On May 19th, 2022, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals surprised the CBD world with its ruling on the legal status of Delta-8 THC products. The Court determined that hemp-derived Delta-8 THC falls under “hemp” products as stipulated by the 2018 Farm Bill, which considers hemp-derived products that contain no more than 0.3% THC to be legal.

The Ninth Circuit’s ruling comes as a response to the case of AK Futures LLC v . Boyd Street Distro, LLC No. 21-56133, 2022 U.S. App. LEXIS 13526. This lawsuit involved AK Futures (“AK”) suing Boyd Street Distro, LLC (“Boyd Street”) because they claimed that Boyd Street sold counterfeit versions of their Delta-8 THC products. AK sued Boyd Street in the United States District Court for the Central District of California for copyright and trademark infringement and the Court ruled in favor of AK. Boyd Street appealed this decision, claiming that it did not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks because copyrights and trademarks only protect legal products and Delta-8 was not a legal product.

The Ninth Circuit Court denied Boyd Street’s appeal under the argument that Delta-8 products are legal so long as they are hemp-derived products that meet the 0.3% Delta-9 THC concentration requirements, as outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. Should there be any loopholes within the 2018 Farm Bill, the Court stated that this would be for the US Congress to decide on.

Delta 8 has long been the subject of controversy across state and federal authorities. Its previous unregulated status led to a lot of ambiguity surrounding Delta-8’s legality.

Trademarking Delta-8 Products in Light of Ninth Circuit Ruling

Many CBD brands filed Delta-8 trademark applications even prior to the Ninth Circuit Court’s recent ruling. As of 2022, the US Patent and Trademark Office noted that 57 trademark applications had been filed for Delta-8 products. Many initial applications were abandoned because of the uncertainty as to whether or not Delta-8 was legal. Even though the Ninth Circuit’s ruling is optimistic, it may still take some time to approve trademark applications on Delta-8 products. IP attorneys like William Strover, co-chair of the Intellectual Property Department at Cole Shotz PC, say federal courts like the Supreme Court will likely be the deciding factor for providing more clarity on the issue. Some say it is unlikely that the Supreme Court will weigh in, which may leave cannabis and hemp trademark petitioners in the same position they’re in now, relying on common law trademark rights.

What Does the Ninth Circuit Decision Change?

The Ninth Circuit Court’s ruling may not be a green light for the unrestricted sale of Delta-8 THC products, but it does open the door for reconsideration and regulation of Delta-8 THC by the FDA. Prior to now, most entities had little to no clarity on the legal status of Delta-8 products under federal law, which meant that most considered them illegal. The recent ruling is a step in the right direction towards trademarking Delta-8 products for sale across the US.

To learn more about Delta-8 THC products or to purchase Delta-8 THC, Delta-8 flower, or CBD, visit us at BlackTieCBD.net. Please contact our support team at support@blacktiecbd.net for additional information.

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By now, you should be aware of the new PhytoFacts® cannabis classification system that has been introduced for a more accurate measure of quality. If you aren’t aware of it, then go ahead and read our previous blog. This article aims to cover the OGs + Gas class and provide customers with a clear and concise roadmap.

What is the “OGs + Gas” terpene class?

As you can see, this class has a few notable qualities - specifically the fact that it is classified as a ‘hybrid’. Hybrids, or hybrid strains, were primarily known to contain Indica and Sativa genetics in the old classification system. Indicas, known for their effects on the body, and Sativas, known for their effects on the mind, can be combined to make a strain that provides physical and cerebral reactions. The best of both worlds, if you will. However, with the new classification system, there’s much more to it than just being a ‘hybrid’.

This class has been linked to tasting notes of gas, fuel, sweet, citrus, and pepper. The shifting codominance of limonene, myrcene and caryophyllene contribute to the overall effects that are said to be felt. The terpenes are the biggest contributor, which we will cover in our phytolab reports for our strains classified as OGs + Gas.

From the list of common cultivars are strains that we stock, and have tested with the updated system, as you can see below:

Strain 1: Chem Dawg

This strain is a standout among our customers. The medium-sized buds are dense and have a mix of bright and dark green tones. With a blend of green accented by dark reddish-orange hairs and a plenty of trichomes, the appearance differs slightly from that of hybrid or pure Indica lineage. The aroma is peppery, gassy, and deep and strong, akin to that of THC cannabis. Customers may feel their senses sharpen as this midday strain becomes more constructively intellectual and introspective in the proper environment. Chem Dawg (pronounced "kim") is a very social strain, perfect for catching up with friends while remaining calm and free of couch lock. Its ability to enhance sensory experiences also makes it ideal for creative projects. We recommend learning more here.

