{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cannabis-101/8","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2630-markdown","title":"How Does Cannabis Work to Relieve Migraines?","slug":"how-does-cannabis-work-to-relieve-migraines","content":"There are few physical experiences as excruciating as a [migraine, which includes a throbbing headache, intense nausea and a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli like light, sounds, flavors, smells or touch](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201). You may even experience visual distortions like bright spots of light partially blocking your range of vision.\n\nA migraine attack can be a frightening and extremely painful experience. For the [37 million people who suffer from migraines](https://migraine.com/migraine-statistics/), this can be a debilitating condition that gets in the way of everyday life.\n\nIn this article, part of a series for folks new to cannabis, we take a look at both anecdotal and research-based evidence on cannabis’s ability to provide patients relief from these often-agonizing headaches. Many patients are also finding that [cannabis can prevent their painful migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/586990111eefb000085918c5/marijuana-insomnia-and-migraines-lizs-success-story).  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Jen’s Success Preventing Migraines With Cannabis\n\nJen is one patient whose found cannabis very helpful in easing her migraines. Jen has had painful migraines since she hit puberty and believes they’re related to hormonal changes taking place during her menstrual cycle.\n\n“The [migraines] correlate with my menstrual cycle, and so typically my window for having a migraine is the week before my period, the day before and the day of,” she explains.\n\nFor years, these migraines were debilitating. She recalls the last one, saying, “I woke up in the middle of the night, and my eyes just popped open. I thought, ‘I have a headache. No!’” Jen continues, “I count the amount of times I throw up, knowing that eventually I get to a point where I start to feel relief and then I can do things.” \n\nStill, Jen says that she can actually help prevent these headaches, if she takes regular doses of cannabis edibles. “During what I would consider my trigger week, where I could be at risk of getting a headache, I essentially start taking a regular anti-inflammatory,” she says. “The [cannabis edibles] seem to be able to keep me from getting a headache.” And she adds, “There was a lot of trial and error as to what kind of strains really were effective [for me].”\n\nWhile Jen’s still searching for a solution to reverse her worst headaches once they get started, she says she has fewer migraines now that she takes cannabis as a preventative measure. \n\nRELATED: [LIFESTYLE CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE TO PREVENT MIGRAINES](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59e6508d6550b60e555e1bf7/lifestyle-changes-you-can-make-to-prevent-migraines)\n\n### Research Supports Cannabis as a Solution for Migraines \n\nJen is one of a growing number of [folks using cannabis successfully to relieve their migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5834944a14533400080243bc/marijuana-and-migraines-sallys-success-story). In fact, research suggests that cannabis use can significantly reduce the amount of migraines a person experiences. In one study, [85% of patients said they had fewer migraines when they consumed cannabis](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/phar.1673/full), with the average number of headaches going down from 10.4 to 4.6 per month. \n\nCannabis’s effectiveness when it comes to easing migraine pain may be due in part to the plant’s natural pain-relieving properties. Both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have been shown to reduce pain as well as inflammation. In addition, these [cannabinoids reduce the body’s natural stress response, which can actually trigger the onset of a migraine](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/577d4650d64ada0007000013/treating-migraines-with-marijuana-dr-patricia-frye). \n\nIn addition, cannabis can help raise serotonin levels. While it’s still unclear exactly how serotonin affects migraines, [low levels of serotonin are linked to the condition](https://www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/migraine/serotonin.php). Some believe that increasing serotonin levels—as is possible through the use of THC—can help ease migraine symptoms. \n\n### Using Cannabis to Treat Migraines \n\nIf you suffer from migraines and think cannabis might be right for you, the best first step is to talk to a doctor. You can [consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. \n\nWhether you have a medical marijuana card or live in a state where you can purchase through recreational means, there are many cannabis options on the market today. Research suggests that a combination of CBD and THC can help prevent migraines, but what ratios and strains work best can vary from person to person. Some prefer a higher level of CBD to reduce the side effects of THC (such as anxiety or feeling too high). Others prefer the heightened pain relief and serotonin-boosting powers of THC, and use more of it relative to CBD. \n\nResearchers have found that patients usually need at least a [200 mg dose of CBD and THC to stop a migraine that has already begun](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/595d2e1aa58a9e28f07d6762/new-study-finds-cannabis-effective-in-treatment-for-migraines). This is an extremely high dose, so talk to your doctor and proceed carefully. Taking such a mega-dose may be a disorienting experience until your body builds up a tolerance to the psychoactive aspects of THC. If you’re sensitive to THC, make sure to balance it out with plenty of CBD, which reduces THC’s psychoactive effects.  \n\nWhatever you try, remember that cannabis can affect people differently, so you may need to try a few options before you find the right one for you. \n\nIn the next installment of our Cannabis for Newbies series, we put the spotlight on consuming cannabis as a means of relieving arthritis pain and inflammation.\n\nPhoto credit: [Ben White](https://unsplash.com/@benwhitephotography)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/14b42/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/f836f/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.jpg 200w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/2244e/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.jpg 400w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/14b42/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.jpg 800w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/47498/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/0e329/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.jpg 1600w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/7c89d/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.jpg 3636w","srcWebp":"/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/58556/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/61e93/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.webp 200w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/1f5c5/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.webp 400w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/58556/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.webp 800w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/99238/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.webp 1200w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/7c22d/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.webp 1600w,\n/static/5cb9647a2595f19aad996aa739f805b5/02a42/d63d44337edacf4ae53726134a320625.webp 3636w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2629-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Can Help Manage Depression","slug":"how-cannabis-can-help-manage-depression","content":"According to the World Health Organization, roughly [350 million people suffer from depression worldwide, with 16 million of those individuals in the U.S. alone](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c101d766653800060c0000/depression-sufferers-find-relief-in-medical-marijuana). Many scientists believe depression is related to lower levels of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which helps regulate mood, appetite, sleep and sexual function. As a result, most antidepressants work to replace the missing serotonin.\r\n\r\nWhen serotonin levels get too low, people may experience feelings of depression, fatigue and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. [Genetic factors can be the cause of low serotonin as can chronic stress](http://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/44/14560). \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nIn this article, part of our series geared towards folks new to cannabis, we take a look at how cannabis may help ease symptoms of depression. And we include a couple of success stories from patients who’ve been able to manage their depression effectively with the use of this multipurpose medicine.\r\n\r\n### Julia’s Success Using Cannabis for Depression\r\n\r\nJulia, a 24-year-old waitress and former teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area, says that cannabis plays a big part in managing her depression. She first started using cannabis for pain management when recovering from a surgery. Then, last year she was diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. While doctors first put Julia on antidepressants, she didn’t like the way they made her feel.\r\n\r\n“My brain was just thinking completely differently, and I didn't really feel like myself,” she says. \r\n\r\nUltimately she decided to opt for a more natural route by managing her depression with cannabis. And she couldn’t be happier with the results. Julia says that cannabis helps her keep a more positive mindset, but in a way that feels authentic to who she is.\r\n\r\n“For me, I always felt like I was stuck in a rut,” Julia says. “Once I started using cannabis, my interactions with people were much healthier. I was able to think through any kind of problem I was having; they no longer seemed to be overwhelmingly large. The annoying little things that used to take up so much of my daily life didn't matter anymore.” \r\n\r\nRELATED: [TOP MARIJUANA STRAINS FOR DEPRESSION](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57fbd5a9321b570007790312/top-marijuana-strains-for-depression)\r\n\r\n### Jacob Also Finds Success Using Cannabis for Depression\r\n\r\nJacob, a 40-year-old chef and cannabis entrepreneur from Oakland, CA, has also benefited from cannabis’s mood-elevating properties. He says that over the years cannabis has helped with his depression, which has often intensified in times of heightened career stress.\r\n\r\nThat said, Jacob also says that cannabis can have the reverse effect if he takes too much of it. “Then you can be kind of irritable or intolerant of things that you’d normally brush off,” he explains. \r\n\r\nJacob says sometimes the negative effects of cannabis can present themselves after periods of intense stress when he relies more heavily on the plant to combat his depression. “That's a big pattern I've been able to keep an eye on over 25 years of cannabis use,” he says. “During large, stressful points of my life, I definitely have double intake. When everything’s nice and calm, I realize how much cannabis I’m going through.”\r\n\r\nJacob says at these times he’s used essential oils to help ease his anxiety and depression, while he works on cutting back his dose and lowering his tolerance to cannabis. Once back on lower doses, he finds he’s able to keep his depression in check. \r\n\r\n### Treating Depression With Cannabis \r\n\r\nThese patient stories align perfectly with the science of how cannabis can alleviate depression. Marijuana is known to stimulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a part in signaling for more serotonin. During stressful times, the ECS is impaired, leading to lower levels of serotonin. So, consuming cannabis can help activate your body’s natural mood boosters. For patients whose endocannabinoid systems aren’t functioning properly, cannabis can make all the difference. \r\n\r\nThat said, if your ECS becomes oversaturated with cannabinoids, it can actually switch things in the other direction. While studies show that cannabis can improve mood, they also show that [too much marijuana can have the opposite effect, actually worsening depression](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a4d282f100a820006562f4b/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-depression-answered).\r\n\r\nFolks with stress-related depression may find that when their stress has decreased, the amount of cannabis that helps may also get smaller. For this condition, it’s always best to work with the smallest dose that effectively alleviates your symptoms. \r\n\r\nIf you suffer from depression and think cannabis might be right for you, the best first step is to talk to a doctor. You can [consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. \r\n\r\nWhether you have a medical marijuana card or live in a state where you can purchase through recreational means, there are many options on the market today. Sativas are often suggested for depression, because they have many energizing and mood-boosting cannabinoids and terpenes.