With increased scientific research on cannabis and hemp over the last 10+ years, many new cannabinoids are entering the recreational market. Wild claims have been made about THC-P, making it the most interesting cannabinoid to be isolated in many years. Naturally, consumers have questions and that is what we are here for. In this article we will cover: Where did it come from, why do people think it is so potent, and what kind of THC products you can find it in. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about weed stuff.
Where Did It Come From?
THC-P (also known as tetrahydrocannabiphorol) mysteriously started showing up in THC products more and more over the last 5 years and that is not by coincidence. Although the compound was relatively unknown until recently, it was studied as far back as 1942 by Roger Adams1 (Check out The Heroes of Weed). It was not until 2019 that THC-P was first isolated by an Italian research group led by Dr. Giuseppe Cannazz.2 For the first time in years, delta 8 THC product blends and delta 9 THC product blends had a new dance partner and research suggests it dances better than them.
Why Do People Think It is So Potent?
The short answer would be because it is – or at least we think it is. Cannabinoids bind receptors in our body’s natural endocannabinoid system. THC-P has a binding affinity (the rate at which compounds bind) 33x that of Delta 9 THC. You read that right – 33x3! However, THC-P naturally occurs in very small amounts making it difficult and costly to extract. So, most delta 8 products and delta 9 products that contain THC-P contain very small amounts. Not much credible research on the effects on humans has been released as most clinical trials last 6-7 years.
What Are the Effects of THC-P?
THC products containing high levels of THC-P can be very powerful and potentially more effective than Delta 9 THC. Some cannaconsumers have detailed their experience with THC-P by describing it as more psychedelic than Delta 9 THC claiming it amplified both sounds and colors. Even though THC-P has that 33x binding affinity, that doesn’t mean it will get you 33x as high. Most consumers claim it to be 5x to 10x as potent as Delta 9 THC.
What Kind of Product Can I find It In?
THC-P is being blended into an ever-increasing number of products due to our fascination of what it could be. It is usually found in gummies such as our RiverBluff Knockout Blend (available at our Illinois and Iowa locations) and vapes such as our RiverBluff 2g Mega Blend vape (available at our Illinois location). As cannabis science advances and it becomes cheaper and more readily available, there is no doubt THC-P will be blended into more delta 9 THC gummies and delta 8 THC gummies as well as vapes. Though the jury may still be out on THC-P, we are comfortable adding it to products, so that those who want to explore the unknown can and be the weedstranauts venturing into what may be one the last unknowns.
Whether you are new to cannabis or a longtime canna-consumer chances are you’ve never heard of terpenes and that is perfectly okay. If you are smoking purely for recreational purposes, you may want to investigate terpenes to find a flavor profile you like. If you are smoking for therapeutic purposes, investigating terpenes can lead you down a road that produces a list of strains better suited to your ailments or specific tastes. In this article, we will cover what terpenes are and what specific terpenes do. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds or substances produced in plants and even some animals. Cannabis contains a staggering 100+ compounds that provide it with its flavor and aroma. Most of these are terpenes or sesquiterpenes1. There are 11 primary terpenes and 20 secondary terpenes that make up how a cannabis strain will taste and smell2 but many of them also provide therapeutic effects. Now, we don’t aim to keep you here all day, so we will cover the 11 primary terpenes to keep it simple!
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most commonly found terpene in cannabis. It can make up over 60% of the terp profile in some strains. Myrcene gives marijuana its dank, skunky aroma. Myrcene can be found in several other plants but is most prevalent in Mangos. Strains that contain high levels of Myrcene provide relaxing sedative like effects and aid in pain management.
Limonene
Limonene is the second most commonly found terpene in cannabis. It gives cannabis the citrusy taste and aroma. Limonene can be found in many citrus fruits as well as spices like rosemary. It is often added to cleaning products for its lemon smell3. Strains high in Limonene are known for their energetic buzz and creative stimulation.
Linalool
Linalool can be found in various plants such as lavender. If you have smoked or smelled a strain that smelled like typical flowers, chances are it was high in Linalool. Strains containing a high level of Linalool may aid in relaxation and even sleep.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene gives some strains their spice rack aroma and flavor as it can also be found in many spices such as black pepper and oregano, just to name a few. It also provides a subtle earthy taste of wood. Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory properties and possibly helps curb impulsive and addictive behaviors such as nail-biting.
