General Questions
What is Bear Blend?
Bear Blend is made from the finest herbs; certified organic, biodynamic and fair trade. The blends are handcrafted in a certified organic facility in Southern California. Ceremonial blends are used as a smoke or a vape. Herbs have been used to relax and reconnect for centuries. These are all Certified Organic herbs, fair trade harvested and totally legal.
Is smoking Bear Blend safe?
According to Surgeon General, smoking is a health risk. Well, think about it, you’re burning leaves & inhaling them — so, no it’s not as safe as drinking water, but we’ve found this to be much milder than smoking tobacco. Most tobacco products have synthetics and nasty stuff in them that makes it even worse for you.
The creator of Bear Blend, Anthony Singing Bear, has been smoking these herbs for 10 years. He is healthy, has no cough & can even keep up with his 5 year old daughter!
If you do have sensitive lungs, get yourself a vaporizer — it’s much milder on the throat and lungs.
You should not smoke anything while pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid operating any heavy machinery or driving when using these herbs. The fact that our product is certified organic and does not contain additives does not mean it is safe — but it does mean that it’s natural, with no additives, chemicals or pesticides.
What kind of effects can I expect from these herbs?
We designed each blend with a special intention — effects will vary. Many of the herbs in our blends soothe and relax, including skullcap, valerian, and hops. Other herbs are more stimulating and great for energy, like yerba mate, peppermint, and calamus. Every herb has its own personality, effects and specialties, depending on the individual. Try them yourself, experiment. Everyone’s experience will be different!
What are the health benefits of consuming Bear Blend?
Many customers have reported Bear Blend to improve their sleep, pain, anxiety, and depression. We do not make any claims about medicinal properties of the herbs in our blends. However many of the herbs in our blends have a reputation of being medicinal for different ailments. Herbs affect everyone differently so we encourage you to try them for yourself!
Will Bear Blend get me high?

Norse or Saxon Party Scene from the Rip Roaring 1620s
The concept of “Getting High” dates back to the early 1600s as a way to describe the sloths of old Norse drunkards stumbling around in a “euphoric or exhilarated feeling from alcohol.”
Sometime between the Sixties and Dazed and Confused people began associating “Getting High” with smoking weed. Nowadays there are people claiming that fasting for two days on nothing but Noni Juice will get you really high, so … I think the definition is a bit of a gray area.
But if you just mean that good old standard getting high as in “smoking a big fat bowl” then our answer is a definite No! Bear Blend will not get you high like weed will, but, in the infamous words of David Wooderson (played of course by Matthew McConaughey), “it would be a lot cooler if it did.” (see clip below).
Is Bear Blend legal?
Our products are made in a USDA Certified Organic facility with 100% legal, USDA Certified Organic herbs.
Some of our products contain CBD, which may not be legal in countries outside of the United States. For this reason our products containing CBD are only available in the US.
Will Bear Blend cause me to fail a drug test?
Absolutely not. We have many customers in the military. We have never had a customer receive a positive on a drug test from consuming Bear Blend.
Where did Bear Blend come from?
Bear Blend was created by Anthony Singing Bear, a musician with Native American roots.
Bear, as everyone calls him, was living on an organic farm in Meigs County, Ohio in 2000. Him and his brother started the farm to grow organic veggies. They soon realized they lived near some herbalists, and from them they learned a lot about different herbs. Read more
Do you offer free samples?
You can get a sample of Dream Lodge here and a sample of Moon here. They are not exactly free; we only ask you to cover the cost of shipping & handling.
What is the expiration date on Bear Blend products?
Our products have the “best by” date of 18 months after each batch is blended. Each batch is small and made by hand, so the dates vary. Also, despite a “best by” date, herbal blends don’t really go bad, but they can lose potency. If kept in good condition, the blends remain at their maximum potency for up to two years.
Is there a store that sells Bear Blend in my area?
You can find stores that carry Bear Blend here.
Is Bear Blend a Native American owned company?
The company was started by Anthony Singing Bear, a farmer, musician, and herbalist. Although he has Native heritage, he was not raised in an indigenous or Native American community. Like many Americans, he is a blend of different cultures and traditions. Bear developed the blend more than 20 years ago and worked with many medicinal herbalists and ceremonialists along the way, several of whom are Native American.
People often assume a Native American relationship because of the name “Bear” and because of the word Ceremonial. It’s important to keep in mind that Ceremonial Herbs are a part of every indigenous culture in the world. Although his great grandmother was Apache, Bear did not grow up with any Tribal affiliation. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Bear’s dad is a first generation Italian American who was adopted into the Hungarian Bear clan (originally spelled Beres). His Mom was born in Texas and grew up in LA. She discovered her Native heritage years later and did some soul work to spiritually connect — that was how she found the name Singing Bear, which helped to send Anthony on a spiritual path.
