CBG Vs. CBN: Which One Is Best For Sleep, Anxiety, And Pain Management?

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February 16, 2023

CBG Vs. CBN: Which One Is Best For Sleep, Anxiety, And Pain Management?

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, anxiety, or sleep issues, these cannabinoids may have something to offer.

In recent years, CBD has become popular for those seeking natural solutions for various health concerns, such as stress and anxiety reduction, pain management, and improved sleep. CBD is just one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, along with THC and other lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG and CBN.

CBG and CBN are non-psychoactive cannabinoids that are believed to offer a range of health benefits. Although not as widely recognized as CBD or THC, these cannabinoids are slowly gaining attention for their potential daily and long-term health benefits.

This guide delves into the differences between CBG and CBN, their potential effects, and their legal status. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of these two cannabinoids, allowing you to decide which is right.

marijuana research — Photo by Aleksandr_Kravtsov/Getty Images

What Is CBG?

CBG, a minor cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, boasts a range of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, providing pain relief, and aiding in chronic illnesses. Despite being present in trace amounts, it is referred to as the “mother cannabinoid” as it is the starting point for other cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

What Is CBN?

On the other hand, CBN is a unique cannabinoid that is formed through the exposure of THC to heat, light, or pressure. Unlike CBD and CBG, it is not naturally present in the plant but is a byproduct of the activation process.

While CBG has an energizing effect, boosts mood, and is stimulating, CBN is primarily used as a natural sleep aid and has shown promise in easing anxiety.

Extraction Process of CBG and CBN

CBG and CBN are not commonly found in large quantities in the cannabis plant, so specialized extraction methods are needed to isolate these valuable cannabinoids.

Cannovia only uses supercritical CO2 extraction, considered the best method for extracting CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids. This method uses carbon dioxide as a solvent, making it safer and more efficient to extract cannabinoids without any toxic chemicals or residues left behind.

In comparison, other extraction methods, such as ethanol and steam distillation, can leave behind harmful impurities and contaminants, affecting the quality of the product. CO2 extraction, on the other hand, can extract a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes, making the final product more potent and providing a more comprehensive range of health benefits.

For the highest quality CBD, CBG, CBN, or other cannabinoid products, look for those extracted using a CO2 extraction. This method guarantees a safe, pure, and potent product that benefits you and your loved ones.

cannabis research — Photo by Nastasic/Getty Images

Possible Medical Application of CBG and CBN

CBG and CBN are on the radar for their potential medical benefits. CBG may help treat neurological disorders, relieve pain, regulate hormones, combat bacteria, treat skin conditions, and more. There is also early evidence of CBG’s anticonvulsant properties and potential to reduce seizures.

On the other hand, CBN is being explored for its pain-relieving effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to protect the nervous system, increase appetite, and assist with sleep. Despite anecdotal evidence of CBN’s popularity as a sleep aid, more research is necessary to understand its potential fully.

Dosage Requirement

Finding the perfect dose for CBN and CBG can be a journey of discovery. It’s always best to start with the product’s recommended dose and adjust accordingly to achieve the desired outcome.

Remember, starting low and gradually increasing your dose is essential to find what works best for your needs. Factors such as your body weight, metabolism, and desired result can impact your optimal amount. Take your time, listen to your body, and find the right balance.

Do CBG and CBN Have Any Psychoactive Effects?

Unlike THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, CBD, CBG, and CBN are considered non-psychoactive and do not alter the mental state or produce a high. However, individual reactions to these cannabinoids may vary, so it’s essential to be aware of any changes you may experience when using cannabis products.

Availability of CBN and CBG Products

Finding CBG and CBN on their own can be challenging, as they are found in smaller amounts in the cannabis plant. Fortunately, these non-psychoactive cannabinoids can often be discovered in full-spectrum CBD products, such as oils, tinctures, and topicals.

When looking for high-quality CBD products, it’s crucial to remember that they contain small amounts of CBG and CBN alongside CBD and other cannabinoids.

However, the availability of CBG and CBN products may not be as readily accessible as CBD products and can sometimes come at a premium price. It’s essential to research and invest in a trustworthy CBD brand that offers pure, high-quality CBD products to ensure you get the most out of your wellness journey.

Legality of CBG and CBN in the US

CBG and CBN are not categorized as controlled substances in the United States, making them legal for sale and possession in most locations. This differs from THC, a Schedule I drug that is against federal law.

It’s crucial to remember that the legality of cannabinoids can vary by state, so it’s always wise to check the regulations in your area before using or purchasing CBG or CBN products.

Will CBN and CBG Show Up on a Drug Screening?

It’s important to know that drug tests look for specific substances in your body. However, the good news for those who take CBG or CBN – these cannabinoids are not usually tested for in drug tests. This is because they are not considered controlled substances and are not known to cause psychoactive effects. So, you can feel confident that taking CBG or CBN won’t impact your drug test results.

CBG Vs. CBN: Which Is Better?

Determining which cannabinoid is best is a highly personal decision, as the effectiveness of each varies from person to person. CBG may be an excellent choice for boosting energy levels, improving gut health, and reducing inflammation. On the other hand, those seeking relief from anxiety and pain, as well as better sleep, may find CBN to be the most beneficial. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on individual goals and needs.

Conclusion

CBG and CBN are promising non-psychoactive cannabinoids starting to gain recognition for their potential health benefits. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, anxiety, or sleep issues, these cannabinoids may have something to offer. However, as with any supplement, it’s essential to research, choose high-quality products, and talk to your doctor before using CBG or CBN. With the right approach, these natural compounds may help you achieve your health and wellness goals and be a step toward a happier, healthier you.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Does Smoking Weed Help You Concentrate And Improve Productivity?

Cannabis

Tom Gaffey

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February 16, 2023

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Does Smoking Weed Help You Concentrate And Improve Productivity?

It’s important to know the potential adverse effects of weed before you run to your local dispensary and pick up a strain that’s supposed to help you focus.

One of the most common and exaggerated marijuana stereotypes is the image of a thoughtless and lazy stoner. This is because weed has been historically associated with a lack of motivation, forgetfulness and an overall unambitious state of being for decades. But does smoking week help you concentrate and improve productivity?

As marijuana has gone more mainstream, these stigmas have, at least partially, been broken. This is especially true as more high functioning individuals admit that they regularly get high to help achieve their successful feats. Still, limited research has been conducted on marijuana’s ability to help improve concentration and stimulate productivity.

Using weed for concentration issues can have both positive, and negative consequences. There are certain effects of THC that you should be wary of if you have a deadline, but also certain qualities in several marijuana strains that may help you complete a lingering task with pleasure and ease. For example, some people claim that cannabis sativa strains in particular can help relax an anxious mind, which makes it easier to focus on other things.

napping — Photo by Keira Burton from Pexels

The type of marijuana strain you pick should target whatever inhibits your ability to focus. The tricky part is that there are many reasons people have difficulty concentrating. Concentration issues can steam from “mild cognitive impairment, or a mood disorder, like depression and anxiety,” according to Harvard Medical School. They can also come from common lifestyle issues “such as stress, fatigue, poor sleep, dehydration, an unhealthy diet, or sedentary behavior.”

Since there are so many different factors involved in why people struggle to concentrate, there is no singular cannabis-induced “cure” to concentration issues. There are, however, a few general rules of thumb if you are in the market for weed that helps you focus. For example, sativa is known as “the energy queen” of cannabis.

While sativa has been known to help those who struggle to concentrate due to a lack of motivation, indica strains may help those whose concentration problems stem from elsewhere, like a racing mind. With that said, nowadays, the lines between sativas and indicas are blurred, with some experts even referring to them as “meaningless.”

As we’ve previously reported, cannabis has been extensively crossbred over the years, resulting in plants that contain both indica and sativa strains. It also depends on where the plant was grown; the same strain might be different when grown in Colorado than when grown in California.

