50 Years. That’s how long I lived before discovering the wonders of weed.
Grown Up Ganja is the story of how I went from CannaNever to CannaWhenever! I am a late bloomer to the wonderful world of weed so I’m making up for lost time. As a former Type A corporate executive with a need to know-it-all, I am finally learning to let go and enjoy the journey of discovery. All the while wondering, What Took Me So Long?
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Grown Up Ganja is a trusted source for cannabis consumers and cannabis marketers alike. Studies show that the fastest growing demographic for cannabis use is adults over 55. Whether you are an old lady like me or just someone looking to learn more about cannabis, welcome! I’m glad you are here.
Growing older doesn’t always mean growing up.
It took me half a century to stop taking life so seriously. As life happened, I learned to let go out the outcomes and focus on the journey.
Whoever you are and whatever your reasons, I hope there comes a time in your life when you decide to live YOUR life on YOUR own terms. Maybe you live in a state where marijuana has recently become legal. Maybe you are living with a medical condition and hope that marijuana will help. Maybe you are an old time stoner who is ready to learn about the new fangled ways to consume cannabis.
Maybe you are a company looking to speak to consumers like me. That would be smart considering that people like me are the fastest growing demographic for new cannabis consumers. What makes us unique is that life experience teaches us to value what matters to us more than what the crowd says. We have the freedom to make our own choices. The financial resources to explore our passions and interests. And the wisdom to not give a damn what anyone else thinks of our choices.
Grown Up Ganja is a Different Demographic
Discerning Taste.
Life is a series of trials and errors. But there is a difference between starting over and starting new. At a certain age, I learned that having gobs of stuff was not as important as making memories. Now I view the world through a different lens and value experiences more than possessions. By letting go of the need for stuff, I have learned to treasure what I have.
Money to Spend.
We spend the first half of our lives struggling to get by. But if we do it right, we spend the second half of our lives enjoying the fruits of our labors. With no kids, a paid for house, retirement savings on track and a successful business, I have both the time and money to enjoy life. Disposable income comes from living life within my means and loving it.
Lack of Fucks to Give.
There comes a time when our circle of accountability shrinks. I am still a people pleaser but the pool of people I choose to please got much smaller with age. I don’t control anything other than how I react to what happens. True freedom comes from letting go of what you can’t control. I believe that cannabis can change lives whether anyone else approves.
The Marijuana Market
Marijuana is big business…I mean really big business. In 2021, weed sales surpassed $25 BILLION and as of now, 44% of Americans have access to legal recreational marijuana in their home state. Those numbers are sure to rise considering that 91% of adults surveyed agree that marijuana should be legal.
It can be a big leap from thinking marijuana should be legal to actually incorporating marijuana into your daily lifestyle. Education and experience are the keys to breaking down stigmas and stereotypes. Most of the people in the cannabis business (or any business for that matter) don’t know how to talk to someone who is new to the world of weed.
Every business has its own vernacular, slang and acronyms. I have spent my career teaching professionals in different fields how to talk TO people instead of talking OVER them or talking DOWN to them. When I first started visiting dispensaries, the staff would ask “So what do you want?” I introduced myself as a brand newbie but they still spoke a language I didn’t understand. Exploring something new is intimidating enough without being buried in unnecessary information and condescension.
I have reached the age where I no longer need to Know It All. But I do want to have an understanding of this amazing plant so that I can share my passion from a place of confidence.
Grown Up Ganja is for people who want to speak Conversational Cannabis…not for those who who want to impress others with Marijuana Minutiae.
Cannabis Consumption without Combustion
“The research is clear that vaporization is a safer way to inhale cannabis than combustion. Vaporization produces the purest stream of cannabinoids and terpenes and contains less than 1/1000th the hazardous substances associated with combustion. This means it’s easier on the lungs for the consumer and also safer for those around them.”
— Dr. Echo Rufer, PhD, DABT
From Edibles to Extractions to Vaporizing – my favorite ways to consume cannabis don’t include smoke at all.
