The East Coast is a dense, newly legal jungle of medical and recreational states.
If you’re planning an East Coast Cannabis Tour here’s a list of a few states to visit:
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The states listed above are legal for adult recreational use. Each state is different with its level of compliance and consumption laws. Some will allow for public consumption while others are doubling down on where and when you can spark up. Others still have varying rules and regulations for the dosage and types of edibles available or amounts of concentrates you can purchase. No matter where you visit, keep an eye on your surroundings and know the law.
These brands are making a big impact along the east coast. Excluding Florida, these are some of the top movers and shakers in the cannabis game. Because so many states are freshly legal, the market is ever expanding with room for more brands to grow alongside veteran brands.
The only way is up! East Coast cannabis will continue to grow as more states move from illegal to legal or medical to medical and recreational. It’s important to note that as the states grow, no pun intended, staying up to date on the laws that will affect you is a game changer. Recently, New York has come under fire (and not the good kind) for their handling of police and other professionals and cannabis use. Along with the restrictions on where you can smoke and how, the cannabis marketplace on the east coast has exploded. The cannabis market and methods of consumption are full of big companies who may (or may not) take compliance as seriously as equity driven companies.
]]>We sat down with the UNI team for a little smoke session. We wanted to go over some of their favorite things in our new Smoke Sessions Series, where we catch up with the team or team members and talk all things cannabis and canna-biz. Roll up and join us!
Des, CEO and Chief Experience Officer for all things UNI hype.
Yanka, brand ambassador and UNI #1 fan.
Ari, Office Manager extraordinaire.
Fran, Social Media Maven and your favorite cannabis chef.
Conner, Special Events Assistant bringing the party every time.
Nene, getting the UNI goods where they need to go.
Rae, COO and the glue to UNI operations.
Des: Light it up!
Yanka: Smoke weed everyday!
Ari: Smoking and Edibles.
Fran: Smoking, papers only. Edibles if i’m feeling it or in good company.
Conner: Smoking.
Nene: Smoking, or eating edibles.
Rae: I like to smoke, edibles arent really my thing.
Des: Sweet, infused honey and sugar.
Yanka: Brownie me!
Ari: I like them all.
Fran: Savory all day. I do infused cooking, you can find me chef-ing it up.
Conner: Savory, infused Mac me please!
Nene: Sweet edibles for me.
Rae: If I had to choose, it would be sweet, but you can catch me smoking instead.
Des: Spliff please, don't forget the grabba and a UNI paper.
Yanka: A nice spliff sprinkled with grabba.
Ari: Joints, please, no grabba.
Fran: Joints, but keep it extra light on the grabba.
Conner: Blunts. Backwoods Dark Stout.
Nene: Blunts, pass the Backwoods!
Rae: Joints; all grabba. Blunts when the situation calls for it.
Des: Anything GMO.
Yanka: Any hybrid or indica does the job for a lazy night in.
Ari: Slurricane.
Fran: Blue Zushi.
Conner: Runtz.
Nene: Anything Indica to mellow me out.
Rae: Anything high Indica!
Des: MAC 1 or Tropicana and I’m ready to go.
Yanka: Sativas that are sweet like candy.
Ari: Rainbow Belts.
Fran: Milly Meds ZOAP
Conner: Skittlez Cake.
Nene: Street Heat.
Rae: I love a blue zushi taste, I can go all weekend with something equally as tasty.
Des: My ADHD is the most important reason. I don't take traditional medication so cannabis helps. My love of the plant medicinally, socially, and how it builds community by how it can bring us all together.
Yanka: Cannabis has helped me control my mental health. It helps me focus on my goals in a relaxed state of mind. For that, i’ll always come back to cannabis.
Ari: Because it grounds me, and helps me keep in tune with myself.
Fran: I take SSNRIs and the cannabis keeps some of the side effects and the need for a higher dosage at bay also with the more i learned i was able to get off sleeping medication and manage my insomnia
Conner: It allows me to wind down mentally, and relaxes my muscles.
Nene: Living and surviving with an eating disorder; cannabis has always helped me with anxiety and opening up my apetite.
