{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cannabis-101/15","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_1980-markdown","title":"Cannabis Vaporization: A Better Delivery Method","slug":"cannabis-vaporization-a-better-delivery-method","content":"One of the major arguments against medical marijuana is the potential\nrisks of inhaling smoke, since smoking is the traditional methods of\ncannabis delivery.\n[Research](http://adai.uw.edu/marijuana/factsheets/respiratoryeffects.htm)\nhas shown that cannabis smoke does contain some [irritants and\ncarcinogens](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1277837/# B47)\nsimilar to tobacco smoke. Other research, however, has also shown that\nthe cannabinoids in marijuana [provide some\nprotection](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1277837/)\nagainst damage from these chemicals - cannabis seems to boost the immune\nresponse and block enzyme action needed for carcinogenesis - and has\nfailed to find a link between [marijuana and lung\ncancer](http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/15/10/1829.short) or\nlong-term negative effects on [lung\ncapacity](http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1104848).\n\nSmoking cannabis has, however, been linked to respiratory problems\nincluding increased [coughing, wheezing, sputum\nproduction](http://www.ukcia.org/research/RespiratoryEffectsOfCannabisDependence.pdf),\nand airway inflammation. Thus, patients may be reluctant to use this\nmethod despite evidence showing it is faster than ingestion for\ncannabinoid delivery.\n\nAnother cannabis delivery option is\n[vaporization](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J175v04n01_02#.Ve3cPxFVikp).\nIn this method, the cannabis is heated to a temperature lower than what\noccurs with combustion (combustion occurs at about 230°C). The lower\ntemperature (185°C) releases the cannabinoids, and not the toxins, into\na mist or vapor that is inhaled. The amount of cannabinoid delivered is\nsimilar to that of smoking, but has [fewer respiratory symptoms and\nproblems](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1853086/).\n\nSafer than Smoking\n------------------\n\nTetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in\ncannabis and is associated with the marijuana high. THC can help treat\npain, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss. In a\n[study](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J175v04n01_02#.Ve3cPxFVikp)\nthat compared vaporization and smoking, researchers found that THC\nlevels were between 36 percent and 61 percent for vaporization, which is\nsimilar to the levels found with smoking cannabis. Furthermore,\nexamination of the vapor found only trace amounts of the toxic chemicals\nfound in smoke.\n\nEach cannabinoid has a different [evaporation\ntemperature](http://www.zamnesia.com/content/284-vaporizer-temperatures-for-cannabis).\nTHC evaporates at about 157°C, whereas cannabidiol (CBD) evaporates at\ntemperatures between 160 and 180°C.\n[CBD](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579248/) has been\nfound effective in treating pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and\ndepression, as well as in reducing cancerous tumors. The trick with\nvaporization is to keep the temperature high enough to release the\ncannabinoids, but low enough to prevent combustion.\n\nConduction vs. Convection\n-------------------------\n\nCurrent vaporizers work either through conduction or convection. In\nconduction, the cannabis is placed directly on a heating element,\nsometimes referred to as a nail, that has been heated with a flame. With\nconvection, heat is indirect and is transferred through a gas or liquid\nto the cannabis. Both methods have some positives and negatives.\n\nConduction vaporization:\n\n-   Heats quickly\n-   Requires a less expensive device\n-   Has a higher risk of combustion as there is no temperature control\n    for a direct flame\n-   Requires shaking or stirring of the cannabis between draws\n\nConvection vaporization:\n\n-   Takes longer to heat\n-   Requires a more expensive device\n-   Provides for more accurate temperature control and thus more even\n    heating\n-   Has less chance of combustion\n\nFlower vs. Concentrate\n----------------------\n\nVaporizers\ntake either herb (leaves and flowers) or concentrate. Vapor from herbs\ncontains between 5 percent and 20 percent THC and from concentrate about\n60 percent. To create concentrate, cannabis is filtered through a\nsolvent, ice water, or carbon dioxide to separate the THC from the plant\nmatter. This concentrate is then placed in the vaporizer for use.\n\nPatients should talk with their medical marijuana professional to see\nwhat types of vaporizers and what form of cannabis would be best for\ntheir needs. Each form a vaporization has benefits for patients\ndepending on the type of condition they wish to alleviate.