Although vaping and the use of vaporizers is a relatively new trend, it’s a controversial topic among non-smokers and tobacco smokers alike. Fortunately, that controversy is attributed to a lack of evidence or research and uneducated assumptions about these products. The following is a list of the 5 most common misconceptions or myths about vaping and vaporizers as well as why they aren’t true. Secondhand vape is equally as hazardous as secondhand tobacco smoke – FALSE. Since vaporizers don’t actually burn any product, they release negligible amounts of carcinogens and nicotine into the air. We’ve seen countless studies whose results have shown that secondhand tobacco smoke is harmful. As more of these studies are conducted, you’ll see more evidence proving that secondhand vape is far less harmful than secondhand tobacco smoke. Vaping is a gateway to tobacco smoking – FALSE. Interestingly enough, vaporizers were actually designed and developed to help you quit smoking tobacco. It’s a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco. Plus, it doesn’t have the foul odor and negative stigma that is characteristic of smoking tobacco. As a result, many tobacco smokers have turned to vaping in order to quit smoking tobacco and decrease the risk of potentially debilitating future health issues. Vaping is as hazardous to your health as smoking – FALSE. When you smoke, you’re burning tobacco, thereby releasing harmful materials such as ash, smoke, and carcinogens into the air. Conversely, the only thing that passes over the product you’re inhaling is heated air and water vapor. Consequently, you aren’t breathing in all those nasty chemicals that you would be when smoking tobacco. Other than nicotine, e-liquid ingredients don’t harm our bodies. Vaporizer batteries can explode without warning – FALSE provided proper care is taken. Batteries can become dangerous and fry. However, using them properly lowers the risk of them exploding. As with other types of batteries, vaporizer batteries require adequate ventilation because they produce heat when being used or charging. If the vents get blocked, heat and pressure build up and can cause the battery to explode. Vaporizers aren’t regulated by the Federal Government – FALSE. Initially, that was true. However, vape manufacturers and retailers held to much higher standards by the FDA today. Additionally, FDA regulations and the testing conducted in most vape shops ensure the consumer that you are purchasing a safe product. Although poorly conducted research and the rumor mill have created a panic about vaping and vaporizers, the bottom line is that smoking tobacco directly is far more hazardous to your health than vaping or using vaporizers. However, when you use water pipes or glass bongs, the smoke is filtered through and is a more effective way of enjoying your smoke.

If you’re an individual that prefers to smoke out of a bong or a glass pipe, you probably know that no two types of glass are alike. There are literally hundreds of head shops (offline and online) scattered throughout the greater LA area and southern California, all of whom will tell you that they sell the best products. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. The reality is that you can get scammed if you’re not careful. The following tips could help you find the ideal high-quality glass pipe.Decide on the type of pipe you want – the first rule of thumb is that not every pipe will fit your needs. Experience always helps when choosing the right pipe whether you prefer a dry pipe or a wet pipe (bong). For instance, consider the selling points. A dry pipe may be easier to use but it won’t smoke as smooth as a water pipe.High-quality is a must – don’t be fooled by the deal that’s advertised or by what looks like a decent pipe. There are lots of flimsy versions out there, some of which can be very dangerous to use. Thick borosilicate glass works best. The thicker the glass, the better the quality, especially if you’re a bit clumsy. Avoid purchasing anything from China. Their pieces are mass-produced and are typically poor quality. It is best to spend a little more and buy heavy glass pipes and bongs that are made in U.S.If possible, buy directly from an artist – glass art today is a big cultural trend in the industry. Interestingly enough, many glass artists are consumers as well. So, they understand what smokers want in a glass pipe. Furthermore, many bongs, glass pipes, and rigs are pieces of art and something worth displaying in your home. Granted, pieces that are hand-blown will have a higher price tag, but their quality is far superior to anything mass-produced in Asia.Pick the best value for the investment – whether you choose to purchase a glass pipe in-person from an artist or your search online for what you want, using the internet is often the best way to find a high-quality pipe at the best price. If you’re purchasing a product online, it’s easy to compare one product across multiple sites in order to find the best deal. Social media platforms are also a great place to search for a quality pipe. Get the Best Quality If you’re a veteran smoker, this is probably something you knew already. Who knows? You may have a pretty sweet collection of bongs and glass pipes. If not, check out our website or contact TankGlass directly. Our wide range of glass pipes are varied in design and prices.

