Strain of the Month: Mochi Berry 

Strain of the Month: Mochi Berry 

Mochi Berry is one of the most sought-after strains carried at RiverBluff Collective. The five tool strain that every cannaconsumer raves about has a mysterious origin story with no one claiming to be the first breeder. Still, it has risen in infamy for its potency, bag appeal, versatility, taste and aroma. It is a heavy hitter with knock out power and the endurance to go the distance. So, let’s look at the legend of the stain known as Mochi Berry! Kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff. 

The Lineage 

Though no one has stepped up to claim to have bred Mochi Berry first, the stain has curiously been traced back to its notable parent plants. The offspring of Sunset Sherbert an indica dominant hybrid and Mochi Gelato a balanced hybrid, Mochi Berry has far surpassed its parents becoming more than just notable but legendary! Anyone who has tried it can testify to its legendary status. 

The Basics 

Though listed as an indica hybrid, Mochi Berry is closer to balanced than indica dominant at a 60/40 indica/sativa. Though its normally high testing amount of THCa totals can make one feel extra stoney for both moderate and limited consumers. For longtime smokers it hits more balanced than anything but still can be devastatingly potent! The buds are as dense as a rock but grind easily. 

The Aroma and Taste 

Mochi Berry retains all the flavor of its parent plants. It is creamy, sweet, and a combination of citrus and berry that leaves you delightfully dazed with a smile on your face. On exhale it smells just as sweet. In the bag, Mochi Berry smells like sugared berries with a touch of cider. Mochi Berry just isn’t a strain, it is an experience that shouldn’t be missed! 

Effects 

Mochi Berry is known for its blissful body high and inspirational spark. Though it is nearly balanced, it still leans indica and has effects associated with indica flower. 

  • Relaxation 
  • Stress relief 
  • Help with sleep 
  • Calming sensations 

Should You Try It? 

This a YES! There is a reason that Mochi Berry has been the longest running strain at RiverBluff Collective. People love it. Sativa lovers appreciate the creativity it provides and indica lovers love it because it does everything an indica should do and then some. It is potent, flavorful, and should not be missed. If you haven’t tried it yet, now would be the time. Though we don’t have it on our website, you can stop into our East Dubuque, IL location and grab a pre-roll today. If you’d like to see more articles like this and stay up to date with all the latest deals SIGN UP for our email group to stay in the know. 

The History of Hemp Around the World 

The History of Hemp Around the World 

Today, many cannaconsumers take hemp and cannabis for granted due to the wonderful world we live that allows people easy access. Hemp has been adored whilst being vilified for millenniums. Its use as a durable and easy to use textile as well as its intoxicating effects have garnered human interest since they first laid eyes on it. Its versatility led to the globalization of its use, but it all started somewhere. Be prepared to be amazed at how long humans have been enjoying the plant. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about the world history of weed stuff. 

Earliest Records of Use 

The first recorded uses of hemp can be traced back to Asia between 8800-6500 BCE, a period known as the pre-Neolithic era. An archeology site in Japan found buds dating back to 8000 BCE (before common era) indicating a significant use of the plant. It started to become undeniably used by 5000 BCE in China, with carbon-dated hemp fibered pottery found in the country. The Chinese soon started using hemp for clothing, rope, and some of the earlier forms of paper. 

It spread to India by 1000 BCE and became used in the Hindu religion. The plant continued to make its way west over the Hindu Kush mountains, where we termed the word for the Kush strains we all know and love today. When visiting Scythia sometime around 480 BCE, the Greek historian Herodotus stated, “The natives often inhale vapors of hemp-seed smoke for both ritual and recreational pleasure.” The recreational use of hemp would take a big leap over the next 2000 years. 

