Shipping Policy Reminder

The days of an outdated and frankly inaccurate cannabis classification system are finally over. The market has blurred the lines between quality and craft cannabis for far too long - leaving customers and cultivators with no real roadmap to identify the range and spectrum of the medicinal possibilities contained within cannabis and the unique entourage effects possible from the diversity that it offers.

Experts consider Cannabis Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid the three main subspecies - the issue is that people have used the THC potency of strains to determine superiority. Measuring potency and the effects with this method is a long-outdated classification system, especially when it does not provide accurate labels for customers and budtenders alike. The words “Indica” and “Sativa” were introduced in the 18th century to describe different species of cannabis, but modern research has led to more information that we will share throughout this article.

Historically, this is how cannabis has been defined;

Strains

Cannabis Sativa

Sativa is supposedly uplifting and cerebral, enhancing creativity and productivity. Indicas provide what has been called a “body high,” while Sativa’s deliver more of a “mind high.” Unfortunately, Sativa plants require longer to grow and yield less medicine (flowers) than Indica varieties. Sativa’s smell sweet, fruity, or spicy. This difference in the aroma results from terpenes, the molecules within the plant that are cousins to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. While these chemicals sometimes provide stunningly pungent odors, their greatest benefit to patients is their medicinal efficacy.

The problem with the general ‘idea’ of what a Sativa does, is that there is no accurate spectrum representing an understandable visual for growers and customers to understand easily.

Cannabis Indica

The typical example of Cannabis Indica is a more compact, thick-stemmed bush than its cousins, usually reaching a height of fewer than two meters. The foliage is generally a dark shade of green, some examples appearing to have almost blue or green-black leaves. These leaves are composed of short, wide blades.

Most Indicas are supposedly a rich source of the cannabinoids THC, CBD, and CBN. While Cannabis Sativa often produces a higher proportion of THC than its other cannabinoids, Cannabis Indica usually contains significant levels of all three. Indicas tend to have more body-centered effects than Sativas – enhancing physical sensations, which is not accurately measured either.

Cannabis Hybrids

Typically, a Hybrid is a cannabis plant with Indica and Sativa characteristics. Because cannabis has been cultivated for centuries, most modern strains are hybrid. Pure Sativas and pure Indicas are rare, so most cannabis you'll find these days is a hybrid.

Hybrid strains typically develop either Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or evenly balanced phenotypes. Strain descriptions usually list it that way or display the split as a percentage. Remember that the terms Indica and Sativa strains are most useful for cultivators in determining growth characteristics like how tall plants will grow or how long their flowering cycle will be. Effects share no apparent connection with today's cannabis plants' physical structure, hence why the classification system is largely outdated.

So why is this a problem?

According to SC labs (SC Labs is a company that offers comprehensive solutions for cannabis and hemp testing) co-founder, Josh Wurzer;

“The problem is that there is little standardization when it comes to defining and determining terpenes”

Measuring the superiority of cannabis is confusing, and frankly, the classification system is completely outdated. It no longer only comes down to the strain. The days of just searching out the highest THC totals are rapidly receding. Research has proven that terpenes are at the base of the entourage effect, where previously, it has been considered ‘minor’ information. Cannabis growers and breeders have been assigning labels to cultivars primarily based on aroma profiles and purported effects rather than genetic ancestry or overall chemical similarity. Cultivators, processors, retailers, and consumers could benefit from greater standardization when evaluating product quality and distinguishing label claims.

Because cannabis is a widely used substance increasingly being legalized for medicinal and recreational use, Cannabis’s genetic and chemical variation must be accurately quantified and communicated. Using strain labels like Sativa and Indica are used to describe a cultivar’s morphology, aromas and/or psychoactive effects. However, whether these labels capture meaningful information about Cannabis's genetic and chemical variation is incredibly unclear. This leaves room for inaccuracy and uncertainty in a world growing in popularity faster than any other industry.

In this study, the inaccuracy of reporting is clear;

“This is consistent with previous studies indicating that cultivar names were not reliable indicators of a sample’s genetic or chemical identity”

The study shows that the genetic structure of cannabis explained only 37% of the variance in labeling, meaning that Sativa–Indica labels do not accurately reflect genetic relatedness. When the study looked at the correlation of Sativa and Indica terpenes and cannabinoids, Sativa content was positively correlated with the concentrations of bergamotene and farnesene. While on the other hand, there were significant positive correlations between Indica labeling and three sesquiterpenes: guaiol, γ-eudesmol, and β-eudesmol. This shows that it goes far beyond mere classification, and it really comes down to far more than simple labels.

The contrasting aromas that have been associated with Sativa (that is, sweet) and Indica (that is, earthy) were key discriminators in a sensory evaluation of Cannabis cultivars and mediated customers’ perceptions of potency and quality.

What is the solution?

Simple; replace the three vague classes with six elaborate and detailed classifications instead. On February 16th, – SC Laboratories, Inc., (SC Labs) announced that it has licensed Napro Research LLC’s proprietary data visualization tool PhytoFacts®. Clients testing cannabis through the lab will now have access to this game-changing reporting format and algorithm that provides a visual profile of each strain’s chemical makeup. This new report format is intuitive and helps budtenders and consumers identify the right strain for their desired effect. As mentioned above, the terpene profile proves to be far more important than the breed of cannabis, which means that companies like SC Labs are putting an end to the days of simply seeking out the highest THC percentage. Science has converged to finally prove that terpenes are at the root of the entourage effect that consumers are seeking.

Always looking to level their playing field and eliminate as much bias as possible, SC labs' owners partnered with the event organizers of Emerald Cup and NAPRO research to help reframe the conversation regarding what defines “quality” in cannabis. The Emerald Cup is widely believed to be the World Series of Cannabis competitions as it is rooted in Humboldt County. The partnership is intended to help revolutionize the collective understanding of the true role of terpene content.

The new classification system focuses on sorting flower entries by primary terpene content, leveraging a combined decade of research into Cannabis phytochemistry between  PhytoFacts® coupled with a powerful database of over 250,000 terpene tests and aggregated by SC Labs, going back to their launch of terpene testing on Cannabis in 2013 as you can see below.

What are the new classes?

