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A Sipper’s Guide to Cannabis Infused Mulled Wine: What to Expect

JARS Author

by JARS | December 11, 2024

A Sipper’s Guide to Cannabis Infused Mulled Wine: What to Expect

Many of us reach for a pre-roll, edible, or dab when it's time to sit back and relax. Many of us also don't mind us a glass of wine, ya know, to unwind. So, while no one is going to stop you from pouring a glass of your favorite red, white, or rose and sparking up… a new portal has opened, introducing cannawine. There are different brands that use different processes to make cannawine, but the real kicker here is the whole mixing weed with alcohol factor. We'll explain how cannawine is made, the science behind it, what you can expect, and of course, where to try some!


Understanding Cannabis Infused Wine

It may not be a completely "new" concept, but is definitely making a huge comeback. With cannabis being used for medicine in China way back around 2700 BC, the Chinese physician and surgeon, Hua T'o, kicked it up a notch. Around 140-208 AD, he was credited with using an anesthetic called "mageisan" during surgical operations. A blend of wine and cannabis.

In the world we live in today, the rules and regulations are a little more tweaked. Technically it is illegal to produce and sell weed and alcohol under the same roof. Many cannawine brands get around this by labeling the product "traditionally produced alcoholic wine infused with CBD" or by containing 0% alcohol content.

A little tip for ya, products labeled "hemp-infused", and may have a pot leaf or some innuendo that makes the product seem like it contains weed, actually contains zero cannabis compounds. It's more of an added flavor that gives the weed vibe.

The Benefits of Cannabis Infused Wine

We know that cannabis and wine have their own benefits alone. A good majority of benefits include feeling relaxed, chill, relieved, and saying "what stress?". Aside from providing you the chill, savory flavors of both weed and wine, they are both elite when it comes to easing your body pains. 

A bottle of cannawine is also an awesome conversation piece. Just think about your next holiday get-together or your best bud's housewarming party, cannawine = best gift ever. 

The Production Process

Many methods have been tested and came out successful, but, it goes without saying that the cannabis industry is always advancing. Producing cannawine is more than just tossing some buds into a vat of wine. So, sorry, it's not quite a DIY at home type of deal. 

The whole cannawine production process starts with decarboxylating fresh cannabis flower. This is a mandatory step in order to activate the cannabinoids. The decarbed weed is then infused into the wine to ferment.

Fermenting wine involves simmering it on a low heat. Wine is heated in order to become infused with anything, typically spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves. This allows all of the flavors to blend and the cannabinoids to infuse into the wine. Once it's mixed up the cannabis and spices are strained, filtering out the chunks of weed and spices. The last thing to do is pour it into a glass and sip away.


What to Expect from Cannabis Infused Wines

If you are someone who is brand new to the cannabis scene and/or have no experience with drinking alcohol, you should take extra precautions. Tolerance plays a big part in enjoying cannabis infused wines. 

Mulled wine already has a delicious flavor from its blend of fruits and spices. Adding cannabis brings in rich herbal notes that complement the wine's existing profile. You can expect a glass of cannawine to still taste primarily like wine but with a subtle hint of cannabis flavors. 

The goal is to create a harmonious blend of flavors where the cannabis complements rather than overpowers the wine. Also, it's not meant to get you super high and drunk, one glass (4 oz) will give you the best of both a wine buzz and weed buzz. 

The Science Behind the Effects


There has been numerous studies and years of research behind cannawine. Especially since both weed and wine have intoxicating effects. For example, the brains over at Harvard Medical School found in a recent study that getting stoned before drinking alcohol actually reduces the amount of alcohol that is absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Another study showed that drinking before you light up can really intensify your high. So, while doing one before the other has its own effects, enjoying them together, and the cannabis being a liquid, the effects can vary. Mainly because the process to make cannawine affects the bioavailability (how easily it's absorbed in your body) of THC, and can lead to different intensities and duration of effects compared to if you were to smoke or vape weed.  

When it comes to drinking cannabis infused wine, THC is absorbed through the digestive system and metabolized by the liver before entering your bloodstream and binding to your body's endocannabinoid system. Hence the waiting period, just like with edibles, for the effects to kick in. 

Cannabis Tours and Experiences


Getting your hands on a bottle of cannawine has gotten way easier over the years. At the time it was released in California (early 2000s), you needed to have your cannabis card and a fat wad. Like we are talking $400 for just a half of a bottle. Now you can pick up an affordable bottle to enjoy at home and go on cannawine tours!