When it Started to Spread Globally 

By 1200 AD, the plant had found its way from the farthest reaches of Asia, through Persia, and found its way to the Arabian countries. This happened due to the invention of hashish. Hashish is made by separating the rosin from the plant. Different civilizations had different methods of extraction but the result was the same. A pressed concentrated form of THC. Hashish made the transportation of cannabis/hemp products much easier. It was concentrated, which meant less was needed to achieve the desired results. However, this wouldn’t be smoked until tobacco was introduced in the 1500s. Unti then, it was mainly consumed as an edible. By the 1600’s, hemp and cannabis had conquered Europe with King Henry VIII encouraging its cultivation to help build their growing navy. The hemp fabric provided much more durable sails that reduced costs or repairs allowing the country to continue to build. 

When Europeans Met Native Americans 

Early Florida Explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spainard, described many tribes consuming the plant during his 1527-1537 expedition of the new word. He would say, “Throughout the country they get inebriated by using a certain smoke and will give everything they have in order to get it.” The English noticed the Native Americans cultivation of hemp and took note. They wrote back to England reporting that the hemp of the new world was better than any of that in England. By 1620, the colony of Virgina had passed an act that required plantation owners to grow both English and Native American hemp. 

The Founding Fathers Love of Hemp 

The founding fathers of The United States loved hemp for the versatility it offered and the convenience of its growth. They needed a sturdy textile to build their new country on and hemp made logical sense. Early American leaders such as George Washington, Ben Franklin, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and Henry Clay all harvested hemp. They had an army and a navy to build, and they’d need hemp to do so. Washington would say, “Make the most of the Indian hemp seed. Sow it everywhere.” Thomas Jefferson had this to say, “Hemp is the first necessity to wealth and protection of the country.” Without the founders’ confidence in hemp, The United States may have never been born. It was a mainstay cash crop until the villains of weed turned the nation and in part the world against it. Strangely, making the utilitarian uses of hemp illegal people would focus on making hemp stronger for recreational purposes creating the cannabis that would evolve into what we know today. 

Holland Throws Down the Gauntlet 

The Dutch government would be the first to approve the recreational sale of cannabis in 1976. They allowed for the sale in “coffee shops” which would be the predecessor to the modern dispensaries we know today. Around this time, the world started to notice the medicinal benefits of the plant when treating cancer and aids patients. The counterculture of the 1960s had already started to destigmatize the plant, and with its increasing use in the field of medicine, the world needed to take a second look at the legality of this amazing muti-use plant. 

The United States of America has Joined the Chat 

California would lead the way for medical cannabis in The United States by making it available for patients in 1996 when they decided to go against the aging archaic federal laws. Today over half the states in the country have medicinal marijuana programs. Some are still laughable though. Looking at you Iowa! The success of medicinal marijuana programs led to states forcing the legalization effort. Though the federal government still refuses to make cannabis legal nationwide, they have left it up to individual states to make their own decision and boy did they. Washington was the first state to legalize cannabis for recreational use on December 6, 2012. Colorado would follow suit just four days later. The weed revolution had begun! 

That Brings Us to the Present 

Here you are today! 24 states have recreational cannabis and most states have a thriving hemp market. Hemp helped expand the world, industrialization killed it leading to recreational cannabis, and recreational cannabis led to the revitalization of hemp. Now, hemp is nearly indistinguishable from cannabis. The country is almost halfway to complete legalization. It took over 10,000 years but the plant is finally getting some of the respect it deserves. THC products can now be purchased safely and consumed with little apprehension. We truly are living in an amazing age of information, understanding, and cannabis. If you want to stay up to date with all the articles and deals provided by RiverBluff Collective, SIGN UP for our email group today! 

Top 5 Types of THC You Need to Know 

Top 5 Types of THC You Need to Know 

To get high many compounds play their part throughout the endocannabinoid system. Most people only think of THC and think of it as singular compound. However, THC is not a singular compound. There are many forms that are known and more than likely some yet to be discovered. RiverBluff Collective selects many forms of THC to use in their hemp-derived products and they want you to know the difference between some they use and one they can’t anymore. Time to dispel some myths, spread some knowledge, and remember an outcast. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some specific THC stuff! 