\r\n\r\nKeep in mind, however, that sativas may not work for everyone. Some—myself included—find sativa strains to be too anxiety-provoking and look to hybrids or indicas instead. Afgoo and Blueberry are two indica-dominant hybrids that always put a smile on my face. Whatever you try, remember that cannabis can affect people differently, so you may need to try a few options before you find the right one for you. \r\n\r\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll go over how cannabis can help relieve migraine pain.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [David Cohen](https://unsplash.com/@dcp)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/14b42/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.jpg","srcSet":"/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/f836f/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.jpg 200w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/2244e/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.jpg 400w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/14b42/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.jpg 800w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/47498/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.jpg 1200w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/0e329/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.jpg 1600w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/4cc39/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.jpg 3564w","srcWebp":"/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/58556/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/61e93/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.webp 200w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/1f5c5/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.webp 400w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/58556/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.webp 800w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/99238/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.webp 1200w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/7c22d/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.webp 1600w,\n/static/205cfa54b6365c139ba5d7e1f5428035/9dc24/818f4c26909bcbebcdc6377cdf48d842.webp 3564w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2636-markdown","title":"Finding Relief From Insomnia With Cannabis","slug":"finding-relief-from-insomnia-with-cannabis","content":"Are you having sleepless nights? You aren’t alone. Roughly 30–35% of adults experience the symptoms of insomnia at least on a temporary basis. These symptoms include the [inability to fall or stay asleep, fatigue during the day, mood disturbances, poor memory and the inability to focus](http://www.sleepeducation.org/news/2014/03/10/insomnia-awareness-day-facts-and-stats). Meanwhile, up to 20% of adults experience longer-lasting insomnia (up to three months), while 10% have chronic and ongoing insomnia.\n\nWhile there’s a large selection of sleeping pills and other solutions available, many folks find these options don’t work well. Or they don’t like the sometimes unsettling side effects they can encounter. People have reported unusual and out-of-character behavior while on sleeping pills. From racking up high bills online shopping to making embarrassing phone calls or taking the car out for a drive in the middle of the night—while asleep, these [side effects can be as bizarre as they are dangerous](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/15/business/15drug.ready.html).\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nIn this article, part of our series geared towards folks new to cannabis, we go over how cannabis offers hope to those suffering from insomnia. The medicinal plant acts as a natural and effective sleep aid that will leave you snoozing instead of sleepwalking. Many patients are already reaping great benefits from this alternative sleeping solution. \n\n### Nicole’s Success Using Cannabis for Her Insomnia\n\nNicole, a 38-year-old writer, yoga teacher and riding therapist, says that cannabis has made a big difference with her insomnia. \"My insomnia was really debilitating,\" she says of her lifelong sleep issues. “If I did fall asleep at all ... I would wake every one-and-half or every three hours. You could almost set a clock to it.”\n\nAnd lack of sleep was just the beginning for Nicole. “Several times a month, I’d have either sleep paralysis or night terrors, really terrible screaming nightmares where I would wake everyone around me.” she says. The anxiety and guilt over disturbing everyone else’s sleep only made Nicole’s insomnia worse. \n\nNicole thought about trying cannabis, but in New Jersey, where she’s from, insomnia isn’t a qualifying condition for cannabis use. So, she tried an array of medications—from over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol PM and Benadryl to prescription drugs like Xanax, but nothing seemed to work. \n\nThen, a few years ago, Nicole moved to California and began to experiment. Soon, she found that cannabis was just the medicine she’d been looking for. Finally, she was able to sleep. \n\n“When I take a dose of cannabis, I'm usually asleep within 20 minutes,” Nicole says. “It's a very pleasant feeling of falling asleep.” According to Nicole, she can now sleep through the night about 90% of the time. “When I do wake up, I can usually get back to sleep,” she explains. “So it's been a really significant change.” \n\nNicole says that cannabis has also helped with her nightmares. “I tend to not recall very much active dreaming when I use it,” she says, adding that the times she’s woken up from nightmares has gone from several times a month to only two or three times in the last few years. Now, Nicole says she’s also seen improvement in other health issues like anxiety and intense premenstrual symptoms. \n\n“Sleep is at the heart of everything,” she says. “It lets you heal from a lot of other issues.\" \n\n### Treating Insomnia With Cannabis \n\nAs it turns out, the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS) is key to regulating sleep. When the ECS is stimulated by plant-based cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), it can activate your body’s natural mechanisms for modulating sleep patterns.\n\nStudies show that [many patients report falling asleep easier and more quickly after consuming cannabis](http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Tringale-Jensen-20111.pdf). In addition, cannabis can decrease episodes of sleep apnea, helping patients sleep more consistently throughout the night.\n\nIf you suffer from insomnia and think cannabis might be right for you, the best first step is to talk to a doctor. You can [consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. \n\nThere are many cannabis options on the market today. Indicas are traditionally recommended for sleep because they tend to make people sleepy. Others find CBD strains to be most helpful, because they relax the body without many side effects.\n\nIn terms of which forms work best, some folks favor edibles, because they stay in your system all night, providing a consistent supply of cannabinoids, thereby helping patients stay asleep. Others prefer smoking flower or vaping extracts because these methods give you a large dose of cannabinoids that affect you almost immediately. This can greatly aid in the process of falling asleep.\n\nWhatever you try, remember that cannabis can affect people differently, so you might need to try a few options before you find the right one for you. \n\nStay tuned for the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, where we’ll get into how cannabis can help ease depression.\n\nPhoto credit: [Matheus Vinicius](https://unsplash.com/@matheusdk00)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/14b42/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.jpg","srcSet":"/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/f836f/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.jpg 200w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/2244e/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.jpg 400w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/14b42/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.jpg 800w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/47498/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.jpg 1200w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/0e329/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.jpg 1600w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/7c307/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.jpg 3071w","srcWebp":"/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/58556/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/61e93/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.webp 200w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/1f5c5/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.webp 400w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/58556/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.webp 800w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/99238/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.webp 1200w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/7c22d/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.webp 1600w,\n/static/784ddf2d6827ea8826f2fd0b0df1a885/ad95e/335eb68445890ed2f4523ac137f10392.webp 3071w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2603-markdown","title":"Know Your Cannabis Terpenes: Linalool","slug":"know-your-cannabis-terpenes-linalool","content":"The flowery, spicy scent of linalool infuses shampoos, soaps and candles, and gives lavender oil its soothing, calming effects. Linalool is a terpene produced by over 200 species of plants around the world, including cannabis—and now, research reveals that its potent healing properties can enhance the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) and other cannabis compounds.\n\n### What Are Terpenes?\n\nTerpenes are fragrant oils produced by the resin glands of many plants and are responsible for the distinctive taste and pleasant scents of fruits, several flowers and other products. But science also shows us that terpenes contain compounds that can affect many systems in the body to boost immunity, relieve pain as well as produce a long list of other positive healthful effects. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe cannabis plant is estimated to have more than 200 different terpenes, and since research on marijuana terpenes is relatively new, more may be discovered. Terpenes and cannabinoids interact in a variety of complex ways, which helps explain why different cannabis strains can have different effects, even though they might contain fairly equivalent amounts of dominant cannabinoids like CBD or THC.  \n\n### Linalool: A Healing Cannabis Terpene\n\nAlong with limonene and myrcene, [linolool](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Linalool#section=Interactions) is a fairly well-studied cannabis terpene, even though few strains—mainly indicas—contain it in very high amounts. Linalool adds a light floral scent and spicy taste to marijuana when smoked or added to edibles, but its [healing effects are far more significant](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/244484974_Linalool_in_Essential_Plant_Oils_Pharmacological_Effects), both on their own and in combination with other marijuana compounds. \n\nThe human body contains many receptor systems, which respond to chemicals produced within the body and similar ones from outside sources. A few of those are:\n\n* The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for the body’s responses to cannabis \n* The opioidergic system, which responds to natural opioids like endorphins as well as opioid medications like OxyContin \n* The dopaminergic system, which is triggered by dopamine, the feel-good chemical associated with pleasure and reward \n\nLinalool affects receptors in all of these systems as well as others related to immune responses and pain. The terpene has been shown in some folks to:\n\n* Reduce anxiety\n* Relieve depression and pain\n* Support the immune system\n* Prevent seizures\n\n### Linalool Calms & Soothes\n\nFor centuries, lavender oil has been used to calm anxiety and relieve emotional distress—and linalool is the reason. Linalool has the most powerful sedative effect of all known terpenes.\nIn cannabis, it enhances the anti-anxiety effects of CBD and can reduce the anxiety often caused by high levels of THC in some strains. Because of its effect on the dopaminergic system, linalool has antidepressant qualities of its own and also boosts the effectiveness of CBD in the central nervous system.