Hit the High Note

Here are seven High Notes-carrying Oregon dispensaries we think you should know about. 

In 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize cannabis. Forty-eight years later, the Oregon cannabis industry is enormous. Today, you can find recreational cannabis dispensaries across the state. But which are the best to find edibles like ours? 

Let’s take a look at seven High Notes Chews-carrying Oregon dispensaries you should support.

Cannabliss 

Cannabliss Firestation 23 location was Oregon’s first medical cannabis dispensary. Today, Cannabliss is an Oregon staple, offering exceptional medical and recreational cannabis products (like High Notes Chews) and legendarily good customer service. Their locations are comfortable, and their skilled budtenders are always happy to provide expert opinions and product suggestions. 

Paradise Found 

We head for Portland-based dispensary Paradise Found when we want to shop for weed with our furry best friends. That’s right, Paradise Found allows – and encourages – customers to shop with their pets. They also provide excellent deals, and their exceptional customer service extends to humans and beasts alike.

Beaver Bowls

Beaver Bowls is an Oregon cannabis community staple with locations in Corvallis and Albany. Customers love their approachable atmosphere and educated budtenders who are always willing to pass their knowledge down to cannabis newbies and connoisseurs alike. The legal cannabis industry is intimidating and complicated for new customers or people rediscovering weed after a decades-long hiatus. The Beaver Bowls team simplifies this complex plant to ensure you get the best products for you. 

Marie Janes Cannabis Connection

Weed and pizza. Need we say more? Marie Janes Cannabis Connection is the first-ever cannabis retailer offering high-quality cannabis products and pizza delivery. You can get your weed and pizza delivered at the same time. Marie Janes gives you excellent customer service and convenient delivery. And they quiet your munchies with flaming hot slices.

You can find High Notes chews at trusted dispensaries across Oregon. Get started; click here! 

Cannabinoids other than THC have begun to emerge because of ongoing cannabis research. Here are three up-and-comers you should know.

It’s no secret the cannabis industry is in full bloom. With the rise in legalization, there has been a flourishing of knowledge surrounding cannabis. However, our understanding of the plant is still somewhat limited due to federal prohibition.

This hasn’t deterred the scientific community from conducting and documenting as much research as possible. If you’ve read our previous blogs, you may remember how cannabis cannabinoids have potential therapeutic benefits and can promote a healthier lifestyle and boost your athletic performance and recovery.

But first.

What are cannabinoids?

Simply put, cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found only in the cannabis plant. These compounds, when activated, bind to either the CB-1 (located in the brain and throughout the body) and CB-2 (primarily found in the immune system and gastrointestinal system) cannabinoid receptors located in the endocannabinoid system (ECS.) 

In other words, cannabinoids interact with the human nervous system. This is why, depending on the cannabinoid, people can experience euphoric highs, or they can find relief to a wide array of symptoms, including pain, anxiety, nausea, and epilepsy. 

The rockstar of the cannabinoid group is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Binding to the CB-1 receptors, THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for that intoxicating “high” so often associated with stoner culture and Seth Rogen comedies. 

But THC is just one of MANY identified cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. While the exact number of cannabinoids has yet to be determined, we will take a look at three other cannabinoids gaining some recognition. Starting with:

Cannabidiol (CBD)

You’ve probably heard of cannabidiol (CBD) because it’s everywhere right now. Touted as the latest wellness craze, CBD has infiltrated everything from coffee shops to organic grocers to day spas. How is this possible?

Because CBD is pretty much the polar opposite of THC – it’s a safe, non-addictive, naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Because it is relatively non-psychoactive, you won’t be getting Cheech and Chong’d on it.

Instead, people have sought CBD for its wellness benefits. Because it closely binds to the CB-2 receptor (the immune system and gastrointestinal system receptor) in the ECS, it has been used to treat a wide range of afflictions, including (but not limited to) inflammation, anxiety, colitis, dementia, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and epilepsy. 

While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of CBD’s potential health benefits, the FDA explicitly prohibits any companies from making any health claims about it. So long as companies comply and their hemp-extracted CBD does not contain more than 0.3 percent of THC, they can sell it legally.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

Another minor, non-psychotropic cannabinoid, CBG, is considered the “mother of all cannabinoids.” This is because other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, start as the acidic form of CBG.

