{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cannabis-101/2","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3101-markdown","title":"Adaptogens: What Are They & How to Combine Them With CBD","slug":"adaptogens-what-are-they-and-how-to-combine-them-with-cbd","content":"When it comes to wellness trends, both cannabidiol (CBD) and adaptogens are having a big moment in the spotlight. Hearing promises of reduced stress, improved energy and more active immune systems, many are starting regimens of adaptogens or CBD. \n\nBut now a new trend is taking off: combining CBD and adaptogens together. Curious if this stress-busting combination is right for you? \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nLet’s explore this new trend, the science behind it and how to start taking CBD and adaptogens yourself. \n\n### What Are Adaptogens?\n\nAdaptogens are plant-based medicines that people primarily take as a way to help the body become more resistant to all kinds of stressors. \n\nChinese and Ayurvedic traditions have used these plants for centuries, but the term adaptogen originated in the 1950s and ‘60s as a way to describe compounds that would increase our resistance to stress.  \n\nWhile each adaptogen has slightly different effects, they’re all praised for their ability to reduce the impact that stress has on the body. People turn to them for their ability to keep us grounded and resilient to life’s ups and downs. \n\nResearch on adaptogens, while limited, does support these claims. Studies show that many adaptogens’ effects include combating:\n\n* Anxiety\n* Depression \n* Fatigue \n \nAdaptogens also appear to [increase people’s capacity to work in the midst of stress and fatigue](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/). \n\nThese studies suggest that adaptogens are so effective because of how they regulate homeostasis, ir balance, via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal system—both of which are involved in the body’s stress response. \n\nBut which adaptogens are best for specific needs? \n\nExperts suggest that for long-term stress and related hormone imbalances, the best adaptogens are:\n\n* Ashwagandha\n* Holy basil\n* Asian ginseng \n\nMeanwhile, for acute stress, anxiety and increased energy, you should go for:\n\n* Siberian ginseng\n* Rhodiola\n* Schisandra \n\nAnd if you’re looking to give your immune system a boost, the best adaptogens for you may be:\n\n* Reishi mushrooms\n* Ginseng \n\nFolks usually take adaptogens in the form of supplements or they work them into their diet. You can:\n\n* Drink adaptogen tea\n* Add tinctures into your drinks or food\n* Buy adaptogen powder to mix into all kinds of foods like soups, sauces, dressings and smoothies\n\nAdaptogens are generally considered safe and without major side effects. Still, some research suggests that [there’s potential for otherwise safe herbal supplements, like adaptogens, to interact negatively with other medications](https://time.com/5116664/are-herbal-supplements-safe/). \n\nThese products are still active chemicals and may impact other aspects of your health regimen. So, it’s best to work with a doctor when adding in adaptogens to your wellness plan to ensure it’s the right choice for you. \n\n### Combining CBD & Adaptogens \n\nInterestingly, CBD shares many of the same effects attributed to adaptogens, such as:\n\n* Bringing homeostasis to internal systems\n* Reducing anxiety\n* Easing depression \n* Combating fatigue\n* Boosting the immune system\n\nRELATED: [UNDERSTANDING HOW CBD CAN CALM YOUR ANXIETY](https://hellomd.com/articles/why-taking-cbd-daily-can-help-reduce-your-anxiety/)\n\nResearch shows that CBD can have a big impact on stress resilience. [One 2011 study demonstrated CBD’s effect on stress](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/) by testing subjects’ anxiety (and related factors) during a public speaking stress test. \n\nThe people taking CBD reported significantly reduced anxiety, as well as:\n\n* Less cognitive impairment\n* Reduced discomfort in their speech\n* Increased feelings of anticipatory alertness\n\nThis confirmed earlier studies which had found [similar results for both humans](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20829306) and [animals](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23298518). \n\n[CBD is so helpful, in part, because of how it boosts serotonin signaling](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26711860), much like SSRIs, a common pharmaceutical option for treating anxiety. CBD does this by enhancing the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A, thus relieving anxiety and depression.\n\nSo, both adaptogens and CBD increase our resistance to stress. In fact, you may say that CBD itself is an adaptogen. For this reason, some now believe that combining CBD with other adaptogens may produce synergistic effects, increasing the overall impact of both substances. It makes some sense to pair these. After all, if you’re looking to improve your stress response, why not use both options?\n\nBut skeptics point out that we have little reason to believe that CBD pairs with other adaptogens in a synergistic way. There has been no scientific research on the outcome of such pairings, so we have very little to go on, other than anecdotal accounts from those experimenting with the combination. Still, we also have no reason to think the combination would be particularly harmful—so it may be worth experimenting with this combination for those who haven’t found relief from other options. \n\n### Tips for Taking CBD & Adaptogens \n\nWhen it comes to actually taking CBD and adaptogens, you may want to start by working with a trained herbalist. Adaptogens can bring your body back into balance but they may also be able to throw it off balance if you’re ingesting the wrong herbs for your needs. An herbalist can help make sure you’re on the right track, and help you adjust your regimen as needed.  \n\nYou should also consult your doctor to ensure that neither CBD nor any other adaptogens you may be taking interact with your other medications. \n\nOnce you get the all-clear from your medical and herbal advisors, you’ll need to decide how to take your adaptogens and CBD. Mixing adaptogens into your food can be helpful, as many aren’t the most palatable things on their own. There are also capsules for those who don’t want to taste them at all.\n\nSome brands are now combining multiple adaptogens and CBD into a single product. If you can find one with a blend that works for you, this can really simplify things. \n\nOn the other hand, it can be helpful to get isolated versions of each adaptogen (including CBD) that you want to try. When you’re just getting started, it can be hard to tell which herbs are causing which effects. So, starting with one at a time to find the right dosage for each can help you to hone in on the best adaptogen regimen for you more easily and accurately. \n\nHerbalists recommend allowing for three to nine months of regular intake before evaluating how an adaptogen is affecting you. \n\nPhoto credit: Sebastian Duda/Shutterstock.com\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/14b42/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/f836f/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.jpg 200w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/2244e/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.jpg 400w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/14b42/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.jpg 800w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/47498/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/0e329/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.jpg 1600w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/ffa36/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/58556/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/61e93/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.webp 200w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/1f5c5/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.webp 400w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/58556/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.webp 800w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/99238/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.webp 1200w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/7c22d/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.webp 1600w,\n/static/e981736cf96732dcd8607cd48bc852d0/d1528/4f693683fb8f1e7d0fd083745556944b.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3095-markdown","title":"The Difference Between Medical & Recreational Cannabis","slug":"the-difference-between-medical-and-recreational-cannabis","content":"A majority of U.S. states now [allow legal cannabis consumption](https://www.governing.com/gov-data/safety-justice/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html) for at least some medical conditions. But a few others, and the District of Columbia, have also legalized cannabis for purely recreational purposes—no medical authorization required.  \n\nWhether you’re consuming cannabis to enhance a pleasant evening with friends or to relieve the symptoms of a serious health condition, cannabis is a versatile plant with potent benefits for health and well-being. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nMedical and adult-use cannabis products are similar. They’re all made from cannabis after all, and you can consume them in the same ways, such as smoking, vaping or eating.  \n\nBut [there are also important differences between recreational and medical marijuana](https://americancannabisconsulting.com/difference-between-medical-recreational-cannabis/) regarding their:\n\n* Content\n* Processing\n* Availability   \n\nHere’s a look at the differences between medical and recreational cannabis, and how these products are sold.\n\n### The State of Cannabis Today in the U.S.\n\nAlthough cannabis has a long history of medicinal uses, most people know it as a recreational drug—and one that’s illegal at that. Marijuana has been a favorite of teens and adults alike, thanks to its ability to provide relaxation and a euphoric high.  \n\nBut antidrug campaigns have targeted it as a gateway drug that could lead to abuse and addiction. The federal government continues to include it in the list of  Schedule 1 drugs of the most dangerous type, right alongside heroin and LSD. \n\nBut a growing body of research has revealed another side to the cannabis plant: It contains more than 100 separate compounds and terpenes, and many of them have documented benefits for relieving the symptoms of a variety of health conditions.  \n\nCannabis compounds, particularly the abundant compounds cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can work with the body’s own system of cannabinoid receptors, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), to activate and regulate many processes related to:\n\n* Mood\n* Pain control\n* Immunity\n\nFor many people, [cannabis is good medicine](https://americancannabisconsulting.com/difference-between-medical-recreational-cannabis/). But getting access to it can be a problem, thanks to that federal Schedule 1 designation.  \n\nNow, though, more and more states have taken matters into their own hands. There are laws that establish at least some options for people with documented health conditions to get access to cannabis for medical purposes only.  \n\nAnd still other states have opted to fully legalize cannabis not only for medicine, but also for fun. This means that in those states, people can buy both medical and recreational cannabis, often from the same dispensary.  \n\n### Recreational Cannabis: High THC, Low or No CBD & Fewer Restrictions\n\nFor many years, adult-use cannabis was simply any cannabis you’d buy from a friend or a street dealer. It was illegal, and you couldn’t always be sure what it really contained. \n\nBut now, in places where adult-use marijuana is legal, cannabis is sold in dispensaries. There, consumers can choose from a number of carefully cultivated cannabis strains that promise different kinds of experiences. Most of these are bred to have a high THC content, the compound that causes cannabis consumers to feel high. \n\nIn these states, anyone over the age of 21 can buy cannabis, but customers must be able to show a valid ID. Most dispensaries offer a range of cannabis products to consume in various ways, such as:\n\n* Cannabis flower for smoking\n* Marijuana edibles for eating\n* Concentrates or oils for vaping\n\n### Medicinal Cannabis: High CBD, High THC & Higher Quality\n\nIn states where cannabis is legal for medical purposes, consumers need a medical card or other documentation from a doctor in order to purchase cannabis products. \n\nBut not every health condition is eligible for medical cannabis in every state. Each state has its own list of qualifying conditions, but a few well-documented health problems are on just about everyone’s list:\n\n* **PTSD :** A number of studies have shown that cannabis can relieve many symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and insomnia.\n* **Epilepsy:** Cannabis has documented abilities to reduce seizures and relieve other symptoms of many types of epilepsy, even the most treatment-resistant varieties.\n* **Cancer and issues related to cancer treatments:** Cannabis can help relieve pain, loss of appetite and nausea associated with cancer and chemotherapy treatments.\n* **Neurodegenerative diseases:** Research confirms that cannabis can be neuroprotective, which makes it useful for managing symptoms of diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.