Tag Archives: evening

Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops Cannabis Beverage Review

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Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops cannabis-infused beverages are hop-flavored sparkling water infused with cannabis. Hops is best known for its use in flavoring beer and in herbal medicine. This “drinkable” comes in two formulas, one is infused with 10mg of THC, the other has 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD in the 12 oz. can. Zero alcohol, zero calories, zero carbs and vegan as far as I can tell.

Lagunitas in Northern California is one of the first beer companies exploring the cannabis edibles / drinkables market, with their partner Absolute Extracts. Absolute Extracts, well known for their strain-specific cartridges, provides the THC and CBD used.

Hi-fi Hops Lagunitas Cannabis Infused Hoppy Sparkling Water

Packaging

Hi-Fi Hops comes in a standard sized aluminum beverage can with a child-proof opening mechanism. The can is resealable, which is great for just trying a little or if you find half or a quarter of a can provides your desired effects. You “pop” open one side, then you slide the plastic lid over to reveal an opening. The lid locks open so it can stay open, or you can slide it back and re-lock it to reseal it.

Dosing & Taste

I first tried the 10mg THC product in the purple can. With new edibles or drinkables I always start with half of my usual dose, which for me is 5mg. The first time I tried Hi-Fi Hops I drank half the can then waited to see what effects I experienced taking 5mg. I drank it on a half-full stomach in the afternoon and I could start to feel the effects within an hour. Effects lasted four hours and indicated a full dose would be appropriate to try.

As soon as you open the can, you get a wonderful citrusy + THC smell. It almost smells like some the flower strains that have the aroma and taste of citrus, such as Clementine, Tangie, Lemon Haze and others.

At first it does taste like a very hoppy lite beer. It’s similar to a watered-down version of beer, like Budweiser or Schlitz or one of the mass produced American beers, but without the alcohol. It’s funny how the taste of one beer ingredient – hops – can fool your taste buds into thinking it is beer. I definitely noticed the absence of the alcohol taste after a few swigs.

From the citrus smell, I was expecting the taste to be more like a lemon lime seltzer. It tastes a little like that, but the hops/beer flavor definitely is stronger. I’m not a big fan of beer so the hops taste, while inoffensive, is not something I love. I do love citrus flavors, so I wish the flavor profile was stronger on the other citrus and not so hops forward.

Effects

As with many edibles, this product is not labeled Indica or Sativa, so I was not sure what to expect from the effects. I did some research on hops.

Hi-fi Hops Lagunitas Cannabis-Infused sparkling water

Hops can have an effect similar to Indica and Valerian. According to Wikipedia “Hops may be used in herbal medicine in a way similar to valerian, as a treatment for anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. A pillow filled with hops is a popular folk remedy for sleeplessness, and animal research has shown a sedative effect.”

Knowing this, it’s a good assumption that this will have an effect similar to an Indica edible. Expect to feel relaxed, there might be couch-lock involved, depending on how you react. I wouldn’t expect to be too focused or productive. This isn’t like strong coffee or an energy drink you would take to perk up. If anything this might perk you down.

After my initial test dose indicated that the effects of the drink were mild for me, I tried a full dose, 10mg or one can. Initial effects for me were relaxation and Indica-type effects of a heavy head. I was concerned the effects would be the same as a depressant like alcohol at first. Then the heavy head went away and the relaxation stayed.

I experienced a good solid body effect, like I would expect from a strain that is good for relaxing the body without drowsiness. The head was not spacey or spaced out, I was able to make dinner without a problem. I was no more clumsy or forgetful than usual. I did under-cook the pasta a bit, but nothing more catastrophic. I did not experience a strong increase in my senses as I have with some edibles. A slight uplift in mood was a pleasant addition to the effects.

Just as some folks like a beer after work to relax, this would be appropriate for that time of day or whenever you want to relax and unwind. I found it perfect for dinner and a movie without the couch lock or passing out.

Strength: 8

Flavor: 6

Website: https://lagunitas.com/hifihops

Mary’s Medicinals Transdermal Patch Review

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Mary’s Medicinals is my favorite brand of transdermal patch. They come in Indica, Sativa, THCa, CBD and CBN. The CBN one is a standout for its help with getting to sleep and staying asleep.

MARYS PATCHesTransdermal patches like these are placed on a clean patch of skin and deliver the medication through the skin. With patches, the amount of medicine released is consistent and can keep the effects going for a full 12 hours. I like to use rubbing alcohol to clean the area of skin both before I put the patch on and after I take it off. Recommended locations for applying patches are the inside of wrists and the tops of feet.

