{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cannabis-101/4","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2866-markdown","title":"Know Your Cannabis Terpenes: Myrcene","slug":"know-your-cannabis-terpenes-myrcene","content":"Marijuana consumers often say that eating a fresh mango before taking cannabis leads to a more potent high—and now science says that this bit of stoner lore is actually true. That’s because mangoes are high in myrcene, a [potent cannabis terpene](http://www.internationalhempassociation.org/jiha/jiha4208.html) that boosts the effectiveness of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids. But along with “escorting” these cannabis compounds across the blood-brain barrier, myrcene also has powerful healing properties of its own.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What Are Terpenes?\n\nThe resin glands of many plants—and even some animals—produce oils called terpenes. These oils are responsible for the many fragrances and tastes of herbs, spices, fruits and flowers, as well as plants like pine trees and cannabis.\n\nBecause terpenes occur naturally in so many edible plants and products derived from them, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given them the classification generally recognized as safe (GRAS). That’s why you’ll find terpenes in cooking, cleaning and industrial products. Depending on their origin, they’re also used to add spicy, earthy or fruity flavor to foods of all kinds.\n\nTerpenes are also responsible for the distinctive smell and taste of different cannabis strains. And they can be extracted and used on their own or along with the whole marijuana plant for added effects. Cannabis contains around 200 identified terpenes, and most of these exist in very small amounts, or don’t have recognized health benefits.\n\nBut science has identified 10 major cannabis terpenes that occur in large amounts and have documented healing properties—and myrcene tops that list.\n\n### Myrcene: The Potent, Abundant Cannabis Terpene\n\nMyrcene adds flavor and scent to many fragrant plants and herbs, including:\n\n* Mangoes\n* Bay laurel\n* Lemongrass\n* Basil\n* Thyme\n\nMyrcene is also a key ingredient in hops used to make beer. It’s perhaps [the most abundant terpene](https://terpenesandtesting.com/%CE%B2-myrcene-profile-c10h16/) found in the _Cannabis sativa_ plant, making up nearly 50% of its overall terpene content. Research suggests that cannabis strains with very high concentrations of myrcene are of the indica variety, known for its relaxing, calming effects.  \n\nAlong with cannabinoids like THC and cannabidiol (CBD), and other terpenes, myrcene affects activity in the endocannabinoid system, (ECS) the body’s extensive network of receptors. These receptors bind not only to endocannabinoids—cannabinoid chemicals produced by the body—but also to cannabinoids from cannabis and other external sources. \n\nMyrcene has a strong affinity for the ECS receptor called CB1, which is found throughout the body and brain. This suggests that [it works synergistically with other cannabinoids and terpenes](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/) to boost their effects on that receptor. \n\nThis synergy has been called the entourage effect, and it’s a key factor in myrcene’s powerful healing benefits. The brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which prevents potentially harmful elements in the bloodstream from entering brain tissues.\n\nNot many things can cross this barrier, but myrcene can, which makes it possible for THC, CBD and other cannabinoids to reach the neural pathways of the brain at full strength. This is why eating a myrcene-rich mango about 45 minutes before taking marijuana can help intensify the effects of THC. \n\n### The Many Benefits of Myrcene\n\nIn addition to boosting the effects of cannabinoids and other terpenes, myrcene also has benefits of its own for a number of health conditions. Recent studies reveal that myrcene is such a potent terpene that its effects on the body and brain are very nearly as powerful as the effects of primary cannabinoids like THC and CBD. For this reason, myrcene is “anti” just about every process that can harm the human body.\n\n* **Myrcene is anti-inflammatory.** Inflammatory processes can cause cells to oxidize and die, weakening the immune system’s response to disease. Myrcene supports the anti-inflammatory action of CBD and other terpenes, and also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect of its own.\n\n* **Myrcene is an analgesic.** Analgesics are pain relievers, and like other parts of the cannabis plant, myrcene can help ease pain from a variety of sources. It’s thought that myrcene helps with pain possibly by interfering with the pain-signaling system or by boosting the amount of pain-relieving chemicals the brain releases. \n\n* **Myrcene promotes relaxation and sleep.** With its relaxing, sedative effect, myrcene plays a major role in the well-known couch-lock syndrome—the feeling when someone is so relaxed after consuming an indica marijuana strain that they just want to fall asleep on the couch. That means myrcene, or cannabis strains high in myrcene, can be an effective and generally harmless sleep aid for many people.\n\n* **Myrcene can also be an antidepressant.** Along with its ability to calm and relax, myrcene may also boost the production of chemicals like dopamine, one of the “feel good” neurotransmitters, and GABA, a chemical that damps down excessive activity in the nervous system and helps regulate mood.\n\n* **Myrcene may be an antiproliferative and antimutagenic compound.** Some research suggests that myrcene can help prevent cell mutations that can lead to cancer. Not only that, but myrcene also appears to keep those mutated cells from reproducing and spreading.\n\n### Where to Find Myrcene\n\nMyrcene is available as an extract, which can be added to various ways of taking cannabis to intensify its effects. It’s also an ingredient in many essential oils and oil preparations for aromatherapy and skin care. Since it’s found in so many foods, it’s considered generally nontoxic unless consumed in very large quantities.\n\nIndica cannabis strains that are high in myrcene include: \n\n* Pure Kush \n* Grape Ape\n\nIf you prefer hybrid marijuana strains, myrcene rich ones to try are: \n\n* Mango Kush\n* OG Kush \n* White Widow\n\nIt’s important to keep in mind that because myrcene increases the maximum saturation of your brain’s cannabinoid receptors, strains high in myrcene can also intensify the effects of other cannabinoids and terpenes, particularly THC. Or if you can’t get your hands on a marijuana strain high in myrcene or a myrcene extract, munch on a mango before you take your cannabis to get a similar effect.\n\nMyrcene leads the list of influential cannabis terpenes that interact with other terpenes and cannabinoids to impart the benefits of whole plant medicine. Whether you smoke, vape or consume your cannabis another way, you can reap the benefits of this potent terpene.\n\nPhoto credit: [Ella Olsson](https://www.flickr.com/people/ellaolsson/)\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-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/14b42/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/f836f/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.jpg 200w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/2244e/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.jpg 400w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/14b42/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.jpg 800w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/47498/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/0e329/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.jpg 1600w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/40669/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.jpg 3979w","srcWebp":"/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/58556/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/61e93/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.webp 200w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/1f5c5/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.webp 400w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/58556/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.webp 800w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/99238/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.webp 1200w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/7c22d/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.webp 1600w,\n/static/786ec15295859fbd4b458e18117d3919/f0629/5f32d6fe60e5d701ca737bfa96a52a7e.webp 3979w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2865-markdown","title":"How to Dry & Cure Your Homegrown Cannabis","slug":"how-to-dry-and-cure-your-homegrown-cannabis","content":"With more and more states offering home-growing options for recreational and medical cannabis consumers, many are growing cannabis for the first time. And whether you’re growing marijuana indoors or outdoors, proper drying and curing is an essential part of the process.\n\nRussell Green is a long-time cannabis farmer and owner of Kure Wellness, a dispensary located in Ukiah, California, in the heart of Mendocino County’s Emerald Triangle. A Mendocino native, Russ began growing cannabis as a teenager, attempting to sprout a few seeds under his bed. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nLater, he grew top-shelf marijuana strains and became an early proponent for the county’s cannabis legalization program. Russ named his dispensary Kure Wellness to underscore the importance of cannabis curing.\n\n“Over the years, I’ve encountered so many farmers who are great cultivators, but they don’t have the facilities, the manpower or the patience to properly cure their crop,” says Russ, adding that improper curing negatively impacts the smell and the taste of your cannabis. “If you’ve ever smoked marijuana that was extremely harsh, had a fresh-grass smell and made you cough uncontrollably, you probably smoked cannabis that wasn’t properly cured,” he explains. \n\nImproper curing can have more serious consequences, too. “Poor drying and curing can result in contaminating your crop with mold, which ruins your harvest and potentially makes consumers very ill. Excellent curing can make the difference between flawless, grade A cannabis and something that’s really unpleasant or even unsafe to consume,” Russ says.\n\nCuring requires experience. “Every farmer has dried and cured a crop too quickly, or stored it when it was too wet,” smiles Russ. Hopefully, by learning these post-harvest basics, you’ll optimize the time and effort you’ve spent growing your cannabis plants.\n\n### What You Need to Properly Dry & Cure Your Marijuana \n\nIt’s entirely possible to harvest on a budget. Here’s a list of the essential items you’ll need, and a few more recommendations for those wanting to take their cure to the next level. \n\n#### Basic Cannabis Curing Supplies \n\n* Metal coat hangers\n* String or clothesline\n* Screens or wire baking racks\n* Adjustable-speed, oscillating fan\n* Indoor thermometer with humidity gauge\n* Plastic garden ID tags\n* Paper grocery bags\n* Contractor bags\n* Airtight plastic storage bins, sized according to your harvest \n* Garden shears and trimming scissors\n* Mason jars\n\n#### Deluxe Cannabis Curing Supplies \n\n* Jeweler’s loupe\n* Dehumidifier\n* Boveda humidifying packs\n* Hygrometer\n* Turkey bags\n* Black storage jars\n\n### Harvesting Your Marijuana Crop: A Mix of Science & Personal Choice \n\n“Familiarize yourself with the look of trichomes on your plant,” says Russ. [Trichomes are the tiny, hair-like appendages](https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/cannabis-trichomes/ ) on cannabis flowers. They look like a mini-mushroom with a round gland on top. The glands contain the sticky, resinous cannabinoid compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydcrocannabinol (THC) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), as well as the [aromatic terpenes that provide additional health benefits](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99e9f4f24d1300077ccb6f/cannabis-terpenes-pack-a-therapeutic-punch) and enhance cannabis’s effects. \n\nThe glands change color as plants age—starting out crystal clear, resembling a drop of water. Over time, they take on a milky or cloudy appearance. At full maturity, the glands are a rich amber color—indicating the plant’s life cycle is near completion.\n\nGenerally, the more amber trichomes on a bud, the more sedating your flowers will be. But a plant with all-amber trichomes isn’t desirable, Russ notes, as aging cannabinoids degrade and trichomes fall off over-mature plants. “In general, most strains are harvestable at about 65 days. Many people harvest when trichomes present at about a 50-50 cloudy-to-amber range. The plant’s chemical makeup changes every day during harvest. Since you’re growing for yourself, feel free to snip off a bud or two and experiment,” he says. \n\nThe Internet is awash in amazing [images of cannabis trichomes](https://cannabisnow.com/the-secret-world-of-trichomes/) that will help identify their development. If you enjoy a cerebral and energetic high, [harvest your cannabis when trichomes are clear to cloudy](https://oaksterdamuniversity.com/when-to-harvest/). If you’re taking cannabis for pain, harvest when you see a predominance of amber trichomes. \n\n“You can see trichomes clearly with the naked eye, but a jeweler’s loupe is really helpful for looking at them,” Russ notes. \n\n“Along with checking trichomes, feel your flowers. They should be as dense as possible. Be patient. Your buds will be airy if you pull too early, and they just won’t produce maximum quality or quantity. You don’t have to harvest your whole plant at once. Take a first cut from your largest stalks. Take two or even three cuts, waiting a week or two between cuts if you’re able. But if you’re growing outdoors, keep your eye on the weather,” advises Russ.