What Is a Head Shop?
A head shop is a specialized shop for selling items related to cannabis consumption. These items include cannabis accessories, magazines, clothing, antiques, and décor. Head shops first appeared in the USA in the 1960s. No one knows for sure why the name "head shops" was chosen, but a lot of people relate it to the name used for people who smoke marijuana – pot heads.
Los Angeles, the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco, and Saint Mark's Place in New York, were the places where the first head shops were opened. Hippies usually used these retail outlets as public spaces for gathering and presenting their counterculture movement. These head shops gave more liberty to pot heads, too.
On January 3, 1966, during the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, Ron and Jay Thelin decided to open a head shop in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, known as the Psychedelic shop. The founders believed that people could better cope with the negative effects of the Vietnam War if they used psychedelics. Large groups of young people used this shop as a place for gathering, taking drugs, and discussing several different topics, such as religion and politics. Two months later, in March, the second head shop was opened in New York.
Countercultural values were highlighted in head shops. Underground comics and newspapers circulated in head shops during the 1960s. Head shops even managed to influence some political changes in this period of time. By donating and distributing written materials, they directly affected the reforms on drug laws in the USA. But the head shop in San Francisco was the reason for a crisis in the region. A great number of young people moved to Haight Ashbury, and violence, crime, homelessness, and usage of hard drugs significantly increased.
A lot of people around the USA were inspired by Thelins' head shop and decided to found similar head shops. Unlike the Thelis' head shop, these newly opened head shops were not focused on politics and changes but profit. In 1973, communities were authorized by the Supreme Court to ban drugs in their regions. A lot of states used this authorization to ban head shops. Nevertheless, a great number of head shops (approximately 30,000) were established a few years later.
This increased number of head shops at the end of the 1970s was a result of the appearance of the High Times magazine, which encouraged the use of marijuana by associating it with popular musicians and artists. A quarter of a million copies were printed by the fifth issue of High Times magazine. Weed users at that time mostly communicated via this magazine.
Parents and governments became worried about the increased popularity of head shops. At the end of the 1970s, parent's groups organized anti-drug national campaigns and referred to head shops as illegal businesses. The campaign of President Ronald Reagan, known as the War on Drugs, was the reason why numerous outlets had to be closed.
Nowadays, with the legalization of marijuana in numerous states, head shops are reappearing. The business is booming thanks to the increased popularity of marijuana. Electronic cigarettes and e-liquids are sold in most head shops since the beginning of the millennium. Many head shops must have signs saying that their products should not be used with illegal substances because they have to comply with the strict laws.
Cannabis Culture
Cannabis has become a legal substance in many countries for either medical or recreational use. Nowadays, cannabis (or weed, or pot) can be found in various places, including weddings, cocktail parties, work retreats, and vacations.
However, there are certain rules that apply to using cannabis or weed. You should be aware of this if you intend to consume or smoke cannabis. Cannabis culture is about the right way of using marijuana and getting high.
What Is Cannabis Culture?
Cannabis culture, also known as marijuana or weed culture, is a set of beliefs, practices, and ideas shared between cannabis lovers and users. Even though the cannabis culture is not as strong and well defined as other cultures, it still exists.
Cannabis lovers are an integral part of the cannabis culture. They usually discuss different things related to cannabis, such as the positive effects of cannabinoids on human health or inventive methods of consuming cannabis, including oils and shatters.
Here are some basic rules about where and how to smoke weed:
Rules of Cannabis Culture
1. Always Share
Sharing cannabis is the number one rule in the marijuana community, as Lizzie Post emphasizes in her guide to the world of cannabis, Higher Etiquette. For example, if you are invited to join your friends' cannabis smoking group, then it is expected to bring some of your weed.
Weed is not inexpensive, so sharing it with a lot of people costs much. That is why bringing some of your own weed is fair. Your friends will definitely appreciate this gesture, and they will be willing to share their weed with you in the future, even in instances when you do not have enough money to buy some. The rule of sharing is very important, especially if it was you who insisted on joining the group and smoking.
2. Do Not Show Off Your Joint Rolling Abilities
There is hardly any cannabis enthusiast who does not want to demonstrate their extraordinary joint-rolling abilities. However, this does not have to be done regularly because it is simply wasting too much money and time for selecting the best joint roller in the group.
If you cannot roll a perfect joint, then there is no point in trying. You will waste a lot of weed and paper, and end up with a poorly rolled joint. Ask someone who is skilled enough to show you. A fellow pot lover will be definitely more than glad to teach you how to roll a joint like a pro. Once you master the technique, feel free to help others in the group.
