Photo: Canva / Denys Gromov Exploring THC-infused seltzers, sodas, and cocktails for social gatherings Medically reviewed by Katherine Golden, RN Whether you’re toasting a new year – new you, cheering for your favorite Super Bowl team, or kicking back with friends at a Memorial Day cookout, the odds are greater than ever that cannabis-infused seltzers, sodas, or cocktails might be part of your plan. While THC-infused beverages are modeled after more familiar alcoholic drinks like beer and hard spirits, their effects can be very different than an alcoholic buzz, especially for people who are ..read more

Medically reviewed by Katherine Golden, RN Have you ever wondered why sometimes a little caffeine can boost your energy levels and focus, but too much can leave you anxious and jittery? This phenomenon is known as the biphasic effect, in which a substance can have different effects at different dosage levels. Similar to caffeine, cannabinoids like THC and CBD found in cannabis also exhibit this biphasic nature. In other words, when it comes to using cannabis to support your healing and wellness goals, finding your right dose matters. More is not always better! Understanding the biphasic ef ..read more

Medically reviewed by Katherine Golden, RN, Founder and CEO of Leaf411 Do you know about your endocannabinoid system, or ECS? This health system helps keep your body in balance as a sort of master regulatory system. While our understanding of the ECS is relatively new, scientists agree it is as important as other more well-known systems like the endocrine system, circulatory system, and nervous system. Facts about your body’s endocannabinoid system The ECS maintains balance (also called homeostasis) using CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout your body and brain. Your body produces chemic ..read more

Medically reviewed by Katherine Golden, RN, Founder and CEO of Leaf411 If you haven’t come across the term “endocannabinoid system” or ECS before, you’re not alone. Many of us didn’t learn about it in school. But it’s a vital part of our body, and it’s especially significant when considering using cannabis and hemp to support wellness or provide relief. How the ECS was discovered The ECS was discovered quite recently. In 1988, scientists found special receptors in rats’ brains that responded to THC, a component in cannabis. From there, we learned more: The ECS isn’t just in rats. It is fo ..read more

Check out our comprehensive breakdown of popular cannabis product types before you head to the dispensary If you’re new to the world of cannabis, the wide range of options on dispensary shelves can be exciting… and overwhelming! Even with cannabis flower (bud) which is typically smoked in bongs or pipes or rolled into joints, you’ll find all kinds of strains and options available in legal cannabis dispensaries these days. While exploring new cannabis products can be a lot of fun, it can also be frustrating when you end up with a product that’s way too strong or not a good match for your ne ..read more

Check out our tips on finding the best promotions and products for your budget. Plus, learn about the deals on hemp CBD products during 420. Looking for the best deals on cannabis products during 420? Happening each year on April 20, the 420 cannabis-themed holiday offers amazing discounts on all sorts of legal cannabis products. However, with so many brands and dispensaries offering special sales on cannabis edibles, concentrates, flower, and more, it’s easy to go overboard. Just because something is a good price doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. If you’ve ever impulse-bought a deeply-discou ..read more

By Katherine Golden, RN – Founder and CEO of Leaf411 “Should I get a medical marijuana card?” We hear that question a lot on the Leaf411 cannabis nurse hotline, as callers seek out the best way to access legal cannabis. We can help you sort out your options based on your needs as well as what options exist where you live. Check out our Leaf library for your state’s current cannabis laws. Is Legal Recreational Marijuana an Option for You? Then You Might Not Need a Med Card Many of our callers are just starting out using cannabis and only require small doses of THC. Lower dose products are mo ..read more

From acute to chronic pain, cannabis can be a path towards restored function By Katherine Golden, RN – Founder and CEO of Leaf411 Much like any other medicine, cannabis is not a magic pill, it is a tool. From the available research and our own experiences working with patients, we have found that the cannabis plant may be an effective alternative or adjunct therapy to potentially lower the doses of opiates or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and acetaminophen that can cause unwanted side effects. Cannabis Can Be a Powerful Tool For Pain When it comes to pain, ever ..read more

by Katherine Golden, RN – Founder and CEO of Leaf411 You have options when it comes to cannabis dosing Whether you’re looking at CBD hemp or cannabis containing higher levels of THC, you have several different routes of administration to choose between: Inhalation (smoking, vaping): Takes effect immediately and lasts 2-4 hours. This is a great choice for instant relief and for treating breakthrough pain (a flare-up in pain). You can also layer inhaled cannabis with a longer-acting method to help get you through the night. Transdermal (patches, gels): Extended release option that takes effe ..read more

Dose sizing can be complicated by Katherine Golden, RN – Founder and CEO of Leaf411 You may remember when the U.S. government sought to simplify food labeling. This was done to make the connection between serving sizes and calories more clear. Confusion around serving size was causing many people to eat or drink a lot more calories than they realized. Today, we are at a similar spot when it comes to cannabis products, especially edibles. Some manufacturers put the per-dose strength on the product label and some do not. For example, the package might say “10mg CBD/5mg THC.” However, other ma ..read more