THC-A 

THC-A is the most common form of THC. When smoking flower, THC-A is the compound getting you where you want to be. Once THC-A is heated it converts to Delta 9 THC, but we will get there in a second. The government’s misunderstanding of THC-A unknowingly reclassified the vast majority of cannabis grown in the US as hemp, including many strains found in a traditional dispensary. Their fault has led to a thriving Hemp market which they now threaten to take away. 

Delta 9 THC 

Delta 9 THC is what most people have the misconception as “just” THC. Delta 9 THC makes up very little of a bud’s THC. However, THC-A converts to Delta 9 THC when heated. It is possibly the most effective form of THC in edible form and most vapes as the extraction process converts THC-A to Delta 9 THC. Recently, science has managed to extract THC-A for vapes like those we carry. RiverBluff Collective currently doesnt sell their vapes online but check out these Ice Pop frozen treats. 

Delta 8 THC 

Delta 8 THC led to the rise of the hemp-derived THC industry. It is found in scant amounts in both hemp and cannabis. When the recreational cannabis markets started to open, some consumers were unhappy with the tax they were paying and found solace in Delta 8 THC. Delta 8 THC isn’t as effective as THC-A or Delta 9 THC, but it has its uses. If you are new to THC consumption Delta 8 THC is a good entry point.  Look at these delicious Delta 8 THC chocolates. 

THC-P 

THC-P is the newest member of the THC family. It is believed to be the strongest form of THC found thus far hitting an estimated 33x the neuroreceptors in your endocannabinoid system. It is very difficult to extract, and most hemp-derived products use it sparingly. Our Knockout Blend gummies are a perfect example of this. They’re not on the website but feel free to stop in the store and ask to see them! 

THC-O 

THC-O is the outcast of the THC family. It is synthetically made and provides a much different experience for the consumer. It was attempted to be weaponized by the US military in the mid 1970’s for its effect on motor skills. It gave you a much more hallucinogenic feel than other forms of THC and affected equilibrium. Longterm use was linked to vertigo and THC-O was banned in the states in 2023. 

Conclusion 

Clearly there is no such thing as “just” THC. Only a handful of the THC family were covered here but the ones that were are worth remembering. If someone offers you a THC treat, ask what is in it, and if not to your liking don’t discourage others. Variety is the spice of life! THC-O may have been the first to be outlawed but it won’t be the last. Just appreciate you still can. SIGN UP for our email group to keep up to date with all things RiverBluff Collective.  

Top 4 Ways to Enjoy a Pre-roll Without Having to Roll in 2024 

Top 4 Ways to Enjoy a Pre-roll Without Having to Roll in 2024 

Some people shy away from smoking flower simply because they don’t know how to roll a joint or blunt and can’t store utensils in their house. RiverBluff Collective is here to tell you there is no need to be shy. Rolling a joint or blunt may be an art form but it is a dying one like cursive writing. Saying you can’t smoke a joint because you can’t roll one is like saying you can’t type a letter because you don’t know how to put paper in a typewriter. We have computers now! Civilization has advanced beyond that stage. New methods exist to make your life easier. Unless you are an artisan smoker, there is no need to know how to roll anymore. So, kick back in the cut, fire on up, and let’s learn about getting some pre-rolled weed stuff. 

Buy One 

This one seems like cheating. RiverBluff Collective knows they aren’t teaching you anything new here. This is just a reminder. You don’t need to know how to roll if you just buy a pre-roll. You can try flower with little to no time or effort exerted. Just pop into your local dispensary, pick out a joint, and you’re on your way. 

Pre-rolled Cones 

This is the main reason you don’t need to know how to roll anymore. The joint comes pre-rolled with a filter. All that is required is it to be filled. Each cone comes with a ramrod to help make sure a tightly packed joint. Once you have it packet like a musket in the 1700’s, you only need to twist the top closed and spark it up! You can find cones by many great companies like Raw, Element, Zig Zag, and Blazy Susan. 

