How to Open Proof Drops: An Easy Trick for Child-Resistant Packaging

Tired of battling child-resistant caps every time you reach for your Proof Drops? You’re not alone.

We use child-resistant packaging because it’s required for many of our products, and for others, we choose it intentionally. It helps keep our tinctures safely out of the wrong (tiny) hands while giving families extra peace of mind.

That said, we know these child-proof caps can be tricky, especially if you use our products for things like arthritis or nerve pain! So, we’ve got a simple trick to make it easier to open your Proof Drops bottle without the frustration. Watch the quick video below to learn how to open Proof Drops safely and easily.

How to open Proof Drops child resistent top

Prefer to read instead? Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Grab a butter knife or another flat, dull object (avoid anything sharp).

2. Insert the flat edge between the upper and lower parts of the cap.

3. Gently pry upward to separate the two layers of the cap.

4. Continue prying as you move around the circumference until the top pops loose.

Once the top is removed, the bottle opens normally; no pressing down required.

What is Full Spectrum Oil (FSO/RSO)?

Full Spectrum Oil (FSO) goes by many names: RSO, FECO, FSCO. Whatever you call it, FSO is somewhat of an anomaly in the cannabis industry. It’s frequently recommended by cannabis-savvy healthcare practitioners for its potential therapeutic benefits, yet it remains relatively rare to find on the market.

In this article, we’ll break down what FSO is, its history, how it’s made, and how people use it.

A Brief History: Rick Simpson and RSO

The term “RSO” comes from Rick Simpson, a Canadian who turned to cannabis after a head injury and later used it while treating skin cancer. Based on his positive experiences, Simpson developed a raw cannabis extract using solvents such as ether, naphtha, and 99% isopropyl alcohol.

He applied the concentrate directly to skin lesions and attributed his recovery to the extract. Motivated by his results, Simpson began publicly sharing his story and providing free instructions on how to make the oil at home. Over time, syringe-filled raw cannabis extracts became widely known as “Rick Simpson Oil” or RSO.

As legalization spread and commercial cannabis markets developed, the industry sought more universal terminology. That’s where names like FSO (Full Spectrum Oil), FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil), and FSCO (Full Spectrum Cannabis Oil) entered the picture.

(For more on Rick Simpson’s journey, you can visit his official website here.)

How Full Spectrum Oil is Made

Most FSO products today — including Proof’s FSO — are made using ethanol extraction. Ethanol is considered food-grade, “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS), and is classified as a non-volatile extraction method under California regulations.

The process step by step:

1. Soak – Cannabis plant matter is soaked in ethanol.

2. Infuse – Cannabinoids, terpenes, pigments, lipids, and other plant compounds dissolve into the ethanol.

3. Strain – The plant matter is removed from the solution.

4. Evaporate – Ethanol is evaporated, leaving behind a thick, dark amber concentrate (similar in texture to molasses).

This concentrate may or may not undergo decarboxylation, the “activation” step that converts THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive). Proof’s FSO is fully activated.

Finally, the oil is typically packaged in a needleless syringe, which makes it easier to measure and dispense.

How to Use Full Spectrum Oil

Rick Simpson originally used cannabis oil topically, but today FSO can be:

• Ingested directly

• Mixed into food or beverages

• Applied in pre-portioned doses

Because FSO is thick, sticky, and strongly flavored, it’s not always the most user-friendly product for recreational consumers. Its appeal lies more in therapeutic and medicinal use.

Tips and Tricks:

Dispense Easier

Some batches, especially those with higher amounts of CBD in them, can harden and become difficult to dispense. We recommend soaking the syringe in hot water for a minute or two so the FSO can loosen up and flow easier.

Freezer Dots

For easier dosing, try dispensing small dots (0.05–0.1 ml) of FSO onto wax paper and freezing them. Once hardened, these can be taken like a tablet.

As with all cannabis products, start with a low dose and increase gradually.

Honoring Vela: How CBD Helped My Senior Dog Live More Comfortably

I adopted Vela when she was just a tiny puppy—a scruffy little mixed-breed with bright eyes and boundless energy. For fifteen years, she was by my side for everything: hikes, road trips, lazy Sundays, hard days, and all the beautiful in-between moments. She was more than just a pet—she was family. Really, she was my first baby. 

Around age twelve, Vela started showing signs of aging that were tough to watch. Her joints stiffened, especially in her hips. Her coat grew dry and itchy. Sounds started to bother her, especially when her hearing began to fade, and sometimes she’d seem confused or anxious about things that never used to rattle her. She wasn’t in constant pain, but I could tell she wasn’t as comfortable as she used to be. I knew I had to do something to support her in this chapter of life.

That’s when I turned to CBD.

We started giving Vela our Proof CBD drops, formulated with MCT oil. She wasn’t a fan of taking medicine of any kind, so we added the drops to her food—one dose in the morning and another dose in the evening. It was a simple adjustment, and the results were meaningful. Her anxiety softened, her coat looked healthier, she was less itchy, and her movements seemed less strained. Most importantly, she seemed more at ease.

CBD didn’t reverse aging, but it gave Vela comfort, peace, and a better quality of life during her final years. I’m so grateful we had that time together—still sharing our days, even as they slowed down.

If you’re caring for an aging pet and looking for gentle ways to support them, I hope Vela’s story gives you some direction and encouragement. Proof Pet CBD Drops were made with animals like Vela in mind: simple, clean ingredients and no THC, just natural support for the pets we love.

Here’s a photo of Vela and me at her favorite place, the beach, in her final days. 

Have questions about CBD for your senior pet? Send us a message or explore our blog: CBD for Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Cannabis for Pets: What You Need to Know About CBD and THC Use

As cannabis continues to gain popularity for its therapeutic benefits, many pet owners are wondering if their furry companions can also benefit from cannabinoids like CBD and THC. The answer is yes! Let’s break down how cannabis can help pets, and what to watch out for to ensure their safety and comfort.

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System in Pets

Just like humans, pets have an endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex network of receptors that helps regulate vital functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, immune response, and pain. This means that cannabinoids like CBD can interact with your pet's ECS in a similar way they do with humans, potentially offering relief from a variety of health concerns.

How Pets Can Benefit from CBD

CBD (cannabidiol), a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis and hemp, has shown promising results in managing a number of conditions in pets. Common uses include:

• Anxiety & Stress: For pets that struggle with separation anxiety, loud noises, or new environments, CBD may help promote a sense of calm.

• Sleep Support: Older pets or those recovering from illness may benefit from more restful sleep with the help of CBD.

• Pain Management: Conditions like arthritis, inflammation, and chronic pain may be alleviated with CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties.

• Digestive Health: CBD may help reduce nausea and support appetite in pets with gastrointestinal issues or undergoing medical treatments.

The Importance of Low THC and Careful Dosing

While CBD is generally safe for pets, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)—the psychoactive compound in cannabis—can pose risks if not dosed carefully. Pets are more sensitive to THC than humans. In high amounts, THC can cause disorientation, drooling, lack of coordination, anxiety, or even toxicity.

General Guidelines for THC Use in Pets:

• Start Low, Stay Low: For most pets, we recommend products with 1mg of THC or less per dose.

• Monitor Closely: Always observe your pet for any unusual behavior after administration.

• Weight Matters: Larger pets may tolerate slightly higher doses, but even then, changes should be made gradually and under supervision.

• End-of-Life Care: In cases of terminal illness or palliative care, slightly higher THC levels may be used to manage pain or stimulate appetite—but only with veterinary guidance and careful observation.

Final Thoughts: Safety First

Cannabis can be a powerful tool in promoting wellness for pets, but it must be used responsibly. Choose products from reputable, licensed sources, and avoid giving your pet cannabis products which may contain unsafe ingredients or THC levels that are too high.

When in doubt, consult your veterinarian—especially one familiar with cannabis therapies—to ensure the best outcome for your furry friend.

Recommended products for pets

For a THC-free option, we recommend Proof Pets CBD Drops. Made with pets in mind, these drops can be easily dosed for large and small pets alike, and contain no risk of undesirable side effects from THC. These drops are available for purchase online and ship right to your door.

A small amount THC can be beneficial for increasing the entourage effect and for more robust pain management. Proof’s 20:1 High CBD Drops contain just 0.5mg of THC for every 10mg of CBD, making it a good option to share with your pets. We recommend starting with just a drop or two, moving up to 0.5ml maximum. These drops are available at licensed dispensaries throughout California.

Cannabis Lube Frequently Asked Questions

What is in the Cannabis Lube, and why?

Proof’s Cannabis Lube contains: grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, MCT oil, cannabis oil, and vitamin E. Each bottle contains 300mg of THC & 300mg of CBD.

It does not contain: fragrances, parabens, phthalates, or glycerines.