\n\n### Linalool May Strengthen the Immune System  \n\nCannabinoids affect the ECS’s action on immune responses. Linalool not only enhances the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, it also has immune-boosting properties of its own. Some research suggests that [linalool can inhibit the development of cancerous tumors](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4691036/) and ease the symptoms of a variety of autoimmune disorders. \n\n### Linalool Can Help Prevent Seizures\n\nResearch has shown that cannabis can be an effective treatment for epilepsy, even for severe forms of the disease that don’t respond to other treatments. It’s believed that linalool may be one reason for its effectiveness. Recent studies show that [linalool as an essential oil can reduce seizure activity](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684096/) as well as the severity of seizures when they occur.  \n\n### Linalool Can Support Your Body’s Pain Response\n\nMany people turn to cannabis for pain relief, because cannabis products of all kinds have been shown to play a role in the ECS’s action on pain signaling. Linalool has analgesic qualities of its own, and [research suggests that it works with cannabinoid compounds, particularly CBD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12587692), to modulate pain signals in the brain and reduce the body’s stress responses when pain occurs.\n\n### How to Use Linalool\n\nLinalool has been called a minor terpene, because it usually occurs only in small amounts in many cannabis strains. That said, it’s high in the terpene profile of several indica strains such as Amnesia Haze and Lavender. Linalool can also be found in cannabis products such as salves, ointment and creams; you can also add it yourself to your favorite marijuana-infused product. Linalool extract can also be inhaled or applied directly to the skin. \n\nLike other terpenes, linalool breaks down under very high heat in dabbing or smoking cannabis, so that it releases [toxic fumes and carcinogens such as acrylamide](https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+645). And although linalool is generally safe to use on the skin as an extract or in creams and ointments, [it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/linalool) in some people. \n\nTerpenes provide fragrance and flavor in cannabis products of all kinds. They also add nuance and complexity to the healing properties of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. Although research on the many cannabis terpenes is still relatively new, studies confirm that linalool, the so-called minor terpene, has major health benefits on its own—and in partnership with other healing compounds in cannabis.\n\nPhoto credit: [Eddie Garcia](https://unsplash.com/@eddiegarcia)\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) post. [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":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/14b42/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.jpg","srcSet":"/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/f836f/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.jpg 200w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/2244e/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.jpg 400w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/14b42/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.jpg 800w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/47498/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.jpg 1200w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/0e329/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.jpg 1600w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/d50ff/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.jpg 2270w","srcWebp":"/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/58556/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/61e93/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.webp 200w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/1f5c5/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.webp 400w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/58556/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.webp 800w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/99238/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.webp 1200w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/7c22d/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.webp 1600w,\n/static/42cdd0e74310a3ad04c001b4324c8aae/0fbd8/a6521b6bc102408e8743106bdf0148a4.webp 2270w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2602-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Microdosing Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-microdosing-answered","content":"Without question, one of the hottest cannabis trends in recent years is [microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/microdosing). This refers to the practice of consuming low doses of cannabis at regular intervals rather than what most people have historically done—consume lots of cannabis in one sitting. People mostly talk about microdosing [tetrahydrocannabinol](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/thc) (THC), but an increasing number of people microdose [cannabidiol](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/cbd) (CBD), too.\n\nMany folks are now finding that microdosing gives them the health benefits they’re seeking **without too much of a psychoactive experience**. People can microdose marijuana throughout the day and still work and be productive. HelloMD Co-founder [Pamela Hadfield](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-hadfield-19a986) swears by microdosing CBD, which allows her to keep debilitating [migraines](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/new-study-finds-cannabis-effective-in-treatment-for-migraines) at bay while still being able to run a business and take care of her three children. \n\nHere’s a roundup of our three most popular questions about microdosing cannabis and how it can help with **pain**, **inflammation**, **anxiety**, and more. We hope this information gives you a little more insight into **microdosing marijuana** and how it could be beneficial to you. \n\n![Hello2-min (26).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello2_min_26_b45b29ac52.png)\n\n### Q. How long do you wait between doses when microdosing?\n**\"*I don't know my tolerance yet. I believe half a dose of [Kiva Chocolates](https://www.kivaconfections.com/brand/kiva) made me sick the other night, but I’m not certain the chocolate was the cause.*\"**\n\n**Answer:** Since microdosing is a small amount of, in this case, THC, it can take some time for it to work. Any oral medication can take up to 1–1 1/2 hours to feel any effect. Since the dose is small, you usually don't feel the psychoactive high that you would normally get with smoking or vaping cannabis. It can be a subtle feeling that you might not even recognize until you say, \" Hey, I've been feeling/thinking/focusing differently since I've been microdosing!\" \n\nAs for feeling sick, it may have been the chocolate, but I cannot say. Kiva also has various types of confections that don’t have chocolate, so you could try those and see how you go.\n\n![Hello1-min (25).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_25_08bb84ad6d.png)\n\n### Q. Cannabis for inflammation and anxiety\n**\"*I have a 4:1 (CBD:THC) tincture and wonder how much you recommend for daily microdosing for inflammation and anxiety?***\"\n\n**Answer:** I love the approach of daily microdosing with cannabis and especially with CBD-rich medications. With the goals of reducing both [inflammation](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/how-cbd-can-curb-chronic-inflammation) and [anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/3-popular-questions-about-cbd-and-anxiety-answered), daily microdosing with a 4:1 tincture is a perfect choice. While dosing is somewhat dependent on individual response and tolerance, I'd consider just 1-2 drops (not droppers full) 2-3 times a day. If you know you are particularly sensitive, even 1 drop 2-3 times a day is a great way to get the most benefit out of your medication. Microdosing is best with lower dosing, of course, but also greater frequency. We find that 2-3 times a day is ideal for keeping your medication metabolizing regularly and maximizing the therapeutic properties of inflammation and anxiety reduction.\n\n![Hello4-min (23).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_23_489cb45ba1.png)\n\n### Q. CBD dosing\n**\"*I am just starting to experiment with CBD. The product I have is a 25:1 CBD to THC tincture. How many drops would be a starting dose? I’m trying to understand the concept of microdosing.\"***\n\n**Answer:** Typically, when people talk about microdosing in the cannabis world, it's in the context of THC. Micordosing is supposed to give you positive effects without the psychoactive effects you could feel at higher doses. \n\nBut as for your tincture...there is no set dose per person. After doing a quick search of your product online, it looks like 1 drop = 1 mg CBD. Keep in mind that you might not feel anything right away. I've interviewed many patients and experts on CBD dosing, and those who see the best results take their CBD tincture every day—think of it as a vitamin. These folks have all said that it takes about one month for it to build up in your system. I'm not a doctor, but if I was trying to figure out a dosing routine for myself, I'd do at least 5 mg of CBD 2 to 3 times a day for at least three days and then reassess. If I didn't notice a difference, I would opt for a different tincture or a higher dose.\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/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post.\n\n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\n\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/14b42/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.jpg","srcSet":"/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/f836f/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.jpg 200w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/2244e/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.jpg 400w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/14b42/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.jpg 800w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/47498/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.jpg 1200w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/0e329/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.jpg 1600w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/db420/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.jpg 3626w","srcWebp":"/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/58556/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/61e93/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.webp 200w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/1f5c5/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.webp 400w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/58556/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.webp 800w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/99238/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.webp 1200w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/7c22d/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.webp 1600w,\n/static/d70e37d9cbd6a32c951675a184b49aad/3a1a1/64a05afad757c64ab1489fdb09746773.webp 3626w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2585-markdown","title":"The 10 Cannabinoids in Cannabis You Should Know","slug":"the-10-cannabinoids-in-cannabis-you-should-know","content":"The cannabis plant has been a part of human life for centuries, from holy anointing oil mentioned in the Bible to depression treatments in 17th century England. But we still know very little about the plant. Despite marijuana’s recent resurgence as a medicine, the scientific research on its intricacies and therapeutic potential is still in its infancy—and hampered here in the U.S. because of its federal prohibition.\r\n\r\nThe more we learn about cannabis, the more apparent the plant’s complexities and effects on our bodies. One thing we do know for sure is that cannabis contains dozens of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, all tasked with special jobs. The exact number of cannabinoids is yet to be confirmed, but common consensus among researchers is that there are at least 100. These cannabinoids interact with and activate cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, resulting in different effects. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nYou probably know two cannabinoids already: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and  cannabidiol (CBD). These are easily the most well-known and recognizable cannabinoids to date. But there are dozens of others that show promise for treating all sorts of medical conditions. \r\n\r\n### 10 Cannabinoids You Should Know\r\n\r\n#### #1: CBC (Cannabichromene)\r\n\r\nThis cannabinoid shares a chemical structure very similar to THC, CBD and cannabinol (CBN). CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and could very well contribute greatly to the analgesic effects of cannabis overall. Not only does it help relieve pain and inflammation, one study suggests [CBC, when used in conjunction with CBD, can also act as an antidepressant](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/).  \r\n\r\nCBC: \r\n\r\n* Is non-psychoactive\r\n* Can be an effective pain reliever because it binds with TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, both linked to pain perception\r\n* Encourages the release of natural endocannabinoids like anandamide, also known as the bliss molecule, for its euphoric effects\r\n* Is effective in treating inflammation and skin conditions\r\n\r\nRELATED: [CANNABINOIDS: CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS WITH HUGE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55da2ff26430380006690000/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential) \r\n\r\n#### #2: THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid)\r\n\r\nTHCA is a precursor to the more popular THC. When cannabis flowers are still growing on the plant stalk, THCA is pretty abundant (10–20%). But as the cannabis is cut and cured, and when heat is applied for consumption, the THCA turns into THC. Cannabis concentrates like resin or hash oil made from high-THC plants typically have a higher rate of THCA as well. While research on THCA is still slim, the little we do have shows a great deal of therapeutic potential. \r\n\r\nTHCA:\r\n\r\n* Is non-psychoactive\r\n* Can help treat [nausea and stimulate appetite](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1981.tb13806.x/abstract)\r\n* Shows potential as a [neuroprotectant against neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22571976)\r\n* Is great for treating [inflammation from arthritis and lupus](https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/34/5/34_5_774/_article)\r\n\r\n#### #3: CBN (Cannabinol) \r\n\r\nIf there’s one cannabinoid on this list that’s most misunderstood, it’s CBN. Just like THCA turns into THC, THC turns into CBN when exposed to oxygen or UV light. Improper storage or packaging without UV protection can lead to a higher amount of CBN. This cannabinoid often gets a bad reputation because higher CBN levels means less THC and less of a high. Plus, CBN can often make people feel sleepy. But don’t make any hasty judgments—CBN is one of the most promising cannabinoids out there. \r\n\r\nCBN: \r\n\r\n* Is non-psychoactive\r\n* Can help with sleep issues like narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep apnea and more \r\n* May [ease the overgrowth of skin cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18681481), which can reduce psoriasis flare-ups and help with MRSA when applied as a topical\r\n* Contains strong anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in pain relief\r\n* Interacts with [TRPV2 receptors, which are high-threshold heat sensors](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165957/), making it a potential treatment for burn victims\r\n\r\n#### #4: THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)\r\n\r\nTHCV is very similar in structure to THC, and it comes with its own psychoactive effects as well. Where THCV differs most drastically from its more famous relative is that THCV is an appetite suppressant—so don’t expect the munchies if you consume cannabis rich in THCV. To find cannabis with higher THCV levels, look for [landrace strains](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8a2e88f24d1300077ccb51/are-indica-and-sativa-a-thing-of-the-past) from Africa like Durban Poison and ask your budtender for lab test results. If you vaporize your cannabis, be sure to turn up the heat settings because THCV has a higher boiling point at 428 degrees F than most cannabinoids do. Just be aware that this higher temperature could make your vaping experience feel more like smoking and make your psychoactive effects feel more powerful.\r\n\r\nTHCV:\r\n\r\n * Is psychoactive \r\n * Can help fight weight gain due to its appetite suppressant qualities\r\n * Has the ability to regulate blood sugar and promote glycemic control in type 2 diabetics, [according to a 2016 study](http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/39/10/1777)\r\n * When used in conjunction with other cannabinoids, can [fight against seizures, tremors and other motor control issues](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28087250)\r\n * Is known for its euphoric highs and fast onset \r\n\r\n#### #5: CBG (Cannabigerol)\r\n\r\nThis non-acidic parent of THC and CBD is only found at very small levels (1%), and it doesn’t cause psychoactive effects. Since CBG comes in such low levels, it has long been considered a minor cannabinoid. But it shows promise as a medicine due to its relationship with some very specific systems in our body. \r\n\r\nCBG:\r\n\r\n* Is non-psychoactive \r\n* Shows potential for [treating  pain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/) \r\n* Can help [ease inflammatory bowel disease](https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0006295213000543)\r\n* Reduces intraocular pressure, great news for those suffering from glaucoma\r\n* Can act as an [antimicrobial, making it a potential treatment for MRSA](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4887452/)  \r\n* Has been shown to have [neuroprotective qualities in mice](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-014-0304-z) and could be a potential treatment for those with neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis\r\n\r\n#### #6 CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid) \r\n\r\nCBDA is the raw, acidic form of the popular cannabinoid CBD. CBDA can be found in raw hemp plants. But when heat is introduced, CBDA changes into CBD through a process called decarboxylation. For a long time, CBDA was considered an inactive cannabinoid, only of consequence when it turns into CBD. But that perception is changing as more research is completed. Much like its better-known relative, CBDA is effective in fighting inflammation and body pain, and as a mood stabilizer. \r\n\r\nCBDA:\r\n\r\n* Is non-psychoactive\r\n* Can be found in raw high-CBD cannabis plants\r\n* Contains [anti-inflammatory properties](http://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/36/9/1917.long#sec-4) \r\n* Is an effective [anti-nausea treatment in mice](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3596650/) \r\n* Acts as a [neuroprotectant](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10863546)\r\n* Has shown to [inhibit MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4009504/) in cell cultures examined outside of the body\r\n\r\n#### #7 CBDV (Cannabivarin) \r\n\r\nThis is yet another cannabinoid that doesn’t get the credit it’s due. CBDV is the pre-cursor to THCV, but that isn’t CBDV’s only important quality. So far, research on CBDV has shown potential as a treatment in two main areas: epilepsy and bone growth. \r\n\r\nCBDV:\r\n\r\n* Is non-psychoactive\r\n* [Reduces seizure activity in brain slices examined ex vivo](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25029033) and [in mice and rats](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22970845)\r\n* [Fights signs of nausea in rodents](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.12322/full) \r\n* Is found at higher levels in wild-grown cannabis \r\n\r\n#### #8 CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)\r\n\r\nCBGA is the mother of all cannabinoids, giving life to THC, CBD, CBC, CBG and more through different forms of biosynthesis. Because it’s considered a precursor to cannabinoids, it gets significantly less scientific attention than the cannabinoids it produces. But we’re starting to learn that CBGA has similar analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to its cannabinoid offspring. \r\n\r\nCBGA:\r\n\r\n* Is non-psychoactive \r\n* Can work as an [analgesic to help relieve pain](https://www.steephill.com/img/uploads/testings/LeadingTheScience.pdf), much like THC and CBD can\r\n* Helps [fight inflammation](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0968089615000838) like THC and CBD do\r\n\r\n#### #9 CBCA (Cannabichromenate) \r\n\r\nCBCA is a raw cannabinoid, found in the highest quantities before the plant is cut and processed. As it’s heated or aged, CBCA goes on to produce CBC and other cannabinoids that are relatively unknown and unstudied, such as CBL and CBLA. Like so many other parent cannabinoids, CBCA was thought to be an inactive chemical compound for quite some time, but that’s beginning to change.\r\n\r\nCBCA: \r\n\r\n* Is non-psychoactive\r\n* May be [responsible for antimicrobial properties](http://www.davoil.ro/documente/the-composition-of-seed-oil-and-its-potential-as-an-important-source-nutrition.pdf) found in some cannabis strains, but the reasons for this are still being studied\r\n* May be useful as a [non-psychoactive alternative to THC for treating  nausea](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3596650/)\r\n* Could help treat cancer. According to a [U.S. government-funded study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22963825): “The data presented in this report suggest for the first time that [a] component in the cannabis plant, CBDA, offers potential therapeutic modality in the reversal of cancer cell migration, including aggressive breast cancers.”\r\n\r\n#### #10 Delta-8 THC\r\n\r\nWhen we think about THC, most people think about delta-9 THC because that’s the kind of THC that makes you feel high. But, there’s a whole other kind of THC you may be totally unaware of: Delta-8 THC. While still psychoactive, its psychoactive effects are not as potent as its more well-known counterpart, but its medical benefits could be just as impressive. \r\n\r\nDelta-8 THC:\r\n\r\n* Is psychoactive\r\n* Has shown the ability to [inhibit tumor growth in mice](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq#section/_1)  \r\n* Completely [prevented vomiting in eight child cancer patients](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7776837) in Israel \r\n* [Stimulates appetite](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15099912) in mice\r\n* Is the subject of two U.S. government-awarded patents, on [how to produce it](https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/pdfs/US20040143126.pdf) and the other regarding its [anti-emetic uses](http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PG01&s1=20070099988.PN.&OS=PN/20070099988&RS=PN/20070099988) \r\n\r\nYou learn something new every day. Next time you purchase cannabis, ask for lab test results and see if any of these cannabinoids are on the list. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Shane Rounce](https://unsplash.com/@shanerounce) \r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [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":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/14b42/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.jpg","srcSet":"/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/f836f/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.jpg 200w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/2244e/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.jpg 400w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/14b42/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.jpg 800w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/47498/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.jpg 1200w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/0e329/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.jpg 1600w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/5453a/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.jpg 3441w","srcWebp":"/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/58556/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/61e93/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.webp 200w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/1f5c5/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.webp 400w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/58556/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.webp 800w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/99238/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.webp 1200w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/7c22d/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.webp 1600w,\n/static/15f82be5692a83328c752fb00f17d49f/7ddf3/e81c113fc2f79740ac45caf5363b9a19.webp 3441w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2588-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Can Help Beat Back Pain","slug":"how-cannabis-can-help-beat-back-pain","content":"In our series for cannabis newcomers, we’ve been exploring how patients have successfully used cannabis to treat a variety of conditions. In this article, we look at using cannabis to treat back pain, an incredibly common, debilitating condition. In fact, [back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability, and 80% of adults will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet#3102_3).