Dosing & Effects

Mary's CBN patch

CBN – I have experimented with half of a patch and one quarter of a CBN patch (both are shown in the picture with pre-2018 packaging). With half of a patch I started to feel the effects within 20 minutes and I was ready to go to bed not long after 30 minutes. With one quarter of a patch the effects took a little longer but still provided a strong relaxed feeling that is perfect to help get to sleep and avoid insomnia.

The quarter patch dose has become one of my preferred tools for those nights when I need some extra help getting into sleep mode or I want to interrupt insomnia.

With the CBD, THCa, Sativa and Indica patches, those also provide a strong dose that is long lasting. A friend with nerve pain in his feet prefers THCa to his prescribed pills. I have used the CBD patches on areas where I have aches in my muscles or in joints and I often find relief, it depends on the source of the pain. I like being able to put a patch near my hip or on my shoulder to focus the effects in that area. While it is a transdermal and not a topical, it does seem to help, specifically with the CBD, to reduce inflammation in the area.

Patches are the longest lasting way to have a consistent stream of medicine. Most edibles at a standard dose last a maximum of six hours, smoking/vaping usually less, so for folks with chronic conditions – especially pain – transdermal patches are a great choice. Much better than popping pills every four hours.

Highly recommend Mary’s Medicinals transdermal patches!

Strength: 9

Flavor: n/a

Website: http://www.marysmedicinals.com/

Cosmic View Lovely Day Cannabis-Infused Tincture Review

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Cosmic View makes a variety of handcrafted botanical cannabis infused tinctures in varying formulas. Their Lovely Day formula provides 7.1mg of CBD and 8.2mg of THC, .6mg CBG, and .4 CBC in each dose. They are labeled with the specific strain used in the formulation, in this case Sapphire-Tsu and Hawaiian Fanta,

This cannabis-infused tincture is made with extra virgin olive oil, cannabis extract, cacao nibs, cinnamon, black pepper and cinnamon bark oil. Each of their formulas is designed for specific effects, such as this one is designed to be bliss boosting with CBD effects such as helping with inflammation. Designed to lift your spirits with a functional high. Zero alcohol, zero carbs, vegan, gluten-free and sugar free.

Packaging

Lovely Day, like most of the Cosmic View tinctures, comes in a standard sized glass bottle with a child-proof lid opening mechanism. Similar to some prescription bottles, you have to push the cap down to open it. It could be difficult for folks with limited hand movement to open the cap, but I didn’t find it too difficult

The lid contains a dropper, with graduated indications for 0.5 and 1.0 mg. It can be a challenge to fill up the dropper with a full dose of 1mg, so I find it easier to use the 0.5 mark to measure out a dose. As with all cannabis infused products you ingest, always try half of your usual dose first. Each product reacts differently to our unique body chemistry.

Dosing & Taste

I first tried half of a dose – 0.5mg – from the dropper, under my tongue. The packaging suggests that you try 1/4 dropper first to gauge effects – always good advice to start low and slow.

I first tried half dose, containing around 3.5mg of CBD and 4mg of THC on a half-full stomach in the afternoon and I could start to feel the effects within half an hour. It was a very mid, relaxed feeling with some uplift but no dramatic effects. The effects lasted a few hours and indicated a full dose would be appropriate to try.

The tincture has a cinnamon-pepper-cocoa flavor with a slight cannabis taste, so I was fine not to cover up the flavor with anything. I actually love the flavor as I’m a fan of cinnamon in general, as well as pepper and cacao.

Effects

These tinctures are specially formulated to be terpene-rich, using specific chemicals that occur in cannabis to tailor the effects of the tincture. When combined with other ingredients that have similar chemical properties, in this case with the pepper, cinnamon and cacao it creates a more tailored effect than you get with products made with a mix of random hybrid strains.

After my initial test dose indicated that the effects were mild for me, I tried a full dose, 7.1mg of CBD and 8.2mg of THC. My average dose for edibles is 10mg of THC, so I didn’t expect much of the THC effects I get with a higher THC dose. I also aim for about 10mg of CBD when I’m looking for pain relief or other CBD effects. I always want a CBD product with THC, as the two compounds complement each other. I get much more relief from CBD when it is combined with THC, like the 1:1 in Cosmic View.

Initial effects for me were relaxation and uplift at the same time. Occasionally the uplift wandered into spacey territory, but it was mild and not a heavy “spaced out” feeling. The energy boosting impact was tempered with the body relaxation for a nice chill experience without being too heavy.

I experienced a good solid body effect, like I would expect from a strain that is good for relaxing the body without drowsiness. I did experience a slight increase in my senses as I have with some edibles and tinctures. A slight uplift in mood was a pleasant addition to the anti-inflammation and calming CBD effects.

