Month: November 2023

Categories
Holidays and Events

4 Ways to Incorporate Cannabis into your Thanksgiving

4 Ways to Incorporate Cannabis into your Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost upon us and with it comes a lot of different traditions. Everyone has different ways of celebrating as well as a whole host of different feelings about the holiday. 

 

However, regardless of your traditions or thoughts about Thanksgiving, if you’re here, you’re probably looking for ways that you can incorporate cannabis into your holiday celebration. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

 

Danksgiving Friendsgiving

Sometimes, your Thanksgiving host isn’t going to be super keen on you bringing any party favors to dinner. Totally cool, everyone’s got their own way of celebrating. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have your own Danksgiving celebration. 

 

In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of “Friendsgiving”, which is a Thanksgiving meal, usually before the actual day, that’s focused on friends instead of family. You can take this concept and adapt it. Grab some friends and maybe a couple of your smoke buddies and throw your own cannabis friendly Friendsgiving. 

 

This allows you to incorporate cannabis into the holiday, while still respecting the wishes of your hosts or guests.

Bring a medicated addition to the meal

Lets say your Thanksgiving crowd is cool with a little weed, you can incorporate cannabis into almost any dish or hostess gift you bring. 

 

If you’re cooking something, you can go ahead and add a little bit of cannabis infused oil or butter to the dish. Or if you’re baking, you can never go wrong with a little bit of medicated chocolate.

Are you on drink duty? Bring some infused seltzer or juice or maybe some cannabis non-alcoholic wine, if you’re feeling fancy. 

 

Maybe you’re not the cooking type and don’t have time to run out and grab anything, there’s nothing wrong with bringing a pre-roll (or a few) to pass a round. It will definitely be appreciated.

 

Bring your own stash 

Maybe your Thanksgiving party isn’t a huge fan of cannabis and probably won’t be smoking with you, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little fun on your own. 

 

Thanksgiving can be a pretty long and involved affair, this means that you’ll probably have time to sneak away for a little bit of fun. 

 

Most people are probably familiar with the “taking a walk with you cousins/siblings” or the “let’s go walk the dog” excuses. They get you out of the house and away from prying eyes so you can take a little time to decompress. 

A vape or even some edibles are good options for this scenario because they travel well and are pretty discrete.

Just make sure that you are careful where and when you consume. Make sure that you’re not on the property of anyone who might object. 

Also try and give yourself a few extra minutes before going back in just to air out and not raise suspicion. 

Start out early

If you’re worried about bringing cannabis to Thanksgiving dinner, you can also just get started a little earlier. 

Partaking beforehand makes sure that you’re still going to get that high without the risk of someone finding your stash. It also gives time for any smell to dissipate so people aren’t asking uncomfortable questions. 

Now, you can and should consume how you want but in this case, you might want to consider trying out some edibles. Edibles that you are absorbed sublingually, like hard candies or tinctures will often have a longer lasting effect and allow you to keep that high going all dinner long.

 

No matter how you decide to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, there’s always going to be a way to slip a little cannabis into the holiday.

We here at NatureMed are thankful for you and want you to know that we’re here for all you cannabis related needs. Check out our online menu  to see what we have to offer and check out our specials page to see the ways you can save

Happy Danksgiving!

Categories
Education Starter Series

A Starter Guide to Edibles

A Starter Guide to Edibles

Edibles are a pretty common way to consume cannabis and is sometimes the choice method for people who have issues or concerns inhaling smoke. 

They travel well and are a discreet way of medicating while in public or in social settings. They can also give a more prolonged, more intense high, depending on the edible. 

Additionally, there is a wide variety of dosages that you can choose from depending on what you’re looking for. There are micro-dose edibles that can be between 3-5 mg per piece or macro-dose that can be as much as 50 mg per piece (or even more). 

Most commonly, however, you’re probably going to 10 mg per serving as the standard.

If you’re looking to try some edibles for the first time or just expand your repertoire, we’re here to give you all the information you need on all of the different types of edibles you’ll find. 

Gummy Candy

One of the most common types of edibles you’re probably going to run into are Gummies. These are cannabis infused gummy candy that come in a variety of sizes, flavors and dosages.

They’re popular because they are small and portable and they’re easy to split if you’re looking for a smaller dosage. There’s also a higher chance that you’re going to find something that you’ll like, flavor or dosage wise, because there are so many options

Hard Candy

Hard candy edibles are another popular type of edible you’ll find. They come in a number of different forms, like lollypop, mints, lozenges, and more. They also come in a variety of flavors and dosages so you’ll always be able to find your preferred candy. 

Something different about hard candies is the way that you absorb the THC from them. Because the THC is being absorbed through your mouth instead of your stomach, you’ll typically feel the effects faster and for longer.

