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Cannabis isn’t only about getting high. Sure, THC triggers some psychoactive effects that can alter your mind and lead you to think differently, but there’s more to cannabis than that. The plant is complex. It contains more than 120 compounds known as cannabinoids. Whether you’re new to cannabis or not, you’re likely familiar with THC and CBD. There’s also CBC, CBN, CBG, and many others. Studies have shown that cannabis can help with numerous ailments. In this article, you’ll learn a handful of the health benefits of cannabinoids, which can help you decide if it’s right for you.

Reduce Chronic Pain

Pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek cannabis. Various cannabinoids may help to provide relief, THC being the most well-known. The mind-altering cannabinoid can alter your perception of pain, making your discomfort easier to manage. CBD can help to reduce inflammation, which can also help to treat pain.  

Reduce Seizures

Many people with epilepsy manage their condition fairly effectively using conventional medications. There are, however, two rare forms of epilepsy that are drug-resistant. Some studies have shown that cannabis can help to reduce seizures in individuals with such forms of epilepsy. In fact, there’s even one FDA-approved cannabinoid-containing medication meant to help treat epileptic seizures. 

Alleviate Anxiety

There’s a common misconception that cannabis and cannabinoids (THC in particular) can worsen symptoms of anxiety. Studies have found that this may be true for large doses of THC, but that small amounts can actually reduce your symptoms. The various cannabinoids can also help manage symptoms of depression and help those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Improve Appetite

For individuals with cancer, nausea is a common side effect of treatment that the health benefits of cannabinoids can help manage. Being nauseated all of the time can make eating a challenge. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBN produce an effect called “the munchies.” When this happens, you become hungrier and food smells better. These same cannabinoids may also help increase the appetites of individuals with anorexia or wasting syndrome. Moreover, one of the notable health benefits of cannabinoids is the effect they have on appetite.

Treat Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive age-related condition that is one of the top causes of blindness. Cannabinoids like THC and CBG can help to reduce pressure in your eyes, which can then help to provide relief. Less pressure may also help to protect your vision.  

Slow the Progression of Alzheimer’s

Some studies have found that the cannabinoids in cannabis may help to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It can help to reduce the amyloid plaque buildup on the brain, which can help to protect brain health and slow mental deterioration.  

Treat Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

THC and CBD may help to boost your immune function. As such, these and other cannabinoids may help to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions. 

Fight Cancer

Many people who use cannabis do so to treat the side effects of cancer treatment. More recent research is also showing that several cannabinoids may also help to slow or even stop the growth of cancerous tumors.

Health Benefits of Cannabinoids Can Improve Quality of Life

THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant may help to ease the symptoms of various conditions. You can reap the health benefits of cannabinoids by smoking, vaping, using tinctures, consuming edibles, or applying topicals. No matter how you choose to incorporate it into your routine, cannabis can help to improve the overall quality of your life. 

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Over 20% of adults in the U.S. live with chronic pain. Many of them are resorting to cannabis products to treat their discomfort-inducing disorders and take back their lives. THC capsules are a potent alternative to help patients feel better and perform their daily activities more comfortably. If you too suffer from chronic pain to a certain extent, you could benefit from this solution.  

What Exactly is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol — aka THC — is the primary psychoactive ingredient present in weed. It’s the chemical compound responsible for making you feel high and euphoric after smoking a joint or having an edible. This molecule interacts with the CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system and produces effects that help you:

• Reduce nausea
• Increase appetite
• Induce sleep
• Moderate PTSD symptoms
• Decrease anxiety

THC also stimulates the production of different brain chemicals that block the pain receptors in your body. That’s why it’s becoming increasingly popular among medical cannabis users. 

THC Capsules: Yay or Nay

From tinctures and oils to strips and vape pens, there are numerous cannabis products to help with different ailments these days. THC capsules are gaining traction in the mainstream cannabis culture. They offer an excellent administration alternative for those who don’t enjoy smoking or want something more discreet to take amid their daily routine. THC capsules are:

• Portable – You can bring them with you anywhere you go.
• Discreet – They’re small enough to conceal them in your pocket or bag.
• Smell Free – They don’t produce the characteristic scent of burnt weed.