Research into lesser-known cannabinoids has been minimal, but CBG shows promise in slowing cancer cells’ spread, making it a potential cancer fighter. Some other disorders it can possibly relieve are glaucoma, Crohn’s, IBS, bacterial infections, and Huntington’s disease. 

Unlike CBN, CBG is derived from young, fresh cannabis plants containing higher amounts of CBG. But because it is found in smaller quantities than other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, CBG is incredibly rare and can be pretty pricey.

The future of cannabinoids

You might be burned out on acronyms – it’s understandable. Cannabis is incredibly complicated and full of nuances. With all the continuing studies and education, it’s only a matter of time before we uncover the full potential of each cannabinoid. Consider all the new information about THC and CBD we have today compared with ten years ago. 

In the meantime, why not explore the benefits of cannabis for yourself? A great place to start would be with some of our delicious edibles at a High Notes location near you!

Cannabis might be the “biohack” you need after a strenuous workout.

Athletes are always looking for ways to boost their performance, improve training and reduce recovery time. In a world of sports science, nutrition, and supplementation, the possibilities of reaching peak performance seem limitless.

What if we told you the latest athletic booster helping people power through workouts and refuel afterward isn’t coming from vitamins, power bars, or energy drinks; it’s coming from cannabis.

A recent study at the University of Colorado Boulder reports that now, more than ever, people are tapping into the benefits of cannabis both pre and post-workout. It also suggests that today’s average cannabis consumer is more likely to be fit, active, and exercise-obsessed.

That’s a far cry from the stereotypical stoner whose only marathons are watching Law and Order: SVU.

It’s a new era, and athletes are undoing the decades of stigmatization plaguing cannabis. There are current and former Olympians and fitness gurus who now swear by the many athletic enhancing benefits of cannabis.

Oregon is a state where recreational cannabis is legal. It’s also a state that fosters a culture of fitness and healthy living (Portland is at the top of the  list of healthiest cities in America.) Have you begun to integrate cannabis into your fitness routine?

If you haven’t, we think it’s time you did.

What benefits does cannabis have on my athletic performance and recovery?

Researches have that cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex, unique communication system in the brain and body that regulates a wide range of physiological and cognitive processes.

Experts want to understand the effects of cannabis on the ECS fully. Still, there’s enough evidence to suggest that it helps balance and maintain systems such as pain, sleep, memory, appetite, mood, stress, immune function, and more—all essential functions for boosting athletic performance and recovery.

While more research is necessary, one thing is for sure; science is getting behind the benefits of cannabis and even getting advocacy from groups such as Doctors for Cannabis Regulation.

People suffering from ailments like chronic pain and muscle spasms see consistent benefits from cannabis consumption. While more research is necessary, studies indicate that cannabis is a healthier alternative to pain management than aggressive and habit-forming opiates.

People who want to reap the benefits of cannabis without having to smoke or get high can head to your nearest Oregon dispensary and pick up a topical for targeted muscle recovery. Suppose smoking cannabis is entirely unappealing to you (in a time when a virus is attacking the respiratory system, it’s understandable). In that case, there are also edibles (High Notes chews, for example), tinctures tablets, patches, and mouth strips. Tinctures, when taken sublingually (under the tongue), can get into the system quicker.

Cannabis can enhance mental acuity.

Do you know that euphoric feeling you get during a workout when you finally hit your stride? That’s called the “runner’s high.” A chemical called anandamide causes the feeling; anandamide is a naturally produced endocannabinoid.

Not only does that sweet burst of euphoria help push you through muscle pain, but it’s also linked to increasing your memory, focus, stamina, flexibility, and mobility. It might boost your immune function and insulin response, too.

Now think about all you can accomplish in a workout if you were in that “zone” from the get-go.

You’ll trigger the process that produces the endocannabinoids responsible for runner’s high by micro-dosing cannabis before exercise. People report increased relaxation, persistence, and mental performance after microdosing cannabis. Essentially, everything needed to “keep calm and carry on.”

