Cannabis has a wide range of benefits, including reducing inflammation and pain
Many people have hesitated to use cannabis because they believe it is a dangerous drug that can ruin lives. However, this negative perception of cannabis is unfounded; there are numerous benefits to using the plant for which research has provided evidence. Some of the most important benefits include:
To get the best sleep, focus on these five key tips
Studies have shown that cannabis products can help people get better sleep on a regular basis. This is especially true for those who experience chronic pain or difficulty sleeping due to PTSD. Interestingly, cannabis may reduce the amount of time people spend in REM sleep (rapid eye movement) which can also reduce the number of nightmares someone with PTSD experiences.
Indica strains are commonly recommended for people looking to sleep well, as they tend to create a sense of calm and relaxation. It can take time and some experimentation to find the right strains and products that helps you drift off, but we highly recommend tinctures over smoking marijuana.
As a result of the treatment, patients reported decreased anxiety and depression symptoms
Millions of people struggle with anxiety and depression, which can have a number of negative consequences on their daily lives. Anxiety and depression are highly treatable with lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep and exercise, but this isn’t always enough to help those suffering. Cannabis may be helpful in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety short-term. As always, talk to your doctor about anxiety or depression before using cannabis as a coping mechanism for your symptoms.
Reduced pain is a key benefit
A 2017 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that cannabis is highly effective in relieving chronic pain. This research has been used to support the use of cannabis as an alternative treatment for people with chronic pain who are struggling with opioid abuse. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain, but often turn to addictive opioids to manage it – opioids have proven themselves largely ineffective when treating long-term suffering due to the potential of addiction. Cannabis provides a viable option that can be helpful in reducing or managing symptoms without relying on potentially harmful drugs.
Enhanced creativity refers to techniques that can be used to improve the productivity and potential of a person
Cannabis has been known to enhance creativity in those who use it in the proper doses. It is no secret that many famous creators throughout history have enjoyed cannabis, and many people are drawn to the plant as a way of achieving a creative boost similar to what some of their favorite performers achieve. At the same time, there seems to be an association between cannabis consumption and more creative thinking in some people.
If you’re interested in trying cannabis for the first time, we recommend consuming a small dose beforehand. This can be done by smoking or ingesting it orally using a sativa-dominant product. Feel free to experiment with different dosage and ingestion methods to find what works best for you.
There are a variety of ways to consume cannabis, depending on what you’re looking for
There are a variety of ways to consume cannabis now, and it’s an exciting time for marijuana enthusiasts and businesses. Some popular methods of consumption include:
Smoking
Smoking cannabis involves burning flower and inhaling the smoke into your lungs. This quickly absorbs into your body, resulting in quick effects that can be felt within minutes. Smoking cannabis often results in shorter-term effects than consuming it orally, but it has been popular among friends for decades. If you enjoy making your own joints or blunts, we have a wide selection of equipment available at our weed store locations or you can purchase pre-rolled joints that are ready to use right out of the package.
Vaping
Vaping is a relatively new method when it comes to cannabis use. You can purchase disposable vapes or you can get half gram or full gram cartridges that work with reusable batteries. Vaping effects typically take effect within minutes, and they tend to last for an hour or so. There are numerous flavors of vaping devices available, and it can be fun to try all different kinds in search of your new favorite.
Edibles are a healthy way
One popular way to consume cannabis is by eating edibles. These products contain varying amounts of THC, which can be found in chocolate bars, gummies, cookies, drinks, and more.
Edibles must enter the GI tract before the body can absorb THC, it normally can take an hour or more before you start to feel the effects. Because of this, it is recommend starting slow and waiting at least an hour, or more, before indulging in more edibles if you can’t feel the affects of the edibles, you already took. One of the reasons edibles are popular is because the effects have a tendency to last longer, somewhere between four and eight hours.
Concentrates
Concentrates are a great option for experienced cannabis users who need a higher dose to experience the effects. Dabbing, an activity involving various equipment that can produce intense highs, is often performed with dabbing. If you’re interested in trying dabbing but don’t know where to start, speak with one of our knowledgeable budtenders.
Topically
Cannabis products are often popular among athletes and those who suffer from pain regularly due to their analgesic effects. Topical applications of these products, which typically come in the form of balms or salves, are applied directly to the skin. Some skin care items also contain cannabis or CBD extracts, and many claim that they can help treat various skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
Before using any topical cannabis products, it is important to test the product for negative reactions before applying it to large areas of skin.
Wine and Cannabis
Now that we have covered the many benefits and methods of consuming cannabis, let’s discuss a new way to do so: pairing it with wine. Wine and cannabis share similar flavor profiles based on their terpenes. These compounds create odor and often provide health benefits.
Terpenes are important organic compounds
Terpenes are not only found in cannabis plants, but also in other plant species. These compounds exist in wine, coffee, chocolate, and tea; they contribute to their aroma and flavor as well as a dry mouthfeel.
When pairing cannabis with wine, it is important to focus on aromas that will work well together. With practice, you’ll be able to identify various scents and flavors in wine and flower alike. After getting used to this process, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions about what wines go great with which strains of cannabis.
The Herb Somm has a great guide on terpenes and their properties, which can help you learn more about complementary wine pairings until you develop your own sense of smell for detecting them.
Avoid high-tannin wines
Wines, like many other foods and beverages, can be paired with cannabis to enhance the experience. However, it is important to avoid wines that are especially high in tannins since this can lead to a dry mouthfeel and unpleasant sensations in your throat.
High-tannin wines can include:
- Sangiovese
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Nebbiolo grapes
- Malbec
Before pairing your favorite cannabis strain with a wine, it is recommended that you do a quick online search or consult the bottle’s labeling to see if it has bold flavors and high tannin levels.
Be sure to pay attention to ABV content
When pairing wine and cannabis for the first time, take it easy on both fronts. Wines with high alcohol contents can also diminish your ability to taste and smell the flavors present in both substances. At the same time, consuming too much alcohol at once can make it difficult to operate effectively in social situations. Alcohol actually increases your body’s absorption rate of THC, which is responsible for producing psychoactive effects.
When mixing cannabis and wine, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences of “crossfading.” This occurs when the effects of one substance combine with those of another, causing a variety of unpleasant symptoms. To minimize these side effects, start out by using low alcohol content and drink only small amounts at a time.
It’s important to think about what kind of experience you want
When planning your special wine and cannabis night, what sort of a night are you looking to have? Do you want to relax on the couch with a good book or a movie or maybe you are looking to socialize in an alert environment? If it is the former, choose a strain that is known to create feelings of calm and relaxation. Indica-dominant strains can help provide “the couch” feeling – ready to chill out and listen to some good tunes. For products with higher levels of CBN (an active compound found in cannabis), consider choosing a product which claims additional benefits such as relief from anxiety and improved sleep.
For the latter, a situation where you want to remain alert and aware, we recommend strains of cannabis that are known for producing a head high. Many people who enjoy sativa-dominant strains report feeling energetic and motivated.
Consider choosing a hybrid strain of cannabis if you cannot decide between Indica or Sativa, for your wine and marijuana night. Hybrids are composed of the best aspects of Indica and Sativa strains, resulting in a relaxed sensation accompanied by clear-headedness when consumed with alcohol.
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