What, you ask, are TERPENES?!?! They are the essential oils present in many plants, fruits, and herbs. Those magical compounds found in essential oils, resins, and balsams are also found in CANNABIS! Ever wonder what makes Skunk smell so skunky or how in the world Blueberry tastes and smells so much like actual blueberries? Well, my friends, it is the wonder that is terpenes. 

 

In fact, as we learn more and more about cannabis we are learning that what makes cannabis do what it does and to what degree is terpenes! So many folks rely on THC percentages when what we should really be talking about is terpenes. That is why we are doing it right here at The Moose and using our noses to guide us to the strains that will be best for our bodies. Smelling what you are buying before you buy it is SO IMPORTANT! Once you get to know the terpenes that are in the various strains that your body likes best you can even better dial in a customized high. Let me introduce you to some of these now! 

 

LINALOOL – This terpene is commonly found in lavender. It tends towards uplifting relaxation. Have you ever sprayed lavender essential oil on your pillow before you go to sleep? Try it! You will likely sleep like a sweet baby angel because linalool is basically The Sandman, but not in a creepy way. Linalool-rich strains are awesome for depression or sleeplessness. Some examples of strains high in linalool are Lavender (obviously), Romulan, Headband, and Skywalker OG. 

 

LIMONENE – As the name suggests, this citrusy powerhouse is all about GOOD VIBES. Basically, it is smelly sunshine! Found in citrus fruit rinds, peppermint, rosemary, and juniper. In other words, stuff that wakes you up and makes you feel good! Strains high in limonene are awesome for anxiety and depression. Some examples of strains high in limonene are Super Lemon Haze, Green Crack, Lemon OG, Tangie, and (oddly enough) Strawberry Banana!

 

PINENE – As it’s name suggests pinene is commonly found in pine needles, conifers, and sage. It is helpful for things like asthma as it is a bronchodilator (it expands the lungs!). It is also awesome for alertness and memory retention. It can help counteract the effects of THC, as well. Strains rich in pinene include AK-47, Bay Dream, Purple Kush, Blue Dream, Dutch Treat, and Jack Herer. 

 

MYRCENE – Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis. This musky dreamboat is commonly found in cloves, mango, thyme, lemongrass, and bay leaves. It has been rumored that eating tons of mango when you are high will get you more high. Although I have had questionable luck with it myself it is because of it’s high myrcene content that this may be possible! Myrcene does all kinds of magical things like act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is highly sedative and often the culprit behind “couch lock”. Strains high in myrcene include Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple, Green Crack, Amnesia, and Trainwreck. 

 

CARYOPHYLLENE – This lil beauty also found in black pepper, cinnamon, basil, and oregano is a hot pepper of a stress reliever! You may have heard that cracking a fresh peppercorn and giving it a good sniff can bring you back down when you are feeling high strung and stressed. Well, that is our cool pal caryophyllene doing it’s job. Great for pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Strains high in caryophyllene are Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, Gorilla Glue #4, OG Kush, and Chemdawg. 

 

HUMULENE – Holy hops, Batman! This compound is most commonly found in good ol’ hops, coriander, basil, and cloves. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and an appetite suppressant are the top physical effects that this dude delivers. Awesome for pain (anti-inflammatories be like that!). Strains featuring high quantities of humulene are Death Star, Sour Diesel, Headband, OG Kush, and Black Cherry OG. 

 

OCIMENE – Found most prominently in mint, parsley, orchids, and kumquats. The potential medical value of ocimene is legion. Including being antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and a decongestant (break up all of that phlegm!). Strains containing ocimene are Sensi Star, Durban Poison, and Silver Bubble. 

 

DELTA-3 CARENE – This earthy and pine-smelling fellow is said to be the “bone-repairing” terpene! It is also purported to be the cause of dry eye and cotton mouth, as it dries out bodily fluids. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is awesome for depression. It naturally occurs in juniper berry, fir, cypress, grapefruit, and bell pepper. Strains rich in Carene are Super Lemon Haze, Super Silver Haze, and Skunk #1.

 

VALENCENE – As the name suggests, Valencia oranges are where this terpene can be naturally found. It smells like sweet orange and makes an excellent natural insect repellant. This stuff is basically sunshine and Adderall combined. But from nature, which is way better. It’s anti-inflammatory, promotes cognitive function, helps alertness, and is a bronchodilator (increases airflow to lungs). Strains high in Valencene are Agent Orange, Jillybean, Tangie, and Clementine.

