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Cannabis Education

CBD for Pets: Benefits and Top Products at NatureMed

CBD for Pets: Benefits and Top Products at NatureMed

CBD for pets is soaring in popularity, especially for easing anxiety, joint pain, and seasonal stress in both cats and dogs. Here’s a trusted guide to help pet owners decide if CBD is right for their furry companions, backed by research and helpful resources!

CBD Benefits for Cats and Dogs

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural hemp compound offering comfort for pets dealing with stress, arthritis, or situational anxiety such as fireworks or travel. In studies, over 80% of dogs with osteoarthritis experienced less pain using CBD, and many pet owners report calmer behavior during thunderstorms and new experiences.

How Does CBD Work for Pets?

Just like humans, cats and dogs have endocannabinoid systems that respond to CBD to support joint comfort, healthy inflammation, and emotional wellbeing. CBD doesn’t cause a “high” and is safe when dosed for pets using dedicated products.

CBD is available as oils, chews, treats, and topicals, making it easy to match your pet’s needs and preferences. Common benefits: regular stress reduction, easing arthritis, skin support, and promoting restful sleep.

NatureMed’s CBD products for pets

These are popular, third-party tested, and made for safe use:

  • Vlasic Labs Dog Chews: Gentle for daily anxiety, joint discomfort, and travel.
  • VetCBD Dog Chews: Veterinary formulated for stress relief and relaxation, triple-lab tested.
  • Vlasic Labs CBD  Pet Peanut Butter: 500mg CBD per jar, organic, broad-spectrum, and delicious for mixing with meals or as a reward.
  • Good Good CBD Dog Treats: Tail-wagging relief for larger dogs or pups who love their snacks.

Each product includes batch lab tests, and clear dosing guidance. Always begin with the lowest dose for your pet’s weight and consult your vet when starting a new supplement.

Choosing and Dosing CBD Safely

  1. Select products with independent Certificates of Analysis and always use pet-focused formulas.
  2. Cats and small dogs need much lower doses, so start with a small treat or half-serving.
  3. Never use THC-rich cannabis products

What Cannabis Consumer Pet Parents Need to Know

Missouri’s CBD pet market is thriving, with more cat and dog owners lounging into safe treat routines. Brands like Vlasic Labs and VetCBD offer trusted formulas for pain, stress, and mobility; Good Good treats are great for larger dogs. CBD peanut butter is a fun way to administer doses for picky eaters!

Resources for Further Reading

  • LolahempCBD trends, research, safety, and buying tips for pets
  • Pet ReleafFAQ and health benefits of pet-friendly CBD products
  • VetCBDSoft chew science, dosing, and vet formulations

For more insight or to buy these products, stop by NatureMed to check out our daily deals or browse our online menu. Always reach out with questions, and consult your vet about starting CBD with your pet!

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Cannabis in the Community

From Roots to Recognition: The Journey of NatureMed to Kansas City’s Best Dispensary and Budtender Nominee

From Roots to Recognition: The Jorurney of NatureMEd to Kansas City's Best Dispensary and Budtender Nominee

It’s official, Kansas City! NatureMed has made it to the voting round for Best Dispensary and Best Budtender in The Pitch KC’s annual Best of KC awards! This nomination is an honor because it comes directly from our patients and community we serve every day.

Our History in Missouri

NatureMed’s roots started with a passion for providing safe and reliable cannabis to patients who needed it most. We began serving Missouri shortly after the state’s medical program opened. From the start, our focus has been on education, compassion, and high-quality products. 

As the Missouri cannabis community grew, so did we. What started as a small team with a big dream in Arizona has turned into a welcoming dispensary that continues to adapt to the needs of our patients. Whether you’re here for relief, relaxation, or exploration, we’ve worked hard to create an environment where everyone feels supported and informed.

"[I got started in the industry because] I wanted to help spread awareness of the benefits of cannabis and try to dispell the myths and stigmas attached to it.

A diverse team of six happy cannabis dispensary employees wearing green branded shirts and hoodies, posing together for a group photo inside the store.
Say hello to our fantastic team from the Vivion Road store, who were all smiles while filming for our new commercial. Be sure to look for us on KSHB 41!

Growing with Our Patients

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of building relationships with patients across Kansas City. We’ve seen firsthand how cannabis can change daily life. For example, it can bring relief, spark creativity, or simply make a long day easier.

That’s why being nominated for Best Dispensary feels so special. It reflects the trust and support of our community. On top of that, one of our budtenders, Jeremy, is in the running for Best Budtender of KC! This recognition highlights the heart of what makes NatureMed different. It’s the people who care for you every time you walk through our doors.