The dominant terpenes:

1. Myrcene: A terpene consistent with the OGs + Gas class is myrcene. Myrcene is known for its sedative, 'couch-lock' effects, myrcene helps calm the mind and body by boosting the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters dopamine and GABA. It can also help relieve pain and relax muscles, which helps ease the bodily discomfort that often accompanies stress - which explains why this class is associated with relaxation.

Myrcene gives our cannabis strain a mildly sweet flavor profile and provides scent notes that are spicy, earthy, and muskiness - which can be seen in the report for ‘Chem Dawg’.

1. b-Caryophyllene: β-Caryophyllene is generally the most abundantly produced terpene in Nature. Over the last decade, it has gained scientific attention after discovering that it can directly activate cannabinoid receptors. Basically, the β-Caryophyllene terpene acts as a cannabinoid.
   
   In our Chem-Dawg strain, beta-caryophyllene most likely contributes to euphoric relaxation and creates the cozy, relaxed, happy mood often associated with some cannabis varieties - and specifically explains the uplifting feeling linked with the OGs + gas class.

1. Terpinolene: Terpinolene, a terpene dominant in about one in ten cannabis strains, is recognized for its woody smell combined with floral citrus notes, which explains the overall contribution to the ‘Chem Dawg’ strain having high citrusy attributes, and explains the link to the OGs + Gas classification.
   
   In our strain, terpinolene most likely contributes to cerebral stimulation and may create heightened energy and whizzing thought spirals often associated with some cannabis varieties. For some, this experience is positive, leading to further productivity and focus.

Minor Terpenes:

1. Beta-Pinene: In cannabis, two of the most important terpenes are alpha and beta-pinene. As the name suggests, these create a pine-like flavor and aroma and are found in massive concentrations in pine trees. This terpene is actually one of the contributors to the gas-like aroma of the overall class.

1. B-Ocimene: Ocimene is a terpene responsible for some of the sweet and herbaceous flavors of certain cannabis strains, and it can also add citrusy and woody undertones. It may also offer a wide array of medicinal properties and uplifting effects, consistent with the class.

Strain 2: Tahoe OG

This stunning Indica-dominant hemp strain is incredible, to say the least. The buds are medium in size and firm to the touch. A classic OG nose, covered with trichomes and releasing a harsh gassy fragrance. When you remove the lid from the jar, the smell is immediately noticeable, and it gets much better when you pinch the buds. The buds are sticky and fresh, with a CBDa content of over 16 percent. Providing a comfortable smoke with a smooth OG flavor in the beginning and a gassy finish. A small heaviness behind the eyelids and a noticeable mental influence are felt almost immediately. This strain is excellent for pain relief, stress reduction, and insomnia relief.

As you will find out from the report below, there aren’t as many high-concentrate terpenes as chem-dawg, but the strain still packs a punch. Get some Tahoe OG here.

The dominant terpenes:

1. b-Caryophyllene: As we have already described above, caryophyllene holds the trophy for the most flair out of the terpenes. The terpene caryophyllene is present in many herbs and spices, including black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cannabis strains with high levels of it deliver a spicy, funky warmth to the nose, similar to cinnamon and cloves.
   
   As you can see from the report, the strain being high in this terpene explains the spicy and citrusy tones as characteristic of the OGs + Gas class.

1. Limonene: Limonene is a terpene recognizable for its zesty citrus fragrance, primarily in lemon, but also in orange, lime, and grapefruit. Limonene is found in the peels of these citrus fruits and in many varieties of cannabis. Along with myrcene, limonene is one of the most abundant terpenes to occur in cannabis.
   
   Limonene is considered an uplifting terpene capable of creating a sense of euphoria. This is likely because the terpene modulates neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin. This links directly to the strong uplifting and euphoric feelings associated with the overall class.

1. Humulene: Formerly known as alpha-humulene or alpha-caryophyllene — was first identified in the essential oils of Humulus lupulus, commonly called hops, giving it a distinctive bitter “hoppy” taste.  It is also present in marsh elders and a wide array of herbs and spices, including; sage, basil, clove, black pepper, coriander, and balsam fir tree.
   