Tetrahydrocannabinol capsules are made from extracted natural cannabinoids and use fatty oil as a carrier. ‌The effects they produce can take anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours to hit you, and they can be up to five times stronger than those produced by smoked weed. This happens because delta-9 THC turns into 11-hydroxy THC when processed by your liver, causing the same impact in your body as an edible would.

The Small Letters

Inexperienced users might confuse THC capsules with Marinol pills. Dronabinol — the active ingredient in Marinol — is a synthetic version of THC used, among other things, to treat AIDS and cancer patients. It helps reduce pain and nausea and has proven to cause a similar yet slower high.

Dronabinol has some adverse effects, though. It can make you feel dizzy, confused and sleepy, and cause memory loss, weakness, and stomach aches. Marinol patients have reported these symptoms can last up to six hours. When you’re trying THC capsules to fight your chronic pain, you certainly don’t want to experience any of those. That’s why you must always be extremely careful with what you’re purchasing and read the ingredients list thoroughly.  

The Bottomline 

You don’t have to live with chronic pain any longer. If traditional meds have failed you, or you’re seeking a more natural alternative to treat your condition, you can always resort to THC capsules and other cannabis products. THC offers relief from discomfort and can even help you sleep better. If you still have questions about this option, talk to your local budtender. 

 

Kicking back with a good movie is a great way to unwind. While some people prefer popcorn or chocolate-covered raisins with their entertainment, others like to imbibe on a bit of cannabis. Some films are just better when you’re high. If you’re looking for something to add to your lineup, here are some of the best movies to watch stoned. 

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2008)

A near-instant cult classic from the day it came out, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind tells the story of two people who try to forget each other by essentially erasing one another from their minds. It’s an incredible story with a lot going on, and you’ll almost undoubtedly catch something you missed before when you watch it again. And believe us, you’ll want to watch it more than once. 

2. Avatar (2009)

Avatar is an incredible, visually stunning film. The environmental and spiritual themes, along with the amazing cinematography, only get better when you’re high. While you might be relaxing on the sofa, you’re likely to get sucked in by the visual displays of this epic film. 

3. Anchorman (2004)

Anchorman follows the story of Ron Burgundy, a 1970s news anchor played by funnyman Will Ferrell. With other big names like Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, and Paul Rudd, this movie is hilarious enough on its own. Adding a bit of cannabis can elevate your humor and leave you laughing from start to finish. 

4. The Big Lebowski (1998)

If you haven’t seen The Big Lebowski, where have you been? It’s a classic with cannabis enthusiasts that follows the tale of a crazy case of mistaken identity. It also stars Jeff Bridges as “the Dude,” who’s also pretty much high the entire way through. Once you see it, you’ll wonder what took you so long to watch it in the first place. 

5. Pineapple Express (2008)

Pineapple Express follows a stoner and his dealer (played by Seth Rogen and James Franco) after they witness the death of their boss. It’s hilarious, inappropriate, and the perfect movie to watch while stoned. And, with a name like Pineapple Express, you’ll know just what strain to use while you enjoy it. 

6. Inception (2014)

Inception tells the story of Don Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a thief who enters peoples’ dreams and steals secrets. As if that weren’t weird enough, he’s then tasked to plant an idea in someone’s dream. It’s an already trippy film that’s made even trippier (and possibly even more enjoyable) after a few hits of your favorite strain. 

7. Fight Club (2000)

What’s the first rule of Fight Club? This movie sucks you in and challenges all of your prejudices. It rocks your world and makes you question everything. Add in the twist ending you won’t see coming, and you have a recipe for the perfect film to watch stoned. You’ll want to rewind it and watch it over and over.  

8. Reefer Madness (1936)

What better film to watch while high than the ultimate propaganda piece against cannabis? Sure, it’s not the best movie ever, but it’s one that every cannabis enthusiast should watch at least once in their lives, even if it’s just to say that you saw it. If nothing else, it’s an interesting piece of history.