‘Jacks + Haze’ Class

• Mostly ‘Sativa’-leaning varietals
• Tasting notes – Fruity, Pinesol, Haze
• Effects – Energizing, Cerebral, Artistically Inspiring
• Common Cultivars – Classic Trainwreck, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, Super Lemon Haze
• Terpenes Profile: Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene

‘Sweets + Dreams’ Class

• Mostly ‘Indica’-leaning varietals
• Tasting Notes – Fruity, Sweet, Woody, Hoppy, Herbaceous
• Effects – Relaxation, Couch Lock, Analgesic
• Common Cultivars – Blue Dream, Tangie, Forbidden Fruit, Grandaddy Purple, Purple Urkel, Grape Ape, Cherry AK, God’s Gift, Purple Punch
• Terpenes Profile: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene

‘Tropical + Floral’ Class

• Mostly ‘Indica’-leaning varietals
• Tasting notes – Sweet, Floral, Tropical Fruit
• Effects – Calming, Soothing, Relaxing
• Common Cultivars – Super Skunk, Hawaiian, In the Pines, Dream Queen
• Terpenes Profile: Ocimene, Myrcene

‘OGs + Gas’ Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting Notes – Gas, Fuel, Sweet, Citrus, and Pepper
• Effect – Uplifting, Stimulating, Analgesic, Relaxation
• Common Cultivars – Classic OG Kush, Chemdog, Sour Diesel, Gorilla Glue
• Terpenes Profile: Any combination or shifting codominance of Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene

‘Exotics’ (Rare Terpene Combinations) Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting notes – varied based on chemistry of entry
• Effect – varied based on chemistry of entry
• Common Cultivars – rarest terpene profiles entered into the Emerald Cup Competition

‘Desserts’ Class

• True ‘Hybrid’ varietals
• Tasting Notes – Deserts, Doughs, Citrusy & Spicy
• Effects – Stimulating, Racy, Uplifting, Comforting
• Common Cultivars – Classic Bubba Kush, GSC, Gelatos, Cakes
• Any shift in codominance of Caryophyllene & Limonene

How We’re Using The New System

Because of the reliability and shift in the right direction, Black Tie CBD has made use of the latest testing for our ‘ChemDawg’ strain, as you can see below;

As you can see from the report produced by PhytoFacts®, there’s immense detail about the aroma & flavor, identifying the spectrum of profiles in depth. The particular aroma and tastes lean far more towards earthy with some sweet and fruity profiles. Similarly, the entourage effect is highlighted, giving the budtender or end-user a clear idea of its effects. The relaxation and comfort of the strain are highlighted, with lower energy levels. The report is easy to understand and interpret, and above all the classification is distinct without being confusing.

This goes to show how important terpenes really are, and how the entourage effect varies depending on multiple facets which are not usually shown - including highlights of b-Caryophyllene (3.943 mg/g), Myrcene (3.767 mg/g), Terpinolene (2.605 mg/g). The relevance of highlighting terpenes matters significantly because terpenes have also been identified as a new frontier in cannabis medicine. Until recently, the spotlight has been focused almost exclusively on the therapeutic qualities of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, but as our understanding of terpenes grows more sophisticated, it’s becoming apparent that these aromatic compounds are medicinal powerhouses too.

β-Caryophyllene: β-Caryophyllene is generally the most common sesquiterpene in cannabis, and the most abundantly produced terpene in Nature. Over the last decade, it has gained scientific attention after discovering that it can directly activate cannabinoids receptors. Basically, the β-Caryophyllene terpene acts as a cannabinoid.

This is the terpene that contributes to the ever-so-slight spicy flavor, but mainly to the earthy profiles as well as the relaxation quality of this strain.

Myrcene: Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis. Myrcene has many therapeutic benefits. Like other terpenes, myrcene is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory, potential anti-tumor, sleep-supportive, and other health benefits.

Myrcene characteristically gives our cannabis strain a mildly sweet flavor profile and provides scent notes that are spicy, earthy and muskiness - and also contributes towards that relaxing and calm effect that was mentioned.

Terpinolene: Terpinolene, a terpene dominant in about one in ten cannabis strains, is recognized for its woody smell combined with floral citrus notes. In addition to its fresh aroma, terpinolene is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Terpinolene is considered more multidimensional in comparison to other cannabis terpenes.

These combined effects and profiles of terpinolene are why there are more fruity aromas and comforting effects. The combination of all three highlighted terpenes should indicate the importance of a more accurate and science-backed classification system to ensure that all effects, aromas and profiles are accounted for.

Without having to handle the substance, users and budtenders can now have a true discourse about the desired flavor, fragrance, and potential effects of cannabis. Consumers may now finally buy cannabis online with ease thanks to the new classification system and PhytoFact® information.

The hemp-derived cannabinoid market continues to grow and evolve despite lingering questions over federal legality and numerous state laws that try to keep pace.

You may have seen or even tried products with a few milligrams of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that were marketed as 2018 Farm Bill-compliant, and if you know anything about the restrictions of the industry; then you’ll know that there are a plethora of laws making THC illegal in multiple states. While delta-9 is the cannabinoid that distinguishes hemp from its federally illegal counterpart, marijuana - companies are still selling Delta-9 products.

So what makes some products ‘compliant’ and some illegal? To begin, we need to go over what exactly Delta-9 is, as well as the difference between cannabis-derived, and hemp-derived THC.

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC). It is a cannabinoid molecule in marijuana (cannabis) that's long been recognized as the main psychoactive ingredient—that is, the substance that causes people who use marijuana to feel high.

Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC are the only compounds in the marijuana plant that produce psychoactive effects. Because Delta-9-THC is much more abundant than Delta-8-THC, the psychoactivity of marijuana has been attributed largely to the effects of Delta-9-THC.

The Effects Of Delta-9 THC

The main differentiation between Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC is the effects they both provide, which is also the deciding factor for customers. This cannabinoid interacts with the CB1 receptors that are located in the brain, responsible for many processes in the mind such as decision-making, memory, and others.

This powerful compound is said to provide effects such as excitement, euphoria, anxiety, perceptual and visual alterations, restlessness, and others. The effects can be very intense for some users, while others enjoy the outer-worldly experience.

Hemp Vs Cannabis

Although hemp and cannabis look similar, from a functional and chemical perspective, they are distinctive. The term “hemp” is used to describe cannabis that contains 0.3 percent or less THC content per gram on a dry weight basis. Legally, “marijuana” refers to cannabis that has more than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. THC content can vary among cannabis plants. Some strains are bred to be higher in THC than others.

According to federal law, cannabis—with 0.3% THC content or higher—is classified by the DEA as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use. CBD products sourced from cannabis, even those with 0% THC, are illegal at a federal level by virtue of their plant origin. Industrial hemp, on the other hand, is no longer considered a Schedule I controlled drug. Following the 2018 farm bill, hemp was reclassified as an agricultural commodity.

There is no significant difference between hemp delta-9 and regular delta-9, aside from the source. The chemical itself is absolutely identical. The distinction between the delta-9s comes purely from the source, with hemp delta-9 coming from hemp and “regular” delta-9 coming from a standard cannabis plant.

Hemp-Derived THC and the FDA

The 2018 Farm Bill explicitly preserved the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The FDA currently prohibits THC or CBD products from being sold as dietary supplements or as food additives, though the agency is actively investigating whether a pathway should exist for certain CBD ingestible products through the agency’s rulemaking process.

Hemp-Derived THC and State Law

At the state level, the 2018 Farm Bill permits states to implement their own regulatory scheme for the production of hemp so long as the plan is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Is Hemp-Derived Delta-9 Legal?

The confusion surrounding its legality comes from the 2018 Farm Bill, but in a sense there is no cause for confusion at all. The Farm Bill legalizes “hemp” at the federal level, and provides the following definition for hemp:

“The plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”

Again, state law requires a state-by-state analysis to determine whether a product is legal. There is no “one size fits all” solution and, depending on where a product is sold, there may be labeling, testing and other restrictions to satisfy before a hemp-derived product may be sold legally. To date, states that have enacted state regulations have focused on hemp-derived CBD – not THC or the so-called “novel” cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN and THCA.

