Category: CBD

Whether you’re a regular weed user or if you never go near it, it’s still likely you’ve heard about CBD. CBD, like THC, is a cannabinoid, and it comes from the cannabis family of plants. Here’s a pro-tip for you! The best weed will have at least a bit of CBD in it – especially if you’re using it for medicinal purposes!

CBD stands for cannabidiol and it’s been used historically to make oils for pain relief. For years, CBD was banned in the USA and Canada because of its association with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – the molecule in marijuana that gives you a ‘high’ feeling). It’s true that CBD comes from the cannabis plant – the same plants that contain THC. But CBD itself can’t give you any kind of high feeling.

CBD products contain little or even no THC. CBD has unique and powerful medicinal qualities, and more and more studies suggest that CBD has the potential to help everything from pain to cancer.

CBD products are flooding the market. You can buy CBD at cannabis stores or online, and new CBD brands seem to be popping up every day. So, if you search ‘weed store near me,’ or if you try to buy CBD or cannabis online, how do you even know where to begin?

In 2022, you have the ability to be savvy when making your purchase. You have lots of options, but you don’t need to feel overwhelmed.

This article should be very helpful to help you decide what CBD oil to buy when you’re shopping, how to choose excellent quality CBD, and how to know which brand to buy from.

What To Consider When Buying CBD

Know Why You Want to Use CBD.

While weed is often used recreationally, CBD is not exactly a fun-loving product. It’s more of a supplement; in fact, it’s sold and regulated similarly to vitamins and minerals. Basically, you won’t get a high off of a CBD product.
However, it’s important to realize that THC products may contain some CBD. So it’s possible to have both cannabinoids in your products.
If you’re buying a supplement marketed as CBD, though, there will not be THC in the product (or at least not enough to make you high). So, you’re more likely buying CBD to help you treat a specific ailment. CBD is anecdotally and scientifically shown to help with:

This list seems to grow every day!

CBD products often contain other cannabinoids and can be enhanced with the addition of terpenes and flavonoids to increase their health benefits. So learning what other cannabinoids can be beneficial to your specific condition might help you choose a better product.

TIP: Look for products that specifically say how the product is meant to help you. Some companies just tell you the ingredients, but if you need a little more guidance, look for a company that explains the uses on their website.

Decide if You Want to Incorporate the Effects of THC.

Like we said earlier, THC is the cannabinoid that gives you a feeling of euphoria or high. Some people like it and others want to avoid it. There are 3 ways to buy CBD in relation to THC content:

If you want to use either marijuana or hemp products for their medicinal qualities, it’s likely you want to use either the first or third options from this list, as CBD has so many great healing properties! These products also won’t give you a high feeling, so you can use them more regularly without being ‘under the influence’ at work or behind the wheel.

If you use a product from the second option, the product may still help with some of your physical ailments, but you’ll miss out on the goodness of CBD.

Know Your Supplier.

Not all CBD products are created equal. It’s very important that you trust your supplier so you don’t get ripped off. It is always suggested to purchase CBD, or any cannabis products, from a licensed producer.

Indicators of a Trustworthy Supplier:

Think About Dosage Versus Cost.

think about dosage versus cost

You’ll quickly find CBD comes in many dosages. The industry standard dosage is to start around 15mg a day and progress up to as much as 75mg a day. Most people find 25-50mg a day is excellent for helping them manage their medical conditions, but you can ask your doctor for advice.

This is where dose really matters. You may buy a bottle of CBD that has 1300mg/bottle, while another company may sell a bottle that only has 250mg. To figure out how much you’re paying per dose, you can do a little bit of math.

For example, let’s say I find a tincture of CBD online that looks like it’s from a great manufacturer. The listing says it contains 1300mg of CBD and other cannabinoids. The tincture costs $75.

First, figure out how many doses are in your bottle with this mathematical formula:

mgs in bottle  DIVIDED BY  mgs in your dose  =  number of doses in bottle

eg: If I want to take 25mg doses and I have a 1300mg tincture: 1300/25 = 52. My tincture has 52 doses in it.

Then, figure out the cost per dose:

cost of product  DIVIDED BY  number of doses in the bottle = cost per dose

eg: My tincture costs $75 dollars and contains 52 doses: $75/52 = $1.44 per dose. It costs me $1.44 every time I take a 25mg dose of CBD.

By taking the time to do this simple math, you’ll make sure you aren’t overpaying. Just make sure you also compare the other cannabinoids in your product. You might happily pay a bit more for a product that contains lots of good stuff, like CBN, CBG, limonene, pinene, etc…

Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, or Isolate?