   Strains high in humulene tend to have a relaxing effect with a chance of couch-locking the user on top of boosting creativity, relieving pain, and calming the mind, which is consistent with the effects of the OGs + Gas class.

Minor Terpenes:

1. Linalool: Linalool is found abundantly in nature, and it is widely used for many purposes. It is known for its calming effect and ability to bring elevated stress levels to almost normal conditions. It is frequently used in perfumes, cosmetics, soap, and essential oils therapy. Several flavored beverage brands even use linalool as an all-natural flavoring.  
   
   Despite Linalool being a minor in this strain, the report shows how the calming effects and overall flavoring contribute massively.

1. Alpha-terpineol: or α-Terpineol, is terpene alcohol found in many natural oils such as pine and petitgrain (an oil from the bitter orange tree). It’s the most common terpineol isomer found in cannabis. This terpene complements its typical floral notes with a nice citrus-woody profile and lemon and lime nuances. It is excellent for citrus, tropical fruits, apple, tomato and coffee flavors.

As you should see from the lab reports, it’s clear how important each terpene is to a flower or strain's overall effects and classification. Not only do the terpenes contribute to the flavor profiles, but they stand to be the defining aspect of every class. This should go to show just how vital terpenes are, and why you should pay attention.

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CBD gummies may look like the fun candy you’d find on the shelves of your local convenient store, but these gummies are meant to give you a different kind of effect that goes beyond a sugar high. Finding the right CBD gummy dosage can be a little tricky, which is why some manufacturers don’t even put a recommended dose on their bottles. While the CBD gummies dosage at Black Tie CBD has 1 piece as a serving size, we still recommend that users start with ½ a gummy and wait 90 minutes for it to take effect.

That said, it can still be tough to determine the right dosage for CBD gummies for you. That’s why we’re here to help! Use this article as a guide for figuring out your perfect dosage for CBD gummies.

The right CBD dosage for you and your goals depends on several factors, some of which include:

CBD Dosage and Body Weight

Body weight is the one of the easiest ways to estimate how many CBD gummies you can (or should) eat in a day. People with less body mass, i.e., lighter individuals who weigh less, tend to get affected more quickly than heavier folks. This is not an insult, nor is it to say that those with more body mass will always require a higher CBD gummy dosage than others. Body weight is simply one way to gauge tolerance. To find your recommended starting dose for CBD gummies, take 1 mg per 10lbs of body weight. Divide your weight by 10 and you should have a good idea of what CBD gummy dosage will be right for you.

CBD Gummy Dosage and Your Body’s Chemistry

How CBD gummies affect each person varies; while body weight is one indicator, body chemistry may be equally, if not more, important. CBD is a substance. Like any other substance, your body’s chemistry will impact how the substance reacts internally. Some people have more muscle mass; others are on certain medications that could result in chemical imbalances.  It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor prior to taking CBD gummies so you know how to get the effects you want without going too far.

The Effect You Want from the CBD Gummies

How many CBD gummies you should eat in a day may also depend on what you want the gummies to do. Do you want CBD gummies to help you relax? Instead of constantly increasing your CBD gummy dosage, the trick may be to find the right strain, like Delta-8 THC for Relaxation. If you’re looking to use CBD gummies for pain relief, however, you may want to go with LunchBox Alchemy’s CBD Squib Full-Spectrum Gummies. As a general rule, for calm and relaxation, stick to 15-30 mg. For sleep, aim for between 10-25 mg. For pain relief and/or inflammation, anywhere from 5 mg-50 mg is advised. Some people go all the way up to 600 mg, but remember that everyone’s body makeup is different, so start slowly.

The maximum number of CBD gummies you should take in a day will be specific to you and your needs. CBD gummies dosages will vary from person to person, but the most important thing to remember is to make sure they come from a high-quality source like Black Tie CBD. Find CBD gummies and other CBD edibles online when you shop with us today!

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If you’re new to using CBD, you may be wondering whether CBD oil or CBD capsules are better. Both CBD oil and CBD capsules are popular ways to take CBD, but which one is right for you? That depends on several factors. The competition between CBD oil vs. capsules is fierce; learn about how to choose between CBD oil and CBD capsules here.

Many people enter the CBD game wondering which form of CBD is best? The truth is that there is no one “best form of CBD.” The best CBD is the one that is best for you. CBD oil vs. CBD capsules comes down to personal preference. Take into account your lifestyle, the reason you’re taking CBD, convenience, dosage, the effects you want to get from CBD and those factors will determine the kind of CBD that is right for you.