Proof’s oil-based lube is all natural and made with ingredients specifically chosen for their safety for internal use. There are no unnecessary additives to change the smell or feeling of the lube; we believe that a high-quality, natural lube with cannabis for pleasure and relief is more than enough for a fantastic experience.

Will Cannabis Lube get me high?

The short answer is that our Cannabis Lube is minimally psychoactive, so most people using the cannabis lube should expect a mild high or no high at all. The onset will be similar to sublingual absorption (like when you hold a tincture under your tongue), or about 5-30 minutes.

The long answer is related to how the THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid in the Cannabis Lube) is absorbed and dispersed in your body. To learn more about different methods of cannabis absorption, check out our blog on the topic! But for now, we’ll focus on internal absorption of Cannabis Lube via the vagina or rectum, compared to sublingual absorption such as holding a tincture under your tongue.

The walls of both the vagina and rectum are mucous membranes, which are permeable and allow for fast absorption into the many blood vessels that inhabit the area, similar to how sublingual absorption works through your gums. Depending on the area of absorption, internally absorbed THC can bypass the liver and enter systemic circulation without being processed. When THC reaches your brain, that’s when you feel “high.”

That said, there are a few other factors that mitigate the systemic and psychoactive effects of internal absorption. For one, the mucous membranes aren’t perfect gates to the bloodstream, and both the vagina and rectum have methods by which they flush out any foreign materials. With sublingual absorption, anything that doesn’t get immediately absorbed gets swallowed or stays in your mouth, and works its way into your system over time. With internal absorption there will be more local effect than systemic effect, and everything that isn’t absorbed is pushed out of your body entirely.

Furthermore, not all the blood vessels in your rectal and vaginal membranes bypass the liver - some will go to the liver for processing first, which will eliminate some of the THC and turn some of it into other cannabinoids, lessening the psychoactive effects before it reaches your brain.

Long story short, you can expect a mild body high if you have a low tolerance for cannabis, and probably no high if you have a medium-to-high tolerance for cannabis. 1 pump of Proof’s Cannabis Lube contains approximately 1-2mg of THC.

How much should I use?

As much as you need and want! Pump into your hands and apply directly or apply to anything (safe!) you’d like to insert.

If you’re concerned about getting high, try limiting to 1-3 pumps applied at a time. Wait 30-60 minutes before applying more. Keep in mind that much of what you dispense will be getting on your skin (your hands, your external genitalia, etc.) and will not be absorbed internally (see question above!).

1 pump of Cannabis Lube contains approximately 1-2mg of THC.

Does Cannabis Lube give you better orgasms?

While this will vary from person to person, we made this product because we believe the answer is a resounding yes!

Whether it’s because of the body high, the increased sensation and bloodflow, the relaxed muscles, the smoother ride, something else, or all of the above! Proof’s Cannabis Lube can heighten intimate experiences and make your big moment that much bigger.

What is Cannabis Lube good for?

Sex

Cannabis lube can help relax muscles, increase sensation and blood flow to the applied areas, induce a relaxed and euphoric mindset and body high, reduce friction, and generally help sex feel amazing. See question above about orgasms!

Vaginal Atrophy/Menopause

Proof’s Cannabis Lube is formulated with oils that are nourishing and hydrating for your skin and mucous membranes, and CBD & THC can help with inflammation and pain. These features make Proof’s Cannabis Lube a perfect daily solution to help with symptoms related to vaginal atrophy such as dryness, pain, and discomfort.

Pelvic Floor / Internal Relief

Just as cannabis topicals can be powerful healers for skin, nerves, and muscles, Proof’s Cannabis Lube can do the same with safe, targeted relief for the vagina, rectum, and pelvic floor. Whether for chronic issues such as vaginismus, or targeted issues related to sex, childbirth, or other injuries, Proof’s Cannabis Lube can help you feel your best.

Is the lube pH balanced? / Will it mess with my pH?

The benefit of using an oil-based, as opposed to water-based, lube is that oils do not have or affect pH levels. pH is a measurement of the acid/base level of aqueous (water-based) solutions. Oils are completely separate from that, and do not interact with water or pH.

Can I use this lube with condoms?

Unfortunately oil-based lubes like Proof’s Cannabis Lube should not be used with latex condoms. The oil could degrade the integrity of the latex, and render them less effective. Similarly, this lube should not be used with anything made of rubber, PVC, or other plastics.

Can I use this lube with silicone toys?

Yes, the lube can absolutely be used safely with silicone toys!

Disclaimer

These products and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or symptom. Individual use of these products may have varied results. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice or treatment.

Sources: Exploring the unconventional routes — rectal and vaginal dosage formulations

Cannabis for the Skin

Cannabis Topicals: some of the most effective and misunderstood cannabis products on the shelves. In this blog, we’ll try to break down some of the mysteries of topicals, explain some of the known benefits, and show you how to choose the right topical for you and your needs. We’ll focus first on some of the Topicals FAQs and describe some of the effects and benefits of Proof Topicals.

Will cannabis topicals get me high?

The simple answer to this is probably not. Due to biology, it’s VERY unlikely to feel high from topical cannabis products. Topicals are often one of the first introductory products for people who are interested in pain relief but are otherwise unsure about cannabis. Applied topically, cannabis is a great option, because it’s improbable to feel “high” from topical cannabis use, even when applying a large amount. Topicals are fantastic at local pain relief, but THC does not easily pass through the skin, into the bloodstream, and to the brain - which is why it’s very unlikely that you will feel any “high.” 

What are cannabis topicals good for?

Research is limited, but there is a ton of promising research in the roles of cannabinoids in treating a wide variety of skin conditions, from psoriasis and skin cancer to acne and eczema. While these conditions are all very different, both in cause and mechanism, cannabis being a potent remedy for the skin makes perfect sense because of its most well-established properties. For example:

• Anti-inflammatory - All cannabinoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, especially CBD. Anti-inflammatory properties, when applied to the skin, generally help with itching, redness, swelling, and pain.

• Antimicrobial - Cannabis is great at fighting infections and keeping things clean. This can be helpful with wound care and acne.

• Antiproliferative - This is a fancy way of saying “inhibiting cell growth”. The antiproliferative properties have shown promising results in skin cancer (where cancer cells replicate and spread) and psoriasis (where keratinocyte differentiation occurs excessively). 

• Photoprotective - Sun damage is one of the most prolific issues for skin in terms of aging, dryness, wrinkles, and potentially cancers. Cannabinoids are known to not only protect from UV oxidation of keratinocytes, but also they can help promote melanocyte production. Both these mechanisms help the skin to protect itself from damaging UV radiation. 

How do topicals do so much good? 

The human endocannabinoid system is a regulator of many biochemical processes. In other words, the endocannabinoid system, when working properly, keeps an eye on a ton of other processes to keep those working properly. When the endocannabinoid system is out of balance, the effects can be widespread, or very specific. Introducing cannabis to the endocannabinoid system is a personal journey of finding out where your system might be out of balance and which cannabinoids (and at which ratios and concentrations) work best to align your system. Since cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, systemic use such as smoking or ingesting cannabis are quite popular - however, the skin also has CB1 and CB2 (and other) cannabinoid receptors. For the same reasons that topicals don’t get you “high,” systemic cannabinoid use doesn’t usually reach all the way out to the surface of your skin, where some folks need it most.

Which topical product is right for me?

Now that you know how topicals work, you know that cannabis is great for the skin - but that doesn’t narrow it down much when you go to a dispensary to pick a topical product! So how do you pick the right product for you?

Topicals are like any other cosmetic or skincare product - except they have cannabis too! If you know your skin is sensitive to a specific scent or essential oil, be sure to look for those things in your topical product. Some topicals have cooling/heating essential oils that can aid in pain relief and skin soothing. Some have other phytocompounds that are good for healing, such as arnica or copaiba oils. Some are specifically formulated for the face, and others for the body. It might be important to you that your skincare product doesn’t contain any preservatives or synthetic ingredients. Make sure you’re reading the ingredients to find out what is in the product and compare it to products you’ve used in the past.

Finally, look at potency. If you’re looking for pain management, you’re going to want higher amounts of THC. If you’re looking for anti-inflammatory properties, you’re going to want higher amounts of CBD. If you’re putting the product on a sensitive area such as the face, you might want gentler essential oils, and overall a more dilute product that is thin in consistency and won’t clog pores. 

Proof Topicals

Face Serum: Proof’s award-winning Face Serum contains 100mg of THC & 100 mg of CBD. Every ingredient in our face serum is picked specifically for its benefit to the face, without preservatives or additives. Rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A and C, the face serum is ideal for both anti-aging and treating blemishes. With all natural ingredients, essential oils nourish the skin while cannabis promotes the regeneration of healthy skin cells and targets inflammation. Won’t clog pores! Instead, its antimicrobial properties keep the face clean and glowing. This is also great beard oil, because it provides nourishment and hydration, which are two important things that a beard requires to grow well. It also hydrates the beard and the skin beneath it.