\n\nAutumn rains and moisture lodge inside dense buds, increasing the possibility of mold.\n\n### From Dry to High: Proper Drying Is Key to Having Excellent Cannabis\n\nStart by cutting down stalks in 12-to-16-inch-long segments. Russ suggests including a portion of a main stem as a hanger to hang your stalks upside down on your clothesline. You can also try [hanging a few cannabis stems on a coat hanger](https://www.professionalmarijuanagrower.com/articles/november-2017/properly-drying-curing-marijuana/), placing each hanger on your clothesline. \n\nRemove the majority of large leaves if you haven’t already, as they create a harsher end product. It’s helpful to hang similarly sized stalks together, as the dense, upper colas—groups of buds usually near the top of a stalk—will dry much more slowly than the smaller flowers produced in the interior and lower portions of your plant will.\n\nIf you’re interested in making edibles or tinctures, save and dry your fresh-trimmed leaves. And if possible, leave a portion of your original plant in its pot—we’ll tell you why in a minute.\n\n* Give your drying stalks enough space so they’re barely touching. \n* If your colas are extremely heavy and dense, pull individual buds gently apart before you hang them to encourage air circulation. \n* If growing more than one strain, be sure to keep them separate or use plastic tags to identify what’s what. \n* Keep notes on the date you harvested and the dates you dried and began your curing process.\n\n“You can also cut your buds right off the stalk and dry them on screens or baking racks, but they will flatten out unless you constantly turn them,” says Russ. “Screen drying is faster than drying ‘on the stick,’ and that fast drying can create some problems. But using a screen to dry your tiny buds is useful.\n\n“If it’s very cold where you live,” adds Russ, “cutting your buds off the stalks and screen drying them may help inhibit the growths of pathogens as they dry.”  \n\n### Temperature & Humidity Control: The Essence of the Marijuana Curing Process\n\n* Cannabis flowers do best when drying at about 66 degrees F. \n* Depending on your environment, you may have to heat or cool your drying room. \n* Use a room that has good ventilation, and the ability to modify the temperature and humidity.\n* Never expose drying plants to direct sun.\n\n“Professional farmers generally have climate-controlled rooms and use dehumidifiers to keep the humidity at about 50–60%,” says Russ. If your room is too warm, your harvest will crisp up in a heartbeat, creating a very harsh end-product. Drying too slowly increases the risk of mold developing.\n\nUse a thermometer and if possible, a hygrometer to monitor the room’s temperature and humidity. Run an oscillating fan near the plants at low speed, so there’s gentle air circulation on your hanging stalks. \n\nCheck your harvest every day, and be prepared to modify your temperature and humidity several times daily if needed. Place your bulkier stalks closer to a heat source or the ceiling, and your smaller stems in the cooler parts of your drying room.\n\nThe flowers will initially take on a slightly limp appearance. After a few days, they’ll begin to look and smell like buds on dispensary shelves.\n\n### How Do I Know When My Cannabis Flowers Are Dried?\n\nIf you’ve carefully monitored your flowers, they should be dried and ready to cure in about four days for small buds, and about a week or even more for larger stalks.\n\n“The stem-snapping trick is old school, but really effective,” says Russ. Take a few different-sized stalks off of your clothesline. Try to break them in half. Any that bend and don’t crisply snap need a bit more time on the clothesline.\n\n### Check Your Marijuana Flowers Daily \n\nGently feel your buds. Once they feel quite dry on the outside, but still have a bit of moisture inside:\n\n* Lay a few stalks in paper bags for the next phase of curing. \n* Fill the bags no more than a third full, and fold the bag closed. \n* Each day, gently move the stalks around in the bag. Remember that every movement of the stalks will result in a few trichomes falling off of your buds. \n* If stalks are drying too quickly, cut off a small portion of your original plant’s stem. \n* Place stem into the paper bag to gently introduce moisture back into your flowers, which should only take a day or two. \n* If your buds still seem too dry, place your paper sack into a contractor bag to slow the drying process. \n* Continue to check your bags daily. \n* Once buds feel moistened, remove your paper sack from the contractor bag.\n\nThis phase of curing can take another week or even more. At the end of this process, all stems should make a decisive snap when you try to break them, with your buds feeling hard but not dry. By keeping like sizes together, you’re less likely to dry out smaller stalks and can more easily monitor the larger, slower-drying stalks. \n\n### Curing Cannabis: The Waiting Is the Hardest Part \n\n“When I was in high school, my friends would cure a little weed in a rolled-up sandwich bag. They were constantly opening it, closing it, rolling it around and stirring it up,” Russ smiles. Those kids learned from their farmer parents, and their instincts weren’t so far off from professional curing practices.\n\nContinue to monitor room temperature and humidity. And if you’re having a hard time maintaining stable humidity, purchase some Boveda packs and place them into your paper bags to help maintain a stable humidity of about 60%. \n\nThroughout this entire process, be vigilant about looking for the development of mold. If you spot white fuzz or slimy brown mold developing on your buds, remove that stalk immediately. Thoroughly check over stalk and your other bags for mold growth. \n\nOnce your buds are dried, cut them off the stalks to prepare them for the last phase of curing. \n\n### Long-Term Cannabis Storage\n\n“Oxidation is an enemy of cured cannabis. You’re trying to avoid cannabinoid degradation.  Oxygen and light are not your friends, so proper storage following drying is very important. At the dispensary, we store our flowers in black jars, but using mason jars is fine, as long as you keep them out of the sun and in a relatively neutral temperature,” says Russ. \n\n* Fill your jars about two-thirds full, so that buds aren’t squashed, and they can move around. \n* Every day, “burp” your jars—gently shake them and open the lids for a few minutes, allowing for air transfer before closing them back up. \n\nIf your harvest is ample, you can place your buds into plastic bins, as long as the bins are truly airtight. If not, place them into turkey bags or other food-grade plastic bags inside your bins to complete the curing process.\n\nEvery day, continue to burp your jars, turkey bags or plastic bins, moving your buds around, checking for mold and feeling if moisture has returned. If it has, go back a step and return your buds to a paper bag until they feel drier. It’s not unusual to repeat this process, and different strains will dry and cure at entirely different rates.\n\nOnce your buds are stored in jars or bags, the cure still isn’t complete. Veteran growers like Russ emphasize that the final cure can and should take weeks for all of the wonderful elements of the flowers to come together. \n\n“The environment of your containers is important. Moisture can condensate inside your jar or turkey bag and cause mold growth. Typically, do your final storage with your buds just a little on the drier side and never on the wet side. Long-term storage should take place when the flowers are either perfect or too dry. If they’re too moist, you’ll have a disaster,” Russ notes.\n\n### Patience Is Key to Curing Cannabis\n\nFrom start to finish, it’s not unusual for artisan cannabis farmers to take a month or two to dry and cure their crop. Take your time, and remember that like most fruits and vegetables, cannabis flowers are undergoing profound chemical changes long after you harvest them. It’s those amazing changes, heightened by proper drying and curing that will create the magnificent cannabis flowers you’ll be proud to have grown. \n\nPhoto credit: [felixtsao](https://www.flickr.com/people/felixtsao/)\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. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/14b42/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/f836f/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg 200w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/2244e/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg 400w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/14b42/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg 800w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/a6b41/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.jpg 1088w","srcWebp":"/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/58556/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/61e93/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp 200w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/1f5c5/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp 400w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/58556/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp 800w,\n/static/f6db6295b0a924a98606189e5453a42b/3fafc/3d5620b28ca1e30d3b1e7fbd3e1546ff.webp 1088w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2862-markdown","title":"Cannabis Landrace Strains: What They Are & Why They’re Hot","slug":"cannabis-landrace-strains-what-they-are-and-why-theyre-hot","content":"These days, the sheer number of cannabis strains that are available at dispensaries can overwhelm the average consumer. From Blue Dream and Sour Diesel to more obscure strains like Infinite Euphoria, there’s usually something to suit everyone.\n\nBut how did all of these cannabis strains come to be? The answer to that is landrace strains. You may have heard the term “landrace strain” in a story about cannabis genetics or from a breeder you know. If not, we’ll break it down for you here.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nSo, what are these strains? And why are they so highly prized by marijuana breeders and connoisseurs alike?\n\n### The Origins of Marijuana Landrace Strains\n\nTo understand landrace strains, you need to brush up on a little cannabis history. Most scientists agree that cannabis was domesticated in Central Asia around 8,000 BCE. From there, humans brought the plant with them during their migrations across the globe.\n\nIn each area that humans settled, they bred the plant for their specific needs such as for food, fiber and in some cases even psychoactivity. Over thousands of years, humans selectively bred cannabis plants, and each area developed plants that were specifically adapted to life in that region. \n\nToday, when people talk about landrace strains, they’re referring to these indigenous,  genetically untouched varieties from various regions of the world. \n\n### Are Landrace Strains Going Through a Resurgence? \n\nIn the 1960s and 1970s, soldiers in the Pacific and travelers on the Hippie Trail—an overland route that began in Europe and wound its way through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India before ending in Nepal—brought cannabis seeds back to the West. \n\nThen, breeders in Europe and the U.S. began crossing these different seeds with each other, creating the parents of today’s modern-day cannabis strains. But in the process of this intermingling, many of the original landrace varieties that may have existed in the 1960s and 1970s were bred out of existence. \n\nThis doesn’t necessarily mean that these genetics are forever lost. There’s been talk of some cannabis breeders making their way back to these regions to seek out more cannabis seeds. \n\nConnoisseurs seek out landrace strains because they’re rare and are said to have unique effects that some modern marijuana strains don’t have. Some also find the high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of modern strains to be overwhelming.\n\nAdditionally, there tends to be a nostalgia factor for those who consumed these landrace strains back in the 1960s and 1970s.  \n\nBreeders are interested in landrace strains because of their genetics. Over the course of millennia, nature has selected the best traits to enable these cannabis strains to survive in their respective climates. Breeders think there’s value in this natural selection that can’t be replicated. They believe there’s no substitute for thousands of years of evolution. \n\nRELATED: [INDICA & SATIVA: DO THESE CANNABIS LABELS MEAN ANYTHING?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5bb542ad28d6e8000971f899/indica-and-sativa-do-these-cannabis-labels-mean-anything)\n\n### A Few Popular Landrace Strains Are Still Around Today \n\nIf you happen to come across these rare landrace strains on dispensary shelves, they’re often referred to by their region of origin, though some do have their own unique strain names. Here are some of the more well-known cannabis landrace strains and their effects: \n\n* **[Afghani](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce5add520d60009f4f4bc/afghani):** Hailing from the Hindu Kush mountain range along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Afghani is likely one of the oldest marijuana strains in existence. Its flowers are large, dense and covered in trichomes, making it a good candidate for hash production. Consumers looking for a heavy-bodied experience will enjoy this indica, which is parent to many staple strains in the cannabis world, such as Blueberry and Northern Lights. \n\n* **[Thai](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5b3159a89755250007f2afe9/thai):** Sometimes also called Thai Sticks, Thai landrace strains are known for their buzzy, cerebral effects, which are often compared to a cup of coffee. Those who are prone to anxiety when consuming cannabis may want to steer clear of this strain. Conversely, if you relish in strains that set your mind abuzz, give Thai a try—if you can find it.