\n\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/127457165@N03/16546091210)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.36986301369863,"src":"/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/14b42/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/f836f/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.jpg 200w,\n/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/2244e/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.jpg 400w,\n/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/14b42/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.jpg 800w,\n/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/47498/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/57cfc/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.jpg 1402w","srcWebp":"/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/58556/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/61e93/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.webp 200w,\n/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/1f5c5/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.webp 400w,\n/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/58556/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.webp 800w,\n/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/99238/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.webp 1200w,\n/static/9c66b84c4df13f6bad2dff216d3e88f9/c569c/0fccc95b98456c6004ce0e8baeb362e4.webp 1402w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1997-markdown","title":"Essentials About Edibles That You Need to Know","slug":"essentials-about-edibles-that-you-need-to-know","content":"For many people who use medical marijuana, edibles can be a great way to\r\nrelieve pain, appetite loss or nausea. Yet determining how to properly use edibles can be difficult for new users. Edibles are potent and\r\ntake time to start working, which can easily lead to an incorrect over dosage\r\nof cannabis. Fortunately, consuming edibles correctly is possible when\r\nthe following tips are considered.\r\n\r\nUnderstand Potency\r\n------------------\r\n\r\nWhen consuming cannabis in food, the body metabolizes it over a period\r\nof time, resulting in a stronger effect than smoking. Additionally, the\r\ncannabis used in edibles is often stronger. This means that a single\r\nbrownie or cookie with cannabis in it can potentially equal two or more doses of\r\nmedical marijuana in other forms.\r\n\r\nTo further complicate matters, most people don't know the proper dose of\r\nedibles for their body, so some experimentation is needed. The easiest\r\nmethod is to ingest a small amount of an edible after a meal, and then\r\nwait up to two hours before eating more.\r\n[Symptoms](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000952.htm)\r\nthat someone has over-ingested cannabis can include a fast heart rate,\r\nred eyes, dry mouth, labored breathing, anxiety, or paranoia.\r\n\r\nKnow How Long To Wait\r\n---------------------\r\n\r\nEating marijuana is a different experience than smoking or vaporizing\r\nthe product. Smoking is a much faster way to feel the effects of the cannabis,\r\nmaking it easier to control the dosage. When a person eats cannabis, it\r\ncan be hard to tell when he or she has reached the correct dosage,\r\nbecause the effects take longer to appear.\r\n\r\nThe reason for the delayed reaction is the time it takes the liver to process the cannabis within\r\nthe edible. This means that someone with a\r\nfast metabolism will feel the effects sooner than someone with a slow\r\nmetabolism. For those in the latter category, it can take two or more\r\nhours to feel the effects, while those with a fast metabolism might only\r\nneed one hour to notice the presence of the medication. To be safe, a patient should wait at least\r\ntwo hours before adjusting dosage.\r\n\r\nRead Labels Carefully\r\n---------------------\r\n\r\nEdibles are not yet subject to FDA rules, as marijuana is still\r\nfederally illegal. Therefore, labels on cannabis products are not\r\nconsistent. In fact, a study by Johns Hopkins showed that [75% of\r\nedibles were\r\nmislabeled](http://hub.jhu.edu/2015/06/24/mislabeled-medical-marijuana)\r\nregarding the amount of THC in them. It's up to the people ingesting\r\nedibles to carefully read the label of each product to find out the\r\ncorrect dosage, as potency can vary widely, and a single cookie may\r\ncontain multiple doses. Of course, not all companies that sell edibles\r\nuse labels, so it helps to specifically look for the ones that do to\r\navoid an incorrect dosage and still consume less of the product rather than more.