Athletic performance is also about a healthy state of mind, and staying positive is always a plus.

With a runner’s high out of the gate, you can tap into a more motivational, inspirational, uplifting, and energetic workout while decreasing the likelihood of burnout and minimizing nagging distractions like anxiety and doubt.

Be your best this year. Click here to find High Notes chews at an Oregon dispensary near you.

Valentines Day is around the corner. Have you figured out what to get your partner?

If you’re scrambling for creative gift ideas, you can relax. We have you covered!

Cannabis culture is booming thanks to increasing legalization. Today, there are countless fun, stylish, and practical gifts for every cannabis enthusiast. Finding a romantic gift for the cannabis connoisseur in your life has never been easier! 

Skip the last-minute teddy bear and grocery store roses for something more exciting! From cannabis-infused dinner recipes, lubricants, and skincare oils, to classy keepsakes, we have the perfect gift ideas for your beloved!

Summerland Ceramics

Surprise your partner with a premium, hand-made, ceramic “stonerware” piece from Summerland. Summerland uses natural materials to craft clean, modern, and minimal designs that evoke sunny California’s warm, laid-back vibes. Their ceramic cannabis accessories are so aesthetically pleasing that they can easily double as art!

Etsy Cannabis Jewelry

As a cannabis enthusiast, there’s a chance your loved one already has a selection of bud leaf jewelry. Keep it classy and shake things up this year with an elegant, rose gold finished necklace featuring the THC molecule. It’s the perfect accessory for sophisticated cannabis consumers.

Leafly’s Cannabis-Infused Dinner Recipes

Visiting a theater or a posh restaurant for Valentine’s Day isn’t easy right now. So why not stay inside and stay safe with a romantic, relaxing dinner? If you have the culinary skills, treat your better half to a new, fun, and adventurous experience in the kitchen with the art of canna-cooking! What better way to say “I love you” than with a savory, infused V-Day dinner?

Malin+Goetz Cannabis Candle 

Set the mood with a cannabis candle. The earthy and rich notes of black pepper, bergamot, cedarwood, cannabis, and patchouli from Malin+Goetz will help you get the ambiance right for your canna-centric evening!

GoldLeaf Intimacy Journal

Improve intimacy with a first-of-its-kind intimacy journal from Goldleaf. Goldleaf developed the journal to help you take charge of your love life with cannabis. Make every evening memorable, and document and analyze your bedroom experiences!

Don’t let Valentine’s Day sneak up on you!

We are down to the wire; it’s time to get serious about Valentine’s Day gifting. Please share this list with your family, partner, and best friends, and save them from last-minute shopping. 

And if you’re single, you can treat yourself this year with every item on our list. 

Are you looking for High Notes Cannabis Chews at an Orgenon dispensary near you? Click here for our store locator.

Cannabis has been lifting artists into the upper stratospheres of music innovation for decades.

“It’s an assistant, a friend”- Louis Armstrong 

Weed, grass, chronic, reefer. No matter what you call it or how you roll it, cannabis is a muse that sparks musicians’ creativity. 

After all, music and weed go hand-in-hand. The mind-opening qualities of cannabis have permanently changed the musical and cultural landscape. 

But we’ve come a long way from the days when cannabis was illegal and relegated to the hip, underground early-jazz hotspots and the sunny fields of the 60s counterculture. Today, cannabis is a widely accepted medicinal and recreational plant that inspires countercultural heroes, artists, and musicians. 

Let’s take a look at 16 trailblazing cannabis-friendly musicians.

Willie Nelson

No list of cannabis-consuming musicians is complete without the red-headed stranger. An outspoken cannabis advocate, Willie became the first megastar to endorse the plant when most wouldn’t publicly.

Cannabis helped Willie break his whiskey and cigarette addiction in 1978. A move he says saved his life. 

Willie doesn’t consume inhalable cannabis today, but he’s still a consumer (edibles). And he also has a cannabis brand (Willie’s Reserve) bearing his name.

