Drink to your health with Cannabis Tea

It’s the beginning of winter which for many means the beginning of cold and flu season. Come in out of the cold and warm those chilled hands around a hot cup of tea containing our favorite, green herb, cannabis. I’m not saying this leafy medicine can cure the common cold, but it can certainly help with the symptoms as well as others that come with those winter blues. Keep reading o find out how cannabis can keep you warm and healthy during these cold months!

Fighting Cold and Flu Symptoms

There is, unfortunately, no cure for the common cold so during these uncomfortable, stuffy times any sort of relief can feel life-saving. When you’re sick your immune system comes to the rescue and attacks the virus to keep you safe and return you to your previous level of health. This immune response is what’s normally responsible for those annoying symptoms like a raspy sore throat or a runny nose. While these symptoms are not pleasant, it can get worse when your immune system goes too far- leading to organ failure or death. Cannabis comes in to save the day due to its unique ability to suppress the immune system which could keep it from overworking itself to reduce the pesky symptoms that make being sick so miserable. Superfood teas like turmeric, lemon, ginger, and honey would be the perfect addition to your cold-fighting cannabis tea to help support your struggling immune system.

If you’re reading his with a little grain of distrust, don’t worry- this isn’t some new-age idea based on little evidence. Cannabis tea has been utilized as a way to treat illnesses for thousands of years. India is known for their version of marijuana-infused tea that they call “Bhang.” This tea is not only healthy but delicious so while it has mainly been used for medical purposes it has been known to make its way into celebration mugs. This creamy brew not only alleviates cold symptoms but can clear up phlegm, fever, aids with digestion and appetite while keeping your mind alert.

Brewing Basics

There are more right ways to make these delectable health concoctions but there are still a few ways to go astray. The first and most important rule to treating your leafy buds right is to decarboxylate your product before ingesting. This process is necessary to remove some unwanted acids left in the plant and is easily extracted with low heat. If you aren’t already familiar with the process I have included it below! Now that your skunky greens are a little more brown than green the next important step is to ensure that you have some sort of oil added to your brew. If you have some cannabutter already made up from other edible baking then you’re already halfway there! If not, don’t worry! Coconut oil, MCT oil, or your favorite substitute will work perfectly. The cannabinoids won’t just deserve in hot water so they need this extra fatty addition

“Cannabinoids are polar molecules that are not water-soluble, so making a tea without fats or alcohol in it will produce a much less potent product. In addition, decarboxylation is necessary to remove the alpha chain acids from the precursors of THC and CBD, THCa, and CBDa.This is done through heat processing dry herb prior to use or through extraction and heat purging.”

-Max Poling, Infinite Wellness Center (#1 Dispensary in Colorado)

The Decarboxylation Process

This is an easy but extremely essential part of brewing that perfect cup of warming tea. Skip this process and you will end up with a very disappointing, bitter brew that does very little medicinally or recreationally. Take 1 cup of your green flowers and coarsely grind them before baking for about 45 minutes at 275 F. The end product should be more dried out and ready to go!

What To Expect

For someone who is used to smoking or vaping their cannabis moving to an edible, in this case, tea, can be a bit of a mystery. As always start low and slow and see what works best for you and your body. While the experience can differ from person to person the main things you can expect to see are a mellow, euphoric high that’s slow to kick in with long-lasting results. After enjoying your comforting mug of warm tea wait at least 90 minutes to see how it affects you before deciding to drink more. It takes longer to reach your bloodstream because it has to make its way through your digestive system first but then the results last for several hours! This makes drinking your medicine a better option as a pain remedy and as a sleep aid so you can sleep throughout the night to help you get better faster.

Cannabis Tea Recipe

This is the fun part we have all been waiting for! This simple and tasty recipe will have you out of bed and feeling your best in no time. It definitely doesn’t hurt that this recipe is so delicious you’ll want to sip on them even on days you are feeling your best. This is one of the easiest and to the point recipes so stay tuned for another article with even more delicious warming recipes for you to try this winter.

Ingredients:

• 1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis of your choice.
• 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil. (If you have pre-made canna-butter or oil feel free to use that instead.)
• Teabag of your choice (English breakfast is classic but something more health-inspired like green tea or lemon ginger may work best for you.)
• 4 cups of water.
• Extra flavors you want to introduce like cinnamon, honey, vanilla, lemon, or milk.
• Cheesecloth or a very fine strainer.

Instructions:

1 – Boil your water on a stovetop.

2 – Once the water is at a nice rolling boil, add your butter or oil until it’s completely dissolved.

3 – Now it’s time to add your decarbed cannabis while turning your water down to low heat, keeping it at a simmer.

4 – Simmer together for around 15 minutes. It works better if you heat it as low and slow as possible but that’s not necessary. Higher temperatures will burn off those beneficial terpenes that we want though so be mindful.

5 – Take the pot off the heat and strain out the cannabis to avoid any little leafy bits getting stuck in your teeth.

6 – Now it’s time to add the teabag and extras to your finished product and voila! Stir well, enjoy, and feel better soon!

Do you swear by cannabis tea to get you through the rough parts of your winter illnesses? Let us know about your experience in the comments!

Here’s How Weed Can Support Your Immune System

If you’re looking for natural ways to increase your immunity this cold and flu season – or you need something to take the edge off your autoimmune disease symptoms – then you may want to consider adding smoking weed to your to-do list.

Research shows that weed can help improve your immune response, but the trick is to get the right dosing down. In this guide, we’ll explain how you can use weed to support your immune system response, including the correct dosing for optimal effectiveness.

How Does the Immune Response Work?

The immune system is made up of a group of cells, tissues, and organs – including white blood cells, antibodies, the lymphatic system, and bone marrow – that all work together to fight pathogens and foreign invaders, keeping you healthy and free from illness or infection.

You may become sick when your body does not properly fight off viruses or pathogenic compounds before they invade healthy cells. This can lead to infections like the flu.

Additionally, your immune system is also responsible for regulating the inflammatory response. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakes its own tissues, cells, and organs as foreign invaders – and attacks them in a vicious inflammatory cycle.

In either case, cannabis has properties that can help keep you healthy in both situations.

For example, cannabis has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing activities that can prevent the immune system from overreacting and attacking itself, thus reducing autoimmune symptoms.

Cannabis also has antimicrobial properties to help fight off viruses and bacteria that may cause the flu or other infections, including sinus and respiratory infections. We’ll provide specific examples below.

How Does Cannabis Support Immune Health?

Here are some ways you can use cannabis to support a healthy immune response and stay protected against some of the most problematic diseases:

1. Cannabis contains anti-microbial properties to fight infections

It has long been known that cannabis contains antimicrobial compounds that can help protect against infections. However, research shows that cannabis has ‘untapped potential’ when it comes to its anti-infective properties, and it may even be considered as an effective antibiotic prescribed by doctors one day to treat bacterial infections.

2. Cannabis controls inflammation response to regulate pain sensation

Cannabis has been shown to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can suppress inflammation in the immune system to regulate the pain response.

Specifically, weed helps control the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is beneficial for pain management because pain is usually caused by inflammation, and cannabis can help regulate the response from your immune system to decrease the amount of pain you feel.

3. Cannabis reduces anxiety and promotes calmness

Reducing anxiety and promoting calmness is one of the many reasons why people flock to weed. But how does reducing anxiety help boost your immune system?