 

EUCALYPTOL – Another one that is given away by it’s name, this terpene can obviously be found in eucalyptus leaves, as well as sage, bay leaves, tea tree, cardamom, and rosemary. It smells like mint, honey, and spice. It is frequently used in stuff like massage balms not only for it’s delightful scent and slight cooling tingle but also for its awesome anti-inflammatory properties. It also dilates blood vessels to increase oxygen delivery, boosts mental clarity, improves circulation, promotes dental health, and helps treat wounds. It is also a powerful insect repellant. WHOA. Strains rich in eucalyptol are Super Silver Haze, Headband, Bubba Kush, and Girl Scout Cookies.

 

FENCHOL – With a sweetly herbal and lemon-lime scent profile, fenchol can be found in basil and aster. It is antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-microbial, and analgesic. Strains rich in fenchol are Banana Kush and OG Kush.

 

CAMPHENE – Similar to Eucalyptol, Camphene has a pine and musk scent profile. It can be found naturally in camphor, conifers, valerian, holy basil, nutmeg, ginger, and rosemary. It is excellent for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It is anti-fungal, antibacterial, and analgesic. Strains high in camphene are Ghost OG, Strawberry Banana, and Mendocino Purps.

 

CYMENE – Another terpene that smells musky, herbal, and woodsy. It is naturally found in cumin, thyme, coriander, eucalyptus, oregano, and marjoram. Basically, a staple of your herb garden. It helps improve memory and is analgesic and antifungal. The only strain I could find that is lousy with Cymene is Mango Haze.

 

TERPINOLENE – Last but not least is terpinolene! Commonly found in tea tree, nutmeg, lilac, conifers, apples, and cumin. Another terpene that is anti all kinds of things, this one is antioxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer! How cool is THAT?!? Makes you want to douse yourself in tea tree oil while eating loads of apple pie doesn’t it?!? No?!? Just me?!? Coolcoolcool. Anyways, it is a powerful sedative so great for treating insomnia. Strains high in terpinolene are Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze, and Agent Orange. 

 

There are over 100 different terpenes that have been found in cannabis and the more we learn about this glorious plant, the more we will learn about the wondrousness of terpenes and all the awesome things they do for our bodies and minds. In the meantime, we have our noses to guide us to what our bodies know best. If your sniffer likes it, chances are pretty darn good the rest of you will also dig it. 

We have all of these terpenes available at our in-store terpene educational station so feel free to come by and check out the science behind what makes cannabis do what it does! Thanks for reading!

Your friends at The Stoney Moose

Hello, friends of The Stoney Moose!

Today we are here to talk about CANNABINOIDS! We will talk about the differences between THC and CBD and introduce you to a few cannabinoids you may not have heard of before. Let’s get started!

 

THC (AKA tetrahydrocannabinol) – THC is definitely the most well-known cannabinoid and certainly the most popular. Mostly due to how it is the most psychoactive cannabinoid, which is to say everyone loves it because it gets you hiiiiigh. But many people are not aware of the various medicinal benefits of THC. It is anti-inflammatory, sleep aid, appetite stimulant, analgesic (pain killer), fights nausea, anti-convulsant (relieves spasms, such as seizures and cramps), muscle relaxant, and protects the nervous system. Many people focus on THC as something fun for a good time and although that is true it can have immensely helpful medicinal benefits for lots of different conditions. 

 

CBD (aka cannabidiol) – CBD is also fantastic for many, many conditions but it has what some consider to be a benefit: it is non-psychoactive. It also has a myriad of additional medicinal benefits that THC lacks, including helping regulate blood sugar, improving circulation, it is anti-anxiety, it is anti-psychotic, and it helps stimulate bone growth. CBD is great for treating many conditions while retaining a clear head. It can also help counteract the anxiety associated with being too high from consuming too much THC. For this reason, I like to keep something with high CBD, usually an edible or a vape, handy in case I need to bring myself down if I get too high. Although getting high is super fun, the medicinal benefits of CBD should not be discounted and I highly encourage folks to give it a try.

 

CBN (aka cannabinol) – CBN is what THC turns into when it ages and/or oxidizes. Although it has been rumored to be super sedative recent research has found that it is actually not as sedative as previously thought and it is likely either the combination of the CBN and THC or the terpenes that are present that make older cannabis more sedative. Isolating and extracting the CBN from cannabis has shown a myriad of other health benefits but being ultra-sedative is unfortunately not one of them. New studies have shown that CBN may be a powerful antibacterial and may help combat bacterial infections that are antibiotic resistant. Other studies have shown CBN’s benefits as a neuroprotectant (protects the neurons from injury or degeneration), an appetite stimulant, an anti-inflammatory, and that it may help relieve ocular pressure in glaucoma patients. 

