People love cannabis and hemp but not all of them are looking to get high. Some are just using the plant for therapeutic or medicinal benefits. This is why we have seen such a large growth in the CBD market and led to people becoming interested in CBG and CBN. Which also led to some confusion that they were all the same compound.. lets break it down!  

In general all can:  

• Improve sleep 
• General Pain Relief 
• Reduction in Anxiety and depression 

But, CBD, CBG, and CBN are NOT the same thing. Each compound has things it does exceptionally well. In this article, I will cover the differences and what you should be using each one for. So, kick back, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff. 

CBD (Cannabidiol) 

This is almost every nonrecreational enthusiast’s introduction into the world of cannabis and hemp. There are CBD advertisements everywhere. Most people have a general idea of what CBD can do, so I will keep this short and tell you what it does best. Of the things all three compounds do to some extent, CBD is the best for general pain relief. It works well with dealing with broken bones and arthritis. I remember this by thinking of vitamin D (good for bones). That separates it from our next two compounds and don’t worry I have a fun wat to remember them too. 

CBG (Cannbigerol) 

CBG for my money may be the most important compound in the plant. CBG is the mother compound of the plant. From CBG, all other cannabinoids are formed. Besides giving us all the compounds we love, CBG shines on its own. Of the things all three compounds do, CBG is best for reduction in anxiety and depression. In fact, it aids in many types of brain functions. It increases focus and alertness, it is beneficial when combatting migraines, and has shown signs of improving memory function. Click here to get help with staying focused ASAP! 

Personal opinion but, the thing it does best is reducing nerve pain. I suffered from sciatica, and CBG changed the game for me.  If you struggle with mental health and/or nerve pain, skip CBD and go directly to CBG. Sorry, you won’t pass go or collect $200, but it will save you a lot of time and money. When I think of CBG, I think of G for good morning and then do jazz hands. 

CBN (Cannabinol) 

CBN is the compound most people are looking for when they buy CBD because most people turn to hemp or cannabis medicinally to help sleep. CBN is an oxidized form of THC. After oxidization it loses its psychoactive effects but keeps its sedative effects. It is a near perfect sleep aid with natural receptors in your body to accept it and a healthier alternative to other sleep aids. It also works well on inflammation and aches, but it will make you drowsy. If taking CBN, I always recommend it before bed. That’s why when remembering the CBN, I think of the N for night night or nap time. Click here to get to your sleep support. 

Summation 

If you are struggling with a medical problem and are unhappy with pharmaceutical options, a hemp-based alternative may be right for you. Don’t be shy to ask your doctor about these compounds. Trust me, they’ve heard it before. Do your own research into the compounds and see if anyone else has had success treating your ailment. People who love the plant love to help each other. The more people who realize the plant is beneficial for other things than getting high the better off we will all be. 

Shop our CBD CBN sleep tincture or CBD CBG focus tincture  

What are Dabs? 

Dabs has become the catchall term for most concentrated THC products (These products contain a THC level over 40% though most are between 60-90%). Though concentrated THC products date back to the 9th century with Hashish, the practice of dabbing has evolved rapidly over the last 30 years or so and gained massive popularity amongst the most hardcore cannabis consumers. The concentrate market is poised to grow by over 50% in the next 6 years. Dabs are referred to as such because early extractors would place them in a small blob or “dab” on wax paper, a practice still used by some. In this article, I will cover the different types of dabs, the different methods of intake, the perceived benefits and short falls of dabbing, and the amazing concentrated THC products we offer at RiverBluff. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff. 

So Many Types of Dabs, So Little Time! 

There are far too many concentrated THC products to cover them all, but I will do my best to cover the most popular forms and explain the subtle differences. Here is the list. 

Badder/Budder– Has a whipped consistency, soft and spreadable, hence the name and belongs to the subgenre Live Resin  

Crumble- Looks like dry crumbs and belongs to the subgenre of Live Resin. 

Diamonds– Are a crystalline concentrated form of THC that is like the gem they are named for. Diamonds belong to the subgenre of Rosins. 

Hash- Is a genre onto itself. The mother of all concentrates. It is sand in nature and generally pressed into blocks or balls. 