Baked Goods 

What many people think of edibles they probably think of “weed brownies” and while that is still a very popular treat, cannabis infused baked goods have expanded beyond that. There’s cookies, cakes, cereal treats, and more. Whatever you’re looking for there’s probably a medical version of it.

Baked goods are also pretty popular because they come in pretty high dosage servings and you can decide for yourself how you want to consume it.

Break it up into tiny pieces? You can do that. Split one with some friends? You certainly can. Eat the whole thing yourself? We don’t recommend doing that on your first go around but that’s an option too!

Savory Snacks

Pretty much everything we’ve talked about so far has been a sweet treat of some kind but if sweet isn’t your thing, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From pretzels to popcorn to BBQ Sauce and dips, there are so many options to satisfy that savory craving. 

These are also a great option to consider for people who need to watch how much sugar they eat. You can still enjoy the benefits of edibles without having to compromise certain aspects of your diet. 

Infused Drinks

Something else that we are starting to see more often are infused drinks. These are seltzers, juices, teas, or other beverages that have been infused with THC or CBD. You can either drink an infused beverage straight or mix it with something else. 

Seltzers and juices go well with mixers and make delicious, cannabis infused cocktails. You can take infused tea or coffee with you breakfast to mellow out your morning or pour either one over ice to keep you going all day. 

Infused drinks are also an alternative to alcohol that will have you feeling good, without that hangover to deal with in the morning.

Mixables

Speaking of mixing things, you don’t alway have to buy your edibles completely made for you. You can get infused ingredients to mix into whatever you’re making. 

There are cannabis oils and butters that you can add into your cooking or baking to give them a little something extra. They are also infused syrups that you can add on top of food or into drinks. 

If you don’t want anything that will interfere with the taste or texture of your food there are dissolvables that will mix into most things and leave next to no trace, except for whatever you feel after eating it.

 

There are so many options when it comes to edibles, that there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking to give edibles a try or you want to try something new, NatureMed is here to help.

Stop by and we’ll be here to help you with anything you need. Here is a link to our edibles menu and our specials page to see the ways you can save.

Categories
Education Starter Series

How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona

How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona

It might seem like, with recreational marijuana legal now, it’s not worth it to get your Medical Marijuana Card but that might not be the case for you. Having your Med Card allows you access to things that Recreational Patients might not get. 

Medical Patients can purchase more product, in higher quantities. You can also take advantage of the delivery services that some dispensaries offer. 

You can also save some money if you purchase with your Med Card. Medical marijuana is taxed at the rate of state sales tax, whereas recreational marijuana is subject to an additional 16% excise tax.

If you’re thinking about starting the process of getting your Med Card, don’t stress, we’re going walk you through what you need to do and give you the resources you need to make this process as smooth as possible.

Do you qualify for a Med Card? 

Before you start looking into how to get your Med Card, you need to determine if you qualify for one. 

First, you need to be 18 years or older. If you’re younger, you can have an approved Caregiver apply on your behalf. You will also need to be a permanent resident of Arizona at the time of application.

Then you will need to determine if you have a qualifying medical condition. The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) lists the following as qualifying conditions:

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  • Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
  • Hepatitis C
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
  • A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or the treatment for a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that causes:
    • Cachexia or wasting syndrome;
    • Severe and chronic pain;
    • Severe nausea;
    • Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy;
    • Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis

Once you have determined if you hit that criteria you can start the process of getting your Med Card.

Get your Medical Marijuana Certification

Before you start filling out your application, you are going to want to get your Medical Marijuana Certification. This is official documentation from a licensed medical professional that certifies that you indeed have one of the above listed qualifying medical conditions. 

These appointments will vary slightly from doctor to doctor but in general, you’re going to need your most recent medical records and some form of payment. The cost of these appointments can vary so make sure that you either check online or call the provider to confirm prices.

You also might need to print and bring with you the Medical Marijuana Physician Certification Form. 

Make sure that you check with the office before your appointment, to make sure that you are bringing everything that they require for your appointment.

If you’re looking for a doctor to get your certification, check out one of the following places and see what’s right for you:

Fill out and submit your application

Once you have your Medical Marijuana Certification, you’re ready to begin your application process. There are a few things that you are going to want to have handy to make the application process go as smoothly as possible.

You are going to need a recent photograph of you (or the patient if you’re applying on behalf of someone) and a valid form of identification. You will also need your signed Medical Marijuana Patient Attestation form and the Medical Marijuana Physician Certification Form that has been completed and signed by a licensed physician.

You’re also going to need a credit or debit card to pay the application and registration fee of $150. Note: this is in addition to any payments you might have made for your certification appointment.

AZDHS has a thorough checklist on their website, which we recommend downloading and using during this process.

 

After you gather everything, you can start to fill out the application and upload all supporting documents online.

