Guess what? Summer has arrived – finally! Everyone here at Greeley Gallery is excited about all the things associated with summer. Safely gathering with friends, barbecuing, hiking, and warm summer nights. Then we realized weed amplifies all of these experiences!
There are so many incredible benefits of cannabis, regardless of the time of year. However, cannabis and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly in our minds. So we thought we’d share 5 of our favorite ways to celebrate summer with cannabis.
Make Cannabis Infused Iced Drinks
With summer comes warmer temperatures, blue skies, and a plethora of delicious iced beverages, from ice teas and lemonades to beer and sangria. But have you tried an iced cannabis-infused seltzer or made your own THC or CBD cocktail? We provide both options at our North Portland marijuana dispensary, Greeley Gallery, and we can’t recommend our selection enough.
Alcohol isn’t for everyone, but there’s no reason to miss out on the fun. Plus, there’s no hangover. Whether you’re looking to have fun with your friends or spending a relaxing day in the sun, cannabis-infused beverages are one of our favorite ways to enjoy the summer.
Smoke Before or During an Outdoor Activity
One of our favorite things about summer at Greeley Gallery is the longer days and warmer nights that come with it. The outdoors beckon us to hike, visit the coast, and check out a free movie or concert at a park. So why not consume an editable or smoke a little cannabis flower beforehand? Cannabis can boost your experience during any event you choose, making you feel relaxed and more in tune with nature – with proper dosages, of course.
Consuming too much cannabis may result in an increased adverse reaction, such as feeling overwhelmed or paranoid while in public. This is why we always recommend starting low and slowing building from there. Still, attending a concert in the park during a warm, clear summer night after smoking a sweet hybrid cannabis strain like Mangolicious is hard to beat.
Ease Your Muscles
Speaking out outdoor activities, one of the best things about living in the Pacific Northwest is how many options we have. After all, Portland has 5,200 acres of forest just minutes from downtown. And being hugged by the Columbia and Willamette Rivers allows for plenty of water activities to enjoy. Not to mention any chores or housework we finally get around to tackling.
While fun, all of these activities can lead to sore, aching muscles. Luckily for you, Greeley Gallery offers a variety of cannabis infused salves, balms, and bath salts to ease your muscles. Our Bud Rub Stick is great when you’re on the go, but if you’re super active, you may enjoy Medicine Farm Botanical’s Dragon Blend which is fantastic for tired feet, nerve pain, arthritis, muscle tension, bruising and joint pain.
Cool Off
When it’s colder during the Fall and Winter months, it’s easy to simply add another layer to boost your warmth. But when it’s hot, cooling off isn’t always as easy. There are many old buildings and houses in Portland, and many of them don’t have central air conditioning. If you belong to this crowd, staying cool during summer, especially with increasing heat waves, can be challenging.
Thankfully, there’s some good news. Some scientific evidence indicates that consuming cannabis may actually help you cool off. It turns out that cannabinoids activate our body’s cooling response, lowering our body temperature. However, it should be noted that this option won’t prevent you from overheating and should only be used in addition to other cooling methods.
Go Star Gazing
Laying on a blanket and observing the stars on a clear night while stoned is one of the most relaxing experiences imaginable. It’s even better if it’s done far away from light pollution and with friends or loved ones. Why not take a short road trip to visit Oregon’s first and recently opened dark-sky park in Prineville?
Located in one of the darkest areas of the State, you can gaze at the cosmos to your heart’s content. The park is located about fifteen and a half hours away but is well worth the drive. While the skies are phenomenal, a hybrid strain only adds to the experience by relaxing your body and engaging your creativity. How many constellations can you spot?
Final Thoughts
Is it just us, or did Portland’s winter and spring feel eternal this year? Yes, the rain has nourished the land and protected us from wildfires, but we must admit, it’s nice to see the sun again. There’s something about summer that inspires nostalgia for youth. We crave connections with others, feel drawn to nature, and redefine ourselves. Cannabis only adds to these experiences by opening our minds to creativity or helping us take at the moment.
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any questions or help you choose the perfect cannabis option for any summer activity you plan. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us!
Katrina Paulson