If you’ve tried more than once to give up smoking tobacco, then you’re probably familiar with nicotine withdrawal. Interestingly enough, recent research has shown that CBD can help you break the habit. Because of the highly addictive nature of nicotine (it’s one of the world’s most addictive substances), it can be extremely difficult to quit smoking cigarettes. In fact, according to NIDA (the National Institute on Drug Abuse), only 6 out of every 100 cigarette smokers are able to stop smoking them in any given year.To combat addition to tobacco, pharmaceutical companies have a plethora of smoking cessation devices, nicotine patches and gum while e-cigarettes were considered the healthier alternative. However, all of the cessation methods still left people with the nicotine addiction that leads to withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are typically the strongest during that first week after you quit smoking. Consequently, this is also when relapse is the most likely to occur. You can expect to experience the following nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you quit: anxiety chills fatigue headaches heightened stress increased stress intense cravings irritability mood swings sleep disturbances sweating Although there are e-cigarettes and numerous nicotine-based products that will help you reduce your cravings, recent research has shown that CBD is not only useful in helping a person quit smoking, it’s a very powerful tool as well. What the Research told Us The University College of London conducted 2 interesting studies on the topic of using CBD to quit smoking. The first study involved 24 smokers, 12 of which used a CBD inhaler while the other 12 used a placebo inhaler whenever they had nicotine cravings. The research showed that the subjects who used the CBD inhaler decreased their tobacco consumption by 40% while the ones using the placebo experienced no significant change in their smoking habits.The second study occurred 5 years later in 2018 and was a double-blind, randomized study involving 30 participants. Some were given 800mg of CBD in oral form while others were given a matched placebo. They were then shown pictures of tobacco and checked for cravings and signs of withdrawal. Furthermore, their blood pressure and heart rate were also checked. What they found was that the 800mg dose of CBD helped to reduce the positive responses to the pictures while the ones who used the placebo experienced no change.In closing, most nicotine smokers have specific triggers such as having a cigarette with their morning cup of coffee or sneaking out from work when they felt anxiety or stress on the job. Over time, specific feelings, habits, or images often become associated with the release of nicotine into the system that smoking cigarettes provides.

It’s unfortunate that there’s a lack of research about cannabis consumption habits and the impact on your health. NORML state coordinator, Dr. Dale Gieringer recommends is to smoke a stronger strain so you don’t inhale as many harmful toxins. In other words, when you smoke more potent cannabis, you consume a smaller quantity of plant matter but can still achieve the desired effect. The idea is simple: First, bongs help you conserve your cannabis which in turn saves you money. Second, you now have more money and can afford higher-quality product. Finally, you consume less plant matter but get the same result. Eating edibles or smoking cannabis in a dry-herb vaporizer is the healthiest ways to smoke. However, many consumers often have difficulties adapting to a thinner vapor. As a result, they often find themselves wanting more flavor and an immediate effect. On the other hand, waiting for an hour or more for an edible to kick in can act as a deterrent, even though the effects may last longer. Thus, everyone has their own way of getting a high. Why is smoking through a Bong healthier for You? Another reason that smoking cannabis out of a bong is healthier for you is because the smoke is filtered by the water in the base of it, unlike a joint or pipe that provides no filtration at all. A study conducted by a group of Harvard Schools of Public Health researchers in conjunction with the University of Texas found that smoking through a bong removes two toxic substances – acetaldehyde and acrolein. These substances negatively affect the immune system and the lung’s defense cells. This makes it a healthier smoking option as compared to rolling a joint. 4 Benefits of smoking Cannabis through a Bong So why do so many smokers prefer a bong to a dry pipe or a joint? Simply stated, it’s all about the following benefits of smoking cannabis through a bong: For many individuals, the smoother hits you get when smoking through a bong is the biggest benefit of all. Second, it doesn’t take a lot of education to use a bong. While rolling a joint properly can be a challenging task, using a bong is relatively simple. Third, although more maintenance is required when using a bong (you can throw a joint away when you’re done with it), the maintenance is very easy. Finally, bongs are available in a broad range of colors, sizes, and costs. If you are looking for glass pipes and bongs for a new smoking experience, it is time to look online. For additional information about our assortment of bongs, visit our website or contact us by clicking here.