Herbs do not belong to any one culture or heritage. They are a part of every culture. It has only been recently in our human history that we have started to forget the language of plants. We are on a mission to bring this awareness and connection back to everyone. We believe that we all have an innate understanding of plant medicines. It is in your DNA, because it is a part of everyone’s history and heritage. Bear Blend is here to remind you.
You can read more about this here.
What about cultural misappropriation?
There is a lot of this kind of sentiment going on right now and we get where it comes from. There is so much pain and distrust in indigenous cultures around the world. So many people around the world struggling for their identity and culture. It is not something that we could ever fully understand. The path that we have decided to pursue is one of inclusivity and mutual respect, to honor all people’s traditions and where they come from.
We are not claiming to belong or draw from any one tradition with our brand and our products. We are attempting to forge a path towards a new tradition of inclusivity.
First, we are not claiming to be Native American or attempting to use exclusively Native American iconography or imagery. Bears are actually a part of almost every indigenous culture in the world and in fact are just as iconic to the Sami people of Northern Eurasia. In fact, representations of Bear Medicine is a common thread in cultures from the Far East to the Far West and North to South.
Also, the truth is that these blends were created by our founder, Anthony Singing Bear — a name given to him by his mother. So they are literally Bear’s Blends.
Secondly ceremonial herbs are a part of every culture on the planet — from Taoists to Hindus, Muslims to Catholics, and Shamans to Wiccan Priests. To claim ceremonial herbs as specific only to one tribe or region is not accurate. Ceremonial herbs are universal and our blends draw from many different traditions. For example, our KinNikNik is inspired by the Dakota use of Bearberry but our Moon Blend is inspired by a more Celtic or Wiccan use of magical herbs in ceremony.
The truth is that, in modern America, we are all guilty of constant cultural misappropriation. If you ever smoked tobacco or did yoga or burnt some sage or did a sweat, you have partaken in the reinvention of some ancient tradition that has been adapted to the new era. The melting pot that is most American human’s DNA does not have a definite through line into a clear cultural heritage. Most of us are mixed up and confused by our identity and heritage. And pure breeds of any specific culture have become more and more rare.
This is the bigger struggle.
As people around the world lose touch with their traditions, how can we create new traditions for our children that instill a deeper connection to nature and community? How can we move forward when so many cultures and identities are all mixed up and diluted? Do we define new rituals? New prayers? Is it ok to draw from old ones? To adapt ancient traditions into modern diverse communities?
Our belief is that every human has the right to pursue whatever spiritual path they choose. They may follow whichever teachings from the elders that resonate with them. We should not deny people the right to walk their own path towards spiritual balance. And this is indeed how we will keep these teachings alive as they are bred and gentrified from humanity. It is the stories that must endure if any of the teaching of our elders are to survive. Don’t you agree?
We are truly sorry if you are offended in any way by the presentation of our brand on our website. But we are not some big corporate hog. We are a small team of spiritual revolutionaries trying to walk a path of balance and doing our best to keep an herbal tradition alive and to share it with others. And, we have received the blessing from a number of spiritual elders from many traditions including the Native American Church.
But we are not trying to pretend to be what we are not. We are only trying to preserve our ancient heritage and connection to herbal knowledge. And to forge a new path of inclusivity and connection.
If there is something that we are missing in this dialogue or some way that we can improve and be more inclusive, please let us know. We are only doing our best to walk the good path and help others to learn about herbs and the importance of ritual.
RYO Product Questions
Can the blends be dry vaped?
Yes, Bear Blend Loose herbs can be vaped in any dry herb vaporizer. We recommend vaporizing it at a temperature between 375 and 410 degrees.
Can the blends be smoked in a pipe?
Yes, Bear Blend produces a smooth and flavorful smoke out of a pipe.
Rolliez Product Questions
What are the papers and filters made of?
The filters and paper are made of cellulose fibers. They also contain adhesives that keep the filter attached.
Do the rolliez burn evenly?
Typically the rolliez burn evenly. However sometimes you may get an uneven burn or “canoeing” if you drag too hard. We recommend sipping the rolliez gently, as these herbs do not produce as much smoke as a normal cigarette.
Liquid Herbz Product Questions
What is the best vaporizer for Bear Blend Liquid Herbz?
We have used the e-liquids in an Alien with a Baby Beast Tank as well as the Vaporesso, both with great results. We have never had a customer tell us the liquids didn’t work with their device. Please let us know what your experiences are.
What are the ideal settings for the Liquid Herbz?
We have found that the ideal setting for vaporizing the Bear Blend Organic Herbal E-Liquids are at about 37.5W and .45Ohms. We recommend using a liquid vaporizer with a ceramic coil.
Domestic Shipping Questions
How much does shipping cost to my address?
