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Home > Marijuana Reviews > Concentrates

Concentrates

July 9, 2014

Black Diamond Vape Pen

BD Vape

Elegant Discretion: Black Diamond Vape

By Caitlin Podiak

The recent popularity of both e-cigarettes and hash oil has been difficult to ignore, even for a dedicated purist who prefers fresh flowers and generally eschews concentrates. While plenty of patients have been drawn to the undeniable efficiency of ultra-potent extracts, dabbing doesn’t appeal to everyone. There are risks (toxic residual solvents, butane explosions, fainting) and an overwhelming array of options (wax, shatter, budder) and paraphernalia (rigs, nails, pens). These higher-potency concentrates may be the best medicine for those who suffer from particularly excruciating pain, especially if they are effective enough to replace prescription opioids. But if top-shelf buds and a clean glass pipe or rolling papers are all you really need, why stray from their straightforward simplicity?


There’s a delicious physical sensation that is simultaneously energizing and relaxing, relieving aches and pains, encouraging stretching and movement, with a strong sense of body awareness and presence. Mentally, it’s happy, relaxed, clear, and alert…

One good reason would be to avoid ingesting smoke. Of course, classic standbys like the Volcano, while no longer the most cutting-edge devices available, still reliably excel at vaporizing good old-fashioned buds. But when it comes to portability, discretion, and convenience, nothing compares to a vaporizer pen.

Vaporizing hash oil in an electronic cigarette is astonishingly effortless. Producing hash oil that can satisfy the pickiest of pot snobs, on the other hand, is a serious challenge. Oftentimes, the oil is created from leftover leaves instead of flowers, and the extraction process frequently strips out the terpenes that add flavor and nuance, while failing to adequately purge butane and other solvents.

Black Diamond Vape Pen

BD Vape obtains their cannabis resin from organic top-shelf flowers, using a custom hydrocarbon similar to butane and a process that has been developed and refined over several years, which they claim results in a product that is uniquely superior to their competitors. (Black Diamond was founded by two partners, one a scientist and the other a cook, both of whom have extensive experience processing cannabis into concentrates, edibles, and tinctures.) When I spoke with BD Vape, they would not disclose the precise details of their extraction method, but it was described as “hot and cold,” with an emphasis on taking the necessary time to ensure that the full experience of the flower comes through in the oil. The extracted cannabis resin is then suspended in organic food-grade vegetable glycerin. The resulting concentrate is laboratory tested to verify that there is no trace of residual solvents and that the potency is consistent at approximately 18% THC.

Black Diamond Vape’s cartridges fit on any e-cigarette battery with a standard 510 thread count, or you can use one of their branded pens, which charges via USB and appears identical to the O.Pen Vape and other generic vaporizer pens. What’s inside BD Vape’s strain-specific cartridges, though, is far from generic, with distinctively different effects and multifaceted flavors. All of the cartridges have an initial sweetness in common that seems attributable to the glycerin, but with continued use, the glycerin flavor fades and the terpenes are increasingly apparent.

Their Blue Dream has the smooth, sweet, fresh, herbal taste with hints of fruit and soap that is characteristic of Blue Dream. The effect is felt immediately but not abruptly. It’s potent yet gentle, with the requisite cerebral clarity and euphoria. But it does seem to be an exceptionally sativa-dominant phenotype. It’s surprisingly energetic, and even a bit speedy, and not so physically relaxing or mentally soothing as Blue Dream tends to be.


The resulting concentrate is laboratory tested to verify that there is no trace of residual solvents and that the potency is consistent at approximately 18% THC.

BD Vape’s Jack Herer, on the other hand, is less focused and functional than one would expect from Jack Herer. The spicy pine, lemon, and pepper taste is a more intense distillation of Jack Herer’s usual top notes. But the uplifting mental buzz that Jack Herer normally bestows is more of a heady rushing sensation, eventually becoming a hazy daze that is neither energetic nor clearheaded.

