california sober

How To Choose The Right Cannabis Strain

Published

11 months ago

January 2, 2024

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Recently legal Michigan is going gangbusters in sales, more and more people are using marijuana it becomes legal in more places. The stigma is dying and people are turning to it for to chill, for medical reasons and to relax. And more Gen Z people are turning away from alcohol and using slightly more weed. Today, the most popular form of consuming are gummies, but the traditional way of flower and now vapes are still used by a significant number. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of strains available in dispensaries. So how do you choose the right one for you?

The good news is there is also lots more information to help you choose the best strain. In the past, one would simply go with THC levels, or sativa vs. indica. Those are still important, but there is a smarter way to shop for cannabis flower strains today.

THC and CBD Content

More people are choosing high CBD strains for many reasons: it minimizes the anxiety which occurs with some when consuming high THC strains, CBD can help relax, and isn’t psychoactive. Given THC and CBD are the two active and dominant chemicals in the cannabis plant, they will both have different effects which is why it’s important to understand how each will affect you.

smoking marijuana — Photo by Fuse/Getty Images

Generally speaking, you can go by with a few simple rules to remember: the higher the THC content (over 18%), the more psychoactive effects you will feel. On the other hand, the higher the CBD content, the more relaxed and calm you will feel. Many indica strains have a higher CBD content since it’s suitable for helping you to relax. Some consumers prefer a balanced effect and seek out strains with identical or nearly identical THC and CBD ratios.

Some cannabis growers provide third-party laboratory tests or a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to verify the cannabinoid content in cannabis plants.

Terpene Profiles

Terpenes are natural compounds found in plants, not just marijuana. They are responsible for the strain’s unique aroma and flavors; these compounds are what can help differentiate strains through taste or smell.

Aside from taste and smell, terpenes also contribute to the strain’s effects. Because of the entourage effect, terpenes also work with other cannabinoids that are present in the marijuana plant to produce certain effects. There are over several hundred known terpenes in marijuana though more may be discovered by researchers over time.

There are many ways to determine which terpenes are present in cannabis flowers. When shopping at a licensed dispensary, many recognized cultivators and laboratories provide a Certificate of Analysis or information on the terpene profile of the plant. Some of the most common terpenes found in marijuana flowers include limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, nerol, myrcene, terpineols, humulene, and many more.

Another way to gauge the dominant terpenes in cannabis flower is to smell it. Some strains smell skunky, woody, sweet, fruity, or even citrusy. It’s best to research each of the varying terpenes that are found in strains to have an idea of how they can affect you.

Purpose

Are you trying to medicate for a certain condition, or do you want to unwind after a day of work? Are you looking to socialize with friends or do you merely want a strain to help you sleep peacefully at night?

Some types of cannabis flower go well with specific scenarios. For example, sativa and hybrid strains are excellent for socializing, while indicas and high CBD strains will help you relax and fall asleep faster. If you already have experience with paranoia or anxiety with high THC strains, you’re better off with strains that are around 10% THC to ensure a pleasant experience.

smoking marijuana pipe — Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

On the other hand, there are also those that smoke flower with the sole intention of getting really high. In this case, opt for high THC and low to no CBD strains. There are literally at least a few strains for everyone, but being clear and specific about what you want out of the strain will help you efficiently narrow down your choices.

Lab Testing

More cannabis strains are being sold in dispensaries with third-party laboratory testing. For those who are new to the world of marijuana, relying on laboratory testing is the most efficient way to understand the effects and cannabinoid content of any strain you are interested in buying.

Buying cannabis strains that have undergone lab testing will also help in terms of your own overall health and safety. This is especially crucial for medical cannabis patients because laboratory tests tell you if the strain contains any harmful contaminants such as fungicides, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals which can worsen existing health problems.

Other important details you can get from a laboratory test includes:

Brand (who grew the cannabis)
Type of cannabis (sativa, indica, or hybrid)
Cannabinoid content
Harvest date, batch name
State law compliance

Price

Don’t underestimate the value of a cannabis strain just because it’s priced lower than others. In fact, buying while it’s on sale is a good opportunity to experiment with a new strain while saving a few dollars.

In the same breath, just because a strain is rare or expensive doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s of better quality. It’s more important to choose weed strains based on its effects, aromas, and flavors that you enjoy.

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anxiety

Boomer And Gen Z Consume Marijuana For Similar Reasons

Published

2 months ago

September 14, 2024

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Cannabis has become popular for every adult age group- but the surprise is Gen Z and Boomers are using it for similar reasons.

Cannabis is fully legal to over 50% of the population and all groups are embracing its use. Proven healthier than alcohol, it has become much more common in all sets. Even Florida looks like it is going to vote for recreational cannabis. Long stigmatized as a way to get high, be lazy and lay about on the couch, it turns out it is become part of every day life…and part of a health regime. An example of how it is being used, Boomer and Gen Z consume marijuana for similar reasons.

It is become so accepted, AARP did a study about use among Boomers. AARP is the largest print magazine with 38 million readers…and their bulletin has 33 million. A huge validator for the demographic. It also shows they are more open to more mainstream cannabis. This falls in line by the positions of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.

gummies — Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

The AARP study revealed 21 percent ages 50-plus used some form of cannabis — be it food, drink, flower or another type— at least once in the last year, a report from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging found. That’s up from 1 in 8 (12 percent) in 2021. In 2015 and 2016, roughly 3 percent of adults 65 and older used cannabis, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Roughly 68% of poll respondents who used cannabis products did so for help with sleep, the researchers found. Many also cited pain relief (63 percent), mental health, anxiety, and mood (53 percent) and relaxation (81 percent) as reasons for using cannabis.