Hemp delta-9 is Farm Bill compliant whenever it meets the requirement that it isn’t higher than 0.3% in concentration. Since hemp-derived Delta 9 is legal, you can find it in local dispensaries or even better, online! Like the products that we offer here at Black Tie CBD.

Our Delta-9 products:

Chill Delta 9 THC Microdose Tincture + Terpenes - Pineapple (Indica)

Want to Microdose THC? We have the perfect product for you. Our fast-acting Delta 9 Tinctures contain 5.5 mg of Pure Delta 9 THC plus terpenes in each dose.

420 Mg Delta 9 THC Syrup For Zen - Strawberry (Hybrid)

Looking to find Zen? Find Zen with our Strawberry Hybrid infused Delta 9 Fast Acting Drink Additive/Syrup. This 420 mg bottle comes with approximately 21 servings of 20 mgs per dose. 20 mg Delta 9 THC per serving Fast absorption within as little as 15 minutes.

250 Mg Euphoria Delta 9 THC Gummies - 10 Mg Each (Sativa)

Want to experience5 Euphoria? Our blend of Sativa terpene-infused Delta 9 THC gummies will have you headed to a state of Euphoria! Terpenes include Alpha Pinene and Limonene. Our Delta 9 THC Gummies are 100% Hemp Derived.

Buying a CBD tincture can be an overwhelming process, especially when you’re faced with so many factors, like potency, spectrums, price, cannabinoids, and other considerations. Here at Black Tie CBD, we want to simplify the process and give you all the information that you need to make a confident decision in your purchase. We will be covering everything that you need to know.

Firstly, it’s important to highlight the spectrums and the purposes that they serve, so you know which one is best suited for your needs. The spectrum term indicates the number of other substances present in the CBD itself.  Even in plants containing very little THC (the psychoactive substance found in cannabis), there are many other chemicals present. These are other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum:

If you are a user of CBD, then you have more than likely stumbled across terms such as “full-spectrum” or “broad spectrum”. The main difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is the compounds they contain.

If a CBD product contains several naturally occurring cannabis plant extracts, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids — including up to 0.3% THC — it is full-spectrum CBD.

Broad-spectrum CBD also contains several cannabis plant compounds, but it is typically entirely free of THC. All of the broad-spectrum items on BlackTieCBD.Net are completely THC Free.

Full Spectrum CBD:

Full Spectrum CBD contains the most naturally occurring extracts. This includes a small amount of THC (less than 0.3% THC Delta-9). There is certain scientific evidence of an ‘entourage effect’ – a positive response to the presence of various terpenes in CBD. Taking the full spectrum of terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, fatty acids and trace THC is regarded by some scientists as the most effective way for the entourage effect to work.

Due to the “entourage effect”, full-spectrum CBD is believed to last longer and have more powerful effects than broad-spectrum or CBD isolate

Broad Spectrum CBD:

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is a middle ground between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD oils. It has all of the cannabinoids and other chemical compounds except for THC. It has all the beneficial chemical compounds except for THC, so you’re likely to gain some of the beneficial effects of the entourage effect.

Broad-spectrum also goes through the normal extraction process. For places where THC is illegal, the benefit of broad-spectrum CBD oil is that in the final stages of processing, the THC is removed from the extract. Therefore, broad-spectrum CBD oil will not show up on a drug test if the test is looking for THC.

If you're looking for a health boost from CBD but want to skip the THC effects, broad-spectrum is probably your best bet. If you don't mind THC and want to potentially get more benefits out of your CBD product, full-spectrum is probably the way to go.

Potency:

Now that you know which spectrum to choose, it all comes down to choosing the correct strength and potency. When searching for products, you’ll come across a lot of different strengths (potencies). You’ll find ranges from 300 mg to 4000mg per bottle. With so many CBD options to choose from it can make you feel like you have no idea what you’re even looking at. So let’s simplify it;

CBD potency specifically refers to how strong it is. On CBD oil labels, look for the milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) - that’s what determines the product’s concentration of CBD. If a CBD extract is rated at 300mg, it’s going to be about half as strong (potent) as the same amount of a CBD extract rated at 600mg CBD. But, it also depends on the size of the bottle.

Here is another example where the bottle size is significant. Suppose there are two bottles of CBD oil; both have 300mg of CBD. However, one bottle contains 15ml of liquid, while the other has 30ml. In this case, the smaller 15ml bottle’s CBD concentration is double that of its 30ml counterpart with 20mg of CBD per ml against 10mg.

How to measure your dose:

A single dose of CBD Oil to be .5mL, and depending on the product, this can be easily measured using the marked dropper under the top.

To simplify it further, A 30ml bottle will contain 60 dosages within. If the potency of the bottle is 1200mg, each dose contains 20mg of CBD, while a 15ml bottle will contain 30 dosages within. If the potency of the bottle is 1200mg, each dose contains 40mg of CBD. This should act as your guideline when choosing your dosage, and fortunately we released our tinctures in these specifications to make it easier for our customers.

For example:

Low-potency CBD oil (300 mg)

This is a relatively low-potency oil and is a good option for individuals who are just starting out or who may be sensitive to CBD. A low-strength 300 mg bottle is a good option to take as a daily supplement. Many people take a single daily dose of it for boosted general health, and also to help lower stress levels.

Mid-Potency CBD Oil (600mg)

A 600 mg CBD oil is a good “step-up” option for people who find they’re having to take large (and/or multiple) doses of lower potency. In general, a lot of people use products in this strength range for things like anxiety and day-to-day pain.

High-Potency CBD Oil (1200mg +)

The 1,000 mg range is closing in on the higher end of the potency scale, but some bottles could range to 5000mg and above, with the intention of higher potency in fewer drops. Products in this strength range are commonly used for sleep issues, deep muscle soreness, migraines, and day-to-day stress and anxiety.

So, which one should you choose? As much as we would love to answer that for you, each person is different. A great way to make your choice is to ask yourself why you want to take CBD in the first place and assess which potencies are typically used for those reasons.

Another aspect to consider that not many people pay attention to, but should, is the Cannabinoid used or the combination thereof.

Cannabinoids and combinations:

Cannabinoids are like a buffet to choose from. Choose the ailments you suffer from, and select the product that contains the helpful cannabinoid compounds that work best for you. Most people select CBD as it is the most popular and widely known cannabinoid, which doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the answer to all of your needs.

CBD:

CBD is generally great for overall well-being. It is suitable for general ailments and issues that you might be facing in your life. Over the last few years, CBD has become the cannabinoid of choice, not only for the many therapeutic benefits it offers, but also because it has no psychoactive properties. Unlike THC, CBD offers pain relief and other benefits without the risk of paranoia, anxiety, or impaired cognitive function.

This means that CBD is great for people wanting to target a number of ailments and use it for general health purposes.

CBG:

CBG interacts with the body in a different way. This means it has different effects than CBD does.  It is thought that CBG has a calming effect on the body, causing a relaxation of the nerves. There are technical terms for such changes, for example, inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system but rather than be blinded by complex medical terms it is easier to think of CBG as having a nice calming effect. CBG also appears to increase the levels of our natural, in-built cannabinoid called anandamide. This wonderful endogenous cannabinoid quite simply makes us feel good.

