Bellingham Cannabis Concierge

Silk18 Conditioner Review

All-natural, made with recycled materials, and left my locks lustrous: I love using Silk18.

For the last five or so years I have been transforming my bathroom. It became glaringly obvious as we slowly took stock of the plastic in our kitchen that bathroom products were also an issue. Now we mostly use Dr. Bronners as a base in variations of recipes for body wash, face wash, dish soap and more. But one recipe that hasn’t been easy to craft at home is conditioner, which is why we were thrilled to try out Silk18 conditioner by Maple Holistics.

The name comes from the 18 unique silk amino acids that make up the moisture retention formula in Silk18. On top of that it is also hypoallergenic, paraben, silicone and BPA free. It’s not just what’s in the bottle that’s conscious either, the bottle itself is made from recycled materials.

As someone with very thin hair I have to be choosy about what conditioners I use. Oftentimes my tresses are left greasy at the end of the day if I wash and condition with the wrong product. But I was so pleased after trying the Silk18 conditioner because my hair was soft and tame, lustrous and fresh. The rich but subtle vanilla aroma was just a plus.

For another testament, my boyfriend is growing his hair out and actually started to have beautiful ringlets after using the eco-conscious hair product. Our locks are soft to the touch with a volume that isn’t the usual for two people with generally flat, thin, stick straight hair. It is truly a miracle salve for all of the negative points of my hair, leaving it thick and sleek without weighing it down.

Now, in this journey that we’ve taken in clearing our bathroom of plastics and toxins I’ve not done my part in researching ingredients. That is why for this post I took the time to do a bit of research on each active ingredient in the bottle that sounded like a chemical. Just two of them have any allergenic issues, and even those are exceptionally minor. Frankly, I’d rank this conditioner 100 billion out of 100 billion, or whatever other arbitrary scoring system makes sense to you.

Bottom line, it’s a great option for the eco-conscious shopper who also love to look good.

Take a look at the ingredients with me.

Aside from the scientific names below this bottle contains water, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, glycerin, argan oil, shea butter, certified organic blend pomegranate, hibiscus, green tea, sea buckthorn, silk amino acids, jojoba oil, natural vanilla fragrance, and guar.

Red Flag Ingredients

Phenoxyethanol

It is legal to use phenoxyethanol in cosmetics up to 1%, but this ingredient has shown to be harmful to the skin and lungs. Paula’s Choice, however, states that the studies done on this ingredient weren’t done topically.

Behentrimonium Chloride

One plus of this conditioner is to tame your flyaways, and that may be due to this organic compound and antistatic agent. The EPA does warn about possible it being a possible allergen and has to be made up of less than .1% of the recipe to be legal. That is because if it gets into your eyes it can cause tissue death resulting in eye damage.

Safe But Hard To Say Ingredients

Cetearyl Alcohol

This mixture of fatty alcohols is low on the EPA hazard list but there is still some concern that it may be an environmental toxin. It can be made using vegetable sources like coconut fatty acids.

Cetearyl Olivate

An oily wax derived from the fatty acids derived from olive oil combined with the ester of cetearyl alcohol. It nourishes the hair for a soft, lustrous feel. It’s also considered safe by common environmental studies on the main ingredient. Often found in recipes alongside sorbitan olivate.

Sorbitan Olivate

This ingredient is formed by combining the fatty acids of olive oil with sorbitol to be used as an emulsifying agent. It is commonly used alongside Cetearyl Olivate and has been deemed generally not hazardous.

Propanediol

You can get propanediol from either petroleum or corn, it’s considered similar to glycol but even safer. Studies have found that a very low percentage of people had some irritation when absorbed into their skin, but otherwise it is effective in helping transport and dilute other active ingredients in cosmetics.

Caprylic Capric Triglyceride

Some may mistake this ingredient for fractionated coconut oil, but it’s actually a mixed triester made from glycerin and coconut oil. It’s just fatty acids and plant sugars, so basically, safe for the humans.