Hollow Blunts 

More of a blunt smoker than a joint smoker? Well, it wasn’t long after the introduction of the pre-rolled cone that the hollow blunt made its way onto shelves. These work the same way as a pre-rolled cone except they are a straight cylinder and generally larger. You won’t be packing a musket this time but more of a blunderbuss. No need to twist the top with these ones just fill it and rip. Many companies make hollow blunts but a RiverBluff Collective favorite has always been King Palm! 

Rolling Machines 

This is the least convenient way to get a pre-roll but it is an option. Most of the companies mentioned thus far make rollers that range in sizes. Pick your machine, pick your wraps, pick your strain, read the instructions, and off you go. You’ll be smoking in no time and will have rolled a joint without having to know how to. 

Burn One Down 

As you can see, there is no need to know how to roll in this day and age. Companies have invested a lot of time into making sure you can enjoy a pre-roll with little to no experience. Don’t be shy about trying flower just because you can’t roll, we are beyond that now! The cannabis revolution is here and there shall be pre-rolls for all of those of legal consumption age. To stay up to date with all things RiverBluff Collective, SIGN UP for our email group now!   

5 Historical Cannabis Smokers You’d Never Guess! 

5 Historical Cannabis Smokers You’d Never Guess! 

RiverBluff Collective hates to see people stuck casting cannaconsumers in the same old stereotypes. Those who consume cannabis aren’t by default dumb, lazy, unmotivated, or unfit. Some of the most successful people ever have smoked weed, eaten THC-infused edibles, or enjoyed other THC products, and they managed to overcome those stereotypes to leave a lasting mark on history. This list could be filled will artists and musicians but those would have been easily guessed and that’s not the name of the article. So kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about people you’d never guess were into weed stuff! 

Barack Obama 

Okay, so you may have guessed this one, but it is still fascinating. The most recent entry on the list, Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America, became the first presidential candidate to openly admit to having smoked cannabis. He didn’t dodge the question like Bill Clinton did. Clinton claimed he never inhaled; Obama said “Yes I inhaled that was kind of the point.”  

Though Barack may have put his smoking days behind him, in 2011 the Obamas became the first president and first lady to grow medicinal marijuana in the presidential garden. Strangely enough the gardener charged with the care of these plants was named Tommy Chong. Not the Tommy Chong, but very serendipitous to say the least. Who knew they were growing weed at the White House? So, cool! Obama was leader and would probably be looking for another leader like Yoda’s Beath  pre-roll no doubt! 

Steve Jobs 

Steve Jobs may be the most driven person to ever live. The former head of Apple took the personal computer out of the office and placed them in people’s homes. Without him, there is a decent chance smart phones wouldn’t be as advanced as they are now. Jobs wasn’t just a fan of cannabis – he also enjoyed LSD. Though he claimed to leave his cannabis consumption in the 70s, he left the world with unbelievable stories. Like the time he and Wozniak tried to get the Pope on the phone just for fun. If Steve were still around, he’d probably pop by the shop for a Apple Tart preroll. 

Carl Sagan 

Carl Sagan is on the short list of the smartest people to have ever lived. Sagan, a decorated astronomer, brought science into the mainstream during the 1970s with the TV show Cosmos, which he wrote and presented. When the government had questions about space, they called Carl Sagan. Sagan never shied away from his vocal love of cannabis and the need for cannabis law reform. Carl was always prepared to discuss the benefits of cannabis as he did in this article about why he liked smoking marijuana. If Carl were still around, he’d probably be blunt and grab a 30mg Crispy Blunt.  

Arnold Schwarzenegger 

You’ve read about a charismatic pothead, a driven pothead, and a genius pothead but what about the physically fit pothead? How about one of the most physically fit people of all time? Arnold Schwarzenegger! That’s right. The man who was once a muscle mountain loved to hit the ganja after lifting. Several shots of him hitting the green can be seen in the documentary Pumping Iron. Arnold would go from bodybuilding, to acting to politics. Not too shabby for a stoner speaking their second language. Arnold would probably be into something strong like him such as 100mg Uncle Skunk’s Shots.  

