Posted on 11/10/2017 6:36:48 AM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
As marijuana legalization continues across the country, weed is becoming increasingly mainstream. However, as much as the stoner stereotype has evolved into a broader label that also encompasses CEOs, educated millennials, and the Spicolis of the world, it still has a negative connotation. Industry leaders have quickly learned that destigmatizing marijuana use begins with educating the public, but Adrian Sedlin of Canndescent has figured out that, as with anything, it's really all about branding.
Sedlin's luxury cannabis company offers premium flower alongside sophisticated packaging that no other company in the current market rivals. One look and I can almost guarantee that you'll be more inclined to spark one than ever before. What Sedlin and his team did first was identify the pain points of the consumer experience and make everything from the strain names to the aesthetic more approachable.
"I would describe most of the historical imagery associated with cannabis as being very countercultural," Sedlin told POPSUGAR. "It's a lot of bad imagery, bad design. Yeah, that appeals to a certain segment, but there are tons of users who are uncomfortable with the purchase experience. It's confusing and an intimidating space, so another problem to think about is do you really want to go in and buy a strain called Alaskan Thunder F**k?"
Instead of traditional strain names like OG Kush and Green Crack, Canndescent simplified the classification system to five categories: Calm, Cruise, Create, Connect, and Charge. Each one is designed with proprietary genetics to perform exactly how it's labeled and is organically grown, cured, trimmed, and packaged in-house into childproof glass jars that include humidity packs to preserve quality. Sedlin said that half of its strains are genetically developed from scratch, making them completely unique to Canndescent, while others are comparable to more popular varieties.
While the rebrand is indeed friendlier, my biggest concern was whether the five categories were too broad for accuracy. For example, what's calm for me, may not be so calm for somebody else, especially the novice consumer who Canndescent is targeting. Sedlin and his team did take this into careful consideration when developing the product. Each bottle is labeled with the effects to expect, along with suggested activities, to give you an idea of the type of experience it may be more suited to. But in no way is Canndescent claiming that its strains are one size fits all.
"It's imperfect because you have a unique biochemistry, but it's a hell of an improvement," Sedlin told us. "Anything I can do to simplify it and make that user experience clearer and clearer for more users is something we'll adopt. When you're dealing with someone who has no category experience, all that type of thinking is fair. And at the end of the day, each person at some level has to figure out how cannabis hits them."
To evaluate whether or not the actual effects of each strain were in the ballpark, I tested them all. I smoked each of the five categories on five separate days and paired them with the experience it was intended for. Spoiler: I'm f***ing sold.
Calm
Intended use: "For a restful sleep or relief from aches and pains, soothe yourself with Canndescent Calm." When to consume: Before bed. Verdict: One hit of Calm and the results were instant. I experienced immediate sleepiness and full-body relaxation. It felt heavy yet comforting and not at all anxiety-inducing.
Cruise
Intended use: "Keep up the pace, relax your mind, and sail through the day with Canndescent Cruise." When to consume: Before running errands or starting your day. Verdict: Cruise is a fantastic daytime weed. I did feel a little tired, but not enough to knock me out. I smoked this one before tackling a day full of errands, and I was able to breeze through on cruise control without burning out.
Create
Intended use: "When it's time to paint, jam, code, blog, or game, find your muse in Canndescent Create." When to consume: Before tackling a project. Verdict: If you need to crack down on some work, feel inspired, or simply focus, this one's for you. I smoked a couple hits of Create before catching up on some work at home, and I was pleasantly surprised how functional I was. Not only did I do laundry with laser focus, but I also didn't find myself struggling to think while writing a post. Weed typically makes my mind hazy and slow-thinking, but Create offered clarity and focus.
Connect
Intended use: "When it's time to laugh, go out with friends, or get intimate, invite Canndescent Connect." When to consume: For social situations. Verdict: I figured that a dinner party would be the perfect scenario to test out a couple joints of Connect. I had five experienced smokers, including myself, to note any differences in sociability and energy, and some of us reported being more present and alert than we typically are when smoking other brands. I personally found Connect to be the least distinct of all five strains, but it was a nice choice for this type of setting nonetheless.
Charge
Intended use: "To get off the couch, take a run, or go out for the night, power up with Canndescent Charge." When to consume: Before going out. Verdict: Charge was hands down my favorite strain of all. Ten minutes in, I was noticeably more alert and energized, which is rarely the case for me, even with sativas. I definitely didn't feel glued to the couch, and I'm glad I smoked Charge before heading out to a weeknight concert because I was surprised to find myself so awake the entire night.
