- Cannabis
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by OPTIN
We’ve officially entered the dog days of summer. We’ve celebrated Solstice Day and Independence Day; the next major event of the calendar is not until Labor Day. Summertime, for most of us, is a time for leisure and relaxation, two things that can be greatly enhanced with the help of a little cannabis.
Summertime Ideas
Sure, marijuana is a year-round substance that can be just as enjoyable in the dead or winter as the middle of summer but, like beer or barbecues, cannabis and summer are a perfect combo. Looking for some fun ways to incorporate the herb with your summer recreational activities? Here are seven suggestions:
1. Binge Watch A Show
Is the temperature climbing a bit too high for your comfort? Spend a lazy summer night catching up on your favorite binge-worthy program. Or a triple feature of your favorite classic movies.
It’s pretty simple: Find your remote, turn on the air conditioner or fan and chill out on the couch. Whether you smoke, vape, eat or drink your cannabis for relaxation is up to you. It doesn’t really matter if you are alone, with your partner or with a group of friends.
2. Make a Cannabis Margarita Cocktail
Summer cocktails are designed to be exotic and fun. These days, cannabis cocktails are becoming a popular substitute for alcohol-based drinks. Pina coladas, mai tais, mojitos and just about every other popular hot weather cocktail can be made using cannabis.
Our good friends at Zoots have invented the “Scratch Zootarita,” a wonderfully refreshing summer drink sure to impress your friends. And with Zoots, you are able to easily control the potency. Here’s the recipe:
Scratch Zootarita
Ingredients:
1-2 capfuls of ZootDrops (Lemon or Mandarin Lime)
2 oz simple syrup or light agave nectar
1 oz lime juice (1 large lime, juiced)
1 oz lemon juice (1 large lemon, juiced)
1 oz orange juice (1 orange, juiced)
Ice
Directions:
Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into a short glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Note: With this base recipe, the mixologists at Zoots offer up a number of easy modifications. Definitely worth experimenting. Cheers!
3. Take a Hike
Put on your hiking shoes and get on the trail. No matter where you live, there are a number of excellent hikes not far from your front door. Whether you are a beginner or a hard-core climber, hiking with cannabis is sensory treat.
In Spokane County, the 37.5-mile long Centennial Trail is considered the optimum venue for a cannabis-fueled excursion. The popular trail begins at the official Idaho-Washington state line and ends at Nine Mile Falls. The trail passed through the city of Spokane and skirts along Riverfront Park. Outside of the city core, you’ll discover beautiful countryside. The Centennial Trail is not far from the Spokane River, allowing you a view of indigenous flora and fauna. Bird watching on the trail, especially near the river, is spectacular – especially with the help of a little cannabis.
4. Watch a Pro Baseball Game
Sure, Seattle has the red-hot Mariners fighting for a playoff spot in the American League. But most Americans are not too far from a minor league team. Attending a baseball game after eating a cannabis-infused edible is an experience you’ll never forget … and probably will want to repeat.
In Spokane, the Indians, the Class-A farm team of the Texas Rangers, play at Avista Stadium. Whether you see the big leaguers in Seattle or the minor leaguers in a nearby city, there’s nothing better than relaxing while watching the National Pastime. Go ahead, eat a hot dog. It will taste better.
5. Stargaze
This may be the best way to enjoy cannabis. And it will cost you nothing. Grab a blanket and find a nice patch of grass. Or recline in a beach chair. Enjoy cannabis in any form you prefer and simply let your brain ponder the mysteries of the universe.
And while you’re meditating with the stars above, remember this: Carl Sagan, the late, great cosmologist, was an early advocate for the legalization of cannabis.
6. Go Fly a Kite
All you need are three things: A kite, wind and a little cannabis. To be sure, kite-flying is not an activity for the adrenaline junkie. But what can be more relaxing on a sunny day with a slight summer breeze than kicking back with a mellow buzz watching your kite dip and bob.
Flying a kite may be one of the most meditative ways to spend a lazy afternoon. Add a little cannabis and it is even better.
7. Camping
You may want to wait until your tent is set up, but taking some cannabis along with you on a camping trip may prove to be just as important as firewood and bug spray. Kicking back and enjoying nature while smoking a little cannabis will make you forget about all your troubles.
And is there anything better than sitting around a campfire and eating s’mores while enjoying a slight euphoria? Speaking of s’mores, here is a handy tip: You can make the graham cracker/marshmallow/chocolate treat with cannabis-infused chocolate. Our good friends at Old Duckmake high-quality Belgian chocolates that will enhance your campfire s’mores.
No matter what you do this summer, do it in moderation. (The 7 suggestions listed above are only recommended for residents of states where recreational marijuana use is legally permitted).