\n\n* **[Durban Poison](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7cb16cd520d60009f4f4a3/durban-poison):** Named after the South African port city of Durban, this sativa strain was brought to the States in the 1970s by renowned cannabis breeder Ed Rosenthal. Durban Poison  lacks physical effects—this isn’t the strain to take if you want to hang out on the couch or catch up on sleep. Instead, it will focus your thoughts, and is ideal for creative or social endeavors.\n\n* **[Lamb’s Bread](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5b281cb0f5431d0008c41b20/lambs-bread):** Lamb’s Bread, sometimes called Lamb’s Breath, is a landrace sativa from Jamaica that’s been around for decades. Said to have been a favorite of legendary musician Bob Marley, this cannabis strain is known for its clear-headed, uplifting high that’s ideal for daytime activities like exercising and running errands. It also imparts deep mental stimulation that can enhance creativity or help you get over mental barriers.\n\n* **[Acapulco Gold](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7cc976d520d60009f4f4a9/acapulco-gold):** This cannabis strain is indigenous to the Acapulco region of Mexico. It had its heyday in the 1960s and became a pop culture icon, appearing in everything from “Saturday Night Live” sketches to Led Zeppelin albums. Acapulco Gold provides a cerebral high and a mellow body buzz that’s pleasant and manageable enough for both daytime and nighttime activities.\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. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/14b42/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.jpg","srcSet":"/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/f836f/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.jpg 200w,\n/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/2244e/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.jpg 400w,\n/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/14b42/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.jpg 800w,\n/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/c1d04/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.jpg 1142w","srcWebp":"/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/58556/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/61e93/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.webp 200w,\n/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/1f5c5/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.webp 400w,\n/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/58556/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.webp 800w,\n/static/60e80e14282c75f2d516de2c21092df5/be63d/b370a7b84c7a9b4f0d4ac2d793199e51.webp 1142w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3697-markdown","title":"Cannabis 101: Indica, Sativa & Hybrid Explained","slug":"cannabis-101-indica-sativa-and-hybrid-explained","content":"If you’ve ever browsed through online content about marijuana, chances are you’ve heard the terms indica, sativa and hybrid. These names for the different categories of cannabis are everywhere throughout the cannabis world, but they can sometimes be confusing. If you find yourself unsure of what these terms mean, don’t worry. You aren’t alone. \n\nStill, this distinction is an important one to understand. And it can help you navigate through the many different types of cannabis along with the varying effects that they produce. We’ll break down the differences between indica, sativa and hybrid marijuana strains and how understanding these categories can improve your experiences with cannabis. \n\n### Indicas Came From the Kush Mountains While Sativas Grew Near the Equator\n\nCannabis is a complex medicinal plant. While many talk about it like it’s just one type of medicine, it contains much more than just a single compound. Coming in many different genetic varieties called strains, cannabis can produce hundreds of different medicinal chemicals, and an even larger variety of different chemical profiles. For each strain, there’s a different chemical profile with a unique set of effects (and these profiles can even differ among examples of the same strain). \n\nOne cannabis strain may make you tired, while another could make you feel very energized. One may be particularly helpful for pain relief, while another may actually make your pain worse. One marijuana strain may make you anxious while another could leave you relaxed. So, to use cannabis effectively, it’s important to find a strain that can produce your desired effects. \n\nThe most basic distinction in cannabis strains is between indicas, sativas and hybrids. These terms originated as a genetic distinction between two lineages of cannabis: \n\nThe indica marijuana strains were originally cultivated in or near the Kush mountains in:\n\n* India\n* Nepal\n* Afghanistan\n* Bangladesh \n* Pakistan \n\nThe sativa cannabis strains were first grown near the equator in:\n\n* Colombia\n* Mexico\n* Thailand\n\nAs these genetics were brought to other areas, like North America, they were bred together creating hybrid cannabis strains. \n\nStill, this is just the beginning of a much more complicated picture. These days, we don’t have many pure indicas or sativas left—just a whole lot of hybrid strains. But if you walk into an LP, you’re likely to see a category for each.  \n\nThe truth is, people have started to use the distinction differently. Now it’s used more as a way to describe the effects you’re likely to experience from the strain. When an LP lists a cannabis strain as an indica, it just means it will give you effects you’d expect from an indica. \n\nSo, what are the effects you can expect from these three categories? \n\n### Indica Cannabis Strains Produce Sedative Body Highs\n\nIndicas are traditionally suggested for nighttime use, as their sedative and sleepy effects can leave some feeling too tired to function during the day. This sedative quality makes them ideal for those who need to rest. That said, some find them more relaxing than sedative, and enjoy them during the day as well. \n\nIndicas usually produce a relaxed, heavy feeling throughout the body, coupled with strong pain and tension relief. This makes indicas particularly helpful for those with:\n\n* Anxiety\n* Chronic pain\n* Chronic tension \n* Sleep disorders \n\nFolks who avoid indicas usually say it’s because these cannabis strains leave them feeling too sleepy. People sensitive to the sedative effects of indicas may find themselves feeling “couch locked” (a term that means you don’t feel like moving), groggy or otherwise nonfunctional when taking these strains. If you find this is the case when you consume indicas, try switching to sativas or hybrids. \n\n### Sativa Marijuana Strains Impart Energizing & Mind-Altering Effects \n\nWhen it comes to sativas, these cannabis strains are far from sedative. Usually suggested as daytime medicine, sativas are energetic and tend to have the most noticeable effects on mental activity. \n\nThis cerebral high can sometimes promote focus and creativity, or sometimes leave your mind hazy, depending on the strain. Sativas also offer relief from pain and anxiety like indicas, but can also produce anxiety for folks extra sensitive to sativas’ effects. \n\nThe energetic, cerebral high makes sativa cannabis strains well suited for the daytime treatment of:\n\n* Pain \n* Anxiety\n* Depression \n* Fatigue\n* Mental blocks\n\nPeople who avoid sativas usually do so because either the cerebral high is too intense or because sativas increase their sense of anxiety and paranoia. If you find either happens to you when consuming sativa marijuana strains, try switching to indicas or hybrids. \n\nRELATED: [INDICA OR SATIVA? MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a3457b6100a820006562eeb/indica-or-sativa-making-the-right-choice)\n\n### Hybrid Cannabis Strains Can Bring a Balanced Mix of Effects\n\nThe hybrid category usually applies to marijuana strains that have some characteristics of both indicas and sativas. This means that the hybrid effect profile can vary more dramatically because of all the possible combinations of characteristics.\n\nStill, many hybrids have a grounded effect that isn’t really sedative or energetic, but instead helps maintain a balanced energy. This makes hybrids well-suited for daytime or nighttime use. \n\nThose who use hybrids usually prefer them for:\n\n* Pain and anxiety relief\n* The balance they provide between indica and sativa effects\n* Flexibility between daytime and nighttime use  \n\nIt’s rare to find anyone who avoids hybrids in general, because there’s so much variety. But folks may find certain hybrid strains don’t have the blend of effects they’re looking for. \n\nHow cannabis makes you feel can vary dramatically from strain to strain, and the effects of the same strain can vary from person to person. That’s why it’s important to try many different cannabis strains out for yourself to see how they affect you. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/14b42/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/f836f/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.jpg 200w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/2244e/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.jpg 400w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/14b42/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.jpg 800w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/47498/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/0e329/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.jpg 1600w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/2ff95/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.jpg 2003w","srcWebp":"/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/58556/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/61e93/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.webp 200w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/1f5c5/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.webp 400w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/58556/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.webp 800w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/99238/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.webp 1200w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/7c22d/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.webp 1600w,\n/static/09285855acae993fded38a78af9df910/9f43d/8294d2e98c62341f40e08f7af7bbecc7.webp 2003w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2848-markdown","title":"7 Tips & Tricks to Find Your Ideal Marijuana Dose","slug":"7-tips-and-tricks-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dose","content":"When I became reacquainted with cannabis last year, it seemed like a whole new world had emerged while I took time away from the plant. Not only did I discover cannabis strains I’d never heard of before, but I could also pick from a range of marijuana-infused edibles like breath mints, gourmet chocolates and even pre-packaged tea. \n\nThe packaging for these cannabis edibles—and other products like vape pens and concentrates—was beautiful and inviting. But I had no frame of reference when a product would say that it contained x-number of milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Was that a lot? Would I need to take several servings to feel anything? Should I only take part of a serving? \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\nThese dosage amounts meant absolutely nothing to me. Before, I never knew the amount of THC I was ingesting. I’d just take a puff from the pipe or joint until I got to where I wanted to go. \n\nSo, in this brave new cannabis world, how the heck was I supposed to know about dosages? What was my dosing sweet spot? How do other people go about finding their ideal cannabis dose?\n\nI spoke to a few people at HelloMD, and here are seven tips and tricks we’ve all used to help us find our perfect cannabis dose.\n\n### 1. When Taking Marijuana, Start Low & Go Slow\n\nStart low and go slow is a favorite saying of ours at HelloMD, but it really is a useful tip. When trying to decide how much cannabis is the right amount for you, you can always take more, but you can’t really take less. \n\nOne of our customer service specialists, Bart S., told me how he goes slow when trying out a new cannabis consumption method or marijuana strain. “I wait until I feel something, then I stop and take a break,” he says. “Then I say to myself, ‘Let me just sit here for a while until it sets in to see how I really feel.’”\n\nAnd when you’re ready to take more cannabis after a period of waiting, it may not always be wise to take another full dose. HelloMD’s Office Manager Melissa N. reminded me that when you feel you need more cannabis to get the effects you want, you don’t always _have_ to take another complete dose.\n\n“When you’re ready to move up, start with a little bit more, but not a full dose,” Melissa says. “And then just add a little bit more each time. You don’t have to double or triple your marijuana dose automatically.”\n\nThe technique that Melissa is talking about is called titrating. Scientists use it in the lab to slowly add one substance to another to accurately analyze the concentration levels and their reactions to each other. It’s a handy way to find out how your body reacts to cannabis a little bit at a time.  \n\n### 2. Don’t Forget to Read Your Cannabis Product’s Directions\n\nMelissa tells a story that I’m sure many of us can relate to: “The first time I ever took a cannabis edible, it was a pop tart that was five doses of 15 mg each. I ate some and at first, I didn't feel anything—but I didn’t read the package. So, about an hour later I ate the rest of the pop tart, and then I still didn't feel anything. Four hours in, it hit me like a train. Since then, I always read the packaging directions of any cannabis product I take,” she laughs.