“It saved my life, really. I wouldn’t have lived 85 years if I’d have kept drinking and smoking like I was when I was 30, 40 years old. I think that weed kept me from wanting to kill people. And probably kept a lot of people from wanting to kill me, too – out  there drunk, running around.” – Willie Nelson

“Brian and The Beatles looked at each other apprehensively. ‘We’ve never smoked marijuana before,’ Brian finally admitted. Dylan looked disbelievingly from face to face. ‘But what about your song?’ he asked. ‘The one about getting high?’ The Beatles were stupefied. ‘Which song?’ John managed to ask. Dylan said, ‘you know…’ and then he sang, ‘and when I touch you I get high, I get high.’ John flushed with embarrassment. ‘Those aren’t the words,’ he admitted. ‘The words are, ‘I can’t hide, I can’t hide, I can’t hide…’” – Peter Brown, The Love You Make

Bob Dylan

Speaking of Bob. 

The prolific folk-rock troubadour has found inspiration in cannabis throughout his music career. He wrote many songs while under its influence, including the protest anthem, “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall.”

Dylan says he doesn’t consider cannabis a drug. He views the plant as a mind-altering medicine. 

And his controversial song, “Rainy Day Women #12&35,” with the lyrics “everybody must get stoned,” is a counterculture stoner anthem. 

Is it a coincidence that when you multiply 12 by 35, you get 420? We don’t think it is.

Cypress Hill

You can probably thank the West Coast hip-hop trio Cypress Hill for the popularity of bud leaf-emblazoned swag. That and bucket hat-wearing adults.

Cypress Hill is all about getting blunted, and their stoned fusion of funk, rap, and rock music perfectly conveys that feeling.  

In a time when anti-drug campaigns and slogans like “Just Say No,” demonized cannabis, Cypress Hill unashamedly endorsed the plant. And it’s for this reason that we owe them a debt of gratitude. Because without Cypress Hill, there’s a good chance we wouldn’t have a legal cannabis industry today.

David Bowie

The consummate chameleon and rock icon David Bowie had a long cannabis history (check out Bowie’s weed-bust mugshot here). He was a cannabis advocate until he died in 2016. 

Long before he became Ziggy Stardust, Bowie was a struggling folk artist until cannabis-inspired him to complete his first #1 hit, “Space Oddity.”

Later in his life, while most everyone was unaware of his cancer diagnosis, he was vocal in supporting his daughter-in-law’s use of cannabis to treat the effects of breast cancer chemotherapy treatment.

Jimi Hendrix

Forever expanding the electric guitar’s language, Jimi Hendrix’s sonic explorations, spacey feedback, and roaring distortion have long been associated with consciousness-expanding substances. 

Despite succumbing to a barbiturate overdose at the young age of 27, Hendrix was particularly fond of cannabis.   

While never publicly admitting that his classic “Purple Haze” was explicitly about drugs (Jimi was always under scrutiny with the law for drug use/possession), the seminal track would go on to launch the revolutionary 60s psychedelic era.

Happy Mondays

When founding the legendary Manchester group, Happy Mondays, frontman Shaun Ryder said he wanted to bring back Keith Richards’ stoned spirit, even going on Piers Morgan to discuss his love for the plant. He links cannabis to creativity, saying that he’d blaze when he was young, and it opened his ears. 

Bass player and founding member Paul Ryder has recently become a serious advocate on the health benefits of cannabis. His son, Chico, is in remission from soft tissue cancer thanks to the cannabis treatments he helped administer.

Brian Wilson

It should be no shock that the person behind some of the haziest, feel-good Southern Californian music of the 60s was into cannabis.

The legendary co-founder of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, has gone on record saying that he found inspiration for his magnum opus Pet Sounds while high. Wilson smoked weed after listening to The Beatles Rubber Soul and was so moved that he went to his piano to craft the gorgeous masterpiece (and best selling single) “God Only Knows.”

The famous recluse has indicated that he is all for cannabis legalization, but as a recovering drug addict, he says weed should be consumed responsibly and in moderation.

Dr. Dre

We could write an entire article about the profound impact cannabis had on Dr. Dre’s 1992 album The Chronic. Named after high-grade cannabis and featuring cover art referencing Zig-Zag rolling papers, the album had such an impact that it gave rise to Snoop Dogg and transformed the sound of West Coast rap overnight.