Rae: I struggle with ADHD and have my entire life. I have taken prescription medication since I was a child and did not like how it made me feel. When I got older, I discovered cannabis helped me in so many ways. I was able to learn about self medicating in a way that worked for me.
Des: Because I feel like educating the youth about safe and accurate cannabis consumption information and usage is incredibly important. Honest education is not seen often in the social world or spoken about. Many youths are at risk of not being safe and are misinformed when it comes to cannabis use, so it is our job to educate and end the stigma so they don’t have to deal with what we have dealt with.
Yanka: Educating our people about the benefits of cannabis is essential for breaking the stigma. Most people still believe that cannabis is a gateway drug and that people who use cannabis are mostly unproductive.
When we study Cannabis, we find that it is a natural plant with many beneficial properties.
Ari: I want everyone to experience the amazing gifts this plant has to offer without being under the shadow of a stigma that demonizes the plant and the user.
Fran: Breaking the stigma is my main motivator because for a very long time, due to stigma, did not consume freely or without anxiety around my use. This entire brand is about breaking the stigma and educating people about misconceptions and how the plant does more good than what any fear-mongering ad we grew up with wants us to believe.
Conner: We can spread awareness about how weed isn't harmful and is a helpful medicine outside of heavy anti-depressant and opioids. Educating people is important to us because it isn't just about plant medicine or accessories; it's also showing the younger generation what a women-owned and run business looks like.
Nene: The conversation starts with U and I. Without bringing awareness to the plant that offers so many amazing benefits, we are stuck continually being labeled as “pot heads” and in the shadows.
Rae: It’s necessary for us to understand we have options for self-care and mental health. Not only is it important to change the stigma, but it is also important to have these conversations to normalize the right to alternative medicine. We are not drug addicts or gangsters for choosing to medicate differently. We are people who have seen and felt the positive effects of cannabis. We tasked ourselves with the job of elevating what the new narrative of cannabis culture looks like.
Edibles have become more than just the pot brownies of the past. You can find a wide array of discrete and easy dosing products that will get you feeling right. There is something for everyone to try between the types of tinctures, topicals, edibles, and more. If you’ve used cannabis chances are you have heard a horror story about someone dosing incorrectly. Not everyone tolerates edibles the same. We’ve come up with a handy dandy dosing guide and do through some of your favorite products. Everyone enjoys edibles at a different pace, and that can be due to an array of other factors;
There's more that matters than just a good tasting edible, we are here to walk you through whether it's your first time, or fiftieth. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your edible experience.
As legalization sweeps the country, more companies are developing ways to get high. Long gone are the days of cookies, brownies, and rice crispies. Now you can find infused beverages, topical lotions, throat sprays, cough drops, and luxury chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth and your high. Here is a handy list of the different types of treats and how to use them.
Tinctures aren't new, but the method and type of tincture may be. Tinctures are concentrated extracts from plant matter that are consumed orally. Though some may not taste the best (remember, it's an extract), you can use these in various ways. Taken plain, you can drop a tincture under your tongue. If you want to enjoy it all day long, add some to a drink and take it home.
Topicals are just how they sound, applied topically to the body. You can find lotions, salves, rubs, lubes, bath bombs and more to help alleviate any issues. Topicals work well for physical pain relief or muscle aches. Although you may think of CBD, there are plenty of Topical options with high THC products.
If you haven't experienced the rapid high of a sublingual, you are missing out. Sublingual generally yields a faster, more full-bodied high as the THC enters the bloodstream directly, bypassing the liver for absorption. Sublingual can come in tablets, liquids, candies, and more. The common thread is the rate of absorption and the location. Sublingual is placed directly under the tongue for a discreet yet fast-acting product.
Is your first, and maybe last, memory of an edible brownie or rice crispy? Then you are in for a treat as cannabis-infused products have grown leaps and bounds even in the previous year. Edibles offer so many more options than what we used to know. From savory to sweet and infused with other herbs to fruit-filled confections, if it can be made, it can be infused. Edibles are enjoyed by almost every demographic, are easy to make at home, and are a discreet dosing option for those who aren't looking to smoke.
