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Breaking Down Cannabis Culture in Arizona

Breaking Down Cannabis Culture in Arizona

Since 2010 with the legalization of medical marijuana, through the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2020 and beyond, the culture surrounding cannabis in Arizona has changed quite a bit. 

From the way that it is cultivated and distributed, to the way that it’s consumed, to people’s views and opinions on it cannabis has come a long way in the last few years.

Learn More: A Journey Through Time: Cannabis and Cannabis Usage in Arizona 

Like so many places, prior to legalization, there was already a thriving culture of cannabis in Arizona as well as an already established market. 

This legacy market involved the illicit cultivation, distribution, and consumption of marijuana. While it was not like the seedy back alley dealings that are seen in the media, it was not like the large operations that we see today. Growing and cultivating took place in people’s homes and on private property, and distribution relied on word of mouth advertising and interpersonal relationships.

This community, while illegal at the time, set the stage and laid the groundwork for the cannabis industry that we have today. 

 

By the time we reach 2010, we begin to see the efforts of the cannabis community come to fruition. After being rejected 2002, Proposition 203 (the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act), was approved, legalizing marijuana medical usage. 

 

Soon after, Arizonians began applying for medical marijuana cards, making cannabis much more widely and legally accessible than before. This began to bring the cannabis community out from underground and into a more public setting. In the eyes of some, its legality made it more acceptable.

 

Additionally, with the legalization being focused on medical usage, more people began to see cannabis in a different light. For some people, it was no longer an “illicit substance” with negative connotations, now it was something that was helping people and giving them the relief that they needed.

 

However, all opinions from the general public were not changed overnight. A number of lawsuits were filed in an effort to reject or overturn the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. So while the laws had changed, the use of cannabis, even medically, was still stigmatized. 

As is often seen in these types of situations, laws influence opinion and opinion influences laws. Slowly but surely enough support was gained for the legalization of recreational marijuana to be brought to the people for a vote. Proposition 205 was rejected in 2016 but finally passed in 2020. 

 

This change in legislation marks another shift in the cannabis community. Marijuana is now easily available to more people than ever in the state of Arizona. This does a lot to help public opinion and to change to conversation around cannabis.

 

With it so readily available, the chances of a person knowing someone who used cannabis went up. For those who still continued to look down on the cannabis community, it allowed them to see cannabis users as real people in their lives and not just this caricature of a stoner that had been shown to them in the media.

This takes up to the current climate surrounding cannabis in Arizona. Marijuana is now as accessible as it’s been in recent history and the conversation around cannabis has been shifting into a more positive light.

Like any regulated substance, there are going to be a lot of varying opinions coming from a lot of different places but the cannabis community here in Arizona has put in a lot of work and made a lot of progress when it comes to its perception.

NatureMed is proud to be a part of the cannabis community here in Tucson and in Arizona as a whole. Whether you’re just starting out or have been here since the beginning, we are here to help you feel better.

Here is a link to our online menu and our specials page to see the ways you can save.

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Education Starter Series

A Starter Guide to Concentrates

A Starter Guide to Concentrates

Concentrates are a popular way that a lot of people consume cannabis, however it can get overwhelming, trying to figure out all of the different types of concentrates. To make it a little easier, we’ve put together an introduction to the most common types of concentrates you might encounter. 

Shatter

As the name suggests, Shatter has a brittle, glass-like look to it that will crack or “shatter” like glass when broken. This concentrate is made using solvents like butane or CO2 to extract the desired compounds from the plant. Afterwards, the solvents are processed or evaporated to remove them, leaving only the concentrate behind

Typically, Shatter is consumed by dabbing, where a small piece is broken off, heated and vaporized using a dab rig or something similar.

Crumble

Crumble is a concentrate that’s similar to shatter but with a dryer, more crumbly consistency, giving it its name. Crumble is another concentrate that’s made using solvents, in this case, specifically butane.

Crumble can also be consumed through dabbing but is also often on top of or mixed with flower to add to the smoking experience. 

Batter

Batter, also known as Badder, is a concentrate with a thick, whipped consistency that often resembles frosting or cake batter, hence the name.

Batter is produced similarly to crumble, however, during the process of purging the solvents from the concentrate, it is mixed or whipped to give it the texture and consistency it’s known for. 

It’s like many other concentrates in that it’s often consumed through dabbing or vaporizers that are designed for concentrates.

Wax

Another type of concentrate that you might come across is Wax. Like the name suggests, this type of concentrate has a texture and feel similar to that of beeswax. 

Like Shatter or Crumble, Wax is another type of concentrate that is extracted using solvents. Similar to Batter, Wax gets its thicker, soft consistency from having air whipped into it during production.

 Wax is another concentrate that is commonly consumed through dabbing or vaporizing. 

