What we know of as wax or isolate is really just the whole plant essential oil of cannabis. It’s made up of multiple terpenes, cannabinoids and other phytochemicals to not only get us high, but to do everything else the plant is capable of.
Other plant derived essential oils can provide therapeutic benefits, and when mixed with cannabis you can finally get relief, relaxation, or whatever it is you’re looking for.
It should go without saying to keep quality at heart, but I love both high end and more affordable essential oils. Where possible, Young Living is my go-to, but Aura Cacia or Now will do in a pinch—or in bulk when affordability is key. Essential oil safety is also paramount. I love that Young Living provides an easy guide to which oils are phototoxic, which are not to be ingested, and any other need-to-know information.
Lemongrass contains high levels of myrcene, which is the terpene in mango and cannabis that can increase the efficacy of THC. Dispense no more that two drops into bathwater the next time you have a smokey bath sesh or a THC bath bomb to use, you’ll get an extra boost to your high and be ready to take on the day.
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On the opposite end of things, lavender when diffused with an adjacent consumable or even applied topically with THC infused coconut oil can knock you out faster than a nature documentary. This also goes lovely in the bath, though better in the evening time.
When things hurt, either from your own doing (read: hangover) or a medical issue, peppermint can come through in a serious pinch to smooth things over. Peppermint and cannabis together can end up in mints, chocolates, rubs, or anywhere you need a minty kick.
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There’s nothing worse than an angry tummy. Ginger is one of the single most effective things I’ve used for a whole list of complaints, it’s like a tiny bottle of Pepto Bismol, minus the chalky pink stuff. Throw a drop into tea or an empty V-cap with some cannabis tincture and you’ll overcome things with much more grace.
Don’t apply lemon topically, but it’s essential oil is a really great way to take down a high that has gone off the rails. Using a toothpick, add the tiniest trace to a beverage, or add a drop to a cloth to gently inhale. The limonene will perk you up, and hopefully you will remember this trick the next time you need it or it happens to a newbie you know.
Got the basics? Great! Essential oils are fun and interesting, but they also really help people get by when they can’t seek a doctor immediately. They won’t ‘cure’ your illnesses, but for some side effects and nasty day-to-day drama, they make a great addition to your remedy arsenal, where cannabis already is for many of us.
Photos: Danielle Guercio