Pinene
Pinene, not so surprisingly, tastes and smells just like it sounds, of Pine. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to reducing risk or memory loss caused by excessive THC consumption. That doesn’t mean we suggest you try to smoke your way to a stable memory but that also doesn’t mean we’d discourage it in the name of science.
Humulene
Humulene, much like Caryophyllene, gives off the spice rack taste and aroma and is also found in many spices such as sage and clove. Also an anti-inflammatory4, Humulene has been linked to appetite suppression. We know what you’re thinking and yes, that is possible.
Terpineol
This rare terpene is often found in strains also containing high levels of Linalool. It gives off a lilac taste that is often masked by the lavender taste of Linalool. If you have smoked a strain that tastes floral and grape, it probably contained both terpenes. Terpineol is known for its calming mood enhancing properties good in helping fight anxiety.
Valencene
Valencene is another rare terpene often found in citrus fruits giving bud that citrusy flavor5 like Limonene. Valencene is an anti-inflammatory and shows signs of being an anti-allergen. This terp can often be found in cosmetics and cleaning products.
Terpinolene
This terpene can be found in soaps and perfumes. Terpinolene tastes and smells like a combination of a Pinene with Humulene or Caryophyllene giving off flavors of spice rack and pine. This has also been linked to anti-inflammatory benefits.
Geraniol
This terpene gives off hints of Tabaco and has been linked to having neuroprotective benefits.
Ocimene
Ocimene provides dank aromas like Myrcene and flavors of tropical fruit. Like most terpenes on this list, it is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpenes can be very important for specific people. If you need something therapeutic, there is probably a terpene for what ails you. If you are very selective about how your bud tastes, you can find strains with similar profiles to ones you like. The cannabis industry has blown up in the last ten or so years and cannabis breeding has come a long way in dialing specific effects and flavors. It seems like weed growers went to Baskin-Robbins and told them to hold their joint, and it is strangely coincidental Baskin-Robbins originally carried 31 flavors and there are 31 primary and secondary terpenes in cannabis. Stoners and ice cream; a match destined to happen. So, the next time you go to buy some THC products ask about the terp profile and help tailor your own experience.
Science fiction and cannabis are a match made in the cosmos. They both allow a chance for the mind to escape and wonder, so naturally they’d come together. Science fiction is a beloved genre, and the Star Wars Universe may be the most beloved of all. If you are Star Wars fan, a cannabis smoker, or both, there is high likelihood you’ve had a lengthy conversation about Star Wars. In this article, we will cover just how closely weed and Star Wars are linked by recalling some past stories about the cast, and the weed smoking antics that influenced a movie that inspired a generation. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up and let’s learn about some Star Wars stuff.
Han Solo Sold Weed?
Before becoming Han Solo and Indiana Jones, the megastar, Harrison Ford, spent ten years in Hollywood working as a carpenter, taking bit roles, and selling weed to LA’s most elite. Michele Phillips of the iconic 60’s band, The Mamas and The Papas, went to the theater to Star Wars and when seeing Ford on screen she exclaimed, “That’s My Pot Dealer!” Philips wasn’t the only high-profile music act Ford supplied in the 60’s though it is also believed he supplied Jim Morrison and the Doors1. How cool is that?!
Princess Leia Was Down to Smoke!
Princess Leia and Han Solo provided one of the most recognizable love stories in science fiction history. Their chemistry came off so effortlessly because behind the scenes they were getting high AF and getting busy like bunnies for three months. Carrie would go on to claim the Ford’s weed was so powerful it made her forget the year 19762.
Even The Wookies Were Stoned?
There has been a long-standing rumor among some Star Wars fans that the specie’s name for Chewbacca, Wookie, was adlibbed by voice actor Terry McGovern while stoned on the Star Wars set. This is factually false. Terry McGovern did indeed coin the term “Wookie”, while under the influence but it came while filming Lucas’s earlier film THX 1138. Terry was describing a wild animal he had hit with his car and told Lucas, “It was a Wookie.”3 Lucas liked the term so much he kept it to use in a future movie.
Why Does the Villain of This Kevin Smith Movie Look Like a Jedi?
Mark Hamill is not known to smoke marijuana, but he did appear as a jedi of sorts in the beloved stoner classic Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back directed by regular High Times cover boy, Kevin Smith. Hamill played Cockknocker a nostalgic spoof of his most famous character. As the villain, Hamill battled Bluntman and Chronic with bong-sabers and force like abilities. Carrie Fisher also appeared in the film making the film play like a pothead’s love letter to Star Wars.