3. Do Not Put Pressure on Others to Smoke
Peer pressure, i.e., influence from members of a certain group, is a negative occurrence, but it is a fact that it happens a lot. For instance, if you notice that a group member does not like to smoke, do not force them to. Everyone tolerates marijuana differently, so maybe that person has already smoked enough.
Even if you notice that several group members avoid smoking the joint, do not put pressure on them to smoke. That is their choice, and you should not interfere. Let them make their own decisions, and you make your own.
4. Do Not Use All of It
"Puff, puff, pass" is another important rule you need to remember and follow when smoking weed with others. This rule means that you are supposed to take two draws and then pass the joint to the person next to you. Do not waste weed or let other people wait too long by taking too many hits. Everyone has the right to an equal share of the weed.
5. Always Ask for Help When You Need It
It can be quite challenging to roll your first joint. Some people need more time and effort to master this skill of properly rolling their joints. The best part about belonging to a cannabis group is that there will always be a friend willing to help.
If you feel worried and confused about rolling your joint, always ask for help. Instead of unsuccessfully trying several times, and wasting weed and papers, ask some of your friends to help you, and the problem will be solved in no time.
When asking others to help you, try to learn as much as possible by attentively watching what they are doing. This is the best way of learning and mastering the technique of rolling a joint. You should not feel embarrassed if you need more time to master the joint rolling technique. Even if every single member of the group is already a "pro," do not worry. Just ask them to help you, and you will soon get a grasp of it.
6. Never Smoke When Sick
The first rule of cannabis etiquette is sharing joints, but this rule has exceptions. One exception is germs. Do not take the joint if you cough or sniff. Just pass it on to the person next to you. If you want to share the joint with them, it is best first to let them know what the issue is and see whether they will agree or not.
Some people will not mind if the joint or bowl is already done. However, there are some that might find that inappropriate, and you will have to wait. Also, you can bring your own weed, papers, or other supplies, just to be on the safe side.
Prevent spreading germs by blowing the smoke away from your friends' faces.
420 and 710 – Two International Days for Cannabis-Related Celebrations
One of the international days for cannabis-oriented celebrations in the cannabis culture is April 20. People gather on this day to consume cannabis and to celebrate. Many of these cannabis-oriented celebrations and events have a political basis since they promote the legalization of marijuana. According to Vivian McPeak, the founder of the greatest cannabis event on a global level, Seattle's Hempfest, April 20 (420, or 4/20) is a day for both celebrating and calling for action. Paul Birch referred to this celebration as a global movement and emphasized that this type of event cannot be stopped.
On April 20, cannabis users gather at public places and smoke marijuana at 4:20 pm.
Like the popularity of marijuana is gradually increasing with its legalization, the popularity of these two cannabis-related holidays, 420 and 710, is increasing.
The Weed Day 420
Besides people belonging to the cannabis culture, you can see pop culture members wearing t-shirts with the number 420 printed on them nowadays. April 20 is known as "Weed Day" because the date indicates the numerical code for marijuana.
What Is 420?
420, 4/20, or April 20 in the cannabis culture indicates a day dedicated for using hashish and marijuana. On this day, people smoke marijuana around 4:20 pm. Every year on this date, cannabis is being celebrated on an international level.
Where Did 420 Come From?
A lot of people are wondering why the number 420 has been chosen for celebrating marijuana consumption. Below you can read something more about certain rumors and myths related to this day.
The Penal Code of California
Some people believe that the number 420 derives from the Penal Code of California. According to this code, the consumption and sale of marijuana are punishable acts. Section 420 of this code is actually about Obstruction of Entry on a Public Land.
The Police Radio Code
There is a theory that the number 420 is related to a police radio code, but neither the New York City Police Department nor the Los Angeles Police Department uses a code 420. The San Francisco Police Department has a code 420 for "juvenile disturbance," which means that this theory is probably not true.
Bob Dylan's Song
Another theory is related to the song "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" by Bob Dylan. "Everybody must get stoned" is part of this song's lyrics, and if you multiply 12 and 35, the result is 420. This is also a questionable theory, while the following one seems most likely.
The Legend of the Waldos
According to Chris Conrad, the curator of the Oaksterdam Cannabis and Hemp Museum located in the heart of Oakland, California, the number 420 was actually a secret code used by a group of friends who named themselves "the Waldos." Dave Reddix, Mark Gravich, Steve Capper, and Larry Schwartz were "the Waldos," and all of them studied at San Rafael High School at the beginning of the 1970s.
