Despite everyone’s main focus being on THC and CBD, there are actually between 80 and 100 known cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. If you’re still a little unsure of what a cannabinoid is, here’s a quick refresher: cannabinoids are the chemical compounds that interact with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to produce the effects you typically feel from cannabis.

The cannabinoids you probably know are THC and CBD, but the compound CBN, or cannabinol, is a bit lesser known—although maybe not for long! Based on anecdotal evidence, it’s believed CBN can actually be used as a sleep aid because of the way it interacts with different parts of our ECS. CBN may help with sleep and other brain-related function because the compound binds itself to the CB1 and CB2 receptors just like THC does. It just does so at a much lower strength, which means the effects will be mild—in other words, you likely won’t get high from the effects of CBN.

CBN, CBD and THC

CBN works in tandem with THC and CBD and, when consumed together, it’s believed they end up working synergistically to create an experience you wouldn’t get from consuming just THC, just CBD, or just CBN. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect, in which cannabinoids work together to create a balanced and regulated experience. The key word here is together. If you consume flour, eggs, and sugar separately, you won’t have eaten a cake. In the same way, if you consume THC, CBD, and CBN separately, they won’t work together as part of the entourage effect.

Cannabis and Sleep

So…how does that affect sleep? THC and CBD have long been anecdotally believed to help with people with sleep issues, and the introduction of CBN is believed to bolster these potential sleep-aid effects. While everyone’s body will respond differently to certain cannabinoids, there is belief among many that the right combination of CBN, THC, and CBD has the potential to be beneficial to those who have trouble sleeping.

CBN is still new to the Canadian cannabis landscape, but Wana Quick Midnight Berry gummies prominently feature this potentially beneficial cannabinoid!  Be sure to check your local retailer for these quick onset* gummies, which are best consumed at night.

Of course, because everyone is different, CBN may or may not work for you. However, the discovery—and research into—any cannabinoid is a promising sign for the cannabis industry, as it helps us learn more about how to make the most use of this plant we know can do many wonderful things!

REMINDER: As with any new cannabis product, especially one that includes newer cannabinoids, it’s always important to start low and go slow.

*Health Canada: It can take up to 4 hours to feel the full effects from eating or drinking cannabis. Consuming more within this time period can result in adverse effects that may require medical attention. The effects from eating or drinking cannabis can be long-lasting. The effects can last between 6 and 12 hours following use.

Veganism may be growing in popularity now, but it’s anything but a fad. The roots of vegan lifestyles can be traced back as far as Ancient Greece, when Pythagoras is believed to have mandated an “unfired, plant-based” diet for any student in his school.

Since then, the merits of eating vegan have become a hot-button topic, whether people are doing it for animal welfare or to live what they call a “clean” lifestyle. Vegan options have become more widely available since the years of Pythagoras, with an abundance of restaurants, recipes, and ingredients at our fingertips. However, finding vegan edibles can be a bit harder. While Wana Gummies are made with pectin, never gelatin, and we have just released Jewels cannabis tablets, finding other edibles to fit within the lifestyle isn’t always easy.

Luckily, we’ve got a recipe for cannabis-infused raw vegan energy balls, or, as Pythagoras might have called them, “unfired plant-based energy balls.” The best part: you don’t even need to be vegan to enjoy these!

What you’ll need:

(Makes 12 balls)

• ⅔ cup of cashews
• ½ cup of sunflower seeds
• ½ cup pitted dates
• ½ cup of maple syrup
• ½ cup almond butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 240mg of THC/CBD in oil form (20 mg per ball)

Optional toppings:

• Chia seeds
• Coconut flakes
• Rolled oats
• Vegan mini chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts
• Dried fruit

Directions:

1. Place a small handful of cashews in a food processor and pulse until ground. Set them aside.
2. Place the sunflower seeds and remaining cashews in the food processor and pulse until coarsely ground.
3. Add the dates and pulse until well mixed with the nuts and seeds.
4. Add the syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture, and process until smooth.
5. Add the infused oil and blend.
6. Take the mixture and form golf ball-sized shapes with your hands.
7. Use the ground cashews set aside earlier and add them to the mixture as you are forming the energy balls
8. Roll them in your favourite topping, then put them in the freezer until firm.
9. Enjoy this delicious and healthy treat!