Overall, I was very satisfied with Canndescent's products. At $60 for an eighth, this is one top-shelf brand I can justify splurging on. Its descriptions were true to the label, based on my experience, and it reminded me how drastically different quality weed is to the more affordable varieties I've been using. The stunning, limited-edition gift box I received from Canndescent (pictured above) is available for purchase at California dispensaries for $250 and comes with an eighth of all five strains, matches, rolling papers, and hemp wicks for each. They're also sold individually for $50 to $60 an eighth (depending on the dispensary). If you purchase the prepackaged version, you'll receive a glass jar along with a box of matches, a packet of premium rolling papers, and a roll of hemp wicks, as shown below.
At the end of unpackaging my gift box on Instagram Stories, I polled my followers and asked whether or not they'd be more likely to smoke weed if it was presented in this way. Ninety-three percent responded yes. The sample size was too small to actually yield significant results, but it does say something about branding. Sedlin describes Canndescent as "sexy, sophisticated, and simple." Based on the overwhelmingly positive reactions from friends and coworkers — including those who aren't regular cannabis users — and my own firsthand experience with Canndescent's product, I can absolutely see this company revolutionizing the industry and changing the way we approach weed.
“Typical of the GOP. We don’t like big government, unless it’s OUR big government. Then it’s perfectly ok!”
I would say it’s typical of the progressives in the GOP. These folks are like the RATs as they love to shove big gov’t down our throats when it suits them.
Both are anti-individual liberty IMO & are harmful to our country.
At what level of use? And for which demographic groups?
Some of the effects, notably the precipitation of psychotic disorder (related to schizophrenia), act on a developing brain but not a mature brain. Thus, this effect is a danger for users under the age of 25 years old.
Certainly product warning labels would be appropriate - perhaps even a higher minimum age for marijuana purchase, although I have a sneaking suspicion that alcohol is also not good for developing brains.
Other effects, such as the loss of initiative and motivation, seem to affect older people as well as younger people. This is because some of the components of marijuana cause the death of certain cell types which are crucial for these functions.
So research has established that this is the causal mechanism?
The deficits in motivation and initiative were observed three months after the last use of marijuana. Thus, the effect can have a long duration, but this study did not establish whether the effect eventually dissipates and if so, after how long.
Slim support for claims of "long-lasting, if not permanent."
You really need to quit spouting nonsense. You absolutely don't know what the hell you're talking about, and it shows. Those, like myself, who have used cannabis on a very regular basis (5+ times per week), and for long periods of time (as I mentioned, I started at about 16, and am 42 now), know from firsthand experience that your claims are complete and utter bullspit. Get off your "high" horse and go do something you actually understand. You are a laughing stock.
Plus, it’s legal in a lot of places these days.
—�—�-
Recreational pot is legal in a minority of places.
The pro pot movement never advocates moderation. Nor does it attempt to place any kind of social stigma on innapropriate use like, say, waking up and using in the morning before work or during the middle of a week day.
Alcohol manufacturers do spend millions promoting safe and moderate use. Alcohol users promote safe and moderate use as well; and also do not hesitate to point out an alcoholic or a person with alcohol addiction issues and attribute social moires upon them to discourage abuse by society as a whole. The “drunk bum.” Dont be like him, son.
Until pot groups/users get serious about promoting “smart,” moderate, and safe usage, they will continue to be easily discredited as “addicts and dealers” looking to addict another generation to drug slavery.
The pro pot crowd needs to grow up before it will be accepted. At this point in time there is no inkling of moderation messaging from pro potters. In fact, the messaging is the opposite: “its natural, nonaddictive, and 100% safe with no issues, stigmas, nor side effects.” Which is not truthful messaging.
“No Stems, No Seeds that you don’t need....Acapulco Gold is......*pssssssssss*......bad ass weeeeeeeeeeed!”
Wrong as usual. "Use of cannabis, to the extent that it impairs health, personal development or achievement, is abuse, to be resisted by responsible cannabis users." - http://norml.org/marijuana/personal/item/principles-of-responsible-use
If I were to link scientific literature, you would say either that it is cherry-picked, or that it was "government research." Since I choose instead to tell you exactly how to find the information yourself, you show no desire to find out for yourself, and see the actual data, unfiltered by anything I might say or choose to present. I can't say I'm surprised by your reaction: I expected it.
We see “research” on a variety of things that turns out to be pure crap after you look at the actual data.
What kinds of research are you referring to? If it is sociological "research" then it is almost certainly bogus. If it is solid hypothesis-driven and carefully designed medical research, then it is almost certain spot-on. If you have any understanding of the scientific method, you can determine for yourself whether something is an opinion disguised as a research finding, or whether it is solid science.
I do not know of any government researchers who dabble in anything other than hypothesis-driven research. As I said, scientific training is pretty much the same regardless of where the scientist eventually ends up working.
Anyway, let me know if you find any legitimate scientific research articles that show that marijuana use is completely benign. Honestly, I'd be surprised if you even looked for any.