Potency, strain, and type of consumption are all significant factors that play a part in the way in which the effects of smoking cannabis affect each individual person. However, each individual has their own set of variables such as age, frequency of consumption, gender, and percentage of body fat just to name a few. If you’ve spent time smoking cannabis with friends you’ve probably noticed a broad variety of responses to it, even though everyone is smoking the same strain.For example, some may burst into laughter while others may start daydreaming. Some may become anxious or paranoid while others become “couch potatoes.” In any event, researchers have actually been curious and have conducted research into why people respond differently. So, it begs the question “Can the effects of cannabis be influenced by a person’s genes?” One of several things they’ve learned is that a person’s genes may play a significant role in the way that smoking cannabis affects us. Cannabis and Neurotransmitters In 2019, Canada’s University of Western Ontario researchers conducted a study that focused on how smoking cannabis can have such diverse effects on people. The study was conducted on rodents and enabled researchers to identify specific regions of the brain that could produce either negative or positive effects on the person. Researchers found that when rats are exposed to THC, it produced rewarding effects in the frontal lobe.The frontal lobe plays a key role in the pleasure and reward circuit of the brain through neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine plays a significant role in arousal, executive function, motivation, and reward while serotonin helps to produce feelings of well-being and happiness while stabilizing a person’s moods. This region of the brain enables animals and humans to identify the presence of a threat and react to it. Another essential aspect of cannabis intoxication is the reward circuitry in the brain. That part of the brain affects the memory and emotions, producing pleasurable sensations which leads to intake of cannabis to get that high again. Genetic Variables Although people with argue the point that addiction to cannabis is non-existent, a variation on the gene known as CHRNA2 can elevate the risk of becoming addicted or dependent on cannabis at the very least. However, trying to define “cannabis addiction” can be somewhat tricky. This is because studies on substance abuse often confuse addiction with dependency.Another genetic variable occurs with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in your body and the variations of them that oftentimes occur. These are considered genetic mutations that can alter the body’s responses to cannabis and other substances and dramatically impact one’s health.

Today, we’re seeing more states recognize the health implications of marijuana as well as the economic implications. But because we live in a country of 50 very different states with their own take on marijuana laws, it's often downright confusing to understand the laws as they will apply to you as a user, especially if you’re traveling interstate. State Laws Vary, As You Know And these laws are not just different from state to state but have multiple nuances from county to county and sometimes even municipality to municipality. Obviously, traveling to a state where cannabis is not legal sets you up for risk. But how does the law affect you if you're traveling from a place where it is legal to one where it is also legal?Although the laws are constantly morphing, the legality behind it all is that you need to be very careful when traveling with cannabis products, even when you’re going to another area where it is legal. Traveling Interstate with Marijuana is Still a Federal Offense Even if you are going to another state with lenient cannabis laws, federal law still says it's illegal. And federal authorities have been clear that they allow states to enforce their own laws concerning cannabis. But there are certain areas where the federal government has jurisdiction over state laws. And one of those areas is in the way of interstate commerce. In other words, if you bring cannabis products over state lines, you can still be charged and prosecuted. States Don’t Recognize or Abide By Another State’s Rules Another snafu is the way state laws have differing standards. To avoid federal problems, these state standards must be abided by. In most cases, the product must be locally grown and can only be used in the state where the product is licensed. While states will offer what is called full faith and credit between states such as drivers licenses, this does not work the same way for marijuana laws. Because there are still a minimum of states that have fully legalized marijuana, transporting it over state lines would be considered a crime even if it was purchased legally in the state of origin. Wait Until You Get There Because federal laws still prohibit marijuana and transportation is considered a federal crime, it’s best just to leave it at home and purchase it when you get to your destination. Even then, you want to understand the laws of where you are purchasing so you don’t expose yourself to legal risk. Wonder what the laws are in the state where you are traveling to? Do Your Research Because marijuana laws change rapidly, it’s important to consult an updated legalization map that sets out the marijuana laws across the United States. The Defense Information Systems Agency, otherwise known as DISA, puts out a marijuana legalization map that is updated on a monthly basis setting out all you need to know about legalization at your destination. Happy traveling!