A Connection That Will Last Forever
Star Wars has embedded itself in cannabis culture so much that there are many strains named after the franchise: Skywalker, Master Yoda, Death Star, Ewok, C3PO, and the list goes on and on4. Even if you’ve never seen one of the films there is good chance you smoked a strain with Star Wars lineage. No matter where you fall in Venn diagram of cannabis enthusiasts and Star Wars fans, remember Star Wars Day is day to relax and let your mind wonder about the spectacles of what is possible. Stop by to get in our deals for 5/4 and 5/5 and 15% off our hemp-derived Delta 9 THC 50mg Starmen Gummies and 5mg Crunchy Balls to celebrate. Have a happy holiday from RiverBluff and may the fourth be with you.
We’ve already talked about some Heroes of Weed (check that out here) but there can’t be heroes without antagonists. For false narratives to spread there needs to be the propagandists, those who place the roadblocks for the heroes to overcome. Cannabis and hemp have had their fair share of villains. The list is long and highly distinguished, but we are going to narrow it down to three for this article: The man that started the war of weed, the rich people who financed it, and the beloved first lady that propagated their message decades later. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff.
Harry J Anslinger
Harry J Anslinger was the first and longest running Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Harry used his position to start the war on “marihuana” to help further his racist agenda. For example, marihuana was changed to marijuana in propaganda to make it sound more foreign. He used the war on drugs to target minority and immigrant groups1 and jazz musicians specifically, many of which were also minorities. He even kept a file titled, “Marijuana and Musicians”2. Harry drafted and helped rally support for the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 prohibiting cannabis in the United States for the first time. He painted a picture of cannabis being of the highest public concern with quotes like this, “The primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerated races3.” He held office from 1930-1962 continuing to spread hate and hysteria and would be the primary influence on almost all the villains of weed.
William Randolph Hearst & The Du Pont Family
William Randolph Hearst was a newspaper magnet and one of the richest people of the 1900’s. Hearst’s papers employed the tactic of “yellow journalism” which focused on shock value more than reporting actual news4. Though not proven, many believe Hearst to have had a large stake in the timber industry and worried hemp would replace wood as pulp for paper. William Randolph Hearst wasn’t the only rich aristocrat with something to gain by a hemp prohibition. Enter the Du Pont family, currently one of the richest families in the world. Du Pont started development on a new synthetic fiber known as nylon in 19275. The rising popularity of hemp as a quick growing easy to harvest textile posed an issue for Du Pont just like it had for Hearst. Together they solved their problems the way most rich people who want to flex their power solve problems. They threw money at it by helping to finance Anslinger’s crazy propaganda campaign that left cannabis prohibited for recreational use until 2012.
Nancy Reagan
Nancy Reagan is one of the most beloved first ladies of modern times. Always smiling and wearing a red dress, she became an institution in our country. Nancy seems like a nice lady, but she falls on this list due to toeing the party line. Nancy was First Lady of California from 1967-1975. During this time, California Senator Richard Nixon, soon to be President Richard Nixon, started his war on counterculture6 in the state targeting hippies, and as per usual in the crusade against cannabis, minorities. As Nixon rose to presidency, the Reagan’s continued the counterculture battle with Nancy particularly invested in demonizing marijuana. When Ronald Reagan became president, Nancy became First Lady of the United States, and her mission was to continue the war on drugs. Nancy coined the phrase, “Just Say No” which would become one of the most recognizable anti-drug campaigns ever7. The campaign ignored the medicinal effects of marijuana. It spawned the program D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Program) which taught children that cannabis was just as dangerous as cocaine and heroin. During her time as first lady, a new wave of propaganda was spread that would have made Anslinger blush. Cannabis consumers were painted as the dreads of society, dumb, lazy, and unemployable. Those stereotypes are still battled by canna-consumers today.
A Final Note on The Villains of Weed
These are just a few of the villains of weed. They were some of the most powerful people in the country if not the world, and yet, we are finally starting to get out of the shadows of their propaganda. One thing is undeniable, if the love of a plant can overcome obstacles put in place by dominant foes, with hard work and dedication, almost anything is possible.
LA Kush Cake seems otherworldly like something from a faraway planet that we just happen to find on earth. An intoxicating flower born of mad science and possibly alchemy, the plant traces its lineage back to the geniuses at Seed Junkie Genetics. The strain spread like wildfire because it is fire! LA Kush Cake is a juggernaut in the cannabis industry finding its way into all sorts of THC products but is most readily available as flower. It doesn’t matter if you eat edibles infused with it, vape it, dab it, or smoke it, LA Kush Cake aims to please. So, is LA Kush Cake the strain for you? Maybe but let’s find out as we look closer into our strain of the month.
