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CBD & THC: What’s the Right Dose?

CBD & THC: What’s the Right Dose?

Figuring out what’s the right dose of CBD and THC is a personal journey that is different for everyone. The easiest way to figure out the right dose for you is to decide the delivery method for the CBD and THC that’s right for you. That can depend on your personal preferences, but there are several options out there to help you get started including inhalation (flower), ingestion (tinctures and edibles), and topicals! Read on to learn more about each method of delivery to find out which is best for you.   Why Do Milligrams Matter? Often when it comes to cannabis dosing, and especially with orally consumed products like tinctures and edibles, cannabinoid content is measured in milligrams. Milligram counts are the cornerstone of proper dosing, especially with ingested products like tinctures and capsules, so understanding them is key to maximizing their effects. For the new user this can be a bit confusing at first, so we’re going to break it down and make it easy for you to know exactly how to fit your dosage needs. The common threshold for feeling the effects of THC is 2MG for most new users, depending on their weight. At around 2.5MG, most people feel a high similar in intensity to a glass of wine or beer. At around 5-10 MG, the most significant effects are felt by infrequent users, and can provide strong psychoactivity. In the case of Papa & Barkley Releaf tinctures, the amount of tincture oil you should take will vary on multiple factors including sensitivity to THC, your body mass, and what you are solving for.   How Many THC Edibles Should I Take? When dosing, especially if it’s your first time, it’s important to take things slowly so that you don’t reach an uncomfortable level. With edibles, just take 2.5 milligrams at a time, waiting 45 to 90 minutes in between doses, until your desired level of relief is achieved. Edibles tend to metabolize THC into a form that is twice as strong and longer lasting, so it’s important to take your time and really figure out what works for you.   How Much Cannabis Should I Smoke? When it comes to smoking, it becomes a bit more difficult to measure proper dosing, as strains vary. The best rule of thumb for smoking is to start with flowers, as opposed to strong concentrates, and take it one inhalation at a time. Milligram counts are essential to proper dosing, so it’s a good idea to always buy products that provide third party testing. Third party testing adds legitimacy to the cannabis industry by ensuring that all labels are accurate and that the contents of a product are always consistent.   How Much Tincture Oil Should I Take? Tinctures, when applied under the tongue and absorbed through the mouth, absorb much faster into your bloodstream and avoid the relatively high wait time of digested edibles. Additionally, tinctures are odorless and not easily confusable with normal food items. Excellent for medicinal consumption, tinctures can come rich in CBD and THCa, both non-psychoactive but extremely beneficial, and avoid the irritation and detriments from combustion or inhalation. To properly use a tincture, you’re going to want to place one drop at a time under the tongue, and wait about 30 seconds before swallowing, allowing the tincture time to absorb into the mouth lining. Wait 15 minutes in between drops to figure out your desired dosage, which you’ll be able to take all at once in the future. Tinctures can also be applied to food, but like edibles, this will take longer to digest and to take effect. How Much Should I Dose With THC? With CBD? Proper dosage is especially important with cannabis products, as cannabinoids do not increase in therapeutic effects with a higher dosage like most medications do. While cannabis is extremely safe to use, dosage is key in extracting the greatest positive effects and avoiding adverse effects like an uncomfortable level of psychoactivity or desensitization to cannabinoids. With cannabis, less is more when unlocking its benefits. Among the easiest ways to properly dose cannabis is the use of tinctures. These are concentrated cannabis flower extract dissolved in alcohol. Not only are tinctures far lower in calories than traditional edibles, they also come in several variations, both psychoactive and non, making it easy to find one for your needs. Average strength is about 30mg per milliliter but can also vary from product to product.   Ready to Start Your Cannabis Journey? Shop Now  

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THC Tincture Dosage Guide & Chart For Beginners