Here in California, our legislature closed out the week with some improvements to reforms in marijuana taxes and expanding the industry’s access to banking. Once they make it to the governor’s desk, they are now set to shape the marijuana industry further into the future. Industry advocates have been looking to 2020 as a transformative year with regard to marijuana legislation but then COVID-19 happened. But the silver lining there was that local regulators decided that the industry was essential which allowed dispensaries to stay open even amid shutdowns in some areas. Senate Bill 67 Other news was Senate Bill 67 which will allow growers and producers to designate the region where the marijuana is grown, much like our wine industry. This is significant to ensure against false and misleading labeling and advertising. Under this bill, marijuana must be grown in the geographically designated area that it is using in its advertising. Growers feel this will help them preserve the integrity of their product, especially those who grow craft products relying on the soil and topography of a particular area. Possible Tax Relief Since marijuana was first legalized, California taxes concerning the industry have been some of the highest in the nation. While reforms to Assembly Bill 1872 aren’t as aggressive as was hoped for, they are still moving in the right direction. This bill serves to freeze any potential tax rate increases on marijuana businesses since they weren’t able to get the small business relief of other industries during COVID. Banking Availability Another issue regarding the cannabis industry is its inability to use banking and traditional financial services because of banks’ federal regulations. This has led some banks to avoid transactions with the industry. While Assembly Bill 1525 won’t do anything to remove federal regulations, it does remove any state penalties against institutions working with marijuana businesses and clients. Meanwhile, federal talks about banking and marijuana have continued with a vote on federal descheduling expected later in the month. This could allow access to banking for the entire industry, if passed. Although passed in the House already last year, the Senate has remained firm. Testing Tweaks Also on the governor’s desk are some measures for product testing changes that would allow growers to submit their unpackaged product for lab testing, making this more affordable to producers. Another measure would require more precise measurement of THC content in edibles while another would allow cannabis testing labs to offer services to law enforcement or prosecutors. CBD Regulations What didn’t make the legislative cut was an effort to regulate hemp-derived CBD in products such as food and supplements. Despite some losses, these measures are indicative of an industry on the verge of normalization. Finally. According to Amy Jenkins, a senior policy director at the California Cannabis Industry Association and active lobbyist, “I think that’s a great testament to everything the industry has been doing to educate the legislature… It’s a testament to how far we’ve come.”We will keep you posted.

