{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/weed/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3979-markdown","title":"Country Cannabis Joints - the Future of Weed is Low THC Flower","slug":"country-cannabis-joints-the-future-of-weed-is-low-thc-flower","content":"In every dispensary, I see cannabis products with higher and higher levels of [THC](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/thc). Consumers, or at least dispensary owners who select the weed products on their shelves, believe that the more potent, the better.\n\nHigher levels of THC have proven to be big business for dispensaries. When THC levels test higher than 25%, dispensaries can [charge $75 or more for an eighth](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisroberts/2020/06/16/science-reveals-the-cannabis-industrys-greatest-lie-youre-buying-weed-wrong-and-so-is-everyone-else/?sh=64524f8c2ee3) of weed. So it's no surprise that the weed business has consumers believing that more THC is better and relates to a higher quality product.\n\nThe problem is, it isn't true. \n\n![Hello5-min (14).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello5_min_14_6fec9680e8.png)\n\n### Why Low THC Flower is Better\n\nIn reality, the THC percentage has nothing to do with marijuana quality and, according to [a study from The University of Colorado](https://www.colorado.edu/today/2020/06/10/marijuana-concentrates-sharply-spike-thc-levels-dont-necessarily-get-users-higher), it doesn't even get you higher as the percentage exponentially increases.\n\nOur body's [cannabinoid receptors](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/beyond-the-cb1-and-cb2-cannabis-receptors-trpv1-and-gpr55) become saturated at higher THC levels, beyond which there is a diminishing effect of additional THC. So, once you get above 17-20 percent in THC content, you're not getting more high. But, even that may be too much THC; the old adage, less is more, holds true.\n\n![Hello1-min (19).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_19_52ddeee89d.png)\n\n### The Biphasic Effect of Marijuana\n\nThe biphasic effect is when a lower dosage of something creates a desired outcome, while a higher dose may produce adverse effects. Think of when you drink a glass or two of wine; you may become more social and relaxed. If you drink the entire bottle, you may become tired, aggressive, or even blackout. \n\nCannabis produces a biphasic effect within our bodies. Lower doses may create a pleasurable effect for many people, and **higher doses** may induce **paranoia**, **anxiety**, or even a **panic attack**. Lower doses also may be more beneficial in treating medical conditions. [Dr. Justin Sulak](https://healer.com/cannabis-dosing-less-is-usually-more/), a well-known cannabis physician, treats 90 percent of his patients with lower dosages.\n\nHe says, \"When I started my practice, I was surprised to see that some patients were using very low dosages (e.g. 1 puff), while other patients require much higher dosages (e.g. an entire large joint or a potent edible) to achieve optimal benefits. Over time, I noticed that most patients using small amounts of cannabis were getting better and more sustainable results than their high-dosage counterparts with similar conditions.\"\n\nBeyond whether low THC is more efficacious than higher THC, most of today's cannabis consumers aren't looking to get super high; they're looking for a strain they can enjoy that won't knock them out. And when we look at cannabis consumers that are about to enter the market, the same can be said. The vast majority of cannabis consumers want or need moderate levels of THC.\n\n![Hello6-min (8).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello6_min_8_fe2e21717c.png)\n\nSince entering the cannabis industry in 2014, I've been an advocate of **[microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-a-better-way-to-take-cannabis)**. I was extremely fortunate to receive excellent medical advice over a decade ago and found that **microdosing** cannabis stopped my [chronic migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain). \n\nThis transformative life event led me to start the cannabis [Telehealth company HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started). Over the last ten years, I've [hosted educational events on the topic](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/how-to-microdose-with-cannabis-a-hellomd-event) and [written numerous articles about microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-a-better-way-to-take-cannabis) in hopes of mainstreaming the concept.\n\nIn the last couple of years, numerous brands have created [microdosed cannabis products](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-kiva-confections-petra-mint-review) for consumers desiring lower-dose THC. This is especially true within the [edibles category](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/microdosing-kiva-confections-petra-mint-review), where there is a good selection of microdosed products. Yet, there has been little movement toward a lower percentage of THC when it comes to low-dose cannabis flower. \n\nThe rare exception is the new California cannabis brand called [Country](https://www.countryranch.com/). Dubbed the \"Bud Lite of cannabis,\" Country is one of the only, if not the first, cannabis brand to deliver low-dose cannabis strains successfully.\n\n![Hello9-min (3).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello9_min_3_6fd5535e72.png)\n\n### Country Revolutionizes Cannabis\n\nCountry was created by **Jamie Feaster**, one of the original founders of the **cannabis delivery app Eaze**. Jamie started Country because he saw an enormous gap in the market when it came to low-dose flower. He also has an eye toward the new cannabis consumer who may want to smoke a marijuana strain that would allow them to remain functional. His vision was to create a low-dose, premium cannabis flower to go hand in hand with a hard-working lifestyle. Hence Country's claim of weed that \"can help you accomplish an honest day's work with a smile.\" \n\nFinally, a cannabis brand that understands that many consumers like to smoke weed and get stuff done!\n\n![Hello8-min (4).