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

With such an intimidating name it’s hard to believe that this ingredient is a water-soluble organic compound, but it is! There’s a synthetic quality to this, but it’s mostly plant derived. It is positively charged so it neutralizes the hair strands’ negative charges to reduce static and tangles.

Potassium Sorbate

This ingredient helps the conditioner stay fresh, and is a popular paraben alternative in cosmetics. It’s regarded as safe and is common in many foods and drinks we consume every day.

Want to try Silk18 Conditioner from Maple Holistics? Use the discount code MAPLEFUN for a little insider coupon.

The Many Uses of Wildflower CBD Oil

Support the immune system with this versatile herbally fortified CBD oil.

Wildflower’s CBD+ Orange Mint tincture provides a large dose of CBD charged with a pleasant flavor. Like the Tropical Fruit tincture, this product uses coconut oil rather than alcohol like a traditional ‘tincture’. What this provides is a completely vegan, alcohol-free CBD oil that can be used in a bounty of ways. I use my 1000mg CBD+ oil as a daily supplement to promote overall health & reduce inflammation, for help with my joint and muscle pain, and even in my baked goods for a little extra relaxation with the sugar high.

Every product in the CBD+ line from Wildflower is formulated to interact with and support the endocannabinoid system. At 1000mg per bottle each dropper contains 33 mg of full spectrum CBD. CBD from Wildflower is imported from Germany where it is extracted from naturally-grown hemp plants grown both pesticide & fertilizer-free. CBD+ Orange Mint oil is crafted with Mediterranean liver tonic herb milk thistle alongside the immune supporting cannabinoid. The active ingredient in milk thistle is Silymarin which is both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Together the all natural ingredients can help us build immunity, relieve pain and reduce side-effects of other immune-based conditions. There are many uses for CBD and this product is a great option for someone who needs a higher dose.

The best way to take the Orange Mint Tincture is with a sublingual method. That means we just let the dropper-full sit right under the tongue and absorb into our system. But that isn’t the only way I’ve been utilizing this oil. When I’m especially anxious I’ll often make a cup of tea and is a great addition to a relaxing cup with skullcap, chamomile, and other herbs for anxiety. Before yoga class taking a few droppers has also been immense in quieting the chaos of the day and letting me focus on my hour-long practice.

There is a clarity to the effects of CBD that my mom describes as ‘waking up in the morning after camping on the lake’. Just as she described, there is a certain serenity that accompanies CBD for me. The last and more exciting way that I’ve been adding this flavored CBD tincture to my life is by adding droppers full to the olive or coconut oil I’m using in baked goods. That serenity described above is helpful when eating more sugar than usual. These are just the most recent ways I’ve been enjoying my CBD tincture, but the possibilities of how it can be used are definitely endless.

CBD+ Wellness tincture in Orange Mint flavor is the perfect high-dose product for someone hoping to use the product for the purposes of holistic healing. Before yoga, during anxiety-ridden days, or even just for fun alongside my favorite chocolate chip cookies; use the coconut oil-based tincture as you wish and enjoy the CBD magic.

The Powers of Arnica + CBD

Heal Stick CBD balms use synergistic herbal formulas that make it a must-have in the medicine cabinet.

Topical cannabis products are a practical addition to the robust product line that has been developed using the plant. The Cool Stick that we reviewed at the beginning of this Wildflower CBD review series is the sister product to this splendid arnica based CBD topical stick. The Heal Stick uses a less mint focused proprietary blend of herbs. But it’s worth noting that the balm does still contain some wintergreen essential oils. Heal Sticks are appropriate for nourishing and healing skin that is stressed out by acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Each power-packed Heal Stick contains 500 mg of highly concentrated full spectrum CBD isolate. Wildflower sources their CBD from the reliable CBD exporters in Germany. The base of the balm is made using coconut oil, hemp oil, and shea butter for easy application and quick absorption. Let’s break down the ingredients. Coconut oil is not only antifungal and antibacterial but also exceptionally moisturizing. As always, the hemp oil adds the value of Omega-3 & 6 and amino acids which can help treat acne, rashes, and other skin conditions. Moisture agents aren’t even the heavy hitter in this skin healing formula. Arnica is also included. It is an impressive herb which promotes the healing of bruises and strained muscles. Many also use it for treating acne, scrapes, on chapped lips, and insect bites. With arnica included, this combination of power ingredients makes for an effective balm for me in so many situations.