The answer has to do with how your brain and gut communicate. Cannabis helps regulate your nervous system to make you feel less stressed and anxious. When this happens, your brain communicates these feelings of relaxation to your gut through the vagus nerve, which is a nerve that runs along your spinal cord from your stomach to your brain.

When you are stressed, your gut sends distress signals to your brain and vice versa. However, when you’re in a good place mentally, it helps tame inflammation in the gut as well, which can support a healthy immune response.

Cannabis also helps reduce cortisol levels – otherwise known as the stress hormone. When cortisol levels are high, it suppresses your immune system and makes it easier for you to get sick or fight infections. Therefore, weed can also boost immunity by decreasing cortisol.

4. Cannabis regulates inflammation that may lead to cancer or dementia

Cannabis can help protect your immune system and fight off larger, more serious diseases, such as cancer, dementia, and even HIV infections.

Research shows that cannabis helps induce neurogenesis in the brain, which is a process that turns stem cells into neurons. This can help reduce neuroinflammation and promote blood flow in the brain to decrease the risk of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, cannabis can help control inflammation and support immune health to decrease the risk of cancer. According to one study, cannabis is a promising anti-cancer drug that has several mechanisms of action – one of which includes supporting immune and inflammation regulation.

An older study found that both THC and CBD inhibited the DNA synthesis and growth of lung tumor cells in animal models. Similar results were seen in other studies and different types of cancers, including breast, pancreas, prostate, colon, lymphoma, and glioma (brain and spinal cord).

Many studies have found that weed is also a beneficial tool when it comes to controlling HIV symptoms and infections, and, again, it works by controlling the immune response.

According to one study, heavy cannabis use is linked to reductions among activated and inflammatory immune cells in people with HIV.

Cannabis is also extremely effective at reducing symptoms of cancer and HIV treatments and disease, including depression, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, hot flashes, and more.

How Much Weed Should I Use to Boost Immune Health?

In larger doses, weed may have an immune-suppressing effect. This is beneficial if you are looking to reduce an overactive immune response, such as in the case of autoimmunity.

Larger doses may be beneficial if you have lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis.

However, if you are using weed for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to help you get through cold and flu season, and you don’t have an autoimmune condition, then keep in mind that lower doses might be all you need.

Final Thoughts

You can use cannabis to support the immune and inflammatory response in your body. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to fight infections, which can help you make it through the cold and flu season relatively healthy.

You can also use cannabis in larger doses to help suppress the immune system to reduce the symptoms of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or Crohn’s disease.

Have you ever used Cannabis while you were sick? Did it help? Have you medicated to relieve symptoms intentionally or otherwise? Do you have any stories of this happening? Please tell us in the comments below!

How Cannabis Can Help You Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

It seems unbelievable that we are already into 2022, at times it felt like the previous year would never end… like it was dragging on forever, and at other times it seemed to fly by. During the lock-downs, some people dove headfirst into good habits like wholesome cooking and exercising more but many found it difficult with the constant stress to be consistent and didn’t stick to their fitness routines nor form new ones. While the world has slowed down, time hasn’t and with the hope that comes with entering a new year, so do resolutions for a better self. Making these promises to build better habits is much easier than actually following through and holding yourself accountable past the end of January. Cannabis can help you stick to these goals and dreams of a better and healthier self, I’ll take you through how.

Exercise More

Almost every person has “exercise more” on their list of new years resolutions, committing to getting more active and making fitness a part of their daily routines. Gyms are normally packed for the first couple of weeks in January before numbers quickly begin to dwindle. This year with gyms being closed it will be an even harder path to finding the motivation to stay active from home. While cannabis is normally known to help wind down at the end of a long day it pairs perfectly with a workout routine. It’s shown to not only help give you the little nudge you need to commit yourself to a better practice but helps your body recover afterward. This green flower supplies us with a heightened sense of mind-body connection making it a great addition to workouts like pilates and yoga. A study done in the last few years at the University of Colorado-Boulder found that 52% of people who smoked cannabis felt more motivated to work out, 70% said it boosted their enjoyment during their practice, and 78% boasted about its ability to speed up recovery. So, what are you waiting for? Pull out those fluorescent leggings, light a joint, and get moving!

Try This Strain: Green Goblin

This uplifting strain is perfect for daytime use with its energizing effects. It’s a cross between Northern Lights and Skunk #1, with a strong, zesty scent. It’s described as feeling like a big cup of coffee and can help you get active during the day to burn off those extra pounds.

Lose Weight

This one may come as a shock to a lot of people as cannabis is usually associated with the “munchies”. It’s no secret that cancer patients are commonly given a prescription for medical marijuana to not only ease the pain but also stimulate hunger. While this is true for some strains others are actually known for their ability to suppress appetite. These strains can keep your hunger at bay with the chemical THCV. This compound usually found in Sativa strains is also responsible for a boost in energy which could also help you get more motivated to move your body.

Try This Strain: Tropicana

Tropicana is one of the most pure-feeling, classic strains you can find. Smoking this green flower during the day will lead to a noticeable lift in mood, creativity, and sociability. It is high in that special cannabinoid THCv which combats hunger while having an extremely long list of medicinal benefits. Smoking Tropicana can provide you with energy and relief from migraines while supplying a deliciously sweet, citrus, herb flavour.

Reduce Stress

Reducing stress is one of the better-known uses for cannabis and people all over the world can be found lighting up a joint or snacking on an edible to help them unwind after a stressful day. Before the pandemic, life was already stressful enough, with families, finances, jobs, and everything else in between but stress can wreak havoc on your overall health. Cannabis promotes a more positive outlook while mitigating life’s many stresses

Try This Strain: Blackberry Cream

This strain is an indica-dominant strain that creates something beautifully unique. When you first smell this pungent, spicy bud you’ll get whiffs of sweetness while after toking you’ll get the flavour of ripe blackberries. This fruity, complex strain has strong body high effects and is perfect for relaxing or pain management. This strain would be perfect for deep, internal meditation and will help you shed all of that extra stress you’ve been carrying around.

Sleep Better

Getting a good night’s rest is extremely important to overall health. When falling asleep and staying asleep becomes a problem over long periods mental and body health can quickly deteriorate, not to mention long-term effects that can follow. Cannabis is known to help you fall and stay asleep which will help in every aspect of your life including waking up earlier in the mornings to conquer the day.

Try This Strain: Blue Lights

This heavy Indica-dominant Hybrid is a cross between Northern Lights and Blueberry. It’s known for creating a deep, body high that deeply sedates for a restful night’s sleep.

Focus on Spiritual Growth and Be More Present

Humans are like trees, ever-growing, always reaching to the sun. Cannabis can help with meditation practices to stay grounded, aid with deeper thinking, and keep a positive mind. With the help of this magical green plant, you may be able to become more introspective and reach deep with a less dominant ego. A big part of spiritual growth is making an effort to be more present, which is exceedingly difficult in modern times, but cannabis can help with that too.

Try This Strain: : Wedding Cake

This creamy strain is also known as pink cookies and is the Indica-dominant, Hybrid child of Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie. As the name suggests it has the fruity taste of cherry pie followed by a creamy mouth feel. After smoking you may feel a head high that leads to euphoria and heightened perfections of your surroundings which can lead to great introspective thought. After about an hour you may begin to feel your limbs loosening as your body gets a turn at relaxation while still being very dialed in. This strain is known for stimulating appetite and relaxation by reducing anxiety symptoms. This is perfect for calming your nerves so that you can reach a deeper level of meditation and self-realization.