More research must be conducted to determine whether or not different weed strains genuinely improve concentration. Still, there are many who speak to its therapeutic benefits in the focus department. In fact, there are online discussions that suggest cannabis can be therapeutic for those with ADHD. While significantly more testing must be done before cannabis can be used to treat ADHD, some who suffer from a difficulty holding attention have found marijuana helpful.

vaping — Photo by martin-dm/Getty Images

It is important to know the potential adverse effects of marijuana on your brain function and productivity before you run to your local dispensary and pick up a strain that is supposed to help you focus. While certain strains may help you get in the right mindset to focus on tasks (especially creative ones), there are studies linking THC to side effects that inhibit focus and steady workflow.

The THC in marijuana can have several negative impacts on your ability to function and concentrate, “from basic motor coordination to more complex executive function tasks, such as the ability to plan, organize, solve problems, make decisions, remember, and control emotions and behavior,” according to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.

When you suffer from a lack of focus, a lingering task can feel like a giant shadow cast over your life. A cure for a lack of motivation and the ability to concentrate would improve millions of lives, but it simply does not exist. Marijuana will not miraculously cure an ability to concentrate. Some, however, have found it helpful in reducing the root causes of concentration problems, which sounds more optimistic than staring at a blank wall waiting for inspiration to come.

The Most Expensive Weed You Can Buy

MyCannabis

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February 16, 2023

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If you are familiar with the world’s most expensive cuisine, you probably know that caviar ranks up there for what you would buy if you were looking for the best, and most expensive money can buy.

By Fiona Jackson

While paying top-dollar for your pot might not be your ultimate goal, it is a fact that cannabis users are becoming more sophisticated and choosy about what they consume. As the weed space is quickly becoming as packed as a Miami beach on a smoldering summer day, standing out as a premium product is not the easiest thing to do.

A visit to your local dispensary might reveal that the price of strains usually vary by a slim margin of a dollar or two. So, what’s the most expensive weed?

Let’s dive into the area of expensive weed and find out how much people are willing to spend to get themselves some.

marijuana money — Photo by Cappi Thompson/Getty Images

What Makes a Strain Luxury?

Just like any top-notch product — be it a piece of fine jewelry, or grooved luxury travel bag — a lot goes into the production and utility that makes it stand out. Many growers go to great lengths trying to come up with the most expensive strain of weed, including:

Using untreated water that has been melted off a mountain top.
Fine-tuned genetics
Controlled cultivation and monitoring of nutrients
Hand handling the weed.
Using packaging cardboard as well as labels that are made from recycled material
Recycled glass
Following long, detailed processes
Using hydroelectric power

This sounds a little off the top, right?

While going the extra mile — quite literally! — might be a step in the right direction of creating premium brands of weed, let us see what the most expensive marijuana currently is and how it got that way.

So, what is the most expensive marijuana in the world?

If you are familiar with the world’s most expensive cuisine, you probably know that caviar ranks up there for what you would buy if you were looking for the best, and most expensive money can buy.

Cannabis seems to be following in the same footsteps.

Cannabis Caviar is really the most expensive marijuana that there is out there. It is the “champagne of cannabis.” While culinary caviar is basically expensive fish eggs, cannabis caviar is a concept of finely combined ingredients.

What makes cannabis caviar so prestigious is the process of making it.

The making of Cannabis Caviar starts off with soaking high-quality cannabis buds in intoxicating hash oil (concentrated liquid cannabis). Once the oil becomes soaked into the buds, the result is concentrated cannabis that can have THC concentrations ranging from 30-80%, as opposed to the potency of a normal bud that would be 5-20%.

RELATED: How Much Does Weed Cost?

If you think the process is done, you’re wrong!

The potent, concentrated bud is then rolled into kief (we will see what kief is later in this article). The result is a weed substance that will literally knock your socks off.

So, if you have been asking yourself “what’s the most expensive weed?” you now have your answer. A quality bomb of Cannabis Caviar.

Now to the big question, how much does it go for?

You would have to part with $1,400 to purchase an ounce of quality Cannabis Caviar!

What Makes Cannabis Caviar So Expensive?

Cannabis Caviar, or Caviar concentrates, Caviar Gold strain, Marijuana Caviar or simply Caviar Moon Rocks, are basically what we have described in the above section.

These names all refer to the same concept of dipping very high-quality weed buds into hash oil and rolling them in a kief layer. Cannabis Caviar can be exceedingly potent and some combinations are even known to result in high concentrations of up to 91% THC.

The high potency is due to the use of extremely high quality strains as weed as well as very potent cannabis oil and kief. This extravagant combination results in “one hell of a high”.

Many top-shelf weed strains are used in the making of Cannabis Caviar, but the most commonly used are:

KGB strain
Mochi Strain
THC Diamonds
Platinum weed
God Bud strain
Grapefruit weed
Black Diamond cannabis
Glue tap strain

Where Can You Get the Most Expensive Weed?

Caviar Cannabis is mainly sold in dispensaries across North America, though coffee shops abroad may also sell them.

Caviar Buds are virtually always very high quality with extremely potent qualities. When we say it will knock your socks off, we are not joking. Some would even say it could send you right to the moon, probably where it got its name “moon rocks’ from. If you are looking for weed that will literally transport you to the next world, this is it.

Conversely, if you are a cannabis newbie, you should probably steer clear of Cannabis Caviar until you develop some tolerance.

What Are the Effects of the Most Expensive Weed?

Have you ever felt so high you seem unable to feel your eyebrows, even if you touched them?

That’s the cannabis caviar high.

Starting in your head, the caviar high eventually spreads throughout your entire body and down to the tips your toes. It’s one of those slow burns that you don’t quite feel coming on, until you realise your feet are no longer touching the ground. It has an intense high that will hit about 30 minutes after you take it and last a really long time.

What Cannabis Caviar Is Not

The high that results from the strong combinations of cannabis caviar has led many to describe it as “the strongest cannabis in the world” that can you “the best high on earth”.

Is it a wonder that moons rocks are sometimes confused with other substances?

Moon rock weed has regularly been confused with MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), we will go by the abbreviation because who can pronounce that? Another name for MDMA is speed.

Like marijuana, ecstasy creates psychoactive effects. However, they are vastly different. Ecstasy is a “methamphetamine” which acts through the dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine receptors found in the brain. Ecstasy is considered to be addictive as it is a stimulant of the amphetamine class.

So make sure to specify the moon rock you are talking about the next time you are a having a conversation of your best high. You wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression. Would you?

What Is the Most Expensive Strain of Weed?

By now, you must have figured that the most expensive weed is not a strain, but a prime concoction. If you are still wondering what the most expensive weed strain is, we have the answer for you.

Loud Dream

This potent strain is “a Sativa-dominant hybrid”. Created from backcrossing its parent strain (Blue Dream) with itself, it is an excellent strain to spark focus and creativity. With average THC levels of 26-28%, Loud Dream ranks as one of the most potent weed strains.

Now, how much does it cost?

For a whopping $800, you can score yourself an ounce of Loud Dream. That definitely makes it the most expensive strain of weed in the world. It also has strong berry flavors which make it a very enjoyable smoke.

If you want to get some concept of how high $800 is, consider that price for “medium to high-quality” weed is about $230.50. This is according to a sample size of 45,707 published by the High Times. The average weed also has THC contents of roughly 18.7% on average, according to NBC News, which makes it’s 27% average quite momentous.

The Mystery of the Oracle

Once upon a time, a strain named “The Oracle” emerged as the most expensive weed strain, and it was sought after by both gentry and common folk.

The Oracle is a potent Indica strain that has a staggering 45% THC contents balanced by 20% CBD.

As many stories go… one day, while routinely running some tests, it was found to be a duplication of the common ACDC strain, which can be purchased for a fraction of the absurdly high prices, from any dispensary.