THC Tincture Dosage Guide & Chart For Beginners

Trying cannabis for the first time? Here is a guide on how to find the right tincture for you, how to titrate, and how to find your optimal dose. If you are trying cannabis for the first time, you may have heard that it’s important to find your optimal dose or right ratio. The most effective way to do so is through a method called titration. Titration is the practice of adjusting your dose in low increments over a period of time to obtain the maximum benefit without adverse effects. For those who want a personalized introduction to cannabis wellness, there is no better way than to start with tinctures. By then end of this article you will have all the tools and tips you need, a tincture dosing guide, and a tincture dosage chart to start your wellness routine. But first, how do CBD and THC work in the body?  To find your optimal dose, it is important to first understand how CBD and THC will work within your body. Each one of us has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that produces endocannabinoids. When dosing with CBD and THC, you are supplementing your ECS with natural phytocannabinoids from the plant to help your body maintain homeostasis. The ECS consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors (most concentrated in the central nervous system and brain) and CB2 receptors (abundant in the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and peripheral nervous systems). The natural cannabinoids and phytonutrients found in cannabis communicate with these signal receptors of the ECS to regulate physiological processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.   Step 1: Find the right tincture for your needs What you’re treating for will dictate your ratio and dose. Every person’s dose will be different depending on what you are trying to solve. For those solving for physical discomfort or inflammation our 30:1 CBD Dominant tincture packs a powerful 450 mg of cannabinoids per bottle and is perfect for people who need to reduce discomfort and help the body recover from normal inflammation. Many people who have hectic or busy schedules turn to tinctures for stress reduction. Our 30:1 CBD Dominant tincture provides whole body wellness, relief from normal inflammation, and alleviates overall discomfort. Looking to stay motivated throughout your day? Try our Living Tincture, which promotes overall focus, alertness, and relief. It is the only raw THCa tincture made with fresh-frozen cannabis and MCT oil. Like cold-pressed juice, our THCa tincture keeps all the raw plant components intact, which allows you to experience cannabis in its purest form possible and all the benefits THC without immediate intoxication. Looking for a more restful night’s sleep? Our 30:1 CBD Dominant tincture promotes a calm, relaxed state and whole body wellness to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. We suggest ingesting one hour before you’d like your head to hit the pillow.  If you are looking for whole body wellness throughout the day, take a look at Releaf Tinctures! For all the runners, yogis, and fitness fanatics, our 1:3 THC Rich and 1:30 THC Dominant tinctures help alleviate normal inflammation from overworked muscles, minor aches, and also help promote post-workout relaxation and more restful sleep. Depending on your needs, these are great to take pre-or-post workout.    Not based in California? No Problem! For those of you not in California but looking to begin your cannabis wellness journey, Papa & Barkley offers their Releaf CBD line which is entirely derived from Hemp! The Hemp CBD drops are made using our whole plant infusion process from simple, all-natural ingredients grown on Colorado farms. Our fastest-metabolizing formula, it comes with a measured dropper for precise dosing, making it easy to find your individually preferred potency. Plus, it’s formulated from the whole plant without chemicals or solvents, resulting in an earthy and rich flavor.  For those trying tinctures for the first time try our 1:1 THCa Rich tincture. Our 1:1a tincture provides a balanced feeling for whole body wellness. With a balanced ratio of CBD and THCa, it may help with mild aches, pains, and stress reduction. This serves as a great personalized introduction to cannabis tinctures. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will go into depth on how to find the dose that is right for you.  Step 2: Find Your Optimal Dose  Now that you have found the right tincture for your needs, use this three week guide to find your optimal dose.   WEEK 1  A little goes a long way. For your first week, a good rule of thumb is to start with the most basic dose of 0.25ml. Days 1-4: Take 0.25ml of your chosen tincture once in the morning and once at night. Days 5-7: Take 0.25ml in the morning. Take 0.50ml in the evening.    WEEK 2 Week 2 is about consistency and staying balanced. If you are solving for pain and discomfort and you aren’t getting enough results, now is the time to increase your dosage. Also remember that it is okay to raise or lower your dose depending on your experience. You may want to up your dose or lower your dose depending on your desired effects! This week is also a good time to create a balanced tolerance for your body. If you are concerned about intoxication, it’s okay to dial back your dose to 0.25ml. Let your body adjust naturally and then continue Days 1-4: Take 0.50ml of your chosen tincture once in the morning and once at night.  Days 5-7: Take 0.50ml in the morning. Take 0.75ml in the evening.   WEEK 3 Week 3 is about patience.When titrating with THC and CBD it is important to stay attuned to your body and what you are feeling per dose. Keep tabs on your experience. Get yourself a nice notebook and record the times and amounts you dose along with the effects experienced. This will give you a baseline to work with in the future.  Days 1-4: Take 0.75ml of your chosen tincture once in the morning and once at night.  Days 5-7: Take 0.75ml in the morning. Take 1ml in the evening. Tincture Dosage Chart A tincture dosage chart is a helpful way of keeping track of your progress so you don’t have to remember where you are in the process. Here’s a great week by week tincture dosage chart that you can save to your phone or even print out:        If you have any questions about the tincture dosage chart send us a message on Papa & Barkley’s instagram! Final Step: Think about how you feel  If you followed our guide, your ECS is now saturated with cannabinoids and the full spectrum of the plant is at work! Pull out that notebook or log and take stock of what your experiences have been over the last three weeks. How did the doses make you feel? Ask yourself: did my body respond to the doses? Were the effects substantial or minimal? How did I feel before versus after? Once you’ve answered these questions you’ll know whether to increase your dose more or to move up to a full strength tincture. Resources & Citations  https://www.thehigherpath.com/cannabis-dosage/  https://www.safecannabisuse.com/finding-your-dose  https://hellomd.com/blogs/articles/how-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dosage  http://www.cpsa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/MacCallum-Russo-Practical-Considerations-in-Medical-Cannabis-Administrat….pdf  https://www.greenbridgemed.com/blog/titration-of-thc-and-cbd-or-what-is-titration   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29307505 