Learn a New Skill

For some, learning a new skill, getting creative, or spending more time working on your art is at the top of a New Years’ resolutions list. It could be to paint more, write that book you’ve always talked about, learn how to knit or even code, a motivating Sativa can help keep you focused, motivated, and dedicated to the task at hand. Cannabis is a catalyst for creativity and will inspire you to bring your creative projects to life in 2022.

Try This Strain: : Forum Cut Cookies

Forum Cut Cookies is a Sativa-dominant Hybrid strain for classic Girl Scout Cookies lovers, with an added Sativa punch. This nicely balanced strain has a heady Sativa buzz that yields to an overall feeling of contentment. It boasts a long list of benefits that could lift you to a higher level of consciousness. This hybrid leads to blissful joy while also promoting relaxation making it the perfect strain for any time of day. Get the most of this strain while diving into that big creative project that you’ve needed that extra boost of inspiration for.

Tell us about how cannabis has helped you keep to your new year’s resolutions in the comments below!

Here’s How To ‘Weed and Workout’ For Maximum Results

If you’re looking for something to help take your workouts to the next level, then you may want to consider joining the ‘weed and workout’ craze.

It refers to using cannabis to enhance your workouts and recovery, but there are several things you’ll need to be aware of if you’ve never tried it before.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to safely use cannabis for your workouts, including how much you should use and which method of delivery is best.

How Does Weed Help You Workout?

If you’ve never used weed to help you work out  before, then the concept  may seem a little strange. After all, weed is associated with  burnouts and hippies – not athletes or the health-minded.

However, research shows that cannabis has untapped potential and we’re just starting to understand all the ways in which cannabis can be used.

Many bodybuilders and athletes are already ahead of the game. Some have been using weed to help elevate their mind to give them a competitive advantage over the competition.

Others use weed as a recovery aid – rubbing CBD oil on sore muscles to promote healing and blood flow, which allows for a better workout next session.

Research shows that cannabis can also help improve your immune response after a tough session when you’re most vulnerable to infections and illnesses.

Nervous about a big competition coming up or bummed about a recent injury? Cannabis has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects that can act as natural medicine.

With so many uses, it’s no wonder why many people are turning to weed to help them work out, but the trick is to find the right dosing and method for you.

Tips For Using Cannabis for Exercise

Whether you’re a first-time user or a cannabis pro, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind to safely aid your exercise sessions. Here are some tips for using weed to work out. 

1. Start with low doses

Even if you’re an experienced cannabis user and you know exactly how weed affects you, keep in mind that exercising while using weed may be a completely different experience.

It’s always best to start small with low doses. If you have too much weed in your system, it may negatively impact your exercise session to prevent you from achieving the gains you want.

It may also affect your coordination, which can be dangerous around weights and other exercise equipment. Aim for a small amount of THC that elevates your mind but doesn’t leave you incapable of moving your body.

For your first time, you may want to plan on an exercise session that isn’t as intensive, either. If you do two-a-days, then consider using weed for your second session – if you’re using it more as a recovery from the morning session.

2. Choose the right method for you

There are so many different ways to use cannabis, and while you might enjoy smoking weed for leisure, it might be better to find a different method for exercise.

Some people like edibles because they kick in slowly, allowing you to start your workout as you normally would and then elevate the last half when you’re usually tired or struggling to finish.

For example, edible gummies might be just the thing you need to finish your 20 mile run or 50 mile bike ride.

On the other hand, it might be a good idea for you to stick with a method that you’ve used before so that you know how to manage it.

If you want something fast-acting, then smoking is ideal, but this may be counterproductive if you’re an endurance athlete and need to keep your lungs clear.

3. Get out in nature or escape a boring indoor workout session

If you really want to de-stress, then you can’t beat the winning combination of weed AND nature! Try smoking weed and then going on a hike with a friend.

Research shows that being outdoors and exercising in nature can help reduce cortisol levels. When you add weed to the mix, you’ll really be able to clear your mind and channel your Zen side.

On the other hand, if you are stuck working out inside during those cold Canadian winters, then working out while high can help you escape the bore of the treadmill or spin bike.

4. Be safe your first time

If it’s your first time using weed to work out, then be extra cautious. Ask a friend who is not high to monitor you and be there for support.

You may also want to choose an exercise session that isn’t hard – spinning on an exercise bike or walking on the treadmill are good workouts to do while high as they are relatively safe.

5. Use weed to recover or prepare for an event

Some athletes use weed to help reduce inflammation and recover from a hard session. You can apply CBD and/or THC oil to sore muscles or take cannabis orally to boost immunity after working out hard as this is when your immune system is most at risk.

Other athletes have stated that they use weed to get into the right mindset for a tough event. Being high can help alleviate the jitters or anxiety you feel if you’re getting ready for a fight.

Just keep in mind that THC is still a banned substance in some competitive sports, so you’ll need to stick with CBD only if you are an athlete that is tested for drug use.

Final Thoughts

There are several ways in which weed can help you work out. Users state that it can really elevate your mind and take your exercise session to the next level. It also makes for a great recovery aid.

If you’re new to using cannabis while exercising, be sure to start small and choose your workout accordingly. It helps to have a friend there for support and use a method that you have used before so that you know how to manage it.

Do you “Weed and Workout”? Have you used cannabis to treat muscle-pain? Let us know in the comments below!

While experts thought that cannabis merely had a soothing effect on the gut, new research is starting to show that there may be a different mechanism of action that makes cannabis such an effective nausea treatment – and the results are promising for future use of the drug.

Read on to learn more about why cannabis is so good at treating nausea, including what the latest research shows about how it works as well as how to use cannabis for nausea.

What Causes Nausea?

Although it can be unpleasant, nausea is an important and necessary body function. It’s primarily needed to alert the body that something is wrong, such as when you eat something rotten or poisonous that needs to be avoided in the future and may need to be purged from the system.

Nausea could also mean that the body is going through an imbalance or illness that requires medical attention. Dehydration is a common cause of nausea that may be a sign that your body is trying to tell you something is wrong or unbalanced and needs action – in this case, more water intake.

Other things can cause nausea, too – such as certain motions or medications. You might feel nauseous when you drive in a car due to motion sickness. Some medications may also make you feel nauseous or cause an upset stomach.

Nausea occurs when the body sends messages to the brain telling it that something is wrong. The brain then interprets these messages as nausea. Severe nausea may also be accompanied by vomiting, which occurs when there is increased thoracic and abdominal pressure.

How Does Cannabis Relieve Nausea?

Nausea is hard to study in a lab. It’s even more difficult to determine how cannabis affects signals to the brain that we interpret as nausea.

However, as researchers are starting to get a more in-depth understanding of how the cannabinoid system works, we are learning the mechanisms of action that might be responsible for cannabis’ powerful anti-nausea actions.

Cannabis has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect that may provide digestive support in general. But when used to treat nausea, researchers believe that it helps control and reduce the signals that certain receptors in the body located within the endocannabinoid system send to the brain, essentially changing the way our body reacts to nausea.

The endocannabinoid system is the part of your body that responds to cannabis. It controls various aspects of your health, such as memory, appetite, and nausea. It works when cannabis cannabinoids – such as THC and CBD – bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system and provoke certain actions.

