{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/northern-lights/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2902-markdown","title":"Resolving to Have a Happy New Year With Cannabis","slug":"resolving-to-have-a-happy-new-year-with-cannabis","content":"As you’re singing “Auld Lang Syne” with your family and friends, will you be thinking about making a New Year’s resolution? Though we all know that many more resolutions are broken than kept, using cannabis to augment your goal-setting may help strengthen motivation when you feel your resolve weakening.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nHere are a few common New Year’s resolutions, with some tips on how cannabis may help you keep them. We'll also suggest  which types of marijuana can help you keep and maintain your personal goals. \n\n### Cannabis Can Help You Lose Weight\n\nWhether you need to shed a few extra holiday pounds or begin addressing more serious weight loss goals, several studies are showing that [cannabis consumers are generally slimmer than their non-smoking counterparts](https://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/a19538689/marijuana-for-weight-loss-does-it-actually-work/), have a lower BMI and generally have lower cholesterol. \n\nTo help with your weight loss progress, consider consuming cannabis strains that contain the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), like [Durban Poison](https://hellomd.com/strains/durban-poison/). THCV has been shown to suppress appetite. And consumers report that Durban Poison imparts a clear-headed, focused and energizing high.\n\nRELATED: [CAN CANNABIS HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?](https://hellomd.com/articles/can-cannabis-help-you-lose-weight/)\n\n### Marijuana Can Provide the Motivation to Hit the Gym \n\nGetting healthy is one of the most important resolutions people make. But maintaining those gym workouts can be a challenge, despite the many obvious benefits that come with regular exercise. \n\nIt may surprise you to learn that [athletes are using cannabis to help move through pain and maintain focus](https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19871657/effects-of-marijuana-before-workout/). The plant can also help you get motivated if moving more is one of your goals for 2019.\n\nTry taking the marijuana strain [Green Crack](https://hellomd.com/strains/green-crack/) prior to a workout to promote energy, focus and inspiration. Post-workout, use a CBD-based topical cream or spray to help soothe those aching muscles. \n\n### Cannabis Can Help Address Issues With Alcohol\n\nMany people who’ve struggled with alcohol dependency have discovered that [cannabis provides a solution as an alcohol replacement substance](https://www.salon.com/2017/07/09/the-key-to-treating-alcoholism-with-medical-marijuana-the-key-to-treating-alcoholism-with-medical-marijuana_partner/). Science confirms that moderate use of cannabis is far less harmful than habitual drinking. \n\nSome people wishing to reduce their alcohol intake are using cannabis every time they feel the urge to drink. Because of the sedative effects of alcohol, suggested strains might include the high-THC cannabis strain Kryptonite or the CBD-dominant marijuana strain [Harlequin](https://hellomd.com/strains/harlequin/), which is also effective for depression.\n\n### Enlist Marijuana to Help You Kick the Habit \n\nBecause of its anti-anxiety properties, [CBD is an excellent addition to the toolkit for anyone wishing to quit smoking cigarettes](https://hellomd.com/articles/can-cbd-help-you-quit-smoking/). \n\nTo help reduce nicotine cravings, try sucking on CBD-infused candies, or use a [CBD vape pen](https://hellomd.com/tag/vaporizer/) as a substitute for your smokes or your nicotine delivery system. \n\n### Turn to Cannabis if Your Resolution is to Learn a New Language or Skill\n\nMost people who take cannabis therapeutically know that the stoner image is just that—a cartoon-like version of marijuana consumers that has little relationship to reality. In fact, a Harvard study has shown that [cannabis can actually improve executive function](https://www.inc.com/cynthia-than/the-surprising-way-to-be-better-at-brain-teasers-a.html). It’s worth considering adding cannabis to your daily routine if you’ve resolved to learn a new language or some other skill in 2019. \n\n[Cinex](https://hellomd.com/strains/cinex/) is a cannabis strain rich in THC that can help enhance your attention and focus. If you prefer a CBD-dominant marijuana strain, try the minimally psychoactive [Harle-Tsu](https://hellomd.com/strains/harle-tsu/).