Ice Hot Balm contains 1000 mg of THC & 1000 mg of CBD. This balm has the maximum potency for maximum relief. The base is a vegan mixture of candelilla wax, jojoba oil, and coconut oil so it is gentle on the skin and cruelty free. Arnica oil and copaiba oil are potent healers alongside cannabis for quick and powerful relief. The essential oil blend in this balm both heats and cools, bringing instant relief to sore muscles. 

Ice Hot Roll-On: at 1000 mg of THC & 1000 mg of CBD, the Ice Hot Roll-On contains many of the same ingredients as the balm, but with an easy-applicator roll-on top, this can be applied throughout the day and mess-free. The roll-on applicator also massages for deep relief. 

Find out more about Proof’s Topical Line.

Bibliography:

Cannabis and the skin

Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review

Cannabis sativa and Skin Health: Dissecting the Role of Phytocannabinoids

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders

Don't Fear the Reefer!

Proof is well-known for products with CBD and other novel cannabinoids (like CBN and CBG), but of course THC is the shining star of the cannabis plant. THC is so much more than the munchie-inducer that popular culture imagines. This blog busts the myth that the only purpose for THC is to get you stoned. 

THC: What else can it do?

As the most controversial and most popular cannabinoid, THC has far more research than any of the other cannabinoids and has been found to be hugely beneficial in many ways. Promising studies cite the effectiveness of THC for pain management, appetite stimulation, antimicrobial properties, neuroprotectivity, gut health, skin rejuvenation, and more.

Let’s not forget that the mind-altering effects (as in, “getting high”) of THC can also be beneficial. This altered state of mind, when enjoyed responsibly, can lead to breaking mental barriers, excelling creativity, and increasing enjoyment of music, sex, nature, and more.

To harness the benefits of THC and avoid possible unwanted side effects, start with figuring out the dose that’s right for you. 

Dosage: Don’t Fear the Reefer!

The first question every new cannabis user has is: how much should I take? That’s why we’ve created the “High-o-Meter.” Every person reacts differently to cannabis, and we’ve found that the best way to guide you on this journey is to start with the basic question: how much THC is right? CBD is best paired with THC, due to the so-called entourage effect, so start by finding a ratio between THC and CBD that works best for you. 

Low Potency (0.5 - 2 mg THC)

Often referred to as a microdose, low potency products have 0.5 to 2 mg of THC per dose. It’s unlikely that one will feel “high” from 1mg of THC or less. Even the most sensitive users only start feeling the psychoactive effects of THC at 2-3 mg. These ratios are made for people who do not want to feel the intoxicating effects of THC at all, but want to have the maximum benefit of CBD. Low potency products are great for experiencing the calming effects of cannabis while maintaining productivity and focus. 

For low potency products, try Proof’s 20:1 and 10:1 ratios.

Medium Potency (2 - 10 mg THC) 

At 2 mg of THC, the most sensitive users will start to feel the slight euphoria of psychoactivity, and at 5 mg, most occasional users will feel a slight high. This level is a standard “low” dose, where many people can feel the effects but are not overcome with silliness. Experienced users usually do not feel any “high” at this dosage, but no matter what, the cannabinoids are doing their job. 

Proof offers a variety of balanced or medium potency products, including 5:1, CBN Sleepy & CBG Elixir and 1:1 ratios.

Equal parts THC and CBD, a 1:1 ratio, offers a true balanced potency with 10 mg of each cannabinoid. At this “medium” dose, inexperienced and low-tolerance users will start to feel “stoned” and likely sleepy. Experienced users may feel anywhere between no-high to slight-high. We recommend moving up to this level from a lower dose, rather than starting here. This is also a great night-time level for people who use lower levels of THC throughout the day. Proof offers a range of balanced potency products, including 1:1 tinctures, capsules, and full spectrum cannabis oil. 

High Potency (30-100 mg THC) 

High potency cannabis products are intended for experienced THC consumers. Now popular for recreational use, Proof originally formulated high potency products for patients. There is a huge jump from the “medium” to high potency doses. That’s because THC tolerance tends to be exponential, and long-time consumers may find themselves going from 10 mg or 20 mg to more following regular use. 

Proof high potency products include High THC tinctures, drops, and shot as well as the Tsunami capsules with 100 mg THC per dose and strain specific full spectrum cannabis oil.

What if I don’t want any THC?

Proof only offers one product without THC, because THC is a crucial element to the effectiveness of CB.! Our 20:1, 10:1, 5:1, and 1:1 ratios are all made for different people’s needs, but all rely on the balance of CBD and THC to make the most effective dose for a given person.

The exception, of course, is the CBD Only Tincture. This was made with specific folks in mind: those who don’t want or can’t have  any THC in their system, but still want to use CBD. You’ll notice that this tincture contains three times the amount of CBD - that’s because CBD isn’t as effective without THC in the mix, so we amped it up to make up for that difference. 

Sources Cited:

Mack A, Joy J. Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000. 4, MARIJUANA AND PAIN. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224384

Institute of Medicine (US); Joy JE, Watson SJ Jr., Benson JA Jr., editors. Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999. 4, The Medical Value of Marijuana and Related Substances. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230711/

Karas JA, Wong LJM, Paulin OKA, Mazeh AC, Hussein MH, Li J, Velkov T. The Antimicrobial Activity of Cannabinoids. Antibiotics (Basel). 2020 Jul 13;9(7):406. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics9070406. PMID: 32668669; PMCID: PMC7400265.

Eagleston LRM, Kalani NK, Patel RR, Flaten HK, Dunnick CA, Dellavalle RP. Cannabinoids in dermatology: a scoping review. Dermatol Online J. 2018 Jun 15;24(6):13030/qt7pn8c0sb. PMID: 30142706.

Massa F, Monory K. Endocannabinoids and the gastrointestinal tract. J Endocrinol Invest. 2006;29(3 Suppl):47-57. PMID: 16751708.

Abortion and Cannabis: The Divided States of America

Today is a sad day for the United States and the rule of law. In the Dobbs decision, the Supreme Court overruled Roe and Casey and held there is no constitutional right to abortion. The Dobbs decision will have generational effects that will continue to divide this once great nation. Abortion, like cannabis laws, demonstrate the massive legal and ideological divides in the United States.  

After 50 years of Roe v. Wade, it’s hard to imagine a world without the constitutional right to choose. The harsh reality is women no longer have the basic right over their reproductive decisions. My heart is broken for all the women who now will have to travel to legal states for an abortion, which could have criminal penalties, or be forced to birth children they don’t want. 

As an attorney, I am shocked by the inherent contradictions in the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe and Casey. The decision reads like a farce in which legal precedent is used as justification when it serves them and is discarded when it doesn’t.

The conservative right played this well - stacking the courts for years and passing ever more restrictive state laws against abortion. What’s worse is that Trump’s legacy of court appointments will have decades-long impacts to our society and the environment, and we are all losers. Even after an increase in mass shootings, just this week the Court decided that states cannot restrict the right to carry firearms. Next, the Court seems likely to restrict agencies’ ability to enact regulations around climate change and virtually any other regulation. 

This is a new America where the fundamental truths many citizens once held dear will end. Yet, for many Americans this is a beginning of what they have voted for, protested for, and paid for - a smaller government that protects giant corporations, oppresses women and minorities, and disregards climate change and the environment. A simple reflection on the new America reveals this truth. Many Americans demand a right to choose to wear masks or to get vaccinations, and now celebrate that women have no right to choose what happens in their bodies. The truth is self-evident: the Court has forced women back 50 years and decided that women can’t be trusted with their choices or bodies.

As a cannabis entrepreneur and lawyer, I can’t help but think about the similarities to abortion and cannabis. In some states, cannabis is legal while in other states cannabis has harsh criminal penalties. Now, some states will have legal abortions and other states will have criminal and civil penalties for people who have an abortion and even for people who aid and abet abortion. And worst of all, cannabis and abortion illegality disproportionately harm people of color.

In these moments, it’s natural to feel powerless and frozen. What can be done when the Supreme Court takes away fundamental rights over one’s body? We are still voters, and we are still citizens, and we still have a voice. So, we’re shutting down the company and giving our team the day off, fully paid, so that they can peacefully demonstrate and engage in civic action. We are also creating policies to support continued civil action. It’s time to take to the streets, in peace, and in solidarity with people who will experience oppression and whose reproductive choices have been stolen by our nation’s highest court. The Proof and Super Wow team will be out on the streets today, and we hope to see you there. 

By Julie Mercer-Ingram, Founder & CEO of Proof & Super Wow 

Proof’s New Female CEO on a Mission to Share Cannabis Wellness

Proof, a top California cannabis wellness brand, is excited to announce that co-Founder Julie Mercer-Ingram has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer. Since founding Proof in 2016, Julie has served as General Counsel and Creative Director. With a deep commitment to cannabis wellness, Julie is on mission to make cannabis more inclusive and affordable.  