 

CBG (aka cannabigerol) – CBG is the building block for both THC and CBD. As the enzymes are exposed to light and nutrients in the growth cycle the CBG will turn into CBD and THC. Certain strains can be bred or their growth cycles abbreviated to make for strains that are higher in CBG. As is common with other cannabinoids, there is a great deal of medicinal benefit contained in CBG. Like CBN, it may be anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antibacterial, an appetite stimulant, and may relieve intraocular pressure to treat conditions like glaucoma. It is also showing strong promise as a fighter against certain types of cancer. It may also inhibit muscle contractions. 

A note on legalization: The information we have on cannabinoids is just the tip of the cannabis iceberg! As we grow closer to legalizing cannabis we are learning more and more about the medicinal benefits of what this magical plant may hold. Vote on legalizing cannabis and vote for candidates who support legalization. The information we learn from finally being able to properly study cannabis may save all of our lives some day.

A note on the “Entourage Effect”: Prominent cannabis scientist Dr. Ethan Russo has a theory called the “entourage effect”, which posits that the various cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis work better together than they do separately. Which is to say, you get more medicinal benefit from all of the cannabinoids in the plant boosting each other’s healing properties than by isolating one cannabinoid or terpene. Considering the most effective cannabis product created, Rick Simpson Oil (also known as RSO or WPE, which stands for whole plant extract), is made with the whole plant and not just isolated part this may indeed be true. 

Thanks again for reading and look forward to next week when we talk TERPENES!

Hello, Friends of the Moose! Here is the first installation in a series of educational blog posts aimed to help newbies and pros alike find the best ways to medicate. Let’s start with the most basic of basics: how to get high (or not! CBD is magically medicinal and a great  non-psychoactive alternative if  being high on THC is not your jam).

SMOKE IT – The most often used method of consumption. Whether you use a pipe, a bong, a joint, a blunt (a larger joint that is rolled with cigar paper), a spliff (a joint also containing tobacco), or a one-hitter (a little pipe meant for just a small amount of cannabis), you put fire to flower (cannabis) and inhale. The heat of the fire activates the THC and therefore you get hiiiiigh! Tools needed: something to put cannabis in (pipe, bong, rolling papers/cone, etc.), grinder (optional for things like pipes and bongs, but most people prefer smoking ground weed), lighter or matches.

EAT IT – Edibles! Edibles are made by infusing an ingredient with THC by heating ground cannabis to activate the THC then infusing it into something like butter or coconut oil. You can also use concentrates with already activated THC and/or CBD. Some people respond very well to edibles, others not so much. Some folks need a lot, some folks don’t need much at all. But take our advice here and always start low (we usually recommend the state regulated dose of 5mgs and working up from there). It’s easy to get more high but oh so very difficult to get less high. Use caution and learn your dosage then it’s usually pretty easy to medicate well, especially with pre-made edibles you can buy at cannabis shops. The dosing is very reliable with pre-made ones whereas home-made ones tend to have unpredictable dosage. Tools needed: If you are making them yourself you will need an oven/stove, butter or coconut oil, a skillet or pot or a slow cooker. If you are buying them in a shop all you need is your body and the edible.

VAPE IT – There are two different types of vaporizers: dry herb and concentrates. Dry herb is for vaping plain old flower (cannabis) and concentrate vaporizers are generally a battery and a separate cartridge filled with concentrated cannabis oil (usually CO2 or distillate). The battery heats the oil and creates vapor, which is then inhaled. Vaping is super easy and very convenient. It usually doesn’t create much of a smell and what little smell it does create dissipates quickly. They are also very discreet so you can be consuming cannabis in public without people noticing. Dry herb vapes produce a little more of a “weedy” smell but are also very discreet and easy to use in public. Tools Needed: for dry herb vape: vaporizer, flower, grinder (grinding is necessary for air flow in a dry herb vape). For concentrates: battery and cartridge.

DAB IT – This is probably the method of consumption that is least understood and many people are nervous or fearful of. Don’t be scared! Dabbing is fun! So, “dabs” are basically little bits of concentrated cannabis. There are various different textures of concentrates like shatter (usually brittle and hard), crumble (the name says it all-crumbly), badder (the texture of batter, usually very loose and soupy), and  wax (ear wax-type texture). There are also different ways to do dabs: dab rig (usually a bong with a “nail”, which is a little attachment that you heat with a torch then drop your “dab” onto and the heat will vaporize the oil and you inhale the vapor), nectar collector (a cylinder with a tip attached where you heat the tip with a torch and dip it into concentrate and inhale on the other side of the cylinder), and electric dab pens or nectar collectors (these are great for on the go dabbing! Some have chambers with ceramic or coils that heat up and vaporize the cannabis oil). Dabbing can seem scary but it’s just like vaping only a little different. Tools Needed: dab rig or nectar collector or dab pen and concentrates. You can also use a dab tool, which is a little wand with a pointy or scooped tip (or both) that makes it a little easier to grab a little dab of concentrate. You can also use a dab mat, which is handy if you are using a nectar collector.