This strain also retailed for $800, with the price of a clone being $1000

How to Make the Most Expensive Weed at Home

Caviar cannabis is basically moon rock weed that’s topped with honey oil and a dusted generously with kief. The finished product closely resembles a Brussels Sprout, or to those with a sweet tooth, a chunk of green candy.

To make your own cannabis caviar from home, you will need:

Raw, whole bud (of the finest, most potent quality you can get)
Honey oil(a.k.a. hash oil)
Kief

Making the kief

As promised earlier in this article, we have come to the point of revealing the contents of our secret ingredient, “kief”.

In German, the word “kief” refers to a quarrelsome person. That is obviously not what we’re talking about.

Kief, which is also called pollen or crystal, is the fine powder gotten from the trichomes (dried resin glands) of a cannabis plant. Kief is quite easy to produce. Actually, it’s the easiest step in this whole process. All you will need in order to collect your very own kief is a nifty grinder that has a kief catcher at its bottom.

Simply put your flower into the grinder’s topmost chamber and start grinding. The chopped bud will fall into the screen below, and the kief will get separated from the ground bub. It then gets stored in a final compartment.

When you’re done grinding, tap the grinder on a flat surface such as a table to ensure all of the kief falls through to the last compartment, we don’t want to waste any of that precious stuff, do we?

If you find this process tedious, as you are bound to, simply purchase quality kief from your local dispensary and skip to the next step.

Making the honey oil

Honey oil, also known as hash oil, is derived typically from a process called solvent extraction. Solvent extraction involves a chemical solvent such as alcohol, butane or carbon dioxide being forced through the weed material. This process causes trichomes and other chemicals to be stripped from the plant as they dissolve in the solvent. The solvent is then evaporated or strained out leaving the CBD, THC, flavonoids and terpenes behind in their oily state.

However, making your own honey oil can be dangerous as butane and other solvents are highly flammable.

Like with the kief, it is sometimes just easier to purchase the honey oil from your local dispensary.

The bud

The final, or first ingredient is the bud. If you are a weed connoisseur, you probably have your own potent weed growing in your background.

If not, purchase the finest, most potent strain from your local dispensary.

Earlier on in this article, we gave some suggestions of recommended strains.

The mixing

Now that you have the cannabis caviar ingredients, we can start on the process. A quick check on everything you need:

Your favorite potent whole bud
Kief
Honey oil
Small brush or eyedropper
Tweezers

Follow these steps:

Break a small piece of bud off the larger whole. This is what the tweezers are for, they will make it easier to hold and manipulate the pieces.
Use the small brush or eyedropper to cover the piece you have extracted. Make sure that while you cover the whole area, you do not saturate it.
Finally, roll your oil-covered bud in your kief until it’s totally coated.
Repeat the process with the remainder of your bud, honey oil, and kief.
Ensure the nuggets dry completely before use.

That’s it. With these simple steps you can have access to the most expensive weed in the world!

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis.com and has been reposted with permission.

Antidepressants Numb Emotions, Marijuana Doesn’t

Terry Hacienda

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February 15, 2023

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Antidepressants Numb Emotions, Marijuana Doesn’t

Countless people have had success medicating with marijuana for depression as well as anxiety.

Emotional blunting, also referred to as numbness, is common among people who medicate with antidepressants. When this occurs, one can neither feel happy nor sad. You simply feel numb, unable to cry or laugh when the situation calls for it and you may even feel less empathy for others. It can also significantly decrease your motivation as well as your enjoyment when you do things that used to bring you joy. That is the double-edged sword that comes with taking antidepressants, on top of all the side effects that each medicine can already bring about.

A new study analyzed the effects of Lexapro, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Lexapro is a common antidepressant, acting on the serotonin levels which we know as reuptake sites. It inhibits serotonin recycling in these parts of the brain which allows us to retain more serotonin so that symptoms of depression are reduced. For most people, it takes medicating with Lexapro and other SSRI’s for around four weeks for its full effects to be felt. But is it worth the emotional numbing that comes with it?

The report finds that around 40-60% of the population who consume SSRI’s experience emotional blunting. It also finds that things are no longer as pleasurable, though it’s not clear if this is an effect of depression or the drug.

depression anxiety — Photo by Maskot/Getty Images

One of the latest studies on the topic, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, was conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, led by Prof. Barbara Sahakian. She discloses to The Guardian: “In a way, this may be in part how they work. They take away some of the emotional pain that people who experience depression feel, but unfortunately it seems that they also take away some of the enjoyment,” she says about emotional blunting.

For the study, 66 volunteers were tasked to take either escitalopram (generic name of Lexapro), or a placebo, for a period of 21 days. After that, they were asked to do a series of cognitive tests which measured their memory and attention as well as other functions. According to Sahakian, escitalopram didn’t make a difference in the test results. “The drug isn’t doing anything negative to cognition – from that point of view it’s very good,” she says.

On the other hand, the study participants who were taking SSRIs were also found to be less responsive when exposed to reinforcement learning, since they were asked to respond to positive or negative stimulus. They were shown two screens, one of which would give a reward 4 out of 5 times while the other screen would only give a reward once in 5 times. They eventually learned to choose the positive reinforcement screen but the probabilities were changed up so the participants didn’t know what to expect with the new rulings.

In addition, the volunteers who took SSRIs reported that they experienced more difficulties reaching orgasm during intercourse. This is a well-known side effect of SSRIs.

According to experts, the emotional blunting that SSRI medications causes is also related to dose, as well as its effects on the prefrontal cortex and frontal lobes. Patients have the option of lowering SSRI doses or changing their medications as needed.

cannabis prescription drugs — Photo by SageElyse/Getty Images

Is Cannabis a Better Substitute for Depression?

Cannabis has two primary cannabinoids: psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and relaxing CBD (cannabidiol). The human body has endocannabinoid receptors found all throughout, especially in the brain, which these cannabinoids bind to and help treat a multitude of mental health disorders.

Countless people have had success medicating with marijuana for depression as well as anxiety.

In a 2022 study of more than 7,000 adults with diagnosed with depression and anxiety, researchers found that marijuana use was associated with improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even better, the effects of cannabis were long term: the improvements were observed 12 and 18 months after treatment.

“To our knowledge, this study is the largest completed to date examining the impact of medical cannabis use on anxiety and depression outcomes utilizing longitudinal data and validated questionnaires,” they wrote. “It provides evidence on the effectiveness of medical cannabis as treatment for anxiety and depression that otherwise is not currently available, demonstrating that patients who seek treatment with medical cannabis for anxiety and depression can experience clinically significant improvements,” they wrote.

“This study offers reasonable justification for the completion of large clinical trials to further the understanding of medical cannabis as a treatment for anxiety and depression,” concluded the authors.

Meanwhile, another study found that long-term consumption of CBD cannabis also helps patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and pain. Canadian researchers analyzed the impact of CBD products on 279 subjects over the course of six months. Patients who had severe symptoms appeared to benefit the most.

cannabis CBD oil — Photo by Tinnakorn Jorruang/Getty Images

“This study on CBD-rich products demonstrates the potential of RWE (real-world evidence) for the advancement of medical cannabis research and practice guidelines, especially in a world where CBD use is exponentially increasing but scientific data are limited,” they wrote.

“It revealed that CBD-rich treatments have a beneficial impact on patients with self-reported moderate or severe symptoms of pain, anxiety, or depression and overall wellbeing but not in patients with mild symptoms,” write the authors.

Conclusion

There is definitely promising evidence that marijuana can help with depression. It may require some trial and error with various THC and CBD products until you find exactly what works for you. Nonetheless, it’s a much safer alternative that won’t numb your emotions yet it works so well for many people. There are no side effects to worry about, but if you are already taking existing medications, do talk to your healthcare provider about integrating cannabis into your wellness routine.

What Is Smoking Cannabis Clone Like?

Cannabis

Lydia Kariuki

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February 15, 2023

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The world of cannabis cultivation is ever expanding and without a doubt as more studies are conducted, more and more effective techniques of cloning cannabis plants will be developed.