Alcohol-Free

The California company, Rebel Coast, is one of the very first to work around the rules of mixing weed with wine. Their $60 Sauvignon Blanc wine contains approximately four milligrams of THC per serving. It takes about 15 minutes for the effects to start, but instead of feeling intoxicated, you'll experience a high. Additionally, since the alcohol has been taken out of the wine, there won't be a potential hangover to deal with!

Smoke, Eat, and Drink

Cultivating Spirits, a company based in Colorado, combines high-end meals with wine and cannabis. A typical meal might include a ribeye steak with chili relleno, a 2013 Malbec, and Gorilla Glue cannabis strain.


The dining etiquette involves smoking, eating, and drinking. Founder Philip Wolf describes this as adding a "third layer" to the dining experience and he is one of the first accredited cannabis sommeliers in America. This exclusive experience is tailored for cannabis enthusiasts and costs $1,250 for a ten-person three-course dinner and pairing.

"No Label"

An absolute singing icon, Melissa Etheridge, teamed up with Lisa Molyneux, the mastermind behind Greenway to create "No Label". Battling and winning the fight with cancer, Etheridge became a HUGE advocate for medical marijuana and its working wonders during her chemotherapy treatments. 

With Greenway being the very first dispensary that was supported by the city and state, Molyneux and Etheridge have perfected a cold extraction technique that prevents a full euphoric 'high', but still gives that relief and chill vibe.

Comparing Cannabis Infused Wine to Edibles

It is pretty well known that lighting up and inhaling cannabis will have you feeling the effects within minutes compared to the waiting game of 30 minutes or longer with edibles. When you eat or drink cannabis it needs to be digested before the effects kick in. For some people this takes 20-30 minutes and for others it could take over an hour. 

When we take a closer comparison to cannawine and edibles, there is one difference that sets them apart. Both cannawine and edibles have longer lasting effects compared to smoking and inhaling THC. But, the effects felt from cannawine tends to last significantly shorter than edibles. 

Conclusion

Cannabis infused wine, or cannawine, offers a unique blend of the relaxing effects of both cannabis and wine. It is an elite option for anyone looking to unwind. With its rich flavors and potential benefits, it serves as a fun conversation starter and a new way to enjoy social gatherings.



Related Articles

Top 10 Cannabis Board Games

Top 10 Cannabis Board Games

Explore the best cannabis-themed board games with JARS' top 10 list. Elevate your game nights with these fun and weed-inspired tabletop experiences.


Everyone loves a good old-fashioned game night. There’s nothing better than getting some of your best friends together, breaking out munchie-worthy snacks, and giggling around the game of your choice. Although you can always reach for a classic game of UNO or Monopoly, why not spice things up with a cannabis-themed board game? 

As the popularity of cannabis continues to blossom all over the world, the entertainment world has taken note and has started creating a wide variety of 420-friendly games. Whether you’re an avid card player or a die-hard checkers fan, there’s a little something for everyone on our list of Top 8 Cannabis Board Games. 

1.Cards Against Humanity: Weed Pack

Best for three or more players, Cards Against Humanity has become a go-to in many gaming households. To give you a quick overview of how to play, one person pulls a card with a ridiculous prompt. The other players (3 or more is best) have to lay down an equally raucous card (face down to keep things anonymous) that they think best fits the prompt. Then, the best (or wildest) fit for the prompt is selected as the winner of that round. You can play as many rounds as your heart desires, ensuring that the hilarity ensues for as long as you would like. 

This game has naturally appealed to stoners for years with its truly out-of-this-world theme, but they recently released a Weed Pack of cards that fit a cannabis-friendly evening of gameplay. If you already have a deck of standard Cards Against Humanity, this deck seamlessly fits into the deck but gives it a JARS-approved flair. 

2.Weed Jenga

Yes, you read that right. Weed Jenga exists. You simply play as usual, except a rule is assigned to each block. The player that pulls the wrong block and causes the tower to collapse will have to complete the assigned task. This could be anything from divulging your most embarrassing edible story to hitting the joint three times in a row. 

You can make up your own tasks and create your own game with a permanent marker or buy a premade Weed Jenga set online. Weed Jenga works best with 2 to 8 players and a typical game lasts for about 20 minutes. 

