Specific Strains to Help with Anxiety

With a lot of people dealing with anxiety, and more and more suffering because of the pandemic and other stressors, cannabis has become one of the best, most viable options out there. According to a study from Washington state, they tracked the usage of medical cannabis, and almost all of them saw decreases in symptoms related to stress. The evidence for this is right there, but if you’re looking to treat the stress symptoms through cannabis, it’s worth noting that there are strains that are suited to help with treating various mental health conditions, and its something that can work well. Which strains work the best though? Let’s find out. 

Blue Dream 

Blue dream is a very popular one that’s used a lot in California. Being a blend of sativa and indica does offer a better more, better relaxation, and also can help you feel calmed down. Caryophyllene and some of the other terpenes including Mycenae and pinene also help. 

This can give you some great mood-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and relaxing results from this. It also is high in CBD, which makes it an effective strain for those who want strong medical cannabis usages.  You should use a lighter amount though, since there is a high level of THC in this, which can cause a higher heartbeat and anxiety. 

Girl Scout Cookies 

While you may think of the cookie when you read this, this is a hybrid that’s indica-dominant that’s perfect for relaxation. While similar to Blue Dream, this one is more dominant in indica, and also has a lot of caryophyllene, which is something that relieves pain along with anxiety. 

Also, similar to Blue Dream, a little goes a long way with this one. You don’t need a ton for THC level increases, and it can make you feel a little bit drowsy. But if you’re looking to treat insomnia and also boost your mood, you can also reduce depression and pain symptoms. 

OG Kush 

This is a very notable one and is associated with stress relief and other great things. Being almost split down the middle on sativa and indica, this is a balanced strain, offering energizing, relaxing results and also lowers anxiety and stress. 

You can feel relaxed without feeling super drowsy with this one and offers better focus. It also can mitigate nausea and migraines, and even help as an insomnia cure when you consume in low dosages. A little goes a long way to make sure that anxiety and stress are mitigated. 

ACDC 

This is something that you can try, since this is another good one for calming and feeling relaxing. While the name sounds like the opposite, this one is high in CBD, is good for feeling happy without getting the euphoric feelings that THC oftentimes provide. 

This is one that doesn’t necessarily give you a high, which may make you think twice about using it to relax, but it does, and it’s also good for helping with attaining and keeping focus. This is also something that can help with pain, anxiety, and epilepsy too, in order to make it easier for you to get the most out of this. 

When you’re looking to relieve stress, using cannabis is a great way to make it easier on you. These strains are some of the best out there for this, and the cool thing about this, is that a little goes a long way with this. So if you deal with heavy anxiety and stress, consider using cannabis to help aid with these problems, and make it easier for you as well.

Why we Should care about Male Cannabis Plants

Male cannabis plants are actually very important for cultivation. While most people want the females because you want the buds to smoke, most people don’t realize that male plants are just as important.  This is something that people keep away though, because of the stigma, to the point where they would keep all-male plants out of there for fear of pollinating, and they also may be regarded as worthless, especially in smaller operations. But they are useful, and in this, you’ll learn why male cannabis plants are vital for the success of your yield. 

The Difference 

Before they flower, there are different ways you can determine whether a plant is female or male. After the vegetative phase is done, and you start having plants that flower they usually will display whether or not they are female or male, usually within a couple of weeks. The indoor tends to be a lot faster than the outdoor ones for you to tell, and if they have some sacs, you can usually figure out that it’s male. If you notice bracts or hairs, then you’ve got a female plant. 

Male plants also have less leaves, thicker and bigger stalks. Male plants usually also have pre-flowers too. They’re basically flowers that are showing up in less than four weeks for male plants and then over four weeks for the female plants.  The pre-flowers are found at the V location where the stalk and stem meat, which is near the top part of where your plant is, nearest the light.  The pre-flowers in females also tend to have hairs and pistils on it, whereas the male plants have sacs which are small in it. 

Why Male plants 

You might wonder just why you should care about male plants. 

For starters, it offers better, more rewarding diversity in the gene pool. This is because cannabis does have dioecious features to it, which is something that tons of breeding programs take advantage of.  This is one that means that it’s got distinct characteristics of males and females, and they also can do the self-pollination. 

Some people actually like this and they use that to their advantage, especially when they want to have certain characteristics to be present in future plants, which is something that has become kind of popular. Not every single person wats to worry about hermaphroditism either, since it does weaken the nee pool and creates breeding. Good male plants that are kept well do ensure that the gene pool is something that’s kept nice and alive for the future generations, so you can keep the characteristics, the terpene profiles and the patterns of growth the same for people. 