A natural leader with many talents, Julie has deep experience in cannabis as an industry advocate, policy expert, legal strategist, and creative director. Over the years, Proof has benefited from Julie’s legal prowess and design inspiration.She conceived and launched Super Wow, Proof’s flavored recreational brand, and is responsible for Proof and Super Wow’s signature branding, which appeals to all types of people of different backgrounds. She was instrumental in transitioning Proof from a medical collective to a corporation with strong governance. A force to be reckoned with, Julie has helped Proof prosper while successfully practicing cannabis law for six years. Now focused solely on Proof, Julie’s strong business acumen will help take the company to the next level.

Proof and Julie share a mission to help improve peoples’ lives through cannabis. Julie has long been spreading the word about the benefits of cannabis use. As CEO, Julie’s goal is to help make cannabis more inclusive, approachable, and affordable. As such, Julie’s first change as CEO is to respond to tough economic times by reducing prices across Proof’s menu. “Proof was founded with the mission of making high-quality products at affordable, compassionate prices. We want people to be able to use cannabis regularly. By lowering our prices, Proof is standing by its customers and helping people feel better through cannabis,” says Julie.  

Fortunately, Proof is in a great position to help consumers. Through rigorous operational practices and ruthless fiscal discipline, Proof remains one of the only women-led, bootstrapped, profitable legacy brands in the California market, having successfully competed against corporate giants. “Proof has long exercised meticulous business practices and been able to scale with zero outside growth capital. We’re a unicorn in cannabis, because we have no debt, we are profitable, and we’re a top brand in our categories in California, the largest cannabis market in the world. This allows us to pay it forward and focus on our customers’ product needs and budgets,” states Julie.

Proof remains innovative and under Julie’s leadership, Super Wow and Proof, will continue to push the industry forward. Proof is pleased to announce the release of several new products this month, including a new CBG Elixir formula for focus and energy along with expanded CBN Sleepy products, a new 1:1 CBD and THC RSO, and two new Super Wow flavors. 

California cannabis consumers should know that, by buying Proof and Super Wow, you are supporting the roots of California cannabis, supporting a women-owned business, and keeping passion and commitment to the plant thriving. Proof is a women -owned and -operated company, with 80% of leadership positions held by women and more than 70% of the total staff being women or non-binary people. Julie and the rest of the Proof team are thrilled to continue to serve you with our mission of compassionate cannabis.

Yes, Cannabis Makes Sex Better

A not-so-secret secret: cannabis makes sex better! Two words describe what happen when you combine cannabis and sex: euphoric orgasms. As if you’re used to black and white and you can now see in color. It’s an experience that more people, especially women, should try…because it’s just that good. 

Let’s Talk About Sex + Cannabis

In a recent New York Times article, “Cannabis for Better Sex? Here’s What the Science Says” reporter Christina Caron explores the science behind cannabis use for sex. Kudos to the NY Times for shining a light on an important reason why many people enjoy cannabis. 

Caron begins her article with a quote from an essay published in 1971, “by the astronomer Carl Sagan, a longtime marijuana user, [who] wrote that cannabis ‘enhances the enjoyment of sex’ and ‘gives an exquisite sensitivity.’” In the 50 years since Sagan’s essay, scientific studies of cannabis have been few due to the federal illegality of marijuana. Caron’s article explores the thin science on this issue and concludes:

“It’s hard to say with certainty that cannabis will increase desire or improve your sex life, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the right dose of cannabis can make a woman’s orgasms more satisfying and increase sex drive. This is in part because cannabis can enhance the senses and also alleviate some of the symptoms that inhibit desire, like anxiety, sleeplessness or pain. It can have positive effects for men, as well, but also several negative ones, and women should be aware of its potential downsides, too.”

As discussed in Caron’s article, women have reported that cannabis “increased sex drive, improved orgasm and decreased pain.” She also reports about an online survey with 200 cannabis consumers in which “nearly 60 percent said cannabis increased their desire for sex; almost 74 percent reported increased sexual satisfaction.” Of course, cannabis is not a miracle drug and may have negative side effects for some. With any drug, it’s best to consult a doctor and start with a low dose. 

Sex is inherently physical, and cannabis is an excellent way to get out of ones thoughts and move into the body - especially when combined with good music. For long term partners, cannabis can help people connect and get creative with their intimacy. Most importantly, cannabis can provide euphoric orgasms.

What to Take and How Much? 

In her article, Caron interviewed Dr. Becky K. Lynn, “a sexual medicine and menopause expert and the founder of Evora Women’s Health in St. Louis.” Instead of inhaled products, “Dr. Lynn typically recommends tinctures, which are concentrated cannabis extracts that are taken by mouth. It is easy to measure the number of milligrams you want to use, she said.” According to experts Caron interviewed, “Smoking marijuana or using oil vape pens should be avoided, because they can harm the lungs.” Whatever type of cannabis you consume, be sure to purchase from a licensed retailer to ensure that you are getting pesticide free, clean, tested products. 

As a cannabis manufacturer, Proof team members are frequently asked about what cannabis products to use and how much. We are not medical experts and highly recommend speaking with a doctor. That said, we have a lot of experience with cannabis! Proof makes a variety of tinctures and capsules that provide a precise high, so consumers can better control and predict their experiences. Tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue for a few seconds then swallowed) or added to any food or beverage. Proof tinctures are made of cannabis oil and refined coconut oil (MCT) so they are gluten free, vegan, and sugar free. Add some drops to a nightcap or take some sublingually before starting your nighttime routine.  

Dosing medicine is a personal experience - some people are more sensitive to THC than others. According to Caron’s reporting,  “If your doctor has cleared you to try cannabis in a state where it is legal, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary-care doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital Chelsea HealthCare Center and a medical-cannabis consultant, advised taking a “teeny bit” in a tincture if you’re new to it — in some cases as little as 1 milligram of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in weed — before slowly working your way up.”

Tinctures and capsules can take from 30-90 minutes to become effective, so it’s important to wait a while before taking additional doses.  

Wait, It Gets Better (for Menopause) 

For women dealing with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, cannabis can be very helpful. Caron’s article highlights that, “Studies have also found that some women use cannabis to help manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and vaginal changes, such as dryness, all of which may contribute to lower libido when untreated.” With cannabis, you can enjoy some great sex and then sleep through the night.

Women check it out!. Another great way to help your body through menopause and perimenopause is vaginal cannabis suppositories. Yep, you insert it like a tampon, let it melt, and enjoy the soothing vaginal relief. Our favorite California brand for cannabis vaginal suppositories is Hello Again, which is on a mission to bring harmony back to the V-force. As women age, we use all manner of different serums, ointments, creams, etc. to address the changes in our body. One big change in our sexual health starts with the vagina, so think of the vaginal suppository as your new anti-aging treatment. Used approximately 30 minutes prior to sexual activity, cannabis suppositories can help relieve dryness and make for a more comfortable experience. Cannabis suppositories can also be used to alleviate menopausal symptoms throughout the day. Most consumers will experience no or little to no high from a suppository, as compared to oral ingested or inhaled cannabis products. So go ahead and rehydrate your V-force all day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Now, Go Find Ecstasy 
The majority of states allow adults to use cannabis medically, recreationally, or both. A growing number of adults use cannabis for a myriad of reasons from treating pain and getting a good night's sleep to having fun and dancing the night away. Now you have a few more great reasons to use cannabis - make sex better and relieve menopausal symptoms! Hopefully one day soon cannabis will be legal for all adults to enjoy. For the lucky residents of cannabis legal states, may cannabis bring you more fun, help you feel more satisfied, and allow you to experience mind-blowingly awesome orgasms.

CBG: The Mother of Cannabinoids

Today, we’re adding one more acronym into your vocabulary, and it’s a really important one: CBG. Let’s answer the most common question: will CBG get me high? No. CBG is non-psychoactive. Like CBD, it will not make you feel “high” like THC can.

CBG (Cannabigerol) is a cannabinoid made by the cannabis plant. It’s actually the “Mother” of all other cannabinoids, in the sense that the cannabis plant makes CBG before anything else, then turns some of those CBG molecules into the other cannabinoids you know and love: CBD, THC, etc. 

All major cannabinoids have some shared traits, and CBG is no different: they’re all known as powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial agents. This covers a wide variety of mechanisms, which is why more and more people are moving to cannabis to see if it can help them with a wide variety of maladies.

More specifically, CBG has been included in a number of studies related to gut health (irritable bowel disease, colon cancer) as well as neuroprotectivity (ALS, Huntington’s disease). In these preliminary studies, CBG has been found to have a notable positive effect in regulating these systems. (See sources cited for more information about these studies!)