\n\nWhether the pain is from an injury, a genetic condition, inflammation, infection or something else, having back pain can turn everyday tasks into daunting challenges. For some, it can be a life-altering condition. Thankfully, both research and anecdotal accounts suggest that cannabis can help alleviate back pain.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Kat’s Success Using CBD for Back Pain\n\nFifty-year-old Kat suffers from fibromyalgia and severe back pain. Over the past few years, Kat’s back pain has become debilitating.\n\n\"I'm to the point where I really can't hold down a regular job,” she explains. “I have to lay flat on the ground every couple of hours because my back hurts so bad.” \n\nWhile working a regular job is no longer an option, Kat still needs to function for part-time work and her most important job: being a mom. She says that cannabis, specifically high cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis, has been crucial in managing her pain and helping her function.\n\n“Cannabis has helped me in a lot of different ways,” she says. “I do lot of yoga and stretching. But if I can do that in combination with some CBD, it gives total relief… and then I’m better for a while.”\n\nKat is careful to mention that not all cannabis has had the same benefits for her. She says she’s tried different types of cannabis, and that high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) strains seemed to make her more anxious. ”When I found CBD, [I realized] that's the main thing that helps me,” she says. “CBD is where it's at for me.”\n\n### Travis Also Finds Success Using Cannabis for Back Pain \n\nAnother patient, Travis, says his back pain eased significantly with the use of cannabis. The 27-year-old says his life changed in the blink of an eye when he got into a car accident that left him severely injured. Travis sustained injuries to his upper back, neck and shoulders, all of which quickly ended his career in construction.\n\n“I just wasn't able to do heavy lifting or swing a hammer on a regular basis,” he says. “I had to change jobs from construction to working in a coffee shop. I was making a lot less money and working less hours.”\n\nThat’s when Travis decided to give medical cannabis a try, first with CBD tinctures and capsules made by a friend. “It started helping me a little with my aches.” he says. “When I started smoking, it helped a little more.”\n\nTravis says he prefers this natural method of pain relief to the aspirin he’d been taking before. He adds that cannabis doesn’t completely relieve his pain, but it seems to calm and relax him in a way that makes the pain more bearable and less noticeable. \n\nEventually, cannabis began to help Travis so much that he was able to go back to working the construction job that he’d before. This shift back to the career he’d been passionate about has been great for Travis. “It’s a career, instead of just a job at a coffee shop,” he says. Cannabis made all the difference.\n\n### The Science of Cannabis & Back Pain\n\n[Studies say that up to 97% of cannabis patients use the plant for pain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3998228/). Research also points to cannabis as a potent painkiller. Cannabis can help treat back pain by stimulating the body's natural pain reliever: the endocannabinoid system. This system sends quick and potent pain relief to injured areas, and can be stimulated by some of the chemicals in cannabis, such as THC.\n\nCannabis offers a safer and more natural route of pain relief for patients dealing with chronic back pain, and patients often prefer this to the numbing and desensitized feelings that can come with traditional painkillers. In fact, in a study by UC Berkeley and HelloMD, [81% of patients reported that cannabis alone was more effective at relieving their pain than opioids were](http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2017.0012). Similar results were reported for patients using non-opioid painkillers. \n\n### Treating Back Pain With Cannabis \n\nPatients looking to use cannabis for back pain can choose from a large variety of options. Smoking or vaping cannabis can be very effective for this type of pain, but so can edibles, capsules, tinctures and topicals. THC-dominant varieties have been shown to help the most with pain, but high CBD options often help with fewer side effects. \n\nThere’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to treating pain with cannabis, so it’s often key for patients to explore their options to find the type of cannabis that fits their needs best.  \n\nIf you suffer from back pain and think cannabis might be right for you, the best first step is to talk to a doctor. You can [consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. \n\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll go over how cannabis can help ease insomnia.\n\nPhoto credit: [Valentin Lacoste](https://unsplash.com/@valentinlacoste)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/14b42/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/f836f/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.jpg 200w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/2244e/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.jpg 400w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/14b42/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.jpg 800w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/47498/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/0e329/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.jpg 1600w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/b2131/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.jpg 3000w","srcWebp":"/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/58556/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/61e93/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.webp 200w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/1f5c5/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.webp 400w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/58556/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.webp 800w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/99238/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.webp 1200w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/7c22d/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.webp 1600w,\n/static/cf39c3ad83000bdd179aa5e0782d4411/ab9f8/ec9b329377953bcea208321e32bbcc6c.webp 3000w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2624-markdown","title":"How to Manage Stress With Cannabis","slug":"how-to-manage-stress-with-cannabis","content":"In today's fast-paced, frenetic world, stress is something that affects pretty much everyone. [When we face stressful situations or emotions, our brain releases chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a41e233832300006640000/cannabis-can-relieve-stress) that put us into a fight or flight mode. While this can be helpful if you're, say, being chased by a bear, stress's effects can be brutal, with painful physical symptoms such as tight muscles, disrupted digestion, headaches, fatigue and chest pain. \r\n\r\nYou may be wondering about the difference between stress and [anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99f400f24d1300077ccb72/finding-success-with-cannabis-to-reduce-anxiety). The two are similar and interrelated, but actually comprise very different situations. Stress is a reaction we have in response to a stressor—in other words, some life event or situation that causes a negative response. This response might be anger, frustration, sadness or anxiety. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a state of worrying that isn’t necessarily tied to an event (although it might be). This persistent sense of fear and dread is often—but not always—a symptom of stress. \r\n\r\nUnfortunately, [stress—and the symptoms that accompany it—are quite common occurrences](https://www.stress.org/daily-life/). More than three-quarters (77%) of Americans say they experience physical symptoms from stress, while 73% say they experience its psychological symptoms.\r\n\r\n[When stress from an event is severe, it can even develop into a stress disorder like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55fc4eea3063390006b90000/cannabis-for-anxiety-and-stress-disorders). This common condition affects 8% of the population and is [characterized by flashbacks to the traumatic event, coupled with extreme stress reactions](http://www.healmyptsd.com/education/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-statistics). \r\n\r\nThankfully, many patients report that cannabis helps them cope with stressful situations as well as the symptoms they cause. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [3 POPULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT MARIJUANA & STRESS ANSWERED](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a131d7beea891000897e269/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-stress-answered)\r\n\r\n### Alexis Finds Success Using Cannabis to Ease PTSD Symptoms \r\n\r\nTake Alexis, a 23-year-old patient who uses cannabis to help cope with stress. Diagnosed with PTSD from a past trauma, Alexis was overwhelmed with painful and frightening symptoms on a daily basis.\r\n\r\n“I was having flashbacks pretty much every single day about the event.” she recalls. “I would wake up in the middle of the night covered in sweat, panicking and hyperventilating, sometimes even screaming. I was constantly in a heightened state of anxiety and hypervigilance. And I was jumpy; I was irritable, sometimes angry, and I just needed to be medicated.” \r\n\r\nAlexis says that doctors first put her on Zoloft in an attempt to ease her symptoms, but it didn’t really help. “I was still having flashbacks.” she says, adding, “It was kind of artificial. I never actually felt any real feeling. ... I was just kind of numb.” \r\n\r\nThen she tried cannabis and was amazed at how well it worked. “I no longer wake up in the middle of the night covered in sweat and freaking out.” she explains. “If I consume a little bit of an edible before I go to sleep, it will keep me asleep the entire night.”\r\n\r\nShe also says that her daily anxiety levels have come way down, and “when I do experience flashbacks now, which is less common, I’m able to keep more of a level head to deal with it.”\r\n\r\nWith cannabis to ease her symptoms, she’s been able to completely get off of Zoloft. Alexis says cannabis has helped her “in so many ways.”\r\n\r\n### Treating Stress With Cannabis \r\n\r\nAlexis has found help with the use of cannabis, and she’s not alone. Many patients report cannabis helps with stress and PTSD symptoms. In fact, a 2015 study in the _American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy_ found that “[substantial numbers of military veterans with PTSD use cannabis or derivative products to control PTSD symptoms](http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/15/1279.short?sso-checked=true), with some patients reporting benefits in terms of reduced anxiety and insomnia and improved coping ability.” \r\n\r\nThis makes a lot of sense when paired with new research that shows [cannabis actually reduces reactions to stress](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-017-4648-z). In one study, patients were given stress tests, some using cannabis and some not. Those consuming cannabis not only reported having less stress during the test, but were also found to have lower levels of cortisol in their blood. Cannabis was able to reduce stress responses at the chemical level. \r\n\r\nThis is good news for patients with chronic stressors, or an overactive stress response. Cannabis can them help keep stress levels in a manageable range. For those suffering from occasional stress, cannabis can help lessen the physical and emotional impact of a really bad day. Either way, it’s no wonder cannabis is such a popular option when it comes to reducing stress. \r\n\r\nIf you suffer from stress and think cannabis might be right for you, the best first step is to talk to a doctor. You can [consult with one HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. Whether you have a medical marijuana card or live in a state where you can purchase through recreational means, you’ll want to start exploring which strains and methods of consuming cannabis are best for you.\r\n\r\nIn the next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we take a look at how cannabis can help alleviate back pain.