For example, chemotherapy can trigger certain receptors in the body to send a signal to the brain telling it that the body is nauseous. Cannabis can help intercept these signals by reacting with the CB1 receptor within the endocannabinoid system, reducing some of the signals sent by your digestive tract. Reducing these signals means that your brain receives fewer messages indicating that the body is nauseous or wants to vomit.

In fact, several synthetic forms of Cannabis have been approved by the FDA to treat nausea for over 20 years now. But you don’t need a prescription for cannabis to treat nausea anymore. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to use cannabis to treat nausea.

How To Use Cannabis to Treat Nausea

Cannabis targets nausea from multiple angles. As mentioned above, it has been shown to intercept or reduce signals sent to the brain that indicate the body is nauseous.

But it’s also true that cannabis – especially CBD – is very soothing on an upset stomach due to its anti-inflammatory actions.

In fact, one study found that cannabis provides immediate relief from nausea – within five minutes of use and progresses to full relief within one hour. With that in mind, here are some tips for using cannabis to treat nausea:

– Smoke a joint

In the study mentioned above, smoking a joint was the fastest and most effective way to reduce nausea.

Among the most effective strains were Cannabis Sativa and Hybrid joints, with Cannabis Indica being the least effective at reducing nausea.

Additionally, the study found that strains with higher tetrahydrocannabinol and lower cannabidiol were associated with the most relief.

– Smoke a pipe or vape

Using a pipe or vape was secondary in terms of effectiveness when compared to smoking a joint in the study above. However, it was still effective. Try vaping a Sativa or Hybrid strain for the best results.

– Use CBD oil or tinctures

If smoking, vaping, and pipes are out of the question for you, then consider a high-quality THC oil or tincture.

You can apply some right under the tongue when you start to feel nausea, and it should start working quickly because they are absorbed quickly.

– Try capsules or a spray

If you don’t like the taste of oils or can’t keep them down when you are nauseous, then try taking a THC capsule or even a cannabis spray.

Sprays are extremely easy to use and very non-irritating if you cannot tolerate any other method of administration.

Be sure to follow the directions on your supplement’s label. Sometimes all it takes is a few squirts into the back of your throat, and your nausea will disappear quickly.

– Enjoy your favorite edible

No one can resist their favourite cannabis edible, even if they are nauseous! Gummies are a great way to get cannabis into your body without further upsetting your stomach

The next time nausea strikes, try popping in a few of your favourite sweet or sour gummies to reduce the feeling and help soothe your stomach again.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis has been used to treat nausea for years, and it’s very effective. But the mechanisms of action weren’t always well understood until now.

By reducing signals sent to the brain from endocannabinoid receptors in the body, cannabis works to reduce nausea. Additionally, cannabis also has anti-inflammatory actions that soothe an upset stomach.

You can use cannabis to reduce nausea immediately by smoking a joint made with Cannabis Sativa, Indica or Hybrid strains.

Have you ever used cannabis to treat nausea? Did it help? Please tell us below!

Best Cannabis Gifts to Give During the Holidays (And Some to Keep for Yourself)

With the holidays upon us, it can be stressful trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Not to mention, holiday stress is some of the worst reported stress and is responsible for an uptick of anxiety and tension among many people.

When coupled with pandemic stress and new COVID variants breaking out, the holidays can seem like a nightmare right now. Let us take some of that stress away! We’ve put together a list of cannabis gifts you can give away and some you can keep yourself this holiday season!

 1. Potluck Hard Candy

Potluck’s Limited Edition Candy Cane and Sour Apple THC hard candies are the perfect gifts to give this holiday season. Each tin contains 4 hard candies with 25 mg of pure delta9 THC distillate each for a total of 100 mg of THC per tin.

Potluck candies are made right here in Canada with high-quality, all-natural ingredients, such as full-spectrum cannabis oils and isolates from top-notch flowers.

Best of all, you don’t even need to wrap this gift as the package itself already resembles a present!

Where to buy: shop here!

2. Holiday Bundle (Limited Time Only)

Can’t decide what to get the weed lover in your life? Don’t choose just one gift. Check out this Holiday Bundle that includes several delicious THC-infused treats.

Each bundle includes 5 different packs of tasty seasonal treats!:

• 1 x Polar Bear Claw with 140 mg THC
• 1 x Hot Chocolate Bomb Salted Caramel Flavour with 10 mg THC
• 1 x Snowflake Cookie with 20 mg of Indica THC
• 1 x Potluck Candy Cane and Sour Apple Hard Candies with 100mg THC per tin
• 1 x Mota Peppermint Hot Chocolate (150mg THC)

This Holiday Bundle has a retail value of $64.75, but you can get it for the great price of $54 while supplies last.

Where to buy: get it here!

 3. Raspberry Cheesecake Truffle

Chocolate goodness just in time for the holidays! You can never go wrong when you give the gift of chocolate. The only thing that can make it better is the addition of cannabis!

CannaCo Raspberry Cheesecake Truffles are festive and delightfully yummy – making them perfect gifts this holiday season. These delicious treats are made with 60 mg of THC per chocolate.

These are so good that you may have trouble giving them away!

Where to buy: shop here.

4. Mota Peppermint Hot Chocolate

This time of year is excellent for drinking warm peppermint hot chocolate. The addition of cannabis turns any holiday drink into a warm and relaxing stress-buster. Mota Peppermint Hot Chocolate contains simple ingredients from powdered milk, sugar, cannabis, cocoa powder, salt, and peppermint.

The company recommends using full-fat dairy or milk to help bind and activate the THC. We recommend drinking this at holiday parties to reduce anxiety! It also makes an excellent gift.

Where to buy: get it here.

5. CannaCo Hot Chocolate Bomb

Hot Chocolate is great, but do you know what’s even better? These CannaCo Hot Chocolate Bombs in Salted Caramel Flavour. These rich and creamy hot chocolate bombs are visually stunning, making them the perfect decadent treat for gift-giving even the pickiest person on your holiday list.

Plus, they are super simple to use. All you have to do is drop one in a cup of hot milk or water, stir, and enjoy it as an after-dinner dessert or while attending any social gathering.

Each bomb contains 10 mg of THC.

Where to shop: get it here.

6. Bath Shells 

 

Give the gift of relaxation and self-care this year (or pamper yourself!) with cannabis bath shells. Mermaid For You Bath Shells contain 100 mg of CBD per shell. Ideal for cleansing and purifying the body, these bath shells can help with stress, pain relief, and headaches.

Plus, they are easy to use. All you have to do is draw a warm bath and drop one in. We recommend taking a soak after a stressful holiday party to unwind and soothe chapped skin.

Where to buy: get them here.

7.  CannaCo Snowflake Cookie

Instead of trying to bake holiday cookies this year, bring these CannaCo SnowFlake cookies to the party and you’ll instantly become everyone’s best friend!

These minty butter cookies are decorated with delicious dark chocolate and they feature a wonderful blue icing for an eye-catching look. Each cookie has 20 mg of THC. They would be perfect for an evening relax session as they contain more THC than most edibles. All you need is one perfect cookie to make you feel more relaxed and in control.

Where to buy: shop here.