\n\n### If 2019 Is Your Year to Get Organized, Let Cannabis Help\n\nCannabis consumers know that [with the right marijuana strain, it’s possible to maintain and improve focus](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/marijuana-users-creative-cannabis-study-weed-study-a8057956.html). \n\nCan’t decide whether to keep those old roller skates or those elementary school drawings? Try some [Sour Diesel](https://hellomd.com/strains/sour-diesel/) to help you clean out the cobwebs in your home and your head. \n\nSour Diesel boasts a high THC content, so cannabis newbies should proceed with caution. But in the right amounts, this marijuana strain is great for focus and the motivation for accomplishing tasks that you’re not exactly looking forward to. \n\n### Let Marijuana Relax You Into the New Year\n\nThe jury is still out on exactly how cannabis helps people sleep. But one thing we know: THC puts some people to bed, but for others, its use can fuel a night of anxious tossing and turning. If you’re a person who’s comfortable taking THC, try [Northern Lights](https://hellomd.com/strains/northern-lights/) or the classic, sedating [Blue Dream](https://hellomd.com/strains/blue-dream/) to help with relaxation. \n\nDifferent cannabis strains affect people in different ways, so it may take some experimenting to find the strain that relaxes and calms you. You may even be able to pinpoint [the marijuana strain or product that helps you de-stress](https://hellomd.com/articles/staff-picks-7-cannabis-products-to-help-you-de-stress/), the cannabis that [helps you sleep](https://hellomd.com/articles/5-sleep-disorders-cannabis-can-help-alleviate/) and the type of cannabis that helps you perform calming exercises like [yoga](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-yoga-and-relaxation-an-interview-with-dee-dussault/) and [meditation](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-5-strains-to-enhance-your-meditation-practice/). \n\nPhoto credit: [Thomas Evans](https://unsplash.com/@grfxman)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDBf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAB/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHDrFUhif/EABkQAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECABARIf/aAAgBAQABBQIDrhQk2bX/xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/AT//xAAVEQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIf/aAAgBAgEBPwFH/8QAGRAAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIDFR/9oACAEBAAY/AsEa4//EABoQAQACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESAhMVH/2gAIAQEAAT8hBAtPZpM26YFz/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABBY3//EABcRAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESH/2gAIAQMBAT8QFDMu3//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQEf/aAAgBAgEBPxBxY//EABoQAQEBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERACExYVH/2gAIAQEAAT8QNmjyihnCgxTsPNHNNgeaHswPm//Z","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/14b42/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/f836f/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.jpg 200w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/2244e/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.jpg 400w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/14b42/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.jpg 800w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/47498/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/0e329/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.jpg 1600w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/43576/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.jpg 3653w","srcWebp":"/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/58556/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/61e93/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.webp 200w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/1f5c5/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.webp 400w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/58556/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.webp 800w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/99238/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.webp 1200w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/7c22d/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.webp 1600w,\n/static/5b0a9f83484e93556ff2782f467afbbb/35449/2a40044be04a673db456630c35ba148a.webp 3653w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2853-markdown","title":"5 Cannabis Strains to Enhance Your Yoga Practice","slug":"5-cannabis-strains-to-enhance-your-yoga-practice","content":"here’s nothing quite like yoga after consuming cannabis to leave you feeling relaxed, balanced and synchronized. If you haven’t tried this growing trend, it’s pretty simple: You take cannabis before practicing yoga. Marijuana’s relaxing and pain-relieving properties can help improve your physical experience, calm your busy mind and allow you to sink deep into yoga’s meditative state. \n\nOf course, as simple as the idea is, the strain of cannabis you choose can have a big impact on your experience. Some strains may contribute calm and pain relief, while others may lead to unwanted effects like a muddled mind or feeling jittery. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nHere are our picks of marijuana strains that may help you get the most out of your yoga session.  \n\n### 1. Grape Ape Can Help You Relax & Quell Your Aches & Pains\n\n![Grape Ape Marijuana Strain](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/markdown-image-injector-1d634a8e-8fbc-4658-b662-a2f54e63437d/original.png)\n\nFor those looking to sink into a relaxing yoga session, the most common starting point is an indica marijuana strain with calming effects. Indicas tend to produce the most relaxing effects, which can be a big help during a yoga practice. \n\nAmong indicas, [Grape Ape](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce671d520d60009f4f4c0) is one popular indica option to try. It’s known for its sweet, grape flavor and aroma, and for imparting:\n\n* Carefree relaxation\n* A clear mind\n* Pain relief \n\nGrape Ape can melt away the tension before you start to stretch, leaving you calm, uplifted and pain-free for your yoga session. \n\nBut be forewarned. Grape Ape is also well known for its sedative and hunger-inducing effects. If you’re sensitive to these effects, Grape Ape may be too much for you. Instead, opt for a hybrid like [GSC](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce3c1d520d60009f4f4b6/gsc) or a sativa like [Super Lemon Haze](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce2f6d520d60009f4f4b4/super-lemon-haze). \n\n### 2. Northern Lights Can Help Quiet Your Mind During Yoga\n\nAnother indica that works well for cannabis yoga is [Northern Lights](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce57ed520d60009f4f4bb/northern-lights). \nThis popular indica marijuana strain has a sweet, earthy and spicy aroma with hints of pine, and is prized for the dreamy and relaxed euphoria that it imparts to consumers. \n\nLike Grape Ape, Northern Lights is known to:\n\n* Relax the body\n* Relieve pain\n* Uplift mood\n\nBut unlike Grape Ape, the high with Northern Lights can be very cerebral. If you need a little something to slow your mind down so that you can stay focused on the physical sensations of yoga, this is a great choice. \n\nNorthern Lights is also known to induce appetite and sleepiness, so like Grape Ape, it shouldn’t be consumed by those who are sensitive to these effects. The last thing you want is to feel too sleepy or hungry to stay present in your yoga practice. \n\n### 3. GSC Provides a Balanced, Uplifted High\n\n![GSC Marijuana Strain](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/markdown-image-injector-7681d247-7279-4abd-8a68-516f26e04cd5/original.png)\n\nIf you’re one of those people who doesn’t do well with indicas because they make you too hungry or sleepy, there are other kinds of marijuana strains you can try. \n\nOne option is to go with a balanced hybrid strain like [GSC (formally known as Girl Scout Cookies)](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce3c1d520d60009f4f4b6/gsc). This popular strain is sweet and earthy with hints of a cookie-like aroma. It’s beloved by many for its grounded high, which doesn’t energize or sedate, but leaves the consumer feeling energetically balanced, calm and uplifted. \n\nAnother benefit of GSC is the strain’s powerful body high, which can ease tension, pain and nausea. Its cerebral high is also powerful. And while most who take it remain fairly functional, it can lead to a feeling of time slowing down, which can really enhance a yoga experience. \n\nRELATED: [THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOGA & CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58a38cc01689ad0017e8493b/the-connection-between-yoga-and-cannabis)\n\n### 4. Super Lemon Haze Can Give You an Energy Boost Before or After Yoga\n\n![Super Lemon Haze Marijuana Strain](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/markdown-image-injector-37705e58-98e2-45a3-aad7-6ed58571bb26/original.png)\n\nIndicas and hybrids are usually recommended for new cannabis yoga practitioners. But if you’re familiar with cannabis strains and know that sativas work best for you, [Super Lemon Haze](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce2f6d520d60009f4f4b4/super-lemon-haze) is a great sativa-dominant option for cannabis yoga. \n\nA vibrant and zesty strain, Super Lemon Haze is sweet, tart and lemony with strong citrus notes. \nIt’s a highly energetic strain, making it a great option for those who get tired during yoga and need an extra boost—either before or after the workout.\n\nIt’s also an incredibly uplifting, euphoric and relaxing strain (for those who can handle the energy). Super Lemon Haze also imparts a pain- relieving body high, and a clear, relaxed cerebral high that fits in great with any yoga practice. \n\nOn the other hand, for those sensitive to the energetic effects of sativas, this cannabis strain could cause negative effects like anxiety or headaches. If you find that you react this way to sativas, stick to a hybrid or indica strain for your cannabis yoga practice. \n\n### 5. High-CBD ACDC Will Help With Pain & Focus Without Psychoactive Effects\n\n![ACDC Marijuana Strain](https://hellomd-development.s3.amazonaws.com/markdown-image-injector-b295e6c5-5c4c-4693-9d88-d462dad74124/original.png)\n\nAll of the options already mentioned are strains with a high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.This works great for many, but isn’t right everyone. Some experience unwanted effects from THC such as:\n\n* A less than functional mind\n* Anxiety \n* A racing heart\n\nIf this has happened for you, or you’d like to ease into cannabis yoga with a more mild option that won’t leave you feeling too high, try a strain rich in cannabidiol (CBD) like [ACDC](https://www.hellomd.com/products?strainId=5a7cbe97d520d60009f4f4a5). \n\nACDC has an earthy and woody aroma with notes of pine. And with a 20:1 CBD-to-THC ratio, ACDC probably won’t impart any psychoactive effects.