Early pregnancy is rife with postpartum depression and other mood problems. We realize it’s an overstatement, but those first few days, weeks, and months are HARD. Sleep deprivation, aching, leaking, or engorged breasts… throw in mental health difficulties, and you have a recipe for total exhaustion.

Fortunately, there is less stigma associated with postpartum depression (PPD) than formerly. PPD is being discussed more frequently, and there is a better awareness of new parents’ symptoms and many remedies. Many moms are finding success with prioritizing rest, exercise, Vitamin D, and even using CBD to assist control anxiety when diagnosed and addressed early.

The Rise of CBD as a Postpartum Mood Disorder Remedy

Over the past few years, CBD has gained remarkable popularity as a remedy for addressing symptoms linked to postpartum mood disorders, such as anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Additionally, it has shown promise in supporting the physical recovery process following childbirth.

Georgeana Ortiz, the founder of the CBD company Cerena, emphasizes, “CBD serves as an excellent gateway, beckoning you to step away from the turmoil within your mind and transition into a composed and collected state of being. Ultimately, CBD is a pivotal component in facilitating your journey to move beyond self-imposed barriers and return to a state of thriving rather than merely surviving.”

While both THC and CBD are cannabinoids, CBD has no hallucinogenic effects. In other words, it won’t get you high. When selecting a CBD product, search for a high-quality, full-spectrum oil tailored to your needs or symptoms. Cerena, for example, makes a full-spectrum, certified organic CBD oil called “Calma” that’s expressly intended to relieve stress and anxiety.

Natasha’s Journey: From Postpartum Depression to CBD Advocate

Just six months after incorporating CBD into her routine, Natasha found herself back at the gym, enjoying restful nights and free from panic attacks. She was so impressed by the positive impact of the hemp product that she decided to start her own company, which she named Hemp-Aid Limited, in November 2022, leading her to leave her previous role at a nursery.

In Moreton on the Wirral, Natasha reflected, “She couldn’t sleep, and leaving the house was daunting. There were moments when she felt utterly hopeless. Initially skeptical, she conducted thorough research on CBD before giving it a try, despite initial reservations from her family.”

“After several months of incorporating CBD into her daily routine, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She eagerly reconnected with friends, resumed gym visits, and arranged playdates for her son. In essence, CBD gave her life back.”

Despite a smooth pregnancy, Natasha had a “traumatic” childbirth experience with her first son at Whiston Hospital in Prescot, Lancashire. Isaac was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, and the resulting C-section led to severe pain due to blood clots. Reflecting on this period, Natasha, a former nursery manager, confessed that she lost herself after the birth.

She reflected that the surgery left her in considerable pain, which wasn’t the most auspicious start to her journey into motherhood. Following a hospital stay that lasted a week, Natasha soon found herself in profound depression after returning home with her newborn.

In her own words, Natasha explained that she initially thought her feelings were typical for a new mother. However, when she lost all motivation to venture outside, she recognized something was amiss. She felt compelled to act when concerned about her son Isaac’s social development due to her isolation.

After enduring four years of disappointment with traditional treatments, she confided in her partner, who suggested experimenting with CBD oil. Describing her experience, Natasha recounted that the impact was immediate.

She felt an incredible sense of relaxation and tranquility. She regained control over her heart rate and thought patterns, which was one of the best periods of sleep she had experienced in a long time.

She abstained from alcohol, which significantly contributed to her relief from depression. She now enjoys a profound sense of health and fitness. “I’ve never been this committed to a healthy lifestyle. After several months of incorporating CBD into her daily routine, she extensively researched improving her overall well-being.”

She continues incorporating CBD oil into her daily regimen and has taken it further by establishing her own company, Hemp Aid Limited. Natasha expressed her motivation, saying, “The health benefits are remarkable. CBD cured her post-natal depression when she felt utterly hopeless, and now she aspires to provide the same relief to others.

According to the NHS website, “some products claiming to be medical cannabis, such as CBD oil or hemp oil, are legally available to buy as food supplements from health stores.” However, there is no guarantee that products are of high quality or give any health benefits.”

“There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the claim that CBD is an effective treatment for depression or anxiety,” according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. That isn’t to say it wouldn’t help, but there haven’t been enough well-controlled clinical research to support CBD as a treatment for anxiety or depression.Much more research is needed to assess CBD as a potential therapy for anxiety and depression.”

Conclusion

CANNABIS MOMS AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, WHAT THEY SAY NOW!

While you’ve likely experienced smoking from a pipe or bowl with traces of a different weed strain, combining two strains isn’t typically the first choice for most people. The question is, can you deliberately craft distinct highs by combining different cannabis strains and experimenting like a scientist? Some individuals believe it’s possible, while others remain skeptical.

Blending different strains can enhance the renowned entourage effect of cannabis. This effect occurs when various components of cannabis synergize to create a potent high, surpassing the effects of consuming a single cannabinoid in isolation. The entourage effect leads many to argue that using just one cannabinoid for relaxation or therapeutic? What happens when you combine two cannabis strains isn’t as effective as consuming the entire plant, including its terpenes.

If you’re pursuing truly unique effects, mixing two strains can deliver just that, for better or worse. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that combining strains isn’t overly complex. While the outcome might range from a powerful high to one that tucks you in for the night, especially when you’ve acquired high-quality cannabis, there’s generally no reason to anticipate adverse consequences.