Dre has come off with shifting opinions on weed (his lyrics in N.W.A.’s “Express Yourself” state that he doesn’t smoke weed cause it’s known to give a brother brain damage), and he has said that while the chronic is enjoyable, it doesn’t make him any more creative. He takes it for the calming aspects after the strenuous songwriting process.

Honorable Mentions: Kacey Musgraves, Wiz Khalifa, Rhianna, Miley Cyrus, Ian Brown of the Stone Roses

Are you an aspiring musician looking for inspiration? Start your journey with High Notes cannabis chews. Click here to visit our store locator.

There’s more to weed than a good time. Explore the natural health benefits of cannabis.

Let’s face it. Your lifestyle is taking a toll on you. From the time you wake until the moment you crawl into bed, you’re probably overstressed and under-nourished (physically and mentally). 

And there’s a good chance your doctor has prescribed a laundry list of medications with detrimental side-effects.

There has to be a healthier alternative, right? There is! 

People have consumed cannabis for wellness long before doctors prescribed lab-developed medications for every ailment under the sun.

With more states relaxing medical and recreational cannabis restrictions, more people are turning to the ancient plant as a healthy alternative to prescription medication. 

We’ve already shown that cannabis can restore your sleep cycle, but you should be aware of the many other health benefits that can come from cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

What are the differences between CBD and THC?

CBD and THC are the two most prevalent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. 

CBD stands for cannabidiol. And even though it comes from the cannabis plant, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it won’t get you high. According to the World Health Organization, CBD has exhibited no effects of abuse or dependence in humans. 

On the other hand, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound – meaning it will get you high.

Both CBD and THC interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which in turn can affect a wide range of functions and processes such as pain, sleep, appetite, memory, and mood.

Cannabis can relieve your chronic pain.

Experts estimate that over 50 million people in the US suffer from chronic pain. That’s a staggering figure! 

Countless people go about their daily routines in constant agony from chronic ailments like headaches/migraines, nerve damage, back pain, or illnesses and diseases like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Studies have shown that cannabis can help manage and reduce the pain from illnesses like those listed above. Pre-clinical trials have also found that cannabis has helped people undergoing harsh chemotherapy treatments. 

Strains that have been known to have anti-inflammatory effects typically include both THC and CBD. There is a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis pain called Sativex, which combines both compounds and has been shown to improve the quality of life for people with MS.

Cannabis can help you drink less alcohol.

You’ve overindulged during the holidays and could stand to give your liver, kidneys, and mental health a break. However, you don’t think your alcohol consumption is extreme enough to warrant a 12-step therapy program. You could stand just to cut back and go dry for a while. 

Cannabis might be the answer!

Many people have begun to swap booze for weed. The reason? Cannabis is less hazardous to your health than alcohol.

Abstinence isn’t always easy, but cannabis can help soften the blow of detoxification. Not to mention, cutting back on booze can lower your weight. This leads to the next benefit:

Cannabis can help you lose weight. 

In popular culture, the idea of the couch-sitting stoner gorging on gas station nachos because they have the “munchies” is all too common.

Indeed, THC can trick the brain into believing you are hungry despite being full, and cannabis has been used to boost appetites in patients battling cancer. However, researchers are looking into how cannabis can play in metabolism and fat loss.

A study in 2018 puts to rest the myth of the slovenly weed smoker and notes how some regular cannabis consumers have reduced their body mass indexes and obesity rates. THC seems to boost metabolism as well as change the gut microbiome, regulating weight loss and digestion.

Does this mean smoking a joint regularly will bestow you with a svelte physique? Of course not. Cannabis isn’t a weight-loss cure. You will still need to exercise and practice healthy eating habits.

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Believe it or not, cannabis can help restore your sleep cycle, naturally.

We all know that a good night’s sleep is essential.

Unfortunately, more than 33 percent of Americans experience some form of sleep disorder. And with the anxiety we’re all feeling due to COVID-19, the number of people dealing with insomnia is rising.

“Our brain wants to think: what do I do, what should I do, where should I hide, where should I go,” said Dr. Savannah Geske, a behavioral health specialist at Saint Luke’s Health System.