Green Cookies, a cross of Girl Scout Cookies and Green Crack, has a surprisingly complex flavor profile. It’s sweet and earthy, grassy and herbal, with layers of zingy citrus, mint, mild spice, and hops. And the defining traits of both Girl Scout Cookies and Green Crack all seem to be present, yet nicely blended together for a pleasantly balanced effect. There’s a delicious physical sensation that is simultaneously energizing and relaxing, relieving aches and pains, encouraging stretching and movement, with a strong sense of body awareness and presence. Mentally, it’s happy, relaxed, clear, and alert, giving you a reassuring boost as you go about your day.

Double Bubba is even more of a standout, with a yummy flavor that has candy and bubblegum overtones and an earthy, herbal, slightly musky aftertaste. It is instantly relaxing and mood enhancing. The effect is mentally calming, clear and functional with just a slight syrupy thickness to your thoughts. There’s a sensually mellow body stone that becomes heavier over time but is not sedative. Overall, it delivers a really lovely, balanced, comforting effect.

The convenience of the vape pen and the impressive quality of BD Vape’s cartridges inspired the purchase of a fifth cartridge, in preparation for a trip to the East Coast. A 1000 mg cartridge of Blackberry Kush, one of BD Vape’s limited edition strain releases, was well worth the price of $40 at SFFOGG. The blackberry flavor is tasty and sweet, and the sedative indica effect is ideal for relieving aches and pains after a long flight, and encouraging sleep in a unfamiliar hotel bed in a different time zone.

One puff of BD Vape’s hash oil is intended to emulate a puff of a joint as opposed to a dab. It is not staggeringly potent, and not designed to promote rapid inebriation. Rather, these cartridges are best suited for patients who seek functional pain relief and mood enhancement throughout the day. Nevertheless, if you allow yourself to fall into a pattern of mindless inhalation, it is easy to accidentally overmedicate. And even heavy users will find that a 1000 mg cartridge takes an unexpectedly long time to consume.

CATEGORIES & TAGS:  Concentrates, Marijuana Reviews
11COMMENTS

September 5, 2013

Marijuana Topical Therapy in a Bottle from California Topcials

Therapy in a Bottle

California Topicals

Photos & Text by Erica Edwards

There was a time when I had been somewhat of a skeptic about the legitimacy of topical cannabis treatments. I heard they worked really well, but needed to find out for myself to believe it. To my surprise, moments after my first topical cannabis application, aches and pains began to fade, taking all of my doubts along with them. Just like that, I became a firm believer and forever fan of Therapy in a Bottle’s topical cannabis treatments.

Whether or not you enjoy the side affects of medicinal cannabis, it isn’t always convenient to medicate. A huge benefit of topical cannabis applications is that they do not offer the psychoactive effect one would experience through inhalation or ingestion. This gives you the ability to relieve discomfort whenever and wherever you’d like, free of worry. Without the ‘high’ that accompanies many cannabis treatments, topical therapy stands out in a category of it’s own.

I found a number of uses for Therapy in a Bottle’s line of cannabis infused products. I primarily used the topical treatments to ease my back and neck pain. I also used them to soothe the tension of a healing hand injury. Heavy pains diminished, while the less noticeable ones simply disappeared. Discomfort was replaced with a warm shimmer of relief accompanied by soft, tranquilizing aromas.

Topical cannabis treatments in no way guarantee a medical miracle, but they can alleviate symptoms to a level that is tolerable versus unbearable. There is a laundry list of uses for topical cannabis therapy including (but not limited to): Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuropathy, Migraines, Arthritis, Sciatica, RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), Psoriasis, muscle aches and spasms, joint pain, cramps, inflammation, cuts, bruises, burns and dry skin.

Therapy in a Bottle Topical CannabisTherapy in a Bottle is a business that has been founded upon one woman’s will to overcome the physical pain she endured due to her chronic conditions and their affects on her body. She found herself dependent upon a large number of medications, and struggled with that dependency. Rebecca started her therapy line for people who, like herself, wanted to take back control in their lives. Therapy in a Bottle is a product of love, not profit. Think of your purchase as a contribution that assists Rebecca in her mission to provide therapeutic relief to patients just like her.