We all know that cannabis has been around for a while. But how long? Researchers have actually been studying this and published a fascinating study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2018. The purpose was to “provide a critical and comprehensive evaluation, from the ancient times to our days, of the ethnological, botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of [cannabis], with a vision for promoting further pharmaceutical research to explore its complete potential as a therapeutic agent.” So what did it find? According to research, it’s believed that cannabis and hemp were first used and grown domestically in Central and Southeast Asia. Before any medicinal qualities were discovered, the fibers from plants were used in fabrics and sophisticated baskets discovered at paleolithic sites. It’s now understood to be the oldest known cultivated plant specifically for its fibers. How it began to be used other than for fibers is a little less understood but researchers felt one plausible explanation was the discovery of its “psychotropic properties” when it was accidentally burned. But as early as 1800 BCE, we have evidence that it was used in incenses and oils in religious ceremonies to medicinal remedies for seizures.Cannabis has been referenced in many religious texts from the Old Testament “sacred oil” to Hinduism and Buddhism to facilitate communication with spirits and meditation. Medicinal use of marijuana is also somewhat murky. The researchers established a timeline from nearly five millennia ago in China, where Chinese agriculture made use of the plant pharmacologically. The texts referred to it as a medicinal solution for such things as “fatigue, rheumatism and malaria.”Although used medicinally for centuries throughout the world, marijuana/hemp first appeared here in the Americas with the colonists who brought it over primarily for its fiber strength. In fact, at one point, Massachusetts law required every household to plant hemp. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew it on their farms. So what happened? Despite all the evidence of medicinal qualities and use over the millennia, the first known prohibition was issued by a decree in 1484 by Pope Innocent VIII denouncing both the use of marijuana right up there with witchcraft. But the main bulk of prohibition came from right here in the United States in our modern 20th century with a shift from natural medicine to dangerous drug. Congress first mandated that it be shown on product labels as an addictive and dangerous ingredient which was then followed up with the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937, followed later by Parliament in the UK in 1971.Fortunately, we are coming full circle with 11 states now with legalized recreational use and 33 states with legalized medicinal use. Although it still remains illegal at the federal level, overturning prohibition is now a topic with increasingly widespread support. According to a Pew poll taken at the end of last year, 67 percent of Americans think that marijuana should be legal with opposition falling. There is hope.

You’ve heard plenty about cannabinoids, right? But what about terpenes?Terpenes are another one of the chemical components of cannabis. These aren’t just found in marijuana but many different plants and even in some insects. In fact, terpenes are what give us sensory feedback in the way of smells. So how is this important when it comes to marijuana?Well, there’s a thing called the “entourage effect” when it comes to the interplay between healing cannabinoids and terpenes. They are designed in nature to work together as a partnership. So, you can still get effects from individual cannabinoid components such as THC or CBD, but researchers are finding that utilizing the whole plant may be the most beneficial use. Terpenes have the ability to amplify or downplay the effects of cannabinoids. This explains why two products of similar strains can have very different aromas and effects. When it comes to cannabis, those terpenes can have a profound effect on your overall experience. Some cannabis producers are even focusing on terpenes and blends to enhance their products’ effectiveness. There are over 20,000 terpenes found in nature with cannabis having about 100 of them. But there are some that are in high concentrations in cannabis. Myrcene -- this is the terpene that is found in the highest concentration in cannabis. Some strains are almost completely made up of myrcene. This terpene most often is the determining factor behind whether a strain is an Indica or a Sativa. Low myrcene (less than 0.5 percent) will be Indica. Myrcene has a relaxing effect. Limonene -- the second-highest concentration terpene in cannabis is limonene which is also found in citrus fruits. Although not found in all strains, it has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Limonene helps to counteract stress while enhancing mood. Pinene -- Pinene is commonly found in pine trees giving them their distinctive aroma. This is further broken down into alpha and beta. Alpha has a stronger pine scent whereas beta smells more like an herb like rosemary or parsley. Pinene has the ability to widen breathing airways, has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries in medications. Linalool -- linalool is what gives lavender it’s relaxation attributes and is known for relieving stress, combating anxiety and has antidepressant attributes. Caryophyllene -- this terpene has a spicy, peppery aroma and is also found in pepper and cinnamon. It helps with anxiety, depression and has anti-inflammatory properties. Humulene -- although many cannabis strains have been known to increase appetite, those that have a high amount of humulene have been shown to help decrease appetite. These are only some of the terpenes found in our current cannabis strains. The future of cannabis may just rest as much on terpenes as cannabinoids with the future of cultivation of certain hybrid strains for particular effects. That being said, terpenes are sensitive to carbonization with each one having its own temperature threshold. Consequently, getting the full effect of a specific terpene may be limited when smoking.