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Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What You Should Know

Not all CBD is created equal. There are tons of products on the market now that call themselves “CBD”, but the truth is that some CBD is not as potent or effective as other kinds. The primary difference has to do with the process with which the CBD is extracted and how it is used to make the product. There’s a noticeable difference in efficacy between isolates, distillates, and whole plant methods for creating CBD products. The efficacy of oils can vary, especially when it comes to those derived from the cannabis sativa plant. Though often used interchangeably, hemp oil and CBD oil have crucial differences in how each one affects your body and health. In order to determine which cannabis product is right for you, you have to explore the differences between hemp oil and CBD oil, and what ingredients you should look out for, and the history the end of the hemp prohibition.   What the 2018 Farm Bill Meant for Hemp and CBD Since 2013, farmers and ranchers have weathered a 50% drop in income. The Farm Bill came about as a result of a mounting farming crisis in the last decade. The bill itself seeks to crack down on corporate farming in order to help support family farms and restore measures like supply management (which curbs over production), and repair pricing policies, among other measures. Notably, the Farm Bill also incorporates the farming of industrial hemp and hemp for hemp-derived CBD. As a result, the manufacturing and sale of hemp-derived CBD products has skyrocketed on the national market.   On December 20, 2018, President Trump signed the Farm Bill (H.R.2)  into law. The farm bill is an omnibus, multiyear law that governs various agricultural and food programs. The most recent farm bill covers farm commodity revenue supports, agricultural conservation, trade and foreign food assistance, farm credit, research, rural development, forestry, bioenergy, horticulture, and domestic nutrition assistance. Typically renewed about every five or six years, the farm bill provides a predictable opportunity for policymakers to comprehensively and periodically address agricultural and food issues. With this version, we saw the legalization of hemp.   Though hemp has been legalized, it has been met with several stipulations: hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% THC, or it is considered non-hemp cannabis, a state’s plan to license and regulate hemp can only occur once the Secretary of the USDA approves the state’s plan, and lastly, while the Farm Bill legalizes hemp, it does not create a system where people can grow it as freely as basil or your garden variety vegetables.    Hemp Oil vs. Hempseed Oil vs. CBD Oil: Know the Difference CBD oil is made from the leaves, flowers, and stalk of the hemp plant—the only part of the plant where cannabidiol is found. Hemp oil, or hemp seed oil, is made from hemp seeds, meaning there is little to no CBD content. Each type of oil offers its own health benefits. You may have seen small bottles of Hempseed oil on the market, but buyer beware, hempseed oil does not contain any CBD. Hempseed oil is extracted from the seeds of industrial hemp, and while it is beneficial for cooking your favorite cut of steak, it has none of the same benefits of hemp-derived CBD oil. Another key difference is that by regulation, pure hemp oil can have no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by volume, whereas oil made from industrial hemp has no cannabinoids present whatsoever.  Ingredients to Look For The best way to determine if a product is CBD oil or hemp oil is to look at the ingredients listed on packaging. If the package doesn’t clearly include the words “hemp oil” or “hemp seed oil,” look for “cannabis seed oil” or “cannabis sativa seed oil,” which are the scientific names for hemp oil. To look for purely CBD products, you must find ingredients like “cannabidiol” or “CBD.”    