The global marijuana market was valued at a staggering “USD 10.60 Billion in 2018’. It is projected to get to USD 97.35 Billion by late 2026. With this ready market that threatens to break its breeches, growers are always on the lookout for better, faster, more effective ways of producing quality bud.

One such avenue is cloning cannabis plants. As futuristic as it may sound, this is actually a very simple concept. It normally involves cutting off a section of the “parent plant”, allowing it to develop roots and transplanting it. There are many advantages to cloning your cannabis plants, but the most significant one is that it is free!

What then are the uses of cannabis clones? Can cannabis clones be smoked? Is it safe? What are the effects?

marijuana bud flower — Photo by Thanasis/Getty Images

Why Clone Cannabis Plants?

There are two main techniques one can use to reproduce cannabis: seeds and cloning.

Seed reproduction is sexual whereby pollination crosses the male and female cannabis plants resulting in new seeds, which can then be planted. When you buy quality cannabis seeds, each seed will comprise genetics from both the mother and the father plants. On germination, you will realize that your individual plants (phenotypes) will vary in both appearance and later on, in properties. This is because they are likely to express the genetics passed on by their parents in different manners. This difference is why you are not the exact replica of your siblings.

Cloning however is asexual and involves the cutting off of a part of the original plant, referred to as the “mother plant” and cultivating it into a whole new plant that is a replica of the original.

While naturally reproduced plants tend to have variations in phenotype and other characteristics, clones are a reproduction of the original plant to a tee. Cloning replicates features such as genetic profile, flavor, effects, grow time, yields, and cannabinoid profile of the mother plant.

Creating a clone ensures desired genes are passed on and you can continue enjoying your favorite pot for a long time, without variations.

What Is Smoking Clone Like?

By now you might be feeling like you have been transported into a scifi movie. Are clones viable? You might ask? Would smoking then cause mutations in you?

Slow down…

Clones are actually very stable and are an exact replica of the plant they were cloned from. And no, smoking clone will not cause you to grow an extra nose.

The experience and effects of smoking clone are exactly like what you would experience if you smoked the original bud. If the “mother bud” was luxurious, delicious, pungent and potent, that is the exact experience you will have smoking its clone.

Most of the time, the end user doesn’t even get to know whether the quality bud they have purchased is from a germinated cannabis plant or is the yield of a cloned plant.

It is however notable that the experience of smoking a clone is likely to be a good one because a lot of time and care is taken in selecting only the best for reproduction. A poor variety is not very likely to be cloned. You should therefore be prepared to experience a top-notch cannabis experience if you smoke a clone.

marijuana dispensary — Photo by whitebalance.oatt/Getty Images

What is Clone Smoking?

As we have described above, smoking cloned buds is the same as smoking the bud of fertilized or feminized cannabis.

However, there are other circumstances under which you might find yourself in a position to smoke clone. This include clone that is discarded during:

The clones of unsuccessful phenotypes discarded in the earlier stages in the plant cycle.
The clones that are discarded at maturity, when they happen not to be the best in the “group”. Most times, it is sometimes important to wait until the plant has fully grown and the bud has matured before you can test the qualities of the different phenotypes to decide which ones to keep. When this happens, you are left over with cloned buds which can be used instead of being disposed of.

During the cloning process, several phenotypes are cultivated and monitored in order to pick the ones that are most prolific. To enable this process, each of the phenotypes is cloned at different stages to ensure that if it happens to be the winning star, it can be reproduced from either the vegetative or flowering stage.

At the end of “the race”, phenotypes that are not successful are “destroyed”, along with their clone. This can be the perfect opportunity to smoke the clone instead of letting it go to waste.

The clone that reaches full maturity is off course smoked like any other weed. However, the clone that does not reach maturity and is either written of at the vegetative or flowering phase can still be used in this manner:

Cloned Cannabis plant stems: Though smoking them might be a waste of time and may induce a bout of coughing like you have not experienced in a while, you can use the leaves to make cannabutter, cannabis topicals and cannabis tea. It is important to note that you will require massive quantities to be able to make an effective impact.
Cannabis cloned leaves. You would have to smoke the sugar leaves or fan leaves of the clone for you to get any effect. The sugar leaves are situated right next to the buds and often have a fine white coating. The fan leaves are bigger and situated further away but they too have significantly less, but adequate amounts of THC. You could also make hash and edibles using these leaves.
Immature bud. Cannabis clones that have been “discarded” before maturity can still be harvested for the immature bud, It turns out it is quite the treat. Though they might not be as potent, they will still give you a good high.
Roots. While smoking cloned cannabis roots might not get you anywhere, it happens juicing them might actually have a host full of benefits for you. They could apparently be a strong medicine for inflammation, to provide liver support, reduce pregnancy difficulties, boost brain health, and some people even claim that it kills cancer cells. So don’t smoke the root…juice it!

growing marijuana — Photo by skodonnell/Getty Images

Choosing the Right Mother Plant to Clone From

As we mentioned earlier, cloning is basically about retaining and duplicating the best attributes of a strain. This requires that you are very selective about which phenotype to clone from.

Some characteristics you might look out for when selecting the cannabis plant to clone are:

Pungent or Exotic or aromas
Smooth, sweet, and bold flavors
High resin production, and powerful potency
Manageable heights (in case you are growing indoors), and robust growth
Fast flowering time
Resistance to pests, pathogens, and molds
Large yields

What Are the Benefits of Cloning Cannabis Plants?

As cloning is rather quickly overtaking use of seeds, even feminized ones, let’s look at some reasons why growers might choose this method of reproduction:

Consistent growing – As we have explained in above sections, cloning the cannabis plants allows for the maintenance of the desired genetics in properties such as yield, growth rate, potency, flavor, taste, appearance, and so on.

Cost friendly – This is mostly because you do not have to purchase fresh seeds and in fact use the plants you already have. Also, many of the cloning techniques are actually very simple and inexpensive.

Convenient – Not only is it easy to learn the cloning process, it is also relatively not hard to implement. It is a straightforward process that can be learnt by even the most inexperienced of growers.

Speed – Depending on the stage the cut was taken off the mother plant, cloned cannabis plant can have a relatively fast turnover time.

Is Clonal Degradation a Myth?

Now that we know so much about cloned cannabis and the effects of smoking it, let’s find out whether the basic considerations of maintained genetics hold over generations.

Clonal degradation or what some people would call genetic drifting is a concept that is contested fiercely throughout the cannabis world.

While some argue that it is a myth, others insist that it is a real phenomenon.

Cannabis chat rooms are filled with arguments on the process of clonal decay with some pointing a finger at mutation and others cellular degradation to a point the clone becomes “cloned out”. It probably doesn’t help that cloning of cannabis plants has not been around long enough to bear out the actual effects of thorough decay.

However, for the sake of argument and things to look out for, let’s revisit the basics of “high school bio”.

The basic concept is that cloned cuttings will not change their “genetic imprint” as the clone is an exact replica genetically of its mother plant. To illustrate this further, the cellular age of a clone is also exactly the same as that of the mother plant when it was excised. This is to mean, a two-week-old clone taken off a two-and-a-half mother, is in actuality two-and-a-half months old.

Typically, genetic variation stems from sexual reproduction, which is seeds containing different genetic material.

Now that we have established that genetic content does not change in the case of cloning, what exactly would bring about changes?

One theory is that genetic mutations can occur in the course of growth. These would be very slight changes that would only be evident after several generations.

Another theory is that cannabis clones subjected to different environments end up growing and looking different. An under-fertilized clone that finds itself in an environment with low humidity will definitely do worse than a similar clone getting perfect humidity and fertilization at a different location.