Sauce- Sauce or Jam has a sticky jelly like consistency and belongs to the Rosin subgenre. 

Shatter- Is a solid brittle sticky concentrate. It belongs to the Live Resin subgenre.  

Wax- Is the most solid. It often comes in cubes like candle wax. It belongs to the Live Resin Subgenre.  

I know I’ve missed many. I know some people consider carts “Dabs”. These were just the most prevalent and easy forms to convey. 

How Do You Consume These Mystical Concoctions? 

There are countless ways people consume concentrated THC products. Look no further than YouTube to see the most brilliant and foolish ways people have tried, but I am just going to cover the four most popular ways people go about it. 

1. A Nectar Collector or Straw- This is as easy as it sounds. You hit up the tip with a torch. Place the tip in the concentrate and start to draw from the other end. This is the most common form of intake for new users as some of the others seem more like a science project. 
2. The Dab Rig- A dab rig is any water bong fitted with attachments to consume concentrates. You heat up the piece known as a nail or banger with a torch, use a dab tool to place your concentrates on the nail, and then rip it like you would a bong. Dab Rigs can get very elaborate and look like a failed lab experiment of some sort very quickly. A rule of thumb to building a rig is if you don’t know how or why it functions you don’t need it on your rig. 
3. Electronics- This covers a lot of products. Most notably are E-rigs, Vaporizers, and Torchless Nectar collectors. These are the safest means of dabbing. There is no way taking a torch out of the equation doesn’t improve safety. Some of these products can get very complicated to use so always watch a review someone has done on the product before jumping in yourself. 
4. The Old-Fashioned Way- As any good stoner knows, you can always roll it up and smoke it. Now, I am not saying roll concentrate up alone and smoke it. You will need to add it to weed. The dryer concentrates work best for this, but any can be managed. Remember, a little goes a long way with concentrates. 

Benefits and Downsides to Dabbing 

One of the biggest benefits to dabbing is its high potency. For many long-term smokers, dabbing is a way to get them to where they want in a timelier fashion. With its fast on-set time and high potency, you go from 0-100 like you’ve never done before.  Dabbing always is a little more discreet as it is less pungent than flower. One of the biggest downsides to dabbing is its high potency. Most newcomers aren’t prepared for how fast you get high dabbing. It can reach into your lungs and take your breath away while leaving you in a cold sweat on the floor (Totally not talking from experience here). The other big downside is the risk of burns. Unless you are using electronics, you will be wielding a torch at some point. Chances are slim you’ve wielded a torch in the past and even slimer that you did so while high or attempting to get high. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL! 

What RiverBuff Offers 

Most of what we offer is only available in store currently, but here is what we have got to offer for concentrated THC products. 

1. 3.5g THC-A Badder ($80)- We carry three strains of badder, all of which are top notch: Northern Lights for those looking for a classic earthy indica. Blueberry Kush for those looking for a sweeter indica, and Gape Stomper for those looking for something sativa. Grape Stomper is sweet and tastes like a grape tootsie pop. 

1. 1g Live Resin ($45)- This live resin looks like a mix of crumble and sauce. We offer Granddaddy Purp and Wedding Cake. Both are indica for those looking to get truly couch locked.  

1. 3.5g Delta 8 THC Dabs ($45)- These are more of a sauce than anything. We currently offer a handful of strains to choose from. These are a great way to dip your toe into dabbing. 

1. 3.5g Blended Dabs ($45)- These are also a sauce consistency. They are a blend of Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC and HHC. A more balanced high than that of the concentrated Delta 8 products. We currently offer a few strains to choose from. 

Final Suggestions 

If you are considering dabbing for the first time, don’t run out and buy all the accessories to do so. It Will be expensive, and it may not be for you. Instead, if possible, dab with someone who has considerably more experience than you. If that is not possible, start with safer ways of consuming such as vaporizers. Most stoners are friendly and if you ask for help and advice they will give it to you. Dabbing isn’t for everyone and certainly not for beginners. Proceed with caution, have fun, and be safe. 