Resin

Resin is another term you may come across when talking about concentrates. It’s a broader term that can be used to describe a few different types of concentrates, ranging from from a more viscous type liquid to a more solid syrupy concentrate.

One of the more common types of Resin is Cured Resin. The process to make Cured Resin involves drying and curing the cannabis plant. After harvest, the plants are hung and dried slowly over a period of time before the concentrates are extracted.

Another popular Resin is Live Resin. Live Resin is made by freezing the plant before extraction, instead of drying it. Freezing it like that preserves the terpenes that would typically be lost during the drying process.

Resin can be consumed a number of ways, including dabbing and vaping or it can be added to joints as well. 

Rosin

Rosin is a popular concentrate that is very versatile. It’s a solventless concentrate that’s made by applying heat and pressure to the flower, forcing the oil out. This ease of production makes Rosin a popular concentrate to produce at home. 

Depending on the Rosin, it can range from a more liquidy consistency to a thicker, almost taffy-like texture.

Similar to Resin, Rosin can be consumed in a number of different ways, people often use it for dabbing or vaping and it’s even sometimes added to joints.

 

There are so many different types and variations of concentrates but we hope that this little taste has given you a good idea of what to expect when trying out this particular cannabis product.

As always, NatureMed is here for all of you concentrate-related questions. Remember to consume responsibly and be mindful of dosages. Here is a link to our online concentrate menu and our specials page to see the ways you can save.

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Education Starter Series

Getting Started: A Beginners Guide to Cannabis Products

Getting Started: A Beginners Guide to Cannabis Products

For someone just starting out, getting into the cannabis space may feel a little intimidating. There’s a lot of different types of products that affect people in many different ways, all with different ways to consume them. 

If you are looking to get into weed, and don’t know where to start, we’re here to help, with a comprehensive starter guide to the different types of cannabis products.

Flower

The first type of cannabis product that you’re probably going to encounter is Flower. Flower is one of the most basic forms of cannabis and requires the least amount of processing after it’s harvested.There are two main ways that people consume flower, either smoked in a rolled product (like a joint or blunt) or in a pipe/bong. 

Smoking a joint is probably the most common way to consume cannabis, which involves grinding and rolling the flower into the joint, lighting and inhaling it, as one might do to a cigarette or cigar.

You could also smoke cannabis in a blunt, which is similar to a joint but is wrapped differently. Whereas a joint is typically wrapped in a rolling paper specially designed for cannabis, blunts are usually wrapped in a cigar wrapper, which contains tobacco. The tobacco content in a blunt affects the flavor, smell and even the high you get when smoking it.

People may also choose to smoke it out of a pipe or a bong. This involves placing the ground flower into the bowl of pipe or bong, igniting it and inhaling it through the mouth piece. Each apparatus works slightly differently, with a pipe allowing you to inhale the smoke directly, whereas a bong filters the smoke through water. 

Concentrates

Another form of cannabis that you’re likely to come across is concentrates. Concentrate, as the name suggests is a concentrated, highly potent form of cannabis that isolates desirable compounds like THC and CBD.

You can find concentrates in many different forms but the main ones you will usually see are distillate, rosin and resin. 

Distillate is one of the purest forms of cannabis concentrates available, with it usually containing over 90% cannabinoid content (typically THC). It’s also virtually tasteless and odorless, which makes it extremely versatile to use in many different products. 

Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to the flower, causing the cannabinoids and terpenes to ooze out. It’s also solventless, which makes it easy to produce at home.

Live resin is made from freshly harvested and flash-frozen cannabis plants. This process preserves the plant’s terpenes, resulting in a concentrate with a strong flavor profile and aroma.

Concentrates can be consumed in a multitude of different ways, one of the most popular being dabbing. Dabbing involves heating a small amount of concentrate on a surface and inhaling the vapor through a dab rig.

Concentrates can also be used to manufacture a number of other types of cannabis products.

Learn More: A Starter Guide to Concentrates

Vapes

Vaporizers, mostly commonly known as Vapes are a very common type of cannabis product. They consist of a pod or a cartridge that contains a concentrated form of weed that is then heated until it vaporizes, allowing someone to inhale it. 

There are a few different types of vapes that you may come across. Disposables are common, which are essentially a non-refillable cartridge or pen that contains the concentrate that can be thrown out after it’s finished. 

You can buy cartridges on their own and attach them to a battery or you can purchase an all-in-one which comes with the battery already attached. 

If you don’t want to go the disposable route, you can purchase your own carts and refill yourself using whatever concentrate you like.

Edibles

Another way that you could consume cannabis is edibles. Edibles are basically food or beverages that are infused with cannabis extracts. These can come in the form of brownies, cookies, chocolate, gummies, and more. 