It's also good for controlling pests. A lot of people will use the male plants because of the terpenes they create. Borneol, pinene, and limonene all work as insect repellents for the crops that are there. They can not fertilize the females if they do stay far enough away. Just make sure that you don’t handle female plants right after a male plant. 

Finally, they have some decent potency to it too. While yes, the females are what’s responsible for making the buds, they still have some HTC and CBD of their own inside their own flowers.  They also usually contain a more concentrated amount of cannabinoids than the flowers usually do, which is the opposite of females. They also make their own glands for resin, which is used to make some hashish, so it’s something that breeders can use, especially if they want to have high-yielding cannabis plants.

What You Need to Know About THC-O

Now that weed is becoming more legal in the United States with each passing year, we are beginning to see an influx of new marijuana strains, THC types, and marijuana products that add to the diversity of cannabis products available to consumers in the United States. The world of marijuana can be quite confusing, especially because there are so many different types of products to keep track of. If you are new to marijuana strains, I suggest reading one of my other posts about some of the best strains that you can get for certain conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and more.

There are about 700-750 different types of marijuana strains that have been developed and cultivated for a specific purpose. However, there is also more to the variety of cannabis than strains alone. Numerous types of THC have been developed that allow marijuana users to really test and try out different things. THC types can waver between organic, semi synthetic, and synthetic types, and there are important differences to note between each type.

Today I wanted to take some time out of my busy schedule to write about a new type of THC that is hitting the market in the United States: it’s called THC-O. You may have heard of this THC before, or you may not have. Either way, I am going to be telling you all that you need to know about it and more, so make sure that you keep reading to the end of this article. 

So what is THC-O and what makes it unique? Well, the first thing that you need to know about THC-O is that it is synthetically developed from regular THC. This means that it is not as natural as other forms of THC that you may be used to. However, compared to other semi synthetic types of THC like Delta-8 or Delta-9, THC-O is extremely potent and powerful. Delta-8 and Delta-9 products are relatively easy to find across the country due to the fact that they are technically legal under federal law, due to the fact that they are derived from hemp and classify as CBD.

The downside to these types of THC is that they lack some of the psychoactive effects of regular THC found in medical grade cannabis. THC-O could be the solution to this problem. If you are living in a state that has not yet legalized THC for medical or recreational users, THC-O could be the ticket to actually enjoying more psychoactive THC effects without breaking the law. Keep in mind that THC-O has to be created in a lab, unlike regular, naturally occurring THC that is found in the cannabis plant.

THC-O is created by extracted CBD from a hemp bud that has 0.30% THC potency or lower. Then, Delta-8 THC is extracted from the hemp derived CBD. Finally, a solvent of THC is applied to the Delta-8, and after a bunch of very fancy scientific occurrences, THC-O is left as an isolate. It has a thick consistency, almost like molasses. 

So, if you are thinking about trying this stuff out for yourself, I definitely recommend learning a thing or two more about it before you get too involved. There are some advantages and disadvantages that one should keep in mind when considering whether to use this product. The first advantage, as I mentioned earlier, is that THC-O is much higher potency than regular Delta-8 or marijuana.

If you are a medical users that needs some really strong stuff to manage your levels of pain, or you are a recreational user looking to get absolutely blitzed, then this is a good type of THC for you to try.

Marijuana Dabbing Guide

There’s a new craze sweeping the cannabis world, and that of course, is dabbing. Dabbing is something that involves vaping or smoking various concentrations of cannabis, using what’s called a dab rig. This became a super popular type of way to consume cannabis as of late, with more ad more US markets selling this, and more places carrying dabs. 

The most popular include the following: 

• Rosin 

• BHO or butane hash oil 

• Hash 

• Bubble has 

• PHO or propane hash oil which uses a propane solvent 

• Terp sauce 

They’re used in a bunch of different ways, which is what makes people excited to use them, since they have special rigs. You can also mix this with other types of ways to consume cannabis, including on top of a bowl or in a vape cartridge. 

Is Dabbing Safe? 

Some people are interested in using dabbing because supposedly, it’s an alternative to smoking that’s healthier. That’s because few of their concentrates do combust, and bongs do use chambers of water to cool down the vapor before you inhale it. However, there is some research that does suggest it can possibly lead to injury of the lungs, and it’s something that you should definitely be mindful of when choosing this kind of item. That’s partially due to the fact that it did cause some people to get to the ER, dealing with respiratory symptoms that come with this as well. 

However, there isn’t anything specific that suggests it does cause injury, but if you do have proper conditions, it might not be good. However, there are some concerns with using dabs. One of them being the pollutants, specially in the types of dabs used. For example, BHO is one that does contain about 34% butane in terms of pollutants. There is also overheating, which can be quite dangerous, especially if you’re consuming large amounts of these pollutants up to 480 degrees. 