This means that CBG is most suitable for people striving for that ‘feel good’ feeling, or the general serenity within the body.

Delta-8:

Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and potential pain relief, but they’re a lot milder. For people who don’t want to experience a pronounced “high,” the lower potency may be a benefit. Because of this, Delta 8 can be used to treat a wider range of cancer patients, such as those who won’t use Delta 9 THC because of the anxiety feeling they receive when they take it.

This makes Delta-8 a great sedative and the perfect candidate for people dealing with more intense ailments, but still offers a wide use for overall well-being, too.

With all of that being said, choosing your tincture comes down to three main factors; Spectrum, potency and strength, and finally the cannabinoid or combination of cannabinoids. From this, you should be able to understand and choose the product that best suits your needs. At first glance, it seems to be an overwhelming process, but really it’s quite simple.

Have a look at our selection of tinctures for one that best suits your needs.

The cannabis plant is home to over 200 cannabinoids and terpenes that have potential health benefits. Following the wild success of delta 8 THC as a legal alternative to the more controlled availability of delta 9 THC, the cannabis industry has sought other less-known cannabinoids to compete in the diverse cannabis marketplace. One of the newest, semi-synthetic cannabinoids called hexahydrocannabinol, usually shortened to HHC.

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a cannabinoid that was first discovered in the mid-1940s. In 1944, the American chemist Roger Adams created HHC when he added hydrogen molecules to Delta-9 THC. This process is known as "hydrogenation." HHC is found in limited quantities in the hemp plant. Although HHC is a naturally occurring compound, it is hard to obtain sufficient amounts to make products. But by certain production processes, companies can convert CBD into HHC to make a wide variety of products.

While HHC has been around for years, it has not been often discussed by cannabis users until recently.. HHC is a minor cannabinoid; it occurs naturally in cannabis, but in amounts too small to make extraction cost-effective - this means that for companies to sell this cannabinoid, they’re going to need to make it in a lab. HHC does, however, have one major legal advantage over delta 8 and delta 10: it isn’t THC.

So how is HHC made?

As mentioned above, Roger Adams is the first person to discover HHC using the process known as ‘hydrogenation’. There are a couple of different methodologies to hydrogenate delta-8 into HHC, but Hydrogenation is simply treating a compound with hydrogen, which causes a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another compound or element, usually in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium, or platinum. This is done in order to reduce or saturate organic compounds.

Adams originally applied this technique to THC derived from marijuana plants, but since the 2018 Farm Bill came into effect, legalizing cannabis crops with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, more manufacturers are applying the hydrogenation of cannabinoids to CBD to produce HHC.

When it comes to HHC specifically, Hydrogenation modifies the structure of delta 9 THC by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms, which changes its molecular weight and makes it more stable. According to chemist Mark Scialdone;

“A major benefit to hydrogenation is that it offers stability at the molecular level, assisting with both shelf life, and resistance to heat.”

It should be said, though, that the acronym “HHC'' is also used in scientific literature to refer to dangerous synthetic substances like 9-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol and 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol. All those Greek letters and super-long hyphenated chemical names are surefire signs that these forms of HHC are synthetic.

What Are The Effects Of HHC?

First, it’s important to note the different types of HHC that are available on the market. There are at least 10 types of HHC:

1. HHC — Hexahydrocannabinol (CAS# 6692-85-9)
2. 7-OH-HHC — 7-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS 64663-39-4)
3. 8-OH-iso-HHC — 8-hydroxy-iso-hexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
4. 9α-OH-HHC — 9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS# 52171-85-4)
5. 7-9α-OH-HHC — 7-oxo-9α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
6. 10α-OH-HHC — 10α-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
7. 10α-ROH-HHC — 10aR-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (No CAS#)
8. HU211 — 1,1-Dimethylheptyl-11-hydroxytetrahydrocannabinol (CAS 112924-45-5)
9. HU243 — 11-Hydroxy-3-(1′,1′-dimethylheptyl)hexahydrocannabinol (CAS 140835-14-9)
10. HDHHC — 3-Dimethylheptyl-11-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (CAS 140835-18-3)

HHC has very similar effects to delta-9 THC—it's a psychotropic compound that produces feelings of euphoria, changes in perception, altered cognition, as well as other potential properties. When it takes on other forms, it becomes slightly more complicated. Many users report the effects of HHC are similar to that of delta 8 THC in terms of being more heavily weighted towards relaxation than stimulation. HHC is more potent than delta 8 but slightly less potent than delta 9 THC.

We've seen a sudden ride of THC isomers—variants of the notorious delta-9 THC molecule, as people look for a legal means to experience the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Popular THC cannabinoid analog isomers include delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC derived from hemp crops. Although HHC isn’t technically a THC, it does produce similar effects—if you use enough of it. When it’s produced in the lab, an HHC batch is a mix of active and inactive HHC molecules. The active HHC binds well with your body’s cannabinoid receptors; the others don’t.

A study published in 2010 found that HHC’s effects lasted a long time in rats. Overall, apart from the limited research outlined in this section, there is nothing else to link HHC with the benefits claimed by manufacturers. Certainly, there are no studies on humans that provide any insight.

Is HHC Legal?

Although HHC is not the same as THC, it is potentially illegal if deemed synthetic. The FDA’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) states that synthetic cannabinoids in hemp are illegal, while naturally-occurring ones are permitted. It is true that HHC occurs naturally in hemp and cannabis but only in tiny amounts. HHC manufacturers make it in a lab via a chemical process designed to create more of it.

With the rise of delta 8, hexahydrocannabinol was recognized as yet another form of “legal THC” capable of being sold to the masses. No matter how much marketing material you read, however, delta 8 and HHC will never be equitable. One is a synthetically derived cannabinoid while the other is a natural substance.

We wouldn’t be surprised if HHC starts getting attention from the DEA, as we suspect that considering the need to synthetically create it - HHC falls under the Federal Analogue Act, which automatically classifies analogs of Schedule 1 drugs as Schedule 1 drugs themselves. If the DEA agrees, HHC could have a very short market span.

Is HHC Safe?

As it stands, HHC is rarer and more difficult to derive than delta 8, the HHC market is smaller and less competitive, resulting in comparatively inferior products. Because hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is still very new, there aren't very many studies available that investigate its potential effects and safety - which is enough to tell us that as it stands, it is not particularly safe.

With the limited research on HHC, we highly suggest that you stick to the better known cannabinoids with ample research surrounding it like CBDV which we have done extensive research into and offer safe, legal products containing this cannabinoid.

HHC seems to be following a very similar and dangerous route to THCO, another synthetic cannabinoid taking the industry by storm. We can only hope that the search for something stronger and different does not take priority over the search for something more beneficial and well-researched.