8. Monkey Mints *AAAA Quad*

What’s better than the gift of flowers? Cannabis flowers! Monkey Mints is best known for its super sharp minty flavour, this strain is the perfect Hybrid for an afternoon in when you want a quick lift to get all that holiday decorating and wrapping done.

Give the gift of happiness this year with Cannabis AAAA Quad strains and chill, thrill, and relax this holiday season!

Where to buy: Shop here here.

9. Beauty Products

Gaia CBD Lavender Bar Soap has perfect reviews for a reason. This soft-smelling soap has a calming scent and works to moisturize skin while fighting acne.

It can be used to help reduce acne scars, skin spots, and breakouts. It’s also a great soap to give someone who has arthritis in their hands and needs a good anti-inflammatory soap. 

Ingredients include cocoa butter, shea butter, frankincense, rose petals, geranium, 100 mg hemp oil, and lavender.

Where to get it: buy here.

10. Vape Battery

 

A vape battery is an ultimate gift for a chronic weed user. It ensures that they will always have access to the vape they need to get through the day.

We recommend the 510 threaded Shield Palm Style Vape Battery, which comes with a pre-heating function, adjustable voltage, two magnetic connectors, a USB charging cable, a voltage indicator, and a 400 mAh battery.

It also features a sleek blue design, giving it massive curb appeal when your friend or loved one opens it 

Where to get it: shop here!

When it comes to picking out cannabis, you might consider several different factors, such as the condition you’re trying to treat, CBD and THC ratio, administration methods, and price.

But should you pick out weed based on how it smells? And furthermore, if you like how it smells, will it be more powerful?

In this guide, we’ll discuss why weed that smells good might be better for you.

What Gives Weed Its Smell?

Terpenes are compounds in cannabis that are responsible for giving weed its distinct smell. These molecules are also the primary active ingredient found in essential oils.

You might notice that both essential oils and cannabis have very strong, unique scents that are detectable right away.

Although the science behind the smells of cannabis is complex, and there are more compounds than terpenes that contribute to its scent, terpenes are thought to be the primary contributor.

For example, the terpene pinene has an Earthy or pine scent that smells very woodsy while the terpene limonene has a fruity, citrusy scent because it’s also found in lemons.

Each scent has a unique ability to make you feel differently when you smell different terpenes. This is a big part of the entourage effect that weed has on many users – and the way you perceive weed’s scent may also influence how it affects you.

How Does Scent Affect Our Health?

Research shows that smell information is sent to different parts of our brain that influence many aspects of our health, including mood, emotion, and memory.

You might notice that certain smells bring back memories of your past, either good or bad. For example, the scent of food or cookies cooking in the kitchen might remind you of your childhood while a certain perfume or cologne brings back memories of a bad ex.

The scent is a powerful trigger of emotions. It can even affect our mental health and cortisol levels, depending on the memories we tie each scent to and how we perceive the pleasantness of each odour.

For example, one study found that women who smelled their male partner’s shirt experienced a reduction in cortisol levels while smelling a stranger’s scent made them feel more stressed by increasing their cortisol.

You can same the same about weed. If you experienced a bad trip from one strain in particular, then just the scent of that strain can bring back unfavourable memories.

However, if you find a strain that works well for you and makes you feel great each time you smoke it, then just smelling that strain can provide health benefits by bringing you back to a time when smoking weed made you feel more relaxed, in less pain and helped you sleep better.

To Pick Out the Best Weed for You, Lead with Your Nose

The smell should be a key factor when it comes to picking out weed that works best for you. Chances are if you don’t like the way weed smells, then you won’t like how it makes you feel.

Experienced users always tend to let their nose pick the best strain of weed because they know that they are more likely to enjoy a strain that smells good rather than by going off of THC or CBD content only.

Researchers believe that the effects of terpenes are what make each strain of weed very unique and special to each individual user. And just like each strain is not guaranteed to affect each person the same way, each strain may also smell different to each person.

For example, limonene is usually described as having a refreshing and energizing effect due to its strong citrus aroma, which makes many users feel uplifted.

Similarly, others may find that limonene has a very cleansing effect on the mind and body, leaving the user feeling pure and cleared of negative thoughts.

Kush strains of weed tend to have an herbal, woodsy, and Earthy scent with underlying notes of spice, thanks to its myrcene content. Myrcene has been described as having a relaxing and sedative effect, making users feel more grounded and closer to nature.

Experts agree that choosing a strain of weed that smells appealing to you is just as important as finding one with desirable amounts of THC, especially if that strain has worked for you in the past.

Interestingly, one study found that some people choose fragrances based on how it meshes with their own body odour, including their perfume and cologne choice.

So, in addition to picking weed that you like the scent of, you might want to make sure it blends well with other scents you use on your body!

Final Thoughts

The scent is a powerful tool to consider when picking out weed because it’s processed in parts of the brain that control several aspects of our health, including mood, memory, and emotions.

Whether you’re a first-time weed user or an experienced cannabis connoisseur, you’ll get the best results from your weed by picking one that smells good to you.

This can be challenging if you buy your weed online because you won’t necessarily be able to smell it first. But did you know that Pure Green Express stands behind their products, allowing you to return ones that don’t meet your nose’s standards?

You can also consult the team at Pure Green Express and they will help you pick out a strain or product based on the scents that you like.

What are your favourite smelling strains of weed? Let us know in the comments below!

As emerging scientific research continues to bear out the medicinal value of the cannabis plant, consumers within the legal cannabis industry are looking to cannabis compounds like CBD and terpenes for their therapeutic potential. Among the most thoroughly researched terpenes thus far, one of the most popular favourites within the space is myrcene, the so-called “mother of all terpenes”.

Myrcene is one of the most important and recognizable components in cannabis. It’s the terpene that gives the plant its distinctive aroma and flavour. In high doses, myrcene has also been shown to act as a mild sedative; it has anti-inflammatory effects when ingested orally, reduces pain response in the body and functions as an anticonvulsant against muscle spasticity and epileptic seizures.

Let’s briefly go over common sources of myrcene, its role in cannabis consumption as well as how it might influence your marijuana high, and how to make use of this popular terpene in the kitchen or on the go.

Where Does Myrcene Come From?

Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene in cannabis. It can compose up to 50% of total terpenes in myrcene-dominant strains of marijuana and averages about 18% across all others. Some popular examples of strains rich in myrcene include Tangie, Blue Dream, Remedy and Grape Ape.

Cannabis aside, myrcene is also present in many fruits, herbs and vegetables. The richest single source of this terpene is lemongrass, which packs roughly 34 mg per kilogram. Moderate concentrations of myrcene can be found in hops (6-8%), verbena i.e. Lippia or Zinziba (8.8%), and West Indian bay tree i.e. pimento or allspice (5%). It can also be found in small amounts in mangoes (0.1-0.5%) and citronella grass.

Myrcene’s Role In Cannabis

According to True Blue Terpenes, myrcene has traditionally been used to improve sleep, promote relaxation and relieve anxiety among other things. It is a relaxant terpene, making it good for individuals with muscle soreness, cramps, spasms or common forms of epilepsy. During cannabis consumption, the relaxant effect of myrcene is amplified due to what is commonly referred to as the entourage effect.

What is the entourage effect?

The term “entourage effect” was coined by the Israeli organic chemist Raphael Mechoulam, who discovered that cannabis compounds used together have significantly greater therapeutic potential than any single one used alone. This mechanism by which cannabis components like cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and others function synergistically is one of the reasons experienced consumers prefer full-spectrum products over isolates.