3.Pot Farm: The Board Game

Don’t have a green thumb? No problem. You can grow your very own virtual cannabis garden with Pot Farm. Initially created as a game for your smartphone (which you can still play), this viral phenomenon has evolved into a board game for you and 2 to 4 of your friends to enjoy. 

The objective of the game is to run the most profitable farm, see who can grow the best buds, and stay clear of the dreaded lawman, Ranger Dick. You can expect about 45 minutes of playtime once everything is said and done. 

4.Lords of Cannabis 

Next, we have a strategic game where reaping, corruption, and imperial conquest are the keys to success. The basics of the game are simple. You steal, bargain, and eventually conquer your enemies until you become the one-and-only Lord of Cannabis—kind of like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. This game is suitable for 2 to 6 players, and the playing time clocks in at about an hour. 

5.Stoner City 

If you’re familiar with Monopoly, you’ll be a professional at Stoner City in no time. The main goal of this game is to nurture your cannabis empire with the help of joint and bong-shaped playing pieces. The one small catch is that if you land on the same square as the police car, you can’t pass GROW (see what they did there?) or collect the cash to grow your stash. Ideal for 2 to 5 players with an average playing time of two hours, you may want to pause for a few smoke breaks throughout.

6.Ganjaland

In the mood for some nostalgia? Inspired by the ever-popular children’s game, Candyland, this cannabis-friendly remix is aptly named Ganjaland. Described as “an epic weed adventure”, players are encouraged to take a bong rip before competing to see who reaches the Cannabis Castle first and earns the right to wear the prestigious Ganja Crown. Complete with eight character pieces, this game can accommodate anywhere between 2 and 8 players, making it an excellent option for a larger group. 

7.The Legendary Underground Game of Zonk

This highly revered social dice game, affectionately dubbed The Legendary Underground Game of Zonk, was created with two goals in mind: to have fun and get completely zonked. You can choose your own adventure by following the simple rules or add your own to rack up the points with each dice roll. Throughout the game, you’ll complete tasks (like taking a hit from a joint) until a player wins by being the first to reach 10,000 points—but don’t worry. In The Game of Zonk everyone is a winner.

8.420: The Card Game

Ideal for large gatherings or even a one-on-one tournament, 420: The Card Game was made for stoners by stoners. Seriously. The creators openly admit to flying high while thinking up this magical game. 

Packed with 420 cards (naturally), each card features a question or action prompt that is guaranteed to make you laugh or get to know your smoke buddies a little bit better. In order to gain points, someone must refuse to either act out the prompt or answer the question they have been given. If they do, whoever dealt the card gains a point—and you both have to take a hit. Sounds like a win-win to us. 

Game On

Next time you invite your friends over for a game night make sure to have a few of these cannabis-themed board games on deck for an evening of endless entertainment—and don’t forget to stop by JARS to stock up on all of your favorite products. 



JARS

December 10, 2024

Cannabis and Mental Health

Cannabis and Mental Health

Cannabis has long been used as a natural remedy for various ailments, including physical pain, nausea, and anxiety. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential of cannabis to help manage mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.


Cannabis and Mental Health: Separating Fact from Fiction 

Cannabis has long been used as a natural remedy for various ailments, including physical pain, nausea, and anxiety. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential of cannabis to help manage mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, as with any new or alternative treatment, there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding the use of cannabis for mental health. This blog post will explore the facts and fiction of cannabis and mental health, focusing on evidence-based research and analysis. 

 

Myth: Cannabis is a Cure-All for Mental Health Conditions 

One of the most common misconceptions surrounding cannabis and mental health is that cannabis is a cure-all for various conditions. While some studies have shown that cannabis can effectively manage symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety and PTSD, it is essential to note that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every individual's experience with mental health is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. 

 

Fact: Cannabis Can Help Manage or Offer Relief for Certain Mental Health Conditions 

Although cannabis may not be a cure-all for mental health, growing evidence suggests that it can effectively manage symptoms of certain conditions.  For example, research has shown that cannabis can help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as racing thoughts and restlessness. It may also help manage symptoms of PTSD, such as nightmares and flashbacks. Additionally, some studies have shown that cannabis may be effective in managing symptoms of depression, such as low mood and fatigue. 