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello8_min_4_d16d5458a8.png)\n\n### My Experience Trying Country Ranch's Good Neighbor Joints\n\nI purchased a six-pack of [Country Ranch's Good Neighbor joints](https://www.countryranch.com/pages/goodneighbor) for $40 from a nearby dispensary. When I tell you their packaging is next-level, I mean it. The joints come in a vacuum-sealed jar with a built-in pump that allows you to reseal the jar every time you close the lid. Brilliant! \n\nAlso, if you look at the back of any Country package you'll see a welcoming message from Jamie, the Founder, and his phone number. If you ring or text him, he actually responds! I sent him a picture of my  bunny next to his Country package of Neighbor joints and he texted me back with a friendly note back.\n\nWhen I first opened the Country package, it made a \"tsssss\" sound, leading me to believe that these joints would taste incredibly fresh. I had a busy day ahead of me and usually microdose THC, so I sparked one of the joints and smoked while I began answering my emails. \n\nAfter the first couple of puffs, I had to stop and hold the joint between my fingers to get another look at it. This flower tasted, unlike anything I'd had before. There were notes of citrus, pine, and even fruit. I could taste the terpenes in all their glory. This Good Neighbor blend features the strains [Jack Herer](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/jack-herer) and [AC/DC](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/acdc). But this joint only contains 11% THC and has 9% CBD – creating a perfect blend between the two.\n\nWhile I smoked, I hummed to the music playing and noticed that I remained clear-headed and even became a little more focused. I buzzed through my morning emails, drank my morning coffee, and felt great. In fact, I felt motivated to take on my day. \n\nAfter my experience with Country Ranch's Good Neighbor joint, I'm a big fan. This is certainly one of my new favorite brands of 2022. Now I recommend these joints to anyone looking for a low-dose flower option, and I've even brought them to dinner parties as a host gift. Even if you think you don't like cannabis, or you've had a bad experience with it in the past, Country may change your mind. \n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5748031496062993,"src":"/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/ee604/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.png","srcSet":"/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/69585/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.png 200w,\n/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/497c6/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.png 400w,\n/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/ee604/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.png 800w,\n/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/a35bf/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.png 858w","srcWebp":"/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/58556/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/61e93/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.webp 200w,\n/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/1f5c5/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.webp 400w,\n/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/58556/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.webp 800w,\n/static/6c36364376c368d4e0cef51dcdf0cd00/8fdaa/add02a2a46776fe9716b7f9ab4faccdf.webp 858w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3734-markdown","title":"Understanding the Illinois Weed Rules And Regulations","slug":"understanding-the-illinois-weed-rules-and-regulations","content":"In Illinois, the established medical marijuana program started eight years ago and with the rollout of the adult-use/recreational program earlier this year, it’s easy to get confused about where and how to get your weed. Let’s break it down a bit.\n\n### Medical Marijuana in Illinois\n\n![Screen Shot 2021-08-24 at 5.02.24 PM.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2021_08_24_at_5_02_24_PM_46dce24dd1.png)\n\n\nIn 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the [Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=3503&ChapterID=35), overseen in part by the Department of Public Health (IDPH).\n\n### Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Illinois?\n\nPatients 18+, with proof of residency, and an Illinois-issued ID may apply for a Medical Cannabis Registry Card. \n\n### Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois\n\n### The Benefits of Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois\n\n- Significant cost savings - as a medical marijuana patient you will save up to 35% on taxes\n- Receive high quality medical advice from an expert Practitioner \n- Access to the safest and best quality cannabis as medicine\n- Legally allowed to carry cannabis without penalty\n- Ability to travel within the state of Illinois with cannabis\n\n### Step 1: Meet with a Medical Practitioner in Illinois\n\nYou'll need to meet with a [Licensed Practitioner](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/physician-information) to discuss medical cannabis as a treatment for one of the state-sanctioned [debilitating conditions](https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/debilitating-conditions). \nYour consult may occur in person, or via telehealth in the comfort of your own home. Is your health condition not on the list? Illinois residents may petition the IDPH to [add to the accepted debilitating conditions](http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/petition-debilitating-conditions).\n[Registered caregivers](https://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/medicalcannabis-caregiver-application-17-100316.pdf) must be certified for minor patients. Adult patients may also register up to three caregivers to procure cannabis on their behalf.\nReceive your Medical Cannabis Certification from your healthcare Practitioner. This will arrive as a digital file if you were seen by your healthcare professional via telehealth. You will need this certification in order to sign up for the program.