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/dankdepot/5501509108/in/photolist-9o6CCK-9o9EZj-8cA1xU-rehJzP-7b1em2-7aZywZ-7aZK1K-7aUPJF-7aWEBS-bjyU1L-awPuQe-bwQBYj-atJFX4)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/14b42/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/f836f/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.jpg 200w,\n/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/2244e/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.jpg 400w,\n/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/14b42/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.jpg 800w,\n/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/a7715/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.jpg 1000w","srcWebp":"/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/58556/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/61e93/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.webp 200w,\n/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/1f5c5/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.webp 400w,\n/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/58556/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.webp 800w,\n/static/64d5994971807772bd7a72c3058e8cc0/e30b5/2b084e7b8bea4b2f639fc0f17d2e999e.webp 1000w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1907-markdown","title":"Is Dabbing Good for You?","slug":"is-dabbing-good-for-you","content":"Traditional consumption of marijuana has typically been via hand-rolled\ncigarettes, water pipes, emptied cigars and edible products. However, a\nnew way to administer marijuana has emerged called dabbing. Since some\nmyths and misconceptions have emerged about dabbing, it's important to\nknow the facts, pros, and cons. Whether you are just curious about\ndabbing or interested in its use for medical administration, here are\nthe basics of what dabbing is.\n\n### The Basics of Dabbing\n\nTo dab means to consume highly concentrated marijuana in a vaporized\nform from cannabis oil, a wax-like oil extracted from marijuana plants\nusing butane. By inhaling the vapors in this concentrated form, users\nreceive stronger and faster effects from the marijuana. A blowtorch is\nused to preheat the surface, often referred to as a nail, which is\ncommonly made of glass or titanium materials. Once that nail is heated,\nusers dab the concentrated wax onto the surface and inhale the rising\nvapor. Another practice similar to dabbing involves putting hash oil in\na vape device or e-cigarette. Users can also use modified water pipes to\nsmoke the dab.\n\n### Dabbing Statistics\n\n\"We have been seeing an emergence of dabs over the last three years,\"\nsaid [John\nStogner](http://www.livescience.com/51202-marijuana-dabbing-trend.html),\nan assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte,\nwho co-authored a paper on the subject. He added, \"At a minimum, dabs\nare four times as strong as a joint, and the high is administered all at\nonce.\"\n\nMost marijuana joints have about 15 percent THC, while most hash oils\nhave a concentration of [60 to 90\npercent](http://www.casacolumbia.org/the-buzz-blog/dabbing-what-you-need-know-about-latest-marijuana-craze).\nIn November 2014, the Los Angeles Division of the Drug Enforcement\nAgency (DEA) reported 49 explosions related to marijuana administration\nprocesses like dabbing.\n\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### Pros of Dabbing\n\nProponents of dabbing tout the process for its quick results and its\npure, highly concentrated end product. Dabbing reduces the risk of lung\ndamage associated with traditional smoking. Also, dabbing can be an\nefficient means of delivering relief for pain and serious chronic\nmedical conditions. Certain methods of dabbing do not emit a marijuana\nodor, unlike smoking, which emits a strong smell; this mostly odorless\nresult is a benefit for users who value discretion.\n\n### Cons of Dabbing\n\nIf the oil used in dabbing is not produced with very high standards,\nthere can be high levels of butane which can be damaging. Some people\nare allergic to butane and other toxins contained in hash oil. Others\nexperience side effects from dabbing, including rapid heartbeat, loss of\nconsciousness, tingling skin sensations, paranoia and hallucinations.\nDabbing is generally a [more expensive way to use\nmarijuana](http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/smoking-concentrated-marijuana-known-as-dabbing-is-all-the-rage-6461891),\nas users need to make investments for a blowtorch, heating element,\nother equipment and the premium oil product. Dabbing is not recommended\nfor people who need a high CBD product because most 'wax' products\ncreated for the process are high in THC.\n\n### How Shatter, Wax and Dabs Are Made\n\nTo make a dab, producers pour butane over marijuana to separate the THC\nfrom the plant and dissolve it into the butane. Then users must press\nthe THC solution through a filter and place it in a dish. The resulting\nproduct is thick, gummy and very high in THC. The sticky oils are often\nreferred to as wax, shatter and budder. After extracting the THC, the\nconcentrate must be [purged of\nsolvents](http://www.hightimes.com/read/dab-or-not-dab) left behind.