Black Tie Blog

Consistency is key for just about everything in life, including CBD consumption. If you’re looking to reap the most rewards from CBD, the best thing you can do is establish a regular routine for bringing it into your everyday life. That’s why we put together a guide of 4 simple ways to incorporate CBD into your daily routine.

Why Make CBD a Part of Your Daily Routine

Before we get into the how’s, it’s important to address the why: why is it a good idea to make CBD part of your daily routine? We mentioned above that doing something consistently is the best way to see the results you’re looking for and that rings true for CBD. Taking CBD on a regular basis may help your body maintain just the right amount it needs to promote a healthy endocannabinoid response. Taking CBD at the same time and at the same dosage each day could help train your body to respond to CBD’s effects in the way you want it to. Whether you’re using CBD topicals, taking it in edible form, dabbing, or smoking it, getting into a regular routine with CBD is what you need if you’re looking to optimize your results.

1. Mix CBD Isolate Powder into Your Coffee

Not ready to break up with caffeine but still want the benefits of CBD? Try mixing CBD isolate powder into your morning coffee. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It removes the extraneous components typically found in hemp such as waxes, THC, and chlorophyll to leave you with a product that is 99.9% cannabidiol.

2. Use CBD Topicals After Your Workout

Staying active is one of the best ways to release natural endorphins that keep you happily buzzing all day long. Amplify the good vibes by adding a post-workout CBD topical to your after-workout routine. Whether you’re a runner or a power lifter, CBD topicals can help speed up recovery time and reduce muscle soreness to help get you back in action quicker.

3. Wind Down with a CBD Bath Bomb

Soak up all the goodness that is CBD with a CBD Bath Bomb. Made with all the same ingredients as a traditional bath bomb, CBD bath bombs also contain essential oils, fragrances, and of course, cannabidiol. This form of topical CBD lets your body absorb CBD through the skin. Athletes, individuals who suffer from chronic pain, and even those with anxiety find that just a 30-minute bath with a CBD bath bomb may help with physical and mental calming and relaxation.  

4. Drink CBD Tea as a Nighttime Ritual Before Bed

Another great way to use CBD in the evening is by drinking a cup of CBD tea. Similar to regular herbal teas but with an extra mellowing element, CBD teas can be great for transitioning you into the evening and supporting a more restful sleep. Just make sure you drink a non-caffeinated blend!

These suggestions for how to incorporate CBD into your daily routine are like a buffet. Take what you want and leave what you don’t! Also keep in mind that you don’t have to do all of them every day. We suggest starting small and incorporating just one or two habits into your routine. Over time you may find that you want to ramp up your CBD consumption or dial it back. Whatever you decide, make sure to always use the recommended doses and consult a physician if something feels off.

For more information on CBD or to purchase CBD online, visit us at BlackTieCBD.net today!

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Black Tie hemp isn’t just beloved by our customers. Despite being a relatively new establishment, Black Tie has already won numerous awards for our CBD and hemp products. That’s why we wanted to show you highlights of our newest and best strains.

Here are our latest strains for 2022;

1. GRANDADDY PURPLE (INDOOR) CBD HEMP FLOWER

Grandaddy purple is a CBD-rich hemp flower, best to enjoy CBD at its safest source. This hemp strain specifically contains over 23.80% cannabinoids, and is extremely rich in terpenes like Myrcene. 

Myrcene

On average, myrcene represents over 20% of the terpene profile in modern commercial strains, although individual samples vary widely in their terpene content. Herbal medicines containing myrcene have a long history of being used as a sleep aid in folk medicine.

Primary Terpenes: Ɓ-Farnesene, Beta-Myrcene, Linalool, Guaiol, Ɓ-Limonene (2.42%)

Primary Aromas:  Grapes, Berries, Candy
Smell Profile: This flower boasts a pungent "purple" scent - if you're familiar with the aroma of classic purple cannabis strains. The smell is a rich floral aroma with strong nodes of berries and candy. Pinch the buds to release a pungent Kush scent from within.
Taste Profile: Dry hit the blunt to reveal a bold, sweet grape flavor. The flavor is defined by tones of berries and cand. A mouth-watering flavor that is thick on the palate but smooth on the throat.
Preferred Time of Use: Afternoon / Evening
Phenotype: Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Density: Medium-High
Total CBD – 16.27%
THCa - .8%
THC (Delta9) - 0.07%
Total Cannabinoids Analyzed – 19.92%

2. ORANGE COOKIES (INDOOR) CBD Hemp Flower

ORANGE COOKIES -This indoor hybrid strain is aH-mazing. From the looks, to the taste, the experience, and the effects. The Orange Cookies are light green buds with bright orange hairs that glisten with trichomes, and is high in. This strain is a sativa-dominant hybrid marijuana strain made by crossing Orange Juice with the renowned Girl Scout Cookies. 

