Cannabis Education

What are Extraction methods?

As the cannabis industry is constantly introducing new products to its customers, many of us have probably wondered how they were made. Even before the final products are put out for sale, each was crafted to the respective manufacturer’s likening, starting from its extraction process. While extraction processes sound like they aren’t necessary, they very much are.

Depending on how you want your plant extracted, each method enables you to harvest your plant uniquely. It then allows the manufacturer to retain specific plant properties to be curated to its finished product. With so many extraction methods available, each is classified as solvent or solventless. Solvent extraction methods use chemicals that strip away the cannabinoids.

Once the solvent is removed, it becomes a pure trichome concentrate. In solventless extractions, instead of using chemicals, mechanical processes remove the trichome from the plant while retaining the trichome during the extraction process. So no matter how you want to extract your plant, each method is reliable. To help get a better understanding of each method, we’ll be going over the popular types of methods used today in the cannabis industry. 

Solventless Extractions

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Using the heat and pressure method, you extract the plant through a pressure machine. When pressure is applied, the trichome gland releases all cannabinoids, THCA, and terpenes without using any solvents. However, putting too much pressure will cause your plant to burn and won’t allow you to extract. Before the heat and pressure method was patented, early users would use a hair straightener, wax paper, and the cannabis product they wanted to extract. 

Ice water hash

Ice water hash uses a bubblator machine that bathes the raw cannabis flower in ice-cold water. This allows the trichome to sink to the bottom since it can’t absorb water. Then When it’s collected, the trichome is then turned into ice water hash.

Dry sift hash 

Dry sift hash uses a micron screen to separate the trichomes after passing through the screen back and forth. Then, after falling to the bottom like the ice water hash method, it is rounded up and compressed into blocks. 

Solvent extractions                                                                                                          

BHO and PHO 

Some of the most popular solvent-based extractions are BHO ( Butane hash oil) and PHO (Propane hash oil). They both use liquefied hydrocarbons that will break down the cannabis plant, allowing you to collect resin. Closed-loop extraction is also used to help with efficiency to get the most out of each extraction process. 

Dimethyl-Ether 

DME or Dimethyl-Ether is one of the new extraction methods to come out recently; it was mainly used for food to extract solvents safely. DME allows the boiling point to be at -24.8C so that it can easily separate from solvents. This method also doesn’t leave any solvent residue behind. 

CO2 Oil 

Finally, CO2 oil extraction is the most reliable way for vape cartridge enthusiasts. Carbon dioxide is heated to high temperatures and then subjected to high pressures, converting it to a solvent. 

With so many distinct methods, you're bound to discover one you like. However, when trying out any of these extraction methods, we advise you to proceed with caution. Having the correct tools and talking with experts will assist you in your approach while ensuring your safety. 

Difference Between Live Resin and Distillate

The process in which cannabis is harvested is delicate and intricate. With each concentrate offering different uses, this means that the strain is curated to its likening. Understanding the difference of what is being harvested is essential. I’ll be going over the differences between live resin and distillate; both are well-known concentrates that look similar, thus can be easily confused.

Distillate

Being the base of many products like edibles and wax/oil cartridges, distillate is very adaptable. Once all the elements except for the cannabinoid are removed, you have distillate. When deconstructed to its purest form, it can be very potent.

In its CBD form, the effect is more relaxing and calming like you would with any CBD-based product. In contrast, the THC form will be more intoxicating since it’s pure THC. To fully understand how distillate is made, our friends at Weedmaps go through the process of how distillate is made. Upon examining distillate, it is clear that it has an oil-based texture.

Since distillate is cannabis oil, it is the base of many products. The only way to consider that distillate is cannabis oil is to be stripped down to its purest form, removing the plant’s terpenes, flavors, and aromas. After the product has gone through the necessary steps, the next step is to use distillate.

The correct way to use it is either in a dab rig or a portable vaporizer. Vape pens also fall under this category as well, since most cartridges have pre-packaged oil/wax. However, edibles are the best alternative to consume distillate if the consumer prefers not to smoke.