Environment without doubt plays a vital role in how the cloned cannabis plant grows and reproduces.

cannabis testing — Photo by CasarsaGuru/Getty Images

Let’s talk about how the environment affects epigenetics…

The area of epigenetics sheds some light in the understanding of how cannabis clones tend to lose down generations. Epigenetics refers to the outside modifications, or stimuli, that can cause genes to turn on or off. It’s not the genetic code of the clone alters, rather the environmental factors modify genetic potential as well as expression of the clone.

To quote Russell Pace III, the President of the Cannabis Horticultural Association, “Epigenetic impacts on clone health over time are very significant. Without proper mineral nutrition and biological health, the vigor of a clone will diminish over time as it continually is replicated, thus reducing its viability,” .

Genes apparently load the gun, but ultimately, the environment “pulls the trigger”.

Having learnt that successive generations of weed clones are not genetically inferior in any way like we thought, let us discuss the environments that can affect them and alter their original “dispositions”.

Environmental Stressors That Affect Clones

The below are factors that might affect subsequent generations of weed clones in a significant manner:

Appropriate Humidity
Maintenance of appropriate light levels- inconsistency with the light cycles in the vital vegetative as well as the flowering cycles
Soil nutrients
Water – Under watering or overfeeding
Incorrect soil pH
Pesticides can be another stressor that can damage plants when misapplied or applied overzealously.
Taproots- Clones lack tap roots, and therefore grow less robustly generally
Cleanliness is critical to clone success. Introduction of bacteria or fungi during the cutting and transfer stage causes infections that produce duds (slow growing plants with low produce).
Genetic mutations could also occur in subsequent generations of clones. Though still under research, there is some evidence to show that sporadic mutations within the DNA sequencing could occur. Therefore, one should expect slight variations across generations.

Conclusion

The world of cannabis cultivation is ever expanding and without a doubt as more studies are conducted, more and more effective techniques of cloning cannabis plants will be developed, which is music to the ears of all cannabis lovers. As cloning takes root, so does the number of clones that are thrown out in the process of vetting.

We hope we have educated you in the different ways you can smoke your clone so that you do not experience the complete loss of throwing great stuff out with the trash.

Cannabis growers tend to take clones either from mother plants (which are kept constantly in veg) or young vegetative plants that they’ll later switch to flower.

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis.com and has been reposted with permission.

Potential Side Effects Of Marijuana Edibles

Lydia Kariuki

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February 14, 2023

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Potential Side Effects Of Marijuana Edibles

The side effects of edibles can be quite undesirable and the best way to keep them at bay is to indulge in moderation.

If you have been around the cannabis scenes for a while, you are probably very familiar with the brownie. What started out as a means to primarily conceal the use of marijuana has quickly grown into a preferred method of consumption. Though brownies were the parent edible, creativity and innovation has led to a host of other fun and convenient edibles.

Taking edibles is easy, but is it safe? Here are some side effects that you might experience after taking edibles and what you can do about them.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Also known simply as edibles, marijuana edibles are food products which are cannabis infused. When referring to marijuana, what instantly comes to mind is the smokable pot.

Edibles differ from these both by the method of consumption and effects.

Edibles are now found in a vast number of forms. From baked goods to sweets, to basic foods. Some high class hotels even offer five star gourmet meals infused with weed.

The most common forms of edibles are in the form of:

Baked goods
Candies
Gummies
Chocolates
Lozenges
Beverages

Edibles could be prepared at home or purchased from the cannabis dispensary when made commercially.

At home, THC is mostly extracted in the form of butter or oils which are then used to cook or directly spread onto food. This is where baked edibles such as brownies and cookies are made.

Commercial edibles span from gummies and lozenges to chocolate and beverages.

What is most common about all edibles is that they are the easiest method to consume weed. What’s more, they are fun and enjoyable to take.

And herein lies the crux. One might be tempted to think that they are very harmless. And they can be if used correctly.

However, many times they cause a myriad of side effects.

weed brownies edibles — Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

Why Are Edibles Different?

As we have discussed, the most common method of consuming cannabis is through smoking either a joint or vaping. When the joint is burnt, it releases the cannabinoids which you then inhale into your lungs. THC and the other cannabinoids then enter your bloodstream and travel to the rest of your body at which point you will feel their effects.

However, when you smoke cannabis, you end up inhaling more than the cannabinoids. You might also inhale paper, plant matter and other substances that could even be potentially carcinogenic.

Experts have warned people about the negative effects of smoking from time immemorial, this makes a good case for edibles, yes?

Edibles do not enter your respiratory system, they are instead digested the same way your body breaks down regular food. As the food is broken down, and introduced into the bloodstream. It is only at this point that you will feel the marijuana effects of your edibles.

Here are some differences between the effects of edibles and smokables:

Speed: When smoked, cannabinoids get into the respiratory system and get into the blood almost immediately. The effects of smoking are thus almost instantaneous.Edibles on the other hand have to wait for digestion to take place. Their effects are likely to be felt after roughly about 1 hour or more.
Potency: Some studies show that edibles have less bioavailability than inhaled marijuana. What that means is your body ends up using up only a fraction of the ingested cannabis and the rest is lost in the process of digestion. As sound a s this theory is, the amount of THC in a particular edible is usually undetermined, which can end up in excessive amounts of the cannabinoid being consumed.
Effects: It is reported that edibles result in more intense and more vividly psychoactive highs in comparison to inhaled methods. This could either be attributed to the amounts of THC that end up being consumed in the process of digestion itself, which is slow and steady.
Duration: Though a slow starter, the edible high can last for multiple hours. This is very unlike the inhalation high which hits fast and fades fast. The quickly fading effects of THC when smoked are as a result of all the available THC immediately going into the bloodstream and being synthesized at once, as opposed to the case of edibles where the digestion process slowly releases the cannabinoids into the bloodstream.

How fast and to what extent a certain amount of THC will affect you is dependent on a number of factors. These factors range from body type, metabolism, diet, BMI and diet.

A trick to remember when consuming edibles is that fatty foods have the ability to improve the digestion of the cannabinoids found in the edibles. You could therefore incorporate some butter into your edible for that killer high.

That said, be careful to watch out for the risks of consuming edibles. Here goes.

marijuana edible — Photo by MykolaSenyuk/Getty Images

Risks of Consuming Edibles

Consuming edibles can give you a whole range of pleasant effects. However, they are also likely to cause you some pain. The negative effects of edibles could either be short term or long term. They also range from being very mild to quite serious. Let’s look at these effects in detail:

Short-Term Side Effects:

Dry Mouth: Associated with most types of THC high strains, consuming edibles is likely to give you a dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth.
Red, Bloodshot Eyes: Also very common in the consumption of weed, red eyes are the result of THC over dilating the blood vessels that surround the eyes. Sometimes one can even experience dryness of the eyes alongside the redness.
The Munchies: This is another cannabis classic. It is however said that the hunger pangs that accompany having edibles is legendary. Though certainly not dangerous, this is an effect worth taking note of.
Anxiety/Paranoia: As with consuming high doses of THC, taking too much of an edible can result in you becoming anxious and paranoid. This is also very likely to happen as it is difficult to ascertain the amount of THC a particular edible contains, therefore leading to over consumption.

Contrary to common belief, dehydration does not cause cottonmouth, which is one of the most experienced side effect of THC.

marijuana edibles — Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

Dehydration Vs. Cottonmouth

Have you ever felt like your mouth is filled with sand after a period of indulgence in marijuana? No, you are not dehydrated.

The symptoms of a dry mouth occur because the THC found in your cannabis binds itself to your salivary glands which stop them from working effectively for a period of time.

This same action of THC is why your eyes become red and dry as the tear glands also stop working as they should. The effect of cannabis is to decrease tear production, which also decreases the rate of blinking. This in turn worsens the reddening of the eyes.

The side effects we have so far discussed are more a nuisance than a real cause for concern. However it is important to note that their intensity is also affected by the amount of edibles consumed and how potent they were. The higher the dose, the more out of synch you will look.