"[I like working in the cannabis industry because of] the patients, I truly love being able to help someone discover the benefits of cannabis and giving them an alternative to phrama for their depression, anxiety, pain, ect."

An exterior view of the NatureMed Dispensary storefront, a one-story brick building with a large sign and an empty parking lot on a sunny day.
The exterior of our Gladstone store! We're located at 207 NE 72nd St, Gladstone, MO 64118.

Cast Your Vote for NatureMed

Now it’s your turn to help us bring this recognition home. Voting is open until September 25, and it only takes a minute to show your support! You can vote for Best Dispensary here and Best Budtender here!

Your vote isn’t just about recognition. It’s about showing the Kansas City community what cannabis can be when it’s backed by care, quality, and compassion.

The staff of NatureMed Dispensary wearing gray branded hoodies, striking fun poses for a team photo inside the store.
Our Independence team is celebrating a big win: the entire store completed their employee surveys! They're rocking their new hoodies and you can find them at 15823 E US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050.

Thank you for supporting local

We’re so grateful to be part of Kansas City’s growing cannabis market. Every visit, every conversation, and every vote means the world to us. Whether you’ve come in for flower, edibles, concentrates, or just to browse, you’ve helped us grow and keep moving forward.

Explore Our Online Menu and Daily Deals

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our daily deals and shop our online menu. We update our offerings regularly so you can always find something new to enjoy.

Shop Our Online Menu

Check Out Our Daily Deals

Together, let’s show Kansas City why NatureMed deserves the title of Best Dispensary, and why our team includes the Best Budtender. Thank you for your support! We wouldn’t be here without you!

Categories
Cannabis Guides

And That’s Show Biz, Baby: The Unofficial Guide to Pairing Strains with Taylor Swift’s New Tracks

And That's Show Biz, Baby: The Unofficial Guide to Pairing Strains with Taylor Swift's New Tracks

Taylor Swift is about to drop The Life of a Showgirland we already know it’s going to have us twirling our feather boas and shedding a few glittery tears. Since the music isn’t here yet, we’re doing the next best thing! We’re pairing the vibes of her upcoming track list with cannabis strains you can find right here at NatureMed dispensaries. From glittery hybrids to sensual gummies, we’ve got the perfect match for every move. And don’t worry, once the album officially lands, we’ll update with even more curated cannabis pairings.

The Life of a Showgirl ft. Sabrina Carpenter = Glitter Bomb by Royal

This title track is destined to be the centerpiece of the album. Sparkly, bold, and impossible to ignore! That’s why we’re pairing it with Glitter Bomb by Royal. Bursting with fruity terpenes and an uplifting euphoric high, it’s a hybrid that shines as bright as the Vegas stage. Perfect for when you want to feel like the star of the show.

Three orange glittery vinyl records with a purple "Vlasic Labs" flower minis container placed vertically on top of the middle record. Text at the top of the image reads "WILBUR'S GELATO BY VLASIC LABS + ELDEST DAUGHTER".

Honey = Honeybee Live Rosin Gummies

Taylor naming a track Honey tells us it’s going to be slow, sweet, and a little sensual. Our pick? Honeybee Live Rosin Gummies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats deliver full-spectrum flavor and a cozy, body-soothing high. With relaxing terpenes that lead toward linalool and myrcene, they’re perfect for a night of intimacy or just indulging in some sweetness solo.

Actually Romantic = Blueberry Cupcake by Vertical

We’re betting this one is playful and cheeky, leaning into romance with a wink. Blueberry Cupcake by Vertical brings the perfect pairing with its decadent berry-and-cream flavor profile. Rich in myrcene and limonene, this flower delivery a smooth, relaxing high that sets the stage for candlelit conversations, cozy cuddles, and, well, actually being romantic.

Three orange glittery vinyl records with a yellow and orange "Timeless" brand vape cartridge placed vertically on top of the middle record. Text at the top of the image reads "STRAWBERRY COUGH BY TIMELESS + THE FATE OF OPHELIA"

The Fate of Ophelia = Strawberry Cough by Timeless

Shakespeare fans (and Swifties) already know this one: Ophelia’s story in Hamlet is tragic, poetic, and unforgettable. We’re expecting the track to feel like a haunting ballad, and Strawberry Cough by Timeless captures that vibe beautifully. With its sweet strawberry flavor and uplifting cerebral effects, this vape blends melancholy and light, helping you float through the drama with creativity and clarity. Pinene in its terpene mix adds a refreshing edge, like a breath of crisp night air on a misty stage.