The Best Movies to Watch Stoned And Your Favorite Strain

Move over popcorn; movies have a new perfect partner – cannabis. Pop in a movie and take a hit of your favorite strain. Even if you’ve seen these films sober, you’re sure to see them in a whole new light when you’re high

 

The cannabis market is growing and expanding constantly. As more states legalize the plant’s use, more varieties of products are becoming available. In addition to the classic joint, there are all kinds of edibles, concentrates, and liquid THC drops. While liquid THC might not be the latest thing to hit dispensary shelves, there are many reasons why users prefer it. One of those reasons is that it provides effective pain relief. 

What Is Liquid THC?

Liquid THC is pretty much what it sounds like, a liquid cannabis product. It’s an extract, a form of cannabis that involves soaking plant matter in a solvent to pull out beneficial cannabinoids. One of the most common names you’ll see for these types of products is “tincture.” 

As far as solvents go, alcohol is one of the most common. Some manufacturers use glycerin or oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil). You’ll generally find them in opaque bottles sealed with caps that double as droppers. You may also find liquid THC in the form of a spray. Some cannabis enthusiasts prefer to make their own.

How You Can Use It

You have a few options when it comes to using liquid THC. The most common application is sublingual. What this means is that you drop or spray your dose under your tongue. The THC absorbs quickly through the thin layer of tissue and goes right into your bloodstream.

Another common way to use a liquid form of THC is to mix your dose into a drink, dressing, sauce, or other food. Doing this gives you a way to mask the flavor if you don’t like the way the tincture tastes. Keep in mind that eating your dose does mean it’ll take longer to feel the effects. 

A third option for using liquid THC is with a vape pen. You’ll find cartridges filled with THC oil that you can use with a rechargeable vape pen battery. Or, you can buy disposable pens, which you toss when you finish the oil. With this method, you inhale your dose. The THC absorbs through your lungs and into your bloodstream. 

Benefits of Liquid THC Drops

Still on the fence about liquid THC drops? Here are a few benefits that can help you figure out if a tincture is the right product for you:

Effective Pain Relief 

Liquid THC provides effective relief from chronic pain, including arthritis, back pain, muscle aches, and more. When the THC enters your system, it binds with the CB1 receptors in your endocannabinoid system to disrupt pain signals. With less pain, you can function more normally. 

Fast-Acting Results (Depending on How You Use It)

Depending on your method of use, THC drops work fast. Taking liquid THC under the tongue or inhaling THC oil vapor offers relief in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. If you take the tincture mixed in food, it can take up to 90 minutes or more to feel the effects, but those effects last longer. 

Discreet

Liquid THC drops are one of the most discreet methods of cannabis use. The bottles are small, so they stow easily in a pocket or bag. You can quickly take your dose without drawing attention to yourself. Drops have no noticeable odor. 

Accurate Dosing 

THC drops make dosing a breeze. The dropper tops allow you to dole out individual drops, so you can take only what you need. You know exactly how much THC you’re getting every time.

Liquid THC drops might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for effective pain relief, but it’s certainly worth considering. Whether you want something more discreet than smoking or you’re searching for something simple to use, liquid products can help you achieve results. 

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By now, you’re probably familiar with THC and CBD, two of the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis. As research on the plant continues, scientists are discovering that many of the “minor” cannabinoids like CBN have some pretty significant benefits to offer as well. We’re also learning that the various cannabinoids aren’t just effective by themselves. They may be even more helpful when they’re able to work together. Here’s what you need to know about THC, CBD, CBN, and the entourage effect. 

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THC, CBD, and CBN: What They Are

THC, CBD, and CBN are all cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Of these three, THC is probably the best-known one. It’s the compound in the plant responsible for users getting high. CBD is the other well-known cannabinoid. While it doesn’t cause the same psychoactive effects, it does provide some rather significant therapeutic benefits. 

CBN is one of the “minor” cannabinoids. What’s interesting about this cannabinoid is that there’s practically no CBN in freshly picked cannabis buds. The concentration begins to increase as the plant ages.  The reason for this is that CBN is actually a byproduct of the degradation of THC. Like THC, it is a psychoactive compound, but it only has about 1/10 the potency of THC. 