William Shakespeare 

This one may be a bit farfetched. It is not like there are pictures, interviews, or references to Shakespeare smoking cannabis. However, that doesn’t mean there is no evidence that big Bill liked to toke a bit. Though experts refuse to agree, the clay pipes with drug residue found by archeologists at Shakespeare’s home cannot be denied. This one may have the least evidence to prove it but may be the most fascinating. The writer by which all writers are judged may have been just as high as the rest of us while he wrote! That’s pretty cool! RiverBluff thinks Billy would be show his affections with more than just word but with RiverBluff’s chocolate. 

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5 Best Tips on How to Store Your Cannabis Long-Term 

5 Best Tips on How to Store Your Cannabis Long-Term 

Do you want your weed to last longer? Don’t want to scroll through the 100s of articles on the topic? Don’t worry, we combed through them all for you to separate the things that seemed a bit farfetched and zone in on the things almost everyone agrees on. We know flower deteriorates over time and loses its efficacy. The best way to increase the life span of your bud is proper storage. Kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn how to store some weed stuff. 

Tip 1: Keep It Cool, but not too cool 

This one should go without saying but keep your cannabis away from heat (unless you’re ready to blaze up 😉). Heat causes buds to fry out and burn poorly and can cause terpenes to evaporate changing the flavor profile and overall experience. When we say keep it cool, we don’t mean keep it cold. Cold can also have adverse effects on cannabis flower especially at freezing temperatures. Freezing temperatures can cause trichomes to pop and lower the potency as well, and nobody wants that! 

Tip 2: Keep It Away from Sunlight 

The Sun! Isn’t it strange how something civilization relies on to survive can be such a menace? It can burn your skin, it can give you cancer, and can destroy your cannabis flowers. Besides drying it, which we already covered, the sun’s UV rays can break down cannabinoids and terpenes the same way it makes colors fade. Keep your cannabis flower out of sunlight! Keep it out of the light for that matter. A drawer, cabinet, closet, or a super-secret hidden box all can protect your precious buds very well. 

Tip 3: Keep it Dry 

We don’t want you to have dry cannabis flower, but you should know moisture is not its friend. Moisture in jars causes more mold problems than anything else. So, unless you are brave and want to see if fire beats mold, it is best to just cut your losses and trash the bud. But like stated previously, keeping it too dry isn’t good either. It is best to keep your cannabis flower at 59-63% relative humidity for best results. You can help control this by adding humidity packs to your stash. Controlling humidity is also why you should avoid refrigerating your buds. The drastic changes in temperature will also lead to mold problems 

Tip 4: Pick a Good Container 

Always go glass! Storing cannabis long term in plastic, rubber, or metal containers can effect the taste of your herb. They work great for short-term use, but if you are looking to stow something away for a rainy day, you will want a glass container. Glass containers have far less effect on the taste of your weed. You can also get them in darker colors to help lessen UV light exposure even further. Many come with hermetic seals that also prevent moisture from getting in. Glass is the MVP of storing weed. Just make sure you get a proper size; you don’t want to have to smash it in there! 

Tip 5: Keep The Container Clean 

Think of your container as a clean room for your bud. It needs to be maintained or outside contaminants can get in and cause the dreaded mold. Mold sucks! It is the villain of storing weed. Sweat, dirt, random particulates can all get into your jar and bring mold right in there with them. If you notice your container has any gunk, grime, or wet on it, it is best to clean the container and dry it extensively before returning your stash. This probably is the last thing you think about when preparing to indulge but it will do your cannabis well. 

One Last Thing 

We know people smoke weed at different paces but buying in bulk will save you money in the long run. Even if an eighth will last you a while, buying a quarter, half or ounce will save you money and time so storing it properly is essential. Properly storing your flower can keep it fresh for 6 months to a year. Bulk buying will always save you time and a few bucks and, who couldn’t use extra money and time? If you enjoyed this article and want to stay up to date on all things RiverBluff Collective, please feel free to SIGN UP for our email group. 

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