Timing your CBD

There are two main things to consider about the timing of your CBD. How quickly do you want the CBD to take effect and how long do you want the effects to last? CBD oil is fast-acting and can go into effect within 15 to 30 minutes of taking it sublingually. CBD capsules, however, take a little longer to kick in. Users typically start to feel the effects of CBD capsules within 30 to 90 minutes.

Then consider how long you want the effects of CBD to last. CBD oil typically lasts around 4 to 6 hours, whereas CBD capsules could keep you going for 8 to 10 hours. One is not better than the other; it just comes down to what your day looks like and your schedule.

CBD Taste and Consumption

Do you have a problem swallowing pills? If so, CBD oil would be the way to go over CBD capsules. Do you care about how CBD oil tastes? People who are sensitive to certain flavors or tastes may prefer CBD capsules over CBD oil. Even unflavored CBD oil varieties sometimes have an earthy taste that doesn’t sit well in everyone’s mouth. Again, the debate about CBD oil vs capsules comes down to preference.

Think About Convenience of CBD

Your lifestyle is a key determining factor in whether CBD oil vs capsules will be best for you. People who want to take CBD on the go may find that capsules are better suited for them than oil because the capsules are more transportable and easier to travel with. On the other side of the coin, if you’re taking CBD at home, the pros of CBD oil vs CBD capsules may outweigh the cons.

The Bioavailability of CBD

Both CBD oil and CBD capsules can give you the effects you’re looking for, but something to keep in mind is bioavailability. CBD capsules have less bioavailability than CBD oils because they lose some of their potency on their way to the bloodstream. Don’t let this deter you from taking the capsules. The loss of bioavailability is minimal, but it is something to keep in mind if you’re drilling down into the scientific nitty gritty elements.  

Dosing CBD

Some people prefer to manage and self-regulate the dosage of their CBD whereas others want it to come pre-portioned for them. It’s easier to adjust the dosage with CBD oils than it is with CBD capsules because capsules come in a fixed amount. With oils, you can choose to take a full, ½, or part of a dropper as your dose depending on how strong you want the effects of CBD to be.  

The right form of CBD is the one that is right for you. Experiment with both when you shop with us at BlackTieCBD.net!

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As a CBD connoisseur, you may be looking for new ways to cook with CBD flower. Cooking with CBD flower is easy and can be a fun way to incorporate CBD into the foods you already love! Use these recipes for inspiration on what to cook with CBD flower so you can enjoy your food even more.

Prep Steps for All CBD Flower Recipes

There are a few preparatory steps to take before cooking with CBD flower, no matter what you’re making. First, always prepare the cooking area and make sure that the kitchen has a working exhaust fan. You’ll be cooking with and decarboxylating CBD flower after all, so the aroma could be a lot to handle for some. Once you’ve verified this, you can move onto decarboxylation.

Decarboxylation involves activating the compounds naturally present in cannabis flowers. The heat involved in decarboxylation helps break down the carbon bonds. To decarboxylate the buds of CBD flower for cooking, follow these steps:

1. Preheat oven to 225 °F
2. Break 1/8 to ¼ oz of the CBD flower into small chunks
3. Spread the CBD flower a cookie sheet
4. Bake the CBD flower in the oven for 45 minutes
5. Let the CBD flower cool for 20 minutes after removing from oven

Recipes for Cooking with CBD Flower

CBD Brownies with Cannabutter

Brownies are a go-to in any CBD lover’s diet, but how you make them makes all the difference. You can either add ground-up CBD flower to your brownie batter before you put the brownies in the oven, or you could CBD flower into CBD oil to make cannabutter.

Follow these steps to make cannabutter:

1. Decarboxylate the CBD flower (see above).
2. Grind decarbed CBD flower to melted butter.
3. Simmer the mixture on low heat between 160 °F and 200 °F. Do not let the mixture boil.
4. Once the cannabutter cools, strain it by pouring it over a funnel in a jar lined with cheesecloth.
5. Refrigerate the cannabutter and use as you would regular butter in brownie mix.