Fortunately, cannabis could help you catch some Zs. A 2019 study revealed 74 percent of respondents consumed cannabis to help them sleep. Of those respondents, 84 percent found it very or extremely helpful.

“Marijuana is an effective sleep aid because it restores a person’s natural sleep cycle, which so often falls out of sync with our schedules,” says Dr. Matt Roman MD, a medical cannabis physician.

Ready to get back in sync? We’ve got you covered. Here are five ways cannabis can help you sleep.

1. Fall Asleep Faster

THC has sedating effects, which explains why it can help you drift off to sleep.

A 2011 study found 79 percent of research participants fell asleep quicker when consuming THC before bed.

 THC helps to influence sleep induction. THC acts on the same CB1 receptors as the endocannabinoid anandamide, increasing sleep through an adenosine pathway in the forebrain.

3. The Entourage Effect

THC isn’t the only cannabinoid that can help with anxiety and insomnia. Full-spectrum THC products, like High Notes cannabis chews, also often contain CBD and CBN, which could amplify THC’s therapeutic effects.

Unlike THC, CBD can make you feel alert. So how does it help you drift off to sleep?

“[CBD] is particularly helpful for people whose sleep problems are due to anxiety,” said Dr. Sarah Brewer MD, cannabis supplement expert. “A recent review of 72 adults with anxiety or poor sleep found that anxiety scores decreased within the first month in 79.2 percent and remained decreased during the study duration. Sleep scores also improved within the first month in 66.7 percent, and it was well tolerated.”

5. Cannabis Might Help to Solve Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. One in five American adults has mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form.

A 2002 study showed THC and oleamide effectively stabilized respiration in mice during their entire sleep cycle. THC reduced the apnea index during NREM (42 percent) and REM (58 percent) sleep stages.

A follow-up study in 2013 found synthetic THC reduced the sleep apnea index in people by 32 percent. The results are promising, although we’re still waiting on clinical studies using natural THC.

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Cannabis could be your solution to stress and anxiety this holiday season.

We love the holiday season, but it can be pretty stressful.

And with the added challenges that COVID-19 brings, mental health professionals already see a spike in people seeking help for stress and anxiety.

Thankfully, a growing body of research points to cannabis as an effective treatment for a range of anxiety disorders.

That’s good news. After all the challenges you’ve dealt with this year, you deserve to unwind during the holidays. Here’s how cannabis can help.

The Stress Test

A 2017 study found THC can reduce anxiety caused by stressful activities.

In one test, research participants consumed cannabis before an intense fake job interview. The pretend interviewers offered no feedback – verbally or through body language – while an ominous screen continually displayed the participants’ performance.

At a low dose, the weed helped take the edge off. The participants who consumed 7.5 mg of THC reported less stress after the tests, and their stress levels lowered faster.

 “Our findings provide some support for the common claim that cannabis is used to reduce stress and relieve tension and anxiety,” said Emma Childs, associate professor of psychiatry in the UIC College of Medicine and corresponding author on the study.

Too Much of a Good Thing

But there’s a caveat. Participants who received a higher dosage before the tests – 12.5 mg – reported increased anxiety.

“Our finding that participants in the higher THC group reported small but significant increases in anxiety and negative mood throughout the test supports the idea that THC can also produce the opposite effect,” said Childs.

How can THC both suppress and increase anxiety? And more importantly, what can we do to make sure it’s good vibes only?

Let’s dig a little deeper and look at how cannabinoids like THC take effect.

THC, Anxiety, and the Brain

When THC binds with CB1 receptors in the brain, it inhibits the release of many excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters.

Two primary neurotransmitters moderate anxiety in the brain: glutamate and GABA. Glutamate is anxiogenic (increases anxiety), while GABA is anxiolytic (reduces anxiety).

When THC binds to CB1 receptors on glutamatergic neurons, it inhibits the release of glutamate.  An appropriate dose of THC, therefore, reduces anxiety.

 Conversely, too much THC reduces GABA in the brain. Reduced GABA levels can lead to higher glutamate levels and increased anxiety.

A Little Goes a Long Way

As we’ve seen, consuming the right amount of THC is crucial to treating anxiety effectively. The perfect dose differs for every individual, so how do we find that sweet spot? 