There are tons of times when the Heal Stick has helped me out, and after researching the ingredients more deeply I’m excited to use it in all new ways. I reach for my Heal Stick from Wildflower when my period cramps are acting up because CBD can relieve discomfort. It is also a great product when I’ve worked my muscles hard in yoga or climbing, or when I’ve banged my knee on the wall like the newb that I am. There are patients who have also found this topical CBD balm useful for arthritis and headache relief. Those who are acne prone will appreciate the Heal Stick’s ingredients which fight the stubborn skin condition. And a note always worth mentioning, the Heal Stick is in a self-applicating tube. That means tons of topical saved from not applying it from our fingers before the targeted area. Simply put the product lasts longer because of the ingenious packaging. Personally, I keep one around when hiking and camping, working out, or simply working a long shift.

Less mess, less stress. The topical Heal Stick helps me stay calm in any situation.

CBD Capsules by Wildflower

This product is an essential part of the Wildflower CBD line. For me, their dose is high enough to be taken as a daily vitamin or in the event of lingering pain.

Capsules are an exceptionally accessible way to access CBD as a daily supplement. A capsule containing CBD can be organized right beside our daily zinc and Vitamin supplements without a second thought. When taking CBD daily we are attempting to treat an imbalance in our endocannabinoid system. But each of us is dealing with a very subjective imbalance, not everyone needs the same daily dose of any cannabinoid.

With a more balanced endocannabinoid system, our body can have more of an ability to regulate inflammation, immunity, and anxiety. It is also a great daily supplement to promote joint and muscle health. Capsules are a convenient and low profile way to take CBD daily, and Wildflower capsules are a wonderful way to access pure, full-spectrum CBD.

Each Wildflower CBD capsule is vegan and features a cute little logo. One capsule contains 30mg of CBD and some hemp seed oil for good measure. Hemp seed oil is rich in Omega 3 & 6 as well as amino acids, all of which bolster the boost in the overall wellness of the CBD. At 30mg these capsules have a great baseline, even just one a day could show results for less severe cases of joint pain, insomnia, and anxiety.

My experience with Wildflower capsules is nothing fancy, but it is noteworthy. A few weeks back I described an experience with a back spasm that just put me out. When I was treating it with CBD I took 2 capsules every 2 hours. Now, that is a lot of CBD. Precisely 60 mg every two hours. But when the capsules began to take effect I could feel the tension point in my back relax. When they wore off even a little bit I could feel the stiffness begin to take hold again. Before this experience, I didn’t have much interest in capsules outside of use as a daily supplement, but in this case, they were simply perfect.

Capsules are an essential part of the Wildflower CBD line. For me, their dose is high enough to be taken as a daily vitamin or in the event of lingering pain.

Tangieland from Northwest Grown

Full body relaxation hybrid made by crossing cannabis cultivars Tangie and Candyland.

Being a budtender at a cannabis dispensary is a mixed bag. Many people come in and exclaim that it must be an amazing job to have, and in some ways it totally is. Actually, one of my favorite things about working in a recreational cannabis shop is the ability to talk directly to the growers. In the case of Northwest Grown, I had the opportunity to meet their team on multiple occasions while budtending. They were simply upstanding people and they were very stoked to tell me about their pheno hunting last Summer. So when I saw the Tangieland that the Northwest Grown team specifically. mentioned on the shelf at Smoking Crow I had to pick up an eighth.

Northwest Grown is a Mount Vernon based producer. Their cultivation team one third-generation grower from the coveted Emerald Triangle in California and a greenhouse tradesman with a degree in Horticulture. They grow with a tight eye on each crop, ensuring the plants are in the most comfortable environment for growing big, beautiful nuggets. Eighths are packaged in jars for peak freshness and each batch is tested at an accredited third-party lab. At their Northwestern Washington indoor facility, they grow in a coco medium without pesticides.