The dominant terpene of Orange Cookies is Terpinolene.

As an essential oil, terpinolene may have antibacterial and antifungal qualities, according to a 2005 study. Terpinolene carries an array of smells you might find in cannabis: It’s piney, floral, herbaceous, and even a little citrusy.

Density: Medium - High
Primary Terpenes: Beta-Caryophyllene, A-Bisabolol, Guaiol
Primary Aromas: The buds present a sweet mandarin orange scent with kushy undertones.
Taste Profile: Take a dry hit on the joint/blunt to reveal a sweet mandarin orange flavor. The smoke is pleasant and tingling sensation in the mouth as well as a sweet orange aftertaste on the lips. A kushy backend lingers on the palate.
Preferred Time of Use: Daytime - Anytime
Phenotype: Hybrid
Total CBD - 14.5%
THC (Delta 9) - None Detected
Total Cannabinoids Analyzed - 15.78%

3. Delta8 Infused Sour Diesel CBD Hemp Flower

Sour Diesel, often called Sour D, is a sativa-dominant cross between Chemdog 91 and Super Skunk. Sour Diesel CBD has a 70:30 sativa-to-indica ratio. The chunky, forest green buds of the Sour D have a shine to them as this strain is heavily coated with Delta8.  Some reportedly experience mental stimulation in the form of creativity from this sativa-dominant delta8 infused hemp hybrid, producing medium to large-sized highly dense buds. This strain is dominant in the caryophyllene terpene.

Caryophyllene

The terpene caryophyllene is present in many herbs and spices, including black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cannabis strains with high levels of it deliver a spicy, funky warmth to the nose, similar to cinnamon and cloves. What makes caryophyllene an intriguing terpene is its relationship with our endocannabinoid system, particularly, its ability to bind to CB2 receptors. Because of this, it comes with a host of potential medical benefits.

Density: Medium-High

Primary Aromas: Pine, Stinky Cheese, Gasoline, 

Smell Profile: The smell of the delta-8 coating is immediately detected upon opening the container. Pinch the buds to find the true smell of the buds within which begins with a hint of pine followed by a strong whiff of stinky cheese and finishes with nodes of truck stop Gasoline. It's funky in a real good way.

Taste Profile: This one is Gas. The taste is Diesel Fuel with a mild earthy undertone. The throat grab is medium to harsh as the delta8 coating makes for a heavy finish. May want to hit this one slowly. 

Time of Day usage: Daytime / Afternoon

Phenotype: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

Total Cannabinoids Analyzed – 42.5%

Total CBD – 13.74%

THC Δ8 - 27.54%

Delta 9 gummies are the potent, slow-acting, long-lasting edibles you’ve been looking for. Designed to give you the boost you need, these gummies are known for their energetic and uplifting effects. Black Tie CBD’s Delta 9 gummie contain Sativa terpenes, Terpinolene, and alpha-pinene, and are fully compliant with the Farm Bill because they only contain 10 mg of THC per 5-gram piece

Our high-potency Delta 9 gummies are fully lab tested for potency and purity and are all-natural, vegan, gluten-free, and made without corn syrup.

People take Delta 9 gummies for a variety of reasons, some of which include helping alleviate symptoms associated with pain, anxiety, stress, and depression. If you’ve never taken Delta-9 gummies before, there are some things you should know about the product before buying Delta 9 gummies online.  

Delta 9 Gummies are Psychoactive

Delta 9 THC is known as one of the psychoactive cannabinoids in hemp and is responsible for the psychedelic effects that cannabis delivers. While these gummies may taste similar to other non-psychoactive CBD edibles, it’s important to keep in mind that they have psychoactive effects. Depending on the individual’s body weight and what they ate, it may take up to 45 minutes for Delta 9 gummies to fully kick in.  