It is important to note, however, that the effectiveness of cannabis in managing mental health symptoms can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of cannabis used, the method of consumption, and the individual's unique biology and mental health history. 

 

Myth: Cannabis Causes Mental Health Problems 

Another common myth surrounding cannabis and mental health is that cannabis can cause mental health problems like schizophrenia and psychosis.  While some evidence suggests that cannabis use may increase the risk of developing these conditions in some individuals, it is essential to note that the relationship between cannabis and mental health is complex and multifaceted. 

 

Myth: All Cannabis Products are Created Equal 

Another common misconception surrounding cannabis and mental health is that all cannabis products are created equal. Many believe that any cannabis product will provide the same benefits or effects, regardless of the strain or method of consumption. 

 

Fact: Different Cannabis Products Can Have Different Effects 

In reality, different cannabis products can have vastly different effects, depending on the strain and method of consumption.  For example, some strains of cannabis may be more effective in managing symptoms of anxiety, while others may be more effective in managing symptoms of depression.  


Different consumption methods, such as smoking, vaping, or edibles, can also have different effects on the body and mind. Individuals need to work with a knowledgeable and experienced cannabis professional to identify the correct strain and method of consumption for their unique needs and preferences. 

 

Visit JARS Cannabis for Expert Guidance on Cannabis 

At JARS Cannabis, we understand that navigating the world of cannabis can be confusing and overwhelming.  That's why our team of experienced professionals is here to provide expert guidance and support to help you make informed decisions about your cannabis use. 


Whether you're looking for a specific strain to manage symptoms or want to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of cannabis, we're here to help.  We offer a wide range of high-quality cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, concentrates, and more, to suit your needs and preferences. Our team is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable exploring the potential benefits of cannabis for any occasion.


If you're interested in learning more about cannabis or want to explore our selection of high-quality products, visit JARS today. Our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to help you every step of the way. 

JARS

December 9, 2024

Cannabis-Friendly Hotels in Arizona

Cannabis-Friendly Hotels in Arizona

Experience cannabis-friendly hospitality in Arizona with JARS' guide to the top cannabis-friendly hotels. Discover accommodations that embrace cannabis enthusiasts, providing a welcoming environment for your stay. Explore the best options for a cannabis-friendly getaway in the Grand Canyon State.


Arizona is home to many forms of natural splendor; massive lakes, ancient forests, and of course, The Grand Canyon. It is also worth mentioning that cannabis is legal for recreational use in Arizona.

Between legal recreational cannabis, and a wide array of outdoor and vacation activities, what more of a reason could you need to travel to America’s beautiful Southwest?

Stay tuned to find out which cannabis-friendly hotels you should check out while you are visiting the great state of Arizona.

Traveling With Cannabis 

Have you ever checked into a hotel after a long day of traveling only to realize that you don’t have anything to help you relax waiting for you on the other end?

Due to The 2018 Farm Bill, hemp (and traveling with hemp) is legal in all 50 of the United States. But, hemp is really only good for containing high amounts of CBD and negligible amounts of THC.  


CBD can be great for pain and general anxiety, but it may not be what people reach for when they are looking to enter an altered state of mind. 


While it may have been possible to sneak along your stash
while traveling in the past, the recent conviction of Brittney Griner in Russia has cannabis travelers wary of consequences for breaking the law when it comes to traveling with a controlled substance.


Luckily there have been advancements in cannabis tourism that you can start taking advantage of as soon as now.  

Best Cannabis Friendly Hotels in Arizona

Sure you can eat an edible in any hotel room (in a state where consuming cannabis is legal), but there is a big difference between doing it on the sly, and being in a welcoming place that was designed for cannabis users. 


And so, we look to the amazing Clarendon Hotel in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.

The Clarendon Hotel is a luxurious hotel that offers its services to both cannabis users and non-cannabis users. 

Amenities at The Clarendon Hotel

There are several different destinations and perks within one building that will have a little something for everyone. 

1. A Phenomenal Pool

Appropriately named, “The Oasis”, the pool at The Clarendon Hotel is amazing. Complete with luxurious decor, chic and comfortable lounge chairs, private cabanas, underwater speakers, a jacuzzi, and the world’s largest outdoor decorative water wall. The only thing that’s missing is you.

2.The Skydeck Rooftop

The rooftop boasts some of the loveliest views in all of Pheonix. Seek out one of the designated spots to smoke cannabis on the roof while you ponder the sunset while overlooking the historical Midtown bustle.

