And they do far more than just give off an aroma or flavor. They also play a huge role in the effects you can expect from cannabis. For example, limonene (commonly found in citrus zest) is said to have energizing properties and linalool (usually associated with lavender) has been used as an herbal remedy for stress relief.

Although terpenes are tiny, they have a major impact on how cannabis interacts with your body.

What does the research say?

Both mangos and weed nugs contain myrcene, a common terpene known for its peppery or hoppy aroma and taste. Cannabis strains high in myrcene, like White Widow, Skunk XL, and Special Kush 1, have been reported to produce soothing or couch-locking effects. While there is no scientific evidence that directly links mangos and cannabis, we do know certain factors about myrcene that may shed some light on this duo.

Although myrcene on its own will not get you high, higher levels of myrcene are typically associated with the experience of fast-acting and powerful body highs. Research published in 2016 in the journal Nutraceuticals suggested that this sensation may be due to the myrcene terpene playing a key role in facilitating the transport of cannabinoids into your brain. In addition, myrcene has been linked to enhanced transdermal absorption, potentially making it a great fit for topicals or any cannabis-infused products designed to be applied to the skin.

So even though researchers may not be able to say definitively the combo of mango and cannabis will get you higher, it does appear that increased levels of myrcene may leave you feeling deeply relaxed.

Try it yourself.

With little research to point to, why not try combining mangos with weed yourself? Ask one of our budtenders to point you to a strain that’s high in myrcene, grab a mango on the way home, and see if you feel a difference after a few bites of mango and few puffs of weed. Now that’s the kind of scientific research that we can get down with.

If you have ever smoked before, you know that weed is a stinky plant. While its scent can enhance the flavor and many of us love the smell, it can often be indiscreet and may even lead to some uncomfortable situations. Whether you just do not like the smell or want to find a more discreet way to smoke, many people find themselves wondering, are there any low-odor marijuana strains?

The short answer is, it depends. If you’re a cannabis cultivator, there are a number of strains, like Northern Lights and Blue Mystic, that growers suggest may not get the attention of nosy neighbors. If you are a smoker, weed smoke is, unfortunately, always going to be rather potent — especially if you get that loud from JARS.

That being said, there are a number of preventative measures you can take to reduce the smell, like using a handy sploof. Read on for a list of odor-reducing tips, what in the world a sploof is, and how to make one in the comfort of your own home.

Ways To Cover Weed Smell

For years, stoners have come up with ways to mask the smell of weed for an array of reasons. Whether you have an unexpected visit from the in-laws or you simply hate the lingering smell, there are plenty of tools to eliminate marijuana odors.

In The Home

However, the Red Cross website’s FAQ section published in September 2020 says, “The use of cannabis does not disqualify an individual from blood donation, but potential donors cannot give if their use of cannabis impairs their memory or comprehension.”

As you may have experienced, high levels of THC (the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis) can temporarily affect your cognitive functions. If you regularly smoke ultra-potent buds like Amnesia Haze or Kush Mints, then it is possible that you will not be able to give blood.

Additionally, it may even be a good idea to switch to high-CBD strains like Harlequin or ACDC before you volunteer your blood cells. The lower levels of THC are less likely to impair cognitive functioning and may make you a better candidate for giving blood.

Do blood banks test for THC?

No matter what kind of strain you prefer, blood banks do not generally test for THC. Although you should never show up to the blood bank high, there are no rapid THC tests that can tell if you have something in your system.

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require blood donation centers to test for THC, as reported by the Red Cross. While the presence of THC in your system should not directly disqualify you, any observable psychoactive effects of THC could be a disqualifying factor. So, just be responsible and save your smoke sesh for after your appointment at the blood bank.

Other Requirements for Donating Blood

Not everyone is a good candidate for donating blood, including those with synthetic marijuana in their system. If you medicate with K2, Spice, or the prescription drug Marinol, you cannot give blood. You also have to be over 16 years old and wait at least 56 days between blood bank appointments to give your body time to recover.

Other factors that might stop you from donating blood are:

• A piercing or tattoo within the last year

• Pregnancy or recent childbirth

• Steroid use

• Weighing less than 110 pounds

• Any sickness with a fever

• Low iron levels, which may be a red flag for anemia

• Traveling to a malaria-risk country within the past 3 years

• HIV or hepatitis infection

Other Ways to Help If You Cannot Give Blood

Whether you just got a nose piercing or are just scared of needles, there are plenty of other ways you can help out. You can:

Host a Blood Drive

Blood drives are a crucial part of the donation process, so take the opportunity to host a blood drive. All you need is access to a large open space and the ability to recruit qualified blood donors.