Health Benefits of Hemp Oil Hemp oil and CBD oil both show promise in enhancing one’s health, but in different ways. Hemp oil is often looked to for its nutritional power, due to its healthy fats and mineral content. There have also promising studies on its effect on skin disorders and PMS symptoms. Benefits of CBD Oil CBD is sought for its range of health benefits, which include relief from physical discomfort, normal inflammation and trouble falling asleep as well as trouble staying asleep. For those who are sensitive to THC and its intoxicating effects, CBD offers the power of the cannabis plant without psychoactivity.  CBD Oil for Trouble Falling Asleep CBD can also help you sleep better, as determined by several studies. In one study, CBD showed promise for inducing deeper REM sleep, while another found that taking CBD oil helped with stress and provides calm for both mind and body. Ready to Start Your CBD Journey? Whether you’re trying to alleviate discomfort or normal inflammation, reduce stress, or get a good night’s sleep, there is a plant-based option out there for you. The next time you’re trying to decide between hemp oil vs CBD oil, consider your options and choose what you think will be best for you. We recommend always checking the ingredients on the packaging and consulting with a healthcare professional. If you are ready to try Hemp-derived CBD then look no further than Papa & Barkley’s Releaf CBD line, available to ship nationwide.   Shop Now   References: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-health-benefits-of-hemp-seeds  https://www.threewells.co/article/cbd-cbdbenefits-cbdforprevention-whatcbddoes/ https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/hemp-oil-hemp-extract-cbd/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16019622  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rhythms-recovery/201707/hemp-recipe-brain-health  https://www.msn.com/en-za/health/medical/hemp-seeds-why-we-love-them-and-their-benefits/ar-BBNuHGa  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25699191  https://www.verywellhealth.com/cbd-oil-for-anxiety-4176279  https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2018.0006  https://nuleafnaturals.com/hemp-oil-cbd-oil/#:~:text=Hemp%20Oil%20or%20%E2%80%9Chempseed%20oil,processed%20and%20refined%20before%20bottling.  https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/  https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019  https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/news-insights/what-does-the-2018-farm-bill-mean-for-the-hemp-and-cbd-businesses.html 

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How to Combine CBD Wellness with Skincare this Winter

How to Combine CBD Wellness with Skincare this Winter

From Irritation and redness to cracks and dryness, cold weather can make our skin uncomfortable. But a skincare product infused with CBD, like Papa & Barkley’s Releaf Body Oil or Releaf Repair Cream, can make the cold weather months much easier to manage. Using a full spectrum CBD infused skin product combines the best aspects of wellness with the benefits of healthier and more vibrant skin.

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6 Self-Care Ideas for Holiday Stress

6 Self-Care Ideas for Holiday Stress

Learn how you can combat holiday stress this year with these six self-care ideas.

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The Best Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas Parents Will Love

The Best Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas Parents Will Love

Holiday shopping for parents can be intimidating — especially when in a time crunch. Check out our best last-minute gift ideas for pampering your parents this holiday season.

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Wellness Tips to Renew and Recover in the New Year

Wellness Tips to Renew and Recover in the New Year

The New Year is a popular time to make resolutions, whether that means quitting a bad habit or picking up a good one. But how can you be sure that once February or March rolls around you’ll still be committed to your new healthy way of living? 