Serious Negative Side Effects

Sometimes, the effects of consuming edibles are not as mild as one would want. Dr Nora Volkow, the director of “the National Institute of Drug Abuse” says that some medical complications are emerging that could be linked to the consumption of marijuana. Though not empirically tested, and also though there might be other factors to consider, consuming an excess of edibles could lead to:

Drowsiness.
Confusion.
Vomiting.
Panic attacks and Anxiety.
Agitation.
Psychotic episodes.
Hallucinations.
Paranoia.
Impaired motor ability.
Respiratory depression.
Heart problems (irregular heartbeat and sometimes even a heart attack).

edible marijuana — Photo by Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images

Do Cannabis Edibles Cause Aggression?

As we have earlier discussed, the delayed onset of the edible high coupled with the uncertainty of how potent it is could lead to serious adverse effects. The effects caused by an overindulgence in edibles and therefore THC could cause one to temporarily lose themselves. This could manifest in blackout periods where the user loses control of their faculties and probably not even recall anything they did. At best, the blackout could be just that, a period of intense, deep slumber.

At worst, high THC inspires violent behavior in some people. There have been cases of one putting themselves or others in harm’s way when under the influence of marijuana. This is particularly true in excessive cases of consuming edibles because the “high” is more intense and lasts for longer, giving one ample opportunity to do more harm.

These effects usually disappear as the high dissipates.

Long-Term Side Effects:

Addiction: Marijuana is generally thought not be an addictive substance. However, early studies show that over dependence can become an issue in the marijuana consuming population. It is therefore important that you monitor your consumption and ensure you do not become dependent on it.
Mental Issues in Teens: Some studies indicate that that teens and younger adults are likely to suffer far reaching effects from consuming cannabis. This is probably because their brains are developing and the effects of cannabis can interfere with the process of maturation.

How to Mitigate the Side Effects of Edibles

Over indulging in cannabis will cause adverse effects, especially when the edibles are rich in THC. Though often not serious, here are a few tips for what you can do in each case:

Dry mouth: A glass of water you sip on periodically can help you keep your mouth moist. You could also use mouthwash to rinse out your mouth and make it fresh.

Dry Eyes- Nobody likes having bloodshot eyes. The simple solution to this is eye drops. They can both moisturize your eyes and help clear the redness from them.

Anxiety and paranoia- Because anxious and paranoid is a direct effect of high levels of THC. So naturally, if you want to reduce these effects, ensure that your edibles have a low dose of THC. Because you might not be able to measure this in any particular way, take a small piece of the dibble, wait a while and then take a little.

Sedation/Fatigue- Edibles should always be consumed while in the company of friends. This is because their effects can be very unexpected and very intense. If you happen to go overboard they will be there to have your back.

If you drive to a place where you are likely to indulge in edibles, ensure that you have a reliable ride back home.

Also, as you might blackout, ensure that you are consuming the edibles in a comfortable place you would not mind sleeping in.

The Lower the Dose, the Lower the Risk

When trying to determine the best dosage for edibles, it is important to know how commercially manufactured edibles are rated and what might be best for you.

Edibles are usually found in 2.5, 5 and 10 mg concentrations. When starting out, it is advisable to start with the 2,5, then 5 until you get to the point where you fully understand the effect the edible has on you. Ten mg is usually best suited for seasoned users who know what to expect.

While some people can consume 100 mg in one sitting, do not rush to be that person.

If for some reason you end up indulging too much and find yourself feeling “too high”, do not panic. Follow the steps outlined above and try to ride out the wave.

However, you should make your way to the ER if you experience:

Extreme confusion
Seizures
Chest pain
Muscle spasms

If you are feeling “too high” but do not have any of the above symptoms, take a hot shower and lie in a dimly lit room. As we advised earlier, make sure that you are not alone.

Keep your edibles in a safe place!

Because these are treats anyone would want to indulge in, keep your edibles far away, especially if you have children around. This is a scenario where it would be better to be safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts

Edibles are a very fun way to consume marijuana. Who doesn’t like a sweet treat whose effects are quite literally out of this world?

What is important to note is that the side effects of edibles can be quite undesirable and the best way to keep them at bay is to indulge in moderation.

After all, moderation is the mother of discretion.

This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net

Federal Court Upholds Cannabis Residency Requirement

Green Market Report

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February 14, 2023

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Federal Court Upholds Cannabis Residency Requirement

The ruling is a setback for those who have hoped that such lawsuits would actually lead eventually to legal interstate cannabis shipping prior to federal legalization

By John Schroyer

In a break from a national trend, a federal judge in Washington state upheld the state’s residency requirement for cannabis business ownership and ruled that the US Constitution’s dormant commerce clause doesn’t apply because marijuana is still federally illegal.

Last Tuesday, US District Judge Benjamin Settle sided with the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board and tossed a lawsuit filed in 2020 by marijuana investor Todd Brinkmeyer, who had asked the court to rule that Washington’s residency requirement is unconstitutional, Law360 reported.

marijuana courts — Photo by jirkaejc/Getty Images

Settle wrote that states don’t have the legal power to overrule the federal Controlled Substance Act or Congress, both of which have maintained the federal illegality of cannabis, and therefore the commerce clause’s guarantee of fair interstate trade doesn’t apply.

That, Settle concluded, means Brinkmeyer didn’t have any standing to challenge the residency requirement.

“No party in this case suggests that citizens have a federal statutory or constitutional property right to cannabis while it remains federally illegal and, in fact, they do not,” the judge wrote in his ruling. “It is not clear to this Court how the dormant Commerce Clause can be read to protect illegal interstate commerce. The Supremacy Clause, preemption, general principles of federalism, and common sense suggest it does not.”

Attorney Daniel Oates, who represented Brinkmeyer in the case, called the ruling “disappointing.”

“It is unfortunate, particularly because, as the court acknowledged, the ruling stands in stark contrast to the majority of rulings by other federal courts on this same issue. We are carefully reviewing the ruling with our client and evaluating our next steps,” Oates told Law360.

legal marijuana — Photo by Baris-Ozer/Getty Images

The ruling is a break from other federal cases, particularly one in Maine that resulted in the state’s residency mandate being thrown out, and an injunction that was issued by a federal judge in New York, preventing the state from issuing at least 18 retail licenses to date.

There are also similar lawsuits ongoing in several California cities that have residency requirements for cannabis social equity programs.

The Washington ruling is also a setback for those who have hoped that such lawsuits would actually lead eventually to legal interstate cannabis shipping prior to federal legalization, which is a speculative legal theory based on the Constitution’s dormant commerce clause. If the federal judiciary isn’t aligned on whether residency requirements are legal or not, that uncertainty could be enough to delay the interstate commerce movement for years.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permisssion.

Can I Walk Around New York Or New Jersey With Weed?

Cannabis

Terran Cooper

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February 14, 2023

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Can I Walk Around New York Or New Jersey With Weed?

New York’s cannabis consumption laws are even more permitting than the state’s own alcohol consumption laws, which call for a fine and a non-criminal summons for public alcohol consumption.

In case you hadn’t heard, weed is legal in New York and New Jersey. For those over 21 years of age in New York, it’s legal to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrate for personal use. But can you walk around New York or New Jersey with weed?

New Jersey allows possession of up to one ounce of cannabis or up to five grams of concentrate/resin for personal use by adults. This means that you can carry small amounts of weed in public areas of New York and New Jersey, but still not in schools, government owned property, and many private places.

smoking marijuana — Photo by Love portrait and love the world/Getty Images

But where can you actually smoke or consume cannabis?

This is where New York and New Jersey differ. New Jersey prohibits smoking in all public areas, requiring individuals to consume their cannabis in private spaces (although your landlord may still prohibit cannabis use on their property).

While this may be disappointing for some, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) recently proposed rules for cannabis consumption areas, meaning that with some luck we may just see cannabis consumption lounges at the end of 2023.

