Daily Archives: August 30, 2022

The Origins of the Term Stoner Stoner: noun (slang): a person who is habitually high on drugs, especially marijuana, or alcohol; a person who is usually stoned.  It feels like the word “stoner,” a term used to describe cannabis consumers, has been part of the lexicon forever. Like many of the words we use, the definition of the term “stoner” has evolved over time, shedding some of its derogatory origins and adapting its meaning to fit in a more cannabis-friendly culture.   What is a Stoner?  Aside from the dictionary definition, the word “stoner” is used to loosely describe a person who gets high or “stoned” on cannabis.   Unclear Etymology   The term stoner can trace its roots all the way back to biblical times and was used throughout the 1920s and 1930s, but according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it wasn’t until 1952 that it became closely associated with cannabis. The use of the term stoner became more widespread as cannabis use increased in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the term is hotly debated due to its disparaging history, as some seek to redefine the term while others look to leave it in the past.      Biblical use: “stoner” can trace its roots to the term “stoned,” a word used to describe the punishment of sinners by pelting them in public with stones. This is one reason that the word stoner often has a negative connotation.        The 1920s and 1930s: people started to use the word “stoned” or “stone drunk” in the 1920s and 1930s to describe people heavily under the influence of alcohol. It’s probable that the word was used to describe the appearance of someone extremely drunk—a quality it shares with other similarly defined terms from the era such as potted, plastered, stewed, and tanked, as well as more modern words like hammered and smashed.     The 1950s: the term “stoned” became more commonly applied to cannabis, rather than alcohol, use in the 1950s. As mentioned above, Merriam-Webster traces it back to 1952, but the world’s most notable appearance was in the glossary of the 1953 book, The Traffic of Narcotics. The book was co-written by Harry J. Anslinger—Commissioner of the U.S. Treasury Department Bureau of Narcotics from 1930 to 1962—whose checkered legacy is notable for his anti-drug position, racism, and being the founding father of the War on Drugs.      The 1960s and 1970s: as cannabis became more widely used in the 1960s and 1970s, the term stoned became more common and made numerous appearances in pop culture—for example, the Rolling Stones’ 1963 song Stoned and Bob Dylan’s 1966 Rainy Day Women #12 and 35, better known for its refrain “Everybody must get stoned!”  Other Origin Theories of the Word Stoner  In addition to the more established origins of the term stoner and how it relates to cannabis, there are some other ideas as to where the word came from, including:     The word is derived from the Italian word stonato, which means confused or foggy.   The term evolved from the stone pipes that were popular for smoking cannabis in the 1970s.   The word is used to describe the often immobilizing effect cannabis can have.  The Evolving Meaning of “Stoner”  Language is fluid and just as the meaning of the word stoner changed from the 1920s to the 1950s to the 1970s, it continues to do so today. With the number of states legalizing cannabis on the rise and an overall shift in attitude toward cannabis in general—an overwhelming 91%  of U.S. adults say either that marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use or that it should be legal for medical use only—being called a stoner doesn’t have the same pejorative undertones as it once did.   To some, being seen as a stoner not only has lost its stigma, it’s actually a good thing. This shift in perception is thanks in part to the growing number of famous and well-known people from seemingly every field who have been known to toke up from time to time. A quick scan of Rolling Stone magazine’s “50 Most Successful Marijuana Enthusiasts You Should Know” includes everyone from ice cream magnates like Ben & Jerry to billionaires like Bill Gates to renowned scientists such as Carl Sagan.   Today, while some see being a stoner as a badge of honor, others argue that we should move away from the negative words of the past and adopt words that speak to the normal and responsible use of cannabis. In 2019, Shirley Halperin, author of the book Pot Culture: The A–Z Guide to Stoner Language and Life, told the New York Times, “No one wants to say the word stoner anymore.”   Plant Dispensary   Whether you’re intent on reclaiming the word stoner and wearing it with pride or ready to move on to new words with more positive connotations—cannabis connoisseurs?—Plant Dispensary is the place for you. We stock everything bud buffs desire—from flower to edibles to concentrates, along with all the accessories you need for an enjoyable cannabis experience. New to cannabis? Stop into our dispensary and let one of our expert budtenders guide you on your journey. 