I found one full dose was perfect for a noticeable, relaxing effect that was very functional. For those days when I am especially stressed or want a stronger impact, I’m okay with adding another quarter or half a dose to increase the effect, now that I know what is a solid dose for me.

I like that Cosmic View tincture provides solid relaxation without strongly sedating me. I can be functional even if I’m not especially feeling energetic, and I could kick back on the couch or talk a walk if I felt like going that way too.

Cosmic View tincture is most appropriate for times when you want a mood lift without feeling edgy or caffeinated. If you are feeling anxious or stressed or simply want to boost your mood. I found it perfect for providing uplift while keeping a relaxed yet functional feeling.

Strength: 8

Flavor: 8

Website: https://www.cosmicview.com/lovely-day


Humboldt Apothecary Relax CBD Cannabis-Infused Tincture Review

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Humboldt Apothecary makes a variety of tinctures in varying formulas. Their Relax CBD formula provides 6.3mg of CBD and 2.1mg of THC in each dose.

This cannabis-infused tincture is made with coconut oil and vitamin E, flavored with essential oils of lavender, basil, bergamot and sweet orange. Each of their formulas is designed for specific effects, such as sleep support and this one is designed to both relax and provide CBD effects such as helping with inflammation. Zero alcohol, zero carbs, vegan, gluten-free and sugar free.

Packaging

Relax CBD, like most of the Humboldt Apothecary tinctures, comes in a standard sized glass bottle with a child-proof lid opening mechanism. Similar to some prescription bottles, you have to push the cap down to open it. Since the cap is quite small, it can be difficult for folks with limited hand movement to open the cap. It takes some strength even if you don’t have had mobility issues. I would love to see a larger cap that is easier to grip for folks with arthritis or other movement restricting conditions

The lid conatins a dropper, with graduated indications for 0.5 and 1.0 mg. It can be a challange to fill up the dropper with a full dose of 1mg, so I find it easier to use the 0.5 mark to measure out a dose. As with all cannabis infused products you ingest, always try half of your usual dose first. Each product reacts differently to our unique body chemistry.

Dosing & Taste

I first tried half of a dose – 0.5mg – from the dropper, under my tongue. The packaging suggests that you can administer the tincture that way or in a favorite beverage or even in a recipe.

I first tried half dose, containing around 3.1mg CBD and 1mg THC on a half-full stomach in the afternoon and I could start to feel the effects within half an hour. It was a very mid, relaxed feeling with no dramatic effects. The effects lasted a few hours and indicated a full dose would be appropriate to try.

The tincture has a lavender-basil-bergamot flavor with a slight cannabis taste, so I was fine not to cover up the flavor with anything. I actually love the flavor as I’m a fan of lavender in general, including teas and baked goods.

Effects

These tinctures are specially formulated to be terpene-rich, using specific chemicals that occur in cannabis to tailor the effects of the tincture. When combined with other ingredients that have similar chemical properties, in this case with the lavender and basil, it creates a more tailored effect than you get with products made with a mix of random hybrid strains.

After my initial test dose indicated that the effects were mild for me, I tried a full dose, 6.3mg of CBD and 2.1mg of THC. My average dose for edibles is 10mg of THC, so I didn’t expect much of the THC effects I get with a higher THC dose. I also aim for about 10mg of CBD when I’m looking for pain relief or other CBD effects. I always want a CBD product with THC, as the two compounds complement each other. I get much more relief from CBD when it is combined with THC at a low ration, like the 3:1 in Relax CBD.

Initial effects for me were relaxation and Indica-type effects of a very mild heavy head. I was concerned the effects would be the same as a depressant like alcohol at first. Then the heavy head went away and the relaxation stayed.

I experienced a good solid body effect, like I would expect from a strain that is good for relaxing the body without drowsiness. The head was not spacey or spaced out, I was able to make dinner without a problem. I did experience a slight increase in my senses as I have with some edibles and tinctures. A slight uplift in mood was a pleasant addition to the anti-inflammation and calming CBD effects.

I found one full dose was perfect for a noticeable, relaxing effect that was very functional. For those days when I am especially stressed or want a stronger impact, I’m okay with adding another quarter or half a dose to increase the effect, now that I know what is a solid dose for me.

I am especially sensitive to the Indica type of effects from some products that can make me feel dull headed or sleepy or even create couch-lock. I like that Relax CBD tincture provides solid relaxation without strongly sedating me. I can be functional even if I’m not especially feeling energetic, and I could kick back on the couch or be talked into a nap if I felt like going that way too.

Relax CBD tincture is most appropriate for times when you are feeling anxious or stressed or for that time of day when you want to relax and unwind. I found it perfect for calming down after watching the news, or for a relaxing dinner and a movie without couch lock or passing out.