\n\nI bet when you take a medicine or supplement, you read the directions to make sure you’re taking the right amount. You should absolutely do this for cannabis and especially the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. With many of the delicious cannabis edibles on the market, it’s easy to ingest more cannabis than you want.\n\nDanielle L., HelloMD’s health and wellness writer, also suggests looking at the cannabis product packaging and then starting with the smallest dose you can. “I’d go by what was on the box as a dose,” she says. “With edibles, I think the lowest dose you can get is around one to two milligrams, so I’d start with that if you’re not sure about your own personal dose.”\n\nTaking the smallest amount possible may mean breaking a cannabis product down even further than a serving size. Remember, you can cut that marijuana cookie or chocolate into smaller pieces. Don’t be afraid to do that if you really want to start with as little cannabis as possible and work your way up. \n\n### 3. Go With Which Cannabis Consumption Method You Like & Can Easily Track How Much You Take\n\nThough other marijuana products may have directions on the packaging, cannabis edibles are the best example of products that will tell you how much THC there is per serving. For Melissa, this is the easiest way for her to make sure she’s consuming a level of cannabis she can track. \n\nBut Danielle says, vaping cannabis is an easier way to measure her dosing. “Smoking and vaping is so much easier for me to track my dosage,” she says, “because the effects hit you right away. You’ll know in a maximum of sometimes 15 minutes how you feel. For me, it's the easiest way to figure out dosing, because you know exactly what you're getting, and it won't last as long as an edible.”\n\nRELATED: [HOW TO FIND YOUR IDEAL CANNABIS DOSE](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dosage)\n\n### 4. Pay Attention to How You Feel After Consuming Marijuana\n\nPaying close attention to how you feel after consuming marijuana is the only way to know if you need to increase or decrease your dose next time. \n\nRyan G., HelloMD’s customer service manager counsels people experimenting with marijuana dosing. “I would wait for a feeling in my head—you can feel that head change. I would add another 10 minutes and then see how you feel.” \n\nRyan admits it’s not always a straightforward process. “Sometimes it's hard to figure it all out, so you just sort of wait until you feel a little something different and pay attention to that feeling.”\n\nAnother foolproof way to review your marijuana doses and how you feel after taking them is with a cannabis journal. Especially if you end up taking too much THC, having a journal to look back on with all the important details will save you repeating an unpleasant experience in the future. \n\nRELATED: [JOURNALING YOUR WAY TO THE BEST CANNABIS EXPERIENCE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b46588b8904b90007731ad3/journaling-your-way-to-the-best-cannabis-experience)\n\n### 5. Make Peace With the Fact That at Some Point You’ll Take Too Much Cannabis \n\n“I think one of the things when you're trying to find your ideal cannabis dose is that you're going to get too high at some point,” Danielle says. “It’s something that just happens; it’s part of using cannabis as a tool for health and wellness. Of course, there are microdosing products you can take to avoid taking too much, but inevitably you're going to mess up and be too high.” \n\nDanielle’s advice? “Just make peace with that and enjoy it.”\n\nAs much as we’d like to be able to tell you to take a specific amount of marijuana to feel a certain way, that’s not how cannabis works. Everyone’s different and so finding your right marijuana dose means that this is a process of trial and error. There will probably be times that you take more cannabis than you feel comfortable with. \n\n“Just remember,” says Bart, “that feeling you don’t like will go away soon.”\n\n### 6. Think Ahead About What You Need if You Take Too Much Marijuana\n\nWhen trying to find your ideal marijuana dose, Melissa recommends you always do it somewhere you feel comfortable. “If you're experimenting with a new amount of cannabis, be with friends. Don't do it by yourself or be in an uncomfortable place. The last thing you want is to take too much cannabis, get paranoid and be alone,” she says.\n\nDanielle also has some good advice about preparing yourself in the event that you consume too much cannabis: “Think about the things that calm you down or the things that you do to relax when you're not high,” she advises. “Do you watch Netflix? Can you take a bath? Know what to turn to for distraction and comfort. Have an idea of what will calm you down before you consume the cannabis.” \n\n### 7. Keep CBD on Hand to Counteract THC\n\nAnother HelloMD customer service specialist, Veronica B., says, “I didn’t even know before I started working here that cannabidiol (CBD) counteracts the effects of THC. So now I tell cannabis newbies to always have some CBD on hand just in case they take too much THC. The CBD will help the psychoactivity lessen pretty rapidly.”\n\nDanielle also recommends having some CBD handy for that inevitable time you take too much marijuana. “I think it's useful to have a CBD tincture on hand just because I find that if I'm too high, a CBD tincture really helps to even things out.” \n\nFinding the perfect marijuana dose for you will be a personal journey of trial and error. But there are ways to make sure that journey is informative and fun. Let us know in the comments below how you went about finding your ideal marijuana dose.\n\nPhoto credit: [WeedPornDaily](https://www.flickr.com/people/weedporndaily/)\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. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/14b42/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/f836f/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 200w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/2244e/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 400w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/14b42/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 800w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/47498/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/c6327/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.jpg 1466w","srcWebp":"/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/58556/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/61e93/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 200w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/1f5c5/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 400w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/58556/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 800w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/99238/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 1200w,\n/static/ac7c3e93a6bcf7a68fd3ca739d61b1e7/3d11d/c4e9cd586b8c5ebc3ab055aa3438e6d7.webp 1466w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2845-markdown","title":"All About Topical CBD & How it Sinks Into the Skin ","slug":"all-about-topical-cbd-and-how-it-sinks-into-the-skin","content":"When people think about cannabis, they usually imagine someone smoking a joint or eating a pot brownie, not rubbing a non-psychoactive marijuana-infused lotion on their skin. But the cannabis space is changing rapidly, and using cannabidiol (CBD) topicals is a growing trend. \n\nWhile topical CBD can offer significant and targeted relief from pain, inflammation and skin irritation, one thing it won’t do is cause psychoactive effects, especially if it's made from hemp. So, it’s no wonder that more and more folks are switching over to this nonintoxicating and easy-to-use cannabis option. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What Is Topical CBD? \n\nTopicals are a form of cannabis that’s increasing in popularity. You may have come across some marijuana topicals that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But the cannabis topicals that are available nationwide are made with hemp-derived CBD and virtually no THC. \n\nThese cannabis preparations are designed to be used on the skin, rather than eaten, smoked or vaporized. From simple lotions, creams, oils and balms to more inventive products like mud masks, there are many ways to apply CBD to the skin. \n\nRELATED: [DIY RECIPE: KOREAN-STYLE CBD BRIGHTENING FACE MASK](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ba93c6028d6e8000971f82d/diy-recipe-korean-style-cbd-brightening-face-mask)\n\n### How Topical CBD Works\n\nCBD topicals work differently from other cannabis preparations, because the cannabinoids don’t make their way into the bloodstream. Instead, the cannabinoids are applied externally, where they’re able to permeate the skin. This allows the cannabinoids to access and activate specific receptors found in the body called CB2 receptors.  \n\nThere are CB2 receptors throughout the body, which can activate the body’s natural ability to regulate problems like pain and inflammation. The body produces chemicals called endocannabinoids that can activate the CB2 receptors. But phytocannabinoids—cannabinoids produced by plants—found in the cannabis plant can also regulate and alleviate imbalances in the body. CBD and THC are two such phytocannabinoids. \n\nWith most cannabis consumption methods like smoking, vaping or eating cannabis, the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream and affect the entire system. But topical marijuana application restricts the effects to the area it was applied. So rather than working systematically, topical applications let you focus in on a particular part of the body and concentrate the cannabinoids in one place. \n\nIt also means that you can’t get high from marijuana topicals, even if you apply ones that contain THC. Without the ability to enter the bloodstream, these topical cannabinoids won’t affect your mind.  \n\nThe one exception is cannabis transdermal patches; these patches are designed to permeate the bloodstream. But cannabis lotions, creams and balms do not. So, marijuana transdermal patches, which contain THC, could result in psychoactive effects. \n\n### How CBD Works Inside the Body\n\nOf course, taking CBD doesn’t make you feel high whether you use it topically or ingest it. Part of this is because of how CBD interacts with the body. Rather than bind directly to cannabinoid receptors like THC does, CBD interacts with an enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). This enzyme breaks down and removes the natural endocannabinoids available to the body. \n\nBut CBD can actually stop this process of breaking down endocannabinoids. What this means is it helps preserve the naturally occurring endocannabinoids in our body. Since these endocannabinoids are a natural part of our system, they can help relieve various conditions from general pain to headaches. \n\n### How to Get Started With Topical CBD\n\nCurious about trying topical CBD for yourself? It’s easy to use and can help with a wide range of conditions and symptoms including:\n\n* Pain\n* Tension\n* Inflammation\n* Headaches\n* Cramps\n\nPerhaps the most common use for topical marijuana preparations is treating localized pain and tension from an injury or chronic pain site. Because individuals can focus the topical on the painful area, it’s an efficient and fast-acting delivery mechanism. CBD topicals give maximum cannabinoid exposure to the sprained, tense, bruised or otherwise tender or painful area, while not diverting critical cannabinoids to the rest of the body. \n\nTopical CBD can also bring relief to painful places by reducing inflammation. Whether the pain is from an injury or a chronic condition like arthritis, inflammation is often a major contributor. While the science is limited on topical CBD due to restrictions on researching cannabis, both patient anecdotes and the scientific data support the idea that topical CBD can help reduce inflammation. \n\nIn one study from the University of Kentucky, scientists showed that [locally applied CBD topicals could bring down inflammation and relieve pain for arthritic rats](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26517407).\n\nPatients also report helpful effects from using CBD topicals when dealing with skin issues like: \n\n* Psoriasis\n* Dermatitis\n* Itching\n* Skin tags\n\nRegular application seems to reduce these skin symptoms, and relieve the pain and irritation associated with them. This may be in part due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects. \n\nTo try using CBD topicals yourself, first find a [CBD topical](https://www.hellomd.com/products?category=Topicals) that’s well suited to your needs. There are a wide range of options, so consider factors just like when you’re choosing non-infused lotions and creams. \n\n* Do you like a [thick and heavily moisturizing product like a salve](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5b57979c02f1740001522ea9/cbd-topical-salve)?\n* Would you prefer something [lighter that won’t clog your pores like a spray](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5b57a81602f1740001522f82/relieve-pain-spray)? \n* Are you interested in a [product that’s scented](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5b57bc7802f17400015230d2/elevate-pour-de-corps-spray) for an aromatherapy experience, or do you prefer something unscented? \n\nOnce you’ve found an option that works for you, simply apply the topical to any external area of the body where you’re experiencing pain or inflammation, and wait for the pain relief to take effect. Depending on the person and the condition, it may take 1–48 hours to feel the effects of the CBD working.