Dustin Sulak, an osteopathic physician and medicinal cannabis expert based in Maine, suggests you increase the THC by small increments until you find your “minimal effective dose.”

“Before consuming, ask yourself three questions, and answer on a scale of one to 10: How easy is it to breathe, how comfortable and calm does your body feel, and how easy is it for you to smile authentically, to feel content and grateful?” he says.

Consume 1 mg, wait 45 minutes, and then ask yourself the same questions. No change? Try another milligram until you find your perfect dose.

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Here’s a step-by-step guide to how we make premium THC distillate for High Notes cannabis chews.

Are you wondering how we make High Notes(™) cannabis chews? It starts with one essential ingredient: THC distillate.

What is THC distillate?

THC distillate is 99% pure THC. It’s the purest, most potent, and versatile cannabis concentrate out there. And according to industry insiders, THC distillate is the future of weed extracts.

But before you start searching Google for home distillation kits, here’s a piece of advice: leave cannabis distillation to the professionals. Distilling THC safely and successfully requires a lot of know-how and a laboratory full of expensive equipment.

Nevertheless, it’s fun to learn about the process. Plus, to make the best purchase decisions, it’s always wise to know how your favorite brands manufacture their cannabis products.

With that said, here’s how we make the THC distillate for our High Notes cannabis chews.

Step 1: Extraction

First, we separate the THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant matter.

We use ethanol to extract the good stuff. Ethanol is the same ingredient you’ll find in many of the foods and drinks you enjoy every day, from burger buns to wine.

The FDA says ethanol is safe for consumption. Plus, ethanol has a low boiling point, which means it’s removed quickly in the purification process.

Other companies use hydrocarbon solvents like petroleum – the same stuff you put in your gas tank. Worryingly, a 2013 study detected harmful hydrocarbon residues in cannabis extracts like Butane Hash Oil (BHO). No thanks – we’ll steer clear of petroleum.

Step 3: Decarboxylation

Now, we activate THC, the primary extract ingredient.

Raw cannabis extract contains the non-psychoactive compound THCA. We convert THCA into the psychoactive THC through decarboxylation. 

After decarboxylation, we heat the cannabis extract at a high temperature for roughly 40 minutes to remove the extra carbon atom (the “A” in THCA).

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Humans have consumed cannabis for a very, very long time.

Cannabis consumption began in Asia thousands of years ago and moved through the Middle East into Africa, Europe, and eventually North and South America. And from the start, weed-infused recipes have influenced wellness, recreation, and spirituality in each continent.

Despite its long history of consumption, most people don’t know a lot about cannabis. We thought we’d expand your knowledge with our helpful guide to the history of cannabis edibles.

3,500 Years Ago: Bhang in India

Sacred Hindu texts called Vedas described cannabis consumption as early as 500 BCE. 

In one story, the god Shiva falls asleep next to a cannabis plant after arguing with his family. When Shiva wakes, he feels instantly rejuvenated after eating the leaves of the cannabis plant; from that day forward, he’s known as the “Lord of Bhang.”

Bhang is an edible paste made by crushing the bud and leaves of the cannabis plant with a pestle and mortar. The white paste is mixed with spices and yogurt or milk throughout India to make a bhang lassi drink. Bhang is also combined with fruit and sugar to make edible balls called bhang goli.

1,000 Years Ago: Mahjoun in Morocco

Enjoyed by Moroccans since 1000 CE, mahjoun is a sweet, savory mixture of hash, dried fruits, nuts, honey, and spices. “Hashish jam,” as it’s known, was popular with Berber mystics, artists, and healers. Cannabis is mentioned throughout the text One Thousand and One Nights.

Today: Ready-Made Edibles in America

Packaged edibles are the latest development in weed-enhanced recipes. Ready-made cannabis-infused foods offer the same convenience of grabbing a chocolate bar off the shelf and a precise THC dosage. 

 High Notes cannabis chews come in hefty 50 mg THC doses, but you needn’t eat the whole thing. Just bite off however much you feel and get on with your day. No matter your personal history with edibles, you’ll be sure to enjoy our chews.