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Louis Blythe](https://unsplash.com/@louisjblythe)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/14b42/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/f836f/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.jpg 200w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/2244e/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.jpg 400w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/14b42/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.jpg 800w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/47498/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/0e329/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.jpg 1600w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/46750/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.jpg 3633w","srcWebp":"/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/58556/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/61e93/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.webp 200w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/1f5c5/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.webp 400w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/58556/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.webp 800w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/99238/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.webp 1200w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/7c22d/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.webp 1600w,\n/static/223c81e8e275520e947c20dc00dacc8f/757bd/398da99d40d8e8fa2212e0e8635eff5a.webp 3633w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2604-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Relieves Pain Better Than Opioids Do","slug":"how-cannabis-relieves-pain-better-than-opioids-do","content":"Pain is a universal reality that we all have to deal with in some form or another. While pain may strike on occasion for some—such as the random headache or pulled muscle, for many of us, pain is a daily chronic situation. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, [pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined](https://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=57). Pain is a leading cause of disability, and the most common reason Americans go to the doctor.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nUnfortunately, many with chronic pain turn to dangerous prescription painkillers like opiates. While pain is a huge problem that can leave a patient unable to lead a normal life, the painkillers themselves might be even worse. [Opiates alone kill over 33,000 each year](https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html), and the rates are only increasing.\n\nYou may think over-the-counter painkillers like non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a safer choice, but estimates for [deaths from NSAIDs hover over 15,000 a year](http://americannutritionassociation.org/newsletter/deadly-nsaids), and hospitalization for complications caused by NSAIDS (like GI bleeding or liver damage) are in the 100,000 range. \n\nIn this article, part of our series geared towards folks new to cannabis, we get into how cannabis may be a safer and better option for chronic pain patients. Many report significant pain relief from cannabis, and [in states that allow medical cannabis, deaths from opiate overdoses have gone down by 25%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25154332).\n\n### Ella’s Success Using Cannabis to Ease Her Pain\n\nElla is one patient whose relied heavily on cannabis’s pain-relieving abilities to get her through the day. Ella has a genetic condition called [thalassemia](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thalassemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354995). This inherited blood disorder is characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells and hemoglobin. In severe cases like Ella’s, regular blood transfusions are required as treatment.\n\nElla has been having blood transfusions every few weeks since she was one month old. In addition, this challenging condition has caused Ella problems like liver enlargement, bone inflammation and congestive heart failure. These issues along with the many surgeries and painful procedures Ella has gone through have left her in need of some serious pain management. \n\n“The cannabis just helps me so much with the pain and the surgeries,” says Ella, adding that her mother had first suggested cannabis five years ago as an alternative to the Percocet and Vicodin that she was taking. These prescription painkillers were not only addictive, but they were compounding her liver problems, causing her liver to double in size. \n\nThankfully, cannabis provided Ella a safer alternative. “Because I was taking cannabis for my pain, my liver was able to shrink down to normal size.” she explains, saying that anyone with her condition should try out cannabis. “I recommend it, because it's not a narcotic that can damage your organs, and it's just a wonderful medicine.”\n\n### Becky’s Success Overcoming Her Pain With Marijuana\n\nBecky is another patient who uses cannabis for pain relief. The 42-year-old uses cannabis for a connective tissue disorder that affects her eyes, heart, muscular system and skeletal system. This condition leaves Becky with a lot of daily chronic pain. That pain can really get in the way of her work as a hairstylist. While some doctors suggested she get into a new line of work, Becky is passionate about what she does and wanted to continue.\n\n“I had to figure out ways to make myself feel better and still be able to function.” she says, sharing a long line of medications she experimented with before making her way to medical cannabis.\n\nBecky tried everything from Tylenol and OxyContin to muscle relaxers, but nothing seemed to help. Then she thought back to times she had used cannabis recreationally. “I realized that any time I smoked cannabis, it was because I was struggling with physical pain or with something emotional. It always helped.” \n\nWith approval from her doctor, Becky began to use cannabis medicinally, and it has transformed her life. “I truly, deeply feel like if I didn't have cannabis in my life, I wouldn't be the same person I am now.” she says. “I might not even be here.” \n\nStill, Becky says she had to do some work to find the right kinds of cannabis for her. “Not everything affects me the same way it affects everybody else,” she explains. “There are some indicas that make me really 'go go go.' There are some that caused me massive anxiety. There are some sativas that make me sleepy. I had to figure that all out.” \n\nHaving finally worked out what her best cannabis options are, Becky’s now well enough to continue her work in the hair salon. She has become a vocal advocate of cannabis, telling all of her clients about the wonders it has worked in her life. \n\n### Many Are Finding Pain Relief With Cannabis \n\nBecky and Ella aren’t the only ones using cannabis for pain. In one study, [97% of medical marijuana patients said they use the plant primarily for chronic pain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3998228/).\n\nThe science supports these patient’s claims that cannabis is a potent painkiller. In fact, in a study by UC Berkeley and HelloMD, [81% of patients reported that cannabis alone was more effective at relieving their pain than opioids were](http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2017.0012), with similar results reported for patients using non-opioid painkillers.\n\nCannabis helps treat pain by sending cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to stimulate the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is the body’s natural pain reliever. When stimulated, pain relief is quick and potent, but without the numbing and desensitized feelings that can come with traditional painkillers. \n\nIf you suffer from chronic pain and think cannabis might be right for you, the best first step is to talk to a doctor. You can [consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online. Whether you have a medical marijuana card or live in a state where you can purchase through recreational means, you’ll want to start exploring which strains and methods of using cannabis are best for you.\n\nStay tuned for our next installment of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, where we’ll delve into how cannabis can help manage stress.\n\nPhoto credit: [Nick Karvounis](https://unsplash.com/@nickkarvounis)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/14b42/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.jpg","srcSet":"/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/f836f/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.jpg 200w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/2244e/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.jpg 400w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/14b42/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.jpg 800w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/47498/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.jpg 1200w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/0e329/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.jpg 1600w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/bea71/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.jpg 3641w","srcWebp":"/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/58556/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/61e93/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.webp 200w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/1f5c5/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.webp 400w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/58556/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.webp 800w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/99238/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.webp 1200w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/7c22d/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.webp 1600w,\n/static/71c57f9c49583e77de2394807485209e/79ff7/799f831c02e97ecbc0aadeda07ebbd75.webp 3641w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2616-markdown","title":"Word to the Wise: Cannabis Affects Everyone Differently","slug":"word-to-the-wise-cannabis-affects-everyone-differently","content":"Let’s face it: As much as we can classify cannabis strains and chemical compounds by their effects on the consumer, individuals can still have wildly varying experiences. One person can be affected one way, while another person can be affected in an entirely different way, despite controlling for all other factors including dosage, route of administration, timing and more.\n\nIn this article, part of a series for cannabis newcomers, we turn to the phenomenology of cannabis—meaning, how cannabis makes people feel. If you’ve ever read about or been described the effects of a particular marijuana strain only to have a completely different experience when consuming it, read on. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Playing the Cannabis Lottery\n\nWhen I first started using cannabis, it felt like I was playing some kind of lottery. I would go to the dispensary looking for a marijuana strain that would make me feel relaxed, happy and pain-free. Each time, I would read about the strain or maybe talk to a friend or budtender to get recommendations. “Oh, this one is great for relaxing,” they would tell me.\n\nBut later, at home, I would try each cannabis strain, wondering if any of them would work the way I was told they would. What I usually found was that most of these strains produced the exact opposite effect. I would find myself anxious and unfocused instead of happy and relaxed. \n\nOf course, every so often, I would find what I was looking for—a marijuana strain that eased my pain and anxiety. With these strains, I felt great. My head was clear, my body was finally free from chronic pain, and I felt, well, like myself. \n\nAt first, I was frustrated with the people giving me what seemed like bad marijuana strain advice. “That strain isn’t relaxing at all!” I would complain to my husband. “That budtender didn’t know what he was talking about.”\n\nBut as I began to better understand the many complex variables involved with cannabis use, I also began to understand that it wasn’t that the strain alone was an anxiety-inducer; it was the combination of the strain and my biochemistry that was making it so. In fact, the marijuana strains that are most likely to send me into an anxious downward spiral are the same ones that some of my best friends use to manage their anxiety.\n\nAs it turns out, [cannabis strains affect people in a variety of ways, and they don’t affect everyone in the same way](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-makes-each-marijuana-strain-unique). Or as one of my favorite budtenders used to say, “Different strains for different brains.”  \n\nI realized that I didn’t need to find the strains that were being touted as relaxing. What I needed to find were the strains that were most relaxing _for me_. This meant a careful and systematic tracking of what was working for me—and what wasn’t. Eventually, I honed in on the genetic varieties that suit my personal biochemistry, thus producing the effects that I was looking for. \n\nI’m not alone in having very specific tastes in cannabis. According to HelloMD’s 2016 Patient Survey, [86% of cannabis consumers have a strong preference for a particular cannabis strain](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/HelloMD_Medical_Marijuana_Patient_Survey.pdf), while 87% of patients say they only use one to three products on a regular basis.