{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/church/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2347-markdown","title":"Top Five Strains that May Cause Laughter","slug":"top-five-strains-that-may-cause-laughter","content":"The giggles can be one of the most fun and desirable side effects of ingesting cannabis. Some people might associate bouts of cannabis-induced hysterical laughter with the stoner stigma, but laughing actually enhances the medical benefits of cannabis in a myriad of ways. Researchers Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan proved this when they found significant health benefits resulting from laughter in their [study at Loma Linda University](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090417084115.htm). \n\nIt’s fairly obvious to observe that laughter improves our mood and encourages positive thoughts, which can reduce anxiety and depression. Less obvious are the physical effects of laughter, which include a healthier heart, more effective immune system, and lower inflammatory response. When you laugh, you exercise your heart and lungs, reduce your body’s cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and release dopamines and other endorphins which lower anxiety and make you feel good. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe team at HelloMD believe laughter is the best medicine, especially during trying times, and they’re hosting an entire experience about it. On October 5th at San Francisco’s The Midway, Netflix comedy star Mike Winfield headlines alongside stand-up comedians Steph Garcia and Carlos Rodriguez at Laughter Haven. Some of [California’s top cannabis brands](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59caa7214219283019163673/top-cannabis-brands-that-are-doing-it-right) will be present for sampling in Dope Magazine’s combustion lounge. Our community comes together for a night of cannabis and comedy and discover that being healthy can be fun - and funny too!\n\n\n### Top Five Strains for Laughter\n\nGenerally everyone’s first few experiences with cannabis includes non-stop laughter. For some people the giggles wear off after their first few cannabis experiences, but certain strains provide just the right amount of body relaxation and cerebral stimulation to keep you laughing all night long. Here are some of our favorite strains for inducing laughter: \n\n### Chemdawg\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwmDBHA1bL/`\n
\n\nChemdawg is an indica-dominant hybrid with a high THC content (20%), known for its distinct aroma which resembles gasoline. The experience balances a creative, cerebral head high with a relaxed body high, providing the optimum conditions for fits of the giggles. This uplifting strain is also useful for treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and lack of appetite. \n\n### Sweet Diesel\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwmdFegZeV/`\n
\n\nSweet Diesel is a cross of super popular strains Sour Diesel and OG Kush. This pure sativa strain has a mild THC content, making it a good option for cannabis newbies or those with lower tolerances. Great for the daytime, the experience is mostly heady, felt behind the face and eyes, and making patients feel relaxed, focused, and uplifted. This strain is ideal for treating chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. \n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD’S LAUGHTER HAVEN: AN EVENING OF CANNABIS & COMEDY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59c1930593afe713363117a3/hellomds-laughter-haven-an-evening-of-cannabis-and-comedy)\n\n### Mango Kush\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwmlBPAb1G/`\n
\n\n[Mango Kush](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce4fdd520d60009f4f4b9) is an indica-dominant strain containing the magical combination of [mangoes and cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/571ff712d392e1000c00031f/what-is-it-about-mangoes-and-marijuana). With a tropical mango flavor, the effects of Mango Kush are mostly felt in the body, inspiring deep relaxation and strong euphoria which leads to lots of laughter. This strain can be used to treat nausea, anxiety, stress, lack of appetite, and depression.\n\n### Fruity Pebbles\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwm7rig3PF/`\n
\n\n[Fruity Pebbles](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5ac2bdaf1bb06d000861414b/fruity-pebbles) is a sweet, fruit-flavored indica dominant hybrid strain, with a moderate THC level. The effects include a strong body-high which may keep you on the couch, where you’ll be smiling, euphoric, and happy :) This strain is ideal for treating chronic pain, ADD, and other mood disorders. \n\n### Church OG\n\n`embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwmrplgFUR/`\n
\nChurch OG is an indica strain that provides intense body relaxation with long-lasting cerebral effects. With up to 19% THC, the effects are long-lasting, providing relief for several hours. Inspiring happy, lazy feelings of euphoria, this strain can be used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, and lack of appetite. \n\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/14b42/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/f836f/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.jpg 200w,\n/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/2244e/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.jpg 400w,\n/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/14b42/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.jpg 800w,\n/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/47498/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/54ac5/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/58556/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/61e93/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.webp 200w,\n/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/1f5c5/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.webp 400w,\n/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/58556/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.webp 800w,\n/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/99238/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.webp 1200w,\n/static/e68ef10932bbebf027397e80fbfcfb37/5e0b8/cc17040038d75886cf2d0462b3ef5a1c.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2289-markdown","title":"The International Church of Cannabis is Open for Worship","slug":"the-international-church-of-cannabis-is-open-for-worship","content":"### A New Kind of Church \r\n\r\nSpiritual seekers for thousands of years have been trying to ‘find themselves’ and the deeper meaning in life. The new International Church of Cannabis located in Denver, Colorado aims to facilitate this desire with a new type of church. As an official non-profit religious group, they define their spirituality more loosely but generally think that spirituality and cannabis go hand in hand. Steve Berke, the media relations director and a founding member of the church says, \"An individual's spiritual journey and search for meaning is one of self discovery that can be heightened and deepened through ritual cannabis use.