A Guide to Rolling a Joint  Smoking joints remains one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis—they’re social, convenient, and easily disposable. Despite the advent of pre-rolls, there is something especially satisfying about a hand-rolled joint. Learning to roll a great joint takes time and practice, however, the process of rolling a joint is straightforward, accomplished by even novice smokers, and considered by many as an initiation into cannabis culture.     Collect Cannabis Accouterments    Before you begin rolling a joint, you need to collect a few key items:    Cannabis flower   Rolling papers   Crutch   Grinder   Pen, chopstick, or another similarly shaped item to help pack the joint   Rolling tray (not necessary, but helps to make rolling easier and neater)      If you’re just getting started rolling jays, you’ll want to keep it simple—save the king-size and cross joints for when you refine your skills. To roll a classic joint, you’ll want a ½ gram of flower and 1¼ size rolling papers, for example, the legendary orange Zig Zags.     Orange Zig Zags are a long-time favorite, but today’s smokers will find a huge variety of papers available from a multitude of companies and made from a number of different materials, such as hemp, rice, bamboo, and flax. Thin papers are known to deliver a superior smoking experience—they don’t detract from the flavor of the flower—however, they’re notoriously tricky to roll. Beginners are better off opting for a heavier paper that is easier to work with.   How to Roll a Joint in Seven Steps     Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials to roll a joint, you’re ready to roll.     Step 1: Grind Cannabis    Break your cannabis down to a consistent size using a grinder and remove any sticks or stems. Make sure not to grind it so small that it will pass through the filter when inhaling. Grinding cannabis makes filling joints easier, improves their consistency, and ultimately results in joints that burn better and deliver a smoother smoking experience.     A grinder is the preferred method for breaking down flower. It helps ensure that the cannabis produced possesses a consistent structure, while also keeping your hands from getting sticky which can complicate the rolling process. If a grinder isn’t available, it’s possible to break down flower using everything from your hands to scissors to keys.     Step 2: Make a Filter    After grinding the cannabis, create a crutch (also known as a filter or tip), to place at one end of the rolling paper. A crutch isn’t necessary, but it makes smoking a joint more pleasant by boosting airflow through the joint, making it easier to hold, keeping you from inhaling shake, and preventing you from burning your fingertips or lips.     Pre-made crutches are available from places like your local dispensary, however, they’re easy and inexpensive to make. Start with a thick piece of paper, manilla folder, or business card and cut a rectangle-shaped strip about a half-inch wide. From one end, fold the strip times like an accordion a few times (or, if you prefer, a series of “W”s for weed) then wrap the rest of the strip around the folded part to the thickness of the joint.     Step 3: Place the Crutch and Fill With Cannabis     Put the crutch in the rolling paper and fill it with ground cannabis. Some smokers prefer to position the crutch with a little of the end left exposed and push it flush with the edge of the rolling paper when finished rolling. Others prefer to simply roll the crutch flush with the end of the joint from the start. With the cannabis in the rolling paper, start to form the joint using your hands. The goal is to spread the cannabis evenly along its length and avoid overstuffing it.     Step 4: Roll The Joint    This is where the magic happens and the quality of the joint will largely depend on how well you roll. Fold the paper into a taco shape and use your fingers and thumbs to compact the weed, ensure it’s distributed evenly, and give it its final shape. Tuck the non-glue edge of the rolling paper around the ground flower, keeping it tight, as you wrap the rest of the paper around the bud. A well-crafted joint is rolled loose enough that it will burn evenly and not so tight that it restricts airflow.     Step 5: Seal the Deal    Lightly lick the glue side of the paper and seal the joint. Start by sealing the crutch end to give the joint stability, and work your way down the rest of the seam.     Step 6: Pack the Joint    Once the joint is sealed, you can collect any loose cannabis that might have escaped the roll and add it to the open end of the joint. Use a pen, chopstick, or similar item to pack the cannabis gently toward the mouthpiece to ensure it burns consistently. Don’t overdo it—if you pack the cannabis too tightly, it can have the opposite effect and make the joint difficult to smoke.     Step 7: Finish with a Flourish    Pinch the remaining paper at the non-crutch end of the joint and give it a twist to keep any cannabis from falling out of the end and enjoy.     Remember rolling a joint is like any other skill and takes practice to perfect. It won’t be long until you’re rolling perfectly wrapped, smooth smoking joints.    Get Rolling with Bonsai Flower     Although rolling skills go a long way in determining the quality of a joint, you’re going to want to make sure you use phenomenal flower. Bonsai flower isn’t just premium bud, it’s art. Bonsai flower is hand selected and meticulously manicured to ensure it’s of the highest quality—something every joint deserves, whether it’s an expertly rolled fattie or a practice pinner.     [/caption]