For now, you can find dispensaries scattered across the state, as the CRC allowed a number of medical dispensaries to also sell for recreational use.

New York has taken a different approach. Adults may smoke or vape cannabis anywhere where smoking tobacco is allowed (with a few exceptions). New York’s cannabis consumption laws are even more permitting than the state’s own alcohol consumption laws, which call for a fine and a non-criminal summons for public alcohol consumption. This makes NY one of the most progressive states in the nation when it comes to public consumption of cannabis.

New York cannabis — Photo by Anton Petrus/Getty Images

Still, cannabis use is not allowed in motor vehicles, outdoor dining areas, most indoor areas, parks, beaches, some pedestrian areas, and plenty of private spaces.

If you’re looking to consume cannabis elsewhere, New York is also expecting consumption areas (although much of the specific rules for such are not yet published). If you’re looking for where you can actually buy cannabis in New York, check out our recent article.

What Is Cannabis Indica

Cannabis

Lydia Kariuki

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February 6, 2023

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Anecdotal evidence has it that sativa strains will energize and inspire you while indica ones will put you to sleep and make you feel relaxed. But this isn’t necessarily true.

If you happened to ask a dozen smokers their favorite strain, you would probably come up with a dozen different answers. Some prefer a hit that will knock their socks off, while some would prefer a mellow, relaxed stone. Some are looking for a head high while others just want to feel their bodies relax.

How does an indica high feel like? When you hear a seasoned user asking for a strain that’s “fire”, “bomb” or “loud”, he’s probably referring to a potent indica strain.

Join us as we explore the mellow, relaxing stone of indica as well as take a better look at its properties.

What Is Indica?

Cannabis indica originated from the Middle East. To be more specific, it has its roots in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tibet. The cultivars of cannabis indica are shorter than sativa plants and they generally have a broader, bushy appearance with dark-green leaves. They are popular with home growers because they have high yields within a shorter duration.

For the longest time, indica strains have been associated with a strong body high which is also referred to as couch lock. However, not all indica strains act in this way, especially when the strain is a hybrid.

What Does Indica Feel Like?

The typical Indica high can be described as being a mellow, relaxed stone.

Indica’s effect on the human body is usually referred to as being “stoned” or having a “body high.” This means that you are likely to feel its effects throughout your body as opposed to in your head. You are bound to feel very relaxed, which could eventually lead to a feeling of drowsiness and even sedation. Indica highs also tend to enhance your other senses like sound, smell and touch.

Its high could also be described as a lethargic, one that is almost a “lazy body high.”

Despite being profoundly relaxing, the body high could sometimes be heavy, giving you the urge to just sit on the couch and relax. This effect is commonly referred to as “couch lock”.

Though indica strains are believed to cause your attention span to become shorter, you might be surprised that they could inspire creativity.

Most prominently, indica strains are known to give relief. They have the ability to give relief from anxiety, stress, body pain, migraines and spasms. They can also help in the relaxation of muscles as well as reduction in the frequency of seizures. As a whole, indica strains are known to fight nausea and depression.

The last effect of indica, sedation can be realized with even very small doses. This is why it is a great sleeping aid.

Best Indica Strains

We will now delve into individual indica strains and discuss their specific highs.

Hindu Kush: If you are a fan of indica strains, you are probably familiar with Hindu Kush. This is a purebred that originates from the mountain range called that Hindu Kush that falls between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Hindu Kush will give you that mellow high that will help you wind down beautifully from a hard day of work as you relax on your balcony and watch the sun set. If you are looking for a long-lasting euphoric high, this is it.

Northern Lights: This is another classic. It has a hard-hitting high that is the perfect definition of being stoned. It also comes with serious munchies, so be prepared.

Granddaddy Purple: As its name suggests, this is the father of the father of all purple flowers. It originates from a crossing of Purple Urkle and Bid Bud. Expect the wonderful taste of a bag of grapes. Not ony does it taste delicious, it also has very potent effects. Its high is a fusion of physical relaxation and cerebral euphoria. It might set your thoughts fee to float away in a dreamy buzz but your body will definitely stay put for the duration of the high. Medically, it is used to combat stress, pain, insomnia, muscle spasms and appetite loss.

Blueberry: This strain also has Afghani roots mixed in with some Thai ones. Bred by DJ Short, Blueberry will give you a relaxed happy high that may just slump you over. If you are in search of a night cap which will also appeal to your taste buds, look no further.

9 LB Hammer: The connotation of a hard hit is not too far off with this one. You will experience a heavy head high that will slowly creep across the rest of your body. Don’t be surprised if you can’t drag yourself out of bed for the next hours.

RELATED: How To Choose The Right Cannabis Strain

Forbidden Fruit: Born of a cross between Cherry Pie AND Tangie, this strain tastes like a fruit cocktail. Its effects are lighter than most indicas and instead of giving you a sleepy heavy feeling, you will feel a relaxing euphoria

G-13: Now comes an interesting story. It is rumored that G-13 was as Government experiment that put together 13 of the most potent indica strains. As the story would have it, a disgruntled agent leaked it to the public and that is how we got the opportunity to share in this top secret substance.

As far-fetched as this story is, you can definitely understand why someone would go to these lengths to concoct it. This strain is simply gob smacking. It has an intense high that will get you “stoned” in the classic way. It has an intense high that will have you staring into space watching monkeys fly.

Death Star: Why this strain got this name, we might never know. It is an Indica-dominant strain which is a cross between Sour Diesel and Sensi Star. This strain is a particularly sedative hybrid. Its effects are highly euphoric and it is known to promote spontaneous laughter as well as a sense of well-being.

Strawberry Banana: This is a particularly potent award winning strain from DNA Genetics. It has both a drowsy and a euphoric high. A cross between Bubble Gum and Banana Kush, Strawberry Banana encourages deep relaxation accompanied by a jolly metal high. Though it will make you feel drowsy, it doesn’t have a completely sedative effect. Mostly considered an evening strain, some people can get away with daytime consumption, especially because it is such a yummy treat.

Romulan: Named after an alien in Star Trek (imagine that), Romulan will give you intense cerebral effects. It is a potent Indica strain that is revered because of its powerful therapeutic qualities.

It has a deep relaxing sedating high that can get you through massive amounts of pain and insomnia to give you that much needed night of rest. It is also great in helping patients suffering from nerve damage as well as muscle spasms. In summary, it provides a full-body calm that has heavy intoxicating properties.

Medical Uses of Indica Strains

Preliminary research has pointed out that indica plants tend to have a higher concentration of CBD than sativa plants. This is why a majority of indica effects coincide with those of CBD. Indica strains therefore show great promise in resolving the below medical conditions:

Sleep and insomnia
Anxiety relief
Inflammation relief
Seizure reduction
Muscle spasticity

While using indica strains to medicate any of these conditions, it is recommended that you use proven breeds like Afghan Kush, Northern Lights or Romulan. Most of these strains should be easily purchased from a cannabis dispensary.

What Factors Can Affect an Indica High?

By understanding the factors and circumstances that will have an effect on your high, you can make informed decisions that will give you the high you want.

Set and setting: Different scenarios can have a wildly different effect on your high. Consuming your weed in a relaxed environment will give you a much different experience than smoking it in a crowded waiting area. Always set your environment for the best effect.

Delivery method: The method you choose to take your weed will affect your experience. The most common methods of taking your weed are smoking, vaping, pessaries or eating edibles. Some methods like smoking will introduce the active components into your bloodstream in a matter of seconds while edibles have to wait for the process of digestion, which causes a delayed high.

It is also easier to control the amount of cannabis you take with some methods than it is with others.

Dose: Just as with method, different amounts will have different effects on you. That’s obvious, right?

Wrong!

Different people react differently to pot, so what may knock one down may not even scratch the surface for another. In trying to hit your sweet spot, you might need to find the exact amount that is perfect for you. Too little and it’s a waste of effort, too much and the sound of closing door will freak you out.