With Covid-19 impacting us for the last two years, the world is rapidly searching for ways that we can effectively manage the virus, despite the variants that constantly pop up. Finally, it seems that research is progressing and it’s the cannabis industry at the forefront of the latest research advancements by researchers affiliated with Oregon State University. These researchers conducted a study that suggests that cannabis compounds prevent Infection by the Covid-19 Virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic includes at least 272 million cases worldwide, 5.3 million deaths, and over 600 000 new cases daily. While the rollout of vaccines is underway, the rapid spread of COVID-19 underscores the need for new treatments.

Background Information:

In January 2021, this study looked into the possibility that cannabis may offer some help for patients with COVID-19. The study looks at one of the primary biological events that occur in patients with severe acute respiratory distress cases from COVID-19, something called a “cytokine storm.”

C.Sativa, a type of cannabis, was found in a cytokine storm study to reduce multiple cytokines and pathways related to inflammation and fibrosis. Two of the cytokines that C.Sativa reduced were TNFa and IL-6, which are thought to be the main targets when trying to block a COVID-19 cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In another study done in September of 2020 on mice, they found the following;

“Several reports demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant, can block IL-6 in several models of inflammatory diseases.”

What do the studies say in 2022?

A report on the research, “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants,” was published online on January 10th, 2022 by the Journal of Natural Products.

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Researchers have found that the viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to the human cell surface receptor angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a critical step during the infection of human cells. The researchers looked into the following possibility:

“Therefore, cell entry inhibitors could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as to shorten the course of COVID-19 infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells.”

Researchers discovered that cannabinoids increase the cell’s response to several key proteins produced by the coronavirus genome, which is an effect that had not been discovered prior to the study. Researchers also looked at how the proteins from the genome operated in human kidney cells and healthy control cells, both with and without cannabinoids.

Cannabis and its effectiveness against new variants:

The spike protein is the same part of the virus targeted by Covid-19 vaccines and antibody therapies. In addition to the spike protein, SARS-CoV-2 has three more structural proteins as well as 16 nonstructural proteins and several compounds van Breemen characterized as “accessory” proteins, all of which are potential targets for drugs developed to prevent Covid-19.

The two compounds commonly found in hemp - called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA - were identified during a chemical screening effort as having potential to combat coronavirus. In the study led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, they found that cannabinoids bound to spike proteins found on the virus and blocked a step the pathogen uses to infect people, stating that;

“Cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells”

This means that cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells. They bind to the spike proteins so those proteins can’t bind to the ACE2 enzyme, which is abundant on the outer membrane of endothelial cells in the lungs and other organs.

The study then goes on to state that the most important piece of evidence found was that CBGA and CBDA were equally as effective against the alpha and beta variants. The abstract ends off on a highly positive note, expressing that cannabinoids do in fact have the potential to prevent and likely treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.

What other benefits could cannabis pose for Covid-19?

• Pain
  As we have discussed in previous articles, cannabis offers potential benefits for things like pain, anxiety, and other ailments. With symptoms of COVID-19, including body aches, sore throat, and headaches, pain relief would be welcome by many patients.
  
  As it currently stands, Medicinal cannabis registries typically report pain as the most common reason for use. In this study, the conclusion came to the fact that looked at multiple ailments being treated with cannabis, going on to state the following:
  
  “Headache was then evaluated as a primary symptom being treated by medicinal cannabis “

1. Anxiety
   The number of people reporting high levels of anxiety has sharply elevated during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The factors most strongly associated with high anxiety during the pandemic include loneliness, marital status, sex, disability, whether someone feels safe at home or not and work being affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
   
   There is understandable concern about the impact of the pandemic on people’s well-being. Fortunately, though, compounds within cannabis have shown impressive anxiety-reducing qualities, particularly CBD, which has been shown in studies to increase serotonin activity and lower cortisol levels.

Is Cannabis safe to consume for Covid-19 patients?

While most people consume cannabis by smoking it, it is not the only way to consume it. Companies like ourselves offer multiple variations of consumption like edibles, tinctures and more that have very low THC, yet still offer the same benefits.

After the last two years of uncertainty, illness and chaos due to the pandemic, it’s relieving to see that cannabis has shown a lot of potential in fighting against COVID-19 and could potentially offer new solutions to tackle the pandemic.

Where can you get CBDA and CBGA products from?

The team here at Black Tie CBD is relieved and grateful that we’re a part of an industry that is helping to better global health in such an impactful way. As a company, we've seen the value in CBDA products and we've just released our brand new CBDA isolate so you can keep safe too.

As many of you know, curing and drying are processes that can significantly impact the taste and general quality of your cannabis crop. Properly drying and curing your fresh cannabis stash is paramount to prevent harsh smoke and prevent mold contamination from taking place.

Harvesting your cannabis is only half the work. Post harvest operations are arguably just as important as pre-harvest. Many believe that curing and drying are the same things, which they aren’t. Black Tie CBD has been asked why we haven’t released our 2021 strains, and the answer is simple; we believe in a low and slow curing process that ensures quality to the end product that we offer you.

Below, we’ll share our answers to some frequently asked questions on the drying and curing processes, so you can maximize the flavor and potency of your stash - as well as better understand how post-harvest processes are done correctly.

The importance of drying cannabis

Freshly harvested cannabis buds contain significant moisture, which needs to be dealt with before smoking. Essentially, drying also converts THC from its non-psychoactive, crude, acidic form to its psychoactive neutral form.

Cannabis flowers are full of active components; The resin glands contain THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. The issue is that when your plants are recently harvested, they’re still quite green and most of the THC is inactive. Drying marijuana means reducing the water content of the buds to 10-15%, depending on the desired crispiness of the final product.

A dry shouldn’t be too quick or the outside of buds will appear dry but the insides won’t be, leaving chlorophyll within; too long, and buds could develop mold.

How do you dry cannabis?

The drying procedure usually depends on the trimming process that you use;

• Dry trimming
• If you’re trimming plants after they’ve been dried, then you’ll be able to hang them from a line or hanger. Hanging is preferable as it prevents buds from becoming misshapen. To test if the plants are ready for trimming, you can try bending a branch. If it bends, it needs more drying. If it snaps, it is ready for trimming and curing.

• Wet trimming
• If you trim the plants before drying, you’ll have smaller plant parts to dry and need to use a rack. You can check when buds are ready for curing by squeezing them. If they still feel wet or moist, they likely need more time before moving on to curing.

Dying cannabis involves focusing on:

• The drying method used.
• Temperature.
• Moisture levels.

What are the drying methods?

Hang Drying Cannabis

Hang drying is a cost-effective solution for cannabis cultivators with a limited budget and involves exposing your cannabis to the open air. To hang-dry your cannabis, your branches are hung upside down from an elevated position and dried. You must regularly monitor the temperature and airflow of the room for the best results.

Choosing a cool, dark place to dry your buds is essential. Ensure that your flowers are spaced adequately for airflow to carry moisture particles away without attracting mold. Hang-drying is great, but requires a lot of environmentally controlled space.

This process usually takes anywhere from 1-2 weeks.

Using a drying rack

When preparing cannabis for commercial purposes, trimming machines are usually used, so this method is ideal. A drying rack is great for keeping the yield organized, and there is far lower risk of contamination or mold. While this option is more pricey, it is the ideal piece of equipment when it comes to drying weed correctly. Using a drying rack with a large surface area for the buds allows for more airflow, meaning that the moisture is taken away in far less time.