Alcohol is less of an issue because it lasts for such a short while in the body. For evolutionary reasons, there are at least two detoxification pathways to destroy alcohol. The active compounds in marijuana, on the other hand, are lipid soluble, so they partition into fat tissues, and there is no dedicated metabolic pathway for destroying exogenous cannaboids. In general, the longer a substance stays in the body, the more harmful it is.
So research has established that this is the causal mechanism?
The brain damage to these structures has been documented through functional imaging and other means.
Slim support for claims of "long-lasting, if not permanent."
The fact that the effects are still observed after three months means that they are long-lasting. The study did not do later follow-ups to determine if those effects are permanent. They could be permanent, since the brain typically does not regenerate.
So, let me get this right: you think it's perfectly okay to raise my taxes and put up with high crime rates so that you can spend your days higher than a kite, living off "government" largess. On the other hand, I strongly object to having the bulk of my taxes go into the welfare system, especially when they're supporting drug addicts.
The effects that drug addicts have on other people are pretty serious. With few exceptions, we do not allow people to engage in behaviors that harm other people. For example, you are allowed to drive a car, but only within the framework of a restrictive rule set. If government would not spend another cent on rehabilitation or even on treating overdoses--and addicts could be prevented from committing crimes to support their addictions--I really would not care what they do to themselves. I highly object to the increased crime rate and to having my tax dollars go into preserving addicts' lives.
Government spends on the dysfunctions of the obese - but that's insufficient justification for government banning fattening foods. (Or do you disgaree?)
There is no "good" food or "bad" food, and the notion that obesity could be controlled by banning "fattening" foods is ludicrous. The obese are obese because they eat too much, fail to eat properly balanced diets, and exercise too little. I'm sure that there are reasons that so many people fall into these bad habits, and there is quite a bit of research into the subject. Finally, they should pay their own health care costs.
That’s the way I want to go. Peacefully. I’ve had just about enough of this. Why should I throw myself in front of a train or off of a building?
Not fair to others and could put them in danger as well.
Why live with a terminal disease or Alzheimer’s or something like that?
I belong to God. My time is His not mine.
Well then, please pray for me. I’m feeling really low and have been battling suicidal thoughts for over 40 years.
Thank you.
I’m not going to kill myself soon, but If I find myself on the streets, I will. But I’d like to go peacefully, and while I’m still of sound mind.
Sorry about that, chief. That was a very low point and I’m bouncing back up a bit. Thank you.
I will pray for you. I would also suggest some professional help
Really it’s okay
“Look, it is very clear that you are completely in denial and unwilling to look at any evidence that contradicts your beliefs. “
Logical fallacy...I’ve lost track of what number this one is.
“I have dealt with enough anti-science zealots to predict how the reaction to any attempt to introduce scientific evidence into the conversation will go.”
Never saw someone destroy any vestiges of credibility they might have like you have in this sentence.
I feel sorry for you exDemMom. You remind me more of Jake Tapper than a “mostly libertarian”.
“Honestly, I’d be surprised if you even looked for any.”
And you end with a personal attack. As I stated above I feel sorry for you exDemMom.
“So, let me get this right: you think it’s perfectly okay to raise my taxes and put up with high crime rates so that you can spend your days higher than a kite, living off “government” largess.”
Another example of why you have zero credibility. At no point in this or any discussion regarding cannabis have I ever suggested it’s ok to raise taxes. At no time have I suggested anyone should have to put up with high crime rates. At no time have I suggested it’s ok for anyone to: “spend your days higher than a kite, living off “government” largess.”
Putting words into other people mouth is not held in high esteem by reasonable people.
For the record, I work every day in a small project recording studio as a producer, musician, sound engineer & songwriter. We just released an EP of symphonic rock a couple of weeks ago. You can hear the title track of the EP & watch the lyric video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-c4N67b7ds I have another solo album release schedule for February 2018 all while working on another blues/rock project we are 5 songs into with a tentative release date in October 2018 plus recording a talented lady from our parish who’s making a lovely CD of original faith-based material she wants to donate to the parish.
You can go to www.crazypeoplemusic.com and see the rest of my own solo work.
If you think that all gets done while “your days higher than a kite, living off “government” largess”, then you’re ignorant about more than just cannabis lol
Oh, and I have never ever received a gov’t check for ANYTHING outside of a tax return & a short time in the Marine Corps.
Thanks for the discussion—for sharing your ignorance, dishonesty & arrogance and for the chance to advertise my work. Wishing you & yours a blessed weekend :)
Forgive me for jumping in here, but as someone who suffered from depression & anxiety for 20 plus years certain phrasings catch my attention.
I am very sorry you have a long history of depression.
I have prayed for you & will again Sunday morning at Mass.
I hope you feel better asap!!!
His Healing Peace be with you now & always.
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