Pros and cons of Dabs 

Dabs are both a blessing and a detriment for some people, and it’s something that a lot of people do struggle with when you’re choosing something that does work for people who want something like this.  The biggest pros include they’re strong, like really strong, and they tend to produce long-lasting effects than you would with just typical flower. There are more terpenes here too with this. Some of them also let you get the terps specifically when choosing this. 

Another benefit is that it’s something that gives you a high which is quite different, so you’ll get something that offers a very strong high, different level, so it’ll be something that’s definitely worth it. 

There is also a little that goes a long way with this. The cons however definitely are worth mentioning. First and foremost, the availability. It’s something that’s hard to purchase out of typical legal markets. They’re also not safe to make in your home. A lot of people can’t handle these due to the mere potency of this, since it’s something that can be almost too overpowering for a lot of users. 

Plus, it’s quite overwhelming too, and we do recommend that if you do try this, definitely take it slow to start with someone who is definitely way more experienced than you are if possible.  

With dabbing, the results do vary, and for many people, it can be something really great that’ll help you get the full gamut of benefits. You’ll be able to, with this as well, get real results, it’s also something quite nice that’ll really make it worth your while too.

Delta-8 Vs. Delta-10

More and more people are looking for alternatives when they are trying to use holistic means. While delta-9 is the favorite one, both delta-8 and delta-10 are also quite popular. What's the difference though? Are they similar? 

Delta-8 

Delta-8 is something that comes from cannabis, and is basically the analog of delta-9, where the atoms are arranged in a similar manner. This exists in much smaller concentrations, working similar to how delta-9 does in a few ways. But it doesn't work well with the CB1 receptors, so it’s a lot less psychoactive. The 2018 farm bill did allow this, so long as it was derived from hemp and purchased from different vape shops that are across the US.

 

The effects of this are similar to what you may get from delta 9, but a whole lot less. Relaxation, pain relief, euphoria, and less inflammation, it can all be from this. It also is less anxiety and paranoia-inducing too. This is also good especially if you want to get the THC benefits without the effects that usually come from this. It’s not as impairing, doesn’t create couch lock, and the high is functioning. 

What about Delta-10. 

This is another one that comes from the cannabis plant, and most cannabis has a trace amount of the delta-10 in it. It’s got even less of an affinity than delta-10, so if you want the benefits without worrying about the fact that you may get high, this is it. It’s mildly psychoactive, but mostly euphoric in the way that it makes you feel. 

So is this legal? Well according to the 2018 farm bill, this is legal in most states, and it sits on the legal gray area. But, if you can find it, you can use it in most cases. Right now, this one doesn’t have a lot of information on the effects of this. This is a good high for the daytime, is great for relieving stress, calms the body down, and boosts motivation and energy. This one does not make you as sleepy, and while we don’t have a ton of research on this, it may offer the same medicinal aspects as the THC variants do as well. If you’re looking at getting a more mild high, and you have depression and anxiety, and may be prone to this with cannabis consumption, then delta=10 is the best way to go about this. 

The Differences 

They both exist in quite trace amounts, but most consumers like delta=8, because it’s got a euphoric high, but delta-10 is much less intense, and far less  psychoactive. There are also far fewer reports of both paranoia and anxiety when you deal with delta=10 than delta 8, but this also may be due to the lack of research. Because of the way that delta-8 binds to the body’s receptors, this is way better at relieving inflammation and pain, especially when combined with the other cannabinoids that are there. 

But remember, right now the research on this is limited at best, most people have no idea what the effects of delta-8 and delta-10 can have on the body, and we’re still researching these to this day. For a lot of people, being able to understand the effects is important, which is why, for more and more people, learning about these can be helpful. We hope that with more and more research that comes down the pipeline with this, we get to understand the effects that delta=8 and delta-10 have, and the effects of what they have on the body, including the other benefits that might be there.

Can Cannabis help Kids with Epilepsy?

 This is something that’s recently been used for children in the middle east, and in Asia to help with convulsions, and to treat different infections. It was then brought over to Europe, and used for a bit, but then of course, the problems with legalization have pushed this to a halt, especially in different medical ways.  Before you review the research about this, here, we’ll go over how it can help those with this condition. 

What it Is 

This is basically a form of convulsions, otherwise known as seizures. It’s a condition that’s neurological that’s usually involving an issue with the way that the electrical activity happens between your brain and whatnot, frying them up to the point where they become imbalanced, and abnormal. 

They usually have different types of seizures too, where you may figure out where they start. Some are focused on an area. Some are more generalized, and there are ones with unknown causes. There are also those that happen often, and those that happen rarely, and usually, this is managed with a professional in the field.