Once everything is filled out and uploaded and your payment has been made you are good to submit your application! As long as your application is complete and there are no issues, AZDHS should issue your registry identification card within 5 business days.

Get your card!

You did it! You’ve submitted your application, you’ve gotten approved and now you have your Med Card!! 

You won’t get a physical card because, as of 2019, the state of Arizona requires that all cards be electronic, so make sure that you are able to access your digital card when you visit a dispensary. If you are unable to access your electronic card reliably, you are able to download and print your card to bring with you.

Photo from the Arizona Department of Health Services

Please note that your card is valid for two years from the issue date and you need to make sure that you apply for renewal at least 30 days before it expires.

 

Having your Med Card allows you access so many more options than you would otherwise and it also gives you the most opportunities to help you feel the best that you can be.

No matter what you decide is best for you, Nature Med is here to help! Here is a link to our online menu and our specials page. Also check out our delivery page to see if that option is right for you.

Categories
Holidays and Events

5 Cannabis Benefits for Veterans

5 Cannabis Benefits for Veterans

For as long as people can remember cannabis has been used for so many different things and has helped so many so many different kinds of people. One group of people who have reported seeing benefits from the use of cannabis has been Veterans.

Veterans have made so many sacrifices and have honorably served their country but some experience chronic medical conditions as a result of that service. 

There have been many veterans who have reported that marijuana has helped to ease the symptoms of some of their conditions and we would like to share just some of the ways they have been able to do that. 

Quick note before we get started! Cannabis, both medical and recreational, has not been legalized federally, therefore the Veterans Association (VA) is not permitted to recommend marijuana to patients. Additionally, they “may not complete paperwork/forms required for Veteran patients to participate in state-approved marijuana programs”.

However, according to the VA, Veterans will not be denied benefits because of cannabis usage.

With that taken care of, let’s get into it! Here are five ways that cannabis could help benefit veterans. 

1. Treatment for PTSD

One of the most common and more documented uses of cannabis for veterans is as a treatment for PTSD. While there has not been an official trial recognized by the VA there have been credible, FDA-regulated studies that show a link between cannabis usage and the improvement of PTSD symptoms. 

Additionally, there have been quite a few personal accounts from veterans who have used cannabis as a way to manage the symptoms of PTSD. 

2. Treat symptoms of anxiety and depression

According to the National Library of Medicine 14% to 16% of service members have reported being affected by depression. Additionally, about 20% of veterans report that they experience some form of anxiety 

Certain strains of cannabis have been used to help lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. There isn’t one particular stain or type of cannabis that will work best and given that everyone’s body reacts to cannabis differently we recommend talking to your budtender about what could help best for your specific symptoms.

3. Treat Chronic Pain

Many veterans report experiencing some kind of chronic pain, oftentimes stemming from their service. This kind of pain can range from mildly uncomfortable to debilitating and can affect every aspect of a person’s life.

Cannabis, in many different forms, has long been used for help with all different types of pain. Marijuana has been known to treat all types of pain, from migraines to joint pain and even pain associated with nerve damage.

4. Help with Loss of Appetite

An increase in appetite while using cannabis is very common and is often referred to as “getting the munchies”. This is usually considered a harmless side effect of smoking, however, those who are experiencing a chronic loss of appetite will sometimes use cannabis as an appetite stimulant to help treat the problem.

A loss of appetite can stem from a number of things, but for veterans in particular it can be a result of depression and even PTSD. 

5. Help with Insomnia

Another common use for cannabis is as a sleep aid. Certain strains are known to be extremely relaxing and there are even specific products that are designed with sleep in mind.

Insomnia, fitful rest and even nightmares are commonly reported issues in veterans. Cannabis can be a more natural way to treat those symptoms. Keep in mind that different strains have different effects so it may be a good idea to speak to your budtender for recommendations for sleep aids.

Bonus! An alternative to opioids 

With the recent opioid epidemic, there have been a number of people, veterans included, looking for alternatives to opioids and some have used cannabis as that alternative.  

There have been a few studies done showing that the use of cannabis can decrease the need for opioid painkillers. One study showed “64% reduction in opioid use amongst chronic pain patients who used medical marijuana.”

Just as a reminder: these are simply alternative treatments for people to consider. At the end of the day, patients should listen to their doctors and medical professionals when it comes to medical conditions and always be truthful when disclosing any alternative treatments they may be using.

Everyone here at Nature Med salutes our veterans and is appreciative everyday for the sacrifices that they made. We hope that all veterans know that they are more than welcome here and we will do everything in our power to take care of them! 

If you’re interested in checking out what we have to offer, here’s a link to our online menu and our specials page to see the ways you can save. Please stop by NatureMed on Veterans Day to take advantage of all of our Veterans Day discounts.