When it comes to the nugs, they’re densely packed and shaped like chunky fat pine trees. Buds are so drenched in trichomes it is like a blanket of white atop a forest green. Tufts of burnt orange pistils are evenly dispersed on each robust nugget. The aroma is just as strong with Tangie as the taste. I hit my Tangieland with a bong and experienced a deeply Tangie-focused flavor which is reminiscent of orange musk. The finish left a sweet lemon balm flavor on my palette. Immediately after the hit, I felt a jolt to my brain before a slow relaxation fell over my jaw and shoulders. Despite this gooey feeling in my muscles, I felt a steady focus permeate the high. The focus wasn’t pinpointed on any goal, however, but more of an airy grasp on reality. Tangieland was effective in helping me de-stress but it did have just the slightest anxious vibes.

Wildflower CBD Soap Review.

With a continued growing interest in CBD, many beauty companies are finding ways to work the compound into their formulas. These companies aren’t just trying to cash in on the ‘Green Rush’ though, our skin and hair can actually benefit from the regular application of CBD hemp oil. Many studies and clinical trials suggest that CBD has a very real potential for encouraging abnormal cell death, can regulate the skin’s oil production, and is rich in nutrients like Vitamin E. This translates to positive results with conditions like eczema, acne, and all around skin health. What’s more is that this product doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier. That means that the compounds won’t make their way to the endocannabinoid receptors in our brains, a process which creates that familiar high effect. It will be able to access the endocannabinoid receptors in our muscles, joints, and tissues, though, and that is where the beauty magic happens.

Wildflower CBD soap comes in bar form, is completely vegan, and is made with just five simple ingredients. The product is meant to be used as an everyday body & face soap and can even be used in place of our shampoo. This all-natural soap is comprised of coconut oil, lye, full spectrum CBD oil, essential oils, and water; that’s it. Each bar is made up of less than 0.03% THC and 20mg of CBD to provide a daily microdose of our favorite non-psychoactive cannabinoid to the largest organ in our body. Grab one in the scent of your choice, they come in vanilla or lavender. The all-natural CBD soap can help treat acne, eczema, and even calm sunburnt skin.

It was on purpose that I left this review for a month or so because I wanted to give a real-time review of how my skin reacted to this natural soap. In the last five years, my beauty regimen has changed drastically. No more makeup, no more chemicals, no more products in my bathroom that aren’t naturally made and mostly organic. Aside from the chemicals on the bottles that I have to look up to understand, many makeup and beauty products are littered with hormones. As someone who already struggles with anxiety and depression, I don’t really need more outside influences on my system. Since making this change I have found my mood and emotions more manageable, and this product fits into my natural regimen.

The Wildflower CBD soap checked off all of my sustainability boxes while also leaving my skin feeling moisturized and clean leaving me with a soothing lavender or vanilla aroma. When used on my hair, naturally thin and stick straight, my locks dried with more volume than usual but you’ll definitely want to use some conditioner for soft to the touch tresses. This product will definitely continue being a staple in our shower, it’s not only natural and vegan but it leaves my skin feeling nourished and fresh.

With just 20 mg of CBD, their soap isn’t the most potent product in the Wildflower line, but it is one of the most noteworthy. That’s because it can help replace multiple chemical-ridden products that are lurking in all of our bathrooms. Grab a 3-pack at buywildflower.com, or check in with your local Bellingham dispensary to see if they have some in stock.

Aches CBD Vape Pen Review

Summon relief immediately using Wildflower Aches CBD vape pens.

As legal cannabis markets continue to open up we see new varieties of consumer walk into dispensaries. With emerging demographics of cannabis users, we are seeing a constant rise in vape cartridge sales. The discretion of these products is ideal for many newer customers looking to inhale their cannabinoids. And like almost every cannabis company in Washington, Wildflower carries two formulas of vape pens. They have each flavor available in both a disposable and rechargeable option. The stand apart from their competitors because of the ability to microdose and the heavy influence of CBD rather than THC.