\n\nIt’s also not uncommon that it will take some time finding the products that work best. Over 50% of survey respondents said they managed to find a product that solved their medical concerns in less than one month of looking. However, 21% took up to three months while 27% took longer than six months to find what worked best for them. \n\nRELATED: [HOW TO FIND YOUR IDEAL MARIJUANA DOSAGE](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-find-your-ideal-marijuana-dosage)\n\n### Researching How People Feel When They Consume Cannabis\n\nMany years after my first experiments trying to find the right cannabis strains for me, I had the opportunity to run product development and testing for a cannabis brand. My doctoral work and academic expertise had focused on analyzing various scientific methods for assessing subjective factors like happiness, pain or well-being.\n\nWhen I shifted my focus from academic work to cannabis product research, I began applying these scientific methods to consumer research problems—such as how to write more accurate descriptions of a cannabis product’s effects. Essentially, I began researching how different cannabis products affected how people feel. Here are a few things I learned from the data I collected. \n\n### 1. Cannabis Product Effects Vary Person to Person\n\nOne thing the research showed was that the perceived effects of a cannabis product could vary widely from person to person. In our testing, we used a grid where consumers could indicate how sedative vs. energetic a particular product was as well as how clear-minded vs. hazy the product made them feel. In these tests, we’d frequently see responses in every quadrant of the chart. The exact same product might be considered sedative or energetic, make them feel hazy or clear-headed, depending on the person describing it. Many products had a wide range of variety in reported effects. It turns out that brands and dispensaries can’t write a _perfectly_ accurate description of their product’s effects. Bottom line: No description will be true for everyone.\n\n![Test responses for Sour Diesel Rosin](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-5a99f05df24d1300077ccb71-651a5ca1-5a6f-4ed7-ac70-a3be3a3fe505/original.jpg)\n\n### 2. Statistical Trends Can Be Found in Cannabis Phenomenology \n\nWhile we saw a variety in the reported effects of any given cannabis product, we also found statistical trends. For example, our Hindu Kush products tended to be rated as sedative, while making folks feel clear-minded. Meanwhile, our Blue Dream products were rated as making folks feel energized and hazy. While we saw some variety in the responses, we were also able to glean a statistically average response for each product.\n\nThe statistically average response was then used to create a product description. While this meant that the majority of folks would find the effects they experience to jibe with the description, it still meant there’d be consumers who’d strongly disagree with it. While the descriptions best fit the data, they still weren’t perfect descriptions for everyone. \n\n\n![Test responses for Blue Dream & Hindu Kush](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/articles-5a99f05df24d1300077ccb71-49e10c56-6a37-4a1a-bedf-d571696a4448/original.jpg)\n\n### 3. Some Cannabis Consumers Have Consistently Atypical Reactions\n\nIf you find that you’re one of those people who often disagrees with the descriptions you find on the products you buy, you—like me—may have atypical reactions to cannabis varieties. I started out by looking for strains that would energize and relax me. Because I was looking for energy, I was pointed towards a lot of sativa varieties. However, sativas just made me anxious.\n\nLater, I tried smoking more indicas and found that these were the cannabis strains that actually gave me energy. A strain like Afgoo would fill me with relaxed energy, and yet most consider this to be a sedative strain. Sativas, while energetic, made me jittery and gave me headaches, which ended up draining any energy I had. When I started recording these reactions and comparing them to our product testing results, I found that my reactions were consistently atypical—but in a way I could count on. \n\nI learned the marijuana strains, cannabinoids and terpenes that correlated to being energizing for me. And I stopped relying on the descriptions. Now, it’s quite easy for me to find strains that work, because I know what to expect and focus on. Now, I look for cannabis strains that are described as sedative, because those are typically the products that give me energy. By making this change, I’ve greatly improved my own success in getting products that do what I want them to do.\n\nIf you find your reactions are atypical, [start testing out your own cannabis products and recording the effects](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5887f977ba308600084715a5/how-to-do-a-cannabis-tasting). Once you can pinpoint the trends in your own cannabis reactions, you’ll be much better able to determine which product is right for you. \n\n### More Research Needed on the Phenomenology of Cannabis\n\nMy personal research was based on small sample sizes and products from only a few brands. More research is needed to truly understand the phenomenology of cannabis as well as the many factors involved. Hopefully, the data I’ve shared can help give a glimpse of the ways cannabis products can affect people in very different ways. \n\nIn the next several installments of the Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll shift gears to talk about the many ways cannabis is used to help treat various medical conditions. We’ll delve into the research and share success stories from individual patients. First up: cannabis as an aid in reducing anxiety.\n\nPhoto credit: [Jurassic Blueberries](https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurassicblueberries/)\n\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/14b42/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/f836f/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.jpg 200w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/2244e/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.jpg 400w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/14b42/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.jpg 800w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/47498/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/0e329/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/c142e/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.jpg 2009w","srcWebp":"/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/58556/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/61e93/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.webp 200w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/1f5c5/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.webp 400w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/58556/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.webp 800w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/99238/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.webp 1200w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/7c22d/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.webp 1600w,\n/static/1386439dcfe858c555edc33f42034c7c/2f0d1/5564168518b377fa4da129fb090e70eb.webp 2009w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2587-markdown","title":"How Growing Methods Affect the Cannabis You Consume","slug":"how-growing-methods-affect-the-cannabis-you-consume","content":"Indoors, outdoors or greenhouse—if you’ve been to a medical marijuana dispensary lately, you may have noticed that there can be a big difference in pricing depending on how the cannabis was grown. Clients often ask me whether they should stick with cannabis grown by one of these methods. The truth is, there are reasons why any one of these common growing methods may gain favor in the eyes of a given individual. In this article, part of our series for cannabis newcomers, we’ll discuss how these different growing conditions can affect the cannabis produced. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Why Some Patients Will Pay More for Indoor-Grown Cannabis\r\n\r\nOne question new cannabis patients often ask me is why it costs more to purchase indoor cannabis over cannabis grown outdoors. For one, it simply costs more to produce indoor-grown cannabis. While outdoor-grown cannabis relies on natural resources like the sun and soil, an indoor grow requires significant monetary resources to build, install and run things like the physical structure, lighting, air-conditioning and dehumidifiers, soil or hydroponic equipment, irrigation system, fans, nutrients and more—all towards helping recreate the natural environment indoors. This artificial environment often comes with a steep price tag, one that’s passed on to the cannabis consumer. \r\n\r\nOf course, the main reason why some patients are willing to spend more on indoor-grown marijuana products is the quality of the resulting medicine. In many respects, the controlled environment can result in higher-quality cannabis. Indoor grows protect cannabis from the harsh elements of the great outdoors. Cannabis can toughen up when exposed to wind and drastic temperature changes; it can also become pest-ridden and discolored by the sun.\r\n\r\nIn contrast, indoor cannabis flowers are usually more “kind.” This term means that the flower or bud of the plant is softer, tighter, denser as well as more colorful, crystal-covered, flavorful and aromatic. It can also mean that there’s a higher ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes relative to excess plant material. \r\n\r\nWhile some argue that outdoor-grown cannabis can be just as kind and high quality as the indoor variety (and occasionally a cultivator in an ideal outdoor growing environment can and does produce very kind flower), some consumers still prefer indoor-grown cannabis, keeping demand—as well as prices—high for this type of plant. \r\n\r\n### The Downsides of Indoor-Grown Cannabis\r\n\r\nOn the down side, the controlled environment that makes indoor-grown cannabis so kind also relies on a lot of electricity. This means that [indoor-grown marijuana isn’t always the most eco-friendly](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56fdadd310f1d5000c000044/marijuanas-dirty-secret-energy-consumption). Indoor grows also use artificial light to drive plant and resin growth; this method doesn’t have the same full spectrum of light that the sun, moon and stars can provide—these natural light sources are able to bring out a more complex array of terpenes and cannabinoids than is usually seen in indoor-grown cannabis. For those who prefer more complex terpene profiles, indoor-grown marijuana may be an inferior option to high-quality sungrown cannabis. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [GROWING MARIJUANA AT HOME](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/583c6e1c925c1a000b5028fe/growing-your-marijuana-at-home)\r\n\r\n### The Benefits of Outdoor-Grown Cannabis\r\n\r\nIn contrast to indoor cannabis, outdoor-grown plants tend to be available for much lower prices. Outdoor cannabis can use the natural environment for much of what it needs, and it can grow as much as the sun and nature’s available nutrients allow it to. This allows for cheaper prices, making it much more sustainable for patients who need to consume cannabis as an everyday medicine. \r\n\r\nPrice is one reason folks prefer outdoor-grown cannabis, but patients also often prefer the effects of the complex terpene and cannabinoid profiles brought out by natural light. For those more sensitive to the differences in these chemical components of cannabis, outdoor-grown marijuana may be a better option. \r\n\r\nOutdoor cannabis also has a much lower carbon footprint than most indoor cannabis, because it doesn’t require the large electricity output that indoor-grown cannabis needs for lighting, cooling, dehumidifying and other systems. Patients concerned about the environmental impact of indoor grows often cite it as a reason for why they prefer outdoor-grown cannabis. \r\n\r\n### The Downsides of Outdoor-Grown Cannabis\r\n\r\nThat said, outdoor-grown cannabis isn’t environmentally friendly on all counts. Those concerned about sustainability and preserving the environment should be aware that while outdoor-grown cannabis is the best method for reducing your carbon footprint, it’s the absolute worst when it comes to conserving water. Sitting out in the full sun, these plants suck up a lot of water. As well, though some water will make it to the plant, the rest of it will evaporate or sink into the earth. Meanwhile, an indoor grow requires far less water due to its controlled environment.\r\n\r\nThose concerned about the environment should be aware of the cons for each method of growing. Neither option is much better than the other. What it really comes down to is what resource you’re more interested in conserving. \r\n\r\nIn terms of quality, outdoor-grown cannabis can often grow larger, fluffier buds that aren’t as tight or densely packed with cannabinoids. These buds tend to be more weathered by factors like UV exposure, wind, pests and high temperatures than with those produced by other methods of growing.