Myrcene is a unique terpene, in that it complements cannabinoids like THC and CBD by increasing their absorbability through the blood-brain barrier. It does this while reducing the psychoactive effects of these cannabinoids on the brain. This means that myrcene can help to reduce some of marijuana’s undesirable side effects such as anxiety or paranoia without sacrificing any of its therapeutic benefits.

Terpene isolates are becoming an increasingly common additive to cannabis products, including everything from edibles to topicals and even vaping e-liquids. Myrcene is among the most commonly used terpene for infusion because of its ability to melt away stress, anxiety and pain on top of the therapeutic potential of a CBD cartridge, as an example.

Sourcing & Extracting Myrcene

Because myrcene has a boiling point of 154C/309F, most extraction methods involving heat (e.g. steam, solvent extraction) will not be able to isolate it reliably or effectively. However, this terpene can be isolated using cold extraction methods such as CO2 or supercritical CO2 extraction.

When looking to extract myrcene, seasoned DIYers would do well to make use of myrcene-dominant strains if they’re currently growing some. However, less-experienced individuals — including those with a tighter budget — would be better served to acquire myrcene isolates from wholesalers or dispensaries to save money and time.

Myrcene in Personal Use

Whether bought or extracted manually, myrcene is a reasonably versatile terpene to use in infusion. Generally speaking, myrcene provides an earthy, musky aroma with a mildly sweet flavour profile. This means it can safely and easily be incorporated into everything from homemade soaps for topical use to DIY candles for aromatherapy.

Myrcene extracts can also be infused into herbaceous marinades and vinaigrettes, or rich fruit and vegetable smoothies. It can even be incorporated into vaping e-liquids or cartridges without any undesirable effect on flavour. All in all, myrcene can be enjoyed in psychoactive or non-psychoactive mixtures of cannabis compounds — or even independently of cannabis — and retain its therapeutic potential for individuals in a variety of different lifestyles.

Set and Setting

No one wants to go into what should be a beautiful experience only to be met with a “bad trip”. Psychedelic researchers in the 1960’s coined the term set and setting to describe the ideal situation to have this mind-altering experience. Making sure you are in the right mindset as well as physical setting with someone you can trust will help cushion you from any negative thought processes.

African Panaeolus (Panaeolus Cyanescens, Pan Cyans, Blue Meanies)

“The blue meanie is the perfect alchemist: it transforms dung into gold, into the golden light of enlightenment.” – GALAN O. SEID

Don’t be fooled by the size of these cute, little button-top mushrooms. They carry a powerful psilocybin punch, making them one of the most powerful members of their psychedelic fungi family. This doesn’t stop them from being one of the most popular strains for beginners with their mild visual and auditory hallucinations. Instead, these cyans create a giggly, euphoric, or even spiritual experience which is best enjoyed while frolicking in nature.

African Panaeolus originate from, you guessed it, Africa but are commonly found all over Southern Sudan. They are small mushrooms with a stubbier frame and wavy, brown caps that have a fairly mild taste. When purchasing dried cyans you will see blue spots or discoloration on these normally neutral mushrooms. This is completely normal; it’s bruising caused by the psilocybin interacting with the air.

Monster Mack

This strain is named for its monstrous size and strong potency. This genetically engineered mushroom is the love child of the infamous penis envy and pan cyan psilocybin mushrooms created right here in Canada. These huge mushrooms with thick stalks and small, brown caps will lead to more intense visual hallucinations even in smaller doses. They’re known to take you sky-high with fits of laughter and non-stop good times until you’re carefully transported back for some deep introspection. Monster Mack is a very strong mushroom so be careful with dosing and remember to start slow and low.

Penis Envy Mushroom: This is THE king of psilocybin mushrooms. Penis Envy is named for its phallic shape and is so strong people that have eaten it say they’re transported to another realm the way a stronger psychedelic drug might. This is where the Monster Mack inherits its effective hallucinogenic properties. The only issue with these little button caps is that they are extremely hard to cultivate and rare in the wild making them the perfect contestant for a little bit of genetic modification.

Pan Cyan: These are the same tiny mushrooms above. I won’t go more into detail since you’re all blue meanie experts now.

Z X Amazonian (Golden Teacher)

Even if you’re not very familiar with different types of psilocybin mushrooms, you have probably heard of the infamous golden teacher. They have stunning honey-coloured caps that are commonly large and meaty. This is the most widely used type of mushroom used globally to reach enlightenment and deeper thinking. It’s known to have different positive effects that lead to euphoria without little of the unwanted side effects such as nausea and sleepiness. Another quality of the golden teacher that might speak to movies users is that the effects are shorter-lived than other types. This means that the trip could be as short as 2 hours. These sun-shade caps are perfect for someone looking for a calm, relaxing, and enlightening trip through the mind.

Great White Mammoth

Great White Mammoth is an albino species that grow to monumental sizes, named for its unique white spores. This beautiful cocktail of psilocybin varieties is known to create euphoria while treating chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. This albino mushroom starts with a buzzy, warmth that moves into vivid hallucinations and synesthesia, hearing color and seeing sounds. In large doses, people even experience ego dissolution or death. This can be a painful healing experience so make sure you are set and setting.

Dosing

These mild-tasting and giggle-inducing fungi should lead to a 4-8 hour psychedelic experience with the usual peaks and valleys.

Taking anywhere from 25-250 mg is a nice microdose that will provide positive benefits without the actual trip.

Anything above a couple of grams at a time will lead to an intense and spiritual experience so know what your goal is. If this is your first experience, I suggest taking a smaller dose to see how your body reacts.

Final Thoughts

This list is only the tip of the iceberg, with three of the hundreds of known psilocybin mushrooms that grow globally. These are the most popular varieties that draw people in for their groovy, euphoric, and eye-opening effects. Happy Travels Psychonauts!

Cannabis has been used as a form of alternative medicine for centuries, but have you ever wondered how many of these so-called health benefits are backed by science?

The answer may surprise you! In fact, cannabis has 33 different health benefits that are all proven by science. If you don’t believe us, check out our list below.

1.    It may help you lose weight.

Despite causing the munchies in some people, research shows that cannabis may actually help you lose weight. According to one study, cannabis users have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non-cannabis users, suggesting that weed may be able to help you lose weight.

 2.    It may help prevent diabetes.

One of the reasons why cannabis may help you lose weight is because it helps control the insulin response, which is also useful for controlling type 2 diabetes.

One study found that cannabis users had a reduced risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This may be explained by weed’s anti-inflammatory compounds, which may be helpful for controlling insulin resistance.

 3.    It can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Many people turn to weed for its natural anti-depressant effects. Research shows that the endocannabinoids found in weed affect motor control, cognition, emotions, and behaviour, and they may help reduce depression that is caused by chronic stress and HPA axis dysfunction. Best of all, researchers found that taking weed for depression does not cause dependence.

 4.    It may help protect against cancer.

Many cancer patients use medical marijuana to help treat a variety of symptoms, such as nausea, pain, and reduced quality of life. However, research shows that cannabis itself may inhibit or kill cancer cells without affecting normal white blood cells.

 5.     It may provide autism support.

Research suggests that CBD may be effective at reducing some of the symptoms of autism without the side effects associated with many pharmaceutical drugs, such as mood disorders, social and communicative deficits, behavioural

problems, sleep disorders, motor problems, seizures, and more.