The Aches vape pen from Wildflower is infused with CBD and other herbs to encourage a breakup of inflammation, inhibiting aches and pains. Aside from the discretion, vaping is more attractive to patients and recreational users because our lungs are a more direct line to our bloodstream than capsules or tincture. That means if we’re having a pain flare-up or simply want CBD right now, a vape pen would be the right choice. This vape pen doesn’t just have CBD, but as we mentioned above also three herbs from the mint family. Just one 5-second puff we get 2mg of CBD along with the stimulating aromatics of the added herbs.

Personally, the Aches vape pen has been a versatile godsend in my arsenal of cannabis products. It is the perfect thing for ‘right now’ as I’m dealing with a muscle flare up, gastrointestinal discomfort, or just a surge of anxiety. A few weeks ago I dealt with a pretty serious back spasm and the Aches pen was my first step to relief. For such an intense pain I started with a hit of the pen, applied my Cool Stick, took two capsules, and then hit the vape again. Since the edibles items take 20 minutes to an hour to kick in the pen was crucial to my relief. The back spasm didn’t subside for two days, but the vape pen held true for me as a very real portal to pain relief. Frankly, it is best used alongside both the topical and the edible products for the best results. All three products used together has been the most phenomenal relief for me to help with body pain, muscle soreness, and aching joints.

Two tokes on the Aches pen brings a refreshing flavor alongside mellow, relaxing results. Try using it alongside the Cool Stick and/or CBD Tincture for the best results.

Bellringer by Khush Kush

Hindu Skunk x Stardawg x Pre 98 Bubba

Last week when I was picking up some bud from Smoking Crow I was lucky enough to meet Meg from Khush Kush on a vendor day. Khush Kush is a tier 3 i502 processor, which means that they operate in a 10,000 square foot facility. Even though they’re a larger processor they take time to ensure each nugget is well-grown, trimmed, and tested using absolutely no pesticides. It was also nice to have two relaxing varietals for sale at my favorite dispensary and I ended up choosing the Bellringer due to the intriguing back genetics.

The bud is sold in a jar so not only is it fresh, but also a little bomb of aromatics the first few times it’s opened. Take a whiff of Bellringer and enjoy an abrupt bouquet of spiced calamus and lemon. Smoked out of a bong the flavor was akin to dried clove and musky cocoa. The buds are a vibrant lawn green with burnt orange pistils and a dense bulbous bud structure. This is definitely a cultivar that should be ground up and not finger ground as to not waste weight.

As mentioned I hit this review bowl out of a bong and felt it almost immediately directly behind my eyes. The pressure relief dripped like honey from behind my eyeballs and down my spine. There’s a space between my shoulders that aches after cleaning, chopping veggies, and climbing all weekend and the hit helped me to gently release that persistent ball of tension. This relief doesn’t come without side effects, however. Focus and thoughts diverge easily while high on Bellringer. It’s possible to become completely enthralled with Instagram or a news story when attention should be elsewhere after taking a hit of this Khush Kush flavor. For the anxious ones, take it easy for the first 10-20 minutes after inhaling to avoid catching anxious thoughts during the come up of this ‘indica’ strain from Washington.

Relieve aches, pains, and stress with Bellringer from Khush Kush.

Tropical Fruit CBD Tincture from Wildflower

A full review of Wildflower CBD+Wellness Tincture from what it’s made of down to the best uses for the full spectrum oil.

Tinctures and CBD oils are an exceptionally accessible product for those new to cannabis but looking to enjoy some of the benefits of the plant. In my time spent working in the industry, anyone who has approached me with no cannabis experience asks about CBD oil first. Each company seems to have their own flavor and sometimes supporting herbs for added benefits. The Wildflower line of CBD Tinctures is comprised of two flavors each an indicator of the dosage. This week we’re going to take a closer look at the 500mg Tropical Fruit flavored oil which is marketed as a CBD+Wellness Tincture.

What’s It Made Of?