USE IT TOPICALLY – There are tons of different topicals available on most legal cannabis markets. Everything from cooling rubs for sore muscles to salves for nerve pain to oil you can use for personal lubricant to suppositories to transdermal patches. Some have just CBD, some have a combination of CBD and THC. However, it should be noted that THC applied topically will not get you high. If you use it in a place that is porous, like the vagina or the anus it will create a feeling of increased sensation but you will not get “high”. Topicals can be very helpful for many ailments from muscle pain to arthritis to eczema. The anti-inflammatory properties of THC and CBD is perfect for topical usage. These are especially great for people who want pain relief and don’t want to feel high. Tools Needed: a body and topicals. Easy! Just to be cautious, always wash your hands before applying topicals.

Now you know all the ways you can consume cannabis, next time we will talk about the basics of THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes!

Stay Stoney, Mooses!

Hello, lovers of love and cannabis!

This Friday, February 14th at The Stoney Moose we have some deals and specials you will FALL IN LOVE WITH!

BRAND NEW products from Stoney Moose Kitchens will make your heart go pitter patter! CBD peppermint patties will not only make you feel oh so good without the psychoactivity of THC but they will also make your breath wonderfully fresh for smooching your sweetheart! If you prefer your CBD with some THC, too, you will have a big ol’ crush on our brand new 1:1 THC/CBD mini truffles. Chocolate IS an aphrodisiac after all. 

Speaking of all things sensual, we will be offering 50% off on the AMAZING 4S Massage Oil from Latitude 61. This wonderful whole plant oil contains cannabis, devil’s club, devil’s claw, arnica, frankincense, and ginger. With an avocado, coconut, and sesame oil base and tons of healing and pain relieving herbs, this oil is well worth the cost. Normally $70, marked down to just $35. This deal is simply too good to pass up.

 

If flower is the love of your life, check out a brand new strain from Catalyst called Flight of the Durbs! We will debuting this knock out sativa (a phenotype of forever favorite Durban Poison) for just $10/gram! Whaaaat?!? Also keep an eye out for another staff and customer favorite, White Fire OG, from GOOD for just $20/gram! That’s right, top shelf flower at regular price and it’s not even Top Shelf  Tuesday!

If doobies are the product that makes you into the human version of the heart-eye emoji you’ll be glad to know that we will have $5 joints ALL DAY!

Are edibles your ride or die bae? ALL edibles from Stoney Moose Kitchens will be 20% off all day! Gummies, Ganjacrisps, cookies, brownies, raw energy bites, Moose Milk! ALL ON SALE! We will also have the insanely delicious and creamy soft serve ice cream from Lady Gray for 20% off. In chocolate and vanilla flavors this tasty treat will have you head over heels in LUV!

If making your own edibles or rolling a ton of joints is your love language, we have deals for that too! Awesome indica hybrid Mendo Breath in Baker’s Bags (bags of smaller buds and shake perfect for infusing butter or coconut oil for edibles or for just rolling so many j-bones you can give them to everyone!) 7 grams for just $50!

And if all of these screamin’ deals aren’t enough, if you spend $50 or more we will give you a free card and rose. BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU, Ketchikan! You choo-choo-choose us be your favorite cannabis shop and we want you to know we love you right back! Don’t forget to bring your Valentine (or just a pal!) because EVERY Friday is Friendly Friday at The Stoney Moose. Bring a pal, get 10% off for both of you! 

See you on Valentine’s Day and every other day, Ketchikan!

Love and cannabis,

Your Pals at The Stoney Moose

Winter can be hard. The holidays are rough for some folks and seasonal depression is very real. Luckily, we have a secret weapon against the seasonal sads, TERPENES! For those unfamiliar, terpenes are essential oils that are naturally occurring in many plants, including cannabis. Identifying terpenes in the strains we use can help customize our cannabis experience and find what strains will be the most beneficial for whatever is going on in our bodies and minds. Here are a few terpenes that have properties that can help ease our troubled minds and bring some seasonal peace and good vibes:

CARYOPHYLLENE – A very common terpene found in many strains of cannabis, it is also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. It smells earthy, musky, and spicy. It has been found to help relieve stress and calm the mind and body.