\n\nSo, if you find it doesn’t help you much at first, keep applying the CBD topical regularly over the next two days, and see if you notice a difference. The effects may not seem dramatic at first, but they can build over the coming days and weeks. Often patients won’t feel a difference to start off with, but will then notice small changes—like less pain—upon waking the next day. \n\nThankfully, CBD comes with very low risk of side effects, so it’s perfectly safe to experiment in this way. In fact, [CBD has been deemed safe, non-psychoactive, non-addictive and without any known negative side effects by the World Health Organization](http://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf).\n\nLet us know what your favorite CBD topical is in the comments below. \n\nPhoto credit: [Paulina Paukshtite](https://www.pexels.com/@kpaukshtite)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/14b42/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/f836f/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.jpg 200w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/2244e/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.jpg 400w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/14b42/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.jpg 800w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/47498/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/0e329/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/b1563/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.jpg 3677w","srcWebp":"/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/58556/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/61e93/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.webp 200w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/1f5c5/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.webp 400w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/58556/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.webp 800w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/99238/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.webp 1200w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/7c22d/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.webp 1600w,\n/static/cd9ff476ee5dcf7a73858cc641921f19/0a913/8a31a260897475f5df443fbf911ef2eb.webp 3677w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2843-markdown","title":"Consumption Methods Affect How Much Cannabis You Absorb","slug":"consumption-methods-affect-how-much-cannabis-you-absorb","content":"If you smoke or vape cannabis, you can feel the effects almost immediately. But you’ve probably noticed that nibbling on a cannabis-infused cookie can take much longer to kick in. \n\nThe [effectiveness of cannabis can vary greatly depending on how it’s consumed](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16237477). So, getting the right amount of marijuana for the effect you’re looking for can be tricky. Differences in the way cannabis is consumed can make a big difference in its bioavailability—in other words, how quickly and completely cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) become available to the body for their desired effects.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Bioavailability Is the Key to Cannabis Benefits\n\nThe term bioavailability was coined in the pharmaceutical industry to describe the rate and speed at which a given drug is taken up by the body and has its desired effects. \n\nSince then, people use it in connection with consumed substances, even foods. But a given substance doesn’t automatically have its full effect on the body once it’s consumed. Many factors can affect how long it takes for the substance to kick in. And whether that effect is weaker or stronger than it should be—or just right.\n\nVarious factors can affect the bioavailability of a substance, including cannabis, such as a person’s:\n\n* Age\n* Weight\n* Overall health \n\nThen there are circumstantial factors, such as whether:\n\n* The substance is taken with or without food\n* It’s consumed early or late in the day\n* The person is also taking compatible or incompatible foods and drugs\n\nOne of the most important factors affecting a substance’s bioavailability though, is the way it’s consumed. And this is an extra important consideration when you’re taking cannabis, since there are so many different consumption methods.\n\nSmoking may be the most familiar way to consume cannabis, but other consumption methods include:\n\n* [Vaping](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a1f473a100a820006562eb3/the-ins-and-outs-of-vaping-medical-marijuana)\n* [Dabbing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a4fd8fc100a820006562f52/why-do-some-patients-dab-medical-marijuana)\n* [Eating](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a567e8fc7e0180007a7826c/consuming-cannabis-edibles-to-improve-your-health)\n* [Consuming marijuana sublingually](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a6682498425e40008273a36/getting-the-most-out-of-using-sublingual-cannabis)\n* [Applying a transdermal patch to your skin](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ad50ee7049b4f000a64e872/cannabis-transdermal-patches-medicate-through-your-skin)\n\nEach of these methods brings essential cannabinoids such as THC and CBD into the bloodstream and eventually to the brain. But they take different routes to get there, and this can affect how much THC or CBD becomes available for use—and how quickly the effects can be felt. \n\n### Variations in Bioavailability Can Make Accurate Cannabis Dosing Difficult\n\nBecause so many factors can affect the bioavailability of cannabinoids, it can be hard to get the right amount for your purposes. For example, [it’s important to consume some kind of fat, such as butter or coconut oil](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b4fbaf58904b90007731b33/why-you-need-to-eat-fat-with-your-cannabis), with cannabis edibles, because cannabis is fat soluble. This means fat molecules can better transport cannabinoids into the bloodstream. \n\nWithout fat, the body isn’t able to fully take up the cannabis, so the plant’s effects could be much weaker than if it had been eaten with a bit of fat or oil. And if a person who usually vapes cannabis for a medical condition switches to edibles, they may be frustrated by the lag time in feeling its effects and be tempted to take more.\n\nGiven the many different cannabis strains and their varying potency, and the multitude of other variables in each person’s life, it can be difficult to calculate the right dose of cannabis for a particular health condition. \n\nIn general, however, knowing a little about how cannabis is processed and used by the body can help you decide what form—and what amount—can work best for you. \n\nHere’s a rundown of the many methods of using cannabis and what’s known about the bioavailability of each.\n\n### Smoking & Vaping Marijuana Bring Cannabinoids Directly Into the Lungs & Then the Bloodstream\n\nSmoking and vaping cannabis are among the fastest ways to feel the effects of THC and CBD. This is because inhaling cannabis brings cannabinoid molecules directly into the small capillaries in the lungs, and from there directly into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they can travel directly to the brain and other parts of the body that contain cannabinoid receptors for an effect that can be felt within minutes.\n\nThe kind of cannabis strain or the way it’s delivered can also influence the effects of inhaled cannabis. Smoking involves combustion—burning the leaves and buds of the cannabis plant itself. But although vaping and dabbing avoid the toxins produced by combustion, they involve more concentrated forms of cannabis such as oils and dabs.\n\nIn general, inhaled cannabis has a typical bioavailability of up to 56%. What this means is that 56% of the active ingredients become available to the body.\n\n### Cannabinoids From Marijuana Edibles Don’t Make it to the Bloodstream\n\nCannabis edibles are more popular than ever, and new infused foods are appearing on the market all the time. But while getting your cannabis with candies or cookies can be tasty and fun, this can be among the least effective ways to absorb a significant amount of cannabinoids.\n\nThat’s because of a phenomenon called the first-pass metabolism. Before cannabinoids can get into the bloodstream, they must take a “first pass” through the digestive system, which strips out many of the available cannabinoids and accounts for the lag time in feeling their effects. \n\nLike many other substances, the liver processes cannabinoids, where [a select set of enzymes converts them to a usable form](https://www.projectcbd.org/science/cannabis-pharmacology/cbd-drug-interactions-role-cytochrome-p450). From there, fat molecules can help transport the cannabinoids into the bloodstream and on to the brain and other tissues.\n\nBut a large percentage of the cannabis in an edible is destroyed in the journey, or simply excreted. This makes the average bioavailability of marijuana edibles hover between 4–12%. \n\nRELATED: [COOKING WITH CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56f9cbe5eb647f000800007f/cooking-with-cannabis)\n\n### Marijuana Sublinguals, Lozenges & Drinks Take Effect Quickly via the Mouth’s Mucous Membranes\n\nAlthough sublingual drops and tinctures, lozenges and cannabis-infused drinks could technically be considered edibles, these forms of cannabis are somewhat different. They take a very different—and much faster—route for delivering cannabinoids to the bloodstream: the mucous membranes of the mouth.\n\nBecause areas such as the base of the tongue, the cheek and the roof of the mouth are highly permeable, cannabis products that come directly in contact with them don’t have to pass through the digestive system and liver in order to become bioavailable. \n\nThe most permeable area of the mouth is under the tongue, which is why sublingual cannabis preparations are among the fastest and most effective ways to get a consistent dose of cannabinoids. After that, lozenges held against the cheek or roof of the mouth can also deliver cannabis quickly and consistently. \n\nOverall, oral cannabis preparations have a typical bioavailability of 50–75%.\n\n### Cannabis Transdermal Patches Provide Long-Lasting Relief\n\nTransdermal patches can deliver consistent therapeutic doses of cannabinoids while avoiding the first pass slowdown of the digestive system. Though there isn’t much research on the bioavailability of transdermals, patches can deliver a consistent dose of cannabinoids for long periods of time, usually between eight and 12 hours.\n\nUnlike many other kinds of medications, cannabis comes in a variety of forms, each with its own way of providing its effects. Knowing how cannabinoids like THC and CBD work with your body’s processes can help you find the cannabis consumption method that works best for you.\n\nPhoto credit: [Grav](https://unsplash.com/@grav)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b8882d88dd0720008373fcf/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/14b42/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/f836f/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.jpg 200w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/2244e/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.jpg 400w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/14b42/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.jpg 800w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/47498/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/0e329/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.jpg 1600w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/df038/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.jpg 3670w","srcWebp":"/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/58556/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/61e93/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.webp 200w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/1f5c5/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.webp 400w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/58556/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.webp 800w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/99238/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.webp 1200w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/7c22d/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.webp 1600w,\n/static/a02bd9583619bdeb7694d994e4ec1613/9122a/814d94139c4bb7f73c055efc19d7db4d.webp 3670w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2839-markdown","title":"Indica & Sativa: Do These Cannabis Labels Mean Anything? ","slug":"indica-and-sativa-do-these-cannabis-labels-mean-anything","content":"Long ago, cannabis plants grew wild, in regions as far-flung as the Mongolian steppes and the monsoon-soaked hills of Thailand. The plant adapted to its location, gradually morphing into two separate members of the cannabis family: _Cannabis indica_ and _Cannabis sativa_. Botanists identified the two cannabis varieties over 250 years ago. Then, many years later, they identified a third species—the non-psychoactive _Cannabis ruderalis_.\n\nBotanists aren’t in agreement about the geographical origins of cannabis, but it appears that early humans used cannabis as a source of:\n\n* Food\n* Oil\n* Paper\n* Fiber\n* Spiritual enrichment\n* Medicine\n\nSince then, everything has changed. The explosion of cannabis cultivation and the belief that different strains result in different effects has elevated the conversation about the variations between indica and sativa marijuana strains. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nBut what’s the science behind the differences in the two varieties? And should you still rely on these two labels when choosing cannabis products for your specific needs? \n\n### Cannabis Sativa: Long, Lean & Loves the Rain \n\nGenerally speaking, people consume sativa strains when they’re looking for energizing, uplifting effects. Normally, folks report that after consuming a sativa marijuana strain, they feel happier, more open to socializing and their senses are enhanced. \n\nVisually, _Cannabis sativa_ plants are associated with lanky, tall plants sporting the classic, narrow leaves often associated with cannabis art. They continue to be the winners of height competitions, regularly growing over 10 feet tall and more than capable of growing twice that.