\n\nStill, ACDC can help with pain and tension, as well as reduce your overall anxiety. This can aid yoga by improving your ability to move and stretch without pain, and by calming your mind while leaving it clear and focused. Take ACDC before yoga to improve your experience, or afterwards to aid in recovery. \n\nPhoto credit: [Janet Orzechowski](https://unsplash.com/@rosalie2015)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/14b42/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg","srcSet":"/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/f836f/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 200w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/2244e/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 400w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/14b42/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 800w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/47498/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 1200w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/0e329/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 1600w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/02768/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.jpg 3662w","srcWebp":"/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/58556/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/61e93/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 200w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/1f5c5/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 400w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/58556/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 800w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/99238/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 1200w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/7c22d/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 1600w,\n/static/598454c8e124de5dd0de77c36d365cb9/83969/0350220af06c7eeff1a27cede8b16971.webp 3662w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2668-markdown","title":"How Women Can Use Marijuana as a Mood Lifter","slug":"how-women-can-use-marijuana-as-a-mood-lifter","content":"Mood swings, anxiety, depression—women approaching or over 40 often find that hormonal changes can wreak havoc on their mental and emotional state. And you thought PMS was bad. \n\nWhile our moodiness isn’t always related to hormones, there’s a scientific reason behind a woman’s typical hormonal mood swings. Science can also show us why cannabis can be helpful in bringing those hormones into check.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nI recently learned from Dr. Lakisha Jenkins, a naturopathic doctor and founding member of the [California Cannabis Industry Association](http://www.cacannabisindustry.org/), that as we age, our [endocrine system](https://www.livescience.com/26496-endocrine-system.html)—like all of our internal systems—doesn’t work as well as it should. Technically speaking, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which are responsible for hormone production, can get out of whack. The result is an unpleasant rage of hormones.\n\nDr. Jenkins explains that our endocannabinoid system (ECS) affects our endocrine system as it does other systems throughout our bodies. Cannabis and its cannabinoids and terpenes can positively affect our ECS, bringing it into homeostasis or balance. When our ECS is more balanced, our endocrine system can be, too.\n\nRELATED: [HOW THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM AFFECTS WOMEN’S HEALTH](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a271593100a820006562eb8/how-the-endocannabinoid-system-affects-womens-health)\n\n### Women Report Marijuana Helps in Dealing With Moods\n\nWhether or not they know the science of the endocrine system and the ECS, women are finding that cannabis can help alleviate their negative emotional state, the kind that stems from unbalanced hormones.\n\n“Cannabis has been a huge help in my sometimes pretty severe depression,” says Laurie Wolf, founder of gourmet cannabis edibles company [Laurie + MaryJane](http://www.laurieandmaryjane.com/). “No matter how bad my day or dark mood, eating or smoking cannabis has _always_ improved my mood.”\n\nAt 52, Carolynn King in Colorado says she’s dealing with general irritability. “I’m irritable at everything and everybody for no reason. I can feel it coming down on me, and I hate everybody,” she says, attributing her moods to peri-menopause. \n\nJill Trinchero, founder of [SDK Snacks](http://www.sdksnacks.com/), a cannabis edibles company in Oregon, says she was motivated to create her line of cookies, vegan raw coconut bites and savory crackers to help with her own anxiety as well as the stress of parenting.\n\n“As a stay-at-home mom, I didn’t want to smoke and knew that consuming cannabis helped me be more present with my kids and deal with OCD and anxiety,” Jill says. “I didn’t want to be in that state, because it stresses people around me out; it stresses my kids.”\n\n### Best Forms of Cannabis Consumption for Better Moods\n\nWomen’s marijuana consumption preferences vary depending on the elevated mood they seek. \n\nFor Laurie, edibles are her favorite intake method, but she says smoking a joint is fun and a better option when she wants immediate results. \n\nCarolyn says vaping and edibles both help with her irritability.\n\nJill usually has a 5 mg edible. “I’m not laid out on the couch. I can still function for my kids and work and everything—with just a low-dose cookie,” she says.\n\nMarie P. in Wyoming has been dealing with hormonal issues since having a hysterectomy at 27. Now at 57, she smokes and consumes marijuana edibles to relax. “It’s helped my moods and also helps me sleep,” she says. “I have been dealing with this for years, but cannabis helps better than anything.”