Many people report feeling calm, relaxed, having better sleep, and having better appetites during the two-hour window in which Delta 9 gummies are at their strongest. In some cases, individuals reported a boost in creativity as well as more sensory and visceral experiences. We suggest starting with ½ a gummy and waiting 90 minutes before proceeding. Do not exceed 2 gummies in one sitting.

Delta 9 Gummies Do Not Require Prescription

Unlike medicinal cannabis, Delta 9 gummies do not require a doctor’s prescription, which makes  buying Delta 9 gummies online from Black Tie CBD easy. These edibles are not considered a controlled substance according to the 2018 Farm Bill, under which the Farming Act legalized hemp products with dry weight volume with less than 0.3% of the delta-9 THC.

Deltas 9 THC gummies that comply with this limitation law (including those sold by Black Tie CBD) and are derived from hemp, which means they can be sold online in the same way that many CBD products can without a medical prescription. Delta 9 THC gummies are not intended for medicinal use. Black Tie CBD does not claim that our products will cure or treat any health conditions.

Delta 9 Gummies are Different from Smoking Cannabis

Consuming the same substance but in different ways may yield different effects. Although the THC in Delta 9 gummies might be similar to the amount one might get through cannabis, the intensity and duration of the effects will likely vary. Ingesting Delta 9 gummies often takes up to 45 minutes before users see a difference; it also usually results in a deeper and stronger psychoactive, relaxing sensation that can last up to six hours.

Smoking cannabis, by contrast, tends to have effects immediately, but they will be less intense and last for a shorter period of up to four hours. The main determining factor for who should take Delta 9 gummies vs smoking cannabis typically depends on preference and how experienced of a cannabis consumer you are.  

They Should be Taken in Moderation

Users should always bear in mind that Delta 9 is psychoactive and should be taken in moderation. Common side effects from taking Delta 9 gummies (whether you purchase them online or in-store) are dizziness, paranoia, anxiety, tension, and stress.  

Shop Award-Winning & Premium CBD Products

Established in 2018, Black Tie CBD was created to provide customers with high-quality CBD products. We have five properties spanning 200 acres on which we grow the award-winning hemp that we use to produce most of our store's products.

Black Tie CBD is committed to quality and variety. We believe in providing our customers with full access to our curated selection of hemp products so they can enjoy all of their benefits.

For more information about our CBD products, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-888-702-2285 today!

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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.

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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.

It’s a new year, and with the new year comes new laws that are to take effect, and for the cannabis and vape industry - these laws may not be as promising for the future of the industry. We’ve seen several states take a stance against vaping specifically, and added to the list are Illinois and Oregon. This article will cover everything you need to know about what this means for the vape community in these states moving forward.

Illinois

As of January 1st, 2022, the state of Illinois has passed a new bill, namely Illinois Senate Bill 00512 - The “Preventing Youth Vaping Act” which was sponsored by Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Bob Morgan. This bill is as the name suggests; a bill that creates additional restrictions and regulations on e-cigarettes, aiming to prevent vaping by children. So, what does this act mean for Illinois?

First of all, the law defines an e-cigarette as;

• A device using a battery or other mechanism to heat a solution, resulting in vapor for inhalation.
• Any container of a substance that is intended to be used in the device or used to refill the device.
• Any substance that is intended for use in the device.

According to the Illinois attorney general, the act is intended to do the following;

“Address the epidemic levels of youth e-cigarette usage by prohibiting companies from marketing products to minors.”

The state has clearly stated its interest and belief in encouraging the youth to live vape-free. While vaping is a controversial topic in regards to health, the state has a strong stance in stepping towards keeping these products out of the hands of anyone younger than 21 years old. This bill, however, also poses a challenge to the industry by limiting companies from directing their advertising and marketing.

While most people may stand by the age-restricted purposes of this bill, this legislative change poses nuanced difficulties to companies that offer these products and results in fines of up to $25,000 as well as a 1-3 year prison sentence if found guilty. The bill complicates marketing these products by stating the following rules:

1. Companies can not market vape products as modified risk tobacco products
2. Companies can not market a vape product as providing smoking cessation benefits unless approved by the FDA.
3. Companies can not market vape products in a way that appeals to or encourages any person under the age of 21 to use them.

As online tobacco and e-cigarette sales continue to grow, the new law and restrictions as listed above seek to prevent minors from purchasing e-cigarettes by requiring online retailers to take steps to ensure that purchasers are at least 21 years old. The state goes as far as urging the FDA to ban flavored tobacco products and to strengthen e-cigarette guidance by prioritizing enforcement actions against flavored e-cigarettes.