\n\n[MARIJUANA AND YOUR LUNGS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56cba036cecb1b0008000088/marijuana-and-your-lungs-should-you-be-worried)\n\nDabs can be made with extraction methods involving carbon dioxide and\nice water alternatives as well. For example, carbon dioxide can be used\nas a solvent in place of butane. Experts have shown that making dabs\nwith carbon dioxide is much healthier to make dabs, shatter, and wax.\nSimilarly, ice-water extraction is much safer and healthier than using\nbutane to make dabs, though they are far less common.\n\n### Potential Benefits of Dabbing Medical Marijuana\n\nDabbing has the potential to provide immediate relief for medical\nmarijuana users suffering from chronic pain and other serious\nconditions. Other forms of use take longer to have an effect in the\nhuman body.\n\nPeople who are concerned about the effects of dabbing often cite the\nreal possibility of overdosing on marijuana, becoming addicted to\nmarijuana and experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms. However, these\nissues are a lesser cause of concern for medical marijuana users.\nMedical marijuana is typically prescribed in exact doses by an\nexperienced medical professional, so the risk of overdose and addiction\nare less likely. If regulated and medically administered, wax can be\nextracted in a pure form and with a reduced risk of unwanted additives.\n\n### Potential Downsides of Dabbing Medical Marijuana\n\nHowever, there are some potential negative effects that can result from\ndabbing medical marijuana. One issue is building up a tolerance to the\ncomponents. Due to the high concentration of THC in a dab, a user's body\nwill become used to that level of THC and require it again to get a\nsimilar feeling of relief. Therefore, [it has been\nrecommended](http://www.truthonpot.com/2014/07/02/what-is-dabbing/) that\ndabbing should not be used for people who take cannabis on an infrequent\nbasis. Also, it is easier for people to over consume THC by dabbing\nbecause of the high concentrations being delivered quickly.\n\n### Social Popularity and Medical Administration\n\nDabbing is not a new practice, and in fact, it's been around since the\n1970s. Many experts attribute its growing popularity to the commercial\nproduction and development of legal medical marijuana and marijuana\nlegalization in some states. In these states, users can often buy hash\noil extracts.\n\nAt this point, not enough conclusive studies have been conducted about\nthe risks and benefits of dabbing for medical administration. Medical\nmarijuana users should consult with their doctors before dabbling in\ndabbing.\n\n[Q&A ABOUT CANNABIS AND YOUR LUNGS](https://www.hellomd.com/search?type=question&term=lungs)\n\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/search/?license=4%2C5%2C6%2C9%2C10&advanced=1&text=smoking%20bong)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/14b42/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/f836f/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 200w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/2244e/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 400w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/14b42/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 800w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/47498/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/54ac5/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/58556/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/61e93/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 200w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/1f5c5/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 400w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/58556/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 800w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/99238/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 1200w,\n/static/132a51852d90245e270a4aa4e8bb25bc/5e0b8/dd4260700d1f3765d6a02e50068f6f8b.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1924-markdown","title":"Methods of Administering Medical Marijuana","slug":"methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana","content":"The number of methods of administration for cannabis can be daunting to patients who are new to the medication, but the availability of various methods of administration helps set medical marijuana apart from traditional pharmaceuticals.  Each administration method can be used for different condition or desired effect. \r\n\r\nSmoking\r\n-------------\r\nSmoking is the traditional method of marijuana administration.  Different strains can be chosen based on the desired outcome, but all products, when smoked, provide an almost immediate effect.  Due to the quick onset, it is easy to control the dosing when marijuana is smoked because the patients are able to feel the effect quickly and adjust dosing accordingly.  