3.The Lazy Bee Spa

The Lazy Bee Spa offers an impressive range of services, including massages, facials, and beauty treatments like waxing and dermaplaning.

4.Partnership with Elevations Nation 

This is the big one. Elevations Nation is a company that is dedicated to curating next-level experiences and spaces for cannabis lovers. 

Starting in November 2022, Elevations Nation is taking dinner reservations with Hell’s Kitchen Chef, Cody Candelario, to offer up a cannabis-infused dining experience unlike any other. 

Imagine not even needing to leave the hotel to go to an amazing dinner like that. 

5.Car Service 

The Clarendon offers to drive its patrons free of charge to local dispensaries so that they can re-up on whatever cannabis their heart desires. 

6.Limitations

Since the Clarendon Hotel is a split hotel, half of the hotel is not cannabis-friendly. 

Make sure that you book a cannabis room if you are hoping to smoke or vape indoors. Framiliriaze yourself with cannabis-consuptions areas and lounge before sparking up. 

Don’t Forget About Bud and Breakfast 

If you are looking for a luxurious cannabis travel experience that isn’t confined to one hotel building, there are still great options for you.


Similar to AirBnb, there is an online platform called “Bud and Breakfast” where you can search for cannabis-friendly homes available for rent in the city where you are needing accommodations.


Within Arizona there are several listings, though in order to book them you must first select the dates you are seeking, give them some personal information, and then request permission to book. 


One listing on Bud and Breakfast worth mentioning is the “Scottsdale Arizona Getaway”. They have a sophisticated, cannabis-friendly, renovated 2 story townhome that is available for rent and located right in the heart of the fashion district, complete with a heated pool. 


The proprietor of the Scottsdale Location, Rain, is super responsive and helpful. They were sure to mention all of the cannabis that is included in your stay, along with additional nearby dispensaries, cannabis farm tours, and other local cannabis events. 

In Conclusion

Traveling with cannabis can be dicey, so why not make it easy on yourself and plan to stay in a cannabis friendly hotel where cannabis is included, and you are guaranteed the ability to relax how you want to. 


Spark up, unwind, and enjoy your vacation. 



JARS

December 10, 2024

HASH EXPLAINED

HASH EXPLAINED

production, potency, and how it's consumed. Delve into the rich history and diverse forms of this potent cannabis concentrate.


If you’ve ever seen cannabis enthusiasts examining their cannabis flower closely and complimenting the “crystals” and “trichomes,” they’re admiring the fundamental building blocks of hash, also known as kief. But what is hash? 

Kief

When observing a nugget of cannabis under a light or a magnifying glass, you might notice that it sparkles. These sparkling crystals are called “kief.” 

Before we talk about hash, let’s talk about kief. Kief is strong and has many uses. Pure kief will be lighter in color, but if your kief has hints of green, that’s fine too - it’s just plant matter. 

Kief can be collected and sprinkled on top of bowls or joints, and it can also be harvested and converted into a super THC-rich concentrate called “hash”. 

In order for kief to become hash it must undergo a transformation through either pressure, filtration, or heat. The process of collecting kief is easier than you think!

Dry-Sift Hash

Hash is short for “hashish” which comes from the Arabic word “grass”. Dry-sift hash is simply kief that has been collected and pressed tightly together. 

The best way to collect kief is to get your hands on a multi-chambered grinder that has at least one, but maybe two, kief-catching chambers. The grinder will automatically separate kief through the metal screens as cannabis is being ground. You literally don’t have to do anything different to harvest this stuff, just update your grinder.

The finer the mesh on the screens of the chambers, the more potent the kief will be. 

Just as if sifting sand, the bigger pieces will remain separated from the smaller ones, which will be sifted through the screen underneath. 

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash is a newer style from the 1990s, and slightly more difficult than the dry-sift method and involves dry ice and “bubble bags.” 

First, a bud of cannabis is placed into icy cold water (dry ice, not regular ice), which freezes the trichomes. Next the water is stirred, which allows the kief to break apart from the cannabis. 

The water should be filtered through several fine-screened bags, then the bags must dry before the herbal extract is collected.

Once It’s All Hashed-Out

The quality of hash is rated on a star system that ranges between one and six, one being the least refined. Potency can range from 40-80% THC. This is between three and six times more powerful than consuming regular cannabis flower alone!