Without larger and more in-depth studies, it’s not possible quite yet to answer exactly and definitively “What will CBG do for me? Who should take CBG?” etc. That said, we can use the fundamentals of what we know about cannabinoids to make a case for this novel cannabinoid. 

Cannabinoid fundamentals:

1. Cannabinoids regulate your body’s endocannabinoid system by influencing cannabinoid receptors in your body, namely, CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 and CB2 receptors are found throughout the body. CB1 receptors are more congregated in the central nervous system (especially the brain) whereas CB2 receptors are more congregated in the peripheral nervous system (especially the immune system). THC has a greater affinity for CB1 receptors, whereas CBD and CBG both have greater affinity for CB2 receptors.  

2. Your endocannabinoid system influences a multitude of different body systems

The human endocannabinoid system is still not fully understood, but studies have shown that it influences mood, appetite, pain, inflammation, memory, metabolism, sleep, and many other processes.

3. Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system can be improved by introducing cannabis.

This is a really vague concept, but it’s also why everyone’s reactions to cannabis can be so different. Let’s say one person’s endocannabinoid system is out of whack in a way that’s causing fatigue. Using cannabis might help them maintain their energy level. Someone else’s system might be out of whack and causing them anxiety - taking cannabis could help them feel more calm. These two people might benefit from different cannabinoid ratios, or have a different reaction to the same cannabinoid ratio.

4. The endocannabinoid system is not binary

To simplify it, you can think of a cannabinoid receptor like a computer chip. CBG shows up at a CB2 receptor and says “on,” and the channel attached to that receptor starts performing a function that it wasn’t performing before. That is how these receptors work, but it’s a highly oversimplified explanation, and doesn’t do the system justice. 

Zoom out, and you’ll find that that “channel” has a multitude of receptors, some might be getting “on” commands, some “off”, and some of those commands are stronger than others. The different cannabinoids present (as well as other chemicals in your body) each have a different effect on those receptors. The channel’s behavior, therefore, is a cumulative response to a plethora of stimuli. 

This is why the “entourage effect” is important in cannabis. Isolated cannabinoids are almost never as effective as they are when they’re accompanied by their other cannabinoid cousins. The endocannabinoid system was developed alongside the cannabis plant - both are based on, and thrive in, a complex mosaic of interacting chemicals.

So let’s bring it back to CBG, shall we?

Remember how CBG is the “Mother” of all cannabinoids? That means an early-harvest plant will have more CBG in its makeup. This young plant will have a lighter, less-psychoactive effect, as the more sedative “heavy” cannabinoids such as THC are in lower concentrations.

It truly is the opposite of our “sleepytime” CBN formula. CBN is a result of the degradation of THC as it ages, and therefore is only present at the end of the cannabis plants’ life. 

There’s a reason we created this important formulation and put a sunrise on the packaging: It represents the early stages, when CBG is still present in the plant. It represents the birthplace of the cannabinoid mosaic, interacting with the other cannabinoids to influence your system in a completely different way. Intuitively, it makes sense to try this formula if you’re seeking energy, balance, and new beginnings. Scientifically, it makes sense to try this formula because it’s unique, and so are you. Everyone is different, so we wanted to be sure to provide a formula for every shade of the cannabis spectrum; this might be your sweet spot.

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Sources:

• Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. 

• Could the Combination of Two Non-Psychotropic Cannabinoids Counteract Neuroinflammation? Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Associated with Cannabigerol

• In vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity of minor cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa

• Colon carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid

• Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington's disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice

• Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1–CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes

• Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System

• The biosynthesis of the cannabinoids

What We Owe the Queer Community

Here we are: It’s June 2021, California is home to nearly 2500 licensed cannabis businesses. Billboards line freeways advertising discounted ounces, and “budtender” is common vernacular. Since June 1, most of these companies have placed a rainbow filter over their social media profile pictures to say “we stand with the Queer community,” and they should, because without the queer community, we wouldn’t be here today. 

The queer community not only catapulted cannabis legislation into existence, it is the very backbone of the cannabis legalization movement in San Francisco, as well as the compassionate use act that keeps cannabis accessible today in the Prop 64 era. Today, this blog post is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ folks who, by putting their lives and livelihoods on the line, paved the way for cannabis legalization in California and beyond.

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1980s - The AIDS Epidemic & The War on Drugs

In the early 1980s, AIDS was just beginning to have a name, but the gay communities, specifically in Los Angeles and San Francisco, were beginning to see the effects of a widespread epidemic. Otherwise healthy young men were dying of unknown illness at alarming rates. Press conferences about the illness were riddled with homophobic slurs and jokes, rather than addressing policy or strategy to prevent the spread and casualties of the disease. Reagan never mentioned AIDS publicly until 1985, when 4,000 Americans had already died from the disease. Meanwhile, he had been cutting funding to the CDC among other federal agencies. From the vantage point of living through Covid and having the associated epidemic response, it’s appalling to reflect on the insipid nature of the formal response to AIDS in the 80s.

In the midst of this landscape, gay community leaders were forced to step up and start their own organizations to provide support and education around HIV & AIDS. Without proper funding, AIDS research was slow moving, and communities were largely forced to find their own means of treating symptoms. Of those, medical marijuana became one of the focuses. This time period was also known for the “War on Drugs” which Reagan expanded with the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, increasing penalties for cannabis possession as well as mandatory minimum sentences. Despite the “war”, and risk of imprisonment, underground cannabis clubs were flourishing and providing medical cannabis to folks who were finally able to experience some relief. Even as experimental AIDS treatments began to be distributed, many of the first treatments had terrible side effects, were expensive, and systematically excluded people of color and trans folks. Cannabis was a saving grace, and was largely provided by queer activists in the greater San Francisco area.

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Dennis Peron & The Compassionate Care Act

Dennis Peron (left) and Harvey Milk (right) in the mid-1970’s.

Dennis Peron, now a household name, was one of the San Francisco pioneers of the cannabis movement. Peron was a successful cannabis cultivator and activist throughout the 70s; he lived in the Castro and was a close friend of Harvey Milk. In 1978, the year Harvey Milk was assassinated, he authored Proposition W, and that same year he was also involved in a large bust wherein he was shot by police and sent to prison for nearly 2 years. Throughout the 80s, he witnessed his community battle with AIDS and facilitated (alongside Brownie Mary, who we’ll mention later) the distribution of medical cannabis to people suffering from AIDS. In 1991, Dennis Peron’s partner, Jonathan West, died of AIDS. Throughout the 90s, Dennis Peron continued to fight for the legalization of medical cannabis, authoring Proposition P in 1991 and finally Proposition 215: The Compassionate Care Act, in 1996, which effectively legalized medical cannabis in California for the next 22 years. These later accomplishments were also accompanied by raids and arrests. 

In 2016, Peron opposed Prop 64 which legalized recreational cannabis in California; he believed all cannabis use was medicinal. In effect, Prop 64 did make medicinal access to cannabis much more difficult for patients by imposing bans on free cannabis and steep taxes on the purchase of cannabis. Regulatory oversight of cannabis after Prop 64 pushed many small heritage cultivators out of business, unable to surmount the hurdles of regulation and licensure. Of course, these hurdles disproportionately excluded those who have systematically limited access to capital and legal resources; namely people of color and LGBTQ folks. These were the same folks who had been, for years, living with a target on their backs for cultivating & distributing medical cannabis. This cruel irony in the “progress” of cannabis legalization was likely not a surprise to Dennis Peron.

But Dennis Peron’s name in cannabis activism wouldn’t end in 2016. In 2019, Gavin Newsom signed in SB-34 aptly named the “Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary Act,”  which exempted Compassionate Care programs from paying state cannabis taxes, and allowed those programs to provide free, donated cannabis products to medical patients. This act has been a huge step forward for cannabis accessibility in California, and hopefully the first of many that can help bring cannabis back into the hands of those who need it most. 

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Queer Cannabis Today

While Dennis Peron’s name is important in the history of queer cannabis, he is just one of the best known. There are many queer activists that made cannabis what it is today, and many queer cannabis businesses who deserve our support. Proof is not queer owned. Through our ethical souring program, we have the honor of working with two amazing queer -owned and -operated farms: Ventoso Farms and Tuff-n-Tendergrass. When considering which cannabis products to indulge in this month, please consider supporting a queer business! Without the grinding and largely unrecognized work of the queer community, the cannabis industry wouldn’t resemble what it is today, and we salute and honor that legacy. 

Cannabis Testing Standards in California

It’s no surprise that California has some of the most rigorous testing standards when it comes to cannabis. California routinely comes first when it comes to regulations and consumer safety. While cannabis standards are comparatively inconsistent with other similar industries, the good news is that regulated cannabis in California is some of the highest-quality, cleanest products you can find anywhere. In this post, we’ll discuss what the standards are in California, and how they compare to other products that you use every day.