Remember: with any cannabis product, it’s always best to start low and go slow. Refer to Health Canada’s guidelines on cannabis consumption for more information.

As with any cannabis product, never share with anyone under the age of 18, and keep cannabis out of reach of minors at all times.

If five years ago you told people you were working—or wanted to work in—the booming cannabis industry, you probably would have been met with a lot of strange looks, questions about job stability, and questions such as “what cannabis industry?” Even 10 years ago, the idea of cannabis legalization was considered a pipe dream or a hot-button election topic to garner votes.

But here we sit in 2022, with the cannabis landscape much greener in both the literal and figurative senses. One of the most appealing aspects is the dozens of sectors to choose from, meaning your career in cannabis can be extremely personalized to your interests and skills. With sectors like farming, marketing, packaging, shipping, food and beverage production, tourism, and more, the cannabis industry has something for everyone.

Working in cannabis can be an exciting and fulfilling experience for many, but where do you even begin when joining this fast-moving, ever-changing landscape? We got some insight from Amanda Jamieson, Indiva’s Human Resource Specialist, on what hiring managers in the cannabis industry might be looking for.

“Overall, the cannabis industry doesn’t differ from any other industry when it comes to applying for jobs. You need to have relatable, recent, and relevant experience,” Jamieson said. “While I can’t speak for other LPs, Indiva does typically tend to look for candidates with CPG [Consumer Packaged Goods] experience.”

Jamieson added the best way to get the job you want is to emphasize the relevant expertise you may have in the area to which you’re applying. “If you’re looking for a job in marketing, don’t highlight all of your financial experience,” she said. “My tip is always to tailor your resume to the job posting and company.”

The application process may be similar to any other job, but questions about the experience of working in the cannabis industry come up frequently. Jamieson said in many cases it’s a fast-paced environment that changes quickly, which is no doubt because the industry itself was not legalized until 2018. Everyone is still navigating the ups and downs as cannabis continues to become part of everyday society and grows its customer base. But, even though it can be stressful, working in cannabis can be rewarding, especially when everyone you work with is reaching for the same goal.

“It is the most beautifully challenging industry I have ever had the pleasure of working in. I’ve been at Indiva for almost 3 years, and I still love my job. I learn something new every single day,” said Jamieson.

Another common question is whether you need to be a cannabis user in order to work in the industry.

“Absolutely not,” Jamieson stressed. “Don’t get me wrong, having some personal experience doesn’t hurt, having background knowledge about the product can help in many ways, but it is not necessary.”

The types of jobs available in the cannabis industry have also changed. We reached out to Jerome Hoyte, the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of White Ash Group, a busy cannabis recruiting company based in Ontario.

“When we first started, there were companies still waiting for cultivation licenses,” Hoyte said. “So obviously [in that scenario] you’re looking for a lot of growers, trimmers, and everyone else on the agricultural side.”

Hoyte added that since the industry has progressed, he’s seeing more job postings in the cannabis retail sector and positions in ancillary companies, such as cannabis manufacturers, as opposed to cultivation. “You’re looking at people on the extraction side, and [candidates] coming from the beer and beverage side,” said Hoyte.

There’s also been an influx of sales positions now that cannabis companies have matured past their initial growth stages. “A lot of the major LPs have their sales licenses, so they’re building sales teams. There are a lot more roles on the sales and marketing side.”

Whether you are a packager, a chef, a salesperson, an expert in finance, or some other vocation that is not even listed here, chances are there is something available in the industry for you. So, if you feel that it’s time for a change in employment, come say “high” to cannabis.

Gifting cannabis around the holidays is a great option for family and friends who enjoy consuming. With so much selection available, you can get creative and find the perfect gift for anyone from a beginner to a cannasseur.

There is some etiquette to keep in mind when gifting cannabis, however! Since it might still be a new concept for many, we’ve put together some tips and suggestions for when you start your holiday cannabis shopping.