The Entourage Effect

While further research is essential, the existing knowledge suggests that when you blend specific cannabinoids and terpenes tailored to your body’s needs, it can result in a synergistic phenomenon known as the Entourage Effect. This effect can offer a more complete cannabis experience compared to consuming isolated cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.

This phenomenon is rooted in the fact that each of us possesses our internal endocannabinoid system (ECS), with the prefix “endo” indicating its presence within the body.

By blending two or more varieties of cannabis, you expand your body’s and endocannabinoid system’s exposure to a broader array of cannabinoids and terpenes. In doing so, you potentially unlock the health benefits associated with these additional compounds.

The advantages of mixing strains extend beyond simply enhancing potential medicinal benefits. Even recreational users can employ the concept of strain mixing to regulate the potency and effects of their cannabis consumption.

As an example, suppose a potent strain yields unwanted effects when consumed. Blending it with a strain featuring lower THC levels and elevated cannabidiol (CBD) content can alleviate some of these undesirable outcomes. CBD achieves this by diminishing THC’s tendency to bind strongly to cannabinoid receptors within our endocannabinoid system (ECS), thereby assisting in reducing any adverse consequences that might arise from high-THC cannabis.

This is just one example of how the interplay between cannabinoids and terpenes with our ECS significantly influences the potency and effects of various cannabis strains. Consequently, this variation is why two individuals consuming the same strain may encounter distinctly divergent effects.

Mixing Strains of Weed

To create a mix of weed strains, often called a “weed salad,” the simplest approach is to grind your cannabis flowers and combine the two chosen strains. From there, various options open, including smoking, vaping, or crafting your cannabutter.

Now, let’s explore the more intricate aspect: determining the ideal blend for your needs. Should you combine an Indica with a Sativa? Is it acceptable to mix two Indicas or two Sativas? If you decide to mix Sativa and Indica strains, how should you balance the proportions of each? Can you blend older cannabis with fresher batches? What about combining high-THC cannabis with low-THC cannabis or CBD strains?

Given the many variables involved, here are some tips to note when mixing different cannabis strains;

Tip 1: Mix Weed with Similar Scents

Tip 2: Mix Complement Flavours

Tip 3: Mix Strains With Similar Effects

Conclusion

DOES MIXING CANNABIS STRAINS TOGETHER GET YOU HIGHER?

On September 18, 2023, a new lawsuit was filed by, inter alia, Leafly Holdings, Inc. (“Leafly”) against the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (“OCM”) and New York State Cannabis Control Board (the “Cannabis Control Board”).

The lawsuit

This legal proceeding involves a First Amendment and other challenges to certain regulations adopted by the Cannabis Control Board. The regulations, known as Resolution 2023-32, introduce new rules under Parts 123 and 124 of the Revised Adult-Use Cannabis Regulations, which significantly restrict the ability of New York dispensaries and consumers to use third-party websites that aggregate information about cannabis products. The petitioners, including Leafly, Stage One Cannabis, LLC (“Stage One Dispensary”), and Rosanna St. John, are seeking to have these regulations invalidated on the grounds that they are arbitrary, capricious, and in violation of both the United States Constitution and the New York Constitution. They are also requesting a temporary halt to the enforcement of these regulations until the legal proceedings are resolved.

The specific provisions being challenged are:

1. The Third-Party Marketing Ban (9 N.Y.C.R.R. §§ 123.10(g)(21) and 124.5(a)), which restricts certain types of marketing by third-party websites.
2. The Pricing Ban (9 N.Y.C.R.R. § 124.1(b)(5)(ii)), which imposes limitations on pricing information.
3. The Third-Party Order Ban (9 N.Y.C.R.R. § 123.10(g)(23)), which restricts the ability to place orders through third-party websites.
4. The Third-Party All-Licensee Listing Mandate (9 N.Y.C.R.R. § 124.1(b)(2)), which requires third-party websites to list all cannabis licensees.
5. The Third-Party Distributor Listing Mandate (9 N.Y.C.R.R. § 124.1(c)(1)-(2)), which mandates the listing of third-party distributors.

The arguments

The petitioners argue that the Third-Party Marketing Ban and the Pricing Ban infringe upon free speech rights protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 8 of the New York Constitution by limiting lawful commercial speech. They also claim that all the challenged regulations are arbitrary and capricious because they either conflict with New York’s Cannabis Law, lack a rational basis, or exceed the authority of the Cannabis Control Board.

What the plaintiffs want

Furthermore, the petitioners are requesting a temporary stay on the enforcement of these regulations, asserting that they are likely to succeed in their legal challenge and that they are facing irreparable harm due to the violation of their constitutional rights and potential business losses. They argue that maintaining the status quo is in the best interest of justice, and they urge the court to invalidate these regulations on the grounds of being arbitrary, capricious, irrational, and unconstitutional.

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This First Amendment challenge is just the latest litigation, unfortunately, in a program that has seen a number of misfires and delays. We will continue to monitor this lawsuit, while awaiting answers on fundamental issues that the Cannabis Control Board has inexplicably failed to address. Stay tuned to our New York coverage for more.