When and how are cannabis products tested?

In California, cannabis products must be tested by a licensed cannabis laboratory in what’s known as a “Compliance” test. The laboratory staff, not the brand or manufacturer, arrives at a licensed distributors facility and samples from the batch in question to be taken to the lab for testing. This is done when the product is in its final form for sale. With the exception of labeling for potency, there can be no modifications done to the product once the laboratory has sampled the product for compliance testing. This means that every ingredient in every cannabis product must pass cannabis testing, not just the cannabis within the product.

The compliance test includes testing in all of the following categories. For more information on the specific limits and allowances, please view the Text of Regulations, here.

• Potency

• Residual Solvent

• Microbials

• Heavy Metals

• Pesticides

• Mycotoxins

• Foreign Materials

A product must pass all of these tests in order to be sold in a licensed retailer. Once a lab test is complete, the COA (Certificate of Analysis) is immediately sent to both the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) as well as the distributor who is in possession of the product. If a sample fails, the DCC is immediately informed and the distributor must either submit a plan for remediation to be approved by the BCC or the batch must be destroyed. Failed batches may not reach a consumer. 

How does cannabis testing differ from other industries in California?

There are no other non-pharmaceutical industries that have as rigid of testing requirements as California cannabis. In pharmaceuticals, the FDA thoroughly investigates and vets practices for quality control and assurance, which are at a higher standard than California cannabis. However, it does not approve or deny the release of each individual batch of pharmaceuticals in the market like the BCC does for cannabis, meaning there is no third-party regulation of medications on a batch-by-batch basis. 

When comparing cannabis to food and water, cannabis is by far held to a higher standard. In municipal water systems, there are recommended safety limits, but they are not enforced. A majority of municipal water sources contain upwards of 10 times the recommended limits of some chemicals and metals. In food and agriculture, there are limits to pesticides that can be used, but there is no testing or limits to what pesticides and at what concentrations can be found in the end product, even for organic certified foods!

Finally, in comparing cannabis topicals to other cosmetic products, there is similarly no comparison. There are no limits or testing done to any non-pharmaceutical topical products. In fact, we found that it was extremely difficult to develop our Proof face and body serums because it was difficult to find cosmetic ingredients that would pass the rigorous cannabis limits! The ingredients we found and use are all the cleanest ingredients of their category.

What does cannabis testing mean for me, as a consumer?

The rigorous testing and strict limits on cannabis products means that the products that make it through the testing process and onto the shelves of licensed retailers are some of the cleanest, safest products you can find. You can rely on the listed potency, and know that they are more pesticide-free than organic vegetables. Discerning consumers can rest assured with regulated cannabis products.

If you would like to view a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a batch of Proof product, just contact us here! We’ll send it your way.

A History of Cannabis in the United States

Anti-cannabis propaganda was popular in the 1930’s-1950’s.

As a wellness company, we at Proof know what a powerful and important plant cannabis is. We have created our company out of a mission to share that knowledge, and improve access to the benefits of this plant. It’s important to us, in this mission, to remember how we got to where we are today. The history of cannabis in the United States is complex and fraught with conflict. Understanding and learning from this history is crucial to moving our country, our industry, our company, and ourselves forward in the right direction. Without the historical context, we lack a fundamental understanding of who we are today, and how to conduct ourselves in our environment. So today, a brief history of Cannabis in the United States; please read and join us at the end, better equipped for tomorrow.

A hemp farmer in the late 1800’s.

1600s-1900s: Three Hundred Years of Hemp

As we have narrowed our focus to the United States, we start here around the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States as a nation. In these early days, the cultivation of hemp was not only allowed, it was greatly encouraged by the US Government, even required in some states. Hemp was also a legal tender in some states, such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. 

Beyond hemp, cannabis was widely used in medications and sold by the ounce and pound without restrictions in pharmacies. The smoking of “hashish” had gained some modest popularity, but overall, cannabis was mostly consumed orally rather than smoked in this era.  Suffice it to say, that for these three hundred or so years around the founding of the United States, there was nothing taboo about cannabis.

1900s: The Mexican Hypothesis

During and after the Mexican Revolution of 1910, there was a large increase in immigration of people from Mexico into the United States; many refugees fled the violence and large casualties of the nearly-decade long war in Mexico, and the instability of the regime changes during the time led many more to escape the region. The “Mexican Hypothesis” is a widely regurgitated theory that Mexicans were accustomed to using cannabis recreationally and frequently, much like people consumed alcohol in the United States, and that the widespread use of cannabis among mexican immigrants lead to the introduction of the smoking of cannabis in the United States. Thereafter, xenophobic and racist ideas associated the Mexican immigrants and their cannabis use with with crime, violence, and deviance. 

The Mexican Hypothesis, however, doesn’t seem to be backed up by historical evidence. In fact, it appears that recreational cannabis use was as rare among Mexicans as it was amongst people in the United States at the time, and that the fear of cannabis causing violence and mania may even have originated from Mexican attitudes toward the plant, rather than being created in the United States as a response to Mexican cannabis use.

In a paper written by Isaac Campos, entitled “Mexicans and the origins of marijuana prohibition in the United States: a reassessment” these discrepancies are explored at length, and he offers a number of enlightened theories as to why the “Mexican Hypothesis” was created and has persisted. We highly recommend this paper to any history buffs out there, as we cannot begin to unpack it all here. All that said, the fact is that during this time, cannabis in the United States narrative transformed from a retail commodity that was neither greatly coveted nor scarce, into a dangerous drug that was infiltrating and corrupting the United States by violent and crazed Mexicans. 

1930s: The Great Depression

During the economic downturn of the 20s and 30s, racism in the United States grew a different kind of edge. With unemployment increasing, poor whites seemed to be grasping at straws to maintain a feeling of superiority, and racial tensions surged. Veiled as “research,” studies began to correlate cannabis use (read; Mexican Americans) with violence, crime, and deviance. This provided groundwork for the banning of cannabis in the United states, with 29 states outlawing the substance by 1931.

1937: The Marijuana Tax Act

After decades of propaganda, and state-by-state outlawing of the plant, the federal government passed the “Marijuana Tax Act” in 1937, effectively criminalizing the possession of cannabis nationwide with the exception of possession of proof of excise tax being paid with specific medical or industrial purposes. This act is now considered to have arisen directly from the efforts of Harry Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. Throughout the 1930s, Anslinger propagated deadly myths surrounding cannabis and associated minorities, specifically black and latinx Americans, with the drug. He was openly racist, quoted saying in regards to Black Americans: “Reefer makes [redacted racial slur]s think they're as good as white men.”

Anti-cannabis propaganda in film and media.

1940s-1950s: Contradictions Arise

In this period, while truth was coming to light about the nature of cannabis, laws continued to tighten their grip. In strict contrast to the pervasive propaganda of the last 50 years, the New York Academy of Medicine released a report in 1944 that found no correlation between cannabis use and violence, crime, addiction, or other drug use. Meanwhile, in the 1950s, two acts (Boggs Act, 1952; Narcotics Control Act, 1956) set stricter laws, introducing mandatory sentences and dictated that a first-offense marijuana possession carried a minimum sentence of 2-10 years with a fine of up to $20,000. 

1960s: The Age of Aquarius

During the cultural revolution of the 1960s, cannabis became much more widely used among middle class white Americans, and as a result, public attitudes began to soften. The reasons for this are myriad; cannabis aligned with many new popular cultural explorations, including attempts to meld the racial, political, and economic divides in the country, psychedelic research, and Beat Generation literary movement; the overall shift was towards inclusion, discarding of inhibitions and fears, and with that, cannabis came back in a big way. With the more widespread and exposed cannabis use came the realization that cannabis did not cause violence as was once thought, and research began in the use of cannabis as medicine. 

1970: The Controlled Substance Act

As a part of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, the Controlled Substance Act differentiated drugs into Schedule tiers based on their potential for abuse and addiction as well as their accepted medical use. These designations also defined their legality on a federal level, replacing the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 as the new means of cannabis prohibition. “Marijuana” was listed, and continues to be listed, as a Schedule I drug, denoting that:

1. “The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.

2. The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. and,

3. There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.”

Ironically, today Pure (–)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (or, THCΔ9, the most common psychoactive compound in recreational cannabis products) is also listed in Schedule III for limited uses, as a pharmaceutical drug under the trademark Marinol. This is a direct contradiction to the assertion that there is “no accepted medical use” for the Schedule I substance.

Anti-drug commercials in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

1970s and 1980s: The War on Drugs

Even before “War on Drugs” of the 1980s, there was a cultural war over where to place cannabis on the spectrum of good and evil. In the 1970s, parent groups who were concerned about cannabis use among teens began to gain power, and were eventually supported by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency, founded 1973) and the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), leading to a nationwide stage for their message. At the same time, individual states began loosening laws around cannabis possession and criminalization.