Just as we were explaining, you need to look at what’s in your product. You can buy CBD as an isolate, as part of a broad spectrum, or as a full spectrum product. Which is right for you? In most cases, people look for broad or full-spectrum products. Here’s the difference between them:

How Do You Want to Take Your CBD?

While CBD used to be sold exclusively as oil, now that’s only the tip of the iceberg! You can decide how you want to take CBD and buy almost any type of product you can imagine! Here are some examples of how you can buy CBD:

Talk To Your Doctor.

Of course, you know you should check in with your doctor whenever you begin taking a new supplement or over-the-counter medication. This is especially true if you’re already taking prescription medication. Your doctor will help you decide if CBD is right for your condition, and whether or not it will interfere with your other medications.

Doctors and health care professionals are becoming savvier and savvier about CBD and other cannabis products and are helpful when deciding how to incorporate CBD into your healthcare routine.

We know purchasing weed, CBD, and cannabis products can feel overwhelming. But with some basic education, you can be prepared to confidently make decisions that support your health while making sure you’re not wasting money on products. At CannaCurious and Weed Me, we’re honoured you’ve chosen us to learn from and shop from in 2022 and beyond.

As the popularity of both cannabis and yoga continue to gain steam, it is important to consider the impact. The combination of cannabis and yoga is a logical progression of our pursuit of optimal mental health and physical wellness. After we discuss some of the primary considerations, we’ll explore the top strains of cannabis for yoga.

Historical and Modern Traditions

Yoga has been around a very long time. It is an Indian spiritual and meditative practice that has evolved into a popular fitness and relaxation activity. The co-ordination of thoughts, breathing, and body movements is thought to enhance the mind-body connection. Moreover, potential benefits include better endurance, flexibility, and strength (Deuel & Seeberger, 2020).

Cannabis has been used to enhance the mind-body connection for centuries. Many of the early traditions around cannabis involved spirituality, religious ceremonies, and mindfulness. Just like with yoga, being high impacts our thoughts, breathing, and body movements. The mind-body connection is said to be enhanced by many consumers of cannabis.

1. Cannabis and Yoga

While there is nothing wrong with doing yoga completely sober, today we are going to talk about the addition of yoga. Whether you use cannabis before, during, or after your yoga session can provide different benefits and potential downsides. One should consider the type of yoga and personal goals when considering whether to combine yoga with cannabis.

There are numerous types of yoga with varying degrees of intensity, heat, and balance poses. People who are seeking maximal intensity or personal bests for performance will want to consider the post-yoga period for their cannabis consumption. On the other hand, mindful and relaxing yoga types are far better suited for the benefits of cannabis.

Benefits and Limitations

One study found that the majority of participants (over 81%) held positive views around using cannabis during exercise. Participants also described the benefits they received from this combination. They listed the following benefits (York Williams et al., 2019):

Athletic Performance

The evidence on athletic performance suggests that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing substance. This is in regards to optimal performance, without considering the impact of cannabis on factors like recovery or endurance. Researchers did note that it is possible that cannabis produces pain reduction or psychotropic enhancement. Pain management appears to be a larger driver of using cannabis alongside exercise (Kramer et al., 2020).

2. Cannabis before Yoga

Getting high before you begin yoga can be great for getting the body ready for the task at hand. Cannabis can promote relaxation, but it also produces an elevated heart rate. This little boost can be great for getting started with your yoga session.

On the other hand, cannabis does not exactly increase everyone’s motivation to exercise. If you are the type of person less likely to make it to yoga after you get high, consider one of the other timing options discussed here.

3. Cannabis During Yoga

Cannabis can be used during yoga if you are in the right setting for it. This option is fantastic for those who want to make sure they get started on yoga. After you are warmed up, and completed some of the more strenuous poses, you can add some cannabis. This can create the perfect calming second-half of a yoga session.

The downside of smoking cannabis during yoga involves the practical difficulties, along with the fact that it breaks things up. Certain people would prefer to stay in the zone and complete yoga first. If this sounds like you, there is still one great option left.