The only exception currently stands for the following;

“Electronic cigarettes first sold prior to August 8, 2016 and for which a premarket tobacco product application was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by September 9, 2020”

e-cigarettes that utilize synthetic (tobacco-free) nicotine or CBD-containing e-cigarettes, for example, that arguably are not tobacco products under federal law, would not be considered adulterated in Illinois for not having authorized PMTAs.

Oregon

As of January 1st, 2022, the state of Oregon passed House Bill 2261 which prohibits remote sales of inhalant delivery systems. This new legislation prevents any businesses involved in selling vape products from shipping or mailing any products that may have been purchased online or by other distant means. This means that the only sales permitted are in-person sales.

These restrictions do not, however, apply to freight forwarders or motor carriers. Apart from that exception, no retailers or businesses may sell smokable tobacco products unless the purchase was made face-to-face.

‘Inhalation delivery systems’ refers to anything that is one of the following;

“A device that can be used to deliver nicotine in the form of a vapor or aerosol to a person inhaling from the device; or a component of a device described in this paragraph or a substance in any form sold for the purpose of being vaporized or aerosolized by a device described in this paragraph, whether the component or substance is sold separately or is not sold separately.”

According to that description, the following products fall into the Oregon HB 2261 Shipment ban:

• Bottled e-liquid (with or without nicotine)
• Closed-system ENDS (e.g. pod/cartridge or disposables) pre-filled with non-nicotine and nicotine-containing e-liquids
• Open-system devices
• Open-system/Open-tank ENDS device

This means that the legislation appears to restrict the DTC sale of most types of vapor products.

The implementation of this bill was put forward due to the FDA reporting that 3.6 million middle and high school students were current users of e-cigarettes In 2020. While the FDA finalized a rule in 2016 that included ENDS in the definition of a tobacco product, the majority of regulation of these products is left to the states. Supposedly, despite the current regulations that were passed in 2017 - the state insisted that the regulations still make it relatively easy for minors to obtain products online.

A device is considered adulterated if:

1. It consists of any poisonous, deleterious or filthy substance that may render injuries to health.
2. It is held or packaged in containers composed of any poisonous or deleterious substance.

Considering these new legislations, it is clear that further restrictions are being imposed on the states around the U.S. and pose challenges to the vapor industry. While these new bills are proposed to provide a safer environment for minors, it should be asked whether this is a step forward or a step backward in the industry.

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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.

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Cannabis trim is a common term used to describe the excess parts a cultivator must trim, or remove from their plants post-harvest in order to fully maximize a plant’s bloom and, in turn, get more desirable crystals.

Cannabis trim refers to two different types of leaves:

• Sugar leaves are the small leaves that grow out of the buds: Heavily concentrated trichomes, so they’re better for various extractions. Some people do not trim the sugar leaves and just leave them on the buds. This has the advantage of making the harvest heavier and the buds more appealing. In some cases, the sugar leaves are also packed with large amounts of THC.
• Fan leaves are the larger leaves that protrude from the branches: Fewer trichomes and therefore fewer cannabinoids and terpenes, making it less effective for psychoactive products. Since fan leaves contain far fewer trichomes, you won't get a good yield for rosin extract, but you can make edibles with it as we will discuss below.

Typically, removing trim helps remove some unnecessary parts of the plant, at least in terms of smoking. However, the trim should not be deemed useless.

Preparing the trimmings:

Preparing the trimmings is an important part of the process when making edibles. The first step is to gather the leaves and dry them in a well-ventilated area, then chop the dried cannabis leaves into pea-sized pieces. Lastly, remove the stems (Since stems don’t contain enough cannabinoids to affect the potency).

The next step is to decarboxylate. The process involves heating the cannabis to convert inactive THCA and CBDA to active THC and CBD. If you don't properly decarb your cannabis, the moisture from it can cause botulism bacteria to grow in your tinctures, butters or oils - making it an important process.

You’ll need the following equipment:

• An oven
• A baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cannabis trim

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 235 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). Place the parchment paper on the baking sheet and spread your marijuana, or hemp flower across it.
2. Step 2: Bake for approximately 40 minutes
3. Step 3: Remove and let cool. The process is now complete.