Live Resin 

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After being discovered in 2011 and fully developed in 2013, live resin is still new to the cannabis industry. While looking like distillate in color, resin is a separate entity on its own. As mentioned before, distillate is stripped of all its properties to be used in its purest form. While distillate is similar, resin is harvested through a freezing method that lasts before and during the process. The freezing method allows the plants to preserve their properties to their final product. While some curative cannabis processes may force the plant to lose its aroma and flavor, which can affect the terpenes, this is not the case for live resin. With live resin fully containing all of its terpenes, it’s more sought after because of how much the consumer values the flavor, aroma, and effect. Live resin also takes on many forms, from saps, sugars, jellies, butter, and solid shatters; the selection is diverse.

The terpene levels are the sole contributor to the thickness in each form. If there is any doubt that potency levels aren’t where consumers like them to be, a change in the plant should be considered first. Resin is as strong as the plant it is harvested from; further manipulation of resin is how to manage varying potencies. 


It should be taken into consideration that when trying any distillate or live resin, the consumer should be careful and only try from trusted manufacturers. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, each product will evolve and offer new or different experiences for potential and long-time customers. 

Do's and don'ts: Guide for your first time getting high

With any new endeavor, everybody is going to be a beginner. After learning and gaining experience, you can go from beginner to expert. Just like anyone who decides to try cannabis, I wasn’t sure what my first experience was going to look like. Thankfully it was positive, and through the help of some friends, it was a calming experience. Now to say that it will be the same for anybody else is not necessarily the case. Even with me being a novice at the time, I can say that I have gained my fair share of cannabis knowledge since then.

By having the luxury of living in California, I have access to legal cannabis, and I’m able to give suggestions based on what I’ve experienced. If you're a first-time user reading this, you came to the right place. Below I’ll be laying out a little guide to ease your anxiety and give you insight into the cannabis industry. 

Only try if you are of age and are in a state were cannabis is legalized recreationally.

Cannabis (ka·nuh·buhs)

So what is cannabis? The google definition is a general and straightforward reference; “a tall plant with a stiff upright stem, divided serrated leaves, and glandular hairs. It is used to produce hemp fiber and as a drug”. As it is only a broad definition, cannabis is more than just, “a tall plant with a stiff upright stem”.

When talking about cannabis, the two most well-known active ingredients are THC and CBD. THC gives the effect of being high and is used more recreationally. The latter is more of a relaxing ingredient that allows consumers to use it for medicinal purposes.

Depending on what route you want to choose, both allow the user to craft their own experience. The more you get to know what you like, you'll be able to understand how they affect you and how much you need to take. 


Not everybody is the same

With the effects that cannabis has, it should be noted that just because one thing works for you it might not be the same for someone else. So when trying anything new it is always a good idea to start small.

Rove cartridges available at our Santa Ana location.

Rove cartridges available at our Santa Ana location.

As you begin to build tolerance with any product you're using, you’ll want to bring up the dosage of what you're taking. You should approach this with caution as taking too much might lead to feeling overwhelmed, which could cause a negative experience. Make sure if you are trying anything for the first time you are in a place where you feel comfortable. In your home or among friends may make you feel at peace, which can really enhance your experience and allow you to relax.  


There is something for everyone

As we continue to move forward with the cannabis industry, there will be ever-changing ways to consume cannabis products. As flower is the most popular way to consume cannabis, there are different methods you can try as well. Edibles, vape pens, gummies, pre-rolled joints, and tinctures are to name a few. Each is unique in its own way and allows each user to have a different effect.

While vape pens are my personal favorite because some pens allow you to use cartridges. Cartridges are prepackaged casings that contain oil or wax, which vaporize when inhaled.

An assortment of different kiva bar flavors located at our Lake Elsinore location.

An assortment of different kiva bar flavors located at our Lake Elsinore location.

