Holidays on high

This year may go down as the year the federal government once again declared war on medical marijuana, but the medical-marijuana movement remains undeterred. In fact, medical cannabis seems to be on an inexorable course toward wider adoption, as the science and technology around the plant grows up. Here are some examples from the 2011 holiday gift season.

Get schooled on pot

Medical Marijuana 101 by Dale Gieringer, $8.61

Proponents of the the Regulate Marijuana Like Wine voter initiative are out in California collecting signatures to get on the 2012 ballot. According to field reports, petition-signers are saying “just legalize it already” and asking for talking points. Which brings up a good one: smart people can barely make sense of the laws around medical marijuana in California, much less the dizzying fast-moving industry. So, Dale Gieringer, head of the California chapter of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, penned this 88-page guide to the drug’s safe and legal use. It’s sort of a CliffsNotes on therapeutic cannabis; buy Gieringer’s book to upgrade the gray matter of a loved one.

Thousand-dollar bong

Porsche Shisha, $2,000

In America, when people call Kim Kardashian dumb, her fans counter, “Then why does she have all that money?” Take the unassailable intellectual high ground in any discussion with Porsche’s $2,000 water bong—excuse me, “stainless steel hookah.” It’s part of Porsche Design’s World Collection of tech-inspired luxury products, which also includes pipes.

The magic cigarette

Gentleman’s THC Stick, $99

THC “pens” and “cartridges” have rapidly proliferated this year. They’re just like electronic cigarettes, in that they’re shaped like a Bic pen and are designed to be puffed on one end. The inhaling action triggers a battery-powered vaporization unit, which in the case of e-cigarettes vaporizes a nicotine solution. It was just a matter of time before the idea was transported to medical cannabis, and it’s kind of a good idea. The Ambassador Kit runs $99 and comes with a strong- and a light-hitting THC Stick, two USB chargers, and wall unit. Cartridges last for dozens of hits and come in about six strains, including a CBD-rich type. Refill cartridges cost $39.

Storage wars resolved

Write and Erase Large Glass Jar, $25.95

So you got a $2,000 Porsche bong, and you’re still using plastic baggies, aren’t you? Long-term storage requires glass, as cannabis is a bit acidic and can degrade plastic. Manufactured in North America, the 420 Science Large Glass Jar with pop-top is an airtight, clear plastic jar that holds up to a ½ ounce and has a gasket ring that’ll create a “pop” when you open it. Best of all, 420 Science’s innumerable, hand-applied designs include a “write and erase” style, perfect for the ever-changing parade of strains.

Eye of the stoner

Portable 100X LED Scope, $26.95

There’s no FDA or USDA for ganja, so take inspection into your own hands with, this powerful handheld microscope. Also from 420 Science, it uses strong LED light and a powerful lens to magnify objects 60 to 100 times and works much like a jeweler’s loupe—affix your eye to the business end and check out product for bugs, mold, mildew and potency, or just gawk at the alien world of high-quality cannabis up close.

Better than a cheese grater

Vsyndicate Grinder Card, $11.99

Sacramento cannabis aficionados use grinders. And those who’ve misplaced their grinder use grinder cards. Possibly the perfect convention-booth freebie, it’s a metal business card with a bunch of holes punched into it. In the case of the popular Vsyndicate grinder cards, the holes are in the shape of a “V.” Use it like a cheese grater or a kitchen mandolin to slice, zest and strain. But they’re easy to use and won’t chop a finger off. Which is nice.

Odor free!

Doob Tube, five for $5.99

People are still blown away by these things. Doob Tubes are small, thin plastic tubes with a smush-down top that Sacramento dispensaries use to hold pre-rolled cone joints. They’re airtight, odorproof and waterproof, which makes them perfect for a long holiday night out, because no one wants to nib on a ratty, crunched up joint. Frequently asked questions on the website include: “If I have a half-burned fatty, will anybody smell it?” The answer: No. Capping a lit fatty in a Doob Tube extinguishes it and the smell. Handy!