A new space within the infused market is cannabis-infused drinks. You can find lemonades, tonics, and even infused beers and wines to give you a little edge. Infused beverages are another long line of easy-to-use products that get you stoned without the smoke. You can find delicious concoctions in most dispensaries. Brands like Keef are a cross-country phenomenon, and you can find other similar infusions in most markets.
We get it; the edible you had in 2012 was off the chain and so fire. If you’re on the hunt for a dispensary edible that does the same thing, it’s essential to recognize the difference between homemade and store-bought edible dosage. Most dispensary or cottage baker edibles will have simple instructions to start small and work up to higher doses. Each type of edible product is different. Some will hit faster than others and depending on the terpenes, percentages, and CBD content, you could be in for a much more wild ride. Other things that may not be taken into consideration are:
Who: This dosage is best for beginners.
Why: At this dose, the effects will be mild and pleasant. You may find relief from body aches, muscle pain, and general anxiety.
Who: This dosage is best for recreational use or more consistent relief.
Why: If smaller doses are no longer doing the trick, this dosage is ideal for quick relief with increasing creativity and mild euphoria.
Who: For the cannabis curious or those looking to have a good night.
Why: At 5mg, you may experience euphoria and higher focus. Great for jumpstarting your busy day.
Who: If you want to open the doors to perception, 10mg is your dosage.
Why: A sense of bliss coupled with high creativity and lowered anxiety. Perfect for a movie night.
Who: Cannabis Connoisseurs find enlightenment and enjoyment at 20mg.
Why: At this dosage, you will find intense feelings of euphoria, creativity, arousal, energy, or maybe even couch lock.
Remember, the dosage depends on a variety of factors that are personal to you. Not everyone will have the same experience, and that is okay. The important part is to dose smart and enjoy the ride.
Happy 710 Day to our UNI crew. If you enjoy concentrates, this day is all for you. 710 is celebrated on 7/10, july 10th at 7:10am and 7:10pm as well as throughout the entire day. It’s origins are mysterious, having gained traction in the 2010’s through industry circles. The full potential of 710 began to be realized in 2013 as publications like LA Weekly ran stories about “the new 420” and events that concentrated on, you guessed it, concentrates began to spark popularity in legal states. Concentrates, dabs, hash, rosin, live resin, water hash, bubble hash, shatter, wax, crumble, sugar, badder, budder; however you name it 710 day is for you. If you thought 420 is the only holiday to celebrate; you need to know about 710. 710 is 420’s cool cousin who shows up late to the function but has all of the goods in hand. National Concentrate Day, or 710 day (take a good look at that number and it may make sense), is for consuming cannabis' new favorite thing; oil.
To put it simply 710 just spells oil, that’s it. As the second largest cannabis holiday it has gained more attention in recent years. You may even find your local dispensary making deals for the day.
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Cannabis oil products like the ones above are potent, powerful, and if done right may prove more effective for some than traditional flower. Each type of concentrate is different. The most common you will see in your local dispensary will most likely be Rosin and Live Resin, as well as Distillate and RSO. Among concentrates you’ll find different consistencies; shatter and budder will be vastly different while crumble, sauce, and sugar are all different points of the same spectrum. We want to keep you in the loop so you know what to buy on your next trip to the dispensary so we’ve created a handy guide for concentrates in honor of 710.
To make it simple: Live Resin is made using a solvent extraction (like butane) with fresh, frozen plant materials. Live Resin is one of the most common concentrates you’ll encounter in your dispensary. The major difference in Live Resin is the extraction method. By using Butane or Propane, Live Resin is a quality product that if done improperly could leave some of that solvent in your product. That is why it is important to look at what you are buying beforehand whenever possible.
Rosin is Live Resins’ older sister who went away to college, partied, and still passed classes. Rosin is made using an even simpler process: heat, pressure, and ice or water. These three steps lead to one big reward. Rosin has gained popularity as people are paying attention to the cannabis products they are putting in their body. Buying from legal dispensaries doesn't mean you’ll be getting a pure product so it’s important to do your own research into how things are made.
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When it comes to consistency, concentrates vary wildly but the names are a helpful way to know what youre getting before you buy. Because of the pandemic, many dispensaries that previously offered the chance to smell, look at, or pick your own concentrates are no longer able to do so. Crumble can come either already loose and crumbly, or in a dry piece that you then break apart. Crumble is another from the Live Resin lineup that has a high potency. This consistency works well in pens, rigs, or nectar collectors.