What is interesting is Gen Z, the youngest adult generation, Gen Z, is an also a big fan of marijuana. They helped fuel the California Sober trend where you reduce or stop drinking and use weed instead. One reason Gen Z has embraced weed is it helps with anxiety and mood. They also use it for relaxation, way more so than other generation who tend to lean into alcohol.

What is interesting is some Boomers and Gen X are consume marijuana in a more traditional way by smoking. Gen X and Boomers new to consuming tend to vape and use gummies. The later two are more “on the go” and discreet and doesn’t have the smell. It is interesting the marijuana is bonding together two generations.

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BDSA

Choosing The Right Edible – The Fresh Toast

Published

7 months ago

April 15, 2024

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Edibles have become very popular – finding the right one for you is key!

With over 50% of the country’s population having access to recreational cannabis, it has gone mainstream. Over 85% of the population believe it should be legal in some form and now there is a whole movement around California sober. As access to legal marijuana gains, beer sales have flattened and people are curious. According to BDSA, almost 50% of those who have used cannabis, have used an edible – primarily a gummy.

Marijuana not only helps you to chill, relax or go on a fun journey, it also has clear medical benefits. Edibles are healthier for you body and lungs than vaping and smoking while capable of producing the same results. While smoking cannabis is a little healthier than tobacco, it is still not a great frequent habit. Additionally, edibles are likely to provide more pain relief and a stronger response from your mind and body.

Edibles are portable and discreet, allowing you to consume at a party, family event, or on the bus. No fuss, no muss and you can pop one in your mouth. According to BDSA, gummies represent at last 85% of the edible market.

Edible makers infuse their foods with marijuana through a variety of ways, primarily with cannabutter and extracts. Cannabutter is the product that results once butter or oil is infused with cannabis. This mixture is then used to make brownies, chocolates, etc.. Cannabutter includes the benefits and limitations of the whole cannabis flower, providing you with the full spectrum of cannabinoids. This means that there’s THC, CBD, and more in these types of edibles but also that they’re more unpredictable.

Gummies and a few other products are usually made with extracts. Producers isolate THC or CBD in a lab and later add them to their products, making something that is more reliable and consistent. Edibles prepared with extracts are a good option for people who are looking for a specific effect.

5 differences cannabis edibles and flower — Photo by Margo Amala via Unsplash

When it comes to dosage, if you are new – consider starting with 2.5-5 mg and see how it goes. One benefit of professional edibles is there is a generally a good dosing guide so you can manage your high. Where you want to chill at a concert of microdose to focus, you should be able to easily manage your high with a gummy. Traditionally baked edibles can crumble and might not travel as well.

Remember it usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour for an edible to kick in. Wana Brands started a trend by releasing a new edible called Calm which hits in 5-15 minutes. Being the first, you may have to wait for it to be in your area.

Dispensary purchased edibles also tend to have less of a “weed” flavor. Companies have employed chocolatiers and master candy makers to ensure the right taste along with the journey. Flavors go from cookies and cream to watermelon, so you should find the right flavor.

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Damp January, Dry January or California Sober

Published

11 months ago

January 10, 2024

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New Year, new you, extra weight, exhaustion from the holidays – all reasons to maybe make a temporary change in January – but what is right for you?

The holiday season is fun and full of indulgences, but it can leave you feeling a little wrecked in at the start of a fresh new year. January is the time of year when you make a fresh start and set goals to improve yourself. Get fit, lose weight, do more, focus – all great goals, but only 9% of people follow through on their new year resolutions. As people share their intentions, about 15% of people start Dry January, but it is the right or the practical solution? Trying to figure out Damp January, Dry January or California Sober depends on your goals.

Ask what are you trying to accomplish? Giving your liver a break, taking a general tolerance vacation from intoxicants? Perhaps you want to shed the extra holiday weight. The average weight gain during this time period is anywhere from 0.8 pounds to just under 2 pounds. Or maybe you just want to clear your head. Here is a guideline to help you make a decision.

Damp January

Damp January is an initiative where people choose to reduce their alcohol and/or marijuana consumption during the month of January. It allows a more flexible approach, focusing on reducing intake rather than complete abstinence. Considering there is a 3 day weekend in the middle of the month, it can make keeping the goal a bit easier.

if you’re following Damp January, it means that you should be drinking in moderation, with a more mindful approach. Weight loss is a bit harder and you have should plan your consumption and set limits on amounts.

California Sober

California Sober is an initiative where people stop drinking and drugs other than marijuana. And they partake of marijuana in moderation. This is a more flexible approach and many people use vapes and gummies instead of alcohol at social events. Done correctly, this also can used to assist in weight loss.

Dry January

Dry January is the OG of all three and it means stopping everything cold for 31 days. This is the least flexible approach, although slipping once or twice doesn’t mean you should give up. This is the best program for weight loss and giving your body a break. This is a tolerance break for both alcohol and marijuana users who have a high frequency of use.

Damp January, Dry January or California Sober can all help you mind and body.

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