Gone are the days of “regs” and “crip.” Today we have more of a knowledgeable approach as a consumer. Just like a wine connoisseur, we learn where the strain comes from, the notes, and potency. Unlike wine though, marijuana is a great way to medicate ailments. Some medications can cause other health issues (side effects) and meds keep adding up over the years. The beautiful thing about marijuana is that it can replace multiple medications. For example, let me list a few common health issues that typically require medications: anxiety, IBS, chronic pain, and migraines. A doctor would have prescribed at least four medications, probably more, to treat that patient. I also want to emphasize that I am not pill shaming. I understand that some of us need medication to live and I am one of them. But, why not eliminate a few pills for one piece of nature? As a disclaimer, please consult your doctor. I am simply just a nerd who does a lot of research and experiments.
We’ll start with THC education. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. THC is where you get the buzzy high feeling. It is also very beneficial for pain relief, nausea, PTSD, withdrawals, sleep issues, seizures, and muscle tremors. For some, THC can give that paranoid side effect; CBD actually counteracts that feeling. Knowing the right strains and percentages is key to finding exactly what you need. You also have cannabis types: Indica and Sativa. Indica (in-da-couch) is the mellow type. This type is calming and relaxing. Sativa can sometimes light a fire under your ass. It may make you extra chatty at a party or give you energy to work on a project. So, back to being paranoid… If you have had that effect from bud, you probably had a high THC, low CBD, Sativa strain. Now you see why it is great to learn? What you really needed was a low THC, high CBD, Indica strain.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is rich in medicinal properties. You can consume CBD flower and not get high. What is the fun in that? Well, some of us have day jobs, need to drive, or get drug tested while still needing the benefits that marijuana has to offer. CBD is a strong, natural anti-inflammatory that doesn’t get you stoned. The list of medical benefits is long enough to fill this page. You can purchase legal CBD as long as it does not contain more than 0.3% THC. Isolate contains only CBD (think isolated). Full Spectrum contains all compounds naturally present in the plant, which has more benefits in my opinion.
There are many ways to use cannabis: smoking, edibles, tinctures, tea, lotion, balm, bubble bath, skincare, and vaporizing. Find your local medical marijuana doctor and dispensary. It’s time to paint the town green!
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