What You Need to Know About Cannabis Pre-Rolls Joints remain a popular way to consume cannabis among everyone from those just starting out to seasoned stoners. Pre-rolled joints, simply called pre-rolls, are an alternative to rolling your own and a convenient option for those who enjoy smoking jays, but not the hassle and mess of making them.    What is a Pre-Roll?  A pre-roll is simply a joint that has been pre-prepared and is not all that different from one that you would roll on your own. As more and more people discover the benefits of pre-rolls, the breadth of their offerings grows, with pre-rolls now available in a wide variety of price ranges, strains, sizes, and strengths. Stop into your local dispensary and you’re likely to discover pre-rolls sold both individually or in packs.    Parts of a Pre-Roll  Pre-rolls generally consist of three parts: wrap, crutch, and fill. What’s of most interest to most smokers is what a pre-roll is filled with, particularly since the fill is hidden underneath the wrapper. Generally, you’ll find three types of cannabis inside a pre-roll:      Buds are the key ingredient in a pre-roll—the more bud in a pre-roll, the higher its quality. This is the part of the cannabis plant that gets you high and smells great.      Shake is the small bits of flower that fall off buds as they’re harvested or packaged.     Trim is the plant matter—leaves, stems, and seeds—that’s cut away from buds after harvesting and is lower in THC (the high-producing chemical compound) and harsher to smoke than buds or shake.   With the growth of legal cannabis, the quality of pre-rolls has increased while their price has decreased. Today, most pre-rolls are made using high-quality flower to deliver the desired effect without harsh smoke.   Types of Flower Found in Pre-Rolls  Numerous factors contribute to the effects of a pre-roll, but the strain of flower used is one of the primary influencers. Cannabis strains are typically divided into three categories—indica, sativa, and hybrid—and each possesses its own unique characteristics.      Indica is known for producing calm, relaxing feelings and delivering more of a body buzz than a head high. The mellowing effect of indica makes it a favorite for chill nights in watching a movie or listening to music. Because indica can have a sedating effect, it’s sometimes jokingly referred to as “in da couch.”     Sativa has a reputation for having an energizing effect, imparting a euphoric feeling, and providing more of a head high. Sativa strains are a good choice for daytime, physical activities, and doing anything that requires focus.      Hybrids contain the genetics of both indica and sativa strains. They provide the best of both worlds and are commonly thought to deliver a relaxing-yet-energetic high. The effects of a hybrid are often determined by their lineage and most strains are labeled as either indica- or sativa-dominant.   Infused Pre-Rolls  Most pre-rolls are made using just three ingredients, however, infused pre-rolls also contain other materials such as concentrates like shatter, wax, oil, and kief. Infusing pre-rolls with extracts ups their potency, making them a favorite of smokers with high tolerance to THC but are best steered clear of by beginners.   Why People Love Pre-Rolls  Pre-rolls continue to hold a favored place among all types of smokers thanks to their numerous benefits, such as:      Time-saving: rolling your own joints is time-consuming, especially if you’re not proficient at it     Less mess: rolling a joint is often messy and pre-rolls provide a much cleaner alternative    More cost-effective: not only is rolling a joint sometimes a messy operation, but it can also lead to a significant amount of waste    Convenient: pre-rolled joints don’t require any accessories, with the exception of a lighter—there’s no need for bongs, vapes, or pipes     Portable: pre-rolls are small and easy to transport, which makes it easy to take them with you wherever you go (provided cannabis is legal there)    Discreet: pre-rolls don’t look all that different from an old-fashioned cigarette, which makes them a relatively discreet method for consuming cannabis   Pre-rolls provide smokers with a wide variety of product options, which allows them to try everything from different strains of cannabis to different types of pre-rolls, like pre-rolled blunts.   Fire Up Plant Dispensary   Plant Dispensary is home to everything a cannabis customer desires, from premium pre-rolls to fantastic flower to enticing edibles. Shop online or swing into Plant Dispensary and have one of our expert budtenders show you our excellent selection of pre-rolls and other great cannabis products.