Making Edibles With Trim:

You can typically use trim just as you would cannabis flower, but there are a few differences to be aware of. Edibles are easy to make with trim, and just as tasty, although it's important to know that you may end up with a more green-colored and pungent tasting end product due to the high levels of chlorophyll.

THC is fat soluble, so you need to put the trim in some type of fat. The most common are oil, butter or milk. Let’s take a look at how you can make the various edibles;

Cannabis Butter (cannabutter):

Infusing butter with cannabis to make ‘cannabutter’ with trimmings is one of the most popular and simplest ways to make cannabis-infused edibles. It is the main ingredient for a wide range of marijuana edibles. Most homemade edibles start with cannabutter. Butter is an ideal host for infused cannabis. Its pliability makes it really versatile for carrying THC and other cannabinoids.

Here is an easy recipe for how to make cannabutter with trim (the sugar leaves removed from harvested plants). What you’ll need:

• Cannabis trim
• Water
• Cookie sheet
• Salted butter
• Stirring spoon
• Cooking pot
• sharp knife

Step 1: After decarboxylating, chop up your trimmings, or use a kitchen blender.

Step 2: Melt your butter in the cooking pot and add water.

Step 3: Add the trim into the pot and let it simmer for about 4-8 hours, but you can let it simmer for longer if you are aiming for extreme potency.

Step 4. Add water as needed because it evaporates and the level in the pot lowers.

Step 5. Strain the mixture after the boiling is complete

Step 6. Place the butter into containers, let it cool and store it in the fridge

Once the process is complete, your cannabutter should look something like this;

How To Dose Cannabutter

Dosing homemade edibles is a complex but necessary part of the process. Each batch varies, depending on your type of cannabis and cooking techniques. All you need to know is how much cannabis you used in your butter and its THCA percentage.

Here is the calculator as provided by ‘INSIDER’;

10 milligrams is the standard dose for edible companies. 10 milligrams will feel relaxing, a bit euphoric, sedative, and calming for most people. If you have never consumed cannabis before, start even lower at 5 milligrams and build from there.

What to make with cannabutter

• Cannabutter fudge
• Peanut butter cookies
• Blondies
• Cheesecake
• Tarts

Cannabis-infused Coconut Oil:

Cannabis-infused coconut oil packs the potency without the animal fat for plant-based edibles. Nearly pure fat, coconut oil effortlessly binds to the cannabinoids in cannabis and has a higher smoke point than some other oils. Coconut oil is an accessible and versatile base for creating strong cannabis infusions, topicals, and medicinal edibles because of its high saturated fat content.

Not only is cannabis-infused coconut oil a great holder of potency, but it is also adaptable to different diets like ketogenic and vegan - all while tasting great. When you compare the coconut oil fat content with Olive oil, there is a difference of over 60% with coconuts taking the lead. This makes Coconut oil a perfect base for every cannabis-edible.

Here's what you will need for the recipe:

• Cannabis trim (amount depends on your desired potency)
• Coconut Oil
• Water
• Mason jar
• Baking Sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Grinder
• Pot (For Cooking)
• Cheesecloth
• Spoon

Step 1: Decarboxylate your trim.

Step 2: Fill your mason jar with coconut oil

Step 3: Fill your pot with water, and keep it over the stove with enough heat that it is not boiling yet.

Step 4: Place the decarboxylated trim and place it into the coconut oil in the mason jar, and seal the lid of the jar tightly.

Step 5: Place the mason jar in the pot and start boiling the water. Keep the temperature remains between 160℉ and below 200℉.

Step 6: Maintain the process for around 4 hours.

Step 7: After 4 hours, strain the coconut oil into a container. Now your coconut oil is ready to be used!

In the end, your cannabis-infused coconut oil should look somewhat similar to this;

What can you make with cannabis-infused coconut oil?

• Cookies
• Cauliflower rice
• Coconut oil chews/macaroons
• Banana bread
• Banana and coconut oil smoothie

It’s clear that neglecting cannabis trim is a massive mistake, and one commonly made. Cannabis trim is the best way to make edibles, and as you can see - the potential is endless. Cannabidiol (CBD) sugar trim available at BlackTieCBD.Net. Search “Flower”, then select “Trim/Shake” within the Quantity filter on the left hand side of the screen. If you would like assistance, please feel free to call us at (888)702-2285. Speak with you soon!