 6.   It may help protect against COVID-19.

Some research suggests that cannabis may help protect against the inflammatory damage caused by the coronavirus, which could help control the severity and symptoms of the virus.

 7.    It can help treat glaucoma.

You might not think that cannabis can help improve eye health, but one study shows that it helps reduce intraocular pressure, which is a risk factor for developing glaucoma.

 8.    It may help broken bones heal faster.

According to one study, cannabis assists with the healing process of broken bones. In fact, it was found to drastically increase the healing process of fractured bones in rats after only eight weeks of use.

 9.    It can help regulate seizures.

Medical marijuana has long been used to help treat seizures. In fact, medical marijuana has been approved by the FDA to treat seizures and epilepsy in the United States.

 10.   It can help ease ADHD symptoms.

Research shows that adult patients who use cannabis to treat their ADHD have lower levels of symptoms, including reductions in impulsions and hyperactivity, with no reported cognitive side effects.

 11.  It can help with opioid addiction recovery.

Cannabis may help people recover from opioid addiction. According to one study, patients who use cannabis have fewer opioid withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and insomnia. 

 12.  It may help reduce anxiety.

While cannabis may promote anxiety in some people it reduces stress in others. According to one study, CBD may be better than THC at reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

 13.  It may help improve lung health.

Many people do not smoke weed because they are worried it will harm their lung health. However, one study found that smoking weed doesn’t have an adverse effect on lung health, and it may even support healthy, stronger lungs.

 14.  It may protect against dementia.

Research shows that cannabis may support brain health by slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

 15.  It can help control muscle spasms.

Research shows that cannabis may be able to reduce muscle spasms, providing relief to those with stiff, achy muscles due to ageing, exercise, or an underlying health condition.

 16.  It can help treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

In addition to controlling muscle pain and spasms, cannabis may be able to reduce the symptoms of MS and decrease the need for pharmaceutical drugs, which may cause unwanted side effects.

 17.  It can help treat arthritis.

Cannabis has excellent anti-inflammatory and pain management properties that are useful for treating arthritis. Several studies have shown that CBD is especially helpful at reducing pain and stiff joints associated with arthritis to help improve mobility. Cannabis may also help regulate the immune response to reduce symptoms caused by inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis.

 18.  It can be useful for treating eating disorders.

Research shows that cannabis is useful for aiding in the recovery of eating disorders because it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain as well as the gut to regulate mood, the microbiome, and appetite signals from various hormones and neurotransmitters. It also helps alleviate anxiety, which may be a contributing factor to eating disorders.

 19.  It can able to help treat PTSD.

PTSD is often associated with war veterans and survivors of sexual assault. Research shows that cannabis can be useful in the treatment of PTSD by alleviating panic, anxiety, depression, migraines, and insomnia associated with flashbacks of unwanted memories.

 20.  It may help reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.

Research suggests that cannabis may regulate hormones that influence hunger and metabolism, including insulin, leptin, and ghrelin (the hormones responsible for making you feel hungry or full). This regulation of hormones can help reduce the risk of some metabolic conditions, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, fatigue, and more.

 21.  It helps treat nausea.

Cannabis is extremely effective at reducing nausea. Some research shows that it works almost immediately or within five minutes of smoking or vaping it.

 22.   It may help control acne.

According to one study, CBD helps control oil production in oil-secreting glands, which may be useful for the treatment of acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to further treat acne.

 23.  It reduces the side effects of some medications.

Certain medications may cause worse side effects than the condition that they are being used to treat. Despite this, it may still be necessary for you to take them.

Research shows that cannabis has anti-nausea, anti-anxiety, anti-insomnia, appetite-stimulating, and anti-depressant properties that may be able to help reduce the side effects associated with some medications, especially HIV and AIDS treatments.

 24.  It can reduce headache pain.

Research shows that cannabis may be able to reduce headache or migraine pain by as much as 50%.

 25.  It may help speech problems.

Depending on the cause of the problem, cannabis may be able to reduce muscle spasms and twitches in the mouth or tongue that cause speech issues.

 26.  It supports skin health.

Cannabis has soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits that may be able to help reduce the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and other skin disorders – even cancer.

 27.  It reduces the side effects of chemotherapy.

Cancer patients often use cannabis to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as pain, recovery from surgery, nausea, appetite loss, sleeping problems, depression, and more.

 28.  It may relieve obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Research shows that even in low doses, CBD may be able to reverse several of the symptoms of OCD due to its effect on the brain and neurotransmitters.

 29.  It may boost libido.

Cannabis can be useful for boosting performance in the bedroom due to its anti-inflammatory flavonoids, which help boost blood flow throughout the body, including to your reproductive organs.

 30.  It may be useful for treating asthma attacks.

Some research suggests that taking cannabis in oil or tincture form can help ease the symptoms of asthma, including shortness of breath.

 31.  It can be useful for soothing a panic attack.

Thanks to its powerful anti-anxiety properties, CBD can be used to reduce the symptoms of a panic attack.

 32.  It may lower blood pressure.

According to one study, a single dose of CBD reduced blood pressure in subjects exposed to stress (where blood pressure normally becomes elevated). This suggests that CBD can also help control the body’s reaction to stressful stimuli and increase cortisol levels.

 33.  It’s a healthy dietary supplement.

When eaten raw, cannabis does not get you high but will provide several antioxidant compounds that boost health. We suggest juicing raw cannabis for the best results.

 

Final Thoughts

This article only touches the surface when it comes to the many proven health benefits of cannabis.

Researchers expect many more studies to come out about the exciting new ways cannabis can be used every day to treat various health conditions.

Now that you know about the most popular uses, head over to Pure Green Express to order your cannabis online so you can start experiencing some of these benefits yourself!

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that being more empathic is the foundation to getting through one of the world’s toughest economic times in over 100 years.

It doesn’t take much to realize that not everyone is good at putting themselves in another’s shoes. However, recent research shows that cannabis may help you become more empathic.

Read on to learn more about the science behind how weed makes you more empathic, and why this connection affects how we interact with other people.

What is Empathy?

Empathy may only be one personality trait that makes you a better person, but I think we can all agree it’s a good one.

Defined as the ability to understand another person’s feelings, empathy allows us to put ourselves in someone else’s

shoes – emotionally – to see where they are coming from.

Research shows that empathy allows us to share in on the experiences, desires, and needs of others. Dictated by various neural networks, empathy affects the part of our brains that perceive other people’s emotions and allows us to resonate with them, understanding their perspective and distinguishing our own emotions from someone else’s. 

Arguably, being more empathetic makes us better people because it helps us get along with others, maintain friendships, make better decisions, and take action when we see someone else being bullied.

And while humans start showing signs of empathy as infants, we tend to lose our sensitivity towards others as we age. We may even be more tolerant of those who look and think like us and less empathetic toward members outside or our faith, family, community, or race.

As you can imagine, having more empathy helps us strengthen bonds, creating a better world for future generations to come.

How Does Weed Affect Empathy?

So, how does weed fit in here? Well, research shows that cannabis may help make us more empathetic by affecting our thought process, encouraging us to think more creatively and spiritually.

According to psychotherapist and CEO of The Cannabinoid Institute, Dr. Jan Roberts, cannabis may affect a person’s ability to understand others’ feelings and relate to them.