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The warning for this one is in the name. Shatter is a concentrate that looks a bit like honey, but breaks or shatters apart when you take your tool to it. When kept cold, shatter is prone to almost exploding when broken apart, user beware. If you let your shatter get warm (not always recommended either) it becomes snappy, with a pull-apart consistency. Shatter works best in your nectar collector dish, or traditional rig but be sure to not let it get too warm before use. Shatter is known to turn “soupy” if left out for too long.
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Sugar may be the most “misleading” name on this list. Although the crystal-like consistency is a lot like sugar, it is usually a “wet” concentrate. Sugar is easily scooped as the crystals like to stick together. This concentrate works well in almost all forms of consumption as well as in products like the Puffco.
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These three are similar and generally end up together on other lists. Budder has a whipped, icing-like consistency similar to cake frosting. Badder has a more loose look and can come fairly saucy. Batter is another that has a thicker appearance and is sometimes described as more bumpy than Badder or Budder. These concentrates usually are whipped, adding air into the product to give it the unique consistency. Most batters, budders, and badders are made using solvent processes making them Live Resin products. These can work well with most all smoking products.
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This is exactly as it sounds. Live Resin diamonds left to simmer in a delicious, terpene rich sauce. This is another Live Resin product. The Sauce portion is usually thinner and able to be smoked but hard to get onto your tool. The Diamonds hold the true power with large and small crystals forming during the extraction process that are then harvested with the sauce. Sauce & Diamonds are another popular concentrate that can be harder to find but more brands are beginning to stock stores with a wider range of products. Sauce & Diamonds work best if you have a reliable dab tool and a traditional rig, or use the dish it comes in as a nectar collector dish and dab straight from that.
710 has become a national holiday and UNI knows how to celebrate in style. Our 3rd annual 710 event is going to blow you away. Between food, fun, and the function you’ll be spending the day in a haze with your favorite team. The 710 event is more than a place to enjoy and consume. We know what it means when you have a community and support behind you and we wouldn’t be here without that, so we want to give it back to you! Our 710 event is the perfect place to grow your cannabis community and meet others who are breaking the stigma with yo(U) a(N)d (I).
]]>Something Delta 8 has been able to do that traditional THC has not is to become federally legal. You can find Delta 8 products in states across the country, from smoke shops to dispensaries and corner stores. Delta 8 became what CBD was at the beginning of the legalization movement. It has replaced the CBD products on gas station shelves and shown the country that the fight for THC isn't going anywhere. You may hear Delta 8 as a loophole for legalizing THC-containing products, and they aren't wrong. Delta 8 has psychoactive properties just like traditional THC; however, it comes in much lower levels. Delta 8 has opened the door for other THC-containing products to start appearing across the country. As more states move for legalization or put it on their docket for the coming years, Delta 8 has created an essential conversation into why some products make it past the men in power, and others do not. Delta 8 has been a necessary part of pulling back the curtain on THC products and opening doors for more conversations about cannabis. Now you can find Delta 8 products like edibles, flowers, concentrates, topicals, and more so that even if you aren't in a legal state, you can get some relief. UNI knows the importance of providing products that make a difference and help us break the stigma; we have so many new things on the horizon as 2022 proves to be an important year in the cannabis industry.
Delta 8 is an isomer from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; it is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in the plant. You may hear it as “weed lite,” but not everyone feels this way. Many people have located relief from a myriad of symptoms with more accessible (read: legal) access to Delta 8 products. From calming nausea to boosting appetite Delta 8 has been sweeping the country in popularity, even finding its way into the pages of the New York Times. There are apparent differences between how Delta 8 and other cannabinoids interact within our bodies and the relief it gives. The short answer to what Delta 8 does differently? It has a lower threshold for the CB1 receptor in our brains. The long answer? Delta 8 has a double bond in a different position from your traditional Delta 9 THC and produces what some report as a “milder” experience. That isn't to say that others haven't found Delta 8 to be the same, if not more intense than THC, in some instances.