There are some concerns that have been sparked about smoking, due to the potential negative effects on the respiratory system when any product is smoked.  This concern can be decreased when patients use high potency products so less smoking is necessary to get the desired benefits of the medication. \r\n\r\nVaporization\r\n-----------------\r\nVaporization has quickly gained traction as a healthy alternative to smoking marijuana.  Vaporizing is less harmful than smoking because there are less byproducts due to the lower temperature used in the vaporizer. Vaporization provides the same quick relief as smoking because the product can enter the blood stream quickly. Vaporization is similar to the administration of an inhaler.  Both smoking and vaporization are good options for patients who need instant relief from issues such as pain from PMS, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, and many other conditions.\r\n\r\nCannabis Oil/Tinctures\r\n------------------------------\r\nCannabis oils and tinctures are concentrates of marijuana that can either be added to products, such as food or drink, or be consumed on their own. Some oils are added to pill capsules and are swallowed like traditional medication.  Quality is very important in concentrates, particularly in oils. Until recently, methods for oil extraction often contaminated the oils with harmful products.  Now the cleanest method of oil extraction uses CO2, which results in a pure cannabis oil product.  Oils tend to be the method used to give high CBD medications to people with conditions like epilepsy because they can be very accurately dosed if they are properly made.  Tinctures, a concentration made with an alcohol base, tends to be slightly less potent than oils.  Tinctures and oils can be helpful for quick relief, accurate dosing, and to get the medication more directly to the gastrointestinal tract without consuming an edible. \r\n\r\nEdibles \r\n--------------------\r\nEdibles can be a tricky method of administration for medical cannabis.  It can be as long as one to two hours after consumption for the effects of a edible to be felt. Due to the slow onset time, and inaccurate labeling of products, edibles can be very hard to dose.  Most edibles do not contain the percentage of THC/CDB that is listed on the package, so edibles should be dosed in small amounts and patients should be cautious about consuming more of the edible if they do not feel effects as rapidly as they expect. Edibles, however, do tend to have longer lasting effects than other administration methods.  Edibles are often used for people with loss of appetite in Cancer, Anorexia, or AIDS to promote appetite. \r\n\r\nTopical\r\n-------------------\r\nTopicals are one of the lesser known forms of medical marijuana on the market, but they are very helpful for people with inflammation and pain.  Topicals are absolutely free from any physco-active properties, making them a great choice for first time users.  Topical products allow people to experience the pain relief from cannabis without the potential side effects of ingesting too much of a cannabis product. Topicals are particular helpful for people who have Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, or similar pain issues.  \r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/46434953@N07/8617919882/in/photolist-e8x6ky-4fQ6Jq-92P4iu-948wrL-tCmafT-aYS9JR-9cWQdE-fs5xq-7ZrYJi-5qyoom-pXUKSd-jSDaqu-5QVWPQ-fsA5BG-nXTjv9-hiiggS-p5Su1e-9jjEYG-b6C4ZR-4ntqiQ-gVfpJw-fQwnYj-mckKnT-dNgyA5-oaQebG-9Bcfce-6ysF1-nQMNQC-7LFiK8-t1QbRT-sG4B-67Jrva-agXYLE-aRuzG-8WGDYA-4AZ1nY-auuTZD-agXYPL-baSgkD-4HbUS-8t8jA4-qEW2J7-ox93kw-iYrqbE-6kTS1G-cs8HdL-sVb1u-4dzSTz-mtVXTR-b1DMqP)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/14b42/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/f836f/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg 200w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/2244e/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg 400w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/14b42/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg 800w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/47498/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/58556/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/61e93/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp 200w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/1f5c5/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp 400w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/58556/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp 800w,\n/static/04fe4f63053246345a2c57e2f06b0ccb/99238/f0e7ff81ac2c98bc31814c39127602d9.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":168,"numPages":15,"currentPage":15,"id":5053,"name":"Cannabis 101","slug":"cannabis-101","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}