\n\nSativa-dominant buds sometimes present as lengthier and fluffier, and it’s not unusual for the flowers to display colors ranging toward the orange spectrum.\n\nSativas were originally bred for their size, but they take longer to mature. So that’s just  one of the reasons breeders began to hybridize these plants. This commercialization and industrialization changed the trajectory of the plant forever.\n\n### Cannabis Indica: Bushy, Hardy & Tough \n\nTraditionally, cannabis consumers turn to indica strains when they’re looking for sedative effects to help ease pain and insomnia.\n\n_Cannabis indica_ developed in colder climates—hence the variety’s strikingly different characteristics from its tropics-loving cousin. Indica-dominant plants are generally shorter and stockier, with broader leaves than sativa strains. It’s not unusual to see mature, indica-dominant strains less than five feet tall, with each branch producing bicep-sized, extremely dense, compact buds. \n\nBefore crossbreeding took the cannabis world by storm, indica buds were prized for their dense structure and tendency to present with bluish to purple hues. But color alone doesn’t identify one species from another, as sativas grown in cooler climates may also express beautiful, indigo hues.\n\nAdapting to harsher conditions in Afghanistan, Morocco and yes, the Hindu Kush mountains, indica species became sought after for their high concentrations of resin that protected them from the elements. \n\nBecause they often handle adverse weather conditions better than their tropical sisters do, indica-dominant marijuana strains became a go-to for farmers and breeders living in the nation’s largest cannabis-producing region: the Emerald Triangle, in Northern California. There it’s not unusual to have rain or even snow pummel mature plants at the height of an October harvest.\n\n### Cannabis Genetics 101: Landrace Strains & Crossbreeding \n\nIn the U.S., cannabis farming developed in places with more favorable climates, as many parts of the country were too cold or hot to reliably grow the plants. Seeds were initially smuggled into the country by intrepid travelers and military veterans who found relief from the rigors of battle with Afghani Hash or Thai Stick. \n\nLandrace cannabis strains are defined as those that have never been crossed with any other strains. They’re often identified by their country of origin—Hindu Kush or Panama Red. \n\nAnother way to think of landrace strains is equivalent to the grandmother of today’s varieties. Though aficionados may quibble about which strains qualify as landrace, some that are often associated with landrace strains include:\n\n* Thai\n* Durban Poison\n* Acapulco Gold\n* Lamb’s Bread\n* Afghani\n\n### You’ve Been Told You Need an Indica Marijuana Strain for Relaxation, But Is That Really True? \n\nIt’s the landrace strains that are progenitors of some of the most beloved, popular strains today—but as time moves on, they’re becoming harder to find. Folks often seek out a true sativa or indica cannabis strain based on a belief that an indica- or sativa-dominant marijuana strain will more reliably possess the results they want. \n\nBut really, it’s the _chemotype_—the combination of cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) along with the terpene profile—that is often the better determiner of a strain’s effects, and not whether it’s labeled as an indica or sativa strain. \n\nUsing your nose may be a better way to find marijuana strains that work for you. A citrusy-smelling strain contains the terpene limonene and is likely to make you feel energized and upbeat. Meanwhile, cannabis with a peppery, woody aroma carries the terpene beta-caryophyllene, which may help you reduce pain and inflammation. \n\nThough your friendly cannabis concierge may ask if you prefer an indica or sativa strain, take the time to investigate the flower’s cannabinoid and terpene profiles. These days, reputable marijuana brands and retailers will tell you as much about how much linalool is in your bud as there is THC. \n\nBut for now, it’s most likely that you’ll encounter hybrid marijuana strains when you’re ready to make a purchase. Some can be more sativa-dominant like:\n\n* Blue Dream\n* Sour Diesel\n* White Widow\n* Purple Haze\n\nOr you can also find hybrids that are more indica-leaning like: \n\n* GSC\n* Northern Lights\n* Granddaddy Purple\n\nAnd just for fun, if Panama Red shows up where you buy your marijuana flower, give it a try—and tip your hat to those brave souls who brought these amazing strains across the world, changing it in the process.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 index of articles. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQFA//EABYBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIAAf/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABNJzDDxPMv//EABsQAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhAREhMh/9oACAEBAAEFAsrEcbovh//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQMBAT8BP//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQIBAT8BP//EABQQAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACD/2gAIAQEABj8CX//EABoQAAMAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESExUbH/2gAIAQEAAT8htsekFyGiTY4mtmFFP//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQwN//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARH/2gAIAQMBAT8QbX//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQEf/aAAgBAgEBPxCn/8QAGxABAAICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARITFBYXH/2gAIAQEAAT8QS1500SyDiHiVpgzIAr2YinXPcEgbSrEsZTzon//Z","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/14b42/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/f836f/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.jpg 200w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/2244e/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.jpg 400w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/14b42/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.jpg 800w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/47498/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/0e329/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.jpg 1600w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/f3453/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.jpg 3974w","srcWebp":"/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/58556/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/61e93/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.webp 200w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/1f5c5/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.webp 400w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/58556/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.webp 800w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/99238/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.webp 1200w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/7c22d/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.webp 1600w,\n/static/d14eaacdd59abc641f577d8009195ee2/8b871/f1bde85a52d89355c50110ccea6d255c.webp 3974w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2826-markdown","title":"5 Easy Ways to Be a Green Cannabis Consumer","slug":"5-easy-ways-to-be-a-green-cannabis-consumer","content":"Many Americans are now taking a closer look at their lives and wondering how they can be more environmentally conscious. The label “green” came into use as part of this renewed focus on environmental issues. But now it can sometimes feel like just a marketing buzzword to boost sales.\n\nStill, things like buying products with minimal packaging, remembering to bring reusable bags to the grocery store and switching to nontoxic cleaning supplies are all small ways everyday Americans can do their part. For cannabis consumers, there are sustainable decisions to be made when buying cannabis, too—being a conscious shopper shouldn’t end at the grocery store.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nIt’s a simple truth that not all cannabis products are created equal. Some marijuana brands go the extra mile to create truly sustainable options for cannabis consumers and medical marijuana patients. These brands think critically about the way they cultivate cannabis, the ingredients they add to the marijuana and the materials they use to package the final product. \n\nIf you’re interested in becoming a green cannabis consumer, here are some helpful tips to find these kinds of brands and marijuana products. \n\nRELATED: [LEGALIZATION ENCOURAGES SUSTAINABLE MARIJUANA FARMING](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b69f2c2a1805500087dba4f/legalization-encourages-sustainable-marijuana-farming)\n\n### 1. Do Your Research When it Comes to Cannabis Brands\n\nBeing a truly green cannabis consumer takes some due diligence. It’s not always easy to identify a sustainable product unless you know what to look for. No matter what type of product you’re in the market for, chances are there’s a green brand out there working hard to keep its products as sustainable as possible.\n\nHopefully, it’s paying close attention to farming techniques, pesticides, recyclable packaging and more. But it can take research to find out who’s walking the walk and not just touting sustainability for marketing purposes. \n\nBefore you head into a dispensary or make your next online order, spend a few minutes researching cannabis brands that place an emphasis on sustainability. Read through company mission statements and make sure the process used to make its products backs up that mission; take the time to understand the brand’s cultivation, extraction and pesticide policies. \n\n### 2. Pay Attention to Marijuana Product Packaging\n\nWhen it comes to being a green consumer, start with the outside and move your way in. It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients you’re putting into your body, but it’s also important to pay attention to the packaging. \n\nWe can’t overlook the impact that packaging alone has on the environment. Humans consume more than two million tons of packaging every year, and only [a miniscule percentage of recyclable packaging actually makes its way to a recycling center](https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/programmes/systemic-initiatives/new-plastics-economy/2016-report)—estimates are as low as 14%. Packaging waste floats in our seas, lines our beaches and landfills, and [plastic microparticles even make their way into the fish we eat](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05828-6).\n\nSo, when you’re looking for a cannabis product to bring home, find one with minimal packaging, preferably made with biodegradable materials. Keep an eye out for recyclable cardboard or hemp packaging, and always choose glass over plastic. \n\nThis isn’t a hard and fast rule, but generally speaking, when a company spends the time and money on sustainable packaging, it’s a good sign that the product inside was made with the same values. \n\n### 3. Pay Attention to What Your Cannabis Product’s Made From\n\nNow to move one level deeper. It’s important to consider what materials are used to make the actual cannabis product, considering these materials are likely to end up in a landfill eventually, too.\n\nTake, for example, shopping for a new vaporizer pen and cartridge. Most vaporizer and concentrate companies use nonrecyclable materials that are cheap and easy to manufacture, not thinking twice about the environmental impact. Instead of going for the easiest option, look for a vaporizer pen made of recyclable steel, ceramic or plastic. \n\nIf you love single-use, disposable vaporizer pens, find a company that has a recycling program or at least uses upcycled materials. And when it comes to cartridges, avoid those made from cheap plastics completely.  \n\n### 4. Carefully Scan the Ingredients List of Your Cannabis Product\n\nGo another layer deeper still to consider the ingredients in your marijuana product. Perhaps it doesn’t need to be repeated, but it’s vitally important to take inventory of what’s going into your body.\n\nWhile the cannabis industry is advancing quickly, and new cannabis laws put quality restrictions and testing requirements in place, not all products are created equal. Taking a moment to look over the ingredient list before purchasing can save you from inhaling or otherwise consuming solvents and potentially harmful chemicals.\n\nThere’s no federal organic designation for cannabis. This would require the federal government to provide cannabis growers with best practices for cultivating sustainable marijuana. And as we all know, the feds still see marijuana as a dangerous, illegal drug. \n\nSo instead of looking for a USDA organic label like many shoppers are used to doing at the grocery store, cannabis shoppers can look for keywords like:\n\n* pesticide-free \n* solvent-free \n* sustainable farming practices \n\nJust because cannabis itself can’t receive an organic designation doesn’t preclude other ingredients in the product from being certified organic. When buying a marijuana edible or topical, look for those that use natural and organic ingredients. Avoid products with hard-to-pronounce chemicals and additives, opting instead for ones with real, organic food ingredients and essential oils.\n\n### 5. Always Ask for Marijuana Lab Test Results\n\nAs the saying goes: Trust but verify. State cannabis programs make it easier than ever to find out exactly what’s in marijuana products that are sold. This way you can make sure during cultivation and processing, no chemicals harmed the environment—and none will harm your body, either.\n\nUnder California’s recently enacted Adult Use law, [all marijuana products must be lab tested](https://www.bcc.ca.gov/law_regs/cannabis_text.pdf) for: \n\n* Quality\n* Contaminants\n* Pesticides\n* Residual solvents\n\nEven quality, hemp-derived CBD brands, which are available nationwide, will test their products for these things and more. Most brands make the results of these tests available on the product packaging itself or on their website.