However, the anti-drug momentum backed by government agencies eventually led to Nixon’s 1980s “War on Drugs” mentality, which persists today as the United States spends billions of dollars annually on the enforcement of the Controlled Substance Act. Today, the US has the highest incarceration rate for drug-related crimes per capita in the world. Of those, black and latinx people are 2-4 times more likely to be incarcerated for drug related crimes than white people, despite consistent data showing that drug use is equal among these racial classifications.

1990s - The beginning of “legalization”

In 1996, in the first decision of its kind, California passed Proposition 215, which allowed for the sale and medical use of cannabis for patients with qualifying conditions. This law stood in contention with the federal law prohibiting cannabis possession. Four more states, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and D.C., followed suit with medical marijuana legislation in 1998. 

2000s to Today: The New Millenium

Despite the ripple of medical marijuana legislation that swept the nation in the 1990s and 2000s, federal restrictions have not budged. In 2012, Colorado became the first state to legalize the use of recreational cannabis as well, making cannabis “Fully Legal” for adults in the state of Colorado. Today, 12 states have fully legal cannabis programs, 28 have some sort of either medical or decriminalized status, and only 11 side with the federal ruling of “fully illegal.” 

At Proof, we operate in the “legal” and regulated market in California, for both medical and recreational consumers. We operate in defiance of federal laws that list cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical benefit. We operate in a fully open, state-recognized system that was created on the backs of the pioneers in our state who operated with the same passion and mission we do today, but who faced persecution for their pursuits on both a state and federal level. We thank all those who came before us and created our industry, and we hope to carry on the legacy, support and give back to those who continue to fight for their right to health and liberty.

Sources:
https://www.drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/drug-war-mass-incarceration-and-race_01_18_0.pdf

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/dope/etc/cron.html

David E. Newton (2017). Marijuana: A Reference Handbook, 2nd Edition (Contemporary World Issues) 2nd Edition. ABC-CLIO. p. 183. ISBN 978-1440850516.

DATA SOURCES: NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES, CNN, CONGRESS.GOV.

https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/SHAD3201006

What is CBD?

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many unique chemicals produced by cannabis plants. These unique chemicals are called cannabinoids. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is another one, better known for its psychoactive effects (aka, getting high). There are many more cannabinoids, such as CBC, CBN, etc. and each of them interact with the human body in different ways. 

How does CBD work?

Due to federal restrictions on the study of cannabis, commonly cited effects of these cannabinoids are not often backed up with evidence. However, what is known is that the human body has what is called an endocannabinoid system. This system is similar to the immune system in that it has a wide range of functions. The endocannabinoid system regulates both the central and peripheral nervous systems, which can make its regulation (balance) or dysregulation (imbalance) difficult to determine. It is known that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in modulating inflammation and pain, among other physiological conditions. The human body produces one chemical that regulates this system, Anandamide, which is also found in chocolate. However, all other known regulators of this system are cannabinoids made exclusively from the cannabis plant. This means that our bodies have a specific system dedicated to the usage of cannabinoids, and most likely evolved alongside the cannabis plant! 

What should I use CBD for?

True, verifiable medical studies are in short supply, but circumstantial and anecdotal evidence implies that CBD and other cannabinoids help with a wide variety of issues, from pain and inflammation to sleep regulation and anxiety control. The ratio of cannabinoids can have different effects as well. For example, while CBD is better known for peripheral nervous system management (pain, discomfort) THC is better known for central nervous system management (stress, sleep). We discuss these as a “ratio” because it is widely accepted that the effect of one cannabinoid is improved by the presence of other cannabinoids, an effect known as “the entourage effect.” 

How much should I take?

Dosing is a personal exploration, but we always recommend starting with a small amount and increasing as desired. CBD is not psychoactive, so you don’t have to worry about getting high on any dosage of CBD. However, THC is present in all our CBD products, and THC is psychoactive. The suggested use on the box is usually a good place to start. Everyone’s experience is different, and can change even depending on the mode of consumption: For example, smoking, eating, or sublingual consumption of the same product or potency of cannabinoid(s) can still have a wide variety of effectiveness.

Dosing and Tolerance

Finding the correct dose in cannabis can be tricky business, and not only for beginners! Everyone’s tolerance is so unique, how do you find your own sweet spot? What happens if you miscalculate? What happens if you get “too high”? 

In today’s post, we’ll try to showcase different kinds of cannabis tolerance, explain why mode of consumption matters, and try to give you all the information you’ll need to make an educated decision about your personal dosage journey, as well as some advice for what to do if things go differently than expected. In this post, we’ll be focusing on THC, as this is the psychoactive cannabinoid that most are trying to manage when considering their dosage.

Tolerance

To start off, let’s discuss tolerance. Tolerance in cannabis isn’t just about how much cannabis you use, it’s also about who you are, and how you use it. It’s true that for the most part, the more you use, the higher your tolerance becomes, but it’s not as simple as that. Some seem to just live in a high tolerance world, even if they rarely use cannabis. Some use cannabis every day and their tolerance is persistently low. Determining your own tolerance is a personal journey; as you embark on it, we recommend you establish your own comfort level and take your time, and don’t take anyone else’s experience as a prediction of how you might feel.  

To further discuss tolerance, we also have to discuss mode of consumption. Cannabis comes in many forms, and people tend to have very different tolerances for different modes of consumption. For example, someone who smokes joints all day every day might still have a low tolerance for edibles, or vice versa. There are some scientific reasons for this, and some more speculative ideas as well. 

Modes of Consumption

The mode of consumption of cannabis has a huge impact on the effect the user might feel, and each person’s preference of mode of consumption is likely based on this difference. To explain why this might be, we have to look at how cannabis enters the bloodstream with each mode of consumption.

Smoking

When smoking cannabis, the (non psychoactive) THC-A in the cannabis plant is converted to (psychoactive) THCΔ9 upon combustion. Then the THCΔ9 is inhaled into the lungs, where it is directly transferred into the bloodstream via capillaries. When the THC in your blood reaches your brain, this is when the psychoactive “high” becomes apparent. This direct transfer to the bloodstream is why the onset is quicker when smoking compared to eating cannabis. It’s also easier to dose this way because the effect is more immediately apparent.

Sublingual Consumption

Sublingual consumption is the act of holding the substance under the tongue for 60-90 seconds. This is the most common form of consumption of tinctures, and when done correctly, usually results in a 10-20 minute onset time. Sublingual consumption, like smoking cannabis, absorbs directly into the bloodstream through the many surface capillaries under the tongue and in the gums. 

Eating

Eating cannabis follows a much different pathway than smoking or sublingual consumption, and can be more difficult to predict and control. When eating cannabis, the THCΔ9 is first filtered through the liver, which is known to convert THCΔ9 to THCΔ11. THCΔ11 is a less-studied isomer of THC, and while it’s unclear how exactly it differs from THCΔ9, it is considered to be potentially more potent. That said, what is anecdotally accepted is that while some people are hypersensitive to eating cannabis, some folks are oppositely almost entirely unaffected by eating cannabis. This difference might be because of how an individual’s body responds to THCΔ11. The onset time for eating cannabis usually ranges between 30 minutes and 2 hours, which is why this method can be more difficult to control than other methods. It’s also important to note that for many people, having an empty or full stomach can change the effect and onset time when eating cannabis.

Types of consumable cannabis

Another factor (that we won’t go into much detail on here) is the type of extract or flower you’re consuming, which you can learn more about in our other blog post entitled “What Does Full Spectrum Mean?” We highly recommend giving that a read through, because the combination of cannabinoid(s), as well as other compounds can also make a big difference in your experience.

Finding your dose

One of the most reassuring aspects of a regulated cannabis market is that every product must be tested for potency and homogeneity, and labeled with accurate potency results. This makes accurate and controlled dosing much easier. For most first-time users, 1-2mg of THC is a good place to start and increase as needed.

The methods of consumption above are important to understand as this knowledge can help you make sense of how your body processes cannabis. If you’re not feeling the effects of your first dose, it’s important to know what the expected onset is. A common mistake, especially with edibles, is to take a second dose while waiting for the effects of the first one, and then feeling overwhelmed when both doses come on. We always recommend starting with a small dose and then waiting for about double the expected onset before taking more. This should help you get a good idea of 1) your individual onset time, and 2) your individual threshold. 

I’m too high! Now what?

Miscalculations and mistakes can happen! Don’t fear, we recommend taking the following steps if you are feeling overwhelmed or “too high:”

1. Take a deep breath

The most important thing to remember if you’re too high is that it will pass. Some people experience anxiety and increased heart rate, which can be alarming, but ultimately, your immediate safety is not in jeopardy if you take too much cannabis for your comfort. There are zero reported cases of cannabis overdose.