\n* **Pain:** Cannabis activates endocannabinoid receptors involved in pain signaling, so it can help people with a variety of chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.\n\nRELATED: [3 POPULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT CBD & CHRONIC PAIN ANSWERED](https://hellomd.com/articles/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-chronic-pain-answered/)\n\nMedical cannabis products typically include all of the usual options for consuming cannabis:\n\n* Whole plant preparations\n* Edibles\n* Tinctures (oils)\n* Topicals \n\nCannabis strains that are intended for recreational consumption typically have high levels of THC relative to other cannabis compounds. Medical cannabis can have high THC levels, too. But cannabis that’s produced specifically for medical purposes is also high in CBD—a compound that doesn’t make consumers feel high like THC can. It’s also possible to buy medical cannabis products that contain only CBD or that have higher levels of CBD than THC.\n\nBecause medical cannabis is intended for therapeutic purposes, it generally undergoes more rigorous testing for purity and potency than recreational cannabis does. It’s usually grown indoors under more controlled conditions, too.\n\n### Buying Medical & Recreational Cannabis\n\nMedical cannabis is sold through dispensaries, where patients meet individually with staff to find the right products and complete purchases. Medical authorizations are usually kept on file to satisfy state laws and regulations.  \n\nIn states where both medical and recreational cannabis are legal, dispensaries may serve both kinds of customers, with one line or waiting area for medical marijuana patients and another for recreational buyers. Recreational customers can also buy products at adult-only stores that cater only to them.\n\n[Cannabis dispensary staff are called budtenders](https://www.cannarecruiter.com/budtender-job-description/). Whether you’re a responsible adult looking for the best recreational products, or a medical patient with a specific health concern, budtenders can answer questions and guide you to products that meet your needs. \n\nBudtenders should be able to explain the effects of various products and strains and suggest the right products for every customer’s recreational or medical needs, though they aren’t trained medical professionals.  \n\nThe line between the medical and recreational applications of cannabis can easily blur. But whether you’re looking for a way to relax or relief from the symptoms of a health condition, there’s a cannabis product for that.\n\nPhoto credit: TayHamPhotography/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/14b42/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/f836f/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.jpg 200w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/2244e/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.jpg 400w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/14b42/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.jpg 800w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/47498/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/0e329/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/ffa36/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/58556/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/61e93/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.webp 200w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/1f5c5/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.webp 400w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/58556/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.webp 800w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/99238/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.webp 1200w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/7c22d/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.webp 1600w,\n/static/b00a1f39f95c4606e13ca97713aa4b9b/d1528/7d6ef977b97a2cc2abf9d780d22ea29f.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3093-markdown","title":"Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum & Isolate CBD: Which Is Best?","slug":"full-spectrum-broad-spectrum-and-isolate-cbd-which-is-best","content":"We’re living through a time of tremendous change in the cannabis and hemp industries. Marijuana can be seen as being both over- and under-regulated, depending on where you live and what your feelings are on the subject. \n\nBut particularly when it comes to cannabidiol (CBD), the current landscape is at best a bit confusing, and at worst, like with the unregulated market, a sketchy road to go down at your own risk.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nCannabis manufacturers are using more and more methods to create their products, sometimes leaving folks scratching their heads as they wonder:\n\n* How were they made?\n* What exactly is in them?\n* What are the differences in terms of effects?\n\nIf you browse a dispensary or online CBD store, you’ve probably seen these three terms to describe a product:\n\n* Full-spectrum (sometimes called whole plant)\n* Broad-spectrum\n* Isolate\n\nThese terms describe the extraction processes the manufacturers used to separate the cannabinoids like CBD from the plant material. Let’s take a look at each one to help determine what’s the best product for you.\n\n### Choose Full-Spectrum CBD to Take Advantage of the Entourage Effect\n\nFull-spectrum products represent the gold standard in the cannabis extraction world. As the name implies,[full-spectrum CBD means they extract the entire plant ](https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/sns-tft-benefits-of-cannabis-extracts-20190820-oxeuepjoizhy5cug5dxyfwu4pm-story.html).\n\nManufacturers use a variety of extraction techniques to derive full-spectrum oil from the cannabis plant. They commonly use CO2 for extraction, thought by many manufacturers to be safer and healthier than using solvents.\n\nAdvocates of full-spectrum extraction point to the importance of the entourage effectin cannabis medicine. \n\nThe entourage effect describes the process in which all of the chemical components of cannabis interact in the body, compounds such as:\n\n* Cannabinoids\n* Terpenes\n* Flavonoids\n* Fatty acids\n\nProponents of entourage effect says that all of these chemicals work better together than they do on their own, so full-spectrum products have a greater benefit to the consumer. \n\nThough much more research needs to be done, there seems to be mounting evidence that [full-spectrum CBD provides consumers with greater health benefits](https://wholistic.org/2019/01/the-debate-on-full-spectrum-cbd-vs-cbd-isolate-what-we-know/) than other kinds of CBD. \n\nFull-spectrum cannabis, when properly manufactured, can contain more than just CBD, and in fact it _should_. Just a few of the intriguing other cannabinoids which are showing great promise in easing several medical conditions include:\n\n* Cannabigerol CBG\n* Tetrahydrocannabivarin THCV\n* Cannbinol CBN\n\n\nAlways remember that full-spectrum CBD products derived from hemp will still have a very low, trace amount of THC. Full-spectrum CBD products derived from cannabis and sold in dispensaries may have a significantly higher percentage of THC. \n\nFor those who wish to take advantage of the entourage effect and are interested in the many benefits whole-plant cannabis has to offer, full-spectrum cannabis products are the way to go. \n\n### Broad Spectrum: More Than Just CBD, But no THC\n\nLike full-spectrum, broad-spectrum CBD contains all the bells and whistles of full-spectrum products, with one standout exception: It doesn’t contain any THC. \n\nManufacturers create broad-spectrum CBD in a couple of ways: \n\n* By creating a recipe, starting with CBD isolate (which we’ll discuss below) and adding in the other cannabinoids and terpenes into the mix.\n* By removing THC from a full-spectrum extract.\n\nBroad-spectrum fans appreciate the ability to enjoy everything that full-spectrum products have to offer, without the psychoactive effects related to THC.\n\n### CBD Isolate Is CBD Only\n\nCBD isolate represents where a certain sector of the cannabis industry is headed, and that’s deep inside laboratories. The extraction process, which includes what’s called [winterization](https://www.thestreet.com/lifestyle/what-is-cbd-isolate-14986685) results in the creation of a tasteless, odorless powder. CBD isolate is literally isolated CBD, with nothing else added. It’s touted as the purest form of CBD available and many people purchase the powdered isolate to make their own salves and topical products.\n\nManufacturers use isolate in the manufacture of many products like edibles, because it adds nothing to the product but the cannabinoid itself. Folks can also smoke or vape it, which provides the most immediate effects—a benefit for those taking CBD to treat anxiety. Isolates are sometimes combined with other ingredients to create a new CBD product.\n\nThere is one significant benefit to isolate: If you’re someone who must pass drug tests, consuming a CBD isolate product is the safest way to consume CBD. \n\nMost drug tests look for traces of a THC metabolite. CBD isolate, when properly manufactured, contains no THC, making it possible for consumers to take trusted CBD isolate products with [little concern of failing a drug test](https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/to-be-blunt-cbd-drug-test-work/Content?oid=70760911). \n\nBut because federal and state regulations on CBD are still sometimes vague, even [products claiming to be CBD isolate could still retain traces of THC](https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/does-cbd-show-up-on-drug-test). Buying trusted brands from trusted sources, particularly in states where cannabis is already legal in some form, is the best way to ensure you’re getting what you paid for.\n\n### Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Your CBD\n\nUntil there are more standards around regulations, it’s very important to look at the contents of cannabis products you purchase. In legal states, labels must contain clear explanations of the ingredients. Labels are the best way to determine if you’ve purchased a full-spectrum product or something claiming to be one. \n\nOperators in the unregulated market and manufacturers taking advantage of the CBD boom to sell cheap products in convenience stores often make unsubstantiated claims about their products and aren’t very stringent about what they put on their packaging. \n\nBut in legal states, dispensaries can usually access lab reports about the products they sell, providing consumers with another layer of confidence and security. \n\nPhoto credit: ElRoi/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD productsand have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/14b42/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/f836f/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.jpg 200w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/2244e/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.jpg 400w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/14b42/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.jpg 800w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/47498/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/0e329/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.jpg 1600w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/3823d/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.jpg 1771w","srcWebp":"/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/58556/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/61e93/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.webp 200w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/1f5c5/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.webp 400w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/58556/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.webp 800w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/99238/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.webp 1200w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/7c22d/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.webp 1600w,\n/static/a625b74c5610e3f3d3302d31d36c44fb/25963/67224acad3cdc818717fe1a0cf033be1.webp 1771w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3078-markdown","title":"Quick Guide to Finding Your Ideal CBD-to-THC Ratio","slug":"quick-guide-to-finding-your-ideal-cbd-to-thc-ratio","content":"If you’re just getting started with cannabis, there can be a lot to learn when it comes to figuring out the differences between the many cannabis products out there. \n\nWhen you walk into a dispensary or browse an online marijuana menu, you’ll often see a dizzying array of options. Many folks—especially those new to cannabis—don’t know where to start. While there are many factors to consider when selecting a cannabis product, one of the most important factors (and sometimes the most confusing factor) is the cannabidiol (CBD) to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ratio. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nThese numerical indicators are on many cannabis products these days, but not everyone knows what they mean. If you find yourself confused by what these ratios are and how they’ll affect you, you aren’t alone.