4. Cannabis after Yoga

You do not have to consume cannabis prior to your yoga session to provide benefits. Knowing that you have a cannabis reward awaiting you after yoga can provide some extra motivation. This timing also ensures that you can perform optimally, and is better for those performing at high levels. Instead of enhancing the yoga experience itself, consuming cannabis afterwards serves a different set of purposes:

5. Things to avoid

Cannabis and some versions of hot-yoga have some potential adverse consequences. High-heat and high-intensity yoga classes are probably better performed sober. These are the types of classes that you may want to use as a post-session cannabis reward motivator. Any time you consume cannabis around yoga, you should consider the need for more water than you would normally drink. Finally, try to be considerate of the needs of others when doing any group yoga class with some cannabis.

6. Top Strain of Cannabis for Yoga

Now that we understand the benefits and limitations of combining cannabis and yoga, we can turn to strains. We have discussed the various options around timing, and depending on which you select you may want very different strains.

Relaxation

When it comes to mindfulness and relaxation-based yoga practices, some strains are better than others. The muscle-melting effects of indica-dominant strains can be perfect for such situations. For example, Ice Cream Cake can help you get in the right mindset for some deep relaxation and gentle stretching. After your yoga session, you may want to ramp-up the sedation. Consider strains like Do-Si-Dos to help you get settled in your couch or ready for bedtime.

Stimulation

For more active versions of yoga, consumers may want to select a sativa-dominant strain. The cerebral stimulation and energizing high is perfect for precise movements and a deepening mind-body connection. For example, Lemon Z is a stimulating strain rich in limonene and pinene.

If you are seeking a closer connection with your body while doing yoga, Wedding Cake might just be your best best. This fruity and indica-dominant strain will help you sink into your body without falling off to sleep.

Recovery

When it comes to enjoying that post-yoga bliss, a higher potency strains becomes better suited for your needs. For example, Garlic Jelly is a high-THC strain with strong notes of petrol and spice. This potent strain may help promote the best recovery possible. Depending on the time of day, you may want different strains. For example, a sativa-dominant strain would be better after a morning class while an indica-dominant strain is better suited for after an evening class.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it. Now is the time to get some cannabis and start doing yoga. Adding a few yoga sessions to your week can have tremendous benefits to your health and wellness. As always, ensure you start low and go slow – especially when combining cannabis with physical activity. Remember that some types of yoga are better suited for cannabis than others.

Finally, we discovered how indica strains promote relaxation while sativa strains are more stimulating. The different effects can be combined with different timings to produce the best experience possible. Whether you enjoy cannabis before or after yoga, there are so many benefits to discover.

Of over a hundred cannabinoids, two are of utmost interest. One is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for psychoactive effects. The other is cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound with numerous medicinal properties. On the surface, deciding which is better for you is as easy as knowing your needs – recreational or medical. Before picking one over the other, however, there are things you should know that may come as a surprise.

THC and CBD Comparison

Cannabis plants initially produce Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the precursor of cannabinoids. As they reach maturity, enzymes convert CBGA to Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). Once they undergo decarboxylation, these three compounds transform into their active forms – THC, CBD, and CBC. The remaining CBGA, likewise, converts to CBG.

Given that THC and CBD came from the same precursor, they should share some similarities. For example, they are both lipids (fats) that have a similar chemical structure. Think of them as siblings with the same parent but very different individual characteristics.

For this article, the topic will focus only on THC and CBD. In general, cannabis plants can only produce one of the two in high amounts. Hence, strains rich in THC usually would have low CBD concentration, and vice versa.

Most of the modern strains today boast of 10% to over 20% THC, less than 1% CBD. In recent years, some breeders have made a breakthrough creating new strains that have as much as 20% CBD, and 1% THC.

An exemption would be balanced strains which tend to have similar levels of THC and CBD. Due to biological constraints, they usually would have lower concentrations, ranging between 3-10%.

Endocannabinoid Receptors

Found in the human body is a complex cell-signaling system called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which plays a role in regulating vital functions and processes. It comprises the endocannabinoids, enzymes, and receptors.

Concerning the receptors, only two are known: CB1 which is mostly found in the central nervous system, and CB2, which is mostly found in the peripheral nervous system.

Endocannabinoids – produced by the body – bind with the receptors to trigger responses that affect, among others:

To date, the only known endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA)

2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG).

Cannabinoids resemble endocannabinoids, which is why they can interact with the receptors to trigger responses in the ECS. THC, for example, can bind with CB1. CBD, on the other hand, binds weakly with CB1 and needs THC to bind at all. Research indicates that it exerts its effects by preventing endocannabinoids from breaking down. It could also act as a negative allosteric modulator of CB1, which may explain how this particular cannabinoid reduces the psychoactive effects of THC.