Cannabinoid receptors are primarily located in the part of the brain that is well known for its ability to influence emotion called the amygdale. They are also located in the medial prefrontal cortex, which is a part of the brain that is responsible for emotional response and decision making.

Research shows that the administration of THC decreases the amygdala’s response to threats, such as ones that may come from angry faces, indicating that cannabis may impact mechanisms in the brain that are tied to underlying emotions and other neural processes.

Additionally, using cannabis can lead to both immediate and long-term changes in the brain, such as altered emotional behaviour and emotional processing. It can also directly influence mental and physical processes in the body, such as sleep patterns and appetite.

However, one study found that THC may increase the user’s ability to become empathetic by affecting thought processes that make it difficult to identify negative face patterns, such as anger and fear.

Dr. Roberts explains that neurotransmitters are impacted each time you consume cannabis. The endocannabinoid system is so tightly entwined with our nervous system that it interacted with serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamine, and other brain chemicals that influence our actions, emotions, and behaviours.

Weed is also really good at causing you to slow down and become more aware of your feelings and the feelings of those around you, creating a sense of mindfulness that leads to a more empathetic outlook.

According to Dr. Roberts, people with anxiety and depression tend to be more empathic, which may draw them to marijuana use. She notes that when cannabinoids are used at the right dose, anxiety shuts down and helps users become more connected to themselves and others. 

Best Cannabis Strains For Increasing Empathy

While it’s tempting to think that smoking weed alone can make someone a better person, Dr. Roberts notes that it comes down to intention, dosage, and type of method used.

Too much will suppress or dull your emotions while too little won’t give you the desired effect you’re looking for.

The connection between cannabis and how it affects your empathy is personal. It’s well-known that cannabis affects everyone differently.

If you have experienced a lot of stress or trauma in your life, then Dr. Roberts suggests that you may need more CBN or CBD to really affect your level of empathy.

However, as noted in the study in the section above, THC plays an important role in affecting areas of the brain that process emotions.

So, you may need to experiment with a strain that includes proper amounts of THC and CBD to help bring out your best side.

Here are some cannabis strains that may help make you more empathetic by affecting emotion processing:

• Crushed berries
• Pink Bubba Kush
• Master Kush
• Death Bubba
• Tuna Kush
• Wedding Cake
• Pink Kush

Final Thoughts

Using cannabis is usually very effective at alleviating anxiety and speech problems that make people unable to communicate, grow as a person, and reciprocate feelings of compassion and sensitivity.

However, this reaction tends to be very specific to each person’s mind, body, and spirit. The best way to use cannabis if you are looking for a more empathetic reaction is to focus on the cannabinoid profile.

The right combination can make someone better able to understand and feel what someone else is feeling – maybe even by learning how it feels themselves. After all, cannabis is great at building and establishing connections.

How does cannabis affect your empathetic side? Let us know in the comments below.

Like most plants, cannabis loves the warm summer months, flooded with hours of radiating sunbeams. Crops planted during this time will be the biggest and best of the year but it is possible to add two additional growing seasons, one in spring and one in the fall. If you live somewhere temperate it may be possible to achieve this outside, while in other areas a greenhouse might be the only way to accomplish this. I’ll take you through everything you need to know about growing cannabis during the cooler autumn months.

Choosing A Strain

For these colder months grow periods it is wise to choose a strain that can thrive at lower temperatures. This could mean growing indica-dominant strains from mountainous areas of Asia that are much better suited to chillier temperatures.

Pro Tips:

-Use strains that thrive at colder temperatures. This means using indica rather than the sun-loving sativa.
-Use an auto-flowering strain to get 3 rather than 2 growing seasons.
-Purchase feminized seeds to remove the extra work of separating the males before maturity. If you do use a normal seed make sure to stand watch over your crop. The male plants should make themselves known pretty quickly and if they aren’t separated there can be some devastating effects on your crop.

Autoflowering Strains

This is the best option for growing plants in cooler regions and I wouldn’t suggest taking another route. Cannabis Ruderalis that has been interbred with the indica strain will give descendants that coveted auto-flowering trait. This makes the cannabis plants more resilient and can go from a tiny seed to a bud in as little as 8 weeks. The total amount of time for an auto-flowering strain to reach full maturity is only about 3 months. If you are going for a full 3 grows the first should be planted in March, the second in June, and the third in August. The late-season cannabis that is planted in August will be ready to harvest by late October or early November. This lets you harvest before the frost hits the grounds and ruins all of your hard work.

Using A Greenhouse In Colder Weather

Using a greenhouse to help with your grow is necessary for colder climates but may help increase your yield no matter the location. By beginning their journey from a tiny seed to a green, leafy plant in the greenhouse you will see healthier, larger plants. Once transferred outdoors for their dose of natural sunlight the plants will grow the same as any other in the same conditions and locations but the plants will be healthier. During this coveted late-season harvest you will want to start growing your plants inside in the summer while your first crop is catching sun rays outside. These tiny, indoor plants will need 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. Keep this going until the first plants are outdoors and flowering. At this time your second batch of plants is ready to go either outside or into the greenhouse.

The Growing Stages of Cannabis

Knowing the growth stages of your medicinal plants is important. If you missed our previous article this month that takes you on the journey of the cannabis plant as it goes from a tiny seed to a towering, leafy plant go check it out! You can never know too much about cannabis.

1. Germination (3-10 days). While the little seed is gaining energy to sprout it needs 16 hours of light a day.
2. Seedling (2-3 weeks). During the plant’s growth from germination to seedling the amount of light it needs doesn’t change.
3. Vegetative (3-16 weeks). The cannabis plant at this stage begins to take form and needs lots of sun. If indoors keep the light going 16 hours a day, if outdoors it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight as well as all the extra rays it can catch through the day.
4. Flowering Stage (8-11 weeks). Now that the plants are in their final stages of growth they will only need about 12 hours of sunlight a day. There are three stages of growth during the flowering stages.

-Blooming flowers: This is the first few weeks when females begin to develop buds. They will have their pre-flowers during this stage which look like whisky, white hairs.
-Mid-Flowering: During the 4th and 5th week the plants will stop growing and put all of their energy into fattening up these new buds.
-Ripening: After week 6 the plants start to get sticky and dense until they eventually become ready for harvest.

How Is Cannabis Affected By Cold Weather?

Some plants can grow all year round with winter blooms that seem magical in an otherwise barren landscape.

Unfortunately, cannabis plants are not one of these cold-resistant plants. The main concerns are the roots becoming too cold and mold. Healthy roots lead to happy plants and cold weather is a massive shock to these underground systems. Once

the temperature of the soil gets below 12 degrees Celsius, the plant’s metabolism slows down almost to a halt. This is because it is starving. Without a healthy way to absorb water, nutrients, and oxygen growth comes to a standstill and the plant begins to die. All of the excess moisture from rainfall, snow, and frost leads to moisture being trapped in the plant’s leaves and flowers. This excess water will cause your plants to rot and mould before they have the chance to be harvested.

How Cold Is Too Cold

You know that cannabis plants don’t enjoy the winter months but how cold is too cold? Anything under 15 degrees Celsius will stunt the root growth so dependent on the region there is a bit of wiggle room in the growth stages. The happiest plants will be the ones that can flourish under the hot summer sun in 20-25 degree weather.

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