Eldest Daughter = Wilbur’s Gelato by Vlasic Labs

If you know you know. Track 5’s are sacred. It’s where Taylor cuts the deepest. Eldest Daughter sounds like it’ll be raw, emotional, and gut-wrenching and is a ballad about carrying burdens no one else sees. Wilbur’s Gelato by Vlasic Labs is our match for that intensity. Its terpene profile balances myrcene’s grounding calm with limonene’s lift, making it the kind of strain that helps you process the heavy stuff while still finding moments of light. This one’s best paired with tissues, journals, and maybe a light-night heart-to-heart.

Three orange glittery vinyl records with a white "Royal" brand vape cartridge placed vertically on top of the middle record. Text at the top of the image reads "GLITTER BOMB BY ROYAL + THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL FT. SABRINA CARPTENER".

CANCELLED! = Super Boof by Vivid

This track is probably the boldest moment on the album, unapologetic, brash, and loud. Pair it with Super Boof by Vivid, a hybrid that is just as commanding. Known for its rich, earthy flavor and strong euphoric effect, Super Boof takes up space and refuses to apologize for it. It is the perfect strain for when you are leaning into that zero-regrets energy.

Setting the Stage at NatureMed

From glittery hybrids to heartstring-tugging strains, these cannabis pairings are the perfect way to set the scene for Taylor’s Showgirl era. Once the album drops, we will be back with more curated sesh recommendations.

For now, stop by your nearest NatureMed dispensary, check out our daily deals, and browse the full menu to find your perfect pairing. Every showgirl deserves a little sparkle!

Categories
Cannabis in the Community

Back to School Drive for Missouri: Helping Local Students Succeed

Back to School Drive for Missouri: Helping Local Students Succeed

It’s that time of year again! Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and backpacks are ready to. NatureMed is excited to launch our Back to School Drive to help students in our local communities start the year strong. From August 11 through August 25, all five of our Missouri stores will be collecting donations of basic school supplies, and every single item goes directly to support a school in need. The best part? No purchase is necessary to participate, just bring your supplies and your community spirit.

Two men pose behind a black bin filled with backpacks. One man on the left holds a notebook and the man on the right holds a box of Kleenex and notebooks. A sign on the bin says "School Supply Drive."

Who We’re Helping This Year

Each of our Missouri locations has partnered with a different local school or district to make sure your donations have a direct impact. Our Independence location is collecting for Fort Osage School District, O’Fallon is supporting Hope High School in the Fort Zumwalt District, Kingston is helping Hancock District elementary schools, and both our Vivion and Gladstone locations are gathering supplies for the North Kansas City Schools ELL Department. Every pencil, notebook, and box of crayons will go straight into the hands of students who need them the most.

How You Can Make a Difference

Participating is easy. Stop by any NatureMed dispensary between August 11 and August 25 and drop off your donation of basic school supplies. We’re talking things like paper, folders, makers, backpacks, and glue sticks, the essentials that help set students up for success! See your local budtender for a detailed list of supplies needed for each school! Whether you bring one item or a bag full, you’re making a real difference in a student’s school year.

A group of five women smiling and holding a large black bin overflowing with notebooks and binders for a school supply drive. A woman on the far left holds a box of school supplies and gives a thumbs-up.

Join us In supporting local students

At NatureMed, we believe in lifting up the communities we serve, and this Back to School drive is a chance for all of us to come together for something good. Let’s fill those classrooms with the tools students need to shine.

While you’re here dropping off supplies, be sure to browse our online menu and check out our daily deals! You might just find something to make your day a little brighter too!

Categories
Cannabis Education

Trichomes: Tiny Crystals with Big Cannabis Power

Trichomes: Tiny Crystals with Big Cannabis Power

If you’ve ever looked at a sticky nug covered in frosty crystals and thought, “This looks magical,” you’re not wrong. What you’re seeing are cannabis trichomes, and they’re some of the most important parts of the cannabis plant. These sparkling structures are where cannabinoids like THC and CBD are produced, along with all those flavorful terpenes that make each strain unique.

Despite their tiny size, trichomes have a big job. They’re responsible for delivering the effects, aroma, and flavor you love. Without them, cannabis wouldn’t get you high, wouldn’t taste or smell interesting, and frankly wouldn’t be nearly as fun.

What Exactly Are Trichomes?

Trichomes are tiny, hair-like glands that grow mostly on the flowers and sugar leaves of the cannabis plant. Under a microscope, they look like little mushrooms. Each trichome head contains resin packed with cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that give cannabis its power.