Psychoactive Effects

THC is the reason why marijuana was prohibited, in the first place. Once it binds with CB1, it can alter the normal functions of the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. As you can imagine, it affects bodily functions such as cognition, memory, awareness, thoughts, movements, and speech.

For recreational consumers, such interaction results in the desired “high” or the pleasurable, euphoric cerebral stimulation, and heightened sensory perceptions. Hence, THC-rich strains are sought after by these cannabis enthusiasts.

CBD does not produce such effects, making CBD-rich strains unattractive for recreational users. Technically, the World Health Organization classifies any substance as psychoactive if it alters mental processes, including cognition. On this basis, CBD should be deemed as a psychoactive compound, similar to THC. However, its effects are calming and, for sure, not intoxicating.

Therapeutic Effects

A prevailing perception is that only CBD has pharmacological value. THC, despite being psychoactive, also has invaluable medicinal properties.

THC:

CBD:

Keep in mind that you do not have to pick one or the other. The combination of THC and CBD in specific ratios can be used to enhance benefits and reduce the downsides of each compound.

Clinical Indications

Again, you should consult a medical professional before deciding to use cannabis for self-medication. Although it is easy to distinguish the clinical indications, choosing a strain and the dosage can be quite challenging.

THC might be indicated for:

CBD might be indicated for:

A combination of THC and CBD might be indicated for:

Although these clinical indications have been reviewed and discussed by Health Canada, the evidence is far from conclusive. Your medical team can discuss the potential use of medical cannabis if you have one or more of the indications described above.

Side-Effects

THC comes with the potential for misuse and dependence, potentially developing into cannabis use disorder. Its side effects include:

Pure CBD, on the other hand, has no recreational abuse or dependence potential. It also has possible side effects that include:

These side-effects are often a result of overconsumption. Always follow medical advice to avoid unnecessary consequences. This is why Health Canada advises all Canadians to start low and go slow.

When it comes to medicine, health care providers use the term ‘titration’ to describe how drug use should build and decline slowly. Whether you are initiating or concluding the use of a medication, many require a gradual build-up and come-down. For example, when starting the use of CBD, start with only a few mg’s and then gradually increase this dose over several days and weeks. Doing so can help avoid these unwanted side-effects.

Regarding long-term effects, CBD does not appear to cause any long-term harm. There is some evidence that CBD may have negative impacts on your liver function, but researchers are seeking out more answers here. THC, on the contrary, has the potential to cause lung concerns (from smoking cannabis), such as chronic bronchitis. Consuming large amounts of THC regularly may lead to other health concerns over time.

Is THC or CBD Better?

It depends on the reasons for use and your state of health. Your medical team can help you determine which is better suited to alleviate medical symptoms.

For recreational use, which cannabinoid you select should depend on your goals. If you want to get high, then the answer is obvious: THC. That said, you want to ensure you stay within your tolerance limit to avoid unwanted side-effects. If THC causes you to feel anxious or panicky, then use a less potent strain or reduce the dosage.

If you are looking to enhance your enjoyment of watching a movie, eating a healthy meal, or listening to an album, high-THC strains such as Grandpa’s Stash or similar strains are an excellent choice. It contains plenty of THC, ranging from 20% to 27%.

When it comes to pain, both compounds hold value. THC is best for relaxation and reducing muscle tension. CBD is better at reducing the anxiety surrounding pain and addressing inflammatory root-causes of pain. If you have chronic pain problems, seeking medical assistance is strongly advised.

Which One Should You Choose?

Whether THC or CBD is better for you will depend on your needs and your goals.

CBD strains may help reduce anxiety, promote sleep, and reduce inflammation without the high. On the other hand, THC-rich strains are your best choice for euphoria, enhancement of sensory pleasures, and relaxation.

Although THC has substantial benefits, it also comes with unique side-effects and potential long-term harms. For these reasons, you should start low and go slow when getting high. Frequent and heavy use of THC also comes with health risks. The best way to manage these risks acutely is by including some CBD in your regime. Regarding potential long-term harms, taking breaks from THC can help prevent these, as well as reduce tolerance build-up. This is why many consumers call them T-breaks, which stands for tolerance-breaks.

Finally, when it comes to medical cannabis, both THC and CBD have their benefits. Deciding which is better for you is something that should be discussed with your medical professional team. You should always follow medical guidance and do what is needed to stay safe. This includes not driving while high, as well as avoiding other potentially dangerous or anxiety-provoking experiences while baked.