Again, this is a process that takes upwards of 10 days. If the snapping sound of your bud is crispy and sharp, then you know that your weed has been dried properly.

While you may be looking for a faster drying process, If buds are dried too quickly, chlorophyll and other pigments, starch, and nitrates are trapped within plant tissue, making it taste “green,” burn unevenly and taste bad. However, slowly dried buds taste sweet and smoke smooth. Taste and aroma improve when pigments break down. Slow even drying–where moisture content is the same throughout stems, foliage and buds– allows enough time for the pigments to degrade.

How to perfect the drying process:

As stated above, we focus on a slow drying process. We hang entire plants to dry; allowing the process to take place over time. We remove large leaves and stems (fan leaves) in the field as fresh leaves are easier to work with. The plants are then hung until they reach an ideal moisture content. At that point they buds are hand-trimmed and placed into curing.

Temperature:

We place importance on circulation and ventilation as this helps us control the heat and humidity of the room. The ideal air temperature is between 65 and 75°F (18-24°C), and humidity from 45-55%. Any temperatures lower may slow drying and increase the threat of harsh smoke, and any temperatures higher may cause the buds to mold.

Similarly, any lower than suggested humidity causes a speedy dry period, causing the retention of chlorophyll and giving the weed a terrible taste and odor.  The most important thing to note is that different climates are required for growing cannabis and drying it.

Hanging:

Due to the quantity of cannabis that we dry, we use a large space for drying. It is ideal to cut the plants at the base and remove the large leaves - then hang them on the drying lines in the drying facility. Branches should be cut from 12-40 inches, with each branch manicured and hung.

Manicured branches should be hung to dry for a few days before being bucked from the stem and placed on drying screens to allow the bulk of the moisture to dissipate. Once it is all on screens, the buds should be turned daily to ensure even drying. It is also adequate for manicured buds to be placed in boxes to dry, but the drying pace is slower due to the limited airflow.

Drying time:

Drying can take between five to seven days depending on temperature, humidity and bud density. The larger, denser buds can take around four days longer, so it’s important to check your buds to determine the proper moisture content. If you want to check the readiness, bend the stem and ensure that it snaps rather than folds; this generally indicates that it is ready to cure.

The importance of curing cannabis:

The curing process is possibly the most overlooked aspect of producing cannabis. During curing, moisture continues to draw from the center of the bud toward the outside.

Curing your bud is similar to the aging process of products like wine and cheese. Instead of a fermentation process, the main focus is on humidity with curing weed. Because even-though most moisture has evaporated and left the cannabis during the drying of the plants, there’s still some moisture left in the weed. Any friction and rough handling of the buds will knock off valuable resin glands and diminish the cannabinoid content.

The first week of curing affects potency as it evenly removes moisture within the bud so virtually all the THC is psychoactive, which is what most people are after. Curing also allows buds to dry enough that mold does not grow when buds are stored. Well-cured buds have an even glow when burned and smoke smooth. It is essentially not enough to simply keep your weed in a jar and say that it’s been correctly cured.

The process of curing cannabis:

The first step to curing your cannabis is to cut the stems into lengths less than 30-45 cm and then place them into an airtight container, ideally with a rubber seal. Any Ziploc or plastic bags are not ideal - some growers say that plastic imparts an undesirable flavor on the buds and is not impervious to oxygen.

Once the buds are enclosed, a microclimate is created, and the buds get an even spread of moisture. Once the buds are enclosed, they should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Check on your buds at least once per day for two weeks. Use a hygrometer to check relative moisture in the container during the curing process. If you don’t have a hygrometer handy, you can gently squeeze to feel if they are moister than before.

During this check-up, keep your jars open to allow for air exchange, and inspect each bud individually for signs of mold. If you find an infected bud, make sure to remove it from its jar immediately to avoid the fungus spreading. If buds are sticking together in clumps when you try to shake the container, it means they still have too much moisture and need to be dried further.

Ideal conditions for drying cannabis:

Humidity

You want to stabilize the relative humidity at around 45-55% when the buds are placed in an enclosed container. This is the correct environment to cure your cannabis buds to perfection.

Temperature

65-75

Light

None

If buds are too dry:

leave them in the container and let excess moisture escape out the top by opening the container for a few minutes every few hours before closing the lid again.

If buds are too moist:

If you live in a normal to dry climate, you may be able to get away with just leaving the top off the jars for 1-4 hours. If you live in a humid climate, you may have to take the buds out of the jars and lay them out until the outsides begin to feel dry again.

The curing process is most important during the first two weeks and can take over six months for the highest quality outcome. It’s clear that this process is incredibly long when done correctly, which is why we release our new strains later than most other companies. We place the utmost importance on a long process that ensures the highest quality outcome.

‍

More and more people are hopping on the CBD bandwagon these days, which is making all forms of CBD use increasingly popular. Even your local convenience store may have CBD tinctures for sale. CBD has plenty to offer as an effective pain reliever in addition to various other health benefits. Let’s consider the different ways to use CBD tincture and find out if these tinctures could benefit you.

What are the Differences between CBD Tinctures and CBD Oil?

CBD Oil and CBD Tinctures are both CBD based products. CBD stands for Cannabidiol.

CBD is one of the many known molecules found in Cannabis. Although they are both used as medicine, they vary slightly in terms of their effects and dosage requirements. Let's take a look at how these two similar products differ.

The difference between CBD Oil and CBD Tinctures is that CBD oil usually require more self control, as they are ingested orally through the mouth, whereas tinctures are absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) which means you can use them on-the-go.

CBD oils are made by extracting CBD from either CBD rich cannabis flowers or cultivated hemp.

CBD oils have a range of uses, these are just some of them:Using CBD oil with a vaporizer pen is perfect for discretion and portability. The effects can be felt within minutes and last for hours depending on the strength.Different strengths (or potencies) of CBD oils are available for purchase, usually in a 30ml bottle with or without a dropper.

CBD oils are ingested orally, usually with the help of an e-cigarette type device called a vaporizer pen. CBD oils can also be taken sublingually by putting drops under your tongue and holding them there until they dissolve. This allows the CBD Oil to get into your bloodstream much faster than if it was taken with food.

What is a CBD Tincture?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a health supplement that is used for a range of different health conditions. One of the most popular ways to use it is in the form of a CBD tincture, which is a liquid that you drop into your mouth or onto your food..

CBD tinctures are usually either alcohol-based or oil-based. These tinctures are made by slowly cooking CBD-rich hemp or cannabis at a very low heat so that the CBD molecules enter the alcohol or oil.

To up the health factor, many manufacturers use a healthy oil rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as MCT oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. CBD tincture might also be flavored—many people find it quite bitter and herby on its own, although others don’t mind the taste.

Their effects can be felt within minutes and last for hours depending on the strength. Different strengths (or potencies) of CBD tinctures are available for purchase, usually in a 30ml bottle with or without a dropper. CBD tinctures are made by extracting CBD from either CBD rich cannabis flowers or cultivated hemp. They can also be mixed with carrier oils, such as coconut oil, to improve the taste and consistency.