LA Kush Cake rapidly became a staple of the cannabis industry due to its genetics (Kush Mints x Wedding Cake). Winners breed winners. Its parents were carefully selected after long phenotype hunts and had dominant runs of their own in most dispensaries where they are still commonly found to this day. LA Kush Cake went through a long phenotype hunt of its own to find its best example before following in the footsteps of its famous parents to become a powerhouse of its own. LA Kush Cake can also be found in most dispensaries and in many consumers homes. It has far exceeded the reputation of its parents.
Basics
LA Kush Cake is an indica-dominant hybrid producing THC levels between 21-25% but has achieved much higher percentages under ideal growing conditions.LA Kush Cake flowers are uber photogenic known for their dense and frosty nugs, and they show up in a variety of media from your friend’s socials to music videos to movies. The bag appeal for this strain is outstanding You’’ want to show it and share it with your friends It serves both newcomers and cannabis veterans well.
Aroma and Taste
It is known for its wildly exotic flavor profile, mixing the super sweet citrusy vanilla confectionary delight of Wedding Cake with more of the classic earthy pine and subtle mint taste of Kush Mints. Even with that flavor profile, it has a much different aroma. It smells of ground spices and skunk with just minor hits of citrus.
Strain Effects
Though an indica-dominant hybrid, this is a strain you can still be active with if you have plans. This plant is all about the terpenes. It contains the terpenes limonene (known for providing an energizing buzz), caryophyllene (effective at treating/reducing anxiety and depression), and myrcene (effective for pain and inflammation relief). This strain works well for relaxation and pain relief without being overly lethargic. Keep an eye out for terpene focused blog coming soon!
Should You Try It?
LA Kush Cake is indica enough to satisfy the most hardcore indica smokers without complaint, but not so indica that a sativa smoker can’t enjoy it and go about their day. It has become legendary for those very reasons. Friends tell friends about LA Kush Cake. It rarely disappoints and generally exceeds even the loftiest of expectations. LA Kush Cake has made quite the name for itself in the industry for good reason, and it shows no signs of going away anytime soon. If you haven’t had the pleasure of its company, you have done yourself a great disservice. Fear not though; it can be rectified. We suggest you rush out to try it immediately and judge for yourself.
Have you ever wondered why weed gets you high? No mystery here. It is simply biological. We are programmed to be able to get high. We know this because of the endocannabinoid (ECS for short) system that runs through our bodies. In this article, we go over what the endocannabinoid system is and does, the two different receptors found in it and how it gets you high. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System and What Does It Do?
The endocannabinoid system runs throughout our bodies and produces endocannabinoids which are molecularly similar to cannabinoids found cannabis and hemp. The first endocannabinoid discovered was named anandamide after the Sanskrit word for bliss.1 Since then, more endocannabinoids have been discovered. Endocannabinoids play a major role in our physiology. These endocannabinoids effect things such as memory2, appetite3, female reproduction4, thermoregulation5, and sleep6. In short, the endocannabinoid system is essential to our physical wellbeing.
The CB1 and CB2 Receptors
There are two endocannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2. Both play major roles in our body’s development as well as its regulation. The CB1 receptor aids in many brain functions including the development of the hippocampus7. It also helps the central nervous system to interrupt stimuli8. The CB2 receptor helps regulate the immune system9, the gastrointestinal system10, and the peripheral nervous system11. These natural receptors allow cannabinoids to bind to them thus giving us the psychoactive effects we know and love.
How Does It Get Me High?
You may be wondering how this all adds up to you getting high. Think of the endocannabinoid system as a subway system running through your body and endocannabinoids as the trains. Because endocannabinoids and cannabinoids are so similar, when you ingest cannabinoids, they essentially hijack the trains. Some cannabinoids can hijack those trains easier than others, the most famous of which are the many variations of THC. The endocannabinoid system allows us to enjoy things like hemp-derived delta 9 THC gummies or delta 8 THC chocolates or HHC caramels. The better you know the endocannabinoid system the better you can tailor your personal cannabis experience. Without it, we wouldn’t know the joy of cannabis and that would be sad. So, give three cheers to the endocannabinoid system for it helps keeps us alive and have fun while being so.
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