The Waldos usually met around 4:20 pm to smoke marijuana. Their code started spreading across California and the USA very fast, probably by followers of the band Grateful Dead. Also, the number of the Senate bill of California which established the state's program about using marijuana for medical purposes was 420.
The legend of the Waldos became well-known thanks to the editor of High Times magazine, Steven Hager. In May 1991, the story about smoking at 4:20 pm and about celebrating weed day on April 20 was mentioned for the first time in the High Times magazine. Seven years later, in December 1998, they published the connection of this number to the Waldos. Hager said that the Grateful Dead followers popularized this phrase. Dave Reddix, one member of the Waldos, became a roadie for Phil Lesh, the bassist of the band. He wanted 4:20 pm to be the widely accepted time for smoking weed and getting high.
Celebrating 420
April 20 has been celebrated as a national holiday for cannabis. This day inspired people to promote the legalization of marijuana and the normalization of its consumption, celebrate the cannabis culture, and discuss everything related to hemp and cannabis. Previously, this day was seen as a protest organized by the counterculture, but it slowly turned into a day used to raise awareness about cannabis and its legalization. New members of the cannabis culture, who prefer using CBD instead of THC because they want to avoid the intoxicating effects of THC, celebrate 420, too. CBD has become very popular since the 2018 US Farm Bill passed (this bill legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp and hemp-derived CBD). Also, in 2019, the WHO stated the safety of CBD.
The story of 4/20 is becoming as popular as the legalization of marijuana. Outlets and media are emphasizing this holiday, and a lot of concerts and events related to marijuana use are being organized as its legalization spreads around the world.
One of the most popular and attractive 420 events in the cannabis industry is the Cannabis Cup in Denver.
Thousands of people celebrate cannabis by gathering on Hippie Hill, located on the eastern end of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. At this place, you can hear weed-inspired music and see cannabis-inspired art, glasswork, and various products. Recently, the legal consumption of marijuana is part of this event. The 420 is unofficially celebrated in Canada as well at various locations, including Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton, Alberta, the Mount Royal monument in Montreal, and Sunset Beach and the Vancouver Contemporary Art Gallery in Vancouver.
The Weed Day 710
710 is a newer holiday for people who enjoy consuming cannabis concentrates and extracts.
What Is 710?
710 is another cannabis-related term, similar to 420, and it refers to a weed holiday. On this day, July 10 (7/10), cannabis concentrates and dabs are celebrated. If you turn the number 710 upside down and you read it backward, it spells OIL. Potent cannabis concentrates, such as wax, shatter, honey oil, and hash oil, are called "oil." If 420 is the perfect time for smoking a joint, 710 is the ideal time for dabbing.
Celebrating 710
Cannabis lovers celebrate 710 every day by dabbing at 7:10 pm. But greater celebrations often occur on July 10 or 7/10.
Many cannabis enthusiasts celebrate 710 by gathering and dabbing at various events in states where marijuana is already legal, such as the 710 Celebration at Kush Masters, Colorado, the 710 Camp Sesh in Oregon, and the 710 Degree Cup in Phoenix, Arizona.
Like there are numerous events organized for 420, there are some attractive competitions organized for 710 where the best extractions and hash are rewarded. One of those popular competitions is the 710 Degree Cup which happens once a year. This competition was first held on July 10, 2016, and the tradition still continues. The main mission of this celebration of the 710 holiday is patient appreciation.
Different Collections Offered at Vape4ever
If you want to find the perfect gift for your favorite stoner, then check out the different and awesome collections offered at Vape4ever. We offer all kinds of smoking accessories, such as bongs, bubblers, dry herb vaporizers, nectar collectors, concentrate vaporizers, pipes, rolling trays, and various accessories needed for an ultimate smoking experience.
Bongs
Bongs are convenient tools for smoking. You can use the bong to smoke when you are alone when smoking with someone special, or joining a group of cannabis lovers. You can easily customize your smoking experience with bongs, and they are a healthier option for consuming dry herbs. At Vape4ever, we offer a broad selection of various kinds of high-quality bongs in different sizes and styles. Bongs are not just simple tools for smoking. They are pieces of art that represent your individuality and tools that promise an outstanding smoking experience. Check out the fine selection of water pipes and bongs at Vape4ever, which includes the most popular bongs, novelty bongs, and holiday-themed bongs, and get yours now.
Whether you are an experienced user of dry herbs or just a beginner, getting a high-quality bong or water pipe is crucial for enjoying a superb smoking experience.