1. For adults only

Cannabis should never be given to adults under the age of consumption in your area. As cannabis age regulations are provincial, always be sure to check the applicable laws where you live.

2. Always buy legal

This isn’t just for the holidays, but it never hurts to get a reminder. Buying cannabis from a legal source is the safest way to purchase cannabis, and it’s the only way to know exactly what’s in the product you’re buying. The last thing you want to do is give your loved ones product from an illegal source and risk potential harm.

3. Consider the essentials

Cannabis can be a very personal decision, especially to those who have been consuming for a long time or consume for a specific reason. If you’re not comfortable choosing a strain for family or friends, but you want to gift them something cannabis-related, you can’t go wrong with some of the essentials! Put together a little care package that includes the basics, like:

• Rolling papers
• A lighter
• A pipe
• A grinder
• A stash jar or pouch
• A rolling tray

4. Talk with a budtender for advice

Budtenders are your best resource when choosing a strain, and they’re more than happy to help you narrow down some choices. If you’re shopping for newer consumers, budtenders can help point you in the direction of balanced or lower THC strains that are recommended for new users. If you’re shopping for a more experienced consumer, budtenders can take the person’s favourite terpenes or even strains they’ve liked before and come up with suggestions for what they may enjoy in the future.

5. Remember that you’re shopping for them, not you

Don’t get us wrong, you can absolutely treat yourself to a little something-something when you’re out holiday shopping, but when you’re buying the actual gifts, it’s important to remember who you’re buying for. If they’ve only ever consumed flower products in the past, then edibles might not be the best choice—even if they’re your preferred method of consumption. Alternatively, if they’re someone who prefers to keep their consumption more discreet, then ingestibles like capsules or edibles are a better route than a vape or pre-roll. No one wants a gift they won’t use, so just remember who you’re shopping for when you head to your local retailer.

6. Start low, go slow with edibles

If you’re gifting edibles to someone, consider starting with a 1:1 balanced product with equal or lesser parts THC to CBD. Something like Wana Sour Gummies Strawberry Lemonade 1:1 is a great place to start, as CBD has been known to lessen the effects of THC when consumed at the same time. This makes it a great starting point for new or less experienced consumers.

It’s also a good idea to include a small note with the gift that suggests starting with one gummie or chocolate (depending on what you give them) and waiting a couple of hours to see how they feel before consuming more. If you’re gifting cannabis, then you have a responsibility to make sure everyone is informed!

7. Put together your own gifts

It’s entirely possible you won’t find exactly what you want in a dispensary, or you’ll want to get a little more creative with your gift-giving, which is when putting together your own gifts can come in handy! Consider making your own pre-roll sampler pack by working with a budtender to bundle together some different brands, different terpene profiles, different THC levels, and different flavour profiles. You could even create a theme, like “Movie Night Munchies” or “Sativa Saturdays,” to personalize the collection even more.

8. Be honest about your gifts

When you give someone cannabis, you’re responsible for making sure they have all the information. Be clear about what you’re giving them, the THC and CBD values, and anything else they may need to know.

This is especially true if you’re making your own edibles as gifts. Dose your edibles accurately and be clear about how much THC and CBD is in each product, as well as what strain you used, if possible. It’s also important to clearly label that the baked goods are infused with cannabis. You could also consider gifting them in a secure container, so the recipient doesn’t have to worry about finding somewhere to store them!

9. Give a gift card

If you’re in doubt about what to give someone, a gift card to a local cannabis retailer is always a great option. Not only are you supporting local, but you’re letting your loved ones buy something they know they’ll want!

10. Don’t assume you’ll be invited to partake

Gifting cannabis and expecting it to be shared with you immediately is sort of like giving someone a sweater and asking to wear it when you get cold. If you want to consume cannabis at a gathering, always bring your own so your host doesn’t feel pressured into consuming right away. Some people prefer to consume by themselves, so never assume you’ll be invited to join them once you’ve handed them their gift.

Giving cannabis is great way to find personalized gifts for family and friends who consume, but make sure you follow these tips to keep up with the etiquette!