There are kief smashers called “pollen presses” that are able to create a pellet of hash out of the keef that you’ve been harvesting at home. This can be great in a pinch if you are low on cannabis. 

It works a bit like a finger trap for children, there are two steel ends that meet from either side and can also be removed to load the keef in. In order to apply the pressure needed to create a pellet, there are two metal screws that lock in the steel ends like a plastic bottle of soda. 

Dab-Rigs

In case you didn’t know, yes, you can smoke hash from a dab-rig! Unlike live-resin, however, hash will need to be cleaned out of your dab rig after smoking so that it doesn’t taint the flavor of whatever you dab next. Regular maintenance of your dab rig is important, so be sure to clean the hash out of the banger/nail of your rig to protect the piece from a nasty green hugh.

In order to smoke a dab rig you will need: a dab rig, a banger (which is the same thing as a nail and really just means “bowl”), a carb cap (which is a cap for your carb), a dabber/pick (also known as a dab too), and a torch lighter. 

Some people prefer smoking from dab rigs because inhaling the vapor is thought to be more healthful than inhaling carcinogens from a butane lighter. Plus, when smoking from a dab rig you are inhaling less plant matter and more cannabinoids. 

Other Ways To Use Hash

Hash can be sprinkled on top of a bowl of cannabis (the term for this is called “crowning a bowl”), used to  coat that joint you just rolled if you give it a lick, and it  can even be made into cannabutter and then cooked or baked with. 

In order to make hash, kief must undergo a transformation from: heat, pressure, or being turned into a solid wax. 

In Conclusion

Hash is a potent and versatile product from the cannabis plant, and the best part is that if you already have cannabis flower on hand, collecting the pollen necessary to begin making your own hash is essentially FREE! 

It can take a couple of weeks for your first batch of kief to grow big enough to collect a substantial amount, depending on how quickly you go through cannabis. Don’t forget to begin  using hash in small amounts, as it is quite potent. 

Have a blast with your hash!


JARS

December 10, 2024

ORIGINS OF CANNABIS USE IN CHINA

ORIGINS OF CANNABIS USE IN CHINA

Unearth the ancient roots of cannabis use in China. Delve into its early medicinal and cultural significance, tracing back thousands of years. Explore the role of cannabis in traditional Chinese medicine and its evolving cultural context.


1800 years ago hemp was considered to be an essential part of life in China, and was critical in the creation of paper, textiles, and medicines. The use of cannabis in modern-day China has mostly ceased, however, around the globe there continues to be an explosion in the CBD, hemp, and cannabis markets. What happened? Stick around to find out.


Hemp!


Hemp is a miraculous plant that produces strong fibers similar to cotton. Unlike cotton, hemp takes less water to grow, is gentle on soil, and is more durable and long-lasting than “the fabric of our lives”. 


The people of China have been using hemp as a household textile for thousands of years. The earliest example of hemp was discovered from rope imprints on broken pottery from 10,000 BC (that’s 12,022 years ago!). 


Hemp differs slightly from regular cannabis plants in that it contains less than 0.3% THC. CBD (the non-psychoactive pain alleviant) can be harvested from the hemp plant, but the reasons people in China were using hemp initially were not medically related.


The first paper in China was made of hemp. Clothing, rope, and strong bow and arrow strings were made of hemp. And then, eventually, medicine was made from hemp too. 


“Ma”


Shen-Nung was the Chinese emperor in 2700 BC and is known as the father of Chinese medicine. Often depicted to be cloaked in plants and outside in nature, Shen-Nung was a farmer.


In the name of finding a cure for the suffering of his subjects, Shen-Nung would often poison himself and then search for a cure in plants. Shen-Nugn would add his findings to the medical encyclopedia he compiled called “Pen Ts’ao” and among his findings was the cannabis plant, which was referred to as “Ma”. 


Ma was celebrated for its balanced female (yin) and male (yang) qualities. Shen-Nung believed that when the yin and yang are balanced that the body can perform in complete harmony, and conversely, when the body is out of harmony that it is unwell. 


Ma was used to treat menstruation pains, gout, rheumatism, malaria, constipation, and absentmindedness. 


Cannabis in Taoism


Taoism is a religion that was established in China in the year 221 BC. Much of the practice of Taoism is centered around achieving harmony with the universe and going with the flow. Practice often takes place at an altar and through meditation. 