Host a Virtual Blood Drive

Through the SleevesUp, you can also organize a campaign for a virtual blood drive. Using the power of social media, you can send blood donation invitations to friends and family, no matter where they live.

Volunteer at a Blood Drive

Check in with your local Red Cross and ask about their volunteer opportunities. They may need snacks or juice donated or someone to check donors in as they arrive.

Make a Financial Donation

No one ever says no to money—and no amount of money is too small!

Conclusion

Smoking weed does not automatically disqualify you from donating blood, but you should be aware of blood donor requirements before scheduling an appointment. If you have more questions or want to volunteer, contact your nearest blood donation center and talk to your doctor before making the decision to give blood.

Dabbing seems like the latest craze these days for cannabis professionals—but did you know there are ways to smoke cannabis wax other than dabbing?

Yes, it’s true. Whether you don’t have a dab rig or just want to switch up your routine, let’s look at a few ways you can get creative with wax.

What is marijuana wax?

Just in case you’re new to the wax game, we’ll start at the very beginning. Cannabis wax refers to a type of cannabis concentrate, similar to shatter. Wax is a softer, opaque oil that has lost its transparency after extraction. Unlike more transparent oils, the molecules of cannabis wax crystallize as a result of the agitation that happens in the extraction process.

Similar to its more transparent cousins, wax can also take on different consistencies based on heat, moisture, and the texture of the oil before the residual solvents are removed from the product (otherwise known as purged). Runny oils with more moisture often form gooey waxes that are sometimes called “budder,” while the more stiff ones are likely to take on a soft, brittle texture known as “crumble” or “honeycomb.” The term “wax” can be used to describe all of these softer, solid textures.

Ways to Smoke Wax Other than Dabbing

Dabbing has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years because cannabis concentrates are incredibly potent (sorry beginners, this is not for you), cost-effective, and flavorful. But dabbing is not the only way to enjoy all the benefits of cannabis wax. Let’s discuss.

Drop It Into a Bowl

To smoke cannabis wax using a traditional glass bowl (either on a bong, bubbler, or spoon pipe), you first want to pack the bowl halfway with flower. Then collect a small ball of wax using a metal dabber (or really anything but your fingers because this stuff is STICKY), plop it in the bowl, and top with more flower.

You want to place the wax sandwiched between some fresh nugs because you don’t want to ignite the wax directly. If you do, you run the risk of destroying precious cannabinoids and THC molecules.

The thing we love about this method is that it’s incredibly simple. As long as you have access to good wax, quality buds, and a nice bowl, you’re all set.

Roll It Into a Joint

Much like dropping wax into a bowl, this technique is easy and requires only a few tools.  All you need is the wax, some weed, rolling papers, and a good old-fashioned crutch.

For the best results, start with the rolling paper and crutch. Next, place some ground flower into the middle of the paper, as you normally would when rolling a joint. Then, carefully place some wax on top of the weed. Do your best to get the wax down the middle so that the flower surrounds it on all sides when it gets rolled.

Once your joint is filled, go ahead and roll it like usual. Things may get a little sticky, but with a little patience, you’ll have a super potent doobie on your hands. Just make sure you spark it evenly and get a good cherry going for smooth, flavorful smokes.

Use a Wax Pen

Lastly, you can invest a cool piece of cannabis tech: a rechargeable wax pen. Learning how to use one of these might take a few uses, but you will get the hang of it with time, it’s one of the cleanest ways to enjoy marijuana wax.

Each of the pens is different so be sure to read the instructions. However, all you typically need to do is:

• Carefully load a small ball of wax directly into the heating chamber.

• Make sure your device is charged and turned on.

• Hold down an ignition button while inhaling

And that’s it! It’s a no-fuss way to get lit.

Final Thoughts

There are a variety of ways to smoke cannabis wax besides using a dab rig. Whether you’re new to wax or a dabbing pro, these techniques can take your smoking session to a whole new level. To get all of the wax you need to try one of these at home, stop by JARS to get everything you need.