\n\nBut don’t worry. We’ve put together a simple guide to these cannabis ratios with tips on how to find the ones that work best for you. \n\n### What Are CBD-to-THC Ratios? \n\nSo, what are CBD-to-THC ratios? Well, to start, cannabis is made up of a wide variety of active chemical components, which provide the medicinal effects the plant is known for. In fact, there are [over 500 different chemicals identified in the cannabis plant](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/). \n\nThe two most plentiful and well-researched cannabinoids in the plant are THC and CBD. These power a lot of the medicinal effects in cannabis, although other chemicals augment them to create a wider variety of effects. \n\nWhen taken by themselves, THC and CBD can each have their own health benefits with some overlapping characteristics and some differing ones. But when taken together, they modify each other’s effects, creating therapeutic potential not found within either alone. \n\nThese shifts that come when [cannabis’s active ingredients are combined is known as the entourage effect](https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x) and is an acknowledgment that cannabis's active chemicals work together synergistically to create effects that wouldn’t come from any of their parts individually. \n\nTHC is a powerful chemical known to help ease:\n\n* Pain\n* Inflammation\n* Nausea\n* Depression\n\nBut THC also comes with euphoric and sometimes negative effects. Some people complain that THC leaves them with:\n\n* A racing heart\n* Anxiety\n* Difficulty thinking clearly\n* Feeling high\n\nCBD doesn’t usually cause this high feeling. Although it’s technically psychoactive due to its ability to affect the brain, helping relieve anxiety and depression, it tends to leave people thinking clearly. Few describe themselves as being high after consuming CBD.\n\nStill, while CBD is able to ease pain, inflammation and anxiety, [studies have shown CBD isn’t as effective at pain relief as THC is](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/).\n\nWhile THC and CBD each have their benefits and drawbacks, scientists and consumers alike have discovered that combining the two can create effects that are superior to having each of these cannabinoids alone. \n\nWhen taken in combination, [CBD actually diminishes the negative side effects and euphoric effects from THC, without greatly reducing its more medicinal effects like pain relief](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3797438/). \n\nFor this reason, cannabis product manufacturers began to produce products with varying ratios of CBD to THC, so people could find the ratio that worked best for them. You may encounter these ratios in different formats such as:\n\n* 1:2\n* 1/2\n* 1 to 2\n\nThese all mean the same thing. In California, the first number represents the amount of CBD, and the second represents the amount of THC. So, in this example, this means that there’s 1-part CBD for every 2-parts THC.\n\nOf course, the order is reversed in New York, meaning the first number represents the amount of THC and the second accounts for the CBD in the product. This is something you’ll want to watch out for, depending on the state—and assuming medical and/or recreational cannabis is legal—where you live.\n\n### Exploring Different Cannabis Ratios & Their Uses\n\nWhen it comes to the many CBD-to-THC ratios, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are a few that you may run into in California: \n\n#### A CBD-to-THC Ratio of 0:1 Means This Is an All-THC Product\n\nA 0:1 ratio means that there’s no CBD to balance out the THC in the product. This means you’ll likely experience THC’s euphoric effects. And if you’re sensitive to THC, you may experience its negative effects. \n\nSome people prefer isolated THC, as it can provide pain and inflammation relief, and may boost mood and energy. If you enjoy a strong psychoactive high, this ratio may be a good option. In addition, some prefer isolated THC, because they don’t experience negative effects from it.\n\nFor example, ADHD sufferers may find THC to be more effective at helping them focus and relax than the average consumer will. For those with ADHD, THC is the part of the plant they need, so dulling it down with CBD doesn’t help them. \n\n#### A CBD-to-THC Ratio of 1:0 Is for Folks Who Want to Consume CBD Only\n\nOn the other side of things, you have the 1:0 CBD-to-THC ratio. This means that the product contains no THC and shouldn’t make you feel high. Usually these products aren’t as powerful as those with a blend of the two cannabinoids. However, it’s still likely to enhance your overall mood and offer some pain and inflammation support. \n\nOften, folks opt for these CBD products if they live in places where THC isn’t legal, or if they don’t want to feel a THC high. High-CBD options without THC are often helpful for treating epilepsy as well as conditions with psychosis where THC may be problematic and could end up making some symptoms worse. \n\n#### CBD-to-THC Ratios of 1:2–1:4 Provide More Balance With a Slight High\n\nYou may have seen ratios like:\n\n* 1:2\n* 1:3\n* 1:4  \n\nFor these products, you’ll find more THC balanced with a moderate amount of CBD. You’ll still experience THC’s high, but since there’s CBD present, it’s less likely you’ll feel anxious and more likely you’ll feel relaxed. Ratios in this range are typically great for anxiety and pain relief. \n\n#### CBD-to-THC Ratios of 1:10 or Greater Are High-THC Marijuana Strains & Products\n\nWhen you see a ratio like 1:10 or 1 to any number higher than 10, you’ll know that these are high-THC ratios. While these products aren’t as extreme as all-THC ones, since they have some CBD to take the edge off, they’ll have many of the same high-THC characteristics. These THC-rich strains and products can usually help those facing health challenges like:\n\n* Migraines\n* Nausea\n* Pain \n* Insomnia\n\n#### A CBD-to-THC Ratio of 1:1 Gives Consumers a Balanced Option\n\nA 1:1 ratio means that you have equal parts CBD to THC. This is often recommended as the most effective option to start with, because it’s so balanced. It has the power of THC to drive the medicinal effects, but also plenty of CBD to dampen THC’s negative effects. It usually provides mild psychoactive effects that are pleasant and leave the consumer fairly functional. \n\n#### Ratios of CBD-to-THC 2:1–4:1 Are Perfect for Folks Who Want to Avoid Feeling High\n\nThere are some ratios that also blend the two cannabinoids well, but have more CBD than THC, such as:\n\n* 2:1\n* 3:1\n* 4:1\n\nIn this case, the CBD keeps euphoric effects very mild, and unnoticeable for most. But the THC seems to help make the products more effective. These ratios are the ones often given to children who take CBD for various health conditions or folks who are more sensitive to THC’s effects. \n\n#### CBD-to-THC Ratios 10:1–25:1 Are Good for Those Who Don’t Want to Get High, But Want the Entourage Effect \n\nYou can also find CBD-to-THC ratios with even less THC, such as:\n\n* 10:1\n* 18:1 \n* 25:1 \n\nWhile these don’t offer much in the way of a psychoactive high, the THC gives the CBD a little punch that may make it more effective than pure CBD alone. For people who want to avoid getting high entirely, but have found pure CBD less effective and are looking for the entourage effect, these are great options to try. \n\n### Tips for Navigating & Selecting the Right Cannabis Ratios\n\nWhen it comes to finding the right cannabis ratios for you, it’s always great to start by talking to a nurse or doctor familiar with cannabis who can advise you on the best options for your health challenges. Some conditions respond better to different ratios, so it’s good to get expert insight on your condition. \n\nStill, the right ratio can also depend on your unique biochemistry and the way you metabolize CBD and THC. Some are more sensitive to one or the other, which can shift how different blends may affect you. You may need to try out some options until you settle into the blend that works for you. \n\nTo find your ideal marijuana ratio, start with a 1:1 product and see how it affects you over a few days. If you find it too psychoactive, you may want to increase your CBD content. If the level of psychoactivity is OK for you, but it isn’t as strong as you’d like in terms of its medicinal effects, try increasing the THC content. \n\nEach time you shift the blend of CBD to THC, try it for a few days to see how it affects you. Continue this process until you’ve found a blend that suits your needs. \n\nPhoto credit: Lifestyle discover/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4705882352941178,"src":"/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/14b42/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/f836f/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.jpg 200w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/2244e/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.jpg 400w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/14b42/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.jpg 800w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/47498/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/0e329/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.jpg 1600w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/28088/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.jpg 1877w","srcWebp":"/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/58556/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/61e93/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.webp 200w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/1f5c5/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.webp 400w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/58556/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.webp 800w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/99238/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.webp 1200w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/7c22d/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.webp 1600w,\n/static/d581f7fa4ce4c72b29fc7dd316f47d22/bbf40/ed54c70a7a96749ac9b1d7182a1e55c9.webp 1877w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3068-markdown","title":"Inhaling Cannabis: A Guide to Smoking, Vaping & Dabbing","slug":"inhaling-cannabis-a-guide-to-smoking-vaping-and-dabbing","content":"Before legalization, consumption methods like joints, pipes and bongs were a common way for folks to consume cannabis. These days, we’ve added a few other inhalable options including, desktop vaporizers, portable vape pens and for those consumers looking for something with an extra kick—dabbing. \n\nInhalables are still popular choice among cannabis consumers. Once you take cannabis smoke or vapor in through your lungs, it’s able to enter directly into your bloodstream, leading to almost immediate effects that can last up to three hours. Cannabis’s bioavailability, or the amount of cannabinoids that are available for the body to use, via the inhalable method is also high: around 56%. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link)\n\nWhen consuming cannabis via inhalables, you start with cannabis flower or a cannabis extract that’s been made from flower via various extraction methods. We’ve put together a reference guide that you can use when deciding which type of inhalation method is best for your needs. \n\n### Smoking Cannabis via Joints & Pipes\n\nSmoking cannabis via a joint or pipe is a classic way to consume cannabis. \n\n#### What Are Joints & Pipes?\n\nA joint is basically a marijuana cigarette. Cannabis is finely grounded and then rolled into a thin piece of paper. The joint is then lit on one end, and cannabis smoke is inhaled through the other end.\n\nMeanwhile, pipes consist of a bowl where ground cannabis is burned. This bowl is connected to a neck that smoke travels through to reach the consumer. \n\n#### Why Do People Like to Smoke Cannabis via Joints & Pipes?\n\nJoints and pipes are a simple and cheap way to consume cannabis, because they don’t require lots of other equipment. For some folks, this method affects them differently than other methods do, and thus it’s their preferred way to medicate. \n\n#### What Are Some Downsides to Joints & Pipes?\n\nIn terms of downsides, the smoke that’s produced and consumed via joints or pipes can irritate the lungs and trigger allergies. Smoke from cannabis also contains carcinogens, though the jury’s still out on whether this smoke actually leads to higher incidences of lung cancer. \n\nIf you have a sensitive respiratory system and can consume cannabis in another fashion, most cannabis experts would likely advise that you avoid consuming cannabis with a joint or pipe. But if you’re one of the many who enjoys the process of [rolling a joint](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srsJ5-RdkuU) or packing a bowl, there’s no shame in partaking in this method. \n\n### Smoking Cannabis via Bubblers & Bongs \n\nAnother tried-and-true method of smoking cannabis is via water pipes like bubblers and bongs. \n\n#### What are Bubblers & Bongs?\n\nBubblers are shaped similarly to pipes except they contain a small chamber that holds water. Bongs on the other hand are often shaped more-or-less like a vase, with water sitting at the bottom. \n\n#### Why Do People Like to Smoke Cannabis via Bubblers & Bongs?\n\nThese pieces filter smoke through the chamber that’s filled with water, which then helps remove some tar and ash from the smoke. These pieces also cool the smoke before it hits your lungs, resulting in a smoother draw. \n\n#### What Are Some Downsides to Bubblers & Bongs?