Early Taoist shamans would consume cannabis and ginseng to reveal truths about the future. Use of cannabis was exclusive, reserved only for religious officials, and kept away from the masses. It is for this reason that cannabis is believed to be excluded from ancient texts. However, there have been traces of cannabis found in incense holders left at burial sites. 


By the year 200 (CE), the Han Dynasty of China had moved on from Taoism to Confucianism (a comparable set of beliefs) and cannabis was no longer used. 

Cannabis in Chinese Medicine


The Chinese physician and surgeon, Hua T’o, began to use cannabis as an anesthesia in experimental surgeries during the 2nd century (175-225). Hua T’o was encountering many wounded soldiers and wanted to help ease their pain. 


Hua T’o called his anesthesia, “mafeisan”. Mafeisan is a mixture of cannabis resin and wine, and it helped relieve Hua T’o’s patients from the horrors of early surgery. 


In 1500 BC cannabis first appeared in the Chinese Pharmacopeia.


Cannabis as a Dietary Staple


In the ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-907), cannabis was made into a type of porridge and eaten in a similar fashion to rice. In old texts, cannabis was referred to as “wu gu” meaning it was one of five staple food crops. 


In 2019 a tomb from the Tang era was discovered, and discovered in it was a jar of food. Upon further examination, many of the seeds contained in the jar were cannabis, but with a noticeable difference. Ancient cannabis seeds were twice as big as the modern day cannabis plant!


 

Modern Day Cannabis in China 


Nowadays it is a criminal offense to possess cannabis in China. China banned cannabis in 1985, after identifying it as a dangerous narcotic drug. If someone is caught selling cannabis for recreation, it could mean jail time, a fine, or even a death sentence. 


Contrary to their strict laws surrounding cannabis, China is one of the leading producers of CBD worldwide. How can both be true?


In recent years the Chinese government has allowed farmers to plant “safe” cannabis species that have low THC levels and high cannabinol, resulting in a compound which has a soothing effect but is not addictive.


In Summary


Even though people have been studying the medicinal effects of cannabis for almost five thousand years, we are still finding new takes on an old classic.


Cannabis has always been thought of as medicinal. Hemp has always been practical. Cannabis in China is a tale as old as time, and continues to build on itself to this day. 


JARS

December 11, 2024

JARS Roundtable: Calvin Johnson and Rob Sims

JARS Roundtable: Calvin Johnson and Rob Sims

Don't miss this inspiring and enlightening conversation with Calvin and Rob, brought to you by JARS.


What do former Detroit Lions teammates Calvin Johnson and Rob Sims have in common besides football? Cannabis, of course.

With a mutual goal to turn a stigma into a solution, we invited ESPN’s Eric Woodyard to sit down with the power duo and to learn more about their new cannabis brand, Primitiv and their research-first approach. Read on to learn more about their journey, their brand, and how they’re putting Detroit first.

Primitiv’s Story

Teammates don’t always make great business partners, but Calvin Johnson and Rob Sims are serious about changing the medical marijuana game. Both athletes suffered from the long-term physical effects of injuries sustained during their playing careers, and sought a different solution than traditional prescription drugs.

In a physically demanding sport like professional football, players are often taught to deal with the pain. It’s common for doctors to prescribe opioid painkillers for treatment, which can lead to lifelong dependency and addiction.

Johnson and Sims felt the need to break this harmful cycle and seek out a more holistic approach to their pain management, and thus the seed of Primitiv was planted—but they didn’t want to be just another celebrity-backed cannabis brand with no real purpose. They wanted to make a tangible difference in their home state of Michigan and beyond.

So how do you get taken seriously in the medical field? Cold hard facts. They moved forward with a strong focus on creating cannabis products that have the research to back up what they believe to be true: That cannabis is an all-natural, medicinal plant with the ability to heal. After years of research and development, Johnson and Sims are ready to share Primitiv with the world.

JARS X Primitiv

After sitting down to chat with Eric Woodyard, we were lucky enough to get Megatron and Rob Sims to stop by our River Rouge location to meet up with their fans and show off their Michigan-grown line of Primitiv flower. With one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in Michigan, it is no surprise that our guests are loving this new product.

Watch their entire interview here and stop into JARS to try Primitv for yourself—and stay tuned for more JARS Roundtable!



JARS

December 11, 2024