The cannabis that goes into Therapy in a Bottle’s infused coconut oil is of the highest quality, organically grown with pride and a touch of love. Rebecca only works with strains that will produce potent results for treating pain and discomfort when applied as a topical. She also uses all organic ingredients to add a light, natural scent as it softens the skin.

Rebecca developed her product line in 2010, starting with the Original Blend Therapeutic Massage Oil. In just a few years, she has expanded to Scented Balms, Medicated Bath Soaks and Cannabis Lotions. She even has a non-cannabis line in the works for those who would like to relax sans cannabis.

Therapy in a Bottle’s Original Blend Therapeutic Massage Oil has a higher concentration of cannabis to alleviate the discomfort of deeper and intense pain. When applied to the skin, an aroma of freshly cut lavender arises, adding something warm and calming to the senses as the topical affects settle in.


Heavy pains diminished, while the less noticeable ones simply disappeared. Discomfort was replaced with a warm shimmer of relief accompanied by soft, tranquilizing aromas.

With a thicker and creamier base, the Therapeutic Massage Balm rubs in with a soft and smooth touch. There are four scents, each graced with a hint of menthol to help soothe those aches and pains. Unscented offers a light cannabis fragrance, while Amber Musk has a more sweet and playful aroma. Tangerine-Vanilla is delightfully delicious, as is the therapeutic concoction of Grapefruit-Lavender. These balms are fantastically creamy, and do not leave any sticky or greasy residues behind. They even double as a lip balm and taste as great as they smell.

For those who prefer a full body experience, Rebecca has recently developed Therapy in a Bottle’s Medicated Bath Soaks. This line offers a therapeutic soak that relaxes and soothes the body from head to toe. Unwind from a busy day with the ‘Relaxation’ soak or refresh your mood with the ‘Invigorating’ soak, awakening your senses.

After a warm, medicated bath, slather your self in the soft silkiness of Cannabis Lotions. They provide moisture and relief, with an abundance of pain and inflammation reducing properties, never leaving any residues behind. These therapeutic lotions are ‘Relaxing’, ‘Soothing’ and ‘Invigorating’.

I really enjoy having Therapy in a Bottle on hand and discovering its seemingly endless uses. There are various products to choose from and plenty of convenient sizes, so each symptom can be treated with the appropriate topical. I found many ways to put cannabis to the test. My most surprising experiment was with a mosquito bite on my eyelid that I had acquired in my sleep. I awoke with a swollen eye, fully blown up and puffy. Since I always have my Grapefruit-Lavender stick balm on hand for my lips, I quickly applied it to the bite. The itching ceased almost immediately and the swelling had gone down significantly within the hour.

Therapy in a Bottle Topical Cannabis

I find myself reaching for Therapy in a Bottle to treat every bump, bruise, strain, nick and bite. With the variety of uses for these topical treatments, I don’t think there is one person out there who wouldn’t benefit from an application to their skin somewhere for something at sometime. Seriously. Treat yourself to a little bit of Therapy in a Bottle.

Be sure to visit Rebecca at Therapy In A Bottle & Epsilon Apothecaries‘ booth at the International Cannabis and Hemp Expo in San Francisco on September 7th, 2013. Rebecca will be serving complimentary ice tea while providing therapy consultations. Custom tinctures will be available to add to tea and a certified massage technician will give massages with Therapy in a Bottle’s topical cannabis products. We’ll see you at INTCHE!

CATEGORIES & TAGS:  Concentrates, Marijuana Reviews
7COMMENTS

July 22, 2013

medical marijuana

GoldCaps

TetraLabs, California & Washington

Review by Ty Palmer

GoldCaps is a pharmaceutical-grade marijuana softgel that is ingested orally by swallowing the pill whole. TetraLabs, the manufacturer of GoldCaps, currently distributes the product through marijuana dispensaries in California and Washington state. A Patient Direct program was also launched recently, allowing California patients to have products delivered directly to their home via courier. A similar program is also in the works for Washington state.