\n\nThere’s some controversy about what substances in cannabis smoke a bong or bubbler can filter out. A study in the 1990s found that [bongs filter more cannabinoids out of the water than they do tar and other particulates](https://www.ukcia.org/research/pipes.php), meaning that with a bong or bubbler, it’s possible that you’d need more cannabis to achieve a certain high than you would with another method of inhalation. \n\nOthers disagree with these findings, because like most studies involving cannabis, there were flaws, and the study hasn’t been replicated since. Furthermore, some folks say that since water isn’t good at dissolving cannabinoids, the amount that would get filtered through the water should be negligible. \n\nIf you want to smoke cannabis, but find that the smoke sometimes irritates your lungs, investing in a bong or bubbler could be the way to go. \n\n### Vaping Cannabis via Portable Vape Pens\n\nPortable vape pens are an increasingly popular way to consume cannabis concentrates and flower. \n\n#### What Are Portable Vape Pens?\n\nPortable vape pens rely on heating up cannabis flower or concentrate to the point where they turn into vapor, but stop short of combusting and creating smoke. Most vape pens that you see today consist of a battery and a cartridge that’s prefilled with cannabis oil. There are also portable dry flower vape pens that require you to load a chamber with flower for consumption. \n\n#### Why Do People Like to Consume Cannabis via Portable Vape Pens?\n\nBecause you’re inhaling vapor instead of smoke, it’s thought that vaping is better for you overall than smoking is. However, because vaping is relatively new, we don’t have any studies that can solidly back up this belief. What we do know is that [vaping may help reduce smoke-related symptoms such as coughing and phlegm](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.13075). \n\nBoth dry flower and concentrate vape pens are popular among consumers, because they’re portable, easy of use and discreet. Disposable vape pens and prefilled vape cartridges that attach to batteries are especially convenient and require very little effort from the consumer.\n\n#### What Are Some Downsides to Portable Vape Pens?\n\nThe technology for vape pens is still developing, so oftentimes batteries will die, and cartridges can leak or get clogged. Devices for vaping concentrate often don’t have temperature control settings, which for some consumers can be a negative.\n\nThere have also been incidences in California of some prefilled vape cartridges testing positive for low levels of lead, though actions to remedy this are underway. Additionally, sometimes companies put additives in their vape pens to achieve a desired consistency. However, the impact these additives have on our respiratory systems is still largely unknown. \n\nIf you’re environmentally conscious, think carefully about whether vaping is a good fit for you. Some companies have recycling programs for disposable vape pens. But as of right now we don’t have a good way to recycle prefilled vape cartridges, so they often end up in the trash. \n\n### Vaping Cannabis via Desktop Vaporizers\n\nDesktop vaporizers are usually favored by those who medicate with large amounts of cannabis at home. \n\n#### What Are Desktop Vaporizers?\n\nLike vape pens, desktop vaporizers heat up cannabis flower or concentrate at a low temperature, so that vapor instead of smoke is produced. These vaporizers have much more powerful machinery than that of a portable vape pen, so they need to be plugged in to a power source.\n\n#### Why Do People Like to Consume Cannabis via a Desktop Vaporizer?\n\nDesktop vaporizers are known to produce a potent, dense and flavorful vapor, along with having temperature controls that consumers can adjust to their liking. Desktop vapes also tend to heat cannabis more efficiently, meaning in the long run they could save you money. \n\n#### What Are Some Downsides to Desktop Vapes?\n\nThe obvious con of a desktop vaporizer is its size: These devices must be plugged in. And they can be heavy and often have multiple pieces that are needed for a session. Desktop vaporizers often need a few minutes to heat up, so they’re not a good fit for someone looking for a quick and easy way to consume cannabis. \n\n### Dabbing Cannabis \n\nDabbing is best suited to experienced consumers who are looking to take in large doses of cannabinoids. \n \n#### What Is Dabbing?\n\nDabbing is done using a dab rig, which looks a lot like a bong. But instead of placing flower in a glass bowl, dab rigs have “nails” that are made out of metal or quartz. This nail is heated and a dab of concentrate is placed onto the nail. If the temperature setting on the dab rig is low, vapor is created, and if it’s high enough, that vapor will instead become smoke. \n\n#### Why Do People Like to Dab Cannabis?\n\nDabbing delivers a potent dose of cannabinoids to the system. This is great for medical marijuana patients who need high doses of cannabis. Dabbing is an option that’s quicker and more efficient in terms of getting a higher dose without having to inhale as much of the nonmedicinal elements of the plant.\n\n#### What Are Some Downsides to Dabbing Cannabis?\n\nBesides being too potent for many consumers, dabbing can often expose consumers to butane. To heat the nail, some dabbers use a mini blowtorch, which can occasionally leak butane on top of being a fire hazard. Nails are also often made of low-quality materials that can give off toxins when heated. \n\nAdditionally, concentrates often used in dabbing are made using butane as a solvent. Butane not only poses health risks to humans when inhaled, but can also lead to explosions during the manufacturing process. \n\nFortunately, it’s easy to avoid butane in the dabbing process by heating nails electronically and choosing concentrates that don’t contain butane. \n\nPhoto credit: Frau Cosmic/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/14b42/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/f836f/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.jpg 200w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/2244e/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.jpg 400w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/14b42/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.jpg 800w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/47498/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/0e329/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.jpg 1600w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/6995d/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.jpg 3637w","srcWebp":"/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/58556/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/61e93/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.webp 200w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/1f5c5/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.webp 400w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/58556/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.webp 800w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/99238/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.webp 1200w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/7c22d/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.webp 1600w,\n/static/5f24e935db6b33937f8240b54813ad7a/2a59d/86f547a289a4e2b0f35e26fe93c7b4bf.webp 3637w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3060-markdown","title":"4 Herbs That Can Enhance Cannabis’s Effects","slug":"4-herbs-that-can-enhance-cannabiss-effects","content":"Just like cannabis, people have consumed herbs for centuries to treat all kinds of ailments, ranging from headaches to sleeplessness. You may not know, however, that the two can enhance each other’s effects.\n\nHow so? Herbs and cannabis share an important class of compounds called terpenes. These compounds are oils that come from plants’ resin glands, and are what give plants and fruits their distinct aromas. The [terpene limonene](https://hellomd.com/articles/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-limonene/), for example, makes certain cannabis strains smell like lemon and gives mint its citrusy scent.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nInterestingly, terpenes may also influence your experience with cannabis. Some people say they feel more energetic when consuming a limonene-rich marijuana strain. This could be due to [the entourage effect](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-entourage-effect/), a theory that says terpenes and cannabinoids work together to influence the effects you feel from the plant.\n\nIf true, this means combining certain terpene-rich foods with cannabis could lead to unique effects. Add to that the many herbal remedies that exist—and you have endless possibilities for healing.\n\nHere are four herbs that pair well with certain types of cannabis and may boost your marijuana’s therapeutic effects. \n\n### 1. Try a Cannabis-Infused Edible Containing Lavender to Help Ease Anxiety & Promote Sleep\n\nMany people use lavender to relieve anxiety and promote sleepiness. Lavender contains [a terpene called linalool](https://hellomd.com/articles/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-linalool/), also found in hundreds of plants and in some cannabis strains like:\n\n* [Amnesia Haze](https://hellomd.ca/strains/amnesia-haze/)\n* [Lavender](https://hellomd.com/strains/lavender/) \n\nLinalool is thought to be one of the compounds involved in lavender’s calming effects.\n\nThe research on lavender is promising, too. Some studies have shown that [aromatherapy with lavender may be an effective sleep aid](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/). In another study, people who consumed a lavender oil preparation with linalool for 10 weeks reported [lower levels of anxiety](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24456909).\n\nIn addition to trying aromatherapy, you can find marijuana tinctures and edibles made with lavender extract. You can also sip warm lavender tea while you consume cannabis in another form to double up on linalool’s calming effects.\n\n### 2. Ginseng Features the Terpene Humulene, Which Boosts Energy\n\nGoing back centuries, ginseng has featured in traditional Chinese medicine to [promote energy](https://nccih.nih.gov/health/asianginseng/ataglance.htm) and [reduce fatigue](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27822924). Today, you’ll find ginseng in many commercial energy drinks for this reason.\n\nIts benefits are more often associated with Asian ginseng, which is botanically different from the American plant. Ginseng shares [the terpene humulene](https://hellomd.com/articles/know-your-terpenes-humulene/) with certain cannabis strains like:\n\n* [Super Lemon Haze](https://hellomd.com/strains/super-lemon-haze/) \n* [Bubba Kush](https://hellomd.com/strains/bubba-kush/)\n\nTo consume it, try hot tea made with Asian ginseng (look for tea bags at health food stores and online). You can also find [edible cannabis products](https://www.hellolift.com/products/5cccf61db3fcfa958528ded0/pistachio-ginger-dark-chocolate) and tinctures made with ginseng, many of which are formulated to promote energy.\n\n### 3. Add Holy Basil to Your Homemade Marijuana Tinctures to Help Relieve Stress\n\nHoly basil is different from the sweet basil that you often see in Italian pasta dishes. It’s native to the Indian subcontinent, where historically it’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a stress reliever.\n\nIn small studies, people have reported [improved stress levels after consuming holy basil leaves](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/). It’s worth noting, however, that it can interact with certain medications, like blood thinners. \n\nHoly basil is sold as an essential oil or in tea bags, often labeled with its botanical name _tulsi_. You can look for cannabis tinctures that contain holy basil. Or you can make your own, infusing it with holy basil leaves. \n\nIf you’re making your own cannabis tincture to address stress, consider using one of these calming marijuana strains:\n\n* [Granddaddy Purple](https://hellomd.com/strains/granddaddy-purple/)\n* [Cannatonic](https://hellomd.ca/strains/cannatonic/)\n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD STAFF PICKS: TOP 5 MARIJUANA STRAINS FOR STRESS RELIEF](https://hellomd.com/articles/hellomd-staff-picks-top-5-marijuana-strains-for-stress-relief/)\n\n### 4. Combine Peppermint & Cannabis to Help Ease Headaches & Calm Digestion\n\n[Peppermint oil is a popular remedy for headaches](https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil). Folks usually dilute it and apply it directly to their temples. Menthol, the active ingredient, provides a cooling sensation and may help promote blood flow. \n\nPeppermint shares several terpenes with cannabis strains rich in limonene and ocimene. Some marijuana strains that also include these terpenes are:\n\n* [Sour Diesel](https://hellomd.com/strains/sour-diesel/)\n* [Cinex](https://hellomd.com/strains/cinex/)\n* [Chernobyl](https://hellomd.ca/strains/chernobyl/)\n* [Space Queen](https://hellomd.com/strains/space-queen/)\n\nTo help relieve the tension of a pounding headache, you may want to vape cannabis that’s rich in limonene or ocimene for fast relief, then rub some peppermint oil on your temples. \n\nIf you’re struggling with digestive problems like bloating and gas, a peppermint tea plus cannabis could really help  soothe an aching tummy. You can also seek out [cannabis products that are already formulated with calming peppermint](https://www.hellolift.com/products/5cb6622f265821263c0bf486/calm-cbd-peppermint). \n\nPhoto credit: Sebastian Duda/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/14b42/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/f836f/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.jpg 200w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/2244e/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.jpg 400w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/14b42/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.jpg 800w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/47498/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/0e329/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/391cf/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.jpg 1772w","srcWebp":"/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/58556/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/61e93/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.webp 200w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/1f5c5/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.webp 400w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/58556/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.webp 800w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/99238/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.webp 1200w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/7c22d/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.webp 1600w,\n/static/c671a3302aed42338857c69fcb75e22c/edb99/cecd648d6eecd52a2578a8265c56f19d.webp 1772w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3059-markdown","title":"What’s Cannabis Shake & Is it as Potent as Bud Is? ","slug":"whats-cannabis-shake-and-is-it-as-potent-as-bud-is","content":"Have you ever come across something called shake? This form of raw cannabis isn’t as common as flower or bud, but you can usually find it on the menus of many dispensaries and delivery services. \n\nMany wonder what shake is, how to use it and whether it’s as potent as other forms of cannabis are. Don’t worry. We’re here to answer all of your questions. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\n### What Is Cannabis Shake?\n\nShake is a term used to describe the leftovers from a batch of cannabis. When you put cannabis buds in a bag or jar and regularly handle them, little bits of that flower will fall to the bottom of the container. \n\nWhen you take all of the full-sized buds out of the container, you usually have some shake left over. This pile of cannabis bits can’t be sold the same way as whole buds can, so dispensaries often repurpose shake by selling it at a drastically reduced price than that of cannabis flower. \n\nBut what’s the quality level on this discounted cannabis? Well, like other kinds of leftovers, shake’s quality can vary. It may be potent or weak, delicious or disgusting, easy to smoke or cause coughing fits. It all has to do with what the shake started as and how it was treated along the way. \n\nFor starters, [shake is sometimes strain specific](https://hellomd.com/articles/finding-the-ideal-cannabis-strain-to-suit-your-needs), but often is an unmarked combination of multiple strains. So, from the get-go and from a medicinal point of view, shake’s effects can be hard to predict. \n\nIt can also vary in terms of quality. In the best-case scenario, you may find shake that’s just broken pieces of cured, top-shelf indoor cannabis, with high potency and a smooth smoke. \n\nYou may even find some with super-high potency if a lot of [kief](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-kief-and-hash) has fallen off of the buds into the shake. In other cases, it may be that the quality is terrible and seems to mostly be stems and little leaves—a mix that will leave a burning feeling in your throat if you try to smoke it—and probably won’t provide enough of the medicine you need. \n\nSometimes leftovers after trimming cannabis buds are even sold as shake, although this is a real stretch of the term. If you get shake that’s just trim, you probably don’t want to buy shake from the same business again. \n\nUsually though, it’s somewhere in between. A collection of broken-up bud with some tiny leaves and stems, usually at somewhat lower potency than that of normal flower. \n\nAnother factor with shake is its longevity. Cured bud tends to preserve its cannabinoids and terpenes inside the bud itself. But when these buds are broken into pieces, there’s nowhere to hide. Shake dries out quickly and the chemicals in it oxidize much faster than it does in bud. This can diminish the quality and potency of the cannabis. \n\nTo find higher-quality shake, look for shake that still smells like the flower it came from, and doesn’t have a lot of sticks and leaves. Then consume it as quickly as you can, since its quality will fade faster than the quality of your other bud. \n\n### 3 Ways to Use Cannabis Shake\n\nThere’s a big quality difference in shake. Still, whether you have top-quality shake or a bag of sticks and leaves, you can find ways to use this cannabis product. \n\nRELATED: [3 WAYS YOU CAN USE YOUR CANNABIS SCRAPS](https://hellomd.com/articles/3-ways-you-can-use-your-cannabis-scraps)\n\nHere are three popular ways to use up shake:\n\n* **Edibles and tinctures:** Using shake in homemade [edibles](https://hellomd.com/articles/consuming-cannabis-edibles-to-improve-your-health/) and [tinctures](https://hellomd.com/articles/vegetable-glycerine-tincture-recipe) is probably the most popular way to use shake. And it makes sense, because cannabis quality isn’t the most important factor when it comes to marijuana edibles or tinctures. \n\n> You can pull cannabinoids from just about any form of cannabis. So for edibles, prioritizing quality in the ingredients you’re combining with the shake—like butter, honey, glycerin or high-quality oil—is more important. This makes edibles or tinctures a great way to use up your lower-quality shake. \n\n> Use shake with any edible or tincture recipe instead of wasting full buds. Or if it’s particularly lacking in potency, you can use it to supplement bud, hash or kief in your recipe. \n\n> On the downside, shake rarely has reliable test results for cannabinoid content, so it will be hard to tell the dosage for your edibles without some experimentation.  \n\n* **Joints and pre-rolls:** For shake that isn’t all sticks and leaves, but is mostly made up of pieces of crumbled-up bud, some enjoy rolling them up into [joints](https://hellomd.com/articles/why-some-patients-prefer-smoking-joints). In fact, using shake for joints is a common practice for dispensaries and delivery services. If you’ve ever received a free pre-roll from a dispensary that tasted a bit like dried grass, you’ve probably had a shake pre-roll. \n\n> While these tend to be less potent than a normal bud pre-roll, some swear that they prefer the mellow and toned-down high that shake provides. With lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content on average, shake may be a good solution for those who experience negative effects from high-THC bud. \n\n* **Blunts:** Blunts are another popular way to use up shake. These extra-large joints are usually wrapped in a flavored tobacco paper. This masks the flavor of the shake, making its quality less important. \n\n> Plus, with such a large size, it takes a lot of cannabis to fill up a blunt. So, some folks like to use all shake for their blunts, while others just fill in the gaps with shake, combining it with some higher-quality bud or adding in hash and kief. \n\n> Still, given the health effects of tobacco, we don’t recommend using tobacco blunts. Thankfully, there are now blunt wraps made of hemp. These can provide a better option for those seeking the classic blunt experience to consume their medicine—without the added nicotine. \n\nPhoto credit: Vuk Stajic/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/14b42/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/f836f/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.jpg 200w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/2244e/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.jpg 400w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/14b42/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.jpg 800w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/47498/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.jpg 1200w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/0e329/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.jpg 1600w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/ffa36/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/58556/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/61e93/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.webp 200w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/1f5c5/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.webp 400w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/58556/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.webp 800w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/99238/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.webp 1200w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/7c22d/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.webp 1600w,\n/static/03d375feddf4290b072f6aa2cb67c806/d1528/2035dcec1ba28cd13e69d60b28be8ff3.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3051-markdown","title":"Do I Need to Decarboxylate CBD Flower?","slug":"do-i-need-to-decarboxylate-cbd-flower","content":"You just bought your first cannabidiol (CBD) product. Unfortunately, you didn’t notice much, if any, beneficial effects. Does that mean CBD just doesn’t work for you?  \n\nThe problem may lie in how the manufacturer processed the product prior to you buying it. Because, for CBD to be optimally effective, decarboxylation must take place.\n\nRead on to learn what decarboxylation is, why it’s important when consuming CBD and how you can decarboxylate CBD-rich cannabis flower at home. \n\n### What Is Decarboxylation & Why Is It So Important? \n\nDecarboxylation, or decarbing, is a process that converts inactive components in the cannabis plant into active compounds. \n\nMost people talk about decarboxylation in terms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is because there’s actually no THC in fresh cannabis plants. Rather, there’s THC’s acidic precursor, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). But decarboxylating THCA turns it into THC, and this is important because THCA can’t produce the feelings of euphoria that THC can impart. So, a consumer hoping to achieve this effect from cannabis, but who doesn’t decarb their marijuana will be sorely disappointed. \n\nRELATED: [HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF NON-PSYCHOACTIVE THCA](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-make-the-most-of-non-psychoactive-thca/)\n\nThough many may not realize it, CBD works in the same way as THC does when it comes to decarboxylation. CBD actually starts life as cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and only converts to CBD after decarboxylation.\n\nDecarboxylation is carried out via two basic processes:\n\n* Time \n* Heat\n\nDecarbing is almost always a part of a CBD product’s manufacturing process, whether you buy CBD from an online outlet or a dispensary. But if you’re making your own CBD product at home, your first step should be to decarb your cannabis flower.\n\nAn experienced cannabis farmer knows that proper curing of cannabis is the first step in decarbing. Following harvest, farmers gently dry their plants, using stringent humidity and temperature control. Patient, slow curing results in maximum development of the plant’s beneficial cannabinoids. \n\nDecarbing also takes place when you heat cannabis flower. When you smoke or vape cannabis flower, the flame from your lighter or heat from your vaporizer take care of the decarbing. But if you’re making CBD edibles or your own oils, you can easily decarb your flower in the oven. \n\nIn terms of the pre-made CBD edibles you buy, manufacturers decarb dry flower prior to baking, using a separate, temperature-controlled process. Gentle heating of flowers is one of the most basic forms of decarboxylation. \n\n### What Is CBDA & How Is It Related to CBD? \n\nAs mentioned previously, raw cannabis and hemp contain CBDA, which is an acidic form of CBD. It’s structurally more difficult to pass through the body’s blood-brain barrier than CBD is. This is one reason manufacturers decarb CBD-rich cannabis. Decarboxylation converts CBDA to the much more accessible CBD, making it easier for the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to put CBD to work inside your body. \n\nThat said, CBDA has benefits of its own. The cannabinoid has been shown to help ease:\n\n* [Nausea](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3596650/) \n* Epilepsy\n* Inflammation\n* Pain\n\nYou can also use one of the decarboxylator devices made by Ardent, who make it convenient and simple to decarb cannabis flower. Use a [coupon for the Ardent NOVA and FX models](https://saveoncannabis.com/store/ardent-coupon-codes/) to save money.\n\nOne of the most exciting findings in the early studies of CBDA is some evidence that it takes far less CBDA than CBD to elicit beneficial effects, but more study is needed.\n\nIf you grow your own high-CBD cannabis plants and wish to take advantage of CBDA, you’re in luck. You can access raw CBDA from the leaves and even the stems of fresh, high CBD-strain cannabis. \n\nTo get the benefits of CBDA, try adding fresh leaves to a green smoothie, blend up the leaves and freeze them for future use as canna ice cubes or add fresh, pungent leaves to salad. \n\nRELATED: [DIY RECIPE: CBD-INFUSED POST-WORKOUT GREEN SMOOTHIE](https://hellomd.com/articles/diy-recipe-cbd-infused-post-workout-green-smoothie/)\n\nIf you want to experiment with CBDA and aren’t growing cannabis, look for CBD products that are labelled raw CBD.\n\n### How Do I Decarboxylate High-CBD Cannabis?