Using CBD oil with a vaporizer pen is perfect for discretion and portability. The effects can be felt within minutes and last for hours depending on the strength. Different strengths (or potencies) of CBD tinctures are available for purchase, usually in a 30ml bottle with or without a dropper.

Types of CBD Tinctures

There are two key types of CBD products:

• Full-spectrum CBD products include all the plant's cannabinoids, including trace quantities of THC.
• Broad-spectrum CBD products contain most of the cannabinoids found in the plant. Usually, THC (which is the cannabinoid that gets you high) is intentionally removed from Broad Spectrum items. Here at Black Tie CBD, all of our broad-spectrum CBD products are THC-Free.

Many people choose full-spectrum CBD products because of the entourage effect. This is the idea that CBD is far more effective when used in conjunction with other cannabinoids, even if there’s only a trace amount of these other cannabinoids.

What are the Potential Benefits of CBD Tinctures?

CBD is one of the many cannabinoids (that is, the active chemicals) in cannabis and hemp plants. Although it can’t get you high, scientific research shows that it has a range of health benefits.

Many people use CBD to soothe conditions like:

• Pain and inflammation
• Anxiety
• Sleeplessness
• Skin conditions
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Seizure conditions

While we need more research to be conducted before we fully understand CBD, many people are already using it with positive results.

How much CBD should I use? Understanding the Dosage of CBD Tincture

Using the correct CBD dosage is key. The amount of CBD you should take depends on factors like your weight, metabolism, and the nature of the condition you’re looking to target.

In general, it’s a good idea to start with a low amount of CBD tincture—1 to 2 milliliters per day—and gradually increase if necessary. For reference, a dropper full of CBD oil is usually one milliliter.

Our CBD Tinctures come in a range of different potencies. Try a weaker potency if you’re a beginner, and a stronger potency if you have more experience using the product.

How Do You Use CBD Tinctures?

Many people actually use CBD incorrectly: they simply swallow the drops. While this might provide you with some of the health benefits of CBD, it’s the least effective way to use CBD tinctures.

The best way to use CBD tincture is sublingually (under the tongue). The skin under the tongue is thin and full of capillaries. Using a tincture there allows the CBD to pass the thin skin membrane and enter the bloodstream.

For best results, use CBD tincture as follows:

• Drop the appropriate amount of CBD tincture into your mouth, just below your tongue.
• Don’t swallow yet. Hold it there instead for about 60 seconds.
• Swirl it around your mouth and swallow.
• If the taste is unappetizing to you, follow it with a glass of water or juice.

You can swallow CBD tincture or add it to your food or beverages, but this means that the CBD will have to go through your digestive system, so it will take longer for the effects to kick in.

Digesting CBD is generally considered to be slightly less effective than using it sublingually. When you digest CBD, it becomes less bioavailable, which means that your body uses less of it. In other words, when you digest it, less of the CBD will end up entering the bloodstream.

So, while you’re welcome to digest CBD if you’d prefer it, taking it sublingually is faster and more effective.

Why do People prefer Using CBD Tinctures?

While there are many different forms of plant derived CBD products - Edibles and Vapes to smokeable High-Resin Hemp Flower - tincture is one of the most popular ways of consuming it.

This is in part because it’s easy to use. In order to get your daily dosage of CBD, you can simply drop CBD underneath your tongue. This method of consumption is quick and efficient, compared to other means such as rolling a joint or consuming edibles.

Many people prefer using CBD tincture sublingually because it is more bioavailable than using CBD edibles, pills, or capsules, which go through the digestive system.

Every form of CBD has its benefits and drawbacks. Try experimenting with different methods of taking CBD until you find a form that works for you.

Health Benefits of CBD Tinctures

• Natural Pain Relief

Of the different reasons to use CBD tinctures, pain relief is at the top. CBD tinctures are often used as pain relievers, especially for those who suffer from chronic pain. CBD is an all-natural way to address pain. It’s great because it is neither addictive nor dangerous. CBD tinctures may be just what you need for chronic joint pain and achiness.

• Managing Your Mood

If you struggle with feelings of anxiety or depression, CBD tinctures may also help stabilize your moods. CBD is no “happy juice” that will make you feel instantly euphoric, but it may help restore a sense of emotional calm and balance. It therefore makes sense that a lot of people incorporate CBD tincture use during the winter to help with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

• Getting Better Sleep

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, CBD tincture use could help. Many people report CBD as a useful tool for insomnia and restlessness. At higher doses of 300–600mg, CBD tinctures may help decrease levels of cortisol, the natural stress hormone that kicks in when your body enters a flight-or-fight response. By decreasing cortisol levels, CBD tinctures can be considered mild sedatives that could help you relax and sleep comfortably through the night.

• Easing Symptoms

Although CBD isn’t a medicinal substance itself, many people have found CBD tinctures to be useful for nausea and vomiting after certain types of treatments like chemotherapy. These types of treatments can leave patients feeling drained and reduce their appetite. Using CBD tinctures could help stimulate appetite and help with overall recovery.

Where Can I Purchase CBD Tinctures Online?

We have a wide range of CBD tinctures available for purchase at Black Tie CBD, which include:

• Black Tie Broad-Spectrum CBD Tincture (1200mg), available in Peppermint and Original flavors
• Black Tie Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture, available in four different potencies (300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 5,000mg) and multiple different flavors including Espresso, Cotton Candy, Lemon Ginger, Orange Citrus, & Original Hemp)
• Full Spectrum CBD/CBG Tinctures, containing a blend of cannabinoids, these tinctures provide unique pleasant effects.

Our award-winning CBD products are derived from US-grown herbs. All of our products are third-party tested by an independent lab to verify their contents. We encourage you to view our lab reports here.

In the cannabis world, moon rocks are like top-notch caviar: pricey, high-quality, and an exceptionally special experience. Our Asteroids are similar to moon rocks, except that they’re made with hemp, not cannabis. This means that, while smoking moon rocks get you super-duper high, Asteroids are extremely relaxing and potentially sedating. So, what are moon rocks weed, and Asteroids?

Great as an occasional treat, Asteroids are a unique hemp product that contains a high percentage of CBD and an interesting terpene profile. They’re perfect for hemp connoisseurs who’d like a more potent experience.

Here’s what you need to know about Asteroids, and how they differ from moon rocks.

What are moon rocks?

Moon rocks are powerful little nuggets of cannabis, brimming with cannabinoids and terpenes. Essentially, they are cannabis buds that are covered in the distillate, which is a sticky substance made of concentrated cannabis oil that is incredibly potent.

Smoking moon rocks weed

After the sticky stuff is on the cannabis bud, the bud is then dusted with kief - those tiny, sticky bits of resin that are found all over a cannabis flower. Because the resin is where most of the cannabinoids and terpenes are found, kief is effective, aromatic, and flavorful.

What you have then is a cannabis bud covered with a layer of distillate and then a layer of kief, giving you an extremely potent, highly concentrated dose of cannabinoids and terpenes. Leaflyestimates that most moon rocks are around 50 percent THC, while a normal, strong bud is between 17 and 28 percent THC.