Delta 8 works by attaching to the endocannabinoid system like traditional THC or Delta 9. It is thought that Delta 8 may have antiemetic properties making it effective in helping with nausea and vomiting. It is also shown to help with anxiety and general worry. While THC gives you those psychoactive properties we all know and love, Delta 8 is said to be more similar to a low THC: high CBD product and focuses more on relieving ailments than providing a fun high. Delta 8 reacts differently within our bodies because although cannabis is a plant, there is also a fair amount of science that comes with turning cannabis into the products we enjoy. Although people joke that Delta 8 is THC-lite or similar to “k2” of the old days, they would be wrong on both accounts. Delta 8 is a valid form of THC and works wonders for people with various ailments. It will work better for some than others, much like edibles or concentrates versus flower.
That depends on your circumstances. Delta 8 is a game-changer for the cannabis industry about legalization and just as crucial for the people who buy it. Some call it a loophole, others call it Weed-Lite, but for many, it has provided a good way for them to get relief from everything from anxiety to body pain to nausea and appetite issues. While it may not work for some, Delta 8 is a valid new frontier in the cannabis industry that deserves to be explored.
Here is a handy checklist to know if Delta-8 might be the right choice for you:
*note: Delta-8 will show on a drug panel, regardless of its federal status. Please be aware and safe if your job does not make exceptions to this for products like Delta-8.
If you’ve been on social media within the weed world recently, you’ll notice a trending topic: not judging your THC by its percentages. While it may be a hot take, we know there’s a little more to consuming cannabis than just how much THC it has. We’ve talked about CBD and how it helps with better consumption- now we’re here to tackle Terpenes. These beautiful little compounds create cannabis as we know it and compose many other things. Every terpene plays an essential role in the smell, taste, and overall effects of your cannabis. Whether it’s flower, concentrates, or edibles, knowing what Terpenes do is just as important as how much THC your product has.
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Myrcene is found in 20% of your commercial cannabis. The most common Terpene is known as the “Mother of Terpenes” for its wide availability across various strains. Myrcene gives Cannabis its herbal aroma and adds a little spice to your strains. As one of the longest-standing standard cannabis Terpenes, Myrcene has been long studied as a natural sleep aid and relaxant.
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Limonene is one of the most aromatic Terpenes you’ll find in cannabis. Although Limonene is known as the citrusy Terpene, it has a distinctly strong smell that can be confused with other Terpenes. Limonene is a sharp and sweet smell, with citrus fruit being the main attraction. Limonene is a critical aid in protecting the plant, and the aroma works as a pest deterrent. However, it also offers therapeutic benefits.
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Pinene is a unique Terpene in that it comes in two varieties. Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) and Beta-pinene (β-pinene). Alpha is commonly found in cannabis strains and offers that signature pine scent you know and love. Beta is a common Terpene in other plant life, as it’s the most commonly occurring in all plant life on earth. Pinene aids energy and breathing; check those Sativa leaning strains, and you may be surprised at the Terpene list.
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Linalool is a subtly sweet Terpene that is another common occurrence in nature. This Terpene has a silky sweet, lavender scent that works well for letting go of stress. Linalool has a wide array of therapeutic benefits when combined with cannabis. Studies into the effects of Terpenes have found Linalool may even have a link to managing Alzheimer’s disease. Linalool also provides support to your whole body through other benefits.
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If you enjoy a good beer, you want Humulene. This fragrant Terpene is an earthy addition to both cannabis and hops found in brewed beverages. Humulene has been utilized in Eastern and Chinese medicines for centuries for its antibiotic properties. More recently, as it’s found traction within cannabis communities, Humulene gives strains the musky, earthy aroma you love. Humulene also helps your body run smoothly.
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The least common Terpene is Terpinolene. Although it makes its way into your cannabis, it is less common than others on this list. Terpinolene is unique in its aroma, with spices and sweet floral notes coming front and center. Most find that Terpinolene has a fresh cut grass smell, no pun intended. This Terpene, although less likely to pop up on your search, still holds its own with benefits for your whole body.