Nectar Collectors
If you are a concentrate lover, then you will need a nectar collector, also known as a dab straw. The nectar collector has a distinct vertical design, and it is a very portable device. Once its quartz or titanium tip is heated and the cannabis concentrate is vaporized, you just inhale from the mouthpiece and enjoy. The products you can enjoy with a nectar collector are wax, oil, hash, and shatter.
At Vape4ever, you can easily find the ideal nectar collector for you because we offer all kinds of nectar collectors in different sizes, shapes, and styles. Our wide collection includes nectar collectors with or without percolation and nectar collectors made of different materials, such as glass or silicone.
Bubblers
You do not need huge water pipes to enjoy your herbs and oil. All you need is a bubbler! Glass bubblers are the best pieces for enjoying a smooth and superb smoking experience.
There are numerous kinds of bubblers available on the market in different shapes, styles, and sizes. If you are looking for a discreet and compact bubbler of a high-quality, check the fine selection of bubblers at Vape4ever. You can find a bubbler so small that you can take it with you wherever you go and enjoy your herbs whenever you want. Bubblers are the most popular tools in the USA because they are very convenient and affordable. You can find a durable bubbler of high-quality for no more than $100.
Rolling Trays
If you would rather roll than use a bong or vape, then you should get yourself a rolling tray. This is a necessary accessory that will provide you with enough space for rolling, and it will enable you to keep your herbs, tobacco, and rolling tools neatly organized in one place. Store all of your smoking tools and accessories in your rolling tray for greater convenience and safety. There will be no more rolling paper or dry herbs on the floor. You will save your money, and everything will be cleaner.
You can find rolling trays with different features, like holders for grinders, lighters, and bowls. Imagine rolling a joint and finding out that your lighter is not there. Frustrating, isn't it?
Check out our wide range of rolling trays and pick the most suitable ones for your needs and preferences.
Pipes
Smoking pipes have become very popular recently. They are available in all 50 states because people simply adore them.
All high-quality glass pipes are straightforward to clean. All you need to do is turn them upside down, and everything that was left from your smoking session will fall off. There will be no residue left, and your pipe will be ready for your next session.
There are pipes in several different sizes because people can use different materials with their pipes. Glass pipes for dry herbs and glass pipes for tobacco are two different types of pipes. However, they are both handy and portable so that you can enjoy your favorite material on the go. You will not need any additional parts or accessories. Just light it and enjoy!
Choose the pipe that best suits you, and start enjoying outstanding smoking sessions.
Dry Herb Vaporizers
If you are looking for an innovative and healthier piece for consuming dry herbs, try a dry herb vaporizer. Dry herb vaporizers do not use flames to heat the herb, and that is why there is no any smoke. The herbs are heated in the heating chamber by hot air, and they slowly turn into vapor. There are two types of vapes on the market: convection and combustion. Choose a convection vape if you are looking for an innovative and healthier way of consuming dry herbs without any smoke. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy smoking with a handy and electronic vaporizer, get yourself a combustion vape.
Vape4ever has a wide range of dry herb vaporizers, so you can easily find one that corresponds to your preferences, needs, and budget. Choose between convenient combustion vapes or healthier convection vapes. Here you can find all kinds of dry herb vaporizers, including ones with super-fast heating and LED screens, as well as various replacement parts for the devices.
Concentrate Vaporizers
Concentrate vaporizers are efficient devices for using essential oils. Compared to common pipes, the experience provided by the concentrate vapes is smoother and purer thanks to the process of vaporization. These devices are easy to use, convenient, and highly portable. These are several different types of concentrate vaporizers, from simple pen-style vapes to ones that have water and glass attachments. With glass attachments, the oils are filtered by water, and the vapor is cooled down.
There is no waste when concentrates are vaporized via an atomizer. Other methods of consuming concentrates are not efficient, and there is a lot of waste, too. The vaporizer will provide you the purest and smoothest experience that you will enjoy.
The Best Online Smoke Shop for You
At Vape4ever, an online smoke shop with a wide selection of vaping products, we are completely devoted to providing you with the latest and highest-quality bongs, vaporizers, bubblers, rolling trays, and smoking pipes. Each year we sell thousands of products, such as superb dab rigs, bongs, smoking pipes, and bubblers.
We want our customers to be satisfied with the products they have chosen, and that is why our team puts a lot of effort into providing you with the best value for your money, discreet packaging, free shipping, and professional customer support. Our goal is to offer you the best products on the market for a reasonable price, and that is why we are constantly updating the fine selection of products in our online head shop.