Shipping cost will depend on the size of your order. You can get an estimate of shipping cost at the shopping cart page.
How long does shipping take for domestic orders?
Typically we ship orders out by the next business day. We use USPS First Class or Priority Mail, which is usually delivered in 3-5 business days.
Do you offer expedited shipping on domestic orders?
We can offer USPS Priority Mail Express, which promises 1-2 business days. We can also offer UPS 2nd Day Air, which arrives within 2 business days, or UPS Next Day Air which guarantees delivery by noon the following day. Please email us if you want this option and we will charge you the difference in shipping cost.
I accidentally entered my address incorrectly when I ordered. How can I change it?
We’re happy to change or adjust any order — so long as we haven’t shipped it yet. Email us as soon as you can with any requested changes.
Can you cancel my order?
We can cancel any order and give a full refund — as long as it hasn’t yet shipped.
International Shipping Questions
Do you ship to my country?
We can ship to most countries — though some exceptions do apply. If a shipment turns out to not be possible, it is covered by our insurance for international shipments.
We regret that CBD products are not available to international customers.
How long does shipping take for international orders?
We usually ship orders by the following business day.
For DHL shipments, the expected delivery time is 3-5 days.
For USPS International shipments, the delivery time can be 2-5 weeks depending on your country’s customs and local carrier.
Do you offer expedited shipping on international orders?
We do not offer expedited shipping on international orders at this time. DHL is the fastest international shipping service we offer, which typically arrives in 3-5 days.
Will I have to pay a customs duty tax on my order?
I accidentally entered the wrong shipping service at checkout. Is it possible to change to a different shipping service?
Yes, as long as you contact us before the order ships then it is possible to change to a different shipping service. Please send us an email as soon as you discover the mistake. We will either have to charge or refund you the difference in shipping cost.
I accidentally entered my address incorrectly when I ordered. How can I change it?
If we haven’t already shipped your order out we can change it. Please email us as soon as you discover the mistake.
I ordered internationally and chose USPS International as my shipping option. It has been weeks since I ordered and I still have not received it yet. I can’t track the package. Why is it taking so long to arrive?
USPS does not offer tracking outside of the United States, so we are not able to track packages once they arrive at your country’s customs. USPS International shipments can take 2-5 weeks to arrive, depending on customs and your local carrier. If it has been over 40 days and your package still has not arrived then we will file an insurance claim for your package and either send you a new shipment or give you a full refund.
Can you cancel my order?
We can cancel any order and give a full refund — as long as it hasn’t yet shipped.
Wholesale Questions
Can we get samples of Bear Blend?
Yes, we offer product samples for verified stores. You can apply by filling out our wholesale form or emailing us with your information.
What are wholesale prices?
Wholesale pricing is $9/tin for RYO, $9/tin for Rolliez, and $12/bottle for Liquid Herbz.
See our wholesale catalog for more information.
What are distributor prices?
Please email us for distributor pricing.
What is the minimum order quantity?
The minimum order quantity for wholesale pricing is 24 units total.
The minimum order quantity for distributor pricing is 96 units total.
I want to sell Bear Blend on Amazon. How can I do this?
We are not working with Amazon re-sellers at this time.
Do you sell blends in bulk?
Yes, we sell blends by the pound for $150/lb.
How much does shipping cost?
We pay shipping on all domestic wholesale orders.
For international wholesale orders, we will subtract the approximate cost of domestic shipping from your shipping total.
Health Concerns
Is it safe to consume Bear Blend during pregnancy?
We strongly advise against smoking anything during pregnancy. This includes tobacco, cannabis, CBD, and Bear Blend products.
In addition we also caution against the use of certain herbs in any form, including drinking as a tea, during pregnancy. The following is a list of herbs recommended to be avoided during pregnancy, as researched by the University of Texas El Paso (https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/populations/herbs-to-avoid-during-pregnancy.html):
- Yarrow
- Black cohosh
- Maidenhair fern
- Aloe
- Lady’s mantle
- Angelica
- Chinese Angelica
- Roman chamomile
- Wormwood — found in the Dream Lodge blend
- Shepherd’s purse
- Cascara sagrada
- Blue cohosh
- Gotu kola — found in the Vizion blend
- Cassia
- Ergot
- Canela
- Datura
- Wild yam
- Male fern
- Wormseed
- Fennel
- Devil’s claw
- Hops
- Golden Seal
- St. John’s Wort — found in the Moon blend
- Juniper berry
- Motherwort
- Bugleweed
- German chamomile
- Pennyroyal
- Zoapatle
- Tobacco
- Basil
- Oregano
- Korean Ginseng
- American Ginseng
- Passionflower — found in the Kin Nik Nik and Amazon blend
- Yohimbe
- Boldo
- Kava kava
- Buckthorn
- Rhubarb
- Castor oil
- Rosemary
- Rue
- Saw palmetto
- Comfrey
- Palo de arco
- Feverfew
- Clover
- Fenugreek
- Damiana — found in all of our blends
- Cat’s claw
- Huitlacoche
It is also generally recommended to avoid Uva Ursi during pregnancy. Uva Ursi is found in the Kin Nik Nik blend and the Shaman blend.