\n\nFor most people growing CBD, decarbing is essential when making edibles or topical treatments, and is an affordable way to keep the home cannabis pharmacy stocked with quality products that you can trust. Start with cannabis strains that are known for their high-CBD content, such as:\n\n* [Charlotte’s Web](https://hellomd.com/strains/charlotte's-web/)\n* [ACDC](https://hellomd.ca/strains/acdc/)\n* Ringo’s Gift\n* [Sour Tsunami](https://hellomd.com/strains/sour-tsunami/)\n* [Harlequin](https://hellomd.com/strains/harlequin/)\n\nBasic decarboxylation is a relatively simple process that requires: \n\n* An oven\n* A baking sheet\n* Parchment paper (optional)\n* A timer\n\nCBD decarboxylates at a slightly higher temperature than THC does. Because most of the research into decarboxylation has been on THC, there are lively online debates about the ideal decarb temperature for CBD. Most folks agree though that [you can effectively decarb CBD at 240–300 degrees F](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/what-temperature-is-needed-to-decarboxylate-cbd/). Temperatures higher than 300 degrees F will degrade the CBD in your bud.\n\nTo decarboxylate CBD:\n\n* Use an oven thermometer to confirm the temperature of your oven and adjust the temperature accordingly.\n* Break buds into small, dime-sized pieces and spread on your cookie sheet. Use parchment paper if desired.\n* Place buds in the oven. Set your timer for 30 minutes.\n* Turn your flower with a spatula every 10 minutes or so.\n* When flowers are fragrant and toasted, they’re decarboxylated.\n* Let cool before storing or continue preparing your favorite cannabis recipe.\n\nRemember that, as with any herb, toasted cannabis has a distinct odor that people may detect beyond your kitchen.\n\n### How Can I Tell if the CBD Product I Bought Has Been Decarbed? \n\nNearly every CBD product for sale has already been decarboxylated, with the exception of products that are identified as raw.\n\nOne very simple way to determine if your CBD product has been decarbed is to look at the label. As we discussed earlier, CBDA is more predominant in raw cannabis. If your product has a high CBD level and a low CBDA level, you know it’s been decarbed. \n\nAnd as always, check labels for testing information, which should ideally include the percentage of primary cannabinoids in each serving and verify the absence of molds and pesticides.\n\nPhoto credit: 420MediaCo/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://hellomd.com/) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEAf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAFasqgSXlH/xAAZEAACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwERIhL/2gAIAQEAAQUCUXcOjKr4WM28cCOf/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEREv/aAAgBAgEBPwHMdMo//8QAGRAAAwADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEhEDFB/9oACAEBAAY/ArzGh0TKf//EABsQAAMAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESExQVFh/9oACAEBAAE/IVMUXT0hF6Q0P7SySKOk+tuk0tV5wj//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEFMP/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAh/9oACAEDAQE/EAyf/8QAGBEBAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITH/2gAIAQIBAT8QXhcYbd//xAAbEAEBAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABEQAhMUFRYf/aAAgBAQABPxDfdt+17fX7gRFWBTZkQdxi5YvXiASxmRSGgOPcGuBtMjxn/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/14b42/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/f836f/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.jpg 200w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/2244e/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.jpg 400w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/14b42/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.jpg 800w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/47498/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/0e329/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.jpg 1600w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/391cf/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.jpg 1772w","srcWebp":"/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/58556/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/61e93/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.webp 200w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/1f5c5/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.webp 400w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/58556/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.webp 800w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/99238/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.webp 1200w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/7c22d/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.webp 1600w,\n/static/43a852cd5403d71d70bede593ac21a8e/edb99/69329968f2953dfdf7dfaf2c3907abe8.webp 1772w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3027-markdown","title":"3 Popular Myths About Cannabis Busted","slug":"3-popular-myths-about-cannabis-busted","content":"When a plant has been banned for close to a century on the basis of almost no scientific evidence and then subjected to decades of often bizarre “public safety” campaigns, it’s bound to have a few dubious claims associated with it. This is certainly the case with cannabis, and separating marijuana fact from fiction can feel like a constant battle.\n\nThankfully, with cannabis legalization becoming more widespread and scientific research increasing, we can finally start putting some cannabis myths to rest. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nHere’s a look at three especially popular cannabis tales—and why they’re completely wrong. \n\n### Myth #1: You’ll Get Higher if You Hold In Cannabis Smoke or Vapor\n\nWhile many cannabis myths tend to originate from outside the cannabis community and are often of the alarmist Reefer Madness variety, this myth seems to be more popular among those who actually consume cannabis. \n\nIntuitively, it does make sense to believe that holding in cannabis smoke before exhaling will make you feel higher. But is there any actual evidence to back up this claim? \n\nSadly, no.\n\nOne study looked at what effect breath-hold duration had on consumers’ experience with marijuana. Researchers analyzed participants depending on whether they held in their cannabis smoke for 0, 10 or 20 seconds on three separate occasions. \n\nResearchers also measured:\n\n* Heart rate\n* Memory performance\n* Ratings of feeling high \n\nThey found that [breath duration had no noticeable effect](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2554344) on any of the three measurements. \n\nSo, why is it that you may feel higher when you hold in a hit off a cannabis joint or vaporizer?\n\nIt probably has nothing to do with the cannabis itself. Instead, when you hold your breath in, you keep oxygen from flowing to your brain. This can cause you to feel lightheaded, which folks often mistake for an enhanced high.\n\n### Myth #2: Smoking Cannabis Kills Brain Cells\n\nThe stereotype of the half-baked stoner is probably why a lot of people think that marijuana must be bad for the brain. While it’s true that getting high does decrease short-term memory temporarily, the notion that it kills brain cells is a complete myth.\n\nRELATED: [ALCOHOL, NOT CANNABIS, CAUSES BRAIN DAMAGE](https://hellomd.com/articles/alcohol-not-cannabis-causes-brain-damage/)\n\nOne 2016 study by researchers at Duke University analyzed two identical twins—one who consumed cannabis and the other who didn’t—for a decade. The results showed that both twins had [almost the exact same level of cognitive functioning](https://www.pnas.org/content/113/5/E500.full) after 10 years. \n\nLikewise, a 2015 University of Colorado study used functional MRI machines to analyze the brains of both cannabis consumers and non-consumers. The researchers looked for differences in their brains’:\n\n* Size\n* Structure \n* Shape\n\nAgain, the results showed [no differences between the cannabis group and the non-cannabis group](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25632127).\n\nPeople who insist marijuana damages brain cells often point to a study from the 1970s by Dr. Robert Heath of Tulane University. His study claimed that [rhesus monkeys exposed to cannabis smoke exhibited brain damage](https://www.nytimes.com/1978/01/13/archives/marijuana-tied-to-brain-change-in-monkey-tests.html). \n\nHowever, this study was almost ludicrously flawed and has since been thoroughly debunked. For one, Dr. Heath didn’t publish his study methods, only the results. This, of course, made it impossible to replicate and verify the results. \n\nWhen his methods were finally revealed, it turned out that Dr. Heath was actually pumping the equivalent of 250 cannabis joints of smoke into the monkeys’ cages each day.\n\nThat Dr. Heath’s methods were completely bogus and unethical shouldn’t come as a surprise when you learn a little about him. By the time he’d conducted his cannabis “research,” he’d already built a career [performing a lot of unethical tests](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-man-who-fried-gay-people-s-brains-a7119181.html). These included:\n\n* Testing “brainwashing” drugs on prisoners for the CIA\n* Implanting electrodes into women’s brains to cure their “frigidity” \n* Using electrodes on gay men in an early and particularly brutal form of conversion therapy \n\nIn other words, he wasn’t exactly the sort of person you’d trust to develop reliable, scientific data about cannabis.\n\nIn fact, not only was Dr. Heath’s research completely bogus, but it turns out cannabis actually has a number of benefits that support brain health, including in the battle against [dementia](https://hellomd.com/articles/can-cannabis-defend-against-dementia-symptoms/) and [traumatic brain injuries](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5cd25946c563786c6484a3cf/why-thc-may-help-with-a-traumatic-brain-injury). \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS WORKS TO PROTECT & REPAIR THE BRAIN](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-cannabis-works-to-protect-and-repair-the-brain/)\n\n### Myth #3: You Can Get a Contact High Off of Second-Hand Cannabis Smoke\n\nImagine you’re sitting in a room full of people smoking cannabis, but the next day you have to pass a drug test for a new job. Should you be worried about getting high—also called a contact high—and failing your drug test? The answer is: probably not. \n\nWhile theoretically possible, to get high off of second-hand cannabis smoke, you’d have to be around a lot of it, preferably in a small, unventilated room for hours on end. And even then, you’d probably still pass your drug test.\n\nOne study tested the THC levels of non-cannabis consumers after they spent time sitting in both nonventilated and ventilated rooms with people smoking cannabis. The results showed that while the non-cannabis consumers did have trace amounts of THC in their systems, the [levels were so low that they would have had no trouble passing a drug test](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25326203). \n\nRELATED: [IS GETTING A CONTACT HIGH FROM CANNABIS SMOKE A MYTH?](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-getting-a-contact-high-from-cannabis-smoke-a-myth/)\n\nWhile THC amounts were slightly higher for the participants in the nonventilated room, they were still low. So, while under extreme circumstances this myth could be true, you’d have to go to pretty great lengths to make it happen.\n\nPhoto credit: Couperfield/Shutterstock.com\n\nif you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/14b42/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/f836f/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.jpg 200w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/2244e/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.jpg 400w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/14b42/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.jpg 800w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/47498/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/0e329/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.jpg 1600w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/ffa36/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/58556/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/61e93/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.webp 200w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/1f5c5/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.webp 400w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/58556/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.webp 800w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/99238/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.webp 1200w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/7c22d/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.webp 1600w,\n/static/8182eba694fcd980512cdf85abd51bc0/d1528/d39663fd800ab61a0860df7a9ae655e1.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3026-markdown","title":"What Happens When You Mix Alcohol With CBD?","slug":"what-happens-when-you-mix-alcohol-with-cbd","content":"Whether you’re enjoying a [cocktail infused with cannabidiol (CBD) at a trendy bar](https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/cbd-cocktails) or nibbling on your favorite CBD-infused edible at home with a glass of wine, CBD and alcohol can seem like a perfect match.  \n\nBut is it really a good idea to mix CBD and alcohol? Although research on the subject is skimpy, a few recent studies reveal some surprising—and contradictory—[effects from combining CBD with alcoholic beverages](https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/j5npp7/what-happens-when-you-mix-alcohol-and-cbd) of all kinds. \n\nWhile some health professionals don’t recommend the combination because it may increase sedation, others point to research that suggests CBD may help protect the liver and brain from alcohol’s negative effects. \n\n### CBD Regulates Systems & Promotes Health\n\nCBD is one of the two most abundant compounds in the _Cannabis sativa_ plant, right alongside tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that’s responsible for the high folks experience when consuming it. \n\nThough both cannabinoids act on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors found on cells throughout the body and brain, CBD—unlike THC—doesn’t make consumers feel high. \n\nThe ECS responds both to cannabinoid-like chemicals that are naturally produced by the body itself, and to cannabinoids from outside sources, mainly from the cannabis plant. \n\nThe ECS plays a major role in keeping many of the body’s subsystems in balance, a state called homeostasis. CBD supports processes that contribute to homeostasis, such as:\n\n* Immune responses\n* Circadian rhythms\n* Signaling among neurons within the brain \n\nFor all of these reasons, CBD can help relieve the symptoms of a variety of health conditions. A large body of research from around the world documents the benefits of CBD for helping with:\n\n* Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy\n* Chronic pain\n* Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression\n\nRELATED: [HOW HEMP CBD CAN HELP KIDS WITH SEIZURES](https://www.hellolift.com/health-wellness/5b5b62b1a1805500087db9cd/how-hemp-cbd-oil-can-help-kids-with-seizures)\n\nThe cannabinoid’s calming, relaxing effects come from [CBD’s ability to support major mood-regulating processes](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-and-alcohol) in the brain. CBD can boost the brain’s production of the natural cannabinoid anandamide, which reduces anxiety and promotes positive feelings. \n\nCBD can also inhibit processes that interfere with production of a mood-boosting chemical called GABA. And it can damp down the effects of glutamate, a very abundant excitatory chemical that can cause heightened anxiety and agitation.\n\n### Alcohol Is a Feel-Good Toxin\n\nFor many people, alcohol also causes feelings of calm and relaxation. Taken in moderation, it can:\n\n* Loosen inhibitions\n* Ease social anxiety\n* Help people unwind after a long day\n\nBut alcohol can also do significant damage to the body and brain when used in excess or over long periods of time. Because alcohol can release inhibitions, it can also contribute to episodes of anger and rage. \n\nUnlike the cannabis-friendly ECS, the human body doesn’t have an alcohol receptor system. [When the body metabolizes alcohol, it produces toxins](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3959903/), including acetaldehyde and a form of ethanol. \n\nThese toxins can destroy brain cells and damage the liver, causing conditions like cirrhosis and liver steatosis, or fatty liver syndrome. \n\nSo, what happens when [CBD and alcohol meet each other](https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/mixing-cbd-alcohol/) in the body and brain?\n\n### CBD & Alcohol Can Enhance Each Other’s Effects\n\nFolks who love CBD-infused alcoholic drinks say that while the combination promotes a more noticeable feeling of relaxation and enjoyment, the effects of CBD aren’t particularly outstanding.  \n\nBut some studies suggest that CBD and alcohol together can intensify the effects of both substances. In this way, some people can feel extremely sedated or have somewhat more impairment in cognitive and motor skills.\n\nIn general, though, these studies indicate that taking CBD with alcohol may affect people much like alcohol alone does. But these effects also depend on a number of factors, such as:\n\n* A person’s tolerance for CBD and alcohol\n* How much they ingest at a given time \n\n### CBD Can Protect the Body Against Alcohol’s Harmful Effects\n\nAlthough not much research has been done specifically on CBD-alcohol interactions, the benefits of CBD as a neuroprotectant and anti-inflammatory are well documented. And these qualities can help  protect the body and brain from alcohol’s toxic effects.  \n\nCBD can be a potent protector of the brain’s complex and delicate neural networks. So much so, in fact, that CBD can help the brain heal from major trauma and stroke.  Some research suggests that it could do the same when taken with alcohol to reduce the damage alcohol can do to the brain’s neural pathways.  \n\nCBD is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that can protect cells from oxidation and other damaging processes. In this way, some researchers have found that [CBD can also help protect the liver from damage](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-10924-8) that heavy alcohol consumption can cause.\n\n### CBD Can Lower Blood Alcohol Levels\n\nResearchers who compared the effects of CBD plus alcohol to the effects of alcohol alone made a surprising discovery: Even though study subjects in both groups showed about the same effects, the blood alcohol levels of those who took CBD with alcohol were significantly lower than those who had ingested alcohol alone.  \n\nAlthough the reason isn’t clear, it appears that CBD is able to lower levels of alcohol in the bloodstream—or to boost the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol.\n\n### Should You Mix CBD & Alcohol?\n\nCBD-infused alcoholic beverages are the latest, hottest trend in CBD consumables. Folks say adding a few drops of a CBD tincture to their favorite drinks simply add an interesting twist. \n\nBut if you haven’t tried these drinks, or you haven’t combined CBD with alcohol in some other way before, it’s wise to proceed with caution and keep your consumption low until it’s clear how the combination affects you.\n\nCBD-infused drinks aside, the way you consume other forms of CBD with alcohol also influences how this combination could affect you. CBD can typically interact with alcohol if the two are taken within four to eight hours of each other. \n\nCBD edibles deliver their effects more slowly, because the digestive system must process them. But CBD oils and tinctures work more quickly. So far, science hasn’t explored whether topically applied CBD products may interact with alcohol. \n\nAlcoholic beverages can vary in their alcohol content, too. For example, spirits like whiskey or vodka typically contain more alcohol than beers and wines do, and this can also affect the way different drinks interact with CBD.  \n\nResearch reveals that mixing CBD with alcohol can bring some unexpected benefits. But it’s still wise to:\n\n* Start slowly\n* Know your limits\n* Consume both CBD and alcohol as responsibly as you can\n\nPhoto credit: Canna Obscura/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://www.hellolift.com/products) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://www.hellolift.com/answers) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwACBP/EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAAf/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAB7XccT26P/8QAGxAAAwACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQQERL/2gAIAQEAAQUCtqJSh79BAMYHJIeP/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEBH/2gAIAQMBAT8Bp//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEf/aAAgBAgEBPwGxj//EABwQAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERAAIQIQMSIv/aAAgBAQAGPwLu1K8VRpbOPJhNy8f/xAAbEAEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEQMSFRYf/aAAgBAQABPyHlanZVxBnWywLUaWA+m5Rsa94//9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABCg7//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEVH/2gAIAQMBAT8QWys//8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARIf/aAAgBAgEBPxAEyAcv/8QAHRABAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFBURBh0f/aAAgBAQABPxC1EwlQvfphfXGoDQdtym1eVdsKBV4sPiESYDLFNPj/2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/14b42/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/f836f/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.jpg 200w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/2244e/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.jpg 400w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/14b42/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.jpg 800w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/47498/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/0e329/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.jpg 1600w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/ffa36/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/58556/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/61e93/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.webp 200w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/1f5c5/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.webp 400w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/58556/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.webp 800w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/99238/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.webp 1200w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/7c22d/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.webp 1600w,\n/static/a6cb3af7d8e094565820a5300e1c6ded/d1528/963f0b6463f1ed9d7edbe84cf0f437de.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3012-markdown","title":"Is Freezing the Best Way to Preserve Your Cannabis?","slug":"is-freezing-the-best-way-to-preserve-your-cannabis","content":"s anyone who has ever found and smoked some forgotten cannabis flower will happily tell you, old, badly stored cannabis is no fun to consume. You probably know that you shouldn’t leave your marijuana out, but what’s the best way to store your cannabis? Do you know what the optimal temperature for your cannabis is? Have you ever thought about the humidity of where you store your cannabis? \n\nOne Italian study makes the case that you should freeze your cannabis. Yes, researchers found that putting cannabis flower in the freezer maintains the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) better than other storage methods do.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nLet’s explore why this is and go over the best way you can freeze your cannabis at home. \n\n### Cannabis Storage 101\n\nThere are three basic variables involved in storing cannabis: \n\n* Light\n* Temperature\n* Humidity\n\nLight is the easy part. You may already know that light is bad for your cannabis, but did you know cannabis farmers cure and dry their plants in low light, because of the various negative impacts? These negative impacts include:\n\n* Increasing the speed of drying\n* Over drying\n* Lowering the potency of THC\n\nSo, an easy solution for you to keep light away from your marijuana is to store your cannabis in a container with a tight-fitting lid in a dark place. \n\nTemperature is a much more interesting and hotly debated topic. The recent study from Italy— using actual science—found that THC degrades slower at lower temperatures. Though the researchers didn’t test temperatures above “room temperature,” evidence elsewhere already suggests hot temperatures are indeed worse still for your marijuana. \n\nAs for controlling for humidity, many storage tins or other containers have humidity-controlling items within and are usually kept at room temperature. This controls for two of the three important variables: light and humidity.\n\nHumidity is vital. Too humid, and your cannabis may start to rot or get moldy. However, storage like this doesn’t control for temperature, and this is the second-most important factor, other than avoiding rot and mold.\n\n### Italian Study Finds Frozen Cannabis Maintains THC Levels Best\n\nThe study out of Italy, [which was published in _Forensic Science International_](https://www.marijuanamoment.net/this-is-the-best-way-to-store-marijuana-for-the-apocalypse-according-to-science/), looked at cannabis samples stored:\n\n* At room temperature\n* In a refrigerator (4 degrees C)\n* In a freezer (-20 degrees C)  \n\nDuring the four years the study took place, researchers tested the samples 14 times. They found that: \n\n* THC levels in the cannabis stored at room temperature dropped over time. \n* At room temperature and in light, THC levels decreased by 13% after 100 days.\n* At room temperature in the dark, THC levels decreased by 11% after 100 days.\n* The refrigerated marijuana samples also lost THC content, but not as much as the room temperature samples did.\n* In the frozen cannabis, THC levels mostly stayed the same.\n* In all samples when THC went down, cannabinol (CBN) levels went up.\n* Cannabidiol (CBD) content stayed stable across all cannabis samples during the experiment. \n\n### Should You Put Your Cannabis in the Fridge?\n\nSo, this evidence shows freezing cannabis is the best way to keep THC content stable. This leads to some potential impact on how you store cannabis.\n\nIf you’re not quite ready to freeze your cannabis, you may be thinking that the fridge is your best bet for storing your marijuana. Personally, I have some concerns about being able to control humidity in a refrigerator.\n\nIf your fridge’s humidity control has any issues, the risk of total cannabis loss is significant. Think about your vegetables in the crisper drawer. Keeping them in there may delay decay issues, but it’s not going to keep them fresh for more than a week or two.