Cannabis contains over 150+ Terpenes, but your local dispensary may only be showing you the top 3. Terpenes don’t just make up the aroma of your cannabis products; they also hold varying properties from therapeutic to mood-enhancing, and each interacts differently. Terpenes in cannabis come from the trichomes of the female plant. The resin glands from the trichomes produce the potent Terpenes we’ve all come to know and love. Terpenes matter in every aspect of growing high-quality cannabis. They affect the aroma, coloring, pigmentation, and taste and have developed over time as a way to fight predators or attract humans like us to utilize them. Each unique Terpene can provide a different benefit when paired with THC and your own body's endocannabinoid system. When you pair them together or take the time to look at what Terpenes your favorite strain already has, you can start to fine-tune your use to alleviate whatever problems you’re facing. From sleeplessness to lack of appetite, depression, anxiety, or even low sex drive, the Terpenes within your cannabis products can play a more prominent role than you think.
Besides making your cannabis what it is, Terpenes have served for thousands of years in almost every part of life on earth. From plants to plant medicine, antibacterials, flowers, spices, and even drinks, Terpenes are a mini-miracle.
Terpenes don’t just make your cannabis what it is, they are the make up of almost all plant life as we know it. These small but mighty compounds work around the clock to help your body process your products better and maintain your high.
]]>CBD, Cannabidiol, is one of over 113 cannabinoids found in the full cannabis plant. It is known to help with both the inflammatory and neuropathic pain pathways in the body and provide intense healing. CBD accounts for up to 40% of the plant's extract. CBD also has a bioavailability, or rate at which it enters your system and reaches the target area, and that number varies depending on how you are using your CBD. For oral, or ingested CBD it has a 6% bioavailability and inhaling brings that number up to around 31%. Next time you pass on the 1:1 or 2:1 products, consider giving them a try.
How does CBD help THC?
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The entourage effect isn't referring to mid 00’s television phenomenon. It's the overarching explanation of why CBD and THC (and other parts of the plant) are BFF’s. New studies are finding that focusing on just the THC percentage may be ruining your high. Instead, research has been supporting finding full spectrum products that may also include CBD can offer a better experience. Things like terpenes, CBD content, and even type of consumption can have a varying effect on your smoke sesh. Magazines like High Times have covered the topic of interaction for year's, but more recently it seems this has become a trending topic.
There's more than one type of CBD and each has a different effect.
Each of these offers something different to your body.
Full spectrum CBD oil is simple: it uses every part of the plant to create well balanced relief. Full spectrum is the purest example of the entourage effect. Because Full Spectrum retains more from the whole plant you get even greater benefits like better appetite, lessened anxiety, and better sleep.
Broad Spectrum CBD is similar in make up to Full Spectrum. Where Full Spectrum may contain around 0.3% THC, Broad Spectrum is generally stripped of any trace amounts of THC. While both work wonders on muscle and joint pain, Broad Spectrum is best if you are at all concerned about trace THC.
CBD Isolate is just that, isolated CBD. At this level of processing there is no THC present, and along with that some Terpenes and other compounds are also stripped away. Most CBD Isolate comes in powder form. This is usually the best option for those starting out on their journey with CBD to help with memory, mood, pain or inflammation levels.
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The short answer: yes. The long answer: Do you want a better high? Better sleep? That edible was too strong? CBD is here for you. Not only can it help with the come down from back to back sesh’s, it can also help you regulate your system to better process your THC. At UNI we’re big fans of all things plant medicine and that includes the power that CBD can hold. We’ve got exciting things coming in the CBD space and as always, we want to keep you educated and elevated.
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UNI uses high quality products to give your session some style.
UNI products aren’t just the best, they’re unique. We go through rounds of testing to ensure the final product is top tier. We always want our accessories to be easy to use, clean, and store. Check out some of our best sellers and why they work.
The newest addition to our lineup is the launch of the UNI Space kit. We’ve hand selected favorite items with the help of our team to bring you amazing products in one convenient package. You can blast off in style, the Space Kit includes:
Our rolling tray doesn’t just give you the perfect surface to roll up. It has a handy magnetic lid that’s stays on so you can get up and go whenever you need to. The easy storage makes this rolling tray special for any session. The tray has been a labor of love as “post pandemic” shipping has been a continued hassle, but we’re proud to finally have these ready to roll (pun intended).