\n\n### Step 2:  Create an Account with the Cannabis Registry in Illinois\n\nCreate an account and sign into the [Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program](https://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis) located on the IDPH website, and choose your [designated medical cannabis dispensary](https://www.idfpr.com/Forms/MC/ListofLicensedDispensaries.pdf). You'll need your ID and proof of residency to sign up. If you need help with this application, there’s a [handy how-to](https://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/patient-application-instructions). There is a state-mandated cost to joining the medical marijuana program, there are fees associated with a one, two, or three year term. You can select the length of time for your card before you need to register again. Your medical card will be sent to you in the mail but you will be given your patient information, so you can purchase before your card arriveas.\n\n### Step 3: Purchase Your Cannabis from an Illinois Medical Dispensary\n\nGo online and find a dispensary near you, they are located across the state! Confirm your dispensary’s policies and acceptable methods of payment (many are cash-only) and remember to bring your ID and your new medical cannabis card! Most dispensaries offer pre-ordering and curbside pickup. \n\n### How Much Cannabis can a Medical Patient Purchase in Illinois?\n\nRegistered patients and/or their caregivers may purchase up to 2.5 ounces, or 71 grams of cannabis every two weeks, and may also ask their doctor to authorize a higher amount. \n\n### What are the Costs and Fees for a Consult in Illinois?\n \nDoctors’ fees and online consults vary greatly. Online consultations with [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/illinois/) physicians, for example, is $159.\n\nIllinois state registration fees also vary. Patients may buy a card that is [valid for one, two or three years](http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/MCPP-registry-card-application-fees), with additional caregiver authorizations bumping up the cost. The cards range from $25 to $300.\n\n### Recreational Cannabis in Illinois\n\nAdult-Use Cannabis (also known as Recreational)\nIn 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker legalized adult-use cannabis by signing the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. The program went into effect January 1, 2020. \n\n### Who Qualifies in Illinois?\n\nAny adult 21+ with a valid Illinois-issued ID\n\n### What’s the Age Restriction in Illinois?\n\nYou must be 21 or older.\nFind an [Adult Use dispensary](https://www.idfpr.com/LicenseLookup/AdultUseDispensaries)\nConfirm your dispensary’s policies and acceptable methods of payment (many are cash-only). Most offer pre-ordering and curbside pickup. \nGet registered for the dispensary and purchase your recreational marijuana!\n\n### How Much Cannabis can I Purchase in Illinois?\n\nAdult users may legally purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis without a medical cannabis card. The rec legal limit for cannabis concentrates is 5 grams, and edibles of up to 500mg of THC can be purchased. Illinois visitors are allowed to possess half these amounts. \n\n### TAXES - The Real Kicker in Illinois! \n\nIllinois’ adult-use tax rates are among the highest in the U.S. In fact, many critics credit the insane taxation for keeping Illiniois' robust black market thriving. \n\nOn top of the cannabis costs, recreational marijuana consumers will always pay:\n- a 7% wholesale ‘cannabis cultivation privilege’ tax (per ounce)\n- a retail excise tax ranging from 10% - 25% (depending on THC levels), \n- a flat 20% tax on cannabis-infused products,\n- a 6.25% sales tax, AND\n[Local sales taxes](https://mytax.illinois.gov/_/#1) (depending on county)\n\nThese taxes can easily add up to a 35% tax on every recreational cannabis purchase you make!\n\nHow much do medical cannabis patients pay in taxes?  1% sales tax.\n\nYou read that right. Medical cannabis patients pay only one percent in taxes! It might be worth it put in a little more time and planning into becoming a medical cannabis patient in Illinois state\n\n### Can I Grow My Own Weed in Illinois?\n\nIf you’ve ever considered growing your cannabis, you can absolutely do that, and you can grow up to five plants for personal consumption — but ONLY IF you’re a Registered Medical Cannabis Program patient. Recreational users are prohibited from all home-growing, and can be fined a civil penalty of $200 if caught.\n\n### The Final Low-Down...on Medical Marijuana in Illinois\n\nAt first glance, it may seem like a no-brainer that recreational cannabis in Illinois is less complicated, if not more expensive. While there’s some truth here — walking into a dispensary and scoring weed is pretty easy, and doesn’t require a lot of time or planning. However, if you’re someone who’s serious about medicinal cannabis, you should consider becoming a medical marijuana patient.\n\nFirstly, consulting with a physician is always a good idea when you’re introducing a new medication into your regime, even something as seemingly straightforward as cannabis. Your doctor can coach you on different, and potentially more effective, methods of delivery. You can also get advice on dosing, as well as expert input about any risks or potential interactions with other medications. \n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.7699115044247788,"src":"/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/ee604/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.png","srcSet":"/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/69585/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.png 200w,\n/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/497c6/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.png 400w,\n/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/ee604/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.png 800w,\n/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/f3583/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/58556/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/61e93/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.webp 200w,\n/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/1f5c5/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.webp 400w,\n/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/58556/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.webp 800w,\n/static/b2294e530668c02e5455d6e75a235472/99238/eadceccef061b7df66bdafd9923cdad4.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5920,"name":"Weed","slug":"weed","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}