling with this new business model in their midst. In essence,  everyone living in PA is a stakeholder in this newly emerging medical cannabis marketplace.   Communities where medical cannabis is sold and grown will be affected by this emerging marketplace. […]

Soulful Cannabis Visits Harrisburg – a PA MMJ Program Update
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Soulful Cannabis attended the August 14,  Quarterly 2019 Medical Marijuana Adivsory Board meeting, chaired by Dr. Rachel Levine, PA’s Secretary of Health.   Skip Shuda, co-founder of Soulful Cannabis, made the trek out to listen in on the quarterly meeting and join select Department of Health (DOH) team members for a patient focus group following the meeting. During that meeting, John Collins, Director of PA’s Office of Medical Marijuana, provided an update on the Pennsylvania Program.  The numbers are impressive, indicating a healthy start to the program: The first sale took place on Feb. 15, 2018.  All of the statistics below are since the program began 18 months ago. PA Patient Statistics: 200,000 registered 180,000 certified 121,000 actively visiting dispensaries 50.5% of patients are in the program are certified due to chronic pain Roughly 3,000 patients have been newly added due to the anxiety condition being recently added to the program.   Approximately 1,000 new patients are being added weekly, with a growth rate similar to that of chronic pain (an original […]

Can Cannabis Help My Child with Autism?
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One recent study in Israel has showed promising results.  The authors state in their published report: “Cannabis as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders patients appears to be well-tolerated, safe and seemingly effective option to relieve symptoms, mainly: seizures, tics, depression, restlessness and rage attacks. The compliance with the treatment regimen appears to be high with less than 15% stopping the treatment at six months follow-up. Overall, more than 80% of the parents reported at significant or moderate improvement in the child global assessment.” The full report can be found here.  Two other studies on Cannabis and Autism are currently underway. One is taking place at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and is seeking to determine if CBD provides therapeutic benefit to children on the autism spectrum.  The second study , conducted through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, seeks to track the number of children on the ASD spectrum who are using cannabis, and to provide standardized dosing guidance.  So, if you are researching cannabis as […]

Soulful Caregivers Program Launches in PA!
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Soulful Cannabis™ launches the Soulful Caregiver Program; Improving Medical Marijuana Access for Homebound Patients  MEDIA, PA —  Pennsylvania non-profit organization Soulful Cannabis has launched its Soulful Caregiver program, with medical cannabis training and education and a certification program for patient caregivers, after completing a successful pilot program in PA.  This program provides free training to prospective caregivers in the PA Medical Marijuana program.   Caregiving services are provided free of charge to homebound patients, cancer patients and people seeking guidance in navigating the wide product options available to patients in the PA medical cannabis market.    Julia Kline, RN and co-founder of Soulful Cannabis states, “The goal is to provide best-in-class education, guidance and financial support to potential caregivers so they can safely and effectively obtain and deliver this medicine to patients.   Many of our program patients would not have access without a caregiver. “ As long as sponsor funds are available, the program reimburses Soulful Caregivers for their registration fee and background check.  They also provide a $50 gas card […]

Which Cannabis Companies are Stepping Up?
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In our home state of Pennsylvania, we are watching for the leaders who are stepping up in the cannabis industry.    Since the program was signed into law in 2016 by Governor Tom Wolf, the state has awarded the first 25 Grower-Processor permits and 50 Dispensary permits.   With recent additions to the program, the Philadelphia Inquirer lamented, “Big Marijuana tightens grip, receives most new Pa. dispensary permits.”   Of course, big is not necessarily bad. As the 2018 season of giving is in full swing, its worth exploring which marijuana businesses in the area are working to help others, provide a hand up and morally supporting the community. Some note-worthy examples are showing up: Example #1: We find a local dispensary, Terra Vida Holistic Centers, whose team spent a good part of Christmas Day working to feed the homeless in Camden, NJ. Example #2: Earlier this year, after the tragic and senseless synagogue shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, four PA cannabis companies banded together to provide a […]

Medical Marijuana and Mental Health: We Need to Know More
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As an advocate for medical cannabis, I have to admit that there seems to be a very good reason for these condition omissions. Despite popular belief and anecdotal evidence, psychiatrists and other behavioral health professionals actually know very little about the therapeutic effects of marijuana. The relationship between cannabis and mental disorders is little known because there has not been much research available to better understand the association. Some research results are favorable for MMJ use for depression and mania, while other studies were not favorable to the cannabis cause. Studies have linked marijuana use to increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including psychosis (schizophrenia), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Through my own personal MMJ research, the flower in my mind continues to ease and heal my mental and physical health. And it works for millions of others. The Marijuana Policy Project estimates that more than 2.8 million people in the United States are using marijuana as medicine. Recreational use is even higher, with more than 22.2 million users. With […]