Our ash tray will be coming in even more colors so you can have one in every room. They’re lightweight, durable, washable, and easy to use. We know a thing or two about how ashtrays get handled. We wanted to make sure we had something that was going to stand the test.
We work with a lot of bad ass business and the company we’ve partnered with for our Catch All Case is no different. Print2Death is bringing our vision to life with our Catch All Case. It can fit papers, a lighter, and a rolled product all the way up to king sized. This is the perfect case for any road trip.
No, they don’t smell like strains but they will help your car not smell after your sesh. Our air fresheners are strong without overpowering or giving anything away. They come in Green Tea & Black Ice to make sure that you have an inviting smell in your car. These air fresheners are the perfect addition to your car or room to make sure you’re staying low.
If you follow UNI you know we’re big on style and sneakers. Our best selling Socks are the perfect accessory for any steez. We wanted something soft, breathable, and durable. We didn’t want to contribute to the continued fast fashion market so we sourced our socks, and other apparel, ethically and responsibly.
Consistency is important to us and that carries over into who we work with. We have been sourcing our Crusher from the same company for over 3 years. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We knew we found the perfect product and haven’t found one to rival it yet. Our commitment to being consistent means we continue to test products to make sure what we put out is up to our standard.
Sourcing high quality rolling papers is not an easy task, but it can be fun. We spent five months in research and development for the best rolling papers possible. We knew we didn’t want to compromise on look, taste, or quality. When we say we tested every paper ourselves, we mean it!
We believe the products you use matter. That’s why our team hand selects and tests everything we offer. Sourcing high quality, long lasting accessories and apparel is at the core of what we do. Every product has passed our test and we believe will give you a superior session. If we wouldn’t use it, why should you?
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UNI is more than just clothing and canna-cessories. When Desiree had a vision of what she wanted her life to look like, she knew it meant being true to who she was authentically and holding space for others to do the same. UNI was born through her love of plant medicine and desire to help marginalized communities flourish. The road has not been without its challenges. From navigating the complicated world of Citizenship to research and development, festivals, and looking forward to the future, we heard from Desiree herself about what UNI has meant so far and where it is going now.
UNI was brought to life from a desire to show that you can medicate and still handle business. Merging a love of the plant with high-quality goods meant that UNI was serving more than looks. As the team began to grow, more people found their way to the mission of UNI. Living High Above The Stigma was a message that more and more people could get behind. As the pandemic set in, flexibility and adaptability became the game's name. The UNI team went to work and dove deep into development. They decided to spend the time focusing on making the mission increasingly clear: together, you ‘n’ I can break the stigma.
Building the brand has had its share of challenges. The biggest challenge? Being respected. The cannabis space has long been held as a boys club. In recent years, a new echelon of womxn in canna-business has been introduced to pick up the slack. To Desiree, the importance of authenticity is for more than just sales; she explained
“That's why it is so important for people to see me as the face of this company because I want to create a safe and accessible space. Not just saying it's accessible, but actually following through and not gate-keeping information or spaces. It’s hard to enter a space that [is this] male-dominated, but it is even harder being a black, gay woman.”
Access means more than just being available online 24/7. It also means that our path forward is built with inclusivity and inspiration. UNI has more on the horizon, with this summer bringing us new products, places to find UNI, and ample opportunity to join in.
If you needed another reason to stand with UNI, founder Desiree is a shining example of what dedication can do.
Like many others who found plant medicine the most beneficial, founder Desiree knew she didn’t want to watch those she loved to suffer senselessly. An encounter with her father in their home country of Brazil led her to invest herself in building a brand, legacy, and community she could stand on.
After her father's passing, Desiree took up the mantle for him and others who deserve access to healthcare options like cannabis.
She recently celebrated her United States Citizenship, and with that, even more, opportunity for UNI to grow.
When asked why receiving her citizenship was important, Desiree said it was simple, “being [a] young and black woman in a male-dominated, highly stereotyped, and taboo industry is hard enough. So it’s important for me to do anything possible to minimize my obstacles because of how much I believe in my mission and cause.”
Her road to citizenship did not come without its challenges.