\n\nSome even employ a QR code on the packaging that, when scanned, will take you straight to the test results of that specific batch. If you want to know exactly what’s in your cannabis, check the lab tests first. \n\nBeing a more conscious and sustainable cannabis consumer is possible with just a few simple steps. Before you buy another cannabis product, take time to research sustainable marijuana brands, consider the packaging, scan the ingredients list and always ask for lab test results. \n\nPhoto credit: [Sharon McCutcheon](https://unsplash.com/@sharonmccutcheon)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b8882d88dd0720008373fcf/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/14b42/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/f836f/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.jpg 200w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/2244e/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.jpg 400w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/14b42/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.jpg 800w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/47498/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/0e329/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.jpg 1600w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/5c00c/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.jpg 5200w","srcWebp":"/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/58556/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/61e93/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.webp 200w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/1f5c5/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.webp 400w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/58556/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.webp 800w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/99238/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.webp 1200w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/7c22d/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.webp 1600w,\n/static/0aa2c9d12d9e077873e297600278d599/13069/5094be3debcc438a5ecd73117f3bc2f1.webp 5200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2824-markdown","title":"How Cannabinoids & Terpenes Work Better Together","slug":"how-cannabinoids-and-terpenes-work-better-together","content":"In its natural state, the marijuana plant contains over 480 known natural chemicals. Some of those are cannabinoids, the active compounds responsible for marijuana’s medicinal and recreational effects. _Cannabis sativa_ also contains 120 known terpenes—the oils that give many kinds of plants their distinctive fragrances. \n\nBoth kinds of compounds produce a variety of beneficial effects on their own, but studies suggest—and cannabis consumers confirm—that when cannabinoids and terpenes work together, these effects are more potent. This synergy has been called the “[entourage effect](https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/11/health/gupta-marijuana-entourage/index.html)”—and it can explain why “whole plant medicine” is more effective in treating many health conditions than either terpenes or cannabinoids alone.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Cannabinoids: What Exactly Do They Do? \n\nCannabis is an intricate plant, rich in a variety of different cannabinoid compounds that bind to the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found throughout the body in a network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). And they’re triggered not only by the natural cannabinoid chemicals produced by the body, but also by ones from external sources, such as cannabis.  \n\nBecause cannabinoids from cannabis bind to endocannabinoid receptors, they can affect neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for mood, memory, cognition and more. That’s why psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can produce euphoria and reduce anxiety. Meanwhile, non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) can trigger immune responses and reduce inflammation throughout the body.  \n\nBut THC and CBD are only the best-known and most thoroughly studied of marijuana’s many compounds. Others include:\n\n* [Cannabigerol (CBG)](https://hellomd.com/articles/beyond-thc-and-cbd-what-you-need-to-know-about-cbc-cbn-and-cbg)\n* [Cannabinol (CBN)](https://hellomd.com/articles/having-trouble-sleeping-try-non-psychoactive-cbn)\n* [Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)](https://hellomd.com/articles/psychoactive-thcv-the-cannabinoid-that-kills-your-appetite)\n\nThere are many lesser compounds that turn up in varying amounts in different cannabis strains and whose individual effects aren’t clearly known. \n\n### Terpenes: Important Oils With Therapeutic Benefits\n\nTerpenes are produced by the resin glands of many plants, not just cannabis—and they’re even found in a few insects. These oily substances are responsible for the distinctive smells and tastes that characterize different plants and trees. \n\nTake limonene, a terpene that adds a lemony scent not only to lemons themselves but also to other fruits, some spices, and a variety of cleaning products as well as some strains of cannabis. \n\nAnd then there’s [pinene, a very common terpene that accounts for the smell of pine trees](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b84822681fea20008e62ba0/know-your-terpenes-pinene) and a variety of spices as well as industrial and cleaning products. \n\nSome marijuana strains contain limonene and pinene, too. Each cannabis strain has a long list of other terpenes that are both major (showing up frequently and in relatively large quantities in many cannabis strains) and minor (less common terpenes whose value isn’t precisely known).\n\nMany terpenes are even considered food grade, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated them as generally safe for consumption. But studies on the properties of terpenes reveal that some have healing benefits, too.\n\nLike cannabinoids, terpenes can bind with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, and they can also act directly on tissues and cells in the immune system. \n\nFor example, pinene can damp down responses in the body’s pain receptors, so that it reduces pain and discomfort from disorders such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. As for limonene, it’s been shown to reduce anxiety, fight fungal infections and improve respiratory function. \n\nTerpenes can also work with each other. Some studies suggest that limonene and pinene can work together to combat viral infections. Meanwhile, a form of pinene called beta-pinene appears to boost the production of myrcene, another terpene that reduces resistance in the blood brain barrier. \n\n### Cannabinoids & Terpenes: A Complex Partnership\n\nBoth the cannabinoids THC and CBD are available in isolated forms, and so are terpenes. You can buy isolated terpene extracts to add to foods. You could even add them to cannabis and marijuana products. \n\nBut research over the past few decades seems to suggest that consumers feel the [maximum effect of cannabinoids and terpenes when they’re consumed together](https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x) in their natural state. This synergy among various combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids is the reason why many medicinal cannabis experts advocate for whole plant medicine, rather than taking specific compounds in isolation.\n\n### Is the Entourage Effect Real?\n\nIn the 1980s, scientists created a drug called Marinol, a synthetic form of THC designed to boost the appetite of people undergoing chemotherapy treatments. But although Marinol has been widely available by prescription since then, many people seeking its benefits have turned instead to cannabis itself. Patients say that they feel better and get better results from consuming some form of the whole plant.\n\nAfter Marinol, researchers came out with an oromucosal spray called Sativex, another synthesized cannabis product intended to ease the muscle spasms that come with multiple sclerosis. Sativex is a combination of THC and CBD, but it lacks all of the other compounds found in the whole cannabis plant. And, again, a number of patients say they prefer to consume the whole plant instead of taking these compounds in isolation.  \n\nAll of this seems to suggest that the power of the entourage effect is real. But because of restrictions on cannabis research, studies on this effect have been limited. But cannabis consumers attest to the benefits of taking cannabis in its natural form over synthetic extracts, and some of the relatively little research on the entourage effect seems able to support their claims.\n\nStill, [some research finds little evidence for the entourage effect](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/some-of-the-parts-is-marijuana-rsquo-s-ldquo-entourage-effect-rdquo-scientifically-valid/). These studies usually point to the need for more extensive studies to determine which combinations of cannabis compounds and cannabis-terpene combinations might produce specific effects. This, say some researchers, could open doors to a new era of designer cannabis products, with specific cannabis-terpene mixtures that could be fine-tuned to suit individual needs.\n\n### Whole Plant Cannabis Medicine Has It All \n\nIsolated cannabis compounds appear in a variety of products, and these have their own benefits. For example, CBD-only formulations can have a wide range of beneficial effects for a long list of health conditions and don’t produce psychoactive effects.\n\nAnd for anyone interested in consuming a specific terpene, they can buy that terpene extract and add it to cannabis products or food to get a specific effect. \n\nBut because the complex interactions among the hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis still aren’t thoroughly understood, cannabis advocates recommend consuming cannabis in its whole, natural state whenever possible to get the full benefit of its many healthful effects.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b8882d88dd0720008373fcf/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/14b42/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/f836f/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.jpg 200w,\n/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/2244e/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.jpg 400w,\n/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/14b42/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.jpg 800w,\n/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/47498/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/37d86/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.jpg 1500w","srcWebp":"/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/58556/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/61e93/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.webp 200w,\n/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/1f5c5/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.webp 400w,\n/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/58556/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.webp 800w,\n/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/99238/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.webp 1200w,\n/static/a377ee13e997bf466b26e65019d63d21/90fb1/ff8f809bfeb3a5db1d2d31ee399a4581.webp 1500w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2823-markdown","title":"Picking the Right Cannabis Vape: What You Should Know ","slug":"picking-the-right-cannabis-vape-what-you-should-know","content":"In the market for a new vape pen or desktop vaporizer? Good thinking. Vaping cannabis is generally better for your health than smoking it is. And that’s because of one thing: combustion.\n\nWhen you smoke cannabis, you’re applying heat in the form of a direct flame to flower or concentrate. This heat turns the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in raw cannabis into tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This process, known as decarboxylation, is needed for cannabis flower or concentrate to produce the psychoactive effects cannabis is known for. However, the high heat of combustion may also release compounds that pose a risk to your health. \n\nBecause of this, health-conscious cannabis consumers have turned to vaporization, which uses a lower heat to decarboxylate cannabis, creating a vapor—instead of smoke—that you then inhale. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nIn today’s cannabis world, there are more vaping options than ever. How do you know what to choose? Don’t worry. We’re here to help. We’ll go over conduction and convection; two different heating methods that you should consider. And we’ll brief you on different heating elements, so you’ll be off to a good start in your search for the perfect vaporizer. \n\n### What’s a Conduction Vaporizer? \n\nVaporizers heat cannabis in two different ways: conduction and convection. In conduction vaporizers, cannabis is heated via direct contact with a hot surface, but the surface never gets hot enough to combust the cannabis—hopefully. \n\nMost portable vape pens are conduction vaporizers. This is because they don’t take long to heat up, have a simple design that makes them easy to maintain and can be made at an affordable price point. \n\n#### The Pros of Conduction Vaporizers\n  \n* Heat up faster\n* Less maintenance\n* Good price point\n\n#### The Cons of Conduction Vaporizers \n\n* Uneven heating\n* Little temperature control \n* Harsher vapor \n\nThe downside to conduction vaporizers is that many of them don’t heat cannabis evenly. Typically, the heating element only touches one part of the cannabis, meaning you sometimes have to shake or stir the material, so it can come into contact with the heat source. \n\nAdditionally, these devices usually lack temperature controls. Without these controls, you run the risk of the vaporizer getting too hot, leading to some combustion and a harsher vapor that can be harder on your lungs.