CBD Flower Pancakes

Similar to CBD Brownies, cooking with CBD flower for pancakes can take shape in the form of using CBD oil or sprinkling decarboxylated CBD flower into the pancake batter directly. If you choose the latter, follow these steps:

1. Using a large bowl, sift 1 ½ c all-purpose flour, 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon white sugar, and ¼ oz ground, decarboxylated CBD flower together.
2. Pour 1 ¼ c milk, 1 egg, and 3 tablespoons melted butter (and/or cannabutter) in the center.
3. Mix until smooth.
4. Lightly coat a frying pan with oil and set it to medium-high heat.
5. Pour about ¼ cup pancake batter onto pan.
6. Flip once the sides start to brown.
7. Enjoy!

** note: If you taste the hemp after trying the first pancake and would prefer not to, add chocolate chips to mask the flavor.

CBD Flower Salad Dressing

Now for something savory: CBD Tomato Vinaigrette. Consider this CBD flower salad dressing a different way to get in your greens while cooking with CBD.

First, you’ll need to make CBD-infused olive oil. To do so, add just less than 1 tsp of CBD-rich decarboxylated CBD flower to 1 c of olive oil. Stir thoroughly. Then use the CBD-infused olive oil in the following recipe for a CBD Tomato Vinaigrette:

Ingredients:

• 1 c cherry tomatoes
• 1 c CBD-infused olive oil
• 3 tbsp regular olive oil
• ½ c red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Place regular olive oil, tomatoes in large sauté pan and set to high heat.
2. Let tomatoes redden until they blister.
3. Turn off heat, allow to cool, and blend in blender with red wine vinegar.
4. Add mustard and slowly drizzle in CBD-infused olive oil slowly.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bon Appetit!  

Not quite sure you want to try the DIY method of cooking with CBD flower? Consider pre-made CBD edibles instead. Find all your CBD when you shop with BlackTieCBD.net

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Cannabis consumption is increasing all over the world. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 2.5% of the world’s population openly consumes cannabis on a regular basis. While many people still think of smoking cannabis as the most obvious way to consume it, there are many ways to consume cannabis without smoking it. In fact, only about 12% of CBD users actually smoke it.

Why Do People Avoid Smoking Cannabis?

People avoid smoking cannabis for several reasons, some of which include the smell, the stigma, and the accessibility. If you’re looking for a sustainable way to reap the benefits of cannabis without smoking it, you’ve come to the right place. Black Tie CBD has plenty of options for consuming cannabis without smoking it.

Edible Cannabis

Cannabis in edible form is a popular, discreet way to enjoy it, no smoking needed! There are so many different types of cannabis edibles. Gummies, syrups, soft chews, brownies, cookies, baked goods… the list goes on! Tinctures are another form of cannabis that can be orally consumed. Then there’s also coffee and tea, both of which can be made to incorporate cannabis as a key component for focus, mental stimulation, or relaxation. You can buy premade edibles to enjoy cannabis without smoking or incorporate CBD flower in a recipe and make your own CBD edibles.

Topical Cannabis

Some people use cannabis in CBD topical form for a more targeted approach for things like pain management and inflammation. Topicals are great for getting the benefits of cannabis without smoking it, which could be especially important if you are using it as a post-exercise remedy. Mists, gels, patches, and other topical cannabis products may be a useful addition to your post-workout routine.

1. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Cannabis. World Health Organization. Retrieved May 9, 2022, from https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/alcohol-drugs-and-addictive-behaviours/drugs-psychoactive/cannabis#:~:text=About%20147%20million%20people%2C%202.5,cocaine%20and%200.2%25%20consuming%20opiates.

2. Gallup Poll Social Series. (2019). Percentage of Americans Smoke Marijuana.

Cannabis Supplements

If you’re looking for an easy way to get the desired effects of cannabis without smoking it, CBD pills, capsules, or tablets could be the way to go. Available in different strains, these supplements look just like any other nutritional tablet or capsule you may find in your local health food store. They tend to be easily digestible, have no taste, and come in a variety of forms so you can get the effects you’re looking for without smoking cannabis. Best of all, you can get cannabis pills, tablets, and capsules online at Black Tie CBD.

Vaping Cannabis

There are several key factors that differentiate vaping cannabis from smoking it. Vaping cannabis may reduce they way certain particles infiltrate the respiratory system, which is why some people prefer vaping to smoking. Additionally, vaping may be considered more socially acceptable in some social settings where smoking is prohibited.

Explore the different ways you can enjoy cannabis without smoking it when you shop for CBD, THC, CBG, Delta-8, Delta-9, and more at BlackTieCBD.net today!

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