\r\n\r\nThe exposure to the elements can lead to tougher flower that’s discolored to look more brown or gray, with higher percentages of plant material and lipids. This can leave outdoor-grown flower tasting more grassy than indoor or greenhouse cannabis. While some outdoor grows can produce kind, incredibly well-grown flower that can almost pass for indoor-grown cannabis, outdoor cannabis continues to sell for less because of the loss in quality generally experienced in outdoor grows. \r\n\r\n### Reasons Why You May Prefer Greenhouse-Grown Cannabis \r\n\r\nWith this cultivation method, growers combine a partially controlled greenhouse environment with natural sunlight to produce flowers that hover between indoor and outdoor in terms of quality. Like the outdoors, greenhouses produce relatively large plants that have the complex array of terpenes and cannabinoids provided by full-spectrum light exposure.\r\n\r\nBecause it’s grown in a partially controlled environment, greenhouse flower can be kinder than outdoor cannabis. In other words, greenhouse flower tends to be smoother, more flavorful and more visually appealing than that of the outdoor variety, but not quite as much as indoor cannabis tends to be. With a price that’s also usually somewhere between the cost of indoor and outdoor marijuana, many find greenhouse cannabis to be a good compromise between quality and price.  \r\n\r\n### The Downsides of Greenhouse-Grown Cannabis \r\n\r\nGreenhouse flower has many of the benefits of both indoor and outdoor products. Unfortunately, it also shares some of the downsides of both. For one thing, while not as weathered as outdoor plants can get, greenhouse cannabis simply isn’t as kind as indoor-grown marijuana is—some deem this as a major drawback.  \r\n\r\nYou may hear the argument that greenhouse growing combines the best of both worlds as it uses natural light while in a controlled environment. But environmentally, greenhouse growing can be problematic—like indoors, greenhouse still uses a moderate amount of electricity for fans, air-conditioning and supplemental lights. While it isn’t as much as what indoor growing requires, it’s still considerable. In addition, like outdoors, greenhouse also uses a lot of water. So, similar to indoors and outdoors, this method also has a negative impact on the environment.\r\n\r\n### Other Cultivation Styles for Growing Marijuana\r\n\r\nIndoors, outdoors and greenhouse are the three cannabis cultivation methods you’ll most likely come across when shopping for your cannabis. Of course, within each method, growing styles may vary—for example, some cultivators use hydroponics, while others use soil; some use organic methods of growing, while others use synthetic nutrients and pesticides.\r\n\r\nIn addition, with continued technological advances, we’re also seeing new styles of cultivating that combine these growing methods in new and unexpected ways. One example is the use of natural light in entirely indoor spaces. These new methods may help improve quality while driving down the environmental costs of growing cannabis.\r\n\r\nThat said, flower grown with these new methods isn’t yet widely available, so it’s important to understand the more basic methods still used throughout the industry to help you decide what type of cannabis will work for you. The different ways that the plant can be grown can and will have a big effect on your experience. Whether indoors, outdoors or greenhouse, incredible flower can come out of each of these methods. Which type do you prefer? The only way to know for sure is to try them out for yourself. \r\n\r\nIn the next installment of our Cannabis for Newbies guide, we get into how cannabis’s many variations—from strains and methods of growing to cannabinoids and terpenes—come together to interact with your individual biochemistry. Ever wonder why some strains can make your friends feel relaxed and happy while making you feel anxious and scattered? Stay tuned to learn more. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Rusty Blazenhoff](https://www.flickr.com/photos/blazenhoff/)\r\n\r\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/14b42/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg","srcSet":"/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/f836f/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg 200w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/2244e/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg 400w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/14b42/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg 800w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/719d0/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.jpg 1025w","srcWebp":"/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/58556/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/61e93/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp 200w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/1f5c5/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp 400w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/58556/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp 800w,\n/static/aaee0b538b3b5a378fb1c28aed26b7cc/d34e0/4479c2bff62a82aafaed405da1d2e59d.webp 1025w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2620-markdown","title":"Cannabis Terpenes Pack a Therapeutic Punch","slug":"cannabis-terpenes-pack-a-therapeutic-punch","content":"While cannabinoids get a lot of the attention, people are beginning to understand the huge impact that terpenes can have on many aspects of the medicinal marijuana experience. In this article, part of our series geared towards folks new to cannabis, we’ll go over why terpenes can be the most important factor in choosing the right cannabis strains for you.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### What Are Terpenes? \t\r\n\r\n[Terpenes are the compounds in cannabis that are responsible for the smell and taste of the plant](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/562948683138320006d70000/terpenes-that-augment-the-healing-power-of-cannabis). Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes aren’t unique to cannabis, but are also found in many fruits and herbs. These flavorful and scent-producing chemicals are not only responsible for all of the variety in aroma and taste that consumers experience with cannabis, but they’ve also been shown to be therapeutically helpful, influencing the way cannabis affects us.\r\n\r\nIn fact, research suggests that [terpenes can serve as the biggest chemical factor in the experiential differences between cannabis strains](https://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/variations-terpene-profiles-different-strains-cannabis-sativa-l). Like cannabinoids, [these chemicals are subject to the entourage effect](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56d0f3acbbf86b000b0000ae/what-is-the-entourage-effect). This means they interact with each other, and can thereby produce different effects depending on the other cannabinoids and terpenes they’re used in combination with.\r\n\r\nThat said, it’s crucial that you understand the effects of the most common terpenes so that you can make informed choices about the cannabis you consume. Here are a few of the main terpenes that are important to get to know.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [WHAT ARE TERPENES & WHAT IS THEIR EFFECT?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56e359576d0ed000080000ba/what-are-terpenes-and-what-is-their-effect)\r\n\r\n### Myrcene\r\n\r\nMyrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. This terpene is also found in mangoes, bay leaves, thyme, lemongrass and hops. With a spicy, earthy, skunky aroma and flavor, myrcene is known for its ability to:\r\n\r\n* reduce pain\r\n* help with depression and anxiety\r\n* decrease inflammation\r\n* fight bacteria\r\n* improve sleep\r\n\r\nMyrcene is also a big determinant of whether a strain is energizing or sedative. If a marijuana strain has more than 0.5% myrcene, it will be sedative in nature, but if it has lower percentages of the terpene, it will be more energizing. \r\n\r\n### Limonene \r\n\r\n[Limonene, the second most common terpene, can be identified by its strong citrus aroma](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/574dfd85aa9671000c00004b/limonene-the-uplifting-citrusy-terpene); it’s found in the peel of many citrus fruits This terpene has been shown to help with gastrointestinal issues such as gastric reflux and ulcers. Limonene may also help:\r\n\r\n* fight bacterial infections\r\n* stimulate the immune system\r\n* suppress the growth of tumors\r\n* stimulate appetite\r\n* ease depression and anxiety\r\n\r\n### Caryophyllene\r\n\r\nCaryophyllene is another common terpene that’s found in most strains of cannabis. Also found in cloves and black pepper, this terpene brings the same peppery, earthy aromas you’d find in cloves, pepper, cinnamon or nutmeg. [Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to act on the endocannabinoid system](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56e359576d0ed000080000ba/what-are-terpenes-and-what-is-their-effect)—by binding to the CB2 receptor, it can help:\r\n\r\n* ease anxiety\r\n* reduce inflammation\r\n* alleviate pain\r\n\r\n### Linalool \r\n\r\nLinalool is the terpene responsible for the fragrant lavender or rose scent found in some cannabis strains. Also present in lavender, mint, citrus and a wide variety of other plants, linalool:\r\n\r\n* is a potent pain-reliever\r\n* has anti-seizure properties\r\n* can help with depression and anxiety\r\n* alleviate insomnia\r\n\r\n### Pinene\r\n\r\nAlso found in pine needles, pinene is the terpene that gives some cannabis strains their fresh pine-like aroma. Pinene is a bronchodilator, so it can even help reduce the severity of an asthma attack. This energizing terpene can also:\r\n\r\n* help improve focus and memory\r\n* act an anti-inflammatory\r\n\r\n### Humulene \r\n\r\nHumulene is the terpene that gives cannabis its woody, spicy, herbal aroma. Found in hops, as well as cannabis, humulene can:\r\n\r\n* reduce pain and inflammation\r\n* suppress appetite\r\n* act as an antioxidant\r\n\r\n### Using Cannabis Terpenes to Treat Your Symptoms or Condition \r\n\r\nWe’ve called out just a handful of some of the most common and plentiful of terpenes. To date, over 100 terpenes have been identified in cannabis plants. Understanding these terpenes can aid greatly in determining what cannabis strains may be most helpful in treating your symptoms or conditions. When you try out new strains, you can check the test results to see which terpenes are present in higher concentrations so as to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. \r\n\r\nEven when terpene test results aren’t available, you can sniff out these terpenes. That citrusy-smelling bud is sure to be high in limonene, while that sweet, skunky flower is probably packing a fair bit of myrcene. By noticing how your favorite—and least favorite—marijuana strains smell, you’ll learn to predict whether a strain will work well for you. \r\n\r\nIn the next installment of our Cannabis for Newbies guide, we’ll move onto another important topic: how growing methods—indoor, outdoor and greenhouse—affect your cannabis products.\r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [David Gach](https://www.flickr.com/photos/129410009@N08/)\r\n\r\nNeed a medical marijuana recommendation? [Consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://www.hellomd.com/); it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/14b42/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/f836f/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.jpg 200w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/2244e/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.jpg 400w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/14b42/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.jpg 800w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/47498/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/0e329/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.jpg 1600w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/0fb1f/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.jpg 1862w","srcWebp":"/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/58556/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/61e93/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.webp 200w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/1f5c5/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.webp 400w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/58556/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.webp 800w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/99238/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.webp 1200w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/7c22d/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.webp 1600w,\n/static/68724c3ae879a4841a3d32c4b4dc8618/dc633/70558758d6c0a64a0db5b40f0bb4265a.webp 1862w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":84,"numPages":15,"currentPage":8,"id":5053,"name":"Cannabis 101","slug":"cannabis-101","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}