For instance, roves’ kush disposable cartridges, and they come in an abundance of flavors as well. Each form has been effective with me (except for tinctures, which I have yet to try). Edibles and gummies are in a sense the same as they have preset dosages infused into them, just like kivas midnight mint chocolate bar and lost strawberry gummies. I do caution that homemade gummies and edibles need more discretion when trying if not mixed properly. Pre-rolled joints are pre-packaged with whatever strain the company decides to use. It is highly likely you’ll find something you like in time.

As you start your journey, make sure that you proceed with caution. Trial and error is a common form of experimentation when it comes to cannabis. Figuring out what you do and don't like is simply part of the process.

As long as you are safe when trying new things and review dosage information you’ll enjoy what cannabis can do for you. 

Beginners Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Vape Pen

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, we see that customers are beginning to consume cannabis products in various ways. As of 2018, Investopedia.com ranked the five most popular ways to consume cannabis as follows; flower, vape cartridges, pre-rolled joints, gummies, and tinctures. While four out of the five listed can be easily consumed and maintain overall freshness, using vape cartridges can be tricky to maintain. Vape cartridge maintenance is not too complex to understand, but knowing when to clean your cartridge and when your battery is not performing to its standards means getting the best experience possible from your vape.  

The following is a guide to clean and maintain your vape and all of its parts:

Research your pen

As each manufacturer is different, not all vape pens will be made the same way. Doing research will help you better understand how your pen is constructed, allowing you to utilize the correct methods to clean and maintain it. A vape pen will usually contain the following parts; Battery, Atomizer, Tank, Mouthpiece, and Button. 


Taking apart your pen

After researching your pen, you should now take it apart and prepare for the cleaning process. Most pens on the market usually have interchangeable parts that allow you to deconstruct them with ease. If you’re still having trouble understanding your device, looking for an owner’s manual or instructional videos made by the vendor may help you. 


One of the many designs of a vape pen. https://vapology.com.ng/2019/06/05/types-of-vapes/

One of the many designs of a vape pen. https://vapology.com.ng/2019/06/05/types-of-vapes/

Battery

  The battery is a vital part of your pen. Not taking proper care of your battery can potentially lead to a dangerous situation. We recommend that you clean the exterior of your battery with only rubbing alcohol when any residue is present. Be sure to only clean the battery’s surface. Another piece you should pay attention to is the atomizer as well as where it is connected to the battery. Be sure that no residue is blocking the flow of electricity. If your battery is damaged or not working correctly, you should replace it immediately so that no harm can be inflicted on you or any other user.


Cleaning your pen 

You’ll need to use different methods to clean each piece of your pen. In some cases, you’ll have the vape cartridge, which is preloaded with oil/wax and has a built-in tank. These are usually easier to clean and allow the user to perform less maintenance. To clean the cartridge, you’ll want to use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently brush on the exterior and clear away any residue build-up. Then with a paper towel, make sure you dry the outside thoroughly before subsequent usage. Submerging your cart in anything liquid-based can affect the quality of your cart and is a method we do not endorse. With most vape cartridges, you’ll have a mouthpiece as well. We also recommend cleaning the mouthpiece with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab by brushing the exterior and interior for sanitation purposes. After you disinfect it, dry it with paper towels and make sure that it is completely dry, the taste won’t be affected. If your mouthpiece is a separate piece, you can submerge it in a container filled with rubbing alcohol so that it can be disinfected to the fullest possible potential. 

For users that have a tank, you first want to clear out the previous residue. You’ll then want to prop the tank on its side so that the liquid can drain onto something disposable like paper towels. We highly recommend that you don’t drain any liquid down your sink. For any solid concentrate, using a cotton swab and brushing away any residue is best. Then take the separated tank and submerge it in rubbing alcohol and water for an hour before you use a cotton swab on the inside and let it dry on paper towels. If you want to make the cleaning process easier, you can find various cleaning kits that best suit your needs online. Before you reassemble your pen, we stress that you allow each piece to dry independently, this way the functionality of your device as well as the taste of the product is at highest quality standards.

Create a schedule

If you aren’t an active user of your pen, we still recommend that you create some sort of schedule just so that you’ll be utilizing it to its fullest when you use your pen in the future. As for active users, maintenance and cleaning might be more often so that residue can be cleaned off and the use of your pen is working correctly. 