LIMONENE – Limonene is found in a great deal of sativa strains and many hybrids and indicas, as well.  It is also naturally occurring in lemon rind, orange rind, and juniper. It smells like lemon-y goodness! It can be a helpful mood booster, energizer, and helps combat anxiety.

LINALOOL – Most commonly found in indicas due to it’s sedative effects, linalool is also found in lavender, citrus, rosewood, and birch. It smells floral and immediately induces a calming effect when smelled. Linalool is soothing and cozy.

Now that we are familiar with the terpenes that can help ease depression and anxiety, let’s explore the various strains we carry at The Stoney Moose that contain these terpenes!

BLACK DOG – A top shelf strain from Top Hat in Juneau, this lovely berry-scented indica marvel is sedative and mellow, just right for consumption after a long stressful day. Excellent for that end of day smoke that will ease you into a restful and blissed out sleep. High in limonene and caryophyllene.

HONEY BANANA – This gem from Morning Bear Farms in Kasilof smells like a freshly baked banana muffin and tastes just the same. An awesome indica hybrid perfect for a chill night in, watching Netflix and snuggling your favorite person/animal/pillow. A powerful body high accompanied by an uplifting head high. High in limonene.

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS – A timeless classic sativa, Pineapple Express from Greatland Ganja in Kasilof is awesome for day time fun times or focused activity. A strongly uplifting and energizing head high will have you skipping and whistling a happy tune in no time! High in limonene and caryophyllene.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES – Another all-star from Morning Bear Farms in Kasilof, Girl Scout Cookies is a sativa hybrid that provides both a mood-boosting and focused head high and a calming and deeply relaxing body high. The perfect hybrid for any day or night usage! High in limonene, linalool, and caryophyllene!

MENDO BREATH – This potent indica from our pals at Morning Bear Farms in Kasilof will be your evening champion with it’s wonderfully serene and soothing effects. With the wonderful addition of having a lovely mood elevating head high this strain will quickly become a favorite. High in limonene and caryophyllene.

GRAPE JAM – Yet another banger from Morning Bear Farms in Kasilof, Grape Jam tastes exactly like it smells and that is fresh grape jam! A fruity hurricane of joyous uplift is coming your way when you put this strain in your pipe! All the tensions of the day will melt away into a blissful high. High in limonene and caryophyllene.

CHEM COOKIES – Last but certainly not least is Chem Cookies from Last Frontier, right here in Ketchikan. A sativa hybrid that provides both a wonderfully stimulating head high with a substantial body high. It’s pretty hard to be bummed or anxious after smoking this one! High in caryophyllene and limonene.

If the dark and cold months are really taking the wind out of your sails come on down to The Stoney Moose and check out our terpene education station and ask your budtender about the strains and terpenes above! Remember to take your Vitamins D & C and have wonderful winter, Ketchikan! 

 

Hear about our Green Friday specials from our silky smooth budtender and local musician/celebrity, Joe Williams!

High there Stoney stoners! We are giddily gearing up for one of our favorite holidays, Thanksgiving otherwise known as DANKSgiving. I mean, what’s better than indulging in your favorite cannabis products, then ALL the sides, amIright? To prime your palette for the flavor symphony of Thanksgiving food, we’ve been getting playful in our own kitchen with some delectable new edibles!

 

Just in time for Christmas pre-game, Infused Eggnog! An eggceptional take on a creamy Christmas classic, our infused eggnog is spiced to perfection with the perfect amount of nutmeg and cinnamon. Made with all-organic ingredients. 40mg THC in an 8oz serving. This is one seasonal drink you surely won’t want to miss out on! Remember to ask about the Cafe Special for a discount on a combination that will really make Santa Fly!

 

NEW to our gummy flavor family, Mango Chili Gummy Squares! Hot chili and cayenne pepper give a light slap of heat that’s quickly quenched with a juicy burst of mango in a fugue of flavor that tantalizes the tastebuds. Made with all-organic ingredients. 25mg THC per container (5x5mg gummies)

There has never been a tastier time to dive into the wide wonderful world of infused food (and drink). Stay tuned for more new and seasonal treats from Stoney Moose Kitchens, and check back this weekend for a special video about our Green Friday specials! Because why trample over your brothers and sisters for the new iPhone when you can enjoy some killer deals on cannabis products in the zen of your favorite pot shop? #strictlygoodvibes

 

Peace Love & Cannabis,

LiLi