Benefits of THC, CBD, and CBN

‌THC, CBD, and CBN all offer some incredible benefits on their own. Some of the benefits of THC include:

• Pain relief 
• Muscle relaxant
• Sedative effects
• Appetite boosting
• Anti-nausea effects

Benefits of CBD include:

• Anti-anxiety
• Anti-depressant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-seizure
• Relief from irritable bowel syndrome

Benefits of CBN include:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Pain relief
• Appetite enhancer
• Vasorelaxant
• Sleep aid

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect states that the various compounds within the cannabis plant work better together. As such, using them in conjunction with one another, such as in the form of a full-spectrum product, provides more effective results than using individual cannabinoids alone. 

At this time, the entourage effect is only a theory, but there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that supports it. For instance, high THC products that contain equal or only slightly less CBD won’t trigger as potent of a high as a product that’s high in THC alone. The high will be much more mellow and balanced. Research is also finding that CBD products provide better results when they have even a small amount of THC in them. 

CBN may also be more effective with other cannabinoids. One of the benefits many users tout is that it’s a great sleep aid. Current research is limited, but the available studies show that CBN may actually be more effective for sleep when it’s combined with THC. 

Studies are finding that the various cannabinoids in cannabis, including those labeled as minor, offer some rather significant benefits. While they can provide effective relief on their own, we’re also learning that they may provide the best results when they work together. If you’re looking to get the most out of the entourage effect, look for full-spectrum products during your next trip to Strain. 

Whether you’re new to cannabis or you’re a frequent flyer, you probably are familiar with THC. But do you really know everything that it does? It’s the compound in the cannabis plant responsible for getting you high, but there’s more to THC than that. Let’s take a closer look at some varied THC effects on the body.

 

What Is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the more than 120 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. When you use cannabis, THC interacts with your endocannabinoid system and attaches to cannabinoid (CB) receptors in your body. This triggers numerous effects, but it’s best known for producing the euphoric high most people associate with cannabis.  

How Does THC Get You High?

Most people know that THC gets you high, but how it happens exactly isn’t common knowledge. As explained above, THC binds to the CB receptors. When it does, it unlocks various effects — including the patent high. 

THC and other cannabinoids mimic natural endocannabinoids made within your body. As far as experts have figured out, your body makes two: anandamide and 2AG.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the runner’s high. This is the wave of euphoria that occurs after a good jog. The feeling occurs as a result of anandamide binding with your CB receptors. THC mimics this effect, but it often creates a high that’s much more potent.  

What Are Some Other Known Effects of THC?

The feeling of being high is only one of many THC effects on the body. When the cannabinoid binds with your CB receptors, it introduces you to numerous benefits.

Pain Relief

One of the main reasons people seek cannabis for medical use is to help treat pain. Some studies show that THC activates certain pathways in your central nervous system that block pain signals. While cannabis doesn’t eliminate pain, it does make it much more bearable. 

Sleep Onset and Duration

If you’ve ever used cannabis before, you’re probably familiar with the relaxing effects of certain strains. They make you feel calm, at ease, and sleepy. THC is a big player in these effects. Some studies show that THC can help insomniacs to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, making it easier to get the quality sleep you’ve been missing. 

Appetite Stimulation

THC can provide an appetite boost that makes it easier for people to take in the nutrients they need to survive and remain healthy. The benefit is particularly useful for those undergoing cancer treatment and those with medical conditions that interfere with natural appetite.

Using cannabis may trigger the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone. It also makes food smell and taste better, which makes it easier for you to eat. While this effect is often known as “the munchies,” it can be a significant benefit for those who have difficulty eating.

How Can You Properly Harness THC Effects on the Body?

THC gets you high, but it also provides a substantial number of other benefits. It can help you manage pain, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and more.

With a better understanding of THC, you can find products that best fit your needs. Before purchasing a cannabis product, read up on THC and ask knowledgeable budtenders at your local legal dispensary for advice.