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CBD For Athletic Recovery & Performance

CBD For Athletic Recovery & Performance

Learn how athletic recovery and performance is positively affected by regular use of Hemp CBD. By: Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D. Everyone can use CBD safely and effectively; from the daily  to the occasional runner, to the true weekend warrior, to the pro-athlete. Sports leagues are starting to consider cannabis because cannabidiol (CBD), one of the prevalent cannabinoids in cannabis, can help athletic performance, as well as recovery from training. For both the office worker and pro-athlete, CBD, unlike its cousin molecule THC, will not trigger a failed drug test. CBD CAN IMPROVE PERFORMANCE The chance to improve performance stems from CBD’s intriguing ability to decrease stress without creating any subjective high or alteration in thinking. Laboratory research with humans confirms that CBD alleviates stress, even in tough situations. Many athletes emphasize that CBD helps them approach big contests without fretting, while their minds remain sharp for strategy and split-second decisions. CBD CAN ENHANCE RECOVERY CBD should also speed workout recovery. Unlike other anti-inflammatories, CBD does not harm the stomach lining or increase the rates of certain strokes. Research confirms that CBD suppresses the main contributors to normal inflammation, minor aches, and discomfort – potentially protecting muscle cells for growth. The molecule’s delightful enhancement of sleep can also make recovery faster and more efficient. New data on CBD’s ability to balance immune function suggest that it could prevent the annoying colds that often make training less than optimal, too. CBD USERS PASS DRUG TESTS Drug testing in sports can be a moving target. Currently, cannabinoids are listed as banned substances but the test employed focuses on metabolites of THC. CBD will not appear on a drug screen currently, so athletes can rest assured that they are not violating the rules of the game. The spirit of drug testing in sports concerns unfair advantage. CBD is a gentle molecule with no potential for intoxication, addiction, or stimulation. Its keen ability to enhance performance and recovery should make it a superb addition to any athlete’s training regimen. Unfortunately, a handful of prohibitionists want to add CBD to the list of banned substances in a knee-jerk reaction to its link to cannabis. A bit of education should ensure that the International Olympic Committee won’t sacrifice the brains and recovery of athletes to political correctness. TRY CBD FOR YOUR SPORTS RECOVERY REGIMENT Case reports reveal that experienced athletes using 30 mg (or more) of CBD per day notice less angst before big games, quicker recovery, and easier sleep in as little as five days. Sometimes, however, the most convincing research stems from the data you gather yourself. Give it a try!

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Building a Better You: CBD & Meditation

Building a Better You: CBD & Meditation

CBD is a great way to help expand your daily meditation practice. Our daily lives have changed. Managing a career, family time, personal life, and finding the time for self care can become increasingly difficult. Daily stress seems like a common experience for most people. If the stresses of modern life have become too overwhelming, perhaps consider starting your own meditation practice. MEDITATION & STRESS According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the most common sources of stress are the future of the United States, money, work, the current political climate, as well as violence and crime. Stress levels are higher than ever among Americans and as a result many individuals are turning to meditation to combat daily stress. MEDITATE TO COMBAT STRESS In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that: Among adults aged 18 and over, increases were seen from 2012 to 2017 in the use of yoga, meditation, and chiropractors during the past 12 months. Yoga was the most commonly used complementary health approach among U.S. adults in 2012 (9.5%) and 2017 (14.3%). In 2017, women were more likely to use yoga, meditation, and chiropractors in the past 12 months compared with men. The report from the CDC suggests that 14.2% of American adults surveyed in 2017 said they had practiced meditation at least once in the last year. HEMP CBD & MEDITATION Using meditation to focus and be more present to yourself as well as surroundings is a great way to relieve stress. According to an NIH survey, approximately 18 million people have turned to a daily meditation practice to alleviate stress and tune in to their body. It’s no wonder that many people are also adding CBD to their practice to help center and focus their attention on being present. CBD has several properties that reduce stress and create calm in the body, helping to further the practice of meditation. CBD is non-intoxicating and can provide comfort from minor aches, but when combined with mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation, the effects are compounded. Give it a try today and tell us your experiences! READY TO START? Made from all-natural ingredients grown on Colorado farms, our formulas feature all natural plant ingredients.  Shop CBD For Meditation

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