As you become more familiar with your pen, you’ll understand what the obvious signs of when to maintenance and clean your pen. By doing so, you’ll be able to have the best experiences for every use going forward.




What are Cannabinoids?

Recently, there has been an influx of scientific research about all of the therapeutic properties of cannabis. Everywhere you go, there is an advertisement urging consumers, “Got anxiety? Try CBD!” Commercials persuade you, “Nausea? Look no further than your local dispensary!” But why is this extraordinary plant constantly being touted for having so many health benefits? The answer is in its cannabinoids.

Discovered in the 1940’s, cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. To clarify, cannabis is not a synonym for marijuana, rather marijuana is a kind of cannabis species, along with the hemp plant. Perhaps the biggest fundamental difference between the two is that hemp contains less than .3% of THC, while marijuana plants contain over 0.3% of THC.

As of now, there have been around 113 different kinds of cannabinoids identified in nature. The two most notable and well-researched cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Currently, the possession and consumption of THC are not legal on a federal level, however, due to the Farm Bill of 2018 signed into law by the President, CBD is now legal nationwide.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound that has been shown to contain therapeutic properties that can help increase appetite, as well as reduce motor issues, nausea, pain, and inflammation.

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. In other words, CBD, derived mainly from hemp plants which contain a high CBD content and extremely low THC levels, won’t cause a “high” feeling. CBD has also been shown in research to address pain, inflammation, and mental disorders. CBD is also well-known for treating epileptic seizures. Studies have shown that not only is CBD effective for humans, but it may be effective in the health of some animals, too.

While CBD and THC are some of the most abundant compounds found in cannabis, there are other lesser-known cannabinoids that also have health benefits, such as cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN).

Cannabinoids enter the body through whichever method you are using cannabis: whether it is through an edible, a smoking device, or a topical application. When introduced into the system, cannabinoids will bind to cannabinoid (CB) receptors, which are mainly found in our body's natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). Interestingly, the ECS and cannabinoid receptors are not just in humans, they have also been found in all living vertebrates.

Cannabinoid receptors have been split into two categories: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors mostly reside in the brain, while CB2 receptors are found in the immune system — however, no matter where they are located, both classes of CB receptors play a vital role in helping our ECS maintain the proper regulation of important bodily functions. By binding to CB receptors, cannabinoids have the ability to affect these different bodily functions, which include appetite, pain, mood, memory, and many more. While research is still in its infancy, with continued research, the importance of their use will become more apparent in the medical sector.

Visit one of Mr. Nice Guy’s locations in California or Oregon

At Mr. Nice Guy, our expert budtenders are here to help you find the right cannabis products for your personal needs. Don’t hesitate to visit one of our 20+ convenient locations across California and Oregon or contact us online today.

What is CBD?

In simple terms, CBD is the best way to reap the benefits of cannabis without experiencing a high from it. Many people use it to help them sleep, relax, and manage pain. For many who are interested in cannabis and experiencing a high for the first time, CBD is also a wonderful way to ease new patients into the feelings.

Scientifically speaking, CBD or cannabidiol, is a molecule produced in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and has no intoxicating effects. CBD holds many benefits, the most fascinating being its neuroprotective qualities.

CBD directly affects major brain receptors like serotonin and GABA which play a huge role on your mental and bodily functions. Cannabidiol is commonly used to treat and reduce pain, depression, anxiety,  epilepsy, nausea, high blood pressure, is known for calming Parkinson’s, and much more!

CBD is currently legal to purchase and consume in all 50 states! Check our location map to find products near you!

Much like everything else, CBD has never been quite this developed before. You have the opportunity to enjoy CBD through flower buds, pre-rolls, edibles, and extracts. These products can be found in cannabis dispensaries as well as thousands of retail locations across America. In addition to that, you can also experience CBD through a cup of coffee, a shot of alcohol, or even a bowl of pasta. Many food and beverage establishments are adding CBD to their menus!

Want to know more about CBD and the products in our store? Feel free to ask one of our budtenders to find out more!