\n\nAccording to Dr. Jenkins, sublingual or oral forms of cannabis can provide more instantaneous results. “When you ingest an edible, it goes through your entire digestive system, so you’d have to be pretty precise with the number of milligrams you consume,” she explains. “And you’d need to know what your metabolism is like that day, even if your digestive system is sluggish, because hormones affect digestion. Edibles are not as specialized or dialed in.”\n\nTinctures, on the other hand, come with a dropper so you can titrate your dose, measuring out the number of drops to find your “personal sweet spot,” as Dr. Jenkins puts it. That personal sweet spot can also vary not just from woman to woman, but from time of day to the period of the month. Even in full menopause, Dr. Jenkins says, our bodies still follow a cycle. \n\n### Cannabis Strains for a Better Mood\n\nIn terms of marijuana strains, every woman has her own preferences similar to having a preferred form of consumption. \n\n“I tend to go towards indica-dominant or pure indica strains,” Laurie says. “There are times when certain sativas make me feel uncomfortably racy, occasionally paranoid. There are plenty of sativas I love. It's really only an occasional unpleasant experience.”\n\nJill says she goes with an indica because of her anxiety. Some sativas can exacerbate her anxious feelings, making her even more hyper alert.\n\nCarolynn says that her favorite strain is [Grape Ape](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce671d520d60009f4f4c0/grape-ape). “That just makes me happy. I’ve not found another strain that makes me as happy as Grape Ape,” she says.\n\nMarie’s preferred marijuana strains include [Blue Dream](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a70be4e6c30440008cafd14/blue-dream) and [Northern Lights](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce57ed520d60009f4f4bb/northern-lights). She finds they mellow her out and don’t make her want to eat everything in sight.\n\n### Going Beyond Strains When Choosing Cannabis\n\nStrains may be a common way to pick your cannabis, but don’t limit your exploration based on strains, says Dr. Jenkins. “Unfortunately, strains can’t always run as true as they should,” she explains. “Look at cannabinoid and terpene profiles as well.”\n\nDr. Jenkins’ advice for picking the right cannabis product includes:\n\n* Looking for cannabidiol (CBD)-rich strains as CBD plays a strong role in balancing hormones \n\n* Making sure that the CBD-rich strain you choose also has [tetrahydrocannabolic acid (THCA)](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a90bb3ef24d1300077ccb60/how-to-make-the-most-of-non-psychoactive-thca) to activate the CBD\n\n* Looking for terpenes that are uplifting, like [limonene](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8e1261f24d1300077ccb5b/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-limonene)\n\n* Knowing that if you have ADD or ADHD, indicas that are normally body relaxing could affect you more like a sativa that’s more cerebral and stimulating—meaning an indica’s effects could be reversed, so be aware\n\n“Do a lot of research and know yourself, know your body, know what _you_ need,” Dr. Jenkins advises. “Then take the research, and go on your road of self-discovery to find what’s right for you. Individuality takes precedence over any traditional medicine you take, especially cannabis.”\n\nWhat do you consume when your moods are darker or edgier than you’d like? What lifts your moods? Let us know in the comments below. \n\nPhoto credit: [Nicklas Hamann](https://unsplash.com/@lxsy)\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. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/14b42/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/f836f/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.jpg 200w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/2244e/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.jpg 400w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/14b42/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.jpg 800w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/47498/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/0e329/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/8182b/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.jpg 3651w","srcWebp":"/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/58556/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/61e93/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.webp 200w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/1f5c5/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.webp 400w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/58556/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.webp 800w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/99238/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.webp 1200w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/7c22d/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.webp 1600w,\n/static/b8bd7408a12a70ede25f44e0720fd2d3/208dd/a6887b7f353f8b2559c3037a309fb60f.webp 3651w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5573,"name":"Northern Lights","slug":"northern-lights","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}