Cannabis Dabbing 101 – All You Need To Know About Dabs – RQS Blog (royalqueenseeds.com) 

What is Dabbing? A Comprehensive Guide | Weedmaps 

Cannabis Concentrate Market By Share, Size and Growth 2030 (credenceresearch.com) 

The perception of many stigmatized substances is fading. The cannabis and hemp markets are more mainstream than they’ve ever been and with this spotlight has come education not only on cannabis and hemp but other things such as Psilocybin or “Magic Mushrooms” as they are commonly referred to. Several states or townships have legalized or decriminalized magic mushrooms leaving a flood of consumers interested in the effects. The recreational effects are obvious. They are fun. I mean, fun, but they also have plenty of medical benefits. They’ve been used to treat PTSD, manic depression, anorexia, and many other metal illnesses. They’ve also been used to curb cessation of cigarettes and alcohol. Yet, many still live in places without legal access. This has led to the rise of the Amanita Muscaria mushroom gummies. Amanita gummies are a great way to dip your toes in the hallucinogenic waters. It is not as immersive as Psilocybin but still gives you a chance to feel something more than just “THC”, and the best part is, Amanita gummies are federally legal in all 50 states! 

How to Describe a Magic Amanita Mushroom Gummies vs Psilocybin Magic Mushrooms? 

This is how I’ve always described the difference in experiences between the two fungi. Imagine Psilocybin as the coolest party you ever wanted to go to but were too scared to show up uninvited. Amanita gummies will get you to that party, but you will stand outside next to the keg with your friends and red solo cup having a blast. Now, you never go into the party, but you get a feeling for what the party is like. Maybe, you like hanging out outside the party and decide you never want to go in, and maybe, you’ll decide to go in the party next time, or maybe, you decide the party isn’t for you. Whatever the case, you will have expanded your horizons. 

So How Are They Different? 

Although both are mushrooms and can be made into magic mushroom gummies, they are vastly different. Psilocybin produces two primary hallucinogenic compounds (psilocybin and psilocin), and those compounds are noticeably stronger than those found in Amanita mushroom gummies. Furthermore, Psilocybin can be eaten as a mushroom or have its extracts turned into magic mushroom gummies; Whereas Amanita Muscaria mushrooms are poisonous to eat and must have their compounds extracted. Amanita produces three slightly less potent compounds (Muscimol, Ibotenic Acid, and Muscarine). In simple terms don’t go looking to pick Amanita to eat, go to a place that sells Amanita gummies or other Amanita mushroom products. Like us!  

What To Expect and When to Expect it 

Amanita Muscaria mushroom gummies and Psilocybin process in the body at different rates due to the differences in the active compounds. Amanita gummies onset time is between 30 minutes to an hour and half with peak experience happening around 3 hours after ingestion. Psilocybin can onset in half that time and peak roughly same time. In both cases, uncontrollable laughter and a warm grin are early indicators that you are about to have fun. That is followed by relaxation of the body that most only dream of. Your eyes dilate allowing more refracted light which makes the world look a little more vibrant. Depending on dosage this may lead to “tracers” or a little tail that follows what you are focused on. On higher dosages hallucinations can intensify. Effects generally last around 5-6hrs for both. Always start off small. There is no using a bazooka if a firecracker will get the job done. 

Not Every Amanita Mushroom Product is Legal Everywhere 

Although magic Amanita mushroom gummies are legal in all 50 states some products are not. A common theme in taking hallucinogenic substances is pairing it with cannabis products to keep yourself balanced. That brought us magic Amanita mushroom delta 9 THC shots. When delta 9 THC shots are added it limits the places it is legal as some places still have issues with cannabis. Always check your local laws before buying a product that may put you on the wrong side of the law. 

Should You Try Them? 

If you have been curious about things beyond THC, the resounding answer is YES. It is an easy and safe way to find out if you want to go further on your comic voyage. If you already use Psilocybin, the answer is Yes. The experience i s different but not so far off that it isn’t fun or worth trying. If you’ve never been curious, the answer is probably NO, but I commend you on reading this far and learning about something new and expanding your knowledge base. Whichever group you fall into, thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey.