Cannabis

Why Marijuana Smells Skunky

Published

8 months ago

February 22, 2024

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It is the telltale sign someone is having fun. Whether walking down the street or stepping into a crowd, you know exactly what is going on. Marijuana has a distinctive oder to clue you in when fun is going on. But as cannabis goes mainstream and becomes legal, the smell is increasing fading. Here is why marijuana smells skunky and why is it disappearing.

Smoking weed was the original way to consume. But today, thanks to data from BDSA, we know most newer and younger partakers use vapes or gummies to enjoy the benefits. The aroma is less prevalent, but it still as potent. Smoking still produces the smell, but why does some weed reek of skunk or dirty socks and other times it has the aroma of lemons or pine? The answer is terpenes.

Terpenes are essential oils providing the fragrance in foods and herbs. When you take a whiff of basil, for example, what you are smelling are the terpenes. Cannabis strains also have unique terpenes producing the aroma. Some strains smell lemony (limonene) or spicy (caryophyllene) or floral (linalool) or piney (alpha-pinene).

Terpenes not only provide the smell, they have essential therapeutic benefits, as well. Some of the most prevalent terpenes and their medicinal value:

Alpha-pinene (essential pine oil), the most common terpene in the plant world and one often found in cannabis, is a bronchodilator potentially helpful for asthmatics. Pinene also promotes alertness and memory retention by inhibiting the metabolic breakdown of acetylcholinesterase, a neurotransmitter in the brain stimulates these cognitive effects.
Myrcene, another terpene present in numerous cannabis varietals, is a sedative, a muscle relaxant, a hypnotic, an analgesic (painkiller) and an anti-inflammatory compound. This musky terpene contributes mightily to the infamous “couch-lock” experience and is the one which gives off the skunky aroma.
Limonene, a major terpene in citrus as well as in cannabis, has been used clinically to dissolve gallstones, improve mood and relieve heartburn and gastrointestinal reflux. Limonene, an anticonvulsant, has been shown to destroy breast-cancer cells in lab experiments, and its powerful antimicrobial action can kill pathogenic bacteria.
Linalool, a terpenoid prominent in lavender as well as in some cannabis strains, is an anxiolytic compound which counters anxiety and mediates stress. In addition, linalool is a strong anticonvulsant, and it also amplifies serotonin-receptor transmission, conferring an antidepressant effect. Applied topically, linalool can heal acne and skin burns without scarring.

Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in the essential oils of black pepper, oregano and other edible herbs, as well as in cannabis and many green, leafy vegetables. It is gastro-protective, good for treating certain ulcers, and shows great promise as a therapeutic compound for inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders because of its ability to bind directly to the peripheral cannabinoid receptor known as CB2.

And now you know why marijuana smells skunky.

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Cannabis

Do Marijuana Strains Really Matter

Published

1 day ago

October 11, 2024

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There is lots of talk about indica, sativa, and hybrids – but does it really matter?

All of Canadian and over 50% of the US population have access to legal cannabis, and use is increasing and people are being more open. Sales are rocketing, but like spririts and wine, do people really focus type of strain? Do marijuana strains really matter and what should you know? A YouGov survey asked how people purchased wine, which sells more than the cannabis industry. The top three factors in choosing a wine is price (by far), brand and ratings. With marijuana, it is markets by strain and price.

Marijuana, derived from the cannabis plant, is commonly categorized into three main types: indica, sativa, and hybrid. While these classifications have been widely used, recent research suggests that the distinctions may not be as clear-cut as once believed.

Photo by Riccardo Livorni/EyeEm/Getty Images

Indica

Cannabis indica plants are typically short and bushy with wide leaves. Originating from the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey, these plants adapted to harsh, dry climates. Indica strains are often associated with relaxing and calming effects, making them popular for nighttime use. They are commonly believed to have higher levels of CBD compared to THC, although this is not always the case.

Sativa

Cannabis sativa plants are generally tall and thin with narrow leaves. They are native to hot, dry climates with long sunny days, such as Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia. In North America, they are grown in the American South (illegally) or in grow houses. Sativa strains are typically associated with energizing and uplifting effects, often described as producing a “mind high”. They are frequently used during the day and are thought to have higher THC content compared to CBD.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains are the result of crossbreeding indica and sativa plants. Due to extensive breeding over the years, most strains available today are hybrids. Hybrids can be indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced, offering a wide range of effects depending on their specific genetic makeup. Breeders create hybrids to combine desirable traits from different strains, such as flavor, aroma, potency, and specific effects

While the indica-sativa-hybrid classification system remains popular, it’s important to note that these categories are not scientifically accurate predictors of a strain’s effects. The cannabis plant has evolved significantly due to selective breeding, and pure indica or sativa landraces are now extremely rare. Modern cannabis research focuses on the plant’s chemical composition rather than its physical characteristics or supposed lineage. The effects of a particular strain are determined by its unique profile of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes, rather than its classification as indica, sativa, or hybrid.

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Cannabis

Marijuana Edibles Make A Dramatic Improvement

Published

1 day ago

October 11, 2024

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While popular, cannabis edibles have had a challenge with how long it takes to “hit”, which causes some consumers to overindulge – but a change is here!

Cannabis has become mainstream with almost 90% of the public believing it should be made legal in some form. And while smoking is still the most popular consumption among experienced users, gummies and vapes are close behind. Newer users prefer consuming in a discreet way without the smell and can be taken anywhere. And while it seems back in the day everyone had a story about overdoing it with pot brownies, things have changed. Now, marijuana edibles make a dramatic improvement in when it takes effect.

While vaping works similar to smoking, edibles process cannabis differently. When consumed, edibles go through the digestive tract where the cannabinoids are absorbed. Unlike smoking, which delivers cannabinoids directly to the bloodstream via the lungs, edibles take a more circuitous route. This is why it can take form 45-90 minutes for edibles provie the high.

But new technology is making a difference, cannabis beverage (including hemp) are quicker acting, and now a gummy is hitting the market which takes effect within 5-15 minutes. Wana Brands is hitting their multi state markets with the new gummy and it is proving a benefit for consumers.

marijuana clock — Photo by coffeekai/Getty Images

“As we uncover more information about cannabinoids and how they interact with each other, we are discovering new opportunities to create products that speak to very specific outcomes,” said Joe Hodas, President of Wana Brands. “A growing number of consumers are seeking out ways that cannabinoids can help them negotiate daily or occasional stresses, and Wana Optimals Quick Lift is a great example of how integrating three key cannabinoids can achieve results unlike any other gummy on the market.”

The new method for gummies allows them to bypass the liver and enter the bloodstream through the stomach. As a result, these gummies will have a quicker onset which an be beneficial.

Both Boomers and Gen Z are using marijuana for fun, but also for anxiety, chronic pain and more. The new gummies allows the medical benefit to received more.

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Cannabis

Science Says CBD Oil May Help Heal Wounds

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2024

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Nothing is worse than a wound, the pain, the slow healing and the potential scar…but it seems CBD oil may help.

It happens to everyone, a fall, a surgery, something which breaks the skin and becomes an open wound. It can hurt, itch or just look really bad. Not healing properly also causes problems. Scar tissue doesn’t allow hair to grow, tends to get sunburned and can be sensitive to the touch. Research has managed to find a path to help with wounds, but more needs to be done. With all the things developed to help, science says CBD oil may help heal wounds. And this can be a good news to the 100+ million who get a nasty wound each year.

Some new research shows cannabinoids appear to improve skin wound healing through a variety of mechanisms. This is supported through a variety of in vitro and animal studies. Animal studies suggest application of cannabinoids may improve the healing of postsurgical and chronic wounds.

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It is natural CBD is seen a solution to the wounds, it has multiple ways to help the body. It is a potent anti-inflammatory properties which canhelp reduce inflammation associated with wounds. By decreasing inflammatory markers and cytokine production, CBD may help control swelling and promote faster healing. Also, it can increase blood flow to the injured area, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to promote healing

It also can help with pain since the the analgesic effects can help reduce pain associated with woundshis pain relief may allow for better wound care and less discomfort during the healing process.

Datas shows CBD exhibits antibacterial and antiseptic effects which can help keep wounds clean and prevent infection. This is crucial for proper wound healing, especially for open wounds and preventing scarring. The antioxidant properties of CBD can help reduce oxidative stress in wounds, which may contribute to faster healing

The study showed 72% of CBD-treated patients experienced complete wound healing compared to only 30% in the control group. Research has managed to find a path to help with wounds, but more needs to be done.

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