It is important to note that it is even harder to dose when it comes to edibles. So go slow….very slow.

Cannabinoid profile: Whether a strain is indica or sativa, its cannabinoid profile has a huge bearing on the effects it solicits. High THC strains will give you crazy psychedelic effects while high CBD strains are generally known to be relaxing.

Depending on the high you are looking for, remember to consider this as well. It is also important to note that the ratio in which these cannabinoids occur also makes a difference. Two strains can have 23% THC with one strain having 10% CBD and another 2% CBD. The strain with a lower CBD ratio will have milder effects as the CBD will counteract some of the high THC effects.

rolling a marijuana joint — Photo by Nastasic/Getty Images

Terpenes: Terpenes are compounds found in plants that give them their characteristic smells and taste. They also possess other qualities that can be therapeutic or even medicinal. Cannabis generally has an abundance of terpenes, and so when you smoke your blunt and have a certain feeling, terpenes have certainly contributed to it. Some terpenes such as Linalool have the effect of relaxing you while Limonene is a stress reliever.

Though future research will make terpenes even better understood, their role in your current high cannot be ignored.

Age: Age has a significant role in how a cannabis high hits you. If you are young and excited, it’s likely to uplift you even more as opposed to an older person who might experience less effects, sometimes not even as pleasant.

Though more research needs to be done in this field, it’s important to re-evaluate what you take and how you take it as you grow older.

Tolerance: It is not a myth. Some people tolerate weed much better than others. The exact reasons for these can span across body chemistry, frequency of consumption, weight, metabolism and many more characteristics. It’s important to know your personal tolerance, especially if you are smoking in a group.

Anecdotal evidence has it that sativa strains will energize and inspire you while indica ones will put you to sleep and make you feel relaxed. While this is generally true, especially in native strains, the effect of breeding has led to indicas that can inspire you and sativas that can put you to sleep.

It is therefore important to understand what you are looking for in your high and turn to either an indica or sativa, but it is also as important to gauge your own reaction to that particular strain.

Strangest Cannabis Strains On The Market Today

Cannabis

Terry Hacienda

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February 6, 2023

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You may not be able to get your hands on all of them, but these five bizarre cannabis strains are worth knowing about for their strange and unique properties.

There are easily almost a thousand, if not more, cannabis strains in the world right now. And we all have at least one favorite — one that we can rely on for good times and bad. They make us feel better, laugh, sleep, and just experience the lighter side of life after a puff or two.

Going through the list of strain names available today can be overwhelming at the very least, because strains are typically given colorful and unique names to remember them by.

Strains can be named so because of their aroma, flavor, taste, and effects. But did you know that there are some downright bizarre strains out there too? Check these out:

Dr. Grinspoon

Dr. Grinspoon is a strain dedicated to Dr. Lester Grinspoon, a renowned psychiatry professor and cannabis advocate at Harvard. He was initially against marijuana — believing it was dangerous — until he researched it himself and found it was less harmful and addictive compared to tobacco and alcohol. After that, he became a crusader fighting for marijuana.

Dr. Grinspoon is a sativa heirloom strain that was bred by the Barneys Farm in Amsterdam. It has some strange growth characteristics, such as how it develops small buds similar to berries, whereas normal cannabis would grow bud in branch nodes. It doesn’t look like a regular cannabis plant, making this an ideal variety for marijuana growers who want to try growing something different, or for those looking for discretion.

Dr. Grinspoon is recommended for individuals looking for a highly cerebral and creative strain, as it increases sensory awareness and activity. Patients who are suffering from chronic pain, ADHD, and mood disorders can benefit from the effects of this special strain.

Freakshow

Freakshow is the result of a genetic mutation, evident in its rather strange leaf structure. Also known as the Cannabis Lusus Monstra, the leaves of this strain resemble ferns, making it another great choice for those who want to discreetly grow cannabis plants.

Freakshow is the brainchild of Shapeshifter, an American cannabis breeder hailing from California. The genetic mutation that gives this strain its odd-looking leaves has also been observed in other plants, though there isn’t much known about it. Shapeshifter worked on several mutant plants, and the Humboldt Seed Company eventually stepped in to assist stabilization of seeds in order to produce more of them by 2019.

There are many reasons to try Freakshow despite its unusual appearance. For one, it has a pungent diesel-like aroma as well as notes of grapefruit, eucalyptus, and thyme. Many have also observed vanilla and banana flavors after smoking. It results in a clear-headed high, consistent with many sativa strains, followed by a warm body tingling. Freakshow is a fantastic choice for a daytime smoke if you are looking to try something new.

cannabis flower — Photo by AYEHAB/Getty Images

Frisian Duck

Frisian Duck is a cross between Ducksfoot and Frisian Dew, created by Amsterdam’s Dutch Passion. It stands out because of its strange cannabis leaves which came about due to a genetic mutation.

The fact that Frisian Duck’s leaves look like a duck’s footprint conceals it from prying eyes. You can easily grow this in your city or urban home and not have much to worry about. This hybrid strain has a mild yet spicy aroma, with notes of fresh pine, citrus, and forest. However, it doesn’t have a strong smell unlike other pungent cannabis strains, another reason why this can help you keep a low profile when growing them at home.

When fully grown, Frisian Duck cannabis plants look like a Christmas tree. They have massive flowers and result in a large yield when grown correctly. Its flowers often end up purple once matured. The light citrus and forest flavors are extra delicious for a morning toke to help wake you up.

Australian Bastard

Another cannabis strain that can easily be disguised is the Australian Bastard. Due to its unconventional physical properties, these typically go unnoticed to the untrained eye. As the name suggests, it originated down under, where it’s also known as Bindi Buds or ABC.

The Australian Bastard cannabis strain doesn’t have a strong odor and an unusual leaf shape, which is why it usually goes unnoticed. During colder temperatures, it can result in buds that have a purple hue. This strain has a desirable pine and lemon flavor, with tones of fennel. It’s the result of a stable genetic mutation that has adapted to the Australian environment.

However, Australian Bastard cannabis has low THC levels, usually under 5%. This makes it very different from otherwise high potency strains that are popular in the market. This strain may be hard to find but its rarity is one of the many things that make it special.

marijuana — Photo by 3 Pelos/Getty Images

Black Haze

Black Haze is named after its very dark purple leaves, which can sometimes look black from afar. It’s a very potent strain, the result of crossing Sir Jack, Pakistani Chitral Kush, and Skunk Auto.

Upon smoking, one can’t help but notice its one-of-a-kind yet extremely delicious flavor profile: woodsy notes underneath, and tasty berries and cherries on top. Black Haze strains usually have a high THC content, ideal for getting all that stress out the window and relaxing you, mentally and physically. At small doses, Black Haze can induce a clear-headedness that is suitable for productivity and focus, allowing you to problem-solve and discover creative solutions.

Patients can benefit from its pain-killing and calming properties. This is a wonderful social strain to share with your friends, and for those with social anxiety, it can help melt those worries away. Smoke some Black Haze at the end of a tiring work day to experience blissful relief.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

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Dosage Requirement

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Availability of CBN and CBG Products

Legality of CBG and CBN in the US

Will CBN and CBG Show Up on a Drug Screening?

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Conclusion

It’s important to know the potential adverse effects of weed before you run to your local dispensary and pick up a strain that’s supposed to help you focus.

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Conclusion

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Conclusion

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Final Thoughts

The ruling is a setback for those who have hoped that such lawsuits would actually lead eventually to legal interstate cannabis shipping prior to federal legalization

New York’s cannabis consumption laws are even more permitting than the state’s own alcohol consumption laws, which call for a fine and a non-criminal summons for public alcohol consumption.

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You may not be able to get your hands on all of them, but these five bizarre cannabis strains are worth knowing about for their strange and unique properties.

Dr. Grinspoon

Freakshow

Frisian Duck

Australian Bastard

Black Haze

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