While 2017 was a tumultuous news year, for our rapidly-expanding cannabis industry there were a number of highlights and wins. In addition to the various states and countries moving towards some form of legalization, Leafly News welcomed more cannabis-curious individuals reading our content to learn about this increasingly mainstream substance and to overcome decades of stereotypes and stigmas.
Below is a list of the top 10 stories we authored this past year.
1. Who Is Rick Simpson and What Is Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)?
Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO, is a popular form of cannabis concentrate, but how was it created and who is its creator? You asked and we answered, detailing Simpson’s backstory, how he started using concentrates to treat his illnesses, and how you can make a batch of RSO at home using a cannabis strain of your choosing.
2. What Are the Best Ways to Get Rid of Cannabis Smell Inside Your House?
As much as we love cannabis, we all know that its dank odor is not suitable for certain living situations. Jeremiah Wilhelm, who possesses a black belt in the ancient art of obscuring pungent cannabis funk, shares a variety of tips that can help obscure or dissipate the stank emanating off your favorite bud.
3. Is CBD Oil Legal? Depends on Where You Are and Who You Ask
CBD remains a white-hot topic for the cannabis industry, and as more people consider utilizing it for a myriad of ailments and medical disorders, its legality is being called into question. DJ Summers navigates the thorny legal landmine, identifying which states allow CBD, explaining the DEA’s December 16 ruling that places CBD under the list of Schedule I substances alongside all other cannabis extracts, and detailing where hemp-derived CBD fits in the legal discussion.
4. Cannabis Oil Distillate: A Different Kind of Concentrate
Touted as “the future of cannabis concentrates,” Patrick Bennett walks us through how distillate concentrates are made and why their versatility could lead to an exciting new era in the cannabis industry.
5. The THC Detox: Myths, Facts, and Tips
In part two of our three-part series on How to Pass a Drug Test, we take a closer look at what detoxing is, bust some ineffective cannabis detox myths, and share some methods that may help your body flush THC in time for that dreaded drug test.
6. Is Vaping Safe? The Differences Between Vaping vs. Smoking Cannabis
As more people either try cannabis for the first time or rediscover it after a decades-long hiatus, the question remains whether they should eschew the joint or bong in favor of a vaporizer or portable vape pen. Jacqueline Havelka walks readers through what vaping is, what recent research says about its health implications, the importance of vape temperatures, and the benefits of/disadvantages to vaping cannabis.
7. Mexico Legalizes Medical Marijuana
In June of this year, Mexico legalized cannabis for medicinal use, reflecting an impressive evolution of progress from President Enrique PeñaNieto. Once opposed to legalization, PeñaNieto changed his tune following a public debate on legalization in early 2016, saying, “So far, the solutions [to control drugs and crime] implemented by the international community have been frankly insufficient. We must move beyond prohibition to effective prevention.” Earlier this month, Mexico announced it will begin importing cannabis-infused medicine, food, beverages, and cosmetics in 2018, showcasing an impressively swift pivot from prohibition to embracing the benefits of legalization over the span of just a couple years.
8. What Is ‘Kush’ Cannabis?
No, “kush” isn’t a catch-all term for “really good weed.” It actually pertains to a specific variety of cannabis that shares a distinct set of attributes. Jeremiah Wilhelm goes into further detail and even lists some popular Kush cannabis strains for you to add to your shopping list.
9. 9 Cannabis Subscription Boxes Worth the Price
Coming in at the appropriate #9 spot on our list are these nine cannabis subscription box recommendations that make for a great gift idea for your family and friends, or are perfect as a monthly “treatchoself” option for some fun self-pampering.
10. Cannabis Legalization Bills Make Splash in Congress
Our readers like to stay informed on the latest cannabis-related bills being introduced in Congress, and at the end of March a trio of bills grabbed their attention. Introduced by US Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and House Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), the bills in question were drafted to end federal cannabis prohibition, allow states to decide whether or not to legalize, and implement certain federal regulations on legal cannabis businesses.
What were your favorite Leafly reads from 2017?
