Where is that CBD?

I am looking for a dispensary somewhere in Sacramento or close by that might have marijuana that is high CBD and very low THC. I know you can find it in Colorado, however, I am hoping it is possible to find it locally.

—Nanette

Pretty much everyone carries a good high-CBD strain these days.

Cannabidiol—or CBD for short—is a chemical found in cannabis that has shown promise as a treatment for many different ailments. CBD isn’t psychoactive like THC—or tetrahydrocannabinol for long—is. In fact, CBD almost went extinct, because growers were aiming for higher and higher THC levels in their plants, and no one realized how good CBD is as a medicine. But once the scientists realized that CBD is a good thing, the growers figured out a way to get their CBD percentages up to medicinal levels. Some strains that are known for having high CBD content are Harlequin, Cannatonic and Charlotte’s Web. Just call the clubs in your area and ask them if they have any high-CBD strains. I am sure they will be able to help you.

Washington has legal weed now. Thoughts?

—Pat Norwest

Recreational cannabis stores just opened in Washington state. In Seattle, the city attorney, Pete Holmes, even paid a visit to one store and bought 2 grams. Good for him. That’s awesome! I would love to smoke a bowl with an elected official and really talk about some things, you know?

Washington does have a few problems, though: There are not enough shops, and the prices are a little high. The going rate right now is 20 bucks per gram after taxes. That’s not outrageous; it’s about $70 an eighth, which is comparable to what someone in a California medical-cannabis dispensary would pay for an eighth of top-shelf cannabis.

But it is much more expensive than Washington’s medical clubs, which charge about $10 per gram, or the “black market,” which is also about 10-12 bucks a gram, or $40-$45 an eighth. So while the tourists and people that aren’t everyday pot smokers will definitely go to the pot store, more than a few folks will continue to call their friendly neighborhood weed man (I use “weed man” as a generic term. No gender bias is intended. Womyn also sell weed). Also, the growers are really behind in production, and the supply of “legal” marijuana is limited right now. This will most likely change as more growers are given permits and more pot shops open. Most likely, prices will come down as production ramps up.

This should serve as a learning moment for us here in California. Legalization is coming. I expect 2016 to be the year we finally get it together. But we are going to need regulations that ensure an abundant supply and good prices. Like I’ve said before: Weed doesn’t need the money. California needs the money. So let’s hope that whoever is behind the 2016 legalization effort (Drug Policy Alliance, I’m looking at you) takes these factors into account when writing their initiative. In the meantime, I am headed up to Washington for the Seattle Hempfest this August, and I will buy the expensive pot to show my support.