Most of them are able to manage the symptoms that they have, and live lives that are normal, which is why you should talk to your doctor to find out the cause, and the correct treatment, and also, some ways to help alleviate the symptoms of this too. 

Current Treatments 

While there isn’t a cure, right now, there are some treatments. They usually are in the form of medications used to stop the convulsing that are prescribed. There are also other types of ways to treat this that are explored, and other options such as surgery. However, these usually come with other side effects that’ll impact daily life, which is what people need to look at.

How cannabis might help 

Right now, using cannabis for epilepsy is something that’s promising and new, especially with the pedigree of history. The problem, however, is that the current, modern science behind this doesn't really support it as a form of treatment for these conditions. 

People are starting to open up, but due to the messy legality of cannabis, it’s been hard.

But there are those that have benefited from it. One example is Charlotte Figi, who used CBD to help with the seizures that she had.  She was able to mitigate it and was able to have drugs used to treat this get approved.  The CBD within this was able to help treat this condition. There are also broad spectrum and full spectrum types, with everything coming together in order to provide the relief. 

Currently, the research is still very new on the cannabinoids and how they work. All except for, of course, THC, don't actually directly impact the endocannabinoid receptors, but they do work with the system that’s there. Basically, they bind directly to your receptors, offering pain and inflammatory relief. CBD does bind to all of this, offering neurological and also treating the mental dysfunction that’s there. not every seizure responds to this, but THC will be able to help with a lot of things that are there too.

There is now more research than ever before on using this to treat seizures and various other conditions, offering a ton of uses, and with the new research showing how it can impact it, there is some hope for using CBD to treat it. It’s been found that it can mitigate the seizures, and even eliminate the occurrences, all with minimal side effects, and it also reduces the need to use drugs too, another very promising benefit of such.

Cannabis and Emotions

Cannabis is something that’s good for a variety of things. But did you know that you can also use this to help with the emotions that you have. 

How cannabis can help with emotions 

Cannabis is great for emotions because it can help with improving your mood, and focus. THC is one of the most predominant ones, and this actually can work directly with the ECS, responsible for mood, and overall balancing of the body. Some people who use cannabinoids actually also notice that they have physical benefits too, including improving inflammation, reducing the instances of nausea, lowering the chances of pain reception, and even stimulating the appetite that’s there too.  It can improve many different health symptoms that are there.

Now, there are also other types of effects that can also happen too, such as maybe it can make you feel good, and your emotions of happiness and well-being are there.  The short-term results of this include: 

• Slower thinking 

• Altered perceptions 

• Calming and sedation 

• Improving the appetite 

• Improving anxiety 

• Elevating the heart rate 

While there can be side effects, you also may wonder if you can also get different effects from this. 

The consumption and emotional impact 

There are tons of different ways to smoke cannabis, and a lot of emotional impact, especially for those who use inhalation, edibles, vaping, or even tinctures. 

Smoking for instance, is the most common one.  You can also vape too, which is considered the safer way.  This is usually one that doesn’t harm the body too much but smoking too often can put you at risk for bronchitis and other lung issues.

Another alternative is consumption of marijuana through the use of edibles and other beverages.  These take a bit longer, but they are far more potent. 

You can also use these on topical locations.  You might not feel a head high, but it creates a relaxing body high. Cannabis is great for those who are looking to manage emotions, relax, and also it helps ith psychosis, depression, anxiety, and it can also help to make you think clearer. 

How it impacts Processing Emotions 

Your emotion centers within the brain love cannabinoids, especially THC.  The amygdala does regulate anxiety, fear, stress, and other emotions.  The effects of this are documented, but people are still learning. Cannabis does improve the influx of the different cannabinoids.  This is something that’s put into the body, and it can stimulate the amygdala as well, especially the emotional processing.

Sometimes, the stimulation of this could increase depression, anxiety, and symptoms of stress, but this is seen with a lot of strains that are more THC focused. There are other cannabinoids though that are better for this, such as CBD, and it’s been studied a lot to look at the different responses.

It actually does help with reducing anxiety in people, especially those who don’t want to experience the high that THC does, since  CBD doesn’t directly impact the ECS, but instead, it impacts the emotional processing of such.

However, it is important to understand that this can work directly with the CB1 receptors, and the way that the pain is managed. The binding affinity for this can reduce pain, and pain responses.

A good thing to remember though, is that marijuana does impact everyone differently, meaning that if you’re taking this, it can impact you differently than others. But, if you’re prone to anxiety, mood disorders, you might not feel euphoric when you take this, so it’s important to make sure you understand the different responses that can happen too.