2. Do not drive or operate any kind of machinery

It is never recommended to drive while under the influence of cannabis, but this is especially true if you fear you’ve taken too much. If you need to get home, make sure you find a safe ride! 

3. Distract yourself

Often the most uncomfortable aspect of being “too high” is the intensity of your thoughts and feelings. Many people find that listening to or playing music, watching a movie, or drawing can help direct their thoughts and bring them back into a more comfortable mindset.

4. Balance it out

THC’s non-psychoactive cousin, CBD, can help! THC and CBD both utilize the same receptors in the brain, so supplementing with CBD can help saturate those receptors and push the THC out of your system. Make sure that if you are taking more cannabis, that it has a ratio of at least 20:1 CBD to THC. You do not want to take any appreciable amount of THC if you’re already feeling uncomfortably high.

5. Sleep 

If all else fails, try to sleep it off! 

Here at Proof, our products range all across the spectrum from nearly-non-psychoactive to extremely psychoactive, because we know that each consumer has differing needs and desires. Please visit our products page to learn more about ratios, potency, and dosage to start your own cannabis journey.

What is CBN?

CBN (Cannabinol) is a cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant. Like CBD and THC, it has its own properties and its effects are more pronounced when taken in conjunction with other cannabinoids, rather than on its own as an isolate. Like all cannabis, studies on CBN are limited, however, according to the available peer-reviewed research, the following properties of CBN have evidence to support them:

• Sedative

• Antimicrobial/Antibiotic

• Appetite stimulant

• Pain-relieving

• Delayed onset in neurological disease (study pertaining to ALS)

• Keratin production reducer (study pertaining to Psoriasis) 

In contemporary adult and recreational use markets, CBN is mostly marketed as a sedative. In a 1975 study (Karniol et al, cited below) CBN was found to be a notable sedative when paired with THC. In multiple studies, the observable effect and mechanism of CBN on neurological receptors was noted to be increased by the presence of THC, whereas the effect of CBN alone or with CBD was not as profound. 

How much should I take?

Proof’s CBN tincture was formulated with the available research in mind; at a 1:1 CBN:THC ratio, the tincture is formulated to maximize efficacy. It is also formulated to be low-dose, at 5mg CBN & 5mg THC in each dose (0.5ml), it is designed to be accessible to new users as well as those with higher tolerances. As always, we recommend starting with a small dose and increasing as desired.

Bibliography:

Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects.” British Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 163, no. 7, 2011, pp. 1344–1364., doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x.

Karniol, Isac G., et al. “Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabinol in Man.” Pharmacology, vol. 13, no. 6, 1975, pp. 502–512., doi:10.1159/000136944.

Farrimond, Jonathan A., et al. “Cannabinol and Cannabidiol Exert Opposing Effects on Rat Feeding Patterns.” Psychopharmacology, vol. 223, no. 1, 2012, pp. 117–129., doi:10.1007/s00213-012-2697-x.

Weydt, Patrick, et al. “Cannabinol Delays Symptom Onset in SOD1 (G93A) Transgenic Mice without Affecting Survival.” Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, vol. 6, no. 3, 2005, pp. 182–184., doi:10.1080/14660820510030149.

Appendino, Giovanni, et al. “Antibacterial Cannabinoids FromCannabis Sativa: A Structure−Activity Study.” Journal of Natural Products, vol. 71, no. 8, 2008, pp. 1427–1430., doi:10.1021/np8002673.

Zygmunt, Peter M., et al. “Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabinol Activate Capsaicin-Sensitive Sensory Nerves via a CB1 and CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor-Independent Mechanism.” The Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 22, no. 11, 2002, pp. 4720–4727., doi:10.1523/jneurosci.22-11-04720.2002.

What Does "Full Spectrum" Mean?

“Full spectrum” is a buzz-phrase these days in cannabis, but what does it actually mean? If you ask four people, you might get four different responses. The truth is that the meaning of full-spectrum has changed over the years, and opinions about it have, too. So let’s dive into what types of extracts there are, and you can decide for yourself what full spectrum means to you.

Isolates

Isolates, as the name indicates, are a single isolated cannabinoid that is refined and purified to the point of crystallization or powder at 99+% potency. CBD isolate is a common ingredient in most hemp products, as well as some cannabis products. If you see a product that contains zero THC, it’s probably from an isolated CBD extract. Isolates are the one type of extract that can certainly be classified as not full spectrum; don’t contain any other cannabinoids. For this reason, the plant matter and extraction method are irrelevant to the outcome or quality of the isolate. Current peer-reviewed studies point to isolates being less effective and less desirable for treating symptoms and ailments than their multi-cannabinoid extract counterparts. (See the bibliography for more information on the efficacy of isolates vs. other extracts.)

Raw Extract

If there is an opposite to isolates, it is raw extract. Raw extract is an otherwise unrefined first extraction of cannabis, and ranges in potency between 40-65% cannabinoids. This can be done in a multitude of ways. Chemical extractions include ethanol, butane/hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide. Mechanical extractions include ice water hash and rosin press methods. Each of these methods result in unique combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant materials in the extract. In raw extracts, the plant matter as well as the extraction method will dictate the composition and quality of the raw extract. With all of these methods, a full spectrum of cannabinoids will be present, including THC and CBD, but also other potential cannabinoids such as CBC, CBN, and CBG. Terpenes will mostly be captured by all the extraction methods above, though the composition of the different terpenes that are maintained will also differ based on the method. For example, the rosin press method uses heat and will typically lose the smaller and more volatile terpenes that have lower boiling points. Each method is very unique in its end product, and the effect for the end user will likely be different as well.

Distillates

Distillates are a more refined extract than raw extracts, but not as refined as isolates. Distillates begin in the same way as raw extract, with either a chemical or mechanical extraction, but are then further refined until nearly everything is removed except for the cannabinoids themselves. Distillate potency is therefore generally 70-98% cannabinoids. Distillate quality is more or less independent of the extraction method, and is dictated more by the plant material used and the quality of the distillation. Distillates contain the full spectrum of cannabinoids that raw extracts do, including THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, etc. but do not contain terpenes, lipids, chlorophyll, or other non-cannabinoid matter. That is not to say that every distillate is the same in terms of the cannabinoids present, as that ratio is entirely dictated by the plant matter going into the product. 

Summary

As you can see, there are a wide variety of end products even among these three categories, and while isolates are the only category that clearly cannot be classified as full-spectrum, the line has been drawn all over the map when it comes to all the other end products listed. What’s more important than how to define the term, however, is what it means to you, the consumer. 

After a thorough review of the research, we were unable to find any peer-reviewed studies that hone in on the non-cannabinoid elements such as terpenes to determine what, if any, effect they have. However, we were able to identify significant peer-reviewed research that indicated that a full spectrum of cannabinoids, as found in Proof products, as well as raw products, are more beneficial than isolate-based products. But any supposed difference between distillate based products and raw-based products is not supported by evidence. In other words, science tells us that benefits are greater in products that contain a full spectrum of cannabinoids, but any effects of terpenes, waxes, chlorophylls, or other compounds are not clear. 

That doesn’t mean that people don’t have preferences. In cannabis, the tolerance for and effect of a certain cannabinoid or a strain can vary widely. People also tend to have very different  reactions to methods of consumption, such as smoking vs. eating vs. sublingual/transdermal consumption. To predict how someone might react to one type of extract is difficult, and to venture an educated guess is impossible with the research at hand. Our suggestion is to do some safe experimentation at doses that are comfortable for you, find out what kind of cannabis you’re consuming and how, and experiment to find what type of extract and consumption method works best for you. It will not be the same for everyone! 

At Proof, we respect and value the huge range of products now available to the California cannabis consumer, and we applaud all producers who are innovating to ensure you have great choices on the shelf. 

Want more information? Click this link for a literature review of the most current and relevant studies, curated and summarized by Proof.

Bibliography

Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2015). Overcoming the Bell-Shaped Dose-Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol. Pharmacology &Amp; Pharmacy, 06(02), 75–85. doi: 10.4236/pp.2015.62010

Pamplona, F. A., Silva, L. R. D., & Coan, A. C. (2018). Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology, 9, 759. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00759

Boggs, Douglas L, et al. “Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol.” Neuropsychopharmacology, vol. 43, no. 1, 2017, pp. 142–154., doi:10.1038/npp.2017.209.

McPartland, John & Russo, Ethan. (2001). Cannabis and cannabis extracts: Greater than the sum of their parts?. J Cannabis Therapeutics. 1. 103-132. 10.1300/J175v01n03_08. 

Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects.” British Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 163, no. 7, 2011, pp. 1344–1364., doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x.

Turner, Sarah E., et al. “Molecular Pharmacology of Phytocannabinoids.” Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products Phytocannabinoids, 2017, pp. 61–101.