\" Some may agree with this statement and actually it is not unlike what some of the ancient gurus from India conveyed to their followers as well. \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\nThe International Church of Cannabis opened with celebration this past April 20th, aka 4/20, with a special set of services to commemorate what is now known as the global unofficial cannabis holiday. Members of the church, who call themselves Elevationists, believe that cannabis helps in the process of self discovery, reflection and overall functions as a positive influence. According to church member Lee Molloy, who was interviewed by Merry Jane, “cannabis is a sacrament, one that we use to elevate our lives and achieve the best versions of ourselves that we can be.”\r\n\r\n\r\nInside the new cannabis church.\r\n\r\n### Religious Persecution?\r\n\r\nThe Denver church occupies a building that has been on the streets of Denver for 113 years and the historic church has gotten a recent makeover in the form of a beautiful multi-color mural that was designed by artist Okuda San Miguel. It will also be “the first large venue in the world, which is also a church, where adults can legally consume cannabis in a social environment.” That said, the idea of the church, however, makes some people in the cannabis friendly state slightly concerned. \r\n\r\nUpon learning of the new church, Dan Pabon, a Democrat in the state’s House of Representatives, tried to introduce a ban on cannabis consumption within churches. However, his efforts were blocked. In a recent New York Times article Steve Berke stated that he saw Dan Pabon's attempts \"as a clear example of religious persecution.\" He added, “And for those who accuse us of creating a church as an excuse to smoke weed, we’re in Denver,” Mr. Berke said. “We can smoke anywhere. I think he should be embarrassed.” We are a nation built upon a foundation of religious tolerance, or so history teaches us.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe outside of the new cannabis church.\r\n\r\nThough Denver is fairly accepting of cannabis dispensaries and more private consumption, there are some concerns from neighbors that it may change the atmosphere of the neighborhood. The movement of the cannabis church into the neighborhood, however, has allowed for the historic church to be maintained, though it may be in a slightly different capacity. There are also concerns by city officials that the church is an attempt to circumvent the laws in place that do not allow consumption of cannabis in public spaces, but the church members insist that they are not a social club and instead they are a legitimate religious organization. \r\n\r\n### Playing by the Book\r\n\r\nAttorney Christian Sederberg, has expressed that the church is completely [in the purview of the law by stating](http://www.thecannabist.co/2017/04/12/international-church-of-cannabis-elevationists-denver-social-use-law/77127/), “This church is a legitimate effort to create a community for people that don’t find that in traditional religion, and it intends to follow all laws…Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of association — those constitutional protections apply. But the definition of ‘open and public consumption’ was never defined in Colorado state statute. The whole concept remains to be decided at the local level and we believe there’s space for this church to operate within those evolving statues.” \r\n\r\n\r\nA spiritual sadhu in India smoking ritual cannabis.\r\n\r\n### Elevation of the Self\r\n\r\nThe church itself has no specific theology or structure, but instead focuses on individualism and the selecting a style of worship that elevates people into the best version of themselves. The space is reminiscent of Denver’s Sacred Smoke Sanctuary, which is a 4,000 square foot space in downtown Denver that serves as a studio, rehearsal space, church, theater, and residence. The landlord of the property has allowed for events to be hosted with cannabis in the building and it has become a space of combining cannabis with spiritual and individual enlightenment, much like the new church. \r\n\r\nCannabis has long found a place in different religions across the world because of its ability to allow people to access feelings, thoughts, and ideas that may not be accessible without its assistance. Cannabis also provides people with the ability to focus on stimuli in front of them and rid their mind of stresses, allowing them to embrace the moment more fully. The Church of Cannabis will provide an interesting look into the spiritual connections that many people find with cannabis. Only time will tell, however, how the church integrates into its community, and whether it spreads across the city, state, and nation. \r\n\r\nIf you are 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 100% online, private and efficient. \r\n\r\n[photo credit](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/20/us/international-church-cannabis.html?_r=0)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/14b42/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg","srcSet":"/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/f836f/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 200w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/2244e/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 400w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/14b42/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 800w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/47498/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 1200w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/54ac5/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/58556/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/61e93/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 200w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/1f5c5/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 400w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/58556/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 800w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/99238/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 1200w,\n/static/01e9fc9973a4076e3ba49b240751b34b/5e0b8/a557e7218a6f368a773c8d500c195e66.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5115,"name":"Church","slug":"church","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}