OK, let’s be real. We all know what time it is. Prohibition is raging rampant despite platitudes from the White House. San Francisco Dispensaries as well as businesses throughout the country are being shuttered by pernicious IRS tax code interpretation and Federal strong-arm forfeiture threats. Medical marijuana patients are clamoring for safe access to pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products, and credible information which will protect them from potentially dangerous products sold in a unregulated marketplace. Sure, we know everybody means well, but as we learned in our interview with Bubble Man about bubble hash, purity is paramount when it comes to concentrates and many patients are asking themselves these days “is my medical marijuana safe?”

Enter TetraLabs (stage left) who creates essential oils (aka hash oil) from cannabis. Unlike many oil makers, TetraLabs’ unique process has a natural twist. With a familiar nod to purity, they choose not to process the cannabis with chemical solvents like the commonly used chemical butane. Instead, a proprietary all-natural 40-step process, which takes more than 3 weeks to complete, is executed, allowing TetraLabs to produce solvent-free medicines and also comply with California’s laws prohibiting ‘chemically synthesized’ drugs.

The pure THC medicine in GoldCaps is especially attractive to patients with suppressed immune systems who seek to avoid nasty impurities like toxins, molds, bacteria, parasites (or their eggs) and other contaminants. TetraLabs tests to be certain their medicine is pharmaceutical grade. With an advanced nod to purity, TetraLabs also keeps kief, hash, powdered marijuana, and hash oil out of its GoldCaps, giving the product its clear, golden color. In this case, less is more.

GoldCaps are particularly popular with doctors because every softgel provides a clinically precise 10mg, 25mg, 35mg or 50mg dosage. You can count on getting the same metered effect with every pill – a goal much more challenging to attain with other forms of medical cannabis.

Pure Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) plus THC isomers, combined with therapeutically effective CBD, Sesquiterpenes, trace Cannabinoids, glycerin and grape seed oil make up the medicine in GoldCaps. And, TetraLabs sells this same oil in a smokeable/vaporizable form under the product name PureGold.

GoldCaps makes sex better. There, I said it. Whip out a chart of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the human body and you’ll find plenty of red indicators in all the right areas for a night of THC + CBD + Terpenoids (up for a threesome?) fueled passion.

medical marijuana delivery
GoldCaps are the future of marijuana. Run this one by your skeptical drug warrior neighbor. GoldCaps can serve as a natural 1:1 replacement for the FDA-approved prescription drug Marinol. Marinol (synthetic) is a brand name for Dronabinol, otherwise known as Delta 9 THC. Until now, patients taking Marinol did not have a natural alternative thanks to the “scheduling” of cannabis by the US Government. TetraLabs has stepped in to responsibly fill the void by supplying patients with a natural, safe alternative to Marinol. If I have access to all-natural GoldCaps, why would I choose a synthetic equivalent?

TetraLabs will now deliver GoldCaps, and all their other PureGold derived products, to medical marijuana patients via their new Patient Direct program. Yep, GoldCaps delivered right to your California home. Order by morning and a courier will deliver next day. And it’s free for orders over $80. GoldCaps come in doses of 10mg, 25mg, 35mg and 50mg softgels.

I’ve found my own personal sweet spot dose is 35mg to provide a full 10-12 hours of pain relief and general feelings of well being. I find that 50mg works very well for extra relief after a game of basketball or a jogging session. I sleep deeply, restfully, and with minimal aggravation from pain with this medicine.

Finally, medical cannabis patients may benefit from using GoldCaps topically. I punctured a GoldCaps softgel and rubbed the entire 25mg on my skin. I felt “well” but certainly not “high”. Patients may experience a reduction in pain and inflammation, among other benefits of topically applying the PureGold oil in the softgel without the “high” feeling most often associated with marijuana.

Overall, I’m impressed. GoldCaps are a pain relieving, anti-anxiety, sleep aid that makes my sex life better. And this must be safe medicine since we know no human being in the history of mankind has ever overdosed on marijuana, right?

Hmmm … is TetraLabs selling stock yet?

GoldCaps and its sister products are available via Patient Direct to California patients. California and Washington patients may also find GoldCaps, PureGold, GoldMist, GoldPens and other TetraLabs products in their local dispensaries.

medical marijuana products

CATEGORIES & TAGS:  Concentrates, Marijuana Reviews
18COMMENTS

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