\n\nSo, then should you really freeze your cannabis? There are a lot of people who have issues with this idea. The main complaints are around the fragility of the trichomes. \n\nTrichomes are the little crystal-like formations you may be able to see on your cannabis buds and on some leaves. They’re where the majority of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids reside, so you definitely don’t want to damage them. People say that once the trichomes are frozen that they’re easy to break off, and that using freezer bags creates static, which can also damage the buds.\n\nWell, you can resolve both of these issues by freezing your cannabis in glass mason jars. If you grow your own cannabis, you can use the same jars you used to cure your harvest. Post-curing, simply put your storage jars into the freezer.\n\nYour flower will be freshly dried and cured, so water content will be low, allowing for easy defrosting later. Plus, by keeping your cannabis in the same container, you won’t be exposing it to any outside environmental factors that could degrade the cannabinoids. \n\n### Why I Freeze the Fresh Cannabis That I Use to Prepare Edibles\n\nI’m lucky enough to be able to grow my own cannabis at home. While I haven’t used the freezer for my already dried and cured cannabis yet, having seen the data in this study, I will likely experiment with half my stock next year. \n\nI do, however, freeze some cannabis buds and leaves for making edibles. While many simply trim their cannabis buds and discard the rest, why not use the whole plant?\n\nFreezing the sugar leaf is a no brainer for me. I simply remove the fan leaves (leaves without trichomes) and freeze the whole sugar leaf (leaves with trichomes) and buds whole after harvesting—no drying, no curing. \n\nThen I defrost the cannabis as part of my decarboxylation process. I have to cook the cannabis for use in edibles, so defrosting is a simple extra step.\n\nI trim the best buds for smoking, and the smaller or harder-to-trim pieces go straight to the freezer. This seems to help preserve the terpenes as well. \n\nI’ve made the mistake of using freezer bags, and I won’t do that again. First off, they aren’t 100% scent proof. Second, I’ve seen that they allow damage to the trichomes. So in the future, I’ll use glass containers. \n\nAnother reason home growers may want to instantly freeze cannabis without drying and curing is to make concentrates—for example, [fresh frozen hashish](https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/fresh-frozen-cannabis-extractions/). This makes very pure hashish with flavor profiles very close to the fresh plant.\n\nSome of my classmates at [Oaksterdam University](https://oaksterdamuniversity.com/) also looked into using frozen samples for other methods of concentrates. It’s easy to see the appeal of frozen cannabis:\n\n* Less work\n* Less time\n* Better flavor\n* More terpenes\n\nIf you don’t grow your own marijuana, freezing may be an unnecessary step, because you use what you buy before it matters. But for home growers or for folks who have a large stock of cannabis and who are worried about maintaining the quality of the flower before they get around to consuming it, freezing appears to be a good way to go. \n\nI’ll be trying out freezing on my dried and cured bud, and I’d recommend freezing for anyone who’s interested in making their own edibles and some concentrates. \n\nFor anyone who has grown their own cannabis and has become bored with trimming (I’ve found it to be a very tedious part of the otherwise fun and interesting growing process), freezing bud for edibles and concentrates is not only easier and better, it also means a lot less trimming.\n\nHallelujah.   \n\nPhoto credit: Canna Obscura/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/14b42/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/f836f/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.jpg 200w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/2244e/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.jpg 400w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/14b42/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.jpg 800w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/47498/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/0e329/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.jpg 1600w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/ffa36/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/58556/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/61e93/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.webp 200w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/1f5c5/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.webp 400w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/58556/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.webp 800w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/99238/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.webp 1200w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/7c22d/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.webp 1600w,\n/static/04b0f47466243d97f18c15bf8af32fc0/d1528/5af13e51782f121a004e095d25ef305d.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2995-markdown","title":"Know Your Cannabis Terpenes: Terpineol","slug":"know-your-cannabis-terpenes-terpineol","content":"If you’ve ever savored the sweet scent of lilacs or enjoyed the tart flavor of limes, you’ve come across terpineol. This common terpene occurs in over 150 plant species, including cannabis.   \n\nCosmetics and perfumes often contain terpineol to give them their fragrance. You can also find terpineol in some foods; it’s a natural flavoring in spices like cardamom and in certain kinds of tea.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nBut terpineol also has potent medicinal applications that include pain relief, immune support and in lab tests, it’s even been shown to destroy cancer cells.\n\n### What Is Terpineol?\n\nThe many strains of the _Cannabis sativa_ plant contain around 200 distinct terpenes—plant resins that combine to produce the different flavors and smells that characterize these different strains.  \n\nThe specific effects of many of these terpenes aren’t yet known because researchers haven’t thoroughly studied them. But recent research has identified a group of 10 primary and 20 secondary cannabis terpenes with documented effects on the human body’s natural system of cannabis receptors.\n\nTerpineol is one of those primary terpenes, a group that also includes abundant, potent terpenes such as:\n\n* Linalool\n* Pinene\n* Humulene\n\nBesides perfumes and food, you’ll also find terpineol in skin products. The terpene is what’s added to give them a pleasing scent. Terpene alcohols like terpineol are sometimes referred to as the friendly molecules for their benefits to the skin when blended in creams and salves.\n\nThat said, pure terpineol applied directly to the skin can cause irritation.  \n\nAlong with these uses, a number of different studies have shown that terpineol shares many of the therapeutic qualities of other cannabis terpenes and compounds. As well, it’s been found to work in synergy with them to produce even more potent health benefits.   \n\n### Terpineol’s Many Healing Properties\n\nLike other cannabis compounds and terpenes, terpineol appears to activate receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS responds both to cannabinoid-like chemicals produced by the body and cannabinoids from other sources, mainly the cannabis plant.  \n\nIt also appears to support the healthy functioning of other systems, such as the immune system. For these reasons, terpineol has a long list of documented health benefits, including:\n\n* **Pain relief:** On its own, and in combination with other compounds in the whole cannabis plant, [terpineol can be a potent analgesic](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13880209.2010.529616). This can make it useful for relieving pain from chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.\n* **Anxiety relief:** Terpineol has a calming and relaxing effect that can help relieve anxiety and agitation. Some research suggests that terpineol could be responsible for the couch-lock effect of some relaxing marijuana strains.  \n* **Antibiotic and antimicrobial effects:** In laboratory studies, terpineol appears to protect cells by killing a variety of different microbes. It may also act as an [effective anti-inflammatory agent](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17867636), which can even combat the effects of malaria.\n* **Gastroprotective properties:** [Terpineol can protect the gastrointestinal tract](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304384/) from irritation and inflammation. Some research indicates that it can help heal gastric ulcers.\n* **Anti-cancer properties:** Some laboratory research on tumor cell lines suggests that [terpineol can kill cancerous cells](https://culturemagazine.com/cannabis-terpene-can-kill-cancer-cells-terpineol/) and encourage apoptosis, the programmed death of cells.\n* **Anti-seizure effects:** A number of cannabis compounds can help reduce the number and intensity of seizures, and research reveals that [terpineol can also be an effective treatment for seizure disorders](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/figure/10.1080/13880200601028388).\n\n### How to Take Terpineol \n\nYou can take terpineol in a variety of ways. One way is to add terpineol isolates to essential oils creams, salves and lotions for aromatherapy.  \n\nYou can also add food-grade terpineol isolates to a variety of infused edibles or other foods or drinks.  \n\nYou can buy terpineol isolates from a variety of sellers around the world, but it’s important to think about how you plan to use the terpene before you buy.\n\nNot all terpineol isolates are food grade and safe for consumption. So, if you want to add terpineol to any kind of food or drink, read labels and check seller information to be sure that the isolate you buy was processed cleanly and certified as safe. \n\nThe skin contains many cannabinoid receptors, and your skin can absorb products fairly quickly into the body. So, skin products can be an effective way to get the benefits of terpineol.\n\nBut used alone, terpineol isolate can irritate the skin. You’ll need to combine terpineol with a carrier oil or other skin-safe products to be able to use it directly on your skin.\n\nSome marijuana strains are naturally high in terpineol, so that smoking, vaping or otherwise consuming them can provide the benefits of terpineol in combination with the full spectrum of other terpenes and cannabinoids.  \n\nThese cannabis strains are typically relaxing and calming, and include:\n\n* Fire OG\n* Jack Herer\n* White Widow\n* OG Kush\n* GSC\n\nTerpineol may not be as well known as other primary cannabis terpenes are, but it can provide a range of powerful health benefits. Whether you consume it alone or as part of whole-plant cannabis medicine, terpineol can help relieve pain, ease anxiety and keep the immune system strong.\n\nPhoto credit: [Luke Besley](https://unsplash.com/photos/-gePQw0zKAs)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEAgP/xAAXAQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQID/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHlmRwohGh//8QAGhABAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDBBAREv/aAAgBAQABBQKqIrhdU4nlZXuv/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAS/9oACAECAQE/AcJP/8QAHBAAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECEhARInGh/9oACAEBAAY/Aq+D5JGi9pGlKb7x/8QAGhABAQADAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAMWEQof/aAAgBAQABPyGBFfgyyLNEuIi2MwojeAZpk68//9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABCg3//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQ/9oACAEDAQE/EACf/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAR/9oACAECAQE/EBOk/8QAHRABAQACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAMSFRYXGRof/aAAgBAQABPxBqVjTcLcMDORqHp8ZvdSnYzFCO2sHrnJmGSCX4X9xe8//Z","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/14b42/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.jpg","srcSet":"/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/f836f/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.jpg 200w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/2244e/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.jpg 400w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/14b42/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.jpg 800w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/47498/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.jpg 1200w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/0e329/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.jpg 1600w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/391cf/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.jpg 1772w","srcWebp":"/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/58556/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/61e93/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.webp 200w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/1f5c5/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.webp 400w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/58556/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.webp 800w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/99238/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.webp 1200w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/7c22d/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.webp 1600w,\n/static/25a38a43e73230290dd3ef7bdcee8113/edb99/cc53dbecf88e356a05c045aad12b0f87.webp 1772w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":12,"numPages":15,"currentPage":2,"id":5053,"name":"Cannabis 101","slug":"cannabis-101","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}