As you can imagine, moon rocks are quite pricey - but a small amount goes a long way, so it works out to be cost-effective for many buyers to buy moon rocks as they’ll only use a tiny amount at a time.

What sets Black Tie CBD’s Asteroids apart from moon rocks?

We’ve taken the much-loved moon rock and improved on it to create our one-of-a-kind Asteroids. While Asteroids are structurally the same as moon rocks, they produce a very different effect.

Instead of cannabis flower and cannabis-based distillate and kief, we make Asteroids from hemp-based ingredients, creating a non-intoxicating, low THC version of moon rocks. This means that Asteroids are low in THC and high in CBD. You will like smoking moon rocks Asteroid because the light smoke moon rocks will have new sensations.

When creating Asteroids strain, we took care to avoid certain problems that usually pop up with moon rocks. There are two major problems with combining distillate and rolled in kief on a bud. Firstly, the concentrate unlike kief (distillate) sometimes seeps into the bud and loses its ability to properly bind the kief to the bud, and the kief falls off before it even reaches the customer. Secondly, after a week or two, the kief and oil mix and create black-looking spots on the exterior, which are less than appealing. Since few people smoke moon rocks weed as an everyday event, chances are the rocks moon will start spotting before you use it up.

Our cannabis flower Asteroids do not include typical cannabis distillate or hash oil. Instead, we use a binding hash oil agent that we call Iso-Glue. Iso-Glue is CBD Isolate that has been slowly heated so that it becomes sticky. We liberally coat the hemp buds in Iso-Glue. Once the buds are sufficiently coated, we hand-pack the buds with CBD kief. Once the Iso-Glue cools off, it hardens to create a layer of crystalized isolate, binding the kief to the weed flower.

Our most recent batch of cannabis products Asteroids are made with quality Chem Dawg hemp flowers that are coated in Iso-Glue and and then hand packed with Blueberry Pie kief. Cannabis bud Chem Dawg is a great weed strain for relaxing and socializing, and weed bud has notes of hops, cinnamon, pine, wood, and chamomile. Blueberry Pie is also used for relaxation and reportedly for pain management.

Overall, our cannabis smoke flower Asteroids have dominant aromas and substantial effects. Thecertificate of analysis, compiled by an independent, third-party lab, notes that the makeup of Asteroids cannabis products is not high THC Δ9 0.29% and 32.92% Total CBD.

In short, Asteroids are different from moon rocks weed because:

• Asteroids are high in CBD and low in THC. This means that the asteroids cannabis will not be intoxicating, although it will likely make you feel relaxed and perhaps sleepy.
• Asteroids flower are a little less sticky than normal moon rocks, as the Iso-Glue dries and hardens while distillate does not.
• As CBD is often used for medicinal purposes, Asteroids might be a better choice than moon rocks for people looking for those benefits.
• While black spots appear on moon rocks after a while, they will not appear on our Asteroids.
• Medical Kief often falls off moon rocks, but it binds far better on the Asteroids because of the Iso-Glue.

Whether you choose Asteroids or smoke moon rocks is up to you. It depends entirely on how you want to feel and what you want out of the experience. If you live in a legal state, you can always opt for both!

How will Asteroids affect my body?

As with all hemp products, the effects of Asteroids differ from person to person. Generally, people use smock Asteroids to relax after smoking join. It has a very sedating effect and can be used to help you fall asleep.

People who regularly use cannabis for medical reasons and want a high dosage of CBD might enjoy the potency of the Asteroids. Some people might use to soothe anxiety, while others might use it for pain relief.

Because Asteroids contain some THC, you might feel that it produces a minute high feeling. However, unless you smoke a large amount of it, you shouldn’t feel very high.

How do I use Asteroids?

As with moon rocks, Asteroids are smoked. You can break it up, just like any other flower, and smoke it in the form of a joint, pipe, bong, or vape.

Usually, it takes 2-15 minutes for the effects to fully kick in. Many people often experience the effects for several hours, which makes it a popular aid for sleep. It is possible that you’ll feel groggy the next day. For that reason, you should clear some time out of your schedule if you want to try it for the first time.

Tips for smoking Asteroids for the first time

New to smoking Asteroids? Here are a few ways to make the most of your experience.

• Choose a safe, comfortable place to smoke in. There is always a risk of being uncomfortable or sleepy, so it’s best to do it in a place like your home. If possible, there will be no loud distractions (like a roommate having a party) or annoying intrusions (like someone bugging you to run an errand). You want to be able to chill and enjoy the effects.
• Block out enough time. Because you might be very sleepy, even the next morning, it’s a good idea to have the evening and morning to yourself. This way, you can sleep in and allow yourself plenty of time to relax.
• Keep comforts on hand. You can’t be sure exactly how Asteroids will affect you until you try them, but you could try to anticipate what you will need. That way, you’re not running around and looking for things when you’re meant to be relaxing. If you’re chilling, you might want your favorite snacks, a relaxing playlist, a bottle of water, some cozy blankets, and a laptop ready for Netflix or video games. If you’re smoking to get creative, keep your art supplies or journal nearby.
• Start with a small amount. It bears repeating: Asteroids are extremely strong and all you need is a tiny bit to get high. Once you’ve had a small amount, wait at least half an hour for the effects to kick in. If you want a more potent effect, you can have a little bit more.

If you’re looking for a great treat, a potent dose of CBD, or a unique gift for a hemp enthusiast, Asteroids are a great choice. With a high percentage of cannabinoids and a pleasant terpene profile, they’re fantastic for occasional use, whether recreational or health-related.

FAQ

What are moon rocks weed?

The moon rocks weed is a THC megazord. It's basically cannabis buds dipped or sprayed with hash oil, then rolled in kief. The primary benefit of moon rocks is their high concentration of THC, which averages over 50%. Despite moon rocks' relatively newness, the market already has a variety of them, including hemp varieties high in CBD and those without THC.

How to smoke moon rocks weed?

The moon rocks weed aren't complex, but smoking them requires a little more work than smoking flowers. It is not possible to roll a joint with smoke moon rocks because they're too sticky. Grinding the moon rocks will significantly clog up your grinder and all of the kief coating will likely be removed. In addition, the dense texture of this flower requires holding a flame to the bowl for longer than you would with a dry flower. It is better to use hemp wick rather than inhale the butane from a lighter.

What type of weed are those moon rocks weed?

Girl Scout Cookies was the first strain which moon rocks used. There are many strains of moon rocks available today. It is even possible to make your own. You can choose quality buds of either Sativa, Indica, or a blend of the two. The buds are then sprayed/dipped in pure hash oil and then infused with kief. There are no additives or fillers in moon rocks weed.

How potent are moon rocks weed?

There is no doubt that moon rocks weed contains a large percentage of THC. The majority of moon rocks contain more than 50% THC since they combine flower and two concentrates. Since each type of product has its own potency, there is wide variation between products when it comes to potency. Moon rocks are also usually coated with several layers of concentrated concentrate, making them powerful. First-time smokers should avoid a bowl of moon rocks because of their potency.