Early in her journey, when caring for her father through illness, she found that while medicating with cannabis alleviates some symptoms, he was still bound to a system of shame and stigma. After his passing, Desiree was fueled even further by a deep need to be of service to others like her father and help them to live high above the stigma through outreach and education.
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Desiree decided that she couldn't be the only one wanting to find a community focused on mutual love and respect for people and plants.
Her mission is working. UNI has found a community through social media and social justice efforts of individuals who have a common goal: elevating a community through compassion and plant medicine.
UNI has a bright future, thanks to those who help our candle shine brighter. Sharing within the cannabis community has brought more adventure and collaboration to UNI than we could have dreamed. Every step forward, together, is a step in the right direction for cannabis reform.
As a brand made up of immigrants, citizens, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, parents, and everyday people, it’s become more critical than ever that we advocate for each other every day, in every way. This is more than the her-story of UNI; it’s the story of us all.
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]]>How a Lifestyle Brand Brought Cannabis and Clothing to the National Cannabis Festival
By: Lydia McClendon
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What better way to kick off 420 and National Cannabis Festival season than with an inaugural blog! We wanted to introduce you to the why behind UNI. Our goal as a premier cannabis lifestyle brand is more than just selling clothes. We want to educate and elevate the community that helped build us. We’re excited to share more about who we are, what we do, and why we do it. Here you’ll find exclusive content and elevating conversations, recipes, and more. We are joining in on one of the best events in the industry, NCF, and bringing you along for the ride.
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What is NCF? The National Cannabis Festival is a community-building event that showcases brands, dispensaries, and companies that are working towards a higher tomorrow. This once-in-a-lifetime festival has it all; munchies, sessions, education, and entertainment. We have been invited to participate as a brand and can't wait to drop exclusive merchandise at the event. Exhibiting with NCF was a no-brainer for us. Anything that combines cannabis and community, you’ll find UNI. Our Spring Line will be an NCF Exclusive Release, meaning you won't be able to get these anywhere else. We decided to go big or go home and bring some of the best UNI has to offer, in person. NCF is giving us the unique opportunity to meet those of you who have supported us thus far, and to expose a whole new group to all that UNI has to offer.
UNI has been built on the backs of a small, dedicated team who have a common dream. As COVID caused its problems we decided to use that time as a jumping point to kick UNI into high gear. We buckled down and found out what we needed to do to make this a success. Through the business expansion, we knew we wanted to bring it bigger and that meant watching what our home state was planning to do with the MRTA bill. We knew NY had been keeping things under wraps and we wanted to make sure we were around and ready when they announced their plans. Being a women-led, minority-owned, cannabis-supporting brand has offered its challenges from day one but we are fortunate to be helmed by the best of the best.
Our founder Desiree knew that to make this dream work she had some hoops to jump through; one of those being navigating the often complicated system of becoming a US citizen. On March 2nd Desiree joined the ranks of many before her and gained her citizenship. This was a major milestone not just for Desiree as an individual but for UNI as a brand. Although technically not an issue, she knew that having her citizenship was one less obstacle that an already systemically shadowy system could hold against us going forward. We decided to soft launch products so we could keep our eye on the prize of NCF and continued to R&D for months.
April is one of the busiest months on the cannabis calendar. Between holi-daze, spring sessions, and an overall sense of renewal it can mean never-ending events. Fortunately, we truly love what we do. April saw UNI at all new in-person events like Smoke & Laugh events that are growing in popularity across the country. Desirees’ journey through entrepreneurship and citizenship lit a fire within the UNI team. We became even more dedicated to developing useful canna-cessories that are functional and won't go out of style. Unlike some brands that focus on aesthetics, we want our products to last people through session after session and allow you to pull up with style.
Elevating this industry is our ultimate goal. Through quality education and facts, we hope to be a source for all things canna-community. As our social followings continue to grow the connections we've found within the industry have become invaluable. Across the country, more and more brands are coming together to take a piece of the bud and make a name within the industry. UNI plans to continue to provide high-quality products and real people behind the screens. We hope to continue our fight for social equity and expansion from within.
If you plan on going to the National Cannabis Festival come find us and say hi(gh)! We would love to see you and sesh with you. You can catch UNI bringing the good vibes to more in-person events through ‘22 and sharing more information and education through our blog.
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