In nature, trichomes protect the plant from insects, animals, and harsh sunlight. The sticky resin makes the plant less appealing to predators, while the strong smell acts like a warning signal. For growers and consumers, though, these same features are what make trichomes so valuable. The more visible and milky the trichomes, the more potent the flower is likely to be.

Trichomes Tell You When Cannabis Is Ready

Trichomes can also tell you when a cannabis plant is ready for harvest. Clear trichomes usually mean the plant still needs time to mature. Once they turn cloudy or milky, the cannabinoids reach their peak levels. If the trichomes start to turn amber, the THC begins to degrade, which leads to more relaxing or sedative effects.

Many cultivators use magnifying tools to inspect trichomes and harvest their plants at the perfect time. This attention to detail is part of why top-shelf flower delivers such a smooth, balanced experience.

Why Trichomes Mater for Concentrates

Concentrates like live resin, rosin, wax, and shatter are all made by collecting and refining trichomes. These products isolate the trichome-rich resin, giving you a more potent and flavorful form of cannabis. Some concentrates are made with solvents like butane, while others use heat and pressure to extract the oils naturally.

Trichomes are also what make kief, those fine, powdery crystals that collect in your grinder. Many cannabis fans save their kief to top bowls, roll into pre-rolls, or mix into homemade edibles. It’s a fun and effective way to put those powerful little crystals to good use.

Spotting High-Quality Trichomes in the Dispensary

When you shop for cannabis, trichomes are a good indicator of quality. A thick, sticky layer of trichomes usually means the flower was harvested at the right time and cured properly. You’ll often notice the difference in smell and feel before you even take a hit.

At NatureMed, we carefully select flower that’s rich in trichomes. Whether you’re browsing our top-shelf buds or looking for a potent concentrate, you can trust that you’re getting the good stuff every time.

Celebrate the Sparkle

Trichomes may be tiny, but they’re the unsung heroes of your cannabis experience. They create the effects, flavors, and aromas that make each strain special. Whether you love classic flower or prefer modern concentrates, you’re enjoying the benefits of these little resin factories every time you light up.

Want to experience the power of trichomes for yourself? Explore our daily deals and browse the full menu for flower and concentrates that deliver sparkle, potency, and flavor in every session.

Categories
Cannabis Education

Back to the Roots: Landrace Cannabis Strains at NatureMed

Back to the Roots: Landrace Cannabis Strains at NatureMed

Today’s cannabis scene is packed with wild names and hybrid strains. But behind all those flashy crosses are the true originals: Landrace strains. These are cannabis plants that evolved in a specific part of the world over many generations. They adapted to the local climate, soil, and growing conditions. That’s what gave them their unique flavors, aromas, and effects.

Landrace Strains on the Menu in Misourri

Let’s start with one of the most famous sativas of all time, Durban Poison. This pure landrace comes from South Africa. It’s known for its sweet, earthy smell and a clear-headed, energetic high. If you need a daytime boost or a quick creativity kick, this is your strain. We carry Durban Poison by Teal Cannabis right here at NatureMed.

Next up: Acapulco Gold. This legendary strain hails from the mountains of Mexico. It’s a golden-hued sativa with smooth smoke and euphoric effects. Customers love it for its mellow energy and subtle body buzz. Right now, we’ve got Acapulco Gold by Flora Farms on the shelf, so don’t miss it!

The Indica Connection: Afghani Roots

While we don’t currently stock a pure Afghani strain, many of our indicas carry its influence. Afghani is a landrace from the rugged mountains of Afghanistan. It’s famous for its sedative effects and dense, sticky buds. You’ll find Afghani genetics in classics like Platinum Og, Pure Michigan, and other Kush-based strains.

These strains are great for relaxing, managing stress, or getting a good night’s sleep. When you see “Kush” or “OG” in a name, there’s usually a little Afghani in the mix.

Why Landraces Matter

Landrace strains are more than old-school. They’re cannabis history in flower form. Their genetics are stable and consistent, which means you get predictable effects. That makes them great for both new and experienced consumers.

Plus, smoking a landrace is like taking a trip around the world without leaving the couch. From the highlands of Mexico to the valleys of South Africa, each strain brings its own story and character. They’ve stood the test of time for a reason.

Landrace strains aren’t always easy to find. When they show up, they tend to move fast. So whether you’re vibing with the classic uplift of Durban Poison or chasing the golden chill of Acapulco Gold, now’s the time to explore your roots.

Head to our daily deals page and check out the full menu to see what’s in stock. These legendary strains won’t be around forever. Grab them while you can!