\n\nVape pens often contain additives like propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. These thinning agents are safe for consumption at lower temperatures, but at higher heat (around 446 degrees F), they can [transform into carcinogenic chemicals like formaldehyde](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2016.0337). While there’s still debate on how applicable these studies are to real life, you may want to play it safe and have a vaporizer that lets you keep temperatures at lower levels.  \n\nThere are conduction vaporizers with temperature controls like the PAX Era and PAX 3. These vape pens boast temperature control settings that you can operate via your smartphone, and they have a lock feature that prevents them from being operated by any unwanted consumers.\n\n### What’s a Convection Vaporizer? \n\nWhile conduction vaporizers decarboxylate cannabis via contact with a direct heat source, convection vaporizers heat up the air around your cannabis. Convection vaporizers were developed in response to many of the challenges brought up by conduction vaporizers. \n\n#### The Pros of Convection Vaporizers\n \n* Even heating \n* Precise temperature control \n* Cleaner vapor\n\n#### The Cons of Convection Vaporizers\n \n* Longer heat up time\n* Expensive\n\nConvection vaporizers require a lot of energy to heat up, so you’ll usually find them in a pricey desktop vaporizer, though there are some portable options. However, you’ll get the benefits of advanced temperature settings, allowing you to consume your cannabis more safely, efficiently and effectively. \n\n### Vaporizer Heating Elements: Metal, Ceramic & Glass\n\nBeyond the heating mechanism, you may also want to consider what material the heating element is made out of. In a conduction or convection vaporizer, the heating element is what causes either the heating surface or air to get hot. Heating elements are typically made out of: \n\n* Metal \n* Ceramic \n* Glass\n\nThere are pros and cons to each type of material. \n\nAluminum and titanium are popular choices for metal heating elements. Both metals conduct heat well and respond easily to temperature changes, making vaporizers with these devices able to control temperatures to a T.\n\nSome folks are wary of metal heating elements, because it’s thought that at high temperature metals can give off substances that can be harmful to your health. However, these claims have no solid scientific basis. In fact, for aluminum to be hot enough to emit any substances, it needs to reach 1220 degrees F—most vaporizers tend to heat around the 400 degree F range. \n\n#### The Pros of Using Metal\n \n* Precise temperature control \n\n#### The Cons of Using Metal\n \n* Tends to be pricier\n* May alter taste of cannabis \n\n### Vaporizer Heating Elements: Ceramic \n\nCeramic is another popular choice for heating elements due to its low cost and ability to withstand higher temperatures than metal. However, ceramic isn’t as good of a conductor as metal is, making temperature harder to control.\n\nSince ceramic vaporizers can be made at a low cost, you should do a bit of research before buying one to make sure you don’t end up with a low-quality product. There are many high-quality ceramic vaporizers on the market like the VapeXhale.  \n\n#### The Pros of Using Ceramic\n\n* Doesn’t alter taste\n* Can achieve hotter temperatures than glass or metal\n\n#### The Cons of Using Ceramic\n\n* Temperature can be hard to control\n* Need to watch out for low-quality products\n\n### Vaporizer Heating Elements: Glass\n\nGlass is pricier than metal and ceramic are, but it’s not necessarily better, so it’s the least popular of the three. However, it’s increasingly popular among dabbers. Glass has many of the same qualities as ceramic does, but it’s more fragile. \n\n#### The Pros of Using Glass\n\n* Good flavor\n* Can withstand hotter temperatures than metal can\n\n#### The Cons of Using Glass\n\n* Temperature can be hard to control\n* Fragile \n\nAll in all, choosing the right vaporizer is a matter of personal preference. Typically, you get what you pay for, and the priciest vaporizers have the best heating elements. It all comes down to how much you’re willing to spend, and what you value in your consumption experience. \n\nPhoto credit: [Finn Gross Maurer](https://unsplash.com/@finnfi)\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-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/14b42/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.jpg","srcSet":"/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/f836f/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.jpg 200w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/2244e/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.jpg 400w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/14b42/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.jpg 800w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/47498/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.jpg 1200w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/0e329/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.jpg 1600w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/5e49b/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.jpg 3635w","srcWebp":"/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/58556/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/61e93/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.webp 200w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/1f5c5/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.webp 400w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/58556/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.webp 800w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/99238/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.webp 1200w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/7c22d/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.webp 1600w,\n/static/200dc5d27a0a244bdcc046eb0fef1842/bbedc/1b24556f07b2be21439e1307cb1f1a58.webp 3635w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2822-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Terpenes Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-terpenes-answered","content":"If you’re up on your cannabis science, you probably already know about cannabinoids: powerful marijuana compounds that can address so much—from anxiety to pain to insomnia. You’re also likely familiar with the two most famous cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). \n\nWhile most of the material out there about marijuana talks about cannabinoids, the plant also contains other chemicals that researchers now think may be just as important in terms of cannabis’s medicinal power: terpenes. \n\nTerpenes are oils produced by the resin glands of many different plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables and cannabis. Terpenes are what give plants their distinct aromas and tastes. They’re also the main ingredient in essential oils and one terpene, [linalool, is widely used to scent shampoos, soaps and lotions](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ab482e6f24d1300077ccb99/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-linalool). \n\nTerpenes are even found in everyday household items. Do you have lemon-scented cleaning products at home? The lemon smell is probably due to [a terpene called limonene](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8e1261f24d1300077ccb5b/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-limonene). \n\nScientists now think that terpenes in marijuana have medicinal applications on their own and that they work with cannabinoids to boost their positive effects. For example, linalool is shown to help with anxiety, stress and seizures. Meanwhile limonene targets depression, bacterial infections and lack of appetite. \n\nSo, what exactly are terpenes? Why are they important? What health conditions can certain terpenes address? What cannabis strains have which terpenes? Here are our three of our most popular questions about terpenes and marijuana. These Q&As come from our [Answers] page where anyone can post a cannabis question, and knowledgeable members of our community give well-informed answers to help you make the best decisions when it comes to taking cannabis to improve your health.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: What are terpenes? Do they matter?\n\nAnswer: \n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhwdpxWJJL8`\n\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/57cdf315a5b652000797f918/what-are-terpenes-do-they-matter).\n\n### Q: What is the difference between cannabinoids and terpenes?\n**_I hear people talk about cannabinoids and I know a little bit about CBD and THC, mainly the difference between them. But what is the difference between terpenes and cannabinoids and why should I care? My budtender has never mentioned terpenes to me when I buy flower from him._**\n\nAnswer: [@mark](https://www.hellomd.com/people/55284b4a6262650003140000/mark) Cannabinoids and terpenes are found in every strain of marijuana and it’s these synergistic elements that create the entourage effect. This means we know that when cannabinoids work in conjunction with terpenes that the sum of the whole is greater than the individual parts. Some argue that when you divorce one element from the rest, that the medicine becomes less effective. No doubt, cannabinoids seem to have a much higher profile in the dialogue surrounding cannabis. This is due to the fact that cannabinoids are more known to create a certain effect such as CBD is a known anti- inflammatory or THC can often treat insomnia by helping you sleep.\n\nTerpenes, however, are connected to the overall aroma and the individual flavors you may taste when you smoke. It’s due to this that terpenes are more often discussed when we are talking about flower, rather than, say, a sublingual spray. Terpenes come from the oils on the cannabis plant and each one yields a different flavor which is why some may be minty and yet others taste like citrus. \n\nThe synergy that happens between cannabinoids and terpenes relate back to the endocannabinoid system in our body. This is the system that is literally built to receive cannabinoids. So, for instance when you inhale THC this binds to unique receptors in your brain stimulating a certain effect. Likewise, terpenes have their own effect. A well-known terpene limonene is known to create a happier mood and decrease a feeling of depression (for some).\n\nThe bottom line is that both are important even though terpenes may be lesser known and not talked about as much. Cannabinoids and terpenes work hand in hand it seems. If you are really interested in knowing what terpenes are in your flower most lab test will reveal this.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS TERPENES PACK A THERAPEUTIC PUNCH](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99e9f4f24d1300077ccb6f/cannabis-terpenes-pack-a-therapeutic-punch)\n\n### Q: What is linalool and is it something I should look for in the cannabis that I buy?\n\nAnswer: [@RyanG](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5978f93daa0db4145a24da3f/ryang) Linalool is the terpene that’s responsible for having the fragrant lavender and rose scent. It has lots of medical benefits such as alleviating insomnia, reducing anxiety, and it has anti-seizure properties. Linalool is also a powerful analgesic, “it works with cannabinoid compounds, particularly CBD, to modulate pain signals in the brain and reduce the body’s stress responses when pain occurs.” (See article below)\n\nLinalool can be very beneficial for someone that suffers from anxiety, insomnia, seizures, along with many other illnesses. While not all dispensaries/delivery services display the full testing details of their flower inventory, there are some that will show lab results that include terpenes. But, if your local dispensary/delivery services don’t do that, you’ll want to look in to strains that have a lavender or rose like aroma. That’s an indication that linalool may be present for that particular strain.\n\nFor more information on linalool, check out this awesome article by [@jeanmckinney](https://www.hellomd.com/people/599f1411dade6e1cbdf1053e/jeanmckinney):\nhttps://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ab482e6f24d1300077ccb99/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-linalool\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b8882d88dd0720008373fcf/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/14b42/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/f836f/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.jpg 200w,\n/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/2244e/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.jpg 400w,\n/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/14b42/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.jpg 800w,\n/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/bcf81/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.jpg 1136w","srcWebp":"/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/58556/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/61e93/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.webp 200w,\n/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/1f5c5/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.webp 400w,\n/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/58556/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.webp 800w,\n/static/57aa834e961c6cdca6a32c8702afd50e/4c232/2b5c18ef356a0495b13e6488b84b74d2.webp 1136w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":36,"numPages":15,"currentPage":4,"id":5053,"name":"Cannabis 101","slug":"cannabis-101","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}