It turns out that the biggest objection I had to marijuana was that I hate smoke. No I really, really hate smoke because it makes me sick. I am highly sensitive to smoke of any kind. So when I discovered the difference between combustion and vaporization, my world suddenly changed.
Combustion basically means catching something on fire. Burning cannabis in a joint or a glass bong is what most people think of when they think of “Smoking Pot”. Combustion is what brings that acrid, pungent smell so familiarly associated with weed. Combustion is what burns my eyes, burns my lungs,
Vaporization on the other hand involves a more complex and nuanced process. Using a lower temperature, the cannabis is heated but doesn’t actually catch on fire. The result is a smoother, better tasting, and less harsh experience. Vaporizing is ideal for new cannabis consumers but even seasoned stoners are discovering the benefits.
The World’s Longest Honeymoon is Officially Over
Our journey started with a 10,000 mile road trip and has ended with a clear definition of the type of life that we want to live. Well, the honeymoon may be over the journey is far from it follow along as we learned more about living the dream GrownUpGanja style.
Getting to Ganja: Unlearning Misconceptions
Like the evolution of word ganja, my journey with cannabis is an exercise in reclaiming what has been skewed by misconceptions and preconceived notions.
And so, I decided to share my journey, including my experiences with cannabis, in hopes of inspiring others to also question their preconceived notions and explore new perspectives.
Flower Power
What most people think of when they hear the word marijuana is the buds that form on a mature cannabis plant. This part of the plant is commonly known as “Flower”. It is the most popular form of cannabis because it is the most versatile. It can be consumed in a variety of ways, including…
Vaporizing Methods
Vaporizers give all the benefits of cannabis without the irritation, smell and nastiness of combustion. From cartridge pens to dab rigs to desktop vaporizers, there is a constantly evolving supply of tools to vaporize. Vaporizers can range in price from under $30 to over $3,000 so which one is right for you?
Keys to Living La Vida Ganja in a Small Space
Our 700 square foot house on the Mississippi River isn’t technically “tiny” but it is small!
- Small Space = Big Life
Our house is paid for and low maintenance which allows us to spend our money and time as we wish. - Decluttered vs. Discriminating
A place for everything & everything in its place means we must be discriminating about what stays. - Efficient Space Design
We designed the house around our lifestyle and created storage for the things that matter to us. - Low Maintenance for our Gypsy Lifestyle
We travel about 50% of the time so we have had to automate our home with systems that free us to pursue the life we love.
Why is marijuana against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit…unnatural?”
Bill Hicks
Living Large in a Little House
The World’s Longest Honeymoon is Officially Over
Our journey started with a 10,000 mile road trip and has ended with a clear definition of the type of life that we want to live. Well, the honeymoon may be over the journey is far from it follow along as we learned more about living the dream GrownUpGanja style.
Continue Reading The World’s Longest Honeymoon is Officially Over
Getting to Ganja: Unlearning Misconceptions
Like the evolution of word ganja, my journey with cannabis is an exercise in reclaiming what has been skewed by misconceptions and preconceived notions.
And so, I decided to share my journey, including my experiences with cannabis, in hopes of inspiring others to also question their preconceived notions and explore new perspectives.
Continue Reading Getting to Ganja: Unlearning Misconceptions
Product Reviews and Photography
We are known all over the country for our high quality professional photography and product reviews. Since we only have so much room in our small house, we review items carefully to see if they make the cut. The best items make it on our Favorite Things list.
Cannabis Kitchen
Whether you grow your own or purchase your cannabis, it’s easy to incorporate cannabis into your cooking. Come into my cannabis kitchen where I will show you easy ways to incorporate marijuana into your cooking. Cannabis can be used to make the most simple treat to a gourmet meal. How you use it and how much you use is totally up to you!
Professional Product Photography and Reviews
Do you have a product that you think should be on the list of our Favorite Things? Do you have a product or creation that you want to share with the world? We are a multi-million dollar company with over 25 years experience in commercial photography.
Our Location
PO Box 1108
Quincy, IL 62306
Email: GrownUpGanja@gmail.com
Phone: 404.863.9769
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