You can also find tinctures, which are liquid extracts that can be placed under the tongue or added to other foods and beverages.

Additionally, edibles are known to cause a more prolonged and intense high than other forms of cannabis and as such, one should be cautious when taking edibles for the first time. It can also sometimes take longer to feel the effects of edibles so it’s also a good idea to be conservative with your edible consumption until you know how it will affect you.

Topicals

Topicals are another popular form of cannabis product. Unlike other products that we’ve seen, topicals are not consumed but are, like the name suggests, applied topically to get the desired results.

Cannabis infused creams, lotions, salves and oils can be applied to the skin for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons can include pain relief, inflammation reduction, relaxation stress reduction, and more.

Topicals are popular because you’re able to get localized relief to the area that you need it. Topicals also don’t not produce a high which makes them popular to use in everyday life.

 

Navigating the world of cannabis products can seem intimidating at first, with a diverse array of choices that cater to individual preferences and needs. So whether you’re looking for relaxation, pain relief, or a recreational experience, the diverse landscape of cannabis products has something for everyone. 

NatureMed is here for you as you embark on your cannabis journey. Remember to consume responsibly and be mindful of dosages. Here is a link to our online menu and our specials page to see the ways you can save.

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General

A Journey Through Time: Cannabis and Cannabis Usage in Arizona

A Journey Through Time: Cannabis and Cannabis Usage in Arizona

The history of cannabis usage in Arizona is a captivating tale that traverses centuries, revealing how this plant has played a significant role in the state’s cultural, medicinal, and legal landscapes. From its indigenous use to its modern-day legalization, the story of cannabis in Arizona is a testament to the evolving attitudes towards this once-controversial herb.

Ancient Roots:

Cannabis has deep-rooted origins in Arizona, dating back to prehistoric times. Native American tribes, including the Hopi, Navajo, and Apache, utilized cannabis in various rituals and spiritual practices. Its fibrous stalks were used to create ropes and baskets, while its seeds served as a valuable source of nutrition.

 

Arrival of Cannabis Prohibition:

In the early 20th century, the United States experienced a nationwide push towards cannabis prohibition. In 1931, Arizona, influenced by the prevailing national sentiments, enacted its first anti-cannabis laws, severely restricting its use and cultivation. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively outlawed cannabis across the country, marking the beginning of a prolonged era of cannabis prohibition in Arizona.

The Medical Cannabis Movement:

The turning point in Arizona’s cannabis history came with the rise of the medical cannabis movement in the late 20th century. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis, setting a precedent that gradually spread across the nation. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that Arizona voters approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA). This landmark legislation allowed patients with qualifying medical conditions to access medical cannabis legally.

Legalization Efforts and Proposition 203:

Buoyed by the success of the AMMA, advocates and activists in Arizona intensified their efforts to push for broader cannabis legalization. These endeavors culminated in Proposition 203, a ballot initiative that sought to regulate the recreational use of cannabis. In November 2020, Arizona voters approved Proposition 203, making it the 13th state to legalize recreational cannabis.

A Regulated Cannabis Market:

With recreational cannabis now legal, Arizona embarked on a journey to create a robust and regulated cannabis market. The state introduced a system of licensed dispensaries, cultivators, and manufacturers to ensure safe access and quality control for consumers. By doing so, Arizona aimed to strike a balance between economic opportunities, public safety, and responsible usage.

The Economic Impact:

The legalization of cannabis brought significant economic benefits to Arizona. The state saw a surge in tax revenues, with funds being allocated towards public health programs, education, and infrastructure projects. Moreover, the cannabis industry generated job opportunities, fostering a new sector of the economy and stimulating local businesses.

Social and Cultural Changes:

As cannabis became more widely accepted, Arizona’s social fabric also began to change. The stigma surrounding cannabis use gradually diminished, and people became more open to discussing its potential benefits and responsible usage. Public opinion shifted towards viewing cannabis as a medicinal plant rather than a dangerous drug.

Addressing Challenges:

While the legalization of cannabis brought numerous benefits, it also posed challenges. Lawmakers and policymakers had to navigate issues related to public safety, impaired driving, and ensuring the responsible use of cannabis products. Additionally, education campaigns were launched to inform the public about the risks and benefits associated with cannabis consumption.

The journey of cannabis in Arizona has been one of transformation, from its ancient indigenous roots to a contentious period of prohibition and finally to a landscape where it is embraced for its medicinal and recreational potential. As attitudes continue to evolve, Arizona stands as an example of how a thoughtful, regulated approach to cannabis usage can lead to positive outcomes, benefiting both individuals and the state as a whole. The future of cannabis in Arizona is likely to see further developments, driven by continued research, public dialogue, and the quest for balance between freedom, responsibility, and public welfare.