Strength: 8

Flavor: 9

Website: https://humboldt-apothecary.com/relax-cbd/


Super CBD Blueberry Chill Pills Review

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Super CBD Blueberry Chill Pills were very highly recommended to me by my favorite budtender with the day-glo yellow hair. She warned me that they were very strong and to take a smaller dose than usual. Super CBD blueberry chill pills have more THC than CBD so they will give you a decent buzz.

However, the taste was so nasty and medicinal that I almost spit it out. I couldn’t find any blueberry flavor whatsoever, it was like sucking on a NYQUIL lozenge for 5 minutes. I wouldn’t recommend this product because of its taste alone. It’s discreet and compact. Yes, it’s strong, but it tastes repulsive.

After an hour and fifteen minutes I was able to feel a calm, full body buzz. It was strong and I was very happy that I listened to my budtender regarding a smaller dose.

As far as pain management, I felt significant relief for the bruises on my leg from falling down (not so eloquently) and complete relief of a wrist burn from making tea. I was feeling achy and sore. The pain disappeared for several hours.

The taste isn’t great, it is sort of like eating cannabis shatter or oil. The slight berry taste just doesn’t compete well with the strong cannabis oil taste.  They are meant primarily for medical use more than getting a buzz.

Chill pills come in medical and recreational versions. Both have 10mg of THC from a hybrid strain. The medical version has 10mg of CBD in each pill, the recreational/adult use version has 5mg of CBD. They are part of a line of chill pills from The Growing Kitchen .

I tried mine at the end of a day working in the garden, feel pretty sore and wanting to chill out. Within 90 minutes my muscle soreness was significantly reduced. I felt relaxed but very able to function. There was no couch-lock or heavy head effect, just a nice anti-stress and pain relief effect. Just the kind of chill out experience I was hoping for. After eating the effects were reduced and after about 3 hours I was feeling a little tired, likely a combination of just being tired plus the relaxing effects of the THC and CBD.

I was not put off by the less-than pleasant taste and if you are looking for a solid medicinal effect, this can be a great choice. As always, start with a low dose – these are potent!

Taste: 3

Strength: 8

Website: http://thegrowingkitchen.org/edibles/

Mountain High Cannabis Caramel Apple Sucker Review

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The Caramel Apple flavored sucker is just one of many flavors of infused hard candy made by Mountain High Suckers. They are labeled as THC + CBD enriched and contain 8.29 mg THC and 1.53mg of CBD. Mountain High Suckers is a well-established and trusted brand of infused hard candy edibles, made in Colorado since 2009.

As regular More Than Buds readers will know, I prefer it when edibles are labeled as Indica or Sativa, so we know which kinds of effects to expect. The Caramel Apple sucker, like many of their suckers, are not labeled. Mountain High now has a sucker that is not only labeled with a type (Indica or Sativa) but is strain-specific, made with Blue Dream. They also make sugar free suckers, which is a great addition to their offerings.

Mountain High Suckers Carmel Apple picture of the green lollipop with caramel coating

Mountain High Suckers Carmel Apple lollipop with caramel coating

The Caramel Apple flavor is true to its name, with an almost Jolly Racher-esque apple flavor, complemented by a delicious caramel. By mistake I had kept this one past the expiration date and it was as good as if it were fresh. I always recommend taking edibles before their expiration date, this was just a test for our lab. A nice bonus is that it doesn’t need refrigeration. When eating it, the sucker lasted as long as lollipops not infused with cannabis and had a background taste of THC that remained, with the caramel, as part of the aftertaste.

The effects were felt within an hour, a primarily relaxing body high. At first that lead me to guess that it was made with Indica or a hybrid Indica-dominant strain. Fortunately it was taken in the late afternoon when that relaxing body effect is desired. If I had taken it in the morning I would have felt relaxed but also slightly lethargic and lazy. I experienced some of the Sativa head effects of focus and creativity, so this is likely a hybrid strain

My usual dose of THC in an edible is 10 – 15 mg, and this sucker contains an 8.29mg dose, so the effect was understandably more mild. The effect lasted the usual expected length, about 4 hours of the strongest effect then 2 hours of a more mild effect before it faded out. As expected, eating dinner half way through the effect zone reduced the impact, but it did rebound more than expected after about 45 minutes. The CBD dose was so small that it felt similar to taking a single low dose aspirin, a tiny bit of overall pain relief but nothing significant.

If you are not concerned with the Sativa/Indica labeling of your edibles and are looking for a hybrid impact to both your head and your body, this is a great tasting choice. It lasts a long time without refrigeration, includes a small CBD dose for pain and has good staying power.

Strength: 6

Taste: 7

Website: MountainHighSuckers.com