As is the Wildflower way, the CBD Wellness oil is made with all natural ingredients right down to the flavoring. The tincture is made to utilize the naturally occurring miracles in nature to inspire wellness inside of us. Their recipe includes coconut oil, 500mg full spectrum CBD oil, milk thistle extract, and natural flavors. Each dropper will contain around 16 mg of CBD and the suggested dose is 1-2 full droppers.

The first thing to note is that their CBD oil is full spectrum, which means that the flavonoids and other valuable compounds weren’t stripped away in the extraction process. Another key component of the tincture is the milk thistle, a little gift of a plant that inspires liver and kidney health. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Over at Wildflower, right here in Bellingham, they have concluded that this ‘liver tonic’ herb works very well with the inflammation-based work that CBD tends to do in the body.

How Do I Use It?

Something that I’ve learned in my time working with various cannabis-infused products is that they all serve their own purpose. I find tinctures and oils to be beneficial for me as a daily supplement taken straight, but that’s not all I’ve been using the Wildflower Wellness Tinctures for. With the change in weather and my uptick in using my fingers as I’m learning to boulder, my joints are really screaming at me lately. On days that the problem areas are throbbing a bit, I have been doubling my daily dose of oil from 2 droppers to 4.

To get the most out of a dose it’s advised to take the supplement sublingually, or simply put, right under the tongue. I like to just let it sit there until it naturally dissolves back into my mouth. It’s easier to let the oil sit under your tongue with the delightfully luscious flavor of tropical fruit infused into the CBD tincture. After using these oils almost daily for about a month, my muscles are notably less sore and strained after workouts. The imminent pain in my neck and back also tends to feel more smoothed over throughout my day. Also, my skin, which is a place where liver issues tend to bubble to the surface, is luminous despite indulging in some dairy-filled foods.

All in all, the Tropical Fruit Wildflower CBD+Wellness tincture is a delightful supplement to each day. The dosage is high enough to feel the effects of the cannabinoids and herbs and the flavor is delicious enough to leave under my tongue for 30+ seconds. I would definitely recommend this product for those interested in trying CBD.

Herb Spotlight: Milk Thistle for Liver Health

The milk thistle is from the same family of plants as the artichoke, but unlike that tasty treat, it doesn’t have a large bulb-shaped flower. It is commonly known as holy thistle and Mary thistle. Based on folklore we have surmised that this plant got its name when three drops of milk from the Great Goddess’s breast dropped onto the leaf. As religion shifted the lore began to tell the tale using the Virgin Mary. It is commonly known as a powerful and nourishing liver herb as well as a protective herb in pagan herbalism.

Scientific Name: Silybum marianum

Magickal Stats: Elementally fire, ruled by Mars

Parts Used: Seeds

Improves Function Of:

Liver Restorative
Spleen Tonic
Vascular Tonic

Aides in Relieving Symptoms Of:

Inflammatory, infections, & degenerative liver disease
Swollen spleen
Asthma
Hemorrhoids
Varicose veins

Assists Spiritually With:

Protection
Fending off evil
Attract Good

How Does It Work?

The main ingredient in milk thistle is Silymarin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. According to many sources, milk thistle has been used historically for liver disorders like cirrhosis and hepatitis. In the 2008 HALT-C study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that Hepatitis C patients who did use milk thistle had both milder and fewer symptoms of liver disease with a somewhat better quality of life. Milk thistle was also suggested as a factor in enhancing standard treatment for pneumonia.

What Do I Do With It?

Milk thistle is taken as an herbal supplement, found usually in capsules. It can also be made into a tea. It has shown to have very few side effects if any. Most people just cite gastrointestinal discomfort. Those with diabetes, heart condition, fibroid tumors, and endometriosis should consult their doctor before taking milk thistle internally.

Magickally it can be used in multiple ways. Simply place a bowl of milk thistle seeds in a room and restore the vitality. We can gather strength from growing milk thistle or carrying a seed in our pocket. Many witches suggest it can be used to expel demons, some also call spirits by boiling the seeds in water. Or divine questions by boiling water and adding thistle seeds before meditating on a question.