As with any health condition we encourage you to consult a trusted physician, listen to your body’s rhythms and always take responsibility for your health & well-being.
Is it safe to consume Bear Blend while breastfeeding?
According to this website — https://drhealthbenefits.com/herbal/herbal-plant/list-of-herbs-not-to-take-while-breastfeeding, the following herbs are considered unsafe to take in any form while breastfeeding:
- Lemon Balm
- Spearmint
- Sage
- Sorrel
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Periwinkle
- Peppermint — found in the Mintz blend
- Ginseng
- Star Anise
- Basil — found in the Moon blend
- Licorice
- Tobacco
- Wormwood — found in the Dream Lodge blend
- Green Tea
- Madder Root
- Golden Seal
- Rhubarb
- Borage
- Black Cohosh
- Alkanet
- Indian Snakeroot
- Thyme
- Yarrow
- Black Walnut
- Angelica Root
It is also generally recommended to avoid Uva Ursi during breastfeeding. Uva Ursi is found in the Kin Nik Nik blend and the Shaman blend.
As with any health condition we encourage you to consult a trusted physician, listen to your body’s rhythms and always take responsibility for your health & well-being.
I've heard that Lobelia can be toxic. Is it safe to consume Lobelia?
It has been claimed that in large quantities Lobelia can cause nausea and vomiting. In small quantities however Lobelia can be extremely beneficial and even act as a powerful replacement for tobacco for those trying to quit cigarettes, as the herb binds to the same pleasure receptors in the brain as nicotine. The blends that contain Lobelia are the OG Bear Blend, Dream Lodge, Vizion, Mintz, Amazon, Shaman and the Kin Nik Nik blend. The amount of Lobelia contained in these blends is less than 1% of the total formula of the blend. The amount of Lobelia contained in a tin of Bear Blend is far below a level that could induce nausea.
For more information on the history of Lobelia use and its study as a medicinal herb, this is a good read from world-renowned medical herbalist Paul Bergner. The conclusion of this paper reads:
“…no credible evidence of lobelia toxicity or any adverse effect more serious than vomiting is present in the medical literature of the past two centuries. Twentieth century literature that alleges lobelia toxicity provides no primary references or alleged least toxic dose. Modern allegations appear to be parroted uncritically from early nineteenth century sources… The nineteenth-century literature is divided between medical practitioners who used lobelia regularly and in large doses, and those who used is hardly at all. The unanimous consensus of those who actually used it in practice is that it is a harmless agent without potential for toxicity beyond its nauseating effects. Supporting this view is the twentieth century use of lobelia hydrochloride in large intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous doses through the 1970s, and the non-prescription use of oral doses of lobeline sulfate as recently as 1990.“
(Bold added by us for emphasis)
You can learn more about Lobelia here.
I've heard that Calamus can be toxic. Is it safe to consume Calamus?
It is true that Calamus was banned as a food additive in 1968 by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The herb seems to have been labeled as toxic by the powers that be. The reason behind this is unclear though, as there is no scientific evidence or any verified reports of Calamus toxicity. To the contrary, in fact — this study investigated acute and chronic toxicity of Calamus in rats after 90 days, and found the following:
“The present investigation demonstrates that the traditional medicine, the ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus lack potential toxicity, as it neither cause any lethality nor changes the general behavior in both the acute and chronic toxicity studies.”
Shah, et al.: Toxicity of Acorus calamus 35 International Journal of Green Pharmacy | January-March 2012 |
Link to the study: https://www.greenpharmacy.info/index.php/ijgp/article/view/234/247
In general, Calamus is an uplifting and energizing herb. Calamus has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. Perhaps the main reason it has been labeled toxic could be attributed to the fact that in large doses calamus has been known to be mildly hallucinogenic.
You certainly are safe with our blends, as they contain only a small percentage of Calamus — less than 1% by weight.
This is a video made by world-renowned herbalist Seven Song. Here is his take on Calamus — also known as Sweet Flag.
I've noticed styrofoam-looking white pieces in the tin. What is this?
The pieces you’re probably referring to are the inside core stem of the mugwort. When we process the mugwort, the thicker stems break up and get sifted out, but what is on the inside of the stem (porous plant matter) gets mixed some into the batch just because it’s not big enough for the sifter to catch. The pieces are not styrofoam, or vermiculite. They are just part of the mugwort plant. It is harmless to smoke and can be considered as part of the herbs — even though it looks funny!